Hong Kong: Subsidy for mainland study to rise The subsidy levels of the Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme will be increased by about 5% to 16% with effect from the 2022-23 academic year, the Education Bureau announced today. It said the Government has refined the formula for calculating the subsidy amounts under the scheme, including the introduction of a new subsidy item for travelling expenses, with a view to providing more apt support to Hong Kong students pursuing studies in the Mainland. The adjusted means-tested subsidy and the non-means-tested subsidy will be disbursed to eligible students based on the distance between the location of their institutions and Hong Kong, which will be grouped under three categories. The bureau noted that the subsidy scheme will benefit Hong Kong students pursuing undergraduate studies in 191 designated Mainland institutions, including 129 institutions participating in the Scheme for Admission of Hong Kong Students to Mainland Higher Education Institutions in the 2022-23 academic year. As the application period for the subsidy scheme 2022-23 has ended, the bureau is processing the applications with the aim of notifying individual applicants of their application results by the first quarter of 2023 and disbursing the subsidies to recipients in batches before March 2023. Under the subsidy scheme, eligible students may only receive either a means-tested subsidy or a non-means-tested subsidy in the same academic year. The subsidised period covers the normal duration of the undergraduate programme pursued by the student concerned in the designated Mainland institution. This story has been published on: 2022-11-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Federal Judge Orders School to Announce Conservative Student's Statement on Proposal 3 Federal District Court Orders Ann Arbor Public Schools to Stop Silencing Student's Announcement about Proposal 3 -- Michigan's Radical Abortion Referendum NEWS PROVIDED BY Thomas More Law Center Nov. 7, 2022 ANN ARBOR, Mich., Nov. 7, 2022 /Christian Newswire/ -- Finding that Skyline High School sought "to silence Plaintiffs' appropriate speech as to Proposal 3," Federal District Court Judge, Paul D. Borman, on November 4, ordered the school to read the conservative senior and Republican Club President's statement "over the Skyline High School's public address service during ordinary announcements on Monday, November 7, 2022." The Court granted the Plaintiffs' request for a Temporary Restraining Order once the announcement was modified to meet the Court's concern. Nevertheless, despite Skyline's continued objection to the modified announcement, the Court ordered the following announcement to be read: Attention Students Are you interested in joining our efforts to protect the health of women and children? If proposal 3 is passed it would eliminate health and safety regulations, legalize late term and partial birth abortion, no longer require physicians to perform abortions, and eliminate informed consent laws. If so, email us at skylinerepublicanclub@gmail.com On November 1, the Thomas More Law Center ("TMLC"), a national nonprofit public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, filed the federal lawsuit in the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against the Ann Arbor Public Schools and officials of Skyline High School located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The lawsuit, claiming blatant discrimination, alleging several violations of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Equal Access Act, was filed on behalf of David Nielsen and his minor son, ("Plaintiff"), a senior and president of the Republican Club and the Republican Club as a separate plaintiff. Erin Mersino, TMLC's Chief of Supreme Court and Appellate Practice is handling the case. She commented, "The Constitution protects a student's right to have a different viewpoint from others and share it within the walls of a public school. How else will students learn tolerance toward opinions to which they disagree or how to thrive in our pluralistic society?" The Supreme Court cautioned against viewpoint discrimination in the schools, warning it creates "enclaves of totalitarianism." Richard Thompson, TMLC President, stressed that one of TMLC's main goals is defending students' rights: "Public schools across our nation are stifling the free speech of conservative students and organizations. We are working to defend their constitutional rights rights which the Supreme Court so famously said, they do not lose by merely entering the schoolhouse gate." Skyline High School officials routinely have allowed students and student groups to share pro-choice and left leaning viewpoints over its public address system to promote abortion, Roe v. Wade, and Planned Parenthood. The school has also allowed student clubs to promote the Black Lives Matter movement, express views on the George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin trial, promote the idea of climate change, and promote the visit of a democratic congresswoman seeking re-election. In short, Skyline High School's record shows it does not hesitate to share certain viewpoints over the morning announcements. After Plaintiffs submitted their announcement, they received an email from the school stating that "your announcement is not going to be read or posted due to its political nature." That same day, Plaintiffs met with the principal's secretary who rejected the announcement and confirmed that the announcement was not read because, in his opinion, it was "political." Given the school's history of allowing other viewpoints to be shared freely, the school's process and decision did not appear fair. TMLC then sent a letter to the Ann Arbor Public Schools on behalf of Plaintiffs, requesting that the announcement be read. A few days later, they responded to TMLC but denied wrongdoing, while continuing to censor Plaintiffs' speech. The next day, on November 1, TMLC filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The lawsuit, which claims blatant discrimination, alleges that the school violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, and the Equal Access Act. On November 2, TMLC filed a motion for a temporary restraining order, asking the Court to require that the announcement be shared over the school's public address system at the earliest possible time. The Court held a hearing on November 4. The hearing lasted approximately 1.5 hours. At the end of the hearing, Judge Borman announced that the motion would be granted and published his ruling shortly afterward. In his ruling, Judge Borman found that the "Plaintiffs have shown a likelihood of success on the merits of their First Amendment claim" and further that "Defendants seek to silence Plaintiffs' appropriate speech by refusing to broadcast it with their morning announcements." Judge Borman's order respects the idea that all students and student clubs should be treated equally, and none favored. Click here to read the Federal Complaint Click here to read the motion for Temporary Restraining Order Click here to read Judge Bormans Order granting the TRO The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes America's Judeo-Christian heritage and moral values. It supports a strong national defense and an independent and sovereign United States of America. The Law Center accomplishes its mission through litigation, education, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org. SOURCE Thomas More Law Center Contact: Erin Mersino, 734-827-2001, emersino@thomasmore.org Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Kyle Fahey spotted signs that his wife, Catherine Fahey, was having a stroke and rushed her to hospital. (Catherine Fahey/SWNS) A woman feels "lucky to be alive" after her husband saved her life on their wedding anniversary when he spotted signs she was having a stroke. Kyle Fahey, 34, a lead maintenance engineer, from Lincoln, noticed his wife Catherine's face was "drooping" and, after giving her a fireman's lift over his shoulder, rushed her to the nearest hospital. The 34-year-old mum and fitness enthusiast was in bed asleep in the early hours of the morning on the couple's 13th anniversary, when her husband noticed something was seriously wrong. At 1am on the 19 September, he had woken his wife to let her know the kids were in bed but noticed her mouth had sagged significantly on the left side and her speech was slurred. After being told an ambulance would take two hours, Mr Fahey acted quickly by carrying his wife into their car and rushing her to A&E at Lincoln County Hospital. There doctors explained Ms Fahey was having a stroke and administered vital medication called Alteplase, which works most effectively within the first four-hour window. Acting quickly, Mr Fahey had to carry his wife into their car and sped to Lincoln County Hospital's A&E, pictured with his wife. (Catherine Fahey/SWNS) Due to her husband's quick thinking, the university administrator only spent two days in hospital and has since made an incredible recovery, surprising the doctors who treated her. "Kyle absolutely saved my life and on our wedding anniversary too," Ms Fahey says of the events. "It's just amazing how he knew." Having been together since they were 19 and married at 21, Ms Fahey believes it was knowing his wife so well that helped Mr Fahey notice the vital change. "If it had been anyone else, they wouldn't have known the way Kyle did," she adds. "It means the world what he did for me." Pictured Kyle Fahey, Catherine Fahey and their children Alfie and Bella. (Catherine Fahey/SWNS) The couple had been having a quiet family night at home watching a film with children Alfie, 14, and Bella, 11 before their 13th wedding anniversary the following day. "We'd been watching The Lion King with the kids," Ms Fahey explains. Story continues "I went up to bed, and Kyle followed me not long after. "I'd already been up to go to the bathroom once and I felt fine. "He turned the light on and started talking to me, telling me both the kids were in bed. "He asked if I was OK, but as soon as I replied he could tell something was wrong. "I had absolutely no idea," she continues. "In my head, I thought I was talking and acting fine, but I wasn't. "He got me to try and stand up and put both arms out in front of me, but I had zero mobility in my left side. "I even tried drinking water but it just fell out of my mouth." Read more: Former 'Coronation Street' star suffers mini stroke aged 35: Symptoms of transient ischaemic attack Ms Fahey says the reason her husband knew what to do is because he'd recently seen the Stroke Association's adverts on television, so, he immediately called 999 suspecting his wife was having a stroke. After being told the wait time for an ambulance was two hours, he found an alternative way to help his wife. "He literally had to fireman's lift me down the stairs and into the car," Ms Fahey explains. "We had to leave the kids, but luckily Alfie is old enough to have looked after Bella while we were gone. "He just told them we needed to go out for something and we'd be back soon, he didn't want to worry them. "When we got to A&E Kyle just dumped the car and ran in to get a nurse and it was when I saw her face I knew something was really wrong." Catherine Fahey pictured a week after she suffered a stroke. (Catherine Fahey/SWNS) After undergoing a CT scan doctors confirmed what Mr Fahey suspected his wife was having a stroke. Following treatment in A&E, Ms Fahey was admitted to the critical stroke unit on Monday 19 September her 13th wedding anniversary. "Because Kyle acted so fast, doctors were able to treat me really quickly," Ms Fahey explains. "I was on the medication within an hour." Over the course of a few hours the mum-of-two's condition improved significantly, and she was walking again by the fourth hour. Mr Fahey remained by his wife's side the entire first night. "Alfie and Bella came up to the hospital to see me the next day with teddies and care packages, which was lovely," she says. "To think I might never have seen them again, it's so scary, I couldn't be more grateful to the hospital and my amazing husband." Watch: Study suggests morning coffee or tea may lower risk of dementia and stroke Incredibly Ms Fahey was discharged just two days later on 21 September. "My mouth on the left-hand side is still a tiny bit sagged, and I have some blurred vision, but I have been completely discharged from physio and speech therapy," she explains. "I'm on cholesterol tablets and blood thinners for life, and because my vision is blurred I now how to wear glasses. "I can't push myself exercise-wise as much as I used to, and I've been advised to make sure when I go on runs I'm not alone. "I have to keep an eye on my heart rate zones when I'm exercising too." Read more: Hailey Bieber's hospital dash how to spot stroke symptoms The Faheys are both fitness enthusiasts. (Catherine Fahey/SWNS) Due to her age and dedication to fitness, doctors were surprised at Ms Fahey's stroke diagnosis. "I'll have to keep going to the hospital for follow-ups, but we may never find a cause," she explains. "I've had some stress at work recently, and they said it could be related to that. "I've realised work stress just is not worth it. Your health is the most important thing." Having been given medical clearance to build up her exercise again, Ms Fahey plans on taking part in a race next year to help raise awareness about the signs of a stroke for the Stroke Association. But despite her positive prognosis, Ms Fahey is still adapting to life post-recovery. "Sometimes I feel very frustrated," she says. "I feel quite low at times, especially when people tell me what I can't do, but I'm also very grateful. "It could have been a lot worse. "Me and Kyle were joking the other day about 13 being unlucky for some, and how it all happened on our 13th wedding anniversary. "He absolutely saved my life and for that I love him more than ever." Read more: Mum left disabled after doctors dismissed stroke as 'high blood sugar' How to spot someone is having a stroke The symptoms of stroke can vary from person to person and may depend on the type of stroke someone is having, but the NHS uses the F.A.S.T acronym to list the main signs as: Face the face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped. Arms the person with suspected stroke may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm. Speech their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake. Time its time to dial 999 immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms. Other symptoms to watch out for include a severe headache with no known cause, dizziness or loss of coordination, balance issues and problems with coordination, vision problems in one or both eyes, numbness or weakness in the face and difficulty swallowing. What to do if someone you are with is having a stroke "Stroke changes lives in an instant, but the brain can adapt. If you think you or someone you know is having a stroke Act FAST and call 999 as a stroke is a medical emergency," says the Stroke Association. If you have been affected by a stroke, including as family, friends and carers, you can call the Stroke Association's helpline on 0303 3033 100 or email helpline@stroke.org.uk. Its online tool My Stroke Guide also gives you free access to trusted advice, information and support 24/7, connecting stroke survivors to its online community to find out how others manage their recovery. Additional reporting SWNS. Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered an immediate police investigation into a gun attack which wounded opposition leader Imran Khan. The former prime minister was shot in the leg while leading his supporters on a protest march last Thursday. One person was killed and at least 10 injured in the attack on his convoy. Mr Khan has accused the current prime minister, interior minister and an army general of plotting to assassinate him. All of them deny the allegation. The former prime minister has said police in Punjab province, where the attack took place, were insisting he withdrew a reference to the army officer - who holds a senior position in Pakistan's ISI intelligence agency - before they investigate his accusation. The country's top judge wanted to know why police had not begun a formal investigation four days after the shooting - and gave them 24 hours to do so. "If the police did not investigate, the evidence may have been destroyed at the crime scene. This way the evidence of the case will be controversial and will be unacceptable in court," said Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial. Mr Khan says the march will resume without him on Tuesday Mr Khan, 70, has been recovering in hospital after being shot at the protest march in Wazirabad in the north-east. Video footage showed him and his supporters on a shipping container being towed by a lorry before a burst of gunfire is heard. Mr Khan is then seen ducking, as those around him try to cover him. One suspect remains in custody but no charges have been laid. The march on the capital - which was on its seventh day at the time of the attack - was suspended after the shooting last week, but is due to resume on Tuesday. Mr Khan, ousted from power in a parliamentary vote of no confidence in April, says he will not join it while he recovers from his injuries. He and his supporters have renewed their call for fresh elections, which are due by late next year. The political turmoil in Pakistan comes as it reels from economic crisis and the effects of devastating floods this summer. Story continues The country has a record of political violence, with former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto assassinated in 2007. Many recalled her killing in the wake of the attack on Mr Khan. The former cricketer-turned-politician, who still commands widespread support, has been at loggerheads for months with the current government led by Shehbaz Sharif. Last month the election commission disqualified him from holding public office in a case he described as politically motived. Indonesia said Monday the number of child deaths from kidney failure or damage linked to harmful substances found in syrup medicines has risen to 195. The Southeast Asian country has seen a spike in cases of acute kidney injury (AKI) since August, prompting a probe and subsequent ban on all liquid medicine sales. More than 320 cases of AKI have been recorded in provinces across the country and 27 patients are still in hospital, health ministry spokesman Mohammad Syahril told a press conference. Most of the children affected are under the age of five. The new death toll is up from 133 deaths confirmed on October 21. Tests found most of the deaths were caused by syrups containing excessive amounts of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, two compounds used in industrial products such as antifreeze, Syahril said. Authorities have since been importing an antidote for AKI, with 246 vials obtained so far, the majority donated by Singapore and Australia, and the drug has shown significant results, the health ministry said. Indonesia's national food and drug agency last month named five syrups that contained dangerous levels of harmful substances and ordered the products be removed from the market and destroyed. Police have launched an investigation into three local pharmaceutical companies and two of them have temporarily lost their licence to produce syrup medicines. Before the recent spike, Indonesia typically recorded between two and five cases of AKI a month. In West Africa, The Gambia reported 70 child deaths last month suspected to have been caused by imported syrup medicines. The World Health Organization has said it found an "unacceptable amount" of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol in four Indian-made cough syrups and warned they could be linked to the deaths in the small African nation. dsa/jfx/axn Over a dozen incidents involving possible voter intimidation or aggressive campaigning at polling places in North Carolina are under investigation, state officials told Channel 9 a day before the midterm election on Tuesday. According to the NC State Board of Elections, investigators are looking into 16 different incidents at nine counties, including Mecklenburg and Cabarrus counties. The incidents range from photographing voters and election workers to harassment. MORE: Know before you vote with Channel 9s General Election candidate guides Electioneer in buffer zone aggressively pushing materials on voters entering the site, making them feel very uncomfortable, says one report from Wake County. Another incident in Wake County involved an election observer photographing curbside voters. In Mecklenburg County, investigators are looking into an incident involving election monitors at the county board office approaching one-stop workers returning supplies to [the] county office and photographing [their] license plates. Over in Cabarrus County, one report says a monitor was outside taking pictures of curbside voters. SEE: Heres where you can vote early in Mecklenburg County According to state election officials, the early voting process is proceeding smoothly. No violent incidents had been reported at polling centers Monday. NCSBE Executive Director Karen Brunson Bell said in a statement: The State Board and its law enforcement partners are monitoring several isolated incidents of possible voter or poll worker harassment or intimidation, as well as cases of aggressive campaigning outside polling places. State and federal laws forbid intimidation or interference with the right of a voter to participate in an election, including hindering access to the voting place, whether inside or outside the buffer zone. The law also makes it a crime to interfere with election officials carrying out their duties. Penalties for violations include prison time, a fine, or both. We take these incidents very seriously. When they occur, we will work with our law enforcement partners on appropriate responses. All verifiable complaints will be reviewed by the State Board Investigations Division, and an investigation will be opened if warranted under the State Boards Elections-Related Investigation Priorities Policy. Story continues Bell told Channel 9s Joe Bruno that depending on the timing of the intimidation, some of the cases could be turned over to local district attorneys or the Department of Justice. NCSBE Chair Karen Brunson Bell says there are 15 voter/ election official intimidation incidents under investigation. Depending on the timing, the cases could be turned over the local DAs or the DOJ Reported incidents as of Friday @wsoctv: pic.twitter.com/JgvfNX6hqH Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) November 7, 2022 As of Monday morning, nearly 2.2 million ballots had been cast, according to the NCSBE. (WATCH BELOW: Can you change your vote? Only 7 states allow it) A man was flown to a hospital and another man is in custody after a shooting outside of a Walmart in Beaver County, investigators say. Beaver County dispatchers say police and medics were dispatched to 3940 Broadhead Road in Center Township at around 6:32 p.m. While dispatchers initially reported that two victims were taken to the hospital, police have since clarified only one person was flown to the hospital. At least two people were flown to a hospital after a shooting in Beaver County, investigators say. This is the scene outside of Walmart. More details tonight on @WPXI pic.twitter.com/fZHV3qIQg2 Michelle Chavez (@MichellePChavez) November 7, 2022 Investigators went on to say a suspect was taken into custody on Wagner Road near the Lowes at around 7:36 p.m. Police said both men were in their 20s and believe they knew each other. The individual who we believe was involved in the shooting and who committed the offense ran in a direction through our officers, Beaver County Sheriffs Department, Monaca officers, as well as a slew of other additional responding officers. we were able to set up a perimeter. The officers were able to chase the individual and apprehend him in custody in an adjacent neighborhood, said Center Township Police Capt. John Hall. The Walmart was put on lockdown when the shooting happened, and students at the nearby Penn State Beaver campus were asked to remain indoors at the time. Students who were off campus were asked to avoid it. Penn State Beaver lifted its advisory at around 7:52 p.m. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Male dead after crashing car, fleeing from police in Pittsburghs Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood Driver killed, passenger hurt in overnight UTV crash in Washington County Nearly 40 students, staff become ill at Pennsylvania school VIDEO: 1 person dead after shooting at Rostraver Township shopping plaza DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Tehran (AFP) - Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday ruled out resigning and vowed to see out his term, even as he admitted he had offered to step aside twice since being elected. Speaking ahead of a general election next Friday, Rouhani also appealed to voters to turn out despite the fact that many moderate and reformist candidates were disqualified from the race. Rumours have swirled in Iran recently that the 71-year-old, whose second and last term ends next year, had been planning to quit, but his office denied the reports. Rouhani's government has come under fire over the state of Iran's sanctions-hit economy and for allegedly failing to fulfil election promises. The legitimacy of Rouhani and his government have been called into question after they were left in the dark for days after the armed forces admitted they "accidentally" shot down a Ukrainian airliner on January 8. Hardliners have attacked his administration for negotiating a nuclear deal with world powers that ultimately backfired when the United States withdrew unilaterally and reimposed harsh sanctions. "My resignation does not make much sense... we have made promises to the people and we will continue to fulfil those promises" despite the economic situation and pressure from "the enemy", Rouhani said, referring to the US. "The idea of resigning (because of these recent problems) never occurred to me." But Rouhani admitted he had offered to resign twice in the past, and that they were rejected by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "In the first months after my election, I told the supreme leader 'If you think for some reason that someone else or another government can serve the country better, I'm ready to go'," said Rouhani. "He vehemently rejected it," he told a news conference in Tehran. Rouhani, a moderate conservative, said he raised the issue with the supreme leader again during his second term. Story continues "I would not even let the government leave its responsibility an hour earlier, not a month or a week earlier'," he quoted Khamenei as saying. - Election appeal - Rouhani's supporters suffered a setback in the lead-up to the February 21 election after more than half of the 14,444 who sought to stand were disqualified, most of them moderates and reformists. Despite the purge, Rouhani called for a strong showing at the election. "All elections are important to us, and I urge all people to come to the ballot box and vote... to choose the best (candidates) and have a good parliament," he told Sunday's news conference. Iran's seventh president, Rouhani won election in 2013 after promising greater social freedoms and the benefits of engagement with the West. He delivered on the second pledge in 2015, when Iran agreed to limit its nuclear activities in return for the lifting of international sanctions. The president was re-elected in 2017 with the support of reformists. But support from those who backed him in the past has fallen away badly amid criticism over his austerity measures. In November, street protests broke out in Iran over a surprise petrol price hike. They spread to dozens of urban centres and turned violent before being put down by the security forces. Iran's economy has been battered since the US pulled out of the nuclear deal, with the World Bank estimating it shrunk by 8.7 percent in 2019. A multi-year investigation into TechCrunch's parent entity Yahoo -- looking at compliance with key transparency requirements of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including in relation to cookie banners displayed on its media properties -- has taken a step forward today after Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) announced that it has submitted a draft decision to other EU data protection agencies for review. In a statement on the development, deputy commissioner Graham Doyle said: On October 27, 2022, the DPC submitted a draft decision in an inquiry into Yahoo! EMEA Limited to other Concerned Supervisory Authorities across the EU. The inquiry examined the companys compliance with the requirements to provide transparent information to data subjects under the provisions of the GDPR. Under the Article 60 GDPR process, Concerned Supervisory Authorities have until 24 November, 2022 to send any 'relevant and reasoned objections' to the DPCs draft decision. Following its usual procedure, the DPC has not released any details on the substance of its draft decision. In any case, the outcome is not final until other interested DPAs have weighed in -- so nothing has been concluded yet. The inquiry concerns Yahoo's processing of European users' data and is focused on its compliance with Articles 5(1)(a), 12, 13 and 14 of the GDPR -- so the DPAs will be considering whether Yahoo's business has been meeting GDPR requirements for personal data processing to be lawful, fair and transparent; and also whether it's been properly communicating to users how their data is being processed. If other DPAs agree with Ireland's draft a final decision could be issued fairly soon -- maybe even in a couple of months. However if objections are raised the process may need to go through a dispute resolution mechanism in the GDPR -- which could spin things out for many more months. (A draft decision on Instagram's processing of kids' data went to Article 60 in December 2021 but a final decision (and hefty fine in that case) took until September 2022 to land after other DPAs raised objections to Ireland's draft, for example.) Story continues The DPC's investigation into Yahoo kicked off in August, 2019, when the entity was known as Verizon Media (nee Oath) and owed by U.S. carrier Verizon. The latter went on to sell the division, in May 2021, to private equity giant, Apollo Global Management -- which plumped for a retro rebranding (to Yahoo). So it's the PE giant that's been left holding the regulatory exposure here. Speaking to the Irish Independent back in 2019, the DPC's commissioner, Helen Dixon, said the investigation focused on transparency issues related to publications operated by the company and was opened in response to multiple complaints from individuals about Yahoo media sites -- including over cookie banners she said sometimes "effectively" offer no choice to users -- beyond an 'option' to click "okay". Yahoo owns a string of Yahoo-branded media properties, including Yahoo News, Yahoo Finance, Yahoo Sports etc, tech media sites like Engadget (and this Internet website) -- as well as, at the time the DPC opened its probe, the HuffPo and tumblr -- which the company linked to its online advertising business via the use of tracking cookies dropped on visitors' devices. Hence these cookie consent banners popping up with information about ad 'partners' and purposes for processing. Thing is, under the GDPR, in order for consent to be a valid legal basis to process people's data it must be informed, specific and freely given -- so a cookie banner that lacks an option for users to deny ad tracking is going to attract complaints that it is not offering the required free choice. Verizon Media does appear to have made a notable change to the design of its cookie banner (circa spring 2021) -- so subsequent to the DPC opening its investigation -- which tweaked the implementation of the consent flow to include a reject button. A current version of a Yahoo cookie banner (shown below being displayed on a Yahoo website) can be seen including two 'reject all' options: Yahoo cookie banner Screengrab: Natasha Lomas/TechCrunch On the less positive side, this cookie banner tries to claim a "legitimate interest" (i.e. non-consent based) ground for processing people's data for ad targeting (and defaults those toggles to 'on') -- but you can at least deny this by selecting "reject all" under the LI field. The current Yahoo cookie banner implementation -- at least on the version we saw -- also relegates the reject button to the second level of the menu -- rather than displaying it at the top level, alongside the "accept all" option displayed there. This means users have to click through "manage settings" before they can even see a reject all option (while this second level menu is long and requires scrolling) -- so the tweaked design may raise fresh objections from regulators since it does not offer an equally easy way to reject tracking as allow it. Still, it remains to be seen what the EU DPAs will decide on the Yahoo complaint as a whole. Since the complaint predates this implementation of the cookie banner the inquiry may not consider the current design as closely as looking at the old one which netted Yahoo all these complaints. (Although DPAs could also take it into consideration in any order to the company to amend the design of the banner in a final decision.) One thing is clear: Cookie consents for ad tracking are getting increasing attention from EU regulators. Early this year, France's CNIL hit Google and Facebook with substantial fines related to dark patterns on cookie banners (under the ePrivacy Directive, which -- unlike the GDPR -- does not require cross-border complaints to be funnelled to a lead DPA, as has happened here with the Yahoo complaint). A few months later Google updated its cookie banner in Europe to include a top-level reject all button. Last year, the UK's data protection watchdog also published an opinion urging the ad tracking industry to prepare to reform and retool their adtech to provide users with non-profiling and other pro-privacy choices -- signalling that it expects a major change of direction away from mass surveillance of web users by design and default. Since last year, European privacy campaign group, noyb, has also been running a major GDPR enforcement campaign aimed at encouraging scores of websites to reform non-compliant cookie banners by sending complaints directly to them but also providing a free analysis of the tweaks required to bring their cookie pop-ups into line with the GDPR. Only those sites that resist the necessary changes will face a complaint about them being filed by noyb with a relevant DPA. Earlier this year it released a batch of 'before and after' examples of how a number of well known retail sites have adapted their cookie banners in response to its pro-active campaign -- with the addition of a top-level "reject all" button being a key compliance action taken by many of noyb's reformed targets. The not-for-profit has also filed a number of complaints about cookie banner reform refuseniks with regulators -- 226 had been lodged with 18 data protection authorities as of August -- although enforcements remain pending as procedures grind on. The Steam Packet said the proposed Irish Sea wind farms could impact its rough weather routes Plans to build two new offshore wind farms in the Irish Sea could disrupt Isle of Man ferry services, a Manx operator has warned. Energy firms have proposed projects named Morgan and Morecambe in areas between the island and Lancashire. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said the developments could cause navigation issues for its sailings to Liverpool and Heysham in bad weather. But the project's backers said it was possible to find "ways to co-exist". It comes after the firms behind the proposed developments launched a consultation on the plans. Flyers have been distributed to Manx residents outlining proposals for the Morgan wind farm, led by BP and German energy firm EnBW, and the Morecambe wind farm, led by Spanish company Cobra and Scottish wind power developer Flotation Energy. The installations, which could be operational by 2030, would connect to the UK's national grid at Penwortham in Lancashire and have the "potential to power more than two million UK households with clean energy", the firms said. 'Cumulative affect' The Steam Packet said the developments could lead to a "lack of open sea room", affecting its ferries' rough weather routes and leading to more cancellations and delays. Sailing longer distances to navigate through the planned wind farms would lead to greater carbon emissions and the "cumulative effect" of the projects could impact on the viability of its routes, the statement added. In a statement, the group of firms said they understood the "vital importance" of the island's ferry routes, and were "working closely with marine stakeholders", including the Steam Packet. Ship traffic data and risk modelling of the area had been conducted in order to establish a "deeper understanding each other's operations", the statement added. EnBW and BP have also proposed a third wind farm in the Irish Sea, named Mona. Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and Twitter? You can also send story ideas to IsleofMan@bbc.co.uk Italian scientists have developed a new process that reportedly extends the shelf life of fresh pasta by about a month, an advance they believe can help reduce food waste. The research, published recently in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology, developed changes to pasta product packaging, along with the addition of an antimicrobial bacteria called probiotics, that add 30 days to how long pasta can be stored. Fresh pasta has a shelf life of 30-90 days and companies generally use a process called modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) as well as heat treatment to preserve the food staple, explained scientists, including those from the University of Bari Aldo Moro in Italy. The MAP process involves removing oxygen and replacing it with other gasses within a package consisting of plastic film, but some bacteria may survive thermal treatment and grow under the right conditions. While conventionally preservatives are also used to help retain pasta freshness, options available to extend the shelf life of fresh pasta without synthetic ingredients are limited. In the new study, conducted in collaboration with private chemical laboratory Food Safety Lab, scientists changed the ratio of MAP gasses and the combination of films used in the packaging to better control microbial growth and impermeability. Researchers also added a multi-strain mixture of antimicrobial bacteria to inhibit the growth of other harmful bacteria. The new method was then tested by manufacturing one set of fresh trofie pasta packaged conventionally, while a second set was made traditionally but stored in the experimental MAP. Antimicrobial bacteria strains were added to a third set of fresh pasta stored using the experimental packaging method. After a few months, it was found that pasta treated with antimicrobial bioprotective probiotics in the experimental MAP had the best shelf life of the three experiments. The results demonstrate that the MAP, together with a spray-dried probiotic bioprotective cultures, acted in a synergistic way to control the microbial spoilage of fresh pasta during refrigerated storage, study co-author Francesca De Leo said in a statement. Story continues From the consumers standpoint, a definite advantage of this product is the long shelf life and ease of storage. This can be particularly important considering that consumers tend more and more to reduce the frequency of their food purchases, and consequently store as much as possible at home, Dr Leo said. Scientists said the findings can also lead to new ways in the future to reduce food waste. The adoption of innovative technological solutions for food waste prevention, such the one outlined in this study, can help offset these problems, if companies are willing to accept the challenge and innovate, Dr Leo added. ROME (Reuters) -Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni discussed energy, the climate crisis and immigration in talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during a visit to Sharm El-Sheikh for the COP 27 summit, Meloni's office said on Monday. Meloni, who took office last month, also raised the issue of human rights and the cases of murdered Italian student Giulio Regeni and Patrick Zaki, who had been studying in Italy and is on trial in Egypt for allegedly spreading false information. Relations between the two countries have been strained since Regeni's killing in Cairo in 2016. The arrest of rights researcher Zaki in February 2020 when on a trip home to Egypt from Italy further exacerbated bilateral ties. "During the meeting, energy supply, renewable sources, climate change and immigration were discussed," Meloni's office said in a statement. "The meeting was also an opportunity for Prime Minister Meloni to bring up the topic of respect for human rights and to underline Italy's strong interest in the cases of Giulio Regeni and Patrick Zaki," it added. Four Egyptian security officials have been charged in Italy over the disappearance and murder of Regeni. However the men remain in Egypt and their trial was halted last year because of concerns they might not know about the case. (Reporting by Angelo AmanteWriting by Keith Weir, editing by Alvise Armellini) Robert F. Bukaty/AP Photo; Insider Rep. Jared Golden ran against Republican Bruce Poliquin in Maine's 2nd Congressional District for the second time. The 2nd District encompasses nearly 80% of the state, including Augusta, the state capital. Abortion was a hot-button topic in the race. Rep. Jared Golden, a Democratic incumbent, defeated Republican Bruce Poliquin in Maine's 2nd Congressional District. Golden unseated Poliquin in 2018. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 2022 General Embeds Maine's 2nd Congressional District candidates Golden is the first member of Congress elected by ranked-choice voting. In 2016, Maine became the first state to enact ranked-choice voting for statewide elections for governor, state legislature, and Congress, and Golden's election was the first in the state, as well as the country, where ranked-choice voting was enacted in a congressional election. Born and raised in Maine's 2nd Congressional District, the now-40-year-old congressman in 2018 also became the first candidate to unseat an incumbent from the district in more than a century. Golden, a combat veteran who joined the US Marines in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, is a member of the House Committee on Armed Services and the Congressional Veterans Caucus. After serving combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, he returned to the US and worked for Republican Sen. Susan Collins on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The millennial politician built a reputation of being the House Democrat who strays from party lines on key votes. In 2021, he was the only Democrat to vote against the Biden administration's $1.9 trillion COVID relief package and the only Democrat to vote against the Build Back Better Act. He bucked his party again in July when he voted against the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022. Poliquin, 68, represented Maine's 2nd Congressional District before Golden unseated him in 2018. He became the first incumbent to lose a race to reelection in the district since 1916. Story continues The former congressman, who previously served as state treasurer, opposed access to abortions and billed himself as "pro-life." In January 2015, he voted for the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, which prohibits taxpayer-funded abortions. In the wake of the Supreme Court's 2022 decision that struck down Roe v. Wade, however, Democrats accused Poliquin of sidestepping questions about his plans for abortion policy, because of strong voter support for protecting abortion access. Voting history for Maine's 2nd Congressional District Maine's sprawling, rural 2nd Congressional District encompasses nearly 80% of the state's physical area, including Augusta, the state capital. Donald Trump had a 7.5 percentage point margin of victory under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before it was redrawn to move the capital to the 2nd Congressional District from the 1st in redistricting following the 2020 Census, making it slightly less conservative-leaning in the process. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Golden raised $5.5 million, spent $4.8 million, and had $858,322 of cash on hand, as of October 19. His opponent, Poliquin, raised $3.5 million, spent $2.4 million, and had $1.1 million of cash still left to spend, as of October 19. Super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate groups together spent more than $21.3 million through early November to advocate for or against the two candidates. What experts say The race between Golden and Poliquin was rated as "tilt Democratic" by Inside Elections, a "toss-up" by The Cook Political Report, and a "toss-up" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Jennifer Lawrence will no longer portray Elizabeth Holmes in Adam McKays forthcoming movie Bad Blood. According to The New York Times reporter Kyle Buchanan, who recently interviewed the Hunger Games star, Lawrence made the decision to pull out of the role after watching Amanda Seyfrieds Emmy-winning portrayal of the former Theranos founder in the Hulu miniseries The Dropout. Buchanan made the announcement on Twitter today (2 November), writing that Lawrence had told him: I thought [Seyfried] was terrific. I was like, Yeah, we dont need to redo that. She did it. Lawrence has yet to comment on her apparent decision publicly. It is unknown who will replace her. The Independent has contacted Lawrences representatives for confirmation. McKays film will be an adaptation of John Carreyrous 2018 book of the same name about the rise and fall of Holmess Silicon Valley start-up, which had sought to revolutionise blood tests. Holmes was convicted in 2018 of fraud. She later stood trial in 2021 and was found guilty in January this year of three counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 (217,800) for each count of fraud. Meanwhile, her business partner and ex-romantic partner Ramesh Sunny Balwani was also convicted of fraud earlier this year. Jennifer Lawrence will no longer star as Elizabeth Holmes in Adam McKay's BAD BLOOD, she told me. She came to that conclusion after watching Amanda Seyfried play Holmes in "The Dropout": "I thought she was terrific. I was like, 'Yeah, we don't need to redo that.' She did it." Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) November 2, 2022 Elsewhere in the interview, Lawrence revealed that Adele had warned her about taking the role in the 2016 sci-fi romance film Passengers. The 32-year-old actor currently leads the forthcoming Apple TV+ movie Causeway as Lynsey, a US soldier whos forced to return home after suffering from a traumatic brain injury during her tour in Afghanistan. Causeway is scheduled to release on 4 November. The market is getting all jittery again after the Fed signaled its intention to stick to its aggressive rate hike stance for now. The general downbeat mood is a familiar one in 2022 as the market has been unable to shake off the bear hug with any uptick quickly followed by another pullback. However, with so many stocks still hovering in the doldrums, Jim Cramer, the well-known host of CNBC's 'Mad Money' program, believes investors should pay special attention to the ones that are looking nicely priced. Ultimately, youre just going to feel sorry if you dont buy anything on the big sell-offs, Cramer said. When the market finally gets oversold enough, though, thats when you need to pounce. In fact, in his lightning round, Cramer has pinpointed two stocks that he believes present opportunity for investors right now. Both are down by large amounts year-to-date, but Cramer thinks the time has come for them to push ahead. Are Wall Streets stock experts on the same page? That we can find out with the help of the TipRanks platform which offers a comprehensive set of data tools to help investors makes sound investment decisions. Lets check the results, then. Cano Health (CANO) The first Cramer-endorsed name well look at is Cano Health, a health provider with a tech-powered, primary care-centric approach emphasizing clinical quality. With 1,400+ employee and affiliated physicians, Cano is one of the biggest independent primary care physician organizations in the United States, caring for 280,000+ members in nine states and Puerto Rico. Cano will report Q3 earnings later this week but we can take a look at Q2s results for some background. The company has seen some strong growth over the past year as was evident in the latest revenue haul. The top-line more than doubled from the same period a year ago to $689.37 million although the figure came in $23.24 million shy of the consensus estimate. There was a beat on the bottom-line, however, with EPS of -$0.03 improving on the -$0.05 forecast. The outlook was pleasing too; for the full year, the company now expects revenue in the range between $2.85 billion to $2.90 billion, up from the previous guidance of between $2.80 billion to $2.90 billion. Story continues In recent times, Cano has been subject to rumors it is a takeover target with several companies thought to be interested. The stock has swung both ways at the mercy of the rumor mill. However, over the past month the shares have taken a real beating and have shed 60% after it emerged that talks broke down with CVS Health and the healthcare giant decided not to move forward with an acquisition of Cano. Despite highlighting some reservations, Raymond James John Ransom remains in Canos corner. The 5-star analyst writes: The stock should make a stand in the ~$5 range, roughly where it was trading before the deal speculation. The stock is currently trading at 10.1x 2024 adj. EBITDA, and 0.6x 2024 revenue, a steep discount to peers..." "CANO is an interesting model and while we are still bullish on CANOs long-term prospects, CANO has some issues as a stand-alone company, namely its balance sheet, and inconsistent execution. We believe its 4Q print early next year will be a catalyst either to the upside or downside depending on 2023 guidance and FCF expectations, Ransom added. Concerns aside, Ransom obviously thinks the shares are now significantly undervalued; along with an Outperform (i.e. Buy) rating, his $8 price target makes room for 12-month gains of 133%. (To watch Ransoms track record, click here) What does the rest of the Street think? Looking at the consensus breakdown, opinions from other analysts are more spread out. 4 Buys, 3 Holds and 1 Sell add up to a Moderate Buy consensus. In addition, the $7.34 average price target indicates a whooping 114% upside potential. (See Cano Health stock forecast on TipRanks) Tilray Brands, Inc. (TLRY) The next Cramer lightning round stock well look at is Tilray Brands, a leading Canadian cannabis company. Tilray Brands is the result of a May 2021 merger between two big industry players, Tilray and Aphria. Most of the companys business is done in Canada but it has global ambitions too, with operations spanning across the U.S., Australia, Latin America and Europe, in particular, where it boasts a strong presence in Germany, claiming a 20% share of the medical market (flower, extracts and dronabinol products). With more than 20 brands and a presence in 20+ countries, its offerings include not only cannabis but hemp-based foods, and craft beverages too. The problem for Tilray, like many other Canadian cannabis companies, has been the intense competition in a relatively small market. These issues were evident again in its recently released first quarter of fiscal 2023 report. Revenue dropped by 8.8% year-over-year to $153.21 million, while also falling shy of the consensus estimate by $3.64 million. Non-GAAP EPS clocked in at -$0.08, just missing the -$0.07 predicted on Wall Street. That said, cost cutting measures appear to be taking shape with cannabis gross margins improving from 43% year ago to 51%. Overall, shares in TLRY are down 46% so far this year. This has opened up an opportunity, according to Cramer, who says to buy TLRY shares as "their time has come." Cowen analyst Vivien Azer also sees some encouraging trends playing out. TLRY's market share in Canada is starting to finally stabilize, the 5-star analyst remarked. The company was able to improve trends for Good Supply, which is again the leading brand in the country post-1Q (first time since Jul 2021). Meanwhile, with new strains, new innovation has become a bigger contributor to segment revenues (at 7.5%). The company expects innovation to be a bigger driver going forward and is targeting ~25% of FY23 Canadian cannabis sales to come from new products (vs. ~2% in FY22). All told, Azer rates the shares an Outperform (i.e., Buy) backed by a $9 price target. Should the figure be met, investors will be pocketing hefty gains of ~137% a year from now. (To watch Azers track record, click here) Elsewhere, Tilray gets a decidedly mixed reception on Wall Street. With 1 additional Buy, 5 Holds and 2 Sells, the analyst consensus rates the stock a Hold. At $4.36, the average target allows for gains of 15% in the months ahead. (See Tilray stock forecast on TipRanks) To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analyst. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment. An official portrait of the late Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume has been unveiled in Westminster. The portrait was commissioned by the Speaker's advisory committee on works of art. It was painted by Northern Ireland artist Colin Davidson and was based on sketches he made of the founding member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) in 2016. The portrait was unveiled on Monday in Portcullis House. Mr Hume was one of the highest-profile politicians in Northern Ireland and played a major role in the peace talks which led to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace alongside David Trimble, the then leader of the Ulster Unionist Party. John Hume was a personal hero, so it was a privilege and pleasure to revisit my drawings made in 2016 to paint this new portrait for Westminster. Thanks to the Speakers Advisory Committee on Works of Art, which commissioned it. And to @EamonnMallie who introduced me to John. pic.twitter.com/R6Yi71tdbB Colin Davidson (@colin_davidson) November 7, 2022 Mr Hume died in Londonderry in 2020 at the age of 83. The speaker's advisory committee on works of art agreed to commission the portrait following a proposal from SDLP MP for Belfast South Claire Hanna. 'One of the true giants' Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, said he was "delighted" to accept the work intro the parliamentary art collection. He described Mr Hume as "one of the true giants of Northern Irish politics". "He was also one of the most important and impactful parliamentarians of his generation, and is greatly missed by colleagues and members, both here in Westminster and in Europe," he added. Story continues Artist Colin Davidson began working on the portrait, entitled John Hume, in 2022. "Six years ago I was honoured to spend time with John Hume, drawing and sketching a man who had become a personal hero for me," he said. "Over the last year, I have revisited these drawings and created something new - a different portrait painting which, I hope, captures John's focused vision and strength of character." Mr Davidson has painted many significant public figures including politicians, artists, actors and musicians. He also unveiled his painting of Queen Elizabeth II in 2016. Dozens of climate change activists have been arrested over action to target England's busiest motorway despite a police operation to foil their plans. Sections of the M25 were closed during the Monday morning rush hour as part of the protest by Just Stop Oil. The demonstrations come as the latest COP27 international climate change talks in Egypt get under way. The Met Police said 35 people had been arrested in response to the disruption. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said the action was "criminality", not protest, and pledged to bring those involved to justice as quickly as possible. "This was a very significant and co-ordinated effort to cause massive disruption to the entirety of the M25," he added. Several junctions across Surrey, London and Kent were affected. Protests were held at several locations on the M25 including: J2 (Darenth), J6-7 (Godstone), J8-9 (Reigate), J13-14 (Staines), J21a-22 (St Albans), J25 (Holmesdale tunnel) and J27 (M11). Essex Police said there had been arrests after reports of people climbing up an overhead gantry close to junction 30 of the M25. In an emotional video posted from one of the gantries, protester Louise said she was there because she felt she did not "have a future and you may hate me for doing this, and you're entitled to hate me, but I wish you would direct all that anger and hatred at our government". The 24-year-old added: "They are betraying young people like me. I wouldn't have to be there if they did their lawful duty. "What we're asking for is what all the scientists are asking for, what the United Nations are asking for... how many more people have to say 'we don't have a liveable future if you continue licensing oil and gas' for you to listen?" The Met Police said it had launched a "significant" operation to identify and arrest the climate change protesters. Three people accused of planning public disruption were "proactively" arrested on Sunday, according to the Met. Story continues They were detained on suspicion of "conspiracy to intentionally or recklessly cause public nuisance", a new offence under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. A further four were arrested in raids on Monday morning. 'Genocidal death project' Mr Twist said: "We suspected that the intent of the individuals involved was completely disproportionate to any legitimate right to protest." Supt Graham Barnett from Surrey Police said: "While we always seek to facilitate peaceful protests, the protests we've seen today have gone beyond that. "Whilst they've been peaceful, the impact that they've had has not been proportionate on the public." 8.40am - Protester now off of the gantry at junction 6 and traffic resuming. pic.twitter.com/5mEPnzRSWJ Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) November 7, 2022 On Sunday, a High Court injunction was granted to prevent Just Stop Oil protesters disrupting the M25. From the end of September and throughout October, Just Stop Oil staged 32 days of protests, which the Met said resulted in 677 arrests, leading to 111 people charged. According to the group, since its campaign began on 1 April, its supporters have been arrested nearly 2,000 times, with five of its supporters currently in prison. The Met, which is conducting the operation in conjunction with the National Police Coordination Centre (NPoCC), said more than 10,000 officer shifts had been dedicated to policing the protests since the start of October. "These are officers who would otherwise be dealing with issues that matter to local communities, such as knife crime, safeguarding and responding to burglaries," Mr Twist said. An injunction was granted on Sunday to try to prevent demonstrations on the M25 "We are determined to bring to justice all of those who conspire to cause significant and unreasonable disruption to London, or cause damage to buildings, property or valuables," he added. Police are calling on the public to help officers help prevent disruption caused by protesters. The protest group staged direct action across London throughout October Just Stop Oil wants the government to abandon plans to license over 100 new oil and gas projects by 2025 and to do more to help people with rising energy bills. In an update on its website, the group said: "This is not a one-day event, expect us every day and anywhere. "This is an act of resistance against a criminal government and their genocidal death project. "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." Just Stop Oil said on social media that on Sunday evening it had "contacted the Metropolitan Police and National Highways Ltd to advise them there would (be) major disruption on the M25 and asked them to implement a 30mph speed limit". In a statement, the government said it remained "fully committed" to reaching net zero by 2050 however with "Russia weaponising energy across Europe, it must do so in a way that protected energy security". "This includes increasing domestic gas supply, which we've always been clear will have a role in our transition to net zero. But we will also continue to drive forward our commitments on nuclear and renewables like offshore wind," it said. "While we respect the right to protest, people's day-to-day lives should not be disrupted, and criminal activity will not be tolerated." Analysis By Tom Edwards, BBC London transport and environment correspondent The latest environmental protests are causing lots of disruption and, according to the Met, diverting officers away from other duties. The protests have also changed from a single big issue under Extinction Rebellion - climate change - to become much more specific and have a specific aim. The group Insulate Britain blocked the M25 over insulation and Just Stop Oil are doing the same over new oil licences. Dealing with these protests is very difficult for the authorities; arrests and court action don't seem to stop the protesters. When I interviewed Just Stop Oil last week, they made it very clear more protests were inevitable until the government changes its policy. Follow BBC London on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hellobbclondon@bbc.co.uk Associated Press Retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre is asking to be removed from a lawsuit by the state of Mississippi that seeks to recover millions of dollars in misspent welfare money that was intended to help some of the poorest people in the U.S. An attorney for Favre filed papers on Monday saying the Mississippi Department of Human Services groundlessly and irresponsibly seeks to blame Favre for its own grossly improper and unlawful handling of welfare funds and its own failure to properly monitor and audit how organizations used the money. Including Favre in this lawsuit has had the intended effect it has attracted national media attention to this case," Favres attorney, Eric D. Herschmann, wrote in the filing in Hinds County Circuit Court. Kathy Griffin has trolled Elon Musk by returning to Twitter via her dead mothers account after being suspended. The comedian was barred from the social media site for turning her user profile into a parody of its new owner. Griffins account was soon removed, with Musk writing: Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying parody will be permanently suspended. However, Musk soon received a tweet from the account Griffins mother Maggie used before her death, which had not been active since 2019. Im back from the grave to say #FreeKathy, she wrote, later clarifying in a separate tweet: Oh by the way this is KG. Im tweeting from my dead mothers account. When one user claimed that Griffin had created a new account under the guise of her mum, she pointed out that my wonderful mother had an account that I ran for her before her death. She passed away, but I always kept the account. Trust me, she would be with me on this. Relax, Griffin added. When another Twitter user wrote that Griffin had been suspended for impersonating Musk, the new owner himself stepped in and replied: Actually, she was suspended for impersonating a comedian. Griffin highlighted that many of Musks fans had already been making that joke, and he was stealing it. I mean you stole that joke, you asshole, she wrote, adding: People have been posting that joke for hours, you hack. Look, please do a better job running this company. It used to mean something. This is KG btw. Kathy Griffin mocks Elon Musk for stealing other the same joke shared by other Twitter users (Twitter) Musk added that the comedian can have her original account back if she pays a fee of $8. This is the amount Musk will charge users to retain their verified status, a move that has led to widespread criticism. Last week, actor Kathy Burke condemned Musk for the change, writing: Musk can f*** off with his idea of charging blue-tickers. I give my all to this hell site for FREE. Cheeky b**** should be paying ME. Dont need the poxy thing anyway. Some famous stars, including model Gigi Hadid, have left Twitter as a result of Musks takeover, which was completed last week after months of legal back and forth. Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul reaffirmed his faith in a hands off federal government in a final burst of campaigning across Kentucky on Monday, as he approached the finish line of his reelection bid against Democratic challenger Charles Booker. Paul headlined get-out-the vote rallies statewide ahead of the election ending Tuesday, while Booker concentrated on his hometown of Louisville, the state's largest city, after an extended statewide bus tour. Many Kentuckians cast ballots during early voting last week. The U.S. Senate race tops a long midterm ballot as Kentuckians prepared to elect representatives to Congress, the state legislature and local offices. Those contests were largely overshadowed by a proposed constitutional amendment dealing with abortion. The measure asked Kentuckians to decide whether the state's constitution should declare that it doesnt protect the right to an abortion. Defeat of the amendment would be a setback for legislative Republicans who put it on the ballot hoping to squelch challenges to anti-abortion laws. On another ballot measure, voters will decide whether the GOP-dominated legislature should have the power to call itself into special sessions. Campaigning Monday, Paul said that Republicans had the momentum in Kentucky and nationally as the GOP looks to take control of Congress and solidify its dominance in the Bluegrass State. Stressing his libertarian beliefs, Paul described the GOP's approach as hands off, declaring: Were the party of leave me alone. With his staunchly anti-abortion stand, he did not include decisions about abortion in his litany of issues the government should stay out of. Paul, who is seeking a third term, has railed against what he sees as excessive federal spending a theme he continued during the last day of campaigning. We are the party that believes that our rights come from our creator, the senator said. That our job as elected officials is not to get you a cell phone or free college or free food or free housing. Our job is to defend your liberty, and in that cause I will not rest. Story continues Booker, who faced monumental odds in the GOP-trending state, continued his theme of inclusion. The Black former state lawmaker said that in a way he had already won by bringing out new voters and campaign volunteers a movement he said will continue beyond Tuesday. If I had enough time to sit down with every single one of you, I guarantee you, I dare you to prove me wrong, we will find something we have in common, Booker said at a recent rally. We have more in common, all of us. Booker, who portrayed himself as a political outsider, embraced a progressive agenda that includes support for sweeping health care, anti-poverty programs and legalized abortion. ___ Follow the APs election coverage of the 2022 elections at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections. Learn more about the issues and factors at play in the midterms at https://apnews.com/hub/explaining-the-elections. A now-fired Milwaukee elections official told investigators she requested three military ballots in the names of voters who do not exist and had them sent to a state lawmaker's house. Now, a veterans group and that lawmaker, Rep. Janel Brandtjen, are suing the Wisconsin Elections Commission to block the immediate counting of military ballots in Tuesday's election. They argue that the actions of Kimberly Zapata, the former Milwaukee Election Commission deputy director, demonstrate "a vulnerability in Wisconsins military absentee ballot process." Here's what we know about the situation. Who is Kimberly Zapata? Zapata, 45, of Milwaukee had been with the Election Commission for about seven years and the city about 10, Milwaukee Election Commission Executive Director Claire Woodall-Vogg said. She was appointed deputy director of the Election Commission this summer. Her job duties as deputy included supervising registration and all aspects of absentee ballots. Zapata's termination means Woodall-Vogg will instead oversee the city's central count operation, where all the absentee ballots are tallied on Tuesday. Her annual salary as deputy was $87,666, according to the city. Claire Woodall-Vogg, executive director of the Milwaukee Election Commission Was a Milwaukee elections official charged? Zapata was charged on Friday with misconduct in public office, a felony, and three misdemeanor counts of making a false statement to obtain an absentee ballot. If convicted, Zapata faces up to 3 years in prison and a $10,000 fine on the Class I Felony count and six months behind bars and a $1,000 fine for each of the three misdemeanors, according to the complaint. Her initial appearance is scheduled for Nov. 28. What do prosecutors allege Zapata did? The criminal complaint states that Zapata went on the MyVote website from her home about 5:30 a.m. Oct. 25 to create the fake voters, submitting three applications under three different names at randomly chosen addresses in Shorewood, South Milwaukee and Menomonee Falls. She used her city-issued laptop for the applications and found Brandtjen's address in the state voter registration database that is administered by the Wisconsin Elections Commission and is only available to municipal employees. Story continues More:Tight elections feel normal in Wisconsin. Here is what makes this one so unusual More:The 6 questions the Nov. 8 election will answer about Wisconsin politics After Brandtjen received the ballots and spoke publicly about it, Woodall-Vogg sent Zapata an article on the situation. Zapata denied knowing what it was about. Later, Zapata approached Woodall-Vogg and said she had created the fake voters and sent the ballots to Brandtjen to show how easy it is to commit fraud, according to the complaint. Why do prosecutors say Zapata requested the ballots? The complaint states that Zapata wanted to redirect Brandtjen's focus "away from outrageous conspiracy theories and to something that is actually real." It also states that "Zapata stated that she felt overwhelmed due to the threats of violence the Election Commission was receiving, in addition to the constant daily harassment and accusations of lying and hiding things. She stated she wanted the truth to come out so that they could focus on the actual problems." She also said she was trying to highlight flaws in the election system in an attempt to maintain election integrity, according to the complaint. How has state Rep. Janel Brandtjen responded? Rep. Janel Brandtjen speaks as former President Donald Trump held a campaign rally for Republican candidate for governor Tim Michels at the Waukesha County Fairgrounds in Waukesha on Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. As chairwoman of the state Legislature's elections committee, Brandtjen has repeatedly held hearings promoting false claims of voter fraud and 2020 election conspiracy theories. After she received the three military ballots, Brandtjen said she contacted law enforcement and former Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman, who oversaw a partisan review of the 2020 election. The review found no evidence that the 2020 election was incorrectly called. Gableman is listed as an attorney in the lawsuit filed Friday to sequester military absentee ballots, and Brandtjen is a plaintiff. Brandtjen previously said she believed the person who sent her the ballots was copying the actions of a Racine County man, Harry Wait, who is charged with two counts of election fraud. Wait, who requested absentee ballots for Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Racine Mayor Cory Mason, has said he wanted to prove election fraud is possible and that fraud robbed Donald Trump of a victory in 2020. Last week, Brandtjen suggested Zapata's actions shed light on problems that lawmakers need to address. "We have uncovered so many issues that demand attention. I have been attacked by the liberal media, Democrats who benefit from the system, and Republicans who dont have the backbone to take on the issues, including Speaker Vos, who has referred to me as a conspiracy theorist," Brandtjen said. What was the result of the military ballots lawsuit? A Waukesha County judge denied a request to block the immediate counting of military ballots, calling the step a drastic remedy but also chiding the Wisconsin Elections Commission over its guidance to municipal clerks. Attorneys from the Thomas More Society asked the court for a temporary restraining order and a temporary injunction to sequester all military ballots and stop them from being counted until officials can verify they are legitimate and match current lists of military voters. The next court hearing is set for January. What did the military ballots lawsuit allege? The attorneys argued that the Wisconsin Elections Commission's guidance to local election clerks on military ballots does not align with state statutes. Clerks should have up-to-date, accurate lists of military electors, the suit states, and the Elections Commission does not mention such lists in its military and overseas voting manuals. Do members of the military need to register to vote in Wisconsin? Military voters are not required to register before voting in an election and do not need to provide proof of identification or residence to request an absentee ballot. Like other voters, military voters can request an absentee ballot using the myvote.wi.gov website. How have veterans groups responded? The Washington, D.C.-based Union Veterans Council has filed to intervene in the case. Executive Director Will Attig said he is afraid the suit is "a canary in the coal mine" of similar suits to come around the country. "This is a combined effort to sow doubt around the election, and they just picked military members as a pawn, as a tool to do that," Attig said. "This is just an outrageous attack that is completely unwarranted." Who would be affected? Three groups of people would be affected by this lawsuit, Attig said: active-duty military members stationed on bases around the U.S. and the world who want to continue to vote in Wisconsin; those who are deployed; and National Guard members who are away from home for extended periods of time for training or other orders. Daniel Bice, Alison Dirr and Molly Beck of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What we know about the Wisconsin lawsuit over military ballot fraud We can readily understand why investors are attracted to unprofitable companies. For example, biotech and mining exploration companies often lose money for years before finding success with a new treatment or mineral discovery. But while the successes are well known, investors should not ignore the very many unprofitable companies that simply burn through all their cash and collapse. So should Kodiak Copper (CVE:KDK) shareholders be worried about its cash burn? For the purposes of this article, cash burn is the annual rate at which an unprofitable company spends cash to fund its growth; its negative free cash flow. The first step is to compare its cash burn with its cash reserves, to give us its 'cash runway'. Check out our latest analysis for Kodiak Copper Does Kodiak Copper Have A Long Cash Runway? A cash runway is defined as the length of time it would take a company to run out of money if it kept spending at its current rate of cash burn. Kodiak Copper has such a small amount of debt that we'll set it aside, and focus on the CA$14m in cash it held at June 2022. Importantly, its cash burn was CA$10m over the trailing twelve months. So it had a cash runway of approximately 17 months from June 2022. Importantly, though, the one analyst we see covering the stock thinks that Kodiak Copper will reach cashflow breakeven before then. If that happens, then the length of its cash runway, today, would become a moot point. The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years. How Is Kodiak Copper's Cash Burn Changing Over Time? Kodiak Copper didn't record any revenue over the last year, indicating that it's an early stage company still developing its business. Nonetheless, we can still examine its cash burn trajectory as part of our assessment of its cash burn situation. Over the last year its cash burn actually increased by a very significant 71%. Oftentimes, increased cash burn simply means a company is accelerating its business development, but one should always be mindful that this causes the cash runway to shrink. Clearly, however, the crucial factor is whether the company will grow its business going forward. For that reason, it makes a lot of sense to take a look at our analyst forecasts for the company. How Easily Can Kodiak Copper Raise Cash? While Kodiak Copper does have a solid cash runway, its cash burn trajectory may have some shareholders thinking ahead to when the company may need to raise more cash. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Commonly, a business will sell new shares in itself to raise cash and drive growth. We can compare a company's cash burn to its market capitalisation to get a sense for how many new shares a company would have to issue to fund one year's operations. Kodiak Copper's cash burn of CA$10m is about 22% of its CA$47m market capitalisation. That's fairly notable cash burn, so if the company had to sell shares to cover the cost of another year's operations, shareholders would suffer some costly dilution. How Risky Is Kodiak Copper's Cash Burn Situation? It may already be apparent to you that we're relatively comfortable with the way Kodiak Copper is burning through its cash. In particular, we think its cash runway stands out as evidence that the company is well on top of its spending. While its increasing cash burn wasn't great, the other factors mentioned in this article more than make up for weakness on that measure. There's no doubt that shareholders can take a lot of heart from the fact that at least one analyst is forecasting it will reach breakeven before too long. Looking at all the measures in this article, together, we're not worried about its rate of cash burn; the company seems well on top of its medium-term spending needs. Taking a deeper dive, we've spotted 5 warning signs for Kodiak Copper you should be aware of, and 2 of them can't be ignored. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies insiders are buying, and this list of stocks growth stocks (according to analyst forecasts) Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here (Reuters) -The Kremlin declined to comment on Monday on a Wall Street Journal report that Washington had held undisclosed talks with top Russian officials about avoiding further escalation in the Ukraine war. According to the report, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held talks with aides to President Vladimir Putin in the hope of reducing the risk that the war in Ukraine spills over or escalates into a nuclear conflict. "We have nothing to say about this publication," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. He also declined to comment on a Washington Post report that the United States has been privately encouraging Ukraine to signal it is open to talks with Russia, after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy ruled out negotiations while Putin is in power. "Well, we don't know if that's the case or not," said Peskov. "Once again I repeat that there are some truthful reports, but for the most part there are reports that are pure speculation," he said. He added that while Russia remains "open" to talks, it is unable to negotiate with Kyiv due to the latter's refusal to hold talks with Russia. Few high-level contacts between U.S. and Russian officials have been made public in recent months as Washington has insisted that any talks on ending the war in Ukraine be held between Moscow and Kyiv. (Reporting by ReutersEditing by Gareth Jones) Weekend Catch-up Edition: The nations capital has been under regular attack by Russia missile and drones, and has suffered significant damage to its critical infrastructure facilities. Accordingly, further damage may knock power, heat, and water supplies out entirely, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated. So Im also appealing to people in the worst case scenario without power and water supply in the city, think about going to your relatives and friends in Kyiv's outskirts or further, (those with) with independent utilities. It would be better to agree to spend some time there in the worst case scenario. Every day, dangerous substances enter the air due to forest fires, from the burning of oil products and the burning of industrial facilities, Ukraines top auditing body, the Accounting Chamber, reported. According to estimates, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the quantity of these emissions has exceeded 67 million tons. In 2020 and 2021, only 2.2 million tons per year were recorded. The Associated Press, the PBS series Frontline, and SITU Research reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage, intercepts of Russian phone calls and built a 3D model to show what happened in Bucha. They also attempted to identify individuals responsible for the atrocities According to the Hermit Kingdom watcher website 38 North, the train was seen on satellite images, crossing into Russia not long after the U.S. Department of State warned that Russia had been buying ammunition from the Kim regime. 38 North believes it is impossible to determine the purpose of the train from the provided satellite imagery. Although this is the first observed train on the line connecting Russia and North Korea since the pandemic, it does not mean it is the only train to have used the route in recent months. Story continues Nikulin was the judge responsible for issuing death sentences against international volunteers Aiden Aslin, Shaun Pinner, and Saadun Bragimov. According to reports, he was shot several times, but it currently in hospital in a serious but stable condition. According to the Financial Times, based on reports of eyewitnesses and the nurses close relatives, the victim was hung to death. They poured something into her mouth and then hung her in front of the courthouse building,the nurses sister explained. The death certificate of the deceased notes that the cause of death was "mechanical asphyxia. This new package will include refurbished T-72 tanks, as well as air defense systems and drones, Department of Defense spokesperson Sabrina Singh said. According to Singh, Ukraine is set to receive a total of 90 Czech-sourced T-72 tanks: the United States will cover repairs and modernization of 45 of them, with the Netherlands taking care of the other half. The Zelenskyy administration is barreling ahead with their pick of former Regional Development Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov for the top slot, despite warnings that his appointment would violate anti-corruption statutes. As a result, the government has had to amend anti-corruption laws as they apply to the top Naftogaz position while choosing the top managers for nearly all state owned economic entities is meant to be a competitive process, Naftogazs chairman of the board has now received a carve-out from this provision. Microsoft VP Brad Smith, speaking during a meeting with Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov, revealed that this assistance will help bolster the countrys critical infrastructure, as government institutions and other sectors continue to use Microsofts cloud computing services, free of charge. The days long read: Ranking richest Ukrainians by their wartime donations The New Voice of Ukraine, together with investment company Dragon Capital, investigated which Ukrainian billionaires, despite enormous economic losses sustained, donated the most to Ukraines Armed Forces and humanitarian relief efforts. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine All lanes of southbound Interstate 5 at Boeing Access Road in south Seattle have reopened after being blocked due to an incident on the Boeing Access Road overpass, the Washington State Department of Transportation announced. Drivers were being diverted to a nearby exit. The freeway was closed for about 30 minutes. The Conversation Lately, there has been a lot of discussion highlighting the need for incorporating social sciences in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines in order to foster creativity, increase empathy and create a better understanding of the human condition among scientists. Unfortunately, however, all this talk hasnt changed the reality on the ground. As a researcher and teacher in biomedical engineering, looking at the fundamental functions of the human body, I feel that we i HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) A lawyer for Sandy Hook families said Monday that significant punitive damages need to be imposed on Alex Jones to deter him and other conspiracy theorists from continuing to tell their followers the 2012 Newtown shooting was a hoax, in addition to the nearly $1 billion he already has been ordered to pay victims' relatives. Attorney Christopher Mattei's comments came during a video conference hearing before a Connecticut judge on how much punitive damages the Infowars host and his company, Free Speech Systems, should pay victims' families. In a hypothetical calculation, the families' lawyers say punitive damages could total $2.75 trillion, but they have not asked for a specific amount. Judge Barbara Bellis said she will rule at a later date. Jones' lawyer, Norm Pattis, argued any punitive damages should be minimal, because last month's $965 million jury verdict on compensatory damages is so large and unparalleled it is the functional equivalent of punitive damages. Mattei disagreed. Here, where in our view the conduct really rises to the level of reprehensible, evil, really just malicious conduct, theres no situation in which ... nominal punitive damages would be sufficient under the law," Mattei told the judge. Theres really no way any of us, I think, can wrap our minds around what kind of depravity it took for Mr. Jones to do what he did." Jones, based in Austin, Texas, continued to bash the trial as unfair and an assault on free speech rights. He has said he will appeal the verdict and already has asked for a new trial. He also said he doesn't have $2 million to his name, so he can't pay the verdict. Pattis on Monday questioned how the jury arrived at the $965 million figure. He said there was no evidence at the trial of the net worth of Jones or Free Speech Systems. The jury came up with an unusual verdict, Pattis said. You will never come up with an algorithm that explains it. These numbers are simply unparalleled in Connecticut history, perhaps in the history of any case in the United States. Story continues Twenty first graders and six educators were killed in the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. Eight victims' relatives and an FBI agent who responded to the school sued Jones and Free Speech Systems, who were found liable last year for defamation, infliction of emotional distress and violating Connecticut's Unfair Trade Practices Act. All 15 plaintiffs gave emotional testimony during the month-long trial, describing how they have been threatened and harassed for years by people who believe the shooting didnt happen. Strangers showed up at some of their homes and confronted some of them in public. People hurled abusive comments at them on social media and in emails. And some said they received death and rape threats. The jurys verdict was meant to compensate the plaintiffs for their past, current and future emotional distress, the defamation and the violations of the Unfair Trade Practices Act. The jury also said punitive damages were warranted to penalize Jones for his conduct. Bellis will decide the amount of those damages. Punitive damages are generally limited to attorneys fees for emotional distress and defamation, but there is no cap on such damages under the Unfair Trade Practices Act, which bars deceptive business practices and unfair competition. The Sandy Hook families' lawyers are to get one-third of any compensatory damages received, under a retainer agreement. So Jones and Free Speech Systems may be ordered to pay another $322 million in punitive damages to the plaintiffs in addition to the nearly $1 billion. And Jones could be ordered to pay even more in punitive damages under the Unfair Trade Practices Act. Such damages typically are multiple times the compensatory damages, the families' lawyers say. Mattei said Jones should be punished under the law for his continuing criticism of the trial, judge and plaintiffs' lawyers. Pattis countered there was no evidence presented at the trial that Jones sent anyone to threaten and harass the families. He also said a $1 billion verdict was high enough for punishment and deterrence, and no damages should be awarded under the Unfair Trade Practices Act. My view is if a billion doesnt do it, a trillion isnt going to do it. $3 trillion isnt going to do it, Pattis said. In Texas, the parents of two other children killed in the shooting filed similar lawsuits against Jones. A jury in one of the cases ordered Jones to pay nearly $50 million in damages, and the second Texas trial is scheduled to begin around the end of the year. The $50 million verdict is expected to be reduced because of Texas' caps on damages. HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) A lawyer for Sandy Hook families said Monday that significant punitive damages need to be imposed on Alex Jones to deter him and other conspiracy theorists from continuing to tell their followers the 2012 Newtown shooting was a hoax, in addition to the nearly $1 billion he already has been ordered to pay victims relatives. Attorney Christopher Matteis comments came during a video conference hearing before a Connecticut judge on how much punitive damages the Infowars host and his company, Free Speech Systems, should pay victims families. In a hypothetical calculation, the families lawyers say punitive damages could total $2.75 trillion, but they have not asked for a specific amount. Judge Barbara Bellis said she will rule at a later date. Jones lawyer, Norm Pattis, argued any punitive damages should be minimal, because last months $965 million jury verdict on compensatory damages is so large and unparalleled it is the functional equivalent of punitive damages. Mattei disagreed. Here, where in our view the conduct really rises to the level of reprehensible, evil, really just malicious conduct, theres no situation in which ... nominal punitive damages would be sufficient under the law, Mattei told the judge. Theres really no way any of us, I think, can wrap our minds around what kind of depravity it took for Mr. Jones to do what he did. Jones, based in Austin, Texas, continued to bash the trial as unfair and an assault on free speech rights. He has said he will appeal the verdict and already has asked for a new trial. He also said he doesnt have $2 million to his name, so he cant pay the verdict. Pattis on Monday questioned how the jury arrived at the $965 million figure. He said there was no evidence at the trial of the net worth of Jones or Free Speech Systems. The jury came up with an unusual verdict, Pattis said. You will never come up with an algorithm that explains it. These numbers are simply unparalleled in Connecticut history, perhaps in the history of any case in the United States. Story continues Twenty first graders and six educators were killed in the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. Eight victims relatives and an FBI agent who responded to the school sued Jones and Free Speech Systems, who were found liable last year for defamation, infliction of emotional distress and violating Connecticuts Unfair Trade Practices Act. All 15 plaintiffs gave emotional testimony during the month-long trial, describing how they have been threatened and harassed for years by people who believe the shooting didnt happen. Strangers showed up at some of their homes and confronted some of them in public. People hurled abusive comments at them on social media and in emails. And some said they received death and rape threats. The jurys verdict was meant to compensate the plaintiffs for their past, current and future emotional distress, the defamation and the violations of the Unfair Trade Practices Act. The jury also said punitive damages were warranted to penalize Jones for his conduct. Bellis will decide the amount of those damages. Punitive damages are generally limited to attorneys fees for emotional distress and defamation, but there is no cap on such damages under the Unfair Trade Practices Act, which bars deceptive business practices and unfair competition. The Sandy Hook families lawyers are to get one-third of any compensatory damages received, under a retainer agreement. So Jones and Free Speech Systems may be ordered to pay another $322 million in punitive damages to the plaintiffs in addition to the nearly $1 billion. And Jones could be ordered to pay even more in punitive damages under the Unfair Trade Practices Act. Such damages typically are multiple times the compensatory damages, the families lawyers say. Mattei said Jones should be punished under the law for his continuing criticism of the trial, judge and plaintiffs lawyers. Pattis countered there was no evidence presented at the trial that Jones sent anyone to threaten and harass the families. He also said a $1 billion verdict was high enough for punishment and deterrence, and no damages should be awarded under the Unfair Trade Practices Act. My view is if a billion doesnt do it, a trillion isnt going to do it. $3 trillion isnt going to do it, Pattis said. In Texas, the parents of two other children killed in the shooting filed similar lawsuits against Jones. A jury in one of the cases ordered Jones to pay nearly $50 million in damages, and the second Texas trial is scheduled to begin around the end of the year. The $50 million verdict is expected to be reduced because of Texas caps on damages. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Elizabeth Adebayo, left, and Tanisha Pruitt share a light moment at the New American Leadership Academy event held earlier this month at the Jerry Hammond Center. Although other leadership academies exist in Columbus, the Department of Neighborhoods academy is the only one specifically geared for immigrant communities. Sixteen newly trained leaders some clad in colorful West African outfits, others in business attire gathered in a basement hall on Columbus Near East Side for the final step in their eight-month journey. The group included a mix of men and women, working professionals and students, ranging in age from 22 to 67. They had come from a variety of different countries originally: Bhutan, Somalia, Pakistan, Ghana, Nigeria, Haiti, Honduras, Kenya, Liberia, and Chile. But on this night, a recent Wednesday, they had come together to give service project presentations at the Jerry Hammond Center. It was the final component in this year's New American Leadership Academy, also known as NALA, a Department of Neighborhoods initiative aiming to increase civic participation among immigrant communities. Participants shared what they learned over the year and their plans to apply it as leaders in their communities. Hanad Duale listens to a presentation at the New American Leadership Academy event held earlier this month at the Jerry Hammond Center. NALA gave us wings to fly, said Mukti Dahal, 40, a participant from Bhutan who now lives in Reynoldsburg and works at a refugee resettlement agency. Its up to us where to fly. Helping immigrants understand U.S. political system Although other leadership academies exist in Columbus, the Department of Neighborhoods academy is the only one specifically geared for immigrant communities. Created in 2018, it is free, nonpartisan, and has trained around 100 participants several of whom have since won elected office or been appointed to city positions. Its about pulling the curtain back and letting folks get a sense of how things work and how they can connect, Todd Dieffenderfer, the departments deputy director, told The Dispatch. Abdi Soofe, the programs coordinator, explained, Its kind of a train-the-trainer method. Instead of folks relying on (us), we empower them so they can improve their business, and get access to services, and educate people from their own communities. Today, more than 175,000 people who were born abroad live in the Columbus metro area, or about 8.4% of the population, according to U.S. Census estimates. About one-third are Spanish speakers, and the top immigrant (or refugee) countries are India, Mexico, Somalia, China, and Bhutan. Story continues Immigrants contributed 11.5% of the areas gross domestic product in 2019 more than their share of the population and paid $712 million in state and local taxes, according to the New American Economy research group. Nationally, immigrants comprise 10% of citizens of voting age, but they hold just 4% of seats in state legislatures. In Ohio, immigrants comprise just 2.3% of citizens of voting age and hold four seats, or 3%, in the state legislature, according to research. (This number could increase if two Somali-Americans, who won statehouse primaries this year, win the general election in Ohio.) Members of this years New American Leadership Academy cohort attended discussions and presentations after work and school twice a month for the past eight months. Topics ranged from the building code to the state legislative process, and presentations were made by nonprofit groups and city departments like the mayors office, the city attorney and the auditor. Consultants James White, Sr. and Melony Brunson led sessions on communication and leadership skills. With My Brother's Keeper, a nonprofit that addresses opportunity gaps facing boys and young men of color, participants promoted a variety of events and organized a giveaway of 300 book bags at Columbus Global Academy, a school for students whose native language is not English. Soofe said participants gain skills relevant to their professional and personal lives, and he is especially proud to see alums go on to serve on Columbus area commissions, which advise the city council. 'So rewarding to have a voice' Awatif Elnour, 60, an alum who was born in Sudan, said she first attended an area commission meeting in Hilliard for an academy assignment in 2019. I went there, and I found it is so rewarding to have a voice, she said. When she asked the commissioners why most meeting attendees were white, despite Hilliard having communities of Latine, Arab, and African immigrants, they asked her to start a diversity and inclusion committee. She did, and later, she was named a commissioner herself. NALA gave me the education and resources so I can serve for my people, said Kawther Musa, another alum who sits on the Northeast Area Commission. Somalis like me are from a country where there was no government at the time I was growing (up). As a new American, you dont know how this system was built and how you can be part of it. Bhuwan Pyakurel, who attended the program in 2019, became the first Bhutanese-Nepali-American elected official in the nation when he joined Reynoldsburg City Council in 2020. This is a good effort by the city because the new American community needs to be engaged in the mainstream so they can connect with resources. Its a great vision and idea, he told The Dispatch. However, he suggested that more outreach should be done to serve even more immigrants. (The program currently uses email, social media and physical promotional materials distributed at community businesses, places of worship, and gathering centers, according to Soofe.) In addition to acquainting immigrants with the American political system, the program has connected new Americans from different communities with each other. Being surrounded by such a diverse group, I feel like we have a lot of similar challenges but also a similar vision. It feels like were a unit, as pieces of a puzzle, said Darsy Amaya, 46, a Honduras-born jewelry business owner from Franklinton who was part of this year's cohort. "America has that sense of bringing your experience to the table, and it allows us to create a new world, and it's new and improved," said Elizabeth Adebayo, 31, a current participant of Nigerian heritage. "I think NALA is an example of that of what happens when the world comes together, and comes up with new ideas. Applications for the 2023 cohort are due by Nov. 18 and are available on the departments website. Peter Gill covers immigration and new American communities for The Dispatch in partnership with Report for America. You can support work like his with a tax-deductible donation to Report for America here:bit.ly/3fNsGaZ. pgill@dispatch.com @pitaarji This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus program helps immigrants understand how U.S. democracy works Screenwriter and director Paul Haggis arrives at a New York courthouse last week. (Julia Nikhinson / Associated Press) Actor Leah Remini testified Monday as a character witness in the New York civil trial where writer-director Paul Haggis is accused of raping publicist Haleigh Breest, suggesting the Oscar-winning director has been targeted over the years by the church he left in 2009. Breest, 36, alleges that 69-year-old Haggis who took the stand last week in his own defense had sex with her without her consent in 2013 after the two met at a film festival and went back to his apartment for a drink. Haggis says the encounter was consensual. Men and women who have been raped absolutely deserve justice, but in this case, its absolutely Paul who is the victim here, Remini said in a video call from her L.A. home, Variety reported, though no evidence has been presented at trial that would link Scientology to Breest's allegations. The "Scientology and the Aftermath" host left the church in 2013 after 40 years of membership. She has been a vocal critic of it since. Scientology was heavy on the attack of Paul" since the 35-year member left the church, Remini said. And since this case, they have gone silent. Haggis' defense has suggested the civil suit is payback for his public criticism of the Church of Scientology, while Breest's legal team has dismissed that as a bogus conspiracy theory. The church also rejected Remini's testimony, saying in a statement Monday that it has "nothing to do with" the allegations against Haggis and no relationship with Breest, her attorneys or the three Jane Does who in 2018 accused the writer-director of sexual misconduct. "Outrageously, Remini accuses four women she does not know, who have no connection to Scientology whatsoever, of committing perjury," the statement said. Paul Haggis and Leah Remini appear at a book signing in 2015. (Greg Allen / Invision / Associated Press) During three days on the stand last week, the writer-director said Breest flirted with him at the film event where she was working the red carpet and willingly went to his place, where he made a pass within minutes. Then she "seemed conflicted in some way" when the two initially were kissing, he said, but he said he thought she was being "playful" when she told him up front that she wasn't going to spend the night with him. Story continues The publicist "never gave me any indication it was anything other than consensual," Haggis said, according to Variety. Breest ultimately began taking initiative in their encounter, Haggis testified, allegedly moving him into a position to receive oral sex and telling him, "I'm good at this." He said he had no memory of whether he had intercourse with her but was disappointed the next morning that she hadn't left him a note with her phone number on it. Haggis testified Wednesday and Thursday and underwent cross-examination Thursday and Friday. During redirect questioning from his attorney, Priya Chaudhry, Haggis called himself a very flawed human being" but said that he never sexually assaulted anyone. The writer-director admitted on the stand that he had at least 20 affairs while married for two decades to Deborah Rennard, who testified on his behalf Wednesday. She said her ex had "great relationships with women," Variety reported, and that their 2016 divorce was incredibly amicable. Plaintiff Breest testified earlier in the trial that she didn't reciprocate Haggis' first two attempts to kiss her but didn't leave because she didn't want to offend a frequent premiere guest. She said he later pushed her onto a bed, pulled off her clothes, demanded oral sex and then raped her after she took a shower. The Associated Press contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Paul Haggis and fellow former Scientologist Leah Remini are seen in 2015. Debra L Rothenberg/WireImage via Getty Actress Leah Remini testified in defense of Paul Haggis at his civil rape trial on Monday. Remini suggested the lawsuit was a Scientology plot against Haggis for leaving the religion. She said she does not believe Haggis raped publicist Haleigh Breest at his Manhattan apartment. Actress Leah Remini testified on Monday in the civil rape trial of fellow ex-Scientologist and filmmaker Paul Haggis, suggesting that the lawsuit against him is the church's way of punishing him for becoming a vocal critic of the religion after leaving its ranks. Remini said the Church of Scientology has threatened her with lawsuits, though no suit has ever actually been filed, and that the retaliatory lawsuits against defectors are meant to "exhaust" an enemy into silence. "You would have to retain lawyers and that would cost a lot of money and the purpose of this is to have you financially ruined so that the last thing you would want to do is to get into a battle with Scientology." "The purpose of Scientology lawsuits is just to destroy your life," Remini said. A Scientology spokesperson issued a statement to Insider following Remini's testimony on Monday, saying, "No matter how much false testimony Haggis and his attorney elicit from Remini to bolster his attempts at distracting the jury, the fact that the Church is not involved will not change." "Outrageously, Remini accuses four women she does not know, who have no connection to Scientology whatsoever, of committing perjury. For over a decade, Haggis has penned false stories about the Church in an effort to distract from whatever bad acts he has engaged in. The church has nothing to do with the claims against Haggis nor does it have any relation to the accusers or the attorneys litigating this case," the church said. Testifying via livestream at New York Supreme Court in Manhattan, Remini said that in the case of Haleigh Breest's lawsuit against Haggis, she believes that "it is Paul who is the victim here." Story continues Haggis and Remini are perhaps two of the biggest defectors from Scientology, a religion founded by science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, which counts Tom Cruise and John Travolta among its parishioners. Haleigh Breest, center, is pictured with her lawyers Zoe Salzman, left, and Ilann Maazel, right, in New York court on October 17, 2022. Yuki Iwamura/AP Remini said she felt testifying was "the right thing to do" because she believes Haggis is a "decent man and father and friend" and because she's "an advocate for people who have been victimized by Scientology policies." Perhaps best known for her role on the long-running sitcom "The King of Queens," Remini grew up in the religion and detailed how the church came after her when she left in 2013. Remini also wrote a book about leaving the religion, and hosted a Scientology documentary series. Scientologists harassed her, stalked her, and used the confessions she made in Scientology counseling sessions to drum up controversy about her, she said. She got emotional as she talked about how her own family members made attack videos about her. "They do this because they know that it will get to you ... My father and I had a hard relationship, I don't think he knew exactly what he was doing when he did those videos for Scientology. They gather anything they can to hurt you and it does hurt," Remini said. "I'm still shocked by this behavior from a church to this day," she added. Remini, when asked about the four women besides Breest who testified about their similar allegations of sexual misconduct against Haggis during the trial, said two of the women had "Scientology names" but admitted on cross-examination that she has no knowledge connecting them to Scientology. Breest has alleged that Haggis, the "Crash" writer and director, raped her at his Manhattan apartment in January 2013. Her lawsuit accuses Haggis of assault, battery, rape, a criminal sexual act, aggravated sexual abuse and violating New York City law on gender-motivated violence. She's asking the jury to award her unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. The defense rested after Remini's testimony on Monday, and the judge told the jury she expects the case to wrap up by the end of the week. November 7, 2022: This story has been updated to include a statement from the Church of Scientology. Read the original article on Insider (Bloomberg) -- Lithuania opened a trade office in Taiwan, potentially escalating tensions with China that have been simmering since the European Union member state drew a stiff rebuke from Beijing. Most Read from Bloomberg The opening on Monday comes a year after the government in Taipei opened an office in Lithuanias capital. China responded by downgrading diplomatic relations with the EU Baltic state over the offices explicit use of the name Taiwan, a democratically ruled island that Beijing claims as its own. The new Lithuanian trade office carries the name Taipei, which may avoid a harsher reaction from Beijing. China has repeatedly voiced opposition to countries engaging in official contact with the government in Taipei. Today we can rejoice over the first achievements of Lithuanian cooperation with Taiwan, Economy Minister Ausrine Armonaite said in a statement. I have no doubt that our work with this promising market will intensify further after the opening of the Lithuanian trade office in Taipei. The dispute between China and Lithuania, a Baltic nation of 2.8 million, has helped roil relations between the worlds most populous nation and the EU as a whole. After Taiwans trade office opened, China withdrew its ambassador and faced accusations of halting the clearance of Lithuanian goods in its ports. China denied that it was blocking goods. The standoff prompted the EU to raise the issue of trade hurdles with the World Trade Organization. Last month, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said Chinas punitive action and its backing of Russias invasion in Ukraine showed that Beijing is the EUs systemic rival. He made the comments in Brussels, where EU leaders were taking a harder look at relations with Beijing. Story continues At the same time, UK Trade Minister Greg Hands held talks with Taiwanese officials in Taipei to future-proof Britains economy in the coming decades, as Rishi Sunaks administration looks to take a tougher stance on China. After exports to China effectively stalled, Lithuania has compensated for trade losses and increased its sales to 10 other markets in the Indo-Pacific region by 60% in the first eight months of the year, the Economy Ministry said. On Monday, Taiwan also announced its first 3.5 million euro ($3.49 million) investment in Lithuanias ultrafast laser technology producer Litilit. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Berhad (KLSE:HSPLANT) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple! Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Berhad Crunching The Numbers We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM195.7m RM154.6m RM132.9m RM121.3m RM115.2m RM112.3m RM111.6m RM112.2m RM113.9m RM116.3m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ -14.01% Est @ -8.75% Est @ -5.06% Est @ -2.47% Est @ -0.67% Est @ 0.6% Est @ 1.48% Est @ 2.1% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 9.3% RM179 RM129 RM102 RM85.0 RM73.9 RM65.9 RM59.9 RM55.1 RM51.2 RM47.8 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM849m Story continues The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.6%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 9.3%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032 (1 + g) (r g) = RM116m (1 + 3.6%) (9.3% 3.6%) = RM2.1b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM2.1b ( 1 + 9.3%)10= RM863m The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is RM1.7b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of RM2.1, the company appears about fair value at a 2.8% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind. dcf The Assumptions Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 9.3%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.875. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. Next Steps: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. For Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Berhad, there are three fundamental factors you should consider: Risks: Case in point, we've spotted 2 warning signs for Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Berhad you should be aware of, and 1 of them is a bit concerning. Future Earnings: How does HSPLANT's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here PATRICK T. FALLON - Getty Images Lucid Motors is fighting back against Direct-Sales Prohibition laws state-by-state, most recently in a federal lawsuit filed in Texas. Due to Texas state legislation, the California-based EV company is unable to open its own dealership or sell new models directly to customers, a rule that Lucid believes is unconstitutional. Tesla has faced similar legal scrutiny in its quest for independent sales and service networks, eventually selling to customers through legal loopholes in the state of Michigan, but Lucid's suit is set to question the legality of the rules as a whole. Lucid Motors set out to be a disruptor from its inception, but the company's reality hasn't exactly aligned with its vision. Production woes and high prices have been balanced by lap records and market-leading EV range, leaving the company in a culturally well-known but financially uncertain position. Getting cars to customers has proven to be the company's biggest challenge, but production problems aren't entirely to blame. Due to Lucid's unique in-house manufacturing, sales, and service network, some states have taken issue with its desire to sell directly to customers and want to force Lucid to sell through established dealer networks. Lucid has fought back against these regulations, however, with its most recent filing last week in federal court in Texas. Filed against Monique Johnston, Daniel Avita, and Corrie Thompsonall Texas Department of Motor Vehicles officialsLucid claims the state's refusal to allow the company to obtain a dealership license is anti-competitive and hurts consumer choice in the state of Texas. Additionally, Lucid claims Texas' prohibitive legislation actually encourages out-of-state transactions, which will funnel revenue away from the state and lead customers to be uncovered by in-state consumer protections. Lucid For context, Texas laws protect traditional dealership networks by requiring automotive manufacturers to sell through these networks, but this also means manufacturers without independent dealers are prohibited from operating their own dealerships. The law goes as far as to say Lucid can legally rent or lease its cars to Texans in-state, sell pre-owned Lucids in-state, and even sell brand new models to Texans buying out-of-state, but it cannot sell a new Lucid or open its own dealership in Texas. "This prohibition is pure economic protectionism for the benefit of Texas existing auto dealers," Lucid lawyers wrote in a pointed court briefing. "It puts their profits ahead of the interests of Texas consumers." MediaNews Group/Bay Area News via Getty Images - Getty Images Lucid maintains the state of Texas has no legitimate reason for blocking its citizens from buying Lucids directly, even calling Texas' laws unconstitutional. And Lucid may have a point, given the outcome of a similar suit between Tesla and the state of Michigan. After four years of litigation, Tesla and Michigan settled a similar case in 2020, ultimately allowing any Michigan resident to lawfully buy a Tesla and have it serviced in Michigan. The caveat, in this case, is that Tesla does not have a dealer license in Michigan, meaning it sells cars to consumers through legal loopholes like using out-of-state registrations. Meanwhile, at Tesla's home base in Texas, the company faces the same dealer challenges as Lucid. Lucid's case against Texas could set the precedent for independent dealerships in the future. Citing independent dealer-supportive Federal Trade Commission language, Lucid thinks it has a strong case, one that could lead to diminished protections for the traditional dealership network. For now, manufacturers will have to wait for the outcome of what's set to be a lengthy legal battle, as manufacturers and dealership networks grapple with limited supplies and increasing demand. I made bagels in my air fryer. Chelsea Davis I found a super easy method for making bagels in my air fryer, and I had to try it out. The recipe only calls for three basic ingredients, plus toppings, and takes less than 45 minutes. You can top them with anything you want, making the bagels easily customizable. I found an air-fryer recipe for bagels that only uses a few simple ingredients. I had no idea making bagels could be this simple. Chelsea Davis A recipe on Best Recipe Box uses Greek yogurt as the base for bagel dough, and I wanted to try it out. The blogger writes, "There's really no secret to these bagels," and it's true. The recipe is straightforward and simple. Unlike the traditional, more laborious method of boiling and baking bagels, this recipe only takes about 30 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer, with minimal cleanup. The trick is using a thick Greek yogurt for the base. I used Fage Total 0% Greek yogurt for the recipe. Chelsea Davis The blogger recommended using thick Greek yogurt as the base of the soft, sticky dough. I used Fage Total 0% Greek yogurt and ended up loving the texture. Bringing the dough together was the majority of the prep work. The dough only calls for flour and yogurt. Chelsea Davis To make the dough, all I needed to do was knead equal parts yogurt and self-rising flour for 30 seconds until it formed a ball. I had to be patient when I was forming the bagel shapes. It wasn't easy to make uniform shapes. Chelsea Davis To form the bagels, I simply rolled 1/4 of the dough into a ball. Then with floured fingers, I poked a hole through the dough ball and gently stretched until there was about a 1-inch-wide opening. This process required a little patience, but the bagels don't have to look perfect to turn out well. Once the bagels were formed, I let them rest and rise for 15 minutes. The fun part is choosing what toppings to use. I made two sweet and two savory bagels. Chesleas Davis After the bagels rested, I brushed them with an egg wash and sprinkled them with my toppings. Toppings are optional, but the blogger suggested sesame seeds, premixed bagel seasonings, poppy seeds, cheddar cheese, and sliced jalapenos. I opted for two different toppings I made half with cinnamon sugar and half with everything seasoning. Story continues When cooking, make sure not to overcrowd the air-fryer basket. Giving the bagels space to rise and spread is important. Chelsea Davis It's important to give the bagels room to expand, so I cooked my bagels in two separate baskets. After preheating the air fryer, I sprayed the baskets with oil and cooked the bagels at 330 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes. They came out golden and ready to eat. These bagels were simple to make and surprisingly good. I never thought air-fryer bagels could be so good. Chelsea Davis The bagels were a perfect size and had a soft, moist texture on the inside. They weren't too dense, and the outside wasn't tough or too chewy either. They were tasty, hearty bagels on their own, but they also made the perfect base for cream cheese, butter, or jam. I'll definitely make them again. Want to make this air fryer recipe and more yourself? We've tested 7 air fryers and here are a few of our favorites: Best air fryer overall: Philips Premium Digital Airfryer, from $174.97 on Amazon and Williams Sonoma Best air fryer on a budget: Dash Compact Air Fryer, from $49.95 on Target and Amazon Best multitasking air fryer: Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer, from $144.99 on Walmart and Amazon Read the original article on Insider Madrid on Monday denied that migrants had died on Spanish soil during a deadly mass border crossing from Morocco earlier this year as claimed by a BBC documentary. On June 24, Spanish authorities said up to 2,000 migrants took part in the attempt to storm the border fence between Morocco and Spain's North African enclave of Melilla, and clashed with border officers. Others put the death toll higher, with independent experts appointed by the United Nations human rights office saying last week that at least 37 people died and dozens more were injured. Last Tuesday, British broadcaster BBC released a documentary that claimed lifeless bodies were dragged by Moroccan police from an area that was Spanish-controlled, casting doubt on official government accounts. "There was no death on Spanish territory," Spain's Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska told reporters when asked about the documentary during a visit to the central town of Cuenca. "State security forces acted within the law, with proportionality and necessity," he added. The minister said 50 Spanish Guardia Civil police officers were injured in the incident, which he called a "violent attack of the border, which is a European Union border." The United Nations and rights groups have denounced the use of "excessive force" by the authorities on both sides of the border. But both Spanish and Moroccan authorities have repeatedly defended their actions saying the migrants had been violent and that reasonable force had been used. The Spanish enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta have long been a magnet for people fleeing violence and poverty across Africa, seeking refuge via the continent's only land borders with the European Union. al/ds/ach Finding a business that has the potential to grow substantially is not easy, but it is possible if we look at a few key financial metrics. Firstly, we'll want to see a proven return on capital employed (ROCE) that is increasing, and secondly, an expanding base of capital employed. If you see this, it typically means it's a company with a great business model and plenty of profitable reinvestment opportunities. So when we looked at the ROCE trend of Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad (KLSE:MSC) we really liked what we saw. Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It? Just to clarify if you're unsure, ROCE is a metric for evaluating how much pre-tax income (in percentage terms) a company earns on the capital invested in its business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.35 = RM283m (RM1.4b - RM575m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2022). So, Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad has an ROCE of 35%. In absolute terms that's a great return and it's even better than the Metals and Mining industry average of 13%. View our latest analysis for Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad roce Above you can see how the current ROCE for Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you're interested, you can view the analysts predictions in our free report on analyst forecasts for the company. The Trend Of ROCE The trends we've noticed at Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad are quite reassuring. The numbers show that in the last five years, the returns generated on capital employed have grown considerably to 35%. The company is effectively making more money per dollar of capital used, and it's worth noting that the amount of capital has increased too, by 112%. So we're very much inspired by what we're seeing at Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad thanks to its ability to profitably reinvest capital. Story continues On a side note, Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad's current liabilities are still rather high at 42% of total assets. This effectively means that suppliers (or short-term creditors) are funding a large portion of the business, so just be aware that this can introduce some elements of risk. While it's not necessarily a bad thing, it can be beneficial if this ratio is lower. The Bottom Line On Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad's ROCE All in all, it's terrific to see that Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad is reaping the rewards from prior investments and is growing its capital base. And with a respectable 71% awarded to those who held the stock over the last five years, you could argue that these developments are starting to get the attention they deserve. Therefore, we think it would be worth your time to check if these trends are going to continue. If you want to know some of the risks facing Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad we've found 3 warning signs (1 is a bit unpleasant!) that you should be aware of before investing here. Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad is not the only stock earning high returns. If you'd like to see more, check out our free list of companies earning high returns on equity with solid fundamentals. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here One person was found dead inside a vehicle in Pittsburghs Stanton Heights neighborhood Sunday night. According to Pittsburgh Public Safety, police were called to the 900 block of Millerdale Street following reports of multiple shots fired just before 11:45 p.m. Officers found a male with multiple gunshot wounds inside a vehicle. He was pronounced dead by medics at the scene. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner has identified the man as 21-year-old Jared Lamont Goodwine from Pittsburgh. Violent Crime Unit detectives are investigating. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. TRENDING NOW: Male dead after crashing car, fleeing from police in Pittsburghs Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood 1 flown to hospital after shooting at a Beaver County shopping plaza, 1 in custody Introducing Pittsburghs 2022 Best Places to Work the complete list VIDEO:Allegheny County releases names of who needs to fix ballots in order to make their vote count DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) A man facing a potential death penalty in the killing of three people who were shot at an Alabama church dinner in June is fighting a court-ordered mental evaluation requested by prosecutors. Robert Findlay Smith, 70, hasn't told a court he plans to use a defense of insanity or mental illness and shouldn't have to undergo psychological testing at a state facility unless he does so, the defense argued in a brief objection filed Friday. Circuit Judge Teresa Pulliam, who approved prosecutors' request for an outpatient mental evaluation the day before, hadn't ruled on Smith's motion on Monday. Pulliam's order said she had received information indicating the man may not be able to help with his defense. A Jefferson County grand jury indicted Smith on capital murder charges in the shootings of Walter Bart Rainey, 84, of Irondale; Sarah Yeager, 75, of Pelham; and Jane Pounds, 84, of Hoover. They were killed during a potluck dinner at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Vestavia Hills on June 16. After sitting by himself at the event, Smith pulled out a gun and started shooting without explanation, authorities have said. A longtime church member intervened by hitting the shooter with a chair and restraining him until police arrived, police said. The district attorney's office sought mental testing for Smith, citing the fact that prosecutors are seeking the death penalty and what they called Smith's bizarre behavior of shooting innocent persons who had not harmed him in any way. State law allows reviews in such instances, prosecutors said in asking for the evaluation. While Smith filed court papers last month indicating he would use an insanity defense, his attorney later said the document was submitted by mistake, prosecutors argued. The defense has said it is compiling a cost estimate for a private mental evaluation of Smith, who is being held without bond, records show. MANCHESTER, England (AP) Manchester City reported record revenues and profits for the club in its latest financial statement released on Monday, saying beautiful football was the main reason for its success. Revenues of 613 million pounds ($693 million) for the 2021-22 fiscal year surpassed the figure of almost 570 million pounds ($646 million) the year before for the defending Premier League champion. Profits of 41.7 million pounds ($47 million) more than doubled the club's previous record. City chief executive Ferran Soriano credited manager Pep Guardiola for the clubs financial success. Our strong revenue performance was due to multiple factors, but ultimately driven by the beautiful football we play and the continuous fan growth that it generates; more fans, more audiences, more people in the stadium, and more partners that want to be commercially associated with Manchester City, Soriano said. Since being bought by the Abu Dhabi royal family in 2008, City has become one of the most financially powerful clubs in world soccer, winning 14 major trophies and signing some of the biggest names in the sport. The latest figures show its growth as a commercial business as well. In 2008, we gave ourselves the target of exceeding the benchmarks that had been set by others within football; and in doing so, to also exceed the new standards that we believed leading clubs would achieve in the time it would take us to catch up, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said. Our aim was clear to one day be the club that set the benchmark for others. The statistics and results show that in many ways we are beginning to achieve our long-term ambition. City's financial power has led to rivals raising the issue of the difficulty of being able to compete in the transfer market, with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp most recently airing his views. Nobody can compete with City in that, Klopp said last month. You have the best team in the world and you put in the best striker (Erling Haaland) on the market. No matter what it costs, you just do it ... What does Liverpool do? We cannot act like them. Its not possible. Story continues ___ AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports ___ James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson Nov. 6A Manchester landlord is proposing a pilot program where Queen City property owners chip in thousands to sponsor pods to house homeless individuals as long as they are away from downtown businesses and residential properties. The program, based on a similar idea launched this fall in Burlington, Vermont, involves a commitment of $4,000 per pod, which can provide shelter to 1-2 people. Norri Oberlander, owner of North End Properties in Manchester, sent an email to city landlords Friday pitching her idea, and said by day's end she had already received 10 preliminary commitments from Manchester landlords and business owners. "I'm confident I can get 10 more commitments, because I believe in this city," said Oberlander. "Let this be a lesson to all, that landlords care and that landlords and business owners are stepping up to the plate, which I am so very grateful for. I can't wait to shout these sponsor names from the rooftops, because they believe in making a change." The pods used in the Burlington, Vermont, program are very basic. Heavily insulated, with electricity and heat, each contains a bed, shelving, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and emergency exits, according to information provided by the city of Burlington. In her email to city landlords, Oberlander says she supports such a program, if the pods are located "on city property away from any neighborhoods and away from downtown." She also writes the program would need to include an application process approved by the city solicitor to ensure it provides pods to "homeless people who have family ties to NH only." "If the homeless person does not have ties to NH, we should allocate funds for a bus ticket back to their state of origin," Oberlander writes. She also advocates against using any federal funding for the program, only private funds, so the city can require an application process and "not be forced to accept everyone, which would attract more homeless people to our city." Story continues "This initiative is very preliminary at this point, but we are working hard to brainstorm ideas and research other cities who have implemented this pod program idea," Oberlander said. Alderman Pat Long, who represents Ward 3 and the downtown area, said the proposal "is something I'd be willing to work with the landlords on." "I think this initiative would have a positive effect on first our unsheltered and second on the city as a whole," said Long in an email. "I'm willing to work with anybody on any idea in finding solutions on homelessness. It's good to see the community come together on this potential public/private collaborative effort." At large Alderman Joe Kelly Levasseur said he understands the frustration downtown businesses have had over the past eight years regarding the homelessness crisis, but setting up a pod camp "anywhere but downtown isn't going to solve the homeless crisis." "It's only going to hide it in some off-beat location in some other part of Manchester where there will be an increase in crime and anger for those locals," said Levasseur. "However, if the mayor and aldermen are willing to locate it in Stark Park or Livingston Park then I probably would support it." Oberlander said possible locations for the pods are being "researched." "We are undecided at this time whether we will request city property, or private property, or maybe even state property, but we understand the property needs to be away from businesses and residential neighborhoods and again not be a magnet for the Northeast," Oberlander said in an email. The proposal comes as city aldermen are facing heat from homeless individuals and their advocates over a vote to ban shopping carts, tarps and temporary shelters and structures in the city's public parks. The amendments modify an ordinance that already prohibits camping and fires in public parks. The new language prohibits setting up any tents, tarps, shacks, market umbrellas, beach umbrellas or other temporary shelter or structure at any hour of the day or night for the purpose of camping without the approval of the public works director or a designee. The amended language also prohibits anyone from bringing in, using or possessing any shopping cart, or more than one bicycle at a time in any city park. Brandon LeMay, a candidate for state representative, said he thinks the proposal is a "great idea with great intent." "I'd like to see a city- or state-sanctioned program, but I certainly wouldn't mind private individuals doing a program like this, too," said LeMay, who is New Hampshire Housing Justice organizer for the nonprofit organization Rights and Democracy. "I think this could be a great temporary solution to a major problem the city and state are facing, beds at the shelter are full on cold nights, and then folks have nowhere to go during the day. My main concern would be the city not allowing this project through the planning and zoning process." LeMay said the pods could help those who are disabled and need a caregiver. Currently, homeless individuals aren't allowed to have a caregiver in the Manchester shelter. "I think that shelters are inhumane and not a good way to address homelessness," said LeMay. "While I'd prefer to see the homeless moved from the shelter or the streets into more permanent or transitional housing, I think this could be a great stopgap measure until we can get the housing supply to where it needs to be. These pods are the first actual solution I've seen to address growing numbers of homelessness in New Hampshire." "This is a win-win solution for all involved," said Oberlander. "Homeless people are human beings who need housing and mental health support and we as landlords need to have clean and safe streets to conduct business. This issue is beyond City Hall alone, it's time for all parties to come together for a solution." There's no timetable to discuss the proposal with the city, or when such a pilot program could start. pfeely@unionleader.com CENTER TWP. Beaver County prosecutors announced Monday they are dropping manslaughter charges filed against a Pittsburgh man in August. District Attorney David Lozier said they have withdrawn all charges against Wesley Dean Deaderick, 29, after investigators say they determined he acted in self-defense in the shooting death of 32-year-old William Dawkins of Aliquippa. Shooting report:Pittsburgh man charged in Center Twp. fatal shooting The incident in question occurred when police officers responded to calls of a shooting on Cedar Ridge Drive in Center Township at 10 a.m. Aug. 20. Officers found Dawkins unresponsive and suffering from gunshot wounds in the street after he had confronted Deaderick about home improvements the contractor was performing at a local woman's home in Cedar Ridge Estates. In original reports from the incident, family members said the argument was about work they said Deaderick did not complete and refused to refund. During the altercation, police said, Deaderick shot Dawkins and injured the female Cedar Ridge Estates homeowner. Deaderick later turned himself in and faced various charges. Lozier said the investigation included a review of residential security videos, cell phone videos, witness interviews and crime scene forensics. After reviewing the evidence, investigators said Deaderick did not pull or discharge his firearm until Dawkins had cornered him. At that time, investigators said Dawkins displayed a firearm to Deaderick in a threatening manner. Before Deaderick pulled his own weapon, they said Dawkins brandished the firearm and pointed it at Deaderick, verbally threatening him at the same time. In addition to dropping the manslaughter charges, prosecutors will not pursue charges of reckless endangerment, carrying an unlicensed firearm and possession of an instrument of crime, according to online court records. If additional evidence comes to light the charges may be re-filed, officials said, but as of now, the prosecution will not proceed in its case against Deaderick. This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Beaver County rules self-defense, withdraws manslaughter charges against Pittsburgh man Pancakes are so simple. A little milk, some flour, a few eggs, a bit of butter and you've got yourself a breakfast meal that historians say has been savored since prehistoric times. Yes, before our ancestors could even write, they apparently were whisking up batter and digging into a stack of pancakes. It's not known whether they drizzled maple syrup on their flat cakes. If only they could have gotten their hands on the pancakes that brunch and breakfast lovers can avail themselves of today in North Jersey. Yes, those fluffy spheres of deliciousness are wonderful unadorned (hold the syrup, please). But then again those disks of downy dough also can be embellished nowadays with, well, the kitchen sink: ricotta cheese, cannoli cream, cheese, bacon, chocolate chips, breakfast cereal and, this time of year, pumpkin puree. We scouted the region for the fluffiest, most comforting, most satisfying, most creative pancakes unadorned and adorned and here, fellow pancake lovers, is our list of the region's best. Original Pancake House, West Caldwell and Edgewater Blueberry pancakes at the Original Pancake House When your pancakes are loved by idolized American chef James Beard, you can be pretty sure they're scrumptious. Beard, the cookbook author and teacher whose foundation grants the most prestigious culinary awards in America, had selected the Original Pancake House as one of the top 10 restaurants in America. The franchise began life in 1953 in Oregon. Today, it has more than100 locations across the county. Two are in North Jersey. The first was launched in Rutherford in 1993 by Peter Rentzis, whose son, Demitri, today owns it; while Demitri's brother, Philip, runs the Edgewater location, which opened in 2016 (it was originally in Fort Lee). According to Demitri, when his dad, a veteran restaurant owner, went to the company's flagship restaurant in Oregon to inquire about owning a franchise, he didn't need much persuading. He was sold soon after he learned that it took nine days for the company to ferment its buttermilk batter, that it used only high-quality ingredients and, most importantly, that the pancakes were delicious. "He tasted it and that was it," Demitri said. Story continues "Our rule of thumb is never change your quality," said Demitri. Demitri said that the kitchen uses flour from a special mill in Utah, fresh-grade AA eggs, and honey-cured bacon from Salt Lake City (the bacon plays a starring role in the restaurant's bacon pancakes). Although it's a "pancake house," the franchise is well known for its oven-baked omelets and its Dutch Baby, a tall souffle-like pancake. And its pancakes, of course, especially its apple pancake, a single large pancake smothered with sauteed Granny Smith apples and cinnamon sugar that is baked in the oven and wears a rich cinnamon-sugar glaze. "Every couple of minutes we are making our own whipped cream," he said. However, Demitri said, the top-selling item at his franchise is the chocolate chip pancake. Why chocolate chip? Kids love chocolate chip the most, and this is a family restaurant," Demitri said. "It's a no brainer." Go: 817 Bloomfield Ave., West Caldwell, 973-575-9161 and 15 The Promenade, Edgewater, 201-366-4065, originalpancakehousewestcaldwell.com. Grannys Pancake House, Hamburg Asked what makes the pancakes at Granny's Pancake House so good, general manager Jordan Walker didn't go into a litany of the stellar ingredients Granny uses but simply said, "We've been here for 26 years. We've been doing pancakes for a long time." In other words, the kitchen crew of this popular breakfast-and-lunch spot has perfected its pancake-making skills. The perfection is further enhanced, according to Walker, by the "love and attention we add." The pancakes are made from scratch; your choices are buttermilk, whole wheat and multigrain. The latter, Walker said, "has a lovely cinnamon-y taste." And you can order a batch anytime of day. "It's breakfast all day here," Walker said. Go: 181 Route 23, Hamburg; 973-827-2390 grannyspancakehouseandgrill.com. Cyndia's, Totowa Cynthia Pacillo, the chef and owner of beloved breakfast restaurant Cyndia's, can't help herself. Whenever she whips up a batch of ricotta pancakes, she's got to have one herself. "They're so delicious," said Pacillo. "They barely contain any flour. They remind me," she said, "of Japanese pancakes" those airy, custardy, souffle-like hot cakes served in Tokyo cafes. Pacillo serves hers with a dollop of apricot preserve. Pancakes are a big seller at Cyndia's, Pacillo reported especially on Sunday. "Saturday is more of an omelet day," she said. "Sunday is insane with pancakes." Why's that? "I think people are still in the healthy eating mode on Saturday. By Sunday, it's what the heck." On Sunday, they're likely to devour Pacillo's super-popular cinnamon roll pancakes, fluffy flapjacks blended with cinnamon swirl (brown sugar, cinnamon and butter) and glazed with a cream cheese and butter icing. "They are decadent, insanely good," she said. "They could be a pastry." A made-to-order breakfast pastry. Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee. Go: 169 Union Blvd, Totowa; 973-925-7778, cyndiastotowa.com. Guzzo's BakeHouse, Haworth Baker Ralph Guzzo's family has been in the baking business for generations. Both his grandfather and his father owned bakeries. Any wonder then that he has taken his granddad's beloved cannoli recipe to further jazz up the fluffy pancakes he serves at his quaint six-month-old spot in Rutherford. "Our cannoli recipe goes back about 70 years," Guzzo said. He pipes the well-tested cannoli cream between his homemade pancakes and tops it with pieces of cracked cannoli shells to, he said, "give it texture." "They are popular," Guzzo said. Popular too is the "Triple Threat" pancake, a sweet-tooth's dream-come-true made with Oreo cookies, cookie dough and Nutella, encircled by a layer of vanilla cream "for a bit of freshness on the plate," Guzzo said. "We kind of layer it like a cake." But it's not cake, right? It's a pancake; so, okay to have as your first meal of the day. Or lunch. Unless of course, you'd rather have something a bit lighter, a bit less sugary, a bit more traditional. Then consider ordering a stack of mixed berry pancakes. They may not have the same razzle-dazzle factor as an Oreo-cookie-dough-Nutella pancake, but strawberries and blueberries are pretty darn delicious (and, might we add, nutritious). Go: 298 Park Ave., Rutherford; 201-939-7668, steveandandreas.business.site. The Love of Grub, Clifton Chef and owner Tracey Travers's pancakes are so fluffy that a stack of three stand 5-inches tall. "I don't know the science of it and you can't see it rise, but if it doesn't rise when you flip 'em, you know something is wrong." Nothing is wrong with Travers's well-loved pancakes. She makes her own buttermilk, her own batter. "No pancake mix out of a box, that's for sure," she said. She offers traditional pancakes and specials almost every week. The other week it was apple cinnamon pancakes, lush with sliced apple. Sometimes it's an intense banana pancake. "I mash the banana and put it in the batter," she said. "That way you get banana flavor in every bite." Want strawberries, blueberries or chocolate chips in your pancakes? Done. Travers said she got her pancake recipe from a funky, little restaurant in Key West called Blue Heaven, "my favorite place in the world." She loves its quirky, mismatched look so much that she filled her space with different sized tables, different colored chairs and even placed a a 7-foot statue of a pirate outside her door. Blue Heaven had a wonderful backyard too. Indeed Ernest Hemingway, a Key West resident, would box in its courtyard. No word whether he ate the restaurant's pancakes. Go: 606 Van Houten Ave., Clifton; 973-928-0080 theloveofgrub.com. Steve & Andreas, Rutherford Steve & Andrea's is known for its thin pancakes, a recipe that the owner got from his mom Steve Spano will tell you that Steve & Andrea's, his 47-year-old modestly priced breakfast and lunch spot in Rutherford, is known for its pancakes. "It is our number one bestseller. People come from all over for the pancakes." He is not surprised. After all, he uses his mother's recipe for his very thin pancakes and she was a terrific baker, Spano said. "I still haven't found a bakery that bakes as good as my mother," he said. Her pancakes are unusually thin, crepe-like wonders, thanks to the extra liquid Spano pours into the from-scratch made batter. Spano's mom's pancakes can be had with fresh blueberries, strawberries, bananas or chocolate chips. . Go: 298 Park Ave., Rutherford; 201-939-7668, steveandandreas.business.site. Carvers, Denville It's not often that your find an alum of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America cooking in a diner-like cafe. But Carver Parrish, owner of Carver's in Denville, is indeed a CIA alum, as well as the baker at this quaint 13-year breakfast and lunch spot. Everything in his place is homemade the bread, the tarts and, of course, the pancakes. Get two large buttermilk pancakes with your choice of breakfast meat or choose the multigrain made with wholegrain seeds and almonds. Or, this time of year, there's apple oatmeal or pumpkin pancakes. "We run them right through the holidays," Parrish said. Go: 38 1st Ave., Denville; 862-209-1464, carversdenville.com. Toast, Monclair Toast's mantra is "Peace. Love. Pancakes." You can spot it on the T-shirts the waitsaff wears. The mantra telegraphs the feel and essence of this popular diner-like spot with its kitchy and bright decor, friendly staff and, yes, great pancakes. Owner Any Russo Harrigan uses her dad's recipe for her wonderfully fluffy disks (her dad used to own a diner). Try the red velvet pancake, not just for its pleasing taste, but its artful design: it has a spoon stenciled with powdered sugar on top. Don't overlook the shredded-carrot pancakes made with coconut and raisins. Can't digest gluten? No problem. Toast offers a made-with-nut-flour pancake. Go: 700 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair; 973-509-8099, montclair.toastcitydiner.com. LT Bar & Grill, Hackensack Michelin-starred French chef and restaurateur Laurent Tourondel may be best known for his burger, but don't underestimate his pancakes. "His pancake recipe is well known in the industry," said Andrew Bazzini, executive chef at Tourondel's 46th restaurant, LT Bar & Grill in Hackensack. His other spots include L'Amico and Skirt Steak in Manhattan and LT Burger in Sag Harbor. "It is classic. He's been using it for 20 years." At LT Bar & Grill, there's only one pancake on the menu, make that the brunch menu and it's a doozy. Christened Pancake & Banana Flambe, the dish consists of double-stacked pancakes drenched in a banana flambe sauce made with rum, brown sugar and caramelized bananas, with a generous piping of Nutella and candied pecans on top. "Though it sounds super heavy, it doesn't come across as an overbearing dish," Bazzini said. "Something about it just works." It is, he said, "extremely popular." Go: The Shops at Riverside, 390 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack; 551-287-6333, tbarandgrill.com. Brownstone Pancake Factory, Englewood Cliffs and Edgewater Peanut butter and banana pancakes at Brownstone Pancake Factory in Englewood Cliffs. Come hungry, very hungry, to Brownstone Pancake Factory and don't forget your smartphone. Its famous over-the-top, humongous pancakes are Instagram "like" bait. A few examples: Fried Oreo cheesecake, a pile of near-frisbee-sized buttermilk pancakes baked with Oreos, topped with chunks or cheesecake and fried Oreos and drizzled with chocolate sauce; the Jersey chicken and cheddar, another pile of X-large buttermilks flecked with bacon, jalapeno peppers and cheddar cheese and topped with crispy chicken fritters and a hearty scoop of sour cream; or the brownie sundae, a tower of chocolate chip pancakes sporting a warm nutty brownie a la mode yet (vanilla ice cream, in fact) and doused with chocolate and caramel sauces. But the pancakes, fans will tell you, are not just wild, insanely creative and photogenic, but good. Here is one Yelper's testimony: "The fluffy pancakes with strawberries, bananas, and chocolatey Nutella was a decadent breakfast treat! I was in a food coma not even half way into the meal. Good thing my sister helped me finish it." Go: 860 River Road, Edgewater, 201-945-4800 and 717 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood Cliffs, 201-945-4800, brownstonepancakefactory.com. In addition: The Corner, Montclair. We're not the only fans of The Corner's pancakes. Yelp rated them the best in New Jersey. The pancakes are pillowy with a thick texture and topped with poached apricots or berries. Warning: Odds are you'll have to wait on a line to get your teeth into them come weekend. The Corner is very popular neighborhood spot. 115 Grove St., Montclair; 973-783-2400, .thecornermontclair.com. Willow & Whisk in Wyckoff offers upscale breakfasts and lunches Willow & Whisk, Wyckoff. The fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes are so humongous three giant disks as big as their plate that general manager Anna Bischoff told us she has never seen anyone finish a serving. Nevertheless, it's her go-to, when, she said, "I'm being bad. It is so good." 319 Franklin Ave., Wyckoff; 201-425-9931, willowandwhisk.com. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Places to eat NJ: Best pancakes in North Jersey A Maryland sheriff who made the decision to fire and criminally charge one of his own deputies following an investigation into allegations that he raped a woman held in custody in a Kohls parking lot spoke to Fox News Digital about how law enforcement has been forced to "lower our standards" in hiring in the post-defund-police era. Steven Victor Abreu, 30, was fired from the Wicomico County Sheriffs Office and charged with second-degree rape, fourth-degree sexual offense, second-degree assault, false imprisonment, sexual contact while a person is in law enforcement custody and three counts of misconduct in office following an internal investigation into an alleged October incident involving a 27-year-old victim identified in the affidavit only as "JA." Since Abreu's arrest, Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis said an additional six to seven victims have come forward. The charges range in degree of severity from women who Abreu allegedly spoke to inappropriately during traffic stops and exchanged phone numbers with to one encounter involving Abreu having sexual intercourse with a woman. PHILADELPHIA POLICE MAKE 4TH ARREST IN HIGH SCHOOL AMBUSH SHOOTING AFTER FOOTBALL SCRIMMAGE, 5TH TEEN AT-LARGE Lewis said Abreu first interacted with that woman while she was intoxicated at the scene of a car accident and later had sexual intercourse with her inside a marked sheriffs office vehicle in the parking lot of her apartment complex. That incident, as are the others, remains under investigation, and Lewis said additional charges may be forthcoming. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "You're talking about a uniformed deputy wearing a badge with a gun, with body armor. I don't care if she consented or not. It is not consensual intercourse," Lewis said. "It was not just wrong. It was not just a violation of policy procedure. It is a criminal act. And he will be charged accordingly." With 36 years of law enforcement experience, including the past 10 years as elected sheriff, Lewis detailed to Fox News Digital how agencies are suffering severe staffing shortages, forcing them to lower hiring standards. Story continues "I've always loved this profession like no other. But right now, our rank and file, we are demoralized," Lewis said. "Because Maryland lawmakers have practically legislated us out of a job, no one wants to come into Maryland law enforcement anymore. Our rank and files are shrinking all over the nation. It's not just Mike Lewis of Wicomico County. It's every sheriff in this nation." "It's very difficult to recruit good quality candidates," he said. "So what do we find ourselves doing? Hiring people that didn't wow us during the interview. But we need warm bodies on patrol still in these vacancies that we have within our agencies. And inevitably, what does that do? It lowers our standards. This is how individuals are able to get through the cracks." Abreu had been employed by the Wicomico County Sheriffs Office for less than a year. He completed 26 weeks of training at the academy and another 10 weeks of ride-alongs with a supervisor before beginning solo patrols Aug. 25. "We are scraping the bottom of the barrel to get, first of all, to get any interested candidates in being a sheriff's deputy today because we've been so demonized," Lewis told Fox News Digital. "Then when we do get someone interested in this job. It's very difficult for them to pass through the process." "He didn't wow anybody, and we didn't select him the first time, but he came back," Lewis said of Abreu. "He showed us that he really wanted to be a deputy. He passed everything, but he didn't wow us. But guess what he had that most applicants don't? He was a minority. And I'm always looking for greater diversity within the rank and file in my office because I'm under the gun like any chief or any sheriff to hire more diversity." The sheriff said Abreu ultimately passed a full written test, a physical agility test, a polygraph examination, a psychological examination and an interview with a board made up of seasoned commanders within Lewis' office. However, a law enforcement source who spoke to Fox News Digital argued that Abreu should have been fired a month before the Kohl's lot alleged rape after manipulating his body camera during a traffic stop with a different woman. Crime in Maryland The source said the woman complained to the sheriffs office about Abreu after the deputy first allegedly made provocative remarks during a traffic stop. The woman, according to the source, called her boyfriend on the way home as the deputy followed her back to the house. The boyfriend came outside and nearly got into a fistfight with Abreu, the source added. The deputy was found to have categorized the body camera footage of the alleged inappropriate exchange during the traffic stop incorrectly as training so that the footage captured would remain saved for a shorter amount of time, the source explained. Abreu was then reportedly disciplined and docked four days or about $800 out of his leave bank. The source added that a captain allegedly remarked that he wouldnt fire Abreu then because he felt that the deputy would "straighten out" and that the department was short on manpower "because no one wants to be a cop anymore." The source added that police administrators were neglectful and derelict in their duty to stop this "predator." Lewis admitted Abreu did manipulate his body camera during that incident and received disciplinary action. But that woman texted Abreu after the traffic stop, sent him "suggestive photos" of herself, and asked to ride along with him in his sheriffs vehicle before she was caught by her enraged boyfriend, Lewis said. The woman ultimately did not want to testify and was not considered a credible witness, according to the sheriff, so the deputy got a warning. The source also argued to Fox News Digital that Abreu should have never made it out of the academy. Between January and June, an instructor at the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy documented how Abreu inappropriately cupped and groped a females breasts during a training exercise on holds. Recruits are instructed per protocol when searching a female to always use the back of the hands never the palms. Lewis said he had no prior knowledge of that incident, but after inquiring with the academy, the sheriff was informed it happened during a training class and Abreu learned how to perform frisks correctly. The source added that about a month before his arrest, Abreu was docked days for letting a janitor friend at a hotel allegedly known to be embedded with drugs drive around the parking lot in his marked cruiser with lights and sirens on. Lewis confirmed Abreu was disciplined, but the sheriff claimed the lights and sirens had been off. The source also took issue with Lewis initial on-camera interview with a local news outlet in which the sheriff condemned Abreus actions as a "black on everyone who wears the uniform" but also claimed there had been "no red flags whatsoever" regarding the since-fired deputy. The source accuses Lewis and other administrators of a cover-up, noting how no outside agency has been brought in to investigate to avoid a potential conflict of interest. Lewis, however, has defended his decision to handle the investigation in-house, noting how the Maryland State Police, where he formerly served before running as elected sheriff, is also suffering severe staffing shortages. "They are hemorrhaging. They are bleeding like we all are for personnel," Lewis said of Maryland State Police. "So I thought, I'm not going to farm this case out. This is cut and dry. So we immediately start investigating this. We charged his deputy with multiple charges that we thought were applicable that night. I notify the local press. We do the interview and what happens? Multiple more victims are coming forward." Elkton, MD, USA - May 27, 2014: State Trooper Police Car from the Maryland State Police on parking lot. Abreu's alleged abuse of the badge went unchecked until a 27-year-old woman was interviewed on-camera by detectives on Oct. 30 and was "visibly upset and shaking as she spoke" about meeting a friend in the parking lot of a Kohls department stores days earlier on Oct. 26 when at between 1 and 1:30 a.m. a marked sheriffs office vehicle pulled up behind her vehicle and a deputy exited in "full uniform," according to the arrest affidavit. Abreu allegedly told "JA" and her male friend that they could not be there when the business was not open. The woman said the deputy had a brief conversation with the friend and released him before coming over to her vehicle and identifying himself by name. The deputy allegedly requested that the woman write down her phone number and information in a notebook he removed from his uniform vest pocket and instructed her to get out of the vehicle so that he could check for illegal substances. According to the affidavit, the woman says she complied, and Abreu proceed to "frisk her." "She stated that he used his hands to grab her breasts and then grabbed her buttocks. She stated that he then told her to get back into her vehicle, which she did," according to the probable cause statement. "She said that he then leaned into the open driver's side window keeping his flashlight on and in his right hand. She said he then moved his left hand under her pants and penetrated her vagina with his fingers. She stated that he then began touching her breasts, under her clothing, with his left hand." "JA stated that she did not consent to any of the sexual acts. She stated that she did not feel free to leave and was fearful of what would happen if she did try to run away or fight him," the affidavit says. "JA said that her friend called her to check on her, and she told Abreu it was her babysitter and that she had kids at home waiting for her, and she was late, hoping he would end the assault and let her leave. She stated that he wrote his phone number on a piece of paper and gave it to her before he let her go." The woman says Abreu later called and texted her messages of a sexual nature, but she did not respond, deleted the messages and blocked his number. Just two days after the alleged parking lot assault, she was on a wireless call with her fiance when the same deputy pulled her over while she was traveling home from her place of employment. "She stated that he reached into the vehicle and grabbed her face in the area of her jawline with his hand. She stated that he forcefully moved her face and looked at her neck," according to the affidavit. "She said he commented on marks that he had seen on her neck during the first assault no longer being visible. She said that he then let her go and told her that he would see her again and that she was not to tell anyone about their interactions." Fearful Abreu would come after her again, the woman's fiance drove her to and from work the next day. When he came to pick her up, the fiance observed a marked sheriff's office vehicle with its lights on in the parking lot of the woman's job. He recorded the department vehicle, which then moved to a nearby gas station. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The source said Abreu previously applied to the Salisbury Police Department, but his application was terminated. "Cops hate one individual worst thing to a criminal and that's a dirty cop," Lewis said. "And the fact that this dirty cop has betrayed our trust, he's tarnished our badge, he's tarnished our uniform, our profession. We are going to dig holes where we've never dug them before. We're going to dig up every nook and cranny on this guy. And I'm confident that my investigators will and have done one incredible job interviewing potential victims in this case." Neither an attorney nor representative for Abreu were available for comment on this report. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (Reuters) -Italy's new right-wing government remains committed to decarbonisation in line with the Paris climate agreement, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told the COP27 summit on Monday. Signatories to the 2015 Paris Agreement had pledged to achieve a long-term goal of keeping global temperatures from rising by more than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, the threshold beyond which scientists say climate change risks spinning out of control. "Despite a very complex international scenario, already affected by the pandemic and further disrupted by the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Italy remains strongly committed to pursuing its decarbonization pathway in full compliance with the goals of the Paris agreement," Meloni said. "We intend to pursue a just transition to support the affected communities and leave no one behind," Meloni, speaking in English, added in her first address to a major international summit since she took office last month. Italy has dramatically reduced its reliance on Russian gas since the invasion of Ukraine in February and Meloni said the country would pursue its energy diversification strategy in partnership with several African countries. She said nations need to do more to respond adequately to the climate crisis. "Fighting climate change is a common endeavor which requires full engagement of all countries and pragmatic co-operation among all major global actors. Unfortunately we have to admit that this is not happening," she added. (Reporting by William James, additional reporting by Angelo Amante in Rome, writing by Keith Weir, editing by Deepa Babington) Here are some of the biggest ballot issues and races in the Cincinnati area, and how the results of these elections might shape Greater Cincinnati going forward. Ohio's 1st Congressional District: Cincinnati City Councilman Greg Landsman and U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot Republican Rep. Steve Chabot, left, faces Democrat Greg Landsman in the race for Ohio's 1st Congressional District. Ohio is on the front lines of the battle for control of Congress. National Democrats and Republicans are pouring millions of dollars into two Ohio congressional races ahead of the November election as they seek to claim the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. No doubt you've seen Cincinnati City Councilman Greg Landsman and U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot on television lately in ads and debates. It's a competitive race with control of the U.S. House at stake. The stakes are high. Republicans need a net gain of five seats to seize the House majority, and the political tide is in their favor. Although President Joe Biden's approval rating has slightly improved, the party that controls the White House tends to struggle during the midterms. And concerns about the economy are still top of mind for voters in Ohio and across the country. The fight for the House:With control of Congress at stake, watch these Ohio congressional races Issue 9: Hamilton County taxpayers will decide whether to pay more for mental health Hamilton County taxpayers will decide whether to pay more for mental health with ballot Issue 9. In the past 15 years, the property tax for the mental health levy hasn't increased but the demand for mental health services has, counselors, patients and mental health professionals all agree. This November, Hamilton County voters will be asked whether they are willing to pay more on their property taxes for mental health services. Issue 9, if approved by voters, would raise the mental health property tax rate 32% and would be the first increase since 2007. Learn more about Issue 9:What does the mental health levy pay for? Hamilton County Commissioner: The future of the Bengals Voters in Hamilton County, Ohio, will have a choice among three commissioner candidates in November. From left to right, incumbent Democrat Stephanie Summerow Dumas, independent candidate Christopher Smitherman and Republican Matt O'Neill. This year's three-way race for county commissioner has stood out from others. For the first time in living memory, an independent candidate has mounted a serious campaign for a countywide office. Story continues The race pits incumbent Democrat Stephanie Summerow Dumas against independent Christopher Smitherman and Republican Matt O'Neill. The stakes are high. Whoever wins this race will play a major role in determining the future of the Bengals in Cincinnati. The Bengals' lease with Hamilton County for Paycor Stadium will expire in 2026 and negotiations will begin soon. The three-member Hamilton County Board of Commissioners oversees the county's $324 million annual general fund budget that pays for the sheriff, prosecutors, auditor and other services. They also own and manage Great American Ball Park and Paycor Stadium. Learn more about this race:Bengals lease at stake in unusual race for Hamilton County commissioner Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds faces six public corruption charges. But he's running for reelection Roger Reynolds Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds faces six public corruption charges. He's being sued for civil conspiracy. The local sheriff, a fellow Republican, has called for Reynolds to resign. Yet Reynolds is running for reelection this November. And he stands a good chance of winning. Reynolds ran unopposed in the Republican primary election in May and won. He is endorsed by the Butler County Republican Party and will face Democratic candidate and Oxford Township resident Mike Dalesandro in the November election. Republicans dominate in Butler County, where former president Donald Trump won 61% to 37% in 2020. No Democrats represent Butler County on its county commission, in Columbus, or in Washington. The Democrat running against Reynolds said he hopes county residents recognize the need for change, not just in the person in the party controlling the office. Learn more:Indicted auditor Roger Reynolds runs for reelection, gets GOP endorsement Ohio House race between Republican Jenn Giroux and Democrat Rachel Baker Religion? Check. Abortion? Check. Accusations involving feces and sex toys? Check. Cincinnati's East Side and eastern suburbs are home one of the more unusual and incendiary Ohio House contests, the race between Republican Jenn Giroux and Democrat Rachel Baker. Residents of the27th House District received an uncensored, expletive-laden two-page letter in mid-October alleging harassment from a Facebook group called Beastside. That harassment included, among other things, a sex toy being sent by mail, the letter alleged. Each woman calls the other one extreme. More on this race:Religion, abortion and Anderson Township politics make for a volatile Ohio House race This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Important Hamilton County races and ballot issues you need to watch MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -A Mexican anti-corruption authority said on Monday it had launched an investigation into the state attorney's office of Morelos, after a top official accused prosecutors there of covering up the killing of a young woman found on a highway last week. Hours earlier, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum accused Morelos' state attorney's office of covering up the killing of 27-year-old Ariadna Lopez, after it ruled out evidence of violence and said she had died of alcohol intoxication. An investigation by Mexico City prosecutors later concluded Lopez had died of multiple force trauma, and revealed security footage showing a man who claimed to be Lopez's friend carrying a body from a Mexico City apartment after she disappeared on Oct. 30. Cyclists found Lopez's body in neighboring Morelos state days later and shared photos online to help identify her. The Morelos prosecutors' office could not be reached for comment. "In this case it is evident the Morelos prosecutors' office wanted to hide the femicide, presumably because of links with the presumed killer," said Sheinbaum, who has been tipped to become Mexico's first woman president in a 2024 vote. "It was the duty of Morelos' prosecutors' office to carry out the investigation," she added. "Without the intervention from Mexico City, this femicide would have gone unpunished." Morelos is a central state with one of the highest rates of femicide in a country where some 10 women on average are killed every day Morelos' state anti-corruption prosecutors' office said later on Monday it had opened an investigation into "possible crimes" committed by employees of the attorney's office during the investigation into Lopez's death. It said it has begun its investigation autonomously to clarify the alleged acts of corruption. Mexican authorities said two people linked to Lopez's alleged killing were in police custody. On Friday, authorities said five women were found dead in Morelos. (Reporting by Carolina Pulice; Editing by Sarah Morland, Aurora Ellis and Leslie Adler) By Stefanie Eschenbacher MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - In late 2016, to avoid racking up fines for burning too much natural gas, Mexico's state oil company Pemex struck a deal with the regulator to invest over $3 billion to fix its flaring problem at its most productive set of oil fields. But five years on, the little-publicized project has been abandoned, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the matter, and the environmental toll at the Ku-Maloob-Zaap offshore fields in the Gulf of Mexico continues to rise. The broken commitment, which has not previously been reported, highlights the struggles of Mexico's oil regulator to rein in Pemex, a powerful state monopoly that is always closely connected to the government. It also shows how, while countries like Colombia, Kazakhstan and Nigeria have cut flaring by investing in infrastructure and strictly enforcing penalties, Mexico is heading in the opposite direction, as Reuters has reported. Pemex opted to drop the plan half-way through completion, the three sources said, as low gas prices made it less economically attractive and political priorities shifted to raising oil output. The decision was made despite the environmental cost and threat of regulator fines. "The fines are not an adequate incentive for a state company to change its way of doing things," said Rosanety Barrios, a former energy ministry official who designed and coordinated policies for the creation of gas and oil products markets. For decades, companies routinely burnt off gas - whose main component is methane - that came to the surface as a byproduct of oil production and exploration. It was cheaper than investing in infrastructure to capture and process it. But growing fears about climate change have made that unpalatable. Mexico - the world's eighth biggest flarer - is under increasing pressure, including from the United States, to cut gas flaring and methane emissions, which are set to worsen as fields age further. Story continues Pemex development plans and legal records, as well as previously unreported internal assessments made by the regulator, and confidential data, show the enormous waste of resources following Pemex's decision to not complete the works on Ku-Maloob-Zaap which produces nearly 40% of national oil output. Pemex, the energy ministry and the regulator did not respond to requests for comment. The oil company has in recent quarterly reports stressed it was making efforts to clean up its operations and bring down flaring and other waste. Pemex broke no laws by not following through with the investment pledge and there were no penalties foreseen under the terms of the deal. But the plan would have been an important step towards operating in a more environmentally responsible manner. The plan stalled at the end of the term of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's predecessor, the sources said, and was never resumed even as environmental concerns rose. In a bid to make Mexico self-sufficient, resource nationalist Lopez Obrador has vowed to help Pemex reverse a decade of declining production - even if it results in higher emissions. Energy experts said the discarded investment plan also shows how Pemex has struggled to understand the rise of the environmental movement - and how important it would become to its own investors. "Pemex lags behind its peers in terms of climate ambitions: obviously the listed oil majors but also many national oil companies," said Marie-Sybille Connan, a senior ESG analyst at asset manager Allianz Global Investors. "Pemex operations are in clear need of investment in order to be more efficient and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions." Earlier this year, under increasing international criticism, Lopez Obrador said Pemex would invest $2 billion to improve infrastructure to reduce flaring and methane emissions. It has yet to publish details on how the money will be spent, over what time period and where it would come from. PRESIDENTIAL PRIORITIES In recent years, as the environmental toll of flaring has become ever clearer, many companies have invested heavily in new technology and infrastructure to curb the practice. Scientists argue that oil companies should not routinely burn off gas at all. But where it is not possible to capture, process or transport the gas, such as in remote Siberian oil fields, they should at least ensure the flare burns cleanly. A flare, when burning cleanly, breaks down methane - a highly potent greenhouse gas - into mostly carbon dioxide and vapor. Carbon dioxide absorbs far less heat in the atmosphere than methane. But methane can leak both from poorly burning flares and from pipelines, wells and gas processing centers. Thirty-four countries, including Mexico, as well as 51 companies, have signed a World Bank-backed pledge to cut routine flaring to zero by 2030. Despite being one of the signatories, Mexico's flaring hit record levels in 2021, an analysis of satellite images by the Earth Observation Group of the Colorado School of Mines showed. The government did not respond to repeated requests for comment on the issue over the past year. Tamara Sparks, who reviewed the findings for Reuters, said preliminary data for the first seven months of 2022, suggest flaring may have dropped slightly but remains near historic levels recorded last year. At Ku-Maloob-Zaap the situation is particularly stark. Located some 105 kilometers (65 miles) offshore from Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, the biggest field in the cluster is named Ku. Forty years since its discovery, Ku remains one of the country's most important oil assets. Pemex does not release flaring data for the sites but four different sets of non-public data from the regulator, seen by Reuters, showed flaring and other waste at Ku-Maloob-Zaap went up dramatically since 2018. The regulator said in 2020 the company wasted 37.7% of the gas from Ku alone through flaring, venting or otherwise. Mexico's legal limit is 2%. Methane leakage has also been a problem. Scientists, including from the Polytechnic University of Valencia in Spain, detected two massive methane emissions at part of the Ku-Maloob-Zaap infrastructure meant to burn off the methane component of the gas, one in December 2021 and another in August this year. LICENSE TO FLARE The more-than $3 billion Pemex said in November 2016 it would invest to cut flaring was meant to go towards five different infrastructure projects. The company had just been slapped with a fine for exceeding the regulator's limit and presented the plan to fix the problem, a document from the regulator seen by Reuters shows. Sergio Pimentel, a former top official who was at the regulator at the time, said the first fine - of 2.19 million pesos (then worth $106,000) - was "symbolic" and meant to persuade Pemex to change course. Penalties for second offenses tend to be higher. As the regulator approved the proposal, it stressed the urgency of the issue in an evaluation document, saying the amount of gas from these fields "will continue to rise," making it increasingly important that Pemex had an effective way to capture and process it. But the plan was abandoned just two years later, according to a second document from the regulator, which was drawn up to detail the progress. Pemex had spent half of the pledged money on fixes that did nothing to solve the underlying problem, two of the sources said, pointing to heavy investment in pumping equipment, pipes and a turbocompressor. But the final pieces of infrastructure were never built, including a new platform meant to compress the gas gathered from all the oil fields and reinject it to maintain pressure and prolong their useful life. Without that, the other investments were effectively useless, the sources added, because the gas was still sent to the flare, just as before. One source said the regulator fined Pemex again for recurrence in 2021 but the oil company started legal proceedings to annul the fine, which are still pending. In 2020, in an effective admission that it would not fulfill the goals of the investment commitment it had made in 2016, Pemex sought regulatory permission to flare or otherwise waste at the Ku field at an even steeper rate for another decade. It proposed to flare as much as 71.3% of the gas until 2030, public documents reviewed by Reuters show. The regulator approved the plan. Pimentel, the only official who voted against it, said the regulator should not have approved the request because flaring and venting at such levels are both terrible for the environment and against the law. "Pemex did not reach the (2% waste) target because it didn't go through with the investment promises it had made," he said. "Mexico has international commitments on climate change, and it should comply with them." (Reporting by Stefanie Eschenbacher; editing by Stephen Eisenhammer and Claudia Parsons) Every Michigander knows, and hates, that feeling you get when you wake up and realize something is poised to happen and you forgot all about it. But don't let that stop you from voting Tuesday! If you follow a few simple steps, and act soon, there's still time to cast a ballot. Here's what you do: Early voting is taking place at a variety of satellite locations around Detroit including the Northwest Activities Center on Meyer Road in Detroit on Oct. 5, 2020. More:Voter guide for Michigan election 2022: Macomb, Oakland, Wayne counties More:Election Day 2022 in Michigan is next week. Here's what you need to know OK, I know I want to vote. What do I do now? In order to vote in Michigan, you need to be registered in the state. You can check whether you're registered at the Michigan Voter Information Center website. (Sigh) I am! Amazing! That means there are fewer steps you need to take to ensure your voice is heard this year. You can skip ahead to the remaining tips below. (Gulp) I am not! Don't give up, there's still time! In Michigan, you can register through 8 p.m. on Election Day. Here's what you need to do: Make sure you're eligible. If you're a U.S. citizen, 18 years old by Election Day, have lived in your current Michigan residence for at least 30 days and are not currently serving a prison sentence, you're eligible to vote. Collect key documents. You'll need to prove to your local clerk you are who you say you are. That means you'll need documents that include your name and address. Best to bring a government-issued photo ID if you have one, along with a utility bill, current bank statement or recent pay stub. Go to your clerk. At this point, the only way to register is by going to your clerk's office. Refer back to that handy dandy state website to make sure you visit the right spot! More:Michigan's candidates for governor: Where Gretchen Whitmer and Tudor Dixon stand More:Your guide to Michigan's ballot proposals for 2022 election OK, I'm registered. Now what? Go vote! You're gonna vote in person at your local polling place. Again, you can find that site on the state's election website, or by calling your local clerk. The state website also has a copy of the ballot that you'll see in the polling booth. Never a bad idea to give it a read before heading out, to make sure you have a little time to research candidates, proposed constitutional amendments, millages and other issues important to your community. Story continues You can look up the candidates and proposals on your ballot on the Detroit Free Press' voter guide. The Free Press sent questionnaires to candidates up and down the ballot, including those running for statewide offices like governor, state supreme court and the Legislature. We also heard back from those vying for countywide offices, including potential commissioners, sheriffs and local school board members. Hundreds of candidates responded. You can get up to speed on the three proposed constitutional amendments with this guide as well. Can I vote right now? You can, but you only have a few more hours before you'll need to vote in person on Election Day! Monday is the final day to obtain an absentee ballot in person from your local clerks office. If you want to get one, the deadline is 4 p.m. After you fill it out, your absentee ballot must be turned in by 8 p.m. Election Day to your local clerks office. Don't forget to return it if you decide you want one! When can I vote on Election Day? Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. You can register to vote at any point during that time frame on Election Day, but, obviously, if you do so earlier it eliminates any scramble to get your ballot cast. Any ballot not received by the clerk by the time polls close does not count! More:Jocelyn Benson faces Kristina Karamo in Michigan secretary of state race: What to know More:Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel faces GOP challenger Matthew DePerno: What to know What happens when I arrive at the polls? Once you make it to your polling place, an election worker will likely ask to see your photo ID. If you have it with you, great! If you don't, you're still able to vote as long as you sign an affidavit promising you are who you say you are. You'll likely need to sign a separate paper once you're there, again affirming your identity. At that point, the election worker will give you your ballot and direct you to a voting booth. Then what? Cast your ballot! Make sure to clearly indicate which candidate you're choosing. If you vote straight ticket (either for all Republicans or all Democrats) but you still want to vote on constitutional amendments or nonpartisan races, you will still need to cast individual votes in those contests. Once you've done that, follow the election worker's instructions to ensure they get your completed ballot. Then grab one of those nifty "I voted" stickers and feel proud you've participated in democracy! Contact Dave Boucher: dboucher@freepress.com or 313-938-4591. Follow him on Twitter @Dave_Boucher1. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan election 2022: Your last-minute guide to voting Myron Chesler casts his ballot Thursday at the Los Angeles County registrar-recorder's office in Norwalk (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Two days before voting closes, more than 17% of registered voters in Los Angeles County have already cast their ballots for the midterm election, the vast majority voting by mail, according to the L.A. County registrar-recorder's office. Election experts say the early ballot counts don't give a good indication of the final election turnout, and it's still uncertain whether the bitter winter storm that is expected to hit Southern California on election day will deter voters from showing up to the polls. More than 70,000 people in Los Angeles County have voted in person about a third of whom voted Sunday and over 900,000 have voted by mail, as of counts late Sunday. Voting in Tuesday's election remains open Monday and Tuesday, with voting centers closing Tuesday at 8 p.m., and mail-in ballots requiring postmarks of Tuesday or earlier. #LACounty Voter Participation Snapshot: 24,414 voters today at our Vote Centers; cumulative total 72,074 across the voting period thus far. 905,283 Vote by Mail ballots returned. 977,357 ballots cast ~17.3% turnout. Two days of voting remaining. Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (@LACountyRRCC) November 7, 2022 The registrar-recorder said an additional 24,000 vote-by-mail ballots were counted by late Monday morning, bringing L.A. County's total votes to just over 1 million and close to 18% of registered voters. There are 5.6 million people registered to vote in L.A. County this election, according to the county, about a million short of estimates of all eligible voters. The county opened 500 additional voting locations this weekend, operating a total of 640, all of which will remain open through Tuesday. Even with early voting numbers, experts say it's still hard to predict the turnout, especially given the growing reliance on vote-by-mail ballots, which can continue to come in days after election night. Story continues However, when compared with votes tallied two days before the 2020 presidential election which historically draws higher turnout than midterms early voters have not been as active this election cycle, according to data provided by the USC Price School of Public Policy's Center for Inclusive Democracy. More than 40% of registered voters had already submitted ballots or voted in person two days before the 2020 election, compared with almost 18% as of early Monday. Final tallies in 2020 showed voters came out in record numbers, with more than 75% of those registered in Los Angeles County casting ballots. The USC policy center did not have the voter turnout rate for two days before the 2018 midterm elections, in which the final voter turnout hit 60% in L.A. County. Mindy Romero, the director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy, cautioned that sizing up voter turnout this midterm with the 2020 election is far from a fair comparison, given the prominence of the presidential race and how the 2020 contest occurred during the height of the pandemic. "We can't really compare this election at this point," Romero said. Were still learning about how people are changing or adjusting [their voting habits]. ... Its always difficult to predict, but coming out of the pandemic its even more difficult." She also pointed out that L.A. County has historically recorded a larger share of in-person voters than other counties, which can also make it hard to draw conclusions from early voting. Voter turnout in the most recent June primary hovered at about 30%, a decent showing for a primary election but still well below recent midterm or presidential election years. I would be very surprised if we went past 2018 numbers, but anythings possible," Romero said. Im thinking that this will be a good year of turnout for L.A. County for what we would expect for a midterm election year." While the city's mayoral race has become increasingly competitive, she said, there are few other close contests locally or statewide or even ballot initiatives that are energizing Angelenos to get to the polls. She also said it's still unclear how voters may be motivated by the recent leaked recording of Los Angeles City Council members using racist language, or become more apathetic. It's likely voter turnout and election results will take days, if not weeks, to finalize as more and more voters have shifted to mail-in ballots in recent years. Officials are warning that candidates and voters should prepare for ballot tabulation to extend for weeks after election day, though Romero said an update on unprocessed ballots Thursday should pretty accurately show total turnout. And added into the election mix this year is an early November storm sweeping across Southern California, which is forecast to bring rain across the region Tuesday often a concern for voter turnout. Some studies have shown, though, that increased early voting can mitigate weather's effect. It can be an issue, and not just for voters," Romero said of the rain. "It can be an issue for the get-out-the-vote efforts, the volunteers." But she said she wasn't convinced the weather would have much effect on any particular outcomes in California. Voting centers are open through 7 p.m. Monday and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. A full list of sites and an online map can be found online. People can return their vote-by-mail ballots through the post office or by dropping them off at an official drop box location or at in-person voting centers. More details on how to vote in this election, the important races and what issues are at stake can be found in this guide. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The 2022 midterm elections will take place on Tuesday 8 November. As Americans prepare for the high-stakes race, many parents and students alike are wondering: Are schools closed on election day? Election Day is not a federal holiday in the United States, but some states across the country have passed legislation to observe the date as a legal holiday. This means that a number of schools in certain states will be closed, while others will remain open. In some cases, schools may also serve as polling locations, causing schools to close as well. As Election Day approaches, its important to check with local school districts for updates on school closures. According to the Movement Advancement Project, states including New York, New Jersey, West Virginia, Illinois, Maryland, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Louisiana have declared Election Day a civic holiday. As a result, some government offices in these states will be closed on Tuesday, apart from designated polling locations. However, this doesnt guarantee that all schools in these states will be closed on Election Day. For example, New York City schools will be closed on Tuesday, with no remote instruction to be given as well. But in New Jersey, where Election Day is a state holiday, the decision to close schools is made by local districts. According to the Delaware Department of Education, a majority of school districts in Delaware will observe Election Day as well. There are still nearly 20 states in the US that do not celebrate Election Day as a public holiday. But depending on where you live, some employers must allow time off for people wanting to cast their vote and, in some cases, employers must even provide paid time off for voting. California, for instance, does not regonise Election Day as a public holiday. Still, employers in California are required to provide paid time off for voters who must vote during work hours. Meanwhile, Florida doesnt observe Election Day as a public holiday, and workers in Florida are also not given paid time off for voting. While a number of schools and public offices will be closed on Election Day, some business will still remain open during the day. The US Postal Service will continue to deliver mail on Tuesday, seeing as many Americans will be casting their votes via absentee ballot through the mail. Banks, and banking services such as ATM machines and online banking, should also remain normal throughout Election Day. Election Day is Tuesday 8 November. Polls across the country are expected to open between 6am-8am and should close between 7pm-8pm. SheKnows Whos going to tell him? Thats the question the Republican Party is asking themselves right now after Donald Trump inserted himself into the 2024 presidential conversation. Hes running, but the GOP is lining up behind other candidates to support besides the former president. Republican Party leaders are noting that its like Donald Trumps campaign announcement [] crime Longer prison sentences do not work as a deterrent because criminals do not believe they will be caught with police detection rates so low, according to research by the judicial body that oversees sentencing. A major study by the Sentencing Council said that the low risk of detection undermined any deterrent effect that longer sentences had on criminals. It said this was one of five reasons why there was no strong evidence to support longer sentences having a general deterrent effect on offenders. Moreover, we note that some have argued it is time to accept that sentence severity has no effect on the level of crime in society, said the council. The latest Home Office figures show police are solving the lowest proportion of crimes on record - as overall offences have hit a new high. Only 5.4 per cent of all crimes resulted in a charge in the year to June, equivalent to just over one in 20 offences being solved. That is more than half the rate six years ago. By contrast, the average custodial sentence length for all indictable offences has reached 25.7 months in the year to March 2022, up from 16.8 months in 2012, according to Ministry of Justice (MoJ) figures. It follows successive crackdowns on sentencing in successive criminal justice bills by Tories and Labour. The sentencing council said as well as detection rates, severe sentences could also only deter if offenders knew about them and understood them but research suggested there was limited understanding of them among defendants. Another reason highlighted by the council was that a lot of crime was carried out by people with low self-control, who were highly impulsive and underestimated the consequences of their actions. Deterrence-based policies assume that offenders make at least broadly rational decisions, giving some thought to benefits and costs, whereas research shows that a myriad of psychological and situational factors mean that would-be criminals very often depart from normatively rational behaviour, said the council. Story continues Many offenders also set more store by peer group influence and fear of lost respect or social standing among the criminal fraternity than their fear of facing a long prison term. The council said that tougher sentences appeared to have little effect not only generally but also in deterring specific individuals from committing crimes. There is evidence that sentence enhancements (that is, increases in sentence severity) for those with prior records do not appear to produce a deterrent effect in terms of reductions in rates of reoffending, said the council. For example, in the context of burglary, research with offenders found that assistance with drug misuse rather than the deterrent effects of punishment was the most common reason given for reducing offending. Even the more draconian three strikes rules in the USA (whereby even three relatively minor offences can lead to prison sentences of between 25 years to life) do not seem to be effective in producing deterrent effects. The council said there was even less evidence that short, sharp shock punishments for young offenders were effective as teenagers and young people aged over 18 may still be in a formative phase of their life where deterrent effects as less likely (until as late as 25-30 in terms of neurological development). The council said its review of research suggested short prison sentences under 12 months were less effective than other punishments such as suspended jail terms or community sentences. It said certain requirements of community or suspended sentences such as treatment for drug or drink addiction may be more effective at promoting positive outcomes than others. The evidence against the effectiveness of short custodial sentences is amongst the most robust. There is also good evidence on what is effective in certain circumstances (for example in cases involving addiction or mental health issues), concluded the council. The council will consider undertaking work with offenders to understand which elements of their sentence may have influenced rehabilitation. Additionally, further research into what works for different sectors of the population (for example different ethnicities and genders) would be beneficial. It is usually uneventful when a single insider buys stock. However, When quite a few insiders buy shares, as it happened in ARB Corporation Limited's (ASX:ARB) case, it's fantastic news for shareholders. While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing. View our latest analysis for ARB The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At ARB There wasn't any very large single transaction over the last year, but we can still observe some trading. ARB insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below! ARB is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. Insider Ownership For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. ARB insiders own about AU$174m worth of shares (which is 7.7% of the company). Most shareholders would be happy to see this sort of insider ownership, since it suggests that management incentives are well aligned with other shareholders. What Might The Insider Transactions At ARB Tell Us? It doesn't really mean much that no insider has traded ARB shares in the last quarter. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. With high insider ownership and encouraging transactions, it seems like ARB insiders think the business has merit. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing ARB. To assist with this, we've discovered 1 warning sign that you should run your eye over to get a better picture of ARB. Story continues If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Usually, when one insider buys stock, it might not be a monumental event. But when multiple insiders are buying like they did in the case of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY), that sends out a positive message to the company's shareholders. Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether. See our latest analysis for Eli Lilly Eli Lilly Insider Transactions Over The Last Year The Independent Director Jackson Tai made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for US$200k worth of shares at a price of US$304 each. We do like to see buying, but this purchase was made at well below the current price of US$357. While it does suggest insiders consider the stock undervalued at lower prices, this transaction doesn't tell us much about what they think of current prices. While Eli Lilly insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! Eli Lilly is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Insiders At Eli Lilly Have Bought Stock Recently It's good to see that Eli Lilly insiders have made notable investments in the company's shares. Specifically, Independent Director Jackson Tai bought US$200k worth of shares in that time, and we didn't record any sales whatsoever. This is a positive in our book as it implies some confidence. Insider Ownership Of Eli Lilly Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. It's great to see that Eli Lilly insiders own 0.2% of the company, worth about US$530m. Most shareholders would be happy to see this sort of insider ownership, since it suggests that management incentives are well aligned with other shareholders. Story continues So What Does This Data Suggest About Eli Lilly Insiders? It is good to see the recent insider purchase. And an analysis of the transactions over the last year also gives us confidence. Along with the high insider ownership, this analysis suggests that insiders are quite bullish about Eli Lilly. Looks promising! While we like knowing what's going on with the insider's ownership and transactions, we make sure to also consider what risks are facing a stock before making any investment decision. While conducting our analysis, we found that Eli Lilly has 3 warning signs and it would be unwise to ignore them. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here By Susan Heavey and Rami Ayyub WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Elon Musk, Twitter's new owner, urged Americans to elect a Republican Congress in U.S. midterms on Tuesday to counterbalance President Joe Biden's Democrats, the first time a major social media CEO explicitly took a side. "Shared power curbs the worst excesses of both parties, therefore I recommend voting for a Republican Congress, given that the Presidency is Democratic," Musk said in a tweet on Monday to his more than 110 million followers. Republicans are favored to win a majority in the House of Representatives in Tuesday's elections, with the Senate rated a toss-up by nonpartisan election forecasters. Democrats currently control both houses. Musk, the world's richest person and CEO of Tesla, took over Twitter in a $44 billion deal last month and has engaged in drastic measures including sacking half the staff and a plan to charge for blue check verification marks. His absolutist stance on free speech has led some groups to warn against a rise in misinformation and some advertisers to pull their spending. A crackdown on users impersonating Musk prompted Twitter to suspend comedian Kathy Griffin. Later, he added, "I'm open to the idea of voting Democrat again in the future" and said he had historically been an independent who had voted for Democrats. Musk has been critical of the Biden administration and Democrats for their proposals to tax billionaires and give more tax incentives to union-made electric vehicles. Tesla does not have unions at its U.S. factories. Republicans could use a majority in either chamber to bring Biden's agenda to a halt and launch potentially politically damaging investigations into Biden's administration and family. Kyle Kondik, from the University of Virginia' Center for Politics, said it was unlikely Musk's words would influence the election's outcome. "It's hard to expect any sort of celebrity 'endorsement,' as this basically is, to have much if any effect on voter behavior," Kondik said. Story continues Asked about Musk's comments, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said: "The president has often spoken about the importance of voting, and I'm just going to leave it there as to not get involved in any kind of election conversation." Former Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich described Musk's comments as "very encouraging." NEW LINE FOR SOCIAL MEDIA EXECS Musk is not alone among social media executives in taking open political stances. Sheryl Sandberg, former operating officer of Facebook owner Meta Platforms Inc, for instance, has donated heavily to progressive candidates and endorsed Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton in 2016. Like other executives, however, Sandberg stopped short of explicitly telling her followers how to vote and took pains to keep a distance between her personal leanings and her work. Former Twitter Chief Executive Jack Dorsey has voiced a sense of alienation from both Republican and Democratic politics, while Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg and his wife donated to two nonprofits that distributed grants to state and local governments to help them conduct elections. In a statement to Reuters, Jessica Gonzalez, co-CEO of Free Press, an advocacy group, said Musk's comment showed he "is not showing himself to be an even-keeled CEO that advertisers can trust." Last year Tesla moved its headquarters from California - its biggest market - to the more conservative state Texas. Musk also moved his personal residence from California to Texas, where there is no state income tax. In April, Musk said on Twitter he believes that for the platform "to deserve public trust, it must be politically neutral." Federal authorities are investigating Musk over his conduct in acquiring Twitter, the company said in a court filing last month. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Trade Commission have not commented on any potential probes. (Reporting by Susan Heavey, Steve Holland, Kenneth Li, Kanishka Singh, Sheila Dang, Chris Gallagher and Hyunjoo Jin; Writing by Rami Ayyub and Costas Pitas; Editing by Scott Malone and Howard Goller) Elon Musk Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images Twitter owner Elon Musk said the social platform needs to become "the most accurate source of information." Critics pointed out that Musk shared an inaccurate story about the attack on Paul Pelosi last week. Twitter founder Jack Dorsey also weighed in on the conversation. Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Sunday tweeted that his goal was to make Twitter "the most accurate" media platform, but critics say the billionaire has made decisions on the platform that suggest otherwise. "Twitter needs to become by far the most accurate source of information about the world. That's our mission." Musk tweeted Sunday evening. He also shared a similar sentiment in a November 2 tweet, in which he said Twitter would become the most accurate news source "without regard to political affiliation." Critics were quick to point out that days earlier Musk had linked to inaccurate news following the October 28 attack on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband, in which an intruder broke into her San Francisco home and struck Paul Pelosi with a hammer. Pelosi was released from the hospital Thursday after being admitted with a skull fracture following the attack. On October 30, in response to a Hillary Clinton tweet denouncing the attack, Musk shared a link to a website that promoted conspiracy theories about the attack, including one that falsely claimed the attacker was a male prostitute hired by Pelosi. "There is a tiny possibility there might be more to this story than meets the eye," Musk replied, linking to a site with the headline, "The Awful Truth: Paul Pelosi Was Drunk Again, And In a Dispute With a Male Prostitute Early Friday Morning." Musk later deleted the tweet. MSNBC journalist and political commentator Mehdi Hasan was one of dozens of accounts on Sunday evening that pointed to Musk's distribution of the unsubstantiated article. Story continues "Literally a week ago today, Musk posted a link to a fake news website (that once suggested Hillary Clinton was dead and had been replaced by a body double)," Hasan wrote on Twitter. "Worse, he then deleted that tweet without explanation or apology. But sure, his 'mission' is accurate information." Twitter founder Jack Dorsey also replied to Musk's tweet, asking "accurate to who?" Musk replied to Dorsey, saying that he would base accuracy on "the people of Twitter via Community Notes," which is a feature that allows Twitter to add context to posts they consider misleading. Musk did not provide detailed information on how he plans to improve accuracy on the site. Dorsey also tweeted that making the site "more informative," rather than the "most accurate" would be a better goal for the platform. The notes feature, originally called Birdwatch, has been used on a Musk tweet before. On Friday, users added context to a tweet Musk had shared about "activist groups pressuring advertisers" to pause their ads on Twitter. Over the past week, Musk has shared many wide-ranging plans for the platform, including the monetization of creator-made content, a new verification subscription model, and new rules regarding accounts that impersonate other users. Representatives for Twitter did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider Delta said it would defend itself against the family's claims. Markus Mainka/Shutterstock Hisham Kassab and his two sons are suing Delta Air Lines over their removal from a 2019 flight. The family are Muslim and Kassab believed it's "possible that discriminatory attitudes played a role." Delta Air Lines said it intended to defend itself against the claims. A Muslim family is suing Delta Air Lines over their "unjust" removal from a flight in 2019, per documents filed in the District Court of Maryland. Hisham Kassab asserts that Delta staff and passengers made false claims against him, which resulted in him and his young children being removed from the flight. The family argue that the action was "wrongful, unfair, unjust, malicious, and callous." Kassab and his sons Ibrahim and Karim, then aged 7 and 11, were traveling home from Rome, Italy, in August 2019 to Baltimore with a layover in Atlanta. While waiting to board the Baltimore flight, Kassab entered into a discussion with a Delta gate agent, who he said was "being cantankerous." The family were initially permitted to board the plane, but shortly after taking their seats they were removed from the flight. The Kassabs say they received no explanation of their removal and were asked to collect their possessions and follow a flight attendant off the plane. After doing so its door was "promptly closed", leaving the Kassabs behind. According to court documents, the flight's captain decided to have the family removed because a gate agent, flight attendant, and some passengers all said that Kassab had used profanities in his discussion with the gate agent. Kassab denies uttering any profanity and said he was "completely polite", adding that his family's conduct was "entirely benign, non-disruptive, and non threatening." The Kassabs are Muslims of Middle-Eastern origin. Per the lawsuit: "In the opinion of Plaintiff Hisham Kassab, it is possible that discriminatory attitudes played a role in the false claims against him and/or the decision to have the Plaintiffs removed from the airplane." Story continues Delta asked for the lawsuit to be dismissed and said it intended to defend itself against the claims. The airline's lawyers are demanding "strict proof" of the allegations, and argued that the Kassabs had failed to state any claim that entitled them to compensation. It is not known if the family were put on a later Delta flight. A Delta spokesperson told Insider: "Delta has zero tolerance for discriminatory actions of any kind, but we will decline to comment specifically on this pending litigation." Read the original article on Business Insider By Soo-hyang Choi SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korea said on Tuesday it has never had arms dealings with Russia and has no plans to do so, its state media reported, after the United States said North Korea appears to be supplying Russia with artillery shells for its war in Ukraine. White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby said last week the United States has information that indicates North Korea is covertly supplying Russia with a "significant" number of artillery shells. Kirby said North Korea was attempting to obscure the shipments by funnelling them through countries in the Middle East and North Africa and that Washington was monitoring to see whether the shipments are received. A North Korean defence ministry official called the allegations a rumour and said Pyongyang has "never had 'arms dealings' with Russia" and has "no plan to do so in the future." "We regard such moves of the U.S. as part of its hostile attempt to tarnish the image of the DPRK in the international arena by invoking the illegal 'sanctions resolution' of the (U.N. Security Council) against the DPRK," the official said in a statement carried by the KCNA, referring to the North by the initials of its official name. Any arms aid would be a further sign of deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang as Russia's isolation over its war in Ukraine has grown. North Korea was one of the only countries to recognise the independence of breakaway Ukrainian regions, and it has expressed support for Russia's proclaimed annexation of parts of Ukraine. "North Korea is clearly using the Ukraine war to tighten its relations with Russia," Victor Cha, of the U.S-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said in a statement. Kirby's comments suggest Washington will watch the shipments but will not intercept them given it does not believe it will impact the war significantly, he said. Story continues However, the United States has the capacity to track shipments, and interception could be an option given that Russia wields a veto at the UN Security Council and can block any measures there, Cha added. "To avoid any military altercations, U.S. authorities could coordinate with willing countries to detain the cargo at customs to prevent their making it to the battlefield," he said. (Reporting by Soo-hyang Choi; Additional reportibg ny Josh SmithEditing by Chris Reese and Lincoln Feast) Nancy Pelosi speaks to CNNs Anderson Cooper about the attack on her husband Paul (CNN ) Members of House Speaker Nancy Pelosis Capitol Police security detail had to bang on the door of her Washington, DC apartment to inform her that her husband, Paul Pelosi, had been brutally assaulted on the morning of 28 October. Ms Pelosi revealed that her bodyguards first rang her doorbell, then when she didnt answer, banged loudly on the door to her DC residence just past 5.00 am that day. So I run to the door and I was very scared I see the Capitol Police, and they said we have to come in to talk to you," she said, according to an excerpt of an interview with CNN that was released by the network ahead of its 8pm airtime. The House Speaker said her first thoughts upon seeing the police asking to speak with her were of her children and grandchildren not her husband. I never thought it would be Paul because I knew he wouldnt be out and about, shall we say, she explained. At one point in the interview she has to pause mid-sentence to collect her thoughts before continuing. Ms Pelosi said the officers who woke her did not know much more about the attack other than it had happened, leaving her with no information on what had happened or what condition her husband was in. At that time, we didnt even know where he was or what his condition was," she told CNN. "We just knew there was an assault on him, in our home. Mr Pelosis alleged assailant, David DePape, has pleaded not guilty to a rash of state and federal charges stemming from the break-in and hammer assault on the 82-year-old investor. According to court documents, San Francisco Police Department officers who arrived at the Pelosi family townhouse witnessed Mr DePape wrenched away a hammer over which he had been struggling with Mr Pelosi, then lunged at him before striking him in the head with full force, knocking him unconscious. Mr Pelosi remained unresponsive for about three minutes, waking up in a pool of his own blood, a court filing from the San Francisco District Attorneys office stated. US House of Representatives Speaker, Nancy Pelosi (R), with her husband Paul Pelosi (C), attend a Holy Mass for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul lead by Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica. Photo by Stefano Costantino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Nancy Pelosi said she was "very scared" when Capitol Police told her her husband had been attacked. The House Speaker this week spoke about the assault against her husband in a CNN interview. "I never thought it would be Paul because, you know, I knew he wouldn't be out and about," she said. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was asleep at her Washington, DC, residence in the early hours of Friday, October 28, when she awoke to banging on her door. Initially, she thought the visitors must have had the wrong apartment, she told CNN's Anderson Cooper this week. But when the knocking continued, the longtime Democratic lawmaker said she became "very scared" and rushed to open the door. "I see it's Capitol police and they say 'we have to come in to talk to you,' and I'm thinking my children, my grandchildren I never thought it would be Paul because, you know, I knew he wouldn't be out and about," the politician said. Pelosi's comments in the exclusive interview, scheduled to air in full on Monday evening, mark her first public discussion of the violent attack on her 82-year-old husband last month. Last week the Justice Department charged 42-year-old David Wayne DePape with assault and attempted kidnapping in connection to the break-in at the Pelosis' San Francisco home. Authorities alleged DePape attacked Paul Pelosi with a hammer, sending him to the hospital where he underwent surgery to repair a skull fracture from the attack. The assault marks a noted escalation of brewing political violence in the country. An FBI affidavit said DePape told San Francisco Police Department officials that he was searching for the Speaker and wanted to break her kneecaps as a message to other Democrats in office. Pelosi, who was in DC with her protective detail at the time of the attack, said authorities didn't even know where her husband was or what his condition was when they first came to tell her about the break-in. Paul Pelosi is expected to make a full recovery following her surgery. Read the original article on Business Insider Boeings Starliner approaching the ISS on May 20, 2022. The first operational mission of Boeings Starliner CST-100 spacecraft to the International Space Station wont happen until 2024 at the earliest, according to NASAs updated flight manifest. The capsule, designed to carry crews to low Earth orbit, was originally supposed to fly in 2017 but has faced a series of delays. The first crewed test flight of Starliner will happen in April 2023 and not in February as planned, NASA announced late last week. The reason, says the space agency, is to avoid a scheduling conflict with the SpaceX Crew-6 mission to the ISS, which is planned for mid-February. NASA and Boeing are currently working together to achieve flight readiness, the space agency said. NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore have been assigned to the Boeing Crewed Flight Test (CFT). Read more NASA also took the move of rescheduling the SpaceX Crew-7 mission, which will now launch in late 2023 as opposed to early 2024. This schedule-juggling means no operational flights for Starliner are planned for the coming year and that the spacecraft, assuming it gets certified in 2023, wont fly its first bona fide mission until 2024 at the earliest. In May, the second uncrewed flight test of Starliner, OFT-2, went reasonably well, but the mission to the ISS exposed some issues that Boeing and NASA are currently working to resolve. The joint team continues to close out the OFT-2 anomalies and partner closely together to identify forward work and ensure all requirements for crewed flight are met, NASA said, adding that the team is working on a variety of verification efforts across several critical systems that will be used for Starliners crew flight certification. Opaque and vague, as is typical of NASA in its public statements about private partners. Phil McAlister, director of commercial spaceflight at NASA, provided more details during an October 31 meeting of the NASA Advisory Councils Human Exploration and Operations Committee, SpaceNews reported. There were several in-flight anomalies that we had to assess from OFT-2, he said. Some of that is still ongoing. That work has to be completed and closed out before the CFT flight. In addition to thruster problems that are pretty well understood and in hand, the team is working on parachutes and software. McAlister said he wouldnt characterize anything as major. Story continues Depending on how the CFT mission unfolds, Starliner could finally get certified next year, followed by regular crew rotation missions to the ISS. But as the rescheduling of the Crew-7 mission shows, NASAs not making any assumptions about the spacecrafts pending availabilityand for good reason. The Boeing commercial crew project has been beset with difficulties, highlighted by a flubbed first flight test in 2019 and a scrubbed launch attempt in 2020, in which corrosion caused the capsules valves to get stuck. NASA has had to lean harder on its other commercial crew partner, SpaceX, as a result. The Elon Musk-led company, using its Crew Dragon spacecraft, has been launching astronauts to the ISS since November 2020. The point of choosing two vendors was to create some redundancy, but thats yet to happen. While it is fortunate that the U.S. has one operating ISS crew launch provider, we need to continue to express our serious concern with the impact of the ongoing delays of the CST-100 program on the commercial crew program, said Mark Sirangelo, a member of the October 31 panel and a scholar in residence for space, aerospace and engineering at University of Colorado, as reported in SpaceNews. NASA, unwilling and unable to wait for Starliner, recently booked a bunch of crewed launches with SpaceX, namely Crew-7 through to Crew-14. With these newly added missions, NASA has secured access to the ISS up until 2030, after which time the orbital lab is expected to be retired. Starliner, by contrast, is booked for just six flights. NASA awarded Boeing the $4.2 billion commercial crew contract in 2014. In October, Boeing announced that its taking a $190 million hit on Starliner, raising the companys total loss on the program to $883 million. Adding insult to injury, Boeing slipped behind SpaceX on NASAs roster of private partners during fiscal year 2022. More: NASAs Megarocket Rolls Back to Launch Pad, With Blastoff Just 10 Days Away More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Oleksii Reznikov, the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, has reported that anti-aircraft systems NASAMS and Aspide arrived in Ukraine. Source: Reznikov on Twitter Quote: "Look whos here! NASAMS and Aspide air defence systems arrived in Ukraine! These weapons will significantly strengthen the Ukrainian army and will make our skies safer. We will continue shooting down the enemy targets attacking us. Thank you to our partners: Norway, Spain and the US." Look whos here! NASAMS and Aspide air defence systems arrived in Ukraine! These weapons will significantly strengthen #UAarmy and will make our skies safer. We will continue to shoot down the enemy targets attacking us. Thank you to our partners: Norway, Spain and the US. pic.twitter.com/ozP4eXhgOg Oleksii Reznikov (@oleksiireznikov) November 7, 2022 Background: The USA promised to supply Ukraine with eight air defence systems NASAMS in total. Two of them were supposed to be deployed in Ukraine shortly. Earlier in November, media reported that Spain would provide Ukraine with a new military aid package, which would include a battery of anti-aircraft systems Aspide, air defence systems Hawk, anti-tank rocket launchers, tubed artillery and ammunition for them. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The NASA moon rocket as stands on Pad 39B for the Artemis 1 mission to orbit the Moon at the Kennedy Space Center, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. No new launch date has been scheduled as of today. (AP Photo/John Raoux) NASA's highly-anticipated return to the moon might be delayed once again, not due to technical issues, but due to tumultuous tropical weather. Tropical Storm Nicole developed over the weekend, and AccuWeather forecasters are warning that it could strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall along Florida's Atlantic coast. Artemis I, the first mission of NASA's program to return humans to the surface of the moon, is slated to launch on Monday, Nov. 14, but the ominous forecast could disrupt the timeline. A hurricane warning is in effect for the Kennedy Space Center with the massive moon-bound rocket currently on the launchpad. NASA announced on Monday that the 322-foot-tall rocket would stay on the launch pad through Nicole rather than rolling the rocket back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). It takes at least three days for ground crews to prepare the rocket to start its trip back to the VAB. Less than a week ago on Friday, Nov. 4, the rocket was transported from the VAB to the launchpad ahead of the anticipated launch on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 1:04 a.m. EST. The rocket is built to withstand wind gusts up to 85 mph (74.4 knots) at an elevation of 60 feet above the ground. Wind speeds of this magnitude are commonly found near the center of Category 1 hurricanes. "For days, AccuWeather meteorologists have been highlighting the risk of hurricane-force winds, especially in gusts, to occur near the Kennedy Space Center as Nicole makes landfall early Thursday morning," AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said. "The risk of hurricane-force wind gusts from Nicole near the Kennedy Space Center has increased even more on Tuesday." AccuWeather meteorologists say that the risk of a wind gust of 85 mph or greater occurring near the Kennedy Space Center is 60%, or a six in 10 chance. Story continues NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher as it rolls out to Launch Pad 39B, Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (Joel Kowsky/NASA via AP) Even if the rocket is not damaged during Nicole, the tropical weather could still force NASA to delay the launch. If rain, flooding or wind damages any of the ground systems or infrastructure at the Kennedy Space Center, it could push the launch to be delayed until later in the year. The launch was initially scheduled for Monday, Nov. 14, but NASA has since rescheduled the launch for no earlier than Wednesday, Nov. 16. This postponement will allow officials to inspect the rocket and the ground systems after Nicole passes. After Nov. 16, the next launch window is on Nov. 19. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP Have the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts with Premium+ This is not the first time that tropical weather has interfered with the launch of the uncrewed Artemis I mission. NASA was gearing up to launch the rocket at the end of September following setbacks over the summer, then Hurricane Ian threatened Florida. Ian made landfall along Florida's Gulf coast on Sept. 28 as a Category 4 hurricane and weakened as it traversed the Florida Peninsula. The next morning, Ian was a tropical storm, and the eye of the storm was just 10 miles southwest of the launchpad at the Kennedy Space Center. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. Subscribe to AccuWeather on Apple News. Domenic Micheli pleaded guilty Monday as part of a deal with prosecutors. His sentence will be set by Davidson County Criminal Court Judge Cheryl Blackburn. It could range between 15-25 years in prison. Micheli, 41, was initially charged with first-degree murder in the June 4, 2018, killing of Joel Paavola. Micheli was arrested in Kentucky late the next day after a wide-ranging manhunt that put several Nashville locations on lockdown. He has remained in custody. Paavola owned the Balance Training on Harding Pike, a gym where Micheli was previously employed. He was fired approximately 14 months before the killing. A man entered the gym around 7 a.m. that Monday armed with a hatchet and at least one other weapon and attacked Paavola while he was assisting customers, Nashville police said at the time. The suspect was quickly identified as Micheli. Investigators tracked Micheli around an hour later to a Gallatin urgent care facility where witnesses said he asked the staff for a suture kit but was not willing to wait or provide any personal information. He left without receiving treatment or medical supplies, police said. "Just a senseless, brutal, violent attack," Metro Nashville Police Department spokesman Don Aaron said in 2018. Previously:Widow of Nashville hatchet attack victim sues halfway house that supervised suspect White House trespassing case continues Authorities searched for Micheli beyond Middle Tennessee after the slaying, because he was known to have spent time in Oregon and Washington, D.C. In April 2018, a few months before the hatchet attack, Micheli was arrested outside of the White House by the U.S. Secret Service after driving his car to a checkpoint and refusing to move it. He was charged with misdemeanor trespassing. In a court case related to that charge, Micheli was found mentally competent enough to stand trial after a psychological examination. A defendant must be capable of understanding the proceedings and be able to take an active part in their defense to be prosecuted. Story continues That case is still ongoing. The latest filing in the federal case is from March 2020, indicating the case would remain pending while the homicide case continues. In a March 2019 filing, the government noted attorneys questioned why a trial date in the Nashville case had not yet been set, but the Nashville prosecutor "indicated that there was no abnormal reason and that the case was proceeding at a pace that is typical for a homicide prosecution in that jurisdiction." Another high-profile Nashville killing from 2018, the mass shooting at a Waffle House in Antioch, also went to trial this year. The next hearing in Micheli's case is set for Nov. 18, when he is expected to appear for a full sentencing hearing. He entered an open plea, according to the Davidson County District Attorney's Office, meaning he did not plead to a specific sentence. WAFFLE HOUSE SHOOTING TRIAL:Travis Reinking sentenced to four consecutive lifetimes in prison Reach reporter Mariah Timms at mtimms@tennessean.com or 615-259-8344 and on Twitter @MariahTimms. Reach reporter Rachel Wegner at RAwegner@tennessean.com or find her on Twitter @rachelannwegner. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville man pleads guilty in 2018 hatchet killing of boss at gym Sonoran desert toad (left); Joe Rogan (right) National Park Service; Christian Petersen/Getty Images The National Park Service told visitors not to lick toads or anything else they find in the parks. The warning was a nod to the psychoactive properties in toad secretions that some people smoke. However, licking the toads is dangerous to humans and animals. The National Park Service has warned visitors not to lick a particular toad that's known for its psychoactive properties, which have been intentionally consumed albeit not by "toad licking" by celebrities like Joe Rogan. The Sonoran Desert toad, also known as the Colorado River toad, can grow to nearly 7 inches and is one of the largest toads in North America. It's typically found in northern Mexico and the southwestern US, but is perhaps most well known for the toxins it exudes. "These toads have prominent parotoid glands that secrete a potent toxin. It can make you sick if you handle the frog or get the poison in your mouth," the park service wrote in a post shared on Facebook Monday, alongside a spooky photo of a toad appearing to look right into a trail camera at night. "As we say with most things you come across in a national park, whether it be a banana slug, unfamiliar mushroom, or a large toad with glowing eyes in the dead of night, please refrain from licking." The concept of "toad licking" has been depicted in popular media for decades, but is largely considered an urban legend. The practice is dangerous and can make humans and animals sick, as the Sonoran Desert toads release toxins through glands in their skin as a powerful defense mechanism. According to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, the toxins are strong enough to kill full-grown dogs. However, the psychoactive secretions released by the toads are consumed by humans in other ways. The substance is typically dried into crystals and then smoked using a pipe. The result is a psychedelic experience that can last 15 to 30 minutes, according to The New York Times. The relevant psychoactive substance, 5-MeO-DMT, is illegal in the US and designated a Schedule 1 substance, but that hasn't stopped it from accruing fans. The substance, which is closely related to DMT, is typically called Five or Bufo, but has also been referred to as the "God molecule." Story continues Like other psychedelic substances that are being increasingly embraced for therapeutic purposes, 5-MeO-DMT has been used by some as medicine or in church rituals. One Navy SEAL and combat veteran told the Times smoking the toad's secretions was the only thing that helped his depression and anxiety. Some celebrities have also been open about their experiences with the toad. Comedian and podcaster Joe Rogan, an outspoken advocate for psychedelics, said 5-MeO-DMT was "probably the most terrifying experience" he's ever had on psychedelics, adding that he felt he had "ceased to exist." Comedian Chelsea Handler also told The Hollywood Reporter her experience with the drug was "really scary." "It's this frog venom thing where they light it, you inhale it and you basically hallucinate. You see visions and colors. I was at some woman's house, lying in her living room on blankets, and I was immediately drenched in sweat feeling as sick as I've ever felt," she said. Some are concerned that the growing embrace of psychedelics and 5-MeO-DMT could threaten the existence of the Sonoran Desert toad due to illegal poaching and overharvesting, the Times reported. The toad is already believed to have been wiped out of California, where it was last seen in the wild in the 1970s. Have a news tip? Contact this reporter at kvlamis@insider.com. Read the original article on Business Insider (Photo/Protect the Sacred) GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. When Native Americans vote in the 2022 midterm elections, many of their concerns mirror those of other Americans, with some key exceptions driven by their tribal identities. While jobs and the economy matter to Native Americans, the countrys first people are more concerned with issues such as tribal sovereignty, healthcare, the protection of sacred sites, the environment and tribal water settlements. As a matter of fact, tribal sovereignty is the number one issue important to Native Americans, according to a Native voter survey conducted by Native News Online. In the survey conducted between September 27 and October 17, respondents said tribal sovereignty and a womans right to choose are the two most important issues to them as voters in the midterm elections. The survey received responses from 678 Native News Online readers. We at Native News Online want to know what is important to our readers when it comes to elections. Our community is seldom asked by polling groups what matters to them as Native Americans, so we thought we would conduct our own survey, Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), publisher and editor said. Rickert says the Native vote is influential in states that have a concentrated core of Native Americans. According to Rickert, these states include: Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Biinjwebinigedaa! - Lets all Vote! Tribal identity plays an important role when Native Americans consider how to vote. Four of the top 10 important issues to the voter survey dealt with issues that pertain to tribal identity, such as tribal sovereignty, protection of sacred sites, tribal water settlement, and civil rights. Besides tribal sovereignty and a womens right to choose, healthcare, the protection of sacred sites, and the environment round out the top five issues important to Native American voters. The survey revealed that Native Americans are paying attention to the current political climate in the United States. Of the respondents, 91 percent answered yes to a question asked: Do you think American democracy is under threat? Story continues When asked if they think their votes matter, 84 percent of respondents answered yes with 16 percent saying no. While 52 percent of the survey respondents claimed the Democratic party as their political party affiliation, only 11 percent claimed to be Republicans; 22 percent claimed to be Independent; and 15 percent have no political party affiliation. When the survey was analyzed by party affiliation, those who identified as Republicans answered the survey differently than others. The five most important issues to Native Republicans are: jobs/economy, tribal sovereignty, immigration, protection of sacred sites, and education. Most of the respondents to the survey live away from an Indian reservation, which is very consistent with the U.S. Census analysis of where Native Americans live. In the survey 85 percent of respondents say they live off-reservation either in an urban or rural area. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net Chris Skidmore, a former energy minister, is reviewing the UK government's approach to net zero Conservatives sceptical about the net zero target are set to have a meeting with the MP reviewing the government's approach to lowering carbon emissions. Tory MP Chris Skidmore is examining the best way to cut emissions to net zero by 2050 while boosting economic growth. MPs in the Net Zero Scrutiny Group have been campaigning for more UK oil and gas production to lower energy costs. Green groups and MPs say they are worried about the meeting given the group's calls to rethink net zero. The Green Party MP, Caroline Lucas, said "climate delayers" and those who impeded solutions to curbing emissions "should be nowhere near government policy". Labour MP Clive Lewis said while members of the NZSG had "every right" to discuss net zero with Mr Skidmore, a meeting with him in the month of the COP27 climate conference in Egypt would send "a terrible message". Speaking at the summit on its opening day, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson said now was "not the moment to go weak" on net zero as he expressed concerns over scepticism about the target in the UK. Mr Skidmore has ruled out recommending scrapping or delaying net zero goals, and said his review will not look at fracking for UK shale gas. A spokesperson for Mr Skidmore told the BBC he did not feel it was appropriate to prejudge or comment on the review at this time. Mr Skidmore is one of the greenest Tory MPs and signed the 2050 emissions target into law in 2019, when he was an energy minister. In September this year, former Prime Minister Liz Truss commissioned him to review the government's delivery of net zero, to ensure it was "pro-growth and pro-business". Since then, Mr Skidmore has been roving the country to meet politicians, business leaders and energy experts as part of his evidence-gathering process. A month on from the launch of the #NetZeroReview: 24 evidence session roundtables- speaking directly in person to over 250 organisations Yesterday our Call for Evidence closed- amazingly, we have received over 1750 submissions. Deeply grateful to everyones support Chris Skidmore (@CSkidmoreUK) October 28, 2022 Craig Mackinlay, chairman of the Net Zero Scrutiny Group (NZSG), told the BBC he had been speaking with Mr Skidmore even though "we couldn't be more opposed" on net zero. Story continues The Tory MP for South Thanet said he didn't "care where we get our energy from" and wasn't "fixated on net zero". "Whether it's nuclear, whether it's renewable, I don't care, as long as it's internationally competitive in terms of price," he said. But he said he and Mr Skidmore had already "got agreement on some things" related to net zero, such as the need for better home insulation. Mr Mackinlay said he would arrange a one-on-one with Mr Skidmore before setting up a more formal meeting to discuss net zero. They had planned to meet last month at a think-tank roundtable, which was cancelled, Mr Mackinlay said. Net zero divisions While Tory MPs broadly agree on the need to lower emissions, they have different views on how to achieve net zero. Members of the NZSG say they are mainly concerned about the costs of achieving the target by 2050 and insist they do not dispute the science on climate change. Policies they have agitated for include a return to fracking shale gas in the UK, scrapping green levies on energy bills, and an increase in North Sea oil and gas production. In January, Mr Skidmore launched a Net Zero Support Group to counter the arguments being made by Mr Mackinlay's group. Earlier this year, Mr Skidmore said a "false" narrative had linked net zero with the rising energy prices, something the International Energy Agency has since said there was "scant evidence" for. A green group of Tory MPs, the Conservative Environment Network (CEN), has already spoken to Mr Skidmore and has far more members than the NZSG. It's thought to have about 20 members, some of whom have close links to think tanks that have long questioned the scientific consensus on global warming. Call for transparency Ms Lucas said she hoped the NZSG had accepted "the overwhelming global scientific evidence that we are in a climate emergency". She said the solutions to climate change were known, and any efforts to thwart them would be "dangerous and destructive". Mr Lewis, who sits on the Environmental Audit Select Committee alongside Mr Skidmore, said any conversations between the former energy minister and the NZSG should be "entirely transparent". The Labour MP said Mr Skidmore should have the conversation "out in the open" if he's got "nothing to hide". "If it's all done behind closed doors then that is deeply concerning," Mr Lewis said. Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse said the prospect of Mr Skidmore meeting the NZSG was "worrying" and "sends completely the wrong signal" in the month of COP27. Too many politicians treated the net zero target "like a bus they can miss and just catch the next one", said Ms Hobhouse, her party's climate and energy spokesperson. But Nathan Bennett, head of public affairs for RenewableUK, said there were "far more Conservative members who recognise the benefits of net zero for the planet, for bill payers, for the economy, than there are in the Net Zero Scrutiny Group". "I think it's right to hear every argument around net zero," he said. "We should never exclude scrutiny. But I don't think they're going to change the drive to renewables because of the market economics." Investment in renewables will be crucial to hitting the net zero target RenewableUK is one of many parties to have submitted recommendations to Mr Skidmore's review. The recommendations include reforming the way the UK procures renewable energy and unlocking further investment in port infrastructure. To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, scientists say countries must curb carbon emissions to keep global temperature rises under 1.5C. Net zero means taking as much of these greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere as we put in. In 2019, MPs passed legislation that committed the UK to a legally binding target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Last year, the government published its Net Zero Strategy, which sets out how the UK will deliver on its commitment. This is an excerpt from Incoming, BuzzFeed News morning newsletter dedicated to making sense of this chaotic world we live in. Join the club here. Four years after restoring voting rights for people convicted of a felony, an estimated 1 million Florida residents still can't vote. In 2018, over 64% of Florida voters restored voting rights to people convicted of felonies once they completed prison, parole, and/or probation. After finishing her prison time and three years of probation for theft, Caroline was thrilled to be allowed to vote again. But for Tuesdays midterm elections, shes one of nearly 1 million formerly incarcerated people in Florida who still can't vote because they owe fines, fees, or restitution in connection with their convictions, according to a new report by the Sentencing Project. On Florida's voter registration website, it says I'm an active voter, Caroline told BuzzFeed News. But if I go vote, [Gov. Ron] DeSantis will have me arrested. The 2018 amendments potential gains were swiftly wiped out the following year when the Republican-controlled legislature passed a law making restoration contingent on payments related to felony convictions. Since then, more than a dozen people with felony convictions have been arrested on suspicion of voter fraud in recent months, many of whom believed their voting rights had been restored. You can work as hard as you can to change something, said Chandler Strong, another Florida resident who can't vote due to outstanding conviction-related fees. But they're still going to try to throw some kind of technical in the game. Kyiv could lose all electricity, heat, and water. Alina and Igor try to complete a jigsaw puzzle in their apartment block in near-total darkness during a scheduled power cut on Nov. 6, 2022, in Kyiv. Ed Ram / Getty Images Following a barrage of Russian attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced that the capital must brace itself for the possibility of a winter without heat, electricity, or water, the Associated Press reported. Officials are also considering the complete evacuation of the city's 3 million residents, according to the New York Times, and are preparing to lose Kyiv's entire electricity system. Story continues SNAPSHOTS Puberty blockers, hormones, and gender affirmation surgery are no longer available to trans Florida minors. The state medical board, which was entirely appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, banned doctors from offering care to minors seeking to transition. This restriction is the first of its kind to circumvent the state House, where the ban was denied twice. Aaron Carter has died at 34. A star in his early teen years, he fell from the limelight as he grew older and faced a variety of drug issues and public family disputes. His cause of death is under investigation. A man behind an alleged "broad threat to synagogues" was identified by the FBI. The threat came amid a disquieting wave of antisemitism in the US, with some of the biggest names in the country spouting conspiracy theories. Drake faces serious backlash for rapping about a conspiracy theory that Megan Thee Stallion lied about being shot. Fans are praising Megan's response, wherein she criticized Drake for using her shooting for clout. Why are mass layoffs at Twitter happening now? BuzzFeed News Mass layoffs at Twitter have shaped up to be a bloodbath; Bloomberg reported that new Twitter owner Elon Musk planned to lay off half the staff at the 7,500-person company. In an unsigned companywide email late Thursday night, Twitter announced it would notify staffers by email by 9 a.m. PT whether they would be laid off or not. Musk insisted in a tweet Friday that he had "no choice" but to significantly reduce the workforce. Musk is under tremendous pressure to generate profits. Twitters annual returns show that while the social media company has increased income in recent years, it has spent more than it has made, operating at a loss. The company also has private investors to keep happy: Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia is now the second-largest investor in Twitter after Musk. Another major investor, Changpeng Zhao, CEO and founder of bitcoin firm Binance, has expressed support for staff cuts. Many current and former employees tweeted their discontent over the layoffs; several people expressed concern about how the layoffs would affect Twitter's mission to build more ethical and transparent algorithms. A lawsuit has already been filed challenging the layoffs for violating the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, which requires companies to give 60 days advance notice of mass layoffs. Are you a current or former Twitter employee? Email this reporter at tom.warren@buzzfeed.com or learn how to share secure tips here. IMAGE OF THE DAY A runner high-fives spectators during the 2022 New York City Marathon on Nov. 6, 2022. In the largest marathon in the world, more than 50,000 runners made their way through all five boroughs of New York City on the 26.2-mile course. Caitlin Ochs / Reuters The dick and balls drawn in the sky by an Air Force plane was an accident, a spokesperson said. A US military plane "painted a penis" in the sky near a Russian airbase, La Repubblica. A KC-135 Stratotanker refueling plane remained for almost two hours east of Cyprus on Tuesday, in front of the Syrian base of Tartus, a stronghold of Moscow. 05:24 PM - 02 Nov 2022 While flying on the Mediterranean Sea on Wednesday, an Air Force refuel aircraft drew a dick and balls in the sky as it circled the airspace between Cyprus and Lebanon. The sky penis was drawn near Tartus, a Syrian city where Russia has a naval base, according to Italian media outlet La Repubblica. Eagle-eyed observers noticed the plane's phallic trajectory on the flight-tracking website Flightradar24. Some took it as mockery against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Air Force officials, however, are claiming it wasn't done on purpose. When contacted by BuzzFeed News about the dick drawing, a spokesperson for the Air Force's press desk merely chuckled. BuzzFeed News has never shied away from covering penis art in the sky. Take a look back at our previous coverage on this beat. Still reading, eh? Seems like you might want to get this in your inbox. No pressure though. Just some food for thought. The TikTok app logo Two TikTok stars in Nigeria have been sentenced to a whipping and forced to clean the court after they used social media to mock a government official. Mubarak Isa Muhammed and Muhammed Bula were found guilty of defaming Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of the northern state of Kano. The pair's lawyer said they would not challenge the judgement. Nigeria has seen a growing number of social media stars who use comedy to comment on social and political issues. Mubarak Isa Muhammad and Muhammad Bala were arrested last week after posting their video - in which they mocked the governor for alleged land grabbing, corruption and sleeping on the job - to TikTok and Facebook. Prosecution lawyer Wada Ahmed Wada said the men had defamed the governor and that their action was capable of disturbing public peace. They pleaded guilty and asked for leniency, but the judge ordered them to be given 20 lashes each, to pay a fine of 10,000 naira (20) and to clean the court premises for 30 days. They were also ordered to publicly apologise to Mr Ganduje on social media. Their lawyer, Bashir Yusuf, told the BBC they would not challenge the judgement, given it was a ''non-custodial'' sentence - meaning those convicted would not be jailed. Nigeria has seen a rapid increase in TikTok users in recent years, particularly among young people. These users sometimes mock public figures, including government officials, by clipping images or videos, often to create comedies that attract massive followers to their accounts. Kano State, a Muslim-majority part of northern Nigeria, is among about a dozen states in the region that practise the Sharia legal system alongside the country's secular laws. Only Muslims can be tried in Sharia courts. North Korea said Tuesday that claims by the United States that Pyongyang is supplying artillery ammunition to Moscow for its war in Ukraine were groundless, state media KCNA reported. The rebuke comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula after a spate of North Korean weapons tests last week -- including an intercontinental ballistic missile -- as the United States and South Korea conducted their biggest-ever air force exercise. The United States and South Korea have warned that the North's repeated recent missile launches could culminate in a nuclear test. Tuesday's statement refuted allegations last week by White House national security spokesman John Kirby, who said the artillery from North Korea to Russia was coming under cover of shipments to the Middle East or Africa. "Recently, the US is persistently spreading a groundless 'rumor of arms dealings' between the DPRK and Russia," North Korea's vice director of military foreign affairs of the Ministry of National Defence said in a statement, according to KCNA The statement said North Korea sees the "rumor" as part of the United States' "hostile attempt to tarnish the image of the DPRK in the international arena," using an acronym for North Korea's official name. "We once again make clear that we have never had 'arms dealings' with Russia and that we have no plan to do so in the future," the statement added. Kirby had said US officials did not know whether Russia has actually received the ammunition, but were trying to monitor the shipments. US information indicates that North Korea "is covertly supplying Russia's war in Ukraine with a significant number of artillery shells, while obfuscating the real destination of the arms shipments by trying to make it appear as though they are being sent to countries in the Middle East or North Africa," Kirby told reporters on Wednesday. He said the United States believes the "significant" number of shells sent are enough to help Russia prolong the war -- which started with Moscow's invasion of its former Soviet neighbor in February -- but not enough to give it an advantage over Ukrainian forces, which are being supplied by the United States and NATO allies. Story continues - Sign of Russia's 'shortages' - In September Pyongyang denied a White House claim that it was planning to provide ammunition to help the Russian military replenish its stockpiles, which have been severely depleted by the now eight-month-old war. Kirby said the shipments were "a sign of Russia's own defence article shortages and needs" as they face international sanctions limiting their re-stocking abilities, which he said is also the reason for Iran sending drone supplies. Kirby would not say how or by what routes the North Korean ammunition is traveling. He said the US would consult allies and partners, especially at the United Nations, on what measures might be taken. North Korea's latest admonition against the United States came only a day after its previous repudiation, with Pyongyang on Monday vowing a "resolute and overwhelming" military response to last week's US-South Korean war drills. North Korea's military confirmed that its latest ballistic missile tests were a reply to Washington and Seoul's so-called Vigilant Storm operation. caw/dw LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) Isabelle Bourne scored 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds as No. 22 Nebraska opened the season with a 100-36 win over Omaha on Monday. Allison Weidner added 19 points and nine rebounds, and South Dakota transfer Maddy Krull had 18 points with four 3-pointers for Nebraska. Alexis Markowski added 13 points and eight rebounds and Jaz Shelley had 10 assists. Annika Stewart scored 10 points as the Cornhuskers shot over 56%. Elena Pilakouta had 10 points and eight rebounds for the Mavericks, who shot just 21%. Nineteen turnovers turned into 25 Nebraska points. Nebraska scored the first 12 points of the game and led 44-17 at halftime before outscoring the Mavericks 33-9 in the third quarter. The Cornhuskers returned all five starters from last season's NCAA Tournament team but Sam Halby has been out with a knee injury and there is no timeline for her return. ___ AP womens college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 Former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il once had a kidnapped South Korean filmmaker direct several movies in North Korea, including a Godzilla ripoff that also served as propaganda. Kim Jong-il, the father of the countrys current leader Kim Jong-un, commissioned director and producer Shin Sang-ok to make a kaiju movie based on Ishiro Honda's 1954 film "Godzilla." What is the movie about? The North Korean movie, titled Pulgasari, is considered a blatant rip-off of the beloved Japanese kaiju franchise and also served as propaganda that addresses North Koreas view on socialism. More from NextShark: 'So white and pure': 'Singles Inferno' cast members' beauty standards criticized by viewers Pulgasari takes place in a village terrorized by an atrocious king who maltreats his subjects. The film, set in a unified Korea of the past, follows the story of a blacksmith's daughter who creates a small monster figurine in the hopes that the trinket would one day save her village from the king. Her dream of freedom becomes real after her blood drips on the statue and gives life to Pulgasari, a towering monster with whom she develops a special connection. During an eventual battle with the king, Pulgasari surrenders himself to prevent the blacksmith's daughter from getting hurt. Following his death, the girl goes to the place where he was killed and resurrects him by using more of her blood. However, the resurrected Pulgasari becomes dangerous and uncontrollable. To stop the monster, the blacksmith's daughter sacrifices herself, ending her life for the sake of her village and its people. More from NextShark: Kentaro Miura's final 'Berserk' manga volume is set for US release Kim Jong-il expressed delight at the success of the movie after it was released in 1985. To show his appreciation, he reportedly gave Shin crates upon crates of gifts a year after Pulgasari was released. The crates contained 200 smoked geese, 50 freshly killed deer and 200 boxes of oranges, among others. Story continues Kim Jong-il did not know, however, that Shin allegedly managed to hide a message in the 1985 film to criticize the regime at the time. Pulgasari, who becomes a danger to the citizens he should be serving and protecting, purportedly resembles the Kim family. Who was Shin and why was he important? More from NextShark: Michelle Yeoh takes a trippy multiverse journey in trailer for A24's 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' Shin, a renowned director in South Korea, was kidnapped by North Korean agents under the order of Kim Jong-il about six months after his ex-wife, actor Choi Eun-hee, was also kidnapped in 1978. The two celebrities, considered the Brangelina of 70s South Korea, were imprisoned for three years before being reunited. They were ordered to create movies that would help North Korea become recognized for its film industry. Shin and his wife Choi, who died in 2018 at 92 years old, managed to escape the hermit country while visiting Vienna for an international film festival. After their successful escape, the celebrity couple shared a few smuggled audio recordings of the late North Korean dictator. In some of the private recordings, he can be heard criticizing his citizens and his countrys film industry. More from NextShark: Pikachu is actually based on squirrels and the pikas are up in arms Years after his escape, Shin reportedly denied interpretations of Pulgasari, saying, It was a pure monster film. I didnt put any ideology in it. Featured via Frank White Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Getty Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes did his best to wipe his hands of the violent disaster that was Jan. 6, 2021, on Monday, claiming on the witness stand that it was stupid of his allies to storm the Capitol. He also went on a bizarre tangent about his alleged romantic escapades. Despite her steadfast indications to the contrary, Rhodes claimed in federal court that he was involved in a romantic relationship with Kellye SoRelle, the former general counsel for his far-right militia group. We were dating, Rhodes told D.C. federal court jurors presiding over a case in which he and others are accused of seditious conspiracya Civil War-era charge connected to their alleged planning before the riot. Rhodes made the claim when he was asked during cross-examination whether he had enough control over the attorney to get her to stay silent about the Oath Keepers role in the riots. The militia founder smiled before answering: Do we have to get into kink, really? Outside the bedroom, shes definitely a type A. Inside the bedroom, she definitely switches to a sub, he told Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Rakoczy. The claim came hours into Rhodes time on the stand, during which he offered one of his strongest denials yet of involvement in the insurrection. I think it was stupid to go into the Capitol. One, because it wasnt our mission, Rhodes said. And two, it opened the door for our political enemies to persecute us. And thats what happened and here we are. Rhodes claimed that more than 100 members of his far-right militia group went to the nations Capitol simply to provide security for Jan. 6 rally-goers and speakers. But once the riots began, several Oath Keeper members went off-mission and breached the Capitol, disrupting the electoral certification of President Joe Biden, he said. Oath Keeper Boss Has Messy First Visit to the Witness Stand I didnt want them getting wrapped up into all the nonsense with Trump supporters, Rhodes insisted on Monday. My goal was to make sure that no one got wrapped up in that Charlie Foxtrot going on inside the Capitol. Story continues Prosecutors, however, allege that Rhodes and four other militia members spent months training and planning an armed rebellion to shatter a bedrock of American democracy in an attempt to stop the certification of Bidens win over Donald Trump in the 2020 election. While Rhodes did not enter the building, prosecutors allege that he directed his group from afar like a general as they stormed the Capitol. To prove their argument, jurors have been shown surveillance footage and text messages that allegedly show the lengths Oath Keepers went to in order to execute their mission. Last week, jurors also saw a recording of Rhodes four days after the riotin which he is heard saying his only regret was not bringing rifles to the Capitol. We could have fixed it right then and there. Id hang fuckin Pelosi from the lamppost, Rhodes said. (On Monday, Rhodes said he made that comment after a couple of drinks at dinner.) Oath Keeper Boss Has Messy First Visit to the Witness Stand On the stand Monday, Rhodes told jurors that he spent the morning of the riots at a hoteland only went to the Capitol when he learned of the news that the barricades to the government building had been breached by rioters. He said that it never crossed his mind that Oath Keepers had entered the Capitol and insisted that he never suggested that anyone should go disrupt the electoral certification. Rhodes claimed that it wasnt until later that evening that he learned his rogue group had stormed the Capitol, and he immediately voiced his concerns with their actions. It was not our mission that day to enter the Capitol for any reason, he added under cross-examination. I think that anyone who assaults a police officer should be prosecuted, Rhodes said about what he called the horrific events at the Capitol. We have an absolutely zero tolerance for someone putting hands on a police officer." Rhodes and his fellow alleged co-conspiratorsKelly Meggs, a leader of the Florida Oath Keepers chapter; Thomas Caldwell, a retired Navy intelligence officer; member Kenneth Harrelson; and Jessica Watkins, who led an Ohio militia grouphave pleaded not guilty. During cross-examination, prosecutors grilled Rhodes about his previous characterization of the group he founded around 2009. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Rakoczy also showed jurors videos of Rhodes with far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, and footage of other Oath Keepers acting menacingly at various social justice protests. With martial arts training I could use almost anything as a weapon, Rhodes admitted on the stand at one point. Later, he conceded that hed urged his followers not to recognize Biden as the legitimate winner of the 2020 electionclaims that spurred the Jan. 6 attack, prosecutors allege. When Rhodes later argued that he was not aware of what some of the other Oath Keepers were planning in a group chat, Rakoczy pointed out that he was the groups chairman. Sir, the buck stops with you in this organization, right? the prosecutor added, to which Rhodes insisted he was not responsible for members who go off mission. Well thats convenient, Rakoczy retorted. Read more at The Daily Beast. Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. By Sarah N. Lynch WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the U.S. far-right Oath Keepers group, told a jury on Monday he never ordered members to storm the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and he thought it was "stupid" that some of them decided to enter the building. Rhodes, a Yale Law-educated former U.S. Army paratrooper, is on trial along with Oath Keeper associates Thomas Caldwell, Kenneth Harrelson, Kelly Meggs and Jessica Watkins on multiple charges in connection with the attack by supporters of then-President Donald Trump on the U.S. Capitol that sent lawmakers and staffers fleeing for their lives. In his second day of testifying on the stand in his own defense, Rhodes called the events of Jan. 6 "horrific" and said anyone who tried to assault police officers that day "should be prosecuted." "I didn't want them to get wrapped up in all the nonsense with the Trump supporters around the Capitol. I wanted to keep them out of that. Idle hands are a devil's playground," Rhodes said. The five Oath Keeper associates are facing felony charges including seditious conspiracy, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The government contends the Oath Keepers plotted to use force to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Biden's election victory, with defendants Meggs, Watkins and Harrelson entering the building clad in tactical gear. Prosecutors also allege the Oath Keepers staged a "quick reaction force" in a nearby Virginia hotel, a plan which entailed stockpiling firearms that could be ferried across the river into the capital if needed. Rhodes testified that on Jan. 6, Meggs was supposed to oversee a small team of Oath Keepers who were tasked with providing security to the entourage of Ali Alexander, a leading Stop the Steal pro-Trump activist who denied Biden's election victory. But Rhodes said Meggs apparently did not follow through on his assignment, and he could not locate Meggs or hear him over the sounds of the crowd once he reached him by cellphone. Story continues It was not until later in the day, Rhodes said, that he learned Meggs had actually breached the building. "Was there a plan to go in and disrupt the election?" Rhodes' defense attorney Phillip Linder asked. "No, never," Rhodes replied. When Linder asked Rhodes how he reacted to the news that Meggs had breached the Capitol, Rhodes recalled telling him: "That was stupid." Rhodes also denied knowing any of the details about the quick reaction force establishment in Virginia. Prosecutors have sought to portray Rhodes as a radical far-right figure who repeatedly voiced support for the use of force against the government, including on Jan. 6. During cross-examination on Monday, prosecutor Kathryn Rakoczy showed the jury text messages between Rhodes and other Oath Keepers in the lead-up to Jan. 6. In one text to Rhodes, Meggs says he is busy setting up a quick reaction force, also known as a "QRF." "Ok, we will have a QRF. This situation calls for it," Rhodes responded on Jan. 2. Rhodes said some of the messages about the QRF were exchanged in a group chat where he did not always read everything, though he acknowledged being the administrator of the chat. "Sir, the buck stopped with you in this operation, correct?" Rakoczy asked. "I'm responsible for everything everyone did?" Rhodes asked. "You're in charge, right?" Rakoczy said. "Not when they do something off mission, I'm not in charge," he replied. (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Josie Kao) Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes on Monday said it was stupid for members of his far-right militia group to enter the U.S. Capitol during the rioting on Jan. 6, 2021, distancing himself from the actions of his supporters on that day and denying that he had a plan to disrupt certification of the 2020 election. Rhodes took the stand for a second day during a trial in which he and and four other Oath Keepers face seditious conspiracy charges for their alleged roles in the Jan. 6 attack. The militia leader, who faces up to 20 years in prison on the rarely used charges, insisted that the mission was never to storm Congress and stop certification of the 2020 election. There was no plan to enter the building for any purpose, Rhodes said on the witness stand, according to The Associated Press. Rhodes did not go into the Capitol himself but has been described by prosecutors as a general overseeing his militia members as they charged the building on Jan. 6. Under questioning from his lawyer, Rhodes told jurors that it was stupid to go into the Capitol. One, because it wasnt our mission. And, two, it opened the door for our political enemies to persecute us. And thats what happened, and here we are, Rhodes said, according to The Wall Street Journal. Rhodes and his defense team argue the Oath Keepers were not present that day to join the thousands of pro-Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol to overturn certification of the 2020 election. Rather, they claim the group was awaiting orders from former President Trump, who they believed was going to initiate the Insurrection Act, an old series of laws authorizing the commander in chief to call up an armed militia to quell a domestic rebellion. On the stand, Rhodes said Monday that all of my effort was on what Trump would do, according to The Associated Press. Prosecutors have presented the case that Rhodes and four other members plotted for weeks to overthrow the government. Story continues The other members on trial are Kelly Meggs, the leader of the Florida chapter of the Oath Keepers; Kenneth Harrelson, who assisted Meggs; Thomas Caldwell, a retired U.S. Navy intelligence officer from Virginia; and Jessica Watkins, the leader of a militia group from Ohio. According to prosecutors, the Oath Keepers members stashed weapons and gear at a Virginia hotel ahead of Jan. 6. But Rhodes on Monday said the weapons were not there for the purpose of attacking the Capitol, arguing that it would have taken too long to bring them to Washington, D.C., according to the AP. Prosecutors last week played back an audio recording of Rhodes on Jan. 10, 2021, saying the militia should have brought firearms to the Capitol. We should have brought rifles. We could have fixed it right then and there, Rhodes allegedly said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Stewart Rhodes, founder of the citizen militia group known as the Oath Keepers speaks during a rally outside the White House in Washington, on June 25, 2017. Susan Walsh/AP Stewart Rhodes' testimony opened him up to questions about his spending of Oath Keepers funds. Rhodes acknowledged "falling-outs" and a board member resigning over scrutiny of his spending. Prosecutors showed messages belying Rhodes' attempt to distance himself from the Capitol attack. Before his indictment on charges related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes faced a different kind of scrutiny from within his own far-right group. On Monday, federal prosecutors called attention to questions and tensions related to Rhodes' use of Oath Keepers funds for personal expenses in the years since he founded the far-right group in 2009. With Rhodes testifying in his own defense at his seditious conspiracy trial, federal prosecutor Kathryn Rakoczy asked him whether he had been "living off the Oath Keepers for the last decade." "As I testified, I draw a salary," Rhodes answered. Rhodes went on to acknowledge "falling-outs" with the Oath Keepers board, including the resignation of one member over concerns about his spending of group funds. He confirmed that he paid for travel, meals, and firearms with Oath Keepers funds but claimed not to remember using the group's money to visit family over the holidays in late 2020 just weeks before the Capitol attack. "Um ... don't recall," he said. Rakoczy then pressed him, asking if he'd tapped into Oath Keepers funds "quite a bit" to cover personal expenses. "I wouldn't say it's fair to say that. It's my full-time job, and I travel a lot," he said. Rakoczy questioned Rhodes during a cross-examination that came on the heels of the Oath Keepers founder taking the risky step of testifying in his own defense. At another point in her questioning, she appeared to assert that Rhodes had not paid personal income taxes from 2008 to 2020, drawing an objection that Judge Amit Mehta granted. "There's plenty to cross-examine him about. I don't think that's necessary," Mehta said. Story continues Rhodes is standing trial alongside four other Oath Keepers members Kelly Meggs; Kenneth Harrelson; Jessica Watkins; and Thomas Caldwell on charges they plotted to violently prevent the peaceful transfer of power from former President Donald Trump to President Joe Biden. In the weekslong trial, prosecutors have presented evidence of Rhodes attempting to urge Trump to take more drastic action to remain in power and prevent the certification of Biden's victory. Prosecutors have also shown video footage of Oath Keepers members entering the Capitol in military-style stack formations, and they have presented other evidence that the group stockpiled firearms in a hotel room outside Washington, DC, for so-called "quick reaction" forces that could be deployed on January 6. The high-profile trial has featured the most serious charge seditious conspiracy the Justice Department has brought in the wave of nearly 900 prosecutions stemming from the January 6 attack on the Capitol. But it has also shed light on the history and finances of the Oath Keepers, a far-right group that explicitly focuses on recruiting current and former law enforcement, military, and first-responder personnel. On the witness stand, wearing a suit and eye patch, Rhodes distanced himself from the violence of January 6. Rhodes, who remained outside the Capitol, testified that he thought it was "stupid" for Oath Keepers members to enter the building. Entering the Capitol, he said, was "not our mission." "It opened the door for our political enemies to persecute us, and that's what happened," he added. "Here we are." As he did on Friday, when he initially took the stand, Rhodes attempted to paint the Oath Keepers as a service-minded group that provided protection during protests and social unrest but did not condone violence. But, in questioning that examined the Oath Keepers' more than decade-long history, Rakoczy sought to poke holes in Rhodes' presentation of the group. She noted Rhodes' rhetoric and the location where he founded the group: Lexington, Massachusetts, the site of the "shot heard 'round the world" that started the American Revolution. From the Oath Keepers' founding, the group was focused on "forceful opposition to the government, isn't that right?" Rakoczy asked. "That's not correct," Rhodes responded. Rakoczy later displayed a photograph of an Oath Keepers member carrying guns on the roof of a business during the protests in Ferguson, Missouri, that followed the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by police. In her questioning, she also noted that the Oath Keepers provided ammunition for AR-15 rifles during the 2014 standoff at the Bundy Ranch. For Rakoczy, Rhodes' preferred image of the Oath Keepers was belied by his own messages with fellow members. In one planning message, in late 2021, Rhodes recalled walking through the streets of Portland, Oregon, during the social unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd while in the custody of the Minneapolis police. "I was quote/unquote unarmed, but I had my helmet in my hand. Guess what that was for? That was to whack someone right across the face if they're going to come at me. So," he wrote. In another message before January 6, Rhodes wrote: "Trump has one last chance, right now, to stand. But he will need us and our rifles too. But will he FINALLY Act?" Rhodes testified that, on January 6, he took a hands-off approach and delegated decision-making to team leaders. When Rakoczy asked if the buck stopped with him on January 6, he replied, "Not when they do something off-mission, I'm not in charge." "Well that's convenient," Rakoczy said. Read the original article on Business Insider Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes said on Monday he was shocked to learn that his allies went off-mission and entered the Capitol on Jan. 6, telling jurors he only learned about it after the fact and never viewed disrupting Congress as a goal for his far-right group. I didnt want them getting wrapped up into all the nonsense with Trump supporters, Rhodes said under questioning from his attorneys. My goal was to make sure that no one got wrapped up in that Charlie Foxtrot going on inside the Capitol. It was Rhodes most forceful rebuttal to the seditious conspiracy case prosecutors have been making against him for weeks. They have alleged that he helped orchestrate an armed rebellion against the incoming Biden administration, leading his group to Washington on Jan. 6 and assembling stockpiles of weapons nearby in case violence escalated. The goal, the Justice Department argued, was to keep Donald Trump in power, by force if necessary. Prosecutors swung back Monday afternoon, pressing Rhodes on his repeated exhortations to his allies to prepare for a bloody battle against the government if Joe Biden were allowed to take office. Rhodes goaded his allies into a militant posture, helped organize their stockpile of weapons and rallied them to the Capitol amid the chaos, prosecutors noted. You and the Oath Keepers were prepared to take steps to alter or abolish this government, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Rakoczy said. Rhodes, though, said he viewed America as on the eve of battle not in the midst of one. His warnings about impending civil war were about the distant future, he said, not for Jan. 6 itself. Were we prepared to walk the founders path? Rhodes said. Yes. I still hope the conflict will be avoided. But we have a government that steps outside the constitution, it puts you in a bad place. Rhodes bristled when asked by Rakoczy whether he bore responsibility for his followers actions on Jan. 6. Im responsible for everything everybody does? he shot back. Story continues For the second straight day, the seditious conspiracy trial of the Oath Keepers turned into the Stewart Rhodes show. The loquacious Yale Law graduate at times grew agitated by Rakoczys questioning and repeatedly disputed her premise as she pressed him on his intentions. He attempted to flash humor, saying he needed to go on a diet after prosecutors displayed an unflattering side-profile image. He often morphed into an armchair law professor, describing his view of the Supreme Courts original jurisdiction, the historical interpretation of the Insurrection Act, as well as his view of the definition of civil disobedience. Rhodes opined about his distrust of Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell, which he said was in part due to his wife Elaine Chaos family connections in China. He agreed that America remained on the Founders path his shorthand for the road to civil war but not one he said he intended to bring about on Jan. 6. Rakoczy noted that Rhodes never warned fellow Oath Keepers to avoid the Capitol, after learning that rioters had breached police lines. In fact, he called them to meet him at the Capitols northeast corner. Rhodes had primed his supporters for weeks, Rakoczy said, noting that if Trump didnt call up the military to help him seize a second term, his supporters including the Oath Keepers would have to take matters into their own hands. You had been describing how we were on the brink of a war, Rakoczy said. On Jan. 6, she noted, he looked upon the rioting crowd, compared it to the Revolutionary War street fighting and told his allies, Next comes our Lexington. Rhodes spent the morning casting the Oath Keepers as a benevolent, apolitical force, responding to natural disasters and protecting business owners amid civil unrest in Ferguson, Mo. in 2014 after the police shooting of Michael Brown and in Louisville after the police shooting of Breonna Taylor. Rhodes contended that he spent the morning of Jan. 6 at a hotel, traveling to the Capitol only after he had heard that the barricades had been breached. He described having trouble communicating with allies due to poor cell service, and that he had particular concerns about his inability to reach Kelly Meggs, the Florida leader of the Oath Keepers and one of Rhodes codefendants. I didnt know where they were, Rhodes said. Later that day, Rhodes said, Meggs informed him that he had brought his team into the Capitol, something Rhodes said he disagreed with and voiced his concerns about to others at the time. Rhodes said that he learned only after Jan. 6 that another Oath Keeper Alabamas Joshua James, who had been guarding longtime Trump ally Roger Stone earlier on that day had also taken a group inside the Capitol. James, he said, never mentioned it to him even though they dined together on the evening of Jan. 6. Meggs attorney, Stan Woodward, questioned Rhodes about the claim that Meggs went off-mission. We disagree, Woodward told U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta, who was considering whether to permit cross-examination by co-defendants attorneys. Rhodes said under questioning from Woodward that there was no plan to enter the building for any purpose but agreed that there are standing orders within Oath Keepers to render medical aid to those in need. Rhodes used much of his testimony to separate his desire for Trump to remain in power from the groups presence in D.C. He said more than 100 Oath Keepers had traveled to Washington to perform security details and escort Trump supporters from the Ellipse, near the White House, to the Capitol. But that work, he said, was distinct from his public calls on Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act and call up the Oath Keepers as a state-sanctioned militia, which he repeatedly said he believed would have been within Trumps legal and constitutional authority. When they questioned Rhodes, prosecutors indicated they would ask about his efforts to deliver that message to Trump in the weeks before Jan. 6. During discussion among the lawyers out of jurors earshot, they discussed FBI investigators interviews with an unidentified woman who donated to the Oath Keepers and had a son working at the White House. The FBI investigated evidence that Rhodes sought to pass messages to Trump through this contact only to learn that the woman never passed along his messages. NextShark A man arrested in connection with a brutal daytime attack of a 12-year-old Asian boy in Brooklyn earlier this month has been arrested nearly two dozen times in the past, according to reports. Police said Jamal McIlwain, 28, assaulted the victim with a crutch at the intersection of St. Pauls Court and St. Pauls Place at around 7:40 a.m. on Nov. 17. After failing to strike a third time, he "calmly" walks away, leaves the crutch on the sidewalk and heads north on St. Pauls Place, as per the New York Post. Phoenix police. A suspect was outstanding following an officer-involved shooting on Sunday evening, according to the Phoenix Police Department. Phoenix police announced there was an officer-involved shooting near 21st and Turney avenues, and that the suspect involved was outstanding. Officials said that no officers were injured. We are responding to an Officer involved Shooting in the area of 21st Avenue and Turney Avenue. Officers are code 4. Suspect is outstanding. Please avoid the area as it's an active scene. Further info to follow. pic.twitter.com/nAafGrQAcv Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) November 7, 2022 Phoenix police asked that people avoid the area, as the scene was active. Authorities said that additional updates to the situation would be provided on the Phoenix police Twitter account. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Reach breaking news reporter Vic Verbalaitis at vverbalaitis@gannett.com or on Twitter @VicVerb. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Officer-involved shooting in Phoenix; suspect outstanding BAGHDAD (AP) Assailants fatally shot an American aid worker Monday in a rare killing of a foreigner in the Iraqi capital in recent years, two police officials said. The man was shot in his car as he entered the street where he lives in Baghdad's central Karrada district on the east bank of the Tigris River but the reason for the killing was not immediately clear, they said. They said the man's wife and child were in the car with him but were not hurt. The officials said as the man drove through his street, a car cut him off and assailants in another car shot him dead. It was not immediately clear if the assailants were trying to kidnap the man, they said. State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters the department is aware of the reports of the killing of a U.S. aid worker in Baghdad and is looking into them. But, he said the department was not yet in a position to confirm the accounts of the death or that the person was a U.S. citizen. According to documents seen by The Associated Press, the man had been renting an apartment in Karrada's Wahda area since May last year. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the killing. U.S. Embassy officials when contacted by The Associated Press could not immediately provide any information about the case. Two security officials confirmed a U.S. citizen who worked for an international aid organization had been killed without giving his name. They said details were scarce but an investigation was underway. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. A medical worker at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, where the victim was taken, said he was dead on arrival. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said he would form a committee comprising the interior ministry and various security agencies to investigate the circumstances of the killing of an American citizen in the capital. The streets of the middle class, mixed Christian and Muslim neighborhood where the victim reportedly lived were empty of residents but heavily patrolled by police Monday night. Story continues Such attacks against individuals in the Iraqi capital have been rare since the defeat of the Islamic State group in the country in 2017 but rockets are sometimes fired toward the U.S. Embassy. In the early years that followed the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, such attacks were common. In 2004, two Americans were kidnapped in Baghdad and extremists later released videos showing their beheading. The attack came after Iraq's new Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani was given a vote of confidence by parliament in late October. Al-Sudani was named by the Iran-backed Coordination Framework, composed largely of Shiite parties. Iraq held early elections more than a year ago in response to mass anti-government protests that began in October 2019 in Baghdad and across southern Iraq. Protesters called for the overhaul of the political system established after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. U.S.-led coalition forces recently ended their combat mission in Iraq but continue to play an advisory role to Iraqi forces in the fight against IS. ___ Associated Press writer Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report. OCT 24, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Teenagers took over a juvenile prison school building tipped over desks, heaved a refrigerator through one of three broken windows, and used an unsecured state computer to broadcast the standoff to more than 7,000 viewers on Facebook on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. Faces have been blurred in this image taken from the Facebook Live feed. Mandatory Credit: Doral Chenoweth-The Columbus Dispatch After a rash of disturbances and assaults inside its youth prisons, the Ohio Department of Youth Services announced Friday that it'll outfit guards with body cameras and pepper spray. Pepper spray is safer than physical restraint and will lead to fewer injuries to staff and juveniles, Amy Ast, youth services director, said in a letter to department staff. She also predicted that it would lead to more compliance by juveniles, resulting in their release dates not being extended. Investigation: Ohio youth prison system struggles with violence, staff vacancies "This will increase safety and increase the likelihood of youth being released on time," Ast said. Ohio Public Defender Timothy Young, whose law office represents most of the incarcerated youth, said he has deep concerns about deploying pepper spray inside juvenile prisons. "DYS is in the position of parenting the children in their custody. If any parent pepper sprayed their child, they would rightfully investigated and likely charged with child abuse," Young said. "Studies show children are at increased risk for neurological and respiratory damage from pepper spray." Patrol: Juvenile barricade ends at Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility The department will also outfit officers with body cameras, starting with Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility in Stark County. Indian River has been the focal point of two disturbances and multiple staff assaults in recent weeks. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction's special response team is providing additional guards at Indian River for the time being. The Ohio Department of Youth Services has been grappling with violent incidents, high job vacancy rates and other problems. Across the system, guards report that they're required to work double shifts multiple times a week, leading to exhaustion and burnout. 'I'm not dropping this.' Wife of guard assaulted in Ohio youth prison blames the state Ohio's youth prisons operate under different rules than the adult prisons. Confidentiality laws prohibit state officials from disclosing the identity of incarcerated juveniles and officers must follow a myriad of policies and laws, especially when it comes to using force. Some guards complain that they feel their hands are tied by the restrictive policies, leaving them with few options to manage violent teens. Story continues The union that presents juvenile corrections officers has advocated that they be equipped with pepper spray. Ast said in her staff letter than while pepper spray is a new tool, it won't replace current strategies backed up by research: mentorship, behavioral health interventions, and relationship building. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio youth prison guards to use pepper spray after violent events A row of bookshelves. Stock Photo via Getty Images Ahead of the midterms, one English teacher is using Oklahoma's book-banning efforts to campaign against conservative schooling policies in the state, The Associated Press reported. Summer Boismier, a high-school English teacher from Norman, Oklahoma, told AP she had become concerned by the state's Senate Bill 1142, which The Oklahoman noted was aimed at banning books from school libraries that were deemed "controversial." As a result, she gave students access to a QR code from the Brooklyn Public Library that would allow them to read these banned books. When parents discovered her actions, Boismier was summoned to a meeting with school officials, in which she resigned her position and vowed to fight back against the state's GOP candidate for public school superintendent, Ryan Walters. Walters called for Boismier's teaching license to be revoked, and the teacher found herself in the middle of a political firestorm that has engulfed the state. She told AP that people on social media "called for her to be prosecuted, thrown in prison, or even lynched." However, following the attacks, Boismier became the center of a campaign against conservative-led book-banning efforts, with her community rallying around her in the midst of the social media blitz. Some people even printed her QR code on yard signs for passersby to use. Boismier is now heading to New York City for a job with the Brooklyn Public Library, and told AP she's happy to have stood up for her students. "My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner," she said. You may also like Russia's 'catastrophic' missing men problem Is it time to quit Twitter? Gloom rises for middle class A Shetland woman has travelled thousands of miles to work in one of the world's most remote museums. South Georgia island is in the South Atlantic, and its museum attracted visitors from around the globe. However, staff were asked to leave in March 2020 as Covid-19 spread across the world. It has now reopened. Helen Balfour read about the museum in a BBC article, and successfully applied to be an assistant on the island 8,000 miles (12,875km) away from her home. The 23-year-old was attracted by her love of museums and heritage and her family ties to the island, as her grandfathers were whalers in the area. The long land, sea and air journey to South Georgia took her three weeks. "I heard about the South Georgia museum first from an article that was written for the BBC and my dad saw it online and he sent it to me," she told BBC Radio Shetland. "And because of family connections to South Georgia I just found it very interesting. "My great-grandfather was here in the early 30s, and his sons - including my grandad - worked here. My other grandad was also here." An elephant seal pup near South Georgia's museum Helen got in touch with the team and asked if she could apply for a job, and successfully passed the interview. Getting there involved taking the ferry from Shetland to Aberdeen, then the train to Oxford, a flight from Brize Norton to the Falklands, then another boat to South Georgia. "I left home on 2 October and we got here about the 22nd, it took me a while to get here," she said. "We were in the Falkland Islands for five days and then the boat journey was another five days. "It's really special to be able to come here." Map of South Georgia The island itself is a tough place to work. Although it is closer to South America - and the South Pole - than to London, South Georgia has been a British island since the 18th Century, having been claimed by Captain James Cook. The King is head of state, and the flag features the union jack. However, the name of the ghost town where the museum sits, Grytviken (pronounced Grit-vicken), gives a clue to the island's history. Story continues The settlement was named by Swedish explorers in the early 20th Century (the name means Pot Cove). In 1904, Norwegians opened a whaling station there to process the whales' meat, blubber, and bones. In the next 60 years, more than 175,000 whales were killed in the waters of South Georgia alone - processed at Grytviken and other stations along the shore. But, by the 1960s, the industry had burned itself out - there were no longer enough whales to catch. Grytviken was abandoned, but a relatively grand villa - built in 1914 - remained usable. In 1989, David Wynn-Williams, a British Antarctic scientist, suggested turning the villa into a museum. The project was taken on by Nigel Bonner and it opened in 1992, originally focused on whaling, but now with a broader approach. The South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT), which runs the museum, is based in Dundee. Fresh food in South Georgia is rare, the internet connection is poor, and, at times, the wind is strong enough to tip over helicopters. Helen's grandfather Jimmy Balfour first visited South Georgia in the 1950s. After a decade of whaling, he worked on one of the final whale catcher vessels which worked out of Grytviken. Penguins are also a major South Georgia attraction Her other grandfather, Alan Leask, started whaling aged 16. Her great-grandfather, Thomas Balfour, was also a whaler 20 years before. Helen is already loving the adventure - and the wildlife, which includes penguins and elephant seals. "It's quite amusing. There's been a lot of nights where we've all just been standing looking out the window looking at all the drama that goes on when the mums leave their pups behind," she explained. "We all carry broom handles just in case one of them gets a bit too close, they can be quite territorial. "They're a bit different from the seals that you would see in Shetland." The new museum assistant is helping in the shop and with tours, and is looking forward to getting to know cruise ship passengers. "We're expecting thousands of visitors," she said. "I think it's going to be lovely." From left to right: Former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, Maryland Democratic gubernatorial nominee Wes Moore, Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams, and Iowa Democratic gubernatorial nominee Deidre DeJear. Steve Helber/AP Exchange, Kathy Willens/AP Exchange, Alex Brandon/AP Exchange, Charlie Neibergall/AP Exchange, Akili-Casundria Ramsess/AP Exchange There have only been two Black elected governors in US history, but that could change on Tuesday. Insider spoke with Deval Patrick of Massachusetts and Maryland's Wes Moore about their bids. Black candidates often face questions about electability in the gubernatorial nomination process. When L. Douglas Wilder won the 1989 Virginia gubernatorial election, he had already shattered a major barrier four years earlier by becoming the state's first Black lieutenant governor. In the 1980s, Virginia's rapidly-growing suburbs were becoming major centers of power in the legislature, but the Commonwealth's rural heartland, filled with the sorts of conservative Democrats who once formed the backbone of the party, remained a critical part of Wilder's calculus for winning the highest office in state government. Wilder, who had catapulted into office as a state senator representing a Richmond-anchored district, knew he would have to appeal to as many voters as possible in his bid to be governor of a state whose capital city was formerly the seat of the Confederacy. With the victory, Wilder became the first Black elected governor in the United States, generations after P.B.S. Pinchback had briefly served as the acting governor of Louisiana from December 1872 to January 1873 during Reconstruction. Wilder left office at the end of his term in January 1994, but it wasn't until November 2006 that another state elected the second Black governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts. Recalling a conversation he had with Wilder, Patrick said, "Wilder told me probably my favorite introduction of all the time while I was in office. He said people brag about him as the first Black governor elected in America. He said being first doesn't mean a thing unless there's a second. I think it's such an important point." Patrick, who served in office from 2007 to 2015, told Insider the pipeline for Black candidates must be developed "more broadly than other elected officials," given the questions about electability faced by nominees in the past. Story continues In five states across the country, Black candidates are featured on the November ballot as major-party gubernatorial nominees Stacey Abrams of Georgia; Wes Moore of Maryland; Deidre DeJear of Iowa; Yolanda Flowers of Alabama; and Chris Jones of Arkansas. On Tuesday, voters could reshape the number of Black governors holding office in the US. But the journey in many ways remains difficult. Then-Virginia Gov. Gerald Baliles, right, share the podium with then-Virginia Lt. Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, center, and then-Attorney General Mary Sue Terry, left, after the three were sworn in at the state Capitol in Richmond, Va., on January 11, 1986. AP Photo/Steve Helber A pipeline for Black candidates Over the course of 40 years, there have been several Black candidates who aimed for governorships and came up short as general election candidates, including Tom Bradley the first Black mayor of Los Angeles who narrowly lost to Republican George Deukmejian in the 1982 California gubernatorial election and Abrams, a former minority leader in the Georgia House of Representatives who was narrowly edged out by now-GOP Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia in the state's 2018 gubernatorial contest. There are other notable examples. Former US Rep. Cleo Fields, who in 1995 was the Democratic gubernatorial nominee in Louisiana, was defeated by GOP nominee Mike Foster by over 25 points. Republican Ken Blackwell sought the Ohio governorship in 2006 but lost decisively to then-Democratic US Rep. Ted Strickland. Former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum came up short to now-GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida in 2018. And that same year, former NAACP president Ben Jealous was unable to oust incumbent GOP Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland. The number of Black governors currently sits at zero. Other Black candidates have also fallen short in their gubernatorial bids, having been stymied by infrastructural barriers within their respective parties including the lack of robust fundraising or the absence of compelling messages that would encourage voters to take a risk on them. Patrick who served as an attorney for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and was an assistant attorney general for the civil rights division in the Department of Justice before serving as governor told Insider that his first race had an "insider-outsider dynamic" that helped him stand out among more established candidates. "Most people were feeling that Beacon Hill was really about the neighborhood around Beacon Hill and not focused elsewhere," the former governor said, referring to the affluent area of Boston that is the nexus of state government. "So we ran a grassroots campaign for both practical and sort of philosophical reasons: Practical, because that was the only way an outsider was going to break in, and philosophical, because it was the only way I could think of to express an understanding that most people felt like outsiders needed to be invited to make a political future of their own." Maryland Democratic gubernatorial nominee Wes Moore speaks with supporters in Baltimore, Md., on September 6, 2022. AP Photo/Bryan Woolston 'Is that the one that looks like me?' It used to be that virtually all Black lawmakers were relegated to highly-gerrymandered districts that often left them at a disadvantage when it came time to seek higher office; they often had little name identification and scant relationships with party brokers who helped candidates navigate tough primaries. However, this year, Black gubernatorial candidates weren't overly reliant on the party leadership to help them land the nominations in their respective states. Abrams, who is locked with Kemp in a rematch of their 2018 gubernatorial contest, has sought to appeal to the state's growing Gen Z and millennial populations while also stumping for support in urban and suburban communities that allowed her to come within 55,000 votes of winning four years ago. And the former lawmaker's work for Fair Fight, the voting-rights organization widely credited with helping elect Democratic Georgia Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff last year, has endeared her to legions of grassroots activists. DeJear, Jones, and Flowers are running in states that have a decidedly Republican lean and Black populations that fall below 30 percent. Moore a Johns Hopkins-educated Rhodes Scholar and Army veteran who as a first-time candidate defeated veteran state Comptroller Peter Franchot and former Labor Secretary Tom Perez in a Democratic primary would be Maryland's first Black governor if he triumphs over GOP state Del. Dan Cox on Tuesday. During a conversation with Moore on his campaign bus last month, he told Insider he appreciated the significance of representation as he would also be only the third Black governor since the country's founding if elected. Moore then told the story of a union leader who attended an event where he would be featured; the leader's grandson quickly recognized his name. "He said to her, 'Is that the one that looks like me?' And she's like, 'Yeah, that's the one that looks like you.' Especially when you consider the history of this state, it's very humbling," Moore said. "This is the state of Harriet Tubman. This is the state of Frederick Douglass. This is the state of Thurgood Marshall. This is the state of redlining. This is the state of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War," he continued. But Moore was also clear that he's not running for the sake of a historical milestone but to enact policies that will improve the lives of Marylanders. "The making history is not lost on me, but that's not the assignment. At the end of the day, if that's what I accomplished, that's not enough," Moore told Insider. "If I can focus on things like making child poverty history if I can do things like that, then I think I actually understood the assignment of why this moment mattered." Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams. AP Photo/John Bazemore 'It's about tomorrow and what you show people is possible' Larry Sabato the director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics and a longtime expert on the state's political history recounted to Insider that Wilder's campaigns for higher office in 1980s-era Virginia were met with pushback from some Democratic Party leaders. "Particularly for lieutenant governor, they were convinced he was going to sink the ticket," he said of Wilder's 1985 statewide campaign alongside then-gubernatorial candidate Gerald Baliles and then-attorney general candidate Mary Sue Terry. "And they convinced me and a lot of other people that Virginia wasn't ready. Well, he proved otherwise." In the years since Wilder and Patrick served in office, Black candidates have made major strides in Congress, with lawmakers like Democratic Reps. Jahana Hayes of Connecticut and Joe Neguse of Colorado having been elected in districts without large minority populations. And there are now 58 current members of the Congressional Black Caucus. But Andra Gillespie, an associate professor of political science at Emory University, told Insider that a House seat held by a Black politician generally has offered less mobility to jump to an open Senate seat. "What could be a launchpad for white politicians has in many instances been a plateau for Black politicians. What's ended up happening for Black members of the House of Representatives is they peak politically at the House," she said. "They gain seniority if their party is in power; that usually puts them in a position, particularly if they're Democrats based on how Democrats tend to run the chamber." There are currently three Black senators serving in the upper chamber Cory Booker of New Jersey, Tim Scott of South Carolina, and Warnock. There have only been 11 Black senators in US history. Patrick told Insider there is "power in example." "It's not about us and it's not about now it's not about me. It's about tomorrow and what you show people is possible," Patrick said. Read the original article on Business Insider Getty Images; Insider Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. local time, or 11 p.m. EST. Oregon Measure 112 changed language in the state constitution that addressed slavery and involuntary servitude in prisons. Supporters argued that the slavery language heavily affected marginalized communities. Oregonians voted "yes" on Measure 112, which edited language in the state constitution regarding slavery and involuntary servitude. Ballot measure details Known as the Remove Slavery as Punishment for Crime from Constitution Amendment, Oregon Measure 112 removed the exception in the Constitution that allowed for slavery as "a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted." In turn, it added the following language: "Upon conviction of a crime, an Oregon court or a probation or parole agency may order the convicted person to engage in education, counseling, treatment, community service or other alternatives to incarceration, as part of sentencing for the crime, in accordance with programs that have been in place historically or that may be developed in the future, to provide accountability, reformation, protection of society or rehabilitation." A Secretary of State's analysis of the measure stated: "The measure does not require additional state government revenues or expenditures; however the impact of the measure will depend on potential legal action or changes to inmate work programs." Support and opposition Oregonians Against Slavery & Involuntary Servitude led the campaign in support of the measure. Supporters argued that the slavery exception heavily affected marginalized communities. Zach Winston, the policy director of the Oregon Justice Resource Center, said that "while the slavery exception was drafted over 160 years ago, the impact is still disproportionately felt today by the BIPOC communities." There was no organized campaign against the proposal, according to Ballotpedia, but the Oregon Department of Corrections argued that the measure misleads the public about what goes on inside the state's prisons. Story continues "DOC recognizes that compelled prison labor is sometimes perceived as modern-day slavery," Rob Persson, assistant director of operations at the Oregon Department of Corrections, said to lawmakers, according to OPB. "DOC believes that perception is misplaced, at least with respect to the manner in which adults in custody are engaged in prison work programs in Oregon's prisons." The money race The measure attracted about $75,000 in support contributions and $0 in opposition contributions, according to Ballotpedia. Read the original article on Business Insider Ouster and Velodyne, two lidar companies, have agreed to a merger in an all-stock transaction, the companies said Monday. Both Ouster and Velodyne will maintain a 50% stake in the new company, according to the agreement that was signed on November 4. The merger comes as many in the industry, including autonomous vehicle technology company Cruise's CEO Kyle Vogt, have been expecting another round of consolidation in the lidar space. That's in part because there are too many lidar companies for how many OEMs are implementing the sensor for autonomous driving applications. It's also because many of these companies, including Ouster and Velodyne, went public via special purpose acquisition (SPAC) at potentially inflated valuations that were based on projected revenue, not actual revenue. Earlier this year, Velodyne acquired AI and lidar company Bluecity.ai, and last year, Ouster acquired lidar startup Sense Photonics. AV company Aurora bought out Blackmore in 2019, and Cruise acquired Strobe in 2017. Both Velodyne and Ouster have been struggling with plummeting stock prices over the past year, and neither has been able to turn a profit yet. The companies closed out the second quarter with a net loss of $44.3 million and $28 million, respectively. Loss-generating companies can often maintain investor faith if they at least generate regular increases in revenue, which Ouster has done year-over-year. But Velodyne's revenue doesn't seem to have grown at all in the past year; rather it fell 41%. By merging, the companies hope to combine forces and create scale "to drive profitable and sustainable revenue growth," according to Velodyne's CEO Ted Tewksbury. The companies say that the merger will allow them to realize annualized cost savings of at least $75 million within the nine months after the transaction closes, as well as $335 million in combined cash for the third quarter. The merger may also be a lifeline for Velodyne, a company that has been struggling over the past year with a series of internal dramas, including the resignation of its CEO Anand Gopalan last July. (Tewskbury took over for him in November.) Velodyne never said why Gopalan resigned, but his leaving cost Velodyne $8 million in equity compensation, according to 2021's second-quarter earnings report. Story continues Prior to that, Velodyne's founder David Hall was removed as chairman of the board and his wife, Marta Thoma Hall, lost her role as chief marketing officer following an investigation by the board into the two for "inappropriate behavior." The legal fees for the dramas cost Velodyne $3.7 million in the first half of 2021. In May last year, Hall wrote a letter blaming the SPAC with which Velodyne merged, Graf Industrial Corp., for the company's poor financial performance. A new path ahead The combined company's board of directors will consist of eight members, four from Ouster's board and four from Velodyne's. Angus Pacala, co-founder and CEO of Ouster, will be CEO of the new company. Tewksbury will act as executive chairman of the board. In a statement, Ouster said the merger would increase operational efficiencies, most likely by getting rid of redundancies. That usually means layoffs will follow, but the companies did not respond in time to TechCrunch's request for comment. With a combined commercial footprint and distribution network, the new company expects to deliver higher volumes of product at reduced costs, Ouster said. The merger, which will see Velodyne's share exchanged for 0.8204 shares of Ouster at closing, is expected to be completed in the first half of 2023, pending shareholder approval by both companies. Ouster and Velodyne will continue to operate their businesses independently until the transaction is complete. Imagine your plane about to depart and an elderly man pulls his pants down in the aisle and pees on the floor. Could be pretty horrific right? Not Knowing Your Limits A passenger headed to the United States recently pleaded guilty to exposing his penis and urinating on the floor of a plane on a flight from Bali to Brisbane. The 72-year-old passenger from New Zealand, James Hughes was returning from an Indonesian vacation on Wednesday when he decided to urinate in front of the passengers on the plane. Hughes had consumed a few small bottles of wine according to the Australian Federal Police reports. Once the plane landed the authorities fined him for rude conduct in public. Hughes Pleads Guilty Photo Credit: Paul Alain Hunt Hughes went before a judge in a Brisbane court and pleaded guilty to the charge. His sentence was a one-year good behavior bond. Authorities were in disgust with Hughes as he didnt take into consideration all the families and people that were on that plane when he exposed himself. The moral of the story, there are a lot of weird things happening on flights these days. You should probably wear a rain poncho on your next trip. Colin Schmitt's campaign; Mary Altaffer/AP Photo; Insider Democrat Pat Ryan defeated Republican state Rep. Colin Schmitt in New York's 18th Congressional District. The 18th District is located in the Hudson Valley. Incumbent Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney ran unsuccessfully for reelection in New York's 17th Congressional District. Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan secured a full term in Congress, defeating Republican state Rep. Colin Schmitt in New York's 18th Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 2022 General Embeds Thanks to New York's topsy-turvy redistricting process, incumbent Democrat Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney ran for re-election in the 17th Congressional District. Maloney was narrowly defeated by Republican Michael Lawler, 49.5% to 50.5%. New York's 18th Congressional District candidates Ryan is the former county executive of Ulster County in New York. He was first elected in a special election in May 2019, and then reelected to a full term the following November. In August, Ryan defeated Republican Marc Molinaro in the special election for New York's 19th Congressional District, where he's serving the rest of former Rep. Antonio Delgado's term, which ends in January 2023. Delgado resigned in May after New York Gov. Kathy Hochul named him New York's lieutenant governor. In August, Ryan told Insider that a series of Supreme Court decisions overturning Roe v. Wade and invalidating a New York gun restriction law "cleared the fog and woke people up." In addition to winning the special election in the 19th, Ryan handily defeated his Democratic primary opponents in New York's 18th Congressional District, bringing in over 80% of the vote. If he defeats Schmitt come November, Ryan will transition immediately from serving the old 19th District to a full term in Congress representing the 18th District. Schmitt, Ryan's challenger, is a member of the New York State Assembly serving the 99th District. Prior to running for Congress, Schmitt worked as an aide for then-Assemblywoman Ann Rabbitt, becoming the youngest aide ever hired by the New York State Assembly. After college, he joined the staff of former state Sen. Greg Ball, and then went on to serve as chief of staff for the town of New Windsor. Story continues The 32-year-old politician advanced from the Republican primary after the election was canceled. Voting history for New York's 18th Congressional District New York's 18th Congressional District is located in the Hudson Valley and encompasses the cities of Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, and Kingston. President Joe Biden had a 5 percentage point margin of victory under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before it was redrawn to shift north and take in Poughkeepsie in redistricting following the 2020 Census, making it slightly more Democratic. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Ryan raised $4 million, spent $3.3 million, and had $729,971 on hand, as of October 19. His opponent, Schmitt, raised $1.9 million, spent $1.5 million, and had $387,171 cash on hand, as of October 19. Through early November, super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate groups had spent more than $11 million to advocate for or against the candidates. What experts say The race between Ryan and Schmitt was rated as "tilt Democratic" by Inside Elections, "lean Democratic" by The Cook Political Report, and "leans Democratic" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, said that the Russian people face dangers that challenge the very existence of the country. Source: Patriarch Kirill, in comments on Sunday after the consecration of the main Church of the Rosgvardia [Russian National Guard] in Balashikha near Moscow, reported by the Russian news agency Interfax Details: The patriarch said that prayer for the leadership and the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation should not be "mechanical". Quote: "We must not ignore these requests, especially when people face dangers dangers that challenge the very existence of our country." More details: Kirill also argued that powerful forces "outside of Russia" allegedly want to "incite people to internal conflict". "There is only one thing behind this the desire to weaken Holy Rus [Holy Russia, a notion that (greater) Russia is and should be governed by a shared Orthodox Christian culture and values - ed.]," the head of the Russian Orthodox Church said, explaining that he uses this term to refer to Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Why this is important: According to Russian military doctrine, Russia may use nuclear weapons when the existence of the state itself is threatened. Russian officials have repeatedly stated that the country may use nuclear weapons in that case. Recently, officials of the aggressor country have begun to interpret Ukraine's liberation of its occupied lands as a threat to the existence of the Russian Federation. In particular, the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev, said: "Ukraines goal in the war has been stated by the Kyiv regime: to take back all the territories that previously belonged to it. That is, to tear them away from Russia. This is a threat to the very existence of our state and [may lead to] the collapse of today's Russia. This means that [Ukraines goal] meets one of the conditions set out in paragraph 19 of the Foundations of State Policy of the Russian Federation in the Area of Nuclear Deterrence." Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) in a new interview detailed the moment she first learned of the attack on her husband, Paul Pelosi, at their San Francisco home late last month. The Speaker, speaking with CNN for her first sit-down interview since the incident, said she was sleeping when she heard her doorbell ring. When she did not answer the door, Capitol Police officers began banging. At that moment, Pelosi said she was very scared. I was sleeping in Washington D.C., I had just gotten in the night before from San Francisco, and I hear the doorbell ring and think its five something,. I look up I see its five, it must be the wrong apartment. No. It rings again and then bang, bang, bang, bang, bang on the door, Pelosi told CNNs Anderson Cooper. So I run to the door and I was very scared, I see the Capitol Police, and they said we have to come in to talk to you, she added. Pelosi said she immediately thought about her children and grandchildren, noting that she never thought it would be Paul because, you know, I knew he wouldnt be out and about, shall we say. And so they came in, she said of the police. At that time we didnt even know where he was or what his condition was, we just knew there was an assault on him in our home. The Speakers full interview with CNN is scheduled to air at 8 p.m. EST on AC360. Paul Pelosi, 82, was attacked in the early-morning hours of Oct. 28. Authorities allege that David DePape, 42, broke into the home and struck Paul Pelosi over the head with a hammer, causing serious injuries. In an interview following the incident, DePape told authorities that he wanted to hold the Speaker hostage and talk to her, according to the Justice Departments affidavit. If she told the truth, he would let her go, but if she lied, he was going to break her kneecaps to send a message to others in Congress, DePape told authorities. Paul Pelosi was transported to a hospital after the attack and underwent successful surgery to treat a skull fracture and serious injuries to his right arm and hands. He was released from the hospital on Thursday. Story continues On Friday, in her first on-camera remarks since the attack, the Speaker said her husband will be well, but noted that its going to be a long haul. DePape is facing several state and federal charges, including attempted murder and attempted kidnapping. He was arraigned in San Francisco last week and entered a not guilty plea for the state felonies. He is facing between 13 years and life in prison for those charges. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Pensacola man wanted in connection with the Oct. 29 homicide of a man on Medford Avenue was arrested Saturday by police in Eustis, Florida. Officers arrested 29-year-old Jacob Colville during a traffic stop, charging him with first-degree premeditated murder, armed trafficking of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, improper exhibition of a dangerous firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia, the Escambia County Sheriff's Office announced. "During a search of the vehicle, officers located a firearm, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a backpack with makeup and a hat with an attached wig," an ECSO Facebook post stated. "Colville had used the makeup to cover his tattoos." The shooting: ESCO investing death of man found shot multiple times in Pensacola home The previous arrests: Pensacola woman arrested as principal to Medford Ave homicide, alleged gunman still wanted Colville is the last of three suspects to be arrested in the incident that occurred in the area of Medford and Fremont avenues shortly before 2 p.m. Oct. 29. ECSO deputies found a man inside a home with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. A witness to the incident told authorities that on Oct. 29, Colville and Lawrence Bonner Jr., 44, came to the home and allegedly "swept" the residence looking for the victim. "The witness stated he was in the living room and observed after the first two gunshots Colville walking backwards out of the room with two guns drawn," the report states. "The witness stated immediately after, (victim) began limping out of the room bleeding from his leg and chest stating, 'Call 911.'" Colville then allegedly shot him "a few additional times" until the victim collapsed on the floor. The witness said Colville and Bonner both left the residence. On Nov. 1, the ECSO announced Bonner had been arrested and charged as a principal to first-degree premeditated murder. Story continues Two days after the ECSO announced Bonner's arrest, the agency announced the arrest of 22-year-old Alyssa Marie Blackburn, charging her as a principal to first-degree premeditated murder. An arrest report states she is the person who contacted the ECSO to report the man was shot inside his home. Breaking news: SRSO uses bloodhounds to track individual shot by Navarre homeowner Although her exact statements were redacted, an arrest report indicates Blackburn gave investigators an account of events that conflicted with the statements of other witnesses. ECSO spokeswoman Morgan Lewis said authorities are awaiting Colville's extradition to Escambia County, but said it may take time as Colville's four additional charges will be prosecuted in Lake County. The News Journal reached out to the Eustis Police Department for comment but did not receive an answer. According to Lake County Jail records, Colville remains in custody on $64,000 bond. Benjamin Johnson can be reached at bjohnson@pnj.com or 850-435-8578 This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola man charged in Escambia County homicide found in Lake County Medical tattoos, designed to replicate nipples and camouflage scars, have become popular. A medical-tattoo artist and two clients say the tattoos have physical and emotional benefits. These are their stories, as told to Jane Ridley. Medical tattoos have become popular in recent years. Researchers at the University of Central Florida said in a paper published in the journal Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum in 2021 that the technique was "increasingly used with many medical conditions," adding that it could help camouflage scars, burns, and vitiligo. People who've had breast cancer can get the tattoos to simulate the appearance of nipples after a mastectomy. A 2020 paper by researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center suggested that "tattoos are safer than nipple reconstruction with grafts." Jenean LaCorte, 45, a classically trained artist who works as a medical tattooist, founded her one-woman business in 2018. She switched from watercolor painting to the tattoo business after a relative who'd had cancer got nipples tattooed on her breasts following surgery. "She was disappointed with the results, and I thought, 'People deserve better'" LaCorte told Insider. She specializes in 3D effects that can imitate the look of areolae. "I use delicate shading techniques," LaCorte said. She said the procedure which costs about $600 is offered at a discount to some breast-cancer survivors who can't afford it, as well as to some people with self-harm scars. "We get a lot of donations," LaCorte said. The fund for her clients' tattoos is also supported by Desert Harvest, a company that makes an aloe-vera cream for tattooed skin. These as-told-to essays are based on conversations with LaCorte, Kara Kenan, and Samantha Warmbrodt. They have been edited for length and clarity. LaCorte left her career as a classical artist to become a medical tattooist. LaCorte. Jenean LaCorte Medical tattoos are frequently done by doctors and nurses or regular tattooists. They're often just a solid circle of color and not placed in the right spot. There can be no artwork or skill set involved. Story continues Most breast-cancer survivors have undergone radiation or chemotherapy. It needs to be treated differently. Radiation destroys the fibers of the skin. It makes it very fragile, like crepe paper that can easily tear or shred. You have to adjust the depth of the needle and how fast the pen moves. Otherwise you can create a lot of scar damage. About 80% of my procedures are for nipples The rest camouflages surgical scars (including cesareans), birthmarks, and scars or burns caused by an accident. One woman is getting a toenail because she lost it due to diabetes. I do the shading with inks that some people might think are the same color. But the pigments have very subtle differences to exactly match skin tones and in some cases, like nipples, create a 3D effect. Women who want nipples tend to prefer a female tattoo artist. I try to make them feel at ease. They tell me about their treatment. When I see them at the follow-up, they say how much the tattoos have changed them even if it's just to get in the shower in the morning and not think, "I've had cancer." Kara Kenan, 44, had reconstruction after her treatment for breast cancer, and she went on to get nipple tattoos. Kenan. Kara Kenan I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35. The treatment lasted from the end of 2013 to the end of 2014. I had a bilateral mastectomy. Then it was six months of chemotherapy and a month's radiation. I had my breast reconstruction in December 2014. But part of the treatment was having my estrogen suppressed, particularly because I also needed a hysterectomy. I gained a lot of weight because of steroids. It got to the point when I couldn't look at my body in the mirror. My body went through so much. I didn't have nipples. I thought, "What else of my femininity can they take away from me?" But I knew that I wasn't alone in my feelings. I founded the nonprofit organization Going Beyond the Pink in 2017. We give face-to-face advice to cancer patients in our home state of North Carolina. We support other people online, including caregivers. I knew LaCorte through my breast-cancer work. I'd seen some of the results of her work in our community. So in 2020, I got my nipples tattooed. It was the first time I'd had a tattoo, and I was a little nervous. But there was no need. She put some Lidocaine cream on my skin, and it was mostly painless. My husband, Doug, hesitated to look at them right off the bat. His idea of getting a tattoo was that things would look gross at the start he wanted to wait until it was more or less healed. But when I got home, I looked at my nipples in the mirror and pranced around the bathroom. They were so realistic. Then a day or two later, I went ahead and showed Doug. He was amazed. He ran his finger over the top of them to check whether or not the surface was flat. LaCorte understands dimension and shading. She knows how to play a trick on the eye. I don't even notice them now. They're a regular part of me. After cancer, I felt ashamed and wanted to hide my body. It was a new trauma every time I looked at myself. Now I feel comfortable and whole again. Samatha Warmbrodt, 34, got medical tattoos to cover scars on her arm caused by self-harm. Warmbrodt. Samantha Warmbrodt The year 2021 was a difficult one for me. I went through the breakup of my marriage and became a single mom of five. I started cutting in November 2021. Luckily, I was able to get therapy and stopped. I wasn't ashamed of my scars. But when people saw my arm, I felt as if they were assuming the worst. I thought that they were judging me. I'd wear long sleeves that covered up my arms, even in summer. I hated it. I tried different creams that were supposed to lessen the scars. I knew that tattoos were used to disguise scars. But when I reached out to tattoo artists in the area, they didn't want to help. They said they were uncomfortable with the scarring. One person said that the ink doesn't always work on damaged skin. Another said that I needed to wait until the scars had faded in six to 10 years' time. But I couldn't wait that long. A friend recommended Jenean. We decided on the butterfly theme because it represented change and renewal. She used my raised scars as the center of each butterfly. They look 3D. I already have a lot of tattoos, but the butterflies are my favorite. In January, LaCorte is going to put two bumblebees over the two scars that are left. I paid $300, but the rest was covered by anonymous donations. These days I don't have to wear long sleeves. I work at a nursery school, and the kids sometimes look at my arm they say that they love the butterflies. My tattoos have become part of my healing journey. Do you have a powerful story to share with Insider? Please send details to jridley@insider.com. Read the original article on Insider Research Highlights: For people with stable chest pain, a personalized "precision" testing approach led to more efficient evaluations for heart disease risk and improved diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease when compared to usual care. In a study of more than 2,000 adults with stable chest pain, researchers compared a strategy of initial risk screening with delayed testing for low-risk participants and computed tomography for all others to a strategy without initial screening and with immediate testing for all participants to determine the need for treatment or further testing for heart disease. People who experienced the personalized approach were less likely to undergo unnecessary testing, more likely to use preventive medications, and had a similar rate of deaths and heart attacks compared to participants in the usual testing group. The study authors say these findings may help with chest pain evaluations by accurately identifying those who can safely delay diagnostic testing and identifying a preferred test for those who need testing. Embargoed until 5:26 p.m. CT. 6:26 p.m. ET, Sunday, November 6, 2022 (NewMediaWire) - November 06, 2022 - CHICAGO For people with stable chest pain, a personalized "precision" testing approach led to more efficient evaluations for heart disease risk and improved diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease when compared to usual care, according to late-breaking science presented today at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2022. The meeting, held in person in Chicago and virtually, Nov. 5-7, 2022, is a premier global exchange of the latest scientific advancements, research and evidence-based clinical practice updates in cardiovascular science. Chest pain is a common reason people visit the doctor, and while most chest pain episodes are found not to be heart-related, it is the most common sign of possible heart issues. "Stable" chest pain means someone has not been diagnosed with heart disease but has chest pain upon physical or emotional exertion. Guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology for evaluating chest pain indicate the importance of identifying people at low risk for heart disease so they can avoid unnecessary tests, which may involve increased costs and potential risks or complications. However, there is no randomized trial specifically detailing the most appropriate tests and screenings for people who have stable chest pain to determine whether they have heart disease. Story continues This study aimed to determine whether a precision approach for evaluating people with stable chest pain improved efficiency over usual evaluations and if unnecessary testing was avoided, and care improved without putting patients at risk of a missed heart disease diagnosis. "The PRECISE study provides the first randomized evidence for a risk-based testing strategy to reduce extra testing and improve efficiency of care while maintaining excellent patient outcomes, such as using guideline-directed medications, reducing chest pain and minimizing the number of heart attacks or heart disease-related deaths," said lead study author Pamela S. Douglas, M.D., FAHA, the Ursula Geller Professor of Research in Cardiovascular Disease at Duke University School of Medicine and a member of the Duke Clinical Research Institute in Durham, North Carolina. The study included 2,103 adults at 65 outpatient centers in the U.S., Canada and Europe. All participants had symptoms that indicated potential coronary artery disease, with 83% reporting chest pain as their primary symptom, 10% reporting shortness of breath upon physical exertion, and a small percentage of people reporting other concerning symptoms such as nausea or dizziness. Half of the study participants were female, and the group's mean age was 58 years. Participants were randomized to one of two groups: either a precision evaluation strategy (1,057 people) or usual testing (1,046 people). The precision evaluation strategy started with an assessment called the PROspective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of chest pain Minimal-Risk Score (PROMISE MRS or PMRS), designed to identify low-risk individuals who may not benefit from further testing. The PMRS is based on a person's cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, abnormal cholesterol levels, family history of heart disease and high blood pressure, as well as the patient's sex. A high PMRS indicated a low risk for future heart attack, therefore, the study hypothesized, testing could be postponed unless symptoms persisted or worsened. Participants in the precision strategy who scored lower, meaning higher risk for heart disease, were referred for coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography with selective fractional flow reserve CT (FFRCT). Coronary CT angiography is a non-invasive diagnostic test producing three-dimensional images of the arteries in the heart to determine if there are any blockages that may indicate coronary artery disease. FFRCT assesses blood flow in more detail when coronary arteries are narrowed. All participants, regardless of randomization or initial testing, were encouraged to receive guideline-recommended care including preventive medication such as cholesterol-lowering medicine and anti-platelet medicine. Participants randomized to usual testing received either stress testing or heart catheterization, as determined by the treating hospital and clinician team. During a stress test, a person is connected to equipment to monitor the heart while they walk on a treadmill or receive a medication that increases the heart rate or blood flow. Heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, the heart's electrical activity and pain levels are measured. During heart catheterization, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a large blood vessel that leads to the heart. Dye is injected through the catheter to show on an x-ray if arteries are blocked. The pressure and blood flow in the artery can also be measured during heart catheterization. The study followed participants for one year after the evaluations and tracked the number of deaths (from any cause), non-fatal heart attacks and whether invasive testing revealed coronary artery disease. Researchers also monitored chest pain frequency and severity, and whether participants were taking medications for heart disease prevention. The analysis found: About 20% of the participants (224) in the precision strategy group were considered minimal risk, of whom nearly two-thirds did not require testing during follow-up. About 20% (219) in the usual testing group were also at minimal risk for coronary artery disease, yet study sites were blinded to this determination and these participants had usual testing. Among participants assessed with the precision strategy, 84% underwent testing, mostly using CCTA with selective FFRCT. In the usual testing group, 93% underwent testing with 32% having a nuclear stress test; 30% had a stress echocardiogram; 11% had an exercise electrocardiogram; 10% received a cardiac MRI; and 10% received invasive catheterization as their initial test. In the precision screening group, 135 participants underwent heart catheterization that identified obstructive coronary artery disease in 108 of them. In the usual testing group, 177 people had a heart catheterization, with obstructive coronary artery disease found in 70. 18 people in the precision care group (1.7%) and 12 participants (1.1%) in the usual testing group died or had heart attacks; this difference was not statistically significant. After one year, cholesterol medication and antiplatelet medication use was higher among participants in the precision strategy group compared to the usual testing group: 50% vs. 42%, respectively, for cholesterol medicines and 36% vs. 27 for antiplatelet use. Frequent chest pain was substantially reduced in both groups, from 66% to 16%. "We were pleasantly surprised by the reduced use of testing in the precision care group, more efficient use of heart catheterization and enhanced preventive medication use, all of which point to long-term benefits for patients' health," said Douglas. "Our findings may help with evaluating the millions of people globally every year who see their doctors with stable chest pain by accurately identifying those at low risk for clinical events who can safely delay diagnostic testing." The study's limitations include that the precision strategy incorporated several actions reflective of real-world decision-making: risk stratification, deferred testing and use of CCTA with selective FFRCT as the initial test. The separate effects of each action cannot be determined. In addition, it's uncertain whether controlling medical care after the initial evaluations, rather than leaving it up to the enrolling sites, may alter patient outcomes. Since follow-up was limited to one year, research with longer follow-up is needed. Co-authors are Michael Nanna, M.D., M.H.S.; Michelle Kelsey, M.D.; Eric Stuart Yow, M.S.; Daniel B. Mark, M.D.; Manesh R. Patel, M.D.; Campbell Rogers, M.D.; James E. Udelson, M.D.; Christopher Fordyce, M.D., M.H.Sc., M.S.; Nick Curzen, B.M.(Hons), Ph.D.; Gianluca Pontone, M.D., Ph.D.; Pal Maurovich-Horvat, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.; Bernard De Bruyne, M.D., Ph.D.; John GREENWOOD, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D.; Victor Marinescu, M.D.; Jonathon Leipsic, M.D.; Gregg Stone, M.D.; Ori Ben-Yehuda, M.D.; Colin Berry, M.D.; Shea Hogan, M.D.; Bjorn Redfors, M.D.; Ziad A. Ali, M.D., D.Phil.; Robert Byrne, M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O. Ph.D.; Christopher M. Kramer, M.D.; Robert W. Yeh, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.; Beth Martinez, B.S.; Sarah Mullen M.B.T; Whitney Huey C.C.R.P.; Kevin Anstrom, Ph.D., M.S.; Hussein Al-Khalidi, Ph.D.; and Sreekanth Vemulapalli, M.D. Authors' disclosures are listed in the abstract. The study was funded by HeartFlow, Inc. Statements and conclusions of studies that are presented at the American Heart Association's scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. Abstracts presented at the Association's scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, rather, they are curated by independent review panels and are considered based on the potential to add to the diversity of scientific issues and views discussed at the meeting. The findings are considered preliminary until published as a full manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers and the Association's overall financial information are available here. Additional Resources: The American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2022 is a premier global exchange of the latest scientific advancements, research and evidence-based clinical practice updates in cardiovascular science. The 3-day meeting will feature more than 500 sessions focused on breakthrough cardiovascular basic, clinical and population science updates occurring Saturday through Monday, November 5-7, 2022. Thousands of leading physicians, scientists, cardiologists, advanced practice nurses and allied health care professionals from around the world will convene virtually to participate in basic, clinical and population science presentations, discussions and curricula that can shape the future of cardiovascular science and medicine, including prevention and quality improvement. During the three-day meeting, attendees receive exclusive access to more than 4,000 original research presentations and can earn Continuing Medical Education (CME), Continuing Education (CE) or Maintenance of Certification (MOC) credits for educational sessions. Engage in Scientific Sessions 2022 on social media via #AHA22. About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public's health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. ### For Media Inquiries and AHA Expert Perspective: AHA Communications & Media Relations in Dallas: 214-706-1173; ahacommunications@heart.org Maggie Francis: 214-706-1382; maggie.francis@heart.org For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org Some pharmacies in the area are having problems filling prescriptions of crucial drugs due to shortages, including common medicines for children, such as amoxicillin. The surge in respiratory infections is driving up demand, which affects the supply. ALSO READ: NC child dies from flu complications; officials urge everyone to get vaccinated Davids Pharmacy in northeast Charlotte is a compounding pharmacy, which means it can make drugs here on site. However, owner David Korany said the raw ingredients for some of the drugs can be hard to find as well. Compounding pharmacies can get around some shortages because they make prescriptions on site only if its not a commercially available prescription. They are also usually more costly and may not be covered by insurance. A pharmacist said that doctors could get prescribed different antibiotics that are in stock, such as cephalexin and cefdinir. Korany said that can make kids more resistant to the drug the next time around. Like for example, if we start them with Cephdanir, next time we use amoxicillin, the amoxicillin is not going to work, Korany said. Korany said they are also seeing common drugs out of stock, such as Zyrtec and Cetirizine liquid for kids. Experts said there is something easy parents can do, which is to get flu shots. In the past few weeks, flu cases, hospitalizations and deaths have nearly doubled, according to ABC News. Parent Tiarra Graves has three kids and the youngest has the flu. Graves tried some alternate remedies while waiting for a prescription for Tamiflu, but she said they didnt work as well as the medicine. >>Watch Channel 9s LIVE STREAM wherever you are, at this link Which is kind of scary because its that time of the year, Graves said. The weather is changing. One day its hot. One day its cold. A lot of kids are sick. So its kind of scary to think that my child has been sick, and I had to wait a couple of days to get the medicine before I could even give it to him. VIDEO: Pfizer, BioNTech testing combo vaccine for COVID-19, flu Phoenix police. Phoenix police detained two minors who they say were involved in an armed robbery and fled from police on Sunday. An officer shot at one of them during the pursuit. Around 4:30 p.m. officers responded to an armed robbery call in the area of 33rd and Glenrosa avenues. Witnesses pointed at a vehicle driving by and told officers the people involved in the robbery were in the vehicle, according to Phoenix police. Officers saw the vehicle in the area of 31st and Campbell avenues and tried to stop it, but the people continued to drive away. Officers then activated their lights and sirens and started chasing the vehicle. During the pursuit, the vehicle crashed into an unoccupied car that was parked at an apartment complex near 19th Avenue and Indian School Road, according to Phoenix police. After the crash, the people inside the vehicle got out and ran away. An officer followed one of them through the apartment complex, and when the person began to climb a wall, the officer shot at him. The person, identified only as a young male, wasn't struck during the shooting and continued fleeing. Police said they found a firearm in the area where the police shooting happened. The young male was later found hiding at a canal. He was uninjured, according to Phoenix police. Officers also found and detained two more people, but released one of them later. Detectives were investigating the shooting. Police said no officers or community members were injured during this incident. Reach breaking news reporter Angela Cordoba Perez at Angela.CordobaPerez@Gannett.com or on Twitter @AngelaCordobaP. Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix officers detain 2 minors after armed robbery, police shooting A rescuer ties a winch to pull out the crashed Precision Air flight that attempted to land in the lakeside town of Bukoba, Tanzania, on November 6, 2022. Sitide Protase/AFP via Getty Images A Tanzanian passenger plane crashed into Lake Victoria on Sunday, killing 19 people on board. A fisherman, who arrived at the scene early, told the BBC he communicated with one of the pilots. The man said he tried to help the pilot but was knocked unconscious in an accident. One of the pilots of a commercial plane that crashed into a Tanzanian lake was desperately trying to get out of the cockpit before he died, a local fisherman told the BBC. Majaliwa Jackson, the fisherman, was among the first people at the site of the Precision Air plane crash in Tanzania's Lake Victoria on Sunday. The crash, which was caused by storms and heavy rains, killed at least 19 people, the BBC reported. After watching in disbelief as the plane crash-landed, Jackson told the BBC that he and three other fishermen rushed to the rear door of the aircraft to smash it open with a rowing oar. Their actions helped some of the 43 people on board escape. Jackson said he then swam to the front of the plane and communicated with one of the plane's two pilots by making hand gestures through the cockpit window. "He directed me to break the window screen," Jackson told the BBC. "I emerged from the water and asked airport security, who had arrived, if they have any tools that we can use to smash the screen." "They gave me an axe, but I was stopped by a man with a public announcement speaker from going down and smashing the screen," he continued. "He said they were already in communication with the pilots and there was no water leakage in the cockpit." Jackson said he dived into the water once more and "waved goodbye to the pilot," who indicated that he still wanted to be rescued. "He pointed out the cockpit emergency door to me," Jackson told the BBC. "I swam back up and took a rope and tied it to the door and we tried to pull it with other boats, but the rope broke and hit me in the face and knocked me unconscious. The next thing I know I was here at the hospital." Story continues Both pilots were among the 19 confirmed dead, the BBC reported. Jackson, who spoke to the BBC from his hospital bed in the town of Bukoba, was awarded 1 million Tanzanian shillings ($430) for intervening actions, the network said. He was also offered a job in the fire and rescue brigade, though it is unclear whether he accepted it. The plane took off from Tanzania's commercial capital of Dar es Salaam on Sunday morning and was supposed to land in Bukoba when it instead plunged into Lake Victoria, Africa's largest freshwater lake. Of the 43 people on board, there were 24 survivors, Precision Air told CNN. A spokesperson for Precision Air did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider A Pittsburgh man was placed in Allegheny County Jail for allegedly firing four shots inside a home near three children and a woman Sunday night. Bernard Davis-Durham, 28, was arrested Sunday by Penn Hills police after he allegedly assaulted a woman and fired a gun into the floor and at a television in a home on Quail Drive. Three young children were in the room, according to the complaint. Davis-Durham is facing charges of simple assault, strangulation, endangering the welfare of children, discharging a firearm into an occupied structure, terroristic threats, reckless endangerment, institutional vandalism, aggravated harassment by a prisoner, person not to possess a firearm and carrying a firearm without a license. He was denied bail. TRENDING NOW: Male dead after crashing car, fleeing from police in Pittsburghs Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood 1 flown to hospital after shooting at a Beaver County shopping plaza, 1 in custody Introducing Pittsburghs 2022 Best Places to Work the complete list VIDEO:Allegheny County releases names of who needs to fix ballots in order to make their vote count DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Six people were shot and one person was killed in three separate shootings that occurred within an hour of each other in Boston on Sunday night, officials said. BPD now says six people shot at three separate scenes in Boston in less than hour time frame. One of the victims, shot at 10 Orlando Street in Mattapan, has died #Boston25 pic.twitter.com/pxHT4AC36A Drew Karedes (@DrewKaredes) November 7, 2022 First, two adult males were shot on Orlando Street in Mattapan at approximately 9:10 p.m. One of the men, Edwin Pizarro, 48, of Mattapan, died from his wounds while the other is expected to recover. Then, at approximately 9:40 p.m., police found a man suffering from gunshot wounds on Westview Street in Dorchester. The man was rushed to the hospital to be treated for his non-life-threatening injuries. Aquan Hudson, 24, is suspected to be the gunman behind the Westview Street shooting and will be arraigned Monday afternoon. Lastly, police believe three men who all entered hospitals for non-life-threatening gunshot wounds were connected to a shooting that occurred on Rosa Street in Hyde Park. Police first found one man suffering from gunshot wounds shortly around 9:45 pm. Shortly after, two others suffering from gunshot wounds self-admitted to a local hospital. Police said that all three scenes are under investigation. Commissioner Michael Cox urged the public to provide whatever help they could. This is a pretty terrible evening. Having six people shot within an hour, said Cox. The only thing more troubling is our phones arent ringing off the hook with people telling us what happened or what they might have seen or heard. Nothing has a greater ability to tear apart our community than gun violence, said District Attorney Kevin Hayden. Tragically, unfortunately, we are witnessing that here tonight. Story continues Those with information related to the shootings can contact Boston Police at 617-343-5600 or anonymously via the CrimeStoppers Tip Line: 1-800-494-TIPS. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Additional 365 new Covid-19 infections confirmed on Monday An additional 365 new Covid-19 infections were confirmed on Monday, raising the national tally to over 11.50 million, according to the Ministry of Health. Illustrative photo According to the ministry's report, the national caseload has so far increased to 11,506,214. On November 7, an additional 118 more patients recovered from the disease, raising the number of recoveries in the country to over 10.60 million. On Monday evening, no deaths from Covid-19 were recorded, the country's total fatalities stayed at 43,166, accounting for 0.4 per cent of total infections. By November 7, the country had injected over 262 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines. The Ministry of Health is calling on local authorities to continue administering Covid-19 vaccines as coverage lags in several localities. According to the ministry, the third and fourth dose coverage for people over 18 years is at 78.50 per cent and 81.30 per cent. Third-dose coverage for children from 12-18 years has reached 62 per cent. Two juveniles were shot in Pittsburghs Hill District, police say. Police and medics were sent to Elmore Street at around 7:50 p.m. @PghPolice have multiple locations taped off and are searching the area of Reed st in Terrace Village. @wpxi will bring you the latest tonight. pic.twitter.com/enPDHbrlOJ Steve Pierce (@Steve_WPXI) November 7, 2022 When crews arrived, they found a male suffering from a graze wound to the head on Reed Street and another male shot in the hand and leg. Both victims were listed in stable condition when they were taken to the hospital. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Male dead after crashing car, fleeing from police in Pittsburghs Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood Driver killed, passenger hurt in overnight UTV crash in Washington County Nearly 40 students, staff become ill at Pennsylvania school VIDEO: 1 person dead after shooting at Rostraver Township shopping plaza DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Police arrested a man on attempted murder and assault charges in connection to a Friday shooting and crash in West Hartford, after a search for him led across state lines into Massachusetts, police said. Darnell Barnes, 22, was arrested on a warrant Sunday night and charged in connection with a shooting and related car crash at the University of Saint Joseph Friday morning, police said. Barnes turned himself in to the Farmington Police Department after 10 p.m. Sunday and was transferred to the West Hartford Police Department, West Hartford Lt. Thomas Lazure said at a press briefing Monday. Barnes surrendered himself to police with an attorney present and invoked his 5th Amendment rights, so he was not questioned by police. Police responded to a parking lot on the west side of the campus and a nearby rollover crash on Albany Avenue before 2:30 a.m. Friday. Officers determined the two incidents were related and the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash was suffering from gunshot wounds, West Hartford Sgt. Amanda Martin said at a press briefing Friday. The victim, a man in his 20s, was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries and was in stable condition as of Friday. His injuries were not considered to be life-threatening, Lazure said. By the grace of God, nobody died, Lazure said. There were there rounds being fired and its on a college campus, its a senseless act of violence that occurred here in town. We know it. We felt it. This town is not used to this type of stuff. The incidents resulted from an alleged relationship-related altercation between two men, the victim and suspect, and a woman, Lazure said. The woman involved is a student at Saint Joseph, but the two men were not, he said. There was allegedly an altercation between the three, which led to shots being fired on the campus. Then the victim and suspect got into separate vehicles and continued the incident onto Albany Avenue, where the suspect drove into the victims vehicle, Lazure said. The victims vehicle then rolled over and several more shots were fired on Albany Avenue near Calvary Church. It appears the vehicles were involved in a chase, he said. Story continues Lazure said the department is confident this incident was isolated between the involved parties. Police determined Barnes was a suspect and recovered his unoccupied vehicle on the Massachusetts Turnpike, according to the Massachusetts State Police Friday. Troopers were searching for Barnes in the area and put out messages to residents to look out for him since he was considered armed and dangerous. Barnes had a valid pistol permit, but it has since been revoked, Lazure said. Barnes does not have a criminal history, he said. No firearms have been recovered in this case, he said. Barnes is charged by warrant with first-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree assault with a motor vehicle, first-degree criminal mischief and evading responsibility. Police later added two charges, criminal attempt murder and unlawful discharge of a firearm, after further evidence was found, Lazure said. He is being held in lieu of $1 million bail and appeared in Hartford Superior Court Monday. The investigation into the case is ongoing, police said. Anyone with further information is asked to contact the police at 860-523-5203. Pierce County deputies responded last weekend to a report of a pipe bomb found near a store. Deputies were also called for a bomb threat, but it appears to have been more of a customer service nightmare than threat to public safety. On Saturday morning, a bomb technician with Pierce County Sheriffs Department deputies went to a Parkland auto parts store in the 14900 block of Pacific Avenue South after an employee found a metal pipe capped at both ends and wrapped in tape. According to the Sheriffs Department, the employee was cleaning up garbage left behind by transients when he found the suspicious item in a duffle bag. Deputies said the bomb technician brought the item to the departments firing range and determined it was a fully functioning homemade pipe bomb. The device would have had a blast similar to that of a grenade, deputies said. The device was rendered safe, and deputies examined it for evidence. The Sheriffs Department advised that suspicious items should be reported to 911. Bomb threat in South Hill On Sunday, deputies responded at about 8 a.m. to a store in the 16500 block of Meridian Avenue East where a man was trying to return a cell phone at customer service. Deputies said an employee told the man he had the wrong receipt so the return couldnt be accepted. The man left and returned an hour later. Again, the man had the wrong receipt and the employee refused to process the return. Deputies said the man became angry and threatened to blow up the store. A manager reportedly questioned the man about the threat, who said blowing up the store was a promise, not a threat. The man left, and employees called 911. Sheriffs Department spokesperson Sgt. Darren Moss said the store wasnt closed as a result of the threat, and the man didnt have anything dangerous in his possession. He said the case had not yet been assigned. LAFAYETTE, Ind. Police arrived at the 3200 block of New London Court around 10:45 a.m. Nov. 3 and found James Rogers waiting in the parking lot where he admitted to police that he had stabbed his ex-boyfriend, according to an affidavit filed Thursday. When police approached Rogers, he explained the pair had recently broken up, and the victim had stopped by the apartment to retrieve his belongings. During the visit, Rogers had stabbed the man after the two began arguing over the property, according to the affidavit. After searching the apartment, police found blood on a mattress in the bedroom and found a knife in a kitchen drawer. The knife appeared to have blood on the handle and blade, according to the affidavit. The victim was transported to IU Health Arnett Hospital and treated for the stabbings on his leg and thigh, police said. According to the affidavit, police also spoke with the victim's sister, who reportedly drove him to Rogers apartment. The sister told police that she had driven her brother to his ex-boyfriends apartment to pick up his belongings, and after waiting outside of the apartment for a few minutes, she decided to knock on Rogers front door. Rogers answered the door, and he was hiding one hand behind his back or leg and told her that they needed a few more minutes. After returning to her car, she saw Rogers coming out of the apartment with blood on him, a few minutes later, she then called the police, according to the affidavit. While at the hospital, the victim told police that during the argument Rogers went to the kitchen and grabbed a butcher-style knife, but thats when the victim's sister had knocked on the door. When Rogers answered the door, he had the knife hidden behind his back. After she returned to her car, the victim said he and Rogers continued arguing, according to the affidavit. From there, Rogers threatened the victim with a knife. The two wrestled for the knife, and they ended up on a bed as the victim was trying to hold Rogers down and control the knife. The victim said when he let go and tried to reach for a phone to call 911, Rogers stabbed him in the leg with a knife, according to the affidavit. Rogers was arrested on Nov. 2, 2022, and charged with three felonies domestic battery by means of a deadly weapon, domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury, and criminal recklessness and one misdemeanor, interference with the reporting of a crime. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Police: Lafayette man stabs ex-boyfriend after argument escalates Mario Tama/Getty Phoenix police and the FBI responded to Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lakes campaign office on Saturday night, after they received a call over a suspicious package, a campaign spokesperson told The Daily Beast. A member of the Kari Lake staff opened an envelope delivered to our campaign office that contained suspicious white powder, spokesman Colton Duncan said in a statement, adding later: Just two days before Election Day, our campaign headquarters remains shut down. Though Duncan said that two envelopes had been sent to the FBI laboratory in Quantico for examination, both ABC News and CNN reported on Sunday night that items recovered in the course of the investigation would be tested in a lab in Arizona. Officers first responded to the area at 10:15 p.m., a police spokesman said, and left at 5 a.m. The campaign said that, in addition to Phoenix police, the FBI, a hazmat team, and a bomb squad responded arrived at the scene. Early this morning, Sunday, Nov 6th, the FBI, along with our local law enforcement partners, responded to a report of suspicious letters at an office building near 40th Street and Camelback Road, the FBIs Phoenix office said in a statement. No further information will be released at this time. The Daily Mail first reported the story. Officers responded to a found property call at an office building near 40th Street and Camelback Road, Sgt. Phil Krynsky said in a statement. When officers arrived they learned there were suspicious items located inside the mail. Additional resources responded to collect the items and secure the area. There have been no reports of injury and the investigation remains active. The campaign said the staffer is currently under medical supervision. Kari Lake-Linked Tech Firm Wreaking Campaign Finance Havoc The incident came less than a week after 36-year-old Daniel Mota Dos Reis allegedly broke into the campaign headquarters of Katie Hobbs, Lakes Democratic opponent for governor. Lake derided the burglary as a potential Jussie Smollett part two, though in a tweet from the Lake campaigns War Room account Sunday, it asked if the media would immediately accuse our opponent of being responsible for this like they did to us over @katiehobbs WaterGate? Story continues We wont, it said. The campaign furthered that resolve in its statement Sunday. In the meantime, know that our resolve has never been higher and we cannot be intimidated, Duncan said. We continue to push full speed ahead to win this election on Tuesday. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. WARSAW, Poland (AP) Poland's ruling party leader has triggered anger in the country and an explosion of jokes by claiming that the country's low birthrate is partly caused by overconsumption of alcohol by young women. Opposition politicians and many other critics accused Jaroslaw Kaczynski, a 73-year-old lifelong bachelor, of being out of touch. They also argue that Kaczynski, the most powerful politician in Poland since 2015, is himself partly responsible for the the low birthrate in the central European nation of 38 million people. In particular, critics point to restrictions on abortion that have discouraged some women from seeking to get pregnant. Others note the difficulty young people have in raising families due to rising costs in a country where inflation is now nearly 18%. Kaczynski, leader of the populist ruling party, Law and Justice, made his remark on the weekend as he travels around the country seeking to rally support for his party ahead of next years parliamentary election. Kaczynski explained to his audience Saturday that he didn't favor very early motherhood because a woman must first mature to become a mother. But, he went on, if women abuse alcohol up to the age of 25, then it's not a good prognosis in these matters." The remark triggered some predictable jokes along the lines of alcohol actually being helpful to conception, but also a lot of serious criticism. When one government representative argued on a TV talk show that alcohol's influence on fertility is actually a legitimate matter for debate, an opposition lawmaker, Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz, shot back: This is not a debate, it is insulting Polish women. The traditionally Roman Catholic country already had one of Europe's most restrictive abortion laws, with abortions allowed in very few cases, before 2020. Then, a new ruling said that women may no long terminate pregnancies in cases where the fetus has serious abnormalities and is not viable after birth. Story continues That sparked the largest protests in Poland in decades. There have been cases since then of pregnant women dying even though a risk to the woman's life is a legal grounds for abortion under the current law. Women's rights advocates say such cases occur because doctors are afraid to terminate pregnancies even when the woman's life might be at risk, fearing legal consequences to themselves. Another opposition lawmaker, Aleksandra Gajewska, pondered whether Kaczynski was speaking out of some political calculation, or not. Is Jaroslaw Kaczynski a ruthless, mean cynic, or is he mentally ill? she said. Kaczynski defended himself, saying that an honest politician, if he knows such a thing, must talk about it." US-VOTE-ELECTION-OHIO Voters cast ballots for early voting at the Franklin County Board of Elections on the eve of the midterm elections, in Columbus, Ohio, on November 7, 2022. Credit - Paul Vernon AFP via Getty Images This article is part of The D.C. Brief, TIMEs politics newsletter. Sign up here to get stories like this sent to your inbox. COLUMBUS, OhioThe frenzied political state of Ohio on the eve of the midterm election is what happens when no one knows which polls to trust. In the states two marquee racesgovernor and Senatethe Republican is polling ahead, in one case by double-digits. And yet neither race feels like a foregone conclusion, even in an election cycle where history is on Republicans side. You hear it from voters in each camp, and from campaigns on both sides. Anything can happen, and just might. Ohio is tough because its been so gerrymandered. The numbers are there, though. People just need to vote, Naomi DeVore told me last week in a parking lot on Columbus northside, on her way from casting her ballot. Despite what the polls suggest, the 32-year-old project manager believes that former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley still has a shot at unseating Republican Gov. Mike DeWine and that Democrat Tim Ryan can squeak out a win for the open Senate seat against J.D. Vance. All of my friends are voting for Nan and Tim. Ohio is very purple. Maybe. And its a big maybe that the state remains as evenly split between the red and the blue as it once was. Early-vote numbers have been lagging in the citys urban areas, places where Democrats typically run up the score to offset a shellacking in the rural counties. Sure, about 126,000 more Democrats have cast their ballots than in the last midterms, increasing their share of that bucket of about 1.2 million votes (and counting) by about 2 percentage points. But independentsthose voters who actually decide elections in Ohiohave seen their share jump by 3 percentage points. Read More: Live Updates on U.S. Midterms Story continues Its entirely possible many of those independents split their ballots, casting votes for DeWine, but deciding that Vance isnt as good a fit for the state as Ryan. (Ohio, to be clear, is not unique here in ticket-splitting, as voters in at least eight other states may end up doing something similar.) Polls show DeWine comfortably ahead by around 20 percentage points and the Senate race possibly breaking late for Vancemeaning there is a persistent under-vote for him. But after the last few cycles, and widespread skepticism that pollsters know what theyre even doing anymore, those polling averages feel like they may be off, perhaps significantly. And thats why, in the final days of a campaign that ends on Tuesday, Whaley and Ryan have been hustling, and hard. For both candidates advisers, a win remains in the mix. And all four top-of-the-ticket campaigns are putting very, very little stock in public or even private polling. So close is the race, some of their top aides are picking up clipboards with little fanfare at field offices and heading to the doors to spot-check their own assumptions via old-fashioned canvassing. I think Tim has struck a real nerve with a lot of people, former state lawmaker Bob Hagan, a Democrat, told me. But Nan is going to be closer than the polls say. But its bitter for Hagan, who is trying to make a comeback of his own: Its M&Ms, and they arent sweet for Democrats. This state is about Money and Maps. Ohios politics are as complicated and contradictory as they come. The state has long embraced its unofficial motto of As Goes Ohio, So Goes the Nation. Joe Biden was the first Democrat since 1960 to capture the presidency without the states electoral votes. Donald Trumps win here in 2020, after first winning here in 2016, put Ohios status as the primo bellwether in jeopardyand maybe even its place as a state both parties bother investing in. One of the biggest Democratic super PACs, Priorities USA, left Ohio off their list of targeted states this cycle and instead directed cash to future battlegrounds like Georgia and Arizona, and perennial must-win states of Pennsylvania and Michigan. And despite Biden earning 42% of Ohios vote two years ago, Democrats are effectively shut out of power; the redistricting maps were drawn with red Sharpies, and the 15-seat delegation to Congress next year is expected to have at least 11 Republicans. The combination of rigged districts and shifting statewide demographics in Ohio, frankly, makes it a tough sell for Democrats, whose recent victories have been powered by people of color, women, and younger voters; white Ohio voters in 2020 made up two-thirds of the electorate, women were a slim minority that same year, and young voters are, crassly, an unreliable investment in renewable resources. Still, Ohios college campuses cant be ignored in a discussion about the states political leaning. We wouldnt be a swing state if we didnt have these universities. Theyre younger and more liberal, and they can vote, 66-year-old emergency-room nurse Elaine Clark Pace tells me in Columbus after a Fox News forum. Clark Pace is very involved in local GOP groups and has been impressed with Vances evolution as a candidate. Still, she cant help but look over her shoulder with worry toward Ohio States campus just two miles north of where we are talking. If we didnt have the college voters, wed be a red state. Which may explain why, after spending last week on the ground, it was impossible not to feel like I was watching two completely different campaigns. At Democrats events, codifying abortion rights, defending democracy from autocracy, and combating extremism topped the agenda. On the other side, there was a lot of chatter about Bidens economic failures, mockery of social justice issues, and defense of police budgets from anti-cop anarchists. It felt like one party was in a college dorms lounge while the other was a country clubs locker roomwhere, of course, transgender neighbors are banned. The candidates themselves feel the two-screen reality while acknowledging Ohios place as a proxy for all of the country is tenuous at best. Some people say, Oh, no, its a red state. Thats just not true. We may be a little right-of-center. But we are a state that certainly still can elect Democrats, DeWine told me in Zanesville. Taylor Sappington, the Democratic nominee for auditor, has an interesting corollary: Ohio is not a red state, he says in Youngstown before the twist. Its a rigged state. Thats why Sarah Pomeroy was standing a week before Election Day in a parking lot on Morse Road, north of downtown Columbus, doing everything she could to get her colleague in the city attorneys office elected a Franklin County judge. The local races are where you build the bench, says the 32-year-old assistant city attorney and volunteer campaign manager for Zach Gwin. The state, for sure, will be studied and dissected after Election Day on Tuesday. Whaley ran a progressive race centered on a message aimed at animating the partys younger, female, and more inclusive base. Ryan ran his campaign entirely outside the Democratic machine while looking hard for those working-class voters who are tired of being told Washington was fighting for them without anything to show. So in the coming days, well learn whether the pollsters there had any clue what they were doing in Ohio. If they did, we may come to realize that Ohio has retained its bellwether mettle. Democrats just may not like what that means for them in Ohio and, more broadly, the upper Midwest and maybe even the country. Make sense of what matters in Washington. Sign up for the D.C. Brief newsletter. Oksana Markarova, Ukraines Ambassador to the US, has responded to the Popes remark about "Russian humanism". Source: European Pravda, quoting Markarovas Facebook post Quote from Markarova: "The Pope must not have been attentive when he read Dostoyevsky. Otherwise His Holiness would not be surprised by the Russians cruelty (which is naturally inherent to the Russian people). Several other books by Russian writers and poets, including Pushkin, Kuprin and Bulgakov, and even a cursory foray into the true history of our region would have suggested that humanism was absent from Muscovy under Ivan the Terribles reign in 1547, during the Sack of Baturyn in 1708, and during every historical event that has taken place since" Previously: Pope Francis said that the "cruelty" of Russian forces in Ukraine "is not of the Russian people, perhaps... because the Russian people are a great people." He added that Dostoevsky "to this day inspires us, inspires Christians to think of Christianity." French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Pope Francis to urge Russian President Vladimir Putin, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and the US President Joe Biden to "facilitate the peace process" in Ukraine. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Getty Images An independent lab found elevated levels of benzene in dry shampoos sold by Sun Bum and Batiste. Benzene is a chemical that has been linked to cancer. Little research exists on the risk benzene in cosmetics pose to human health. An independent lab found elevated levels of benzene, a chemical linked to cancer, in popular dry shampoos just weeks after a major cosmetic brand recalled more than a dozen dry shampoos for benzene contamination. The lab, Valisure, tested 148 products from 34 hair brands, including those owned by L'Oreal and Johnson & Johnson. The Food and Drug Administration discourages manufacturers from selling products containing more than two parts per million (ppm) of benzene. Valisure's analysis found 11 brands, including Sun Bum and Batiste, sold dry shampoos containing more than 2 ppm of benzene. One brand, Not Your Mother's, sold dry shampoos containing over 10 times the recommended amount of benzene. Benzene is a widely used industrial chemical found naturally in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Manufacturers frequently use it to make plastic, synthetic fibers, rubbers, detergents, and dyes, according to the CDC. People who work around benzene are at a higher risk for some cancers, according to the World Health Organization. One study from 2012 identified higher rates of leukemia, or blood cancer, among workers at oil refineries, chemical producers, and shoe-makers who were exposed to large amounts of benzene. Valisure submitted a citizen petition demanding the FDA recall the products contaminated with benzene, update regulations that limit the amount of benzene cosmetic products can contain, and work with the Environmental Protection Agency to limit environmental exposure to benzene. "The detection of high levels of benzene in dry shampoos should be cause for significant concern since these products are likely used indoors, where benzene may linger and be inhaled for prolonged periods of time," David Light, the CEO of Valisure, said in a press release. Story continues "The FDA is reviewing the petition and will respond directly to the petitioner," an agency spokesperson told Insider. The brands Valisure identified as selling dry shampoos with more than 2 ppm of benzene were not immediately available for comment. Valisure's report comes after Unilever, the parent company for Bed Head, TIGI, Dove, and Tresemme, voluntarily recalled 19 dry-shampoo products last month due to benzene contamination. Unilever said the amount of benzene would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences and issued the recall "out of an abundance of caution." Researchers are still studying benzene risk from cosmetic exposure Though numerous studies have established a link between high levels of benzene exposure and cancer, Valisure could not provide Insider with research that tied benzene exposure from cosmetics to cancer. But the lab said evidence suggests long-term exposure to low levels could cause"detrimental" health effects. For example, a 2003 study of Australian petroleum-industry workers, cited by Valisure, found the risk for leukemia increased at exposures of 2 ppm per year and kept increasing at higher rates of exposure. But the researchers said they did not find evidence that short-term exposure to high amounts of benzene posed the same health risks as high exposure over a long period of time. A 2012 paper on benzene, funded by the EPA, acknowledged the "need for further assessment" on health risks from low-level environmental exposure. But the agency said the limited data on low-dose exposure to benzene means that the "true cancer risk from exposure to benzene" in small amounts "cannot be ascertained." Joe Schwarcz, a chemist and science communicator at McGill University, said in a blog post that alarm over benzene in personal-care products might be overblown, given the lack of evidence that low-level exposure causes cancer. But he said that it's still a good idea to avoid carcinogens. "While the risk may be small, when it comes to carcinogens, we should look to reduce any unnecessary exposure," Schwarcz said. Read the original article on Insider Yevgeny Prigozhin, "Putin's chef" and founder of the Wagner Group private military company, has been strengthening his position in the Russian Federation; he wants to punish Sergei Shoigu, the Russian Defence Minister because of the defeats of Russian occupiers on the battlefield in Ukraine. Source: National Resistance Center Quote: "The available information says that contradictions are growing among the top military leadership of the Russian Federation. Prigozhin blames the failures of Shoigu and [Valeriy] Gerasimov [Chief of General Staff of Russias Armed Forces], and they, in turn, blame Putin. At the same time, [Chechen leader Ramzan] Kadyrov and his field commanders are forming their business network in the temporarily occupied territories, gaining more and more power. According to our information, there was an unofficial meeting between Prigozhin and Anton Vaino, the head of the administration of the President of the Russian Federation, at which the failures of the Russians in Ukraine were discussed. Prigozhin continues to insist that Shoigu must be held responsible. But during the conversation, the participants also voiced their opinions about the negative influence of Putin on the course of the war, because the president of the Russian Federation can personally change the plans of the military and interfere in the tactical level of planning." Details: National Resistance Center notes that Russia is rapidly losing the military personnel of regular troops, but Kadyrovites [the troops controlled by Ramzan Kadyrov] are gaining more and more power. In addition, the size of Wagner Group private military company, Prigozhin's gang formation which is largely staffed with convicts, is getting bigger rapidly. If a few years ago Wagner Group acted exclusively as a private company providing services, now Prigozhin is creating a full-fledged army, which he himself manages. At the same time, in the temporarily occupied territories of southern Ukraine, the majority of deployed troops consists of conscripts. Story continues The National Resistance Center believes that the degradation of Russian political elites leads to the return of feudal traditions in the Russian state administration. Thus, some political players in the Russian Federation are strengthening their own positions. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Theres a new local effort to tackle the nationwide teacher shortage, with a goal of recruiting students before they even graduate from high school. The unique program in Statesville is leading students into the teaching field -- and it all starts in classrooms like Room A-225. This class is, its very unique and different. So, the topics are different, said senior Jamarion Brown. Those topics surround the various career paths in education. I never like really see myself as a teacher, said senior Nayelli Ramirez. But taking this class really has, like, changed my mind a little bit. ALSO READ: Chester Co. schools is giving loyalty bonuses to all staff district-wide Ramirez is talking about Students to Teachers through Educator Pathways. Its a new program at Statesville High School, and the only one in North Carolina partnering with Western Carolina University. When you just think about being a teacher, you really dont get the whole gist of it, said senior Jaikyn Blankenship. The programs purpose is to help recruit students into teaching and tackle the teacher shortage. Brooke Campbell teaches the program and said her approach is why the seats are filled. You want to do something fun? Do you want to go on field trips? And do you love kids? And if they said yes, then this is the right place for you, Campbell said. Students are exposed to teaching all grade levels and all subjects, and some have already decided what subject they want to teach. ALSO READ: Its not easy: Channel 9 sits down with local teachers to discuss shortages, solutions If I do teach, like middle-grade or high school-grade, I will teach math, but my heart is in elementary, said Jamarion Brown. It got me thinking like, hey, like maybe I do want to do this, Nayelli Ramirez said. And thats exactly what the program wants to encourage. A watchdog report released last week from the U.S. Government Accountability Office revealed schools in urban and rural areas are feeling the pinch from teacher shortages the most, as well as schools serving mostly minority students. The report also found the negative perception of the teaching profession and the lack of support for current teachers is hurting recruitment and retention. The Department of Education says it has taken steps to address teacher shortages, including offering technical assistance and grant programs, among other measures. (WATCH BELOW: Rock Hill teacher earns grant to fund new student program) Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast The right-of-center commentariat and MAGA politicians are pushing a bizarre fallacy that the mainstream media, government, and other gatekeepers are inherently untrustworthytherefore even the worst purveyors of fact-bereft garbage are valuable to the public discourse, because they serve as a necessary check on the powerful. The theory has been used to laud the liar-for-profit Alex Jones as a brave dissident, a bulwark in the resistance against the cathedral. The anti-democracy, neoreactionary writer Curtis Yarvin credits himself for coining the phrase, which he defines as thus: The cathedral is just a short way to say journalism plus academiain other words, the intellectual institutions at the center of modern society, just as the Church was the intellectual institution at the center of medieval society. Put simply, adherents believe the cathedral is the enemy of the people, and anything the cathedral believes inherently discredits itself. Theres No Democrat Equivalent to GOP Election Deniers Scumbaggery Case in point, new Twitter boss Elon Musk started his worst week ever by tweeting a link (at Hillary Clinton) from a low-trafficked fake news site that pushed a baseless conspiracy theory about the near-fatal attack on Paul Pelosicondescendingly adding, There is a tiny possibility there might be more to this story than meets the eye. To demonstrate his courageous skepticism of the narrative, Musk was completely unskeptical of the false information pushed by a fringe website. Twitter Account of Elon Musk/AFP via Getty Musk isnt an outlier. Megyn Kelly said she smelled a rat. Tucker Carlson said, Were not the crazy people; youre the liars. Theres nothing wrong with asking questions, period. Former President Trumps large adult son shared homophobic memes to cast doubt on the official story of Paul Pelosi nearly being murdered. To the self-avowed enemies of regime media, it doesnt matter how disreputable your source, whats important is virtue-signaling your opposition to the current thing. Its the MAGA/faux-heterodox centrist version of 9/11 Trutherism: If the institution tells you the sky is blue, you must assume theyre nefariously concealing something from you about teal and gray. Story continues The anti-corporate media vlogger Glenn Greenwald, during a segment on Carlsons Fox News show about the glaring holes and doubts in the Pelosi story, rhetorically asked: How many millions of people have been conditioned to believe its immoralor even some kind of reflection of mental illness, like youre a conspiracy theoristif you dont immediately and unquestionably accept whatever story is told to you by institutions of authority? Thats about as thin as a strawman argument gets. But its useful if your only requirement in a discourse ally is the enemy of my enemy. Its Not a HoaxTrumps Very Fine People in Charlottesville Did Not Exist To be very clear, I fully subscribe to the principle that the press should be generally adversarial to institutions of powerboth public and private. Journalists should not just take the bosses at their word, they should demand as much transparency as possible and follow the facts wherever they leadeven when it runs in conflict with their own political preferences. As a journalist who is often disappointed in the way newsrooms have irresponsibly run with narratives, drawing sweeping conclusions before conducting basic fact-checking (think Jussie Smollett, Covington Catholic, and the Steele Dossier), Im also of the mind that not everything published by legitimate news outlets should be immediately believed, and never questioned. I most definitely dont reflexively accept government officials, law enforcement spokespeople, or political pundits as purely unimpeachable sourcesnor do I think anyone else should either. But that doesnt mean I go looking to Alex Jones for that necessary check on the cathedral narrative. Just because the media and other institutions have themselves to blame for inviting much of the current levels of skepticismthe solution is not to replace healthy skepticism with unhealthy conspiratorial improv sessions. Joe Buglewicz/Getty And yet, a lot of the rational skeptics think thats exactly what we should do. Anti-cancel culture commentator Salome Sibonex defended Jones value to the discourse on a podcast shortly after a jury ruled against him for knowingly and continually defaming the parents of Sandy Hook victims. I like where he aims his ire, for the most part, which is at political elites and institutions we need that. You need to have people who are rabidly suspicious of power. Thats good. Thats healthy Its good to have a thorn in the side of your leaders, even if he goes off the rails and even if hes wrong most of the time, Sibonex said. Thats a pretty sad commentary on how much value the skeptics put in the integrity of their sources. Its as if there isnt a vast middle ground between the narrative and a despicable opportunist like Alex Jones. Joe Rogans Im a Moron Defense Is a Cop-Out And not only are Jones and other reckless misinformation merchants not providing a balance to the powerful, their just asking questions postures are not taken as such by their audiences. The misinformation merchants are planting their own narratives, which are all but impossible to deprogram. Take Joe Rogan. Hes insanely rich and popular. His fanbase is legion. Hes been described by admirers as the Walter Cronkite of our era. And yet, after Rogan regularly makes an ass of himself by propagating falsehoods, he retreats to the clown nose on defensethat hes just an idiot comic, dont take him so seriously. And then five minutes later hes right back at it, postulating as the open-minded beacon of skepticism the people need to resist the tyranny of the cathedral. Carmen Mandato/Getty Back in October, Rogan talked with MAGAs favorite former Democrat, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, about a school that had to install a litter box in the girls room because theres a student thats a furry. The story, of course, is complete bullshit. Rogan even recently admitted as much. But its already latched onto the brains of its intended audience. Its even being pushed by a Republican U.S. Senate candidate who has a better-than-zero chance of winning. Wharton professor Ethan Mollick this week tweeted about the Illusory Truth Effect, sharing several studies on the phenomenon which he summarized as: If you see something repeated enough times, it seems more true. Multiple studies show that it works on 85 percent of people. Worse, it still happens even if the information isn't plausible & even if you know better. Apparently, even batshit crazy statements like George Washington was born in China can become believable after being repeated just five times. Take Trumps Warning of Violence for What It Isa Threat Thats why its dangerous when Arizonas likely next governor, Kari Lake, goes on Fox News and makes cryptic allusions that shes going to be surreptitiously murdered by Hillary Clintonslyly echoing a three-decade-old conspiracy theory that the Clintons have assassinated (and successfully concealed) scores of political opponents and problematic allies. People believe this shit, just as they believed Trumps lies that the 2020 election was stolen. And the true believers internalize these deceptions as calls to arms. After Jan. 6, wed be fools to believe it cant happen here. Thats whyhowever much the mainstream media, the government, and other institutions screw up, obfuscate, or straight-up liethe solution is not Believe and promote every psychotic conspiracy theory and trust every grifter thats disapproved of by the cathedral. You can maintain a healthy skepticism of the powerful without debasing yourself to the point of clinging to a gotta hear both sides mantra when it comes to pink slime websites or sadistic performance artists like Alex Jones. To paraphrase the legendary Dril tweet about ISIS/ISILwhen it comes to professional anti-establishment liars, you do not, under any circumstances, gotta hand it to them. issuing correction on a previous post of mine, regarding the terror group ISIL. you do not, under any circumstances, "gotta hand it to them" wint (@dril) February 15, 2017 Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. An election worker handles ballots during vote counting in Atlanta in 2020. (Brynn Anderson / Associated Press) If youre planning an election night party, theres something you should know: The results are going to take a while. It could be days before the outcome of these midterms is determined maybe weeks if there are runoffs and recounts. In fact, it may be time to retire the terms election day and election night altogether. Its more like election season. Better stock up on chips and salsa. This turn of events is not cause for alarm, contrary to some conspiracy theories. Its a sign that every vote is being carefully counted, and that some states have increased participation in elections by expanding access beyond specific polling places during specific hours on a specific day. Each state gets to decide how to run its elections. In Brandeis famous phrase, the states are laboratories of democracy within our political system. There are many commonalities across the country. Forty-six states offer in-person early voting. More than half allow voters to cast absentee or mail ballots for any reason. Eight states mail out ballots automatically to all those who are registered. But each state also customizes procedures as it thinks best democracy in action. In Colorado, where every voter gets a mail ballot, election officials begin checking signatures and validating ballots as they arrive. Actual counting starts 15 days before election day, but totals cant be released until the physical polls close. In Michigan this year, clerks in larger cities can start processing mail-in ballots two days ahead of Nov. 8, but they cant start counting them until that morning. Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, on the other hand, dont even open absentee or mail-in ballot envelopes until the day of the election. As you might expect, the results take shape differently too. Many states can and do report early and absentee results soon after polls close, along with their same-day votes. But states that dont get a head start on processing absentee and mail-in ballots wont have complete results quickly. Story continues Even in the speediest states, results trickle in. The numbers you see on Tuesday night will not be final. Those in the media who call elections may be able to accurately gauge the outcome in many states and races. But with so many contests shaping up to be very close, and tens of millions of early, mail and absentee votes to count, we cant expect to end Tuesday with certainty. Some big implications of this election for example, which party will control the next Congress may not be clear. We learned this lesson in 2020, when news sources waited four days to declare Joe Biden the president-elect and when control of the Senate wasnt determined until January, after a runoff in Georgia. Our varied approach to voting may not offer instant gratification, but it works: Elections in the United States are remarkably accurate. States professional audits and recounts prove it. Georgia counted its votes three times in 2020, and the outcome was unchanged. Among the many tragedies of the Big Lie the fiction that Donald Trump was denied victory in 2020 by rampant election fraud is needless hostility toward our state-based system. Some wonder why we cant be more like other countries, where elections are centralized and results seem to be immediate. But our federalist patchwork quilt is also a safety mechanism. Americas elections are more secure because theyre decentralized. More than 200,000 polling places were used in the 2018 midterm elections, with reporting rolling up through precincts, counties and states. Such an individualized system is impossible to hack. Of course, there are things we can learn from other countries, and there is always room for some uniform, nationwide processes. But we should also value our state variations. As more than 60 court cases proved, allegations of rampant fraud in 2020 were pure nonsense. Unfortunately, they have flooded into 2022. Politicians across the country are campaigning on outright lies about our elections. Some have even suggested that if they lose, they wont accept the outcome. State election officials, admirably, are responding with sunlight explaining to voters exactly what the counting process will look like, and counseling patience. In Michigan, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson told voters to expect unofficial statewide results about 24 hours after the polls close. Professional administrators will prioritize accuracy over speed, she said. Voters should be wary of the likelihood that some may seize on this time and space to spread misinformation and lies about the tabulation process and preemptively claim results, Benson said. Remember that only a full tabulation of every valid vote will determine the winner in any election contest. In Pennsylvania, which could have more than 1.4 million mail and absentee votes to count, Leigh Chapman, the acting secretary of the commonwealth, carefully walked voters through the process on the states website and in an op-ed in Pennsylvania newspapers. She explained that representatives of candidates and political parties will observe every step. An accurate count is paramount and cannot be rushed, she wrote. As we wait for results, we should take our cues from these responsible state officials. So settle in. Be wary when any candidate claims victory before the full results are clear. Give state and local officials time and space to do the work of verifying and counting. If TV analysts touch-screen maps are filling in too slowly for you, take a deep breath, pull up a livestream of the vote count and be assured that the process is working. Our elections take time for the best of reasons: In America, we count every valid vote so everyone has a voice. Thats worth throwing a party for. Joanna Lydgate, Norm Eisen and Christine Todd Whitman are co-founders of States United Action, a nonpartisan group focused on protecting U.S. elections. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Rebel Wilson has announced the birth of her first child, a daughter via surrogate. The Pitch Perfect star, 42, shared the news on Instagram on Monday, where she revealed that her daughter Royce Lillian was born last week. Beyond proud to announce the birth of my first child, Royce Lillian, born this past week via surrogate, Wilson captioned a photo of the child. I cant even describe the love I have for her, shes a beautiful miracle! In the post, the actor then went on to express her gratitude to everyone who has been involved, but especially for her surrogate, who carried and birthed the child with such grace and care, and who helped Wilson start her own family. I am forever grateful to everyone who has been involved, (you know who you are), this has been years in the makingbut particularly wanted to thank my gorgeous surrogate who carried her and birthed her with such grace and care, she wrote. Thank you for helping me start my own family, its an amazing gift. The BEST gift!! Wilson also shared her happiness for the future, with the actor revealing that she is ready to give little Roycie all the love imaginable. I am learning quicklymuch respect to all the Mums out there! Proud to be in your club, she wrote. Wilsons announcement comes after she revealed she is in a relationship with fashion and jewellery designer Ramona Agruma on 9 June. I thought I was searching for a Disney Prince but maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess, she wrote on Instagram at the time, adding the hashtag #loveislove. More follows Rebel Wilson announced the arrival of her daughter via surrogate on Monday. (Getty Images) Congratulations are in order for Rebel Wilson, who has become a mother for the first time. The Australian actor revealed on Tuesday that she gave her newborn daughter, Royce, two middle names, one which is Elizabeth after the late Queen, who passed away in September. I wanted an original name starting with the letter R and so eventually landed on that one, she told People. Lillian and Elizabeth are both family names carried by women in my family who I admire. Elizabeth, which is also my middle name, after the late Queen. Wilson, 42, first announced that she had welcomed a baby girl via surrogate on Instagram on Monday. The actor posted a picture of her newborn daughter, Royce, to the social media platform, lying on a fluffy blanket wearing a pink baby grow and unicorn socks. Beyond proud to announce the birth of my first child, Royce Lillian, born this past week via surrogate, she captioned the adorable image. I cant even describe the love I have for her, shes a beautiful miracle! The Australian actor thanked her gorgeous surrogate and shared her excitement at joining the Mum Club, adding that she was proud to become a mother for the first time. I am forever grateful to everyone who has been involved, (you know who you are), she continued, this has been years in the makingbut particularly wanted to thank my gorgeous surrogate who carried her and birthed her with such grace and care. Thank you for helping me start my own family, its an amazing gift. The BEST gift!! I am ready to give little Roycie all the love imaginable. I am learning quicklymuch respect to all the Mums out there! Proud to be in your club. Read more: Surrogate comes out of retirement at 48 to carry a baby for same sex couple Rebel Wilson is currently in a relationship with Ramona Agruma, but started the surrogate process before they met. (Getty Images) Wilson first revealed her intention to become a mother and potentially going down the surrogate pregnancy route in 2019, when she told the Kyle & Jackie O Show she had gone through the process of freezing her eggs. Story continues Wilson later shared that her weight loss journey in 2020 was driven by her hopes of becoming a mum in the future. Wilson, who has polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which can affect fertility, was given some frank advice from her doctor in 2019. "He looked me up and down and said, You'd do much better if you were healthier', she told PEOPLE. Read more: What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? Symptoms, causes and treatments Rebel Wilson lost a dramatic 80lbs (35kg) during her "Year of Health". (Getty Images) After being taken aback by his words at first, she began to take it seriously, not to lose weight, but to be the healthiest version of herself. "I was carrying around a lot of excess weight," she said. "It's almost like I didn't think of my own needs. I thought of a future child's needs that really inspired me to get healthier." This spurred on her self-proclaimed Year of Health in 2020, which included dealing with emotional issues that were linked to her eating habits too. "I would love to have a family," she also told the magazine earlier this year. "I'm just going for it by myself at the moment because of the biological clock. Read more: Rebel Wilson's real reason for weight loss: 'I thought of a future child's needs' Rebel Wilson said she was "proud" to be a member of the "Mum Club". (Getty Images) Read more: Rebel Wilson reveals relationship with woman: 'I found my Disney Princess' "If I meet the right person, great, and then they can fit in with whatever happens. It's great that the technology exists. You have so many options with surrogacy and sperm donors." "I only started thinking of fertility when I was 39 so you feel quite late but then there are women in their mid-40s who've been successful." Wilson revealed her current relationship with her Disney princess Ramona Agruma in June this year, but shot down rumours of an engagement over the weekend. It looks as though the surrogate process would have begun before the couple met, so it remains to be seen what role Agruma might play in raising Wilsons daughter, but whichever shape their family unit takes, it seems as though Wilson is relishing the early newborn days and taking each step as it comes. Watch: Rebel Wilson shoots down engagement rumours Rebel Wilson has denied rumours that she is engaged to her girlfriend Ramona Agruma. It comes after US media claimed the couple were seen wearing diamond engagement rings at a Halloween party hosted by George Clooney. Wilson addressed the confusion in a post to her Instagram story on Saturday 5 November. She shared a video of the couple at Disneyland together, smiling as they posed in front of Sleeping Beautys castle. Thanks for the well wishes but we are NOT engaged! Wilson wrote in the caption. Wilson announced she was dating Agruma in June during Pride Month. Sharing a photograph of herself alongside Agruma on Instagram, Wilson wrote: I thought I was searching for a Disney Prince but maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess. In May, Wilson opened up about her relationship during an episode of the U UP? podcast, hosted by Jordana Abraham and Jarad Freid. At the time, she did not disclose Agrumas identity. Wilson told listeners the pair had been introduced through a mutual friend, which helped them feel comfortable with one another more quickly. I was on and off on the Raya app, but this was a friend set up, Wilson said. Rebel Wilson denies she is engaged (Rebel Wilson/Instagram) Hed known both of us for at least five years each, and was like, Yeah, I think you two would hit it off, and then we did. Wilson explained: I think that escalates things quicker, [meeting someone] from a trusted source. So then youre like, okay, I can trust this person, that they are legit, they are who they say they are which is something on the [dating] apps you dont really know. Wilson was previously in a relationship with Jacob Busch before they split in 2021. She has also dated stuntman Aden Stay, actor-producer Mickey Gooch Jr. and Australian tennis player Matt Reid. Two years of the coronavirus pandemic led to staff shortages and hiring complications nationwide. But companies in the Military Times Best for Vets: Employers rankings for 2022 may have had an advantage. Officials from firms at the top of this years list said recruiting and retaining veterans was a solution already in hand, not one more task they had to complete. With the talent wars so strong, weve needed to find other good avenues for recruiting folks, said Patrick Krug, veterans community network lead at Bristol Myers Squibb, the New Jersey-based pharmaceutical giant and the top company on this years list. And guess what? We already have that with our veterans pipeline. They have great transferable skills, plus they bring additional skills of leadership, flexibility, dedication and all the other intangibles that veterans bring. So in 2021 and 2022, were up almost 400% in veteran hiring, versus 2020 and earlier years. More than 170 employers participated in the 2022 survey, which provides a snapshot on where firms stand on employment policies, hiring practices and support services that target Americas veterans. Participation in the rankings is voluntary, and the final list is not meant to be a comprehensive accounting of the policies of all defense contractors and U.S. businesses. The full list of this years Best for Vets employer rankings is available here. The list was compiled in partnership with the Fors Marsh Group, a research firm specializing in the veterans and the military community. For the past two years, the rankings have been focused on areas of importance to veterans in the workplace, including areas such as mentorship programs, military-specific training opportunities and connections with the veterans community. The 2022 rankings included four new companies in the top five. Researchers said that was a result not of established firms doing more poorly but of many companies outperforming their past scores a reflection of increased focus and support for veterans across the workforce. Story continues Bristol Myers Squibb was among the biggest risers. Krug said in the last year, the company has put anew emphasis on finding additional partners in the veterans community as a way to help make connections for would-be recruits and established employees. But Krug also said many vet-friendly policies, long been in place, are paying dividends now. Weve focused on not just early-career recruiting of veterans but mid-level and executive recruiting too, because we want to help our ranks there as well, he said. We believe that veterans should be represented at every level. Recruiting despite COVID Large-scale job fairs were traditionally a key component of veteran recruiting until the start of the COVID-19 pandemic began two years ago. But when the virus shut down those in-person events, companies were forced to re-evaluate their approach to reaching out to veteran talent. Those large convention center fairs, youre going to see a blended approach from now on, said Lindsey Streeter, who leads military affairs strategy at Bank of America, the fifth-ranked company on this years rankings. A Booz Allen Hamilton trainer instructs airmen before a emergency prepardness exercise at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi on Aug. 6, 2021. (Kemberly Groue/Air Force) But before COVID, we had already made a deliberate effort to move into the virtual recruiting space. We had begun digitally capturing resumes, we were already conducting remote interviews. So that platform and internal infrastructure sustained our recruiting pipeline of talent through COVID. Similarly, officials at Comcast NBCUniversal, the third-ranked company in the rankings, said that five years of military recruiting and hiring efforts prior to the start of the pandemic meant the company had established routes to communicate with veteran job seekers even as those in-person events disappeared. Our talent acquisition folks and recruiters really look towards the military talent market as an optimal place to get high-quality folks, because that has already become so ingrained into our company, said Sean Casey, senior director of communications for the companys military and veteran affairs. So now, when we see a disruption like COVID, we dont see a market change in those recruiting numbers. Officials at Sanford Health, a non-profit healthcare headquartered in South Dakota, in the last year formalized their partnership with the Defense Departments SkillBridge program, which allows troops in their final months of service to work as interns or apprentices at private sector firms. The relationship is designed to help ease service members transition to civilian life, while also showcasing the skills that troops have from their time in the military. Were already seeing measurable results from that, said Paul Weckman, head of military and veteran affairs at Sanford Health, the fourth ranked company on the list. It gives [those troops] an opportunity to see our organization and what we do, and help get the word out that we want to hire veterans. Remote work for vets Weckman said one silver lining of the COVID pandemic has been normalizing remote work, which has allowed his company to more aggressively recruit veterans and military spouses across the globe. Once we showed that remote work was viable, it just removed a huge barrier, he said. And military spouses are probably the one of the most underutilized workforces out there, because they move so much. But now we can hire them to work from anywhere. Officials from Booz Allen Hamilton, the publicly traded consulting firm and second-ranked company on this years Best For Vets list, said initially less than 5% of their workforce was remote. In the initial months of the pandemic, they worried that a large-scale shift could disrupt operations. And by May 2020, it was clear that remote work did not have a significant negative impact, said George Bernloehr, military talent acquisition lead for the firm. And then the message was, the demand for our work is still there, dont hesitate on hiring, we still need talent. That opened up interviews to veterans in areas further away from central offices, and hiring managers looking at skills sets more than geography. Krug said after some initial reluctance to the idea, senior officials at Bristol Myers Squibb have begun to explore expanding remote positions for certain specialties, especially technical support, which can be an area of emphasis for numerous military-to-civilian job transition programs. Now were starting to make our partners at Hiring Our Heroes and other groups aware of that, he said. Air Force 1st Lt. Anna Suellentrop, a registered nurse assigned to the 81st Medical Group, mans the night shift at a Sanford Health clinic in Fargo, N.D., on Dec. 16, 2020, part of a support mission with the North Dakota Department of Health to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. (Maj. Doug Halleaux/Army) Staying engaged with vets The shift to online work, however, also disrupted some firms established in-person support services and community meetings for military employees. Now, as COVID-19 cases have dropped, some of those activities are resuming. But company officials and employees found creative ways to keep that sense of community amid the pandemic too. Streeter said Bank of Americas military support and assistance group found ways to complete online volunteering for veterans charities over the last few years, and saw involvement in the group increase. That membership was about 10,000 before COVID, and now were up to 17,000 members, he said. They found ways to write welcome home letters, raise money to donate homes to homeless veterans. And were really proud of what they have done. Casey said at Comcast, the increase in work-from-home responsibilities across the business world led officials to expand its program to provide low-cost, high-speed internet to military and veterans families. With the pandemic elevating the digital divide, that had to be a focus for us, he said. So were continuing to work with veteran service organizations or and military community organizations to open more opportunities across the country. Corporate officials said those moves show that their firms want not only to bring veteran talent into the workforce, but be a part of the veterans community. We work with Operation Gratitude, we work with Fisher House Foundation and others because we want our people to be able to continue their mission, Krug said. By continuing to support other veterans and military-connected individuals out there, we want [our employees] to be boots on the ground and continue their service in a different capacity. By Valerie Volcovici SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (Reuters) - Pakistan's prime minister said his country would need debt relief and would seek compensation for climate damage as it recovers from catastrophic floods that cost the country some $30 billion. Speaking on Monday at the COP27 climate conference alongside U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan's escalating public debt was hampering its recovery. "Millions of people are going into winter without shelter or livelihood," Sharif said. "Women and children are still looking to us to protect their basics needs." Pakistan and other climate-vulnerable countries are demanding that the U.N. climate talks this year in Egypt take steps to mobilize "loss and damage" funds for disaster-hit nations, and some say rich nations have a duty to pay these costs because their historical emissions are mostly responsible for global warming today. "We have mobilized every available resource toward the national relief effort," but it is not enough, Sharif said -- describing hundreds of broken bridges across the country, as well as stagnant lake water now fouling Pakistan's southern agricultural landscape. Guterres, who visited Pakistan in September to tour the flood damage, urged international financial institutions like the World Bank and to leaders at the upcoming G20 summit in Indonesia to reform policies that govern debt relief and concessional loan decisions so as to help middle-income countries like Pakistan focus on rebuilding rather than repayment. "There should be a way to have a (debt) swap exchanging the payments of the debt to investments in the rehabilitation and recovery and reconstruction from natural disasters," the secretary general said. Read more: NEWSMAKER-Alaa Abd el-Fattah, the jailed Egyptian-British dissident on hunger strike COP27: Loss of Arctic summer sea ice 'inevitable' within 30 years report (Reporting by Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Katy Daigle and Lisa Shumaker) Eric Gay/AP Photo; LM Otero/AP Photo; Insider Rep. Henry Cuellar defeats Republican Cassy Garcia in Texas' 28th Congressional District. The 28th District is located along Texas' border with Mexico. A win for Garcia would be a major pickup for the Republican Party, which has been vying to appeal to more Hispanic voters in the region. Longtime Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar defeated Republican Cassy Garcia in Texas' 28th Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 7 p.m. local time. Given the state has multiple timezones, the first polls closed at 8 p.m. EST and the last polls closed at 9 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds Texas' 28th Congressional District candidates Cuellar is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and is one of the most conservative members of the House Democratic caucus. He's represented the majority-Hispanic district since 2005 and has advocated for strict border policies, is a staunch defender of 2nd Amendment gun rights, and is the last member of the House Democratic caucus to be openly against abortion rights. Cuellar narrowly defeated progressive Jessica Cisneros in the district's Democratic primary doing so by less than 300 votes after House Democratic leadership rallied around him in a runoff. Garcia is one of several Hispanic conservative women running for office in 2022 and is a former state director for US Sen. Ted Cruz's office. Garcia won the Republican nomination among a crowded slate of GOP candidates, ultimately defeating challenger Sandra Whitten in a runoff election. A victory for Garcia in November would be a major pickup for the Republican Party, which has been increasing its attention on appealing to Hispanic voters in Democratic districts. Voting history for Texas' 28th Congressional District Texas' 28th Congressional District encompasses a section of the U.S.-Mexico border and stretches to the easternmost outer regions of San Antonio, the state's second-most populous city behind Houston. The district, which backed President Joe Biden by about 5 percentage points under its previous boundaries in 2020, was redrawn to take in more of the San Antonio area in redistricting following the 2020 Census, making it slightly more Democratic. Story continues The money race According to OpenSecrets, Cuellar has raised $4.4 million, spent $5.6 million, and has $278,253 of cash on hand, as of October 19. His opponent, Garcia, has raised $2.7 million, spent $2.5 million, and has $192,142 of cash still left to spend, as of October 19. Through mid-October, the race including primaries has attracted about $17 million in additional spending by super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate groups aiming to affect the outcome. Such a level of outside spending falls on the high end of US House races in 2022. What experts say The race between Cuellar and Garcia is rated as "lean Democratic" by Inside Elections, "lean Democratic" by The Cook Political Report, and a "toss-up" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Now that Republicans have taken the House, President Joe Biden's agenda is likely going to stall over the next two years of his term - at least the more ambitious parts of it. Im proud to announce the era of one-party Democrat rule in Washington is over, California GOP Leader McCarthy declared after winning the nomination from his caucus to be the next speaker, replacing Democrat Nancy Pelosi. The president still will be able to fill judgeships and politically appointed positions because Democrats kept control of the Senate. But a GOP House where hardline conservatives wield considerable influence will put the Biden administration on the defensive on several fronts. Here's how: A GOP House could open new investigations a lot of them When Democrats took control of the House as part of the 2018 blue wave, they started a flurry of investigations into then-President Donald Trumps administration and his business dealings, including probes of his tax returns and later, the role he played in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Republicans have been itching to return the favor. When they win control of the House next year, expect a lot of investigations into Biden's programs and his son Hunter Bidens financial dealings. Stay in the conversation on politics: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter Senate GOP remains under McConnell: House goes Red; Senate GOP sticks with Mitch McConnell as leader: Live Updates Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the top Republican on the House Oversight Committee, is expected to chair the most powerful investigative panel in the chamber. Comer has vowed to aggressively investigate Hunter Bidens financial dealings and compliance with tax laws. Republicans have questioned whether Hunter Biden has compromised the presidency and national security through his business dealings in China and Ukraine. "The reason we are investigating Hunter Biden is because we believe he is a national security threat. But we are also concerned that Hunter's shady business dealings have compromised Joe Biden," Comer told Fox News in October. Story continues Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., walks out of his car to go to the U.S. Capitol Building for a series of votes on September 30, 2022 in Washington, DC. A GOP majority could also open investigations into the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Department of Justice. McCarthy has vowed to immediately open an inquiry into the FBI's search of former President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. "When Republicans take back the House, we will conduct immediate oversight of this department, follow the facts and leave no stone unturned," McCarthy said. A bigger platform for ultraconservatives If McCarthy becomes speaker (an official vote won't happen until Jan. 3), he could have to hold together a potentially unwieldy majority, some of whose members are demanding an aggressive accounting of the Biden administration. Several races still have yet to be called as of Wednesday evening. Depending on how slim a GOP majority is, the House Freedom Caucus, which includes more than two dozen of the House's most conservative lawmakers, could expand its influence. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Calif. speaks at a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, July 29, 2022. If youve got 30 votes in a narrow majority, you can be influential. Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., a and member of the Freedom Caucus, told Axios. The Freedom Caucus has had a hand in leadership changes before. Then-House Speaker John Boehner was forced to resign in 2015 in part because of the caucus' opposition to him. McCarthy will have to walk a tightrope between moving legislation and tempering hard-right Republicans. Threat of impeachment looms - and not just Biden Some House Republicans have been clamoring to impeach Biden if the GOP takes control of the House. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., one of the Republican Conferences most fiercely outspoken members, has introduced articles of impeachment against Biden multiple times. However, McCarthy has tried to temper conversations surrounding impeachment, telling reporters, We will not play politics with it." House Republicans are being cautious with impeachment. Such a move would garner high media attention and could backfire if voters disapprove. Several of them were in office during the 1990s, when the GOP impeachment of Bill Clinton led to the loss of some GOP congressional seats and boosted the president's popularity. Even if Biden were impeached, the Senate would hold a trial that would require a two-thirds majority to convict Biden, a near-impossible threshold to meet. Another possible impeachment target would be two of Biden's Cabinet members: Attorney General Merrick Garland, for the Justice Department's investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents; and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, for the administration's handling of the record migrant surge on the Southern border. Aid to Ukraine could slow Should the GOP take the House, continued U.S. aid to Ukraine as it fends off a Russian invasion is up in the air. McCarthy told Punchbowl News that a Republican House wont write a blank check to Ukraine, suggesting that Republicans would limit or halt funding to Ukraine. Republicans have been divided over approving more aid to Ukraine. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has pushed the White House to expedite the shipment of military weapons. McCarthy and other Republicans have expressed skepticism over continued aid, citing the national debt as a reason to limit funding. But Texas GOP Rep. Mike McCaul, likely the next chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told USA TODAY he expects McCarthy to remain supportive of aid to Ukraine. His belief is that Ukraine must win this fight. And I think some of thats been a little misinterpreted. He was basically saying that we're not going to write a blank check, that we are going to have oversight and accountability, and that's what my committee will be doing," McCaul said. "And I think the taxpayers deserve that. But that doesn't mean that we were going to cut and run on Ukrainians whove proven themselves to be effective, far more than our Department of Defense and State Department realized." What legislation can pass? Expect a GOP-run House to push through legislation with traditional conservative points: tax cuts, expanded energy production, and a reduction in government spending. A House Republican agenda revealed in September titled a "Commitment to America" outlined various legislative goals for a GOP majority that also include increased fossil-fuel production. But the Democratic-led Senate would go along with little of that. And if it did, the GOP still would have to contend with Biden's veto pen. Facing a divided Congress, the president sounded a bipartisan tone last week, saying he wants "to work with my Republican colleagues." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What happens when the GOP takes the House? Probes, maybe impeachment BEIRUT (AP) Turkey isn't ensuring an adequate water flow downstream into the Euphrates River in Syria, worsening a water crisis believed to have increased the spread of cholera in the war-torn country, a prominent rights group said Monday. Human Rights Watch also blamed the Syrian government for discriminatory diversion of aid and essential services from areas controlled by U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces. Syrian officials and United Nations agencies announced in September that a cholera outbreak was sweeping the entire country. The outbreak is due to people drinking unsafe water from the Euphrates Rive r and using contaminated water to irrigate crops, according to the U.N. and the Syrian Health Ministry. In the government-held areas of Syria and in areas in the countrys northeast held by U.S.-backed Kurdish-led forces, there have since been roughly 17,000 cases of cholera and at least 49 deaths. In rebel-held parts of the country more than 3,000 cases have been registered. This devastating cholera outbreak will not be the last waterborne disease to impact Syrians if the countrys severe water problems are not immediately addressed, particularly in the northeast, said Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. Turkey can, and should, immediately stop aggravating Syrias water crisis. HRW said Turkish authorities have failed to ensure an adequate water flow downstream into parts of Syria that the Euphrates cuts through and a consistent water supply from the Allouk water station. The station is a critical source of fresh water located in northeast Syria under the control of Turkish troops and Turkey-backed opposition fighters. A poor rainfall season and disruptions at the Allouk station, which serves hundreds of thousands of people in the region, have also contributed to the crisis, HRW said. Syrias 11-year conflict has killed hundreds of thousands and caused wide damage to the countrys infrastructure and medical sector. The U.N. childrens agency, UNICEF, said it urgently needs $40.5 million to continue its work in Syria and neighboring Lebanon for the next three months. The Republican National Committee will no longer cover Donald Trumps sky-high legal bills if he announces a run for the presidency, Chair Ronna McDaniel said Sunday. We cannot pay legal bills for any candidate thats announced, McDaniel told Dana Bash on CNNs State of the Union. Trump is increasingly indicating he will run in 2024 and could announce a race for the GOP presidential nomination as early as next week. The RNCs executive committee last year confirmed it was covering certain fees for Trump to battle what GOP officials considered politically motivated legal proceedings against a former Republican president (not a candidate). That included investigations and actions brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and New York Attorney General Letitia James concerning Trump Organization taxes and asset statements to banks. McDaniel claimed on CNN that Trump has raised more for the RNC than the group has spent on his legal bills. The party has covered $2.3 million in bills, Bash noted. Trump, a billionaire, is sitting on a political war chest of over $100 million. Once Trump announces hes running for the presidency, the RNC will be constrained by a requirement to remain neutral in regard to all GOP candidates. The Trump Organization is currently embroiled in a criminal case brought by Bragg that argues the company allegedly engaged in a 15-year scheme to dodge taxes by largely paying executives with undeclared perks such as homes and cars, allowing them to underreport compensation. The Trump Organization has pleaded not guilty and denied all wrongdoing. James filed a lawsuit in September accusing the Trump Organization, Donald Trump and his three eldest children of $250 million in fraud via an alleged scheme of vastly overvaluing assets to hoodwink banks to obtain lucrative loans. Last week, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, at James request, approved a special monitor to oversee the Trump Organizations financial statements and reports, and any shifting of assets. Story continues Engoron ruled that the appointment of an independent monitor was justified to prevent further fraud, given the persistent misrepresentations throughout every one of Trumps statements of the companys financial condition between 2011 and 2021. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... Kerry Washington and W. Kamau Bell are among the celebs stressing the importance of voting for RoeVember, a new campaign for womens reproductive rights. As a harbinger of the holidays, the month of November marks the beginning of many things, including, this year, the launch of RoeVember. This new campaign furthers the alliance between celebrities and social justice issues and organizations; this season, in an effort to showcase the importance of voter participation in a post-Roe v. Wade society. (L-R) W. Kamau Bell, a demonstration at the U.S. Supreme Court, and Kerry Washington. Photos: Getty Images In case you missed it or have forgotten, in July of this year, the United States Supreme Court overturned the 1973 ruling on the paradigm-shifting Roe v. Wade case. In lifting any federal protection of rights to abortion access, the new decisions potential harm to womens rights across the country, especially for Black women, has reemphasized the importance of voting in the midterm election on Tuesday, November 8. In a series of social media videos, a series of stars including Kerry Washington, Alicia Keys, Tatyana Ali, Liza Koshy, W. Kamau Bell, and more sit down with reproductive justice activists from Planned Parenthood, Gen Z for Change, SisterSong, the National Network of Abortion Funds, and more. In your circle of influence, if you can vote, its important to vote on a state level and on a national level, says Kerry Washington. [Voting] for local representatives, even for school boards [ to decide] what can you talk about and not talk about in school, judges, and sheriffs because living in a state thats hostile to abortions can come in many forms. In tandem with the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, SCOTUS released several other verdicts jeopardizing womens reproductive rights, including overturning the Planned Parenthood v. Casey case. That 1992 decision lifted the requirement for written consent from a womens husband prior to an abortion. It also shifted the timeframe for abortions and allowed states to regulate abortions before fetal viability as long as a substantial obstacle or undue burden is not added. Additionally, this year, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Mississippi law banning abortions past 15 weeks of pregnancy in the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization case. Story continues Ultimately, the recent verdicts for all of these cases have implications beyond abortions, as Washington stressed in her video. As local government officials express their stances on abortion rights, womens rights advocates note the impact this decision also has on womens healthcare, finances, and privacy rights. The SCOTUS decision on the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization will have lasting effects not only on our reproductive rights but on many other fundamental rights related to our privacy, bodily autonomy, and individual freedoms, says influencer and comedian Liza Koshy. Now to win this battle its going to require us to fight on many, many fronts. The RoeVember conversations are a crucial part of this fight. As Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights highlights in her interview with Washington, talking about these issues is only a primary step. Whether speaking to neighbors, aunties, friends, or colleagues, the fact remains that one in four women will experience an abortion in their lifetime, meaning that even if the issue do not directly impact them, it will likely affect someone they know and love. This is an issue of healthcare. Whether you can vote or not, or whether you can afford to write a check or not, you can talk about it in your sphere of influence, stresses Washington. For the Black community, that probability is even higher. According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women in the U.S. received 38% of documented abortions in 2019 and are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications. According to Jocelyn Frye, president of the National Partnership for Women & Families,\ 17 states have already banned abortions, and 26 more are close to banning them, affecting almost 36 million women of reproductive age across the country. Now the Dobbs decision has made [access] much worse. Many of the folks who are least able to travel hundreds and hundreds of miles to get access to prenatal care are folks of color, Black and brown folks who need care. And its not just about access to abortion; thats an important piece of it, but if theyre not able to go to a provider, they are not getting prenatal care or meeting with their OBGYN. Theyre not getting healthcare which is so essential, says Frye. Despite all the discourse surrounding womens reproductive rights and abortion rights, the majority of Americans support abortion rights. According to Gallup polls, 85% of Americans supported abortions under most circumstances in May 2022. Therefore, as Northrup highlights, its not a matter of shifting public opinion but rather making sure the polls represent the publics view. The only way to do that is for Americans to establish a voting plan and exercise their rights. Whether its filling out an absentee ballot, going with a friend to the polls on that day, calling their friends, their neighbors, making sure they have the time and know the voting hours, all these things are really critical, says Frye. Because its important that everybody votes. Haniyah Philogene is a multimedia storyteller and Lifestyle reporter covering all things culture. With a passion for digital media, she goes above and beyond to find new ways to tell and share stories. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. TheGrios Black Podcast Network is free too. Download theGrio mobile apps today! Listen to Writing Black with Maiysha Kai. The post RoeVember is yet another reason to get out the vote appeared first on TheGrio. Roger Hallam, founder of Just Stop Oil, has reportedly been arrested. (Getty Images) The leader of environmental activists Just Stop Oil has been arrested ahead of planned protests along the M25 motorway, it has been reported. Roger Hallam, 56, the controversial group's founder, was arrested on Sunday evening, according to The Sun newspaper, after a police raid on his home in Kennington, south London. The Metropolitan Police said three people were arrested and that the force expected to make more arrests overnight. It said climate change protesters were suspected of planning "reckless and serious" disruption to the M25 motorway, which circles London, as the COP27 United Nations Climate Change Conference gets underway in Egypt. Watch: London mayor supports injunctions against Just Stop Oil protesters At the weekend, National Highways secured a High Court injunction to prevent Just Stop Oil protesters disrupting the motorway. Who is Roger Hallam? The 56-year-old from Wales, who lives in south London, is the leader of Just Stop Oil, an activist group which is calling on the UK government to cease new fossil fuel licensing and production. A former organic farmer for more than 20 years, he says he lost his 10-acre vegetable growing business near Llandeilo in Wales because of "the impacts of climate change". Roger Allam at an Extinction Rebellion demonstration in London in 2018. (Getty Images) Between 2017 and 2019 he studied for a PhD at King's College London university, where he researched how to use civil disobedience to bring about social change. What other groups has Hallam been involved in? In 2018, Hallam co-founded Extinction Rebellion, whose protesters occupied a number of sites in London in April 2019, and he was also involved in the leadership of Insulate Britain, which staged sit-down protests on a series of major UK roads in autumn 2021. Has he been arrested before? On his website, Hallam says: "I have lost count of the number of times I have been arrested." He says he has been on two hunger strikes and been to prison three times in the past three years. Roger Hallam at a Just Stop Oil event in Parliament Square in London last month. (Getty Images) In February 2017, he was arrested after spray painting King's College London's Great Hall, and was charged with criminal damage and fined 500. He was later cleared after a court ruled his actions were a proportionate response to the climate crisis. Story continues In 2019, Hallam was charged with attempting to cause disruption at Heathrow Airport using a drone. Why was he arrested on Sunday? The Metropolitan Police said three people were arrested on Sunday evening on suspicion of planning "reckless and serious" public disruption. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: Our investigation has strong reason to suspect the Just Stop Oil group intend to disrupt major motorway road networks which would risk serious harm to the public, with reckless action to obstruct the public on a large scale. Roger Hallam at Speaker's Corner during the Glastonbury Festival in June this year. (PA) All those arrested are suspected of engaging in conspiracy to cause public nuisance contrary to Section 78 Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. There remains a possibility outstanding suspects are still intent on causing unlawful disruption to the public. The Met has mobilised specialist teams and drawn police officers from across the capital to respond. Read more: Who are Just Stop Oil and what do they want? It followed National Highways securing a High Court injunction to prevent Just Stop Oil protesters disrupting the M25. It means that anyone entering the motorway and fixing themselves to any object or structure on it, and anyone assisting in such an act, can be held in contempt of court. They could face imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and the seizure of assets. Who are Just Stop Oil? Just Stop Oil was launched in February this year with the aim of using civil resistance to force the government to halt new fossil fuel production. It rose to prominence in recent months with a series of high-profile protests, often targeting famous works of art. Just Stop Oil activists glue their hands to the wall after throwing soup at Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers at the National Gallery in London in October. (Reuters) Last month, two protesters threw tomato soup over Vincent van Gogh's 1888 painting Sunflowers at the National Gallery in London, then glued their hands to the wall. The painting was protected by glass, although some damage was caused to the frame. Just Stop Oil activists have also spray painted a number of landmarks, including the Home Office, MI5, the Bank of England, an Aston Martin showroom and the rotating sign outside Scotland Yard. What impact have the protests had? Just Stop Oil staged 32 days of disruption from the end of September and throughout October, which the Metropolitan Police said resulted in 677 arrests with 111 people charged, and officers working a total of 9,438 additional shifts. The climate change action group has been calling on the government to abandon plans to licence over 100 new oil and gas projects by 2025, and to do more to help people with their skyrocketing energy bills. The group says that since April, Just Stop Oil protesters have been arrested almost 2,000 times, with five of their supporters currently in prison. Watch: Just Stop Oil protesters throw soup on Van Gogh painting The Royal College of Art (RCA) has confirmed that a new annual scholarship honouring the late fashion designer Virgil Abloh has been established. The prestigious arts institution will offer the RCA Virgil Abloh Scholarship annually to an extraordinarily talented, but financially restricted, Black British student. Created with funding from an anonymous donor in the US, the grant will cover the full tuition fees of any postgraduate programme in the School of Design, including fashion, textiles and design products. Fees for these programmes typically range from 14,000-33,000, with the scholarship including maintenance support of 35,000 in addition to networking opportunities and industry experience. The fund is a continuation of Ablohs commitment to equality in education. In 2020, he announced that with the support of partners, including the retail platform Farfetch and Louis Vuitton, he had pledged over $1m to support scholarships and career opportunities for Black students in the USA through the Virgil Ablohi Post-Modern scholarship fund. Systemic change starts at the grassroots level, from the collective efforts of people taking action and lifting up their own communities. Im committed to helping ensure that this social revolution is not just a moment but a movement and I am holding myself to task, he wrote in an online post. Abloh, the creative director of luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton, had a close relationship with the RCA, joining as a honorary visiting professor in 2020. Shannon Abloh, the late designers wife, said: Over the years, the RCA and Virgil formed a beautiful relationship based on a shared appreciation of collaboration, creative vision, and of course, education. We know that the RCA Virgil Abloh scholarship will break down financial barriers to fulfilling creative potential and empower talented young individuals to dream even bigger. Story continues The first African-American to head a French luxury fashion house, Abloh founded fashion label Off-White in 2013. He ascended quickly, winning a British Fashion Award and collaborating with Warby Parker, Jimmy Choo, Ikea and Nike while opening shops in New York and Tokyo. Abloh spoke often of wanting to inspire younger generations with his example, saying there was an air of impossibility to his journey. Im always trying to prove to my 17-year-old self that I can do creative things I thought werent possible, he once said. In a social media post to announce his death in November 2021, his family revealed he had privately been battling a rare aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma for more than two years. Russias military and FSB officers doing what they love most robbing houses Read also: US and NATO see peace talks between Ukraine and Russia only if Ukraine liberates Kherson, says La Repubblica While Kherson residents are being forcibly deported from their homes, with stories of evacuation, Russias military and FSB officers are doing what they love most robbing their houses, Podolyak tweeted. Read also: Russian Su-25 attack aircraft shot down near Kherson Robbery of those whom they came to protect the best illustration of the Russian world. After the Ukrainian military destroyed crossings across the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast, the Russian garrison in the oblast found itself in an extremely difficult situation due to compromised supply routes and face the risk of being trapped. Read also: Russian propaganda TV channels stop broadcasting in Kherson, Ukrainian radio back on air Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said that rainy weather had slowed Ukraines offensive in Kherson Oblast. He also noted that the Ukrainian army was controlling all the bridges leading into the oblast, so there is no way for Russian troops to retreat. In turn, Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said the operation to retake Kherson is likely to last until the end of November. Read also: Russians reportedly lay mines in Kherson, journalist says As reported on Nov. 3, Russian troops have already abandoned their checkpoints in Chornobayivka, Stepanivka, and Bilozerka in Kherson Oblast. In addition, the Russian flag has reportedly disappeared from the local administration's building in the still-occupied city of Kherson. The Ukrainian military suggests this could be a false-flag operation. Read also: 34 children kidnapped from village near Kherson and taken to Russia by invaders This could be a provocation of some kind, hoping to create the impression that towns are abandoned and are free (for our troops) to enter, the Ukrainian militarys South Operational Command spokesperson Nataliya Humeniuk said. Given that the Russians were preparing for urban fighting, given how they were deploying their units we are aware of their tactical plan. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Getty Anti-Russia activists and former Russian lawmakers opposed to Russian President Vladimir Putin have been gathering in Poland in recent days to discuss what removing Putin from power would look like nearly nine months into his war in Ukraine. Some of the scenarios the anti-Russia group discussed include Russians staging a civil war, taking up arms, and killing Putin, according to Euractiv. A guerrilla fight may be the only way to take down Putin, said opposition activist Viacheslav Maltsev. The main goal is to physically eliminate Putin, Maltsev said. The fight against terrorists requires terrorists methods, one politician present said, according to Gazeta Wyborcza. Ilya Ponomarev, a former member of the State Duma and the only Russian lawmaker to vote against annexing Crimea in 2014, arranged the gathering, and has said he is organizing an underground resistance movement in recent months. Some have expressed doubts about whether he actually leads a coalition of rebels, while others have questioned if he has become too radical and violent, as The Daily Beast reported. Allies of opposition leader Alexey Navalny did not participate in the gathering, according to Euractiv. Ex-Black Ops Agent: This Is How Putin Could Meet His End Regardless of Ponomarevs claims and tactics, though, the gathering in Poland this weekend is just the latest signal that those opposed to Putin are growing more vocal by the day. The chatter of a Putin ouster comes as he struggles to make gains in his war in Ukraine, with dissent for his war growing in Russia. Ukrainian forces have been gaining momentum since they began mounting counteroffensives against Russian forces in the south and northeast of Ukraine, forcing Russians to retreat. And in a push to replace those lost on the battlefield, Putin announced a partial mobilization for eligible Russian menbut instead of responding with support, hundreds of thousands of Russians responded with a massive exodus from the nation to flee conscription. Story continues Russian officials in St. Petersburg and Moscow have also called for Putins ouster in recent months. Elite circles in Russia are also starting to rally behind the idea that Putin needs to leave power, according to a close former aide of Putins, his speechwriter, Abbas Gallyamov. Watch: Infighting between Russian troops leads to deadly friendly fire, reports say Although various groups interested in Putin losing power have different ideas about how to go about ensuring his downfall, according to former senior members of the U.S. intelligence community, Putins ouster very well may be violent and come all of a sudden. Nobodys gonna ask, Hey Vladimir, would you like to leave? No. Its a fucking hammer to the head and hes dead. Or its time to go to the sanatorium, Daniel Hoffman, a former CIA Moscow chief of station, told The Daily Beast. They schwack him for it. Thats what theyll do. Even Putins closest allies have been criticizing him in recent days in what could be a signal that Putins hold on powerand his future as a leaderis disintegrating. Yevgeniy Prigozhin, or Putins chef, known for his election interference targeting U.S. elections, and for leading the mercenary Wagner Group, has begun pushing a narrative that he is the one man who can win the war in Ukraine. Just last month, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, another Putin crony, announced on social media he was very unhappy with the way the war was progressing, calling Russias performance weak. Prigozhin has begun narrating his own thoughts on leadership and how to win the war. To become stronger, to win, you need to treat the opponent with respect, Prigozhin said early this month, according to Reuters. Dont underestimate him. Always look for flaws in yourself, and see whats good and important that can be learned from the experience of the enemy. Ukraine Spy Boss Declares War Will End in Putins Death Some of Russias closest partners on the world stage, including China and India, have also sought to distance themselves from Russia in recent weeks. Chinese President Xi Jinping called on other countries to "reject the threat of nuclear weapons and advocate against a nuclear war to prevent a crisis on the Eurasian continent, just as Russia has begun hinting that it may resort to nuclear weapons. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who spoke with Xi last week, said they agreed that Russia would cross a line if it used nuclear weapons. Indias defense minister, Rajnath Singh, noted last week that the nuclear option should not be resorted to when Russias defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, confronted him with his suspicion that Ukraine might use a dirty bomb and try to frame Russia as the culprit behind it. The Biden administration and western leaders have denounced Russias alleged concerns about Ukraine using a dirty bomb and suggested that Putin himself might be planning to use a dirty bomb or try to frame Ukraine. Resistance is building in Belarus, a close ally of Russia, as well. Belarus opposition leader, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, recently proposed an alliance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, to better push against Russias goals in the war and in Europe, as The Daily Beast reported. Read more at The Daily Beast. Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Dmytro Zhyvytskyi, Head of the Sumy Oblast Military Administration, has reported that Russian forces have fired 203 shells and mortar bombs on the border-adjacent areas in Sumy Oblast over the course of the past 24 hours, causing damage to several local settlements. One civilian was killed and one injured as a result of these Russian attacks. Source: Dmytro Zhyvytskyi on Telegram Quote from Zhyvytskyi: "Bilopillia, Vorozhba, Esman, Krasnopillia, Khotin, Seredyna-Buda and Shalyhyne hromadas came under Russian fire." [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a city, town or village and its adjacent territories - ed.] Details: In Krasnopillia hromada, Russian forces dropped three VOG grenades on the outskirts of one of the villages from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV); with no resulting casualties. Russian forces fired 12 mortar bombs on Shalyhyne hromada; there were no casualties. In Khotin hromada, the Russians deployed a self-propelled artillery system to fire 32 shells on the outskirts of one of the villages. They also fired 40 rockets using a multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) around 14:00. Soon after, they launched another 30 grenades. The effects of these attacks have yet to be confirmed. The Russians also deployed an MLRS to fire on Seredyna-Buda hromada; seven rockets were fired that damaged a residential building, garage and a civilian vehicle. Several power lines were additionally damaged. Russian forces attacked the Vorozhba hromada twice; 42 shells were fired around midday damaging three apartments, afterwards MLRSs were deployed to fire a further 30 rockets on[at?] civilians. One woman was killed and another sustained injuries. Seven residential buildings, six outbuildings, two summer kitchens, a bath house, a cafe, a cemetery, two civilian automobiles, as well as several power lines and gas pipelines were damaged from these attacks. Russian forces deployed small arms to fire on Esman hromada; however there were no casualties. The Russians additionally fired 10 mortar-launched bombs on Bilopillia hromada, damaging power lines in one village and a private house in another. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Mikhail Vasiliev, a Russian priest famous for recently saying that if women in Russia bore more children it would be easier for them to send their sons away to fight, died in the war in Ukraine on 6 November. Source: official website of the Russian Orthodox Church; The Insider, a Latvia-based, Russia-focused media outlet Details: The website of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) reported that Archpriest Mikhail Vasiliev died on the morning of 6 November "in the area of the special military operation in Ukraine while carrying out pastoral duties." The ROC said Vasiliev, as a priest, had travelled on missions to "hot spots" and participated in "peacekeeping operations" in Kosovo, Bosnia, Abkhazia, Kyrgyzstan, the North Caucasus and Syria. He was the archpriest of the church of St. Barbara the Great Martyr and the Venerable Ilya Muromets, the garrison church of the Strategic Rocket Forces of the Russian Armed Forces in Vlasikha, Moscow Oblast. The Insider reported that Vasiliev had expressed the opinion - speaking live on the Spas (Saviour) TV channel in October - that if women in Russia had more children, it would be easier for them to send their sons to war. The presenter had told him about a woman who hid her son in the Canary Islands to avoid mobilisation. "The Lord has allowed each lady to give birth to many children. And if a lady, fulfilling this commandment to be fruitful and multiply, refused to use artificial pregnancy termination methods, in the widest sense, then obviously she would have more than one child. And therefore, she would not find it so painful and terrifying to part with her child, even for a while. The devil is not so terrible as he is painted. Whom God helps, nobody can harm," the Russian priest said. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Ukrainian radio has resumed broadcasting in Kherson He noted Russian television channels had stopped broadcasting a week ago. At the same time, the Ukrainian Suspilne radio station has resumed broadcasting in occupied Kherson, Nazarov added. Read also: Russia apparently prepared to withdraw from Kherson City According to Ukraines General Staff, invading Russian forces are disguising themselves as civilians, occupying houses and preparing for street fighting. As reported on Nov. 3, Russian troops have already abandoned their checkpoints in Chornobayivka, Stepanivka, and Bilozerka in Kherson Oblast. Read also: Russians reportedly lay mines in Kherson, journalist says In addition, the Russian flag has reportedly disappeared from the local administrations building in the still-occupied city of Kherson. The Ukrainian military has suggested this could actually be a false-flag operation. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The occupation authorities had launched two mini-plants for concrete production in Mariupol He said concrete pyramids are being installed at the entrances to the city. Read also: Ex-mayor of Irkutsk assigned as new head of occupation authority in Mariupol According to Andriushchenko, concrete barriers have been partially erected near the highway between Mariupol and Nikolske. Allegedly, Russians are also significantly strengthening the approaches from the north to the village of Staryi Krym. Andriushchenko said the occupation authorities had launched two mini-plants for concrete production in Mariupol. Concrete pyramids for the so-called "Wagner line" are now being transported to Zaporizhzhya and Kherson oblasts. "Despite all the claims that Russia is here forever, in reality Russians are not so optimistic, the mayors adviser said. While ahead of the Kharkiv counter-offensive they were digging up equipment for the front, today the process of significant strengthening of Mariupol is in trend. Read also: Russia issuing passports for sham republic to Mariupol residents, says mayoral adviser Satellite images of Maxar Technologies company appeared on Oct. 22, which showed that Russian mercenaries near the town of Hirske in Luhansk Oblast had built a "Wagner Line" less than two kilometers long. These are fortifications in the form of cement pyramids, which the Russians hope will stop Ukrainian military vehicles and tanks from advancing. At the same time, CNN notes that although the fortifications can help protect against a frontal attack, there is nothing preventing Ukrainian troops from simply bypassing the fortifications. A report by the UK Ministry of Defense says that the construction of the "Wagner Line" indicates that the Russian troops are preparing for defense in depth along the current front line. This is likely to hinder the rapid advance of the Ukrainian military in Luhansk Oblast, UK intelligence said. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The terrorist country [Russia - ed.] has used about 80 percent of its modern missiles in strikes against Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. Source: Vadym Skibitskyi, representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, in a comment to The Economist, as quoted by the Directorate Details: This means that Russia has 120 Iskanders left, according to the Main Intelligence Directorate. In addition, Skibitskyi said that Ukrainian military intelligence has become aware of the Kremlin's plans to purchase Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar ballistic missiles from Iran and send them to Crimea by air and to Russian Caspian Sea ports by sea. "We know that agreements have already been reached," the representative of the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate said. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The occupiers have intensified raids and filtration measures among the local population in the temporarily occupied part of Kherson Oblast. Source: National Resistance Center (NRC) Quote: "The occupiers are actively looking for the underground resistance. The raids are more active in big cities. The NRC has become aware of dozens of detainees over the past few days. The Russians are taking the detainees to other places. In particular, civilians detained in Nova Kakhovka are taken to the filtration camp in Chaplynka. There, they conduct interrogations and torture detainees in order to obtain information about the work of our underground resistance in the temporary occupied territories." Details: The National Resistance Center called on the local population, if possible, to leave the temporarily occupied territory for the duration of the special operation by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to liberate the territory. Background: On Sunday, 6 November, the occupiers announced that the city of Kherson and more than ten other settlements in temporarily occupied Kherson Oblast have been left without electricity Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, has stated that the Russian occupiers are only creating the illusion that they are leaving Kherson, but in fact, they are moving new military units there and preparing to defend the occupied oblast centre. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! With a day to go before the midterm election, political scientist and analyst Larry Sabato has made his final prediction for which party will win in the U.S. House, U.S. Senate, and gubernatorial races. Sabatos analysis, "Final Ratings for the 2022 Election, was published Monday in his newsletter, "Sabatos Crystal Ball." In short, Sabato predicts that Republicans will win the Senate, 51-49, with a net gain of one seat. His final House pick is for Republicans, 237-198, netting a gain of 24 seats. In the gubernatorial race, Sabato predicts that Republicans will win 29-21, gaining one governorship. Republicans, Sabato notes, have honed their key message of fixing the economy and tackling inflation as the presidents approval rating has plummeted to the low 40s. BIDEN, DEMOCRATS BLASTED FOR THREAT TO DEMOCRACY' WARNINGS: THIS WILL BACKFIRE LIKE DEFUND THE POLICE Democrats may have an opportunity to mitigate some of their losses, he says, with GOP candidate problems in certain Senate, gubernatorial, and House races, as well as the unpopular Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and the lingering influence of former President Donald Trump. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Such factors, he argues, will make it a "good but not necessarily great night" for Republicans. The conditions ultimately make this midterm election a fairly ordinary one where the presidents party suffers losses. Only twice in recent decades in 1998 and 2002 has the presidents party done well. A voting sign is seen before a Democratic Senate Candidate Raphael Warnock (D-GA) Get Out the Vote rally at Bearfoot Tavern on November 07, 2022, in Macon, Georgia. Sabato is careful to qualify that some races, particularly in the Senate, remain toss-ups. Senate races in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, he says, "can all accurately be described as jump balls." He notes that the Senate race will likely not be decided Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. Arizona, for instance, usually takes a few days to finish its count. Georgia, between GOP candidate Herschel Walker and Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock, has the possibility for a runoff. Story continues Sabato also predicted that "heavily Democratic" absentee ballots will take longer to count in Pennsylvania, contributing to a "red mirage" making GOP candidate Mehmet Ozs margin look large early on. Even if things run smoothly, it may take days or weeks before the outcome is known in several key races. In ways big and small, the 2022 midterms will help shape the 2024 election. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP A bad night for Democrats could undermine Biden's rationale for a second term. And Trump would almost certainly seize on sweeping Republican victories as evidence of his political strength ahead of a third prospective White House bid. The Associated Press contributed to this report. TOKYO (Reuters) -Singapore-based fund 3D Investment Partners has urged external directors of Sapporo Holdings to take the lead in reassessing a revitalisation plan for the Japanese beer company, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters. The fund said in the letter, dated Nov. 3, it was "deeply disappointed" by an Oct. 28 response from the outside directors on the value enhancement plan that 3D had presented. It wasn't immediately clear what the directors' response was, and details of 3D's original proposals weren't immediately available. The fund has asked the five outside directors to postpone the announcement of a new business plan scheduled on Wednesday, among other requests. 3D Investment Partners and Sapporo Holdings declined to comment on the report. The fund noted that Sapporo Holdings had failed to meet its sales target during the past 15 years, and that its return on equity (ROE) averaged 2% in the past five years - far lower than rivals Kirin Holdings' 14% and Asahi Group Holdings' 11%, the Nikkei newspaper reported earlier. Sapporo Holdings was the target of a takeover bid in 2007 by U.S.-based activist fund Steel Partners, which had urged the company to sell off underperforming units and improve management of its real estate holdings. The buyout failed and Steel Partners sold most of its remaining stake in Sapporo in 2010. Shares of Sapporo Holdings were up 0.2% in the morning session of Tokyo trade, trailing a 1.7% rise for Kirin and a 1.9% advance by Asahi. (Reporting by Chang-Ran Kim, Rocky Swift and Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Kenneth Maxwell) The totality of the eclipse is set to occur at 10:59 UTC (5:59 a.m. EST) on November 8, 2022. Lunar eclipses may be more common that solar eclipses, but theyre still incredible sights to behold. On Tuesday, some parts of the world will get an early morning view of a total lunar eclipse, in which the full Moon will steadily darken and appear to turn red under Earths shadow. How can I watch the total lunar eclipse? This weeks lunar eclipse will occur the morning of Tuesday, November 8, marking the first total lunar eclipse in three years and the last until March 14, 2025, according to NASA. This eclipse should be visible to the naked eye, but telescopes and binoculars can help enhance our view from Earth. Read more Image: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Scientific Visualization Studio The totality of the eclipsewhen the Moon is entirely within Earths shadowwill be visible from North and Central America as well as Ecuador, Colombia, and western portions of Venezuela and Peru. NASA says that the totality will begin at 10:17 UTC (5:17 a.m. ET) and end at 11:42 UTC (6:42 a.m. ET), with the greatest eclipse happening at 10:59 UTC, or 5:59 a.m. ET. The eclipse will also be visible in other parts of the world, though most of the peak activity will be occurring during the evening when the Moon may not be fully visible yet. If youre on the U.S. East Coast, then youll be able to see the eclipse starting at 3:02 a.m. local time as the Moon enters the outer part of Earths shadow, called the penumbra, until moonset occurs between approximately 6:00 a.m. and 6:40 a.m. For those in Central Time, the eclipse begins at 2:02 a.m. and will last until moonset occurs between approximately 6:00 a.m. and 6:40 a.m. In Mountain Time, the eclipse begins at 1:02 a.m. and will last until 6:50 a.m., slightly abridged by moonset. If youre on the West Coast, your view of the eclipse wont be cut off by moonset. It will begin at 12:02 a.m. and will last until 5:50 a.m. Story continues If youre not in the optimal viewing area, or its cloudy, or you simply dont feel like waking up so early or staying up so late to see the Moon turn red, there will be live streams available from different sources to view the eclipse in all its beauty. TimeAndDate, Lowell Observatory in Arizona, and Springfield Science Museum in Massachusetts will all be hosting live streams. Total Lunar Eclipse Live Stream from the Observatory at the Springfield Science Museum What is a lunar eclipse? A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned in such a way that Earth blocks incoming light from the Sun, casting a shadow on the Moonwhen the Moon is completely enveloped in the Earths shadow, this is a total lunar eclipse. This stands in opposition to a solar eclipse, when the Moon is blocking out the Sun as seen from Earth. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to look at with the naked eye. Lunar eclipses can appear red due to a phenomenon known as Rayleigh scattering, where Earths atmosphere scatters the shorter wavelengths of blue light. Usually when we see the Moon shining, were seeing sunlight that has directly hit it and is reflecting back at us. But during an eclipse, that sunlight filters through Earths atmosphere before striking the Moon. Longer wavelength red light passes more easily through the atmosphereas seen in the orange hues or sunrises and sunsetsmaking the Moon appear to be bathed in reddish light. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. From left, Selena Gomez, Francia Raisa and Taylor Swift. (Associated Press; Los Angeles Times) Selena Gomez is getting heat for excluding Francia Raisa the actor and friend who donated a kidney to Gomez in 2017 from her documentary "My Mind & Me" and saying that Taylor Swift is her only friend in the industry. The "Only Murders in the Building" star, 30, spoke up against the backlash, which spilled onto social media this weekend after her recent Rolling Stone interview and the exclusion of Raisa from the Alek Keshishian-directed doc. The stark AppleTV+ film chronicles the last six years of Gomez's life including her physical and mental health struggles with lupus, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. "How I Met Your Father" and "grown-ish" star Raisa, 34, famously donated a kidney to Gomez as the latter's battle with lupus intensified. The actors, who have been been friends for more than a decade and referred to each other as sisters, shared several details of the "ultimate gift" they gave one another on social media and in interviews at the time. (Although, some of those social posts have since been removed.) But fans perceived a snub from Gomez when she told Rolling Stone that Taylor Swift is her "only friend in the industry" a quote that meant to illuminate the isolation Gomez felt before her 2018 psychotic break and the difficulties she had sharing her fears with people whose lives hadn't been derailed by fame. I never fit in with a cool group of girls that were celebrities. My only friend in the industry really is Taylor [Swift], so I remember feeling like I didnt belong. I felt the presence of everyone around me living full lives. I had this position, and I was really happy, but was I? Do these materialistic things make me happy? she told the magazine. I just didnt like who I was, because I didnt know who I was. Swift has given the documentary her stamp of approval. However, according to gossip site the Daily Mail, Raisa unfollowed Gomez a day after the doc premiered on Friday was reportedly prompted by the star's comment about Swift, describing it as "interesting" in the comments section of an E! News Instagram post. The comment has since been deleted, Us Weekly and E! News reported. Story continues Representatives for Raisa did not immediately respond Monday to The Times' request for comment. On Sunday, Gomez left a comment underneath a TikTok that dissected the drama, writing, "Sorry I didn't mention every person I know." Although she isn't in "My Mind & Me," Raisa and several of Gomez's celebrity friends are mentioned in the Rolling Stone story, specifically in the context of Gomez's wedding-style 30th birthday party in Malibu over the summer. I thought I would be married by now, so I threw myself a wedding, she told the mag. (Raisa and Gomez reportedly had a falling out years ago but reconciled in 2021, the Daily Mail said.) "She invited people who had been important parts of her twenties, whether she was still close to them or not," wrote contributor Alex Morris. "She wanted to celebrate that time, and also celebrate that it was behind her. ... It was elegant, she says, classy. Miley Cyrus was there ('f love her'), and Gomezs little sister, Gracie, and her kidney donor, Francia Raisa, and Camila Cabello and Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo and a Barney cake. 'We had lovely drinks, and it was beautiful, and then my friend Cara [Delevingne] comes in and brings strippers,' she says, laughing. 'So I would like to say it was a mixture of sophisticated and hysterical.'" The article also mentions the kidney transplant a handful of times, notably that it happened, that she named her new organ Fred after "Portlandia" star Fred Armisen and doesn't expect the donated kidney to last forever. However, "My Mind & Me," which jumps around the six-year timeline repeatedly, makes little mention of the life-saving kidney transplant. Representatives for Gomez and Keshishian did not immediately respond Monday to The Times' requests for comment. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Shares of Motor Sich transferred to state ownership Ekonomichna Pravda referred to sources at the National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine (NSSMC) and minority shareholders of the Ukrnafta national oil company. In particular, the enterprises relate to businessmen Kostyantyn Zhevago, Ihor Kolomoisky and Kostyantyn Hryhoryshyn, as well as the recently detained president of the Motor Sich engine manufacturing firm, Vyacheslav Boguslayev. A source of NV Business at the NSSMC has confirmed this information. According to the source, the NSSMC on Nov. 6 made a decision to ensure the compulsory sale of shares in PJSC Ukrnafta, PJSC Ukrtatnafta, JSC Motor Sich, PrJSC AvtoKrAZ and PrJSC Zaporizhtransformator to the state. In this way, the regulator allowed the transfer of the shares of these companies from the accounts of private individuals to state property. Kolomoiskys companies own about 42% of the shares in Ukrnafta (the largest oil producing company of Ukraine), while the state (NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine) owns 50% and one share. Other shares are owned by minority shareholders. Kolomoisky and his business partner Hennadiy Bogolyubov own about 60% of the shares in Ukrtatnafta. Other shares are also owned by Naftogaz of Ukraine. The Kremenchuk Oil Refinery, which was shut down due to Russian missile attacks in May, is a key asset of Ukrtatnafta. Boguslayev was until recently the owner of Motor Sich, but sold 56% of the companys shares to the Chinese holding company Beijing Skyrizon Aviation Industry Investment Co Ltd in 2017. Read also: Detained owner of Motor Sich has Russian citizenship, had access to state secrets However, the transactions with the companys shares were blocked and subsequently nullified due to violations of antimonopoly legislation. Boguslayev himself was arrested on treason charges in October 2022. The AvtoKrAZ company is engaged in the production of heavy trucks. The company is part of the Finance and Credit Group owned by businessman Zhevago. PrJSC Zaporizhtransformator produces transformer and reactor equipment. The enterprise is insolvent and is owned by Russian businessman Hryhoryshyn, who is a native of the city of Zaporizhzhya. It is currently unknown whether the former owners and minority shareholders in these enterprises will be compensated for their loss of the shares. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Christine Brown and Robyn Brown. TLC; TLC Robyn accused Christine of "faking" a good relationship with Kody on "Sister Wives." She also said Christine and Kody "don't communicate well at all." Janelle told cameras she felt like the conversation was meant to "invalidate" Christine. On Sunday's episode of TLC's "Sister Wives," star Christine Brown told her former sister wives Robyn, Janelle, and Meri that she had a buyer for her house and was moving to Utah in a week's time. The news led to an intense conversation about the status of Kody's marriages, during which Robyn Brown accused Christine of "faking" a good marriage in front of her when the family lived in Las Vegas. After Christine said that some of the kids in the family saw that her marriage to Kody had been struggling since they lived in Las Vegas, Robyn got defensive. "In Vegas? OK, that's a lie," she said. "'Cause I remember the conversations, I remember what was going on," Robyn added. "I remember Janelle and Kody making their relationship better than it ever had been. I remember him talking with you. I remember you guys having fun dates and hearing about that and seeing you guys' relationship." "So either you guys were faking it in front of me... I don't know," she concluded. Christine and Robyn Brown. TLC In a solo interview about the exchange, Kody's second wife Janelle Brown told cameras it was odd to watch Robyn accuse Christine of lying because she'd known the pair were having problems for a long time. She said she felt like Robyn and Kody (who was present for the conversation, which took place in Christine's backyard) were trying to "invalidate Christine, just tell her that she's being crazy" and leaving the family "on a whim." Robyn misunderstood the fact that Christine was talking about her own marriage to Kody and not claiming that all of Kody's marriages were unhealthy in Las Vegas. Though they eventually cleared up the miscommunication, it was a rare moment of tense dialogue between the women in the Brown family, who don't usually talk about their individual relationships with Kody to each other. Story continues Christine and Janelle claimed Kody has favored Robyn and her kids for many years now, as chronicled on past seasons of "Sister Wives." On a season 16 episode, Christine told cameras that some of her daughters saw Kody had "apparent" favorite children and this made it hard for them to "respect" him. Meri Brown, Janelle Brown, Kody Brown, Christine Brown and Robyn Brown. Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images During the conversation on Sunday's episode, when Christine started to tell Robyn that she and Kody had important conversations about how their relationship wasn't working, Robyn remained defensive. "You guys don't talk though, you guys don't communicate," she said. "You guys don't communicate very well at all. So I don't really see how that could be even legitimate." Christine then claimed that she and Kody had communicated "better" in the last six months, which he disagreed with. Christine and Kody split up in 2021 after over 25 years of "spiritual" marriage. This season has been chronicling the complicated nature of the split, exposing how many people are affected when a wife chooses to leave a plural family. "Sister Wives" airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on TLC. Read the original article on Insider EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was initially published Oct. 21, 2015. If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, help is just a phone call or text away at the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. The Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7. On the day of her death, Yaolin Wang attended her business class at Indiana University. She also sent the following text message to a friend: My nightmare is back. The night of Sept. 30, a resident of the Stratum Apartments called police after finding the body of 20-year-old Chuanlin Xiao hanging from his belt in a common-area stairway that led to basement apartments. Around the corner from Xiaos body, police made a second grisly discovery. Wang suffered more than 10 stab wounds; her body lay on the ground of an outdoor patio. Yaolin Wang's cousin, aunt, mother, listen as her father speaks, and family friend, Alice Hsu, right, listens before translating, during a vigil for Wang, and Joseph William Smedley II in Dunn Meadow. Jeremy Hogan | Herald-Times Police: Relationship based on control, abuse Police called the deaths a murder-suicide from the start of their investigation. Investigators can now shed more light about the relationship between Wang and her attacker. It was a relationship, police say, that was based on control and intimidation, fear and abuse. Wang and Xiao met during the spring semester at North Seattle Community College in Washington, where Wang received her associates degree in business before transferring to IU. The relationship quickly became one-sided and controlling, investigators have learned. Bloomington crime: Man who fled into storm sewer was wanted by police for assault on woman It appears that Xiao almost immediately imposed himself on Wang by moving into her residence there and refused to leave. There may also have been physical and mental abuse toward Wang as Xiao tried to assert control over her life, said Bloomington Police Department Capt. Joe Qualters. She did not seek help. Not from school officials at the community college, or from Seattle police. She did not tell her family during a summer trip home to China. Or when her father traveled to Bloomington to celebrate his daughters 21st birthday and to visit her new college campus. Story continues Friends tried to intervene; police say Xiao turned his threats on them. He told people he came from a powerful family in China, one that would not hesitate in retaliating against their families if they got him into trouble in the United States. Xiao arrived in Bloomington on Aug. 22. As he did in Seattle, Xiao moved into Wangs apartment and refused to leave, police said. The attempts to control Wangs life continued. Her passport went missing. So did her makeup. Others are reading:Man and woman found dead in apparent murder-suicide in Monroe County Police believe Xiao, unemployed and not enrolled as a student, forced Wang to give him money. Again, Wang resisted seeking outside assistance and did not want police involved because the issues were too personal, Qualters said. Police say Xiao traveled to Seattle on Sept. 19. He returned unannounced on Sept. 30. Cultural differences can be barrier to service Its not enough for university officials and staff to offer services for help with domestic violence, relationship violence, sexual violence and mental health counseling to students. They must also develop cultural sensitivity and cultural competency in order to recognize what kind of barriers to services some students encounter as they navigate life here, said Carol McCord, IUs associate dean of students. Addressing broadly how to get it across is one thing, but to get it across culture-belief systems its the work of finding specific connections with each group that will help be more impactful, she said. Students from other cultures might not be comfortable calling police for help, seeking support at school, even speaking with friends about personal issues. Its important for us to understand that certain stigmas are stronger in some cultures than others, McCord said. The same can be said of minority students who were born and raised in the United States. That is our culture; it is ours in a lot of ways. We try to address that problem on the whole, but we live in that system, said Evelyn Smith, prevention programs coordinator at Middle Way House, which offers services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Yaolin Wang, 21, an Indiana University student, died from stab wounds and a 20-year-old man, not an IU student, was found hanged near her body in a common area of an apartment building in the 3100 block of Goodnight Way in the Stratum Apartment complex. David Snodgress | Herald-Times Middle Way staff employ person-to-person advocacy and an empowerment approach, one that does not make assumptions about a persons personal politics, religious community and cultural background. We help them find the strength to be independent, to demand the kind of respect they deserve, help them find solutions that work for them, Smith said. At a campus vigil a week after her death, the father of the slain student was, at first, reluctant to speak, afraid of how his daughter and family would be perceived. A family attorney translated his words from the Mandarin. The fathers grief and his plea, universal: Im filled with complete and devastating sadness, but I still have to speak up. I know that Yaolin, like me, would probably prefer not to dwell on the tragic event. To leave a positive message going forward is more important. Its important to use the legal resources available and not be afraid to use them. The Bloomington Police Department has compiled a list of domestic violence resources and services in the city of Bloomington and on the Indiana University campus. This list of resources is for city residents and college students alike, and includes options for international students. Middle Way House Offers services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Advocacy services are available at no cost. Staff will also accompany people to medical exams. Website: www.middlewayhouse.org Emergency shelter and 24-hour crisis line: 812-336-0846 Advocacy and legal assistance and prevention education: 812-333-7404. IU Student Advocates Office Offers trained advocates to assist students who have experienced sexual misconduct. Connects students with resources on and off campus and addresses academic and other university-related concerns. Email: readvo@indiana.edu Phone: 812-855-0761. IU's Office of International Services Assists international students with support services, visa and immigration advising. Email: ois@iu.edu. Phone: 812-855-9086. Legal services IU's Student Legal Services Attorneys and law students provide legal assistance and representation to students free of charge, including walk-in consultations and assistance with filing applications for protective orders after sexual assault. In matters involving two students, information about how to seek legal protection will be provided, but legal representation cannot be provided. Website: www.indiana.edu/~sls Email: stulegal@indiana.edu Phone: 812-855-7867. Monroe County Bar Association Website: http://monroecountybar.org. Monroe County Clerk's Office A petition for an order of protection can be filed at the clerk's office at 301 N. College Ave., Room 201. Phone: 812- 349-2614. IU's Protective Order Project Student volunteers from the IU Maurer School of Law help victims of stalking, sexual assault and dating or relationship violence get and enforce civil protective orders at no cost. Email: pop@indiana.edu Phone: 812-855-4800. Medical services IU Health Center Services available to IU Bloomington students, students spouses and dependents. Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone: 812-855-4011. IU Health Bloomington Hospital Emergency Department Open 24 hours a day Phone: 812-336-6821. Confidential counseling services IU Counseling and Psychological Services and Sexual Assault Crisis Services Individual or group counseling provided at no cost by trained counselors. 24-hour crisis line: 812-855-8900. For appointments: 812-855-5711. IU Employee Assistance Program Provides professional and confidential counseling to full-time employees, medical residents, graduate students and their families. Phone: 888-234-8327. Online resources National Coalition Against Domestic Violence The National Domestic Violence Hotline This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Police: Slain IU student Yaolin Wang did not seek help from tormentor It looks like Airtel Africa Plc (LON:AAF) is about to go ex-dividend in the next 2 days. The ex-dividend date is one business day before a company's record date, which is the date on which the company determines which shareholders are entitled to receive a dividend. The ex-dividend date is important because any transaction on a stock needs to have been settled before the record date in order to be eligible for a dividend. This means that investors who purchase Airtel Africa's shares on or after the 10th of November will not receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 9th of December. The company's next dividend payment will be US$0.022 per share, on the back of last year when the company paid a total of US$0.042 to shareholders. Calculating the last year's worth of payments shows that Airtel Africa has a trailing yield of 3.1% on the current share price of 1.21. We love seeing companies pay a dividend, but it's also important to be sure that laying the golden eggs isn't going to kill our golden goose! That's why we should always check whether the dividend payments appear sustainable, and if the company is growing. See our latest analysis for Airtel Africa Dividends are typically paid from company earnings. If a company pays more in dividends than it earned in profit, then the dividend could be unsustainable. Fortunately Airtel Africa's payout ratio is modest, at just 30% of profit. Yet cash flow is typically more important than profit for assessing dividend sustainability, so we should always check if the company generated enough cash to afford its dividend. It paid out 16% of its free cash flow as dividends last year, which is conservatively low. It's encouraging to see that the dividend is covered by both profit and cash flow. This generally suggests the dividend is sustainable, as long as earnings don't drop precipitously. Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends. Story continues Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing? Businesses with strong growth prospects usually make the best dividend payers, because it's easier to grow dividends when earnings per share are improving. Investors love dividends, so if earnings fall and the dividend is reduced, expect a stock to be sold off heavily at the same time. That's why it's comforting to see Airtel Africa's earnings have been skyrocketing, up 25% per annum for the past five years. Earnings per share have been growing very quickly, and the company is paying out a relatively low percentage of its profit and cash flow. This is a very favourable combination that can often lead to the dividend multiplying over the long term, if earnings grow and the company pays out a higher percentage of its earnings. Another key way to measure a company's dividend prospects is by measuring its historical rate of dividend growth. Airtel Africa has seen its dividend decline 11% per annum on average over the past three years, which is not great to see. It's unusual to see earnings per share increasing at the same time as dividends per share have been in decline. We'd hope it's because the company is reinvesting heavily in its business, but it could also suggest business is lumpy. Final Takeaway From a dividend perspective, should investors buy or avoid Airtel Africa? Airtel Africa has grown its earnings per share while simultaneously reinvesting in the business. Unfortunately it's cut the dividend at least once in the past three years, but the conservative payout ratio makes the current dividend look sustainable. Overall we think this is an attractive combination and worthy of further research. With that in mind, a critical part of thorough stock research is being aware of any risks that stock currently faces. Case in point: We've spotted 1 warning sign for Airtel Africa you should be aware of. If you're in the market for strong dividend payers, we recommend checking our selection of top dividend stocks. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Dave Chappelle performs at a 2022 fundraiser event for the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. (Gemunu Amarasinghe / Associated Press) NBC has tapped Dave Chappelle to host "Saturday Night Live" for a third time next week. And not everyone is happy about it. Over the weekend, the TV network announced that the Nov. 12 episode of "SNL" would be hosted by Chappelle with musical guest Black Star, the hip-hop duo comprising Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli. While some celebrated the controversial comedian's imminent return to the show, others condemned "SNL" for giving him a platform in the wake of his transphobic remarks. Chappelle has come under fire for including transphobic material in his stand-up routines most notably in his Emmy-nominated 2021 Netflix special, "The Closer." Amid internal and external protests, Chappelle and Netflix have stood by the special, in which the comic declares himself "team TERF," which stands for trans-exclusionary radical feminist. "Ugh why is #SNL bringing back Dave Chappelle again?" tweeted @arosoff. "So he can make more transphobic jokes?" "SNL giving Dave Chappelle a platform is dangerous, and ... none of us especially our allies, whose voices arent as drowned out as ours should shut up about it," tweeted @ZoeRoseBryant. "A war is being waged on trans people (and trans KIDS) every single day, and he helps it grow." "I mean, I get it, it seems like tradition at this point to have Dave Chappelle host after an election, but havent you guys been paying attention toeverything that guys been doing lately?" tweeted @Galileo908. Reps for "SNL" declined to comment. A spokesperson for Chappelle did not immediately respond Sunday to a request for comment. Ugh why is #SNL bringing back Dave Chappelle again? So he can make more transphobic jokes? Alexis (@arosoff) November 6, 2022 Several Twitter users pointed out that Chappelle is slated to host "SNL" the same season the sketch comedy series hired its first nonbinary cast member, Molly Kearney. Kearney made their "SNL" debut earlier this year alongside fellow newcomers Marcello Hernandez, Michael Longfellow and Devon Walker. Story continues "I love SNL. I've been a fan all my life. But having Dave Chappelle on as host is not the move," tweeted @SeanAltly. "You have your first non-binary cast member ever and then you book [a] proud and open transphobe. What a disappointment." "Wonder how SNLs first nonbinary cast member this season must feel about them platforming Dave Chappelle next week," tweeted @S0UNDOFMETAL. "Disappointing but not surprising. Feeling for Molly Kearney right now." "Having Dave Chappelle host SNL again is a slap in the face to trans people, including one of their own new cast members. What the hell Lorne?!" @Runningactor wrote in a tweet calling out "SNL" executive producer Lorne Michaels. Having Dave Chappelle host SNL again is a slap in the face to trans people, including one of their own new cast members. What the hell Lorne?! A League of Kara's Own (@Runningactor) November 6, 2022 Several Twitter users extended their disapproval to Kweli, with @grimesfam2 deeming "SNL" "trash" for booking a musician accused of "harassing a Black woman." In July 2020, Maya A. Moody accused "Talib Kweli and his bots" of a campaign of online harassment after she observed that a public list of Black rappers who married Black women one that included Kweli was composed mostly of artists who wed light-skinned women. In a 2020 interview with the Grio, Kweli denied ever "doxxing a Black woman" or "target[ing] Black women for harassment," describing his suspension from Twitter as the product of a "targeted harassment campaign" though he also claimed he was going to "leave Twitter anyway." Kweli's team did not immediately respond Sunday to a request for comment. After Chappelle's "The Closer" premiered in October 2021, transgender Netflix employees and their allies staged a walkout in Los Angeles demanding that the streaming platform acknowledge the harm the special and Netflix allegedly caused the trans community. Terra Field who previously worked at Netflix as a senior software engineer and served as co-president of the company's trans employee resource group was among the trans Netflix staffers who publicly condemned "The Closer." In response to the "SNL" casting news, she sarcastically tweeted, "Wait I thought I cancelled him. Is it possible cancel culture isnt a real thing??" Meanwhile, Chappelle and Kweli's supporters celebrated the "SNL" lineup announcement on social media. "Dave Chappelle and Black Star (Yasiin Bey/Mos Def and Talib Kweli) finna be on an American television institution days after Election Day. Must watch," tweeted @CainMcCoy. "Dave Chappelle and Black Star? Im actually excited," tweeted @Chimpz9. "This is going to be dope! 3 of my favorite celebrities," tweeted @koracklr. This week's episode of "SNL" was hosted by comedian Amy Schumer with musical guest Steve Lacy. Other entertainers who have hosted "SNL" this season include Miles Teller, Brendan Gleeson and Megan Thee Stallion. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. By Abdi Sheikh MOGADISHU (Reuters) -At least 10 soldiers were killed when Somalia's al Shabaab militants assaulted a military base in the central Galgaduud region on Monday, a military officer said, days after government forces said they had regained control of the area. The army eventually pushed the militants out of the base in Qayib, a village captured from al Shabaab last week, defence ministry spokesperson Abdullahi Ali Anod told the state news agency SONNA. Major Mohamed Farah, a military officer in the nearby town of Bahdo, said 10 soldiers and 20 al Shabaab fighters were killed. "Our forces are now pursuing the al Shabaab fighters in the jungles. There is sporadic gunfire as we chase them," he said. Ahmed Hassan, another military officer in Bahdo, told Reuters the attack began with two suicide car bombs at around 5 a.m. (0200 GMT), followed by hours of heavy fighting. "Al Shabaab torched the telecommunication station of the town, and so it is off the air now," Hassan said. One car bomb hit a military truck guarding the base entrance, while the other was blown up outside, he said. In a statement, al Shabaab spokesperson Abdiasis Abu Musab said the group launched the assault in Qayib using suicide car bombs before its fighters attacked from different directions. The fighters killed 37 soldiers and stole weapons and military vehicles, he added. The government's and al Shabaab's casualty numbers often differ. Government forces, supported by clan militias, have made a number of battlefield gains against al Shabaab in the last three months, regaining territory long held by the group. In response, al Shabaab killed at least 120 people in twin car bombs at the education ministry in the capital Mogadishu on Oct. 29, the deadliest blasts in five years. The al Qaeda-linked group has killed tens of thousands since 2006 in its fight to overthrow Somalia's Western-backed central government and implement its interpretation of Islamic law. (Reporting by Abdi SheikhAdditional reporting by Feisal OmarWriting by Hereward HollandEditing by Tommy Reggiori Wilkes, Mark Potter, Sofia Christensen and Tomasz Janowski) All in a days work. A Florida deputy had to multitask over the weekend. According to a Facebook post from the DeSoto County Sheriffs Office, a K-9 handler doubled as a snake wrangler. A spokesman for the agency told the Miami Herald on Monday that Cpl. Brandon Bierman did the honors. He is also trained in wrangling and was provided the necessary tools for the job. READ MORE: Watch a video of a Florida deputy catching a rattlesnake According to the sheriffs office, a call came in sometime on Saturday after a resident at Egret Circle Condominiums in Lake Suzy spotted an eastern diamondback rattlesnake curled up near the sidewalk. The pit viper is one of the biggest and most venomous snakes in the Americas. Fortunately, the deputy was able to capture and remove the five-foot reptile from the residential area to some woods nearby. READ MORE: A Miami teen won the Florida python challenge. How many did he catch? The post advises FB followers that peak mating season for the eastern diamondback rattlesnake occurs in late summer and fall, so always stay alert for wildlife no matter where you are. And if you see something, the deputies/snake wranglers are on duty. Call us if you need us! (Bloomberg) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued an apology to the nation over a deadly pre-Halloween crowd crush, with members of his government facing criticism over management of the incident that killed at least 156 people. Most Read from Bloomberg I am sorry and apologetic to the bereaved families, who are facing tragedy that cannot be expressed in words, and to the people who share the pain and sorrow, Yoon said Monday in a meeting with his cabinet and outside experts to review national safety systems. Yoon has called for large-scale police reform as well as a thorough investigation into the incident in the Itaewon nightlife district of Seoul, saying he wants to disclose to the public what happened without a speck of doubt and hold those responsible to account. Yoon, who took office in May, is seeking to avoid the mistakes of his predecessors, who had sometimes been seen as too slow to respond to disasters. So far, it appears he hasnt taken a major political hit from the Itaewon tragedy, with a weekly tracking poll from Gallup Korea on Friday showing his support dropping one percentage point to 29%. A Realmeter weekly tracking poll on Monday said support was at 34.2%, down 1.5 percentage points from a week before. The cabinet meeting comes after top South Korean officials acknowledged last week that a lack of proper crowd management probably contributed to a surge of people that caused the countrys deadliest civilian crowd crush. Yoons government has also faulted police for not doing enough to heed warnings that masses were growing to dangerous levels in the Itaewon district, where about 100,000 people gathered for Halloween festivities. Story continues US Condemns Apparent Failed ICBM Test by North Korea (2) While Yoon is being tested at home over the crowd crush, hes also facing an international crisis. North Korea has unleashed major provocations in the past week, such as firing off its biggest barrage of missiles in a single day. That included its first rocket to ever cross the nautical border with South Korea established after the 1950-1953 Korean War. Yoon, a 61-year-old conservative, has brought back large-scale joint military drills with the US that were scaled back under the previous administration in order to facilitate talks with North Korea -- which produced no concrete agreements to rein in Kim Jong Uns nuclear program. Pyongyang has said its military actions were a show of resolve against the joint exercises. South Koreans, who have lived for decades with their mercurial neighbor, often take such moves from Pyongyang in stride. But the deaths from the crowd crush are stirring frustrations with the new government. Over the weekend, a crowd estimated by police of at least 9,000 people held candles at a mass rally in Seoul to mourn those who lost their lives. Many held placards reading Resigning is an act of condolence, with crowds chanting for Yoons government to step down. Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, called for reforms larger in scale than those proposed by Yoon and for the presidents premier to be sacked. The pressure from Lee comes as his party already has Yoon on the back foot with a majority in parliament large enough to vote down the presidents initiatives and override any veto. Yang Seung-ham, a professor emeritus of political science at Yonsei University in Seoul, said he expects the candlelight vigils to continue and to be used by Yoons political opponents against his government. Too much politicization of the matter is inappropriate and causes disorder, Yang said, adding theres a need for the government to take responsibility at some level. I would still say calls for Yoons resignation are excessive and it is appropriate to allow the chance for a proper investigation and countermeasures. Some of the officials facing pressure over the incident include the interior minister and the commissioner general of the South Korean National Police Agency -- both of whom were appointed by Yoon. The Seoul Metropolitan police chief and the police chief of the Yongsan ward where the incident took place have also faced criticism in local media. Last week, a team of special investigators raided the headquarters of the Seoul police force, shortly after authorities released records of frantic emergency calls, one coming about four hours before the incident, warning that crowds of partygoers were growing dangerously large. Those killed in the crush were trapped in an alley 3.2 meters (11 feet) wide that linked a main street in the Itaewon neighborhood to an area filled with restaurants, bars and nightclubs. There were at least 26 foreigners among those killed. Witnesses told local media that as people squeezed into the tiny space, some began to fall, causing others to tumble and pile into one another. Most of the victims died from asphyxiation. The government should not only handle this disaster responsibly, but also put all-out efforts into making South Korea safe to never repeat such tragedy like this again, Yoon said Monday. (Updates with analysts comments starting in 11th paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Moon Jae-in said he was able to continue as their caretaker after he left his post South Korea's former President Moon Jae-in says he plans to give up a pair of dogs sent by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as a gift. The decision appears to be due to differences between him and the current government over who will fund looking after the dogs. The North Korean leader gifted the dogs to Mr Moon after a 2018 summit. The dogs remained under Mr Moon's care after he left office in May, but now look set to be returned to the state. The white Pungsan dogs - Gomi and Songgang - are legally categorised as state property belonging to the presidential archives. But Mr Moon's office said he was able to continue as their caretaker after he left his post, in an unprecedented move. An agreement with the interior ministry reportedly stated that supplies and expenses for looking after the pets could be paid for from a state budget. Local media put the expenses at 2.5 million won (about $1,800; 1,560) a month. But now Mr Moon's office says that agreement fell apart due to "unexplained opposition" from the administration of his successor, President Yoon Suk-yeol. "The presidential office seems to be negative toward entrusting the management of the Pungsan dogs to former President Moon," Moon's office said on Facebook. "If that's the case, we can be cool about it, as such an entrustment is based on the goodwill of both sides ... though ending it is regretful given they are companion animals he grew attached to." Mr Yoon's office has denied intervening, stating that it was not involved and that discussions between relevant agencies are ongoing. The new president already has four dogs and three cats, Yonhap news agency reported in March. Washington Steve Bannon, former President Donald Trump's chief White House strategist and 2016 campaign CEO, will remain free from serving a four-month prison sentence as he appeals his recent conviction on two counts of criminal contempt of Congress. Judge Carl Nichols filed the expected ruling on Monday delaying the prison term after Bannon filed a notice appealing his conviction on Friday. That case will now make its way through the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, and Bannon will only serve time in prison if his conviction is upheld by higher courts. Bannon, a private citizen at the time of the Jan. 6 committee's creation last year, was charged after he rebuffed the panel's demand that he sit for a deposition with investigators and hand over documents relevant to the congressional probe. During his trial in July, prosecutors told the jury that Bannon thought he was "above the law" and had "thumbed his nose" at congressional demands. Bannon chose not to testify, and his legal team called no witnesses. In refusing to comply with the committee's subpoena, he claimed he could not testify because of executive privilege concerns raised by Trump, adding that his attorney, Robert Costello, had advised him not to comply with the subpoena because of those concerns. Judge Nichols ruled that because of binding precedent from a higher court, Bannon's legal team could not present a defense known as "advice of counsel" to the jury. Those legal issues are the likely subjects of his appeal and Nichols indicated some the questions were worth further consideration by the higher courts. Nevertheless, when imposing Bannon's sentence last month, Nichols said Bannon "has not taken responsibility for his actions." Nichols said the House Jan. 6 Committee, which Bannon was convicted of defying, has "every reason" to investigate the events of that day and work to prevent similar instances in the future. Story continues The judge said some of the information the committee sought from Bannon had "no conceivable claim of executive privilege," but privilege over other topics was less clear. Nichols conceded that Bannon's legal team did not completely ignore the committee and communicated with the staff about its privilege concerns. But Bannon's attorneys argued their client was convicted for following the advice of his attorney and had been politically targeted for his actions. "The facts of this case show that Mr. Bannon's conduct was based on his good-faith reliance on his lawyer's advice," his legal team wrote earlier this week, "Based upon clear authority, Mr. Costello provided legal advice to Mr. Bannon. Mr. Costello provided legal justifications for Mr. Bannon's position to the Select Committee and received responses back from Select Committee attorneys. Mr. Costello provided advice to Mr. Bannon, and Mr. Bannon acted on that advice." "It is especially inappropriate for this case to be brought as a criminal case," Schoen contended, adding that "Mr. Bannon should make no apology." Examining the broken U.S. asylum system The presidential factor in the 2022 midterm elections Political heavyweights turn out for Pennsylvania Senate race candidates Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call; Insider Rep. Steve Horsford defeated Republican Sam Peters in Nevada's 4th Congressional District. The 4th District covers most of northern Clark County and southern Lyon County. More than 80% of its population resides in Clark County, which is heavily Democratic. Democratic Rep. Steve Horsford defeated Republican Sam Peters in Nevada's 4th Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 7 p.m. local time, or 10 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds Nevada's 4th Congressional District candidates Horsford has been an elected official in Nevada for more than 15 years. In 2004, he was elected to the Nevada State Senate and, five years later, became Nevada's youngest and first Black majority leader of the state's Senate. In 2012, the now-49-year-old congressman ran for Congress and defeated Republican businessman Danny Tarkanian, making him the first Black person to represent Nevada in Congress. A member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Horsford has spoken out against former President Donald Trump's immigration policies, has shown support for universal healthcare, and is for an increase in the federal minimum wage. Peters, Horsford's challenger, is a retired US Air Force major and Bronze Star recipient. He won a three-way GOP primary, narrowly defeating second-place finisher Annie Black, by securing 48% of the vote to her 41.1.%. Voting history for Nevada's 4th Congressional District Nevada's 4th Congressional District covers most of northern Clark County and southern Lyon County, but over 80% of its population resides in Clark County, which is heavily Democratic. President Joe Biden had a near 4 percentage point margin of victory under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before it was redrawn to concede largely rural White Pine County to the 2nd Congressional District in redistricting following the 2020 Census, making it more Democratic. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Horsford raised $4.6 million, spent $4.5 million, and had $621,206 of cash on hand, as of October 19. His opponent, Peters, raised $1.8 million, spent $1.7 million, and had $113,987 of cash still left to spend, as of October 19. Story continues Through early November, super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate groups together spent about $8 million to advocate for or against the candidates. More than 40% of that spending has come from one source: Democrat-backing hybrid PAC House Majority PAC. What experts say The race between Horsford and Peters was rated as "lean Democratic" by Inside Elections, "lean Democratic" by The Cook Political Report, and "leans Democratic" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Story at a glance A new named storm formed northeast of the Bahamas on Monday. Nicole will likely near the northwestern Bahamas on Tuesday and move near or over the islands on Wednesday before it approaches the east coast of Florida on Wednesday night. Florida will likely see heavy rainfall from the system later this week. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A new named storm formed northeast of the Bahamas on Monday and is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to Florida later this week. At 5 a.m. ET Monday, Subtropical Storm Nicole was located about 555 miles east of the northwestern Bahamas and was moving north-northwest at 14 mph. It had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. Gov. DeSantis says be prepared ahead of system heading toward Florida The center said Nicole could be near or at hurricane intensity by Wednesday or Wednesday night while it is moving near the northwestern Bahamas, and that a prolonged period of hazardous weather was expected over the northwestern Bahamas, Florida, and the southeastern coast of the United States this week. Nicole will likely near the northwestern Bahamas on Tuesday and move near or over the islands on Wednesday before it approaches the east coast of Florida on Wednesday night. The storm is expected to dump 2 to 4 inches of rain on parts of northwestern Bahamas on Tuesday through Thursday, with some areas seeing isolated amounts of 6 inches. Florida will likely see heavy rainfall from the system later this week. 2022 Hurricane Guide: Prepare your family before a storm A tropical storm watch was issued for the northwestern Bahamas, including for Andros Island, New Providence, Eleuthera, Abacos Islands, Berry Islands, Grand Bahama Island and Bimini. Watches for Florida could be issued as soon as Monday, the center said. Other areas to watch Forecasters are watching another system about 650 miles east of Bermuda. The center gave it a 60% chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm sometime in the next 48 hours. Story continues The center said a short-lived tropical storm could form Monday or Tuesday, but upper-level winds were expected to remain unfavorable for development, and it will dissipate and merge with a cold front. The next named storm of the 2022 hurricane season would be Owen. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Photo: Yahoo Canada's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland delivers the fall economic statement in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa last week. On Nov. 2, the federal government provided an economic statement containing several measures that will be of interest to many Canadians. For this weeks column, I put together a summary of the key highlights of the statement: Elimination of interest on federal student and apprenticeship loans The federal government (government) proposes to make all Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans permanently interest-free beginning on April 1, 2023, including those loans currently being repaid. Extension of the residential property flipping rule to assignment sales For properties sold on, or after, Jan. 1, 2023, the spring 2022 federal budget proposed to introduce a new deeming rule to ensure profits from residential real estate flipping would be fully taxable. Profits arising from the disposition of residential properties, including rental properties, that are owned for less than 12 months, would be deemed to be business income. The government proposes to extend this new deeming rule to profits from an assignment sale, if rights to purchase the property were assigned after being owned for less than 12 months. Advance payment of the Canada Workers Benefit The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit received by lower income workers when filing their income tax return after the end of the tax year. The government proposes to issue payments of the CWB in quarterly amounts starting in July 2023, in advance of filing their income tax return, to workers who qualified in the previous year. Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit The government proposes to introduce a refundable Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (CTITC) equal to 20 or 30 per cent (subject to meeting certain labour conditions) of the capital cost of eligible clean technology equipment.The CTITC would be available in respect of property that is acquired and available for use on or after the day that the 2023 federal budget is released. The CTITC will be gradually phased out by the end of 2034. There was also an update on previously proposed measures and announcements for individuals. Following the 2022 fall economic statement, the government intends to table legislation in Parliament to implement the following previously announced measures: Create the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account, which would give prospective first-time home buyers the ability to save up to $40,000 tax-free. Contributions to this plan would be tax-deductible, and withdrawals to purchase a first home, including investment income, would be non-taxable. Double the First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit from $5,000 to $10,000, which would provide up to $1,500 in direct support to eligible first-time home buyers, starting in 2022. Introduce a refundable Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit, which would provide up to $7,500 in support for constructing a secondary suite for a family member who is a senior or an adult with a disability, starting Jan. 1, 2023. The value of the credit would be 15% of the lesser of eligible expenses or $50,000. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and other measures from the update may also impact your financial plan. Please reach out to your financial planning professional if you have questions on how they will affect you. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Jeremy Strong in season three, episode seven of "Succession." Macall B. Polay/HBO Jeremy Strong is the award-winning actor who plays Kendall Roy in HBO's 'Succession.' He says he struggled for 25 years before getting his big break. In an interview with The Times, Strong opened up about why he never gave up on acting. Jeremy Strong struggled to break into Hollywood for 25 years. Now at age 43, Strong has had a successful turn as Kendall Roy on "Succession," earning him an Emmy but his success was hard-won. In a recent interview with The Times, Strong said that in 2010, he was struggling to find work in LA. "I was broke I needed money," adding, "That's my story of LA. It was just never going to happen for me here. It didn't feel like what I had to offer was valued." This struggle is what led Strong to consider being Chris Evans's weaker body double in "Captain America." He ultimately turned down the role and went back to New York to work in a play. While Strong did ultimately find small parts in films like "Zero Dark Thirty" and "The Big Short," it was "The Trial of the Chicago 7" and "Succession" that brought the Emmy Award-winning actor the fame and financial security he has now. Strong recalls a time when he was staying in his grandfather's basement so he could travel to auditions. He says it was hard seeing close friends like Jessica Chastain and Michelle Williams become stars while he was still struggling. "I'd be lying if I said it wasn't difficult to see people I was close to getting work," Strong told The Times. "I had fulfilling experiences [in the theatre] But I was struggling. I had some difficult times as a younger person." Years before Strong landed bigger roles, he says he felt belittled by his extended family and was told an acting career was "foolish." But Strong knew that giving up would never be an option. In a call with The Times, Chris Evans said of Strong, "I don't think there was ever plan B for Jeremy." Strong echoed that sentiment "There were people in my life who told me [to give up]. But I guess there is just something in me that couldn't." He admits that doubts have crept in, even though he didn't give in to them. "When you're young, you internalize those voices." Story continues Strong will next appear in "Armageddon Time" alongside Anne Hathaway which is out November 18 and he's enjoying the better roles coming his way after his recent successes. He told The Times, "I've spent my life preparing for this moment." Read the original article on Business Insider John Locher/AP Photo; Ronda Churchill/AFP via Getty Images; Insider Rep. Susie Lee defeated Republican April Becker in Nevada's 3rd Congressional District. The 3rd District is located in the southernmost tip of Nevada. Abortion was a focal point of the race. Democratic Rep. Susie Lee defeated Republican newcomer April Becker in Nevada's 3rd Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 7 p.m. local time, or 10 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds Nevada's 3rd Congressional District candidates Lee is a member of the Committee on Education and Labor. In the 1990s, she became the founding director of the Inner-City Games, now know as the After-School All-Stars, which provides thousands of children after-school programs. In 2010, Lee became the president of the board of Communities in School with Nevada, a program designed to lower high school dropout rates. The 55-year-old congresswoman is also a staunch defender of abortion access and has made it a focal point of her campaign. Lee defeated her challenger by an 80-point margin in the Democratic primary for Nevada's 3rd Congressional District. But during the current congressional session, Lee has twice violated the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act of 2012 by failing to properly disclose hundreds of stock trades together worth millions of dollars. Becker, a political newcomer, was added in February to the slate of "On the Radar" candidates as part of the Young Guns program funded by the National Republican Congressional Committee, the GOP's House campaign arm. The program, spearheaded by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, "helps equip Republican candidates across the country with the tools they need to run winning campaigns." The Las Vegas-based real estate attorney won the Republican nomination for Nevada's 3rd District after winning 67.5% of the vote. On her campaign website, Becker states she is "pro-life, with exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother," a stance for which Lee has attacked her. The Nevada Independent reported that Lee, on multiple occasions, tweeted that Becker "will vote for a nationwide abortion ban." Meanwhile, Becker, in an interview with US News & World Report, said she has no plans to try to overturn abortion rights enshrined in Nevada under a 1990 referendum, and that she does not support a nationwide abortion ban. Story continues Voting history for Nevada's 3rd Congressional District Nevada's 3rd Congressional District occupies the southernmost tip of Nevada, including Henderson County and portions of Clark County. President Joe Biden had a narrow 0.2 percentage point margin of victory under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before it was redrawn to concede the eastern part of the tip to the 1st Congressional District in redistricting following the 2020 Census, making it more favorable for Democrats. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Lee raised $5.8 million, spent $5.6 million, and had $188,598 of cash on hand, as of October 19. Her opponent, Becker, raised $2.2 million, spent $1.9 million, and had $314,473 of cash still left to spend, as of October 19. Through early November, super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate groups together spent more than $24.8 million to advocate for or against the candidates. Congressional Leadership Fund, a Republican-backing super PAC, accounted for close to half that spending overall. What experts say The race between Lee and Becker was rated as "tilt Democratic" by Inside Elections, a "toss-up" by The Cook Political Report, and a "toss-up" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Grieving Tanzanians paid emotional tribute Monday to 19 people killed when a passenger plane plunged into Lake Victoria in the country's deadliest air crash in decades. The Precision Air flight from the financial capital Dar es Salaam crashed on Sunday morning while trying to land in the northwestern city of Bukoba. Bad weather was blamed for the accident. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa was among hundreds of people who gathered at Kaitaba Stadium in Bukoba, with Muslim and Christian clerics leading prayers for the dead as onlookers wiped away tears. The ceremony to hand over the bodies of the victims to their families is expected to take hours, with local broadcasters running live telecasts from the stadium. Twenty-four survivors were plucked to safety out of the 43 people aboard flight PW 494, with investigators from Precision Air and the Tanzania Airports Authority arriving in the lakeside city on Sunday. Precision Air, a publicly listed company and Tanzania's largest private carrier, said the aircraft was an ATR 42-500, manufactured by Toulouse-based Franco-Italian firm ATR, and had 39 passengers -- including an infant -- and four crew members on board. AFP journalists saw the plane largely submerged on Sunday as rescuers, including fishermen, waded through water to bring people to safety. Emergency workers attempted to lift the aircraft out of the water using ropes, assisted by cranes as residents also sought to help. President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Monday expressed her condolences to victims' families, hailing emergency workers and volunteers for acting quickly to save lives. "I congratulate those who participated in the rescue, including the people of Bukoba," she said on Twitter. "I pray for the deceased to rest in peace and for the injured to recover quickly." Precision Air, which is partly owned by Kenya Airways, was founded in 1993 and operates domestic and regional flights as well as private charters to popular tourist destinations such as Serengeti National Park and the Zanzibar archipelago. Story continues The accident comes five years after 11 people died when a plane belonging to safari company Coastal Aviation crashed in northern Tanzania. In 1999, a dozen people, including 10 US tourists, died in a plane crash in northern Tanzania while flying between Serengeti National Park and Kilimanjaro airport. str-amu/jm Photo: Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Des Moines Register via AP (AP) After Pieper Lewis killed her alleged rapist and sex trafficker in self-defense when she was 15, an Iowa judge sentenced her to probation and ordered her to pay $150,000 in restitution to his family. On Sunday, CNN reported that Lewis has escaped from the correctional facility where she is being held, and her whereabouts are unknown. Lewis walked away from the Fresh Start Womens Center on Friday at 6:19 a.m. after cutting off her electronic monitoring tracking device, Jerry Evans, executive director of Iowas Fifth Judicial District Department of Corrections, told CNN. Read more The teen had pleaded guilty in June 2021 to voluntary manslaughter. As Jezebels Audra Heinrichs wrote in September: David M. Porter, a Polk County District Judge, called the ruling a second chance for the formerly homeless teenager who, at just 15 years old, alleged she was trafficked and raped multiple times by 37-year-old Zachary Brooks and had no choice but to fatally stab the man to protect herself. The sentence also includes five years of probation and GPS tracking while she lives at the Fresh Start Womens Center, in addition to 600 hours of community service. If Lewis violates her probation terms, she could face up to 20 years in prison. Lewis claimed that Brooks had plied her with alcohol and marijuanaat one point forcing her to drink vodka shots until she passed outand raped her at least five times while she was unconscious. Following one incident in which she woke up to find him on top of her, she said, she found him passed out naked and stabbed him 30 times with his own knife. She was homeless at the time. I suddenly realized that Mr. Brooks had raped me yet again and was overcome with rage. Without thinking, I immediately grabbed the knife from his nightstand and began stabbing him, Lewis stated in the plea agreement. I further acknowledge that the multiple stab wounds that I inflicted upon Mr. Brooks thereafter ultimately resulted in his death. Story continues After the judge ordered her to pay $150,000 to Brooks family, a GoFundMe raised half a million dollars for Lewis. Since her escape, officials have issued a warrant for her arrest and recommended that her probation be revoked. More from Jezebel Sign up for Jezebel's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. A teenager was last seen in North Carolina six days ago and now, police suspect foul play in her disappearance. Miyonna Jones, 16, was spotted along South 7th Street in Wilmington before she vanished early Nov. 1, according to the citys police department. Almost one week later, officers in a Nov. 7 news release said there was a suspect of interest in the girls disappearance. The suspects girlfriend faced a court appearance for obstruction charges in the case. The update comes after a Facebook user named Miaya Sellers identified herself as the teens mother and criticized the response from police. Sellers said officers didnt return her calls in the hours after her daughter was reported missing. It took almost 3 hours to get an officer to show up to make a report, she wrote on Facebook. Even once they got to me and my family, they seemed to not take the matter seriously. The police department in its release said there has been considerable interest from the community and extensive talk on social media in the missing persons case and that its investigators have been in constant contact with Miyonnas family. Since receiving this case last week, the Wilmington Police Department, New Hanover County Sheriffs Office, and other partner agencies have dedicated considerable resources, working tirelessly to find answers in regards to her disappearance, officers wrote. Police in their news release didnt describe the foul play believed to be involved in the case. The New Hanover County district attorneys office, which reportedly planned to reveal more details about the disappearance in court, didnt immediately share additional information with McClatchy News on Nov. 7. Sellers didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Miyonna is 5 feet tall and 110 pounds, with brown eyes and her hair in black braids. She was last seen wearing a red turtle neck, light blue jeans and black shoes, officials said. An investigation continues, and police ask anyone with information to call them at 910-343-3609 or use the Tip411 smartphone application. Man vanished after leaving NC yacht club. His boat was found across Atlantic, cops say Georgia teen vanished in South Carolina one year ago. What we know as search continues The Kremlin has developed a number of recommendations (manuals) for Russian propagandists, which should prepare the audience for the fact that the Russian Federation may leave Kherson. Source: Russian news website Meduza, which received two so-called documents with recommendations Details: The first manual proposes that the Russian propagandists insist that the Kherson front is very important for the Ukrainian government, and that is why it will send "tens of thousands" of troops to secure victory there. It also states that Kherson can become a trap for Russian troops, who will have no way to retreat. Quote: "Russian troops seek to preserve the lives of civilians and personnel. It is the danger of a massive attack on the city by a huge group of nationalists that dictated the evacuation of the city's civilians to the left bank of the Dnipro river". "The enemy wants Kherson to become a trap for Russia, a battlefield with tens of thousands of victims. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are planning to stage a terrorist attack by destroying Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant. Blowing up the [K]HPP may become a "trap" for our fighters. In this case, settlements with civilians will be flooded, our military will be surrounded and will not even be able to fight, they will simply be washed away". Details: The second manual separately stated that state propaganda should "pay attention" to the speech by Anatoly Torkunov, the diplomat, historian and political scientist, member of the Scientific Council of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. At Putin's meeting with historians, Torkunov mentioned the Battle of Poltava of 1709, and stated that before winning it, Peter the Great "retreated to Poltava" and it was the retreat that ultimately led to the "turning point in the war." Sources of the outlet in the Kremlin also noted that Putin has not yet decided on retreating from Kherson, and the Russian authorities consider it to be an "undesirable" but "probable" option for the development of events in the contact zone. Story continues Background: On Monday, Kyrylo Stremousov, the Russian-installed puppet governor of Kherson Oblast, said that the last trip of a motor ship that could "evacuate" local residents from the right bank of Kherson Oblast to the left was on 7 November. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Kherson residents should be deported from the city. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! ABC News Republican officials in two counties in Arizona and Pennsylvania declined on Monday to certify their midterm election results, with some citing concerns about the integrity of the voting system that have become commonplace among conservatives. Republicans on the election boards of Cochise County in Arizona and Luzerne County in Pennsylvania voted against motions to certify the election results there. Cracked Twitter logo Elon Musk has a reputation for being an erratic, but brilliant business leader. In his first 10 days as Twitter boss, we have seen more of the former than the latter. Twitter has long been thought of by Silicon Valley investors as poorly run - but with bags of potential. Mr Musk enticed his rich friends to invest with an argument that Twitter - in the hands of someone who knew what they were doing - could be great. Free speech would abound and profits would follow. But the first 10 days as boss has exposed Mr Musk's lack of experience at running a social media company. It was all smiles when he took over, tweeting: "The Bird is Freed." However, Mr Musk's initial set of policies seemed at odds with his utterances in the summer. Whereas he had said he was a "free speech absolutist" and Donald Trump would be allowed on to the platform - he now argued that a "council" would be set up full of "diverse" voices to decide on controversial moderation decisions and permanent suspensions. Mr Musk was announcing a policy that looked very similar to Facebook's - which has an "oversight board" for these issues. He also said in the short term that moderation policy would not be altered. But he did announce one big change - to Twitter's verification system. The platform will charge users who want a blue tick verified account $8 (7) a month, after initial reports of a $20 monthly fee were met with complaints by some celebrities, including author Stephen King. This price reduction may have already been decided, but it gave the impression that the pricing had not been thought through, and that famous users were dictating the policy. Subscription route to profit There were other criticisms too. The policy was due to be implemented in a few days. Anyone could pay to get verified and not only would they receive a blue tick, but they would also have priority in replies, mentions and search. In other words, accounts could now pay for prestige - and to be amplified on the platform. Story continues The policy announcement instantly raised questions about authenticity and fairness. Content would now float above others because the user had paid their monthly sub. Mr Musk said his policy was a way of addressing Twitter's bot problem. Mass verification would weed out spam accounts. But this was also about money - he believes a subscription model for Twitter is a route to profit. Others raised questions about what opening up the verification process would do to the spread of disinformation. With verification open to anyone, how would Twitter be able to confirm everyone was who they said they were? With the US midterms around the corner, some worried that people could pretend to be election co-ordinators or journalists, and spread voter disinformation. It seemed obvious that a lot of human resources would be needed to adequately verify the expected flood of new accounts. with any of Twitter's 300 million daily active users able to apply. During his first week, Mr Musk had reportedly asked managers to draw up lists of employees to release. On Thursday - fewer than seven days after Mr Musk officially bought the company - staff were emailed saying their jobs were under threat. About half of Twitter's 7,500 employees were then released. That huge cull in staff raised more than a few eyebrows. Why pay $44bn for a company and then sack half the staff? The timing also seemed strange - how had an appraisal of who to fire been drawn up so fast? Employees were told that they would receive an email by 16:00 GMT on Friday for official confirmation, but for many it never arrived. Simon Balmain, a senior community manager who had been logged out of his Twitter account, told the BBC he was in "limbo". Twitter's offices were reportedly locked to all employees, except for those in mission-critical jobs. Staff were locked out of their accounts en masse. Few knew what was going on. Instantly, questions were raised about moderation. How could Twitter take down disinformation and hate speech on its platform with so many staff released? On Friday evening, Twitter's head of integrity, Yoel Roth, tweeted that although half of the company had been sacked, those employed in front-line moderation had experienced "the least impact". Even so, how could Twitter usher in an unprecedented policy change of its verified accounts structure in such a state of flux? On Saturday it was announced that the new verification process was to go ahead - anyone could apply to get a blue tick. But then reports from The New York Times suggested that the process had been delayed - until after the midterms. It appeared Twitter recognised that bringing in such a consequential policy change - so close to key elections - could cause havoc. And then on Sunday, Bloomberg reported Twitter was now asking some fired workers to come back - that it had been a mistake to let some of them go. Twitter has not responded to BBC requests for comment on these stories. It has been hard to follow at times - and we are only 10 days in. But the chaos does suggest that if Mr Musk did have a short-term strategy for how to change Twitter, it is not going exactly to plan. A Raleigh, North Carolina teenager Eziya Bowden experienced a scary ride with Lyft alleging she jumped from the back seat of a moving car because of the drivers suspicious behavior. The 17-year-olds injuries landed her in the ER after jumping from a moving Lyft a few miles from her house. Bowden followed her intuition to flee the vehicle after the driver questioned her on personal matters. How many boys flirted with you? He said that right away, Bowden explained to WBTV. Oh, you just look good. I would date you if you werent so young, Bowden said the driver said to her. Bowden says his topic of conversation wasnt the only unsettling clue Bowden says the driver sprayed something in the air, which made her feel dizzy and warm, prompting her to assume she was feeling drugged. When I got in his car, it did smell like cigarettes, so when he sprayed one time, it was already like, Oh, it no longer smelled like that. But for you to keep spraying it, then roll your windows up, like, I know its not about me being nervous or anything, Bowden said. Her spidey senses ultimately led her to jump out of the moving car and avoid any tragic circumstances. I was very scared, but then again, I was more so like Id rather get out of this car than fall asleep in a car with this man I dont really know, Bowden said. Bowden explained she blacked out after opening the car door, only to remember how she was scared and crying once she hit the ground. I just looked down at the ground, I looked behind me, and I just jumped out. He didnt stop when he noticed the door was open or he heard me crying or anything, she said. Bowden explained the driver did eventually turn around to check on her while pretending to be a bystander and called the police. A Lyft spokesperson said the drivers mannerisms were suspicious while a statement from the driving company states the driver will not be able to work for them any longer. Weve been in touch with the riders family to offer our support [and] have removed the drivers access to the Lyft platform, the Lyft spokesperson said. Story continues Safety is fundamental to Lyft, and the behavior described is deeply concerning, Lyft said in a statement to PEOPLE. Weve been in touch with the riders family to offer our support, have removed the drivers access to the Lyft platform, and stand ready to assist law enforcement with any investigation. Lyft also refunded Bowden for her scheduled ride but, she says the refund doesnt stop her fear of using the app. I dont think thats stopping him from anything else. It doesnt really bring peace to me at all. As us young girls, or even women, we have to be very aware and safe of our surroundings. Cancel your ride and wait. Wait for somebody cause honestly, I wouldve waited for my friend, Bowden said. According to Police, no charges have been filed. Photo: The Canadian Press Quebec public health director Dr. Luc Boileau. Once the epicentre of Canada's monkeypox outbreak, Montreal has almost eradicated the virus on its territory, according to doctors in the city but they warn it's too early to declare victory. Cases can still be imported by tourists and other visitors, they say, adding that it's still unclear how long the vaccine will remain effective. Doctors and members of the city's LGTBQ community are crediting the quick launch of a vaccination campaign and collaboration between public health officials and community organizations for the success in controlling the disease. Dr. Genevieve Bergeron, responsible for health emergencies and infectious disease at Montreal's public health department, said she's "cautiously optimistic." "We've definitely seen a large decrease in the last few weeks," she said in a recent interview. "At this point, the latest cases that we have began their illness in late September." Dr. Rejean Thomas, the president of a clinic in Montreal's Village district that specializes in sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, said that early in the outbreak, his clinic l'Actuel was seeing almost a dozen people a day who thought they had the disease. Now, he said in a recent interview, were seeing almost no more cases; it has completely diminished, almost eradicated." In total, his clinic treated 125 people with monkeypox more than a quarter of all the cases in Montreal since the first case was detected in the city May 12. But Thomas said it remains unclear what the future holds; he said he recently saw a patient with monkeypox who had been vaccinated in July. So thats the big question: what will be the effectiveness of the vaccine for how long." Bergeron said studies are ongoing about the length of the protection offered by Imvamune, a smallpox vaccine that was approved for use against the related monkeypox virus. The vaccine is offered to anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to the virus, as well as to those whose sexual contacts may put them at higher risk for the disease. Public health officials are now encouraging people who got an initial dose of monkeypox vaccine to get a second shot, she said. "We know that one dose offers good protection, a second dose offers even better protection." Around 30,000 people have received one dose of a monkeypox vaccine in Quebec. Last week, the province's public health director, Dr. Luc Boileau, said around 6,000 had received a second. "The situation is going well," Boileau told reporters, adding that one case had been detected in the province over the past two weeks. But Quebec isn't the only place where monkeypox cases are declining. In Ontario, where the trajectory of the disease has followed a similar pattern, the province's chief medical officer of health said in mid-October he was "actively looking" at declaring the outbreak over. The World Health Organization says the number of new monkeypox cases across several countries including Canada, the United Kingdom and Italy decreased by more than 50 per cent in the final week of October compared to the week prior. Several other countries, including France and the United States, have recorded smaller declines, but the number of new cases is still rising in other parts of Europe and in parts of Central and South America. Bergeron said it's not clear what's driving the decline, but she said vaccination and seasonality could be playing a role. "We've seen overall in Montreal a lower number of cases compared to other countries and other jurisdictions, so I think that the vaccination campaign did help," she said. Bergeron said public health officials knew there was a high risk of stigmatizing people and worked closely with the community to design the messaging around vaccination. If people were worried they would be judged or stigmatized for protecting themselves, that would be counterproductive, she said. Christian Tanguay, the executive director of the Montreal LGBTQ+ Community Centre, said that while the experience at the vaccination clinic felt like getting a flu shot, he worried that people wouldn't get vaccinated because they feared being stigmatized as having multiple partners. Seeing three people he knows get the virus motivated him to get vaccinated quickly and to encourage others to do the same, he said. Tanguay said the outbreak caused real fear and it came at a difficult time, when life was returning to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic and people wanted to be around each other again. Alexandre Dumont Blais, the executive director of REZO, an organization that promotes sexual health among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, said he thinks people in the LGBTQ community are confident that the outbreak is largely behind them, adding that the number of questions his group gets about the disease has declined significantly. "We feel much better than a couple of months ago," he said in a recent interview. A police officer in Texas has been critically injured after being struck by gunfire during an active shooter training at an elementary school outside of Fort Worth. The incident involving a female Sansom Park officer happened Saturday afternoon at David K. Sellars Elementary School in Forest Hill during an event that was "conducted and overseen by a third-party training contractor," according to Forest Hill Police. "The training provider is the one who provided the weapons. This was not a live fire training, thats all I know. How the weapon was introduced, we dont know," Everman Police Chief Craig Spencer, whom FOX4 News says was brought in to act as a spokesperson for Forest Hill Police, told reporters. "At this time, there is not any reason to believe that there is a criminal element here, but obviously, anytime we have a shooting like this, we will conduct a thorough and proper investigation into it," Spencer added. AUSTIN POLICE RELEASE BODYCAM FOOTAGE OF SHOOTOUT WITH ARMED SUSPECT HIDING ON RESTAURANTS PATIO Forest Hill Police said in a statement that it was "hosting a School Based Active Shooter Training" when "a Sansom Park Police Officer received a single gunshot wound." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP That officer was taken to a hospital and is in critical but stable condition, they added. As of Monday morning, she is still recovering and her status has not changed, the Sansom Park Police Department told Fox News Digital. Forest Hill Police informed the community on Friday about the training exercise, writing on Facebook, "there will be an active law enforcement presence in the area for several hours" and "Do not be alarmed, It is only TRAINING!" CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The Texas Rangers and Tarrant County Sheriffs Office are now investigating the incident. "Currently, we are asking everyone to please keep the injured officer, participating officers and all those affected by this tragic accident in your thoughts and prayers," Forest Hill Police said. Stock pickers are generally looking for stocks that will outperform the broader market. And in our experience, buying the right stocks can give your wealth a significant boost. To wit, the Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad share price has climbed 42% in five years, easily topping the market decline of 21% (ignoring dividends). However, more recent returns haven't been as impressive as that, with the stock returning just 6.9% in the last year , including dividends . So let's assess the underlying fundamentals over the last 5 years and see if they've moved in lock-step with shareholder returns. See our latest analysis for Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time. During five years of share price growth, Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad achieved compound earnings per share (EPS) growth of 4.9% per year. This EPS growth is lower than the 7% average annual increase in the share price. This suggests that market participants hold the company in higher regard, these days. That's not necessarily surprising considering the five-year track record of earnings growth. The graphic below depicts how EPS has changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image). We know that Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad has improved its bottom line lately, but is it going to grow revenue? If you're interested, you could check this free report showing consensus revenue forecasts. What About Dividends? As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. We note that for Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad the TSR over the last 5 years was 71%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return. Story continues A Different Perspective It's nice to see that Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 6.9% over the last year. That's including the dividend. However, that falls short of the 11% TSR per annum it has made for shareholders, each year, over five years. Potential buyers might understandably feel they've missed the opportunity, but it's always possible business is still firing on all cylinders. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad that you should be aware of. But note: Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with past earnings growth (and further growth forecast). Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on MY exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Britain and France on Monday raised the case of a dissident hunger striker with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, a day after the jailed activist started refusing water. Alaa Abdel Fattah, a British-Egyptian, stopped drinking water on Sunday to coincide with the opening of the COP27 climate summit in Egypt. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron both met directly with Sisi and upped the pressure for his release, hours after three Egyptian journalists said they had begun their own hunger strikes over his fate. Egyptian journalist Mona Selim told AFP during a sit-in at the journalists' union in Cairo that she and two colleagues had "stopped eating now because Alaa Abdel Fattah is in danger of dying". She was speaking alongside Eman Ouf and Racha Azab, the two colleagues who have gone on hunger strike with her. Selim said that the three are also demanding the "liberation of all prisoners of conscience" in Egypt. Such prisoners number more than 60,000 in Egypt, according to rights groups -- jailed under the rule of Sisi, who deposed Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, before being elected the following year. After a seven-month hunger strike during which he consumed only "100 calories a day", Abdel Fattah has refused food altogether since last Tuesday. On Sunday he launched his "water strike", said his sister Sanaa Seif, who on Monday travelled to Egypt's Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where world leaders have gathered for the COP27. - 'Not a lot of time' - Sunak has said Abdel Fattah's plight is "a priority", and met with the Egyptian president on Monday. "The Prime Minister said he hoped to see this resolved as soon as possible and would continue to press for progress," a spokesman for Sunak said, adding he had stressed "the UK Government's deep concern on this issue". Macron said he received an assurance from Sisi that the Egyptian president was "committed to ensuring that (the) health of Alaa Abdel Fattah is preserved". Story continues Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, the COP27 president, told CNBC television that Abdel Fattah had "all the necessary care in prison". Activists at COP27 have posted prolifically on Twitter under the hashtag #FreeAlaa and several speakers have ended their speeches with the words "you have not yet been defeated" -- the title of his book, prefaced by Canadian author Naomi Klein. "There is not a lot of time -- 72 hours at best," Amnesty International chief Agnes Callamard said in Cairo on Sunday, referring to Alaa Abdel Fattah's possible remaining lifespan. She urged Egypt to release him and said that, "if they don't, that death will be in every single discussion in this COP". Abdel Fattah has since late last year been serving a five-year sentence for "broadcasting false news", having already spent much of the past decade behind bars. In Lebanon's capital Beirut, around 100 people protested against his detention near the British embassy, an AFP photographer reported. Abdel Fattah "embodies the Arab world's fight against repressive authorities in the past 12-13 years," said journalist Diana Moukalled. "We are gathering today to raise our voice and demand the release of Alaa and thousands of other political detainees in Egypt and other Arab countries," she said. Abdel Fattah's continued detention comes despite Egypt having granted presidential pardons to a total of 766 political prisoners since the reactivation of a pardon policy in April this year, according to data compiled by Amnesty. But over this period 1,540 political dissidents have also been put behind bars, Amnesty says. The group Reporters Without Borders, in its 2022 World Press Freedom Index, ranked Egypt 168 out of 180 countries. sar-sbh/jg/dwo/pjm/jsa Rosie Grant poses with Naomi Miller Dawson's spritz cookie recipe at her gravestone in Brooklyn, New York. Rosie Grant Rosie Grant is a digital librarian who makes gravestone recipes for her TikTok, @GhostlyArchive. Grant's interest in tombstone recipes began with an internship at the Congressional Cemetery. One of Grant's re-creations went viral in January, sparking a niche hobby for the librarian. When Rosie Grant came across a recipe for spritz cookies etched into a woman's headstone in January, she had the idea to take the recipe beyond the grave and share it on a TikTok account she made for class. Grant, who is now 32 and lives in Los Angeles, was pursuing a graduate degree in library sciences at the University of Maryland at the time. While in school, she also worked as a digital archives intern at the Historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC, where she researched and digitized information about the people buried there. For a course on social networks, Grant was asked to create a social media account for a class assignment. Grant chose TikTok, she said, and her professor suggested she make her page about her internship. "I was like 'I don't know if that's a thing, I don't know if there's an audience for that,'" Grant told Insider, speaking of TikToks about graveyards. Grant said she quickly found there's a huge appetite for content about cemeteries on the platform; as of Monday, the hashtags #GraveTok and #CemeteryTikTok have over 815 million views and over 74 million views, respectively. Now, Grant has 110,000 followers on TikTok, where the videos on her page @GhostlyArchive have accumulated over 4.7 million likes collectively as of Monday. It all began with a recipe for spritz cookies While researching unique gravestones to feature on her TikTok account, Grant came across Naomi Miller-Dawson's epitaph in Brooklyn, New York. The recipe for spritz cookies etched into a cookbook-style slab on top of the grave caught her eye. Naomi Miller-Dawson's gravestone in Brooklyn, New York, has a spritz cookie recipe engraved into it. Rosie Grant After coming across the recipe, Grant said she knew she had to make the cookies herself and documented the process in a now-viral TikTok. As of Monday, it has over 1.4 million views and led her to discover an unconventional hobby: re-creating recipes that she finds on tombstones. Story continues In the video which she shared on January 10 Grant promised she was "going to start making recipes from gravestones." While making Miller-Dawson's spritz cookies, Grant said there weren't directions so she had to guess "a lot" along the way, and described the treat as a mix between a shortbread and sugar cookie, adding they were "to die for." The comments section lit up with tips and tricks for the recipe, and eventually, Grant told Insider she was able to perfect the spritz cookie with a cookie press. Grant remade the recipe in July and visited Miller-Dawson's Brooklyn grave to savor the moment with the deceased. Prior to making the recipe from Miller-Dawson's headstone, Grant's TikToks highlighted interesting graves and facts about the people buried there. She believes the gravestone recipes that are left behind are an ode to family, hosting, and celebrating life. So far, she said, all the recipes she's come across have belonged to women. "In the case of Naomi Miller-Dawson, this was the recipe that she would make for family gatherings but would not give anyone," Grant told Insider, speaking of what she learned through her own research. "Literally on her deathbed her daughter came up with the idea of like, 'Hey let's put your spritz cookie recipe on the gravestone,' so she basically took it to the grave." After using a cookie press, Grant perfected Dawson's spritz cookie recipe. Rosie Grant Then, Grant became fascinated by gravestone recipes Since learning about Miller-Dawson's story, Grant has been on a mission to find more gravestone recipes and bring as many of them to life as possible. Miller-Dawson's spritz cookies became the start of Grant's "Gravestone Recipes" TikTok series, where Grant has re-created 10 other recipes for treats like fudge and cheese dip. Grant flew out to Utah to re-create Kay Andrews' fudge gravestone recipe. Rosie Grant In August, Grant flew out to Utah to re-create Kay Andrews' gravestone fudge recipe, she told Insider. On her epitaph, below the recipe, it read, "Wherever she goes, there's laughter," as shown in the TikTok she posted. Grant's video has over 22,000 views as of Monday. In October, Grant shared in a TikTok that she'd never been able to make the recipe correctly, as "it's always very liquidy," and asked her viewers for help. TikTok users in the comments suggested using bakers chocolate squares rather than regular squares of chocolates and buying a candy thermometer to make sure Grant knows when it's done baking. Grant told Insider the comments are really helpful when it comes to getting the gravestone recipes just right. Grant says her next recipe is a holiday favorite. "There's a blueberry pie a little south of Seattle so I'm going to go visit that one around Thanksgiving," she said. Grant added that she likes to make each graveyard recipe while traveling and try the final product at the person's grave as a "cheers" or "thank you" to the deceased. Grant poses with Connie Galberd's date-and-nut bread gravestone recipe. Rosie Grant Grant says she's learned a lot from her hobby In researching the recipes, and through the work she has done for her Congressional Cemetery internship, Grant said she's learned a lot about death and how humans care to be remembered. Grant attributes her outlook to the "death positive community," which she explained as the belief that society is "better off" if people start to "accept and think about mortality." The librarian says her TikTok content has made it easier for her to talk about death with loved ones. She hopes that her viewers can say the same. "'How do I wanna be celebrated? How do I want my loved ones to be memorialized?' I'm starting to have these conversations with family members," she said. As far as Grant's own recipe she wants to leave behind, she told Insider she "would definitely want to do a savory one." At the moment, it's between mac and cheese or clam linguine. Read the original article on Insider LONDON Another U.S. citizen has died fighting in Ukraine, two people with knowledge of his death told NBC News on Monday, bringing the number of Americans killed in Russias war to at least six. Timothy Griffin had been fighting alongside Ukrainians in the International Legion, which is made up of thousands of foreigners who have volunteered to help defend against the invasion, a spokeswoman for the division of Ukraines military told NBC News exclusively when approached for confirmation. Griffin had been taking part in Ukraines counteroffensive on the eastern front, according to the International Legion. The legions spokeswoman said Griffins unit was conducting operations and came under attack, and he was killed in action, said the spokeswoman, who, under Ukrainian military protocol, declined to be identified other than by their callsign "Mockingjay. We are in contact with the family and the International Legion and the Armed Forces of Ukraine are handling the repatriation process, in coordination with the family, following their wishes and instructions, the spokeswoman said. The legion declined to provide more details, including Griffins age, citing operational security and privacy concerns. But two people with knowledge of Griffins death said that he was from New York state and had fought in the Kharkiv region. Timothys memory will live on in his unit, in the Legion and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the International Legion said, adding that it was asking that the familys privacy "be respected in this difficult time. A spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. In Washington, the State Department said it was aware of these unconfirmed reports of a U.S. citizen killed in Ukraine but that due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment at this time. We once again reiterate our message that U.S. citizens should not travel to Ukraine due to the active armed conflict, a State Department spokeswoman said. U.S. citizens in Ukraine should depart immediately if it is safe to do so using any commercial or other privately available ground transportation options. Story continues Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy launched the International Legion, also known as the foreign legion, in the first week of the war in February, urging foreign citizens who are friends of peace and democracy to come to Ukraine to defend Western values that he said were larger than just Ukraine. Its unclear exactly how many Americans have traveled to Ukraine to fight. Ukraines foreign minister has said that roughly 20,000 foreigners overall have joined the effort. Although the U.S. government has insisted it will not send U.S. troops to fight Russia on the ground in Ukraine, the number of Americans killed after traveling to fight there on their own volition has slowly increased. In April, Willy Cancel, 22, who was working with a private military contractor, was killed in Ukraine, in what is believed to be the first death of a U.S. citizen fighting in the conflict. He was survived by his wife and their child, who was 7 months old at the time. The next month, 52-year-old Stephen Zabielski of Hernando, Florida, was killed fighting in the village of Dorozhniank. And in July, the State Department confirmed that two more Americans had been killed in eastern Ukraine. They were later identified as Bryan Young and Luke Lucyszyn. Last week, the body of a fifth American killed in Ukraine, 24-year-old Joshua Jones, was returned by Russia to Ukrainian custody. The Ukrainians are holding his body as part of a war crimes investigation, Jones family has said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Senator Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) will not be running for the Republican Partys 2024 presidential nomination. Cotton has been calling donors and friends to let them know he wont be running, Politico first reported, making him the first prominent Republican to step aside in a race that increasingly looks like it will pit former president Donald Trump against Florida governor Ron DeSantis. Cotton, who has two young sons, reportedly cited family concerns in making the decision not to run. Multiple outlets reported last week that Trump is slated to announce his intention to run for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination less than a week after the midterm elections, on November 14. Key Trump allies have reportedly blocked off several calendar days in anticipation of the imminent announcement and any political campaigning it might entail. In order to make our country successful and safe and glorious, I will very, very, very probably do it againGet ready thats all Im telling youvery soon. Get ready, Trump told a crowd during a rally Thursday night in Sioux City, Iowa. Trump will likely seek to piggyback off of the momentum if Republicans win big Tuesday and beat his unofficial sparring partner, DeSantis, to the punch in announcing his candidacy. Pot shots have already been taken. During a stump speech for Pennsylvanias Republican Senate candidate Mehmet Oz Saturday, Trump called DeSantis Ron DeSanctimonious while claiming that he was polling way ahead of both the Florida governor and his former vice president, Mike Pence. Cottons withdrawal will allow him to bide his time for a potential 2028 run. The Arkansas Republican has continued to build name recognition in recent years. In 2021, Cotton penned an opinion piece in the New York Times advocating for sending federal troops to restore order to cities engulfed by violent protests. The article led to an internal revolt and the resignation of the opinion page editor More recently, Cotton who is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan wrote a book condemning the Lefts Plot to Sabotage American Power while outlining his vision for reversing the trend. Story continues Cotton has stated his interest in being involved in forthcoming Republican administrations, with some seeing him as a potential favorite as Trumps CIA director. More from National Review Sen. Tom Cotton. Eric Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) has decided not to run for president in 2024, two people familiar with the matter told Politico. Cotton, 45, does not want to be away from his two young children for an extended period of time, Politico reports, and he has spent the last few days notifying senior Republicans, donors, and close supporters of his decision. While he won't be running for president, Cotton did make it clear if a Republican wins in 2024, he's open to serving in their administration, Politico says. Cotton spent the last two years trying to boost his name nationally. He wrote a book about military history, and made several trips to Iowa and New Hampshire, which are early caucus and primary states. It's expected that potential Republican candidates will start announcing their plans to run in 2024 after Tuesday's midterm elections. Former President Donald Trump could be one of them; last week, he told a crowd in Iowa he'll "very, very, very probably" enter the race. You may also like Russia's 'catastrophic' missing men problem 7 scathing cartoons about Elon Musk's Twitter takeover How the Justice Department might respond to a Trump 2024 bid The Powerball jackpot has reached another record. After no one matched the six numbers drawn for Saturday's $1.6 billion jackpot, the grand prize ballooned to $1.9 billion, making it the largest ever. Not everyone who participated in Saturday's drawing walked away empty-handed, however. Sixteen players came close to winning it all, matching five out of the six winning numbers. They each took home $1 million prizes. One winner in Kentucky pocketed $2 million. When is the next Powerball drawing? The next drawing is Monday at 10:59 p.m. It will be livestreamed at Powerball.com. The website had at first mistakenly listed 11:30 p.m. as the drawing time, leading to confusion among some. But by 9:30 a.m. Monday the error had been remedied, with the correct drawing time listed. Where can I buy a ticket? Powerball is played in 45 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In Ohio, more than 9,800 retailers sell lottery tickets, according to Ohio Lottery. To find one near you, search this map. Powerball ticket How do you play Powerball? Select five numbers from 1 to 69 and one number from 1 to 26. You can choose your lucky numbers on a play slip or let the lottery terminal randomly pick your numbers. To win, match one of the nine ways to win: 5 white balls + 1 red Powerball = Grand prize 5 white balls = $1 million 4 white balls + 1 red Powerball = $50,000 4 white balls = $100 3 white balls + 1 red Powerball = $100 3 white balls = $7 2 white balls + 1 red Powerball = $7 1 white ball + 1 red Powerball = $4 1 red Powerball = $4 You can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10 with the Power Play option for an additional $1 per play. How much is the next jackpot? Mondays jackpot sits at $1.9 billion, the largest ever in Powerball's 30-year history. Winners can opt for a lump sum payout of $929.1 million or take the full $1.9 billion paid over 30 graduated payments over 29 years, according to Powerball. The payments increase by 5% each year. Story continues The previous record was from 2016 when three winners in California, Florida and Tennessee split $1.586 billion. USA Today contributed to this report. Monroe Trombly covers breaking and trending news. mtrombly@dispatch.com @monroetrombly This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Powerball record: What you need to know about tonight's drawing A leading commander in Mali's army has called on ethnic Tuaregs to fight jihadists in the north of the country in a WhatsApp audio message authenticated Monday by AFP. General El Hadj Ag Gamou, himself a Tuareg and a major figure in the Malian army's fight against the Islamic State in the Great Sahara (ISGS) -- which is affiliated with the Islamic State organisation -- called on the military help of all Tuaregs inside and outside the country. The Tuareg community is made up of dozens of nomadic sub-communities settled in the Sahara across several countries, mainly Mali, Algeria, Niger and Libya. In the Tamashek-language message, he said he would "give 10 days to all young Tuaregs from Algeria, Libya and elsewhere to reach Gao", the largest city in northern Mali, which has been plagued by jihadist violence. Ag Gamou is one of the leaders of a pro-government armed group, the Self-Defence Group of Imghad Tuaregs and Their Allies (GATIA), as well as a general in the national army. ISGS has since March increased its offensives in the expansive regions of Gao and Menaka. The UN has repeatedly expressed its concern about the deteriorating situation, and labour unions in the Gao region have called for a 48-hour strike this week to protest against the situation and "government inaction". As of Monday, the ruling junta had not yet reacted to Ag Gamou's remarks. The state has a very weak presence around Gao, and residents, mainly nomads living in camps scattered across the desert, are frequently caught in the crossfire. Civilians are often subjected to reprisals by jihadists who accuse them of collaborating with the enemy. Others have been deprived of their means of subsistence. In 2012, armed separatist groups made up mostly of Tuareg fighters declared a territory in northern Mali independent. They signed a peace agreement with Bamako in 2015. Other Tuaregs have joined the Al-Qaeda-linked group Jama'at Nasr alIslam wal Muslimin, or JNIM -- now led by Iyad Ag Ghali, who is himself a Tuareg. sd-ah-amt/mrb/prc/rox Residents in northeastern Texas and southeastern Oklahoma were thankful to be alive after severe weather rampaged across the southern Plains on Friday, killing at least two people, injuring others and leveling scores of buildings. In the southeastern Oklahoma town of Idabel, located about 190 miles southeast of Oklahoma City, a massive wedge tornado caused utter destruction, with the American Red Cross stating that 185 structures in total were hit. According to Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a 90-year-old man was killed in his home when the twister barreled through parts of Idabel Friday night. A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service (NWS) determined that it was an EF4 twister, ending the second-longest stretch in Oklahoma's recorded history without a tornado of EF3 strength or above (1,259 days). The second fatality occurred just to the south in Morris County, Texas, located 120 miles east-northeast of Dallas. Morris County Judge Doug Reeder said in a social media post that one person had died from a tornado but did not provide any additional details. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, a 6-year-old girl drowned and a 43-year-old man went missing after their vehicle was swept off a bridge near Stilwell, which is 100 miles north of Idabel. Keli Cain, a spokesperson for the state's Department of Emergency Management, said the drowning has not officially been attributed to the storm and the medical examiner is still investigating, The Associated Press reported. Survivors in Idabel recall the terrifying sounds that roared through the town Friday night when the NWS issued the first tornado emergency since springtime. "I could hear the train coming, and when you hear the train coming, it's time to go somewhere," Shane Capps, an Idabel resident, told AccuWeather National Reporter Bill Wadell. "I told [my family] it's time to go. We went to the bathroom and got in the tub, and then the house started rattling." Story continues The fast-moving twister caused extensive destruction across the town, including the local Kiamichi Medical Clinic and the Idabel Trinity Baptist Church. The church was preparing to complete a new building when the tornado destroyed both the sanctuary and the shell of the new structure, which was located right next door. Damage at the Trinity Baptist Church in Idabel, Oklahoma. Congregation members have been trying to salvage any pieces of the property they can in the aftermath and are currently focusing on their community in need of aid. "We're all at a loss for words ... Idabel is a very close community, a lot of deep relationships, and we're just going to come together and be with each other and help each other, do what we need to do," Idabel Trinity Baptist Pastor Don Myer said. On Saturday afternoon, after visiting the epicenter of the tornado outbreak and taking time to survey the damage in Idabel, Stitt declared a state of emergency for the counties affected by the devastating storms. Damage at the Trinity Baptist Church in Idabel, Oklahoma. "We are just praying, and [we are] glad it wasn't worse, and we can rebuild some of these homes," Stitt said Saturday. Officials in McCurtain County, home to Idabel, added that seven people suffered minor injuries due to the storms, and 63 homes were destroyed during Friday's carnage. At least 18 tornadoes have been confirmed by various NWS offices across the southern Plains from Friday's severe weather event. The NWS office in Shreveport, Louisiana, has confirmed at least seven twisters across parts of northeastern Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The NWS office in Little Rock, Oklahoma, confirmed six tornadoes, and the NWS office in Norman, Oklahoma, and the NWS office in Fort Worth, Texas, have confirmed three and two twisters, respectively. Kristy and Ray Parker, both from New Boston, Texas, which is in the far northeastern part of the Lone Star State, told Wadell their Friday night plans included practicing at Godley Prairie Community Church for their Christmas program. However, with the threat of severe weather, their plans were canceled. The Parkers, who live in a travel trailer, knew they had to find somewhere safe to stay when the severe weather hit. They hunkered down in a small office at Godley Prairie Community Church with two other people. Drone footage of the damage from Friday's tornado in New Boston, Texas. "There were four of us in that little [tiny] room," Ray Parker told Wadell. "We started praying, praying loud. We were praying so loud you could barely hear the tornado come through." Kristy described the "horrible" experience, recalling that she was on top of her dog while Ray was on top of her in order to protect both of them as the twister peeled the roof off the church. Pastor Jim Ramsey told Wadell that this was the third storm to damage the church. A community member offered the keys to an old empty church, where a mass was held on Sunday morning. Brad Bryant, the meteorologist-in-charge at the NWS office in Shreveport, told Wadell that the "level of messaging" ahead of Friday's severe weather event made many people decide to leave their mobile homes and find a safer shelter in advance. "I've seen mobile homes that are thrown in the woods hundreds of feet and completely destroyed," Bryant said. "If those people wouldn't have left, it would have been a problem." Additional reporting by Bill Wadell. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app.AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. Photo: The Canadian Press Ontario Premier Doug and Education Minister Stephen Lecce leave after a press conference at Queen's Park in Toronto on Monday Nov. 7, 2022. Ford says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is welcome to reopen Constitution talks with the provinces but recommends against doing so. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette Ontario Premier Doug Ford says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is free to reopen talks with the provinces about the notwithstanding clause and the Constitution, though he'd recommend against it. Ford made the comments today after being criticized for pre-emptively invoking the notwithstanding clause in legislation that imposed a new contract for 55,000 Ontario education workers. The clause lets legislatures override parts of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms for a five-year term. Facing the prospect of mass labour disruptions Ford now says he is willing to repeal the legislation if the union agrees to go back to the bargaining table. But he insists it is within the province's right to use the clause and says if Trudeau doesn't like that he should call a first ministers' meeting to talk about making changes to the Constitution. Trudeau says now is not the time to reopen the Constitution but warns that if provinces want to avoid the kind of disruptions seen in Ontario in the last week they would be well advised not to use the notwithstanding clause. Tory MP Lee Anderson has told the House of Commons that the blame for the migrant crisis 'lies in the place' (Twitter/Lee Anderson) A Tory MP has said the migrant crisis is the fault of politicians who should "grow a backbone" and send people he branded illegal immigrants "straight back on the same day". Lee Anderson is the Conservative MP for the Ashfield constituency in Nottinghamshire. During a debate on the migrant crisis on Monday he told the house of Commons: "When I hear words like sourcing housing and getting hotel spaces for illegal immigrants it leaves a bitter taste in my throat." He went on to say "we're here debating this nonsense once again" and that Parliament should no longer blame "lefty lawyers" for allowing migrants to remain in Britain. "The blame lies in this place right now," he said. "When are we going to do the right thing, grow a backbone, and send them straight back the same day?" Watch: Protest held outside Manston asylum centre demanding site shut down Anderson was one of many predominantly Conservative MPs who want to take a hardline on migrants on the day Downing Street said talks on a deal with France were in their final stages, following a meeting between Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron. Conservative MP Andy Carter said that a hotel in his Warrington South constituency would become an asylum centre the following day, complaining that no talks were held with the council and that it was unacceptable they would be housed "in the middle of a residential area, less than 200 yards from a primary school. Conservative Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) said the easier you make this whole process and the quicker, the more people will come. A man thought to be a migrant is pictured at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent. (PA Images) He added: There were recent reports that illegal migrants had been put up in a luxury rural hotel, a former stately home near Grantham which normally charges 400 a night. Surely the easier you make this whole process and the quicker, the more people will come, especially as this is a complete pushover with a large number of young Albanian men claiming modern slavery, which is ridiculous. Story continues And Conservative Scott Benton (Blackpool South) said his constituents were "becoming sick and tired of this ridiculous narrative of economic migrants somehow being mistreated at Manston". Home Office minister Robert Jenrick replied to Anderson's comments: In sourcing accommodation for migrants, we should be guided by both our common desire for decency because those are our values, but also hard-headed common sense. And it is not right that migrants are put up in three or four-star hotels at exorbitant cost to the United Kingdom taxpayer." Suella Braverman has faced widespread criticism over her handling of the crisis at Manston (PA Images) Anderson's comments have been pointed out as inaccurate by people working with migrants. Rachel Youngman, chair of charity Hibiscus which supports migrant women, has slammed the comments as "misleading and inaccurate". She told Yahoo News UK that generalising about people seeking refuge in the UK was "a gross oversimplification of people who arrive in Dover seeking asylum". "They are not illegal migrants because they're right to seek asylum or return to their home country has not yet been determined," she said. "That is entirely dependent on the system not the individual. "If people keep using this as an opportunity for soundbites that have no basis, it misleads on what does need to happen." Home secretary Suella Braverman has come under mounting pressure over her handling of the the migrant crisis including the illegal conditions at the scandal-hit and overcrowded Manston processing centre near Ramsgate. At one point, as many as 4,000 people were being detained for weeks in a site intended to hold 1,600 for a matter of days. By Ron Bousso LONDON (Reuters) - French energy giant TotalEnergies has pulled ahead of rivals Shell and BP in the race to build up a renewables business, data collected by Reuters shows. But despite the growing focus on the climate, investors remain cautious for now, with shares of the three European giants trailing their oil and gas-focused U.S. rivals Exxon Mobil and Chevron so far this year. Graphic: Race for renewables - https://graphics.reuters.com/OILMAJORS-RENEWABLES/zjvqjqgrnpx/chart.png TotalEnergie's shares have also significantly underperformed its British rivals, even after the company reported record profit in the third quarter of 2022 thanks to its thriving oil and gas operations and near-zero debt. BP, Shell and TotalEnergies have all set out ambitious plans to shift towards low-carbon and renewable energies in the coming decades in an effort to slash greenhouse emissions to net zero. While their spending remains mostly focused on oil and gas, they aim to grow investments in low-carbon in the coming years. TotalEnergies had a portfolio of 7.4 gigawatts (GW) of net installed renewables capacity by the end of September, according to company data, following investments such as a $2 billion partnership with India's Adani Group last year and the acquisition of a 50% stake in Clearway, one of the largest U.S. renewables firms. BP, by comparison, has so far built 2GW of operating renewables capacity, partly through its 50% stake in Lightsource BP, one of the world's top solar producers. Shell's net capacity is slightly higher at 2.2GW, with acquisitions including U.S. producer Savion and Indian renewables platform Sprng Energy earlier this year. It is a similar story with the three firms' pipeline of projects under construction or approved for development, with 45.2GW for TotalEnergies, 26.9GW for BP and 5.2GW for Shell. TotalEnergies aims to have 100GW of gross renewables capacity by 2030 while BP targets 50GW of net renewables. Shell has not set a capacity target but aims to trade 530 terawatt hours of electricity over the period. Story continues TotalEnergies has also reduced its debt faster than its two rivals and could be net debt-free by the end of this year, giving it more flexibility to invest and acquire. Graphic: Shell, TotalEnergies and BP's gearing - https://graphics.reuters.com/OILMAJORS-DEBT/egpbynwzmvq/chart.png Investors have yet to be swayed by the growing investments in renewables and credit rating agency Moody's also sounded a cautious note, saying that the shift would bring the companies into direct competition with utilities for projects that generate lower returns that traditional oil and gas investments. "The ability of BP, Shell and TotalEnergies to enhance returns through optimising ownership, the funding mix, marketing and integration into their overall offerings will be key to the total returns achieved," Moody's said in a note. It also noted the three companies' investments in projects and infrastructure spanning electric vehicle charging to hydrogen, saying the ultimate profitability would remain uncertain for years to come. Graphic: Shell's spending plans - https://graphics.reuters.com/OIL-MAJORS/ENERGY-TRANSITION/egvbkrdarpq/chart.png Graphic: BP's spending plans - https://graphics.reuters.com/OIL-MAJORS/ENERGY-TRANSITION/gkvlgnoxdpb/chart.png Graphic: TotalEnergies' investment plans - https://graphics.reuters.com/OIL-MAJORS/ENERGY-TRANSITION/myvmnzeagpr/chart.png (Reporting by Ron Bousso; Editing by Kirsten Donovan) By Doyinsola Oladipo NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hopper, a travel booking app, said on Monday it received a $96 million follow-on investment from Capital One Financial Corp, funds it will use in part to build its social commerce business aimed at younger travelers. Hopper said the investment will also be used to grow its business-to-business unit including building fintech products and travel portals for partners like Capital One. Its social commerce business includes games and referral programs to earn travel credit, according to the President of Hopper, Dakota Smith. The company said its fintech offerings, such as Price Freeze and Flight Disruption Guarantee, represent about 40% of total app revenue and 70% of air booking revenue. Capital One and Hopper launched Capital One Travel in 2021, which offers Capital One card holders products like price drop protection as well as travel rewards. The latest round of funding will extend the partnership, Smith added. Capital One has previously told investors it is investing in its franchises including its travel portal and airport lounges in a bid to market to heavy spenders. Through this strategic partnership, were well-positioned to adapt to a rapidly changing travel environment and create industry-leading solutions for our customers, the bank said. Capital One invested $100 million in Hopper last year. (Reporting by Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Editing by Anna Driver and Chizu Nomiyama) MIAMI Former President Donald Trump held back from criticizing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis during a rally in Miami on Sunday, saying that DeSantis should be reelected even as 2024 tensions between the two are spilling over into the public. His pivot came a day after the former president publicly chided DeSantis during a rally in Pennsylvania, calling him Ron DeSanctimonious. It was one of the most direct shots yet Trump took at the governor a likely 2024 rival if both men run for the Republican nomination for president. It was Trumps first attempt at branding the Florida governor with one of his well-known nicknames. He did so as a screen behind him displayed poll numbers that Trump claimed showed he had a significant lead over potential 2024 challengers. But during a rally in Miami for Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who is running for a third term against Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.), Trump took a much more conciliatory tone. Youre going to reelect the wonderful, the great friend of mine Marco Rubio to the United States Senate and you are going to reelect Ron DeSantis as your governor, Trump said to a packed crowd at the Miami-Dade County fairgrounds. Trump is widely expected to announce in mid-November that hes running for president. The move would pit him against DeSantis, who is also expected to run in 2024 and has built a national reputation over the past few years for his handling of Covid-19 in Florida and constant fights with President Joe Biden. While the two men have mostly held-off publicly criticizing each other, there have been skirmishes in the past few weeks. Beyond tagging DeSantis with a new nickname, Trump used his social media site Truth Social to post a video of former Fox News host Megyn Kelly saying DeSantis cant overcome Trump on a debate stage, and further stoked political intrigue when he did not invite him to the Miami rally. In Miami, though, Trump gave a speech similar to others he had given. He hammered Biden on immigration, spread unsubstantiated claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him and framed Democrats as extreme in a part of Florida with a large population of residents who fled or had family members flee leftist strongmen in Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. Story continues Hispanics are joining our movement by the millions and millions and millions many are here, Trump said. Many Hispanic Americans have their roots in nations absolutely destroyed by these vile ideologies, and they dont want to see it happen here. He also hinted at his likely White House bid, saying he will "probably have to do it again. ... Stay tuned." As a long slate of speakers excited the crowd ahead of Trumps arrival, DeSantis began the first of three separate events as part of his 13-stop tour headed into Election Day. The governor has not publicly lambasted Trump, even as advisers acknowledge they have noticed Trumps increasing willingness to take jabs at him. DeSantis stuck to a familiar campaign stump speech in two stops that included denouncing Biden as well as a reminder of his battles over Covid-19 and with Disney over the Parental Rights in Education bill, known as the Dont Say Gay bill by its critics. Look I have been battling him the whole time, DeSantis said about Biden. I have been there since day one, since he got in and we have been fighting our your behalf. Nov. 8 is really the first time that every American gets to go to the polls and just tell Joe Biden what you think of his polices. You can send a loud message on that and I think he needs to hear that. While criticizing Biden over immigration, he told the crowd that the federal government needed to reinstate policies such as remain in Mexico as well as finish the border wall. He did not mention that these were Trumps policies, which he has done during some of his previous campaign stops. The dueling Trump and DeSantis rallies overshadowed a last-minute push by Democrats. Charlie Crist, the Democratic nominee challenging DeSantis, made several stops in South Florida, including a Souls to the Polls events designed to try to push voters to the polls on the final day of early voting. Crist has been trailing DeSantis in multiple polls heading into Election Day. The feud between Trump and DeSantis has forced Florida Republicans to quietly signal which side they may take, even as they try to navigate a seemingly unwinnable situation. State Senate President Wilton Simpson, who is running statewide for Agriculture Commissioner, was on stage with Trump, who had previously endorsed him in his bid for statewide office. Simpson and DeSantis have had some bad blood in the past, including the governor at one point recruiting a Republican to run against him in the Republican primary. That candidate dropped out after Simpson agreed to have the Florida Senate consider DeSantis-championed congressional redistricting maps after the governor vetoed maps crafted by the state Legislature. During his brief remarks on stage, Simpson, referring to Trump, said voters need to return a real conservative fighter to the White House in 2024. He also called DeSantis "America's governor," a common nickname Republicans across the country have started using when referring to DeSantis. Republican Party of Florida Chair Joe Gruters, who has been a vocal Trump supporter since his days as chair of the head of the Sarasota County Republican Party, attended the Trump rally, and at one point starting a run Trump, run chant the crowd eagerly responded to. The site of the event, Miami-Dade County, is coming with its own set of intrigue during the 2022 midterms. DeSantis and Republicans seem poised to win the longtime Democratic stronghold for the first time in two decades. Most recent polling has DeSantis beating Crist in Miami-Dade and with Hispanic voters, a huge concentration of which live in Miami and the surrounding cities. Its part of what appears to be a massive red wave building in Florida for Republicans, who now have a 300,000 person registration advantage over Democrats. As of Sunday morning, Republicans also had a nearly 340,000 vote lead, a massive advantage during a pre-election day period generally won by Democrats ahead of what is typically a big Republican wave on Election Day. This is the place where socialism comes to die, Republican Rep. Mario Diaz Balart told the crowd, which erupted in cheers. A few weeks back, TechCrunch caught up with Terry Myerson and others from the Truveta team to chat through an important product update from the company. This publication has covered Truveta for some time now, curious about its objectives as a business that has a strong public-health component, and because Myerson was a longtime Microsoft denizen that we were familiar with from covering Windows for years and years. Our interest was also piqued late last year when Truveta raised $100 million, slightly more than doubling its capital base. With around $200 million in backing, Truveta had a roster of folks with whom we were familiar, and enough cash to bring to bear whatever it was dreaming up. The Truveta concept is simple: Work with different healthcare groups to collect anonymized patient data, pool the information and make it available to third parties so that they can see what's actually going on in terms of patient outcomes in a more holistic sense. The potential public health and commercial applications are reasonably apparent, but what struck your scribe when chatting with Myerson and the team was that this sort of aggregated database of depersonalized information was not already in existence. While having a private-public healthcare system has some advantages, centralized data is seemingly not one of them. Back to the recent: Truveta has expanded the roster of health systems contributing to its dataset from a handful toward the end of 2021 to 25 today. More data is good when it comes to this sort of "healthcare analytics" work, so the additional 11 providers matter. But more notably, Truveta's software product launched earlier this month. Back in 2021, the company made a bit of a splash when it rolled out a COVID-focused product. Now, Truveta Studio is out, and I got a tour. Something that Truveta has to handle is harmonizing information from disparate systems. This is something it's tackling, allowing users to set up definitions in a computable format, and then collect results and graph them. The resulting wall of charts and graphs is exciting to look at if you, like myself, are a huge dork for data visualization. Story continues The service is not something, from my run-through of it, that anyone with a passing interest in healthcare outcomes could use. But for an expert, it could pay off our tour guide explained that, in his prior research environment, he would spend weeks executing what he can do in minutes with Truveta. That's more than an order of magnitude of time savings. Provided that the service is sufficiently user-friendly for professionals, the company could be onto something. The question now is how much people customers want to use it. Truveta's early goals getting its data ingestion set up, raising money, building a team, and then a product for regular use have been met. Now we are down to the business brass-tacks of the effort. And there are nine figures of capital wagered that it will succeed. Given that healthcare in the United States is exorbitantly expensive, opaque and full of inequitable outcomes, folks working to make it a bit less impossible to parse are fine by me. Culver City High School senior Ada Meighan-Thiel, left, gives information about Measure VY to Adam Sondik. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) Ada Meighan-Thiel, a 17-year-old senior at Culver City High School, acted out an age-old teenage ritual as she stood on Marcelo Chameckis front porch the week before election day. She was there to try to get an adult to take her and her young friends seriously. Her arguments were well-rehearsed on this sunny afternoon as she expounded on the virtues of Measure VY, a ballot initiative that would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in city and school board elections in her Westside hometown. The local measure goes before voters in Tuesday's election. If it passes, it would make Culver City one of few U.S. communities to allow people as young as 16 to vote. No other municipality in the country has the issue on its ballot this year. Measure VY would expand the local voting age here in Culver City to 16," Meighan-Thiel said, a clipboard of informational fliers in hand. By really involving people in democracy from a young age, a value of participation will be instilled in them so going forward theyll be much more habitual, well-informed voters. Clutching a coffee mug in the wooden doorway of his home on a tree-shaded street, Chamecki, a science professor at UCLA, listened to Meighan-Thiel's pitch, nodding as she explained why she should be trusted to vote. He asked questions about how the proposal would be implemented. Culver City High School senior Ada Meighan-Thiel talks to Marcelo Chamecki about a local ballot measure to lower the voting age. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) Outside some homes Meighan-Thiel canvassed were literal signs of the uphill battle before supporters of the movement, often referred to as Vote 16: yard signs advocating for the measure's defeat. Some seemed to conjure lyrics from Pink Floyd, the classic rock band from back when many of the high schoolers' grandparents were young and probably, too, thought grown-ups didn't get it: "NO on VY 'Vote 16 Leave the kids alone!" Chamecki at least seemed open to the youthful pitch. "I haven't even decided everything yet, so this is very helpful," he told the teenager. "I'm aware of the situation a little bit, but it's great to get more information." Story continues The rareness of municipalities that allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote underscores how contested the issue is. Supporters of the movement argue that at 16, young people are mature enough to have a say in decisions that affect them. And because they can get a job and pay taxes, they should be able to cast a ballot, they add. Opponents worry that 16-year-olds are too young to fully understand political issues and are too easily influenced to make reasoned electoral choices. Conservatives and even some centrist Democrats also fear that allowing traditionally left-leaning young people to vote would disproportionately help progressive politicians and causes. Years before the high school activists tried to make Vote 16 a reality in Culver City, several towns in Maryland started pushing for the change. Six places in that state allow 16- and 17- year-olds to vote in some elections. The first of them, Takoma Park, approved the measure nearly a decade ago. Takoma Park, like all the Maryland municipalities that approved the practice, is not far from the University of Maryland's flagship campus in College Park, where much of the research and early advocacy on the issue originated. In 2020, 49.2% of San Franciscans voted for a similar ballot measure, falling just short of lowering the voting age for municipal elections in a city of more than 800,000 people. In 2016, Berkeley became the first municipality in California to approve such a measure for school board elections, followed by its Alameda County neighbor Oakland four years later. But the county has yet to implement the measure, which does not have a mechanism to force its rollout, so 16- and 17-year-olds in both cities are still unable to vote. No such measures have been approved anywhere in the U.S. beyond Alameda County and Maryland. In Congress, Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) has repeatedly introduced legislation to amend the Constitution to make 16 the national minimum voting age. There hasn't been enough support in the Capitol for the proposal, but it wouldnt be without precedent globally, as countries including Argentina, Austria and Malta allow citizens to vote at age 16. Like many of her peers, Melisa Rodriguez, a 16-year-old junior at Fremont High School in Oakland and Vote 16 advocate, argues that it's vital that today's teenagers have a voice in the political process. The way she sees it, young people like her have to clean up messes older generations left behind, including climate change and gun violence. This is my issue, this is my life that I live through that I should be in charge of instead of having adults make all the decisions, Rodriguez said. So pushing this is really empowering for me and my community. To be able to do this, it just says a lot of good things about us and our future and future generations. Teenagers in cities and towns from the Bay Area to Oregon to Colorado are exploring pushes to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote. In Culver City, a number of politicians have spoken out against Measure VY. That charge is being led by Steven Gourley, a retired lawyer who has served terms as mayor, councilman and school board president in this city of about 40,000. Virtually everyone I have approached does not know its on the ballot. When I tell them what it is, they say, Sixteen, are they crazy? he said in a recent phone interview. I talk to people whove had teenagers and I talk to teachers who taught in the high school, and they say that these people are too young to vote. He has filed official forms with the city outlining his opposition. Earlier this year, he put up a website to state his concerns about the proposal and list 18 local leaders including two other former Culver City mayors who he says agree with him. Gourley, a lifelong Democrat, echoed a concern shared by some of his fellow old-liners that the push to lower the voting age in Culver City is a ploy by "so-called progressives" to try to establish long-term control over local politics. "They're trying to expand the electorate so they can get reelected," he said. Meanwhile, the city's younger, more left-leaning current mayor, Daniel Lee, said he's a "passionate supporter" of Vote 16. "Studies show that the earlier someone really starts to participate in the voting process, the more likely it will be a longtime thing," he said. Generation Citizen, a nonpartisan national civics education organization that helped launch the national Vote 16 campaign, has supported ballot initiatives to expand voting to 16- and 17-year-olds in communities in multiple states. The New York-based group provides advice to young activists and their adult advisors, helps navigate complicated bureaucratic processes, and amplifies efforts to get out the word about the issue. This year, all eyes are on the Golden State. California is poised to be a groundswell and a laboratory of informed democratic representation, and I think thats what Culver City being on the ballot on Tuesday represents, said Andrew Wilkes, Generation Citizens chief policy and advocacy officer. He noted that in Culver City, the organization has provided technological assistance, communications support and campaign strategy advice. Its pretty remarkable that through a pandemic you had folks there that didnt let it go," Wilkes added. To many young Vote 16 advocates, its a galvanizing issue thats brought them closer to the political process than they ever imagined theyd be while still in high school. For the first time, they see a path to having a voice in their community before they become adults. Its most ardent young supporters cite research that has found that 16-year-olds have adult levels of cognitive capacity. As he prepared to canvass a neighborhood Wednesday, Miles Griffin, a 17-year-old senior at Culver City High, described the right to vote in existential terms. I think voting and having a voice in general is kind of the issue to end all issues. Because unless you can vote, unless you have a voice, you cant make any kind of difference, Griffin said. If policy affects people, then they should have a say in that policy. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Twitter is delaying changes to its user verification system until after Tuesdays midterm elections, multiple outlets are reporting. Elon Musk quickly moved to start charging for the blue verification checkmarks after acquiring the platform, along with several other controversial changes. The new system will allow any account subscribed to the $7.99/month Twitter Blue service to be verified. The changes are now set to go into effect after Tuesdays midterm elections, according to the New York Times and Bloomberg. The blue checkmarks are currently doled out to users who meet credibility requirements. The decision to start charging for verification has sparked controversy about whether it might become harder for users to identify legitimate accounts. Critics say the move could boost misinformation on the site around elections, public health emergencies or other important events or announcements. The worry about $8 verification for everybody isnt that somebody is going to impersonate Joe Biden, wrote NBCs Ben Collins, who covers disinformation and extremism. Its that theyre going to impersonate a no-name in a position of power an election official, a CDC worker, a local news reporter and cause chaos. Much less solvable problem. Former top cybersecurity official Chris Krebs on Sunday said that allowing users to buy the blue tick by including verification in the paid plan will create a very chaotic environment on the site, possibly boosting the credibility of foreign actors, election deniers and other potential bad actors. It opens the information space to a broader community of influencers, clout chasers, election denialists and [foreign actors]. Weve seen reports lately that Russia, China and Iran are back at their old tricks, and it is going to create a very chaotic environment, Krebs said. Musk took to the platform to defend the contested move, arguing that widespread verification will democratize journalism & empower the voice of the people and that Twitter needs to become by far the most accurate source of information about the world. Story continues Hes also attempted to quell worries about impersonation, insisting that Twitter will ban impersonators who do not make their parody clear. Twitter did not immediately respond to The Hills requests for comment on the rollout of these verification changes. Musk has taken on the role of moderator-in-chief on the platform amid concerns about content moderation and a reported surge of racist and antisemitic Tweets after Musks takeover. As part of his Twitter overhaul, the billionaire kickstarted massive layoffs, defending his choice to cut around half of the companys staff even amid blowback. Musk also said he plans to end lifetime bans for users like former President Trump. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. An employee posted a picture on Twitter of Esther Crawford sleeping in the office. Twitter The manager who went viral for sleeping at Twitter's headquarters survived Elon Musk's layoffs, sources told Insider. Last week, a Twitter employee posted a photo of Esther Crawford in a sleeping bag at the office. Musk has said he works 120-hour weeks and has slept on Tesla's factory floor in the past. It might take some sleepless nights to survive Elon Musk's Twitter takeover. Esther Crawford, the Twitter manager who went viral for sleeping at Twitter's San Francisco headquarters last week, survived the mass layoff that took out about 50% of the social media company's staff on Friday, sources familiar with the matter from within the company told Insider. As thousands of Twitter staff tweeted farewell to the company on Friday, Crawford gave an update on the company's plans for Twitter Blue a service that would allow users to pay for verification and other features for $7.99 per month. Previously, the company had offered Twitter Blue for $2.99 per month as a service that would allow users to access special features like editing tweets or reducing ads. "The new Blue isn't live yet the sprint to our launch continues but some folks may see us making updates because we are testing and pushing changes in real-time," Crawford tweeted on Friday afternoon. "The Twitter team is legendary. New Blue coming soon!" Crawford has been the director of product management at Twitter for nearly two years, according to her LinkedIn profile. The Information reported last week that the manager "appears to be rising in prominence" at Twitter since Musk completed his purchase. Crawford did not respond to a request for comment from Insider ahead of publication. But Crawford's apparent ability to weather the storm at Twitter points to a larger trend at the company and new expectations for productivity. Within days of the takeover, Musk eliminated "days of rest" at Twitter. He's also ordered people working on "Elon-critical projects," like getting a new subscription model for verification, to work "literally 24/7" and in 12-hour shifts, according to an internal memo seen by Insider's Kali Hays. Story continues Musk has long been known for his high expectations for employees. At Tesla and SpaceX, workers are known to work grueling hours as the billionaire strives to hit lofty goals. The CEO has said in the past he has slept on Tesla's factory floor and worked 120 hour weeks to meet his targets. Ultimately, Crawford's night at the office echoes Musk's goals for productivity. "When your team is pushing round the clock to make deadlines sometimes you #SleepWhereYouWork," she tweeted on Wednesday. Since, Crawford has repeatedly tweeted her support for laid off "Tweeps." One departing employee called Crawford "the only person I know who could keep a team moving and shipping amid the chaos." Additional reporting by Kali Hays. Do you work for Twitter or have insight to share? Reach out to the reporter from a non-work email at gkay@insider.com Read the original article on Business Insider Mere days after cutting its workforce in half, Twitter is asking some employees to return, according to Bloomberg . Citing two sources within the company, the outlet reports management at Twitter has come to the realization it either let some workers off by accident or without realizing their experience was essential to building the features Elon Musk wants to bring to the platform. From Twitter Slack: sorry to @- everybody on the weekend but I wanted to pass along that we have the opportunity to ask folks that were left off if they will come back. I need to put together names and rationales by 4PM PST Sunday. Casey Newton (@CaseyNewton) November 6, 2022 Twitter did not immediately respond to Engadgets request for comment. Platformers Casey Newton was the first to report on the companys plan, sharing messages from one of its internal Slack channels. One post suggests the company is in need of Android and iOS developers. Two men from Elkhart have been charged with federal drug trafficking after local law enforcement agencies say the pair tried to ship more than 10,000 fentanyl pills to Austin, Texas. Jerry Edwards, 63, and Guadalupe Reyes, 46, were arrested last week by U.S. Marshalls as part of an inter-agency investigation that included federal law enforcement as well as South Bend, St. Joseph County and Mishawaka police. The pair are now charged in federal court with distribution of fentanyl after Reyes was contacted to ship fentanyl pills, disguised as oxycodone. According to federal court documents, DEA agents in Austin reached out to police in Michiana saying they had received word from a confidential informant about a man in Elkhart who was known to ship fentanyl to Austin. The informant worked with agents to set up a deal for 100 fentanyl pills, court documents say, and police tracked the package to find it had allegedly been shipped by Jerry Edwards who lived in Elkhart. That deal was conducted in September and law enforcement put together two additional purchases for 500 and 1,000 pills. Documents allege the pills tested positive for fentanyl and that the money for the deals was wired to Edwards via Western Union, though police believed a man who went by the street name "Aguitas" was the one behind the deals. Overdoses rise:Fear of 'rainbow fentanyl' unfounded, but overdose deaths on the rise in St. Joseph County In late October, DEA agents used a different confidential informant who was cooperating with police to get leniency in a separate criminal case to set up an in-person purchase with "Aguitas" for 10,000 pills outside a supermarket on Main Street south of Elkhart. Both Edwards and Reyes came to the exchange with the pills and were arrested by police, court documents say. Police then searched Reyes' apartment and found 10 pills matching the ones that had previously been shipped and paperwork that "appear[s] to be drug ledgers," per documents. The investigation determined Edwards lived in the same apartment building as Reyes, and police believe Edwards assisted Reyes with the deals. Story continues All told, police seized 15,000 pills they believe contained fentanyl that were apparently bound for Austin. Email Marek Mazurek at mmazurek@sbtinfo.com. Follow him on Twitter: @marek_mazurek This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Feds seize 15,000 fentanyl pills in Elkhart drug bust Photo: The Canadian Press The Canadian Security Intelligence Service warned cabinet ministers on Feb. 13 that invoking the Emergencies Act could push "Freedom Convoy" protesters toward violence, a public inquiry was told Monday, while the mayor of Windsor, Ont., testified he hoped it would act as a deterrent. A record of the advice from CSIS was released to the media Monday through the Public Order Emergency Commission, which is examining the first-ever invocation of the act by the Liberal government to clear protests in Ottawa and at border crossings across the country. The document shown in the public hearing suggests CSIS officials offered advice to cabinet the day before the act was invoked, and warned it could "galvanize" anti-government narratives and push some to believe that violence was the protesters' only solution. After the law was invoked, CSIS again warned more people would be pushed to violent ideologies. The document, classified as "secret," also showed that CSIS found no indications that ideologically motivated extremists were planning any violence as of Feb. 3. The document was presented to the commission by a lawyer representing the organizers of the Ottawa protest, but was withdrawn after an objection by the City of Windsor's lawyer. Earlier Monday, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens told the inquiry that he supported the federal government's invocation of the Emergencies Act on Feb. 14, even though police had already cleared out the serious blockade at a local border crossing. He feared protesters would return to the Ambassador Bridge border crossing, he testified. The government invoked the act to clear "Freedom Convoy'" protesters who were blockading streets around Parliament Hill and several border crossings in opposition to COVID-19 mandates and the Liberal government. The protests began in Ottawa Jan. 28 and spread to several border crossings in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. Dilkens said "slow-roll" convoys began disrupting traffic along the main road to the Ambassador Bridge in late January. He said that on Feb. 4, he got the first indication the convoy intended to block the bridge entirely and a text message exchange shows he relayed that information to Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino that same day. "Thx man," Mendicino responded, and suggested the two of them touch base on the weekend. By the evening of Feb. 7, Canada's busiest border crossing was completely blocked as protesters set up a camp and declared they would not leave. Dilkens said that blockade sparked "a national economic emergency" halting cross-border trade and travel for days while the demonstrators protested COVID-19 mandates. Hundreds of millions of dollars of trade are carried across the bridge daily, particularly for the automotive industry, which the city said suffered under the temporary closure. On Feb. 11, the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association successfully sought a court injunction to ban the demonstrators from blocking the border. Police moved in to remove the protesters who refused to leave in the following days and laid 44 charges. The bridge reopened to traffic in the early hours of Feb. 14. But Dilkens said he was worried the protesters would return. "Anything that would send a signal to people contemplating coming to Windsor to start this over again, I thought from my chair, was extremely helpful," Dilkens told the inquiry Monday. Further text messages between Dilkens and Mendicino show the two spoke about the possibility of invoking the act in the hours after the border crossing was cleared. "Are you guys taking some legislative action re: Emergencies Act," Dilkens wrote to Mendicino on the morning of Feb. 14. He told the commission he had read about the possibility in a news report Mendicino responded that he would give him a call, but told him "to the extent that you can be supportive of any additional authorities that gets Windsor the resources that you need to keep the bridge open, keep people safe, that would be great." Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared a public order emergency on the afternoon of Feb. 14. Dilkens said he gave Mendicino the support he sought but Dilkens also said he is not sure any Emergencies Act powers were ultimately used to prevent further blockades. Other documents the City of Windsor submitted to the commission show it was also concerned that if protesters were cleared from Ottawa, they would try to block the Ambassador Bridge again. The Public Order Emergency Commission, which is required under the Emergencies Act, has scheduled public hearings in Ottawa through to Nov. 25. At the heart of the matter is whether the emergency declaration and the powers under the act were necessary to clear the protests which lasted for more than three weeks. Among the special but temporary powers adopted under the act were the ability to freeze bank accounts of some participants, force the cancellation of insurance for vehicles parked in designated red zones and compel tow-truck companies to help remove the vehicles. The commission also learned that Dilkens was in direct contact with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who was facing pressure from businesses who relied on the bridge to transport goods and workers between the United States and Canada. "We need to get that bridge open ASAP," Ford texted Dilkens on Feb. 13 after police regained control over the bridge. "I have every major company all over me." Ford and then-solicitor general Sylvia Jones were asked to appear before the inquiry to give evidence about their response to the protests, but challenged the summons in federal court. A Federal Court judge decided Monday the premier and his minister will not have to testify due to immunity provided to them by parliamentary privilege, though both witnesses "may have valuable evidence to offer." Two episodes of the new Netflix original series "I Am A Stalker" feature cases which occurred in Springfield over the last 10 years. The series was rated No. 4 on Netflix's top 10 list, as of last Tuesday. The series features convicted stalkers telling their stories through formal interviews. Episode four, "Close to Death," tells the story of Terry D. Morrison, and episode eight, "Obsessive Tendencies," follows the path of Deketrice Jackson. The Springfield Police Department defines stalking as "the act of a person who, on more than one occasion, follows, pursues or harasses another person, and actively engages in conduct that causes the victim to believe the offender will cause physical harm or mental distress to them." 'Close to Death' In June 2015, Morrison was sentenced to four years of incarceration for aggravated stalking of his now ex-girlfriend after violating a restraining order. Over the course of two years, Morrison became "possessive" and "violent" with his ex-girlfriend, referred to as "Sadie" in the episode. While "Sadie" does appear on camera, she uses this alias to protect her identity. The episode chronicles the two's relationship from their meeting via an online dating service in 2013 to Morrison's incarceration. After Morrison's sentencing, the Springfield Police Department re-filed charges that connected Morrison with the death of a woman at a Springfield hotel. According to previous News-Leader reporting, on Sept. 23, 2011, SPD was called to the Homestay Inn on Glenstone Avenue in reference to a possible gunshot. Springfield woman Pristina Tyner was found lying near a stairwell, bleeding from the head. She died at Mercy Springfield hospital two days later. During a search of the hotel room Tyner was staying in, officers found a piece of paper with Morrison's phone number on it. Morrison was originally charged in Sept. 2011 in connection with the death, but charges were dismissed that December. Story continues One reason why the police felt confident in re-filing the case was because "Sadie" told them that Morrison had confessed to her about killing Tyner. Springfield Police Department Violent Crimes Sgt. Scott Hill, featured in the episode, said he interviewed "Sadie" prior to the trial. "If (Morrison and 'Sadie') were close, maybe he shared information about this homicide with her," Hill said in the episode. "When I interviewed her, she broke down in tears. She brought up the one point where he did tell her that he did kill (Tyner), so it became very important at the trial for the jurors to listen to a recent relationship of someone (who) he'd confessed to that he did murder the victim in this case." "Sadie" testified in court, detailing this confession and Morrison's behavior toward her. Morrison was sentenced to life in prison, plus 100 years in March 2018. Today, he lives at the Jefferson City Correctional Center. More:Businesses team up to offer Springfield-themed tattoos like hellbender, Fun Acre dinosaur 'Obsessive Tendencies' Jackson was sentenced to four years of incarceration for first-degree stalking in 2018. The episode presents Jackson's stalking tendencies with women since she was 10 years old. Jackson grew up in Wisconsin's foster care system. In interviews conducted inside the Chillicothe Correctional Center, Jackson described how she often felt unworthy and unloved during her childhood. This, she believes, is why she clings to others. In 2008 Jackson moved to Springfield and started a relationship with a woman named Rachel. Over time, Jackson became confrontational and obsessive over Rachel, leading to their breakup, according to Christine, Rachel's mother who appears on screen. Rachel and Christine both obtained restraining orders against Jackson but she continued to harass them. Jackson was arrested by Springfield Police Department officers in 2018, as she was parked outside of Rachel's house. Two years into her sentence, Jackson was released on parole. As of Dec. 2021, Johnson worked at a Springfield restaurant. "I'm going to stay out of prison. I'm going to not ever be obsessed with anyone again, and I just want to take a day at (a) time," Jackson said in episode eight. "I've been avoiding old friends ... alcohol ... and women. It's just been better to just work on myself and get on my feet." Attempts to reach Jackson for comment were unsuccessful. Several Missouri criminal justice system officials made appearances in the two Springfield-based episodes, including Will Worsham, owner of Worsham Law Firm and former assistant prosecutor for Greene County. Worsham told the News-Leader that the series' producers reached out to him via email about one year ago, asking him to review Jackson's case and act as the "legal expert" for the episode. As someone who has worked in the criminal justice system for 20 years, Worsham said cases of stalking are actually quite rare. Rather, cases that involve violations of ex parte restraining orders, like Jackson's, are more common. Welfare of survivors was 'paramount' Zoe Hines, series producer for Transistor Films, a production company involved in the series, told the News-Leader via email that when it came to locating convicted stalkers in the United States for the series, the process was "long and complex." First, the production team identified individuals who were convicted of a stalking or related offense. Hines said the team sent hundreds of letters to inmates, gauging their potential interest. Before production began, consent letters from the relevant departments of corrections were obtained. Next, the team approached the survivors of those associated with each case. "Throughout production, the welfare of those affected by these devastating crimes was treated as paramount," Hines said. "And this was very much taken into account when it came to our decision about whether or not to move forward with a story." Hines said the team is glad to see the series doing well. "As we'd always hoped, the series has people talking," Hines said. "Not about Hollywood's persistent suitor, rewarded for his efforts. Or the hopeless romantic, refusing to take no for an answer. But about the realities of this devastating crime." "I Am A Stalker" was released on Netflix this year. The series was a co-production between Netflix and the Crime & Investigation Network in the United Kingdom. Season one includes eight episodes that are about 45 minutes long. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Netflix series 'I Am A Stalker' features two Springfield residents By Brian Ellsworth MIAMI (Reuters) - The United States has unsealed charges against a group of Haitian gang leaders, including three men involved in last year's kidnapping of U.S. missionaries, the Department of Justice said on Monday. Joseph Wilson, known as Lanmo Sanjou, and Jermaine Stephenson, aka Gaspiyay, of the 400 Mawozo gang that took responsibility for the October 2021 kidnapping, were charged with hostage taking and conspiracy to commit hostage taking. Vitel'homme Innocent, leader of a Kraze Barye gang, worked with 400 Mawozo on the kidnapping, the DOJ said. The U.S. State Department said it was offering a reward of $3 million for information leading to the capture of the three men. The sixteen Americans and one Canadian - including five children - were taken hostage while on a trip to Haiti organized by the Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries. The group has said ransom money was paid for the release of the captives, but a dozen had escaped on their own. "When a U.S. citizen is kidnapped abroad, the Justice Department will bring to bear the full reach of our law enforcement authorities... to hold accountable those responsible," said Attorney General Merrick Garland. The DOJ also unsealed charges against four other Haitian gang members for separate kidnappings involving U.S. citizens, who it did not identify. Earlier this year, Haiti's police said that 400 Mawozo leader Germine Joly, aka 'Yonyon,' was extradited to the United States following a request by the U.S. authorities. Haiti's gangs have grown in strength since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, with large portions of the capital and much of the countryside no longer controlled by government authorities. A coalition of gangs called G9 on Sunday said it was ending a blockade of a crucial terminal that created critical fuel shortages and forced many businesses to close their doors, though it was not evident when fuel distribution would resume. (Reporting by Brian Ellsworth, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) By Jonathan Allen NEW YORK (Reuters) -A federal judge in New York temporarily suspended many parts of the state's new gun restrictions on Monday to allow members of a gun-owners' rights group to continue their lawsuit challenging the new law as unconstitutional. Judge Glenn Suddaby of the U.S. District Court in Syracuse agreed to issue the order at the request of six New York residents who are members of Gun Owners of America, which competes with the National Rifle Association in political influence. New York's old gun license regime was thrown out by the U.S. Supreme Court in a landmark June ruling that established an individual right to carry weapons in public for self-defense, making it harder for lawmakers nationwide to regulate guns in a country where mass shootings are commonplace. In Monday's preliminary injunction, Suddaby said New York officials could not compel people applying for a gun license to disclose the handles of their social media accounts or the names and contact details of everyone they live with, major provisions of the Concealed Carry Improvement Act which took effect on Sept. 1. Nor would applicants have to prove their "good moral character," Suddaby wrote in the 182-page order, a length he ascribed to the new law's "unprecedented constitutional violations." He also sharply pared back New York's new list of "sensitive places" where it is a new felony crime to possess a gun even with a license, writing that the state could not ban guns in theaters, bars and restaurants, parks, airports and other public places. The bans, however, can remain in some places, including schools, courthouses and polling stations. He also suspended enforcement of a new felony of having a gun on private premises without the express permission of the property owner or lessee. CLOSELY WATCHED The fate of New York's new law is being watched by leaders in California, Maryland and several other large states with gun regulations the Supreme Court found unconstitutional. The law is facing multiple legal challenges by gun owners: another federal judge last month agreed to suspend a provision making it a felony to have a gun in a place of religious worship. Story continues New York's Democratic leaders said the Supreme Court ruling would lead to more gun violence. They agreed to overhaul the law to remove a provision requiring license applicants to prove they had "proper cause," or some kind of special reason for owning a gun. But they heightened the licensing requirements in other areas and banned guns in many parts of the state; many Republicans said the new law was rushed and would criminalize lawful gun owners. In court filings, the state has argued the law complies with the Supreme Court's new stipulation that a weapons restriction is only constitutional if it is similar enough to regulations that were common in the 18th century, when the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment regarding a "right to keep and bear Arms" was ratified. Spokespeople for New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat who oversaw the passage of the new law, and Attorney General Letitia James did not respond to requests for comment. Erich Pratt, Gun Owners of America's senior vice president, applauded the ruling in a statement, warning Hochul and other politicians to obey the Supreme Court: "fall in line, or we will force you to." (Reporting by Jonathan Allen; Editing by Grant McCool) LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) A white University of Kentucky student is accused of physically assaulting a Black student worker while repeatedly using racial slurs, officials said. The student was arrested Sunday at a residence hall and charged with assault, alcohol intoxication in a public place and disorderly conduct, according to the Fayette County jail. She pleaded not guilty during an arraignment Monday afternoon. The university said in a statement Sunday that a disturbing incident was captured on video in a residence hall. In the video, the female student worker says the other woman hit her multiple times and kicked her in the stomach. An arrest citation filled out by campus police said the suspect repeated a racial slur to a group of Black females and kept repeating the slur after she was detained, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported. The student employee was working an overnight shift at the front desk of Boyd Hall, the university said. At one point in the video she says, I don't get paid enough for this. University President Eli Capiluto said he has reached out to offer support to the victims while officials conduct an immediate review. From my view of a video of the incident, the student worker acted with professionalism, restraint and discretion, his statement said. He said the video images reflect violence and a denial of the humanity of members of our community." To be clear: we condemn this behavior and will not tolerate it under any circumstance. The safety and well-being of our community has been and will continue to be our top priority," Capiluto said. The victim, Kylah Spring, shared her story on multiple social media platforms and asked people to help spread it. This is a story that needs to be shared. This is something that needs to be talked about because this is not only happening on my campus, this is happening at universities all across the nation," she said. "We, as students of color, we should not have to face this type of discrimination. We should not have to face this type of violence. She said she tried to handle the situation with a sensible approach so no one could fault how she responded. I feel like the way I handled the situation is the way it should have been handled. Violence is not always the answer and I know that sounds so disheartening when we face all of these things all the time. We're just expected to continue to rise above the circumstance, and continues to rise above the situation, but like Michelle Obama said When they go low, we go high. By Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) -A Palestinian human rights group told a U.N. panel on Monday it had been subject to threats and "mafia methods" during a campaign of harassment organised by Israel to silence groups documenting alleged Israeli rights violations. Israel dismissed the process overseen by the panel as a sham while it declined comment on the specific allegations. The independent Commission of Inquiry, established by the Human Rights Council, the U.N. top human rights body, last year, plans five days of hearings which it says will be impartial and examine the allegations of both Israelis and Palestinians. In the opening session, the commission heard from representatives of Palestinian organisations shuttered by Israel in August and designated as "terrorist" entities. Shawan Jabarin, General Director of human rights group Al-Haq, denied the terrorism charge and called the closure an "arbitrary decision", saying Israeli security forces had used "mafia methods" against it in a years-long harassment campaign. "They used all means, I can say. They used financial means; they used a smear campaign; they used threats," he said, saying his office was sealed with a metal door on Aug. 18. Asked to detail the threats mentioned to the panel, Jabarin told Reuters after the hearing that he had received a phone call from somebody he identified as being from "Shabak", or the Israel Security Agency, two days after the raid. They threatened him with detention, interrogation or "other means" if he continued his work, he added. A spokesperson for Israel's diplomatic mission in Geneva declined to comment on the specific testimony. A spokesperson for Israel's foreign ministry declined to comment. "This (COI) and the convening of these sham trials shame and undermine the Human Rights Council," it said in an earlier statement, saying the commission had an "anti-Israel" agenda. Story continues A U.N. human rights office has previously dismissed allegations of bias and said Israel had not cooperated with the commission's work. The first set of hearings will next turn to the killing of the Palestinian-American reporter Shireen Abu Akleh in May. The U.N. rights office has said its findings suggest that she was killed by Israeli forces while an Israeli investigation concluded she was likely unintentionally shot by an Israeli soldier. Neither the hearings nor the U.N. Human Rights Council have any legal powers. But investigations launched by the council are sometimes used as evidence before national or international courts. Israel's ally the United States has criticised the U.N. Human Rights Council for what it has described as a "chronic bias" against Israel. It quit the body over this in 2018 and only fully rejoined this year. The three-member COI was created after the 11-day conflict in May, 2021, during which 250 Gaza Palestinians and 13 people in Israel died. The inquiry mandate includes alleged human rights abuses before and after that and seeks to investigate the root causes of the tensions. (Additional reporting by Emily Rose in Jerusalem, editing by Ed Osmond and Tomasz Janowski) Melinda Simmons No, there are no plans to evacuate, she said. Were here with the security that enables us to be here. Ive now been here for months, Im living in this war, just like youre living in this war. Its certainly true to say that the circumstances for taking us out are already different from the circumstances under which we first left back in February. Thats not just because we think the threat is less serious: its still serious. Read also: Britain to donate air defense missiles to Ukraine Wallace Simmons said we have a better idea now of both Ukrainian capability and also Russias. She said the UK embassys employees are prepared to put up with the conditions in Kyiv, which has been attacked with missiles and flying bombs in recent weeks, and which is now suffering with power outages and disruptions to water supplies. Read also: Head of Pentagon holds talks with British counterpart on supporting Ukraine For now, there arent any plans to leave Kyiv, Simmons said. And I think its probably quite important for many people that we stay. She said that the UK embassy staying in Kyiv was a signal for Ukrainians and certain other countries. I go into shops to buy something and someone gives me my change and says: Youre not leaving, are you? Simmons said. So, I know that its important for many regular Ukrainians and certainly for some countries, in particular. I do notice. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine LONDON (AP) Britain's Conservative government on Monday scrapped a 250 million-pound ($288 million) plan to build a national flagship that was supposed to tour the world as a floating embassy" amid a public spending squeeze and to prioritize funding for boosting U.K. defenses against Russia. New Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sunk the plan to create a successor to the Royal Yacht Britannia, which was retired in 1997. The new flagship was championed by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, but critics had slammed it as a vanity project. Parliament's defense committee warned last year there was no evidence of the advantage to the Royal Navy of acquiring the national flagship," which would cost around 250 million pounds to build as well as up to 30 million pounds a year to run. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said he was instead prioritizing the procurement of multi-role ocean surveillance vessels, which will protect undersea cables and pipelines amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In the face of the Russian illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and (President Vladimir) Putins reckless disregard of international arrangements designed to keep world order, it is right that we prioritize delivering capabilities which safeguard our national infrastructure, Wallace said. Prime Minister of UK Rishi Sunak Read also: UK Embassy not planning evacuation from Kyiv, says ambassador Were not going to discuss the dates because of the security of your prime minister, but hes coming to Ukraine quite soon, Prystaiko said. Read also: Russia summons UK ambassador over attack on Black Sea Fleet Earlier Britains Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons reported that Sunak planned to visit Ukraine. Sunak officially took the post of UK prime minister on Oct. 25. At 42 years old, he is the youngest ever UK prime minister, and the first one of Asian origin. Read also: UK sanctions Iran over supplying drones to Russia Sunak was the only candidate for the post of prime minister after his rival, leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt, announced that she was withdrawing from the race. Former Prime Minister Liz Truss announced her resignation after 45 days on Oct. 20. Her premiership was the shortest in UK history and was marked by a series of political blunders. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The University of Kentucky student accused of committing assault and berating a UK student desk clerk with racial slurs in an incident that was caught on video appeared in court for the first time Monday. Sophia Rosing, a 22-year-old UK senior, was arraigned Monday by Fayette District Judge Bruce Bell for charges of public intoxication, third-degree assault of a police officer, fourth-degree assault and second-degree disorderly conduct. Rosings attorney entered a not guilty plea and Bell and set her bond at $10,000 cash. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 15. If she posts bond and is released from jail, she is ordered to have no contact with Boyd Hall, no consumption of alcohol and no contact with the victim. Rosing, who was crying when she made her first court appearance Monday, was arrested by UK police after she was seen in Boyd Hall physically assaulting and calling a student desk clerk racial slurs, according to court records. Police were called to the scene, where Rosing at the time identified as Jane Doe in jail records was placed under arrest. Multiple videos were taken of the incident which show a white female saying a racial slur to the desk clerk, who is Black. In one video posted to social media, the suspect continues to repeat the racial slur as a police officer is detaining her. She also made additional derogatory comments, according to the video, which features explicit language. this is the incident in question. pic.twitter.com/1nu35SBaFe arabelle (@astbellaa) November 6, 2022 When she was being detained, Rosing stated she has lots of money and (gets) special treatment, police wrote in an arrest citation. When I told her to sit back in the chair she kicked me and bit my hand. An ambulance arrived and evaluated her. She refused to identify herself and had no ID on her, police wrote in an arrest citation. Her identity was later confirmed by officials at the jail, UK and in court. Story continues Rosings attorney, Fred Peters, said after Mondays court appearance that the family told him their daughter had never acted like this before. They stated this is completely out of character for her, Peters said. It is unknown what repercussions Rosing will face from the university, who said her behavior would not be tolerated under any circumstance in a statement from President Eli Capilouto on Sunday afternoon. He said the office of Student Conduct is conducting an immediate review. It is unknown how long the review will take. Jay Blanton, a spokesperson for UK, said the university typically does not place a timeline on student conduct reviews. Even as we are beginning our process, we also dont want to do anything that might interfere with a criminal investigation that is underway, Blanton said. Without question, we will move as quickly as possible, but also thoroughly and comprehensively. We will follow our process. Rosing was quickly terminated from her job at Dillards, according to the company. She also lost her influencing partnership with CollegeFashionista, a global, digital community of thousands of college-aged fashion and beauty influencers, according to their website. In several replies to tweets asking about Rosings employment, Dillards said it does not condone this behavior and her relationship with Dillards has been terminated immediately. Dillards does not condone this behavior. Her relationship with Dillards has been terminated immediately. Dillard's (@Dillards) November 7, 2022 College Fashionista also released an online statement condemning the actions that were shown in the videos. We vehemently denounce this abhorrent behavior and do not condone racism or hate in any form, the company said. We unapologetically stand in support of BIPOC communities and affirm that Black lives matter. Full stop. ... Thank you to the community for bringing this to our attention. Thank you for raising your voices and holding us accountable. We sincerely apologize for the immense hurt caused to the individuals involved and to our wider community. The company also said it would review its processes of vetting members and conducting internal training. A March Against Racism is being held tonight at the William T. Young Library on UKs campus at 6 p.m. Reporter Chris Leach contributed to this story. KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine is bracing for fresh Russian attacks on its infrastructure, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Sunday, after Kyivs mayor urged residents to prepare for a worst-case scenario by making emergency plans to leave town and stay with friends or family. The country faced a 32 percent deficit in projected power supply Monday, Sergei Kovalenko, CEO of YASNO, a major supplier of energy to the capital, said on his Facebook page. "This is a lot, and its force majeure," he said. Meanwhile national energy authorities warned of planned outages but also possible further restrictions in the capital and the region around it as well as six further regions of the country. The warnings followed remarks by Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko urging residents to "consider everything" including a worst-case scenario where the capital loses power and water. "If you have extended family or friends outside Kyiv, where there is autonomous water supply, an oven, heating," he said in a weekend television interview, "please keep in mind the possibility of staying there for a certain amount of time." Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address that more than 4.5 million consumers were already without power. "We also understand that the terrorist state is concentrating forces and means for a possible repetition of mass attacks on our infrastructure," he said. "First of all, energy. In particular, for this, Russia needed Iranian missiles. We are preparing to respond." Zelenskiy did not elaborate on his statement that Russia needed Iranian missiles to target Ukraines energy infrastructure. Iran acknowledged for the first time Saturday that it had supplied Russia with drones Moscow has been using to target power stations and civilian infrastructure but said it did so before the war. Irans foreign minister also denied Iran had provided Russia with missiles. Ukrenergo, the grid operator, said power consumption would have to be cut by 30 percent. "From 6 a.m. until the end of the day, schedules of planned restrictions will be put into effect," it said on its Telegram channel. Further emergency shutdowns could also take place to protect a system that it noted had already suffered "massive missile attacks" on Oct. 10, 11, 17, 22 and on Nov. 2. (Reporting by Elaine Monaghan and Ron Popeski; editing by Diane Craft) Photo: pixabay Chinas secret police and espionage networks are allegedly operating in British Columbia, according to an indictment in the United States. On Oct. 26, the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed an indictment against seven individuals alleged to be illegally acting as Peoples Republic China (PRC) agents, including in Vancouver. The espionage, according to U.S. officials, is two-fold. First, it involves Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials calling upon American residents or citizens to covertly, and thus illegally, act on behalf of the Peoples Republic of China to coerce overseas Chinese citizens to return to China to face criminal charges. The espionage may also involve similar tactics to threaten and intimidate CCP dissidents, who are often American citizens. In either instance, threats are made against the victims, as well as their family members and any business arrangements located in China, as leverage to suppress freedom of speech and assembly. The documents state American resident Quanzhng An, one of the Chinese nationals charged in the case, was tapped to force the involuntary repatriation of an unnamed man residing in New York. The indictment refers to him as John Doe-1, and states he is accused of embezzling public funds in China. U.S. officials allege An was working for a provincial wing of Chinas Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. It works in conjunction with PRCs Operation Fox Hunt program, which is meant to target corruption. The indictment says An, a luxury real estate developer and hotel operator in New York, allegedly coerced John Does son to consult with a Chinese national living in Vancouver who had been in a similar situation in 2018. John Doe and a Vancouver man, referred to as the Canadian victim in the indictment, spoke in a phone call this August that was arranged by co-defendant Chunde Ming one of the 175 members of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress, the highest-level legislature in China. During that call, the Vancouver resident told the son about his experience returning to China to report to the International Cooperation Bureau in Beijing. He said his case was quickly closed within 40 days and he was able to return to Canada afterwards and had subsequently not been bothered by anyone. He also told the son it was likely John Doe would face continued harassment and threats from PRC officials until he cooperated. Chinas embassy in Canada did not return requests for comment about the indictment. The U.S. indictment raises questions about illegal foreign repression and extrajudicial schemes in Canada, says Charles Burton, a former Beijing diplomat and senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. There's no question that there are Chinese diplomats, and agents of the Chinese state, who are very active in our country, says Burton. But up to now, we have not developed legislation or regulations to fully come to terms with this. The RCMP told Glacier Media its aware of foreign interference activity in Canada, from China and other foreign states and that it has methods and techniques in place to monitor and combat it. The RCMP also noted that China, like other countries, does send police officers from the Ministry of State Security and the Ministry of Public Security to Canada for liaison officer postings or international police training. However, those visiting officers do not have law enforcement officer powers or status while in Canada. Unlike the U.S., there have been few cases under the Security Offences Act that target foreign interference. Burton says Canadian entities outside government and law enforcement, such as universities and courts, have had better luck identifying foreign interference, legal or otherwise. Conservative critic for foreign affairs, Michael Chong, says the Canadian government response has been inadequate compared to allied nations such as the United States. There's plenty of evidence that illegal unregistered agents of Beijing have been operating in Canada for some time, coercing and intimidating Canadians, said Chong. Among that evidence, says Chong, are reports from Spain-based human rights group Safeguard Defenders that China has set up illegal police stations in the Greater Toronto Area to harass expatriates. The Chinese embassy has dismissed these accusations, saying the locations are for services such as drivers licence renewals. The RCMP said they are investigating the Safeguard reports. By Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The head of Ukraine's Byzantine-rite Catholic Church met Pope Francis on Monday and said there can be no dialogue with Russia as long as Moscow considered the neighbour it invaded a colony to be subjugated. Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk's trip to the Vatican was his first trip outside Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February. He said he prefers to remain in Kyiv to be close to the people despite the bombings and hardships. "The war in Ukraine is a colonial war and peace proposals by Russia are proposals of colonial pacification," he said after meeting the pope at the Vatican. Shevchuk, who has several times urged the pope to visit Kyiv, gave Francis a piece of shrapnel from a Russian mine that destroyed the facade of a church in Irpin in March. An estimated 200-300 civilians were killed in Irpin, near Kyiv, before the town was taken back from Russian forces in late March. "These proposals imply the negation of the existence of the Ukrainian people, their history, culture and even their Church. It is the negation of the very right of the Ukrainian state to exist with the sovereignty and territorial integrity that is recognised by the international community," Shevchuk said. "With these premises, Russia's proposals lack a basis for dialogue," he said. Kyiv says it will never agree to cede land taken by force, and that lawful referendums cannot be held in occupied territory where many people have been killed or driven out. After the Kremlin announced the annexation of four Ukrainian provinces in September in the wake of referendums condemned by Ukraine and the West as a coercive sham, Kyiv said it was applying to join NATO, and would not negotiate with Russia as long as Vladimir Putin is Russia's president. Last month, Pope Francis for the first time directly begged Putin to stop the "spiral of violence and death" in Ukraine and asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to be open to any "serious peace proposal". Story continues Russian forces swept into Ukraine in what Moscow calls a "special military operation" to eliminate dangerous nationalists and protect Russian-speakers. Kyiv calls Moscow's military action an unprovoked imperialist land grab. Ukraine is predominantly Christian Orthodox but about 10% of the population belongs to the Eastern, or Byzantine-rite, Catholic Church, whose followers are in communion with Rome. The support of Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine has splintered the worldwide Orthodox Church and unleashed an internal rebellion. The war has also prompted some Orthodox believers in Ukraine to abandon their allegiance to the ROC and join the country's own branch of the Orthodox Church, which Moscow refuses to recognise. (Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Mark Heinrich) Frank-Walter Steinmeier Steinmeier stressed that Ukraine should have complete freedom of action in the issue of peace talks. Read also: Steinmeier says situation in Ukraine more terrible than we imagine after visit to country Ukraine should say when it wants such negotiations and considers them promising, he said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Oct. 4 enacted a decision taken by the National Security and Defense Council to outlaw any negotiations with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. The President's Office said that Kyiv would be ready for negotiations when the Russian leader changes. Read also: Steinmeier calls on Germans to see the war through Ukrainians' eyes Later on, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine would only be able to begin peace talks with Russia if the invading forces retreat from the occupied Ukrainian territory and admitted that they had made a terrible mistake. Read also: White House privately asked Ukraine to show openness to negotiations with Kremlin, says US newspaper According to media reports, the Biden administration has been privately asking the Ukrainian government to signal an openness to negotiations with the Russian Federation. However, the request is not aimed at pushing Ukraine to the negotiating table, but, rather, to ensure that Kyiv retains future support of other nations. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine (Bloomberg) -- The European Union is set to propose a new mechanism to provide 18 billion ($18.1 billion) in financial aid to Ukraine in a more predictable manner. Most Read from Bloomberg The bloc has been slow to provide all the support it promised earlier this year, and has faced criticism for dragging its feet. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen earlier told President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in a telephone call she will put forward the aid package this week to help cover Ukraines needs into next year. Ukraines authorities used special wartime powers to take control of five strategically important companies, all of which have ties with some of the countrys most powerful oligarchs. Zelenskiy said in his regular nighttime address that the companies will now work for the defense of Ukraine, including providing and repairing equipment and working to restore infrastructure. (See RSAN on the Bloomberg Terminal for the Russian Sanctions Dashboard.) Key Developments EU Aims to Dispel Criticism on Ukraine Aid With 18 Billion Plan Ukraine Wields Wartime Powers to Seize Firms Tied to Oligarchs Big Banks Get US Nod for Some Russian Ties as Congress Fumes Ukraine Crop Shipments Top 10 Million Tons, But Inspections Slow Big Banks Get US Nod for Some Russian Ties as Congress Fumes On the Ground Ukrainian forces repelled attacks over the past day near eight settlements in the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Ukraines General Staff said on Facebook. The countrys southern operational command said that three Russian munitions depots and a UAV control station were destroyed. Russian troops shelled the Nikopol district in the Dnipropetrovsk region overnight, local authorities said on Telegram. Story continues (All times CET) North Korea Again Denies Providing Russia with Weapons (10:22 p.m.) Pyongyang never had arms dealings with Russia and doesnt have plans to do so in future, North Koreas state media reported, citing a defense ministry official. Instead the regime accused the US of spreading a groundless rumor that it was supplying Russia with arms. The Biden administration has accused North Korea of covertly supplying Russia with artillery shells for use against Ukraine, saying it is trying to mask the shipments destination by making it look like theyre going to the Middle East or North Africa. Grid Operator Says Boosting Power Supply Will Take Time (9:15 p.m.) Work continues to increase electricity supply to consumers in central Kyiv and northern Ukraine -- regions facing the biggest power challenges as Russia attacks energy infrastructure, according to grid operator NPC Ukrenergos CEO Volodymyr Kudrytskyi. I think that our power engineers will have to work for another week, he said. And if there are hopefully no more missile strikes -- this is an important condition -- we will be able to improve the situation with power supplies in the central and northern regions of our country. EU Aims to Dispel Criticism on Ukraine Aid (9 p.m.) The proposal this week will set out a sustainable framework to cover Ukraines finances in 2023 while remaining flexible to adjust the aid to evolving funding needs, people familiar with the proposal said. It will also help to prepare the ground for reconstruction efforts. The EUs plan aims to offer more predictability in financial support for Ukraine following criticism from the US and Kyiv over the blocs delays in providing liquidity to the war-torn nation. Ukraine needs around $38 billion next year, and the Biden administration has signaled that it is ready to cover around half of the bill. Read More: EU Aims to Dispel Criticism on Ukraine Aid With 18 Billion Plan ONGC Applies to Retain Stake in Sakhalin-1, Reuters Says (6 p.m.) Indias Oil & Natural Gas Corp. applied to the new Russian manager of Sakhalin-1 to retain its 20% stake in the oil and gas project, Reuters reported, citing an unidentified person familiar with the development. Japans trade chief had said at the start of this month that his government had asked a Japanese consortium to keep its stake in Sakhalin-1 after the operations of the project were transferred to Russia under a presidential decree. India Bought 25% of Ukrainian Sunflower Oil in October (5:26 p.m.) India purchased 25% of the sunflower oil exported from Ukraine in October, Deputy Economy Minister Taras Kachka said on Facebook. This is an example of how important the grain corridor is for India, he said. About 10.07 million tons of grain and foodstuffs have departed Ukrainian ports since the corridor began operating in early August, the Joint Coordination Centre that facilitates the Ukraine grain-export deal said late Sunday. Kachka said the volume of Ukrainian agriculture exports last month amounted to 9.2 million tons, which is the second-largest such monthly figure since the beginning of the Russian invasion. The value of exports in October reached $3.8 billion. Zelenskiy Meets With Howard Buffett (4:43 p.m.) Zelenskiy held a meeting with Howard Buffett, where the US businessman and philanthropist expressed a willingness to buy energy equipment and generators for Ukrainian pumping stations, hospitals and mobile heating points, according to a statement on the presidents website. Ukrainian regions and cities, including Kyiv, have experienced power cuts after Russian forces targeted energy infrastructure in an escalation of its attacks. Zelenskiy also discussed with Buffett his potential participation in a fund for Ukraines recovery, which the government is working on, as well as in private projects. Authorities Take Over Five Companies (2:53 p.m.) Ukraines authorities have taken temporary control of five strategically important companies, Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, told reporters in Kyiv. The National Securities and Stock Market Commission issued an order on Sunday to secure the shares of engine maker Motor Sich PJSC and oil producer Ukrnafta PJSC, which is backed by billionaire Igor Kolomoisky. The authorities also targeted truck maker Avtokraz, industrial company Zaporizhtransformator PJSC and oil-refining company Ukrtatnafta. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said his government was acting in accordance with emergency legislation passed in response to the Kremlins invasion. Putin Mentors Daughter Returns to Russia (1 p.m.) The celebrity-journalist daughter of President Vladimir Putins political mentor has returned to Russia, less than a fortnight since she fled for Europe after police detained a close associate and raided her home as part of a criminal case for alleged extortion, state media reported. Ksenia Sobchak, a socialite, TV presenter and former presidential candidate who has publicly questioned the invasion of Ukraine, crossed the border into Russia from the Baltic nation of Latvia, RIA Novosti reported. Putin has often described her father, Anatoly Sobchak, the former mayor of St. Petersburg and democratic reformer, as a major influence on him when they worked together in the 1990s after the Soviet Unions collapse. Hungary Wont Back EU Joint Funds for Ukraine (12:45 p.m.) Hungary would block any European Union effort to jointly raise funds to help Ukraine, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto indicated, amid a dispute with the bloc over rule of law that is blocking Budapests access to recovery funds. Hungary has provided support for Ukraine on a bilateral basis and will continue to do so, but it opposes doing this jointly with other EU member states, Szijjarto said Monday at a conference in Sofia. Equinor Steps Up Security Around North Sea Platforms (12:30 p.m.) Equinor ASA stepped up protective measures around its offshore installations after explosions on the Nord Stream gas-pipeline system and an increase in drone activity around the companys facilities, according to CEO Anders Opedal. It was kind of a stark reminder that someone has an intent and the capabilities actually to do this, Opedal said in a Bloomberg interview on the sidelines of the UN climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Ukraine Takes Delivery of More Air-Defense Systems (12:15 p.m.) Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov thanked the US, Spain and Norway for delivering NASAMS and Aspide air-defense systems, which he said would make the skies over the country safer. We will continue to shoot down the enemy targets attacking us, Reznikov said in a tweet. Nuclear Watchdog Assessing Impact of Possible Dam Blast (12 p.m.) Ukraines nuclear watchdog said its urgently assessing the potential impact on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant of any blast damage to the Kakhovska hydroelectric facility and dam that the government in Kyiv has accused Russia of mining. The report for regulator Energoatom is due no later than Wednesday, according to statement on Telegram. Any damage could cause a significant drop in the level of the Kakhovska reservoir, which supplies water for cooling the Zaporizhzhia plant. Russian-Occupied Kherson Suffering Power Issues (11 a.m.) The southern city of Kherson and the surrounding areas are experiencing problems with electricity supply and communications, according to a Ukrainian official for the Russian-occupied region. Yuriy Sobolevskiy, deputy chairman of the Kherson Regional Council, said in a television interview that forced evacuations are continuing. He also accused Russia of spreading false information about Ukraine apparently planning to blow up a nearby dam, and said Russian forces are laying mines in city infrastructure and looting museums and medical facilities. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin has admitted to meddling in US elections, vowing on the eve of midterm ballots in America that we will continue to interfere. The Vladimir Putin ally and founder of the Wagner merceneary group currently fighting in Ukraine said in a statement published by his catering firm Concord: We have interfered, we are interfering, and we will continue to interfere. Carefully, accurately, surgically and in our own way, as we know how to do. Earlier, Russia declined to comment on reports that Washingtons top security official held undisclosed talks with the Kremlin about avoiding further escalation in the Ukraine war. Also on Monday, Britains defence secretary Ben Wallace told MPs that he was still awaiting evidence promised by Moscow to back up its claims that Royal Navy specialists were involved in a Ukrainian drone attack on its Black Sea fleet. Meanwhile, as the Russian assault on power supplies continues, Ukrainian citizens were told to brace for more blackouts in Kyiv and other regions, as residents in the capital were urged to make emergency plans to evacuate. Key Points Kremlin no comment on report of US talks More blackouts for Ukraine Fierce Russian attacks continue on Donetsk Zelensky China sends message to Russia, says no nuclear war over Ukraine Ukraine receives first delivery of advanced surface-to-air missile systems 16:42 , Andy Gregory Ukraine has received its first delivery of NASAMS air defence systems which will significantly strengthen its armed forces, defence minister Oleksii Reznikov has said. Look whos here! NASAMS and Aspide air defence systems arrived in Ukraine! These weapons will significantly strengthen #UAarmy and will make our skies safer. We will continue to shoot down the enemy targets attacking us. Thank you to our partners: Norway, Spain and the US. pic.twitter.com/ozP4eXhgOg Oleksii Reznikov (@oleksiireznikov) November 7, 2022 White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said last month that the United States was accelerating the shipment of the sophisticated surface-to-air missile systems to Ukraine after a devastating barrage from Russia. Story continues Ben Wallace still awaiting Russian evidence of claims against UK 16:22 , Andy Gregory Ben Wallace has told MPs he is still waiting for Russia to provide its ground-breaking evidence in support of its claims that Royal Navy specialists were involved in a drone attack on Russias Black Sea fleet. The defence secretary told the Commons: In recent days Russia has made a range of allegations against the UK and other international partners, clearly designed to distract the attention from Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine. I did indeed receive a letter from the Russians which seemed to demonstrate everything that has been announced either in this House or in the media by the government going way back to the times of Orbital. As yet I still await the ground-breaking evidence but I dont expect it to come because simply what we know is that Russia is involved in misinformation. Key Putin ally admits Russia is interfering in US elections and will continue to interfere 16:01 , Liam James A key Vladimir Putin ally has admitted that Russia is interfering in US elections and said that they will continue to interfere (Gustaf Kilander writes). On Monday, Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin said he had interfered in American elections and that he woudl carry on doing so. Its the first admission from someone blamed by the US for attempting to influence US politics. We have interfered [in US elections], we are interfering, and we will continue to interfere. Carefully, accurately, surgically and in our own way, as we know how to do, Mr Prigozhin said, according to comments posted by the press department of his catering company Concord. The statement was released on VKontakte, Russias version of Facebook, according to Reuters. Putin ally admits Russia interfering in US elections and will continue to interfere Kyiv warns of more blackouts and evacuations as Russia pounds power stations 15:28 , Liam James Bel Trew reports from Dnipro: Ukraines grid operator has warned citizens to brace for more blackouts in Kyiv and other regions, while the capitals mayor urged residents to make emergency plans to evacuate the city as the Russian assault on power supplies continues. Vitali Klitschko said people should consider everything, including a worst-case scenario where the capital loses power and water. Officials fear this could be deadly as snow sets in and temperatures drop well below zero. Russia denies pointless losses in Donetsk 14:46 , Liam James Russia's defence ministry has taken the unusual step of denying claims by Russian military bloggers that a naval infantry unit had lost hundreds of troops in a futile offensive in eastern Ukraine. Bloggers said they had an open letter from members of the 155th marine brigade of Russia's Pacific Fleet, complaining they had been thrown into an incomprehensible assault on Ukrainian forces southwest of Donetsk. As a result of the carefully planned offensive by the 'great generals', we lost about 300 people killed, wounded and missing in the course of four days. [And] half of our equipment, said the letter. Regional governor Oleg Kozhemyako appeared to acknowledge the letter was genuine but said it exaggerated the scale of the true losses. A defence ministry statement, quoted by state-owned RIA news agency, rejected the assertion that the marines unit had suffered high, pointless losses in people and equipment. Reuters reported that it also denied incompetence on the part of bridge commanders. The denial suggests a sensitivity on the part of the Kremlin to reports that the Ukraine campaign is struggling. Russia 'looting empty homes in Kherson, Ukraine claims 14:20 , Reuters Ukraine accused Russia of looting empty homes in the southern city of Kherson and occupying them with troops in civilian clothes to prepare for street fighting in what both sides predict will be one of the wars most important battles. In recent days Russia has ordered civilians out of Kherson in anticipation of a Ukrainian assault to recapture the city, the only regional capital Moscow has seized since its invasion in February. Kherson, with a pre-war population of nearly 300,000, has been left cold and dark after power and water were cut to the surrounding area over the past 48 hours, both sides said. Market traders set up stalls by damaged buildings in Nova Kakhovka, Kherson (Reuters) Russia working to return power to Kherson 13:50 , AP Russian-appointed authorities say they are working to partially restore power in the occupied Ukrainian city of Kherson following what they have called a Ukrainian terrorist attack on power lines. The southern city in the region that Moscow illegally annexed in September was cut off from power and water supplies on Sunday following damage to three power lines. Kirill Stremousov, deputy head of the pro-Kremlin administration of the partially occupied Kherson region, said Monday that power and connectivity is being partially restored in Kherson city. The alleged attack occurred on the Berislav-Kakhovka power line, and Russian state media reported on Sunday that the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station had also been damaged by Ukrainian strikes. Ukrainian officials havent responded to the allegations. Civilians evacuated from Kherson arrive at a local railway station in the town of Dzhankoi, Crimea (Reuters) Kherson will be decisive in Ukraine war Serbian president 13:20 , Liam James Russian state-owned news agency Tass has quoted Serbias president, Aleksandar Vucic, as saying he thinks the battle for Kherson will be decisive in the war in Ukraine. Russian-backed officials in the occupied region have been evacuating civilians from Kherson city as Ukrainian forces draw near. Mr Vucic was quoted today as comparing the coming confrontation to the Battle of Stalingrad, in which Soviet forces deterred a Nazi assault in the Russian city now known as Volgograd. The president, who has maintained Belgrades ties with Moscow, said: We have a difficult time ahead of us, next winter will be even more difficult than this one, because we are facing the Battle of Stalingrad, the decisive battle in the war in Ukraine, the battle for Kherson, in which both sides use thousands of tanks, aircraft, artillery. The west thinks that in this way it will be able to destroy Russia, Russia believes that in this way it will be able to protect what it took at the beginning of the war and bring the war to an end. This will create additional problems everywhere. Its for Ukraine to decide when to talk with Russia, says Germany 12:38 , Liam James Germany said Ukraine should decide when to hold peace talks with Russia, after a report that the US had pressed for Kyiv to make public gestures towards negotiations. A spokesperson for the German government said Ukraine can make up its own mind about when to enter talks, adding that Moscow has also been reluctant to participate in them. The Washington Post reported that the US has been privately encouraging Ukraine to signal it is open to talks with Russia though sources told the paper that Washingtons true aim was to get Kyiv to bolster international support by giving the appearance that Ukrainian officials were trying to end the war that threatens a tough winter worldwide. Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out negotiations while Vladimir Putin remains in power. Kremlin no comment on report of US talks 11:35 , Liam James The Kremlin declined to comment on a Wall Street Journal report that Washington had held undisclosed talks with top Russian officials about avoiding further escalation in the Ukraine war. According to the report, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan held talks with aides to President Vladimir Putin in the hope of reducing the risk that the war in Ukraine spills over or escalates into a nuclear conflict. We have nothing to say about this publication, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Once again I repeat that there are some truthful reports, but for the most part there are reports that are pure speculation, he said, directing people to contact the White House or the paper itself. He added that while Russia remains open to talks, it is unable to negotiate with Kyiv due to the latters refusal to hold talks with Russia. Railway building hit in Donetsk strikes 11:00 , Liam James A railway administration buidling was damaged in strikes on the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk on Monday morning, Reuters reports. Fighting continues around Donetsk city as Russia continues its campaign to capture the whole region. Municipal workers remove debris outside a damaged local railway administration headquarters in Donetsk this morning (Reuters) Smoke rises near the railway building this morning (Reuters) Russian pilot losses holding back air campaign MoD 10:35 , Arpan Rai The British defence ministry (MoD) has said that Russias attempt to gain air superiority has been further hit by the countrys loss of experienced crew members over the course of the war. Citing the Ukrainian commander-in-chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, the MoD said that Russia has lost over twice the number of aircraft in Ukraine than in the Soviet-Afghan war. This amounts to 278 aircraft lost in Ukraine compared to 119 in Afghanistan, it said. Whilst we cannot independently verify these figures, Russias continued lack of air superiority is likely exacerbated by poor training, loss of experienced crews, and heightened risks of conducting close air support in dense air defence zones, the ministry said. It added: This is unlikely to change in the next few months. Russias aircraft losses likely significantly outstrip their capacity to manufacture new airframes. The time required for the training of competent pilots further reduces Russias ability to regenerate combat air capability, the ministry said. We have nowhere to go: The pensioners barely surviving on Ukraines front lines 10:05 , Liam James In the liberated towns and villages of Ukraine, the onset of winter brings with it a desperate need for fuel but Russian shelling has left the people here without power, heat or water, Bel Trew reports from Kharkiv. Read the full story here: We have nowhere to go: The pensioners barely surviving on Ukraines front lines More than 1,500 new graves at Mariupol burial site report 09:38 , Liam James More than 1,500 new graves have been dug at a mass burial site near the southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, analysis of satellite images for BBC Panorama found. Mariupol, a Black Sea port city on the western edge of Ukraines Donbas region, was a major strategic target for the Russians early in the war. Thousands of civilians were killed in relentless attacks before the city finally fell to Russian forces in May. Recent satellite images from Maxar show that three mass burial sites near Mariupol located at Staryi Krym, Manhush and Vynohradne, have been steadily growing in recent months. The Centre for Information Resilience (CIR) analysed the images of Staryi Krym for Panorama and concluded that 1,500 new graves had been dug there since it last analysed images at the site in June. CIR now estimates that more than 4,600 graves have been dug there since the beginning of the war, though it added that it did not know how many bodies were buried there. Russian soldier catches and throws bomb dropped by Ukrainian drone 09:11 , Liam James Drone footage appears shows a Russian soldier catching a dropped by a Ukrainian drone and throwing it away after catching them while he was hiding in a trench in the battlefield. Armed drones play a vital role in the war in Ukraine, with both sides using them in large numbers to gather intelligence, correct artillery fire, and drop bombs. More blackouts for Ukraine 08:49 , Liam James Ukraines grid operator said blackouts would continue today for Kyiv and several other regions. Rolling blackouts have been taking place for weeks in the capital after repeated Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Despite warnings from President Volodymyr Zelensky that more strikes were planned, the capital was relatively peaceful on Monday morning. But Ukrenergo, the grid operator, said earlier damage to the power network required a stronger reduction in energy use than first thought. The countrys power grid still cannot resume full operation after the Russian terrorist attacks. In some regions, we have to introduce blackouts to avoid overloading the high-voltage infrastructure, a spokesperson said in a statement. Scheduled shutdowns from 6am local time to the end of the day will affect Kyiv and the regions of Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Kharkiv and Poltava, it said in a statement. People walk in a park during a blackout in Kyiv on Sunday (AP) Biden and Scholz in Ukraine call 08:29 , Liam James US president Joe Biden and German chancellor Olaf Scholz yesterday discussed developments in Ukraine on a phone call, the White House said. A spokesperson for the presidents office said: The leaders agreed that Russias recent nuclear threats are irresponsible. They underscored the continued commitment of the United States and Germany to provide Ukraine with the economic, humanitarian, and security support it needs to defend against Russias aggression. The call also covered relations with China, following Mr Scholzs trip to Beijing last week, the White House said. Kyiv mayor says power could be lost, make plans to evacuate 08:10 , Liam James The mayor of Kyiv has urged residents to make evacuation plans as the capital could lose power this winter if Russia keeps striking the countrys energy infrastructure. Residents should consider spending some time with friends or family outside the city, Vitali Klitschko said in a television interview, in which he accused Russian president Vladimir Putin of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure. His task is for us to die, to freeze, or to make us flee our land so that he can have it. Thats what the aggressor wants to achieve, Mr Klitschko added. Having no electricity, water or heat in the freezing cold cannot be ruled out in the Ukrainian capital, Vitali Klitschko said. We are doing everything to avoid this, he said. But lets be frank, our enemies are doing everything for the city to be without heat, without electricity, without water supply, in general, so we all die. And the future of the country and the future of each of us depends on how prepared we are for different situations. Kyiv was having hourly rotating blackouts in parts of the city and the surrounding region on Sunday. Rolling blackouts were also planned in the Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Kharkiv and Poltava regions, Ukraines state-owned energy operator Ukrenergo said. IT worker Igor, who normally uses an electric hob, makes tea using a camping stove at home during a scheduled power cut last night in Kyiv (Getty) Russia to resume strikes on power grid, says Zelensky 07:41 , Liam James Volodymyr Zelensky warned last night of more potential Russian attacks on his countrys energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian president, in his regular nightly address, said Russia was concentrating forces and means for a possible repetition of mass attacks on our infrastructure. First of all, energy. Russia has launched a series of air strikes in recent weeks targeting energy infrastructure in Ukraine and restricting power use for large parts of the country. More than 4.5 million consumers were already without power, Mr Zelensky said, as Ukraines energy operator warned that blackouts needed to be longer. Presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said earlier on Twitter that Ukraine would stand despite Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, adding that this would be done by using air defence, protecting infrastructure and optimising consumption. The countrys projected power supply was 32 per cent below normal on Monday, Sergei Kovalenko, CEO of Yasno, a major supplier of energy to the capital, said. Russias inferior air combat impacted by loss of experienced crews, says UK 06:41 , Arpan Rai The British defence ministry has said that Russias dwindling air superiority has been further hit by the countrys loss of experienced crew members over the course of the war. Citing the Ukrainian commander-in-chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, the British MoD said that Russia has lost over twice the number of aircraft in Ukraine than in the Soviet-Afghan war. This amounts to 278 aircraft lost in Ukraine compared to 119 in Afghanistan, it said. Whilst we cannot independently verify these figures, Russias continued lack of air superiority is likely exacerbated by poor training, loss of experienced crews, and heightened risks of conducting close air support in dense air defence zones, the ministry said. It added: This is unlikely to change in the next few months. Russias aircraft losses likely significantly outstrip their capacity to manufacture new airframes. The time required for the training of competent pilots further reduces Russias ability to regenerate combat air capability, the ministry said. Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 07 November 2022 Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/nOk01oHSNN #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/bmQn6FHZYH Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) November 7, 2022 Putin alarms Macron with Hiroshima nuclear remark 05:32 , Arpan Rai Vladimir Putin told French president Emmanuel Macron that the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki show you dont need to attack major cities in order to end a war, according to reports. The Mail on Sunday reported a French government source as saying the Russian president referenced Hiroshima in a call with Mr Macron which left the French president distinctly alarmed. The threat of a Russian atomic strike particularly one with tactical nuclear weapons which are designed to cause devastation on the battlefield has been speculated on at the highest level by Ukraine and its western allies. Reports in the US media said Washington had intelligence showing that senior Russian officials had recently held conversations to discuss when and how Moscow might use a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine. Read the full story here: Putin alarms Macron with Hiroshima nuclear remark One killed after Russian shelling in Sumy 05:17 , Arpan Rai At least one person has been killed in a Russian shelling attack on Sumy oblast, officials said. The officials have accused Russia of firing more than 200 projectiles on Sunday, reported The Kyiv Independent. Smaller regions like Bilopillia, Esman, Vorozhba, Krasnopillia, Khotin, Seredyna-Buda, and Shalyhyne came under attack in which seven houses have been reported damaged due to the shelling. A local cemetery, two cars, one cafe and power lines have also been damaged in the attack, the official said. Ukraine fatigue on talks with Putin causing concern - report 04:53 , Arpan Rai Officials in Kyiv and Washington have acknowledged that Volodymyr Zelenskys refusal to engage in talks with Vladimir Putin is now causing concern in parts of Europe, Africa and Latin America as countries suffer an indirect hit from the war. Ukraine fatigue is a real thing for some of our partners, an unnamed US official said, reported the Washington Post. The Russian war on Ukraine which has killed thousands of civilians and forced an exodus of millions of Ukrainians has hurt markets and seen rising costs of food and fuel worldwide. The Biden administration is said to be privately encouraging Ukraine to signal an openness to negotiate with Russia. The US State Department has publicly defended Zelenskys position, saying Moscow is clearly still escalating the war and shows no signs of wanting to seriously consider peace talks. According to the report, the request by the US officials was not directed at bringing Ukraine to the negotiating table, unnamed sources told the Post. It was instead a calculated attempt to ensure Kyiv maintains the support of other nations, it added. Russia planning more attacks on Ukraines energy sites, says Zelensky 04:23 , Arpan Rai Volodymyr Zelensky has said Russia is planning more assaults on Ukraines infrastructure, especially when it comes to energy production and distribution. He added that Kyiv is preparing to respond to the anticipated attacks. We understand that the terrorist state is concentrating forces and means for a possible repetition of mass attacks on our infrastructure. First of all, energy. In particular, for this, Russia needs Iranian missiles, he said in his nightly address. More than 4.5 million Ukrainian consumers were already without power, Mr Zelensky added. Fierce Russian attacks continue on Donetsk - Zelensky 03:30 , Arpan Rai Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Moscow of driving its mobilised soldiers to death while warning that attacks have soared in Russia-occupied Donetsk region. Very fierce Russian attacks in the Donetsk region continue. The enemy suffers serious losses there, but despite everything, despite any losses, he continues to drive his mobilised soldiers and mercenaries to their deaths, Mr Zelensky said in his nightly address. Bidens top aide Sullivan held undisclosed talks with Russia' 03:00 , Lamiat Sabin National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has reportedly held undisclosed talks with top Russian officials in hopes of reducing the risk of the war in Ukraine spilling over or escalating into a nuclear conflict. This is according to a report in the Wall Street Journal on Sunday. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan (Andrew Harnik/The Associated Press) The newspaper cited US and allied officials as saying that Mr Sullivan, president Joe Bidens top aide on national security, held confidential conversations in recent months with Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov and Russian Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev, that were not disclosed publicly. The White House declined to comment on the report, responding to questions about the story only with a statement attributed to National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson: People claim a lot of things. The Wall Street Journal said the officials did not provide the dates or the number of calls. Zelenksy: Irans supply of weapons to Russia prolongs war 02:00 , Lamiat Sabin Volodymyr Zelensky said that Iran, which supplies Russia with weapons, should be held jointly responsible for the consequences of the war in Ukraine. He suggested that Iran supplying weapons has prolonged the conflict. In his nightly address, the Ukranian president said after he discussed increasing pressure on the Iranian regime with the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday that Irans complicity in Russian terror must be punished. An attack on buildings in Kyiv using Iranian-made drones (Roman Hrytsyna/Associated Press) He continued: The whole world will know that the Iranian regime is helping Russia to continue this war. And therefore to prolong the effect of those threats to the world that provoked precisely by the Russian war. If it were not for the Iranian supply of weapons to the aggressor, we would be closer to peace by now, which means closer to a complete solution to the food crisis, closer to a solution to the cost of living crisis, to stabilization in the energy market, to reliable security against radiation blackmail, which Russia does not abandon. Therefore, absolutely everyone who helps Russia to continue this war must be responsible for the consequences of this war along with it. Russian military archpriest Mikhail Vasiliev dies in Ukraine 01:00 , Lamiat Sabin A Russian priest, who said women would find it easier to send their sons to war if they had more children, has died in Ukraine. Mikhail Vasiliev died on Sunday (6 November) in the area of aathe special military operation in Ukraine while carrying out pastoral duties, the official website of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) says. He reportedly died of shrapnel wounds caused by a HIMARS explosion just metres away from him. The ROC said Mr Vasiliev had travelled for participation in peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, Bosnia, Abkhazia, Kyrgyzstan, the North Caucasus and Syria. He was the military archpriest of the church of St. Barbara the Great Martyr and the Venerable Ilya Muromets in Vlasikha, in the Moscow region. Mikhail Vasilyev, Russian orthodox priest, has died in Ukraine. He is famous for telling women who didn't want to send their sons to war that they should have had more sons. https://t.co/OnPt2xDIyG Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) November 6, 2022 In October, Mr Vasiliev told the Spas (Saviour) TV channel that if women in Russia had more children, it would be easier for them to send their sons to war. The presenter had told him about a woman who hid her son in the Canary Islands to avoid conscription. He said: The Lord has allowed each lady to give birth to many children. And if a lady, fulfilling this commandment to be fruitful and multiply, refused to use artificial pregnancy termination methods, in the widest sense, then obviously she would have more than one child. And therefore, she would not find it so painful and terrifying to part with her child, even for a while. The devil is not so terrible as he is painted. Whom God helps, nobody can harm. Ukraine 'to see drop in power by almost a third 00:01 , Lamiat Sabin Ukraine faces a 32 per cent deficit in projected power supply, according to an energy CEO. Sergei Kovalenko, CEO of YASNO, a major supplier of energy to Kyiv, said on his Facebook page: This is a lot, and its force majeure. It comes as Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko warned residents to prepare for the worst this winter and possible evacuation from the capital if Russia keeps launching attacks on Ukraines energy network. Rolling blackouts have taken place in Kyiv, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Kharkiv and Poltava regions, Ukraines state-owned energy operator Ukrenergo said. Around 4.5 million people are without electricity, Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly video address to the nation on Sunday. '906 people allowed to flee occupied areas of Ukraine in a week Sunday 6 November 2022 22:43 , Lamiat Sabin Russian troops have allowed only 906 people in one week to leave the temporarily occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Luhansk and Donetsk. This is according to the mayor of Melitopol, Ivan Fedorov, who made the claim on Telegram today. He wrote: Every day, residents of the captured territories of Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts try to escape the occupation to the territory controlled by Ukraine. In one week, the Rashists (Russian fascists) released a total of 906 people from the occupied parts of four regions to Zaporizhzhia. Thousands more are waiting for their turn. ICYMI: China says nukes must not be used against Ukraine Sunday 6 November 2022 22:00 , Lamiat Sabin In case you missed it... Chinese president Xi Jinping has warned against using nuclear weapons over Ukraine, in what is considered to be Chinas first clear message to Russia (Maroosha Muzaffar writes). The international community should jointly oppose the use or threats to use nuclear weapons, advocate that nuclear weapons must not be used and nuclear wars must not be fought, in order to prevent a nuclear crisis in Eurasia, Mr Xi said during a meeting with German chancellor Olaf Scholz in Beijing. Mr Xi told Mr Scholz that he opposed the use of nuclear force in Europe without naming Russia, in his most direct remarks so far on the escalating crisis. During their first in-person meeting, Mr Xi called on the international community to reject the threat of nuclear weapons and advocate against nuclear war to prevent a crisis on the Eurasian continent. Nuclear weapons must not be used over Ukraine, Chinese president says Kyiv warned to expect worst this winter amid power cuts Sunday 6 November 2022 21:30 , Lamiat Sabin The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, is warning residents to prepare for the worst this winter if Russia keeps launching attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure. We are doing everything to avoid this, he said, but lets be frank, our enemies are doing everything for the city to be without heat, without electricity, without water supply, in general, so we all die. And the future of the country and the future of each of us depends on how prepared we are for different situations. File photo of Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko (Nariman El-Mofty/Associated Press) Around 4.5 million people are without electricity, Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly video address to the nation on Sunday. The Ukrainian president said: We must get through this winter and be even stronger in the spring than now. Russia has focused on striking Ukraines energy infrastructure over the last month, causing power cuts. Kyiv was having hourly rotating blackouts in parts of the city and the surrounding region on Sunday. Rolling blackouts were also planned in the Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Kharkiv and Poltava regions, Ukraines state-owned energy operator Ukrenergo said. Russian troops suffering serious losses in Donetsk - Zelensky Sunday 6 November 2022 21:00 , Lamiat Sabin Russia is suffering heavy losses in continuing its fierce attacks in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky said. Vladimir Putins troops are preparing new assaults on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Mr Zelensky also said during his nightly address to Ukrainians. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky (PA Media) Very fierce Russian attacks on Donetsk region are continuing. The enemy is suffering serious losses there, he said. Mr Zelensky said he believed Russia was concentrating forces and means for a possible repetition of mass attacks on our infrastructure, energy in the first instance. Kyiv blackouts controlled after attacks on energy facilities' Sunday 6 November 2022 20:30 , Lamiat Sabin Kyiv is suffering difficulties with its electricity supply but blackouts have been controlled, according to a senior official. Kyryl Tymoshenko, deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, has written on Telegram: The situation as regards electricity supply to consumers in the capital is difficult today. Apparently, every resident of Kyiv is feeling it now. But most importantly, temporary blackouts help energy companies stabilise the power grid. Preventing a mass blackout. The important thing is that the temporary blackouts now are controlled. Our rage at such moments and helplessness is what the enemy wanted to achieve by attacking energy facilities. Thats why we work, dont panic. Everything will be fine! It comes after Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko had called on Kyiv residents to stock up on essentials and to consider temporarily moving out of the capital. But today he assured them that there was no reason to panic. Watch: Russian soldier catches and throws Ukraine bomb Sunday 6 November 2022 20:00 , Lamiat Sabin Footage shows a Russian soldier managing to throw away a bomb dropped by a Ukrainian drone before it exploded. Putin makes very heavy hint of nuclear detonation - report Sunday 6 November 2022 19:24 , Lamiat Sabin Vladimir Putin reportedly told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that the USs nuclear attacks on Japan show you dont need to attack major cities in order to end a war. The threat of a Russian atomic strike particularly one with tactical nuclear weapons which are designed to cause devastation on the battlefield has been speculated on at the highest level by Ukraine and its Western allies. The Russian president referenced Hiroshima in a call with Mr Macron which left the French president distinctly alarmed, The Mail on Sunday reported citing a French government source. It sounded like a very heavy hint that Putin might detonate a tactical nuclear weapon in the east of Ukraine, while leaving Kyiv intact, the source said. That appeared to be the thrust of his remarks. You can read the full story by Liam James here Putin alarms Macron with Hiroshima nuclear remark Ukraine will protect against Russias energy genocide Sunday 6 November 2022 18:30 , Lamiat Sabin Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, said Ukraine will resist attempts by Russia to commit energy genocide. Let's be honest: RF tries to commit "energy genocide", but Kyiv and Ukraine will stand. Simple protection plan: air defense, infrastructure facilities protection, consumption optimization. State effectively copes with these challenges. We work on solution together with partners (@Podolyak_M) November 6, 2022 He tweeted: Lets be honest: RF tries to commit energy genocide, but Kyiv and Ukraine will stand. Simple protection plan: air defense, infrastructure facilities protection, consumption optimization. State effectively copes with these challenges. We work on solution together with partners. Kherson without water or power after sabotage, Russia says Sunday 6 November 2022 18:00 , Lamiat Sabin The Russian-installed administration in the Kherson region of southern Ukraine said that a number of settlements, including Kherson city, had been left without water and electricity after an act of sabotage. In a statement on Telegram, the Kremlin-backed administration said that supplies were temporarily absent after what it said was a terrorist attack by Ukraine that damaged three power lines in the region. Reuters news agency said it was unable to immediately verify battlefield accounts from either side. Elderly evacuees leaving Kherson for the Crimea on Saturday (The Associated Press) Russian state-owned news agency TASS quoted Khersons Moscow-appointed governor Vladimir Saldo as saying that the city planned to have its power supply restored by the end of the day. Kherson is the only regional capital in Ukraine that Russians have captured since the invasion started on 24 February. Russian officials have in recent weeks repeatedly warned civilians to leave Kherson, amid what they say are preparations for a Ukrainian offensive against the city. Child, 9, wounded in Russian attack in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Sunday 6 November 2022 17:20 , Liam James A nine-year-old child was injured in Russias shelling of Nikopol district, in the Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukrainian reports said. Valentyn Reznichenko, head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration, wrote on Telegram yesterday: In the evening, the Russians once again shelled Nikopol district. They fired heavy artillery at the Myrove community. They injured a 9-year-old girl. Ukrinform reported that the enemy shell hit a residential building. In the dugout: Ukrainian soldiers go underground in Kherson Sunday 6 November 2022 16:50 , Liam James Pictures have come through of Ukrainian soldiers in underground bunkers dug near Kherson as the battle for the city appears close to a head. Ukrainian soldiers in a dugout near Kherson (EPA) Beds in the dugout (EPA) A Ukrainian soldier digs a trench by the dugout (EPA) Zelensky and EU chief discuss Iran sanctions and aid Sunday 6 November 2022 15:52 , Liam James Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen today to discuss macro-financial aid for Ukraine and further sanctions on Iran, Mr Zelensky said. Noted the importance of continuing the grain initiative for world food security. Discussed increasing sanctions and opposing actions of Iran, which supports aggression, Mr Zelensky wrote on Twitter. Iran yesterday admitted supplying Russia with drones which it has used to fire on Ukraine but Mr Zelensky said he still thought leaders in Tehran were downplaying their cooperation with the Kremlin. Macro-financial aid (MFA) is a form of EU aid for countries struggling economically. Ukraine was given hundreds of millions in MFA to help it recover from the pandemic, for instance. Kherson city loses water and power, Russia says Sunday 6 November 2022 15:00 , Liam James The Russian-installed administration in Ukraines Kherson region said that a number of settlements, including Kherson city had lost water and power supplies after what it said was an act of sabotage. In a statement on Telegram, the Russian-installed Kherson administration said that electricity and water supplies were temporarily absent after what it said was a terrorist attack damaged three power lines in the region. It said that the attack had been organised by Ukraine, though it provided no evidence. Reuters was unable to immediately verify battlefield accounts from either side. Russian state-owned news agency Tass cited emergency services in the region as saying that ten settlements, including Kherson city, which had a pre-war population of 280,000, had been left without electricity. Biden administration privately asks Ukraine to signal Russia its open to talks, report says Sunday 6 November 2022 14:30 , Liam James The US is privately encouraging Ukraines leaders to signal an openness to negotiate with Russia and drop their public refusal to engage in peace talks unless president Vladimir Putin is removed from power, the Washington Post reported. The Post quoted unnamed people familiar with the discussions as saying that the request by the US officials was not aimed at pushing Ukraine to the negotiating table, but a calculated attempt to ensure Kyiv maintains the support of other nations facing constituencies wary of fuelling a war for many years to come. It also reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiys ban on talks with him had generated concern in parts of Europe, Africa and Latin America, where the wars effects on costs of food and fuel are felt most sharply. The US State Department declined to comment when asked about the report. Migrant border crossings rise at Poland-Belarus border Sunday 6 November 2022 14:00 , AP The Polish border service on Friday reported an increase in the number of Middle Eastern migrants trying to illegally cross into the European Union at the border of Belarus and Poland. In the past 24 hours, border agents detained 117 migrants from Syria, Yemen, Egypt, Iraq, Cameroon, Morocco and Sri Lanka, with 65 others detained the previous day. Belarusian border officials declined to comment. Last week, the Polish border service released a 26 October video that appears to show Belarusian border guards near the border with Poland, leading a group of migrants and trying to hide their faces from the camera. It said Belarusian border guards help migrants cross the border to Poland, with most migrants now traveling first to Russia and then taking organized transport to Belarus. Global statesmen: Only diplomacy can end Ukraine war Sunday 6 November 2022 13:30 , AP Only dialogue and diplomacy can end the devastating war in Ukraine, with total victory on the battlefield impossible for either warring party, members of a group of prominent former world leaders founded by Nelson Mandela said on Friday. The group, known as The Elders, delivered that message to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, telling him on a visit to Kyiv this summer that he must start considering a way out of the conflict, said group chairwoman Mary Robinson, former Irish president. We need to encourage more thinking about how it will end in order to get the idea that this needs to end, as opposed to increasing the military arsenal on both sides and the devastation to the population in Ukraine, said Robinson, who also served as UN high commissioner for human rights. Blackouts not enough, says Ukraine energy operator Sunday 6 November 2022 12:55 , Liam James The operator of Ukraines grid, targeted by Russian air strikes in recent weeks, said it would step up rolling blackouts in Kyiv and seven Ukrainian regions in response to what it said was increased electricity consumption. Large parts of Ukraine have been having their power switched off for several hours a day since Russia launched an air campaign against energy infrastructure across the country. Ukrenergo said the scheduled blackouts were not enough and said power may now be switched off for longer periods on short notice. A view of Kyivs Podil district during a blackout on Friday (AP) A woman walks her dog during a blackout in Kyiv on Friday (AP) Russian shelling of Donetsk intensifying, says Ukraine Sunday 6 November 2022 12:15 , Liam James Russian forces are stepping up their strikes in a fiercely contested region of eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian authorities said. The action is worsening the already tough conditions for residents and the defending army following Moscows illegal annexation and declaration of martial law in Donetsk province, they said. The attacks have almost completely destroyed the power plants that serve the city of Bakhmut and the nearby town of Soledar, said Pavlo Kyrylenko, the regions Ukrainian governor. Shelling killed one civilian and wounded three, Mr Kyrylenko said late on Saturday. The destruction is daily, if not hourly, Mr Kyrylenko said in a state television interview. Russia is pushing to take hold of the Donetsk region, with recent fighting focusing on the city of Bakhmut. Local resident Alexander walks on the ruins of a house destroyed by recent shelling in Donetsk (Reuters) Ukraine dam damaged in bombing, Russia claims Sunday 6 November 2022 11:45 , Liam James Ukraines Russian-held Nova Kakhovka dam was damaged in shelling by Ukrainian forces, Russian news agencies reported today, citing emergency services. Russian state-owned news agency Tass quoted a representative of the emergency services as saying that a rocket launched by a US-made Himars missile system had hit the dams lock and caused damaged. The official quoted said it was an attempt to create the conditions for a humanitarian catastrophe by breaching the dam. The reports provided no evidence to support the allegation, which could not be immediately verified by The Independent. The vast Nova Kakhovka dam, which blocks the Dnipro river upstream of Kherson where Ukrainian forces have been making advances, has taken on vital strategic significance in recent weeks. Both Russia and Ukraine have since October repeatedly accused each of planning to breach the dam using explosives, in a move that would flood much of the area downstream in what would likely cause major destruction around Kherson city. Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro river (Reuters) Georgias economy booming due to Russian influx Sunday 6 November 2022 10:30 , Liam James Georgia is on course to become one of the worlds fastest-growing economies this year following a dramatic influx of more than 100,000 Russians since Moscows invasion of Ukraine. Men fled to Georgia in droves after Vladimir Putin ordered a partial mobilisation of military reserves. A line of private vehicles leaving Russia in the days after the order stretched more than 10 miles. Over 700 dolphins may have died in the Black Sea since Russias Ukraine invasion, report says Sunday 6 November 2022 10:00 , Liam James Russias invasion of Ukraine has put the entire Black Sea basin under a huge threat, according to a report that said more than 700 dolphins and porpoises have died in the region since the conflict began (Vishwam Sankaran writes). The report, published recently by Accobams or the Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and Contiguous Atlantic Area warns that military activity in the area affects marine life forms in the region, including cetaceans such as dolphins and porpoises. It said over 700 deaths, primarily in dolphins and harbour porpoises, have been recorded on the coasts of countries bordering the Black Sea, including Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. An earlier report by Ivan Rusev, research director at Ukraines Tuzla Estuaries National Nature Park, had also warned that the marine mammals were washing up on the coastline of the Black Sea. Experts believe some of these increased dolphin strandings are a direct consequence of the loud noises caused by warfare. Over 700 dolphins may have died in the Black Sea since Putins Ukraine invasion White House no comment on Russia talk plans Sunday 6 November 2022 09:30 , Liam James The White House National Security Council had no immediate comment on the accuracy of a report that Washington officials were pushing for negotiations with Russia. The Washington Post reported that President Joe Bidens administration was privately encouraging Ukraines leaders to signal an openness to negotiate with Russia and drop their public refusal to engage in peace talks unless President Vladimir Putin is removed from power. Asked about the report a State Department spokesperson said: The Kremlin continues to escalate this war. The Kremlin has demonstrated its unwillingness to seriously engage in negotiations since even before it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Nuclear weapons must not be used over Ukraine, Chinas president says in clear response to Russia Sunday 6 November 2022 09:00 , Liam James Chinese president Xi Jinping on Friday warned against using nuclear weapons over Ukraine, in a first clear message to Russia (Maroosha Muzaffar writes). The international community should jointly oppose the use or threats to use nuclear weapons, advocate that nuclear weapons must not be used and nuclear wars must not be fought, in order to prevent a nuclear crisis in Eurasia, Mr Xi said during a meeting with German chancellor Olaf Scholz in Beijing. President Xi told Chancellor Scholz that he opposed the use of nuclear force in Europe without naming Russia, in his most direct remarks so far on the escalating crisis. During their first in-person meeting, Mr Xi called on the international community to reject the threat of nuclear weapons and advocate against nuclear war to prevent a crisis on the Eurasian continent. Nuclear weapons must not be used over Ukraine, Chinese president says Putin in Hiroshima nuclear threat' Sunday 6 November 2022 08:30 , Liam James Vladimir Putin reportedly said the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima show you dont need to attack major cities in order to end a war in a conversation with French president Emmanuel Macron. Ukraines Western allies have accused Russia of threatening to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Moscow denies doing so and has repeatedly accused Kyiv of planning to use a radioactive dirty bomb without offering evidence. The Mail on Sunday reported a French government source as saying Mr Macrons call with the Russian president left him distinctly alarmed. It sounded like a very heavy hint that Putin might detonate a tactical nuclear weapon in the east of Ukraine, while leaving Kyiv intact. That appeared to be the thrust of his remarks. A source was quoted: The two presidents have undoubtedly discussed the risk of nuclear weapons use. Putin wants to get the message across that all options are on the table, in line with Russian doctrine relating to nuclear weapons. Power blackouts across Ukraine amid Russian shelling Sunday 6 November 2022 08:00 , Liam James Ukraines state electricity operator on Saturday announced regular scheduled blackouts in Kyiv and seven other regions of the country in the aftermath of Russias devastating strikes on energy infrastructure. The move comes as Russian forces continue to pound Ukrainian cities and villages with missiles and drones, inflicting damage on power plants, water supplies and other civilian targets, in a grinding war that is nearing its nine-month mark. Russia has denied that the drones it has used in Ukraine came from Iran, but the Islamic Republics foreign minister on Saturday for the first time acknowledged supplying Moscow with a limited number of drones before the invasion. Hossein Amirabdollahian claimed, however, that Tehran didnt know if its drones were used against Ukraine and stated Irans commitment to stopping the conflict. Power blackouts across Ukraine amid Russian shelling A Russian flag and a Ukrainian flag fly in the Crimean port city of Sevastopol in 2014. (Filipo Monteforte/AFP via Getty Images) TBILISI, Georgia Up against one of the worlds largest fleets, Ukraines navy struggled in the early months of Russias invasion. Since Feb. 24, Russia has been dominating the waterways that surround Ukraines eastern and southern coast. In eight months, the Russian military has secured strategic ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk, which both encircle the Sea of Azov. But it appears that Ukraine has been rebuilding its navy with the help of the U.S. In June, the Department of Defense announced that it would send 18 coastal and riverine patrol boats in the $450 million military assistance package. It included two 35-foot small-unit river craft; six 40-foot maritime combat craft; and 10 Dauntless Sea Ark 34-foot patrol boats. Ukrainian border guards patrol the Sea of Azov off the city of Mariupol on April 30, 2021. (Aleksey Filippov/AFP via Getty Images) This will be helpful in enabling the Ukrainians to defend ... Odesa and other positions along the Black Sea coast, a senior defense official said in a briefing at the Pentagon. The vessels are small and are not meant to compete directly on the open seas with warships like the Moskva, the Russian Black Sea flagship that Ukrainian forces destroyed with a missile strike early in the war. But the combat boats can execute coastal and river operations. Russian navy officers line up on the deck as the guided missile cruiser Moskva sails back into a harbor after tracking NATO warships in the Black Sea, in the Crimean port city of Sevastopol in 2021. (Alexey Pavlishak/Reuters) A retired Ukrainian navy captain, Andrii Ryzhenko, told Yahoo News that every boat can be fitted with machine guns and grenade launchers. It means they can be used primarily to fight with a similar size boat but not with big combat ships, said Ryzhenko, speaking from Ukraine. According to reports, a number of the combat boats are already patrolling the Black Sea. Pictures posted to a Ukrainian defense news site appear to show 40-foot U.S. Defiant boats. Ukrainian marines look at a Russian ship in Sevastopol Bay on March 4, 2014. (Viktor Drachev/AFP via Getty Images) Designed by the Louisiana-based company Metal Shark, the 40 Defiant has been created to address the vulnerabilities of traditional patrol boats while delivering substantial increases in capabilities and firepower. The latest additions to the navy will be a boost for Ukraines ability to defend its ports and waterways. When Russia invaded and annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014, it had taken over one of Ukraines major ports. At least 75% of Ukraines fleet was taken by Russia, according to Defense News. Ukraine was forced to begin rebuilding its navy. In the coming months, Kyiv is expected to get another 22 boats totaling 40 boats, Ryzhenko said. By Tom Balmforth KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine denied on Tuesday that it was under Western pressure to negotiate with Russia, doubling down on its insistence that talks could be held only if Russia relinquishes all of the territory it has occupied since its invasion in February. The remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy followed a Washington Post report on Saturday that the United States had encouraged Ukraine to signal willingness for talks. Zelenskiy's comments also coincided with U.S. midterm elections whose outcome could test Western support for Ukraine. In an overnight address before he was due to speak to world leaders at a climate summit, Zelenskiy recited what he called Ukraine's "completely understandable conditions" for peace talks. "Once again - restoration of territorial integrity, respect for the U.N. Charter, compensation for all damages caused by the war, punishment of every war criminal and guarantees that this will not happen again." Ukraine had repeatedly proposed such talks, but "we always received insane Russian responses with new terrorist attacks, shelling or blackmail", Zelenskiy said. On Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov repeated Moscow's position that it is open to talks but that Kyiv was refusing them. Moscow has said it will not negotiate over territory it claims to have annexed from its neighbour Ukraine. Zelenskiy's senior adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said it was absurd to suggest that Western countries would push Kyiv to negotiate on Moscow's terms, as they were the ones supplying Ukraine with the weapons to drive Russian forces off its land. He said there was "no coercion" in Kyiv's relationship with Washington, and suggestions the West was pushing Ukraine to negotiate were part of Russia's "information programme", though he did not directly rebut the Washington Post report. Since Russia announced the annexation of Ukrainian territory at the end of September, Zelenskiy has said that Kyiv would never negotiate as long as Vladimir Putin was Russian president. Story continues CALL TO EXTEND GRAIN DEAL Separately, Zelenskiy called on Tuesday for an extension to the Black Sea grain export deal that lifted a Russian blockade of three major Ukrainian ports and eased a global food crisis. The accord, brokered by Turkey and the United Nations in July, expires on Nov. 19 and looked in jeopardy last month when Russia briefly suspended its participation before rejoining it. "We maintain the line that the initiative must continue regardless of whether the Russian Federation is willing," Zelenskiy told Washington's United Nations ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, in Kyiv. Alluding to his country's status as one of the world's top grain producers, he added on the Telegram messaging app: "Ukraine is ready to remain the guarantor of world food security." Ukraine also wants the grain export deal expanded to include more ports and goods and hopes a decision to renew the pact for at least a year will be taken next week, the deputy infrastructure minister said in a Reuters interview. ADVANCE ON KHERSON Ukrainian forces have been on the offensive in recent months, while Russia is regrouping to defend areas of Ukraine it still occupies, having called up hundreds of thousands of reservists over the past month. Russia has been evacuating civilians from occupied areas, especially from southern Ukraine's Kherson region, in an operation Kyiv says includes forced deportations, a war crime. Moscow says it is taking people to safety. On Tuesday night, a Ukrainian military statement accused Russian troops of continuing to loot and destroy infrastructure in Kherson, where a showdown has been looming for weeks in the only regional capital Russia has captured since its invasion. "On 7th November, a convoy of trucks passed over the dam of the Kakhova hydroelectric station loaded with home appliances and building materials," the statement said. Russian forces were dismantling mobile phone towers and taking away equipment, it said. In an area near the city of Beryslav, Russian forces "blew up a power line and took equipment from a solar power station." In Kherson city, it said Russian troops removed exhibits, furniture and equipment from a museum devoted to artist Oleksiy Shovkunenko, known for his paintings of portraits and landscapes. Russian artillery hit more than 30 settlements in Kherson and Mykolaiv regions, and in Zaporizhzhia region the Russian-installed authorities were forcing residents to accept Russian passports after seizing their Ukrainian documents, the statement said. Reuters was not able to verify the Ukrainian reports. Britain's Ministry of Defence said Russia was preparing new fortified lines deep inside territory it controls "to forestall any rapid Ukrainian advances in the event of breakthroughs". This involved installing concrete barriers known as "dragon's teeth" to stop tanks, including near Mariupol in the south to help safeguard Russia's "land bridge" to occupied Crimea even if Moscow loses other territory. Meanwhile, most candidates in Tuesday's U.S. midterm elections, Democrats and Republicans, support Ukraine. But some right-wing Republicans have criticised the cost of military aid. Regardless of the vote's outcome, U.S. support for Ukraine would be "unflinching and unwavering", White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said. (Reporting by Reuters bureaux; Writing by Peter Graff, Mark Heinrich and Grant McCool; Editing by Gareth Jones, Tomasz Janowski and Bill Berkrot) Over the course of the past 24 hours, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have repelled Russian attacks in the vicinity of eight cities and villages in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and have struck a unit of the Akhmat Battalion [a Chechen military unit - ed.] in Lysychansk. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 7 November Details: The Ukrainian Armed Forces have repelled Russian attacks in the vicinity of Yampil, Andriivka, Krasnohorivka, Marinka, Pavlivka, Vodiane and Novomykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast and Bilohorivka in Luhansk Oblast. Ukrainian forces struck a unit of the Akhmat Battalion in Lysychansk, killing 30 soldiers and injuring another 15. Russia is taking great care to cover up the scale of its losses in Ukraine. Ukrainian forces additionally carried out an attack on a cluster of Russian military equipment in Horlivka (Donetsk Oblast), destroying 5 and damaging 4 armoured combat vehicles. Up to 30 Russian soldiers get killed and 120 sustain injuries of various severity daily in the vicinity of Maiorsk (Donetsk Oblast). Over the course of the past 24 hours, Russian forces have carried out 4 missile strikes and 24 airstrikes, as well as over 55 attacks using multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS). Around 30 Ukrainian cities, towns and villages in Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, Sumy and Kherson oblasts came under Russian fire. There were no significant changes on the Volyn and Polissia fronts. On other fronts, the Russians continued to fire on military and civilian targets: On the Sivershchyna front : Russian forces deployed mortars, tubed and rocket artillery to fire on areas in the vicinity of Hai (Chernihiv Oblast) and Stukalivka, Popivka and Vorozhba (Sumy Oblast); they additionally deployed attack UAVs; On the Slobozhanshchyna front : Russian forces deployed mortars and all types of artillery at their disposal to fire on areas in and around Novoselivske, Miasozharivka, Vovchansk, Stelmakhivka, Berestove, Ohirtseve and Strilecha; On the Kupiansk and Lyman fronts : Russian forces deployed various types of artillery to fire on areas in and around Serebrianka, Nevske, Makiivka, Bilohorivka, Ploshchanka, Spirne and Verkhnokamianske; On the Bakhmut front : the Russians deployed tank guns, mortars and tubed and rocket artillery to fire on areas in and around Andriivka, Soledar, Yakovlivka, Bakhmut, Bakhmutske, Opytne, Maiorsk, Chasiv Yar, Klishchiivka and Zelenopillia; On the Avdiivka front : the Russians deployed tank gun and artillery of various calibres to fire on areas in the vicinity of Avdiivka, Pervomaiske, Nevelske, Marinka, Novomykhailivka, Vuhledar and Opytne; On the Novopavlivka and Zaporizhzhia fronts : the Russians fired on areas in and around Huliaipole, Huliaipilske, Olhivske, Dorozhnianka, Novopil, Shcherbaky, Novodanylivka, Vremivka and Pavlivka using mortars and tubed and rocket artillery; On the Pivdennyi Buh front: Russian forces fired tank guns and various types of artillery on areas in the vicinity of Blahodatne, Davydiv Brid, Dudchany, Myrne, Nova Kamianka and Pravdyne. They continued to deploy UAVs to conduct aerial reconnaissance, undertaking more than 20 sorties. Story continues Russian occupation forces are continuing to grossly violate the laws and customs of war in their treatment of civilians. The Russians are searching for sabotage groups and artillery observers in Kakhovka (Kherson Oblast). The detainees are taken to Hornostaivka and forced to testify under torture. Similar events are unfolding in Borivske and Shchedryshcheve (Luhansk Oblast), where the Russian forces are conducting extensive searches, seizing civilians mobile phones, and kidnapping people and taking them to an unknown location. Russian occupation forces dressed in plain clothes are moving into civilians homes in Kherson and equipping positions for conducting street battles inside. Meanwhile, Russian propaganda media are preparing to report on the alleged attacks on civilians by the Ukrainian defence forces. Over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian aircraft carried out 22 airstrikes on Russian forces, striking 20 clusters of military personnel, weapons and equipment and 2 anti-aircraft defence systems. Ukrainian air defence forces shot down 5 Russian UAVs. Ukraines Rocket Forces and Artillery struck 2 Russian command points, 8 clusters of Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment, 1 ammunition storage point, 1 electronic warfare system and several other crucial military targets over the course of the past 24 hours. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak discussed issues including illegal immigration and people smuggling with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni at the COP27 summit in Egypt on Monday, his Downing Street office said. In a separate meeting with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan at COP27, Sunak discussed regional security, in particular the situation in Iran and the negotiations around the Iran nuclear deal, his office added. (Reporting by Paul Sandle and Sachin Ravikumar) Sophia Rosing faces charges of disorderly conduct, public intoxication from alcohol, fourth-degree assault and third-degree assault of a police officer. A University of Kentucky student faces harsh consequences after physically assaulting and verbally attacking a Black fellow UK co-ed with racial slurs. According to WKYT News, in response to an assault on Kylah Spring, a Black student working as a desk clerk in a college dormitory, campus police arrested Sophia Rosing early Sunday morning, before 4 a.m. Rosing appeared intoxicated when she entered the building, according to Spring, who described the incident in a video uploaded to TikTok. Basically, what happened was I stuck my head out the window, [and] I was like, Are you okay? Whats going on? And thats when the N-word, the B-word, those racial slurs and things started coming out, Spring explained, via TikTok. University of Kentucky student Sophia Rosing was arrested following a verbal and physical attack on a Black UK student during which she repeatedly used racial slurs. (Photo: Screenshot/ Lexington-Fayette Urban County Division of Community Corrections website) So I called the RA down, but [they] took a minute, she continued. In between the time of the RA getting down, the girl has called me the N-word and the B-word multiple times; shes punched me twice at this point; shes bitten on my arm a few times, as well as kicked me in my stomach, and she tried to run me and my friend over with a shopping cart. While Spring acknowledged that she and her unnamed friend had a similar experience, she has decided to withhold her friends identity until this person speaks up and shares her feelings. So we finally get the RA to come down, and the girl starts saying things like, Do my chores; its not my fault that youre Black; its not my fault that youre ugly at this point, shes like singing the N-word, Spring continued in her TikTok clip. There are multiple people trying to get this girl to be quiet. She bit a couple of other people who were trying to basically calm her down. Rosing allegedly behaved erratically even after campus police arrived, refusing to give them her identity and even kicking one of the officers, according to Spring. Story continues WKYT reported that Rosings bond was set at $10,000 after her 3:50 a.m. booking Sunday at the Fayette County Detention Center. She faces charges that include disorderly conduct, public intoxication from alcohol, fourth-degree assault, and third-degree assault of a police officer. In her TikTok video, Spring said incidents like the one she experienced occur far too frequently on college campuses, and little is being done about it. At this point, the attention needs to be shifted from the offenders to the offended, she said. According to WKYT, the University of Kentucky released an initial statement on Twitter maintaining that they were investigating the incident and supporting the victim. Dr. Eli Capilouto, president of UK, issued a follow-up statement denouncing Rosings conduct. From his perspective, Spring was professional and used discretion in her responsive actions. Capilouto said that hed update the faculty and staff as the investigation into the incident progressed, and that we also must learn from this moment and do better as a community. Assault victim Kylah Spring explained on TikTok that attacks like the one she experienced early Sunday morning occur far too often on college campuses, and far too little is being done. (Photo: Screenshot/YouTube.com/LEX 18) The video images I have seen do not honor our responsibilities to each other, said Capilouto, according to WKYT. They reflect violence, which is never acceptable, and a denial of the humanity of members of our community. They do not reflect civil discourse. They are deeply antithetical to what we are and what we always want to be as a community. There is no more important responsibility we have or commitment we must make than to treat each person each person on this campus as people who have equal intrinsic worth and value, he added. Rosing worked as a Dillards campus influencer, according to her LinkedIn profile. Dillards and Her Campus Media, the parent company of College Fashionista through which she was hired, have severed ties with Rosing, effective immediately. College Fashionista said in a statement to WKYT that they would be doing an immediate full assessment of their member management procedures, including their internal training programs and vetting procedures. At Her Campus Media and College Fashionista, we vehemently denounce this abhorrent behavior and do not condone racism or hate in any form, the company told WKYT. We unapologetically stand in support of BIPOC communities and affirm that Black lives matter. Full stop. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post University of Kentucky student arrested after calling peer the N-word, biting her appeared first on TheGrio. Xi calls for scaling up global action on wetlands conservation as COP14 opens Xinhua) 08:05, November 07, 2022 Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech via video at the opening ceremony of the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands held in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) BEIJING, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday called for strengthening cooperation on wetlands conservation and scaling up wetlands action across the world. He made the remarks while delivering a speech via video at the opening ceremony of the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14). In his speech, Xi noted that it is important to build global consensus on prizing wetlands, show respect for nature, minimize disruption and damage caused by human activities, and protect the ecological security of wetlands in order to leave the beautiful wetlands to future generations. "It is important that we advance the global process on wetlands conservation, redouble efforts to preserve authenticity and integrity, include more important wetlands in nature reserves, improve cooperation mechanisms and platforms, and increase the coverage of wetlands of international importance," Xi said. He also called for enhancing people's well-being globally by leveraging the role of wetlands in promoting sustainable development, tackling climate change, protecting biodiversity, and delivering more benefits to people around the world. Historic achievements have been made in wetlands conservation in China. The country has increased the area of wetlands to 56.35 million hectares, put in place a protection system and enacted a Wetlands Conservation Law, according to Xi. The president further noted that China will pursue a modernization of harmony between humanity and nature, and promote high-quality development in the wetlands conservation cause. China has recently drawn up a layout plan of national parks. Under the plan, China will designate a number of national parks, accounting for about 10 percent of the country's land area. About 11 million hectares of wetlands will be incorporated in the national park system, with a focus on developing wetland national parks including the Three-River-Source National Park, the Qinghai Lake National Park, the Ruoergai National Park, the Yellow River Estuary National Park, the Liao River Estuary National Park and the Songnen Plain Crane Homeland National Park. A national wetlands conservation plan and major conservation projects will be implemented, Xi added. China will promote international exchanges and cooperation to protect the four bird migration routes passing China and to build an international mangrove center in Shenzhen, Xi said, adding that China supports the convening of a conference of the World Coastal Forum. "Let us join hands to write a new chapter in global wetlands conservation," said the Chinese president. Themed "Wetlands Action for People and Nature," the COP14 is scheduled to run from Nov. 5 to 13 in China's Wuhan and Switzerland's Geneva. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) Photo: The Canadian Press FILE - This photo provided by the New York State Department of Corrections shows Mark David Chapman, the man who shot and killed John Lennon outside his Manhattan apartment building in 1980, Jan. 31, 2018. Chapman told a parole board that he knew it was wrong to kill the beloved former Beatle, but that he was seeking fame and had evil in his heart." He made the comments in August 2022 to a board that denied him parole for an 12th time, citing his selfish disregard for human life of global consequence. (New York State Department of Corrections via AP, File) The man who gunned down John Lennon outside his New York City apartment building in 1980 told a parole board that he knew it was wrong to kill the beloved former Beatle, but that he was seeking fame and had evil in my heart." Mark David Chapman made the comments in August to a board that denied him parole for a 12th time, citing his selfish disregard for human life of global consequence. Chapman, in a transcript released by state officials Monday under a freedom of information request, said the decision to kill Lennon was "my big answer to everything. I wasnt going to be a nobody, anymore. I am not going to blame anything else or anybody else for bringing me there, Chapman told the board. I knew what I was doing, and I knew it was evil, I knew it was wrong, but I wanted the fame so much that I was willing to give everything and take a human life. Chapman killed Lennon on the night of Dec. 8, 1980, as he and Yoko Ono were returning to their Upper West Side apartment. Earlier that day, Lennon had signed an autograph for Chapman on a copy of his recently released album, Double Fantasy. Chapman, 67, told the board, This was evil in my heart. I wanted to be somebody and nothing was going to stop that." Chapman is serving a 20-years-to-life sentence at Green Haven Correctional Facility in New Yorks Hudson Valley. He has repeatedly expressed remorse during his parole hearings over the years. I hurt a lot of people all over the place and if somebody wants to hate me, thats OK, I get it, he said at the Aug. 31 hearing. In denying him release, the board mentioned Chapman's action has left "the world recovering from the void of which you created. Chapman's next parole board appearance is scheduled for February 2024. In June, John Hinckley Jr., who shot and wounded President Ronald Reagan in 1981, was freed from court oversight, officially concluding decades of supervision by legal and mental health professionals. Hinckley had been acquitted by reason of insanity. Sophia Rosing, a student at the University of Kentucky (UK), is facing heat in the court of law and public opinion after a video showed her assaulting a Black student-employee who was doing her job and minding her own business. The incident occurred over the weekend, and it went down after Rosing belligerently attacked a woman named Kylah Spring, who was working at the front desk of the college dorm at the time. Video of the ordeal shows Rosing, who appears to be under the influence, tussling with Spring upon entering the dorm after a presumed night out. As Spring attempts to calm the situation down, Rosing can be heard repeatedly telling her, Youre a n****r, and youre a b***h. Jesus, I do not get paid enough for this, Spring says while holding back Rosing, whos continuing to try and get physical. This is crazy af and TikTok removed the video @universityofky pic.twitter.com/cicDR3bmdK Slim (@_ToyaW) November 6, 2022 Since the video began sparking outrage and catching major traction online, Spring the student-employee whom Rosing accosted has come forward to share some more details about the incident. Spring explained that Rosing did not have any identifying information (like a student ID) on her, was drunk in the dormitory lobby and was aggressively refusing Springs attempts to deescalate the matter and follow procedure by contacting a resident assistant (R.A.). I say, Are you okay? and she continues to look at me and she starts calling me a n****r, she recalled. She bit me along my arm. She punched me in my face, Spring continued. She kicked me in my stomach as well. She tried to run me over with a grocery cart that was in the lobby. Spring also shared some additional angles of her altercation with Rosing. Story continues Eli Capilouto, UKs president, proceeded to condemn the matter in a press release. Early this morning, an incident involving violence against our students, racial slurs and offensive language occurred in one of our residence halls. One of the victims was a student employee who was working an overnight shift at the front desk, he wrote. UK Police arrested the perpetrator, who faces criminal charges, and the investigation is ongoing. Our Office of Student Conduct also is conducting an immediate review, and our Student Success teams are reaching out to the student victims who were subject to this behavior to offer support, Capilouto added. An arrest has been made. We are conducting an immediate review and have reached out to the student victim to offer support. University of Kentucky (@universityofky) November 6, 2022 On top of being arrested on charges like public intoxication, disorderly conduct and assault, WKYT reports that Rosing was also terminated from her position as a Dillards Campus Influencer. Sophia Rosing was booked at the Fayette County Detention Center at around 3:50 AM on Sunday morning. https://t.co/sKEVX9FoRq WKYT (@WKYT) November 6, 2022 In response, Rosing took to her Instagram Story to bemoan the situation and say that shes not a racist. I am not a racist I was under the influence I lost everything literally, she wrote. Now I have to fear for my life God forgives please understand. Her name is Sophia Rosing. She was also a campus sponsor for Dillard and they have made a statement about firing her. No job and no school for her now pic.twitter.com/vwMZl19WsM Shawn (@TSM_25) November 7, 2022 However, we should note that the internet has drudged up some other instances of Rosing being belligerently problematic, suggesting that there could be a pattern to her behavior. she clearly has a pattern. like cmon pic.twitter.com/H7Z7uOmORX yugie (@UgoOnwuka) November 7, 2022 What are your thoughts on the situation? WASHINGTON The C-17 Globemaster is one of the workhorses of the U.S. Air Forces mobility fleet, transporting everything from heavy weaponry, like tanks, to hundreds of passengers. But the Air Force has another mission in mind for the massive aircraft: carrying pallets of standoff cruise missiles. As the service prepares for a potential high-end fight against a major adversary, such as China, and weighs the reality of limited budgets and fleets, the service is looking to wring more capabilities out of existing aircraft some of which are decades old. In a war against China, U.S. Air Force leaders have repeatedly said airspaces will likely be highly contested, units could be cut off and isolated, and losses are probable. Under those circumstances, having several types of planes each performing a unique task is a luxury the Air Force cant afford. The service knows it cant count on Congress to fund scores of tailor-made airplanes for unique missions, and so it is turning to planes already sitting on the flight lines as a way to stretch its capabilities. Think of this effort as turning key parts of the fleet into the aircraft equivalent of a Swiss Army knife making airplanes flexible enough to carry out multiple roles beyond the missions for which they were designed. That doesnt just mean using cargo planes as cruise missile launchers, as part of the Air Forces experimental Rapid Dragon program. It could also mean bombers serving as cargo planes, or tankers as battle management nodes. What were seeing is the Air Force taking legacy platforms and trying to create additional utility for them in nontraditional ways, Heather Penney, a former F-16 pilot and now a senior resident fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, told Defense News. So having this additional flexibility built in can create capacity and some capability [where needed]. Industry is taking note. As contractors pitch new planes to the Air Force, those manufacturers are touting the additional capabilities their aircraft could offer beyond their primary mission. Story continues The idea is not far off from the Air Forces strategy of creating multi-capable airmen, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown told reporters at a roundtable in September at an Air and Space Forces Association conference. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown delivers remarks during a transition ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., in 2020. (Eric Dietrich/U.S. Air Force) Under the multi-capable airmen concept, the service is seeking personnel who can do other jobs besides their own for example, teaching a maintainer the basics of loading weapons or refueling planes. That way, if a war erupts, airmen deployed to isolated bases without reinforcements would be able to do several jobs and keep their units functioning. But having multi-capable aircraft, so to speak, also creates opportunities to complicate how the enemy manages its battlespace, Brown said. For instance: If an enemy force spies a C-130 on its radar, is that plane carrying nonlethal food or equipment? Or is that C-130 ferrying something more dangerous perhaps a pallet of cruise missiles, seconds away from deploying out the back and delivering a barrage of firepower? The scenarios might prompt very different responses from an enemy but it would be hard to tell whats inside the cargo bay. This combo provides us more opportunity, Brown said. It also complicates and creates dilemmas for our adversaries. Theyve got to account for these things. Penney said using aircraft in nontraditional ways could shake up how an enemy understands U.S. strategies and techniques. China has gone to school on how the United States goes to war, Penney said. Guess what? It hasnt changed a whole lot. So its been very easy for China to go: Oh, this is exactly the play that theyre running. Bomb bay in a box The Vietnam War saw America drop BLU-82/B Daisy Cutter bombs from C-130 cargo planes to create helicopter landing zones. The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb has also been deployed from MC-130J Commando IIs, such as during the 2017 operation where one was dropped on a tunnel complex of an Islamic State group affiliate in Nangarhar, Afghanistan. But in a future war, the Air Force will likely face sophisticated air defenses that could pick off a mobility aircraft that gets too close. So in recent years, the Air Force Research Laboratory has sought to give its mobility aircraft the ability to launch standoff weapons, well out of enemy air defense range, by experimenting with palletized munitions. The concept, dubbed Rapid Dragon, is essentially a bomb bay in a box a pallet of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range cruise missiles, or JASSM-ER, that airmen can load onto an MC-130J or C-17 Globemaster without modifications to the plane. Once in range, the crew deploys the weapons in the same way it would drop equipment by sliding the pallet out of the back using standard airdrop procedures. One by one, the quartet of missiles would release, spring their wings and tail, ignite their engines and streak toward their targets. In 2020, the lab awarded a contract, which was worth up to $25 million, to Lockheed Martin to develop this system. Late last year, the lab conducted the final flight test, successfully destroying a target over the Gulf of Mexico using a cruise missile launched from an MC-130J. The lab said it plans to continue adding different kinetic and non-kinetic munitions to Rapid Dragon, among other capabilities in 2023 and beyond. Airmen and riggers load a Rapid Dragon palletized weapon system aboard an MC-130J Commando II at Hurlburt Field, Fla., on Dec. 13, 2021. (Staff Sgt. Brandon Esau/U.S. Air Force) If Rapid Dragon proved a C-130 can essentially act as bomber, a bomber can also serve as a cargo plane. Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana announced in August it had rigged up B-52H Stratofortress bombers to carry as much as 10,000 pounds of cargo. During an exercise at Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington, the bombers tested using the B-52 On-Board Cargo System, which are cargo containers that can plug into bomb bays. Each container a B-52 can carry two can hold up to 5,000 pounds of maintenance and support equipment, the Air Force said. This could allow a deploying B-52 to carry the tools, spare parts and other supplies for maintenance and operations once on site, the service added. The service also said this could be particularly useful as part of its agile combat employment, or ACE, concept, practiced during the Fairchild exercise. Air Force Global Strike Command said in an email to Defense News that it plans to next test this concept at an overseas location in the near future. The ACE strategy calls for spreading out the services airmen and aircraft across a network of dispersed bases throughout a region, rather than concentrating its force across a few centralized bases vulnerable to enemy strikes. The Air Force has worked to hone this concept in recent years. These dispersed bases could include partner nations military airfields, civilian airports or austere bases set up in the field. But key features of ACE are resiliency and the ability to operate with a great deal of self-sufficiency. Senior Airman Aaron Wiles, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron engine mechanic, prepares to inspect a B-52 On-Board Cargo System after landing at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., on Aug. 18, 2022. (Senior Airman Chase Sullivan/U.S. Air Force) Battlefield management For years, the service has counted on the E-3 Sentry also known as the AWACS, or Airborne Warning and Control System to provide command, control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. But the AWACS is approaching retirement, as are some of the services other aircraft that offer similar capabilities. The Air Force has tapped the E-7 Wedgetail as a replacement, but the first one wont arrive until 2027, and it will be several more years after that until the Air Force has a viable fleet. In the meantime, warfighters will need another way to get accurate pictures of the battlefield. Enter: the KC-46A Pegasus. As part of its Advanced Battle Management System program, the Air Force has equipped some KC-46s with tools that allow it to pass information between fifth-generation fighters, therefore serving as data-sharing nodes on the battlefield. That effort is starting to pay off, the service said in September. Over the summer, KC-46s deployed to Qatar used an onboard system to serve as nodes, securely connecting a ground-based air operations center with nearby aircraft. This was the first time the system was successfully used in a combat operation, Air Mobility Command said. The commands chief, Gen. Mike Minihan, told reporters at the AFA conference in September that the KC-46s ability to connect personnel and provide more situational awareness is another factor that makes it a useful aircraft, beyond its primary mission of refueling planes. In response, the defense aviation sector is acknowledging it cant just pitch planes that are essentially one-trick ponies. In a Sept. 20 interview, Greg Ulmer, executive vice president of aeronautics at Lockheed Martin, said the company wants to include equipment to support the Pentagons joint all-domain command and control concept on its proposed LMXT refueling tanker. JADC2 is a multibillion-dollar effort meant to tie together all components of the U.S. military, from sensor to shooter. Lockheed hopes the Air Force will choose LMXT for its KC-Y program. Ulmer said technology now exists to make airplanes such as the LMXT tanker into multi-utility players, capable of collecting information through sensors and then serving as a node to distribute that information. Theyll be able to create a very robust digital picture of the environment, Ulmer said. Well be able to fuse that information collected across multiple domains into a sight picture from a battle management perspective. So you could have a [C-130] flying a cargo mission, or a tanker collecting a lot of information and then processing that and forwarding it, or relaying it in a situation. When American company L3Harris Technologies and Brazilian firm Embraer pitched their KC-390 agile tanker concept to the Air Force in September, the companies particularly touted the aircrafts JADC2 capabilities. Luke Savoie, president of L3Harris intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sector, told Defense News that contractors have realized their products must offer flexibility while reducing single points of failure. If you want to win, the current threat environment is going to drive certain types of solutions, he said. If youre not doing that, youre going to lose. But there are still challenges in setting up this kind of a network, Ulmer said most notably, having a common communication standard that would allow multiple types of aircraft to talk to one another. He noted that Air Force Secretary Frank Kendalls decision, announced in September, to appoint a program executive officer to oversee efforts to modernize command, control, communications and battle management should help produce that common standard. U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall speaks at the 2022 Defense News Conference. (Colin Demarest/Staff) Penney said the Swiss Army knife approach helps wring more out of legacy platforms, but that the effort comes at a cost and fails to address recapitalization needs. We still need so much more airlift, Penney said. We still need so many more bombers, and we still need so many more fighters. Looking for new ideas Speaking to reporters at the AFA conference, Brown couldnt speak to the Air Forces next unorthodox use of an aircraft, although he and Kendall are looking for more ideas. Brown said these kind of unusual ways to use aircraft could help achieve some of Kendalls operational imperatives for improving how the Air Force fights its wars bolstering battlefield management and resilient basing. Given the U.S. is not engaged in large-scale combat, Brown said, now is the right time to test these concepts and ensure they work. Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass said these out-of-the-box ideas will most often come from the airmen who perform related jobs every day. Its up to them to brainstorm and share their ideas, she added, rather than expecting higher-ups to think of them. If our airmen are waiting for the answer to come from the Pentagon, theyre going to be waiting for a long time, Bass said. The U.S. Department of Justice on Monday announced that law enforcement seized $3.36 billion of bitcoin from a man who unlawfully obtained more than 50,000 bitcoin from darkweb market Silk Road over a decade ago. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York said that James Zhong of Gainesville, Georgia, pleaded guilty on November 4 to committing wire fraud in September 2012. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The plea came almost a year after law enforcement seized 50,676.17851897 bitcoin, then valued at more than $3.36 billion, from Zhongs home, the statement said. Officials found the bitcoin in an underground floor safe and on a single-board computer that was hidden under blankets in a popcorn tin placed in a bathroom closet. Law enforcement also recovered $661,900 in cash, 25 Casascius coins of bitcoin (valued at about 174 bitcoin), an additional 11.116 bitcoin and a handful of silver- and gold-colored bars. The whereabouts of this massive amount of bitcoin was a mystery for almost 10 years, U.S. Attorney Damian WIlliams said in the release. It was the largest cryptocurrency seizure in the history of the U.S. DOJ at the time, and today remains the departments second-largest financial seizure, it stated. Silk Road was an online black market that was launched in 2011 by the then-anonymous Dread Pirate Roberts (later uncovered as Ross Ulbricht). It was notoriously known for money laundering activities and for buying and selling illegal drugs with bitcoin. In less than two years, the Silk Road was shut down by the U.S. government, and by 2015, Ulbricht was unanimously convicted by a jury and sentenced to life in prison. This case shows that we wont stop following the money, no matter how expertly hidden, even to a circuit board in the bottom of a popcorn tin, Williams said. Want to hear from the best and brightest in crypto? Attend TechCrunch Sessions: Crypto on November 17 in Miami. Get your tickets here. Trump at his Florid arally President Joe Biden and ex-President Donald Trump held duelling rallies as the election to reshape Congress entered its final campaign day. Mr Biden and Mr Trump made their last-minute pleas to voters in New York and Florida respectively. Momentum has shifted recently towards Republicans, who are trying to wrestle both chambers from Democratic control. They are favourites to win control of the House of Representatives but the Senate is a toss-up, polling suggests. Winning one chamber would severely hinder President Biden's legislative agenda. With the campaign in its final day on Monday, his party is braced for losses even in parts of the country where Democrats usually do well. He spoke at a rally in New York on Sunday to support Governor Kathy Hochul, who is fending off an unexpectedly stiff challenge from Trump-backed Republican candidate Lee Zeldin. She has received last-minute help from some Democratic star names - former President Bill Clinton, Vice-President Kamala Harris and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. In his speech, Mr Biden called the election "an inflection point" that will determine the next 20 years. He told voters at Sarah Lawrence College that they are choosing between two "fundamentally different visions of America". Meanwhile his predecessor in the White House, Mr Trump, was in Miami where he spoke for over an hour, hammering Democrats for leading the country towards "communism". "Democrats want to turn America into communist Cuba or socialist Venezuela," Mr Trump told the audience members. "To every Hispanic American in Florida and across the land, we welcome you with open open open arms to our [Republican] party," he continued. Mr Trump also continued to hint that he may run for president again in 2024, telling voters to "stay tuned" for his rally on Monday in Ohio. Polls suggest that Democrats are likely to lose their majority in the House of Representatives. Story continues Control of the Senate will probably rely on the results of extremely tight races in Pennsylvania, Georgia and Nevada. Top of midterms links box Bottom of midterms links box Over 40 million votes have already been cast during the early-voting period so far, experts say, overtaking the total number of early votes in 2018. Mail-in ballots normally take longer to tally than votes taken in person, leading to a high likelihood that several races will be too close to call on Tuesday night. Several key battleground states, like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, ban election officials from beginning the count until election day. What's happening on Monday? Mr Biden will appear at a rally in Maryland, a state normally considered a Democratic stronghold Mr Trump is holding an evening rally in Ohio for JD Vance, an author and former Trump critic First Lady Jill Biden is headed to Virginia to support incumbent Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, considered to be a possible Trump White House rival in 2024, is in Miami YQA logo What questions do you have about the US midterms? In some cases your question will be published, displaying your name, age and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy. Use this form to ask your question: If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or send them via email to YourQuestions@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any question you send in. Ukrainian military The message the United States is sending Ukraine through Brussels is that if and when Kherson is regained, then negotiations can be started. Once Kherson is liberated, Ukraine could join the negotiations from a position of strength, the newspaper wrote. The liberation of Kherson is possible before the end of November, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov said on Oct. 31. Read also: Russians ready for another goodwill gesture outside Kherson, says Ukraines defense minister Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said that rainy weather had slowed down the offensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Kherson Oblast a little. He also noted that Ukraine controls all the bridges, so the invaders will not have the opportunity to escape from Kherson. Previously, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Putin is not offering Ukraine peace talks, but instead surrender on their terms. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of V.S. Industry Berhad (KLSE:VS) as an investment opportunity by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward. Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model. See our latest analysis for V.S. Industry Berhad The Calculation We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM243.5m RM219.6m RM318.3m RM443.9m RM519.6m RM587.2m RM646.8m RM699.8m RM747.3m RM790.8m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x3 Analyst x3 Analyst x3 Analyst x1 Est @ 17.05% Est @ 13% Est @ 10.17% Est @ 8.18% Est @ 6.79% Est @ 5.82% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 11% RM219 RM178 RM231 RM290 RM306 RM310 RM308 RM299 RM287 RM273 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM2.7b Story continues The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (3.6%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 11%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032 (1 + g) (r g) = RM791m (1 + 3.6%) (11% 3.6%) = RM11b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM11b ( 1 + 11%)10= RM3.7b The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is RM6.4b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of RM0.8, the company appears quite good value at a 50% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf The Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at V.S. Industry Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 11%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.167. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. Next Steps: Whilst important, the DCF calculation ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. Can we work out why the company is trading at a discount to intrinsic value? For V.S. Industry Berhad, we've put together three relevant factors you should explore: Risks: For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for V.S. Industry Berhad that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does VS's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Nov. 7With the sound of a siren and the flash of lights, a police car slowly began to crawl up Potomac Street in Brunswick just after 2 p.m. on Sunday. For the 90th time in the small rail town's history, the annual Veterans Day parade had begun. Brunswick's Veterans Day Parade is among the only parades in Maryland held annually to commemorate the holiday. It's also one of the oldest parades of its kind in the country's history. It began in 1931, seven years before the U.S. Congress voted to make Nov. 11 an annual holiday to celebrate world peace and those who had fought in World War I. Since then, the parade has returned to Brunswick's streets every single year, except one shortly after the United States had entered World War II. It even continued during the first two years of the pandemic, said Shuan Butcher, the parade's coordinator. So, when rain began misting before this year's parade began, it could hardly be expected to dampen the celebrations. Claps and cheers erupted from the crowd of people lining the street, many of them hunched under umbrellas or squinting in the sprinkling rain. One man donned a reusable grocery bag as a makeshift rain bonnet, placing one of the handles under his chin to secure it. This year, more than 100 organizations, nonprofits and businesses participated in the parade, Butcher said. A slow moving line of cars, scooters and in one case a tank inched west on Potomac Street. Although Butcher lives in Frederick, not Brunswick, he has helped organize the town's parade for nine years. That's only 10% of the total Veterans Day parades in the town's history, Butcher remarked with a chuckle. Military service runs deep in Butcher's family. Both of his grandfathers, as well as his uncles and father, are veterans. So is he he served three years in the U.S. National Guard. For him, Butcher said, Veterans Day is a time to pause and reflect, and remember the sacrifice that members of the military make for their country. Although he never saw conflict, he said, he joined the service knowing he might and being prepared, at any moment, to follow through. Story continues Near the front of the parade, Cpl. James Derry a 102-year-old veteran of World War II waved from a red convertible. The grand marshal, a Frederick County native who now lives in Jefferson, won a Bronze Star after participating with his unit in the Battle of the Bulge. John Fer, a U.S. Air Force Veteran who is running to represent District 4 on the Frederick County Council, acted as the parade's other grand marshal. While serving in the Vietnam War, Fer was captured in North Vietnam and taken as a prisoner of war. Before the parade began, Fer recounted memories from his 2,220 days in captivity. Like Butcher, military service also runs in the family of Talmadge Payton and Amy Duray. When Payton recently visited Brunswick's war memorial, she was surprised to see the name of her uncle Duray's great-uncle inscribed in granite. Neither of them had known he was a veteran. For her, Payton said, Veterans Day is a time to honor those who kept America safe. Duray agreed. "Some people make tremendous sacrifices," she said. "It's important to remember that." Follow Angela Roberts on Twitter: @24_angier Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) tours an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) training facility on September 7 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Scott Olson/Getty Images Vice President Kamala Harris will meet with union leaders on Monday in California. Harris will meet with United Farm Workers and dial in to a Unite Here get out the vote call. Unions are popular right now among Americans, making them a rarity among many issues. Vice President Kamala Harris will meet with union leaders on Monday to discuss the Biden administration's continued support for workers, according to a White House official. Harris, who has her own union and activism roots, has emerged as one of several high-level members of the Biden administration on the frontlines of meeting with workers and supporting the resurgent labor movement. Harris will meet with leaders from United Farm Workers in Los Angeles, along with joining a Unite Here call focused on turning out the vote in swing states like Nevada, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. UFW recently staged a 24-day long march in an effort to get California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign onto legislation that would ease the process for farm workers to unionize. Newsom eventually signed on to an amended version of the bill. Unite Here represents service workers across restaurants, hotels, and other leisure and hospitality businesses. Harris has hit the road ahead of the midterms, bolstering mostly female candidates and focusing on reproductive rights as Democrats pull out all of their stops to try and fend off a potential red wave. Along the way, according to a White House official, she is prioritizing meeting with local labor leaders. Harris chairs the Biden administration's task force on strengthening unions and union membership. In May, Harris along with co-chair Marty Walsh, Biden's Secretary of Labor welcomed union organizers from the likes of Starbucks and Amazon to the White House. The president made an appearance at that event, which Alex Speidel, a lead organizer with United Paizo Workers/CWA, told Insider was "an unbelievable surprise." The Biden administration has made clear its intentions to embrace organized labor. One of Biden's first actions in office was to dismiss Peter Robb, the Trump-appointed general counsel for the National Labor Relations Board. Instead, Biden installed Jennifer Abruzzo, an NLRB veteran who had been serving as a union-side lawyer for the Communication Workers of America. Abruzzo has already made her mark on the agency, working towards ending the practice of mandatory anti-union meetings. Petitions for union representation are up 58% in the first 9 months of fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021, according to the NLRB. Story continues "President Joe Biden and I are determined to lead the most pro-union administration in America's history," Harris said in April remarks. "Unions negotiate better wages and safer working conditions for millions of workers around our country." Organized labor has emerged as a rare issue that Americans seem to largely be on board with. Unions are at their highest approval level since 1965, according to Gallup, with 71% of Americans approving of them. That comes as Americans' confidence in everything from religion to Congress have wavered. Another Gallup poll from June surveyed Americans about their confidence in 16 major institutions, including the presidency and the Supreme Court. Only organized labor did not see a drop in confidence from the year prior. Now, as Democrats head into the uncertain midterms the administration is again turning towards organized labor. Harris "has been focused on reaching women, young people, and communities of color," a White House official said. "There's an inherent link to labor unions and the members that compose those unions, and just the critical importance of this moment to recognize what's at stake in this election and the progress that the administration has made, but that we need to continue to build on." Read the original article on Business Insider John Umberger was discovered robbed and murdered in New York (Screenshot / TikTok / John Umberger) The mother of a victim has spoken out about a New York gang that preys on gay men after her son was killed during a work trip to Manhattan. The gang is suspected of cornering men at nightclubs in the Hells Kitchen area of Manhattan and is believed to have killed at least two people and to have drugged and robbed at least 12 other men, according to the New York Post. The New York Police Department is investigating a number of killings and robberies, including the unexplained deaths of two young men in the spring, who were ambushed under similar conditions around five weeks apart within a two-block radius. The two wealthy men were found without their phones and with their bank accounts having been ransacked to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars. Both of the victims were last seen with three men, all unidentified, in the last few hours of their lives. John Umberger, 33, a political consultant living in Washington, DC, was on a work trip to New York when he was killed. He disappeared during a night out on the town. I cant be quiet anymore, mother Linda Clary told The Post. Word needs to get out, especially in the gay community, that they are targeting gay men ... This same group of killers have drugged, robbed and murdered countless young gay men in New York. Mr Umberger last used his credit card on 28 May at around 3am at The Q NYC, a gay nightclub at 795 Eighth Ave. He had visited the club by himself after attending a late dinner with friends at Tao Downtown in the Chelsea neighbourhood located on the western side of Manhattan, just to the south of Hells Kitchen. At 3.15am that night, he called and then cancelled a taxi. He was last spotted on security footage with three unidentified men in a vehicle outside the townhouse where he was staying on the Upper East Side. Footage recovered from buildings in the area shows Mr Umberger exited the car with two of the men. The men entered the townhouse with Mr Umberger and left without him about 45 minutes later, according to The Post. Story continues Ms Clary said she doesnt think it was her son who replied to six texts from his phone between 5.19am and 5.37am that morning. At 9.18am, the location sharing on the phone was turned off on the devices of Mr Umbergers younger sister and his two brothers. Ms Clary sent a text to Mr Umberger at 8.24pm, which received a read notification, leading the mother to think that her son was safe. I thought John was reading my texts but was too busy and ignoring me. You let a day go by, a day go by and then you say this is weird, she told the paper. Mr Umbergers body was located four days later on 1 June in an apartment on the fifth floor of a townhouse at 34 E 61st St. Its owned by the American Center for Law and Justice, operated by right-wing lawyer Jay Sekulow, who served as the lead outside counsel for then-President Donald Trump during his first impeachment trial. Mr Umberger was the director of diplomacy and political programs at the centre. His mobile and his credit cards were missing when he was found, with more than $25,000 having been taken out of his accounts via apps such as Venmo and PayPal. Ms Clary said access was gained by changing the passwords. A failed attempt was also made at emptying his trust fund account with Charles Schwab. His credit cards were then used at a Foot Locker and at a liquor store located close to a homeless shelter. Five weeks previously, on 21 April, Julio Ramirez, 25, a social worker from Brooklyn, was seen on security footage leaving the Ritz Bar and Lounge, a West 46th Street gay bar, two blocks from The Q NYC, with three unidentified men at 3.17am. About an hour later, he was found dead in the back of a taxi, with both his phone and wallet missing. Around $20,000 was removed from his bank accounts via apps such as Venmo and Zello and his credit cards were used for expensive dinners and spa visits. According to preliminary toxicology reports, both Mr Umberger and Mr Ramirez passed away from drug overdoses. Evidence points to the possibility that they were roofied, meaning that their drinks were spiked with date-rape drugs, according to The Post. We need to stop this, Ms Clary said. New York is unnecessarily unsafe, and it breaks my heart because John was so excited to be in Manhattan. He loved being there, she told the paper. He was a little ray of sunshine. Ms Clary accused the Manhattan District Attorneys Office of refusing to prosecute my sons killers. A spokesperson for the Manhattan DA told The Independent that our thoughts are with these families and the entire LGBTQIA+ community. A dedicated team of senior homicide prosecutors and specially assigned analysts continues to actively investigate alongside the NYPD as we await the Medical Examiners findings. An NYPD spokesperson told The Independent that the Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing. When Israeli citizens headed to the polls in their fifth general election in four years, we Palestinians were once again relegated to the stands, unable to do more than observe the kind of power that will rule over our lives next. For five million occupied Palestinians in East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank, our reality is that we are denied the right to vote for a government that impacts all aspects of our daily lives. Many Palestinians shrug off giving opinions on candidates,and are satisfied to say theyre all the same. This is an understandable view, given how every Israeli government has pursued colonial policies. However, they are not all the same. For the Palestinians, there were two possible results of the Israeli election: a government that would continue to entrench an oppressive system of apartheid, or a government that will amplify systematic violence against a colonised population, normalise Jewish supremacy and fast-track ethnic cleansing. It seems that the Israeli electorate made its choice, and the latter has emerged victorious. In the months leading up to the election, both the ruling parties and opposition parties campaigned heavily to win the favour of the electorate. On one the hand, outgoing premier Yair Laid and defence minister Benny Gantz have pursued a military operation dubbed Break the Wave, which has led to the UN warning that 2022 is likely to be the deadliest year on record for Palestinians in the West Bank and October the deadliest month in the deadliest year. The governing coalition also launched an assault on the Gaza Strip in August, with 49 Palestinians killed over three days. For the Palestinians, there were two possible results of the Israeli election (AFP via Getty Images) On the other hand, there is the rising star of Israeli politics, Itamar Ben Gvir, chair of the Jewish Power party. Ben Gvir is a Kahanist activist who had a picture of notorious mass murderer Baruch Goldstein hanging up in his home, and who, as a lawyer, has defended Jewish Israelis charged with terrorism and hate crimes including the attack in Duma which killed three members of the Dawabshe family. Story continues Ben Gvir himself has been charged eight times, including for support to a terrorist organization. In the lead up to the election, he brandished his gun in the face of Palestinians in Jerusalem, and did not spare a moment in inciting violence against residents of Sheikh Jarrah. He is now a kingmaker of Israeli politics. Some Israelis are expressing shock at the apparently sudden rise of the extremist right-wing in this election. However, the signs have been there for years, and it is the mistake of Israelis who thought the situation in which Palestinians are systematically subjugated could continue without such developments. Today, 70 per cent of Jewish Israelis aged 18-24 identify as right-wing. Lacking any interest in reaching a political solution with Palestinians, it was only natural that proto-fascists would become the strongest camp in Israeli politics (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press All rights reserved) We Palestinians are not shocked or surprised by the extreme direction Israeli politics is taking. This is a natural result of decades of unchecked settler colonialism in the form of political persecution, institutional violence, apartheid and ethnic cleansing. In this election, parties willing to address the occupation, Palestinian rights and freedom were relegated to the absolute margins (or did not make the Knesset at all). Meanwhile, the so-called centrists and right-wing parties all pandered to the increasingly right-wing electorate, promising to strengthen the settlement enterprise in the West Bank, and to consolidate a non-democratic Jewish nation state. To keep up to speed with all the latest opinions and comment, sign up to our free weekly Voices Dispatches newsletter by clicking here For decades, Israeli public institutions and courts have all sought to legalise and normalise the system of apartheid that governs the land. The Israeli state has violated international conventions, committed war crimes and enjoyed total impunity as the US and EU have continued to offer financial and diplomatic support. Lacking any interest in reaching a political solution with Palestinians, it was only natural that proto-fascists would become the strongest camp in Israeli politics. Whoever thinks positive change can come from within Israels elections is sorely mistaken. It is up to the rest of the world to stop normalising the abhorrent ideologies of ethnic supremacy we find prospering in Israel. The international community must stop financing apartheid at once, as all signs indicate it is moving in the direction of even more violence. I do not wish to be given a choice between apartheid and ethnic cleansing; I only wish for the freedom of my people and for us to live in dignity with our rights fully guaranteed, here in our homeland of Palestine. Jalal Abukhater is a Palestinian civil servant and writer, based in Jerusalem Left: Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally in support of Doug Mastriano for Governor of Pennsylvania and Mehmet Oz for US Senate at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on 3 September 2022 Right: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks during a tour campaign event at the Alico Arena ahead of the midterm elections on 6 November 2022 in Fort Myers, Florida (Left: ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images Right: GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via Getty Images) Polls show the Republican party doing fairly well in the run-up to the midterms. Its poised to take control of the House and is competitive in the Senate. The party of the sitting president generally does poorly in midterms, so the GOP is understandably hopeful. Despite some decent poll numbers, though, Republicans do have some reason to worry. The normal-ish look of the midterms has for the moment papered over the partys growing divisions and escalating internal chaos. The name of that chaos is Donald Trump, whose refusal to step aside in the traditional manner of former presidents has set up the GOP for a possibly devastating presidential election in 2024. When the midterms are over, the Republicans are going to have to face their internal problems squarely, and its not going to be pretty. The first rumblings are beginning even before Election Day. This weekend was meant to be the last big push for both parties before the midterms. Party actors are supposed to be unified, positive, and enthusiastic. Trump didnt get the memo, though. At a Saturday rally in Pennsylvania, purportedly to boost Senate Candidate Mehmet Oz, Trump was found boasting about himself, as usual. He read through some numbers that he claimed showed polling support for different candidates in the 2024 presidential primary. There it is, Trump at 71. Ron De-Sanctimonious at 10 percent, he declared. Ron De-Sanctimonious was a reference to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is running for re-election in Florida against Democrat Charlie Crist. DeSantis is also obviously contemplating a 2024 run for president, where one of his primary opponents will be Trump. Trump hates to be challenged by anyone in any capacity. So rather than supporting his own party, he decided to mock and insult a Republican governor in an active re-election bid. For what its worth, DeSantiss governors race is not especially close; FiveThirtyEights poll aggregator has him beating Crist by more than 10.5 points. Even with a fairly large polling error, hes probably going to win the seat. Still, that doesnt mean hes happy to have the de facto leader of his party insult him three days before the election though he has yet to react publicly. Story continues Other conservatives were almost comically horrified. DeSantis is going to run, and hes going to beat Trump, blustered Will Chamberlain, a right-wing lawyer and co-publisher of the conservative website Human Events. Meanwhile, Daily Wire pundit Matt Walsh, one of the most sanctimonious figures in current US politics, called the nickname dumb. Were all supposed to be showing a united front, he whined. Walshs anxiety is justified. As international relations professor Nicholas Grossman said on Twitter, conservative pundits and politicians have spent a lot of time and effort convincing themselves and their voters that Trump is a regular, reliable GOP politician. To some extent, they have convinced even themselves that Trump cares about advancing conservative goals and the conservative party. But he doesnt. The only thing Trump cares about is Trump. As long as the GOP supports Trump, Trump is happy to have them lick his boots. If they try to put someone else at the center of the party, though, he is equally happy to destroy them. And he has repeatedly pursued his own interests over the GOPs. Following the 2020 election, Trump refused to admit he had lost. He demanded the party and all its members sign onto conspiracy theories and election denial nonsense as he ramped up to staging the January 6 coup attempt. Trumps demands for personal fealty, and his attack on local GOP officials who defied him, caused chaos within the party. In particular, by keeping the focus on himself, he made it difficult for the two Republican Senate candidates in Georgia to rally focus on their run-off elections. Democrats won both, gaining control of the Senate. A contested 2024 Republican primary could be even more damaging. Trumps 2020 election denial has become a standard in the party; GOP politicians no longer see a need to accept losses. An intra-GOP contest could easily descend into accusations and counter-accusations of voting fraud, with everyone refusing to concede. The GOP has also normalized threats of violence including against other Republicans. Trumps attack on DeSantis makes it clear, too, that he is willing to go nuclear on any primary opponent, or anyone who supports a primary opponent. Indeed, he is notorious for holding grudges. If a Senate candidate came out in support of DeSantis early, its easy to imagine Trump campaigning against that person in 2024, even if it meant a Democrat would win. The former president has already shown he doesnt care about a GOP majority. This doesnt mean that Republicans are doomed in 2024. So far, theyve managed to figure out way to appease Trump without facing electoral disaster. This cycle, for example, theyve nominated poor-quality, Trump-approved Senate candidates like Herschel Walker in Georgia and JD Vance in Ohio, while still retaining a shot at the Senate. Partisanship, Republican structural advantages, and voter suppression can carry the party over a lot of division. So Trump hasnt blown up the party yet. But hes still a potential time bomb. Each new election cycle is another chance for him to explode, taking DeSanctimonious and the rest of the Republican party with him. This wont change, no matter how Tuesday goes for the GOP. By Leroy Leo (Reuters) - Primary care provider VillageMD, which is backed by Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc, is buying urgent care provider Summit Health in a deal valued at $9 billion, as the second-largest U.S. pharmacy chain expands its healthcare footprint. The deal adds to the rising trend of big U.S. companies expanding into the healthcare business this year. Amazon in July announced a $3.5 billion acquisition of primary care operator 1Life Healthcare Inc, while CVS Health Corp said it would buy Signify Health for $8 billion. Private equity firm Warburg Pincus-backed Summit Health runs a physician-run medical group and operates CityMD, an alternative to hospital emergency department visits. "For Summit, it is to accelerate their path towards value-based care and for Village to enjoy the benefit of more integrated multi-specialty care," VillageMD Chief Executive Officer Tim Barry told Reuters in an interview. The sector is seeing a shift towards value-based care - where healthcare providers are reimbursed based on patient outcomes instead of each test or procedure - as it helps reduce costs. Together, VillageMD and Summit Health will operate in more than 680 locations. The deal has an equity value of $7 billion and VillageMD will take on $1.9 billion in net debt from Summit Health. Walgreens said on Monday it will invest $3.5 billion through an even mix of debt and equity to support the acquisition, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023. It will be the largest shareholder in the combined company, with an about 53% stake. The deal will also feature investment from health insurer Cigna Corp's healthcare unit Evernorth, in exchange for a minority stake in the entity.Walgreens raised its fiscal 2025 sales goal for the U.S. healthcare business to between $14.5 billion and $16 billion, from $11 billion to $12 billion previously, to account for the deal. The company had invested $5.2 billion last year to raise its stake in VillageMD to 63% from 30%. (Reporting by Leroy Leo in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath and Sriraj Kalluvila) Does the November share price for The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward. Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you. View our latest analysis for Walt Disney Crunching The Numbers We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$6.67b US$8.98b US$12.2b US$14.6b US$16.4b US$17.9b US$19.1b US$20.2b US$21.1b US$21.9b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x12 Analyst x8 Analyst x4 Analyst x1 Est @ 12.2% Est @ 9.13% Est @ 6.99% Est @ 5.48% Est @ 4.43% Est @ 3.7% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 7.5% US$6.2k US$7.8k US$9.8k US$10.9k US$11.4k US$11.6k US$11.5k US$11.3k US$11.0k US$10.6k ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$102b Story continues After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.0%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 7.5%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032 (1 + g) (r g) = US$22b (1 + 2.0%) (7.5% 2.0%) = US$404b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$404b ( 1 + 7.5%)10= US$196b The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is US$298b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of US$99.6, the company appears quite undervalued at a 39% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf Important Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Walt Disney as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 7.5%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.076. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. Looking Ahead: Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For Walt Disney, we've put together three pertinent items you should assess: Financial Health: Does DIS have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Future Earnings: How does DIS's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every American stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here (From left) Singapore Sports Hub's new chairman Keith Magnus and CEO Quek Swee Kuan, Safra's Swim for Hope, and Albirex Niigata's Masaya Idetsu scoring in the Singapore Cup. (PHOTOS: SportSG/SSA/SPL) SINGAPORE Here is a round-up of sports events and developments in Singapore in the past week (31 October to 6 November): Keith Magnus, Quek Swee Kuan appointed Sports Hub top positions Sport Singapore (SportSG) has appointed Keith Magnus as chairman, and Quek Swee Kuan as the chief executive officer of Kallang Alive Holding, the new entity to manage the Singapore Sports Hub from 10 December. In a media release on Friday (4 November), Singapore's sports governing body said that both appointments will take effect on 1 December. Nearly 90 per cent of staff from SHPL and over 95 per cent of partners and vendors will be transitioning to the new entity. Magnus has been a SportSG board member since 2020 and has recently been appointed the co-chairman for the SportCares Advisory Board. He played a key role in the Sports Hub Public-Private-Partnership review, and as chief negotiator for SportSG with Sports Hub Pte Ltd (SHPL), he was responsible for the successful and smooth conclusion to the project. Meanwhile, Quek is currently the CEO of new business in Surbana Jurong, and is instrumental in formulating SJs next five-year transformational growth plan. Prior to SJ, he was the CEO of Sentosa Development Corporation and led its efforts in transforming Sentosa into a leading leisure and lifestyle resort destination. As part of the official handover, a series of community activities has been planned from the month of December. This will include a Sports Hub Opening Day on 10 December, where members of the public will be able to enjoy live music, shop at the Bazaar, and try out different sports and fitness programmes such as football, volleyball, yoga, swimming and Zumba across the various Sports Hub venues and facilities. Inaugural Singapore Women's Open to tee off in December The inaugural Singapore Women's Open will make its long-awaited tee-off at the Tanah Merah Country Club from 9 to 11 December, with Hana Financial Group being the title sponsor for the $1.1 million event. Story continues The tournament is jointly sanctioned by the Singapore Golf Association and the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA), and forms a part of the Ladies Asian Tour Series. It was initially scheduled to take place in 2020, but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The event will be staged at the Tampines Course and will feature a field of 102 players comprising KLPGA members, invitees from 12 Asia-Pacific countries, major prospects and amateurs. Singapores leading professionals Koh Sock Hwee and Amanda Tan will spearhead the local challenge, together with the likes of talented amateurs Shannon Tan, Aloysa Margiela Atienza and Jaymie Ng. Over 4,800 participants raised $230,000 at Safra Swim for Hope A record number of over 4,800 participants took part in this year's Safra Swim for Hope, which was held over two months from 1 September to 30 October, as NSmen and their families swam over 33,000 kilometres for charity. A total of $230,000 was raised, through registration fees, corporate and individual donations, which will go towards helping those in need from five beneficiaries Presidents Challenge, Rainbow Centre, SAF Care Fund, Singapore Swimming Association Development Fund and Special Olympics Singapore. Senior Minister of State for Defence and Safra president Zaqy Mohamad graced the event finale at Safra Tampines on 30 October, and presented tokens of appreciation to the top individual fundraiser Alvin Tan, who raised over $5,700, and to Singapore Island Country Club swim team, the top team fundraiser which raised over $6,500. Also lending their support this year were national swimmers Quah Ting Wen, Quah Zheng Wen and Quah Jing Wen, national divers Avvir Tham and Max Lee, as well as para-athletes from Special Olympics Singapore. The Safra Swim for Hope is among a series of six Safra Cares charitable events this year in commemoration of Safras 50th anniversary. Swimmers broke national short-course records in Indianapolis National swimmers Gan Ching Hwee and Letitia Sim set new national short-course records at the Fina World Cup meet in Indianapolis on Saturday (5 November). Gan, who claimed five SEA Games golds in Hanoi earlier this year, broke the women's 400m and 800m freestyle short-course national records. For the 400m free, she lowered the previous mark of 4min 8.37sec to 4:07.50sec, while for the 800m free, she slashed the old record set in 2013 by more than 11 seconds, from 8:34.11 to 8:22.91. Sim, who won three golds at the Hanoi SEA Games, also broke two national short-course records in Indianapolis. She lowered the women's 100m breaststroke mark from 1:06.63 to 1:05.44, and the 200m breaststroke mark from 2:29.16 to 2:27.44. Albirex knock Sailors out of Singapore Cup Singapore Premier League champions Albirex Niigata (Singapore) knocked rivals Lion City Sailors out of the Singapore Cup, beating them 2-1 in Group A at Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday (5 November). Goals from Masaya Idetsu (30th minute) and Kodai Tanaka (84th) condemned the Sailors to third spot in the group, with only the top two sides advancing to the semi-finals. Maxime Lestienne (73rd) scored the Sailors' goal. Balestier Khalsa followed Albirex into the semi-finals, after a 5-2 Group A win over the Young Lions at Toa Payoh Stadium on Saturday, with goals from Daniel Goh (9th), Kuraba Kondo (11th, 30th), Shuhei Hoshino (21st) and Ryoya Taniguchi (38th). The Young Lions replied through Abdul Rasaq (40th) and Jordan Emaviwe (48th). In Group B action on Sunday, Tampines Rovers advanced as group winners despite a 0-1 defeat by Hougang United at Hougang Stadium. Sahil Suhaimi's 54th-minute goal sealed the tie, and also allowed Hougang to pip Tanjong Pagar United to second spot by goal difference and advance into the final four with Tampines. Tanjong Pagar had beaten Geylang International 2-1 at Jurong East Stadium with goals from Khairul Amri (43rd) and Reo Nishiguchi (56th). Geylang replied through Hazzuwan Halim (41st). Netball Nations Cup to return in December with six teams Netball Singapore Nations Cup 2022 will return after a two-year hiatus to the OCBC Arena from 4 to 10 December, with tickets now on sale starting from $4. The 15th edition of the Nations Cup will feature six teams: Fiji, Ireland, Malaysia, Botswana, Singapore and a Singapore A team. The tournament will be played in a round robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the finals. Singapore will be led by co-captains Toh Kai Wei and Khor Ting Fang, with veterans Kimberly Lim and Sindhu Nair also in the line-up. They will be joined by young stars including shooter Amandeep Kaur Chahal, defender Jamie Lim and centre Tan Yi Jie. Shooter Matilda Su-Yin Narayan is also set to earn her first cap. Fans can also catch a glimpse of the future of Singapore netball, through the up and coming players in the Singapore A team. These include shooter Goh Wei Ping, as well as defenders Faithmaria Lawrence and Shannon Tan. The Singapore A team also boasts an experienced defender in Aqilah Andin, who is returning to competition after giving birth in July. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster and cost between $4 and $60. AC Milan bringing Scudetto trophy, Daniele Massaro for tour Italian football giants AC Milan will be bringing the Scudetto trophy they won in the 2021/22 Serie A season to Singapore on 11 November. The trophy will be on display at the Puma flagship store at 313@Somerset. Milan great Daniele Massaro will be gracing the event, and fans will be able to pose for a picture with the Scudetto trophy as well as meet Massaro. The 61-year-old is remembered for his successful career with Milan in the late 1980s and 1990s under managers Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello. In the course of eight seasons with the Rossoneri, the forward won four league titles, two European Cups, three European Super Cups, two Intercontinental Cups and three Italian League Super Cups. 500 participants at FairPrice Walk for Rice+ @ South East About 500 participants took part in the annual FairPrice Walk for Rice+ @ South East event at the Singapore Sports Hub's OCBC Square on Thursday (3 November). Organised by NTUC FairPrice and the South East Community Development Council, the event flagged off with a symbolic walk, while participants later took part in fringe activities such as spin cycling, floor curling and archery. The annual walking charity initiative encourages Singaporeans to stay active by going on walks or runs and log in their mileage for a good cause. From 3 November to 31 January, for every 300 metres of walking or running recorded, FairPrice Foundation will donate one bowl of white rice, one bowl of brown rice and one bowl of oatmeal to vulnerable families in the South East District. NFTs launched for AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup Global sports marketing agency Sportfive and Be Media, a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, announced on Thursday (3 November) a partnership to jointly launch Onside, the first non-fungible tokens (NFTs) digital collectibles for the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022. The partnership is the first of its kind in the Southeast Asia, and will see the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup come to life in the Web3 space, with NFT digital collectibles to be distributed on the Polygon blockchain based on tournament assets and video highlights from the tournament. The first Onside digital collectibles will be launched on OnsideCollection.com, where fans will be able to own digital products such as stylised Alpha masks and iconic match moments from the competition. Starting this month, fans interested in purchasing the digital collectibles can register their interest for the chance to own a piece of ASEAN football history when the first officially licensed NFT "drop" is released, prior to the tournament starting in December. Have a sports event to tell our users? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com. In your email, do provide as many details as possible, including videos and photos. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube. The Crown and The English both start this week. (Netflix/BBC) It's a busy week in TV - I'm A Celebrity gets into its first full week of its long-awaited return to the jungle, and season five of The Crown launches with an all-new cast. Look out for Bake Off's semi-final on Tuesday, while hot new drama launches include Emily Blunt in BBC Two's The English, and James Corden in Prime Video's Mammals. Read more: All the campmates in I'm A Celebrity 2022 These are the TV moments you won't want to miss over the next seven days. The best things to watch on TV this week, 7 - 13 November, 2022 I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! - ITV - Nightly at 9pm, Tuesdays 9.15pm Ant and Dec welcome the campmates to the jungle. (ITV) Only one episode into the return-to-the-jungle series, one celebrity has already left on medical grounds. While Olivia Attwood jets back to the UK, Matt Hancock and Seann Walsh are waiting to disrupt the Australian camp with their late arrival. There's also the rest of the cast to get to know, while Ant and Dec subject them to some truly horrifying trials. The Great British Bake Off - Channel 4 - Tuesday, 8pm The Bake Off stars are hoping for a better semi-final. (Channel 4) Last week's quarter-final included some out-of-character drama, as the judges and hosts agreed that this year's batch of bakers weren't quite up to scratch. Will they rise to the challenge of the semi-final's patisserie week? One person is going home and the rest will achieve the feat of baking in the show's final. The Crown - Netflix - Wednesday Imelda Staunton is the Queen now. (Netflix) Every two seasons, it's all change for The Crown's cast, which means the Queen baton is handed to Imelda Staunton. She'll be joined by Dominic West, Elizabeth Debicki and Jonny Lee Miller among others in this final line-up who launch the penultimate series this week. Read more: Who's who in The Crown season five It's the 90s, which means we've reached the era of the Queen's annus horribilis, Diana's Panorama interview, and Charles and Camilla's affair becoming public. The English - BBC Two - Thursday, 9pm Emily Blunt stars in The English. (BBC) Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer star in Hugo Blick's tale of 1890s America, full of violence, land grabs and opposing gangs. Story continues Blunt is Englishwoman Lady Cornelia Locke seeking the man she believes is responsible for her son's death in the US, while Pawnee scout Eli Whipp (Spencer) is travelling back to his homeland of Nebraska to reclaim his land. The pair band together in the face of opposition on all sides to support each other's emotional, risk-laden journeys. Mammals - Prime Video - Friday James Corden stars in Mammals. (Prime Video) Acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Jez Butterworth has penned this six-part comedy drama in which James Corden plays a Michelin-starred chef who discovers a dark secret about his pregnant wife. Read more: Everything new streaming on Prime Video this November He teams up with his brother-in-law to investigate, but this only illuminates problems in that marriage as well. Sally Hawkins, Melia Kreiling and Colin Morgan star alongside Corden. Strictly Come Dancing - BBC One - Saturday, 6.55pm Who will make it to Blackpool? (BBC) We're past the contest's halfway point and one week away from Blackpool, so things are really heating up in the ballroom. Will Hamza and Jowita finally get their perfect 40? Who will be in the bottom two? Can anyone else put themselves in the running to win? Remembrance Sunday - BBC One - Sunday, 10.15am The broadcast will come from the Cenotaph. (PA) Watch the annual Remembrance service live from the Cenotaph, which will be lead by the King for the first time. David Dimbleby presents the BBC coverage and Sophie Raworth is on Horse Guards Parade as the Royal Family and the Armed Forces come together to pay tribute to those lost. Watch: The English - Emily Blunt loved working with Hugo Blick Netflix's latest true crime documentary Killer Sally has left viewers with lots of questions. Namely: Where is Sally McNeill now? And what happened to her children? The three-part documentary charts the mum of two's rise to bodybuilding fame, as well as her unhealthy relationship with fellow bodybuilder Ray McNeil, who she shot dead on Valentine's Day in 1995. Sally has always maintained it was an act of self-defence, but was found guilty of second-degree murder by a jury and sentenced to 25 years in prison. She was released from prison in 2020, and now lives in Northern California, working in a warehouse. Killer Sally is the first time the now 6o-year-old has spoken out about what happened, alleging Ray was unfaithful and abusive, and was in a steroid-induced rage when he apparently attacked her on the date of his death. Sally also alleges Ray was abusive towards her two children, son John and daughter Shantina, from a previous marriage. NETFLIX Sally's children - a son, John and a daughter, Shantina - both appear in the Killer Sally documentary. John alleges Ray was physically abusive towards him and his sister, and would regularly use violence against them when their mother was out of the house. John was nine and Shantina was 12 when Sally was imprisoned, and after being taken to a care home, they moved in with their maternal grandparents. But where are Sally's children, John and Shantina, now? John and Shantina Lowden both joined the military in some capacity after Sally's imprisonment, with John serving five combat tours in Afghanistan and later suffering from PTSD and drug addiction. NETFLIX Shantina worked in electric and electric engineering and jointed the US Army for 16 years, where she toured Afghanistan and Iraq, also suffering from PTSA as a result of her army experience and from being in an abusive relationship. According to The Cinemaholic, both are now have children and are working in their respective careers. John lives in Texas and has a young son, while Shantina works for an IT network administrator for Defense Logistics Agency. She lives in Georgia with a son of her own. Story continues Both John and Shantina had little contact with Sally while she was in prison, making the 3,000 mile trip to see her approximately once a year. Since her release, they have reconnected, and John walked their mother down the aisle when she wed new husband Norfleet Stewart. NETFLIX Killer Sally is now available to stream on Netflix You Might Also Like By Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) - White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has been engaged in confidential talks with senior Russian officials aimed at lowering the risk of a broader war over Ukraine, a source familiar with the conversations said on Monday. The source, who asked to remain unidentified, said the talks are ongoing. The Sullivan talks were first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Sullivan said in September that the United States had communicated publicly and privately with the Russians about Russian President Vladimir Putin's threats to use nuclear weapons in the Ukraine war. While Sullivan had said publicly that there would be tragic consequences should Russia resort to nuclear weapons, it was unclear how this message was being communicated privately. The source said the talks had been taking place in recent months. Sullivan, speaking at an event at the Economic Club of New York, did not say he had been engaged himself in direct talks but noted he had said repeatedly that "we have channels to communicate with the Russian Federation at senior levels." "We have done so when it's been necessary to clarify potential misunderstandings and try to reduce risk and reduce the possibility of catastrophe like the potential use of nuclear weapons," he said. The White House, which has been careful not to make diplomatic moves about Ukraine without Ukrainian involvement, did not deny the talks. "We reserve the right to speak directly at senior levels about issues of concern to the United States. That has happened over the course of the past few months. Our conversations have focused only on ... risk reduction and the U.S.-Russia relationship," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters. She said U.S. support for Ukraine will be "unflinching and unwavering." (Additional reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Bill Berkrot) Ugandan youth activist Nyombi Morris arrived in Egypt for the UN's COP27 climate summit with high hopes of being part of the campaign for environmental justice. But it didn't take long for Egypt's stiff security measures to shatter his dreams, as rights groups warn the North African country has stifled protests with "dozens" of arrests. "I was so happy when they announced that COP would be in Africa," said Morris, who founded the Earth Volunteers youth organisation campaigning for "climate justice". "I thought maybe I would get a chance to be at the room where the negotiations are taking place." Instead, "with the questions we received at the airport, it will not be easy for us to continue with our plan", the 24-year-old said. In 2008, when Morris was 10, devastating flash floods hit Uganda's eastern Butaleja district -- an area where the illegal extraction of riverbank sand for construction was common. Some 400 people, including Morris's family, lost their homes. Morris, who has said the digging "exacerbated flooding already made worse by climate change", said they had to move to the capital Kampala. "I am here to represent my mother who lost a farm, who lost a home," he said. "I am here to ask for compensation for my community." - 'Abusive security measures' - Activists wanting to demonstrate at COP27, held in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, must request accreditation 36 hours in advance, providing information such as the names of the protest organisers and details of the proposed march. Approved demonstrations are only allowed during working hours, and in a specific purpose-built area. That accreditation process is risky, Morris fears. "When they started asking about our locations, where we will be staying, our passports, our names, we were worried," he said. "What if they follow one of us and (we) get arrested?" He cited the case of Indian climate activist Ajit Rajagopal, who was arrested after setting off to march from Cairo to Sharm el-Sheikh. He was later released after an international outcry. Story continues Human Rights Watch on Sunday warned that "dozens of people" calling for protests had been detained. "Egypt's government has no intention of easing its abusive security measures and allowing for free speech and assembly," the watchdog said. Rights groups say at least 138 people have been arrested ahead of a rally slated for November 11 -- planned nationwide but not in Sharm el-Sheikh -- against what they decry as repression and sharp increases in the cost of living. - 'Watching online' - Africa is home to some of the countries least responsible for planet-heating emissions but hardest hit by an onslaught of weather extremes. On top of security restrictions, Morris lamented that activists like him were excluded from the talks. "I am watching online because our 'observers' badges don't allow us to enter," he said. "I'm like 'so, why are we here?'" He said his hopes have faded that having the summit in Africa might make a difference -- including in demanding wealthy nations responsible for emissions pay their dues. "It is not an African COP, it is a polluters' COP -- because it is polluters dominating," he said. "Haven't you seen Coca-Cola here?" he added, referring to one of this year's official sponsors. Campaign group Greenpeace has called Egypt's choice of the soft drink giant "appalling", blaming the company for much of the "plastic pollution in the world". Last year, at the COP26 in Glasgow, tens of thousands of demonstrators from all over the world marched to demand "climate justice". Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is skipping COP27, slamming it as a forum for "greenwashing" and saying the "space for civil society this year is extremely limited". On Sunday, ignoring the restrictions, a handful of activists waved banners at the entrance to the summit hall. "We are trying to promote the veganism to help save the planet from the greenhouse gases", said Tom Modgmah, a follower of Vietnamese "Supreme Master Ching Hai", alongside colleagues waving banners. "Be vegan, make peace," they read. bam/sbh/pjm/lg/smw A Benin Bronze plaque of a warrior that had been on display at the Smithsonian In our series of letters from African journalists, Nigerian writer Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani looks at how descendants of slaves in the US have entered the tug of war over some of Africa's most famous artefacts that were stolen during the colonial era and ended up mainly in Western museums. Short presentational grey line A group of African Americans has filed a lawsuit to stop the return of some Benin Bronzes from the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC to Nigeria. They claim that the bronzes - looted by British colonialists in the 19th Century from the kingdom of Benin in what is now Nigeria - are also part of the heritage of descendants of slaves in America, and that returning them would deny them the opportunity to experience their culture and history. "It is a very interesting argument," says 93-year-old David Edebiri, after laughing for about 15 seconds straight. He is part of the cabinet of the current Oba of Benin - the king or traditional ruler in southern Nigeria's Edo state. "But the artefacts are not for the Oba alone. They are for all Benin people, whether you are in Benin or in the diaspora." Most Nigerians with whom I have discussed this US lawsuit have burst into laughter. But Deadria Farmer-Paellmann, the founder and executive director of the Restitution Study Group (RSG) which initiated it, is dead serious. "What we are saying is that the descendants of the people traded for these manillas have a right to see the bronzes where they live"", Source: Deadria Farmer-Paellmann, Source description: Restitution Study Group executive director, Image: Deadria Farmer-Paellman The 56-year-old founded RSG, a not-for-profit institute based in New York, in 2000 "to examine and execute innovative approaches to healing the injuries of exploited and oppressed people". About 100,000 slaves brought to the US were from ports once controlled by traders from the kingdom of Benin, such as Warri, says Ms Farmer-Paellmann. She is quoting records from the Transatlantic Slave Trade Database hosted by Rice University in Texas - and recent testing showed that 23% of her DNA is linked to these people. This, she believes, gives her and the millions of others with similar ancestry the right to lay a claim to the bronzes. Her argument hinges on manillas, brass bracelets introduced as a form of currency by Portuguese traders, who from the 16th to the 19th Centuries purchased from Africans a variety of agricultural produce and local goods - and also human beings. Story continues The thousands of sculptures known collectively as the Benin Bronzes that were looted after the infamous punitive attack on the palace of Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi in 1897 were made with a combination of metals, such as brass and copper. Around 50 manillas would be paid to buy a slave - the bracelets would often then be melted down to make works of art The kingdom itself did not produce enough metal to supply its casting industry, and relied on imports - including the brass metal from these bracelets, which were melted down to create works of art. "Fifty manillas would buy a woman, 57 would buy a male slave," says Ms Farmer-Paellmann. "What we are saying is that the descendants of the people traded for these manillas have a right to see the bronzes where they live," she says "There is no reason why we should be obligated to travel to Nigeria to see them," she said, citing US travel warnings. "I don't want to get kidnapped." 'Afro-pessimism' Critics of the case, like Mr Edebiri, argue that not all manillas used in Benin were from the slave trade. He has written a book about his great-great-grandfather Iyase Ohenmwen, who was prime minister for the Oba in the early 19th Century, detailing how he traded in ivory and European clothes. Renowned Nigerian artist Victor Ehikhamenor believes the bronzes should be returned to the place where they were made "He would take these manillas to Igun-Eronmwon, a village in Benin that manufactured all these artefacts. They would then make them into the bronzes and other fanciful things." Acclaimed Nigerian-American artist Victor Ehikhamenor, who is from Edo state, argues that while history is complicated, one matter is simple: "The exact land from where these things were taken has not shifted." For Nigerian art historian Chika Okeke-Agulu, a professor at Princeton University and an activist at the forefront of the campaign to return looted artwork, Ms Farmer-Paellmann's comments "sound like the arguments that white folks who don't want to return the artefacts have made". "The lack of safety strikes me as another version of Afro-pessimism that we've heard for a long time," he says, pointing to the thousands of African Americans who now travel to south-western Nigeria every year for the famous Yoruba Osun Osogbo festival. More on the Benin Bronzes: Agitation for the return of the bronzes to Nigeria has been ongoing since the 1930s. "Being in the British Museum, which is a world repository of heritage, allows people to see it," said Oliver Dowden, a former British culture minister, last year. But since then some institutions in the West have finally started to return them. The Smithsonian ceremony was one of several this year marking a sea change in attitudes over returning looted treasures The Smithsonian Museum of African Art, in a ceremony on 11 October, transferred ownership of 20 of them to Nigeria, while nine more will remain on loan to the museum. Another 20 are with the Smithsonian's Museum of National History, and the process that could lead to their transfer has begun. The Restitution Study Group's lawsuit hopes to stop that. 'We are suffering from shame' Ms Farmer-Paellmann has long been fighting for justice and reparations for the black descendants of slaves in the US. In the 1990s, she started compiling evidence to show how 17 companies had amassed wealth from slavery, such as the insurance firm Lloyd's of London. The legal proceedings floundered in the end in the 2000s as RSG ran out of funding. However, following the global Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, Lloyd's of London apologised for its past links to the slave trade and committed to making financial investments to promote the welfare of black, Asian and ethnic minority groups. Each time I have written about the legacy of slavery in Africa, I have received hundreds of messages from African Americans expressing worry that my stories might affect their quest for reparations from white descendants of slave owners, who might use stark evidence of African involvement in the transatlantic slave trade as an excuse to wriggle out of blame for their ancestors' atrocities. Therefore, I was surprised that a group like Ms Farmer-Paellmann's would be openly highlighting this fact through its lawsuit. "There's a lot of shame," she admits. "It's almost like a child reporting their mother for child abuse. That's a hard thing to do." "But we are suffering from the shame while the slave trader heirs are walking off with the treasures." She calls for a more understanding outlook: "This is an opportunity for Nigeria to take a stand, one of the biggest places where descendants of enslaved people come from - about 3.6 million of us - and say that the honourable thing to do today is to share these bronzes. "Nigeria would be celebrated for doing something like that." More Letters from Africa: Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Just about anything is still possible in this year's midterm elections. Everything from a Democratic hold in the Senate and a fairly close race for the House to something like a Republican rout is well within the range of realistic possibilities on Tuesday. (Ryan Carl/The New York Times) Just about anything is still possible in this years midterm elections. Everything from a Democratic hold in the Senate and a fairly close race for the House to something like a Republican rout is well within the range of realistic possibilities on Tuesday. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Why such a wide range? With so many races on edge, it wouldnt take much for the final outcome to feel very good, or very bad, for either party. In the Senate, the races likeliest to decide control remain exceptionally close, with the poll averages showing essentially a dead-heat in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona and even New Hampshire. With just a few lucky breaks, either party could win control. Theres a similar story in the House. While Republicans are favored to win the chamber, dozens of races are tossups. It wouldnt take much for Democrats to keep the race fairly close, perhaps delaying a call on House control for many hours or perhaps even days. On the other hand, it wouldnt take much for Republicans to pick up dozens of seats, leaving the impression that 2022 was something like a wave election. There is also the possibility of more surprising outcomes: a true Republican landslide or a Democratic hold on Congress. The polls have been wrong before. The voters, after all, have the final say. Heres an overview of what might still happen how it might happen, why so much remains possible, and what signs to look for on election night. Scenario 1: The Clear Republican Win With five critical Senate races and dozens of House races looking like tossups, even some random breaks could give Republicans something that feels like a rout: control of the Senate and a big gain in the House. The election could still be fairly close. It might still take days to resolve. But it wouldnt take much for the final scoreboard to look more like a rout than a close and competitive race. In almost every critical race, the final New York Times/Siena College polls suggested that voters preferred Republican control of Congress and disapproved of President Joe Bidens performance, but Democrats often had the advantage of incumbency or Republicans had the disadvantage of an unpopular candidate. Story continues But Republicans could quickly have a great night if even a small share of voters swallows their doubts about unpopular nominees or discards their warm feelings about longtime Democratic incumbents. Another factor is turnout, especially in the House races in states with less competitive races at the top of the ticket. It might be enough for Republicans to scratch out a few extra wins. It might take a long time before a clear Republican success becomes a certainty. It might take days before critical races in Arizona, Pennsylvania and Nevada are resolved. Georgia might take until December, if no candidate clears the 50% necessary to avoid a runoff. But on Tuesday night, the signs of a clear Republican win might start to pile up. Republicans would quickly register comfortable wins in North Carolina, Florida and Ohio. New Hampshire might be close, even if the Democrats pull it out. Wisconsin would be in the Republican column by bedtime. A series of crucial House districts in the Southeast, like North Carolinas 13th Congressional District and Virginias 2nd, might swing into the Republican column. The odds of Democrats holding on in the pivotal but slower-counting states would start to look pretty bleak. Scenario 2: The Feels-Like-a-Win for Democrats Democrats cling to a five-seat majority in the House, but if they get a few breaks, the night might leave them with a lot to feel good about even if the scoreboard shows the Republicans gaining seats and taking the House. It might even feel like a Democratic win, given how the polls have trended toward Republicans in recent weeks. This feels-like-a-win mainly comes down to holding control of the Senate. To hold the chamber, the party will probably need to win three of the four most critical races: Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada. Democrats would start to feel a lot better if they could add a few more feel-good wins to the ledger, like beating stop the steal Republican candidates for governor in Pennsylvania and Arizona, or a victory for abortion rights in Michigan. It might just be enough for Democrats to take a glass-half-full perspective on the 2022 election, provided the party also holds down its House losses and can save face by avoiding embarrassingly close races in blue states and districts, such as for governor of New York or for the Senate from Washington. The Democratic path to an acceptable night counts on voters who will back the candidate they know and like most, even if they dont love the idea of having Democrats control the Senate. Staving off embarrassment will also require Democrats to turn out in states far removed from the national spotlight the states where the Senate isnt at stake, where abortion is not on the ballot, and where no stop-the-steal candidate has a realistic chance of winning statewide. It will take a long time before it becomes clear that Democrats are on track for a feels-like-a-win. Theres a distinct chance that none of the key Senate races will be called on election night. Democrats will start to feel optimistic on Tuesday night if they can stay close in states such as Ohio, Wisconsin and North Carolina, and hold the key East Coast House races. They might even get outright excited if Mark Kelly opens up a wide lead in Arizonas increasingly Democratic early mail vote. Scenario 3: The Republican Landslide If the polls underestimate the Republicans again, the result of this years midterms wont just feel like a Republican landslide it will be a Republican landslide. A red wave election would not be a surprise; nor would it be hard to explain. Bidens approval ratings are stuck in the low 40s, a figure as low or lower than Donald Trumps approval ratings in 2018, Bill Clintons in 1994 and Barack Obamas in 2010. In each case, the party out of power gained 40 or more House seats and won the House national popular vote by around 7 percentage points or more. With Republicans making steady gains in the polls, it does not take any great imagination to see them stretching out a more decisive lead. Its tempting to think a decisive Republican victory isnt possible in such a polarized country, especially because Democrats have won the national vote in seven of the last eight presidential elections. But just last November, Republicans won the Virginia governors race by 2 percentage points exactly the kind of showing that would be equivalent to a red wave nationwide. The red wave doesnt necessarily require the surveys to be systematically biased in the same ways they were two years ago, although that very well might happen. It may require only that undecided voters decide, as they often have, to use their vote as a check on the party of the president, regardless of their feelings about individual Democratic incumbents. Or maybe it would take an unexpectedly strong Republican turnout on Election Day, while young, Black and Hispanic voters stay home in greater numbers than they did in 2018. On Tuesday night, if Republicans are headed for a landslide, the signs would be obvious from the start. Not only would Sen. Marco Rubio and Gov. Ron DeSantis cruise to victory in Florida, where votes are counted quickly, but safe Democratic House incumbents in South Florida even the well-known former Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz might find themselves in surprisingly close races. Farther north, Republicans would easily flip the key tossup districts in Virginia and North Carolina, but also advance even further into blue territory flipping Virginias 7th, held by Abigail Spanberger, while endangering the next tier of safer Democratic incumbents, such as Jennifer Wexton. The Senate races in North Carolina and Ohio would not be close. It might still be a long time until we see a call in the Senate, but in this scenario Herschel Walker would have a chance to clear the 50% necessary to win outright and avoid a runoff in Georgia. A Republican win in the Senate race in New Hampshire would seal the deal. Scenario 4: A Democratic Surprise A surprising Democratic night a hold in the House and the Senate is unlikely. With polls trending toward Republicans, the outcome feels even harder to imagine than the word unlikely suggests. But it does remain within the realm of possibility: Democrats are still within striking distance of a good night. Unlike in previous cycles, they remain competitive in enough races to win control of the House. And not only do Democrats remain competitive in the race for the Senate, but they also have upside potential for a good night: Upsets remain possible in states such as Wisconsin, Ohio and North Carolina, even if Republicans are plainly favored. By any historical perspective, it would be hard to explain if the Democrats managed to hold both chambers of Congress. No president with an approval rating under 50% has seen his party gain House seats in a midterm election, dating to the dawn of modern polling. But this is not an ordinary moment in American history. Partisan polarization is extreme. Many Democratic voters perceive that democracy is under threat. Others are furious about the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. In another midterm election, these voters might have stayed home. This cycle, they may well vote. And a critical sliver of voters dissatisfied with Biden and Democrats might feel they have no choice but to vote against Republicans. Democratic strength among highly educated voters would most likely be a critical part of any upset. Not only are these voters well represented in key battleground districts, but theyre also likelier to make up a larger share of the electorate in a low-turnout midterm election. Its a tendency that might cut against the usual pattern for the presidents party to suffer from low turnout. At the same time, Democrats would need relatively disaffected elements of their partys base Black, Hispanic and young voters to come home down the stretch. The possibility of the polls erring in this way might also seem hard to imagine. After all, polls have underestimated Republicans in recent cycles. But historically, there isnt much of a relationship between polling error in one election and the next. The pollsters who did poorly either adjust or drop out. The pollsters who did well one year feel emboldened the next. And that does seem to be happening this cycle. The traditional pollsters who underestimated Republicans the most in 2020 have significantly reduced their polling this cycle or stopped altogether. Other pollsters are doing everything they can to ensure a more Republican-leaning sample, including by means that would have been scorned a few years ago. And then theres the flood of state polls by Republican firms, showing eye-popping results such as a Republican lead for New York governor. All of this may add up to far more accurate polling averages than in 2020. But if pollsters overcorrect or if the balance of pollsters has shifted too far toward the Republican-leaning outfits there would be a chance that the polls underestimate Democrats. Indeed, many traditional polls still show signs of Democratic strength. To take one recent example: Marist College released polls showing Democrats ahead in Pennsylvania and Arizona, and leading among registered voters in Georgia. Siena College showed Democrats faring quite well in several critical House races in New York state that one might have thought were leaning toward Republicans in this national environment. On Tuesday night, if Democrats are on track to greatly exceed expectations, the signs would show up pretty early. The Senate races in North Carolina, Wisconsin and Ohio will all largely be decided on election night. If Democrats remain highly competitive in all three or even win one, it will be a clear sign that this isnt the simple Republican win that analysts long expected. 2022 The New York Times Company A woman who was filmed dangling 20-stories above the ground during a blaze at a New York City high-rise has recounted her heroic rescue by firefighters. The three-alarm fire broke out around 10.30am on Saturday at a building on 429 East and 52nd Street in Manhattan. Firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene and found themselves performing what has been described by FDNY chiefs as two high-risk, last resort effort rope rescues. One of the firefighters saved the life of 20th-floor resident Christina Foti, who was sleeping when the blaze erupted. Heartstopping footage of the rescue was captured by bystander Patti Ryan. In the minute-long video, Ms Foti, whose apartment quickly became filled with smoke, is seen clinging onto her windowsill. Officials told the Daily News that Ms Foti hung from the window for at least five minutes until firefighters were able to carry the high-rise rescue. At least sixteen people were rescued by firefighters who heroically climbed onto ropes and saved residents. I dont remember much, Ms Foti told the Daily News on Sunday while she recovered at Weill Cornell Medical Center. I just remember that it was horrible and I feel awful ... I would have died without them. I thought I was going to die. Thirty-eight people were injured in the blaze, including five firefighters. Two victims suffered severe smoke inhalation and five others were in serious condition, CBS reported. FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said that the fire appeared to stem from an explosion caused by an e-bikes lithium battery. Ms Kavanaugh commended responding firefighters for their efforts Fire EMS and dispatch did an extraordinary job rescuing a number of civilians, Ms Kavanagh said during a press briefing, per CBS. I cannot emphasize enough the extraordinary work of our members this morning in unbelievably dangerous conditions. Ms Kavanaugh said that the fire was under control within an hour. The FDNY advised that owners of micro-mobility devices that employ lithium-ion batteries, which have caused almost 200 fires in the city this year, should take precautions like not leaving the devices charging overnight. Story continues @FDNY .@FDNY #FDNY in my ENTIRE life I have never seen anything more #HEROIC than what I just witnessed from #NYC apt. Woman rescued by #NYBRAVEST #FDNY in devastating apt fire. Trying to escape smoke, she slipped, hanging 15-20 stories up. THANK U to our heroes!!!! #FDNY @FDNY pic.twitter.com/sLwqJOPGru Patti Ryan (@StrepGal) November 5, 2022 Ms Ryan also voiced her appreciation for firefighters, captioning the video, In my ENTIRE life I have never seen anything more #HEROIC than what I just witnessed from #NYC apt ... THANK U to our heroes!!!! Amid the chaos, firefighter Arthur Podgorski climbed onto a rope and was tasked with grabbing Ms Fotis body while her arm was freed from a childs gate. My role was to go under the victim, take her weight, hold her weight, so the member above me could free her arm, Mr Podgorski told Fox News. When moments like this happen, theres no room for mistakes. You have to work together. When Ms Fotis arm was freed, Mr Podgorski, who was holding her tightly, was lowered so he could go inside the apartment below. She was then taken to safety. Chief Frank Leeb also told the network that although the measure is part of weekly training received by firefighters, it is not used very often, with 50 instances of it being used successfully since 1980. A woman who called her local congressman about her menstrual cycle has earned praise over the unique method of drawing attention towards womens reproductive health ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. On 26 October, Dara Faye took to TikTok to film herself calling the office of Republican Congressman Mike Garcia from Californias 25th district. In the video, Faye leaves a message for Rep Garcia after the phone call goes straight to voicemail. Hi, my name is Dara, she began the recorded voice message. I was just calling because I wanted to report irregularities in my period. I have also been having cramping during ovulation. I just figured that Mr Garcia would be interested in all of this because he supports the Life at Conception Act, she continued. The Life at Conception Act, which was introduced in February 2021 by Senator Rand Paul, would declare that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution begins at the moment of conception. I dont know if hes a board certified gynaecologist, I really have no idea, Faye continued on the phone call. But I assume if he supports this act, he has a lot of knowledge and I dont know if I should be concerned or not. So, I was hoping maybe someone can get back to me, specifically Mike Garcia, so we can discuss my menstrual cycle and my ovulation cramps, she ended the voicemail. Thank you. She captioned the clip: Involving my local politicians in my medical decisions. Fayes message to the congressman received more than 360k views on Twitter after it was initially shared to TikTok. Thousands of social media users praised Faye for calling out political leaders who involve themselves in issues regarding womens reproductive health, despite having no medical background. Involving my local politicians in my medical decisions pic.twitter.com/1cJbcM3N9G dara faye (@darafaye) October 26, 2022 Bravo! one Twitter user said. Millions of women across the country should leave similar messages with their Republican representatives who dont support a womans right to make decisions about her own body. Story continues Youre a genius, said someone else. I have some medical concerns to discuss and never thought to contact my representative. Such a good idea. Doing this tomorrow. Love it. A third user wrote: I think every woman in America should call their politicians and ask them to set up their next doc appointment. See if theyre willing to help cover the deductible as well. Never know until you ask. Bravo! Millions of women across the country should leave similar messages with their Republican representatives who don't support a woman's right to make decisions about her own body. New Hampshire Slim (@NH_slim) October 27, 2022 Youre a genius. I have some medical concerns to discuss and never thought to contact my representative. Such a good idea. Doing this tomorrow. Love it. Pinstripes4eva (@KristenShubilla) October 27, 2022 I think every woman in America should call their politicians and ask them to set up their next doc appointment. See if theyre willing to help cover the deductible as well. Never know until you ask. Leeder T (@leeder_t) October 27, 2022 Representative Garcia isnt the only Republican candidate that has taken an anti-choice stance on abortion. In a separate video posted to TikTok and Twitter, Faye sarcastically called out Republican nominee for senate in Pennsylvania, Dr Mehmet Oz, after the celebrity TV doctor said local political leaders should have input in a womans abortion decision. Abortion should be the business of a woman, her doctor, and her local political leaders, the Republican candidate said during the Pennsylvania senate debate on 25 October. Posting on TikTok once again, Faye shared a satirical video responding to Dr Ozs recent comments on abortion. Dr Oz thinks a womans medical decisions should be between her, her doctors, and local politicians, she began the clip. Because every time my husband and I decided to have a child, we called our local politicians so we could discuss my birth plan and then see if my OB agreed. I mean, whenever I consider switching tampon brands I call my local congressman, Faye joked. And months when I have really bad period cramps, I call my citys mayor so we can talk about it. Leave, @DrOz alone!!!! Womens medical decisions should be between her, her doctor, and her local politicians, damn it!!!! pic.twitter.com/ZwvNQQzM3Q dara faye (@darafaye) October 26, 2022 I even called my state senators when I was having issues breastfeeding my youngest. Instead of going to the ER when I think Ive had ovarian cysts burst, I just show up at [California Democratic Governor] Gavin Newsoms door. You know? See what he thinks the most appropriate treatment is. If my period is two days off schedule, should I let [President] Biden know? Before I schedule a doctors appointment, I need their opinion! Isnt this why we vote them into office for medical advice because they wont give us good health care? Less than four months after the United States Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v Wade which legalised abortion in the US nearly 50 years ago the future of abortion rights weighs in the results of the upcoming midterm elections. Five states California, Vermont, Michigan, Kentucky, and Montana have issues directly relating to reproductive healthcare on the ballot. If approved, California, Vermont and Michigan could be the first states to guarantee the right to abortion care in their state constitutions. Meanwhile, anti-abortion advocates in Kentucky hope to impose more restrictions to abortion access. The Independent has contacted Dara Faye for comment. Republican gubernatorial candidate Sarah Huckabee Sanders answers a question during the Arkansas PBS gubernatorial debate on Friday, in Conway, Ark. on Oct. 21, 2022. Credit - Tommy MettheThe Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/AP In four statesArkansas, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Oklahomamost of the candidates on the ballot for governor and lieutenant governor are women. Should they win, it could mean that women hold the two top seats in a state government for the first time in United States history. The women candidates span the political spectrum, from former Dayton, Ohio, Mayor Nan Whaley, a pro-abortion rights Democrat running for governor, to Republican Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who was White House press secretary under former President Donald Trump and is running for governor of Arkansas. Though the vast majority of candidates running for office this year are men, women are running in governors races at higher rates than usual, says Jennifer Lawless, chair of the politics department at the University of Virginia. Women candidates for office no longer face the same gender bias or stereotypes the way they did 30 years ago, Lawless argues, as a result of the increasing polarization of American politics. The upside to party polarization, and the fact that politics have become so dysfunctional, is that knowing whether a candidate is a Democrat or Republican tells people almost everything they need to know, says Lawless, whose research focuses on women in politics. So that means that women have just as good a chance getting elected as men when the partisan composition of their state matches them. Heres what to know about the four states that could make history by electing women to both top spots in the state. Arkansas Experts believe Arkansas and Massachusetts will likely be the first states to elect women to fill the governor and lieutenant governor seats for the first time. Arkansas is a red state, and Republicans have held both the governors office and the state house and senate there since 2015. The governors race between Sanders and her Democratic opponent Chris Jones will very likely end in a win for Sanders, who has an 18.3 point lead, according to an analysis of poll data by FiveThirtyEight. The race for lieutenant governor is between Republican Leslie Rutledge, who is the states current attorney general, and Democrat Kelly Krout. Story continues As the first woman elected attorney general, I know the importance of breaking glass ceilings, Rutledge tells TIME in a statement, but historical milestones need not come at the expense of America. We must elect women (and men) who will make America stronger and safer while always defending our freedoms. Krout, who is a social worker and mom of seven and has been campaigning with Jones, a Black man, tells TIME she appreciates that the gubernatorial race in Arkansas will be historic, one way or another. All of the women in this race, myself, Leslie Rutledge, and Sarah Huckabee Sanders, politically speaking we are all pretty young. Were all mothers of young children, and I appreciate the representation there because were showing other women that you too can do this, Krout says. Being perfectly honest, of course, I want to see us elect the first Black man as governor, because electing the women on the right is not going to be the step forward for women that we would hope for it to be. Its going to move Arkansas backwards. Massachusetts Massachusetts is also likely to elect women for governor and lieutenant governor. Democrat Maura Healey, the states attorney general, is running for governor against Republican Geoff Diehl, and leads him by nearly 25 points, according to an analysis by FiveThirtyEight. Healey will likely become the first woman to govern the state and one of the first openly lesbian governors in history. The lieutenant governor match-up is between two women: Democrat Kim Driscoll, the mayor of Salem, Mass., and Republican Leah Cole Allen, a nurse who was fired for refusing to take a COVID-19 vaccine. The Democratic candidates have acknowledged the historical significance of their races. Its election day. Lace up your sneakers, Massachusetts. We have history to make, Driscoll tweeted on Tuesday. To every little girl out there, I want you to know you can be whatever you want to be, Healey tweeted on Nov. 3. Ohio The two women running for governor and lieutenant governor of Ohio may not fare as well as those in Arkansas or Massachusetts. Whaley and her running-mate Cheryl Stephens, a council member for Cuyahoga County and a Black woman, have emphasized the historic nature of their campaign. But polls indicate that incumbent Governor Mike DeWine is likely to keep his seathe and his running mate, Jon Husted, hold a 20.7 point lead over Whaley and Stephens, according to FiveThirtyEight. But the Democratic women candidates hope the Supreme Courts decision in June to overturn a constitutional right to abortion will motivate Democrats to turn out in higher numbers to vote. Now that the Supreme Court has sent the issue of abortion rights to the states, electing a pro-choice, female governor and lieutenant governor has never been more important, a spokesperson for the Whaley-Stephens campaign tells TIME in a statement. At this moment in time, more than ever, we need women leaders who will fight for the rights of Ohio womenand all working Ohioans. Still, experts suggest that may not be enough to lift Whaley and Stephens to victory. We know that abortion is one of the issues that can drive up turnout this election cycle, Lawless says. That said, the political climate and taking on a Republican incumbent, and the demographics and partisanship of that state, make it very, very difficult for a Democratic female candidate to win. Oklahoma The race for Oklahoma governor is one of the tightest in the country, and the Democratic candidate, Joy Hofmeister, is fighting to defeat Republican incumbent Kevin Stitt. Hofmeister is a lifelong Republican who only recently changed her party affiliation to Democrat in order to run against Stitt. I was a Republican longer than Governor Stitt was registered to vote, Hofmeister told TIME. Im fiscally conservative. Im aggressively moderate. Always have been. Read More: Why the Oklahoma Governors Race Is Closer Than Anyone Expected A woman is also running for lieutenant governor: Melinda Alizadeh-Fard, a Democrat and an attorney. This state has been red too long, so long that the current administration has acted with carte blanche to disenfranchise women and our Native American tribes, as well as embrace cronyism and wasteful spending practices, Alizadeh-Fard tells TIME in a statement. That two women are taking this on just goes to show that we are not afraid of a challenge to fight for what is right and to protect our people. The issue of abortion may play a role in the outcome of the vote. Oklahoma has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country, banning abortions even in cases of rape, incest, and when the mothers health is at riska ban Stitt signed into law, and that even some conservatives have criticized. Hofmeister, who says she is personally pro-life but believes abortion is a healthcare decision between a woman and her doctor, told TIME she ran as a Democrat in order to oppose Stitts brand of Republicanism. He is pandering to extremism, she said. Stitts office did not respond to a request for comment. Correction, November 8 The original version of this story miscounted the number of states that could elect women to both top government seats. There are four, not three. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday said he experts Russia to continue hammering Ukraines infrastructure with missile strikes, vowing to mount a response to the attacks. We also understand that the terrorist state is concentrating forces and means for a possible repetition of mass attacks on our infrastructure, Zelensky said in his nightly address. First of all, energy. In particular, for this, Russia needs Iranian missiles. We are preparing to respond. As Kyiv forces make increasing gains in an autumn counteroffensive, Russia has launched a barrage of strikes across Ukraine in recent weeks, largely targeting the countrys energy infrastructure and causing blackouts and water outages. Ukraines Kyiv, Chernihiv, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Kharkiv and Poltava regions will see blackouts on Monday from 6 a.m. until the end of the day because of the strikes, according to Ukrenergo, Ukraines state-owned power company. Zelensky in his nightly address said 4.5 million people had no electricity. No one chose the areas that will suffer from blackouts this is a consequence of the destruction of the energy infrastructure after missile and drone attacks, Ukrenergo wrote on Telegram. Ukrainian officials have asked residents in recent weeks to conserve electricity use. The county has also stopped exporting electricity to Europe. Kyiv, Ukraines capital, is preparing for a total electricity blackout and potentially mass evacuations amid Russian bombardment. Ukraines energy sector has been a focal point in Russias invasion. International observers have raised concerns for months over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europes largest, calling for a protection zone around the plant to avoid a nuclear disaster. The area remains under Russian control, but Ukrainian employees have maintained operations at Zaporizhzhia. Ukraines nuclear energy arm previously indicated Russia kidnapped the plants top managers and intimidated employees. Story continues The United Nationss nuclear watchdog said on Saturday that external power had been restored to the plant two days after Russian shelling required it to be disconnected from the power grid. Concerns have also been growing over the Kakhovka hydroelectric plant, which is located in Ukraines south near the strategic city of Kherson. Kyiv and Moscow have traded accusations that the other is planning to blow up the dam as Ukrainian forces make territorial gains toward Kherson. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. As of Sunday evening, more than 4.5 million consumers remain disconnected from the electrical grid in Ukraine, most of them in Kyiv city and Oblast. Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his evening address Quote: "As of this evening, rolling power outages are continuing in Kyiv and six oblasts. More than 4.5 million customers are without electricity. Now, most of them are in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast. It's really difficult." Details: Zelenskyy noted that this week he held meetings with government officials, with representatives of energy companies and oblast administrations regarding possible options for the situation in the energy sector. "We consider each scenario in detail and prepare appropriate responses. No matter what the terrorists want, no matter what they try to achieve, we must endure this winter and be even stronger in the spring than we are now," he emphasized. Zelenskyy said that Russia is continuing to amass forces and equipment that would enable it to renew its attacks on Ukraines infrastructure, including, first and foremost, on the energy infrastructure. "Thats why Russia needs Iranian missiles. We are preparing to respond," he said. Previously: Kyrylo Tymoshenko, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said that on Sunday, 6 November, the situation with electricity supply in Kyiv was difficult, but the blackouts were controlled. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! , Nov 07 ( NHK ) - A fireworks competition returned to the city of Tsuchiura, north of Tokyo, for the first time in three years, with 20,000 fireworks lighting up the sky. The event took place on the banks of the Sakuragawa River in Ibaraki Prefecture on Saturday, with measures in place to reduce the risk of coronavirus infections. Fifty-five pyrotechnic firms from various parts of Japan competed in three divisions, showing off the beauty of their fireworks and their skills. ...continue reading , Nov 07 ( NHK ) - Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force has held an international fleet review for the first time in 20 years, to mark the 70th anniversary of its founding. Twenty MSDF destroyers and submarines as well as 18 vessels from the United States, South Korea and 10 other countries took part in the review on Sunday in Sagami Bay, south of Tokyo. This was the second time the international fleet review was held in Japan. Japan did not invite Russia to the event, while China did not take part despite being invited by Japan. Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio observed MSDF vessels and those from other countries sailing in formation from the deck of the MSDF destroyer Izumo. Kishida strongly criticized Russia and North Korea in a speech. He also reiterated his government's policy of aiming to drastically strengthen Japan's defense capabilities. The prime minister said that in order to protect the public and ensure peace and stability in the region, it is fundamental to seek the building of a stable international order through dialogue. But he noted that it is also necessary to prepare for a situation where peace and security is violated by military force, adding that he will give realistic consideration to the issue without ruling out any options. Kishida and Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu later visited the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, and inspected the deck lined with fighter jets. ... continue reading , Nov 08 ( NHK ) - Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has expressed hope that the ruling-opposition talks will make progress on legislation to deal with the religious group previously known as the Unification Church. Lawmakers of four parties are discussing key points to be included in bills to provide relief to people who say they were financially exploited by the ex-Unification Church. The bills also aim to prevent similar damage in the future. Kishida was speaking on Monday at a meeting of government and ruling coalition officials. He said he will go all-out to find out the facts of what the religious group has done by requesting reports from the group and asking questions based on the Religious Corporations Act. He said the efforts will also focus on the relief of victims and legislation to prevent a recurrence. ...continue reading The headquarters of Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis in Basel is seen in 2015. Bannockburn-headquartered Novartis Gene Therapies is part of the company. (Sebastien Bozon/AFP Getty) Pharmaceutical company Novartis Gene Therapies plans to lay off about 275 employees when it shutters its manufacturing facility in Libertyville. The Bannockburn-headquartered company, which is part of Switzerland-based Novartis, said in a statement it plans to consolidate manufacturing of gene therapy medication Zolgensma at its North Carolina manufacturing facility. It plans to fully wind down operations at the Libertyville plant by the end of 2023. Advertisement Following a comprehensive manufacturing site network evaluation, Novartis has made the difficult decision to cease operations at the gene therapies manufacturing facility in Libertyville, Illinois, the company said in the statement. The company said it recently conducted an assessment and found it can meet current and anticipated demand for Zolgensma and future gene therapies at a single manufacturing site. The company cited clarified demand expectations and the ability to produce more Zolgensma through improved processes as reasons it no longer needs two manufacturing plants. Advertisement Zolgensma treats spinal muscular atrophy, a rare genetic disease that can lead to muscle weakness, paralysis and even death in young children. When it was approved in 2019, it gained attention for being the most expensive medication ever approved at that time. , Nov 08 ( msn.com ) - Japan has a shrinking pool of young workers to fund retirement and healthcare. The only answer appears to be raising pension and health deductions from paychecks, but that is likely to be deeply unpopular. Japan's government is planning dramatic changes to the national pension scheme and healthcare payments as supporting the country's aging population strains public finances. Advances in healthcare are enabling more Japanese to live longer than ever before, with government statistics released in August showing that a Japanese woman can expect to live to the age of 87 and a man to reach 81-years old. At the same time, however, the number of births in 2021 fell to a post-World War II record low of just over 811,000. The number of working age people is also shrinking as more people enter retirement. In response, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare is expected to propose significant changes to the pension scheme that all Japanese are required to contribute to, mandating an extension to the period that people have to pay premiums from the present 40 years to 45 years. The ministry also intends to increase contributions to the national healthcare system paid by older citizens. Additional fees for medical treatment are also expected to be increased. A final decision on the proposals is expected in 2024. ...continue reading , Nov 08 ( Nikkei ) - Investment fund Japan Industrial Partners has submitted a formal proposal to take over Toshiba for about 2.2 trillion yen ($15 billion), Nikkei learned on Monday. The proposal is based on Toshiba's current share price. Toshiba's special committee that was established in April will decide whether to accept the bid. JIP was chosen as a preferred bidder in October and is leading a consortium of buyers. It had been working out the details of the takeover and has conducted an asset assessment, taking into account the uncertain semiconductor industry outlook as well as the fact that Toshiba's stock price has already risen in anticipation of restructuring. About 1 trillion yen will be funded by a group of Japanese companies, including utility Chubu Electric Power and leasing company Orix. More than 10 companies have expressed an interest in contributing capital. JIP itself will also inject 100 billion yen. ...continue reading To commemorate Veterans Day, fifth grade students at Patriot Elementary interviewed three current and former service members on Thursday to learn about their military experience. The new project is part of a curriculum unit on informational writing, and students will use the interviews to create a digital presentation for a school assembly. A lot of students are connected to the military in some way. For those that arent, it is a great way for them to understand what our service members and their families go through, said Patriot teacher Makayla Hasch. Students were provided a list of prepared questions to ask their interviewees. Harrison Royce, 11, asked Royal Australian Air Force Group Capt. Daniel Howarth what he would impart to his fifth grade self if he could go back in time. He said you can make your own luck. If you work hard and do good, luck will come to you, Royce said. Tyler Evans, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, said he explained the concept of service before self. A lot of times in the military you dont get to do what you want to do, because there is just some times you have to do what is best for the country, Evans said. Heather Kearney, who served in the Air Force and the Navy, described to a small group the value of collaboration. One of the things that I said is that a good leader is only as strong as their weakest team member, Kearney said. I had to kind of explain that one a little bit, but they got it. Omaha police announced Friday that two boys, ages 15 and 13, had been arrested and charged in connection with the August slaying of 19-year-old Alon Reed. DES MOINES The final push is on. Candidates in Tuesdays election are delivering their closing arguments their tightened message that is designed to motivate or sway as many voters as possible. At the same time, their campaign operations are in the full-blown sprint to the finish knocking on doors, sending text messages and airing ads on TV and social media, all to maintain constant contact with the targeted voters on their lists. With the general election just days away, candidates and their campaigns are exhausting all their strategies to drive up voter turnout in their favor. But thats bad news for potential voters already suffering from election fatigue. It means more campaign ads, more ringing doorbells, more mailers and more text messages are on the way. Im pretty sure campaign managers dont want to end up with money in the bank. Youd rather win after spending it all than lose with unspent money still there, said Dennis Goldford, a political-science professor at Drake University. All this despite the fact that any and all civilians non-political, everyday people are truly sick of all of the ads. Still, you want to scare people about your opponent and say how wonderful and on-your-side your own candidates are. Donna Hoffman, a political-science professor at the University of Northern Iowa, also warned voters that they should expect those ads to continue to flood the airwaves and streaming services right up to the election. The only respite, Hoffman said, could come for Iowans who already have cast early ballots: They may see fewer targeted campaign contacts like door knocks and text messages. As for the candidates, Hoffman said the final days of a campaign commonly feature a focused version of a classic stump speech. Candidates typically craft a closing message in the last week of a campaign where they are focusing on getting out the vote, projecting a sense of urgency, and highlighting what they feel are the key issues for the voters at that point in time, Hoffman said. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Early voting will be open through Monday at local elections offices across the state. Mailed ballots must be received in the local elections office by 8 p.m. Tuesday. So what are the candidates in Iowa saying in these final days of the campaign? Here are some examples from this past week. U.S. Senate U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassleys closing pitch appears to contain themes of working hard and in bipartisan fashion. The 89-year-old Republican incumbent seeking an eighth six-year term in the Senate unveiled his final campaign ad this week, which is titled, Im not done yet. The ad reminds viewers that Grassley still jogs every morning at 4 a.m., travels to each of the states 99 counties every year and cultivates bipartisan relationships. Democratic challenger Mike Franken, 64, a retired U.S. Navy admiral, is mounting by far the biggest challenge Grassley has faced in his re-election campaigns. Frankens closing message, as heard at a campaign event this past week in Cedar Rapids, argues that Grassley is no longer the bipartisan senator he once was, that Grassley has been in the Senate too long and its time for a change. We deserve something other than a senator for life, Franken said in Cedar Rapids. Governor If polling and fundraising are indicators, Republican incumbent Kim Reynolds stands on the precipice of another four-year term, and perhaps a re-election victory by a wide margin over Democratic challenger Deidre DeJear and Libertarian candidate Rick Stewart. Reynolds has spent the last two weeks of the campaign barnstorming the state with a bus tour. Her message has been consistent throughout her campaign highlighting what she believes are the successes achieved during her tenure and with Republican control of the Iowa Legislature: three rounds of state income tax reductions, a state budget with a $2 billion surplus, moves to reopen businesses and schools sooner than many other states during the COVID-19 pandemic and a ban on transgender girls playing in girls sports. Here in Iowa, we still know right from wrong, boys from girls, and liberty from tyranny, Reynolds says in her final campaign ad. DeJear told reporters its that type of decisive issue that is one of the reasons she believes Iowa needs new leadership. That notion of new leadership, along with an appeal for unity, have been among the top of DeJears closing arguments. I see Iowans for who we truly are, and were hardworking people, DeJear said this past week. And there is no doubt in my mind, as Ive been traveling throughout this state, Iowans are working way too hard. And a large part of the impediment in that way is our current failed leaderships ability to overcome the challenges that Iowans are facing. Iowa Legislature Iowa House Democratic Leader Jennifer Konfrst joined Democrat Elizabeth Wilson, a former Linn-Mar school board member running for House District 73, for a news conference Thursday in Marion to discuss Iowa House Democrats four-part policy agenda of lowering costs for Iowans, investing in public schools, protecting reproductive freedom and legalizing marijuana for recreational use. The proposal, dubbed the people over politics agenda, will be the framework for Democratic proposals in the next legislative session. It is based on what weve heard from Iowans all across the state rural, urban, suburban, said Konfrst, of Windsor Heights. We have heard from people who want the Legislature to come together and just get something done. To lower costs, Konfrst said House Democrats would pass legislation that expands access to affordable housing and child care, and lowers taxes for working families while stopping tax cuts for large businesses. Their agenda also calls for codifying a fundamental right to abortion in the Iowa Constitution, which would require Democrats to win back majorities in both the Iowa House and Senate, and hold those majorities through a second election so they could pass a proposal, which would then go to Iowa voters. Winning back those majorities is unlikely to happen this election. Republicans have a 32-18 majority in the Senate and a 60-40 majority in the House. One of the most competitive districts this election is in Eastern Iowa, in Senate District 46, where two incumbent senators Democrat Kevin Kinney and Republican Dawn Driscoll were put in the same district by the decennial redistricting process. Both parties have put significant resources into that election. Kinney has been endorsed by a number of current and former Republicans, and Reynolds has swooped in late in the campaign to help Driscoll, including by appearing in a campaign ad in which she advocates for Driscoll and attacks Kinney. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. People wait in line at a CityMD Urgent Care location in 2020 in New York. Walgreens dove deeper into the health care sector on Nov. 7, 2022, when its VillageMD unit announced it would acquire another primary and urgent care provider, Summit Health-CityMD, in a deal worth close to $9 billion. (Frank Franklin II/AP) Chicago-based VillageMD, which has primary care clinics next to Walgreens stores across the country, will pay $8.9 billion to acquire a company that will help it to branch into specialty and urgent care and expand its footprint dramatically. VillageMD announced Monday that it has entered into an agreement to acquire New York-based Summit Health-CityMD, which provides primary, urgent and specialty care in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Central Oregon. Advertisement VillageMD has Village Medical clinics that provide primary care in free-standing locations and next to Walgreens stores in more than a dozen states, including Illinois, Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, Indiana, Florida and several northeastern states. VillageMD has more than 250 locations. Together, VillageMD and Summit Health will have 680 care locations across the country. Advertisement Deerfield-based Walgreens Boots Alliance is contributing $3.5 billion to the acquisition, through debt and equity. Walgreens is the largest shareholder in VillageMD with about 53% ownership. VillageMD expects to be co-located with 200 Walgreens stores by the end of the year, spokeswoman Molly Lynch said in an email. Each of those locations is about 3,200 square feet with an average of eight exam rooms, she said. In Illinois, Village Medical sites are freestanding, not located with Walgreens stores. About a year ago, Walgreens said it planned to increase the number of Village Medical clinics in its stores to 1,000 by 2027, with half of those in medically underserved communities. In recent years, Walgreens has been trying to become more of a health care destination, as it works to compete with rivals CVS Health and Amazon. The retail pharmacy chain hopes it can draw more people into its stores by offering care. We think that this is another step closer to their goal of becoming more of a one-stop-shop for health care services, said John Boylan, a senior equity analyst at Edward Jones. It gives them the ability to sell more fruit off the cart, and the more opportunity you can have to reach patients in a convenient manner, and in a cost-effective manner, the better off you are. Backing the VillageMD acquisition is also a way for Walgreens to take advantage of changes in the way health care is delivered, with many people now wanting care without having to wait or schedule appointments far in advance, said Nathan Ray, who leads the health care mergers and acquisitions practice as a partner at consulting firm West Monroe. The acquisition may also help VillageMD by giving it economies of scale and greater ability to reach patients in more areas of the country, he said. Its also one of a number of partnerships Walgreens has formed in recent years to offer more services, even as it continues to cut costs. Walgreens announced earlier this year plans to try to cut $3.5 billion in costs by 2024, up from an earlier goal of $3.3 billion. Advertisement One of Walgreens main strategic goals is to build its U.S. health care business. It also recently bought remaining stakes in Shields Health Solutions, a company that helps hospitals and health systems with specialty pharmacy services. And it recently announced it would accelerate plans to acquire full ownership of CareCentrix, a company that coordinates home care for patients, including after they go home from the hospital. An affiliate of Evernorth, which is Cigna Corp.s health services organization, is also investing in VillageMDs acquisition of Summit Health, and Evernorth will be a minority owner in VillageMD. Weather Alert ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Portions of northeast Nebraska. * WHEN...Until 6 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && China is using new hybrid logistics links or multimodal rail-sea lines to bypass cargo chokepoints in an effort to speed up trade with Africa, where it is the largest trading partner. New rail-sea hybrid transport options stretching from western China as far as Europe, which are speeding up goods movement to Africa, imply the belt and road plan is working, and they are also in line with Chinas aim of boosting exports from less-developed western regions. The Chengdu-Europe-Africa rail-sea transport line opened recently can move freight to Morocco via the German port of Hamburg, as the North African nation emerges as the centre for tripartite trade. When the train from Chengdu in south-western China arrives in Hamburg via the China-Europe Railway Express, the goods will then travel by sea, reaching its final destination, Moroccos Port of Casablanca, in about 35 days. For decades, Algeria had been the primary focal point of Chinese engagement in the Maghreb, says John Calabrese from the American University in Washington, adding that in January, Morocco became the first North African country to join Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. Therefore, according to Calabrese, it was hardly surprising that the new line ended in Casablanca since China has worked assiduously to woo Morocco in recent years. In 2020, trade between China and Morocco totaled US$4.76bn, with Moroccos exports to China including mainly calcium phosphate, raw copper and zinc ore, while primary Chinese exports to Morocco are tea, pile fabric and broadcasting equipment. The new hybrid logistic link is also designed to help companies in western China export goods to Africa as part of Beijings strategy to increase exports from the western provinces, which are less developed than coastal regions. Guineas justice minister on Thursday (3 October) ordered legal proceedings against former President Alpha Conde and more than 180 officials from his deposed regime for alleged corruption and embezzlement of public funds. The military junta, which overthrew the 84-year-old Conde in a coup last year, is now running the West African country and has proposed to hold elections after a 24-month transition period, but has not confirmed when that would start. In a letter to two attorney generals, Guineas Justice Minister Charles Wright requested that legal proceedings be initiated against Conde and around 180 former officials for corruption, embezzlement of public funds, illicit enrichment, money laundering, forgery and complicity. Some opponents of the junta say it is going after Condes old allies to prevent them from running in the next elections. Conde is officially in Turkey for medical treatment, but his exact whereabouts are unknown, while some officials on the list have already been detained by the junta for months on similar accusations. Several people on the list are dead, and some names are listed twice. The junta had ordered legal proceedings against Conde and 26 of his former officials in May over deadly violence surrounding Condes disputed bid for a third term in 2020. King Mohammed VI welcomed the achievements of a development model launched in 2015 to upgrade infrastructure as well as social services in the southern provinces. In seven years, the 77-billion dirham development program ($8 billion) is 80% complete with landmark projects such as the Tiznit-Dakhla highway in its final stages, the King said in a speech marking the 47th anniversary of the return of the southern provinces to the homeland. Under the program, the Sahara regions have been connected to the national power grid and communication networks. It also provided for the completion of wind and solar energy projects as Morocco aspires to generate 52% of its energy from renewable sources. The King also underscored the importance of the Dakhla port whose construction will begin soon once studies are over. The implementation rate of most projects planned in the phosphate, water and sanitation sectors is quite high, said the Monarch. Special attention is also given in the development model to social services notably health, education and vocational training as well as culture and sports. In keeping with a spirit of national responsibility, I invite the private sector to continue to be engaged in productive investment in these provinces, particularly in projects of a social nature, he said. Moroccos Prince Moulay Rachid is representing King Mohammed VI at COP-27 Climate summit which opened Monday in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, to discuss global efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and speed up transition from fossil fuels to green economy. On his arrival at the International Conference Centre, Prince Moulay Rachid was greeted on a red carpet by Egyptian President Abdelfattah Al-Sissi and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres before posing for a family photo at the event. In his opening address, Al-Sisi called on world leaders to act with urgency to implement their commitments. There is no time to slip back. There is no space for hesitation, he said, stressing that for the sake of future generations, here and now we are facing a unique historical moment, a last chance to meet our responsibilities. UN Chief said the loss and damage caused by global warming can no longer be swept under the rug, warning that we are on highway to climate hell Greenhouse gas emissions keep growing, global temperatures keep rising, and our planet is fast approaching the tipping point that will make climate chaos irreversible, he added, calling for a universal early warning system within five years and urging governments to tax the windfall profits of fossil fuels companies. According to a list posted by the United Nations, 110 heads of state and government are expected to address the UN Climate Change conference. Toronto-headquartered Global Atomic Corporation launched Saturday a new uranium mining company in Agadez, northern Niger. Niger Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou attended the launch ceremony. Global Atomic Corporations subsidiary in the West African country, Somida will run the site located in Dasa, the commune of Tchirozerine in the Agadez region. No details about the investment nor the return on the project have been revealed. The Canadian company discovered the site in 2010 through grassroots field exploration, Mining Review reported. The Phase 1 Feasibility Study for Dasa was filed in December 2021 and estimates Yellowcake production to commence by the end of 2024, the Mining Review reported in September. Mine excavation began in Q1 2022, the online outlet added. Niger is one the leading global producers of uranium. French Orano, formerly known as Areva, controls the market in the West African country with two subsidiaries namely SOMAIR and COMINAK. Several civil society groups in the country and abroad have repeatedly denounced Oranos monopoly that they believe robs Niger of its resources. Six UN Peace Keepers were injured Saturday by the explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED), the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), announced on Twitter. The mission did not provide details on the attack and the nationalities of the forces but indicated that the incidents illustrate the pervasive threat of IEDs and will not weaken the forces resolve. The latest attack occurred less than a month after four Chadian soldiers, members of the mission, were killed mid-October in the explosion of an IED, in the north of Mali. Their vehicle threaded on an IED that went off. The attack also caused injuries to two other soldiers, the mission had said then. Since the inception in 2013 of the mission, 74 MINUSMA troops have been killed in IED attacks. A total of 179 troops of the mission have been so far killed. The African Development Bank (AfDB) will grant Morocco two loans worth $286 million to finance two programs related to the development of cereal growing and the generalization of social coverage. The first loan, worth 199 million (around MAD 2.16 billion) will go to the Support Program for the Competitive & Resilient Development of Cereals (PADCRC), while the second loan worth 87 million (around MAD 944 million) will finance the Support Program for the Generalization of Social Security Coverage (PAGCS). The PADCRC, which falls in line with the African Emergency Food Production Facility, is meant to contribute to the implementation of reforms aimed at developing the productivity and resilience of cereal farming, in order to guarantee food security and reduce dependence on cereal imports. The banks support to the PADCRC will impact an extremely sensitive value chain, the objectives being to ensure supply, conduct actions with professionals, rebalance the cereal industry and work on aspects of adaptation to cope with the hazards of climate change, commented Minister of Agriculture Mohamed Sadiki. The second program or PAGCS aims to support the priority area of the generalization of social protection, including support for the achievement of universal health coverage, the extension of the pension system, the generalization of family allowances and the improvement of the governance and efficiency of the social protection system. The two loan agreements were initialed in Rabat this Monday by Junior Minister in charge of the budget, Fouzi Lekjaa and the Resident Representative of the banks Country Office in Rabat, Ashraf Tarsim, in the presence of Ministers of Agriculture and Health Mohammed Sadiki and Khalid Ait Taleb. Speaking on this occasion, Lekjaa noted that cereal growing has recently experienced disruptions in trade transactions, however, Morocco has reacted with a range of measures to deal with this situation. Regarding the Support Program for the Generalization of Social Coverage, he said that the government is determined to move forward and implement the reform according to the agenda set by King Mohammed VI. He also welcomed the level and quality of cooperation relations between Morocco and the AfDB, highlighting the valuable and constant support provided to Morocco for the implementation of essential structural reforms. The Carl Sandburg poem that is the inspiration for the brewerys name is painted inside the taproom of Hop Butcher for the World inside the former Half Acre location in North Center. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) The gleaming white tile floor is the same. So is the sturdy concrete bar, the handsome matching Douglas fir tables and benches and the warped, wavy wall of wood harvested from the inside of a Wisconsin grain silo. Whats different at Hop Butcher for the Worlds taproom, which opens Thursday, are three major artistic flourishes and, of course, the beer pouring from the taps. Advertisement Otherwise, the bones of the room on a busy stretch of Lincoln Avenue in the North Center neighborhood largely echo its eight years as one of Chicagos most venerable taprooms in the hands of Half Acre Beer Co. The key, said Hop Butcher co-founders Jeremiah Zimmer and Jude La Rose, was maintaining what made the space special while also making it their own. Its a room as meaningful to them as any beer drinker; after opening their first business checking account in 2014, they headed there to celebrate. They never imagined it would one day be theirs. Advertisement Half Acre built a beautiful place to drink beer, Zimmer said. We stayed true to what we felt was already magical about that space and tried to breathe our own magic into it. Founders Jude La Rose, left, and Jeremiah Zimmer are seen Nov. 1, 2022, in their new Hop Butcher for the World taproom, inside the former Half Acre location in North Center. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) A year and a half after announcing plans to take over Half Acres original brewery and taproom at 4257 N. Lincoln Ave. in May 2021, Hop Butcher is finally ready to pull back the curtain, opening at 11 a.m. Thursday. The 14 taps will flow with both beer made on-site Hop Butcher began brewing there in August and at a production brewery south of the city the brand acquired in 2021. Though Hop Butcher is largely known for its intensely fruity hazy India pale ales, the Lincoln Avenue taproom will serve a full drinking experience, La Rose said. In addition to several hazy IPAs, there will be a saison, an extra special bitter, an Italian-style Pilsner and a hefeweizen on tap. We still love IPAs, and were making a ton of them, Zimmer said. But we were brought up on all styles of beer, La Rose added. Our tastes can vary, and were excited from a brewing standpoint to lean into that. In a sign of the times, theyll also serve an array of nonalcoholic options, including Metropolis hot and cold coffee, sparkling tea and nonalcoholic beer. Just as Half Acre did, Hop Butcher will also sell beer to go, four-packs of 16-ounce cans and 64- and 32-ounce growlers, along with shirts, glassware and other merchandise from a shop beside the taproom. The taproom will be the draw, though, and as much as it maintains its old vibe, it also feels markedly different. Advertisement The most striking addition is a mural snaking across parts of three walls, including the one facing customers as they step into the room. The art will be familiar to Hop Butcher fans, as it was painted by Dan Grzeca, who also designs Hop Butchers labels. In fact, the mural is a riff on one of those labels, for a Mexican-style lager called Soar that was released two years ago. Hop Butcher for the World's taproom features a wall mural painted by Dan Grzeca, who also designs Hop Butchers labels. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) The mural warm, mingled shades of red, orange and yellow as a bird spreads its wings against the sun fosters an intimate space, dominating the room in a way one single thing did not when it was Half Acres. It was a subtle transformation that surprised even Zimmer and La Rose. I didnt realize how bold and striking the mural would be, Zimmer said. I mean that in a good way. Hop Butcher has made two other additions, both nodding to its identity: a commissioned painting of a Washington state hop field the partners visited in 2019 and, on a brick wall just inside the front door, the opening lines of Carl Sandburgs legendary poem from which the brewery took its name (Hog Butcher for the World/ Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat/ Player with Railroads and the Nations Freight Handler;/ Stormy, husky, brawling/ City of the Big Shoulders). Its cool to stand in front of that thing, Zimmer said. If youre going to take a picture in the taproom, its not a terrible place to do it. A new painting of a Washington state hop field that partners Jude La Rose and Jeremiah Zimmer visited in 2019 hangs in the taproom of Hop Butcher for the World brewery. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > Otherwise, Zimmer and La Rose said, they didnt feel an urgency to change things for the sake of change. That included almost all fixtures and materials, including that wall of wavy wood that is one of the most dynamic visuals of any bar room in Chicago. Advertisement Everyone kept asking, Are you keeping that up? La Rose said. Its like asking if pizza is your favorite food. Of course were keeping it. Its my favorite thing in here. For anyone who has been in the space many times which accounts for many Chicago beer drinkers the revamp offers fresh appreciation for what Half Acre built. Its a handsome space, from the gleaming Japanese tile on the floor to the wood ceiling punctuated with four skylights. The kitchen where Half Acre made burritos and other quick beer-ready meals will stay closed for now, though food can be brought in or delivered. The brewing facility at Hop Butcher for the World in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) When the sale of the brewery and taproom were announced in May 2021, Half Acre co-founder Gabriel Magliaro said he likely could have gotten more money for the brewery on the open market, but was only interested in handing the keys to Hop Butcher as Half Acre consolidated operations at its larger brewery a couple of miles north. Hop Butcher are people who carry the torch, and thats wonderful, he said at the time. Though there is one other notable change: Changing tables have been added to both the mens and womens bathrooms. We want to be kid friendly, Zimmer said. jbnoel@chicagotribune.com As the mid-term elections come up on Nov. 8, many Lee County residents might be surprised to see two candidates running for the District 4 County Commission seat. District 4 residents will have a choice between Libertarian candidate Lance Farrar, and republican candidate Tony Langley. Farrar said he originally stepped into the race earlier this year with the intent of trying to keep long-time District 4 commissioner Robert Ham from being reelected. Langley, however, won the runoff election for the Republican ticket back in June, effectively unseating Ham. Langley took 64% of the votes cast in that election. However, a Democrat never stepped up to run against him, thereby leaving the District 4 race unopposed. Langley had said at the time that there was still a chance a Libertarian or an Independent candidate could run against him come November. With Farrar in the race, District 4 residents have a choice which way they want to vote come Nov. 8. Lance Farrar Age: 38 Career: Economics tutor Education: Bachelors in economics, Auburn University Experience: Economics Lance Farrar is originally from upstate New York but moved to Opelika in 2004. He served for nine months in the U.S. Navy before being medically discharged. Farrar earned his bachelors degree in economics from Auburn University. He is currently an economics tutor at Auburn. Farrar is running on the Libertarian ticket in the upcoming election. He says he is for anti-corruption, property rights, and free speech. I want to go in there and defend and uphold the United States Constitution, Farrar said of his bid for election. I want to defend the property rights of myself and everyone thats in the county, and thats the main reason that Im running. Farrar said a big concern of his is stopping some of the evils that are coming from that commission office. Farrar is also concerned with censorship, political corruption, transparency, and accountability among elected officials. My first priority is the stop the censorship of the public comments, because you dont want to limit the free speech of the people, Farrar said. The First Amendments very important to me. While Farrar admits to not having much in the way of business experience, he says he wants to defend the rights of citizens. He feels those rights have been taken away over the past few years. He would also like to tackle issues with garbage collection. He would also like to expand the county commission to seven individuals so that each commissioner does not cover such wide areas. He feels county residents are losing representation as the population has grown and the number of commissioners has stayed the same. My experience really is just to go in there and identify some of the concerns, some of the problems and show them to the people so that they can come in and we can figure out a way to stop them, Farrar said. I would want more accountability among who is actually in the positions and then complete transparency about whats happening with funds. Tony Langley Age: 48 Career: Small business owner Education: Graduated from Beulah High School Experience: Small business, working among the people Tony Langley has lived in Lee County all his life. He grew up in Beulah and has lived in Beauregard for the past 22 years. Langley is a 1992 graduate of Beulah High School. He is a self-employed contractor by trade, the owner of KTR Flooring. Langley ran as a Republican for the Lee County Commission District 4 earlier this year and won the runoff election against Greg Boddie and Robert Ham. The people even in the primary had voted 66% against Robert Ham so they were looking for change even then, Langley said of his win. Im just looking forward to helping and working with the people as much as I can. If elected to the commission, Langley said he would like to tackle what he describes as issues with Parks and Recreation as well as with the volunteer fire department. He said he wants to continue to maintain county parks and help them continue to grow. He said he wants to provide a better environment for youth sports. Langley also wants to continue to maintain the volunteer fire service and help it to continue to grow. He said he would like to help it with funding and getting new equipment. I come from a family of firemen and firefighters in the family, so I understand a lot about the fire service and what they do, Langley said. Thats a big point for me. Langley does feel like joining the County Commission would be a learning process. He says he wants to be a straightforward guy and make sure everyone knows where he stands. He says he wants to be someone the public can count on. If elected, he believes his experience as a small business owner will be important as it has taught him how to listen to the people around him. China is struggling to balance its pressing need to shore up energy security with its ambitions to position itself at the forefront of the global clean energy transition. As the world gears up for the 27th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly known as COP27, the worlds major political powers will be competing to place themselves at the vanguard of a brave new energy world. While China has made great strides in the clean energy sector and has secured a chokehold on many of the supply chains that feed into renewable energy expansion the world over, however, Beijing has also continued to burn increasingly massive quantities of coal in order to keep the lights on at home. From some angles, China has already won the clean energy race. In the west, the kind of rapid decarbonization called for by the Paris Agreement and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has been all but impossible to achieve, due to the massive inertia built into the thoroughly carbon-based economy and the incredible strength of fossil fuel lobbies and their political allies. China, however, has none of these roadblocks due to its authoritarian power structure. This has allowed Beijing to progress leaps and bounds beyond the West in terms of renewable energy technology, know-how and infrastructure. In fact, as Europe tries to move away from Russian energy to condemn the human rights violations and war crimes perpetrated by that authoritarian government, its had to pivot to relying on China another volatile country with its own dismal human rights track record. In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine Europe has smashed solar energy expansion records as they scramble to regain control of runaway energy prices and meet demand before a long, cold winter ahead. This has been a major boon for China, which currently produces 75% of the worlds solar panels. Chinas preeminence in renewable energy supply chains isnt just good for Beijings bottom line it is also a major point of political strength and a serious win in the countrys battle of one-upmanship against the United States. China doesnt just want to take control of supply chains, it wants to win an ideological war and be a major power leading the global decarbonization movement. So far, Beijing hasnt been shy or quiet about its successes. As the Chinese Communist Party's oft-propagandized news outlet the Global Times reported last week: In contrast to the US government's retreating commitment to the industry under former president Donald Trump and the lip service paid by incumbent President Joe Biden, China has the political courage, economic incentive, technological capability and moral consensus to lead the global renewable energy drive and the fight against climate change. However, for all of Chinas genuine successes in the field of clean energy, Beijing is also quietly building more and more coal-fired capacity overseas as its own domestic energy sector struggles to keep up with the nations gargantuan demand for electricity. China has not been able to keep up with its own energy needs for decades, and has long been one of the worlds largest energy importers. And now, China can't even count on its considerable hydropower capacity thanks to severe and worsening water shortages. Related: Oil Prices Slide As China Reaffirms Covid Containment Strategy As a result, carbon dioxide emissions from China-invested power plants overseas now stand at an estimated 245m tonnes per year, Al Jazeera recently reported. This stunning amount equates to the annual emissions of Spain and Thailand. Its no mistake that these plants are being built on foreign soil, as this allows China to avoid reporting such emissions as their own. Currently, Beijing is building over 50% of the worlds new coal-powered electricity plants. This irony is certain to be a point of contention heading into COP27, which threatens to become a power struggle between the West and China instead of a cooperative alliance against the common threat of climate change. Not only will this dynamic unfold as a competition between economies in China and the West, but as a paradigm of global engagement and investment on climate mitigation and adaptation, particularly with respect to engagement with the developing world, read a recent report from the Atlantic Council. While such a power struggle threatens to divide the world into climate camps and even to feed into a sort of climate imperialism, a decarbonization Olympics between the U.S. and China could ultimately be what is needed to accelerate climate action on a grand enough scale to meet the goals set by the Paris Agreement and avoid the most devastating impacts of climate change. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Several days ago, President Biden made a media splash when he threatened oil companies with windfall taxes and other restrictions if they dont stop returning cash to shareholders and start investing this cash in more oil production. The industry, via the American Petroleum Institute, responded with yet another reiteration of the fact that the oil market is a global one, and producers dont have complete control over prices because it is also a free market. Oil producers, big and small, did not react to the U.S. Presidents latest attack on it. The industry simply continued what it has been doing since oil prices rebounded: returning cash to shareholders and planning its spending carefully. Bloombergs Javier Blas summed the situation up in a pithy commentary that basically reminded everyone that this same administration that is now calling for more oil, just two years ago pledged to reduce oil drilling in the U.S. as much as possible. And that this administration, along with other powerful institutions was the same one that convinced the oil industry there was really no point in including strong production growth in their long-term plans. The Financial Times also published an analysis with the same message this week: too many agencies wanted the oil industry to stop expanding its business by increasing the production of oil. What we see now is the logical consequences of this behavior. None other than the International Energy Agency has just warned that oil demand growth will peak by the mid-2030s, the FT noted, and the U.S. president wants oil companies to spend billions on what will effectively become stranded assets in a few short years. Related: Saudi Arabia Cuts Oil Prices For Asia Of course, the IEA has been known to be wrong before, and it wasnt that long ago. The agency published its now notorious roadmap to net zero in May 2021 and said in it that we would need no more new oil and gas exploration after that year. Just a few months later, in its October Oil Market Report, the IEA directly called for more investment in oil and gas because of the tight supply situation amid stronger than expected recovery in energy demand. The IEA may be wrong, as it often is, but Wall Street is a whole other story. Per the FT, it is banks that want oil companies to keep returning cash to shareholders instead of investing it in new production. Shareholders themselves would certainly agree: they spent years watching how much cash was poured into relentless production growth and then they saw prices go negative, even though it was only for a little while. The price crash of 2020 was very real and very painful. Besides, shareholders, especially in Big Oil majors, are applying another sort of pressure on the companies: ESG pressure. It was not a whim that all Big Oil majors had to come up with net-zero plans, targets, and strategies how to get there. Although environmentalists continue accusing them of just greenwashing their business, Big Oil is expanding in low-carbon energy and EVs, and that also means considerable spending. Doing a 180-degree turn and redirecting more money to oil and gas exploration would definitely make some investors unhappy, and the oil industry has already had enough trouble with unhappy investors, especially those of an activist bend. Although the industry might need to remind the Biden administration that it is shareholders who own the oil companies and not the White House, it remains a fact, and an important fact, that any company seeks first and foremost to keep its owners happy. Earlier this week, the chief executive of Halliburton said that the era of exponential growth in U.S. oil and gas was over. Well see growing investment, but quite frankly, nothing even close to what we saw from 2008 to 2014, Jeff Miller said at the ADIPEC conference in Abu Dhabi, adding, Companies were spending at a rate of 120 percent of their cash flow and that cant go on indefinitely. I think they have a responsibility to act in the interest of their consumers, their community and their country to invest in America by increasing production and refining capacity, President Biden said of oil companies in his Monday speech. In fact, the plain truth is that they do not have any of these responsibilities. Oil companies have responsibilities to their shareholders, creditors, and employees. Its the government that has a responsibility to act in the interest of consumers, communities, and the country. The Biden administration has not been doing a very good job of it. And it has been quite slow in realizing its stated plans to decimate the oil industry might backfire before too long. Now, everyone is paying the price for this slow realization. Everyone but oil companies, which are buying back shares, increasing dividends, paying off debt, and going easy on the production growth front. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A German economist has filed a lawsuit against OPEC with a Berlin court, accusing the cartel of pushing up the prices of the gasoline and heating oil he is buying, Bloomberg Opinion columnist Javier Blas reportsand despite the paltry sum, the suit could end up costing OPEC more than it can afford. Armin Steinbach, Professor of law and economics, is suing OPEC for damages for $50 (50 euros), plus interest, alleging that OPEC is an illegal cartel operating to drive up oil prices. The court has allowed the case, which is a rare legal challenge against OPEC, despite decades of one-and-off debates in the United States about a bill that would allow lawsuits against OPEC producers. The judge in a regional court in Berlin allowed the case to proceed and has ordered OPEC and several state-controlled oil firms to file a document naming their lawyers for the case. I hope OPEC reacts soon to the court order. Ignoring court orders is not smart strategy in dealing with German courts, the German plaintiff, Steinbach, tweeted on Monday. In his claim, Steinbach had written that he was seeking damages due to violation of antitrust law. If my lawsuit is successful, it would be recognized for the first time in court that OPEC is a cartel, Steinbach told German business daily Handelsblatt last week. Then every German could sue OPEC for damages, he added. Such a precedent could have legal consequences, although countries, including the U.S., have been wary of removing the sovereign immunity for countries to be sued, for fear of retaliatory lawsuits. In the United States, the Senate Judiciary Committee moved last month the bill that would allow the U.S. to sue OPEC for antitrust behavior and market manipulation to the Senate. The so-called No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels (NOPEC) Act proposes to amend the Sherman Act to make oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal. NOPEC has been an on-and-off topic for U.S. lawmakers and Administrations for over two decades but has never moved past discussions at committees in Congress. Forms of antitrust legislation aimed at OPEC were discussed at various times under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, but they both threatened to veto such legislation. While the NOPEC bill may be dead in the water again, a private citizens lawsuit against OPEC could set precedents for more court actions against the organization. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A fire erupted at an oil pipeline in the southwest of Iran this weekend in an incident authorities are still investigating amid continued anti-government protests and clashes in the country following the death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by the morality police. According to Iranian media and videos shared on Twitter, an oil pipeline in the southwestern Iranian port city of Bandar Mahshahr caught fire on Sunday, the Jerusalem Post reported, noting that neither the regime nor semiofficial media in Iran had reported that sabotage may have caused the fire. The fire has caused some damage, but no casualties have been reported, according to Iranian news agency IRNA quoted by the Jerusalem Post. The anti-government protests in the Islamic Republic started in September after Mahsa Amini died of injuries three days after being detained by morality police for not wearing a headscarf properly, as dictated by Irans strict rules on womens wear. The protests continue, and even oil workers in Iran have joined them, while the government is trying to crack down on the biggest mass dissent in the country in decades. In October, dozens of Iranian oil workers joined nationwide protests, and striking petrochemical workers at the Asaluyeh refinery chanted death to the dictator and walked off the complex on October 11, a video shared on Twitter by Bloomberg showed. The workers also set tires on fire to block the road for Irans security forces. The Iranian government has blamed the protests on Irans enemies, including the United States, saying its a ploy run by armed dissidents, among others. Protesters have continued to brave the harsh crackdown by security forces, burning pictures of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for the downfall of the clerical establishment, and chanting Death to the Dictator. Iranian authorities have, however, denied that the protests are in any way related to nuclear talks. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Crude oil started the week down as the latest updates from China, which included a reiteration of Beijings commitment to zero Covid tolerance and weaker-than-expected October exports, added to bearish sentiment. Over the weekend, Chinese government officials signaled the government had no intention of changing its approach to Covid containment, which meant large-scale lockdowns will continue in case of infection flare-ups, affecting demand for crude. Last week, unverified reports on social media said there were signals Beijing may reconsider its strict approach to Covid and that boosted oil prices for a short while but in the absence of official confirmation of the news the boost was short-lived. Brent gained 2.9 percent thanks to the renewed hope of an end to lockdowns and West Texas Intermediate added 5.4 percent on the news, per Reuters. As a result of the latest update, today in morning trade in Asia crude oil was trading about one percentage point lower than Friday close. The latest data on Chinese exports contributed to the bearish sentiment, too. Exports fell by 0.3 percent in October on an annual basis, missing analyst expectations, which were for an increase of 4.3 percent. Imports also fell, the data showed, by 0.7 percent, versus expectations for moderate growth of 0.1 percent. Meanwhile, some analysts are reporting signs of weakening oil demand in some parts of the world. "The market is still dealing with signs of weakness in oil demand from already high prices and the weak economic backdrop in developed markets," ANZ analysts said in a note quoted by Reuters today. In it, they also pointed out that oil demand in Europe and the United States has fallen to 2019 levels. The analysts forecast oil demand will only add some 600,000 bpd during the current quarter as a result of this weakening and slow down further in 2023. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: On October 10, Iranian loitering munitions rained over Ukraines urban centers, including Kiev. Two weeks later, Israeli forces struck an Iranian drone factory in Syria (Al Arabiya, October 23). This demonstrated how Irans drone program is now beyond Iran, both in terms of production and operational impact. Iran has become a drone-exporting nation and Iranian drones are creating new flashpoints in different geopolitical axes. Tehrans drone program is hardly new, however. In fact, it dates back to the 1980s war of attrition with Iraq and rests on a decades-long significant research and development (R&D) effort. Irans unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) strategy is aggressive (Farsi Al Arabiya, April 23, 2021). It mainly focuses on utilizing UAVs to support the governments capabilities and strengthen its proxy forces abroad. Led by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its drone-maker Qods Aviation Industries (QAI), some of Irans existing drone technologies are developed from reverse-engineering Western systems that have crashed or landed on or near Iranian territory (including the ones allegedly intercepted or captured near its coast). For example, some of the Iranian governments most sophisticated systems, including the Shahed-141 and 191, are modeled after the American RQ-171 Sentinel UAV that crashed in Iran back in late 2011 (Iran Press, December 16, 2020). Complementing Irans proxy warfare, these drones have also been provided to the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon. As a result, Iranian drones have proliferated Middle Eastern battlefields. Although open-source intelligence on the specifics on Irans drone strategy is limited, Tehran has certainly developed a large-scale domestic production base with a rapid production-manufacturing cycle. Irans current portfolio includes even an advanced suicide drone (Arash-2) that can strike Tel Aviv, which would pose an imminent threat to the West (Tehran Times, September 12). Iranian drones are proliferating rapidly and this trend is not limited to the Ukrainian battlefield. Successfully curtailing Tehrans rise as a drone exporter will not only depend on boosting counter-drone capabilities, but also drawing a detailed map of Irans global military-industrial network. This network is prominent in the developing world and fragile states, which the West will have to keep on its radar. Irans Alternative Drone Markets in Conflict Zones In the past, Iran has successfully inserted itself into conflict zones and fragile states by providing its military systems to proxies. Iranian drone systems have proved to be high-value strategic assets for Tehrans proxy allies, especially Hezbollah, which changed the power dynamics in their favor in asymmetrical conflicts against, for example, Israel. The fact that Iranian drones are also now in Venezuelan bases is another alarming factor for U.S counterterrorism strategy. Iran and Venezuela have signed a 20-year cooperation roadmap, which likely includes exchanges in drone production. Their military-strategic relations are improving fast, as exemplified by the approximately 80 Iranian defense companies which participated in the Iran-Venezuela Industrial Scientific Expo fair in Caracas between September 16-19 (Dialogo Americas, October 25). The factors propelling the Iranian militarys industrial complex, and specifically its drone systems, are not limited to finding rogue clients. Another important aspect is the international production facilities of the Iranian government. In the past decade, Iran has built drone manufacturing factories and maintenance facilities in conflict-ridden and fragile states and developing countries, including Venezuela, Syria and, most recently, Tajikistan. The factory in Dushanbe is particularly crucial because it marks the first official and open announcement of an international Iranian UAV production line (Eurasia Daily Monitor, June 14). It is also a significant step that shows Iran is striving to expand its footprint in Central Asia and saturate the regional market with its own UAV solutions before Turkey or other NATO allies are able to do the same. Tajikistans potential purchase of Iranian drones would directly escalate tensions in the region, especially vis-a-vis Turkeys ally, Kyrgyzstan. As Kyrgyzstan hosts a Turkish TB-2 base and is a fresh customer for the Turkish produced Akinci UAV bomber, Turkey and Kyrgyzstan share significant military-strategic ties that cause concern for Iran, if not also Irans ally, Russia (Anadolu Agency, September 13). After Tajikistan, the Iranian drones have also entered the Armenian market. In short, this demonstrates Tehran is using drone sales to assert influence in the broader Central Asian and Turkic region and position itself as an alternate option to Turkish drone solutions that are becoming increasingly popular in the region, especially after their success in the Second Karabakh War, which featured Turkeys ally, Azerbaijan, defeating Irans ally, Armenia, largely because of Azerbaijans UAV dominance (Hetq, October 20). Having Iranian drones crop up on NATOs doorstep is not only a threat to Turkey and its regional allies, but a threat to the collective security of the Transatlantic Alliance. The most imminent strategic risk is that without the restrictions of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran can now purchase and sell conventional weaponry, including drones, which opens up the path for Iran to become a rival to Western and Transatlantic countries for military exports. Russias Route to Using Iranian Drones Russia is using Iranian drones to enrich its strike package, but the loitering munitions it purchases are mainly motivated by a simple cost-benefit analysis. With a price estimated around $20,000 per unit, Tehrans kamikaze drones are much cheaper than missiles while also carrying out their tasks perfectly well to destroy Ukrainian critical national infrastructure. Iranian Shahed-136s (known as Geran-2 in Russian) have been instrumental in Russias attacks on Ukraines major cities, including Kiev and Odessa, which the Russian Armed Forces failed to occupy through ground assaults. With Russian missile stocks running low (13% left of the Iskanders and approximately 45% left of the Kh-101 and Kh-555 missiles, which has forced Russia to use emergency stocks), Iranian drones provide Russia with a swift and effective alternative (Pravda, October 24). Simple to manufacture and cheap to purchase, Iranian loitering munitions might help Russia sustain a higher assault tempo. Yet, the payload of these systems is not sufficient to completely destroy large-scale targets, such as bridges or factories. For such strikes, ballistic and cruise missiles are still key. However, the Iranian loitering munitions can still paralyze Ukraines public services and force the Ukrainian government to expend resources to repair damaged infrastructure all while the drones terrorize the local population in the process. In short, Irans loitering munitions are doing their job. Open-source intelligence indicates that Russia has ordered 2,400 Shahed-136 loitering munitions from Iran (Pravda, October 11). According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian Armed Forces conducted approximately 30 kamikaze strikes in a two-day period in late October, despite 23 being shot down by Ukraine (Twitter/@kyivindependent, October 28). Besides the famed loitering munition Shahed-136, Russia might soon welcome new Iranian drones into its arsenal. In July, a Russian delegation visited Irans Kashan Air Base to see the Shahed-191 and Shahed-129, which suggests that the Kremlin is also potentially interested in these systems (Radio Farda, July 16). The former comes with a twin-missile support, allegedly has a maximum range of 1500 kilometers, and has a flight duration of 4.5 hours, while the latter allegedly has a payload of 400 kilograms (Iran Press, January 27, 2021). Some Ukrainian news outlets have also claimed that Russia might soon purchase the Meraj-521, which is the Iranian analogue of the U.S. firm AeroVironments Switchblade 300 (Sundries, October 20). According to the same sources, the new batch of Russian orders may include the Arash-2 drone, which are UAVs equipped with optical and thermal cameras that the Shahed-136 lacks. While the Shahed-136 can carry a combat payload of 40 kilograms, the Arash-2 can carry approximately 272 kilograms of explosives, making it a much deadlier asset than the Shahed-136 (Sundries, October 27). Yet, the use of kamikaze drones to hit high-value targets is not a new phenomenon for Iranian drones. Some of Irans drones, including the Shahed-136 that is used in Ukraine and the Shahed-131, have both been used by the Houthis to strike Saudi Arabian high-value targets, Israel-affiliated cargo ships, and U.S bases in Iraq (Fars News, December 26, 2021). But what makes Iranian drones extremely dangerous in Ukraine is that in the hands of General Sergey Surovikin, who is the new top commander of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, they can be increasingly used to launch indiscriminate attacks on the civilian population and cities. According to Ukrainian generals, around 40% of the Shahed-136s reach their target, which is not a high success ratio, but is still sufficient to cause large-scale damage, especially in urban centers (Radio Svoboda, October 6). The Dilemma of Defending Against Iranian Drones The characteristics of the Iranian drones used in Ukraine involve advantages and disadvantages for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. On the positive side, they make a distinct, buzzing sound, which enables them to be detected mid-flight. Second, they are rather large for a loitering munition, which again, increases ease of detection. Related: Euro Could Stay Below Dollar For As Long As Natural Gas Prices Remain High Due to their low flight altitude and lack of light-reflective composites, however, the Shahed-136 has a low radar and thermal signature, which makes it a struggle for air defense systems to intercept. Since Russia began using them, most Iranian loitering munitions were intercepted by the Ukrainian armed forces using anti-aircraft missiles, such as the Stinger (Eurasian Times, October 18). However, due to the price tag attached to stinger missile systems, shooting these kamikaze drones down ends up becoming more costly than the threat itself. This makes targeting Iranian kamikazes with anti-aircraft missiles an extremely inefficient option for Ukraine. In terms of military effectiveness, base defense systems, short to mid-range air defense systems, and electronic warfare assets are also required to create a layered air defense. At present, a layered strategy combining MANPADS, air defense systems, and anti-aircraft artillery (AAA), such as the German Gepards, seem like the ideal solution for Ukraine. Although insufficient for area defense, when used together with AAAs, systems such as NASAMS can also provide a point defense solution for defending Ukraines critical facilities. Conclusion Irans drone production lines now extend beyond the countrys borders, which creates a much more complicated picture for U.S and allies counterterrorism strategies. For example, recently, Israel bombed an Iranian drone factory near the Dimas military airport in Syria as recently as October (Haaretz, October 23). However, due to the close links and coordination between the IRGC and Iran-backed proxies, halting the transmission of Iranian drone technology, production and maintenance facilities between various host countries and proxies will necessitate more than destroying a single factory. In several regions with a heightened threat level, such as Eastern Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and Central Asia, if not also East Africa, the demand for drone systems will only continue to grow. This is mainly because UAVs have proven themselves to be cost-effective assets that significantly change the power balance in favor of a country with limited military resources, especially in asymmetrical conflicts. When it comes to reducing or eliminating Irans drone capabilities, neutralizing the strategic masterminds within the IRGC, filling in the gaps in demand with Western solutions, especially among the Turkic states with NATO military solutions before Iran can, and returning to the JCPOA must all be at the top of Washingtons agenda. In this regard, boosting intelligence and surveillance capabilities both on Iranian territory as well the host countries that field Iranian drones would also be key for the Wests counterterrorism strategy vis-a-vis Iran. By the Jamestown Foundation More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: No more drillingthere is no more drilling, said U.S. President Joe Biden at a campaign rally in New York state on Sunday when asked by a person in the crowd about drilling on federal land and in federal waters. The President and the U.S. Administration had promised to halt oil and gas drilling on federal land and in federal waters during the campaign ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Just last week, President Biden said as the biggest oil companies were reporting record or near-record profits for Q3, I think they have a responsibility to act in the interest of their consumers, their community, and their country; to invest in America by increasing production and refining capacity. They have the opportunity to do that lowering prices for consumers at the pump. You know, if they dont, theyre going to pay a higher tax on their excess profits and face other restrictions. My team will work with Congress to look at these options that are available to us and others, President Biden said on October 31. The U.S. oil and gas industry continues to be frustrated with the mixed messages from the Biden Administration, which continues to blame oil companies for high gasoline prices and demands that oil firms lower the prices for consumers at the pump. Commenting on President Bidens remarks on gasoline prices and the threat that oil firms are going to pay a higher tax on their excess profits and face other restrictions if they dont increase output, American Petroleum Institute (API) President and CEO Mike Sommers said last week, Rather than taking credit for price declines and shifting blame for price increases, the Biden administration should get serious about addressing the supply and demand imbalance that has caused higher gas prices and created long-term energy challenges. Oil companies do not set pricesglobal commodities markets do, APIs Sommers said. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Fred Hersch probably couldnt imagine a worse time for an interview. When I called the eminent jazz pianist at home in Manhattan, hed just found out that the trumpeter and flugelhornist Enrico Rava, 83, with whom he released The Song Is You (ECM Records) in September, had been admitted to the hospital. The same morning, Herschs husband Scott Morgan had tested positive for COVID-19. Hersch thought hed be spending the next several days performing with Rava in Italy. Instead, he was on his way out the door to abscond to his and Morgans rural Pennsylvania cottage, alone, while Morgan recovered. Advertisement So, a little bit of drama, Hersch said placidly, as though discussing breakfast. That unflappable calm wasnt forged overnight. Hersch, who turned 67 last month, became one of the first major jazz artists to come out as gay and HIV positive in the early 1990s a professionally risky decision in a scene that was, especially at that time, overwhelmingly straight and male. Then, in 2008, Hersch nearly died from septic shock. He spent two months in a medically induced coma; when he was well enough to be discharged from the hospital, he all but had to re-teach himself piano. Advertisement Hersch partly attributes his groundedness to his meditation practice, which, he insists, isnt too far off from playing music. (When I started sitting meditation, I realized, Oh, Ive been doing this my whole life, just on piano bench.) No wonder musicians flock to him as a duo partner, a relatively rare configuration in jazz that requires not only intense focus but profound trust. Up next is Alive at the Village Vanguard (Jan. 6, 2023, Palmetto Records), a duo album recorded live in 2018 at the venerable club with vocalist and bassist Esperanza Spalding. Pianist and composer Fred Hersch is in concert Nov. 9 at Evanston SPACE. (Erika Kapin Photography) Before then, hell visit at Evanston SPACE with his new trio, which is featured on another recent release: Breath by Breath, which augments the jazz group with the plush sonics of a string quartet (the Crosby Street String Quartet; in a nod to the LaSalle String Quartet, the group named itself after the New York street at which they first rehearsed with Hersch). The following has been edited for length and clarity. Q: Youre playing here with bassist Drew Gress and drummer Jochen Rueckert, as well as on Breath by Breath, which you released earlier this year. I think the last time you played in that configuration here, it was with your longtime trio (John Hebert on bass and Eric McPherson on drums). Whats different about this new trios approach and energy? A: John, Eric and I were a very successful band: We won a lot of critics polls, we were in big festivals all over the place. John was sort of a wildcard, always instigating things and mixing it up. And Eric was the straight man hes consistent. With this new trio, Drew is a little more the straight man and Jochen is the wildcard, which means I play off the drums more. I cant really put my finger on it, but it seems to suit me right now. Im sure (John, Eric and I) will play together again, in some form or fashion. But coming out of the pandemic, I think its a good time to put a bracket on it and say, Wow, we had a fantastic 10 years. Q: In the promo material for Breath by Breath, you said, Ive put all my streaming gear away It was great while that was what it was, and now Im in this place where its live or nothing. But Id assume your own vigilance about your health post-coma is super heightened as long as COVID is still out there. How are you balancing your desire for live performance with the very real risks involved? A: During the first lockdown, I did Facebook Lives every day for a couple months. It was just a tune a day at one oclock; it gave me something to do and made people feel happy for five minutes. Songs from Home was an outgrowth of that. After a couple of months, it became a chore; I thought this would be over in four or five months. But by that point, I knew it was going to be a year and a half in terms of vaccinations and gigs coming back. That guess ended up being pretty on the money. Of course, I had to put Breath by Breath on hold, because we couldnt be in the studio. In a way, that was good, because I had another year to digest and figure out what I wanted to do with it. During that year, the online Vipassana community (reflective Buddhist meditation practice) responded so well to the lockdown. They led virtual sitting groups, they suggested retreats in your home for a weekend where you put your devices away... It helped me get through it. Eventually, I added a few pieces (to Breath by Breath) that were a reflection of the time I spent locked down, which was about 14 months between the first and last gig not terrible. Advertisement At the Village Vanguard, Ive had people come up to me and say, This is the first live music Ive heard in two and a half years. Some people do not want to go out. I get that; its up to everybody. But for me personally, those first months (of lockdown), Id describe myself as languishing. I wasnt really motivated to play or write any music. I was very fatalistic: Why bother? I was looking back on my career thinking, OK, well, if this is it, I can look back and say I hit all the marks. As an 18-year-old in Cincinnati, just starting to play jazz, I could have never imagined the kind of career Ive had. So, I occupied myself with computer games and crime novels you know, just comfort things. But I think there was a lot of numbing. Now, Ive started playing live again, and it feels fantastic, really. Plus, frankly, Ive decided that Im really unwilling to go through travel heroics just for a few bucks. I want the conditions to be right; I want it to be fun. Thats almost more important than the money. This is the second time in my life Ive been knocked down for a year and a half. From psychotic break to coma to recovery and rehab, that was a year and a half, at least. Each time Ive come back, Ive felt better about playing. Im not as hard on myself with my finger slips, or if I have a momentary brain fart. Im alive and playing. At least Im going for it. Q: Breath has taken on new layers of meaning in the past few years. But Breath by Breath wasnt the original name of the album. A: I started with Refuge, another title with Buddhist resonance: (one) takes refuge in the Buddha, and the Dharma, the teachings and the sangha, which is the community of practitioners. Then I went through another title, The Sati Suite, from the Pali word for mindfulness. But then, people thought it was named after Erik Satie. Breath by Breath felt like a more inclusive and descriptive title rather than anything having to do directly with a Buddhist term. Breath by Breath started out as a completely different kind of piece. Finally, when it settled into what it was, it began with the cello very lightly pulsing, almost like a heartbeat, right? Then, the rest just sort of came. Because thats really the way we live: breath by breath. Its the only way to be. Advertisement Fred Hersch Trio plays 8 p.m. Nov. 9 at Evanston SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston; tickets $20-$35 at evanstonspace.com. Hannah Edgar is a freelance writer. The Rubin Institute for Music Criticism helps fund our classical music coverage. The Chicago Tribune maintains editorial control over assignments and content. Chinese state-owned energy giants signed deals worth billions of dollars with companies from around the world during a recent expo that took place in China. According to a report in China Daily, the companies included China National Petroleum Corp, or CNPC, and China Energy Investment Corp. CNPC signed a total of 30 purchase contracts worth $16.8 billion with partners including Aramco, Kuwait Petroleum Co., and Schlumberger, the report said. This brings the total value of contracts signed during the five China International Imports Expos that have taken place so far to $92.79 billion for CNPC alone, the company said. "The expo has provided the State-owned energy companies with a platform for resources allocation and innovation development, as well as opportunities to further cooperate with international peers," said the chief of intelligence and research at Sinopec Economics and Development Research Institute, Luo Zuoxian. China is highly dependent on imported energy commodities, which has spurred the government into directing state-owned energy majors to boost both domestic oil and gas production, and partnerships abroad to secure sufficient supply. Still, China remains dependent on imports for more than 70 percent of its needs, even though in 2021 it saw a drop in this dependence, from 73.6 percent in 2020 to 72 percent. Last year, crude imports fell for the first time in two decades, by 5.3 percent - a development that analysts attributed to higher domestic production. Gas dependence is lower but still significant, at 45 percent of consumption in 2021. This compared with 34 percent in 2016 and 21 percent in 2011, according to official data cited by Reuters. Domestic gas production has been growing consistently, at an annual rate of some 7 percent since 2011, but demand has been growing much faster, by 11 percent annually, deepening Chinas dependence on imports and stimulating dealmaking abroad. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Saudi Arabia by the end of this year as the worlds top oil importer and the top oil exporter strengthen energy and strategic ties while U.S.-Saudi relations are at a historically low level. Chinas Xi is set to meet with Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a visit to the Kingdom expected to take place this month or next, sources with knowledge of the preparations for the official visit told The Wall Street Journal on Monday. China the worlds largest importer of oil and a major customer of Saudi Arabian crude and the Kingdom have deepened ties in recent years, including in the energy sector. Last month, Saudi Arabia and China jointly stressed the importance of stable long-term crude supply to the market. Saudi Arabias Energy Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, and Zhang Jianhua, the director of Chinas National Energy Administration (NEA), have also agreed to continue cooperation in their efforts to keep the global crude oil market stable, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Xis visit to Saudi Arabia at a time of major turmoil in the oil market and geopolitics with the Russian invasion of Ukraine signals Chinas intention to increase its influence in the Middle East, where the U.S. was, until recently, the world superpower with the biggest influence. The Chinese presidents visit also suggests that Saudi Arabia considers its relationship with China one of strategic importance. While the Chinese and the Saudis are strengthening their relations, U.S.-Saudi relations are at a low point, especially after the U.S. Administration slammed Saudi Arabia and the OPEC+ group for what it described as a short-sighted and misguided decision to reduce their target oil production by 2 million barrels per day (bpd) as of this month. Since the U.S. started criticizing the OPEC+ move, multiple OPEC+ producers, including Saudi Arabia, have defended the groups decision to reduce production, saying it was dictated by technical analysis and had no political intentions whatsoever. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Goldman Sachs on Monday downgraded Shell over what it views as overvaluation compared to its supermajor peers. The European Unions big oil sector, SXEP, has generated what Goldman Sachs referred to as a strong free cash flow of $44.8 billion in the most recent quarter, yet Shells outperformance has resulted in a relatively expensive valuation vs peers. In a research report, Goldman Sachs downgraded Shell from buy to neutral, citing above-average valuation compared to competitors. Shell (SHEL) saw its share price shed 2% on Monday immediately after the downgrade, before recouping losses for a 0.26% gain on the day as of 12:08 EST. Goldman Sachs Michele Della Vignas new 12-month price target for Shell is now 38 euros, down from 40 euros. The downgrade and the price target drop, however, do not take away from the fact that Goldman Sachs still views Shell very favorably for this year, particularly in light of its massive buyback program of $18.5 billion, combined with its dividends. Goldman Sachs estimates that shareholders of Shell will see 8.7% in total returns in dividends and buybacks this year. Compared to Shells peers, that number is less impressive when the average is 11.6%. In this context, we find more attractive combinations of dividends and buybacks across our coverage, MarketWatch cited Della Vigna as saying in the report, highlighting that lower prices, unanticipated CAPEX increases and any unforeseen changes in offshore recovery rates could result in further assessments of ratings. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has told the Financial Times that the country would consider nationalizing its oil industry if necessary to ease the burden of sanctions against Russian-owned entities. Russias Gazprom group owns a controlling 56.15% stake in Serbias Nafta Industrija Srbije (NIS), which now finds itself under sanctions that will prevent it from receiving Russian oil supplies beginning on December 5th, when the European Unions ban on seaborne shipments of Russian oil goes into effect. Serbias NIS - a gas storage and oil refining company - receives crude oil via tanker shipments from Croatias Krk island after it is piped through the Adriatic pipeline, JANAF. The EU ban will cut NIS refineries off from Russian crude. So far, NIS has been receiving some alternative supplies from Iraq and other countries. Speaking to the Financial Times on Sunday, Vucic said Belgrade was considering all the possibilities, including taking over NIS. "If there were other sanctions against Russian-owned enterprises, it will be a huge problem for us. We will have to act anyway... we have to secure enough oil and gas to our people. If nobody wants to work with NIS... then we will act," Vucic told FT. For now, no decision has been made, and Vucic indicated that nationalization was not required at the moment even if it is an option on the table. Earlier, there were discussions about the potential for the government of Serbia and Hungarys MOL energy company to acquire the Russian stakes. However, those talks have not progressed. Serbia, a key ally of Russia, is also in talks with Hungary to build an interconnector pipeline to continue to supply Serbia with Russian crude amid EU sanctions. The Serbian presidents interview with the Financial Times comes just days after Germany warned the country against deepening its ties with Moscow, saying such moves could jeopardize its bid to join the European Union. An unnamed German government source told Euractiv on November 1st that while the relationship with Serbia is complexthere is light as well as shadows. Serbias relations with Russia are certainly part of the shadows. The source said Belgrade must decide whether it is on Moscows side or the EUs. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Kremlin has refused to comment on a U.S. news report that Washington has held undisclosed talks with top Russian officials amid fears Moscow could further escalate its military aggression in Ukraine and perhaps even use nuclear weapons. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on November 7 that, while Russia remains "open" to talks, it was unable to negotiate with Kyiv due to its refusal to hold talks with Moscow. His comments come after The Wall Street Journal reported on November 6 that U.S. national-security adviser Jake Sullivan held undisclosed talks with top Russian officials in the hope of reducing the risk of Russia's invasion of Ukraine spilling over or escalating into a nuclear conflict. That report came a day after The Washington Post reported that the United States was privately encouraging Ukraine to signal an openness to negotiate with Russia, as the State Department said Moscow was escalating the war and did not seriously wish to engage in peace talks. The Washington Post cited unnamed sources as saying that the request by U.S. officials was not aimed at pushing Ukraine to the negotiating table, but a calculated attempt to ensure that Kyiv maintains the support of other nations. Washington has not commented publicly on either of the U.S. media reports. "We've said it before and will say it again: Actions speak louder than words. If Russia is ready for negotiation, it should stop its bombs and missiles and withdraw its forces from Ukraine, a State Department spokesperson was quoted as saying by Reuters. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a decree on October 4 formally declaring the prospect of any Ukrainian talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin "impossible" but leaving the door open to talks with Russia. According to the report in The Wall Street Journal, Sullivan held confidential conversations in recent months with Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov and Russian Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev that were not disclosed publicly. Sullivan travelled to Kyiv on November 4 and pledged Washington's "unwavering and unflinching" support for Ukraine. His unannounced visit coincided with an announcement the same day by the U.S. Defense Department of another shipment of weapons to Ukraine worth $400 million. Related: Collapse Of Asias Largest Aluminum Producer Leaves Massive Hole In Market At a news conference in Kyiv, Sullivan sought again to calm Ukrainian jitters about whether U.S. weapons would continue after the upcoming midterm U.S. congressional elections. Polls show that Republicans are poised to take control of one, or possibly both chambers of Congress, and a small but vocal number of Republicans have voiced misgivings about the amount and duration of U.S. aid for Ukraine. There will be no wavering, Sullivan said at a news conference. Im confident U.S. support for Ukraine will be unwavering and unflinching. Asked about the prospect of peace talks with Russia, Sullivan repeated what U.S. officials have said in the past: "nothing is discussed about Ukraine without Ukraine." "For me, the main question about these negotiations is what a just peace looks like and how it can be achieved, Sullivan said. If you look at Russian accusations, Russian actions, in particular regarding the annexation of [Ukrainian] territories, it does not really encourage negotiations. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: On the day after his probation GPS monitor was removed, Dech Gach was picked up from Sioux City, Iowa, by a fellow gang member and went to Omaha to shoot people, an Omaha police detective testified Monday. After driving around Omaha for a few hours, they picked someone 59-year-old Larry Thompson, who was sitting on the porch of his North Omaha home. Omaha Police Detective Brandon Hahn testified Monday that Thompson was approached by the three gang members and Gach shot Thompson seven times. Gach, 16, of Omaha, has been charged as an adult and will stand trial on charges of first-degree murder, criminal conspiracy and use of a firearm to commit a felony. Thompson was fatally shot about 8:15 p.m. March 12, 2021, outside his apartment near 28th Avenue and Spencer Street. Investigators watched video surveillance from the Omaha Housing Authority and saw a black Chevrolet Cruze drive through the Spencer West neighborhood. The car parked, three people got out and ran to Thompson. Thompson then was shot and the three left. Video showed that the car had driven through the area a total of three times, Hahn said. Detectives determined that the owners of the vehicle were the parents of Christopher Trejo. Trejo, 17, pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder in September and is awaiting sentencing. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dropped two other felony charges. According to data on Trejos phone, Hahn said, Trejo had been messaging Gach in the days leading up to the shooting, coordinating when Trejo could pick Gach up in Sioux City. Gach had said that his GPS monitor was going to be removed, so he would be able to travel to Omaha to go shoot people, Hahn testified. The two teens chatted about which guns they planned to use, whether they should use a stolen car and their plan to turn off their cellphones just before the shooting, Hahn said. The two had used their cellphones in the hours prior. After Trejo picked up Gach and Gatluak Jiel at a Family Dollar store in Sioux City, they headed to a gas station, where they filmed a video in which they flashed gang signs, Hahn said. Jiel, now 16, is awaiting trial on charges of first-degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony and criminal conspiracy. His public defender has filed a motion to transfer the case to juvenile court. The car returned to Omaha about 5:30 p.m. and headed to Spencer West housing. Thompsons daughter, Shelrina Thompson of Kansas City, has questioned why anyone would want to shoot her father. Im not sure whats going on in the world today, she told The World-Herald in June 2021. There are kids driving around just randomly looking to shoot people. Omaha police have identified the 20-year-old Omaha woman fatally shot early Sunday in the Benson neighborhood. DaeTiauna Kellogg was found suffering from gunshot wounds about 2:30 a.m. Sunday near 49th Avenue and Miami Street. She was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center in extremely critical condition and later died. Omaha has recorded 25 homicides this year. The city had recorded 28 homicides at this time in 2021 and 39 in 2020. Police ask anyone with information to contact the homicide unit at 402-444-5656 or Omaha Crime Stoppers anonymously at 402-444-STOP, at www.omahacrimestoppers.org or on the P3 Tips mobile app. Tips leading to the identification and arrest of a homicide suspect are eligible for a $25,000 reward. A 21-year-old woman was killed over the weekend in northwest Nebraska when she was hit by a minivan as she walked along a highway. Arrow Merrita Long, a South Dakota resident, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred before 8 p.m. Mountain time Saturday, the Nebraska State Patrol said. A preliminary investigation found that Long was walking in the northbound lane of traffic on Nebraska Highway 87 about two miles north of Rushville. The driver of a Honda Odyssey tried to slow down and avoid hitting her but was unable to. The two people in the van suffered minor injuries, the patrol said. LINCOLN The death of a 26-year-old inmate late last month at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln is being investigated as a suspected slaying, investigators say in newly filed court records. In a search warrant filed Friday, Nebraska State Patrol investigator Henry Dimitroff asked a judge for an order to get DNA from Philip Garcias former cellmate, who since has been moved to the Tecumseh State Prison. The Journal Star isnt naming the 37-year-old because he hasnt been charged. Dimitroff said prison staff discovered Garcia unresponsive in his restricted housing cell, on his back with his legs crossed and a bedsheet fashioned into a rope around his neck, shortly after 4 p.m. Oct. 29. They said Garcias cellmate was out of breath and, when asked what happened, said no comment, the investigator said. Prison staff moved the cellmate and tried to save Garcia, but he was pronounced dead at 4:24 p.m. Dimitroff said that the room was in disarray as if there had been a recent struggle and that there were no obvious signs Garcia had been suspended from anything. Dimitroff said that a day later, Garcias cellmate called his mother and said he had been trying to get mental health help for a week and had been ignored and blacked out on Oct. 29. I dont really know what happened, he told her, according to Dimitroff. The former cellmate is serving a sentence of 13 to 17 years for attempted assault on an officer and possession of a weapon by a prohibited person, a drug charge and assault by a confined person. He has been eligible for parole since 2020. Garcia, a Scottsbluff resident, was serving a sentence of 26 to 46 years for felony theft, use of a knife to commit a felony and assault on a law enforcement officer. Under state law, a grand jury is called when a person dies while in police custody. Joshua Grigaitis, owner of Pops Blue Moon bar in St. Louis, sells cans of seltzer containing delta-9 THC, a form of the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana. He is using a legal loophole in federal law, despite recreational marijuana being illegal in his state, because his version comes from hemp. (Eric Berger/KHN/TNS) It was not shocking that people listening to musicians covering Grateful Dead and Phish songs in October at a dive bar here would be interested in trying a new drink containing delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in weed. What was unusual was seeing a bar owner in this case, Pops Blue Moons Joshua Grigaitis grab cans of the drink and give them to customers without looking over his shoulder in a state where recreational pot remains illegal, for now. Missouri voters will decide whether to liberalize the law in the Nov. 8 election. Advertisement Contains 10mg of the good stuff, which equals less than .3% by volume. This means it can be sold almost anywhere! Grigaitis posted on Facebook last month when he announced the new products from his Mighty Kind cannabis-infused drink company: hemp-derived delta-9 THC seltzer in cherry blossom or heady lemon flavors. Grigaitis thinks he is on solid legal footing in selling the seltzer because it comes from hemp, not marijuana, two plants from the same Cannabis genus. Still, he labels the cans with the percentage of THC by volume, which refers to a federal limit allowed for hemp, anticipating scrutiny of his product. Advertisement Rather than offer his drink in the crowded market for medical and adult-use marijuana which remains illegal at the federal level and faces costly taxes and regulations where legal at the state level Grigaitis thinks a loophole in a federal law concerning hemp allows him to sell a product that offers the same sort of buzz at his bar, online, and just about everywhere else. As such, he said, hemp-derived delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol products have the potential to flip the entire cannabis industry upside down. Grigaitis is not the only one who senses an opportunity. Some 120 brands are selling hemp-derived delta-9 products online, according to an April study published by CBD Oracle, which reports on the industry. But others in the cannabis industry are concerned about the loophole and are seeking federal legislation to prevent people from selling intoxicating hemp products outside of dispensaries. They say some of the products arent safe because minors could access them more easily than products from dispensaries. And they generally arent subject to oversight from state regulatory systems. The critics also claim that the products subvert the intent of a 2018 federal law that removed hemp from the federal controlled substances list. The medical marijuana and recreational marijuana industries are very regulated to the point where identification, passports, drivers licenses are all held very tightly at these dispensaries, said Eric Wang, vice president of sustainability for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, a Kentucky-based trade group. By contrast, he said, a 12- or 13-year-old child can buy a hemp-derived product legally. When a bipartisan group of lawmakers passed the 2018 Farm Bill, the advertised aim was to help struggling farmers by allowing them to grow industrial hemp. The law also meant people could sell CBD across state lines. CBD has since become a multibillion-dollar industry. At the time, then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky who sponsored the legislation, said of hemp that everybody has figured it out that this isnt the other plant. Advertisement The primary difference between marijuana and hemp is that hemp contains very small amounts of THC. The federal law states that it can contain no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis. Grigaitis argues that his hemp-derived delta-9 beverage is legal because the amount of THC in the beverage is less than 0.3% of the weight of the liquid. That is supported by my lawyers, my test labs, my insurance, my bank everyone, said Grigaitis, whose Mighty Kind drinks appear in the recent Kevin Smith movie Clerks III. His hemp-derived delta-9 is made from one of two methods: extracting the cannabinoid from the hemp plant itself or through a chemical conversion in which CBD from the hemp is dissolved in a solvent, Grigaitis said. The company is exploring both methods to determine the pros and cons of each, he said. Because the source is hemp rather than marijuana, he sees a clear path to selling his product beyond dispensaries, which come with extensive regulations and taxes and thus narrow profit margins. Why would he sell in a dispensary, he asked, when you could go next door into a CBD shop or a vape shop or a grocery store or a bar and sell your stuff? But some in the industry disagree with Grigaitis interpretation of the federal law. The proportion of the dry weight refers to the amount in the plant, not a beverage, said Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the Hemp Roundtable. Advertisement Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, has introduced legislation that would amend the 2018 law with additional restrictions on hemp-derived products. Pingree spokesperson Victoria Bonney said the congresswoman was not available for an interview. In the meantime, at least a dozen states have passed laws limiting sales of another hemp-derived substance, delta-8, which is also intoxicating but not as strong as delta-9. But states have been slow to catch up with these new drug products. Miller hopes parts of Pingrees legislation will be included in the 2023 Farm Bill, given the 2018 bill expires next year. The roundtable seeks regulations to limit the amount of THC in finished products rather than in the plant alone and to restrict the sale of intoxicating hemp products to the adult-use marketplace, such as at a pot dispensary, Miller said. Alternatively, the group wants it regulated like alcohol. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > The organization includes board members from some of the biggest companies in the adult-use marijuana marketplace, including its president, Pete Meachum. He is a lobbyist employed by Cronos Group, a Canadian cannabis company whose largest shareholder is Altria, maker of Marlboro cigarettes and an investor in Juul. Meachum declined an interview request. Anything that threatens the exclusivity of the regulated market is going to be of concern to those that have their time and money invested in it, Grigaitis said. But Miller said that with new federal regulations, hemp-derived products would be available in the same locations where you can buy marijuana products, so there would be an even playing field. Advertisement Other industry groups and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws have also called for the FDA to regulate hemp-derived products. In the meantime, the Pops Blue Moon patrons didnt seem worried about the lack of regulation and were happy to try Grigaitis new seltzer. Harper Britz, a 21-year-old who works in the music industry, said she got a pleasant buzz from the seltzer. She liked that she could taste the cannabis. It gets that aroma on the nose, just like when youre smelling wine, said Britz, who lives in St. Louis and said she regularly uses cannabis. Id probably drink this every day if I could. (KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.) LINCOLN While several states are bracing for potential conflicts with hostile poll watchers on Election Day, election officials in Nebraska dont share the same concerns. Election commissioners from Nebraskas two most populous counties Douglas and Lancaster both said the number of volunteer poll watchers that will be monitoring Tuesdays general election are level or slightly lower compared to 2020. The groups recruiting the volunteers also come from a range of political affiliations. In states such as North Carolina, New Mexico and Wisconsin, there are growing concerns that poll workers will face disruption and hostility from a wave of newly aggressive poll watchers, who are largely fueled by false theories that the 2020 presidential election was rigged, according to reporting by the Associated Press. In Arizona, reports of armed people some wearing ballistic vests watching ballot boxes prompted the U.S. Justice Department to issue a statement last week saying the armed onlookers raised serious concerns about voter intimidation. Gavin Geis, executive director of political watchdog group Common Cause Nebraska, said they havent witnessed any signs of hostility among the volunteers theyve recruited with Civic Nebraska, a nonprofit that, among other things, has vocally opposed an initiative that would enact voter ID in Nebraska. Steve Smith, a Civic Nebraska spokesperson, said as of Thursday, theyd signed up about 65 volunteers, which is down from the over 100 volunteers theyd recruited for both 2018 and 2020. Smith said the group hopes to have 100 volunteers by Election Day. It seems like people are pretty burnt out on election work, Geis said. In Nebraska, state law requires poll watchers or groups recruiting poll watchers to provide written notice either to the county election official or the Nebraska secretary of state. Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse said Civic Nebraska typically has poll watchers in the county every election year. This year, it was one of three groups that provided a total of 80 volunteers who will deploy throughout the countys 212 polling locations. The other two groups are the Douglas County Republicans and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Lancaster County Election Commissioner David Shively said his office was notified of 41 total poll watchers from Civic Nebraska and the Lancaster County Republican Party. Both Kruse and Shively said these numbers are normal. Kruse said he doesnt anticipate any issues with poll watchers. However, if a problem does arise, Douglas County poll workers have been trained to de-escalate hostile situations, he said. Common Cause Nebraska works with a national hotline that takes calls concerning election security to monitor claims made about Nebraskas elections, Geis said. While he expects to receive multiple calls on Election Day, so far the hotline has been quiet. Many of the states experiencing concerns over hostile poll watchers are states President Joe Biden either won in 2020, or states former President Donald Trump won by a slim margin of 1-2 percentage points. This was not the case in Nebraska, where Trump won by over 19 percentage points. However, Biden did win one of the states five electoral votes representing the states 2nd Congressional District, which covers Omaha and Douglas County. Still, Nebraska has not been immune from allegations concerning elections. Complaints involving the 2020 election led Secretary of State Bob Evnen to release a PowerPoint presentation earlier this year titled Fake vs Fact: Setting the Record Straight about Nebraskas Elections. The presentation touched on and refuted more than a dozen myths regarding the election, and it addressed calls for a full forensic audit of the results. The Secretary of States Office is fully informed of the concerns and claims that have been raised and has carefully investigated them. We have found no justification for conducting a full forensic audit or for a hand count of ballots, the presentation stated. Although Kruse said his office hasnt received any credible accusations regarding Douglas Countys election integrity, it has experienced a slight rise in calls questioning election security. In all these cases, he said, his office alleviated any concerns the callers had by explaining their process. Kruse said the Douglas County Election Commission employs multiple levels of security to ensure the accuracy of election results. Their ballot counting machines are not connected to the internet, and are monitored in a windowed room with two cameras. Two people from different political parties run the machines, and only get access through double-authentication, he said. Those who do have concerns on Election Day whether they stem from intimidation, threats or fraud have multiple options for filing complaints. The United States Attorneys Office for the District of Nebraska announced Friday that it will be available to respond to complaints and ensure theyre directed to the appropriate authorities throughout the duration of voting on Election Day. Polls in Nebraska are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central time, which is 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mountain time. The office can be contacted at 402-661-3700. The U.S. Attorneys Office also noted the FBI will have special agents available in field offices across the country, and the Election Integrity Unit in the Nebraska Secretary of States Office will be on standby Tuesday. Nebraskans can either call their county election official or the Secretary of States Office at 402-471-2555 to report problems. Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate, Steven Russell, acting U.S. attorney for the District of Nebraska, said in the press release. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice. LINCOLN Pete Ricketts time as Nebraska governor is coming to an end, but after spending over $3.8 million in the last 11 months, he will likely have an influence on the future of state leadership for years to come. His 2022 contributions have included over a dozen six-figure donations to various campaigns and political groups both in and out of state, according to state and federal disclosure filings. A spokesperson for Ricketts did not respond to a request for comment Friday. The two-term Republican governor and former TD Ameritrade executive, who in 2018 put his net worth at roughly $50 million, is traveling to Japan this week to receive a national recognition. Ricketts largest contribution this year came just before the May primary election: a $775,000 donation to the political action committee Conservative Nebraska. In total, Ricketts gave nearly $1.28 million to the PAC. Conservative Nebraska ran attack ads against Republican gubernatorial candidates Charles W. Herbster and State Sen. Brett Lindstrom of Omaha before the primary. The two candidates were the chief opponents of the eventual winner, Jim Pillen, who Ricketts endorsed. Ricketts, who is barred by term limits from seeking reelection, also donated $100,000 directly to Pillens campaign in January. Ricketts has not donated any money directly to Pillens campaign since his victory in the primary. The governors most recent major contributions went to another newly founded PAC, the Nebraska Future Action Fund, of which Ricketts has been the only significant donor so far. He has given a total of $514,000 to the group. Since September, the PAC has issued three attack ads, according to its website one against Sen. Matt Williams campaign for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, another against Greg Gonzalezs campaign for Douglas County sheriff and the final against Sen. Wendy DeBoers reelection campaign for Nebraska Legislature. Gonzalez and DeBoer are registered Democrats, while Williams is a registered Republican going up against a fellow Republican in the regents race. Along with many other contributions made to local groups, Ricketts also recently shelled out thousands to several groups outside Nebraska, including $250,000 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee and over $255,000 to the National Republican Congressional Committee. Many have speculated about whether Ricketts will make a bid for federal office after his term ends in January, especially with U.S. Sen. Ben Sasses seat set to open up following his expected appointment as the next president of the University of Florida. Ricketts has largely refrained from commenting on his future plans, saying he is focused on his job as governor. The news outlet Politico reported Thursday that Ricketts, in an interview, expressed fondness of the U.S. Senate. He acknowledged a move from the Nebraska Governors Office to Washington could require a mind frame shift, according to Politico. Ricketts ran unsuccessfully for the Senate in 2006, losing to incumbent Sen. Ben Nelson. Another non-Nebraskan contribution was $250,000 to Show Me Values, a conservative PAC based in Missouri. One common recipient of Ricketts money was the Nebraska GOP, but all contributions from the Ricketts family to the party have halted since the controversial state GOP convention in July, which saw a mass exodus of party leadership that many viewed as an act of resistance against Ricketts. The lack of financial contributions from Ricketts has contributed to an overall massive decline in donations to the party. Although Ricketts has not contributed directly to the state GOP, he did donate $20,000 to the Douglas County Republican Party in October. SPRINGFIELD One of the messages delivered during the Military History Hike at Oak Ridge Cemetery is that the service of our military veterans often extends beyond what they do on the battlefield. It is a timely message as the country celebrates Veterans Day. Mikito Muroya, site interpreter for state historic sites in Springfield, notes that Abraham Lincoln the most famous person interred in Oak Ridge Cemetery made his first run for political office after serving in the Army during the Blackhawk War. Former Illinois Gov. John Tanner, who served in Wilders Lightning Brigade during the Civil War, always said that military service inspired him to do other things in his life ultimately becoming governor of Illinois, noted Muroya. Tanner was among more than a dozen veterans buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery and featured in the Military History Hike led by Muroya. The last of those tours for this season will take place Wednesday. You can sign up for the free tour a historicspringfield.dnr.illinois.gov. The tour is one of a series of different walking, hiking and biking tours we have in the city of Springfield, said Muroya. Others include the Friends of Lincoln and Black History hikes at Oak Ridge; 5-mile and 8-mile bike tours in Springfield; and a Womens History Walk that starts at the Dana-Thomas House. Justin Blanford, superintendent of historical sites in Springfield, said the tours were created during the pandemic as a way to meet people outside and theyve been very well received. They generally run from mid-May to mid-November, he said. The veterans gravesites visited during the hike include both prominent people and some who were poor and initially buried in unmarked graves. They include one veteran of the Revolutionary War and two recipients of the Medal of Honor. Its hard to do their stories justice in the space of this column. Theres Moses Broadwell, who was only 15 when he joined the Army during the Revolutionary War. And theres Bonnie Jewell, a young man from Illinois who died while providing covering fire for his unit to escape to safety from No Mans Land just two weeks before World War I ended. Theres Lewis Martin, born a slave in 1840, who fought with Union forces in the Civil War. His right arm and left leg were amputated because of injuries he suffered. His photograph is often used to depict the horrors of that war, but he initially was buried in an unmarked grave after dying in poverty in Springfield, said Muroya. Also buried there is Civil War veteran Leroy Key. While a prisoner in the infamous Andersonville Prison, Key formed a group called the Regulators who protected weak or ill prisoners from roving gangs. Many of those who survived the horrific conditions at Andersonville credited the Regulators with their survival, said Muroya. Bluford Wilson served on the staff of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. His service inspired his son to go to West Point, Muroya recounted. While serving in what was known as the Philippine-American War or Philippine Insurrection, Arthur Wilson ordered his men to take cover while he exposed himself to enemy fire to secure their cannon emplacements, earning the Medal of Honor. The other Medal of Honor recipient buried at Oak Ridge is John Kelly, who repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to come to the aid of fellow soldiers and carry them to safety when his supply wagon train came under a multi-day attack by Apache Indians during the Red River War in Texas. Ada Johnson was working as a teacher when the Civil War broke out, and she became a nurse for union forces. As a nurse, she would have been exposed to many of the same dangers that soldiers were exposed to, said Muroya. Sometimes nurses would go out onto the battlefield during the battle and be exposed to all the bullets, all the shellfire, all the dangers, he said, in addition to being exposed to illnesses and diseases in the hospitals. As a result of that, the mortality rate among Civil War nurses was extremely high, said Muroya, yet they were not eligible for pensions or burial in national cemeteries. Johnson helped form the National Army Nurses Association to get nurses the recognition they deserved, Muroya said. As governor, Tanner assembled an all-Black regiment for service in the Spanish-American War, but the federal government refused to accept the regiment into service. They insisted that Tanner replace all the Black officers with white officers. Tanner refused. Ultimately, he did have his way, said Muroya. Although not a part of the Military History Tour, memorials to Purple Heart recipients and veterans of World Wars I and II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War are located at the southwest entrance of the cemetery, off J. David Jones Parkway, and are worthy of a stop. Bridgestone recognized by Women In Trucking NORMAL Bridgestone Americas Inc. has been named a "Top Company for Women to Work For in Transportation" by Redefining the Road, the official magazine of Women In Trucking. The organization's mission is to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize the obstacles they face. Companies recognized often incorporate cultures that foster gender diversity, competitive compensation and benefits, flexible hours and work requirements, professional development opportunities and career advancement opportunities. Nominations are reviewed to ensure they qualify by meeting a minimum threshold of qualifications. The final ballot of companies is voted on by individuals in the industry. This is the fifth year of the program and it received more than 22,000 votes to select the final companies on the list. The program was launched in 2018. Th winning companies will be recognized at the "WIT Accelerate!" Conference & Expo Nov. 13-16 in Dallas. Visit womenintrucking.org for more information. Community Claus Project to host spaghetti dinner fundraiser MINIER The Community Claus Spaghetti Dinner will be held Thursday, Nov. 17, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at St. John's Fellowship Hall in Minier. The dinner will include spaghetti, bread, lettuce salad, dessert and a drink. The price will be based on a free-will donation basis. The meal will be served before the National Reading Night event held across the street at Olympia West Elementary School. Community Claus is a cooperative project between various businesses, individuals, civic groups and area churches that work together to provide Christmas gifts and support for needy families in the Minier, Armington and Hopedale areas. Call 309-392-2442 for more information. ARROWSMITH VETERANS APPRECIATION BREAKFAST The Arrowsmith American Legion Auxiliary Witt-Weber-Carroll Unit #617 invites you to attend a Veterans Appreciation Breakfast at the Arrowsmith Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 12. The breakfast will commence at 8:30 a.m. followed by a short program, including words from Illinois State Sen. Sally Turner. Come out and join the experience of how small-town America supports and celebrates our veterans! LOSS OF MCLEAN COUNTY VAC PAST CHAIRMAN W. Michael Mike Herrin passed away this past week and leaves a gigantic hole in the hearts and minds of his family, his friends and the veterans of McLean County. I could elaborate on the many facets of Mikes life, but I will reserve my ramblings for the things that I personally experienced with Mike during our time together through the Veterans Assistance Commission. Mike served McLean County veterans as chairman of the VAC for 15 years, during which he guided the evolution of the VAC with a strong hand but a compassionate Heart. He served on the board at the Prairie Aviation Museum, helped preserve the planes and exhibits, served on the board at the Activity & Recreation Center for many years, and served Chenoa VFW Post 8350 and Normal American Legion Post 635. He willingly gave of his time and talents to help make other peoples lives better. To paraphrase General George Patton at the losses of his soldiers in battle, Patton said, It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived. Mikes life epitomized those thoughts. Mike, Ye will not be forgotten." ELECTION 2022 Election Day is this Tuesday, Nov. 8. Voting is a right, but it is also a responsibility! Veterans, you served your country before and it is now time for us to stand up and be counted for the ideas and policies that we as individuals believe in by voting. You still have time to register to vote and can vote during the early voting dates that opened last week. In Bloomington and Normal, early voting can be done at the Government Center in downtown Bloomington and at Eastland Mall just outside Kohls. Vote and let your voice be heard! IDVA NEW VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER IN BLOOMINGTON Central Illinois has a new Veterans Service Officer in the National Guard Armory at 1616 S. Main St. in Bloomington. Michele Hansen-Hoback is now the Illinois Department of Public Affairs VSO for this area. The telephone numbers to contact her are 309-827-5811 or 217-685-3248. Veterans can look forward to Michele as the new contact for claiming service-connected disability compensation, VA pensions, IDVA veterans nursing home admission and many other veteran-related benefits. We welcome Michele and look forward to having IDVA services return to Bloomington, Normal and McLean County. IDVA VSO Patrick McFadden also is available at the Bloomington office, but also covers several other counties in Central Illinois. His contact number is 217-362-6645. KNOW YOUR VETERANS DAY FACTS The United States Department of Defense offers these explanations of some misinformation about the holiday we call Veterans Day! Did you know Veterans Day does not have an apostrophe? The holiday is not a day that belongs to one veteran or multiple veterans, which is what the apostrophe would imply. It is a day for honoring all veterans so no apostrophe needed. Veterans Day is not the same as Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave their lives for our country, particularly in battle or from wounds they suffered in battle. Veterans Day honors all of those who have served their country in war or peace dead or alive although it is largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices. Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, commemorating the end of the war to end all wars, World War I. While June 28, 1919, was the date the Treaty of Versailles was signed to officially end the war, the fighting ended about seven months before that, when the allies and Germany put into effect an armistice on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month Nov. 11, 1918, at 11 a.m. This date was readily accepted as the end of the war, while the signing of the treaty was a political confirmation of the end. The name was changed to Veterans Day on June 1, 1954, after the end of World War II and the Korean War, to honor all veterans who have served in the military. In 1964, the law made the official holiday observance to be on the fourth Monday of October. Veterans did not agree with the change and in 1978 Veterans Day was returned to Nov. 11, 1918. Veterans Day is a day of recognition and appreciation of those who have responded to their countrys call. America is truly the land of the free because of the brave!" Have a great Veterans Day! A plane carrying 43 people made a crash landing into Lake Victoria on Sunday while attempting to reach a nearby airport in Tanzania. At least 19 people were killed when the plane, operated by Precision Air, crash-landed on approach to the lakeside city of Bukoba, according to Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa. The airline had said earlier that 26 people had been rescued from the plane. Flight PW494, which departed from the commercial capital Dar-es-Salaam, crash-landed into the lake as it was approaching the lakeside city of Bukoba. The cause was not immediately clear, but the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) said the incident took place amid storms and heavy rains. Video and pictures circulating on social media showed the plane almost fully submerged, with only its green and brown-coloured tail visible above the water line of Africas largest lake. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan called for calm as the rescue operation continued. I have received with sadness the news of the accident involving Precision Airs plane, she tweeted. Lets be calm at this moment when rescuers are continuing with the rescue mission while praying for God to help us. Read Full Story .... Aljazeera >>> : Source: Aljazeera 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. Featured Video President Akufo-Addo has joined the campaign to get the death penalty expunged from the countrys laws. He believes that once Ghana has made a conscious effort not to invoke the death penalty on persons who are sentenced to death, the nation ought to do the logical thing by removing it completely from her statute books, something he said was long overdue. This was when a delegation from Amnesty International (AI) paid a courtesy call on him at the Jubilee House Friday evening with an appeal to the President for the death penalty to be abolished. President Akufo-Addo, however, raised issues with the applicability of abolishing the death penalty to persons who commit acts of terrorism. He said it will be important to give consideration to how the abolition of the death penalty would apply to terrorists. That, he said was because a lot of people have come to me who in principle support the abolition of the death penalty but whenever the issue of terrorism is raised and the mindless manner in which some of these terrorist groups operate to destroy human life, operations which do not involve killing of one person, but involves the annihilation of villages, of communities, people hesitate about supporting the abolition of the death penalty for such actors. He therefore insisted I think it is important that the education and sensitization is sufficiently well laid to address issues like that. Nevertheless, I think that the principle is one that we should move towards in Ghana. In our case in Ghana, since we have made a conscious decision not to invoke the death penalty, then we should do the logical thing and remove it from our statute books, he said. For him, its a different matter if we were using it selectively; we are not using it at all. Rather, he indicated that everybody who is sentenced to death by the courts is automatically commuted to life imprisonment even though their treatment is still somewhat differentiated, On his part, Board Chairman of Amnesty International, Francis Nyantakyi, who led the delegation which included the Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis Xavier Sosu said Ghana can attain the abolition of the death penalty by amending the Armed Forces Act, 1960 (Act 105) and the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). The two Acts, according to him contain the provisions in Ghanas statute books that support the application of the death penalty. He however noted that some progress has been made since AI last raised the issue with President Akufo-Addo in February 2020. A private member bill has been introduced in Parliament by Francis Xavier Sosu, MP for Madina and ranking member of Parliament Select Committee on Legal, Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs, Nyantakyi said. With your [President Akufo-Addo] support, we hope that Ghana joins our neighbouring countries Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Togo and host of other African countries including Sierra Leone, and Liberia, that have abolished the death penalty, he added. Meanwhile, Ghana is yet to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, a subsidiary agreement to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which is aimed at abolishing the death penalty. The Optional Protocol was created on 15 December 1989 and entered into force on 11 July 1991. Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who take injustice personally. Its aim is to campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. AI is independent of any political ideology, economic interest or religion and they believe that no government is beyond scrutiny and no situation is beyond hope. AI investigates and exposes the facts, whenever and wherever abuses happen. It also lobbies governments, and other powerful groups such as companies to make sure that they keep their promises and respect international law. It is also AIs aim to tell the powerful stories of the people they work with, mobilize millions of supporters around the world to campaign for change, and stand in defence of activists on the frontline while supporting people to claim their rights through education and training. 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. Featured Video The Asantehene and Awomefia have debunked what they described as misconceptions created by politicians and other persons with parochial interests that; the two kingdoms are enemies. According to the two monarchs, the Anlos and the Asantes have always been friends and have a bond that spans centuries. However, it is the political and other interests of persons hoping to benefit from destabilising them that have orchestrated the idea of rivalry among them and Ghanaians at large. The two, set the record straight when the Asantehene, Otumfour Osei Tutu II joined the Awoamefia of the Anlo State, Torgbui Sri III to celebrate this years Hogbetsotso Festival. Hogbetsotso means Exodus as it commemorates the journey of the Anlos and many Ewes from Nortsie in the Republic of Togo many centuries ago. The festival was instituted 60 years ago and is always climaxed in Anloga, the ancestral capital of the Anlo people. The Anlo people span 36 towns in 6 districts in the Volta Region. This years celebration is on the theme 60 Years of Anlo Hogbetsotso Za: Uniting for development, sustaining our unique cultural commonwealth for future generations. The Asantehene in his speech declared that the Asante-Anlo alliance which was struck in 1869 still stands. He, therefore, declared that Asante stands together in friendship and solidarity with Anlo in the spirit and letter of the alliance signed by our ancestors. He added that since Asanteman does not go back on its words and does not renege on its commitment, as the bond of the two kingdoms was, so shall it be today and forever. It is for this reason that Asanteman has an Anloga Divison in his kingdom as part of measures to ensure all ethnic groups in Asante are well represented in decision-making and treated equally. Despite these collaborations and initiatives, it is unfortunate that the excesses of modern politics have spilled over to distort the traditional and true relationship between ethnic groups in the country. The Awomefia of Anlo, Torgbui Sri III in responding also stressed that the time has come for the sons and daughters of Anlo to come to terms with the fact that Ewes and Asantes and for that matter, Akans are one people. He stressed that traditional leaders must do well to lead by example to ensure Ghanaians rise above political differences and treat each other with respect and love. The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II commended the Awomefia and Anlo State for remaining good allies with the Gas. He also recounted the long-standing relationship and added that traditional leaders are key in ensuring unity, peace, and development in Ghana. The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia also commended the monarchs for leading the way and strengthening the bonds and unity among Ghanaians. He acknowledged the current economic challenges facing the country but assured that the government is doing everything in its power to improve the situation. Be that as it may, he enumerates the several initiatives of the government. Some of these include Free SHS, 1 district 1 factory, plants for food, and jobs among others. For some reason, some of the crowd were unenthusiastic by the narration as they claim it is becoming a cliche. Also, in attendance was a delegation of the Kwahumanhene and Ewefiaga of Togo, Torgbi Agorkoli IV from Notsie. This years Hogbetsotso has been described by many as the biggest with thousands of people thronging the Keta and Anlo districts, the melting pot of the celebrations. To further strengthen the band between Asanteman and Anlo, the Asantehene presented a stool with a silver emblem of the Asante Kingdom on it. He also presented another gift packaged in a box engraved with the Asante emblem. 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. Featured Video Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has participated in the Outreach Session of the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Munster, Germany. The Meeting was hosted by Germany under its tenure as President of the G7, from November 3 to 4, 2022. It had in attendance, all the Foreign Ministers from the G7 Group, namely, the USA, Italy, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, France, and the European Union. Discussions during the outreach segment of the meeting centered on current geopolitical challenges, with particular reference to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and its impact on world trade, supply chains, and energy. The resilience of democratic institutions in the face the emerging threats to the rule-based global order among other pertinent issues of mutual interest was also discussed. Ms. Botchwey was invited together with her counterpart from Kenya and the Chair of the African Union (AU) to engage with the G7 Ministers on existential threats posed by the restive Sahel region and the wider security implications it presents. Also on the agenda was the security situation in the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa as well as the recent peace accord brokered over the conflict between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray Rebels and, how to practically implement the terms of the ceasefire to avoid a relapse to the status quo ante. The stakeholders also deliberated on efforts to tackle the climate crisis, as well as food and energy security as a consequence of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and proffered suggestions on how these pertinent issues may be resolved with a concerted effort. Ms. Botchwey took the opportunity to hold bilateral talks with her counterparts from Japan, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Canada. During the said meetings, she discussed among others, matters of mutual interest, and bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the light of Ghanas tenure as Chair of the United Nations (UN) Security Council for November 2022. The minister also briefed her counterparts on the progress of the Accra Initiative and efforts to employ its collaborative security mechanism to prevent infiltration and spillover of the activities of terrorist elements from the Sahel into coastal states of the Gulf of Guinea. 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. Featured Video Uplift Community High School is described as a pillar of Chicagos Uptown neighborhood by parents and former students. Sophomore Shyan Donley says the school has opened doors for her through field trips, social justice organizations and experiences ... that can impact your future. Advertisement But the school stands in a precarious position. While Uplift was founded with the expectation its student body would primarily come from Uptown, its not designated a neighborhood school by Chicago Public Schools. Without a consistent stream of incoming students, or draws like International Baccalaureate or performing arts programs, its enrollment stands at 107 students. Last year, the school used less than 10% of its space. Advertisement While there is a moratorium on school closures until 2025, local community members and advocates fear Uplift is poised to fail amid gentrification in the neighborhood. Angela Clay, a member of Uplifts inaugural graduating class in 2009, cited the example of nearby Stewart Elementary School, which was one of 50 schools closed in 2013 due to declining enrollment. Now, the site houses luxury apartments in Uptown. If you bleed a school of its children that go to low income and affordable housing in the neighborhood, then you bleed the building, Clay said at a news conference before a Chicago Board of Education meeting last month. But it is an amazing building and we will not let the hands of developers touch it. Students leave at the end of the school day at Uplift Community High School in Chicagos Uptown neighborhood on Oct. 28, 2022. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) Now, advocates and representatives of the Uplift Local School Council are calling on CPS to make that building a neighborhood high school by giving it attendance boundaries. That would establish an organic flow of students from Uptown, said Marc Kaplan, a community representative on Uplifts Local School Council. A CPS spokesperson noted that in the districts choice-based high school system, many CPS high schools do not have attendance boundaries. Currently, most of Uptown feeds into Nicholas Senn High School in Edgewater, a neighborhood school located about two miles away with more than 1,500 students. Uplift is considered a citywide program, meaning any student in Chicago can apply, and no one is automatically admitted unless they apply. Uplift offers general education, special education and career and technical education. According to CPS data from the last school year, about 55% of students are Black and 26% are Hispanic. More than 70% of students are low income. Uplift offers early college and STEAM science, technology, engineering, art and math programs and works to showcase these opportunities when recruiting students. But instead of having to recruit a new class each year, advocates want the school to instead be filled with students from the neighborhood. Kaplan said he participated in the creation of the school and that CPS promised the schools founders Uplift would do that. Advertisement Students leave Uplift Community High School in Chicagos Uptown neighborhood on Oct. 28. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) According to the schools founding documents, it was established under Mayor Richard M. Daleys Renaissance 2010 plan, which aimed to close failing schools and reopen new ones. CPS closed Arai Middle School in 2005 and sought proposals for what to do with the space. A key part of the Renaissance 2010 plan was increasing charter schools, which was one of the proposals considered for Uplift. But community members advocated for a proposal created by Arai teachers to establish what was envisioned as a predominantly neighborhood school, Kaplan said. The initial founding documents state Uplift was meant serve 460 students in grades six to nine, with plans to add high school grade levels in the future. Kaplan said the plan later shifted to Uplift becoming a high school. The vision for the school was for Uplift to foster relations in the Uptown community, according to the document. A majority of students are expected to come from the Uptown community, although students from outside of Uptown will be able to attend if space is available, the document states. CPS also said it would work with the community to develop an attendance plan for the school, which opened in Fall 2005. Advertisement Seventeen years later, families have to choose Uplift directly, like Shyans mother, Robin Johnson, did. Johnson, a parent representative on the Local School Council, said Uplifts dual enrollment offerings, social justice initiatives and her ability as a parent to participate in curriculum development were the primary draws for her and her daughter. Robin Johnson of the Uplift Community High School Local School Council, in front of the school on Oct. 28. Her daughter is a sophomore at the Uptown school. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) One opportunity the school gave Shyan was the chance to see the play 1919, which explores the resistance of Black Chicagoans. Johnson helped develop cross-disciplinary lesson plans focused on the Black Panther Party. Ive never seen a school do that, Johnson said. At last months Board of Education meeting, Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Jackson Potter called on the board to make sure Uplift is not another failed experiment, citing the example of Urban Prep Academies, whose charters the board voted to revoke later in the meeting. Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. > Districtwide, CPS is experiencing enrollment declines, losing its status as the third-largest school system in the country. And CPS has a number of other tiny high schools also struggling to maintain robust populations: Hirsch Metropolitan High on the South Side is about the same size as Uplift with about 100 students, according to the CPS website. Austin College and Career Academy lists an enrollment of about 175, while another West Side building, Manley Career Academy High, has only about 70 students. Advertisement At the board meeting, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez attributed some of these declines among seventh and eighth graders to the current high school enrollment process. Martinez said he is already being asked about plans for his own son, who is only in 6th grade. I cant help but link it to how complex it is for our middle school students as theyre thinking about high school options, Martinez said. Part of CPS blueprint to address this, beyond its plans for the 2022-23 recovery year, is to redesign our admissions and enrollment policies and processes and includes reinvesting in and planning for the future of neighborhood schools, according to the presentation. We think we have a lot of room to really look at this policy and go back to our original goals equity of access, Martinez said. mellis@chicagotribune.com President Akufo-Addo is leading the countrys delegation to the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference (COP 27) being held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The President, together with experts and some ministers left the country on Saturday, 5th November 2022, to join other world leaders for the two-week summit, a statement from the Presidency said. COP 27 Summit is one of the largest gatherings of world leaders that bring parties together to accelerate actions toward the goals of the Paris Agreement of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. During the COP 27 Summit, President Akufo-Addo will deliver a statement on Ghanas position on Climate Change, as well as measures put in place to combat the threat it poses. He will also deliver five (5) separate statements on efforts the country is making to protect her forest and oceans, on sustainable energy, and the energy transition. He is also expected to participate in the Africa Adaption Acceleration Summit, being held on the sidelines of COP 27. UN Security Council After his engagements at the Climate Change Summit, President Akufo-Addo will chair the High-Level UN Security Council debate convened by Ghana, on 10th November 2022, in New York. This forms part of the programme of work for Ghanas Presidency of the Council for November. The President was accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey; Minister for Energy, Matthew Opoku Prempeh; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie; Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor; and officials of the Presidency and Foreign Ministry. 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. Featured Video The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will be the Special Guest of Honour at the 6th edition of the Sustainability and Social Investment (SSI) Awards in Accra on Friday November 18, 2022, at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel, Accra. Also, in attendance will be Yoofi Grant, CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and Andrew Maharaj, Deputy High Commissioner and Senior Trade Commissioner at the Canadian High Commission. The annual Sustainability and Social Investment (SSI) Awards seeks to honour and celebrate individuals and corporate bodies for their constant investments in socially responsible programmes that have impacted and continue to impact society. The awards scheme has, in its previous editions, honoured business leaders, corporate institution and not-for-profits as well. The 2022 edition of the Sustainability & Social Investment Awards have been endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), National Road Safety Authority (NRSC) and supported by the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources. The awards night will be held under the theme Leading the Sustainability Transition through Private-Public Partnerships and Collaborations. The awards are open to all businesses and organisations across the public and private sectors and of all sizes from the largest multinationals to the smallest micro-organisations. For this years awards, the organisers and partners have developed a set of categories that reflect the latest trends and practices in sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). From the most ambitious net-zero carbon programmes through to cutting-edge climate leadership innovations; from impactful climate partnerships and social sustainability initiatives to the heroes on the ground who are driving positive change. 2022 SSI nominations The 2022 edition has seen over 40 businesses, companies and individuals that have championed sustainability projects nominated. Some of the companies that stand the opportunity to pick up prestigious awards include Volta River Authority, Interplast Ghana, Eni Ghana, MTN Ghana Foundation, Blow Group, Lions Club District 418, Ecobank Ghana Plc, and the Ghana National Gas Company. Vodafone Ghana Foundation, Absa Bank Ghana, Accentia Energy, McDan Group, TotalEnergies Marketing Ghana Plc, Karpower Ghana Company Limited, Vivo Energy, Ghana Shippers Authority, Access Bank Ghana Plc, Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation, Opportunity International Savings and Loans, B5 Plus, FBN Bank Ghana, United Bank for Africa (Gh), Najel Foundation, Fern Foundation, and Lister Hospital and Fertility Center. The rest include Golden Star Wassa, Advans Ghana Savings and Loans, Ecom Ghana, AngloGold Ashanti Ghana, Fidelity Bank Ghana, Olam Food Ingredients, United Pensions Trustees; JRA Cosmetics, Jaggreys Fertility and Natural Health Clinic, Premium Real Estate Assets, and Baraka Impact Ghana. About Sustainability & Social Investment Awards The Sustainability & Social Investment Awards is home grown platform that was instituted in 2017 by Ianmatsun Global Services, an organization that focuses on providing a platform to help meet industry challenges and facilitate meetings with decision-makers. They remain committed to running events responsibly and to the best of their ability. The SSI Awards recognizes and honours organizations across the country that demonstrates outstanding leadership and commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability. Hailed as the sustainability benchmark of the country, the award has grown and expanded its ambit considerably. Since its inception, the SSI Awards credibility has earned it the trust and recognition of various ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social protection, National Road Safety Authority, GIPC, Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources etc. This support has ensured that the Awards are well rooted in the country and that it is in sync with the local context and the changes that are undergoing all over the country and the world with regards to sustainability. This is reflected in the continued and steadily growing interest of organizations from different sectors and sizes to participate from all over each year. We are on a mission to recognize, reward and promote outstanding sustainability initiatives across the country - and the last year has seen so many incredible achievements in this area, despite the Covid-19 pandemic that has plagued the world since 2020. Since 2017, the SSI Awards is the first multi-stakeholder platform that engages small and large businesses and government institutions to strengthen their commitment to sustainable development across the country. The Awards also aims to bring into greater focus the local and regional efforts undertaken at the corporate and civil society levels to further the case of CSR and Sustainability in the country. Working under the slogan Investing in Communities; Impacting Lives. The SSI Awards aim to facilitate exchange of ideas and to forge lasting partnerships across sectors for an improved society based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Over the years it has grown to be one of the foremost CSR and sustainability-related event in the country. Businesses that take advantage of the sustainability revolution are set to flourish in the coming years, so finding out how you compare is more important than ever. If you enter these awards, youll send a powerful message - to your customers, partners and beyond - that your organization is helping to create a sustainable future. But no matter the result, youll be able to network with the countrys top sustainability professionals and honour your teams hard work by celebrating together. Its going to be an unforgettable event! For more information visit https://www.ssigh.com/ Source: 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. Featured Video Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante has joined the call for the government to cut down his ministers in order to lessen the financial burden on Ghanaians. According to him, if cutting down the number of his appointees would stabilize the economy to some extent, then the government needs to consider the call. One of the concerns section of Ghanaians have raised is the size of the government which they are urging the president to reduce. The moderator also cautioned Ghanaians, particularly politicians how they address the economic issues in the media space. "Tarnishing the economic image of the country for your political gains will only drive away investors," he added. Speaking at the Centenary Thanksgiving Service of the Asante Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana at the Jubilee Park in Kumasi, Rt Rev Mante said he was worried about how some politicians politicizes situations knowing well it is a global challenge. Its so heartbreaking to watch or listen to people say negative things on the airwaves about Ghana and this will scare away potential investor , this has come to confirm that sika mp3 dede, he added Ghana is currently facing economic problems from hikes in fuel prices to increase in food prices. Touching briefly on how the illegal mining activities in the country has polluted water bodies and destroyed farmlands , Rt Rev Mante described it as a form of terrorism and called for such offenders to be treated as a terrorist group. How can you destroy water bodies which have been quenching the thirst of Ghanaians, '' he quizzed He suggested those big men behind the finding if the activities must be arrested and sanctioned to serve as a deterrent to others. The Kumasi Jubilee Park was packed with Presbyterians as Districts under the Asante Presbytery gathered to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the first Presbytery in Ashanti Region. As and when the Presbytery grows, new Presbyteries are carved from it to lessen the burden on the church. The Presbytery after 100 years has nurtured some other Presbyteries, which include Asante Akyem, Brong Ahafo, Sekyere, Asante South and Sefwi Presbyteries. He said the impact of the Asante Presbytery could be seen been seen in areas such as education (basic, second cycle and tertiary), health service delivery, hospitality services, support to the needy, Christian education, sound spiritual development healing and deliverance ministries, cultural transformation, inter-faith relations and mission to the palace. Source: Prince Kwadwo Boadu/Reporter/Hello Fm 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. Featured Video James is busy every day. As an experienced credit vendor based in Accra, he tells me that the little tote bag slung around his shoulders used to be packed with scratch cards. Those days are now long gone. "Right now, the Vodafone scratch cards are not in the system anymore. If you want to buy credit, I will either do a credit transfer for you or you buy it yourself from your Vodafone Cash wallet," he tells me as he serves a customer with practised ease. James observations are not only true for Accra. The reality is similar nationwide. Digital top-up methods have gradually replaced the traditional Vodafone scratch cards. This remarkable journey began two years ago when the telecommunications provider launched a concerted campaign to digitise its customers top-up processes. Vodafone Ghanas efforts have paid off today. Starting from scratch "Digitalising the top-up process was a key part of our strategy for two main reasons," explains Samuel Sarpong, Vodafone Ghanas Sales and Distribution Manager, a key architect of the effort to modernise Vodafones top-ups. "First, we wanted to improve the experience of our customers by offering convenience. For example, to buy a scratch card, you would need to find an agent and hope that they have the exact denomination of cards you need. Otherwise, youd need to buy a lot of cards just to get the amount you want. A lot of times, customers would misplace the cards or accidentally scratch off one or more digits." Samuel went on to explain how bad weather affected a customers ability to buy scratch cards in person. "The moment it rained, customers would have to brave the elements to get scratch cards from agents and vendors." Digital top-ups got rid of all these inconveniences. "The second reason," continued Samuel, "is our commitment to reduce our environmental footprint and become more sustainable. Vodafone Ghana aims to use natural resources responsibly, and we have made significant commitments to reduce our carbon emissions and help protect the environment." Despite the small size of the scratch cards, it took over [PV1] 350 million pieces of paper a year to produce them. Not to mention the ink, plastic, and other materials involved in the manufacturing process. Also, once the card was used, it was often improperly discarded, contributing to litter and environmental damage. Almost overnight, digitalising this process brought these problems to an end and reduced Vodafone Ghanas carbon footprint. Along came a pandemic COVID-19 took the world by surprise, heralding an era of uncertainty. For Vodafone Ghana and many other organisations worldwide, the pandemic underscored the urgent need to deliver services to customers in safe, contactless, and reliable ways. However, it also changed customer behaviour in one fundamental way. "During the pandemic, safety was at the forefront of our customers minds and ours, too," explained Angela Mensah-Poku, Vodafone Ghanas Director of Digital and Commercial Operations. "Customers became more open to using our digital platforms, which sped up our digitalisation efforts," she said. Slowly, the brands digital top-up services became more popular. But that was just the beginning. Vodafone Ghana needed to drive adoption. This meant ensuring that vendors always had access to credit and customers always had convenient ways to top up electronically. Among other strategies, Vodafone explored partnerships with banks and third-party payment platforms. "We also sped up self-top-ups through Vodafone Cash, using incentives to reward customers for choosing digital airtime purchases. You may have noticed some of our competitors trying to follow suit in recent times," Samuel quipped. The new status quo and beyond Vodafone Ghanas digital drive has been so successful that, as of 2022, they have entirely pulled out of all scratch card production. "Today, 99.5% of our reloads are digital. There are still scratch cards in the system, but those are the last of them. We are not printing anymore except in emergencies," Samuel said. Vodafone Ghana has made tremendous progress toward achieving its Planet agenda. Through this platform, the company aims to fight climate change by empowering customers, businesses, and governments to reduce their environmental footprints through its digital technologies. "Digital airtime purchases are one way were doing that," explained Jacquelyn Makumator, Vodafone Ghanas Sustainability Manager. "We are rolling out our plan to power our exchanges with renewable energy. Through this project, Vodafone Ghana has already saved approximately 60,322 KWh of power. We rely on robotics to handle recruitment and an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, TOBi, to manage customer enquiries, and internally for our HR processes. We are using machine learning to deliver our Made4Me offers, using digital learning platforms like Instant Schools to connect educators and learners all over the country and weve used technology to help our disabled customers connect with our customer service through our SuperCare platform." Vodafone Ghana is looking to the future with optimism, with a focus on digitalisation. "For us, digitalisation is not just a part of our operationsits a commitment that has allowed us to innovate our offerings," said Patricia Obo-Nai, Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Ghana. "I believe that there is much more possible and much more to come," she concluded. change to over [PV1] too many 'and' in the sentence [PV2] Source: 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. Featured Video Former President John Mahama has mocked the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia-led administration by saying the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) while in opposition thought governance was easy and that now that they are in power struggling to run the economy. According to him, the difference between the governance of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and that of the NPP is clear for all to see. Speaking to a delegation of women from the Anlo Constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Mahama was full of hope that the NDC will be returned to power in 2024 given the poor performance of the NPP. He emphatically stated that I know that things are very hard in Ghana today. Its not easy at all! At the time we were in power, they (NPP) thought it was an easy thing. They didnt know what it was like to handle a country like Ghana. Today, they have learned their experience. And so dont lose hope. I am sure that the people of Ghana have seen the difference between the NDC and the current administration. In 2024, what will they do? They will return NDC to come and continue the good works [ it started], he said to loud applause. There is widespread discontent among many Ghanaians due to consistent price hikes in petroleum prices and general goods and transport fares, as there have been calls for the President to sack his Finance Minister. But in an address by President Akufo-Addo on the economic crisis, he did not indicate sacking him. 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. Featured Video Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, Collins Adomako-Mensah says calls from some MPP MPs demanding the resignation of Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta is "nothing personal" "We don't have anything against him... whenever there's a change, a new person comes with new ideas, fresh breath and new energy and so it's nothing personal against the minister. We're in crisis and we believe a new person at the helm of the Finance Ministry can bring new breath, fresh ideas". "I think he's done his best under the circumstances; however, there's a general call for him to step aside for a new person," he told Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo' A few days ago, over 90 NPP MPs demanded the removal of Ofori-Atta as Finance Minister and Charles Adu Boahene as Minister of State at the Finance Ministry.In response to these calls from his own party MPs, President Akufo-Addo urged them to hold on till the Finance Minister concludes negotiations with the IMF and presentation of the 2023 budget statement. 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. Featured Video Former Deputy Ambassador to China, Charles Dwamena popularly called Dr. China has hailed the ability of Ghanaians to excel in every field when given the right opportunity and support systems. He said this in a speech at the launch of OGB Ride, a taxi hailing app initiated and developed by Oman Ghana Baako (OGB) Organization, a group that unites all Ghanaians both home and abroad for social development. Dr. China indicated he is therefore not surprised that some talented Ghanaians have come together to develop the cab hailing app, which he said will contribute to building the country. He urged Ghanaians to support the group and the app because it will help boost the corporate image of the country. The Former Deputy Ambassador noted that though there are other taxi hailing apps operating in the country, the OGB Ride is an indigenous app and therefore using it contributes to building the growth of Ghana. He said, whenever we take OGB Ride we are making Ghana strong. It is something that has come at the right time giving the current global economic challenges. He urged the group to replicate the OGB Ride app in other sectors and do more because as Ghanaians they are capable of doing more. 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. Featured Video Kwabena Agyepong who served as Press Secretary to former president John Agyekum Kufuor between 2001 and 2006 has said he declined a ministerial appointment offered to him by his boss after serving for almost six years. The decision to not accept the appointment, according to Kwabena Agyepong was informed by the quest to exit from the administration and focus on some other equally important activities. It was fine, he said in response to whether or not it was a peaceful exit. I just felt I had to leave politics, so, although the president called me and offered me a deputy ministerial position, I respectfully declined. Sharing his work experience with the former president, Mr. Agyepong told Deloris Frimpong Manso on The Delay Show that his boss was indeed a diplomat. Mr. Kufuor is a very quintessential diplomat and democrat. He worked with the IGP the previous government appointed for over six months when he assumed office. Persons who occupied some of the key positions experienced same. He did so just to get a smooth transition, the former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) remarked. Meanwhile, Agyepong has said he never acquired any property during his tenure as Press Secretary to Mr. Kufuor. Establishing that the desire to do politics was borne out of passion, selflessness, and service to the country, Agyepong expressed optimism in becoming president of Ghana as he readies to contest in the NPP presidential primaries. Our budget is always in deficit; we need to cut our coat according to the size of cloth we have. We need to be truthful to Ghanaians. For instance, if we cannot construct new roads and put together a proper maintenance review. We like constructing new things without providing any form of maintenance for the old ones. 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. Featured Video Private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu says he will be heading to Parliament to petition the House for the resignation of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He vows not to rest until the first gentleman resigns for his abysmal leadership and mismanagement of the economy. Martin Kpebu said the wanton corruption and mismanagement of the economy give a clear indication that Ghanaians can no longer wait until the end of Mr Akufo-Addos four-year term. He told NEAT FMs morning show, Ghana Montie, in an interview that he will be at the August House on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, to petition the lawmakers. There is an online petition going on, by Wednesday, I will submit that to parliament, he noted. Martin Kpebu was the brain behind the just-ended Kume Preko Reloaded' demonstration to force the president and some of his ministers to resign. He is spearheading a campaign to have the president together with his vice abdicate their respective seats in order to pave way for the constitutional provision for their replacement to be set in motion. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/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. Featured Video National Chairman of the Progressive People's Party, Nana Ofori Owusu has backed the NPP MPs' call for the dismissal of Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta and Charles Adu Boahen, Minister of the State at the Finance Ministry. Over 100 members of the Majority Caucus in Parliament are said to be in alignment with the petition that Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta must go. The MPs complain that he is no longer competent in his capacity coupled with other claims that he has lost credibility to front the IMF deal. But some have also questioned how the resignation or dismissal of one or two people can turn the fortunes of the country's economy around. Joining "Kokrokoo" panel discussion programme on Peace FM, Nana Ofori Owusu believed strongly that sacking Mr. Ofori-Atta will give Ghanaians hope for a better Ghana and revive their confidence in government. "It brings hope. If it won't change anything, why then do we vote for one person to become President and it lifts up the hopes of many?" he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi. He however expressed disappointment in President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for refusing to heed calls to dismiss the Finance Minister. "I have been shocked that government, majority MPs in Parliament have risen up in a manner that has never happened before that they want this person sacked and yet the President, the Executive has become adamant that they won't allow for this thing to happen. Do you know what is happening? The confidence in our nation continuous to be eroded. "I was shocked that I couldn't move. I was stiff in my chair that the people in power have recognized that there is a person giving them severe headaches and we still say we won't make a change. How is it that somebody who has lost credibility in his own party...and you say this person should go and sit in front of IMF, front the programme and put together a budget and when he is done with that (budget preparation); the same person is going to ensure its implementation over the same rot (that the party in power), that the 80 plus MPs tell us he is the problem?", he exclaimed. 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. Featured Video Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker gives a thumbs-up to the crowd after giving a speech and shaking hands at Montclare JoAnn Thompson Senior Residences of Englewood on Oct. 3, 2022, in Chicago. (Michael Blackshire / Chicago Tribune) Whats next for Gov. J.B. Pritzker depends on the outcome of Tuesdays elections. From my perch, the one-term incumbent Democrat is likely to prevail over his arch-opponent, Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey. The slugfest will soon mercifully end and relieve us of their maddeningly negative TV ads. Advertisement Pritzkers political future depends on how big he wins and how battered President Joe Biden emerges from the national midterm elections. The likely outcome on Tuesday is that Democrats will lose their control of the U.S. House and Senate. If the Republicans sweep Congress, Biden will be blamed for the debacle. His administrations agenda will be eviscerated. Advertisement No matter that history shows the party in power usually loses in midterm elections. Biden will have to carry the water for that and may have to decline to run for reelection in 2024. If Biden gets out, Pritzker may be in. The governors possible presidential aspirations are well known. At a televised debate last month, Bailey tried to turn that ambition into a political liability. He asked the governor whether he would pledge to serve a full four-year term if he were reelected. Are you going to run for president? Bailey demanded to know. I intend to serve four years more if reelected, Pritzker replied. I intend to support the president; hes running for reelection. If Biden doesnt? Last summer, Pritzker spoke at Democratic Party events in Florida and New Hampshire, two states that will be pivotal in the 2024 presidential race. He has worked diligently to position himself as a national voice for abortion rights and gun control. During the 2022 election season, Pritzker has donated at least $3.75 million to Democratic political committees and to gubernatorial and U.S. Senate candidates around the country, a WBEZ/Sun-Times analysis of state and federal campaign finance data shows. Advertisement How seriously he will be taken in November 2024 depends, in part, on his performance Tuesday. A blowout against Bailey would help. Pritzker will be seen as a viable presidential contender only if its not a close race, said Don Rose, my go-to political prognosticator. Rose is a longtime Chicago-based political consultant to a slew of Democratic and progressive candidates. Pritzker needs to beat Bailey by 8 to 12 points, minimally, Rose told me recently. If its closer than that, it wont look good. You know, all (things) considered, with the money hes spending, and so on. Pritzker poured $152 million of his own money into his reelection campaign, the Tribune reported on Oct. 30. The multibillionaire can help finance his own multibillion-dollar crusade to take the White House. His presidential platform might replay some of his arguments for a second gubernatorial term. That Illinois voters confidently elected him to a second term. That he guided the state through historic crises like the pandemic and widespread civil unrest. That he stabilized the states finances, while also championing womens rights and racial equity. If Biden doesnt run, Pritzker will join the horde of others who will be lining up for 2024. Advertisement For example, Democratic Party warhorses such as Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, prominent U.S. senators and 2020 presidential contenders. Warren wont be willing to concede the national star status she has carefully cultivated since her 2020 run. Other top Democrats who might reprise presidential runs include Vice President Kamala Harris, New Jersey U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota. Some Democratic Party influencers will look to the future, and fresh faces such as U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer, the governor of Michigan, as well as Georgia U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock. Pritzker? Even though I think hes been a good governor, I just dont think hes going to wind up being taken very seriously or being a major contender for the presidency, Rose said. Democrats will be looking for an exciting candidate who can take on a conservative Republican nominee, Rose argued. Exciting the way Bernie (Sanders) was, exciting in the way (Barack) Obama was. Pritzker, Rose said, has the charisma of a toenail. Advertisement I give Pritzker more credit. He is popular among his Democratic base, particularly among its most reliable segments, African Americans, other voters of color and the LGBTQ community. Yet if he doesnt win big in Illinois, as Pritzker likes to say, any 2024 White House plans will be history. Rose noted, with a wry chuckle, a controversy that plagued Pritzkers 2018 gubernatorial campaign dubbed Toiletgate. Pritzker was hounded by accusations that he improperly obtained tax breaks by removing the toilets from his Gold Coast mansion so that he could declare the house uninhabitable. If Pritzker runs, Rose said, hed have to fend off the toilet issue, which becomes a lot worse when you multiply it by 50 states. Pritzker can handle it. His voice in 2024 would bring a breath of fresh air. Advertisement Laura Washington is a political commentator and longtime Chicago journalist. Her columns appear in the Tribune each Monday. Write to her at LauraLauraWashington@gmail.com. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. PPP National Chairman, Nana Ofori Owusu says he pities Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for being the Head of the Economic Management Team (EMT). According to him, he feels sorry for the Veep particularly when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament have requested that the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta and Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen should be dismissed. Nana Ofori noted that the MPs' action show that Dr. Bawumia is not in charge of the management of the economy in respect of his role in the EMT but Ken Ofori-Atta is. Making his submissions on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", the PPP National Chairman said; "You know the Vice President, sometimes, I feel sorry for him . . . here is the person who has been made the Head of the Economic Management Team but as Head of the Economic Management Team, it appears to us that he has no bite . . . that is why the MPs have skipped the Vice President and have gone straight to the Finance Minister because they say the decisions that are being taken, it's being taken by the Finance Minister. So, it's not really the Vice President who is in charge in the management of the economy in our country." "You see when the MPs of the majority party come and tell us these things, it speaks volumes because they have access to more information than you and I," he added. Meanwhile, the entire MPs of the ruling party are said to be in support of Ken Ofori-Atta being dismissed, according to the Afigya Kwabre North NPP Member of Parliament (MP), Collins Adomako-Mensah. "We are all aligned to the earlier concern that eighty (80) of the Members of Parliament raised...The obvious thing is that we had a meeting as a Caucus and the Caucus decided this is our position," he told Kwami Sefa Kayi during Friday's "kokrokoo" show. Hon. Adomako-Mensah affirmed that the Majority Caucus strongly believe that "a new person at the Finance Ministry will bring some new breath, new ideas". 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. Featured Video Nana Ofori Owusu has appealed to President Nana Akufo-Addo to let Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta go immediately. Nana Ofori Owusu wondered why the President is still holding on to the Finance Minister despite protests from Members of Parliament of his party, the New Patriotic Party, and many Ghanaians saying they don't like Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta. He also questioned the President's rationale for allowing Mr. Ofori-Atta to front the IMF deal, claiming he has lost credibility. The National Chairman of the Progressive People's Party (PPP) found it extremely difficult to understand why the President can't let the Finance Minister, saying "the NPP prides itself that they have the men. So, if they have the men, let those men come and replace this man. Let the men come and replace this man and find ways to move Ghana forward because we are not happy that we are going through what we are going through as a nation". To him, he is "in 100 percent in support that this man in white, who has deceived us as a people, as a nation; this man in white, the 80 plus say he must go in the majority side. I support that he must go now, now, not later . . . The man must go!" "We are not happy as a people and nobody is praying for Ghana to go through difficulties that affect us everyday. We want a change while they are in power. They must give us hope and that hope, by the 80 plus MPs, is to sack the Finance Minister," he stressed. Nana Ofori Owusu expressed his concerns on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" programme Monday morning. 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. Featured Video Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain While corrosion resistance, durability and low cost make plastic a very efficient resource, one of its major drawbacks is the harm it poses to the environment. According to a report from Greenpeace U.S., 51 million tons of plastic waste were generated by households in the United States in 2021, with only 2.4 million tons recycled, making it a pressing concern to the well-being of the planet. To curb this issue, researchers are seeking ways to develop engineered enzymes capable of breaking down plasticsimilar to the way the body breaks down food during digestion. Each of the roughly 30 trillion cells that make up the human body contains thousands of enzymes. Each enzyme helps the cell with important functions and processes such as digestion, cell regulation and DNA replication, to name a few. Scientists would like to harness this same power to address issues outside of biology, ranging from the aforementioned breaking down of plastic to processing toxic waste to chemical weapon remediation. The idea is to create enzymes that can perform reactions that nature has not yet evolved to do. Engineered enzymes are already at work in some common household products. For example, researchers found that by adding certain mutated enzymes to detergent, it was possible to improve their ability to break down remnants of proteins and fats on clothing in the form of food, grass or other stains. But like finding a needle in a haystack, one of the ongoing challenges for scientists is finding the right spot on a particular enzyme to improve its ability to promote a specific reaction. University chemistry professors Ivan Korendovych and Olga Makhlynets, and a team of researchers from Yokohama City University in Japan and Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie in Belgium, devised a simple method that uses nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) directed evolution to improve enzyme engineering. Similar to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine in doctors' offices, which use a magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of the organs and tissues in the body, NMR uses a magnetic field to highlight areas of an enzyme where beneficial mutations could take place. In a proof-of-concept study, the team converted myoglobin, an oxygen storage protein, into the fastest artificial enzyme ever reported. Their results were recently published in the journal Nature. When creating new enzymes for a particular chemical reaction, researchers look for an existing enzyme that functions in a similar way. From there, scientists introduce mutations to that protein and look for improvement of activity. While this sounds great in theory, Korendovych, lead author, says the process of enzyme engineering is like fishing in an ocean. "You're not going to a place in the ocean where you know you probably won't find fish," he says. "With our method of directed evolution, we are finding areas that we know are good places to fish. If you have a better idea of where you should be looking, you'll have a better chance of finding these good mutations and creating new enzymes for practical and useful reactions." Directed evolution is a method used in protein engineering that mimics the process of natural selection to steer proteins toward a user-defined goal. To improve an enzyme that catalyzes a particular chemical reaction, the research team used NMR to analyze potential samples in a test tube. The magnetic signals that change the most indicated the areas of the protein where beneficial mutations can occur. Korendovych notes that the beauty of this method is that it provides a fairly simple way to narrow the search space and identify places in the protein where researchers have the best odds for success. "This is going to be a game-changer in directed evolution," Korendovych says. "Everyone can take their own enzyme, their own inhibitor for that enzyme and do an NMR experiment and direct evolution without a lot of additional investment." The team says this method opens the door to endless enzyme possibilities. From creating green, re-engineered organisms to practical and useful chemistry without waste and organic solvents, this approach can help be broadly used in the field for various reactions. "Ultimately, we think this will really unleash the power of directed evolution making possible an a la carte development of enzymes," says Korendovych. "I think this simple approach can help not only drive the development of better catalysts but also produce new fundamental knowledge about enzymes." More information: Sagar Bhattacharya et al, NMR-guided directed evolution, Nature (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05278-9 Journal information: Nature Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Asian Americans are widely stereotyped as studious, smart and hard-working. As minorities who have managed to overcome racial obstacles to success. As evidence that affirmative action is no longer necessaryor, even, that it hurts the very types of students it's meant to protect. The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in two cases Monday challenging race-conscious admissions at Harvard and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in part on the grounds that they discriminate against Asian applicants. The plaintiffs, Students for Fair Admissions, argue that admissions officers at Harvard in particular, by subscribing to this "model minority" stereotype, hold Asian applicants to a higher standard and discriminate against such students in subjective portions of the application process. Admitted students of Asian descent have higher standardized test scores than their peers, and a 2018 analysis of Harvard's admissions data conducted on behalf of the plaintiffs concluded Asian applicants are effectively penalized in subjective ratings of their personalities. Some students have said the perception of these biases compelled them to downplay their Asian identities on applications to Harvard and other elite schools. But that doesn't necessarily mean affirmative action is to blame. There's a lot more to the issue than that. It's also important to remember that the lead architect of these casesa man named Ed Blum who is neither a recent student nor Asian Americanand other affirmative action critics tend to invoke those same stereotypes in condemning race-conscious admissions. The argument that affirmative action categorically hurts Asian Americans rests on generalizations about the diverse racial groupthat they tend to be high-achieving and well-off. "Asian Americans are not your model minority, we are not a monolith in terms of our communities' needs, and can't be used against other communities of colorwe can't allow that to happen," said Sally Chen, a recent Harvard grad who testified on behalf of the university in the case's 2018 trial in a U.S. district court, in a recent call with reporters. Chen, now a program manager at the San Francisco-based Chinese for Affirmative Action, was a first-generation college student, her parents immigrants from China who worked menial jobs, spoke limited English and raised the family of six in a one-bedroom apartment. Those circumstances fostered Chen's resilience, leadership skills and compassion for othersqualities that, records show, bolstered her application to the Ivy League institution. "Having this context made me a much stronger applicant to college, maybe more than just numbers on a page," Chen said. "Asian Americans need affirmative action as well." Asian American diversity Among the approximately 23 million Americans of Asian descent, the largest ethnic groups are Chinese and Indian, with populations of roughly 5 million each, followed by Filipino (4.2 million), Vietnamese (2.2 million), Korean (1.9 million) and Japanese (1.5 million). But the population is far more diverse. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders comprise more than 50 different ethnic groups with varying languages, immigration histories and educational experiences. Asian American students typically score higher than their peers of other races on standardized tests such as the SAT. Among 2020 high school graduates, for example, Asian students who took the SAT scored an average of 632 on the math section, compared with 547 for white students; the average math score overall was 523 (out of 800). Asian students also graduate from high school at higher rates, and with higher average GPAs. Given these outcomes, it's perhaps unsurprising that Asian Americans attend the country's most selective colleges at higher rates than people of other races. Especially in the past few years amid renewed attention on affirmative action, according to research published in May by the right-leaning Manhattan Institute, their share of the student populations at most of the Ivies has steadily grownmost notably at Princeton, Yale and the University of Pennsylvania. At Harvard, they account for more than a quarter of undergraduate students, compared with 5% of the U.S. public school population. But the picture is more complicated. Elite colleges are a small subset of the U.S. higher education landscape, just as the Asian students who attend them are a small subset of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in U.S. higher education. "The majority of Asian Americans going to college are not going to these uber selective colleges," said Natasha Warikoo, a sociology professor who studies racial inequities in education and has written several relevant books, most recently "Is Affirmative Action Fair? The Myth of Equity in College." "This is true of all racial groups because so few students go to these colleges in general. ... This idea that all Asian Americans are trying to get into Harvard just isn't true." A analysis published in 2020 found that roughly half of Asian American undergraduates attend community colleges or for-profit colleges. In California, home to the country's largest AAPI population and a 26-year ban on affirmative action, the vast majority of Asian Americans90%begin college in one of California's public community colleges or four-year universities. An analysis of the 23-campus California State University System further illustrates the nuances. In 2016, the four-year completion rate for the university system's roughly 78,000 AAPI students was 3% below that for all students. Only a few ethnic subgroupsJapanese and Asian Indianshad four-year completion rates that exceeded the average, and all subgroups were less likely than whites to complete their degrees in four years. Meanwhile, a 2022 study of the nine-campus University of California found, for example, that Filipino, Thai, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and Laotian students are admitted at below-average rates and that many AAPI groups, including Samoans and Chamorros, are underrepresented in the system. Indeed, college attainment varies significantly within the AAPI community. While more than half of Japanese and Korean Americansand nearly three in four Asian Indian Americansage 24 or older had a bachelor's degree or higher in 2019, the same was true for fewer than one in five their Laotian, Hmong and Cambodian counterparts. Similar disparities exist when it comes to income levels. An analysis of data from the Common App, a college admissions application used by more than 900 institutions, found that certain AAPI students are far more likely to have the application cost waived for income reasons. (Submitting the Common App costs $55 per college on average.) Roughly 60% of applicants identifying their background as "Other South Asia"Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi and Nepali, for examplereceived a Common App waiver, according to the analysis. The same was true for just 9% of those identifying as Japanese. Is it harder for Asian students to get into college? Most U.S. higher education institutions give little or no consideration to applicants' race. But at institutions that do consider race as a factor, there's an argument to be made that Asian applicants are held to higher standards. Some data has suggested admitted students of Asian descent have higher test scores and lower acceptance rates. The number of Asian students applying to elite schools has grown significantly in recent decades. Supporters, however, say affirmative action benefits many Asian Americans, particularly those who belong to underrepresented ethnic groups or those who've experienced hardship as people of color. Thang Diep is Vietnamese immigrant and now Harvard alumnus who testified on behalf of the university in 2018. Age 19 at the time, Diep explained that he faced discrimination growing up in Los Angeles, raised by parents who didn't attend college themselves. Diep argued he got into Harvard thanks to affirmative action, releasing part of his application ahead of the October 2018 trial. His SAT scores were on "the lower end" of the Harvard average, but he had "perfect grades," the admissions officers noted, and perhaps most importantly a "warm energy," "a deep interest in the arts and social impact" and a "truly unusual" "openness to new ideas and new people." It's also worth noting that, compared with white students, relatively few Asian students at elite colleges are legacy admits or athletes. Why do the affirmative action lawsuits focus on Asian American students? More than two in three Asian Americans69%support affirmative action, and that's been the case for nearly a decade. Within that demographic, support is highest among Korean Americans and Asian Indian Americans (at least 80%) and lowest among Chinese Americans, 59% of whom say they favor such policies. Despite that polling data and widespread Asian American activism in support of affirmative action, Students for Fair Admissionswhose conservative donors have engaged in a larger crusade targeting issues including voting rightshave sought to paint a different picture. They are, critics say, using Asian Americans as a wedge to incite infighting among communities of color. According to Tuft's Warikoo, the cases against Harvard and UNC rest in part on "this crazy false equivalence." "If you're worried about the 'personal rating,' ending the consideration of race for these other groups isn't going to change those biases," Warikoo said, referring to the qualitative portion of Harvard's admissions process. "Even if there is discrimination happening, how is removing affirmative action going to solve it?" Affirmative action has been banned in nine states, whose most selective public colleges have seen drops in their numbers of Black, Hispanic and Native American students. Research has even shown such bans are correlated with sizable reductions in the number of underrepresented minorities in medical schools. (c)2022 U.S. Today Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Credit: Chart: The Conversation, CC-BY-ND Source: Wintemute, et al. There is much talk about political violence in America these days. Garen Wintemute, a University of California, Davis, scholar who researches firearm violence, has recently led a nationwide survey research project on political violence. The Conversation U.S. asked him for a portrait of what Americans think about political violence as the midterm elections approach. What's the landscape of political violence in the US today? There have been several studies in recent years, with different designs, methodologies and measures of violence. The expert assessment is that taking them as a whole, it's clear that in general Americans' support for political violence has been increasing. Some of that research has found that Republicans' support for political violence is growing faster than it is among Democrats. In recent years, most political violence has emanated from the right. But many of those studies have not asked respondents whether they are personally willing to engage in violence. In two studies in late 2022, we examined people's general thoughts about political violence and some aspects of their willingness to engage in it themselves. One of the studies looked at Americans across the political spectrum. The other focused on Republicans, with specific attention on people we classified as "MAGA Republicans," whom we defined as people who had voted for Donald Trump in 2020 and agreed either strongly or very strongly that the 2020 election had been stolen from him. Chart: The Conversation, CC-BY-ND Source: Wintemute et al. In both of our studies, we asked respondents for their general party affiliation, offering them five initial options: "Republican," "Democrat," "Independent," "Another party" or "No preference." People who answered "Republican" or "Democrat" were asked whether they characterize themselves as "strong" or "not very strong" supporters of that party. People who answered "Independent," "Another party" or "No preference" were asked which major party they believe they are closer to, and we described those people as "leaning" to one party or the other. In our study focusing on Republicans, we pulled out those who voted for Trump in 2020 and believed the election was stolen into a separate group we called MAGA Republicans. In general, we found that 55% of Americans do not identify with the Republican Party and 45% of them do. But we also found that 15% of Americansabout one-third of all Republicansare MAGA Republicans. Credit: Chart: The Conversation, CC-BY-ND Source: Wintemute et al. We found that Republicans in general were more likely than Democrats to hold views seen as extreme or racist by experts. For instance, we asked about the widely debunked QAnon mass delusion that the U.S. is controlled by a group of Satan-worshiping pedophiles. Just over a quarter of MAGA Republicans said they agreed strongly or very strongly with the QAnon beliefs. Another quarter of them said they somewhat agreed with those views. That was a significant departure even from other Republicans, even strong onesamong whom roughly 80% said they disagree with QAnon beliefs. But when it came to racist views, such as the idea that anti-white discrimination "is as big a problem as discrimination against Blacks and other minorities" and that "native-born white people are being replaced by immigrants" in the U.S., most Republicans agreed to some degree. Credit: Chart: The Conversation, CC-BY-ND Source: Wintemute et al. On several fronts, Republicans tend to expect political violence more than Democrats, including anticipating "true American patriots may have to resort to violence in order to save our country," and even expecting that a civil war will erupt "in the next few years." More MAGA Republicans hold these views than other Republicans. What percentages of these groups endorse political violence for at least some objectives? To more deeply understand people's views about potential political violence, we offered them 17 different political objectives and asked, in a series of questions, whether achieving each objective would justify violence. Some of them were openly partisan objectives we would expect people on the political right to support, while others were politically neutral, or more generally supported by people on the political left. Credit: Chart: The Conversation, CC-BY-ND Source: Wintemute et al. These were the 17 objectives: To return Donald Trump to the presidency this year To stop an election from being stolen To stop people who do not share my beliefs from voting To prevent discrimination based on race or ethnicity To preserve an American way of life based on Western European traditions To preserve the American way of life I believe in To oppose Americans who do not share my beliefs To oppose the government when it does not share my beliefs To oppose the government when it tries to take private land for public purposes Stop voter fraud Stop voter intimidation Reinforce the police Stop police violence Stop illegal immigration Keep borders open Stop a protest Support a protest Almost half of strong Republicans and more than one-third of less dedicated Republicans said violence would be justified to achieve at least one of those goals. By contrast, roughly a quarter of Democrats said so. And 6 in 10 MAGA Republicans said at least one of those goals justified violence. Credit: Chart: The Conversation, CC-BY-ND Source: Wintemute et al. Credit: Chart: The Conversation, CC-BY-ND Source: Wintemute et al. Large majorities of Americans of all political stripes say they do not expect to be armed with a gun, even in situations when they view political violence as justified. And almost none of themeven among MAGA Republicansexpect to threaten someone with a firearm. What percentages of these groups believe there should be armed patrols at polling places? The vast majority of Americans oppose the idea that armed citizens should patrol polling places on Election Day. The majority of MAGA Republicans object to it, but just under 40% of them say it either should happen or should be considered. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Credit: Chart: The Conversation, CC-BY-ND Source: Seo-young Silvia Kim, 2022 Government efforts to keep registered voters on the rolls when they move from one address to another substantially boost those voters' likelihood of casting a ballot, my research has found. It's long been known that the rules about how and when to register to votewhich differ by statepresent a significant obstacle for people who want to participate in democracy. In many nations, including Germany, Denmark, South Korea, Chile, Israel and others, citizens are automatically registered to vote when they become eligible to vote. Registration is the government's responsibility. Some groups have called for the U.S. or its states to adopt similar policies, broadly called "automatic voter registration." Indeed, it was a major part of the For the People Act, a bill introduced in early 2021 to address various aspects of U.S. election systems. There is an existing federal law, often called the "motor-voter law," that allows people who are getting a driver's license to choose to simultaneously register to vote for federal elections. Automatic voter registration, by contrast, makes the choice for people, and requires them to opt out of voter registration if they wish. In 2016, Oregon became the first state to adopt this policy statewide, eliminating the need for voters to take an extra registration step. In the meantime, some communities are trying to help registered voters keep their registrations active. For instance, in 2018, election officials in California contacted people who were registered to vote but who had told the U.S. Postal Service they had moved. I evaluated this practice, called automatic reregistration, to see how well it worked to keep voters actively participating in democratic self-government. Automatic voter reregistration Starting in 2015, the state of California began matching voter registration data to data collected by the U.S. Postal Service when people ask to have their mail forwarded. When someone was detected as having moved within California, the county where they had been registered to vote would send out a postcard to the new address, asking them to verify that they had moved. Unless they explicitly told the county otherwise, the voter will be automatically reregistered at the new address. In 2018, election officials in Orange County, Calif., mailed notifications to registered voters whom county records suggested had moved, informing them that they would automatically update the voters registration information. Credit: Registrar of Voters, Orange County, California I examined turnout data from Orange County, California, using voters who had moved within the county in June 2018. Voters who moved in the first half of June were automatically reregistered. But those who moved later in the month were not, because they moved too late: A law requires this type of records update to be completed well in advance of a federal election. Apart from the dates of their moves, these two groups of voters were very similar. That allowed me to isolate the effect of automatic reregistration on people's voting habits. Overall, my analysis found that automatic reregistration boosted voter turnout by 5.8 percentage points over those who were not automatically reregistered. There were partisan differences. Automatic reregistration had no statistically significant effect on Democrats' turnout but boosted Republican turnout by 8.1 pointsand lifted the turnout of people who did not identify with either party by 7.4 points. Voting access is not just for Democrats Automatic reregistration is promising because it showed significant effects in a population in which we might expect to have only small effects. These voters had already broken through the hurdle of initial registration once. In addition, they had moved within Orange County, which meant potentially less disruption to their lives than those who moved farther away. Even so, relieving these voters of the reregistration burden effectively boosted turnout. Voting access has long been a highly partisan issue. Some have even claimedwithout much scholarly evidencethat making voting easier could disproportionately benefit Democrats. Indeed, Republicans and Democrats have very different views about easing voting. In a Pew Research Center estimate in 2021, only 38% of Republicans supported automatically registering all eligible citizens to vote, while 82% of Democrats supported it. But in my data, lifting the reregistration burden helped Republicans and independent voters more than Democrats. Of course, the 2018 general election was one in which Democrats in Orange County were already highly mobilized. This might be why there was not a strong increase in turnout for the automatically reregistered Democrats. Another possibility could be that automatic reregistration disproportionately benefits Republicans and nonpartisan voters for some reason. Whether the results will hold true in other elections and places remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the results show that automatic reregistration was effective in keeping voters actively participating, and they also show that easing voting in this way does not benefit only Democrats. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The United Nations climate change conference, COP27, has begun in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. In the lead-up to the conference, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report revealed "a litany of broken climate promises" by governments and corporations. "It is a file of shame, cataloguing the empty pledges that put us firmly on track toward an unlivable world," he said. Canada is high on the list of empty pledges. The government's COP26 commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 40 to 45 percent by 2030enacted by the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Actis not only seen as an inadequate target, it's also been sharply criticized for lacking the necessary action to meet its commitments. That's deservedly so, given its poor track record in meeting past targets. A report commissioned by the International Institute for Sustainable Development has found that high-income countries like Canada must cut oil and gas output by 74 percent by 2030 and end production by 2034 to keep global warming within 1.5 C. And yet Canada's national energy regulator anticipates oil production will keep increasing until 2040 and decline only slightly after that. Financing oil production Despite the proliferation of climate-related disasters across Canada and around the globe, the Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau boughtand continues to guaranteebank financing of the Trans Mountain pipeline. It will carry oilsands bitumen to the West Coast. The federal government also approved the Bay du Nord oil development project off the coast of Newfoundland, which aims to double oil production by 2030. The Coastal GasLink pipeline across Northern British Columbia is also supported by government money. Governments have turned a blind eye to the role of financial institutions that are responsible for the lion's share of money pumped into the Canadian fossil fuel industry. The Big Five banksRBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO and CIBC are among the 20 largest funders of fossil fuels globally and have loaned or invested more than $900 million in fossil fuels since the 2015 Paris Agreement. Roughly 20 percent of their directors also serve on the boards of fossil fuel companies. Sun Life and Manulife Insurance together hold almost $20 billion worth of investments in coal companies. Despite touting their questionable sustainable financing credentials, Canada's major financial institutions have only committed to reducing the carbon intensity of their fossil fuel clients' activities. They have yet to commit to reducing absolute emissions. In the public sector, Export Development Canada provides oil and gas companies with considerable financing, loan guarantees and insurance. Canadian and Quebec pension plans hold billions of dollars in fossil fuel investments. While the Quebec planCDPQhas committed to divest from oil producers by the end of 2022, the Canada Pension Plan continues to explicitly rule out divestment. Senator proposes real climate action Amid this sea of hypocrisy, delusion and denialism"Blah blah blah," in the words of climate activist Greta Thunbergthere are a few bright spots in Canadian Parliament. One resides in the Senate. Independent Quebec Sen. Rosa Galvez, one of Canada's foremost experts in pollution control, was a professor of environmental engineering at Laval University for more than 25 years before being appointed to the Senate in 2016 by Trudeau. Galvez has called for ambitious and coherent government intervention to address the risks that financial institutions pose to climate and to shield financial institutions from system failure. ESA's 2022 Regional Policy Award winner is the Honorable Rosa Galvez, an independent Senator for Quebec https://t.co/9NcTxaiZlp "We have to keep pushing, and eventually there will be no choice. We have to move." Thank you for your work! pic.twitter.com/GFRllLeAgH Ecological Society (@ESA_org) August 14, 2022 She's called out conflicts of interest by bank directors who concurrently serve on fossil fuel corporate boards, alleging earlier this year: "It's just a big family" In March 2022, Galvez tabled Bill S-243, the Climate Aligned Finance Act, aimed at holding governments and financial institutions to account for their actions. She outlined her legislation in a keynote speech at the Group of 78 conference in September. The act would: Hold corporate directors, officers and administrators accountable for meeting the companies' climate commitments. Mandate corporate climate action plans and targets with annual progress reports. Ensure that boards have the necessary climate expertise and ensure no conflicts of interest exist. Align existing laws for the relevant government organizations to climate priorities, including requiring the federal supervisor, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), to mandate climate targets. Facing pushback A recent report examining the carbon footprint of banks is calling for the adoption of the Climate Aligned Finance Act as soon as possible. However, it faces major pushback from financial and fossil fuel corporations and from politicians and senior government officials. To stand a chance of becoming law, it will require aggressive advocacy by climate-committed citizens' groups and politicians at all levels of government. If successful, it would be an important step toward phasing out fossil fuel production in Canada in line with scientific and UN warnings. The Trudeau government's climate incrementalism doesn't inspire optimism. The record of most provincial governments inspires even less. The rise of authoritarian populism accompanied by climate denialism within a large segment of the Conservative base presents an even more disturbing roadblock to effective action on climate change. In the 1930s, philosopher Antonio Gramsci wrote of "the pessimism of the intellect, the optimism of the will," contrasting his pessimistic analysis of the present with hope for the future. With planetary survival in peril, voices like Galvez's offer some optimism. But she'll need Canadians to rally around her proposalsand fast. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Credit: CC0 Public Domain At the 21st World Climate Conference (COP21) held in Paris in 2015, all countries agreed for the first time to limit climate change with their own reduction targets for greenhouse gases. Before that, only the developed countries had to reduce greenhouse gasescountries like China, India, and South Korea were not obliged to do so. In order to persuade developing and emerging countries to set their own reduction targets, industrialized countries had already pledged generous and continuing financial resources prior to 2015. Support for climate protection and adaptation was to reach 100 billion US dollars annually from 2020. It was a central promise that made the Paris Climate Agreement possible. At the 27th World Climate Conference (COP27) in Egypt, which is now running for two weeks, climate finance is once again a dominant topic. The fact that the funds have not yet flowed as generously as once promised has already caused a tense atmosphere in the run-up to the conference. According to the OECD, the highest level to date was reached in 2020 with 82 billion US dollars. Civil society has been criticizing for some time that the payments reported by the donor countries are clearly lagging behind the targets. In the meantime, however, it has become increasingly clear how much reality and promises have diverged. Large funding gaps It is important to realize that it is costly and difficult to reliably record international climate financing: For one thing, the term is not clearly defined. For another, donor countries determine what they identify as climate-relevant projects. In a study recently published in Nature Climate Change, two colleagues from ETH Zurich and the University of St. Gallen and I have taken a closer look at the reported climate finance flows of the last 20 years. Using artificial intelligence, we analyzed 2.7 million bilateral development projects based on their description texts and classified them according to their climate relevance. The result: for the post-Paris period (20162019), we identified around 40 percent less climate financing than officially communicated by the donors. We conclude that donor countries are not only paying less than promised, but they are also identifying projects as climate-relevant that have little to do with climateand vice versa: projects with clear climate relevance are not counted as such. The tendency towards unfulfilled promises is problematic for the countries that depend on this support; for the conference, because skepticism about the matter directly affects negotiations; and for all of us, because the climate continues to heat up. Needed: A confidence-building roadmap Whether COP27 will go down in the history books as the promised "conference of implementation" depends on whether the states can agree on an ambitious financing agenda. However, there is now much more at stake than the promise of yesteryear. The following aspects are central in my view: Meeting the 100-billion-dollar target: Cooperation can only succeed if there is trust. The developed countries must show that they are willing to keep their promises. This requires that they provide the missing funds and ensure a common understanding and trust. This is where our analysis tool, Climate Finance BERT, comes in. By allowing all countries in principle to review climate finance according to uniform criteria, it creates transparency and allows discussion at eye level. Laying the foundation for a new financing target: A common understanding and more trust could also help in the current expert dialogs for a new and higher financing target from 2025. This is not yet being negotiated at COP27, but a clear commitment by the developed countries is needed. The target should also include sub-targets for grants and adaptation finance, so that poorer countries can benefit more from the investments. Helping to cope with climate damage: Developing countries are calling for support for the damage caused by climate change. Until now, donor countries had refused to explicitly finance the management of climate damageonly emission reduction and adaptation (the 100-billion-dollar target) were supported. This could now change. For the first time, major donor countries like the U.S. are signaling support; and the issue has been included in the negotiations. All countries must reduce emissions: If the industrialized countries move on the above points, the emerging economies are likely to move as well. The Emissions Gap Report shows that China already emits twice as much greenhouse gas as the U.S. If all countries realized their current reduction targets, global emissions would fall by 5 to 10 percent by 2030. However, at least 30 percent would be necessary. This will not be possible without substantial contributions from the emerging countries: by 2030, investment in emissions reduction must at least quadruple in industrialized countries and triple in developing countries. If COP27 succeeds in identifying credible pathways for delivering the necessary investments, it would be an important confidence-building success. We hope that our research will make the reporting of climate finance more transparentthis would also benefit the negotiations on financing targets. More information: Malte Toetzke et al, Consistent and replicable estimation of bilateral climate finance, Nature Climate Change (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41558-022-01482-7 Journal information: Nature Climate Change Credit: CC0 Public Domain Fossil fuels have provided a crucial source of energy over the past 200 years. But they also account for 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, enable massive environmental destruction and support many brutal regimes. The United Nations climate change conference, known as the Conference of the Parties (COP27), begins Sunday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, offering countries and organizations yet another chance to push for a phasing out of fossil fuel production. Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the resulting sanctions have made this move both urgent and challenging. As researchers working on climate change and resource governance, we believe that new initiatives like the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA) and rising support for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treatywhich aims at addressing the threat posed by fossil fuel productioncan help build momentum towards phasing out fossil fuels. A managed fossil fuel phaseout offers a chance for producersincluding governments, corporations and unionsto negotiate the terms of a 'just transition' to renewable energy that includes retraining workers, addressing lost income, securing new forms of energy and diversifying fossil fuel dependence economies. COP26 opened the doors for a phaseout The Glasgow Climate Pact, that emerged out of COP26 last year, called upon parties to "accelerate efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power and inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, recognizing the need for support towards a just transition." The COP26 also saw the launch of the BOGA through which governments like Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Greenland, Ireland, Quebec, Sweden and Wales can pledge to either phase out the production of fossil fuels, commit to a production phaseout with a legislated end date for existing production, or make looser commitments. So far, no government with significant fossil fuel production has joined BOGA or endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty initiative, a fast growing civil society initiative calling for an end to new exploration and production, a fair phaseout of existing production and a just transition for fossil fuel workers, communities and producing countries. Having tracked through the Fossil Fuel Cuts Database which countries had previously adopted initiatives to curtail fossil fuel production, including moratoria, divestments, carbon taxes or subsidy phaseouts, we tried to determine which of them might join an international coalition for a managed phasing out of fossil fuel production. Who may join the phaseout coalition? Using the Fossil Fuel Cuts Database, we tested economic, political and climate vulnerability factors against initiatives already taken between 2006 and 2019 by 124 governments with fossil fuel reserves. We found that dependence on fossil fuel rents reduces the likelihood of constraint measures, but not the size of fossil fuel reserves or production. Richer countries are also more likely to use constraints. The COP26 held in Glasgow last year opened the doors for the phasing out of fossil fuel production globally. Based on our findings, we sketched seven main categories of countries for building up a global phaseout coalition. The first and most likely members of such coalitions are middle and high-income countries with democratic regimes, active domestic climate movements and fossil fuel reserves of little significance to their economy. This has been the case of most of BOGA's members. The second category includes small countries that have no fossil fuel industry and are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as the republic of Vanuatu in Oceania, the first state to officially support the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. The third category comprises countries with little prospect of fossil fuel production compared to major stakes in a green transition, such as Chile, a leading copper and lithium producer. A fourth category includes high-income democratic countries with significant fossil fuel production but a diversified economy, such as the Netherlands, which shut down some of its natural gas fields. A fifth category comprises countries where fossil fuel production is almost exclusively serving domestic energy markets that are slowly decarbonizing. China, India and the U.S.the three biggest coal burnershave considered phasing down their coal production, but are yet to sign the Powering Past Coal Alliancea coalition of national and sub-national governments, businesses and organizations working to advance the transition from unabated coal power generation to clean energy. A sixth category includes countries that are highly dependent on fossil fuel revenues but still interested in accelerating their economic diversification, such as Saudi Arabia, the world's largest exporter of crude oil, which embarked on an ambitious economic diversification plan. But, like with many other fossil fuel rich countries, this plan largely relies on fossil fuel revenues to finance diversification and a green transition, thus sustaining the paradox of increased production to pay for a planned phaseout. A seventh category comprises low to middle-income countries with a high level of dependence on foreign aid, foreign direct investment and fossil fuel revenues. These countries face challenges when translating fossil fuel wealth into inclusive forms of development and often become even more indebted. Compensating them for leaving their fossil fuel reserves has proven challenging. However, some countries like Colombia may at some point decide to join a coalition following initial pledges to keep fossil fuels in the ground. The right incentives can mobilize institutions An agreement over a managed fossil fuel phaseout will not only help reduce emissions, but also help producers move away from the harmful effects of fossil fuel revenue dependence. With the right kind of economic and political incentives, including support for economic diversification and energy security guarantees, a phaseout agreement could attract producing countries and mobilize key organizations, including the International Energy Agency, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the World Trade Organization. The next two COP meetings taking place in Egypt and in the United Arab Emirates will play a crucial role in increasing pressure to phase out fossil fuels, expanding the number of BOGA members and starting substantive discussions on processes and principles for an international fossil fuel phaseout agreement. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Sharm El-Sheikh on the Red Sea coast is best known for tourism and conferences. Credit: Kochneva Tetyana / shutterstock The world's leaders are gathering for another global climate meeting, this time in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Expect a bustle of promises and pacts from countries and companies. Expect pressure on states to support people who are most and permanently affected by climate change. Don't expect much more, but equally don't lay the blame solely on the United Nations. States are not doing what they've promised, according to a slate of recent reports. Countries' promises and early actions show "no credible pathway" to keeping the world below 1.5. Financial promises remain unkept. This meeting is an "in between" COP, focused on implementing policies that were agreed at the meetings in Glasgow (2021) and Paris (2015). That means there need to be clear signals that states are following up on past promises and decisions. Overall, there will be a lot of "dialogs" and "work programs" but there really is no area where a major outcome is expectedif you're hoping for a Paris-style "Sharm El-Sheikh agreement" then you will be disappointed. Nonetheless, lots of crucial discussions will take place over the next two weeks. Here are five key issues to look out for. In each case, failure to follow up on previous promises will likely haunt negotiations. 1. Contentious new agenda items The first decision of the conference will be to adopt the agendas by consensus. These documents set out what issues will be discussed. The agendas can tell us a lot about the traditional priorities of the climate change negotiations, particularly that mitigation and national reporting issues dominate. There are four proposals for new agenda items at COP27 and at least three are contentious. At the outsetand, hopefully, before the negotiations formally beginthe presidency team will look to broker a deal to help get the agenda through. Two of the new items relate to finance. One seeks negotiations on finance for loss and damage(more on that below). The other will try to align global financial flows to sustainable development pathways. This is very needed, but countries have wildly different views on how to go about pushing global financial assets toward low-carbon, climate-resilient investments. A third agenda proposal concerns the "special circumstances of Africa." In 2015, there was a push to have the climate vulnerability of the continent recognized in the Paris agreement. This didn't happen and ever since has been proposed and deferred. But this year, the COP is in Africa. 2. Vulnerable countries will demand finance for 'loss and damage' Vulnerable countries cannot simply adapt to every aspect of climate change. Credit: lavizzara / shutterstock Loss and damage refers to the permanent and negative impacts of climate change. Think of droughts and lost crops, super typhoons and lost lives. It's the result of high emissions that cause problems beyond what can be adapted to. How to provide finance for these losses is extremely contentious. Developed countries previously blocked a proposal to include this item on the agenda. These historic major emitters worry about liability and compensation. Vulnerable developing countries point to the need to plan for people to relocate and rebuild when disasters strike. For them, the Glasgow dialogue to explore finance options on loss and damage is not enough. 3. Will there be stronger pledges? A key promise of Glasgow was to "keep 1.5 alive." It didn't succeed. The pledges put forward before Glasgow put us on track for a nearly 3 warmer world. In the Glasgow climate pact, countries agreed to go home, revisit their pledges and bring something better to COP27. But to date, only 24 countries have put forward updated NDCs (nationally determined contributionseach country's pledge to reduce emissions). According to the UN Synthesis Report on these pledges, the dial has barely flinched since Glasgow. A work program on how to scale up climate ambition before 2030 will continue in Egypt. It got off to a contentious start and so far, seems stalled. 4. Progress on climate finance In Glasgow, developed countries had to admit they failed to reach their ten-year-old promise to provide US$100 billion (88 billion) per year of climate finance. This can be spent on anything from new solar farms to stronger sea walls or retraining for people whose livelihoods are no longer viable. One year on, developed countries still haven't met this goal. It's a huge blow to trust among countries. Glasgow launched a work program to design a new collective finance goal for 2025. These talks will continue at COP27 and will show the wide gulf in how countries view the quantity and quality of climate finance provided. Again, it's likely there won't be a big-bang outcome here but hopefully some progress. 5. Building resilience among the most vulnerable Adaptation is often ignored compared with mitigation, but building resilience is an urgent need. There is a "global goal for adaptation" in the Paris agreement, and now a two-year dialogue on how to make that goal usable for countries as a guiding star to reduce their climate vulnerability. This will also help capture global progress on adaptation. The Egyptian COP presidency has cited adaptation as a priority, so perhaps there is room for a mid-dialogue outcome to raise the profile of adaptation. Overall, COP27 is a mismatch of ambitions. While we need urgent action from states, the institutional machinery will keep ticking along. Both are important and need to reinforce one another. To advance these discussions, states need to implement climate policies at home, then showcase meaningful actions when they gather again for COP28 in Dubai in a year's time. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. China progressing in wetlands conservation for high-quality development 08:16, November 07, 2022 By Yao Yuan, Yu Pei, Yue Wenwan, Wan Pengqi and Tian Zhongquan ( Xinhua * China unveiled new ambitions for wetlands conservation during the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14), including incorporating 11 million hectares of wetlands in the national park system. * For many Chinese, wetland is a new concept, but it gets an increasing spotlight as the country is advancing the progress of "ecological civilization." Many Chinese cities have learned to integrate wetland protection into their economic and social development. * Experts say China's progress in wetland conservation against the backdrop of rapid economic expansion and urbanization is a source of inspiration for the rest of the world, especially other developing countries. WUHAN/GENEVA, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- On a mid-lake island in central China's metropolis of Wuhan, over 100 cormorants crowded on 10 fir trees. In a month, they will give a snow-white look to the isle even on a sunny, snowless day. "There are so many migratory birds that their droppings will dye the trees as if covered in snow," said Shi Chenglu, a guide at the East Lake Scenic Area in downtown Wuhan. "Many bird watchers and ordinary residents will come to appreciate the view from the lakeside (without landing on the isle)." Such a sight was unimaginable around the turn of the century when fish in the lake "smelt of kerosene" due to rampant industrial pollution and sewage discharge. But just like other water bodies in the capital city of Hubei Province, the East Lake has benefited from decade-long efforts to restore the wetlands ecology, drawing back both migratory birds and human visitors. "Many new birds are spotted, including greater flamingos that we have never seen before and Dalmatian pelicans that have not visited us for six years," said Wei Bin, vice head of Wuhan's bird-watching society. It testifies to the increasing number of migratory birds at Chenhu Lake, a "wetland of international importance" in Wuhan. As China highlights the harmony between humanity and nature on its path to modernization, many rivers and lakes across the world's most populous nation have received government investments and legislative support that help them regain vitality and even expand in areas. This aerial photo taken on July 19, 2020 shows a view of Buh River wetland at Qinghai Lake in northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Photo by Yang Tao/Xinhua) China, in 1992, became a party to the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental agreement dedicated to the conservation and rational use of wetland ecosystems. Since then, China has established a legal framework for wetlands conservation and issued a series of policies to increase protection. Over the past decade, China has added or restored more than 800,000 hectares of wetlands, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. The country unveiled new ambitions for wetlands conservation during the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14), held in Wuhan and Switzerland's Geneva. Addressing the opening ceremony via video, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China would promote high-quality development in the wetlands conservation cause. China will designate a number of national parks, covering about 10 percent of the country's land area, and incorporate 11 million hectares of wetlands in the national park system. The country will promote international cooperation to protect the four bird migration routes passing China and to build an international mangrove center in Shenzhen, said Xi. Calling for scaling up global action on wetlands conservation, Xi said: "It is important that we advance the global process on wetlands conservation, redouble efforts to preserve authenticity and integrity, include more important wetlands in nature reserves, improve cooperation mechanisms and platforms, and increase the coverage of wetlands of international importance." Local residents enjoy their leisure time at OCT Eco Wetland Park in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Cheng Min) Wetlands include natural and artificial water bodies on land, like rivers, lakes, swamps, rice paddies, as well as some coastal areas. Known as the "kidneys of the Earth" and a reservoir of biodiversity, they can purify water and provide food and shelter to migratory birds. They are among the Earth's top stores of carbon, whose existence contributes to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. For many Chinese, wetland is a relatively new concept. But it gets an increasing spotlight as the country is advancing the progress of "ecological civilization." In 1995, the Chinese government launched a thorough survey of the country's wetland resources, which provided the basis for urgent protection plans. The past decade was characterized by a more comprehensive approach toward wetlands conservation in China. According to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the central government allocated 16.9 billion yuan (about 2.5 billion U.S. dollars) for wetland conservation and undertook over 3,400 protection projects in that period. The country's first specialized law on wetland protection took effect in June. China will continue to attach great importance to wetland protection at the national level and it will filter down to enforcement by local authorities and actions of every citizen, said Wang Xiangchun with the China Urban Construction Design &Research Institute. "This is of particular significance as China's urbanization rate surpasses 60 percent," Wang said. This photo taken on Oct. 31, 2022 shows the view of Qingshan Park in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province. (Xinhua/Cheng Min) INTEGRATING WETLANDS INTO MODERNIZATION Despite the challenges, many Chinese cities have told success stories of integrating wetlands into economic and social development. Wuhan, a megacity of more than 13 million permanent residents, is a prime example. Dubbed "the city of lakes," Wuhan is home to 166 lakes, a remarkable number for a provincial capital in China. But researchers said the city's lake areas had shrunk considerably last century, encroached first by drought and land reclamation for farming and then by real estate development. The trend reversed after the city government passed a slew of legislation and policies to protect wetlands in the 2000s, eventually stabilizing the city's lake area even amid rapid economic growth. Pollution bans and ecological restoration projects restored the water quality. In the 3,367-hectare East Lake, authorities sealed all sewage inlets and planted pollutant-purifying aquatic plants to create 220 hectares of "underwater forest." Boasting clear water and flocks of waterfowl, the lake (also a national wetland park) is now a popular jogging and sightseeing site among residents. "The focus is on restoration, not reconstruction. We tried to reverse the degradation caused by human activities with minimum disruption to the original natural environment. That required a lot of preliminary research," said Chu Yunhong, general manager of Wuhan OCT., Ltd, which conducted the underwater afforestation in parts of the East Lake. Some other Chinese cities developed strategies to coexist with smaller wetlands. In Liangping District of Chongqing in southwest China, farmers grew rice, vegetables, lotus, fish, and shrimps in small and micro wetlands, including the district's many ponds and rice paddies. Organic agriculture in such mini wetlands helped reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides while boosting agricultural output. The scenic views also boosted ecological tourism to raise farmers' incomes. People ride bikes at a wetland park in Liangping District, southwest China's Chongqing, March 13, 2021. (Photo by Liu Hui/Xinhua) Experts say China's progress in wetland conservation against the backdrop of rapid economic expansion and urbanization is a source of inspiration for the rest of the world, especially other developing countries. "As a densely populated country undergoing fast economic development, China has faced many complicated environmental problems and come up with many innovative solutions," said Lei Gang, a senior advisor with the World Wide Fund for Nature. "Other developing countries can learn from China's experience and lessons." Vincent Cohen Barugahare, an official with Uganda's Ministry of Water and Environment, suggested that wetland conservation could be a promising area of cooperation between China and other countries. Barugahare visited wetlands in Qinghai Province, from which China's biggest rivers originate, during a cooperation program on wetlands conservation. He said the Chinese initiative of moving residents out of the conservation areas for better protection also applied in Uganda. "Apart from cooperating in other development areas, like industries, we should cooperate in conservation. I think that's a good direction," Barugahare said at the Geneva session of COP14. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) With the exception of Hungarys Viktor Orban, Russian President Vladimir Putin doesnt have many friends or associates left in the West. Whereas some leaders in Europe were willing to give him an opportunity to make his case for better relations, Putins war of choice in Ukraine has significantly limited Moscows freedom of action. Bridges with the West have essentially burned down. Even the European Union, previously content with gobbling up Russian oil and natural gas, is moving away from Russia in the energy sphere; according to the Paris-based International Energy Agency, EU imports of Russian gas are down by half this year. The U.S.-Russia relationship, to put it charily, is a dumpster fire. About a year and a half ago, President Joe Biden and Putin shook hands with each other with stern faces in Geneva and came away from the summit guardedly optimistic that ties could be stabilized. Today, the tone is one of icy contempt, with Putin blasting Biden for orchestrating a campaign to permanently weaken Russia and Biden (rightly) labeling the Russian strongman an aggressor who wants to wipe out Ukrainian identity. White House aides are working hard to ensure Biden and Putins paths dont cross during the Nov. 15-16 G-20 summit in Indonesia. Advertisement The personal relationship at the top is in many ways a microcosm of the overall relationship at the state-to-state level. Its a struggle to find any area of policy convergence between Washington and Moscow. Arms control, that most important of topics, is dormant, with the Biden administration having suspended talks a day after Russia began lobbing missiles at Ukrainian cities. The U.S. and Russian delegations at the United Nations Security Council blame each other for every sin. The war in Ukraine is bleeding into other policy issues as well: Russia is not as constructive in the Iran nuclear talks as it once was, no doubt a consequence of Moscow doing everything possible to complicate a key U.S. policy objective in retaliation for Washingtons $18 billion in military support for Kyiv. Nevertheless, U.S. and Russian officials are slowly coming to grips with the reality that an outright severing of communication links wouldnt be prudent. Much has been made of Putins ominous suggestion that Russia will use the full power of its military to protect Russian territory code for nuclear weapons with many viewing it as a desperate bluff meant to sow divides in the West. But U.S. policymakers, who have immense responsibility on their shoulders, cant simply plan for the best-case scenario. The old phraseology hope for the best but plan for worst applies. Durable, consistent contact is necessary at the senior-most levels to deliver messages clearly and forthrightly, minimize any misunderstandings that inevitably develop during a time of war and explore, however tentatively, paths that could lead to a de-escalation. Advertisement This is precisely what U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has been doing for months. The Wall Street Journal reports that Sullivan, a longtime foreign policy aide to Biden and a top State Department official during the Obama administration, has participated in conversations with a number of Putins advisers, aiming to maintain open lines of communication, warn Moscow of the consequences of using a nuclear warhead and nip further escalation in the bud. Sullivan has also spoken with Ukraines political leadership throughout the war, including during a visit to Kyiv on Friday, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov. Sullivan isnt the only senior U.S. official making the rounds. After five months of radio silence, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley had a telephone call on Oct. 24 with Gen. Valery Gerasimov, chief of the Russian general staff. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu twice over a three-day period in late October, which we can only assume touched on Putins threats of nuclear escalation. There are likely other calls that havent been disclosed publicly; it wouldnt be surprising, for instance, if CIA Director William Burns, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia and someone who is extremely familiar with how Putin operates, was involved in some of them. Are these conversations appropriate? Should the U.S. be spending some of its valuable time talking with representatives of a country committing war crimes, forcefully relocating civilians under its control and condemning the Ukrainian people to a long, dark winter? Unsurprisingly, there are more than a few in the commentariat who would strongly disagree with the notion of sitting down with the Russians under any circumstances. Some on Capitol Hill would rather designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism and freeze it out completely. Given the grisly nature of Russias conduct in Ukraine, one cant condemn folks for feeling the way they do. Ultimately, however, such recommendations are predicated on emotion. Emotion can be an extraordinarily powerful force, of course, and depending on the circumstances, it can be entirely justifiable. But emotion can also limit our options, cloud our judgment and tempt us to take actions that arent fully thought through if they are thought through at all. Nations dont have the luxury of letting emotion rule the roost. We may despise what Russia is doing to its neighbor and dream of the day when Putin is sitting in the docket at the Hague as a defendant. Yet the U.S. doesnt have the luxury of wishing Russia, a country with nearly 6,000 nuclear warheads, including up to 2,000 tactical nuclear warheads, into the ether, nor does it have the power to smash it into submission. At best, U.S.-Russia relations wont improve until Putin leaves the Kremlin. The most we can hope for is to prevent the situation from going from really bad to worse. Daniel DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities and a foreign affairs columnist for the Chicago Tribune. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Carrying a pair of 20-foot wooden poles with a net strung between them, Ron Reed shimmied above the Klamath River across wooden boards perched between slippery boulders. He paused and stared into the white foam. With a lunge, Reed, a 60-year-old fisherman who belongs to the Karuk Tribe, thrust his dip net into the Klamath's swirling current. His back and his ropey arms strained against the fir poles as he heaved up two Chinook salmon that thrashed and twisted inside the net. By the end of the morning, Reed and his son-in-law Asa Donahue caught seven salmon. These days that's considered a good haul. But it's barely one-tenth of what they might have caught on a September morning 30 years ago. "It's been like a death in the family the last five, six years down here," Reed said. Reed and his fellow Karuk blame the decline of the fish, in large part, on the descendants of white settlers who live upstream. They say agriculture continues to take too much water out of the Klamath and from two important spawning tributaries that flow into it. Furthermore, they contend state and federal regulators aren't cracking down aggressively enough to ensure the fish survive. The tribe was furious when, in mid-August, a group of farmers shrugged off the threat of tens of thousands of dollars in state fines and drained much of the water out of one of the Klamath's tributaries, a move that state biologists said likely killed protected salmon. "It's just like a kick in the teeth," said Arron "Troy" Hockaday, a Karuk Tribe councilman. "Because to me, it's like they just didn't care." The native people of the Klamath River say it was yet another example of how the system is still disproportionately tilted toward the interests of white farmers. Efforts by Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Biden administration to prioritize tribal input in environmental policy and return natural resources that had been stolen haven't moved fast enough for the tribes. The Karuk believe the fate of the world is at stake. The Klamath's annual salmon runs aren't just about food for the tribe, though that's part of why a handful of tribal fishermen risk their lives on those slippery rocks using more or less the same gear and techniques that their ancestors used for centuries. These fish are intertwined with their cultural identity and religionwhat it means to be Karuk. The Karuk believe that if the salmon disappear, so will they. So will everyone. "When the fish go," Reed said, "that's the end of the world." And what Reed's seen these past few years has him worried that the apocalypse is nearly here. The subjugation of the Klamath River Depending on the estimate, the Karuk are the state's second or third largest federally recognized tribe, with close to 4,000 enrolled members. Drug, crime and alcohol abuse along the river are a long-standing problem. More than half of the Karuk live below the federal poverty lineproblems that many Karuk trace back to before California's statehood in 1850. Before settlers swarmed California to mine for gold, cut down trees, grow crops and raise cattle, the Karuk inhabited more than 100 villages along the middle stretch of the 257-mile Klamath River in what's now Siskiyou and Humboldt counties along California's northern border. The annual cycles of migrating coho, chum, pink and Chinook salmon, sturgeon, lamprey and steelhead heading upriver to spawn provided the Karuk and their neighboring tribes a year-round source of food, supplemented by deer and elk and plants such as acorns. Settlers during California's Gold Rush brought with them disease and subjugation. Native people were forced from their lands. Their children were taken from their families and placed in boarding schools. It's only been in recent years that the accounts of rapes and abuse at the boarding schools have been widely shared outside of American Indian tribes. At the same time, the white settlers and their descendants dramatically altered the free-flowing rivers that were so important to the Karuk and other local tribes. Miners removed massive amounts of rocks and sand from rivers in their search for gold. Huge piles of these "tailings" still stand along the river channels. They contaminated the rivers with mercury and other toxins they used in the mining process. A century and a half later, those toxins are still being detected in Klamath Basin fish. In the early 1900s, on the Klamath, power companies began installing massive hydroelectric dams, blocking fish from swimming to more than 100 miles of their spawning grounds. Below the dams, two important cold-water tributaries that provide habitat for spawning fishthe Scott and Shasta rivershave for more than a century been siphoned off to grow hay and graze cattle. The salmon have paid the price. Pink and chum salmon no longer swim in the Klamath. Spring-run Chinook and coho are on the edge of extinction. The fall run of Chinook, partly propped up by a hatchery below Iron Gate Dam, is the last remaining salmon fishery on the river. State fishing regulations say the Karuk tribe can catch fall-run Chinook at Ishi Pishi Falls using their traditional dip nets. In recent years, there have been so few fish in the river that the Karuk have been forced to ask the tribes downstream that have better fishing rights for a few of the salmon they caught so the Karuk could use them in their annual World Renewal ceremonies, which are timed with the salmon's migration. It was a humiliating experience for the Karuk fishermen. They consider it a sacred dutya tradition passed from father to sonto catch fish for the ceremonies and to supply salmon to the tribe. The Karuk, unlike their downstream neighbors, the Hoopa Valley and Yurok tribes, don't have a reservation. Without a large tract of land near the river to call their own, tribal members say gathering for the annual ceremonies help them keep their communities, traditions and religion alive. But when the salmon don't show up, it's hard to be Karuk. The boys can't learn how to fish from their fathers. The tribal elders who come for the ceremonies may not get to know the young men tasked with bringing them gifts of salmon that the boys haul up the canyon from the river. "You can't teach your kids to do the things we do without the fish," said Chook-chook Hillman, whose son at 13 had his first opportunity this fall to haul fish up the trail to the tribe's ceremonial site. The experience only came about because a few fish showed up this year. As he sat beside the river, Hockaday, the tribal councilman, worried about the future. "I want to watch my grandson, who's 1-year-old today, come up with fish and say, 'Hey, Papa, here's your fish,' while his dad is down here fishing for them," he said. The Karuk and other tribes in the area say that in years when the fish don't show up, it contributes to a troublingly high suicide rate among tribal members. The Yurok Tribe reported a suicide rate that was nearly 14 times the national average between 2015 and 2017. As a fisherman, Reed understands those stressors better than most. "This is all I have to keep my spirit going," Reed said. Tribes, farmers wrestle over water The Karuk and environmental groups have been arguing for years that dams on the Klamath should be removed. California and Oregon have settled on a plan to tear four of the dams down to "right some wrongs, address some of our historic mistakes," as Gov. Newsom put it at the time. Demolition could begin next year. Separately, the Karuk want state and federal regulators to force farmers on the Scott and Shasta rivers to leave more water for fish in those Klamath tributaries. Getting regulators on board is one thing, but the events from earlier this summer show limits of their power when challenged by uncooperative farmers. For a week, the farmers pumped nearly two-thirds of the water flowing down the Shastaa move that state biologists said likely killed juvenile coho protected under the state and federal endangered species acts. Jim Scala, the president of the Shasta River Water Association, said he felt he had no choice but to start pumping when his stock ponds dried up and his grazing lands died from not being irrigated. Scala said he made his decision despite having spoken in the past with tribal members about their worries. Scala said one of the Karuk told him, "'My grandson ain't gonna be able to fish. I'll never be able to show him how to fish. We won't be able to catch the fish.' Well, I understand that. But what about me? My sons and grandsons will not be able to take over this ranch. And that's our livelihood." Hockaday, the Karuk tribal councilman, said Scala's choice represented another example of whites taking resources from struggling native people. "They're saying we're taking their water and their rights from them," Hockaday said. "But when's enough? When do we stop giving? When is it time for them to stop?" The Karuk say that no matter how dry it is, no matter how poor the salmon runs are, the farmers on the Scott River also never seem to sacrifice. The Scott flows into the Klamath a few miles downstream of the Shasta. Crop reports filed with local agriculture officials show the amount of hay grown in the valley doesn't change much from year to year. "They've never stopped growing the same amount of crops," Reed said. But Jeff Fowle, a rancher in the Scott Valley, said those stats don't tell the whole story. He said Scott Valley ranchers have been using far less water to irrigate their crops in recent years. They've switched to more efficient irrigation systems. They've cut their water use to comply with the state's drought curtailment orders. They've restored habitat along the river, Fowle said. "We've been trying to be holistic in our management," Fowle said. "Good for us. Good for the environment. Good for the fish. And we keep getting hit with a hammer." The Karuk aren't buying it. "They're bragging about using zero surface water," Reed said of the farmers' cutbacks. "But I'm seeing sprinklers. When it's hotter than hell, the sprinklers are going." After recently driving through the miles of green alfalfa and hay fields in the Scott Valley, Reed said it was as if "there's a river flowing out onto agriculture." He understands that the farmers are just trying to make a living, but Reed believes their methods aren't sustainable in a rapidly declining world. "Ag's going to be gone if we don't monitor them," he said. "The same way our fish will be gone." 2022 The Sacramento Bee. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Andreas Gritsch is working on the experimental setup. Credit: T. Naeser, MPQ A team of researchers at the MPQ has pioneered the integration of erbium atoms with special optical properties into a silicon crystal. The atoms can thus be connected by light at a wavelength that is commonly used in telecommunications. This makes them ideal building blocks for future quantum networks that enable calculations with several quantum computers, as well as the secure exchange of data in a quantum internet. Since the new experimental results were achieved without sophisticated cooling and are based on established methods of semiconductor production, the method appears suitable for large networks. When quantum computers are connected to a network, completely new possibilities ariseanalogous to the internet consisting of interconnected classical computers. Such a quantum network can be realized by entangling individual carriers of quantum information, so-called qubits, with each other using light. The qubits, in turn, can be built from individual atoms that are isolated from one another and embedded in a host crystal. A team of researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) in Garching and the Technical University of Munich has now demonstrated a feasible way to build a quantum network using atoms in a silicon crystal. This means that the same technology employed in classical computers can also be used for quantum computers and their networks. Their work is published in Physical Review X. Low losses and strong coherence The new technology relies on erbium atoms that are implanted into the crystal lattice of silicon under very specific conditions. "We knew from earlier experiments that erbium has good optical properties for such an application," says Dr. Andreas Reiserer, head of the Otto Hahn Quantum Networks research group at MPQ: The atoms of this rare-earth element emit infrared light at a wavelength of around 1550 nanometersthe spectral range used for data transport in optical fiber cables. It exhibits only low loss during propagation in a light-conducting fiber. "In addition, the light emitted by erbium has excellent coherence," Reiserer notes. This means that individual wave trains are in a stable phase relationship to one anothera prerequisite for the storage and transmission of quantum information. "These characteristics make erbium a prime candidate for realizing a quantum computeror for being used as an information carrier in a quantum network," Reiserer says. However, what may sound simple, posed a tricky technological challenge for the MPQ researchers. Among other things, the team had to embed individual atoms of the rare-earth element in the crystalline matrix in a targeted and reproducible mannerand fix them in specific positions relative to the silicon atoms. "We chose silicon for this because it is already used for classical semiconductors that form the basis of our information society," explains the physicist. "Established processes are available for the preparation of silicon crystals of high quality and purity." Artististic interpretation of the experiment, in which individual erbium atoms (red and orange) are integrated into a silicon chip. Credit: C. Hohmann, MPQ Moderate temperatures, narrow spectral lines To integrate erbium atoms into such a crystalin technical jargon, to dope itit first had to be endowed with nanometer-fine structures. They serve as light-conducting elements. Then, the researchers irradiated the silicon with a beam of erbium ions so that individual atoms penetrated and dispersed to different places at high temperatures. "In contrast to the usual procedure, we did not heat the chips to 1,000, but only to a maximum of 500 degrees Celsius," says Andreas Gritsch, a doctoral student in the team. The consequence of the comparatively moderate temperature was a particularly stable integration of individual erbium atoms in the crystal lattice, without a larger number of atoms clustering together. "This manifested itself in unusually narrow spectral lines in the emission of infrared light by the erbium," reports Gritsch: at around 10 kilohertz, which is the smallest spectral linewidth measured in nanostructures to date. "This is also a favorable property for the construction of a quantum network," the researcher says. And there is another feature that distinguishes the method optimized by the Garching researchers for doping the silicon crystal: The excellent optical properties of the introduced erbium atoms do not only show up in the immediate vicinity of absolute zero at minus 273 degrees Celsius as in previous experiments. Instead, they can also be observed at temperatures considered "high" for quantum phenomena of around 8 Kelvin (degrees above absolute zero). "Such a temperature can be achieved by cooling in a cryostat with liquid helium," says Andreas Reiserer. "This is technologically easy to realize and paves the way towards future applications." Diverse potential applications The range of possible future applications for quantum networks is broad. Quantum computers could be built from them, in which a large number of separate processors are interconnected. With such computing machines, which use certain quantum mechanical effects, complex tasks can be mastered that cannot be solved with conventional, classical systems. Alternatively, quantum networks could be used to investigate the properties of new types of materials. "Or they could be used to build a kind of quantum internet in which previously unattainable amounts of information could be transmittedsimilar to the normal internet, but encrypted securely using quantum cryptography," says Reiserer. The prerequisite for all these potential applications is to quantum-mechanically entangle qubits in a network. "To show that this is also possible based on erbium atoms in silicon chips is our next task," says Andreas Reiserer. Together with his team, the physicist is already working on mastering this challenge. His goal: To show that the circuits for powerful quantum networks can be produced similarly to microchips for mobile phones or notebook computersbut pave a broad field for new scientific findings and technical possibilities that are unthinkable today. More information: Andreas Gritsch et al, Narrow Optical Transitions in Erbium-Implanted Silicon Waveguides, Physical Review X (2022). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevX.12.041009 Journal information: Physical Review X The development of high-yielding perennial rice means up to eight harvests from a single planting, significantly lowering labor and cost for smallholder farmers while simultaneously improving soil quality. Researchers from the University of Illinois, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the International Rice Research Institute, Yunnan University, the University of Queensland, and the Land Institute contributed to the development and deployment of perennial rice. Credit: Shilai Zhang, Yunnan University After more than 9,000 years in cultivation, annual paddy rice is now available as a long-lived perennial. The advancement means farmers can plant just once and reap up to eight harvests without sacrificing yield, an important step change relative to "ratooning," or cutting back annual rice to obtain a second, weaker harvest. A new report in Nature Sustainability chronicles agronomic, economic, and environmental outcomes of perennial rice cultivation across China's Yunnan Province. Already, the retooled crop is changing the lives of more than 55,752 smallholder farmers in southern China and Uganda. "Farmers are adopting the new perennial rice because it's economically advantageous for them to do so. Farmers in China, like everywhere else, are getting older. Everyone's going to the cities; young people are moving away. Planting rice is very labor intensive and costs a lot of money. By not having to plant twice a year, they save a lot of labor and time," says Erik Sacks, professor in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois and co-author on the report. Sacks, along with senior author Fengyi Hu and Dayun Tao, began working to develop perennial rice in 1999 in a collaboration between the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the International Rice Research Institute. In subsequent years, the project grew to include the University of Illinois, Yunnan University, and the University of Queensland. Another partner, The Land Institute, provided perennial grain breeding and agroecology expertise, along with seed funding to ensure continuity of the project. The researchers developed perennial rice through hybridization, crossing an Asian domesticated annual rice with a wild perennial rice from Africa. Taking advantage of modern genetic tools to fast-track the process, the team identified a promising hybrid in 2007, planted large-scale field experiments in 2016, and released the first commercial perennial rice variety, PR23, in 2018. The international research team spent five years studying perennial rice performance alongside annual rice on farms throughout Yunnan Province. With few exceptions, perennial rice yield [6.8 megagrams per hectare] was equivalent to annual rice [6.7 megagrams per hectare] over the first four years. Yield began to drop off in the fifth year due to various factors, leading the researchers to recommend re-sowing perennial rice after four years. But because they didn't have to plant each season, farmers growing perennial rice put in almost 60% less labor and spent nearly half on seed, fertilizer, and other inputs. "The reduction in labor, often done by women and children, can be accomplished without substitution by fossil fuelbased equipment, an important consideration as society aims to improve livelihoods while reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with agricultural production," Sacks says. The economic benefits of perennial rice varied across study locations, but profits ranged from 17% to 161% above annual rice. Even in sites and years when perennial rice suffered temporary yield dips due to pests, farmers still achieved a greater economic return than by growing the annual crop. "That first season, when they planted the annual and the perennial rice side by side, everything was the same, essentially. Yield is the same, costs are the same, there's no advantage," Sacks says. "But the second crop and every subsequent crop comes at a huge discount, because you don't have to buy seeds, you don't have to buy as much fertilizer, you don't need as much water, and you don't need to transplant that rice. It's a big advantage." Avoiding twice-yearly tillage, perennial rice cultivation also provides significant environmental benefits. The research team documented higher soil organic carbon and nitrogen stored in soils under perennial rice. Additional soil quality parameters improved, as well. "Modern high-yielding annual crops typically require complete removal of existing vegetation to establish and often demand major inputs of energy, pesticides, and fertilizers. This combination of repeated soil disturbance and high inputs can disrupt essential ecosystem services in unsustainable ways, especially for marginal lands," says Hu, professor and dean in the School of Agriculture at Yunnan University. "Perennial rice not only benefits farmers by improving labor efficiency and soil quality, but it also helps replenish ecological systems required to maintain productivity over the long term." Another piece of the study assessed the low-temperature tolerance of perennial rice, with the goal of predicting its optimal growing zone around the world. Although significant exposure to cold limited regrowth, the research team predicts the crop could work in a broad range of frost-free locations. Although they've already conducted on-farm testing and released three perennial rice varieties as commercial products in China and one in Uganda, the researchers aren't done refining the crop. They plan to use the same modern genetic tools to quickly introduce desirable traits such as aroma, disease resistance, and drought tolerance into the new crop, potentially expanding its reach across the globe. "While early findings on the environmental benefits of perennial rice are impressive and promising, more research and funding are needed to understand the full scope of perennial rice's potential," says Tim Crews, Chief Scientist at The Land Institute and study co-author. "Questions about carbon sequestration and persistence and greenhouse gas balances in perennial paddy rice systems remain. Researchers must also make progress on perennializing upland rice, which could curb highly unsustainable soil erosion on farmlands across Southeast Asia. As the work of Dr. Hu's group at Yunnan University progresses, The Land Institute and an ever-growing network of collaborators will continue to support these research and scaling efforts for perennial rice globally." Sacks adds, "I think now, with perennial rice in farmers' fields, we have turned a corner. We have been feeding humanity by growing these grains as annuals since the dawn of agriculture, but it wasn't necessarily the better way. Now we can consciously choose to make a better crop, and a better, more sustainable agriculture. We can fix the errors of history." The article, "Sustained productivity and agronomic potential of perennial rice," is published in Nature Sustainability. More information: Jun Lyu, Sustained productivity and agronomic potential of perennial rice, Nature Sustainability (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41893-022-00997-3. www.nature.com/articles/s41893-022-00997-3 Journal information: Nature Sustainability Cranial features of the cay008 toddler. Credit: Science Advances (2022). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo3609 A team of researchers affiliated with multiple institutions in Turkey, working with one colleague from Austria and two from Sweden, has found evidence via genetic analysis of a blend of demographics in Neolithic people living in the Upper Tigris portion of Mesopotamia. In their paper published in the journal Science Advances, the group describes how they extracted tissue samples from the remains of people buried in Cayonu Tepesi from the period 85007500 BCE. Upper Mesopotamia was a region between the Tigress and Euphrates rivers in what is now Turkey and Iran. Researchers believe the region played a major role in the Neolithic Transition, when people began to transition away from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to one based on agriculture. It was also a time of many other cultural changes. For many years, historians have wondered if the shift in Mesopotamia came about due to the efforts of locals who lived there, or if it was a melting pot of sorts with ideas coming from people from many different places. To answer that question, the researchers conducted a genetic analysis of the DNA of 13 people who lived and died during that time and were buried in a way that preserved some of their tissuetwo adult men, six adult women, two male children and three female children. By comparing the samples via multidimensional scaling to the genomes of others from nearby regions, they found evidence that the people had blended backgroundsthey had a three-way admixture of people from South Levant, Central Anatolia and Central Zagros. There was also an exceptionone of the women had a Caucasus/Zagros background. This showed that there was migration into the region of people from much farther north, and perhaps other areas as well. The researchers also found that one of the children, a toddler, had experienced intentional skull shaping and cranial cauterizationthe latter of which might have been part of a medical procedure. The researchers suggest that the Upper Tigris portion of Mesopotamia during the Neolithic era was likely a vibrant hub with people coming and going, bringing with them both goods and culture. More information: N. Ezgi Altnsk et al, A genomic snapshot of demographic and cultural dynamism in Upper Mesopotamia during the Neolithic Transition, Science Advances (2022). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo3609 Journal information: Science Advances 2022 Science X Network Credit: Jacob Lund/Shutterstock Girls are at the center of global movements for indigenous rights, climate justice, gender equality and civil rights. Educational activist Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel peace prize at 17. Greta Thunberg has inspired millions of her peers to campaign for climate action: she began a series of school strikes when she was 15. Iranian and Afghan girls are taking to the streets to demand their rights to an education and basic freedoms. But our understanding of girls' involvement in politics is still limited, and their opportunities to participate are all too often tokenistic. Girls have historically been excluded from most political institutions and movements because of both their age and their gender. While all children and young people are excluded from voting in elections and standing for government, girls and young women have to deal with the additional barrier that politics is still seen by many as a "man's game." Around the world, women still make up just 21% of government ministers and 26% of parliamentarians. Perhaps that is why research shows that girls and young women who are already involved in community organizing and activism are reluctant to describe themselves as "political." But girls are leading political changewhether on the world stage or in their own communities. In research with girls across nine different countries, my co-authors and I found that girls are taking part in everyday acts of resistance, winning a bit more freedom for themselves and their friends as they navigate their way through childhood. Girls lead movements Girls push back against inequalities in their communities, challenge unfair rules that stop them from doing everything their male peers are able to and demand fairer treatment from parents and elders. They set up girls' rights or feminist clubs in schools and take action on issues they care about, even though they often experience stigma for doing so. And, of course, girls take part in, or even lead, global political movements. One 2019 study found that daughters were particularly good at convincing their parents of the evidence that our climate is changing as a result of human activity. The increase in climate concern was most dramatic among fathers and conservative parents. So, we know that girls are not just politically active, but that they are also effective political communicators. But UK media coverage of girls' activism still often misses the mark. I analyzed UK media representations of Malala Yousafzai in the aftermath of her shooting by the Pakistani Taliban. I found that she was often portrayed as younger than she was and as a helpless victim of forces beyond her control. Despite the fact that Yousafzai had been campaigning and blogging for some time, speaking out even after threats to her life, almost nine times out of ten, the newspapers in this study quoted somebody else's words in explaining her story and its significance. Helpnot hope While there is also plenty of positive media coverage of girl activists, it often risks presenting the issues they are campaigning on as already solved. Greta Thunberg is calling for adults to urgently address climate change, but media coverage of her activism can adopt a reassuring tone, focusing on Thunberg herself and her amazing qualities, or her ability to inspire millions of other youth activists like her. As she raises the alarm about the need for urgent action, many adults see her as evidence that everything is going to be OK. As Thunberg said in a 2019 appearance at the UN: "You all come to us young people for hope? How dare you?" For more than two decades now, we've seen international institutions, governments, NGOs and transnational corporations embrace the idea of girl power. Everyone from Nike to the World Bank has been keen to tell us of the importance of investing in girls, so that they can fulfill their spectacular potential. The narrative goes that if you educate and empower a girl, she will go on to use that education for the better of humanity. Girls, we are told, will save the world. But girls don't want to save the world all by themselves. Nor should they have to. The issues they care most about are not problems of their making. Girls need more meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making, and they need adults to resist the temptation to feel reassured that young people have got the most important issues under control. They need support in their efforts at organizing, because they still face so many barriers in terms of funds and platforms to speak from. As has been shown in Iran and Afghanistan in recent weeks, girls are phenomenally brave in standing up to the injustices they face. But they shouldn't have to do it alone. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Nadab Wubshet, 5th year ME PhD student in professor Allen Lius Lab, holding up a microfluidic chip that will be sent to the International Space Station. Credit: Samuel Chen / University of Michigan A pair of experiments exploring bone density, designed by engineers at the University of Michigan, has left the Wallops Island, Virginia launchpad aboard a Northrop Grumman Corp. Antares rocket for the International Space Station (ISS). Allen Liu, U-M associate professor of mechanical engineering, and members of his research team detail how experiments in space can shed light on osteoporosis, a condition affecting hundreds of millions of people around the worldas well as how to keep astronauts safer. What's the connection between bone density, osteoporosis and gravity that makes this space-based research relevant to regular people? Allen Liu: Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle as individuals age, causing fractures even with only mild stresses and falls. An estimated 10 million cases exist in the U.S. with another 43 million showing signs of low bone density. A weightless environment, or microgravity, can cause physiological changes in bones, and it presents a unique research environment without the typical mechanical stresses of gravity. It also quickly alters how cells grow and function without the use of drugs or genetic engineering. The stiffness of a cell can tell us its biological age, predicting how it may decline in function or its susceptibility to chronic disease over time. We're testing the hypothesis that when cells aren't pushing back against gravity, that reduction in stiffness makes them susceptible to the same type of changes we see in osteoporosis. But we also think we can prevent those health impacts by mechanically compressing cells in a way that mimics gravity. How are you going to look at cell stiffness in space? What can that tell you about astronauts? Nadab Wubshet, doctoral student in mechanical engineering: We hypothesize that the absence of gravity may induce softening in the cells, which could be behind bone loss seen in astronauts after long stays on the ISS. Astronauts do resistance exercises onboard to create the compression effect that is absent without gravity. To test cell stiffness on the ISS, we use an automated microfluidic device that uses fluids to trap single cells and slowly raise the pressure on each cell to induce deformation. Fluorescent markers allow us to see its shape at each pressure level. Our device is also integrated into a system that takes snapshots and videos that let us collect data to measure stiffness of the cell. How might this benefit human health? Wubshet: If our hypothesis is proven right, our results will provide great insight into how changes in physical forces like gravity affect the mechanical characteristics of bone cellsand bone formation. Having a better understanding of the impact of native forces such as gravity on bone formation could provide insights on better diagnostics and treatments for people dealing with bone decay. But the applications in space are also important, especially considering growing interest in space exploration that could have astronauts in microgravity for longer periods of time. We hope to develop solutions for maintaining bone density for those astronauts. In the second experiment, you're trying to reduce deterioration of bone cellswhat do you hope to learn? Grace Cai, doctoral student in applied physics: The cells we've been referring to as "bone cells" are osteoblasts, which deposit minerals and proteins to build bone when and where it's most needed. In our study, we investigate how microgravity affects osteoblast activity. Cells in microgravity experience low cell tension, and we can increase cell tension by applying mechanical compression. By placing spherical clumps of human osteoblast cells in zero gravity and applying compression, we can test if it promotes bone cell development and maintenance, while preventing bone loss. How will the samples be returned to Earth and how do you see their analysis benefiting future astronauts? Cai: Whereas the first experiment will be handled at the ISS, samples for this second experiment will be returned to Earth on SpaceX CRS-26 in January for analysis. Our findings here should shed light on whether compressive space suits and clothing could prevent bone loss and improve the bone health of astronauts exposed to microgravity conditions. These kinds of technologies could help protect crews traveling to and from the ISS, as well as to other destinations. In addition to informing osteoporosis research on Earth, we anticipate that our findings will likely be relevant to other age-related diseases and cancers. Cell mechanics and the architectures that cells build, which are of fundamental importance to our own study, are significant in these areas too. What are the most interesting things you've learned as a mechanical engineer preparing experiments for space? Liu: One challenge with working in a microgravity environment is that everything is weightless, so handling fluid becomes extremely challenging. Everything has to be closed and our cells must be kept in a bag instead of on a Petri dish. And because space is at a premium on ISS, each experiment is packaged into a small CubeLab container, about 6.3" tall, 8.2" long and 12.3" wide. As a researcher, I think we are accustomed to uncertainties, but this is very different. Lots of things can go wrong with an experiment on Earth, and it makes it even more challenging to get the experiment right in space. We are hopeful that the experiments will go smoothly, and I am just glad that we made the flight. The Bambara groundnut is a legume cultivated throughout Africa and one of the most important sources of protein throughout the continent. The groundnut can support the growth of other crops by enriching soils through nitrogen fixation. Equipped with a recently published genome, plant breeders and scientists are attempting to improve Bambara groundnut varieties to address food security concerns in semi-arid Africa. Credit: Shutterstock We need to rethink how we think about Indigenous crops, say Carnegie plant biologists. These crops include groundnut, teff grass, and a wide range of cereals, grains, fruits, legumes, and root vegetables predominantly cultivated by small farms in Africa, Asia, and South America. In a recent essay in Trends in Plant Science, Carnegie's William Dwyer and Sue Rhee argue for the importance of anti-colonial language, as Western scientists develop an interest in regional crops that have been cultivated for generations by local farmers around the world. They were joined by collaborator Carol Ibe of the JR Biotek Foundation, a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering African communities that have limited access to scientific resources. Indigenous crops are traditionally referred to as "orphan crops," because they do not play a significant role in the global agricultural economy. Dwyer, Ibe, and Rhee argue that this terminology and other, similar language such as "neglected crops" and "forgotten crops" assume a colonial perspective, and diminish the crucial role in nutrition and trade that these staples have played for generations in the areas where they are cultivated. "The term 'orphaned' overlooks the important stewardship roles played by generations of farmers, who have kept these crops healthy and productive to feed their communities," said Dwyer, a Research Assistant at Carnegie's Department of Plant Biology. "By contrast, the word 'Indigenous crop' addresses the longstanding transfer of knowledge underpinning the domestication of these plants, which are crucial to feeding people in many parts of the world." Tef grass is a cereal crop in the grass family and a key supply of carbohydrates throughout the horn of Africa. Tef is the most important crop in Ethiopia in terms of area coverage, production volume, and cash crop value. Tef exhibits tolerance to drought, water-logging, and pest epidemics. Several breeding programs, some in partnership with local and international institutions, are currently seeking breakthroughs to enhance available tef varieties and increase production yields. Credit: Shutterstock Because Indigenous crops are uniquely adapted to their local environments, they are often tolerant of challenging surrounding conditions and boast vast reservoirs of genetic diversity, which is important to a plant's ability to adapt to climate change. Due to this stress-resistance-ability, Indigenous crops have recently attracted interest from Western scientists and plant breeders as a possible source of genetic traits that could help buffer major agricultural plants against the warming trend and precipitation changes associated with a changing climate. "Plant science is going to be key to keeping the world fed, as the climate shifts," said Rhee. "As these research efforts move forward, it is crucial that when we draw on the promise of Indigenous crops to help address the coming challenges, plant biologists and other experts recognize, acknowledge, and collaborate with the cultures and countries that have preserved them for thousands of years." In addition to climate concerns, global conflicts such as the war in Ukraine threaten wheat imports to the Global South. Enhancing and conserving Indigenous crops could help bolster these regions against resulting food shortages. More information: William Dwyer et al, Renaming Indigenous crops and addressing colonial bias in scientific language, Trends in Plant Science (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2022.08.022 Journal information: Trends in Plant Science Summary of causal evidence for digital media effects on political variables. Each box represents one article. Treatments are in white boxes on the left, political outcome variables in colored boxes on the right; M denotes mediators; H represents sources of effect heterogeneity or moderators. Positive (+) and negative () signs at paths indicate reported direction of effects. Location of sample indicated in top right corner of boxes, primary causal inference strategy in bottom left. Strategies include statistical estimation strategies such as instrumental variables (IV), matching, and panel designs (PD) that use, for example, fixed effects (FE) or difference in difference (DiD) for causal estimation, as well as lab or field experiments (e.g., field experiments rolled out on various platforms that are often supplemented with IV estimation to account for imperfect compliance). Detrimental effects on liberal democracy are shown in orange, beneficial effects in turquoise, effects open to interpretation in purple, and null effects in gray. Credit: Nature Human Behaviour (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-022-01460-1 The question whether the rise in usage of digital media is contributing to the erosion of democracy is a source of popular debate, with tech companies arguing findings are inconclusive. But a team of international researchers has carried out a comprehensive review of hundreds of studies globally, the biggest of its kind, exploring this claim and found that while social media is not exclusively bad, it can certainly stoke starkly conflicting views, populism, and political mistrust especially in established democracies. The researchers, from the Max Planck Institute for Human Development and the Hertie School in Germany, and the University of Bristol in the UK, systematically assessed studies investigating whether and how digital media impacts people's political behavior. Studies show that although some effects may be beneficial for democracy, for instance digital media can increase political knowledge and diversity of news exposure, they also have detrimental effects, such as fostering polarization and populism. Furthermore, the way consequences such as increased political mobilization and decreasing trust in institutions play out depends largely on the political context. Such developments were found to be beneficial in emerging democracies but can have destabilizing effects in established democracies. "The advantage of our systematic reviewagainst the background of a divisive and often partisan debateis that it allows objective conclusions to be drawn," said author and research scientist Philipp Lorenz-Spreen of the Max Planck Institute for Human Development. At the institute's Center for Adaptive Rationality, he studies how new technologies can help to promote participatory democracy online. "While the impact of digital media on democracy cannot be judged as simply 'good' or 'bad,' the results clearly show that digital media can have several negative effects on political behavior," he added. In their review, published today in Nature Human Behaviour, the researchers combine causal and correlational evidence from nearly 500 articles on the relationship between digital media and democracy worldwide. The analysis was structed around the 10 most researched political outcome variables: political participation, knowledge, trust, news exposure, political expression, hate, polarization, populism, network structure, and misinformation. "When studying complex political and social phenomena, it is important to determine whether there is in fact a causal relationship," said author and doctoral researcher Lisa Oswald from the Hertie School in Berlin. The researchers therefore focused on the subset of articles reporting causal evidence of a relationship between digital media and democracy. These include large-scale field experiments conducted on social media platforms and articles in which causal conclusions could be drawn due to factors such as data having been collected at different points in time. The research findings can also help to clarify important issues in the young research field, for example whether the much-discussed phenomenon of echo chambersin which people tend to encounter only like-minded people onlinereally exists. The results depend heavily on the digital media in question. There was no evidence of echo chambers in studies looking at news exposure, for example, but they do seem to emerge within social media networks. "Our analysis covered studies conducted all over the world, allowing us to shine a light on how the effects of digital media differ across political systems," said co-author Ralph Hertwig, Director at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development. The positive effects of digital media on political participation and information consumption were most pronounced in emerging democracies in South America, Africa, and Asia. Negative effectsin terms of increasing populism and polarization and decreasing political trust were more evident in established democracies in Europe and the United States, for example. Co-author Professor Stephan Lewandowsky, Chair in Cognitive Psychology at the University of Bristol, said, "What is most concerning is our finding that in mature democracies such as the US and Europe, social media use causes increased polarization and decreased trust in institutions." "Although further research is needed, this reveals some clear trends and indicates that governments and civil societies need to take steps to better understand and actively shape the interplay of digital media and democracy." More information: Philipp Lorenz-Spreen, A systematic review of worldwide causal and correlational evidence on digital media and democracy, Nature Human Behaviour (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-022-01460-1. www.nature.com/articles/s41562-022-01460-1 Journal information: Nature Human Behaviour Maize storage structures at the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute in Chilanga, Zambia. Credit: Protensia Hadunka. University of Illinois. Many maize farmers in sub-Saharan Africa sell their crop at harvest, often because they need funds to pay expenses. Development agencies often support or sponsor harvest-time loans that encourage farmers to store some of their grain for later sale, on an assumption that its market value will increase in months to come. But that's not a sure bet, as a new University of Illinois study reveals. The work is published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics. Analyzing maize prices across more than a thousand sub-Saharan African markets over a 20-year period, the researchers found not only that maize prices do not always rise after the harvest season, but also that farmers cannot fully predict whether prices are likely to rise or fall. As a result, there is significant risk associated with storing grain for later sale, and farmer risk tolerance can impact the decision, says Hope Michelson, associate professor in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics (ACE) at Illinois and co-author on the study. "There is a long-standing assumption in the agricultural development literature that grain prices always rise after harvest in these rural grain markets," Michelson notes. "In a given region, people grow maize and harvest it on essentially the same schedule. Many of them also sell at the same time because this is when buyers are ready and bills at the farm have to be paid. And when lot of maize hits the marketplace at once, selling prices can drop sharply. "Because prices tend to rise over the course of the year and peak before harvest, small-scale farmers may be forced to buy maize back from the market a few months later for their own consumption, when the price has gone up significantly." Policy interventions that provide farmers with access to credit at harvest could prompt them to retain some of their crop, either to meet their own household's food needs or to sell when prices rise later. However, this strategy works only if prices actually and reliably go up. From her field work in Malawi, Michelson observed the unpredictability of market prices after the high season of harvest and crop-sale. She teamed up with then-doctoral student Lila Cardell, who is now a research economist with the USDA Economic Research Service, to gather data from markets across the region to track post-harvest maize price trends over a range of nations and years. "Many agricultural development initiatives in low-income countries and associated academic papers assume farmers are leaving money on the table by selling all their maize at harvest," says Cardell, who is lead author on the paper. "We looked at that assumption carefully, asking, "What if the farmers are right? What if the dilemma they face is not just a credit issue?'" Michelson and Cardell reviewed price data from 1,038 markets over 20 years in 30 African countries. While they found that prices do generally rise after harvest, they also found that prices fell 16.3% of the time, ranging from a frequency of 10.9% in Mozambique to 50% in Mauritania. They argue consequently that for poor farmers, average trends provide no reassurance about present or future market conditions. "It may be true that on average maize prices go up after harvest, but averages are not the only thing that matters. One bad year may actually have a lot of consequences for a poor household that can't borrow across years. To opt for crop storage, risk-averse farmers may need firm assurances of more than the average payoff," Michelson says. "We show that the phenomenon of maize prices not rising after harvest does not occur only in a handful of years or in one particular cluster of markets. We see it happening in all countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is more likely to happen in some years and some places, but the fact is that maize prices don't always rise after harvest," Cardell states. Because markets are unpredictable, farmers essentially have to guess whether it makes sense to sell or store their grain. In addition, there are storage expenses and risks of spoilage and loss to consider. Cardell and Michelson conclude that though storing maize grain at harvest may be a sound strategy as a general rule, development organizations should consider local marketplace dynamics and observe how traders, farmers, and maize millers see the market and what kinds of strategies they adopt or prefer to protect themselves from risk. Circumstances may require different kinds of interventions: For example, forward contracting agreements or multi-year credit could help buffer against price fluctuations. "We need to spend more time understanding the nature of what's going on and how people respond to it," Michelson concludes. More information: Lila Cardell et al, Price risk and small farmer maize storage in SubSaharan Africa: New insights into a longstanding puzzle, American Journal of Agricultural Economics (2022). DOI: 10.1111/ajae.12343 Accumulation of waste on the shore of the La Virgen marsh in Cartagena, Colombia. Credit: University of Barcelona Globally, the coastal lagoons of Lagos (Nigeria), Sakumo (Ghana) and Bizerte (Tunisia)close to large urban centers and without waste and sewage treatment systemsare among the water ecosystems most affected by microplastic pollution. However, the highest concentrations of microplastics have been detected in Barnes Sound and other small lagoons in a protected area in the north of Florida Bay (U.S.), a particular case that can be explained by the transport of microplastics carried by hurricanes from polluted areas. These are some of the conclusions of a study published in the journal Environmental Pollution by Ph.D. student Ostin Garces-Ordonezled by Professor Miquel Canals, director of the Consolidated Research Group on Marine Geosciences of the Faculty of Earth Sciences of the UBand other co-authors. The article, which includes the participation of experts from institutions in Colombia and Chile, reviews the progress of the knowledge on microplastic pollution in coastal lagoons around the world and warns of the abundance of fibers and fragments of polyethylene, polyester and polypropylene in some of these valuable ecosystems. Protected, but also polluted coastal lagoons Coastal lagoons are transitional ecosystems between inland and marine water systems. With great ecological and socio-economic value, these habitats are also affected by the impact of human activities. The study reviews the published scientific literature on microplastic pollution in 50 coastal lagoons in 20 countries on different continents, namely Europe (32%), Asia (20%), Latin America and the Caribbean (18%), Africa (12%), North America (10%) and Oceania (8%). Coastal lagoons are of great importance for biodiversity conservation. They are also the main providers of food and other ecosystem services to localoften vulnerablepopulations that depend on them. 58% of these ecosystems have some form of national or international protection status (Ramsar Convention on wetlands of international importance, biosphere reserves, areas of importance for wildlife conservation, or others). "In these natural habitats, peak levels of microplastic pollution result from a combination of several factors. For example, the residence time and water renewal rate of lagoons, the presence of large urban and industrial developments with insufficient waste management, river and outfall discharges, seasonal climate fluctuations, natural phenomena (hurricanes, typhoons, etc.) and the typology of microplastics," says researcher Ostin Garces-Ordonez, a member of the Consolidated Research Group in Marine Geosciences and first author of the article. Coastal lagoons with slowor very slowwater turnover rates are the most susceptible to high microplastic pollution. In the case of the Mosquito Lagoon in Florida (U.S.), it takes 200300 days to renew 50% of the water, and therefore microplastics entering this lagoon can remain in this ecosystem for considerable periods of time. "During the rainy season, the concentration of microplastics also increases in surface water compared to the dry season, a phenomenon that has been observed in the lagoon of Rio Lagarto (Mexico) and in the Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta (Colombia), with maximum levels in areas where the most intense human activities are recorded," says Garces-Ordonez, also a member of the Colombian Institute of Marine and Coastal Research. Fish fauna, which is of great commercial interest due to its exploitation for human consumption, is one of the best-studied groups of organisms in relation to the impact of microplastics. The study, which reviews the effects of pollution on 96 species, finds a maximum impact on fish in the lagoons of Bizerte and Ghar El Melh (Tunisia), especially the species Liza aurata and Sarpa salpa, with intakes of up to 65 microplastics per individual. Mollusks, with levels of up to 17 microplastics per individual, are another of the most affected groups, with maximum values detected in Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) in the Mosquito Lagoon (U.S.). The coastal lagoons of the Iberian Peninsula: Data and predictions Regarding the Iberian Peninsula, coastal lagoons are relatively few in number and small in comparison with other coastal lagoon systems in the world. Most of them are associated with the lower courses of rivers and their former mouths, as well as with the coastal drift of sediments, as is the case of the marshes of Emporda, the Ebro delta, the Valencia lagoon or the lagoon system of the Portuguese Algarve. "The environmental state of these lagoons is variable and changes over time. Some suffer the effects of pollution from urban, industrial and agricultural sources, such as the Valencia lagoon and the Mar Menor in Murcia, where there have recently been massive deaths of fish due to episodes of anoxia," says Professor Miquel Canals, director of the UB Department of Earth and Ocean Dynamics and a leading member of the research team. "The Mar Menor, which is the largest coastal lagoon in Spain, has unique characteristics among the Iberian coastal lagoons, given the high salinity of its waters as a result of its permanent communication with the open sea and the presence of several volcanic islets. Episodes of drought can have notable effects on some of these lake systems, as is already happening in the marshes of the Emporda or in Donana," Canals says. The study reveals the presence of microplastics in the water column, sediments and fish in the coastal lagoons of the Mar Menor (Murcia), the Pletera (Catalonia) and in Ria Formosa and Aveiro (Portugal). "In Spanish lagoons, an average of 20.12.9 microplastics per kilogram of the digestive tract has been found in sea bream (Sparus aurata) in the Mar Menor, and an abundance of up to 2.5 microplastics per individual in the eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) in the restored Pletera lagoon in Girona," says Miquel Canals. "In the Mar Menor," he continues, "the average abundance would be 43.5 to 53.1 microplastics per kilogram of sediment according to two published studies, a value significantly lower than that found in the coastal lagoons of Venice and Sacca di Goro (Italy), Anzali (Iran), Bizerte (Tunisia) and Lagos (Nigeria), but higher than that detected in the Ria Formosa (Portugal)." Coastal lagoons, new sinks for microplastics? In addition to accumulating in specific areas of lagoon ecosystems, microplastics can also end up in the sea and further aggravate the problem of ocean pollution. "We can certainly say that the different environmental matrices of coastal lagoonsi.e., waters, sediments and organisms living in these habitatsare receptors of microplastics and are affected by the pollution they cause. However, we do not yet know to what extent coastal lagoons are ultimate sinks for microplastics," says Canals. "This is related to the characteristics and dynamics of each lagoon, as well as to the quantities and properties of incoming microplastics. Thus, some lagoons may be true sinks while others may function as temporary sinks in the microplastic cycle, easing, for example, their transfer from river systems to beaches and the marine environment. Such criteria could be used to classify coastal lagoons according to the balance between inward and, eventually, outward fluxes of microplastics." Objective: To prevent microplastics from entering the natural environment The review published in the journal Environmental Pollution is based on studies that have combined different methodological approachesdirect visual inspection, chemical digestion, density separationto study different habitats that may include coral reefs, seagrass beds, beaches and swamps. "Our study shows the effort to improve microplastic sampling and identification methods: to determine the optimal sample size and avoid possible contamination, to apply staining techniques to optimize microplastic identification, and to reduce the costs of the different methodologies so that they can be applied to long-term monitoring programs," says Ostin Garces-Ordonez. "In many parts of the world, research is limited by the limited availability of financial, human and infrastructure resources (e.g., Raman or Fourier-Transform infrared spectrometers to characterize the composition of plastic polymers)," says Garces-Ordonez. "Extensively applying both simple and more advanced methodologies will answer many open questions about the dynamics of microplastics in these environments or the role of lagoons as temporary or permanent microplastic sinks," he adds. Miquel Canals says, "The best way to tackle and minimize the problem of microplastic pollution in general and in coastal lagoons specifically is to stop it from entering natural systems from the roots. It is necessary to act on the sources and the causes that favor their arrival in coastal lagoons and the rest of the ecosystems." Achieving this goal, or at least getting closer to it, would require a series of combined actions at global, regional, national and local levels. Firstly, to have an adequate regulatory framework and its effective implementation, and then to promote actions to minimize plastic waste generation at all levels (e.g. proper management of waste and wastewater discharged into aquatic ecosystems, and strategies to eliminate the accumulation of large waste in the environment, which can generate secondary microplastics, among others). "It is obvious that these examples are only some of the existing options, which should also be accompanied by environmental education and monitoring programs in order to be able to objectively assess their effectiveness. Other options, such as the recovery of microplastics from the natural environment, are not, for the moment, viable," concludes Miquel Canals. More information: Ostin Garces-Ordonez et al, A systematic review on microplastic pollution in water, sediments, and organisms from 50 coastal lagoons across the globe, Environmental Pollution (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120366 Journal information: Environmental Pollution Students from Solorio Academy High School, elementary schools and Hernandez Middle School for the Advancement of the Sciences arrive for the first day of classes on Aug. 30, 2021. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) Alarm bells are ringing across the country over steep declines in mathematics on the latest Nations Report Card. Results in reading are equally alarming. Nearly 40% of fourth graders nationally read below the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) basic level, and about half of Chicago students are performing below that mark. Its a crisis, but Im confident we can recover. Lets not forget that these results reflect how students performed last year compared with their performance in 2019, before COVID-19 upended all our lives. The pandemic took an immense toll on reading. Advertisement It wasnt only children who found it difficult to read during the past two years. Many avid adult readers suddenly discovered that we lacked the stamina and focus to persevere with a book for more than a few pages. Children experienced similar frustrations, and as a consequence, their reading muscles atrophied. These students didnt forget how to read. They lost the habit of reading. Students need instruction that supports development of their reading skills that is congruent with their development as readers. Classrooms should teem with books and talk about books. Every day is an opportunity for intellectual delight. We read because we are hungry for what is on the page. Lets ensure that every language arts curriculum satiates that hunger. Advertisement For many young readers, limited experience with the topics in a book or article might inhibit comprehension. The dilemma is that background knowledge is largely acquired through reading. Simply put, those who read more know more. And the more that students learn from the books they read, the less difficult they find the next book. They bring a familiarity with an increasingly wide range of subjects: geography, history, astronomy, flora and fauna. Children who become avid readers learn about the world with every page they turn. They absorb information about the time and place where stories are set and remember curious, random details. The more students read about a topic that fascinates them from dinosaurs to black holes the more easily they comprehend increasingly complex texts about the subject. These readers have built a base of knowledge to which new learning can adhere. This critical background knowledge will in due course help students grasp more challenging reading material. In her book The Knowledge Gap, education journalist Natalie Wexler suggests that schools organize instruction around themes. Working from a collection of books focusing on the same subject mythology, the human body, insect life cycles students spend several weeks developing their knowledge about a topic theyre studying. More challenging books are read aloud to students by the teacher. As students discuss what they are learning, ask questions and write about the topic, their knowledge of the subject deepens. They are also learning academic vocabulary they might not come across in everyday life. In this scenario, students are meeting the language of the academic discipline theyre studying where it lives and breathes in books. Rather than memorizing 20 words for a quiz on Friday (and quickly forgetting those same words by Monday), students encounter these words again and again. Readers who possess robust vocabularies understand more of what they read, creating a Matthew effect whereby those who already have more receive more. Students who know more words are able to comprehend more easily, and so they read more. The more they read, the more competent they become at unlocking unfamiliar words. Rather than attempting to inoculate students against ever meeting a word they dont know, we need to teach students what to do when they encounter an unfamiliar word. When reading across genres and engaging topics is an instructional priority, children develop skills they can use in the pursuit of knowledge. They have good reason to reread a sentence when comprehension breaks down because they are keen to understand what is before them. With guidance from their teacher and a carefully constructed, systematic language arts curriculum, students will become increasingly skilled readers. The fourth graders who scored below the NAEP basic level last year are in fifth grade today and will soon be headed to middle school. This is the crisis we need to address. Without urgent attention, these children could lose faith in their ability to succeed in school. We must use every resource at our disposal to revitalize reading instruction, to support teachers with professional development in reading and to strengthen students reading muscles. Investing in Chicagos schools in this way is an investment in Chicagos future. Carol Jago lives in the Chicago area. She was a middle and high school English teacher for 32 years and is now associate director of the California Reading and Literature Project at the University of California at Los Angeles and a member of the executive board of the International Literacy Association. Advertisement Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain For many people, Buddhism appears to be uniquely compatible with modern lifestyles and world views. It provides staunch atheiststhose who do not believe in the existence of any godwith a religious experience that does not require belief in supernatural beings. Conversely, it also provides new-age spiritualists with a connection to a deeper reality beyond the bounds of everyday observation and scientific knowledge. With its non-judgmental exploration of emotions and physical sensations, Buddhist mindfulness has influenced many schools of contemporary psychology. Buddhist philosophy, which embraces constant change and the inherent impermanence of all things, also chimes with today's fast-paced and fragmented societies. Some years ago, as I began to practise meditation and study popular teachings of Buddhist belief, I wondered how a 2,500 year-old religion could be so uniquely modern. There seemed to be two possible answers. One was that the Buddha discovered eternal truths through meditation that are now confirmed by contemporary philosophy and science. That was a nice answer, because it meant that he may have been right about everything and that we can therefore achieve nirvana (the absence of suffering) by following his path. The other possible answer was that modern Buddhism is a new invention, which uses language and practices from the ancient religion but gives them novel meanings. That answer was sort of depressing, because it meant that much of modern Buddhism could simply be a form of disrespectful cultural appropriation, fetishising exotic Asian spirituality and converting it into a passing consumer fad. As someone who studies the cultural impact of Buddhism in the west, the question of how this ancient religion could be so modern was an intriguing one. So I turned to scholars who had documented the formation of modern Buddhism: Donald Lopez Jr, David McMahan, Jeff Wilson and Ann Glieg. But I soon discovered the question was more complex than the separate possibilities I lay out above. Buddhist modernisers east and west First, I had to overcome my initial assumption that modern Buddhism was a purely western phenomenon. It in fact emerged in the east, as Asian countries wrestled with colonialism and the influence of Christian missionaries. In the 19th century, visionary monks sought to take Buddhist philosophy and meditation outside the monastery walls, bringing the religion closer to the people, just as Protestant reformers had done with Christianity in Europe. At the same time, western scholars and spiritual seekers saw in ancient texts a non-theistic religionthe belief that whether or not they exist, deities have no impact on how we should live our lives. As it centred on a mortal man not a God it was therefore compatible with modern rationality. On the one hand, all these revivalists certainly transformed Buddhism, making it unrecognisable to many Buddhists. They invented a new, modern Buddha, no longer embedded in a universe of reincarnation, multiple heavens and hells, demons and gods. Their recounting of Buddhist beliefs edited out those supernatural elements, or made them into psychological symbols rather than real forces. However, one can argue that Buddhism had already been transformed numerous times as it spread from India to the rest of Asia over the centuries. The efforts of these modernisers were the latest in a long series of reconfigurations of the tradition. What I found, rather than an either/or answer, was a captivating cast of characters making up modern Buddhism. The 19th century Burmese monk Ledi Sayadaw travelled the nation teaching meditation and founding study groups. The forms of Vipassana meditation he initiated are the blueprint for techniques still found in courses and manuals around the world today. American civil war veteran Henry Steel Olcott and Russian aristocrat emigre Madame Helene Petrovna Blavatsky, travelled together to Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka) and joined the struggle there against Christian missionaries. Olcott's Buddhist Catechism is a forerunner of today's advocates of an entirely secularised Buddhism, while Blavatsky's mystical books tell of an ancient secret society based in Tibet. Her work is reminiscent of some of today's new-age ideas, as well as popular comic fiction like Marvel's Dr. Strange series, with its character the Ancient One, a sorcerer from a secret land in the Himalayas. Olcott, Blavatsky and the Ceylonese monks must have had bizarre and fascinating conversations. The parade of charismatic figures continues up to the present day, with the revered and recently deceased Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh, who, along with Jon Kabat-Zinn, helped make mindfulness a household word. Rather than putting modern Buddhism to the test of authenticity, the more interesting story is how such a diverse range of people founded schools of Buddhist faith, philosophy and psychology based on their personal struggles, or on their social struggles with violence, injustice and widespread mental health problems. And how some of them then became larger-than-life figures, celebrities and icons. My recent article on the 2013 Spike Jonze film "Her" argues that the disembodied AI protagonist Samantha, voiced by Scarlett Johansson, is a Buddha-like figure, pointing to a future where AI transcends the bounds of ordinary thought and experience. It's interesting that Jonze draws from the concept of Buddhist enlightenment as a model for this fictional future where our machines surpass our cognitive capacity. It shows the continuing relevance of Buddha's insights for the problems and challenges we face today and will face in the future. My journey to understand why Buddhism speaks so meaningfully to the modern world also led to a 14-minute documentary called Why Buddhism Now? It tracks the modernisation of Buddhism and comes to the following conclusion: "The new modern religion of Buddhist mindfulness, like all religions, speaks to our gravest social problems and anxieties. It can be part of these problems or part of the solution to them. Buddhism does not offer any final answers, just an invitation to meditate, to explore experience, to watch the mind's thoughts and learn from the unending flow of all living and non-living things. " This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. A crowded street is seen in the city of Changsha in China's Hunan province in September 2020. Are eight billion humans too many for planet Earth? As we reach this milestone on November 15, most experts say the bigger problem is the overconsumption of resources by the wealthiest residents. "Eight billion people, it is a momentous milestone for humanity," said United Nations Population Fund chief Natalia Kanem, hailing an increase in life expectancy and fewer maternal and child deaths. "Yet, I realize this moment might not be celebrated by all. Some express concerns that our world is overpopulated. I am here to say clearly that the sheer number of human lives is not a cause for fear." So, are there too many of us for Earth to sustain? Many experts say that this is the wrong question. Instead of the fear of overpopulation, we should focus on the overconsumption of the planet's resources by the wealthiest among us. "Too many for whom, too many for what? If you ask me, am I too many? I don't think so," Joel Cohen of Rockefeller University's Laboratory of Populations told AFP. He said the question of how many people Earth can support has two sides: natural limits and human choices. 'Stupid and greedy' Our choices result in humans consuming far more biological resources, such as forests and land, than the planet can regenerate each year. The overconsumption of fossil fuels, for example, leads to more carbon dioxide emissions, responsible for global warming. We would need the biocapacity of 1.75 Earths to sustainably meet the needs of the current population, according to the Global Footprint Network and WWF NGOs. The most recent UN climate report mentions population growth as one of the main drivers of an increase in greenhouse gases. However, it plays a smaller role than economic growth. "We are stupid. We lacked foresight. We are greedy. We don't use the information we have. That's where the choices and the problems lie," said Cohen. However, he rejects the idea that humans are a curse on the planet, saying people should be given better choices. "Our impact on the planet is driven far more by our behavior than by our numbers," said Jennifer Sciubba, a researcher at the Wilson Center, a think tank. "It's lazy and damaging to keep going back to overpopulation," she added, as this allows people in wealthy nations, who consume the most, to cast the blame for the planet's woes onto developing countries where population growth is highest. "Really, it's us. It's me and you, the air conditioning I enjoy, the pool I have outside, and the meat I eat at night that causes so much more damage." If everyone on the planet lived like a citizen of India, we would only need the capacity of 0.8 Earths a year, according to the Global Footprint Network and WWF. If we all consumed like a resident of the United States, we would need five Earths a year. The United Nations estimates that our planet will be home to 9.7 billion people by 2050. Women's rights One of the trickiest questions that arise when discussing population is that of controlling fertility. Even those who believe we need to lower the Earth's population are adamant about protecting women's rights. Robin Maynard, the executive director of the NGO Population Matters, says there needs to be a decrease in the population, but "only through positive, voluntary, rights-respecting means" and not "deplorable examples" of population control. The NGO Project Drawdown lists education and family planning among the top 100 solutions to halt global warming. "A smaller population with sustainable levels of consumption would reduce demands on energy, transportation, materials, food, and natural systems." Vanessa Perez of the World Resources Institute agrees that "every person that is born on the planet puts additional stress on the planet." "It is a very thorny issue," she said, adding that we should reject "this idea that the elite capture this narrative and say we need to cap population growth in the South." She believes the most interesting debate is not about the number of people but "distribution and equity." Cohen points out that even if we currently produce enough food for 8 billion people, there are still 800 million people who are "chronically undernourished." "The concept of 'too many' avoids the much more difficult problem, which is: are we using what we know to make the human beings we have as healthy, productive, happy, peaceful, and prosperous as we could?" 2022 AFP Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Many private landlords lack the knowledge, skills and support needed to provide decent homes for renters, a new study has found. The U.K. Collaborative Center for Housing Evidence (CaCHE) study, by Dr. Jennifer Harris and Professor Alex Marsh at the University of Bristol, is based on a survey carried out with more than 1,000 landlords and on 68 in-depth interviews with landlords, letting agents and experts. The study covered the whole of the U.K. It adds to the limited body of research that has been carried out from the perspective of landlords. The study looked at landlords' behaviors and practices which affect tenants' ability to make a home in the sector. These include making sure the property is in a good state of repair, selecting tenants, and complying with relevant laws and regulation. Most owners do not pursue landlordism as a professional business and manage a small number of properties alongside their normal day jobs. Very little research has been carried out from the perspective of landlords. This is the final project carried out as part of the collaboration between CaCHE, the TDS Charitable Foundation and the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust. Dr. Jennifer Harris said, "Many landlords want to be good landlords and believe themselves to be so, but the definition of good can vary. Regulators must take an active role in educating and supporting landlords to provide decent homes for tenants." Steve Harriott, on behalf of both the TDS Charitable Foundation and the SDS Charitable Trust, said, "This report provides important insights into the role which landlords play in the U.K.'s private rented sector and in particular their needs for advice and information, which is better tailored to their particular circumstances. It will provide food for thought for lettings agents, membership bodies, suppliers and policy makers who all want to raise standards in the private rented sector. We very much hope that this will trigger and inform fresh debates as to what needs to be done over the coming months and years." The research suggests many landlords do not know how to manage their property finances effectively. Only 30% were calculating monthly cashflows and many did not have any money set aside for repairs (21%) or voids or turnovers (47%). Even minor repairs may become an issue if they have not been budgeted for and may become increasingly important as the cost-of-living crisis deepens. More than half of landlords (59%) said they had recently experienced challenges relating to the costs of repairs and maintenance. This can lead to delays for tenants and ultimately risks to health and safety. Many landlords said they relied on tenants to report issues with the property (76%). Only 46% adopted a more scheduled approach to ensure the property is kept in good condition. Letting agents said that increased demand for housing and difficulties in accessing the sector, means that tenants are often reluctant to complain or "rock the boat." 46% of landlords said they had faced challenges with tenants not reporting issues. This can make minor problems more costly and difficult to address. There have been significant recent to the law governing private renting and further changes are proposed in each of the country of the U.K. However, landlords often do not understand their legal rights and responsibilities. 70% of surveyed landlords said it was difficult to keep up with the changes to law and 60% said the changes to the law were not clearly communicated. Only 41% felt it was the responsibility of the individual landlord to make sure they are up to date. A lack of understanding or awareness of the law means that personal preferences and beliefs will often guide decisions. 89% of landlords said the main criteria they used to assess the physical condition of their rental property was if they would be happy living there themselves. A smaller proportion cited legal frameworks (58%). However, personal standards can vary, and certain issues may not be identified from inspection but only become apparent if living in the property over a period of time. A lack of understanding of their role also means that landlords may not know what to do when something goes wrong. Landlords' practices were often directed towards minimizing risk. Our research shows that landlords are adopting a range of informal and formal means of assessing tenants at the point of application, and increased demand for housing is allowing them to introduce more criteria and be choosier. This can make it more difficult for tenants to access the rental market and risks discrimination. For those that lack the time, knowledge or skills needed to manage property effectively, one option is to use a letting agent. However, our findings show that landlords experiences with letting agents can vary greatly, with many reporting problems or issues with their services. The study concluded with a series of recommendations to improve the advice, information and training provision provided to landlords. More information: Understanding landlord behaviour in the private rented sector in the UK: housingevidence.ac.uk/publicat ed-sector-in-the-uk/ Nicaragua after the deadly hurricane ETA in 2020. Credit: Delmer Membreno / EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid The UNFCCC climate meeting COP27 is currently taking place in Egypt. With evidence growing that green house gas emissions are making extreme events occur more frequently, and with greater intensity, loss and damage has emerged as one of the most important topics at the meeting. Developing countries and civil society are mobilizing for compensation, and are demanding that polluters pay. Lund University professor, and IPCC author Emily Boyd, is leading one of the first research groups in Sweden on loss and damage. Together with other research colleagues from Lund University she is attending COP27 in Egypt, and is organizing a workshop on non-economic losses and damages together with African scholars. What are the most important questions to be discussed at COP? Apart from crucial discussions on how to reconnect to the Paris agreement and reinforce current pledges on adaptation and mitigation, the question of compensation for loss and damage will be critical at this year's COP. While it might not feature very heavily on the formal agenda, there is a strong push for action on loss and damage amongst civil society, developing countries and vulnerable groups and communities. What is loss and damage and why is it so important for this COP? Put simply, loss and damage from climate change is what happens when adaptation reaches its limits and mitigation fails. Losses are permanent and irreversible, for example of human lives, health, species loss, cultural heritage, traditions and livelihoods. Whereas damages are things that are damaged, for example degraded ecosystems, that can be repaired or restored. Yet, beyond this definition, there are many basic issues that need to be decided at COP in terms of how you minimize, advert and address loss and damage. Even though the loss and damage mechanism was established at COP in 2013, and it was decided to address loss and damage in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, very little has happened. It is still very unclear what it should mean in terms of finance, and how you operationalize it. The finance questions is the most sensitive issue, and one which developed countries will try to avoid. For developing countries on the other hand, this is the most important one. They want promises that richer countries will pay compensation for climate change induced losses, under the parole: the polluter pays. It is a fight for a recognition of historical responsibility on the part of the developed countries, and ultimately an issue of climate justice. Why do we see such a strong push for loss and damage now? The climate impacts we are seeing, all around the world, and at a scale never witnessed before, are a clear example that adaptations are failing, or that efforts are not enough. This year we are seeing an unprecedented mobilization for compensation for loss and damage amongst civil society. Leading up to COP27, groups all over the world have called on Egypt to include it on the formal agenda. There is a growing sense of the need for climate actioninformed by extreme event attribution that establishes a clear link between emissions and extreme events. Already, there are many studies emerging where this link is being showed such as the spring heatwave in India and Pakistan and drought in Europe this summer were made more severe because of climate change. What would you like to see happen for loss and damage at COP? We need to see renewed commitments to emissions reductions firstly. Secondly we need to have tangible support for adaptation financing that builds on good development practice. Thirdly, we need to see some form of agreement on how to realize the loss and damage mechanism. Denmark and other countries have established limited funds for loss and damage. Still we have limited information about how these will work. However, the question of finance is very hard to solve. No matter how negotiations go there are real and material impacts affecting people now. We also need to remember that the COP is not a decision making body in the sense that the agreements are binding under national law. Change and regulation happen at the national level through ambitious climate politics. However, the COPs play a role for reconnecting countries to the Paris agreement, and push forward with implementation. It is also a great forum to safeguard peace and security, not least today, since countries meet for multilateral talks, and sign agreements. What are your main contributions to the research on loss and damage? My current research focuses among other on non-economic loss and damage, which include intangible losses like loss of identity, culture, traditions and networks due to relocation or because of changes in people's surroundings such as deforestation or sea level rise. The science on loss is growing, and we want to broaden the understanding of loss and damage at the UNFCCC level, and among policy makers. What does it mean to become displaced, what loss is associated with that for example? I want to push forward with research on how to develop a framework for loss and damage. It is important to identify: where are losses and damages happening, and whom does it affect? Who is responsible and who will pay? Without this knowledge we cannot address inevitable losses and damages, and prepare for how to deal with them in the future. It is about documenting what is happening now, for future generations as an historical record and for political and legal action. We are also looking at how we can link loss and damage to the new science of attribution. Reconstruction of the moire superlattice. Credit: Nature (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04991-9 If you hold one wire mesh on top of another one and look through it, you'll see a larger pattern called a moire pattern formed by the overlapping grids of the two meshes, which depends on their relative twisted angle. Scientists developing new materials are actively studying moire patterns in overlapping atomically thin materialsthey produce intriguing electronic phenomena that includes unconventional superconductivity and ferromagnetism. Supercomputer simulations have helped scientists reveal in a bilayer moire system a new species of an electronic phenomenon called an exciton, which is an electrically neutral quasiparticle, yet one that can carry energy and consists of an electron and electron "hole" that can be created for example by light impinging certain semiconductors and other materials. The newly discovered excitons were produced by moire patterns from two-dimensional sheets of exotic semiconductors called transition metal dichalcogenides, with the electron bound to the hole but separated from each other by a characteristic distance in the sheet. This was named an intralayer charge-transfer exciton and was a surprise to the scientists because such excitons do not exist in the individual sheets. The research can be used in the development of new optical sensors and communication technology such as optical fibers and lasers. Novel exciton discovered "In this work we discovered a novel exciton of unforeseen intralayer charge-transfer characteristics in a moire superlattice formed by two atomically thin layers of transition metal dichalcogenide materials," said Steven G. Louie, a distinguished professor of physics at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), and a senior faculty scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Louie is the corresponding author of research published August 2022 in the journal Nature. In it, the scientists developed computer models that go beyond the conventional parameterized models that have been used to describe moire systems and moire excitons. Instead, they performed ab initio calculations that only start with the identity and initial position of the 3,903 atoms of the moire superlattice unit cell. First principles "It is a powerful method to accurately predict material properties," Louie added, "because there's no empirical fitting involved." In particular, to calculate the exciton states and the optical property of the moire systems, they used the state-of-the-art GW plus BetheSalpeter equation (GW-BSE) approach, considered one of the most accurate approaches to predicting the optical properties of materials. What's more, Louie and colleagues used their calculations to predict the different electronic and optical responses of the excitons in the system. They worked with experimental colleagues Emma C. Regan, Zuocheng Zhang and Professor Feng Wang at UC Berkeley. In a nutshell, Wang and colleagues shone light on the material and then analyzed the reflected light to see how the system responded to the impinging photons under different conditions. Sure enough, they verified the theoretical predictions by finding distinct signatures of the intralayer charge-transfer exciton in their measurements. Supercomputers used in exciton research: TACC's Frontera (upper left) and Stampede2 (upper right). Credit: TACC. NERSC's Cori (lower panel). Credit: NERSC Computational challenges overcome with TACC support "The GW-BSE method is very accurate, but it is also very computationally challenging," said study co-author Mit Naik, a postdoctoral researcher working with Professor Louie at UC Berkeley and LBNL. The challenge in simulating an exciton is that it requires solving difficult six-dimensional integrals, numerous times, and the integrals are massive in the moire superlattice because of the large size of the moire unit cellcomposed of many unit cells of the individual layers, 25x25 for one layer and 26x26 for the other. Typical GW-BSE calculations are performed on systems of just up to a hundred atoms in the unit cell. Here, the authors needed calculations for a whooping 3,903 atoms. "Initially, it seemed almost impossible," Naik said. Undaunted, the scientists hit on a new method that reduced the computational cost by a million times without loss of accuracy. "We found a way to approximate each layer's two thousand atom integral as a sum over many three atom integrals, which were computationally much simpler to compute," Naik said. The theoretical technique they developed, called the pristine unit-cell matrix projection (PUMP) method, can be generalized to study other material systems such as interlayer or hybrid moire excitons in multi-layer moire superlattices, shallow defects in materials, and more. The Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) supported Steven Louie's first principles study of cutting-edge materials through a large resource allocation on TACC's Frontera supercomputer. He also was awarded allocations on TACC's Stampede2 supercomputer made through the Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Coordination Ecosystem: Services & Support (ACCESS), formerly the Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment (XSEDE). In their bid to push the limit of the number of atoms in their calculations, the researchers initially faced some problems with running some of the large-scale moire calculations on Frontera. "We received support from the research associates at TACC, who helped us resolve these problems," Naik recalled. Vertical stacking of two monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide crystals leads to a moire superlattice with longer periodicity. The moire unit-cell is marked with black solid lines. Credit: Steven G. Louie, UC Berkeley. For instance, they were unable to run the large-scale simulations of ground-state properties on Frontera using a standard density functional theory (DFT) package called Quantum Espresso, because of the instability created by a new version of the Intel compiler used to for the DFT package. The TACC consulting team found a way around the problem by installing an older, more stable version of the compiler. "This allowed us to compute the electronic structure of the WSe2 moire superlattice that went into this work," Naik said. "Frontera and Stampede2 hardware efficiently catered to our requirements by providing state-of-the-art internode connectivity and sufficient memory on each node," Naik added. Science impact "The intralayer charge-transfer exciton we discovered through this artificial stacking of two monolayers has revealed an extraordinarily strong interplay of the atomic structure and the type of exciton possible in the moire systems," Louie said. "This is an important step in advancing the engineering of materials for desired properties." That's because, once light creates charge-transfer excitons, they can be distorted or dissociated more easily with an external field or other perturbations than the standard Wannier-type excitons. These considerations are important in many basic phenomena and potential applications, such as novel optical sensors and electro-optic modulation nanodevices. "That's what we're working on with our experimental colleagues right now," Louie said. "Excitonic properties of materials form the basic principles behind many of the optical and optoelectronic devices and sensors that we encounter in our daily lives," said study co-author Felipe Jornada, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford University and a Principal Investigator at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. He gave the example of OLED TVs and displays, which use light emission from the recombination of excitons in organic semiconductors. Also, new smartwatches use advanced optical sensors to monitor the wearer's blood oxygen levels. "Beyond existing devices, the transition metal dichalcogenides and heterostructures of these materials that we're working on are considered a promising material platform for post-silicon nanoscale optoelectronic devices. Moving forward, we believe that these are going to be a promising route towards novel sensors, displays, and technologies," Jornada said. More information: Mit H. Naik et al, Intralayer charge-transfer moire excitons in van der Waals superlattices, Nature (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04991-9 Journal information: Nature A dazzling play of colors highlights Southern California's long lost clam. Credit: Jeff Goddard Discovering a new species is always exciting, but so is finding one alive that everyone assumed had been lost to the passage of time. A small clam, previously known only from fossils, has recently been found living at Naples Point, just up the coast from UC Santa Barbara. The discovery appears in the journal Zookeys. "It's not all that common to find alive a species first known from the fossil record, especially in a region as well-studied as Southern California," said co-author Jeff Goddard, a research associate at UC Santa Barbara's Marine Science Institute. "Ours doesn't go back anywhere near as far as the famous Coelacanth or the deep-water mollusk Neopilina galatheaerepresenting an entire class of animals thought to have disappeared 400 million years agobut it does go back to the time of all those wondrous animals captured by the La Brea Tar Pits." On an afternoon low tide in November 2018, Goddard was turning over rocks searching for nudibranch sea slugs at Naples Point, when a pair of small, translucent bivalves caught his eye. "Their shells were only 10 millimeters long," he said. "But when they extended and started waving about a bright white-striped foot longer than their shell, I realized I had never seen this species before." This surprised Goddard, who has spent decades in California's intertidal habitats, including many years specifically at Naples Point. He immediately stopped what he was doing to take close-up photos of the intriguing animals. With quality images in hand, Goddard decided not to collect the animals, which appeared to be rare. After pinning down their taxonomic family, he sent the images to Paul Valentich-Scott, curator emeritus of malacology at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. "I was surprised and intrigued," Valentich-Scott recalled. "I know this family of bivalves (Galeommatidae) very well along the coast of the Americas. This was something I'd never seen before." He mentioned a few possibilities to Goddard, but said he'd need to see the animal in-person to make a proper assessment. So, Goddard returned to Naples Point to claim his clam. But after two hours combing just a few square meters, he still hadn't caught sight of his prize. The species would continue to elude him many more times. It takes a keen eye to spot the minuscule clam (bottom center), sitting next to this chiton in the tidepools of Naples Point. Credit: Jeff Goddard Nine trips later, in March 2019, and nearly ready to give up for good, Goddard turned over yet another rock and saw the needle in the haystack: A single specimen, next to a couple of small white nudibranchs and a large chiton. Valentich-Scott would get his specimen at last, and the pair could finally set to work on identification. Valentich-Scott was even more surprised once he got his hands on the shell. He knew it belonged to a genus with one member in the Santa Barbara region, but this shell didn't match any of them. It raised the exciting possibility that they had found a new species. "This really started 'the hunt' for me," Valentich-Scott said. "When I suspect something is a new species, I need to track back through all of the scientific literature from 1758 to the present. It can be a daunting task, but with experience it can go pretty quickly." The two researchers decided to check out an intriguing reference to a fossil species. They tracked down illustrations of the bivalve Bornia cooki from the paper describing the species in 1937. It appeared to match the modern specimen. If confirmed, this would mean that Goddard had found not a new species, but a sort of living fossil. It is worth noting that the scientist who described the species, George Willett, estimated he had excavated and examined perhaps 1 million fossil specimens from the same location, the Baldwin Hills in Los Angeles. That said, he never found B. cooki himself. Rather, he named it after Edna Cook, a Baldwin Hills collector who had found the only two specimens known. The type specimen that George Willett used to originally describe the species. Credit: Valentich-Scott et al Valentich-Scott requested Willett's original specimen (now classified as Cymatioa cooki) from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. This object, called the "type specimen," serves to define the species, so it's the ultimate arbiter of the clam's identification. Meanwhile, Goddard found another specimen at Naples Pointa single empty shell in the sand underneath a boulder. After carefully comparing the specimens from Naples Point with Willett's fossil, Valentich-Scott concluded they were the same species. "It was pretty remarkable," he recalled. Small size and cryptic habitat notwithstanding, all of this begs the question of how the clam eluded detection for so long. "There is such a long history of shell-collecting and malacology in Southern Californiaincluding folks interested in the harder to find micro-mollusksthat it's hard to believe no one found even the shells of our little cutie," Goddard said. He suspects the clams may have arrived here on currents as planktonic larvae, carried up from the south during marine heatwaves from 2014 through 2016. These enabled many marine species to extend their distributions northward, including several documented specifically at Naples Point. Depending on the animal's growth rate and longevity, this could explain why no one had noticed C. cooki at the site prior to 2018, including Goddard, who has worked on nudibranchs at Naples Point since 2002. "The Pacific coast of Baja California has broad intertidal boulder fields that stretch literally for miles," Goddard said, "and I suspect that down there Cymatioa cooki is probably living in close association with animals burrowing beneath those boulders. More information: Paul Valentich-Scott et al, A fossil species found living off southern California, with notes on the genus Cymatioa (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Galeommatoidea), ZooKeys (2022). DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1128.95139 Journal information: ZooKeys Destroy this mad brute. Enlist. U.S. Army poster (1918) The United States Government sought to sexually stimulate then frustrate its soldiers to prepare them for an unpopular conflict in Europe, a Cambridge historian argues. Recruiting attractive canteen staff; inviting female civilians to closely supervised dances; disseminating alluring propaganda; pressurizing troops to write to women back home; and detaining allegedly promiscuous women to prevent soldiers wasting energy. These are just some of ways that America's War Department sought to harness pent-up sexual energy to motivate troops in 1918. At the heart of this experiment was the Commission on Training Camp Activities (CTCA), a War Department-directed umbrella agency. Previous studies have demonstrated that the CTCA sought to control soldiers' and women's sex lives to prevent venereal infection and protect social morality in the US. The CTCA has been portrayed as one of the last stands of an older generation of moral reformers against the onrush of a liberalizing sexual culture. But Cambridge historian Eric Wycoff Rogers shows that the agency was far more interested in sexuality as a weapon to motivate soldiers to fight. Motivation Almost 53,000 American soldiers were killed in the First World War and over 202,000 were wounded. Initially neutral, the US began to change its position after a German U-boat sank the Lusitania in 1915, and when it was revealed that Germany sought to urge Mexico to attack the United States. But even as their first troops landed in France in June 1917, few Americans fully understood let alone supported this faraway conflict. In a study published in the Journal of the History of Sexuality, Eric Wycoff Rogers argues that the US Government and military took drastic action to use sexuality to motivate its conscripted soldiers to embrace their roles in the war. "The war didn't feel relevant to young American men in the way it did to European men," Rogers says. "Particularly after President Wilson's sudden U-turn on American belligerency, the government had to work hard to convince civilians to support the war, and this was doubly true for soldiers, many of whom were drafted against their will. "In this context, the War Department actively exploited sexuality to psychologically manipulate American soldiers to fight." This involved enforcing sexual abstinence while simultaneously exposing soldiers to carefully controlled forms of sexual stimulation. Believing that sexually satisfied men could not be easily motivated, the aim of this teasing was to generate unmet sexual desire, which the War Department could leverage as motivation to fight, especially through appeals to chivalry and heroism. While earlier historians have covered aspects of the CTCA, Rogers has shown that it was part of a broader morale-building machine that had its own logic. The CTCA was established in April 1917 to get soldiers' sexual behaviors under control as they trained for combat. The Military Morale Section (MMS), which became the Morale Branch at the end of the war, was founded a year later as American Expeditionary Forces were being deployed to Europe. Led by Edward Lyman Munson, a high-ranking medical officer, the Morale Branch and its predecessor took increasing control over the CTCA. Drawing on the relatively neglected records of the morale agency, and the writings of the academics and reformers who led it, Rogers shows that these powerful figures believed that sexual climax wasted the energy which fueled a man's motivation. They also believed, however, that stimulating and then diverting a soldier's sex drive could boost his motivation. Based on this "parasexual logic," as Rogers terms it, these theorists of morale designed a range of manipulative policies and activities that both regulated and stimulated soldiers. Canteen workers and dances The YMCA, one of the CTCA's core welfare organizations, strategically recruited attractive female canteen workers to serve troops on both sides of the Atlantic. The selected women, usually in their thirties (and all white), were selected because they were considered to be young enough to be alluring but old enough to resist so-called "khaki fever" and refrain from sexual relations with soldiers. As Rogers points out, the motivational programs of the morale agencies explains why they did this. Their job was to provide a stimulating but not "dissipating" feminine presence. Another organization, The War Camp Community Service (WCCS) contributed to the program by hosting chaperoned dances in towns and cities close to training camps in the U.S. These dances were replicated in the designated leave areas for American soldiers in France. The WCCS sought to prevent "licentious forms of dancing" and other overtly sexual behavior. It also advised that the women and girls in attendance be of the "right sort," a category which excluded nearly all poor and non-white women. "Dances suddenly went from being a major morality concern for CTCA investigators to becoming a crucial way to motivate soldiers." Black male soldiers were also excluded from these and other morale agency activities because white military leaders thought they could not be motivated with sex because they were supposedly inherently sexually licentious. For this reason, most Black soldiers were assigned to non-combat units in the First World War. 'Good' and 'bad' women The effects of the morale programs were not only felt by soldiers, they had a major impact on the lives of thousands of female civilians. Through the Young Women's Christian Association, the CTCA trained women and girls to support their aims. The CTCA dispatched speakers to cities and towns close to training camps to advise young girls and their mothers on guarding their sexuality from the troops. At the same time, military and civilian leaders set about extracting sexually active women and girls from areas frequented by soldiers. "By making sexual opportunities hard to find, the military sought to preserve men's fighting strength," says Eric Wycoff Rogers. In January 1918, the Surgeon General of the United States urged local and state authorities to step up efforts to arrest civilians who might be carrying a venereal disease. By April, a new "Women and Girls" section of the CTCA was policing and "reforming" those it deemed "sex offenders," a term it reserved for females suspected of having sex outside of marriage, especially with active-duty soldiers. Thousands of women were arrested, examined under duress and detained during the country's brief involvement in the war. Rogers says, "One of my key findings is that venereal disease was primarily an excuse to police women and reduce sexual opportunities for soldiers. Morality, too, was a pretext for these programs. "The real purpose of these horrific measures, however, was fundamentally about maintaining the sexual frustration that kept soldiers motivated." Propaganda The study reveals that the morale planners became masters of the propaganda directed at soldiers and that in newspapers, lectures and films, they made repeated use of alluring female imagery and voices. As head of the Morale Branch, Edward Munson acted on a conviction that "Women have a powerful influence on military efficiency and morale." He wrote of the importance of "the girl behind the man behind the gun" and argued that "When women are stirred to patriotic sacrifice, men fear to be slackers." Drawing on letters and internal memoranda, Rogers demonstrates that the Morale Branch covertly controlled syndicated content in troop newspapers including Trench and Camp and Going Over. At the National Archives in Washington, Rogers also found folders full of edited drafts of the articles that went on to appear in the papers. "They also engaged in censorship," Rogers says. "In a few instances, the Morale Branch's staff opposed the inclusion of cartoons and other content that they deemed off-message." The ostensibly YMCA-run Trench and Camp featured letters written by a fictional wife to her enlisted husband. In one of the Letters from a Soldier's Wife, the wife says: "I know you are out on the front, pressing ahead, steadily, grimly at night when my eyes are closed I have a vision of you, tall and proud, rushing forward." At the same time soldiers were pressed to write letters to women back home, supported by the provision of free envelopes and paper in YMCA huts and tents. CTCA officials hoped that when soldiers penned their love letters, the presence of attractive canteen workers would act as an exciting proxy for the women they were addressing. "Sexual denial, status anxiety and perceived pressure from womenthis was a powerful combination," Rogers says. "In striving for the approval of women, the morale planners hoped soldiers would perform their duties without complaint, fight harder, and be willing to risk their lives." The morale planners The morale program was driven by an elite group of military officers, civilian psychologists and social reformers. In addition to Munson, its leading figures were the pioneering American psychologist G. Stanley Hall, the Harvard philosophy professor and war camp course inspector William Ernest Hocking, and the founder of the Parks and Recreation Association of Americaplus war camp activities inspectorLuther H. Gulick. Each of these men published books arguing that sexual control, paired with the stimulation and re-routing of sexual energy was crucial to motivating soldiers. Unlike traditional moral reformers, they did not seek to suppress sex drive but sought to harness its energy to drive masculine striving. In his 1921 book The Management of Men, Munson wrote that sexually satisfied soldiers lacked "character" and were less resilient under pressure. But, he argued, the energy behind their sex drive could and should be released through productive activities including military training and "wholesome" leisure activities. The social reformer Gulick argued that military efficiency depended on sexual control and strongly opposed ejaculation which he compared to "short circuiting an electric current and thus depriving the engine of its power." Rogers contrasts America's actions with the more laissez-faire approach taken by Britain and France during the war. Their leaders were far more inclined to tolerateand perhaps even encouragesexual activity among their soldiers. After the war The sudden end of the war did not mark the end of morale or sexualized motivation. After the war, Munson and some of his fellow morale planners published their theories as part of a new focus on human resources management which sought to boost morale and motivation in commercial industries. The campaigns to police women's sexual behaviorslabeled the "American Plan"continued for over two decades, with police detaining thousands of women accused of being infected with STDs. According to Rogers, the spillover of the wartime programs testifies to their enduring significance in modern society, and complicates how we periodize historical eras. "The idea that America's progressive era reached its crescendo in the First World War, and then was followed by an entirely different period of sexual liberalism in the 1920s is far too simplistic," Rogers says. "These morale programs reveal a striking hybrid between control and liberation, which suggests a lot more continuity between the two periods, as well as between experiences of constraint and the pursuit of pleasure." Rogers thinks these insights are highly relevant today. "The military's 'parasexual' blend of constraint and stimulation offers a clear sketch of a cultural logic that runs deep in American culture: the use of sexual allure to motivate and to sell non-sexual experiences and products." "Especially if we are going to navigate the tensions of the so-called 'gender war,' we urgently need to understand the role that powerful individuals and organizations continue to play in manipulating sexuality and fuelling sexual frustration, not least in advertising, films and on social media." More information: Eric Wycoff Rogers, The Men behind the Girl behind the Man behind the Gun: Sex and Motivation in the American Morale Campaigns of the First World War, Journal of the History of Sexuality (2022). DOI: 10.7560/JHS31204 Team members Colton Coppock, Nathaniel Morley, Mark Powers, Jordan Stock, Henry Sharpe and Christiana Garros with the excavated skeleton of "Gary." Credit: Yubo Ma The process of unearthing a dinosaur skeleton from the ground, bit by bit, is complicated yet incredibly rewarding. The ups and downs of the excavation process is something Annie McIntosh and Mark Powers know all aboutthe two University of Alberta Ph.D. students led an expedition in a remote quarry in the Red Deer River valley that culminated with a hadrosaur skeleton being airlifted out by helicopter this summer. "It's not that typical for students to lead field expeditions all that often, so that's pretty rare in and of itself," says Powers. The duo were responsible for everything from writing research proposals to applying for permits and sourcing fundingall steps that need to be taken before serious excavation work can start. During field seasons, they ran the project, ensuring the worksite and the team's camp were running smoothly. The process took several years to finish because the team was only able to be out in the field for a few weeks per year. "Because we are student-led, our funding is less than professors or people with a professional position, so that's a big reason we were limited to about two weeks a year [of fieldwork]," explains Powers. Uncovering Gary the Edmontosaurus Former team leader Gregory Funston initially discovered the specimen, and the first bones of the Edmontosaurus, eventually nicknamed Gary, were collected toward the end of the fieldwork season in 2018. "It was in that first year that we realized we probably had at least an associated skeleton, if not an articulated skeleton, so that's what caused us to do further excavation in 2019," says Powers. An associated skeleton is when all the bones are present but scattered at an excavation site, whereas an articulated skeleton has the bones laid out as they were in the living dinosaur. As McIntosh clarifies, excavation isn't done by tunneling into a hill, which could cause damage to whatever bones or fossils are inside. Instead, they take the methodical approach of slowly leveling the hill layer by layer to expose the bones buried beneath. "We knew going back in 2019 that it [Gary] was going to be a focus of our fieldwork that year," says McIntosh. "That's when we opened the quarry and did all the heavy lifting and manual labor of getting all that rock out of the way." Team members Christiana Garros and Giles Sukkert protect the exposed bones with paper towel before the plaster and burlap field jacket can be applied. Credit: Annie McIntosh "We found it was very articulated and in a very interesting position. It made the excavation more complicated but it was a very impressive and unique find," adds Powers. As he explains, most dinosaurs are typically found lying on their side in a relatively flat position, something the compression of layers of sediment and rock above them contributes to. Gary, however, was in what's called a "life position" when preserved, crouched rather than lying down. 'A blessing and a curse' In 2021, the team ran into a problem they couldn't solve alone. Gary was an exciting find due to its size and rare position. But once the excavation reached a stage where they could see the entire skeleton, they realized their original extraction plan was no longer feasible. Initially, the team had planned to break the elements of the skeleton into smaller groups that could be carried out manually, explains McIntosh. The intricacies of how Gary was positioned, though, made that impossible. "Everything was too jumbled and right on top of each other," says McIntosh. "It's a blessing and a curse. It's really nice that the specimen is so complete and so well articulated, but it made that process a little more difficult. "We realized the only way to break through it and make it into smaller pieces would be too much of a sacrifice of the skeleton, so we needed to think of something better." With all the necessary protective jackets on the specimen, it weighed over 900 pounds. They had to figure out how to transport it from the remote location in the Red Deer River valley with virtually no budget for what would be a prohibitively expensive extraction. A helicopter hovers above the fossilized skeleton of an Edmontosaurus, preparing to airlift the specimen from the quarry where it was unearthed by a student-led team. Credit: Christiana Garros Sky-high success They turned to the nearby community to see whether anyone would be able to help, and were stunned by the response. More than 60 people responded, some simply offering additional helping hands, others offering funds to aid in the students' mission. The ideal solution came when L R Helicopters offered to airlift the specimen out for free. Shortly after that, the team stood by as Gary soared through the air. "The process was amazing, honestly," says Powers. "This was my first time seeing something be hauled away into the sky, watching it until we can't see it anymore, hoping nothing falls." "I was on the verge of tears, I was so excited," says McIntosh. "All that work we'd put into it over so many years was finally paying off. It was such a great experience." Now that the specimen has been safely transported to the lab, the team is hard at work on the next stage in the process, preparing parts of the specimen and beginning projects to further analyze the various components, starting with the skull. The team also plans to compare it with other specimens of the same species. That's because, while Gary may have been too large to be carried out by team members, it's notably smaller than other Edmontosaurus specimens scientists have unearthed. "Gary would be the smallest individual of the species that it belongs to, so it's filling a pretty exciting gap that we have in our knowledge of that species," says McIntosh. "Edmontosaurus was a very big animal, and they were around for millions of years leading to the end of the Cretaceous period," adds Powers. "It's remarkable that we've found so many, but never one like Gary." Fossil fuel hegemony asserts that corporate capitalism based on fossil energy is a natural state of being. Credit: Shutterstock As world leaders assemble for the United Nations climate change conference (COP27) in Egypt, it's hard to be optimistic the talks will generate any radical departure from the inexorable rise in global carbon emissions over the past two centuries. After all, before last year's Glasgow talks, experts warned the summit was the world's last chance to limit global warming to 1.5 this century. And yet, a UN report last week found even if all nations meet their climate goals this decade, the planet would still heat by a catastrophic 2.5. There were hopes the global pandemic might have shifted the world's economies from their fossil fuel dependence as lockdowns reduced energy consumption, and progressive politicians proposed alternative policy agendas. But after borders reopened, our fossil fuel addiction returned with a vengeance. In fact, the International Energy Agency projects net income for oil and gas producers will double in 2022 to an alarming US$4 trillion. As social scientists, this is both horrifying and fascinating to observe. How is it that a technologically advanced society could choose to destroy itself by failing to act to avert a climate catastrophe? We've had decades to act Like watching a slow-motion train crash, the world's leading climate scientists have for decades warned of the dangers of ever-increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Political and corporate leaders knew of the threat more than a decade before it was key public knowledge. Back in 1977, United States President Jimmy Carter was briefed on the possibility of catastrophic climate change. That same year, internal memos at one of the world's largest oil companies made it clear that continued burning of fossil fuels would dramatically heat the planet. So why, in the 45 years since, has there been so little action in response? Why do we condemn today's children and future generations to live on a dangerous and hostile planet? We've sought to answer this question in our research into business and climate change over the years, including our latest book. The answer, we argue, rests on a prevailing assumption organized by corporate and political elites: that endless economic growth fueled by fossil energy is so fundamental and commonsensical it cannot be questioned. We term this all-consuming ideology the "fossil fuel hegemony." It asserts that corporate capitalism based on fossil energy is a natural state of being, one that's beyond challenge. How fossil fuel hegemony works The concept of "hegemony" was developed by the Italian intellectual Antonio Gramsci. In the 1920s, Gramsci sought to explain how dominant classes maintained their power beyond the use of force and coercion. He argued hegemony involved a continuous process of winning the consent of key actors in society such as industrialists, the media, and religious and educational institutions, to form a ruling bloc. Civil society would thus accept the prevailing order, dampening any threat of revolution. Gramsci's ideas help us understand the lack of action in response to the climate crisis. In particular, it helps explain the business sector's inordinate influence on climate policy across the world. For instance, a range of recent studies have explored the "fossil fuel hegemony" in countries such as Australia, Canada and the US. These studies argue such hegemony comprises a coalition of corporate and political actors with interests aligned around carbon-dependent economic growth. This leads to limited progress on legislation to reduce carbon emissions. The hegemony has also extended to corporate-political activity seeding doubt about climate science, lobbying against emissions reduction and renewable energy, and the capture of political parties by interests aligned with fossil fuels. This helps explain why environmentalists advocating to keep fossil fuels in the ground are attacked by conservative politicians and right-wing media. They are presented not only as a threat to "our way of life," but as deluded and dangerous radicals, or even terrorists. There is another way Of course, there are alternatives to the fossil fuel hegemony. It involves immediate and dramatic decarbonization of the global economy, as COP27 in Egypt aspires to achieve. But it also requires alternative economic models of "degrowth." Degrowth involves a planned and equitable contraction of rich economies, until it operates steadily and within the capacity of the planet's resources. This includes carbon trading systems with a rapidly lowering cap, fossil fuel extraction limits, worker autonomy and shorter working hours, and job guarantees with living wages. These types of policies rest on tax reforms to limit resource use and reduce carbon emissions, while promoting work sharing and limiting production and consumption. This also requires far more democratic politics than the current hegemony allowsone that challenges the illusion that economic growth can continue even as Earth's life-support systems begin to fail. But the true test of the fossil fuel hegemony will be how long this image can persist as the weather becomes more extreme and climate activism grows. Because as more people acknowledge the reality of the climate crisis, those seeking to maintain the fossil fuel hegemony will need to work harder to maintain their grip on climate politics. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Credit: Zhao et al. Microbiomes, microorganisms that populate specific environments, are known to include both beneficial and harmful bacterial species. Understanding how destructive microbiomes originate in changing environments and their effects on both the environment and human health could help to tackle global well-being challenges more effectively. Researchers at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and institutions and universities in China and the U.S. have recently carried out a study investigating the compositions and origins of airborne (i.e., transported in the air) microbiomes on Earth. Their findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that humans and animals are among the primary sources of global airborne bacteria. "We spent a total of about nine years on this global study, including drafting the initial proposal, conducting sampling across the world, collecting and processing data, and drafting and revising the manuscript," Xiangdong Li, one of the leading researchers who carried out the study, told Phys.org. "We established a comprehensive atlas of global airborne bacteria with implications for microbiology, ecology, air pollution, and public health, and we believe that airborne bacteria will attract more and more attention from all sectors of society." To compile their atlas of global airborne bacteria, Li and his colleagues attained and organized a dataset containing 76 newly collected air samples (compounds of 803 weekly samples). They then combined this dataset with another 294 air samples gathered as part of reputable scientific studies, covering 63 places around the world. The samples used by the researchers were collected at a vast variety of sites, ranging from to rooftops in urban areas to high mountain tops and the Artic Circle. Their hope was that this would allow them to identify the biogeographic distribution of airborne bacteria, such as the ecosystems and environments associated with different types of bacteria. "One of our most interesting findings is the maximum microbial diversity of microorganisms in intermediate latitudinal regions, which is radically different from the typical latitudinal decreasing gradient of diversity pattern of macroscopic organisms," Li said. When analyzing the airborne bacteria library they compiled, Li and his colleagues found that places on Earth with the broadest range of existing airborne microbiomes are in the so-called intermediate (or mid-) latitudinal regions. This would make sense, as these regions are known to be associated with richer microbiome ecosystems and greater biodiversity of bacteria communities. Vertical profile of air pollution gradients from urban air conditions to those that mark natural mountains under a blue sky. Credit: Photo taken by Xiang-dong Li (one of the corresponding authors) at Kowloon Peak, Hong Kong (600 m asl) in December 2020. "We have verified in the study that human activities have had a greater impact on the microbial community in comparison with background and relatively pristine air environments, such as 4000 m asl in Tibet," Li said. "Human activities have certainly changed the structure of microbiomes in the ambient air, particularly with a higher abundance of pathogenic bacteria in urban air. Thus, we still need to advocate for efforts to protect natural ecosystems." Li and his colleagues estimated that the richness of bacteria in the atmosphere (~109) is comparable to the richness of bacteria in the so-called hydrosphere (i.e., the region containing all waters on the Earth's surface). "With the rapid development of biotechnology, we can now see more of the global microbial world and gradually break through the limitations of traditional biological observations," Li explained. "Thus, we highly recommend that more microbiologic knowledge be covered in future textbooks, including a discussion of the new biogeographic pattern of microbiomes, to help the public understand more about the invisible microbial world on the Earth." After the COVID-19 pandemic, many people worldwide have become more aware of how the air on Earth can promote the rapid transmission of harmful microbiomes, such as viruses and pathogens. The recent work by this team of researchers offers interesting insight about the distribution of these invisible and yet widely impactful microorganisms. As part of their recent study, Li and his colleagues primarily focused on the mechanisms behind the geographical distribution of different microbiomes on Earth. As the samples they collected were obtained from only one year cycle, they were unable to reliably explore the processes underpinning the evolution of these microbiomes over time. "Evolutionary processes also drive microbial biogeography and even take place at ecological scales due to changing environmental conditions," Li explained. "Therefore, future systematic sampling work with a longer period (around 10 years) should be conducted to achieve a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms shaping various macroecological patterns and bacterial community structures." In the future, the findings gathered by this team of researchers could inspire the development of strategies aimed at increasing biodiversity, to promote the proliferation of a broader range of ecologically beneficial microbiomes. In addition, the microbiome library they compiled could be used by other environmental scientists to assess the effects of urbanization and other human activities on microbiome distribution. "We now plan to probe the metabolically active bacterial community with respect to their function in the atmosphere (e.g., ice-nucleating, pollutant transformation, interactions with other biological components, etc.), and impacts on human health (e.g., benefits arising from healthful bacterial communities/secondary metabolites, and/or hazardous effects, such as allergens, pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, etc.)," Li added. "We also plan to expand the scope of airborne microbiomes (e.g., fungi, viruses, allergens, etc.) to enrich the research field of bioaerosols and atmospheric science in relation to human health, as well as contributing to expanding the frontiers of understanding of the Earth's microbiome." More information: Jue Zhao et al, Global airborne bacterial communityinteractions with Earth's microbiomes and anthropogenic activities, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2022). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204465119 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 2022 Science X Network While weve been making endorsements in Tuesdays general election, the Chicago Board of Education revoked the charter of the storied Urban Prep Academy schools in Bronzeville and Englewood and, over howls of local protest, cleared the way for a hostile takeover by the bureaucrats of Chicago Public Schools. That takeover is now under appeal. An appeal the school should win. Otherwise, this is a destabilizing disaster for the young Black men who are proud to attend those schools on their way to colleges and universities. Advertisement We think both Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Gov. J.B. Pritzker should step in to preserve what everyone can agree has been a remarkably successful educational experience for those students. Both of these politicians often use words such as equity but thats empty rhetoric if it involves sacrificing educational excellence for students who were born in privilege. Simply put, Urban Prep cannot do what it does under the management of CPS and under the corrosive influence of the Chicago Teachers Union. Advertisement The charter agreement has given Urban Prep crucial autonomy over coursework and other matters. The students, who live in resource-challenged neighborhoods, dont just get a guidance counselor, they each get a dedicated college counselor who comes with the baked-in expectation that both college, and success on campus, are natural progressions for them. Thats why 100% of this schools graduates are accepted to four-year schools. As those who work at Urban Prep have told us, the proof is in the pudding. How does this happen? Urban Prep has a longer school day (until 4 p.m.) than CPS schools. Students wear uniforms and learn in a single-sex environment. The school has a daily, all-school assembly where students are taught the schools core values, which include pride in oneself and ones community, resilience and accountability. There is a compulsory class actually called pride. It is a signature of the school. Urban Prep paid attention to matters such as social, emotional and individualized learning long before those concepts became trendy buzzwords. Parents opt in to Urban Prep because they believe in what it is setting out to do. And what the data shows it has done well. CPS is not exactly having great success with this demographic at present. The reality of a system failing young Black men on the South Side only increased with the endless pandemic closures. Only a limited percentage of Black male students leave CPS schools fully prepared to meet college requirements. There are profoundly dedicated teachers in many CPS schools, of course, but Urban Prep was doing something distinct in a specific way, and it clearly was working for those at-risk students. and for parents who sought it out for their sons. So why did CPS swoop down? Thats open to debate. The stated issues mostly involve charges of poor fiscal management and the actions of one man, Tim King, the schools founder, who resigned his positions as CEO and board chair last summer after reports surfaced of his having an inappropriate relationship with a former student. Clearly, King ended up being a problem, both fiscally and personally, and Urban Preps supporters and staffers also acknowledged to us that he was allowed to hang around the school for too long, if only on the sidelines in recent weeks. But, and we cannot say this strongly enough, the students should not be made to pay for Kings mistakes. And everyone we spoke to at Urban Prep, from board members to top educational officials, say that King is now permanently gone and charged that, in essence, CPS is using already corrected mistakes from the past to take over now. Advertisement Many of them see this action as a bureaucratic assault on Chicagos Black community, an attack on the whole notion of charter schools with independent ideas, and a school closure under another name. And we get why they see it that way. We heard of many reforms: More than one signature on checks, a newly expanded board of directors, a new director of finance, and an openness to an independent watchdog, assuming that does not suck money from the school that is going to students. These leaders pointed out that their current financial scorecard meets or exceeds CPS own metrics. And, of course, they pointed out the obvious. The school is hugely successful and has a 91% graduation rate. And at Urban Prep, graduation means going to a four-year college because graduates have all of the requirements for admission. We think the mayor, who has said that she stands for many of the values Urban Prep is propagating, as has the governor, should intervene here. They should help with the independent watchdog and understand that CPS is the worst possible overseer in this scenario because of an inherent conflict of interest, especially where its unions are concerned. We dont doubt CPS wishes all Chicago students well, but too many people have a vested interest in seeing Urban Prep fail as an institution because of an ideological opposition to charter schools. Put them in charge and it is obvious what will happen. Yet anyone being honest knows that what Urban Prep is doing, what it has achieved, cannot be done under a CPS template. Thats not to say CPS cannot serve its students well in other ways, but parents sending their boys to Urban Prep made a specific decision for a particular kind of education. Advertisement This city should honor that choice and tell these students, and those that should follow, that it has their backs and that it will welcome back these young Black men with their shiny college degrees, ready and fired up to make our city better. Join the discussion on Twitter @chitribopinions and on Facebook. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks during a joint press conference with Pakistan's Prime Minister at the Pakistani pavilion at the COP27 climate conference in Sharm el-Sheikh. The United Nations on Monday unveiled a five-year plan to build a global early warning system for deadly and costly extreme weather events amplified by climate change. The price taga relatively modest $3.1 billion, or less than 50 cents per personis a small price to pay for proven methods that can save thousands, if not millions, of lives, UN chief Antonio Guterres said at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt. "I have called for every person on Earth to be protected by early warning systems within five years, with the priority to support the most vulnerable first," he said as world leaders gathered in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh for the 13-day talks. Even as climate-enhanced extreme weather is multiplying, half the world's countries lack advanced early warning systems that can save lives. Countries with inadequate infrastructure see, on average, eight times greater mortality from disasters than countries with strong measures in place, according to the UN. Proper early warning systems for floods, droughts, heatwaves, cyclones or other disasters allow for planning that minimises adverse impacts. And it works: the number of people affected by disasters has nearly doubled over the last two decades, but the number of people killed or missing has fallen by half. When Cyclone Bhola hit what is present-day Bangladesh in 1970, it claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, prompting the country founded the following year to invest in weather forecasting technology, shelters and a network of volunteers along the coast. A similarly strong Cyclone Amphan made landfall in 2020 in the same area, but left a death toll of just 26. "Early warnings save lives and provide vast economic benefits," World Meteorological Organization chief Petteri Taalas said in a statement. "Just 24 hours notice of an impending hazardous event can cut the ensuing damage by 30 percent." The Global Commission on Adaptation found that spending just $800 million on such systems in developing countries would avoid losses of $3 billion to $16 billion per year. Starting with science-based observation networks and forecasting technology, a complete early warning infrastructure also requires national and community-based response capabilities, along with ways to rapidly communicate information to a population. 2022 AFP The newly described toadheaded pitviper Bothrocophias tulitoi sp. nov. Credit: Juan Pablo Hurtado-Gomez Together with a South American team, Senckenberg scientist Juan Pablo Hurtado-Gomez has described two new toadheaded pitvipers. To date, hardly anything is known about these venomous snakes, which are native to Colombia. The new species descriptions were made possible by a collection from the National Institute of Health in Colombia aimed at improving the treatment of snakebites. The study, published in the journal Vertebrate Zoology, outlines the benefits of taxonomy for medical care, among other things. Toadheaded pitvipers (Bothrocophias) live in isolated and hard-to-reach South American rainforest areas such as the Choco rainforest in Ecuador, the western lowlands of the Amazon rainforest, the Pacific highlands, and the eastern slope of the Andes. "These venomous snakes are among the most enigmatic and least known South American vipers," explains Juan Pablo Hurtado-Gomez, the study's last author and a Ph.D. student at the Senckenberg Natural History Collections in Dresden. "The lack of Bothrocophias material in scientific collections as well as the tendency to confuse the species of this genus with the more common and widespread members of the American pit vipers (Bothrops), have greatly complicated the taxonomic assessment of this group." Nevertheless, Hurtado-Gomeztogether with Colombian colleaguessucceeded in identifying two new species within the genus Bothrocophias. The snakes originate from the highlands of the Colombian Andes and were previously confused with the species Bothrocophias microphthalmus. However, based on morphological and genetic analyses, the team has now determined that they represent two previously unknown species: Bothrocophias myrringae sp. nov., and Bothrocophias tulitoi sp. nov. "The new species differ in a number of external characteristics, such as the arrangement and number of their scales or the color pattern of the body and tail," adds the Colombian scientist, who works in Dresden. Snakes from the genus Bothrocophias, such as the newly discovered Bothrocophias myrringae sp. nov., live in isolated, nearly inaccessible rain forests in South America. Credit: Juan Pablo Hurtado-Gomez The two new species were named in honor of Tulio Angarita and Myriam Sierra, who both were instrumental in developing a modern educational model that is now used in all schools in Colombia. They are also the parents of the study's first author, Teddy Angarita Sierra. The discovery was made possible by the National Institute of Health in Colombia (Instituto Nacional de Salud, INS), which has made a major effort over the past decade to assemble collections of venomous snakes, including the newly studied Bothrocophias material. The initiative's goal is to develop antivenoms for the treatment of severe poisoning from snakebites. All species of the genus Bothrocophias studied by Hurtado-Gomez and his team are venomous. The limited data on the venom's effects in humans range from mild presentations with short-lasting pain and mild swelling to severe poisoning and isolated deaths. Senckenberg reptile expert Prof. Dr. Uwe Fritz explains, "Clarifying the taxonomy of toadheaded pitvipers has significant implications for the treatment of venomous snake bites in Andean countries. Unfortunately, such accidents are sometimes fatal. The first step in effectively treating snakebites is to accurately identify the snake that caused the poisoning. This facilitates the subsequent preparation and administration of the proper antiserum, i.e. the antivenom. "Knowing the biology and habitat of a particular species also reduces the risk of being bitten in the first place. The new taxonomic findings of the study thus make an important contribution toward achieving the World Health Organization's goal of reducing the number of snakebites." More information: Teddy Angarita-Sierra et al, Hidden in the highs: Two new species of the enigmatic toadheaded pitvipers of the genus Bothrocophias, Vertebrate Zoology (2022). DOI: 10.3897/vz.72.e87313 Women carry belongings salvaged from their flooded home after monsoon rains, in the Qambar Shahdadkot district of Sindh Province, of Pakistan, Sept. 6, 2022. Earths warming weather and rising seas are getting worse and doing so faster than before, the World Meteorological Organization warned Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in a somber note as world leaders started gathering for international climate negotiations in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Credit: AP Photo/Fareed Khan, File Earth's warming weather and rising seas are getting worse and doing so faster than before, the World Meteorological Organization warned Sunday in a somber note as world leaders started gathering for international climate negotiations. "The latest State of the Global Climate report is a chronicle of climate chaos," United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. "We must answer the planet's distress signal with actionambitious, credible climate action." In its annual state of the climate report, the United Nations' weather agency said that sea level rise in the past decade was double what it was in the 1990s and since January 2020 has jumped at a higher rate than that. Since the decade began, seas are rising at 5 millimeters a year (.2 inches) compared to 2.1 millimeters (.08 inches) in the 1990s. The last eight years have been the warmest on record, the WMO said in a report that didn't break new ground but was a collection of recent weather trends, data and impacts in one central place. "The melting (of ice) game we have lost and also the sea level rate," WMO chief Petteri Taalas told The Associated Press. "There are no positive indicators so far." The only reason that the globe hasn't broken annual temperature records in the past few years is a rare three-year La Nina weather phenomenon, he said. Mohamed Mohamud, a ranger from the Sabuli Wildlife Conservancy, looks at the carcass of a giraffe that died of hunger near Matana Village, Wajir County, Kenya, on Oct. 25, 2021. Earths warming weather and rising seas are getting worse and doing so faster than before, the World Meteorological Organization warned Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in a somber note as world leaders started gathering for international climate negotiations in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Credit: AP Photo/Brian Inganga, File The data on sea level and average temperatures are nothing compared to how climate change has hit people in extreme weather. The report highlights the summer's incredible flood in Pakistan that killed more than 1,700 people and displaced 7.9 million, a crippling four-year drought in East Africa that has more than 18 million hungry, the Yangtze River drying to its lowest level in August, and record heat-waves broiling people in Europe and China. "This latest report from the World Meteorological Organization reads like a lab report for a critically ill patient, but in this case the patient is Earth," said climate scientist Jennifer Francis of the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Cape Cod, who wasn't part of the report. Levels of heat-trapping carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide all reached record high levels, with potent methane increasing at a record pace, the report said. A man stands in shallow water near the dry riverbed of the Yangtze River in southwestern China's Chongqing Municipality, Aug. 19, 2022. Earths warming weather and rising seas are getting worse and doing so faster than before, the World Meteorological Organization warned Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in a somber note as world leaders started gathering for international climate negotiations in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File Buffalo feed on grass brought by a ranger as hundreds of animals have died in Kenyan wildlife preserves during East Africa's worst drought in decades, in Samburu County, Samburu National Reserve, Kenya Oct. 14, 2022. Earths warming weather and rising seas are getting worse and doing so faster than before, the World Meteorological Organization warned Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in a somber note as world leaders started gathering for international climate negotiations in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Credit: AP Photo/Brian Inganga, File People walk along the dry riverbed of the Jialing River, a tributary of the Yangtze, in southwestern China's Chongqing Municipality, Aug. 20, 2022. Earths warming weather and rising seas are getting worse and doing so faster than before, the World Meteorological Organization warned Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in a somber note as world leaders started gathering for international climate negotiations in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File That means more than just warming temperatures on land. Ice, both Greenland's ice sheet and the world's glaciers, are shrinking precipitously, the report said. For the 26th year in a row, Greenland lost ice when all types of ice are factored in. The volume of glacier snow in Switzerland dropped by more than one-third from 2001 to 2022, the report said. But 90% of the heat trapped on Earth goes into the ocean and the upper 2000 meters (6561 feet) of the ocean is getting warmer faster. The rate of warming the last 15 years is 67% faster than since 1971, the report said. That ocean heat "will continue to warm in the futurea change which is irreversible on centennial to millennial time scales," the report said. Outside experts weren't surprised by the report and said no one should be. "What climate scientists have warned about for decades is upon us. And will continue to worsen without action,'' said University of Georgia meteorology professor Marshall Shepherd. "Two things must go away: Climate delayism and speaking about climate change impacts in the future tense. It's here." 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. CAPE MAY POINT Dennis Flanagan of West Cape May often photographs the wildlife and nature found along the Jersey cape, so when he heard from friends about an extraordinary sighting on Wednesday, he rushed to the beach. He got there in time to photograph an enormous humpback whale swimming close to the beach, off Whilden and Lehigh avenues, close to the science center where the Sisters of Saint Joseph once ran the Saint Mary-by-the-Sea retreat. At a guess, he said the whale appeared to be about 50 yards from the beach. It was close enough to be seen clearly, and was unmistakably a whale. It was shocking how close it was, Flanagan said. Humpback whales weigh an average of 40 tons and can grow to up to 60 feet long. The average school bus is about 35 feet, to get a sense of just how big these animals can be. They are often seen by boaters or those who join one of the whale watching excursions out of Cape May, and can sometimes be spotted from the beach, but usually at a far greater distance. Flanagan believes the whale was drawn in close to shore by bait fish in the water, the same fish that were being hunted by bottlenose dolphins also in the water. Thats likely, according to Bob Schoelkopf, the director of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine. He said several humpback whales have been sighted along the coast, drawn close to shore by the available food. Last month, fishermen in Ocean and Monmouth counties posted videos of close encounters with whales, as they breached startlingly close to fishing boats. The whales can be seen year-round in New Jersey waters. The whales were listed as endangered in the 1970s, but today the humpback whales off the coast of New Jersey are not considered threatened, with the population growing over the decades. They remain a protected species, as are all marine mammals. On Halloween, staff with the Marine Mammal Stranding Center responded to another species of whale, a Minke whale stranded in the back bay of Brigantine. Eric Tucker, described as a local bayman, discovered the 22-foot animal stranded on a sandbar and called the center. Staff members say he volunteered his vessel to take them on scene. Luckily, the animal was freed by the incoming tide and was able to swim back out to the ocean. My staff was able to sweet talk it into swimming back out, Schoelkopf said. When asked how they sweet talked the whale, Schoelkopf responded. Very carefully. The animal was able to swim free and appeared unharmed. 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. CHICAGO - Sean Diddy Combs has agreed to buy nine cannabis retail stores and three production facilities in Illinois, New York and Massachusetts for $185 million as part of required antitrust divestitures for the pending $2 billion Cresco-Columbia Care megamerger. The deal to sell off a portion of the combined Cresco-Columbia Care portfolio to Combs, announced Friday, includes the Columbia Care dispensaries in Villa Park and Chicagos Jefferson Park neighborhood, which have been rebranded as Cannabist, as well as a Columbia Care production facility in Aurora. If approved by regulators, Combs would form the largest Black-owned cannabis company in the U.S. My mission has always been to create opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in industries where weve traditionally been denied access, and this acquisition provides the immediate scale and impact needed to create a more equitable future in cannabis, Combs said in a news release. It is the first foray into the rapidly growing cannabis business for Combs, a successful rapper, record producer and entrepreneur also known by the stage name Puff Daddy. Combs would pay $110 million in cash and finance $45 million through seller notes, with the balance due post-closing after meeting market-based milestones. The Combs sale will bring Chicago-based Cresco Labs, one of the largest publicly traded cannabis companies in the U.S., one step closer to becoming a lot bigger with its proposed acquisition of New York-based Columbia Care in an all-stock merger valued at about $2 billion. The Cresco-Columbiadeal, announced in March, would create a cannabis cultivation and retail giant with more than 180 stores across an 18-market footprint, and will likely require additional divestitures to win regulatory approval. Founded in 2013, Cresco is in 10 states with 21 production facilities and 49 dispensaries, most of which operate under the Sunnyside banner. In Illinois, Cresco has 10 retail dispensaries the maximum allowed by the state and three manufacturing facilities in Joliet, Kankakee and Lincoln. Columbia Care, which started as a medical-only operator 10 years ago, has grown into one of the largest multistate cannabis companies in the U.S. with a footprint in 18 states, including 99 dispensaries and 32 cultivation facilities. Cresco and Columbia Care are in the process of divesting other assets ahead of the proposed merger, and expect additional announcements to be forthcoming, according to the news release. The companies expect merger approval by the end of the first quarter of 2023. The Combs sale is expected to close concurrently with the larger Cresco-Columbia Care merger. Cannabis research firm Headset projects legal U.S. weed sales to surpass $30 billion this year and reach $45.8 billion by 2025. In Illinois, sales have been ramping up since the state legalized recreational marijuana in January 2020. The state legalized medical marijuana sales in 2015. Last year, the states 110 dispensaries sold nearly $1.78 billion in cannabis products, including $1.38 billion in recreational weed and more than $397 million in medical marijuana. Illinois is projected to generate $2.55 billion in annual cannabis sales by 2025, according to Headset. Minority participation in the cannabis industry has lagged. This year, the state issued 185 conditional dispensary licenses to social equity applicants, generally defined as those with past minor cannabis convictions or from areas of high poverty or cannabis arrests. Honor Flight of the Quad Cities will have its 55th Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., for 90 veterans Tuesday. According to a news release issued by Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, most of the veterans on this flight served in the Vietnam War, and some will visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, commonly referred to as The Wall, for the first time. The veterans will be accompanied by 60 volunteer guardians who will assist them throughout the day. The flight will be designated as the "Whiteside County Honor Flight" as most of the veterans on the flight will come from Whiteside County and neighboring counties in Illinois. The flight will carry a funeral flag and honor a veteran who passed away without ever seeing the memorial. The Flight Commander will be retired Army Lt. Col. Stephen Garrington, who is the Honor Flight director. Garrington will be assisted by Deputy Commander Gayle Morrell. Garrington and Morrell both served in the 5041st U.S. Army Reserve School before they retired. The veterans will return to the Quad Cities International Airport at about 10 p.m. Tuesday. The public is invited to the airport to welcome the veterans home. Parking at the airport will be free. Any person who was on active duty in World War II, Korea or Vietnam can fill out an application for an Honor Flight. Those interested in going on a flight as a guardian to assist veterans also are welcome to fill out an application. Applications are available at www.honorflightqc.org. A Davenport man serving a term on federal supervised release was arrested early Sunday after Davenport Police seized 10 individually wrapped packages of crack cocaine he had on his person. Travis Shelby Rush, 32, is charged with one count of possession with the intent to deliver not more than 40 grams of cocaine base, also known as crack. The charge is a Class C felony under Iowa law that carries a 10-year prison sentence. Rush also is charged with violating Iowas drug tax stamp statute, a Class D felony that carries a prison sentence of five years. According to the arrest affidavit filed by Davenport Police Officer Randy Hegg, at 4:46 a.m. Davenport officers were sent to the intersection of West Lombard and Harrison streets about a traffic complaint. Officers arrived to find a 2021 GMC Terrain bearing Arkansas plates stopped at the intersection. The initial complaint was that the vehicle had been sitting at the intersection without moving through several cycles of the traffic signal. Officers watched the vehicle and noticed it did not move when the traffic signal turned green. As officers approached the vehicle they saw the driver slumped over the wheel. The driver, Rush, got out of the vehicle but when officers tried to put handcuffs on him he fought with officers. Officers had to use physical force to take Rush into custody. He is charged with interference with official acts, a simple misdemeanor that carries a jail sentence of 30 days. When officers searched Rush, they found a clear plastic bag in the front pocket of his sweatpants. Inside the baggie was a substance that resembled crack cocaine. The drugs were tested and the result was positive for cocaine. Inside the plastic bag were 10 individually packaged rocks of cocaine base, or crack, totaling 9.75 grams. Rush was arrested and booked into the Scott County Jail at 6:22 a.m. During a first appearance Sunday in Scott County District Court, Magistrate Richard Wells scheduled a preliminary hearing in the case for Nov. 16. Wells also set bond Rushs bond at $10,000, cash or surety. Rush was released from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons four months ago. According to electronic records of the U.S. District Court, Davenport, federal authorities arrested Rush in February 2009 on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, possession and sale of stolen ammunition, conspiracy to obstruct and tamper with a witness, attempted tampering with a witness and attempted retaliation against a witness. Rush pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and attempted tampering with a witness. On May 6, 2011, Chief U.S. District Judge John Jarvey sentenced Rush to 144 months, or 12 years in prison, with credit for time served in custody awaiting trial and sentencing. Rush also was sentenced to serve three years on supervised release after he completed his prison sentence. Rush was released from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons on Nov. 8, 2019. However, according to U.S. District Court records, Rush violated his supervised release and on June 10, 2020, he was sentenced to eight months in federal prison to be followed by 30 months on supervised release. After Rush was released from federal prison he again violated his supervised release and was sentenced July 29, 2021, to 10 months in prison to be followed by 16 months on supervised release. In both instances, according to court records, Rush failed to follow directives from probation officers, failed to maintain employment, failed to abide by his curfew, failed to reside at an approved residence, failed to report a change of address, failed to follow the rules of the residential reentry center and failed to communicate truthfully with the probation office. Rush was released from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons on July 14, 2022. According to a non-compliance summary, on Aug. 8, 2022, a urine analysis indicated the presence of crack cocaine in Rushs system. He denied new use and reported a confirmation test would prove the cocaine was residual from his Aug. 3, 2022, sample. On Aug. 21, 2022, the interpretation report confirmed his sample was positive for cocaine. The interpretation reported cited new use based on insufficient decrease in the normalized level of drug present. Rush remained Monday night in the Scott County Jail. At least 10 police cars closed the block of East 6th Street between Iowa and LeClaire streets in Davenport Sunday evening. An officer at the scene said the Davenport Police Department was investigating a shots-fired incident. The officer said the scene was still under investigation, but to the department's knowledge, no one was injured or killed. Monday morning, the police said they responded at about 4:30 p.m. to a report of shots fired within a building. "Preliminary investigation indicates a verbal altercation escalated to shots being fired by a subject from one building to another. No injuries reported," the department sent in an email. There was some damage sustained to a building. No arrests were made, according to the police. Police officers could be seen knocking on neighbors' doors, and a group of curious onlookers had gathered at one end of the block. Police ask anyone with information about this incident to call the Davenport Police Department at 563-326-6125, Crime Stoppers of the Quad-Cities at 309-762-9500, or submit an anonymous tip via the P3 Tips mobile app or submit a tip online at qccrimestoppers.com. The following items were taken from area police department reports and news releases. An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. Elmhurst Battery Advertisement Nicholas Prette, 31, of the 1S500 block of School Street, Lombard, was charged with two counts of domestic battery and with interfering with the reporting of domestic violence at 1:35 a.m. Oct. 28. Zermairah Edwards, 20, of the 300 block of South West Avenue, Elmhurst, was charged with two counts of domestic battery, theft and aggravated assault at 10:07 a.m. Oct. 30. Advertisement CorutneyReed, 19, of the 6800 block of South Bishop Street, Chicago, was charged with domestic battery at 10:47 p.m. Nov. 1. Burglary Police are investigating burglaries and attempts to several vehicles in the 400 block of South Washington Street between late night Oct. 29 and early morning Oct. 30. A resident in the 300 block of Holly Avenue reported Oct. 30 that someone entered his garage and stole his wallet with credit cards. The cards were used for multiple unauthorized transactions. A wallet recovered in a stolen vehicle turned out to have been taken from an unlocked vehicle in the 100 block of East Crescent Avenue Oct. 30. Cannabis Marlen Rodriguez, 21, of the 300 block of North Grove Street, Wood Dale, was cited for possession of cannabis by a passenger at 8:40 p.m. Nov. 1. In the same incident, Deontray Dennis, 27, of the 900 block of North Laramie Avenue, Chicago, was cited for improperly tinted windows, driving with suspended registration and driving without insurance. Advertisement Drugs Alexis Lopez, 24, of the 6300 block of South Damen Avenue, Chicago, was charged with driving under the influence of drugs, driving without a valid drivers license, improper lighting, driving without insurance, improper display of license plates and illegal transport of open alcohol at 12:16 a.m. Nov. 1. DUI Raymond Smith, 50, of the 1800 block of South 19th Avenue, Maywood, was charged with driving under the influence, obstructing identification, speeding and illegal transportation of open alcohol at 2:16 a.m. Oct. 29. Isaac Flores, 42, of the 500 block of West Babcock Avenue, Elmhurst, was charged with driving under the influence and failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident at 1:12 a.m. Nov. 1. Forgery Advertisement A representative of Marianos, 678 N. York St., reported that on Oct. 19 a person presented a Coinstar redemption ticket which scanned properly but which was later found to be counterfeit. Multiple stores were reportedly victimized in the same way on the same date. Identity theft A resident reported on Oct. 27 that an unknown offender opened a fake social media account in her name and used Photoshopped photos on the site. A resident reported an unknown suspect attempted to complete a balance transfer from the residents account on Sept. 14. The account owner stopped the transfer and froze the accounts. Stolen vehicle A black 2018 Jeep Cherokee was stolen from a garage in the 100 block of East Oneida Avenue in the early morning of Oct. 30 by someone who got into the garage by using a garage door opener left in an unlocked vehicle on the property. The Jeep was abandoned and later recovered in Chicago. Advertisement Theft A wallet was reported stolen on Oct. 27 from a desk in an office in Elmhurst University, 190 S. Prospect Ave., where it was left unattended. Numerous tires were reported stolen from semi-tractors by unknown suspects who forced entry to a secured storage lot at TransChicago Truck Group, 776 N. York St., between 4 p.m. Oct. 29 and 5 a.m. Oct. 31. Someone stole a Do Not Enter sign from a yellow barricade at Hawthorne Elementary School, 145 W. Arthur St., as reported at 8:45 a.m. Nov. 2. Traffic Kierra Davis, 25, of the 800 block of West Taylor Street, DeKalb, was charged with driving with a suspended drivers license and disobeying a traffic control device at 5:13 p.m. Oct. 27. Advertisement Samuel OLaughlin, 25, of the 800 block of North Willow Road, Elmhurst, was charged with driving with a suspended drivers license, improperly tinted windows and driving without insurance at 9:46 p.m. Oct. 27. In the same incident, Marissa Bender, 26, of the same address was cited for permitting an unauthorized person to drive. Jose Lovo-Hernandez, 33, of the 300 block of North Yale Avenue, Villa Park, was charged with driving without a valid drivers license and failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident at 8:18 p.m. Oct. 28. In the same incident, Gamaliel Ramirez-Robles, 43, of the 400 block of North Hamilton Avenue, Villa Park, was charged with driving without a valid drivers license. Mohammed Riaz, 29, of the 6600 block of Maxwell Drive, Woodridge, was charged with driving with a suspended drivers license, unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver and driving the wrong way on a one-way street at 2:06 a.m. Oct. 29. Gabriel Campos, 28, of the 100 block of North Elmwood Avenue, Wood Dale, was charged with driving with a suspended drivers license at 8:55 a.m. Oct. 29. Advertisement Edgar Luna-Hernandez, 40, of the 2600 block of South 59th Court, Cicero, was charged with speeding and driving without a valid drivers license at 3:53 p.m. Nov. 1. Yuri Bagtkiv, 23, of the 300 block of North Linden Street, Itasca, was cited for driving without insurance and failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident at 6:45 p.m. Nov. 1. Vandalism Graffiti was found on a dugout bench at Bryan Middle School, 111 W. Butterfield Rd., apparently put there between Oct. 30 and Nov. 1. The hackers who stole data from the Davenport School District made a ransom demand, but the district did not pay it. School officials said they thought they were dealing with computer server glitches in early September when the district's internet, phone and email systems experienced disruptions. Later in the month, signs of a cyber invasion became more evident, but the district declared it had "thwarted" an attack. Neither was the case. A data-extortion group known as Karakurt has since claimed to have stolen huge amounts of personal data from the district. Last week, the group said it was making the data, including social security and drivers license numbers, available for sale online. Karakurt set a deadline of Oct. 31 for the Davenport Community School District, DCSD, to meet its ransom demands. District officials said they declined to do so. While he did not reveal details, school district spokesman Mike Vondran confirmed a ransom demand was made, but the district did not pay. He also elaborated on the timeline of events. When the district realized it was likely they had, in fact, lost data to a breach, the Iowa Attorney Generals Office was notified, as required by Iowa law, Vondran said. DCSD determined that it had experienced a network security incident on Sept. 7," he wrote in an email. "However, DCSD did not learn of the impact to personal information until Oct. 10 as a result of work done by independent cybersecurity experts engaged to assist with the response effort. DCSD then worked promptly to identify mailing information for all potentially impacted individuals, identify and engage a vendor to provide notification, call center and identity protection services, and mail the notification letters. Unfortunately, that process simply takes time but was completed as quickly as possible. The notification list included 6,409 people whose personal data may have been compromised. The district is continuing to work with independent parties to investigate how the breach has and will impact Davenport schools, and Vondran said, theyre working diligently to implement measures to help prevent a similar incidents from occurring in the future. The district has been working with independent cybersecurity experts to investigate this incident, conduct an investigation to determine the source and scope thereof, and assist with the implementation of measures to bolster DCSDs security to help prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future." Because of ongoing investigations, district officials said, they are not able to disclose the expenses, such as legal and technical fees, that have accrued as a result of the attack. Beginning on Monday, Oct. 24., the district experienced disruptions to email and phone systems, however, all impacted systems have since been restored. Downtown Moline might get much quieter in the next few years. The city is looking to establish quiet zones through downtown, providing relief to residents, business owners and visitors from the frequent blare of train horns passing through. The Federal Train Horn Rule requires that train horns be sounded in advanced of all public highway-rail crossings for at least 15 seconds. Fourth Ward Alderman Matt Timion said he had heard from people who lived or had a business downtown and must stop what theyre doing until a train passes. It is a hindrance on doing business and just enjoying living down there, Timion said. Creating the quiet zones comes at a particularly opportune time for Moline as the city redevelops land that previously was occupied by the old Interstate 74 bridge, including an emphasis on new residential developments. Those plans for the downtown are progressing, with the former JCPenney building at 1701 5th Ave. likely to become residential space that would have about 72 units. The building was donated to Renew Moline. The city is buying the Heritage Church property, Bridgepointe 485 (formerly KONE), for $3.1 million with potential plans of developing it into the Mill Town Basin. Such a development could include recreational opportunities, visitor/welcome center and additional housing. Plans also are in the works for the city-owned Spiegel Building at the new River Drive off-ramp for I-74. Timion said creating the quiet zones would help spur further economic and residential development in downtown. For us to really want to utilize the downtown correctly and to encourage residential and commercial growth there, we cannot have trains blowing their horns all the time, he said. The council in May approved the hiring of an engineering firm to help determine what changes would need to be made to the crossings. To properly declare a quiet zone, the city will need to go through a process with the Federal Railroad Administration to designate a crossing as a quiet zone. Such zones are targeted for 11 downtown crossings stretching from 45th Street in Rock Island, east to 55th Street. David Dryer, engineering director, said one of the first steps was a diagnostic review that identified the changes required at each crossing, including any pedestrian-use needs. The quiet zones are to be in effect 24/7, but Dryer said the horns still could be sounded if needed. Engines would not be able to blow their horns unless theres an emergency, he said. So theres nothing that will prevent them from blowing their horns. The project must coordinate with the railway company and the Illinois Department of Transportation. Its estimated cost is $9.1 million, and the council has committed $3 million of the cost from its share of money from the American Rescue Plan Act. The city also has submitted a grant application, Barnes said, with the hope of securing up to 80% of the total project cost. CHICAGO The long-waged fight by the group Protect Our Parks to halt construction of former President Barack Obamas Jackson Park museum and campus has reached the end of the road in the federal district courts. But the plaintiffs plan to take the case to the appellate level, continuing a yearslong battle against a project that is well underway. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey entered a final judgment in favor of the defendants including the Obama Foundation, several federal agencies and the city of Chicago in the Northern District of Illinois. The Obama Foundation celebrated the decision as a milestone, declaring the decision a victory for all who have worked alongside us on this journey to bring investment and opportunity to Chicagos South Side. With its decision today, the court is making it possible for us to deliver on our commitment to create a world-class destination that will attract people from around the globe and stand as a reminder to all but particularly young people in Chicago that individuals have the power to be the change they want to see. But Richard Epstein, an attorney for Protect Our Parks, said his team supported the decision, which essentially cuts off their so-far unsuccessful endeavor at the district level and allows them to take arguments up to the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. We dont want to run a trial on this. We know what the outcomes gonna be: Judge Blakey wont vote for us when there have already been three decisions against us, Epstein said. POP has long contended it doesnt oppose a South Side location for Obamas presidential center. But its argued the Jackson Park plan would result in the clear-cutting of mature trees, disruption of annual bird migratory flights and the closing of four main South Side thoroughfares. It proposed locating west of Jackson Park, near Washington Park, instead. But the groups legal efforts to stop the center, which date to 2018, have been unsuccessful. And while the court battle contributed to a groundbreaking delay, construction has been going on for more than a year: trees have been cleared, roadway closures are in effect and concrete structures are rising from the ground. The center is expected to debut in 2025 and cost about $700 million to construct, with another $90 million to prepare exhibits and cover the centers opening, plus $40 million for the first years operations. Financial disclosures show the Obama Foundation paid the law firm Sidley Austin $6.2 million between 2018 and 2021. The vast majority related to the ongoing litigation with POP, a foundation official said. Michael Rachlis, another attorney for Protect Our Parks, says the latest ruling allows the group to appeal the three major pieces of their arguments in a new venue, though on a more limited basis. Among the issues they hope the appeals court will review: whether the public trust was violated by turning over the use of public property for the foundations private gain, whether the foundation fulfilled the financial terms of the master agreement that allowed parkland to be transferred to them from the city, and whether federal reviews of the impact on roadways and the historic park were sufficient. In court filings, POP argued federal reviews that allowed construction to go forward on protected parklands were improperly split and deficient, and failed to identify possible alternatives to Jackson Park. Protect Our Parks also argued the city delegated all material decision-making authority to the Obama Foundation, essentially rubber-stamping an agreement that turned over parkland to a private entity for 99 years at a cost of just $10. Blakey had dismissed those claims in a March ruling, writing that the city did not abdicate control or ownership of the OPC site to the Obama Foundation and that state law confirms that presidential centers confer a public benefit because they serve valuable public purposes, including ... furthering human knowledge and understanding, educating and inspiring the public, and expanding recreational and cultural resources and opportunities. Obama Foundation and city officials have argued construction would restore roadways to parkland, improve pedestrian and bicyclist access to the park and lakefront, introduce better biodiversity to the park, bring new amenities such as recreational facilities and a new Chicago Public Library branch to nearby residents and add needed economic development to the South Side. If POP appeals, it will not impact ongoing construction or programming, the foundation said. Epstein does not expect to have the case fully briefed until January, with arguments as late as next spring, meaning much more construction could take place in the meantime. Rachlis said construction is far from complete, and the centers opening is not a fait accompli. There is much that can be gained and protected in the short term in Jackson Park, including several hundred trees that havent been cut down, and roadwork that hasnt yet begun. The integrity of the park itself has not been changed, and even if more changes take place, there are remedies that can be put in place. Rachlis, who has largely been working on the case on a pro bono basis (Epstein, an emeritus professor at the University of Chicago, is working entirely pro bono), said the team also wants to set precedent for future environmental, community and park cases. BARRE, Mass. About 150 artifacts considered sacred by the Lakota Sioux peoples are being returned to them after being stored at a small Massachusetts museum for more than a century. Members of the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes traveled from South Dakota to take custody of the weapons, pipes, moccasins and clothing, including several items thought to have a direct link to the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre in South Dakota. They had been held by the Founders Museum in Barre, Massachusetts, about 74 miles west of Boston. A public ceremony was held Saturday inside the gym at a nearby elementary school that included prayers by the Lakota representatives. The artifacts will be officially handed over during a private ceremony. Ever since that Wounded Knee massacre happened, genocides have been instilled in our blood, said Surrounded Bear, 20, who traveled to Barre from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, according to The Boston Globe. And for us to bring back these artifacts, thats a step towards healing. Thats a step in the right direction. The ceremony marked the culmination of repatriation efforts that had been decades in the making. It was always important to me to give them back, said Ann Meilus, president of the board at the Founders Museum. I think the museum will be remembered for being on the right side of history for returning these items. The items being returned are just a tiny fraction of an estimated 870,000 Native American artifacts including nearly 110,000 human remains in the possession of the nations most prestigious colleges, museums and even the federal government. They're supposed to be returned to the tribes under the 1990 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Museum officials have said that as a private institution that does not receive federal funding, the institution is not subject to NAGPRA, but returning items in its collection that belong to Indigenous tribes is the right thing to do. More than 200 men, women, children and elderly people were killed in the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Congress issued a formal apology to the Sioux Nation a century later for one of the nation's worst massacres of Native Americans. The Barre museum acquired its Indigenous collection from Frank Root, a traveling shoe salesman who collected the items on his journeys during the 19th century, and once had a road show that rivaled P.T. Barnums extravaganzas, according to museum officials. Wendell Yellow Bull, a descendant of Wounded Knee victim Joseph Horn Cloud, has said the items will be stored at Oglala Lakota College until tribal leaders decide what to do with them. The items being returned to the Sioux people have all been authenticated by multiple experts, including tribal experts. The museum also has other Indigenous items not believed to have originated with the Sioux. Softening financial markets hit Richmonds traditional retirement plan the one available to employees hired before July 1, 2006 for the 12 months that ended June 30, though it fared better than most other city and state plans. The city still needs to keep making big contributions more than $50 million a year through 2032 to make sure its resources are large enough to meet its obligations, said Richmond Retirement System Executive Director Leo Griffin. He said the city should continue to show restraint when it comes to enhancing retirement benefits. Richmond-area forecast: Big cool down, then big rain Richmond has not had a first week of November this warm in more than 40 years. The citys defined benefit plan, which promises a set payout no matter how its investments do, lost 6.4% from those investments in fiscal year 2022, net of any fees paid a big swing from fiscal 2021s positive return of 23.7%. But it did better than 95% of comparable public plans. That dropped its funded status to 64.5% from 71.8% in fiscal year 2021, though this ratio is up from 59.2% the year before. The plan is still on track to hit a 90% funded status that is, to have assets equal to 90% of its obligations to retirees by 2031. Virginia will be key to the fight for House majority The outcomes in Virginia's 2nd, 7th and 10th districts will say much about the extent of the GOP's expected new House majority. Those obligations stood at $340 million as of June 30. While the Richmond plans funded status was below a national average of 74% for public pension plans, its 7.3 percentage point decline was less than the national averages 11-point drop. The plans target for its funded status is above a commonly accepted benchmark of 80% as the mark of a pension plans health, although the American Academy of Actuaries says theres no one benchmark that really shows the health of a plan, adding that plans ought to be aiming for 100%. Boosting funded status depends on how well a plans investments do and on how much an employer contributes, as well as on how much its retirement benefits might increase. A total of 4,214 retirees now receive benefits under the traditional plan, and 1,541 former employees are fully vested but havent yet reached an age where they can claim benefits. A total of 1,379 current employees are contributing to the traditional, defined benefit plan. The city ended eligibility for the traditional plan for employees hired after July 1, 2006, in an effort to hold down soaring costs for that kind of benefit. For newer employees, it offered instead a defined contribution plan, where it contributes to the plan but benefits received after retirement depends on how well the investments do. A total of 2,518 city employees participate in that plan. Today is Election Day. Area voters will choose members of the House of Representatives. In Chesterfield County, some voters will choose a member of the Board of Supervisors. Voters in Chesterfield and Henrico counties will vote on bond referendums. Heres what you need to know: Polling hours Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. (Anyone in line at 7 p.m. is to be allowed to vote.) Weather Tuesdays weather is mostly sunny with a high of 61 degrees. Same-day registration For the first time, voters will be allowed to register on Election Day. People who do so will cast provisional ballots so that the local electoral board can verify the voters eligibility before the ballot is counted. Whats on the ballot? The state Supreme Court redrew Virginias congressional districts in December, which changed the Richmond areas boundaries, primarily by shifting the 7th District to Northern Virginia. In the 1st Congressional District, which now includes western Henrico and western Chesterfield, as well as eastern Hanover County, Rep. Rob Wittman, the Republican incumbent, faces Democrat Herb Jones and independent conservative David Foster. The 4th Congressional District includes eastern Henrico, eastern Chesterfield and the city of Richmond and stretches south to Brunswick and Greensville counties. Rep. Don McEachin, D-4th, faces Republican Leon Benjamin in a rematch of their 2020 contest. The 5th Congressional District now includes 13,400 voters in western Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan and Goochland counties in the Richmond area. Rep. Bob Good, R-5th, faces Democrat Josh Throneburg. Local matters Henrico is asking residents for approval to issue $511.4 million in bonds. In four yes-or-no questions, Henrico will ask voters to approve projects for schools; recreation and parks; fire station and public safety; and flood prevention and stormwater drainage. Chesterfield lumps its projects into one ballot question. County voters will decide whether to approve measures in a $540 million bond referendum. The bonds would provide $375 million to the Chesterfield public school district and $165 million to the county government to fund projects for parks and recreation, the library system, fire stations and police precincts. Chesterfield also will hold a special election to fill the unexpired term of former Midlothian District Supervisor Leslie Haley, who resigned to join the Virginia attorney generals office. Voters will choose between Democrat Mark Miller and Republican Jennifer McNinch. Registrar contacts Richmond: (804) 646-5950 Chesterfield: (804) 748-1471 Hanover: (804) 365-6080 Henrico: (804) 501-4347 To check your polling place RICHMOND Virginia must make up for steep learning losses in public schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the state is losing teachers far faster than it is replacing them, a new study concluded on Monday, challenging lawmakers to invest more funds to retain school staff, while boosting math and reading achievement. The study by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission confirmed steep declines in 4th grade math and reading achievement, but also documented a widening gap between the number of qualified teachers leaving and entering the profession thats on the front line of helping students recover from their losses. Those findings prompted strong reactions from commission members of both parties, with Republicans focusing on achievement declines that Gov. Glenn Youngkin has called catastrophic and Democrats worrying about the long-term damage to a demoralized and exhausted school workforce. The National Assessment of Educational Progress showed 4th grade reading scores plummeting in Virginia from seventh to 34th and 4th grade math dropped from fourth to 20th. Those are appalling numbers, said Del. Lee Ware, R-Powhatan, a retired teacher, who asked how other states had managed better. Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera, speaking to the commission after the JLARC staff presentation, said states such as Utah and Wyoming performed better because they kept schools open. They kept students and teachers working together in vibrant learning environments, Guidera said. Democrats say they support efforts to overcome learning loss and raise standards for students and schools to meet, but challenged Youngkin to include funding in the budget he will propose next month to support struggling schools and address a crisis in school staffing, especially for teachers. The JLARC report showed a 12% increase in the number of teachers leaving the workforce, about 1,200 more in this school year than before the pandemic began 32 months ago, and a 15% drop in the number of teachers entering the workforce, about 1,300 fewer this year than two years ago. That should worry everyone in this room, said Sen. Jeremy McPike, D-Prince William. McPike also urged Guidera to ensure we put our money where our mouth is in the state budget and a substantial, meaningful proposal by the governor to fund these schools. I hope the accountability is here at the state level, not just picking on different school systems, the senator told Cabinet official. The JLARC study showed critical needs for Virginia to address in almost every aspect of the educational systemincreased student absenteeism, bad classroom behavior and mental health concerns; declining student achievement; and an overarching need for more support of teachers, including investments in instructional assistants to balance attention to students with the most needs and their classmates. The current state of the teacher workforce is a major concern, JLARC Director Hal Greer said in introducing the study, which the General Assembly requested last year. The state needs to do all it can to support teachers in the classroom, Greer said. Some of the things the state could do include: addressing a growing number of vacancies for school psychologists by allowing qualified, licensed psychologists to be licensed provisionally to work in schools, an approach that Vice Chairman Bobby Orrock, R-Caroline, a retired teacher, suggested may work better by contract than by hiring them; increasing investments in new state programs to improve reading and literacy skills, while creating a new initiative to address declines in student math skills (which Orrock said also may stem from lack of reading comprehension); investing in instructional assistants to help teachers bridge a growing variation among students in academic skills and achievement, requiring more one-to-one interaction with some students than others. Part of the challenge of hiring instructional assistants is finding the money. JLARC staff estimates the cost at $3 million to hire one assistant per 100 students in the 20 schools that have fallen below five more accreditation standards and $34 million to hire one assistant per 20 students in the 59 schools now below three or more accreditation standards. The larger challenge may be the shrinking pool of trained teachers to do the work. The study found that fewer teachers are fully qualified in the fields they teach in Virginia schools. My initial question is, where are we going to find these teachers? asked Del. Tony Wilt, R-Rockingham. As teachers have left, those who remain have taken on heavier workloads. They face worsening behavior by students and more with mental health issues, a lack of respect from parents and the public and relatively low pay. The General Assembly has worked with the past two governors to raise teacher pay. A year ago, departing Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, proposed a pair of 5% teacher pay raises that the legislature protected in the two-year budget that Youngkin, a Republican, signed in June. Its a very real impediment. ... Its hard to be a teacher right now, JLARC Associate Director Justin Brown said. The study also confirmed that learning loss during the pandemic most hurt students who already were falling behind, particularly Black and Hispanic pupils, and those learning English as a second language, in kindergarten through second grade. If they start behind, they stay behind, said Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, an educator who said the state must invest more in early childhood education. If a child is having problems in the third grade, it didnt start in the third grade, Locke said. It didnt start in the second grade. It started earlier on. Guidera promised to work with the assembly to address school funding needs and to identify how much of the $3.3 billion in emergency federal pandemic relief to the state and local school divisions is unspent and where. JLARC said the amount of unspent funds is substantial, although some has been used to boost school attendance, early childhood reading and teacher compensation. That money is to be spent for [reversing] learning loss, Guidera said. Its money that needs to be spent now! The following items were taken from Glenview Police Department reports, news releases and records. An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. DUI Advertisement Alexander Kanavathu Puthenpura, 70, of the 900 block of Old Willow Road in Prospect Heights, was charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal transportation of alcohol, driving in the wrong lane and driving without lights illuminated Oct 29. He was arrested following a traffic stop in the 3900 block of Glenview Road. He was transported to Cook County court in Skokie for a bond hearing. Boldbayar Choijamts, 45, of the 2600 block of West Catalpa Avenue in Chicago, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident Oct. 30. He was arrested after an investigation of a traffic crash in the 1800 block of Grove Street. He was released on bond and is scheduled to appear in Cook County court Dec. 1 in Skokie. Advertisement Kristen Barry, 41, of the 4000 block of Fairway Drive in Wilmette, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, endangering the life/health of a child, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and improper lane usage Nov. 2. She was arrested after the investigation of a traffic crash in the 1700 block of Glenview Road. She was released on bond and is scheduled to appear in Cook County court Nov. 28 in Skokie. Andrew Smith, 61, of the 1500 block of Oak Street in Evanston, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, improper right turn and failure to give information after striking an unattended vehicle or property Nov 2. He was released on bond and is scheduled to appear in Cook County court Dec. 1 in Skokie. THEFT Lamar Wimberly, 55 of the 9900 block of Linda Lane in Des Plaines, was charged with retail theft Nov. 3. He was arrested while in custody of the Wheeling Police Department as the result of an investigation of an incident in the 600 block of Milwaukee Avenue Sept. 6. He was transported to Cook County court in Rolling Meadows for a bond hearing Nov. 5. A Glenview resident reported clothing and keys were stolen from a locker at a business in the 3800 block of Willow Road Oct. 31. FRAUD A business in the 2300 block of Capital Drive, reported Oct. 19 a customer presented a fraudulent receipt and received cash for it. FORGERY Advertisement A Glenview resident reported Oct. 26 several checks deposited in the United States Mail were cashed with different names and in different amounts. A man died in the hospital early Monday morning after police say he was shot outside a northwest Roanoke residence Sunday night. This is an ongoing homicide investigation, police said in a press release Monday. The victim is the 17th person to die as a result of a shooting in the city since Jan. 1. At about 9:30 p.m. Sunday, the citys 911 call center told police that there was a person with a gunshot wound in the 700 block of 29th Street Northwest. Officers went to the scene and found a man outside a residence with what looked like critical gunshot wounds. That night, Roanoke Fire-EMS personnel transported the man to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment. On Monday morning, officers were told that the man had died from his wounds. Police said his identity will be released after his family is notified. Details about what led to the shooting are limited, police said. No suspects were located on scene and no arrests have been made. If you know something about the shooting, call 540-344-8500 to share what you know with the police. You can also send a text beginning with RoanokePD to 274637. Police say both calls and texts can remain anonymous. Tuesday, Nov. 8, is Election Day and the vote across the country will determine party majorities in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. In the New River Valley, the main ballot race is the 9th District contest between U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, and his Democratic challenger, Taysha DeVaughan. There are a few other competitive races in some NRV localities. In Radford, voters will choose a majority of city council seats. Six candidates are running for four seats. The candidates include: Kellie Banks Artrip, Bob Davis Jr., incumbent Jessie Foster, Seth Gillespie, Janiele Hamden and Chad McClanahan. Council incumbent Naomi Huntingtons name will be on the ballot, but she decided to end her campaign in September. Radford voters will also decide a competitive school board race, with four candidates running for three seats. The candidates are: Gloria Boyd, Chris Calfee, Ed Dickenson and Jane Swing. Although school board candidates do not formally declare a political party affiliation in Radford, the city Republican Committee endorsed Calfee, Boyd and Dickenson. In Pulaski County, there are two board of supervisors races that will be decided: incumbents Adam Hall and Chris Stafford are running in the Cloyd District; and Colette Hairston Hash and incumbent Jeffery Reeves are running in the Robinson District. In Giles County, there are two competitive town council races. In Narrows, R.E. Bobby Lucas, Clyde Turner and Joseph Joe Goorskey are running for two seats. In Rich Creek, Chris Wickline and M. Darlene French are in a race for an unexpired council term. Polls will be open at precincts in all NRV localities from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. The Roanoke Times CHRISTIANSBURG Roy McGlothlin said hes always been current on rent in the time hes lived at the Massies Mobile Home Park located in Montgomery County on Peppers Ferry Road between the town and the Radford arsenal. But following a recent change of ownership at the sizable park, he's been told he still owes at least hundreds of dollars in rent. McGlothlin is one of many residents at Massies that have over the past several weeks say they are confused over the issuance of numerous notices regarding their statuses, including some of the claims made in the forms. Now, many of them are voicing doubt about their future at the park and even fear evictions soon. Were all going to be homeless, said Siera Brammer, another park resident. Several residents interviewed by The Roanoke Times lamented long-standing maintenance issues that have yet to be resolved by management, but each said their concerns with the park began worsening a few months ago following the sale of the property to a firm with ties to a hedge fund that has gained notoriety in recent years over its purchase and attempted purchases of a number of newspapers across the country. Massies is just one of a number of parks in the country that has been taken over by Homes of America, the firm that shares an address with the company Alden Global Capital. News outlets in states such as North Dakota and Florida reported concerns among residents of rent hikes and evictions. Mike Bullard, a spokesman for nonprofit ROC USA, said the parks have proven to be very lucrative investment properties. Certainly, there has been an upward trend in the last five to 10 years in the purchasing of manufactured home communities all across the country, said Bullard, whose organization is known for helping local communities buy their mobile home parks. What we hear from homeowners is that they think local ownership and control is best. That local ownership has shown to help control rents, Bullard said. The organization has seen that local ownership has frequently led to less than 1% increases in rent, he said. On the other hand, properties owned by an outside commercial entity or investor often sees rents go up by 4% to 6% a year, he said. The change in ownership In August, long-time park owner Billy Massie sold it to Massie MHP LLC for $10 million, according to Montgomery County property records. The entire property, both land and buildings, is valued at approximately $2.6 million for tax purposes, county records show. Massie, however, told tenants in a notice sent out in April that he had received an offer from a third party to buy the property for $16.8 million, a deal he said he intended to accept. The parks ownership profile provided online by the county shows another firm, Homes of America LLC, which also has taken over other parks across the country via other limited liability companies. The countys ownership information lists an address in Englewood, New Jersey, for Massie MHP and Homes of America. The same address is listed for firm Smith Management LLC, according to information found via the New York Department of States Division of Corporations. Alden Global Capital, the hedge fund that has received much attention and scrutiny in recent years over its buyouts and gutting of newspapers, is described as a division of Smith Management LLC in a 2008 form filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Additionally, Tom Del Bosco is named in the ownership section of Montgomery Countys property records file on Massies. Del Bosco was shown to be an executive at Smith Management on LinkedIn, but that profile had disappeared as of Friday. Del Bosco was listed as an executive officer at Alden in another form filed with the SEC years ago. A Roanoke-based attorney who represents Massies new owners couldnt be reached for comment on the situation at the park. Rachel Muse, who heads Massies management and who several tenants specifically took issue with, was unavailable for comment. A staff person who answered the phone Friday said management is making no comment on the matter. Attorneys with Southwest Virginia Legal Aid in Christiansburg said this week that it doesnt appear the parks new owners are planning any changes with Massies park use any time soon. Legal Aid regularly represents low-income tenants, including ones who receive assistance through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The organization was at a Massies tenant meeting Saturday to give an overview of tenant rights. Residents wonder what is happening McGlothlin, the mobile home park resident and a former construction worker whos currently on disability, said he was confused when in late September he found a notice attached to his porch claiming an account delinquency of $743.49. The notice informed the tenants that they would be required to vacate the property within 30 days for the incurable lease violation. Some short time later, McGlothlin said he paid $750 to cover the rent for October. He said the rent on the trailer he shares with his partner Annetta Wilkins is actually $700, and the additional $50 was for utilities. He said the utilities, which had been billed separately by the previous management, usually cost them about $50 a month. But ever since they learned about the formal change of ownership at Massies in August, the couple have been provided with little to no clarity on their monthly utility costs, McGlothlin said during a recent interview. The amount intended for utilities in the October rent payment was really just based off of guess work, he said. The couple then received another notice on Oct. 18, this time claiming a delinquency of $713.49 for the period of Aug. 1 to that day. I thought we was paid up, McGlothlin said. McGlothlin said the purchase price for the park has led him to suspect the owners are planning something different in the future, which has left him unsettled. Regarding his own billing problems, McGlothlin said he tried to address the questionable amounts with park management but was rudely rebuffed. He said he then realized he would have to settle the matter in court. McGlothlin said the issue over the claimed delinquency is just one of several problems he and Wilkins have experienced with the new management. We dont have the money to just pick up and move out, McGlothlin said. Brammer is a HUD recipient and another resident who has run into issues with her exact amount owed. Im on HUD. I receive a housing voucher for each month, she said. Brammer, whose lease ends on Dec. 31, said the first notice in September demanded just over $1,100. She said she was current on her payments until August, when it was no longer clear to who or where rent should be paid. She said she was responsible for just under $300 of the $1,100, while HUD covers the rest. Brammer recalled going to the main office in October in hopes of working out her outstanding bills. She then learned the amount she was said to owe had jumped to nearly $1,900. Brammer said she pointed out she was doing that before Oct. 15 because thats when she was told by HUD that its share of the rent had been processed. She, however, said management didnt seem to have worked out that detail and still claims roughly $1,900 from her. On Oct. 17, the day before the second notice to quit went out, she said she learned she would face eviction even if she paid her portion of rent. Its been a roller coaster ride. Mr. Massie wouldnt have let this happen, said Brammer, whos looking forward to the end of her lease. Im getting out of here. Im not dealing with this anymore. Brammer, a mother of two with another child on the way, acknowledges she was probably less responsible earlier on in her life. But she said she has a family to take care of now. There was a part of my life where I didnt pay my rent and didnt care, but Im not that person anymore, said Brammer, who hopes to land a job with an insurance agency soon. The case at Massies has gained greater public attention over the past few weeks due to the efforts of Sarah Rupp, an aide at nearby Belview Elementary School. Rupp organized the Saturday meeting and has spent time canvassing the park to tell tenants about the event. Last month, Rupp wrote and circulated a piece on thevirginiaworker.com titled Wall Street Becomes New Slumlord in Southwest Virginia. The article goes into some depth about the case at Massies, the impact it could have on the children who live at the park and attend Belview Elementary and Aldens recent dealings and history. Rupp spoke about the park being among the few places its residents can afford to live locally in light of sharp increases in rent and the overall cost of housing in the Christiansburg area. She also shed light on the multitude of unaddressed maintenance issues. Some of the points that have particularly gained Rupps attention are the effects of the ordeal on children and the eviction fears. Some of the children have special needs, she said. And what is going to happen to all the kids who get evicted? Rupp wrote. Finance capitalism is killing life in America. Mass evictions are traumatizing children and further impoverishing working class families. Without guaranteed home ownership and nationalized banking, wealthy executives like Tom Del Bosco will continue playing Monopoly with our lives. They will gut us for our money and throw our kids and our dogs out into the streets. Legal Aids attorneys said Thursday that they had seen about 20 Massies tenants by that time. The organization said it has spotted discrepancies with the notices to quit it has seen. The forms cite 2018 laws that are no longer in effect, said Kristi Murray, a staff attorney with the organization. The code sections referenced in the September notices were repealed and replaced due to an overhaul of landlord-tenant law in 2019, she said. Then, several amounts claimed were not the correct ones owed by the tenant who was served, Murray said. There are indeed some tenants who are simply behind, but the organization noticed amounts specifically owed by HUD and not the tenants themselves, she said. Legal Aid is working with Massies Roanoke attorney, Bryan Grimes Creasy, to try to reconcile some of the accounts and hopes to resolve the situation some time in the future. Murray said its likely the cases theyve looked at have given them a somewhat accurate picture of the kinds of notices that have been served elsewhere at Massies. But I do fear they [Massies] perhaps started taking action before they could have the benefit of a local attorney, she said. Evictions and the law Many residents have received what's known as a "notice to quit" or pay or quit letter. Those are submitted when a tenant hasnt been paying their rent or utilities, said Chris Tuck, a Blacksburg-based attorney involved in property management and who has represented landlords in court before. While its part of the greater process of a possible eviction, the notice itself is not an eviction, he said. A landlord deciding simply not to renew a lease due perhaps to a change of plans or functions for the property is an entirely different matter not governed by a notice to quit, Tuck said. An eviction itself must clear several steps, including the issuance of the pay or quit notice, before its actually served, Tuck said. The landlord must file an unlawful detainer suit, then wait for a judge to determine if the tenant is in fact behind on rent, he said. If its found the tenant is behind on rent, they can be evicted and the judge gives them 10 days to leave the property, he said. If the tenant still refuses to leave, the landlord can obtain a writ of eviction after the 10 days, which will then prompt the sheriffs office to put the resident on notice that theyll arrive in 72 hours, Tuck said. Landlords then can take one of two options, Tuck said. They can change the locks on the door while giving the tenant the opportunity to move out their belongings. Or move the residents belongings to a nearby public easement under the watch of law enforcement. At the quickest, it can probably take about 45 days to actually get evicted, but the more usual time frame is 60 to 70 days, Tuck said. You cant snap your fingers and you get evicted, said Tuck, who is a former member of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors and represented the district that includes Massies. What does the future hold? Mobile home park resident Emory Booker, a Vietnam War veteran whos battling lung cancer, said hes still waiting for several issues to be fixed at his home. He and some of his family members talked about a floor thats been rotting away, black mold on the ceiling and the heat not working. Booker, who lost his wife during the summer, said he learned a few weeks ago that he owed $3,000 in backpay, an amount he, his daughter Leslie Richards and her husband Travis Richards each said theyre not even sure is accurate. Money is the root of all evil, Leslie Richards said. They do not care that youre human. FREDERICKSBURG Fredericksburgs slave auction block is bigger than many people knew. When it sat at the corner of William and Charles streets its former location for more than 170 years a significant portion of it was underground. Now installed in a ground floor gallery at the Fredericksburg Area Museum, its true size is apparent all 1,000 pounds of it. But the single chunk of Aquia sandstone carries even more weight than that. The foundation of this exhibit is for people to understand the historical and emotional weight of the block, said Gaila Sims, FAMs new curator of African American history and special projects. It is imbued with our feelings. A Monumental Weight is the name of the new exhibit featuring the auction block that opened Saturday. The block was on public display at the museum during the fall in 2020, several months after it was removed from its former location. At that time, it was blocked from being immediately visible by a partition. Sims said that was because museum staff were worried about the profanity that was spray-painted on the block when it became a focus of the social justice protests that occurred after George Floyds murder. But Sims said all the conversations with community members shes had and all the volumes of reading shes done since starting in her position this past August led her to the conclusion that people wanted the space to be more open. In addition to reading and talking, Sims said she spent lots of time standing alone before the block, thinking, How can we make this space what people want and need? For the new exhibit, the partition has been removed and the block is in the open. Panels immediately surrounding it tell the story of its early history and what is known about the people who were bought and sold there, as well as about the domestic slave trade in Virginia, which after the 1808 abolishment of the international slave trade, became Virginias largest industry. Additional panels will describe the series of community conversations that took place from 2017 to 2019 and led to City Councils vote to move the block from its original location and the events of the summer of 2020, when the block became a symbol of racial oppression during the downtown Black Lives Matter protests. Another wall of the gallery explores the auction blocks emotional weight by presenting historical descriptions, first-person reflections, social media posts and news reports about the auction block over the years. That part of the exhibit is a living archive, Sims said. Visitors to the exhibit are invited to write down their own reflections and can choose to have those reflections added to the wall, she said. Visitors can also write their reflections in a notebook or submit them online via a QR code. The reflection space will also acknowledge everyone who helped Sims and the rest of the FAM staff develop the exhibit. Its important for people to know that we didnt just decide what would go here on our own, Sims said. Sims said she thinks its important that the community members can now choose whether or not they want to see the auction block. For some people, it had become such a part of the landscape of downtown that they didnt really see it anymore, while for others, it was devastating every time they encountered it, she said. And because history is evolving and never static, If what is here doesnt work, we can change it, Sims said. An accompanying digital exhibit on FAMs website will expand on the in-person exhibit, providing deeper contextualization of the blocks history, Virginias relationship to the market in enslaved people, and enslaved peoples experiences of being bought and sold, according to a press release about the exhibit. Sims will present a series of free public presentations on the auction block in January and February, when the museum is closed. The talks will be held on Jan. 6, at noon; Jan. 12 at 7 p.m.; Jan. 23 at 11 a.m.; Feb. 11 at 2 p.m.; and Feb. 26 at 1:30 p.m. For more information, visit famva.org. Two years ago, Confederate statues were on the ballot in Virginia. Specifically, six county governments Halifax, Warren, Tazewell, Lunenburg, Franklin and Charles City had tossed the question to voters as to whether or not a Confederate monument standing next to a courthouse should be moved. As per a newly enacted state law related to the disposition of war memorials, the results of the referendums were nonbinding. County boards of supervisors were not required to follow the results. However, disappointing to some, vindicating to others, the results were utterly predictable. In each county, more than 55% of voters, in some cases substantially more, indicated they wanted those statues to stay put. Backed up by the referendum results, boards that likely had little appetite to move the statues in the first place let them be. In 2021, in Mathews, Middlesex and Nottoway counties, this cycle repeated. Despite the oppression these monuments symbolized, they are going nowhere, at least for now. As Election Day approaches this year, at least one of those counties has taken a step to make its courthouse exterior more inclusive, a welcome development, one that other localities could productively duplicate. The Tazewell County Board of Supervisors commissioned a mural. (Attentive readers of this space will know that were big fans of public art in general and outdoor murals in particular.) As reported in the Richlands News-Press and in Cardinal News, the mural, called Standing Tall and Proud: African American Heritage in Tazewell County, is the brainchild of Ellen Elmes, a retired Southwest Virginia Community College faculty member with a number of public art projects under her belt. Though Elmes found Tazewell Countys vote on the monument disappointing, she converted that energy into action, bringing a proposal to the county to put portraits of important African American figures from Tazewell history on an outer courthouse wall. The board unanimously approved the project in April 2021 and appointed a citizens committee to research who should be portrayed in the mural. The finished art, dedicated Oct. 29, was a collaborative community project, with 10 artists assisting Elmes in designing and painting the subjects of the 16 life-sized portraits. The men and women depicted in the mural were business leaders, civil rights leaders, educators, poets, politicians. One, Jimmy Higginbotham, was Tazewells first Black police chief. In terms of eras, they range from those born into slavery to one who died as recently as 2019. Born Black in Tazewell County, with incredible odds against them, these individuals on this wall emerged from the shadows of enslavement, Jim Crow, segregation and integration, said Mabel Horton, Standing Tall committee co-chair, at the dedication. They countered hate with love for their families and their communities. Tazewell County Administrator Eric Young told the assembled that he hoped the mural would inspire future generations, so that children of any race can come here and look at this mural and say, if they painted such strokes in their time, against such adversity, how much more can I do in mine? Elmes concept is an excellent one to export, and even those communities reluctant to shed Confederate ties should consider it. Perhaps especially those communities. " " This January 2022 image shows an aerial view of the Nile River in Egypt's southern province of Qena, north of Luxor. AMIR MAKAR/AFP/Getty Images Rivers are great collectors. As freshwater molecules flow along the landscape, gravity forces them to seek the lowest possible ground, where they gather with other water molecules. The collected water soon becomes a trickle. Trickles join together to form small creeks, which then join to form larger streams and, ultimately, rivers. A watershed is an area of land that drains all the water in a particular area to a single point: the place where a river meets the ocean. The size of a watershed can be big or small, depending on the landscape, and some watersheds can be massive. Massive watersheds often make for humongous rivers. Advertisement Where a few creeks and streams running together end and a river begins is difficult to determine, but in order to rank rivers by their length, they've got to start somewhere and a bit of arbitrary fudging has to happen in order to measure them. However, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, "the length [of a river] may be considered to be the distance from the mouth to the most distant headwater source (irrespective of stream name) or from the mouth to the headwaters of the stream commonly identified as the source stream." So, here they are, from the Nile to the Congo the nine longest rivers in the world: FLORENCE, S.C. More than 14% of South Carolinas nearly 3.4 million registered voters already have cast their ballots for the 2022 general election. Approximately 500,000 South Carolina registered voters went to the poll during the states 12-day early voting period, which ended Saturday. More than 50,000 registered voters had turned in their absentee ballots. The South Carolina General Assembly created the 12-day early voting window earlier this year. Gov. Henry McMaster signed the early-voting legislation into law in May. Early voting was used in the June primaries. November 8 is the first time early voting has been used in a general election. Tuesday polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the rest of the states registered voters to vote in the mid-term general election. Federal, state, county, municipal and school board races will be in the ballot. City of Florence voters also will be deciding whether retailers will be able to sell beer and wine on Sundays. Two questions on the ballot would amend the state constitution to require legislators to increase the amount of money put in the states rainy-day fund from 5% of the states annual revenues to $7%. The second question requires legislators to increase the amount of money put into the capital expense reserves fund. The amount would be changed from 2% of the states annual revenues to 3%. Florence Countys registered voters took advantage of the early voting period. Florence County had established early voting sites in Florence, Lake City, Timmonsville and Johnsonville, Florence County Voter Registration and Election Board Director Julian Young said. We have had record numbers on early voting, Young said. We have been having over a thousand voters a day it seems like all the way through this period. We are pleased with the turnout. Florence County has 82,912 registered voters, according to the latest numbers available from the South Carolina Election Commissions website scvotes.gov. There are 63 voting precincts in the county. The Florence County Voter Registration and Election Board is prepared for election day on Tuesday, he said. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Young said. Anyone in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote. All precincts will be open. Check your voter registration card; your precinct number will be on there. It will show you where to vote, too. Registered voters also can check their registration, review a sample ballot and find their polling place at scvotes.gov. Registered voters will need to take a photo ID to cast their ballot. Accepted photo IDs are a South Carolina drivers license, South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card, South Carolina Voter Registration Card with photo, federal military ID and a United States passport. At each one of our polls, we have a full staff. They are fully equipped with their certification. They will be working to make sure everything is safe, secure and impartial. We have the voting machines ready to go, Young said. Young encouraged registered voters who didnt vote early to go to the polls on Tuesday. We want you to come vote. We are excited that people are turning out so well, he said. Provocative Austrian auteur Ulrich Seidl saw the world premiere premiere of Sparta pulled from the line-up at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, based on the allegations from an article in Der Spiegel one day before the premiere. The largest Czech documentary gathering, Jihlava International Film Festival, decided to screen it and also hold its first ethics conference, where the organizers addressed the issue around the film. Festival director Marek Hovorka wanted to open a discussion by screening the film, while the filmmaker himself issued a statement at the time of Der Spiegel' s article, dismissing the allegations. Local authorities investigated the case and did not find any violations. The controversial Austrian filmmaker spent the pandemic editing his latest project, titled Wicked Games (Bose Spiele), which wrapped shooting back in 2019. In February 2022, he revealed the first part of the project Rimini (read the review) at Berlinale. The film turned out to be a part of a diptych about two Austrian brothers living in their adopted countries. The brothers are temporarily reunited at their mothers funeral. They take turns taking care of their elderly father, who lives in a care facility, suffering from Alzheimer's and sudden bouts of his Nazi past. Richie Bravo, the artistic name of the Rimini protagonist, earns a living serenading elderly women in the off-season Italian seaside town of Rimini while working part-time as a gigolo. On the other hand, his brother Ewald (Georg Friedrich) chooses a voluntary exile in Romania. Rimini and Sparta, the Wicked Games brotherhood, resemble Seidl's male take on his Paradise trilogy. Both projects are headlined by the filmmaker's primary anthropological subject: loneliness and the accompanying human plight. Sparta feels like vintage Seidl, when the filmmaker gravitated considerably more toward the documentary side in his big-screen works. As Rimini and Sparta are both clear-cut character studies, Seidl switches to a slow-burning observatory and contemplative mode of inner turmoil in Sparta, as opposed to the rambunctious and voyeuristic plot-driven tragicomedy Rimini. Anemic in terms of plotting to the extent of slow cinema, sad sack Ewald wanders through rural Romania reconstructing ancient, dilapidated schools and convening local impoverished kids to teach them judo for free. The career shift to become a gratuitous teacher of a contact sport to prepubescent boys from broken families comes after a sexual underperformance, followed by the break-up with his girlfriend. The director leaves little to the imagination, and it becomes fairly obvious that Ewald harnesses pedophiliac urges. He does not fully succumb to them yet he cannot completely restrain himself. The inner struggle becomes the crux of the film. The central story is based on a true story of a German man, Markus Roth, who offered free judo lessons to young boys in poor areas of Romania. He was busted by Interpol in Project Spade, which targeted an international pedophile ring with a base in Canada. Sparta reconstructs the core of the Markus Roth case. More importantly and disturbingly, the film is not a judgemental denouncement of predatory pedophiles but spotlights finer details. Seidl chose a different direction than his colleague Markus Schleinzer in Michael. Ewald does not touch the kids, at least not in an inappropriate manner, and showers them with fatherly care and attention. He teaches them judo, builds them a fortress, provides them with a water tank to splash in, and gives them centurion-like armor and nicknames from Greek mythology. Nothing explicitly inappropriate or graphically shocking takes place in front of the camera. With one exception that may trigger a sensitive audience: Ewald, in the heat of the moment of a childish play, takes off his trunks spontaneously in the showers. There is a second when the boys are a bit startled but continue horsing around. It is an extremely awkward moment. Rimini entails a longer list of cringe moments, adequately milked for distressing effect, but those are strictly between adults. It is a risque move by the director, as well as the actor, who performs the scene in a state of sexual arousal. In its ambiguous delivery, Sparta is a portrait of "a good pedophile". Ewald gives neglected and abused kids the attention they have been robbed of by their fathers. Czech filmmaker Veronika Liskova did something similar, albeit more open in Daniel's World, where he lets a young pedophile explain what it is to live with a sexual attraction to minors. The titular character talks about his daily, torturous thoughts and the willpower he has to exercise to avoid transgression. Markus Roth's story, which inspired Seidl and his writing partner Veronika Franz, however, has a darker side. Roth was busted for selling videos and photos of young boys frolicking naked, which were deemed by the Romanian court as "obscene" and classified as child pornography. This led to exposing of what Toronto detectives called "the largest pornography ring" they have ever seen with 348 arrests across 90 countries. The latter part of Roth's case is missing from Sparta or is at least taking part off-screen. Ultimately, Seidl reveals Ewald taking non-nude photos of his trainees. Nevertheless, any connection to a possible pedophile ring is completely obscured, even though it would be the most plausible explanation how a jobless ex-pat could go on, month by month, offering free judo lessons and buying ramshackle real estate properties. Sparta wields two complementary layers. The first is strictly psychological and depicts the protagonist's conflict with himself. The second layer extends to a social dimension, portraying Ewald as somebody who attempts to remedy a miserable childhood for kids neglected by their parents, even if the charity is driven by non-offending sexual attraction. The moral conflict fans the tension that keeps carrying the almost contemplative film. which Seidl deliberately keeps in a grey zone. And that's the reason the director avoids incriminating the protagonist on the screen. If Rimini is the male counterpart to Paradise: Love, Sparta is the male equivalent of Paradise: Hope. Sparta has a toned-down approach to the story and narrative compared to the raucous Rimini. Where Rimini feels more like a fiction film, Sparta's docu-fiction nature gets more blurred by the fact that the story is a reconstruction, with the vilest parts muted. Seidl picked local kids who further interact with Georg Friedrich in the main role. The choice to pick nonprofessional actors, social actors, makes the whole situation around Ewald more discomforting, thrusting the filmmaking into a social experiment. This once again pushes the whole venture into the territory of documentary filmmaking. The whole setup is a tricky situation, even though the director claims all the works on and off the set have been adequately supervised. Seidl has already pulled a similar stunt in his previous work Import/Export when depicting a Roma district in Eastern Europe for shock value. Whether any form of exploitation took place with poverty-stricken families that allowed their children to star in the film cannot be judged by the viewing experience. Seidl had previously worked with nonprofessional actors and managed to come out with strange and disturbing material. The method had not been yet challenged by any authorities. What is troubling about Sparta is that in addition to reconstructing Markus Roth's case, the situation with kids appears to reconstruct their true experiences as abused children and thus putting them through the trauma again. Octavian, the young kid on whom Ewald has an obvious crush is seen experiencing obviously distressing interactions (these interactions are directly referred to in the Der Spiegel piece). Seidl once again cements his reputation as a controversial filmmaker while opening up a discussion about the borders of docu-fiction filmmaking, not just ethical borders, but conceptual as well. Matcha & Me: Meant to be By Rachel Barnecut In high school, my superlative was "most approachable." Although it was fun to be recognized for anything, I balked at it. I knew what it meant to be approachable, but it wasn't one of the romanticized superlatives in the movies. Joke's on me, because little did I know that I'd spend my adult life trying to make things more approachable. First, it was via user-centered design: creating interfaces for systems so they were easy and intuitive for people to use. Now onto my second act: matcha. On a trip to China in 2019 with my husband, we visited tea fields and the National Tea Museum. We tried a variety of teas, including matcha. For the newly initiated, matcha is made by grinding green tea leaves into a fine powder. I fell in love with not only the taste, but how it made me feel: focused, productive, and energized. With coffee, the jolt was sudden and the anxiety was soon to follow. When you drink matcha, you consume the entire green tea leaf. As a result, you reap all of the leaf's benefits: antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and my favorite part, a hefty dose of an amino acid called L-Theanine. L-Theanine causes your brain to produce feel-good chemicals, reduce stress, and increase focus. In combination with caffeine, it results in a calm yet energized state. Matcha Magic's Ube Over time, I've come to learn that much like grapes for wine, the growing and production processes impact the flavor. I've experimented with matcha from both China and Japan, and now I love the earthy, umami flavor of Japanese matcha. Due to the way it is produced, Japanese matcha is smoother and less bitter. It also retains more nutrients and has a higher amount of antioxidants. Years before our trip to China, I had been a barista in college. I experienced the early morning buzz of being a part of someone's routine, the waves and variety of customers throughout the day, and the peace of putting the store back together at night in preparation to do it all again the next day. Matcha was present, but coffee was the star of the show. Familiarity, convenience, and a variety of options made coffee the obvious choice for most people looking for their daily caffeine hit. But after drinking matcha regularly, the benefits I experienced made it the choice obvious for me-more focus, no caffeine-induced anxiety, and better sleep to name a few. I wanted to be the one to educate, familiarize, and, not in so many words, make matcha approachable. To me, that meant essentially establishing the modern matcha house experience and giving matcha the space it deserved, by pairing it with complementary flavors, crafting drinks that people loved to look at and to drink, and becoming a part of a person's routine. The thing that has been the most fun in "modernizing" matcha has been incorporating things that are not modern at all. I love enhancing matcha-a superfood in its own right-with adaptogens and other superfoods. I have been able to put on my researcher hat to learn about the usage and benefits of adaptogens, and to incorporate them based on what I need, or help customers figure out what they need. With every combination of different boosters, I feel like a student at Hogwarts. It is difficult to connect the dots in the moment, but in hindsight, the progression from barista, to matcha convert, to user centered designer, to making matcha more approachable might have seemed obvious all along. Rachel Barnecut opened Matcha Magic in 2022, after a trip to Asia where she fell in love with matcha during visits to tea fields. Returning to Bellevue, she dreamed up a way to revolutionize these classic drinks and created the first plant-forward matcha cafe in Bellevue. Matcha Magic donates 5% of its sales to Ladies Who Launch, and is backed by Conscious Hospitality Group. Matcha Magic 10246 Main St, Ste A Bellevue, WA 98004 www.itsmatchamagic.com November 2022 Recapping last week's SCOTUS arguments in two complicated review procedure cases | Main | Are there going to be five executions in four US states over the next ten days? November 7, 2022 Three notable dissents from denials of cert in criminal case on latest SCOTUS order list The Supreme Court this morning released this 54-page(!) order list, and nearly 50 pages are comprised of dissents from the denial of cert by a handful of justices in five distinct cases. Here is a (too brief) accounting of the three criminal cases in this number: In Anthony v. Louisiana, Justice Sotomayor dissents from the denial of certiorari, joined by Justice Jackson, and her 15-page dissent concludes this way: Our criminal justice system holds prosecutors to a high standard. The prosecutor is the representative not of an ordinary party to a controversy, but of a sovereignty. Berger, 295 U. S., at 88. From that special role, improper suggestions, insinuations, and, especially, assertions of personal knowledge are apt to carry much weight against the accused when they should properly carry none. Ibid.... These principles demand careful scrutiny of the rare cases in which a prosecutor takes the stand as a sworn witness in a jury trial. Because this case presents one of the most egregious instances of prosecutorial testimony amounting to prosecutorial misconduct, I respectfully dissent from the Courts refusal to issue a summary reversal. in In Khorrami v. Arizona, Justice Gorsuch dissents from the denial of certiorari (which was not joined by Justice Kavanaugh, though he did indicate he would grant the petition). His 10-page dissent starts and concludes this way: The State of Arizona convicted Ramin Khorrami of serious crimes before an 8-member jury. On appeal, Mr. Khorrami sought a new trial, arguing that the Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution guarantee individuals like him a trial before 12 members of the community.... For almost all of this Nations history and centuries before that, the right to trial by jury for serious criminal offenses meant the right to a trial before 12 members of the community. In 1970, this Court abandoned that ancient promise and enshrined in its place bad social science parading as law. That mistake continues to undermine the integrity of the Nations judicial proceedings and deny the American people a liberty their predecessors long and justly considered inviolable. Todays case presented us with an opportunity to correct the error and admit what we know the law is and has always been. Respectfully, we should have done just that. In Chinn v. Shoop, Justice Jackson dissents from the denial of certiorari, joined by Justice Sotomayor, and her 2-page dissent starts and concludes this way: This is a capital case involving a violation of Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963). There is no dispute that, during the capital trial of petitioner Davel Chinn, the State suppressed exculpatory evidence indicating that the States key witness, Marvin Washington, had an intellectual disability that may have affected Washingtons ability to remember, perceive fact from fiction, and testify accurately.... Because Chinns life is on the line, and given the substantial likelihood that the suppressed records would have changed the outcome at trial based on the Ohio courts own representations, see Harrington v. Richter, 562 U.S. 86, 112 (2011), I would summarily reverse to ensure that the Sixth Circuit conducts its materiality analysis under the proper standard. November 7, 2022 at 09:51 AM | Permalink Comments Can't get Justice Kagan for even one of them? Goodness gracious. Posted by: Bill Otis | Nov 8, 2022 12:48:54 AM In Florida, a 12-person jury is reserved for capital offenses. All others are 6-person juries. This rule came about at the dawn of the Jim Crow era.. The Khorrami petition had the defense bar doing something that it had never done before: seriously thinking about what it would be like to be entitled to a 12-person jury in any serious case. It would be quite powerful. Its harder to convince 12. A jury of 12 would be more likely to have minority members, significantly changing the dynamic. The right to a jury of 12 would put a lot more power in the hands of defendants, and it would weed out many of the weak and trivial cases that are brought in court everyday. So we pinned a great deal of hope on that petition. And now . . . Posted by: Florida Public Defender | Nov 8, 2022 5:02:40 AM Post a comment A star witness who flipped against his co-defendant in a 1998 Hammond triple homicide was sentenced to 45 years Friday in line with the deal he struck with prosecutors. David L. Copley, 47, of Franklin, Indiana, admitted a role in the slaying, according to court documents filed in September 2021. He agreed to testify in exchange for limiting his prison sentence for murder to a single term. Advertisement Prosecutors alleged James Higgason III, 52, and Copley beat Elva Tamez, then 36, Jerod Hodge, 18, and Timothy Ross, 16 to death on Jan. 18, 1998, with pieces of wood or metal pipes, records state. They were trying to get drugs and cash in Tamezs home, a suspected crack house on the 4600 block of Torrence Avenue in Hammond, according to court documents. David Copley secretly taped two phone conversations with Higgason, of Whiting, in May 1998 where the latter man both denied and vaguely alluded to possible involvement, an affidavit stated. Advertisement Higgason said he was haunted, too, by what happened, without explicitly saying it was murder. The only way out is to get away with it, Higgason allegedly told Copley in one recording. During Higgasons trial, defense lawyers Mark Gruenhagen and Matthew Fech said the evidence against their client was thin and Copley wasnt credible because he flipped in exchange for his testimony. Witnesses said Tamez had let Hodge and Ross move in shortly before the murders to sell drugs there. Both Copley and Higgason were among a handful of early suspects, but were not charged at the time. Back then, DNA tests turned up inconclusive. Decades later in 2020, as technology became more sophisticated, Indiana State Police linked DNA from Tamezs fingernail clippings to Copley. A secondary, but much more limited hit came from Higgason, court records show. Both men were charged in January 2021. Copley had gone to the police in 1998 alleging Higgason instigated the murders, threatening to kill him if he did not cooperate, court records show. Advertisement Charges were presented against Higgason and Copley at the time of the original incident but due to the evidence that could be obtained at that time, charges were not accepted, a Hammond Police news release said previously. At the time, police said they had no suspects or a motive in the slayings. * Airline reported record quarterly revenue in Q2 * Passenger yields were 32% above 2019 levels in Q2 * Bookings strong through Lunar New Year period - executive (Adds yield and revenue details, shares) By Jamie Freed Nov 7 (Reuters) - Singapore Airlines Ltd (SIA) expects passenger yields, a proxy for airfares, could decline in 2023 as rival airlines bring back planes idled during the pandemic and add capacity, a senior executive said on Monday. "We would not expect yields to stay at the same elevated levels we were at in 2022," SIA Executive Vice President Commercial Lee Lik Hsin told analysts and media of the outlook on an earnings call. The airline on Friday swung to a second-quarter profit and declared its first dividend in three years as international borders reopened and travel demand rebounded strongly in the three months ended on Sept. 30. SIA's passenger yields across its group airlines were 32% higher during the quarter than during the same quarter in 2019 before the pandemic decimated air travel, according to Reuters calculations based on the respective financial results. The airline reported record revenue in the second quarter despite flying only 68% as much passenger capacity as it did in 2019 amid strong pent-up demand for travel during the peak summer season. Lee said bookings remained strong through the Lunar New Year holiday in January 2023, but it was a little early to determine demand beyond that period apart from some promotional sales that were performing well. SIA said on Friday that higher fuel prices, inflationary pressures across the supply chain, geopolitical issues and the risk of a global recession remained a concern beyond the Lunar New Year period. The airline's shares were trading 1.5% higher at 0315 GMT on Monday, having risen by as much as 3% in early trading to the highest level since June. The second-quarter earnings were released after the market had closed on Friday. (Reporting by Jamie Freed in Sydney; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Christopher Cushing) Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos just jetted off to London, England, but they're not there to see Buckingham Palace. No, in fact, the couple actually went to visit their daughter, Lola, 21, who is currently studying abroad in the city. Ripa documented the reunion on her Instagram Story, where she started out with a picture of herself hugging her daughter, and she captioned it, Missed my girl more than I can describe @theyoungestyung. Kelly Ripa/Instagram Although Lola is a rising junior at New York University, the music student is currently spending time abroad in London. Ripa commented on her daughter's overseas experience back in June during an episode of Live with Kelly and Ryan, when she said, It is Lola Consuelos's 21st birthday. We are waiting for her to get backshe's in Europe right now. Yes, poor Lola. In addition to this photo of the mom and daughter embracing, Ripa also posted a photo of Lola hugging her father. To add to her message about missing her middle child, Ripa wrote, So did @instasuelos. Kelly Ripa/Instagram After these initial snaps, Ripa posted pics to her Story of the 21-year-old leading them around the city and acting as their tour guide. In a few of the photos, the mom and daughter were seen walking arm-in-arm and holding shopping bags. Then, it appears the trio got dinner together, because Ripa posted a photo of her and Consuelos seated together at a table, and she wrote, Mom and dad with jet lag. She also added a London sticker to the image. Kelly Ripa/Instagram Not only did Lola show her parents around the city, but she also showed support for her mom by posing with her new memoir, Live Wire. In one pic, Lola smiled while holding up the book. In another, Ripa showed her reading through the pages and making a surprised face, and the Live host jokingly captioned the photo, Juicy. Kelly Ripa/Instagram We're glad Kelly and Mark are getting some quality time with their daughter. Stay up-to-date on every breaking Kelly Ripa story by subscribing here. Kelly Ripas Daughter Lola Responds Brilliantly When Mom Threatens to Pull a Gwyneth Paltrow President of Fashion Bruno Pavlovsky and Brand Ambassador Pharrell Williams offered more details on the "three-day festival" at the Cruise 2023 Replica show in Miami. Bruno Pavlovsky and Pharrell Williams in Miami. Photo: Courtesy of Chanel On the heels of its Cruise 2023 Replica show in Miami on Nov. 4, Chanel is set to present its latest Metiers d'Art collection which spotlights the work of its specialized maisons, many of which are housed in its 19M complex in the outskirts of Paris in Dakar, Senegal on Dec. 6. This marks the first time the luxury French fashion house has st a runway show in Africa. Chanel historically hasn't had a presence anywhere on the continent (no stand-alone stores, save for a Fragrance & Beauty boutique in Cape Town, South Africa), but at a "master class" following the Cruise 2023 Replica in Miami, President of Fashion Bruno Pavlovsky said it had been "thinking of how to go there" for many years. Dakar, like many other cities across Africa, has its own fashion week (which actually runs until right before Chanel is set to come to town) and thriving industry. Senegal also is renowned within West Africa for craftsmanship and artisanal traditions. Earlier in the "master class," brand ambassador Pharrell Williams was asked about how Chanel engages with marginalized communities and works to reduce that margin, so to speak. Without naming it outright, he alluded to the upcoming Dakar show: "They're taking it all the way back to the essence in a big way." When and where The Chanel 2023 Metiers d'Art show will take place on Dec. 6 in Dakar. When it was first announced in June, the brand said: "By choosing Dakar, the House wishes to make the savoir-faire of its Metiers dArt resonate with the artistic and cultural energy of the city." The exact location hasn't been revealed just yet. Pharrell's surprise role In Miami, Pavlovsky spoke about a conversation between himself, Williams and then-creative director Karl Lagerfeld years ago in Japan, wherein they discussed Chanel's presence in Africa. For Williams, though, it went back even farther than that. Story continues "When I first started working with Chanel, it had been a dream of mine," he told the "master class" audience. "I was intimidated to ask, because I don't think a fashion house had been to that part of Africa before. But I asked Karl." The late designer was open to the idea, and Williams kept bringing it back up. "Karl was so smart and so meticulous about the choices he made, who he partnered with and where he wanted to take things," he said. "[It] got serious when we had our conversation in Japan, and they were telling me, 'We have to plan this out. We have to do this right...' This has been years and years and years and years." What to expect Pavlovsky recalled conversations with Virginie Viard about turning this idea into reality around three years ago, only to have them interrupted by the pandemic. Now, the house is ready and it's going big. The Metiers dArt show will be the anchor of a larger, three-day event that Pavlovsky and Williams refer to as a "festival." It'll bring together friends of the house including Williams and local creatives across music, film and art. The event will also mark the beginning of a larger connection between Chanel and Senegal, including a program that connects 19M with artisans, students and more. (More details to come.) "Dakar is an influential artistic capital on the international scene, particularly in areas held dear to the house, such as fashion, film, dance, music, literature and contemporary art," the brand said in a press release following the "master class." "More than just a show, this event will be part of a three-day cultural program accompanied by concrete action in terms of creative dialogue, sustainable development and the transmission of savoir-faire." "It's a challenging project, but at the same time, we're so pleased to be, for the first time, in Senegal, in Dakar, with this program," Pavlovsky said. A big part of the event will be acknowledging the history between France and Senegal. "For me, it's interesting because Senegal was once occupied by the French. It's not lost on them that this was once a French colony," Williams said. "To come there and do the exact opposite of colonization was very interesting. Because it's not just coming there to do a show. It's actually providing so many partnerships... That's unprecedented." Disclosure: Chanel paid for Fashionista's travel and accommodations to attend the Cruise 2023 Replica show, where the "master class" took place. Never miss the latest fashion industry news. Sign up for the Fashionista daily newsletter. All across the country, farmers work hard every day to produce food for the nation and their communities. Americas rich landscape allows farmers to grow a variety of crops and raise livestock. If youre a farmer, whether you produce poultry products that you take to your local market or grow corn on a large scale, you provide services on which every community depends. Being a manufacturer in the agricultural industry, Chief Agri understands the importance of supporting farmers the same way that farmers support everybody else. Chances are you're familiar with the service-oriented professionals at Chief Agri. The company has been in business for over 60 years, providing grain storage solutions to farmers. But that's not all the Nebraska-based company does. Chief Agri is a brand of Chief Industries, a business that supports the agricultural community in more ways than meets the eye. "We don't have one singular way we support our farmers," says Beth Frerichs, Chief Industries' director of marketing and communications. "We truly support our producers on a large scale in many ways." As a family-owned and -operated company that puts people first, Chiefs goal is to provide solutions that take care of your livelihood. Strong relationships drive community connection for Chief Agri At first glance, it's easy to see how Chief Agri's products benefit farmers. Many farmers are familiar with the company's innovative grain storage solutions that minimize storage costs while maximizing product quality. The company also produces the Chief Pivot Walker, which was a hot contender for the Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance's 2022 Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska competition. The Pivot Walker replaces conventional pivot tires and instead uses foot pads to trap mud and prevent deep, costly ruts in your field. And all of this is because Chief Agri listens to its customers and responds to their needs. The company values agility and relevancy and maintains direct lines of communication with the community to ensure they're always providing what farmers need. "We're with them in every single phase of growing their business, farm or co-op," says Jose Mesa, Chief Agri district manager. "We think about the entire agricultural community and industry and constantly ask how we can best support them." Chief even has its own transportation operation, Chief Carriers, to ensure that Chief can oversee care for the customers needs. Chiefs trusted carriers supply dependable transportation solutions across all 48 contiguous states and Canada. Their professionals deliver materials on time, to wherever the end customer needs them. From home to the fields, farmers can feel secure with Chief products Chief prides itself on providing durable, cost-effective solutions to farmers that dont just serve their operational needs in the field, but also serve their families at home. The companys modular home division, BonnaVilla, produces custom homes, constructed with high-quality materials at a reasonable price. With a durable home that wont break the bank, farmers can rest easy knowing they can depend on Chiefs engineering to keep their families safe. Homes arent the only tried-and-true constructs under Chiefs purview. Chief Buildings provides versatile, energy-efficient solutions across many industries and markets, including recreational facilities, retail spaces and warehouses. Whether youre a farmer who depends on Chiefs strong and environmentally conscious materials to house your equipment, or youre a business owner who needs a manufacturing space to produce the goods that support you and your family, Chief Buildings has you covered. Processes that provide income opportunities to farmers Chief does more than provide top-quality products for farmers to optimize their operations. Chief operates two of Nebraska's 24 ethanol plants, contributing to Nebraska as the No. 2 ethanol-producing state in the country. In 1990, Chief Ethanol purchased Nebraskas first dry-mill ethanol plant that has been in production since 1985. Chief acquired its second plant in 2016. Between the two plants, Chief can produce over 120 million gallons of fuel annually. Chief's presence in the ethanol industry is also an opportunity for farmers to generate income. Farmers can sell their grain to Chief's ethanol plants. Not only do the plants make ethanol from this grain, but high-value animal feed goes back into farmers' hands to support their livestock production. "We look at how we can support them on the back end, not just through grain storage, but by providing an opportunity for producers to sell directly to us," says Frerichs. "We're supporting agriculture producers on both sides." The high moisture content and transportation costs mean farmers local to Chiefs two plants experience the greatest benefits of accessing this animal feed for their livestock production. Working directly with local organizations to uplift communities The Chief Foundation is another avenue through which the company invests in the agricultural community at large. The foundation partners with local organizations to support communities where it counts. In Rensselaer, Indiana, for instance, the Chief Foundation recently provided a grant for a new childcare program to help alleviate the stress many families were facing by the childcare shortage. From supporting United Way efforts to valuing the agricultural education efforts of the FFA, Chief invests in communities, letting local partners lead the way. "We find local organizations where we know their impact will be giving to the people in the local community," says Frerichs. Chief's operating model focuses on people, whether farmers benefit from the company's line of products or families benefit from Chief's investment in their community. The folks at Chief listen to their customers' and community contacts' needs to continue earning the agricultural community's trust. This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com. The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments. Benefits make up more than 30% of the typical jobs compensation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But figuring out what your benefits are worth isnt always easy. You may need to do a little digging to find how much your employer contributes toward health insurance, retirement plans and other perks. Some benefits also have nonmonetary value, and people can value the same benefits in different ways. For example, people with health conditions are likely to appreciate guaranteed access to disability or life insurance that could be hard to get or prohibitively expensive otherwise. Someone with student loans may value a program to help with education debt far more than someone without student loan debt. Now that open enrollment season is upon us again, its a great time to review your employers current offerings. Understanding what your benefits are worth could renew your commitment to your current job or make you realize its time to seek out a better deal. If youre thinking of becoming self-employed, you can better understand how much more youll need to earn to replace your current benefits. Here are some of the most common benefits, along with typical employer contribution amounts, according to Mercer, an employee benefits consultant. Health insurance: $5,000 to $20,000 Employer-provided health insurance plans range from bare bones to fairly extravagant. On average, though, employers paid 83% of the $7,739 premium last year for single coverage and 73% of the $22,221 premium for family coverage, according to KFF, a health insurance research organization. You can find what both you and your employer paid for your health insurance last year on your 2021 W-2, says Paul Fronstin, director of health benefits research at the Employee Benefit Research Institute, or EBRI. The annual figure is often reported using a DD code. Your employer also may break out its contribution on your pay stub. A pay stub is a document that provides the details of your gross and after-tax pay along with various deductions. You often can access your pay stub through your companys online payroll system; ask your human resources department for details. Premiums are just one factor in evaluating your health care coverage, of course. Deductibles, co-pays and provider networks matter as well. Having access to different types of plans can make open enrollment more confusing, but it also can help you tailor your coverage to your situation. Retirement savings plan: 3% to 10% of salary EBRI surveys have consistently found that the benefit employees value most after health insurance is access to a retirement plan, with all other benefits coming in at a distant third, Fronstin says. People who have workplace retirement plans such as 401(k)s are far more likely to save for retirement than those who dont, according to AARP. These plans offer automatic paycheck deductions, and many sign people up automatically as well. Most 401(k)s also come with company matches free money that can help employees build wealth faster. Among the most common matches are 50% of the first 6% of salary the worker contributes, or a dollar-for-dollar match of 3% to 6% of pay. Employers can contribute an even greater percentage of pay to traditional pension plans, which promise a specified monthly benefit amount in retirement. Thats in contrast to 401(k)s and other defined contribution plans, where the amounts you get in retirement depend on how much is contributed and how your investments perform. Pensions are still common among government agencies, colleges and health care nonprofits, although only about 15% of private sector workers have access to such plans, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Everything else: Zero to thousands Employers that provide dental insurance usually pay $500 to $2,500 a year for the coverage, according to Sandra Sweeney, principal in Mercers career practice. Life insurance averages $100 to $300 per employee, while disability insurance usually costs $250 to $1,500. Employers may offer access to other coverage, such as additional life insurance, long-term care insurance or pet insurance. Workers typically pay the full cost but may benefit from group rates for the policies, Fronstin says. Help with education costs is increasingly popular, as well. About half of employers offer tuition assistance, according to the Society for Human Resource Management. And of the companies surveyed by EBRI last year, 17% offered some kind of student loan debt assistance while another 31% planned to do so. Workers can also exclude up to $5,250 of tuition assistance from their incomes on their tax returns, according to the IRS. And through 2025, the limit includes student loan repayment help, as well. Remember that your employer provides benefits to attract, retain and reward workers. If youre not sure what all your benefits are, or what theyre worth, your human resources department should be happy to fill you in, says Fronstin. Ask your employer, Fronstin says. Its not a secret. HOBART A growing fast food chain is crying fowl after its plans to open a restaurant in Hobart were fried. Raising Canes, a popular purveyor of chicken fingers that's been expanding rapidly across the country, planned to build a new 3,023-square-foot restaurant at the site of the former TGI Fridays at 2487 E. 80th Ave. in the Crossings of Hobart off U.S. 30. The restaurant was supposed to have a double drive-thru, an outdoor patio and Raising Cane's signature chicken finger combo meals. Work ground to a halt at the site after the TGI Fridays was torn down earlier this year. Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Raising Cane's is suing the Crossings of Hobart and property owner Schottenstein Property Group, alleging the landlord tricked it into signing a long-term lease after failing to disclose a previous owner had already granted McDonald's the exclusive right to sell chicken products at the shopping center across from the Southlake Mall in Hobart. McDonald's has a restaurant just down the street at 1939 E. 80th Ave. The law firm Norton Rose Fulbright filed the fraudulent inducement lawsuit in federal court in Texas earlier this year. It was filed in a Dallas area court where Raising Cane's has a corporate office. "This case is about the defendants scheme to induce Raising Canes to enter a 15-year lease with rent payments to Crossings totaling millions of dollars, in exchange for a Raising Canes restaurant that the defendants knew would never actually exist," Raising Cane's attorneys said in the lawsuit. Raising Cane's and Columbus, Ohio-based Schottenstein Property Group did not respond to requests for comment. The national chain of quick-service restaurants that has the motto "One Love" and singularly focuses on selling chicken fingers signed a 15-year lease with the Crossings of Hobart last year. The 746,025-square-foot outdoor shopping center also is home to Guitar Center, Best Buy, Office Depot, Walmart, Value City Furniture, Michaels, DSW, Ross Dress for Less and Hobby Lobby. "Unbeknownst to Raising Canes, years before the lease was negotiated and executed, another tenant, McDonalds, was given the exclusive right to sell chicken products at the shopping center," Raising Cane's attorneys said in the filing. "Despite knowing that the entire business model of Raising Canes Chicken Fingers is premised on the sale of chicken fingers, the defendants did not disclose this issue before the lease was executed. In fact, the defendants specifically represented to Raising Canes that there was no exclusivity right that would conflict with Raising Canes ability to operate its restaurant. Incredibly, the defendants did not tell Raising Canes it would be unable to sell its chicken fingers at the shopping center until nearly eight months later, after watching Raising Canes spend nearly a year of time and over a million dollars to develop its new restaurant." Raising Cane's attorneys charged the fast food chain was left holding the bag. "Defendants fraud did not consist only of tacit silence and failure to disclose these material facts. Indeed, during the negotiation of the lease defendants made numerous representations to Raising Canes confirming that it could open and operate a Raising Canes restaurant (i.e., sell chicken fingers) at the shopping center," Raising Cane's attorneys said in the lawsuit. "Defendants even went so far as to purport to sell Raising Canes the exclusive right to sell deboned chicken products at the Shopping Centerall while knowing McDonalds had already been sold that right." Raising Cane's lawyers allege it was defrauded into signing a 15-year lease obliging it to pay more than $2 million in rent for a property it cannot actually use. "Without defendants assurances, Raising Canes never would have entered the lease and never would have spent approximately a year and over a million dollars developing its new restaurant," the company said in its lawsuit. "Defendants undoubtedly knew this but apparently did not care, as long as Raising Canes agreed to pay millions in future rental payments. Further, defendants were incentivized to defraud Raising Cane's so they could use Raising Canes name in enticing other potential tenants to lease space at the shopping center." Raising Canes alleges it suffered significant damages, including that it's now forced to search for a new location to serve chicken fingers to the Hobart/Merrillville area. It already sunk more than $1 million into building a new restaurant at the former TGI Friday's site, where Crossings of Hobart has marketed that it is coming. "These damages include over a million dollars in development costs, including costs incurred related to diligence, permitting, plans, demolition, prep, and construction work. They also include millions of dollars in lost profits that Raising Canes will forego from not being able to open and operate a store at the shopping center," Raising Cane's attorneys said in the lawsuit. "And they include the increased cost of rent that will likely result from Raising Canes being required to pursue a different location to serve its Merrillville, Indiana customers. All of these losses could have been easily prevented had defendants simply been forthright about McDonalds exclusivity rights." McDonald's had an "exclusive right to sell rotisserie chicken and other prepared chicken and chicken products for on or off-premises consumption from a lease negotiated between BC Chicago and Jubilee Limited Partnership back in 1994. Crossings of Hobart is the successor to Jubilee in that deal after ownership of the shopping center changed hands. The restrictive covenant specifically prohibited Crossings of Hobart from leasing or selling property to any rival fast good or quick service restaurant which prepares, serves, or sells de-boned chicken products," Raising Cane's stated in its lawsuit. Raising Cane's started negotiating the lease last March and said there could have been no confusion about its intent to sell chicken fingers there given that its whole business model revolves around selling chicken fingers. "At all times during negotiation of the lease, Raising Canes was clear about its intended use for the property to open a new Raising Canes restaurant and sell chicken finger meals at the shopping center," the lawsuit states. "Despite this restrictive covenant being a key negotiation point, defendants never told Raising Canes it had already given McDonalds the exclusive right to sell chicken products at the shopping center." The exclusivity issue came up earlier this year when Crossings of Hobart asked McDonald's for a waiver to let a Chipotle Mexican Grill move in. McDonald's declined and then also noted in its correspondence that a Raising Cane's would violate the terms of its lease, demanding that no one else be allowed to sell chicken to-go at the shopping center. Crossings of Hobart attempted to negotiate a new deal with McDonald's to allow waivers but it was adamant about the existing agreement being enforced. In court, Raising Canes is seeking for the lease to be voided and to be repaid the expenses it already incurred attempting to develop a restaurant there. "Raising Cane's could not have anticipated the exclusive use provision, which was executed more than 25 years ago between two entities no longer operating at the Shopping Center, would bar its ability to sell chicken fingers at the shopping center," Raising Cane's said in its lawsuit. "Raising Canes relied on defendants material omissions in making its decision to open and operate a restaurant at the shopping center. As a result of defendants wrongful conduct, Raising Canes suffered injury and is entitled to rescission of the lease and/or the recovery of monetary damages, including but not limited to recovery of over a million dollars it has spent in development costs, as well as its lost profits." The case is currently under consideration in District Court in Collins County, Texas, where attorneys representing Crossings of Hobart and Schottenstein Property Group sought to have it moved. State employees in Colorado are being asked to be better consumers when shopping for health care services. And if they choose lower-cost and higher-quality providers, they could get a check in the mail for a portion of the savings. It's part of an initiative known as the Colorado Purchasing Alliance, through which employers in the state are banding together to negotiate lower prices for health care services. The state government is one of 12 employers that have agreed to join the alliance and will be the first to use the newly negotiated rates and consumer incentives. The goal is to disrupt what's considered a dysfunctional market for health care by encouraging employers and employees to make better choices and forcing health systems in the state which have some of the highest prices and profits in the country to cut their rates. Since July 1, state employees have had access to the Healthcare Bluebook, which is an online tool, owned by a health data company of the same name, that ranks health providers by both costs and quality. Providers in the top 25% for quality are designated in green, the bottom 25% in red, and anyone in between in yellow. The same color scale is used for costs. "If you go to a green-green provider, then we'll send you a check," said Josh Benn, director of employee benefits contracts for the Colorado government. The checks can range from less than $50 for something like a mammogram to thousands of dollars for surgery. In most cases, the money helps offset the employee's copayments, coinsurance, or deductible. But for preventive services like colonoscopies, which have no copay, it's extra cash in the employee's pocket. The reward program is available only to employees who choose the state's self-funded health plan, which is administered through Cigna, not the Kaiser Permanente option, which has a closed network of providers. Of the nearly 20,000 people, both employees and family members, on the Cigna plan, more than 1,200 used the tool in the first six weeks, conducting 4,500 searches. "We could cut the network to the bone and really limit choice, but part of what I want to do is encourage people to make better decisions," Benn said. "There are ways to curb health care spending without harming employees." Although it's too early to tell how much the state will save through the program, Healthcare Bluebook estimates that employers save an average of $1,500 every time an enrolled member uses the online tool to choose a provider. "And you wind up with fewer complications and sick days," Benn said. Larimer County, in northern Colorado, has been using Healthcare Bluebook since 2018 in its incentive program to counteract the high prices it was paying for employees' care under its self-funded plan. With little competition, the local health systems were charging county employees nearly double the prices in Denver, just two hours to the south. "We have one particularly dominant health care system here that knows they are the system of choice, just based on market reputation, and they are willing and able to charge accordingly," said Jennifer Whitener, benefits manager for the county. Whitener recalled one employee who needed a hip replacement and found a free-standing orthopedic surgery center that cost $20,000 less than a hospital-owned facility and had higher quality ratings. "Being able to share information in terms of how you can shop for health care and that not everyone is charging the same price for everything, and oh, there's actually a difference in quality depending on where you go has been eye-opening," she said. Over the first four years, the county paid out an average of $15,000 in rewards per year. The county calculated that for every $1 it spends to offer Healthcare Bluebook to its employees, it saves $3.50. Andrea Bilderback, a health promotion and outreach specialist with the county, used the tool when deciding where to have a mammogram and a colonoscopy after recently turning 40. She wound up getting a check for $100 for the colonoscopy and $35 for the mammogram, neither of which had any out-of-pocket costs. She and her husband used the funds for a date night, a welcome respite for the parents of a 1 1/2-year-old boy. "It was like free money," Bilderback said. Such incentives have been used with varying degrees of success across the country. Self-Insured Schools of California, a purchasing alliance that represents 450 school districts in the Golden State, implemented a similar system years ago. Officials compared the prices they paid for five common procedures arthroscopies, cataract surgeries, colonoscopies, upper GIs and endoscopies at hospitals versus free-standing surgery centers. They found that surgery centers were generally much cheaper and the care was often rated as better. The group capped the amount of money it would pay hospitals, leaving employees on the hook for any balance. If they went to a surgery center, there would be no cap. For example, arthroscopies were capped at $4,500, so if a hospital charged $6,000, the patient could be billed for the remaining $1,500. But if that patient went to a surgery center, the plan would cover the entire cost, no matter the amount. In the first year, starting Oct. 1, 2018, the new approach had shifted 54% of procedures from high-cost hospitals to lower-cost surgery centers, saving the school districts $3.1 million in health care costs. "If you could pay $25,000 for a car or $75,000 and the only difference was the overhead of the dealership, why would you pay $75,000?" said John Stenerson, Self-Insured Schools of California's deputy executive officer. "That's kind of like what we do with medical pricing all the time." The Colorado alliance did a similar analysis of the 10 most frequent outpatient procedures paid for by its employer members. Even before negotiating any rates, those employers could cut their costs for those procedures in half by sending employees to surgery centers instead of hospitals. Surgery centers tend to charge less than hospitals for the same procedures, and hospitals often tack on a facility fee that increases costs for consumers and employers. A recent study found that costs for a range of orthopedic surgeries were an average of 26% lower at ambulatory surgery centers than at hospitals. The cash-back incentive program is part of a broader effort by the Colorado alliance to lower health care costs for state employees and 12 other employers, mostly school districts and local governments. But the state employees are what give the alliance a sizable block of covered lives and greater negotiating power with doctors, hospitals, and other health providers. Robert Smith, head of the Colorado Business Group on Health, which is spearheading the alliance, believes the purchasing-alliance model can revolutionize the health care market and use the power of the employers to drive down costs. Most companies, he explained, pay premiums to a health plan to cover their employees but allow those health plans to negotiate rates with hospitals, doctors, and other providers. It would be too complicated and time-consuming for most businesses to take on that role themselves. Health-purchasing alliances, on the other hand, allow employers to band together and negotiate rates for a much larger group of employees, giving them greater market power to negotiate lower rates. "Health care outcomes are not related to the price," Smith said. "You can pay twice as much for some of the worst health care at one facility, and then you can get some of the best health care at half the price at another facility 10 miles away." But if employers changed the way they buy health care, it could create a competitive market, Smith said. So far, most of the negotiated rates have been limited to providers in the populous Front Range region of Colorado that includes Denver, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs. The alliance is trying to sign up providers in other areas, particularly in the western part of the state, but it might take three years or more to fully transition to the new model. Purchasing alliances have been tried in other parts of the country with limited success. A report by the nonprofit Catalyst for Payment Reform found that such alliances often had early success but couldn't survive, in part because of the reactions of the large health care systems. Those systems often undercut the pricing of purchasing alliances to drive them out of business. So far, Smith has negotiated with free-standing ambulatory surgery centers, imaging facilities, and physician-owned clinics. But he has had little luck getting the larger health systems to play ball. "If it's disruptive enough that it affects their bottom line and they notice it," said Benn, the state employee benefits director, "then, yeah, I think they'll come to the table." ___ (KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.) 2022 Kaiser Health News. Visit khn.org. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. SIOUX CITY -- Sioux City Police are on the lookout for a man suspected in a Monday morning stabbing in Leeds. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous, according to the Sioux City Police Department. Investigators are searching for Faron Starr, 37, in the incident. He is 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighs 200 pounds, and has brown eyes and brown hair. At around 7:28 a.m., police were alerted to a female who had been stabbed repeatedly in the Leeds home. The female said she had been stabbed by Starr, her ex-boyfriend, and drove to Leeds Food and Fuel where she asked an employees to call the police, according to the Sioux City Police. A SWAT team conducted a search of a residence and Starr wasn't found in the vicinity. The female victim, whose name isn't being released, was transported to UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's for her injuries. The injuries were non-life threatening, according to police. Leah McInerney, a senior marketing specialist, said the hospital was under controlled access during the morning. The controlled access status was lifted around 1 p.m. Monday. According to McInerney, this is a precautionary measure that is put in place when a patient is admitted because of an act of violence. This procedure helps to ensure the safety of patients, visitors and hospital personnel. SIOUX CITY -- When Steve Meyer led a group of Siouxland residents to Tanzania in 1997, his goal was to return to the East African nation a few times each year, helping to sponsor 50 kids through high school. Instead, Meyer -- the founder of Siouxland Tanzania Educational Medical Ministries (STEMM) -- has returned nearly 60 times and has helped secured high school and college educations for nearly 20,000 Tanzanian students over the past 25 years. From 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, STEMM will be celebrating the past 25 years of the Christian-based nonprofit with A Night of Hope at the Marriott Riverfront, 385 E. Fourth St., South Sioux City. Meyer, a Dakota Dunes-based orthopedic surgeon, said the fundraiser will include live and silent auctions, a cocktail hour plus a complete program that will show how STEMM has impacted the lives of thousands of children and their families through educational, medical and spiritual services. More important, he said, A Night of Hope will also look toward the next 25 years. "Over the past quarter-of-a-century, we've been through 9/11, a recession as well as a worldwide pandemic," Meyer said. "STEMM has made it past those hurdles while other nonprofits have not been as fortunate." "We must now look at allowing STEMM to be self-sustaining," he continued. "While many things have changed for the better in Tanzania, there is still much work to be done." An interdenominational Christian ministry which has an orphanage and a ministry support facility for volunteers and support staff, STEMM also has performs thousands of surgeries in a very rural, remote region. When surgeries can't be performed safely in Tanzania, patients are sometimes transported back to the United States. This happened in 2017 after a school bus accident claimed the lives of 33 seventh graders, two teachers and bus driver. Three children, the sole survivors of the crash, were airlifted by STEMM to MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center with potentially debilitating injuries. Through the efforts of Siouxland surgeons, Wilson, Sadhia and Doreen -- collectively known as the "Tanzania Miracle Kids" -- were treated. Now completely recovered from their injuries, the now college-aged kids have been enrolled as students as students at Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City since August. "Wilson, Sadhia and Doreen will all be in attendance at A Night of Hope," Meyer said. Other success stories have included training and teaching medical personnel in Tanzania, while providing agricultural instruction to help provide needed sustainability in the third world country. According to executive director Kevin C. Brown, STEMM provides a hot, protein-based lunch for more than 6,000 grade school children on a daily basis. "People would be amazed that it only costs $5 a day to feed a Tanzanian child over the course of a year," he noted. "That's about the same amount of money we spend on coffee every morning." STEMM is able to do many things with an annual budget of around $700,000. "If STEMM was based in the United States, we'd need a budget of $7 million," Brown explained. "Money goes a lot farther in Tanzania." Having said that, Meyer quickly pointed out that nothing would've been possible without Siouxland citizens. "STEMM was created to develop a relational bridge between Siouxland and Tanzania by prioritizing medical care, educational opportunities and spiritual growth," he said. "We needed Siouxland to buy into what we were doing as well as why it was so important." With 25 years worth of success stories, Meyer can say with certainty that STEMM has made a lasting impact in a country on the other side of the world. "Through the help of many people, STEMM has had an event-filled 25 years," he said. "We are looking forward to what the next 25 years will bring." Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The Beijing Nanhaizi Culture Exhibition opened at the east side of the Summer Palace, on Saturday. The rich historical records and photos displayed on over 70 exhibition boards served as a tie that connected the past and present of Nanhaizi. SIOUX CITY -- A Sioux City man has been sentenced to more than four years in federal prison for illegal possession of a gun. Isaiah Wiley, 23, pleaded guilty in July in U.S. District Court in Sioux City to one count of possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence. He was sentenced Wednesday to 52 months in prison. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Wiley was under the influence of marijuana on Feb. 12, 2021, when he threatened his pregnant girlfriend with a gun. In a March 14 incident, Wiley fired a single shot into the air during an argument with another individual. SIOUX CITY -- The Sioux City Council is expected to discuss new 25-year sewer treatment agreements with the city, North Sioux City and Sergeant Bluff on Monday. After five deferrals, the council voted unanimously in November 2019 to terminate the existing agreements the city had with its three sister cities. "We've actually worked with all our sister cities and all the agreements are ready to go," said Tom Pingel, the city's utility director in charge of Sioux City's regional wastewater treatment plant. Pingel noted that North Sioux City and Sergeant Bluff's city councils have approved the agreements. "On top of that, all the out-of-state agreements -- South Sioux City, North Sioux City and Dakota Dunes -- have been approved by the Iowa Attorney General. And, all of the agreements have also been approved by the Iowa DNR. All that had to happen before we got it at the point that it's at," he said. South Sioux City is building its own $46.4 million wastewater treatment plant next to the Missouri River and north of the Tyson Fresh Meats lagoons. However, South Sioux City will continue to take its residential sewer across the north river crossing. Agreements with South Sioux City and Dakota Dunes will be forthcoming, according to Pingel. "We anticipate to have all the sister cities under the new agreement before it expires," he said. The previous agreements with Sergeant Bluff and North Sioux City had been established 39 years ago, while the agreement with South Sioux City had been in place for 38 years. The agreements had no sunset dates, and automatically renewed unless other action was taken, and didn't provide Sioux City with any remedy when flow limits are exceeded. On Nov. 25, 2019, the City of Sioux City gave notice of termination to the sister cities. They received a letter signed by Mayor Bob Scott, warning that the city may end the contracts that govern the amount of waste each community can send to Sioux City's regional wastewater treatment plant at 3100 S. Lewis Blvd. and the rates each city pays. Termination notice becomes effective four years after receipt of the notice (November 2023). Dakota Dunes, a planned community that borders North Sioux City, also has a sewer treatment agreement with Sioux City. But the Dunes Community Improvement District did not receive a termination letter like the other sister cities. According to city documents, the new agreements with North Sioux City and Sergeant Bluff will ensure that capacity at the Sioux City regional wastewater treatment plant doesn't get over-allocated and implements several new provisions, including a fats, oil and grease program; odor and corrosion control; monitoring requirements and discharge limitations; a re-opener clause; and a user charge plan and payment to the City of Sioux City. "Historically, the sister city agreements have been used to define the hydraulic loading that each sister city can contribute to Sioux City. Establishing an allocation for each city allows them to view it as a benchmark they can compare their historical wastewater generation to and evaluate their own capacity for growth," the documents stated. The new agreements will help the sister cities plan for economic growth, as well as attract businesses and residents to the region. "It took a lot of us with a lot of dedication and time and patience with each other to go through these agreements and get them worded the way we all feel comfortable," Pingel said. "There's a lot of clauses in there that allow for renegotiations and reopeners. It's really important for the City of Sioux City to have good relationships with our sister cities." TAMPA, Fla. For Richard Frank, it's normally the insects that are buzzing. But in the weeks after Hurricane Ian's landfall, the incessant buzzing now comes from his phone. "I've had five calls today alone about ants," said Frank, owner of Do It Yourself Pest Control in St. Petersburg. "The ants are going crazy right now." After nearly four decades of doing business in Pinellas County, Frank knows the drill after a hurricane: Strong winds knock down tree limbs and disturb the natural habitat for rodents and bugs, sending them scurrying for shelter. Rainfall turns to stagnant water, which attracts mosquitoes. And now, as debris piles await their pickup throughout Tampa Bay, the pests are finding new homes. "I've absolutely seen a change since the storm," said Frank, a licensed entomologist. The uptick of customer calls in Ian's aftermath have included bagworms ("10 times worse than I've ever seen them"), rats ("they get displaced after big storms"), millipedes ("about 50 customers calling me a week about 'em"), roaches ("constant") and ants ("crazy"). It makes sense that pest encounters are increasing in Florida the biggest urban pest-management market in America after a devastating Category 4 storm walloped the state, according to Michael Scharf, a professor of urban entomology at the University of Florida. There's a ton of bugs in Florida's subtropical climate, and they have to go somewhere when hundreds of miles of habitat are suddenly altered. "This is something that's been seen many times before with storms," Scharf said in an interview. "Now that waters have receded, and when there are debris piles everywhere, (pests) will thrive. They love woody, decaying biomass or structures that may have been damaged in the storm." Scharf's job, as he describes it, is at the intersection of bugs, the public, the pest control industry and state regulatory industries. And as a recent Indiana expat, he's quickly finding that Florida is a busy place for critters. "Florida is like the invasion biology capitol of America," he said. Especially after a storm: "They're in a new habitat, and they're having to explore it and find food. So their interactions with people are going to be much more common." It doesn't help that the Tampa Bay area is an overly buggy place. In 2015, the U.S. Census Bureau in an American Housing Survey found the metropolitan area had more roaches than Miami, New York or Houston. At the time, roughly 40% of the 1,000 households surveyed said they had roaches. The unwanted title of buggiest city in Florida has since been reclaimed by the South Florida area, where 29% of households reported roach sightings and 4% reported rodents, according to the same survey four years later. It's not just the locally owned shops that are noticing the uptick in pests post-Ian. The larger corporations are, too, according to Thomas Dobrinska, an urban entomologist with Rentokil and an expert in residential pest control. Though Tampa Bay was spared the worst impacts from Ian, there was still enough to change animals' wild habitat, Dobrinska said. "It wasn't like there was a tepid little storm in Tampa Bay it was still an event," Dobrinska said. The company also documented a rise in reports of dispersed mice and other rodents and a "significant increase" in ants and American cockroaches. COATESVILLE, Pa. (AP) Coast to coast, candidates and big-name backers made final appeals to voters Monday in the last hours of a fraught midterm election season, with Republicans excited about the prospect of winning back Congress and President Joe Biden insisting his party would surprise the living devil out of a lot of people. Democrats contend Republican victories could profoundly and adversely reshape the country, eliminating abortion rights nationwide and unleashing broad threats to the very future of American democracy. Republicans say the public is tired of Biden policies amid high inflation and concerns about crime. We know in our bones that our democracy is at risk, Biden said during an evening rally in Maryland, where Democrats have one of their best opportunities to reclaim a Republican-held governors seat. I want you know, well meet this moment." Arriving back at the White House a short time later, Biden was franker, saying: I think well win the Senate. I think the House is tougher. Asked what the reality of governing will be like, he responded, More difficult." The Maryland event followed Bidens late-campaign strategy of sticking largely to his partys strongholds rather than stumping in more competitive territory, where control of Congress may ultimately be decided. Biden won Maryland with more than 65% of the vote in 2020 and appeared with Wes Moore, the 44-year-old Rhodes Scholar who could become the states first Black governor. The president said at an earlier virtual event, Imagine what we can do in a second term if we maintain control. Most political prognosticators don't think the Democrats will and predict that Tuesday's results will have a major impact on the next two years of Bidens presidency, shaping policy on everything from government spending to military support for Ukraine. In the first national election since the violent Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, the Democrats have tried to focus key races on fundamental questions about the nations political values. The man at the center of most Jan. 6 debate, former President Donald Trump, was in Ohio for his final rally of the 2022 campaign and already thinking about his own future in 2024. He had teased that he might formally launch a third presidential run at Monday nights rally with Senate candidate JD Vance which Trump concluded by promising a big announcement next week at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Trump's backing of Vance in Ohio this year was crucial in helping the author and venture capitalist and onetime Trump critic secure the GOP's nomination for a Senate seat. He's now facing Democrat Tim Ryan. When I think about tomorrow, it is to ensure the American dream survives into the next generation, Vance declared to thousands of cheering supporters, some sporting Trump 2024 hats and T-shirts, at Dayton International Airport. While the GOP likes its chances of flipping the House, control of the Senate could come down to a handful of crucial races. Those include Georgia, Arizona and Pennsylvania, where Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman was locked in a close race against Republican celebrity surgeon Mehmet Oz. This is one of the most important races in America, Fetterman told a crowd of about 100 Monday outside a union hall near a steel plate mill in Coatesville, about 40 miles west of Philadelphia. Dr. Oz has spent over $27 million of his own money. But this seat isnt for sale. At a nighttime rally at a suburban Philadelphia estate, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley introduced Oz to a crowd of about 1,500. "Theres too many extreme positions in Washington, too much out there pulling us away from where the real answers lie, Oz said. I will bring balance to Washington. But John Fetterman? Hell bring more extreme. Fettermans campaign noted that, in the final days, Oz has campaigned with Trump, at a wedding venue that refuses same-sex marriages and at a fitness center whose owner organized buses for Trump's Jan. 6, 2021, rally in Washington. In Georgia, Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock, who was in a nail-bitter with Republican Herschel Walker, tried to cast himself as pragmatic capable of succeeding in Washington even if the GOP has more power. Warnock promised Monday to "do whatever I need to do and work with whomever I need to work with in order to get good things done. Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly also tried to strike a moderate tone. He praised the states late Republican senator, John McCain, while noting that he didnt ask Biden to campaign with him but would welcome the president to come here at any point. Kellys Republican rival, Blake Masters, called the senator just a rubber stamp vote for Joe Bidens failed agenda. You look at what Biden and Mark Kelly are doing. Its like, are they that incompetent, or are they trying to destroy the country? Masters said. "I think its both. Elon Musk, whose purchase of Twitter has roiled the social media world, used that platform Monday to endorse the GOP, writing, "I recommend voting for a Republican Congress, given that the Presidency is Democratic. That came too late for more than 44 million Americans who had already cast early ballots. Biden, meanwhile, wasn't exclusively positive on the final day of campaigning. He's spent weeks warning of extremism and also said Monday, Were up against some of the darkest forces weve ever seen in our history. These MAGA Republicans are a different breed of cat," he said, referring to Trump's Make America Great Again campaign slogan. Biden also raised concerns about voter intimidation during the midterms, even suggesting that some people were outside voting stations with automatic rifles. The president was expected to watch Tuesday nights returns from the White House. Trump has long falsely claimed he lost the 2020 election only because Democrats cheated, and he has begun raising the possibility of election fraud this year. Many Republican candidates across the country continue to adhere to his election denialism, even as federal intelligence agencies are warning of the possibility of political violence from far-right extremists. Threats could also come from abroad, as they have in past races. Kremlin-connected Russian entrepreneur Yevgeny Prigozhin admitted Monday that he had interfered in U.S. elections and would continue to do so. If you want to stop the destruction of our country and save the American dream, then tomorrow you must vote Republican in a giant red wave that weve all been hearing about," Trump said at Monday nights rally in Ohio. He also went after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, saying, "I think shes an animal mere days after her husband, Paul, was severely beaten by an attacker at the couple's San Francisco home. First lady Jill Biden appeared with her husband in Maryland but also campaigned earlier Monday for Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in northern Virginia. It could be an early indicator of GOP midterm strength if Wexton's seat flips to her Republican challenger, Hung Cao. The first lady told about 100 people outside a home in Ashburn, about 30 miles from Washington, that the race could come down to a tiny margin of votes. And she warned that, in Congress, a Republican majority will attack womens rights and health care. Weissert reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Bill Barrow in Macon, Georgia, Jonathan J. Cooper in Phoenix, Josh Boak in Bowie, Maryland, Julie Carr Smyth in Vandalia, Ohio, Matt Rourke in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, and Jill Colvin, Colleen Long and Chris Megerian in Washington contributed to this report. Alabama voters will decide races ranging from U.S. Senate and governor to local offices in Tuesday's election Polling places and registration status can be found on the secretary of state's website, at https://myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview. Voter turnout is expected to be moderate, according to a projection by Secretary of State John Merrill. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Here's a quick look at major statewide races and issues: US SENATE Republican Katie Britt faces Democratic nominee Will Boyd and Libertarian John Sophocleus in the race for the rare open Senate seat in Alabama. Britt is outgoing U.S. Sen. Richard Shelbys former chief of staff and the former leader of the Business Council of Alabama. Britt was endorsed by former President Donald Trump in the GOP primary and has emphasized border security, concern about the national debt and a need for new voices in Congress. Boyd, a pastor, supports Medicaid expansion and efforts to protect the Voting Rights Act. Sophocleus, a former college economics instructor at Auburn University, supports the abolishment of federal gun laws and the creation of a flat tax. GOVERNOR Republican Gov. Kay Ivey is looking to win a second full term in office as she faces Democrat Yolanda Flowers and Libertarian Jimmy Blake. Ivey avoided a runoff in the spring despite facing eight Republican challengers in the primary. Flowers, an educator, is the first Black woman to win a major partys gubernatorial nomination in the state. Blake is a physician and a former Birmingham City Council member. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Republican Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth faces Libertarian Ruth Page-Nelson. There is not a Democratic candidate in the race. The lieutenant governor presides over the Alabama Senate. However, the most notable thing about the position is that the lieutenant governor becomes governor if the governor leaves office for any reason. Libertarians believe the race is their strongest hope of hitting the 20% vote threshold needed to maintain ballot access in 2024. SECRETARY OF STATE Alabama will elect a new person to the office that oversees elections. Republican Rep. Wes Allen faces Democrat Pamela Laffitte and Libertarian Matt Shelby. Allen, citing security concerns, opposes alternative means of voting such as curbside voting, mail-in voting or allowing people to vote absentee for any reason. Laffitte supports expanded methods, such as early voting and no-excuse absentee voting, to make voting more convenient. Shelby supports changing Alabamas stringent ballot access law that has made it difficult for third-party candidates to run. He also supports alternative systems such as ranked-choice voting. ATTORNEY GENERAL Republican Attorney General Steve Marshall faces Democrat Wendell Major. Marshall is seeking his second full term as Alabama attorney general. His campaign has emphasized his role in lawsuits challenging vaccine mandates and other policies of President Joe Biden's administration. Major is the police chief of Tarrant. He has emphasized the need to address the state's opioid crisis and mental health crisis. OTHER RACES In the state treasurer's race, Republican incumbent Young Boozer faces Libertarian Scott Hammond. In the state auditor's race, Republican Andrew Sorrell faces Libertarian Leigh Lachine. In the race for commissioner of agriculture and industries, Republican incumbent Rick Pate faces Libertarian Jason Clark In the races for Public Service Commission, Republican incumbents Jeremy Oden and Chip Beeker face challenges from Libertarians Ron Bishop and Laura Lane. In the race for Alabama Supreme Court, Place 5, Republican Greg Cook faces Democrat Anita Kelly. NEW CONSTITUTION Alabama voters will decide whether to ratify the Alabama Constitution of 2022 that removes racist language, such as references to segregated schools and an interracial marriage ban. It also reorganizes the document, which has been amended nearly 1,000 times, to remove repealed provisions and make it more user-friendly. However, it makes no changes to how government operates. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS There are 10 proposed statewide constitutional amendments. Those include Amendment 1, which would give judges more discretion to deny bail to people accused of violent crimes. Amendment 10 is a companion amendment to the ratification vote that would allow new amendments to be placed within the document. LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said Sunday that a protest march toward the capital, which was suspended after he was wounded by a gunshot in an apparent attempt on his life, will resume Tuesday. Sitting in a wheelchair, his right leg bandaged and elevated, Khan spoke from the Shaukat Khanum hospital, where he was admitted Thursday after he received bullet wounds in his right leg. Khan repeated his demand for an investigation into the shooting and the resignation of three powerful personalities in the government and the military whom he alleges were involved in staging the attack on him. Khan's march on the capital was suspended in Wazirabad, a district in eastern Punjab province, after a gunman opened fire, wounding him and killing one of his supporters. Thirteen others were hurt. He said the march would pick up again from Wazirabad. Khan was ousted from office in April in a no-confidence vote in parliament. He organized a march on Islamabad to pressure Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's government to hold early elections but Sharif says elections will take place as scheduled, in 2023. Khan led an initial protest march in May but it ended when supporters clashed with police in the capital. Khans protest march, which started Oct. 28, was peaceful until Thursdays attack. The shooting has raised concerns about growing political instability in Pakistan, which has a history of political violence and assassinations. Khan said the march, to be resumed Tuesday, will take 10 to 15 days to reach Rawalpindi, where convoys from other parts of the country are expected to join the rally. He said he will keep in touch with the main march participants through a media link and will eventually lead the sea of people toward Islamabad. Khan accused Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan and army Gen. Faisal Naseer of working with the Inter-Services Intelligence, Pakistan's spy agency, to orchestrate the shooting. The minister and the former premier are not related. Khan offered no evidence for his allegations, which were rejected by Sharifs government and the military spokesman said the allegations were not true. Khan was discharged from the hospital later Sunday and moved to his ancestral home in Lahore. MILAN (AP) After waiting at sea for days, the German humanitarian group Mission Lifeline said Monday that Italy has directed its migrant rescue ship with 89 people on board to proceed to the port of Reggio Calabria. The 25-meter (80-foot) ship Rise Above entered Italian waters over the weekend without consent because of storm-swollen seas, after rescuing 95 people in the central Mediterranean. Six were evacuated at sea due to medical emergencies. "We are relieved that waiting on the high seas is over. The situation on board has become more and more critical in the past few days and hours," Mission Lifeline spokeswoman Hermine Poschmann said. We expect that the Italian authorities give everyone access to a legally compliant asylum procedure and that people do not have to stay on our ship any longer than necessary. Italy has refused to assign migrant rescue ships with a port of safety as it takes a hard line with nongovernmental organizations operating in the central Mediterranean. Instead, it has been instructing them to ports, where authorities allow only vulnerable people to disembark. Italian authorities insist the boats must then return to international waters with those not deemed vulnerable. The far-right-led government of Premier Giorgia Meloni is insisting that countries whose flag the ships fly take on the migrants, and that the burden shouldn't fall on Italy alone. Poschmann said that Mission Lifeline has asked Germany to take in more people. Two other NGO-run boats are docked in Catania, one with 35 people that Italy won't allow to disembark, the other with 214 people. Both ships are refusing to leave, saying that under international law all people rescued at sea are vulnerable and entitled to a safe port. A fourth ship, the Ocean Viking operated by SOS Mediterannee, remains in international waters off Sicily with 234 rescued people. Its first rescue was 17 days ago. Follow APs coverage of migration issues at https://apnews.com/hub/migration FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) Subtropical Storm Nicole is now expected to become a hurricane over the Bahamas before hitting Floridas east coast on Wednesday, just well enough after polls close to avoid disrupting voting on Election Day, forecasters said. "We wont really start to see any significant impacts from Nicole until really Tuesday night to Wednesday, so really it shouldnt have a huge impact on voting operations tomorrow, hurricane specialist Phillippe Papin told The Associated Press. Unfortunately this is going to be a very large storm, with a very large wind field on the north side. This is going to cause quite substantial surf, potentially dangerous storm surge somewhere along the Florida east coast, and heavy rainfall and probably significant winds over a large area, Papin added. A hurricane warning is in effect for northwestern Bahamas, including the Abacos, Berry Islands, Bimini and Grand Bahama Island, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said in its latest advisory. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Andros Island, New Providence and Eleuthera. A hurricane watch is in effect for the Atlantic coast of Florida from Brevard County to Broward County, as well as the Lake Okeechobee area. A storm surge watch has been issued from Broward County to halfway up Georgias coast. The hurricane center predicted a particularly wobbly forward movement for Nicole as it approaches Florida before crossing into the northwest Gulf of Mexico. At 7 p.m. Monday, it had top winds of 45 mph (75 kph) and was centered about 425 miles (685 kilometers) east-northeast of the northwestern Bahamas, the advisory said. The storm was moving to the northwest at 8 mph (13 kph). Do not focus on the exact track of Nicole since it is expected to be a large storm with hazards extending well to the north of the center, and outside of the cone, and affect much of the Florida peninsula and portions of the southeast U.S., the advisory said. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 34 counties in the potential path of the storm, out of an abundance of caution. While this storm does not, at this time, appear that it will become much stronger, I urge all Floridians to be prepared and to listen to announcements from local emergency management officials, DeSantis said in a statement. While this storm does not, at this time, appear that it will become much stronger, I urge all Floridians to be prepared and to listen to announcements from local emergency management officials, Large parts of the state have yet to recover from destructive Hurricane Ian, which slammed into southwestern Florida on Sept. 28 as a strong Category 4 hurricane and dumped massive amounts of rain, causing flooding across central Florida. Along Floridas central Atlantic coast, nervous county managers warned residents that the tropical storm could bring more flooding and beach erosion only weeks after Ian inundated the region with unprecedented levels of water. In Volusia County, home to Daytona Beach, county officials advised coastal residents to consider moving to a safer location as soon as possible. Volusia County Emergency Director Jim Judge said the area could get 4 inches to 8 inches (10.2 cm to 20.3 cm) of rain and winds strong enough to cause flooding and widespread power outages, along with more permanent damage. We need to take this storm very seriously because it could cause more coastal erosion, which could be devastating to our beachfront properties impacted by Hurricane Ian, Judge said in a statement. Volusia County is one of the few Florida counties where driving is permitted on beaches. Vehicles were being prohibited on the sand starting Tuesday until the storm passes. County officials said repairs to sea walls damaged by Ian would no longer be able to made after Monday because the tides will be too high. Building inspectors also were keeping their eyes on the structural integrity of about two dozen oceanfront homes already damaged by Ian and threatened by the new storm. The potential for impacts is very significant in terms of erosion, said Jessica Fentress, coastal division director for Volusia County. They are calling for a swell event, on top of high tide on top of a wind situation. In Seminole County, northeast of Orlando, officials opened sandbag distribution locations on Monday. Just as waters had receded from hundreds of residents homes, Seminole County faced the prospect of getting 7 inches (17.8 cm) of rain in some areas from Danielle, said Alan Harris, Seminole Countys emergency manager. Officials also worried about the dangers from winds blowing large piles of debris still on the roads and in yards left over from Ian. No one wants to hear that but that is what it looks like as of today, Harris said at a news conference Monday. We are trying to prepare our community for the worst and hoping for the best. A subtropical storm is a non-frontal low-pressure system that has characteristics of both tropical and extratropical cyclones. They tend to have a larger wind field, extending much farther from their centers. Forecasters said the storm could possibly transition into a tropical system as it continues to develop. The Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30. - Gabbard endorses Grassley Former Democratic congresswoman and presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard endorsed Republican Sen. Chuck Grassleys reelection campaign on Sunday. In a statement, Gabbard praised Grassleys conservative priorities and said Grassleys Democratic opponent, Mike Franken, would be a rubber stamp for the Biden administration. Im supporting Chuck Grassley because we need leaders who will put the well-being of people ahead of party politics, and fulfill their commitment to uphold the Constitution and defend our freedoms, Gabbard said. In a video posted to Twitter, Gabbard said Grassley was the alternative to what she called radical, so-called woke idealogues supported by the Democratic Party. Gabbard, a U.S. House representative from Hawaii between 2013 and 2021, has been critical of the Democratic Party since leaving office, and In October she announced she was leaving the party. She has endorsed and campaigned with Republicans nationally since then, including Blake Masters and Kari Lake in Arizona and Darren Bailey in Illinois. Gabbard was a contender in the 2020 Democratic primary for president, visiting Iowa several times before dropping out of the race in March. She failed to gain major support in the contest, hovering around 1% in polls. Grassley has also been endorsed by Max Baucus, a former Democratic U.S. senator who served on the Senate Finance Committee with Grassley from 2001 to 2011. Trump endorses Brenna Bird Former President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Brenna Bird for Iowa attorney general, a few days after sharing a stage with her in Sioux City. In a statement through his Save America PAC, the former Republican president said Bird is a tough-as-nails but very fair prosecutor who will prosecute criminals and seek justice for victims. The statement also called Democratic Attorney General Tom Miller a radical left liberal. Bird has campaigned on standing with law enforcement, something she has accused Miller of not doing. She also said she would enter lawsuits against the Biden administration for what she sees as federal overreach. Brenna Bird backs the Blue and will always fight for our tremendous men and women of Law Enforcement, Trump said in the statement. Next week Brenna will defeat a very lazy and weak on crime Tom Miller, the longest serving Democrat Attorney General in the country! Trump was in Sioux City for a rally last week, campaigning alongside Bird and other Republican candidates for office. He gave a strong indication at the rally that he plans to seek another term as president, saying he will very, very, very probably do it again. Election day for state and federal offices is Tuesday. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. 13 more sheriffs endorse gun amendment Thirteen more Iowa sheriffs have publicly endorsed a proposed gun rights amendment to the Iowa Constitution on Tuesdays general election ballot, according to the Iowa Firearms Coalition. According to a news release from the gun-rights advocacy group, more than 20 county sheriffs across the state have endorsed the amendment that appears on the back of Iowans ballots. Iowa voters are being asked to add language to the Iowa Constitution that states it is a fundamental individual right to keep and bear arms, and that any restraint on that right is invalid unless it meets the stringent demands of strict scrutiny in court. Gun-safety advocates, as well as constitutional law professors in the state, say the "strict scrutiny" language goes beyond protections contained in the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment, by dictating the level of judicial review Iowa courts must apply when considering whether gun restrictions in the state are permissible. Opponents worry the amendment would prohibit reasonable safety measures, such as firearm safety training, universal background checks and a license to carry a gun in public, and could weaken or lead to courts to overturn existing state gun laws. Supporters say the amendment is necessary to protect Iowans' gun rights from infringement. Iowa sheriffs endorsing the amendment, according to the Iowa Firearms Coalition include: Marty Arganbright (Guthrie County), Ken Pingrey (Carroll County), Kirk Dolleslager (Grundy County), Chad Sheehan (Woodbury County), Jamie Van Voorst (Sioux County), Aaron Dodd (Franklin County), Brandon Doiel (Harrison County), Jeff Pratt (Monona County), Travis Oetter (Mills County), Tim Beckman (Howard County), John LeClere (Delaware County), Mike Tschirgi (Clayton County), Kevin Wollmuth (Osceola County), Warren Wethington (Cedar County), Dan Tredrow (Van Buren County), Quinn Riess (Muscatine County), Keith Davis (Wayne County), Jared Schneider (Washington County), Jason Barnes (Madison County), Jason Sandholdt (Marion County), Adam Infante (Dallas County), Jeff Vandewater (Adair County), Joe Carico (Warren County) and Robert Rotter (Iowa County). "The right to self-defense is among the most basic rights we enjoy as Americans," IFC President Dave Funk said in a statement. "We look forward to having this right enshrined in Iowa's Constitution on Nov. 8 and we are grateful to have the support of Iowa's law-enforcement community towards our efforts to make this happen." Recent polling from the Des Moines Register found 58 percent of likely voters plan to vote for the proposed amendment in the Nov. 8 midterm election. Thirty-seven percent of likely voters would vote against it, and another 6 percent were not sure. The Iowa Firearms Coallition is an affiliate of the National Rifle Association and NSSF, the firearm industry trade association. Ancient culture is being used to strengthen contemporary identity and promote growth. Shandong province, where the Yellow River flows into the Bohai Sea, is exploring innovative ways to inherit time-honored cultural handicrafts, passed down through generations, and utilize ancient techniques to enrich people's cultural lives not to mention their pockets. At Nishan town in Shandong's Jining city, the birthplace of Confucius, more than 600 fine handicrafts were on show at an exhibition held during the 2022 China International Confucius Cultural Festival and the eighth Nishan Forum on World Civilizations at the end of September. The events celebrated the country's craftsmanship traditions through collaborations between traditional and modern designers and artists. With mortise and tenon, Hao Liyan from Tengzhou, a county-level city of Shandong, built several works on site, ranging from animals to architecture. In use for more than 7,000 years, mortise and tenon is one of the oldest construction methods in the world. Instead of using nails, it relies on interlocking joints to connect pieces of wood together. "Mortise and tenon building blocks bring traditional craftsmanship back into our lives. That's the value of inheriting our Chinese traditional culture," says Hao. He adds that his mortise and tenon building blocks have performed well on the market. "Our production capacity can't meet the growing market demand. Not only children but also elderly people like our Chinese building blocks," Hao says. At Longwanhu Art Town, which neighbors Nishan town, the Luban lock has become a popular study project, attracting many students to try disassembling and assembling the ancient Chinese puzzle. The lock is produced through an intricate technique where countless small wooden pieces are crafted to interlock without the use of nails. It is named after its alleged inventor Lu Ban (507-444 BC), a famous scientist and artisan who is credited in ancient texts with dreaming up a variety of wondrous mechanisms, from mills and grappling hooks to flying bamboo magpies. "The Luban lock is an educational toy which not only trains the brain but also lets children experience ancient wisdom," says Jiang Leping, a woodwork teacher working at Longwanhu's Luban lock project. "Many children show great interest in the lock. They will keep working on it until they figure out the way to disassemble and assemble it," Jiang adds. The Shandong government has been carrying out measures to further encourage the development of the province's intangible cultural heritage. The measures cover 10 sectors, and focus on a variety of aspects, such as handicraft standards, design, development, brand building, marketing and policy support. The province has organized exhibitions and promotions to provide increased exposure for its handicrafts industry. In addition, selected handicrafts are on show at scenic areas and tourism-focused communities and rural areas, according to the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. Designers and artists have combined modern innovation with traditional handicrafts to create new products. At the exhibition held during the Confucius cultural festival, several artists created Confuciusthemed handicrafts to pay their respects to the great Chinese philosopher. Li Yinfeng, from Weifang city in Shandong, displayed at the exhibition an image of Confucius done using Lu embroidery. Lu embroidery is the general name for embroidery produced in Shandong province, and has been marked out by the government as national-level intangible cultural heritage. It has a history of more than 2,000 years. As a typical representative of local culture in Shandong, Lu embroidery is one of the eight famous embroidery in China. "I spent two years embroidering the sage and used human hair to embroider his eyebrows, hair and beard," says Li. To make Confucius' face vivid, Li embroidered seven layers, each using different techniques and thread colors. She started learning embroidery from her grandmother and mother when she was 6, and has been refining the technique for over three decades. Li has also been integrating modern design concepts and innovative stitching with traditional craftsmanship in her customized work. "Our customized Chinese traditional costumes bear embroidery made according to clients' characteristics, such as their personality and body shape, and are well-received by the market," says Li. At another stall, Li Jinbo, an inheritor of Gaomi county's unique paper-cutting techniques also recognized by the government as intangible cultural heritage spent eight hours cutting out a bust of Confucius. "The most difficult part is cutting the thick beard. I can't make any tears while cutting it," he says. The paper-cutter uses a special method to attach the delicate paper images to fans and screens, purchased by festivalgoers as souvenirs. "Our traditional culture can be better cherished and promoted when we bring it into our daily lives," the craftsman says, adding that he is developing more ways to promote paper-cutting techniques, including offering free classes in schools. OMAHA A former Nebraska state trooper accused of raping a 15-year-old Omaha girl has been charged with six counts of first-degree sexual assault of a child. Brandon Dolezal, 25, appeared Friday in Douglas County Court, where he was ordered held without bail. He also faces one count of child enticement. According to an affidavit, Omaha police officers went to Omaha Skutt High School on Tuesday to investigate a report of a missing girl. Officers were told that the 15-year-old girl had gotten into a pickup truck and left the area with a man, later identified as Dolezal. The pickup returned to the schools parking lot, and a school administrator stopped Dolezal from leaving until police could arrive. Dolezal initially told officers that he was 18 years old and a senior at Millard West High School, according to a police report. The girl told police that Dolezal had sexually assaulted her in the pickup. She said they had been communicating through Snapchat and that he knew she was only 15. Dolezal told police that he spoke with the girl via Snapchat and that he picked her up from Skutt High School. Dolezal was arrested in May 2021 on suspicion of child enticement and possession of child pornography. He had been placed on administrative leave in February 2021 when officials learned of an investigation into his behavior and was fired in March 2021 after an internal investigation, the patrol has said. He was charged in Scotts Bluff County with 12 counts of possession of child pornography, two counts of child enticement with an electronic device and two counts of intentional child abuse. Authorities said a teen at Gering High School told a school resource officer that two girls were messaging with an older man on Snapchat. One of the girls sent explicit photos to Dolezal and the conversations were sexual in nature, officials said. Dolezal had posted 10% of his $300,000 bail to get out of jail and was awaiting trial in that case. Nebraska is among a coalition of states making an effort to keep in place a Trump rule that allows many asylum seekers to be turned away at the southern U.S. border. The books read by the characters in Season 2 of The White Lotus play a much more discreet role than the beach reading flaunted by the characters in the first season of HBOs luxury-resort satire. The second season, set in Sicily, features at least one coupleCameron (Theo James) and Daphne Babcock (Meghann Fahy)who seem like they might not read any books at all, just as they avoid the news and cant be bothered to vote. Only two titles make an identifiable appearance in the first five episodes, although Camerons college roommate, Ethan Spiller (Will Sharpe), occasionally holds a third book, a paperback, in bed, the spine broken and the back and front covers pressed together. (Update: A sharp-eyed reader has identified Ethans briefly glimpsed title as Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope by Mark Manson, a bestselling author of self-help books about affluenza for men and other people who dont like to think of themselves as self-help readers.) Ethans wife, Harper (Aubrey Plaza), is one of the few readers in this bunch, toting around a copy of Valeria Luisellis Lost Children Archive, a novel that was shortlisted for the 2019 Booker Prize. Harper is visibly peeved when her plans to read it on their first morning are scotched when Cameron and Daphne wave her over to join them for breakfast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Season 1, the characters books served as markers of their personalities. Basic real estate bro Shane read (of course) Malcolm Gladwells Blink, while his ambivalent bride Rachel buried her nose in book-club favorite Elena Ferrante. That seasons foremost deployers of literary status, however, were the teens Olivia and Paula, who sported an incompatible grab bag of texts ranging from Camille Paglia and Sigmund Freud to Lacan and Frantz Fanon. When Shane asks the girls if theyre really reading these intimidating books, Olivia replies, with deadpan sarcasm, that theyre just props. But the retort has the ring of truth to it, given that neither girl seems brainy enough to tear through so many dense, theoretical texts poolside, and their fashionably progressive ideas mostly serve as a cudgel to use against their elders even as they enjoy the privileges they denounce. Advertisement Advertisement What does Harpers choice signify? Luiselli has published celebrated volumes of both fiction and nonfiction, and Lost Children Archive has some of the traits of autofiction, a relatively recent form that collapses the facts of an authors life into semi-invented narratives. Like such autofiction classics as Jenny Offills Dept. of Speculation, it features many references and allusions to other writers and to the dilemmas of making art from life. Luiselli, who is Mexican but lives in the United States, has volunteered as a translator for Latin American immigrants, particularly children, seeking asylum in the U.S., experiences that have shaped several of her books. Lost Children Archive is the story of a road trip undertaken by a married couple and their two children. Both husband and wife make audio documentaries, and they set out for Arizona, where the husband plans to work on a project about Apaches. The wife is researching the fate of two migrant children who vanished while in federal custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The social conscience of Luisellis novel makes it a fitting pick for Harper, an employment attorney acting on behalf of workers in discrimination and harassment suits. But Lost Children Archive is also a novel deeply concerned with authenticity, whose narrator wonders whether she can or should make art with someone elses suffering. Ethan and Harper have suddenly become very rich after the sale of Ethans startup, and Harper wants to believe that nothing about their lives has changed. Were not materialistic, she tells Cam and Daphne, making no effort to conceal her disdain for the pairs entitled obliviousness. As is often the case with social critics in The White Lotus, shes right, but partly for the wrong reasons. You get the impression that even when surrounded by those she deems worthy, Harper isnt much fun. Dwelling on the impeding end of the world gives her a good excuse not to be. Harper isnt satisfied with simply disapproving of Cam and Daphne; she also needs to convince herselfand Ethanthat the other couples lovey-dovey happiness is just a front. Advertisement Advertisement Lost Children Archive is also a novel about a marriage in free-fall; the couples road trip is a last-ditch attempt to keep their family intact. As later episodes of The White Lotus will suggest in greater detail, Ethan and Harpers union is fragile as well. In fact, none of the marriages in this season make a great case for the institution. The resort is decorated with ceramic vases in the shape of mens heads which, a staff member explains to the guests, refers to a Sicilian legend about girl who beheaded her lover when she learned that he was married. Virtually every man in the series is a cheater, with the only variable being how the wives choose to deal with it. That includes Greg (Jon Gries), whose romance with the returning character Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge), now a marriage, was one of the few glimmers of hope in Season 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for the Slate Culture Newsletter The best of movies, TV, books, music, and more, delivered to 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. So by the time Albie (Adam DiMarco) appears in Episode 4 reading Lydia Kallipolitis artsy, esoteric study, The Architecture of Closed Worlds: Or, What is the Power of Shit?, the significance is obvious. Kallipolitis book (based on a 2016 exhibition) examines several historical examples of self-contained living systems, from space capsules and submarines to Biosphere 2, a failed experiment intended to demonstrate the viability of a closed ecological system or colony to sustain human and other forms of life. Kallipoliti observes that these attempts have almost always run afoul of the problem of waste of various kinds, which has yet to be rendered 100 percent recyclable and tends to accumulate and gunk things up. Is marriage such a system, an attempt to isolate two people in an enclosure of their own, doomed to malfunction due to the buildup of excess (usually male) desire? Is every ostensibly happy monogamous couple just a facade concealing accommodation and betrayal? And if thats the case, is it any wonder that more than one of the guests this season will end up dead? Update, Nov. 7, 2022, at 1:32 p.m.: The chat is complete! Find the write-up in the Dear Prudence archive, and continue the conversation on the Prudie Facebook Page. Submit questions for next weeks chat here. Need help getting along with partners, relatives, co-workers, and people in general? Ask Dear Prudence! Submit your questions ahead of time here. (Questions may be answered in the chat or columns.) Note that we are unable to edit or remove questions after publication, so please do not submit a situation you would not want published in the chat or columns. Please use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity, and let us know your preferred pronouns. We occasionally like to follow up with letter writers, so youre welcomebut certainly not required!to include your email address if you wouldnt mind hearing from us. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in Brackeen v. Haaland, a case engineered to hobble the federal governments power to protect Native communities from exploitation. The plaintiffs are asking the justices to invalidate the 44-year-old Indian Child Welfare Act, which prioritizes the placement of Native American children in custody proceedings with Native families. But theyre also contesting a constitutional foundation of Indian law itself. Allying with Republican legal groups and lawmakers, the plaintiffs want to kneecap congressional authority to regulate tribes for the benefit of their own members. Advertisement After greenlighting countless laws diminishing tribal sovereignty, the Supreme Court could soon strike down a law attempting to enhance it. And the court may do so on the basis of history that is not just dubious but objectively false, rooted in a mistaken theory about the Founders vision for relations with Native tribes that has been conclusively debunked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its important to understand that history to see how wrong the plaintiffs originalist argument is. In 1787, the Framers needed to provide a solution to various problems created by the Articles of Confederation, including challenges around Indian affairs. The articles had tried to split authority over tribal relations between the states and the federal government, and the result was a disaster. Some states, for instance, refused to comply with treaties between the federal government and tribal nations, leading to violent conflicts over white settlement on Indian land. Advertisement Advertisement To resolve this, the new Constitution handed all authority over Indian affairs to the federal government. It gave the government broader treaty and war powerswhich, at the time, was crucial to tribal relationsand removed those powers from the states. It also gave Congress the ability to regulate commerce with the Indian tribes. (This is called the Indian Commerce Clause.) From George Washingtons administration onward, the federal government interpreted its constitutional powers to encompass exclusive authority over Indian affairs. Southern states with large Native populations disliked this arrangement. In the 1820s, they tried to expand jurisdiction over tribes within their borders. Georgia, for example, tried to abolish tribal governments through legislation. Several states also seized tribal lands illegally, arguing that, as sovereign states, they had inherent authority to do so. In 1832, the Supreme Court shot down this theory, rejecting state claims of a constitutional right over Indian nations. By that point, however, the states had an ally in President Andrew Jackson, who signed the Indian Removal Act that brutally deported these nations to the West. Advertisement Advertisement The tragic history continued from there, even as the court consistently sided with the federal government over the states in relations with Native populations. Throughout the 19th century, Congress used this power to assimilate tribal members. Among other things, it sold off tribal lands without the consent of the tribes and stole Native children from their families, sending them to boarding schools where they would be civilized. Advertisement Advertisement Its this practicethe legalized theft of Native kidsthat forms the backdrop of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), which Brackeen puts in the Supreme Courts crosshairs. In the second half of the 20th century, Congress slowly adopted a different approach to Indian regulations, and passed multiple laws designed to respect and reinforce tribal sovereignty. ICWA was one of these measures. The law grew out of investigations into the removal of Indian children from their families. Congress found that state and private child welfare agencies colluded with state courts to seize these kids from their homes without any evidence of mistreatment. Indian children were placed in the foster care system at far higher rates than other kids and almost always placed in non-Indian homes. States seized Indian children from their parents on a massive scale, with no due process for the families, and concealed their actions from tribes to prevent protest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICWA addresses this problem in several ways. It favors family reunification over foster care, requiring Native kids to be placed with their extended families whenever feasible. If reunification is not possible, ICWA favors placement with another tribal member. The law also imposes procedural requirements on state courtswhich were complicit in the forced assimilation of Native children for so long. For instance, it requires state courts to notify tribes about involuntary child custody proceedings involving Native children, and allows tribes to intervene to promote placement with family or a tribal member. (The adoptive parents who sued in Brackeen are aggrieved that tribes exercised these rights, complicating their efforts to adopt Native kids.) In short, ICWA takes a federal power that was long used to break up Native communities and uses it to keep them together, instead. Why, then, is it under fire at the Supreme Court? Because in recent years, Republican lawyers, activists, and judges have put forth a revisionist history of the Constitution that denied Congress clear authority to regulate Indian affairs. Their first argument claims that ICWA violates equal protection by using race-based classificationseven though it looks not at race but at tribal membership, which the Supreme Court has long identified as a permissible political classification. Their second argument is that ICWA exceeds congressional power, an idea that wouldve been unthinkable before the concerted conservative effort to lend it plausibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A turning point came in 2007, when University of Montana law professor Robert Natelson published an article in the Denver Law Review titled The Original Understanding of the Indian Commerce Clause. Natelson is a former scholar, talk radio host, and failed Republican candidate for Montana governor. He purported to proffer historical evidence Congress has no constitutional authority to regulate Indian affairs, a theory that would render ICWAand countless other federal lawsunconstitutional. Recall that the Constitution allows Congress to regulate commerce with the Indian tribes. According to Natelson, commerce in this context originally meant nothing more than trade. So, he argued, Congress can regulate the exchange of goods with tribes, and nothing more. Justice Clarence Thomas favorably cited Natelson in a 2013 opinion that turbocharged this assault on Indian law. The plaintiffs in Brackeen use his article to make their case. Texas, a plaintiff in the case, cites Natelson. Conservative groups supporting Texas cite Natelson. Other red states supporting Texas cite Natelson. Advertisement It is a problem for the plaintiffs, then, that Natelson is wrong. In 2015, Stanford law professor Gregory Ablavsky published a lengthy article in the Yale Law Journal that, among other things, rebutted Natelsons claims. Unlike Natelson, Ablavsky has a Ph.D. in history and his scholarship adheres to the rigorous standards of academic historical analysis. Ablavsky identified a series of errors in Natelsons article that do not just undermine but refute his conclusions. Advertisement Advertisement For example, Natelson claimed to undertake an exhaustive review of the phrase commerce with Indian tribes in the 18th century and asserted that it almost invariably meant economic trade with Indians and nothing more. Ablavsky undertook his own comprehensive review and discovered that commerce with Indian tribes was routinely used to describe far more than the mere trade of goods. He also found that the definition of trade itself was vastly broader than Natelson asserted, encompassing a vast array of non-economic activitiesincluding, decisively in the current case, the adoption of children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Natelson also completely misrepresented the position of a Founding-era essayist who opposed the Indian Commerce Clause. Moreover, based on his knowledge of Latin and certain constitutional language, he incorrectly wrote that the Framers did not view Indian tribes as sovereign. Ablavsky provided ample Founding-era sources that describe tribes as sovereigns, akin to a foreign nationa direct rejoinder to Natelsons Latin-based extrapolation. The list goes on, but the upshot is clear: Natelsons work was riddled with errors, exaggerations, omissions, and misstatements. It is not a reliable source of scholarship. When Brackeen arrived at the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Ablavsky filed a brief describing Natelsons argument as deeply flawed, marred by inaccurate versions of sources and unsupported assertions directly at odds with explicit Founding-era evidence. Natelson responded by furiously criticizing Ablavsky for writing a shyster-like brief. He later published a document cite checking Ablavskys article that purported to identity various errors. Ablavsky responded with a long article thoroughly rebutting each one of Natelsons accusations, then filed another brief when Brackeen came to SCOTUS. Advertisement This conflict is more than a mere academic tiff. It is a challenge to originalism as a reliable and honest methodology. Rarely in constitutional law does the history point so clearly in one direction. Because he is a real historian, Ablavsky refuses to say he has reached the correct answer; in an interview, he told me: There arent right answers in history. There are interpretations that are better and better founded in evidence. Thats what it is to be a historian. Theres always room for doubt. That is surely true, but the Supreme Court has put itself in the position of divining a right answer anyway. Brackeen therefore provides a perfect acid test of originalism, and Thomas approach in particular. If the justice refuses to abandon his previous views in light of new, unassailable evidence, it will prove that he applies this methodology in a hollow, insincere, and inconsistent mannerlatching onto a conclusion that fits his policy preferences, then refusing to budge when it is repudiated. If Thomas lacks the integrity to apply the Constitutions original meaning here, there is no reason to believe that he ever will. This piece was originally published on Just Security, an online forum for analysis of U.S. national security law and policy. As Election Day approaches, so does the prospect of certain state or local officials going rogue and attempting to refuse to certify election results based on election conspiracies or other specious grounds. Such abuses of authority are plainly unlawful and, importantly, may expose complicit officials to criminal liability. Although the details vary by state, state laws generally prohibit the kinds of abuses of certification authority weve seen since 2020. One reason for this is that state election procedures are designed to spot and correct errors well before certification. As detailed in a new report by the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law School: Advertisement The full process for counting votes involves a series of steps that take place over the course of weeks. Each of these steps has safeguards in place to protect the rights of voters and the integrity of our elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, the canvass, which precedes certification, is a process that accounts for every ballot cast and ensures that each valid vote is included in the official results. Based on the canvass, officials responsible for certification finalize the results, which tends to be as a Republican member of the Michigan Board of State Canvassers put it a very ministerial duty. Given the procedures in place before certification, it is unsurprising that [s]tate law generally leaves little discretion to the person or agency designated to certify results. Advertisement It is easy to see, then, why refusals to certify based on dissatisfaction with the result or unfounded conspiracy theories are unlawful. For example, this summer in Otero County, New Mexico, a three-member county commission unanimously voted against certifying the results of the primary election, citing distrust of voting machines. The county clerk assured the commissioners that there had been no problems. And the commissioners did not provide any evidence, much less a legal basis, for their actions. Instead, they relied on unfounded suspicions. I have huge concerns with these voting machines. I just dont in my heart think that they cant be manipulated, one commissioner said. The next day, the secretary of state of New Mexico asked the state supreme court to step in, and the court swiftly ordered the commission to certify the election. The court ordered the commission to comply with its obligations under state law to meet to approve the report of the canvass of the returns and declare the results of the 2022 primary election. The commission then voted 2-1 to certify the results. The lone dissenter, Commissioner Couy Griffin, acknowledged that he had no basis for questioning the results of the electionhe justified his no vote on his gut feeling and intuition. (Griffin was previously convicted for participating in the January 6 insurrection, and in early September, a New Mexico state district court judge disqualified him from holding public office for his role in the insurrection.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Importantly, not only were the commissioners ordered by the state supreme court to follow the law and certify the results, but they also faced potential criminal liability for their abuse of official authority. The New Mexico secretary of state announced that the office was preparing a criminal referral to the New Mexico attorney general for willful violations of the state election laws by county officers and their willful failure or refusal to perform their duties. As the Otero County example illustrates, election officials who abuse their legal authority, whether by refusing to certify lawful election results or to count lawful votes or otherwise, do so at their legal peril. Although state laws, when properly enforced, generally prohibit bad faith refusals to certify, federal laws also act as a backstop against refusals to count or certify lawful votes. For example, Section 11(a) of the Voting Rights Act provides: Advertisement Advertisement No person acting under color of law shall fail or refuse to permit any person to vote who is entitled to vote under any provision of chapters 103 to 107 of this title or is otherwise qualified to vote, or willfully fail or refuse to tabulate, count, and report such persons vote. Because certification is a means by which votes are formally report[ed], willfully refusing to certify lawfully-cast votesas in Otero Countyappears to violate this provision. And, because Section 11(a) prohibits only willful refusals to certifyi.e.,where an official knows his or her conduct to be unlawfulthe provision does not ensnare officials acting in good faith compliance with the law. But, to be clear, officials cannot hide behind baseless conspiracy theories or unsubstantiated claims of fraud as the basis for their refusals to certify, as federal law treats willful blindness to reliable evidence the same way as actual knowledge and thus knowledge that the conduct is unlawful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials who violate Section 11(a) face both civil and criminal liability, as do those who conspire with them to do so. That means officials who abuse their power and refuse to certify votes could face fines of up to $5,000 and could be imprisoned for up to five years. Thus, as other legal experts have put it, [a]ny refusal to certify an election based on meritless innuendo would likely violate the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and could therefore result in a federal felony conviction. Section 11(a) is just one example. There are other federal laws that may apply to abuses of certification authority. Depending on the facts, statutory provisions like Section 101(a) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars states from denying the right to vote based on an error or omission that is not material to the voters qualifications, or other federal criminal provisions may apply, as might the Due Process Clause, the First Amendment, and other constitutional provisions. As the midterm election approaches, and with the rise of election disinformation and election deniers holding or seeking election administration positions, the United States may see more scenarios like Otero County, where election conspiracies fuel abuses of authority by election officials. Election officials who are considering abusing their power in service of election falsehoods do so at their legal peril. More From Just Security: Only Holding All to Account in Ethiopia Will Ensure its Survival How Support to Partner Forces Enables Secret War Welcome to State of Mind, a new section from Slate and Arizona State University dedicated to exploring mental health. Follow us on Twitter. If youre on TikTok or Instagram, you may have encountered one of nurse Julie McFaddens viral videos about all things death and dying. Hospice Nurse Julie, as shes known, shares just how beautiful and difficult dying can be, and has a thing or two to say about how we can make things better for the many people who suffer unnecessarily at the end of life. Advertisement Sometimes no matter what we do, its not enough. Despite how hard we try to control symptoms for patients so they can have a good quality of life toward the end of their lives, they and their families still suffer, McFadden said when we reached out to her recently. We dont always know why the medicine we give patients for pain, anxiety, or agitation isnt working. If there could be a better way to treat people where they can still enjoy their loved ones at the end of life, then why not use it? McFadden asks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of us is a nurse and one of us is a physician, so we know the terror and pain those at end of life can face. Weve come to believe that the careful administration of psychedelic treatments can make a huge difference in a persons end-of-life experience. Dying well may not be on the minds of voters in Colorado right now, but it should be on Tuesday, when the state will vote on a ballot initiative determining whether to legalize psychedelic mushrooms. Advertisement Advertisement More than two dozen other states and the U.S. House of Representatives are also grappling with their own versions of psychedelic legislation. Colorado may end up following in the footsteps of Oregon. In 2020, Oregon voters approved Ballot Measure 109 and became the first state in the country to allow the use of psilocybin to treat chronic mental health issues like PTSD and depression. Measure 109 is the countrys first chance to create a model for psychedelic treatment for a variety of mental health conditions. Oregon will launch its state-licensed psilocybin services program in 2023, and the way it addresses access, equity, and safety will inform what happens next in other states and countries. (One of us, Barbara, is a member of the Oregon Psilocybin Services Advisory Board.) While Measure 109 doesnt limit itself by specifying conditions that can be treated with psilocybin, therapists and health care providers plan to recommend its use to treat depression, PTSD, and anxiety, and to help people kick addictions. Advertisement Advertisement They also plan to use it to reduce anxiety for patients at the end of life. From the start, researchers have been curious about how psychedelics might affect people who are dying. An early study on psychedelics in the 1970s at Johns Hopkins University, inspired by a terminal illness diagnosis received by one of the staff nurses, focused on the potential to use LSD to treat psychological and existential distress in cancer patients. Several other studies on psychedelics in end-of-life care followed, and the research has resumed in the last decade or soall to good effect. Advertisement Advertisement We have both worked with patients who struggle with deep existential, spiritual, and practical questions about their deaths: When will it happen? How much pain will there be? What happens after I die? How will my loved ones bear my being gone? Some find peace toward the end, but others experience mental and physical symptoms of profound anxiety, depression, agitation, and more. To treat these symptoms, we have only a handful of toolsopiates, antidepressants, and sometimes, unfortunately, palliative sedation. Advertisement Advertisement When weve tried everything and we cant get the person comfortable, when we are not expecting them to be comfortable and awake, our last resort is palliative sedation. But they dont have any quality of life with that. The goal for hospice is not to put someone to sleep until they die, said McFadden. Advertisement Advertisement The human body and brain undergo a series of profound changes over the course of dying. Some of these, like elevated anxiety and agitation, can be difficult for the patient, family members, and caregivers. In the most extreme cases, our only recourse as health care providers is palliative sedation, which, as McFadden described, is essentially putting a person into an induced coma through to their death. This option can be a heartbreaking loss for the patient and family members who are deprived of any more meaningful interaction and can also cause tremendous moral distress for the clinicians involved. Having more therapeutic options available that can significantly reduce end-of-life distress without numbing or sedating the patient would be absolutely transformative for the field of medicine. Advertisement By contrast, based on several recent clinical trials, there is evidence that a single treatment with psilocybin produces lasting and significant reduction in anxiety and depression for people with a terminal diagnosis. The data to date show that using psilocybin in a controlled therapeutic environment decreases death anxiety and increases optimism and quality of life for people near the end of life. Advertisement The end of life is not only a universal experience, we also know its one where psychedelic medicines can spur a massive paradigm shift in how we provide care. Oregons Measure 109 gave us a start. But some counties and cities in Oregon have put psychedelics back on the ballot this Election Day, pointing to a need for more public education about the benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy, and more clarity on how these programs will work. Colorados ballot measure has the potential to move things much further. We hope that future legislation might more directly address the unique needs of those at the end of life. Some patients may not be able to travel to a service center or may have health care providers who are afraid to recommend the use of psilocybin. Others may not be able to afford to pay for psilocybin sessions out of pocket, since insurance coverage is still unknown. These details matterpushing to get them included in legislation up front will speed up the ability of clinicians and therapists to provide psychedelic-assisted care for those at the end of life upon the adoption of new laws. Were on the verge of a transformation in end-of-life care that will touch us all, in some way, and voters in Colorado have a unique opportunity to help shape the future. From legislation to implementation and public conversation, its time to take a serious look at how psychedelic medicines can reframe our relationship with living and dying. Of course, its also time to vote. State of Mind is a partnership of Slate and Arizona State University that offers a practical look at our mental health systemand how to make it better. As Twitter under Elon Musk threatens to crumble into an understaffed, glitchy operation propped up only by half-baked revenue generators, bot armies, and diehard Tesla/SpaceX stans, some usersincluding those going out in a blaze of anti-Musk gloryare looking for alternative social networks to resettle their online communities. Theres just one issue, though: What could possibly replace the singular nature of Twitter? Sure, the network was never as widely used as Facebook/Instagram/TikTok, and its been losing its most active users for a while now. Still, its an influential collective of journalists, academics, creators, and activists; a space for global politicking and diplomacy, for better or worse (definitely worse); a meme generator and spreader; and an effective news maker and aggregator. If Twitter goes down, where next for the communities that gathered? Discord? Newsletters? Reddit or other message boards? The blockchain? Blogs????? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps, some have posited, this is finally Mastodons moment. (And just to be clear: Were not referring to the acclaimed heavy metal band.) Launched in 2017 following rumors that right-wing tech titan Peter Thiel wanted to purchase Twitter, Mastodon was crafted as a not-for-profit alternative with all the best parts of the bird app (fun and informative microblogging, smooth user feeds, room for personal customization) and none of the worst (a bizarre content algorithm, user data collection, weak moderation, loads of far-right trolls). Instead of a C-suite and centralized farm of servers, control of the open-source Mastodon is granted to myriad volunteers who run specialized servers that can host participants and interact with other servers. The platform also explicitly bans hate speech and neo-Nazis. Otherwise, server moderators have pretty broad leeway over how theyd like their communities to function. But Mastodon has never boasted more than a few hundred thousand dedicated users. Advertisement Advertisement That may have changed this month. Elon Musks Twitter takeover and the resulting wildfire has sent a larger-ever number of users over to Mastodonincluding yours trulyfinally giving it 1 million active monthly users. More tech sites are covering the service and speaking to its founder, and even Musk himself has felt compelled to respond ( weirdly) to the exodus. Some began signing up for Mastodon back in the spring, when Musk first announced his Twitter bid, but now users actually seem to be following through. So, to take stock of the Mastodon phenomenon, learn what the experience there is actually like, and figure out whether this can actually become Twitter 2.0, Nitish Pahwa, a Slate associate writer on technology, and Evan Urquhart, Slates community manager, got together to chat about the hype. The conversation has been edited and condensed for length and clarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nitish Pahwa: Evan! As a longtime tweeter and content moderator yourself, what do you make of Musk-era Twitter so far? Evan Urquhart: Its been fun to watch Musk, because I dont much like billionaires and everything that happened felt incredibly predictable. I even tweeted, days before the current festive atmosphere of widespread Musk impersonation, that Musk would struggle with the question of people going after him personally. Musk made the rookie mistake of not knowing that in content moderation, widespread user buy-in is everything. You can do a lot, but if your superfans turn on you en masse. thats a much harder problem than spam bots or even Nazis. Your users can and will leave, and the ones who stay will become overnight geniuses at finding out what your weaknesses are and exploiting them. Advertisement Advertisement Pahwa: Could you explain what Mastodon is and why it may be an appealing Twitter alternative? Urquhart: People are definitely leaving Twitter, although its also gaining users. Im still skeptical that the site is actually dying or, at least, that its dying right now. (A lot of smart business folks seem to think the long-term prospects dont look good, but thats another story.) I first made a Mastodon account in April, when Musk announced he was buying Twitter. All I did then was create a profile, post an introduction, have a look around, and bookmark it for later. I wanted to have it, in case I needed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mastodon is an open-source social media platform. You can make toots from your account, which have a 500-character limit. (This is significantly longer than Twitters 280 characters, but much shorter than a blog post.) You can follow people; you can boost (or re-toot) other peoples posts; you can post links and media. Its not corporate, it has no ads, and theres also no algorithm, so you just see posts in reverse chronological order. Theres an earnest, old-web feel, but in many ways it is a lot like Twitter: text-based with a limited character count. Advertisement Pahwa: I share your doubts that Twitter is nearing an imminent death. I also gotta say, Im not sure Ill ever get used to the concept of tooting something. (Where does that even come from? I apologize for being 12 years old, but I cant help but be reminded of farts.) Still, quite a bit of what you mentioned about Mastodonthe open-source factor, the Twitter-reminiscent UX, the volunteer-led initiatives, the lack of either algorithms or corporate infiltrationsounds promising. How much have you used Mastodon since you set up your account? And what are your biggest takeaways? Advertisement Urquhart: I let my Mastodon account lie fallow until I started seeing tech-savvy people I follow on Twitter warning that, with Musks mass Twitter layoffs, it was possible the site might just go down. With that, it seemed like time to get serious about alternatives. Theres been talk of a great blog renaissancewhich my website assignedmedia.org would fit with nicelybut Mastodon seems like the best hope for a real replacement. Ive dipped in pretty heavily the past few days, and I think that if the user base grows, Ill find I like Mastodon as much as or more than Twitter. Im a Tweetdeck user, so reverse chronological tweets were already my jam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mastodon isnt one big garbage heap like Twitter. You have to choose (or create, but lets not get too crazy yet) an individual server like @mastodon.social or @toot.community. The server is like your home base or neighborhood. You can follow people from other servers, but youll see much more of the people in your neighborhood, and itll be easier for those people to find and follow you. The first thing people who are trying Mastodon need to know is not to sweat their server choice too much. Its not that choosing a server isnt important, but you probably wont know what servers right for you until you check things out a bit. Its reasonably easy to change servers, so just pick one that seems large, or one you get an invite for, or one you see people you know talking about joining, and understand that you might switch to a different server once you get a little more familiar. Advertisement Otherwise, the one thing Id say to Twitter people is that Mastodon natives are very, very earnest. At first, like with any new platform, you should look around and be friendly and open to absorbing the local customs. Also, Mastodon is growing fast, and there are lots of growing pains. Servers are down sometimes, and users unfortunately just have to deal with it. I heard this happened pretty regularly in the early days of Twitter. Advertisement Pahwa: Thanks for that walkthrough. Ill admit, I just created a Mastodon account yesterday. You were one of my first mutuals on there; as you already know, I had a bit of trouble figuring out the server situation as well as what to do when your choice of server goes down. Advertisement The whole concept also reminds me of subreddits a little bit. You join a particular channel that appears to align with your interests, but your actual feeds resemble the Reddit front pagein that you can see a bit of everything from everyone you follow, no matter if they reside in a separate server (or subreddit). Is that a fair comparison? Advertisement Urquhart: Your Reddit analogy isnt bad, but at least for now theres no way to individually choose what servers you see posts from. The admin for your server chooses which other servers to federate with, and your federated feed is based on that decision. It shows you everything, defined as every server your admin considers close enough in moderation approach with your little neighborhood. Advertisement So, on Mastodon, you have your home feed, which is much like your Twitter feed and shows you posts from those youve decided to follow, regardless of what server theyre on, and even if your admin doesnt federate with that server. Then you have a local feed, which shows you just the posts from your home server, and also a federated feed that goes even wider. There are also hashtags, which let you follow specific topics across servers. Advertisement Advertisement Pahwa: I think we should note some servers require that you apply to them and give a little explanation for why youd like to join, not unlike some locked Facebook Groups. Something your description makes me wonder: It sounds like the admin of whatever server you choose has quite a bit of power over what their members see, and with whom they interact. As Mastodons founder mentioned in a recent interview, the site doesnt tell these admins what to do, just as long as theyre not promoting hate speech. Im wondering, is there the potential for abuse or concentration of power in such a system? There are many, many servers out there, but I could see high-profile admins working together in conjunction to make their servers a bit more dominant over others. Advertisement Urquhart: Mastodon is so small right now, and there are a lot of unknowns about what it would look like if people end up moving over in large numbers. I think the short answer is that in such a scenario, a lot of what makes Mastodon unique could be drowned out and Twitter culture could come to dominate. Since there are a lot of problems with Twitter culture, I think thats a risk. There is definitely potential for abuse by server admins, but it doesnt seem that different from the powers granted to a forum owner or creator of a subreddit. The one thing you should watch out for is direct messages, however. Theyre not really like DMs; theyre more like posts hidden from people who follow you. The server owner can see them, and you can accidentally tag people into a DM just by mentioning them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pahwa: I think thats a good lead-in to my last question for you. Is there a good reason why everyday Twitter usersthose who mainly log on to scroll news, follow sports, chat with online friends, laugh at jokesshould migrate to Mastodon? For me, the platform has already been useful in a professional capacity. Ive joined a server for journalists, Ive reconnected with Twitter mutuals as well as other interesting people in media, and Ive gotten a glimpse of cool virtual scenes. But for someone who just wants something casual to scroll, who lurks and reads but doesnt often post, whats the benefit in joining Mastodon? Urquhart: I think Mastodon is a good place to connect with people over shared interests, much like a forum. It could be a good or even an essential place for a fan if the person youre a fan of has a Mastodon. Right now the prominent people there are mostly journalists and academics, not celebrities. Advertisement But I think the main reason to join Mastodon is still the same reason I joinedto have an option if Twitter disintegrates. If theres anyone you follow on Twitter whom you really dont want to lose track of, and that person has a Mastodon, it probably makes sense to create an account there and follow that person purely as a precaution. Pahwa: Nicethank you so much, Evan! Readers, if youve made it this far and are intrigued by Mastodon, feel free to follow me and Evan at @nitishpahwa@journa.host and @e_urq@journa.host. Until the next social network. WATCH: Donald Trump openly supports far-right in Spain ARCHIVED ARTICLE In a video message, the former US president urged Spain to protect its border Former US president Donald Trump created quite the stir among political leaders in Spain when he openly voiced his support for controversial far-right party Vox at an annual political rally in Madrid last week. In the 40-second video message recorded aboard a plane, which was shown on a big screen at the VIVA 22 event, Trump thanked the right-wing partys leader Santiago Abascal for the great job hes doing in protecting Spains interests on an international scale. We have to make sure that we protect our borders and do lots of very good conservative things, Trump said. Spain is a great country and we want to keep it a great country. So congratulations to Vox for so many great messages you get out to the people of Spain and the people of the world. Founded in 2013, Vox is a national-conservative party which quickly rose to become the third-largest political entity in the country . It has had a disappointing showing at the polls in recent months, but supporters hope that the appointment of Giorgia Melonis neo-fascist Brothers of Italy Party will turn the tide in the elections next year. Several other European leaders sent similar messages to Trump before Vox leader Abascal took to the stage to praise the former president: My thanks to President Donald Trump, a visionary in the fight for sovereign nations, a visionary in the fight for secure borders, who has had to suffer [attacks] from the most powerful establishment in the world and the largest media attack that any world leader has had to face in recent memory. Mensaje de Donald Trump a los asistentes al #VIVA22 "Tenemos que asegurarnos de que defendemos nuestras fronteras e impulsamos una buena agenda conservadora". "Me gustaria darte la enhorabuena @Santi_ABASCAL y agradecerte el increible trabajo que estas haciendo". pic.twitter.com/tkKdjG7KCS VOX (@vox_es) October 9, 2022 Image: Vox/Twitter In some areas, language no longer used by young generation. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled A central characteristic of Romani ethnicity, the Romani language is unique as the only new Indo-Aryan language spoken exclusively outside the Indian sub-continent. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Historically used almost exclusively orally, its Indo-Aryan roots are widely believed to have first been discovered by 18th century Calvinist pastor Valyi Istvan, who is said to have noticed the similarity between it and the language spoken by three Sir Lankans he met in the Netherlands. He wrote down some of the words spoken by them and later showed them to some Roma who were able to understand them. Ahead of the World Day of Romani Language celebrating Romani culture and education on November 5, The Slovak Spectator spoke to Lenka Gorolova from the University of Presovs Centre for National Minorities Languages and Culture about the language and its use in Slovakia today. Related article Related article Roma workers: last chance for the East? Read more Who speaks Romani today? Obviously, mainly Roma people use the language in their communities, but Romani is also spoken in schools and academia. It is also used in the media, be it on television or radio as part of broadcasts intended for national minorities. But non-Roma people also communicate in Romani for various reasons, whether for work or just out of personal interest. What is the current state of the language? It is used less and less today in Romani communities. The young generation in some localities, such as Humenne, Michalovce, or Trebisov in eastern Slovakia, no longer speak the language at all. Some understand Romani when a member of the older generation speaks to them, but others do not. What is interesting is that various institutions and organizations appear to be increasingly interested in the Romani language. Story of a battle pivotal to China's modern history has long been overlooked on screen. Someone has now filled the breach, Xu Fan reports. On the eve of the Red Army's Long March (1934-36), a milestone in China's revolutionary history, thousands of young soldiers fought until their last breath on Songmaoling, a mountain range in Fujian province, to cover the retreat of a major Red Army force. The pivotal yet little-known battle is now being retold in Xue Zhan Songmaoling (The Battle of Songmaoling), a 24-episode online series that has been streamed on Youku since Oct 27. The drama is produced under the guidance of the National Radio and Television Administration's internet audiovisual program management department and the Fujian Provincial Administration of Radio and Television. For the director Liu Xuesong, who served in the People's Liberation Army for seven years, the series is a reminder of his military life. "When I was a soldier with my troops stationed in a mountainous area in Yunnan province, I heard a lot of touching stories about the war's heroes," he says. "For a long time I had wanted to film such a tale." In September 2020 Ma Zhongjun, chief content officer with the TV and film production company Ciwen Media in Shanghai, invited him to head a project doing just that. Digging into archival research and conducting interviews with experts and descendants of the villagers who once helped the Red Army, Liu said he had discovered about 7,000 soldiers, mostly new recruits younger than 20 years old, had died in combat at Songmaoling. Some military historians reckon that about 10,000 Red Army soldiers and officers fought in the battle. The battle of Songmaoling is often billed as the Red Army's last fight to break out of the fifth encirclement organized by Chiang Kai-shek's Kuomintang forces, starting in August and lasting about 70 days, with the fiercest fighting between Sept 23 and 29, 1934. At the battle's height almost all the male adults in the villages surrounding Songmaoling were mobilized. Most families donated their wooden doors, using them as stretchers for wounded soldiers, some historians say. Despite putting up a valiant fight the Red Army suffered huge casualties, overcome by superior firepower, some of it sourced from the United States and Europe, Liu says. "Some militias even used spears or cut bamboos into sharp-pointed poles to set traps. They did their utmost to resist attacks, sacrificing their lives to earn a bit of precious time for the Red Army's most important soldiers to retreat." As the fiercest combat broke out on Sept 23, Mid-Autumn Festival that year, villagers brought traditional celebrations a day forward. That special wartime move continues to this day. "The Red Army soldiers knew they could die in the days to come, but they were still very happy to join the villagers in dancing and singing," Liu says. "Picture the scene, and you will find it moving and worthy of respect." Liu, touched by all such stories he heard during the interviews, tried something novel with the script. At random, he recruited internet users to create a chat group on his social platform account, tantalizingly letting the public see some passages but blurring the characters and major twists. "They knew it would be a war story about the Red Army, but they didn't know the details. I was very impressed that a person in one group suggested that I should not cast well-known actors because viewers would instantly know this was not a real soldier, so the film would lose its emotional impact." Therefore, Liu recruited a low-profile cast, training his actors and actresses for about four months to make them look like military members in the shooting location in Hengdian, Zhejiang province. Liu says he developed a deep connection with the main characters, all members of a Red Army militia unit, and he thoroughly immersed himself in the story. "It was in the 18th episode that the first protagonist gave his life. It was 3 am when I read the script, and as I leaned back on the sofa I found myself beginning to cry." Even though many movies and TV dramas retelling the country's revolutionary history have been produced in China, few have focused on Songmaoling, says Long Pingping, a historian and scriptwriter, who serves as the drama's consultant. "The battle of Songmaoling was historically significant in that it ensured the strategic shift of 86,000 Red Army soldiers. Without that seven-day-and-night conflict Chinese history may have turned out quite differently. Domestic film and TV productions have portrayed many scenes about the Red Army, but this battle has rarely been covered. We hope the new drama will help more people to know about this significant story." The ruling is groundbreaking for Slovakia. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Argentinian Mariano Ruiz de Sanko may become the first person given permanent resident status by Slovakia based on the fact that he entered into a homosexual marriage with a Slovak. Three years ago, he married Jakub Sanko de Ruiz. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The October verdict of the Regional Court in Zilina in favour of the couple is the first of its kind and comes less than three weeks after the terrorist attack on the LGBT+ community on Zamocka Street in Bratislava. This does not mean a change in the attitude of the courts or authorities towards LGBT partnerships, but about adopting the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, which is binding for all EU member countries. The Sme daily provides answers to basic questions about what the decision means and explains whether it can lead to greater acceptance of the rights of the community in Slovakia. Related article Related article Parliament afraid of granting rights to LGBT+ community, president says Read more Why did the couple sue Slovakia? The couple met in Argentina, where they still live. Sanko de Ruiz, originally from the village of Velke Rovne, north-west Slovakia, went to the country years ago and established himself as a cook. He even succeeded in a cooking television show and founded his own restaurant in Buenos Aires, offering Slovak specialities in addition to Argentinian dishes. Although successful, Sanko de Ruiz would like to return to Slovakia, but not alone. In May 2019, he married Argentinian Marian Ruiz. Trip to Zdiar and the disappearing Romani language. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Good evening. The Monday, November 7 edition of Today in Slovakia is ready with the main news of the day in less than five minutes. From Brussels closer to Carpathian beech forests Stuzicky Primeval Forest in Poloniny National Park. (Source: TASR) Slovakia would like to host a permanent coordination office for the UNESCO Natural World Heritage: Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe. "Although Slovakia is a small country, it has unique natural wealth," Environment Minister Jan Budaj (OLaNO) said, noting Slovakia and Ukraine are founding members of the Carpathian Beech Forests as a UNESCO site. Austria and Belgium, where the office is based until 2024, are also keen to win the office. Three people should run this body. More stories from The Slovak Spectator website Roma: The Romani language is used less and less today in Romani communities, says Lenka Gorolova from the University of Presov in an interview. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Events: A walking tour, Month of Photography, parties and concerts. See what's on in Bratislava this week. Court: Six questions and answers about a recent ruling that says the police discriminated against a married Slovak-Argentinian same-sex couple. Cinema: A cinema from the early 20th century in Nitra will serve as a creative centre. For a deeper insight into current affairs, check out our Last Week in Slovakia piece published earlier today. It focuses on the Catholic Church's latest misstep. You can sign up for the newsletter here. FEATURE STORY FOR MONDAY What does genuine Goral culture look like? A Goral house in Zdiar's Antosovsky Vrch district. (Source: Andrew Giarelli) Andrew Giarelli takes readers to Zdiar to learn about the Goral culture and people Slovaks and Poles with a difference. If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription. Thank you. IN OTHER NEWS: The New York Times mentions President Zuzana Caputova as one of the potential candidates for NATO's next Secretary General in its November 4 article. in its November 4 article. Heger's cabinet has approved a proposal for the preparation of the R4 expressway (130 km) from the border with Poland to Kapusany (65 km). In a bilateral agreement with Poland, Slovakia obliged itself to make every effort to connect the R4 and the S19 expressway in Poland by the end of 2028. Poland has announced the expected completion of its connection in 2026, and Hungary completed its section from Miszkolc to the border with Slovakia in 2021. Slovakia is currently no longer able to meet the agreed connection deadline. (130 km) from the border with Poland to Kapusany (65 km). In a bilateral agreement with Poland, Slovakia obliged itself to make every effort to connect the R4 and the S19 expressway in Poland by the end of 2028. Poland has announced the expected completion of its connection in 2026, and Hungary completed its section from Miszkolc to the border with Slovakia in 2021. Slovakia is currently no longer able to meet the agreed connection deadline. The government will help energy-intense firms with 40 million this year. About 50,000 employees work at these companies. (TASR) The Public Defender's Office has been operating without a public defender for seven months. Up to 566 cases are waiting for a new public defender to be reviewed and decided on. MPs are yet to elect the successor of Maria Patakyova. (Source: Twitter/Verejny ochranca prav) Parliament will reconvene on Tuesday, November 8. MPs will vote on 75 bills. on Tuesday, November 8. MPs will vote on 75 bills. Registered partnerships will not be adopted by this parliament, Finance Minister and OLaNO chair Igor Matovic told the Markiza television channel on Sunday. The minister added he will do all he can to prevent such legislation from being adopted in the future. If you have suggestions on how this news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk. Slovakias Catholics are experiencing the aftershocks of Teplaren. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Welcome to your weekly commentary and overview of news from Slovakia. The Catholic Church has a coming out to make. Its too easy to switch parliament off for two weeks. Reports suggest military material may have been exported from Slovakia to Russia. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The church is experiencing the aftershocks of Teplaren The attack on the Teplaren gay bar in Bratislava that resulted in the murders of Juraj Vankulic and Matej Horvath marked a dark moment, one filled with the horror of witnessing a violent loss of human life and the despair that comes with the realisation that the very foundations that the state is supposed to be built on freedom, security, democracy are at stake. Slovak society has recent experience of turning a moment of despair into a constructive force, when the murders of Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova in 2018 led to some degree of political and societal reckoning. Now, given that the victims of this latest attack were LGBT+ people, there are hints that something may be happening in perhaps the countrys most rigid organisation: the Roman Catholic Church. Beech localities are the biggest serial locality on the list. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Slovakia is preparing to vie to be the host country of the permanent coordination office for the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site primeval beech forests and beech forests of the Carpathians and other regions of Europe. The beech localities are currently the biggest serial locality on the UNESCO list with 94 components in 18 countries. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Five localities in east Slovakia have been entered onto UNESCOs World Heritage List, as an extension to an existing transnational natural site in Europe. Beech forest Slovak localities are also part of Carpathians forests scattered across Europe. The forests preserve one of a kind beech genetic information on which many animal and plant species depend. European beech forests Perhaps youve heard of oat milk. Baristas love oat milk. Oat milk is vegan. Oat milk can be safe for those with nut or dairy allergies*. Youve tried oat milk. You probably even have a favorite oat milk! But what IS oat milk? Is it the milk of an oat? Sort of, but not quite, and also much more. Lets explore oat milk together! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pacific Barista Series (@baristaseries) What is oat milk, actually? Oat milk is a drink made by processing oats in water. Oat milk has become a popular alternative to cows milk in coffee houses for its flavor and texture, but also for the convenient attributes of being vegan, soy-free (which soy milk is not), and nut-free (almond milk, were looking at you). Oat milk can have a texture ranging from thin to lush and viscous, depending on how it is made. There are special, barista-targeted versions of oat milk that are thicker than regular oat milk, and these steam nicely to make lattes and other hot beverages. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Oatly (@oatly) But is it JUST made of oats and water? No. Most companies who manufacture oat milk add a variety of ingredients such as vitamins like riboflavin and Vitamin D, buffers and stabilizers like gellan gum and locust bean gum, and sometimes oils like canola oil. Not all oat milks include added oils, but most full fat or barista versions tailored for milk steaming do. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chobani (@chobani) What does oat milk taste like? Oat milk is, for a lot of people, the least surprising flavor of alternative milk when they taste it for the first time, says Nathanael May, Senior Manager of Training & Specialty Coffee at Campbells, parent company of oat milk maker Pacific Foods. If you have had oatmeal ever in your life, oat milk tastes a lot like oatmeal, says May. It gives that very nostalgic, comforting, classic breakfast flavor, he explains, noting that different oat milk brands lean into that oatmeal-intense flavor to varying degrees. In coffee and tea, oat milk tends to provide a creamy but neutral base for the flavors it accompanies. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Evergreen Coffee Co. (@evergreencoffeeco.tc) How is oat milk made? Oat milk can be made in a variety of ways, all of which require mixing oats (either from oat flour or in larger pieces) with water. A popular method is enzymatic hydrolysis, a process which accentuates the release of sugars from the oats, making the drink taste naturally sweet. You can also make oat milk at home by soaking oats in water, blending, and straining. Were essentially doing the same thing that you do when you make oatmeal when we make oat milk, were just ensuring that that comes out as a liquid instead of a porridge, says May. When did this oat milk thing happen anyway? The specialty coffee industry propelled oat milk to stardom in the late 2010s, after Swedish brand Oatly made a full court press into cafes worldwide. Baristas embraced it as an alternative to existing milk alternatives, especially enamored with its flavor and versatility. Fierce oat competition quickly ensued, with companies from large to small including the aforementioned Pacific Foods, Califia Farms, Chobani, Silk, Minor Figures, and Ghost Town Oats hoisting their sails on the oat liquid sea. Retail and grocery celebration of oat milk followed on the heels of coffee shops, and nowadays oat milk is available all over the darn placeits popularity has continued unabated well into the 2020s. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KUMQUAT COFFEE & TEA (@kumquatcoffee) Is oat milk gluten-free? Is it organic? Not all oat milk is able to be labeled gluten-free due to the high likelihood of cross-contamination either within factories or even fields. While many brands do ensure their oat milk is gluten-free, its often cost-prohibitive to ensure oats are both organic and gluten-freeso many manufacturers pick one or the other. View this post on Instagram A post shared by RISE Brewing Co. (@risebrewingco) Is oat milk better for you than milk or milk substitutes? Oat milk tends to be fortified with the same beneficial additives other milk alternatives add, like Riboflavin and Calcium (which are naturally occurring in dairy milk.) Oat milk is lower in protein than cows milk and soy milk, but higher than in almond milkand certainly has more protein than coconut milk, which has almost none. Oat milk made with added oils may taste more delicious to some, but may give others pause. As with all of lifes big choices, there are always going to be sacrifices. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MiiR (@miir) Is oat milk more environmentally friendly than milk or milk substitutes? Oat milk is one of the more sustainable plant-based milks, with oatsa rotationally farmed plant that provides beneficial crop diversitycited as being less water-intensive and environmentally taxing than other alternative milk ingredients, like almonds. Factory scale conventional dairy milk farming uses more resources and produces more greenhouse emissions than plant-based alternatives, but its worth noting such metrics do not necessarily apply to the work of small, organic dairy farms. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Minor Figures (@minorfigures) What are some good uses of oat milk? Besides being well suited to coffee and tea, oat milk makes a great base for a bowl of your favorite cereal, an addition to smoothies, as a drink on its own, or even in oatmeal! (Is that weird? You do you.) Liz Clayton is the associate editor at Sprudge Media Network. Read more Liz Clayton on Sprudge. * Not all oat milks are safe for those with allergies, as some may be manufactured in facilities in close proximity to allergens. Always check allergy information on oat milk products before consuming! https://sputniknews.com/20221106/rnc-will-not-pay-for-trumps-legal-fees-if-he-runs-for-potus-1103839229.html RNC Will Not Pay for Trump's Legal Fees If He Runs for POTUS RNC Will Not Pay for Trump's Legal Fees If He Runs for POTUS It has been widely suspected that Trump will announce his bid for the 2024 Presidential election sometime after the midterms. 06.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-06T23:41+0000 2022-11-06T23:41+0000 2022-11-06T23:41+0000 americas us republican national committee (rnc) donald trump defense funding /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/09/02/1100296636_0:172:3071:1900_1920x0_80_0_0_f47b6afdf6ae7828ce13c632ca526b73.jpg Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel told CNN that the committee cannot pay for former US President Donald Trumps legal defense if he announces a run for President in 2024.The RNC confirmed last year that it was paying for some of Trumps legal costs for cases that it determined to be politically motivated legal proceedings against the former President.It has recently funded the defense of the Trump Organization in two cases in New York. The two cases, one civil and one criminal, are related to the Organization allegedly misrepresenting the value of properties to gain more favorable loans and better tax rates. The day-to-day operations of the Trump Organization have been run by Trumps children since 2016 after Trump was elected President.The criminal case went to trial last week and also alleges that the company did not pay taxes on perks provided to top executives, including cars and apartments in New York City. Allen Weisselberg, the former Chief Financial Officer of the Trump Organization, pleaded guilty in August to 15 felony counts for evading taxes and has agreed to testify against the Trump Organization as part of his plea agreement.While speaking to US journalist Dana Bash on Sunday, McDaniel said that the RNC will be prohibited from funding the legal defense of anyone who is a declared candidate.She also noted that Trump has certainly raised more money under the RNC than they have provided for his legal bills. She insisted that she does not know if Trump will run in 2024.On Friday, another US media outlet reported that Trumps team is eyeing November 14 as a possible launch date for his campaign.Trumps variety of legal issues will not be settled by that time and will likely stretch into 2023 at least. In addition to the two cases in New York, the Department of Justice is also investigating the Former Presidents handling of classified documents stored at his Mar-a-Lago estate. In August, the FBI seized over 11,000 documents from the Florida mansion, including some that were labeled classified and top secret.Prosecutors in Georgia are also looking into attempts to overturn the 2020 Presidential election in that state by Trump and his allies. It is not known if Trump is a target of that investigation but he may be called to testify. Several close allies to Trump have already been called to testify, including former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Trumps former personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who prosecutors have said is a target of the investigation.The House Select Committee to investigate the January 6 Attack on the Capitol is also looking into Trumps actions on January 6, 2021, when a mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to prevent Joe Bidens confirmation by Congress as the next President of the United States. That committee cannot criminally charge Trump, but they may recommend that the Department of Justice charge him. The Justice Department is conducting its own criminal investigation into the events that day, but they have not revealed much about the investigation and it is not known if Trump is a target.McDaniel also stated that Republican candidates should accept election results in Tuesdays elections after the process [of recounts] plays out and welcomed the possibility of President Biden reaching across the aisle, should Republicans take control of Congress. https://sputniknews.com/20221106/trump-doubts-us-can-survive-2-more-years-of-bidens-tenure-1103827857.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Ian DeMartino Ian DeMartino News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ian DeMartino us, republican national committee (rnc), donald trump, defense, funding https://sputniknews.com/20221107/after-snubbing-biden-saudi-arabia-reportedly-preparing-to-welcome-xi-before-years-end-1103868774.html After Snubbing Biden, Saudi Arabia Reportedly Preparing to Welcome Xi Before Year's End After Snubbing Biden, Saudi Arabia Reportedly Preparing to Welcome Xi Before Year's End The burgeoning Sino-Saudi relationship could get a little more shored up later this year as the Chinese leader is expected to travel to Riyadh for talks. 07.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-07T18:33+0000 2022-11-07T18:33+0000 2022-11-07T18:53+0000 world saudi arabia xi jinping china trade /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/103513/70/1035137082_0:156:3001:1844_1920x0_80_0_0_509decd97f02e06799b7980ce12015eb.jpg Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Saudi Arabia before the end of 2022, according to US media.Riyadh has long supported Chinas positions on key issues, including its sovereignty over Taiwan and its deradicalization policies in Xinjiang. Speaking at a meeting with Foreign Minister Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud of Saudi Arabia last month, Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councilor Wang Yi told reporters that Beijing attaches great importance to developing relations with Saudi Arabia, taking Saudi Arabia as a priority in its overall diplomacy, its Middle East diplomacy in particular.Those goals broadly reflect the results of a summit between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council in September, which particularly concerned grain access for the Arab nations threatened by the loss of Ukrainian exports in particular. Those shipments have since partly resumed, although they paused recently when Kiev forces used the safety corridor established for grain shipments to mount a drone attack on the Russian city of Sevastopol.Jonathan Fulton, an assistant professor of political science at Abu Dhabi-based Zayed University and an expert in China-Gulf state relations, told a US media outlet that the Saudis werent trying to play Washington and Beijing against each other, but reacting to Washingtons binary foreign policy in which a nation is either on Americas side or on the Chinese-Russian side.Although it has been a staunch ally since the end of World War II, Washingtons relationship with Riyadh has begun to wane since US President Joe Biden took office in January 2021. A strong critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Biden moved to restrict the sale of offensive weapons to the kingdom and published CIA documents accusing him of being behind the 2018 assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, a dissident Turkish-Saudi journalist connected to the Muslim Brotherhood*. Riyadh has vehemently denied the accusations.A day after Biden announced the boycott and urged Riyadh to expand production, Saudi Aramco announced a new project with Chinas North Huajin Chemical Industries Group Corporation and Panjin Xincheng Industrial Group to build a massive new petrochemical complex in northeastern China.*The Muslim Brotherhood is a terrorist organization banned in Russia. saudi arabia china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Fantine Gardinier Fantine Gardinier News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Fantine Gardinier is saudi arabia snubbing biden, xi to visit saudi arabia, will xi visit saudi arabia, us-saudi tensions, us-saudi tensions over opec+, opec+ cuts https://sputniknews.com/20221107/beijing-urges-london-to-respect-one-china-principle-stop-official-contacts-with-taipei-1103849544.html Beijing Urges London to Respect One-China Principle, Stop Official Contacts With Taipei Beijing Urges London to Respect One-China Principle, Stop Official Contacts With Taipei BEIJING (Sputnik) - China is urging the United Kingdom to abide by the One-China principle, cease all forms of official contact with Taiwan and stop sending... 07.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-07T10:20+0000 2022-11-07T10:20+0000 2022-11-07T14:44+0000 world china uk taiwan taipei beijing /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/104409/39/1044093966_0:108:3600:2133_1920x0_80_0_0_76774ce1323e4e0b02d8867dfd19c343.jpg The UK government said earlier in the day that UK Minister of State for Trade Policy Greg Hands would travel to Taiwan with an official two-day visit on Monday. Hands is scheduled to co-host the 25th annual UK-Taiwan Trade Talks in Taipei, meet with the head of the Taiwanese administration, Tsai Ing-wen, and sign a Memorandum of Understanding to increase collaboration on technology and innovation.The spokesman emphasized that the One-China principle is the political basis for the development of bilateral relations between Beijing and London.Commenting on the British policies regarding Taipei, political observer Bi Dianlong noted that playing the "Taiwan card" is the most obvious way for London to distract the nation from internal problems during a period of political volatility.The situation around Taiwan escalated after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island in early August. Beijing condemned Pelosi's trip, which it regarded as a gesture of support for separatism, and launched large-scale military exercises in the vicinity of the island. Despite this fact, several countries, including Germany, have sent delegations to the island since then, further increasing tensions in the Taiwan Strait.Taiwan has been governed independently from mainland China since 1949. Beijing views the island as its province, while Taiwan maintains that it is an autonomous country but stops short of declaring independence. Beijing opposes any official contacts of foreign states with Taipei and considers Chinese sovereignty over the island indisputable. china taipei beijing Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International beijing and london, uk officials in taipei, uk official in taiwan, pelosi trip to taiwan, one china principle, taiwan separatism, official contacts with taipei, https://sputniknews.com/20221107/cooperate-or-perish-un-secretary-general-rolls-out-alternatives-as-cop27-kicks-off-in-egypt--1103857352.html 'Cooperate or Perish': UN Secretary-General Rolls Out Alternatives as COP27 Kicks Off in Egypt 'Cooperate or Perish': UN Secretary-General Rolls Out Alternatives as COP27 Kicks Off in Egypt This year, the COP27 climate summit has already become significant in two ways. First of all, the event is being held in a continent, which, according to UN... 07.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-07T14:09+0000 2022-11-07T14:09+0000 2022-11-23T11:37+0000 africa the united nations (un) antonio guterres /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0b/07/1103862680_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_5e551c3de983c655b4b159a6421f8481.jpg Setting up the tone for the COP27 summit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has pointed to the apparent scenarios of how the climate process might evolve in the frameworks of the meeting.Pointing out the urgency of the need to resolve the climate change crisis, Guterres noted "we are on a highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator." Speaking ahead of some 100 foreign state leaders, who are expected to deliver speeches in the next few days, the UN chief argued that the climate crisis is "the central challenge of our century."The 2022 UN climate summit is the fifth COP that is being held on the African continent, the most vulnerable place on Earth, in terms of climate change impacts. The previous summits held here took place in Morocco (twice), Kenya and South Africa.The fact that this year's event is being hosted by an African country, as devastating natural disasters linked to the climate crisis ravage the continent, led some observers to look at the gathering optimistically.The event has already become significant since the issue of the loss and damage funding (question whether rich countries should pay compensations to vulnerable nations hit by climate-change induced disasters) was put on the negotiations table.The COP27 summit will last until 18 November. https://sputniknews.com/20221107/un-cop27-climate-summit-starts-today-in-egypt--1103860747.html https://sputniknews.com/20221107/uk-backs-deal-on-loss-and-damage-payments-to-developing-countries-hit-by-climate-change-1103842416.html africa Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Olga Borodkina Olga Borodkina News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Olga Borodkina un secretary-general, antonio guterres, climate change, the cop27 summit, climate conference in egypt, guterres warns world leaders, un climate conference, african problems, loss and damage dung https://sputniknews.com/20221107/head-of-us-nuclear-forces-claims-ukraine-just-a-warmup-for-very-long-struggle-with-russia-china-1103870150.html Head of US Nuclear Forces Claims Ukraine Just a Warmup for Very Long Struggle With Russia, China Head of US Nuclear Forces Claims Ukraine Just a Warmup for Very Long Struggle With Russia, China Since 2018, the US has seen its primary strategic focus as preparing for so-called great power competition with Russia and China. It claims the two nations... 07.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-07T20:18+0000 2022-11-07T20:18+0000 2022-11-07T20:16+0000 world china us us strategic command competition /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/01/04/1092013727_0:158:3078:1889_1920x0_80_0_0_6b4da36f1da1be17003adca7a138d2e7.jpg US Navy Adm. Charles Richard, the head of US Strategic Command, recently warned the US would soon face a protracted conflict with China unlike anything its faced before. Stratcom is responsible for handling the countrys nuclear weapons, as well as the suite of defensive and offensive information capabilities termed C4ISR.We have to do some rapid, fundamental change in the way we approach the defense of this nation, Richard said at a Navy symposium last week.Richard warned the ship is slowly sinking because China is fielding new capabilities faster than the United States, which will soon find itself outnumbered and outclassed on the battlefield.Richard also criticized US stagnation, saying it had lost the art of delivering new systems quickly.The US is already behind China in the key field of missiles, with China fielding a generation of ultra-long-range cruise missiles, a bevy of ballistic missile varieties, and several varieties of hypersonic weapons for which the US has no equal and no answer.Beijing has also developed a radar capable of detecting stealth aircraft and begun equipping its newest warships with it, putting the US vaunted F-22 and F-35 fleets at risk.Comparisons between Russias special operation in Ukraine and a presumed Chinese invasion of Taiwan have been made by American leaders since the operation was launched in February, despite Chinese protests otherwise. However, the US has been preparing for a conflict with China since at least late 2017, when the Trump administration began introducing a series of new strategic documents outlining a shift in US foreign policy.The latest National Defense Strategy, published by the Pentagon last month, continues planning for what it calls great power competition with Russia and China, specifying that it sees Russia as an acute threat and China as the long-term competitor. In it, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin refers to Beijing as Washingtons most consequential strategic competitor for the coming decades. china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Fantine Gardinier Fantine Gardinier News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Fantine Gardinier china, us, us strategic command, competition High-level implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement will promote regional openness and economic integration, contributing more to world economic recovery, according to experts and business leaders. The trade pact, which took effect on Jan 1, has created the world's largest free trade area in economic size, which will bring benefits to enterprises within and beyond the region, they said. An HSBC report released on Sunday at the ongoing fifth China International Import Expo showed nearly 3,400 companies based in nine RCEP member countries and another seven world major economies expect their China business revenue to increase by 20 percent in the next 12 months. Companies in RCEP markets are more optimistic, as 40 percent of them expect the income from their China operations to grow by at least 30 percent in a year's time, and 10 percent of these companies foresee 50 percent in annual income growth. "The implementation of the RCEP shows relevant parties' confidence and determination to uphold multilateralism, free trade, and regional economic integration," Hong Junjie, vice-president of the University of International Business and Economics, said on Saturday at a session of the fifth Hongqiao International Economic Forum. "That will help spur regional and global trade and investment to make important contributions to world economic recovery," he added. ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi said via video at the same event that to address the challenges facing human society, closer international cooperation is required, and for that, the RCEP will play an important role. The trade pact is not only able to help solve the short-term and long-term bottlenecks in supply chains, but will also promote regional economic integration, he said. Nearly 93 percent of the polled companies from RCEP markets said their trade ties with Chinese partners will be strengthened under the RCEP arrangements, a trend that is especially noticeable among those from Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, according to the HSBC report. Meanwhile, nearly 78 percent of the interviewed companies from RCEP economies plan to expand their supply chain in China in the next 24 months. Application of advanced digital technologies and building closer ties with strategic suppliers will be part of their focus. The RCEP will help to reduce costs, stabilize the supply chain and boost trade in Asia, said the interviewed companies. https://sputniknews.com/20221107/indias-tirupati-temple-reportedly-richer-than-many-business-conglomerates-1103855843.html Indias Tirupati Temple Reportedly Richer Than Many Business Conglomerates Indias Tirupati Temple Reportedly Richer Than Many Business Conglomerates Assets owned by the temple include land, buildings, cash, and gold deposits in banks, given as offerings by devotees, something that helps the temple grow... 07.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-07T14:01+0000 2022-11-07T14:01+0000 2022-11-07T14:01+0000 india religion religion donation temple temple andhra pradesh /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0b/07/1103862157_0:125:2401:1476_1920x0_80_0_0_886a46e895b48dcadcfbdb34a9f55572.jpg The world-famous Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati city in Indias Andhra Pradesh is richer than many business conglomerates and state-owned companies, a media report revealed on Monday.The report was based on a declaration of net worth by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), keeper of the temple dedicated to Tirupati's presiding deity -- Lord Venkateswara. This is the first time since its founding in 1993 that the TTD has declared its net worth.The temple's assets include 10.25 tons of gold deposits in banks, 2.5 tons of gold jewelry, about INR 160,000 million ($1.95 billion) in bank deposits, and 960 properties across India.The assets are given as offerings to the temple by devotees. For instance, in September, a Muslim couple donated INR 10 million ($122,068) to the famous Tirupati temple. The draft was handed over by the couple to TTD Executive Officer Dharma Reddy.However, about two dozen companies, including billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries Ltd, Tata Consultancy Services, and HDFC Bank etc. still have higher market valuation than the temple trusts net worth. andhra pradesh Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Rahul Trivedi https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/05/12/1082926121_0:-1:627:627_100x100_80_0_0_d882e1a63f627c25b7a534fb8b8234d7.jpg Rahul Trivedi https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/05/12/1082926121_0:-1:627:627_100x100_80_0_0_d882e1a63f627c25b7a534fb8b8234d7.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Rahul Trivedi https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/05/12/1082926121_0:-1:627:627_100x100_80_0_0_d882e1a63f627c25b7a534fb8b8234d7.jpg religion, religion, donation, temple, temple, andhra pradesh https://sputniknews.com/20221107/indigenous-group-in-perus-cuninico-seizes-another-tourist-vessel-reports-1103840314.html Indigenous Group in Peru's Cuninico Seizes Another Tourist Vessel - Reports Indigenous Group in Peru's Cuninico Seizes Another Tourist Vessel - Reports MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) - Residents of the indigenous Peruvian community of Cuninico have seized another river vessel with over 70 tourists on board, media... 07.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-07T01:59+0000 2022-11-07T01:59+0000 2022-11-07T01:59+0000 americas peru indigenous peoples vessel tourists seizure /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0b/07/1103840168_0:205:2201:1443_1920x0_80_0_0_a0cfac38410fde8e470c4164db0a9db7.jpg As of Sunday morning, there was no water or food on board the ship, local broadcaster said. The passengers include over two dozen children.On Friday, the Cuninico indigenous group released more than 100 tourists taken hostage on the Cuninico river on Thursday.According to some media reports, the group has already seized several vessels, as a form of protest over the government's inaction in dealing with the oil spill into the Cuninico river that occurred on September 16 and killed three locals, including two children.The oil spill occurred due to a rupture of a pipeline of Peruvian state-run oil company Petroperu. The company said that the oil spill was the result of deliberate attempts to damage the pipeline. It initiated an emergency plan and vowed to coordinate the delivery of drinking water and food for the residents of the affected communities.Peruvian Prime Minister Anibal Torres Vasquez has said that the oil spill that caused the catastrophic pollution of the river was the result of deliberate actions on the part of the locals seeking compensation from the government or oil companies. americas peru Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International peru, indigenous peoples, vessel, tourists, seizure Ukrainian Troops Launch Attack Near Snigiryovka in Russia's Kherson Region - Authorities Ukrainian troops launched an attack in the area of Snigiryovka, Russia's Kherson Region, a serious battle is underway, deputy head of the regional administration Kirill Stremousov told Sputnik. Earlier reports said Ukrainian troops launched an attack in another area on Tuesday afternoon, but suffered losses and were driven back. "In the afternoon they tried to move near the village of Davydov Brod in the Berislav direction, but all were driven back there. Now they have begun moving en masse near the city of Snigiryovka. They are trying to move the front line," Stremousov said. He said the Russian Armed Forces are holding back enemy attacks and holding the line of defense. Additionally the deputy revealed that Polish and English-speaking mercenaries are involved in the offensive. https://sputniknews.com/20221107/midterm-outcome-could-steer-biden-re-election-decision-1103863526.html Midterm Outcome Could Steer Biden Re-Election Decision Midterm Outcome Could Steer Biden Re-Election Decision WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The outcome of the midterm elections is set to shape the political environment for the next two years of President Joe Bidens first... 07.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-07T14:20+0000 2022-11-07T14:20+0000 2022-11-07T14:20+0000 2022 us midterms 2022 us midterm elections midterm elections us joe biden /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/09/02/1100290105_0:0:3073:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_76d8ebad552769d969f40df57eb6e3f0.jpg Democrats are at risk of losing majorities in both chambers of Congress, with polls showing Republicans well-positioned to seize the House while control of the Senate remains a toss-up. The White House last month reportedly became increasingly worried that Democrats could lose control of Congress as Republicans maintained momentum in the polls.Biden has repeatedly said he will run again, but has yet to make it official. The Washington Post reported that the president has been meeting with aides since September "preparing" the re-election campaign.However, a midterm disaster may have Biden facing threats from both without and within. Losing control of Congress will obviously hinder Biden's agenda as he squares off against Republicans, many of whom have vowed to impeach him.A loss will also cause more consternation among those who made him the Democratic Party's nominee in the first place. Some experts say low poll numbers, health concerns and economic challenges have introduced doubt about whether Biden would be the partys best candidate, despite his advantage as incumbent.Midterm OmensThe midterm results will be highly significant to Biden as he mulls the future. For starters, they could serve as an indicator of Bidens potential as a candidate in 2024, evidenced by an October Morning Consult poll that found one-third of voters saying they think "a lot" about the sitting president when casting midterm ballots.And, heading into the midterms, most signals were not looking good. Bidens job approval rating sat at 40%, as of Friday, according to Gallup. In comparison, during the same period of their presidencies, President Donald Trumps job approval was at 42% and President Barack Obamas at 45%.A YouGov/The Economist poll released last week found that less than half of people who voted for Biden in 2020, 43%, support him running again.Pre-midterm indicators so far provide little comfort. Pollsters in pivotal senate races are saying voter dissatisfaction with Bidens job performance is one of the top factors fueling the Republican surge.In addition to being a referendum on his performance, the midterm outcome will also make clear to Biden the likelihood of boosting that performance in the next two years.Like predecessors Trump and Obama, Biden was elected to office with his party controlling both chambers. Both Trump and Obama lost control of a chamber in their first midterms.Delivering on Democrats agenda and Bidens 2020 campaign promises is poised to be a critical task in cementing a 2024 re-election bid, but doing so will be made more difficult without full control of Congress.Moreover, if Republicans win a majority in Congress they could begin investigations into members of the Biden administration. For example, US Senator Rand Paul has pledged to investigate pandemic-related policies of officials including presidential medical advisor Anthony Fauci.Probes could also be launched into foreign business deals of Hunter Biden. Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt is suing the federal government over allegations that they colluded with social media companies to censor stories ahead of the 2020 election, including the Hunter Biden laptop story and the COVID-19 "lab leak" theory.Biden himself acknowledged the worst-case scenario - that if Republicans win the House and Senate, they might impeach him.Ousted From Within?Biden is not the only one mulling the presidents future, for members of his own party will try to have a say in it. The midterm outcome will factor into their decision-making, on top of ongoing concerns over performance, health, and constant verbal gaffes.Biden turns 80-years old on November 20, meaning he could be 86-years old by the end of his presidency if he were to run in 2024 and win.Trends Journal publisher and financial analyst Gerald Celente predicted that Biden will likely run in 2024 if he can still walk and talk at the same "bumbling" rate.However, Democrats could choose to replace him with another candidate if the US economy dives into a deep recession, Celente added. In such an instance, Democrats would look for a candidate who can sell a vision of a rejuvenated economy, he said.Dems' Worst Post-Midterm NightmareAs Biden faces the prospect of the midterm results complicating his agenda going forward, the Democrats are focused on trying to ensure one person does not return to the White House.Trump reportedly is looking to announce the launch of his 2024 presidential campaign on November 14, which could potentially be followed by a multi-day series of political events.The midterms will provide Trump with indicators as well, in terms of knowing who controls Congress and his potential as a candidate based on the success of those he endorsed.A Wall Street Journal poll released last week found Trump and Biden would be dead even in a hypothetical matchup, with 46% support each.Trump maintains similar support to Biden for a re-election bid, with 28% and 27% support respectively, according to the YouGov/The Economist poll.Whereas a minority of people who voted for Biden said they would support him in a 2024 campaign, over half of people who voted for Trump in 2020, 55%, said they would support another run, the poll found.However, Trump finds himself caught up in several legal battles at present time, including financial court cases in New York and a federal raid on his Mar-a-Lago residence.A 2024 campaign would also come amid ongoing trials against those involved in the January 6 riot at the US Capitol, for which Trump was investigated by a congressional panel. Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International joe biden, us midterms, biden re-election, 2024 presidential election, 2022 midterms, democrats, republicans https://sputniknews.com/20221107/muslim-bjp-minority-wing-leader-dismisses-notion-of-bias--prejudice-in-party-1103855723.html Muslim BJP Minority-Wing Leader Dismisses Notion of Bias & Prejudice in Party Muslim BJP Minority-Wing Leader Dismisses Notion of Bias & Prejudice in Party Dr. Gulrez Sheikh is national in-charge of the social media and IT cell of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) minority wing and is also an author and... 07.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-07T14:22+0000 2022-11-07T14:22+0000 2022-11-07T14:22+0000 india bharatiya janata party (bjp) muslims muslims narendra modi narendra modi prime minister prime minister uttar pradesh party /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0b/07/1103859008_0:114:3073:1842_1920x0_80_0_0_09270d681c4a84441f60e987c010e53f.jpg BJP politician and prominent face of its Minority Morcha, Gulrez Sheikh, has urged the country's largest minority, Muslims, to claim their place in the federally governing party. Sputnik: How do you view the BJP and RSS' recent outreach towards Muslims in India? What is the primary aim behind this?Gulrez Sheikh: This is not the first time the RSS is having an outreach to Muslims. The procedure of dialogue dates back to the days of Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar, the second chief of the RSS. It gained momentum during the tenure of the third chairman of the organization, Madhukar Dattatraya Deora. Later on, K.S. Sudarshan (fifth chief of the RSS) appointed Indresh Kumar to look into the outreach programs for Muslims.The RSS constantly engages with Muslims through an organization called the Muslim Jagran Manch, headed by Indresh Kumar. There's no doubt that there's a great outreach of the RSS with the Muslim community.Even if one looks at the BJP, I say that Muslims must claim their place in the party. When the BJP was founded in 1980, it had Atal Bihari Vajpayee and three general secretaries, and out of those three general secretaries, one was Sikander Bakht, making him the founding general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party. So, I say out of those four people, 25 percent stakes of the BJP belong to Muslims and that's why it's high time we must claim it and we are claiming it. Sputnik: Has there been a response from the Muslim community to the government's welfare programs?Gulrez Sheikh: There is no differentiation when we talk about these schemes and all the schemes are made for Indian citizens irrespective of religion or caste or their native place. The only criterion is they must be Indian citizens. All of them are enjoying the fruits of these schemes and particularly, if I have to talk about Muslims, they are the most backward. The social welfare schemes of the Narendra Modi government are for poor people, and who form the bulk of the poor? Muslims. That's why a big share of these schemes is going to this community and they are getting the benefit of it. But when you look at states ruled by the BJP and non-BJP-ruled states, you will find the percentage of employment, particularly in the government sector of Muslims is higher in the BJP-ruled states in comparison to the non-BJP-ruled states.Sputnik: Do Muslims now see the BJP as an alternative to the Congress or any other opposition party? There has always been a perception that it is an organization for Hindus. What do you have to say about this?Gulrez Sheikh: In the last general elections, around 8 to 10 percent of Muslims voted for the BJP, and this time, I am expecting this number to be 20 percent. Even if you look at the number of Muslims that voted for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the state of Uttar Pradesh earlier this year, it was much higher than ever before. So the outreach of the Modi government, particularly in terms of schemes and social upliftment has worked and the community is coming closer to the BJP.Sputnik: You have been associated with the BJP for nearly a decade now. Have you experienced any kind of discrimination based on religion from fellow politicians?Gulrez Sheikh: I am a person with an academic background and my party values me for that. My progress in the BJP can be understood from the fact that I am from the very small town of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh and just after 15 years, I am a national office bearer of the party. Can you think if the party had discriminated on the basis of religion, a person like me would be sitting in the BJP's national headquarters in Delhi?Sputnik: Like Ayodhya, the Gyanvapi case in Varanasi has grabbed headlines. Do you think such cases could affect the harmony between Hindus and Muslims?Gulrez Sheikh: India has a long history of communal harmony. Hindu-Muslim communal harmony is in the DNA of all of us, and I believe nothing can hamper it, nothing can break it.Even during the Ayodhya Judgment (a case related to Lord Ram Temple and Babri Mosque land dispute) there were rumors that there will be riots, and trains and buses will be burnt. But not a single drop of blood fell on the ground, because Indians respect their judiciary.The views expressed in this article are those of the expert and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik. https://sputniknews.com/20220922/in-outreach-to-muslims-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat-meets-top-cleric-at-mosque-in-delhi-1101082083.html uttar pradesh Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Pawan Atri https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/05/12/1082926219_0:0:358:358_100x100_80_0_0_aca1d9bdccc7af990e49b4511ee80344.png Pawan Atri https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/05/12/1082926219_0:0:358:358_100x100_80_0_0_aca1d9bdccc7af990e49b4511ee80344.png News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Pawan Atri https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/05/12/1082926219_0:0:358:358_100x100_80_0_0_aca1d9bdccc7af990e49b4511ee80344.png bharatiya janata party (bjp), muslims, muslims, narendra modi, narendra modi, prime minister, prime minister, uttar pradesh, party https://sputniknews.com/20221107/netanyahus-win-means-israelis-arent-us-administrations-vassals-author-says-1103867988.html Netanyahu's Win Means Israelis Aren't US Administration's Vassals, Author Says Netanyahu's Win Means Israelis Aren't US Administration's Vassals, Author Says Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition won 64 seats in the 120-seat parliament last week, paving the way for his political comeback. On November 6, Netanyahu urged his... 07.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-07T18:02+0000 2022-11-07T18:02+0000 2022-11-07T18:02+0000 opinion & analysis us israel middle east iran joe biden benjamin netanyahu donald trump vladimir putin /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0b/02/1102940729_0:0:3071:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_0aada10301230930b6eaec43fb3d2061.jpg "By choosing Netanyahu despite pressure from the American administration and the EU, the Israeli society has shown independence and sovereignty," Nelly Gutina, an Israeli author and political commentator, told Sputnik. "We do not know how the geopolitical puzzle will unfold during the current global confrontation, but we can be sure that today Israel is headed by a competent and experienced player in the geopolitical field, and not a vassal of the American administration."When Netanyahu had to step down last year and was replaced by Naftali Bennett, there was a lot of speculation in the US mainstream press that "adults" had taken the reins again both in the White House and Beit Aghion.The Bennett Cabinet appeared willing to improve ties with the Biden administration. On June 2021, Israeli Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid promised US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to "fix mistakes" made "in the past few years" and adhere to a "no surprises" policy, i.e. informing the US government of any major actions beforehand. The move prompted fierce criticism from Netanyahu, who accused the Bennett-Lapid government of endangering the Jewish state's sovereignty.In August 2021, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett held his first meeting with US President Joe Biden in the White House, to "open a new chapter in US-Israel relations." Bennett said at the time that he had brought a "new spirit" with him. However, this bromance did not last long. Israeli publicist and political commentator Avigdor Eskin told Sputnik in July 2021 that "although Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is no less right-wing than Benjamin Netanyahu and he is a religious person, President Biden feels more comfortable with him than with his predecessor [Netanyahu]," adding that Bennett "does not have the same record of cordial relations with Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin." Still, Eskin pointed to obvious vulnerabilities of the Bennett coalition, which comprised conservatives, liberals, and Arabs, and predicted that it could crumble, opening the door to Netanyahu's comeback. On November 1, a majority of Israelis voted for Netanyahu's coalition, thus turning Eskin's forecast into reality.Netanyahu to Rely on Religious ZionismAccording to the Israeli media, Likud chairman Netanyahu began informal talks on forming his next government on November 6, even though he has not yet been officially handed the mandate by President Isaac Herzog. He met with party leaders of his bloc to discuss their demands for entering the government coalition.Israeli and American liberal media are bemoaning the fact that the new government is hard conservative and citing the growing influence of the Religious Zionism party and its Otzma Yehudit faction, led by Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, respectively.Some media even pointed to Ben Gvir's former membership in the youth movement with the nationalist group Kach. However, the Otzma Yehudit leader shrugged off their criticism and stressed in one of his interviews: "I've grown up, I've moderated and I've come to understand that life is more complicated."According to the Israeli media, Netanyahu met with Smotrich in Jerusalem on Sunday and sat with Ben Gvir on Monday. Previously, the latter said that he might get the position of public security minister, responsible for the police, if Netanyahu takes the reins.Netanyahu's Foreign StrategyMeanwhile, Jewish journalists are wondering whether Biden and Netanyahu will get along and or whether the US and Israel will face bumpy relations in the vein of the Obama years.As of Sunday evening, Biden hadnt called Netanyahu to congratulate him. Israeli observers have admitted that the US president called former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid much sooner.Still, Israeli publicist Avigdor Eskin argued while speaking to Sputnik on November 1 that Netanyahu is likely to maintain good working relations with both the White House and the US Congress, were he to win the vote. It was reported on November 5 that a US envoy had told Netanyahu that the US president was a bit busy due to the midterms, but that he would call the incoming Israeli prime minister soon.According to Gutina, the victory of Netanyahu's conservative coalition also means that Israel will double down on implementing the Abraham Accords, a series of joint normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states, brokered by the Trump administration in 2020. The accords were not in focus of the Bennett-Lapid government, the Israeli commentator remarked.In addition to that, Israel is likely to increase pressure on Iran and its nuclear program, according to the author. Citing Netanyahu's ally Tzachi Hanegbi, a longtime Likud MK and former minister, the Israeli press suggested that the incoming prime minister could resort to the military option against Tehran.Russia's strengthened cooperation with Iran could be a "game changer," according to Gutina, who suggests that the upcoming balance of power in the region depends on Moscow's art of diplomacy. https://sputniknews.com/20221101/will-netanyahu-make-a-comeback-and-how-could-it-pan-out-for-israel--world-1102926302.html https://sputniknews.com/20210710/us-israeli-relations-why-biden-bennett-bromance-may-end-and-open-door-to-netanyahus-comeback-1083356624.html israel iran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova us, israel, middle east, iran, joe biden, benjamin netanyahu, donald trump, vladimir putin https://sputniknews.com/20221107/supreme-court-orders-police-to-file-case-against-pm-sharif-after-imran-khan-assassination-attempt-1103847186.html Supreme Court Orders Police to File Case Against PM Sharif After Imran Khan Assassination Attempt Supreme Court Orders Police to File Case Against PM Sharif After Imran Khan Assassination Attempt Khan's Absolute Freedom March was halted on Thursday following an assassination attempt against Khan, whose convoy reached Wazirabad at that time. Khan... 07.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-07T09:34+0000 2022-11-07T09:34+0000 2022-11-07T11:45+0000 world islamabad imran khan shehbaz sharif pakistani army inter-services intelligence (isi) murder assassination pakistan /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0b/07/1103847371_0:0:3087:1737_1920x0_80_0_0_e36348dfe16a77dcbe838ceb8af0293d.jpg Pakistans Supreme Court on Monday ordered the police chief of Punjab to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) in the Imran Khan assassination case within 24 hours. The police said that the provincial government was preventing Khans Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) from registering the case despite several attempts.Under the criminal justice system, police can register the FIR itself. Its been more than 90 hours but the FIR has yet to be registered, the Supreme Court observed.Local media also reported that the Punjab government was not in favor of adding Maj. Gen. Naseer, an official of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency, in the complaint, but the request was rejected by the PTI.Meanwhile, PTIs Fawad Chaudhry has deemed the order the first step towards justice.Khan, 70, sustained a bullet injury when two gunmen opened fire, shooting several rounds at him and his political aide on a container-mounted truck in the Wazirabad area of Punjab province on November 3.After being discharged from the hospital, Khan announced he would resume the march to Pakistan's capital on Tuesday. The Islamabad police warned the PTI of strict action if they carried out protests in the capital without the permission of the administration. https://sputniknews.com/20221103/imran-khan-close-aides-wounded-in-shooting-at-his-container-during-long-march-1103679177.html islamabad Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Rishikesh Kumar https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/08/04/1080055820_0:0:388:389_100x100_80_0_0_40018ee210946d65d49ffba4f4c008e1.jpg Rishikesh Kumar https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/08/04/1080055820_0:0:388:389_100x100_80_0_0_40018ee210946d65d49ffba4f4c008e1.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Rishikesh Kumar https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/08/04/1080055820_0:0:388:389_100x100_80_0_0_40018ee210946d65d49ffba4f4c008e1.jpg attack on imran khan, assassination attempt at imran khan, pakistani prime minister, imran khan's march https://sputniknews.com/20221107/sweden-considers-massive-cobalt-mine-to-secure-eus-strategic-independence-green-shift-1103842862.html Sweden Considers Massive Cobalt Mine to Secure EU's Strategic Independence, Green Shift Sweden Considers Massive Cobalt Mine to Secure EU's Strategic Independence, Green Shift The environmental push across Europe has whetted its appetite for certain resources. As much-touted electric cars require more critical minerals, this results... 07.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-07T06:35+0000 2022-11-07T06:35+0000 2022-11-07T06:35+0000 news sweden mining europe eu energy crisis in europe /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/01/1d/1081914583_2:0:1920:1079_1920x0_80_0_0_f8befd0c17be62f66bbd62a151b9d30c.jpg The Ronnbacken mine in Vasterbotten County, which ranks as Swedens largest deposit of cobalt and nickel, among the largest of its kind in entire Europe, may play a key role as the EU wants to ramp up own production of minerals needed to manufacture batteries for electric vehicles and guarantee strategic independence.While none of these strategic metals is being mined in Sweden today, partly due to environmental concerns and stringent regulations that scare off investors, the directors-general of its Energy Agency, its Environmental Protection Agency and its Geological Survey have penned a joint government report claiming that it is of great importance to scale up the supply of raw materials.The rapid development means a lack of access to raw materials, and strategic independence for the EU is becoming increasingly important based on the geopolitical situation. We therefore need to ensure the availability of the sustainable raw materials needed for battery manufacturing within the EU, Swedish Geological Survey director general Anneli Wirten told Swedish media.The EU's forecasts indicate that the member states will need up to five times more cobalt to reach international 2030 climate goals. Farther ahead, the needs are expected to grow even faster with the demand for lithium and cobalt growing 60-fold and 15-fold respectively. Right now, China is one of the largest players in the battery value chain; the EU is one of the largest net importers. More broadly, Europe consumes about a quarter of the world's raw materials, while only producing 3 percent.The Ronnbacken mine has therefore been identified as one of the most interesting, yielding the most cobalt per ton of rock. Crucially, the same area is also home to one of Europes largest deposits of nickel, yet another key element of the modern-day battery production for the continents much-touted Green shift. Geographically, the area is close to planned battery factories in Skelleftea (Sweden), Vaasa (Finland) and Mo i Rana (Norway).In 2012, the company Bluelake Mineral obtained the mining rights for the Ronnback deposits. However, it recently estimated that it may take at least five-six years before mining starts in earnest due to massive investigative work, financing issues and environmental permits to be resolved. The mines operating cost has been estimated at SEK 10-15 billion ($0.92-1.37 billion).The plans in Ronnbacken have previously received a lot of criticism, including from the environmental movement, parts of the local population and the UN Committee on Racial Discrimination, which urged Sweden to withdraw the permit to guarantee the indigenous Sami's right to influence and way of living, that includes reindeer husbandry.However, Erika Ingvald of the Swedish Geological Survey called the long bureaucratic process a hindrance for the strategic mining.Companies must be able to rely on faster and more transparent permit processes. It must be a clearer kind of documentation the authorities require. The current permit process is problem for Sweden, it scares companies away, Ingvald told Swedish media.As the so-called Green transition intensifies, so does the need for more resources. In its final months, Swedens previous Social Democrat government voiced plans to review the Minerals Act to enable more mines in the country that aims to become the world's first fossil-free country a course likely to be pursued by the centre-right coalition government led by the Moderates. However, electric cars and other rechargeable appliances require even more rare-earth metals and critical minerals. This, in turn, results in an ideological conundrum, where potentially harmful mining and production have to be scaled up, allegedly for the sake of the environment. sweden eu Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Igor Kuznetsov Igor Kuznetsov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Igor Kuznetsov nickel mining, rare earth metals, cobalt mining, one of europe's largest mines, strategic independence, green transition, battery production https://sputniknews.com/20221107/un-cop27-climate-summit-starts-today-in-egypt--1103860747.html UN COP27 Climate Summit Starts in Egypt UN COP27 Climate Summit Starts in Egypt The UN COP27 climate summit kicked off on November 6 in Egypt after a year of extreme weather disasters that spurred calls for rich industrial nations to... 07.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-07T14:01+0000 2022-11-07T14:01+0000 2022-11-07T14:01+0000 world multimedia sharm el-sheikh cop27 in egypt egypt /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0b/07/1103853415_0:25:3071:1752_1920x0_80_0_0_843897702387b13e5f37828f90370021.jpg Japan, one of the largest providers of funding, provided $13 billion. Funding from Japan and France mostly consisted of loans, while funding from the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain came in the form of grants. More than 100 world leaders and diplomats from nearly 200 countries gathered at the Red Sea resort for the Nov. 6-18 summit. The main goal of the COP27 summit is to discuss ways to prevent the rise in global temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions, as well as set out new ambitions on tackling the climate crisis.Here are some highlights of the UN COP27 climate summit in our photo gallery. 1 sharm el-sheikh egypt Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International multimedia, sharm el-sheikh, cop27 in egypt, egypt, https://sputniknews.com/20221107/unrest-in-iran-caused-by-us-in-order-to-disrupt-jcpoa-talks-army-commander-says-1103864505.html Unrest in Iran Caused by US in Order to Disrupt JCPOA Talks, Army Commander Says Unrest in Iran Caused by US in Order to Disrupt JCPOA Talks, Army Commander Says MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The riots in Iran were part of the United States' plan to disrupt negotiations on the restoration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action... 07.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-07T14:32+0000 2022-11-07T14:32+0000 2022-11-07T14:32+0000 world middle east iran joint comprehensive plan of action (jcpoa) us iran nuclear deal /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/04/0a/1094629295_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_7343a30a595043d29528bc0af4a456d4.jpg "The recent unrest in Iran was part of US efforts to disrupt the negotiations in Vienna [on the JCPOA]," Mousavi was quoted as saying by Iranian state media.Earlier in the day, Iran's special services intercepted a cargo with money and intelligence equipment from Saudi Arabia, which was intended for rioters, Mousavi added.Mass riots began in Iran in mid-September in connection with the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who fell into a coma and died in hospital several days after being detained by Irans morality police for allegedly wearing her headscarf improperly. According to a probe conducted for Irans parliament, Amini was not subjected to any bodily harm. Irans Legal Medical Organization also stated that the young woman's death was caused by cerebral hypoxia which resulted in hypotension and multiple organ failure. Iranian authorities have accused the United States and Israel, among others, of fomenting the unrest. On September 2, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said that Tehran sent a "constructive" response to Washington's proposals on the revival of the JCPOA, while a State Department spokesperson confirmed to Sputnik that the US received Tehran's response but it is "not constructive."The nuclear deal was sealed in 2015 by China, France, Germany, Iran, Russia, the UK, and the US, as well as the EU. The US unilaterally withdrew in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, to which the latter responded by gradually dropping its own obligations under the deal. The two started talks on JCPOA revival after the change of power in the White House. https://sputniknews.com/20221104/we-will-never-be-americas-milk-cows-raisi-warns-as-biden-vows-to-free-iran-in-stump-speech-1103788312.html iran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International unrest in iran, us foments violence in iran, jcpoa talks, iran nuclear deal, mahsa amini's death, protests in iran over mahsa amini's death Xi exchanges congratulations with Madagascar's president over 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties Xinhua) 08:19, November 07, 2022 BEIJING, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday exchanged congratulatory messages with President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties five decades ago, China-Madagascar relations have been developing in a sound and steady way, no matter how the international landscape evolves, Xi said in his message. In recent years, he said, the two countries have set up a comprehensive cooperative partnership, with increasing political mutual trust and fruitful exchanges and cooperation in various fields. Xi said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Madagascar relations, and that he is willing to work with Rajoelina to take the anniversary as an opportunity to continuously promote the friendly cooperation between the two countries, so as to benefit both countries and their people. Rajoelina said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago, Madagascar and China have deepened friendly cooperation in various fields, which has yielded fruitful results. Noting that the comprehensive cooperative partnership is marked by sincerity, friendship, mutual respect, mutual trust and support, Rajoelina said Madagascar is willing to work with China to build an even closer community with a shared future. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) American companies are pleased with the results of participation in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and want to grow with the expo, said the U.S.-China Business Council President Craig Allen on Sunday. American companies are heavily invested in the CIIE and are pleased with the results of their investments, said the business council president in an interview with Xinhua. The CIIE, the world's first import-themed national-level expo, this year saw nearly 200 U.S. companies participate, according to Allen. "Every company wants a little bit more floor space." "We respect the show and want to grow with the show," Allen added. Founded in 1973, the U.S.-China Business Council represents more than 200 American companies that do business with China. Speaking of the importance of the CIIE, Allen said it is a great place to meet Chinese buyers, government officials, suppliers, and friends from all over China. He also said many American companies would have ceremonies for signing memorandums of understanding and letters of intent, and there is a lot of business activity at the CIIE. Noting that China has produced approximately 30% of global growth over the last ten years, "we naturally are interested in all elements of the Chinese economy and selling into every segment," Allen said. Official data showed that China-U.S. trade of goods totaled 3.8 trillion yuan ($524.34 billion) in the first three quarters, up 8% from the same period of 2021. Allen said hundreds of millions of Chinese have been brought out of poverty and are becoming much more prosperous. He added Chinese are more concerned about their health care and education and want good services and products as they become wealthier. "We feel that we are competitively positioned to supply them," he said. He also called on the two countries to have more communication. "I am here to listen and represent the views of American companies. And I am here also to listen to Chinese friends, government, and companies and take those messages back to America." The fifth CIIE, which runs until Nov. 10, attracts 145 countries, regions, and international organizations, as well as 284 industry-leading enterprises, including some of the world's top 500 companies. https://sputniknews.com/20221107/zimbabwes-president-claims-sanctions-were-imposed-on-his-country-to-install-a-puppet-government-1103847638.html Zimbabwe's President Says Sanctions Were Imposed on his Country to Install a 'Puppet Government' Zimbabwe's President Says Sanctions Were Imposed on his Country to Install a 'Puppet Government' Zimbabwe has been living for over 20 years under harsh economic sanctions unilaterally imposed by the US and the EU over allegations of violence, the... 07.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-07T13:49+0000 2022-11-07T13:49+0000 2022-11-23T11:37+0000 africa sanctions zimbabwe the united nations (un) southern africa /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0b/07/1103859809_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_969b0420fc112bd8001575bc31bf73dd.jpg Sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe were initially aimed at undermining its economy in order to cause a coup d'etat and form a new "puppet government", Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa has argued, pointing out that despite the pressure, "nothing of that sort has happened."The president has explained that the attempt failed due to "the resilience of our people."Now, as the country has been experiencing the Western restrictions for more than 20 years, what Zimbabwe has gained from the sanctions is self-relience, which, apparently is what let Zimbabwe to make things better in terms of its economy, as, according to the president, the nations sees around 4,6 percent growth.Mnangagwa stressed that if in the past, when a country wanted, for example, to build or repair roads, it applied for loans from the World Bank or the IMF. Now that such loans are no longer available due to sanctions, Zimbabwe manages everything on its own.Addressing the needs of the country, the president pointed out that there are at least two things affecting the people of Zimbabwe - food security and education. Talking about importance of the latter, the president highlighted that not foreigners but children are the "builders of their nation" and that children should be educated so that they understand that.Zimbabwe was first hit by US sanctions in 2001 and EU sanctions in 2002, following the accusations of violence, the intimidation of political opponents and the harassment of the independent press. The Zimbabwean government has said that sanctions were imposed due to a land redistribution program. Zimbabwe redistributed land from 4,500 white farmers from the country's Rhodesian minority to 300,000 blacks in a bid to depart with the country's colonial legacy.Zimbabwean authorities, as well as international experts, argue that the sanctions have stifled economic development. In addition, the same report stated that "sanctions facilitated deindustrialization", that "foreign direct investments were affected", as investors had negative perceptions about the economy and the countrys governance and were afraid to get involved.In 2020, the SADC permanent mission in Geneva prepared a report, containing an analysis of unilateral sanctions imposed against Zimbabwe by the US and the EU.The US and UN sanctions against Zimbabwe were repeatedly bashed by other Sub-Saharan African countries.On October 25, African leaders from The Southern African Development Community (SADC) staged an Anti-Sanctions Day as a sign of protest against longstanding restrictions on trade and commerce with Zimbabwe, imposed by the US, the UK, the EU and their allies.Moreover, this September, South Africas President Cyril Ramaphosa and African Union (AU) chairman and Senegalese President Macky Sall called for the sanctions to be lifted.In late October, SADC chairman and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi stated that the West had imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe in an attempt to change the government.Russia has also repeatedly opposed the anti-Zimbabwe sanctions.In 2008, Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on sanctions against Zimbabwe.In 2019, Russian Natural Resources and Environment Minister Dmitry Kobylkin stated that Russia advocates strongly against Western sanctions targeting Zimbabwe. https://sputniknews.com/20221101/un-experts-stark-dehumanization-of-african-migrants-at-perimeter-of-europe-remains-unaccountable-1102925220.html https://sputniknews.com/20221103/africa-a-better-investment-bet-than-europe-says-development-bank-president-1103544192.html africa zimbabwe southern africa Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Olga Borodkina Olga Borodkina News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Olga Borodkina sanctions against zimbabwe, why are sanctions imposed on zimbabwe, us sanctions, eu sanctions, sanctions to change government Despite the Sunday afternoon showers, the stars of British Columbia racing were out for B.C. Breeders Classic Day, the richest day of harness racing in the province, on Nov. 6 at Fraser Downs, including full brothers Mickie Mantle and Joe Dimagio, who swept the male pacing finals. Four B.C. Breeders Stakes finals, each worth $100,000, featured the province's top two and three-year-old pacers. Side Piece was the showpiece of the Betty Millbank Memorial for trainer Jim Marino and breeder J J J Stables as the two-year-old pacing fillies kicked off Sunday's stakes action. Sent postward as the 2-5 favourite off two consecutive preliminary wins, Side Piece and driver Brandon Campbell settled into fourth early on while her stablemate, Snowpeak (Dave Kelly), established the lead though a :29.1 opening quarter over the 'good' track. Custard Or Nothing (Rod Therres) recovered from an early miscue then moved underway from the back of the six-horse field towards the clubhouse turn and pressed the leader past the half in 1:00.2 and down the backstretch to three-quarters in 1:29. Meanwhile, Campbell moved Side Piece second-over in perfect striking position on the backside and sent the popular filly three-wide off the final turn to pace away to a four-length victory in 1:58.4. Center Piece (Scott Knight) closed from the backfield to give Marino and J J J Stables a one-two finish in the final while the pocket-sitter, Heart Of A Dragon (Kelly Hoerdt), also co-owned by Marino and trained by Ashley Ederer, shot though the passing lane to take third. Side Piece, a daughter of Shadow Play out of the Artsplace mare Queen Otra, is now four-for-six with her earnings soaring to $74,600. She paid $2.80 to win. Mickie Mantle completed a sweep of the Robert Millbank Memorial for two-year-old colts and geldings with a wire-to-wire victory in the final. Driven by co-owner Kelly Hoerdt, 3-5 favourite Mickie Mantle left from the inside post and pocketed Son Of A Beach (John Abbott) in the first turn. Mickie Mantle reached the opening quarter in :28.1 and cruised unchallenged to the half in :58.1 and three-quarters in 1:27.2 before pulling away from the competition down the stretch for the 3-1/4-length victory in 1:56.3. There was a three-horse race for place with Lukes Proclamation (Mike Hennessy) getting the nod over the Rod Therres trainees, Dillon James (Therres) and Son Of A Beach, for conditioner John Hudon. Mickie Mantle earned his fifth straight victory, completing a flawless stretch through the four preliminary legs and the final for Hoerdt, who had a series sweep just once before in 2019 with Kneedeep N Custard in the three-year-old colt division. The Alberta horseman co-owns the Custard The Dragon-N Y Yankees colt with Fred Gilbert of Brandon, Man., while Chris Lancaster has handled the training duties for Mickie Mantle's perfect stakes campaign in B.C. Bred by Surdale Farms Ltd. of Kelowna, B.C., Mickie Mantle was a $27,000 purchase from the ASHA Yearling Sale and has now earned $88,098 through eight career starts. He paid $3 to win. Mickie Mantle's three-year-old brother Joe Dimagio followed up with a close victory in the Robert Murphy Memorial. Mike Hennessy worked out the winning trip, partnering with the late-developing sophomore gelding, who had a pair of seconds and a third in three preliminary legs. Joe Dimagio is trained and co-owned by Kelly Hoerdt along with Blair Corbeil of Beaumont, Alta. Hoerdt also shares ownership of all top three finishers in the final including runner-up Lets Tie One On, who just missed by a head in the photo for win with Scott Knight driving for trainer Chris Lancaster. As the wings of the gate let the field go, Joe Rich (Brandon Campbell) forged to the front from post seven and was stretched out into the front stretch through a :26.4 opening quarter. He cleared 7-5 favourite Itll Be Fine (Richard Lancaster), with Joe Dimagio following in third, but Lets Tie One On quickly rushed up from fourth to first as they passed in front of the grandstand for the first time. After a :57 half, Itll Be Fine went head-to-head with Lets Tie One On while Hennessy had Joe Dimagio hot on his heels, positioned second-over. Lets Tie One On battled back to three-quarters in 1:25 and turned for home with a two-length lead but Joe Dimagio went wide and was charging hard down the lane to catch his stablemate at the wire in 1:54.3. Chuck You Farlie, trained and driven by Hoerdt, rallied off cover to finish third. Sent postward at odds of 7-1, Joe Dimagio returned $17.30 for the upset. Also bred by Surdale Farms, he has won one-third of his 18 races this year, boosting his career win count to eight and his earnings to $150,386 in 26 starts. The Mary Murphy Memorial for three-year-old fillies also ended in a photo finish with even-money favourite Shoot The Whiskey prevailing over 11-1 shot Angelsonthehorizon to give Brandon Campbell, Jim Marino and J J J Stables a stakes double. Outlaw What If CC (Scott Knight) and Angelsonthehorizon (Rod Therres) left together from the inside posts with the latter filly pressing on to clear before the first turn. After a :27.3 opening quarter, Outlaw What If CC looped to the lead in front of grandstand the first time and proceeded to the half in :57.1 before Gotta Wear Shades (John Vukelich) went first-up from third with Shoot The Whiskey following the cover in fourth. Gotta Wear Shades confronted Outlaw What If CC on the way to three-quarters in 1:26.1 and edged ahead in the turn with the favourite ready to roll three-wide in the race to the finish. Gotta Wear Shades led down the lane but eventually succumbed to the late closers in deep stretch as Shoot The Whiskey rallied outside and Angelsonthehorizon shot through the passing lane. In a photo finish, Shoot The Whiskey prevailed in 1:56.4 by a neck over Angelsonthehorizon, with Gotta Wear Shades settling for third a length behind. Shoot The Whiskey, who was fifth from the trailing tier in the Betty Millbank final as a two-year-old, opened this series with three wins and finished second in the fourth prelimnary leg. She is now eight-for-12 this year and has a dozen wins and $162,678 in earnings through 20 career starts. Bred by Larry Hanson of Emerald Park, Sask., the Shadow Play-Arm In Arm filly was a $26,100 yearling purchase from the B.C. Sale. She paid $4.30 to win. The weekly $10,000 Open Pace followed the B.C. Breeders Stakes and Kevin Anderson's Waitin Ona River beat 1-5 favourite Armycaptin Hanover (Kelly Hoerdt) to the wire in 1:54.1, returning $35.20 for the 16-1 upset. The 10-year-old JK Royal Flush-Daylon Ara gelding picked up his second win of the year and his 21st victory lifetime as he closes in on the $200,000 earnings mark. Tiempo Hanover (Brandon Campbell) rounded out the top three, finishing one length behind. To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Fraser Downs. (Top photos by Michael's Fine Photography of 2022 B.C. Breeders Stakes champions, clockwise from top left: Side Piece, Mickie Mantle, Shoot The Whiskey and Joe Dimagio) A 25-year-old man and his 44-year-old mother were arrested Thursday on Interstate 80 after a traffic stop led police to a handgun and hundreds of pounds of marijuana and THC products worth $2.8 million, the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office said. Daxton Kirk, of Alabama, and Amy Kirk, of Tennessee, were headed east in a 2022 Dodge Ram when a Lincoln Police officer pulled the pickup with Nevada plates over near the U.S. 77 interchange for alleged traffic violations, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said. Authorities "developed probable cause" to search the pickup, Houchin said, finding a loaded Glock 9 mm, 146 pounds of raw marijuana, 2,892 THC vape pens and 179 pounds of hashish, a drug made of compressed cannabis. Police also found 1.5 pounds of THC wax, 97 pounds of concentrated THC shatter and $1,800 in cash, Houchin said. Daxton Kirk was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of a firearm while committing a felony, possession of money while violating a drug law and evading the drug tax stamp law. Amy Kirk was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting the attempted delivery of a controlled substance. Police took both to the Lancaster County Jail. LEWIS COUNTY One week after Aron Christensen was found dead on a remote trail in Washingtons Cascade Mountains next to his dead 4-month-old puppy his grieving family said they were told the death was most likely from a heart attack. On one call with the family, a detective theorized that the 49-year-old Portland man who was hiking the Walupt Lake Trail alone with his dog during a late August camping trip with friends could have died from marijuana they found among his belongings. What if it was laced? the detective said. Another detective said Christensen had a widow-makers heart. It was the most absurd story I ever heard come out of a sheriffs mouth, Corey Christensen, Arons younger brother, told The Oregonian/OregonLive. In fact, there was a bullet inside Aron Christensen. The longtime musician and local bartender died from a single gunshot wound to the chest. It was a homicide, the Lewis County Coroner finally confirmed last week. Two months after the bodies of Christensen and his Australian cattle dog Buzzo were carried down to Walupt Lake campground 150 miles from Portland no charges have been brought in the case. This despite the countys sheriffs office identifying a shooter shortly after the deaths. The Christensen family says theyve been informed of only a few details, some of them conflicting, about the sheriffs offices suspicious-death investigation. You go from an ordinary amount of grief that a family member would have when a loved one suddenly passes, to feeling anger and angst and despair over why people would give you this wrong information, said Corey Christensen, 42, who operates Soundstream, a small music-equipment store in Silverton. There were red flags about the investigation from the beginning, he added. For more than a month, the sheriffs office didnt say anything publicly about the case. There was nothing more than a death notice in The Daily Chronicle, the local newspaper: Aron Christensen, 49, of Portland, was found Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, on the Walupt Lake Hiking Trail in Randle, Washington. Then on Oct. 21, that local newspaper, based in Centralia, published an article asking: What happened to Aron Christensen? The Lewis County Sheriffs Office and the coroner refused to confirm to the newspaper the cause of the deaths or anything about the camping trip described by Christensens friends who were there. But just days after publication of the article, the sheriffs office put out a statement. There had been a break in the case. The sheriffs office announced the cause of death a gunshot and that it was referring to the prosecuting attorneys office first-degree manslaughter and first-degree animal-abuse charges against Ethan Michael Asbach, a 20-year-old from Tenino, Washington, and his 17-year-old girlfriend, who has not been publicly named. Two days after Aron Christensens death, Asbach allegedly told detectives he and the girl were hiking on the Walupt Lake trail on the evening of Aug. 19, headed to Sheep Lake campground to meet up for a hunting trip with his father. Asbach said that at around 9 p.m. he heard growling noises and saw the eyes of what he believed to be a wild animal, according to the Lewis County Sheriffs Office. Asbach said he fired a single shot out of fear, the sheriffs office said in the statement. The young couple said they checked the area and saw a dead man and dog. They hiked on, taking the wrong path and exiting the woods the next day, they said. Someone from the Asbach family apparently called the sheriffs office on Aug. 21. Lewis County is a relatively small community, with a total population of about 84,000. A detective told Aron Christensens family that Asbach was a good kid with a good family. Officers did not realize at first that Christensen had been shot, because there was minimal hemorrhaging and very little blood around what the sheriffs office initially called a puncture wound, Corey Christensen said detectives told him. The sheriffs office has not made clear if detectives or the coroner had discovered the gunshot wound before Asbachs family contacted authorities. Nor have they said if, after realizing Christensen had been shot, they returned to the scene to search for additional evidence. The necropsy report for Christensens dog has yet to be released, so its still unknown what exactly happened to him. On Aug. 29, the coroner called the family to say that a bullet had been found inside Aron Christensen, Corey Christensen wrote in notes he rigorously scrawled during phone calls with officials. Yet, the next day, a deputy still speculated that Aron Christensen might have died from a heart attack, possibly before he was shot, according to Christensens brother. Last week, the Lewis County Prosecutors Office sent the case back to the sheriffs office, citing missing documentation and lab results. Jonathan Meyer, the countys prosecuting attorney, told The Oregonian that some further investigation needs to be done but declined to elaborate. We dont want to jeopardize what theyre doing, he said of the sheriffs office investigation. Meyer said he was told that Asbach had obtained a lawyer but that his office has not received an official notice about an attorney representing the 20-year-old, who is not in custody because he has not been charged with any crime. The Oregonian could not locate an attorney for Asbach, and attempts to reach Asbach and his family were unsuccessful. The Lewis County Sheriffs Office said Asbach and the girl are not considered flight risks. I know there are a lot of friends and family of Mr. Christensen who are eager for answers involving his death, said Lewis County Sheriff Rob Snaza. There still continues to be unanswered questions in this case that our investigators are diligently trying to address, but (the Oct. 27) notice of cause and manner of death has brought us forward to this point of initially referring the charges. Christensens family and friends have little patience left. There has been this disgusting weight, like a blanket that is over us, Corey Christensen said. He added: You have a suspect Why are there no charges? Nothing makes sense Aron Christensens tight-knit group of friends go on a camping trip every August. This year, 16 people including Aron gathered at Walupt Lake campground in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, where there are views of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier and Mount Saint Helens. It was typical for Christensen to embark on a solo hike, separate from the group. He loved being out in the woods on his own. An avid fisherman who grew up in Klamath Falls, he had been hiking and camping around the Pacific Northwest for decades. He left their campsite about 8:30 a.m. Aug. 19, a Friday, with his new hiking buddy, Buzzo. Aron told his friends his plan was to hike the trail over two days: 6.5 miles up, 6.5 miles down. With no cell reception, hed downloaded the trail map to his phone and expected to return by lunchtime that Saturday. Christensen, an expert barbecuer, was slated to help make Saturday-night dinner with Kate Meredith, the wife of one of his best friends. When Aron didnt show up, his friends werent worried at first. By 5 p.m., theyd started cooking and playing their annual cornhole tournament. We knew he was capable and could take care of himself, Meredith said. But the hours kept rolling by. Then a sheriffs deputy showed up. The officer said he was investigating the deaths of a man and his dog, who had been found that afternoon by a hiker whod rushed down the trail to call police. When the deputy showed them a photo of Aron, dead, they assumed hed fallen off a cliff or ridge while hiking. In shock, the group of friends cried around a campfire. They waited hours for Christensens body to be brought down the trail. A deputy and coroner asked Ezra Meredith, Kates husband, to identify Arons remains. Hed been brought by boat across the lake. It was surreal, Ezra Meredith said. The friends made it through the night with little sleep. The next morning they silently packed up the campsite and left, cutting their annual trip short. Its still unclear when Christensen died. His camping group said he wouldnt have been out hiking at night, which is when Asbach told detectives he fired a shot. Hed have set up camp for the night, and, if he had been away from his camp after dark, perhaps for the dog, he wouldve been wearing a headlamp. The assumptions detectives were making early on in the investigation immediately worried Christensens family and friends. Long before the official autopsy report was complete, a Lewis County Sheriffs Office chief deputy suggested to the family that Aron, an active, healthy 49-year-old man, had a widow-makers heart. A coroner also insisted, in the days after Christensens death, there was no foul play suspected, Corey Christensen wrote in his notes. It just feels like were not being told the truth, Kate Meredith said. If he had a heart attack, what the hell happened to Buzzo? This doesnt make any sense. An investigation in limbo In a phone conversation on Aug. 30, a deputy described the case as a real brain puzzler, Corey Christensen said. The deputy theorized that one bullet could have killed both Buzzo and Aron. The Lewis County Sheriffs Office has declined to confirm any of the details of the investigation the Christensen family has provided to The Oregonian. Citing integrity concerns regarding the active investigation, Field Operations Bureau Chief Dusty Breen wouldnt corroborate or contradict statements Corey Christensen said deputies made to him. Corey Christensen said detectives told the family in the days after Arons death that a young man called the sheriffs office Aug. 21, but they didnt name him. They said hed cooperated with the investigation at first but then clammed up. His teenage girlfriend hired a lawyer and never spoke to detectives, according to Corey Christensen. The distraught younger brother, a father of two, called the sheriff and coroner every day for a month. He said he was told several times the investigation was delayed because employees were on vacation. The last call he had with the sheriffs office was Sept. 13, when an officer chastised him because a journalist had started asking questions, he said. Lorenzo Leoni, a family lawyer based in Olympia, is now acting as liaison between Christensens parents in Southern Oregon and law enforcement in Lewis County. He said hes trying to push the investigation along. Whether there was intent or not, we do not know, Leoni said of the shooting. But we have serious questions, and answers are not enough. Action is needed. Leoni, a former prosecutor, told The Oregonian its likely the Lewis County prosecuting attorney sent the investigation back to the sheriffs office because he wants it to be air-tight before bringing any charges. When the only witnesses who were there are not speaking because of their constitutional right not to speak, its tough to build a case against them, he said. But a mans dead, we have someone admitting that at least one shot was fired, and we have a coroners report indicating that there was a gunshot wound to the chest and it was the cause of death. You would think thatd be enough. At the very least, Asbach is liable for discharging a firearm on a frequented wilderness trail, Leoni said. Washington state law says it is illegal to shoot on state-managed lands carelessly, recklessly or without regard for the safety of any person, or in a manner that endangers, or is likely to endanger, any person, pet, livestock, wildlife or property. Not to mention neglecting the basic tenets of firearm safety: positive target identification, Leoni added. Aron was always listening, always present Corey and Aron Christensen were close while growing up, bonding especially over music. His knowledge and experience and love of music is still within me, Corey Christensen said. Im incredibly fortunate to still have my brothers voice singing in my head. A skateboarding, punk-rocking teen, Aron left Klamath Falls and finished his GED while living and working in Eugene. He joined the punk-rock movement based at a popular venue in the city, and even toured with the band Sublime before they rose to fame, according to his brother. Aron Christensen traveled up and down the West Coast, playing in bands, and settled in Portland more than a decade ago. It wasnt necessarily his dream to be in a famous band he just loved playing music, Corey Christensen said. Aron Christensens bass playing was heavily influenced by Mike Watt, who was in the post-punk rock bands Firehose and MinuteMen. It was a melodic bass, like it was singing its own part, Corey Christensen said. Corey found a letter his brother wrote to Mike Watt but never sent, thanking him for the inspiration. On Aug. 14, a week before he died, an episode of Watts podcast aired featuring Christensen and his bandmates from Supplemental Pills as guests. Christensen was also the frontman for a honky-tonk country band, The Fallmen. But he was also a homebody who wanted to be near his close friends. Aron loved to cook; hed become an amazing chef after years working in restaurants. Aron was a beloved uncle to his brothers and sisters children; he never married or had kids of his own. The two Christensen brothers and their father went on many backpacking trips together. Aron and Corey loved to go fishing together. Theyd sit in silence Aron felt most at peace in the solitude of nature, his brother said. Six months before he was killed, Aron Christensen began working at Cascade Press, making vinyl. Ezra Meredith said his friend was a stoic kind of guy who often got caught up in deep, philosophical conversations. Aron was always listening, always present, Ezra Meredith said. Christensen was scheduled to play bass in another one of his bands, Hearts of Oak, at their first live show in three years. The crew had a rehearsal a week before his death. A couple hundred people showed up for Aron Christensens memorial Sept. 24 at the Slingshot Lounge, a bar in Southeast Portland he helped found in 2007 and where he worked as a bartender off and on over the years. Two of his bands performed songs in his honor. We wanted to celebrate him, but it was hard, Kate Meredith said. At the time, only a handful of us had any idea what happened to him. When we learned he had a bullet inside him, it was like he died all over again. NASA has issued an alert about a speeding asteroid which is set for a close approach to Earth today. Know its speed, distance and more. Although one or two asteroids usually fly past Earth every day, no less than 4 asteroids made close approaches with Earth yesterday! Another asteroid is on its way towards Earth today and it is a big one. This asteroid has huge destructive potential due to its sheer size and speed and could potentially cause destruction if it deviates slightly from its path. To track such asteroids, NASA uses its repurposed NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer to work as a survey telescope and scan the sky for Near-Earth Objects. The space agency then uses its ground-based radar to gather precise data about the asteroid's path and its characteristics. Asteroid 2022 UN21 key details NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office has issued an alert against an asteroid named Asteroid 2022 UN21. The 56 feet wide asteroid is expected to fly past Earth today, November 7, at a distance of 3 million kilometers. The asteroid is already on its way towards Earth, travelling at a staggering speed of 41940 kilometers per hour, which is much faster than a missile! According to the-sky.org, the Asteroid 2022 UN21 belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids. It was discovered just days ago on October 28. This asteroid takes 868 days to complete one trip around the Sun during which its maximum distance from the Sun is 400 million kilometers and nearest distance is 133 million kilometers. NASA's programme to observe and categorize asteroids NASA has established a Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO), managed in the Planetary Science Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The PDCO ensures the early detection of potentially hazardous objects (PHOs) - asteroids and comets whose orbits are predicted to bring them within 0.05 Astronomical Units of Earth (5 million miles or 8 million kilometers) and of a size large enough to reach Earth's surface - that is, greater than approximately 30 to 50 meters. realme is recruiting beta testers for the upcoming realme UI 4.0. The BETA Recruitment Program that starts on 2 November will allow users to get a taste of the soon-to-launch UI update. However, not everyone is eligible for it, and you can find out more by continue reading. The realme UI 4.0 BETA Recruitment Program will only accept users of the flagship range, specifically GT NEO 3, GT 2 Pro, and the GT NEO 2. Even if you own any of these devices, there are only limited slots. Therefore, quickly sign up now to stand a chance to get selected. The first step of joining the program is to register your device through the IMEI number at this Google Form. Once registered successfully, you will receive the software update on your device in seven days to test the UI 4.0 BETA. You may also share your feedback and suggestions for the realme UI 4.0 BETA version in realme's Bug Feedback Log. Besides the beta program, realme is also looking for talents to participate in the 2022 realme UI Widget Co-Creation campaign. If you want to contribute your creativity to future UI experiences on realme products, you may submit some widget ideas on the official page from 15 to 28 November. Not only you'll get an opportunity to be the first batch of users to beta-test the software with your ideas by participating, you'll also stand a chance to win a realme GT NEO 3 and an exclusive realme community badge. What do you think about these realme's UI-focused campaigns? Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more tech news. Today, Samsung Malaysia Electronics announced another premium addition to the gaming monitor line-up, the Odyssey OLED G8 (LS34BG850SEXXS). It is the companys first OLED gaming monitor and is priced at RM7599. In conjunction with the launch, gamers who pre-order the 34-inch Odyssey OLED G8 will receive a Soundbar HW-B450 worth RM799. This exclusive deal is only valid from 10 until 20 November 2022. Coming in Silver, it can be purchased at Samsung Online Store, Lazada Samsung Brand Store and Shopee Samsung Brand Store . In terms of features, the 34-inch Odyssey OLED G8 is ultra-slim and sleek, packed with RGB lighting that can be controlled. The ultra-wide, QHD resolution (3440 x 1440 pixels) gaming monitor has a 21:9 aspect ratio with 100% colour volume and DCI-99.3% colour gamut and 1800R curvature for the best playing view. Moreover, you can find Micro HDMI (2.1), Mini DP (1.4) and USB-C ports, in addition to a 5W stereo speaker. Being VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black Certified and enhanced by AMD FreeSync Premium, it ensures gamers for the best gaming and visual experience possible. It also features Samsung Smart Hub, allowing gamers to access Amazon Prime, Netflix, YouTube and other leading OTT (over-the-top) service providers. In addition, users can enjoy free live content without the need for downloads or sign-ups, made possible by Samsung TV Plus. You are here: Business The value of China's foreign trade amounted to 34.62 trillion yuan ($4.79 trillion) in the first ten months of 2022, up 9.5% year-on-year, according to the General Administration of Customs. Among that, the country's exports surged 13% on a yearly basis to 19.71 trillion yuan, while its imports grew 5.2% to 14.91 trillion yuan. Its trade surplus jumped 46.7% year-on-year to 4.8 trillion yuan. The administration said that China's total foreign trade expanded 6.9% from the same period last year to 3.55 trillion yuan in October. The country's trade with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations reached 5.26 trillion yuan between January and October, an increase of 15.8% on a yearly basis, while trade with the European Union rose 8.1% to 4.68 trillion yuan. In the meantime, the total trade value between China and the United States grew 6.8% year-on-year to 4.21 trillion yuan. Graphical abstract. Credit: Forensic Science International (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111499 A key question in a number of court cases is whether a speaker on an audio recording is a particular known speaker, for example, whether a speaker on a recording of an intercepted telephone call is the defendant. In most English-speaking countries, expert testimony is only admissible in a court of law if it will potentially assist the judge or the jury to make a decision. If the judge or the jury's speaker identification were equally accurate or more accurate than a forensic scientist's forensic voice comparison, then the forensic-voice-comparison testimony would not be admissible. In a research paper published in the journal Forensic Science International, a multidisciplinary international team of researchers has reported the first set of results from a comprehensive study that compares the accuracy of speaker-identification by individual listeners (like judges or jury members) with the accuracy of a forensic-voice-comparison system that is based on state-of-the-art automatic-speaker-recognition technology, and that does so using recordings that reflect the conditions of an actual case. The questioned-speaker recording was of a telephone call with background office noise, and the known-speaker recording was of a police interview conducted in echoey room with background ventilation-system noise. The forensic-voice-comparison system performed better than all the 226 listeners who were tested. The research team was made up of forensic data scientists, legal scholars, experimental psychologists, and phoneticians, based in the UK, Australia, and Chile. Corresponding author Dr Geoffrey Stewart Morrison, director of the Forensic Data Science Laboratory at Aston University, said, "A few years ago, when I was testifying in a court case, I was asked by a lawyer why the judge couldn't just listen to the recordings and make a decision. Wouldn't the judge do better than the forensic-voice-comparison system that I had used?" "That was the spark that lead to us conducting this research. I was expecting our forensic-voice-comparison system to perform better than most of the listeners, but I was surprized when it actually performed better than all of them. I'm happy that we now have such a clear answer to the question asked by the lawyer." Contributing author Dr. Kristy A Martire, School of Psychology at the University of New South Wales, said, "Past experiences where we have successfully recognized familiar speakers, such as family members or friends, can lead us to believe that we are better at identifying unfamiliar voices than we really are. This study shows that whatever ability a listener may have in recognizing familiar speakers, their ability to identify unfamiliar speakers is unlikely to be better than a forensic-voice-comparison system." Contributing author Professor Gary Edmond, School of Law at the University of New South Wales, said, "Unequivocal scientific findings are that identification of unfamiliar speakers by listeners is unexpectedly difficult and much more error-prone than judges and others have appreciated. We should not encourage or enable nonexperts, including judges and jurors, to engage in unduly error-prone speaker identification. Instead, we should seek the services of real experts: specialist forensic scientists who employ empirically validated and demonstrably reliable forensic-voice-comparison systems." More information: Nabanita Basu et al, Speaker identification in courtroom contextsPart I: Individual listeners compared to forensic voice comparison based on automatic-speaker-recognition technology, Forensic Science International (2022). Journal information: Forensic Science International Nabanita Basu et al, Speaker identification in courtroom contextsPart I: Individual listeners compared to forensic voice comparison based on automatic-speaker-recognition technology,(2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111499 In the second season of BBC mystery thriller The Capture, deepfakes threaten the future of democracy and UK national security. In a dystopia set in present day London, hackers use AI to insert these highly realistic false images and videos of people into live news broadcasts to destroy the careers of politicians. But my team's research has shown how difficult it is to create convincing deepfakes in reality. In fact, technology and creative professionals have started collaborating on solutions to help people spot bogus videos of politicians and celebrities. We stand a decent chance of staying one step ahead of fraudsters. In my research project, Virtual Maggie, I attempted to use deepfakes to digitally resurrect former UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher for a new drama. After months of work, we were unable to create a virtual Maggie acceptable for broadcast. Producing convincing deepfakes in high definition requires top spec hardware, a lot of computer time, and human intervention to fix glitches in the output. This didn't stop me enjoying The Capture, despite knowing that Ben Chanan's drama was not a scenario likely to play out in the near future. Like every good dystopia, it had the seed of something that might one day be possible. The use of deepfakes since they began in 2017 has been shocking. The majority of deepfakes on the internet are assaults on women, grabbing facial images without consent and inserting them into pornographic content. Deepfakes expert Henry Ajder found that 96% of deepfakes found online were pornographic, and 100% of these were video images of women. The premise of The Capture is grounded in facts. Deepfakes threaten democracy. In the 2019 UK general election, artist Bill Posters released a provocative video of Boris Johnson saying we should vote for Jeremy Corbyn. Posters' deepfake was a lot more convincing than the glitchy Russian deepfake showing Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asking his troops to surrender. Yet, unlike the Kremlin, the British artist made it obvious his AI Boris was unreal by having "Boris" direct viewers to a website about deepfakes. He aimed to highlight our vulnerability to faked political propaganda. Deepfakes may not yet be typically convincing enough to fool people. But creative work typically involves an unwritten agreement between creator and viewers to suspend their disbelief. A fork in the road The threat from deepfakes has led to an intensive search for tech solutions. A coalition of companies has formed the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) to provide "a way to evaluate truth in the media presented to us". It's a promising approach. CAI collaborators and technology companies Truepic and Qualcomm have created a system that embeds the history of an image in its metadata so it can be verified. US photographer Sara Naomi Lewkowicz has completed an experimental project with CAI that embeds source information in her photos. But creative and technology professionals don't necessarily want to trammel the emerging technology of deepfakes. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab have been brainstorming ways of putting deepfakes to good use. Some of these are in healthcare and treatment. Research engineers Kate Glazko and Yiwei Zheng are using deepfakes to help people with aphantasia, the inability to create mental images in your mind. The breakup simulator, under development, aims to use deepfakes to "alleviate the anxiety of difficult conversation through rehearsal". The most profound positive uses for deepfakes include campaigns for political change. The parents of Joaquin Oliver, killed in a high school shooting in Florida in 2018, used the technology to bring him back in a forceful video calling for gun control. Getting creative There are also cultural applications of deepfakes. At the Dali Museum in Florida, a deepfake Salvador Dali welcomes visitors, telling them about himself and his art. Researcher Mihaela Mihailova says this gives visitors "a sense of immediacy, closeness, and personalization". Deepfake Dali even offers you the chance to take a selfie with him. Deepfakes and AI-generated characters can be educational. In Shanghai, during lockdown, Associate Professor Jiang Fei noticed his students' attention dropped during online lessons. To help them focus better he used an anime version of himself to front his teaching. Jiang Fei said: "The enthusiasm of the students in class, and the improvement of the quality of homework have made obvious progress." Channel Four used its 2020 alternative Christmas message to entertain viewers with a deepfaked queen, while making a serious point about not trusting everything we see on video. A growing network of film producers, researchers and AI technologists in the UK, hosted by the University of Reading and funded by the Alan Turing Institute, is seeking to harness the positive potential of deepfakes in creative screen production. Filmmaker Benjamin Field told the group during a workshop how he used deepfakes to "resurrect" the animator who created Thunderbirds for Gerry Anderson: A Life Uncharted, a documentary about the troubled life of the kids' TV hero. Field and his co-producer, Anderson's youngest son Jamie, discovered old audio tapes and used deepfakes to construct a "filmed" interview with the famous puppeteer. Field is among a small group of creatives determined to find positives ways of using deepfakes in broadcasting. Deepfakes and AI characters are part of our future and the above examples show how this could be at least partly positive. But we also need laws to protect people whose images are stolen or abused, and ethical guidelines on how deepfakes are used by filmmakers. Responsible producers have already formed a partnership on AI, and drafted a code of conduct which could help avert the catastrophic vision of the future that we saw in the The Capture. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Any UK police force can use facial recognition under the current legal framework. Trismegist San, Shutterstock The UK police are being accused of breaking ethical standards by using live facial recognition technology to help fight crime. A recent report by the University of Cambridge into trials of the technology by forces in London and south Wales was particularly concerned about the "lack of robust redress" for anyone suffering harm. It spoke of the need to "protect human rights and improve accountability" before facial recognition is used more widely. The Cambridge team wants a broad ban on police using the technology, and they are not alone. UK civil liberties group Big Brother Watch has been running a "stop facial recognition" campaign as the government mulls how to regulate AI technologies. Meanwhile, 12 NGOs recently called on EU legislators to completely ban it, along with various other forms of biometric identification, in their upcoming AI Act. Simply banning this technology would be a mistake, however. In my view, there's a good case for a more measured approach. Growing police use The police forces in London and south Wales appear to be the only two in the UK currently using live facial recognition, which uses artificial intelligence software to compare an individual's digital facial image with an existing facial image to estimate similarity. Manchester Police trialled it but were forced to pause by the surveillance camera commissioner in 2018 for not obtaining the necessary approvals. In 2020 an appellate court also ruled against south Wales' use of the technology, concluding the force's legal framework for deployment effectively gave them unlimited discretion to do so. It made no difference to the court that the police had notified the public (known as overt operational deployment). Despite this ruling, facial recognition can still broadly be used by police, although numerous other forces have said they are not doing so at present. The London Metropolitan Police increasingly use facial recognition to locate missing persons, suspects, witnesses and victims. They have scanned individuals' faces in city squares and at public events, using a facial recognition camera typically placed on a police vehicle or street pole. The public are alerted to the deployment through notices as they enter the recognition zoneunless that compromises policing tactics or deployment is urgent. Between February 2020 and July 2022, the Met deployed the techology in eight locations including Piccadilly Circus. They are estimated to have viewed more than 150,000 faces, leading to nine arrests but also eight occasions where they targeted the wrong person. The pros and cons Facial recognition has evolved in recent years, for instance to work in real time, but inaccuracies and errors remain. In New Jersey, 228 wrongful arrests were reportedly made using (non-real time) facial recognition between January 2019 and April 2021. One black American spent 11 days in jail after being wrongly identified. False identifications can also lead to everything from missed flights to distressing police interrogations. Specific groups are disproportionately affected. A 2019 US study found that women are two-to-five times more likely to be falsely identified, while the risks are ten-to-100 times greater for black and Asian faces than white ones. Given that police already disproportionately stop and search ethnic minorities, this shortcoming in the technology could potentially even be used to sustain such practices. Another risk is that police covertly install facial recognition cameras permanently. This could help the state to crack down on public protests, for example. There is already a pending legal challenge against Russia before the European Court of Human Rights over such practices, and fear of state surveillance is one reason why many want this technology banned. Nonetheless, facial recognition has its benefits. It can help police to find serious criminals, including terrorists, not to mention missing children and people at risk of harming themselves or others. Like it or not, we also live under colossal corporate surveillance capitalism already. The UK and US have among the most installed CCTV cameras in the world. London residents are filmed 300 times a day on average, and police can usually use the data without a search warrant. As if that wasn't bad enough, big tech companies know almost everything personal about us. Worrying about live facial recognition is inconsistent with our tolerance of all this surveillance. A better approach Instead of an outright ban, even of covert facial recognition, I'm in favour of a statutory law to clarify when this technology can be deployed. For one thing, police in the UK can currently use it to track people on their watchlists, but this can include even those charged with minor crimes. There are also no uniform criteria for deciding who can be listed. Under the EU's proposed law, facial recognition could only be deployed against those suspected of crimes carrying a maximum sentence of upwards of three years. That would appear to be a reasonable cut-off. Secondly, a court or similar independent body should always have to authorise deployment, including assessing whether it would be proportionate to the police objective in question. In the Met, authorisation currently has to come from a police officer ranked superintendent or higher, and they do have to make a call on proportionalitybut this should not be a police decision. We also need clear, auditable ethical standards for what happens during and after the technology is deployed. Images of wrongly identified people should be deleted immediately, for instance. Unfortunately, Met policy on this is unclear at present. The Met is trying to use the technology responsibly in other respects, but this is not enough in itself. Last but not least, the potential for discrimination should be tackled by legally requiring developers to train the AI on a diverse enough range of communities to meet a minimum threshold. This sort of framework should allow society to enjoy the benefits of live facial recognition without the harms. Simply banning something that requires a delicate balancing of competing interests is the wrong move entirely. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. With more frequent and severe droughts expected, scientists and businesses are developing new methods to generate fresh water from the air as well as the sea. Credit: Imani on Unsplash As supplies of fresh water shrink around the world, efforts are under way to extract more of it from the air and sea. European research projects and companies are at the forefront of this technological challenge. Carlos Garcia foresees a world in which many millions of homes will get water out of thin airliterally. Garcia is general manager of GENAQ, a Spanish company that makes devices known as atmospheric water generators. By condensing humidity in the air into usable water, such generators can help create much-needed supplies. Supply crunch Water, the source of life, is becoming increasingly scarce as the world's population grows and climate change intensifies. "This is a problem we really need to tackle," said Garcia, whose company led the STRATUS project to expand the market for atmospheric water generators. According to the United Nations, 2.3 billion peoplemore than one in fourlive in a "water-stressed" country, which is defined as one that removes at least 25% of its fresh water every year to meet demand. And 4 billion people face severe water scarcity for at least one month a year. In Europe, where global warming is already causing more frequent and severe droughts, scientists and businesses are developing new methods to generate fresh water from the air as well as the sea. The push is also driven by pollutants in underground water and the environmental cost of bottled water. While GENAQ has been developing atmospheric water generators since 2008 and has customers in 60 countries, so far it has served mainly emergency services and industrial users. Home use Through STRATUS, the company developed a version designed for people at home. These new generators can be attached to houses and create fresh water for their inhabitants. GENAQ wants to sell three versions of the product, ranging in amount from 20 liters a day to 200 liters and in size from a small kitchen appliance to a version that looks like an office water cooler. Anticipated prices range from 2 500 for the smallest version to 14 500 for the biggest. "The device takes air and filters it, ensuring there are no contaminants going into the condensation chamber," said Garcia. First air is cooled to a point where water condenses. Then the water is filtered, minerals are added and it gets zapped with ultraviolet light to prevent bacteria forming. GENAQ found a way to cut drastically the amount of energy used in the process150% lessand the average cost of portable water fell by more than 80%. "We have dedicated most of our efforts to efficiency," said Garcia. But atmospheric water generators depend on something beyond GENAQ's control: weather. "The best performance is in hot and humid climates," said Garcia. "Cold and dry environments don't perform very well, but indoor conditions of houses are well suited for this solution." GENAQ is now aiming to supply everyday families with atmospheric water generators. In the coming months, it plans to expand in European countries such as Spain, France and Germany where bottled-water consumption is high. A subsequent step is to break into the worldwide consumer market. Sea source In Belgium, a company called HydroVolta is improving ways to take salty or brackish water and convert it into fresh water under the SonixED project. The vast majority of the earth's water is saltwater. Only 3% is fresh water and less than one third of that is accessible, the rest being locked away in glaciers and groundwater. "We will need to treat saline water so people can drink it and industry can use it," said George Brik, chief executive officer of HydroVolta. "But with the current technologies, desalination requires high investments and high operational costs. On top of that, existing technology uses high amounts of energy and chemicals." Although desalination has taken place for years and usually features in countries with dry climates, increases in water scarcity are fuelling interest in the activity in other parts of the world including northern Europe. The basic technique to turn saltwater into fresh water is electrodialysis, where ions are transported through membranes to separate the salt from the water. But the method has a weak point: the membrane, which gets dirty easily and requires chemicals and high pressure to clean. That in turn involves large amounts of energy. Under SonixED, HydroVolta developed ultrasound technology that keeps the membrane clean in a much more efficient way. Less pressure, more water Energy use in this field depends on pressure, which is measured in a metric unit known as bar. Existing technologies to desalinate seawater take around 50 to 80 bar, according to Brik, who said the new HydroVolta technology uses just one to three bar. Even better is that a greater amount of fresh water can now be generated, he said. "Existing technologies waste around 60 to 65% of the seawater that's taken in," said Brik. "Our new technology inverts that percentage. If we take in 100 liters of seawater, we can produce 65 liters of drinkable water." HydroVolta wants to supply this technology to larger companies to generate drinkable water as well as to industrial players that need water to fuel their operations. The company is carrying out tests with several Belgian businesses to generate drinkable water from the North Sea. Meanwhile, Brik says new desalination technologies may need a push from governments to spur broader demand. "They can be the first customers," he said. "This will help companies show the world what they have and scale up." 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Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and 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 United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe LINCOLN Effective communication is vital for agricultural operations. To help meet that need, a class in the University of Nebraska-Lincolns Animal Science Department is offering specialized instruction in Spanish, focusing on practical use in modern agriculture and the food processing industry. Taught by Leila Venzor, a doctoral student in Animal Science, the class is pioneering such specialized language study in the Midwest. ASCI 42, Section 950 is offered one day a week in the spring semester and is open to any IANR student, although the focus is practical Spanish use for Animal Science majors. The course is non-credit, but the department is developing a digital badge to certify students language competence. Latinos are the largest minority in Nebraska, accounting for about 11% of the states population. Over the last two decades, the number of Latinos employed in Nebraska businesses has almost tripled. The UNL class isnt instruction in the kind of broad conversational Spanish one would encounter in a beginning Spanish class in high school, said Venzor, a Fort Worth, Texas, native who grew up speaking Spanish at home with her parents. Instead, the class focuses on specific Spanish terms in agriculture, horsemanship and food processing, and phrases associated with basic communication involving those fields. Its really more practicing those terms so that you can directly apply them, said Venzor, whose graduate work includes scientific study of novel ingredients in processed meats. Venzor has worked part-time on such science for Archer Daniels Midland Company. Her work there also involved visits to food processing facilities in Mexico and Central America, and the experience honed her skill in understanding the practical application of Spanish in real-world workplace situations. UNL students in her Spanish in Agriculture class say the instruction has had value for them. I wanted to take the class originally because Ive worked with ethically diverse people before on a hog operation, said Kylie Dierks, a junior Animal Science major from Hastings. The course did a great job of laying down basic agriculture terms so people could communicate even if there was a language barrier. Leila does a great job of explaining the differences between Hispanic cultures as well as professional and slang words for the same term. Even if you dont have any Spanish experience, Dierks said, its a good way to get exposed to the terminology, since the class offers invaluable knowledge to anyone looking to learn agriculture Spanish terms. Benjamin Niyodusenga, an international student from Rwanda, also praised the class. Considering that it was only an hour per week, we did a lot more than I expected to cover in such a short period of time, said Niyodusenga, a senior with an interest in community and regional planning. Students went through the daily phrases used in Spanish conversations and had a chance to talk to the native Spanish speakers from one of the high schools here in Lincoln, he said. It was a challenge to talk to the native Spanish speakers because it required getting out of your comfort zone and being confident during the interviews. Effective ag-related communication with Spanish speakers not only facilitates production efficiency. It also enhances workplace safety a central focus for the class. Production comes second to safety. We heavily emphasize that, Venzor said. Thats kind of the capstone of the course. Venzor gives credit both to those UNL figures who originated and supported the Spanish in Agriculture class and to others in the university community nationwide Cindy Barnett, a professor at Murray State University in Kentucky, as well as Penn State University whose work has helped her develop her approach to instruction. David Velasco, a graduate student in Animal Science, created the UNL class several years ago with support from Chris Calkins, a professor in the department. When Velasco was set to graduate (hes now a doctoral student at Colorado State University), the Deans Office for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) said it was important to continue the class and offered the assistantship opportunity to Venzor. Ive put in a lot of work to focus this class on Nebraska, Venzor said. Other people have developed resources that have made things easier for me. The forward momentum for the class is continuing. For next year, Venzor plans to extend the weekly instruction to 90 minutes. The World Openness Report 2022 was released at a session of the Hongqiao International Economic Forum during the ongoing China International Import Expo (CIIE). The document showed that China is more open to the world in contrast with some developed economies. According to the report reviewing the openness levels of 129 economies from 2008 to 2020, China's openness index jumped from 0.7107 in 2012 to 0.7507 in 2020, up 5.6%, and its ranking rose eight places from 47th to 39th. "China has become the driving force of world economic growth," Wang Shouwen, vice minister of commerce and China international trade representative at the Ministry of Commerce, said via video link, listing China's achievements and contributions to the world's economy and openness. Last year, China's total trade in goods and services reached $6.9 trillion, ranking first in the world for two consecutive years. China has become a major trading partner of more than 140 countries and regions. Over the past 10 years, China's average annual contribution to world import growth has exceeded 20%, and its average annual contribution to global economic growth has been about 30%. China's overall tariff level has dropped to 7.4%, which is close to the level of developed WTO members. A total of 21 pilot free trade zones were established in China from 2013 to 2021, while during the same period, China's trade in goods with countries along the Belt and Road totaled nearly $11 trillion, and its direct investment in those countries totaled $164 billion. The report looking back at the 2020 world economy was compiled by the Institute of World Economics and Politics under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Research Center for the Hongqiao International Economic Forum. The previous edition was published in 2021 during that year's CIIE. It is the first report to examine the openness of world economies after the COVID-19 outbreak. Overall, the index continued to show a downward trend in 2020. That year, the World Openness Index was at 0.7491, down 0.02% from 2019, mainly due to the increase in cross-border social isolation because of the pandemic. But Zhang Yuyan, head of the Institute of World Economics and Politics and one of the index's compilers, said the world's openness has withstood the great test of the pandemic, and has not retrogressed significantly. "It shows that the world's openness has strong resilience," he said. Zhang noted the resilience comes not only directly from the countervailing expansion of economic and cultural opening to offset the narrowing of social opening, but also from the strong internal demand of humanity to overcome difficulties under the heavy pressure of the pandemic. However, the COVID-19 restrictions and control measures led to sharp declines in the total numbers of cross-border tourists, international students and immigrants, meaning that the world social openness index fell 7.2% in 2020 compared with 2019, the largest decline since data was made available in 2008. He pointed out that the decline of the world's openness in the medium term is alarming: From 2008 to 2020, the index dropped by 4.1%, with the openness index of developed economies decreasing by 5.9%, while that of developing economies increased by 4.4%. For example, the United States, which was the most open economy in 2008, slid to 23rd place. Meanwhile, BRICS countries and economies along the Belt and Road have opened wider: In 2020, the openness index of Belt and Road economies was at 0.7218, up 0.4% from 2019, and the BRICS openness index rose 0.2% to 0.7091 in 2020. "In recent years, a few developed countries have first pursued unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonism, given priority to themselves and decoupled the industry chains among countries," Zhang added. "Then came COVID-19, anti-globalization sentiment and geopolitical crises, which made international economic, social and cultural exchanges increasingly difficult. Human society is standing at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges and critical choices." But he noted more driving forces for world openness are emerging, which include progress in global governance like the achievements of the World Trade Organization's 12th Ministerial Conference and the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Also, digital finance is a highlight of financial openness while digital and green economies are new additions to the world's openness. "Openness promotes economic development; open economies can specialize and trade with each other," said Christopher Pissarides, a professor of economics at the London School of Economics and Political Science and the 2010 Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences, via video link. "Openness is an economic objective that policymakers and businesspeople want to be informed about. The World Openness Report is a valuable tool to advance this aim." He noted that as the report calculates a World Openness Index for many countries, the addition of social and cultural factors in considering the construction of the World Openness Index is welcome. "Good relations encourage better economic exchange too," he said. "Understanding each other's cultures and social conventions is a prerequisite to peaceful coexistence; exchange of goods and ideas opens horizons that cannot be unlocked by single isolated countries." Pissarides added: "Geopolitical tensions and disagreements about the role of international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization, create uncertainty about the future; and uncertainty is a deterrent of investment in activities that involve collaborations with foreign countries. Unfortunately, this uncertainty is also a barrier to enjoying the benefits of more interaction with the rest of the world. Nations need to realize this truth and maintain their efforts to iron out their disagreements about economic openness." After the press conference on the World Openness Report 2022, the International Symposium on the Current Situation and Prospects of World Openness was held, where senior government officials and top economists, including Zhou Xiaochuan, former governor of the People's Bank of China; Justin Yifu Lin, dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University; and Yi Xiaozhun, the WTO's former deputy director-general, further discussed the report and world's prospects. YORK Larry Kopsa of York was recently honored to be selected as the 2022 recipient of the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants Distinguished Service to the Profession award. The award was presented to Kopsa at the societys annual meeting held at LaVista, Nebraska. Throughout the 94-year history, the Nebraska Society of CPAs has had thousands of members and Kopsa is only the 37th member to receive the societys highest award. It was based on Kopsas decades of dedicated service and leadership within the profession and the business community. After college and teaching two years of high school, Kopsa joined Lindell Sylvester Lindell CPAs in York. He earned a CPA certificate in 1976 and shortly thereafter became partner. The firm experienced various transitions over the two decades and in 1999 the firm morphed into the current firm of Kopsa Otte CPAs, with Candy Otte as partner and Stacey Stark subsequently becoming partner. Kopsa Otte CPAs is a 25-member firm located in York that concentrates on tax planning and preparation, consulting and business support and solutions. The firm services clients in over 40 states. During his career Kopsa has been an author of numerous business articles for various magazines and a frequent speaker. He has spoken at conventions and conferences on a wide range of business seminars on taxation and tax planning; management practices; sales; customer service and corporate financial planning. His presentations were to diverse audiences throughout the United States. Kopsa has also provided annual income tax updates to CPAs in Nebraska and Kansas for nearly 25 years. In addition, he was an adjunct professor of taxation at York College for over two decades and featured at various Nebraska Governors Conference on Agriculture and the National Cattlemens Beef Annual Convention. Kopsa also involved in numerous other local, state, and national organizations. He is respected for his leadership skills positive outlook boundless energy and willingness to serve. Among his many volunteer activities being a member of the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce serving as the head of the Chambers Small Business Council, York Industrys board serving as president, Kilgore Memorial Library Foundation, City of York Planning Commission, York Community Foundation board of directors; York United Fund president and American Institute of CPAs as a member of the Small Business Taxation Committee. Kopsa retired from Kopsa Otte in January, 2021 and all I can say is Well deserved Larry, well deserved. Star of Lights campaign to beginThe annual York General Auxiliary Star of Lights campaign has kicked off for this year and organizers again hope the community will support this campaign as they have in the past. The campaign will run through December 31, 2022 and be sure to look for the beautifully lit stars marking this event at all York General facilities. This year the funds will go towards Christmas gifts for the York General Hearthstone residents and Willow Brook residents along with Cancer Survivor Christmas ornaments. We would like to thank our members and the community for their generous support in the past, said Nancy Davidson, Star of Lights Chairperson. We would like to ask that you please consider making a donation to the Star of Lights campaign. Now if everything goes as its supposed to, a QR Code is accompanying this column that you can scan to donate or by going to www.yorkgeneralauxiliary.org/donate. For those that are a little more technologically challenged, you can mail or drop off your donation at York General Auxiliary Star of Lights, 2222 N. Lincoln Avenue, York, NE 68467. For more information, you can contact Davidson at 402-362-5702. Thank You in advance for your donation, said Davidson. Believe fundraiser coming soonThe Emmanuel-Faith School and Little Blessings Preschool Making Disciples For Life fundraiser has been scheduled for Friday, November 18 at the Holthus Convention Center in York. Tickets are $30 and available through Friday, November 11 in the Emmanuel Church, Faith Church and school offices. Proceeds will be used on projects for the school and at Little Blessings. Free babysitting will be provided at the York High School Aces. Email believefundraiser@gmail.com to arrange for babysitting by Friday, November 11. There will be a silent auction along with a live auction during the evening along with dinner. What the Heck:Its here. ELECTION DAY! Have you voted yet? Are you going to vote? Are you even registered to vote? I dont know that Ive missed too many over the years as I always remember my dad telling me that if I didnt vote, then I had no business ever complaining about what was going on, no matter who won. YORK A 31-year-old Illinois woman has pleaded not guilty in York County District Court to having 10 pounds of methamphetamine in her car at the rest area west of York, along Interstate 80. This past week, Monica Morales, of Mount Prospect, Illinois, entered her plea during arraignment proceedings. She is charged with possession of more than 140 grams of methamphetamine, which is a Class 1D felony, that carries a possible maximum sentence of 20 years to life in prison; being in the possession of a deadly weapon while committing a felony, a Class 2 felony, which carries a possible maximum sentence of 1-50 years in prison; and having no drug tax stamp, a Class 4 felony, which carries a possible maximum sentence of two years in prison with 12 months of post-release supervision. According to court documents, a trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol saw Morales vehicle on Interstate 80 and noted it was without a front license plate. He saw the Missouri vehicle pull into the rest area and Morales exit the vehicle. When he spoke with Morales, he detected the odor of marijuana and a search was conducted of the vehicle. During the search, troopers found a pink luggage bag with nine air-sealed bags of methamphetamine and an unsealed bag containing the same. The total weight was 10.66 pounds, which is a significant amount. They also found a gun, brand Sig Sauer P365. During their conversation, Morales allegedly told trooper she was coming from Los Angeles and was headed to Chicago. She was arrested and charged. This week, her bond was modified to $100,000, 10%. A 2018 J.B. Pritzker campaign volunteer who was indicted last year for allegedly ripping off the Illinois State Police Merit Board is now at the center of a campaign tussle over whether she should face additional charges a question that has roiled the Nov. 8 race for attorney general. But it may take a judge to determine the next move. Republican challenger Thomas DeVore has accused Democratic Attorney General Kwame Raoul of burying a potential fraud case to prevent Pritzker and other fellow Democrats from further political embarrassment. But Raoul insists there was no effort to try to cover anything up and that hes declared conflicts of interest because other cases his office is handling could be viewed as having an impact on the potential fraud case. Ive got nothing to hide, Raoul said. In the middle of the political squabble is Jenny Thornley, the merit boards former chief financial officer who was charged in September 2021 with padding her paycheck with an extra $10,513 in unauthorized overtime. She has pleaded not guilty in Sangamon County court to counts of theft, forgery and official misconduct. While Thornley has been charged in that case, DeVore has maintained enough evidence exists to pursue additional fraud charges over tens of thousands of dollars spent on workers compensation and disability benefits she received. But DeVore contended that a case against Thornley is not moving forward because of Raouls Democratic ties to Pritzker. The Tribune disclosed in December that Thornley has been under scrutiny for receiving the benefits and that a merit board memo noted a ranking insurance agency official viewed Thornleys collection of benefits as a clear case of fraud. An insurance agency spokeswoman said the department does not comment on pending workers compensation investigations. Thornleys attorney could not be reached for comment. Raoul disputes DeVores position and said the attorney generals office is fighting Thornley in other civil matters, including a federal civil court case in which she charges wrongful termination from her merit board job. Raouls office said it is recusing itself from the criminal prosecutions because it does not want to be in a position that might give even the appearance of leveraging a criminal case against Thornley to resolve a civil case or vice versa. The payroll case is being prosecuted by the states attorneys appellate prosecutor. It wound up there after the Sangamon County states attorney also recused himself because he is prosecuting a case in which a member of Thornleys family is allegedly a victim of a hit-and-run accident. The workers comp questions arose because, just as the internal probe of the payroll allegations against her was wrapping up, Thornley alleged her boss sexually assaulted her. Pritzker became entangled after it was revealed Thornley emailed top Pritzker aides and even texted his wife, M.K. Pritzker, about the allegations. M.K. Pritzker texted Thornley back, I best not get involved and advised Thornley to contact the administration and follow proper procedures. An outside investigation determined Thornleys sexual assault allegations were unfounded, yet the state said last week it has paid more than $87,000 on her workers comp case alone including more than $63,500 on disability benefits and nearly $21,000 to investigate her claim and determine it was false. Seeking to press Raoul to act, DeVore distributed a copy of a July 29 email to the attorney generals office from David Robinson, the appellate prosecutors chief deputy. DeVore urged more action while noting the email indicated the appellate prosecutor needed a judicial order that expanded its authority to include the Thornley benefits. Robinson did not return messages left for him. But shortly after the email was sent, Raoul said, his office reached out to both the states attorney and the appellate prosecutor. Raoul said the appellate prosecutor officials indicated they wanted to reserve the right to use the workers comp issue as either an aggravating factor in the payroll padding case or to charge Thornley in a separate case. Raoul called that approach perfectly appropriate and logical given the appellate prosecutor already is handling the payroll case. But Raoul said his office will not weigh in on that decision because we have a conflict. Plain and simple. How, or if, a potential benefits fraud case could move forward may take a legal road map because of differing legal viewpoints. Special prosecutor Jonathan Barnard, who is handling the Thornley payroll padding case for the appellate prosecutor, said his office would need approval from a judge to take up any additional workers comp matter. That would require a motion in court, such as from a states attorney, because the appellate prosecutor cannot expand the scope of its authority unless a judge OKs it, Barnard said. That has not happened, said Barnard, former Adams County states attorney, adding: Our appointments are case specific. Sangamon County States Attorney Dan Wright, a Republican who recused himself from the original Thornley payroll case, said he has seen nothing beyond the January memo about the workers comp allegations, but that he would recuse himself again if an actual investigation into alleged benefits fraud by Thornley were to come before him. Ty Fahner, a former Republican attorney general, said one way to address the matter would be to let the courts figure it out by asking a judge to determine who should handle or review the potential benefits fraud. Kwame could do it, the local states attorney could do it, a state legislator could go in and say, Do your job, by filing a motion naming who is not performing the duties that they should do, Fahner said. In turn, Raoul cited a statute dealing with appointments of attorneys and special prosecutors when conflicts exist, saying that any person of interest can petition for a special prosecutor. Nothing prevents the state appellate prosecutor who has a current case with this defendant from going to the court to take up the benefits issue. Retired jurist Gino DiVito, a Democrat who served as an Illinois Appellate Court justice, held a similar view. If the appellate prosecutor requires authority to act, DiVito said, they should be the ones to make that request of a judge. It appears to me to be such a simple request that they should do it. In January, Pritzkers Department of Central Management Services, which handles state benefits, sent a memorandum to Raoul that recapped Thornleys case and concluded it is clear that the sexual assault did not occur, according to the document obtained by the Tribune. Most, if not all, of the more than $87,000 spent on the workers comp case does not include the roughly $550,000 the merit board has spent on its outside investigation that looked into Thornleys sexual misconduct allegations as well as her payroll case. The Prince of Orange DAR Chapter is presenting a program for veterans and history lovers at the chapel on the campus of The Oaks at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9. Tiajuana Cochnauer, a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, will speak of the important role of Choctaw Warriors aiding the young United States as key contributors to the U.S. military as the first code talkers in the military. Cochnauer has a bachelors degree from the University of Oklahoma, and retired from the USDA Forest Service, serving at the national level of the USDA Forest Service in Washington, D.C. She has served as the acting director of the Office of Tribal Affairs and as acting director of the Office of Conservation Education. Most recently, she has taught a number of short courses at the University of South Carolina Aiken Academy for Lifelong Learning including Choctaw Indians Yesterday and Today, Choctaw Code Talkers, Choctaw Music and Dance and others. She has contributed to the Oklahoma Historical Society Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City with original photographs, documents and information about her maternal great-great grandfathers emigration from Mississippi in 1832 during the infamous Trail of Tears. Refreshments will be served prior to the program and all veterans will be honored and recognized. This program is open to the public. COLUMBIA Gov. Henry McMaster and S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director Dan Ellzey announced that South Carolinas unemployment insurance tax rates will decrease or remain the same for all employers in 2023. This is the 10th year in a row that the agency, the General Assembly and the governors office have been able to maintain or lower UI business tax. Todays announcement will save South Carolinas businesses millions of dollars, allowing them to create new jobs for people and invest more in their companies and communities, McMaster said. South Carolina is booming and employers are excited to do business in our state. The strength of the unemployment insurance trust fund demonstrates the wise decisions weve made that have helped us maintain one of the strongest economies in the nation. With a strong balance of approximately $1.4 billion, South Carolina will: Set tax year 2023 rates to raise approximately the same level of revenue as 2022 and 2021. Rates will either be the same or lower than the prior three years. No tax rate class will experience an increased tax rate for 2023. Rates will be lower for rate classes 2-19 by an average of 15.5% compared to 2022 levels. Not require any solvency surcharge due to the sufficiently high trust fund balance. Maintain a balance that ensures the state could withstand a moderate economic contraction. Strong economic and wage growth have helped keep the trust fund at or above its statutorily required balance, Ellzey said. For a decade our agency has been able to maintain or lower tax rates and our UI Trust Fund balance is now at a record high. Our unemployment rate continues to be near record lows and substantially below what economists have typically considered full employment. Estimates are that revenue needs for 2023 will be approximately $10 million lower than the estimate for 2022, which will mean additional tax savings for most tax rate classes. Each year, the agency estimates the unemployment benefits that will be paid in the following year and sets the tax rate to ensure that the trust fund has the revenue to make the payments. The process to determine the tax rates involves an extensive analysis of the economy, the current level of the UI Trust Fund, expected unemployment, estimated benefits that will have to be paid, and revenues that will need to be generated to pay such benefits. Our agency is always looking for ways to build the workforce, help fill current jobs, and support employers. In addition to having record employment in 2022, South Carolinas average hourly earnings have been growing, up more than $3.00 an hour since January of 2020, continued Ellzey. If you are a new employer, the maximum tax you would pay per worker has decreased by 73.9% in the past decade. That is substantially lower than both North Carolina and Georgia. And, in that same time period, the number of South Carolina businesses liable for UI taxes has increased 36.7% which helps abate tax charges for everyone.Although most pandemic unemployment benefits were paid through federal programs such as Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), the trust fund balances of states were also depleted as UI payments were dispersed. Twenty-three states borrowed money from the federal government to help support UI benefits when claims rose exponentially across the nation, but South Carolina was not one of them. (TBTCO) - Cuc Du tru Lien bang My (FED) co kha nang se tiep tuc ot tang lai suat lan tiep theo trong thang 12 toi, nhung voi muc o co the nhe hon. ieu nay se lai la mot trong nhung yeu to tac ong en thi truong tai chinh va tien te trong nuoc. Wyomings oil and gas industry will not appeal a federal judges ruling this summer that the federal government legally paused new oil and gas leasing during the first quarter of 2021. U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sided with the Biden administration and several environmental groups and against the state, Western Energy Alliance and the Petroleum Association of Wyoming in the Sept. 2 decision. The Western Energy Alliance, a regional oil and gas trade group, announced days later that it would appeal, citing the misapplication of federal environmental laws. It and other industry members feared the outcome would afford federal officials too much leeway to delay and diminish future lease sales. But the Western Energy Alliance and the Petroleum Association of Wyoming (undecided at the time) have opted instead to move on from the lawsuit. Though the challenge targeted the postponement of leasing more broadly, Skavdahl did not consider federal actions taken after the lawsuits filing disqualifying all arguments from industry and some from the state. We are not going to appeal the ruling out of the Wyoming District because it was narrowly focused on the facts related to the first quarter 2021 lease sales and doesnt have much applicability beyond it, Western Energy Alliance president Kathleen Sgamma said in an email to the Star-Tribune. Gov. Mark Gordons office declined to comment on whether the state would appeal. But the 60-day window during which it could do so ended Tuesday. The industrys reversal came as little surprise to the environmental advocates on the other side of the dispute. Its such a well-reasoned decision that it would be very difficult to appeal, said Shannon Anderson, staff attorney for the landowners group Powder River Basin Resource Council. I think it still holds true that (the Bureau of Land Management) has a lot of discretion to consider environmental impacts, to make sure theyre taking climate into account when theyre doing new leases, Anderson added. And we hope BLM really uses this decision going forward. The agency announced last month that it is considering about 251,000 acres for Wyomings next federal oil and gas lease sale, which may be held as soon as the second quarter of 2023. It will accept public comment through Monday on the 209 tracts proposed for leasing. BLM is going to get an earful, and theyll have to wade through all of that, Anderson said. Meanwhile, Sgamma said the Western Energy Authority will be tackling the Interior Secretarys failure to hold quarterly lease sales very soon. And Petroleum Association of Wyoming President Pete Obermueller told the Star-Tribune the group is evaluating a different approach because we continue to believe that the federal government is not following the law as intended. He declined to elaborate on the organizations legal strategy. JACKSON There are no glaciers in Yellowstone National Park. Thats according to Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly. Speaking with the Jackson Hole Daily on Friday morning about the summer season, he responded to a UNESCO report that said climate change would cause some glaciers in World Heritage Sites to disappear by 2050. Glaciers in Yellowstone were included in that list. That was an error, Sholly said. The superintendent said Yellowstone had told UNESCO as much. Theres definitely places in the national park system in North America where glaciers are receding at substantially faster rates than we envisioned, Sholly said. But there are no glaciers in Yellowstone. The report was released ahead of the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, which is known colloquially as COP27 and is currently being held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The meeting is an opportunity for governments, businesses and other stakeholders to talk about solutions to climate change. The UNESCO report, a partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, said that glaciers in the 50 World Heritage Sites that house them were retreating at an accelerated rate since 2000, losing some 58 billion tons of ice every year responsible for 5% of global sea level rise. In a press release, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said the report was a call to action. It was picked up nationally with headlines like Yellowstone, Yosemite glaciers to disappear in 30 years. Only a rapid reduction in our CO2 emissions levels can save glaciers and the exceptional biodiversity that depends on them, Azoulay said. COP27 will have a crucial role to help find solutions to this issue. UNESCO is determined to support states in pursuing this goal. Some areas that the UNESCO report identified, like Yosemite National Park, do have glaciers that are melting. Yosemite, for example, reported in 2020 that the Lyell and Maclure Glaciers lost 67% to 78% of their surface area from 1883 to 2017. Up to 16% of that loss happened between 2012 and 2015, according to Yosemite. Climate change is affecting the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and glaciers are melting elsewhere in the ecosystem, including in Grand Teton National Park. Climate change, driven by human emission of heat-trapping, planet-warming greenhouse gases, is intensifying, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. As that happens, warming temperatures are expected to amplify the loss of seasonal snow cover and summer Arctic ice, as well as the thawing of permafrost and melting of glaciers. Those trends are bearing out in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, where scientists have identified a steady decline in snowpack since the 1980s, according to the Greater Yellowstone Climate Assessment. That report also says that, using tree ring data, scientists have found a longer-scale decline during the 20th and 21st centuries compared to the previous 800 years. South of Yellowstone, glaciers are receding in Grand Teton. There, park scientists said earlier this summer that the Teepee Glacier, previously one of the most visible ice masses in the park, was likely no longer an active glacier. The Middle Teton Glacier, which Grand Teton scientists study as a proxy for other glaciers in the park, has also been receding. Between 2016 and 2021, it lost 1.6 meters of ice, on average, across survey points in the Garnet Canyon ice mass. That equates to roughly 50,000 tons of ice. Yellowstone glaciers, meanwhile, have not existed in our lifetime, Sholly said. Long-receded glaciers have, however, played a major role in shaping the parks geology, depositing boulders and ponds between the Yellowstone and Lamar rivers and leaving glacial till in the Hayden Valley. On a mid-lake island in central China's metropolis of Wuhan, over 100 cormorants crowded on 10 fir trees. In a month, they will give a snow-white look to the isle even on a sunny, snowless day. "There are so many migratory birds that their droppings will dye the trees as if covered in snow," said Shi Chenglu, a guide at the East Lake Scenic Area in downtown Wuhan. "Many bird watchers and ordinary residents will come to appreciate the view from the lakeside (without landing on the isle)." Such a sight was unimaginable around the turn of the century when fish in the lake "smelt of kerosene" due to rampant industrial pollution and sewage discharge. But just like other water bodies in the capital city of Hubei Province, the East Lake has benefited from decade-long efforts to restore the wetlands ecology, drawing back both migratory birds and human visitors. "Many new birds are spotted, including greater flamingos that we have never seen before and Dalmatian pelicans that have not visited us for six years," said Wei Bin, vice head of Wuhan's bird-watching society. It testifies to the increasing number of migratory birds at Chenhu Lake, a "wetland of international importance" in Wuhan. As China highlights the harmony between humanity and nature on its path to modernization, many rivers and lakes across the world's most populous nation have received government investments and legislative support that help them regain vitality and even expand in areas. China, in 1992, became a party to the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental agreement dedicated to the conservation and rational use of wetland ecosystems. Since then, China has established a legal framework for wetlands conservation and issued a series of policies to increase protection. Over the past decade, China has added or restored more than 800,000 hectares of wetlands, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. The country unveiled new ambitions for wetlands conservation during the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14), held in Wuhan and Switzerland's Geneva. Addressing the opening ceremony via video, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China would promote high-quality development in the wetlands conservation cause. China will designate a number of national parks, covering about 10 percent of the country's land area, and incorporate 11 million hectares of wetlands in the national park system. The country will promote international cooperation to protect the four bird migration routes passing China and to build an international mangrove center in Shenzhen, said Xi. Calling for scaling up global action on wetlands conservation, Xi said: "It is important that we advance the global process on wetlands conservation, redouble efforts to preserve authenticity and integrity, include more important wetlands in nature reserves, improve cooperation mechanisms and platforms, and increase the coverage of wetlands of international importance." Wetlands include natural and artificial water bodies on land, like rivers, lakes, swamps, rice paddies, as well as some coastal areas. Known as the "kidneys of the Earth" and a reservoir of biodiversity, they can purify water and provide food and shelter to migratory birds. They are among the Earth's top stores of carbon, whose existence contributes to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. For many Chinese, wetland is a relatively new concept. But it gets an increasing spotlight as the country is advancing the progress of "ecological civilization." In 1995, the Chinese government launched a thorough survey of the country's wetland resources, which provided the basis for urgent protection plans. The past decade was characterized by a more comprehensive approach toward wetlands conservation in China. According to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the central government allocated 16.9 billion yuan (about 2.5 billion U.S. dollars) for wetland conservation and undertook over 3,400 protection projects in that period. The country's first specialized law on wetland protection took effect in June. China will continue to attach great importance to wetland protection at the national level and it will filter down to enforcement by local authorities and actions of every citizen, said Wang Xiangchun with the China Urban Construction Design & Research Institute. "This is of particular significance as China's urbanization rate surpasses 60 percent," Wang said. Integrating wetlands into modernization Despite the challenges, many Chinese cities have told success stories of integrating wetlands into economic and social development. Wuhan, a megacity of more than 13 million permanent residents, is a prime example. Dubbed "the city of lakes," Wuhan is home to 166 lakes, a remarkable number for a provincial capital in China. But researchers said the city's lake areas had shrunk considerably last century, encroached first by drought and land reclamation for farming and then by real estate development. The trend reversed after the city government passed a slew of legislation and policies to protect wetlands in the 2000s, eventually stabilizing the city's lake area even amid rapid economic growth. Pollution bans and ecological restoration projects restored the water quality. In the 3,367-hectare East Lake, authorities sealed all sewage inlets and planted pollutant-purifying aquatic plants to create 220 hectares of "underwater forest." Boasting clear water and flocks of waterfowl, the lake (also a national wetland park) is now a popular jogging and sightseeing site among residents. "The focus is on restoration, not reconstruction. We tried to reverse the degradation caused by human activities with minimum disruption to the original natural environment. That required a lot of preliminary research," said Chu Yunhong, general manager of Wuhan OCT., Ltd, which conducted the underwater afforestation in parts of the East Lake. Some other Chinese cities developed strategies to coexist with smaller wetlands. In Liangping District of Chongqing in southwest China, farmers grew rice, vegetables, lotus, fish, and shrimps in small and micro wetlands, including the district's many ponds and rice paddies. Organic agriculture in such mini wetlands helped reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides while boosting agricultural output. The scenic views also boosted ecological tourism to raise farmers' incomes. Experts say China's progress in wetland conservation against the backdrop of rapid economic expansion and urbanization is a source of inspiration for the rest of the world, especially other developing countries. "As a densely populated country undergoing fast economic development, China has faced many complicated environmental problems and come up with many innovative solutions," said Lei Gang, a senior advisor with the World Wide Fund for Nature. "Other developing countries can learn from China's experience and lessons." Vincent Cohen Barugahare, an official with Uganda's Ministry of Water and Environment, suggested that wetland conservation could be a promising area of cooperation between China and other countries. Barugahare visited wetlands in Qinghai Province, from which China's biggest rivers originate, during a cooperation program on wetlands conservation. He said the Chinese initiative of moving residents out of the conservation areas for better protection also applied in Uganda. "Apart from cooperating in other development areas, like industries, we should cooperate in conservation. I think that's a good direction," Barugahare said at the Geneva session of COP14. The festive Christmas season is upon us, coupled with the excitement of the World Cup tournament! Its only fitting that we look into another common digestive issue that can often put a damper on our ability to enjoy life. If this topic captured your attention, then you must be all too familiar with the fiery discomfort in your stomach that rises to your chest after youve had a meal. Youve tasted that sourness or bitterness at the back of your mouth, or have had that burning wave that hits your throat and turns your voice hoarse. IN HIS MEMORY: Aldwin Wilson, from left, the husband of George Chambers daughter Andrea Chambers, Stephen Jacobs, Education Minister Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Ganying Ching, Lou Ann Mooking and Ashton Ford at the opening of the George Chambers commemorative display at Nalis last week. With the latest Commission of Enquiry into the Paria tragedy and all the brouhaha, angst and A 37-year-old man has been arrested in the killing of his mother, authorities say. Jonathan Hatmaker was arrested after police went to a house on the northwest side near West Linda Vista Boulevard and North Hartman Lane about 11 a.m. Sunday after a reported shooting, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said in a news release. Hatmaker was at the front door holding a handgun, but deputies were able to take him into custody. Deputies from Peggy Hatmaker, 66, inside the house. She died at the scene. Hatmaker was booked into the Pima County jail on suspicion of first degree murder. Federal officials will be watching polling Tuesday in five Arizona counties, including Pima County. But no one is saying exactly how the Department of Justice selected those five, or exactly what form that monitoring will take. In a statement Monday, the department said it will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in 64 jurisdictions in 24 states. In Arizona, that includes Maricopa, Navajo, Pima, Pinal and Yavapai counties. Those monitors will include personnel not only from DOJs civil rights division but also offices of the U.S. Attorney for Arizona. The concept is not new. Since the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, the Civil Rights Division has regularly monitored elections in the field in jurisdictions around the country to protect the rights of voters, the department said in its news release. It doesnt mean other counties will escape scrutiny. The Civil Rights Division will also take complaints from the public nationwide regarding possible violations of the federal voting rights laws through its call center, the department said. Complaints can be filed with the Department of Justice through its toll-free line at 800-253-3931 or on its website of https://civilrights.justice.gov. The release also says anyone who sees disruptions at polling places should immediately report that to local election officials, including those working at the site. And people should call 911 over allegations of violence, threats of violence or intimidation at polling places. Federal officials have said they are charged with enforcing not just the Voting Rights Act but also the Help America Vote Act, the National Voter Registration Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. They make decisions each election cycle depending on a particular decision or election about issues such as making sure voters have ballot access under their primary language or ensuring those with disabilities can cast ballots. Questions about discrimination and voter intimidation are also factors, the department has said. There is apparent basis for concern at least in Maricopa County, including activities this year by a group calling itself Clean Elections USA to monitor ballot drop boxes, in which several members were armed or wearing tactical gear. Most of the groups activities were barred last week by U.S. District Court Judge Michael Liburdi. While the judge did not forbid people from monitoring from at least 75 feet away he said they cannot take videos of would-be voters within that 75-foot perimeter and said anyone who is visibly armed or in tactical gear must remain at least 250 feet from the boxes. There also is history to consider in Maricopa County. Supporters of then-President Donald Trump protested at the countys election offices for days after Democrat Joe Biden was declared the winner in Maricopa and in Arizona. County officials have now constructed fences and vehicle barriers around the building. Several current candidates continue to charge there was fraud in the 2020 election, with Senate President Karen Fann, R-Prescott, saying the audit she ordered of the Maricopa County returns is ongoing despite the fact a hand count confirmed Bidens victory and by a slightly larger margin than the official results. Elsewhere, separate groups had announced plans to monitor drop boxes in Yavapai County. But representatives of both groups told Liburdi last week they were not pursing that action. There have been no such activities in Pima County. But the states second-most-populous county drew attention after Trump claimed voter fraud there in the 2020 election, allegations that were refuted after an investigation by the county attorney. Monitoring by the Department of Justice is not new. But it is a marked increase from what the department did two years earlier when it decided to keep watch on 44 jurisdictions in 18 states, including just Coconino, Maricopa and Yavapai counties in Arizona. PHOENIX Its not allowed in 44 states. But the U.S. Supreme Court refused Monday to void Arizona law which allow criminal trials to be conducted and people to be convicted and sent to prison with juries of just eight people. Without comment, the majority of the justices upheld the statute which says that a 12-member jury is necessary only when the crime charged carries a prison term of 30 years or more. And they saw no reason to even address the law given that Ramin Khorrami faced no more than 12.5 years on charges of theft and fraudulent schemes in connection with his bid to extort money from a married woman with whom he was having an affair. There also was some precedent: The high court in 1970 refused to disturb a Florida law which allowed someone to be convicted by a six-member jury. But the decision not to even review the law drew a stinging dissent from Justice Neil Gorsuch, appointed to the court in 2017, who said that 1970 ruling was wrong the day it was decided. It remains wrong today, he continued. And it impairs both the integrity of the American criminal justice system and the liberties of those who come before our nations courts. Only Justice Brett Kavanaugh sided with Gorsuch. Khorrami began a romantic relationship in 2012 with a woman living in Arizona, according to court records. She told him she planned to leave her husband. A year later the relationship soured and he threatened to tell her husband unless she paid him $30,000 and continued the affair. Eventually after paying him another $4,000 she realized he would not keep his end of the bargain and told her husband, who reported Khorrami to the police. The eight-member jury unanimously convicted him of the two charges. He was placed on probation which included a two-month jail term. Only later, on appeal, did he say he was constitutionally entitled to a 12-member jury, an argument rejected by the state Court of Appeals which the Arizona Supreme Court refused to overturn. That led to his petition to the U.S. Supreme Court. Attorney General Mark Brnovich urged the justices to spurn the request, citing the precedent of the 1970 decision. And he argued that reversing that ruling would upset not just the law in Arizona but also in Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts and Utah. Gorsuch, however, called that 1970 ruling an aberration to what he said has been centuries of understanding and precedent requiring a 12-member jury. It starts, he said, with the Sixth Amendment requiring a trial by jury. A mountain of evidence suggests that, both and the time of the amendments adoption and for most of our nations history, the right to a trial by jury for serious criminal offenses meant a trial before 12 members of the community nothing less, he wrote in his 10-page dissent. By the time of the Sixth Amendments adoption, the 12-person criminal trial was an institution with a nearly 400-year-old tradition in England. Gorsuch also pointed out that the court itself addressed the situation as far back as 1898 when it concluded a 12-person jury was clearly the intent of Congress. All that changed in 1970, he said, when the majority simply assumed that the 12-member rule rests on little more than mystical or superstitious insights and suggested there was no reason to assume a smaller jury would be less fair. None of this supplies a sound basis for judicial tinkering with an ancient tradition, Gorsuch said. In fact, he said, evidence presented to the justices eight years after the 1970 decision suggested that smaller juries are less likely to foster effective group deliberation and raised doubts about the accuracy of results. There even was the conclusion that as juries become smaller, the variance works against the defense. And Gorsuch said there has been other research since. These studies suggest that 12-member juries deliberate longer, recall information better, and pay greater attention to dissenting voices, he said. The bottom line, Gorsuch said, was the 1970 decision abandoned the historical understanding that a trial by jury meant 12 members on the panel and enshrined in its place bad social science parading as law. That mistake continues to undermine the integrity of the nations judicial proceedings and deny the American people a liberty their predecessors long and justly considered inviolable, he said. Todays (Arizona) case presented us with an opportunity to correct the error and admit what we know the law is and has always been, Gorsuch continued. Respectfully, we should have done just that. PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) Kosovo on Monday accused neighboring Serbia of trying to destabilize the country by pressuring members of the ethnic Serb community to resign from their posts for not accepting Pristinas decision to change illegal vehicle license plates. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said Serbias president, Aleksandar Vucic, has been in close coordination with Russia and China and is trying to sabotage the European Union-mediated dialogue. Ten Serb parliamentarians, 10 prosecutors and 576 police officers in the northern Mitrovica region handed in their resignations following their political leaders' decision on Saturday. The governments decision to gradually ban Serbia-issued license plates has angered Kosovo Serbs, most of whom don't recognize Kosovos 2008 declaration of independence. Members of the ethnic Serb minority left their government jobs on Saturday in a protest over the directive. Serbia is obviously interested in sabotaging dialogue and any agreement, Kurti said. In the first three weeks in November, about 6,300 ethnic Serbs owning cars with illegal number plates will be warned, according to Kurti. For the next two months they will be fined, and for three other months until April 21, they will drive only with temporary local plates. The Serbian government, with support from China and Russia, has refused to acknowledge Kosovos statehood. The United States and its allies recognize Kosovo as an independent country. Serbia's foreign minister, Ivica Dacic, said Sunday the countrys leadership has rejected the latest proposal offering Serbia a faster track to EU membership in exchange for Kosovos membership in the United Nations. Dacic told pro-government broadcaster Prva that the proposal submitted by France and Germany starts from the position that the independence of Kosovo is already a foregone conclusion. Serbia can't accept that, he said. Trouble brewed this summer over Serbias and Kosovos refusal to recognize each others identity documents and vehicle license plates. Kosovo Serbs in the north put up roadblocks, sounded air raid sirens and fired guns into the air. In August, EU and U.S. envoys negotiated a solution to the travel documents problem, allowing the situation to calm down. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg tweeted that he had spoken by phone with Vucic and Kurti, urging both to refrain from any unilateral action that can trigger escalation. Dialogue is the only way forward. NATO KFOR remains vigilant. EU spokesman Peter Stano also said Brussels was appealing on the responsibility of the leaders in Serbia and Kosovo to prevent further escalation. If there is something done locally or erupting locally, it will inevitably have consequences for the region. This is something Europe cannot afford, Serbia and Kosovo cannot afford, the region cannot afford, Stano said. The government in Pristina also decided to postpone to Nov. 1 the decision to require vehicles holding old or Serbian number plates to replace them with Kosovar ones. That also meant that vehicles entering from Serbia had to replace Serbian license plates with Kosovo ones. For the past 11 years, the reverse was required by Serbia for vehicles coming in from Kosovo. The EU has told Kosovo and Serbia that they must normalize ties if they want to advance toward membership in the 27-nation bloc. Brussels and Washington recently have stepped up mediation efforts, fearing uncertainties over Russia's war in Ukraine and Serbias close ties with Moscow could aggravate matters. Belgrade lost control over Kosovo in 1999 after NATO bombed the country to stop its brutal crackdown against ethnic Albanian separatist rebels. NATO peacekeepers say they are ready to keep the countrys situation calm, especially in northern Kosovo where most ethnic Serbs live. Llazar Semini reported from Tirana, Albania. Follow him at https://twitter.com/lsemini and Florent Bajrami at https://twitter.com/florent_bajrami Groups of young Chinese entrepreneurs have actively participated in a three-day event on green development aiming to tackle climate change and protect biodiversity with innovative solutions. Some 60 youth from 30 start-ups were invited to attend the 5th youth national dialogue held online from Nov. 4 to 6, which was co-hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the China Soong Ching Ling Science and Culture Center for Young People and Citibank China Co., Ltd. The event aimed to encourage young people to leverage technologies and digital skills in response to climate and biodiversity challenges with green, inclusive and sustainable solutions. It provided the participants with professional mentorship and training in business proposal writing, green economy design, and biological diversity to help them work out inclusive and demand-oriented solutions with potential business viability. James George, officer-in-charge of UNDP China, believed that young people could be empowered to take control of their lives, develop new skills, and design groundbreaking new concepts and products for the rapidly-changing world through entrepreneurship and innovation. Over a dozen projects related to green development were introduced by the participants at the event, such as accurate irrigation systems tackling fertilizer abuse and carbon emissions, bio-liquid fuel production, building carbon service platforms and low-carbon communities, as well as sludge treatment and environmental protection. "We look forward to young people being participants, contributors, and leaders in green and low-carbon life, and part of the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature," said Liu Ning, an official with China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment. HOUCK In a remote hogan near the southern edge of Arizonas Navajo Nation, Wayne Wilson lights a fire, lays out eagle feathers and remembers his grandfathers teachings. He would talk to me and tell me, Grandson, were going to do things here together. Were going to pray together. Were going to sing together. And I need you to pay attention as much as you can, because I dont know how things are going to change. Wilson, like his grandfather before him, is a traditional Navajo healer. He uses herbs, song and ceremony to restore the mental and physical well-being of himself and others, incorporating other practices, such as acupuncture, when needed. It all depends on the individual, he says. Before embarking on this path, Wilson endured a life filled with trauma. He came from a home rife with alcohol and domestic violence, faced isolation and abuse while attending boarding schools as a boy, and had a complex relationship with alcohol himself. One day Id just had enough, he recalls. I just got fed up. He made his way to the Native American Bahai Institute, which integrates Native American spirituality with that of the Bahai faith. The institutes hogan, a traditional ceremonial dwelling, is where he embarked on a long journey toward finding a renewed relationship with the healing practices of old. Here is where my sobriety started, Wilson says. The medicine way started here for me. Today, Wilson incorporates traditional Navajo practices with those pulled from his Bahai faith and cultures from around the country and world to heal people. Its a kind of reciprocity, he says. What you put out, you get back. An ongoing legacy Researchers have long pointed to the importance of incorporating cultural practices into behavioral health care for Native Americans, but there is an ongoing struggle to ensure those services are accessible and affordable. In past years, federal and state legislation aimed at increasing insurance coverage of mental health treatment has expanded the availability of Western services for many. But access to culturally responsive care and traditional healing remains limited. In the larger landscape of mental and behavioral health care, Indigenous communities face significant disparities. Native Americans report experiencing serious psychological distress 2.5 times more than the general population, federal data show. And although overall suicide rates are similar to those of white people, there are key differences among certain age groups with suicides among Native Americans ages 15 to 19 more than double that of white youth. Indigenous people also are more likely to suffer from substance use disorders. A major factor in all of this is multigenerational trauma stemming from a long legacy of colonization, genocide and oppression, as well as forced relocation from traditional lands, sterilization and assimilation. We need to recognize that were not just talking about history. We are talking about an ongoing legacy and ongoing problems, said Hilary Weaver, a professor emeritus at the University at Buffalo who studies Indigenous identity and well-being. Weaver, whos a social worker and a member of the Lakota tribe, said traditional healers play a significant role in mending these lasting wounds. Those traditional ways have been there long before somebody came in with a psychology degree or a social work degree or a nursing degree, she said. And theres a lot of value in those tribal traditions. Traditional healing rituals have always been a part of Indigenous culture. Whereas Western medicine focuses on curing, often through the use of medication, Indigenous healing aims to reestablish harmony and balance more akin, experts say, to recovering ones wholeness. Practices vary among tribes, but they typically include herbal remedies and ceremonies, such as smudging or sweat lodge gatherings, to heal and maintain mental, physical and spiritual health. And spiritual health is key, along with participation not only from the individual being treated but from loved ones or other tribal members. With us, its a family affair. Pretty much all things are, said Roland Begay, coordinator of the Office of Native Medicine at the Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility, one of 12 Indian Health Service health care facilities on the Navajo reservation. A traditional healer for more than 30 years, Begay has a deep understanding of its importance. I grew up around Native medicine. I grew up around medicine men, Begay said. My great-grandpa, my grandfather, my dad were all practitioners. So I was raised among that. Many traditional healers, including Wilson, work independently, but its become more common for hospitals and medical facilities to employ traditional healers. The health center in Chinle has four traditional healers on staff to provide services and two hogans and sweat lodges for ceremonies. At a patients request, traditional healing can be integrated alongside Western medicine, all at no cost. These services, Begay and other experts note, are particularly important for mental health and wellness. In Indigenous communities, depression and other mental health conditions are more likely to be related to family, cultural and community dynamics than individual experience, meaning Western-based treatment without cultural context is often less effective. Somewhere, a person gets out of balance, Begay said, and the intent is to get him back in balance. One of the rare studies published on Native healers, a 1998 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that more than 60% of Navajo patients surveyed had seen a traditional healer and about 40% used them regularly. More recent studies show that Native Americans who suffer from depression or a substance use disorder are significantly more likely to seek help from traditional healers over other providers. Avery Denny is a professor of Navajo studies at Dine College in Tsaile and president of the Dine Hataaii Association, an organization of traditional Navajo healers. He has worked in clinical settings alongside psychiatrists before, and hes seen times where traditional healing has worked where Western medicine hasnt. Theyre given pills and psychiatric care, but then that same patient comes back over here and says, I want a second opinion. I want to go traditional. I want to be diagnosed. Like Begay, Denny says family and community are central to the process of healing. All the religious intolerance and human rights violations and historical trauma and all the things that happened to our people that got us all sick the people that have done that to us couldnt make medicine for us, he said. They didnt know how to heal it, to heal us. Barriers to care Traditional services are free to Native Americans at facilities operated by the Indian Health Service, but supply cant always keep up with demand at the chronically underfunded federal agency. A 2011 federal report found just 33% of 514 IHS and tribal facilities providing mental health services offered traditional healing. And many of those clinics are located on or near reservations, even though 70% of Native Americans live in urban areas. Almost all of those services are for reservation-based populations, and for decades, the majority of Native people have not lived on tribal territories, said Weaver of the University at Buffalo. So theres a mismatch between where services are and where people are. Some Native people have private insurance and can pay for mental health care. Many others do not. In some states, health officials are trying to address all this. For years, Arizona, California and other states have been asking the federal government for the OK to reimburse the cost of traditional healing services under Medicaid. While IHS provides free health care to Native Americans, services are available only to members of federally recognized tribes and within specific geographic service areas. With over 50% of Native Americans lacking private health insurance, Medicaid becomes another important source of care. As of 2019, federal data show, some 42% of American Indians and Alaska Natives relied on Medicaid or public health insurance coverage. In 2015, Arizona established a workgroup to help develop parameters and potential payment methodology related to traditional healing for federal and state Medicaid officials to consider. In a memo a year later, Arizona leaders noted that traditional healing, while beneficial to tribal members, has not been considered a covered Medicaid service, despite it being promoted in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and by IHS. And yet, to date, the federal government has declined to approve reimbursement. In a letter last month from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the federal agency said it recognizes the states goals of addressing disparities in the American Indian and Alaska Native community and will continue to work with the state on this request. CMS declined additional comment about why the change has taken so long. It so far has not approved reimbursement for traditional healing for any state. A spokesperson said the requests are still under review. Heidi Capriotti, a spokeswoman for Arizonas Medicaid agency, said federal officials recognize our interest in traditional healing services and how important it is for our tribal communities, and have agreed to continue negotiations on this topic. We dont know a specific issue thats holding it up, only that they like to align multiple states, Capriotti said. So it might be a conversation that includes more than Arizona. Tribal health centers, IHS facilities and clinics that are part of the Office of Urban Indian Health Programs allocate money out of their own budgets to provide the infrastructure and staff for onsite traditional healing. The financial relief that would come with allowing these services to be reimbursable through Medicaid could lead to an expansion of services, experts said. This has the potential to sustain them and to maybe even increase the number of traditional providers that are in their systems, said Kim Russell, director of the Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health Care, which works to increase access to health programs for the 300,000 Native Americans living in Arizona. Although the Navajo Nation has been one of several Arizona tribes pushing for this reimbursement, not all 22 of the states federally recognized tribes see it as in alignment with their own traditions. Russell said some abstained from the conversation. Even approval would come with limitations. Traditional services may require additional travel by family members over long distances to attend ceremonies or gather materials that are used in practices, such as tobacco and herbs. And for Indigenous people in urban areas like Phoenix, even if a traditional service is offered by a nearby practitioner, they may need to commute hours to wherever a particular ceremony is traditionally performed. Russell, who lives in Phoenix but grew up in Chinle, knows this all too well. Some of the services can only happen in our traditional dwellings, she said. Would I have to travel all the way back five hours north to get that service? Outside of Medicaid reimbursement, there have been other efforts to expand access to these services. Alaskas Behavioral Health Aide Program, founded in 2009 by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, trains people in the states rural and Indigenous communities to provide culturally appropriate behavioral health prevention, treatment and recovery services. And in urban settings, organizations like Native American Connections in Phoenix have for decades provided access to traditional healing services in conjunction with Western mental health care. Whether the federal government eventually OKs reimbursement for these services or not, Russell said, Our practices will continue. Teaching the next generation Wayne Wilson wont turn down anyone who needs help, money or not. He believes payment should take the form of whatever someone can give: turquoise, tobacco, food, water. Beyond financial barriers, one of his biggest concerns is how to ensure these practices carry on for generations to come. He has encountered families who dont want their children to learn traditional ceremonies because of their religious beliefs; many Indigenous people today are Christian. Even Wilson wasnt able to learn all he wanted to from his grandfather, and instead had to pick up knowledge from other people and cultures as an adult. Now, Wilson said, none of his own children has shown an interest in learning from him. Back in the hogan at the Bahai Institute, he displays some of the eagle feathers he uses for healing. Many were given to him by people he has helped: One from a veteran. Another from an Aleut woman who got it from a nephew who died. When it comes time for me to leave, Wilson said, I dont know who these items are going to go to. He strokes a feather as he speaks. Wilson uses this particular feather in talking circles for youth who struggle with alcohol and drugs. It once belonged to his daughter, Nesbah. My daughter wore this when she danced, he said. She was a basket dancer. Nesbah died of an overdose last year after a long battle with drug addiction. She was 27. Wilson shares pictures of her on Facebook, speaks about her to anyone who will listen, and carries pieces of her with him. She tried really hard to overcome it. He holds up another feather that once was hers. Hed hoped to give it back to her when she got sober. Im still holding onto it, even though shes gone. Im still taking care of it. No ones sure exactly how many traditional healers remain in the Navajo Nation, although most leaders here agree the numbers are dwindling and many young people arent willing to learn. Wilson considers his own responsibility to future generations and the greater consequences, beyond the psychological, of letting go of these traditional practices. Their loss would be just one part of the slow disappearance of Navajo culture and an interruption of peoples connection with the Earth. Were going to destroy ourselves. Thats a scary thought, he said. Thats why Im trying to keep these ways going for the younger generation to understand. In Tsaile, Avery Denny is doing the same. He sees a lack of education and the loss of Navajo language skills in the next generation as an obstacle to keeping traditional healing alive. He cited the Hozhooji ceremony, which he referred to as spiritual psychology, and said that without a strong understanding of Navajo, the ceremony loses its healing effect. People need to have the language be fluent to understand the prayer, the story, the song, he said, because the oral history, the whole piece, is all healing. On a weekday morning at Dine College, Denny stands in front of 13 students for an introductory class on Navajo culture. The glow of a projector illuminates him. Windows frame a scenic landscape of mountains and trees. Dine education will heal you, he tells his students. He assigns them homework, including an essay they must write about themselves. He wants the next generation to know who they are and where they come from to find personal stability and balance but also to preserve their culture. If nobody learns from me, he said, then its going to be gone forever. Skye Elmore shares many of the same concerns as Wilson and Denny. She left the Navajo reservation with her mom when she was 5. Now 25, she lives in Gilbert, east of Phoenix, and is studying to be a veterinary technician at Mesa Community College. My aunt, grandma and great-grandma, as well as extended family members, continue to live on the rez, she said. When she was 19 and struggling with depression, Elmore sought help at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center, part of IHS, and received therapy and antidepressants. Although the hospital had traditional services available, Elmore felt she needed to be near family to really benefit from them, so she returned to the Navajo reservation for a healing ceremony. Elmore remembers eating peyote, and the healer burning cedar. She looked into the fire and saw a dogs face. It reminded me of my dogs and how much they help me work through emotions, she said. Today, Elmore finds peace volunteering at animal sanctuaries, such as Goats With Horns in Gilbert. She knows the names of all the goats, chickens, sheep and cows. Although she found traditional healing more helpful for her, Elmore doesnt want to downplay the importance of Western treatments or therapy, which she recently has considered, and acknowledges that a lot of people may need both. The impact of missed preventative medical care during the pandemic is beginning to emerge in the form of drastic declines in childhood vaccination rates among Arizona youth, now at lower levels than at any point in the past decade. The plummeting rates follow a yearslong decline in immunizations among Arizona students overall one that has put residents of all ages at heightened risk of infection from largely preventable communicable diseases. The trend is compounded, experts contend, by a reluctance from the Arizona Department of Health Services to address rising rates of personal belief vaccine exemptions. The Arizona Legislature, meanwhile, passed a law to limit the ability of health regulators to require certain vaccines for school attendance. Out of nearly 1,000 Arizona schools with kindergarten classes, about 60% had decreases in students considered immune from measles, mumps and rubella between 2018 and 2021, according to an AZCIR analysis of school vaccination data. Immunization rates in schools dropped by as much as 30 percentage points for certain vaccines, and more than half of kindergarten classes examined had lower DTaP vaccination rates in 2021 than they did in 2018. Hundreds of Arizona schools did not maintain a full accounting of which students are compliant, according to data from the 2021-2022 school year, meaning not every student has an immunization record or exemption on file, AZCIR found. Around 40% of kindergarten classes also lack the student paperwork for MMR or DTaP vaccinations. Wide-ranging vaccination rates across the state mean similar variation exists in levels of protection from diseases such as whooping cough, chickenpox and polio. For highly contagious diseases like measles, at least 95% of a population needs to be vaccinated to stop an outbreak a threshold just three in 10 Arizona kindergarten classrooms currently meet or surpass. This means more than 7,000 kindergarten students in Arizona could now be at risk of contracting measles in an outbreak. Three measles cases were reported in September by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, two of which were diagnosed in children. The total Arizona cases have since risen to five. The only reason we dont have circulating diseases of all of those formerly very common childhood diseases is because of school requirements, said Dr. Bob England, interim executive director of the Arizona Partnership for Immunization. Schools report vaccination information to ADHS each year for child care, kindergarten and sixth grade. A student is either immune, which means fully vaccinated, or exempt for a medical or personal reason. Any student without vaccination records or an exemption is prohibited from attending school, according to state law. While the pandemic caused substantial drops in some vaccination rates, the number of vaccine-exempt students has also increased over the past decade, driven in large part by higher rates of personal belief exemptions. ADHS and Maricopa County piloted a limited education program to reduce those exemptions in schools in 2017, but ADHS scuttled the initiative based on public backlash. The department did not reinstate the program. Instead, ADHS said it relies on promoting the benefits, safety and effectiveness of childhood vaccinations. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently voted to add COVID-19 vaccination to the recommended schedule for children and adults, but Arizona has moved in the opposite direction. In 2022, the Republican-controlled Arizona Legislature passed a bill barring the COVID-19 vaccine, for any variant, from ever being required for school attendance. Gov. Doug Ducey signed the bill into law. England, a former director of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, is concerned about what this may mean for uptake of all vaccinations. What Im really, really worried about, he said, is that for the first time, vaccines and vaccine requirements became a partisan issue. A precipitous drop Vaccination rates across the nation for kindergarten students declined overall by around 1 percentage point during the 2020-2021 school year, according to a recent CDC estimate. A drop of this magnitude equates to tens of thousands of children becoming more vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. According to Dr. Sean Elliott, a pediatric infectious disease specialist in Tucson and emeritus professor at the University of Arizona, the precipitous drop has everything to do with the pandemic. Elliott, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said he does not think anti-vaccine sentiment has contributed as much to the recent extreme decline in Arizona, instead calling it an underlying trend. AZCIR contacted more than two dozen school districts and charter schools to better understand drops in student vaccination rates between the 2018-2019 and 2021-2022 school years. Among the eight districts that responded, six provided interviews or statements and two declined to comment. For sixth grade students, the rate of the meningococcal and Tdap vaccines decreased the most over the course of the pandemic. Children receive these vaccines at age 11, right around the time they enter sixth grade. About two-thirds of schools analyzed had these vaccination rates decrease from 2018 to 2021. At Thompson Ranch Elementary in El Mirage, the meningococcal and Tdap vaccine rates for sixth graders decreased by about 30 percentage points. The school is part of the Dysart Unified School District, where, according to district spokesperson Renee Ryon, much of the student population suffers from a general lack of access to health care, including vaccinations. Ryon said the school, which has a large share of students from low income families, is aware of the problem and has worked tirelessly to improve immunization rates through partnerships with local health providers. The federally funded Vaccines for Children program allows children who are on Medicaid, uninsured or underinsured to be immunized, but the number of providers in the network has shifted over the years. England said he and his group, the Arizona Partnership for Immunization, are now trying to determine if the number of federally funded Vaccines for Children providers has decreased overall. At Dr. Daniel Bright School in Yavapai County, MMR immunization rates dropped by 23 percentage points to 63.9%. Bob Clark, the district nurse for the Cottonwood-Oak Creek District, said this is because students also lacked access to routine vaccination in 2020 and 2021. We were hearing wait times of two months or more in order to get in and vaccinated, he said about the time when health care was focused on COVID vaccines and not as much on other well-child care. Rising exemptions, declining vaccinations Before the pandemic, an increase in vaccine exemptions played a significant role in Arizonas multiyear, downward trend in immunization rates. A large share of the exemptions are for non-medical reasons, better known as personal belief exemptions, which are permitted by 15 states nationwide. In Arizona, a parent needs only to sign one form to receive a personal belief exemption for one or all required vaccines. The rate for such exemptions in the state jumped from 3.9% to 6.6% for kindergarten students over the past decade, AZCIRs analysis showed. For sixth grade students, 7.4% have an exemption from at least one vaccination. The American Academy of Pediatrics, which advocates for the elimination of personal belief exemptions, views them as inappropriate for individual, public health, and ethical reasons. Nothing prevents a school administrator from using the personal belief exemption form as a way to keep kids who have fallen behind on their vaccines in school. Looking at the number of personal belief exemptions is a way to measure vaccine hesitancy, said England, but some of that is parents signing an exemption form out of convenience. In Cottonwood-Oak Creek, for example, Clark said only a small percentage of students with exemptions in his district have received no vaccines at all. He said students have fallen behind on vaccinations but cannot go to school until they are either immunized or exempt, so they sign an exemption form instead. That tactic could explain why a decade-old study commissioned by the ADHS found that schools likely have an inflated rate of personal belief exemptions, or what the report called record keeping challenges. State and county health departments attempted to reduce the number of personal belief exemptions through a course that provided access to educational materials before parents sign an exemption form. But after a 2017 pilot at 16 schools in Maricopa County, the state canceled the program. The video-based education course, which is still available on the ADHS website, was meant to expand across the state in an extended pilot in 2019. As originally reported by The Arizona Republic, about 120 individuals and families complained about the program, thinking it would become mandatory. It was canceled in August 2018 and wasnt reinstituted due to the pilot results and stakeholder feedback, according to Tom Herrmann, ADHS spokesperson. But an AZCIR review of the pilot results, obtained through records requests, reveals that it was difficult to draw conclusions from the program based on how the study was designed. There were not enough schools in the study to determine if the program reduced exemption rates, according to information from Sonia Singh, spokesperson for the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. While participants in the module took a pre-course survey, they werent required to take a post-course survey and not enough did it voluntarily, meaning what or how much participants might have learned about vaccines remains unclear. In recent years, ADHS and many other health departments have moved away from campaigns that can be perceived as trying to scare or intimidate the public, ADHS spokesman Steve Elliott wrote in an emailed statement. Feedback from those whom the campaigns attempt to persuade is that such approaches stigmatize and, in doing so, tend to harden positions. AZCIR analyzed school-level immunization data from the Arizona Department of Health Services to compare how vaccination rates changed from before the pandemic to the most recent school year. AZCIR used data from the 2018-2019 and 2021-2022 school years for kindergarten and sixth grade. AZCIR found errors in ADHSs 2019-2020 dataset, so it was excluded from the analysis. ADHS has since resolved those errors. AZCIR removed schools that had closed during the span of time analyzed, and also removed schools that were opened after the 2018-2019 school year. In addition, AZCIR removed schools that reported data in 2021 but not in 2018. These updates resulted in an analysis of 967 kindergarten classes and 803 sixth grade classes. ADHS said it is working with partners such as the Arizona Partnership for Immunization to conduct outreach about the importance of vaccines. This spring, the Republican-controlled Arizona Legislature voted along party lines on a bill to reduce the power of the health department, making it unable to require vaccinations for COVID-19 or the human papillomavirus vaccine for school attendance. The legislation was opposed by the Arizona Education Association, the Arizona Partnership for Immunization, the Arizona Public Health Association and the Arizona chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Experts such as England remain concerned about the trend of vaccination rates, indicating these discussions about required school vaccinations could be a harbinger of problems to come. There has never been a public health problem that has been solved through education and voluntary behavior change, he said. Its always something in the environment weve done around people, or something in policies and systems that weve created. And for vaccine-preventable diseases, it was school requirements. The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer: I excitedly cast my very first vote 70 years ago in my hometown of Miami, Arizona. Since that first vote in 1952, Ive felt the excitement of voting at every election. This year, however, with early voting underway, a very different sense is paramount. Today instead of feeling excited to vote, Im filled with a sense of dreadful concern and urgency for my family, my community, my Arizona and my America. Much is on the line this election, with several candidates on the ballot openly admitting they dont accept the results of the 2020 election; saying they wont accept this Novembers election if their team is not victorious; and, if elected, they commit to overturning the results of any free and fair election in 2024 if they disagree with the outcome. Just as concerning is the unpredictability of how fired-up people will react if the results of this years midterm election do not go their way. In 2020, we saw an unprecedented, violent and deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol encouraged by Donald Trumps illegal attempt to hold onto power. Closer to home, Secretary of State Katie Hobbs and other elected officials received death threats and protests outside their homes. Now, the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI have identified Arizona as a top state for threats to elections officials and poll workers in 2022. Politicians, including law enforcement officials, openly intimidate people at the polls in concert with extremist vigilantes harassing voters at official ballot drop boxes. The risk of violence is inflamed by elected officials, media personalities, and candidates who continue to spread lies about the validity of the 2020 election. Myths about voter fraud have been debunked by various sources, including the courts who have thrown out frivolous lawsuits. Yet, people with wide platforms like Kari Lake and Mark Finchem continue to sow doubt in the minds of voters. Their goal is clear: They want to soften the ground to be able to overturn future elections if they disagree with the will of voters. They are playing a dangerous game and my plea to my fellow Arizonans is: dont let these extremists manipulate you. We must remember that our devotion to truth and united patriotism to our Constitution has always made our nation strong. Arizona is facing genuine problems, ranging from our water sources drying up to the privatization of education, to the threatened cuts to our Social Security and Medicare. While we might not all agree on every issue, we must return to a time of neighbors sitting across from one another, seeing each others humanity, and respecting our different perspectives. We must return to a time where facts are facts and where trusted sources of information are believed over conspiracy theorists who seek only to divide us. We must remember that we have more in common with the person on the side of the road asking for money than with the billionaire who contributes $5,000 to a political candidate who promises to provide tax cuts for the wealthy. When you vote this year, I encourage you to have faith in our elections which are the trusted foundation of our American institutions of governance. Remember that close to 80% of Arizonans vote by mail, a system that is one of the best in the country and has been certified by every Arizona county and every court as safe, factual, and truthful. We must all accept the certified decisions of the majority of our neighbors when the results are released. And most of all, no matter how you vote, I urge you to participate and ensure our continued existence as a constitutional democratic republic. Reject the insurrectionist extremists. Let us celebrate that we have kept the faith of our nations founders by rejecting autocracy and supporting democracy. The following is the opinion and analysis of the writers: Latinos are the engine of the United States economy, and as the fastest-growing population, our success is tied to the success of the entire country. While Latinos have faced economic challenges exacerbated by systemic disparities and the COVID-19 pandemic, their GDP remains a domineering $2.8 trillion, a testament to this communitys economic potential and resilience. In Arizona, Latinos contribute $92 billion to the GDP. Such a powerhouse economic clout leaves little doubt that if we want to maintain a strong U.S. economy, our government leaders must prioritize the Latino economy. Our elected officials must focus on identifying challenges that threaten to destabilize the Latino economy. One of these threats is climate change. The Latino communitys economic health, robust as it may be, is not immune to the adverse effects of climate change on the economy. If theres something weve seen each time states like Arizona reach record high temperatures, California and Texas suffer wildfires and droughts, and Florida endures another hurricane, its that these effects caused by climate change pose a severe threat to the Latino communitys livelihood and economic stability. The reality of the climate crisis has become more evident: We cannot discuss the Latino communitys economic well-being without discussing climate change. A Pew Research Center study found Latinos are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, facing climate-driven extreme weather and air pollution at higher rates. Thats because a significant number of Latinos live in areas most adversely affected by climate change and pollution, including Florida, California, Arizona, Colorado and Nevada. This combination causes a ripple effect of consequences that ultimately impacts Latino families ability to put food on the table and sustain their families. The cost of climate disasters such as floods, fires, and heat waves puts a financial burden on Latinos, especially those already facing financial constraints. For instance, weve seen how hurricanes in Puerto Rico and Florida are wreaking havoc on the Latino communitys economic well-being as they struggle to deal with the devastation on their property and displacement from their homes. The destruction caused by climate disasters has a long-term effect on the Latino community by destroying the potential generational wealth we are building as a community. On the health front, Latinos, especially children, face health risks due to living in highly contaminated areas that are detrimental to their well-being and can contribute to rising healthcare costs for families. In addition, Latino children already face higher rates of respiratory illness such as asthmathe CDC reports that Latino children are 40 percent more likely to die of asthma than non-Hispanic children, and 14 percent of Latino children already have asthma. Think of the impact that increasing air pollution has on the quality of life of Latino children and the severity of the economic burden that a respiratory illness can cause on already struggling families. Latinos also work in industries negatively impacted by climate change, including agriculture, construction, landscaping, and others that require being outside for prolonged periods. Droughts and record-high temperatures in Arizona, Texas and California are impacting the livelihood of agricultural workers, not just in the fields but in the food processing factories. The situation is deeply troubling in Latino-heavy Maricopa and Pima counties, which, according to the Environmental Defense Fund, could see around 120 additional deaths per 100,000 in the next 20-year period from extreme heat. In order to protect the Latino communitys economic stability, its crucial to address the issue of climate change. Climate change is a monster whose tentacles reach every aspect of our lives, including our health, quality of life, and economic stability. This is why its more important than ever to mobilize the Latino community to demand action on climate change. In this midterm election, Latinos and Latinas have the power to vote and demand that all candidates and elected officials support bold plans to make more progress on the climate crisis, for climate justice and safeguard the Latino communitys economic well-being. Its time we recognize that climate change is not just an environmental issue but an economic one. And Latinos, especially Latina moms, can protect the planet and our economy for our childrens future. Stay home days: Tulsa Public Schools is not in session Monday or Tuesday. Monday is a previously scheduled distance learning day for Broken Arrow Public Schools and Coweta Public Schools. Monday and Tuesday are previously scheduled distance learning days for Liberty Public Schools. Resource fairs: The Owasso Area Transition Team is hosting a Community Resource and Transition Fair Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Owasso High School for special education students and their families. Representatives from more than 40 agencies are slated to attend with information on post-secondary educational opportunities, independent living options, employment and program timelines for younger students. The Owasso Area Transition Team is a collaboration among Owasso Public Schools, Collinsville Public Schools, Skiatook Public Schools, Sperry Public Schools, Tulsa Technology Center and the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. Meanwhile, Bixby Public Schools will be hosting a Special Education Community Resource Night Thursday at New Beginnings Church, 4104 E. 151st St. South, from 5-7:30 p.m. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, school districts are required to offer assistance to students and their families for developing a plan for life after high school and those efforts be based on the students strengths, interests and preferences. Tutoring time: The Oklahoma State Department of Education is now registering seventh-, eighth- and ninth-grade students interested in participating in the spring 2023 session of the Oklahoma Math Tutoring Corps. The free online program provides 50-minute, small-group tutoring sessions three times per week for 12 weeks. Student registration is open through Dec. 1 at https://tinyurl.com/omtc23. Full-time college students and certified teachers interested in joining in the program as a paid tutor must apply by 5 p.m. on Nov. 23 via https://tinyurl.com/OKTutorapp. Teacher accolade: As part of its annual convention at the Cox Center on Thursday, the Oklahoma Society for Technology in Education named Sallisaw Public Schools Scott Mosby its 2022 Technology Leader of the Year. Along with teaching business technology classes at Sallisaw High School, Mosby is the director of curriculum and technology for the Sequoyah County school district. Information session: The Oklahoma State School Boards Association is hosting a free online information session Monday at 6 p.m. for people considering running for a school board seat. Registration is available at ossba.org/getonboard. COVID-19 by the numbers: Four area districts published updated COVID-19 case counts Friday. Bartlesville Public Schools reported seven cases among staff and students. Berryhill Public Schools had one reported case among staff and students. Skiatook Public Schools had one reported case among all of its students and none among its employees. Tulsa Public Schools had one reported case among all of its campuses. Collinsville and Glenpool did not publish an update by the close of business Friday. Bixby, Broken Arrow, Catoosa, Claremore, Coweta, Jenks, Mounds, Liberty, Owasso, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Sperry, Union and Wagoner are not publishing updated case counts at this time. School board calendar: The boards of education for Broken Arrow, Kiefer, Sand Springs and Tulsa are scheduled to meet on Monday. Keystones board of education is scheduled to meet on Tuesday. Inolas board of education is scheduled to meet on Wednesday. Bixbys board of education is scheduled to meet on Thursday. Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton, Tulsa World JOHANNESBURG (AP) South African police are investigating the discovery of at least 21 bodies suspected of being illegal miners that were found near an active mine in the town of Krugersdorp, west of Johannesburg. According to police, 19 bodies were discovered on Wednesday afternoon and two more were discovered on Thursday morning. Police said they suspect that the bodies were moved to the location where they were found, which is a privately-owned mine. We can confirm that this morning our search and rescue team went back to the scene and, as they were searching, they discovered two more bodies. They retrieved them from an open (mine) shaft, police spokeswoman Brenda Muridili said Thursday. Muridili said evidence found on the scene suggested the people did not die where their bodies were found but "no foul play" was suspected. The bodies would undergo autopsies, she said. The Sowetan newspaper reported that the bodies were those of illegal miners who died when a tunnel at a different mine collapsed, although police declined to confirm that before the results of the autopsies. The Sowetan, quoting an unnamed illegal miner, said the bodies were moved so police wouldn't find where the illegal mining was taking place. The grim discovery is the latest in a series of incidents related to illegal mining in the Krugersdorp area. In July, eight female members of a film crew were raped and robbed at an abandoned mine in the area, where they were working on a music video shoot. The incident sparked violent protests against illegal miners in surrounding communities. Last week, rape and robbery charges against 14 men, who are also suspected of being illegal miners, were withdrawn after police couldn't link them to the rapes through DNA evidence. The men were arrested during police raids on the abandoned mine where the rapes took place. Illegal mining is rife in South Africa, with miners known locally as zama zamas searching for gold at the many disused and abandoned mines in and around the Johannesburg region. Krugersdorp is a mining town on the western edge of Johannesburg. Illegal mining gangs are considered dangerous by the police, are usually armed and are known to fight violent turf battles with rival groups. The trade is believed to be dominated by immigrants who enter illegally from neighboring countries Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The 14 men who had rape and robbery charges against them dropped are accused of being in South Africa illegally and have been charged with immigration offenses. OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax is urging voters to verify their polling places before heading out to cast their ballots on Tuesday. Due to redistricting, some voters may have new precincts and polling locations, he said. Ziriax said one of the most common mistakes voters make is not being prepared for the length of the ballot. Voters will decide statewide, congressional and legislative races in this election. They will also vote on appellate judge retentions, election of some judges and local races. We have a large number of offices on the ballot and a large number of judicial retention questions, Ziriax said. I think sometimes voters are surprised at how many offices or questions there are on that ballot. He said voters can go to the Oklahoma State Election Board websites voter portal to get a sample copy of their ballot. At the polls, voters will be required to show proof of identity to vote. Electioneering is banned within 300 feet of the ballot box, Ziriax said. That includes political clothing and buttons, he said. Voters should leave that in their vehicle, he said. By law, 5 p.m. Friday is the deadline to contest the results of an election, be it a call for a recount or a petition alleging irregularities, he said. Oklahoma has almost 2.3 million registered voters, which is a net increase of more than 77,000 registered voters since Jan. 15 and a net increase of more than 175,000 registered voters since Nov. 1, 2018, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board. Republicans make up 51.19% of voters, followed by Democrats at 29.95%, independents at 18% and Libertarians 0.86%, according to the State Election Board. Early in-person voting began across the state on Wednesday and continued through Saturday. Right now, it appears that the early voting totals and the mail absentee totals are on par with what we saw in 2018, which was a good turnout for a gubernatorial election year, Ziraix said toward the end of the week. And at this point, I am optimistic we will have good turnout for a gubernatorial election year on Tuesday. Democrats are anxious, excited and motivated, said Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairwoman Alicia Andrews. I think the turnout is going to be pretty significant, said A.J. Ferate, Oklahoma Republican Party chairman. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Anyone who has had their catalytic converter stolen can feel better with the high-profile, national breakup of a theft ring through the work of federal, state and local law enforcement. Officials say the major players have been arrested. Search warrants, indictments and arrests were made across nine states with millions of assets confiscated, including homes, bank accounts and luxury vehicles. Prosecutors are seeking half a billion dollars in forfeitures. The criminal network looped through Oklahoma with eight of the 21 people from the state charged in the U.S. Northern District of Oklahoma. These are not small-time criminals. Of the Oklahoma defendants, Tyler James Curtis, a 26-year-old from Wagoner, is accused of receiving at least $13 million for his role. In addition, a 26-year-old New York man allegedly received more than $45 million, and a 28-year-old Texas woman raked in $6 million. Accusations include knowingly buying stolen catalytic converters and reselling to New Jersey-based DC Auto for processing the precious metals. Then, they allegedly sold the extracted metals to a refinery for more than $545 million. The FBI and Homeland Security were involved, along with the local agencies of the Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa County Sheriffs Office, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Wagoner County Sheriffs Office and state attorney generals office. Catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed in recent years due to the metals used to made them palladium, platinum and rhodium. The converters are part of the exhaust system to reduce harmful gas and pollutants from internal combustion engines. Thieves quickly cut the part from the exhaust then resell from $140 to $1,500, depending on the vehicle type. In 2021, platinum sold for about $1,100 per ounce; palladium sold for nearly $2,400 per ounce; and rodium averaged $18,000 an ounce, according to cars.com. Hybrid cars are targeted for having more of the metals, and taller vehicles give faster access. U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson of the Northern District of Oklahoma stated that more than 2,000 catalytic converters in Tulsa were stolen in the past year. Nationally, these thefts have jumped 1,012%, from 1,298 in 2018 to 14,433 by 2020, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Oklahoma ranked No. 7 in the percent increase in catalytic converter thefts between 2020 and 2021 but has slowed to a 29% increase from January to July, according to BeenVerified.com. Property crimes bring harm to the victims but also damage a communitys environment. Its a credit to the law enforcement agencies for their coordinated effort to take down this organized crime ring. Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters recently visited Bangkok University (BU) in Thailand to film the dailys first-ever school exploration program overseas. During the visit on November 4, Tuoi Tre joined the Open House BU 2022 activities, which are annually organized to provide new students with more understanding about the university. In addition, Tuoi Tre attended many workshops held by the faculties, visited the facilities, met with lecturers, current students, and alumni to learn about different career orientations, and reported on different perspectives on this prestigious university for Vietnamese audiences. Currently, about 5,000 international students from 50 different countries around the world, including Vietnam, are studying at BU. In Tuoi Tres school exploration program, BUs representatives also gave out updates on enrollment and admissions procedures for interested Vietnamese candidates. BU offers eight international programs, which are completely in English, with no Thai language required, such as creative media production, strategic planning and ideation, graphic design, and digital media. Below are photos of Tuoi Tre reporters at BU: Tuoi Tre reporters film the University Exploration program at Bangkok University in Thailand, November 4, 2022. Photo: Duc Anh / Tuoi Tre Tuoi Tre reporters film the University Exploration program at Bangkok University in Thailand, November 4, 2022. Photo: Duc Anh / Tuoi Tre A Tuoi Tre reporter explores food at the canteen of Bangkok University in Thailand, November 4, 2022. Photo: Duc Anh / Tuoi Tre Tuoi Tre reporters film the University Exploration program at Bangkok University in Thailand, November 4, 2022. Photo: Duc Anh / Tuoi Tre Tuoi Tres production team discusses the script of the University Exploration program with representatives of Bangkok University, November 4, 2022. Photo: Duc Anh / Tuoi Tre More than two years after its introduction, Tuoi Tres University Exploration program has become familiar to many Vietnamese students. The production team has visited many localities, providing close-up views of hundreds of famous universities, colleges, and high schools across Vietnam. The production team of Tuoi Tres University Exploration program The program has also created an opportunity for educational institutions to promote their schools to students throughout the country. Universities, colleges, and educational institutions wishing to participate in the program should contact the Media Service Center of Tuoi Tre. Address: 60A Hoang Van Thu Street, Ward 9, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Phone: (+84) (028) 39974587 - 39973838 - 39974848 Email: tiepnhan@tuoitre.com.vn Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! In the temperate shallows of the Mediterranean, once-vibrant red and purple coral forests that provide a crucial haven for biodiversity now stand bleached and brittle, transformed into skeletons by record summer temperatures, scientists say. Holding naked branches of gorgonian coral, Tristan Estaque of marine conservation group Septentrion Environnement is returning despondent from an exploratory dive off the coast of Marseille in southern France. "It is heartbreaking, the deterioration is so fast," he tells AFP. Dive surveys just two months earlier found an intact landscape, lush with violet-fringed fans of gorgonian coral. Now it is a "ghost forest", says Estaque, with the majestic fans largely bare of living tissue. "You have to imagine a tree where there are no more leaves, no more bark." Fragile forests Gorgonian corals, which have flexible skeletons encrusted with polyps, are found across the planet. Those found in the Mediterranean are said to create "forests", sheltering a huge array of species. But they are acutely vulnerable to human activities. Fishing nets, anchors and careless divers can rip their delicate structures, while exposure to continuous and intense heat can be lethal. Marine heatwaves are becoming more common, according to a report this year by UN climate experts. This summer a major marine heatwave hit the western Mediterranean, with water up to five degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than normal, according to Mercator Ocean International, the organisation that runs the European ocean monitoring service. In some places water reached 30C. Recent Septentrion Environnement surveys have shown that between 70 and 90 percent of the red gorgonian population in the 10 to 20-metre zone off Marseille have since died. The effect was like "an underwater inferno", according to Solene Basthard-Bogain, another of the group's specialists. And it is not just near the southern French coast. A diver looks at a Gorgonian (Eunicella labiata) in the Mediterranean Sea, near La Ciotat, southeastern France, on March 03, 2019. Photo: AFP Gorgonian mortality has also been observed on the Spanish coasts and around the Italian island of Sardinia, according to Stephane Sartoretto of the French research agency Ifremer. The severity of the impact appears to vary depending on the depth of the corals. Along the sawtooth coastline of France's Calanques National Park, notched with craggy coves and shallow habitats where the gorgonians are found in waters of just six metres (20 feet) in places, the die-offs have been particularly intense. In the Balearic Islands, they live deeper, at 40 metres, and were therefore less impacted, Sartoretto says. 'Forest fire' In addition to the gorgonians, sponges and bivalves have also been affected. The marine heatwave likewise battered mussel farming, with 150 tonnes of commercial mussels and 1,000 tonnes of young stock -- for next year's crop -- lost in Spain over the summer. A drop in temperatures in the Mediterranean could help to save those corals that were spared in the summer die-off, says Basthard-Bogain, although she worries that any pathogens that may have spread because of the heat would still be present in the waters. There are fears, too, that another hot spell cannot be ruled out before the end of the autumn. Sartoretto says he worries that repeated periods of heat stress could be devastating for the corals. "We can ask ourselves about the possibility of their disappearance," he says, adding that their reproduction rate is very slow. "Like after a forest fire on land," he says, "they will take decades to regenerate." The 5th World Laureates Forum kicked off Sunday in Shanghai, gathering 60 decorated scientists, including 27 Nobel Prize winners, at the two-day event online and offline. Themed "Science Forward: Create a Bright Future," the forum would host over 20 activities, focusing on topics such as sustainable development, food security, and gender equality in the scientific field. At the opening ceremony, the World Laureates Association (WLA) Prize was awarded to two scientists. The 2022 WLA Prize in Computer Science or Mathematics went to American computer scientist Michael I. Jordan, and German biochemist Dirk Gorlich won the 2022 WLA Prize in Life Science or Medicine. Apart from a medal and certificate, each received a reward of 10 million yuan (about $1.38 million). Established in Shanghai, the WLA Prize aims to recognize and support eminent researchers and technologists worldwide for their contributions to science. It was the first time the awards took place. Co-organized by the WLA and the China Association for Science and Technology, the forum aims to build a platform for high-level dialogue in the international scientific community. 10 has teased its first glimpse of Australian Survivor: Heroes v Villains, set to screen in January. Jonathan LaPaglia is back as host in Samoa, where the 10 series was first staged. Daniel Monaghan, SVP Content and Programming at Paramount, recently told TV Tonight, Its a mix of returning and new contestants, in the heroes and villains tribe which is exciting. I know the Americans often fill it with only returnees but adding new contestants keeps it fresh. It made everyone a bit on edge to be honest. The returnees knew how to play with half but not the others, so that provides a great dynamic. The way they played is spectacular. (Bloomberg) -- Malaysias general election will witness more than 210 multi-cornered contests for parliamentary seats, raising the possibility that fresh alliances would be needed to form a new government. Most Read from Bloomberg More than 940 candidates will vie for 222 seats in the Nov. 19 vote, with only nine one-to-one contests, according to data from the Election Commission. Several constituencies will see five-cornered fights, with the urban seat of Batu in Kuala Lumpur is set for a contest between 10 contenders, the highest in the country. A crowded field involving the three main coalitions, tens of parties and a record 108 independent candidates will add to the challenges posed by the influx of millions of young voters who are voting for the first time. There is little data on their loyalties, making it difficult to gauge if Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakobs United Malays National Organisation, a key member of the Barisan Nasional alliance, will garner more votes from the ethnic Malay majority. UMNOs job has become a lot harder with the addition of younger voters who are not fixated on political parties, said Ibrahim Suffian, co-founder of the Merdeka Center for Opinion Research. The emergence of new nationalist coalition Perikatan Nasional is adding to UMNOs problems as it is providing the same guarantee as UMNO -- to protect Malay rights, he said. Perikatan Nasional could draw votes away from UMNO, and benefit Pakatan Harapan, the main opposition alliance led by 75-year-old Anwar Ibrahim, he said. READ: Why Malaysia Has Early Elections and What Is at Stake: QuickTake UMNO is seeking to strengthen its position following a run of successful local polls. It leads the Barisan Nasional coalition, which has governed as part of a fragile alliance since a political crisis erupted in 2020. BN is competing against multiracial Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional, led by former premier Muhyiddin Yassin. Story continues The Pakatan Harapan coalition has pledged to slash living costs. Its fielding the most number of candidates at 206, followed by Barisan Nasional at 178 and Perikatan Nasional at 149, according to the Election Commission. Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, 97, is also in the fray, leading a separate coalition comprising pro-Malay parties that oppose UMNO. He faces a five-cornered fight to retain his Langkawi parliamentary seat. Approval Ratings While a national vote wasnt due until September next year, UMNO leaders called an early election to capitalize on a fragmented opposition and redeem itself following a shock defeat in 2018 after roughly six decades in power. UMNO returned to the ruling bloc two years later after the collapse of Mahathirs government. Even so, UMNO is unlikely to get a strong parliamentary majority and its Barisan Nasional coalition will have to form alliances with other parties, analysts said. A survey by the Merdeka Center showed on Friday that voting inclination toward Barisan Nasional fell to 24% in October from 27% in September. Ismails approval rating dropped after he called the snap election, with voters indicating they want the government to address the rising cost of living worsened by a falling currency. Muhyiddins Perikatan Nasional saw voter preference rise to 13%, a gain of 4% over September, while Anwars grouping was little changed at 26%. At this point in time, with the lower-than-expected level of Malay voter support for BN, it is possible to imagine that no single coalition will attain a large enough plurality to form a government on their own, according to the Merdeka Center. The trends may not hold until polling day as 31% of the 1,209 respondents said they had no preference or were still undecided. More than 21 million Malaysians are eligible to cast ballots in the national vote, while the states of Perak, Pahang and Perlis will also elect new representatives for their assemblies. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. This combination of photos provided by the North Korean government, shows what they say military operation held during Nov. 2-5, 2022, in North Korea. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: "KCNA" which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Koreas military said Monday its recent barrage of missile tests were practices to mercilessly strike key South Korean and U.S. targets such as air bases and operation command systems with a variety of missiles that likely included nuclear-capable weapons. The Norths announcement underscored leader Kim Jong Uns determination not to back down in the face of his rivals push to expand their military exercises. But some experts say Kim also used their drills as an excuse to modernize his nuclear arsenal and increase his leverage in future dealings with Washington and Seoul. North Korea fired dozens of missiles and flew warplanes toward the sea last week triggering evacuation alerts in some South Korean and Japanese areas in protest of massive U.S.-South Korean air force drills that the North views as an invasion rehearsal. U.S. and South Korean officials responded they would further enhance their joint training events and warned the North that the use of nuclear weapons would result in the end of Kims regime. The recent corresponding military operations by the Korean Peoples Army are a clear answer of (North Korea) that the more persistently the enemies provocative military moves continue, the more thoroughly and mercilessly the KPA will counter them, the General Staff of North Koreas military said in a statement carried by state media. It said the weapons tests involved ballistic missiles loaded with dispersion warheads and underground infiltration warheads meant to launch strikes on enemy air bases; ground-to-air missiles designed to annihilate enemy aircraft at different altitudes and distances; and strategic cruise missiles that fell in international waters about 80 kilometers (50 miles) off South Koreas southeastern costal city of Ulsan. The Norths military said it also carried out an important test of a ballistic missile with a special functional warhead missioned with paralyzing the operation command system of the enemy. This could mean a simulation of electromagnetic pulse attacks, but some observers doubt whether North Korea has mastered key technologies to obtain such an attack capability. Story continues The Norths military statement didnt explicitly mention a reported launch Thursday of an intercontinental ballistic missile aimed at hitting the U.S. mainland, though its main newspaper published a photo of an ICBM-like weapon as one that was used during last weeks testing activities. Some experts say many other North Korean missiles launched last week were short-range nuclear-capable weapons that place key military targets in South Korea, including U.S. military bases there, within striking range. Later Monday, South Koreas military disputed some of the Norths accounts of its missile tests. Spokesperson Kim Jun-rak said South Korea didnt detect the Norths cruise missile launches and that its also notable that North Korea didnt mention what Seoul assessed as an abnormal flight by an ICBM. This years Vigilant Storm air force drills between the United States and South Korea were the largest-ever for the annual fall maneuvers. The drills involved 240 warplanes including advanced F-35 fighter jets from both countries. The allies were initially supposed to run the drills for five days ending on Friday, but extended the training by another day in reaction to the Norths missile tests. On Saturday, the final day of the air force exercises, the United States flew two B-1B supersonic bombers over South Korea in a display of strength against North Korea, the aircrafts first such flyover since December 2017. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said the participation of the B-1Bs in the joint drills demonstrated the allies readiness to sternly respond to North Korean provocations and the U.S. commitment to defend its ally with the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear. After their annual meeting Thursday in Washington, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-Sup issued a joint statement strongly condemning the Norths recent launches and carrying Austins warning that any nuclear attacks against the United States or its allies and partners is unacceptable and will result in the end of the Kim regime. South Koreas military has previously warned the North that using its nuclear weapons would put it on a path of self-destruction. Both defense chiefs also agreed on the need to enhance combined exercises and training events to strengthen readiness against North Korean nuclear and missile threats. Even before the Vigilant Storm drills, North Korea test-launched a slew of missiles in what it called simulated nuclear attacks on U.S. and South Korean targets in protests of its rivals other sets of military exercises that involved U.S. aircraft for the first time in five years. In September, North Korea also adopted a new law authorizing the preemptive use of its nuclear weapons in a broad range of situations. South Korean and U.S. officials have steadfastly maintained their drills are defensive in nature and that they have no intentions of invading the North. U.S. and South Korean militaries have been expanding their regular drills since the May inauguration of conservative South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has promised to take a tougher stance on North Korean provocations. Some of the allies drills had been previously downsized or canceled to support now-stalled diplomacy on North Koreas nuclear program or to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. For months, South Korean and U.S. officials have said North Korea has completed preparations to conduct its first nuclear test in five years. On Monday, South Korean Unification Minister Kwon Youngse told lawmakers that North Korea could carry out the nuclear test at any time but there were still no signs that such a test explosion was imminent. The Norths recent weapons tests came as it has struggled to overcome pandemic-related hardships. Russian officials said last week that they restarted train services with North Korea following more than 2 years of suspension caused by the pandemic. Spokespeople of Russias Far Eastern Railway told the state-run news agency last Wednesday that the first resumed train headed to North Korea carried 30 pedigreed horses and the next train were to carry medicines. In September, North Korea restarted its freight train service with China, its biggest trading partner, ending a five-month hiatus. ___ Associated Press writers Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul and Daria Litvinova in Moscow contributed to this report. Legal experts say a claim shared across social media misleadingly suggests that several European nations, including France and the Netherlands, have withdrawn from a decades-old Energy Charter Treaty (ETC) because they are "jumping ship on climate commitments". In fact, the experts say, France and the Netherlands announced that a proposed amendment to the treaty does not accord with the Paris Agreement, making it "incompatible with (their) climate goals". The misleading claim was shared by Ice Age Farmer, a Telegram channel that frequently shares anti-net-zero messages (see here and here) on October 22. The post includes a screenshot of a tweet by Bart-Jaap Verbeek, a researcher at the Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO) in the Netherlands on October 19. The post reads, BREAKING: Dutch Minister Jetten just announced that the Netherlands has decided to withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty (ETC). Following the screenshot, the Telegram message reads, EU nations are jumping ship on climate commitments as the #EnergyCrisis gets real and winter hits. First France this morning and now the Netherlands are exiting agreements Its amazing how fast these charades disintegrate upon contact with reality, just as the ESG narrative is crumbling when profits werent there. A screenshot of the misleading post, captured on October 31 The ETC, involving 52 nations mainly from Central Asia and Europe, was initially signed in 1994 to protect energy investments in volatile ex-Soviet countries. It allows energy companies to sue governments over energy policy changes, which exposes states to multi-billion-dollar compensation claims. On June 24, 2022, the European Union struck a compromise deal to update the treaty after two years of discussions. One of the new terms of the modernised treaty excludes new fossil fuel investments from protections and institutes a 10-year phase-out period for protections on existing investments. Story continues The Telegram post has since been spread by a QAnon telegram channel, an unregistered Australian party founded by conspiracy theorist Riccardo Bosi, and social media users from the Netherlands, Sweden, the US, Brazil and the Philippines. However, the claim is misleading, legal experts told AFP. Rachel Thrasher, a law lecturer at Boston University, told AFP that the claim seems to be "completely the opposite" of the countries' motive for withdrawing from the ETC. "Leaving the Energy Charter Treaty is a move to make policy space for more, better and more effective climate commitments," she said. "French and Dutch government officials have noted that the treaty is incompatible with climate goals (to the extent that their policies phasing out fossil fuels can be challenged in arbitration)." Lukas Schaugg, legal analyst at the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), told AFP that European nations are not "jumping ship" on climate commitments. "Leaving the ECT is currently the most viable option to ensure that states have the regulatory freedom to pursue the clean energy transition in the next decades," he said. "The fact that these EU member states are now publicly announcing withdrawals is a clear sign that they reject the outcome of the negotiations promoted by the European Commission as not ambitious enough in climate terms." Incompatible with Paris Agreement The posts also misrepresent what EU leaders and ministers have said about their reasons for withdrawing from the treaty. Rob Jetten, the Netherlands' Minister for Climate and Energy Policy, told parliament on October 18 that it was withdrawing because the ETC was not in line with the Paris agreement. "The mandate for the European Commission was to bring the ECT in line with the Paris climate agreement," he said. "Despite many of the modernisations that are now in the negotiation outcome, we do not see how the ECT has been sufficiently aligned with the Paris Agreement." Following the Netherlands' withdrawal, France also pulled out of the treaty on October 21. French President Emmanuel Macron said the move was done to be more "coherent" with the Paris climate accord to combat global warming. "And today I am watching with concern as we return not just to transitional energies, but to hydrocarbons and the most polluting fossil fuels," he said in a press conference. "And so the war on European soil must not make us forget our climate commitments and our imperative to reduce our CO2 emissions. Withdrawing from this treaty is part of this strategy." France has pledged to reach net zero emissions by 2050. In October this year, the United Nations warned the world was nowhere near the Paris Agreement target of capping warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, AFP reported. Back in February, in a report dubbed an "atlas of human suffering", the UN's climate experts warned that global warming is outpacing our preparations for a world blighted by climate change. Growing pressure The updated ETC agreement was meant to come into force in November if none of the signatories object, but still has to be approved on the EU side by the European Parliament and member states, AFP has reported. Thrasher said if the parties did not agree with the modernised text, the treaty would stay as it is. She said, "It is unclear whether the EU even has the competency to sign the treaty and bind its member states to the commitments when they have individually opted out." Schaugg said, "The more EU member states announce withdrawals, the higher the pressure on the European Commission to change its stance and start planning for and implementing a coordinated withdrawal of the EU from the ECT." However, even though the countries have left, members remain bound by a "sunset clause", which means they can still be sued by energy companies after quitting the treaty. Thrasher said EU countries still have the option to neutralise the clause if they make a new agreement. "If countries do not wish to be sued (by fossil fuel companies or anyone else), they can make a subsequent agreement among themselves that nullifies the sunset clause," she said. Brazil's president-elect, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, waves a Brazilian flag during a rally on Oct. 20, 2022, in Sao Goncalo, Brazil. (Photo: Buda Mendes via Getty Images) Brazil's president-elect, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, waves a Brazilian flag during a rally on Oct. 20, 2022, in Sao Goncalo, Brazil. (Photo: Buda Mendes via Getty Images) SAO PAULO Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas victory in Brazils presidential election last Sunday has energized world leaders, climate activists and environmentalists ahead of this years United Nations climate change summit, which kicks off Sunday in Egypt. In an election many saw as crucial to the future of the Amazon rainforest and staving off catastrophic planetary warming, the leftist da Silva, known affectionately as Lula, narrowly ousted far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, a staunch climate change denier who has presided over skyrocketing deforestation in the Amazon rainforest that turned him into a global pariah. Da Silva, who oversaw drastic reductions in deforestation rates and carbon emissions during his presidency from 2003 to 2010, seized on climate issues during the race to paint Bolsonaro as a global outlier who had isolated Brazil on the world stage. In his first speech as president-elect, he pledged to fight for zero deforestation and combat the illegal logging, mining and ranching that has ballooned under Bolsonaros watch. Brazil and the planet need the Amazon alive, da Silva, who will travel to Egypt next week as an early sign of his intention to reassume a leading role in the climate fight, said Sunday night. We will prove once again that it is possible to generate wealth without destroying the environment. Brazil controls the vast majority of the Amazon rainforest and is also home to other sensitive environmental regions that scientists see as crucial to the global battle against climate change. There and abroad, climate advocates did not mince words when the election results were clear. Its fucking over! the Brazilian Climate Observatory, a Sao Paulo-based think tank, said in a release Sunday night. The nightmare is due to end at last. Story continues Christian Poirier, program director at the environmental nonprofit Amazon Watch, told HuffPost that a Bolsonaro victory would have meant the end of the Amazon. Indeed, scientists have sounded the alarm that the rainforest is nearing a tipping point beyond which it will be unable to recover. Lula winning it, particularly on a platform of environmental preservation and respect for human rights, particularly the rights of forest peoples and Indigenous peoples, was a great victory in the face of the extreme threat posed by another four years of Bolsonaro the existential threat, Poirier said. Given the importance of the Amazon, the importance of this biome to world climate stability, this was the most consequential election on the planet. An aerial view of a burnt area in the Amazon rainforest near Porto Velho in the Brazilian state of Rondonia on Aug. 31, 2022. Experts say Amazon fires are caused mainly by illegal farmers, ranchers and speculators clearing land and torching trees. (Photo: DOUGLAS MAGNO via Getty Images) An aerial view of a burnt area in the Amazon rainforest near Porto Velho in the Brazilian state of Rondonia on Aug. 31, 2022. Experts say Amazon fires are caused mainly by illegal farmers, ranchers and speculators clearing land and torching trees. (Photo: DOUGLAS MAGNO via Getty Images) The environment does not typically play a leading role or any role at all in Brazilian elections. But during this campaign, da Silva outlined an ambitious set of proposals that allies have likened to a Brazilian version of the Green New Deal that progressives in the United States pushed. He also promised to restore protections for Indigenous tribes that accused Bolsonaro of genocide and crimes against humanity, pledging to create a new Indigenous affairs ministry and to appoint a tribal leader to helm it. The road ahead, however, will not be easy. Deforestation rates continued to climb in the months before the election, surging 81% over last years total in August and another 48% in September. They are likely to keep rising at least through the first year of da Silvas presidency, and the forests recovery over the next four years is far from guaranteed. Truly, what were seeing in the Amazon is a Wild West scenario, Poirier said. This scenario is not going to change overnight. An Ambitious Agenda Faces Massive Challenges The Amazon is only one of the major environmental regions that faced rampant destruction under Bolsonaro, but it is indicative of the broader challenges that will face da Silva as he attempts to rebuild Brazils global image and reassemble a government capable of making Brazil a leader of the international climate fight again. Bolsonaro spent four years gutting Brazils once-robust environmental regulatory regime and the government agencies that implemented it. Constraints on federal spending will make it difficult to fully reconstruct environmental ministries, while a conservative Congress and a crowded list of priorities could easily prevent any major climate proposals from advancing. In the Amazon boomtowns where illegal miners and loggers sought their fortunes with Bolsonaros blessings, federal officers tasked with overseeing conservation and Indigenous rights struggled to even keep vehicles in working order. Bolsonaros lack of enforcement created backlogs of unpaid fines and fostered a culture of impunity toward environmental destruction. Organized crime networks that thrived under Bolsonaro and drove much of the environmental devastation that occurred on his watch are now far larger and more sophisticated, technologically savvy and financially robust than they were during da Silvas prior two terms in office. The most difficult thing is going to be the crime in the Amazon, said Marcio Astrini, the executive secretary of the Climate Observatory. Crime in the Amazon is today more powerful, and has more political influence and money, than ever. In parts of the Amazon, rebuilding a government capable of enforcing environmental protections and combating criminal activity will be enough, Astrini said. But in large swaths of the region, a lack of formal economic opportunities has made entire communities dependent on criminal networks, meaning da Silva and his government will have to help create jobs, provide investments into businesses and build local economies capable of breaking that dependence. Children gather outside in Manicore, a city located on the banks of the Madeira and Manicore rivers in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil's Amazonas State, on June 6, 2022. (Photo: MAURO PIMENTEL via Getty Images) Children gather outside in Manicore, a city located on the banks of the Madeira and Manicore rivers in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil's Amazonas State, on June 6, 2022. (Photo: MAURO PIMENTEL via Getty Images) Despite the challenges, da Silva and his team are confident that they can repeat the success of his first presidency, when deforestation rates plunged 70%. That, in turn, will help reverse a troubling rise in overall emissions, which increased 9.5% in 2020, a year in which the pandemic led emissions to fall globally. That has taken Brazil far off-pace to meet the targets laid out in the Paris Climate Agreement. Deforestation is responsible for 70% of our emissions. If we reduce deforestation, we reduce emissions, Marina Silva, who served as environment minister during da Silvas presidency and is among the contenders to assume the role next year, told reporters in Sao Paulo days before the election. But da Silvas ambitions are bigger than merely meeting the Paris goals, she said. During Bolsonaros presidency, Brazilian environmental groups forged international partnerships in an effort to promote green policies and protect the forest at the state and local levels, with some success. Prominent members of the Brazilian left, meanwhile, made connections with progressives in the United States and Europe in an effort to craft an environmental response ready-made for da Silva to adopt and implement. Three months after Bolsonaros inauguration in 2019, Alessandro Molon, the Socialist Party opposition leader in the lower house of Brazils national legislature, told HuffPost in an interview at his office in Brasilia that he took inspiration from the Green New Deal framework U.S. lawmakers like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) advocated at the time. The three-word moniker was used to describe a host of progressive ideas for dealing with climate change and signaled a shift in mainstream political thinking on how to curb planet-heating emissions away from carbon pricing and toward industrial policy, where the government sets economic priorities by pumping subsidies into sectors like clean energy. The following year, Jaques Wagner, a Brazilian senator from da Silvas party and a former defense minister, appeared on a panel in New York City alongside the academic Daniel Aldana Cohen and writer Naomi Klein, two of North Americas most influential eco-socialist authors. Wagner touted Brazils great potential in what wed call the bio economy, meaning diesel fuel refined from plants and more ecologically efficient crops. In keeping with the economically populist spirit that animated early calls for a Green New Deal, he said the only way to gain support for slashing emissions would be structural solutions that build an economy that works for everybody. It is absolutely crucial that we see climate change as not only the biggest challenge but also as an opportunity to [generate] solutions for our development.Izabella Teixeira, former Brazilian minister of the environment Molon unveiled Brazils version of the Green New Deal at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, last year. In June, he presented the plan directly to da Silva and his environmental team, which reportedly agreed with the basic concept. Da Silva later released a slate of proposals that drew on similar ideas: As Reuters reported, his plans called for stronger federal protections of large swaths of the Amazon and new investments meant to promote a greener Brazilian economy. The last time da Silva served as president, environmentalists criticized him for prioritizing the economy over the Amazon and Indigenous rights. It was his government that authorized the construction of the Belo Monte Dam, a controversial hydroelectric project in the Amazon region, despite fierce pushback from human rights advocates and tribes. Yet during da Silvas last administration, Brazil distinguished itself from other emerging economies as the only major nation to reduce deforestation while maintaining record economic growth. In the years since, the influx of scorched acreage and uptick in global temperatures has made striking that balance again more difficult, but da Silvas allies have stressed that his climate aims are part of a broader economic agenda an argument they will likely deploy in an effort to win over both Brazils Congress and the public. This is a development agenda: Climate is part of the equation of development solutions in Brazil, said Izabella Teixeira, who served as minister of the environment under da Silva and his successor, Dilma Rousseff. It is absolutely crucial that we see climate change as not only the biggest challenge but also as an opportunity to [generate] solutions for our development. Brazilian environmentalist Marina Silva, left, speaks next to president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during a press conference in Sao Paulo on Sept. 12, 2022. (Photo: MIGUEL SCHINCARIOL via Getty Images) Brazilian environmentalist Marina Silva, left, speaks next to president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during a press conference in Sao Paulo on Sept. 12, 2022. (Photo: MIGUEL SCHINCARIOL via Getty Images) That view, she said, can help Brazil connect the dots between climate and other major da Silva priorities, including his plans to bolster the Brazilian economy, combat poverty and reduce rates of extreme hunger, a problem that re-emerged during the pandemic and now tops da Silvas list of concerns. [Hunger] is a good example of how we can improve climate performance, she said. We are one of the most important food producers in the world, and we should come up with solutions to provide for international society. Its not only a huge opportunity for Brazil to develop innovative equations to solve development problems and social inequalities, but also to share our technology and solutions with other countries, mainly in the Global South. With The Worlds Eyes On Brazil, A New Brazil Looks Back Given the constraints da Silva will face at home, the sort of international help that dried up under Bolsonaro will likely play a crucial role in helping him deliver on his promises. And after four years of Bolsonaro, the worlds major powers seem more than happy to welcome Brazil back to the climate fight. On Thursday, Brazils Supreme Court ordered the resumption of the Amazon Fund, an international financing mechanism for forest protection projects, in January, four years after Bolsonaro shut down its most powerful programs. Norway and Germany, which froze payments to the fund in response to Bolsonaros policies and a record outbreak of fires in 2019, have said they are open to resuming payments under da Silva. Truly, what were seeing in the Amazon is a Wild West scenario. This scenario is not going to change overnight.Christian Poirier, program director at environmental nonprofit Amazon Watch The European Union has signaled its optimism about the completion of a trade deal with Mercosur a bloc of South American nations that includes Brazil that was on hold largely due to French President Emmanuel Macrons opposition to Bolsonaros environmental policies. And U.S. President Joe Biden, who discussed climate with da Silva during a congratulatory phone call this week, may still be open to crafting an international financial aid package to help protect the forest. But da Silvas trip to Egypt this week is not merely meant to bolster international support for his agenda. Brazil once held a unique role in the global climate fight: It was perhaps the only Global South nation that had the power, influence and a large enough share of vital resources to elbow its way into a leadership position among the worlds largest countries. Under da Silva and his leftist successor, Rousseff, Brazil typically used that position to push wealthy nations to provide broader assistance to low- and middle-income countries on the front lines of the climate crisis. Now da Silva wants to reclaim that position four years after Bolsonaro abandoned it. Silva, the former minister of the environment, told reporters last week that Brazil will push to provide more financial aid not just to developing nations but to civil society groups and Indigenous populations that are confronting climate change head-on. Last years summit promised more money to Indigenous tribes, whose knowledge and adaptive efforts have taken on an increasing role in the climate fight. But Silva wants to push for even more. Brazil will also renew its efforts to partner with other tropical nations particularly Indonesia and those in Africas Congo Basin that are home to most of the planets rainforests, Celso Amorim, a former foreign minister under da Silva, told reporters. Brazil will also work closely with other nations in the Amazon basin to reduce deforestation in the Venezuelan, Peruvian and Bolivian regions of the forest, Amorim said. Amorim, who may also earn a ministerial role in da Silvas government, told Reuters in October that Brazil would seek to host an international summit on the Amazon, and said prior to the election that Brazil will fight to strengthen existing treaties meant to protect the forest. Da Silvas victory caps off something of a green tide in Latin America as left-wing leaders pledging to reset their countries relationships with nature have won elections in countries stretching from Chile to Colombia to Honduras. Ambitious new presidents have already found it difficult to implement their plans in those nations. But with the regions largest and most important economy on board, there is at least hope that Brazil could help make South America a new power center in global negotiations over emissions. I am optimistic, the Climate Observatorys Astrini said. Its not just better than Bolsonaro. Its a whole new situation. Weve never in this country had a president talking about zero deforestation, climate and environmental protection like were seeing right now. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... Netflix While NBC cancelled Manifest after three seasons, Netflix revealed they had ordered a fourth and final instalment of the show back in 2021. The first 10 episodes of the series dropped on the streaming service last Friday [4th November]. But when can Manifest fans expect season four part two? The supernatural drama follows a group of passengers whose plane lands after years of being lost, who must try and reintegrate into society. Season four's synopsis explained, "Two years after the brutal murder of Grace turned their lives upside down, the Stone family is in shambles as a devastated Ben continues to mourn his wife and search for his kidnapped daughter, Eden. Consumed by his grief, Ben has stepped down from his role as co-captain of the lifeboat, leaving Michaela to captain it alone, a near impossible feat with the passengers every move now being monitored by a government registry. Netflix "As the Death Date draws closer and the passengers grow desperate for a path to survival, a mysterious passenger arrives with a package for Cal that changes everything they know about Flight 828 and will prove to be the key to unlocking the secret of the Callings in this compelling, mind-bending, and deeply emotional journey." What is Manifest season 4 part 2's expected release date? Currently, there's no confirmed release date for the final batch of Manifest episodes. But fans have been speculating about when they might drop, thanks to the significance of previous Manifest releases. Netflix announced season 4 was happening on the 28th August 2021, potentially a reference to Manifest passengers' flight number, 8/28. They later released a teaser trailer for the show a year later on the same date. Netflix Later, the streaming service released the first 10 episodes of season 4 on 4th November, aka the date that Flight 828 landed in New York City, more than five and a half years after the flight left Jamaica. Which is why some fans think Manifest season 4 part 2 will be released on Friday 7th April 2023 - because 7th April was the day Flight 828 went missing after leaving Montego Bay, Jamaica. Story continues We live for the conspiracy! Manifest season 4 part 1 is now streaming on Netflix. You Might Also Like Italy let minors and sick people off a German-flagged rescue vessel Sunday but refused to let 35 male adult migrants off, to the rejected survivors' despair. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi earlier said those who do not "qualify" would have to "leave territorial waters", as three other humanitarian vessels pleaded with Rome for a safe port. The Ocean Viking, Geo Barents and Rise Above are carrying 900 migrants between them. Three female minors and a baby were the first off the Humanity 1 in Catania port in the early hours, followed by male minors, SOS Humanity's press officer Petra Krischok told AFP. After that, male adults with medical issues were allowed off. In all, 144 people disembarked. "Thirty-five male adults are still on board. For now, we stay here and wait," she said. "The mood among the survivors is extremely depressed. One person just suffered a breakdown," she added. The Humanity 1 had been requested by Italian authorities to come to the Sicilian harbour, but not assigned a safe port. It was not immediately clear whether it would be ordered to leave. - 'Treated as objects' - Italy's new far-right government, which was sworn in last month, has vowed to crack down on boat migrants coming from North Africa to Europe. Opposition member of parliament Aboubakar Soumahoro, who was present as those chosen were disembarked, slammed the "selection of shipwrecked migrants", which he said broke international law. He said far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government was treating "the worn-out bodies of shipwrecked people, already exhausted by cold, fatigue, trauma and torture... as objects". "If the remaining castaways are rejected... we will challenge this decision in all appropriate institutions", he said on Twitter. Piantedosi said Saturday those migrants not allowed to disembark would have to be "taken care of by the flag state" -- a reference to the national flags under which the vessels sail. Two of the charity boats -- the Humanity 1 and Mission Lifeline charity's Rise Above -- sail under the German flag. Story continues The other two -- SOS Mediterranee's Ocean Viking and Doctors Without Borders' Geo Barents -- are registered in Norway. The Norwegian foreign ministry said Thursday it bore "no responsibility" for those rescued by private Norwegian-flagged ships in the Mediterranean. Germany insisted in a diplomatic "note" to Italy that the charities were "making an important contribution to saving human lives" and asked Rome "to help them as soon as possible". ide/kjm Rishi Sunak has written to the family of a British-Egyptian writer imprisoned in Cairo, as the activist's sister urged the prime minister to get "proof of life" from Egyptian authorities. Alaa Abd El-Fattah has been kept behind bars in Egypt for most of the past decade and was sentenced in December after being accused of spreading fake news. His sisters, Sanaa and Mona Seif, along with other family members, are protesting the imprisonment of the pro-democracy writer and activist. They started a sit-in in Whitehall on 18 October and intend to continue it until the COP27 conference. In an official letter, shared by the prisoner's family with Sky News, Mr Sunak said he had been "following Alaa's case closely and was concerned to hear about his deteriorating health". He added: "I appreciate this must be an extremely painful time for your brother and the whole family; he remains a priority for the British government, both as a human rights defender and as a British national. "Ministers and officials continue to press for urgent consular access to Alaa as well as calling for his release at the highest levels of the Egyptian government." Mr Sunak told El-Fattah's family his predecessor Liz Truss had raised the case with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sisi. "I will continue to stress to President Sisi the importance that we attach to the swift resolution of Alaa's case, and end to his unacceptable treatment," he wrote. "The UK's attendance at COP27 is another opportunity to raise your brother's case with the Egyptian leadership. "I would like to thank you again for writing and reassure you that the government is deeply committed to doing everything we can to resolve Alaa's case as soon as possible." 'He could die during COP27' The letter from Mr Sunak comes as the activist's family makes increasingly desperate pleas for help. Mr El-Fattah has been on a "spiritual hunger strike" for around 200 days, and recently told his family he would "escalate" this to no longer drinking water. Story continues Speaking to Sky's Sophy Ridge, his sister Sanaa Seif said she feared her brother would die while Mr Sunak is in Egypt for COP27. She said when she last saw him in August, he "already looked very, very frail" and "his eyes were sunken". Ms Seif warned that by the next time she is able to see Mr El-Fattah on 16 November, it could be "too late". Her family also wants to know that Mr El-Fattah is still alive, urging the prime minister to get "proof of life" from the Egyptian authorities. She alleged that her brother was being treated like a "terrorist" and denied basic rights, and that he had not seen his young son in more than a year. In a plea to the government, she said the issue was "very urgent" and that she hoped politicians were not just paying "lip service" to her family. Speakers: Mr. Chen Yuanfeng, deputy director of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee Mr. Ma Xiaoguang, director general of the Publicity Bureau and spokesperson of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee Mr. Qiu Kaiming, director general of the Research Bureau of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee Ms. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee Chairperson: Mr. Chen Wenjun, spokesperson of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee Date: Sept. 21, 2022 Chen Wenjun: Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference. Today, we are holding the 35th press conference under the theme of China in the past decade. We have invited Mr. Chen Yuanfeng, deputy director of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, to brief you on achievements in Taiwan work and cross-Strait relations since the 18th CPC National Congress and take your questions. Also joining us today are Mr. Ma Xiaoguang, director general of the Publicity Bureau and spokesperson of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee; Mr. Qiu Kaiming, director general of the Research Bureau of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee; and Ms. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee. Now, let's give the floor to Mr. Chen Yuanfeng for his introduction. Chen Yuanfeng: Friends from the press, let me begin by welcoming you to the press conference on work related to Taiwan. On behalf of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, I would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for your long-term care, concern and support. Now, I will briefly introduce the major achievements in Taiwan work and cross-Strait relations in the past 10 years, as well as the important experience we have drawn from that. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has pursued the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation amid profound global changes unseen in a century. With an accurate understanding of the changes at home and abroad, the CPC Central Committee has adopted innovative theories and measures in all respects on Taiwan-related work, continued to chart the course of cross-Strait relations, safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and promoted progress toward national reunification. General Secretary Xi Jinping put forward a series of new concepts, thoughts and strategies as well as major policies on Taiwan-related work. He published a series of important remarks and gave a series of important instructions, thus developing the Party's overall policy for solving the Taiwan question in the new era, and setting out the overarching guideline and a program of action. In the past decade, a historic breakthrough has been made in cross-Strait political exchanges. We have facilitated the first meeting and direct dialogue between leaders of the two sides since 1949, raising exchanges and interactions to new heights, which is a new milestone for cross-Strait relations. The departments in charge of cross-Strait affairs on both sides have established regular contact and communication mechanisms on a common political foundation, and the heads of the two departments have exchanged visits and set up hotlines. In the past decade, a new dimension has been opened up in cross-Strait dialogue and negotiation. Upholding the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, the CPC and the Chinese government have facilitated exchanges between political parties across the Strait, and conducted dialogues, consultations and in-depth exchanges of views on cross-Strait relations and the future of the Chinese nation with relevant political parties, organizations and individuals in Taiwan. These efforts have resulted in consensus on multiple issues, and promoted a number of joint initiatives exploring the "two systems" solution to the Taiwan question with all sectors of Taiwan society. Over the past decade, Taiwan compatriots on the Chinese mainland have gradually enjoyed equal treatment and development opportunities. Guided by the people-centered development philosophy and conviction that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are of the same family, the CPC and the Chinese government have promoted peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and integrated development of the two sides for the benefit of both the mainland and Taiwan. We have also refined the institutional arrangements, policies and measures to promote cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, designed to advance the well-being of Taiwan residents. These include electronic travel passes for Taiwan residents to enter or leave the mainland, the delivery of water from the coastal province of Fujian to Kinmen Island, residence permits for Taiwan residents, progressively ensuring that Taiwan compatriots have equal access to public services so as to facilitate their studying, starting businesses, working and living on the mainland, and an ongoing effort to pave the way for Taiwan to benefit first from the mainland's development opportunities. Over the past decade, cross-Strait trade and Taiwan investment on the mainland have grown significantly. The volume of cross-Strait trade increased from $160.03 billion in 2011 to $328.34 billion in 2021, doubling in 10 years. Taiwan businesses had invested in 85,772 projects as of 2011, while in 2021 the number rose to 124,142, up by 44.7%. The mainland is the largest export market for Taiwan, the largest source of trade surplus, and the largest destination for Taiwan's off-island investment. Over the past decade, cross-Strait people-to-people exchanges from all walks of life have continued to expand. While countering interference and obstruction from separatist forces, we have called on the people of Taiwan to promote effective and in-depth cooperation and people-to-people exchanges in various fields across the strait. We have held a number of exchange events such as the Straits Forum, Shanghai-Taipei City Forum, and Straits Youth Forum and maintained the momentum of cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation. In 2011, 7.1 million cross-Strait visits were made, of which 5.26 million trips were from Taiwan to the mainland. In 2019, the total number of cross-Strait visits reached 9 million, including over 6 million visits from Taiwan to the mainland. In the past three years, affected by COVID-19, online communication has become the main form of people-to-people interactions across the Strait, and the numbers of people participating in and covered by online communication are reaching new highs. Over the past decade, we have been constantly strengthening opposition to Taiwan independence and advancing national reunification. We have been resolute in defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity and opposing separatist activities and external interference. We have safeguarded peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation. We have taken lawful action against and effectively deterred separatist forces. We have handled Taiwan's external exchanges in a sound manner, and consolidated the international community's commitment to the one-China principle. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, work related to Taiwan has seen important progress in the past 10 years. These achievements made on the basis of acting on General Secretary Xi Jinping's important remarks on the work related to Taiwan are an important part of the historic achievements and changes in the cause of the Party and the country. This process has fully demonstrated that we must adhere to the Party's leadership and firmly uphold Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and uphold the Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership in the work on Taiwan; we must adhere to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus; we must firmly oppose any separatist activities seeking "Taiwan independence" and never allow any individual or force to separate Taiwan from China; we must resolutely oppose foreign interference and resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity; we must coordinate the resolution of the Taiwan question and the realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and resolutely advance the process of the reunification of China; we must strive for the well-being of all Chinese people, including those in Taiwan, and to realize the aspirations of all Chinese people for a better life; we must follow the principles of freeing the mind and seeking truth from facts to adopt new and innovative measures in relation to Taiwan; we must have the courage and skill to fight against any force that attempts to undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity or stands in the way of its reunification; and we must uphold extensive unity and solidarity to mobilize all factors to fight against any force that would divide the country, and pool strengths to make historic achievements in advancing national reunification. Today, as China and the world experience profound changes, realizing China's complete reunification is facing new challenges. The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process. The time, momentum, and righteousness of reunification are on the side of the Chinese mainland. In the new era, our resolve to realize national reunification in the face of provocation from secessionists and external forces is even stronger. The trend of China's reunification cannot be altered by any disruptions or obstructions. We will follow the general guidelines of the CPC in solving the Taiwan question and the decisions and arrangements made by the CPC Central Committee on work related to Taiwan. We will defeat separatism and external interference, make concrete efforts to promote peaceful cross-Strait relations, integrate the development of the two sides, and work toward national reunification. We will join hands with our compatriots in Taiwan to strive for national reunification and rejuvenation. This is all of my opening remarks. Next, my colleagues and I are ready to answer your questions. Thank you. Rosaline is mentioned 10 times in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet, her name invoked at moments when it seems opportune to remind Romeo that, indeed, his heart did love before he set eyes on charming Juliet, and yes, his ability to drop face-first into ill-fated love affairs is kind of his thing. And while Rosaline lurks at the margins of Shakespeares play, she doesnt get a single line to speak, instead reduced to jilted has-been and cautionary tale. But Romeos ex has not been forgotten in the intervening centuries, and her side of the story has been dramatized plenty, including the 1966 film Juliet in Mantua, the play After Juliet, the musical & Juliet, and the book and its adapted TV series Still Star-Crossed (in which she was played by rising star Lashana Lynch). In Karen Maines Rosaline, adapted from Rebecca Serles novel When You Were Mine by reigning kings of YA romance Michael H. Weber and Scott Neustadter (The Spectacular Now, The Fault in Our Stars, Paper Towns), Rosaline is rendered ambitious, funny, scheming, intelligent, conniving, and very much worth rooting for. Played by Kaitlyn Dever, this Rosaline is very mad indeed (why shouldnt she be?), but the always-winning actress helps guide a prickly footnote into delightful territory. More from IndieWire Taking place (A really long time ago), as a cheeky opening credit tells us, Maines version of Verona feels relatively small-scale and contained (even a number of sequences on the ocean feel very green-screened and theres a Men in Tights feel to much of it), all the better for Rosalines big dramas and petty pains to take center stage. Shes been meeting Romeo in secret important reminder: Rosaline is also a Capulet, so her cavorting with a damned Montague is just as bad as when Juliet (Isabela Merced) does it later on even though shes not entirely sold on the dude. Story continues Romeo (a wonderfully doofy Kyle Allen) is earnest, but hes also a bit of a ham, spewing romantic lines to Rosaline that we all know hell reuse (and soon!) with her own cousin, Juliet, who will prove to be a bit more receptive to them. Hell, he even woos Rosaline on her own balcony, while her own nurse (a lively Minnie Driver) pretends not to hear and her pushy dad (a well-cast Bradley Whitford) is always inches from barreling in. Rosaline - Credit: Courtesy of 20th Century Studios Courtesy of 20th Century Studios Rosaline, however, is different from Juliet in many ways: she has career ambitions for one, dreaming about someday being a cartographer. Traditional-minded Romeo doesnt seem so interested in Rosalines desires outside of him, so when he jilts her for Juliet, Rosaline could just drop the whole thing. Alas, her pride has been wounded, and she cant get over the feeling that, even if Romeo isnt precisely perfect for her, at least she choose him of her own accord. She cant say the same for the rest of her life. For example: yet another potential husband her father shoves on her, convinced his daughter is veering dangerously close to be too old to get married (olden times!) and eager to get her the hell out of his manor. As Rosaline is preoccupied with attempting to break up Romeo and Juliet, papa Capulet introduces yet another would-be suitor, new arrival Dario (Sean Teale), who really doesnt want to make off the spiky young woman hes forced to lightly romance. (You can guess where this is going.) Maine, who previously directed the delightful and charged coming-of-age comedy Yes, God, Yes, isnt afraid of getting deep, dark, and weird with her female characters. And so while some of where the film goes is indeed predictable, other elements are not, like how long Rosaline resists having what seems to be an inevitable maturation. Rosaline - Credit: Courtesy of 20th Century Studios Courtesy of 20th Century Studios Weber and Neustadters script freshens up Serles far more dramatic book, with zippy results. Part of that involves reorienting some of the mythos like how Paris (a very funny Spencer Stevenson) came into the picture as a parentally approved suitor for Juliet, or why Rosaline wasnt present for many key moments in Shakespeares original play, including the masquerade where Romeo and Juliet first meet while leaning into other parts of it. Rosaline wont really sing for anyone not familiar with the play (listen, surely these people exist somewhere), but for anyone whose been fed the romance of Romeo and Juliet over and over again, it pops. While some audiences might bristle at the films wackier elements Rosalines fear of fish; Nico Hiraga as the worlds worst courier, hilariously named Steve Maine, Weber, and Neustadters obvious joy in getting silly with Shakespeare is admirable. Why not reconsider the worlds greatest love story? Why not have fun with it? Why not take a jilted, angry woman and turn her into a relatable heroine? Turns out, even the oldest tales still have fresh, feisty blood in them. Grade: B Rosaline will start streaming on Hulu on Friday, October 14. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Generally speaking long term investing is the way to go. But along the way some stocks are going to perform badly. For example the Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad (KLSE:ASTRO) share price dropped 77% over five years. That's an unpleasant experience for long term holders. And we doubt long term believers are the only worried holders, since the stock price has declined 33% over the last twelve months. The falls have accelerated recently, with the share price down 26% in the last three months. With that in mind, it's worth seeing if the company's underlying fundamentals have been the driver of long term performance, or if there are some discrepancies. View our latest analysis for Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time. Looking back five years, both Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad's share price and EPS declined; the latter at a rate of 10% per year. This reduction in EPS is less than the 25% annual reduction in the share price. So it seems the market was too confident about the business, in the past. The less favorable sentiment is reflected in its current P/E ratio of 7.99. The graphic below depicts how EPS has changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image). It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad's earnings, revenue and cash flow. What About Dividends? When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. As it happens, Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad's TSR for the last 5 years was -68%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. This is largely a result of its dividend payments! Story continues A Different Perspective While the broader market lost about 7.0% in the twelve months, Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad shareholders did even worse, losing 28% (even including dividends). However, it could simply be that the share price has been impacted by broader market jitters. It might be worth keeping an eye on the fundamentals, in case there's a good opportunity. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 11% over the last half decade. Generally speaking long term share price weakness can be a bad sign, though contrarian investors might want to research the stock in hope of a turnaround. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on MY exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here As a federal enterprise, the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. On behalf of the German Government, GIZ currently provides advisory services to the Government of Viet Nam in three priority areas: Vocational training, Environmental policy and sustainable use of natural resources, and Energy. For further information, please visit www.giz.de/viet-nam. The project Green innovation center for the agriculture and food sector in Vietnam (GIC-Vietnam). The GIC Vietnam plans to purchase 6 lots of food processing machines for production of brown rice nuggets. GIZ Country Office Hanoi, under the authority of the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammnarbeit would like to annouce the Tender package 6 lots of food processing machines for production of brown rice nuggets. The eligible suppliers interested in the tender can inform us officially through the Email: question-from-bidder-pog-vn@giz.de to receive the tender dossier. The items shall be maintained by authorized dealers in Can Tho city/ An Giang province or other major provinces/cities in Vietnam. - Place of delivery: free to 27 Nguyen Trong Quyen St., Trung Kien Ward, Thot Not Dist., Can Tho city - Delivery time: Please indicate your shortest delivery time after order placement - Payment: Payment after receipt of goods against VAT Invoice and delivery note (negotiable) GIZ will select the most economic and efficient quotation from submitted bidders who fullfil at least the minimum technical requirements for each lot. Bid is to be submitted in 02 original copies with full signature and stamp, 01 in Vietnamese and 01 in English, with same validity, including following documents: 1. Letter of Interest 2. Bidding quotation (technical proposal and financial offer incl. VAT and excl. VAT) should be sent in two separated emails. 3. Company profile (could be in Vietnamese, incl. copy of business registration certificate) 4. Copy of audited financial report or annual tax report of last 03 years (could be in Vietnamese, incl. balance sheet, income statement, cashflow statement, tax liquidation) 5. Proof of experience for providing similar products in the past (could be in Vietnamese, copy of similar contracts) The documents are to be submitted to the email VN_PoG_Quotation@giz.de at the latest by 17:00 (Vietnamese time) on 25.11.2022. We request you to submit the technical offer and price quotation in two separate emails with subject as "Technical offer PO 91167993" and Price Quotation PO 91167993 respectively. Bids interested in the assignment are recommended to contact GIZ by sending request to the email address: question-from-bidder-pog-vn@giz.de to receive the complete tender dossier by 17h00 (Vietnamese time) on 23.11.2022. GIZ is obliged to ensure the confidentiality of all bidding documents submitted. Note: Bids sending not as formally required or after the deadline will be disqualified. Only the winning bidder will be later contacted for order placement. ProPak Vietnam 2022 is officially supported by Vietnam Packaging Association (VINPAS), Vietnam Beer Alcohol Beverage Association (VBA), and Vietnam Association of Food Science and Technology (VAFoST), and is promised to provide useful and necessary knowledge to enterprises. Vietnams packaging industry has a relatively high growth rate Vietnam's packaging industry plays an increasingly important and appreciated role. During the two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, packaging production effectively met the requirements of goods circulation, thereby ensuring the quality of food delivered to customers, especially providing sufficient packages for medical care, pandemic prevention and export. Globally, the packaging value has almost reached 500 billion USD/year, growing at an average of 12% per year. Vietnams packaging industry has a relatively high and stable growth rate at 13.4%/year on average in the period of 2015-2020. Vietnam has more than 4.500 packaging manufacturing enterprises, mainly concentrated in key economic regions such as the Southeast (including Ho Chi Minh City) with 2.627 enterprises, and the Red River Delta (including Hanoi) with 1.311 enterprises. The return of ProPak Vietnam 2022 in the Processing and Packaging Industry applied in of Food, Beverage, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics Industries The 15th ProPak Vietnam 2022 officially returns with the warm welcome of thousands of enterprises in the Food, Beverage and Pharmaceutical Industries after a two-year interruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After 14 successful editions with more than 10.000 attendees in each exhibition, ProPak Vietnam has been evaluated as a good platform to provide business opportunities for large and small-sized enterprises to participate and develop together, and obtain valuable opportunities and useful knowledge in the industry. This event is held on an international scale with the participation of more than 400 exhibitors from 30 countries/ regions on a coverage of over 10.000 square meters, in which there are noticeable 7 international group pavilions from Italy (2 groups from UCIMA and ACIMGA), Germany, Singapore, China, Korea, and Taiwan. This place will gather the latest products/services in the field of Processing & Packaging Technology. Some outstanding exhibitors can be named such as Dalgakiran Kompresor (Turkey); FPT Food Process Technology (Germany); Fuji Machinery (Japan); Greenpack (Korea), Guan Yu Machinery Factory (Taiwan); Heat And Control Pty (Australia); ABB Automation & Electrification (Vietnam), Amut S.P.A (Italy), Bossar Packaging S.L. (Spain), Endress+Hauser Vietnam (Vietnam), and many others. The category of products displayed in 2022 is very diverse and various with main product segments as packaging technology, processing technology, raw materials, beverage technology, pharmaceutical technology, and cold chain, logistics and storage, coding, marking and labeling, printing technology, laboratory and inspection, etc. There is a variety of new experiences, opportunities to learn and build enterprises awareness at ProPak Vietnam 2022 In the digital era with 4.0 technology, product packaging not only means preserving products, serving distribution and transport to consumers, but also expresses culture and class, and supports the development of enterprise image. ProPak Vietnam 2022 is a favorable event for visitors to listen to the shares and practical lessons on Smart Packaging, Device trends for the beverage industry, IoT, digitization and data analysis for the packaging industry through a series of specialized seminars gathering leading domestic and international experts and engineers who will exchange information and knowledge about the trendy development orientation of the packaging industry. Please check out the event schedule of ProPak Vietnam 2022 to not miss a session that suits your needs: - Vietnam Beverage Industry and Equipment and Technology Trends in the future, held by the Vietnam Beer Alcohol Beverage Association on November 9th, 2022 from 1.30 pm - 4:30 pm - Advanced and Sustainable Technology Development in Food Industry organized by the Vietnam Association of Food Science and Technology (VAFoST) on November 10th, 2022 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm - Design, technology and intelligent production systems in the packaging industry help manage products, production wires and increase experience interaction for customers, held by Meslab on November 11th, 2022 from 9:30 am - 4:30 am\ - PROTALK - Series of technical seminars held on November 9th and 10th, 2022 In particular, ProPak Vietnam 2022 also organizes many other interesting activities such as Innovation Technology Showcase, Sustainable Square, 1-1 Business Matching Programme which will bring uniqueness and improve the experience of visitors in the event this year. In 2022, ProPak Vietnam, together with Printech Vietnam, and Vietwater are co-hosted to bring a comprehensive trading platform in the industries of processing, packaging, printing, labeling, water supply, water and wastewater treatment this November! ProPak Vietnam 2022 An annual business meeting of pioneering enterprises! More information about the event: The 15th International Processing & Packaging Exhibition for Vietnam Date of exhibition: November 09 11, 2022 Opening hour: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm everyday Venue: Hall A, Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC), 799 Nguyen Van Linh, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Website: https://propakvietnam.com/ Hotline: 028 3622 2588 Email: propakvietnam@informa.com HA NOI The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) recently sent a document to the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Viet Nam Office requesting comments from the EU on gradually removing ethylene oxide (EO) controls on instant noodles. The MoIT has coordinated with focal point agencies to fulfil the transparency obligations required by the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) of the WTO in Viet Nam. The Viet Nam SPS Office, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is tasked with informing and asking questions about the contents and regulations on food hygiene and safety and animal and plant quarantine. At the same time, it also coordinates requesting WTO member countries to provide information on measures and procedures for risk assessment, inspection, and other related issues on food safety, hygiene products, and animal and plant quarantine. The MoIT also cooperates with ministries and sectors and actively participates in conferences, seminars, and formal and informal meetings on transparency organised by the SPS/WTO Committee. Currently, the MoIT continues to announce monthly drafts and regulations on SPS of WTO member countries to localities and industry associations and receive feedback, answers, and guidance for contents affecting business activities, including the import and export of goods. The European Union (EU) has put Vietnamese instant noodles products under Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 to control ethylene oxide (EO) residues since February this year. Until now, after more than eight months of implementing the above regulation, the certification for each shipment of instant noodles exported to the EU has been creating a significant burden of administrative and commercial costs for Viet Nam. Therefore, MoIT has requested the working group of the SPS Office Viet Nam to discuss with relevant agencies, raising concerns about differences in the application of regulations to control ethylene oxide residues in food by countries and regions. At the same time, the ministry asked the EU to provide statistics and assessment on the control of EO residues in instant noodles originating from Viet Nam from February to the present, clarify the basis for application and maintenance as well as maintain and minimise testing measures and EO residue certification requirements, and develop a plan to phase out these measures. VNS HA NOI VIB has just completed the disbursement of a US$150 million loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. With a term of five years, the IFC-led loan aims to support VIB to boost its loan portfolio for individual customers who are looking to buy, build, and repair houses. Meanwhile, at least 30 per cent of the disbursement value will be financed for home loans worth less than $35,000. Affirming VIBs prestige and capability in the international capital market Having established a partner relationship since 2011, IFC has provided VIB with many medium and long-term direct credit packages and hundreds of millions of USD worth of syndicated loans. VIB is also one of the most active banks in the IFC's Global Trade Finance Programme with a trade finance limit of up to $144 million. In 2021, total disbursement amount for VIB via IFC's guarantee in GTFP reached over $242 million, up 17 per cent year-on-year. VIB has been honoured with prestigious awards six times within the framework of this programme - 2021 Fastest Growing Bank Partner in East Asia and the Pacific and 2019 Best Operations Bank in East Asia and the Pacific. IFC is proud to support VIB with this loan which will help make more home loans available to low- and middle-income families. This will, in turn, boost the development of the housing sector, create more jobs and spur economic growth in the country, said Allen Forlemu, IFC Regional Industry Director for Financial Institutions Group, Asia & Pacific. Han Ngoc Vu, CEO of VIB, said: In the context of the global economy sending many warnings over a looming recession, the international capital market will also suffer certain impacts. IFC's continued disbursement of a loan with a term of up to 5 years to VIB continues to affirm VIB's prestige and capacity in the international capital market, as well as the trust of its partners for the bank." "The capital from this new loan will be added to the bank's capital structure, used to better meeting customers demands and enhancing stability in the face of market fluctuations," he said. In March, VIB also successfully mobilised a syndicated loan worth $260 million from the Asian Development Bank and some major banks in the region. The leading efficient and safe bank VIB has just announced its business results for the first nine months of 2022 with outstanding performance, risk management, and liquidity indicators. Along with the main driving force from retail credit, the bank also takes a lead in the banking system with its ability to diversify revenue and manage costs effectively. The bank's pre-tax profit reached VN7.8 trillion ($314 million), up 46 per cent over the same period last year. The return on equity reached 30 per cent, which is among the top in the market. Over the same period, total revenue increased by 29 per cent to over VN13.3 trillion ($535.5 million). Non-interest income was more than VN2.4 trillion ($96.6 million), contributing 17 per cent to total operating income. Operating expenses were well controlled at around VN4.6 trillion ($185.2 million) with a 12 per cent increase, far less than the revenue increase. As of September 30, VIB had total assets worth VN341 trillion ($13.7 billion), an increase of 10 per cent compared to the end of 2021. The credit balance was VN228 trillion ($9.18 billion), up 12 per cent from the end of 2021. VIB is one of the banks that has the lowest credit risk in the market where the risk is well diversified. The banks outstanding retail loans account for up to 90 per cent of the total loan portfolio, with over 90 per cent of loans secured by assets. In the August announcement, VIB was one of the few commercial banks to be ranked the highest by the State Bank of Vietnam for 2021, based on the evaluation results, with high scores on capital adequacy, asset quality, governance, business results, and liquidity. In addition, VIB is the first bank to complete three Basel II pillars by the end of 2019. The bank also applied Basel III standards on liquidity risk management in 2021. VIB is one of the few banks to issue audited financial statements for 2020 and 2021 in line with International Financial Reporting Standards. VNS MEKONG DELTA Unpredictable market demand and high fertiliser prices are causing many flower and bonsai farmers in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta to think twice about growing large quantities for this Tet (Lunar New Year). In Ben Tre Provinces Cho Lach District, one of the deltas largest producers of flowers and ornamental plants, many farmers are starting to plant flowers for the upcoming Lunar New Year. Tran Trung Tri, from the districts Hung Khanh Trung B Commune, said this year he has only planted about 7,000 yellow ochna trees, which is about half as many as in previous years. The flower is the symbol of Tet in the south, with families decorating their houses with the tree during the festival. However, the economy has not fully recovered after two years of being severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, so he doesn't want to invest too much this year. Many farmers in major flower growing areas such as Sa ec Village in ong Thap Province and Ba Bo Village in Can Tho City are worried. Nguyen Thi Nam, a flower farmer in Sa ec, said most farmers are worried it will be difficult to sell inventory this year. Truong Van Nhung, head of the My Phong Flower Production Cooperative in My Tho City in Tien Giang, said farmers have scaled down their production as they are worried about low demand. They will mainly sell their flowers to traders, and small amount will be sold at local spring flower festivals. The prices of flowers and ornamental plants are expected to increase by 30 50 per cent this year as the prices of inputs have almost doubled from last year, according to farmers. Besides the cut in supply, high input costs are also a major reason for the price increase, according to local authorities. Usually customers place orders in advance, but this year no one has made deposits, and so farmers do not dare grow in large numbers, Nhung said. Normally, bonsai and flower farmers in the Mekong Delta bring their produce to many provinces and cities for sale, but they do not know if they can do so this year because of the unpredictable situation. Nguyen Trung Hien, a trader in ong Thap Province, said every year he buys 20,000 pots of flowers and ornamental plants in the delta and transports them to HCM City, Binh Duong and ong Nai to sell, but this year, with unpredictable market demand, he does not dare buy such large numbers. Sa ec City in ong Thap Province, a major flower producer, plans to cut output by more than 40 per cent. Bonsai and flower farmers in flower villages in the Mekong Delta have also cut output and instead focused on quality to avoid oversupply. Tran Nam in ong Thap Provinces Sa ec City said he planted 5,000 flower pots this year and, like other local farmers, is paying more attention to quality. "Farmers no longer focus on quantity but on efficiency and keeping abreast of market information to meet market demand, Nam said. According to the Sa ec City economic department, farmers have planted 52 hectares of flowers and ornamental plants for the 2023 Lunar New Year, mainly popular varieties like chrysanthemum morifolium, Taiwanese chrysanthemum, gerbera daisy, and rose. VNS HCM CITY Hai Van International Transportation Joint Venture Company has proposed to open 17 new bus routes connecting Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCM City with urban areas and bus stations. The companys proposal has been sent to the citys Department of Transport after the citys Management Centre of Public Transport called for the addition of more bus routes to Tan Son Nhat airport to meet travel needs and ease the current congestion. About eight km from the city centre, the airport in Tan Binh District is the citys major transport hub. It serves about 120,000 passengers every day, so the number of vehicles picking up passengers at the airport is very high. Congestion and confusion often occurs in the pickup and drop-off area in front of the airports domestic terminal. There are only three bus routes running to the airport, including route No.109 connecting to Sai Gon Bus Station in District 1, route No.152 going to Binh Chanh District, and route No.72-1 leading to the southern province of Ba Ria - Vung Tau. Four out of the companys 17 proposed routes will connect the airport and the new Mien ong (Eastern) Bus Station in Thu uc City. Two routes will go to Mien Tay (Western) Bus Station in Binh Tan District. Two others will connect to Phu My Hung urban area in District 7 and Trung Son Residential Area in Binh Chanh District. The remaining nine routes, in turn, will connect the airport to Thao ien and An Phu wards, and Kim Cuong (Diamond) Island in Thu uc City; Ham Nghi Transshipment Station in District 1; Duong Hong - Mizuki Residential Area and Vinhomes Central Park Urban Area in Binh Chanh District; Hoc Mon Market in Hoc Mon District; Phu inh Resettlement Area in District 8; and Phu Long Bridge in District 12. Aiming to improve service quality and free up space for luggage, vehicles operating on the routes will have 10-30 seats, down from 16-45 seats. Pickup and drop off stops along the routes will be existing bus stops. The end points will be at urban areas, residential areas, hotels and tourist attractions to help people to easily access the cars. The company, based in northern Hai Duong Province, is currently providing passenger transport services between the airport and Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province. The department has asked the company to add relevant information to complete the plan of the proposed routes. VNS On November 3 and 4, 14th Global CSR & ESG Summit & Awards 2022 was held with the theme Beyond Net Zero & ESG in Hanoi, Vietnam. It saw the presence of hundreds of senior executives and corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) professionals from many countries and territories around the world. The 14th Annual Global CSR & ESG Summit & Awards 2022 The event aimed to gather participants to discuss and discover ESG and CSR strategies by corporations and stakeholders. The conference also focused on how the challenges facing us today will inevitably hasten the pace for climate-friendly solutions and technologies including electric vehicles, high-tech farming, sustainable supply chains, and nature-based solutions. Prof. Dr. Richard Hames, founder and executive director of the Centre for The Future and Fellow of the World Academy of Art & Science gave a speech on Unleashing the Power of Social Responsibility in a Warm and Wobbly World, where he shared on revitalising the relationships between business and society with effective CSR and ESG practices. He pointed out insight into how modern business enterprises can choose to organise and manage relationships successfully. Regarding the increasing emphasis on ESG practices, Stefan Phang, director for Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility for Diversey Inc presented Building the S in ESG in Disaster Relief, where he talked about how Diversey has worked with various hotels in partnership for disaster relief projects and created shared value for companies want to take a leading role in disaster situations. He also gives some suggestions for companies to set up structures to ensure efficiency and impact for their disaster relief programmes. The event ended with the award session hosted by David John Whitehead, the chairman of Mavin Group, a large agrifood enterprise in Vietnam, and the director of AusCham Vietnam. Dr. Martin Blake, the conference chairman and a member of the judging committee, expressed his pleasure to chair a "very well-attended event" in Hanoi with so many pressing agendas being discussed at this conference. Organisers are planning to hold next years event in Danang. Even prior to its commencement, MVSM has attracted about 1,500 students to reserve their seats. Besides the advanced maths programmes, the students will be provided with a supplementary English programme taught by American teachers. On November 4, MVSM signed a cooperation agreement with the AoPS School in California. AoPS is the largest and most successful after-school advanced maths programme in the United States, with over 750,000 alumni and an online community of over three million. All US team members have recently competed in international math competitions and are former members of AoPS. Founder and CEO of AoPS Richard Rusczyk said, Our mission is to discover, inspire, and train the great problem solvers of our next generation. Vietnam is a young and growing country with many potential problem solvers. This partnership is a great opportunity for us to bring our resources to millions of students that we could not have reached out to by ourselves, hopefully helping them to solve a lot of the problems that the next generation is going to face. MVSM follows the Pyramid Math teaching model and focuses on instilling a love of mathematics in students, which forms the base of the pyramid. The next layer consists of students with slightly better maths abilities who are selected to take on more difficult lessons. On top of the pyramid are students with real maths talent. MVSM advocates a flexible programme design so that learners in addition to pursuing maths at all levels are allowed to pursue different maths subjects depending on their individual development needs. An online learning session at MVA In addition to its direct utilisation of the AoPS curriculum, MVSM has close cooperation with the Unicorn Math Club (UMC) which is sponsored by the Vietnam Mathematical Institute. It is expected that excellent students from MVSM will be selected to receive partial or full scholarships with UMC and receive training from top mathematics professors in Vietnam. Pham Tuan Anh, director of MVSM noted, In the context of the current technological revolution, mathematics increasingly asserts its role as a fundamental area of knowledge. The worlds labour market will always be in need of workers who are good at maths and fluent in English. In this revolution, Vietnam has the opportunity to develop a breakthrough economy, accompanied by many other strategic benefits for the future of the country. To do this, we need a knowledgeable workforce that's comparable to the rest of the world and we need to start preparing now," Tuan Anh added. With the advantage of online teaching, MVSM commits to a tuition fee of less than $40 for 20 lessons per month (including one maths session and four English lessons per week). New students will be provided free English language courses by the school, while low-income families will have a chance to receive scholarship support. Vietnamese edtech market attractive to investors Educational technology (edtech) startups in Vietnam have drawn many domestic and foreign venture capital funds thanks to their high development potential. Shifting sands in progress for edtech amid reopening Since April 6, nearly one million grade 1-6 students in Hanoi have gone back to in-person classes, meaning schools in most major cities of Vietnam are now fully reopened. As education returns to its former setting, can edtech maintain its investment momentum? The event, launched on November 4 and slated to run until the end of the month, features a chain of eminent promotional events, including the Hanoi Mega Sale fair which will be taking place on November 4-8 at Times City in Hanoi's Hai Ba Trung district. Launch of Hanoi Promotion Month 2022 The fair encompasses 100 booths introducing and selling a wide assortment of consumer goods such as clothing, cosmetics, and products under the One Commune One Product programme, among others. Local consumers can experience shopping on-site and online with discounts of up to 50 per cent. Then, the Golden Promotion Day will take place on November 12 and 13 at 50 supermarkets and commercial centres with promotions from 20 per cent to 50 per cent in direct discounts, gifts, lucky draws, and incentives for non-cash payments. Local consumers can experience shopping on-site and online with discounts of up to 50 per cent. The Hanoi Tourism Promotion Festival will run from November 18-20 at pedestrian space surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake in the centre of Hanoi, where the 50 participating booths will introduce a number of inbound and outbound tours with attractive discounts from 20 to 50 per cent. Also, the Flash Sale Day will occur on November 27 at MediaMart My Dinh. According to Nguyen Quy Tan, director of MediaMart My Dinh, the unit has been "working with diverse suppliers to prepare promotions with discounts from 15 to 70 per cent for more than 30,000 products", including televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, household appliances, and technology products. Meanwhile, Nguyen Quang Duc, marketing director of PICO electronics, said that the unit has been ready for the Hanoi Promotion Month 2022 as it has negotiated with manufacturers to offer 20-30 per cent discount for promotional items in November, and even up to 50 per cent during the Golden Promotion Day on November 12-13. Similarly, other supermarkets such as BRGmart, Big C, and Winmart have also been negotiating with major suppliers to prepare quality product sources of clear origin along with price discounts ranging from 10 to 50 per cent. Bui Duy Quang, deputy director of Hanoi Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion Centre (HPA) the organiser of the Hanoi Promotion Month event noted that the organising committee expects the Hanoi Promotion Month to become "one of the efficient solutions helping firms to weather the storm and fuel consumption. The programme also helps to push up production and business rebound, and facilitate total retail sales growth as well as supply demand balance in Hanoi. With well-conceived preparations and diverse promotion programmes throughout November, the Hanoi Promotion Month 2022 is expected to become a special bridge aiding firms in image promotion and helping consumers to approach quality items at competitive prices. Cooking competition kicked off in Hanoi PotatoesUSA and A Au Vocational Guidance School-Hanoi Branchorganised the first round of their cooking contest with 20 young chefs coming from diverse backgrounds and schools. A state senator is running against a first-time candidate for the Iowa House of Representatives District 67 seat in Tuesdays election. Republican Craig Johnson of Independence is seeking the House position after once-a-decade redistricting put him in Iowa Senate District 34 with Sen. Dan Zumbach, a Republican from Ryan. Democrat Terry McGovern, 53, of Earlville is challenging Johnson for the House District 67 seat. He is a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and an Air Force veteran. District 67 includes more than half of Buchanan County, all of Delaware County and a small portion of Dubuque County. McGovern said he was motivated to run in part because he was concerned over a Republican supermajority in the Legislature. As a citizen from Iowa seeing the last six years dominated by one party, that troubles me because thats not a democracy, he said. And knowing what I know about decision-making and when youre dealing with wicked problems, you really need diverse imputs to generate the best solutions. McGovern identified several issues he wanted to tackle if he is elected. One major point he identified is doing more to protect abortion in Iowa after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. While womens reproductive rights are important to McGovern, he claimed safeguarding them would also play a part in the economy. According to McGovern, statewide restrictions on abortion in Iowa would result in fewer women and families moving to Iowa, impacting what is already a workforce shortage. Fundamentally, womens reproductive rights is about human rights. Its about womens freedom to make choices over their own bodies, he said. But, from a business standpoint, when you look at the labor crisis thats the No. 1 issue for businesses. Also with the idea of attracting families to Iowa, McGovern said that he was interested in education reform and improving schools. Additionally, he spoke on the issue of carbon dioxide-capturing pipelines a hot-button issue in Deleware County and expressed concerns that they could be used as a means to implement eminent domain for private profit. I dont care what party you belong to, this is something thats just un-American, McGovern said. The Courier reached out to Johnson multiple times for an interview but didnt receive a response before press time. This story has been updated to correct Terry McGovern's age. AMANA (AP) For 10 years now, Iowa foresters have been watching century-old white oaks wither and die in just a few weeks. Trees with no visible insects or fungus are dying on ravines and ridge tops across the Midwest. Foresters can do little more than cut down the majestic trees and harvest them quickly to beat the rot. "A lot of the trees we're seeing it on are 80 to 150 years old," said Mark Vitosh, Iowa Department of Natural Resources district forester for seven Iowa counties, including Linn, Johnson and Iowa. "It's very concerning." The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that other Midwest states, including Illinois and Missouri, also are trying to figure out what is killing their white oaks. But a new test kit not unlike the rapid tests for COVID-19 may help solve the mystery of the epidemic called rapid white oak mortality. Tim Krauss and Sabrina Keiper are in charge of Iowa's largest privately-owned timber land, 7,000 acres owned by the Amana Society. The upland is mostly oak and hickory, the bottomland ruled by silver maple and cottonwood. Many of the trees date to when the Amana Colonies were established in the 1850s by German immigrants seeking religious freedom and communal living. "When they first started, the whole property was managed by church society," Krauss said. "They cut wood for firewood and buildings as they needed it." The Amana Society hired its first forester in the 1960s and has worked since then to develop forest management plans. But now the plan has gone out the window with the white oak epidemic. "With this oak decline, we have two to three dead trees almost every other acre," Krauss said. "We have to harvest the dead trees because we only have a year until they are no good. We can make our budget by just cutting dead trees. The downside is, they are not coming back." With the big trees gone, increased sunlight on the forest floor has caused an explosion of invasive species and less-desirable trees, like hackberry and elm, Krauss said. Krauss led about 20 members of the Iowa chapter of the Society of American Foresters out into the timber on a recent morning. "You can tell from the crispier leaves the branches are dying," he said, pointing up at a stand of white oaks. Foresters agree climate change has played a role in the rapid decline of white oaks, with drought making the trees more vulnerable to disease or pests. The Amana trees also were hit by the Aug. 10, 2020, derecho. "The most dominant trees seem to be the ones taking it on the chin," said Joe Herring, an Iowa DNR forester based in Iowa Falls who visited the Amanas on Oct. 25. He has seen dying white oaks in Eldora and other parts of north-central Iowa. Sarah Bell, a district forester in Onawa, between Sioux City and Omaha, just east of the Missouri River, also is worried about rapid white oak decline. "Why are they not more concerned?" she asked, referring to the community at large. "Seems like it's just us." Help is on the way. The U.S. Forest Service in collaboration with the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers is planning a pilot project with a new test kit that quickly can determine if a tree has oak wilt, a fungal disease traditionally hard to diagnose because samples can change by the time they arrive in a lab. "You drill through the bark to get a little wood," explained Tivon Feeley, the Iowa DNR's Forest Health Program leader. "It's a DNA test that will tell us within about 5 minutes whether it's oak wilt or not. If it's negative, it stays clear or a golden color. But if positive for oak wilt, it turns a bright blue or purplish color." Iowa has been chosen to be part of the pilot, which means foresters will get thousands of kits next year to start testing white oaks. With aerial mapping, they can identify areas with a lot of dying trees. "This really is a game changer for us," Feeley said. If oak wilt is confirmed, foresters can cut down that tree and possibly ones nearby to stop the spread. "We do see evidence that as we remove this tree, it does slow down," he said. There are remedies to treat oak wilt, but that only would be done at the residential level, not in a 7,000-acre timber land. While the pilot project tests will be free, Feeley worries they will be costly in the future. But there is a cost to doing nothing. Not only could the state lose another tree species, but white oaks are much more valuable than the trees taking their places. Krauss used a folding ruler to measure a fallen white oak he hauled out of the timber. The tree, straight and with few blemishes, could get $5 per board foot for veneer. Some oaks could sell for more than $1,000. This is compared to hackberry, mostly used for pallets. "Revenue will be good for the next 10 years probably, but once those high quality (white oak) trees are gone, it's going to be a struggle," Krauss said. The Make-A-Wish people contacted The Rock's people, but hes been busy making movies. They dont know when Chelsea will be able to meet him maybe early next year. Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation in Ukraine (7 November 2022) Part 1 (read Part 2) The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. In Kupyansk direction, 2 enemy battalion tactical groups, supported by foreign mercenaries, had been conducting offensive operations towards Nizhnyaya Duvanka and Svatovo (Lugansk Peoples Republic). The offensive has been halted by Army Aviation, artillery fire, and intensive action of Russian forces. Up to 100 Ukrainian personnel and mercenaries, 2 tanks, 5 armoured fighting vehicles, and 5 pickups have been eliminated. In Krasny Liman direction, 2 enemy battalion tactical groups attempted to launch an offensive towards Ploshchanka and Chervonopopovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic). All the attacks have been repelled. Comprehensive fire attack and intensive action of Russian forces have resulted in causing casualties of over 120 Ukrainian personnel killed and up to 130 wounded, 3 tanks, 2 armoured fighting vehicles, and 5 motor vehicles. In NikolayevKrivoy Rog direction, Russian units, supported by artillery, have repelled an offensive of a battalion tactical group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) near Dudchany, Novaya Kamenka, Belogorka (Kherson region). The enemy has been driven back to its initial positions. Over 110 Ukrainian personnel, 11 armoured fighting vehicles, and 13 motor vehicles have been eliminated. Operational-Tactical and Army Aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery have neutralised 7 command posts near Ivanovka, Krakhmalnoye (Kharkov region), Vodyanoye, Pavlovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Novaya Kamenka, Davydov Brod, Belogorka (Kherson region), as well as 72 artillery units at their firing positions, manpower and hardware in 186 areas. 2 ordnance depots have been destroyed near Belogorye and Kushchovoye (Zaporozhye region), as well as 1 depot of fuel for AFU hardware near Galitsinovo (Nikolayev region). 2 radars of Ukrainian S-300 air defence missile systems have been destroyed near Kramatorsk (Donetsk Peoples Republic) and Volnyansk (Zaporozhye region). Moreover, 1 self-propelled fire unit of Ukrainian Buk-M1 air defence missile system has been destroyed near Novosyolka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Air defence facilities have shot down 1 Mi-8 helicopter of Ukrainian Air Force near Novaya Kamenka (Kherson region). In addition, 6 unmanned aerial vehicles have been destroyed near Berestovoye, Yegorovka, Yevgenovka and Valeryanovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Furthermore, 14 projectiles of HIMARS and Olkha multiple-launch rocket systems have been intercepted near Novaya Kakhovka, Otradokamenka, Korsunka (Kherson region), Starognatovka, Gruzsko-Lomovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic), and Donetsk. In total, 331 airplanes and 170 helicopters, 2,458 unmanned aerial vehicles, 387 air defence missile systems, 6,421 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 884 fighting vehicles equipped with MLRS, 3,562 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 7,109 units of special military hardware have been destroyed during the special military operation. #MoD #Russia #Ukraine #report @mod_russia_en Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation in Ukraine (7 November 2022) Part 2 (read Part 1) Kiev regime continued its provocations aimed at creating a possible technological disaster at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. Over the past 24 hours, artillery units of the AFU have launched 7 large-calibre projectiles at the industrial area of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. Ukrainian artillery had been conducting the shelling from the AFU-controlled area of Vysshetarasovka (Dnepropetrovsk region). The hostile battery has been neutralised by Russian artillerys couterattack. The radiation environment at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant remains normal. #MoD #Russia #Ukraine #report @mod_russia_en WtR We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. has been awarded a contract from the Prysmian Group to supply 150 km of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) submarine cable for the 1.4 GW NeuConnect Interconnector. Sumitomo Electric has been nominated as subcontractor to supply a section of HVDC Mass Impregnated cable to Prysmian PowerLink, who secured the main contract with NeuConnect for the turn-key design, manufacturing, installation, testing, and commissioning of a 725 kilometer submarine interconnector that will directly link the German and UK electricity grids. The submarine cable, which forms part of the offshore cable route between the two countries, will be manufactured at Sumitomos Osaka Works in Japan. This is the Companys sixth European HVDC power link project after MON. ITA (Montenegro-Italy), NEMO (UK-Belgium), A-Nord HVDC project (Germany), Kontek (Germany-Denmark) and Greenlink (Ireland-GB). Yasuyuki Shibata, Managing Executive Officer of Sumitomo Electric, commented: We are honored to be the supplier for this project, which will form part of critical infrastructures to achieve net-zero emissions. As a leading player in the HVDC power transmission industry, Sumitomo Electric is committed to supporting the creation of a zero-carbon society with its reliable and trouble-free high-voltage cable system technology. The 1,400 MW NeuConnect project will be the first to connect German and British energy markets through a 725km long cable route. It aims to support the use and integration of renewable energy generation resources in both Germany and the UK and facilitate that transfer of enough to power for up to 1.5 million homes over the life of the project. The 2.4bn/2.8bn project is backed by Meridiam (France), Allianz Capital Partners on behalf of Allianz insurance companies (Germany) and Kansai Electric Power (Japan), NeuConnect is a privately-financed interconnector. The project reached Financial Close with a consortium of more than 20 national and international banks and financial institutions including the UK Infrastructure Bank, European Investment Bank (EIB), and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). The NeuConnect interconnector will see two new converter stations built on the Isle of Grain in Kent, England and the Wilhelmshaven region in Lower Saxonia, northern Germany, connected by land and subsea cables travelling through British, Dutch and German waters. It is slated to be operational by 2028. For more information on interconnector projects worldwide, click here . You can also view projects worldwide on 4C Offshore's Interactive map . We sympathize with each in turn, and see the cycles of tragedy as tradition violently collides with modernity. The Queens own marriage fissions, as Prince Philip (Sir Jonathan Pryce, a genius knighted by the real Queen) grows distant, and grows close to his godsons wife, Countess Mountbatten (Natascha McElhone), a beautiful blond 32 years younger shes mourning her 5-year-old daughters cancer death and her own marriages decline. This makes Philip seem cruel to Elizabeth yet winningly sweet to the countess. Ive never had one scintilla of sympathy for chilly Philip, but Pryce forces me to regard his heart. Elizabeth visits Russia, persuading ebulliently drunk President Yeltsin to exhume and properly rebury her cousins, the Romanovs, Russias royal family, who were shot, bayoneted and dumped in a mass grave by Bolsheviks in 1917. Philip gets in touch with his Russian Orthodox past, tells Elizabeth their marriage is a hollow sham, and bitterly criticizes her forebears (Englands king and queen in 1917) for refusing to rescue the Romanovs. Hes much more closely related to the doomed Russian royals than she, almost a lookalike for the assassinated Nicholas II. In fact, Philips DNA was used to confirm the identity of his relatives remains. The historical flashbacks are riveting. Di isnt the only one who seems a prisoner of the crown, the victim of history as much as personal tragic flaws. When the Queens favorite castle burns down, the metaphor is obvious to all. loading......... Malibu, CA, Nov 7, 2022 AEST (ABN Newswire) - In this segment of The Ellis Martin Report we speak with Dr. Paul West-Sells, the President and CEO of Western Copper and Gold Corporation ( NYSE:WRN ) ( TSE:WRN ). Mr. Martin chats with Dr. West-Sells discussing Rio Pinto's investment in the Casino Project, Canada's premier copper-gold mine in the Yukon Territory and one of the most economic greenfield copper-gold mining projects in the world. What does this mean for the company potentially in 2023? The Casino Project hosts approximately 7.6 billion pounds of copper as well as 14.5 million ounces of gold, one of the largest projects of its kind held by a junior mining company. Major Mining Operator Rio Tinto Canada made a $25.6 million dollar strategic investment to advance the company's Casino Project in the Yukon. What are the implications of this investment? Dr. West-Sells has over 25 years experience in the mining industry. After obtaining his Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia in Metallurgical Engineering, he worked with BHP, Placer Dome, and Barrick in increasingly senior roles in Research and Development and Project Development. Dr. West-Sells has worked for Western Copper and Gold since 2006. To Listen to the Interview, please visit: https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/D36NBDZ1 About Western Copper and Gold Corporation Western Copper and Gold Corporation (NYSE:WRN) (TSE:WRN) is developing the Casino Project, Canada's premier copper-gold mine in the Yukon Territory and one of the most economic greenfield copper-gold mining projects in the world. The Company is committed to working collaboratively with our First Nations and local communities to progress the Casino project using internationally recognized responsible mining technologies and practices. Flash China has made remarkable progress toward its goals of reaching peak carbon emissions and carbon neutralization, China's Special Envoy for Climate Change Xie Zhenhua said Sunday. He made the remarks at a side event themed "Green Life, Joint Efforts and Shared Benefits -- Advocating Public Participation in Taking Green Actions" in China's pavilion at the venue of the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Zhao Yingmin, head of the Chinese delegation to COP27 and vice minister of China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, also attended the meeting. Xie pointed out that China has actively implemented the Paris Agreement, and further enhanced its nationally determined contribution, aiming to reach carbon peak and achieve carbon neutralization in a strong, orderly and effective manner. "China has made great progress in this regard," Xie said. According to preliminary calculations, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions China produces per unit of GDP in 2021 is 3.8 percent lower than that in 2020 and 50.8 percent than in 2005, he said. The Chinese envoy added that China has been actively creating a green and low-carbon atmosphere for years, encouraging the public to participate in carbon emissions reduction, and exploring to establish a pluralistic mechanism of social participation. He said that China has also integrated ecological civilization into its national education system and strengthened ecological education in schools. "Public participation is an important driving force for green and low-carbon development and a key indicator for the modernization of the environmental governability and governance system in a country," Xie said. Under the principles of openness and transparency, broad participation, consensus and party-driven, China will work with all parties to promote the success of COP27 and contribute China's wisdom and strength to building a fair, reasonable and win-win global climate governance system, he added. At the side event, representatives from China's enterprises, scientific research institutions and social organizations, such as Tsinghua University and All-China Environment Federation, jointly discussed cases, challenges and recommendations for public participation in low-carbon action. Starting on Sunday, the COP27 will last till Nov. 18 in the coastal city of Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt. loading......... Malibu, CA, Nov 7, 2022 AEST (ABN Newswire) - In this segment of The Ellis Martin Report we speak with Jonathan Weisblatt, the CEO of Rockridge Resources Ltd ( CVE:ROCK ) ( RRRLF:OTCMKTS ) as the company reports high grade copper equivalent from the drill program at the Knife Lake Copper Project in Saskatchewan, Canada. A company to consider as a potential investment in the copper space with great possible upside. NEWS RELEASE Rockridge Intersects Shallow, High-Grade Mineralization including 2.32% CuEq over 15.75m Starting from 13m Depth in Hole KF22029 at its Knife Lake Copper Project, Saskatchewan Rockridge Resources Ltd. is pleased to announce initial results from its recently completed diamond drilling program at its 100% owned Knife Lake Copper Project located in Saskatchewan, Canada (the "Knife Lake Project" or "Property"). The Company drilled a total of 939 metres in six drill holes and has received assays and completed interpretation for four holes (635m). Results for the remaining two holes will be released once results have been compiled and interpretation is complete. The Knife Lake Project, consisting of 82 claims totaling 56,865 hectares (140,516 acres), is an advanced-stage copper, silver, zinc and cobalt exploration property in Saskatchewan host to the Knife Lake Deposit. Jon Weisblatt, Rockridge's CEO, commented: "The Knife Lake Deposit continues to exceed our expectations and these results illustrate why we believe Knife Lake and the surrounding target areas represent a potentially world-class, base metal project in a top mining jurisdiction. The high-grade results from Knife Lake further demonstrate how robust the near-surface copper deposit is as it acts as an anchor for several other prospective targets in the region. Furthermore, the initial results received from one hole at the regional target at Gilbert South illustrate how prospective the target area is, as it shows similarities to the initial results from the Knife Lake Deposit in the early days of the discovery. We are garnering a much better understanding of the geology and these results are supportive of our thesis that Gilbert is part of a larger system common with VMS-style deposits. We will have news forthcoming on the remaining drill holes as well as plans for exploration at the project in 2023." Highlights: Drilling at the Knife Lake Deposit (follow up to the 2019 and 2021 drill programs) returned 1.91% Cu, 0.23 g/t Au, 7.79 g/t Ag and 0.30% Zn (2.32% CuEq) over 15.75m beginning at 13.00m in hole KF22029. 2022 drill program completed 939 meters in six drill holes; four holes reported here with assays pending for two additional holes. Highlight drill intercepts at the Gilbert South target area include pyrrhotite-pyrite dominant VMS-style mineralization hosted at the same stratigraphic horizon as the Knife Lake Deposit. Drilling focused on discovering VMS style copper deposits along newly defined conductors at Gilbert South and Gilbert West as well as at the Knife Lake VMS deposit. The Knife Lake Deposit is thought to be a remobilized portion of a "primary" VMS deposit; most of the historical work has consisted of shallow drilling at the deposit area with little regional work carried out and limited deeper drilling below the deposit. Over 300 holes provided data for first NI 43-101 resource estimate of the shallow Knife Lake deposit. Knife Lake NI 43-101 resource estimate from 2019 provides excellent anchor for Project and includes indicated resources of 3.8 MT at 1.02% CuEq. (3.8 MT at 0.83% Cu, 3.7 g/t Ag, 0.097 g/t Au, 82 ppm Co,1740.7 ppm Zn) as well as inferred resources of 7.9 MT at 0.67% Cu Eq (7.9 MT at 0.53% Cu, 2.4 g/t Ag, 0.084 g/t Au, 53.1 ppm Co, 1454.9 ppm Zn). There is strong discovery potential in and around the deposit as well as at regional targets on the Property; modern exploration techniques and methods are being utilized with a goal of making new discoveries. Planning is underway for 2023 exploration programs. Summer Diamond Drilling Program: The focus of the 2022 drill program was continued infill and expansion drilling at the deposit, with the intent of upgrading existing mineral resource estimates and to better understand the geology at the Knife Lake Deposit. In addition to the Deposit drilling, exploratory drill holes were completed at the highly prospective Gilbert Lake target area. The program consisted of 936m total metres drilled in six drill holes with four holes drilled at the Deposit. The Gilbert Lake targets were identified from the results and interpretation of the previous geophysical, drill and field programs. Results from these programs show that airborne VTEM surveys can successfully identify zones of VMS-style mineralization hosted in favourable stratigraphy on the property. The drilling at the Gilbert Lake South target area further investigated strike-length continuity of the mineralized horizon intersected in 2021 drilling, which remains open to the south. The holes also evaluated potential zoning of mineralization, which is commonly observed in VMS systems. Furthermore, drilling at a newly discovered copper showing at the Gilbert West Area targeted the down-dip extension of a mineralized and intensely altered volcanic package which is interpreted to be the Knife Lake stratigraphic horizon. The Gilbert West target had never been drill tested. Rockridge is planning follow-up exploration programs at Knife Lake and has received its exploration permit which is good through February 2024. To Listen to the Interview, please visit: https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/HTG5GW17 About Rockridge Resources Ltd Rockridge Resources (CVE:ROCK) is a publicly traded mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties in Canada and other mining-friendly jurisdictions. The Company's Raney Gold Project is a high-grade gold exploration project located in the same greenstone belt that hosts the world-class Timmins and Kirkland Lake lode gold mining camps. The Company's Knife Lake Project is in Saskatchewan, which is ranked as the #3 mining jurisdiction in the world by the Fraser Institute. The project hosts the Knife Lake deposit, which is a VMS, near-surface copper-cobalt-gold-silver-zinc deposit open along strike and at depth. Rockridge's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions. Re-Affirms FY23 Guidance and Provides a Business Sydney, Nov 7, 2022 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Ahead of its 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, Symbio Holdings Limited ( ASX:SYM ), a leading voice communications software provider, is pleased to re-affirm FY2023 EBITDA guidance and provide a general business update. The Company is on track to meet the stated FY2023 guidance of $36 million to $39 million in EBITDA, with all three business divisions performing in line with expectations. Organic number porting in the CPaaS division, customer wins in the TaaS division and enterprise seats in the UCaaS division are driving growth. Two large customer wins flagged in the company's FY22 results are taking longer than initially expected to onboard however are still expected to contribute substantially in the current financial year. "The business is performing well across all divisions, driven by strong customer demand, new products and careful cost control. Customer pipelines in both established domestic markets and new Asian markets are looking strong going into the second half." said Mr Rene Sugo, Co-Founder and CEO of Symbio. Symbio is also tracking well with its Asian expansion strategy. In Singapore, Symbio has secured 23 global partners and has a strong sales pipeline. Onboarding is taking longer with some partners as they take the time to invest in building and scaling their new Singapore businesses. However, Symbio is buoyed by their level of investment and commitment to the market. In October 2022, Symbio was granted its "Malaysia Digital" status by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), marking a significant milestone in the process of securing a tier one operating license. While Symbio waits for confirmation of its license, it is building out its Malaysian operations by deploying equipment, developing software, and engaging with customers. The company is on track for a full organic launch in Malaysia in the second half of FY23. The Company announced Taiwan as its next market entry, supporting strategic plans to enter five new APAC markets by 2025. The company is looking at potential acquisition opportunities as part of its localised entry strategy and is expecting service availability will open in the second half of FY23. Commenting on the business update, Symbio's Co-Founder and CEO, Rene Sugo, said: "The milestones already achieved in the 2023 financial year mark great progress on our 2030 vision, progressing our APAC expansion strategy and achieving our stated guidance for FY2023. "We are excited to announce Taiwan as our next market entry target, taking our Total Addressable Market (TAM) to 95 million people, an increase of 200% in just two years, making Symbio a strategic provider to our high-quality global partners. We continue to monitor further potential markets with tailored strategies for each new market entry, adapting based on regulatory and market needs." About Symbio Holdings Limited Symbio Holdings Limited (ASX:SYM) is a software company changing the way the world communicates. Symbio's technology replaces old-fashioned telecom networks with software, making it faster and easier to deliver modern cloud-based communication services, unlocking endless new applications for calling, messaging and phone numbers. Symbio is the backbone for the global cloud communication industry. Over 500 service providers - from telecom start-ups to the world's biggest software companies - rely on Symbio for the connectivity, quality and expertise they need to solve complex communication challenges. Headquartered in Sydney, Symbio powers billions of calls and messages each year, owns networks in three countries and employs over 450 staff worldwide. For more information about Symbio visit www.symbio.global Phase 1 Resource Expansion Drilling Program at Mt McClure Perth, Nov 8, 2022 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Yandal Resources Ltd ( ASX:YRL ) is pleased to advise that an RC drilling program has commenced on its 100% owned Mt McClure Project. The Mt McClure Project is located 15km SW of the historic Bronzewing gold mine and 10km from Orelia gold mine both owned by Northern Star Resources Ltd ( ASX:NST ) in the southern Yandal Belt (Figure 1*). During the September 2022 quarter, the Company completed initial Mineral Resource Estimates ("MRE's") on the margins of the Success, Parmelia and Challenger historic open cuts which resulted in a combined Resource inventory of 2.225Mt @ 1.9g/t Au for 136,000oz at a 1.0g/t lower cut-off. The MRE boundaries were drill constrained indicating clear potential to expand the initial estimates with further targeted drilling along strike, down-dip and down plunge. The current drilling program is the first phase of a multi-phase drilling program designed to expand the Resource base at Mt McClure. Drilling will target positions proximal to the margins of the current MRE's as well as testing a number of advanced prospects with resource potential, occurring along a 10km long trend on granted mining leases within Yandal's tenure (Figure 2*). The program will take approximately 3 weeks to complete with results expected in the March Quarter 2023. Commenting on the commencement of drilling, Yandal Resources' Managing Director Mr Tim Kennedy said: "Our recent capital raising was primarily undertaken to provide funds for us to test the resource potential at Mt McClure, which was highlighted through the completion of the initial MRE. We're pleased to be commencing this initial drilling program, to be built upon by additional programs in the new year which together will help unlock the value of this highly mineralised tenure." DECEMBER QUARTER EXPLORATION PLANS Priority exploration activities planned for Q4 2022 include; 1. Review historic and recent drilling data at the Mt McClure to establish controls on potential higher grade plunging shoots. 2. RC drill testing at Mt McClure to expand the initial Mineral Resource Estimates at Challenger, Success and Parmelia. 3. Integration of new high resolution aeromagnetic survey data and RC follow-up along the high-grade Sims Find trend and other advanced prospects at Barwidgee. 4. Review of key prospects at Gordon's and drill hole planning. *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/492P6DTB About Yandal Resources Ltd Yandal Resources (ASX:YRL) listed on the ASX in December 2018 and has a portfolio of advanced gold exploration projects in the highly prospective Yandal and Norseman-Wiluna Greenstone Belts of Western Australia. Yandal Resources' Board has a track record of successful discovery, mine development and production. Across America, faith leaders have squeezed in some final messages about the midterm elections during their worship services this weekend. Some passionately took stands on divisive issues such as immigration and abortion; others pleaded for an easing of the political polarization fracturing their communities and their nation. God has no team, Rabbi David Wolpe told the politically diverse congregation at his Los Angeles synagogue, Sinai Temple. The notion that one party or faction is repository of all virtue is fatuous and dangerous, Wolpe added. God is greater than parties. If we catch some of that spirit, perhaps we can begin to heal the deep divisions that beset our nation and our world. Less than 50 miles away, at the Calvary Chapel Chino Hills megachurch, Pastor Jack Hibbs was eager to take sides in what he calls a cultural war. In addition to collecting ballots during Sunday worship, he urged his evangelical congregation to oppose a ballot measure that would enshrine abortion rights in Californias Constitution, calling it the death cult proposition. He told them to be wary of local candidates who back it or receive support from groups like Planned Parenthood. The measure Proposition 1 is a response to the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in June eliminating the longstanding constitutional right to abortion nationwide. While that ruling didnt affect access to abortion in California, Democratic politicians nonetheless sought the extra protection of a constitutional amendment. Hibbs said that whether or not California continues to receive Gods grace hangs on the fate of this measure: We must open our mouth to defend the defenseless. Opposition to abortion also has been an election-season priority for Mike Breininger, pastor of an evangelical church in Richland Center in Wisconsin. Breininger doesnt shy from discussing political issues with his theologically conservative congregation at New House Richland, urging support for candidates who agree the governments responsibility is to protect life and religious freedom. I dont believe that all political candidates are the same some are biblically more righteous than others, said Breininger, who often votes Republican. Clergy didnt confine their election messages to within the church walls. On Saturday, the Rev. Alyn Waller, senior pastor at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, hosted a Black Bikers Vote rally. Motorcyclists gathered outside the church before riding through the city urging residents to vote. We think that categorically, if youre a good citizen, a good faith person, a good Christian, you vote, said Waller. In a left-of-center Catholic parish in Hoboken, New Jersey, the Rev. Alex Santora exhorted his parishioners to be engaged on issues such as immigration, abortion and gun control. As Catholics we should always focus on the common good and what is best for the majority of people, he said in his homily at the Church of Our Lady of Grace & St. Joseph. Living in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, I reject all attempts to demonize migrants and immigrants, who have built up our country, Santora added. We should be magnanimous, not restrictive and unChristian. A few miles from Hoboken, at the Community Church of New York, the Rev. Peggy Clarke, a Unitarian minister, denounced statements by some Republicans, including Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano. As a minister with a degree in peace studies, Clarke has often asked people to reject impulses toward division. But there are many times in life and in history when one side is wrong and the harm being done has to stop, she said. Using propaganda to convince the public that an election was stolen is wrong, she added. Stopping teachers from educating students on uncomfortable truths about race in this country is wrong. In Tuesdays election, democracy itself is on the ballot, she said. Another New York City pastor, the Rev. Jacqui Lewis of Middle Collegiate Church, similarly stressed the urgency of the election, saying matters of life and death are before of us. Jesus was political. The church has always been political, she said. The question is what were the politics of Jesus, and what are ours? Lewis assailed Christian nationalism, saying its adherents posed a threat to LGBTQ people, to people of color, and to womens right to have a safe abortion. They believe a fake Jesus is coming back to Earth to save them, with an assault rifle over one shoulder, his long blond hair held back by a camo head band, his blue eyes lit with hatred for the marginalized, including his own Jewish people, Lewis said. The Rev. Ingrid Rasmussen, pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, also evoked Christian nationalism and partisan divisions in her sermon Sunday. We need the communion of saints to fill in the spaces of our disbelief and doubt to weave a fragmented people together and help us to see Gods new way, she preached. In Texas, prominent megachurch pastor Robert Jeffress embraced confrontation, telling his First Baptist Dallas congregation he favored the imposition of Christian values in America. Without specifying his partisan allegiance, Jeffress urged the audience to go out and vote against the godless values the pro-abortion, pro-transgender values of the godless left. The Rev. Dumas A. Harshaw Jr., pastor of First Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, told his mostly Black congregation there was a crucial need to vote. It is our righteous privilege to engage in the process of creating a better society for us all, he said. A similar message was shared with predominantly African American worshippers at Masjidullah, an Islamic community center in Philadelphia. As Muslims, we are to be positive change agents in the world, the resident imam, Idris Abdul-Zahir, told The Associated Press. Voting for and working with public servants who have that interest in mind is tantamount to faith. Voting is a priority, but so is unity at Allison Park Church in Pittsburgh, said the lead pastor, Jeff Leake, who encouraged his congregation to head to the polls: We have the freedom to be a part of the process and to vote. Can I get an amen from somebody? He advised worshippers to weigh candidates character as well as their abilities when deciding how to vote. No matter what happens on Tuesday, we believe that God is in control, Leake said Dan Trippie, a Southern Baptist pastor at Restoration Church in Buffalo, New York, has been urging his youthful, ethnically diverse congregation to support candidates who might seek middle ground on some important issues. No candidate or policy will ever achieve perfection in this world, he said. We cannot allow our idealized visions of society to prevent us from seeking workable solutions that care for the flourishing of all people. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal Over the next three years, the Albuquerque Police Department will participate in the Department of Justices National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) program in order to develop and implement strategies to lower violent crime, encourage community engagement and better analyze data, among other things. Instead of us, you know, learning absolutely everything as we go and having successes and failures along those lines we looked at the PSP as an opportunity to learn and implement successes that were coming from other cities, said Cmdr. Nicholas Sanders with the Scientific Evidence Division. The national partnership started as a pilot program in 2014 and in earnest in 2017. Longtime law enforcement professionals have led the program in 57 cities, including Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, Tulsa and many more. Albuquerque is one of six cities chosen this year and it doesnt cost the city anything to participate, Sanders said. Were hopeful that not only the things that were doing now will continue to be impactful, but that this will allow us to get ahead of some things we cannot anticipate, he said. Not only continue our pathway but increase the efficiency of our pathway, while also allowing us to develop a long, long, long-term strategic plan for continual success. He said the partnership will offer resources and support to the U.S. Attorneys Office, the District Attorneys Office and other law enforcement partners, along with APD. Making sure that were being comprehensive in the way that we are going forward to try to reduce crime across the board and ensure that those that need to go to jail, do go to jail, but for those that need assistance, those resources have clear pathways to be successful as a partnership with either law enforcement or public services within the city, Sanders said. Chief Harold Medina said the department is pleased to have been among the few cities chosen this year. APD and Mayor (Tim) Keller have made significant investments specifically in technology, investigations, and community engagement , he said in a news release. By having an in-depth assessment of our police department, we can better understand whats working for our investigations, and what additional advancements could be made. FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Wednesday on the most significant challenge to a law that gives preference to Native American families in foster care and adoption proceedings of Native children. The outcome could undercut the 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act, which was enacted in response to the alarming rate at which Native American and Alaska Native children were taken from their homes by public and private agencies. Tribes also fear more widespread impacts in the ability to govern themselves if the justices rule against them. The law requires states to notify tribes and seek placement with the childs extended family, members of the childs tribe or other Native American families. Its long been championed by tribal leaders as a means of preserving their families, traditions and cultures. Three white families, Texas and a small number of other states claim the law is based on race and is unconstitutional under the equal protection clause. They also contend it puts the interests of tribes ahead of children. Lower courts have been split on the case. This is an all-out nuclear war attack on ICWA, said Mary Kathryn Nagle, a Cherokee attorney for the National Indigenous Womens Resource Center who filed a brief in support of the law. We have not seen that before. Thats either ironic or interesting, because the law has been on the books for 44 years, and this is the first time the constitutionality of the law has been challenged. This is unprecedented. More than three-quarters of the 574 federally recognized tribes in the country have asked the high court to uphold the law in full, along with tribal organizations. They fear widespread impacts if the court attempts to dismantle the tribes status as political sovereigns. Nearly two dozen state attorneys general across the political spectrum filed a brief in support of the law. Some of those states have codified the federal law into their own state laws. We disagree on many things, the brief reads. But we all agree that ICWA is a critical and constitutionally valid framework for managing state-tribal relations, protecting the rights of Indian children, and preventing the unwarranted displacement of Indian children from their families and communities. Texas, Louisiana, Indiana and seven individuals have sued over the provisions of the law, though not all are involved in the case before the high court. The lead plaintiffs in the Supreme Court case Chad and Jennifer Brackeen of Fort Worth, Texas said the law doesnt have the best interest of children at heart. Its important for people to understand that this is not just a law, Jennifer Brackeen, an anesthesiologist, said in an interview with The Associated Press. She and her husband, Chad, adopted a Native American child after a prolonged legal fight with the Navajo Nation, one of the two largest Native American tribes, based in the U.S. Southwest. They are trying to adopt the boys half-sister, now 4, who has lived with them since infancy. The Navajo Nation has opposed that adoption. A major problem with the law, Chad Brackeen said, is its lack of flexibility. We feel primary consideration is that all children, regardless of race, should be placed in loving forever homes, Jennifer Brackeen said. A federal district court in Texas initially sided with the group of plaintiffs in 2018 and struck down much of the Indian Child Welfare Act, ruling it was race-based and unconstitutional. But in 2019, a three-judge federal appeals court panel voted 2-1 to reverse the district court and uphold the law. The full court then agreed to hear the case and struck down some of the provisions, including preferences for placing Native children with Native adoptive families and in Native foster homes. It also said Congress overstepped its authority by imposing its will on state officials in adoption matters. But it upheld the determination that the law is based on the political relationship between the tribes and the U.S. government, not race. The high court has twice taken up cases on the Indian Child Welfare Act before, in 1989 and in 2013, that have stirred immense emotion. All of the children who have been involved in the current case at one point are enrolled or could be enrolled as Navajo, Cherokee, White Earth Band of Ojibwe and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. Some of the adoptions have been finalized while some are still being challenged. How those are affected by the Supreme Court case could depend on how the high court rules. Before the Indian Child Welfare Act was enacted, between 25% and 35% of Native American children were being taken from their homes and placed with adoptive families, in foster care or in institutions. Most were placed with white families or in boarding schools in attempts to assimilate them. They would just swoop in and take our kids, said Michelle Beaudin, a council member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe in Wisconsin. And they didnt know their culture, they were just brought into another world. There was no justification for them to come into our communities. Kate Fort, who represents intervening tribes in the case, said Native American children remain disproportionately represented in the system, but the actual figures vary dramatically by state. Its better than when ICWA was passed, but we still have work to do, she said in a recent call with reporters. Beaudin, who was a foster care parent for more than 10 years, adopted her now 22-year-old daughter. She saw great value in ensuring that her daughter stayed connected to both her Ojibwe and Ho-Chunk heritage by passing down traditional skirts and participating in cultural ceremonies. That really helped her be confident in who she is and where she came from, Beaudin said. She had those pieces of her. If you dont know where you came from and who your people are and what your culture is about, you dont have a sense of belonging anywhere. ___ Fonseca covers Indigenous communities on the APs Race and Ethnicity team. Follow Fonseca on Twitter @FonsecaAP. Sherman reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Sophie Austin in Sacramento, California, contributed to this report. Austin is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Austin on Twitter @sophieadanna. ___ This story has been corrected to show the attorneys surname is Fort, not Ford. Kremlin-connected entrepreneur Yevgeny Prigozhin admitted Monday that he had interfered in U.S. elections and would continue to do so confirming for the first time the accusations that he has rejected for years. Gentlemen, we have interfered, are interfering and will interfere. Carefully, precisely, surgically and in our own way, as we know how to do, Prigozhin boasted in remarks posted on social media. The statement, from the press service of his catering company that earned him the nickname Putins chef, came on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections. It was the second major admission in recent months by the 61-year-old businessman, who has ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Prigozhin has previously sought to keep his activities under the radar and now appears increasingly interested in gaining political clout although his goal in doing so was not immediately clear. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday that Prigozhins comments do not tell us anything new or surprising. Its well known and well documented in the public domain that entities associated with Yevgeny Prigozhin have sought to influence elections around the world, including the United States. The U.S. has worked to expose and counter Russias malign influence efforts as we discover them, she said, noting that Yevgeny has been sanctioned by the United States, the U.K. and the European Union. Part of Russias efforts includes promoting narratives aimed at undermining democracy and sowing division and discord. Its not surprising that Russia would be highlighting their attempted efforts and fabricating a story about their successes on the eve of an election, she added. In September, Prigozhin also publicly stated that he was behind the Wagner Group mercenary force something he also had previously denied and talked openly about its involvement in Russias 8-month-old war in Ukraine. The military contractor also has sent its forces to places like Syria and sub-Saharan Africa. Video also has emerged recently of a man resembling Prigozhin visiting Russian penal colonies to recruit prisoners to fight in Ukraine. In 2018, Prigozhin and a dozen other Russian nationals and three Russian companies were charged in the U.S. with operating a covert social media campaign aimed at fomenting discord and dividing American public opinion ahead of the 2016 presidential election won by Republican Donald Trump. They were indicted as part of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian election interference. The Justice Department in 2020 moved to dismiss charges against two of the indicted firms, Concord Management and Consulting LLC and Concord Catering, saying they had concluded that a trial against a corporate defendant with no presence in the U.S. and no prospect of meaningful punishment even if convicted would likely expose sensitive law enforcement tools and techniques. In July, the State Department offered a reward of up to $10 million for information about Russian interference in U.S. elections, including on Prigozhin and the Internet Research Agency, the troll farm in St. Petersburg that his companies were accused of funding. Prigozhin also has been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for election interference. Until now, Prigozhin had denied Russian involvement in election interference. Russian media, prisoners rights groups and relatives of prisoners this year reported an extensive effort by Wagner and sometimes Prigozhin personally to recruit convicts to fight in Ukraine. Prigozhin hasnt directly confirmed it, but said in one statement that either (the Wagner private military company) and convicts, or your children will be fighting on the front lines. Last week, Wagner opened a business center in St. Petersburg, which Prigozhin has described as a platform for increasing the defense capabilities of Russia. On Sunday, he also announced through Concord the creation of training centers for militias in Russias Belgorod and Kursk regions that border Ukraine. A local resident, like no one else, knows his territories, is able to fight against sabotage and reconnaissance groups and take the first blow if necessary, he said. A one-time hot dog stand owner, Prigozhin opened a swanky restaurant in St. Petersburg that drew interest from Putin. During his first term in office, Putin took then-French President Jacques Chirac to dine at one of Prigozhins restaurants. Vladimir Putin saw how I built a business out of a kiosk, he saw that I dont mind serving to the esteemed guests because they were my guests, Prigozhin recalled in an interview published in 2011. His businesses expanded significantly. In 2010, Putin attended the opening of Prigozhins factory making school lunches that was built on generous loans by a state bank. In Moscow alone, his company Concord won millions of dollars in contracts to provide meals at public schools. Prigozhin has also organized catering for Kremlin events for several years and has provided catering and utility services to the Russian military. When fighting broke out in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed separatists and Kyivs forces in 2014, Prigozhin said through his spokespeople that he was seeking to put together a group (of fighters) that would go (there) and defend the Russians. Russian laws prohibit the operation of private military contractors, but state media in recent months have openly reported on Wagners involvement in Ukraine. Associated Press writer Chris Megerian in Washington contributed. ___ Follow the APs coverage of the 2022 U.S. midterm elections at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections. Three teens were killed in a crash Friday in Chaparral, according to a New Mexico State Police news release. A 16-year-old male who was driving a Toyota Corolla and two of his passengers a 15-year-old female and an 18-year-old male were pronounced dead at the scene, the release states. According to the release, For reasons unknown, the Toyota failed to stop at a posted stop sign and struck a 2019 Dodge Ram truck traveling south on Angelina Boulevard. The driver of the truck, a 41-year-old male, and his two passengers, a 51-year-old female and an 18-year-old male, were transported to a hospital in El Paso with non-life-threatening injuries. For the privacy of the family, the name of the driver and passengers will not be released by the New Mexico State Police, the release says. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal The son of a man charged in three fatal shootings of Muslim men in Albuquerque has reached a plea deal in a federal charge that he provided false information when he purchased a firearm in 2021. Shaheen Syed, 21, has agreed to plead guilty in exchange for a sentence equal to the time he previously served in federal custody in the case, according to a motion filed in U.S. District Court of New Mexico. Syeds plea agreement also would require him to serve three years of supervised release, according to the motion filed by Syeds attorney, John Anderson. Anderson asked a judge to set a hearing to consider the plea agreement. No hearing date has been scheduled. Anderson declined to comment on the plea deal when reached by phone on Monday. Syed was arrested Aug. 9 as part of a sprawling investigation into the killings of four Muslim men that stoked panic in the citys Muslim community and garnered national media attention. Syeds father, Muhammad Atif Syed, 51, also was arrested Aug. 9 on two open counts of murder in the shooting deaths of Aftab Hussein, 41, on July 26, and Muhammad Afzaal Hussain, 27, on Aug. 1. A grand jury indicted Muhammad Syed on Aug. 19 on three counts of first-degree murder, adding the Aug. 5 shooting death of Naeem Hussain, 25, to the two earlier killings. He remained in custody Monday at the Metropolitan Detention Center. Police and prosecutors say they are investigating Muhammad Syed as a suspect in a fourth killing that of Muhammad Ahmadi, 62, who was found shot to death behind an Albuquerque market he owned with his brother. As of Monday, Muhammad Syed had not been charged in Ahmadis killing. Muhammad Syed was arrested while driving a Jetta east on Interstate 40 toward Texas. Albuquerque police said they found the 7.62 mm rifle used to kill Aftab Hussein and Muhammad Afzaal Hussain during a search of Syeds home. Police also allege that ballistics tests of bullet casings found at the scene of Naeem Hussains shooting link Muhammad Syed to that killing. Shaheen Syed has not been charged in any of those killings. In his plea agreement, Shaheen Syed admitted that he entered Omni Arms, an Albuquerque firearms dealer, on June 9, 2021, and purchased two military-style assault rifles a Del-Ton DTI-15 5.56 mm rifle, and a Romarm Cugir WASR 10 7.6239 caliber rifle. He also admitted that he listed an address in Hallendale Beach, Florida, on the firearms transaction record although he was not living at the address at the time, according to the plea agreement. Chief U.S. District Judge William P. Johnson ordered Shaheen Syed released from custody on Oct. 7 on conditions that included his placement in a halfway house in Albuquerque, court records show. Johnsons order reversed an earlier decision in August by U.S. Magistrate Judge John Robbenhaar, who ordered Shaheen Syed held in federal custody while awaiting trial on the firearms charge. At Shaheen Syeds detention hearing in August, two federal agents testified that Shaheen had worked with his father to acquire military style weapons and possibly helped coordinate the Aug. 5 shooting. The father and son together went to an Albuquerque gun store July 15 to pick up two AK-type weapons, Brenton Hutson, an Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms special agent, testified at that hearing. Both weapons later were found by law enforcement officers in the Syed home. One of those weapons a Zastava 7.62X39 rifle was found under Muhammad Syeds bed, prosecutors said at the hearing. That rifle was shown by firearms testing to be the weapon used in the July 26 killing of Aftab Hussein, and the Aug. 1 killing of Muhammad Afzaal Hussain, prosecutors allege. Shaheen Syed also accompanied his father to an Albuquerque custom gunsmithing shop where an optical scope was attached to a WASR-10 rifle, Hutson testified. Security video showed that Shaheen Syed carried the rifle into the shop, he said. The scope work was performed on Aug. 1, about six hours before the shooting death of Muhammad Afzaal Hussain, prosecutors allege. Federal prosecutors have also said cellphone data suggests cooperation between Shaheen Syed and his father on Aug. 5 the day Naeem Hussain was fatally shot following a memorial service at the Islamic Center of New Mexico for two of the homicide victims. Authorities say Muhammad Syed followed Hussain in his Volkswagen Jetta from the Islamic Center of New Mexico on Yale SE to the Lutheran Family Services in the 200 block of Truman NE where Hussain later was fatally shot in the head and arm. FBI special agent Sean MacManus testified in August that at 3:39 p.m. Aug. 5, Shaheen Syed was in the vicinity of the Islamic Center of New Mexico when his cellphone connected to his fathers phone. Hussain left the Islamic Center at 3:41 p.m., MacManus said. The father and son subsequently had a series of cellphone conversations, each lasting up to 21 seconds, he testified. WASHINGTON House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday the brutal attack on her husband will impact her decision on whether to remain in Congress after the midterm election, as she called on Republicans to stop the misinformation that is fueling political violence and urged Americans to vote to defend our democracy. In a wide-ranging CNN interview, the Democratic leader did not disclose her future plans if the party loses the House majority, as many believe Pelosi and others will step down. Known for her stiff resolve, Pelosis voice cracked with emotion and she acknowledged she was close to tears as she described the trauma of the attack on her 82-year-old husband and the sadness she felt for the country. Im sad because of my husband, but Im also sad for our country, Pelosi said. I just want people to vote and we will respect the outcome of the election, and I would hope that the other side would do that as well, she said. Pelosi was speaking for the first time publicly on the eve of elections as the Democrats are struggling against a surge of Republican enthusiasm to keep control of Congress at a time of rising threats of violence against lawmakers and concerns over the U.S. election. Asked whether she had made a decision on whether or not to remain in Congress, Pelosi who rarely publicly discussed her future would only disclose that the attack on her husband had impacted her thinking. I have to say my decision will be affected about what happened in the last week or two, Pelosi said on CNN. Top Republican leaders including allies of Donald Trump and even new Twitter-owner Elon Musk have mocked and downplayed the attack, despite the gravity of the assault on her husband. There has to be some message to the Republicans to stop to stop the disinformation, she said. We want the country to heal. Pelosis husband, Paul, was bludgeoned 11 days before the election by an intruder authorities said broke into the familys San Francisco and was looking for the speaker before striking him in the head with a hammer at least once. The intruder told police he wanted to talk to Speaker Pelosi and would break her kneecaps as a lesson to other Democrats. Paul Pelosi suffered a fractured skull and other injuries in what authorities said was an intentional political attack. For me this is the hard part because Paul was not the target, and hes the one paying the price, Pelosi said. Pelosi said the hammer hit her husband in two places, but did not pierce his brain. Pelosi said his recovery was on a good path but she acknowledged its a long haul. Long a target of Republican attacks, Pelosi said the assault on her husband of nearly 60 years, with its echoes of the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the Capitol, was fueled by misinformation that has no place in our democracy. Pelosi said she was sleeping at her apartment in Washington, having just returned from San Francisco, when there was a bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, on her door. It was about 5 a.m. on the morning of Oct. 28. I was very scared, Pelosi told CNN in an interview. Im thinking my children, my grandchildren. I never thought it would be Paul. We didnt even know where he was or what his condition was, Pelosi said, in excerpts of the interview. We just knew there was an assault on him in our home. David DePape, 42, is being held without bail in San Francisco after entering a not guilty plea to attempted murder and other charges in San Francisco. He also faces federal charges of attempted kidnapping of an elected official. The fringe activist who followed conspiracy theories broke into the Pelosi home, woke up Paul Pelosi and demanded to talk to Nancy, authorities said. When Paul Pelosi told the intruder his wife was out of town, DePape said he would wait. After Paul Pelosi called 911, officers arrived to see the two men struggling over a hammer before DePape struck Paul Pelosi at least once in the head with the hammer. DePape later told police he wanted to kidnap the speaker and threatened to injure her to show other members of Congress there were consequences to actions. The authorities stark narrative laid out in court filings in the case comes in contrast to the jokes and innuendo that conservatives and some Republican officials have spread about the Pelosis in the aftermath of the attack. Pelosi has said little since the attack on her husband, cutting short her campaign appearances but spoke in a virtual call to grassroots activists late last week after Paul Pelosi was released from the hospital. People say to me, What can I do to make you feel better? I say: Vote!' Pelosi told those on the call. Her voice cracked at times as she said of her husbands recovery, Its going to be a long haul. Shanghai CIIE connects Chinese Dream with the world's Xinhua) 08:22, November 07, 2022 This photo taken on Nov. 5, 2022 shows the Intelligent Industry and Information Technology exhibition area of the fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang) BEIJING, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Inside an exhibit booth of about 20 square meters, people stopped at handmade Afghan carpets and rugs, admiring the unique design, softness and natural dyes that had made the crafts among the finest in the world for centuries. "One large carpet usually takes a family six to nine months to weave and these beautiful and durable carpets show the heritage of craftsmanship passed down through generations of families in Afghanistan," said Ali Faiz, a 28-year-old merchant who participated in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) for the third time. Carpets used to be among Afghanistan's most important trade and export goods. But the industry is declining due to decades of conflicts and Western sanctions. When Faiz brought the carpets to the Chinese market, he also took with him the hope of people in the war-torn country. Since it was launched in 2018, the CIIE has been carrying the hopes of people, both in China and the other countries, to advance shared prosperity and progress through international trade and business cooperation. And this global fair has turned Faiz's dream for a better life into reality. A MARKET FOR THE WORLD Through the CIIE, Faiz has received orders for over 2,000 carpets, which he said have brought a year's worth of income to more than 2,000 Afghan families. Thirty-eight-year-old Boston Barati's family is one of them. Growing up in a slum on the outskirts of the Afghan capital Kabul, Barati learned carpet weaving when he was a child and never thought he could own a workshop before his carpets were sold to China. Walking through a courtyard in Kabul packed with wool threads, several weavers were busy knotting yarn around the warp which made the base of a carpet before they used dyed yarn as a pile to create the carpet's design. Barati was sitting next to them, drawing carpet patterns with a computer. "My life was changed after I started exporting the products to China," Barati said. "I built this house and bought a new car thanks to our successful business in China." Faiz and Barati were not the only ones to seize the moment for a changed future. Since the debut of the CIIE, China has been encouraging and assisting companies from the least developed countries to join the expo to seize opportunities presented by China's development. At the ongoing exhibition, from Afghan handicrafts to Rwandan coffee, from the cutting-edge medical instruments designed in Silicon Valley to giant mining equipment in Brazil, enterprises across the globe are exploring the opportunities in China, the second largest economy in the world, to grow their international businesses. The CIIE has become a showcase of China's new development paradigm, a platform for high-standard opening-up, and a public good for the whole world, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Friday when addressing the opening ceremony of the fifth CIIE via video. "The most important thing about the Chinese economy is that it's predictable," said Khairy Tourk, a professor of economics at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. "It is enjoying a steady and positive growth, a stable currency, and a financially strong foundation. That's why China is a very attractive country to invest in." Visitors experience rowing machines at the Consumer Goods exhibition area of the fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong) A MARKET SHARED BY ALL Since its first edition, the CIIE has demonstrated China's commitment to high-level opening-up and widening market access to the rest of the world, contributing to global growth with the country's high-quality development. "The CIIE is bringing the best of innovation from the world to China, but also showcasing the best of innovation of China to the world," said Fabrice Megarbane, L'Oreal North Asia Zone president and chief executive officer of L'Oreal China. Five years on, China has been forging ahead towards shared growth with all partners having the same vision. Eyeing China's huge and more open market, comprehensive industrial system, and ever-improving business environment, many foreign-funded businesses are doubling down on their investments in the country. Conducting business in China for 65 years, ZEISS, the world's leading enterprise of optical and optoelectronics technology, has a strong and firm mission for the future in China, the company's largest single market. Last month it launched a 25-million-U.S.-dollar project in Suzhou city, a manufacturing hub in southeastern China, aiming to provide localized research and development and manufacturing services for all business segments of ZEISS. The company said the new project would empower it to offer better solutions and innovations to its global market. The global crisis, trade problems and the COVID-19 pandemic haven't softened the company's business in China, said Maximilian Foerst, president and CEO of ZEISS Greater China. The Chinese market is "becoming larger and larger every single year, which means that (the market in) China is growing faster than the rest of ZEISS," Foerst added. Many transnational corporations share similar views on the prospects of China's development. According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, foreign direct investment in the Chinese mainland, in actual use, expanded 18.9 percent year on year to 155.3 billion dollars in the first three quarters of 2022. By amplifying the interplay between domestic and international markets and resources, China will work with all countries and parties to share the opportunities in its vast market on its journey toward realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. "We will step up efforts to cultivate a robust domestic market, upgrade trade in goods, develop new mechanisms for trade in services, and import more quality products," Xi said. Cyclists take photos by the Suzhou Creek in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 4, 2022. The fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) is held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10. (Photo by Fan Yeqin/Xinhua) A MARKET ACCESSIBLE TO ALL For ZEISS, the rapidly growing industry of new energy vehicles in China has become the company's new source of growth in the future. It has been building up teams to focus on x-ray technologies for new energy vehicles, particularly batteries. "Why are we doing it in China? Because I'm pretty sure China is the largest single market of new energy vehicles," Foerst said, adding that "the products we develop here will go into the factories the Chinese companies are building up in Europe, the U.S., and the rest of the world." For years, China has been striving to create a more favorable environment and easier access for foreign companies to tap the potential of the Chinese market. As a result, more transnational companies such as Volkswagen have decided to expand their business in China. This year, a total of 145 nations, regions and international organizations, and enterprises from 127 nations and regions will participate in the week-long CIIE that kicked off on Saturday. "I think there are no other ones in the world which are able to bring so many industries, so many country representatives and have this dialogue that allows us really to look at opportunities," Megarbane said. After 25 years of development, L'Oreal has made China its second biggest market in the world. "We still see a lot of potential and opportunities," Megarbane added. "That's the sense of our investment." Among the participants at the CIIE, Japanese companies are expecting to increase their exports to China as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership that took effect on Jan. 1 has substantially reduced taxes. Meanwhile, the world's largest free trade agreement also encouraged more companies from Singapore, New Zealand and other regional countries to explore the Chinese market. And close connectivity, such as the China-Laos railway, has put trade on a fast track. In September, the first freight train carrying containers from Kashgar city in China's Xinjiang arrived in the border town of Hairatan in Afghanistan. "It is a milestone and a positive step towards boosting trade and economic relations between Afghanistan and the neighboring countries," said the local governor, Qudratullah Abu Hamza. "Opening up is going to benefit China a lot, and it is also important in terms of South-South cooperation, where African countries, Latin American countries and Southeast Asian countries can have more access to China," said Costantinos Bt. Costantinos, a professor of public policy at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia. After the operation of the freight train service, Faiz would not have to ship his carpets all the way to Shanghai via Istanbul in the future. Moreover, his dream and the dreams of the people in Afghanistan will be more closely connected with the aspirations of the Chinese people. As Xi has said, "the Chinese Dream is after all a dream of the people." It can be fulfilled only when it is linked with the people's yearning for a better life. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) Flash Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday exchanged congratulatory messages with President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties five decades ago, China-Madagascar relations have been developing in a sound and steady way, no matter how the international landscape evolves, Xi said in his message. In recent years, he said, the two countries have set up a comprehensive cooperative partnership, with increasing political mutual trust and fruitful exchanges and cooperation in various fields. Xi said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Madagascar relations, and that he is willing to work with Rajoelina to take the anniversary as an opportunity to continuously promote the friendly cooperation between the two countries, so as to benefit both countries and their people. Rajoelina said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago, Madagascar and China have deepened friendly cooperation in various fields, which has yielded fruitful results. Noting that the comprehensive cooperative partnership is marked by sincerity, friendship, mutual respect, mutual trust and support, Rajoelina said Madagascar is willing to work with China to build an even closer community with a shared future. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal On the night of Oct. 27 Carlos Gustavo Arzate Enriquez sent a message to an acquaintance saying he was stranded in the Pajarito Mesa and needed gasoline. The acquaintance, thinking he was doing a good deed, got in his car and brought a water jug full of gasoline to the 23-year-old standing next to a Jeep on the top of a hill near James Cook and Pajarito SW. Then, as he turned around to drive away, the Jeep burst into flames. Enriquez jumped in his car, carrying two backpacks, and told him to go, go, go, just go. Inside the burning Jeep was 30-year-old Samir Rodriquez, and he had been shot nine times through his face and chest. These are some of the details included in an arrest warrant affidavit for Enriquez. He is charged with murder, armed robbery, arson, criminal damage to property and tampering with evidence and has been booked into jail. According to the affidavit, Enriquez told his acquaintance who is referred to only as a concerned citizen that he owed Rodriguez money and Rodriguez was going to kill him. When the concerned citizen dropped Enriquez off on the West Side, a white Jeep Cherokee was waiting to drive him away. Shortly after the Jeep caught fire Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office deputies were called out to investigate. And about an hour and a half after that, Enriquezs acquaintance called detectives to tell them what had happened, according to the affidavit. He said he met Enriquez at Sandia Casino and the two were playing Baccarat near the high limit area of the casino the day before. Two days later, Sandia police officers arrested Enriquez on an immigration arrest warrant. He is being held in Cibola County. Its unclear who his attorney will be. When detectives searched the house Enriquez and his wife shared they found a 9 mm handgun covered in dried blood and Rodriguezs wallet, according to the affidavit. They also found security camera footage of Enriquez arriving home in the white Jeep Cherokee about a half hour after BCSO deputies had been sent to the crime scene. Detectives searched the vehicle and found what appeared to be blood on the seat, near the head rest, on the door arm rest and on the plastic part of the door jamb. A Texas man described as a video editor for the conspiracy theory-promoting Infowars website pleaded guilty on Monday to storming the U.S. Capitol, where he captured footage of the scene where a police officer fatally shot a California woman who joined the mobs attack. Samuel Christopher Montoya faces a maximum sentence of six months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor count of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. U.S. District Judge John Bates is scheduled to sentence Montoya on Feb. 14, 2023. Less than a week after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack, the FBI received a tip from a relative of Motoya who claimed to have proof that he was inside the Capitol near the fatal shooting of Ashli Babbitt. A police officer shot and killed Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran from San Diego, as she climbed through a broken door leading into the House Speakers lobby. Identifying himself as Sam with Infowars.com, Montoya shot and narrated a 44-minute video that showed him going from the Capitol grounds into the building, the FBI said. Montoya, 37, described himself as a reporter or journalist on the video, but he was wearing a red Make America Great Again hat and made statements celebrating the mobs attack. We take our house back! We take the peoples house back! he said, according to an FBI agents affidavit. Montoya was credited as a video editor at Infowarsstore.com when he appeared on an Infowars show hosted by Owen Shroyer two days after the riot, the affidavit says. The show broadcast the riot video taken by Motoya, who described to Shroyer what he saw and heard at the scene of Babbitts shooting. The officer who shot Babbitt was cleared of wrongdoing by both federal prosecutors and Capitol police. Montoya was arrested in Austin, Texas, in April 2021. Shroyer also was arrested on Capitol riot-related charges. Shroyer has claimed he was acting as a journalist on Jan. 6 and has asked a judge to throw out his riot charges. Prosecutors countered that the First Amendment doesnt protect Shroyers conduct at the Capitol that day. Nearly a year ago, the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack issued subpoenas for documents and testimony from Infowars founder Alex Jones. Jones promoted former President Donald Trumps baseless claims of election fraud and urged his viewers to join him in Washington, D.C., for the Stop the Steal rally on Jan. 6. Jones isnt accused of entering the Capitol with the mob. In October, a Connecticut jury ordered Jones and his company, Free Speech System, to pay nearly $1 billion in damages to compensate families of children and educators killed in the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The families said Jones broadcast lies about the school shooting that subjected them to harassment and threats. Flash The 27th session of the Conference of Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change kicked off on Sunday in Egypt's coastal city of Sharm El-Sheikh, introducing for the first time the loss and damage funding into the agenda. Sameh Shoukry, the Egyptian foreign minister and president of COP27, said during the opening press conference that he is pleased to see the Parties agreed to introduce loss and damage funding as an agenda item, adding that the world needs a "qualitative leap to confront climate change's challenges." The term "loss and damage" in UN climate negotiations refers to expenses already incurred as a result of climate change impacts, such as rising sea levels or extreme heat waves. While current climate funding focuses on cutting carbon emissions to prevent climate change in the future, establishing a "loss and damage" fund means compensating countries that can't avoid or "adapt" to the changes that have already happened. The Egyptian diplomat also noted that numerous burdens and crises are brought on by the current global geopolitical environment, adding those need to be handled so that they will not affect progress in achieving commitments related to combating climate change. Shoukry said that the countries of the African continent are among the countries that suffer from problems and issues of climate change. "The countries of the African continent have shown their willingness to confront climate change, but they need support," Shoukry said. Shoukry presided over a meeting earlier in the day to finalize the COP27 agenda, which included numerous items that aim to adapt to the effects of climate change, mitigate its negative repercussions, and ways to provide climate finance. During the meeting, Shoukry stressed the need to confront the negative effects of climate change during the two-week conference, where over 40,000 participants from over 190 countries and dozens of international and regional organizations will try to work together and seek possible solutions to one of the biggest challenges the world is facing. Meanwhile, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said that COP27 comes at a very sensitive time in which the world is exposed to "existential dangers." "There is no doubt that these dangers and challenges require quick action by all countries to lay down a rescue roadmap that protects the world from the effects of climate change," Sisi said in an official statement on his Facebook page. The Egyptian president added that his country is looking forward that the climate conference could turn promises into implementation. Meanwhile, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly inaugurated the Green Zone, which will witness many events and activities on the sidelines of COP27. Madbouly explained that the area allocated to the Green Zone is much larger than any previous climate summits, pointing out that this reflects an important message from Egypt. "Egypt represents the continent of Africa in this summit, which will witness for the first time the allocation of 'Africa Day.' The event will discuss ideas of African youths and all the entities that represent the black continent," Madbouly said during the opening of the zone. He stressed that while the African continent is one of the regions most affected by the negative consequences of climate change, African countries have only emitted 4 percent of the world's greenhouse gases. Therefore, he said, organizing the conference in Africa is a real opportunity to send clear messages to the whole world that Africa needs great support in order to deal with climate change. Fastest Growing National Hindi News Channel, Bharat24 has appointed senior anchor Shazia Nisar to host its daily evening 5 PM debate show, Public Hai Sab Janti Hai. In addition to her prime-time show, Shazia will also be covering the upcoming assembly elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh for Bharat24s Mega Election Show, Mukhyamantri Prior to joining Bharat24, Shazia was associated with RBharat as a prime-time anchor for past 4 years. The very popular anchor is also known for her recent ground reporting of the Russia-Ukraine war, her political reporting of the 2019 General Elections, Assembly Elections in Uttar Pradesh and Bengal and her holistic reporting of the Farmers Agitation in New Delhi. Shazia is known for her unique style of news presentation and zealous reporting. The experienced anchor has also worked with TV9 Bharatvarsh, India News and Zee Media As we move towards self-reliance, it is imperative for schools to develop an ecosystem that instills resilience, encourages innovation, promotes sustainability and equips our students to be ready to face the disruptive future. While the pandemic has already accelerated transformational change at the institutional level, it is important for other stakeholders including the government, industry, and society to work towards making systemic changes and build a robust, resilient, student-centric and futuristic school education system. Through this conference, FICCI ARISE aims to bring forth solutions whereby K-12 sector can work along with the government to make a definitive difference and complement our nations priorities to facilitate a mindset needed to drive future-oriented teaching and learning. The conference will witness participation of more than 500 delegates including state and central government officials, regulators, prominent educators, think tanks, consulting firms and institutions from across India. On the side-lines of the conference, FICCI ARISE has also organised focused Master Classes on School Improvement Framework and School Safety and Child Protection. The conference also features world-class keynote speakers: proven experts with contributions that will take you on a journey far beyond conference theme, bringing new perspectives and new impulses for innovation. Additionally, this edition has an exciting opportunity to visit top of the line schools in Delhi/NCR region and gain exposure to successful pedagogical tools and practices & innovative learning spaces. For more details write to us at ficciarise@ficci.com Galaxy Racer, one of the biggest transmedia gaming organizations in the world, has joined hands with Asia's premiere EDM festival Sunburn to create an unique blend of music and esports for gamers from across the country as the premier Music Carnival comes on board as the official venue partner of the Valorant India Invitational which will kick start in Hyderabad from November 18-20, 2022. This is the first-ever international Valorant tournament that is taking place in the whole of South Asia and India in which the biggest names from the Valorant world such as Paper Rex, Team Secret, RRQ, etc. as well as some of the top Indian stars will be competing under one roof. "Music and gaming are two core components that have an immense influence on GenZ and since merging them has yielded huge success globally, we wanted to en-cash the untapped opportunity in India. Having Sunburn as the official venue partner fortifies Valorant India Invitational and it further proliferates the impact that this tournament can have on Indian gamers. This partnership fulfils our aim of blending premiere Esports events with music festivals as the goals and vision of both companies align perfectly in dishing out an experience alongside competitive gaming. Fans will have multiple options of either attending just the finals or a combined experience of both the finals and the music festival. We are looking forward to this remarkable blend and hope gamers and music aficionados can equally enjoy the experiences," said Siddharth Ravishankar, Chief Gaming Officer, Galaxy Racer Sunburn is one of the largest music festivals in the world and this association with Galaxy Racer is their very first venture in the Esports industry. This first-of-its-kind partnership will help esports profoundly as it gets influenced by the evolving narrative of pop culture alongside competitive gaming. An exclusive music video of the tournament will be revealed as the tournament will culminate with well-known DJ Snake curating some breathtaking music on the night of the Sunburn. Collaborating with Galaxy Racer gives us an opportunity to enter the Gaming industry, which is on the rise in India. Music is a part of gaming & esports and this is just the right synergy for us. We are always on the lookout for unique distribution and this is one of them to engage our fans with this unique blend. said Karan Singh, CEO, Spacebound The LAN Finals will be a three-day affair with the Grand Finals scheduled to take place on November 20 at the GMR Arena in Hyderabad where thousands of fans will witness the nail-biting competition between the finalists who battle for a whopping sum of USD 100,000. According to the 2021 Deloittes Digital Media Trends Fall Pulse Survey, 42% of GenZ gamers listened to music other than gaming ones while playing whereas 22% of the sample size shared music recommendations while gaming with other online gamers and 11% had shown the trend of attending live music concerts inside a gaming world venue. These statistics are a testament to the significant connection that gaming and music have, making Galaxy Racers vision of blending the adrenaline rush of an Esports LAN event with the exhilarating and exciting experience of music and setting a strong blueprint for initiating a new chapter in the history of gaming and hosting tournaments in the country. Indias multi-lingual microblogging platform, Koo App, clocked 50 million downloads with a large increase in users, time spent and engagement since January this year. With a high adoption rate in terms of installs and average time spent in the past couple of months, the platform continues to drive digital inclusion among the native language speaking citizens of India. Celebrating the milestone, Aprameya Radhakrishna, CEO & Co- founder, Koo App said, We're very excited to be crossing the 50 million download mark. This validates the demand for a multi-lingual social network built with an India-first product mindset of seamlessly including language speaking Indians in daily thoughts sharing. Our rapid growth and adoption is a testimony to the fact that we are solving a problem faced by a billion Indians. Currently, Koo is available in 10 languages including Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Assamese, Bengali and English. There are more than 7500 eminent voices, millions of students, teachers, entrepreneurs, poets, leaders, writers, artists, actors, etc. actively posting in their native language to celebrate festivals, culture, and rich heritage on Koo App. Aprameya added, There is huge potential for further growth. There are about 80 crore Internet users in the country, majority of whom wish to express themselves in their native language. Their sharing of thoughts is restricted to closed groups and known people and are unable to express freely in the open Internet and be discovered. We are proud of our mission of being inclusive and enabling freedom of expression for 90% of native language-speaking Indians. As we move ahead, we will continue to invest in our technology and continue to build the platform with a user-first mindset to further drive digital independence for native language speaking users in India and across the world. Being an inclusive platform that is built around a language-first approach, Koos mission is to connect like-minded users in the language of their choice. Features like MLK (Multi-Language Kooing), language keyboard, topics in 10 languages, language translations, edit functionality, and free self verification, makes the platform unique and provides its users the freedom to engage in meaningful conversations. In the near future, the platform aims to further announce product features as part of its continuous effort to enhance the user experience. Sakshar Media, the Delhi-based Public Relations Agency, bagged the PR mandate for Auretics Limited, Indias largest online retail platform. The agency bagged the account in a multi-agency pitch and will be responsible for increasing the brand awareness and media visibility for Auretics as a part of its partnership. Headquartered in Delhi with principal offices PAN India, Sakshar Media handles an impressive portfolio of brands across industries such as health, education, hospitality, technology and more. On the back of its contributions to the Indian PR fraternity, the company has won several awards and accolades including those from PR 40 under 40 Awards, IBR Award etc. The agency has also established a strong foothold in the Indian market with key brand mandates such as Alniche Lifesciences, The Biryani House, India Book of Records, Trycon Technologies, EuroSafety Group among others. Commenting on the tie-up Arjun Gupta, CEO - Auretics ltd. said, While Auretics Limited, Indias largest online retail platform, our aim is to further establish the Auretics brand in India. We believe Sakshar Media's diverse experience in PR and deep understanding of the retail industry makes them a perfect partner to drive our communications with. We're excited to onboard them as a core partner and work closely with them to build our brand." Commenting on the win Puneet Kumar Kanojia, Founder Director - Sakshar Media said, "We are incredibly excited for the opportunity to collaboratively work with a credible, trusted and largest online retail platform. We aim to execute creative, impactful, disruptive and seamlessly driven PR campaigns that would bring maximum ROI for the brand in India. We hope to redefine the landscape for the brand with our initiatives and help Auretics accomplish their desired outputs. Executives are forced to make tough choices that threaten recent progress around skills development, employee wellbeing, and flexibility LinkedIn research finds that these decisions arent made lightly with 57% of UAE-based companies holding back on making benefit cuts to maintain productivity Leaders say keeping employees motivated and engaged is among their top workforce priorities over the next six months Dubai, UAE: As the world emerges from the Great Reshuffle and enters an era of economic uncertainty, employee flexibility and benefits introduced during the pandemic are now at risk. New C-level research from LinkedIn, the worlds largest professional network, finds that the current global climate is slowing down progress in important areas of working life such as skills development (93%), employee wellbeing (89%), and flexible work (76%) across UAE businesses. The LinkedIn study, surveying 2,900+ C-level executives from large companies across the world, shows that leaders are still grappling with flexible working measures. In the UAE, while 77% of executives believe that flexible work conditions will remain for the next five years at least, over three-quarters of them express concern that the prevailing economic uncertainty could push back the progress on flexibility thats been made as leaders look to bring back employees to the office. This sentiment has already gained ground, with 44% of executives saying they plan on reducing remote and flexible working roles. There are also plans to reduce investments in financial support and professional development programs for employees (29%), as management prioritizes financial preparedness over the next six months to weather economic uncertainty and save costs (51%). This has resulted in a disconnect between company policies and employee preferences, and the difficult decisions that executives have been forced to make are taking a toll with 35% admitting to feelings of guilt over these decisions, and some going as far as experiencing imposter syndrome (36%) as their most valuable assets, their people, take a hit. Employee commitment is crucial to getting through tough times These decisions arent made lightly with 57% of those who do not plan to cut costs saying they are holding back on making cuts to maintain workforce morale and productivity. In anticipation of challenging times globally, leaders say keeping employees motivated and engaged is among their top workforce priorities over the next six months. As a short-term remedy, some employers have sought to alleviate financial pressures on their employees by granting incentives through subsidized commuting costs (46%), or by offering direct financial wellbeing assistance (38%) to address the rising living costs. Additionally, UAE executives say that they will prioritize workplace mobility such as giving employees opportunities to move into different roles within the organization (41%) - as opposed to a global average of 34%. Employees who make an internal move are more likely to stay at their organization longer than those who stay in the same role. Leading for the times As companies navigate uncertainty, one area of agreement is clear - communication is critical. Its the top soft skill leaders identified as necessary to get through this time, followed by creative thinking, problem-solving, and empathy. In fact, the soft skills of problem-solving, communication, and strategy were featured in 78% of jobs posted globally on LinkedIn over the last three months. 60% of UAE business leaders believe a democratic management style to be key to increasing the motivation level of employees; a rather progressive approach compared to other key markets around the world. Thus, rather than making decisions at the top level before cascading them down to employees, leaders need to build bridges with their employees and include them in their decision-making journey. Ali Matar, Head of LinkedIn MENA and Venture Markets, said: As we have seen in the last couple of years, flexible working and learning and development have become important elements in ensuring business resilience. These policies are essential to building diverse and robust teams that can adapt to a fast-changing world. He added: While difficult decisions undoubtedly have to be made - its important to remember that people are a companys most valuable asset, and protecting their wellbeing is vital to getting through this time. Employers that invest in their people during these times will be the ones that come out stronger. More than half of the surveyed c-suite leaders believe it is currently more difficult to adopt a long-term approach to their workforce planning, however they identified key areas that they plan to implement to increase resilience in their workforce: Gradually introduce more opportunities for employees to develop their skills (51%), open up communication channels for improvement (46%) and for collaboration (43%), and encourage mental health & wellbeing (44%). LinkedIn also advises leaders to: Take an adaptive leadership approach - Leaders must be transparent about the current reality and adapt to what lies ahead, whilst providing employees with clarity on short-term business priorities. They should see this period as an opportunity to iterate and adjust, which will stand them in good stead when the cycle ends. Maintain workforce connection and trust - Today, just 43% of employers encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing amongst employees. By helping employees to build connections with their colleagues, employers can energize their teams and strengthen their company culture. Furthermore, returning to command and control styles of leadership and dictating that employees must be in the office will quickly erode trust. Focus on skills - The skill sets needed for jobs has changed by around 25% since 2015 and this number is expected to double by 2027. By understanding the skills your employees have today, and the skills your company needs in the future, companies can hire or redeploy talent into growth areas. To help professionals discover opportunities that match their workplace preferences, LinkedIn has introduced new ways for workers to search for remote, hybrid or in-person roles through LinkedIn Job Search features. To help people and businesses manage remote and hybrid work, LinkedIn has made a number of LinkedIn Learning courses available for free until November 30th - including Hybrid Working Foundations, Level Up Your Remote Team Experience, and Enhance Productivity in a Hybrid Work Environment. LinkedIn has also published its Global Talent Trends report which provides leaders with insight into how labor market trends are affecting employees and workplaces. The central conceit of the book refers to the foundationlessness of vaccine science, in which a comparison is being made with pre-scientific conception of the position of the earth in the universe: instead of a body in space it was held to be supported on the backs of elephants, in turn standing on the backs of turtles, apparently standing on the backs of larger turtles, but then what were those turtles standing on? A welcome for this important book and paradoxical book. Although it has been edited for an English speaking audience by Mary Holland and Zoey OToole it was assembled by anonymous (Israeli) authors providing an anatomy of vaccine science, at least as it existed in 2019 before Covid. It may be considered critical to the understanding of the project that the authors chose to remain anonymous: while of course this meant that they could not be personally and professionally attacked it has also meant that anyone attacking the book has to attack the intellectual substance of the book and not the authors. John Stone reviewed Turtles All The Way Down for Children's Health Defense's European site. See our post from August about the book Turtles All The Way Down: Vaccine Science and Myth According to Professor of Philosophy Joel Richeimer, the phrase turtles all the way down stems from a story about the British philosopher Bertrand Russell. After giving a lecture on astronomy, Russell was refuted by a woman in the audience, who claimed that the earth was situated not in space, but on the back of a large turtle. When Russell asked what the turtle was standing on, the woman replied that it was turtles all the way down. Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare. Our slow and steady pace continues, and we will win the race. Purchase a copy here . By John Stone While the book is an inventory of failed scientific methodology of various kinds the specific reference is the failure to provide studies which demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of any products on the schedule against genuine placebo ie a neutral substance, as opposed to other products and concoctions (substitute placebos) a matter once brilliantly exposed by ICANs correspondence with the US government. Faced with the 64 trillion dollar question whether any at all of the products on the infant schedule had been so tested the US government failed to provide a single instance. Not only were none of the products trialled against genuine placebo, none of the substitute placebos had either. What was it all standing on? It may be mentioned in a somewhat comic sequel to the ICAN episode three leading proponents of vaccine science, Stanley Plotkin, Paul Offit and Heidi Larson were challenged in the electronic columns of British Medical Journal by Christopher Exley, David Healey and myself made off into the distance. Not only were these studies lacking for some products they were lacking for all. The problem has been that while for bureaucratic and ideological purposes vaccines have been placed for the most part beyond criticism as unalloyed public good this has assisted even greater levels of negligence than perhaps even exist in other branches of medical science as highlighted in famous critiques John Ioannidis and Marcia Angell. Existing in the realms of state enforced totem and taboo, the science is almost bound to go wrong even supposing it is not meant to, while most professionals simply walk away. The nub is that for most of its history, going back more than two centuries to Edward Jenner, who also might not have recognised a double-blind placebo trial, so much has rested on careful gaslighting rather than sound data quite simply anyone who doubted was in modern parlance cancelled, and this in itself had unbounded potential for skewing the evidence base. If you are not allowed to even mention vaccine damage how will cases ever come to be recorded? Scarcely surprising that the authors have chosen not to disclose their identities. Please read more at CHD Europe. ### Note: Our Matching Gift Fall Campaign is in full swing. Please consider a tax-deductible donation. Paper: Autism Age, PO Box 110546, Trumbull, CT 06611 Thank you. Donate Give the give of knowledge this holiday season. New books from CHD and Skyhorse Publishing: Click the cover or title to order: Presidential Takedown: How Anthony Fauci, the CDC, NIH, and the WHO Conspired to Overthrow President Trump By Dr. Paul Elias Alexander & Kent Heckenlively An explosive behind-the-scenes look at Donald Trump's final months in office and how the COVID crisis response was a carefully crafted plan to ruin him. Profiles of the Vaccine-Injured: "A Lifetime Price to Pay" (Childrens Health Defense) Are vaccine injuries really one in a million, as governments and public health experts constantly tell us? This comprehensive look at the evidence by Childrens Health Defense, illustrated by nine real-life stories of serious vaccine injury, exposes health agencies soft-pedaling of vaccine risks as a dangerous lie. The Real Anthony Fauci Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health (Childrens Health Defense) by Robert Kennedy, Jr. Pharma-funded mainstream media has convinced millions of Americans that Dr. Anthony Fauci is a hero. Hands down, he is anything but. Cause Unknown: The Epidemic of Sudden Deaths in 2021 & 2022 by Ed Dowd Available for pre-order now. What is killing young healthy Americans? Edward Dowd, a former Wall Street analyst and BlackRock portfolio manager, examines the epidemic of sudden deaths in America. What is the most painful lesson the COVID-19 saga has taught the American people? Perhaps it was how, over the past two and a half years, we have been force-fed an extended taste of the dystopian version of "health care" that the Democrat Party and the Washington nomenklatura (but I repeat myself) seek to permanently impose on us. We've lived through it now, so we can't say we weren't warned. However, many people are still dazed and confused, others remain terrified, and some just want to forget that the whole nightmare ever happened and return to their old pre-pandemic lives. Things may have calmed down, but don't kid yourself: the good old days have not returned. It's vital that we never forget what they did to our children, our livelihoods, and our civil rights, how they ruined countless lives in the name of "keeping us safe." And they're not done. They're just warming up. And now they seek amnesty for their abuses of power, even as they continue to persecute courageous dissidents like Dr. Peter McCollough, even as they push booster after booster, even to tiny children? No way. In the interest of jostling the collective memory before this election, your humble correspondent asks: what are the medical implications of Democrat party governance? Presenting the Seven Health Policy Habits of Insanely Progressive People: 1. Martial law as "public health." Remember how "two weeks to flatten the curve" became two years to flatten your will to live? Get ready for draconian, indefinitely extended lockdown measures whenever a "public health emergency" is declared for example, before major elections. 2. Mandatory jab policies gone wild. This isn't just your father's measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, folks. We're talking about warp-speed-produced, novel-technology shots with zero long-term data. You think they're stopping with SARS CoV-2? Have you noticed how much they're talking up RSV? There's a lot of money to be made. You think you'll have a choice, right? After all, they're all about "my body, my choice," right? Well, think back to about a year ago. Did the shots do what they claimed they would? Did they apologize after vilifying and persecuting the skeptics? If the Dems keep power, the questions return: do you want to earn a living? You will comply. Do you want freedom of movement? Comply. Do you want your kids to go to school? Comply. 3. Censor and destroy all dissenting physicians, scientists, and health care workers. Remember NIH chief Francis "Over the Rainbow" Collins's call for a "quick and devastating published takedown" of the so-called "fringe" scientists (From Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford!) who wrote the Great Barrington Declaration? Fast-forward to the fascistic current attempts to strip Dr. Peter McCollough of his board certification. Welcome to a world of compromised, careerist medical mediocrities beating down pre-eminent minds who refuse to keep silent, like Orwell's boot stomping on a face forever and ever. 4. Support and grow the Government-Pharmaceutical-Industrial Complex. One really should read The Real Anthony Fauci by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to get the full picture. The huge problem of regulatory capture, the intertwining of U.S. government medical agencies with the military (especially with regard to vaccine development), and the absolutely massive amounts of money involved are truly head-spinning. Only the terminally naive or willfully blind could believe that Fauci et al. care one whit about the individual citizen's well-being. 5. Predatory medical and social policies against children. Shuttering schools for two years at a time. Masking young children and toddlers. Still to this day pressing for mandated COVID-19 vaccines for schoolchildren. Population-wide psychological trauma as well as developmental and educational delay, all resulting from their cruel, excessive, and utterly unnecessary policies. Any apologies? New York Democrat governor Kathy Hochul still "reserves the right" to bring back masks. Still not convinced? Need I mention Drag Queen Story Hour? Or abortion on demand as a secular sacrament? Why do Democrats hate children so? 6. The woke Lysenkoism of academic medicine. The November 1, 2022 issue of the once-pre-eminent Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), published one week before the midterm elections, was almost completely devoted to attacking the Dobbs Supreme Court decision. Curiously, it contained only two original research articles neither one about abortion. However, interspersed with the full-page Big Pharma advertisements, the issue had no fewer than nine opinion pieces, all pro-abortion and anti-Dobbs. No contrasting views permitted. Journals that used to print original research and promote debate of controversial issues now print propaganda better suited to a Planned Parenthood brochure. And medical schools' curricula are no better. 7. Complete government control of all aspects of medicine. Forget about the old bugbear of "socialized medicine." With Medicare, Medicaid, Obamacare, federal medicine, and NIH influence over academic medical centers, American medicine is already socialized. However, during COVID-19, we saw government manufacture and enforce complete consent to its health care policy at a level never seen before. This was accomplished by thorough capture of hospital systems and local health officials with a crude but effective carrot-and-stick approach. Do exactly what we say, and we pay you off handsomely down the road (with taxpayer dollars). Don't do what we say, and we shut you down. For good. To those uncertain about the relative merits of communism versus capitalism, I often say: "Be honest with yourself. Which Korea would you rather live in: North or South?" To anyone unsure how to vote in this upcoming election, I now ask, "Be honest with yourself. What type of America would you rather live in for the rest of your life one like COVID-era Florida or one like COVID-era New York?" Neither American political party is perfect far from it. But one party never wants things to go back the way they were before COVID-19. Never. Vote wisely, America. Image via Pixnio. The one thing we all knew for sure upon hearing of the hammer attack on Paul Pelosi was that Donald Trump would be held to blame. The Democrat-Media Complex (DMC) did not disappoint. Where the Complex really showed its stuff, however, was in holding Donald Trump indirectly to blame for the savage August attack on world-famous author Salman Rushdie. More on this sleight-of-hand in a minute. As to the Pelosi attack, it was business as usual at the DMC. I will cite one example out of thousands because it typifies the way the Complex works. Eight days after the attack, the top item on Google under the listing Donald Trump" and "Paul Pelosi" is this gem from NBC News: "The GOP has Paul Pelosis blood on its hands." NBC was actually laundering a "THINK" piece by freelance media entrepreneur and campaign adviser Arick Wierson. In that Wierson advised conservative Jair Bolsonaros 2018 campaign in Brazil, it is anyone's guess who put him up to this hit job. The article first appeared on November 3. By that date, anyone paying attention knew that Pelosi's attacker was a Berkeley loon and illegal alien best known for his nudist activism and his life in a commune smothered with BLM signs, not prime MAGA recruiting territory. The subhead clarifies the thesis of Wierson's article: "After daily assaults by conservative pundits on TV and a nonstop feed of anti-progressive vitriol on right-wing social media, leaders of the GOP should not be able to escape blame." If Pelosi had not been hurt, this would be pure comedy. The problem with "GOP leaders" is that they don't feed "anti-progressive vitriol" to the "right-wing" social media. I challenge NBC to produce so much as a mean tweet from Mitch McConnell or Kevin McCarthy. I may have missed something, but I don't recall either of the two calling millions of Americans "deplorables" or a "threat to the republic," let alone holding a bloody replica of Nancy Pelosi's severed head in their hands. The DMC's real target, of course, is mean-tweeter Donald Trump, whose photo is featured under the subhead. Behind Trump is a crowd of people with their arms raised, the insinuation being that it is a form of Nazi salute. In his own private corner of hell, Josef Goebbels must be green with envy. Even Goebbels, though, would have had second thoughts about the Salman Rushdie angle. I have a very small personal connection to this story. Some years back, the Chautauqua Institution in Western New York, where the savage attack on Rushdie occurred, banned me from speaking there after I gave a talk questioning why the media gave Muslims a pass they did not give to Christians. "Islamic extremists in America," I argued, "have proven to be exactly the bogeyman that the media have long imagined the Christian right to be patriarchal, theocratic, sexist, homophobic, anti-choice, and openly anti-Semitic." The next day, I read in the Chautauqua Daily, "Jack Cashill stepped outside the boundaries of civil discourse. Several of his comments were not only provocative, but potentially harmful." The historically Christian institution has been desperately trying to reach out to Muslims for several decades now. Having convinced themselves that Islam was the religion of peace, the folks who run the place let their guard down. Security for Rushdie was pitiful. Rushdie had spoken at Chautauqua several times in the past without incident. Understandably, he had refrained from making any "provocative" or "potentially harmful" comments about Islam. He did not fear the institution's wrath. He feared that of the fanatics who have sought to kill him since 1988, when the Ayatollah Khomeini put a fatwa on his head. In 1991, Islamic extremists did succeed in killing Rushdie's Japanese translator. His Italian translator subsequently survived a knife attack, and his Norwegian publisher survived a shooting. Several bookstores were bombed on Rushdie's behalf. Yet in August, when an assassin very nearly stabbed Rushdie to death, the attack made a quick blip in the news and then disappeared this despite the fact that the attack had international repercussions. In fact, it prompted the Biden administration to impose sanctions on elements within Iran. I have a summer cottage in Chautauqua County not far from the institution. A week after the attack, I was in line at a local grocery store. A man in a suit an unusual sight in these parts was speaking with the check-out clerk about the stabbing. The man in the suit worked for the public defender's office that represented the attacker. I insinuated myself into the conversation. Embarrassed not to know the attacker's name who did? I persisted nonetheless. The County Courthouse where he was being held was right across the street. I asked if I could interview the fellow. Although I was turned down, the request was not as absurd as it might seem. Mayville, the county seat of Chautauqua County, has the feel of "Mayberry" about it. The town has only 1,400 people. On the day in question, there was no media presence at the courthouse. None. The DMC didn't like this story about "New Jersey man" Hadi Matar. It reminded the woke just how uncomfortably Islam fit into their multicultural love fest. Apparently, the FBI has no interest in Matar, either. The last the media reported on its involvement was two months ago, when the FBI allegedly considered hate crime charges. The Bureau has not been heard from since understandable, given how busy its agents have been in silencing PTA moms and rounding up peaceful pro-life protesters. As to Matar, he is still in Mayville, awaiting trial on state charges. Those interested in updates on his status will find them only at the Buffalo News. The major media silence broke two weeks ago, when Rushdie's agent, Andrew Wylie, gave an interview on his client's condition. The wounds were "profound," said Wylie. Rushdie has lost sight in one eye and the use of one hand. Wylie was quick to clarify that the attack was random. "So, you can't protect against that because it's totally unexpected and illogical. It was like John Lennon['s murder]." This was pure BS, of course. Had Wylie stopped there, one might think he was just trying to protect his client and himself from reprisal, but he did not stop. Known with the industry as "The Jackal," Wylie is arguably the world's most influential agent. What he said next in the interview had to resonate with all those media people looking for book deals. "I think nationalism is on the rise," Wylie said in explaining the environment facing authors like Rushdie "a sort of fundamentalist right is on the rise. ... From Italy to ... throughout Europe, Latin America and the US, where ... half the country seems to think that Joe Biden stole the election from Donald Trump. And they admire this man who is not only completely incompetent and a liar and a crook, but just a farce. It's ridiculous." The interview in Spain's El Pais was reported throughout the world. Editors and publishers within the DMC have an election to win. Any angle will do. To learn more, see www.cashill.com. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Nowadays, whenever Democrats beat the odds and pull a victory out of (well, you know where), any serious doubt that is cast upon their success is considered by them to be a criminal act. However, when Republicans shellack the Democrats, democracy itself is being threatened. Way back in 1960, when John F. Kennedy beat Richard Nixon in a true squeaker, my father told me that, had Nixon demanded a recount in Cook County, Illinois, he'd have won the election. Why would my dad say that? In his youth, he was employed to count ballots in Chicago. Well, they didn't really count them. They weighed them on meat scales from the stockyards. Harkening back to the election of 1876, neither Rutherford B. Hayes (R) nor Samuel J. Tilden (D) was able to acquire a majority of votes in the Electoral College. In accord with the Constitution, the contest was thus decided by the House of Representatives...where the fix was in. The historic backroom deal that was made let the Republicans continue holding on to the White House, while the Democrats were given an end to Reconstruction. When the Union army was removed from the old Confederacy, the imposition of Jim Crow began in earnest. Continuing to rattle around in today's political discourse is, of course, the election of 2020. Fueling this discord is Biden's bumbling incompetence which was plainly obvious long before 2020. But the truly empirical anomaly of that election is the objective fact of an incumbent president losing to such a weak opponent while his party still managed to pick up fourteen seats in the House of Representatives. Dinesh D'Souza's 2000 Mules adequately documents the reasons for much of this discrepancy...but Biden and Harris were still inaugurated. Just as was Rutherford B. Hayes. Lurking beneath the surface of all this discourse, and likely contributing mightily to the tremendous efforts being made by all sides to win elections, is not altruism or a desire to make our world a better place. It is, rather, a relentless quest for power and the trappings that come with it both financial and personal. Trump's presidency broke this mold. He was already a billionaire and living a splendid life. Rush Limbaugh repeatedly pooh-poohed requests for him to enter electoral politics by his claiming not to want to take the pay cut. President Trump, however, went ahead and made the sacrifice, and now his lawyers and their antagonists are eroding some of his vast fortune. When William F. Buckley once ran for mayor of New York City, he was asked what would be the first thing he'd do were he to be elected. "I'd demand a recount" was his answer. Bottom line: Government has way too much influence over the ways in which we live our lives. Politicians seeking elected positions have way too much incentive to get their hands on the reins of power at the expense of the inherent freedom that comes with self-government. Gone are the days of the Jeffersonian yeoman, content to provide for himself and, on occasion, accept the burden of taking the responsibility for maintaining the local common areas and the security of his neighbors. Now we are being constantly lectured about the evils of "misinformation"...which is usually nothing more than honest disagreement with "official" orthodoxy. Or should I say dogma? Image: Elvert Barnes. Down Mexico way, violence is out of control. It's what everyone talks about when you speak with friends south of the border. This is from Kelin Dillon and Pulse News Mexico: Only weeks after hactivist group Guacamaya revealed to the public that 72 percent of Mexico is under control of organized crime groups, Mexico experienced its most violent month of the year yet, registering 2,481 intentional homicides throughout Oct. 2022. A total of 92 intentional murders were committed on Monday, Oct. 31 alone, says information publicized by Mexico's Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) and Secretariat of National Defense's (Sedena) daily security reports. October's high homicide frequency eclipses May 2022's 2,472 intentional homicides, upping the daily homicide rate from 79.7 deaths per day to 80 murders per day between the two months, while also increasing 6.5 percent month-to-month from September to October. However, it must be noted that the information included in the government's daily public security reports are not finalized, with complete data available for analysis put out once a month by the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP). Mass murders also contributed to October's record-high homicide rate, including the homicide of 20 people in San Miguel Totolapan, Guerrero on Oct. 5, and the murder of another 12 people in a bar in Irapuato, Guanajuato Mexico's most homicidal state of the month on Oct. 15. Information recently released by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) went on to reveal that Mexico experienced more than 35,700 homicides in 2021, with 17,000 of said murders occurring between the age groups of 15 and 34 years old, officially placing homicide as the number one cause of death for this demographic in Mexico. Ibrahim X. Kendi once famously said: "When I see racial disparities, I see racism." For Kendi, no further effort is exerted, and no thought is required. In contrast, someone such as Thomas Sowell sees a racial disparity and considers differences between the groups. He might see income differences between X and Y and then ask: What's the rate of urban versus rural living between X and Y? What's the average time spent watching TV versus reading between X and Y? What is the mean age of X and Y? For instance, the average age for Hispanics in the U.S. is 30, and for whites, it's 44. Would anyone apart from Kendi not agree that this huge age difference might explain some of the income disparity between whites ($71,033) and Hispanics ($57,981)? By using this multi-factorial approach, scholars such as Sowell have found that many factors explain group differences. Unlike Kendi, Sowell doesn't jump to a conclusion. There is a taboo on relying on biology to explain group differences. One can avoid the potentially career-ending minefield of investigating genetics as an explanation for group differences in I.Q. or crime and still see biology as a factor in some disparities. It was noticed that darker-skinned groups suffered from higher COVID-related mortality than other groups, particularly in Northern European countries. Those wearing the Kendi blinders quickly use their go-to explanation for this disparity: racism. Upon further research, it was discovered that those groups with darker skin living in northern counties hence, places with much less sunlight were deficient in vitamin D, which is believed to be important for the immune system. Lighter skin produces vitamin D in sunlight. This insight is medically important because it can be corrected with supplements. Instead of addressing the imagined "root causes" of this disparity with more "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" seminars, the real solution was an over-the-counter pill. Kendi isn't known for arguments about gender disparities, but his same faulty logic is used regarding that issue. We've all heard the statistic that women make 83 cents for every dollar a man makes. For many, this statistic isn't a starting point to find variables that might explain it, but is instead an end point to leap to the conclusion that the statistic results from discrimination by employers. Many economists have delved into the data and discovered that after controlling for actual time on the job versus time dedicated to parenting, the difference nearly disappears. On average, moms and dads choose different work-life balances, which is evident in the lack of pay gap between childless women and men. Differences in religious doctrine can partially explain some historic disparities. There were doctrinal prohibitions for Christians and Muslims against charging interest on loans, but the Torah had no such restriction. This would explain the historic overrepresentation of Jewish people in finance. Some disparities can be explained simply by self-inflicted doctrinal handicaps. Clinging to a nefarious explanation before exploring multiple factors has historically been the modus operandi of all bigots. Anti-Semitism relies on the same fallacy as Kendism, but its conclusions are even more ridiculous. Anti-Semites see Jewish achievements and ascribe them to nefarious conspiracies. This willful laziness ignores the centuries of oppression during which Jewish achievement arose. Despite this, Jewish people made enormous achievements. One example is that despite being just 0.2 percent of the world's population, Jewish people constitute 22.4 percent of all Nobel Prize winners. Scholars have pointed out many factors that contribute to Jewish intellectual success. Some have pointed to universal male literacy in practicing Judaism. Others focus on the prohibition on Jews owning land in parts of Europe, which required them to focus on the professions for economic advancement. A somewhat more controversial fact that helps explain Jewish exceptionalism is the high average I.Q. Anti-Semites ignore all this and engage in the same fallacious thinking that misguides Kendi. They see a disparity and conclude that it must have a singular nefarious reason (usually a conspiracy theory) instead of a fascinating mosaic of causes. The logical path of those who insist that oppression explains all disparities is an ugly and dangerous dead end. It's time to call out this simplistic and reflexive thinking for the danger it truly is. Randy Boudreaux is an attorney in New Orleans. Image: Larry D. Moore. The Israeli election results stunned the left. "Benjamin Netanyahu's win in Israel's latest election has drawn a muted response from the U.S. as policymakers wrestle with the implications for foreign policy in the Middle East," wrote Fox News in its story lede. "In the days leading up to the election, politicians from the left were pleading with voters to please, please help save their parties. In Israel, this has become known as a gevalt campaign Yiddish for 'Help!'" wrote the New Yorker in its nut graf. They were dazed in the 1977, 1981, 1996, and 2015 elections, and now in 2022. They demonized Netanyahu, smeared Likud-supporters as "dark forces" and the "poison camp," and warned that a Likud victory would be a disaster. However, a clear majority of Israeli voters, known as the nationalist camp led by Likud, is confident and proud of our faith, homeland, and state after close to 4,000 years of Jewish history. Suffering abuse, they chose to take a stand. The left has sidelined the Zionist dream, alienated itself from the Land of Israel ethos, marginalized the traditions of our people, and challenged the sacred solidity of the family. They did this while strutting about and morally posturing in favor of a Palestinian state on the borders of Jerusalem and Ben-Gurion airport. How stupid can you be? The left lost the election not only because the cost-of-living index soared, normative government conduct went awry, and the Biden administrationbrokered gas deal with Hezb'allah was a shameful act of capitulation. Under the premiership of Israel's current leftist leaders, Naftali Bennett and Itamar* Lapid, the Arabs went wild extremists among them declared open season on the Jews! As in New York and Los Angeles, there have been antisemitic attacks on Jews in Israel. These criminal, violent, and terroristic attacks are not just antisemitic; they specifically target the state of the Jews. Whether we know it or not, we are in the midst of a war here in Israel, and the Israeli state under the left's leadership lost its grip on the security of its citizens. The Arab war against the Jews included acts of arson, theft, extortion racketeering ("protection"), harassment, and murder. Its arsenal included knives, rocks, guns, and cars; its driving force is Islamism and Palestinian nationalism; its goal has been to spread fear among Jews and catalyze their flight from the country. The Jews are now victims, based on attacks ranging from those on Akko in the north to Beersheba in the south. Arab bullets have cut down Israeli soldiers and civilians. Arab arrogance and bellicosity have been seen everywhere. New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, who is an outsider to the drama of Israel's momentous renaissance, deplored the result of this election in a post-election opinion piece titled "The Israel We Knew Is Gone." Here are his panicked first three paragraphs: Imagine you woke up after the 2024 U.S. presidential election and found that Donald Trump had been re-elected and chose Rudy Giuliani for attorney general, Michael Flynn for defense secretary, Steve Bannon for commerce secretary, evangelical leader James Dobson for education secretary, Proud Boys former leader Enrique Tarrio for homeland security head and Marjorie Taylor Greene for the White House spokeswoman. "Impossible," you would say. Well, think again. As I've noted before, Israeli political trends are often a harbinger of wider trends in Western democracies Off Broadway to our Broadway. I hoped that the national unity government that came to power in Israel in June 2021 might also be a harbinger of more bipartisanship here. Alas, that government has now collapsed and is being replaced by the most far-far-right coalition in Israel's history. Lord save us if this is a harbinger of what's coming our way. He could also moan that the Sweden and Italy we know are gone, after rightist conservative parties recently swept the left from power, but he hasn't quite said that. On Israel, Friedman is full of nonsense. Netanyahu's future Cabinet is not "a nightmare," and Israel is not entering a "dark tunnel," as Friedman put it. The Israelis voted to punish a failed government that was unable to assure personal security throughout the country. They did the normal thing that citizens do in a democracy: they threw out the scoundrels. Because fantasies of co-existence, equality, and harmony befuddle the liberal left, the right must come to the rescue. In Israel, the right looks reality in the eye. It is in touch with the past and armed with an integral identity. It is guided by interests and not ideals. It recognizes that force may be necessary in place of words. Ronald Reagan used the phrase "peace through strength" against the Soviet Union, and it worked. This mentality catapulted Netanyahu back to power, and it wasn't surprising. With fear lurking everywhere, Netanyahu aroused hope in many Israelis, while his coalition partner, Itamar Ben-Gvir, running on the Religious Zionist ticket, may be the man of the hour. They have both become symbols and a voice at this critical moment in history. Dr. Mordechai Nisan is the author of The Crack-Up of the Israeli Left (Mantua Books, 2019). Image: Amos Ben Gershom, Israeli Government Press Office via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. *Correction: Due to an editing error, Itamar Ben-Gvir's first name was misstated. Sunday was crunch time for the man positioning himself to become New York State's next governor. Lee Zeldin, his wife Diana, and their two girls traveled across the state from Erie County to Monroe, Onondaga, and then Broome Counties aboard his "Save Our State" bus. In his recent debate with Governor Kathy Hochul, Zeldin looked serious, focused, and frankly a bit angry kind of the way a German Shepherd looks at 2 A.M. when there's a knock at the front door. I liked it, and apparently it struck the right chord with a lot of folks. News outlets described his performance as "fired up" and "passionate." In person, Zeldin has that pleasant, "everyman," approachable quality. Heck, if I still smoked and needed a light, he'd be the non-judgmental-looking guy I'd hit up that kind of approachable. Photo by author. Accompanying Zeldin on his tour Sunday was Michael Henry, the lawyer and commercial litigator running to unseat N.Y. attorney general Letitia James. With her high-profile lawsuits against Donald Trump and the NRA, her opponent has voiced what many are thinking that James is using her power as a political cudgel and a springboard to the governor's seat. (And speaking of a cudgel, you've got to laugh at Media Matters' recent headline about Fox News coverage of crime and the midterms: "Study: Fox hosts turn crime into a political cudgel against Democrats." Do they even know how stupid they sound?) In his campaign speech with Zeldin Sunday, Henry cited two recent Trafalgar polls showing him with a slight lead over James. "Frankly, she doesn't deserve to be re-elected," he said. "She's the only statewide candidate who didn't have the courage to show up to a debate." Former president Trump previously jumped into the fray on that subject, accusing James of having the worst record on violent crime in the country. People are fleeing New York in record numbers, and she doesn't have a clue how to stop it. That's why she is avoiding a debate with her highly respected crime fighting opponent, Michael Henry, who is now leading in the polls[.] Judging by the cheers, Henry's biggest appeal to average New Yorkers was clearly the repeal of cashless bail. He condemned James's recent comments that she needed "more data" before considering any changes to that law: More data means more victims. And to be the attorney general of a state and have that kind of mentality when it comes to victims ... it's despicable. We're going to work in conjunction with local law enforcement ... and I will use the bully pulpit of this office to push for the full repeal of cashless bail. For his part, some of Zeldin's biggest applause came when he said that on his first day in office, he would declare a "crime emergency" to "force legislators to come to the table so that we can work on a permanent solution to actually take back our streets." At the rallies I attended, he also drew huge cheers when he told people that as soon as he's elected, "every COVID mandate in this state that we can get rid of is gone." (I did a mental squirm of discomfort when I heard the caveat "that we can get rid of.") He continued: Nobody should have to get fired for a personal decision of whether or not to get the COVID vaccine. If you don't want to get it, don't get it. But don't do it because I as the governor called on you to be "my apostles." ... And if you have an issue with staffing at your local hospitals, I have a bright idea. You have fired tens of thousands of people for a personal decision. If you have thousands of vacancies, get rid of your healthcare COVID vaccine mandates and offer them their jobs back! Everywhere I went, New Yorkers said the same things: "We own a business, and we don't think we can last much longer," or "We're here because we're trying to decide if we're going to sell and get out." They meant it. The fact that New York State is hemorrhaging its populace is known; what is not yet known is the far-reaching effects if Zeldin and other conservative candidates don't get in. Many do indeed believe that Tuesday's elections are the last chance to save their state. Zeldin said he'd heard it a million times on the campaign trail: "If you don't win, we're leaving!" That, I'm afraid, could just be the beginning of a dangerous, uncharted phase of blue-state deterioration. Yet Zeldin always ends with an encouraging note, saying that on Election Night, we'll be able to go to sleep with a "sigh of relief, thank God, knowing that we did everything in our power to successfully take control of our own destiny." Now, with prayers (and maybe a few panic attacks), we hold our breath in anticipation of our fate. Susan D. Harris can be reached at www.susandharris.com. Photo credit: YouTube screen grab. Updates are great well, when they dont render your device useless. Theres a new update coming out for the Samsung Galaxy watch 4, and it appears to be bricking the devices of some poor individuals, according to 9To5Google. Things like this happen; a company releases the newest update to its devices system thats supposed to make things go more smoothly. However, it winds up making things worse. This seems to be whats happening with the Galaxy Watch 4, as a lot of people are reporting their devices bricking after installing the latest update. The issue is affecting Galaxy Watch 4 users across different regions. Its also affecting Galaxy Watch 4 Classic users. Advertisement Samsung knows about the issue thats bricking the Galaxy Watch 4 At this point, were not sure how widespread this issue is. Several people have reported it, and it has been brought to Samsungs attention. Because of this, the company halted the rollout of the update. This means that it could have been a lot worse. Since Samsung knows about the issue, we know that its working to fix it. However, an issue like this is pretty severe because several devices are unable to even turn on. This makes downloading an OTA impossible. For situations such as those, users would probably need to send their devices to Samsung. The update has a firmware number that ends in VI3. So, if your watch is running this version, and its working just fine, be on the lookout for the fix coming over the air. Advertisement As for what causes the bricking, it seems to happen when the device runs out of battery power, or you restart the watch. So, if you have the latest version, you may want to avoid restarting or having your device put out of power. If youre still on the older version of the software, then you are lucky. Since Samsung paused this newest update because of the issue, you wont have to worry about getting the OTA. Also, if you do have the option to download the update, dont download it. At this point, we dont know exactly when Samsung is going to be sending out the fix. We will have to wait for more information from the company. Samsung is on a roll today. Over the past few hours, the company has released the Android 13-based One UI 5.0 stable update to the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S21 series. Thats six different device models, nine if you count 4G LTE and 5G variants separately. It has now added a few more to the party. The Galaxy Note 20 series is also picking up the big Android update. The Android 13 update is now available for the Galaxy Note 20 series The Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra are receiving the Android 13 update in Europe. But, unlike the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S21 series, the rollout is limited to 5G models in Switzerland (via). The new firmware version for the duo in the region is N98*BXXU5GVJE. This build number may vary slightly for the 4G LTE models of the last Note-branded phones from Samsung. Users in other markets such as the US may also receive the big Android update on their Galaxy Note 20 5G and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 55G with a different firmware version. Nonetheless, if youre one of those using the iconic Galaxy Note phones, you should get to taste Android 13 and One UI 5.0 very soon if you havent already. This update comes with the October security patch. But more importantly, there are tons of new features, changes, and improvements across the system. Advertisement It begins with minor UI tweaks that add to the visual appeal. Improved animations ensure a smoother transition between two interfaces, enabling a better user experience. Samsung has also made app icons bolder for aesthetic purposes and added new customization options. On the functionality side of things, Bixby Routines have been improved to better assist you in your everyday chores. Smart widgets and new gestures further add to your productivity and multitasking. Samsung has also added new camera tools and editing features to allow you to capture and produce a shot the way you want it. Last but not least, the Korean firm has improved its stock apps to enable better functionality on Android 13. Samsung will continue to release these updates in the coming days Samsung has kicked off the first full week of November with Android 13 updates for more than ten Galaxy smartphone models. And it will not stop there. The company will continue to push these updates in the coming days. It has dozens more models lined up for the Android 13 update, including the newly released Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4. We will let you know when these updates arrive. The Xiaomi 13 Pro design surfaced in CAD-based renders earlier today. Well, the Xiaomi 13 design has just been shared as well, in a series of images. The thing is, the Xiaomi 13 will look much different than its Pro sibling. The Xiaomi 13 images show that it will look much different than the Xiaomi 13 Pro This is kind of unexpected, as the two phones usually look the same, but come in different sizes and display curvatures. Well, this time around, Xiaomi has decided to change things up, it seems. These images come from @OnLeaks as well, as he partnered up with CompareDial to share them. Unlike the Xiaomi 13 Pro, the Xiaomi 13 will feature a flat display, and flat sides all around. Advertisement The bezels on this phone will be quite thin, and by the looks of it, uniform as well. That is still up for debate, though. Three cameras sit on the back, in a rather odd-looking arrangement. Two sensors are noticeably larger than the third. The phones camera island sits in the top-left corner, while Xiaomis branding is on the same side, but towards the bottom. The back of the phone will not be flat, however, unlike its front and its sides. The vanilla Xiaomi 13 will feature a 6.2-inch display It is said that this phone will feature a 6.2-inch display. A display camera hole will be centered at the top. Xiaomi will use glass on the back of the phone, it would seem. Advertisement What about its size? Well, the tipster claims Xiaomi 13 will measure 152.8 x 71.5 x 8.3mm (10.3mm with the camera bump). So, it will be considerably smaller than its Pro sibling. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is expected to fuel the Xiaomi 13 as well. The Xiaomi 13 series is expected to launch towards the end of the year, in China. It is expected to make its way to global markets in early 2023. (ANSA) - ROME, NOV 7 - Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni was greeted by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sisi and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Monday as she arrived at the Sharm el-Sheikh Convention Center for the opening ceremony of the COP27 UN Climate Conference. It is the first visit to Egypt by an Italian premier since the brutal murder there of Italian researcher Giulio Regeni in 2016 - a homicide that Italian prosecutors suspect was committed by members of Egypt's security forces. On Monday Meloni had bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Sharm el-Sheikh. Meloni is expected to reiterate that Italy will do its bit to help achieve the EU's greenhouse-gas-reduction goals in her address to the conference. Last week Meloni announced that her government would expand concessions to drill for gas in the Adriatic as part of Italy's efforts to replace Russian energy supplies following the invasion of Ukraine. Climate groups have been calling on the government to ramp up investment in renewables rather than seeking new fossil-fuel energy supplies. (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, NOV 7 - Rome prosecutors have opened a probe into last week's Van Gogh soup attack by climate activists in Rome, judicial sources said Monday Three members of the Ultima Generazione (Last Generation) group threw vegetable soup on the Dutch master's The Sower in Palazzo Bonaparte on Friday, but the painting was not damaged since it is behind glass, like other recent international art targets of climate activism. Carabinieri said the three young women may face charges of "damaging, despoiling, vandalizing, and the illicit use of cultural goods". They said the possible charges carried prison terms of up to five years. A member of Ultima Generazione called Michele told ANSA: "We're not bothered by the investigation and we're going ahead because we want to highlight the responsibilities of the real criminals. "The government is starting to fight us because it knows it is criminal and it is hiding its head in the sand. The Italian State is the sixth biggest investor of public money in fossil fuels as well as Saudi Arabia and Russia. It is not accident that (UN chief Antonio) Guterres has just said that 'humanity must make a choice: collaborate or die'. These are Guterres' words, against a criminal government". (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, NOV 7 - Premier Giorgia Meloni and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sisi discussed gas and energy in their bilateral talks on the sidelines of the CoP27 summit in Egypt Monday, Sisi's spokesman said. "They also discussed joint cooperation in the energy security area, considered one of the most important paths for collaboration between the two sides in the last few years, in particular thanks to a partnership with the Eni company in the natural-gas field, with the possibility of setting up an electrical connection with Italy," said Ambassador Bassam Radi on his Facebook page. (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, NOV 7 - The official spokesman of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Bassam Radi, told ANSA after Premier Giorgia Meloni stressed to Sisi Italy's strong focus on respecting human rights in the abduction, torture and murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni that "the meeting touched on the question of Italian student Regeni and cooperation to reach the truth and obtain justice". Italy has "strong attention" for the cases of Regeni, an Italian doctoral student abducted, tortured and murdered in Cairo in early 2016, and of Patrick Zaki, an Egyptian student at Bologna University who has been charged with subversion in Egypt since February 2020, Meloni told Sisi on the sidelines of the CoP27 meeting in Egypt Monday, the premier's office said. It was the first visit to Egypt by an Italian premier since Regeni's murder, which has strained bilateral ties amid a Rome prosecution request to hand over four Egyptian intelligence officers suspected of torturing the 28-year-old Friuli-born Cambridge University researcher to death because they thought he was spying on Cairo due to his work with street unions. The bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Sharm el Sheikh summit on climate change, the premier's office said, gave Meloni an "opportunity to raise the issue of respect for human rights and to underline Italy's strong attention on the cases of Giulio Regeni and Patrick Zaki," who is accused of spreading fake news and calling for unauthorised protests. The Italian justice ministry said last month that it has had no response from Egypt over its calls for cooperation in the case of the four Egyptian intelligence officers suspected of Regeni's abduction, torture and murder. The trial against the four has been suspended after a Rome court ruled that it could not go ahead because the defendants had not been notified of its existence. Italy has been trying to notify the four officers of their indictments in order to proceed with their trial in absentia but the efforts ran into a brick wall last year after Cairo refused to help locate them. The four Egyptian officials are National Security General Tariq Sabir and his subordinates, Colonels Athar Kamel Mohamed Ibrahim and Uhsam Helmi, and Major Magdi Ibrahim Abdelal Sharif Regeni, a Cambridge University doctoral researcher, was tortured to death while in Egypt to work on research into Cairo street hawkers' unions. A fresh hearing in the case has been set for February 13 in Rome. Zaki, who spent 18 months in police custody, is also set to face a fresh hearing in Cairo soon. (ANSA). Jordan warns Israeli right-wing govt about Aqsa mosque Incoming Netanyahu govt cautioned against harming ties (ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, 07 NOV - Jordan warned Israel's incoming government under Benyamin Netanyahu against changing the status quo of the Jerusalem holy known as both the al-Aqsa Mosque complex and Temple Mount, Israeli state television reported on Sunday. "Authoritative sources" in Amman told the broadcaster that Jordan said any change would "surely" lead to serious repercussions on bilateral relations between the two countries. The sources mentioned the behaviour of far-right lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the Jewish Power party, whose visit to the holy site to highlight its historic links with Judaism led to clashes with Muslim worshippers. "If, in his capacity as minister, Ben Gvir were to commit other acts of provocation," the sources warned, "the consequences would be dangerous." The Jordanian broadcaster said that Jordanians are concerned that the new government might authorise the holding of Jewish prayers at the al-Aqsa Mosque complex. The sources said that they hoped that Netanyahu understands the importance of relations with Jordan, which - they noted - "is the country with the longest border with Israel". Similar concerns for the status of the site were expressed in Israel also by the leader of the Islam-based Raam party, Mansur Abbas. Raam is part of the outgoing government coalition under Yair Lapid. (ANSAmed). 3 journalists on hunger strike for imprisoned activist Alaa Activist refusing water, British PM to discuss case at COP27 (ANSAmed) - CAIRO, 07 NOV - Three Egyptian journalists have announced that they will begin a hunger strike to demand the release of Alaa Abdel Fattah, an Egyptian activist in prison who has not been eating properly for months and since Sunday has been refusing to drink any liquids as well. "We will stop eating now because Alaa Abdel Fattah is at risk of dying," Mona Selim told AFP at a sit-in in front of the Cairo journalists union alongside Eman Ouf and Racha Azab. The three are demanding "the release of all prisoners of conscience", who some NGOs say number over 60,000 in Egypt. The British-Egyptian activist Alaa "has stopped all caloric intake, even a spoon of honey or tea, since November 1", his family has told French media. The dissident stopped eating entirely on Tuesday and stopped drinking water on Sunday, while the COP27 was kicking off in the Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh. His case will be brought to the attention of the summit, where his sister Sanaa Seif is present, said British PM Rishi Sunak, who called it a "priority". Activists at COP27 are trying to bring attention to his case using the hashtag #FreeAlaa on social networks. (ANSAmed). MADRID - An NGO from Spain's Basque Country, Salvamento Maritimo Humanitario (SMH), has announced that it is postponing a migrant rescue mission it had planned in the central Mediterranean. A statement said that the decision was due to "uncertainty in Italy over measures that the new far-right government may take". While waiting to "know better" what could happen in this regard, SMH accepted a request by the Castellon port authorities: after inspections showing that the NGO was fit to conduct the humanitarian mission planned, the authorities asked the NGO to wait for further developments concerning Italy's policies on migrants. The main risk, SMH said, is that any disciplinary measures taken by Italy against NGOs might lead to negative repercussions on certifications for the Spanish naval sector security in general, such as an increase in the cost of insurance policies. BELGRADE - In Kosovo, members of the country's Serb minority working in several state bodies resigned on Monday en masse after a decision announced on Saturday by their political representatives to protest the government's obliging a change of licence plates and due to non-compliance with accords reached as part of EU-mediated dialogue with Belgrade. MPs from the Srpska Lista, the largest political party of Serbs in Kosovo, resigned - as did judges and the administrative staff of courts and over 300 policemen who went to their stations to give their uniforms and weapons back. "I came to resign. I couldn't bear it anymore and the time had come to do so. We should have done it before," one of the policemen in Kosovska Mitrovica was quoted by Serb media as saying. On Sunday, a protest by Serbs grew into a large-scale demonstration in the Serb-majority northern sector of Kosovska Mitrovica, where over 10,000 people protested against what they called discriminatory policies and hatred against Serbs shown by Kosovo leaders including Prime Minister Albin Kurti. A significant increase in inter-ethnic tension in Kosovo is raising alarm within the international community and especially the EU and the US, with repeated calls for moderation and dialogue, amid concerns that it may lead to more instability in the Balkans, not far from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Speaking on the subject was EU High Representative Josep Borrell and Italian deputy PM and foreign minister Antonio Tajani, who both contacted Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovar prime minister Albin Kurti over the weekend. Both urged dialogue and warned against unilateral actions that could aggravate tensions further. Tunisian authorities team up against migrant trafficking ONM and INLTP sign partnership accord (ANSAmed) - TUNIS, NOV 7 - The Tunisian National Observatory on Migration (ONM) and the the National Authority to Combat Trafficking in Persons (INLTP) on Saturday signed a partnership agreement in order to provide a framework for cooperation and strengthen the partnership between the two sides in the areas of research, studies, documentation, publishing, training and skill support. The Observatory made the announcement in a statement, adding that the agreement was signed at the headquarters of the authority by Director General of the National Observatory of Migration Ahlam Hammami, and President of the INLTP Raoudha Laabidi. Laabidi said the authority is currently working on the implementation of the project of the regional center for training of trainers in the field of combating trafficking in persons and its legal, security, medical and social aspects, the news agency TAP reported. The national report on the fight against trafficking in persons for 2021 revealed that half of the victims of trafficking in persons are foreigners, mostly African, she noted. "For her part, the Director General of the National Observatory of Migration stressed the importance of this agreement in consolidating cooperation with the authority. She called for more coordination with all institutions and organisations working in the field of migration in Tunisia in order to establish clear and precise migration governance policies, according to an integrated, balanced and comprehensive approach," TAP added. "Ahlam Hammami welcomed the initiative of the INLTP to launch the national referral mechanism for victims of trafficking in persons which provides all the information and data in a timely manner, to help stakeholders to take care of victims of trafficking in persons," it reported. "The National Referral Mechanism for Victims of Trafficking in Persons is the first of its kind in North Africa and the Middle East and has four components: prevention, protection, cooperation and interception of trafficking networks." (ANSAmed). EU and Greece 'together' on migration, says Schinas 'Country that has received the most EU aid' (ANSAmed) - ATHENS, 07 NOV - "To begin with, the paradigm of migration policy in Greece has changed in the past three years. Europe has given more money to Greece for handling migration than anyone else among the 27 member-states," European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas told Greek daily Kathimerini in an interview published on Monday. "Therefore, those who want to make Greece and Europe appear at odds over the migration issue have the wrong end of the stick, because not only are we entirely aware of the situation in Greece, we are basically together with Greece in its management," the member of the Greek party Nea Dimokratia said, underscoring that the Frontex mission in Greece is the largest in Europe. Thanks to EU funds, Greece has built five new migrant identification and reception facilities in the northeastern islands of the Aegean Sea. Questioned on accusations of Turkey's "instrumentalizing the refugee crisis", he answered: "the Turkish state is not always as diligent about guarding the borders as we need it to be. Sometimes it is, and sometimes it's not." He added that , "now we will give them more money to bolster and improve control of their border to the east, with Afghanistan and Iran, because we have an increase there too" of irregular migrant entrances. He then praised border control activities by the Greek government and Frontex in the Aegean Sea, adding that, "we're seeing flows covering long distances in large sailboats and other vessels toward Southern Italy and Central Europe. Turkey has an obligation to stop these flows." (ANSAmed). Rishi Sunak has said threatening and abusive texts sent by Sir Gavin Williamson to a colleague were not acceptable or right as he insisted he had been aware of a disagreement but not the details of the exchange. The Prime Minister is under fire for bringing Sir Gavin back into the Government despite being warned that he was under investigation for allegedly bullying former chief whip Wendy Morton. On Sunday evening, Mr Sunak told The Sun: I hadnt seen those texts before last night, I had not. I was aware there was a disagreement between him and the former chief whip. Former Conservative Party chairman Sir Jake Berry informed Mr Sunak on the day he took office that Ms Morton had lodged a formal complaint over the messages. In them, Sir Gavin angrily accused her of seeking to punish MPs like him who were out of favour with Liz Truss by excluding them from the Queens funeral. The exchange of texts, obtained by The Sunday Times, concluded with him saying: Well lets see how many more times you f*** us all over. There is a price for everything. Mr Sunak said: They were not acceptable or right. It was a difficult time for our party at the time, but regardless, people always should be treated with respect. I am glad Gavin has expressed regret. There is an independent complaint process which is running, its right and reasonable we let that conclude. Earlier, Cabinet Office Minister Oliver Dowden one of Mr Sunaks closest allies insisted that the Prime Minister still had confidence in Sir Gavin, who is now also a minister in the Cabinet Office. As you have seen from the former chairman Jake Berry, he says that he highlighted that to the Prime Minister, he told Sky Newss Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme. But in terms of the specific allegations, the specific exchange, the Prime Minister wasnt aware of it until last night. However, Labour said it once again raised questions about Mr Sunaks judgment after he reappointed Suella Braverman as Home Secretary just six days after she was forced to quit over a security breach. Shadow climate change secretary Ed Miliband told Sky News: These are incredibly serious issues and I think it really calls into question Rishi Sunaks judgment and the way he made decisions about his Cabinet. Sir Gavin Williamson warned Wendy Morton there is a price for everything (James Manning/PA) In the messages, Sir Gavin complained it was very poor that MPs who arent favoured had been excluded from the funeral of the Queen at Westminster Abbey. Ms Morton repeatedly insisted that his claims were unfounded and that the Government had been allocated an extremely limited number of tickets. Sir Gavin retorted: Well certainly looks it which think is very shit and perception becomes reality. Also dont forget I know how this works so dont puss (sic) me about. Its very clear how you are going to treat a number of us which is very stupid and you are showing f*** all interest in pulling things together. Also this shows exactly how you have rigged it is is (sic) disgusting you are using her death to punish people who are just supportive, absolutely disgusting. Well lets see how many more times you f*** us all over. There is a price for everything. Sir Jake Berry said he informed Rishi Sunak of the complaint (Victoria Jones/PA) Sir Jake told the paper that he was informed by the Conservative Party chief executive on October 24 the day before Mr Sunak formally took office that a formal complaint had been made against Sir Gavin. In compliance with protocol, in my capacity as party chairman, I informed both the new Prime Minister and his incoming chief of staff about the complaint on the same day, he said. Sir Gavin, who was knighted by Boris Johnson earlier this year, is a divisive figure at Westminster where he is viewed with suspicion by many Tory MPs because of his reputation as an inveterate plotter. He was sacked first by Theresa May as defence secretary for leaking details of a National Security Council meeting and then by Mr Johnson as education secretary over the Covid-19 A-levels debacle. However he was regarded as a key figure in Mr Sunaks campaign over the summer to become party leader. A Conservative Party spokesman: The Conservative Party has a robust complaints process in place. This process is rightly a confidential one, so that complainants can come forward in confidence. Elon Musk has said verified accounts on Twitter which change their name to impersonate others will be permanently banned from the site. It comes after several celebrities in the US changed their Twitter name to Elon Musk and posted messages parodying the sites new owner before their accounts were locked or suspended. Over the weekend, Twitter said it would allow anyone to get a verified blue badge on the platform simply by signing up to the Twitter Blue subscription service and paying a monthly fee, a move criticised by some over fears it would allow any account to appear legitimate and spread abuse or misinformation more easily. Mr Musk has said the change would bring power to the people, but US comedians including Sarah Silverman and Kathy Griffin were among those who changed the names on their already verified Twitter accounts to Elon Musk to highlight user concerns about how the identity of those behind verified accounts would be confirmed under the new policy. Both accounts were then either temporarily locked or suspended by the platform. Any name change at all will cause temporary loss of verified checkmark Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 6, 2022 Mr Musk said: Any name change at all will cause temporary loss of verified checkmark. Previously, we issued a warning before suspension, but now that we are rolling out widespread verification, there will be no warning. This will be clearly identified as a condition for signing up to Twitter Blue. Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying parody will be permanently suspended. Critics have been quick to point out that Mr Musks stance has changed sharply in just a few days when he tweeted comedy is now legal on Twitter shortly after completing his takeover, and vowing to allow more free speech on the site. The Tesla owner has also previously said that no content moderation rule changes would be implemented until a new content moderation council the company was forming had met and discussed policy plans for the platform. Mr Musk also tweeted that Widespread verification will democratise journalism & empower the voice of the people. He added that Twitter needs to become by far the most accurate source of information about the world. Thats our mission. But this drew questions about content moderation and fact-checking from a prominent Musk supporter, Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, who replied to the tweet by asking accurate to who?. Some online safety groups have reported increases in abusive content and misinformation since Mr Musks takeover and the billionaire himself has even taken part by tweeting, and then deleting, a link to a conspiracy theory about the attack on Paul Pelosi, the husband of senior US Democrat Nancy Pelosi. Mr Musk has had a turbulent start to his tenure at the social media giant, where on Friday the company began staff cuts which could see as much as half the global workforce leave the firm. Struggling retailer Joules has revealed talks with investors including founder Tom Joule to inject cash into the business as sales continue to disappoint. The group said Mr Joule who recently returned to the firm in an executive position as product director is among a number of strategic investors in discussions to provide a cornerstone investment in an equity raise. It said it was also continuing to explore a possible company voluntary arrangement (CVA) restructuring typically seeing a firm agreeing delayed or reduced payments to landlords or other creditors as trading remains under pressure, with sales for the 11 weeks to October 30 lower than expected and profit margins taking a hit due to discount sales. Joules said: The group believes this, in large part, reflects the challenging UK economic environment which has negatively impacted consumer confidence and disposable income. In addition, whilst dresses, menswear and more formal product categories have performed well, larger core categories such as outerwear, wellies and knitwear have been impacted, in part, by the milder than expected weather. The brand famous for its posh wellies said online sales in particular have suffered, while store sales have been slight better than predicted. Joules said the sales woes meant its working capital position had taken a knock and it is also in talks with Mr Joule and its lending banks over a possible bridge financing proposal. It was recently reported that the owner of Yorkshire-based car dealership Stoneacre Motor Group has snapped up 1 million of shares in Joules and was considering a rescue bid. The Leicestershire-based chain employs around 1,000 people and runs around 130 stores. Despite the ongoing trading and financing problems, Joules insisted it had made good progress on its turnaround plan. It added: Under the leadership of Tom Joule, in his capacity as product director, a new product design and development process is in place to drive further substantial improvement in product quality and design. Ukrainian refugees in the UK are being urged to consider becoming bus drivers amid a major shortage. Public transport operator Go-Ahead is working with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help them take on vacant roles. The country has suffered from a lack of bus drivers since the end of coronavirus lockdowns. Industry body the Confederation of Passenger Transport recently estimated that 9% of bus driver positions are vacant. Ukrainian bus drivers can exchange their licence for a UK version under existing rules. Go-Aheads Sussex bus companies Brighton & Hove and Metrobus have introduced a new policy and training programme to support Ukrainian refugees back into work. They previously required foreign bus drivers in the UK to wait a year before applying for jobs. Licence-holding Ukrainian refugees assessed by the DWP to have a good understanding of English have been invited by the companies to a recruitment open day on Thursday. Anita Pain, employer adviser for Brighton and Hove Jobcentre, said: Its terrific how businesses have come together to support the Ukrainian community. We are delighted to have been a part of this innovative and fast-paced approach to fill vacancies in our city. Ed Wills, managing director of Brighton & Hove and Metrobus, said: We provide a first class bus service for our community. We want to help local people live their lives to the full whether thats driving them to work, school or to meet up with friends and family. As a company we also have the ability to offer jobs to people from Ukraine who are here to start a new and more peaceful life. I look forward to having more recruitment events like this in the future. Rishi Sunak is expected to raise the migrant crisis with his French counterpart when the two meet for the first time in Egypt on Monday. Ahead of Cop27, the Prime Minister told The Sun newspaper his key priority at the UN climate change conference was resolving the crisis of small boats crossing the Channel. The PM will use the Cop27 conference to speak to Emmanuel Macron about small boats crossing the Channel (Yves Herman/PA) I have spent more time working on that in the last few days than anything else other than the autumn statement, he told the newspaper. According to the paper, Britain and France are close to allowing Border Force staff on the beaches, with the PM insisting he will continue to push for a deal with Emmanuel Macron. We have to get a grip, do a range of things to stop it from happening, return people who shouldnt be here in the first place. People inside the Manston immigration facility in Kent (Gareth Fuller/PA) The Times reported the Prime Minister will press Mr Macron to sign a deal to reduce crossings while at the summit. Mr Sunak also reportedly defended his decision to keep Suella Braverman as Home Secretary, telling The Sun: Shes completely focused. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said Mr Sunak is set to revive the British Bill of Rights as part of his Governments strategy to deal with the small boats crisis. He said the legislation giving the UK courts supremacy over the European Court of Human Rights will return to Parliament in the coming weeks. The Bill was shelved by Liz Truss when she became prime minister in September after Government sources warned it was unlikely to progress in its current form. The proposed legislation is unlikely to provide a quick fix though as it is also highly controversial and the Government is likely to face a tough battle particularly in the House of Lords to get it on to the statute book. The sister of a jailed British-Egyptian pro-democracy activist said she believes her brother could be on the next flight to London if Rishi Sunak makes his case an urgent political priority. Sanaa Seif has travelled to Sharm El-Sheikh where the Cop27 summit is taking place, as she works to highlight the plight of her brother Alaa Abd El-Fattah, who is on hunger strike. The detained writer has spent most of the past decade behind bars in Egypt and last December was sentenced to five years in prison after being accused of spreading false news. Ms Seif said her family is pinning our hopes on the Prime Ministers efforts to help. Mr Sunak, who is in Egypt for the major climate summit, stressed his deep concern about the case in a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The Prime Minister said he hoped to see this resolved as soon as possible and would continue to press for progress, Downing Street said. Earlier, Mr Sunak told broadcasters the case was one not just the United Kingdom but many countries want to see resolved. Mr Sunak had written to Mr Abd El-Fattahs family saying he was totally committed to resolving the case, which he described as a priority for the British Government both as a human rights defender and as a British national. Alaa Abd El-Fattah who is now refusing water in protest at his detention in Egypt (Nariman El-Mofty/AP/PA) After arriving in the Red Sea resort on Monday, a statement released from Ms Seif through the Freedom For Alaa campaign said: Prime Minister Sunak sent me a powerful letter on the weekend. I think he intends to do everything he can to save Alaa, were pinning our hopes on him. I really believe that if he makes this an urgent political priority, my brother will be on the next flight to London. Mr Abd El-Fattah, a father, has been on partial hunger strike in prison, eating only 100 daily calories for the past 200 days. On November 1 he began a full hunger strike, and on Sunday he stopped drinking water in an escalation of his protest to coincide with the summit at which numerous world leaders are present. His switch to a water strike made the Government realise the urgency of the case, Ms Seif said. Speaking to BBC Radio 4s World At One programme, she suggested hecticness in UK politics had hindered work on her brothers case. She said: I strongly feel that the hecticness that was happening in the Government and the change of government was in a sense, it was a genuine excuse but also it made, like, the civil servants and the diplomats working, and the Foreign Office, have an excuse. And so they werent really working hard. I felt all of a sudden when Alaa stopped water that we were suddenly getting these calls, phone calls, we were getting the letter from the Prime Minister. So, it feels like they realised the urgency all of a sudden. Weve been warning them that this is coming. Friend and actor Khalid Abdalla has said the possibility Mr Abd El-Fattah could die while the Cop27 summit takes place is a terrifying prospect. The Crown star likened Mr Abd El-Fattah to suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, saying he represents the progressive fight in Egypt. Abdalla, who plays Dodi Fayed in the hit Netflix show, said he wanted to be on the right side of history in speaking up for his friend. He said the reason for his friends detention is completely absurd. He told ITVs Good Morning Britain: The actual reason technically for him being in prison is for sharing a Facebook post, its completely absurd. A Facebook post about the torture of a fellow prisoner. He said the writer and his family represent the progressive fight for democracy, and social justice and a better world. He said it is crucial that Mr Abd El-Fattah is freed. He told the programme: Right now were facing the possibility of his death in the coming days before Cop27 ends. Its a terrifying prospect. He added: All 120 world leaders are descending on Sharm El-Sheikh right now. If all of them cant result in Alaa being released from prison, then what hope have we got of saving the climate? Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has written to Mr Abd El-Fattahs sister (Stefan Rousseau/PA) In his letter to Mr Abd El-Fattahs family, Mr Sunak described Cop27 as another opportunity to raise your brothers case with the Egyptian leadership and said Middle East minister Lord Ahmad would update the family on negotiations after the summit which finishes on November 18. The Foreign Office has said ministers are deeply concerned about the incarceration of Mr Abd El-Fattah and they are working hard to secure his release. Freshta Sharif of Amnesty International UK said: The UK Government can and must secure Alaas release, and were imploring Rishi Sunak and UK officials to urgently follow through on this with the Egyptian authorities. The Prime Minister mustnt return from Egypt without having secured Alaas release and a firm commitment that he be allowed to safely leave the country. Rishi Sunak will call for a global mission for clean growth as he joined other world leaders at the start of the latest Cop27 international climate change talks in Egypt. Downing Street said the Prime Minister will be looking to set the seal on last years Cop26 summit in Glasgow with more than 200 million in UK funding to protect forests and invest in green technologies. But as he prepared to pass on the baton to the Egyptians, he faced criticism at home over the Governments decision to issue more licences for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea on its continued opposition to new onshore wind. Mr Sunaks attendance at the gathering in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh alongside leaders such as US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron marks his first outing on the international stage since becoming Prime Minister last month. The King speaks with Rishi Sunak during a reception at Buckingham Palace ahead of the Cop27 summit (Jonathan Brady/PA) In his opening address on Monday, he will say it is essential countries stick to commitments made in Glasgow if the world is to avoid the worst impact of climate change by limiting warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. At the same time, he will argue that the transition away from fossil fuels has the potential to drive growth and deliver jobs in the new green industries of the future, while cutting off funding for Russias war in Ukraine. Mr Sunak is expected to say: The world came together in Glasgow with one last chance to create a plan that would limit global temperature rises to 1.5C. The question today is: can we summon the collective will to deliver on those promises? I believe we can. By honouring the pledges we made in Glasgow, we can turn our struggle against climate change into a global mission for new jobs and clean growth. Rishi Sunak at the Cop26 summit in Glasgow (PA) And we can bequeath our children a greener planet and a more prosperous future. Thats a legacy we could be proud of. Arriving in Sharm El-Sheikh on Sunday, the Prime Minister said he wanted the UK to be a leader on the issue. We led the world last year when it came to the Cop we hosted, achieved some very important things, we need to cement our leadership, he told The Sun. I want to make sure Im there flying the flag for the UK, being a leader on these issues. He also paid tribute to the role of the King, even though he will not be at the gathering following an agreement between the Palace and former prime minister Liz Truss. He has demonstrated incredible leadership on this issue for a very long time. Even though he is not going to be there in person, I know he will be there in spirit. His leadership and influence will be guiding us, he said. Downing Street said Mr Sunak will announce a further 65.5 million for the clean energy innovation facility which provides grants to researchers and scientists in developing countries working on clean technologies from biomass-powered refrigeration in India to lithium-ion batteries in Nigeria. The UK is also committing 90 million for conservation in the Congo Basin rainforest and 65 million to support indigenous and local forest communities as Mr Sunak launches a new group to track commitments made in Glasgow on deforestation. Mr Sunak had originally not intended to travel to Egypt, arguing his priority was to sort out the estimated 50 billion black hole in the public finances ahead of Chancellor Jeremy Hunts autumn statement on November 17. But he was forced into what opposition parties called a screeching U-turn after coming under fire from within his own party, as well as from environmentalists questioning his commitment to the net zero agenda. For Labour, shadow climate change secretary Ed Miliband said the Prime Minister should now drop plans to issue more licences for North Sea exploration and end the Governments opposition to onshore wind. Rishi Sunak is the man who had to be dragged kicking and screaming to go to Cop so its simply implausible for him to claim the mantle of climate leadership. Rishi Sunak is a fossil fuel prime minister in a renewable age, he said. The latest round of UN climate talks takes place against a backdrop of increasingly devastating extreme weather around the world as well as an energy and cost-of-living crisis driven by President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. While there is evidence Russias actions have prompted an acceleration towards clean technology, the UN has warned that, based on countries latest climate action plans, there is currently no credible pathway to meet the 1.5C goal intended to avoid the worst impact of global warming. Rich countries are also falling short in providing the finance needed to help developing nations adapt to a changing climate and develop cleanly, the UN has warned. With vulnerable countries increasingly being hit by extreme storms, floods and droughts, such as Pakistans devastating flooding this year, how to address and pay for the now unavoidable loss and damage poorer countries are facing from climate change will be one of the key issues at the talks. The Prime Minister retains full confidence in Sir Gavin Williamson despite the emergence of threatening and abusive texts sent by the senior minister to a female colleague. Rishi Sunak is under fire for bringing Sir Gavin back into the Government when he knew he was under investigation for allegedly bullying former chief whip Wendy Morton. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said the Cabinet Office minister is clearly not suitable for the job and claimed Mr Sunak was weak to appoint him. But he still has the Prime Ministers backing, according to No 10, while Mr Sunak maintains a zero-tolerance approach to bullying within Government. In a series of texts exposed over the weekend, Sir Gavin angrily accused Ms Morton of seeking to punish MPs like him who were out of favour with then-premier Liz Truss by excluding them from the Queens funeral. Former Conservative Party chairman Sir Jake Berry said he informed Mr Sunak on the day he took the reins as Tory leader that Ms Morton had lodged a formal complaint over the messages. But the PM went ahead with the appointment anyway the next day, with Downing Street citing his belief that Sir Gavin would make an important contribution to Government. The Prime Minister has said the texts were not not acceptable or right, while Cabinet minister Grant Shapps earlier echoed this sentiment describing the correspondence as completely inappropriate. But with questions raised over his judgment, Mr Sunak has sought to clarify what he knew and when. While he was aware of a disagreement, he has said he was not party to the details of the exchange at the time he brought Sir Gavin back into Government. Asked on Monday if the Prime Minister had full confidence in the Cabinet Office minister, his official spokesman said: Yes. (PA Graphics) Pressed on why Mr Sunak gave Sir Gavin the job, he added: Obviously he thinks he has an important contribution to make to Government. Sir Keir told broadcasters during a visit to Imperial College London that it was disappointing to be having a discussion about the Prime Ministers judgment yet again. Hes clearly got people around the Cabinet table who are not fit to be there, he said. That is because he was so weak and wanted to avoid an election within his own party. He reiterated Labours calls for a general election, arguing that the public deserve a vote as debates persist over the weak position the Prime Minister is in. Lib Dem chief whip Wendy Chamberlain said the Cabinet Office minister should be fired, as in any other workplace, someone who behaved as he did would have been rightly dismissed for gross misconduct. Every day Williamson remains in his post is an insult to the decent hardworking people across the country, she said. But Sunak ally and former Cabinet minister George Eustice played down the row as a storm in a teacup, questioning why a complaint had been raised in the first place. It was wrong, (Sir Gavin) shouldnt have used that sort of language, he shouldnt have adopted that sort of tone. Its a minor storm in a teacup in the scheme of things with all the other great challenges that we face, he told Times Radio. He was very frustrated and personally Im not quite sure why the chief whip sort of referred this up to the Conservative Party, rather than just try and resolve it between the two of them. The Prime Ministers spokesman said he was not aware whether Mr Sunak had spoken with either Sir Gavin or Ms Morton since the matter came to light but stressed he would not normally get into details of private conversations. He said Mr Sunak has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying inside Government. However, he would not commit to a timeline for appointing a new ethics adviser. There is a process ongoing. Well update you as soon as possible, he said. In the messages, obtained by The Sunday Times, Sir Gavin complained it was very poor that MPs who werent favoured had been excluded from the Queens funeral at Westminster Abbey. Ms Morton repeatedly insisted that his claims were unfounded and that the Government had been allocated an extremely limited number of tickets. Sir Gavin retorted: Well certainly looks it which I think is very shit and perception becomes reality. Also dont forget I know how this works so dont puss (sic) me about. Its very clear how you are going to treat a number of us which is very stupid and you are showing f*** all interest in pulling things together. Also this shows exactly how you have rigged it is is (sic) disgusting you are using her death to punish people who are just supportive, absolutely disgusting. Well lets see how many more times you f*** us all over. There is a price for everything. Sir Jake told the paper that he was informed by the Conservative Party chief executive on October 24 the day before Mr Sunak formally took office that a formal complaint had been made against Sir Gavin. In compliance with protocol, in my capacity as party chairman, I informed both the new Prime Minister and his incoming chief of staff about the complaint on the same day, he said. Sir Gavin, who was knighted by Boris Johnson earlier this year, is a divisive figure at Westminster where he is viewed with suspicion by many Tory MPs because of his reputation as an inveterate plotter. He was sacked first by Theresa May as defence secretary for leaking details of a National Security Council meeting and then by Mr Johnson as education secretary over the Covid-19 A-levels debacle. However, he was regarded as a key figure in Mr Sunaks campaign over the summer to become party leader. A pro-life group is set to launch a legal challenge to legislation designed to enable the introduction of full abortion services in Northern Ireland. Abortion legislation in the region was liberalised in 2019 following laws passed by Westminster at a time when the powersharing government at Stormont had collapsed. While individual health trusts have offered limited services on an ad-hoc basis, Northern Irelands Department of Health never centrally commissioned the rollout of full services due to a political impasse at Stormont. In May 2021 the Government intervened and laid regulations at Parliament that removed the need for the Department of Health to seek the approval of the wider executive to commission the services. It also gave the Secretary of State the power to step in and commission the services himself if the devolved health minister failed to do so. The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) Pro-life Limited challenged the regulations, however the bid was unsuccessful. SPUC is now appealing that decision. In October the current Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris said he will ensure services are now commissioned in the region. SPUC has urged Mr Heaton-Harris to respect the devolution settlement and abandon the course taken by his predecessor. Liam Gibson, the societys policy and legal officer, said the appeal will be the most significant legal actions brought against abortion legislation in UK history. We believe that when Brandon Lewis issued the 2021 Abortion Regulations giving himself the power to direct the actions of Stormont ministers to disregard the terms of the Ministerial Code and the devolution agreement he exceeded his legal authority, he said. Although the High Court did not agree with our case, we believe that both the health department and the Northern Ireland Office have recognised that the 2021 regulations and the Secretary of States subsequent directions are, at the very least, highly questionable. Were confident that we can convince the Court of Appeal that were right. This is one of the most significant legal actions brought against abortion legislation in UK history and we believe that challenging the authority of the Secretary of State has helped prevent Westminsters abortion agenda in Northern Ireland from being fully implemented. He added: The health service in Northern Ireland is already strapped for cash. The people of the province face some of the worst waiting times anywhere in the NHS yet, the London Government is so determined to end the lives of innocent unborn children that it will use money earmarked for the preservation of health to push through its radical abortion agenda. The challenge to the 2021 Abortion Regulations is set to be heard by the Court of Appeal in Belfast on Tuesday and Wednesday. As Cop27 gets under way in Egypt, here are answers to some of the key questions about the climate conference. What is Cop27? It is the latest set of UN climate negotiations which take place every year, and this year is taking place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, following last years conference, Cop26, which the UK hosted in Glasgow. What will be discussed? One of the central issues is that action is needed to cut fossil fuels and the greenhouse gases driving climate change, as we are currently on course for 2.4-2.6C of warming which the UN warns would be catastrophic. Developed countries are also under pressure to deliver the levels of finance promised and needed to help poorer nations adapt to climate change and to invest in clean technology. And a key issue up for debate is addressing loss and damage the now unavoidable consequences of climate change such as the destruction of crops, homes and infrastructure, which are being felt worst by vulnerable countries who did least to contribute to the crisis. Alok Sharma President of the Cop26 climate summit (Jane Barlow/PA) These issues feel familiar. Havent we made any progress since Glasgow? There has been some progress, with countries including Australia bringing in new climate plans, as all countries pledged to at Cop26. But the latest assessments from the UN show climate action plans fall far short of what is needed to limit dangerous climate change, bringing down emissions by only 5-10% by 2030, compared to the 45% cut needed to keep temperatures rises to the 1.5C threshold countries have signed up to. Greenhouse gases continue to rise, and there is no credible pathway in place to meeting the 1.5C goal, the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) warns. Levels of finance for adapting to climate change are also falling far short of what is needed, UN analysis shows, and loss and damage must be addressed. Progress on climate adaptation so far has been too little, too slow. UNEPs 2022 #AdaptationGap Report highlights the urgency to develop national adaptation plans to help the most vulnerable communities cope with the accelerating impacts of #ClimateChange. https://t.co/yyBKAm0RZN UN Environment Programme (@UNEP) November 3, 2022 What can be done to tackle loss and damage? Many vulnerable countries and campaigners want an international loss and damage finance facility to help developing countries with the loss and damage they suffer. A polluter pays principle would require developed countries most responsible for the pollution driving climate change to pay into the fund. Developed countries have historically been reluctant to agree to such a mechanism, but as the impacts of extreme weather worsen around the world most vividly with the devastating floods in Pakistan this year the pressure is rising to deliver finance for loss and damage. What about the UK? Once Alok Sharma, who presided over the Cop26 talks last year in a neutral chairing role, hands over the gavel to the Egyptian Cop27 presidency, it will be the first time the UK has negotiated at climate talks on its own, rather than as part of the EU. While the UK aims for a global leadership role on climate and is urging action at Cop27 to cut emissions and address loss and damage, the Government is facing criticism for pushing ahead with new offshore oil and gas licences, late payment to climate funds and gaps in policies to tackle the crisis. The decision the King, a long time campaigner for the environment, should not attend the climate summit, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks initial decision to skip the talks before a last-minute U-turn have also prompted criticism. How can we negotiate on climate when the world is facing an energy crisis fuelled by Russias invasion of Ukraine? Russias invasion of Ukraine while leading to a short term increase in the use of coal has prompted an acceleration in countries taking up clean tech, with the International Energy Agency suggesting it could prove to be a historic turning point for the world. But when it comes to the international negotiations on climate, where decisions are made by consensus, it seems inevitable the international dispute provoked by the war will cast a shadow. That will prove another challenge for making progress on the climate crisis, just as the increasingly severe floods, droughts, storms, melting ice and rising seas make it clear that there is no time to lose. File Photo: Former U.S. President Donald Trump holds a rally ahead of the midterm elections, in Miami By Shreyashi Sanyal and Anisha Sircar (Reuters) -Shares of Digital World Acquisition Corp, the blank-check company looking to take Donald Trump's social media venture public, rallied on Monday over the former president's possible run for the 2024 presidential election. Trump is considering launching a third bid for the White House this month, three of his advisers said last week, while media reports over the weekend pointed to a campaign starting before the end of November. Shares in Digital World Acquisition Corp jumped more than 24% to $21.55, and were set for their best day in nearly a year, bringing down year-to-date losses to 58%. "The prospect of Donald Trump seizing the political spotlight again appears to have put a rocket under the share price of DWAC amid expectation there could be a sharp increase in users on the former President's highly controversial social media platform," said Susannah Streeter, senior investment and markets analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. The rally in DWAC, which was also the fifth most trending ticker on retail investor focused social media forum Stocktwits, helped lift shares of other Trump-linked companies. DWAC on Thursday extended the deadline to Nov. 22. for investors' approval to complete its merger deal with Trump Media and Technology Group. This move comes as Americans prepare to vote in the U.S. midterm elections, with analysts expecting Republicans to win control of Congress. Software developer Phunware Inc, which was hired by Trump's 2020 presidential reelection campaign to build a phone app, jumped 18.3%. Rumble Inc, a Canadian video platform popular with conservatives, however, slipped 3.5%. Trump's social media venture Truth Social announced in August it would join Rumble's new ad platform as its first publisher in August. Artificial intelligence solutions company Remark Holdings, which has been linked to the former president on social media sites, gained 8.6%. Reuters could not independently verify the link between Trump and Remark. (Reporting by Shreyashi Sanyal, Akash Sriram and Anisha Sircar in Bengaluru; Editing by Vinay Dwivedi) Boris Johnson warned Tories against going soft on climate change targets as he suggested that rising temperatures in Westminster may have contributed to his ousting. The former prime minister dismissed the nonsense of calls to resume fracking and return to fossil fuels in response to the soaring energy prices triggered by Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. Mr Johnson, who was speaking on the fringes of the Cop27 climate summit in Egypt, insisted he wanted to play a supportive role to Rishi Sunak, but said he would act as the guardian of the commitments made when he was prime minister at Cop26 in Glasgow. Mr Sunak made a late U-turn to attend the conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, having previously suggested he would be too busy dealing with the domestic economic problems in the UK. Mr Johnson said he was glad Mr Sunak was at the summit, telling his audience at a New York Times event: Im a foot soldier, a spear carrier. Im here in a purely supportive role and to remind the world what we did at Glasgow. He said the present government understands that and wants to take it forward. Mr Johnson continued: The PM is here. Im glad he is here. He made an outstanding speech the other day, he is on absolutely the right lines. The former prime minister said he was at the summit to warn the risk is some people will go weak and wobbly on net zero, we cant have that. He warned the fight against climate change had become one of the collateral victims of Mr Putins invasion of Ukraine, with countries questioning the goal of cutting emissions at a time of soaring energy prices. In a swipe at Tories including successor Liz Truss he warned against calls to revive fracking, the process of extracting shale gas, in the UK. Ms Truss had planned to lift the ban on fracking in England, but Rishi Sunak reinstated it. There are people who have drawn the conclusion that the whole project of net zero needs to be delayed, mothballed and put on ice for instance we need to reopen coal-fired power stations and frack the hell out of the British countryside, he told a Cop27 fringe event. The former prime minister said the summit in Egypt was a time to tackle this nonsense head on. Yes, of course, we do need to use hydrocarbons in the transitional period and, yes, in the UK there is more that we can do with our own domestic resources, he said. However, this is not the moment to abandon the campaign for net zero, this is not the moment to turn our backs on renewable technology. Boris Johnson said he was glad that Rishi Sunak had agreed to attend the Cop27 summit (Jonathan Brady/PA) Meanwhile, Mr Sunak insisted he believes it is great that his predecessor in No 10 was also at the summit. Oh, its great that the former prime minister is here, Mr Sunak told broadcasters. And I think it says something great about the UK that not only have we got the current Prime Minister here, weve got a former prime minister here. It just demonstrates our leadership on this issue globally. And Boris was a stalwart champion of building a greener future. He deserves enormous credit and praise for that. The King was listed as taking part in the opening ceremony of Cop27 despite not appearing at the UN climate summit. Downing Street acknowledged last week that the monarch might have been able to join international delegates in Egypt if Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had been in office earlier in the year. When Liz Truss was premier, a unanimous agreement was reached that the King should not attend after advice was sought by his office from the Government. The UNFCCC website of the live broadcast for the Cop27 summit opening ceremony which mentioned the King (UNFCCC/PA) The title on the UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) live feed for the start of the summit on Monday read: Opening Ceremony with interventions from President of the Republic, UN SG, King of the United Kingdom, Leader of UAE. The President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan all appeared and spoke in person at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, but there was no appearance virtual or otherwise from the British monarch. Buckingham Palace said there were no plans for the King to address Cop27 by video or any other means, and the position had not changed. The UNFCCC has yet to comment. Charles, as the Prince of Wales, spent decades passionately campaigning on green and environmental issues. It was widely reported that the King, who addressed last years Cop26 summit in Glasgow, had hoped to attend in person. The King with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Stella McCartney and US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry during a reception at Buckingham Palace ahead of the summit (Jonathan Brady/PA) However, it is understood that after seeking the advice of Ms Truss, the then PM, as is customary with royal visits overseas, it was agreed that he would not go. But a Downing Street spokeswoman said last Thursday of the possibility of Charles attending: We do recognise that had the Prime Minister been in post earlier, the situation might have been different but it is not logistically feasible at this late stage. The King did, however, host a reception at Buckingham Palace on Friday ahead of the conference, welcoming leaders, business figures, environmentalists, Mr Sunak and fashion designer Stella McCartney. Mr Sunak, who is attending the global gathering after a U-turn, told guests at the Palace the world will experience more human suffering if we continue to allow climate change to ravage our planet. In 2021, Charles told Cop26 the world had had enough of talking and commitments needed to be put into practice. The late Queen delivered a video message at the Cop26 welcoming reception, after pulling out of attending while she rested on doctors orders. She urged world leaders to work together in common cause to tackle climate change, and said she hoped the summits legacy would be that they recognised the time for words has now moved to the time for action. Samuel Corum - Getty Images Late last fall, when it became clear that Germany's Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) would not be recommending the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine anytime soon, Andreea Tucker set out to find a doctor who would administer it to her school-age children anyway. After nearly two years of mixed messaging from the government and months spent watching the United States already vaccinating five-year-olds, Tucker's faith in institutional decision-making had been depleted. "Kids need protection and support," says Tucker, who left her job when her kids day care closed at the start of the pandemic. Germany was praised in the United States for its pandemic response, which included curtailing travel, implementing curfews, economic shutdowns, and mask mandates. But once the elderly were fully vaccinated in 2021, schools there reopened with no distance-learning option or a recommendation to vaccinate children under 12. Infection rates in minors soared. "It felt like the Boomers' way of saying fuck you to kids and their parents," Tucker says. Although Germany later went on to recommend the vaccine, Tucker finds herself increasingly frustrated by the government. And she isnt the only mother in the country to express such sentiments. A survey conducted by researchers at the University of Bremen noted a marked shift in the opinions of women with children under 15 from shortly before the pandemic to December 2020. While all other demographic groups maintained a fairly stagnant low level of distrust in democratic institutions, 54 percent of married mothers noted their confidence in the federal government had declined. Remarkably, researchers didn't find the same with women parenting alone, nor with fathers: Just 1 percent of the latter measured this loss of faith, on par with those of the same age who didn't have children. While women who parent alone may already have lower levels of trust in the government after having been let down in the pastand hence a lower baseline from which to measurethe disenchantment reflected among married women is worrying. And Sonja Bastin, one of the sociologists at the University of Bremen who conducted the survey, believes it may only have grown worse since. Satisfaction with democracy in general, or with the federal government, has a lot to do with where your focus is directedwho you expect what from, Bastin says. That may explain why the survey showed a drop in faith in Germanys federal government, which led the overall pandemic response, including shuttering schools, but marked no noticeable difference when it came to community-minded endeavors. In a culturally individualist country like Germany or the U.S., if you dont expect much from your community, you might be surprised when you do get support. Though Germany is not the United Statesnot only does it have a comparatively good social safety net, it has a multi-party government that isnt as staunchly polarizedthe mad moms demographic in both countries has grown increasingly vocal as the pandemic drags on. They may not share sentiments (in Germany, moms are now calling for a reinstatement of mask mandates in schools, not the opposite), but they do have something in common: an expectation that institutions work for them. "The economic system in which we live in Germany is complemented by a social policy that is still relatively conservativewhat we call a partially modernized welfare state," Bastin says. That means, she says, public policy is governed by the idea that the family will handle things privately before the state jumps in. At the same time, she notes that family planning decisions are often made based on a pact that mothers believe they are making with the state. Promises of a years paid maternity leave or a subsidized day care spot once a child turns one led many in Germany to start families; when the pandemic stripped the latter away, that may have felt like a breach in the social contract. "Taken together with historic growth in care work ascribed to womenespecially when mothers have the feeling that this added burden isn't recognizedthat's when a loss of trust can arise, Bastin says. That historic growth in care work and the accompanying mental load is something that mothers elsewhere can readily relate to. A report from the Canadian Womens Foundation revealed that women were spending 95 hours per week on caregiving, up 30 hours since the start of the pandemic and still twice as much as men. Jess Calarco, associate professor of sociology at Indiana University, has noted that while both parents in heteronormative relationships in the U.S. have been picking up added work at home due to pandemic-related closures and quarantines, in her research, men believe they are doing more than they actually are. Men have perceived the added frustration of the pandemic, but not in any way to the extent that women have, she says. "Many women, particularly women who are married to men or in cohabiting relationships with men, have found a great deal of frustration with the way that the pandemic has made them and not their partners the default parent," Calarco continues. The cultural inequalities already existent pre-pandemic, with women working in lower-wage, often-feminized, occupations led many couples to justify treating women as the go-to parent during the pandemic, she says. That left many mothers bearing a heavier mental load, often with fewer resources. Even in Germany, where expanded social benefits included extended short-term disability payments that covered up to 90 percent of monthly net income for the primary caregiver to stay home with their children, moms felt left alone to accommodate their childrens needs while worrying about being forced out of their jobs. In the U.S., where the utter lack of social support for parents and children has been laid bare, mothers have begun questioning the limitless sacrifices they are expected to endure in a society actively working against both their and their childrens well-being. And the grave fear of regression that all women, especially cohabiting mothers, felt during the early days of the pandemic isnt abating. At the same time, married mothers often come from a more privileged position: In the U.S., two-parent households are markedly more likely to be white, conservative, and have a six-figure income than a single-parent household. That may, however, be why their dissatisfaction is more transparent. Sociological research shows that privilege gives rise to a sense of entitlement, Calarco says. Those feelings of entitlement, she says, may have engendered a belief that others owe them greater supportespecially institutions. Mothers who had previously grown accustomed to schools making decisions that aligned with their individual needs found it difficult to carry on with their daily lives when schools were closed. And they felt that more viscerally than others who come from a more marginalized background, people who have become used to society turning a blind eye to their needs. These mad married moms may have been as deeply impacted by pandemic mitigation measures, but they also recognized, perhaps for the first time, that their Pinterest-inspired house of cards relies on the support of others to stay propped up. To be fair, some democratic institutions are failing women in general and mothers more specifically, especially in the U.S. The question was, and is, who will offer this support in their absence. Even before the pandemic, people were living more isolated lives. And motherhood is an extraordinarily isolating experience; though universal in nature, in daily practice, it often feels like a solitary undertaking. But as the commercialization of the public square has made community spaces in the U.S. rare and with hallmarks of public and civic life, like libraries, schools, and hospitals feeling less safe since the pandemic, these feelings of isolation and distrust have only been enhanced. Parenting, whether we like it or not, relies on the collective. Thats something women who parent alone know well. In societies that prize the hetero nuclear family, like the U.S. and Germany, those who are single heads of household receive far fewer government benefits and are forced to rely more heavily on extended community support systems to cobble together after-school care or gather funds to survive. So its ironic that many of the arguments we hear from angry mothers today on the political stage and in op-eds invoke the dilemmas of the single mother while arguing for the further disintegration of public benefits. At a time when already-exhausted mothers are being asked to take on ever more responsibility, this is the opposite of what we need. While the governmental response to the pandemic in both Germany and the U.S. may have heightened our awareness of institutional failings, and the virus itself increased awareness of how interconnected we all are, what became most clear was how reliant families are on other people to work. It can be frightening to realize the extent to which women cannot actually do it all on their own after being told our whole lives that we could. But working together toward a common aimthe dismantling of a system not designed to include women in itis the only way we are going to get through this. You Might Also Like Michael Tullberg - Getty Images "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below." On November 5, musician Aaron Carter died at the age of 34 in his home in Lancaster, California. First breaking out in the teen music scene in 1997, Aaron became famous for singing popular hits like "I Want Candy" and "That's How I Beat Shaq." He was also featured on a number of reality shows, including a season 9 stint on Dancing With the Stars and most recently Marriage Boot Camp: Family Edition. He is survived by his 11-month-old son Prince, who he welcomed with ex-fiancee Melanie Martin. Taking to Instagram the day after the news broke, older brother and Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter shared a series of photos. "My heart is broken," he wrote on November 6. "Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded. I have always held on to the hope that he would somehow, someday want to walk a healthy path and eventually find the help that he so desperately needed." He continued: "Sometimes we want to blame someone or something for a loss, but the truth is that addiction and mental illness is the real villain here. I will miss my brother more than anyone will ever know. I love you Chizz. Now you can finally have the peace you could never find here on earth God, please take care of my baby brother." During the Backstreet Boys' November 6 concert in London, the boyband consoled their fellow member as Nick teared up during an onstage tribute. "Tonight we've got a little bit of heavy hearts as we lost one of our family members yesterday," Keith Richardson mournfully told the audience. "We just wanted to find a moment in our show to recognize him ... He's a part of our family, and we thank you guys for all the love, for all your well wishes and all your support." Backstreet Boys Nick Carter was consoled by his bandmates at a concert in London on Sunday, one day after the death of his brother Aaron. pic.twitter.com/3YFK3Dt5UT CONSEQUENCE (@consequence) November 7, 2022 In a series of tributes, celebrities whose fame catapulted roughly around the same time Aaron became a household name honored his life with their own heartfelt messages on social media. A.J. McLean [on Nick's Instagram post]:"Love you bro. Always here for you." Keith Richardson [on Nick's Instagram post]: "." Emma Bunton [on Nick's Instagram post]: "Im heartbroken for you and your family. Sending so much love. ." Hilary Duff (who reportedly dated Aaron from 2001 to 2004): "For Aaron I'm deeply sorry that life was so hard for you and that you had to struggle in-front of the whole world. You had a charm that was absolutely effervescent ... boy did my teenage self love you deeply." New Kids on the Block: "We are shocked and saddened about the sudden passing of Aaron Carter. Sending prayers to the Carter family. Rest in peace, Aaron." *NSYNC: "We are saddened by the news of the sudden passing of Aaron Carter today. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans during this difficult time. Rest in peace Aaron #gonetosoon." Melissa Joan Hart: "Sending love to the family and friends and fans of #AaronCarter. Rest in peace!" Paris Hilton: "Sad to hear about the news of @aaroncarter He was always kind to my family and I. He had a good heart. Gone way too soon. Sending my thoughts and condolences to his loved ones and family. RIP." Sad to hear about the news of @aaroncarter He was always kind to my family and I. He had a good heart. Gone way too soon. Sending my thoughts and condolences to his loved ones and family. RIP ParisHilton (@ParisHilton) November 6, 2022 Christy Carlson Romano: "Incredibly sad about the passing of Aaron Carter. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family." Incredibly sad about the passing of Aaron Carter. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. ChristyCarlsonRomano (@ChristyRomano) November 5, 2022 Loni Love: "Met Aaron Carter in 2018, funny, talented and cool. I felt that he was trying....he really was just trying to be happy. I'm sorry to hear of his passing.. Condolences to his family and fans." Tyler Hilton: "No. This @aaroncarter news is heartbreaking this kid had such a spark. Known him for years and always really liked him, he was warm and really funny. Loved putting on a show and he was good at it. Ill find some pics of us and post more later damn RIP budddd #aaroncarter." No. This @aaroncarter news is heartbreaking this kid had such a spark. Known him for years and always really liked him, he was warm and really funny. Loved putting on a show and he was good at it. Ill find some pics of us and post more later damn RIP budddd #aaroncarter Tyler Hilton (@TylerHilton) November 5, 2022 You Might Also Like By Thomas Escritt BERLIN (Reuters) - With Twitter in disarray since the world's richest person took control of it last week, Mastodon, a decentralised, open alternative from privacy-obsessed Germany, has seen a flood of new users. "The bird is free," tweeted Tesla mogul Elon Musk when he completed his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter. But many free-speech advocates reacted with dismay to the prospect of the world's "town square" being controlled by one person and started looking for other options. For the most part, Mastodon looks like Twitter, with hashtags, political back-and-forth and tech banter jostling for space with cat pictures. But while Twitter and Facebook are controlled by one authority - a company - Mastodon is installed on thousands of computer servers, largely run by volunteer administrators who join their systems together in a federation. People swap posts and links with others on their own server - or Mastodon "instance" - and also, almost as easily, with users on other servers across the growing network. The fruit of six years' work by Eugen Rochko, a young German programmer, Mastodon was born of his desire to create a public sphere that was beyond the control of a single entity. That work is starting to pay off. "We've hit 1,028,362 monthly active users across the network today," Rochko tooted - Mastodon's version of tweeting - on Monday. "That's pretty cool." That is still tiny compared with his established rivals. Twitter reported 238 million daily active users who had seen an advert as of the second quarter of 2022. Facebook said it had 1.98 billion daily active users as of the third quarter. But the jump in Mastodon users in a matter of days has still been startling. "I've gotten more new followers on Mastodon in the last week than I have in the previous five years," Ethan Zuckerman, a social media expert at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, wrote last week. Before Musk completed the Twitter acquisition on Oct. 27, Mastodon's growth averaged 60-80 new users an hour, according to the widely-cited Mastodon Users account. It showed 3,568 new registrations in one hour on Monday morning. Rochko started Mastodon in 2017, when rumours were spreading that PayPal founder and Musk ally Peter Thiel wanted to buy Twitter. "A right-wing billionaire was going to buy a de facto public utility that isn't public," Rochko told Reuters earlier this year. "It's really important to have this global communications platform where you can learn what's happening in the world and chat to your friends. Why is that controlled by one company?" TOOTS AND INSTANCES There is no shortage of other social networks ready to welcome any Twitter exodus, from Bytedance's Tiktok to Discord, a chat app now popular far beyond its original constituency of gamers. Mastodon's advocates say its decentralised approach makes it fundamentally different: rather than go to Twitter's centrally-provided service, every user can choose their own provider, or even run their own Mastodon instance, much as users can e-mail from Gmail or an employer-provided account or run their own e-mail server. No single company or person, can impose their will on the whole system or shut it all down. If an extremist voice emerged with their own server, the advocates say, it would be easy enough for other servers to cut ties with it, leaving it to talk to its own shrinking band of followers and users. The federated approach has downsides: it is harder to find people to follow in Mastodon's anarchic sprawl then on the neatly ordered town square that centrally administered Twitter or Facebook can offer. But its growing group of supporters say those are outweighed by the advantages of its architecture. Rochko, whose Mastodon foundation runs on a shoestring crowdfunded budget topped up with a modest grant from the European Commission, has found a particularly receptive audience among privacy-conscious European regulators. Germany's data protection commissioner is waging a campaign to get government bodies to close their Facebook pages, since, he says, there is no way of hosting a page there that conforms to European privacy laws. Authorities should move to the federal government's own Mastodon instance, he says. The European Commission also maintains a server for EU bodies to toot from. "No exclusive information should be sent over a legally questionable platform," data commissioner Ulrich Kelber said earlier this year. While Mastodon is busier than ever before, it still has few of the big names from politics and showbiz that have made Twitter an addictive online home for journalists in particular. Few know comic Jan Boehmermann - Germany's answer to John Oliver - outside his country, but more names are arriving daily. For Rochko, the project's only full-time employee, programming at his home in a small town in eastern Germany for a modest 2,400 euro ($2,394.96) monthly salary, the work continues. "Would you believe me if I told you I'm extremely tired?" he tooted on Sunday. ($1 = 1.0021 euros) (Reporting by Thomas Escritt; Editing by Andrew Heavens) Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. Pennsylvanias four living former governors on Monday sent a letter to the main party candidates vying for the position on Nov. 8, urging them to respect and accept the results of the election regardless of the outcome. In their one-page letter to Democrat Josh Shapiro and Republican Doug Mastriano, former Govs. Tom Ridge, Mark Schweiker, Ed Rendell and Tom Corbett said the states election process will be open and transparent and overseen by thousands of Pennsylvanians who care deeply about fairness. We are asking you, as the leaders of the Pennsylvania Republican and Democratic parties, to pledge to honor that process, respect the law, abide the peoples will and support a peaceful transfer of power, the four former governors wrote in the letter, a copy of which was provided to Spotlight PA from a spokesperson for Ridge. In doing so, you will demonstrate to all Pennsylvania candidates who will be looking to you for leadership that love of Commonwealth and Country must come above all. The letter comes less than 24 hours before Pennsylvanians head to the polls to vote in this years critical midterm elections. The states marquee races those for governor and U.S. Senate are being watched nationally and have been held up as referendums on abortion, ballot access and the integrity of the democratic process. Rendell is the lone Democrat among the four men, who collectively represent nearly three decades of leadership in the states top job. In the weeks leading up to the election, Mastriano and his allies have frequently raised questions about debunked or misleading election fraud theories. In a recent interview on a right-wing news show, Mastriano claimed that the fact that Pennsylvania will likely take a few days to finish counting ballots is an effort to have the fix in, and that Democrats have pre-loaded drop boxes in order to cheat. Neither is true. Toni Shuppe, a prominent figure in election denial circles who is rumored to be Mastrianos pick for secretary of state, has circulated a common false and long-debunked theory that Pennsylvanias voting machines are connected to the internet and vulnerable to hacking. They are not. More mainstream Republicans have promoted the narrative that Pennsylvanias results and particularly, results in Democratic-heavy Philadelphia will not be reliable. Fifteen state representatives recently sent a letter to acting Secretary of State Leigh Chapman saying theyre concerned about 255,000 not verified voters who requested mail ballots, according to records of 2022 Mail Ballot Data. Its unclear what data the representatives were referencing, but their letter was misleading, and based on an apparent misunderstanding or misrepresentation of Pennsylvanias vote-counting process. As used by the state, the term unverified refers to voters who applied online for a mail ballot, but whose provided name, date of birth, PennDOT ID or Social Security number couldnt be automatically matched against data available in the state voter file. That task of verification falls to the county issuing that mail ballot. According to Department of State data, they verify identities in 97% of cases. Election directors do so by running a manual check with the federal government or their own records. The 3% of voters who arent matched will still get their mail ballot, along with a letter noting their ballot will not be counted unless they provide documentation proving their identity. Often, the mixup is due to typos on the part of the voter, issues with county record-keeping, or people who apply for a mail ballot using a nickname. Still, the top two state Senate Republicans President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, R-Benner Township, and Majority Leader Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland referenced the unverified voter claim in a separate letter to Chapman, saying that conflicting reports regarding mail-in ballots of unverified voters have emerged. State Rep. Seth Grove, R-York, who heads the powerful State Government Committee, has also recently claimed on Twitter that Philadelphia runs illegal elections, and that the citys vote-counting process violates election law. Grove is part of a still-undecided case over whether Philly should continue conducting a double-check it has used in recent years to catch voters casting ballots both in person and by mail. City officials argue that the check was never actually required by law and that its no longer necessary because they havent found double voters in the past three elections. Voting rights advocates, like ACLU attorney Marian Schneider, say the lawsuit is part of a pattern of litigation intended to sow mistrust in elections. The goal, Schneider said, seems to be to make people think that double voting is rampant double voting is not rampant. WHILE YOURE HERE ... If you learned something from this story, pay it forward and become a member of Spotlight PA so someone else can in the future at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. FILE - This photo provided by the New York State Department of Corrections shows Mark David Chapman, the man who shot and killed John Lennon outside his Manhattan apartment building in 1980, Jan. 31, 2018. Chapman told a parole board that he knew it was wrong to kill the beloved former Beatle, but that he was seeking fame and had evil in his heart." He made the comments in August 2022 to a board that denied him parole for an 12th time, citing his selfish disregard for human life of global consequence. (New York State Department of Corrections via AP, File) The man who gunned down John Lennon outside his New York City apartment building in 1980 told a parole board that he knew it was wrong to kill the beloved former Beatle, but that he was seeking fame and had evil in my heart." Mark David Chapman made the comments in August to a board that denied him parole for a 12th time, citing his selfish disregard for human life of global consequence. Chapman, in a transcript released by state officials Monday under a freedom of information request, said the decision to kill Lennon was "my big answer to everything. I wasnt going to be a nobody, anymore. I am not going to blame anything else or anybody else for bringing me there, Chapman told the board. I knew what I was doing, and I knew it was evil, I knew it was wrong, but I wanted the fame so much that I was willing to give everything and take a human life. Chapman killed Lennon on the night of Dec. 8, 1980, as he and Yoko Ono were returning to their Upper West Side apartment. Earlier that day, Lennon had signed an autograph for Chapman on a copy of his recently released album, Double Fantasy. Chapman, 67, told the board, This was evil in my heart. I wanted to be somebody and nothing was going to stop that." Chapman is serving a 20-years-to-life sentence at Green Haven Correctional Facility in New Yorks Hudson Valley. He has repeatedly expressed remorse during his parole hearings over the years. I hurt a lot of people all over the place and if somebody wants to hate me, thats OK, I get it, he said at the Aug. 31 hearing. In denying him release, the board mentioned Chapman's action has left "the world recovering from the void of which you created. Chapman's next parole board appearance is scheduled for February 2024. In June, John Hinckley Jr., who shot and wounded President Ronald Reagan in 1981, was freed from court oversight, officially concluding decades of supervision by legal and mental health professionals. Hinckley had been acquitted by reason of insanity. Ukraines capital city is preparing for a total electricity blackout as Russia continues to pound the countrys infrastructure in an apparent attempt to leave Ukrainians without power as winter approaches, officials said Sunday. And Kyivs mayor said city residents should be prepared to evacuate if such a scenario comes to pass. We understand that if Russia continues such attacks, we may lose our entire electricity system, the director of security for Kyivs municipal government, Roman Tkachuk, told the New York Times. Tkachuk and other Ukrainian officials told the Times that plans are in place to try and battle a blackout that would require a full evacuation of the capital. A few days ago, journalists asked me: does the capital have a blackout plan? Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, said in a Telegram post Sunday. I will answer again. In the war situation in which we live, it is necessary to have plans in case of various scenarios of development of events and emergency situations. And be ready to act. Klitschko said theres no imminent need for Ukrainians to panic or evacuate Kyiv, but he underscored the countrys need for robust preparations as Moscow attempts to collapse Ukraines energy sector. If you have relatives or friends in the suburbs of Kyiv who have a separate water supply, a stove and heating, plan to stay there temporarily, Klitschko told local media on Saturday, according to the Telegraph. Ukraine is also conducting stabilization blackouts in Kyiv and elsewhere to conserve power and keep the grid from total failure. As of this evening, stabilization blackouts continue in Kyiv and six regions. More than 4.5 million consumers are without electricity. Most of them are now in Kyiv and the Kyiv region. Its really difficult, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Sunday address. Zelensky said hes had several special meetings with government officials, regional administrators and energy company representatives regarding probably scenarios in the energy sector. We consider each scenario in detail and prepare appropriate actions, Zelensky said. Kyiv is also prepping 1,000 heating shelters in the event of power loss come winter. Electric generators were purchased, water supplies and everything necessary for these heating points to receive people were made. You will be able to warm up, drink tea, recharge your phones, and get the necessary help, Klitschko said in a Telegram post, per translations. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Two former employees of Lexington-based news station WKYT and parent company Gray Media are suing both the station and the company after they were allegedly fired for not getting vaccinated against COVID-19. DeAnn Stephens Cox and Ashley Landis filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court last week. Cox held a variety of positions at WKYT for 27 years. Landis is a former national sales manager for the company. Cox and Landis allege in the suit that the media outlet violated the Title VII Civil Rights Act for sex and religious discrimination, the American Disabilities Act, the Kentucky Civil Rights Act and the Kentucky Wage and Hour Act after both women were fired in October 2021. A representative for WKYT did not respond to a request for comment Monday. Gray Media required staff to get the coronavirus vaccine through a mandate issued in August 2021, according to the lawsuit. Stephens said due to medical issues, her doctor had advised her not to get vaccinated. According to court documents, Cox sent in an ADA medical questionnaire and exemption form which was signed by her medical provider. She attempted to submit this to the companys human resources director, but got no reply until she forwarded the message on to the general manager, court documents state. After about a month with no response, Cox reached out again, and was told the company would need more clarification from Coxs physician of when Cox would be able to get the vaccine, according to the lawsuit. Cox obtained more documents from her health care provider and gave them to the station in early October 2021. The documents stated that Cox was not a candidate for COVID vaccination because of her medical history, according to court records. On Oct. 7, 2021, Cox received an email from Maurice Gibson, the vice president of human resources, according to the lawsuit. Gibson did not dispute in this email that Cox was not able to be vaccinated, but stated there was no reasonable accommodation that would allow Cox to perform essential functions of her role without imposing a substantial undue hardship on (WKYT). Gibsons email denied Coxs accommodation request outright and did not even attempt to engage in the interactive process required by the ADA, the plaintiffs alleged in the lawsuit. However, the lawsuit alleges that WKYT permitted others to be exempt from the vaccine mandate and permitted others to wear masks in the workplace and undergo weekly testing. The lawsuit alleges WKYT allowed similarly situated males to enter its work spaces and interact with employees, contractors and guests without being fully vaccinated for COVID-19, but still denied Coxs request for an exemption. Cox previously took to Facebook to announce she was fired over the issue. Landis, who was with the company for more than 17 years, claimed in the lawsuit she couldnt get vaccinated due to her sincerely held religious beliefs. Landis worked remotely in Georgia. In the lawsuit, Landis said the provisionally approved COVID-19 vaccines were developed or tested using cell lines that were generated from tissues of aborted fetuses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exact vaccine ingredients vary by manufacturer. The vaccines themselves dont contain ingredients like preservatives, tissues (like aborted fetal cells), antibiotics, food proteins, medicines, latex or metals, according to the CDC. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines also contain messenger RNA (mRNA) and the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine contains a harmless version of a virus unrelated to the virus that causes COVID-19, according to the CDC. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine includes harmless proteins of the virus that causes COVID-19; they are pieces of what is often called the spike protein, according to the CDC. Landis also sent in a request for exemption based on her beliefs, and invited superiors to open up dialogue as needed, according to the lawsuit. Landis said she would continue to wear a mask, maintain social distancing, limit in-person interaction and conduct periodic testing, according to court documents. On Sept. 28, 2021, two days before the companys vaccine deadline and a month-and-a-half after submitting her accommodation request, Landis request was denied, according to the lawsuit. She alleges WKYT and Gray Media refused to engage in any discussion regarding her request or her proposed accommodations, court documents state. Landis states she was told by the companys general manager that being fired for not being vaccinated was a re-hireable offense. In other words, after delaying deciding Landiss accommodation request for almost a month-and-a-half, defendant categorically denied Landiss request, without any discussion or even a semblance of an interactive process and provided her less than 48 hours to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or be terminated, court documents read. She was fired on Oct. 1, 2021, over the phone, according to the lawsuit. She then submitted a written request for reconsideration, which was denied. Landis narrative in the lawsuit also states the company allowed a similarly situated male employee, with similar position and responsibilities, to work remote both before and after the vaccine mandate went into effect. By permitting a similarly situated male employee to work remotely but denying Landiss request to work remotely, defendant discriminated against Landis based on her gender, the lawsuit reads. It states Landis was also not paid entitled wages for completing certain benchmarks, prior to her termination. Both Cox and Landis are seeking compensatory and actual damages including past and future pay and benefits, compensatory damages for emotional distress and mental anguish, equitable relief, punitive damages and an award of attorney fees. Reporter Beth Musgrave contributed to this story. Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military council, inspects officers during a parade to commemorate Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar in March. (Aung Shine Oo / Associated Press) The day her 4-year-old grandson was killed, U San Yee had taken him to their local market in rural Myanmar for sticky rice and his favorite fried banana snacks before coming home to play with his toy cars. We didn't know that the Myanmar military would fire artillery shells, U San Yee said. Thats why we were just going about and living our normal lives. When the first explosions struck Kin Seik, a farming village of about 3,000 people, the two were watching Tom and Jerry cartoons. We tried to run to another place, but on the way a shell fell on my grandson and his mother while they were holding hands, said U San Yee, who could only watch as the boy bled to death and his mother was wounded. Three civilians were killed and eight others injured in the Aug. 28 attack on the community of bamboo houses on the fertile plains of the countrys western Rakhine state. It was one of a series of deadly assaults that marked the collapse of an 18-month cease-fire between the military and the Arakan Army, one of the countrys most powerful ethnic insurgent groups. Nearly 22 months after the countrys military overthrew a democratically elected civilian government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, it is now fighting a war on multiple fronts. More than 7,000 civilians have been killed since the coup, according to the Institute for Strategy and Policy, a Yangon-based think tank. Victims include protesters shot in the head, dissidents killed in detention and villagers bound and burned alive. But as the renewed fighting in Rakhine reflects, the military, which has ruled Myanmar with an iron grip for much of the last half century, remains unable to re-consolidate power. In one of the latest examples of violence, military jets bombed a concert in northern Kachin state on Oct. 23, killing at least 80 people, including civilians and members of the ethnic Kachin Independence Army. This aerial photo taken in October 2021 shows smokes and fires from Thantlang, in Chin state, where more than 160 buildings were destroyed by shelling from military troops. (AFP/Getty Images) Meanwhile, dozens of junta soldiers have reportedly been killed since late October in Rakhine, northwestern Karen state and the central city of Mandalay. The junta has increasingly resorted to air power because of growing losses to infantry on the ground from ambushes and roadside bombs. The military is getting desperate, said Kyaw Zaw, a spokesman for the National Unity Government, a parallel government filled with deposed civilian lawmakers working to dislodge the junta. Their only strategy is to terrorize the population by targeting defenseless civilians. The junta is now confronting newly formed rebel groups such as the disparate Peoples Defense Force aligned with the parallel government, and an increasing number of ethnic armed groups based in the countrys border regions. Western sanctions and diplomatic pressure have done little to stanch the bloodshed a civil war raging in the heart of Asia on the doorstep of two geopolitical giants, India and China. Immediately following the coup, the new junta was confronted by mass protests that were brutally quashed with a series of urban massacres, propelling many of Myanmars youth to seek training and weapons from the countrys myriad ethnic armed groups. In September 2021, the parallel government declared a peoples defensive war to overthrow the military, forging formal alliances with some of the ethnic rebels. Initially given little chance of resisting a military equipped with warplanes and heavy artillery, the insurgents have inflicted enough damage to keep the junta hopping. As a result, it is showing signs of stress. Casualties are rising and combat-ready replacements are scarce. Defections and poor pay are reportedly contributing to sinking morale. If more ethnic armed groups like the Arakan Army join the fight against the military, known as the Tatmadaw, experts say it could eventually tip the scales in the civil war. The junta expected to readily subsume the country into its control with its brutal coercive power, but it has failed so far, said Ye Myo Hein, a political scientist at the Wilson Center. It has lost its consolidated control over a vast swath of territory across the country. It's hard to predict what will happen next, he added, but one thing is certain: the junta is losing ground. Myanmar, also known as Burma, has long been fractured along ethnic lines and dominated by the majority Buddhist Bamars who reside in the largest cities. The Southeast Asian nation roughly the size of Texas is home to more than 100 different ethnic groups, some of whom were fighting for autonomy even before Myanmar won independence from Britain in 1948. One of those groups is the Rakhine, also known as the Arakanese. Despite being overwhelmingly Buddhist and speaking a language closely related to the Burmese used by Bamars, the Rakhine have long maintained a fierce separatist streak. Rakhine existed as an independent kingdom until it was conquered by the Burmese in 1785 and is isolated from the rest of the country by a rugged mountain range. We want our Rakhine state to be independent it is the dream of every Rakhine person, said a 32-year-old farmer in Maungdaw township, which has also seen heavy fighting in recent months, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons. Thousands of refugees flee Myanmar along a muddy rice field in 2017, as the military forced more than 750,000 Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state to cross the border. (Paula Bronstein / Getty Images) That staunch Rakhine-Buddhist identitycontributed to one of the worst chapters in modern Burmese history when many Rakhine supported the Tatmadaws so-called clearance operations in 2017, forcing more than 750,000 Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine across the border into Bangladesh. The United Nations said the crackdown was a textbook example of ethnic cleansing. Suu Kyi, who was under house arrest by the military for 15 years before winning landslide election victories in 2015 and 2020, refused to condemn the attacks and defended the military at the International Court of Justice in 2019, leading to her disgrace as a human rights figure . Since the junta took back control in early 2021, she has been imprisoned in the nations capital. It was in the wake of the junta's campaign against the Rohingya that fighting between the Arakan Army and the military worsened. Formed in 2009, the self-proclaimed 30,000-member force seeks self-determination for the Arakanese people and is represented by its political wing, the United League of Arakan. The group's foot soldiers have fought a guerrilla war against government security forces, ambushing military outposts and police stations. Weary of the attacks, the government agreed to a cease-fire in November 2020. Analysts speculate the agreement was struck so that the military could prepare for the coup. The Arakan Army used the lull in fighting to consolidate more territory. The truce would prove fleeting. Heavy fighting returned to Rakhine in July of this year, when the Arakan Army ambushed a column of the paramilitary Border Guard Police. The strike was in response to the militarys arrest of supporters and members of the Arakan Armys civilian administration. Clashes quickly spread across Rakhine, including in Maungdaw, near the Bangladesh border; Mrauk-U, the Arakan Kingdoms ancient capital; and Taungup, near a southern beach vacation destination. Paletwa, in neighboring Chin state, also saw fighting. The Maungdaw farmer who spoke to The Times said there had been no fighting in his area for years. But since mid-August, he frequently goes to bed to the steady sound of shelling and fighter jets, wondering if his village will be bombed. Kyaw Lynn, an ethnic Rakhine political analyst, said the fighting in Maungdaw underscores the Arakan Armys desire to seize control of the border with Bangladesh, which is important both for economic reasons and issues of sovereignty. To burnish its legitimacy, the Arakan Army has tried to forge a better relationship with Bangladesh by presenting itself as a more reliable partner than the junta in handling the Rohingya refugee crisis. More than 900,000 Rohingya are living in squalid camps in Bangladesh, putting a massive strain on the impoverished country. An effort to repatriate many of the refugees has repeatedly faltered under the military. The international community, including the Bangladeshi government, has to recognize the United League of Arakan as a key stakeholder in trying to resolve this crisis, Khaing Thu Kha, a spokesman for the Arakan Army, said at a news conference in September. Whether the Arakan Army can achieve autonomy may hinge on its burgeoning relationship with the National Unity Government. Formed after the coup by a group of lawmakers elected in the 2020 polls, it includes many former National League for Democracy officials. While some of its officials are based abroad, other leaders remain in Myanmar where they've begun rolling out public services in anti-military strongholds. Schools, police forces and healthcare clinics are up and running, typically manned by civil servants who went on strike in protest of the coup. Unlike other armed groups, the Arakan Army has refused to pledge loyalty to the opposition forces because of tensions in the past with Suu Kyi and her party. In 2019, a National League for Democracy official referred to the Rakhine insurgents as terrorists. The following year, the Arakan Army justified abducting three National League for Democracy parliamentary candidates by accusing the party of cooperating with the Tatmadaw. Now presented with a common enemy, the relationship has thawed. The Arakan Army met with the National Unity Government in May, while rejecting an invitation for peace talks from the junta. At the meeting, Khaing Thu Kha said the Arakan Army would "open the door" to cooperation, but reiterated the demands for autonomy something the National Unity Government is reluctant to grant for fear that other ethnic armed groups will make similar demands. As long as the junta remains in power, the people of Rakhine will likely struggle to reconcile their desire for self-determination with support for a shadow government stacked with Suu Kyis acolytes. Yes, I want the NUG to overthrow the military. But personally, I want our people to control our state, the Maungdaw farmer said. I want this to be the final war in Rakhine. Special correspondents Kyaw Hsan Hlaing reported from Washington and Nachemson from Chiang Mai, Thailand. Times staff writer David Pierson in Singapore contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Infections and pediatric hospitalizations for respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, have jumped to levels not usually seen for another two to three months in California, where the virus usually peaks around mid-winter, state health data show. The early spike has some doctors and health officials concerned that a sharp surge in RSV could help send the state into a tripledemic this autumn and winter, as the virus intersects with still-spreading COVID-19 and the arrival of flu season. The latest figures from state health officials show just how early, and rapidly, Californias RSV season has started. More than 2,500 patients tested positive for RSV the week ending Oct. 29, according to a weekly report from the California Department of Public Health, with 16.8% of RSV tests returning positive, up from 15.6% the previous week. Both percentages are well above the same weeks in 2021, of 9.3% and 7%, respectively; and far higher than 2017 through 2020, during which positivity for RSV never exceeded 1.5% in October. Positivity as of late last month is comparable to the peaks typically seen in January or February, CDPH data show. According to the RSV Virus Hospitalization Surveillance Network from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Californias cumulative hospitalization rate for RSV among children during the 2022-23 flu and respiratory virus season, as of Oct. 29, was 8.1 per 100,000 residents. Thats triple the rate for the same time in 2021, of 2.7 per 100,000. The same figure was zero in 2020, 1.6 per 100,000 in 2019 and 1.0 per 100,000 in 2018. Mild cases of RSV are common in all age groups, and can cause congestion, cough, a low-grade fever, sore throat and headaches. Severe cases of RSV, most common among infants, can cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Symptoms can include a high fever, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Two Californians have died of RSV this season, according to the weekly report a juvenile and a person age 65 or older. Carmichael hospital plans for possible surge Mercy San Juan Medical Center in Carmichael, part of Dignity Health, is the only Mercy hospital in the region with pediatric beds, according to Michael Korpiel, market president of Dignity Healths greater Sacramento region. The hospital has eight pediatric beds, Korpiel said, and all eight were occupied at one point last week, though the pediatric patient total dropped to five over the weekend. We have seen a little bit of a surge over the past week in our patient population, Korpiel said in an interview Monday morning. Nothing unusual at this point, but clearly were seeing an increase in RSV. Korpiel said the hospital is very comfortable with its physician resources, and that Dignity Health is identifying nurses trained in pediatrics who can be at the ready. We have plans to expand beyond our eight beds if necessary, he said. We could take over one of our adult units, and go up to a potential of 23 beds, if we needed to. Kaiser, Sutter Health and UC Davis all preparing Pediatric hospitalizations are increasing at the other Sacramento-area health systems, as well. The latest weekly CDPH report showed that RSV comprised 1.1% of hospital admissions at Kaiser Permanente Northern California facilities for the week ending Oct. 29 more than double the percentage from the corresponding week of last year, and climbing on a steeper trajectory than recent, pre-pandemic years. RSV never made up more than 0.1% of admissions in October, or more than 0.2% in November, from 2017 through 2020. Kaiser in Northern California had recorded 129 hospitalizations for the current RSV season through Oct. 29 across its 27 facilities, according to the recent CDPH report. Of those, 97 have been children, 24 of whom were treated in pediatric intensive care units. Forty of the 97 pediatric patients were admitted the week of Oct. 29, compared to 31 the previous week. We are seeing an uptick in the number of pediatric patients in our Roseville hospital, Kaiser Permanente said in an emailed response to The Sacramento Bee. We have contingency plans in place to expand our capacity for pediatric patients if needed. We also encourage everyone to get their flu shot this year and bivalent COVID-19 booster when eligible. Sutter Health is also managing its bed availability, officials said. At the Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento Childrens Center, we are seeing a rise in hospitalizations of children, especially ages 3 and younger, with viral respiratory illnesses, a Sutter Health spokesperson said in an emailed statement. These primarily include continuing enterovirus cases as well as increasing cases with RSV. UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento has multiple contingency plans in case additional hospital beds are necessary for an influx of patients, UC Davis Health spokesman Edwin Garcia said in an email. Viruses we normally see later in the fall and into winter have arrived earlier this year, including RSV, Garcia said. We have not had to increase bed space due to an increase in patients. Korpiel said the Sacramento regions four main health systems are working together closely, along with county health officials, to prepare for potential surges of pediatric viruses. All the professionals are coming together ahead of time to make sure that our kids are safe in the Sacramento region and that we can handle the volume here. RSV seen in older children than usual We are seeing more RSV cases, and RSV in older children, said Dr. Lindsey Demetral, a pediatrician at Mercy San Juan. Pediatric cases of RSV requiring clinical treatment usually involve infants, but Demetral said the hospital has seen cases in children up to about age 5. Lots of nasal congestion, lots of coughing, fevers, Demetral said. And the kids who need admission are having respiratory distress. Demetral said there are no signs of any increase in severity this year with RSV, but that it seems to be more prominent. Demetral and Korpiel said Mercy San Juan has not seen many child COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. The hospital swabs for flu, RSV and COVID-19 simultaneously, Demetral said. Korpiel said that because COVID-19 patients are handled in a different part of the hospital and by completely different staff, a winter coronavirus surge among concentrated in adults would not have a big impact on handling pediatric RSV. The bigger concern for pediatric resources is influenza. We are nervous about flu and the impact of the flu on the pediatric population this winter, Korpiel said. That could help to complicate things this year. Demetral emphasized flu shots, hand-washing and keeping kids home from school when they are sick. Whenever we have respiratory viruses overlap, we can have similar presentations for the flu and RSV in children, Demetral said. So its important for those who are eligible to get the flu shot, because we dont have a vaccine for RSV. The Bees Hanh Truong contributed to this story. Fresno law enforcement announced Monday the arrest of 19 men who had arranged to meet a minor for sex during a sting operation. The men arrested were between the ages of 31 and 49 and were taken into custody between Wednesday and Saturday in Operation HOOK, Hands Off Our Kids, Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims said at a news conference. Among the men arrested was a firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service who was working in Fresno. He drove an engine to the location to meet for sex, Mims sad. The men used sexually explicit language and sent graphic photos to who they believed were underage boys or girls, she said. No actual children were involved in the operation. All of the suspects were the first to express sexual desires, she said. They spoke to the children through social apps commonly found on cellphones. The operation involved 17 law enforcement agencies, including the California Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, officials said. If you go after our children, well go after you, DOJ Law Enforcement Division Chief John Marsh said. Public safety is our top priority. Officials said the operation is ongoing and could result in additional arrests. Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama said an effort running concurrently with the operation rescued nine women who had been human trafficked. He said children can be targeted for trafficking through similar methods online. Human trafficking continues to be a significant problem in our community, Balderrama said. We were able to rescue nine different women who accepted services, and thats something we can be very, very proud of. Officials said one of the 19 arrested had a criminal record, but it was not related to sex crimes. Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp said parents need to track what their children are doing online, and encouraged parents to know their childrens passwords. The greatest evil and the greatest threat to children is the cellphone, she said. Be aware of whats going on on your childrens phone. The men arrested were Rodrigo Arriaga, 37, of Fresno; Anthony Escobedo, 37, of Sanger; Juan Reyes, 37, of Clovis; Daniel Holguin, 28, of Fresno; Flavio Rodriguez, 27, of Fresno; Victor Martinez Juarez, 48, of Selma; Cameron Mudge, 26, of Fresno; Francisco Lopez, 45, of Fresno; Ko Xiong, 29, of Fresno; Eduardo Blancarte Cardenas, 49, of Fresno; Joffrey Ballad, 40, of Clovis; Leonardo Rodriguez, 35, of Fresno; Lang Her, 28, of Fresno; Michael Castro, 36, of Fresno; Alexis Rosas, 30, of Fresno; Richard Sith, 30, of Fresno; Angel Gonzalez, 49, of Fresno; Luis Garcia, 38, of Patterson; and Mark McGill Jr., 38, of Perris. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has held talks with top aides to Russian President Vladimir Putin amid rising tensions between Washington and Moscow in recent weeks, according to the Wall Street Journal. U.S. officials and allies told the news outlet that Sullivan has been in talks with Yuri Ushakov, a foreign-policy adviser to Putin, as well as Nikolai Patrushev, head of Russias security council. Its unclear how many times Sullivan has spoken with the officials, but the conversations have been focused on preventing escalation of the war as fears of Russia using nuclear weapons have been rising, according to the Wall Street Journal. President Biden engaged in talks with Putin before Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, but publicly disclosed communications have largely been limited to military-to-military conversations in the months since. After a series of setbacks in Ukraine, Putin has signaled that he was willing to use nuclear weapons to defend Russia, causing Biden to warn of a nuclear armageddon. Putin has since said he will not use nukes in Ukraine, but top Russian officials have reportedly discussed when they would have to resort to such a tactic. In September, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. has privately relayed messages to the Kremlin to stop the loose talk on nuclear weapons. Amid growing calls for peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv, The Biden administration has been steadfast in saying that Ukraine should decide when it is time for diplomacy. However, The Washington Post reported Saturday that U.S. officials have privately encouraged Ukrainian leaders to signal a public willingness to resolve the conflict, in order to show allies they are working to end the conflict amid soaring gas and food prices across the globe. Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky has vowed to retake all of the land illegally annexed by Russia, including four recently annexed territories and the Crimean Peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. Russia also recently accused Ukraine of preparing to use a dirty bomb, or an explosive device with radioactive material. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu about the dirty bomb claims, which the U.S. has dismissed and warned could be a pretext for a Russian attack. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. "The interesting question is going to be what happens to the use and credibility of Twitter with [Elon] Musk taking over," says Ken Doctor, CEO of digital media network Lookout Local. (Noah Berger / Associated Press) The complaints, fears and angst surrounding changes at troubled tech giant Twitter began unraveling on its own platform by the very people who report the news journalists. First it began when Twitter CEO Elon Musk suggested that he would charge additional money for Twitter users to verify their profiles, which could be costly for large news organizations that employ hundreds of people. Then, layoffs hit several teams at the San Francisco-based company, including employees who helped news organizations promote their stories on the platform. Now, what made Twitter most relevant a constant streaming flow of discourse from influencers, politicians and celebrities could be in doubt as Musk seeks to restructure some of the useful tools of its platform, including the verified status of newsmakers and how news articles get highlighted on the platform. "There's a lack of clarity in the plan from a public perspective, but the indicators are that there's a lack of appreciation for brands and institutional trust and the work of humans that go into developing and curating stories, both at the platform side and across the industry that's concerning," said Jason Kint, CEO of Digital Content Next, a trade group that includes the Associated Press, the Washington Post and Bloomberg. "It feels like a bit of watching a train wreck." His group's members are in a wait-and-see mode on how all the changes at Twitter shake out. For some newsrooms that have many journalists verified on Twitter, paying for the blue verification check mark along with other features could be costly, as Musk has said Twitter would charge about $8 a month per account. Journalists previously were given their verified status for free. The charge will include priority in replies, mentions and search, ability to post long video and audio and half as many ads, Musk tweeted on Nov. 1. "Paywall bypass for publishers willing to work with us," Musk wrote, without elaborating. The rollout of the new features was delayed until after the midterm elections, according to the New York Times. "For the newsrooms, it's always been the leading platform and that's all uncertain right now," Kint said. "There's been a lot of work over the years to build trust in that platform and that's why I think journalists have always continued to rely on it too as a place to develop their stories and now we're just in a point of uncertainty." Journalists use Twitter for reporting purposes: to scan for breaking news, search for sources that may share information online about certain topics and pull comments from celebrities who tweet from their verified accounts. There is also a marketing element to Twitter, where journalists tweet out stories from their news organization and share other interesting articles to their followers. Twitter internally also had teams that worked with news organizations to help promote their stories on the platform. Ryan Carey-Mahoney, a Twitter news curator on Moments and Trends tweeted on Friday he was no longer at Twitter and his curation team "has been gutted too." "Together, we helped make sense of this platform and its many conversations through moments and trends," Carey-Mahoney tweeted, which was followed by messages from journalists at various outlets offering him support. Taking away another outlet for news organizations to market their stories comes as the industry is feeling the pain of declining print subscriptions and the struggle to sign up more customers to pay to read stories online. Digital media publishers have also been challenged when platforms that help promote their work like Facebook change their algorithms. There was mixed reaction from news publishers on whether they would pay for verification. CNN told Insider that it's "highly unlikely that CNN would cover verification costs on behalf of all employees." Ken Doctor, CEO of Lookout Local, said his news company would be willing to pay for its brand to be verified on Twitter and then wait and see on how to proceed regarding its staff's individual Twitter accounts. "The interesting question is going to be what happens to the use and credibility of Twitter with Musk taking over and whether it remains as well used media as it has been," Doctor said. Twitter made nearly 92% of its second quarter revenue through advertising and already, some brands are pausing their ads on the platform amid concerns about changes on the platform. Musk bought Twitter last month for $44 billion and last week, made deep cuts to the company's workforce. "Regarding Twitter's reduction in force, unfortunately there is no choice when the company is losing over $4M/day," Musk tweeted on Friday. He also tweeted that the company had a "massive drop in revenue," which he blamed on activist groups pressuring advertisers. Charging for verification could be a "decent revenue stream," Doctor said, but what's at risk is "the reevaluation that's going on among advertisers about the nature of that platform and how safe it is and whether it's going to be freeform chaos, or whether it's going to have some reasonable amount of civility." Despite being used by many journalists, Twitter hasn't generated as much traffic to news sites as other platforms, such as Google's search engine. In 2016, a report by analytics company Parse.ly indicated that the typical news organization generated just 1.5% of its traffic from Twitter, while the top 5% of publishers received 11% of traffic from Twitter, according to NiemanLab. Twitter had 237.8 million monetizable daily active users in the second quarter. "Twitter is a really minor refer to news sites in general," said Doctor, a veteran media industry analyst. "It's talked about a lot among media people and it's great for social monitoring. It's great for lead generation for stories, but it doesn't have that much traffic impact on news sites." Charging for verified status could add more steps for reporters who look to quote people on Twitter, said Karen North, professor of digital social media at USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. A blue check mark typically signifies on Twitter that the platform has verified their identity, establishing confidence that when say, music star Taylor Swift tweets something, it really comes from Swift (who is verified on Twitter). If many celebrities and newsmakers decide to not pay to verify their status, journalists will have to find other ways to verify that what they are seeing tweeted came from the real person. Or they could leave the platform altogether. "When you start charging for the verification, then some people will choose not to verify and then it opens up the opportunity for spoof accounts, and therefore the credibility not only of the sources, but especially the credibility of the platform Twitter becomes much more problematic," North said. S. Mitra Kalita, chief executive of the URL Media network and publisher of the community news outlet Epicenter-NYC, said shes still debating how shell approach Twitter. I feel I worked so hard for every single one of my 30,000 followers, Kalita, a former Times managing editor, wrote in an email, adding that shes leaning toward paying the monthly fee to retain her blue checkmark. I also think its worth companies offering this for their talent with large followings or governments who want to ensure their messaging is optimized/verified for the platform. Times staff writer Brian Contreras contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The United Nations headquarters building is pictured though a window with the UN logo in the foreground in the Manhattan borough of New York By Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) - A series of public hearings with victims of alleged Israeli human rights violations opened at the United Nations in Geneva on Monday, with Israel dismissing them as "sham trials". The independent Commission of Inquiry, established by the U.N. top human rights body last year, plans five days of hearings which it says will be impartial and examine the allegations of both Israelis and Palestinian authorities. However, Israel said the hearings were convened with little notice and pointed to an "anti-Israel" agenda. "This (COI) and the convening of these sham trials shame and undermine the Human Rights Council," it said in a statement issued by its diplomatic mission in Geneva. A U.N. human rights office has previously dismissed allegations of bias and said Israel had not cooperated with the commission's work. The focus of the first set of hearings will be on the closure orders of a number of Palestinian organisations by Israel in August and the killing of the Palestinian-American reporter Shireen Abu Akleh in May. The U.N. rights office has said its findings suggest that she was killed by Israeli forces while an Israeli investigation concluded she was likely to have been unintentionally shot by an Israeli soldier. On the first day, three representatives from shuttered Palestinian non-governmental organisations will testify. Neither the hearings nor the U.N. Human Rights Council have any legal powers. But investigations launched by the council are sometimes used as evidence before national or international courts. Besides Israel, its ally the United States has criticised the U.N. Human Rights Council for what it has described as a "chronic bias" against Israel. It quit the body over this in 2018 and only fully rejoined this year. The three-member COI was created after the 11-day conflict in May, 2021 during which 250 Gaza Palestinians and 13 people in Israel died. The inquiry mandate includes alleged human rights abuses before and after that and seeks to investigate the root causes of the tensions. (Reporting by Emma Farge, editing by Ed Osmond) By Tom Balmforth KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine accused Russia on Monday of looting empty homes in the southern city of Kherson and occupying them with troops in civilian clothes to prepare for street fighting in what both sides predict will be one of the war's most important battles. In recent days Russia has ordered civilians out of Kherson in anticipation of a Ukrainian assault to recapture the city, the only regional capital Moscow has seized since its invasion in February. Kherson, with a pre-war population of nearly 300,000, has been left cold and dark after power and water were cut to the surrounding area over the past 48 hours, both sides said. Russian-installed officials blamed Ukrainian "sabotage" and said they were working to restore electricity. Ukrainian officials said the Russians had dismantled 1.5 km of power lines, and electricity probably would not return until Ukrainian forces recapture the area. Kyiv has described the evacuation of the area as a forced deportation, a war crime. Moscow says it is sending residents away for safety. The city lies in the only pocket of Russian-held territory on the west bank of the Dnipro River that bisects Ukraine. Recapturing it has been the main focus of Ukraine's counter-offensive in the south which accelerated since the start of October. The situation inside Kherson could not be independently confirmed. Ukrainian forces on the nearby frontline have told Reuters in recent days they expect a bitter fight against Russian troops determined to exact a blood price before being forced out. "While Kherson residents are being forcibly deported from their homes, talking about 'evacuation', ru-military and FSB officers are doing what they love most robbing their houses," Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak tweeted on Monday. Ukraine's military said in an overnight update that Russian forces, "disguised in civilian clothes, occupy the premises of civilians and strengthen positions inside for conducting street battles." Reuters was seeking comment from Russian authorities on the Ukrainian allegations. Moscow denies abusing civilians. Russia sent thousands of troops to reinforce the Kherson area but has hinted in recent days it could pull out. The deputy head of the Russian-installed administration, Kirill Stremousov, said last week Russia was likely to withdraw across the river, although there was silence from his higher-ups in Moscow. 'THEY CALL PEOPLE MEAT' Russia lost all of the territory it captured in northern Ukraine in the weeks after the invasion, and in recent months has faced major setbacks in the east and south. President Vladimir Putin has responded to the losses by calling up hundreds of thousands of reservists and announcing the annexation of occupied lands. He said on Monday 50,000 newly called up reservists were already fighting in combat units. But as more and more troops get sent to the front and casualties mount with few fresh signs of gains, there has been increasing disquiet within Russia over the conduct of the war. Russia's defence ministry took the rare step on Monday of denying that an elite unit had suffered catastrophic losses in a pointless assault, after Russian military bloggers posted an open letter from surviving members of the Pacific Fleet's 155th marine brigade. In the letter, addressed to Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of the unit's Pacific coast base home region, the marines said that over just four days their unit had lost 300 men killed, wounded or missing, and half of their equipment. They blamed generals seeking medals and bonuses, who "call people meat". In a video message, Kozhemyako acknowledged the letter but said it exaggerated the losses: "We contacted the commanders. Yes there are losses, there's heavy fighting, but they are far from what is written in this appeal," the governor said. The Russian Defence Ministry said: "Due to the competent actions of the unit commanders" only 1% of the marines had been killed and 7% wounded in the operation, many of whom had already returned to duty. NATIONALISATIONS In the biggest restructuring of Ukraine's economy since the war began, Kyiv announced the state takeover on Monday of Ukraine's biggest oil refiner and producer, and companies that make trucks, electric transformers and aircraft engines. Authorities presented it as a wartime emergency measure. The companies are associated with billionaires once known for wielding political power in Kyiv, and the moves appear in line with a long-standing aim of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to rein in "oligarchs". Elsewhere in Ukraine, Monday morning passed without a major volley of Russian missiles, a rare quiet start to the working week after Mondays became synonymous across Ukraine with renewed Russian air strikes over the past month. Russia has rained missiles down on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure targets, acknowledging its aim to destroy Ukraine's energy system, with intensive strikes often coming during morning rush hour on Mondays since Oct. 10. Ukraine's grid operator told consumers to brace for more blackouts in Kyiv and other regions on Monday as it seeks to reduce the strain on damaged energy infrastructure. It scheduled shutdowns in Kyiv and the regions of Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Kharkiv and Poltava. Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address that more than 4.5 million consumers were without power. Both the White House and the Kremlin declined to comment on a report in the Wall Street Journal that U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan had held talks with aides to Putin, aiming to reduce the risk of escalation. (Reporting by Reuters bureaux; Writing Peter Graff; Editing by Angus MacSwan) Michelle Peters, technical and compliance manager for Poseidon Water, walks through the reverse osmosis building at the Claude "Bud" Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant in Carlsbad. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) For decades, environmentalists have decried ocean desalination as an ecological disaster, while cost-savvy water managers have thumbed their noses at desals lofty price tag. But as the American Southwest barrels into a new era of extreme heat, drought and aridification, officials and conservationists are giving new consideration to the process of converting saltwater into drinking water, and the role it may play in Californias future. Although desalination requires significant energy, Californias current extended drought has revived interest in the technology. Experts are already experimenting with new concepts such as mobile desalination units and floating buoys, and at least four major plants will soon be operational along the state's coastline. Jessie McDonald, a water and gas operator mechanic at Southern California Edison, checks the numbers inside the desalination plant in Avalon. The facility today provides about 40% of the town's drinking water, and officials have credited it with keeping them out of severe drought restrictions so far this year. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) David Feldman, director of Water UCI at UC Irvine, said desalination could eventually provide "somewhere between 10% and half" of California's potable water with one caveat. "Before we can even estimate what percentage of California's potable water would come from desal, we're going to have to consider whether or not water agencies feel confident that they have exhausted other less expensive and less energy-intensive options," said Feldman, who is also a professor of urban planning and public policy at the university. "In certain communities, desal may be your best option. On the other hand, it may be your second or third best option in terms of affordability, in terms of overall cost, in terms of public acceptability with respect to aesthetics and land use," he said. Indeed, desalination is not without downsides. In addition to high energy costs, the process can harm marine life, which can get trapped in pump systems that draw ocean water. And then there is the brine the salty, sludgy byproduct of desalination that typically gets released back into the ocean at the end of the process. A global survey of desalination in 2019 found that plants produce about 5 billion cubic feet of salty brine every day 50% more than previous estimates. High concentrations of brine can reduce oxygen and increase toxicity in marine environments. That's caused some to worry about what what decades or even centuries of desalination could do to the ocean. A surfer heads out near where the South Coast Water District has proposed building a desalination plant roughly 1,500 feet from the shoreline in Dana Point. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) "Ocean water is going to be collected daily and dumped daily. What does that look like for future generations?" said Lydia Ponce, an activist with the Society of Native Nations. Ponce was a vocal opponent of a proposed desalination plant near Doheny State Beach in Orange County, which the California Coastal Commission recently approved. Experts are working to solve many of desalination's challenges, however. The Doheny plant, for example, will draw seawater through slanted intake wells that run beneath the sea floor. Since they avoid contact with open water, officials say the wells will nearly eliminate the chances of marine life being sucked into intake pipes. The facility also plans to "commingle" its brine with South Coast Water District wastewater pipes, diluting it before expelling about two miles out to sea. Though the harm from brine is not completely eliminated, the Coastal Commission said the method was environmentally preferred, and officials say it might serve as a model for future operations. But desalination in California remains a lightning rod for controversy, and the Doheny plant raised significant opposition. Among the project's opponents was Conner Everts, co-chair of the Desal Response Group, who said he thinks desalination has no place in California's water supply. "The ocean is more fragile than it used to be with climate change," Everts said "Its not the 'endless reservoir' as they call it it's a fragile ocean and the plants are industrializing but not resolving our problems. They're creating another set of problems." Everts said it makes no sense for water agencies to be considering desalination when Gov. Gavin Newsom has yet to mandate the kind of sweeping statewide water restrictions his predecessor, Jerry Brown, did during the previous drought. "All of those things are immediate, and that's what we should be investing in not these kind of pipeline fantasies of these water supply boondoggles," he said. Brine water exiting from Carlsbad Desalination Plant is further mixed in with ocean water at the discharge pond before finally exiting out toward the ocean jetty. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) Beyond the environmental impacts, economics have also discouraged widespread use of desalination. Not only does it take significant capital investment, but desalination also requires an enormous amount of energy to push saltwater through filtering membranes at a very high velocity, said David Mitchell, a water economist with the group M.Cubed and an adjunct fellow with the Public Policy Institute of California. "Thats sort of the Achilles' heel of desal its operating cost is very high because of its energy requirement," Mitchell said. But the price gap between desalination and other supplies is shrinking particularly because the cost of traditional sources has been rising due to tightening supplies, increased treatment requirements, high pumping costs and other factors, he said. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, a wholesaler for 26 regional agencies, sells treated water at roughly $1,200 per acre-foot, Mitchell said. (An acre-foot is approximately 326,000 gallons.) The median cost of producing desalinated water is "in the neighborhood of $2,000 an acre-foot," he said. Michelle Peters, technical and compliance manager for Poseidon Water, walks in the reverse osmosis building at the Claude "Bud" Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Though the higher cost might be worthwhile during dry periods, it becomes less so in wet years when other supplies are more ample, however. "If youre looking at a large desal investment and then youre going to operate it, say, one out of three years, that makes it a very expensive proposition," Mitchell said. "It's sort of like buying insurance youre buying a pretty expensive insurance policy." Still, Mitchell said he thinks desalination has a place in Californias water portfolio,and noted that it has already proved viable in Australia and Israel, which gets nearly 90% of its drinking water from a handful of desalination plants near the Mediterranean and Red seas. "Some communities could do the math and figure out desal makes sense financially for them," he said. "Whether that translates into a desal facility is a whole other question as to whether or not they can obtain the necessary regulatory approvals, permits and community buy-in." Some experts are already exploring new ways to overcome those hurdles. Santa Barbara-based SeaWell and its subsidiary, Ocean Portal Water Co., are working with Vandenberg Space Force Base to test the concept of floating desalination buoys. When launched, a single ocean buoy will be able to produce just short of a million gallons of drinking water a day, according to Ocean Portal President Peter Stricker. "We really approached this from the standpoint of, whats a better way to do desal than is currently being done so that we can get past some of the issues that desal represents," Stricker said. "One of them is being modular and easy to deploy, another one is the environmental impacts. Another big part is energy efficiency." While coastal plants require energy to pull ocean water into their facilities for treatment, the large, lighthouse-shaped buoys will have the advantage of producing desalinated water directly in the ocean, so only the finished product would need to be piped to shore, Stricker said. They will also use one-millimeter wire filtration screens and low-velocity intake to prevent "sucking in excessive amounts of marine life," and the brine will be discharged high in the water column so that it mixes with the current as it sinks. "We've gotten a very enthusiastic response on this approach to being able to discharge the brine and have it assimilated into the ambient environment very quickly," he said. Some environmental groups in the area weren't yet sold on the concept. "Even when you use a one-millimeter [screen], which is the smallest, you still take in plankton, said Charming Evelyn, chair of the water committee for the Sierra Club's Angeles Chapter. "So you are still destroying marine life and larvae. And in terms of the brine, brine is just toxic, so honestly, I dont care how you dispose of it. Science has shown that brine is an issue." Stricker said boosting coastal supplies could have the added benefit of freeing up more deliveries for areas farther inland, which are often too far and at too high an elevation to feasibly receive desalinated ocean water. Although interior parts of California are too distant from the coast to make use of desalinated seawater, the technology is being used there to treat contaminated water from rivers and aquifers. Yoram Cohen, a desalination expert and professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at UCLA, is running a pilot program of small-scale, remotely run desalination units in the Salinas Valley, where groundwater is often contaminated with salt and other chemicals. "You use the same technology of desalination, which is basically reverse-osmosis membranes, and that takes out the salt but it also takes out the nitrates [and] other contaminants that may be in the water as well, such as pesticides," Cohen said. "You purify and you desalt at the same time." Cohen explained that inland salinity can be the result of agricultural runoff or simply just topography: As snowmelt, rainwater and other water sources evaporate, they leave behind salt, especially in valley areas without good drainage. The desalination units fit in small sheds and can treat up to 4,000 gallons a day enough for a very small rural community that may not have the funds or resources needed to connect to a larger municipal system. The process does create some residual contaminants, but its less than that of desalted seawater and can be disposed of in septic tanks. Cohen said it's a promising solution not only for remote areas, but pretty much anywhere in the state. "What we're looking for is a technology to increase our water portfolio whether it's for removing salt, whether it's for taking water that we can just purify and then use," he said. California also hosts about 20 brackish water plants which can desalinate slightly salty water from rivers, aqueducts and other sources. The city of Antioch, for example, broke ground on a brackish water desalination plant last year. Officials say the facility will be helpful at times when San Joaquin River supplies become more saline due to climate change, sea level rise and projects in the river delta. When completed, the plant will provide about 30% of Antioch's annual supply, according to the city. That speaks to the other main driver of desalination in California: need. The state is facing its fourth year of drought, and climate change is upending patterns of rainfall and snowpack that once provided reliable water for the state. Officials slashed State Water Project allocations for California water agencies to just 5% this year, while federal officials have said painful cuts are imminent from the Colorado River, long a linchpin of the entire region's supply. Zoey Lambe-Hommel, who is against Poseidon's proposed desalination project in Huntington Beach, attends the California Coastal Commission hearing in Costa Mesa, where the project was ultimately rejected. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Garry Brown, founder and president of the Orange County Coastkeeper, spent nearly 20 years fighting against a proposed desalination plant in Orange County the Poseidon plant in Huntington Beach which was ultimately rejected by the Coastal Commission in May because of dangers to marine life and other issues. But even he signed off on the technical design of the Doheny plant. "Coastkeeper has always taken the position that we're not against ocean desal but look at all the options, and ocean desal is a last-resort option," Brown said. "We think the future of water in California is more capture and recycle." Feldman, of UC Irvine, agreed, saying it's important for the state to maintain a diversified water portfolio that includes reuse, rainwater harvesting and conservation so as not to put all of its "eggs in one basket." "Rather than try to identify a panacea, we should ask ourselves a series of questions," he said. "What makes most sense technologically, economically, risk-wise and public acceptability-wise for our needs?" This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday said he experts Russia to continue hammering Ukraines infrastructure with missile strikes, vowing to mount a response to the attacks. We also understand that the terrorist state is concentrating forces and means for a possible repetition of mass attacks on our infrastructure, Zelensky said in his nightly address. First of all, energy. In particular, for this, Russia needs Iranian missiles. We are preparing to respond. As Kyiv forces make increasing gains in an autumn counteroffensive, Russia has launched a barrage of strikes across Ukraine in recent weeks, largely targeting the countrys energy infrastructure and causing blackouts and water outages. Ukraines Kyiv, Chernihiv, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Kharkiv and Poltava regions will see blackouts on Monday from 6 a.m. until the end of the day because of the strikes, according to Ukrenergo, Ukraines state-owned power company. Zelensky in his nightly address said 4.5 million people had no electricity. No one chose the areas that will suffer from blackouts this is a consequence of the destruction of the energy infrastructure after missile and drone attacks, Ukrenergo wrote on Telegram. Ukrainian officials have asked residents in recent weeks to conserve electricity use. The county has also stopped exporting electricity to Europe. Kyiv, Ukraines capital, is preparing for a total electricity blackout and potentially mass evacuations amid Russian bombardment. Ukraines energy sector has been a focal point in Russias invasion. International observers have raised concerns for months over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europes largest, calling for a protection zone around the plant to avoid a nuclear disaster. The area remains under Russian control, but Ukrainian employees have maintained operations at Zaporizhzhia. Ukraines nuclear energy arm previously indicated Russia kidnapped the plants top managers and intimidated employees. The United Nationss nuclear watchdog said on Saturday that external power had been restored to the plant two days after Russian shelling required it to be disconnected from the power grid. Concerns have also been growing over the Kakhovka hydroelectric plant, which is located in Ukraines south near the strategic city of Kherson. Kyiv and Moscow have traded accusations that the other is planning to blow up the dam as Ukrainian forces make territorial gains toward Kherson. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. An official portrait of the late Nobel laureate John Hume will be unveiled in Westminster. The portrait was commissioned by the Speakers advisory committee on works of art. Painted by the critically acclaimed Northern Irish artist Colin Davidson, the portrait of the former MP for Foyle will hang in Portcullis House, one of the busiest buildings on the parliamentary estate, and marks the contribution the Nobel Peace prize winner made during his 22 years as a Westminster MP. Painted over a number of weeks at Davidsons studio in Northern Ireland, it is based on sketches the artist made during sittings with Mr Hume in 2016 four years before he died. I never thought in terms of being a leader. I thought very simply in terms of helping people. Nobel Laureate and former SDLP Leader John Hume passed away last night. We all live in the Ireland he imagined at peace and free to decide our own destiny. Thank you, John. pic.twitter.com/0yO5KWaTv7 The SDLP (@SDLPlive) August 3, 2020 First elected to the Foyle constituency in 1983, Mr Hume was a leading figure in the Northern Irish civil rights movement. He was leader of the SDLP from 1979 to 2001 and one of the key architects of the peace process. In 1998 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace alongside David Trimble, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party for their efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Northern Ireland. Supported by his wife Pat, Mr Humes work won him support from across the political spectrum both at home and abroad. Following a proposal from the SDLP MP for Belfast South, Claire Hanna, the Speakers advisory committee on works of art agreed to commission the portrait as a permanent addition to the parliamentary art collection to recognise Mr Humes important role in promoting peace and reconciliation across Northern Ireland, Britain and the Republic of Ireland. SDLP leader John Hume with his wife Pat after being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work in the Northern Ireland Peace Process (PA) Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: John Hume was one of the true giants of Northern Irish politics. An advocate for democracy across these islands and beyond, it was important for the House to ensure that Hume was finally represented in the collection. He was also one of the most important and impactful parliamentarians of his generation, and is greatly missed by colleagues and Members both here in Westminster and in Europe. Colin Davidson has captured a wonderful likeness, and the committee and I are delighted to accept this work into the parliamentary art collection, Sir Lindsay added. Entitled John Hume, Davidson began working on the posthumous portrait in 2022. Completed earlier this summer, the painting is oil on canvas measuring 3740 inches in keeping with the artists commitment to large-scale, impactful works. Mr Hume is shown adjusting his glasses and focusing on the gaze of the person looking at him retaining a curious, yet quietly self-assured pose. Davidson first painted Mr Hume in 2016 as part of a private commission. Sitting with the politician for more than two hours, he made a number of sketches as Mr Hume read stories from Silent Testimony Davidsons collection of portraits and stories of individuals affected by The Troubles. These sketches went on to form the basis of the new composition for Parliament. Then-prime minister Tony Blair (centre) with (left) David Trimble and (right) John Hume in 1998 (PA) Davidson said: Six years ago I was honoured to spend time with John Hume, drawing and sketching a man who had become a personal hero for me. Over the last year, I have revisited these drawings and created something new a different portrait painting which, I hope, captures Johns focused vision and strength of character. John meant so much to so many people across these islands. We would not have peace in this part of the world without him, so it is appropriate that this new portrait of John Hume will hang in Westminster now for people to visit and hopefully draw inspiration from. I am grateful to both the committee and of course the Hume family for the privilege. Dr Sean Farren, chairman of the John And Pat Hume Foundation said: It is wonderful that Colin Davidson was commissioned by the House of Commons not only because he is local an internationally acclaimed artist but also because Colin, through his work with Wave, is a campaigner for victims and survivors. His Silent Testimony exhibition features 18 large-scale portraits, capturing the pain and hurt of individuals who suffered loss during the Troubles. Like John and Pat Hume he is a courageous voice for peace and reconciliation. Rishi Sunak to use Cop27 to raise migrant crisis with French President Rishi Sunak is expected to raise the migrant crisis with his French counterpart when the two meet for the first time in Egypt on Monday. Ahead of Cop27, the Prime Minister told The Sun newspaper his key priority at the UN climate change conference was resolving the crisis of small boats crossing the Channel. The PM will use the Cop27 conference to speak to Emmanuel Macron about small boats crossing the Channel (Yves Herman/PA) I have spent more time working on that in the last few days than anything else other than the autumn statement, he told the newspaper. According to the paper, Britain and France are close to allowing Border Force staff on the beaches, with the PM insisting he will continue to push for a deal with Emmanuel Macron. We have to get a grip, do a range of things to stop it from happening, return people who shouldnt be here in the first place. People inside the Manston immigration facility in Kent (Gareth Fuller/PA) The Times reported the Prime Minister will press Mr Macron to sign a deal to reduce crossings while at the summit. Mr Sunak also reportedly defended his decision to keep Suella Braverman as Home Secretary, telling The Sun: Shes completely focused. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said Mr Sunak is set to revive the British Bill of Rights as part of his Governments strategy to deal with the small boats crisis. He said the legislation giving the UK courts supremacy over the European Court of Human Rights will return to Parliament in the coming weeks. The Bill was shelved by Liz Truss when she became prime minister in September after Government sources warned it was unlikely to progress in its current form. The proposed legislation is unlikely to provide a quick fix though as it is also highly controversial and the Government is likely to face a tough battle particularly in the House of Lords to get it on to the statute book. Rishi Sunak will reportedly press Emmanuel Macron for a new deal to curb Channel crossings when the pair meet for the first time at Cop27. The Prime Minister and the French President are expected to discuss the migrant crisis at the UN climate change conference in Egypt on Monday. Mr Sunak wants to agree targets for stopping boats, and a minimum number of French officers patrolling beaches. The Government also hopes Border Force officers can be deployed to France, according to The Times. While also reportedly defending his decision to keep Suella Braverman as Home Secretary, Mr Sunak said tackling Channel crossings was his key priority at the event, insisting he would push for a new deal with France, The Sun said. I have spent more time working on that in the last few days than anything else other than the autumn statement. We have to get a grip, do a range of things to stop it from happening, return people who shouldnt be here in the first place, Mr Sunak told the newspaper. Business Secretary Grant Shapps told BBC Radio 4s Today programme Mr Sunak has hit it off well with Mr Macron and thinks they can make progress on cutting the number of migrants crossing the Channel. During a visit to Imperial College London, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer urged the pair to discuss how to work upstream to bring down the people smugglers behind the crossings. Almost 40,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel so far this year. But there were no crossings in the first six days of November amid bad weather conditions, meaning the provisional total for 2022 to date still stands at 39,913. People inside the Manston immigration facility in Kent (Gareth Fuller/PA) Meanwhile the Government hopes to revive plans for a Bill of Rights to overhaul human rights laws as part of its plans to address the migrant crisis, after they were shelved by Liz Truss when she became prime minister. Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said the proposals which would give UK courts supremacy over the European Court of Human Rights will return to Parliament in the coming weeks, although they are expected to face opposition. At the same time Mr Shapps insisted rules on foreign aid budget spending had not changed. The Times reported the Government is in line to spend nearly half of the cash in Britain as ministers grapple with the migrant crisis and war in Ukraine. Under Treasury rules, as much as 3.5 billion for refugees and migrants in the UK will be considered part of the countrys contribution to international development, the newspaper said. Mr Shapps told Times Radio more money is being spent in that way, but said it has always been the case some of the cash has been invested in migrants seeking a new home in this country. He also described how the overcrowded Manston migrant processing centre in Kent was tipping into becoming an unofficial detention centre when he briefly held the post of home secretary. During his six-day tenure he was very keen to ensure that we maintained ourselves within the law, had some very clear advice on that and made a number of changes to how the centre operated and to make sure people were moved out, he told BBC Breakfast. Speaking to Sky News, he added that he received very clear advice that the Government was in danger of breaking the law over Manston if action was not taken. But he said he did not see advice given to Ms Braverman before he took over, during her first brief appointment as home secretary. Hundreds of people staged a protest in the pouring rain outside the migrant holding centre on Sunday, demanding the site be shut down. It came as Ms Braverman pledged to speed up the asylum system with a nationwide roll-out of a trial tested in Leeds to help streamline the application process. The eight-week pilot doubled the average number of claims processed and reduced the time asylum seekers wait for a first interview by 40%, the Home Office said. Maros Sefcovic has suggested that UK-EU agreement on checks between Great Britain and Northern Ireland could happen within weeks, with the right political will. It comes as Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen agreed to work together to end the row over the Northern Ireland Protocol, when they met for the first time at Cop27 in Egypt. Mr Sefcovic, the European Commission vice-president and Brexit negotiator, made the comments in Westminster during a meeting of British and European parliamentarians. He said: This is the area where we do not seek any political victory. We just want to solve the problem. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meets with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Steve Reigate/Daily Express) Discussing EU proposals to reduce checks, he said: Is it too much to do this? Can we not find pragmatic, technical solutions to make this thing work? I believe it could be done, if there is political will, Im sure that we can sort it out really within a couple of weeks because really both sides of our negotiating teams we know these topics from all angles. Earlier, Mr Sefcovic told parliamentarians that he did not believe the EU and the UK were worlds apart on the protocol, as he warned that unilateral action by the Government would have serious consequences. In Egypt, the new prime minister met the European Commission president as both attended the Cop27 climate conference on Monday, with Mr Sunak stressing the need to find solutions to the very real problems caused by the post-Brexit arrangements in the region. Mr Sunak inherits from his predecessors Liz Truss and Boris Johnson the problem of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which is vocally opposed by unionists who claim it cuts off the region from the rest of the UK. Good first meeting with Prime Minister @RishiSunak in the margins of #COP27 We face many common challenges, from tackling climate change and the energy transition to Russias war against Ukraine. I look forward to a constructive cooperation based on our agreements. pic.twitter.com/TeInbLKVSn Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 7, 2022 The post-Brexit solution, designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, is cited as the Democratic Unionist Partys main reason for refusing to return to powersharing. The instability in Northern Ireland has raised concerns in Dublin, Brussels and Washington, and the row between the UK and the EU shows few signs of coming to a rapid conclusion, despite indications of a more positive tone from the British side in recent weeks. Ms von der Leyen called it a good first meeting. We face many common challenges, from tackling climate change and the energy transition to Russias war against Ukraine, she tweeted. She said she looked forward to constructive co-operation between the two countries. In London, Europe Minister Leo Docherty spoke for the Government at a meeting of the UK-EU parliamentary partnership assembly and told a roomful of European and British politicians that it remained the UKs preference to resolve this through talks. We are engaging in constructive dialogue to find solutions, he said. There, he hit out at the EUs decision to deny British access to research programmes such as Horizon, accusing the bloc of failing to fulfil its part of the agreement. It brings no conceivable disadvantage to the EU or its member states, but the EU has politicised scientific co-operation by linking it with the Northern Ireland Protocol, he said. Putting politics in the way of scientific collaboration constrains human potential and hurts everybody. On the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, which would tear up the Northern Ireland Protocol and is currently in the House of Lords, Mr Docherty said: We are not expediting the progress of that Bill. Many of you will know that laws, like sausages, take time to be made and they are quite slow. It is going through its normal course through the legislative procedure. Were not expediting it, but were not halting it. Were just letting it go forward as it would. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak discussed the NI Protocol with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Steve Reigate/Daily Express/PA) Mr Sefcovic did offer warm words for the progress made in recent weeks with Foreign Secretary James Cleverly as EU-UK talks restarted. But he had a stark warning about the consequences of the UK pushing ahead with plans to rip up the protocol, saying the proposals put forward between the two sides to solve the issues in Northern Ireland are not fundamentally different. He said: This is surely the moment to abandon recourse to unilateral action, such as the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill. Unilaterally disapplying core parts of the protocol would also have serious consequences for our trade relationship under the Trade and Co-operation Agreement. He said that any additional or persistent uncertainty would not help amid a cost-of-living crisis, as he urged progress ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement next year. Pointing to UKs idea of a green lane, he contrasted it with EU proposals. He said: The issue here boils down to no checks versus minimum checks, stemming from Brexit itself. Because we must acknowledge that Brexit did fundamentally alter trade on the island of Ireland. I believe that our respective positions are not worlds apart if we genuinely explore the EUs robust proposals. Downing Street on Monday said it was not pursuing any specific timeline on talks over the Northern Ireland Protocol, in response to Mr Sefcovics comments. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: Were not working to a set timeline on those sorts of discussions. Obviously we do want to come up with a negotiated solution, we do think the issue is urgent and needs resolving, and obviously we would welcome any progress made. Rishi Sunak has vowed to grip this challenge of illegal migration by working with European nations as he faced pressure to sign a new deal with France to curb Channel crossings. The Prime Minister said there was lots to talk about when he met Emmanuel Macron for the first time at Cop27 amid reports he was set to press for a fresh agreement with the French president. The pair embraced at the UN climate change conference in Egypt on Monday, during their first face-to-face encounter since Mr Sunak entered Number 10. He also discussed the subject when he met the new Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Asked what they will do about the growing number of Channel crossings, Mr Sunak told broadcasters in Sharm El-Sheikh: It was great to meet President Macron to talk about not just tackling illegal migration but the range of other areas in which we want to cooperate closely with the French on. But also lets remember, this is an issue that affects many countries. And actually Ive been talking to other European leaders as well about our shared challenge of tackling illegal migration. And I think there is an opportunity for us to work closely, not just with the French but with other countries as well. By working together with our European partners, we can make a difference, grip this challenge of illegal migration and stop people coming illegally Im actually leaving this with renewed confidence and optimism that working together with our European partners, we can make a difference, grip this challenge of illegal migration and stop people coming illegally. Almost 40,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel so far this year. There were no crossings in the first six days of November amid bad weather, leaving the provisional total for 2022 to date still standing at 39,913. Acknowledging tackling Channel crossings is a complex issue, Mr Sunak reiterated he was determined to grip the situation but stressed there was not one simple solution thats going to solve it overnight, adding: We all want this situation to resolve itself as quickly as possible. The Prime Minister reportedly wants to agree targets for stopping boats, and a minimum number of French officers patrolling beaches while also hoping to be able to deploy Border Force officers in France. Downing Street said talks on a deal with France were in their final stages, following the meeting between the two leaders. But it is not thought there will be any further announcements on Monday. Talks on the specifics of a deal were taking place separately involving Home Office officials, the Prime Ministers official spokesman indicated. Mr Sunak also stood by Home Secretary Suella Braverman, telling broadcasters the Government was making good progress on reducing the numbers at the overcrowded Manston migrant processing centre, adding that she was focused on the need to reduce the number of people coming here illegally. People inside the Manston immigration facility in Kent (Gareth Fuller/PA) Immigration minister Robert Jenrick later told the Commons there had been a significant reduction in the number of people at the facility and this was now back below its maximum capacity of 1,600 after more than 2,300 migrants were moved to other accommodation. Earlier Business Secretary Grant Shapps had described how the site in Kent was tipping into becoming an unofficial detention centre when he briefly held the post of home secretary. During his six-day tenure he was very keen to ensure that we maintained ourselves within the law, had some very clear advice on that and made a number of changes to how the centre operated and to make sure people were moved out, he told BBC Breakfast. Speaking to Sky News, he added that he received very clear advice that the Government was in danger of breaking the law over Manston if action was not taken. But he said he did not see advice given to Ms Braverman before he took over, during her first brief appointment as home secretary. Hundreds of people staged a protest in the pouring rain outside the migrant holding centre on Sunday, demanding the site be shut down. It came as Ms Braverman pledged to speed up the asylum system with a nationwide roll-out of a trial tested in Leeds to help streamline the application process. The eight-week pilot doubled the average number of claims processed and reduced the time asylum seekers wait for a first interview by 40%, the Home Office said. Meanwhile, the Government hopes to revive plans for a Bill of Rights to overhaul human rights laws as part of its plans to address the migrant crisis, after they were shelved by Liz Truss when she became prime minister. Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said the proposals which would give UK courts supremacy over the European Court of Human Rights will return to Parliament in the coming weeks, although they are expected to face opposition. At the same time Mr Shapps insisted rules on foreign aid budget spending had not changed. The Times reported the Government is in line to spend nearly half of the cash in Britain as ministers grapple with the migrant crisis and war in Ukraine. Under Treasury rules, as much as 3.5 billion for refugees and migrants in the UK will be considered part of the countrys contribution to international development, the newspaper said. Mr Shapps told Times Radio more money is being spent in that way, but said it has always been the case some of the cash has been invested in migrants seeking a new home in this country. Trade minister Greg Hands will hold talks on Monday in Taiwan aimed at boosting trade and promoting UK expertise in hydrogen and offshore wind, the Department for International Trade has said. Mr Hands will meet President Tsai Ing-wen and co-host the UK-Taiwan 25th annual Trade Talks in Taipei during his two-day visit, the first in person trade talks since the pandemic. Recalling his visit to the country 31 years ago, Mr Hands said: Boosting trade with this vital partner is part of the UKs post-Brexit tilt towards the Indo-Pacific and closer collaboration will help us future-proof our economy in the decades to come. Talks with minister Chern-Chyi Chen will look at tackling barriers to trade in sectors such as fintech, food and drink and pharma, aimed at helping more UK firms export and invest in Taiwan, DIT said, adding Mr Hands will also promote UK expertise in offshore wind, hydrogen and electric vehicles. The UKs 8bn trade partnership has risen 14% in the last two years, according to DIT, with UK exports to Taiwan going up by 12% during that period. Amid the trade talks, Innovate UK, the UKs national innovation agency, will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan, pledging to increase collaboration on technology and innovation, the DIT added. The world is on the highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has warned at the start of Cop27. Addressing world leaders at the start of the climate summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, he said we are in the fight of our lives and we are losing, with greenhouse gases still growing and temperatures still rising. And while the worlds attention is gripped by war in Ukraine, prompting an energy, food and cost-of-living crisis, and other conflicts, Mr Guterres said: Climate change is on a different timeline and a different scale. It is the defining issue of our age. It is the central challenge of our century. It is unacceptable, outrageous and self-defeating to put it on the back burner. He warned: Todays crises cannot be an excuse for backsliding or greenwashing. Today I will join leaders from across the world at @COP27P. For our children and grandchildren, we must deliver on the legacy of Glasgow and protect the future of the planet. pic.twitter.com/tfbukFRBBC Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) November 7, 2022 The latest round of talks comes amid high geopolitical tensions sparked by Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine, worsening extreme weather, and calls for rich nations to provide finance for the loss and damage hitting poor countries as a result of the climate crisis. Leaders including Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi called for an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine as they spoke to the opening ceremony of the summit. Attending a side event at Cop27, Boris Johnson warned the fight against climate change had become a collateral victim of the invasion of Ukraine, with countries questioning the goal of cutting emissions at a time of soaring energy prices. And he warned against the risk that some people will go weak and wobbly on commitments to cut emissions to zero overall known at net zero to tackle the crisis. His comments come ahead of Rishi Sunaks speech to the conference, which the Prime Minister is attending following what opponents called a screeching U-turn, having planned to stay home to work on domestic financial issues. Mr Sunak will use his speech to the conference to call for a global mission for clean growth. He will say it is essential countries stick to commitments made at the Cop26 summit hosted by the UK in Glasgow, if it is to limit warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. At the same time, he will argue that the transition away from fossil fuels has the potential to drive growth and deliver jobs in the new green industries of the future, while cutting off funding for Russias war in Ukraine. But as he passed on the baton to the Egyptians, he faced criticism at home over the Governments decision to issue more licences for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea and its continued opposition to new onshore wind. Former British prime minister Boris Johnson attends Cop27 (Peter Dejong/AP) The UK is also under pressure over its climate finance commitments, amid questions over the delivery of promised funding contributions to help poor countries with the crisis. Speaking to broadcasters in Egypt, the Prime Minister said the UK remains committed to its 11.6 billion contribution to international climate finance over five years. Mr Sunaks attendance at the gathering in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh alongside leaders such as US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, marks his first outing on the international stage since becoming Prime Minister last month. In a packed day at the conference, the Prime Minister was holding a series of bilateral meetings, including with Italys new far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen amid ongoing tensions over post-Brexit trading arrangements. After wrangling between delegations, the issue of funding for loss and damage from climate change, such as destruction of crops, buildings and infrastructure in poorer countries, is now an item on the official agenda for the talks a move supported by the UK. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who is also at the talks, said there is an obligation on richer countries that have largely caused climate change to help those suffering the impacts of it. Funding for loss and damage is a key demand for some of the worlds most vulnerable countries, who are on the frontline of climate impact and yet have done least to cause the crisis, though developed countries have historically been reluctant to discuss it. In a statement as the summit kicked off, the Alliance of Small Island States called for a new loss and damage response fund that is operational by 2024, as well as for emissions to peak and decline immediately and reform of the financial system away from fossil fuels. In his speech to world leaders, Mr Guterres called for action to double support to help poorer countries adapt to climate change, but also for acknowledgement of a harsh truth that it was not possible to adapt to the growing number of catastrophic events around the world. The deadly impacts of climate change are here and now. Loss and damage can no longer be swept under the rug. It is a moral imperative, he said, calling for concrete results on the issue at Cop27. Mr Guterres also called for a pact between developed and developing countries, in which all nations make an extra effort to reduce emissions, richer countries provide financial assistance to help emerging economies speed their own renewable transition, and to end dependence on fossil fuels. He said the United States and China had a particular responsibility to join efforts to make the pact a reality, warning humanity had a choice to co-operate or perish. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Overnight November 6-7, the units of the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire from various caliber firearms at the Armenian positions located in the eastern section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, the Ministry of Defense said. The Armenian side has no casualties. As of 08:00, the situation in the frontline is relatively stable. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. The trade turnover between Russia and China soared by 33% year-on-year to $153.94 bln in January - October 2022, TASS reports citing the Main Customs Administration of China. According to released data, Chinas export to Russia gained 12.8% within ten months of this year to $59.6 bln. Imports of Russian goods and services surged by 49.9% to $94.34 bln. Crude oil, natural gas and coal account for the overwhelming portion in the value of commodities imported by China from Russia. Other key items of export from Russia include copper and copper ore, lumber, fuel and seafood. China is exporting a broad range of products to Russia, with a significant share taken by smartphones, industrial and specialized equipment, toys, footwear, motor vehicles, air conditioners and computers. The trade turnover between Russia and China gained 35.8% in 2021 and reached record-breaking $146.88 bln. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan met with President of Iraq Abdul Latif Rashid on the sidelines of the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt, the Armenian Presidents Office said. In his remarks President Khachaturyan said that Iraq is Armenias reliable partner in the region and that Armenia attaches great importance to the deepening of multisectoral cooperation with that country. In his turn the Iraqi President said Armenians living in Iraq enjoy the support of the Iraqi authorities and they highly value the Armenian-Iraqi close relations. According to him, a positive dynamics has been observed in the bilateral trade turnover in the past years, which, he called, a sign of a serious bilateral economic potential, stressing the need for efforts aimed at utilizing this potential. President Vahagn Khachaturyan noted that Armenia has wonderful relations with the Islamic, including with most of the Arab countries. In this context he expressed concerns about the latest remarks made by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during the Arab League Summit where he speculated the religious factor in his accusations against Armenia, giving a religious tone to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and attempting to oppose the Islamic, in this case the Arab countries against Armenia. The President said that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict does not have and cannot have a religious tone, as Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh are fighting for their rights to live and create safely in their homeland. The sides agreed to continue the mutual contacts aimed at boosting the economic ties and intensifying the mutual partnership in different areas. The question is -- why should one protest in a democracy? There are many reasons Is it that we no longer care about tyranny and due process and individual rights? Or has it now become fine just because its not the foreigners who are doing it? (Representational Image) Last week my new book was out and its subject is peaceful protest by individuals. The question is -- why should one protest in a democracy? There are many reasons. Let us take a look at one today. In 1919, Mahatma Gandhi led an all-India strike against the Rowlatt Act. In support, a crowd gathered in Amritsar to join the protest at Jallianwala Bagh. Punjabs governor Sir Michael ODwyer claimed that British rule was under threat and responded with violence, unleashing the Gurkha and Baloch Regiments on the civilians, killing over 300 people. The British passed the Rowlatt Act in the face of opposition from all of the Indian members of the Imperial Legislative Council. The British claimed that the law would affect very few Indians. However, Gandhi called it an affront to the nation. So, what was so offensive about the Rowlatt Act (more properly, the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act 1919)? Why were Indians so angered by it that they were holding public demonstrations and opposing it in the Legislative Council? The Rowlatt Act did away with fundamental principles of the rule of law. It could hold people without charge or trial and it did away with jury trials, in favour of in-camera trials by judges. This is called administrative detention, meaning the jailing of someone without a crime having been committed, merely on the suspicion that they will commit a crime in future. Now let us have a look at the situation in India today, when we are a free people. In 2015, over 3,200 people were held in administrative detention in India. Gujarat has the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act of 1984. It allows for detention without charge or trial for up to a year. Uttar Pradesh has the National Security Act, that allows detention without charge or trial for a year to prevent a person from acting in any manner prejudicial to the defence of India, the relations of India with foreign powers, or the security of India or from acting in any manner prejudicial to the security of the State or from acting in any manner prejudicial to the maintenance of public order or from acting in any manner prejudicial to the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the community. Recently, this law has been used to jail Muslims who are accused of cattle smuggling and slaughter in Madhya Pradesh. Tamil Nadu has the Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Bootleggers, Drug-offenders, Forest-offenders, Goondas, Immoral Traffic Offenders, Sand-offenders, Sexual Offenders, Slum-grabbers and Video Pirates Act 1982. It allows the state to jail without trial or charge any bootlegger or drug offender or forest offender or goonda or immoral traffic offender or sand offender or offender or slum grabber or video pirate... to prevent him from acting in any manner prejudicial to the maintenance of public order. Karnataka has the Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Acid Attackers, Bootleggers, Depredator of Environment, Digital Offenders, Drug Offenders, Gamblers, Goondas, Immoral Traffic Offenders, Land Grabbers, Money Launderers, Sexual Predators and Video or Audio Pirates Act 1985. It allows for detention without charge or trial of up to 12 months of any acid attacker or bootlegger or depredator of environment or digital offender or drug offender or gambler or goonda or immoral traffic offender or land-grabber or money launderer or sexual predator or video or audio pirate to prevent him from acting in any manner prejudicial to the maintenance of public order. Some states have less ornate and more direct phrasing. Assam has the Preventive Detention Act 1980. It can jail individual for up to two years, without charge or trial. Bihar has the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Act 1984. It allows for detention without charge or trial for up to two years to prevent a person from (i) smuggling goods, or (ii) abetting the smuggling of goods, or (iii) engaging in transporting or concealing or keeping smuggled goods, or (iv) dealing in, smuggled goods otherwise than by engaging in transporting or concealing or keeping smuggled goods, or (v) harbouring persons engaged in smuggling goods or in abetting the smuggling of goods. Jammu and Kashmir has three laws, one allowing detention without charge or trial for six months, another for a year and third for two years. West Bengal has the Prevention of Violent Activities Act of 1970. Journalists in Chhattisgarh are regularly jailed under the NSA and kept in prison for a year for their reporting. As we can see from the dates, none of these are so-called colonial laws. These are laws we have gifted ourselves. Every state uses them liberally and there is no resistance from the judiciary. These days we have classified sections of the Indian people as the enemy through the use of the phrase anti-national. The Rowlatt Act was never implemented nationwide. But our Rowlatt Acts are used against Indians in every state. Why do we not have Jallianwala Bagh-type gatherings today? Why do our legislators not resist the oppression by the State of its citizens as did those of the Imperial Legislative Council? Is it that we no longer care about tyranny and due process and individual rights? Or has it now become fine just because its not the foreigners who are doing it? Mr PM Modi dismantled all these councils and committees and everything is now concentrated with him Prime Minister Narendra Modi is, by all accounts, a fairly isolated figure. Few know who he meets and whose advice he solicits. Unlike the earlier Prime Minister, who created many councils of advisers and gave many of the countrys gainfully under-employed titles and platforms to be seen on and not necessarily heard, Mr Modi has given away little except to a few cronies from his Gujarat days. Dr Manmohan Singh had a surfeit of advice with it flowing from as many as eight sector-specific councils of which he himself headed as many as six, including one each on skill development, industry, nutrition, wildlife and unique identification. These councils rarely met. The one on nutrition, for instance, met only once in the UPAs 10 years. Apart from these, Dr Singh had 35 ministerial committees -- empowered groups of ministers (EGoMs) and groups of ministers (GoMs) -- to whom he tossed decisions, more often not to be taken. The only council that met regularly was the Council on Trade and Industry, which featured all the major captains of business. As they say, money is the mothers milk of politics. True to his word, Mr Modi dismantled all these councils and committees and everything is now concentrated with him. But one group he meets from time to time, even if not to solicit advice but to preach, are industrialists. Since he took over, he has had several well-publicised gatherings of all the fat cats, even the NPA overburdened ones, and more are now planned for soon. The industrialists will make presentations with an aim to suggest ways to achieve Mr Modis many policy visions. The discussions are likely to revolve around Make in India, overhaul of financial services, healthcare, retail and Digital India. However, his list of invitees betrays his myopia. He obviously believes that the private corporations are the ones who will lead Indias economic growth and provide it with the entrepreneurship and vision required to make our dreams come true. He seems to forget that most of our major companies have business models based on obtaining government assets at low prices and selling the products and services at market prices. He also misses the fact that most of industrial investment in India is by the State, and unless these become productive and profitable, Indias industrial sector will languish. The private sector by contrast does well and the challenge for the government is to make the public sector do just as well. This does not always entail privatisation. Yet, in the eight years he has been in office, Mr Modi has shown a singular lack of interest in the public sector, where our economic and industrial malaise is concentrated. He has heard enough of the gripes of the private sector captains. Mr Modi should now be talking to the bosses of the public sector units to understand their problems and seek ideas and advice from them on how to jumpstart the moribund PSUs so that they can contribute to growth in a meaningful way. In 1951, there were five PSEs under the ownership of the government in India. By March 2021, the number of such government entities had increased to 365. These entities represented a total investment of about Rs.16.41 lakh crores as of March 31, 2019. Their total paid-up capital as of March 31, 2019 stood at about Rs.2.76 lakh crores. The CPSEs have earned a revenue of about Rs.25.43 lakh crores during the financial year 2018-19. Thirty-five years ago, in 1980-81, the capital invested in Central PSUs was Rs 18,207 crores and they had a combined turnover of Rs 28,635 crores. The 320 CPSUs contributed by way of excise duty, customs duty, corporate tax, interest on Central government loans, dividend and other duties and taxes Rs 278,075 crores, which increased from Rs 200,593 crores in 2014-15, showing a growth of 38.63 per cent. They also employed 12.34 lakh people (excluding contractual workers) in 2015-16. Considering that the entire industrial sector only contributes about 20 per cent of GDP, it is quite obvious that many, if not most, of the commanding heights of the economy are still with the public sector. India has made huge investments in the public sector and has never got even halfway to a fair return on them. Clearly, the overall picture is not a rosy one, for our PSUs depend on administered prices and are mostly oligarchies in many major sectors such as coal, hydrocarbons and minerals. The state oil companies contributed 30.4 per cent of all PSU profits, the coal sector 20.5 per cent and the power sector 14.4 per cent. In 2021, the 41 PSUs in these three sectors together provided Rs 138,112 crores, or about two-thirds of PSU profits. If you keep these three sectors aside, the rest of the PSUs together earned a pittance. This is a sorry state of affairs. Quite clearly, we are unable to extract any benefits from the huge investments made in these companies. The PM should focus his attention of improving their performance instead of being attentive only to the needs of the private sector, which for the most part are fairly well managed and are profitable. Soon after he assumed office, Mr Modi indicated plans to do more with state-controlled companies than use them as piggy banks to break into whenever the government needed a revenue boost. He said he had plans to sell off the traditional laggards and to fix the ones with potential. He also signalled that the government had plans to privatise state-run firms and unfetter them from the clutches of the middle bureaucracy of deputy and joint secretaries. There is no sign of this any of these happening. PSU holdings are being offloaded to plug revenue gaps without any plan to make PSUs profitable and contribute to the States coffers. But solutions are possible that will enable the public sector to become a profitable, productive and contributing sector of our economy. The critical first step will be to take all PSUs from out of their administrative ministries and bring them under one administrative ministry whose mandate would be to make the PSUs cumulatively profitable. Then, by a process that selectively uses liquidation, outright sale, restructuring and amalgamations, new, viable and profitable entities could be created whose ownership could then be progressively diluted to broad base it and liberate these companies from bureaucratic and ministerial control. All this is possible, but only if Narendra Modi focuses his attention on reforming and restructuring our PSUs and on realising returns on the huge investments that the nation has made on them. Chinese American Film, Television Festivals shine in their 18th year 08:47, November 07, 2022 By Julia Pierrepont III ( Xinhua One of the honorees addresses the awarding ceremony at the 18th Chinese American Film Festival and the Chinese American Television Festival in Los Angeles, California, the United States, Nov. 4, 2022. (Xinhua) The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a motion that declares the month of November 2022 as Chinese American Film Festival and Chinese American Television Festival Month in the most populous county in the United States. LOS ANGELES, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 18th Chinese American Film Festival and the Chinese American Television Festival kicked off here Friday evening. Several hundred elegantly gowned and tuxedoed Chinese and Hollywood celebrities and guests assembled in Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel for the cultural event, which aims to promote film and television industry exchanges and cooperation between China and the United States. More than 400 film and television works will be screened at the festivals. A total of 10 films won the Golden Angel Award at the event this year, including "My Country, My Parents," "Nice View," "Schemes in Antiques," "Sunshine of My Life," and "Between Us." The festival awarded the Most Popular U.S. Films in China awards to Universal Pictures' science fiction action film "Jurassic World Dominion" and the animated comedy film "The Bad Guys," Legendary Pictures' epic science fiction film "Dune," and Warner Bros. Pictures' fantasy film "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore." Zhang Ping, Chinese consul general in Los Angeles, said at the opening ceremony that the event was an important platform for film and television industry exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. In her speech at the opening ceremony, U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, praised the "incredible" organizers of the event which shows the power of film and culture. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a motion that declares the month of November 2022 as Chinese American Film Festival and Chinese American Television Festival Month in the most populous county in the United States. Founded in 2005 by EDI Media Inc., the annual event is usually held in November in Los Angeles. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) by Mathias Hariyadi After the suspension imposed by Covid, thousands gathered from all 37 provinces of the country for the festival of religious songs. Card. Suharyo: "An important sign of unity in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country like Indonesia". Kupang (AsiaNews) - Indonesia's Catholics held a great national gathering in recent days on the occasion of the Pesparani, the national festival of religious songs, one of the most important occasions for the community to meet. The first edition was held in Ambon, the capital of Maluku province, in 2018. Now - after being suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic - the second Pesparani was finally held in Kupang, the provincial capital of Eastern Nusa Tenggara (NTT), in the presence of thousands of participants from all 37 Indonesian provinces. The highlight of the Kupang event was the spectacular traditional Patajanggung dance from the island of East Sumba, performed by some 10,000 students throughout the city. Together with the bishops and a dozen priests, the President of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference, Card. Ignatius Suharyo Archbishop of Jakarta, led the opening ceremony with a large Eucharistic celebration attended by at least 5,000 people. In his homily, the Cardinal expressed his strong appreciation for the unity among Indonesian Catholics that this festival promotes. "It is a time when, as disciples of Christ, we celebrate our Catholic communion on a national level, coming from different places in this huge nation. As a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country, we must be thankful that we are united by the doctrine of Pancasila and our national language," he commented. "Through Pesparani, we - Indonesian Catholics - are brought together in one place and at one time to celebrate our faith and - together with other fellow Indonesians - to understand this event as a good opportunity to promote interreligious human brotherhood among Indonesians," the cardinal added, emphasising the fact that Kiai Hajj Jamaludin Ahmad, a prominent figure in the Muslim community of Kupang, was also involved in the organisation. At the end of his homily, Cardinal Suharyo invited the Catholic and other religious communities to sing Satu Nusa, Satu Bangsa ('One Country, One Nation'), a national anthem. He also hoped that the four-day festival would celebrate the spirit of Sumpah Pemuda, the common commitment of young Indonesians. It was finally decided that the next Pesparani will be held next year in the greater Jakarta metropolitan area. by Arundathie Abeysinghe The Sri Lankan government goes before the International Court of Arbitration in Singapore. Over a year ago, a container ship burnt for 13 days releasing dangerous chemicals into the sea, in what is Sri Lankas worst environmental disaster, with consequences lasting for decades. Colombo (AsiaNews) Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed the countrys Justice Minister, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, to file a case with the International Court of Arbitration in Singapore against X-Press Feeders, a Singapore-based container shipping group, seeking compensation for the sinking in June last year of its MV X-Press Pearl container ship. On 20 May 2021, the X-Press Pearl, carrying a cargo of hazardous chemicals, caught fire while anchored about nine nautical miles off Colombo Harbour. The vessel burnt for 13 consecutive days before sinking on 2 June, releasing a number of environmentally harmful chemicals into the sea. Now Sri Lanka is trying to claim compensation for environmental damages from the shipping company. According to experts who spoke to AsiaNews, "the X-Press Pearl incident is the worst maritime disaster to have struck Sri Lanka, and it has had a significant impact on Sri Lankas sensitive coastal environment, local communities and the economy. In addition, the consequences of this disaster will unfold for decades, while its active pollution generation phase will only come to a close with the elimination of the risks from the wreck and containers lost at sea. Despite the uncertainties of environmental damage, the incidents complexity stems from the range of pollutants involved, such as oil, hazardous chemicals and plastics. As the latter spread in the sea, they are expected to have transboundary impacts, further compounding the issue. One expert in maritime law believes that compensation claims filed by other countries over similar incidents indicate that Sri Lanka should be able to secure a sum between US$ 5 billion and US billion. Shortly after the ship sank, Sri Lanka received US$ 3.6 million in July 2021, plus another US$ 1.75 million in January of this year. With the latest payment, the total paid by the ships insurer amounts to 7.85 million dollars. The legal expert notes that these payments are mostly to reimburse the government for the cost of the emergency response operations, including direct damages and cleanup." Still, a prominent environmental lawyer told AsiaNews that "Sri Lanka has not ratified certain conventions that would have helped the island nation to file compensation claims for maritime disasters of this type and magnitude. For its part, the Centre for Environmental Justice, a local advocacy group, is also planning to file three lawsuits in connection with the X-Press Pearl disaster. Email Newsletters Get the best of The Aspen Daily News in your inbox. Our newsletters are free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. kW kWh Subsequent to its local public debut set for a little over a week from today, the Electrified GV70 will enter production at the Montgomery facility, in Alabama, in December. As a result, it will be the first-ever Genesis vehicle to be built in the United States and the first time a brands model will be assembled outside South Korea.The North American debut of the Electrified GV70 and its assembly in Montgomery, Alabama, represent a significant milestone for Genesis, said the brands COO for North America, Claudia Marquez. We are pleased for everyone to experience the Electrified GV70 in person at this years L.A. Auto Show, the exec added.Pricing and full specifications for our market have yet to be announced, but Hyundais premium car brand has already listed it on the official website, stating that it has a dual-motor setup, with all-wheel drive, and a combined 429 hp (435 ps / 320), and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) on tap. The two motors are juiced up by a 77.4lithium-ion battery pack.Some of the standard on-board gear comprises the 8-inch TFT display, 14.5-inch infotainment system, ambient lighting, automatic air conditioning, solar glass all around, wireless charging pad, digital key, heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, fingerprint authentication, leather upholstery, heating and ventilation for the front seats, which also have power adjustment, heated second-row, and more.The Electrified GV70 sits on 19-inch wheels, shod in 235/55 Michelin tires, and gets LED headlamps and taillamps. Customers will also be able to choose between a variety of optional extras, all of which will be detailed in due course. And, frankly, not everyone is happy about that even if the Blue Oval automaker offers no less than eight crossover SUVs and eight truck & van nameplates to fulfill all potential queries. And that does not even consider the variety of commercial vehicles. Alas, some people would still love to see a passenger car comeback or two.Naturally, there are a bunch of potential suspects for such a revival case. And, according to the virtual artist better known as automotive.ai on social media, who has prepared yet another of his beloved CGI model mashup series, we should all take a Crown Vic swing from now and then. No worries, a lot of fellow pixel masters did just that.Only this CGI expert is more prolific than others , and his return to a digital life of the beloved (or feared, depending on which side of the long arm of the law you position yourself) full-size sedan comes with a variety of POVs and design ideas. So, for the most part, people are right to call this a virtual Ford Taurus meeting a digital Mustang, especially considering the four-door body treatment and the front fascia styling.But, of course, not all of them are met with universal approval so we might as well select a couple of favorites, right? Naturally, the dark blue rear with lots of chrome is one of the fan-favorite ideas, and both the dark gray Crown Victoria and the Police Interceptor specifications look nasty enough to get our CGI hall pass. Of course, beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, so feel free to veto this new digital series without mercy, if you feel like it! Seeming to be unbothered by the very real risk of getting seized, the Nord superyacht has left the safety of the Russian port of Vladivostok a couple of weeks ago, continuing to communicate its trajectory and planned destinations. It was highly unusual, considering that most of the luxury yachts owned by sanctioned Russian moguls either went dark or are hiding in plain sight, in areas where theyre supposed to be safe from the risk of getting seized.The rebellious yacht caused a stir when it arrived in Hong Kong, then caused another one even before actually arriving at its alleged net destination, Cape Town. Authorities in both places have reportedly refused to reinforce the U.S. sanctions against Alexey Mordashov, the alleged owner, who happens to be one of the top three richest moguls in Russia.After conflicting public statements from the South African authorities, the superyacht amped up the suspense by suddenly going dark last week. The last time its communication systems were turned on, it was supposed to be en route to South Africa and expected to arrive there on November 9.In order to dock there, it must submit a berthing request to the TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority) 72 hours before the estimated time of arrival. So far, this request wasnt made, TimesLIVE reports.Theoretically, theres still time to do that, but nobody knows officially whether Nord is planning to arrive in Cape Town or if theres been a change of plans.As data from maritime tracking platforms shows, Nord still has its location transponders switched off just two days before its supposed to arrive in South Africa. What is its next move, and why? Nobody can say for sure at this time.Launched last year and worth $500 million, the 464-foot (141.5 meters) Nord is one of the newest and most luxurious superyachts hunted by authorities following the international sanctions against Russian oligarchs. It looks really quirky an industrial container sitting over a stream in the middle of a forest in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. But once you step inside, youll discover an expectedly stylish and comfortable living space. Cams Container (available for booking through Airbnb ) is only 20-foot-long (6 meters), yet it manages to include a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a bed within 125 square feet (11.6 meters).How is that possible? Well, first of all, one of the ends is a 2-in-1 living area and bedroom. During the day, guests can relax on the comfy sofa, which also offers plenty of storage space. When its time to go to bed, a remote-controlled bed for two is lowered from the ceiling, right above the sofa fast and easy. This will also give you plenty of space to easily make your bed each time, unlike other tiny homes, where the bed sits in a corner.The kitchen sits in the middle, with stylish bar stools close to the window so that you can enjoy the views as well. The bathroom is the tiniest area in the container home, but theres a catch. Instead of a regular door, Cam added a rolling cabinet with a sliding door. When using the bathroom, the cabinets sliding door ensures privacy. When the shower isnt being used, the cabinet rolls back to offer more space for the kitchen area.Despite its secluded locations, Cams Container comes with all the modern perks, such as HDTV, Wi-FI, air conditioning, and heating. But it will also soon become off-grid , so the toilet is a dry-flush one, with a limited number of flushes, and shower time is also limited. surprising mix of modern interior design and off-grid camping, this ingenious container tiny home is truly inspirational when it comes to maximizing space. EV But this notion is far from the case across the pond in Europe. Over there, domestic auto-buyers are whistling a very different tune. The funny thing about it is many of them may be none the wiser. How do we know this? Let's take a look at the official report.According to the PWC Network, batteryvehicles in the European Market reached two million sales in the third quarter of 2022 for the first time ever, a 75 percent increase from the same period last year. But it's not entirely European and Japanese manufacturers fulfilling these orders as one might think. Instead, Chinese cars have also played a vital role.Through partnerships with reputable brands like Volvo, the Chinese Geely Company has granted access to western markets in ways few Chinese automakers have been able to achieve. Through a trusted and respected proxy, it's all too easy to forget Polestars 1 through 6 are manufactured in China, not Sweden. Further collaborations between the Chinese State-run companies and established European names like MG have further fostered the influence of Chinese companies on European soil.According to reports, as many as 800,000 battery EVs and hybrid vehicles could be departing Chinese factories bound for European cities by 2025. In a continent where domestic manufacturers are a point of national pride, it's starting to feel like a strange new reality. It's often difficult to differentiate between the actions of the Communist Party and the average Chinese factory worker who builds these cars. With that in mind, it's important not to meet this new reality with hostility.Even so, cooperating with Chinese companies which intrinsically answer only to the Chinese state brings a set of dubious challenges into play that can't just be ignored. For the moment, at least, both parties seem to be getting along just fine. Most serial yacht owners start out with something smaller and move on to bigger and brighter toys on a regular basis. Interviewed by Superyacht Times two years ago, Ciasulli confirmed that he owned the first Sunseeker yacht in the U.S., after which he switched to larger models almost annually. At the time, Rebeca was his fresh toy a 133-footer (40.8 meters), the first in the prestigious Benetti Oasis 40M series.Ciasulli considered himself a pioneer and was involved in Rebecas design and building process. Yet, just two years later, hes already said goodbye to it, most likely ready for an even bigger and more impressive new model. The final price was undisclosed, but Ciasulli claims to have sold his first yacht for more than what he initially paid, so Rebeca, with an estimated worth of $25 million, might have been sold for a good price also.Winner of the 2021 World Superyachts Award for Best 40M and Above, Rebeca (which was named after Ciasullis wife) truly is a sumptuous floating oasis. The most impressive feature of the superyachts in this Benetti series is the huge beach club, partly protected by fold-down side terraces, also boasting an integrated infinity pool. Together with the main salon, this creates a unique indoor/outdoor open space.Powered by twin MAN engines, this luxury pleasure craft can also reach a remarkable speed of 16 knots (18 mph/29.6 kph). Still, this isnt enough for the former powerboat champion. He believes that the best formula is to own a support vessel with speedy water toys in addition to the mothership one is for thrills, the other for relaxation. Over in America, one can have the legendary compact Japanese car from a starting MSRP of as little as $24,650 when selecting the base Civic Sedan configuration. And no worries, there are plenty of options on offer, including the $25,450 Civic Hatchback (dubbed by some as a perfect e:HEV family five-door ), the $28,100 Civic Si Sedan, and - of course the flagship $42,895 Civic Type R.But what if some people want even more body styles? Well, some other folks might just oblige, even if only virtually. So, here is the digital artist better known as Theottle on social media, who has decided to CGI-rework the eleventh Civic in a way unlike before - as a two-door Convertible. Interesting, right?The timing is not entirely correct maybe this thing should have been flaunted during summer, but the pixel master was kind of rattle-headed and only now found this behind-the-scenes making-of video based on the preview Honda Civic Prototype. So, he quickly shared it with us, probably hoping that no one would notice the revealing license plate.Anyway, with this being merely wishful thinking, it really does not matter if he started from the Prototype or production series base. The Honda Civic Convertible still looks great in hot orange attire, with the top dropped behind the rear seats, and with just a couple of doors to allow access to them. There is just one hypothetical question left to answer. What powertrain would be feasible for this new body style to bode well for the posh 2023 summer season? I would love to imagine this Civic Convertible has the 200-hp Civic Si credentials, complete with the six-speed manual transmission. But there is also a more sustainable choice, such as the e-HEV option, right? Octopus and Tatoosh entered the market around the same time, but it took much longer for Tatoosh to sell. The incredible Octopus made headlines as the most expensive yacht sold in 2021, even after a significant price cut its last-known asking price was $278 million. Tatoosh was asking for just $90 million but only got snatched off the market a few days ago, The Street reports.Unlike Octopus , the new owners identity hasnt been disclosed, neither the final price. We also dont know whether the yacht will be available for charter or used only privately. Built by Nobiskrug more than two decades ago, the 303-foot (92.4 meters) beast boasts an incredible volume of 3,229 GT. This translates to five generous decks that can be enjoyed by up to 19 guests, plus a huge 35-people crew.Tatoosh was a pioneer at the time of its launch, as one of the first to include a private cinema and a generous swimming pool. It also had enough space for not just one but two helidecks and a two-level master suite with access to a private terrace. All the luxury amenities that are now common for superyachts, including a gym and wine cellar, were extravagant features at the time. And, of all were upgraded to todays standards through a recent refit before Tatoosh was put up for sale.After the legendary Microsoft co-founder passed away in 2018, his sister Jody Allen was in charge of his incredible estate. His futuristic Enchanted Hill property was sold at the beginning of this year, reportedly for less than half of the original price. A few months later, another famous billionaire, one of the heirs of the Walmart fortune, allegedly bought Allens entire Heritage Aviation Collection.While those who can afford it are able to enjoy unique expeditions onboard the Octopus, well have to wait and see what will be the fate of Tatoosh in the hands of its new owner. The 1986-built car served with the Boys in Blue from Athens, Georgia, for a while. It saw its retirement sometime in 1997, and then it was forgotten. Still, the factory police package helped the car through its rough life and equally rough post-service period. Despite the two-decade sitting, the Diplomat lives up to its trooper status. The special 318 V8 (5.2 liters) runs again, with some help from the YouTuber.Because he is a dedicated fan of special vehicles, Dylan will restore the Dodge. He will need to rub some elbow grease on this rusty Mopar to get it into a better shape. However, the significant bit about the project the powertrain works acceptably well (the car drives forward, but reverse poses some problems). Still, the "door open" alarm works, and the vent for the air conditioning blows like new (check the video to learn more about what runs and what doesn't).After all, the engine Chrysler installed under the hood of these particular vehicles is a 318 V8 with many modifications. The Force preferred the four-barrel carburetor to get the best out of the mill. As a result, the cylinder heads and intake were from a 360 CID engine (5.9-liter). Technically, the heads had a 318 Pursuit casting on them to differentiate from the civilian version.Bottom line the engine on the police cars came in two variants: either with the two-barrel carb or the bigger, more powerful four-barrel. It made a lot of difference remember, this Dodge saw action in the mid-to-late-80s and early 90s. The base Police variant offered 120 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque (325 Nm). The bigger carburetor gave the Diplomat extra authority (175 hp and 250 lb-ft/339 Nm).Regardless of its output, the engine wore a heavy-duty badge, which meant a larger radiator and alternator. However, it also had some flaws one would be the electronically-controlled carburetor. One of Dylans followers (a former police officer who used one Dodge Diplomat) very plastically describes the double-barrel: These were the absolute worst police cars during my career. 318 2bbl would buck and stall and couldnt get out of its way. We were so relieved when they replaced them with Crown Vics.On the other hand, the 4-bbl was a different story altogether and the video proves this. The potent mill came with roller cams and twin timing chains. Everything about this police-special 318 CID (5.2-liter) V8 was heavy-duty: the exhaust manifolds and the special-alloy hypereutectic pistons, which allowed for a lower piston-to-jacket clearance.These aluminum pistons were cast using a particular ratio between the compounding elements (silicone and aluminum). This gave the metal better heat stress resistance. The significant advantage is that the piston doesnt expand as much under temperature variations, so the casting tolerances are reduced compared to regular alloys.The list continues with chrome-plated oil rings, forged steel connecting rods, heavy-duty valve springs, and high-strength rocker arms. High-temp valve seals, shields, heads cover gaskets, a lubrite-treated camshaft, and nimonic-coasted exhaust valves are included, too. Finally, the kolene-cleaned cylinder heads, high-temp-resistant steel intake valves, and a heavy-duty water pump gave the 318 Pursuit extreme endurance.Setting aside the relatively arid metallurgical details, the police Diplomats were sturdy cars overall. Their rugged engines and transmissions performed well under heavy loads. The vehicle Dylan dug out would have run the 0-60 mph (0-97 kph) in 10.9 seconds. Holding the accelerator to the floor gave the car a maximum speed of 121 mph (195 kph) close to the speedometer limit of 125 mph (201 kph). The police cars had a Certified speed dial that accurately read both mph and kph.For the sake of performance, well drop the 0-100 mph (0-160 kph) time 34 seconds and the quarter-mile sprint - 18.2 seconds. However, theres more about the Blues Diplomat than whats under the hood. Stiffer suspensions, more rigid sway bars (front and rear), and cast-iron K-member bushings (the standard cars had rubber ones) made the Dodge Diplomat into the server and protector.The much-improved handling thus obtained came at the cost of the stiff ride. Then again, the police officers werent looking for smoothness over high-speed stability. Dodge knew how the police cars came to be used; as such, some of the Diplomats had the first gear locked out. Since the cars only had the automatic three-speed transmission, manual shifting from second to first gear was prevented. That way, the trooper behind the wheel would not rev the engine into the stratosphere by brutally downshifting (either to accelerate faster or to bring the car to a halt after a high-speed pursuit).However, because terminal velocities needed to be greater than civilian market cars, the Diplomatic Dodges received 8-1/4 differentials with Sure-Grip and 2.94:1 ratio. The rear axles on police cars were straight rods to handle the mechanical stresses. The general public got the lighter-duty axle tubes that narrowed in diameter closer to the differential.You noticed that Dylan had to replace all four wheels on the Dodge. The police cars had performance tires installed - the usual choice was the wider Goodyear F32 P215/70 R15 rubbers. Also, sizeable 11-inch drum brakes were standard on special vehicles (such as police and taxi Diplomats). When it comes to strafing runs, few aircraft seem to be as better prepared for as the A-10 Thunderbolt II . Also known as the Warthog because of its ugliness, the plane was specifically developed in the mid-1970s as a close combat air support platform for ground troops.As such, it comes with a variety of powerful weapons, the most potent of which being of course the nose-mounted Gatling gun. Its officially called GAU-8 Avenger, and can spit out 30 mm rounds at incredible speeds and with incredible accuracy.Hundreds of rounds can rush out the seven barrels of the gun from an altitude of 4,000 feet (1,200 meters), and if the pilot gets the run right, they can all fall within a 40 feet (12 meters) area around the target.Back at the beginning of September, the Hawgsmoke 2022 gunnery competition was held at the Saylor Creek Bombing Range. A-10s were there, of course, as seen in the main photo of this piece, recently released by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and showing one of them as it makes a mess of the air around it when firing the gun.Hawgsmoke is described being a competition for Warthogs and their pilots, who make strafing runs in various weapons use scenarios for the win. The target practice event traces its roots back to 1996, and it was designed to allow A-10 pilots to show their stuff.This years winner was the 190th Fighter Squadron out of Gowen Field Air National Guard base in Idaho. Micromobility vehicles are spreading out like wildfire, as they continue to prove their worth as urban commuters . They are more affordable and more convenient during crazy, rush hours, allowing you to zip through the city faster than you would with your bulky car. Thats exactly what Samebikes MIX10 e-bike is here to offer, in an attractive and budget-friendly package.For those unfamiliar with the name, Samebike is a Chinese brand owned by Sameway, a company that boasts of offering premium electric mobility products since 2004. The MIX10 is its latest e-bike model, one that is now available to pre-order at a very affordable, Black Friday price.The MIX10 doesnt try to impress but to get the job done, to be durable, and reliable. It has a clean, minimalist look to it and is available in six colors: Flaming Red, Vivid Green, Calm Blue, Elite White, Minimalist Gray, and Prestigious Black. It has an aluminum frame, mechanical disc brakes, a maximum climbing angle of 25 degrees, 700x45c non-slip Kenda tires, and Shimano 7-speed gears. Theres also a small, waterproof display mounted on the handlebars and a phone holder with a USB port. The e-bike has a net weight of 20.5 kg (45 lb) and a payload capacity of 150 kg (330 lb).A 350W brushless motor with five pedal-assist levels powers the MIX10 and is fueled by a lithium battery that offers up to 60 miles (96.5 km) of range on a single charge. The e-bike comes with a dedicated app that provides riders with useful navigation information and riding stats.Right now, the Samebike MIX10 urban commuter is available to pre-order at a discounted price of just $889. The company ships to the U.S., E.U., U.K., and Canada, and if you order the bike now, it should arrive on your doorstep sometime this month. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned, with Earth in the middle.The celestial phenomenon, known as a 'blood moon' because of its stark red hue, will be visible to those in North and Central America, Asia, Australia, the Pacific Islands, as well as parts of South America. The color is a result of Earth's atmosphere bouncing light from the sun onto the face of the moon.The November 2022 full moon will rise near sunset today, followed by Mars , the red planet, rising soon afterward and be near the moon during the eclipse as it moves towards its opposition next month. On December 8, Earth will pass between Mars and the sun, with the distance between the two worlds being the closest for two years. The opportunity to see Red Mars and a red eclipsed moon is especially eerie.The penumbral eclipse will begin at 08:02 UTC, with the moon appearing to dim and darken as it slips into Earth's shadow before turning red. Totality, the period when the moon is engulfed in Earth's shadow will begin at 10:16 UTC and last 85 minutes. The partial eclipse ends at 12:49 UTC on November 8, with the penumbral eclipse ending at 13:56 UTC.The blood moon event may signal a bloodbath for the Democratic Party in the states as November 8 is the day voters will decide the mid-term elections. It will be the first time in U.S history that a total lunar eclipse has occurred on Election Day.The day also marks the Loy Krathong celebration throughout Thailand. Loy Krathong is celebrated in the Kingdom of Thailand and takes place on the evening of the full moon of the twelfth month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar.Thais gather to make decorative baskets that will be floated on rivers, lakes, and the ocean, to thank the Goddess of Water. Defense personnel, but also students at local schools and colleges, and members of the academia, recently took a closer look at what RAF intends to implement for upgrading its fast jet support program. Several new technologies were demonstrated at the Technology Roadshow, focusing on smart, digital solutions and sustainability.Maintenance teams and aircrew are expected to soon work hand-in-hand with autonomous robots. Similar to those operating in warehouses and other industrial sectors, these free-standing robots would give a helping hand with regular maintenance tasks. Maintenance teams will also use exoskeletons to handle heavier loads as safely as possible.Just as future pilots can use augmented reality tech when training, support personnel can use a similar technique for maintenance. Using AR headsets, they can access technical publications faster and more effectively. Also, it will allow them to work with an aircrafts digital twin and instantly check its maintenance history.In terms of sustainability, one step is to replace the conventional diesel-powered units that are used for powering an aircrafts onboard electrical equipment while on the ground with electrical ones. In the photo gallery attached to this article, you can see what this battery-powered Electric Ground Power Unit looks like.These futuristic solutions are meant to raise up to the standards of the upcoming Tempest , UKs Future Combat Air System (FCAS). This is not just about an ultra-capable fighter jet but about a complex interconnected system where this jet would act as the central commander. Just like Tempest, RAFs fast jet support will be based on connectivity, autonomy, and immersive VR. EV Sometimes, advertising and reality are two different things, but that doesnt stop people from trying everything they see in commercials. One good example is people racing their Toyota GR86 only to see their warranty void after that, despite the Japanese carmaker advertising the car as a racetrack machine. This is not the only example, as we have a new (and more painful) story to tell.This spring, GMC released a one-hour documentary about the GMC Hummer called Revolution. The video details interesting things about the 9,000-pound electric beast, but what caught our attention was the jump at minute 34:00.Trying to jump the truck, trying to get some air, really checking for our torque and safety monitors, got good data on it, says one of the testers in the documentary. Nothing broke, nothings leaking. As far as I know, all the parts are still on.Well, at least one GMC Hummerowner took that video too literally on the first day after delivery and found a different reality. YouTuber Mondi took his friends for a joyride in his brand-new Hummer EV and was almost about to leave them impressed when things went awry. He chose a sandy strip as his test track and activated the famous Watts to Freedom (WTF) mode to achieve maximum acceleration performance.Things looked good, and everyone was having fun, but it took a fraction of a second for the driver to smile at the camera with a thumb-up gesture for him to lose control of the truck. The truck landed hard after a jump, destroying the radiator and the rear-wheel steering components. While he could still drive his truck in limp mode, the Hummer had to crab-walk all the way to the dealer.We dont know whether it was worth it to wreck the $110,000+ electric truck just for views and likes on YouTube. What is for sure is that he wont get a replacement for a very long time (if any) because GMC has stopped taking orders for the truck. Mondi stressed on video that they dont even make parts to repair the truck, although he was still smiling while saying that. Handcuffs Thiruvananthapuram A Norwegian oil vessel was detained by Equatorial Guinea and its 26 sailors, including three Keralites, are also in custody. According to the sailors who have communicated with their families, they were detained on suspicion of crude oil piracy. The Norwegian ship Heroic Idun, which had reached the AKPO Terminal in Nigeria on August 8 to fill crude oil, was intercepted by a Guinea naval ship when it set sail and detained. According to reports arriving from the ship, the Norwegian ship owners had even offered $2,00,000 as ransom money but the Guinea Navy didn't agree. One of the crew members from Kerala is Navigating officer, Vijith from Sasthamkotta in Kollam. Talking to mediapersons from the ship, he said that they are worried about the ship being handed over to Nigerian authorities and they suspected a Nigerian hand behind the detaining of the vessel. "A Nigerian naval vessel has anchored near to our ship and we don't know what will happen to us. We want the Indian government to intervene and rescue us," he said. Global ship tracking sites have spotted the Norwegian ship still in the Gulf of Guinea on the West African coast on Sunday. According to shipping industry sources, oil piracy is rampant in the Gulf of Guinea. Meanwhile, Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan told media persons in Thiruvananthapuram that the Indian government would bring the Indian sailors detained in Guinea back to India. He also said that ministry officials have contacted the government officials there to prevent the handing over of the sailors to the Nigerian Navy. The Russian peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh said through its telegram channel on Saturday that 12 tons of humanitarian cargo had been delivered from the Chkalovsky airport near Moscow to Yerevans Erebuni airport and then into Nagorno-Karabakh. The Russian side said the peacekeepers had already handed over basic necessities and food packages to 324 families in the Martuni area of Nagorno-Karabakh. A video with several trucks with the inscription Russian Army on them, with one of them driving out of a cargo plane presumably at a Yerevan airport and the column then traveling presumably to Nagorno-Karabakh, appeared on the internet the same day. Telegram channels in Azerbaijan alleged that authorities in Baku prohibited an AN-148 plane of Russias Air Force from flying into Armenia through Azerbaijani airspace and that the aircraft allegedly carrying weapons had to make a detour to reach Armenia via Iran. Officials in Baku, Moscow or Yerevan have not commented on the matter. Meanwhile, Davit Babayan, a de facto foreign minister of Nagorno-Karabakh, described as information terrorism reports made by Azerbaijani media about the transfer of military equipment to Nagorno-Karabakh through the Lachin corridor a five-kilometer-wide strip of land that connects the region to Armenia and is controlled by Russian peacekeepers. He claimed Azerbaijan may use it as a pretext for another provocation against the regions ethnic Armenians in order to undermine the agreement regarding the Lachin corridor. First of all, [it is done] to intimidate people to show them that they [Azerbaijan] may block all flows along the corridor at any moment, including cargo and passenger traffic in order to paralyze Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh], Babayan said. Naturally, no military equipment has been transported, because there are cameras, everything is under surveillance. This is not so, but they will periodically say such things, trying to resort to provocations. This is typical of Azerbaijan, the Karabakh official added. Official Baku has not commented on these accusations coming from Nagorno-Karabakh one week after a large rally in Stepanakert supporting the appeal of the regions parliament to Russia for its continued military presence and additional political and military mechanisms to be put in place. The Karabakh lawmakers also demanded that Armenias government must be careful about recognizing Azerbaijans territorial integrity through a bilateral peace treaty that has been discussed by Yerevan and Baku in recent weeks. Armenia and Azerbaijan have accused each other of ceasefire violations over the weekend along their tense border ahead of another round of talks between the two rivals. The fresh tensions came as Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov, were set to meet in Washington on November 7 for peace talks hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Bakersfield, CA (93308) Today Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 58F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight A clear sky. Low 38F. Winds light and variable. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha organized its first Diwali Celebration at the North Carolina State Capitol in downtown Raleigh on October 27, 2022. This event was organized in partnership with other local Hindu organizations. It was attended by North Carolina State Senator Sydney Batch, Representative Cynthia Ball, Representative James Roberson, Representative Julie von Haefen, and Town of Morrisville Councilmen Satish Garimella and Steve Rao. Staff from the offices of Senator Wiley Nickel and Representative John Autry also attended. The program began with the emcee explaining the significance of Diwali, emphasizing how it signified the victory of good over evil. Attendees of the program then experienced thought-provoking speeches and dynamic videos, which all centered around living the core messages of Diwali year-round. Manoj Pandya, President of the Board of Directors of the Hindu Society of North Carolina, spoke about the importance of doing good in the community through volunteer work and Praveen Tatineni, President of the Board of Directors of the Sri Venkateswara Temple of NC, addressed the importance of inspiring future generations to aspire to virtuous living. The program concluded with Darshan Patel, a BAPS volunteer and Emergency Management Specialist with Wake County, thanking all community members and state officials. State Representative Cynthia Ball highlighted some of the good done by Hindu communities throughout the state. State Senator Sydney Batch echoed the sentiments shared by the speakers about the importance of being good and inspiring good in others. This was the first time the festival of Diwali was celebrated in the North Carolina State Capitol and was organized in conjunction with the offices of Senator Jay Chaudhuri, Senator Wiley Nickel, and Representative Gale Adcock. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Former Malaysia Prime Minister and founder of the Gerakan Tanah Air coalition bloc Mahathir Mohamad speaks to the press outside the nomination center in Langkawi on Nov. 5, 2022. It wouldnt be Malaysian politics without backbiting, political intrigue and conspiracy theories abounding in the run-up to national polls. As campaigning for the Nov. 19 general election kicked off this past weekend, Mahathir Mohamad, the countrys elder statesman and former prime minister, floated a theory. Rival party leaders Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Anwar Ibrahim have a secret pact to form a government after the polls, the 97-year-old Dr. M alleged. Anwar, his former protege, had signed on to be PM in exchange for dropping criminal charges against Zahid, the UMNO chief who is standing trial for corruption, Mahathir said during a campaign stop in Sabah. As we all know, Anwar Ibrahim wants to be prime minister. Hence, we have information that Anwar has discussed with Zahid Hamidi, the leader of Barisan Nasional, that they can work together, and between them, Anwar will become prime minister, said Mahathir. He has been Malaysias longest-serving PM, and joined forces with Anwar in leading the opposition to a stunning victory in the 2018 polls. Anwar heads the opposition Pakatan Harapan coalition and Zahid presides over the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), which leads the Barisan Nasional coalition, the oldest political bloc in Malaysia. But why will Anwar be the prime minister and not Zahid? Anwar will drop the charges against Zahid Hamidi and several other [Barisan] leaders, and all their court cases will be settled. For that reason, Zahid was willing to give the spot to Anwar on the condition that Anwar freed Zahid, Mahathir added. Mahathir also said that once Anwar became PM he would engineer a royal pardon for former Prime Minister Najib Razak, an UMNO leader who is serving a 12-year sentence for corruption in a case stemming from the 1MDB financial scandal. Both Zahid and Anwar pooh-poohed Mahathirs claims, while some analysts described them as unrealistic. Last week, the head of another ethnic-Malay-centric coalition made similar allegations about Anwar. For the first time, four coalitions will be competing for power on election day. The coalitions are Barisan, Pakatan, Perikatan Nasional, and the unofficial coalition Gerakan Tanah Air, led by the indefatigable Mahathir. The Malaysian parliament has a total of 222 seats and based on the countrys first past the post voting system, any party that has the support of at least 112 members of parliament can form a government. Most analysts are calling the election in favor of a Malay-centric party, and the largest such party or coalition is the UMNO-led Barisan. But if the Bersatu-led Perikatan, another Malay-centric bloc, were to eat into Barisans votes, the latter may need to look for alliance partners to form a coalition government. Father of diversions For his part, UMNO President Zahid dismissed Mahathirs claims as a smokescreen. Zahid said they were meant to move attention away from a looming wipeout that Mahathirs Gerakan coalition and Pejuang party will suffer in the elections. Diversion of the issue is always his top priority and he is known as the father of diversions of all issues, Zahid told reporters at Bagan Datuk in Perak state on Monday. Mahathir knows that his party is going to lose terribly and that his popularity is going downwards, so he tries to divert. This was proven when his party fielded candidates in all election seats in Johor, and all of them lost and lost their deposits, Zahid added. Anwar, meanwhile, denied Mahathirs claims and joked that the former PM would get a fever if he became prime minister. I will never work or negotiate with people who have court cases and who are corrupt. I will fight them, he said at an event in Seberang Jaya on Sunday. Anwar was referring to Zahids corruption case. Zahid faces 47 criminal charges in a case related to the alleged misappropriation of a total of 52.25 million ringgit (U.S. $11.42 million) from his family-owned foundation, which was set up to help the economically disadvantaged. In that trial, Zahid is accused of using the funds to make credit card and car payments. Anything can happen Meanwhile, two political analysts believe that the Pakatan and Barisan coalitions could never work together as long as the Democratic Action Party (DAP), which is a largely ethnic Chinese party, is part of Pakatan. Barisan has historically been suspicious of DAP, which it sees as an ethnic Chinese centric party that puts the interests of Chinese front and center, to the detriment of Malaysias ethnic Malay majority. I think the grassroots of Pakatan and DAP themselves will reject the decision, Awang Azman Awang Pawi. political analyst from the University of Malaya, told BenarNews. Another analyst said that Mahathir meant to mislead the public through his comments. Based on what has happened on the ground, I dont see any indication of what he [Mahathir] has claimed, Jeniri Amir, a senior fellow of the Malaysian Council of Professors, told BenarNews. But Mahathir himself has proven that politics is the art of the possible. After all, he managed to get Anwar, whom he expelled from his party, to join him in a coalition to unleash a historic defeat against UMNO in the last general election. Anything can happen after the election results are out, Jeniri said. Anything can happen, for example an alliance between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, but this will happen without DAP. Philippine journalists and human rights activists light candles in memory of slain broadcast journalist Percival Mabasa (popularly known as Percy Lapid) during a demonstration in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Oct. 4, 2022. Philippine police announced the filing of murder complaints Monday against the countrys prisons chief and his deputy on suspicion that they orchestrated a broadcasters killing, saying an investigation suggested they were running a criminal organization inside the prison system. Bureau of Corrections Director-General Gerald Bantag and an aide, Deputy Security Officer Ricardo Zulueta, ran a cabal of jailed gang members that carried out killings, according to findings in an initial probe by Philippine National Police. The police force and National Bureau of Investigation said the two were charged with murder for the separate deaths of radio journalist Percival Mabasa and convict Jun Villamor , an apparent middleman. The NBI is the justice departments investigations arm. For the murder of Percival Carag Mabasa, better known as Percy Lapid, we have charged Director-General Gerald Quitaleg Bantag, DSO Ricardo Zulueta as principals by inducement, NBI special action unit investigator Eugene Javier said during a press conference that aired on national television. It was found through the investigation that both Director-General Gerald Bantag and DSO Ricardo Zulueta were behind the killing of both Percy Lapid and Jun Villamor, he said. Javier said the investigation brought to light the institutionalization of criminal organization within the government, adding that this would lead to crucial reforms. On Oct. 21, the government announced that it had suspended Bantag pending an investigation into Villamors death. Zulueta has gone into hiding and Bantag has yet to be accounted for, officials said. Officials said Mabasa was killed because he had been divulging details about alleged corruption linked to Bantag during his radio show on DWBL. Gunmen ambushed the broadcaster near the gate of a village in Las Pinas city, in Metro Manila, on Oct. 3. Villamor died inside the national penitentiary a couple of weeks later. Also known as Crisanto Villamor, the inmate was killed to prevent him from talking after Mabasas suspected killer, identified as Joel Escorial, confessed last month and told police about the conspiracy, according to authorities who previously had identified him as Estorial. Criminal organization A raid at the national penitentiary in the wake of Bantags suspension yielded drugs, computers and mobile phones, said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, adding this revealed a very strong indication of the presence of a criminal organization controlled by Bantag. With a centralized purchasing system, a centralized way of doing contraband selling within a prison system, I think that that itself would tell you that there is a criminal organization lurking within, Remulla told reporters during the news conference. Sworn statements from several prisoners show a clear and direct line of communication from Bantag and Zulueta to inmates who passed the contract to fellow gang members outside, ultimately ending with gunman Escorial, according to the authorities. A similar operation led to the killing of Villamor, they said. Javier, the NBI investigator, said Bantag had a clear motive to order the murders. For Percy Lapid, it was the continued expose on his show Lapid Fire, Javier said. For Jun Villamor, it was the attempt to cover up the murder of Percy Lapid. In addition, authorities said they had initial, yet credible intelligence reports showing a money trail in the case, he said. The self-confessed gunman stated that the reward for the murder of Percy Lapid was 550,000 pesos (U.S. $9,415). According to credible intelligence reports, within the period between Sept. 15, 2022, and Oct. 7, 2022, there were indeed cash deposits totaling the amount of 550,000 pesos, Javier said. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of Bantag ahead of the investigation and named retired military chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. to serve as interim prisons chief. Since he was suspended on Oct. 21, Bantag criticized his successors questionable history and the Marcos administrations poor handling of the Mabasa investigation. Police commandos patrol the New Bilibid Prison complex in Muntinlupa, Philippines, after a deadly riot erupted inside, Nov. 9, 2020. [Handout Philippines Bureau of Corrections] Bantag was appointed to the national penitentiary in 2019 by former president Rodrigo Duterte. Prisoner deaths per year under Bantags watch were the highest since 1990, according to research data by The Philippine Daily Inquirer. Remulla said investigators were surprised when they went to a funeral home to check on Villamors body and found more than 30 corpses. This is now being studied by the police and we want to know how these people died, the cause of death and the circumstances surrounding their deaths. We will study it and maybe we can know how long this has been going on, but definitely there has been criminal activity going on inside the NBP, he said, referring to the New Bilibid Prison, the countrys main prison. In 2020, COVID-19 was blamed for the deaths of at least nine high-profile inmates. Among them was Jaybee Sebastian, a key government witness in the drug trafficking charges against Leila de Lima, a jailed former senator. Human rights groups have urged the central government to provisionally release de Lima, who faces trials on two drug-related charges after a court dismissed a similar complaint against her. They note that three of the governments witnesses against de Lima have backtracked, claiming they had been coerced into testifying against the former senator. Family responds In a statement, the Mabasa family thanked the authorities and the journalists supporters for joining them in their quest for justice. Still, they want to identify those ultimately responsible. We are optimistic and asking for prayers and continued support for identifying more masterminds behind Bantag, the family said on Monday. We hope this is the start of strengthening the protection of journalists who are fighting for truth, they said. Like what Percy always said: Truth-telling is not a form of bravery, it is a responsibility. Burnt kitchen items are seen in front of a wall spray painted with the word ISIS in a home in a war-torn area of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur province, Philippines, May 11, 2019, two years after pro-Islamic State militants laid siege to the city. The Philippine military on Monday blamed the Filipino unit of the Islamic State militant group for the bombing of a passenger bus that left one person dead and injured 11 others at the weekend in the volatile south. The vehicle from the Yellow Bus Line, with 29 passengers aboard, was approaching Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province when the home-made bomb went off at noon on Sunday, regional military commander Maj. Gen. Roy Galido said. This is a cowardly act of the terrorist group and peace spoilers that put the lives of innocent civilians in danger and doing so is a violation of both human rights and international humanitarian law, Galido said. In this regard, we are working with the police investigators and ready to assist them in law enforcement operations to neutralize these terrorists. Philippine National Police spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said the likely motive was extortion. She noted that the same bus line was attacked in a May bombing that wounded two passengers. Before the bombing incident, the management of the Yellow Bus received a call. Apparently they are extorting money from the bus company, she told reporters in Manila. Galido identified the suspects as members of the southern-based group Daulah Islamiyah, the Filipino term for Islamic State. It consists of fighters from several Filipino militant factions, including the Maute Group, which had provided men for the siege of Marawi City by pro-IS militants in 2017 that left more than 1,200 people, mostly combatants, dead A bus said to have been targeted in a bomb attack by the Filipino unit of the Islamic State extremist group is seen near Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat province, southern Philippines, Nov. 6, 2022. [Handout photo/Philippine National Police] The military said the latest bombing could also be a diversionary tactic by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), another pro-IS group, to ease military pressure against them. Many of BIFFs fighters often operate with other groups, such as Daulah Islamiyah. Suspected members of a BIFF unit have been on the run from military personnel since Saturday, when government troops killed two militants during an operation in Shariff Aguak, a town in Maguindanao province. The military launched the offensive in retaliation for a militant attack that killed one soldier as soldiers manned a bridge in the area on Friday. Rommel Banlaoi, a counter-terrorism analyst at the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, said BIFF was gearing up for more attacks after its leader, Abu Turaife, allegedly released a new video urging his followers to press on with a jihad in the south. Turaife is one of the hardcore leaders of BIFF, a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which signed a peace deal with Manila in 2014 and now controls a Muslim autonomous area in the south. The remaining followers of Turaife have acquired the skill of bomb making from their previous colleagues in the MILF, Banlaoi said. A BenarNews correspondent contributed to this report from Zamboanga City, southern Philippin If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Members of the Columbia Arts Team, the musical "Band Boy" and the Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative and Silo Media. From left, Marc A. Contento, lead actor; Liv Cummins, Columbia Arts Team; Diane Pearlman, Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative; Sandy McKnight writer-director; Wanda Houston, singer and actor; and Beth Carlson and Kip Beacco of Silo Media. Community News Editor / Librarian Jeannie Maschino is community news editor and librarian for The Berkshire Eagle. She has worked for the newspaper in various capacities since 1982 and joined the newsroom in 1989. To tackle climate challenges, global leaders converge in Egypt's coastal city of Sharm El-Sheikh from November 6 to 18 for the 27th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27). The themes of discussions include transition, water, food, vulnerable communities, green hydrogen, innovation and finance. Produced by Xinhua Global Service BOISE - On Monday, Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden announced that Idaho, along with a coalition of other states, has agreed to two multistate settlements with Experian concerning data breaches in 2012 and 2015 that compromised personal information of millions of consumers nationwide. The coalition has also obtained a separate settlement with T-Mobile in connection with the 2015 Experian breach, which impacted more than 15 million individuals who submitted credit applications with T-Mobile. Under the settlements, the companies have agreed to improve their data security practices and to pay the involved states more than $16 million. According to Wasden, Idaho will receive $172,000 from the settlements after the 2015 breach impacted 54,645 Idaho residents. Per Idaho Code, the money will be deposited into the states Consumer Protection Fund In September 2015, Experian, one of the big-three credit reporting bureaus, reported it had experienced a data breach in which an unauthorized actor gained access to part of Experians network storing personal information on behalf of its client, T-Mobile. The breach involved private information associated with consumers who had applied for T-Mobile postpaid services and device financing between September 2013 and September 2015 and included names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, identification numbers (such as drivers license and passport numbers), and related information used in T-Mobiles own credit assessments. Neither Experians consumer credit database nor T-Mobiles own systems were compromised in the breach. The settlement requires Experian to strengthen its due diligence and data security practices going forward. The settlement also requires Experian to offer five years of free credit monitoring services to affected consumers, as well as two free copies of their credit reports annually during that timeframe. Affected consumers are those who were members of the 2019 Experian class action settlement. My office is committed to ensuring that businesses protect Idahoans sensitive personal information, Wasden said. The security and reporting changes these settlements require help ensure Experian and T-Mobile better secure consumer data." In a separate $2.43 million settlement, T-Mobile agreed to detailed vendor management provisions designed to strengthen its vendor oversight going forward. Those provisions include: implementation of a Vendor Risk Management Program. maintenance of a T-Mobile vendor contract inventory, including vendor criticality ratings based on the nature and type of information that the vendor receives or maintains. imposition of contractual data security requirements on T-Mobiles vendors and sub-vendors, including related to segmentation, passwords, encryption keys, and patching. establishment of vendor assessment and monitoring mechanisms. appropriate action in response to vendor non-compliance, up to contract termination. The settlement with T-Mobile does not concern the unrelated, massive data breach announced by the company in August 2021, which is still under investigation. BOISE U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced Friday that multiple Assistant United States Attorneys from around Idaho have been appointed to lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Departments nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. These AUSAs will be responsible for overseeing the Districts handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington. U.S. Attorney Hurwit said, Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process. "The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combating discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Departments longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations," says a release from Hurwit's office. Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English). The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy, U.S. Attorney Hurwit stated. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. We will be prepared to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election. Our office can be reached at (208) 334-1211. In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The Salt Lake City FBI field office, which covers Idaho, can be reached by the public at (801) 579-1400. Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can also be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at (800 ) 253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/. U.S. Attorney Hurwit said, Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice. Roche unifies its digital health portfolio under the navify brand, providing a range of next generation software solutions Roche announced recently at the HLTH 2022 meeting in Las Vegas, NV, US, that its digital health portfolio will now be available under the navify brand. The navify digital solutions help providers and patients 'navigate' and 'clarify' a wide range of touchpoints by activating insights that provide evidence on how to optimise operational processes and clinical decision making in healthcare. navify brings new ways to improve interoperability of digital infrastructure. Today limited abilities to seamlessly connect and share data costs healthcare systems an est. $30 billion in the US alone. It uses advanced analytics to deliver operational excellence, improved workflows, and patient-centric ways of working, A worldwide shortage of up to 15 million healthcare workers is predicted by 2030- providers face increasing workloads with less resources - finding additional efficiencies is a priority, navify generates advanced medical insights that augment clinical decision support. 2 in 3 physicians are unsure if they are over- or underusing diagnostics, compared to their peers. Moritz Hartmann, Head of Roche Information Solutions said, "We are creating open digital ecosystems with labs, hospitals and medtech companies to bring the latest innovations faster to society to better serve patients, and to support clinicians in providing care for patients. These activities support our strategy to deliver insights that drive personalised care." To not only benefit cancer patients from all walks of life but free treatment facilities for underprivileged patients will also be provided The Oncology Department of Medica Superspecialty Hospital held a panel discussion at the Science City Auditorium in Kolkata marking the occasion of National Cancer Awareness Day. The Oncology Department of Medica announced the launch of home-based palliative cancer care services to cancer patients & became the first facility in Eastern India to offer such services. The term "Palliative Care" refers to the specialised medical care that is delivered by a trained team of physicians, nurses, psychologists, and other medical staff members to provide relief from the symptoms and stress that are brought on by a serious illness like Cancer. Palliative care is typically provided to patients who are in the later stages of their illness and have a limited life expectancy as it affords patients much-needed relief. Dr Sudip Das, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Medica Superspeciality Hospital, said, "There is an urgent need to create more resources that facilitate compassionate care, such as the palliative care unit, whether or not the individual is receiving curative treatment. In the case of patients who are nearing the end of their lives, palliative care is a form of treatment that focuses on the patient rather than merely treating their disease." The winners of the 2022 annual Siyavula #1MillionMaths challenge were announced recently. In partnership with MTN and Unicef, the Siyavula e-learning platform hosts its #1MillionMaths challenge annually with the aim of helping Grade 10-12 learners prepare for their end-of-year exams through regular and sustained practice. Curtis Nkondo ICT School competitors (from L-R): Thando Lukhele, Karabo Mulila, Phokuhle Mabuza,Thando Buthelezi,Ripfumelo Manganyi In this years challenge, over 4.3 million maths questions were completed on the Siyavula platform in September. This was a new record for the platform, which offers an integrated online learning and exam preparation experience for learners across South Africa to practise and master the concepts they need to understand in order to excel in Mathematics and Physical Sciences. The top #1MillionMaths Mathematics schools for 2022 are: Curtis Nkondo ICT School in Soweto, followed by Sihayo High School in KZN, and Stanza Bopape Secondary in Pretoria. The top #1MillionMaths Physical Sciences schools are: Greenfields Secondary, Curro Academy Soshanguve, and Prestige College Hammanskraal. Thousands of learners from schools across the country took part in the annual challenge. If South Africa wants to expand the number of students who can pursue higher education, especially in STEM subjects, it is imperative that matric scores in Mathematics and Physical Sciences be improved, says Kusile Mtunzi-Hairwadzi, General Manager: MTN SA Foundation. We know that achieving good results in STEM subjects opens doors for learners to further education and exciting, in-demand career opportunities, and we are extremely proud of the work that Siyavula is doing for young South Africans. In 2021, 44% of all Grade 10 Mathematics learners and almost 60% of Grade 12 Physical Sciences learners in South Africa accessed Siyavulas online textbooks. To date this year, 29 million questions have been completed by learners on the platform, and in September, Siyavula reached the milestone number of 100 million questions answered since inception in 2012. About the 2022 #1MillionMaths top-performing schools Curtis Nkondo ICT School, situated in Emdeni South, Soweto, is one of the top performing school of specialisation focusing on STEM subjects, attracts top learners who required to take pure Mathematics and Physical Sciences to matric. As an ICT school, all learners work using laptops, and teachers use interactive whiteboards in their classrooms. During #1MillionMaths, the school completed nearly 160 000 questions, and boasts two learners who received top three places in Siyavulas final nationwide learner challenge. Second placed school Sihayo High is situated in Nqutu, a rural area in KZN. Although it is a technical school where all learners take Mathematics, the school does not have access to high tech resources, and not all learners have their own cell phones. What the school does have - like Curtis Nkondo - are dedicated teachers who are determined to see their learners excel. Sihayo High teachers Teboho Motaung and Sabelo Mseluku were introduced to Siyavula at a workshop in Durban and were determined to use the platform to help their learners prepare for exams. Even though not all learners have their own phones - this did not stop the learners from Sihayo High from reaching for their dreams. Learners share cell phones so that everyone gets a chance to practise what theyre learning in class. Their success is evident in the number of learners using the platform on a regular basis. Around 300 Grade 10 learners have, for example, completed nearly 500 questions each so far this year. "Its so encouraging to watch hundreds of thousands of learners across South Africa flock to the platform annually, all in an effort to better themselves. Its been a much-deserved record-breaking year for Siyavula, and all as result of the commitment they put into doing whatever it takes for South Africans learners to succeed, concludes Mtunzi-Hairwadzi. Partnerships with Unicef and MTN have extended the reach of the learning platform, enabling Siyavula to reach learners in rural areas and under-resourced schools, while a partnership with MTN Ayoba for example, enables customers to receive a daily Mathematics question directly from Siyavula and access the Siyavula micro-app through their Ayoba app. Siyavula is free to use and zero-rated on all major networks. All a learner needs is an internet-enabled device. For more information or to register and use the platform, visit www.siyavula.com. The Financial Intelligence Centre's focus on providing and deriving value from its partnerships and collaborative efforts has seen its financial intelligence assisting in the recovery of more than R5bn in criminal assets during the 2021/22 financial year. The FICs work with law enforcement, revenue authorities, intelligence services, supervisory bodies, and other competent authorities is central to its mandate of identifying proceeds of crime and assisting in combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism. In his foreword, the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, emphasised: The pooling of resources is critical to the security of our financial system in support of our growing economy. A core starting point is that accountable and reporting institutions, listed in Schedules 1 and 3 to the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2001 (Act 38 of 2001) (FIC Act) respectively, meet their compliance obligations. Filing of regulatory reports Among these obligations is the requirement for these institutions to register with and file various regulatory reports with the FIC. The 45,555 institutions registered with the FIC at year end filed more than five million regulatory reports, including 533,277 suspicious and unusual transaction reports. The banking sector was the largest contributor of regulatory reports, having filed close to four million cash threshold reports and 379,363 suspicious and unusual transaction reports in 2021/22. Using the regulatory reports it received from accountable and reporting institutions and other data, the FIC produced 3,114 financial intelligence reports during 2021/22, for use by law enforcement and other competent authorities in their investigations, prosecutions and applications for forfeiture of assets. Seven sectors undergo risk assessment To assist various institutions in identifying, mitigating and managing inherent money-laundering and terrorist-financing risks they face, the FIC published risk-assessment reports on seven sectors including property practitioners, legal practitioners and gambling institutions. The risk assessments were based on a combination of research and consultation with the sectors, international experience as well as the FICs industry knowledge. The FIC and supervisory bodies are authorised to conduct inspections to ascertain whether Schedule 1 and 3 institutions are meeting their compliance obligations. A total of 1,143 such inspections were conducted by the FIC and supervisory bodies in the financial year. Following their inspections, the FIC, the Prudential Authority of the South African Reserve Bank and Financial Sector Conduct Authority imposed financial penalties for non-compliance, to the value of more than R41.6m. Sanlit gains fresh ground Chaired by the FICs director, Xolisile Khanyile, the South African Anti-Money Laundering Integrated Task Force (Samlit) gained fresh ground. Established in late 2019, the public-private partnership consists of regulatory authorities (the FIC and Sarb), 26 banks and banking industry bodies including The Banking Association South Africa and the South African Banking Risk Information Centre. During the financial year, law-enforcement agencies and competent authorities such as the National Prosecuting Authoritys Investigative Directorate and Asset Forfeiture Unit, the South African Police Services Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, South African Revenue Service and the Special Investigating Unit have joined Samlit. The various expert working groups in Samlit are assisting in identifying financial-crime trends and associated money flows, while important insights on criminal behaviour are being revealed. Samlits tactical operations groups assist in addressing specific financial-crime investigations by providing details for analysis to the FIC and the Fusion Centre, which is also housed at the FIC. Improving banks' information flow This is helping to facilitate improved information flow between the banking sector and the Fusion Centre. In the working relationship between Samlit and the Fusion Centre, there were successful interventions over the last two years, which led to the preservation and directives to freeze accounts in the amount of R86m in criminal assets. The Fusion Centre consists of law-enforcement authorities, security agencies and investigative bodies in the justice, crime prevention and security cluster which collaborate within their own mandates and jurisdiction. Partners in the Fusion Centre are brought together on a case-by-case basis to share knowledge, expertise and to expedite investigations, applications for asset forfeiture and prosecutions. Over the last two years, the work of the Fusion Centre alone yielded the preservation and recovery of criminal assets of approximately R1.75bn. Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable increase in the uptake and use of the FICs financial intelligence, said the director of the FIC, Xolisile Khanyile. The focus on following the money flow is critical in uncovering individual and syndicated crimes. "The FIC plays a pivotal role in its provision of financial intelligence to law enforcement and other competent authorities for their investigations and applications for asset forfeiture as the FIC does not itself conduct investigations. The FIC also continued to work with fellow financial intelligence units on the African continent during the financial year. This has led to the FIC heading up a new initiative to develop an information-exchange platform for members of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group. The platform, which is intended to promote swift and safe information sharing, will use artificial intelligence to assist in combating money laundering and terrorist financing in the region. Addressing the shortcomings In 2019, South Africa underwent an assessment of its capability and capacity for combating money laundering, the financing of terrorism and the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by the anti-money laundering and counter financing of terrorism division. The assessment team, made up of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group, International Monetary Fund and Financial Action Task Force, compiled a mutual evaluation report, which was adopted in October 2021. The assessment team identified several shortcomings. The financial year saw the FIC take on board actions and approaches which fell within its ambit, and it became part of the National Treasury-led Interdepartmental Committee on anti-money laundering and counter financing of terrorism, focused upon addressing the shortcomings. Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries SUBSCRIBE Former Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf speaks during a seminar held at the Chinese Cultural Center in Cairo, Egypt, Nov. 5, 2022. TO GO WITH "Chinese modernization a highlight of 20th CPC National Congress, says former Egyptian PM" (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) CAIRO, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- One of the highlights at the recently concluded 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is the concept of Chinese modernization, said former Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf Saturday evening. It is a path of socialist modernization that is different from the Western-style modernization, said Sharaf, also head of the Sharaf Foundation for Sustainable Development, when attending a seminar held at the Chinese Cultural Center in Cairo. Over the past several decades, China has achieved "development leaps through innovation," he said, adding that apart from the great success in poverty alleviation, the CPC has also achieved "unprecedented accomplishments" in education, scientific research and development, and infrastructure. "This is what led China to become the world's second-largest economy with the largest volume of trade and the largest industrial producer, representing 18 percent of the world's economy," he said. Meanwhile, Sharaf criticized some Western media outlets that are obsessed with disinformation and distorting the image of some countries, including China. Titled "the 20th CPC National Congress in the Eyes of Egyptians," the seminar was attended by Egyptian experts in China and Asian affairs, scholars, Chinese language students and Chinese officials. In his remark, Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang further explained the concept of Chinese modernization, saying it differs from the Western-style modernization. He also hailed the relations between China and Egypt. "I'm confident that the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Egypt will witness further development, and the same for the relations between China and the Arab and African countries," Liao said. TEHRAN, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Intelligence Ministry said Monday that it has arrested 26 foreign nationals linked to the recent deadly attack on a shrine in southern Iran. "The detainees are nationals of Azerbaijan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan," said a statement from the ministry. It noted that an Azerbaijani national acted as the attack's main coordinator, who contacted the Islamic State (IS) elements in Afghanistan after entering Iran by flight from the Azerbaijani capital city of Baku. According to the statement, the shooter of the attack is a Tajik citizen, while an Afghan national provided logistics for the attack in Shiraz. Some of the foreign nationals were preparing and providing necessary arrangements for other "terrorist operations," including in Zahedan in southeastern Iran, it added. The IS has claimed responsibility for the Oct. 26 attack that killed at least 13 people, including one woman and two children, and injured scores. For even an acclaimed Australian film, an art-house cinema release is likely to attract an audience in the hundreds of thousands at best. But it shows how much entertainment has changed that the countrys latest hit, The Stranger, has attracted a global audience in the tens of millions on Netflix. Director Thomas M. Wrights dark drama about an undercover police operation was the third most popular film around the world on the streaming service last week. The film, which has a runtime of one hour and 57 minutes, has registered almost 28 million viewing hours since dropping on Netflix late last month. Only two American films stacked with Hollywood stars, The Good Nurse and The School For Good And Evil, clocked up more viewing hours. As home affairs minister, Peter Dutton was renowned for his rhetoric on keeping the borders safe. His alleged relationship with alleged migration agent Jack Ta allegedly suggests that all was not as it might seem. Indeed, the more light shone on the previous administration calls into account the way it saw government: more a way to benefit its pursuit of power than any real sense of fair and accountable governance for all. What a powerful contrast to the early days of the Albanese government. Barry Ffrench, Cronulla The Coalition wants to keep Australian Islamic women and children out of the country despite running an immigration program that allowed in alleged criminals who then co-ordinated masses of innocent women into the country to be enslaved as sex workers. Scott Morrison, Peter Dutton and Karen Andrews have a lot to answer for with their lets keep Australia safe rhetoric. John Rome, Mt Lawley (WA) A recommendation for Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil as she tries to redress the issues with illegal immigration. Follow the money. Michael Cronk, Dubbo Tangled inside illogical MyGov Delighted at the recent news that eligibility for a Seniors Health Card has been broadened, I tried to apply for a card through MyGov (Letters, November 7). However, I soon found out that I can apply for the card only if I am registered with Centrelink. This is despite the card being for self-funded retirees who are not on Centrelink benefits. Several hours later, I felt as if I was running through an obstacle course and was no further on than when I started. Genevieve Kang, Glebe Credit:Matt Golding As an advocate for my disabled child, I regularly receive calls with caller ID blocked from someone who informs me it is MyGov, the NDIA et cetera, then demands that I identify myself with date of birth and other personal information which I refuse to do as this is classic scam behaviour that cyber experts warn us not to heed. But that doesnt seem to bother an official government agency. The impasse is usually resolved when I insist that they contact me by email. This results in an email telling me that I will be receiving an email. Im not sure who designed this system, but it is riddled with anomalies. Ian Morris, Strathfield My Aged Care is just as bad. The system is presumably meant to help old people to access government services. Instead, it seems to provide a series of barriers, from clerks with no understanding of the issues, to layers of assessments, long delays, a lack of transparency and so much complexity that many simply give up in frustration. Lets provide something better for families often in crisis and needing help. A good start would be to talk to those who have been through the system. Jane Tolman, Sandy Bay (Tas) Im puzzled by the spate of negative comments about MyGov. Im a pensioner of 86 and have been using it as long as its been around. I have found it easier to use with every upgrade. I have no special digital skills. Whats the problem? John Flint, St Leonards No to embedded Voice Australia cannot be a nation where one group has an advantage over others (Letters, November 7). While there is a good argument for a Voice, it should not be embedded in our Constitution. It only needs to be used while the benefits are evident. If it is embedded in the Constitution, it would be difficult to remove. So, the government simply needs to legislate the Voice and leave the Constitution alone. Barry OConnell, Old Toongabbie Does Peter Dutton want to go down in history as the Liberal leader who did not support the Voice, simply for cheap political advantage? David Beins, Cooks Hill Those concerned about Dutton supporting the current move to realise an Indigenous Voice need only summon up the memorable image from 2008 where he proudly walked out on Kevin Rudds apology to the stolen generations. I fear he cant be expected to change his spots now. Lorraine Hickey, Green Point Webb set standard Thank you, George Brandis (Our most underestimated rebel, November 7), for pointing out that we owe the invaluable establishment of Senate estimates committees to the late Coalition senator Ian Webb who, Brandis says, crossed the floor no fewer than 130 times. Webb valued accountability above partisan interests and political ideology. Some of our current Coalition parliamentarians would do well to take a leaf out of his book regarding the establishment of the national integrity commission. But that would take courage and the ability to face the hostility of their party colleagues. I wont be holding my breath. Donna Wiemann, Balmain Perhaps, George Brandis, public service risk aversion and timidity has come not from Senate estimates but from the relentless politicisation pursued by the government of which you were a part. Greg Baker, Fitzroy Falls What about the watchers? So, the ABC is to have a big revamp (ABC rejig its biggest revamp in five years, November 7). The report details internal ABC contributions but does not mention any ABC audience contribution. Graham Russell, Clovelly Credit:ABC David Anderson has omitted the most important revamp of all: to stop asking us to sign in to watch ABC iview. I refuse, and so do many people I know. Im sure my taxes already provide Aunty with all it is entitled to know about me, i.e. nothing, as it is a government-funded broadcaster. As data hacks grow by the day, there can no longer be any justification to demand that we log in to watch our ABC. Peter Bower, Naremburn Money talks It looks like the rich still get their way when it comes to politics (Teals big-money backers, November 7). Time for a level playing field: a ban on all electronic political advertising; government pays for distribution of a paper containing the policies of all parties to every residence in the country before an election. Chris ORourke, Bathurst This surely shows how the wealthy can influence elections for their own political views, just as big companies can attempt to achieve preferential treatment with their donations. It doesnt seem very democratic to me. Jim Pollitt, Wahroonga The most urgent public interest political reform is real-time disclosure of political donations. Unfortunately, this is not in the interests of our politicians. Australians have a right to know which activists are funding their politicians at the time the donation is made. Riley Brown, Bondi Beach Nobody knows Mr Nobody (Letters, November 7), a relative of your correspondent no doubt, lived in our house in Lidcombe, too, and did all sorts of naughty things. He moved here with me, with the same habits, and enjoys life in Potts Point. Suzanne Wicks, Potts Point Credit:Frank Maiorana Once upon a time, we had a ghost with a sweet tooth. It wasnt a very clever ghost because it always left tooth marks on the bar of chocolate kept in the fridge. Lorna Denham, Cardiff Heights We have three little ghosts who visit our home for an extended stay at Christmas. Here it is November and amazing finds are still happening, although the withered chocolates found in various nooks and crannies are a worry. Wendy Atkins, Cooks Hill I swear there is some kind of black hole in my washing machine. Socks go in as pairs and come out divorced. Genevieve Milton, Newtown A Catholic brother accused of raping a boy in the 1980s has been committed to stand trial, with a detective saying the now elderly victim struggled to sign his police statement for months and attempted to kill himself over the alleged abuse. Frank Terrence Keating, also known as Brother Ibar, was a former brother at De La Salle College, now known as Southern Cross Catholic College, in Scarborough, north of Brisbane. Frank Terrence Keating (right) with lawyer Terry OGorman (left). Credit:Toby Crockford Keating sat silently as three witnesses gave their testimonies in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday for his committal hearing for his charge of carnal knowledge regarding an alleged incident in 1989. One witness, who also knew Keating through the church community, said the alleged victim told him he was one of Ibars boys. Victorias catastrophic floods and heavy rain have prompted warnings of poor quality water at popular beaches across Port Phillip Bay and raised fears of mass fish deaths in rivers and creeks. The Environment Protection Authority issued alerts for 16 beaches along Port Phillip Bay on Monday. The warnings extended from Werribee South in the west to inner-city St Kilda and around to Rosebud on the Mornington Peninsula. St Kilda beach is among those rated as having poor quality water. Credit:Joe Armao The remaining beaches were rated as having fair water quality. None received a good rating. The poor quality ratings came as localised storms brought flash flooding to parts of Melbourne on Monday afternoon, including Flemington. Western Australias former solicitor-general, now one of the states top barristers, has been ordered to explain his $11,000-a-day rate after the Court of Appeal found most of his invoices to a client, which totalled $800,000, were opaque. Grant Donaldson acted as senior counsel on behalf of solicitors Hotchin Hanly for client Mammoth Investments during a 2019 dispute with Rural Bank over land dealings. Grant Donaldson is one of WAs top barristers. A Court of Appeal judgment, published on Friday, showed Donaldson issued four invoices between September and December 2019 totalling more than $800,000. In itemising his bills, Donaldson mostly used the word getting up to describe the work he completed, a legal reference which typically refers to getting up a case for trial. Opponents believe Zahid could then have the charges against him dropped and Najib could walk free on a royal pardon. They are also critical of the poll being held amid the threat of flooding to inhibit campaigning and voter turnout. Its before this backdrop that Anwar is appealing for broad reform of a system that has been riddled with corruption and in which ethnic division has been stoked by Malay-centric identity politics. UMNO president Zahid Hamidi is facing corruption charges but is leading the ruling partys election campaign. Credit:Bloomberg To me, it is about saving the country, changing the political landscape of this country, he said. You cannot be naive to assume that fighting a system of systemic corruption, so strongly entrenched, is going to be easy. But Im really encouraged to see the people are prepared to listen and in many instances they are really enthusiastic and passionate about these issues. While Anwar and his coalition enjoy strong support from the urban middle class and from within Malaysias Chinese and Indian ethnic minorities, he concedes he faces a challenge to infiltrate the rural Malay heartland. Almost 70 per cent of the population is Malay, most of them Muslim, and, unlike in 2018, the opposition is split, with ousted prime ministers Muhyiddin Yassin and Mahathir, at the ripe age of 97, fronting rival groups. Surveys suggest the nonagenarian is but a bit player this time. Former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, 97, speaks to reporters in his electorate on the island of Langkawi on Saturday. Credit:AP In an effort to improve Harapans chances, Anwar has given up his stronghold in Port Dickson, south of Kuala Lumpur, to contest a seat beneath the limestone peaks of suburban Ipoh in north-western Perak state, a key election battleground. Its a risky move that could end his career but, given the fractured state of Malaysian politics, with backing for UNMO also not what it once was, a significant gain there may be vital. This is a genuinely unpredictable situation, said Dr Amrita Malhi from Flinders and The Australian National universities. There are more candidates than ever before, more independents, more voters, new dynamics inside and between the various competing parties and coalitions, and less coherence in terms of policy choices. With none of the three main coalitions appearing likely to reach the 112 seats needed for an outright majority on their own, post-election horse-trading may well be needed to form government and there has even been talk that Anwar and Harapan could end up in an alliance with Barisan Nasional. Supporters of Anwar and his Pakatan Harapan coalition gather at a campaign event on Saturday. Credit:AP Unsurprisingly, its a compromise he wants to avoid making. Of course, people say realistically I must be open to the idea. In democracies, [thats what] coalition governments are about, he said. But Im saying here its more complex because how do you work with a racist party? How do you work with a party that promotes racist bigotry openly? So, my appeal to the voters is, Give us a chance to decide on your behalf, instead of being given an ultimatum by these groups. Working once more with Mahathir, who has offered to link up with Anwar again, is also an unwanted outcome. Anwar said he had been polite in not discounting the possibility but told the Herald and The Age, This guy reneged on his commitments too many times. As he rounds the nation, his team handing out umbrellas in Harapan red in addition to the customary T-shirts, he is making clear exactly what is at stake. Loading Malaysia is at risk of being perceived as a fragmented, corrupt, insignificant and even racist country, when not the butt of global embarrassment, he wrote in a new book called SCRIPT - For a Better Malaysia. Yet, while he is 22 years younger than Mahathir, who became prime minister for a second time at the age of 92, time may be running out for Anwar to deliver the changes to Malaysia that he seeks. This is the last chance for Anwar for a host of reasons, said Professor James Chin of the University of Tasmania. Of course, he can argue Mahathir can be prime minister in his 90s, why not him? But this is his third serious run to be prime minister, so most people wont give him any more chances. It has specifically targeted Democratic candidates in the most contested races, including the Senate seats up for grabs in Ohio, Arizona and Pennsylvania, calculating that a Republican majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives could help the Russian war effort. Republican before a rally with Senator Marco Rubio and other Florida Republican politicians and candidates competing in the US 2022 midterm elections in West Miami, Florida. Credit:AP The campaigns show not only how vulnerable the American political system remains to foreign manipulation but also how purveyors of disinformation have evolved and adapted to efforts by the major social media platforms to remove or play down false or deceptive content. Last month, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued an alert warning of the threat of disinformation spread by dark web media channels, online journals, messaging applications, spoofed websites, emails, text messages and fake online personas. The disinformation could include claims that voting data or results had been hacked or compromised. The agencies urged people not to like, discuss or share posts online from unknown or distrustful sources. They did not identify specific efforts, but social media platforms and researchers who track disinformation have recently uncovered a variety of campaigns by Russia, China and Iran. Recorded Future and two other social media research companies, Graphika and Mandiant, found a number of Russian campaigns that have turned to right-leaning Gab, Parler, Getter and other newer platforms that pride themselves on creating unmoderated spaces in the name of free speech. Russian trolls seek to aid Republicans in hopes they will lessen US support for Ukraine. Joe Biden said the NATO alliance will support Ukraine for as long as it takes. Credit:Bloomberg These are much smaller campaigns than those in the 2016 election, where inauthentic accounts reached millions of voters across the political spectrum on Facebook and other major platforms. The efforts are no less pernicious, though, in reaching impressionable users who can help accomplish Russian objectives, researchers said. The audiences are much, much smaller than on your other traditional social media networks, said Brian Liston, a senior intelligence analyst with Recorded Future who identified the Nora Berka account. But you can engage the audiences in much more targeted influence ops because those who are on these platforms are generally US conservatives who are maybe more accepting of conspiratorial claims. Many of the accounts the researchers identified were previously used by a news outlet calling itself the Newsroom for American and European Based Citizens. Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, has previously linked the news outlet to the Russian information campaigns centred around the Internet Research Agency. Yevgeny Prigozhin, left, and Vladimir Putin in 2011. Prigozhin, known as Putins chef, owns the IRA troll farm. Credit:AP The network appears to have since disbanded, and many of the social media accounts associated with it went dormant after being publicly identified around the 2020 election. The accounts started becoming active again in August and September, called to action like sleeper cells. Nora Berkas account on Gab has many of the characteristics of an inauthentic user, Liston said. There is no profile picture or identifying biographical details. No one responded to a message sent to the account through Gab. The account, with more than 8000 followers, posts exclusively on political issues not in just one state but across the country and often spreads false or misleading posts. Most have little engagement but a recent post about the FBI received 43 responses and 11 replies, and was reposted 64 times. Since September the account has repeatedly shared links to a previously unknown website electiontruth.net that Recorded Future said was almost certainly linked to the Russian campaign. Loading Electiontruth.nets earliest posts date only from September 5; since then, it has posted articles almost daily ridiculing Biden and prominent Democratic candidates, while criticising policies regarding race, crime and gender that it said were destroying the United States. America under Communism was one typical headline. Liston said that links to electiontruth.net appeared to be closely coordinated with the accounts on Gab linked to the Russians. In another campaign, Graphika identified a recent series of cartoons that appeared on Gab, Gettr, Parler and the discussion forum patriots.win. The cartoons, by an artist named Schmitz, disparaged Democrats in the tightest Senate and governor races. One targeting Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia, who is black, employed racist motifs. Another falsely claimed that Representative Tim Ryan, the Democratic Senate candidate in Ohio, would release all Fentanyl distributors and drug traffickers from prison. Loading The cartoons received little engagement and did not spread virally to other platforms, according to Graphika. A recurring theme of the new Russian efforts is an argument that the United States under Biden is wasting money by supporting Ukraine in its resistance to the Russian invasion that began in February. Nora Berka, for example, posted a doctored photograph in September that showed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine as a bikini-wearing pole dancer being showered with dollar bills by Biden. As working class Americans struggle to afford food, gas, and find baby formula, Joe Biden wants to spend $13.7 billion more in aid to Ukraine, the account posted. Not incidentally, that post echoed a theme that has gained some traction among Republican lawmakers and voters who have questioned the delivery of weapons and other military assistance. Loading Its no secret that Republicans that a large portion of Republicans have questioned whether we should be supporting what has been referred to as foreign adventures or somebody elses conflict, said Graham Brookie, senior director of the Digital Forensics Lab at the Atlantic Council, which has also been tracking foreign influence operations. While Russians in the past sought to build large followings for their inauthentic accounts on the major platforms, todays campaigns could be smaller and yet still achieve a desired effect in part because the divisions in American society are already such fertile soil for disinformation, he said. Since 2016, it appears that foreign states can afford to take some of the foot off the gas, said Perez, who previously worked at Twitter, because they have already created such sufficient division that there are many domestic actors to carry the water of disinformation for them. CANBERRA, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Australia's home affairs minister has declared the immigration system is broken and being exploited by criminals. Clare O'Neil, who has served in the key ministerial portfolio since the Labor Party won May's election, blamed her predecessor, Peter Dutton, for the issues. Responding to a series of reports about organized crime exploitation of the visa system on Monday, O'Neil revealed she had been advised that "tens of thousands" of people could be in Australia illegally. "The migration system is in a state of disrepair," she recently told Nine Network television. "There are systemic problems. Criminals are coming into our country operating with impunity and no one's doing anything about it." Nine newspapers have revealed how global human trafficking syndicates have exposed flaws in Australia's border security and immigration for sex trafficking, worker exploitation and drug crime. O'Neil flagged an independent inquiry into the revelations. Dutton, now leader of the opposition, served as the minister for immigration and border protection, or home affairs minister between 2014 and 2021 in the former coalition government. O'Neil said the expert evidence does suggest that during that nine years that the coalition was in power, literally tens of thousands of people came into the country. They might be exploited farm workers. They might be women who are trapped in sexual slavery. "The human consequences of these problems are enormous, and we've got to change the way that this system operates so we can have a properly run migration system," she said. In a statement, Dutton said he had "zero tolerance when it comes to any attempt to exploit our visa system and vulnerable individuals" and would support government proposals "to combat visa fraud within the Australian migration system." Albert said legal battles over mail ballot eligibility have the potential to delay results and even change outcomes. In some cases, the disputes could wind up before the US Supreme Court. The potential for chaos is especially high in Pennsylvania, where the legal fight is ongoing and could influence or postpone the outcome in some of the states tightest races, including a contest that could determine control of the US Senate. Loading Republican National Committee spokeswoman Emma Vaughn said in a statement that the committee sued in Pennsylvania because we are simply asking for counties to follow the state law, which by the way, dozens of Democrats supported. We look forward to continuing our legal actions to ensure that elections are administered in accordance with this bipartisan rule of law, Vaughn added. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf issued a statement Sunday night in which he asserted that no voter should be disenfranchised simply because they made a minor error in filling out their ballot. Loading This was not a controversial concept in our country or our commonwealth until recently, with the rise of the Big Lie and the efforts to spread mis- and disinformation in the days leading up to the general election, Wolf continued. I urge counties to continue to ensure that every vote counts. Election officials are braced for a repeat of a protracted standoff following Pennsylvanias May primary between state officials and three counties - Berks, Fayette and Lancaster - that refused to include undated ballots in their certified results. Wolfs administration sued those counties in July to force them to include the ballots, the majority of which were cast by Democrats, court records show. In August, a state judge ordered the counties to include all lawfully cast ballots, including those with missing dates, in their certified results. Republicans then successfully persuaded the state Supreme Court to reverse that policy for the general election in a decision released last week. The state court deadlocked on whether rejecting the ballots was a violation of voters federal civil rights. Loading Common Cause and others quickly filed a federal suit seeking to overturn the state court ruling on the grounds that rejecting ballots over a technical error violates the Civil Rights Act. The case remains pending. The date printed on the envelope of a mail ballot is a meaningless technicality that has no bearing on officials ability to judge whether the ballot has been cast on time by a qualified voter, the complaint says. The date requirement originated when Pennsylvania allowed certain ballots to arrive after Election Day so long as the voter attested to casting it by the date of the election. Now, ballots must be received by Election Day. The federal courts have already weighed in on the issue: Earlier this year, the US Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit found that failing to count undated mail ballots is a violation of federal civil rights law. However, the US Supreme Court injected uncertainty into the issue by vacating that decision and instructing that the case be dismissed as moot because the election in question had already passed. In the meantime, voting rights groups and others have launched a full-court press to notify voters across Pennsylvania whose ballots had been rejected and needed to be fixed or replaced. At least 7000 such ballots have been rejected statewide for a variety of reasons, including the missing date, according to data compiled by the Pennsylvania Department of State. Activists said the figure is probably much higher because many counties have refused to publish the information. In Philadelphia, the states largest city and a Democratic bastion, more than 2000 such ballots have been rejected. Election officials posted lists of voters online with instructions to come to City Hall up through Election Day to cast a replacement ballot. Nick Custodio, a deputy city commissioner, said in a telephone interview that a steady trickle of residents showed up over the weekend to vote anew. Shoshanna Israel, a coordinator with the liberal Working Families Party in Philadelphia, said her organisation assigned 49 volunteers to contact voters with ballots needing a fix. The group has contacted 1800 voters since last Tuesday. But not everyone can make it to City Hall. I am totally disabled, said Jean Terrizzi, 95, who was listed as having returned a ballot with a missing date. She added that she had an important medical appointment on Monday and would just have to let it go and not have her vote counted. This voting situation is terrible, she said, declining to state her political affiliation. Its very disgraceful. Republicans also sued to block counties from notifying voters who neglected to date their ballots to give them the chance to fix them. The effort failed, but counties may choose whether to do so, meaning not all voters will be given an opportunity to correct ballot errors. Small numbers of votes could make a difference in the sort of close races to which Pennsylvania has become accustomed. If you can eliminate 1 percent of the votes and they tend to lean Democratic, then that gives you that statistical advantage, said Clifford Levine, a Pittsburgh-based election lawyer for Democrats. Kremlin-connected entrepreneur Yevgeny Prigozhin has admitted he interfered in the US elections and would continue to do so confirming for the first time the accusations that he has rejected for years. Gentlemen, we have interfered, are interfering and will interfere. Carefully, precisely, surgically and in our own way, as we know how to do, Prigozhin boasted in remarks posted on social media on Monday. Businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, left, shows Russian President Vladimir Putin, around his factory which produces school means, outside St. Petersburg, Russia. Credit:AP The statement, from the press service of his catering company that earned him the nickname Putins chef, came on the eve of US midterm elections in response to a request for comment. It was the second major admission in recent months by the 61-year-old businessman, who has ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Prigozhin has previously sought to keep his activities under the radar and now appears increasingly interested in gaining political clout. Latest News Joust teams up with Nectar Mortgages The alliance aims to provide borrowers a smooth home loan application process Fifo Capital boosts corporate team Three new roles created as company expands The industrial property market is on the rise, according to a new report from Herron Todd White. After seven consecutive official cash rate rises, the property valuation and advisory companys October Month in Review report shows industrial property activity is slowing in the north, but picking up pace along the east coast and in many capital cities. Herron Todd White uses an industrial property clock to display market conditions. The peak of the market sits at 12 oclock, a declining market sits at three oclock, bottom of market at six oclock and rising market at nine oclock. Read more: How's industrial property performing? The results show Melbourne, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast at the peak of the market (12 oclock), while Darwin, Alice Springs and Orange are sitting at three oclock (declining) market. Meanwhile, areas including Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Cairns, Illawarra, Townsville, Newcastle and Rockhampton are sitting at 9 oclock (rising). No areas were sitting at the bottom of the market. Herron Todd White commercial director David Walsh (pictured above) said its industrial specialists on the eastern seaboard all told a similar story about the investment market. We are seeing yields for prime assets soften in the order of 50 to 100 basis points from their highs, with funds and property syndicates retreating somewhat as they struggle to structure and balance their target returns for their clients, Walsh said. The mum-and-dad investors watch on closely as their cost of bank funding increases and close the gap between an investment return (and cash surplus) and debt costs. Walsh said the Perth Herron Todd White office reported both private and institutional players were looking at the western capitals industrial property due to the higher yields available. However, looking through the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane lenses, theyre paying prices that reflect yields as low as 4.50%, he said. This view on yield level tends to be in contrast to local Western Australian-based investors and private family offices who are major players in this market, with Perth characterised by higher-than-average private ownership of large industrial assets. Read more: New way to own a slice of paradise Walsh said market feedback from the more active agents suggested besides leasing, which was still extremely buoyant, the one sector that was still performing strongly was the owner-occupier market up to $15m. It almost defies logic; however, in some cases, there would appear to have been no adjustment in price even though we have had a 2.25% increase in our cash rate over a six-month period, he said. A common story I hear is that prior to March or April this year, the larger funds and syndicates were far more aggressive with their acquisitions, often buying vacant buildings and taking on the leasing risk, which in this strong leasing market, was a heavily mitigated risk. As we are no longer in an environment of free money, these larger groups now seem to be taking a wait-and-see approach, giving the owner-occupiers a chance to secure their premises. The uncertainty around going for mass layoffs last week after takeover by billionaire has prompted advertisers to take a cautious approach towards the platform. Ad and media agencies in India, including big names such as Interpublic (IPG) group and Dentsu, have informally asked their clients to pause or go slow with advertising on the platform, industry sources said. This comes as much of the India team has been asked to leave and content moderation will be a challenge, the sources said. IPG Mediabrands, for instance, has clients such Cred, ITC, Mahindra & Mahindra, MG Motors and Amul, among others, on its roster. Dentsu, on the other hand, has names such as Maruti Suzuki, Ikea, Carslberg, Tata Motors, Reliance Jio on its list. Executives at the two agency groups were not immediately available for comment. But other agency groups such as GroupM, Zenith, Madison Media are also having similar discussions with their clients as they attempt to take stock of the situation at . Globally, names such as the Volkswagen group, Pfizer, General Mills, General Motors and Mondelez have all temporarily paused advertising on the platform. Names such as Unilever and Procter & Gamble may pause advertising globally, industry sources said, given that the mass layoffs have left a vacuum in the company. New owner Musk has maintained that the layoffs, which constituted half of its nearly 8,000-strong global workforce, had to be done to bring down costs. In India, almost 180 of its 230 people have been asked to go across departments such as marketing, sales and content curation. While accounts for less than Rs 100 crore in terms of annual advertising in India when compared to peers such as Google and Meta, it is a powerful platform from the point of view of trending topics, said Shrenik Gandhi, co-founder and CEO of Mumbai-based digital marketing agency, White Rivers Media. To put things in perspective, Google and Meta corner almost 85 per cent (or Rs 41,000 crore) of Indias digital advertising market of about Rs 48,000 crore, according to GroupM. The balance Rs 7,000 crore includes advertising on platforms such as Amazon and other digital and channels. Twitter is also part of this list, experts said. Twitter helps you understand the subjects or individuals in vogue online. Trending topics become important because it gives you a sense of what is really working or not working on social media, Gandhi says. Sajal Gupta, CEO of Gurugram-based Kiaos Marketing, a media and marketing consultancy, says despite miniscule advertising, Twitter is still powerful in terms of reach. According to Statista, Twitters user base in India stood at 23.6 million in January this year. From a reach perspective, Twitter is still a strong platform, Gupta says. in the cement and aluminium sectors are showing a divergence in their capital expenditure plans for the current financial year (FY23). While firms such as UltraTech, ACC and Ambuja remain committed towards their annual activities despite cost pressures, the aluminium division of has revised its guidance for the year by 40 per cent. The company's mission is to provide Aspirational products at Affordable prices' to every Indian household by catering to all age groups, income classes and pin codes D2C Ecommerce, a homegrown multi-brand e-commerce platform has acquired leading personal care D2C brand Luxura Sciences'. Through this acquisition, D2C will expand in personal care and beauty segment, strengthen Luxura Sciences' product offerings by investing in newer categories and foray into global markets including US, UK, Middle East, South East Asia and Europe. D2C E-commerce had recently announced leading actress Rakul Preet Singh as brand ambassador for its fashion jewellery brand AccessHer'. Luxura Sciences was established in 2018 by serial entrepreneur Mohd. Suaid Ahmed. Luxura's natural personal care range is made with pure ingredients to restore and maintain overall health of the hair, skin and body. Luxura's natural, herbal products are produced by using time tested therapeutic methods of Ayurveda, the world's oldest holistic wellness science. Luxura harnesses the goodness of nature to restore the body's imbalance; and uses only genuine ingredients & rare blends which are free from harmful chemicals & toxins. Currently, Luxura Sciences has over 100 personal care products listed across various renowned e-commerce platforms such as - Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho&Nykaa and will now also be available on www.d2csale.com. The brand has wide product range across skin care, hair care, essential oils and herbal extracts which include hair oil, shampoo, conditioner, hair pack, face pack, serums, cleansers, moisturizers, etc. Luxura Sciences was the first brand to introduce onion hair oil for Indian consumers way back in 2018. Luxura Sciences' multipurpose onion hair oil, shampoo and conditioner are formulated with natural blends of organic oils & extracts that provide all the needed vitamins, proteins and antioxidants that the scalp needs for healthy hair growth. Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Manish Gupta CEO and Founder, D2C expressed, Luxura Sciences is a pioneer in natural personal care segment and has already made a mark for itself in the nascent online D2C space. Both D2C and Luxura Sciences adhere to the same vision and want to provide the best quality products to the Indian consumers at affordable prices. This partnership gives us an opportunity of entering into fast growing personal care and beauty segment. The consumers are increasingly preferring new age natural personal products. With Luxura Sciences research based products, we are confident of catering to various consumer needs in beauty segment and also scale the business to newer heights by leveraging our existing capabilities. Mr. Mohd. Suaid Ahmed, Founder of Luxura Sciences stated, Luxura Sciences has been changing the way you shop for personal care and beauty by providing a combination of natural, vegan ingredients with high end, clean non-organics. With Luxura Sciences you no longer need to choose between health and performance, you can have both. Luxura Sciences products are hugely popular and has a great brand following amongst consumers. By partnering with D2C Ecommerce we can now cater to a wider audience both in India and overseas as well as introduce new innovative products. With this acquisition, Suaid Ahmed will now be part of the core team at D2C Ecommerce, and will be actively involved in expanding the product range and scaling up D2C Ecommerce's operations in India and across the globe. About D2C Ecommerce D2C Ecommerce is India's first multi-D2C brand online platform that sells its own homegrown brands, viz. AccessHer, Luxura Sciences, Kasrat, Swarg Kitchen, Endless Trendz, etc., across multiple home and lifestyle categories, including - apparel, cosmetics, beauty, jewellery, accessories, fitness, sports, shoes, bags, books, kitchen, food, auto accessories, electronics, kids and travel packages. Along with selling these products on its own portal D2CSALE.COM, D2C Ecommerce also has these items listed on leading e-commerce sites, namely, Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Snapdeal &Meesho. The company's mission is to provide Aspirational products at Affordable prices' to every Indian household by catering to all age groups, income classes and pin codes. We believe that there is a compelling need for a one stop multi-D2C brand retail platform with credible products across home & lifestyle categories, which makes buying simpler and faster for today's consumers, unlike a marketplace with millions of sellers and confusing choices or a brand site with limited single category products. D2C E-commerce was founded in April 2022 by Manish Gupta, Ex- IIM A and an industry veteran with over 11 years of experience in Paytm Mall, Mahindra, Samsung, Amazon, Upscalio and ITC. D2C Ecommerce, India's first multi-D2C brand online platform, acquires leading personal care D2C brand Luxura Sciences' (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.) Unlock 30+ premium stories daily hand-picked by our editors, across devices on browser and app. Full access to our intuitive epaper - clip, save, share articles from any device; newspaper archives from 2006. Curated newsletters on markets, personal finance, policy & politics, start-ups, technology, and more. Pick your 5 favourite companies, get a daily email with all news updates on them. 26 years of website archives. EvolutionX Capital, a growth-stage financing platform, has made its maiden in API Holdings, the parent company of PharmEasy, Indias largest online pharmacy. The investment, of an undisclosed amount, is part of a sequence of planned capital raises and it will be followed by equity infusion in the company in the near-term, said Siddharth Shah, chief executive officer and co-founder of API Holdings. This collective capital raise will optimize the capital structure as well as improve the net position and financial strength of the company, ensuring a clear runway to profitability, he said. Capital markets are muted and access to private capital for is narrowing, so founders and shareholders are seeking less dilutive forms of capital to extend their cash runway and avoid raising equity capital at lower valuations, said Rahul Shah, partner and co-head leading investments in India and at EvolutionX, which is founded by DBS and Temasek. EvolutionXs philosophy centres on investing in category-leading technology led by promising founders and backed by reputed investors. We are thus excited to partner with Siddharth, where the continued journey of to build Indias largest digital platform aligns strongly with our goals to accelerate the digitisation of Asias economy, said Rahul Shah. Over the next few years, EvolutionX aims to build a strong pipeline of opportunities and provide amortising term debt facilities with ticket sizes of $2050 million along with warrants or convertible instruments, the firm said in a statement. The company will invest in technology in consumer, education, financial services, healthcare, logistics, and industrial development in India, China, and . After facing antitrust heat in two cases in India, US giant has found itself in hot water for the third time in a month. According to a report in The Economic Times, the director general office of the (CCI) has finished a probe for alleged market dominance abuse by in the market. The probe looked into the so-called Android Compatibility Commitments, which the report said prohibit equipment manufacturers from producing, distributing, or selling any other smart television that is not Android based. To use its operating software (OS), television manufacturers need to enter into a licensing agreement with . And complainants have alleged that the terms of these agreements are prohibitive for the manufacturers. The report said had ordered a probe against Google in this case in June last year following a complaint about its smart television (OS), Android TV. In the previous two cases, Google has already been fined for "abusing its market dominant position" in connection with the Android mobile device ecosystem. The Commission slapped a total fine of over Rs 2,000 crore in the two cases. "The investigation has dwelt into various allegations made by the informants which essentially revolve around denial of market access to any manufacturer who doesn't enter a licensing agreement with Google," ET quoted one of the persons with direct knowledge of the investigation. The person said would soon take up the report, and Google will be allowed to respond to the allegations. A Google spokesperson told the publication, "The emerging sector in India is thriving, due in part to Google's free licensing model, and Android TV competes with numerous well-established TV OSes such as FireOS, Tizen, and WebOS. We are confident that our licensing practices are in compliance with all applicable competition laws." The complainants have also alleged that Google Play Store services are not available for TVs manufactured by that have not signed any agreements with Google. But this feature comes pre-installed in TVs manufactured by which have an agreement with Google. Chinese FM exchanges congratulations with Malagasy counterpart over 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties Xinhua) 09:20, November 07, 2022 BEIJING, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday exchanged congratulatory messages with Madagascar's acting foreign minister Richard Rakotonirina on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. China and Madagascar have increasingly consolidated their political mutual trust, and bilateral cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results since the two countries established diplomatic ties 50 years ago, said Wang in his message. Wang said the two countries have understood and supported each other on issues regarding each other's core interests and major concerns, and the China-Madagascar comprehensive cooperative partnership has been continuously enriched. China is ready to work with Madagascar to continuously deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields and push for more achievements in bilateral relations, Wang said. Rakotonirina said that Madagascar and China have been developing their friendly relations on the basis of mutual respect, mutual trust, equality and amity over the past half a century, with their comprehensive cooperative partnership being increasingly deepened over recent years. He said Madagascar is willing to work with China to build an even closer community with a shared future. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) ULAN BATOR, Nov.7 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia has planted a total of 10.2 million trees across the country since the launch of its national tree-planting campaign "Billion Trees" last year. Among the total planted trees, 1.3 million have been planted in and near the national capital Ulan Bator, which is home to over half of the country's population, local media reported on Monday, citing the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. In October 2021, Mongolia launched the nationwide tree-planting campaign as the country's president Ukhnaa Khurelsukh told the United Nations General Assembly that the campaign aims to plant at least a billion trees by 2030 to combat desertification. By the target year, the campaign is projected to increase the country's forest coverage to at least 9 percent and reduce carbon emissions by around 600,000 tons. Desertification and land degradation have already affected 77 percent of Mongolia's total territory, only 7.9 percent of which is now covered by forests, according to the ministry. on Monday said it has received certificate of suitability from EDQM to supply Pantoprazole Sodium Sesquihydrate API in European markets. The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) is a mandatory certification for distribution of any API/ pharma products in Europe. Pantoprazole Sodium Sesquihydrate, an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), is proton pump inhibitor used in drugs to suppress the gastric acid secretion. "The company started production of Pantoprazole Sodium Sesquihydrate in Q3 FY 2020 at its Punjab-based facility. "With this CEP (certificate of suitability) certification, the company will now be able to export it to entire Europe. IOL currently has a total capacity of producing 240 TPA of Pantoprazole Sodium Sesquihydrate," a release said. IOL is the world's largest producer of Ibuprofen API with 33 per cent market share globally. The company has 13 plus APIs in its portfolio such as Metformin Hydrochloride, Clopidogrel Bisulfate Form II, Fenofibrate, Paracetamol etc. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and EDQM cooperate on matters aimed at ensuring the quality of medicines and protection of public health in Europe. (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.) US media reports that Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, could be the latest technology giant to downsize its workforce have triggered trepidation among its 300-400 employees in India, according to people familiar with the matter. We have not heard much about the impact (of downsizing) on India. Its a wait-and-watch situation. Certainly, there is uncertainty, said a source. An e-mail sent to Meta Platforms did not elicit any response. The Wall Street Journal, citing people in the know, reported that Meta may lay off several thousands of its employees and clarity may emerge by November 9. If executed, this could be the first major in the tech giant. As of September 30, Metas headcount worldwide stood at 87,000. This comes days after Meta Platforms profits halved in the third quarter of 2022 to $4.4 billion, from $9.2 a year ago. The social media company reported its revenue at $27.7 billion against $29 billion a year ago. Its sales also declined 4 per cent year-on-year. The companys commentary had indicated a tough time ahead. In 2023, were going to focus our investments on a small number of high-priority growth areas. That means some teams will grow meaningfully but most other teams will stay flat or shrink over the next year. In aggregate, we expect to end 2023 as either roughly the same size or even a slightly smaller organisation than we are today, said Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer of Meta Platforms. But the company situation in India is far better. The net profit of India Online Services Private Limited, the registered entity of Meta in India, more than doubled in FY22 to Rs 297 crore, from Rs 128 crore in the previous year. Its revenue, too, grew 56 per cent to Rs 2,323.9 crore, from Rs 1,485 crore in FY21, according to the financial statement shared by research firm Toffler. But Metas employee benefit expense in India has not grown as fast. The firm spent Rs 421.1 crore on its employees, including salaries and wages, contributions to Provident Fund (PF) and other funds, employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), staff welfare expenses, etc, in FY22. It was 32 per cent more than Rs 318 crore in the previous year. Beyond revenue, India is one of the largest markets for Metas WhatsApp, Reels, and . has over 400 million users; there are over 15 million users on WhatsApp's small business app. According to reports, Business India revenue may reach $1 billion next year. It recently rolled out its platform for Reliance JioMart, its first global initiative. The other platform that has been a big focus for Meta is Reels. This was launched in India first and then taken globally. Former Indian head Ajit Mohan had told Business Standard in a recent interview that Meta witnessed massive growth in video in India. When it comes to layoffs by Big Tech in India, Kamal Karanth, an expert on human resources and co-founder of Xpheno, believes the country would not witness a big impact. "Indian outfits of marquee MNCs are largely strategic talent vehicles for accessing high volume engineering and product expertise. Besides the quality of talent, the other key driver for these outfits is the huge cost advantage that MNCs draw vis-a-vis local talent cost in their geographies. In the larger operating context of some of these MNCs, their Indian outfits are a comparatively minor cost slice," he said. According to him, the impact of by Twitter on its India team was an outlier. "The impact is also perceivably high as it has impacted a whole operating unit, though the size of the impact on a headcount basis is in the low three digits. It can well pass off as a blip in Twitter's larger context and scale of the event," he added. may have to raise tariffs or finalise its fundraising quickly to avoid a cash shortfall to the tune of Rs 6,400 crore by September 2023, according to a report by The Economic Times. The report, citing analysts, said if the loss-making telecom service provider fails to raise fresh capital soon, it may have to boost its average revenue per user significantly, or ARPU, to service a debt repayment of Rs 9,600 crore in the next 12 months. The company has been trying to raise Rs 20,000 crore in debt-equity from outside investors since 2020. While promoters and Group Plc provided an equity infusion of Rs 4,500 crore earlier this financial year, more was needed. According to the company, it has to pay around Rs 9,600 crore of debt by September next year, but the gross cash balance until September 2022 was just Rs 200 crore. The telco needs cash to roll out its 5G services and also invest in the existing 4G network to remain afloat against its rivals Jio. "So without a capital raise, ARPU for Vi will have to rise by Rs 35 for the company to be able to meet its immediate repayment needs by Sep' 23," Goldman Sachs said, adding the upcoming debt repayment is likely to put more pressure on VI's capex ability. The global brokerage said would need a sharp capital raise or a tariff increase to remain competitive. It expects a tariff increase is likely this quarter. Vi has not yet given a timeline for its 5G services launch. "Vi has bought enough 5G spectrum and requires capital only for rolling out the network, but aggressive deployment is dependent on the company's ability to raise more capital, especially as peers are gearing up for faster 5G deployments," ICICI Securities said. Vi's CEO Akshaya Moondra has downplayed 5G worries, saying the handset ecosystem would take time to evolve and the telco would be able to roll out the latest services quickly if the funding could be secured in a few months. on Monday said it has received an establishment inspection report from the US health regulator for its formulations manufacturing facility in Moraiya near Ahmedabad. The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) inspected the facility from July 26 to August 5, 2022, which concluded with four observations. "The has determined that the inspection classification of the facility is Voluntary Action Indicated (VAI)," it added. The issues an establishment inspection report (EIR) to an establishment that is the subject of an FDA or FDA-contracted inspection when the agency decides to close the inspection. Shares of were trading 2.51 per cent up at Rs 450.85 apiece on the BSE. (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.) With the in the national capital improving slightly to "very poor" category on Monday, the Delhi government is likely to review the ban imposed under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) restrictions. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the overall AQI of the city improved further on 326 in the "very poor" category this morning. The concentration of both PM 2.5 and PM 10 in the environment was recorded at 326 under the "very poor" category and 205 under "poor" category respectively. Meanwhile, the central committee on Air Quality Management on Sunday removed the the GRAP-4 restrictions from Delhi and National Capital Region. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday evening revoked the GRAP-4 restrictions from Delhi and National Capital Region Region as the air index quality on Sunday showed slight improvement. In a meeting held on Sunday, the CAQM took the decision to revoke the restrictions imposed under the GRAP 4 measures, however the restrictions of the third phase of GRAP will be continued in Delhi-NCR. However, Delhi Environment Minister has also called a meeting today to review the ongoing ban in the city in the wake of GRAP restrictions. Delhi Government on Friday had banned the entry of trucks other than essential services in the national capital following the introduction of GRAP IV. The government has also constituted a 6-member committee to monitor the truck entry in the capital city. --IANS avr/shb/ (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.) Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Monday held wide-ranging talks with his French counterpart Gen Stephane Mille focusing on ways to boost bilateral military cooperation in the backdrop of various geopolitical developments. The top-ranking French military official is on a visit to India. "General Stphane Mille, Chief of Staff of the French Air & Space Force called on Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, #CAS at Air HQ, New Delhi today. The two Chiefs discussed ways & means to enhance bilateral ties & strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest," the (IAF) tweeted. It is learnt that the overall situation in the Indo-Pacific as well as the Indian Ocean Region figured in the talks between Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari and Gen Mille. The visit by Gen Mile came amid an 18-day military exercise between the Indian and French air forces in Jodhpur. The 'Garuda VII' exercise, involving a significant number of combat jets such as Rafale, Tejas, Jaguar and Sukhoi-30s, began on October 26 and will culminate on November 12. The French military official also met Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande. "General Manoj Pande #COAS interacted with General Stephane Mille, Chief of Staff, French Air and Space Force & discussed aspects of #DefenceCooperation between both the defence forces," the Army tweeted. Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral SN Ghormade also interacted with Gen Mille with a focus on bilateral operational engagement and mitigation of security concerns in the Indian Ocean region, according to the Navy. The military cooperation between India and France has witnessed a major expansion in the last few years. In August, a French Air and Space Force contingent, including three Rafale jets, made a strategically crucial stopover at the IAF's Sulur base in Tamil Nadu as part of a mega military operation it carried out in the Pacific Ocean. In March, the Indian and French navies carried out a five-day mega wargame in the Arabian Sea, involving frontline ships, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, fighter aircraft and helicopters. The Indian and French navies in April last year too carried out a mega wargame in the Arabian Sea. The French Navy deployed its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, and its entire carrier strike group in that exercise, reflecting growing congruence in naval ties. (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.) A close aide of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister will turn an approver in excise policy case, the informed a special court on Monday, a development which may be seen as a setback for the AAP leader ahead of Gujarat elections. Special Judge M K Nagpal posted the matter to November 14 for arguments on the petition moved by the and Dinesh Arora, close aide of Sisodia, and decide whether to grant him pardon and allow him to turn an approver in the case. While a statement of Arora has already been recorded under section 164 of Criminal Procedure Code (confessional statement before a magistrate), his disclosure statement is also likely to be recorded before the court on November 14. During the hearing, Arora told the court that he was ready to make "true disclosure voluntarily" about the case. According to the FIR, Arora has been accused by the CBI of receiving a bribe of Rs 1 crore from a liquor manufacturer on behalf of Sisodia. On a query from the court, Arora made it that "there is no pressure or threats by the CBI or anyone else". His counsel also moved an application for in-camera proceedings, saying it is a sensitive matter and the media should be kept out at this early stage, a move which was also not opposed by the CBI. The court had earlier granted anticipatory bail to Arora after the probe agency did not oppose the bail plea. The CBI, in its reply to the anticipatory bail plea, had stated that Arora joined the investigation and disclosed certain facts which were vital for the probe and hence, "the CBI has no objection if the anticipatory bail is granted to the applicant by this court". The CBI, after registering a case in August this year against 15 people, had carried out searches at various places including that of Arora. The accused was questioned eight times before he decided to turn an "approver" in the case. Besides Sisodia, who holds excise portfolio, the CBI has named the then excise commissioner Arava Gopi Krishna, the then deputy excise commissioner Anand Kumar Tiwari, assistant excise commissioner Pankaj Bhatnagar, nine businessmen and two companies, as accused in the case. The agency has alleged that Sisodia and other accused public servants recommended and took decisions pertaining to the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 without the approval of competent authority with "an intention to extend undue favours to the licensees post tender". The agency alleged Amit Arora, Director of Buddy Retail Pvt Limited in Gurgaon, Dinesh Arora and Arjun Pandey are "close associates" of Sisodia and were "actively involved in managing and diverting the undue pecuniary advantage collected from liquor licensees" for the accused public servants. The CBI has alleged that Radha Industries managed by Dinesh Arora received Rs 1 crore from Sameer Mahendru of Indospirits. (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.) The Indian authorities are closely working with authorities of Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria for the early release of crew members held in the country, said the in Equatorial Guinea on Monday. 16 Indian sailors have been held hostage by the Guinea Navy for nearly last three months, and the families have demanded an immediate release of the sailors. Families of Indian sailors held in the African country have expressed concern about the safety of the sailors. "This Embassy and our High Commission in Abuja are closely working with authorities of Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria for the early release of crew members of MV Heroic Idun. All crew members are safe and those in the Detention Centre have been shifted to the ship," the in Equatorial Guinea tweeted. "Since their detention in mid-August, this Mission has been in regular contact with the crew members over phone. We have also had several consular access/visits to them. We are closely monitoring developments and are actively engaged for an early resolution of the issue," it added. Gaurav Arora, a resident of the Govind Nagar area in Kanpur, is among the 16 Indian crew of the ship detained by the Navy of Equatorial Guinea - a country located on the west coast of Africa. As per Gaurav's family, he had recently joined the merchant navy as a third officer and he was on a Norway-based ship 'MT Heroic Idun' that reached AKPO Offshore - a conventional gas development located in ultra-deepwater in Nigeria on August 8 when he was held hostage along with other crew members of the ship. The ship had anchored on the international maritime boundary of Nigeria on August 8. The ship crew of 26 people including 16 Indians was waiting for their turn when the Guinea Navy detained the ship and the crew the next day on suspicion that they had come to steal oil, his family said. Of them, 15 were taken to a hotel, and 11 have been kept on the ship, they claimed. The family said that they are worried because the Guinean Navy is going to hand over the ship crew to Nigeria any movement. "It's a nerve-racking time for us. We are really worried about my brother's safety and the 15 Indians of the ship crew," Gaurav's sister Komal Arora told ANI. She said that the Indians might be charged with false allegations and the Guinea Navy will hand them to Nigeria. "We all know how sensitive the place is. The government must intervene since we can't predict how the Nigerian government would treat Indians once the handover is done. It must be stopped," she appealed. (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.) In another letter to Delhi Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, incarcerated conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar has alleged that he had been receiving severe threats from the jail administration on behalf of AAP's jailed leader Satyendra Jain and Director General prison Sandeep Goel after his first letter went public. Chandrashekhar even requested the L-G to order a CBI probe urgently claiming that the truth will expose AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Satyendra Jain. He even claimed that he would submit every single detail of all the meetings, interactions, number of cash deliveries, locations if a probe was initiated. "After my last complaint application was released in the public, there has been severe threat that I have been receiving from the jail administration on behalf of Mr. Satyendra Jain and DG prison Sandeep Goel, that now I will be taught a serious lesson, and also I will be shown stars by AAP party workers when produced in courts, for what I have done and they said I will have to pay the price now," a hand-written letter of Chandrashekhar, which was posted through his lawyer Ashok Singh, read. "Sir, I am writing this application again as not because I am intimidated by them, but requesting to direct the CBI to initiate an urgent investigation in detail and allow me to file an FIR for the same, as the pressure is getting too much and any undue event may take place, before that the truth about AAP should be exposed, as the matter is not only about Satyendra Jain but also Mr. Arvind Kejriwal and Mr. Kailash Gahlot are also a part of all the episodes that have taken place," Sukesh wrote in his letter. "The matter is much more than what meets the eye, I have in the month of August, 2022 itself given a part statement regarding the same to CBI AC-V during the probe of some other case of mine," he claimed in his letter. "I have read the news and seen that Mr. Arvind Kejriwal has tweeted that BJP is putting me forward during election times and he wrote that I am countries' biggest thug, which is misleading and diverting from the issue," said Sukesh. "I hereby state that if I was the countries' biggest thug then why during 2016 when I personally delivered Rs 50 crore to Mr. Satyendra Jain in presence of Mr. Kailash Gahlot in his farm at Asola, and there after the same evening Mr. Arvind Kejriwal and Mr. Jain had visited me for dinner at Hyatt, Bhikaji Cama Place where I was staying," letter further read. "Mr. Kejriwal asked me to mobilise a few large contributors who in return will be given positions and seats when expanded in southern states and insisted I bring at least 20 to 30 people from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu who can give at least Rs 500 crore," it read. "He (Arvind Kejriwal) was very happy that within a short span I mobilised and contributed Rs 50 crore to the party, for which he said I earned his loyalty and nominations for Rajya sabha," it read. "After few months I introduced Mr. Bhaskar Rao Ex commissioner of Police, Bangalore to Mr. Kejriwal, was looking to join politics after his stint as a police officer, as Mr. Bhasker Rao is known to me as his daughter was a close friend of mine since school days in Bangalore and thereafter as she was in Mumbai for her film career," the letter read. "After introducing Mr. Rao to Mr. Kejriwal in 2016, he was made the head of AAP in Karnataka, which was because of me, and they are all one now," he claimed. "As I got arrested in 2017 for an election symbol case, and am lodged in jail no. 1 Tihar, that's when Mr. Satyendra Jain started visiting me and wanted to know if I had disclosed any of the above facts of regarding the Rs 50 crore contribution to investigating agency as Mr. Kejriwal was very concerned," the letter further stated. "Thereafter in 2019 as said before Mr. Jain received additional Rs 10 crore as the protection money through his associates Mr. Chaturvedi from Kolkata for jail protection money," it read. "I hereby humbly submit this short statement to show that as Mr. Arvind Kejriwal is trying to defame me and act as though he does not know any of this, is completely being done with a manipulated and mala fide mind," it added. --IANS ssh/dpb (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.) Sleuths of the (ED) on Monday interrogated former minister Paresh Adhikari in connection with a teacher recruitment . Adhikari, who had been earlier been grilled by the CBI in the same case, arrived at the CGO complex of the ED office here in the morning to face questioning, sources in the agency said. The former minister of state for education is facing allegations of adopting illegal means to get her daughter Ankita appointed as a teacher in a state-run school in Cooch Behar district. The Calcutta High Court had earlier this year dismissed Ankita from job and asked her to return the salary she had drawn as a teacher since 2018. In August, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, during a cabinet reshuffle, had dropped Adhikari from her ministry. (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.) NEW YORK, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Researchers have unearthed an additional 21 unmarked adult graves that could be linked to victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre in the U.S. state of Oklahoma, reported the National Public Radio. Tulsa, Okla., city officials announced Monday that 17 adult-sized graves were uncovered at an excavation site in the Oaklawn Cemetery and another four were found on Tuesday, including two child-sized burials, said the report. The project is part of the city's years-long efforts to get an accurate count of how many people were killed when a white mob decimated the affluent Greenwood district of Tulsa, where black residents lived under Jim Crow segregation. Some historians estimate as many as 300 Black people were killed in the attack and the days of martial law that followed. Nearly all are believed to have been buried in a series of mass graves approved by the white authorities of the time. Under the temporary restrictions, Black family members of the deceased were reportedly barred from witnessing the burials, as they were held under armed guard, away from their dead mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. Historic accounts trace the spark of the riot to an incident between a young black man and a white woman in a downtown elevator. The incident happened shortly after a spate of race riots that swept across the county in 1919. Delhi Environment Minister will chair a high-level meeting Monday to discuss the new directions by the Centre's air quality panel about revoking curbs imposed under the final stage of the Graded Response Action Plan, officials said. A decision on reopening primary and revocation of order asking 50 per cent of the government staff to work from home is likely to be taken at the meeting. The Centre's air quality panel on Sunday had directed authorities to lift the ban on plying of non-BS VI diesel-run light motor vehicles in Delhi-NCR and entry of trucks into the capital imposed under the final stage of the Graded Response Action Plan. The restrictions were imposed three days ago. As Delhi's air quality index spiralled to 450, just a notch short of the "severe plus" category, on Thursday, the Commission of Air Quality Management had directed authorities to ban the plying of non-BS VI diesel light motor vehicles in the city and adjoining NCR districts and the entry of trucks into the national capital as part of anti-pollution measures under stage IV of GRAP. The high pollution levels had prompted the Delhi government to announce additional measures on Friday, including closure of primary from Saturday and work from home for 50 per cent of its staff. As the air pollution in the capital ameliorated marginally to the lower end of the "very poor" category on Sunday, the CAQM directed authorities to lift the curbs. The decision regarding revoking work-from-home order and reopening primary has to be taken by the Delhi government. (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.) The on Monday allowed the appeals of Chief Minister and the state government against a high court order accepting the maintainability of PILs for a probe in the mining lease issue. It also set aside the High Court's June 3 order. "Satyamev Jayate," Soren, who has been accused of granting himself a mining lease as the state's mining minister, said on Twitter after the Supreme Court's ruling. We have allowed these two appeals and have set aside the June 3, 2022 order passed by the High Court, holding that these PILs were not maintainable, the bench said. A bench of Justices U U Lalit, S R Bhat and Sudhanshu Dhulia had reserved its judgement on August 17 on separate pleas of the Jharkhand government and Soren against the high court's order that accepted the maintainability of the PILs. The apex court had earlier restrained the high court from proceedings with the PILs seeking a probe against Soren in the mining lease issue. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the state government, had earlier submitted that the high court had decided on maintainability even before all the documents were placed before it. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Soren, had questioned the credentials of the PIL petitioner. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate, had said criminal petitions should not be thrown out on technical grounds. BJP national vice president and former Jharkhand chief minister Raghubar Das in February this year claimed Soren abused his position and granted himself the favour of a mining lease, an issue involving both the conflict of interest and corruption. He also alleged violations of provisions of the Representation of People Act. Taking cognisance of the controversy, the Election Commission sent a notice to Soren in May seeking his version on the mining lease issued in his favour when he held the Mining and Environment portfolios. Owning a lease violates Section 9A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which deals with disqualification for government contracts, etc, EC sources had said. The issue is still pending with the poll panel. The pleas before the Jharkhand High Court had sought a probe into alleged irregularities in the grant of mining lease as also the transactions of some shell companies allegedly linked to the chief minister's family members and associates. On June 3, the high court said it was of the considered opinion that writ petitions cannot be thrown away on the ground of maintainability and it will proceed to hear the matters on merit. In its order, a division bench of the high court said, "This court, after having answered the issue, as framed by this court, and on the basis of discussions made hereinabove, is summing up its view and is of the considered opinion that the writ petitions cannot be thrown away on the ground of maintainability." On May 24, the apex court had asked the high court to first hear the preliminary objections to the maintainability of the PILs seeking a probe. It had passed the order on a petition filed by the state against two high court orders in the matter. It noted that three PILs have been filed before the high court seeking an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the allegations of corruption, misuse of office, and money laundering against Soren. Both Soren and his Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) have denied the allegations. (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.) Union Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Skill Development and Electronics and IT will embark on a two-day tour to on Monday. During his visit, Chandrasekhar will hold interactions with state government officials, students and other stakeholders to broaden engagement in the areas of skilling, innovation and entrepreneurship, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said in a statement. The Union Minister will also be meeting key beneficiaries of Government schemes like Mumkin, Tejaswani schemes, Ujjwala, Aap ki Zameen, Aap ki Nigrani schemes etc and give away the promised disbursements to several of them at Ramban. The Ministry further said that he will also be distributing motorized tricycles and scooties among the specially-abled beneficiaries. Chandrasekhar will be visiting Government Polytechnic College, Chanderkote to interact with students and staff members and visit the stalls put up by them, displaying their products. "The Minister will also be launching a Job Mela for the placement of skilled youth in various companies. Later he will lay the foundation stones of various projects virtually (Amrit Sarovars/Jal Jeevan Missions)," it said in a statement. He will also be holding interactions with Chairperson, District Development Council (Zilla Parishad), and District Commissioner of Ramban. Chandrasekhar will then leave for Patnitop where he will be interacting with hoteliers, youth and members of tourism clubs, apart from representatives of Panchayati Raj institutions. He will also be launching a sanitation drive there. In Jammu, the Minister will be interacting with the trainees and officials of the Regional Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (RDSDE) and Skill Training Institutes (W) and discuss with them skilling efforts in the districts--keeping in mind the resources available and the aspirations of local people, the ministry added. (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.) The Westminster court of the United Kingdom court approved fugitive Sanjay Bhandari's extradition to India on Monday, November 7. He is wanted in India for money laundering, kickbacks in the arms deals and tax evasion during the UPA government Arms dealer and main promoter of Offset India Solutions (OIS), first came under the scanner of investigative agencies in 2010 for alleged involvement in a contract for the Indian Air force. Bhandari has had a strong presence in the arms industry. The court documents state that Bhandari is wanted in India for intended prosecution for an offence of money laundering contrary to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002 and for offences of tax evasion contrary to the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Asset), Imposition of Tax Act 2015 and Income Tax Act 1961. A lookout notice for Bhandari was issued in 2016, but he managed to flee the country somehow. He has cases from both the (CBI) as well as (ED) against him. In a 2016 raid on his house, the Income Tax departments seized several confidential defence ministry documents. The CBI booked Bhandari in connection with the alleged corruption in the Rs 2,895 crore deal of 75 Pilatus basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), in 2019. The CBI in its complaint has alleged that Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft Limited in a criminal conspiracy with Bhandari and Bimal Sareen (both directors of Offset India Solutions Private Limited) had dishonestly and fraudulently signed a Service Provider Agreement with Bhandari in June 2010 and violated the Defence Procurement Procedure, 2008. This was allegedly done to get the contract for the supply of 75 basic Trainer Aircraft to the Indian Air Force. On June 2020, the ED filed a chargesheet against and other co-conspirators, including various companies floated by him overseas. The UK authorities arrested him on July 15, 2020 in London, on an extradition warrant. He was out on bail. The Income Tax Department probe had established links between Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's husband Robert Vadra and Sanjay Bhandari, according to news reports. Farm fire incidents crossed the 30,000 mark in Punjab with the state witnessing 2,487 stubble-burning cases on Monday. With fresh crop residue burning incidents, the cumulative farm fire cases from September 15 to November 7, rose to 32,486, according to the Ludhiana-based Punjab Remote Sensing Centre data. The state reported 57,696 and 37,933 during the same period in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Out of a total of 2,487 farm fire incidents on Monday, Ferozepur witnessed 353 crop residue burning incidentsthe highest in the state, followed by 268 in Moga, 257 in Muktsar, 256 in Batala, 218 in Faridkot, 202 in Barnala, 180 in Sangrur, 177 in Fazilka and 165 in Mansa, according to the data. Punjab had seen 4,716 and 5,199 active fire incidents on November 7 in 2020 and 2021, respectively, as per the data. Currently, the districts in the Malwa region are reporting a rising number of stubble-burning incidents. Due to stubble burning, many places in Haryana on Monday evening reported indices in 'poor' and 'very poor' categories while Punjab witnessed in 'moderate' and 'poor' categories. Haryana's Faridabad reported its index at 337, according to the Central Control Board (CPCB) data. Among other areas in Haryana, Jind reported AQI at 323, followed by 316 in Sonipat, 312 in Kaithal, 290 in Gurugram, 273 in Manesar, 225 in Bahadurgarh, 216 in Panipat and 167 in Fatehabad. In Punjab, Amritsar, Bathinda, Khanna, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Mandi Gobindgarh and Patiala reported their respective AQIs at 105, 200, 158, 225, 153, 120 and 177, as per the data. Union Territory Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, reported its air quality at 175. An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". Paddy straw burning in Punjab and Haryana is one of the reasons behind the alarming spike in air levels in the national capital in October and November. As the window for Rabi crop wheat is very short after paddy harvest, farmers set their fields on fire to quickly clear off the crop residue. Punjab generates around 180 lakh tonnes of paddy straw annually. The state recorded 71,304 such fire incidents in 2021, 76,590 in 2020, 55,210 in 2019, 50,590 in 2018, 45,384 in 2017 and 81,042 in 2016. (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.) (SC) on Monday upheld the validity of the 10 per cent reservation to the (EWS) under the 103rd Constitutional Amendment. In a 3 to 2 verdict, the five-member bench headed by the Chief Justice of India, UU Lalit, upheld the on Monday. Lalit and Justice Ravindra Bhat dissented witht the majority judgment on the exclusion of SC/ST from the . Lalit is set to retire on November 8. SC said that the does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution set under the Indra Sawhney Case (1992). The judgment was pronounced by a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice UU Lalit and also comprising Justices Dinesh Maheshwari, S Ravindra Bhat, Bela M Trivedi and JB Pardiwala. Justice Dinesh Maheshwari in the judgment said the EWS quota law did not violate the basic structure or equality code for taking into account the economic criterion. He said the EWS reservation does not cause damage to any essential feature of the Constitution by exceeding the 50 per cent ceiling for quota since the ceiling is itself flexible. Justice Bela M Trivedi said the 103rd constitutional amendment cannot be struck down on grounds of being discriminatory. Justice JB Pardiwala concurred with their views and upheld the validity of the amendment. However, Chief Justice UU Lalit and Justice Bhat dissented with the other three judges on the bench. UU Lalit and Justice Bhat said the law was discriminatory and violative of the basic structure of the Construction. What was the case? On January 12, 2019, the government of India amended the Constitution to provide a 10 per cent reservation to the candidates from the general category that belongs to the " (EWS)" of the society. To qualify for the reservation, the household income of the candidate must be less than Rs 8 lakh per annum. People belonging to OBC, SC or ST categories were not eligible for reservations under this amendment. Critics argued that the amendment violated the basic structure of the Constitution. In the Indra Sawhney & Others vs Union of India case, 1992, the stated that no amendment that violates the Constitution's basic structure would be valid. It further stated that the total number of reserved seats and positions could not exceed 50 per cent of the total. Also, economic backwardness cannot be the sole reason for reservation. Senior advocate P. Wilson argued that Articles 15(4) & 16(4) are enabling provisions to grant reservations which are affirmative action to offset centuries of social discrimination and promote equality. He added that the 103rd amendment nullifies and destroys the substantive equality sought to be achieved by Articles 15(4) & 16(4) & takes SC/ST/OBCs back to the pre-Constitution condition in the society. "In Indra Sawhney, this court has held that reservations based on economic criteria will lead to virtual deletion of Art 15(4) and 16(4)", he said. The government, however, said that to sustain a challenge against a constitutional amendment, it must be shown that the very identity of the Constitution has been altered. (With agency inputs) A UK court on Monday ruled that Sanjay Bhandari, an accused middleman and consultant in arms deals, can be extradited to India to face charges of tax evasion and money laundering. The 60-year-old faced two requests from the Indian authorities, the first related to money laundering and the second to tax evasion. District Judge Michael Snow, who heard the case at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London earlier this year, concluded that there are no bars to him being extradited and decided to send the case to UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who is authorised to order the based on the court order. As I am satisfied that is compatible with the defendant's Convention rights, I must send this case to the Secretary of State [Braverman] for a decision as to whether the defendant is to be extradited, Judge Snow said in his judgment. However, I only do so on the basis of the Assurances that have been provided by the Government, he said, with reference to Indian government assurances that Bhandari will be held in a separate cell at Tihar Jail in New Delhi with relevant healthcare provisions while he faces trial in India. The Indian government's extradition request for Bhandari had been certified by then UK Home Secretary Priti Patel in June 2020 and he was arrested on an extradition warrant the following month that year. The London-based businessman has been on bail on a security provided to the court as he fought extradition on the cases against him by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) and is expected to appeal against Monday's magistrates' court order. According to the court documents, Bhandari is wanted in India for intended prosecution for an offence of money laundering contrary to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002 and for offences of tax evasion contrary to the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Asset), Imposition of Tax Act 2015 and Income Tax Act 1961. Bhandari, who was resident in India for tax purposes at the time in 2015, is accused of concealing overseas assets, using backdated documents, benefiting from the assets not declared to the Indian tax authorities and then falsely informing the authorities that he did not possess any overseas assets. He denies the allegations. The UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), on behalf of the Indian authorities, argued that Bhandari's conduct amounts to "fraud by false representation" in the British jurisdiction. (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.) The government may soon introduce an overhaul to the (IBC) to improve efficiency among resolution professionals and faster resolution of companies. A report by Mint stated that the centre may seek the cabinet's approval for an amendment bill to the in the upcoming of the Parliament. According to the data, 60 per cent of bankruptcy cases are pending for over 270 days. "Expeditious admission of insolvency petitions and approval of resolution plans are most important, given that the time value of money is a key factor for the investor community. If resolution plans are not approved well in time, investors will lose interest," Anoop Rawat, partner (insolvency and bankruptcy) at law firm Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas and Co. told Mint. "Governance of the defaulting company is an area that requires special attention. The regime should also put in place provisions to protect the valuable business data of the defaulting company, such as orders, revenue and inventory, which help in planning for the corporate turnaround. Directors of the company could be made personally liable to ensure its safeguard," they added. Under the current framework, it sometimes takes time for insolvency professionals to get timely decisions from the tribunals. Recently, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has been taking disciplinary action in the case of erring resolution professionals. This includes the imposition of penalties and training. The new bill is expected to do away with the deficiencies. Russia and India stand for the formation of a "more just" and "polycentric" world order and both sides demonstrated the proximity of positions on the most pressing issues, Moscow said on Monday, a day ahead of talks between the foreign ministers of the two countries. External Affairs Minister begins a two-day visit to Russia this evening amid growing global concerns over increasing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. In a statement, the Russian foreign ministry said Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in their talks, will focus on trade and investment, use of national currencies for trade, "promising projects" in the energy sector and the formation of a security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region. "Russia and India stand for the active formation of a more just and equal polycentric world order, and proceed from the inadmissibility of promoting the imperialist diktat on the global arena," it said. "Both countries demonstrate the proximity of positions on the most pressing issues and stand for the adherence to the universally recognised norms of international law, enshrined in the UN Charter," the ministry said. It further added: "We are aimed at promoting a unifying agenda and building a constructive dialogue in the field of interstate relations." The Russian foreign ministry said Jaishankar and Lavrov will also discuss ways to further "advance joint work" in the key areas and compare notes on upcoming contacts. "The talks will focus on trade and investments, transport and logistics, the use of national currencies in mutual settlements, as well as promising projects in the energy sector, especially in the Arctic shelf and the Russian Far East," it said. The ministry said the two ministers will exchange assessments of the current international issues with an emphasis on interaction within the UN, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), G20 and the Russia-India-China trilateral. "The ministers will also discuss India's presidency in the SCO, efforts to fight terrorism, as well as a number of the regional issues, including the formation of a security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, the situation around the Iranian nuclear problem, state of affairs in Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine," it said. Announcing Jaishankar's visit to Moscow last week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said issues pertaining to bilateral economic cooperation in various domains will be discussed. Jaishankar will also hold talks with Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry Denis Manturov. In the last few months, India has increased the import of discounted crude oil from Russia notwithstanding increasing disquiet over it by several Western powers. Jaishankar and Lavrov have already met four times after the Ukraine conflict began in February. Since the Ukraine conflict began, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a number of times. In a phone conversation with Zelenskyy on October 4, Modi said that there can be "no military solution" and that India is ready to contribute to any peace efforts. At a bilateral meeting with Putin in the Uzbek city of Samarkand on September 16, Modi told him that "today's era is not of war". India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and it has been maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. (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.) Even as merchandise export growth fell to single digits in three months, continued to remain robust and witnessed 25-30 per cent growth since the beginning of the current fiscal year (July-September), reveals official government data. Notwithstanding the threat of a recession looming ahead for the developed economies, exporters say they expect a similar trend to continue in the second half of the year. Growth will be driven by sectors such as information technology (IT), accounting, engineering services, as India will have the advantage of low-cost services from skilled professionals it offers. Recession in the developed economies will only help increase . In a bid to save cost, countries like the US have started outsourcing their work, especially in sectors such as accounting, auditing, and legal services, says Sunil H Talati, chairman, Services Export Promotion Council. Talat expects IT to grow, regardless of recession fears, as certain services are required for systems to operate. Apart from IT, sectors such as hospitality, tourism, accounting, auditing, legal services, engineering, and architectural services are expected to witness vigorous growth. After sustained rise in merchandise exports, the external demand for Indian goods has started decelerating. The International Monetary Fund last month said more than a third of the global economy is headed for contraction this year or the next, and the three biggest economies US, European Union (EU), and China will continue to stall. Based on the current macroeconomics and global trends, the Department of Commerce on a conservative basis is looking at the overall export target to cross $750 billion in 2022-23 (FY23), compared with $676 billion in 2021-22. As far go, a target of $450 billion has been set, the rest will be met by . Talati hopes services exports will grow at a similar rate of about 30 per cent during the second half of FY23 and reach $350 billion in the current fiscal year. Notwithstanding Talatis optimism, economists warned that with imminent threat, the impact on which constitutes more than half of Indias services exports can be seen only in the next fiscal year (2023-24). As recession hits the developed economies, there will be further slowdown in both merchandise and services exports. Of the total exports, software (services) is a major component. For FY23, we may see stable growth, but there could be a threat of slowdown sometime next year, says Madan Sabnavis, chief economist, Bank of Baroda. According to Arpita Mukherjee, professor, Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations, since Indias key services export markets EU and the US are headed towards a recession, there is palpable anxiety. India offers low-cost knowledge-based services. Even if companies consider cutting costs, the services from India may turn out to be lucrative for them, she says, pointing out that in order to reach the ambitious $1-trillion target by 2030, there is a need for a shift in services export strategy. Towards this, de-risking, as well as diversifying our export basket, will be crucial, she observes. Fundraising Agency DickersonBakker Ramps Up Talent as Expansion Takes Off FUNDRAISING GIANT DICKERSONBAKKER RAMPS UP TALENT: DickersonBakker (www.DickersonBakker.com) -- one of the fastest growing nonprofit consultancy firms in the nation -- has strengthened its top-flight team with the appointment of Andrew Olsen, pictured, as Senior Vice President of Fundraising Solutions. National nonprofit consultancy firm hires Andrew Olsen as new SVP of fundraising amid 'rapidly changing' post-COVID environment NEWS PROVIDED BY DickersonBakker Nov. 7, 2022 RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 7, 2022 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fundraising agency DickersonBakker (www.DickersonBakker.com) -- one of the fastest growing nonprofit consultancy firms in the nation -- has strengthened its top-flight team with a new hire. Andrew Olsen, a vastly experienced nonprofit expert who's helped energize fundraising at charities such as The Salvation Army, Museum of the Bible, CARE USA, Save the Children, and Covenant House International, has joined DickersonBakker as senior vice president of fundraising solutions. In his new role, Olsen will lead the Raleigh-based firm's major gift consulting and its communications messaging strategies. He also will manage the development of new fundraising products and initiatives. "For over a decade, I've partnered with the DickersonBakker team on various projects," he said. "We align in values, culture, and perspective on philanthropy, which made the decision to join the team an easy one." 500 Nonprofits, Half A Billion Dollars Raised Throughout his career, Olsen has helped more than 500 ministries and other nonprofits raise a total of more than half a billion dollars. His experience includes building and leading fundraising programs at dozens of rescue missions and food banks across the U.S. and Canada. Olsen, a certified fundraising executive (CFRE), is also a best-selling author and host of the top-ranked show, "The Rainmaker Fundraising Podcast." Making A 'Transformational Impact' "DickersonBakker's incredibly gifted team has the opportunity to make a transformational impact on this world and on the lives of so many," he said. "I'm thrilled to be a part of DickersonBakker, and the clients we serve today and into the future." The company's president, Derric Bakker, said Olsen's leadership experience would expand the firm's capabilities "across the entire continuum of fundraising." DickersonBakker recently acquired Cargill Associates (www.CargillAssociates.com), a Dallas-area company that's helped thousands of churches, colleges and other groups raise billions of dollars for major building projects, known as capital campaigns. "The technologies and channels we use in fundraising today are rapidly changing, especially in the wake of COVID," Bakker said. "I cannot imagine anyone better than Andrew to lead the way as we expand the breadth and depth of fundraising services we offer to help our clients grow and advance." DickersonBakker (www.DickersonBakker.com) has been providing professional fund development consulting services to nonprofit organizations for more than 35 years. With offices in Texas and North Carolina, and full-time consultants in several states, the firm has served hundreds of nonprofits -- particularly faith-based organizations -- located across the U.S., Canada, and overseas. SOURCE DickersonBakker CONTACT: Stephen Reed, 843-964-9339, sreed@inchristcommunications.com Share Tweet Over 30,500 students allotted courses across colleges have frozen their seats, while over 23,000 candidates opted for upgradation of seats after the 2nd merit list, a senior varsity official said. Meanwhile, the university has also received 1,008 mid-entry applications. The varsity had given a window from November 5 to 7 for mid-entry for fresh applicants. The total number of students admitted to the university so far has gone beyond 61,500, of the 70,000 undergraduate seats the DU has on offer. More than 15,500 students have been admitted to undergraduate courses across colleges in the second round of seat allocation. "After the second round, 30,662 students have lost their seats. While 23,139 students have opted for upgradation. Moreover, we have received 1,008 applications through the mid-entry window," Dean of Admission Haneet Gandhi said. The university has also informed the students on its website about the number of vacant seats after the first two rounds of seat allocation. The admission process, which began on September 12, is being conducted in three phases the first phase was to apply to the university, the second phase was for preference filling, and the third phase was seat allotment-cum-admission. This year, is admitting students through CUET scores instead of their Class 12 marks. On September 12, the university released the CSAS, its admission-cum-allocation policy. (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.) Seen as a precursor to final placements, summer internship placements at top business schools (B-schools) in India this year have witnessed a healthy rise in stipends being offered to students. With over 140 firms participating in the summer internship placement process at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM)-Indore, the B-school witnessed a 50 per cent increase over the highest stipend amount secured by its students last year, to Rs 6 lakh for two months. The average stood at Rs 2.74 lakh for two months internship a 37 per cent jump over the previous year. At IIM-Kozhikode, the highest stipend offered stood at Rs 6.47 lakh, while the mean stipend was Rs 2.5 lakh at the conclusion of its summer internship recruitment drive for its two-year full-time post graduate programmes a 25 per cent jump over last year. The Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi, recorded the highest ever average stipend at Rs 3.02 lakh for two months for the batch of 2022-24; the highest stipend was Rs 4.4 lakh. Summer placements for the 2022-24 batch of PGP and PGP-ABM at IIM Lucknow, too, were good, with the highest-ever average and median stipends of Rs 1.41 lakh per month and Rs 1.50 lakh per month respectively. The best offering was Rs 3.50 lakh a month. The institute secured 100 per cent placement for the largest batch in its 38-year history, securing 570 offers for 566 students. For instance, while summer interns' hiring by RPG Group remained at last years level, its average stipend offering witnessed an increase. Weve raised stipends for those we have hired to remain competitive and be able to attract the right talents for our group companies. Summer internships have always been the most vital first step towards our final hiring, Supratik Bhattacharya, chief talent officer- RPG Group, told Business Standard. She added: We ensure that we offer projects that are not only meaningful, but also real-time and of value to us. We get a fair view of the interns aptitude, attitude, and skills as they work through these projects over two months. We ensure that pre-placement offers are given out to the most deserving ones. We are increasingly taking this approach of making such offers to the best among interns." Sector-wise, consulting continued to rule the roost, followed by financial services, IT, and sales & marketing. At FMS Delhi, consulting & strategy domains of major recruiters like Accenture Strategy, Bain & Co., BCG, Ernst & Young, Kearney, KPMG, McKinsey & Company, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Redseer Consulting, and Synergy Consulting roped in 29 per cent of students, followed by sales & marketing (26 per cent), product management & analytics (17 per cent), BFSI (15 per cent), and general management (13 per cent). Prominent firms offered consulting roles at IIM Indore, accounting for 25 per cent of offers. These companies included Accenture Strategy & Consulting, Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte India, EY India, KPMG, McKinsey & Company, PwC India, PwC US Advisory, Redseer Consulting, and Synergy Consulting. At IIM Indore, recruiters in the sales & marketing domain, making 23 per cent of total offers, included AB InBev India, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Limited, Disney Star, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Google, Hindustan Unilever, ITC, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Puma, Sony Pictures Networks, Tata Consumer Products, and The Coca-Cola Company. Finance came in at third -- 16 per cent of internship offers at the campus, led by recruiters like Citigroup, Credit Suisse, CRISIL, The D.E. Shaw Group, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, ICICI Bank, JPMorgan Chase & Co, Morgan Stanley, and YES Bank. Commenting on summer internship placements, IIM-Indore Director Himanshu Rai said: The trust reinforced by our recruiters reflects the institute's commitment to excellence and... IIM-Indore looks forward to strengthening our industry engagement and delivering impact through socially conscious leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs. IIM-Ahmedabad follows a cluster-based summer internship recruitment process. The first cluster comprises five cohorts -- investment banking & markets, management consulting, niche consulting, cards and financial advisory, and private equity, venture capital & asset management. From a pool of 60 firms participating in the first cluster, The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) was the top recruiter with 28 offers, followed by Bain and Company with 23 offers at IIM Ahmedabad. The summer internship placement season at attracted participation from 122 recruiters offering internships to 541 students across many roles in consulting, finance, general management, IT & analytics, sales & marketing, and operations & retail e-commerce with top recruiters from across the globe. Around 26 per cent of the offers were rolled out by the consulting cluster this season at IIM-Kozhikode, including those from Accenture Strategy, Bain & Company, BCG, Deloitte, Everest Group, EY, EY-Parthenon, GEP, KPMG, PwC, and Synergy Consulting. Sales & marketing witnessed 24 per cent offers with an increase of 39 per cent in the average stipend from major recruiters, such as Asian Paints, Astrazeneca, Bajaj Auto, Bajaj Consumer Care, BP Castrol, Coca Cola, Cipla, Dr. Reddys Laboratories, HUL, ITC, Johnson & Johnson, Nestle, PepsiCo, Pidilite, Reckitt, RPG, ReNew Power, Samsung, Tata Consumer Products, Tata Play, and Tata Steel. This was followed by IT & analytics (13 per cent of total offers), and general management & operations (12 per cent). IIM-Kozhikode Director Debashis Chatterjee said: The key highlight of this placement season was the participation from private equity and fund management firms. The results reinforce our recruiters faith in the academic capabilities, diverse student community, and IIM-Kozhikodes commitment towards pursuing excellence in all fields of engagement." Private equity and fund management firms British International Investments, GEF Capital Partners, Piramal Alternative, and The Rohatyn Group were among those that participated in the process. The placement season also provided international opportunities with the participation of Suzuki Japan and start-ups like Im Beside You. Other major highlights include the participation of leading companies like Disney Hotstar, Mercedes-Benz, and Sony Pictures Network India for multiple roles in strategy, product management, and marketing. The summer internship placement drive at IIM-Lucknow was successful with more than 185 recruiters participating in the process "despite the current state of the economy", said Prem Prakash Dewani, chairman, student affairs and placement, PGP at the B-school. The BJP's win in four of the six seats it contested has invigorated the party ahead of assembly polls in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. It has given tough competition to erstwhile ally Nitish Kumar's Grand Alliance in Bihar and ended the BJD's winning run in Odisha. The drew a blank in the seven assembly constituencies -- Adampur, Gola Gokarannath, Dhamnagar, Andheri (East), Mokama, Gopalganj and Munugode -- in six states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Odisha and Telangana that went to polls on November 3. The results were declared on Sunday. While the TRS managed to get a foothold by winning the high-stakes to Munugode Assembly constituency, it had to overcome a spirited challenge from the . The assumed immense political significance as it was seen as a virtual semi-final ahead of next year's Legislative Assembly polls in Telangana. The TRS, recently renamed as Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS), took it as a prestige issue as a loss would have dented its plans to go national. In Maharashtra, Rutuja Latke, the candidate of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), won the by-election to Andheri (East) in Mumbai, the seat earlier represented by her deceased husband, after major parties including the did not field candidates. The second-highest number of votes (14.79 per cent) went to the None Of The Above (NOTA) option in the constituency. The said the result of the November 3 by-election was a stamp of approval by people on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies as it retained Gola Gokarannath in Uttar Pradesh, Dhamnagar in Odisha and Gopalganj in Bihar where it had fielded the kin of its party MLAs whose death necessitated the polls. In Haryana, BJP candidate and former chief minister Bhajan Lal's grandson Bhavya Bishnoi defeated his nearest rival and nominee Jai Prakash in Haryana's Adampur by a margin of around 16,000 votes, maintaining the family's winning streak. Candidates of AAP and INLD lost their deposits as they failed to secure one-sixth of the votes polled. The resignation of Bhavya's father Kuldeep Bishnoi necessitated the by-election after he left the and joined the BJP. The Adampur seat has been held by the Bhajan Lal's family since 1968, with the late leader representing it on nine occasions, his wife Jasma Devi once and Kuldeep on four occasions. In Bihar, the RJD saw its victory margin fall in Mokama and it fell short of a win in party president Lalu Prasad's home district of Gopalganj, which the BJP retained, albeit by the skin of its teeth. It was the first electoral test for the Nitish Kumar-led 'Mahagathbandhan' (RJD-JDU-Cong) government, formed less than three months ago after the JD(U) parted ways with the BJP. RJD candidate Neelam Devi won in Mokama by more than 16,000 votes. The bypoll was necessitated after the disqualification of her husband MLA Anant Kumar Singh. The BJP contested from the constituency for the first time as the saffron party had, on previous occasions, left the seat to its allies. BJP's Kusum Devi, the wife of MLA Subhash Singh whose death had necessitated the by-election in Gopalganj, polled 70,032 votes, while RJD's Mohan Gupta got 68,243. Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM polled more than 12,000 votes, emerging as the biggest "spoiler" for the ruling alliance. Bihar Congress spokesperson Asit Tiwari accused Owaisi of helping the BJP win. The AIMIM had won five seats in the last assembly polls and all but one of its MLAs joined the RJD. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said the decrease in the BJP's victory margin was a "success" for them and their alliance will win in 2024 Lok Sabha polls. BJP chief J P Nadda said, "Despite all the opposition forces coming together, the people have put their stamp on the development-oriented leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. It is clear from this that the faith of the people of Bihar is with the BJP". He said the victory in Gola Gokarannath in Uttar Pradesh and Adampur reflects the public support for the double-engine BJP governments. BJP's Aman Giri defeated his nearest rival and Samajwadi Party candidate by over 34,000 votes in the UP seat that fell vacant after the death of his father and party MLA Arvind Giri on September 6. With the BSP and the Congress keeping away, it was a direct contest between Aman Giri and Tiwari. The BJP's campaign was led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while SP chief Akhilesh Yadav did not campaign. Yadav on Sunday accused the BJP government of using illegal means in the election and said it had defeated democracy in the assembly seat. By securing over 90,000 votes, the SP candidate has challenged the BJP, he claimed. Gola Gokarannath is part of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra's Lok Sabha constituency Lakhimpur Kheri. Adityanath congratulated BJP workers. "This spectacular victory is a symbol of the unwavering faith of people in the public welfare policies of the double-engine BJP government," Adityanath said in a tweet in Hindi. Telanaga saw a keenly-fought contest with the TRS (now renamed Bharat Rashtra Samithi) candidate Kusukuntla Prabhakar Reddy defeating his nearest BJP rival Komatireddy Raj Gopal Reddy in Munugode by over 10,000 votes. The Congress nominee Palvai Sravanthi was a distant third. Komatireddy Raj Gopal Reddy had sought re-election on a BJP ticket after quitting the Congress. ''Thanks to the people of Munugodu for reposing faith in TRS party & Hon'ble CM KCR's leadership.'As promised, will adopt the constituency and work towards expeditious progress of pending works,'' state minister and KCR's son K T Rama Rao tweeted. In Odisha's Dhamnagar, BJP's Suryabanshi Suraj defeated ruling BJD's Abanti Das by a margin of 9,881 votes, an Election Commission official said. The bypoll was necessitated by the death of Surja's father and BJP MLA Bishnu Charan Sethi in September. Besides retaining the seat, the saffron party ended the ruling BJD's winning run in by-polls since 2019 when it came to power for the fifth consecutive term in the state. While BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the result was expected, senior BJP leader and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan asserted that the result reflects people's trust in the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. We have lost very few by- . I always respect the verdict of the people. MLA Bishnu Sethi died recently and he was quite popular. BJP held the seat for a number of years. His son was given the ticket. It was expected that they would win, the chief minister said. Maharashtra saw its first electoral contest after the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government collapsed in June following a revolt by a section of Shiv Sena MLAs led by Eknath Shinde. Thackeray said the victory showed that people were supporting his Shiv Sena. "This is just the beginning of a fight. The (party) symbol is important but people look for the character too. The bypoll results show people support us," Thackeray told reporters at his residence on Sunday. "Our party's name and symbol were frozen for this election, but those who wanted this are nowhere near the electoral ring," Thackeray said in a veiled swipe at the faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. (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.) on Monday showed his true political colour despite vouching for to be "politically neutral", saying that Americans should vote for Republicans in the midterm elections on November 8. Triggering a political debate, Musk told independent-minded voters that shared power curbs the worst excesses of both parties. "Therefore, I recommend voting for a Republican Congress, given that the Presidency is Democratic," the CEO posted to his nearly 115 million followers. "Hardcore Democrats or Republicans never vote for the other side, so independent voters are the ones who actually decide who's in charge," Musk added. His tweets were slammed by many of his followers. "That's it. That seals the deal. I've been an American citizen for 60 years and in all my time of being one, I've never seen a CEO this bad. I got my passport last week. I'll be moving to Australia if Trump comes back," a user posted. "A rich billionaire telling people how to vote, unbelievable," another posted. In April, in a bid to silence people who have slammed his 'free speech' idea amid fears of growing polarisation and hatred on the micro-blogging platform, Musk had said that must remain politically neutral if it wants to keep enjoying public trust. "For Twitter to deserve public trust, it must be politically neutral, which effectively means upsetting the far right and the far left equally," he had posted. Musk had long been advocating free speech on the platform, creating apprehensions for many as they fear the site will be left without regulations. The US will go to polls for the midterms to the Senate and the House of Congress on November 8 in one of the most fiercest electoral battles ever. --IANS na/arm (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.) Pakistan's Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has accused of "committing the crime of treason against the state," and exhorted institutions like the judiciary to stand up against the former premier's "wretched agenda." Speaking during Geo News' programme "Naya Pakistan" on Sunday, Sanaullah said, "Khan only has one demand: he wants to be adopted by the institutions to make him sit on the prime minister's chair." "Institutions, government, Parliament, and the judiciary should stand against his wretched agenda," he said, adding that Khan will never be successful in his agenda against the country and the nation. (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.) Tehreek-e-Insaf's long march, which was suspended after the failed assassination attempt on party chief last week, will resume on Thursday, two senior party leaders said on Monday. Speaking to party workers at Zaman Park in Lahore, Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi announced that the long march will resume on Thursday from the same location where the attack on Khan took place. Another senior leader Faisal Javed Khan also said that the party's long march will resume on November 10. This is the third time that the party has changed the date of the long march which came to a halt after the failed assassination bid on 70-year-old Khan. First, the party had said the march will resume on Tuesday, but later changed the date to Wednesday. Fawad Chaudhry, former information minister and Senior Vice President of the party, earlier in a tweet said that the party's long march will resume on Wednesday instead of Tuesday at 2pm local time. The march was launched on October 28 from Lahore with the aim to culminate in Islamabad on November 11 but it was stalled on November 3 at Wazirabad after gunmen fired at Khan's container-mounted on a truck, killing one person and injuring at least 11 others, including the PTI chairman. Qureshi also said that despite 72 hours, an FIR of the attack on Khan had still not been registered. "The chief justice of the Supreme Court has intervened and instructed that the complaint should be registered within 24 hours, he said. "The narrative of sahab is very clear [] that my complainant has reached the police and it is clear what my position is, Qureshi said, adding that the party's utmost priority at the moment was the FIR. The issue of FIR was delayed due to differences between Khan and the provincial government as the former wanted to nominate Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Maj Gen Faisal Naseer in the complaint. The Punjab government and the provincial police are reluctant to include the name of the serving army general in the FIR. The delay in the FIR registration has stalled proper investigation into the crime. Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial earlier ordered the police chief of Punjab to register the FIR in 24 hours and warned of taking suo motu action if his orders were not implemented. Separately, the Ministry of Interior asked the Punjab government to immediately register the FIR of the firing incident, saying the report must be based on merits and not on conjectures or speculative allegations. In a letter addressed to the provincial chief secretary and Punjab inspector general dated November 5, the ministry termed the delay in the registration of the FIR a lacklustre response of the Punjab government to the unfortunate incident. The delay is grossly illegal and has caused irreparable damage to prosecute the real accused, the letter stated, adding that the case was mishandled by the Punjab government, creating a law and order situation in the province. Khan, who is currently recovering from his injuries, was still holding consultations with his party leaders about the registration of FIR at his residence in Zaman Park area of Lahore. He was discharged from the hospital on Sunday after undergoing successful surgery. Qureshi told a large public gathering at Clock Tower Chowk in Faisalabad on Sunday that Khan had asked him to lead the march in his place. He said that even if he is not totally recovered, Khan will participate in the long march in Rawalpindi, the Dawn newspaper reported. He said that the people of Faisalabad and the entire country demand that Prime Minister Sharif and Interior Minister Sanaullah quit since they are the real planners of the attack on Khan in Wazirabad. Meanwhile, the PTI supporters once again resorted to protests by closing main roads of the major cities on Monday. The major disturbance was witnessed in Rawalpindi where the main Murree Road and Peshawar Roads were blocked. Commuters faced problems, especially those travelling to pick their children from schools as the start of the protests coincided with the closing of educational institutions. (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.) North Korea's military said Monday its recent barrage of missile tests were practices to attack its rivals' air bases and warplanes and paralyse their operation command systems, showing Pyongyang's resolve to counter provocative U.S.-South Korean military drills more thoroughly and mercilessly. fired dozens of missiles and flew warplanes last week, triggering evacuation alerts in some South Korean and Japanese areas, in response to massive U.S.-South Korean air force drills that the North views as an invasion rehearsal. U.S. and South Korean officials strongly condemned the North's missile launches, saying their drills were defensive in nature. The recent corresponding military operations by the Korean People's Army are a clear answer of (North Korea) that the more persistently the enemies' provocative military moves continue, the more thoroughly and mercilessly the KPA will counter them, the General Staff of the Korean People's Army said in a statement carried by state media. It said its weapons tests involved ballistic missiles loaded with dispersion warheads and underground infiltration warheads meant to launch strikes on enemy air bases; ground-to-air missiles designed to annihilate enemy aircraft at different altitudes and distances; and strategic cruise missiles. The North's military said it carried out an important test of a ballistic missile with a special functional warhead missioned with paralysing the operation command system of the enemy. It said it also launched super-large, multiple-launch missiles and tactical ballistic missiles. It didn't specifically mention a reported launch Thursday of an intercontinental ballistic missile aimed at hitting the U.S. mainland. Almost all other North's missiles launched last week were likely short-range, many of them nuclear-capable weapons. They place key military targets in South Korea, including U.S. military bases there in striking range. The KPA General Staff once again clarifies that it will continue to correspond with all the anti-(North Korea) war drills of the enemy with the sustained, resolute and overwhelming practical military measures, it said. This year's Vigilant Storm air force drills between the United States and were the largest-ever for the annual fall maneuvers. The drills involved 240 warplanes including advanced F-35 fighter jets from both countries. The allies were initially supposed to run the drills for five days ending on Friday, but extended the training by another day in reaction to the North's missile tests. On Saturday, the final day of the air force exercises, the United States flew two B-1B supersonic bombers over in a display of strength against North Korea, the aircraft's first such flyover since December 2017. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the participation of the B-1Bs in the joint drills demonstrated the allies' readiness to sternly respond to North Korean provocations and the U.S. commitment to defend its ally with the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear. Even before the Vigilant Storm drills, test-launched a slew of missiles in what it called simulated nuclear attacks on U.S. and South Korean targets in protests of its rivals' other sets of military exercises that involved a U.S. aircraft for the first time in five years. Some experts say likely aims to use the U.S.-South Korean military drills as a chance to modernise its nuclear arsenal and increase its leverage to wrest greater concessions from the United States in future dealings. U.S. and South Korean militaries have been expanding their regular military drills since the May inauguration of conservative South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has promised to take a tougher stance on North Korean provocations. Some of the allies' drills had been previously downsized or cancelled to support now-stalled diplomacy on North Korea's nuclear programme and cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. (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.) An oil tanker hauling a cargo of Russian crude has been sitting off the coast of the United Arab Emirates for three days, raising the prospect that the gulf state might become customer for . Having moored at a jetty serving the countrys biggest refinery, the Tahiti, a Suezmax-class ship able to transport 1 million barrels of oil, has been anchored a short distance from a terminal at the port of Ruwais. It left Murmansk, a port in Russias part of the Arctic Sea, in early October. Russia urgently needs to find new customers for its crude because, from Dec. 5, almost all seaborne deliveries into Europe will be banned. The 27-nation EU is prohibiting imports to punish Russia for its war in Ukraine. Tahiti arrived at a jetty serving ADNOCs refinery in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday night, spending about 36 hours moored there before leaving again. Ruwais is inside the Persian Gulf, making it unlikely the vessel went there to refuel. The signals from the vessel dont suggest it unloaded, but the ships draft is entered manually and may simply not have been updated. An ADNOC spokesman declined to comment. The vessel had previously been signaling its destination as Jamnagar in India, according to ship tracking data monitored by Bloomberg. The ships draft indicates that it only had a part cargo on board. Based on where it loaded, it is likely have carried either Lukoils Varandey crude or Gazprom Nefts Novy Port grade, both of which are exported from Murmansk. Varandey has an API gravity of about 25.5 degrees and a sulfur content of 0.23%. Novy Port is both less dense than Varandey, at 35 degrees, and sweeter, with a sulfur content of 0.1%. Russia has been struggling to find new markets for its crude shunned by European buyers since its troops invaded Ukraine in February. will need to find outlets for about 1.5 million barrels a day more crude when the EUs sanctions begin. Importing and processing Russian crude at Ruwais, if it happened, could free up domestic crude for export and could prove profitable if purchases are made at deep discounts. --With assistance from Anthony Di Paola. Inc., after laying off roughly half the company on Friday following Elon Musks $44 billion acquisition, is now reaching out to dozens of employees who lost their jobs and asking them to return. Some of those who are being asked to return were laid off by mistake, according to two people familiar with the moves. Others were let go before management realized that their work and experience may be necessary to build the new features Musk envisions, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing private information. cut close to 3,700 people this week via email as a way to trim costs following Musks acquisition, which closed in late October. Many employees learned they lost their job after their access to company-wide systems, like email and Slack, were suddenly suspended. The requests for employees to return demonstrate how rushed and chaotic the process was. A spokesperson did not reply to a request for comment. Twitters plan to hire back workers was previously reported by Platformer. Regarding Twitters reduction in force, unfortunately there is no choice when the company is losing over $4M/day, Musk tweeted on Friday. Twitter has close to 3,700 employees remaining, according to people familiar with the matter. Musk is pushing those who remain at the company to move quickly in shipping new features, and in some cases, employees have even slept at the office to meet new deadlines. Over the weekend, Twitter rolled out a new Twitter Blue subscription plan, offering a verification check mark for any user who pays $8 a month. The company also said it will soon be launching other features, including half the ads, the ability to post longer videos and get priority ranking in replies, mentions and searches. The on Sunday reported Twitter will delay changes to the check marks until after Tuesdays midterm elections, after users and employees raised concerns that the plan could be misused to sow discord. New CEO has warned users of the social media platform that their accounts will be permanently suspended without warning if they impersonated others without specifying "parody". Over the weekend, several accounts had changed their name to "Elon Musk" or to usernames that suggested those handles were of the tech billionaire. Some of these accounts appeared suspended or were put behind a warning sign. Impersonation and bots are two main focuses of the tech billionaire, who took over as CEO late last month after buying the social media giant in a $44 billion deal. Since then, Twitter has been attracting massive public scrutiny amid a debate over free speech and content moderation. Last week, Twitter laid off half of its workforce -- close to 3,700 people -- as part of measures to cut costs. It's also rolling out a new feature to charge $8 from those who wish to keep the 'blue tick', which signifies a verified account. "Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying 'parody' will be permanently suspended," said Musk, 51, in a tweet. He also said that Twitter is now conducting a widespread verification, so there will be no warning to those indulging in impersonation. "Previously, we issued a warning before suspension, but now that we are rolling out widespread verification, there will be no warning. This will be clearly identified as a condition for signing up to Twitter Blue," the and CEO added. Previously, we issued a warning before suspension, but now that we are rolling out widespread verification, there will be no warning. This will be clearly identified as a condition for signing up to Twitter Blue. (@elonmusk) November 6, 2022 There's more. Musk said if an account holder changes their name, it "will cause temporary loss of verified checkmark". Any name change at all will cause temporary loss of verified checkmark (@elonmusk) November 6, 2022 These new features are likely intended to reduce the number of accounts which may try to impersonate a verified account, thereby creating confusion for other users. Even before Musk bought Twitter, he had raised the issue of bots inundating the micro-blogging site. "Twitter needs to become by far the most accurate source of information about the world. That's our mission," Musk declared. Twitter needs to become by far the most accurate source of information about the world. Thats our mission. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2022 But only a few people are buying his argument. Many have aired their reservations on how Musk intends to achieve this, especially the $8 cost for Twitter Blue. Mark Ruffalo, who portrayed the famous character of "Hulk" in Marvel's franchise, asked Musk to "get off Twitter". "Elon. Pleasefor the love of decencyget off Twitter, hand the keys over to someone who does this as an actual job, and get on with running and . You are destroying your credibility. It's just not a good look," Ruffalo tweeted. Ukraine's President warned against more potential Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, while the mayor of Kyiv urged residents to consider preparing to leave temporarily if the capital lost water and power supplies. Diplomacy U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan has held undisclosed talks with top Russian officials in hopes of reducing the risk the war in spills over or escalates into a nuclear conflict, the Wall Street Journal said. President Joe Biden's administration is privately encouraging Ukraineas leaders to signal an openness to negotiate with Russia and drop their public refusal to engage in peace talks unless President Vladimir Putin is removed from power, the Washington Post said. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, under fire for a Friday trip to Beijing with German chief executives, said his joint statement with Chinese President Xi Jinping opposing the use of nuclear weapons in had been reason enough for the visit. Ukraine's President spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday to discuss macro-financial aid for and further sanctions on Iran, Zelensky said. Iran acknowledged for the first time that it had supplied drones to Moscow, but said they were sent before the war in Ukraine, where Russia has used them to target power stations and civilian infrastructure. Fighting, Conflict Russia is suffering heavy losses in "fierce" attacks in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region and is preparing new assaults on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Zelensky said in nightly video remarks on Sunday. The Russian-installed administration in Ukraine's Kherson region said on Sunday a number of settlements, including Kherson city, had lost water and power supplies after what it called an act of "sabotage". Ukraine's army accused Russia on Sunday of the large-scale destruction of civilian vessels moored on the banks of the Dnipro River in the occupied southern region of Kherson that Kyiv's forces are trying to capture. Ukraine's Russian-held Nova Kakhovka dam was damaged in shelling by Ukrainian forces, Russian news agencies said on Sunday, citing emergency services, but gave no supporting evidence and Reuters could not immediately verify the reports. External power has been restored to Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant two days after it was disconnected from the power grid following damage to high-voltage lines from Russian shelling, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said. Economy Georgia is on course to become one of the world's fastest-growing economies this year, following a dramatic influx of more than 100,000 Russians since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and Vladimir Putin's mobilisation drive to drum up war recruits. (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.) President said must be punished for what he called its complicity in Russian terror and accused the regime in Tehran of helping to prolong the war and exacerbate its impact on food and energy supplies. If it was not for the Iranian supply of weapons to the aggressor, we would be closer to peace now, Zelensky said Sunday evening in his daily address. Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Zelensky on a telephone call that she will this week propose a financial aid package of as much as 18 billion ($17.9 billion) to help cover Ukraines needs into next year. Kyiv and six other regions in northern and central are meanwhile facing additional emergency blackouts on Monday due to the growing power shortage following Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. On the Ground Ukrainian forces repelled attacks over the past day near eight settlements in the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Ukraines General Staff said on . The countrys southern operational command said that three Russian munitions depots and a UAV control station were destroyed. Russian troops shelled the Nikopol district in the Dnipropetrovsk region overnight, local authorities said on . The UK said in its latest intelligence update that Russias continued lack of air superiority is likely exacerbated by poor training, loss of experienced crews, and heightened risks of conducting close air support and that this is unlikely to change in the next few months. (All times CET) Turkey, Asia buying banned Russian coal (9 a.m.) Europes hard ban on Russian coal imports, which came into effect on Aug. 10, has pushed rejected Russian coal cargoes to Turkey, India, China and Africa. Turkey, Asia Absorb Banned Russian Coal on Sale: BNEF Chart These coal cargoes are being sold at a significant discount compared to similar grade coal from other countries. In September, Turkey imported Russian thermal coal at $199 per metric ton, 23% lower than similar grade coal from Colombia, its next largest supplier. See the full BNEF research report here. Impounded Russian superyachts costing millions (8:30 a.m.) Seizing superyachts belonging to Russian oligarchs has been a public relations success for Western governments, but the legal and financial implications are complex. The vessels cost millions of dollars a year to maintain and some US and European taxpayers are footing the bill US, discussed avoiding escalation: WSJ (10:15 p.m.) US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and senior Russian counterparts have held talks in recent months on guarding against the risk of escalation and warn Moscow against using nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing US and allied officials. A settlement of the war in wasnt an aim of the discussions, according to the report. US President and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during a call on Sunday, affirmed continuous commitment towards supporting against Russia's aggression, the White House informed in a press release. As per the release, they affirmed their shared commitment to upholding the rules-based order, human rights and fair trade practices. The leaders underscored the continued commitment of both US and in providing with economic, humanitarian, and security support for defending itself against Russia's aggression. The two leaders agreed in calling Russia's recent nuclear threats 'irresponsible'. The release stated that the two leaders also discussed Scholz's recent trip to the People's Republic of China. Earlier on Friday, the German Chancellor became the first Group of Seven (G7) leader to visit China in about three years. The visit came in the backdrop of a shortage of semiconductors across the world, after the US banned the sale of advanced computer chips to China, escalating efforts to contain China's tech and military ambitions. Scholz visited China with a team of top executives implying that business with the world's second-largest economy must continue. The first visit by a G7 leader to China in roughly three years comes as slides towards recession. Last year, China was Germany's biggest trading partner for the sixth year in a row, with the value of trade up over 15 per cent from 2020, according to official statistics. Together, Chinese imports from, and exports to, were worth Euro 245 billion (USD 242 billion) in 2021. Meanwhile, the US is gearing up for the mid-term elections which are slated to take place in less than a week. US Midterm elections are the general elections that are held near the midpoint of a president's four-year term of office. Federal offices that are up for election during the midterms include all 435 seats in the US House of Representatives and 33 or 34 of the 100 seats in the US Senate. (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.) JPMorgan Chase & Co. CEO Jamie Dimon was in the hot seat. Deep into a seven-hour congressional hearing on Sept. 21, Representative Brad Sherman, a Democrat from California, pressed Dimon on whether his bank would sever ties with Russian companies including energy giant Gazprom PJSC. Banks like Dimons, Sherman argued, were exploiting a sanctions loophole to keep doing business in despite its invasion of Ukraine. We are following the instructions of the American government as they asked us to do it, Dimon responded before Sherman cut him off, setting his sights on Citigroup Inc.s Jane Fraser with a similar inquiry. The exchange put on display how the countrys largest banks are caught in the push-pull between the Biden administration and Congress on sanctions. Behind the scenes, the Treasury and State Departments have urged banking giants including JPMorgan and Citigroup to keep doing business with certain strategic Russian firms, according to people familiar with the situation. The quiet effort is part of the administrations push to minimize adverse impacts of the sanctions regime designed to punish . While some in Congress pound the table for stronger measures against Russia, the administration is trying to hinder Russias advances while avoiding a global economic catastrophe. Congress needs to understand this -- the US government has not imposed a comprehensive embargo with Russia, theres still pockets of business that are allowed, Nnedinma Ifudu Nweke, an attorney who specializes in US economic sanctions and trade embargoes at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, said in an interview. The Treasury Department will continue to have meetings to educate banks on those pockets of allowable transactions, especially in the humanitarian space, Nweke said. The Biden administration has repeatedly said it wants banks and businesses to keep the money flowing to non-sanctioned sectors of Russias economy. But the extent of its conversations with the banks hasnt been previously reported. Treasury and State Department officials have called on lenders to continue offering basic services such as US dollar settlement, payment transfers and trade finance offerings for those Russian companies exempt from certain aspects of sanctions such as Gazprom or fertilizer producers Uralkali PJSC or PhosAgro PJSC, the people said. The back and forth highlights the balance both banks and the government must maintain in denying President the money he needs to fund the invasion while stemming broader economic shocks. Banks are expected to enforce restrictions by denying services to sanctioned banks, people and entities, and can be punished with multibillion-dollar fines for failing to comply. At the same time, theyre also central to keeping money flowing around the globe, even as theyre largely retreating from . At Citigroup, executives have spent months scaling back operations in Russia, offloading derivatives and trimming its overall exposure to the country to $7.9 billion by Sept. 30, from $9.8 billion at the start of the year. Long before the invasion, Citigroup had announced it intended to exit consumer banking in Russia. In August the company said it would wind down those operations along with its commercial-banking division. Fraser followed that up with an announcement last month that Citigroup would also wind down its institutional operations in Russia. We have been supporting our multinational clients in Russia, Fraser said last month. We are now informing them that we will be ending nearly all of the institutional-banking services we offer by the end of the first quarter of next year. At that point, our only operations in Russia will be those necessary to fulfill our remaining legal and regulatory obligations. JPMorgan, similarly, began pulling back from most of its Russia operations after the invasion, though the company said limited activities would continue. Representatives for Citigroup and JPMorgan declined to comment, while a spokesperson for Shermans office didnt have comment when reached by phone. A Treasury Department spokesperson said the department has issued guidance to the banking industry to make sure that activities for humanitarian aid, energy and agriculture are authorized. Myriad Rules Its not just the US sanctions regime making life hard for the thousands of compliance staffers banks now employ. One senior bank executive described how the US government might encourage lenders to do business with a certain company but theyre hamstrung by the fact that that company has been sanctioned by the European Union instead. For the most part, the Treasury Departments efforts have been overseen by Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo and Liz Rosenberg, the assistant secretary for terrorist financing and financial crimes. The agency has also crafted Frequently Asked Questions pages to remind banks that some energy, grain, communications and other lines of business are exempt. Theyve also issued general licenses to make it even clearer to banks that those activities can continue. Still, banks have been cautious, subjecting most business touching even non-sanctioned Russian clients to a complex and lengthy review process. Thats driven the administration to encourage lenders to continue banking certain Russian companies as part of their efforts to avoid mass starvation across the planet. Food security for the world critically relies on these authorized transactions to continue, said Ambassador Jim OBrien, head of the State Departments Office of Sanctions Coordination. We continue to clarify and also to reassure banks and others involved in agricultural trade that they are not part of the sanctions regime. In one instance, the Office of Foreign Assets Control explicitly told banks it had not blocked PhosAgro, Europes biggest manufacturer of phosphate fertilizers. Instead, the agency urged: As a general matter, agricultural and medical trade are not the target of sanctions imposed by the United States on Russia in response to its unprovoked and brutal war against Ukraine. The US and its allies use of the financial system as the sanctions method of choice has thrust global banks onto the front lines of enforcing the myriad measures against Russia. The firms have had regular discussions with the Biden administration since before the invasion in February. JPMorgan played its part in the implementation of the Western worlds policies and sanctions regarding Russia, Dimon wrote in his annual shareholder letter in April. Of course, we are following both the letter of the law and the spirit of all the American and allied sanctions, working hand in hand with governments to implement complex policies and directives, and then some. Managing this has been an enormous undertaking. Humanitarian Transactions The maneuvering hits at a new dynamic in sanctioning what was the worlds 11th-largest economy: Russias connectivity in multiple global markets, including being a major player in commodities and agriculture. That differs from previous sanctions regimes such as those against North Korea, which wasnt integrated into the global financial system, or Iran, where the measures were more narrow. Take Russia and Ukraines role in the global food supply. Together, they export more than a quarter of the worlds wheat, 70% of the planets sunflower oil and 14% of the globes corn, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity. Since the invasion, food prices have climbed, with the Kremlin blaming Western sanctions. The goal is never for the population to suffer, Nweke said. The goal is never for the ordinary Russian to suffer. And so, the US policies I think will continue to have to find ways to continue to encourage humanitarian transactions and we need the banks to do that. --With assistance from Daniel Flatley. On YoY basis, total vehicle retail for the month of October 2022 saw a growth of 48%, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) said its release today, 7 November 2022. All the categories closed in green. 2W, 3W, PV, Trac and CV were up by 51%, 66%, 41%, 17% and 25% respectively. When compared with October 2019, a pre-covid month, total vehicle retails for the first time closed in green with an increase of 8%. Except 3W which saw a marginal dip of - 0.6%, all the other categories were in green with 2W, PV, Trac and CV growing by 6%, 18%, 47% and 13%. During the 42 days festive period, total vehicle retails were up 28% YoY. All categories were in green with 2W, 3W, PC, Trac and CV growing by 26%, 66%, 28%, 33% & 28% respectively. As anticipated earlier, this turns out to be the best festive period for PV segment which showed an increase of 2% when compared to 2020 festivals, the earlier best. When compared to pre-covid festive of 2019, overall retails were up by 6%. All the categories were in green with 2W, 3W, CV, PV and Trac growing by 2%, 2%, 14%, 18% and 55% respectively. 2022 Festive season turned out to be the best in last 4 years, the FADA statement said. Manish Raj Singhania said, "Auto Retail for the month of October'22 saw an overall growth of 48%. With most of the month under festive period, the sentiments were extremely positive across all categories of Dealership outlets. Even when compared to pre-covid month of 2019, overall retails for the first time closed in green by growing 8%. Except 3W, which saw a marginal dip of -0.6% all the other categories like 2W, PV, Trac and CV grew by 6%, 18%, 47% and 13% respectively. Festive'22 brings cheers to the Auto Industry as for the first time customers of every category came out in good numbers and took part in festive purchases thus making it the best in last 4 years. As anticipated earlier, PV segment saw the best year in a decade by outgrowing 2020 numbers by 2%. When compared to pre-covid festive of 2019, overall retails were up by 6%. All the categories were in green with 2W, 3W, CV, PV and Trac growing by 2%, 2%, 14%, 18% and 55% respectively. The 2W segment showed a huge growth of 51% YoY and for the first time, 6% compared to Oct'19, a pre-covid year. With both Navratri and Deepawali majorly falling in a single month, the month of October saw double foot fall at Dealerships. Dealers say that sentiments have also started improving at the rural level but the same needs to sustain for at least next 3-4 months. Apart from this, new launches and good customer schemes also played a pivotal role in helping revival in demand. The 3W segment showed a massive growth of 66% YoY but was marginally below the red line in 2019 by de-growing -0.6%. The sub-category figures clearly show that shift is happening towards EV adoption while ICE vehicles are no more favourites. In few pockets due to permit issues, new vehicle sales have taken a hit during the month. The PV segment showed a growth of 41% YoY and 18% when compared to 2019. PV segment continues to see extremely high demand especially in SUV and Compact SUV segments including higher variants in most of the product categories. With better vehicle availability coupled with new launches, the segment also witnessed the best Festive Period in a decade by surpassing 2020 festival sale by 2%. The CV segment continues to come back on track by growing 25% YoY and 13% compared to 2019. Festivities ignited better fleet sales. With Mining and Infrastructure projects increasing in various regions, demand has been keeping well and is also coming back on track." For near term outlook, FADA said that with festivities ending, the immediate next month generally witnesses a certain amount of softness in sales. Hence, it remains cautious as the auto industry approaches the year end period. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bank of Baroda jumped 10.58% to Rs 159.85 after the bank's net profit surged 58.7% to Rs 3,313.42 crore on 13.86% rise in total income to Rs 23080.03 crore in Q2 FY23 over Q2 FY22. The PSU bank's profit before tax soared 51.01% to Rs 4,403.49 crore in Q2 FY23 from Rs 2,915.97 crore recorded in same period last year. Net Interest Income (NII) jumped 34.5% to Rs 10,174 crore in Q2 FY23 as against Rs 7,566 crore posted in Q2 FY22. Global NIM improved to 3.33% as on 30 September 2022 from 2.85% as of 30 September 2021. The bank's provisions and contingencies dropped 40.9% to Rs 1,628 crore in Q2 FY23 as compared to Rs 2,754 crore reported in the corresponding quarter previous year. On the asset quality front, the bank's gross non-performing assets (NPAs) stood at Rs 46,374.44 crore in Q2 FY23 as against Rs 52,590.83 crore in Q1 FY23 and Rs 59,503.82 crore in Q2 FY22. The gross NPA ratio improved to 5.31% in Q2 FY23 from 6.26% in Q1 FY23 and 8.11% in Q2 FY22. The net NPA ratio improved to 1.16 % in Q2 FY23 as compared with 1.58% in Q1 FY23 and 2.83% in Q2 FY22. The provision coverage ratio of the bank stood at 91.73% including TWO and 79.14% excluding TWO in Q2 FY23. Slippage ratio declined to 1.77% for Q2 FY23 as compared with 3.22% reported in Q2 FY22. Credit cost for Q2 FY23 stoood at 0.79%. Domestic deposits increased by 10.9% YoY to Rs 9,58,967 crore and domestic advances improved to Rs 7,16,737 crore, registering a growth of more than 15%. Overall domestic CASA reported a growth of 9.2% YoY while domestic CASA ratio decreased by 69 bps YoY to 42.77% in Q2 FY23. Organic Retail loan portfolio of the bank grew by 28.4% led by growth in Personal loan portfolio by 172.8%, Auto loan by 29.2%, Education loan by 23.2%, Home loan by 19% on a YoY basis. Agriculture loan portfolio grew by 14.1 % YoY to Rs 1, 14,964 crore. Total Gold loan portfolio (including retail and agri.) stood at Rs 33,502 crore, registering a growth of 27.8% on a YoY basis. Organic micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) portfolio grew by 13.4% YoY to Rs 1,01,278 crore. Cost of deposits stood at 3.59% in Q2 FY23 as against 3.52% posted in the same period last year. The bank's return on assets (RoA) (annualised) improved to 1.01% in Q2 FY23 from 0.73% reported in Q2 FY22. Return on equity (RoE) (annualised) increased by 554 bps YoY to 19.56% in Q2 FY23 over Q2 FY22. CRAR of the bank was at 15.25% in September 2022 from 15.55% in September 2021. Tier-I stood at 12.81% (CET-1 at 10.95%, AT1 at 1.86%) and Tier-II stood at 2.44% as of September 2022. Bank of Baroda is one of India's largest banks with a strong domestic presence spanning 8,161 branches and 11,461 ATMs and cash recyclers supported by self-service channels. The bank has a significant international presence with a network of 94 overseas offices spanning 17 countries. As of 30 September 2022, Government of India held 63.97% stake in the bank. The counter hit a 52-week high of Rs 161.75 in intraday today. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) To develop Indigenous Communication-based Train Control System Bharat Electronics signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for jointly developing the Indigenous Communication-based Train Control System (i-CBTC), an important milestone in India's journey towards self-reliance in Rail and Metro operations. i-CBTC, being indigenously developed for the first time in India, will enable unmanned operations of metro and trains. It is a big leap forward in the field ofmetro and rail automation and will give a boost to the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' mission of the Government of India. The project is being carried out under the ambit of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India. The MoU aims at leveraging the complementary strengths and capabilities of BEL and DMRC. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Britannia Industries Ltd is quoting at Rs 4147.95, up 9.04% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The stock is up 11.57% in last one year as compared to a 0.33% jump in NIFTY and a 13.98% jump in the Nifty Financial Services index. Britannia Industries Ltd is up for a third straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 4147.95, up 9.04% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 0.07% on the day, quoting at 18129. The Sensex is at 60898.86, down 0.08%. Britannia Industries Ltd has gained around 9.22% in last one month. Meanwhile, Nifty Financial Services index of which Britannia Industries Ltd is a constituent, has gained around 2.84% in last one month and is currently quoting at 44509.55, up 0.11% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 23.95 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 2.2 lakh shares in last one month. The benchmark November futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 4169.5, up 8.94% on the day. Britannia Industries Ltd is up 11.57% in last one year as compared to a 0.33% jump in NIFTY and a 13.98% jump in the Nifty Financial Services index. The PE of the stock is 62.76 based on TTM earnings ending June 22. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Canara Bank is quoting at Rs 308.05, up 3.69% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The stock is up 26.12% in last one year as compared to a 0.33% spurt in NIFTY and a 22.38% spurt in the Nifty Pharma index. Canara Bank is up for a third straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 308.05, up 3.69% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 0.07% on the day, quoting at 18129. The Sensex is at 60898.86, down 0.08%. Canara Bank has risen around 35.32% in last one month. Meanwhile, Nifty Pharma index of which Canara Bank is a constituent, has risen around 23.52% in last one month and is currently quoting at 3532.55, up 4.5% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 184.15 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 159.92 lakh shares in last one month. The benchmark November futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 308.6, up 3.47% on the day. Canara Bank is up 26.12% in last one year as compared to a 0.33% spurt in NIFTY and a 22.38% spurt in the Nifty Pharma index. The PE of the stock is 6.23 based on TTM earnings ending September 22. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is headed to Moscow on Monday (7 November) for a two-day bilateral visit. During the visit, EAM will meet his counterpart, H. E. Sergey Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation. Discussions are expected to cover the entire range of bilateral issues as well as exchange of views on various regional and international developments. EAM will also meet Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Minister of Trade and Industry, H. E. Denis Manturov, his counterpart for the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC). Issues pertaining to bilateral economic cooperation in various domains will be discussed. The visit will be in continuation of the regular high-level dialogue between the two sides. EAM had last visited Russia in July 2021 followed by visit of the Russian Foreign Minister to New Delhi in April 2022. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Christopher has over two decades of IT and Telecommunications experience in USA, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The Indian IT, consulting and business process services company announced the appointment of Christopher Smith as the managing director for Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ). Christopher joins from Telstra, where he was the group owner of Telstra Purple, the largest Australian owned technology services company. "Chris has joined us during an exciting phase of transformation in the APMEA growth journey. He will focus on Wipro's ambition to help our clients, people, and communities in A/NZ realize their boldest ambitions in an inclusive and purpose-driven way. I am confident that his global experience, deep local market knowledge, impressive track record in hyper growth, and client relationships will position Wipro strongly," said Anis Chenchah, member of the Wipro executive board and chief executive officer, APMEA (Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa), Wipro. Christopher holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and an Executive MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM). Wipro has been operating in Australia for over 20 years and focused on delivering sustained long-term value for our clients, partners, employees and the broader communities in which we operate. Most recently, Wipro was recognized by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer in Australia, for 2022, for the third consecutive year. Wipro is a leading technology services and consulting company focused on building innovative solutions that address clients' most complex digital transformation needs. Wipro's consolidated net profit rose 3.72% to Rs 2,659 crore on 4.7% increase in revenue form operations to Rs 22,539.7 crore in Q2 FY23 over Q1 FY23. On a year on year (YoY) basis, the IT firm's net profit declined 9.27% while revenue jumped 14.6% in Q2 FY23. Shares of Wipro rose 0.51% to Rs 390.65 on Friday, 4 November 2022. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 68.64 crore in Q2 FY23, up by 112.8% from Rs 32.25 crore in Q2 FY22. Net sales rose by 28.6% YoY to Rs 792.83 crore during the quarter. Total expenses increased by 23.4% to Rs 714.73 crore in Q2 FY23 over Q2 FY22, due to higher raw material costs (up 29.5% YoY), higher employee expenses (up 11.5% YoY) and higher other expenses (up 10.6% YoY). Finance costs zoomed to Rs 2.13 crore in Q2 FY23 from Rs 0.44 crore in Q2 FY22. Profit before tax in Q2 FY23 stood at Rs 90.30 crore, which is higher by 100.9% as compared with Rs 44.95 crore recorded in the same period last year. ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India offers a 'one-stop-shop' for commercial vehicle industry. It is India's market leader for advanced braking systems, conventional braking products and related air assisted technologies and systems in India. In March this year, ZF secured all required approvals for ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India to become the new name for WABCO India. WABCO became part of the ZF Group in May 2020 following ZF's successful acquisition of the company. The scrip shed 0.26% to currently trade at Rs 9892.15 on the BSE. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After completion of the foot march in southern states, Congress' Bharat Jodo Yatra led by party leader will enter on Monday. The yatra has already covered parts of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Now, will enter on Monday evening at Madnur Naka in Degloor of Nanded district. The Committee has made elaborate arrangements. They are trying to get massive success in Maharashtra too. and other delegations will start the march around 10 pm with a torch and Ekta Mashal. During his 14-day journey in the State, the former president will walk 381 km through 15 Assembly and six parliamentary constituencies. For massive outreach, Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar will join the yatra on November 8. Pawar will only walk less than a mile because he has been undergoing treatment at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai. Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray and former minister Aaditya Thackeray are yet to confirm their schedule; both are likely to join Rahul Gandhi in his yatra. Arvind Sawant and Manisha Kayande will join the yatra from Udhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena. Many big congress leaders will be joining the Bharat Jodo Yatra including Nana Patole, Balasaheb Thorat, Bhaijagtap, Ashok Chavan and others. Bharat Jodo Yatra, which began on September 7 from Kanyakumari, will cover a further distance of 2,355 km in its 3,570-km march. It will end in Kashmir next year. It is the longest march on foot by any Indian politician in the history of India, the Congress claimed earlier in a statement. Bharat Jodo Yatra is getting support from various political parties and social organizations across the country and the response is increasing day by day. In Maharashtra too, the NCP and Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) have agreed to participate in the yatra, adding to its importance. 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. The arrangements have been made keeping in view the intense heat and humidity with the change of places. 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. (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.) The on Monday welcomed the verdict upholding the validity of providing 10 per cent reservation to people belonging to the economically weaker sections and said the amendment providing for it was the result of a process initiated by the Manmohan Singh government. The Opposition party also said the Modi government is yet to clarify its position on an updated caste census. In a landmark verdict, the by a majority view of 3:2 upheld the validity of the 103rd Constitution amendment providing 10 per cent reservation to people belonging to the economically weaker sections (EWS) in admissions and government jobs. In a statement, general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the welcomes the judgment upholding the 103rd Constitutional Amendment that provides for the 10 per cent reservation quota for Economically Weaker Sections belonging to castes other than Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs. "The amendment itself was the result of a process initiated by Dr Manmohan Singh's government in 2005-06 with the appointment of the Sinho Commission that submitted its report in July 2010. Thereafter, widespread consultations were held and the Bill was ready by 2014. It took the Modi Sarkar five years to get the Bill enacted," he said. Ramesh said socio-economic and caste census was completed by 2012, when he was the Union rural development minister, and the Modi government is yet to clarify its position on an updated caste census, something the Congress supports and demands. The apex court ruled that the quota does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution. A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice U U Lalit pronounced four separate verdicts on 40 petitions challenging the validity of the 103rd Constitution amendment promulgated by the Centre in 2019. While Justices Dinesh Maheshwari, Bela M Trivedi and J B Pardiwala upheld the law, Justice S Ravindra Bhat along with the Chief Justice of India shot down the same in their minority view. (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.) Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar on Sunday said that he would not appear before the (ED) on Monday in connection with the as he has to participate in a party worker's birthday event. "I will not appear before ED on November 7, will be participating in a party worker's birthday event," said Shivakumar. Earlier on Saturday, the Karnataka Congress chief said that he would be taking a decision on whether or not he will be appearing before the probe agency as he is occupied with the party National President's programme on that day. The investigative agency summoned the Congress veteran and his brother DK Suresh to appear before the agency. "My brother and I have been summoned. I am looking at it. I am occupied with our national president's programs on Nov 7. I will take a decision on it," the Karnataka Congress chief had said. The senior Congress leader has been asked to appear at the Delhi headquarters of the federal agency, which conducts probes into financial crimes. On October 7, the ED recorded the statement of Shivakumar and his MP brother DK Suresh for over four hours in connection with the national herald money laundering case. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi had also been questioned earlier in the case. The statements of Shivakumar and his brother were recorded while the Congress's ongoing 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' was passing through Karnataka. After his questioning by the ED last month, Shivakumar told reporters that he was asked 'a lot of questions' about Young Indian (the company that owns National Herald), his family members and institutions linked to him. "I did not carry the relevant documents and agreed to send them (to the ED) by email as soon as possible," the 60-year-old KPCC president had said. Shivakumar had also appeared before the ED on September 19 in Delhi where he was questioned with regard to another money laundering case linked to the alleged possession of disproportionate assets. The working president of Telangana Congress J Geeta Reddy and a few other party leaders have also been questioned by the agency with regard to alleged similar transactions made by them in the past. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and other senior Congress leaders such as current national party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Pawan Bansal have also been questioned by the ED over the last few months in the National Herald money laundering case. The Gandhis are the majority shareholders of Young Indian. Shivakumar had been in the ED's crosshairs since being arrested by the agency on September 3, 2019, following multiple rounds of questioning in a case that emerged from action by the Income Tax department against him. However, the Delhi High Court granted him bail in October of that year. However, in May this year, the agency filed a chargesheet against him and some others linked to him in the case. The case was registered after taking cognizance of a chargesheet (prosecution complaint) filed by the income tax department against them in 2018 before a special court in Bengaluru on charges of alleged tax evasion and hawala transactions worth crores. The I-T department has accused Shivakumar and his alleged associates of allegedly transporting huge amounts of unaccounted cash on a regular basis through 'hawala' channels with the help of three other accused. (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.) Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has barred two Malayalam channels from his press meet at Kochi on Monday. The Governor asked the reporters from Kairali News and Media One channels to leave the place and shouted that he will not meet these two channels, accusing them of "masquerading" as political persons. Asking them to go out, he said "I considered the media as very important. I have always responded to the media but I am not now able to persuade myself to those that masquerade as media. They are not media, they are masquerading as media but are basically political persons. "There are actually members of a party here. So, if anybody from these channels is attending the press meeting, please leave. I would walk away if there are correspondents from Kairali and Media One. I had categorically mentioned that I will not talk to Kairali and Media One," he added. The press meet was held at the guest house in Kochi today morning. Earlier on October 24, Raj Bhavan barred four Malayalam channels including both these channels from attending a press meet of the Governor. Kairali News is the channel of ruling CPI (M). Besides, a Malayalam satellite channel Media One is facing a ban from the central government over security clearance issues. The Supreme Court last week reserved its judgement on the plea of Media One against the ban. In an interim order in March, the SC had allowed the channel to continue its broadcast. (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.) Leaders from different political parties and those who led the 2015 Patidar quota agitation in Gujarat on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court's decision upholding the validity of 10 per cent reservation to the economically weaker sections in admissions and government jobs. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who is the Congress's senior observer for the upcoming Gujarat elections, said the apex court judgement will help the poor people get justice. In a landmark verdict, the by a majority view of 3:2 on Monday upheld the validity of the 103rd Constitution amendment providing 10 per cent reservation to people belonging to the economically weaker sections (EWS) in admissions and government jobs. The court said the quota does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution. A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice U U Lalit pronounced four separate verdicts on 40 petitions challenging the validity of the 103rd Constitution amendment promulgated by the Centre in 2019. Gehlot said the Rajasthan cabinet had for the first time in the country passed a resolution for reservation for the economically weaker sections when he was the chief minister of the state and (BJP leader) Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister. "Committees were formed and at last this led to the (103rd) constitutional amendment. I welcome the judgement. This will help the poor get justice. Our spirit should be that a poor person, irrespective of which community he belongs to, gets justice," Gehlot told reporters in Vadodara. BJP leader and Gujarat's former deputy chief minister Nitin Patel said the SC verdict will put an end to the agitations that were seen in the past in many states including Gujarat. "The provisions (of 10 per cent EWS quota) upheld by the will strengthen the country's unity. The entire country is happy about this. I also welcome the verdict," he said. BJP leader Hardik Patel, the former convener of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti that led the community's agitation for the reservation in 2015, said members of 68 communities will get the quota benefits. "The decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been upheld by the Supreme Court. Members of 68 communities will get benefits in education and jobs. I feel proud that people will be benefited by our (quota) agitation," Patel said. Aam Aadmi Party's Gujarat president Gopal Italia also welcomed the apex court's verdict and said a demand for the same was led by the Patidar community members and the state's youth like Alpesh Kathiriya, now an AAP leader. Italia said the demand for reservation to the EWS candidates was made by people from different parts of the country and it was led by the Patidar youth in Gujarat through the agitation in 2015. "This was the demand of the whole country and it was led by the Patidar community and youth like Alpesh Kathiriya. I welcome this judgment of the Supreme Court and congratulate beneficiaries of the 10 per cent reservation," he said. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Reshma Patel, who had participated in the Patidar quota agitation, also welcomed the verdict. "The verdict adds an extra virtue to the outcome of the struggle of the Patidar youth in Gujarat. A large section of people from the economically backward section will benefit from the judgment and 10 per cent EWS reservation," she said. (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.) New Delhi [India], November 7 (ANI/PNN): DS Spiceco, a part of the DS Group, has launched a new campaign for Catch Salts & Spices, highlighting its new positioning #Kyunki Khana Sirf Khana Nahi Hota. Conceptualized by Dentsu Creative, the campaign highlights the thought that food encompasses a plethora of creations- memories, bonds, tradition and values, thereby bringing the brand closer to a consumer's daily life. The brand has roped in Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar to beautifully establish this concept and further emphasize on the underlying thought that food is a language which is used to express a myriad of emotions. "We Indians not just enjoy food, we relish it. I am pleased to be a part of the brand, Catch Salts & Spices, and its new campaign. Food for me, has always held a larger meaning. It is a delight to portray this emotion on screen," said Akshay Kumar. On the occasion, Bhumi Pednekar reiterated, "Catch Salts & Spices has become a household name with its wide range of products. I believe that the way to someone's heart is through food and hence resonate with the thought of Kyunki Khana Sirf Khana Nahi Hota". Commenting on the campaign, Sandeep Ghosh, Business Head, DS Spiceco Pvt. Ltd., said, "Spices are the soul of the Indian cuisine. We as a brand want to own the consumers' kitchen with our range of spices. The new campaign would bring out different nuances of consumer's interactions with food. I am delighted to welcome Akshay and Bhumi, who have elevated our proposition with their performance". On the thought behind the campaign, Ajay Gahlaut, Group Chief Creative Officer, Dentsu Creative, said, "For us food is more than just fuel for the body, often it's how we express ourselves and how we show care for each other. It is about the bonding and conversations that happen over food. That's the thought behind this campaign, and I am thrilled to see it finally come to life". "Catch Salts & Spices is a progressive brand which is known for its premium quality and wide range of products and is now trying to adopt a new positioning which delves in to consumer's deep bonding with food. I can already see this breaking the clutter in the sea of sameness in the competitive landscape" said, Ajit Devraj, President, Dentsu Creative North. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mq4fvwqlms) (https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckf9wvTujEU) (https://www.facebook.com/akshaykumarofficial/videos/881666383248299/?extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-AN_GK0T-GK1C) The film opens with a playful duel between a husband and wife and things get heated as the wife gets to know that the cook will be on a leave on Sunday. Akshay Kumar the caring husband cooks for his wife, Bhumi Pednekar to rescue the day. The film ends with the thought "Kyunki Khana Sirf Khana Nahi Hota, Kabhi Nonk Jhonk, Kabhi Pyar Bhi Hota Hai" highlighting that how good food can create moments worth treasuring. This ad film is the first in the multi-film campaign, with each TVC executed on the core thought of the campaign. Catch Salts & Spices plans to roll out a 360-degree campaign around this with a series of films, POS, OOH and digital. Catch Salts & Spices made its debut in 1987 with the launch of path breaking tabletop salt dispenser and the brand has since grown to encapsulate the very essence of Indian cooking that ranges from whole, straight spices to myriad blends that entrap the exotic aromas and render the essential flavors to the master pieces created in the kitchens. Catch spices has an enviable range of spices, sprinklers and pastes; across eight categories and is today a household name, synonymous to quality and innovation. Agency: Dentsu Creative Client: DS Spiceco Pvt. Ltd. Brand: Catch Spices Production House: Chrome Pictures Director: Hemant Bhandari Producer: Abhishek Notani Creative Team: Ajay Gehlot, Group Chief Creative Officer Anupama Ramaswamy - ex-Managing Partner Shibangi Ghosh, Creative Supervisor Business Team: Ajit Devraj, President, Dentsu Creative North Hindol Purkayastha - Executive Vice President Navin Singh - Vice President Lalit Bisht, Director Strategic Planning: Hina Kataria - Vice President Films Department: Suprotim Dey - Technical Consultant (Films Production) Aamir Khan - Associate Director Swapnil Kulkarni - Agency Producer Catch Brand Team: Rajeev Jain, Arnab Ghatak Choudhury, Abhishek Chaudhry, Abhishek Ranjan, Manoj Tiwari, Geet Kiran The DS Group (Dharampal Satyapal Group) is a Multi-Business Corporation and one of the leading FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) conglomerate with strong Indian and International presence. Founded in the year 1929, it is an inspiring and successful business story that blends a remarkable history and legacy with visionary growth. The Group's portfolio is extensive and diverse with presence in Mouth Freshener, Food and Beverage, Confectionery, Hospitality, Agri, Luxury Retail, Tobacco businesses and also other investments. Rajnigandha, Catch, Pulse, FRU, Maze, Ksheer, Pass Pass, BABA, Tulsi, L'Opera, Le Marche, Birthright, The Manu Maharani and Namah are some of the leading brands, the Group proudly shelters today. This story has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content in this article. (ANI/PNN) New Delhi [India], November 7 (ANI/BusinessWire India): D2C Ecommerce, a homegrown multi-brand e-commerce platform has acquired leading personal care D2C brand 'Luxura Sciences'. Through this acquisition, D2C Ecommerce will expand in personal care and beauty segment, strengthen Luxura Sciences' product offerings by investing in newer categories and foray into global markets including US, UK, Middle East, South East Asia and Europe. D2C E-commerce had recently announced leading actress Rakul Preet Singh as brand ambassador for its fashion jewellery brand 'AccessHer'. Luxura Sciences was established in 2018 by serial entrepreneur Mohd. Suaid Ahmed. Luxura's natural personal care range is made with pure ingredients to restore and maintain overall health of the hair, skin and body. Luxura's natural, herbal products are produced by using time tested therapeutic methods of Ayurveda, the world's oldest holistic wellness science. Luxura harnesses the goodness of nature to restore the body's imbalance; and uses only genuine ingredients & rare blends which are free from harmful chemicals & toxins. Currently, Luxura Sciences has over 100 personal care products listed across various renowned e-commerce platforms such as - Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho & Nykaa and will now also be available on (https://www.d2csale.com). The brand has wide product range across skin care, hair care, essential oils and herbal extracts which include hair oil, shampoo, conditioner, hair pack, face pack, serums, cleansers, moisturizers, etc. Luxura Sciences was the first brand to introduce onion hair oil for Indian consumers way back in 2018. Luxura Sciences' multipurpose onion hair oil, shampoo and conditioner are formulated with natural blends of organic oils & extracts that provide all the needed vitamins, proteins and antioxidants that the scalp needs for healthy hair growth. Commenting on the acquisition announcement, Manish Gupta CEO and Founder, D2C Ecommerce expressed, "Luxura Sciences is a pioneer in natural personal care segment and has already made a mark for itself in the nascent online D2C space. Both D2C Ecommerce and Luxura Sciences adhere to the same vision and want to provide the best quality products to the Indian consumers at affordable prices. This partnership gives us an opportunity of entering into fast growing personal care and beauty segment. The consumers are increasingly preferring new age natural personal products. With Luxura Sciences research based products, we are confident of catering to various consumer needs in beauty segment and also scale the business to newer heights by leveraging our existing capabilities." Mohd. Suaid Ahmed, Founder of Luxura Sciences stated, "Luxura Sciences has been changing the way you shop for personal care and beauty by providing a combination of natural, vegan ingredients with high end, clean non-organics. With Luxura Sciences you no longer need to choose between health and performance, you can have both. Luxura Sciences products are hugely popular and has a great brand following amongst consumers. By partnering with D2C Ecommerce we can now cater to a wider audience both in India and overseas as well as introduce new innovative products." With this acquisition, Suaid Ahmed will now be part of the core team at D2C Ecommerce, and will be actively involved in expanding the product range and scaling up D2C Ecommerce's operations in India and across the globe. This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India) Panchkula (Haryana) [India], November 7 (ANI/BusinessWire India): India's leading B2B pharma portal, PharmaHopers has developed a successful online pharmaceutical business ecosystem. It connects more than 200+ pharmaceutical companies through its online marketplace, where pharma franchise companies, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and exports meet the needs of one another with services and product ranges they need. The B2B Business portal also has (https://www.pharmahopers.com/pharma/herbal-and-ayurvedic-product) Ayurvedic PCD Companies, (https://www.pharmahopers.com/pharma/cosmetics-dermacare-franchise) Derma PCD Companies, and Nutraceuticals companies. According to PharmaHopers, it is providing a common platform for companies to do business with ease and compete with the pharma giants. Today PharmaHopers had become an obvious choice for Pharma Companies and majorly for investors who are looking for reliable Pharma manufacturers and the Best PCD pharma franchise companies to start their business. The B2B Pharmaceutical Marketplace, states that they carry the trust of suppliers, companies, and common people who are looking for a genuine brand to do business with. The newly established pharma companies or small-scale companies are relying on PharmaHopers for their better digital exposure. Small businesses get a wide customer base and accelerate their marketing initiatives with the help of PharmaHopers. Demand for Pharma Franchise & Pharma Manufacturing Business Report on Statista claims that the Pharmaceutical Industry is one of the most profitable and fastest-growing economies in the world. Since the year 2017, this industry has grown at an annual rate of 5.8 per cent. In the year 2020 alone pharma industry had sales of more than $1228.45 billion and the worldwide revenue of this market will cross 1500 Billion US dollars in the coming year. As per Indian Band Equity Foundation, Indian Pharmaceutical industry has contributed a lot to the worldwide growth of the pharmaceutical market. India accounts for around 60 per cent of vaccines and 50 to 70 per cent demand of WHO for Tetanus and Pertussis (DPT), Diphtheria, and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccines and the list goes on. The other fuelling the pharma market growth is the role of wholesale distributors and Pharma Franchise businesses in the Supply Chain. While most big pharma giants have their distributors which ensure the availability and market exposure for the companies small and medium-sized enterprises rely on the pharma franchise or PCD (Propaganda - cum - distributors). Today, PCD Pharma Franchise has drawn the attention of many pharma distributors, wholesalers, and other pharma professionals. An expert at PharmaHopers said while explaining the demand for Pharma PCD Franchises, "Pharma Franchise Business model provides distributors with more profit margin for the sale of medicine as compared to the company's distributors. Not only this, the pharma franchise allows individuals to work independently with multiple companies in various segments. Many companies provide their franchise associates with promotional support which is helpful for them." Need for creating one pharma B2B Marketplace Explained by PharmaHopers Here are three major reasons for the launch of PharmaHopers explained by the PharmaHopers: - "Our thorough analysis took place when we do not notice a good online awareness of several pharmaceutical companies providing franchise opportunities and medications. From our B2B portal, one can obtain leads at a market-leading and inexpensive cost." - "Considering online awareness as an essential element, most pharma franchise companies are now focusing on raising their brand awareness online. However, they are not making the best use of the resources due to poor management which might give strength to their business. Thus, choosing PharmaHopers will help them in getting access to authentic resources with the assistance of our experts, thereby increasing conversion." - "We have observed it in businesses that are at the threshold to gain significant web exposure at a rapid pace, but owing to the small team size, they miss the chance to turn that lead into your customer. Here at PharmaHopers, we have a large team of experienced professionals who altogether aim to strengthen your business and serve seekers with genuine customers." PharmaHopers Work Model The model aims to grow business by connecting buyers and sellers in the marketplace. This B2B portal has curated a list of different categories that will assist the buyers or interested parties to make an appropriate choice, as well as the seller, to acquire the right lead. The attraction and captivation of buyers to the portal are ascertained due to the utilization of the latest digital marketing strategies which majorly consist of paid and free adverts on top-known search engines and social media platforms. From the perspective of the buyers, the company states it has indexed India's best pharmaceutical companies, third-party pharma manufacturers, and other diverse product segments to assure that they find the most trustworthy and reliable companies. On the other hand, from the perspective of the sellers, the company claims reassure the legitimacy of the enquires they are receiving from the buyers. Aside from that, access to a log-in panel is given to each company where they may regularly watch new leads and make a choice based on their vacant regions, which is also from the seller's perspective. Conclusion Today PharmaHopers is a success story of sheer determination, hard work, and aim to help business get access to the large Pharma markets. It won't be wrong to say PharmaHopers has become one-stop solution for all kinds of pharma business needs. With option like price comparisons, lead management, business procurements, online storefront, PharmaHopers is striving to help businesses thrive. This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India) For hundreds of people who worked at as recently as Friday, the bitter reality will take a while to sink in. But for Elon Musk, it made perfect business sense. He had dropped hints on mass lay-offs soon after taking over the San Francisco-based company. But the planets richest man is facing backlash for unceremoniously expelling so many people. So is Musk setting a new trend where owners can brush aside the HR rulebook and write their own edicts? The mystery of missing $12 billion from India-China bilateral trade is as engrossing as the ongoing developments at . China said that its trade with India touched $103 billion in the first nine months of 2022. But India says that it is $91 billion. So who is right? Moving on, financial displayed tremendous resilience and ended with steady gains last week even as global central bankers raised rates. In the week ahead, will focus on the last leg of Q2 results and macro-economic data for further cues on direction. Financial respond positively to free trade agreements. Australia recently said that the free trade agreement with India has been tabled in its parliament, and is likely to be passed soon. But what is a free trade agreement? Listen to this episode of the podcast to find out. Experts were baffled when trade data from India and China showed a mismatch of $12 billion. China said its trade with India touched $103 billion in the first nine months of 2022. But India said that its bilateral trade with the Asian giant stood at $91 billion. Yes, you heard that right: $12 billion dollars, unaccounted. Data from Chinas General Administration of Customs showed that the countrys exports to India stood at $89.99 billion till September. According to India's figure, the imports from China were worth $79.16 billion. This shows a gap of over $10 billion. Similarly, a gap of $2 billion was noted in the data on exports from India. Indias data showed exports to China worth $12 billion, while Chinas corresponding data showed a figure of $13.97 billion. According to a financial daily, China pegged the trade deficit between the two countries at $75.67 billion. India says it was $67.17 billion, bringing the difference to over $8 billion. Experts point out that in bilateral trade, the export numbers for one country hardly ever match. Bishwajit Dhar, Economics Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, explains. Bishwajit Dhar, Professor, Economics, Jawaharlal Nehru University says, trade figures in bilateral trade hardly match. Exports are done on the face value of the products or Free on Board. Imports include CIF (Costs, Insurance and freight) values However, the FoB-CIF discrepancies cannot account for the kind of discrepancies that have surfaced in the recent trade data. Experts say that this gap is caused by systemic corruption, primarily the act of under-invoicing of shipments. Dhar of Jawaharlal Nehru University says, traders on both sides are not reporting the true value. Trade values can be under-reported or over-reported. However, Dr Jayant Dasgupta, former Indian Ambassador to the WTO, thinks that while under-invoicing can surely be a factor, it might not be enough to account for such a huge difference. Instead, he points to yet another possibility. While imports are collected on the basis of entry into Indian ports, export data is collected on the basis of products leaving China, he says. There will be a slight delay in calculating the two data Whether it be a gap in calculating the imports and export data, or systemic malpractice, what kind of regulatory measures can be taken to put a check on these? Dhar says, the G20 should take initiative. India is likely to take up G20 presidency soon, he says adding that India should impress G20 members to increase their efforts. Dasgupta disagrees though. He says, it's not the domain of G20. It should be dealt by world customs organisations. Customs authorities should discuss and mutually come up with a solution Perhaps a more digital response can work? Dasgupta says, India should move to a system of complete automation. Data should be captured correctly. There should also be a reconciliation component. Either way, a permanent solution to such a bilateral trade issue is needed so that data disparity does not arise in future. DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (AA) - At least 19 people including a flight attendant died after a passenger plane plunged into Lake Victoria in Tanzania on Sunday morning. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa confirmed the death toll shortly after arriving at the crash scene. Authorities said at least 26 people have been rescued. Albert Chalamila, a regional commissioner, said the rescue team has succeeded in pulling the plane wreckage from shallow water. There were 45 people on board the Precision Air plane, said Chalamila. In its initial statement, Precision Air said flight number PW494 heading from the commercial hub Dar es Salaam to Bukoba was involved in an accident as it was approaching Bukoba Airport. It was an ATR 42-500 aircraft, the airline said in a separate statement, adding that an investigation team with Precision Air technical staff was headed to the site. The plane crashed into Lake Victoria around 10.50 a.m. local time (0750GMT). Bukoba Airport is located on the lakes shore, and the crash site is just a few hundred meters from the runway, according to local officials. Videos circulating on social media show the planes submerged yellow and green fuselage surrounded by rescue boats. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is currently on a visit to China, called for calm as rescue operations continue." "I have received with profound shock the news of the accident involving a passenger plane belonging to Precision Air in Lake Victoria. I send my most sincere sympathy to the victims," she said on Twitter. Meanwhile, the Turkish Foreign Ministry released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the deaths. We have learned with deep sorrow that 19 people lost their lives in the United Republic of Tanzania in a plane crash on a flight from Dar es-Salaam to Bukoba, the statement said. We share the sorrow of the friendly Tanzanian state and people, extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the injured, it added. Pakistan cement dispatches fall 19% in October ICR Newsroom By 07 November 2022 Cement dispatches in Pakistan fell for the fourth month in a row in October, coming in at 4.25Mt, compared to 5.22Mt in October 2021, down 18.5 per cent. According to the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association, local dispatches declined 15.5 per cent YoY from 4.6Mt in October 2021 to 3.89Mt in the same month this year. Exports fell by 40.7 per cent over the same period from 611,378t to 362,350t. Cement mills based in the north of Pakistan dispatched 3.27Mt of cement in October this year, down 16.2 per cent from 3.9Mt in October 2021. Domestic shipments stood at 3.14Mt in October 2022, down 17.9 per cent on the 3.83Mt seen in October 2021. Exports from mills in the north advanced 79.4 per cent from 73,102t in October 2021 to 131,111t in October this year. Cement mills in the south dispatched 978,166t in October this year, marking a contraction of 25.3 per cent from the 1.31Mt seen in October 2021. Southern mills shipped 746,927t to the local market in October this year, down 3.2 per cent from the 771,755t reported in the same month a year earlier. Exports from southern mills fell by 57 per cent over the same period, from 538,276t to 231,239t. Over the first four months of the current fiscal year (July-October 2022), total cement dispatches in Pakistan came in at 13.87Mt, down 23.1 per cent YoY from 18.04Mt. Domestic shipments over the same period declined by 21.35 per cent from 15.88Mt to 12.49Mt. Exports were down 35.9 per cent from 2.15Mt to 1.38Mt. North-based mills in the first four months of the current fiscal year dispatched a total of 10.82Mt, down 21.5 per cent YoY from 13.77Mt. Mills based in the south shipped 3.05Mt in July-October 2022, a decline of 28.4 per cent YoY from 4.26Mt. Exports in the north came in at 419,283t in the first four months of the current fiscal year, down 8.9 per cent YoY, while exports from the south fell 43.3 per cent to 961,581t over the same period. All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association has expressed grave concerns over the continuous decline in cement demand and the rising input costs. It emphasised that the government should devise industry-friendly policies so that industry product is competitive. Published under Cecon starts trials at new Concepcion plant ICR Newsroom By 07 November 2022 Cartes Group-owned Cementos Concepcion (Cecon) began trials at its new cement plant in Concepcion, Paraguay. It is expected that the trial period will last 2-3 months before actual cement production starts, according to Jorge Mendez, Cecons manager. Mr Mendez described the event as "a historic day for the production of 100 per cent Paraguayan cement". "It is a historic day for the Department of Concepcion and the country because we are starting to commission the equipment and to produce Cementos Concepcion, which will bring many benefits to the country. Paraguay needs many infrastructure works, but the deficit of the lack of cement always played against us," he added. The plant will have a capacity of more than 20m bags per year and represents an investment of more US$300m, according to Mr Mendez. He said the plant was built with the support from nine Paraguayan banks, who helped finance the construction and equipment of the plant. In addition, during the peak construction phase 1500 people were employed with about 1000 now remaining. Once up-and-running 500 permanent employees will remain. Published under The 17th Annual Moccasin Bend Lecture Series will culminate on Monday (Nov. 7) at 7 p.m. with A Salient Point: Moccasin Bend and the Civil War Struggle for Chattanooga, a presentation by Jim Ogden, Historian at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. During this event, Mr. Ogden will discuss the pivotal events and activities that took place on and around Moccasin Bend during the Campaign for Chattanooga. From the U.S. Army supply line (the famous Cracker Line) across Moccasin Bend at Browns Ferry to the well-preserved earthworks at the southern end of Stringers Ridge, this peninsula along the Tennessee River became a focal point between the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863 and the Battles for Chattanooga later that fall in November. Mr. Ogdens lecture is presented in partnership with the UTC Department of History. James (Jim) Ogden, III is a Maryland native and graduate of Frostburg State College. He began work with the National Park Service in 1982 at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park before transferring to Russell Cave National Monument, Bridgeport, Alabama, and Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, Virginia. In November, 1988, he returned to Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park as the Staff Historian, the position he presently holds. Mr. Ogden speaks regularly on aspects of the Civil War to historical organizations across the eastern half of the U. S. including several Civil War Round Tables. He has taught a number of Civil War history courses for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and has appeared on the History Channels Civil War Journal and Civil War Combat, and PBSs History Detectives as well as C-SPAN. Since 1986, he has been an instructor for over 600 groups of officers of the U. S. Army conducting Staff Rides (an in-depth analysis of a historical military event) at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. The 2022 series will take place live, in-person, at the IMAX Theater with an accompanying live broadcast via Zoom, offering all guests the opportunity to participate in the Q&A sessions. Officials said, "We will follow all appropriate CDC policy and local health guidelines at the time of the events to provide a safe experience for all guests. Registration is required for each event separately, for either in-person or virtual participation." For more information and to register, please visit nppcha.org. The Moccasin Bend Lecture Series was founded by Greg A. Vital in 2006 and all events are free and open to the public through his generous sponsorship. The Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park (established in 1986) and the Friends of Moccasin Bend (established in 1995) combined forces as National Park Partners in 2018. The goup champions the conservation of the natural, historic, and cultural resources of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, including Moccasin Bend National Archeological District. National Park Partners engages current and future generations in preserving and promoting the stories of these national treasures. Warren Buffett told the New York Times in 2006 that the rich had used their wealth and power to secure a favorable [for them] tax code. "Theres class warfare, all right, but its my class, the rich class, thats making war, and were winning." So how about the warriors on the other side? Apathetic or exhausted from working one or two other jobs to make ends meet? Mr. Buffet listed one way that contributed to their victory. Did you know 60 percent of corporations in Tennessee pay no tax? Another win for the rich class is right to work in my opinion. This began in the 1940s when Jim Crow laws were knocked down. Industrialists were concerned with this and got help from Victor Muse, a corporate lobbyist. He was also an anti-unionist, white supremacist and anti-Semite viewing the New Deal as a Communist Jewish conspiracy. This was targeted at African Americans but has spread to farm workers, domestic workers and public workers or servants. Martin Luther King Jr said right to work was immoral and racist. President Obama said it gave you the right to work for lower wages. But it sounds nice. Right to work. So who is authorized to give any human the right to work? The full text of Amendment 1 does mention right to work. Again it sounds innocent. Helpful even. But areas with right to work have lower wages. On average workers make $11,058 less per year. States with laws similar to Amendment 1 spend 31.6 percent less per student on elementary and secondary education. Right to work has never benefited workers, only corporations. Guess what? Federal law already guarantees what they are saying this will give you! You dont have to join a union or dump your union or organization to be able to be hired. Also law covers you so the union can win worker rights like the $15 minimum wage in Chattanooga for city workers, $18 in Nashville, two more paid holidays, and other wins. These are for all city workers by law, not just due paying union members. To me it looks like window dressing right to work but a a lot of a money spent on something when workers are already covered. Most workers are taxpayers and are hopefully voters too. I have nothing against making money or even being rich. I just believe workers deserve a living wage. Diane Moore * * * Diane Moore says 60 percent of Tennessee Corporations pay no taxes? So I assume Ms. Moore or one of her colleagues have actual facts to back this statement? In 2018 there were 237,921 corporations registered in Tennessee. According to Ms. Moore, 60 percent or 142,752 paid no taxes. Perhaps Ms. Moore will enlighten us and reveal the names of these 142,752. And also what their gross income and taxable income were in that year. I assume Ms. Moore meant they paid no income taxes. But they do pay property taxes, SS and Medicare taxes, Workmen's Compensation and sales tax on all purchases they make for their company. "What a weak barrier is truth when it stands in the way of a hypothesis." Mary Wallstonecraft Douglas Jones Mr. Jack Rogers of Hixson was honored Thursday by the John Sevier Chapter Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution with the SARs Wounded Warrior Coin and Certificate for his service and sacrifice as a corporal, USMC during the Vietnam War.Mr. Rogers was presented the SAR recognition by MG (Ret) Bill Raines a member of the John Sevier Chapter during the chapters Kings Mountain Banquet and meeting. It was noted during the presentation that Mr. Rogers received three Purple Heart awards during his service as a U.S.Marine.The chapter presented Lt. Col. (ret) Bill Brooks, Hamilton County Schools Director of JROTC with the SARs Bronze Good Citizenship award after his presentation on the JROTC Program within Hamilton County schools.Mr. John Kain, a chapter member, was awarded the SARs Bronze Roger Sherman award for his years of service to maintaining the Brainerd Mission Cemetery and acting as treasurer for the cemeterys maintenance committee.Mr. Charles Dammann was presented with the SARs 20 year service pin. The Chattanooga city mayor and staff appear enamored with The Step Up organization thats based in California. This group is attempting to expand nationally and brand motel conversions to what they call Permanent, Supportive, Housing. At the recent Airport Inn projects, community information meeting, the city had the CEO Tod Lipka as a presenter. In fielding the seriously concerned citizens questions, about 2/3rds were deferred to Mr. Lipka, although they reportedly are just a bidder on any Request for Proposal the city posts. On Step Ups website, they boldly claim, The current retention rate for members that remain housed after 12-months is over 98 percent. So, what about the first year? The city presented a straighter forward claim, 97 percent of those placed remained housed. Does it strike anyone else other than me that it is rather strange these numbers quoted are the exact same? Does it bother anyone else that the advocates are the data keepers? That they have a serious conflict of interest and therefore are not trustworthy sources for such data? Remember Bernie Madoff? He kept his own books too. Even had so called auditors to boot. Quite frankly, everything out of Mr. Lipkas mouth sounded too good to be true. And you know what they say about that. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Polcins Study, about one in four dont make it five months in a placement. In September 2020, the University of California San Francisco released a 2.5-year study of PSH, concluding the program effective, even though when you read the details, only about a third of the participants in the control group were housed and 70 percent who were housed needed more than one placement. Sadly, over the 2.5 years, one in six died. According to Cal-Matters, January 2022, by Jackie Botts, the U.S. homeless services data systems dont keep track of who returns to homelessness and why, making it hard to understand why interventions arent working. There is the highest level of pressure to substantiate permanent. Since multiple high court precedents are clear that transient or transitional sheltering is not eligible for the same federal funding as permanent. Like they say. Follow the money, my friend. These facilities are not permanent. But this is but one fundamental vulnerability of PSH. I believe the most grievous flaw of PSH is that its not supportive of the most commonly accepted forms of recovery recognized by substance abuse and mental health entities worldwide. Although they market a rich wraparound case management services program, there are no requirements for drug rehab, alcohol treatment, sobriety/AA, or otherwise. These facilities are free for all in conduct and literally. Objective data reveals a very different strategy for the best opportunity of long-term recovery. That model is called a recovery residence, where up to 10-members emulate a family (Chattanooga allows up to eight unrelated people in group homes is my understanding). This form of housing appears to promote a best probability for recovery, holding members accountable for sobriety and no substance abuse while encouraging engagements towards normalization. I cant imagine the case workers employed in these PSH facilities, the personal risks they take, the working conditions, and the internal struggle that I believe would have to come with the PSH model not promoting best practice recovery protocols. At the community meeting we were told that there would be one case worker per 20 people. But on Step Ups website it quotes a one to 25 ratio. As this industry remains in shambles like many post the pandemic, over 2,000 mental health case workers have been on strike in Northern California over working conditions. Chattanooga was recently ranked 173rd worst of 182 cities nationwide for safety by WalletHub measuring 42 objective safety criteria factors per capita. Nowhere have I been able to find the PSH projects have reduced the overall homeless numbers. There seems to be antidotal evidence that programs like these increase the homelessness conditions in particular areas, as it draws more from neighboring communities into a branded social service district. The State of California has recently, reluctantly, admitted that their measures have not reduced the homeless numbers. A Step Up slogan adopted by local Chattanooga advocates is housing is healthcare. I believe real healthcare requires a sincere design for recovery. And with that thought kept front of mind, lets transition to the third and final claim of housing. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, homeless are of one group predominately, those with mental illness and substance abuse issues. The Fair Housing Act views these persons for the most part as disabled, although there are some that disqualify, such as current users of illegal controlled substances, persons convicted for illegal manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance, sex offenders, and juvenile offenders. The Act defines persons with a disability to mean those individuals with mental or physical impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities. The Fair Housing Act affords no protection to individuals with or without disabilities who present a direct threat to the persons or property of others. Determining whether someone poses such a direct threat must be made on an individualized basis, however, and cannot be based on general assumptions or speculation about the nature of a disability. PSH facilities promote a segregation of these protected persons. In Larkin v. State of Michigan Department of Social Services and FamilyStyle case, the courts decided that there was a recreating of an institutionalized setting for the disabled in the community, rather than the deinstitutionalizing of the same. These mini-institutions not only interfere with the core goals of normalization and community integration, but also alter the character of the neighborhood and zoning schemes. The occupants of the PSH model interact nearly exclusively with the other people in the facility, rather than with drug free, sober people in the surrounding community. A core reason the voucher program has been more widely adopted since it inherently does not present this destructive flaw. To make matters worse, some very unfortunate neighborhoods have what is called clustering. Multiple PSH or other similar facilities in close proximity. This creates a de facto social service district, harming the potential for normalization goals for their members while also severely altering the character and nature of the neighborhood. Social Scientist Jennifer Wolch noted, At some level of concentration, a community becomes saturated by services and populations, that evolves into a service-dependent ghetto. The PSH model requires no certification, licensing, or compliance accountabilities. The State of Tennessee has no established monitoring or inspection protocols. These models currently operate with near complete autonomy. There is nothing worse than putting decisions that have long term consequences in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong. This claim of housing is vulnerable to no accountabilities, to in-breeding of member conditions one to another, to occupant abuse, enslavement, exploitation, theft, and fraud. It is also vulnerable to court challenge, as a return to a 50-plus year-old failed segregation of the disabled model. There are three motels now seeking zoning change to become PSH. It is my belief that the three additional motels adjacent will be targeted for the same. With all six, this would be more than 500 doors with double occupancy reaching 1000 persons. Morris Glasgow In what was a low turnout compared to the May and August elections, Rhea County Administrator of Elections Tom Davis said that 3,195 voters cast their ballots in early voting ahead of Election Day on Tuesday. There are some 20,000 registered voters in Rhea County. While there are no local races on the ballot, the 2022 election features state and federal offices, as well as four proposed state Constitutional amendments. In the state general election, voters will be casting their ballots for either incumbent Republican Tennessee Governor Bill Lee or Democratic Party challenger Jason Martin along with other choices.There are eight independent candidates with constant contestant Basil Marceaux from Soddy Daisy. Also, Knoxville resident Charles Morgan is running. Morgan was recently arrested by the Chattanooga Police Department and charged with interference with anothers rights in elections. According to the affidavit Morgan allegedly was screaming and cursing at voters as they came into the Hamilton County Election Commission for early voting. In the race for Tennessee Senate District 1, GOP nominee Adam Lowe is facing Democratic Party nominee Patricia Waters. District 1 was created during the redistricting process and includes Rhea, Meigs, Bradley and McMinn Counties. In the state House of Representatives District 31 race, five-term incumbent Republican State Rep. Ron Travis is facing Democratic challenger David L. Brown. Seeking his seventh term for U.S. Congress is incumbent Scott DesJarlais (R-Winchester) versus Democratic challenger Wayne Steele from Fayetteville and five independent candidates. Both Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty do not run this year. Mrs. Blackburn will face re-election in 2024 and Hagerty in 2026. In the upcoming election, voters will also be casting their ballots either for or against amending parts of the Tennessee Constitution. The four proposed amendments to the Tennessee Constitution on the Nov. 8 ballot: An amendment to Article XI, of the Constitution of Tennessee, relative to the right to work An amendment to Article II and Article III of the Constitution of Tennessee, relative to the exercise of the powers and duties of the Governor during disability. An amendment to Article I, Section 33 of the Constitution of Tennessee, to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude. An amendment to Article IX, of the Constitution of Tennessee, relative to disqualifications. Mr. Davis reminds that all voters will be required to show a valid photo ID prior to casting their ballot at their assigned precincts. Netflixs From Scratch is a breathtaking limited series about love, food, loss, and family. Starring Zoe Saldana, the series follows Amahle Amy Wheeler, a young Black American woman who moves to Italy to begin focusing on her passion, art putting her law degree on the back burner. While studying abroad, she falls for a Sicilian chef named Lino (Eugenio Mastrandrea), and the pair embark on a whirlwind romance. Fans of the show will note the timeline doesnt jump back and forth on the series, and theres a specific reason why. Zoe Saldana as Amy Wheeler in From Scratch | Aaron Epstein/Netflix Netflixs From Scratch is based on a true story Fans of Netflixs latest limited series, From Scratch, should note that the show is based on a true story. The series was adapted from Tembi Lockes memoir, From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home. In the book, she writes about moving to Italy in the early 90s as a twenty-something and falling in love with a Sicilian chef, Rosario Saro Gullo before eventually losing him to cancer. About 20% of it is hardcore fact, showrunner Attica Locke told Tudum. Some places in our series down to where things are placed on the set and where people are standing are exact mirror images of what actually happened. Heres why the timeline stands out When the Locke sisters began working on the series, it was important to them that they moved along a linear timeline so that the audience would experience things as Amy experienced them. We knew we needed to tell it in a linear fashion, not mosaic, Tembi told Shadow and Act. That was one of the first decisions we made because we felt that if we were going to ask the audience to go into deep grief, to go into hard places, we didnt want them to get lost in time and space by switching up. This is why audiences have had such a visceral reaction to the series. Tembi Locke couldnt watch too much of From Scratch Though she wrote the scripts, was an executive producer, and was on set often, Tembi Locke could not watch too much of the Netflix limited series. After all, Amy and Linos experiences mirrored her life experiences and the moments she had with her late husband, Soro. I didnt watch the visuals because I want to maintain and protect my own memories, she told TODAY. Suddenly, you start to remember the thing that was made, and you forget the original images. Fans of Lockes memoir know how much she adored her late husband from her writing about him. He soothed the places I hadnt known needed soothing, seemed perfectly willing to embrace the parts of me that were wanton, unsettled, unfinished, and contradictory, she writes. Together we had engaged life as two forks eating off one plate. Ready to listen, to love, to look into the darkness and see a thin filament of the moon. RELATED: From Scratch: Heres What Happened to the Real-Life Lino After the success of their hit collab Jimmy Cooks in summer 2022, rappers Drake and 21 Savage linked up for a new collaborative album titled Her Loss. The album cover is a photo of Suki Baby, a well-known figure on social media. Suki, as well as the photo on the cover, go way back before the albums release. Drake and 21 Savage | Prince Williams/Wireimage Suki Baby, the albums cover star, is an adult dancer in Houston Quiana Yasuka, known to the world as Suki Baby, currently works as an adult dancer in Houston, Texas. In February 2021, Suki sat down with host Gulniyal on her gtalks! podcast to discuss her career and more. In the interview, she revealed that she also runs her own nail business and that she first started doing nails when she was in high school. She also loves grills and teeth jewelry, and her interest runs deep: she even has books on teeth anatomy to gain a better understanding of the human mouth and grills can be shaped to different peoples teeth. Shes also a photographer, selling prints on her website of photos she takes. According to Complex, Suki is of Japanese, Black, and Cherokee descent and has moved around a bit throughout her life. She was born in North Carolina and spent her younger years in Japan; as a result, Japanese is her first language. She eventually moved to Houston and settled on being in America permanently after dealing with bullying in high school: as the only Black and Japanese student at her school, she faced racist ridicule. The photo on the cover of Her Loss is 3 years old Suki Baby has had a following online for years. But her appearance on Drake and 21 Savages Her Loss album cover wasnt something that came about around the albums release: the photo was actually taken three years before the albums release in November 2022. On the album cover, shes pictured in a close-up of her face, complete with baby hairs and tooth jewelry on her two front teeth as well as long eyelashes and a bandage on her cheek. The photographer, Paris Aden, told Complex that Drakes OVO record label reached out to her out of the blue and asked to use the photo for the album cover. Drake just saw the photo I guess, and they asked if they could use it for the album, Aden explained. I shot that s*** a long time ago. It was her profile pic and he probably fell in love with what he seen. Lil Yachty chose the album cover While Drakes team is the one who reached out to Aden to use her photo of Suki Baby, it wasnt Drakes idea originally to use the photo for the album. Rapper Lil Yachty, who co-wrote the songs Backoutsideboyz, Privileged Rappers, P**** & Millions (with Travis Scott), and Jumbotron S*** Poppin, revealed on Instagram that he was the one who found the photo and selected it for the cover. I chose this cover because this photo is so raw So authentic.. Not fabricated, Yachty wrote. Suki can and will only be Suki. RELATED: What We Know About Drake and 21 Savages Joint Album, Her Loss TL;DR: Mick Jagger said The Rolling Stones Goats Head Soup was distinct from Exile on Main St. He said he had no idea why [Goats Head Soup] was like it was. One of the tracks from Goats Head Soup topped the pop chart in the United States. The Rolling Stones Mick Jagger | Evening Standard/Getty Images The Rolling Stones Goats Head Soup is one of the bands most famous albums. During an interview, Mick Jagger said one song made the album a hit. Notably, the song in question hit No. 1 in the United States. Mick Jagger had no idea why The Rolling Stones Goats Head Soup was the way it was During a 2020 interview with GQ, Jagger contrasted Goats Head Soup with The Rolling Stones album Exile on Main St. [Goats Head Soup] was very different from Exile [On Main Street], but I dont remember having a conversation, saying, This is going to be different from Exile,' he recalled. It just sort of was different, he continued. It was a different time, different places. I have no idea why it was like it was. RELATED: Mick Jagger Once Responded to Listeners Who Felt 1 of The Rolling Stones Songs Was Anti-Feminist Mick Jagger said The Rolling Stones songs from the album combined classic rock and funk Subsequently, Jagger discussed individual songs on Goats Head Soup. The Goats Head Soup album is pretty eclectic, he said. Its an interesting piece. Its got some rather wistful things on it that we dont ever perform, such as 100 Years Ago. Its got good things on it. Of course, Angie was the big hit ballad from the album. It made a success of the album. Then, Jagger discussed a song that appeared on the 2020 rerelease of the album. I quite like the [new] track called Criss Cross very percussion driven, he said. At the time it was very fashionable to have wah-wah clavinets [such as the ones] Billy Preston played. That was the funk thing of the time. It was interesting. A mixture of classic rocky things and things of the time. RELATED: The Lord of the Rings: Why The Rolling Stones Mick Jagger Didnt Play Frodo in the 1978 Film How Angie and Goats Head Soup performed on the pop charts in the United States and the United Kingdom Angie became a massive hit in the United States. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for one week, staying on the chart for 16 weeks in total. Meanwhile, Goats Head Soup hit No. 1 for four of its 39 weeks on the Billboard 200. According to The Official Charts Company, Angie reached No. 5 in the United Kingdom and stayed on the chart for 10 weeks. On the other hand, Goats Head Soup reached No. 1 in the U.K. for a pair of weeks, staying on the U.K. chart for 14 weeks altogether. Goats Head Soup was a hit and Jagger said it wouldnt have been as successful without Angie. RELATED: Marianne Faithfull Wanted All Royalties From a Song She Wrote With The Rolling Stones Mick Jagger and Keith Richards Documentary filmmaker Alice Diop moves into her first narrative feature film with Saint Omer. Her examination of contemporary French society in her previous works proves to be a valuable asset in the legal drama that continues to do so. But, its Diops added depiction of traumatic motherhood coupled with tremendous performances from Kayije Kagame and Guslagie Malanda that elevate the film. Saint Omer raises some fascinating questions, even if some of its delivery holds the audience at an arms length. Saint Omer brings the crimes of Medea into the modern courtroom Guslagie Malanga as Laurence Coly | Super Rama (Kagame) is a young novelist ready to prepare her next book. She decides to attend the trial of Laurence Coly (Malanda), who the court accuses of killing her 15-month-old daughter by intentionally leaving her on a beach in northern France during high tide. The case appears pretty open and shut, but the judge wants to know why the accused did it. However, Laurence doesnt have an answer for that and wants to discover the answer to that question herself. Rama becomes increasingly invested in the testimonies of Laurence and the witnesses, shaking her to the core. Shes forced to confront her own judgments and assumptions in the process. An increasingly complicated examination of motherhood The unspoken court dynamic is constantly at play in Saint Omer. Laurence is a Black woman surrounded by predominantly white people in both the jury and the audience. Judgments are already assumed in the way they look at her and the crimes she was accused of. However, Laurences high level of education and accent contradict the image they wish to portray her as. Rama recognizes these attributes, but she sees that something more unusual is at play. The court reads through prior interviews conducted and reports on Laurences upbringing. On paper perceptions are black-and-white, but her retorts prove that life is much more complicated than how others view an individual from the outside. Talks of curses and sorcery fill the courtroom, diminishing the prosecutions patience. But, to her, this is no laughing matter. Spells, depression, and neglect are only some of the potential reasonings for why Laurence would come to kill her child that she took care of so marvelously up to that point. Rama has her own personal battles with motherhood and depression. She has a child on the way and ongoing issues with her mother that have yet to be addressed. Ramas novel draws parallels between Laurence and the story of Medea, which increasingly haunt the novelist behind closed doors. She wont be able to wrap her arms around this one so easily, especially as she reflects upon her own reality. Saint Omer interrogates both Laurence Coly and the audience Kayije Kagame as Rama | Super RELATED: The Lost Daughter Movie Review: Maggie Gyllenhaals Feature Directorial Debut Is Masterfully Complex and Layered Diops documentarian background also plays into how she visually tells the story. The large majority of Saint Omer takes place in the courtroom with stationary figures. The camera pans from side to side, taking in the full breadth of the room. Passing clouds amplify and dim lighting, allowing Diop to control brightness and darkness in unique ways. Saint Omer predominantly emphasizes its lead performances with long takes, allowing both the performers and the audience to sink into its grasp. Kagame brings a level of empathy to Rama, especially as she becomes increasingly aware of the shocking revelations of the case and how they apply to her own life. Meanwhile, Malangas snappy back-and-forth exchanges with the court in the role of Laurence is nothing short of breathtaking. Without ever speaking directly to one another, they put on an incredible display with stares and small gestures. Its a slow build to some significantly emotional moments, but Diops story really shines in the courtroom. Ramas arc outside of the legal space doesnt quite engage on the same level, creating abrupt pauses in its pacing. Meanwhile, Saint Omer is undoubtedly heavy-handed in other instances, such as watching Rama pull up a film adaptation of Medea on her laptop that acts as a direct juxtaposition to Laurences crimes. Nevertheless, theres undoubtedly plenty to admire in Diops narrative feature debut, who demonstrates a compassionate filmmaking perspective that draws the viewer in. Saint Omer goes beyond the typical court drama and asks the difficult, unspoken questions. Sally McNeil is Not in Prison Today Heres When and Why She Was Released Netflix dropped another true crime docuseries, Killer Sally, and we have everything you need to know about Sally McNeil and her time in prison. The three-part documentary is all-encompassing and includes a detailed view of the murder conviction. It also shows Sally McNeils release from jail in 2020. Heres everything we know about why the parole board let Sally McNeil free from prison. A court convicted Sally McNeil of murder on March 19, 1996 Sally McNeil, from Allentown, Pennsylvania, lived with her husband, Ray McNeil, in Oceanside, California, with two children. She admits that she shot Ray two times on Feb. 14, 1995 once in the abdomen and once in the jaw. Her two children were nine and eleven and were present in the house when the incident happened. However, McNeil explained that Ray continually abused her and that the shots were in self-defense. Her lawyer used a battered woman syndrome defense strategy; however, the prosecutors argued that she was too strong to be battered. One key point in the case was where the police found the second shell casing. In her defense, McNeil claimed that she had the casing in her hand; however, the officers at the crime scene found it in the bedroom far from the kitchen. The prosecution took advantage of the inconsistencies in her story and convicted McNeil of second-degree murder on March 19, 1996. The court sentenced her to 19 years to life. McNeil appealed the verdict numerous times until it was overturned by the US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals However, the State of California appealed to the US Supreme Court and reversed the decision. No, Killer Sally McNeil is not in prison In the Netflix documentary Killer Sally, McNeil explains that the last and final time she went to the parole board, she had to claim she intended to kill her husband, Ray McNeil. Otherwise, she would never be free. Killer Sally: Sally McNeil | Netflix RELATED: Vatican Girl: The Disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi: 5 Netflix Documentaries to Watch Next Sally McNeil was released from the Central California Womens Facility in the summer of 2020 after serving 25 years in prison, the Netflix docuseries read in part 3. According to the California Department of Corrections, McNeil went to her Subsequent Suitability Hearing on May 29, 2020. Thats when they finally granted her parole because she said what they wanted to hear. When she left prison, McNeil lived at the Veterans Transition Center (VTC). Her first meal was from the golden arches, and she happily explained that she worked at a warehouse. She is happy to be free to eat, sleep, and work when she wants, on her terms. Where is Killer Sally McNeil now? In the final minutes of Killer Sally, viewers find out that McNeil met her boyfriend, Stewart, at her VTC support group. She reflected that he did not try to control her but let her be free. According to McNeils Instagram account, she married Stewart in June of 2022 and she bought a house. On July 10, 2022, she shared a photo of a dog, but thats all the insight her social media account provides. All we know about Sally McNeil is that she is happily married today. All three parts of Killer Sally are currently available for streaming on Netflix. The White Lotus Season 2 is well underway, and fans seem to be enjoying the sophomore season of the HBO satire as much as the original season. Featuring almost an entirely new cast, the show has reinvented itself with a new backdrop and cast of outlandish characters. Aubrey Plaza, in particular, has received a lot of buzz for her portrayal of Harper Spiller in the show. The Parks and Recreation alum seems to be getting as much, if not more press, than Sydney Sweeney did last season. The White Lotus alum Sydney Sweeney | Kevin Winter/Getty Images Sydney Sweeney received critical acclaim for her performance in The White Lotus Season 1 Sweeney hit it big when she was cast in season 1 of The White Lotus. Not only was it a boon to her career, with her portrayal of Olivia Mossbacher earning her an Emmy nomination, but it also helped her through quarantine. Booking the role meant that Sweeney got to come out of lockdown and instead spend a nice chunk of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Hawaii working on what she loves. Sweeney compared filming in Hawaii to The Shining Because The White Lotus Season 1 was filmed in 2020 prior to a vaccine, the cast and crew dealt with a lot of restrictions. In order to keep everyone as safe as possible, they had to adhere to a number of rules. A big rule was that Sweeney, and the rest of the cast, werent allowed to leave The Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, where the show was filmed. This led to Sweeney feeling like she was in The Shining. RELATED: Sydney Sweeney Has Magic Powers According to Mike White On The White Lotus, we quarantined in our hotel rooms, and then after that we still werent allowed to leave the property and no one was allowed to come on to the property, so it started to feel like a very tropical version of The Shining, Sweeney revealed to Glamour. What an amazing way to spend the last few months of 2020. Like I said, very grateful. Aubrey Plaza also compared her experience filming The White Lotus Season 2 to The Shining Interestingly enough, Plaza also compared her experience filming The White Lotus Season 2 in 2022 to The Shining as well. Despite the fact that the show was filmed in a drastically different part of the world, she had a similar experience to Sweeney. While on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Plaza spoke about filming at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel in Sicily, Italy. RELATED: Aubrey Plaza Couldnt Stop Thinking About The Office During Her Parks and Rec Audition We were living there for months, and we were shooting in the hotel that we were living at. Plaza explained about filming The White Lotus Season 2. And there is kind of like a psychological effect that it has on you after a while. Its like, kind of like The Shining kind of vibes. It was fun. But in like The Shining kind of way. Plaza explains what it was like to film and live in a hotel in Sicily Continuing on, Plaza went into more depth about why she, like Sweeney, likened the experience of shooting The White Lotus Season 2 to The Shining. Its just weird because youre like living in one hotel room, and then its time to go to work, Plaza explained. So you leave your hotel room, and you walk down the hall and go into your other room, which is like your dressing room, and its just a weird you cant escape. You cant escape it for months. We were living in this really small town in Sicily. We overran that town, the cast. It was the off-season there. Clearly, filming The White Lotus was an interesting experience for both Plaza and Sweeney. However, the weirdness that they felt likely contributed to the unique vibe of the show. In The White Lotus: Sicily Episode 2 on HBO, Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge) tells her husband, Greg (Jon Gries), that her Italian Dream is to become Monica Vitti. Greg makes her dream come true before telling her hes leaving Sicily the next day for work in Denver, Colorado. Find out the strange connections and significance of Tanyas obsession with Monica Vitti. The White Lotus: Sicily Episode 2, Italian Dream: Monica Vitti In the second episode of The White Lotus: Sicily, Greg wants Tanya to have a perfect day. My fantasy day in Italy is, well first, I want to look just like Monica Vitti and then this man in a very slim fitting suit, he comes over and he lights my cigarette and it tastes really good, Tanya begins. Then he takes me for a drive on his Vespa. Then at sunset, we go down very close to the sea to one of those really romantic spots. Then we drink lots of aperitif and we eat big plates of pasta with giant clams. Were just really chic and happy. RELATED: The White Lotus: Mike White Already Has Ideas for Season 3 Greg complies with Tanyas wishes, despite the resort manager Valentinas (Sabrina Impacciatore) dismay. The couple poses for photos with the scooter before they tour Sicily. However, after their wonderful day, Greg shatters Tanyas happiness with the news that hes leaving in the morning. When Tanya asks him not to go, Greg reminds her that he cant afford to quit his job because he signed a prenup. Then he speaks to someone he loves in the middle of the night. Yeah, shes clueless as usual, Greg tells the unknown caller. Ill be home tomorrow. Ill give you a call when I get in. Yeah, I love you too. The White Lotus: Sicily: Who is Monica Vitti, and why does Tanya choose her for the Italian Dream? Monica Vitti was an Italian actor known as the Queen of Italian cinema. She won five David di Donatello Awards, seven Italian Golden Globes, the Career Golden Globe, and the Venice Film Festival Career Golden Lion Award. Vitti was known for starring in Michelangelo Antonionis films in the 1960s. Vittis breakout role was in the International film LAvventura (The Adventure). In Tanyas Italian Dream, she became Monica Vitti in LAvventura. Antonioni directed the drama and filmed it in Rome, the Aeolian Islands, and Sicily. It is about the search for a young woman, Anna (Lea Massari), who goes missing during a boating trip in the Mediterranean. The womans lover, Sandro (Gabriele Ferzetti), becomes infatuated with her best friend, Claudia (Monica Vitti), while they search for Anna. RELATED: The White Lotus: Sicily: Did Laura Dern Really Make a Cameo in Episode 1? Before Anna went missing, she complained to Sandro that she was unhappy with his long business trips, and he didnt seem to care. Tanya wants to become Monica Vitti in The White Lotus: Sicily; however, shes more like Anna than Vittis character, Claudia. In the end, Sandro finds another woman to replace Claudia when they check into the same resort as Tanya and Greg in The White Lotus: Sicily San Domenico Palace Hotel. The terrace that Greg stands on while making his secret phone call is the same one that Vitti stands on in the final scene of L Avventura. Is Greg cheating on Tanya in The White Lotus: Sicily? The underlying theme of The White Lotus: Sicily is infidelity, but we dont know yet whether Greg is cheating on Tanya. His phone conversation sounds like hes going home to his wife or lover. However, it could be a relative or someone he loves platonically. The White Lotus: Sicily Season 2: Jennifer Coolidge as Tanya and Jon Gries as Greg | HBO The addition of the film that Tanya attempted to recreate by becoming Monica Vitti only points more toward cheating. Does Greg have a wife and kids at home, like the story behind the Testa di Moro statues all over the resort? He could! The other interesting comment from Greg in episode 2 was when he complained about the prenup that Tanya made him sign. Is he only with her to attempt to get some of her money? It certainly sounds like it. When did Monica Vitti die? When Tanya insists she is Monica Vitti in The White Lotus: Sicily, Valentina informs her that the Italian actor is dead. Monica Vitti died on Feb. 2, 2022, at the age of 90, according to the BBC. Its another interesting choice that creator and director Mike White chose to include Vitti in the subplot of the HBO series the same year that she died. The White Lotus: Sicily airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO until the season finale on Dec. 11, 2022. One TikToker who goes by the username @ParisHilton49 recently shared her terrible vacation experience in hopes of cautioning users against using a specific travel company. We booked our holiday [to Thessaloniki, Greece]as a package holiday that included flights, transfers, and a hotel. We booked this in October of last year, and we were due to go in May of this year, the woman began. But, just one day before her trip, the TikToker could not check in to her flight. In fact, there was apparently no record of her ever booking one. We could not find our flight anywhere; there was no trace of it. It was not on the departures, and we tried to call around, but nothing, no answer, she continued. The woman did become alarmed but thought that perhaps she was just having trouble online. So, she traveled to the airport the next morning for her 6:00 a.m. flight, looking for answers. But, after speaking to an airline employee, the woman was informed that the airline never flies to Thessaloniki. In turn, her flight tickets were essentially bogus. I am such a nervous flyer as it is I absolutely hate it so to hear this just sent me through the biggest anxiety of my life, the woman recalled. The airline employee did end up going through her flight confirmation details, though, and it turns out that the flight had been canceled five months ago, in December of 2021. TikTok; pictured above is @ParisHilton49 in her video Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. For many people, the word "missionary" is problematic. How should we respond to God's call to love our neighbors as a new era emerges? I sat in a bustling cafe with a rep from a global missions agency last week. As we sipped our coffees, the conversation turned to the major challenges facing the missions world in the post-Covid era. Recruitment is down. Funding is hard to come by. And public perceptions have shifted massively. I told her, Its time to get rid of the word missionary from your organizations name and publications. Its not the core issue, but its one of them. And that word is now more of a liability than an asset. She looked a bit shocked. After all, hers was an agency with more than a century of faithful missionary history, and both of us were in agreement that the world is still full of need. To faithfully love our brothers and sisters in other countries would require a new generation of Christians dedicated to being global citizens. That fact was not in dispute. I just wrote a book called Subversive Mission, so Im an unlikely advocate for ditching the word missionary. But nevertheless here we are. As we move into 2023, I want to suggest that perhaps this word has outlived its usefulness. We need new wineskins. Not convinced? Heres my reasoning: Society does not view missionaries with sympathy. The cases of the two missionaries Jim Elliot and John Allen Chau highlight just how much perceptions of missionary work have changed in the last few decades. In 1956, Jim Elliot was killed by a spear while attempting to make contact with the Huaorani tribe in Ecuador. He was immediately hailed a hero and a missionary martyr, and was even featured on the cover of Life Magazine. His death galvanized Christians around the world. Just over sixty years later, in 2017, U.S. missionary John Allen Chau was also killed by a spear as he attempted to make contact with the Sentinelese in the Andaman Islands off the coast of India. The worldwide press almost universally labelled him a fool and a flag-bearer for colonialism. The New York Times quoted critics who called Chau uninformed, arrogant and self-serving His death divided Christians around the world. These polarized positions represent a generational divide. Missionary work is now strongly connected with colonialism. Historically, missionaries have worked both for and against colonialism. William Carey was a notable example of someone who worked against the imperial efforts of England. The East India Company actually had orders to "Stop Carey" and threatened to revoke the sailing license of any ship that gave him passage. But many missionaries did sweep in with the settlers of England, Spain, and Portugal as they conquered nations across the globe. They encouraged local people to adopt Western clothing, practices, and valueswhile stealing their land and resources. As an African believer once complained, You brought us the bread of life, but it came wrapped in plastic that you shoved down our throats! For many, whether it is a fair assessment or not, missionaries are irredeemably linked with colonialism. And that perception makes the term a serious liability in a world where we are ever more aware of injustice and oppression. Words come and go. Over time they may lose their usefulness. Perhaps there are better words we can use to describe the vocation of a Christian who seeks to be a humble servant of Jesus in the world. The word missionary is nowhere to be found in the Bible, nor was it used for the first 1600 years of the Christian faith. The word comes from the Latin word mitto, which means "to send." It is the equivalent of the Greek word apostello, which also means "to send." Apostle translates into Latin as mittere and missionem, and these give us the word missionary. Four hundred years ago, the Jesuits first began to call themselves missionaries, seeing themselves as apostles, those who had been sent out to build the kingdom of God on earth. But as societal attitudes shift, language also shifts. Just as we no longer use words such as heathen or cripple, so we need to recognize when a word such as missionary needs to be shelved. The calling to love our neighbors (near and far) has not gone away, but perhaps there are better words we can use to describe the vocation of a Christian who seeks to be a humble servant of Jesus in the world. Our understanding of missionary work has broadened. Much of Jesus life and work wouldnt be described as normal missionary activity. Is providing lunch for a hungry crowd truly missionary work? Is dining and drinking with tax collectors missionary work? How about overturning tables and disrupting injustice? Perhaps weve created too narrow a concept of what a missionary does. In Ephesians 4, Paul offers a broader spectrum of gifts that were created to serve the world: from prophet to teacher, from pastor to apostle. Having five terms for global service, instead of just one, offers us a much richer picture of the variety of callings people have. (In Subversive Mission, I outline how each of these five ministry types can be reframed for understanding our unique role in the world, where we often carry more power and resources than the people we serve.) Many want to engage globally but are paralyzed by the term missionary. For the reasons above, the term missionary has become an obstacle to many followers of Jesus with a cross-cultural calling. We need a new framework for moving forward that acknowledges the lessons of history, while leaving behind the baggage of the past. To get past this obstacle, some seek roles as social entrepreneurs. Others apply to join anti-trafficking organizations. These are still respected ways to engage in the world. But we actually need a better, clearer framework for engagement that is theologically grounded. Many Christians have a passionate longing to see Gods love change the world but a distaste for the negative baggage of traditional missions. Most people agree that the world doesnt need more white saviors (or saviors of any color), but it also doesnt need more apathetic, paralyzed, or disengaged Christians. As followers of Jesus, are we ready to follow Jesus to the ends of the earth right where we arefrom Vancouver to Nairobi, from inner-city Chicago to Phnom Penh? I hope you will join me in seeking a better way, a more beautiful vision for how we can all bear the light we have been given into the world. The Better Samaritan blog is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, a research institute which specializes in resilience and spiritual fortitude. To learn more and apply for a M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership, visit our website Craig Greenfield is the founder and director of Alongsiders International, a grassroots movement of young Christians reaching the world's poorest children. Originally from New Zealand, he has lived and worked for more than two decades in marginalized communities in Asia and North America. He is the author of The Urban Halo and Subversive Jesus. Calendar for Chinese 24 Solar Terms: Start of Winter 09:33, November 07, 2022 By Sheng Chuyi, Xian Jiangnan, Zhang Wenjie ( People's Daily Online The Start of Winter, or "Lidong" in Chinese, falls on November 7 this year. It is the first solar term of winter, which means winter is coming and crops harvested in autumn should be stored up. Here are things you should know about the Start of Winter. Welcoming winter In ancient times, people celebrated festivals at the beginning of every season. On the Start of Winter, the emperor would lead his officials to the suburbs and perform a ceremony to "welcome the winter." Eating dumplings It is said that at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD25-220), Zhang Zhongjing, who is known as the "Medical Saint", invented a food during the Start of Winter to dispel coldness and increase body heat. This food is what we call "dumplings" today. There is still a saying in China: "Eat dumplings on the Start of Winter, or your ears will be frostbitten." "Nourishing the winter" On the first day of the Start of Winter, there is a custom, "nourishing the winter," in Southeast China. To prepare for the oncoming cold winter, people there like to eat high-calorie foods such as chicken, beef, mutton and fish, which are usually stewed with four Chinese herbs, namely, angelica, ligusticum wallichii, Chinese herbaceous peony and rehmannia glutinosa libosch, to enhance nourishment. Eating Chinese pumpkin On the first day of the Start of Winter, people in Tianjin like to eat Chinese pumpkins, or "wo gua" in Chinese, which is a common vegetable in Northern China. Eating tuanzi in Wuxi On the first day of the Start of Winter, people in Wuxi have a custom of eating tuanzi, a traditional Chinese dish made with rice. On that day, the newly-harvested crops have just been sold on the market, which people use to make tuanzi. Mostrural residents make tuanzi by themselves, while urban residents buy it ready-made. Sweet bean paste, radish or lard can be stuffed inside the tuanzi. Winter Swimming In Harbin, to celebrate winter's coming, athletes in Heilongjiang Winter Swimming Association will swim across the Songhua River. Nowadays, winter swimming becomes popular in Shangqiu, Henan Province, Yichun, Jiangxi Province and Wuhan, Hubei Province. Related: Calendar for Chinese 24 Solar Terms: Frost's Descent Calendar for Chinese 24 Solar Terms: Cold Dew Calendar for Chinese 24 Solar Terms: Autumn Equinox Calendar for Chinese 24 Solar Terms: White Dew Calendar for Chinese 24 Solar Terms: End of Heat Calendar for Chinese 24 Solar Terms: Start of Autumn Calendar for Chinese 24 Solar Terms: Major Heat Calendar for Chinese 24 Solar Terms: Minor Heat Calendar for Chinese 24 Solar Terms: Summer Solstice Calendar for Chinese 24 Solar Terms: Grain in Ear Calendar for Chinese 24 Solar Terms: Grain Buds Calendar for Chinese 24 Solar Terms: Start of Summer Calendar for Chinese 24 Solar Terms: Grain Rain Calendar for Chinese 24 Solar Terms: Qingming Calendar for Chinese 24 Solar Terms: Spring Equinox Calendar for Chinese 24 Solar Terms: Awakening of Insects (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Wu Chengliang) Since Christianity (or at least some form of it, the Nestorian Church) arrived on the shores of China in A.D. 635, it has been perceived as a foreign religion and hence irrelevant for the culturally Chinese. The One more Christian, one fewer Chinese chant in the 1919 May Fourth Movement further reinforced and perpetuated the misconception that when one chooses to follow Jesus, one has denounced ones Chinese identity to go after a foreign or Western god and ideology. A Chinese commits a great offense against his ancestor and nation when he pledges allegiance to Jesus. According to historian Wu Xiaoxin, the propaganda that impacted the Chinese the most is the claim that religion is the opium of the people. One of the main contributing factors to the hostile reaction to Christianity is nationalism. Anyone familiar with the events in this part of the world during the mid-1800s would realize the baggage this statement bears. Connection to Western imperialism Since the 19th century, Christianity has been associated with Western imperialism in the minds of Chinese people. Both Catholics and Protestants came to China together with Western imperialists. In fact, many of the Western missionaries of that generation rode on the coattails of the European opium traders to bring the gospel to the Chinese. For example, Karl Gutzlaff, an early Protestant missionary to China, joined the Jardine Matheson opium fleet as an interpreter in order to reach more Chinese with the gospel. Former Peking University president Jiang Menglin aptly described this historical baggage when he compared the arrivals of Buddhism and Christianity in China: Buddha rode into China on a white elephant, while Jesus rode in on a cannonball. The antimissionary feeling was understandable in view of the circumstances under which the modern missionary movement in China began: The same door that was forced open by military and naval power to expand trade was the door through which missionaries entered China. This compromised the gospel in Chinese eyes for the next century. Although Christianity is not identical to Western imperialism, they were synonymous in the perception and memories of the Chinese. As a result, the encounter between Christianity and Chinese culture in the modern missionary era came with struggle between nationalism (and patriotism) and imperialism. Even though personal relationships extended to deep friendships between Chinese and missionaries, in the background there always lingered the fact of missionaries being representatives of the foreign powers whose assault on China was all too obvious. As the Chinese saw their land endure one humiliation after another at the hands of foreigners in the 19th and early 20th centuries, they came to regard Christianity as the representative of Western cultural imperialism. Positive contribution of Western missionaries While it is undeniable that at some point in Chinese history Westerners who called themselves Christians were involved in oppressing and exploiting the Chinese, we need to differentiate Western imperialism and colonialism from Christianity. These Westerners did much harm to the Chinese, but many Western Christian missionaries also contributed greatly to the communities where they worked. Many sacrificed their lives to serve the Chinese people and built institutions like schools, hospitals, and orphanages. For example, during the tumultuous years of the Second World War, many Western missionaries (such as Minnie Vautrin) and doctors stayed behind when most Westerners evacuated, risking their lives to tend to the injured and dying. And prior to the war, many Christian missionaries were instrumental in setting up schools and universities throughout Asia in the 1800s. Ubiquitous schools like the Anglo Chinese schools and Methodist colleges were all established by missionaries like James Legge, Robert Morrison, and others. Tu Weiming, the renowned modern-day Confucianist and Sinologist, points out that graduates from the Christian universities provided important human resources for virtually all professions, and by emphasizing a liberal arts education, the schools trained several generations of modern scholars in the humanities and social sciences. Article continues below The belief that Christianity is a Western or Westerners religion is also far from being true, as Christianity is a divine plan of salvation for all humanity regardless of heritage or ethnicity. In fact, to be historically accurate, the Christian faiths early setting was the East rather than the West. Neither Jesus nor the apostles were Westerners. Though as a result of historical development Christianity did come to us from the West, it actually originated in Asia. Conflict with cultural Chinese worldview In addition to the sentiment against imperialism, there is conflict between Christian belief and traditional Chinese culture. The gospel along with the beliefs it represents are entirely foreign to the cultural Chinese worldview, and consequently some have considered the spread of Christianity as a kind of cultural invasion. Chinese Christian scholar Xie Fuya, who spent most of his life analyzing the relationship between Christianity and Chinese culture, believes the reason for the many misunderstandings and conflicts between the two is that Christianity has not yet comprehended Chinese culture. Consequently, Chinese culture does not fully fathom the essence of the faith, while Christianity has not been able to impress and influence the Chinese culture. Perhaps this is oversimplifying an issue that is much more complex, but I think in doing so, Xie has stumbled upon something that is unique about the Christian faith. Unlike the other dominant foreign religion in China (Buddhism), Christianity is a canonical and exclusive religion. It makes exclusive truth claims about God and reality. Buddhism is much more inclusive doctrinally. As such, it was able to assimilate congenially into the cultural Chinese spiritualityaccommodating and conforming to local philosophies, which resulted in various indigenous permutations of the religion, affording it a homegrown status. The cultural Chinese emphasis on maintaining peace in relationships also further obscures the objectivity of truth. As the telling of truth may involve the unpleasantness of upsetting the other person, a genuine discussion of truth is hard to achieve. It is more virtuous to impress and remain pleasant than to discuss truthful matters and offend. Hence there is a general reluctance to deal with the truth of matters directly and openly. Being a Paul to cultural Chinese What then is the most effective apologetics strategy that we should employ with a culturally Chinese person? Perhaps there is no need for one. After all, the Great Commission is not about finding an apologetic against all non-Christian worldviews but to witness about Jesus Christ to the world and make disciples in his name. Apologetics is just an approach where there is a need for us to clear away intellectual or cultural obstacles that may stand in the way of someones understanding and acceptance of the gospel. The Book of Acts records Pauls famous sermon in Athens. However, what preceded this event in Acts 17 was the claim that Paul was preaching a foreign god to the Athenians (Acts 17:1620). The Athenians called Paul a babbler who was presenting some weird ideas and they wanted to learn more. Of course, our audience may not be as interested in our message as the Athenians, for, after all, the pragmatism of the culturally Chinese would have no time for such endeavors. Instead, like Paul, we need to figure out if there is a way to locate some of their values within the Christian worldview. Article continues below If we are to relevantly share the Christian faith with the over 1.3 billion culturally Chinese in the world, we need to understand their worldview. The onus is on us to learn and study the cultural Chinese worldview and cultural expressions. We need to consider how to ask probing questions tactfully and learn to listen attentively as we seek the help of the Holy Spirit to discern the core issues at hand. We must learn how to articulate the gospel in terms that are attractive and significant to this quarter of the worlds population. I-ching Thomas is a writer and speaker in Christian apologetics specializing in the relevance of the Christian faith in the Eastern cultural contexts. This is an excerpt from Chapter 1 of Jesus: The Path to Human Flourishing by Iching Thomas, 2018. Used by permission of Graceworks Private Limited, www.graceworks.com.sg [ This article is also available in and . ] Busiswa Dlamini is frustrated at the slow pace as her country confronts the effects of climate change. The Christian activist from Eswatini, the semi-arid southern African kingdom previously known as Swaziland, says as a young person, it is difficult to come up with solutions in the face of a system designed to continue the status quo. Yes, we do come up with solutions, but where there are no policies, its very hard for us to implement the ideas and innovations that we have, she told CT. Theres a gap in my country between what the youth are trying to do and what the government is doing. She and representatives from dozens of other Christian churches and church-related groups in Africa, the United States, and Europe gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, last month for a two-day convocation about climate and its impact on hunger. The meeting was organized by Bread for the World and hosted by the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), which represents half a million Christians. The convocation produced a statement ahead of the 27th annual Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27), which began in Egypt on Sunday. The meeting led to the signing of a faith leaders statementA Faithful Voice on Hunger and Climate Justicethat organizers call bold and prophetic. The statement urges governments around the world to pursue meaningful change for those disproportionately affected by hunger and climate change. It says that leaders in the Southern hemisphere should develop and implement policies that will address ecological injustice, while governments in the Northern hemisphere should fulfill all milestone commitments made at previous UN Climate Change Conferences. That includes delivering on promises of $100 billion every year to fight the effects of burning fossil fuels. The extreme patterns of living and livelihoods of some of us cause the extreme suffering of our brothers and sisters: 10 percent of the worlds wealthiest individuals are responsible for around half of global greenhouse gas emissions, it says. As Christians from Africa, Europe, and North America, we share a fierce resolve to stand and work together to end the hunger crisis made worse by climate instability, to renew Gods creation, and to bring our planet into balance. US participants included representatives from the Evangelical Environmental Network, the Faith and Justice Network, A Rocha USA, the United Methodist Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and Eugene Cho with Bread for the World. We were trying to model how the Western world could essentially come alongside those in Africa who are most impacted and are already doing a lot of the work, said Jordan Teague, Bread for the Worlds director for policy analysis and coalition building. One of the things that we heard the most from the [African] faith leaders that we talked with, and who eventually attended the convocation, was the promise unfulfilled, Teague said. All people should keep their word, but I feel especially for Christians, or people with a Christian identity, that its extremely important to keep the word that we say. In 2009, developed nations committed to give $100 billion per year to developing countries to fight climate change, and to reach that goal by 2020. The target has been missed. Combined, adaptation and mitigation finance funding fell at least $17 billion short in 2020. There will likely be a push for the fulfillment of those promises at COP27, analysts say, despite the fact that many rich countries and their citizens are facing a cost-of-living crisis on the back of rising energy and food prices. Teague said the convocation in Nairobi recognized the position the world was in. The $100 billion figure may seem like an unattainable goal, but the gathered Christians wanted to add their voices to those calling for it to be fulfilled. This is where our Christian identity of lament and also hope comes in, and being bold and prophetic as well, in calling on people to fulfill that promise even if it might seem impossible given world economics and geopolitical situations, she said. I think this is a time when we can really lean on our Christian identity in calling for such action. For Arnold Temple, bishop emeritus of the Methodist church of Sierra Leone and president of the AACC, the faith leaders statement amplified the voice of the African church on issues of hunger and climate change at a critical moment. We pray together as resurrection people for God to empower us to step out of fear, despair, and inertia, he said. Climate change is causing extreme weather conditions across the continent. Heavy rains and floods have left millions homeless in a number of countries this year, including Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, according to Temple. The situation is worsened by biodiversity loss and pollution on the back of deforestation and harmful mining practices. We are faced with degradation of our rich biodiversity. We are losing our animals and plants. Some species are now totally extinct, he told CT. As world leaders gather in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheik, several nations to the south are in the grips of a devastating drought. More than 36 million people have been affected in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya. Parts of Somalia are on the brink of famine. Aid agencies are struggling to keep up: Less than half of an appeal by the UN for $5.6 billion to help those in need has been met by donors. Computer models of climate change show the Horn of Africa droughtlike the recent floods in Pakistanis inextricably linked to the rise in mean atmospheric temperatures linked to the burning of fossil fuels. As climate change continues, the financial costs of adaptation will rise, creating real and perhaps intractable problems in the most vulnerable parts of the world. Last week, UN secretary general Antonio Guterres said the adaptation bill is set to skyrocket to $340 billion per year by 2030. Current funds dedicated to adaptation do not amount to a tenth of that, he said. That worries people like Dlamini, who saw the impact of a harsh drought in Eswatini in 2015 and 2016. To her eye, the countrys rural areas are woefully ill equipped to adapt. And they cannot adapt without help. Thats why its so important for activists and religious leaders to join together to call for government action. The most important call to action is the call to governments, she said. We expect them to change policies and adopt policies that address climate injustice, and also support smallholder farmers. This weeks COP27 has been dubbed the African COP. But it can only earn that title if its outcomes prove beneficial to the whole world, starting with the urgent needs in Africa in particular, said Temple, the AACC president, who is attending the summit in Egypt. We need to work together towards effective mitigation and adaptation, he said. We either act together now, or perish together in the near future. From demon-possessed addict to finding freedom in Jesus: Evangelist shares her testimony The saying "opposites attract" is how 34-year-old Oklahoma resident Casie George describes the "toxic and abusive" relationship with her parents as a child. And the phrase "you are a product of who raised you" rang true in her life before she came to know Christ. In an interview with The Christian Post, George, who describes herself as a nondenominational Christian street preacher and minister, often reflects on her "painful" journey from childhood to adolescence into adulthood. She'll never forget how her alcoholic biological father abused her verbally, physically, mentally and emotionally. The traumatic encounters George faced in her youth led her on a downward spiral into adulthood. By the time she reached her early 20s, she was heavily addicted to drugs and alcohol. She said she was also fully possessed by a legion of demons that oppressed, provoked and tormented her nonstop for under 12 years of her life. "I really hate mentioning their names. But I was possessed by the demon of Jezebel. There was a demon of trauma provoking me and tormenting me. There was a demon of rape. I had a murder scene demon. I had a demon of rage. There was an evil spirit of rejection and a demon of molestation," George described. "I was completely taken over by these demons to the point where I do not remember most of my daughter's childhood, and it breaks my heart. There are gaps in my mind with missing memories from during the years I was being possessed and oppressed by demons." After about a decade of demonic possession, George said she found freedom after seven intercessors, Christian "prayer warriors" and pastors conducted a prayerfully-led deliverance and healing session over her mind, body and emotions to cast out the demons. "If it wasn't for Jesus, I would not be walking in freedom," George said. As an evangelist and disciple of Jesus, George said she could not help but go out into the streets and share the Gospel with people from many different walks of life, leading them to know Jesus. "Childhood experiences have the potential to shape a person's adulthood," she said. George grew up in Sapulpa, Oklahoma a "small town with an urban twist" just outside Tulsa. George was the middle child of two brothers and a sister. From as far back as she can remember, her parents were polar opposites. George's most painful memories were formed around her father, who she said was a very loud alcoholic who often rejected and abused her. On the other hand, George said her mother was not heavily religious, but she still held to some Methodist teachings in small ways. George's mother was quiet in nature and highly submissive to her husband. Her mother would often bring George and her siblings to after-school church religious programs, which helped instill in George the foundations of the Christian faith. "My parents were not in church. But my mother set the ground bases for us kids growing up by dropping us off at church every Sunday. They never kept us from going to church. I remember starting in middle school, I would go to an after-school program at First United Methodist Church in Tulsa," George recalled. "I'm thankful and grateful for my mother because if it had not been for her, I don't think I would have ever had a knowledge of biblical principles and about the Lord." Personal 'punching bag' Looking back on her younger days, George wishes she didn't face the trauma that caused her spiritual, mental, social, physical and psychological distress, impacting the trajectory of her life into adulthood. George said her father often treated her as his personal "punching bag" as he went on frequent drunken rants. She said her mother tried to stand up for her against her father's abuse but was unsuccessful. George recalled her mother always remained prayerful and hopeful that things would improve in their home. George's mother's "fervent" prayers would be her "saving grace" later in life, as they played a role in her eventual deliverance. In addition to an "unstable and trauma-filled home life," George said she was severely bullied in elementary school by her peers, causing her to harbor anger and deep internal sadness. By the time she reached middle school, she had become a bully herself. "I bullied others in an effort to handle my inner pain and anger. And at that point, it was kind of like everybody was scared of me," George recalled. "So, they just expected me to be around and just kind of dealt with me by putting up with me." In high school, George said she became exposed to "more intense peer pressure" as she turned to alcohol and drugs. At 17, she attended a party where she had her first alcoholic beverage. From that time on, she said she began binge drinking every weekend, which turned into binge drinking daily. Soon after, she began exploring heavier and more addictive alcohols and drugs daily. George was also prescribed Adderall for her Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). "At that time, Adderall was a very big drug of choice. And a lot of kids were like, 'You got that, like let me get some. Let me buy that off you.' So, I became a dealer within the school, selling my pills and not telling my mom. I didn't like the way I felt on Adderall at that time," George said. "I became a drug dealer, and then it led into other drugs because I was trading the pills for other pills that I liked such as Lortab, Norco, oxycontin whatever I could get my hands on. And then, it led to getting high and marijuana. And then, those led to me doing methamphetamines and then crack cocaine." George eventually dropped out of high school and became an alcoholic and a drug addict. George later married her husband, Steven George, a Christian man, and gave birth to her daughter shortly after. In 2014 and 2015, her addictions began to take a detrimental toll on her marriage. When she was 25, her husband started to realize she had also become possessed. "My husband knew about my addictions for years, and when he discovered I was under demonic possession, he stayed with me. He went through it with me. And he continued to pray, stay by my side and intercede by fasting for me for many years," George said. "When my husband first met me, he knew about my addictions, and we were young. And he later realized I was demon-possessed. But he stayed by my side, by the grace of God, and we are still together to this day." Spiritual intervention On March 3, 2016, Steven George sought help from Christian friends whom he knew were "prayer warriors" and they held a spiritual intervention. The group prayed over Casie George for what felt to her like an entire night. From that moment on after the intervention, she said she was delivered and freed from every demon that had ever tormented her. "The Lord used my husband because I had a problem with submission. So, my husband had to be the one to do the deliverance session. There were pastors there. There were also intercessors and prayer warriors standing around," George said. "It started out with three people, but by the end of the deliverance, there were about seven praying over me and rebuking and casting out the demons by laying hands on me and declaring the power of the Holy Spirit over me." Despite being freed from the demons that tormented her mind, body and emotions, George said she continued to struggle with her drug and alcohol addictions. "I was dealing with a lot of oppression. The enemy was still trying to take me out and take me back to who God just delivered me from, and that was through the pills," she said. "It was the drug addiction that I had to let go of that I was still holding onto." On Aug. 2, 2016, George overdosed. "It was an accidental overdose. I did not want to die because God was already dealing with my heart," George recounted. "I had already had my deliverance on March 3, but sometimes, deliverance is a process. And so, I accidentally overdosed. And that's when I had my encounter with the Lord that changed me forever." While in her hospital room with her mother, George said her heart was barely beating and thought the life was being sucked out of her. At that moment, she knew she needed to hear the Word of God read aloud immediately. "I said, 'Mom, I know you have the Bible app on your phone. I need you to pull it up.' I was hearing a particular Scripture, and it was Romans 10:9-10. And it was like she was ignoring me, but I'm sure she was answering me. I just wasn't completely coherent at that time. I was barely talking," George recalled. "But, on the third time of me asking my mother, she was standing in the threshold of the hospital room door, and she pointed at me, and I could feel it in my spirit. When she pointed at me, she pointed with all power and authority given to her through Christ Jesus. And she said, 'You know, the Word.' And as soon as she said that, the word of God just started flowing from my belly." 'Risen with Christ' George said a light came through the ceiling and illuminated her whole hospital room. She said, "the colors seen on Earth are nothing compared to the colors that someone has the potential to see in the presence of God." "Then, a nurse came walking into the room. And he did not look like the man that everybody else said they saw. And on his badge, it said the words: 'I am.' He didn't come to me as Jesus. He didn't come to me as any other name, but he came to me as 'I am,'" George said. Since that August 2016 day in the hospital room, George said she has never again struggled with drug or alcohol addiction. "It was a process that I had to go through of fully surrendering everything to God and soul searching, like going deep down in my heart and examining my heart. And saying, 'Lord, I need you to remove this.' And my spiritual eyes were opened," George said. "I was sensitive to the Holy Spirit after the encounter with Jesus in the hospital room. And so, God was showing me things that I needed to let go of. And when I was at that place of full surrender, that I was never going to look back because God told me, 'Casie, if you go back, you might not make it out next time.' And that scared me to death for a reason because I had to die to myself so that I could be risen with Christ." Archbishop tells G20 event Christianity 'on the very edge of extinction' in Iraq Speaking at a G20 event centered on religion's role in helping solve global problems, an Iraqi archbishop warns that Christianity in his country is "on the very edge of extinction." The Most Rev. Bashar Warda, the Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of Erbil, spoke last week at the G20 Religion Forum in Bali, Indonesia, an event attended by more than 300 religious leaders from across the globe. He gave a speech titled "The Future of Religious Pluralism: A Warning from Iraq," a copy of which was emailed to The Christian Post. During his remarks, the archbishop stressed that "sectarian violence" is a significant problem in Iraq. This country suffered the rise of an Islamic State stronghold during the last decade in which thousands of Iraqi religious minorities were killed, enslaved or forced to flee their homelands. Warda stated, "without an end to this sectarian violence, there is no future for religious pluralism in Iraq, or anywhere else in the Mideast for that matter." "The brutal logic of this is that there does eventually reach an end point where there are no minorities left to kill, and no minorities left to persecute," said Warda. "Such is the bleak future of religious pluralism in Iraq today. As I share with you this experience, I pray that you will find in our story a clear warning to you all." Warda noted that after around 1,900 years of existing in the region, "we Christians of Iraq now find ourselves on the very edge of extinction." "Our Christian ancestors shared with Muslim Arabs a deep tradition of thought and philosophy and engaged with them in dialogue respectfully since the eighth century A.D. The Arabic Golden Age, historian Philip Jenkins has noted, was built on Chaldean and Syriac scholarship," he continued. "Now we face the end in Iraq, the same end faced by the Iraqi Jews before us, and the same end now being faced by the Yazidis, with whom we have suffered so much pain, alongside us." There is "a fundamental crisis of violence within Islam" that "can no longer be ignored," Warda said, adding that it "continues to affect the entire Middle East, Africa, Asia and beyond." "And if this crisis is not acknowledged, addressed, and fixed, then there can be no future for Christians or any other form of religious pluralism in the Middle East," the archbishop said. "Indeed, there is little reason to see a future for anyone in the Middle East, including within the Islamic world itself, other than in the context of continued violence, revenge, and hatred." Warda acknowledged that "we Christians have too often embraced the most radical and violent interpretations of our faith," looking at the Second Vatican Council's official recognition of religious freedom in 1962 as a critical turning point. "This is where we Iraqi Christians are today: not forgetting, but still forgiving. Can our Muslim brothers and sisters follow us in this, or will their own story of violence continue, destroying themselves eventually?" he asked. "Fundamentally, this change in direction can only come about as the conscious work of the Islamic world itself." Open Doors USA, a watchdog group that monitors persecution in over 60 countries, ranks Iraq as the 14th worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution. Although Christians in Iraq once numbered around 1.5 million, that number has fallen to below 200,000 today as the Christian population has deteriorated since the United States military intervention began in 2003. Although the Islamic State's stronghold in Nineveh Plains was eradicated in 2017, the country remains plagued by conflicts that "gravely affect the country's minority Christian population," according to Open Doors. "In June 2020, Christian villages were bombed in Turkey's largest operation in the area since 2015, forcing many Christians to flee," an Open Doors factsheet reads. "In May 2021, Christian villages were evacuated following Turkish bombing in the region. Christians were not protected by the local government." Additionally, Christians are impacted by intolerance and persecution mostly perpetuated by militant Islamic groups and non-Christian leaders. Although a committee has been established to help Christians displaced by the Islamic State return to their homes, Open Doors reports that many are reluctant to do so because they don't believe they'll be safe upon return. The G20 Religion Forum was organized by Nahdlatul Ulama, a prominent politically moderate Islamic organization based in Indonesia. According to a statement emailed to CP, the forum is the first main event for the G20 summit focused on how religion can help solve global issues. Key objectives for the gathering included preventing "the weaponization of identity," curtailing "the spread of communal hatred," protecting "human beings from violence and suffering precipitated by conflict," fostering "honest and realistic conversation within and between religious communities" and working to "infuse geopolitical and economic power structures with moral and spiritual values." Other attendees included Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, primate of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, and Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto in northern Nigeria, another country impacted by deadly violence. A gathering of 19 countries plus the European Union aimed at addressing issues surrounding the global economy, the G20 Heads of State and Government Summit is scheduled for Nov. 15-16. Pastor of multiethnic church says identity should come from the cross, not one's race A black pastor of a multiethnic church recently shared how he identifies more with the cross than he does with the color of his skin and how he believes a Christians identity should be rooted in Jesus, not race. A lot of people, they look at themselves as a black person or a white person or a Hispanic person, Pastor Ken Claytor of Alive Church in Gainesville, Florida, told Joni Lamb, host of "Table Talk" in an episode that aired on Oct. 24. I look at myself as a born-again person, washed by the blood, who is a child of God, that happens to be black. I don't have a problem with my heritage or my race. I love what I am. Claytor, who's also the author of the book, As it is In Heaven: How a Church That Resembles Heaven Can 'Help' Heal Our Racial Divide, explained why he places greater importance on his religious beliefs than his racial identity, and noted that the Church is supposed to be multiracial. Christians can be racist due to living in a fallen world, added Claytor, who told the host that "some of the racist rhetoric was coming from the Church, especially in the South." There were Jim Crow laws that were passed in the South and some people believed that segregation was a godly thing. Not sure what scripture they were using for that one because I got other scriptures that say the opposite, Claytor said. I believe that racism is not just a skin issue. It's a sin issue. And we're the only ones who have the answer to sin, and His name is Jesus. So, the Church should actually be leading the way and be the example. Claytor also shared that he's "a little weary of people that might be tired of this topic," given that he believes it will always be relevant to the Church. It's almost this pressure, let's keep putting our head in the sand and act like this isn't a problem,'" he said. "But as long as we live in a fallen, broken world, there's going to be all kinds of -isms; sexism, racism, whatever the -isms are. And we have to address it. As Christians, it is vital to forgive, Claytor said, citing Luke 23:34, when Jesus said: forgive them, for they know not what they do. As Christians, we have to forgive because we've been forgiven of so much. And I think we live in a time where it's almost suggested, Well, no, this has been so bad that you can't forgive someone. And that's just not true, Claytor said. I don't look at social injustices or racism as, Oh, that's a white problem, a black problem, yellow problem. I look at it as a demonic problem. This is not just about a certain group of people. This is about how Satan loves to divide. For a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. He'll use whatever he can to divide us; denominational differences, doctrinal differences and pigment differences. Claytor also discussed his upbringing in West Virginia and how his first real experience of racism came during a junior high school class when a girl had him pass a note to another student. I opened it up, and it had KKK and white power on it," Claytor recounted. "It was just very hurtful. It actually kind of imploded to the place where other kids got involved, and it was like a little mini middle school riot. It kind of felt that way. And so she ended up getting either transferred or expelled." Racism is not something that people are born with. If you put a black 1 year old in a crib with a white 1 year old, they're going to love each other as babies. Someone has to teach them to look at life through those lenses. And so, somebody taught her that. Claytor shared other memories from his youth when he experienced more racism, such as being called the n-word and getting into the occasional fight. He also recounted having a crush on a girl who was from a different ethnic group, and her father threatened to pull her out of school when he found out about Claytor's interest. And it wasn't because I had treated her wrong or done anything. It was simply because of the color of my skin, Claytor recounted. Claytor developed anger and hurt over what happened. But at some point, he said, God intervened and led him to forgive despite the pain he felt. I feel like when we go through life's experiences, we can get bitter or get better. And I didn't have a strong walk with Jesus back then. And so, I was a little bitter. I still had different kinds of friends and things. But in a couple of years outside of college, I rededicated my life to Jesus, I got filled with the Holy Spirit and it was almost like I just got supernatural love, Claytor said. And I got a supernatural lens. And I began to see things from a heavenly perspective more than even from my parent's perspective or other people's perspective. I just began to see things differently. Christian family suffering 'living hell' after arrests on false charges of 'conversion' at son's birthday party NEW DELHI, India A Christian mother and her family in northern India have suffered assaults and threats since she and others were arrested from her sons birthday party on false accusations of fraudulent conversion, her husband said. Our lives have turned into a living hell as we struggle to survive each day with our 7-year-old son, Mahendra Kumar told Morning Star News. We face threats every day and do not know what will happen tomorrow. Kumars wife, Indrakla, was one of six women, four of them Christians, arrested on charges of fraudulent conversion based on a complaint of members of the Hindu extremist Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council) on July 30 in Maharajganj, Azamgarh District, Uttar Pradesh state. We have been targeted several more times after we filed a counter-complaint regarding the harassment and attacks that we have faced, Indrakla told Morning Star News. The six women were arrested when Hindu extremists intruded into a large birthday celebration for the couples only son on July 30 in Maharajganj Districts Bishunpura village, accusing Christians of using the event as a cover to fraudulently convert people. Those arrested remained in jail for more than a month before being bailed out. Since then, on two occasions assailants deliberately rammed a car into Kumar while he was on his motorbike with his son, and the family has received several threats, he said. On Oct. 21 Kumar and his wife awoke at 2 a.m. to the sound of several people banging on their door. After Indrakla, who goes by a single name, was released on bail on Sept. 1, the family opted not to return to their rented home upon learning that Hindu extremists were planning to attack them. When they returned in October, the threats and harassment continued. Jailed Indrakla was getting her son ready for the party at about 1:30 p.m. on July 30 while three Christian women sang worship songs in an area near the house under a tent cover, she said. The family had invited around 600 people, including 300 church members. About 150 guests had arrived when someone informed Indrakla that a group of men had arrived, arguing and objecting to the gathering. When Indrakla told the intruders, members of the VHP, that they were gathered only to celebrate her sons birthday, they accused her of luring people to convert under the guise of the party. Police soon arrived, and in their presence the VHP members continued to harass her and her husband, she said. I stepped forward and tried to reason with them that it was my sons birthday, and if there is nothing wrong with Hindus performing Hindu worship during their family birthday celebrations, what is wrong if we sing Christian choruses and pray before we eat? Indrakla said. The Hindu extremists refused to heed or answer her, she said. The atmosphere of celebration soon changed into despair as the police and Hindu extremists denigrated us, Indrakla said. They termed our birthday celebration as a ceremony for luring Dalit masses into becoming Christians. Dalits have historically been regarded as untouchable, lower than and thus outside the lowest level in the Hindu caste hierarchy. Police arrested Indrakla and three other Christians identified only as Savita, Anita and Sadhana and the owners of the house, identified as Subhagi Devi and Sunita, two women who are not Christians. All six were taken to the Maharajganj police station, where officers tried to pressure Indrakla into confessing that she distributed Christian literature, she said. I said, I dont have any literature, and neither do I distribute any literature, Indrakla said. One of the two landladies told police that they were witnesses to the birthday party and that no form of conversion was taking place. Officers told the six women they would release them by evening, but instead they were charged on a complaint of Ashutosh Singh, block president of the VHP, with provocation and criminal intimidation and, under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act 2021, with unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means, in First Information Report No. 286. The arrested women were transferred to the Azamgarh police station that night, and the next morning, July 31, they appeared before a special lower court, as it was a Sunday. They were denied bail and sent to Azamgarh jail. Forced conversion is punishable by imprisonment of one to five years with a minimum fine of $181 (15,000 rupees), and three to 10 years of prison for the conversion of minors and women from the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe community. One of the landladies and Savita and Anita were released on Aug. 30, while Sadhana, Indrakla and the other landlady were released on Sept. 1. The ground reality is that under the garb of the allegation of forced conversions, people are being targeted by right-wing fanatic organizations being backed by the government to gain popularity or benefit politically, the attorney representing the women, Munish Chandra, told local media outlet The Wire. Attacks While his wife was in jail, Kumar and their son had taken refuge at the home of Indraklas brother. On the way back from an Aug. 16 court hearing for the six women, a car crashed into the motorbike on which Kumar, his son and sister-in-law were riding. Thankfully, none of us were hurt in that accident, Kumar said. After the next hearing on Aug. 24, again a car rammed into his motorbike. Thrown onto the road from the impact, Kumar and his son sustained leg injuries, his sister-in-law several internal injuries, and her son several bruises. I am sure we were attacked by people sent by the complainant, Kumar told Morning Star News. It cannot be a coincidence that we are hit by a car on both the court hearings in the same way. The six women were granted bail at the Aug. 24 hearing, though they were not released until a week later, he said. The cordial relations Indrakla had with those in her community before the July 30 incident have chilled since her arrest and jailing, she said. The community that we lived in have all suddenly turned their faces against us, she said. They are behaving as if we are their enemies. They say that we indulge in converting people. The landlords have been pressuring Kumar to vacate the house to spare them further trouble, and his extended family members have shunned him, he said. They have flatly refused to shelter us, he said. They say that till our case is settled, they will have nothing to do with us. Financial setback Kumar, a street vendor of cookies and candies, borrowed various resources from neighbors and other villagers to provide a grand celebration for their son, said their Pastor Santosh Kumar. An emotional Indrakla said much money and planning went into preparing the birthday gathering where intruders set into motion events that have hurt their income. Due to the threats from Hindu extremists, Kumar cannot leave home and resume work. We borrowed utensils, harmonium, mic and all the items required, she said. We rented stuff from a tent house and have not paid for any of that yet. The food prepared for more than 600 people went to waste, and there was no one to tend to household affairs while Indrakla was in custody. Amid the chaos, some of the borrowed or rented items were stolen, along with some of their own possessions, Indrakla said. We have people coming and asking us every day to either return their things or pay for it, Indrakla said. Where do I get the money from to pay them? Counter case On Sept. 4, Kumar and Indrakla filed a private court complaint under the Code of Criminal Procedure over the attack and harassment they have faced. They have also filed complaints to Scheduled Caste-Scheduled Tribe commission offices in New Delhi and Lucknow, as well as to the district superintendent of police, said Dinnanath Jaiswar, a Christian leader and social activist in Uttar Pradesh. Since these Hindu extremists came to know about the counter-complaint, they have targeted the family many times, Jaiswar told Morning Star News. Now the court has directed the police to investigate the threats and intimidation of the victims. Jaiswar noted that Indrakla and the other women are low-status Dalits, while the assailants are upper-caste Hindus. Its a prestige issue for them, he said. They cannot digest how these Dalits have exercised their legal rights against the upper caste. For them, the reality has been that the law is there for the upper castes to be used against the lower-caste people. They think they are the higher strata of society and the government belongs to them. Christian families who are Dalits thus face double discrimination for being both low status and followers of Christ, he said. Various entities have designated Uttar Pradesh as the state in India where Christians experience the most persecution. Christians make up only 0.18% of the states population, according to the 2011 Census, or 356,000 Christians in the highly populated state. The hostile tone of the National Democratic Alliance government, led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, against non-Hindus, has emboldened Hindu extremists in several parts of the country to attack Christians since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took power in May 2014, religious rights advocates say. India ranked 10th on Christian support organization Open Doors 2022 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, as it was in 2021. The country was 31st in 2013, but its position worsened after Modi came to power. Community mourns 6 children found dead with parents in suspected murder-suicide Elected officials and several pastors banded together Sunday with community members at a prayer and healing service hosted by First Baptist Church Broken Arrow in Oklahoma to grieve the loss of six children and their parents found dead less than two weeks ago in what police suspect was a murder-suicide. Police said on Oct. 27, neighbors reported a house fire near West Houston Street and South Elm Place at around 4 p.m. Authorities later discovered eight bodies inside the burned home, News On 6 reported. The victims were identified as Brian Nelson, 34; his wife Brittney Nelson, 32; and their six children: Brian II, 13; Brantley, 9; Vegeta, 7; Ragnar, 5; Kurgan, 2; and Britannica, 1. "Less than two weeks ago, our community experienced a tragedy. And although this tragedy involved one family, it affects all of us because, at Broken Arrow, we are all part of a community that feels a lot like family," First Baptist Broken Arrow Executive Pastor Steve Smith said during the prayer service. "We love our city, and in times like this, it's also our responsibility, but also our privilege, to do what we can to provide hope and healing." Rich Mangaro, the pastor of nearby Harvest Church, said when he first got the call about the fire, he was "not expecting what happened." He said he was "heartbroken when the events started to unfold that evening." He was only left with questions asking, "Why?" Police told the Tulsa World that the children were found dead in the back bedroom of the 980-square-foot home where they lived with their parents. Brian Nelson's parents, Danny and Marilyn Nelson, told the publication that their son and his wife had been struggling financially for a while, including a $138,000 debt load that included $127,081 in unpaid student loans. Both parents were also unemployed. "I think the stress was what got to them trying to figure out how to make it from one month to one month to one month," Danny Nelson told the Tulsa World. Marilyn Nelson said that years earlier, her son, who owns several guns and reportedly always had one on him, suffered an injury to his head while working in retail. She said he has never been the same mentally since then and has suffered excruciating headaches due to the injury. "Every time one of those headaches came around, he just would lose it because it was so excruciating," she said. "I want people to know that at one time, he had all his brain together," the grandmother said. "I just don't understand why they did what they did. I just don't understand why he ended up in that situation. I talk to God all the time and I just don't understand." In her remarks Sunday, Broken Arrow Mayor Debra Wimpee blamed the tragedy on mental health "coupled with evil." "As we gather here today, some still reeling from the tragic deaths of eight residents, six of which were precious, innocent children, seem senselessly that took them from our city and their remaining family," she said. "We seek to make sense of this and to understand the reason why this happened. Unfortunately, this is another example of the need to address mental illness in our nation. Mental illness coupled with evil has tragic endings. Endings we cannot begin to understand." 'Generation Indoctrination': What's being done to protect kids legally from gender ideology? As gender ideology continues to pervade every realm of culture, legislators and public policy experts alarmed by its effects on children have taken numerous steps to thwart it from taking root in state laws. When Arkansas state Rep. Robin Lundstrum learned that children in her state were undergoing experimental gender medicalization, she knew she had to act. At first, I was very surprised, Lundstrum said in the fourth installment of The Christian Posts documentary-style investigative podcast series, "Generation Indoctrination: Inside the Transgender Battle, which was released Friday. I thought surely not, and the more we investigated, the more we realized it was happening here in Arkansas, she continued, upon being told by one of her legislative colleagues that this was not limited to the East and West Coasts where she knew it was occurring. Moved to action, Lundstrum was the lead sponsor of the Save Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act, prohibiting the chemical and surgical trans-ing of minors in that state. The bill was passed overwhelmingly through both chambers, but then Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, vetoed the measure. With sizable majorities in the House and the Senate, Lundstrum and her colleagues then overrode the veto. The law is currently being contested in federal court. Its a lot like seeing a car accident. Do you not dial 911? What adult looks the other way when you know this is happening to children? Lundstrum posited. In every state, we set parameters for children under 18. You cant buy spray paint or cough syrup. But we would look the other way while theyre cutting themselves? I dont think so. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of gender-dysphoric females who have undergone medically unnecessary cosmetic surgeries to appear more masculine as they attempt to identify as opposite sex quadrupled from 2016 to 2017. Jeremy Carl, a Trump administration official who worked in the Department of the Interior and is a contributor to American Greatness, believes that people should face criminal charges and that Americans should put aside politics to prevent children from being harmed. I think there need to be legal consequences, Carl tells CP in the podcast interview, speaking of those who if discovered through a subpoena process in a legal context repressed science and facts in service to an ideology where children wound up abused and permanently maimed. And ultimately, I think that is a very significant part of where we need to go if we really match the outrage we say we have, he said. Aside from laws prohibiting the chemical and surgical trans-ing of children, another development on the legal front has been increased protections for parental rights. Earlier this year in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Parents Rights in Education Act, which critics dubbed the Dont Say Gay bill. The law forbids teachers from instructing young students on sexuality and gender identity topics at young ages, from kindergarten through the third grade. The law also requires schools to inform parents if their child expresses an interest in identifying as the opposite sex or is struggling with their gender identity. For Florida resident January Littlejohn, who was featured in episode one of CPs podcast series and was a proponent of the bill, the legal measure was a welcome development, particularly after the approximately year-and-a-half long nightmare she endured with her daughter mired in gender confusion. I was happy to see steps being taken to further solidify and protect parental rights in our school system, Littlejohn said, adding that she doesnt think this is going to be the end of what we see. These laws should not even be necessary in light of current statutes and constitutional provisions, she lamented. Its really going to come down to holding the schools accountable when their rights are violated. Littlejohns attorney, Vernadette Broyles, believes the law was needed and that it was to make explicitly clear that schools cannot withhold the information. School officials should have already recognized the rights of parents. But in recent years, they have not, particularly when it comes to gender. The new legislation was to make it unmistakably clear that these rights must be sacrosanct, she said. That critics have seized upon one sentence in the bill forbidding the instruction of sexual orientation and gender for young ages shows that the agenda of these teachers really is about ideological indoctrination of children into gender identity, she said. Its an appropriate piece of legislation to ensure parents have the critical information they need to watch over their children while theyre in school. The final episode of the "Generation Indoctrination" podcast series will be released on Friday and feature the story of a young woman who has detransitioned. Survey finds increasing number of Protestants want their church to be politically homogenous 57% of churchgoers younger than 50 want other members to vote the same way they do As voters prepare to cast their ballots for the midterm elections, a recent study says that most Protestants prefer to attend a church where the congregations political views align with theirs. According to a study released Tuesday by Lifeway Research, an organization that surveys ongoing trends in church ministries, 50% of non-Catholics surveyed in the U.S. prefer to attend a politically homogenous church, while 41% disagreed and 10% were uncertain. At least 55% of participants believe they are attending a church that shares their political views. Fewer than a quarter disagreed (23%) or arent sure (22%). Lifeway Research conducted the survey online from Sept. 19-29, using a national pre-recruited panel of over 1,000 Americans. The studys margin of error was +/- 3.3%, with a 95% confidence level. Studies have shown that voting patterns and political affiliation correlate with the type of church and amount of church involvement someone has, Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, said in a statement. But when asked if churchgoers want political similarity to flow back into their church relationships, this is desirable for only half of churchgoers. In a 2017 Lifeway Research study, 46% of participants said they would rather attend a church with people who share their same political preferences. The recent study found that 19% of Protestants strongly agree they prefer to attend a church where people share their political views, up from 12% in 2017. The recent survey also found that younger churchgoers were more likely than older ones to prefer the church they attend to share their views. Fifty-seven percent of those younger than 50 said they want their fellow congregants to vote the same way they do. In comparison, 47% of churchgoers ages 50 to 65, and 41% who are 65 and older said the same. Ethnicity and education also played a factor in how much emphasis U.S. churchgoers placed on politics. Fifty-four percent of whites said they prefer to attend church with people who share their politics, compared to 53% of African Americans and 25% of Hispanics. Individuals with no college degree or less than a high school education (44%) were among the least likely to care whether they attended church with people who hold the same political views. How many participants cared about their fellow congregant's politics varied based on denomination. Eighty-eighty percent of Methodists and 80% of Restorationist movement churchgoers were more likely to care about other members' political alignments. Forty-seven percent of Baptists and Presbyterians/Reformers prefer to attend church with people who share a common political perspective, compared to 38% of Lutherans. Another 38% of participants who identify as nondenominational voiced a preference for churches that share their politics. Respondents with Evangelical beliefs (44%) were less likely than those who dont fully accept the four core Evangelical theology statements (54%) to care if other church attendees shared their political opinions. If one looks at the culture today, you might assume that most churches have been arguing over politics as well, McConnell said. While it appears more churchgoers notice the political views of other attendees, only 28% of pastors agree (14% strongly) that their church has experienced significant conflict in the last year, he continued, citing a 2021 Lifeway Research study of more than 1,500 Evangelical and Black Protestant pastors. Those who want political continuity may simply want a respite from political strife at church, and others may want to move together in political action, McConnell said. Earlier this month, Rasmussen Reports released a national survey of 1,155 U.S. adults. It found that 42% of respondents said they think the U.S. would be better off if more people attended religious services regularly, with responses varying depending on participants' political views. Thirty-six percent of Democrats and 65% of Republicans said the country would benefit from more people attending religious services regularly. Thirty percent of people unaffiliated with either party said the same thing. Another 13% said more Americans attending services more often would make the country worse, while 15% said they weren't sure. The survey was conducted online and by phone from Sept. 20-21, with the margin of sampling error at +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% confidence level. Targeting of pro-lifers shows FBI is 'rotted at its core': report A new report compiled by congressional Republicans suggests that the FBI is rotted at its core, citing the targeting of pro-life activists and parents concerned about their childrens education. Republicans on the United States House of Representatives Judiciary Committee released a report Friday titled FBI Whistleblowers: What Their Disclosures Indicate About the Politicization of the FBI and the Justice Department. The report contains approximately 1,000 pages of correspondence between lawmakers and current and former agency employees and the executive branch seeking clarification and documents related to actions lawmakers view as concerning. Over the last year, a multitude of whistleblowers have approached Judiciary Committee Republicans with allegations of political bias by the FBIs senior leadership and misuses of the agencys federal law-enforcement powers, the report states. Whistleblowers describe the FBIs Washington hierarchy as rotted at its core, maintaining a systemic culture of unaccountability, and full of rampant corruption, manipulation, and abuse. The report specifically outlined information obtained from whistleblower testimony and other sources revealing how actions by FBI leadership show a political bias against conservatives. It expressed particular concern about the FBIs embrace of an anti-life agenda while allowing attacks on pro-life facilities and churches to go unabated. For its part, the FBI is insisting that it continues to go about its business in a politically neutral way. In a statement shared with The Christian Post, the law enforcement agency asserted that we follow the facts without regards to politics. The FBI has testified to Congress and responded to letters from legislators on numerous occasions to provide an accurate accounting of how we do our work. The men and women of the FBI devote themselves to protecting the American people from terrorism, violent crime, cyber threats and other dangers, the statement added. While outside opinions and criticism often come with the job, we will continue to follow the facts wherever they lead, do things by the book, and speak through our work. The document identified the harassment and threats U.S. Supreme Court justices have found themselves subject to following the leak of the draft decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which concluded that the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion, as violations of federal law: In the face of ongoing threats to the justices and their families, the DOJ has, without any public explanation, neglected to institute a single prosecution for those acting in apparent violation and even brazen defiance of the law. After classifying the attacks on pro-life pregnancy centers following the leak of the Dobbs decision as violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, the report maintained that the DOJ was abiding by a double standard when it comes to enforcing the federal law. It lamented that the administration has looked the other way on violence targeting pro-life groups and facilities while acting thuggish in enforcing the provisions of the FACE Act preventing the assault of abortion clinic workers. On Sept. 23, an FBI SWAT team raided the home of Pennsylvania resident Mark Houck to arrest him on an indictment charging FACE Act violations punishable by up to 11 years in prison, based on simple shoving incidents. The warrant alleged that on Oct. 13, 2021, Houck shoved a Planned Parenthood volunteer escort outside a clinic. Houcks wife, however, explained that Houck was provoked by the Planned Parenthood activist making 'crude inappropriate and disgusting' comments to Houcks 12-year-old son. The report added that the FBI deployed 15 vehicles and 25 agents to his home, where they pointed guns at Houck and his family, all because of a confrontation between the pro-life activist and the Planned Parenthood escort as he and his son prayed outside the abortion clinic. It added that while the FBI claims that it is investigating a series of attacks and threats targeting pregnancy resource centers, faith-based organizations, and reproductive health clinics, it hinted at a double standard because the FBI has not executed any SWAT team dawn raids to make arrests in these cases. The document contained additional examples of the DOJs FACE Act enforcement, which resulted in pro-life activists facing 11 years in prison. In addition to suggestions of a political bias against pro-lifers, the report pointed to a similar derision toward parents resisting a far-left educational curriculum. It recounted the memorandum authored by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland directing law enforcement agencies to address a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence toward school officials. The document stressed that the memo came five days after the National School Boards Association likened the malice, violence, and threats directed at school officials to a form of domestic terrorism and hate crimes and suggested that the federal government use counterterrorism statutes to prosecute those engaged in such behavior. The DOJ memo and the NSBA letter prompted considerable backlash, leading to Garland testifying before Congress. While Garland assured lawmakers that he did not view parents getting angry at school boards as an example of domestic terrorism, a May 20 report released by the NSBA indicated that the Biden administration collaborated with the organization to craft the Sept. 29, 2021, letter that predated the memo. According to the NSBA report, White House officials discussed the existence of the [NSBA] Letter, its requests, and the contents of the Letter with Department of Justice officials more than a week before the Letter was finalized and sent to President [Joe] Biden. Fridays report added that the FBI quickly operationalized Attorney General Garlands directive, with FBI officials creating a new threat tag titled EDUOFFICIALS that applied to all investigations and assessments of threats specifically directed against school board administrators, board members, teachers, and staff. The report cited information from whistleblowers revealing that the FBI has opened investigations with the EDUOFFICIALS threat tag in almost every region of the country and relating to all types of educational settings. Examples of incidents that led to FBI investigations included a mother informing a school board we are coming for you. The complaint that led to the investigation presented the woman as a threat because of her membership in a so-called right-wing moms group titled Moms for Liberty and her status as a gun owner. Another parent that became the target of an FBI investigation vocally expressed opposition to mask mandates, with the complaint against him implying that he fit the profile of an insurrectionist because he rails against the government, believes all conspiracy theories and has a lot of guns and threatens to use them. The complainant admitted to the FBI that they had no specific information or observations of any crimes or threats and submitted the complaint because the FBI had created a website to submit tips to the FBI in regards to any concerning behavior directed toward school boards. Other findings in the report declared that The FBI is artificially inflating and manipulating domestic violent extremism statistics for political purposes, adding: the FBI downplayed and sought to reduce the spread of the serious allegations of wrongdoing leveled against Hunter Biden, the FBI is abusing its foreign surveillance authorities and the FBI is purging employees who refuse to align themselves with the leaderships political ideology. It also denounced the raid upon former President Donald Trumps residence at Mar-a-Lago over the summer. UMC announces new date for General Conference that will tackle LGBT debate The United Methodist Church has announced the new dates for its General Conference, having previously postponed the denominationwide gathering multiple times in part over concerns about COVID-19. In a Friday announcement, the Commission on the General Conference said the churchwide legislative gathering will be held on April 23May 3, 2024, at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Commission Chair Kim Simpson was quoted in the announcement as saying that Charlotte was selected because it best met our varied needs. We believe that delegates and attendees will be pleased with all the city has to offer, Simpson said, noting that both the Western North Carolina Conference and the North Carolina Annual Conference will co-host the event. North Carolina Bishop Leonard Fairley said he and his peers will bathe this gathering in deep prayer while also praying for each delegate who will seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we spend time in Holy Conferencing. May you experience the beautiful natural setting of North Carolina, and the amazing hospitality of its people as you do the work of the Kingdom always remembering you are Beloved of God, he said, as quoted in the announcement. Normally taking place every four years, the UMC General Conference involves delegates coming from all over the world to debate and pass legislation regarding the denomination. Originally, the UMC was planning to hold its next General Conference in May 2020, with the denominations contentious debate over LGBT issues being a key agenda item for the gathering. For the past several years, theological progressives have actively resisted the official UMC policy prohibiting the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals and the ban on blessing same-sex unions. The legislative gathering was going to entertain measures aimed at allowing theological conservatives to form their own denomination and graciously leave the UMC. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent gathering restrictions initiated in the United States required them to postpone the event, initially rescheduling to autumn of 2021. In February 2021, the UMC Commission announced that they were again postponing General Conference, setting the new date for Aug. 29Sept. 6, 2022. Pandemic issues and concerns over vaccine availability were cited as reasons for postponing. Then, in March of this year, the Commission announced that the legislative gathering would not take place until some point in 2024, effectively skipping the 2020 General Conference. The latest delay garnered backlash from theological conservatives, many of whom decided to go ahead and launch a new denomination, known as the Global Methodist Church, in May. It is anticipated that some theologically conservative local churches will find annual conferences willing to negotiate fair and just exit provisions, while others will, unfortunately, face obstacles placed in their paths, stated the GMC back in March. The Transitional Leadership Council decided it was time to launch the Global Methodist Church, so those who can leave early will have a place to land, to begin building and growing, and making room for others to join later. I see thousands of holy fires across America Against the backdrop of the deep darkness that is encroaching our land, I see thousands of fires burning brightly. But they are not the fires of riots and violent protests. They are holy fires, fires of spiritual outpouring and revival. They are not here yet at least not in large numbers and fully ablaze. But they are here in incipient form. And for some years now, with my inner eye, in my spirit, I have seen these holy fires burning. There have been revival movements in America in the past that had one particular hotspot to which people made pilgrimage. A prominent example would be the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles (which began in 1906), helping to birth the modern Pentecostal-Charismatic movement, which now numbers more than 600,000 million adherents worldwide. Believers flocked to these meetings from around the world, with missionaries being sent out from Azusa Street to many nations. More recently, from 1995-2000, believers from more than 130 nations traveled to the Brownsville Revival in Pensacola, Florida, and missionaries were sent out from there (through the ministry school that was raised up) to many nations. As a leader in the Brownsville Revival from 1996-2000, I was an eyewitness to this extraordinary spiritual phenomenon, where the crowds would form beginning at 6:00 am, waiting for the doors to open at 6:00 pm. The service would then start at 7:00 pm and last until midnight or later. This happened most nights of the week and went on for years. (For the account of an impartial journalist, see here.) Those were glorious, almost indescribable days, days that I long to see again. But in my heart, I do not see an exact repeat of this coming. Instead, I see thousands of hubs across the country. I see thousands of watering holes where people come to repent and get right with God, to be refreshed and renewed, to be saved and filled and delivered. I see this happening in countless church buildings, tent meetings, home gatherings, campus fellowships, and open-air rallies. I see young people flocking by the millions, just as happened to lost sinners (like me!) in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This became known as the Jesus People Movement or the Jesus Revolution. It even caught the attention of Time Magazine with its iconic cover story of June 7,1971 depicting a hippie-like Jesus and announcing the Jesus Revolution. Just 5 years earlier, in the cover story published April 8, 1966, Time boldly asked in stark red letters against a black background, Is God Dead? Time now had its answer. Absolutely, categorically not! (For a great account of what the Jesus Revolution looked and felt like on the ground, weaved together with Pastor Greg Lauries own conversion story, see here.) In recent years, I have ministered in some of these hot spots here in our land. I have seen buildings packed. I have seen young people worshiping fervently. I have seen the Spirit moving. And none of this happened because I was there speaking. Instead, I had the privilege of participating in what was already taking place. The fires are getting hotter! One pastor told me that in his city, administrators from some middle schools (Im referring to public schools, not Christian schools) reached out to his church. The kids were in such bad shape that the school officials asked this pastor to send young people from his congregation over to help. And they are seeing results! In the days to come, if we humble ourselves and pray, if we will repent of our sins and get our own houses in order, I believe scenes like this will multiply across every state and city in the land. People are hurting. They are lonely and fearful and stressed. They have lost hope in the system and dont know where to turn. Traditional religion leaves them dry. Their other spiritual searches have left them empty. Secularism doesnt fill the void. But when they encounter the true and living God, be it in a traditional setting with liturgy or a charismatic setting with spontaneous worship, many of them will come running. And when they are transformed, filled with joy and freedom and purpose, with bondages broken, depression gone, and no sense of guilt or condemnation, their friends and loved ones will come running too. In 1801 during the Second Great Awakening in America, in what was called the Cane Ridge Revival, an onlooker described what he saw as 20,000 people from the sparsely populated frontier region came together for a 6-day camp meeting: I stepped up on a log where I could have a better view of the surging sea of humanity. The scene that then presented itself to my mind was indescribable. At once I saw at least 500 swept down in a moment as if a battery of a 1,000 guns had been opened upon them and then immediately followed shrieks and shouts that rent the very heavens. On Sabbath [Sunday] night I saw above one hundred candles burning at once and I saw, I suppose, one hundred persons of all ages from eight to sixty years at once on the ground crying for mercy The sensible, the weak, learned and unlearned, the rich and the poor are the subjects of it. Now, multiply this by the thousands, and that is what I see coming across the land. Many will reject what God will do, as happens with every revival and visitation, including prominent church leaders. But many others even more will embrace it, having experienced for themselves the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus. May we be found ready and waiting when the Spirit moves, and may we prepare the way even today by deepening our devotion in prayer, in worship, in the Word, in compassionate outreach and service, in personal repentance, and in expectation and faith. Its time for the fires to burn! Woke corporate policies wreaking havoc on religious employees Woke corporate culture continues to wreak havoc on religious employees. The evidence keeps growing, as it seems that nearly every week theres a new headline of another company caving to radical woke ideology and firing someone because of their faith. The Christian Post reported that Nelli Parisenkova, a childcare teacher in California, is suing her former employer. The lawsuit claims she was fired for refusing on religious grounds to read books to children that featured same-sex couples: Like many Christians, she has a sincere religious belief that marriage is a sacred covenant divinely instituted by God to be a lifelong union between one man and one woman. She further believes that it would be sinful for her to personally promote any messages that are contrary to her beliefs regarding this sacred covenant of marriage. The suit lays out the case: Parisenkova worked at Bright Horizons an international childcare organization with hundreds of locations and more than 26,000 employees for four years and was aware of the books at the location. She had not been forced to read them based an informal accommodation request. However, the director of the location became aware of Parisenkovas Christian beliefs and took exception. Parisenkova formally requested a religious accommodation, but Bright Horizons responded by categorically denying her application. She was then terminated from her position. A marked increase in workplace discrimination cases in recent years makes it clear that woke corporate culture poses a serious threat to millions of people of faith. In a recent article, our team detailed the major and potentially landmark cases First Liberty is fighting right now to help defend religious employees and stop the wave of illegal discrimination. This means that defending religious liberty in the marketplace and at work is perhaps one of the most critical legal battlefronts today. To be clear, not every company brazenly discriminates against or fires employees based on their religion. Studies show that some of Americas most influential companies are making an attempt to promote religious diversity and accommodate people of various faiths and beliefs. But theres still a lot of room for improvement. The Religious Freedom and Business Foundations Corporate Religious Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Index found that only 40% of Fortune 500 companies mention or refer to religion on their diversity page of their website. This suggests that more than half of our nations most powerful companies are not prioritizing religion as part of their diversity initiatives. Only 37 of Fortune 500 companies (less than 10%) offer faith-based employee resource groups to help give religious employees an official voice in the company. A new survey commissioned by Deseret News found American workers are generally supportive of efforts to help religious employees bring their whole selves to the office. But more than a third of people of faith (38%) including a majority (54%) of top leaders and decision-makers said theyd kept their religion hidden at work at some point. Americans said this secrecy comes because theyre concerned about possible tension with colleagues and social exclusion. Heres whats not secret: toxic cancel culture has a particular disdain for religious people who express and want to work in accordance with their beliefs. When companies policies effectively reduce religion to a second-class status and dont treat it equally as other protected classes, it only makes the problem worse. Woke ideology will not hesitate to destroy the careers, jobs and livelihood of religious Americans who dont conform to the popular orthodoxy. If corporate America is truly going to live up to its ideals of diversity and inclusion, it should do better in accommodating religious employees. Many companies whove gone woke should understand that the workplace is not the wokeplace. They have a legal obligation not to discriminate against workers on the basis of religion. Under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, companies cannot retaliate against employees because of their religious perspectives. The law states that businesses cannot discharge employees on the basis of their religious convictions. Employers must accommodate the sincerely held religious beliefs of their employees when it does not pose an undue hardship on the employer. Additionally, the law provides that employers may not create a hostile work environment on the basis of religion and must protect employees from anti-religious harassment. (To learn more about your legal rights, we encourage you to download this free resource: Religious Liberty at Work Q&A. Additionally, you can read this important article from First Liberty attorney Becky Dummermuth titled Marketplace Q&A: What Rights Do Religious Employees Have in the Workplace?) Woke madness is aggressively spreading across the country. Although corporations claim they are allegedly promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, there appear to be fewer safe spaces and less toleration for religion. Not only is it wrong for woke corporations to mistreat and discriminate against religious Americans, its also illegal. Americas marketplace should not be a place where people of faith are told that they need not apply. Purging the workforce of religious Americans makes a mockery of our laws and contradicts our countrys historic commitment to religious liberty. Bottom line, religious discrimination is bad business. Originally published at First Liberty. Christians call for political, theological unity ahead of midterm elections at 'National Prayer Altar' WASHINGTON A Chicago pastor and his wife hosted the National Prayer Altar service this week, calling for Americans to set aside political or theological divides to unite before God as the midterm elections approach. The apolitical event, which took place at the Museum of the Bible on Wednesday night, featured various pastors and policy experts praying for God to heal the nation and recognize His power. The evening marked the second time the museum hosted the event, with the first one taking place in November 2020. In addition to locals, individuals from states as far as Arizona, California and Texas also attended the service to pray and worship. National Prayer Altar Director and INSIGHT Church Pastor James E. Ward Jr. highlighted the difficulties of maintaining a prayer movement during a time of tribalism impacting the nation and its churches. The pastor said finding a place of unity and prayer "requires the grace of God." Aside from Jerusalem, Ward said the nation's capital is the most important city in the world. Citing 2 Samuel 24:25, the pastor described how David built an altar to the Lord on God's command, something the National Prayer Altar intends to do through the museum. Ward said David used the altar to offer prayers to the Lord, and the "plague was stopped." "I believe we need to build an altar to stand in covenant position to do business with God for the plague and the tragedy we're seeing in our nation today to be averted," he said, The Chicago pastor believes the church is winning many local battles but losing the "national war" and believes Christians must do the most "powerful thing they know," which is to pray in the most "powerful city." "We've come to boldly and prophetically declare that no matter who sits in the Oval Office, regardless of who controls the Senate or the House, ultimately, Jesus Christ is Lord of Washington, D.C., and He's Lord of the nations of the world," Ward said. One of the speakers at the event was Jay Johnston, the national prayer director and chaplain at the socially conservative activist organization Family Research Council. He invited everyone to offer prays of thanks to all individuals that hold a political office in the country. Johnston prayed for the United States executive branch, asking God to make himself known to any members of the office that do not know Him. "Dear Lord, we do lift up President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill," he said. "Lord, as we ask that they call upon you and seek your face for every decision that is before them, Lord, we ask you to give them holy spirit-filled eyes to see and to understand the difference between good and evil, life and death." Johnston also prayed for Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, asking for her to take actions that would please God and not satisfy her desires. Denise Cappuccio, chief financial officer for the social conservative public advocacy group Concerned Women for America, invited attendees to pray for families and children, both born and unborn. The speaker prayed for "Godly, Christian marriages" that would serve as an example of what such a union can look like. Cappuccio revealed that she had been a single mother for many years and prayed for the Lord to invite "Godly men" into the lives of women experiencing the same struggle. She also prayed for the nation's children, voicing concerns about reports of schools promoting transgenderism and offering graphic content in libraries. "Lord, I pray for the Christian moms and dads, that they would be relentless, oh God, Lord, that they would rise up, oh God, that they would be a voice, God, and that they would say, 'Thus far, and no more,'" Cappuccio said. Shannon Bennett, chief marketing officer for the Museum of the Bible, believes the prayer event is consistent with why the building exists in the first place. "For us, it's bringing everybody that loves the Bible together, whether we're Catholic or Protestant or charismatic, or Jewish, everybody that loves this book together to celebrate it," Bennett said in an interview with The Christian Post. "So it's everybody that loves the Lord, whatever string we're in and whatever background, whatever ethnicity, it's that message of unity that really just permeates this whole event." The museum's first National Prayer Altar event was on the day before the 2020 presidential election. Ward had a vision that God intended for him and his wife, Sharon, to hold such an event at the Museum of the Bible. Due to COVID-19, the gathering was mostly limited to museum staff and the National Prayer Altar's crew. Many others participated in the event via a live stream. Bennett said Pastor Ward handled the cost of using the space, while the museum relies on donor support to host it. In terms of future prayer events, Bennett said that the museum will continue to "facilitate" the pastor's vision and build community in the D.C. area. One of the ways the museum unites people is by building relationships with local prayer warriors, pastors and leaders. "We hope just to expand on that, bringing more unity around prayer for our nation," Bennett said. 32 years on, Greg Laurie says the 'message hasn't changed' at SoCal Harvest Its safe to say theres not much that hasnt changed since 1990 and that goes for SoCal Harvest. Started that year by Greg Laurie and Chuck Smith, pastor and founder of Calvary Chapel, the annual evangelistic event held in Southern California has seen thousands come to Christ through the preaching of the Gospel. Laurie is set to return to Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, for two nights on Nov. 5-6 for SoCal Harvest, along with music from artists like Phil Wickham, Jeremy Camp, Andy Mineo, Newsboys and Crowder. Even back in 1990, when the internet was still in its infancy, Laurie, founder and lead pastor of Harvest Churches and Harvest Crusades, saw the potential reach for SoCal Harvest. It has evolved in every way imaginable, Laurie, 69, told The Christian Post. Since then, Laurie says over 6 million people have attended in person, and over 600,000 have made professions of faith to follow Jesus Christ. Though the inaugural event was streamed in what he called a very jerky webcast, it wasnt until Laurie received a letter with a photo that showed someone watching that years Harvest event using a computer hooked up to a battery in a field somewhere in Africa that he realized its potential. I thought, Well, we need to do this every year, he said. As time has passed, our message has not changed, but our methodology certainly has. According to Laurie, so have the audiences: he said the level of biblical literacy compared to when he began preaching in the early 1970s is mind-blowing. People know so little about the Bible, so little about God, yet theres this openness, he said, pointing to a survey released earlier this year which found over half of Americans hold largely positive views of Jesus Christ. I dont think its Jesus Himself that turns people away, said Laurie. Sometimes its the actions of His followers, other times its sheer ignorance on the part of people where they dont realize Jesus is not merely a historical figure, but Hes a Savior. Rapper Andy Mineo, whos part of the Reach Records family of Christian hip-hop artists, including Lecrae, Tedashii, Trip Lee, and others, told CP hes looking forward not only to performing at Angel Stadium but also just being a part of it all. Those are the type of things that you only dream of, the opportunity to perform on stages and spaces like that, he said. But beyond that, I love what the purpose behind the whole thing is, to give a world-class experience and top-notch production to people to come to enjoy for free and to hear a message of hope and positivity and goodness. I hope that I get to play a little part in seeing somebody have an evening thats memorable forever for them. In addition to music, this years SoCal Harvest will also feature exclusive, never before seen scenes from the upcoming Laurie-produced feature film, Jesus Revolution, which he hopes will stir the hearts of those who attend. In fact, Laurie said he plans to call on the thousands of believers at SoCal Harvest to join in prayer for another Jesus Revolution in California and beyond, even as he acknowledged the seeming mass exodus of Californians to other states during the COVID-19 pandemic. I wish we could have a new export to the rest of America, a new fresh spiritual awakening that, God willing, would start here, he said. He did it before, He can certainly do it again. Burmese army bombs Baptist Seminary, students hit by shrapnel Myanmar's military junta bombed a Baptist seminary in Shan State, injuring at least four men in the dormitory. The army, locally known as the Tatmadaw, shelled the Theological Seminary in the Kutkai area of Shan State on Thursday, the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern reported. Four men, aged between 21 and 27, were hit by shrapnel and sustained non-life-threatening injuries while they were in the dormitory of the school which the Kachin Baptist Convention founded. Formerly known as Burma, the Southeast Asian country is home to the worlds longest Civil War, which began in 1948. The conflict between the Tatmadaw and ethnic minority militias escalated after the February 2021 military coup, as the ethnic militias have been supporting pro-democracy protesters. The conflict zones are along Myanmars borders with India, Thailand and China. A video posted to social media showed damage caused by the shelling. Visible holes and dents could be seen on the windows, walls and students' clothing. Another video showed an injured student being escorted out for medical treatment. A local resident was quoted as saying that this kind of attack by the military threatens the Christian Bible school and the entire Kachin nation. Christians make up just over 7% of the majority-Buddhist nation but are a majority in Chin State, which borders India, and Kachin State, which borders China. Christians also make up a substantial part of the population of Kayah State, which borders Thailand. The attack against this Kachin Bible school was certainly not an accident, said Gina Goh, ICCs regional manager for Southeast Asia. Instead, the Tatmadaw deliberately targeted a Christian facility knowing how important the faith is to Kachin people. This despicable junta regime should not be tolerated any further by the international community and needs to be removed at once. The shelling of the Baptist seminary comes after a separate attack on Oct. 23 when at least 80 people, including leading Kachin musicians, were killed in the juntas aerial bombing of a concert in Kachin States Hpaknat township, according to UCA News. The tragedy prompted many people to black out their profile photo on Facebook to show sorrow for the victims and solidarity with ethnic Kachin people. The concert was to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the Kachin Independence Organization, the political wing of the Kachin Independence Army, which hundreds of people attended, including members of the KIA. More than 2,400 people have been killed, and over 16,000 people have been jailed and tortured by the Tatmadaw, ICC noted. In June, multiple reports, including by the U.N., revealed that Myanmars Buddhist nationalist junta had disproportionately targeted religious minorities, including Christians, and brutally attacked and killed hundreds of children since the military coup. Tom Andrews, the U.N. special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, said in a report at the time that the juntas relentless attacks on children underscore the generals depravity and willingness to inflict immense suffering on innocent victims in its attempt to subjugate the people of Myanmar. Focusing on the killing of children, the U.N. rapporteur said during his fact-finding for the report, I received information about children who were beaten, stabbed, burned with cigarettes, and subjected to mock executions, and who had their fingernails and teeth pulled out during lengthy interrogation sessions. Since the coup, the military had killed at least 142 children in Myanmar, the U.N. report added. Over 250,000 children have been displaced by the militarys attacks and over 1,400 have been arbitrarily detained. At least 61 children, including several younger than 3 years of age, are reportedly being held as hostages. The U.N. has documented the torture of 142 children since the coup. Myanmar is ranked No. 12 on Open Doors USAs 2022 World Watch List of 50 countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. The persecution level in Myanmar is very high due to Buddhist nationalism. Burma is recognized by the U.S. State Department as a country of particular concern for egregious violations of religious liberty. Taxi driver attacked with knives after sharing Gospel with passenger in India HYDERABAD, India A Christian pastor in northern India who drives a taxi for a living didnt think he had anything to fear when a well-mannered Sikh asked him to take a slight detour. Pastor Sukhdev Mark, 47, had dropped him off the previous night at a hotel in Ambala, Haryana state after picking him up from a gurdwara, or Sikh place of worship. During their conversation, Pastor Mark gave him a Gospel tract, which the Sikh politely accepted, he said. The Sikh called him the next day, Sept. 15, requesting that he take him from the hotel to the airport in Amritsar. I said, Fine, I have no problem, then he asked me again, Are you a pastor? Pastor Mark said. I told him, yes, I lead a small church and also share the Gospel, and I drive a taxi for a living. The Sikh told him to pick him up at the hotel at 4 p.m., he said. Throughout the journey to Amritsar, we didnt talk much, said Pastor Mark, a married father of two. He was working on his laptop and had an iPhone, and so I thought he must be an educated man. I didnt find him suspicious as he appeared to be a well-educated gentleman. He asked for my phone and set the location for directions to follow the route. As they approached the Celebrations Resort on the Majitha-Verka bypass road, the Sikh asked him to take a small by-lane, Pastor Mark said. There were some shops and, I thought he would want to buy some refreshments or snacks, he said. But he asked me to drive out of the by-lane, and as we got out of that route adjacent to the resort, three men came on a scooter and stopped the taxi on the main road. The Activa scooter didnt have a license plate, he said. Pastor Mark asked the Sikh if he knew the men, and he replied that they were friends. I parked the taxi on the other side of the road and stood there, he said. He asked me to take his bags out of the trunk, and when I went to the rear side of the taxi to take the bags out, the three men pounced on me with knives. They had cutters and knives and started slashing me as the Sardarji [title used for Sikh men] looked on. The assailants cut his hands and caused internal injuries in his abdomen, he said. I was bleeding profusely, and I started shouting for help, Pastor Mark told Morning Star News. When I started shouting for help, the three assailants crossed the road and ran away, and the Sardarji also was trying to escape from the scene. Pastor Mark ran after him, shouting for him to stop. He too ran in the same direction as the assailants, he said. He didnt pay me the taxi fare and instead was cussing at me as he ran from there. The pastor was unable to catch up with him, he said. It was about 9 p.m. Hearing my screams, escort teams [hotel security guards] came in their vehicles but they were afraid seeing my state in blood-soaked clothes, he said. They told me to go away from there. I kept asking them to tell me where is the nearest police station, and I shared what happened. He tied a piece of cloth from his car around his waist to support his injured stomach and drove with one hand to the police station, he said. After Amritsar police confiscated the taxi and took his statement, officers took him to a hospital, he said. There he called his wife and Christian leaders in Ambala, and they helped connect him to church leaders in Amritsar who transferred him to Gurunanak Hospital. But that night, I didnt receive any treatment, he said. By morning, I was in a bad state. The doctors told me that I should be operated on immediately. Surgery on his abdomen left him with 30 stitches, he said. He was released from the hospital on Sept. 23. The Punjab and Haryana states legal coordinator for ADF India said Amritsar police apprehended and charged the three assailants with attempted murder under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code. Sikhism, which originated in the Punjab area of India at the end of the 15th century, emphasizes faith in the name of the one creator, divine unity and equality of all humankind, selfless service, striving for justice and honesty. Deliverance Previously an alcoholic and ardent worshipper of Hindu deities, Pastor Mark first heard about Christ from other taxi drivers in 2007, he said. He half-heartedly practiced the faith until he attended an open-air Gospel meeting where the preacher spoke of the evil spirits of addictions and deliverance from alcoholism and drugs, he said. He cast out the demonic spirit in me, and I never touched alcohol from that day on, Pastor Mark said. I stopped speaking in foul language and decided to follow Christ wholeheartedly. He began undertaking Gospel outreaches with church friends, he said. Although I have not been formally trained at a Bible school, God gave me opportunities to learn practical lessons from evangelists and bishops as I drove them on ministry work by my taxi, he told Morning Star News. By Gods grace, with the support of believers and Christian leaders, I was able to plant three home churches in surrounding villages. The hostile tone of the National Democratic Alliance government, led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, against non-Hindus, has emboldened Hindu extremists in several parts of the country to attack Christians since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took power in May 2014, religious rights advocates say. India ranked 10th on the Christian support organization Open Doors' 2022 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, as it was in 2021. The country was 31st in 2013, but its position worsened after Modi came to power. Sadie Robertson Huff warns church 'modesty culture' can be 'dangerous,' push people away "Duck Dynasty" stars Sadie Robertson Huff and her mother, Korie Robertson, shared their thoughts on where they believe some Christians have gone wrong preaching modesty and how judgment over what people wear could lead some people away from the Church. On the Nov. 1 episode of the "WHOA That's Good" podcast, the mother-daughter duo focused their discussion on modesty at a time when the cultural trend is "less is definitely more" when it comes to the way people dress. "To live modestly is to live completely counterculture right now. And [being modest is] to be like, 'Hey, I'm actually OK with being quiet-spirited. I'm actually OK with sitting here and being content with who I am without having to prove myself by what I wear,'" the 25-year-old Huff said. While Huff advocates for Christians to dress modestly, she warned, "Modesty culture in the Church can actually be pretty dangerous." Huff said she experienced "hurt from modesty culture and Christianity," saying she received backlash for wearing blue jean shorts when the "Duck Dynasty" reality show began. "I would wear my blue jean shorts on the show, and we would have so many Christians be like, 'Are you a Christian? The way that you dress is so immodest?' Or people would say to me that 'I'm setting a bad example for this generation because of the immodesty,'" Huff recalled. "It honestly made me feel so much pressure and also so sad and confused because I'm like, 'Wait, does that make me not a Christian?' When that's actually not at all what Christianity really is. And plus, as a teenager, hearing people say that. I remember thinking, 'I can see why so many celebrities who grew up in the Church turn and just go,'" she continued. "Because it honestly makes you want to. Because it kind of makes you want to rebel." Huff also starred in an episode of "Dancing With The Stars" in 2014 wearing short-cut jean shorts and said she received backlash for how she dressed on the show. "It was really hard. I truly felt like I was being a light. And representing Christianity and who Jesus is and showing people God's love there. And I mean, I would pray over CBS Studios, like every Monday night. I just really believed God was going to do something there and God did do something," Huff recalled. "Even the judges kept saying, 'You're such a light,' and I don't even know how to describe it. It's like this light. And it's like the world was noticing that, and Christians were noticing my short shorts," Huff said, adding that she cried many times that week. "That's hurtful. I'm not the only one that's gone through that. That is something that needs to be addressed. I [don't] think you should ever be shaming people or picking people apart. If we're going to be like Jesus, [He] didn't judge from the outward appearances. He looked at the heart and people's lives." "The shorts weren't anything different than what anyone would wear to the mall or whatever," Robertson added, in agreement with her daughter. "But, you got a lot of hate for that, and it was very hurtful. It made you question everything." Although Robertson and Huff agree that modesty culture in the Church can "shame" others, they both agree that dressing modestly is vital for Christians. And they said dressing in an immodest fashion could be "dangerous" in its own way. The duo cited Romans 14:13-23 about not passing judgment on others but also making sure not to be a "stumbling block" to another brother or sister in Christ. "It's also really dangerous to dress super provocatively. And there are a lot of consequences that do come with that. So I do think you have to be wise," Huff said. "I don't want people to notice me outside of my husband sexually," Robertson added. "I want people to notice me because I'm smart or funny or kind or joyful, those kinds of things. And sometimes, as women, we do put that out there. We're like, 'Oh, notice me for my brain,' but then, we're putting these sexual images out there. And so I think we have to be thoughtful of that." "If you feel convicted about something that you wear, whether it's because that's provocative or sexual or whatever, then that's sin," Robertson continued. "You need to be aware of that and be careful of that. But also, don't condemn others and don't be judgmental of others because of something that God has not yet convicted them about." Huff said one question Christians should ask themselves before they choose what to wear is, "are you dressing out of a place of contentment or to get something?" "If I'm dressing from a place of contentment, I'm dressing the way that I want to dress because I feel comfortable. I feel beautiful. You want to feel beautiful. I feel like myself. I feel authentic to who I am. And I'm not trying to dress in such a way to get attention. I'm not dressing in such a way to get approval. I'm not dressing in such a way to get people to notice me," she added. "I think if you're dressing in such a way to get attention, to get people to notice you, I think that's immodest. But to dress in such a way that comes from contentment, to feel like you are being totally authentic to who you're created to be, I think that's a modest way to dress." It's not just about what you wear, Huff said, but it's about what comes from the heart and the motive behind why a Christian chooses to dress in certain ways. "I think you can't say: 'Oh, well, is it a tank top? Is it short? Is it this? Is it that? I don't even think that's the right way to look at it. I think it's like, 'Are you content? Or are you trying to prove something?'" she said. Huff cited 1 Corinthians 10:31, which says, "whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." According to Huff, two other questions people should ask themselves when choosing their clothing are "are you glorifying yourself or are you glorifying God?" and "are you reflecting culture or are you reflecting Christ?" "It's not that you can't be trendy. I want to dress trendy. I want to dress cute, actually. I like fashion. I think it's a fun way to represent who you are," Huff shared. "But, it's like, 'Do I care more about fitting into culture, and am I really representing my ultimate mission? What am I actually trying to represent?' I think that just comes with respecting yourself enough to say, 'I don't need to show that part of my body because that's private. And it's for me and my husband, not for anybody else to see." What keeps me still going after 30 years of Harvest Crusades Harvest has held large-scale evangelistic events at Angel Stadium for 32 years. Over 6 million people have attended in person, and over 600,000 have made professions of faith to follow Jesus Christ. When I started these crusades, I was in my late 30s. Now, this December, I turn 70. People often ask me why Ive done this for so long. Honestly, these events are a lot of work. They take months of planning, asking thousands of people to volunteer their time and energy, not to mention the considerable expense to put on a free event for a packed-out stadium each year. As the event approaches each year, I come under a lot of pressure and spiritual attack. Calling it a day and thanking God for all He has done these last three decades would be easy. But here we are doing it again at Angel Stadium this weekend. Buy why? Because of the power of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul said, For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes (Rom. 1:16). The word that Paul uses for power is from the Greek word dunamis, which translates to explosive power. There is explosive power in the simple message of the Gospel. We have seen God change lives over the years in supernatural ways. Marriages are healed, addictions are overcome, suicidal people are given new hope, and the list goes on. But the most important thing for all those who have prayed to ask Jesus into their life down on that field after the invitation or altar call, as it is sometimes called, is this: their eternal address changed from Hell to Heaven. If we as Christians believe in an afterlife, specifically Heaven and Hell, how can we sit by complacently, knowing that we have loved ones who could potentially face a future judgment? The Bible says, To him that knows to do good and does not do it, is sin (James 4:17). Its called the sin of omission. The sin of commission is knowing what is wrong and doing it anyway, like breaking a commandment. In contrast, the sin of omission is knowing what is right and not doing it. Lets say you were walking down the street and saw a house was on fire, and a family was trapped inside, screaming for help. You might choose to be a hero and rush in and try to save them. At the very least, you would call 9-1-1. But what if you saw this home in flames with a family sure to perish inside, and you just kept walking? That would be criminal. Now, take that analogy and think about your family, your friends, and your neighbors. Their situation is worse than a house fire. Do they know there is a God in Heaven who loves them? That is where you and I come in. The Bible asks, But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? (Rom. 10:14). Unless someone tells them. Gods primary way of reaching nonbelievers is through the verbal articulation of the Gospel. Some argue, I dont have a gift for preaching. I will just be a good example of what a Christian should be! By all means, please be that. God knows we need to be good examples. But Jesus did not say, Go into all the world and be a good example! Instead, He said, Go into all the world and preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15). To preach the Gospel, you need to articulate the message. But the most challenging part of sharing the Gospel is getting the conversation started. So, I have a tool for you that has worked powerfully and effectively for thousands of believers for three decades of Harvest Crusades in New York City, Philadelphia, Seattle, Oahu, Atlanta, and even Australia and New Zealand. Invite someone to the Harvest Crusade. Even if you arent in SoCal this weekend, you can attend for free via livestream. You can start the conversation with, Have you heard about the SoCal Harvest at Angel Stadium? People might say, Oh yes, I have seen the billboards and the bumper stickers. Then you ask, Would you like to go to one with me? Its a free event with amazing music and a message that could change your life. Lets take advantage of the SoCal Harvest Crusade this weekend. Dont send someone, bring them. Eighty-five percent of those that come down to the field to follow Christ were brought to the stadium by a friend. Be that friend to someone. Extend that invitation. I hope to see you there! P.S., For those asking how long I plan to continue my crusade work: I had the privilege of spending a lot of time with Billy Graham toward the end of his ministry. I attended and helped him with his message preparation and had a front-row seat to watch the greatest evangelist of modern times. Its as though I enrolled in the finest evangelistic university on earth. Billy kept preaching the Gospel well into his 80s. I figure, God willing, there are many more people to reach. So as long as I have breath, I will preach the Gospel. Worldview Conference Examines Deconstruction, Netanyahu Wins Election, Brian Houston On Resignation link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:21 07:21 Whether its about sex and gender, scientific evidence that supports the Scriptures, or simply wondering whether objective truth even exists, students young and old are seeking answers to some of lifes biggest questions. Benjamin Netanyahu has once again become prime minister of Israel in the country's fifth election in less than four years. Hillsong Churchs founder and former global senior pastor Brian Houston blamed public statements made by the churchs board for his abrupt resignation earlier this year instead of any mistakes he made in ministry. The global hit Christian series The Chosen has been honored with an award by the Washington, D.C.-based Museum of the Bible for the programs cultural impact. Church elder gets life in prison for killing wife after less than 2 years of marriage A former Missouri church elder who was convicted of killing his wife after less than two years of marriage, will now spend the rest of his life in prison for his crime. Robert Lee Harris, who served as an elder at Repairers Kansas City, a charismatic nondenominational church in Missouri, was sentenced on Thursday to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 50 years for the killing of his 38-year-old wife, Tanisha, on Jan. 8, 2018. Overland Park police reported that at about 4 p.m. on the day of the murder, they were called to an apartment in the 8000 block of Perry Street about a domestic disturbance. Harris was found alone in the apartment, but several hours later, he called police to report that his wife was missing. When he was further questioned, officers became suspicious and he admitted he had something to do with his wifes disappearance. Her body was later found in a field in Raymore. During his trial over the summer, several people gave testimony, including a young man who said he was involved in an extramarital relationship with the former church elder and Army veteran. The young man, who publicly identified himself as Steven Junior, explained in an expletive-filled video recording on Facebook Live that the elders wife was his friend and he wanted justice for her. He also accused congregants at Harris' church, where controversial Pastor Carlton Funderburke served as lead pastor, of being hypocrites. Funderburke, who now leads Church at the Well Kansas City with his wife, was forced to apologize earlier this year after he was shown in a now-viral video clip throwing a spiritualized tantrum from the pulpit in which he called his congregation "broke, busted and disgusted" and "cheap sons and daughters" for not "honoring" him with a watch from the luxury brand Movado. In the aftermath of the murder, Funderburke said the couple was very involved with his church and he saw no signs their relationship was in danger. "They were very involved, very engaged, active in the community of church. These were not regular attenders or regular parishioners. They're part of the background of what we do as a ministry. ... It's very shocking," Funderburke told the Kansas City Star. Funderburke said outside of the church, Tanisha had worked at a bank and Robert Harris, worked at a hospital. They each had a daughter from previous marriages and Tanisha's daughter lived with the couple. A video on Robert Harris' Facebook page, which is now restricted, shows him preaching passionately. In another post about his late wife he described her as his "favor" from God. Medical associations counter calls to investigate critics of child sex change surgeries A group of medical associations are refuting claims that questioning the ethics of performing sex change surgeries on children and teens will lead to threats against hospitals and physicians that perform such body-mutilating procedures. Led by the American College of Pediatricians and the Catholic Medical Association, leaders of a group of medical associations sent a letter to the American Medical Association, the Childrens Hospital Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics on Friday, urging child advocates within the medical community to embrace science rather than ideology. Other signatories included the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, the Christian Medical and Dental Associations, the Coalition for Jewish Values Healthcare Council, the Coptic Medical Association of North America and the National Association of Catholic Nurses, USA. The letter comes nearly a month after its intended recipients urged U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate the organizations, individuals, and entities coordinating, provoking, and carrying out bomb threats of personal violence against childrens hospitals and physicians across the U.S. The Oct. 3 letter to the DOJ claimed that from Boston to Akron to Nashville to Seattle, childrens hospitals, academic health systems, and physicians are being targeted and threatened for providing evidence-based health care. Listen to CP's 5-part series Generation Indoctrination: Inside the Transgender Battle The purported evidence-based health care the letter refers to prescribing puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to children and teens and performing irreversible, body mutilating surgeries, including the castration of boys and elective double mastectomies on girls who say they're suffering from gender dysphoria and want to look more like the opposite sex. Signatories of Fridays letter agreed with those who sent the Oct. 3 letter to the DOJ, adding that tactics of harassment, intimidation and threats of violence can never be justified, stressing that we join you in advocating for the elimination of these immoral activities. Many of our members have been the recipients of these same tactics of harassment, threats, intimidation, and job loss in efforts to bring attention to the major deficiencies in current data and on the safety and efficacy of gender affirming medical interventions, the letter continued. There is a profound difference between eminence-based medicine and evidence-based medicine. We see ongoing active efforts to suppress any discussion of the merits of the existing data used to support gender-affirming medical interventions to adolescents seeking to alter the appearance of their body to conform to their perceived gender identity. Leaders of the medical organizations contended that such practices are not only violate of the principle of scientific inquiry, but also of constitutionally protected free speech. They added: Expression of concern over the ability of youth to understand and consent to irreversible surgical interventions that result in loss of fertility and adult sexual function does not constitute harassment or intimidation. The posing of these questions and concerns reflects the normal scientific and medical dialogue process. Respectful debate and disagreement provide a basis for furthering scientific inquiry that leads to genuine improvement in medical care to the patients we serve. The letter concluded with a call on the recipient organizations to join the organizations we represent in critical appraisal of the merits and limitations of current scientific evidence in the growing field of gender medicine. The signatories urged the groups to express a willingness to consider alternate hypotheses on both the etiology and optimal management of sex-gender identity discordance. The integrity of the scientific method and adherence to true evidence-based medicine depend upon genuine efforts to recognize and minimize bias, avoidance of contamination by ideological agendas, and a continual striving to elevate knowledge to the highest standards of excellence. The letter comes as several states, including Alabama, Arizona and Arkansas, have banned prescribing puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for minors and disfiguring surgeries in light of concerns about the long-term effects of such procedures. The American College of Pediatricians, one of the groups that signed onto the letter, has identified some of the side effects of puberty blockers as osteoporosis, mood disorders, seizures, cognitive impairment and, when combined with cross-sex hormones, sterility. The medical organization listed side effects of cross-sex hormones as an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, blood clots and cancers across their lifespan. The Oc t. 3 letter from the American Medical Association and other major medical organizations follows undercover reporting from Chaya Raichik, who operates the Twitter account Libs of TikTok. Raichik has contacted several childrens hospitals in the U.S., posing as a parent seeking to obtain gender transition services for her child. Raichiks recorded phone conversations with childrens hospital officials revealed a willingness on the part of hospital staff to schedule appointments for such procedures. Her undercover phone calls, combined with additional reporting by Matt Walsh of The Daily Wire, prompted childrens hospitals to edit their websites to remove references to gender transition procedures that they perform on children. Raichik shared her undercover conversations with Boston Childrens Hospital and Childrens National Hospital in Washington, D.C., while Walshs reporting focused on Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Following pushback from Walshs reporting, Vanderbilt announced that it was halting the performance of gender transition surgeries on minors. For its part, Childrens National Hospital has denied all allegations of wrongdoing in a previous statement to The Christian Post. 3 ways Christians can make positive change this election cycle As the midterm elections draw near, and persuasive personalities and platforms compete for our attention, many Christians are unsure how to involve themselves in the political process. Some believers arent certain we should get involved at all. Is it possible to effectively influence our nations, states, and communities for Gods glory? Its important to remember that regardless of a politicians resume or the contentious issues of the day, Gods Word never changes. In Ezekiel 22:30, the Lord said, I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldnt have to destroy the land, but I found no one. God was looking for someone with a willing heart to stand for righteousness. He was looking for someone to stand in the gap and make a difference. And He still is today. The Lord is looking for people who will step up in America and rebuild the wall of righteousness. Does this mean that all God-fearing citizens need to run for local office? Not necessarily. Certainly, anyone who feels called to serve in government should seek the Lord for His discernment and provision. We need more Christians serving in government, taking a stand for godly values. Most of us, however, have a different role to play. And as Christ-followers with a biblical worldview, theres no excuse for sitting on the sidelines of politics. We must take action now. Here are three ways Christians can immediately stand in the gap and influence positive change for America: News Through truthful news we can be informed on critical issues facing our nation. God said through the prophet Hosea that my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). This means that ignorance carries a far more destructive power than even the devil. That being the case, its incumbent upon every Christian to be acquainted with what their legislators support or oppose, and which issues will be on the ballot in each election. Spiritually, believers must work to ensure the Word of God frames their worldview. Its the lens through which we must look at everything in both our daily life and in politics. The average Christian doesnt have the connections, time, or energy to keep informed about all the critical matters happening in our nation. Furthermore, they may be unsure as to what the Bible says about the issues our communities, states, and country are facing today. To build your biblical worldview, seek out trusted organizations that share your values. Intercessors for America offers daily headlines from a Christian perspective, as well as prayer alerts, action items, and news for each state on critical issues facing our nation. As believers avail themselves to resources of this kind, theyre more confident in their convictions and better equipped to be an influence for change. We dont have to occupy public office to influence policy or governance. However, we must be alert and knowledgeable about the key issues so that were equipped to pray into biblical values and support politicians who seek to uphold godly principles. Let us be like the sons of Issachar who discerned the times. This happens by being informed and viewing the times with a biblical lens. Prayer No matter what our leader's positions are, were called to pray for them. The Lord said to us, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Your leaders need prayer. Your prayer for leaders with whom you share views may be different from how you pray for those who oppose biblical values. Depending on the stance of your legislators, you may agree with them and pray to uphold the legislation that matches your values. Or, if youre opposed to the positions they hold, pray for their eyes to be opened and for harmful legislation they propose not to pass. God still has plans and purposes for our nation. If He had written off our nation, He would not be stirring so many of us to pray. Theres an enemy of our souls and our nation that is working to orchestrate a battle that is discernable and beatable with spiritual weapons (2 Cor. 10:3-6). We must pray for secure elections which will put into place men and women of God who will stand up for life, for freedom, and, most of all, for our Creator. We must pray for voter discernment, and for the confidence that we can make meaningful change when we vote. Action Christians account for approximately 64% of registered voters in the United States and yet, many do not vote. If more believers voted in every election city government, school board, primaries, and presidential races we could impact our nation for generations. Christians are the largest voting bloc! When it comes to participating in our constitutional right and responsibility to vote, many Christians either dont see the need or dont think their single vote can make a difference. Maybe youve thought the same thing: It wont matter if I dont show up. Im sure plenty of other Christians will vote. What if thousands of people have that attitude? Your vote matters. We are called to be salt and light. We exercise that in our daily lives, but also in the leaders we choose to lead our communities, states, and nation. We must vote for candidates that align best with biblical values. Will you join me in committing to searching out truthful news and information, praying for our nation and its leaders, and voting biblical values? The Lefts need to control all information Entrepreneur Elon Musk is taking over Twitter and the Left is melting down. On Thursday, Musk officially completed his $44 billion acquisition of the social media giant. He immediately began to shake up the company and fired four key members of upper management. The firings included Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal and Chief Legal Officer Vijaya Gadde, also head of legal, policy, and trust and a key figure in banning former President Donald Trump from the platform. Many on the Left are having a fit over the idea that the most powerful elite opinion- and news-shaping tool no longer is going to be fully under their control. Some are downright apocalyptic. Its like the gates of hell opened on this site tonight, Washington Post columnist Taylor Lorenz Tweeted. This is an emergency! Twitter is to be taken over by the evil Sith lord, tweeted journalism professor Jeff Jarvis. Other prominent left-wing journalists also dredged up the entirely original argument that Musks acquisition of Twitter means that the rise of fascism is imminent. If Elon Musk allows Trump back on Twitter, it will be a death blow to the free world. Trump's Big Lie will spread like a virus. I discussed the danger of Trump's Big Lie for @Salon. Like Hitler's Big Lie, it must not be normalized, lest fascism return.https://t.co/kGEKF6ei4C pic.twitter.com/rZRP1RUZxo Matthew Rozsa (@MatthewRozsa) April 14, 2022 Economist Robert Reich tweeted his worry about a billionaire taking over Twitter. The next time you hear Elon Musk talk about freedom, beware. When billionaires justify their motives by using freedom, what they actually seek is freedom from accountability. Robert Reich (@RBReich) October 30, 2022 Fears about billionaires owning media outlets didnt stop Reich from publishing in The Washington Post. When powerful billionaires such as Amazons Jeff Bezos own The Washington Post or other opinion-shaping platforms, those on the Left generally dont care. Their opposition is tepid at best. As soon as someone is in charge who they dont think they can control, though, they cry fascism. They are unafraid to manipulate the system, undermine free speech, and outright suppress political opponents because they think that conceding an inch of ground or losing an election threatens their entire political project. With the change of ownership, Twitter no longer can be relied upon as a tool to shape the narrative as they see fit. Thats what the Lefts panic is about. Currently, the Left controls much of civil society and the flow of information. One institution after another now begins to mimic a modern college campus, where dissenting ideas are suppressed and left-wing activists are given what they want whenever they throw a tantrum. Even more, the Left is quite willing to use government agencies to further manipulate social media companies to censor American citizens. For instance, The Intercept reported Monday that the Department of Homeland Security planned to coordinate with Big Tech companies through the Orwellian-sounding Disinformation Governance Board, which was shelved after receiving significant blowback from the public. The Ministry of Truth got put on hold, but its clear that for years federal government agencies have been and still are cooperating with platforms such as Twitter to flag and suppress content they dont like. There were some seriously disturbing revelations in The Intercepts report. As I wrote after the 2020 election, the fact that Big Tech companies were willing to censor a president was scary stuff because those companies had even more power to destroy people who dont have such power and influence. The Intercept highlights this and recounts how the Department of Homeland Security emailed a Twitter official about a potential threat to critical U.S. infrastructure, citing FBI warnings. What was this great threat to national security? From The Intercept: The Twitter user in question had 56 followers, along with a bio that read dm us your weed store locations (hoes be mad, but this is a parody account), under a banner image of Blucifer, the 32-foot-tall demonic horse sculpture featured at the entrance of the Denver International Airport. We are not sure if theres any action that can be taken, but we wanted to flag them for consideration, wrote a state official on the email thread, forwarding on other examples of accounts that could be confused with official government entities. The Twitter representative responded: We will escalate. Thank you. DHS pressured Twitter to censor an account with 56 followers. Let that sink in. Musk isnt some kind of orthodox conservative or right-winger, hes not saying he wants to ban people he doesnt like, and hes not saying hes going to weed out misinformation. Instead, Musk has said publicly that he wants to ensure Twitter is a free speech platform, where open debate can take place without manipulation in a kind of digital town square. He also may invite back banned users such as former President Donald Trump. That looks like a step in the right direction. But the Left hates this development, and perhaps for good reason. They know that they control nearly every big institution, and they know that they can effectively pressure these institutions to do their bidding. Liberals are accustomed to solid, stable institutions run by people who are vulnerable to public pressure. But institutions run by the far right aren't like that. We can't pressure Fox News to take Tucker Carlson off the air, no matter how racist he gets. They just don't care. Will Stancil (@whstancil) October 27, 2022 The rise of free speech in such a large, international media arena means a loss of power for the Lefts side. It demonstrates how immense the institutional power disparity is between the Left and Right in America. The attitude between the sides is drastically different. While the Right has concerns about massive social media companies and the likes of Amazon censoring conservatives, the Left worries about a small-time, independent Christian businessman in Colorado, Jack Phillips, who refuses to bake a custom cake for a gay wedding or gender transition. Losing control of a powerful platform like Twitter is almost unimaginable to the Left. Its an especially big blow right before an election, where subtle and overt manipulation of information can have the most widespread political effect. The Left considers this an existential threat. Left-wing magazine The New Republic, for instance, ran a piece arguing that allowing free speech on Twitter will lead to the rise of fascism. Again, so original. Twitter without content moderation and with Donald Trump and others reinvited means that lies and disinformation will overwhelm the truth and the fascists will take over, the articles subheadline says. The author argues that free speech in Weimar, Germany, was dangerous because it allowed for the transmission of antisemitic publications that were key contributors to the fall of German democracy, the rise of the Third Reich, and the Holocaust itself. But shouldnt it also be said that one of the key problems with the Third Reich is that it didnt allow for free speech? Isnt authoritarian control of society one of the biggest problems with the whole fascism thing? The argument appears to be that unless you give the Left absolute control of information, the fascists win. To save democracy, we must crush democracy and freedom of speech, apparently. This gets to the heart of what President Joe Biden and the Left mean when they say democracy is under threat, even when Americans are voting in droves (sometimes especially when they are voting in droves). What they mean is that the Left and liberalism are under threat, that their power isnt assured, and that somebody, somewhere isnt going along with their program like that beleaguered Colorado baker. Musks acquisition of Twitter does not solve the issues with Big Tech, the takeover of our institutions, or the imperiousness of federal agencies. One billionaire is not the cause nor the solution to all our problems. The change to Twitter does, however, mean that one of the worlds most powerful media information tools no longer may be so easily manipulated by ideological zealots from within and, hopefully, governmental agencies from without. Musks ascent is bad news for the Left, good news for free speech, and even better news for America. Originally published at The Daily Signal. Bishop advocates for Church of England to allow blessing of same-sex unions A bishop in the Church of England has released an essay arguing that clergy within the denomination should be allowed to bless same-sex unions. The Rt. Rev. Steven Croft, the bishop of Oxford, released a lengthy essay on Friday titled Together in Love and Faith, arguing that the Church of England should remove its prohibition on blessing same-sex unions. I confirm my affection and respect for those who will want to argue, in good conscience, against change and potential provision for such change. I also make no claim whatsoever to infallibility: I may be wrong, either in the detail or in the overall argument, wrote Croft in his introduction. However, the Church will only be led into true and accurate discernment as we each, honestly and faithfully, share the best perspective we can, and subject those views to the wisdom of whole Church. Croft, who said he once ascribed to the theologically conservative and biblical view on the issue, went on to argue that there were fruits and benefits of same-sex partnerships that the Church could benefit from, adding that the current stance of the Church created hurt and pain for the LGBT community. The Church's reluctance to conduct prayers of blessing for same-sex relationships or to solemnize same-sex marriages and to legitimize them in the eyes of the Christian community undoubtedly has a detrimental effect on all kinds of pastoral relationships, both within congregations and within dioceses, he argued. the faithful and stable same-sex partnerships I observe seem to be producing good fruit for them and for our wider society. It seems to me that this provides a strong justification for revisiting Scripture and the tradition to see whether a change in our policies and attitudes to same-sex partnerships and marriage can be both justified and blessed. Vaughn Roberts, a theologically Evangelical same-sex attracted clergyman who Croft dialogued with in advance of announcing his views, wrote an essay in disagreement with Crofts push for the floundering denomination to support and advocate for same-sex marriage. One point of content put forth by Roberts was his belief that the bishop had failed to adequately engage with same-sex attracted Christians who had chosen celibacy over homosexual romance. There is a reference to one meeting with some same-sex attracted Christians, who hold to the traditional teaching of the Church, but there is no evidence of any greater engagement with what is a significant group, wrote Roberts. The deep pain they feel at being undermined by church leaders who are, in effect, telling them that their efforts to remain godly are unnecessary, needs to be recognized, along with any wider engagement with the experience of LGBTQ+ people in our churches. Roberts acknowledged that there are examples of long-term same-sex relationships, yet cautioned that this does not mean, however, that the relationships are morally good in every aspect, or that the positive fruit is necessarily a result of them being sexual. Bishop Steven is certainly right in recognizing the missional challenge caused by these cultural shifts, but there is, of course, nothing new in the Church experiencing such dissonance within and hostility from its surrounding culture, he continued. Roberts also warned that modern western culture is increasingly embracing a host of moral viewpoints that are at odds with Christian teaching, writing that Croft failed to grapple with these wider aspects of the sexual revolution. Do we really think that the proposed change will result in large numbers returning to church? Roberts wrote. Surely what is needed in the face of the disjunction between Church and society is not accommodation, but rather a winsome, confident re-presentation of the riches of Christian teaching about sex and marriage. The bishops essay and the responses to it come as the Church of England considers the possibility of allowing the blessing of same-sex unions in their congregations. The College of Bishops held a meeting earlier this week regarding the matter, with the discernment process possibly leading to changes being approved next February at the Churchs General Synod meeting. On Friday, five other bishops in the Church of England also come out in favor of blessing same-sex unions, arguing that priests should be allowed to celebrate them if they support them. The Church of England Evangelical Council has said it's opposed to the push to change the denomination's biblical doctrine to support same-sex marriage. However, some members of the General Synod, like LGBT campaigner Jayne Ozanne, who see the blessing of same-sex unions as a brave, prophetic step, The Telegraph reported. The summa of pointillism: the painting that redefined a movement and the artist who pioneered it Max Carter, Vice Chairman at Christies, and art historian Emmelyn Butterfield-Rosen explore the evolution of Georges Seurats oeuvre Just a few years before his untimely death at the age of 31, Georges Seurat began work on an interior composition of three nudes. The result, Les Poseuses, was both a defence of his pointillist technique and a declaration of the artists revolutionary modernism. After the sensation of Un dimanche dete a lIle de La Grande Jatte, Seurat sought to respond to his critics who questioned the limits of pointillism. Now part of the collection of The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, Les Poseuses is the artists iconic demonstration of the techniques versatility. Along with preparatory studies and sketches, Seurat also created Les Poseuses, Ensemble (Petite version). According to the French art critic Felix Feneon, this version was not a detailed study, but rather a replica of the larger composition. In its delicate colour palette and modernized depictions of the traditional nude, Seurat further perfects his visionary technique. Together with art historian and acting director of the Williams Graduate Program in the History of Art at the Clark Art Institute, Emmelyn Butterfield-Rosen, Christies Vice Chairman Max Carter discusses the importance of Les Poseuses, Ensemble (Petite version), which will be offered on 9 November 2022 as part of Visionary: The Paul G. Allen Collection at Christie's in New York. Open a larger version of this image Georges Seurat (1859-1891), Les Poseuses, Ensemble (Petite version), 1888. 15 x 19 in (39.3 x 50 cm). Sold for $149,240,000 in Visionary: The Paul G. Allen Collection Part I on 9 November 2022 at Christies in New York Max Carter: Les Poseuses was painted in 1888: where is Seurat in his life and career and what exactly is he intending to achieve in this smaller, later, more exquisite variant of the larger canvas at the Barnes Foundation? Emmelyn Butterfield-Rosen: Signac referred to the Grande Jatte as Seurats manifesto painting. Poseuses is a double manifesto and the most self-reflexive painting of his career in the sense that it considers and unpacks the meaning of the Grande Jatte. The petite version is a replica of his most significant work and the Barnes Poseuses, as well as a working out and resolution of technical questions. It's perhaps even more thrilling and satisfying than the original. MC: Youre one of the lucky few who has seen both the Barnes and Paul Allen Poseuses up close. [The Barnes Poseuses is hung high above Cezannes Card Players.] How do they differ apart from scale? When you look at the Barnes Poseuses, at least from afar, it appears to have a uniform, silvery sheen. EB: One of the critiques of Poseuses was that it was grey. I would say the tone is more purple. The vibrancy and purity that chromoluminarism was meant to produce generally went off the rails in one way or another, whether through the degradation of pigments or the way that the little dots of paint made the picture appear mechanical. The colour is certainly brighter and more dynamic in the Paul Allen Poseuses. Open a larger version of this image Georges Seurat's Les Poseuses on view at the Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia. Photo: 2022 The Barnes Foundation MC: Weve all seen the image, but you have studied it as carefully as anyone. And you write wonderfully about pictures. What exactly are we looking at? What are his influences, preoccupations, symbols? EB: I had a dinner party last night and I woke up with dishes all over my house, which is probably not unlike Seurats studio in 1888. The Grande Jatte tour is over, and his manifesto painting is back in storage in the left corner of his room. He conceived Poseuses when he was receiving the various reviews of his manifesto and reading them very carefully. In front of the Grande Jatte there are three nude female models: one of them seated with her back turned toward us; one of them facing us in a in a pose that I think is quite important; and then another model turned in profile, pulling up her stockings, apparently about to leave. Many scholars from Linda Nochlin to Francois Cachin have described how this painting takes up the theme of the three graces. So, it works within that tradition. Open a larger version of this image Left to right: Georges Seurat, Poseuse de dos, 1887. Musee dOrsay, Paris; Georges Seurat, Poseuse de face, 1887. Musee dOrsay, Paris; Georges Seurat, Poseuse de profil, 1887. Musee dOrsay, Paris Yet, its unclear whether they are the same woman. Is it instead a time lapse of one woman entering the studio, taking off her clothes, posing and then getting dressed to leave to depart the scene of representation? However one reads it, the poses of the individual figures are important. One of the Grande Jattes chief controversies was the rigidity of its figures. Seurat takes those same figures and gives them highly recognizable classical poses. MC: There's no kitchen sink though there is a stove in one corner but this feels like a kitchen sink painting, in many ways a summation of everything Seurat achieved and would achieve before his death. EB: I would call it a requiem and an exorcism in one work. Its his farewell to the model as well as his farewell to classicism. Seurat was a relatively conservative student who was formed at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, where he was taught that painting from the model was the fundament of advanced artistic practice, and where he was taught that figure painting was the most significant painterly genre. I would call it a requiem and an exorcism in one work. Its his farewell to the model as well as his farewell to classicism Emmelyn Butterfield-Rosen How many models were involved in the making of the Grande Jatte is an open question. Most likely only one, and the Conte crayon study being offered in the Paul Allen collection [lot 7] is possibly the only drawing where the model actually came to Seurats studio in order to pose for the Grande Jatte. In the figure paintings that follow, the scale changes radically and Seurat works in a much more mechanical style. The figures thereafter are more clearly divorced from the physical human reference that animates Poseuses. MC: If its the end of models and classicism, it is, too, the terminal conclusion of pointillism as a technique. Seurat dies tragically at age 31 [in 1891]. Where could and where did he possibly go from here? EB: It's hard because his last painting Le Cirque [Musee dOrsay], is possibly unfinished. I also think in some ways you have answered your own question, Max. Maybe nowhere. Poseuses is the summa. This is his last horizontal painting and after that his figure paintings shift to what I would call a poster format. So, its a turning point in its technique, too. Seurat doesnt get any more beautiful than he does in Les Poseuses. Open a larger version of this image Left: Georges Seurat, Etude pour Les poseuses, 1886-1887. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Robert Lehman Collection, 1975. Right: Georges Seurat, Poseuse debout, de face, etude pour Les poseuses, 1886-1887. Musee dOrsay, Paris MC: Little is known of Seurats inner life. Stephen Sondheim [who collaborated with James Lapine to create the Pulitzer Prize-winning, Seurat-inspired musical, Sunday in the Park with George] suggested that he might not have been an ideal dining companion. Were he alive, what sort of company might we expect? EB: God, what I would give to have dinner with him. He was studious. He was quiet. He was a hard worker. And he was very preoccupied with his reputation. In one piece of correspondence between him and [his friend and foremost critical champion] Felix Feneon, he weighed the relative number of articles in which he and Signac were called an innovator. He was paranoid, but he had an inner life that is not known to us. When he showed up at his mother's apartment shortly before his death he brought a secret family no one knew about. The mother of his child, who was pregnant at the time, was an artists model. So, Sondheim and Lapines inferences about Dot, their female protagonist, arent necessarily far-fetched. I remember a footnote from Jonathan Crary's study of Seurat, which said something like the psychobiography of Seurat is yet to be written. And I guess he didn't want it to be. But boy, would I love to read one. Sign up today Christies Online Magazine delivers our best features, videos, and auction news to your inbox every week Subscribe 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. Sorry, no valid subscriptions were found for this Publication. Please select from an option below to start a subscription. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 24 Hour Access Primeste notificari pe email Nota bene: Adresele email cu extensia .ru nu sunt acceptate. Contractare si Achizitie Bunuri Anunturi de Angajare Granturi - Finantari Burse de studiu Stagii Profesionale Oportunitati de voluntariat Toate Articolele Stuart Andrew MP has been appointed as the new charities minister, according to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Andrew was appointed parliamentary under secretary of state at DCMS and minister for equalities at the Department for International Trade on 27 October 2022. As well as becoming the new minister for civil society and loneliness, Andrew is also taking on the following briefs: Sport Tourism Youth Ceremonials (including the Coronation) Events including Eurovision, Unboxed, City of Culture Arts and Heritage in the Commons He has experience of the charity sector, having joined the British Heart Foundation in 1994. This then lead to roles at Hope House Children's Hospice and East Lancashire Hospice. Andrew was later appointed fundraising manager at Martin House Children's Hospice where he was responsible for leading a team charged with raising 4m a year. Andrew has held several other ministerial roles, including as housing minister in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities from 8 February 2022 to 6 July 2022 and treasurer of HM Household from 13 February 2020 to 8 February 2022. He became MP for Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough in 2010. In 2012, he was made parliamentary private secretary to Francis Maude MP. In the 2015 general election, Stuart was re-elected and took on the role of parliamentary private secretary to Patrick McLoughlin MP. Its positive that hes an MP and not in the Lords Jay Kennedy, director of policy and research at Directory of Social Change, said: Its great to see that Andrew seems to have some real experience of the charity sector and fundraising. We hope this will prove a good basis for building constructive engagement with the sector during a critical time and making progress on important issues like the cost of living crisis and the evolution of the Energy Bill Support Scheme. Its positive that hes an MP and not in the Lords, but questions still remain about how much impact and influence his role can have across government, especially as it seems likely hell have a big role in the Coronation. Charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises need him to take on the challenge of influencing colleagues in other departments like the Treasury, BEIS and DHLUC; a sector thats estimated to contribute 200bn to society deserves far greater consideration, especially now. Caron Bradshaw, chief executive at Charity Finance Group, said: CFG is delighted that the new minister for civil society has finally been announced. We welcome Stuart Andrew to his new role and wish him the very best at DCMS. She added Andrew will know from his own personal experience of campaigning and fundraising within the charity sector that it plays a hugely important role in how our society functions. We hope that within Mr Andrew's extensive portfolio that we will find plenty of opportunity to work together, to ensure that charities, and civil society more broadly, are not forgotten in policy-making. We look forward to building a fruitful relationship with the new minister. Sarah Vibert, chief executive at NCVO, said: We continue to see the essential role voluntary organisations play in supporting communities across the country. We know that charities and volunteers will be key in getting people through this cost of living crisis and period of economic uncertainty. We look forward to working with Stuart Andrew in championing the sector, and making sure government takes advantage of our expertise and ability to work with communities." Theo Clay, NPC's policy manager, said: Charities are providing crucial support to people facing the many crises we face the cost-of-living, an economic slowdown, the climate crisis, and deep inequalities across the UK. Its encouraging therefore to have a minister who has worked in the sector and will be well placed to understand its strengths and the challenges it faces in delivering amidst these crises. For charities to plan effectively to support people struggling, the Minister will need to prioritise securing support for charities fuel bills next year, as well as how to unlock further philanthropic support for the sector. sign up to receive the Civil Society News daily bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, The alleged leader of a gangland extortion ring that took control of the New York City fire restoration industry can be heard on recordings threatening to kill competitors and ordering an attack on a rival firms employee, federal prosecutors say in court pleadings. In an Oct. 31 letter, the US Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York urged a federal judge not to release Jatiek Smith from jail. The office said it has obtained audio recordings by wire tap where Smith can be heard threatening violence and videos recovered from his cellphone that show his underlings assaulting employees of rival emergency mitigation services firms. Even after his arrest, Smith has used his family members to contact some of the very victims who are expected to testify against him at trial, the office says in the letter to US District Judge Jed S. Rakoff. These victims are terrified, and with good reason: For two years, Smith has threatened them with violence and threatened their children with violence. A federal grand jury on June 23 indicted Smith and eight others on racketeering and conspiracy charges. The nine men most of whom are purportedly members of the Bloods street gang are accused of using threats of violence and actual assaults to force competing fire restoration contractors and public adjusters to pay protection money and accept only the jobs assigned through rotation system enforced by Smiths company, First Response Cleaning Corp. Judge Rakoff scheduled a Nov. 28 trial for Smith and three other defendants after Smith, Sequan Jackson, Damon Dore, and Rahmiek Lacewell insisted on a speedy trial. Smith told the judge in a July 29 letter that he was disregarding the advice of his attorneys and waiving his right to make pre-trial motions. The other defendants followed suit. So far, Rakoff has refused to allow Smith to be freed from detention by posting bail. Smith has asked twice to be released so he can assist his attorney in preparing for trial. In his latest request, made by his attorney on Oct. 26, he offered to put up his home on Staten Island as collateral and post a $750,000 bond. Smiths assets also include a 2021 Mercedes-Benz and a 2018 Jaguar, according to New York sex offender records. Federal prosecutors say Smith is a dangerous criminal who leads a violent extortion crew. He was a danger on the streets, where he was personally involved in violent attacksbut he was also a danger sitting in his own house, where he met with victims, sent threats, and ordered his underlings over the phone to carry out violence on his behalf, the Oct. 31 letter signed by Assistant US Attorney Adam S. Hobson says. The letter includes samples of the evidence that prosecutors say they have obtained from witness statements, wiretapped audio recordings, and cell phone text messages and videos. In early 2021, Smith and his crew assaulted an employee of a rival restoration contractor that they accused of accepting more work than allowed under First Responses rotation system, Hobsons letter says. I got 13-year old kids out here looking to make a name for themselves. Ill give them a gun, they can kill you or your family, he allegedly said. Prosecutors say a 30-minute cell phone recording from June 2020 captures comments that Smith made to one of his competitors: Ill kill one of your kids just to send a message, B. To send a message. Smith, who is 38, was the purported leader of a Bloods affiliate, the Tombstone Gangstas. He has a long criminal history that started in 2005, when he was 19. Smith was convicted on felony sex charges that involved four victims with ages ranging from 13 to 16, according to sex offender records. Smith was sentenced to 18 months to 54 months in prison. In 2011, Smith was convicted of first-degree gang assault, but that charge was dismissed after prosecutors learned that a key witness had lied to jurors. Smith pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and was sentenced to 10 months in jail. In 2015, Smith was convicted on drug dealing and conspiracy charges and sentenced to four to six years in jail. Smiths attorney, Michael E. Vitaliano, said in the Oct. 26 bail request that Smith worked in an industry where violence is common. He presented the judge with a copy of an exchange of text messages involving First Response employees four years before Smith started working for the company. One of the firms employee had been assaulted while on the job. Carl Walsh, the owner of the company, disregards his concern and tells him to keep his eye on the prize, Vitalianos letter says. It is clear owners of First Response exploited young men to wage war in the streets for their profit, Vitaliano wrote. These owners have been complicit in violence for years before Mr. Smith began working at First Response. Vitaliano said the governments own surreptitious recordings undercut its arguments that Smith is a danger to the public. In one recording, he urges others to approach the job as a 9-to-5 and refrain from violence. The attorney concedes that Smith has been a member of the Bloods for 25 years. Despite his history he has shown his willingness to make better choices, Vitaliano wrote. In these recordings he has echoed he does not want any problems with anyone, and he does not want to be back in jail. Judge Rakoff had not yet responded to the bail request as of Friday afternoon. Smith is being held at the federal Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn after being transferred from Puerto Rico, where he was arrested. Rakoff has scheduled a May 1, 2023 trial for the other defendants in the case: Anthony McGee, Kaheen Small, Hasim Smith Manuel Pereira, and Octavio Peralta. Weeping relatives of the 19 people who died when a plane crashed into Lake Victoria in Tanzania filed past a row of coffins in the lakeside town of Bukoba on Monday as religious and political leaders gathered for a ceremony to honor the victims. Flight PW494, operated by Tanzanian airline Precision Air and carrying 43 people, hit the water in stormy weather as it tried to land at Bukoba airport early on Sunday morning, arriving from the capital Dar es Salaam. Transport Minister Makame Mbarawa told mourners gathered in a stadium that the weather had abruptly changed from good to stormy just as the plane was approaching the airport. There was rain accompanied by thunderstorms and heavy wind which had downdraft, he said, referring to a downward current. The Tanzanian authorities were investigating the causes of the crash and would publish their findings, he said. A team from Frances BEA air accident investigation agency along with technical advisers from Franco-Italian planemaker ATR, which built the ATR 42-500 turboprop, were on their way to Tanzania to assist, a BEA spokesman said. In Bukoba, the 19 coffins were carried into the stadium by Tanzanian troops, then laid in a row, each decorated with flowers and a photograph of the deceased person. Relatives bowed their heads and some broke down in tears as they filed past. Footage of the immediate aftermath of the crash showed the aircrafts tail fin, decorated with the Precision Air logo the silhouette of a gazelle in front of a yellow sun sticking out of the lake. People rushed to the scene in boats and some swam in the lake to help rescue trapped passengers and recover bodies. At the ceremony on Monday, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa singled out for praise a young fisherman who was among the first rescuers. The government will reward him with 1 million Tanzanian shillings ($430) and hire him as a first responder. Experts say most plane crashes are caused by a cocktail of factors that take months to understand fully. Under international rules, the Tanzanian-led investigation would include the participation of authorities in France, where the plane was designed, and Canada, where its Pratt & Whitney RTX.N engines were developed. ATR said it was fully engaged to support the customer and the investigation. DABEL, Okla. (AP) Residents in southeastern Oklahoma and northeastern Texas began assessing weather damage Saturday, working to recover and thankful to have survived after a storm stretching from Dallas to northwest Arkansas spawned tornadoes and produced flash flooding, killing at least two people, injuring others and leaving homes and buildings in ruins. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt went to the town of Idabel to see the damage. He said on social media that all the homes had been searched and a 90-year-old man was killed. Keli Cain, spokesperson for the states Department of Emergency Management, said the mans body was found at his home in the Pickens area of McCurtain County, about 36 miles (58 kilometers) north of Idabel. Morris County, Texas, Judge Doug Reeder said in a social media post that one person died as a result of a tornado in the far northeastern Texas County, offering no other details. Reeder and other county officials did not immediately return phone calls for additional comment. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol also reported a 6-year-old girl drowned and a 43-year-old man was missing after their vehicle was swept by water off a bridge near Stilwell, about 135 miles (217 kilometers) north of Idabel. The drowning has not been officially attributed to the storm and will be investigated by the medical examiner, Cain said. Saturday afternoon Stitt declared a state of emergency for McCurtain County, where Idabel is located, and neighboring Bryan, Choctaw and LeFlore counties. The declaration is a step in qualifying for federal assistance and funding and clears the way for state agencies to make disaster-recovery related purchases without limits on bidding requirements. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said damage assessments and recovery efforts are under way in northeast Texas and encouraged residents to report damage to the Texas Division of Emergency Management. I have deployed all available resources to help respond and recover, Abbott said in a statement. I thank all of our hardworking state and local emergency management personnel for their swift response. National Weather Service meteorologist Robert Darby in Tulsa said the far-reaching storm produced heavy rain in the Stilwell area at the time, around 4 inches (10.16 centimeters). Idabel, a rural town of about 7,000 at the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, saw extensive damage, Cain said. There are well over 100 homes and businesses damaged from minor damage to totally destroyed, Cain said. Trinity Baptist Church in Idabel was preparing to complete a new building when the storm ripped apart their sanctuary and flattened the shell of the new structure next door, according to Pastor Don Myer. The 250-member congregation was to vote after the Sunday service on whether to move ahead with he final work to complete the building, Myer told The Associated Press. But we didnt get to that. Every vote counts and we had one vote trump us all, Myer, 67, said. We were right on the verge of that. Thats how close we were. Myer said the congregation is going to pray on what happened, see how much their insurance covers and work to rebuild. On Saturday morning, a few members of the church took an American flag that had been blown over in the storm and stood it upright amid the wreckage of the original church building. Shelbie Villalpando, 27, of Powderly, Texas, said she was eating dinner with her family Friday when tornado sirens prompted them to congregate first in their rented homes hallways, then with her children, aged 5, 10 and 14, in the bathtub. Within two minutes of getting them in the bathtub, we had to lay over the kids because everything started going crazy, Villalpando said. Ive never been so terrified, she said. I could hear glass breaking and things shattering around, but whenever I got out of the bathroom, my heart and my stomach sank because I have kids and it could have been much worse. What if our bathroom had caved in just like everything else? We wouldnt be here. Terimaine Davis and his son were huddled in the bathtub until just before the tornado barreled through Friday, reducing their home in Powderly to a roofless, sagging heap. We left like five minutes before the tornado actually hit, Davis, 33, told The Associated Press. Me and my son were in the house in the tub and that was about the only thing left standing. In their driveway Saturday morning, a childs car seat leaned against a dented, grey Chevrolet sedan with several windows blown out. Around back, his wife, Lori Davis, handed Terimaine a basket of toiletries from inside the wreckage of their house. The couple and the three kids who live with them did not have renters insurance, Lori Davis said, and none of their furniture survived. Were going to have to start from scratch, she said. They hope to stay with family until they can find a place to live. The next few days look like rough times, Terimaine Davis said. Judge Brandon Bell, the highest elected official in Lamar County where Powderly is located, declared a disaster in that area. Bells declaration said at least two dozen people were injured across the county. Powderly is about 45 miles (72 kilometers) west of Idabel and about 120 miles (193 kilometers) northeast of Dallas and both are near the Texas-Oklahoma border. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth confirmed three tornadoes in Lamar, Henderson and Hopkins counties Friday night as a line of storms dropped rain and sporadic hail on the Dallas-Fort Worth area and continued to push eastward. The weather services office in Shreveport, Louisiana, said it was assessing the damage in Oklahoma. Weather service meteorologist Bianca Garcia in Fort Worth said while peak severe weather season typically is in the spring, tornados occasionally develop in October, November, December and even January. Its not very common, Garcia said, but it does happen across our region. Miller reported from Oklahoma City. Adam Kealoha Causey in Dallas contributed to this report. About the photo: Adela Cox looks at the Trinity Baptist Church that was destroyed by a tornado in Idabel, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/LM Otero) Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. ATHERTON, Calif. (AP) A car was buried in the backyard of a Northern California mansion 30 years ago as part of a scheme to commit insurance fraud, authorities said Thursday. The convertible Mercedes was discovered last month by landscapers in the affluent town of Atherton in Silicon Valley. Crews excavated the vehicle and police said no human remains were found after cadaver dogs and ground penetrating radar were used to examine the scene. Investigators said they determined the Mercedes was buried for insurance fraud purposes, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The car was reported stolen in nearby Palo Alto in September 1992. Its owner, Johnny Bocktune Lew, had owned the home where the Mercedes was found. He was accused in 1999 of hiring people to sink a yacht worth $1.2 million to cash in on the insurance, according to the Chronicle. Lew, who is dead, had also served jail time for murder and attempted murder in Los Angeles County decades ago. San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe told the San Jose Mercury News that Lew reported the Mercedes-Benz stolen in 1992 and collected $87,000 in insurance on the vehicle. Lew was convicted of murdering a young woman in the 1960s, but he was released from prison after the California Supreme Court reversed the conviction in 1968, citing hearsay evidence that should not have been allowed at trial. Court records showed that in 1977 Lew was convicted of two counts of attempted murder, also in Los Angeles County, and spent three years in prison. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Types of obituaries The Missourian publishes two types of obituaries family obituaries and life stories. A family obituary is the version submitted by a funeral home or family. Please see the submission form for details on cost and deadlines. Family obituaries A life story is a closer look at a person's life and involves a reporter contacting family and friends. Life stories are based on newsworthiness and consent of the family. Life stories. India, Singapore air forces resume joint drill after two-year lull The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) began their six-week-long 11th annual Joint Military Training (JMT) on November 3, 2022, at Air Force Station, Kalaikunda. The IAF would field the Su-30 MKI, Jaguar, MiG-29, and LCA Tejas aircraft, while the RSAF would participate in JMT-2022 with F-16 aircraft. Photo courtesy: Twitter/@defencealerts The two Air Forces resumed this training, after a two-year break. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented the training over the subsequent two years, as per a report of PIB. The bilateral part of the exercise will take place from November 9 to November 18, 2022, and will feature sophisticated air combat simulations between the two Air Forces. The IAF would field the Su-30 MKI, Jaguar, MiG-29, and LCA Tejas aircraft, while the RSAF would participate in JMT-2022 with F-16 aircraft. The Indian Air Force took to Twitter and said, With Ex Garuda VII underway with the French Air & Space Force, #IAF also welcomed @TheRSAF at an air base in the East. Over the next two weeks, the two Air Forces would be training together, thereby further strengthening the bonds between them. The exercise highlights the long-standing and solid defence cooperation relationship between Singapore and India. It aims to develop the professional ties between the two Air Forces while giving the participating contingents a chance to exchange beneficial operational knowledge, experiences, and best practices. The 29th iteration of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) also began last week and was divided into two phases: the harbour phase, which took place in Visakhapatnam till Thursday, and the sea phase, which began on Friday in the Bay of Bengal. SIMBEX will come to an end on Sunday. Tuesday saw the arrival in Visakhapatnam of two ships from the Republic of Singapore Navy, the fearsome class frigate RSS Stalwart and the victory class corvette RSS Vigilance. Intensive visits underscore China's diplomatic ideals widely recognized, welcomed By Chen Qingqing and Xu Yelu (Global Times) 09:51, November 07, 2022 The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on October 16, 2022. Photo: Li Hao/GT The past week during which four foreign leaders from countries with different political systems and economic development paths visited Beijing attracted the world's attention, as it was a diplomacy-themed week after the Chinese top leadership laid out major strategies and blueprints for the future at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). With fruitful results, the face-to-face interactions between Chinese top leader and leaders from Vietnam, Pakistan, Tanzania and Germany signal that the China-proposed concept of building a human community with a shared future, fundamentally different from US-dominated diplomatic events that always target a third party highlighting bloc confrontation, is welcomed by more countries, experts said. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrapped up his short but meaningful visit to Beijing on Friday, agreeing on enhanced dialogue and cooperation and rejecting decoupling and bloc confrontation. As the first European leader to visit China after the 20th CPC National Congress and the first G7 leader to visit the country since the outbreak of COVID-19, Scholz had faced mounting pressure from some German and European politicians, and from Washington especially. After returning from Beijing, the German leader once again defended his visit, which, in the eyes of Chinese experts, underscored the importance and indispensable role of China as major country with great influence in international affairs. During an event held by Scholz's Social Democratic party, the German leader said on Saturday that "his and Chinese President Xi Jinping's joint statement opposing the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine had been reason enough for the visit," Reuters reported. "Because the Chinese government, the president and I were able to declare that no nuclear weapons should be used in this war, that alone made the whole trip worthwhile," Scholz was quoted as saying in the media report. While Scholz has his own interpretation of China's position, there should be absolutely no use of nuclear weapons, not only in the Ukraine crisis but also in other scenarios, Li Haidong, a professor from the Institute of International Relations at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Sunday. "This is our consistent position. No matter it's about Western hype on Russia threatening to use the nuclear weapons, or the US, along with NATO, continuously increasing its nuclear deterrence against rivals, China's position is clear that nuclear weapons should not be used," Li said. "It also shows that China plays an indispensable role in dealing with hotspot global issues such as the Ukraine crisis, climate change and the energy and food crises." In addition to China's role in handling international affairs, its alternative path to modernization incorporating high-quality opening-up and the idea of building a human community with a shared future are welcomed by countries with different political systems and at different development stage, experts said. With China's epidemic control being further adjusted in a scientific way, more countries will be attracted to enhance communication and cooperation with China, and its major foreign policy principles elaborated in a report to the Party's congress with the focus on common interests is now winning more respect and recognition around the world, experts noted. A sharp contrast China and Vietnam agreed on November 1 to strengthen strategic communication, enhance political mutual trust, properly manage differences in a bid to bring their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era to a new level as Chinese top leader met Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee in Beijing. The two countries released a joint statement on further strengthening and deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, setting the key tone for China-Vietnam relations amid a complex global situation and historic changes unseen in a century. Following Trong's visit, Xi held talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifon Wednesday, saying that China is ready to work with Pakistan to elevate the level of all-round strategic cooperation. The next day, Xi met Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassanin Beijing, and the two leaders agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The visit also shows the closeness of China-Tanzania relations and the important status of China-Africa ties in China's overall diplomacy. Although G7 foreign ministers are discussing how to align their approach on China, Scholz's visit to Beijingis widely believed to inject new momentum not only into China-Germany ties but also into overall China-Europe relations, setting an example for other European countries to balance their China policies. Those four countries are highly representative. Vietnam and Pakistan are neighboring countries with important cooperation with China, and Tanzania is one of the African countries with whom China had close ties, and provided help decades ago, reflecting China's responsibilities as a major power, Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Sunday. "Germany and China rejecting decoupling is actually boosting confidence in globalization, reshaping relations with China as a partner," he said. "For our old friends, China will continue offering help. For developing countries, the Chinese modernization path could serve as an example. For some countries such as Germany and Vietnam with which we have divergences on certain issues, the cooperation has surpassed the differences now," Wang said. Some experts noted the sharp contrast between China-led diplomatic events and those held by the US, as the latter usually focuses on targeting a third-party country, particularly Russia or China, and always stresses the American interests. For example, the latest G7 foreign ministers' gathering in Germany urged "China to abstain from threats, coercion, intimidation, or the use of force," according to media reports. "China's diplomacy is bringing benefits to the world while the US-led West is trying to create divergences and divide the world. They have a completely different set of diplomatic ideas and practices," Li said. As China offers the world a predictable perspective, showing willingness to contribute its wisdom and experiences, it plays a constructive role in the global order restructuring that will win more recognition from the international community, some experts noted. In the past few days, some Western media and politicians have been closely watching Scholz's visit to China with palpable divergences existing inside the West's China policies. Chinese experts believe that China-Germany enhanced cooperation will help push forward China's relations with other Western countries, which will make Washington's goal of using different blocs like the G7 to intensify strategic competition with China unlikely to be achieved. "China-Germany cooperation will set an example and pave the way for other Western countries to enhance interaction with China. It's a question of choosing cooperation or confrontation," Li said. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) During his first speech as Prime Minister on the steps of No 10 Downing Street, Rishi Sunak mightily declared: This Government will have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level. So its only understandable that many Tory MPs were taken aback when, just days later, twice-sacked minister Sir Gavin Williamson was brought back into the Government as Cabinet Office minister with wide-ranging responsibilities. In the Commons last week, Tory MPs were privately speculating how soon it would be before the gaffe-prone Williamson skidded on another banana skin. But even his most ardent critics never thought it would be quite so soon. For Williamson is now the subject of a bullying inquiry over a series of threatening, expletive-laden texts that he sent to the Tory partys first female chief whip Wendy Morton. ANDREW PIERCE: So its only understandable that many Tory MPs were taken aback when, just days later, twice-sacked minister Sir Gavin Williamson (pictured on October 23) was brought back into the Government as Cabinet Office minister with wide-ranging responsibilities The 46-year-old was furious he had not been invited to the Queens funeral and incorrectly blamed Morton for his failure to secure tickets. He warned her there is a price for everything and said she had chosen to f*** us all over. The former culture secretary Nadine Dorries whose department presided over the responsibility for the funeral summed up the mood on the Tory benches: Beyond stunned... Entitlement is a despicable quality. Brandon Lewis, who was sacked as justice secretary by Sunak, was also active on social media yesterday. Ive seen the impact bullying can have, he tweeted. Was he referring to Williamson? Almost certainly. Why, then, did Sunak promote Williamson a former fireplace salesman who is a poor Commons performer and not noted for his intellectual prowess? For Williamson is now the subject of a bullying inquiry over a series of threatening, expletive-laden texts that he sent to the Tory partys first female chief whip Wendy Morton (pictured on October 20) For one reason: Williamson, who studied social sciences at Bradford University, is in fact a shrewd political operator. As chief whip under Theresa May, he was known as the baby-faced assassin for his combination of guile, charm and bullying to enforce his will. The presence of his pet tarantula Cronus (named after the king of the Titans who came to power by castrating his father) in a glass box on his desk certainly added to his air of menace. Just as he had done with May and Boris Johnson, Williamson cunningly stuck like a limpet to Sunak in the Tory partys summer leadership contest against Liz Truss. Former chief whips know where the political bodies are buried, the pressure points to press, and the inducements to offer to swing voters and Sunak had significantly more MPs backing him than Truss. Williamson made sure he took the credit. Hes got the largest brass neck in Parliament. Hes absolutely shameless at smarming up to the candidate he thinks will win, said one Tory MP. Trouble is, he is good at [building support] and whether it was Theresa, Boris or Rishi, they all owed him. By the way, the WhatsApp messages to Wendy Morton were nothing compared to the abuse and threats he sent us when he was chief whip. But he thinks hes still the chief, hence the sense of entitlement. This sense of power and self-importance explains why Williamson thought he could bully Morton, who had been chief whip for only days, while he had done the job for 18 months. He did it so well that May promoted him to defence secretary in November 2017. However, after he took the post, it became rapidly clear he was out of his depth. It earned him the nickname Private Pike after the simpering weakling in the Second World War sitcom Dads Army. He lived up to the moniker in 2018, by saying Russia should go away and shut up at the height of the Salisbury poisoning. Military boffins must have collectively breathed a sigh of relief when May sacked him in May 2019 for leaking information from a top-secret meeting of the National Security Council, where ministers had discussed the possible security threat from Chinese telecoms firm Huawei. His frontline career should have sunk but he was brought back as education secretary. Here, too, he was a disaster. He was criticised over school closures during the Covid pandemic and the shambles over an algorithm that standardised students GCSE and A-level results. Johnson sacked him and when he was knighted in March, many Tory MPs told me it was a reward for remaining loyal. It will do nothing to enhance the publics view of our discredited honours system, said one. After being given yet another chance by Sunak, its notable that Williamson does not have a department to run. His job is to be Sunaks eyes and ears in the ministerial corridors and to spot potential flash points, said a Whitehall source. Today, though, its Williamson himself who is a potential flash point. Has any individual caused as much long-term damage to the UK economy as Ed Miliband? The Oppositions climate spokesman yesterday committed a future Labour government to caving in to demands from governments around the world for reparations to cover loss and damage from climate change. He didnt want to use the R word, and he didnt want to think it would mean the UK taxpayer sending billions off to China although China is one of the countries that has been demanding payments from the West for historic carbon emissions. Even so, he told Laura Kuenssberg that Britain had a moral responsibility to pay up, on the grounds of its historic emissions. Does he honestly think Britain should be apologising for the success of the industrial revolution? Two hundred years ago, the vast majority of the worlds population lived in poverty. To take one statistic that demonstrates the jump in living standards since then, global life expectancy has gone from 29 years in 1800 to 71 years now. The Oppositions climate spokesman yesterday committed a future Labour government to caving in to demands from governments around the world for reparations to cover loss and damage from climate change That is down to one thing above all else: cheap energy provided by fossil fuels, which has enabled industrial and agricultural development beyond imagination. Whether living standards in Britain can continue to improve is another matter. Thanks to the Climate Change Act, our economy now has a very large weight attached to its feet. The Act, passed when Miliband was climate secretary in 2008, originally placed a legal commitment on the UK Government to ensure that, by 2050, carbon emissions would be reduced by 80 per cent on 1990 levels. But in 2019, the 80 per cent was increased to 100 per cent reductions ie to net zero emissions without even a vote in the Commons. Yet no one really has any idea of how Britain can reach this target without crashing the economy. It doesnt just mean more wind turbines, solar panels and electric cars industries like steel, cement and fertiliser production, as well as agriculture, produce large quantities of greenhouse gases and, as yet, no economic means exists of eliminating them. Miliband thought that if Britain made a legal commitment to slash carbon emissions, other countries would fall in behind our example. Some hope. Fourteen years after the Climate Change Act, only a handful of mainly European countries have been so foolish as to set a legal commitment to eliminate net emissions by any date. The US, the worlds second largest emitter, has not put itself under any legal obligation to eliminate emissions. Out of 193 countries which promised at last years Cop26 to come back this year with more ambitious targets, only 26 have actually done so. Of course, that hasnt stopped many countries pressing for reparations from Britain and other Western nations for loss and damage that has supposedly been caused as a result of climate change. Sir Keir Starmer, to be fair, was not party leader at the time, but even with him in charge, the constant refrain from many in his party has been one that endeavours to shame Britain for its past Miliband has fallen for their claims hook, line and sinker. But then apologies and reparations for supposed misdeeds of the past are part and parcel of the guilt-filled rhetoric of the Left. Labours 2019 manifesto stated in recognition of the past wrongdoings of the British state, the new constitution should make an unreserved apology to all of the countries of the world that the Empire invaded and negatively impacted. And, to make amends, it promised the British state should set up a reparations fund as part of the constitution, which offers financial assistance to communities across the world that can show loss and detriment as a result of the actions of the British state. Sir Keir Starmer, to be fair, was not party leader at the time, but even with him in charge, the constant refrain from many in his party has been one that endeavours to shame Britain for its past the recasting of Winston Churchill as a villain, the removal of statues and changes to street names to name just a few examples. And now Miliband has joined the fray. We all want clean energy. We want to do our bit on climate change. But the last thing we need is Ed Miliband in charge of energy and climate change policy. He has done quite enough damage already. Not Zero: How an Irrational Target Will Impoverish You, Help China (and Wont Even Save the Planet) by Ross Clark is published by Forum in February Fans of proportional representation at least in this country tend to be on the Left. But extremists of the Right are, as often as not, the beneficiaries (and would be here if we introduced it). As we have just seen in Israel's general election. A relatively new party called Religious Zionism polled almost 11 per cent of the vote. Under Israel's system of pure proportional representation, that translated into a similar proportion of seats in the Knesset, and they will become the main partner in a complex coalition to be led by the Likud Party's great survivor, Benjamin Netanyahu. That means a prominent role in government for the leader of Religious Zionism. This is Itamar Ben-Gvir, a devotee of an extremist Rabbi whose own party had been banned by Israel as a terrorist organisation in the 1990s. In fact, Labour and the Liberals polled over two million more votes than the Conservatives in the 1979 election. PR would have enabled a Labour-Liberal coalition, blocking Margaret Thatcher from becoming Prime Minister Until recently Ben-Gvir had kept in his sitting room a photo of Baruch Goldstein, the man who gunned down 29 Muslim worshippers in 1994. But Netanyahu can't muster a parliamentary majority without Ben-Gvir. While this may be an extreme case, a function of political life in a country whose very right to exist is under constant challenge, it is also typical of what happens in countries with proportional representation (PR). Unpopular Unlike our own system, known as first-past-the-post, PR produces a mass of parties, and rarely yields a majority of parliamentary seats to the 'winning' one. So it invariably requires a coalition, often of the most unlikely bedfellows. The Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition formed in 2010 was an aberration in our system, though it had trade-offs familiar from similar settlements in countries with PR. Nick Clegg extracted from David Cameron a promise to stuff the House of Lords with scores of Lib Dems who had never been able to get elected to the Commons, and none of whom could remotely be described as distinguished. Cameron also agreed to hold a referendum on replacing first-past-the-post; but to the fury of the Lib Dems, over two-thirds of those who voted in it cast their ballot in favour of retaining our existing, ancient system. Meanwhile, Clegg went along with the Conservative plan to triple university fees, even though the Lib Dems' principal pledge in the 2010 General Election had been to abolish those fees altogether. Shabby deals on all sides, in other words: and ones which would have infuriated both Conservative and Lib Dem voters, never consulted while these transactions took place in secret. Benjamin Netanyahu, who will will lead a complex coalition in the Knesset At least the Conservatives, having gained 96 seats in the 2010 election, were able to compose a government, while Labour, which lost 91 seats, was unable to manufacture a majority with the Lib Dems (who actually lost five seats in that election). However, those two 'losing' parties polled between them 52 per cent of the vote. Under PR, they could have formed a 'majority' government and the then deeply unpopular Gordon Brown would have remained in 10 Downing Street. If you think that would have been perverse, consider the election of 1979, which propelled Margaret Thatcher into office, and rescued this country from apparently inevitable economic decline, with radical reforms that could never have been carried out if she had been forced to share power with multiple parties. In fact, Labour and the Liberals polled over two million more votes than the Conservatives in the 1979 election. PR would have enabled a Labour-Liberal coalition, blocking Margaret Thatcher from becoming Prime Minister. The Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition formed in 2010 was an aberration in our system, though it had trade-offs familiar from similar settlements in countries with PR For Polly Toynbee, the veteran Guardian columnist, this is the basis for her long-standing campaign to get Labour to adopt PR: to keep the Conservatives out, preferably permanently. She argues that under the current system the 'centre and centre-Left vote has been fatally split ever since the rising Labour Party failed to kill off the remnant of the old Liberals'. And she condemned as 'disgraceful' that 'a minority in the Labour Party, comprising tribal dinosaurs' reject PR because it 'means Labour too would never win alone again, losing seats to the Greens and any new socialist party that may emerge'. Perverse Actually the old Labour 'dinosaurs' have a point. As Dr Richard Johnson of London's Queen Mary University observes: 'In every post war election, with the exception of the 1950s and 2019, Labour has received a greater share of House of Commons seats than its share of the popular vote. This boost has sometimes been very substantial, giving Labour majorities it would not otherwise have.' He concluded that PR would just mean 'the Lib Dems would effectively get to choose the Prime Minister after each election. You can understand why they are so keen, but why are Labour members?' But keen they are. At Labour's recent party conference, the delegates overwhelmingly backed a motion in favour of introducing proportional representation in UK General Elections. It isn't binding on the leadership, however, and Sir Keir Starmer has not committed himself on the matter (to Toynbee's intense disapproval). As it happens, that Labour conference coincided with the implosion in support for the Conservatives, measured by the opinion polls. It will have become clear to Starmer, and, indeed, the whole of his Parliamentary party, that unless Rishi Sunak performs a miracle in restoring public confidence in the Conservatives, after the debacle of Liz Truss, the first-past-the-post system will most likely deliver a solid working majority for Labour at the next election. Gordon Brown could have remained in 10 Downing Street under a PR voting system If it does, it is hardly likely that a Prime Minister Starmer would seek to implement a change in the electoral system from which only the Lib Dems, the Greens and possibly an as-yet-unformed party of the far Right could derive benefit. Fragile If our existing electoral system were unhealthy, that would be demonstrated by a decline in the proportion of people who bother to vote. But this is not the case. In the five General Elections from 2001 to 2017, turnout increased steadily each time, rising from 59.4 per cent to 68.8 per cent. On the other hand, the most recent elections for the French National Assembly, saw a pathetic turn out: 46.2 per cent. Yet these were conducted under the PR system, in which, say its fans, 'every vote counts'. And then there are the other benefits of our system. There is the direct accountability of MPs to their constituents. It is straightforward to form a government. We do not experience what happened in Germany last year, where it took two months to form a coalition and a document of 178 pages to explain; still less what took place in Belgium where no government could be formed between June 2010 and December 2011. And in Israel, one reason governments come and go with extraordinary frequency (there were four General Elections in two years) is that the inevitable coalitions are so fragile. Critics may point out that we have our third Prime Minister since the 2019 election, which certainly looks like chaos. But the fact is that we have a parliamentary system: as long as one party can demonstrate a majority within that chamber, its leader can form the King's government and rapidly, at that. Moreover, Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives are transparently and alone accountable for everything that happens under their watch. If the voters, when the next election is called, are highly dissatisfied with the overall performance, they have the power to 'kick the blighters out', and the Conservatives will no longer be the tenants of Downing Street. Sunak could not hang on with some cobbled-together backroom deal, just as Gordon Brown couldn't in 2010. And it is during the times of greatest economic strain that it is most necessary to have a government which does not need to worry every day about its imminent dissolution. No electoral system is perfect, but rather ours than Israel's. War in Ukraine is posing one of the greatest threats to international security since World War II. James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary, devotes most of his week to the war, liaising with his counterparts to ensure co-ordinated action. So you would expect the Foreign Office in King Charles Street to be a hive of frenetic activity. Think again. The civil service website reveals in the last week of October only 40 per cent of the staff were working at their desks at the George Gilbert Scott-designed building; the rest are working from home. Theres also a lot on Chancellor Jeremy Hunts plate, with the emergency financial statement on November 17, as Rishi Sunaks government tries to plug a 40 billion black hole in the nations finances writes ANDREW PIERCE Theres also a lot on Chancellor Jeremy Hunts plate, with the emergency financial statement on November 17, as Rishi Sunaks government tries to plug a 40 billion black hole in the nations finances. So why were only 50 per cent of Treasury staff behind their desks last month? Its the same at the Department of Work and Pensions, which has all sorts of issues over delays in benefit payments. Nonetheless, its reassuring to know that Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, a former Army officer in the thick of the Ukraine conflict, has cracked the whip. In the same period, 85 per cent of his staff were at their desks. Isnt it time the rest of the government got their civil servants back in the office again? In a newspaper interview the intensely irritating self-styled green goddess Greta Thunberg said that the Cop27 conference in Egypt is a scam for greenwashing, lying and cheating. In a later TV interview she attacked Rishi Sunaks initial refusal to go: The fact that one of the most powerful people in the world doesnt have time for this is very symbolic and says he has other priorities. More confused virtue signalling from the teenager. Will Rishi hear Tory voices? A decade ago Conservative Voice was set up to campaign for lower taxes, small government, and radical thinking in delivery of public services. Sadly, theres been little sign of any of those noble objectives being met. Now the group has delivered some timely advice on what the Tory Party should stand for. In a poll of 2,000 people by Savanta, 80 per cent of Tory voters want government spending to support a strong military, while 83 per cent say Britain already does enough to help poorer countries, with international aid currently around 11 billion a year. Only 55 per cent believe there is value for money from public services (Pictured Prime Minister Rishi Sunak) In other words, cut the international aid budget. Only 55 per cent believe there is value for money from public services. Don Porter, co-founder of Conservative Voice, said: Getting better value for the taxpayer, encouraging aspiration, and prioritising economic growth, its clear the new Conservative Government will succeed if it reflects these values. Rishi Sunak please take note. Rugby star and commentator Brian Moore speaks for many when he says: Can we petition for Hancock to stay in the jungle for ever? Meanwhile, comedian Rory Bremner added: Thats the calibre of ministers these days. Theyre either in the Cabinet or in the Jungle. Only they last longer in the Jungle. As Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove has the ideal deputy. In 1993, his minister Lucy Frazer, then president of the Cambridge Union, invited him to speak to the motion: This house prefers a woman on top. Gove responded with risque jokes, and suggested Frazer had done well to have made it to Cambridge from the slums of Leeds. Talk about levelling up! As Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove has the ideal deputy writes ANDREW PIERCE Parliament has found another way of wasting our money: podcasts in which foes of the government can sound off about its deficiencies. The Committee Corridor podcasts began as a vanity project for former soldier Tom Tugendhat. But now he has a ministerial job, the podcasts are passing to the less photogenic Labour MP Darren Jones. His first effort will include cameos by la-di-dah Tory wet Caroline Nokes, fashionable Leftie think-tanker Torsten Bell and Sir Stephen Timms, a Labour grandee with a passing resemblance to Herman Munster. A dead cert for the Baftas! Heather James has recalled the moment her daughter, Dame Deborah, told her she was unable to go on when her helath dramatically deteriorated earlier this year. The broadcaster and former headteacher, known as Bowel Babe, died at the age of 40 in June, five years after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer when she found blood in her stool. In a video for Stand Up to Cancer, Dame Deborah's mother Heather - also dubbed 'Bowel Gran' - spoke of how her daughter struggled in hospital for the first few months of 2022 after suffering a severe haemorrhage in January. She revealed it was the first time Deborah - who raised 7 million for Cancer Research UK - had admitted she did not have the will to continue with treatment. Heather James has recalled the moment her daughter, Dame Deborah, told her she was unable to go on as her health deteriorated due to her bowel cancer diagnosis In a video for Stand Up to Cancer, Dame Deborah's mother Heather - also dubbed 'Bowel Gran' - spoke of how her daughter struggled in hospital for the first few months of 2022. Both pictured in January 'From then on, Deborah basically lived in The Royal Marsden and slowly deteriorated and I can remember her saying one day "I can't do this anymore",' Heather, 65, revealed. 'And that's the first time she'd ever said [that].' Deborah's mother also opened up about her daughter's moving last few months after the inspirational broadcaster left the hospital in May 2022 to be with her family. 'I can remember her saying 'I'm coming home to die but I don't want to die',' she recalled emotionally. 'And I went, "I know you don't want to die darling'".' Heather described the last couple of month's of Deborah's life as both the 'best eight weeks as a family', as well as 'the saddest one could ever, ever go through'. Deborah's mother also opened up about her daughter's moving last few months after the inspirational broadcaster left the hospital in May 2022 to be with her family. Pictured in January Deborah, who hosted podcast You, Me and the Big C, passed away this summer after first being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 at 35. Pictured in January Candidly recounting the moment she passed away, Heather said her daughter's 'breathing changed' as a hospice nurse confirmed she 'was dying'. 'And we were just so grateful we were all there at that last moment,' her mother said. 'She was a force of nature. she was always lively, enthusiastic, such a zest for life.' Sharing the clip on her Instagram, Heather wrote: 'I was privileged to take part in the making of this short film about Deborah's life to support @su2cuk. It is the 10th anniversary of this charity which was close to Deborah's heart.' Deborah, who hosted podcast You, Me and the Big C, passed away this summer after first being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 at 35. Heather told the Stand Up to Cancer clip how proud she was of her daughter's Bowel Babe identity. Heather told the Stand Up to Cancer clip how proud she was of her daughter's Bowel Babe identity. Deborah pictured in June 'She wanted to be a babe, she could hide behind it, and I'm very proud of that point, that she put to the side her pain and she would be there 24/7 for anybody that needed her,' she said. It comes as last month, Deborah's husband express his pride for his late wife after she inspired record numbers of people to get tested for bowel cancer. Sebastian Bowen said he was 'in awe of everything [Deborah] did' after she spent five years tirelessly campaigning to raise awareness of bowel cancer following her own diagnosis. Recent NHS figures revealed a record 30,000 more people went for referrals between May and July in 2021. Figures also showed 170,500 people were referred for checks for suspected lower gastro-intestinal cancers between the months of May and July, which is nearly 80,000 higher than the same period two years ago. It comes as last month, Deborah's husband express his pride for his late wife after she inspired record numbers of people to get tested for bowel cancer. Both pictured in May Speaking to The Sun, the late campaigner's husband said: 'I'm so proud of her. I'm in awe of everything she did to raise awareness, and the legacy she has left behind.' After her diagnosis, the former headteacher became a co-host of the BBC's You, Me and The Big C podcast, and used her social media platforms to educate people about the symptoms of bowel cancer under her nickname, The Bowel Babe. This year, the family accepted an honorary degree on Dame Deborah's behalf from the Institute of Cancer Research. They were accompanied by Dame Deborah's You, Me & The Big C co-hosts, Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland, who also received degrees for their outstanding contribution to raising awareness of living with cancer. Posting photos of the graduation ceremony on Instagram, Heather wrote: 'Today was a bittersweet day. 'Deborah and her colleagues Lauren and Steve from You, Me & The Big C were awarded honorary degrees by The Institute of Cancer Research for their outstanding contributions to raising awareness of living with cancer and the importance of cancer research.' Users praised the former bank employee for her tips that help them avoid scammers and even agreed with her, noting that they have seen the same scams Sidney also issued a warning to those who use Zelle and noted that users should only use Zelle with someone they know because it's a popular site for scammers She explained that she uses and likes Venmo but 'never keeps money in it', 'never uses Cash App' and that she only uses PayPal for 'international transactions' In her viral video, the TikToker also issues a stark warning about the money exchanging apps you should using because they see the most scams A former bank employee has revealed which transaction apps are the safest and issued a warning about the popular money exchanging apps you should avoid using - including only using Zelle with friends and family. Former bank employee and TikToker Sidney Bean, based in the US, explained which transaction apps will protect your money in her latest video posted to her TikTok channel, where she boasts over 115,00 followers. From only using PayPal for international transactions to never using Zelle with someone you don't know, Sidney detailed why these transaction apps may not help you if you're scammed and which apps you can count on. Responding to a comment that asked her "Which transaction apps are safe?" the TikToker described why you should or shouldn't trust apps like Venmo, PayPal, Zelle and Cash App. Former bank employee and TikToker Sidney Bean, based in the US, has revealed which transaction apps are the safest, while explaining the one's you shouldn't use She explained that she uses and likes Venmo but 'never keeps money in it because it is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation' She said she only uses PayPal for 'international transactions' because it's 'cheaper' but that the transaction app does see 'a lot of scams' Avoid the scammers! Here are the money exchanging apps you should and shouldn't use Venmo : The former bank employee says this app is good when transferring money but that you should never keep money in it. : The former bank employee says this app is good when transferring money but that you should never keep money in it. Cash App : Sidney noted that you should never use Cash App because there are too many scams. : Sidney noted that you should never use Cash App because there are too many scams. PayPal : The former bank employee said PayPal should only be used with international transactions. : The former bank employee said PayPal should only be used with international transactions. Zelle : Sidney said that Zelle should only be used with close friends or family because it's a popular site for scammers. Advertisement 'Here are the transaction apps that I do and don't use as a former bank employee,' she said at the beginning of her video. The former bank employee first began by detailing the popular transaction app Venmo, noting that she 'does use it', but 'never' keeps money in it. 'I do use Venmo, but I never keep money in there because it is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. 'Also, I connect it directly to my debit card so that if it is fraudulently accessed somehow, I only have to replace my debit card and not my entire bank account that's linked to it. 'And anytime I'm conducting a transaction on Venmo, its drafted directly through my debit card.' Sidney then explained this means that if she ever needed to 'dispute a transaction', she could do it with both Venmo and her bank. Venmo was released in 2012 and gained popularity throughout the years and with over 50 million users, so, it seems as though many agree with the former bank employee when it comes to the money exchanging app. Next up, Sidney explained why she stays away from Cash App. 'I don't use [Cash App], I have filed way too many claims, I've seen way too many scams directed towards Cash App users, and I've also seen people who kept their money in Cash App and then had it totally seized or frozen like constantly and they just never see it back.' And while she doesn't recommend using Cash App when linked to your debit card, she did note that if you have a Cash App card, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, does it insure it - which means it protects your money in case there is a bank failure. 'I do use PayPal, but only for international transactions, because it's globally accepted, it's pretty common in other countries and it's far cheaper to do a PayPal transaction than to do an international transaction through your bank.' Sidney explained she stays away from Cash App because she's seen 'way too many scams' and noted that people 'never get their money back' Sidney issued a warning to those who use Zelle and noted that users should only use Zelle with someone they know because it's a popular site for scammers Sidney also noted that PayPal is a great option because you are able to 'design an invoice' and have people pay directly to it. She added that PayPal is not FDIC insured and that she's seen 'a lot of scams through it' so she doesn't 'use it that often.' When it came to the last transaction app the former bank employee was detailing, she issued a stark warning to those using Zelle. 'Do not ever send a Zelle to someone you don't know,' you're not going to see that money back, it's gone. 'The banks don't care if you scammed through Zelle, they don't care if you weren't satisfied with what you bought through Zelle, they are only going to refund your money on a claim if the bank made an error and it's provable. 'And scammers know that, that's why scammers love Zelle, Sidney said at the end of her video. The former bank employee's warning comes after a long line of users are reported being scammed through Zelle by fraudsters pretending to be bank employees. The scam centered around the money exchanging app drains money directly from users accounts as thieves issue a call to users claiming there has been a fraudulent transaction and that they would be shutting down the phony charges. After posing as bank employees and asking users if they wanted text message alerts about fraud, the fraudsters would send users an 'enrollment code' to 'confirm their identity' and then use that code to hack their account. Users praised the former bank employee for her tips that help them avoid scammers and even agreed with her, noting that they have seen the same scams Users praised the former bank employee for her tips that help them avoid scammers and even agreed with her, noting that they have seen the same scams. One user said: 'True. Do not use Zelle unless you know the person.' 'As a fraud Analyst for a major bank, thank you for putting this out there. I could tell you horror stories,' another person wrote. Another user added: 'As a current bank employee, can confirm.' One person commented: 'Oh, need to change Venmo to debit card. Great tip!' A little-known brightening serum has been dubbed the best in Australia for 2022, after it beat out stiff competition from bigger household skincare brands. The Clemence Organics Brightening Eye and Skin Serum ($149.98) won the best serum category in the Prevention Best of Beauty Awards thanks to its potent organic skin-brightening ingredients. And while it is an undeniably expensive beauty buy, thousands of women have shown just how effective the serum is for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, brightening the skin and getting rid of dark under-eye circles. A little-known brightening serum has been dubbed best in Australia for 2022, after it beat out stiff competition from bigger household skincare brands (Clemence Organics serum pictured) The Clemence Organics Brightening Eye and Skin Serum ($149.98) won the best serum category in the Prevention Best of Beauty Awards (pictured before and after use) This is principally thanks to its impressive ingredients list. The serum contains an array of complexion-boosting ingredients, including botanical extracts and vitamin C which work to reduce hyperpigmented skin and melasma, and bilberry and fruit AHAs which allow the product to penetrate deep into the skin. The addition of hyaluronic acid supports collagen production, while turmeric, bearberry and lemon water further improve skin radiance and even out the skin tone. Finally, the brightening serum has probiotics in it, which help to improve the skin's overall microbiome, or protective barrier. To use the skin brightening serum, Clemence Organics recommends you press the product into the skin after cleansing and toning. It can be used in the morning and at night. The serum contains an array of complexion-boosting ingredients, including botanical extracts and vitamin C, as well as turmeric (pictured before and after use) Hundreds who have tried the $149 product have heaped praise on its brightening capabilities, saying it has become an essential part of their regime (pictured in use) Hundreds who have tried the $149 product heaped praise on its brightening abilities: 'I have been using this product for about a month now and have noticed a big improvement in my skin's texture, appearance and it has definitely lightened my freckles and pigmentation,' one customer wrote. 'I've generally got tired and dry skin and so using this Clemence serum has been really good for me, as it is nourishing and provides good hydration. It's now part of my daily skin routine,' another added. Many say that the beauty product works wonders, particularly on dark under-eye circles (pictured before use and after 56 days) The serum was designed by naturopath and Clemence Organics founder Bridget Carmady, who wanted to create something to help her with her pigmentation (before and after pictured) After spending two years researching different formulations, Bridget said she eventually settled on what is in Clemence Organic's serum today (pictured before and after use) The serum was designed by naturopath and Clemence Organics founder Bridget Carmady. The skincare buff wanted to create something to help rid her of the pigmentation she had been fighting with after spending 'too much time in the sun' when she was younger. After spending two years researching different formulations, Bridget said she eventually settled on what is in Clemence Organic's serum today. The product is 100 per cent natural and certified organic. For more information about Clemence Organics, please click here. A man stuck by his childhood sweetheart after he came out as a transgender man and proposed a month later - with the couple now 'happier than ever'. Elvis Smith, 23, from Pennsylvania, was 'terrified' his partner Ryan Smith, 24, would break up with him after he came out as a non-binary trans man five years into their relationship in June 2019. Both of them met in August 2012 when they were just 12 and Elvis 'identified as female using the name Elorah'. Throughout his school years Elvis continued to feel uncomfortable in his body and thought he might be transgender. When he came out as a trans man his partner accepted the news and proposed later that month on a beach in Outer Banks, North Carolina, before the couple eloped in June 2021. Elvis Smith (right), 23, from Pennsylvania, US, was 'terrified' his partner Ryan Smith (left), 24, would break up with him after he came out as a non-binary trans man Both of them met in August 2012 when they were just 12 and Elvis (right) 'identified as female using the name Elorah' Throughout his school years Elvis (left) continued to feel uncomfortable in his body and thought he might be transgender Elvis began the physical transition in March 2012 by cutting his hair short, binding his chest and packing daily and beginning to style himself differently. Due to his autoimmune disease he is not taking any hormone treatment but is hoping to take them soon, as well as having top surgery. The artist credited Ryan for being his 'rock' and thanked him for the 'unconditional love' he has given. Elvis said: 'I was terrified Ryan would break up with me when I told him I was non-binary and transgender, but he was immediately supportive. 'The whole way through we've told each other, "If this isn't what you signed up for then it's OK to leave". But Ryan has stuck by me. When he came out as a trans man Ryan (right) accepted the news and proposed later that month on a beach in Outer Banks, North Carolina, US, before the couple eloped in June 2021 Elvis (left) began the physical transition in March 2012 by cutting his hair short, binding and packing daily and beginning to style himself differently 'We've had many tearful conversations because I know he once had the expectation of a bride in a dress, but he's been so onboard. 'He helped me choose new clothes and picked a new name for me. Ryan, a nurse, said: 'It's been difficult at times. But we're getting through it. We've always talked about having kids and when Elvis came out, it became a little more confusing as to what that would look like. 'The difference in style and appearance were difficult for me to adjust to at first. Due to his autoimmune disease Elvis (left, pretransition) is not taking any hormone treatment but is hoping to take them soon as well as having top surgery Elvis (left, pretransition) credited Ryan for being his 'rock' and thanked him for the 'unconditional love' he has given 'I've always viewed myself as straight and I was worried that I wouldn't be attracted to someone who looked and dressed masculine. 'But Elvis is so much happier and more themselves now so that's actually more attractive.' Elvis had a crush on Ryan from the moment he met him in August 2011. 'We were in the same class together and I'd always tease him,' Elvis said. 'I think it was obvious to everyone but Ryan that I liked him.' Throughout this time they told each other 'if this isn't what you signed up for then it's OK to leave. But Ryan has stuck by him (Pictured: Elvis pretransition as a young child) Elvis reached 19 he started to have some realizations about his identity (Pictured: Elvis pretransition as a young child on a swing) The pair hit it off as friends and started dating after getting closer in September 2015. But when Elvis reached 19 he started to have some realizations about his identity. 'I'd see people on social media talking about transitioning and I'd think "I wish I was trans". Then I realized that's not something someone who isn't transgender thinks. 'It made sense why I'd always wanted to dress like a tomboy and got on better with males. I was always in baggy jeans and dinosaur t-shirts growing up.' Elvis was scared to tell Ryan in case it would mean the end of their relationship but bit the bullet in June 2019. Elvis (pictured right, pretransition) was scared to tell Ryan in case it would mean the end of their relationship but bit the bullet in June 2019. Elvis, pictured, now binds and packs every day and enforces interchangeable he/him and they/them pronouns 'I wasn't exactly sure at that point what being transgender meant for me, but I told him I was a non-binary transgender man,' he said. 'It was a very surface level conversation at first, but Ryan was immediately supportive.' 'We had lots of tearful chats and I made sure he was definitely on board before we got married,' Elvis said. 'He never signed up for a husband and we talked a lot about the future physical changes I wanted to make. But every time he was just supportive.' Elvis now binds and packs every day and enforces interchangeable he/him and they/them pronouns. 'We struggle sometime with outside opinions on us, but we have unconditional love for each other,' Elvis said. 'I've been on a huge self-love journey and Ryan has been a massive part of it. We can't wait to have kids together, but we don't know what that will look like for us yet. 'We've talked about me being a seahorse dad, surrogacy and adoption and it's my dream to foster one day. 'When Ryan and I first started dating I'm not sure this is what he expected but we had to adjust our expectations and we've found that this relationship still works for us.' Princess Diana's brother Charles Spencer has shared a poignant snap of the royal online - days ahead of the release of the latest controversial series of The Crown. The Earl Spencer, who is the younger sibling of the late Princess of Wales, inherited the family seat of Althorp estate in Northamptonshire on the death of his father in 1992 and lives there with his third wife, Karen, and their daughter Lady Charlotte. Days ago, he shared an 1989 snap as he posed alongside his sister and their father at an event to mark his 65th birthday, calling it a 'deeply poignant photograph'. His post came as Princess Diana's friends slammed the 'insensitivity' of Netflix after crews from The Crown were spotted filming the moments leading up to her fatal car crash - just 100 yards from the Paris tunnel where she died 25 years ago. Princess Diana 's brother Charles Spencer shared a poignant snap of the royal online - days ahead of the release of the latest controversial series of The Crown Writing the post online, he commented: 'Today is All Souls Day - when its customary to remember the souls of those you love, whove departed: it is known in some parts of the world as the Day of the Dead. 'A deeply poignant photograph for me from the summer of 1989, when there was a party at Althorp to mark my fathers 65th birthday earlier that year.' In the snap, Charles can be seen seated alongside his father and the Princess of Wales. The fifth series of The Crown, which will cover the years leading up to Princess Diana's 1995 Panorama interview, has already sparked anger before its release on November 9. The fifth series of The Crown, which will cover the years leading up to Princess Diana's 1995 Panorama interview, has already sparked anger before its release on November 9 Acting royalty Dame Judi Dench, who is close to King Charles and Camilla, accused the programme of being 'crude and hurtful'. Dame Judi, 87, who has played Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria, told The Times the series risked damaging the monarchy. The Oscar-winning actress blamed it for 'crude sensationalism' and blurring fact and fiction. Former Prime Minister Sir John Major criticised a scene which shows him having a conversation with then Prince Charles about the possibility of the Queen abdicating as 'malicious nonsense'. Amid growing controversy about the way The Crown blurs reality and fiction, Netflix recently updated its description of the series to add a disclaimer to its trailer on YouTube which says it is a 'fictional dramatisation'. Charles previously said he had concerns viewers of the series - particularly the US audience - will not appreciate the 'invention and conjecture' used in the programme (pictured, Charles, Diana and Charles) The previous fourth series of the drama was criticised for not doing enough to tell viewers it was a work of fiction. A new cast is in place for series five and six of The Crown, with Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki playing Diana and Dominic West as Charles. The sixth series, currently being filmed, will cover Diana's death in 1997 and reportedly end with the wedding of Charles and Camilla in 2005. Onlookers last week Netflix crews were seen filming between 2am and 3am around 100 yards from the Alma tunnel, where Diana died in the early hours of August 31, 1997. The pictures show a black Mercedes like the one the couple were travelling in on that tragic day being filmed in another nearby tunnel on the same road. Elizabeth Debicki wears sunglasses and looks the image of Diana as she sits in the back of a car with Khalid Abdalla, 40, who plays Dodi Fayed, who the princess was travelling with when the car crashed in Paris Netflix has insisted the 'exact moment' of the crash will not feature in the controversial drama, which has recently come under fire for sensationalism and inaccuracy Netflix has insisted the 'exact moment' of the crash will not feature in the controversial drama, which has recently come under fire for sensationalism and inaccuracy. A friend of Diana's said the show's makers could face accusations of 'insensitivity' over the filming in Paris. Debbie Frank, who was Diana's astrologer, said it would be 'terrible' for Princes William and Harry to see a recreation of the moments leading up to their mother's death. 'It's obviously terrible for Diana's children to have to see that again. It's insensitive,' she said. She added: 'I feel Diana's death and the crash was the biggest shock our generation. It had such a huge impact across the national psyche. 'I guess the makers of The Crown feel they are entitled to show a re-enactment of scenes leading up to her death and that it has dramatic impact. But relatives would think otherwise.' The Crown has been a huge hit for Netflix. Each episode now costs around 11.5million. The Crown has been a huge hit for Netflix. Each episode now costs around 11.5million (pictured, Diana in the new series) Charles previously said he had concerns viewers of the series - particularly the US audience - will not appreciate the 'invention and conjecture' used in the programme. Appearing as a guest on Love Your Weekend on Sunday with Alan Titchmarsh in 2020, Charles said: 'The worry for me is that people see a programme like that and they forget that it is fiction. 'They assume, especially foreigners, I find Americans tell me they have watched The Crown as if they have taken a history lesson. Well, they haven't. 'It is very hard, there is a lot of conjecture and a lot of invention, isn't there? You can hang it on fact but the bits in between are not fact.' Spencer also reveals during his appearance on the show that he turned down a request from the shows producers to film at Althorp, his family's stately home. 'The Crown asked if they could film at Althorp and I said obviously not.' Diana's brother feels it is his duty to protect the legacy of his sister who died in a car accident in 1997. He said: 'I feel it is my duty to stand up for her when I can. She left me for instance as guardian of her sons etc, so I feel there was a trust passed on. 'And we grew up together, you know if you grow up with somebody they are still that person, it doesn't matter what happens to them later. So yeah, I feel very passionately that I have a role to honour her memory.' A royal expert has suggested that The Crown's upcoming fifth series may be so controversial that it could prompt the Palace to break its 'never complain, never explain' tradition. Rebecca English - who has seen the transcripts for the next ten episodes of the Netflix hit's latest installment - slammed scenes as 'verging on defamatory'. The Daily Mail's Royal Editor admitted parts of the show feel 'pretty distasteful' and said that while she initially felt that the reaction around the next season was 'a bit of a storm in a teacup', she was 'shocked' by its contents. Speaking on Palace Confidential, she hinted that the Palace will wait for the release on November 9 before considering 'fueling the flames'. For the upcoming fifth and the final sixth series, Elizabeth Debicki (pictured with Dominic West as Charles) is taking over the role of Princess Diana Rebecca English (pictured) - who has seen the transcripts for the next ten episodes of the Netflix hit's next installment - slammed them as 'verging on defamatory' 'I think they want to see it for themselves,' Rebecca told host Jo Elvin. However, she added: 'I think it might be one of those occasions where they're pushed to say something.' The royal expert also revealed that it takes a deep dive into Princess Diana's infamous Panorama interview with Martin Bashir, despite the Prince of Wales previously asking media outlets never to air again. Describing the BBC interview as 'unethical', he claimed it triggered the events that caused his mother to lose her life two years later. Despite fans of the show initially thinking just a few seconds of the interview would be depicted, it has now been reported that it will instead be shortened to a four-minute and 23-second segment. Rebecca said that Netflix has put it 'over two episodes' and even included terse scenes which see Diana skidding in her car and thinking that 'maybe her breaks have failed'. Speaking on Palace Confidential, she hinted that the Palace will wait for the release on November 9 before considering 'fueling the flames' The Daily Mail's Royal Editor (pictured with Jo Elvin and Richard Eden) admitted parts of the show feel 'pretty distasteful' 'It's very, very, very close to the bone,' she added. The expert also hit out at the depiction of the infamous recorded private conversation between King Charles and the Queen Consort in 1989. The call between then-Prince Charles and Camilla, which has been widely referred to as 'tampongate', was taped by an amateur radio enthusiast who claimed to have stumbled across the pair's conversation while moving between audio channels. During the call, the then prince referred to being reincarnated as the tampon brand tampax, and told Camilla that he wanted to 'live inside' her. The fifth series will document the events leading up to Diana's death, but the tragic crash will not be revealed until season six. Elizabeth Debicki pictured in the show The audio recording along with a transcript of the six-minute call was sold to a tabloid and published. It was circulated again in 1993 by The People, following the separation of Prince Charles and Diana. 'They don't just touch on it, they replicate everything in those tapes word for word in a really kind of lavicious way,' Rebecca said. For the upcoming fifth and the final sixth series, Elizabeth Debicki is taking over the role of Diana, who Emma Corrin portrayed in series four. The expert also hit out at the depiction of the infamous recorded private conversation between King Charles and the Queen Consort in 1989. Both pictured this month The fifth series will document the events leading up to Diana's death, but the tragic crash will not be revealed until season six. It will, however, dramatise sensitive scenes including Diana's divorce from Charles and the infamous Panorama interview with former BBC journalist Martin Bashir. Debicki said that despite the sensitivity of the role and knowing it would bring intense scrutiny on her, she was never reluctant on joining the show. She said: 'I went off instinct and I didn't overthink it. I've watched this show and loved it for years. The fifth series is set to dramatise sensitive scenes including Diana's divorce from Charles and the infamous Panorama interview with former BBC journalist Martin Bashir. Pictured: Dominic West and Olivia Williams as Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles 'I knew I was stepping into working with people who were extremely intelligent and very sensitive about how they went about creating the script and making decisions. 'So, I never felt like I'd jumped on unstable ground.' The show is expected to show a scene where King Charles cuts a holiday short with Diana to host a secret meeting with Sir John at Highgrove in 1991 where they discuss ousting the Queen. The former Prime Minister wrote in a letter in The Telegraph that the scenes 'will be profoundly hurtful to a family who are still grieving for the very person on whose life the entire drama was founded'. Debicki stressed that in her mind the show is a television drama - based on real events. She said: 'I mean, it is clearly fictional. I feel like audiences know that, because there are actors playing parts. 'I never watched The Crown and thought, 'this is a documentary' or 'this is obviously true'. Another scene expected to be shown in the new season reportedly shows King Charles trying to recruit Sir Blair as an ally to protect his future and pave a way for him to marry Camilla, shortly after he was elected. The former Labour Prime minister said: 'It should come as no surprise that this is complete and utter rubbish.' Former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair hit out at the show, claiming some of the depictions were 'complete and utter rubbish' The new series also depicts the King's BBC documentary Prince Charles: The Private Man, the Public Role aired to the public in an effort to restore his reputation following his divorce. During the infamous interview, the monarch admitted to journalist Jonathan Dimbleby that he had been unfaithful in his marriage - but only once it had 'irretrievably broken down'. In a 1997 Vogue article, Princess Diana's close friend Anna Harvey revealed that she originally feared the mini black dress was 'too daring' and planned on wearing a Valentino design to the event. But after finding out about her ex-husband's documentary, the insider claimed Diana wanted to 'look like a million dollars' on the difficult evening. Elsewhere in the trailer, the Princes is seen whizzing away from paparazzi as she drives at full speed in a tense car chase scene. Being released on November 9, another scene from the new season displays the character floating in a pool in a skimpy swimsuit - as she battles the crisis of royal protocol and family scandal in front of the nation. Juan Carlos' ex-mistress Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein has claimed that the disgraced Spanish King received 'bags full of cash' from unnamed 'friends' in an explosive new podcast. The 57-year-old who had a five-year affair with the European monarch from 2004 appears in the new investigative podcast series called Corinna and the King, which delves into the start of her relationship with the former King and how it eventually played a key part in Juan Carlos' abdication in 2014. In the podcast's second episode, Corinna discusses the allegations of corruption her former lover faced before he abdicated in 2014, which saw him go into exile in Abu Dhabi. She said she would regularly see Juan Carlos coming back from trips with cash and that the disgraced king would brush off her questions if she asked where the money came from. Launching this week, the series which has been created by journalist Bradley Hope is likely to coincide with Corinna's High Court case against Juan Carlos for alleged harassment and spying. Corinna also labelled the former King of Spain 'unhinged' in the first episode of the podcast, and claimed he used to call her 10 times a day at her office using a fake name. In a new podcast series, Juan Carlos' ex-mistress Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein claimed she would regularly see Juan Carlos coming back from trips with cash and that the disgraced king would brush off her questions if she asked where the money came from.. The pair pictured at the Schloss Schockingen castle in Stuttgart, Germany on February 2, 2006 The ex-mistress of the former Spanish King has made explosive allegations in the podcast released this week (pictured in 2014 in New York) Speaking in the second episode of the podcast, which was released today, the business woman recounted the 'unusual' things she saw happen while she and Juan Carlos were having their affair. 'He would call someone up who had a great chateau of Bordeaux wines and say, "I really love these wines, and could you send me some?" And the next thing youd know, 20 cases of this priceless wine would arrive,' she claimed. 'I'd see him come back from trips and hed be happy as a five-year-old. And thered be bags full of cash, and you go, "Oh my God, whats that, and its like, "Oh this is from my friend so and so, and this is from my friend so and so". It seemed to me like a very habitual situation,' she added. The ex-mistress added that the former King presided over a 'Court of Miracles' - a term referring to underground dealings made by beggars, migrants and thieves in Medieval France. She added that the disgraced king would brush her questions off when she asked where the money came from, telling her she didn't understand Spain. Corinna Larsen, 57, is pursuing a High Court case against her former lover Juan Carlos, 84, for alleged harassment and spying. The mother-of-two pictured arriving at the court hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on March 29, 2022 Corinna described her ex-lover as 'ruthless and unhinged' after he allegedly spied on and harassed her into returning the 65 million he had transferred into her bank account in 2012 Also speaking on the podcast, David Jimenez, the former editor-in-chief of the Spanish daily El Mundo, claimed that most of the Spanish media knew about the former monarch's financial dealings and affairs but that he was untouchable. In the first installment of the podcast, the Danish businesswoman said that she felt 'married' to Juan Carlos, 84, during their relationship and described him as the 'husband of [her] heart', The Times reported last week. Describing him as 'funny and quite persistent' albeit in an amusing way, she labelled him, 'one of the biggest seducers in the royal world'. In the podcast she explains her feeling that she was more a wife than a mistress, even after discovering that he had had multiple affairs. Corinna and Juan Carlos were lovers for five years and she described how she felt 'married' to him in this time. The Spanish King pictured greeting his lover at the Laureus Awards in Barcelona on May 22, 2006 Corinna explained that she first met the then-King at the Duke of Westminster's estate La Garganta in southern Spain when they both attended a hunting party. That evening, the mother-of-two who was married but separated from her second husband Prince Casimir zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn at the time says she made an impression on the King by breaking royal protocol and leaving the table before he was finished eating. Her boldness obviously impressed the King because after the countryside getaway ended, Corinna claims the King started sending her flowers and love letters every day. The following year, the businesswoman separated from her husband and she says the affair with the King only became more intense as the years went on. Juan Carlos abdicated in 2014 and handed over the throne to his son King Felipe amid a money-laundering scandal. King Felipe VI of Spain (second left), his wife Queen Letizia (far left), their daughters Princess Sofia (front left) and Princess Leonor (front right), former King Juan Carlos I (second right) and his wife former Queen Sofia (right) pose before attending the traditional Easter Sunday Mass of Resurrection in Palma de Mallorca on April 1, 2018 Using the fake name 'Mr Sumer', Corinna claims Juan Carlos would call her '10 times a day' at her office in Madrid. The former monarch had chosen the pseudonym as 'Sumer' is an acronym of 'Su Majestad el Rey', which translates as His Majesty the King. Although Corinna tried to pass it off as a business call, she said colleagues could see through the pretense because they recognised the King's 'booming and distinctive' voice. Corinna's new podcast series will also cover her involvement in Juan Carlos' money-laundering investigation in Switzerland and Spain. Following their break-up, Corinna claims the former monarch harassed her into returning 65 million [56m] that he had transferred into her bank account in 2012. This sum was a key aspect of the corruption case brought against the ex-King, which led to him fleeing to Abu Dhabi in 2020. He fled after Swiss prosecutors opened an investigation into bank accounts allegedly held by Juan Carlos in tax havens. Spain launched its own investigations based in part on information shared by Switzerland including one about cash the former king allegedly received as part of his involvement in a high-speed Saudi Arabia rail contract. Aisde from a brief visit to Spain earlier this year to attend a sailing regatta in Galicia, when his son King Felipe refused to allow him to stay at the royal palace, he has stayed away. The King who 'bedded 5,000 women': From trying to woo Princess Diana to being 'injected with testosterone blockers' to control his sex drive - the VERY colourful love life of Spain's greatest seducer Juan Carlos was 'injected with female hormones to control his rampant sex drive', an ex-police chief sensationally claimed earlier this year. The former King of Spain pictured arriving in Santiago in 2018 He was the King of Spain from 1975 until his controversial abdication in 2014 - and during that time, Juan Carlos is rumoured to have 'bedded over 5,000 women'. In October, an ex-police chief sensationally claimed in a parliamentary hearing that the exiled former Spanish king Juan Carlos was 'injected with female hormones to control his rampant sex drive'. Jose Manuel Villarejo also said the disgraced former monarch, now living at a luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi, was given testosterone blockers by the Spanish secret service after his libido was categorised as a 'state problem.' Villarejo, a former Spanish Police commissioner currently on trial in a blackmail case, said, according to The Times: '[The National Intelligence Centre (CNI)] injected female hormones and testosterone blockers to control his libido because it was considered a problem of state that he was so horny.' Danish-German philanthropist Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, Spanish singer Sara Montiel, Belgian governess Liliane Sartiau and Italian princess Maria Gabriela de Saboya are just some of the women he is rumoured to have bedded besides his wife, Queen Sofia. News of the disgraced former king's legendary libido are not new, however. It comes after a Spanish author and military historian Amadeo Martinez Ingles wrote a book entitled 'Juan Carlos: The King Of 5,000 Lovers', piecing together evidence of his sexual history and painting the king as a rampant sex addict. Spanish royal family expert Pilar Eyre said the former King attempted to bed Princess Diana, claiming Juan Carlos made a 'tactile' advance to Diana when she was just 25 Princess Diana is rumoured to have been just one of the young ladies the ex-king pursued in a romantic career in which like his namesake, the seducer Don Juan he is said to have bedded almost 5,000 women. Villarejo, who has been accused of spying on and working to discredit some of Spain's most high-profile politicians as a key figure in the nation's 'sewer politics', also insisted he was asked to get rid of medical documents which would have proved the medication went on. He denied having any involvement in the effort to bring Juan Carlos' notorious sex drive under control and said he found out about it from Corinna Larsen, a former lover of the ex-monarch now living in London. Larsen, also known as Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, 58, had an affair with the 84-year-old monarch - who is married to Queen Sofia, 84 - between 2004 and 2009. One of Juan Carlos early sexual encounters is said to be with Maria Gabriela de Saboya, daughter of the last king of Italy (pictured 1966) In his explosive book published in 2016 called 'Juan Carlos: The King of 5,000 lovers', author Martinez Ingles dubbed the ex-king a sex addict and said he had hundreds of relationships even after marriage to his wife Queen Sofia in 1962. The book claimed he had had 62 lovers in one six-month period alone, and during his 'passionate period' between 1976 and 1994, the king had slept with a staggering 2,154 women. Spanish royal family expert Pilar Eyre has corroborated Martinez Ingles' claim that the former King attempted to bed Princess Diana, saying said Juan Carlos made a 'tactile' advance to Diana when she was just 25. Diana herself denied anything untoward had happened but admitted that while the libidinous king was 'charming' he could be a 'little too attentive.' One of Juan Carlos early sexual encounters is said to be with Maria Gabriela de Saboya, daughter of the last king of Italy. Later, Juan Carlos, who was crowned king in 1975, allegedly became estranged from his wife after the queen found him in a compromising position with Spanish actress and singer, Sara Montiel. It is rumoured that Queen Sofia caught him in the act with Montiel just weeks after their coronation, but she denied any affair. An explosive book published in 2016 called 'Juan Carlos: The King of 5,000 lovers', dubbed the ex-king a sex addict, claiming he had hundreds of relationships even after marriage to wife Queen Sofia in 1962 (pictured together in 1994) In January 2017 it was claimed spymasters paid a former Miss World contestant millions of pounds of taxpayers' money to stop her spilling the beans on her supposed affair with Juan Carlos when he was still King of Spain. Former beauty queen-turned-actress Barbara Rey reportedly had the cash paid into an offshore account to make sure she kept quiet about her long-standing romance with the ex-monarch. A Belgian housewife has also claimed to be the daughter of Juan Carlos, alleging that the former King had an affair with her mother, governess Liliane Sartiau. In 2015, her daughter Ingrid brought a paternity suit to the Spanish courts. But the writ was thrown out on the basis of the kings legal inviolability under Spanish law. Spanish waiter Albert Sola also claimed around the same time as Ingrid that he was an illegitimate son of Juan Carlos - but his attempts to be recognised failed early on. Advertisement But all charges against him were dropped in the last year because of a lack of evidence, immunity he experienced as head of state and the statute of limitations expiring. The decision was taken after he paid millions of pounds in tax regularisations. Commenting on the money-laundering claims, Corinna said: 'It became clearer and clearer to me [that] he was conducting not just a double life, he was conducting a quintuple life. 'There's something quite unhinged about him and something quite ruthless. It's all about self-preservation. Imagine that someone who says you were the love of their life would frame you in a criminal investigation.' In her High Court claim, Corinna alleges Juan Carlos caused her 'great mental pain' by spying on and harassing her. However, Juan Carlos has always denied any wrongdoing against his ex-mistress. Lawyers representing Juan Carlos argued he is 'entitled to immunity from the jurisdiction of the English courts in his capacity as a senior member of the Spanish royal family'. But after a hearing in London in March, High Court judge Mr Justice Nicklin ruled against the former king, saying the claim can now go ahead. The former King abdicated in 2014 due to a separate public outcry involving marital infidelities. King Juan Carlos I, 84, was pictured arriving at the 'reception of the century' at Buckingham Palace with Queen Sofia amid an alleged row with the Spanish government over his attendance at Her late Majesty's state funeral King Juan Carlos I, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, was invited to the late monarch's funeral by Buckingham Palace, but the Spanish government has reportedly asked him not to attend. The late Queen and disgraced King pictured watching a flamenco dance display at the Alcazar Palace during an official tour of Spain in 1998 In September 2022, Juan Carlos defied the Spanish government's request not to attend the King's funeral. Spanish news outlet El Debate reported that Juan Carlos, the late Queen's cousin, was asked by Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez to let his son and his wife Queen Letizia travel to the UK alone. The government reportedly made it clear they wished for King Felipe VI, Carlos's son, to be the Spanish representative at the state funeral, as his father was still awaits trial in the UK for the harassment case. Despite once counting himself among the world's most popular monarchs, polling showed that approximately two-thirds of Spain wanted the king to abdicate when he stepped down underlining how quickly public opinion can shift. Juan Carlos returned to Spain for a brief visit in 2022 but has spent the past two years living in exile in Abu Dhabi. All the trips of Don Juan Carlos makes abroad are carefully observed by Spanish officials, according to El Mundo, with the government keenly aware of the history the monarchy has played in shaping the state. King Charles III didn't realise Meghan Markle was biracial when he first met her, a new book has alleged. A biography on the new monarch claims that Harry introduced his bride-to-be to his father before the pair went public with their relationship in 2016 - and that the then-Prince of Wales found her 'completely charming' and 'absolutely delightful'. Christopher Andersen, who wrote, The King: The Life of Charles III, thought that his son's new American girlfriend was similar in appearance to Pippa Middleton, the Princess of Wales' younger sister. According to Newsweek, which has seen an advance copy of the book, the now-King reportedly didn't realise Meghan was mixed race - born to a Caucasian father and an African-American mother - 'until later'. The unsubstantiated claims in the new book are likely to cause anger at the Palace, in the same week as King Charles will be shown in a very unflattering light in the new season of The Crown, including his notorious 'tampongate' phone call with Camilla and the breakdown of his marriage to Princess Diana. King Charles III (pictured in October) didn't realise Meghan Markle was biracial when he first met her, a new book has alleged 'At the time, Prince Charles had no idea that Harry's new girlfriend was biracial,' an excerpt read. 'Not that it would have mattered at all, of course,' Charles told an American friend. MailOnline has reached out to Buckingham Palace for a comment. An Amazon description of the biography describes Andersen's work as a 'vivid and unsparing yet sympathetic portrait of one of the most complex and enigmatic figures of our time', and says it will released on December 8. The book also references a past incident in which the King allegedly told a woman of Guyanese descent that she 'didn't look' like she came from Manchester. Author Anita Sethi met the then Prince of Wales at the Commonwealth People's Forum in 2018. The day was scheduled to discuss 'Politics of Hope: Taking on Injustice in the Commonwealth'. A biography on the new monarch claims that Harry introduced Meghan (left) to his father before the pair went public with their relationship in 2016, and alleges that the then-Prince of Wales found she looked similar to Pippa Middleton (right) Charles met Ms Sethi before the Commonwealth heads of government meeting, where it had been announced Charles would succeed the Queen as Head of the global body. Ms Sethi said she shook the Charles' hand and told him her mother was born in Guyana, a former British colony in South America, and she had written an essay for an anthology, which she was carrying, about descendants of indenture. She claimed Charles then asked: 'And where are you from?' When she replied 'Manchester, UK' he said 'Well, you don't look like it' and laughed, before he was quickly ushered on. The author said that she was 'stunned' by the gaffe. 'Prince Charles was endorsed by the Queen, in her opening speech to the heads of government, to be the future head of the Commonwealth: it's her "sincere wish" that he become so,' she said in an open letter to the royal in The Guardian. 'That the mooted next leader of an organisation that represents one-third of the people on the planet commented that I, a brown woman, did not look as if I was from a city in the UK is shocking.' Anita Sethi and Clarence House were approached for comment at the time. Further claims from the book include a report that the King has a sentimental attachment to his childhood teddy bear that still accompanies him everywhere today, The author added that, as a young prince and into adulthood, Charles treated the teddy bear 'like his own child'. Andersen claimed Charles' aid Michael Fawcett was tasked with looking after the bear and knowing where it was at all times. And if the antique teddy ever needed some running repairs, only Mabel Anderson, the King's childhood nanny, was allowed anywhere near it. 'Mispy', as she was affectionately called by the King, was even hauled out of retirement to help. 'He was well into his forties, and every time that teddy needed to be repaired, you would think it was his own child having major surgery,' Andersen said. It comes as Prince Harry will 'trample on people and the system he felt trapped in' - but will stay 'very loving towards his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II' in his explosive upcoming memoir, a royal expert has claimed. It comes as Prince Harry will 'trample on people and the system he felt trapped in' - but will stay 'very loving towards his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II ' in his explosive upcoming memoir, a royal expert has claimed. Pictured from left to right in 2018: The late Queen, Meghan, Harry, William and Kate Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK! magazine that the book, titled Spare, will make difficult reading for the entire royal family when its published on January 10, 2023, after it was delayed following the Queens death. Publishers Penguin Random House say the Duke of Sussex's book is written with 'raw unflinching honesty' and is expected to contain explosive new material addressing Harry's childhood and his rift with 'The Firm' after meeting his wife. Commenting on the memoir, Jennie said: 'Im afraid people are going to get trampled on by this book. Raw and unflinching arent words the palace will be happy to hear.' However, the royal expert suggested that 'any bile, if there is any, will be mostly directed at the system - the system in which Harry feels he was so trapped and in which he still believes his father [King Charles] and his brother [Prince William] are trapped.' She continued: 'I think hell be very loving towards his grandmother. She very much loved Harry.' A section of the steel plant union leaders and political parties like the state BJP is trying to cool down the tempers of the staff by proposing a merger of VSP with the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC). (Twitter) Visakhapatnam: While the 30,000-strong workforce of the loss-making RINL-run Vizag Steel Plant is concerned over a move by the central government to privatize the plant, a new proposal from the unions is giving them some hope. A section of the steel plant union leaders and political parties like the state BJP is trying to cool down the tempers of the staff by proposing a merger of VSP with the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC). This proposal would be taken up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day visit to Vizag from November 11. Katam Chandra Rao, president of the Steel Executives Association (SEA), an affiliate of Steel Executives Federation of India, said they had first proposed the strategic merger of RINL-SAIL-NMDC into a single entity under the Ministry Steel. We have written a formal letter to PM Modi explaining this proposal. This would only expand steel capacities, but also achieve the National Steel Policy targets of 300MTPA steel capacity by 2030-31. SAIL will be benefited as it can take forward its expansion plans with an investments of Rs 1 lakh crore by 2030, Chandra Rao told DC. Supporting the proposal, BJP MLC PVN Madhav highlighted his party's stand in protecting the interests of the steel plant employees at the recent GVMC council meet. He said the state BJP was pressing the Centre to consider the merger plan. "We will prepare a proper format on the merger proposal and hand this over to the PM during his visit to Vizag on November 11," he said. Since the non-executive cadre of the steel plant was against the merger, the state BJP urged the government to first stop the privatization before talking about the merger or other matters related to the plant. VSP Porata Samiti convener Ayodhyaram said SAIL's three steel plants -- the Salem in Tamil Nadu, Alloy in West Bengal and Bhadravati in Karnataka -- have been put up for sale. In that case, how can the RINL-VSP be merged with SAIL, a loss-making firm in which the government has only a 65 per cent stake, he asked. We do not want to hear all these things, we only want the government to withdraw its plant privatization plan, Ayodhyaram said. The billionaire oil heiress Ivy Getty marked one year since her lavish San Francisco nuptials by sharing never-before-seen pictures of the event on her social media. The 27-year-old said 'I do' to photographer Tobias 'Toby' Engel at San Francisco's City Hall reception last year on November 7, and wowed her guests, which included actress Anya Taylor-Joy. A year on, Ivy shared several new images for her two-day celebrations on Instagram, where she wished a husband a happy anniversary. The snaps share a glimpse behind the scenes, and feature the numerous designer gowns she wore for the event. The billionaire oil heiress Ivy Getty marked one year since her lavish San Francisco nuptials to Tobias Engel, pictured, by sharing never-before-seen pictures of the event on her social media A stylist is seen putting the final touches to one of Ivy's bridal gowns on her big day last year in San Francisco The heiress shared several loved-up pictures of her and her husband dancing on their wedding day 'So unbelievably special. One year,' the socialite wrote on her social page, with a heart emoji in a post addressed to her husband. She shared several snaps of the couple's nuptials, including of their wedding reception, where she wore a lacy ivory gown with a see-through skirt and a choker collar. Ivy shared several pictures of designers adding the last touches to her bridal gowns on her big day, including her dazzling Galiano number, which was adorned with broken mirrors. Snaps also showed the bridal party, and Ivy's rescue dog, who wore her own bridesmaid's dress. Ivy shared several pictures of designers adding the last touches to her bridal gowns on her big day, including her dazzling Galiano number, which was adorned with broken mirrors One sweet picture showed Ivy's rescue dog, Blue Naomi, wearing her very own bridesmaid dress One picture saw enamoured husband Tobias dip his new wife and go in for a kiss during their reception. And several other snaps showed the happy couple smiling and cheering during their big day. Among the guests at the A-list event were members of Ivy's family, including her aunt Vanessa Getty and her first cousin, transgender model and activist Nats Getty. Ivy is the great-granddaughter of oil tycoon Jean Paul Getty and granddaughter of Gordon Peter Getty, who was on the Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest Americans before his passing. Heiress Ivy Getty tied the knot in a lavish wedding in San Francisco this weekend The 26-year-old said 'I do' to photographer Tobias 'Toby' Engel at San Francisco's City Hall on November 7 Ivy is the great-granddaughter of oil tycoon Jean Paul Getty and granddaughter of Gordon Peter Getty Her father, John Gilbert, died of a fentanyl overdose and heart complication last year at age 52. Also at the exclusive event was designer Wes Gordon, designer Mimi Wade, influencer Marta Mae, musician Petite Meller, fashion editor Hamish Bowles, activist Marsha Molinari, model Laura Hanson Sims, British TV host Fletcher Cowan, and filmmaker (and Kiernan Shipka's boyfriend) Christian Coppola. Actress Anya Taylor-Joy attended as well, and shared her well wishes on Instagram. She worked with controversial Maison Margiela designer John Galliano to custom-design her gown The dress has a corset the color of Ivy's skin tone, which was padded at the hips to make her waist look smaller 'My baby girl got married yesterday,' she wrote. 'Being by your side all these years and your maid of honour has been nothing short of a privilege and your existence, nothing short of a miracle. I am so PROUD of the woman youve become. If youre ever in any doubt- I have loved you and will love you, forever. 'CONGRATULATIONS LIL SPICE MONKEY! You truly were the most beautiful bride,' she added. Photos show the majestic rotunda of City Hall with a colorful carpet down the grand staircase, purple-draped chairs for onlookers, and enormous floral arrangements. Rentals of City Hall for a weekend evening wedding start at $10,000 just to rent the space, not including additional security, fees, catering, decor, or music. Images also show guests living it up at the party, dancing top music and posing for photos on a rooftop. 'My grandmother always wore John Gallianos designs,' Ivy told Vogue. 'My grandmother always admired him so it felt as if she was there with me during all of this' Ivy's makeup was done by Renny Vasquez, her hair was done by Bobby Eliot, and her nails decorated with little butterflies were done by Mo Qin. But certainly the most eye-catching was her dress, which she said couldn't be designed by anyone other than John Galliano for Maison Margiela. The dress has a corset the color of Ivy's skin tone, which was padded at the hips to make her waist look smaller. That was covered with tulle, which was then topped with mirror fragment dress wired together like jewelry. 'My grandmother always wore John Gallianos designs,' Ivy told Vogue. 'My grandmother always admired him so it felt as if she was there with me during all of this.' The newlywed is the daughter of the late John Gilbert Getty, who died of a fentanyl overdose coupled with heart complications in November 2020, and she is the great-granddaughter of oil tycoon Jean Paul Getty Her grandmother likely would have worn Galliano's designs for Givenchy, which he helmed from 1995 to 1996, and Christian Dior, which he became creative director of in October 1996. He was ousted from Dior in 2011 after video surfaced of him going on a drunken antisemitic tirade in Paris, saying 'I love Hitler.' Getty said that knowing how much her grandmother liked Galliano's designs made it an easy choice. 'After my grandmothers passing she was really more like a mother to me I felt this connection to John. I knew I wanted him to create the dress for my wedding. My aunt Vanessa, who I am very close to, was connected to him through a friend, and here we are.' They met for the first time over Zoom during the pandemic, and Ivy said they instantly clicked. 'We just understood each other,' Ivy says. 'From growing up around his designs and knowing them so well, I felt like I already knew him, but this whole experience allowed me to get to know a new part of him. 'The entire process was incredibly personal, which allowed us to get even closer. The feelings [that came along with] creating my wedding dress never got old, I am still pinching myself.' Ivy was involved in the design process, putting together a mood board at Galliano's request but she insisted he should do whatever he wanted. 'I had complete faith and trust in Galliano and his creative process. I knew I was in good hands,' she said. He did look to her mood board for inspiration, including nods to her late father and grandmother, who both died in 2020. First, he included walnuts, which Ivy had put on her mood board because her grandmother had grown up on a walnut farm. He also included guitars, an homage to Ivy's father, who was a musician. On the big day, she added Louboutin heels. The ring, which had belonged to Toby's grandmother, was customized to include Ivys grandmother's diamonds 'Not physically having two of the most important people in my life with me on my wedding day is extremely hard, but through Johns vision and creativity, he was easily able to bring their presence to life,' Ivy said. Finally, the veil includes images of elephants, because Galliano had joked about them during the design process and Ivy wanted to have a 'momento' of the designer in the veil. Ivy had three fittings with the gown, first in LA, then in Paris, then in London with her bridesmaids around. 'Each fitting felt like a dream. I constantly had to remind myself this was actually happening in real life,' she said. On the big day, she added Louboutin heels and her sapphire engagement ring, which she got when her husband proposed in Capri. A black Labrador has been crowned Britain's dirtiest dog after his owners shared photos online of the naughty pup covered from head to paw in mud. Personalised pet gift brand Yappy.com launched a nationwide competition to discover the UK's filthiest canines - and Bailey Bee, from Horsham, West Sussex, was named the most mucky. Bailey was caught covered in mud in a hilarious photo posted on Instagram, which led to the mischievous dog winning a luxury bath time hamper worth over 100. While Bailey Bee was crowned the UKs dirtiest dog, Buddy the Golden Retriever, Poppy the Border Collie, from Chertsey, Surrey, and Harvey the Golden Retriever from Macclesfield also took home runner up prizes. Other noteworthy entries included Kenny the cocker spaniel and Bertie the boxer who were equally covered in mud and dirt. It comes as the brand revealed that 60 per cent of dog owners have had their car or home damaged as a result of mucky pups, with damages costing up to 1,000. What a mess! Bailey Bee, a black Labrador from Horsham has been voted the UK's most mucky dog. Bailey's owner took to social media to share images of the naughty pup completely covered in mud. The hilarious photo of the mischievous dog posted on Instagram led to Bailey Bee winning a luxury bath time hamper worth over 100 Two times a charm! Buddy the Golden Retriever and Poppy the Border Collie from Chertsey, Surrey, took runner-up prizes after Buddy's owner shared this photo of them out for a mud bath. Poppy in the foreground is covered in wet mud, with only the top of her head uncovered. Buddy in the background has likewise taken a dip in the mud but only daring to go up to his belly Double trouble! These two lovely girls, Sky and Hope are back on the lead after they decided to roll in the mud on their woodland walk. The golden retrievers couldn't resist dipping their toes, then their legs, before sticking their snouts in the puddles for good measure Time for a morning dip! Kenny the cocker spaniel is looking pleased with himself after splashing through puddles on his morning walk. His lovely golden fur has been splattered with muddy rain water, with drops of mud drying into his nose and wavy ears. However, it's his tail and legs that are more worryingly wet with mud and puddle water Mud glorious mud! Hope the Golden Retriever is so pleased with herself after coating half of her body thick in dirt. Her normally white golden fur has been dip dyed and now her bottom half is a swamp-like brown colour Run, run, as fast as you can! Cooper, a Spaniel Cross, is looking gleeful as he races through long grass after submerging himself in dirt on his walk. The happy rusty coloured pooch is so happy to be out in the wilderness that he has decided to wear it. Every inch of his body up to his head is streaked with dirt, mud and water and he couldn't be happier A handsome beast! Harvey the Golden Retriever from Macclesfield is looking noble and proud as he stands boldly on a hill coated in mud What you looking at! Dot is looking away in shame here. She knows she's been naughty and is trying to hide her muddy paws and legs. However, this sweet little terrier cannot hide the mud on her snowy white nose. She looks as though she's been told off for getting too carried away here playing in the mud I came prepared! Rufus the Golden Labrador isn't too sure about the muddy puddles surrounding his paws and is looking out for help and guidance. The sandy pooch came prepared with his cute red waterproof coat but even this protection isn't enough to entice him to lay down and have a roll around This Shepherd Cross Ella is pleased that she's off the lead and has taken full advantage of the freedom. She has laid in the mud and miraculously kept her rusty fluffy tail immaculately clean. Her owner could be telling her off but Ella doesn't seem to be paying any attention here as she searches for more mischief They redid the floor, walls, ceilings, and fixtures themselves over a week The main focus was on removing the tiles and replacing them with microcement But she simply chose to work on the room with her fiance instead of hiring help A woman has shared incredible photos of a DIY bathroom renovation she completed for just $1000 - after contractors quoted her $11,000 to take on the job. Kellie, from Melbourne, shared 'before and after' shots after completely redoing her bathroom's floors, walls, ceiling, and fixtures. 'I wanted to share photos of my newly renovated bathroom,' she wrote on a Facebook group dedicated to home decor. 'We were quoted $8-11k to have it done professionally so we did it ourselves. It was a big job but the product alone was just over $1000!' A woman has shared incredible photos of a DIY bathroom renovation she completed for just $1000 - after contractors quoted her $11,000 to take on the job Kellie, from Melbourne , shared 'before and after' shots after completely redoing her bathroom's floors, walls, ceiling, and fixtures Kellie worked on the renovation with her fiance over the course of a week. They replaced the sink, cabinet, and mirror with more modern versions of the appliances. The couple admitted to feeling like they had 'a lot more space' after their renovation 'opened up' the bathroom. 'We're happy with how it turned out!' Kellie said. They also replaced all of the dull silver chrome fixtures with sleek, matte black fittings and added a wall nook instead of a ledge for their shower gel and hair products. Kellie worked on the renovation with her fiance and the bulk of it focused on removing the bathroom tiles and replacing them with microcement However, the bulk of it focused on removing the bathroom tiles and replacing them with microcement. Microcement is a waterproof and grout-free polymer-based coating that can provide rooms with a modern 'industrial' concrete aesthetic. She claimed that the microcement was 'one of the best decisions' because she no longer had to scrub at the wall grout. 'We chose to go with a microcement finish on the walls instead of tiles, and Im so stoked with it. Not cleaning grout (except for the floor tiles) has been life changing and I definitely recommend!' She simply wipes her walls down with a microfiber cloth to clean them. The couple admitted to feeling like they had 'a lot more space' after their renovation 'opened up' the bathroom They also replaced all of the dull silver chrome fixtures with sleek, matte black fittings and added a wall nook instead of a ledge for their shower gel and hair products Hundreds were impressed by the couple's skill and dedication. 'Looks fantastic,' wrote one woman. 'Great job! Weve had microcement on our en suite walls and floor for two years now and I do not miss cleaning grout and tiles.' 'Absolutely amazing transformation, the space has opened out so much!' said another. A sepsis patient claims he was served a dinner of three fish fingers and given dirty cutlery at an NHS hospital. Daniel McGuire, from Preston in Lancashire, was rushed to Royal Preston Hospital in August after suffering with pneumonia and sepsis. The 32-year-old, who spent time in intensive care and a respiratory ward during his month-long stay, claims he was given a plate of 'three fish fingers' for dinner on one occasion. Hospital staff also handed Mr McGuire cutlery which, he claimed, had 'someone else's custard on it'. Mr McGuire, who is currently unemployed, said he was also given a meal that was half a curry and half a hot pot after the hospital 'ran out of food'. He also witnessed another patient being handed a dinner of 'just rice'. Mr McGuire, who lost two to three stone during his time in hospital, said staff were left 'laughing in disbelief' at his dinner but any complaint would 'fall on deaf ears'. Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which manages the hospital, admitted that 'a lack of communication' between staff led to the mealtime mix-up. The 32-year-old, who spent time in intensive care and a respiratory ward, claims he was given a plate of 'three fish fingers' for dinner on one occasion (pictured) Daniel McGuire (pictured with partner Sarah Howden), from Preston in Lancashire, was rushed to Royal Preston Hospital in August after suffering with pneumonia and sepsis Hospital staff also handed Mr McGuire cutlery which he said had 'someone else's custard on it' (pictured, what he claims is a dirty spoon) Hospitals are told to offer hot dishes 24/7, cook less chips and more veg in NHS-ordered overhaul of dreary options Hospitals have been told to serve up fewer chips in a crackdown on the dreary meals patients have complained about for decades. NHS bosses in England have also demanded trusts offer hot food 24/7 and let patients choose their dinner from bed, as well as cooking more vegetable and fish dishes. The biggest ever overhaul of internal catering will also see patients given food on proper plates as part of green drive to stamp out single-use plastic. It comes in the wake of a review of hospital food by cook and Great British Bake Off judge Dame Prue Leith two years ago, who called on the NHS to make healthier and better quality meals, let patients order food around the clock straight to their bed and serve up dishes on china . Experts welcomed the NHS's new standards, which are legally binding, labelling it a 'great step forward' in killing the 'hotel service' which sees meals delivered at the 'lowest cost'. But they warned options on offer must taste good because a 'healthy meal that is not eaten doesn't really benefit anyone'. The new NHS national standards for food and drink, an update on ones set out almost a decade ago, set out that all trusts should view 'food as medicine' and that managers should be 'held accountable' for the food served in their organisation. It noted that 'many' hospitals already provide 'high quality food and drink' to their patients, staff and visitors 'but the variation across the country is still too great'. 'Not enough healthy options are consistently available, sustainability is poorly embedded and too much food is wasted,' the report states. Hospitals, which will be monitored to ensure they comply with the food rules, must offer food around the clock, which is 'appropriate for their demographic'. Advertisement Mr McGuire went to see his GP over the summer after becoming 'really sick'. His doctor thought he had an appendicitis, which triggers a painful swelling in the abdomen, which gets worse with talking and coughing. He was rushed into hospital, where scans revealed he had sepsis (the body's over-reaction to an infection) and pneumonia, which is swelling of the tissue in one or both lungs, as well as empyema pockets of pus inside the body. Mr McGuire said doctors told him he was lucky not to have died at home, as his condition was apparently so severe. He spent a month in hospital, including one week in intensive care after his oxygen levels dropped and he was struggling to breathe. He lost one stone (6kg) that week alone. Despite warnings from doctors to eat to aide his recovery, he went on to lose another one to two stone (6kg to 12kg) while back on the respiratory ward suggesting a lack of food was to blame. Mr McGuire said: 'There was one night I was waiting for my tea. The guy brought it over and he was laughing. 'He said "I'm sorry but this is your tea". There were just three fish fingers stone-cold on the plate. 'I think he was in disbelief himself. He didn't really know what to say to me. 'There'd been a mess up with the menu. They'd either lost the menus or whatever. They'd basically run out of food.' He added: 'I'd been given dirty cutlery with someone else's custard still on the spoons. 'I complained there and then about the dirty cutlery and got told "oh well it happens". I think that was one of the assistants that fill up your water and that sort of stuff.' He said his partner, Sarah Howden, 35, was forced to smuggle in food or he would have gone all day without eating. Mr McGuire said: 'One day I got a curry with hotpot as well. They'd done it quite a few times and didn't have enough food. 'If they didn't have enough food that's what you got. Someone got just rice [on one occasion].' He added: 'Theres no point putting in a complaint. Itll fall on deaf ears.' After a picture of the meal was shared on social media, one Twitter user branded it 'disgusting' and urged an investigation. The woman wrote: 'How disgusting is this food in @LancsHospitals? Prisoners get better fed! '[The Food Standards Agency (FSA)] need to investigate what food they are serving to patients in this hospital.' The FSA said the remit of the complaint came under Department of Health and Social Care, who have been contacted for comment. A Lancashire Teaching Hospitals spokesperson said: 'The Trust produces around 80,000 meals per month with inpatients able to select a wholesome meal from a menu in advance, and we take hygiene standards very seriously. 'The system works well for the vast majority of the time and most patients receive the meal they have ordered. 'Occasionally there is mix up in the order due to a lack of communication between the ward and the catering team, as was the case here. We understand that this was resolved locally at the time. 'Where a patient feels that their concern has not been dealt with, we would always encourage them to contact our Patient Experience and PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) team to investigate and identify any future learning.' Beer hops can prevent brain protein clumping, which can lead to Alzheimer's Hoppy beers may reduce the risk of dementia, a study suggests. Chemicals which give IPAs their unique bitter flavor prevented the clumping of protein plaques strongly linked to Alzheimer's disease in lab dishes. All beers are made using hop flower extracts, which contain natural antioxidants believed to protect cells in the body. Tettnang, a type of hop grown in Germany and found in amber and light lagers, was the best at clearing the clumps of protein. But the Italian researchers warn their findings might not justify drinking more beer, as alcohol in excess is a huge risk factor for Alzheimer's. This is because heavy drinking accelerates shrinkage of the brain's white matter, which sends signals between different parts of the brain, leading to cognitive issues. The researchers from Milan found that Tettnang hops were the best at stopping proteins clumps in the brain Alzheimer's is an incurable neurodegenerative disease, and the most common form of dementia. It is characterized by abnormal levels of sticky deposits called amyloid beta, a naturally occurring protein. They clump together to form plaques that collect between neurons and disrupt cell function. More than 5 million people suffer from Alzheimer's in the US, where it is the sixth leading cause of death, and more than 1 million Britons have it. Researchers from the University of Milano-Bicocca looked at 'nutraceuticals,' foods that serve a medicinal or nutritional function. They focused on hop flowers which previous research suggested could interfere with the buildup of amyloid beta proteins in the brain. The team examined four common varieties of hops using a similar method brewers use to create beer. They then exposed the hops to amyloid proteins and human nerve cells. Researchers found the extracts had antioxidant properties and were able to block amyloid beta proteins from clumping around cells. The hop extracts also triggered renewal processes called autophagic pathways where the body breaks down and reuses old cell parts to increase efficiency. The top-performing hop was Tettnang, which is used in many different lagers and lighter ales. Tettnang encouraged the clearing out of defunct proteins. This is due to high levels of the antioxidant polyphenols, also found in fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, which had the strongest medicinal effect. The researchers said that while their findings may not justify drinking more beer, it shows that hops could be the basis for foods that will lessen the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Hops are also found in herbal teas and soft drinks. The study was published in the journal ACS Chemical Neuroscience. Hundreds of thousands of people with untreatable high blood pressure could benefit from a new drug, a trial suggests. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the world's most common conditions and affects roughly a third of British and half of American adults. In recent years it has become clear that between five and 10 per cent of these people do not respond to traditional blood pressure medication, and so their condition does not improve. But researchers now think they have discovered a drug that can 'significantly' reduce hypertension in this group and could therefore 'offer hope' to hundreds of thousands of people. Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and colleagues at the US pharmaceutical firm CinCor examined whether patients would benefit from taking a drug called Baxdrostat. Baxdrostat works by preventing the body from making aldosterone a hormone which helps to regulate the amount of salt in the body Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and colleagues at the US pharmaceutical firm CinCor examined whether patients would benefit from taking a drug called Baxdrostat. Baxdrostat works by preventing the body from making aldosterone a hormone which causes salt to be retained in the body. People who produce too much aldosterone end up with an imbalance, which in turn increases blood pressure. As part of the trial, 248 patients with 'treatment resistant' high blood pressure were given either a dummy drug also known as a placebo or varying doses of the drug for 12 weeks. The team found people who received the highest dose saw their blood pressure reduced by an average of 20 points enough to take participants with high blood pressure out of the 'danger' zone and back into the normal range. 'The results of this first-of-its-kind drug are exciting, although more testing is required before we can draw comparisons with any existing medications,' said Professor Morris Brown, co-senior author of the study and professor of endocrine hypertension at Queen Mary University of London. 'But Baxdrostat could potentially offer hope to many people who do not respond to traditional hypertension treatment. 'The effectiveness of older drugs in individual patients can vary substantially, whereas a hallmark of this new class is that it can be predicted to work well in the patients whose aldosterone hormone has made them resistant to older treatments.' High blood pressure is the main cause of strokes, and a common cause of heart attacks and kidney failure. In most people with the condition the cause is unknown, and they need lifelong treatment through drugs. The study has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions conference in the US. Law services group DWF has expanded its presence in Canada by agreeing to buy independent firm Whitelaw Twining in a deal worth up to 27.7million. The company, which is the only law firm to be listed on the main market of the Stock Exchange, said the acquisition would bring 'a strong strategic fit, greater scale and an enhanced platform in North America'. The deal with Whitelaw Twining, which provides legal services, offered 'clear synergy opportunities' with DWF's existing claims and adjusting businesses in the country, the company told investors on Monday. 'Strong strategic fit': DWF said there were clear synergies between the two firms DWF, which counts the NHS and Allianz among its clients, said both firms have 'global insurer clients' and the deal allows it to develop new opportunities and 'capture referral work'. It 'prudently' estimates that the transaction will allow it to boost Whitelaw Twining's profit by around 600,000 a year from 2024, thanks to synergies between the businesses. DWF chief excecutive, Sir Nigel Knowles, said: 'Whitelaw Twining is one of the country's top legal businesses and represents a high quality opportunity for our clients. 'It also allows us to expand our claims and adjusting presence in Canada and wider Connected Services and Mindcrest capabilities in North America. 'We have worked hard to ensure DWF is in a strong position so we can confidently make these key international acquisitions, enabling us to make further progress against our strategy to be the preeminent global provider of integrated legal and business services.' DWF shares fell 2.4 per cent to 67.53p in early trade on Monday as investors digested the news. They have lost around 38 per cent of their value over the last year. DWF already operates in around 30 counties around the world, employing around 4,000 people. It provides legal advice to firm in areas such as hiring and firing, mergers and acquisitions, business restructurings, and regulation. But it also has two related divisions Mindcrest and Connected Services. Mindcrest has created software to do certain types of legal work faster and more cheaply than lawyers, while Connected Services helps clients in risk assessment, auditing, claims management, training and forensic accounting. Whitelaw Twining is a full-service litigation law firm, founded in Vancouver with over 150 fee earners in its Vancouver and Calgary offices. It operates in the fields of insurance, commercial litigation, construction, plaintiff's personal injury and alternative dispute resolution services. Advertisement Though Election Day is just days away, it may take Americans up to a month to know which party will be in control of the United States Congress. All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for grabs on Tuesday, as are 35 U.S. Senate seats and 36 governorships. Republicans would need to pick up five seats to take a majority in the House and just one to control the Senate. Nonpartisan election forecasters and polls suggest Republicans have a very strong chance of winning a House majority, with control of the Senate likely to be closer fought as voters say they are most concerned about the economy. A massive wave of Republican support could lead to declarations of victory hours after polls close. But with dozens of races expected to be close and key states like Pennsylvania already warning it could take days to count every ballot, experts say there's a good chance Americans go to bed on election night without knowing who won. 'When it comes to knowing the results, we should move away from talking about Election Day and think instead about election week,' said Nathan Gonzales, who publishes the nonpartisan newsletter Inside Elections. The earliest vote tallies will be skewed by how quickly states count mail-in ballots, with some states reporting mail-in ballots results earlier, which could make it seem like Democrats have the lead in the state Beware of red and blue 'mirage' states The earliest vote tallies will be skewed by how quickly states count mail-in ballots. Because Democrats vote by mail more often than Republicans, states that let officials get an early jump on counting mail ballots could report big Democratic leads early on that evaporate as vote counters work through piles of Republican-leaning ballots that were cast on election day. In these 'blue mirage' states like Florida and North Carolina election officials are allowed to remove mail ballots from their envelopes before Election Day and load them in vote counting machines, allowing for speedy counting. But states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin don't allow officials to open the envelopes until Election Day, leading to a possible 'red mirage' in which Republican-leaning Election Day ballots are reported earlier, with many Democratic-leaning mail ballots counted later. Experts like Joe Lenski, co-founder of Edison Research, which will be tracking hundreds of races on November 8 said he will keep an eye on the mix of different types of ballots each state is counting throughout the night. 'Blue mirage, red mirage, whatever. You just have to look at what types of votes are getting reported to know where you are in that state,' said Lenski. It may take up to a month for election results to be certified in every state The first wave of vote tallies are expected on the East Coast between 7pm and 8pm ET So when will we know when the races are won? The first wave of vote tallies are expected on the East Coast between 7pm and 8pm ET. An early indication of Republican success could come if the races expected to be close like Virginia's 7th congressional district (where Republican Liz Cheney has put her support behind a Democratic candidate) or a contentious U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina turn out to be Democratic routs. By around 10pm or 11pm EST, when polls in the Midwest will be closed for an hour or more, it's possible Republicans will have enough momentum for experts at U.S. media organizations to project control of the House, said Kyle Kondik, a political analyst at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. If the fight for the House still looks close as vote tallies start coming in from the West Coast where there could be more than a dozen tight House races it could be days before control of the chamber is known, experts said. California typically takes weeks to count all its ballots, in part because it counts ballots postmarked by Election Day even if they arrive days afterward. Nevada and Washington state also allow late ballots if postmarked by November 8, slowing down the march to final results. 'If the House is really on the edge, that would matter,' said Kondik. It may take longer, perhaps weeks longer, to know which party will control the Senate, with close contests in Pennsylvania, Arizona and Georgia likely to determine final control. And iIf Georgia's Senate race is as close as expected and no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, a run-off election would be scheduled for December 6, possibly leaving control of the chamber in limbo until then. An Australian man who died while fighting for Ukraine has been remembered by his friend as a 'great soldier' despite never having served in the military. Trevor Kjeldal, 40, from Brisbane, was killed in action in the Donbas region of Ukraine last week, leaving behind his wife and daughter who live in China. Mr Kjeldal, who was fondly known as 'ninja' to his friends, had arrived in Ukraine earlier this year to help defend the eastern European country against Russia. His friend and fellow soldier James Durose said he had a 'heart of gold'. 'He was a fairly unique guy, he was always thinking of his wife and kids back in China,' Mr Durose told The Today Show on Monday morning. Trevor Kjeldal, 40, (centre) from Brisbane , was killed in action in the Donbas region of Ukraine last week, leaving behind his wife and daughter who live in China Mr Kjeldal's friend and fellow soldier James Durose (pictured) said he had a 'heart of gold'. 'He went out to Ukraine with no military experience but he ended up being a very great soldier, he was one of the best.' Mr Durose said his friend was always up early in the morning ready to train, and had no intention of returning home until the war was over. 'He loved to help the underdog,' he said. Upon arrival to Ukraine, both Mr Kjeldal and Mr Durose were refused by the International Legion of Ukraine - which was made up of a group of foreign citizens wishing to join the resistance against Russia - due to their lack of experience. 'A lot of people just turned around and went home but because we were so motivated to join the cause, we found a unit and eventually we joined them,' Mr Durose said. Mr Kjeldal, who was fondly known as 'ninja' to his friends, had arrived in Ukraine earlier this year to help defend the eastern European country against Russia The 40-year-old had been injured just months ago in another Russian ambush, sustaining serious injuries but returned to the front line The 40-year-old had been injured just months ago in another Russian ambush, sustaining serious injuries but returned to the front line. 'I've beat the odds once, so let's just see if I can do it again,' Mr Kjedal said at the time. Mr Kjedal earlier told Nine News that he packed his bags immediately after Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky put a call out for volunteers to join the fight. 'When I heard that Zelensky was calling out for volunteer fighters, I booked my ticket straight away. I was really inspired by the Ukrainian people's bravery and resilience,' Mr Kjeldal said in July. Mr Kjeldal had no intention of returning until the war was over Mr Kjedal is believed to have been serving in the 49th 'Select Carpathian' battalion of the Ukrainian army. His death was confirmed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, who say they are now providing assistance to his family. In a statement, his family expressed their grief at Mr Kjeldal's death. 'Our depth of sadness at his loss is unfathomable,' the family said. 'We would like to thank DFAT for their ongoing assistance in bringing him home to us. 'At this incredibly sad time, we would request that the media respect our privacy as we grieve.' DFAT expressed its deepest condolences to the family and said it was unable to provide further comment. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also passed on his condolences to Mr Kjeldal's loved ones on Saturday. 'This is tragic news. I remind people that the DFAT advice is that people do not travel to Ukraine,' he said during a press conference in Queensland. 'It is a dangerous place, but my heart goes out to the family and friends of the gentleman involved.' She hit a 15-year-old cyclist, who was compensated $80,000, with kids in the car She was nowhere to be seen on Thursday after news broke of her 2013 car crash Mrs Andrews fronted the first campaign event armed with sandwiches and cake Victorian Premier Dan Andrews' wife appears to be trying to win over some of the journalists she locked out of her Twitter account after she went on a mass blocking spree during the Covid pandemic. Catherine Andrews has intermittently joined her husband on his campaign bus as it travels around Victoria ahead of the state election on November 26. Mrs Andrews joined her husband last Wednesday, the first day of his campaign, with an array of treats for some of the journalists she infamously blocked after they asked the premier some tough questions during the pandemic. Mrs Andrews' selection of snacks also came one day before news resurfaced of her car crash with a 15-year-old in 2013 that left him hospitalised for 11 days. While Mrs Andrews' 'sandwich diplomacy' was appreciated by some, it's done little to thaw the tension between the journalists who remain, to this day, on her blocked list. High-profile names on the list include ABC presenter Leigh Sales, 3AW's Neil Mitchell and Seven's Victorian political editor Sharnelle Vella. Victorian Premier Dan Andrews's wife, Catherine Andrews, appeared at Labor's first campaign event with trays of sandwiches and cakes (pictured, Dan and Catherine Andrews last Wedneday) The pair arrived on Labor's campaign bus (above) and handed the treats out to media at Wednesday's press conference Several of the blocked journalists at Wednesday's conference were shocked, according to The Australian, when Mrs Andrews emerged from the Labor campaign bus and offered them trays of sandwiches, pastries and cakes. It's the second time Mrs Andrews has tried to work her way into the hearts of journalists through their stomachs. Four years ago, Mrs Andrews laid out a feast of scones, club sandwiches, rolls and fruit for media at the Wangaratta home of Dan Andrew's mother. But Mrs Andrews was nowhere to be seen on Thursday after news broke of her 2013 car crash where she accidentally hit a 15-year-old boy while her three children were in the car with her. The young cyclist, who was given $80,000 in compensation when he turned 18, has recently claimed the incident was swept under the rug without a proper investigation. Mrs Andrews is infamous for blocking journalists who criticise her husband on Twitter (pictured, a photo shared by Dan Andrew's on Wednesday which he captioned 'campaign day one, with my number one') Premier Andrews managed to dodge 17 questions about the crash on Thursday before Mrs Andrews appeared in front of the media on Friday to address the situation. 'I don't know if you've ever been involved in an accident like this before,' she said. 'It was a terrible thing. It was so traumatic for everyone involved. 'Our kids were really little, like Joseph was only five. 'Daniel has spoken about this, I've spoken about this and I'm going to leave it there.' Photos from Friday were far from the sombre nature of the 'traumatic' crash and featured the Andrews couple cuddling puppies to mark a $13.4m pre-election promise to build six new dog parks and improve 22 existing ones. Dan Andrews will face off against Opposition Leader Matthew Guy in the next Victorian state election on November 26. The Supreme Court sought to know the status of the case in the petition filed by the BJP seeking to transfer the alleged poachgate case to CBI or an independent agency from Telangana police. (Photo: PTI) HYDERABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday took exception to political parties in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh exploiting the courts and the judiciary as a platform for political purposes. While dealing the a petition filed by the three accused Ramachandra Bharati , Kore Nanda Kumar and Simhayaji in the MLAs poachgate case, a bench of the apex court comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice B.V. Nagarathna made these comments in the backdrop of many petitions filed before the Telangana High Court on the issue. The bench sought to know the status of the case in the petition filed by the BJP seeking to transfer the alleged poachgate case to CBI or an independent agency from Telangana police. As the case was listed before the High Court on Monday, which had ordered the Telangana police not to go further in its investigation, the Supreme Court bench wanted to know Monday`s developments. Siddharth Luthra, senior counsel representing the Telangana government, informed the court that the High Court was still hearing the case. He informed the court that the ACB court in Hyderabad was also hearing the bail petitions filed by the three accused. Senior advocate K.V. Viswanadhan, appearing for the accused, explained that his clients had nothing to do with the petitions filed before the High Court and urged the apex court to adjourn the hearing. Advertisement Rishi Sunak called for a 'global mission for clean growth' as he joined other world leaders for the opening day of the latest Cop27 international climate change talks in Egypt. Downing Street said the Prime Minister will be looking to set the seal on last year's Cop26 summit in Glasgow with more than 200 million in UK funding to protect forests and invest in 'green' technologies. But as he prepared to pass on the baton to the Egyptians, he faced criticism at home over the Government's decision to issue more licences for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea on its continued opposition to new onshore wind. Mr Sunak's attendance at the gathering in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh alongside leaders such as US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron marks his first outing on the international stage since becoming Prime Minister last month. In his opening address on Monday, he said it is essential countries stick to commitments made in Glasgow if the world is to avoid the worst impact of climate change by limiting warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arriving in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to attend the Cop27 summit, joining other world leaders for the opening day of the latest Cop27 international climate change talks in Egypt Downing Street said the Prime Minister will be looking to set the seal on last year's Cop26 summit in Glasgow with more than 200 million in UK funding to protect forests and invest in 'green' technologies Sunak has faced criticism at home over the Government's decision to issue more licences for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea on its continued opposition to new onshore wind At the same time, he will argue that the transition away from fossil fuels has the potential to drive growth and deliver jobs in the new green industries of the future, while cutting off funding for Russia's war in Ukraine. Mr Sunak said: 'I believe we can. By honouring the pledges we made in Glasgow, we can turn our struggle against climate change into a global mission for new jobs and clean growth. The question today is: can we summon the collective will to deliver on those promises? I believe we can. By honouring the pledges we made in Glasgow, we can turn our struggle against climate change into a global mission for new jobs and clean growth. It is hoped the move would help the world to reduce reliance on oil and gas, which cuts off the funds for Russias brutal war machine. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled a 220million package of measures to help the environment at Cop27 (pictured on November 4) Since the BEIS-led fund was launched in 2019 it has supported the creation of biomass-powered refrigeration in India, prototype lithium-ion batteries in Nigeria and clean hydrogen-based fuels for steel production in Morocco, among other innovations. The Prime Minister is also expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings at COP27 today, including with French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni. Downing Street said Mr Sunak will announce a further 65.5 million for the clean energy innovation facility which provides grants to researchers and scientists in developing countries working on clean technologies from biomass-powered refrigeration in India to lithium-ion batteries in Nigeria. The UK is also committing 90 million for conservation in the Congo Basin rainforest and 65 million to support indigenous and local forest communities as Mr Sunak launches a new group to track commitments made in Glasgow on deforestation. Mr Sunak had originally not intended to travel to Egypt, arguing his priority was to sort out the estimated 50 billion black hole in the public finances ahead of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's autumn statement on November 17. But he was forced into what opposition parties called a 'screeching U-turn' after coming under fire from within his own party, as well as from environmentalists questioning his commitment to the net zero agenda. Supporters of the jailed British-Egyptian human rights activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah take part in a candlelight vigil outside Downing Street as he begins a complete hunger strike while world leaders arrive for COP27 climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh in London Amnesty International activists join Mona Seif, sister of the British-Egyptian human rights activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah imprisoned in Egypt, in holding a candlelit vigil outside Downing Street this afternoon For Labour, shadow climate change secretary Ed Miliband said the Prime Minister should now drop plans to issue more licences for North Sea exploration and end the Government's opposition to onshore wind. 'Rishi Sunak is the man who had to be dragged kicking and screaming to go to Cop so it's simply implausible for him to claim the mantle of climate leadership. Rishi Sunak is a fossil fuel prime minister in a renewable age,' he said. The latest round of UN climate talks takes place against a backdrop of increasingly devastating extreme weather around the world as well as an energy and cost-of-living crisis driven by President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. While there is evidence Russia's actions have prompted an acceleration towards clean technology, the UN has warned that, based on countries' latest climate action plans, there is currently no credible pathway to meet the 1.5C goal intended to avoid the worst impact of global warming. Rich countries are also falling short in providing the finance needed to help developing nations adapt to a changing climate and develop cleanly, the UN has warned. With vulnerable countries increasingly being hit by extreme storms, floods and droughts, such as Pakistan's devastating flooding this year, how to address and pay for the now unavoidable loss and damage poorer countries are facing from climate change will be one of the key issues at the talks. Former Twitter staff in Australia have issued desperate pleas for jobs after Elon Musk seized control and sacked half of the media firm's 7,500 global employees. Twitter closed access to its offices worldwide and locked staff out of company accounts on Friday, advising them to stay at home and await news of their fate. About 40 employees at the Sydney Twitter office received an email on Saturday at 1am notifying them on whether they still had a job. Local Twitter staff shared their 'heartbreak' on LinkedIn after receiving news they were part of the global layoffs. 'My entire team was laid off from Twitter,' former Sydney global news deputy curation lead Katherine Gallo wrote. 'I'm heartbroken because when I left my previous job at SBS I thought I wasn't going to find another place I loved so much so quickly. But I did. It's the people that made Twitter so special. What's next for me? I'm not sure.' Twitter CEO and Billionaire Elon Musk (pictured) slashed half of the company's 7,500 staff in a global purge to cut costs at the social media platform Sacked employees across the globe were shocked after losing their jobs, with many asking company's to keep them in mind when hiring. Former Philippines global escalations and strategic response Faiza V wrote it was difficult to type with 'tears in your eyes'. 'I have spent my last shift at Twitter, working hard to the bone... It was a good run, to say the least. I would have hoped my exit was on my terms, something with more dignity but such is my fate,' she wrote. 'Well, it happened. I am out at Twitter,' former Washington DC news curator Ryan Carey-Mahoney wrote. 'My wonderful curation team has been gutted, too. some of my all-time best colleagues. 'I'll be honest: I'm devastated and wouldn't wish this on anyone. this is the first time I've been jobless since I was 17. it's scary to have such an unknown in front of you. 'If there's a space for me or any tweep at your company, I'd love to hear more. whatever you got, I am all ears.' Roughly 40 employees at the Sydney Twitter office (pictured) received an email on Saturday at 1am notifying them on whether they still had a job Former curation lead in New York Brian Ries wrote: 'If you know of any leadership roles with the right mix product, news, and audience development, I'd love to hear about them.' Ex-news curator in Seattle Kat Balleh woke up on Saturday to find she and her entire team was laid off. 'We are writers, editors, journalists, problem solvers, and supremely empathetic communicators. We love team work, collaboration, and working together to increase public knowledge,' she wrote. 'Please keep Twitter Curation in mind for any jobs that might match these skills.' Global news deputy curator Katherine Gallo (left) and news curator Kat Balleh (right) were among the staff members who were sacked from their roles at Twitter Ms Gallo wrote on LinkedIn that she was 'heartbroken' after receiving news she was part of the mass layoff (pictured) SBS Portuguese journalist and former Sydney Twitter employee Fernando Vives labelled the mass layoff as 'gruesome' and urged HR to be aware of professionals looking for new opportunities. 'Elon Musk's gruesome firing of almost half of Twitter employees has also bulldozed the entire worldwide Curation team.' she wrote. 'If you are a headhunter/HR looking for journalism talents in Sydney, Melbourne, Sao Paulo, or London, be aware that some of the best professionals in these cities are now looking for opportunities.' Others wrote details of the 48 hours, from Friday to Sunday, would be made into documentaries and case studies about acquisitions. Musk told confidants he planned to slash half of Twitter's worldwide workforce to cut costs at the social media platform, which he acquired for $US44 billion ($70 billion) last month. Musk was pushing to find ways to pay for the mammoth deal, which he took on billions of dollars in debt and sold $15.5 billion worth of shares in Tesla - his electric car company. Former Twitter staff labelled Elon Musk's mass-firing as 'gruesome' and urged company's to hire the sacked employees (pictured) Sydney staff received an email at 1am on Saturday, while staff in the US were made aware of their job status at 9am on Friday. 'In an effort to place Twitter on a healthy path, we will go through the difficult process of reducing our global workforce on Friday,' the internal email read. 'We recognize that this will impact a number of individuals who have made valuable contributions to Twitter, but this action is unfortunately necessary to ensure the company's success moving forward.' The email then revealed: 'everyone will receive an individual email with the subject line: Your Role at Twitter'. Employees who kept their positions had an email sent to their Twitter address, with sacked staff receiving the next steps about their termination via their personal email address. Former Twitter news curator Ryan Carey-Mahoney (pictured) explained it was the first time he has been jobless since he was 17 Mr Mahoney wrote he was scared for the future and was 'all ears' to any company who had a job for him Musk planned to cut Half of Twitters global workforce - which at the end of 2021 was roughly 7,500 employees Musk had already cleared out the company's senior ranks, firing its chief executive and top finance and legal executives, along with those sitting atop the company's advertising, marketing, and human resources divisions. Before buying the platform, Musk tweeted that the company under his ownership 'will be super focused on hardcore software engineering, design, infosec and server hardware'. Musk asked users on November 2 whether advertisers should support freedom of speech or 'political correctness' - more than two million users voted with in the poll with nearly 80 per cent answering 'freedom of speech'. Advertisers voiced concerns the platform would become inundated with the voices of bigots and conspiracy theorists after Musk announced a process would be introduced to reinstate banned accounts. The billionaire promised advertiser's that Twitter would not turn into a 'free-for-all hellscape'. A shattered widow has lashed out at plans to ditch the name of a park with special significance to her late husband to instead honour Indigenous AFL legend Adam Goodes, branding the bureaucratic bungle a 'great shame'. Sydneysider Warren Zines, then 56, was one of four Australian Jewish athletes tragically killed in a pedestrian bridge collapse in Tel Aviv, Israel during the 1997 Maccabiah Games opening ceremony. For the past 23 years, a park in Dover Heights, in the city's east, has been known as Warren Zines Reserve in memory of the late lawn bowler. However the local Waverley Council never officially registered the name with the Geographical Names Board (GNB) due to a historical oversight. As a result of the bureaucratic bungle, a Bondi local recently submitted an application to the GNB for the reserve to be called Adam Goodes Lookout. The council has confirmed to Daily Mail Australia it has since applied to the board to formally name the park Warren Zines Reserve. His widow Lynette broke her silence on Monday to express her sadness at the proposed name change, which has divided the community. Plans to rename a Dover Heights reserve after AFL legend Adam Goodes (pictured with wife Natalie) have divided Sydney's eastern suburbs 'I have no problem with a park being named after Adam Goodes, in fact I think it's a wonderful idea,' Ms Zines told 2GB host Ben Fordham. Poll Should Warren Zines Reserve be renamed Adam Goodes Lookout? Yes, it's a great idea No, the current name should stay Undecided Should Warren Zines Reserve be renamed Adam Goodes Lookout? Yes, it's a great idea 4 votes No, the current name should stay 212 votes Undecided 6 votes Now share your opinion 'But don't take away the name of another park that's already been named.' She stressed the significance of the park to her husband and his family, which was named in his honour at a special ceremony in 1999. The park is on land where Dover Heights Bowling Club once stood, a spot where Mr Zines and his family were avid lawn bowlers and members. 'Warren was a well-known sportsperson and local pharmacist,' Ms Zines said. 'That park was named in his memory two years after his death. It was a beautiful ceremony at the time. 'If it was an oversight on the council's part, it would be a great shame.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Zines for further comment. For the last 23 years, this lookout has unofficially been known as Warren Zines Reserve Warren Zines (pictured) was a well-respected lawn bowler and pharmacist in Sydney's east The proposed name change has divided the community in Sydney's east as the GNB prepares to seek public feedback on its website this week. Bondi Beach Precinct co-convenor Lenore Kulakauskas told the Sydney Morning Herald Adam Goodes or an Indigenous name for the park 'would be perfect'. Dover Heights Precinct convenor Dov Frazer disagreed with the name change and has led calls for the name Warren Zines Reserve to be officially adopted. 'Adam Goodes is a great Australian, but he has zero connection to Dover Heights,' he told the publication. Waverley Council has applied to the GNB for the reserve remain named in Mr Zines' honour. 'The GNBs consultation process will highlight if a review of the proposed name is warranted and Council would address this appropriately at that time,' a spokeswoman said. 'Council notes that the Gujaga Foundation, which is affiliated with the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council, is currently working on a Cultural Audit in Waverley, including reviewing current locations, names and information referencing Aboriginal cultures to ensure they are culturally appropriate. 'The Cultural Audit is in its final stages and is a lengthy process as research and consultation with a range of stakeholders, including the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council and Elders is required. A spokesman for Goodes said the AFL great was 'honoured by the gesture' and had given his consent for the resident's submission to the GNB. The widow of Warren Zines has lashed out a proposal to rename the Dover Heights reserve (pictured)which had special significance to her late husband Sydney Swans legend Adam Goodes (pictured) is reportedly honoured by the gesture to name a Dover Heights reserve named after him Waverley Council full statement Warren Zines Reserve, Dover Heights, was dedicated by Waverley Council on 25 July 1999. Zines, from Dover Heights, was one of four Australian athletes who died as a result of a bridge collapse in 1997 outside the national stadium in Ramat Gan, Israel, at the opening ceremony of the 15th Maccabiah Games. When the reserve was dedicated, an application to formally name the reserve was not made to the Geographical Names Board. Waverley Council is correcting this historical oversight and has applied to the GNB to formally name the reserve Warren Zines Reserve. The GNB is advertising the Councils application on Wednesday for public comment until 9 December 2022 The GNBs consultation process will highlight if a review of the proposed name is warranted and Council would address this appropriately at that time. Please contact GNB for information about the naming process. Council notes that the Gujaga Foundation, which is affiliated with the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council, is currently working on a Cultural Audit in Waverley, including reviewing current locations, names and information referencing Aboriginal cultures to ensure they are culturally appropriate. The Cultural Audit is in its final stages and is a lengthy process as research and consultation with a range of stakeholders, including the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council and Elders is required. When the Council applied to the GNB, the Gujaga Foundation provided this statement: The Gujaga Foundation does not recommend that the name of Warren Zines Reserve be changed at this point in time. With regard to a recent application by a resident to the GNB to name the reserve Adam Goodes Lookout, consideration by the Council of any such re-naming would require a resolution of Council to that effect. Advertisement The dual Brownlow medal and premiership winner now works as a 'wellness activist', seven years after he walked away from the code due to relentless racism. Rival fans booed the 2014 Australian of the Year for 17 consecutive games in 2015, which forced him to take leave from the AFL before he retired just weeks later. Two years earlier, Goodes made headlines when he became an outspoken advocate for Indigenous rights after standing up to relentless crowd abuse in 2013. He had been standing near the boundary during the dying stages of a match against Collingwood at the MCG when he heard a teenage girl in the crowd yell over the fence: 'Goodes, you're an ape'. Then-Collingwood president president Eddie McGuire apologised to Goodes after the match but joked on his breakfast radio show five days later that the Swans star should be used to promote the musical King Kong in Melbourne. Two documentaries later documented Goodes' final three tumultuous seasons, prompting the AFL to issue a formal apology in 2019. Australians will be banned from buying more than two packs of paracetamol at a time if the medicine regulator gets its way. The 'truly drastic' proposal by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, which also includes restricting sales to over-18s, was met with shock and fury on Monday. The agency will meet next week to consider putting limits on supermarket purchases in Australia, after a rise in intentional paracetamol overdoses. The commonly-used pain killer (pictured) has been available to buy in supermarket stores and shops without a prescription Critics lashed out at the proposal, arguing it would put an undue strain on chronic pain sufferers who quickly go through painkillers. Media personality Prue MacSween attacked the proposal, telling the government to 'get out of our lives', despite the TGA being an independent agency. The common painkiller is available to buy in supermarket stores and shops without a prescription. But there has been an alarming growth of overdoses involving widely used products in the community, which include paracetamol, anti-depressants, and household products. Overdoses increased 98 per cent between 2006 and 2016, NSW and Victorian Poisons Information Centres figured showed. Outspoken commentator Prue MacSween (pictured) said the proposal added to peoples' suffering, 'get out of our lives' NSW recorded 3,575 cases of intentional paracetamol poisoning last year, while Victoria had 3,403 overdoses, with 1417 of them deliberate. The report found overdose rates were highest among adolescents and young adults. It was also more common among women, 'further highlighting the need to develop targeted interventions to help younger people'. The restrictions aimed to hinder users from stockpiling large quantities as the research showed most intentional overdoses were not done with recently bought items. Though hospitalisation and death rates had not increased, there was a 'concerning' growth of misuse in the community. But disability advocates were outraged by the potential restrictions, fearing 'eight million' people would be forced to spend more money at their GP to get scripts. MacSween said the ban would add to the burden of those who desperately need the medicine. Outspoken commentator Magda Szubanski suggested 'some kind of medical certificate' for chronic pain sufferers (pictured) 'TGA is contemplating restricting paracetamol products. Those who use these products every day for pain relief will pay the penalty for the few who abuse the product. Get out of our lives,' she wrote on Twitter on Sunday. Health commentator Dr Vyom Sharma said the changes proved to be a 'difficult issue'. 'The proposed restrictions are truly drastic - max 20 tabs sold at a time,' he wrote.' 'But there is some international evidence that (different) restrictions on paracetamol sales have reduced deaths, suicides and poisoning,' he wrote. Actor Magda Szubanski (pictured) suggested those who need the meds could be exempt from the ban Actor Magda Szubanski suggested those who need the medicine could be exempt from the ban. 'Maybe people with chronic pain-who rely on things like Panadol Osteo just to get through the day-could have some kind of medical certificate?' she wrote. 'Instead of added pain burden & cost of constant GP appointments to get scripts?' she wrote. Lorraine Burchell, who has chronic pain issues, said 20 tablets a day wasn't enough for her. 'As a someone with chronic pain managed by physical therapy and paracetamol 4 x day, I will be affected by this,' she wrote. 'Prior to taking paracetamol regularly I was frequently incapacitated, needing codeine based meds and having MRI to investigate. Now my pain is managed. 20 tabs = 2.5 days.' Lorraine Burchell, who has chronic pain issues, illustrated how 20 tablets a day isn't enough for her to get by (pictured) Invisible Disabilities Australia said sufferers across the country already faced difficulties seeing a GP. 'Asking people with cancer, pensioners, and some of the eight million people with chronic conditions to get scripts for Panadol is outrageous,' it said. 'We already have a shortage of GP appointments.' Sky New commentator Chris Smith blasted the regulator for placing more restrictions after the Covid pandemic. 'If there's one thing we've learnt from Covid, it's that medical agencies and health bureaucrats love applying restrictions and rules on the public,' he said. 'They think they know best, you see, but rarely consider what results from bans and restrictions the public ends up compensating.' The changes under consideration include reducing the size of packets sold in supermarkets and convenience stores. It also proposes restricting purchases without a prescription to those aged over 18. The plan proposes restricting purchases without a prescription to those aged over 18 The report said survival rates from a paracetamol overdose were high, but only where medical treatment was sought within two to six hours after ingestion. If treatment is delayed after ingesting high doses of paracetamol, there was a risk of serious liver injury, and sometimes death. Symptoms of paracetamol overdose include drowsiness, abdominal pain, and vomiting. When paracetamol is metabolised, it produces low levels of a toxic byproduct that the body can do away with but in larger doses the body cannot neutralise it, Pharmacy expert Dr Jennifer Schneider told the Sydney Morning Herald. The TGA's advisory committee on Medicines Scheduling will meet on November 16 to consider the proposed changes to the sale of paracetamol. Sunrise host David Koch has lashed out over online fraudsters who used his image and fake quotes to steal $30,000 from a viewer, demanding they be stopped. Koch said he was contacted by the victim who was fooled by an online ad using a fake endorsement for a dodgy crypto investment platform. 'I had a bloke on the weekend contact me through Facebook, abusing me because he had lost $30,000 on a scam that used my picture and dodgy comments from me,' he said. Sunrise host David Koch (pictured left) has revealed a viewer was taken in by scammers using his image and fake quotes Koch said online scammers frequently used him as a lure due to his public profile and asked his guest, Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones, what the government was going to do about it. 'Scammers have been using my photo and dodgy quotes from me to scam people for years,' he said on Monday morning. 'They appear on Facebook, they appear on LinkedIn, they appear on that Taboola feed on big mainstream websites and I can't do anything about it.' Koch demanded Mr Jones explain what could be done about this. 'Here at Channel Seven, we get sued by you and the ACCC if we run a dodgy ad,' he said. 'Why can't Facebook and Instagram and LinkedIn take the same responsibilities as mainstream media groups? 'It's just heartbreaking for our viewers that get sucked in by these sorts of things.' Koch says that scammers have been using his image and making up quotes from him for years Mr Jones admitted the government was powerless to act because of the laws were lagging behind technology. 'We are adamant that the law needs to change,' Mr Jones said. 'We need to drag it into the 21st Century. Social media platforms need to be accountable for the material they are publishing. 'If they are told you have got dodgy stuff online and or unlawful stuff online, which is enabling criminals and they are not taking it down, then there will be fines and penalties that apply. 'We also want to work with the banks and ensure that the wallet at the end of scam is locked off as well.' Mr Jones said there would be a specialised scam detection unit created within corporate watchdog the ACCC. 'Once we detect something in motion, locking it down as soon as possible and getting onto the social media platforms as you suggested, and ensure that they have a legal obligation to shut these things down at the source,' Mr Jones said. 'That is music to my ears because not only are people losing thousands of dollars, it damages my reputation,' Koch replied. 'I've seen a photo online saying things I never said about Bitcoin or whatever, and people lose money because they think it's me.' Koch revealed that a viewer contacted him through Facebook to say they had lost $30,000 to a scam bearing his image and fake quotes Scammers have been posing as relatives and sending texts where they pretend to have lost their previous phone Mr Jones continued: 'Sports stars, TV stars, personalities are all having their identity used by these criminals, let's call them what they are because they are economic criminals ripping off Australians. 'We want to crack down on it at the source.' Mr Jones said it wasn't just the popular online platforms that needed to up their game to combat the 'criminals and scumbags', but telecommunications companies as well because a 'lot of it is happening through email and SMS'. The scam is still going on with a link to a website called 'Flippercash' that was emailed to unsuspecting Australians on Sunday. The link led to a page mocked up to look like a ABC News article reporting on a fake The Morning Show segment spruiking the crypto scam. The headline was: 'David James Koch's Latest Investment Has Experts in Awe And Big Banks Terrified'. 'Australian television presenter David James Koch has made a name for himself as a brash straight-talker who doesn't mind being honest about how he makes his money,' it began. The latest scam attempt using Koch took a random appearance of the Sunrise host on The Morning Show and photoshopped the title to look like he was talking about the fake product A mocked-up graphic of Koch's supposed earnings from the fake QuantumAI crypto trading app, which the scam claims uses AI to trade for you The scam claimed Koch explained a 'wealth loophole' that would 'transform anyone into a millionaire within 3-4 months' and viewers needed to get in on it 'before the big banks shut it down for good'. 'And sure enough, minutes after the interview was over, National Australia Bank called to stop Koch's interview from being aired- it was already too late,' it claimed. The scam crypto investment platform is called QuantumAI and the fake article claimed Koch pulled out his phone to show Morning Show hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies how much money it was making him. The too-good-to-be-true scam claims QuantumAI 'uses artificial intelligence to automatically handle long and short selling for you so you can make money around the clock, even while you sleep'. Australians are predicted to lose $4 billion to scammers this year, double last year's total. One of the biggest scams is phishing, where a scammer tries to con someone into revealing their identity and other personal information including banking details. Ten tips to stay safe online Shara Evans is a technology futurist and expert in online safety. Here are her tips to stay safe from hackers 1. Get basic IT security on devices including anti-virus programs, malware checkers, ransomware checkers, VPN, firewalls. 2. Use different passwords for every website and app. Make them long and complex upper plus lower case letters, numbers, special characters. Save your passwords in an encrypted password vault. 3. Use two-factor authentication whenever possible (ie: logging into a secure bank portal requires you to provide an authentication code that's sent to you via text or email or requires a SecureID token number) 4. Use multiple email addresses. If you own a domain, it's easy to set up an email alias ('forwarder') that names a specific site or type of activity. If compromised you can then disable an email alias address without impacting everything that you do. And, it will help you to identify the source of the leak. 5. Check your credit reports for signs of fraudulent activity or wrong info. 6. Sign up for a credit/ID protection plan and put in place credit report bans if you have reason to suspect that your ID is compromised. 7. NEVER click on text or email hyperlinks that you don't absolutely know are legit. Lots of people get in trouble this way. You can check a compressed link by copying it and entering it into the search bar to see what shows up. If it's malware, you may see a notice. At the very least, check if the source domain seems suspicious, in which case don't click it! 8. When uploading any sensitive info to a website portal check for the lock icon (https) this means that your data is encrypted 'in transit' when its uploaded to the website. Company cyber security practices vary widely. 9. If someone phones you saying they're from Company X NEVER give out any info to them, unless you know them and are already expecting a call from a specific phone number or person. 10. NEVER publish your birthdate online! If you have it on social media DELETE it now. Unless you are doing an official financial transaction, there are very few good reasons for any party to know your real birthdate, much less store it. Advertisement According to comparison website Finder, Australians are also increasingly falling victim to fake text and phone calls. Finder money expert Sarah Megginson said Australians had been flooded with fraudulent texts and phone calls in recent years and should ignore contact from unknown numbers. 'Let the caller go to voicemail. If they leave a number, you can check if it matches a real business online,' she said ion Monday. 'Don't ever reply to or click on links in text messages. These could link to viruses and other nasties, or fake sites looking to steal your personal data.' One giveaway is if the text message has bad spelling or grammar. 'Be especially cautious if you get a message in WhatsApp or on Facebook claiming to be from a relative who has lost their phone and now needs help,' Ms Megginson said. 'This is the so-called "mum scam", and is responsible for $2.6 million in losses in the first seven months of the year.' The Hidalgo state attorney generals office said that the explosion was caused by the misuse of pyrotechnics Video recorded by a bystander showed two men setting an effigy of a bull on fire before the fireworks were set off The victims suffered first, second and three-degree burns, according to the Huejutla civil protection agency At least 19 people, including two pregnant women and five children, were hurt during a Day of the Dead fireworks explosion in Huejutla, Mexico, on Saturday At least 19 people were injured during a fireworks explosion at a Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico on Saturday. The blast took place in the township of Huejutla in the Mexican Gulf coast region that is known as Huasteca. Nearly 700 residents in the village of Tehuetlan had gathered to celebrate the end of Xantolo, which is the Huasteca regional variant of the Day of the Dead, according to the Huejutla municipal government. A video recorded by a bystander showed two men setting fire to an effigy of a bull figure. The object was engulfed in flames for over a minute before the fireworks were set off and generated a series of blasts that sent revelers running for cover and trampling over each other. The impact of the explosion appeared to knock a person off the ground and sent them flying backward. A second video showed hundreds of people camping under a covered area and racing for safety. Two men set fire to an effigy of a bull that was loaded with fireworks before it exploded and injured 19 people during a Day of the Dead celebration in Huejutla, Mexico, on Saturday At least 19 people, including two pregnant women and five children, were confirmed injured by the Huejutla city government following a pyrotechnics explosion on Saturday in Mexico The firework explosion was cause by the misuse of pyrotechnics, according to the Hidalgo state attorney general's office The Hidalgo state attorney generals office said in a statement that the explosion was caused by the misuse of pyrotechnics. The township said two pregnant women and five children, ages unknown, were among those hurt who were rushed to three area hospitals. One of the girls suffered second-degree burns. Huejutla civil protection director Otoniel Centeno told reporters that the victims suffered first, second, and three-degree burns. He added that civil protection agency agents had warned the revelers to keep their distance from the effigy before it was set on fire, but that they dismissed the warnings and remained in place. An effigy of a bull was set on fire before a stack of fireworks that was placed in it exploded and injured 19 people in Hidalgo, Mexico Bystanders watch from afar moments before an effigy of a bull loaded with fireworks exploded and injured 19 people, including two pregnant women and five children The Day of the Dead celebration lasts beyond the normal November 1-2 observance. The Xantolo festivals origins date back to the pre-Hispanic era. It is one of the two most important ones in the region, connecting people to their indigenous ancestors. Fireworks accidents are not uncommon in Mexico. On September 10, a man identified as Eufemio Reyes was killed and 39 people were injured when fireworks set in a bull effigy exploded during a patronal festival in the town of San Nicolas Coatepec, about 38 miles west of Mexico City. An Army veteran who did time for killing a commanding officer has been arrested for the 1974 slaying of two teenage boys. On Friday, officials with the Washington County Sheriff's Office announced that Steven Paul Criss, 65, had been arrested after more than 48 years. Donny Bartron, 18, and Pete Zito, 16, were shot and killed execution style outside of a Beaverton, Oregon, recreation center on October 3, 1974. 'Both teens had been shot multiple times in the head with a .22 caliber gun,' said detective Mark Povolny. Steven Paul Criss, 65, has been arrested and charged in the murders of two teens in 1974 Peter Zito Jr. was allegedly shot by Criss on October 3, 1974 Donny Bartron worked with Criss at the Black Angus restaurant in Hillsboro, Oregon at the time of his murder The Oregon law enforcement agency had shared Thursday that they would be holding the live-streamed press conference. Officials did not share many details, other than that they would 'provide an update' on the case. At the time of the shooting, Bartron worked with Criss at the Black Angus in Hillsboro, Oregon. It was known that the two did not get along and even that Criss 'had reason to be upset with Donny' before the teenager was shot and killed. The bodies of Bartron and Zito were discovered on October 4, 1974 by a newspaper delivery driver. Bartron was working on a 1956 Oldsmobile when he was shot and killed. His body was found over the hood and Zito was found on the ground next to the driver-side. This was the car that Bartron and Zito were working on when they were shot and killed by Criss According to Povolny, it was known that Criss and Bartron did not get along. Two months after the men were killed, Criss was arrested for theft. While being arrested, officers located a .22 caliber handgun belonging to the man. Tests were run on the 'illegally concealed' weapon and later revealed that it did not match the gun used in the murder of the teenagers. Criss' weapon was returned to him once the testing was complete. Washington County Sheriff's Office held a press conference Friday to announce the arrest of Criss in connection to the case from 1974 Law enforcement instead arrested Joseph Amir Wilson. The man, who repeatedly denied he was involved in the shootings, had allegedly assaulted another individual at the rec center just hours before Bartron and Zito were shot. Officers believed he may have killed the teens in a case of 'mistaken identity.' The charges were later dropped. 'Detective Welch never believed Joe Wilson was the killer and he correctly identified Steve Criss as a suspect within weeks of the murders,' a sheriff's office spokesperson said Friday. 'His investigation in 1974 documented and preserved vital evidence,' the official said. After being cleared, then 17-year-old Criss went on to join the United States Army and brought his .22 caliber handgun with him. While serving at the Fort Lewis Army base, he shot and killed his commanding officer, Sgt. Jacob Brown, five times in the head. Criss shot Brown after damaging the sergeant's car and refusing to pay for the damages. The shooting took place almost two years to the date that Bartron and Zito were killed. Criss was originally sentenced to 35 years for Criss' murder, but only served 12. Ballistics were re-run on the weapon Criss used in the 1976 murder of Sgt. Brown and it yielded a positive match with the gun used in Bartron and Ziti's deaths Ballistics were re-run on the gun Criss had used in 1976 to kill Sgt. Brown and it later yielded a positive match. At that point, Criss was arrested and charged with two counts of murder. 'Mr. Criss was taken into custody using the same pair of handcuffs used when deputies arrested him in December 1974,' Povolny said Friday. The Washington County law enforcement officials said they believe this is the 'oldest known match' that the the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has ever confirmed. Medibank has refused to pay a ransom to the cybercriminals who stole the private information of 9.7million current and former customers last month. The health insurer on Monday revealed the details of nearly 10million customers had been accessed in the major data breach, including information like names, date of birth, phone number and email addresses. Medibank CEO David Koczkar said after speaking with cybercrime experts the company had decided not to pay the criminals responsible any ransom money. 'Based on the extensive advice we have received from cybercrime experts we believe there is only a limited chance paying a ransom would ensure the return of our customers' data and prevent it from being published,' he said on Monday. Medibank has refused to pay a ransom to the mysterious hackers who stole the private information of 9.7million of their customers last month (pictured, a Medibank in Sydney) The health insurer revealed the details of nearly 10million customers had been accessed in the major data breach last month, including information like names, date of birth, phone number and email addresses (pictured, a Medibank in Canberra) Mr Koczkar said paying a ransom to the cybercriminals would encourage them to contact customers and extort them directly. 'In fact, paying could have the opposite effect and encourage the criminal to directly extort our customers, and there is a strong chance that paying puts more people in harm's way by making Australia a bigger target,' he said. Pictured: Medibank CEO David Koczkar 'It is for these reasons we have decided we will not pay a ransom for this event.' Medibank said the number of customers who have had their basic customer information accessed was 9.7million, while the number of people whose private health information has been accessed was less than 500,000. This includes 160,000 Medibank customers, 300,000 customers from the ahm brand and about 20,000 international customers. Personal details include service provider name and location, diagnosis and procedure codes, and the locations where Medibank customers have received specific medical procedures. Of the 9.7million customers who have had their personal information breached, this includes 5.1million Medibank customers, 2.8million ahm customers and 1.8million international customers. Last month, the Medibank cybercriminals threatened to release 200GB of confidential data as well as the private records of the companies 1,000 most famous customers Australia's biggest health insurer has reiterated that business operations remain normal and that no credit card details have been accessed. Last month, the cybercriminals threatened to release 200GB of confidential data as well as the private records of the companies 1,000 most famous customers. Mr Koczkar has 'unreservedly' apologised for the breach and said Medibank would work closely with the Australian Federal Police as investigations continue. 'This is a malicious attack that has been committed by criminals with a view of causing maximum fear and damage, especially to the most vulnerable members of our community,' he said last month. The data breach at Medibank follows a similar attack on telecommunication company Optus where the personal details of up to 10million were exposed (stock image) Cybersecurity Minister Clare O'Neil has said the federal government is against companies paying cybercrime payments but admitted it is not illegal. 'The formal advice of the Australian Government is don't pay ransoms,' she said. 'These people are hard criminals and they are dishonest. They'll tell you all sorts of things about what will happen in the aftermath of paying a ransom and by nature these people are liars and we suggest not co-operating with them.' The data breach at Medibank follows a similar attack on telecommunication company Optus where the personal details of up to 10million were exposed. Telstra also revealed a data breach last month in which 30,000 current and former staff had their names and emails posted online. President Joe Biden's national security adviser is said to be involved in 'confidential conversations' with top Putin aides in an effort to prevent nuclear war. United States officials told the Wall Street Journal on Sunday how Jake Sullivan has been meeting with Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy adviser to Putin, and his direct counterpart, Nikolai Potrushev, to warn against escalating the war in Ukraine though they will not discuss any potential settlements of the conflict. Several officials who spoke to the Journal about Sullivan's discussions with Russian officials have said he is known within the White House for pushing a line of communication with Russia, even when others thought it would be fruitless. The White House has previously said maintaining some level of contact with Moscow is imperative for achieving mutual national security interests, especially after Putin warned of using nuclear weapons. At the same time, though, US officials are also said to be pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to drop his ban on talks with Putin and negotiate an end to the fighting. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has been pushing to keep lines open with Russian officials during the ongoing war in Ukraine. He is pictured here in Ukraine on Friday US officials have described how Sullivan met over the past several months with Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy adviser to Putin, and his direct counterpart, Nikolai Potrushev, to warn against the risk of escalating the war in Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin had warned in September that the country might start using nuclear weapons Biden had originally sought to forge a relationship with Putin when he fist came into office, meeting with him at a summit in Geneva in June 2021. But by that October, US intelligence indicated that Russian forces were preparing to invade Ukraine. The US president then spoke with Putin in December 2021 and again in February 2022 to avert a Russian attack but his efforts failed when Russian forces invaded Ukraine on February 24. Since then, officials say, Sullivan has taken a leading role in coordinating the Biden administration's policy and plans in response to the war and had been involved in diplomatic efforts. In fact, when Putin hinted in September that Russia might resort to nuclear weapons, Sullivan said the Biden administration 'had communicated directly, privately at very high levels to the Kremlin that any use of nuclear weapons will be met with catastrophic consequences for Russia.' He did not specify at the time how the Biden administration spoke to Russian officials. And in a March conversation with Patrushev, Sullivan is sad to have told the Russian official that Moscow's forces should stop attacking Ukraine cities and towns, and warned the Kremlin not to use chemical or biological weapons. Russian officials put out a statement in response saying Patrushev stressed 'the need to stop Washington's support of neo-Nazis and terrorists in Ukraine, and facilitate the transfer of foreign mercenaries to the conflict zone, as well as refuse to continue supplying weapons to the Kyiv regime.' President Joe Biden had sought to forge a relationship with Putin when he fist came into office Rescuers respond to a Russian missile attack which left a commercial enterprise destroyed on Sunday Ukrainian servicemen ride an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), as Russia's attack in Ukraine continues, in Siversk, Donetsk region Worshippers pray and light candles in St. Volodymyr's Cathedral, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate, on Sunday amid the ongoing war But Sullivan is not the only one in the Biden administration seeking to make inroads with Russian officials as relations between the two countries worsen. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and several of his counterparts spoke this month with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu as Moscow claimed Kyiv was preparing to us a so-called dirty bomb in the ongoing war. At that meeting, officials say, Austin stressed the importance at the time of maintaining lines of communication. Now, Washington DC and Moscow have at least seemed to make some progress in arms control deals. The two sides are adhering to the New START treaty, which limits long-rang US and Russian nuclear arms, according to the Wall Street Journal, and are planning to hold meetings of the Bilateral Consultative Commission to discuss its implementation. The goal is to resume inspections of nuclear weapons that were suspended during the pandemic. The United States is also said to be privately encouraging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to drop his ban on talks with Putin and negotiate an end to the fighting In the meantime, the United States is said to be privately encouraging Zelensky to drop his ban on talks with Putin and negotiate an end to the fighting. US officials have said that the request by the Biden administration is not to push Ukraine to the negotiating table, but ensure Kyiv maintains the support of its international backers. People familiar with the discussions are wary that Zelenskys ban on talks with the Russian President has created concern in parts of Europe, Africa and Latin America, where the war's effects are being felt the most. Several nations are worried about fueling a war for many years which has already taken a toll on the world economy and had devastating consequences on the cost and availability of food and fuel. 'Ukraine fatigue is a real thing for some of our partners,' one US official told The Washington Post. Ed Miliband sparked outrage yesterday by calling on the UK to acknowledge its historical responsibility and send cash to countries hit by climate change. The former Labour leader said it was morally right to help places such as the Maldives and Pakistan cope with flood damage and rising sea levels. His comments were condemned last night by Tory MPs. Labour have let the cat out of the bag here as to their plans to give untold billions to countries on the premise that there is climate damage being done, said Craig Mackinlay, founder of the Net Zero Scrutiny Group. How on earth we could be held responsible for our past, which actually gave more technological advances to the world than any other country, I find somewhat laughable. The row came as Rishi Sunak flew to the Cop27 conference in Egypt, where Britain is set to face demands for environmental reparations. Mr Miliband was blamed for adding hundreds of pounds to energy bills through the green levies he imposed when energy secretary in 2008. He is pictured above in 2014 Developing countries and China asked for a financial package at last years Cop26 event in Glasgow but were rebuffed. Any repeat would be resisted by the Government which has said it will stop giving China aid, having handed over 64million in 2020. Britain gave 200million in official development assistance to Pakistan in 2020 and provided 26million in humanitarian support following deadly floods this year. Some MPs have questioned why the UK gives so much money to a country that has a space programme and nuclear weapons. The nations most likely to receive climate reparations are low-lying islands threatened by rising seas and extreme weather, such as the Maldives and those in the Pacific. Mr Miliband, who is his partys climate spokesman, was being quizzed on how Labour would help developing countries. He told the BBCs Laura Kuenssberg: I dont see it as about reparation this is about the issue of so-called loss and damage, this is the fact that poorer countries are facing massive effects of climate change. The terminology matters because lots of people are allergic to the term reparations. Asked by the BBC if Labour would transfer large amounts of cash to the developing world including China, he insisted: Its not about China. China isnt necessarily asking for money. This is about poorer countries that are on the front line of the climate crisis; Pakistan had these disastrous floods recently, 30 per cent of the country under water, so this is about global solidarity. The former Labour leader said it was morally right to help places such as the Maldives and Pakistan (above) cope with flood damage and rising sea levels Yes we have some historical responsibility, but this is about global solidarity and its absolutely part of our aid commitment. We dont think the Government was right to cut the 0.7 per cent aid commitment. Pressed on whether or not Labour would give that money, he replied: Absolutely its about supporting poorer countries, completely right, and let me just say its morally right, but its also in our self-interest too. Because if we dont act and if we dont help countries around the world, were going to end up with the problems that countries face in terms of refugees for example coming back on to us. This is about countries like the Maldives, like Pakistan and others. Last night Labour insisted Mr Miliband had been talking about overseas aid spending and said the party did not have a policy on reparations payments. A spokesman said: Like the UK Government, we support the addition of loss and damage to the agenda for Cop27 for world leaders to discuss. Labour would return UK development spending to 0.7 per cent of GDP to ensure that we can strengthen our energy security here at home by bolstering energy security abroad. The row came as Rishi Sunak flew to the Cop27 conference in Egypt, where Britain is set to face demands for environmental reparations But Tory backbencher Chris Green said: Awful that Labour want British taxpayers to start paying reparations to China and so many other countries around the world. What crimes do they think British people are guilty of heating their homes? Former Downing Street chief of staff Nick Timothy said: You can always trust Labour to put the interests of others before our own. Were facing a painful fiscal squeeze and these guys want to talk about giving away billions to other countries as compensation for our early industrial development. The contentious topic looks set to dominate the Cop27 summit, which will be addressed by Mr Sunak today. Funding arrangements responding to loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change have been added to the formal agenda of the UN conference. The Government has backed discussions on loss and damage but not committed to direct payments. Last week Foreign Office minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan told the Commons: Loss and damage has been, and continues to be, a priority for the UK Cop26 presidency. Only two countries have offered funding for loss and damage to developing countries: Denmark with 11.7million and Scotland 2million. Boris Johnson will speak at a fringe event at Cop27, urging delegates to fight against corrosive cynicism on net zero. He is expected to say: We must end the defeatism that has crept in since last year, we must end Putins energy blackmail, we must keep up our campaign to end global dependence on hydrocarbons. And if we retain the spirit of creative and promethean optimism that we saw at Paris and Glasgow, then we can keep 1.5 alive. A Government spokesman said: The UK is a world leader in driving international action to tackle climate change, support those countries most at risk from the threat it poses and step up progress on climate adaptation. Last years Cop established the Glasgow Dialogue to discuss funding arrangements to avert, minimise and address loss and damage. Mr Miliband was blamed for adding hundreds of pounds to energy bills through the green levies he imposed when energy secretary in 2008. The Supreme Court upheld the 103rd amendment which gives 10 per cent reservation to economically weaker sections in central government jobs and admissions in central government-run institutions. (Photo: PTI) NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday by a majority of 3-2 upheld the Constitutions 103rd Amendment providing for a 10 per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections of the forward classes describing it (EWS reservation) as an affirmative action, not violative of the basic structure of the Constitution, and saying it did not offend the equality code by excluding SC/STs and OBCs from its ambit. The order passed by the five-judge Constitution Bench said: In view of the decision rendered by the majority consisting of Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, Justice Bela M. Trivedi and Justice J.B. Pardiwala, the challenge raised to the 103rd Amendment to the Constitution fails and the decision rendered by Justice S. Ravindra Bhat remains in a minority. Consequently, the writ petitions and other proceedings stand disposed of. The majority view of the five-judge Constitution Bench was pronounced by Justices Dinesh Maheshwari, Bela M. Trivedi and J.B. Pardiwala by their three separate concurring judgments. However, Chief Justice Uday Umesh Lalit and Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, in a dissenting judgment, ruled against the 103rd Amendment declaring it unconstitutional, and void Clauses 2 and 3 of the 103rd amendment by which Clause 6 was added to Article 15 and 16 respectively that paved the way for the 10 per cent EWS reservation amongst forward classes, holding it exclusionary, arbitrary and violative of the basic structure of the Constitution. Holding that there was no exclusionary concept in the Constitution, Justice Bhat, who authored the dissenting judgment, however, said that the state was entitled to affirmative steps and found no flaw in mandating the private unaided educational institutions to adhere to 10 per cent EWS reservations. Justice Bhat did not express any view on the question of whether the 10 per cent EWS reservation was in breach of the 50 per cent cap on reservations put by a nine-judge Constitution Bench in 1992 in the Indra Sawhney case. He said that since matters relating to reservations beyond the 50 per cent cap in Tamil Nadu and other states are pending before the court, it would not be proper to express any opinion on this aspect. Pronouncing judgment on the four questions adjudicated by the Constitution Bench, Justice Dinesh Maheshwari said the 10 per cent EWS reservation was an affirmative step. Reservation, Justice Maheshwari said, is an instrument of affirmative action so as to ensure all-inclusive march towards the goals of an egalitarian society. He said it is a means of inclusion of any class or section so disadvantaged. Reservation on economic basis does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution. Holding that the exclusion of SC/STs and OBCs from the 10 per cent EWS quota were not violative of the equality code, Justice Maheshwari said the cap on 50 per cent reservations in the 1992 judgment was not inflexible. Four questions that were adjudicated by the Constitution Bench included whether 10 per cent EWS reservation over and above the ceiling on 50 per cent reservation was violative of the basic structure of the Constitution, whether the exclusion SC/STs and OBCs offended the equality code, could there be reservations on the grounds of economic backwardness alone and whether mandating private unaided educational institutions to reserve 10 per cent seats for EWS students a violative of the basic structure of the Constitution. Both Justices Trivedi and Pardiwal appeared to suggest that reservations having roots in centuries-old social discrimination had lasted for long and it was time it should be revisited and wither away. Referring to what was envisioned by framers of the Constitution and a Constitution Bench in 1985, and what was sought to be achieved on the completion of 50 years of the advent of the Constitution, Justice Bela M. Trivedi said that reservation was due to the age-old caste system and was introduced to correct historical injustice faced by SC/STs and OBCs, and to provide them a level playing field to compete with the persons belonging to the forward classes. However, at the end of 75 years of our Independence, Justice Trivedi said: We need to revisit the system of reservations in the larger interest of society as a whole, as a step forward towards transformative constitutionalism. Referring to the Constitutions 104th Amendment which had abolished the representation of Anglo-Indians in Parliament and the state legislatures, Justice Trivedi said: Therefore, a similar time limit, if prescribed, for the special provisions in respect of the reservations and representations provided in Article 15 and Article 16 of the Constitution, it could be a way forward leading to an egalitarian, casteless and classless society. Holding the reservations were ot an end but a means to secure social and economic justice, Justice Pardiwala said: Reservations should not be allowed to become a vested interest. A real solution, however, lies in eliminating the causes that have led to the social, educational and economic backwardness of the weaker sections of the community. Recent campaign finance reports covering three weeks in October show Zeldin outraised Hochul by bringing in $3.6 million to her $3.4 million Lauder insists it is all about solving NYC's crime problem and while Hochul has worked to toughen up lax bail reform laws Zeldin wants it completely overturned His cash injection has caught incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul's campaign by surprise and claims his motivation lies in securing a lower tax bill for himself New York cosmetics heir Ronald Lauder, 78, has donated $11 million to the New York gubernatorial campaign of Republican Representative Lee Zeldin in a bid to end the Big Apple's crime wave and elect New York's first GOP governor in 20 years. Lauder, who has a net worth of $4.5 billion, and his brother Leonard Lauder, are the sole heirs to the Estee Lauder cosmetics company, founded by their parents, Estee Lauder and Joseph Lauder, in 1946. He said 'you couldn't pay me to get on the subway' because of the Big Apple's rising crime and random attacks on public transport, and doesn't want his grandchildren to have walk around with bodyguards. 'He sees the city heading in the direction that it headed in the mid-1970s,' said Richard D. Parsons, Lauder's friend and the former chairman of Citigroup told The New York Times. 'He doesn't want to see that. And I understand that. The very notion that the governor's office would be winnable for Republicans in New York is the latest warning for Democrats that they could face deep losses in this year's midterm elections. Zeldin, a congressman and ally of former President Donald Trump, has tightened the race in recent weeks after focusing for months on rising violent crime in New York with Lauder's money giving a much-needed boost to his chances of securing victory. Ronald Lauder, 78, the billionaire heir of Estee-Lauder has donated $11 million to the New York gubernatorial campaign of Republican Representative Lee Zeldin There has been a late-stage surge in funding by Republican Lee Zeldin which could result in an upset in the traditionally blue state Lauder's cash injection forced Democrats to create a super PAC in New York to try and boost incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul's run, the New York Times reported. Her polling and fund-raising advantages have slowly crumbled as election day draws near and as voters in the state say crime is one of the top worries they are considering at the ballot box on Tuesday. President Biden headed to New York to campaign with her on Sunday night in a last-ditch bid to try and rally support and avoid a crushing defeat in a state where there are twice as many registered Democrats as there are Republicans. Biden criticized Zeldin's record on crime, saying he was 'all talk', and promised Hochul was bringing in billions in infrastructure funds to the state. It is a sure sign of the party's growing fears that a late-stage surge by her Republican rival could result in an upset in the traditionally blue state. Should Zeldin win he would become the state's first GOP governor since George Pataki left office in 2006. Hochul raised $50 million for her campaign over the course of a year while Zeldin only managed to raise about half that amount. Lauder's involvement significantly narrowed the gap with Lauder being responsible for close to half of all Zeldin donations between August and late October. The money has gone towards a barrage of political ads that portray Hochul as being connected to the rise in crime and Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg, being soft on crime. Democrat Kathy Hochul's campaign claims Lauder's motivation lies in securing a lower tax bill for himself The Super PAC to which Lauder donated his $11 million has held pay for newspaper ads and Zeldin lawn signs together with a texting campaign to drive turnout The Super PAC to which Lauder donated has also paid for newspaper ads and Zeldin lawn signs together with a texting campaign. Over the years, Lauder has donated money to art and philanthropy to Jewish causes but within the political sphere has has spent at least $35 million in the last few decades supporting Republicans for state and federal office including $200,000 to former President Donald Trump. It was was Lauder who famously pitched the idea for Trump in 2019 to buy Greenland from Denmark. The former president even invoked his National Security Council to discuss the matter. The Danes, however, scoffed at the idea. Since 2016, Lauder has donated more than $1.6 million to pro-Donald Trump organizations In 1989, he made a run from New York mayor running against Rudy Giuliani spending about $14 million, or about $33 million in today's money. This time around, Zeldin has made his focus the rising crime rates and a string of high-profile violent incidents, including some killings on the New York City subways. He blames Hochul and Democrats in Albany for not being tough enough on criminals. Rates of violent crime and killings have broadly increased around the U.S. since the coronavirus pandemic, in some places climbing from historic lows. Lauder is a Trump-aligned Republican who has thrown millions of dollars to back conservative causes and candidates over the years In 1989, he made a run from New York mayor running against Rudy Giuliani spending about $14 million, or about $33 million in today's money. He is pictured here in his role as as American ambassador in Austria in Vienna in 1986 Ronald Lauder and Estee Lauder are pictured at the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center in New York City in May 1993. She died in April 1994 at the age of 97 Crime continues to run rampant in the Big Apple, with violent offenses up nearly 30 percent Crimes on New York City's subways are now up 41 percent over last year, murders in particular rising to their highest rates in 25 years, with nine reported this year alone US Rep and New York gubernatorial hopeful Lee Zeldin slammed Gov. Kathy Hochul for the latest rape incident and surge in crime in the Big Apple Rates of murder, rape, robbery and assault have all increased across New York since the pandemic, and all of those crimes except robbery have increased from 2012 to 2021, according to New York state data. New York Police Department data shows that in New York City, murder rates are lower than they were two years ago, but rates of rape, robbery, assault and burglary are all up. Crimes on the transit system are also up, but the crimes represent a small fraction of the passengers on the subway system and come as ridership has also increased. Hochul says Lauder's interest in backing Zeldin is simply in his own self-interest with Zeldin's promise to scrap estate tax that would save his family millions, and the halting of the construction of an offshore wind farm he opposes. 'It's not a beef. It's what he's going to get in return. Ron Lauder is going to get a lot more than a thank-you note from Lee Zeldin,' Hochul said when asked to explain Lauder's interest in the race. Cosmetics giant Estee Lauder is pictured with her family in 1978, (L-R) Gary Lauder, Evelyn Lauder, Joseph Lauder, Estee Lauder, Aerin Lauder, William Lauder, Jane Lauder, Leonard Lauder, Ronald Lauder and Jo Carole Lauder Ronald Lauder is the current President of the World Jewish Congress. He is pictured in October 2021 Over the years, Lauder has donated money to art and philanthropy to Jewish causes. He is pictured in December 2019, in front of the notorious gate at the site of the former Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp alongside former German Chancellor Angela Merkel But Lauder insists his motivations are simple and selfless and are driven with the sole aim of tackling crime and the fear of. 'I'm no ogre. It's a question of one thing I believe in, always have. I want two parties. I want a Republican and a Democratic Party. When you have just one party, I believe things go wrong,' he told the New York Times. Lauder says he believes Hochul should have pushed harder to reverse changes to the state's bail law that bars prosecutors from asking for cash bail for less serious crimes. While Hochul has worked to toughen up the law, Zeldin wants it completely overturned. 'You couldn't pay me to get on the subway,' Lauder said to the Times nothing that he does not want his children and grandchildren 'to have to go with bodyguards.' He also insists him backing Zeldin is unrelated to his tax bill. Recent campaign finance reports covering three weeks in October show Zeldin outraised Hochul by bringing in $3.6 million to her $3.4 million Lauder insists his fundraising motivations are simple and selfless, driven with the sole aim of tackling crime and the fear of. 'I'm no ogre. It's a question of one thing I believe in, always have. I want two parties. I want a Republican and a Democratic Party. When you have just one party, I believe things go wrong,' he said. He is pictured in 2019 'It has nothing to do with money for myself, a millionaire tax,' he said. 'Frankly, if I was a different person, I would have moved already.' The most recent campaign finance reports covering three weeks in October show that Zeldin outraised Hochul by bringing in $3.6 million to her $3.4 million. Siena College polling since July, including as recently as mid-October, has shown Hochul with a significant lead over Zeldin. But other recent polls have suggested Hochul has only a modest advantage. Hochul, who took over as governor in August 2021 after former Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned amid sexual harassment allegations, is trying to win the office outright this year, which would make her the first woman to be elected as New York governor. But Hochul has had a lower profile than her predecessor and has been working to introduce herself to New Yorkers over the past year. She initially focused her campaign heavily on her support for abortion rights and highlighting Zeldin's alliance with Trump and his vote as a member of the U.S. House against certifying Joe Bidens 2020 election victory. In recent weeks, she has been speaking more about public safety and stepped up her efforts to portray Zeldin as 'extreme.' Hochul, who took over as governor in August 2021 after former Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned amid sexual harassment allegations, is trying to win the office outright this year, which would make her the first woman to be elected New York governor. She is pictured alongside President Joe Biden during a visit on Sunday Joe Biden said during an event in New York Sunday there would be 'no more drilling' in the U.S. one day after Joe Manchin blasted him for vowing to close coal plants - while the president nearly took a spill on stage. The president could be heard at one point telling someone in the crowd 'No more drilling. There is no more drilling. I haven't formed any new drilling. No.' On Friday, Biden claimed during an event in California that the U.S. will shut down coal mines in favor of wind and solar plants. As the White House backtracked and claimed Biden's words were 'twisted,' the West Virginia Democrat Senator Manchin said Saturday Biden's claims are the reason 'the American people are losing trust in President Biden.' 'Being cavalier about the loss of coal jobs for men and women in West Virginia and across the country who literally put their lives on the line to help and power this country is offensive and disgusting', Manchin said. However, Biden seemed to double down on those remarks - while he chatted with hecklers and nearly fell on stage discussing lowering the annual cost of prescription drugs for seniors at Sunday's event with New York Govenror Kathy Hochul. 'Oops, stepping on a hmm it's black. Anyway,' Biden said after he nearly fell. President Joe Biden delivered a chaotic speech from Yonkers, New York two days before the midterm elections where he stumbled on stage and spent a large time interrupting his own speech to interact with the audience The president turns 80 on November 20, and was talking about his age and birthday when a heckler interjected from the audience. 'I know I don't look it, but I've been around for a little while,' Biden joked to the crowd gathered at private liberal arts university Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers, New York on Sunday evening. At this point, Biden was interrupted by at least one protester, whom he appeared to encourage as he was being escorted out of the venue. 'Let 'em holler. Let 'em holler,' the president dismissed. 'That's more like my generation, alright. I'm with ya.' Audience member and Sarah Lawrence College student Vivian Lipson held up a white bra with 'Joe Biden' written in black sharpie on each of the cups at the president's rally on her college's campus on Sunday, November 6 Biden had to catch himself at one point during the rally as he tripped over something on stage and almost fell. Biden was extremely interactive with the crowd during Sunday's rally for New York Governor Kathy Hochul. So much so that he even began having a conversation with a member of the crowd who yelled at the president at the end of his rally about drilling. He also stopped his rally at one point to get medical help for a crowd member who fainted. Biden was telling a story about his conversation with world leaders at the G7 summit right after he became president. It's unclear why Biden chose New York, a state which he won by more than 23 points in 2020, as the destination for a rally just two days before the 2022 midterm elections. Biden went to bat for New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Sunday, November 6 at Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers, NY despite her 7.5 point lead over challenger Republican Congressman Lee Zeldin The president was forced to stop mid-story when audience members brought his attention to someone requiring medical attention. 'Okay, I got it, I got it,' Biden said when the audience got frantic over the fainting spell. 'Let's get a little bit of help here. Someone fainted. I've got it, I've got it. We'll get some help over here.' He crowd sourced the effort and justified the fainting spell as due to standing for a long period of time at the rally, where Governor Kathy Hochul and Biden both spoke. Hochul is facing her first election after being appointed to complete disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo's term. She is going against GOP Representative Lee Zeldin ina state Biden won by 23.2 points in the 2020 presidential election. The deep blue state is unlikely to turn red with polls showing Hochul ahead of Zeldin by 7.5 points. It also raises the question why Biden chose New York as one of the states where he made his final argument for electing Democrats in the 2022 midterms. Biden interrupted his own speech several times to interact with the crowd, including almost encouraging a heckler, trying to find medical help for an audience member who fainted and talking to a person in the front row about how he 'stopped drilling' While Higher Love by Kygo and Whitney Houston began playing to signal the end of Biden's speech, the president stayed behind and started talking to a person in the crowd, which prompted the music to end abruptly. The president did not propose any plans to dig the U.S. out of economic turmoil in a New York rally just two days before Election Day instead he attacked Republicans and again painted November 8 as a 'battle for democracy.' He went after Zeldin's voting record while also invoking the names of lawmakers not in the New York race like far-right Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. Biden said that there are 300 'election deniers' on the ballot in the 2022 midterms, and claimed Republicans want to deny Democrats the right to vote as well as making sure their votes don't count when they are cast. 'You can't only love the country when you win,' the president said in reference to some lawmakers who have already suggested they won't accept the results. She argued Vaucluse does not have the infrastructure to support new builds Liberal candidate for Vaucluse Kellie Sloane launched her campaign on Sunday Residents in an affluent harbourside suburb should not be 'punished' with more housing, a local politician has claimed. Liberal candidate for Vaucluse Kellie Sloane launched her election campaign on Sunday, alongside NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, declaring voters in Sydney's eastern suburbs were concerned about over-development. The former TV journalist said Woollahra Council exceeded previous housing targets and residents should not be 'punished' with more housing - despite the premier's push for more homes. Former TV journalist turned Liberal hopeful Kellie Sloane (pictured) launched her election campaign claiming residents in the Wollahra Council should not be 'punished' with more housing Ms Sloane argued eastern suburb residents were concerned with overdevelopment and that the Wollahra Council area did not have the infrastructure to facilitate the new builds (pictured, Sydney's harbourside suburb Vaucluse) 'We in the Woollahra council area exceeded our (housing) expectations so I don't think we should be punished down the track, building more houses,' she said. 'I'm saying that we need sustainable development in this community, a community that doesn't have the infrastructure for over-development. 'It's getting the balance right, protecting the integrity of this community.' The 49-year-old argued Vaucluse - which has some of the country's most expensive properties - did not have the infrastructure to support new buildings, despite the council adopting a plan last year for new homes to be built. The 2021 report recommended 500 new homes be built in the council area in the next five years - however, only 400 homes are forecast to be built between 2026 and 2036. The NSW Government housing plan aims to build 40,000 new homes a year across the state. Woollahra council has one of the lowest housing targets in the state compared to Blacktown and The Hills, which are forecasted to build 17,000 and 14,870 new homes by 2026, respectively. Premier Dominic Perrottet (pictured) introduced a housing plan which aims to build 40,000 new homes a year across the state Premier Perrottet criticised 'not in my backyard' complaints by privileged locals, but also said preserving a suburb's local character was important. 'You've got to take the community with you on the journey,' he told The Property Couch podcast last month. Ms Sloane was as preselected by party members last week after the Premier faced pressure to increase the number of female representation in his cabinet and government. The mother-of-three is one of the few Liberal women preselected in a winnable blue-ribbon seat ahead of the state election on March 25. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled a 220million package of measures to help the environment at Cop27. He said the UK was committing 90million to conserving the tropical rainforest in the Congo Basin and 65million to the Nature, People and Climate Investment Fund, which supports indigenous and local forest communities. A further 65.5million will go to the Clean Energy Innovation Facility, which funds the acceleration of clean technology in developing countries. Mr Sunak said yesterday: The world came together in Glasgow with one last chance to create a plan that would limit global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled a 220million package of measures to help the environment at Cop27 (pictured on November 4) Sunak arrives in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt, to attend the Cop27 climate summit on November 6 The question today is: can we summon the collective will to deliver on those promises? I believe we can. By honouring the pledges we made in Glasgow, we can turn our struggle against climate change into a global mission for new jobs and clean growth. It is hoped the move would help the world to reduce reliance on oil and gas, which cuts off the funds for Russias brutal war machine. Since the BEIS-led fund was launched in 2019 it has supported the creation of biomass-powered refrigeration in India, prototype lithium-ion batteries in Nigeria and clean hydrogen-based fuels for steel production in Morocco, among other innovations. The Prime Minister is also expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings at COP27 today, including with French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni. He was detained on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance The founder of Just Stop Oil, Roger Hallam, 56, was arrested last night The leader of Just Stop Oil was arrested for reportedly planning large-scale blockades to bring traffic to a stand-still on the M25 today. Roger Hallam, 56, and two other eco-activists were taken in for questioning by Met police last night, The Sun reported. Mr Hallam was not at home when the police raided his property to arrest him, but they later said he had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance. The eco-group carried out an entire month of action over October and were planning daily action until Christmas. Mr Hallam, who also co-founded Extinction Rebellion said: 'It's potentially the most significant act of civil disobedience in decades.' Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said three people were arrested on Sunday evening who were suspected of planning public disruption. Police were expecting to make more arrests overnight. The leader of Just Stop Oil, Roger Hallam, was arrested last night for reportedly planning large-scale blockades to bring traffic to a stand-still on the M25 (pictured: Hallam being arrested in 2019) Hallam,56, and two other eco-activists were taken in for questioning by Met police last night, The Sun reported Roger Hallam's past litany of dodgy remarks: from comparing the Holocaust to just another 'f***ery' to advocating Nuremberg-trials for 'climate criminals' Farmer Roger Hallam, 55, who helped found Extinction Rebellion, before leaving to joining protest organiser Insulate Britain, wants to 'bring down all the regimes in the world', starting with Britain, and believes those running society 'should have a bullet through their heads'. There have been allegations of a 'cult-like' following for the Welshman who compares his tactics to those of heroic activists Gandhi and Martin Luther King. He is said to have been inspired to take up climate activism after his farm in Wales went bust due to bad weather. Ironically, Mr Hallam owns a farmhouse which was described as 'poorly insulated' in an official energy performance certificate. His 2,000 sq ft farmhouse in Carmarthen, South Wales, was given the lowest possible energy rating on the certificate. It is unclear if Mr Hallam has taken steps to improve the rating since it was issued six years ago. Asked about the certificate, a spokesman for the group said: 'This is the point - UK homes are the leakiest in Europe, with many millions of families being unable to afford the advice and help needed to insulate the building they live in.' Hallam has also compared the murder of six million Jewish people at the hands of the Nazis to other historical massacres and claimed that memory of the Holocaust was holding Germany back. The former organic farmer was quickly condemned by Extinction Rebellion groups in Germany after his comments with a newspaper in the country. Advertisement Metropolitan Police confirmed they have launched a 'significant' operation to identify and arrest climate change protesters suspected of planning 'reckless and serious' motorway disruption as Cop27 gets underway. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said three people were arrested on Sunday evening who were suspected of planning public disruption. Police were expecting to make more arrests overnight. Mr Twist said: 'Our investigation has strong reason to suspect the Just Stop Oil group intend to disrupt major motorway road networks which would risk serious harm to the public, with reckless action to obstruct the public on a large scale. 'All those arrested are suspected of engaging in conspiracy to cause public nuisance contrary to Section 78 Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. 'There remains a possibility outstanding suspects are still intent on causing unlawful disruption to the public. The Met has mobilised specialist teams and drawn police officers from across the capital to respond.' According to the Met, which is conducting the operation in conjunction with the National Police Coordination Centre (NPoCC), more than 10,000 officer shifts have been dedicated to policing Just Stop Oil protests since the start of October. It comes as National Highways secured a High Court injunction to prevent Just Stop Oil protesters disrupting England's busiest motorway. The court has granted a further injunction which aims to stop unlawful demonstrations on the M25, which encircles Greater London, in an attempt to end disruption to the busy road by the environmental group. It means that anyone entering the motorway and fixing themselves to any object or structure on it, and anyone assisting in such an act, can be held in contempt of court. They could face imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and the seizure of assets. The injunction was secured in addition to an court order obtained by National Highways earlier this year that targeted protesters including those from Insulate Britain. Transport Secretary Mark Harper said he instructed National Highways to apply for the latest injunction to tackle a 'reckless minority of protesters'. He said: 'Protesting by blocking busy motorways or climbing overhead structures is extremely dangerous and disruptive, which is why I instructed National Highways to apply for this further injunction, which the courts have granted. 'This will make it easier to take action against this reckless minority of protesters. 'They could face imprisonment or an unlimited fine if they breach the injunction.' National Highways secured a High Court injunction to prevent Just Stop Oil protesters disrupting England's busiest motorway Mr Hallam, who also co-founded Extinction Rebellion said their action up until Christmas would potentially be 'the most significant act of civil disobedience in decades' Duncan Smith, executive director for operations at National Highways, added: 'Millions of people rely on the strategic road network every day and they have a right to expect it to operate as it should. 'We already have an injunction covering hundreds of miles of our network. This further court order will make it easier to take action against those reckless individuals who choose to unlawfully protest on the M25. 'Protesting on these busy roads is extremely dangerous for the protestors themselves and all road users. 'National Highways remains committed to do whatever it can to seek to deter unlawful protest activity and punish all of those who breach the injunction orders in the eyes of the law.' National Highways' existing injunction covers the M25, the M25 feeder roads and major roads in Kent and around the Port of Dover until May 2023. The past eight years were the hottest on record and should be seen as a distress signal from planet Earth, the UN Secretary General warned yesterday. The global temperature is now estimated to be around 1.15C higher than between 1850 and 1900, according to a report from the UNs World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). It means that the target to limit global warming to 1.5C is now barely within reach amid warnings of rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions. The annual State of the Global Climate report added that this year alone could be the fifth warmest on record. Speaking ahead of the Cop27 summit in Egypt, Antonio Guterres said: We must answer the planets distress signal with action ambitious, credible climate action. Cop27 must be the place and now must be the time. The past eight years were the hottest on record and should be seen as a distress signal from planet Earth, the UN Secretary General warned yesterday The Earths temperature is entering dangerous territory, with the UK hitting 40C for the first time. Mr Guterres said: As COP27 gets under way, our planet is sending a distress signal. The latest State of the Global Climate report is a chronicle of climate chaos. WMO secretary-general Petteri Taalas said the Paris agreement to limit global warming to 1.5c was at risk of failing. He said: The greater the warming, the worse the impacts. We have such high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere now that the lower 1.5C of the Paris Agreement is barely within reach. The WMO added in a statement a lack of action has led to warnings that the 1.5C goal is slipping away. At the summit, nations attempt to take action to reduce greenhouse gases, which result from burning oil, coal, gas farming and deforestation. But the three main greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide have all risen to record levels, the report said. At current rates, the Earth will warm by 2.6-2.8c by 2100, UN scientists warn. The WMO report shows 2022 will likely be the fifth or sixth warmest year on record. It would be warmer if it were not for a weather phenomenon called La Nina, which has cooled global temperatures for the past two years. Detailing the devastation to glaciers, the report said glaciers in the European Alps, lost on average three to four metres of ice thickness throughout the mountain range - substantially more than the previous record year of 2003. Mr Guterres said: As COP27 gets under way, our planet is sending a distress signal. The latest State of the Global Climate report is a chronicle of climate chaos The report said between 2001 and 2022, glacier ice in Switzerland has declined by more than a third. Since January 2020, sea levels have risen by nearly 10mm (0.4 inches) to a new record high this year. Ocean heat was at record levels in 2021, the last year assessed, while this year Arctic sea ice extent was below the long term average for most of the year. Antarctic sea ice dropped to its lowest level on record in February. Leading climate scientist Professor Sir Brian Hoskins, chairman of the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London, said: One detail sums it up: Switzerland has lost more than a third of its glacier volume since 2001. How much more warning do they need before the countries of the world will move from talk and promises to real action? Elon Musk tweeted Sunday that Twitter will permanently suspend any account on the social media platform that impersonates another. The platform's new owner issued the warning after some celebrities changed their Twitter display names - not their account names - and tweeted as 'Elon Musk' in reaction to the billionaire's decision to offer verified accounts to all comers for $8 month. 'Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying 'parody' will be permanently suspended,' Musk wrote. While Twitter previously issued warnings before suspensions, now that it is rolling out 'widespread verification, there will be no warning.' In fact, 'any name change at all' would compel the temporary loss of a verified checkmark, the world's richest man said. Comedian Kathy Griffin had her account suspended Sunday for switching her screen name to Musk. Actress Valerie Bertinelli had done the same - posting a series of tweets in support of Democratic candidates on Saturday before switching back to her true name. 'Okey-dokey. I've had fun and I think I made my point,' she tweeted afterwards. Elon Musk tweeted Sunday that Twitter will permanently suspend any account on the social media platform that impersonates another Comedian Kathy Griffin's Twitter account was suspended after she changed her name on the platform to Elon Musk Before the stunt, Bertinelli noted the original purpose of the blue verification checkmark. It was granted free of charge to people whose identity Twitter employees had confirmed; with journalists accounting for a big portion of recipients. 'It simply meant your identity was verified. Scammers would have a harder time impersonating you,' Bertinelli noted. 'That no longer applies. Good luck out there!' she added. The $8 verified accounts are Musk's way of democratizing the service, he claims. On Saturday, a Twitter update for iOS devices listed on Apple's app store said users who 'sign up now' for the new 'Twitter Blue with verification' can get the blue check next to their names 'just like the celebrities, companies and politicians you already follow.' It said the service would first be available in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. However, it was not available Sunday and there was no indication when it would roll go live. A Twitter employ, Esther Crawford, told The Associated Press it is coming 'soon but it hasn't launched yet.' Twitter did not respond on Sunday to an email seeking comment. Actress Valerie Bertinelli changed her Twitter name to Elon Musk, then later changed it back and pointed out that the new verified account system was bound to lead to confusion A tweet made by Griffin impersonating Elon Musk. She changed her name on the platform to the billionaire's Kathy Griffith jibed Musk across her Twitter accounts, which she changed to show his name Some Twitter users have already begun migrating from the platform - to alternatives such as Mastodon and Counter Social - following layoffs that began Friday that reportedly affected about half of Twitter's 7,500-employee workforce. They fear a breakdown of moderation and verification could create a disinformation free-for-all on what has been the internet's main conduit for reliable communications from public agencies and other institutions. Many companies have paused advertising on the platform out of concern it could become more unruly under Musk. Yoel Roth, Twitter's head of safety and integrity, sought to assuage such concerns in a tweet Friday. He said the company's front-line content moderation staff was the group least affected by the job cuts. Musk tweeted late Friday that there was no choice but to cut jobs 'when the company is losing over $4M/day.' He did not provide details on the daily losses at Twitter and said employees who lost their jobs were offered three months' pay as severance. One of numerous verified Twitter users which changed their name to Elon Musk and posted ridiculous tweets Melbourne's Crown Casino has been slapped with $120million in fines by the gaming regulator for breaches of its responsible service of gambling obligations. The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) took disciplinary action against Crown for ongoing misconduct by imposing two fines on Monday. A 2021 royal commission found the Southbank casino breached its code of conduct for the Responsible Service of Gambling over several years. It found the casino failed to prevent gambling harm for its customers and also failed to comply with a statutory direction by the regulator. Crown Casino in Melbourne (above) has been fined $120million for allowing people to gamble for 24 hours straight and use plastic picks to simulate 'automatic play' The regulator fined Crown $100million for allowing people to gamble for more than 24 hours straight. It fined the casino an additional $20million for allowing patrons to use plastic picks to simulate 'automatic play' on pokies machines. Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission Chairwoman Fran Thorn said the Crown had failed in its 'legal and moral obligation' to keep gamblers safe. 'The record fines totalling $120million that we have imposed on Crown today will send a powerful message to Crown that the Commission will not tolerate misconduct that exposes our community to increased risks of gambling-related harm,' she said. 'These were not isolated breaches. They were part of a pattern of extensive, sustained and systemic failures by Crown that spanned roughly 12 years.' The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission found in May the Crown Casino (above) had facilitated the illegal transfer of Chinese funds and fined it $80milion It comes just a few months after the casino was fined $80million for allowing the transfer of illegal funds from China. Between 2012 and 2016 China banned citizens from transferring more than US$50,000 a year to another jurisdiction. The Crown sidestepped the ban by issuing Chinese nationals a voucher under the pretence of room services that could be exchanged for cash or chips for gambling. The VGCCC in May found the illegal scheme enable Chinese nationals to access almost $164million at a $32million profit. The bodies of Pranav Vivekanandan (pictured), eight, and his mother and brother were discovered in Yerrabi Pond in Gungahlin, north of Canberra on the weekend A triple-drowning tragedy where the lifeless bodies of a mother and her two young sons were pulled from a pond is now being treated as a murder-suicide. The bodies of Pranav Vivekanandan, eight, and his mother and brother were discovered in Yerrabi Pond in Gungahlin, north of Canberra over the weekend. Pranav's body was found in the pond at about 10.45am on Sunday, while his two other family members were found on Saturday morning. Investigations into the deaths are continuing but Daily Mail Australia understands detectives do not believe the tragedy was an accident. The father of the two boys has been spoken to by police and officials do not believe he had any involvement. Officers are pictured searching Yerrabi Pond at Gungahlin in the ACT for the boy after the bodies of a woman and another boy were found in the water early on Saturday A white Subaru was towed from the scene after it was found parked nearby the pond Members of the public have left behind flowers and letters at the scene Flowers and handwritten letters were left behind after the three bodies were found The nearby Harrison School confirmed the two boys were students. 'We are currently looking after each other and working together to support students, staff and families,' the school said. 'The Directorate and the team at Harrison School have many services and supports onsite to assist everyone through this very difficult time.' Executive principal Andy Mison sent a letter to parents on Sunday informing them counselling services would be offered. 'It is with great sadness that I inform you two of our students and a parent died unexpectedly in a tragic incident this weekend,' he wrote. 'Our thoughts are with their family and friends. One woman is seen with her young son at the scene in Yerrabi Pond on Monday Bouquets of flowers have been left at the base of a tree near the pond Police and divers are seen at Yerrabi Pond on Saturday before the eight-year-old's body was found Investigations into the deaths are continuing (police are pictured at the scene) 'Today, and over the coming weeks, you may be concerned about your child's reaction or expression of feelings about this news. These reactions and feelings may be part of the grieving process.' ACT police are investigating the circumstances of the three deaths, and a report will be prepared for the coroner. 'At this stage, police do not believe any other party was involved,' police said in a statement. Officers found the bodies of the woman and other boy on Saturday after a witness spotted them in the water. Investigators later recovered a white Subaru from a car park nearby that locals said had been parked there since at least 4am. A local resident, Rod, said he spotted the car blocking the access gate to the park about that time. 'I opened the gate, noticed it was not locked with a child seat in back. 'I actually opened the door to see if keys (no keys) were in it, to move for access.' Community members are seen paying their respects to the family who lost their lives One resident is seen leaving flowers behind at the scene of the tragedy One police officer is seen scouring the pond on a jetski before the third body was discovered State Emergency Services and around 30 police officers took part in the operation A passerby called police on Saturday morning after spotting what they believed was a body in the lake. Police spent hours on Saturday afternoon searching for Pranav, and specialist divers resumed the desperate search early on Sunday morning. 'It's obviously a tragic situation,' Detective Superintendent Hall O'Meagher told reporters on Saturday. 'We're making inquiries with the family of these deceased people. They're assisting us with our inquiries at this time. 'Our thoughts go out to them and also to the responding police who have had to deal with this tragic circumstance.' Police said they did not believe any other party was involved in the incident (pictured investigations being carried out at the scene) Several State Emergency Services officials and about 30 police officers took part in the operation. 'It is a distressing situation for the first responders the police, SES and all the services that we rely upon to give us the assistance we need in these circumstances but rest assured we have welfare support to provide to those officers today and in the days coming,' Detective O'Meagher said. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers. For confidential crisis support, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Mystery continues to surround the deaths of two men who were found unresponsive in a secluded house in western Sydney two days ago. Police are continuing to investigate how the 50-year-old and 63-year-old man died at the house, located on The Northern Road, at Londonderry, on Saturday. The men are understood to have been drinking with a third person the night before they were discovered dead around 7.20am the next morning. Mystery continues to surround the deaths of two men who were found unresponsive in a secluded house in western Sydney two days ago Police are continuing to investigate how the 50-year-old and 63-year-old man died at the house located on The Northern Road, at Londonderry, on Saturday Two of the men were flatmates while the other one was a friend visiting them. Police were then called to the property after the bodies were discovered before officers taped off the scene. The men have not yet been formally identified. A crime scene has been established, and police inquiries are ongoing. A NSW Police spokesperson said they were waiting for the results of the post mortem to identify how the two men had died. They expect to know the cause of death within the next two days. Police were then called to the property after the bodies were discovered before officers taped off the scene One resident said they heard police sirens but thought nothing of it as it was a common sound in the area. The secluded property sits on a sprawling 2.14hectares and is bordered by a wood and brick fence at the front. Trees growing in the front yard provide a natural screen and even more privacy to the property. VIJAYAWADA: Political leaders are undertaking illegal mining of ilmenite (iron titanate mineral) in the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary, in parts of Krishna and Guntur districts, by roping in locals, according to sources. The black soil, with 95 per cent ilmenite mineral content, is mainly mined from Eelachetla Dibba and Nachu Kunta reserve forest areas, and transported in boats across rivers and creeks to Lankevanidibba in Guntur district and Edurumondi and Pedapalem villages in Krishna district. From these places, the mineral is transported to a private firm in Duvvada of Visakhapatnam. Sources said that the entire activity is done during the night to evade checks. For each load of black soil, `4 lakh is paid, with four to five lorry loads being excavated each night. Ilmenite is an important ore of titanium and a source of titanium dioxide, which is heavily used in manufacturing paints, paper, fabrics, food and cosmetics. Environmentalists raised concerns over illegal mining, as it would affect the flora and fauna. They said that the sanctuary has a thick cover of mangrove forests but that the mining will affect it. Further, the places where mining is taking place are hot spots for turtles to lay eggs, from January to June, as the soil temperature suits them. Environmentalists said the activity will hamper the conservation of turtles. An environmental activist, privy to the illegal activity, said, Illegal mining for ilmenite has been going on at the sanctuary for some time and it is going to be intensified further to extract more minerals to make huge money soon, with no rains and water level of the river receding as it becomes easy for transport secretly during night time. We appeal to the state government to act swiftly and stop this illegal mining immediately. If not, it will result in destruction of the forest. Genevieve Anderson, 38, is a specialist in perinatal psychology for new mums and runs her own clinic in Wahroonga on Sydney's north shore Julie Bishop's ex-boyfriend David Panton has been spotted with a younger female companion as he bounces back from his split with the former Liberal Party deputy leader. Mahogany-tanned Mr Panton, 61, was seen with flame-haired psychologist Genevieve Anderson, 38, on Friday evening as they took in the view from the waterside balcony of seafood restaurant North Bondi Fish in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. Ms Anderson is a specialist in perinatal psychology for new mums and runs her own clinic in Wahroonga on Sydney's north shore. The superfit psychologist is a triathlete and former Ironwoman competitor who took part in Manly's Bold and Beautiful open water swimming challenge last year. Julie Bishop's ex-boyfriend David Panton (pictured together in 2020) has been spotted with new companion Genevieve Anderson as he bounces back from his split with the former Liberal Party deputy leader Genevieve Anderson's mother, Sue (pictured), is just one year old than David Panton and has been said to bear a passing resemblance to a younger Julie Bishop, 66 Mr Panton also takes part in the B&B, logging 364km so far in 2022 - the 20th greatest distance swum by a group member this year - and is said to have met Ms Anderson during their regular open sea swimming sessions off Manly Beach. Friends told The Australian that the property developer and healthcare founder was said to be 'smitten' with his new young love interest. Coincidentally, Ms Anderson's mother, Sue, is just one year old than Mr Panton, and has been said to bear a passing resemblance to a younger Ms Bishop, 66. Ms Anderson grew up in Terry Hills on Sydney's Northern Beaches and was privately educated at Brigidine Ladies College in St Ives. Her father Barry Killham was a legendary figure within NSW Junior Rugby Union. Genevieve Anderson (pictured right) grew up in Terry Hills on Sydney's Northern Beaches and was privately educated at Brigidine Ladies College in St Ives Superfit psychologist Genevieve Anderson (pictured in 2015) is a triathlete and former Ironwoman competitor who took part in Manly's Bold and Beautiful open water swimming challenge last year He was made one of the organisation's first life members for his services to the sport and was responsible for driving a key restructure before his sudden death in 2014. After leaving school in 2002, Ms Andersen served in the Australian Army as a medic for three years before studying to become a psychologist at the University of New South Wales. Mr Panton was a regular on the arm of the one-time foreign minister for eight years, with the pair frequently jet-setting to meet the most powerful people in the world. But the curtains suddenly came down on the long-running relationship in July, soon after after a meeting with Prince Charles in London, shortly before he became king. David Panton was a regular on the arm of one-time foreign minister Julie Bishop (pictured together in March) for eight years, with the pair frequently seen jet-setting to meet the most powerful people in the world. Ms Bishop has also been linked with a new love. She was said to be dating philanthropist Luke Hepworth - who emphatically denied a romance on Friday. 'We are definitely not dating, mate,' he told the Daily Telegraph after the pair were linked in the press. 'I'm not in a relationship. 'We are working on a charity project for the Childrens Cancer Institute. She is just a good friend of mine and a wonderful human, so we have been to a couple of charity events.' Mr Panton split with Ms Bishop over dinner in Sydney in July - just a week after the couple visited London for dinner with the future King Charles. Luke Hepworth (left) has denied rumours of a romance with newly single Julie Bishop (right) The couple went to dinner in Sydney's CBD where Mr Panton told a shocked Bishop their relationship had run its course. 'I'm going to be focused on living in Manly and Melbourne for the foreseeable future,' Mr Panton told the Sydney Morning Herald at the time. 'I wish Julie all the best in her ongoing stellar career.' Ms Bishop was understood to have been 'blindsided' by the sudden breakdown of her relationship, sources close to the former politician said. During their partnership, she took Mr Panton to the United Nations to meet world leaders, to Buckingham Palace to hobnob with British royalty and to the White House where he met Donald and Melania Trump. David Panton and Julie Bishop (pictured) first stepped out publicly in 2014, and were pictured at countless celebrity events over the years The pair first stepped out publicly in 2014, and were pictured at countless celebrity events over the years, including the 2018 wedding of Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough. Mr Panton's company Pantonic Health claimed to be the first supplier of rapid antigen tests in Australia at the peak of the Covid spread in January. Although he is still listed as a founder and director of the company with his daughters Sally and Lauren, his main income is now said to be property development. Daily Mail Australia contacted Mr Panton and Ms Anderson for comment. The National Trust could be on a collision course with the charity watchdog after its boss vowed to continue challenging the Government amid accusations the organisation has been playing politics. Director general Hilary McGrady told members at the Trusts annual general meeting on Saturday that sometimes we need to speak out. It follows a row sparked when the charity denounced plans unveiled in September by then-PM Liz Truss as an attack on nature. That followed Orlando Fraser KC, of the Charity Commission, warning charities not to stray into party politics Miss McGrady acknowledged at her charitys annual general meeting in Bath on Saturday that there were things that the Trust did that not all members agree with, including a campaign against the growth plans proposed by Miss Truss as prime minister. Director general Hilary McGrady told members that sometimes we need to speak out. It follows a row sparked when the charity denounced plans unveiled in September by then-PM Liz Truss as an attack on nature But she told audience members: Sometimes we need to speak out publicly. That is why we voiced our concerns about the recent proposals affecting nature, heritage and the planning system. I know that not all members will agree and I dont pretend to represent everyone. This is, however, front and centre of what our purpose is about. Miss Trusss plans to lift the moratorium on fracking, ease planning rules in so-called investment zones, dispense with hundreds of environmental regulations inherited from the EU and row back on farming reforms prompted the National Trust set out seven red lines that the government must not cross in pursuing growth. Miss McGrady threatened to mobilise its 5.7 million members against the plans. The RSPB described plans to amend or scrap crucial environmental laws and create investment zones - which it said could trash planning rules - as an unprecedented attack on nature and the laws that protect it, and urged its members to write to their MPs. Since replacing Miss Truss as prime minister, Rishi Sunak has reinstated the fracking ban, but is yet to make his position clear on investment zones or EU laws on the British statute book. Whitehall sources last month accused the charities of playing politics, while Mr Fraser also addressed the issue at the Charity Commissions annual public meeting last month. In his speech at the Cardiff gathering, Mr Fraser called on charities to model a better kind of public discourse that should inspire and inform, rather than stifle and poison, reasoned debate. Miss Trusss plans in Parliament prompted the National Trust set out seven red lines that the government must not cross in pursuing growth. Miss McGrady threatened to mobilise its 5.7 million members against the plans He warned public debate was becoming too polarised and personal which served to further entrench existing standpoints. Mr Fraser said: The law...sets limits on what charities can do, and how, in relation to political activity. Charities must never stray into party politics - must never promote, or be seen to promote, a political party or candidate. Unusually the Trusts board of trustees opposed every one of the six resolutions proposed by its members at the AGM at Bath Assembly Rooms - but comfortably won each vote. However, he also added: So, the law is clear that charities are free to campaign and engage in political activity in this way, shining a light on uncomfortable truths, engaging with those in power in the interests of the people and causes they serve. And when done well, campaigns of this nature can have immense impact. So, no, the law does not agree with those who say that charities should simply not dabble in politics at all. The Trust faced down resolutions questioning its support for a new road at Stonehenge, its participation in Gay Pride events, its democratic processes, its dealing with complaints and the way in which it responded to members questions. A Charity Commission spokeswoman said: 'Charities are permitted to engage in political activity and campaigning in furtherance of their purposes. But the law also sets important limits on charities, including that they must not get involved with party political activity. Our new 5-minute guidance explains trustees duties and responsibilities clearly and succinctly and we encourage all charities considering political activity to read and understand that guidance.' The leader of Just Stop Oil was arrested last night along with two other eco-activists ahead of a planned day of chaos. Roger Hallam, 56, was taken in for questioning after police were told that his group was planning to scale motorway gantries on the M25 and bring traffic to a standstill, The Sun reported last night. Mr Hallam was not at home when the police arrived to arrest him, but they later said a 56-year-old had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance. His group was planning daily action until Christmas, with one member boasting: It is almost impossible to stop. The leader of Just Stop Oil Roger Hallam was arrested last night along with two other eco-activists ahead of a planned day of chaos (file image) Police were told that his group was planning to scale motorway gantries on the M25 and bring traffic to a standstill. Pictured: Disruption on the M25 caused by Just Stop Oil in July Mr Hallam, who also co-founded Extinction Rebellion said: Its potentially the most significant act of civil disobedience in decades. National Highways has now secured an injunction to stop protesters disrupting the road, meaning they could face jail. The motorway protest could have cost the economy millions of pounds. National Highways told The Sun: 'National Highways remains committed to do whatever it can to seek to deter unlawful protest activity and punish all of those who breach the injunction orders in the eyes of the law.' The heartbroken family of one of the men found dead in floodwaters has spoken about the devastating impact the tragedy has had on their daughter and young grandson. Sydney dads Ghosn Ghosn and Bob Chahine vanished off the back of a ute a week ago after the car was swept off a flooded causeway and into raging water near Boorowa, three-and-a-half hours southwest of Sydney. A large scale search involving multiple emergency agencies recovered one of the men last Thursday night before the second body was found on Sunday morning after floodwaters receded. Mr Ghosns in-laws, Honriatt and Simon Moujalli, said their daughter Sarah has been crushed by the loss of her soulmate of four years. Their 18-month-old grandson Isaiah keeps asking for Mr Ghosn and often waits to eat his breakfast because he thinks his dad is coming to do their morning breakfast ritual together. Eighteen-month-old Isaiah Ghosn, pictured at his christening with his parents Sarah (left) and Ghosn (right) keeps asking for his late dad every morning Ms Ghosns parents detailed how their broken hearted daughter was coping as she prepares to raise their boy as a single mum. 'No parent should ever have to go through the torture of seeing their child left devastated after such a tragic loss,' Ms Moujalli wrote in a GoFundMe set up for the family. 'There are no words to describe the hell my daughter Sarah is living at the moment having lost her soul mate, her true love, the father of their little toddler and her whole world. 'My daughter's heart is crushed. My gorgeous grandson keeps asking for his dad and waits for him to have breakfast with him as he always did and sing and dance together before he headed off to work.' Mr Ghosn and his wife recently marked four years together after celebrating Isaiah's first birthday in April. The GoFundMe, which will go towards helping Ms Ghosn get back on her feet, has already raised more than $20,000 in two days. Widow Sarah Ghosn (right) has been crushed by the the tragic death of her husband Ghosn (left) after his body was recovered from floodwaters 'I am trying to be the pillar of strength, but when I see my daughter Sarah breaking down and in so much pain it kills me,' Ms Moujalli wrote. 'I feel helpless and battered. I just want to hug my daughter and tell her everything will be better.' Before the two men were found, Ms Ghosn and Mr Chahine's wife Remonda shared a message written by family friend Melissa Lattouf, asking their Lebanese community to pray for their safe return. 'Please bring our husbands home,' Mrs Chahine wrote. Mrs Lattouf's message said: 'Family and friends, please pray that God sends Bob and Ghosn home safely. The power of prayer is real. Please pray with all your heart.' Mr Chahine and his wife had been looking forward to celebrating their three-year wedding anniversary in January. Two other men who were in the ute at the time managed to swim to safety. Do you know more? Email Tita.smith@mailonline.com He is now the director of her parents' family's business making nests for wildlife The move has not been publicly addressed by Irwins, Mannion, or Australia Zoo Steve Irwin's widow Terri is now the solely in control of the family business Wes Mannion, 52, quietly stepped down as director of Australia Zoo in July 2020 Steve Irwin's best friend has married again and taken on a new job - running yet another family business that rescues wildlife - after mysteriously and inexplicably stepping down from Australia Zoo. Daily Mail Australia can reveal what happened next after Wes Mannion quietly quit as director and the secretary of the Queensland tourist park after standing by the Crocodile Hunter and his family for the past four decades. In a move that is yet to be publicly addressed by the Zoo, the Irwins or Mr Mannion, the businessman stepped aside in late 2020 just months after being one of three guests to attend the wedding of Steve's daughter, Bindi, to Chandler Powell. That move left longtime close friend and colleague Terri Iwin as the sole director of the business. Once a stalwart at family events, Mannion has also been notably absent from the Irwins' social media accounts ever since. Now, Mr Mannion has remarried and become the director of another family-run business - one founded by his new in-laws. Wes Mannion has married his girlfriend Dominique Franks (pictured together in 2019) and started a new career since leaving Australia Zoo in July 2020 In April of this year, the 52-year-old tied the knot with his longtime partner Dominique Franks, 30, in a ceremony held in outback Arizona. Pictures posted on Instagram show the suited-up groom standing barefoot in the sand as he exchanges vows with his bride while the sun sets over the Tucson desert. After the ceremony, the newly weds clambered up onto rocks to pose for photographs, kissing and celebrating with glasses of champagne. The Sunshine Coast couple, who are based in Noosa, handpicked the location for the wedding - which counted just a handful of close family as guests - a day earlier while walking through the desert. 'We hiked the days prior looking for 'our spot',' Dominque wrote. 'It made it so special that we picked a location that no one else would of said their vows at - it's ours forever.' It was the second time Wes has exchanged nuptials, having been married to Jodie Chapman - the former assistant director of Australia Zoo - for eight years from 2004 to 2012. Wes is now listed as the director of Hollow Log Homes, alongside his wife, after taking over her parents' business Wes is pictured with the Irwins at the unveiling of Steve's star on the Hollywood walk of fame in April 2018 The family-run business builds nesting boxes (pictured) for native animals Mr Mannion has one son, 17, from his first marriage, while Dominique - who is the cofounder of clothing brand Terra Dea - has two young sons from a previous relationship. In another post, the wedding photographer gushed over being able to take part in Mr Mannion's special day, describing it as 'nothing short of magical'. '[There was] no stress, no chaos, no pressure. Just two people who have an undeniable love for each other who wanted to be married,' she wrote. 'It was an honor to photograph these two on the most special day! Even more special because I used to watch Wes on TV growing up with Steve Irwin. 'It was super cool to get to photograph the wedding of someone who was a huge part of my childhood!' The newlyweds, who have been together for at least five years, have bought and are now running Dominque's parents' business Hollow Log Homes in Noosaville. The company builds nesting boxes for wildlife struggling amid deforestation. Founded by Alan and Stacey Franks in 1999, the company creates hand crafted homes out of sustainable materials, like birch plywood or recycled plastic, for native animals such as microbats, possums, and gliders. With tree hollows taking more than a century to form, the company has supplied more than 50,000 homes for wildlife since it started as a hobby in a tin shed on the Franks' Cambroon property, in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The Mannions are pictured together at the Steve Irwin Gala in LA in May 2019 - a snake draped around their necks Dominique Mannion runs a small fashion label, Terra Dea, which sells lounge wear. She is pictured wearing on of her brand's lingerie sets After taking over last year, the Mannions moved the business - which employs around 10 people - to a bigger modern shed in Noosaville. On the website's 'meet the team' page, Wes is listed as 'Director and Passionate Wildlife Advocate', with 'over 30 years of experience working with wildlife and conservation'. 'His passion for wildlife and the protection of habitat has been a lifelong journey which started from the young age of 14,' it reads. 'He continues his love of wildlife by directing operations at Hollow Log Homes and striving to protect our native hollow-dependent species.' Beneath Wes' blurb, which is the first after his in-laws, his wife's role is described as 'communications director'. 'Dominique has a keen eye for detail and is passionate about customer service,' it says. Wes is pictured with the Irwins at the Steve Irwin Day Gala Dinner in 2018 - having been firm family friends for many years The couple, who have children from previous relationships, have been together since around 2017 'Dominique grew up learning about hollow-dependant fauna from her mother and father, Stacey and Alan, and continues their great work within the business.' On top of manufacturing nest boxes, Dominique also runs a small business selling loungewear with friend Brittany Vener, which they launched in December 2019. Her social media is littered with pictures of her travelling, spending time with her sons, posing in her underwear label, and candid posts about her experience as a young mother. Speaking to maternity brand biglittlethings for a Mother's Day blog in May that year, she described herself as a 'small fashion business owner, social media manager, co-host to luxury Airbnb, and a solo mother to two beautiful, wonderful, individual boys'. In the interview, she opened up about her struggles having children young and raising them on her own. 'I first became a mother at the young age of 22. I felt like an adult at the time and I felt ready to become a mother,' she said. 'Coming from a small country town a lot of my friends already had children or were pregnant, so it was just kind of expected and normal... Oh how naive I was! 'When I first became a solo parent it was definitely a shock to the system.... I struggled intensively for about a year. Almost 4 years later and our home life is incredibly enjoyable. Now I see it as a wonderful gift to raise my children as a solo parent.' EXCLUSIVE: Mystery as Terri Irwin takes total control of Australia Zoo and Steve Irwin's best friend and 'little brother' is ousted as director - just weeks after being one of just three guests at Bindi's wedding By Tita Smith for Daily Mail Australia Steve Irwin's best friend Wes Mannion has quietly stepped down as director of Australia Zoo, with the crocodile hunter's widow Terri now in total control of the family business. Daily Mail Australia can exclusively reveal Wes, a longtime Irwin family friend and prominent figure in the zoo for more than three decades, mysteriously left his position without fanfare and with no explanation offered to the public. The abrupt end to his tenure came just months after he was chosen to be one of just three guests at Bindi's intimate wedding when it was expedited to March 2020 and attendee numbers slashed due to the impending nationwide Covid-19 lockdown. Company records obtained by Daily Mail Australia show Wes's role as secretary of the business also ended on the same date that year, July 14. Wes was close with the Irwins for decades but has been notably missing from recent photos Documents obtained by Daily Mail Australia show that Wes Mannion's role as director and secretary of Australia Zoo ended on July 14, 2020 According to the documents, Terri has been both the sole director and secretary of the Queensland wildlife park since his departure more than two years ago. Despite eagle-eyed fans raising questions about his absence, the leadership change has not been publicly addressed by Australia Zoo, the Irwins, or Mannion. Uncertainty about his employment status first began circulating online in December that year after followers realised the 52-year-old was notably missing from key Australia Zoo platforms and projects. 'Wondering whether Wes Mannion still works at Australia Zoo is occupying way too much of my brain space right now. But, like why isn't he on the website anyone or on the Crikey 'Rona special'?' one woman tweeted. Between January 2021 to April this year, several others tagged or wrote directly on the zoo or the Irwins social media pages asking if Wes was still an employee - but did not receive a response. 'Where is Wes Mannion??? Is he ok? I miss him on the shows and I never here you guys talk about him anymore? Is he still the director?' a self-described 'big fan' - tweeted. 'Yes he disappeared after Covid,' another person said. Daily Mail Australia made several calls to Mannion on Thursday, but all went unanswered. Australia Zoo has been contacted for comment. Wes was the only non-relative guest at Bindi's wedding (pictured) to Chandler Powell in March 2020 Wes pictured with Robert during a crocodile show at Australia Zoo - where he worked for decades Wes first met Steve as a 15-year-old when he visited Australia Zoo, which was then called the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, with his parents in the 1980s. After watching Steve, who was eight years his senior, with a crocodile, he begged the wildlife handler to let him work at the zoo. The legendary conservationist agreed and the pair became very close, with Wes given the nickname Steve's 'younger brother' and dubbed an honorary member of the Irwin clan. The then-teenager quickly became an integral part of the animal park and, in 1988, was only the second employee outside of the Irwin family to be given full-time employment. Wes became bestfriends with Steve after the pair met at Australia Zoo in the 1980s By 1992, he became the head reptile keeper and curator, then picked up a management role in 1995, before being promoted to director in the early 2000s. Following Steve's shock 2006 death from a stingray attack, Wes maintained a close bond with the family and said he had assumed a 'father figure role', helping Terri raise Bindi and Robert, now aged 24 and 18, respectively. 'I love Terri, she is [like] my sister, love her to death. Most importantly, I owe it to Stevie to look after her. I know that if I'd died, Stevie would have been like a lion with my family,' Wes told Woman's Day in 2007. 'I'll never be their dad, you can never replace your father, but I'll be a father figure and loving uncle.' Photos posted online over the years have shown the tight knit clans together at various events, including the 2018 unveiling of Steve's star on the Hollywood walk of fame and Steve Irwin Day Gala Dinner in 2015. More recently, Wes was selected alongside Terri and Robert as one of just three guests to watch Bindi marry Chandler Powell, 25, on March 25, 2020 - just hours before new laws on social gatherings were rolled out due to the pandemic. Four months earlier, he asserted his role as a father figure during a live show at Australia Zoo by telling Chandler he had to 'prove himself' 'before marrying Bindi by walking into crocodile-infested waters. But in the months after the couple married, the close friend became notably absent from their circle, failing to appear in any recent photos with the Irwins - including the newly weds' one-year-old daughter, Grace Warrior Irwin Powell. Wes is pictured alongside Terri, Bindi and Robert at a memorial service for Steve at Australia Zoo in Beerwah, in September 2006 Although the reasons for the separation remain unclear, it is not the first time the famous family have grappled with internal rifts. After Steve's death, Terri fell out with his father Bob, who alongside his wife Lyn founded Beerwah Reptile Park - now known as Australia Zoo - in 1970. Despite handing ownership of the park to Steve and Terri in 1992, he had remained involved in the business - but abruptly left in 2008 after reportedly being at odds with Terri over how it should be run. He later reached a financial settlement and bought a property near Kingaroy, and has been estranged from Terri and her children ever since. In 2019, his fractured relationship with Bindi made headlines after she wrote a scathing post in Instagram claiming he had shown 'no interest in spending time with me or my family' and had 'ignored her' since she was child. Bindi said her 58-year-old mother still writes to him and sends birthday cards and Christmas gifts, but claims they have received no reply. While Bob did not respond to the claims, two of Bindi's cousins spoke out in their grandfather's defence saying they were 'furious' and 'appalled' by her comments. In another quarrel, Terri has also reportedly fallen out with Steve's older sister Joy Muscillo and her family after firing her husband Frank, the zoo's general manager, in 2015. Frank was reportedly 'marched off the property', with Joy and her adult children, who were also employed at the business, leaving soon afterwards. How they were: The Irwins were once close-knit, working together at the family-run Australia Zoo on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Pictured: Bob Snr with his children Mandy, Joy and Steve, Steve's wife Terri, and their two children Bindi and Robert Two years after Steve's death, Bob Snr abruptly left Australia Zoo - which he'd founded in 1970 - after reportedly falling out with Terri about how the business should be run. Pictured: Terri, Bob Snr, Bindi and Robert attending Steve's memorial service in 2006 Speaking to Daily Mail Australia in 2019, Ms Muscillo said the situation was 'very sad'. The management revelation comes amid recent rumours the animal sanctuary is in financial strife and had made several staff redundant last year as it struggled to draw visitors amid Covid restrictions. Citing sources close to the family, New Idea magazine claimed Terri was considered the option of selling the business for personal and professional reasons. While the reports are unconfirmed, the Sunshine Coast recently announced it would be extending its business model. Last week, Australia Zoo revealed it will be renting out its grounds as a wedding venue for couples to exchange nuptials. 'Tie the knot in our world-famous Australia Zoo grounds with our beautiful animals,' the venue wrote. 'Whether you are looking for a small intimate experience or a larger scale event, we have the perfect location for your wedding celebrations!' A migrant worker in the process of bringing his family to their new home has died after falling seven stories in a 'bizarre' construction accident. Michael Noche was working as a scaffolder for New Zealand construction company Marin Construction when he died during an on-site incident in St John's, Auckland, on Friday. Mr Noche moved to New Zealand from the Philippines about four years ago and was in the process of bringing his family over after he qualified for permanent residency. Now they have lost their father and a new home. Mr Noche was working at the Summerset retirement village construction site when he fell six to seven floors just after 12pm on Friday. Disturbing footage taken after Mr Noche's fall and shared to his Facebook page showed the deceased dad lying on a concrete slab surrounded by his coworkers and debris. Michael Noche (above) died in a tragic worksite incident on Friday after falling six-to-seven storeys while working as a scaffolder for Marin Construction Daily Mail Australia has chosen not to publish the footage out of respect for Mr Noche's family. Union Network of Migrants coordinator Mikee Santos, a group Mr Noche was a part of, described his death as odd. 'The whole site was shut, pending an investigation. This man fell six or seven floors. He was a scaffolder. It is bizarre,' he told the New Zealand Herald. 'The whole Philippines community in Auckland is talking about this. They're in mourning and very upset. It's difficult to understand what happened.' A spokesperson from Marin Construction said the circumstances around Mr Noche's death are being investigated. 'We have had a tragic accident on site on Friday, we have reached out to Michael's family and friends offering our condolences and are looking for ways of support,' they said. 'The accident is under investigation and cannot comment further.' Mr Santos said the news would be devastating for Mr Noche's family. Mr Noche was working at the Summerset retirement village construction site (above) in St John's, Auckland, when he fell 'Death would be the worst news that a family could hear - that their father had died abroad and would be coming home in a casket,' he said. 'Every migrant's dream is to bring their family here to New Zealand. That was underway when the tragedy transpired on Friday. I can't fathom what the wife and family are feeling like now.' Mr Santos said an average of two people were killed every month in New Zealand construction incidents. Many of Mr Noche's colleagues and family have shared heartfelt messages online. 'Im very devastated and Im praying like crazy for you and your family, my number one boss,' a coworker wrote. 'May God watch over them and keep all of us strong to get through this pain that we are all feeling right now. 'Be safe everyone and please look out for yourself and each other.' Mr Noche (above) was in the process of moving his Filipino family to New Zealand after being granted permanent residency The most devastating tribute came from Mr Noche's daughter who said she will work hard to make her late father 'proud'. 'I don't know how to start again, how to start my day. Too much pain, too much difficulty,' she wrote. 'I'm already crying because I miss you so much whenever you take a long time to come home. 'I'm doing my best because you're doing the same for me Papa. That's why I love you so much. Your intention is so pure, I am so grateful because you are my father. 'My father, I'm here right now, so empty. I can't explain what I feel. It's just too painful, too difficult for me.' A spokesperson from WorkSafe said it is investigating the circumstances of Mr Noche's death but is unable to comment. First home buyers would pay zero stamp duty next year - saving up to $55,000 - should Victoria's Opposition win the state election. Liberal leader Matthew Guy said if he wins the November 26 election, the plan 'will help up to 7,000 families and young people to buy their first home'. For 12 months from January 1, 2023, a Liberal-National government would cut stamp duty for first home buyers to zero for all purchases of property up to $1million. According to Mr Guy, 'this tax cut aligns first home buyer stamp duty relief with the median Melbourne house price, most recently reported at $993,000.' Victorian Liberal leader Matthew Guy (pictured right with his wife Renae Stoikos) has promised if the Coalition wins the November 26 Victorian election, first home buyers will pay zero stamp duty next year, saving people up to $55,000 Speaking in the northern Melbourne suburb of Donnybrook, Mr Guy said someone buying a house for $993,000 pays around $55,000 in stamp duty. Under his plan, that money could instead be used to pay for a deposit on a house, he said. 'The Liberal and National parties believe that every Victorian, particularly young Victorians, deserve to own their own home. 'We want to get more Victorians into home ownership, not into long-term renting.' Mr Guy ruled out copying a NSW Coalition proposal which would allow first home buyers to choose a $400 annual fee and 0.3 per cent of the land value while it's their primary residence, instead of stamp duty. The state Labor government already offers zero stamp duty for first home buyers on properties up to $600,000, with a reduced fee for properties up to $750,000. Victoria's Treasurer, Tim Pallas, said the state government supported first home buyers with grants of $10,000 in Melbourne and $20,000 in regional Victoria for new builds. For 12 months from January 1, a Liberal-National government would cut stamp duty for first home buyers to zero for all purchases of property up to $1million. Pictured is a house for sale in Melbourne The state also has a shared-equity scheme, where the government temporarily becomes a part-owner of the house. 'We have provided more than $1billion of help for first home buyers last year alone, and only Labor will provide real support that will continue to make a difference for Victorians,' said Mr Pallas. Victoria's state election is on Saturday, November 26, with pre-polling opening on Monday November 14. Requested Morrison make no further disclosures about his time in government Former PM was warned to stop leaking sensitive national security information Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has fired off an angry letter warning former prime minister Scott Morrison to stop leaking sensitive national security information. It comes after former leader turned opposition backbencher recently revealed he had secretly taken on five ministries to political journalists Geoff Chambers and Simon Benson for their book Plagued. The new book claims to tell the 'inside story' of how the former Morrison Coalition government managed the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr Morrison also provided sensitive cabinet and national security information. Attorney-General and Cabinet Secretary Mark Dreyfus wrote to Mr Morrison on Monday warning him to cease leaking. Former prime minister Scott Morrison (pictured with wife Jenny) received an angry letter from the Attorney-General on Monday 'I am writing to you to express concern at the apparent extensive disclosures of cabinet information,' Mr Dreyfus wrote. 'Several disclosures appear to have been made in contravention of the expectation of discretion regarding sensitive cabinet discussions.' Discussions included the disclosure of cabinet being briefed about the national security implications of Covid-19. References to secret intelligence briefings were also singled out. 'Disclosures of cabinet discussions and deliberations undermine cabinet confidentiality and solidarity,' Mr Dreyfus added. 'I trust there will be no further disclosures from your period in government that undermine national security and the integrity of the cabinet process.' Meanwhile, a Senate estimates committee heard the attorney-general at the time of Mr Morrison taking on multiple portfolios did not receive legal advice from his department about the matter. Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus (pictured) has urged Mr Morrison to not make any further disclosures from his time as prime minister that undermine national security The current head of the attorney-general's department told parliamentarians she was not aware of then-attorney-general Christian Porter providing any advice to Mr Morrison either. 'Based on inquiries I've taken, the department did not provide advice to the then-attorney general on that issue,' Katherine Jones told the committee on Monday. Ms Jones was not the secretary at the time. An independent inquiry into the matter is being undertaken by former High Court Justice Virginia Bell. Attorney-General and Cabinet Secretary Mark Dreyfus expressed 'concern' over Scott Morrison's recent disclosures to journalists Geoff Chambers and Simon Benson for a new book Mr Morrison secretly appointed himself to five portfolios - health, finance, treasury and home affairs and energy and resources - between March 2020 and May 2021. The solicitor-general's advice on the legal implications of Mr Morrison's decision to secretly swear himself into the resources ministry found his actions were 'inconsistent' with responsible government. Mr Morrison maintains the swearing-ins were legally sound and were necessary to deal with extraordinary circumstances. But he said the only time he used his extra powers was in the case of a resources project. AAP has contacted Mr Morrison for comment. The daughter of world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo has slammed heavily armed police for busting up a 'relaxed' party as she claimed they left behind broken TVs and a bed. Sophie Teo had her fun cut short after officers from NSW Police's infamous Raptor Squad arrived at a party she was attending at Foveaux Street in Surry Hills, Sydney, in the early hours of Sunday. The Raptor Squad is usually tasked with investigating and arresting outlaw motorcycle gangs and other dangerous criminals across the state. Ms Teo filmed officers screaming at partygoers and pushing them out of the house before claiming they used pepper spray and kicked and punched people. The daughter of world renowned neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo has slammed heavily armed police for busting up a party and leaving behind broken TVs and a bed Sophie Teo had her fun cut short when Raptor Squad officers arrived at a party she was attending at Foveaux Street in Surry Hills, Sydney, in the early hours of Sunday Footage of the incident was uploaded to her Instagram page, where she accused them of flipping over beds, breaking furniture and disrupting a 'relaxed party'. NSW Police said they had received a noise complaint and called in the Raptor Squad after partygoers hurled glass bottles at them, Daily Telegraph reported. Daily Mail Australia has contacted NSW Police for comment. Ms Teo described the heavy-handed tactics in the video as the 'most unnecessary bulls*** I've ever experienced.' 'This is what our taxpayers money is going towards!' she wrote. 'Broke and raided all the beds to seize audio equipment. These losers have nothing better to do'. Sophie is not the first daughter of the famous neurosurgeon to make headlines after her sister Nicola was involved in a crash with Comanchero boss Jock Ross in 2019. She filmed officers screaming at partygoers and pushing them out of the house before claiming they used pepper spray and kicked and punched people Footage of the incident was uploaded to her Instagram page where she accused them of flipping over beds, breaking furniture and disrupting a 'relaxed party' Nicola was accused of dangerously driving on the wrong side of the road when she crashed into Mr Ross at Lower Macdonald, north-west of Sydney, in September. Mr Ross was airlifted to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition when his motorcycle collided head-on with Ms Teo's Toyota Landcruiser. Ms Teo was said to be 'shaken up' at the time after she was charged over the crash. She pleaded not guilty to the four offences, including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, before the charges were sensationally dropped. A Liberal MP has sparked outrage for joking about the Victorian Premier falling over last year and suffering a spinal injury. Mr Andrews slipped on wet steps at a rented holiday home in Sorrento, on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, in March 2021. The fall gave left him with an acute compression fracture of the T7 vertebra and five fractured ribs - requiring him to take a months-long leave of absence. It was so horrific Mr Andrews' wife Catherine thought he was going to die, but that did not stop n Polwarth MP Richard Riordan from joking about it on Facebook. With the story back in the news because the location where the fall occurred finally emerged - on two small steps - Mr Riordan joked on Sunday that the Premier should avoid stairs. Daniel Andrews (pictured right) suffered an acute compression fracture of the T7 vertebra and five fractured ribs when he slipped on wet steps at a rented holiday home. The stairs that Victorian Premier Dan Andrews says he fell off and suffered such catastrophic injuries that his wife thought he was going to die have been revealed to be two low wooden planks 'Dear Mr Andrews in light of the terrible luck you have on holidays, I would suggest if you wish to try somewhere other than the Mornington Peninsula, please don't come down to the Great Ocean Road,' Mr Riordan wrote. 'We have the worlds (sic) best views, but most spots have quite a lot of stairs, and our region is renowned as a popular bike riding area. 'As nothing is ever your fault I can't guarantee you will have an accident free visit.' The post led Mr Riordan to be accused of 'stoking the fires of conspiracy'. ABC Melbourne presenter Rafael Epstein tweeted that 'Shadow Housing Minister and Liberal MP making jokes about someone's serious spinal injury and stoking the fires of conspiracy. '(Richard Riordan) should be better than this. Also, it's bad strategy. Leave the focus on ... I don't know. Your party's policy today?' Hutch Hussein, Labor's candidate running against Mr Riordan, tweeted that 'he has once again shown he's not fit for office with such bad judgement and mocking of the Premier's serious injury.' A retired consultant tweeted that 'I hope their gutter politics disgusts enough people so that they vote LNP last. Richard Riordan is clearly a gutter politician.' Richard Riordan (pictured right with fellow Liberal MP Roma Britnell) posted jokes on his Facebook page about Daniel Andrews' spinal injury But Mr Riordan's light-hearted joke also got some backing. One said 'Richard Riordan wins the award for the best take down of #DictatorDan.' Another thought the Liberal MP showed a great sense of humour, tweeting 'That is gold from Richard Riordan.' There were also social media posts that, as Epstein said, 'stoked the fires of conspiracy' over the Premier's injuries. Some commenters claimed Mr Andrews had not fallen, but had actually been beaten up, while others said he not been injured at all. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (right) is pictured with his wife Catherine. She thought he was going to die from his spinal injury in March 2021 Victorian Liberal MP Louise Staley issued a long list of questions about Mr Andrews accident and the events leading up to it In June 2021, Victoria's then-shadow treasurer Louise Staley sparked controversy when she issued a media release with 12 questions she said Mr Andrews 'must answer before he comes back to work' about the inicdent. They included: 'What time was the ambulance called', 'Who called the ambulance', 'Did the police attend' and 'Has Daniel Andrews been interviewed either formally or informally by the police in relation to anything that occurred over that long weekend?' Ms Staley said 'If there is no cover-up then there is no reason not to provide answers to these simple questions' - a stance that saw her criticised at the time. CHENNAI: Chief Minister M K Stalin urged the Union External Affair Minister S Jaishankar to take up the issue relating to the arrest of 15 fishermen from the State, along with two mechanized boats through appropriate diplomatic channels and secure the release of the fishermen. Despite our repeated requests, such incidents of apprehension have continued unabated, causing fear and anger among the entire fishing community who depend on their traditional fishing grounds in the Palk Bay area, Stalin said in his letter to Jaishankar. Also soliciting his support for the release of the 100 fishing boats of Tamil Nadu fishermen that were in custody in Sri Lanka, Stalin said Sundays arrest and seizure of boats, bearing registration numbers IND-TN-10-MM-445 and IND-TN-10-MO-966, were done by the Sri Lankan Navy. Melbourne has been placed on high alert with severe thunderstorms set to strike the city, bringing heavy rain and possible flash flooding. The BOM issued an alert at 2.39pm on Monday warning that severe, slow-moving thunderstorms had been detected on the weather radar near Essendon and Footscray in the city's north. The storms were forecast to hit Broadmeadows, Coburg and Fawkner by 3:10pm and Craigieburn and Tullamarine by 3:40pm, the warning said. 'Heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding is likely,' a statement said. Northern parts of the city including Whittlesea, Craigieburn and Greensborough are also in the firing line with a separate thunderstorm lashing down on Monday afternoon. The Bureau said that storm system would likely bring heavy rain and possible flash flooding. Slow-moving thunderstorms are set to strike Melbourne imminently, according to the Bureau of Meteorology Northern parts of the city including Whittlesea, Craigieburn and Greensborough are also in the firing line with a separate thunderstorm lashing down on Monday afternoon The city and parts of Victoria have already been battered by neverending rainfall in recent weeks, leaving much of the state submerged in flood waters (pictured in Echuca last month) Severe thunderstorm warnings have also been issued for those living in Gippsland, and the North Central and North East districts. Those in the areas have been told to brace for heavy rain and potential flooding. The city and parts of Victoria have already been battered by neverending rainfall in recent weeks, leaving much of the state submerged in flood waters. As of midday on Monday several minor flood warnings still remain for areas like the Campaspe River and Goulburn River. Clean up efforts are seen in Maribyrnong in Melbourne's inner city after the suburb was battered by heavy rainfall Northern parts of Victoria such as Shepparton and Echuca were some of the worst affected during flooding in recent weeks, with thousands told to evacuate. But in some good news, the Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed La Nina - the weather phenomenon creating wet conditions - will weaken in early 2023, with the Indian Ocean Dipole 'rapidly decaying' in late spring. Premier Daniel Andrews last month announced a Victorian Flood Recovery Management Plan would deliver $150million to assist with clean up efforts. A study has exposed how far desperate businesses will go to avoid raising wages despite dealing with chronic staff shortages. A 2022 Skills Priority List Key Findings report found just 0.4 per cent of bosses increased wages to fill vacant positions, compared to 67 per cent who chose to keep advertising in the same areas. Australian business owners have struggled to find staff since Australia's borders closed at the beginning of the Covid pandemic and foreign workers are yet to return. Almost a third of all industries have worker shortages with 301,000 jobs up for grabs as the economy recovers from the Covid. But a post about the report revealed employers' lack of interest in raising worker wages to deal with unfilled vacancies A 2022 Skills Priority List Key Findings report (pictured) said 0.4 per cent of bosses increased wages to fill vacant positions, compared to 67 per cent who chose to keep advertising in the same areas But a post about the report revealed employers' lack of interest in raising wages to fill vacancies. It even showed employers would rather change the job advertisement than increase salaries. An illustration titled 'employer responses to unfilled vacancies', from the survey, gave percentages of responses to each reason. 'Keep advertising/re-advertise in same places/sites/areas garnered' 67 per cent response, while advertising in different areas had 17 per cent. Giving up filling the position and restructuring the organisation got six and seven per cent, respectively. But the most compelling response came to the 'change remuneration' category, which managed a paltry 0.4 per cent. But a post about the report revealed employers' lack of interest in raising worker wages to deal with unfilled vacancies The revelation met was met with shock and humour on social media, after a user posted their sarcastic comments over the figures on Monday. 'So you're having trouble filling positions in your business. You're an employer, what do you do? Increase the offered wage? Lol no, what are you crazy???!' the survey result was captioned when posted online. 'Complain loudly about labour shortages - 98%,' one commenter said, keen to add another response to the problem. The percentages of job types with severe shortages has blown out to 31 per cent, but the situation is far worse in some areas than others. The worst hit is nursing, with 9,266 vacancies, according to a National Skills Commission report released before a state and federal jobs meeting on Thursday. The nursing shortage is followed by computer programming (7,841 vacancies), aged and disability care (5,101), and construction managers (4,948). Childcare workers, motor mechanics, retail managers, chefs, business analysts, and metal fitters make up the rest of the top 10 in-demand occupations. The shortage of skilled workers stretched across 286 occupations as the nation looked to other countries to fill our hundreds of thousands of job vacancies. New York's gay community appears to the target of a gang that lures its victims at nightlife hotspots before drugging and robbing them, often by using their own cellphones to drain their accounts. Two gay men have so far been killed in eerily similar circumstances just five weeks apart, but more than a dozen are believed to have been targeted so far. According to NYPD sources cited by The New York Post, a homicide investigation is underway and operating on the belief that the two men were both targeted by a gang. Both John Umberger, 33, a Washington, DC, political consultant who disappeared in May and Julio Ramirez, 25, who vanished in April had been out enjoying a night out on the city's gay scene before ending up dead the following day. John Umberger, 33, a Washington, DC political consultant was killed after leaving a New York City gay bar in May Julio Ramirez, 25, a Brooklyn social worker, was killed after leaving a New York City gay bar in April Detectives are believed to have identified suspects but no arrests or charges have been brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg who has been accused of 'impeding' the investigation into the men's deaths The men's cellphones were both missing at the time their bodies were found and their bank accounts containing tens of thousands of dollars had been emptied. So far, five months after their deaths, there has been no word from woke Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg who appears to be 'impeding' the investigation. No warning has even been issued to the gay community for people to be on the lookout for anything suspicious when they're on a night out. The gang's MO sees them preying on gay men in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan. In both instances, the victims were seen leaving a gay club or bar accompanied by three men. Finally, one of the men's mothers is now speaking out in a desperate bid to draw attention to the sickening case. 'I can't be quiet anymore. Word needs to get out, especially in the gay community, that they are targeting gay men. This same group of killers have drugged, robbed and murdered countless young gay men in New York,' Linda Clary, Umberger's mom, told the New York Post. 'I can't be quiet anymore. Word needs to get out, especially in the gay community, that they are targeting gay men. This same group of killers have drugged, robbed and murdered countless young gay men in New York,' Linda Clary, Umberger's mom, pictured right Umbergers credit card was last used at gay nightclub The Q NYC at 3am on May 28, 2022. Umbergers body was found four days later on June 1 in a townhouse in Midtown Manhattan where he was staying 'New York is unnecessarily unsafe, and it breaks my heart because John was so excited to be in Manhattan. He loved being there. He was a little ray of sunshine. 'We need to stop this,' she continued. In the time her son's killers have been on the loose, Clary believes the gang has likely killed other young man. And although grateful for the diligence of the detectives investigating Umberger's death who have worked identified suspects, she claims the District Attorney's Office is 'refusing to prosecute my son's killers.' Umberger had been on a night out on May 28 and visited The Q NYC, a gay nightclub featuring DJs, drag shows and stand-up comedy across several floors. He had gone to the club alone following dinner with friends at Tao Downtown in Chelsea. Ramirez died from a drug overdose according to toxicology reports Security footage, taken in the early hours of April 21, shows Julio walking away from the Ritz Bar and Lounge, a gay dance club, with three unknown men Records show his credit card was last used at about 3am. He was later seen having been captured on surveillance footage outside the Upper East Side townhouse where he was staying. Footage clearly shows him getting out of the car with two other men and entering the townhouse. The pair then leave after 45 minutes. What happened in the hours afterwards remain a mystery as someone appeared to respond to text messages on Umberger's phone. Eventually, his phone stopped pinging his location, but text appeared as 'read' so Clary assumed her son was safe. 'I thought John was reading my texts but was too busy and ignoring me. You let a day go by, a day go by and then you say this is weird.' Her son's body was found four days later in a fifth-floor apartment of a townhouse owned by Jay Sekulow's American Center for Law and Justice, where Umberger had been employed as the director of diplomacy and political programs. Umberger's cellphone was used to transfer money out of his bank accounts Ramirez's credit cards were also used to purchase pricey items from luxury shops His credit cards had been stolen together with his cellphone. The cards were used to buy liquor close to a homeless shelter while items were also purchased at a Foot Locker. Further more $25,000 had been drained from his accounts using various cash-related apps on his phone including Venmo and PayPal with gang members able to change the passwords to gain access. Mom, Clary, who hails from Atlanta was in New York at the weekend to get political as she recorded a video message for a group supporting Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin for New York State Governor. 'Lee Zeldin has promised to restore safety to New York and to fire District Attorney Alvin Bragg on day one. This election may be the last opportunity to hold my son's killers accountable,' she stated. But it appears that Umberger was not the gang's first victim. Just five weeks earlier, Ramirez, a social worker from Brooklyn, disappeared in a similar situation. He was caught on a surveillance camera leaving gay club, The Ritz Bar and Lounge, only two blocks from The Q NYC. Again, three men were spotted as Ramirez left the club on a Thursday night in April. One hour later, he was found dead in the back of a taxi on the Lower East Side with his phone and wallet were missing. $20,000 had been sucked out of his accounts using apps on his phone including Zelle, while his credit cards were used to pay for pricey dinners and treatments at spas. Umberger and Ramirez died from drug overdoses according to preliminary toxicology reports but sources have said the pair had their drinks spiked with a date-rape drug. It is unclear what has caused the lengthy delay in getting the results of the tests but the Post suggests Bragg's office is likely overworked thanks to 'an unprecedented number of resignations of assistant district attorneys' who dislike changes to bail reform. Before the pandemic, New York State brought in sweeping bail reforms in an effort to reduce low-level offender prison populations. It released many repeat offenders back into the community. That was compounded in New York City by the election of District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who told his staff to avoid imposing cash bail wherever they could. It now sees staff within the DA office ordered to stop seeking prison sentences and instead downgrade felony charges in some cases. A family whose beloved pet dog died made the unusual decision to turn its fur into a keepsake, sparking debate from viewers about whether it was going a little too far. Chimera Taxidermy, based in Melbourne, shared a video of the golden retriever's pelt on social media saying it was going to be kept as a memento by his family. The business owner, 29-year-old Maddy, explained the pelt was 'tanned and turned to leather so the fur won't fall out' and should remain in good condition for many years. Maddy shared a follow-up post on Friday explaining that the pelts are kept stored away or are put on display but are definitely not used as rugs to walk on, as some people had assumed. 'I didn't make a living room rug out of this golden retriever. I create alternative pet memorials for those that want to keep a physical reminder of their pet,' she said. 'Some people choose only part of the pelt, some people choose the entire pelt.' 'The pets I preserve are not floor rugs. They are stored alongside ashes, photos, artwork, collars and whatever other mementos the owner has kept... It's the same concept as storing an urn on the shelf.' Many people commenting were supportive and said she was helping people get through losing a beloved animal. 'I don't think people understand how special this art is and how much peace it can give,' one person said. 'Love to you and the owners who find comfort in your services,' another said. 'I would much rather have a pelt or taxidermy than ashes,' a third said. A pet owner has turned their beloved golden retriever who died into a keepsake (pictured) but Maddy from Chimera Taxidermy pointed out her work is never used as floor rugs But others said they would find it difficult to have such a reminder. 'My memories give me peace, I couldn't do this, it would make it harder for me,' one said. 'This is interesting but certainly isn't for everyone,' another said. 'I don't know if I would be able to handle seeing this,' added a third. Maddy told Yahoo News Australia she has been doing pet taxidermy since she was 18 and it has soared in popularity in recent years. 'Some are a sentimental keepsake, others are on display resting on their beds or however their owners want them preserved,' she said. She said most of her requests are for full taxidermy mounts and she has done birds, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs as well as pooches. While prices are given on a quote basis for a specific job, owners could be looking at anything from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand to preserve their pet. 'It's rewarding to be able to help people with their grief and allow them to keep a part of their pet forever,' Maddy said. Advertisement Rishi Sunak is facing a growing row about 'reparations' to states hit by climate change as he makes his debut on the world stage at the COP27 summit. The PM is in Egypt for the gathering having U-turned on his original decision not to attend. But the event is promising to be tricky as vulnerable countries demand a 'loss and damage' mechanism for extreme weather events caused by climate change - at the same time as the UK imposes swingeing austerity and tax rises at home. What countries could be in line for money from a 'loss and damage' climate mechanism? Debate over whether and how to compensate vulnerable countries for 'loss and damage' caused by climate change has been raging for decades. Supporters argue that states that have not contributed much to carbon emissions are suffering worst from extreme weather and rising sea levels. However, critics insist there is no way developed countries can be held responsible for behaviour during industrialisation - which also brought huge improvements in living standards around the globe - or have the means to pay for all the consequences. There is no agreed definition of what constitutes 'loss and damage' from climate change, certainty about how the impact will be felt over the coming decades, consensus on who deserves money, or clarity about how the bill would break down between developed states. Any effort to include China in a list of those due damages would cause fury. One often-cited study from 2018 attempted to calculate the costs for vulnerable countries that could not be met by 'adaptation', suggesting it could reach a trillion dollars a year by 2040. Some of the countries often named as in need of support are: Maldives; Pakistan; Bangladesh; Nigeria; Jamaica; Barbados; Marshall Islands; Vanuatu. Advertisement Nicola Sturgeon - who has also jetted in for the summit - upped the pressure this morning, saying there is an 'obligation' on countries that industrialised first to help 'deal with the impacts'. Business Secretary Grant Shapps pointedly refused to rule out the idea completely, saying the UK is 'supportive of discussions' taking place at Sharm El-Sheikh. The topic is on the agenda at the annual conference for the first time. However, Downing Street stressed that there is no question of 'reparations' and instead pointed to the tripling of the climate 'adaptation fund' to 1.5billion by 2025. And former PM Boris Johnson told a fringe event that Britain 'simply doesn't have the financial resources' to pay reparations and 'no country does'. While admitting that the UK had contributed vast carbon emissions, he argued that the focus should be on finding private investment and technological solutions. 'Let's look to the future,' he added. There is no agreed definition of what constitutes 'loss and damage' from climate change, certainty about how the impact will be felt over the coming decades, or clarity about how the costs would break down between developed states. Any effort to include China in a list of those due damages would cause fury. One often-cited study from 2018 attempted to calculate the costs for vulnerable countries that could not be met by 'adaptation', suggesting it could reach a trillion dollars a year by 2040. In a statement as the summit kicked off, the Alliance of Small Island States called for a new loss and damage response fund that is operational by 2024, as well as for emissions to peak and decline immediately and reform of the financial system away from fossil fuels. The group of nations, whose very existence is threatened by the rising seas and increasingly stormy weather caused by climate change, said the fossil fuel industry had been raking in three billion US dollars a day for 30 years. 'It is still cheaper, and faster, to get money to destroy the planet than to save it,' they said. In other developments today: Mr Sunak said he is 'disappointed' with Matt Hancock for taking part in I'm A Celebrity, with Business Secretary Grant Shapps saying he should be helping constituents; The PM held talks with Emmanuel Macron over the Channel migrant crisis as he pushes for a new deal; Mr Johnson used his own speech in Egypt to attack 'corrosive cynicism' on the drive towards Net Zero, and denied trying to upstage Mr Sunak; Mr Sunak has insisted he will not be 'Scrooge' after the Autumn Statement on November 17, despite signs Jeremy Hunt will bring in swingeing tax hikes and spending cuts. Rishi Sunak meets Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson during the Cop27 summit at Sharm el-Sheikh Mr Kristersson bent down at one point, seemingly to scrawl his contact details on a piece of paper Mr Sunak also greeted Croatian PM Andrej Plenkovic on his first foreign trip since entering Downing Street Rishi Sunak chats to Israel's President Isaac Herzog at the COP27 summit in Egypt today Rishi Sunak met other leaders including the EU's Ursula von der Leyen at the summit in Egypt today Mr Sunak with UAE president Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today Boris Johnson told a fringe event that Britain 'simply doesn't have the financial resources' to pay reparations and 'no country does'. Nicola Sturgeon has backed calls for a loss and damage mechanism The UN Secretary General insisted COP27 must agree on a 'clear time-bound roadmap' to addressing loss and damage from climate change Mr Sunak is facing a difficult test as developing countries demand 'reparations' for extreme weather events caused by climate change - as the UK imposing swingeing austerity and tax rises at home Boris jokes HEATWAVE sparked coup against him Boris Johnson today joked that the 'unbearable' heatwave in London this summer could have triggered the coup against him. The former PM speculated on the effect of the heat - regarded as evidence of climate change - as he spoke at the COP27 summit in Egypt. Mr Johnson also denied he was upstaging Rishi Sunak by attending the gathering, saying he was now merely a 'foot soldier and spear carrier' for the Conservatives. He told the New York Times event that he was acting as the 'spirit' of the COP26 summit that was held in Glasgow during his premiership last year. Mr Johnson was forced to step down from Downing Street after a wave of ministerial resignations - including that of Mr Sunak - made his position untenable. Following the collapse of the administration formed by successor Liz Truss, he then dramatically pulled out of the Conservative leadership contest at the last moment. Advertisement Downing Street said Mr Sunak is looking to set the seal on last year's Cop26 summit in Glasgow with more than 200million in UK funding to protect forests and invest in 'green' technologies. Mr Sunak's attendance at the gathering in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh alongside leaders such as US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron marks his first outing on the international stage since becoming PM last month. In interviews yesterday, shadow climate secretary Ed Miliband stressed it would also be in Britain's 'self-interest' to boost aid to developing countries. But, while he highlighted both Pakistan and the Maldives as possible recipients of 'loss and damage' payments, he denied it would also see China handed cash. Mr Miliband also shied away from describing payments to developing countries as 'reparations' for climate change damage, adding that 'lots of people are allergic to the term 'reparations''. A debate over 'loss and damage' is expected to be a key issue at the Cop-27 summit, with developing countries having already made demands ahead of the Egypt gathering. The G77+ China group of nations are also set to repeat their call for a dedicated financing facility for loss and damage. Ms Sturgeon said there was an 'obligation' on richer countries that have largely caused climate change to help those suffering the impact of it. She told the BBC: 'I think this Cop is an opportunity for the global north and the global south to come together and have a proper, grown-up conversation about how we make progress. 'We've got to mitigate climate change, we've got to help countries adapt to the impacts of climate change, but as we've seen over the past year, not least in Pakistan, there are many parts of the world that are suffering loss and damage now that is irreversible and can't be mitigated against. 'There is an obligation in the spirit of solidarity for the richer countries that have largely caused climate change to now make a big effort to help those dealing with the impacts address that.' In his speech to world leaders, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for action to double support to help poorer countries adapt to climate change. But he also said the 'harsh truth' is that it was not possible to adapt to the growing number of catastrophic events around the world. 'The deadly impacts of climate change are here and now. Loss and damage can no longer be swept under the rug. It is a moral imperative,' he said, calling for concrete results on the issue at Cop27. Mr Guterres also called for a pact between developed and developing countries, in which all nations make an extra effort to reduce emissions, richer countries provide financial assistance to help emerging economies speed their own renewable transition, and to end dependence on fossil fuels. However, the PM's official spokesman said there was no question of 'reparations'. 'We are already helping countries across the world deal with the impacts of climate change and recognise the existential threat it poses to countries around the world from flooding to drought,' the spokesman said. 'That's why we've made a commitment to these countries to support them on that front. 'As we said over the weekend, we're tripling funding for climate adaptation. 'That's from 500million to 1.5billion in 2025. And the Prime Minister is confirming 65million in funding for the Nature, People and Climate Investment Fund - that supports indigenous and local forest communities. 'My understanding is that neither reparations or liabilities is what's being discussed at Cop-27. 'It's about working together to support climate vulnerable countries as I set out.' He added: 'We're not talking about reparations or liability we are talking about continuing to provide that support for countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change.' In a round of interviews this morning, Business Secretary Grant Shapps dodged on whether the Government accepted the principle of 'reparations' to poorer countries. 'We're accepting the principle there's a discussion to be had about this, and actually, in a sense, that's been accepted all along,' 'Today for example, the Prime Minister's announcing over 65 million of assistance to developing countries to be able to produce energy in a sustainable way, there's been a tacit acceptance. 'We industrialised first and we appreciate the rest of the world needs to be able to bring themselves along as well.' Asked if the payments could therefore happen, he added: 'There is a big international discussion going on, that's one of the things happening at Cop27 in Egypt and we're supportive of discussions going on, that's the British position.' In his opening address, the PM will say it is essential countries stick to commitments made in Glasgow if the world is to avoid the worst impact of climate change by limiting warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. At the same time, he will argue that the transition away from fossil fuels has the potential to drive growth and deliver jobs in the new green industries of the future, while cutting off funding for Russia's war in Ukraine. Mr Sunak is expected to say: 'The world came together in Glasgow with one last chance to create a plan that would limit global temperature rises to 1.5C. The question today is: can we summon the collective will to deliver on those promises? 'I believe we can. By honouring the pledges we made in Glasgow, we can turn our struggle against climate change into a global mission for new jobs and clean growth. 'And we can bequeath our children a greener planet and a more prosperous future. That's a legacy we could be proud of.' Before arriving in Sharm El-Sheikh overnight, the Prime Minister said he wanted the UK to be a leader on the issue. 'We led the world last year when it came to the Cop we hosted, achieved some very important things, we need to cement our leadership,' he told The Sun. 'I want to make sure I'm there flying the flag for the UK, being a leader on these issues.' He also paid tribute to the role of the King, even though he will not be at the gathering following an agreement between the Palace and former prime minister Liz Truss. 'He has demonstrated incredible leadership on this issue for a very long time. Even though he is not going to be there in person, I know he will be there in spirit. His leadership and influence will be guiding us,' he said. Downing Street said Mr Sunak will announce a further 65.5million for the clean energy innovation facility which provides grants to researchers and scientists in developing countries working on clean technologies from biomass-powered refrigeration in India to lithium-ion batteries in Nigeria. The UK is also committing 90million for conservation in the Congo Basin rainforest and 65 million to support indigenous and local forest communities as Mr Sunak launches a new group to track commitments made in Glasgow on deforestation. Mr Sunak shaking hands with new Italian PM Giorgia Meloni today Rishi Sunak is in Egypt for the COP27 summit having U-turned on his original decision to to attend The PM held talks with Emmanuel Macron (pictured today) over the Channel migrant crisis later as he pushes for a new deal The UK is handing over the baton on the COP summits to Egypt, having hosted the 26th gathering in Glasgow last year Mr Sunak had originally not intended to travel to Egypt, arguing his priority was to sort out the estimated 60billion black hole in the public finances ahead of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's autumn statement on November 17. But he was forced into what opposition parties called a 'screeching U-turn' after coming under fire from within his own party, as well as from environmentalists questioning his commitment to the net zero agenda. Shadow climate change secretary Ed Miliband said the Prime Minister should now drop plans to issue more licences for North Sea exploration and end the Government's opposition to onshore wind. 'Rishi Sunak is the man who had to be dragged kicking and screaming to go to Cop so it's simply implausible for him to claim the mantle of climate leadership. Rishi Sunak is a fossil fuel prime minister in a renewable age,' he said. The latest round of UN climate talks takes place against a backdrop of devastating extreme weather around the world as well as an energy and cost-of-living crisis driven by President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. The UN has warned that, based on countries' latest climate action plans, there is currently no credible pathway to meet the 1.5C goal intended to avoid the worst impact of global warming. Rich countries are also falling short in providing the finance needed to help developing nations adapt to a changing climate and develop cleanly, the UN has warned. Thousands of Ukrainians will freeze to death in their homes this winter if the country is not given more anti-aircraft guns to defend its power plants, an expert has warned. Dr Justin Bronk, of think-tank RUSI, urged the West to donate more shoulder-launched missiles and mobile anti-aircraft batteries to Kyiv to defeat Russian attacks on its energy grid using cruise missiles and Iranian-made drones. Ukraine's national grid operator has warned of 'further, deeper' blackouts today because the country is short a third of the energy it needs to keeping running. Meanwhile Vitaly Klitschko, mayor of Kyiv, told people to start making plans to flee the capital in case of a 'complete and sustained power shutdown' that would completely cut light, heating, water and sewage services. Ukraine urgently needs anti-air defences from the West or thousands of people will freeze to death in their homes this winter, and expert has warned (pictured, blackout in Kyiv) Ukraine's power grid operator warned today that the country is short a third of the energy it needs to keep running and 'further, deeper' blackouts are coming Ukrainians eat dinner by the light of candles in a bar in Kyiv as the capital city was hit by blackouts, amid warnings people may have to flee in the event of a 'sustained' loss of power Vladimir Putin switched tactics in early October to strike Ukraine's power plants and energy lines after suffering significant defeats on the battlefield. Using precision-guided bombs and Iranian-supplied Shahed 136 suicide drones, his forces have since taken out around 40 per cent of Ukraine's generating capacity. While Ukraine is believed to be taking out the majority of the incoming drones and missiles, enough are making it through to cause considerable damage. Attacks on civilian infrastructure are a war crime under international law. Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Dr Bronk said: 'So far Russia has fired between 400 and 500 of [the Iranian drones] with as many as 2,600 on order... '[Ukraine] needs large numbers of [shoulder-launched missiles] and anti-aircraft guns so that they can start repairing a lot of the electricity substations and things that are being hit... 'To be quite blunt if they don't get better equipment and a better ability to defend against these Shahed missiles then thousands of Ukrainian are going to freeze to death over the winter.' Speaking overnight, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Putin is 'concentrating forces and means for a possible repetition of mass attacks on our infrastructure. First of all, energy.' More than 4.5 million people are already without power, Zelensky said, amid concerns that support for Ukraine could waver as the war's impact on energy and food prices persists into winter. Russia has been targeting Ukraine's power network using Iranian-made drones and cruise missiles since early October, after being pushed back on the battlefield Ukraine says around 40 per cent of its energy-generating capacity has been destroyed over the last month leaving it desperately short on power Presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said earlier on Twitter that Ukraine would 'stand' despite Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, by marshalling air defence, protecting infrastructure and optimising consumption to do so. The country faced a projected shortfall of 32 per cent in power supply on Monday, Sergei Kovalenko, the chief executive of YASNO, a major provider of energy to the capital, said on his Facebook page. The warnings followed remarks by Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko urging residents to 'consider everything', including a worst-case scenario in which the capital loses power and water. Residents should consider 'spending some time' with friends or family outside the city, he said in a television interview on Saturday, in which he accused Putin of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure. 'His task is for us to die, to freeze, or to make us flee our land so that he can have it. That's what the aggressor wants to achieve,' Klitschko added. In the south, Russia and Ukraine continued to trade accusations as Ukraine advances on the city of Kherson. Reuters was unable to immediately verify battlefield accounts from either side. Regional governor Yaroslav Yanushevych said Russian forces destroyed about 1.5km of power lines, cutting supply to the city of Beryslav. 'It is likely that there will be no electricity in Beryslav until it is fully freed from occupation,' Yanushevych wrote on the Telegram messaging app, adding that power lines to Kherson had also been destroyed. Russia has made extensive use of cheap Iranian-made suicide drones (file image) in the energy attacks and is thought to have thousands more on order On Sunday, Russian news agencies said shelling by Ukrainian forces damaged Ukraine's vast Russian-held Nova Kakhovka dam, upstream of Kherson on the Dnipro river. They gave no supporting evidence, and Reuters could not immediately verify the reports. Russian state-owned TASS quoted an emergency services representative as saying a rocket launched by a U.S.-made HIMARS missile system had hit the dam's lock, damaging it. The official called the incident an 'attempt to create the conditions for a humanitarian catastrophe' by breaching the dam. The warnings came as the Wall Street Journal said US National Security Adviser Sullivan held confidential conversations in recent months with Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov and Russian Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev. Few high-level contacts between U.S. and Russian officials have been made public in recent months, as Washington has insisted that any talks on ending the war in Ukraine be held between Moscow and Kyiv. The White House declined to comment on the report, responding only with a statement attributed to National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson: 'People claim a lot of things.' Ukraine needs shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles and anti-air batteries with radar in order to stop its power plants being hit (file image) On Saturday, the Washington Post said the United States is privately encouraging Ukraine to signal an openness to negotiate with Russia, as the State Department said Moscow was escalating the war and did not seriously wish to engage in peace talks. The paper cited unidentified sources as saying the request by American officials was not aimed at pushing Ukraine to the negotiating table, but a calculated attempt to ensure Kyiv maintains the support of other nations. Zelensky signed a decree on October 4 formally declaring the prospect of any Ukrainian talks with Putin 'impossible' but leaving the door open to talks with Russia. The White House National Security Council had no immediate comment on the accuracy of the report. A State Department spokesperson responded: 'We've said it before and will say it again: Actions speak louder than words. If Russia is ready for negotiation, it should stop its bombs and missiles and withdraw its forces from Ukraine.' Pratt's last minute backing comes just hours before LA locals head to the polls The billionaire Democrat hopeful used to be a Republican and an Independent Caruso has a slew of rich and famous backing him - including Kim Kardashian He is up against the favored progressive Karen Bass in Tuesday's run-off The billionaire ex-Republican is hoping to swing Los Angeles to the center Chris Pratt has become the latest Hollywood start to throw his support behind billionaire Rick Caruso for the mayor of Los Angeles ahead of tomorrow's highly anticipated midterm elections. The actor, 43, bemoaned the California city's 'gradual decline into pain and utter disarray' as he urged voters to back the newly-defected Democrat real estate developer. Caruso has previously identified as a Republican and an Independent before switching allegiances to the Democrats shortly before entering the race in February in the famously liberal city. He is up against Joe Biden-endorsed progressive Karen Bass in the run-off after she edged the businessman by seven points in the June vote but failed to receive a 50 per cent majority. Pratt, whose father-in-law is former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, said on his Instagram Stories Sunday: 'I've lived in LA for over 20 years. It's been great to me. In that time I've seen what many residents here have seen, the city's gradual decline into pain and utter disarray. Chris Pratt has thrown his support behind billionaire Rick Caruso for the mayor of Los Angeles ahead of tomorrow's highly anticipated midterm elections (pictured with wife Katherine Schwarzenegger) The actor, 43, urged voters to back the newly-defected Democrat real estate developer (pictured on Saturday) The Guardians of the Galaxy star made an impassioned plea on his Instagram Stories to back the candidate 'If you live here, you know exactly what I'm talking about. 'I don't normally support political candidates. But in this election, there's too much to lose. 'If you're an LA voter, I urge you to vote for @rickcarusola. He's a builder. He knows how to get s*** done. He's the guy for our city. Rick Caruso for LA Mayor.' Pratt has rarely waded into the political arena, saying in 2017 that he wanted to help heal the country's divisions by being nonpartisan. He told People: 'I really feel there's common ground out there that's missed because we focus on the things that separate us. 'You're either the red state or the blue state, the left or the right. Not everything is politics. Caruso is up against Joe Biden-endorsed progressive Karen Bass who would become the city's first black female mayor Pratt, whose father-in-law is former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, rarely intervenes in politics 'And maybe that's something I'd want to help bridge, because I don't feel represented by either side.' Despite donating to Barack Obama's 2012 presidential campaign, Pratt's apparent lack of political engagement saw him get heavily criticized by fans in 2020. A viral meme asked who is 'the best Hollywood Chris' and many claimed Pratt was the worst. Many speculated the Jurassic World star was a Donald Trump supporter because of his association with a conservative Christian church that has been criticized for being anti-LGBTQ in the past. But now he has decided to break his political silence and back Caruso who has so far spent an estimated $100million on his mayor campaign. Pratt's mother-in-law Maria Shriver also supports the candidate. She said: 'This race is super tight and every vote matters. If you want Los Angeles to be different than it is today, the choice is clear with @RickCarusoLA. Change is critical to the city's future. It's up to us - let's go.' Bass has been backed by the Democrat establishment and is endorsed by Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders Caruso has star supporters including Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, Snoop Dogg, Elon Musk and Gwyneth Paltrow The billionaire businessman has a slew of other celebrity supporters including Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, Snoop Dogg, Elon Musk and Gwyneth Paltrow. Meanwhile his fancied opponent Bass is supported by Barack Obama, Steven Spielberg, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Danny Trejo. Caruso is running on a platform of cleaning up the streets, tackling homelessness and luring big business and Hollywood back to Tinseltown. He has tapped into his estimated $5.3billion fortune to build a huge war chest, most of it his own money, that easily eclipses fundraising by all candidates in the previous three mayoral races. The centrist Caruso, the son of Italian immigrants, is testing if the famously liberal city might swing to the political right for the first time in decades. He's promising to expand the police department and quickly get homeless encampments off the streets. Latest polls suggest she is polling on 45 percent to Caruso's 41 percent, within the margin of error. The winner will replace outgoing two-term Democratic Mayor Eric Garcetti, who has been largely absent in the contest. His nomination to become U.S. ambassador to India made by Biden more than a year ago appears stalled in the Senate over sexual harassment allegations against a former Garcetti top adviser. Pratt isn't the only Hollywood royal to have recently shown their support for Caruso - after Nicole Avant backed the billionaire following the tragic death of her mother. Former US Ambassador Avant, who is married to Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, said that she found it 'very insulting' when people told her she ought to vote for Karen Bass in the upcoming midterms just because she is also a black woman. Instead, Avant said that LA's rocketing crime problem demands a new mayor to fix the city's problems. Nicole Avant (left) with her Netflix CEO husband Ted Sarandos. She has backed Rick Caruso A man packs up his tent as the city of Los Angeles clears Toriumi Plaza in Little Tokyo Residents have argued that homelessness is the top problem facing the county, with 94 per cent of voters viewing it as a serious or very serious problem 'This is like a breaking point. Who is in charge here? How is this happening?,' she told Common Sense. 'It's the drug addicts in front of people's houses, it's people naked in the streetthere's so much chaos, and Rick is the opposite of that, and we just need to reel things in and do things in a different way.' Her mother Jacqueline Avant was shot dead in her own home in an exclusive Beverly Hills enclave after a night out with her husband, legendary music executive Clarence Avant, in December 2021. Los Angeles' progressive DA George Gascon has consistently been at the forefront of criticism for being lenient with sentencing criminals - as homicides in LA reached their highest level in 15 years in 2022. He has faced recalls after consistently failing to pursue felony charges. He's been vocal about his belief that the criminal justice system needs to focus more on intervention and rehabilitation, blasting 'tough on crime' policies as racist and a failure. Jacqueline Avant was shot in the back when a robber, who was a repeat offender, broke into their $7million Beverly Hills home 11 months ago. Arariel Maynor has since been sentenced to a minimum of 150 years in prison, after it was revealed he bragged to friends over the phone about the from jail following his arrest. In January, a UCLA graduate Brianna Kupfer was stabbed to death in a random attack in the middle of the afternoon while working in a luxury furniture store in the city. Murders in the City of Angeles rose 52 percent last year from 2019, and shooting incidents were up 59 per cent, according to LAPD data. A short-sighted grandfather is facing jail for sexual assault after he touched a nurse's breast 'whilst trying to read the name badge' on her NHS uniform. Widower Andrew Sington, 76, who was not wearing his glasses, was visiting a patient in hospital when he reached over and pulled at the woman's fleece jacket. During the manoevre in front of his partner, the patient they were visiting, and other hospital staff, Sington touched the nurse's left breast and then said: 'I am sorry I didn't mean to touch your boob, I was just checking your name.' The woman, who is in her 40s and who cannot be named, later reported the incident to senior colleagues and was said to be in a state of 'shock and disbelief.' Sington was convicted of sexual assault, an offence which carries a maximum ten years in jail, at Sefton magistrates court near Liverpool on Friday. The public school-educated pensioner was described by his lawyer as 'eccentric' and even compared to the 1950s cartoon character Mr Magoo, who gets into comic situations because of his near-sightedness, 'rather than a sexual predator'. A short-sighted grandfather is facing jail for sexual assault after he touched a nurse's breast 'whilst trying to read the name badge' on her NHS uniform The retired business consultant, who lives in Hale near Altrincham, Greater Manchester was said to be 'absolutely horrified' at being convicted and plans to appeal. The incident, which was captured on hospital CCTV cameras, occurred on November 13 last year when Sington and his partner were visiting her daughter at a hospital near Liverpool. The court heard the victim came into a room where the three were sitting, introduced herself and Sington patted her arm. 'I just dismissed that,' she said, 'Some people are quite tactile and I didn't think anything of it. I just sat down and there was some general conversation. It was about 30 minutes into the visit when the patient was becoming quite restless and we decided to take her back to the ward. 'We were standing, preparing to leave and close to the door and the patient's mum was talking about when she would next visit. Mr Sington then put his arm across from the right and touched me on my left breast. 'I had my NHS fleece on which had the NHS logo and rainbow motif on the left side. He pulled the fleece and made a comment such as 'I am sorry, I didn't mean to touch your boob, I was checking your name.' 'My name was embroidered on the right side of my fleece in white, the NHS logo and rainbow were on the left. The name was clearly visible. 'I was very shocked. I remember my colleague saying "Her name is on the other side. She has already told you what her name is." 'He touched it enough for me to feel it. It was a pull at the fleece as if trying to pull the fleece towards him but his hand was on my breast. 'I just froze, I was shocked. It was the last thing I expected to happen.' Widower Andrew Sington, 76, who was not wearing his glasses, was visiting a patient in hospital when he reached over and pulled at the woman's fleece jacket The nurse said that following the incident, the visitors said goodbye to the patient and that she spoke to the patient's mother. She also had a recollection of Mr Sington touching her arm again as they left the room. The nurse added: 'I remember walking away back to the ward and thinking, "Did that really just happen? Have I really just been touched?" It took me a few minutes to process. 'It was the way I was touched, it was the comment afterwards, "Sorry I didn't touch your boob." It was the way he said it.' A colleague of the nurse told the hearing: 'I clearly saw that he made a grab in the chest area then made a comment, "Have I touched your boob?". 'He said that he was checking for a name and I said: "You already know her name because she introduced herself. The name is not on that part of her fleece." 'I could see that the nurse was awkward about what had happened and shocked so I felt that I had to intervene.' In police interview Sington appeared flustered, and at one stage couldn't remember the name of his own partner. When asked what prompted him to say, 'I did not touch your boob,' he replied: 'Because I looked and I couldn't see her name. I moved the fleece so that I could see her name. I wanted to refer to her by name as it's a polite thing to do. A person has a name and we should try to [use] their name. My biggest issue is remembering someone's name.' He told the court: 'I wanted to address the female nurse. I had forgotten her name which is not unusual unfortunately. Therefore, I did make a glance to the right and saw that her colleague's name was on his chest to the left. Therefore, I looked at the female nurse on the left. 'There was something there, but I could not see what it was So, with my hand I moved the top of her fleece in order so that I could see her name. That's when I was accused of touching her breast - but I didn't touch her breast. I certainly touched her fleece which was loose in front of her.' Sington said that the nurse had made no objection at the time and made no comments such as 'get off me' or 'how dare you.' When asked if he was surprised or shocked to learn of the allegation, he said he was 'absolutely devastated'. Sington was convicted of sexual assault, an offence which carries a maximum ten years in jail, at Sefton magistrates court near Liverpool on Friday He said that his attendance at the police station had been 'horrible' and had made him ill. 'If I had been intent on fondling her, I would have used my left hand on her right chest,' he added. 'But I did not. I wanted to move her fleece. I try to use people's names as best as I can as its polite. I had forgotten her name and I thought the least embarrassing way was to look at her name tag.' His lawyer Mike Braham said: 'Mr Sington is a man of good character and is more of a Mr Magoo than a sexual predator. He has told the court that he was short sighted and was not wearing his spectacles. Clearly, he is a little eccentric. 'The complainant was standing with her hands behind her back as Mr Sington looked for her name badge. Her head moved slightly low but she remains completely impassive and unflinching. They are hardly the actions of someone touched inappropriately. 'Her colleague says he is sure it was inappropriate touching but at no stage does he try to make out where the name badge is. He stands quite still. At the end of the meeting the complainant remains with the defendant and his partner. Would someone who has been sexually assaulted be content to be left with her attacker? Would she not excuse herself and call for assistance?' But Edward Rattigan prosecuting said: 'He knew perfectly well what he was doing and was using the excuse of seeking her name badge as a cover for the sexual assault that he has committed.' As the verdict was delivered, Sington shook his head and said: 'I am absolutely horrified.' But chairman of the bench Frank Dainty said they found the prosecution witnesses 'credible, mutually supportive and consistent' and added: 'We have reviewed the CCTV footage and are satisfied the incident took place as described by the prosecution.' The court adjourned for a probation report and Sington was told to appear for sentencing at Liverpool Magistrates Court on November 25. He has 21 days to lodge an appeal with the Crown Court. Russian marines have said their 'incompetent' generals are treating them as 'cannon fodder' after their unit suffered devastating losses, with 300 men reportedly killed or wounded in four days of heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine. Marines from Russia's 155th Naval Infantry Brigade wrote a scathing letter to their regional governor, claiming they had lost 300 servicemen in a four-day massacre in Pavlivka thanks to the catastrophic planning of Generals Rustam Muradov and Zurab Akhmedov. The soldiers claimed Russian commanders were 'hiding' the mayhem in the Donetsk region and 'playing down the number of losses for fear of being held responsible'. The marines demanded in their letter that Vladimir Putin is personally told of the alleged massacre and that he will set up an independent military commission. The letter comes as footage appeared to show thousands of mobilised Russian soldiers staging an extraordinary mutiny against their general for sending them to the front line with a lack of supplies and equipment. Major-General Kirill Kulakov, 53, faced chants of 'get out of here', 'shame on you', and 'down with Putin's regime' as thousands of mobilised men joined a protest at their training base in the city of Kazan, southwest Russia, on the night before they were due to be sent to the front line. Soldiers who led the mutiny told superiors they could not fight because they had endured weeks of water shortages and scarce rations - and now they were going to be sent into battle with 'rusty machine guns from the 1970s'. Russian marines have said their 'incompetent' generals are treating them as 'cannon fodder' after their unit suffered devastating losses, with 300 men reportedly killed or wounded in four days of heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine. Pictured: Soldiers on the front lines in Pavlivka The letter comes as footage appeared to show thousands of mobilised Russian soldiers staging an extraordinary mutiny against their general for sending them to the front line with a lack of supplies and equipment. Major-General Kirill Kulakov, 53, (pictured in the hat) faced chants of 'get out of here', 'shame on you', and 'down with Putin's regime' at their training base in the city of Kazan, southwest Russia Volunteers of the Ukrainian World Foundation inspect a former Russian military fortification in the northern Kherson region on Sunday Meanwhile, the marines wrote the letter about the bloodbath in Pavlivka to their regional governor Oleg Kozhemyako in Primorsky - in the Russian Far East - in a bid to get their plaintive message to Putin and the upper echelons of the defence ministry. A pro-Kremlin war reporter highlighted the situation in Pavlivka - known as Pavlovka in Russia - because he feared the marines were becoming 'meat mixed with earth and boards'. They state in the leaked communique: 'Yet again we were thrown into an incomprehensible attack by Generals [Rustam] Muradov and [Zurab] Akhmedov, so that Muradov could get bonuses from [chief of the general staff Valery] Gerasimov, and his promised Hero of Russia [medal]. 'So it was us and the Marines from Kamchatka advancing on Pavlivka.' 'As a result of the 'carefully planned' attack by these 'great commanders' we lost about 300 people in four days, killed, wounded and missing. 'We lost 50 per cent of our military equipment, and this was just our brigade.' The marines added: 'The enemy is destroying our men on the evacuation routes. Pavlivka is also lower than Ugledar, from where they attack us.' The marines appealed to the governor: 'How long will mediocrities like Muradov and Akhmedov plan military operations for the sake of their reports, and for receiving awards at the cost of so many lives?' 'They don't care about anything but themselves, they call people cannon fodder. 'We ask you to get in touch with the supreme [commander Putin] so that a commission is sent to investigate what happened. 'Not from the Ministry of Defence, where Muradov's 'roof' is Gerasimov, but a properly independent commission. 'How much longer should we be standing it for!' A Ukrainian servicemen from the 127th brigade looks up to the sky after hearing the sound of a drone at their position near the Ukrainian border with Russia in the Kharkiv region on Saturday A Ukrainian soldier works at digging a trench in the Kherson region on Sunday Marines from Russia's 155th Naval Infantry Brigade wrote a scathing letter to their regional governor, saying they had lost 300 servicemen in a four-day massacre in Pavlivka thanks to the catastrophic planning of Generals Rustam Muradov (left) and Zurab Akhmedov (right) Russia's defence ministry took a rare step today of denying the allegations that the naval infantry unit had suffered disastrous losses of men and equipment in the battle. It rejected the rejected the assertion that the marines unit had suffered 'high, pointless losses in people and equipment'. On the contrary, in the course of 10 days it had advanced 5 km (over 3 miles) into Ukrainian defensive positions, RIA quoted the ministry as saying. The statement specifically denied that the brigade's commanders had shown incompetence. 'Due to the competent actions of the unit commanders, the losses of marines for the given period do not exceed 1% of combat strength, and 7% wounded, a significant part of whom have already returned to duty,' it said. The unusual denial suggested the reported losses had touched a raw nerve at a point in the war's ninth month when Russian forces are under heavy pressure in partly occupied regions of Ukraine that Moscow has proclaimed as its own territory - actions denounced as illegal by Kyiv, the West and most countries of the United Nations. Meanwhile, Governor Kozhemyako appeared to acknowledge the letter was genuine but said it exaggerated the scale of the true losses. 'We contacted the commanders. Yes there are losses, there's heavy fighting, but they are far from what is written in this appeal,' he said in a video statement on his Telegram channel. Russian military bloggers, some of whom command audiences of half a million or more on social media, have become increasingly critical of the failings of Moscow's generals since Ukraine recaptured large parts of the northeast of the country in September. It comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said yesterday that Russia is suffering heavy losses in continuing 'fierce' attacks in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. 'Very fierce Russian attacks on Donetsk region are continuing. The enemy is suffering serious losses there,' Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address. Russia's 155th Naval Infantry Brigade is just one of several Russian units which raised concerns about the poor planning of their commanders. Footage showed thousands of Russian conscripts shouting at Major-General Kirill Kulakov at a training base in Kazan, a city in Russia, with some yelling 'let's go home'. Some men claimed the Putin general was 'drunk' while others taunted him for allegedly calling them 'pigs'. Footage showed thousands of Russian conscripts shouting at Major-General Kirill Kulakov at a training base in Kazan, a city in Russia, with some yelling 'let's go home' He was urged by the mob to 'apologise' for the treatment of the mobilised men by the Russian army. The commander sought to stay calm and reason with the men, telling them their orders were clear and their activities for the next day had been published. At one point he said: 'I am answering your questions.' But one soldier screamed: 'F***ing general, you know where you're sending us,' alluding to the front line where many conscripts fear they are being used as cannon fodder by a cruel regime with incompetent commanders. Kulikov was told: 'You're sitting comfortably in a warm place.' Up to 2,500 men were involved in the protest, according to social media accounts, and Kulikov was forced to call OMON riot police to restore calm. 'The general was kicked out of here - the brute arrived drunk and [making complaints about our behaviour],' said one enlisted soldier. 'We have rusty machine guns from the 1970s that are not [tested], it is dangerous to shoot with them.' They claimed visits by family to the training camp are 'banned'. The soldier added: 'The equipment for 2,500 people is two Ural [trucks]. There is no water to shower, and the meals [are not regular].' Trainers who have been to the front told the men they face death when they are sent there, they claimed. A howitzer, belonging to Ukrainian artillery battery attached to the 59th Motorised Brigade, shoots-off to target the points controlled by Russian troops in Kherson Oblast Ukrainian servicemen from the 127th brigade inspect destroyed Russian Armored Personnel Carriers (APC) near the Ukrainian border in Kharkiv region on Saturday Meanwhile, the alleged four-day massacre in Pavlivka was first highlighted by Russian state TV reporter Alexander Sladkov, a staunch loyalist, in a sign that even Putin's most loyal supporters are questioning the war. He warned 'the blood is pouring and pouring' among Russian forces, with 'great losses' of people and equipment. After claims that the letter may have been the work of Ukrainian special forces, he hit back today denying his account had been hacked, stating: 'The goal is to save [Russian forces]. 'Let them become heroes, not meat mixed with earth and boards.' Another pro-Russian war reporter, Semyon Pegov, said the slaughter of the marines was 'extremely depressing news'. Another pro-Kremlin war reporter Alexey Sukonkin said 'terrible bloodshed was taking place in Pavlivka', adding that the regional governor 'will have to answer for the mediocrity of a commander who organised this bloody holiday. Sukonkin added: 'He will have to look into the eyes of widows and orphaned children. 'An unenviable fate.' He said: 'This is just a case when society is simply obliged to demand from the military personal responsibility for the lives of citizens who have arrived at the front for mobilisation.' Reports also suggest heavy Ukrainian losses in intense fighting. But there are claims that Russian troops fell into a trap occupying half of Pavlivka and were then picked off by the Ukrainian forces. Meanwhile, a Russian soldier from a different battalion has claimed that more than 500 of their comrades had been killed in the village of Makiivka, an hour north of Pavlivka. A Ukrainian soldier prepares food at a position in the Kherson region on Saturday Aleksey Agafonov, one of the alleged surviving servicemen, told Verstka in an unverified report that his unit was abandoned on the front line by generals and they were wiped out within days. 'We had three shovels per battalion and there were no provisions at all. We dug in as best we could and in the morning the shelling started from artillery and helicopters. We were simply shot,' Agafonov claimed. 'When it all started the officers simply ran away.' The news agency also quoted a group of wives of men in the same unit saying that their husbands had been abandoned. 'They did not sleep, did not eat, for three days they held the defence and did not run anywhere, unlike the command,' one of the women said in a video. Meanwhile, new figures suggest that Putin's war has cost more than 100,000 Russian lives. Telegram channel General SVR claims that the Russian leader has been informed of 77,291 killed in his regular forces since he started the conflict in February. In addition some 23,517 have been killed in private military companies like Wagner which are involved in his war. Some 5,308 Russian national guards have also been killed, said the channel. The Russian channel has regularly suggested the toll is higher than other sources. If correct, it would mean an overall Russian toll of 106,116. Distressing audio of a woman welded into her home by Beijing Covid officials and begging to be released after her mother had jumped to her death has sparked fury in China. The 29-year-old's desperate appeal came after her mother, named as 55-year-old Mrs Wang, had plunged from the window of the home they shared in apparent despair over the brutal lockdown conditions they were facing in the city of Hohhot, inner Mongolia. The region has been in the grip of a major Covid outbreak since late September, when a new Omicron variant was first detected and the gates to Mrs Wang's residential building were locked from the outside with residents unable to open them from the inside. Mrs Wang had anxiety disorder and had allegedly taken prescription drugs for her condition since 2019. Her daughter had expressed concerns to the property manager on the morning of November 4 that her mother was having a mental breakdown and contacted again as her condition worsened. What's on Weibo reported that when the daughter asked the building manager to call the emergency hotline, he said: 'call them yourself, I'm busy.' No one came to check on Mrs Wang or her daughter. Mrs Wang jumped from the bedroom window of her apartment after her daughter went into the living room to charge her phone. Audio footage of the woman's daughter went viral on Chinese social media, banging on the gate and begging community workers to unseal her mother's door and help her. The daughter shouted: 'Open the gate, open the gate! I'm begging you, please', according to CNN. She called for the property manager to open the barrier gates and when they were eventually opened, first responders found the daughter next to her mother's body. Authorities admitted that their zero Covid lockdown protocols delayed their emergency response. The 55-year-old, Mrs Wang, lived with her 29-year-old daughter in a residential building in Hohhot, inner Mongolia, that was completely shut down due to Covid. She jumped to her death after her daughter made repeated calls for help as her mental health deteriorated on November 4 Audio footage of the woman's daughter went viral on Chinese social media, banging on the gate and begging community workers to unseal her mother's door and help her The video has drawn attention to the mental health crises exacerbated by weeks in lockdowns Authorities admitted that their zero Covid lockdown protocols delayed their emergency response. Pictured: Apartment blocks in the area after the incident A clip was later posted online of officials disinfecting the area with chemicals Wuhan subway passenger covers herself in plastic bag so she can eat a banana without breaking Covid rules A hungry passenger who wanted to eat a banana on a subway in Wuhan covered herself in a giant plastic bag so she would avoid bending Covid rules. The woman was seen eating the banana before putting the peel into another small plastic bag that she had bought with her. Footage of the unusual incident was taken by another passenger called Wang. He was bemused and wondered at first if the woman was dressed up in a Halloween costume. But it then dawned on him that although it was around the same time, people are currently not allowed to take off masks to eat on public transport due to COVID rules. Speaking about the video he said: 'There are restrictions because of coronavirus outbreaks, but nevertheless even during an outbreak it seemed a bit extreme for the woman to go to this length to have a snack.' After the video went viral online, a spokesman for the city's Metro said: 'We would like to remind people that eating on trains in Wuhan like in other Chinese cities is not allowed. 'We urge anybody who spots something like this to call our hotline and staff will attend to the matter.' The woman eats a banana on the train Advertisement The video has drawn attention to the mental health crises exacerbated by weeks in lockdowns. One comment on Weibo said: 'Who has the right to weld building gates shut? Who has the right to weld building gates shut? 'Who has the right to restrict others' freedom to live? What if there is an earthquake or fire, who is responsible afterwards?' A clip was later posted online of officials disinfecting the area with chemicals. Officials have vowed to punish community workers who forcibly seal household doors and building gates with locks, despite it being widespread practice in areas that are locked down. It came days after a toddler in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu province, died of carbon monoxide poisoning after the slow response of emergency medical services delayed hospital treatment. In a viral social media post that was later deleted, the boy's father blamed lockdown controls and community workers for obstructing their access to hospital, while district authorities later apologised for the incident. Despite the zero-Covid policy and militant lockdowns grinding the country to a halt, China today reported its highest daily Covid caseload. The country today logged more than 5,600 cases, almost half were in Guangdong province, a manufacturing hub in the country's south home to major ports. Beijing over the weekend quashed hopes that its strict zero-Covid policy - in which spot lockdowns, quarantines and mass testing are employed to quash outbreaks - might be relaxed anytime soon. However, the continued lockdowns have caused scandals, with residents complaining of inadequate conditions, food shortages and delayed emergency medical care. A gruelling lockdown at the biggest iPhone factory in the world, based in Zhengzhou, has impacted production of Apple products temporarily, meaning that customers would experience delays in receiving their orders. Yesterday, Apple said in a statement: 'The facility is currently operating at significantly reduced capacity.' Foxconn, Apple's principal subcontractor which runs the plant, revised down its quarterly earnings forecast today due to the lockdown. China's National Health Commission vowed Saturday to 'unswervingly' stick to zero-Covid, dashing a major stock market rally last week on the back of unsubstantiated rumours that Beijing would imminently loosen its strict virus policy. A woman lowers her mask to get swabbed for COVID test in Beijing yesterday A woman wearing a face mask uses an iPhone as she walks on a street in Beijing today A gruelling lockdown at the biggest iPhone factory in the world, based in Zhengzhou, has impacted production of Apple products temporarily, meaning that customers would experience delays in receiving their orders. Pictured: An apple store in Beijing HYDERABAD: The BSP, which did not boast of any substantial presence in Munugode constituency, finished at an enviable fourth place in the by-election, whose results were declared on Sunday. It polled 4,045 votes. While campaigning aggressively, the state leadership under R.S. Praveen Kumar was able to cut into the Congress vote bank representing SCs and STs. The former IPS officer campaigned for Andoju Shankara Chary, a BC, covering almost every village. Besides this, the party's young cadre of 28 was able to reach out to the voters. It should be noted that in the 2014 and 2018 elections, BSPs vote share did not cross even one per cent having received 1,084 (0.63%) and 738 (0.37%) respectively. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Praveen Kumar said "Despite the money and liquor temptations doled out by the other contenders, we were able to cross the 4,000 vote mark and stood in fourth position. We swear by clean politics and this election is a lesson for us. There is a significant increase in the people supporting us in the State. We respect the judgement of the people." A young woman with a 'very concerning' driving record has broken down in court as she admitted to killing a grandfather in a horrific crash. Alisha Jane Fagan, 22, at first gave police a fake name and said she was not behind the wheel of an Audi sedan that was speeding and ran a red light in Sunshine West, in Melbourne's west, before it hit 69-year-old Sedat Hassan's Honda and killed him. She claimed three men of African appearance were in the car with her and ran off after the collision on June 9 this year, while she stayed behind to try and help the injured Mr Hassan. But in Melbourne Magistrate's Court on Monday Ms Fagan - appearing via video from an Indigenous rehabilitation clinic she is ordered to attend as part of her bail conditions - admitted through tears she had been the driver. Alisha Fagan (pictured), pleaded guilty to dangerous driving after her Audi allegedly ploughed into Sedat Hassan's Honda in Sunshine West, Melbourne Mr Hassan (pictured) died of injuries sustained in the crash, with Fagan's three passengers allegedly fleeing the scene in a decision slammed as a 'bastard act' by police She is charged with dangerous driving causing Mr Hassan's death. 'I plead guilty,' she said, reports The Herald Sun. Having been in the residential healing centre for troubled Indigenous youth since August, Fagan's lawyer asked that her bail be extended to remain at the facility before her next court appearance, which was granted. The centre offers trips to the cinema and visits to a gym with a sauna and spa. The court heard she had been reading the biography of Indigenous musician Archie Roach while at the facility. A magistrate called Fagan 'out of control' over her driving history (pictured dancing on TikTok) She also pleaded guilty to drug possession and possession of a controlled weapon after she was found at the scene of the crash with a kitchen knife and Xanax tablets. The court previously heard that despite her initial denial at being the driver, DNA on the driver's side airbag is a match to her with a probability of one to 100 billion. Detective Sergeant Stephen Hill said other occupants in her car were 'cowardly' to 'run away from the scene'. 'If they had have remained instead of running away, they may have been able to save him,' he said. During a two-hour hearing in June, Fagan wailed and cried as the horror details of the crash were read out, with her lawyer concerned for her welfare. Pictured is the crash scene The charge of dangerous driving causing death is the 14th matter Fagan currently has before the courts. She was on four bail orders when the crash occurred. In a previous appearance, Fagan lashed out in court, screaming, crying and insisting she 'tried to help him'. Her lawyer said the 22-year-old has chronic depression and borderline personality disorder, and has threatened to self harm. Detective Senior Constable Barry Bassett said she has a 'blanket disregard for the law'. Fagan, 22, was bailed to a residential healing centre for troubled Indigenous youth Her traffic record was read to the court, with police saying she was an 'extreme risk' to the public. 'I've got a very, very concerning bundle of matters (she's) picked up over the last 15 months,' the magistrate said. 'This all smacks of a young person who is completely out of control. I am really left in a situation where I have huge concerns about what's going on with her.' Fagan will next appear in Victoria's County Court on November 30. The Home Office is spending millions of pounds on taxis to transport migrants across the UK - with some drivers claiming they were told to drop off passengers at railway stations with no follow up. Officials have paid more than 3.7million in the past year alone for taxis, vans and buses to move asylum seekers, illegal migrants and unaccompanied minors, an analysis of public contracts revealed. One agreement with a transportation provider is reported to be worth 3.3m and covers emergency transport for 'clandestine entrants' when the number of people arriving in the UK after crossing the Channel is more than local facilities can handle. Protesters holding a rally outside Manston processing centre in Kent yesterday The contract, seen by The Times, reads: 'There is a public interest because the migrants are exposed to view at Dover Tughaven and protest groups assemble there on a regular basis. 'The emergency transport service will provide for a rapid dispersal of migrant numbers... reducing the risk of overcrowding and possible accidents and incidents.' The contract also covered moving asylum seekers from processing centres like Manston to hotels, transferring people between quarantine centres and taking unaccompanied minors to foster placements. Some drivers said they had been asked to drop migrants outside railway stations in central London to allow them to make their way to different destinations. One taxi firm owner told The Times he was paid about 150 to drive three young men from Manston to Kings Cross station in London last month. Another driver, called Rizwan, claimed he had been instructed to leave illegal immigrants at London stations. 'I've been told by people with Home Office lanyards . . . ''just drop them in London, no one cares, it's fine, King's Cross station's OK, or Victoria station'',' he told LBC. 'On a couple of occasions there have been Afghans in the back of my car and we happen to have a common language . . . they showed me the paperwork, 'It says I've been declined, I've got no basis to be in this country' or whatever, but they're being let go.' People thought to be migrants inside Manston, which is located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet Rizwan said he has been asked to drop off asylum seekers at train stations, and other times it has been at a hotel, but was not obligated to check if they enter it. 'If they want to go into the hotel or they want to disappear, that's up to them', he said. Rizwan said he had driven 'a lot of Albanians' from Manston. 'What's happened is I've had them dropped off and straight away they've been picked up by someone in a BMW and . . . they've whizzed off,' he said. The news follows damning reports asylum seekers were abandoned at London's Victoria Station on Tuesday night. Eleven men were bussed to the capital as part of a larger group and left confused and scantily clad, with one spending the night sleeping rough on city streets. A British Transport Police spokesman said officers responded to reports of a group of asylum seekers 'looking for assistance' at Victoria station at 10.33pm. A Home Office spokesman said today: 'The welfare of those in our care is of the utmost importance and people are only released from Manston when we have assurances that they have accommodation to go to. 'We can bail individuals where they can be accommodated by friends and family, and therefore not destitute, and transport is provided to people leaving Manston.' He is now facing claims that he tried to silence a Tory backbencher in 2016 Sir Gavin said she was using the death of the Queen to 'punish' senior MPs The texts were sent after he and others were excluded from the Queen's funeral Rishi Sunak stood by a bullying-claim minister today despite saying it was 'not acceptable or right' to send messages to a former colleague - as fresh allegations about his behaviour came to light. The Prime Minister said he wanted an investigation into Sir Gavin Williamson to run its course before acting over 'not acceptable' messages he sent to a former colleague. Mr Sunak brought Sir Gavin back into the Government when he became PM despite being warned that he was under investigation for allegedly targeting former chief whip Wendy Morton. In a series of messages Sir Gavin, the former defence and education secretary lashed out at Ms Morton because he was not deemed an important enough figure to be invited to the Queen's funeral. No10 insisted that it had 'full confidence' in Sir Gavin Williamson earlier and speaking at the Cop 27 conference in Egypt this afternoon Mr Sunak said: 'There's an independent complaints investigation that is happening and it's right that we let that process run its course before passing judgement. 'And I want to see the results of that, obviously, but I've been very clear that language is not right, it's not acceptable. 'And that's why I welcome the fact that Gavin Williamson has expressed regret about that and now we wait to see what the investigation says. No10 insisted that it had 'full confidence' in Sir Gavin Williamson and that it operated a 'zero tolerance' to bullying as the Prime Minister came under fire over his appointment. Mr Sunak brought Sir Gavin back into the Government when he became PM despite being warned that he was under investigation for allegedly targeting former chief whip Wendy Morton. Ms Morton said in her complaint the texts amounted to 'bullying and intimidation of parliamentary colleagues' 'There's an independent complaints process that's being conducted at the moment. It would be right to let that process conclude before making any decisions about the future.' is campaign team as he sought the Tory leadership in the summer. The Prime Minister thinks Sir Gavin Williamson has an 'important contribution' to make to Government, Downing Street said this lunchtime. The PM's official spokesman said at the time Mr Sunak 'knew there was a disagreement', but was not aware of the 'substance' of the messages. Asked why he gave Sir Gavin a Government job, he said: 'Obviously he thinks he has an important contribution to make to Government.' But Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross told Times Radio that any frontbencher of his 'wouldn't be in my front bench with the language that's been used'. Mr Sunak told the Sun last night: 'It was a difficult time for our party at the time, but regardless, people always should be treated with respect. 'I am glad Gavin has expressed regret. There is an independent complaint process which is running, its right and reasonable we let that conclude.' But is came as Sir Gavin faced further scrutiny after allegations were made last night that while chief whip he raised details about a current minister's private life during a conversation in an attempt to silence her, while she was on the backbenches. The Times alleges that Sir Gavin called the Tory MP into her office in 2016 and raised a sensitive issue about her private life, which she interpreted as a tacit threat. The paper reports that the minister was campaigning on an issue that was causing the Government difficulty. She is said to have contacted the party after it emerged that Sir Gavin had sent abusive texts to Ms Morton, which were sent over a month following the Queen's funeral and they relate to Sir Gavin and others being excluded from the event. Sir Gavin's allies denied claims he had been trying to silence the MP, telling The Times that he had raised the issue in a 'pastoral capacity'. This morning Business Secretary Grant Shapps said angry messages sent by Gavin Williamson were 'completely inappropriate'. He told LBC: 'I think he must have been in a moment of frustration that I'm sure he regrets very deeply. 'It's completely inappropriate to send messages like that under any circumstances, frustration or otherwise. It's absolutely right that's been looked into, there is a process under way.' He added: 'There is no justification for writing to anybody in those terms. From time to time I get angry emails which go across the line, you know, just as a Member of Parliament - but they shouldn't be sent and they certainly shouldn't be sent by Members of Parliament.' Mr Sunak faced questions about whether he knew about the incident involving Ms Morton before bringing Sir Gavin back into the fold. He has said he had been aware of a 'disagreement' but not the details of the exchange. Sir Gavin had sent a number of messages to Mrs Morton suggesting she was showing 'f*** all interest in pulling things together' and told her: 'Don't bother asking anything from me.' He had accused her of using the death of the Queen to 'punish' senior MPs who were out of favour with Liz Truss, suggesting Privy Counsellors who were not 'favoured' by the administration were excluded from the funeral's guest list. Oliver Dowden, a more senior minister to Sir Gavin at the Cabinet Office, yesterday admitted the PM knew Sir Gavin was subject to a complaint When the former chief whip said the claims were unfounded, he said it 'certainly looks it which... is very s*** and perception becomes reality'. He added: '[It's] disgusting you are using her death to punish people who are just supportive.' Another message read: 'Let's see how many more times you f*** us all over. There is a price for everything.' Mr Sunak is now facing questions about whether he knew about the messages before appointing him as a minister. Mr Dowden yesterday said the PM was not aware of the content until the texts were leaked on Saturday evening, but admitted he knew of the 'difficult relationship' between them. He also told Sky News: 'He shouldn't have sent those messages but, of course, the Prime Minister continues to have confidence in Gavin Williamson as a minister.' Last night it was reported that Mr Sunak had been urged not to give Sir Gavin a job until the complaint against him had been investigated. The Telegraph said Sir Jake Berry, then Tory Party chairman, had warned him. Labour and the Liberal Democrats have called for him to be sacked. Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner said Mr Sunak 'must come clean on exactly what he knew and when.' No 10 are understood to be waiting for the outcome of the Tory party probe before deciding if any action is necessary. Sir Gavin said on Saturday: 'I regret getting frustrated about the way colleagues and I felt we were being treated. I am happy to speak with Wendy and I hope to work positively with her in the future as I have in the past.' ANDREW PIERCE: So will he now face Cabinet for the third time? During his first speech as Prime Minister on the steps of No 10 Downing Street, Rishi Sunak mightily declared: 'This Government will have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level.' So it's only understandable that many Tory MPs were taken aback when, just days later, twice-sacked minister Sir Gavin Williamson was brought back into the Government as Cabinet Office minister with wide-ranging responsibilities. In the Commons last week, Tory MPs were privately speculating how soon it would be before the gaffe-prone Williamson skidded on another banana skin. But even his most ardent critics never thought it would be quite so soon. For Williamson is now the subject of a bullying inquiry over a series of threatening, expletive-laden texts that he sent to the Tory party's first female chief whip Wendy Morton. The 46-year-old was furious he had not been invited to the Queen's funeral and incorrectly blamed Morton for his failure to secure tickets. He warned her 'there is a price for everything' and said she had chosen to 'f*** us all over'. ANDREW PIERCE: The 46-year-old was furious he had not been invited to the Queen's funeral and incorrectly blamed Morton (pictured arriving at 10 Downing Street on October 17) for his failure to secure tickets The former culture secretary Nadine Dorries whose department presided over the responsibility for the funeral summed up the mood on the Tory benches: 'Beyond stunned... Entitlement is a despicable quality.' Brandon Lewis, who was sacked as justice secretary by Sunak, was also active on social media yesterday. 'I've seen the impact bullying can have,' he tweeted. Was he referring to Williamson? Almost certainly. Why, then, did Rishi promote Williamson a former fireplace salesman who is a poor Commons performer and not noted for his intellectual prowess? For one reason: Williamson, who studied social sciences at Bradford University, is in fact a shrewd political operator. As chief whip under Theresa May, he was known as the 'baby-faced assassin' for his combination of guile, charm and bullying to enforce his will. The presence of his pet tarantula Cronus (named after the king of the Titans who came to power by castrating his father) in a glass box on his desk certainly added to his air of menace. Just as he had done with May and Boris Johnson, Williamson cunningly stuck like a limpet to Sunak in the Tory party's summer leadership contest against Liz Truss. Former chief whips know where the political bodies are buried, the pressure points to press, and the inducements to offer to swing voters and Sunak had significantly more MPs backing him than Truss. Williamson made sure he took the credit. 'He's got the largest brass neck in Parliament. He's absolutely shameless at smarming up to the candidate he thinks will win,' said one Tory MP. 'Trouble is, he is good at [building support] and whether it was Theresa, Boris or Rishi, they all owed him. 'By the way, the WhatsApp messages to Wendy Morton were nothing compared to the abuse and threats he sent us when he was chief whip. But he thinks he's still the chief, hence the sense of entitlement.' This sense of power and self-importance explains why Williamson thought he could bully Morton, who had been chief whip for only days, while he had done the job for 18 months. He did it so well that May promoted him to defence secretary in November 2017. So it's only understandable that many Tory MPs were taken aback when, just days later, twice-sacked minister Sir Gavin Williamson was brought back into the Government as Cabinet Office minister with wide-ranging responsibilities However, after he took the post, it became rapidly clear he was out of his depth. It earned him the nickname Private Pike after the simpering weakling in the Second World War sitcom Dad's Army. He lived up to the moniker in 2018, by saying Russia 'should go away' and 'shut up' at the height of the Salisbury poisoning. Military boffins must have collectively breathed a sigh of relief when May sacked him in May 2019 for leaking information from a top-secret meeting of the National Security Council, where ministers had discussed the possible security threat from Chinese telecoms firm Huawei. His frontline career should have sunk but he was brought back as education secretary. Here, too, he was a disaster. He was criticised over school closures during the Covid pandemic and the shambles over an algorithm that standardised students' GCSE and A-level results. Johnson sacked him and when he was knighted in March, many Tory MPs told me it was a reward for remaining loyal. 'It will do nothing to enhance the public's view of our discredited honours system,' said one. After being given yet another chance by Sunak, it's notable that Williamson does not have a department to run. 'His job is to be Sunak's eyes and ears in the ministerial corridors and to spot potential flash points,' said a Whitehall source. Today, though, it's Williamson himself who is a potential flash point. China has lashed out at the UK for sending trade minister Greg Hands for talks in Taiwan, insisting 'official contacts' with the self-governing island republic must cease. Beijing said the UK must 'stop sending the wrong signals to Taiwan' after they sent Mr Hands to Taiwan, the latest foreign official to defy Beijing's warnings over contacts with the island. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and threatens to annex it by force. It also seeks to isolate it diplomatically, requiring governments that it has formal relations with to respect its 'one-China' principle. The U.K. should 'earnestly respect China's sovereignty, uphold the one-China principle, stop any forms of official contacts with Taiwan and stop sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces,' Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a daily briefing. China has lashed out at the UK for sending trade minister Greg Hands (pictured in 2015) for talks in Taiwan, insisting 'official contacts' with the self-governing island republic must cease The British government said Mr Hands was on a two-day visit during which he would meet Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and co-host the 25th annual trade talks between the sides. The discussions will be aimed at 'boosting trade' and promoting UK expertise in hydrogen and offshore wind. Beijing has sought to isolate Taiwan diplomatically, imposing visa bans and other forms of retaliation against foreign officials and governments that have reached out in the past. Taiwan has formal diplomatic ties with just 14 nations and is excluded from the United Nations and other major multinational groupings at Beijing's insistence. Yet, its thriving democracy, high-tech economy and strategic location in the Asia-Pacific have drawn strong support in spite of Beijing's condemnations and threats. Following a visit to Taiwan by Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and second in line to the presidency, China fired missiles over Taiwan into the Western Pacific and positioned aircraft and ships nearby in a virtual blockade of the island. Taiwanese military personnel maneuver during a live fire exercise in Penghu, Taiwan, amid the threat from China Such moves appear to have had little effect and visits from European and North American elected officials have continued. Referring to Tsai's ruling party and its strong backing from the U.S. and other Western democracies, Zhao warned Taiwan officials that 'their attempt to seek independence with foreign support is doomed to fail.' Beijing's close ties with Moscow following the Russian invasion of Ukraine have complicated matters further. Latvia and Estonia left a Chinese-backed forum aimed at boosting relations with Eastern European countries following Chinas boosting of its relations with Russia. China has refused to criticize Russia over its attack on Ukraine and has condemned economic sanctions imposed on Moscow by the West. Russia's struggles in Ukraine have meanwhile refocused attention on China's possible military intentions toward Taiwan. That has prompted a new emphasis on the island's fighting forces and technology to thwart Chinese aggression. British electric vehicle start-up Arrival is facing major delays to the sale of its first working van after one caught fire during a demonstration for delivery firm UPS - its largest customer. The struggling firm has been hit by a series of issues as it tries to bring its innovative products to market, including a battery blaze in early December at its plant in Banbury, Oxfordshire. No one was hurt in the incident, but after the van was wheeled out of the factory the flames melted part of the surface of the car park, the Financial Times reported. It is expected to delay delivery of the van by several years. British EV start-up Arrival has been hit by a series of issues as it tries to bring its innovative products to market Morale among staff has sunk to 'rock bottom' following widespread job losses to preserve the firm's dwindling cash pile and a 'distracting' side-project to make an electric jet, sources told the FT. Discontent among employees has even led to tools being stolen from one of Arrival's sites and leaks of commercial information, it is claimed. The company, which is headquartered in London, was hailed as a British success story after achieving an eye-watering $15billion (13m) valuation. Last year, it partnered with Uber to build a fleet of electric cars that were set to hit streets across Europe by 2025. But Arrival has since run into production difficulties, prompting a colossal fall in its share price to make the company now worth just $444m (388m). Beginning production 'is much more difficult than we thought, for sure', CEO Denis Sverdlov has previously admitted. Arrival has now ditched its car and bus projects to save money and is now focusing on building an electric van for the US market. The company said it made a van in September which proves its manufacturing process works, but sources told the FT the model in question was largely built by hand. Earlier this year, a prototype electric van caught fire in front of representatives of delivery firm UPS, its largest customer Last month, the firm prompted dismay in the UK after announcing it was relocating manufacturing to the US, prompting hundreds of job losses. Bosses have also raised eyebrows among staff over its decision to ringfence funding for a previously undisclosed venture - making an electric jet plane. After the FT approached Mr Sverdlov with a detailed list of questions, he sent an internal message accusing anyone providing information of 'betrayal', the newspaper reported. MailOnline has contacted the company for comment. Boris Johnson today joked that the 'unbearable' heatwave in London this summer could have triggered the coup against him. The former PM speculated on the effect of the heat - regarded as evidence of climate change - as he spoke at the COP27 summit in Egypt. Mr Johnson also denied he was upstaging Rishi Sunak by attending the gathering, saying he was now merely a 'foot soldier and spear carrier' for the Conservatives. He told the New York Times event that he was acting as the 'spirit' of the COP26 summit that was held in Glasgow during his premiership last year. Mr Johnson was forced to step down from Downing Street after a wave of ministerial resignations - including that of Mr Sunak - made his position untenable. Following the collapse of the administration formed by successor Liz Truss, he then dramatically pulled out of the Conservative leadership contest at the last moment. Mr Johnson also denied he was upstaging Rishi Sunak (pictured) by attending the gathering, saying he was now merely a 'foot soldier and spear carrier' for the Conservatives Mr Johnson walking around the conference venue in Egypt today Boris Johnson speculated on the effect of the heat - regarded as evidence of climate change - as he spoke at the COP27 summit in Egypt. Mr Sunak originally said he would not join the COP27 summit as he was busy trying to deal with the cost-of-living crisis in the UK. But he U-turned after Mr Johnson declared he would attend, and is Egypt urging a 'global mission for clean growth'. Mr Sunak has dismissed suggestions there will be an awkward encounter with Mr Johnson, insisting there is 'no hatchet to be buried'. In an apparently tongue-in-cheek comment on his own defenestration, Mr Johnson said: 'Temperatures in London this July reached 40 degrees, which is unprecedented and almost unbearable by United Kingdom standards perhaps even contributing, who knows, to unexpected political turmoil that we saw in Westminster at that time.' Mr Johnson swiped at Tories by warning against calls to revive fracking in the UK. Ms Truss had planned to lift the ban on fracking in England but Rishi Sunak reinstated it. 'There are people who have drawn the conclusion that the whole project of net zero needs to be delayed, mothballed and put on ice for instance we need to reopen coal-fired power stations and frack the hell out of the British countryside,' he told a Cop27 fringe event. The former prime minister said the summit in Egypt was a time to 'tackle this nonsense head on'. 'Yes, of course, we do need to use hydrocarbons in the transitional period and, yes, in the UK there is more that we can do with our own domestic resources,' he said. 'However, this is not the moment to abandon the campaign for net zero, this is not the moment to turn our backs on renewable technology.' Mr Sunak is facing a difficult test as developing countries demand 'reparations' for extreme weather events caused by climate change - as the UK imposing swingeing austerity and tax rises at home. Nicola Sturgeon - who has also jetted in for the summit - upped the pressure this morning, saying there is an 'obligation' on richer countries to help 'deal with the impacts'. Business Secretary Grant Shapps said there is a 'discussion' to be had over how to help countries cope with the fallout from climate change. However, Mr Johnson played down the prospect saying the UK 'simply doesn't have the financial resources' to pay reparations and 'no country does'. He argued that the focus should be on boosting technological solutions. 'Let's look to the future,' he added. Rishi Sunak met other leaders including the EU's Ursula von der Leyen at the summit in Egypt today Rishi Sunak chats to Israel's President Isaac Herzog at the COP27 summit in Egypt today Sunak joins COP27 summit with Sturgeon demanding 'reparations' to climate-change hit states and ministers refusing to rule out payments but Boris warns UK can't afford it Rishi Sunak joined the COP27 summit today urging a 'global mission for clean growth' - but is facing a growing row about 'reparations' to states hit by climate change. The PM is in Egypt for the gathering - his first test on the foreign stage since entering No10 - having U-turned on his original decision not to attend. But the event is promising to be tricky as developing countries demand payouts for extreme weather events caused by climate change - at the same time as the UK imposes swingeing austerity and tax rises at home. Nicola Sturgeon - who has also jetted in for the summit - upped the pressure this morning, saying there is an 'obligation' on countries that industrialised first to help 'deal with the impacts'. Business Secretary Grant Shapps pointedly refused to rule out the idea, saying the UK is 'supportive of discussions' taking place at Sharm El-Sheikh. However, former PM Boris Johnson told a fringe event that Britain 'simply doesn't have the financial resources' to pay reparations and 'no country does'. While admitting that the UK had contributed vast carbon emissions, he argued that the focus should be on finding private investment and technological solutions. 'Let's look to the future,' he added. Mr Sunak could have an awkward encounter with his predecessor later, although the premier insisted there is 'no hatchet to be buried'. Mr Sunak with Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE today Mr Sunak is facing a difficult test as developing countries demand 'reparations' for extreme weather events caused by climate change - as the UK imposing swingeing austerity and tax rises at home Downing Street said Mr Sunak is looking to set the seal on last year's Cop26 summit in Glasgow with more than 200million in UK funding to protect forests and invest in 'green' technologies. Mr Sunak's attendance at the gathering in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh alongside leaders such as US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron marks his first outing on the international stage since becoming PM last month. In interviews yesterday, shadow climate secretary Ed Mr Miliband stressed it would also be in Britain's 'self-interest' to boost aid to developing countries. But, while he highlighted both Pakistan and the Maldives as possible recipients of 'loss and damage' payments, he denied it would also see China handed cash. Mr Miliband also shied away from describing payments to developing countries as 'reparations' for climate change damage, adding that 'lots of people are allergic to the term 'reparations''. A debate over 'loss and damage' is expected to be a key issue at the Cop-27 summit, with developing countries having already made demands ahead of the Egypt gathering. The G77+ China group of nations are also set to repeat their call for a dedicated financing facility for loss and damage. Ms Sturgeon said there was an 'obligation' on richer countries that have largely caused climate change to help those suffering the impact of it. She told the BBC: 'I think this Cop is an opportunity for the global north and the global south to come together and have a proper, grown-up conversation about how we make progress. 'We've got to mitigate climate change, we've got to help countries adapt to the impacts of climate change, but as we've seen over the past year, not least in Pakistan, there are many parts of the world that are suffering loss and damage now that is irreversible and can't be mitigated against. 'There is an obligation in the spirit of solidarity for the richer countries that have largely caused climate change to now make a big effort to help those dealing with the impacts address that.' In a round of interviews this morning, Business Secretary Grant Shapps dodged on whether the Government accepted the principle of 'reparations' to poorer countries. 'We're accepting the principle there's a discussion to be had about this, and actually, in a sense, that's been accepted all along,' 'Today for example, the Prime Minister's announcing over 65 million of assistance to developing countries to be able to produce energy in a sustainable way, there's been a tacit acceptance. 'We industrialised first and we appreciate the rest of the world needs to be able to bring themselves along as well.' Asked if the payments could therefore happen, he added: 'There is a big international discussion going on, that's one of the things happening at Cop27 in Egypt and we're supportive of discussions going on, that's the British position.' In his opening address, the PM will say it is essential countries stick to commitments made in Glasgow if the world is to avoid the worst impact of climate change by limiting warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. At the same time, he will argue that the transition away from fossil fuels has the potential to drive growth and deliver jobs in the new green industries of the future, while cutting off funding for Russia's war in Ukraine. Mr Sunak is expected to say: 'The world came together in Glasgow with one last chance to create a plan that would limit global temperature rises to 1.5C. The question today is: can we summon the collective will to deliver on those promises? 'I believe we can. By honouring the pledges we made in Glasgow, we can turn our struggle against climate change into a global mission for new jobs and clean growth. 'And we can bequeath our children a greener planet and a more prosperous future. That's a legacy we could be proud of.' Before arriving in Sharm El-Sheikh overnight, the Prime Minister said he wanted the UK to be a leader on the issue. 'We led the world last year when it came to the Cop we hosted, achieved some very important things, we need to cement our leadership,' he told The Sun. 'I want to make sure I'm there flying the flag for the UK, being a leader on these issues.' He also paid tribute to the role of the King, even though he will not be at the gathering following an agreement between the Palace and former prime minister Liz Truss. 'He has demonstrated incredible leadership on this issue for a very long time. Even though he is not going to be there in person, I know he will be there in spirit. His leadership and influence will be guiding us,' he said. Downing Street said Mr Sunak will announce a further 65.5million for the clean energy innovation facility which provides grants to researchers and scientists in developing countries working on clean technologies from biomass-powered refrigeration in India to lithium-ion batteries in Nigeria. The UK is also committing 90million for conservation in the Congo Basin rainforest and 65 million to support indigenous and local forest communities as Mr Sunak launches a new group to track commitments made in Glasgow on deforestation. The PM will hold a showdown with Emmanuel Macron (pictured today) over the Channel migrant crisis later as he pushes for a new deal The UK is handing over the baton on the COP summits to Egypt, having hosted the 26th gathering in Glasgow last year Mr Sunak had originally not intended to travel to Egypt, arguing his priority was to sort out the estimated 60billion black hole in the public finances ahead of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's autumn statement on November 17. But he was forced into what opposition parties called a 'screeching U-turn' after coming under fire from within his own party, as well as from environmentalists questioning his commitment to the net zero agenda. Shadow climate change secretary Ed Miliband said the Prime Minister should now drop plans to issue more licences for North Sea exploration and end the Government's opposition to onshore wind. 'Rishi Sunak is the man who had to be dragged kicking and screaming to go to Cop so it's simply implausible for him to claim the mantle of climate leadership. Rishi Sunak is a fossil fuel prime minister in a renewable age,' he said. The latest round of UN climate talks takes place against a backdrop of devastating extreme weather around the world as well as an energy and cost-of-living crisis driven by President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. The UN has warned that, based on countries' latest climate action plans, there is currently no credible pathway to meet the 1.5C goal intended to avoid the worst impact of global warming. Rich countries are also falling short in providing the finance needed to help developing nations adapt to a changing climate and develop cleanly, the UN has warned. Three flagons of rum issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to Royal Navy sailors are up for sale after 50 years. The centuries-old tradition of giving seamen a daily ration of rum to prevent scurvy and boost spirits was ended in 1970 because of safety concerns. The three 16.5ins high flagons were purchased by the current owner directly from the MoD in 1970. Each flagon, believed to come from the final parcel made, is full of 4.5litres of dark rum which is said to be 'delicious'. The last three flagons of rum issued by the MoD to Royal Navy sailors are up for sale after 50 years, with each 4.5litre flagon full of dark rum being individually sold for up to 2,500 British sailors aboard the HMS Curacoa pictured in the 1940s lining up to receive their daily rum ration while at sea It is impossible to tell how old the rum is but it may have been blended with decades-old batches in large barrels. They are now being sold separately at Dreweats Auctions of Newbury, Berkshire, and estimated to go for up to 2,500 each. Auctioneer Mark Robertson said: 'We are privileged to offer these rare flagons for sale in December. 'We have been told by multiple sources that the rum inside is delicious and a unique style that is impossible to replicate. 'Not much evidence survives about the rum's provenance before the 20th century, but by the 1930s the lion's share came from British Guayana and Trinidad.' The ritual of giving sailors rum began in 1655 with the Royal Navy's West Indies Squadron which was based in Jamaica. The three flagons, expecting to sell for up to 2,500 each, are full of dark rum which is said to be 'delicious and a unique style that is impossible to replicate' Royal Navy sailors abroad the HMS Torquay pictured in the 1956 lining up to receive their daily rum ration Rum was in plentiful supply in the Caribbean and unlike beer, it was stable in the scorching heat. Mr Robertson added: 'For five centuries British sailors gathered together from 11am-12pm for their 'Up Spirits', serving of their allocated 'tot' of rum. 'The 'tot' consisted of an eighth of a pint and was over 50% ABV. 'While regular sailors' rum was mixed with lime juice and hot water, officers were permitted to drink theirs neat. 'When the practice ended in 1970 many sailors regarded it as losing a favourite comrade on the ship and wore black armbands.' The day it stopped is now known as 'Black Tot Day' and every year it is commemorated to celebrate the honoured tradition. The flagons will be sold on December 8. Downing Street today revealed a new deal with France over the Channel migrant crisis was 'in its final stages' following Rishi Sunak's crunch talks with Emmanuel Macron. The Prime Minister and French President met this afternoon at the Cop-27 climate summit in Egypt, with the issue of small boat crossings high up their agenda. Around 40,000 people have arrived in Britain after crossing the Channel so far this year, with Mr Sunak under severe pressure to tackle the issue. The extent of the crisis has also been thrown into sharp relief by the recent overcrowding chaos at the Manston asylum processing centre in Kent. Mr Sunak appeared buoyed by his talks with the French President and said he had left the meeting with 'renewed confidence and optimism' over tackling the crisis. Shortly after their discussions, Downing Street suggested a fresh UK-France agreement on migration could be close. 'A deal is being discussed and I think is in its final stages,' the PM's official spokesman said. No10 indicated talks on the specifics of a deal were taking place separately involving Home Office officials, rather than being dealt with by Mr Sunak and Mr Macron. 'I dont know if they have finalised a specific deal on the small boats in that meeting,' the spokesman said. Earlier this year, it was reported that Britain and France were poised to announce an agreement allowing British immigration officers to be deployed on the other side of the Channel. But former PM Liz Truss was claimed to have unintentionally scuppered the deal during the Tory leadership campaign when she refused to say whether Mr Macron was a 'friend or foe'. The aborted deal was said to have involved Britain paying up to 50million to France for boosted joint patrols. The terms of the agreement were also said to include allowing Home Office immigration intelligence officials to work on French territory, along with other UK Border Force officers. The Prime Minister and French President met this afternoon at the Cop-27 climate summit in Egypt The PM had been expected to push Mr Macron for a deal on reducing the number of small boat crossings - including on allowing Border Force officials onto French beaches No10 today highlighted the French role in tackling the issue of small boats crossing the Channel as 'vitally important' Although Mr Sunak appeared buoyed by his talks with the French President, he warned there was 'not one simple solution' to the Channel migrant crisis Around 40,000 people have arrived in Britain after crossing the Channel so far this year, with Mr Sunak under severe pressure to tackle the issue Although Mr Sunak spoke positively about his talks with the French President this afternoon, he warned there was 'not one simple solution' to the Channel migrant crisis 'that's going to solve it overnight'. The PM also renewed his backing for embattled Home Secretary Suella Braverman, despite fierce criticism of her handling of Britain's immigration and asylum system. Speaking to broadcasters after his meeting with Mr Macron, Mr Sunak said: 'There is an opportunity for us to work closely, not just with the French, but with other countries as well. 'You'll hear more details about that in the coming weeks as those conversations happen amongst all our teams. 'But I'm actually leaving this with renewed confidence and optimism that - working together with our European partners - we can make a difference, grip this challenge of illegal migration and stop people coming illegally.' The PM refused to put a timescale on when the Channel migrant crisis might ease, although he promised to take new action as soon as possible. 'We all want this situation to resolve itself as quickly as possible,' he said. 'I also want to be honest with people it's a complex issue. It's not one simple solution that's going to solve it overnight, I wouldn't be honest if I said there was. 'There's a range of things we need to do. But what I want people to be reassured by is I am absolutely determined to grip this - I've been spending an enormous amount of my own time on it, I've been talking to several European leaders about it today. 'And there's a range of things we will action as quickly as we can to get a grip of this situation and reduce the amount of illegal migration that we're seeing.' Challenged as to whether Mrs Braverman had made the situation worse - amid chaotic overcrowding at the Manston site - Mr Sunak insisted the Home Secretary was at the forefront of efforts to reduce the number of asylum seekers at the centre. 'The Home Secretary is actually at the moment making sure we reduce numbers at Manston and we're making very good progress on that to return that operation to where we would all like to see it,' he added. 'But, in the long-term, to make sure we don't have a situation like we saw at Manston happening again, we need to reduce the number of people coming here illegally. 'That's going to require the Home Secretary and others to work constructively with partners around Europe, to stop people coming in the first place. 'There's a range of things we need to do to make that a reality, that's what the Home Secretary is focused on and that's what I'm focused on as well.' Soon after Mr Sunak's talks with Mr Macron, immigration minister Robert Jenrick told the House of Commons that the Manston site was now back below capacity after more than 2,000 people were moved to other accommodation. 'I can tell the House that as of 8am this morning, the population at the Manston facility was back below 1,600,' he said. 'This is a significant reduction from this point last week, with over 2,300 people being placed in onward accommodation.' Immigration minister Robert Jenrick told the House of Commons the Manston site was now back below capacity after more than 2,000 people were moved to other accommodation There has recently been overcrowding at the Manston site, which has prompted severe criticism of Home Secretary Suella Braverman Ahead of his meeting with Mr Macron today, Mr Sunak revealed he had spent more time working on the Channel migrant crisis than anything else other than his Autumn budget in recent days. The PM told The Sun: 'It's very important to me, I want to make sure that we absolutely tackle this problem. 'Prime ministers can only spend their personal time on a handful of really key priorities, this for me is absolutely one of those. 'I have spent more time working on that in the last few days than anything else other than the Autumn Statement.' Mr Sunak also told the newspaper that Britons should 'feel good about providing sanctuary to those who really need it'. But he stressed this needed to be done 'legally and fairly', adding: 'We cant have people coming here who are breaking the rules, exploiting that compassion that undermines trust in the system and contains a lot of pressure, which is hard for us to deal with. 'We have to get a grip, do a range of things to stop it from happening, return people who shouldnt be here in the first place.' The PM also gave his backing to embattled Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who is under extreme pressure over her handling of the Channel migrant crisis and what she has described as the UK's 'broken' asylum system. 'Shes completely focused,' Mr Sunak said of his under-fire Cabinet minister. No10 this morning highlighted the French role in tackling the issue of small boats crossing the Channel as 'vitally important'. 'They have stopped 29,000 illegal crossings since the start of the year, thats double what it was the year before that,' the PM's official spokesman said. 'And we have a joint intelligence cell which has made more than 500 arrests and dismantled 55 organised crime groups since 2020.' Business Secretary Grant Shapps - who was briefly home secretary when Mrs Braverman resigned last month before being reappointed by Mr Sunak six days later - this morning claimed Mr Sunak had 'hit it off well' with Mr Macron since entering No10. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: 'I was just for one week home secretary and I saw the extent of the problems with people being illegally transported across the Channel in dangerous conditions. 'The more that we can work with our partners in France to stop people from leaving those shores in the first place, the better. 'One of the figures thats really stuck out to me whilst I was in the Home Office as home secretary was the French had already stopped 29,000 people leaving their shores this year. 'If we can improve that, if we can stop more people from leaving, working with the French, then clearly that will relieve the pressure on our shores in Kent and elsewhere. 'And so I think thats what the PMs looking for in his discussions with President Macron and I think the two of them have hit if off well and I hope to see more progress there.' Justice Secretary Dominic Raab has revived his plan for a British Bill of Rights - which was scrapped by former PM Liz Truss - to reduce the influence of the European Convention of Human Rights. The Strasbourg court has put a temporary block on the Government's 120m plan to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda, which ministers have claimed could reduce the number of Channel crossings. Tory MP's fury as luxury 300-a-night Hilton hotel in Snowdonia cancels weddings and bookings for THREE MONTHS so it can provide emergency accommodation for asylum seekers by Rory Tingle A Tory MP has criticised a decision to cancel weddings and room bookings at a luxury Hilton hotel in Snowdonia to provide emergency accommodation for asylum seekers. The four-star Hilton Garden Inn is part of the Adventure Parc Snowdonia resort in Dolgarrog, Conwy, which includes a specialist inland surfing resort. It is 21 miles from Mount Snowdon but 300 miles from the English Channel. Local Conservative MP Robin Millar said he was concerned about the 'suitability' of using the 146 to 300-a-night hotel to house asylum seekers due to its 'isolated' location and the lack of nearby services. The four-star Hilton Garden Inn is part of the Adventure Parc Snowdonia resort in Dolgarrog, Conwy The hotel - pictured - is 21 miles from Mount Snowdon but 300 miles from the English Channel Mr Millar said: 'It has come to my attention this evening that the Hilton Garden Inn at Adventure Parc Snowdonia in the Conwy Valley is providing emergency accommodation to asylum seekers whilst their applications are being processed. 'I've spoken with the agents for the site this evening - they have confirmed the arrangement is effective immediately. Local Conservative MP Robin Millar said he was concerned about the 'suitability' of using the 146 to 300-a-night hotel to house asylum seekers due to its 'isolated' location and the lack of nearby services 'I will be clear. I am concerned about the suitability of this property, in this location, for this purpose. It is a hotel not a detention centre. It is isolated and unsupported by the appropriate services. 'I've contacted the Home Office minister responsible for an explanation and the owner of the hotel this evening for more information and to find out more details for you. 'I have also spoken this evening with the leader of Conwy Borough Council Cllr Charlie McCoubry to see what arrangements are needed and can be put in place. He shares my concerns - it seems they too were unaware of these arrangements until yesterday/today. However their key staff/teams are meeting tomorrow morning. 'I am in Parliament this week and will be pressing this issue as a matter of urgency with Home Office staff and the appropriate Ministers.' One would-be guest said they had been told their booking had been cancelled with just a day's notice. They wrote on Facebook: 'They are closing till March to house refugees. Got a phone call yesterday afternoon cancelling our booking for today!! Not much notice.' A Home Office spokesman said: 'The use of hotels is a short-term solution and we are working hard with local authorities to find appropriate accommodation' One would-be guest said they had been told their booking had been cancelled with just a day's notice. Another said: 'My daughter has had her wedding cancelled five weeks before due to get married.' A Home Office spokesman said: 'The number of people arriving in the UK who require accommodation has reached record levels and has put our asylum system under incredible strain. 'The use of hotels to house asylum seekers is unacceptable - there are currently more than 37,000 asylum seekers in hotels costing the UK taxpayer 5.6million a day. 'The use of hotels is a short-term solution and we are working hard with local authorities to find appropriate accommodation.' Elon Musk has reiterated his commitment to free speech despite cracking down on parody accounts on Twitter. The new CEO of the social media platform said he still allows one user to track his private jet despite risks to the billionaire's personal safety. It came as the Tesla boss is facing increasing criticism for banning accounts impersonating him on the social media site, in apparent defiance of his free speech claims. Musk tweeted Sunday: 'My commitment to free speech extends even to not banning the account following my plane, even though that is a direct personal safety risk.' University of Central Florida student Jack Sweeney, 20, created the automated Twitter bot @ElonJet in 2020, to track when Musk's $70million Gulfstream private jet lands and takes off. Elon Musk has reiterated his commitment to free speech by saying he allows a Twitter user to track his private plane (pictured walking off the jet in LA in February) The new CEO of the social media platform said he still allows one user to track his private jet despite risks to the billionaire's personal safety The sophomore uses publicly available data from Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) to follow the jet. Last year, the reportedly contacted Sweeney and offered the coder $5,000 to delete his jet tracking account, claiming security concerns were the main reason for his reluctance to have his location shared publicly at all times. However, Sweeney rejected the four-digit offer and instead made his own demands: a $50,000 pay-out, and an internship or a Tesla Model 3, according to screenshots of their conversation shared online at the time. He wrote in Newsweek this week that he has no plans to take down his profile. He said: 'I'm not worried now that Musk owns Twitter. If he banned ElonJet, the news would be all over it, so I don't think he will do it. That being said, there's always a chance. I put out a poll recently, and some of my followers think my account will be banned. In 2016 Elon Musk purchased a $66.5 million Gulfstream G650ER, (model pictured) a favorite aircraft among the one percent - including Cristiano Ronaldo and Jeff Bezos Jack Sweeney, 19, has been tracking new Twitter CEO Elon Musk's private Gulfstream jet since 2020 by obtaining public Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data I've kept my account going for over two years for the same reason why I didn't sell it for $5k: it's my project and people are interested in it. 'Even though some people won't like it, I'm not going to stop. There's always going to be haters.' Musk's Gulfstream G650ER was built in 2015, with Musk receiving it in 2016. The 'ER' stands for Extended Range, meaning it can travel long distances without stopping. The 99-foot-long luxury jet is equipped with multiple big-screen televisions, fresh air circulation and 195 square feet for luggage storage, Gulfstream said. The jet also features a spacious laboratory and four large living room spaces featuring cream-colored leather seats and wood furniture. The jet (model pictured) also features a spacious laboratory and four large living room spaces featuring cream-colored leather seats and wood furniture The Gulfstream G650ER jets (model pictured) feature fold up tables stowed at the side of the plane can be combined to form a large dining room table to feed any guest on board One of the living spaces includes a VIP cabin with a sliding door perfect for holding private meetings. It has a sofa as well as a flat screen television. The 19 seats in the living spaces all recline and have footrests, and can be converted into beds. Fold up tables stowed at the side of the plane can be combined to form a large dining room table where guest on board can dine. It comes as Musk is facing a backlash for his free speech credentials after he announced that he will permanently suspend any account on the social media platform that impersonates another. The platform's new owner issued the warning after some celebrities changed their Twitter display names - not their account names - and tweeted as `Elon Musk'. The move was in reaction to the billionaire's decision to offer verified accounts to all comers for $8 month as he simultaneously laid off a big chunk of the workforce. 'Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying 'parody' will be permanently suspended,' Musk wrote. While Twitter previously issued warnings before suspensions, now that it is rolling out 'widespread verification, there will be no warning.' In fact, 'any name change at all' would compel the temporary loss of a verified checkmark, the world's richest man said. Comedian Kathy Griffin had her account suspended Sunday after she switched her screen name to Musk. 'I guess not ALL the content moderators were let go? Lol,' Griffin joked afterward on Mastodon, an alternative social media platform where she set up an account last week. Actor Valerie Bertinelli had similarly appropriated Musk's screen name - posting a series of tweets in support of Democratic candidates on Saturday before switching back to her true name. 'Okey-dokey. I've had fun and I think I made my point,' she tweeted afterwards. Before the stunt, Bertinelli noted the original purpose of the blue verification checkmark. It was granted free of charge to people whose identity Twitter employees had confirmed; with journalists accounting for a big portion of recipients. 'It simply meant your identity was verified. Scammers would have a harder time impersonating you,' Bertinelli noted. 'That no longer applies. Good luck out there!' she added. A Brazilian nursing student allegedly killed in a jealous attack sent her ex-boyfriend a message saying 'you don't understand it's over' days before he allegedly stabbed her to death. David Tran is facing trial in Sydney for the murder of his former lover Daiane Pelegrini, 33, in 2020. Text messages read out to the NSW Supreme Court show Tran became desperate to reignite the relationship after it had disintegrated, crown prosecutor Rossi Kotsis said on Monday. Police allege Daiane Pelegrini (pictured), 33, was stabbed to death at her Oatlands home in Sydney's north-west Text messages read out to the NSW Supreme Court show alleged killer David Tran became desperate to reignite the relationship after it had disintegrated, crown prosecutor Rossi Kotsis said After allegedly breaking into her Oatlands home and discovering her with another man, Tran had his fears of infidelity confirmed and flew into a jealous rage, fatally stabbing the student to death. Tran is also accused of assaulting Ms Pelegrini's new partner with a knife in the same incident, and unlawfully entering the victim's home with the intent to stalk or intimidate. Texts exchanged between the pair in the lead-up to her death show them arguing over whether or not she is his 'girlfriend', and Tran making unannounced visits to her home. On one occasion, he secretly followed Ms Pelegrini to a holiday she took in Bundeena in southern Sydney and the pair then argued about him showing up unannounced. In June, two months before her death, the mother-of-one also struck up a relationship with another man after meeting him on a dating app. Texts show her appearing to communicate with both Tran and the new man without either of them knowing about one another, Mr Kotsis told the court. David Tran is facing trial in Sydney for the murder of his former lover Daiane Pelegrini, 33, in 2020 That same month, Tran texted Ms Pelegrini asking if she was 'his girlfriend'. Ms Pelegrini, who was studying nursing and also moonlighted at a massage parlour, asked him not to press her on the subject. In another text on June 5, she texted him: 'Don't call me anymore. Finished.' He sent her another message apologising for arriving at her home unannounced. Just over a week later, Tran texted Ms Pelegrini again, to tell her he was near her home. 'Sorry I want a break David,' she replied. 'One month please. I don't want a boyfriend.' 'So babe, what am I to you now?' he responded. Daiane Pelegrini who moved to Sydney to study nursing is pictured with her daughter Four days before her death, Ms Pelegrini had blocked Tran's number, and allegedly made the discovery he had been trying to access her Gmail account. 'You don't understand it's over,' she said to him in a message. 'You have a problem, really. No is no and over is over.' On August 3, Ms Pelegrini and her partner were at her Oatlands home, when Tran allegedly entered the home and attacked the pair. Mr Tran's lawyer Nicole Carroll said the defence would not dispute many of the facts put forward by the prosecution, but would argue her client was mentally ill when he killed Ms Pelegrini. 'Unfortunately a young woman has lost her life,' Ms Carroll said. 'Mr Tran is absolutely responsible for her death. '(But) the anger, the desperation, the state of upset with the accused was irrational.' The trial continues on Tuesday. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Hong Kong: HK, Mauritius sign tax pact The Government today said Hong Kong has signed a comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement (CDTA) with Mauritius today, signifying its sustained efforts in expanding the citys tax treaty network. Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui signed the agreement on behalf of the Government. This is the 46th CDTA that Hong Kong has concluded. It sets out the allocation of taxing rights between the two jurisdictions and will help investors better assess their potential tax liabilities from cross-border economic activities. Double taxation will be avoided in that any tax paid in Mauritius by Hong Kong companies under the agreement will be allowed as a credit against the tax payable in Hong Kong on the same income, subject to the provisions of the tax laws of Hong Kong. The agreement also provides tax relief arrangements. It will come into force after both sides complete ratification procedures. This story has been published on: 2022-11-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Airshow China 2022 ready to open as top equipment for air, sea &space plus flight performances to reflect Chinese achievements By Liu Xuanzun and Cao Siqi in Zhuhai (Global Times) 10:01, November 07, 2022 A H-6K bomber carrying two new-type missiles is ready to be put on display at Airshow China 2022 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province on November 6, 2022. Photo: Cui Meng/GT A YU-20 aerial tanker rehearses for a flight performance in preparation for Airshow China 2022 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province on November 6, 2022. Photo: Cui Meng/GT A JH-7A2 fighter bomber is seen equipped with a new-type missile ahead of the Airshow China 2022 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province on November 6, 2022. Photo: Cui Meng/GT With the Airshow China 2022 to kick off on Tuesday in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province, the Zhuhai International Air Show Center was on Sunday almost ready to welcome visitors with some of the most attractive exhibits already in place, and many aircraft had already conducted rehearsals for flight performances. The air show will not only display the Chinese military's and arms industry's achievements in the air, but also on the ground and at sea, with equipment in all fields to be represented, experts who visited the expo said on Sunday. In the static display area, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force for the first time displayed a vehicle-mounted laser weapon system that targets small drones, a new and thinner missile of the HQ-9B air defense system, as well as the HQ-11 universal terminal defense system, which includes a vehicle equipped with vertically launched missiles and another vehicle equipped with a close-in gun. It is the first time that the PLA Air Force has revealed the WZ-10 electronic reconnaissance drone and the KJ-500A, which is a KJ-500 early warning aircraft with an added aerial refueling probe. Two new types of munitions also garnered wide attention: What seems to be a stealth air-to-surface cruise missile carried by a JH-7A2 fighter bomber, and what seems to be an air-launched ballistic missile carried by an H-6K bomber, which arrived at the site a few days ago. Since Saturday, aircraft to deliver flight performances have been holding rehearsals above the event site, including four J-20s and a YU-20 aerial tanker. On Saturday, two J-20s landed and took off for the first time in Zhuhai in a rehearsal, and a YU-20 rehearsed on Sunday with three aerial refueling baskets released. Within the exhibit halls, the state-owned Aviation Industry Corp of China put the latest entry of the Wing Loong series drone, the Wing Loong 3, on its public debut. The Global Times learned that the new drone is very large, with a very long range and endurance compared with previous members in the series. A civilian-use version of the Y-20 large transport aircraft, the Y-20F100, has been seen at the exhibition. A crowd gathered at the booth of Aero Engine Corp of China as it featured a collection of the WS-10 Taihang series turbofan engines. One of the engines has what seems to be a two-dimensional thrust vectoring nozzle. The SLC-18 space target observation AESA radar of China Electronics Technology Group Corp attracted attention because of its towering appearance. It can keep a close eye on reconnaissance satellites in low orbits, the Global Times learned at the air show on Sunday. China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp exhibited a container-type integrated sea defense combat system that can launch a variety of anti-ship missiles. Anti-drone systems and air defense missiles are also being exhibited. Another aerospace giant, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, put its CH and FH series drones on display, including the stealth CH-7 and the loyal wingman FH-97A, in addition to the YJ-21E air-to-surface missile weapon system. For ground equipment, NORINCO Group for the first time offered a next-generation army brigade combat team, which consists of equipment for a reconnaissance battalion, a tank battalion, a mechanized infantry battalion, a drone battalion, an air defense battalion, a combat support battalion, a logistics support battalion and a brigade command center. The VT4A1 main battle tank upgraded with an active defense system and drone interoperability is one of the star products. Different types of firearms including China's latest assault rifles, sniper rifles and pistols are available for visitors to try out - but to touch and pose with only. A type of portable railgun weapon system is also on display. At sea, China State Shipbuilding Corp has a wide collection of warships available for export, from a 60 meter-class missile boat called the swordfish to corvettes of 1,000-ton class and 2,000-ton class, then to a 4,000-ton class frigate, and at last a 6,000-ton class destroyer. The Airshow China 2022 has many new weapons and types of equipment on display that cover all fields of combat in addition to aviation and aerospace, Wei Dongxu, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Sunday at the exhibition site It shows that China's armed forces and its arms industries have formed a whole and complete system, Wei said. One of the highlights of the expo will be the many types of unmanned equipment, with so many drone aircraft, ships and vehicles as well as robots on display, Wei said. "It is important that they can work well together with real people," he said. An exhibitor who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Sunday that the air show is a great opportunity to display China's latest achievements in military modernization to the world. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) HYDERABAD: Even as questions were being raised about the future of the disgruntled Bhongir MP Komatireddy Venkat Reddy with the Congress, he tried to clear the air on Monday by maintaining that he would remain in the party, a day after the Munugode results were declared. While most of the partys senior leaders joined the Bharat Jodo Yatra, his absence even on the last day of party leader Rahul Gandhis stay in the state has intrigued many. According to AICC leaders he is yet to respond to the showcause notices that the party issued him on October 22 and November 4 following reports of his canvassing Congress activists support for his brother and BJP candidate Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy ahead of the Munugude bypoll. Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh during a media interaction at Jukkal in Kamareddy district on Monday warned that the Congress was not a railway platform and that disciplinary action would be initiated against the party MP. Discipline is important for the party. If anyone crosses the Laxman rekha, AICC will take action, there is no doubt about this. We have issued two showcause notices and he is yet to reply. Our disciplinary action committee (DAC) will take a final call, Ramesh said. Meanwhile, Venkat Reddy who is avoiding the media, told a Telugu news channel he was not leaving the party. On the matter of missing the Bharat Jodo Yatra he maintained that since the issue of showcause notice was pending, he felt it was not fit to join Rahul Gandhi. When the Deccan Chronicle tried to contact Venkat Reddy, he did not respond. He was issued the show cause notice for allegedly supporting his brother, who was contesting the Munugode election on a BJP ticket. While describing Venkat Reddy as a covert (agent), Congress Munugode candidate Palvai Sravanthi blamed him for her defeat in the byelection. Our vote bank was transferred to the BJP. Venkat Reddy while playing covert politics has done major damage. We hope that high command will take action against him, she said while addressing the media in Nalgonda. A plane taking 200 holidaymakers back to Britain from Gran Canaria had to make an emergency landing in Bilbao - so passengers could go to the toilet. The Jet2 flight LS782 left Las Palmas at 5.03pm, about an hour later than scheduled and was due to fly over the Atlantic, southern Portugal and western Spain. However, it turned east just before it was flying over the north coast and crossing the Bay of Biscay. It then flew two circuits and landed in Bilbao, where it stopped for around an hour so all passengers could have a comfort break around halfway through the flight - because the toilets were broken on board. The Jet2 flight LS782 left Las Palmas at 5.03pm, about an hour later than scheduled and was due to fly over the Atlantic, southern Portugal and western Spain (stock image) The flight stayed on the ground at Bilbao from 7.11pm GMT until 9.20pm. During the break, technicians worked to fix the problems with the toilets and got rid of the residual water stored there. The flight eventually carried on, going from the Basque Country over to the Bay of Biscay and then crossing France and heading over to Manchester. A map shows the unusual route which had to be taken, including the stop in Bilbao. There were no other problems with the plane and it arrived safely back in Manchester, two hours late - at 11.01pm. Air traffic controllers did not know why the flight had stopped at first and were told when the plane came back. No compensation is payable under European air passengers' rights rules. The diversion will have cost the airline thousands of pounds in fuel and airport handling fees. A spokesperson for Jet2.com said: 'Flight LS782 from Gran Canaria to Manchester was diverted to Bilbao last week (Thursday 3rd November) so that the toilet tank could be emptied. 'Customers remained onboard, before the flight took off again to Manchester. As an award-winning airline, the comfort and well-being of our customers is of paramount importance to us, however we apologise if this caused any inconvenience.' It comes after flight DY1156, which took off from Oslo Gardermoen for Munich, was forced to turn around in 2018 after the toilets broke. The plane, which had 85 plumbers on board, only reached the Swedish border before it was required to turn back, circling for several minutes over Hedmark, Norway, to burn excess fuel. The company's CEO, Frank Olsen, said his staff were unable to intervene and correct the mid-flight problem because it could only be fixed via the exterior. 'We would have liked to fix the restrooms, but unfortunately it had to be done from the outside and we didn't risk sending a plumber to work at 10,000m,' he told Dagbladet. 'There was a good atmosphere in the plane, what with the irony about the broken toilets.' Thankfully, ground engineers at Oslo Gardermoen managed to resolve the issue and, upon its second attempt, the plane successfully completed the trip to Munich, landing circa midday. The world's population is set to hit eight billion next week in a key milestone for humanity, according to the United Nations. The UN Population Division said that the population will continue to grow in the decades to come, with life expectancy set to increase to an average of 77.2 years by 2050. By November 15, the number of humans on Earth will grow to eight billion, more than three times higher than the 2.5 billion global headcount in 1950. The increase in life expectancy, as well as the number of people of childbearing age, has meant the UN predicts the world's population will continue growing to about 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050, and a peak of about 10.4 billion in the 2080s. But the population growth rate, after a peak in the early 1960s, has decelerated dramatically to below 1 per cent in 2020, Rachel Snow of the UN Population Fund said. That figure could potentially fall to around 0.5 percent by 2050 due to a continued decline in fertility rates, the United Nations projects. The world's population is set to hit eight billion by November 15 this year, a United Nations report has revealed In 2021, the average fertility rate was 2.3 children per woman over her lifetime, down from about five in 1950, according to the UN, which projects that number to fall to 2.1 by 2050. 'We've reached a stage in the world where the majority of countries and the majority of people in this world are living in a country that is below replacement fertility,' or roughly 2.1 children per woman, says Miss Snow. A key factor driving global population growth is that average life expectancy continues to increase: 72.8 years in 2019, nine years more than in 1990. And the UN predicts an average life expectancy of 77.2 years by 2050. The result, combined with the decline in fertility, is that the proportion of people over 65 is expected to rise from 10 per cent in 2022 to 16 percent in 2050. This will have an impact on labour markets and national pension systems, while requiring much more elderly care. Meanwhile, beneath the global averages are some major regional disparities. For example, the UN projects that more than half of the population growth by 2050 will come from just eight countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and Tanzania. The average age in different regions is also meaningful, currently at 41.7 years in Europe versus 17.6 years in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to Miss Snow, who says the gap 'has never been as large as it is today'. The study for World Population Day revealed that the pace of mortality slowing means the world's population will reach eight billion in just over four months time, 8.5 billion by 2030 and 10.4 billion by 2100 (pictured, the world's population growth over the years) The UK has a current population of 68.5 million in 2022, with an average annual rate of population change of 0.4 per cent compared to India's 0.9 The European Union's population shrank for a second year running last year, the bloc's statistics office said on Monday Those numbers could even out, but unlike in the past when countries' average ages were mostly young, says Miss Snow, 'in the future, we may be closer in age, mostly old'. Some experts believe these regional demographic differences may play a significant role in geopolitics going forward. In another illustration of changing trends, the two most populous countries, China and India, will trade places on the podium as early as 2023, according to the UN. China's 1.4 billion population will eventually begin to decline, falling to 1.3 billion by 2050, the UN projects. By the end of the century, the Chinese population could fall to only 800 million. India's population, currently just below that of China, is expected to surpass its northern neighbor in 2023, and grow to 1.7 billion by 2050 - though its fertility rate has already fallen below replacement level. The United States will remain the third most populous country in 2050, the UN projects, but it will be tied with Nigeria at 375 million. United Nations Population Fund chief Natalia Kanem hailed the new figures as a 'momentous milestone' for humanity. 'Eight billion people, it is a momentous milestone for humanity,' Miss Kanem said, praising an increase in life expectancy and fewer maternal and child deaths. Population growth was growing at its slowest pace since 1950, having fallen below 1 per cent in 2020, UN estimates showed. Pictured, Europe's population fall 'Yet, I realize this moment might not be celebrated by all. Some express concerns that our world is overpopulated. I am here to say clearly that the sheer number of human lives is not a cause for fear,' she added. So, are there too many of us for Earth to sustain? Many experts say that this is the wrong question. Instead of the fear of overpopulation, we should focus on the overconsumption of the planet's resources by the wealthiest among us. 'Too many for whom, too many for what? If you ask me, am I too many? I don't think so,' Joel Cohen of Rockefeller University's Laboratory of Populations said. He said the question of how many people Earth can support has two sides: natural limits and human choices. Our choices result in humans consuming far more biological resources, such as forests and land, than the planet can regenerate each year. The overconsumption of fossil fuels, for example, leads to more carbon dioxide emissions, responsible for global warming. We would need the biocapacity of 1.75 Earths to sustainably meet the needs of the current population, according to the Global Footprint Network and WWF NGOs. The most recent UN climate report mentions population growth as one of the main drivers of an increase in greenhouse gases. However, it plays a smaller role than economic growth. 'We are stupid. We lacked foresight. We are greedy. We don't use the information we have. That's where the choices and the problems lie,' said Mr Cohen. However, he rejects the idea that humans are a curse on the planet, saying people should be given better choices. The population of 61 countries is projected to decrease by 1 per cent or more between 2022 and 2050, driven by a fall in fertility. Pictured, the US population growth 'Our impact on the planet is driven far more by our behavior than by our numbers,' said Jennifer Sciubba, a researcher at the Wilson Center think tank. 'It's lazy and damaging to keep going back to overpopulation,' she added, as this allows people in wealthy nations, who consume the most, to cast the blame for the planet's woes onto developing countries where population growth is highest. 'Really, it's us. It's me and you, the air conditioning I enjoy, the pool I have outside, and the meat I eat at night that causes so much more damage.' If everyone on the planet lived like a citizen of India, we would only need the capacity of 0.8 Earths a year, according to the Global Footprint Network and WWF. If we all consumed like a resident of the United States, we would need five Earths a year. The United Nations estimates that our planet will be home to 9.7 billion people by 2050. One of the trickiest questions that arise when discussing population is that of controlling fertility. Even those who believe we need to lower the Earth's population are adamant about protecting women's rights. Robin Maynard, the executive director of the NGO Population Matters, says there needs to be a decrease in the population, but 'only through positive, voluntary, rights-respecting means' and not 'deplorable examples' of population control. The NGO Project Drawdown lists education and family planning among the top 100 solutions to halt global warming. 'A smaller population with sustainable levels of consumption would reduce demands on energy, transportation, materials, food and natural systems.' Vanessa Perez of the World Resources Institute agrees that 'every person that is born on the planet puts additional stress on the planet.' 'It is a very thorny issue,' she said, adding that we should reject 'this idea that the elite capture this narrative and say we need to cap population growth in the South.' She believes the most interesting debate is not about the number of people but 'distribution and equity.' Mr Cohen points out that even if we currently produce enough food for 8 billion people, there are still 800 million people who are 'chronically undernourished.' 'The concept of 'too many' avoids the much more difficult problem, which is: are we using what we know to make the human beings we have as healthy, productive, happy, peaceful, and prosperous as we could?' Russian troops have looted a children's fairground train as they evacuate from Kherson, new video has suggested. Footage shows the 'locomotive' - a small vehicle and carriage designed to look like a train - being escorted by two vans somewhere near the southern Ukrainian city. Anton Gerashchenko, a senior adviser to the Ukrainian government, tweeted the footage saying: 'The Russians evacuated (stole) a children's train from Kherson.' Putin's forces are thought to be in the midst of fleeing from Kherson as the Ukrainian military approaches under the guise of evacuating civilians from the city. Russians evacuating the southern city of Kherson have 'stolen' a children's train, according to officials who published footage of the vehicle online The train is hardly the first thing they are accused of taking. The remains of Grigory Potemkin, a Russian prince who lived in the 18th century and is buried in Kherson, have also been taken from St Catherine's Cathedral. Statues of Potemkin, a war hero, have also gone missing from the city along with monuments to other Russian and Soviet historical figures. Trucks have also been seen driving into and out of the city's art museum having taken 'everything they could reach', curators said on Facebook. Ivan Antypenkom a Ukrainian journalist who is still in the city, wrote that Russia had taken 'monuments, ambulances, firefighting vehicles, property of banks, hospitals.' Kherson Regional Museum had been pillaged, he said, citing a video showing a truck outside it, while reports say tractors have been taken by Russians. Ukrainian MP Mykyta Poturaev said: 'You and I think that stealing equipment from cancer patients is something terrible. A statue to Prince Grigory Potemkin, a Russian war hero who lived in the 18th century, has also gone missing from Kherson Russian collaborators have confirmed that Potemkin's bones, which were interred at a Kherson cathedral (right) have also been taken A monument to Vasily Margelov (left), a Red Army General who commanded the Soviet Airborne Forces from 1954 to 1959, was reportedly looted from Kherson (right) 'And for them there is no difference - steal a curling iron, steal an iron, steal combine harvesters. 'They started by stealing combine harvesters and other agricultural machinery from the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. 'Now they stole the equipment from [a cancer centre]. Well, what can you call it? Is this human behaviour? No, this is barbaric behaviour. Savages are more civilised.' Ukraine has been attacking towards the city of Kherson since early August, and in October made a major breakthrough of Russian lines. Since then, conflicting information has emerged about exactly what is taking place inside the city - with conflicting reports suggesting Russia is both fleeing the city and reinforcing it, in expectation of defending it. Last week, Western officials briefed that they believe Russia is preparing for an all-out retreat from the city which will be played off as a civilian evacuation. 'Reinforcements' arriving in the city are actually conscripted Russian troops who will be responsible for holding back the Ukrainians until their retreat is complete. Moscow's commanders have already withdrawn across the Dnipro river to the east and have left their men to hold their positions alone, the officials added. While the retreat is not yet certain, they say preparations for the retreat are in their final stages. Once the withdrawal is complete, Russia will take up defensive positions on the east bank of the Dnipro where they will hope to survive the winter. Controversial changes to Scotlands gender laws could be watered down as Nicola Sturgeon desperately tries to quell a rebellion within the SNPs ranks, it was revealed today. The First Minister, who is in Egypt at Cop27, is reportedly looking at an amendment which would make it more difficult for under-18s to change their sex after a row with JK Rowling and protests outside Holyrood. Ms Sturgeon has been involved in a public war of words with the Harry Potter author over trans-issues and the Scottish Government's legislation to make it quicker and easier for individuals as young as 16 to change sex with no requirement for medical reports or evidence. But in a sign that the First Minister may be about to budge, veteran Nationalist backbencher Christine Grahame is now set to table a compromise today or tomorrow that demands 16 and 17-year-olds take more time to consider a transition. Its too young, she said. The first reading of the Bill sparked the largest rebellion of the SNP era in office, with minister Ash Regan resigning, six other MSPs voting against the Government and two more abstaining. However, critics say the Grahame amendment would not prevent the erosion of womens rights. Campaign group For Women Scotland insisted all the proposal would do is simply tinker with timescales. Co-director Trina Budge said: This is yet another randomly- chosen waiting period, seemingly plucked out of thin air with no consideration given to the time needed by clinicians to have a chance to find the root cause of a childs distress and recommend a course of treatment. If the Scottish parliament wants the evidence for what is best for this age group, it would be best advised to wait on the [independent] Cass Review [of childrens gender identity services in NHS England] to complete its work, and then implement its findings. Nicola Sturgeon is considering watering down her controversial gender reforms for teenagers - amid uproar from her own MSPs JK Rowling (pictured wearing a t-shirt with the message 'Nicola Sturgeon, destroyer of women's rights) threw her weight behind Scottish campaigners who marched on Holyrood in a protest against controversial transgender plans Demonstrators from Women Scotland (FWS) gathered outside the Scottish Parliament for a rally in opposition to the proposals, claiming they are putting women's rights 'in crisis' Miss Budge added: We can only wonder how any service provider wishing to run a woman-only service can possibly make any sense of the tangled web our legislators are weaving. What is the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill - and why are JK Rowling and Nicola Sturgeon rowing about it? The SNP's Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill sets out proposals to speed up the time it takes to get a gender recognition certificate (GRC). The legal update would also lower the age at which trans people can obtain the document from 18 to 16. The Bill would cut the length of time a person has to live in their acquired gender before applying from two years to three months. They would then have to undertake a mandatory three-month 'reflection period', confirming at the end of this if they wish to proceed with their application. A medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria would no longer be required, removing the need for doctors' reports. However even some in the SNP have been critical of the reforms. For Women Scotland says it campaigns to protect and strengthen women and children's rights, and aims to 'protect 'sex' in law and policy', 'help people speak up' and 'promote evidence-based discussion'. A statement on its website adds: 'We believe that there are only two sexes, that a person's sex is not a choice, nor can it be changed. Women are entitled to dignity, safety and fairness.' Advertisement The Bill currently allows for those wishing to change sex to self-identify with no medical diagnosis of dysphoria. They would only have to live in their new sex for three months with another three-month period of reflection. However, last months stage one vote overwhelmingly carried by the Scottish Government in the teeth of public opposition saw Miss Regans resignation as community safety minister and open dissent among backbenchers. Party chiefs fear further breakdowns in discipline as the Bill proceeds through the Scottish parliament. Proposed changes will be considered by MSPs at the stage two committee stage. According to the Sunday Times yesterday, ministers would be sympathetic to the amendment. It would require 16 and 17-year-olds to have lived in their new sex for six months, twice the length of time currently stipulated in the Bill. Youngsters would also have to declare that they had been living in their chosen sex before the clock starts. Miss Grahame said: Some young people are in emotional turmoil and there needs to be additional precautions. I have proposed a longer period to live in an acquired gender and a statutory declaration for under-18s. Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: I will listen to anyone who has constructive comments or is seeking to improve the Bill through amendments as I would with any Bill. I am confident that we will be able to find common ground. Last month JK Rowling liked a tweet comparing Nicola Sturgeon to 'Mean Girl' school bully Regina George as the war of words between Scotland's two most influential women reached fever pitch. The Harry Potter author and the First Minister are at loggerheads over trans-issues and the Scottish Government's legislation to make it quicker and easier for individuals as young as 16 to change sex with no requirement for medical reports or evidence. Ms Rowling branded the SNP leader a destroyer of womens rights - wearing a T-shirt with it as a motif - and Ms Sturgeon ratcheted up the row by suggesting that the author is not a 'real feminist' - and that she is. Ms Rowling, who is opposed to Scottish independence and donated 1million to the campaign to stop it, has yet to respond publicly to the latest barb but she has liked a tweet this afternoon from a supporter who was upset by the First Minister's comments. The message said: 'Her [Sturgeon's] intonation on real feminist was, for me, an ugly reminder of the school playground when the mean girls would circle me and taunt me for being too poor, or too clever, or simply weird. At heart, Sturgeon is one of the mean girls'. The term 'mean girls' was popularised by the 2004 movie of the same name. Its protagonist Regina George, played by Rachel McAdams, has been branded the world's most evil high school student . Mean girl behaviour is characterised by gossiping, verbal put-downs of others, bullying, backstabbing, and using others to get ahead. After the Harry Potter author branded the SNP leader a destroyer of womens rights, the First Minister fought fire with fire this morning and declared: 'I've spent my entire life campaigning for women's rights, and I'm a passionate feminist with lots of evidence behind that'. And in a thinly-veiled attack on the feminist credentials of Ms Rowling, and members of For Women Scotland (FWS), she said: 'There are no shortages of attacks on women that feminists, real feminists, as I consider myself to be, should be focusing on right now', and accusing them of trying to 'stigmatise and discriminate' against transgender people. Womens Rights Campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen, who designed the T-Shirt Ms Rowling and other protesters wore, said of Sturgeons attack: It seems utterly implausible that anyone who cannot define a woman as an adult human female could even begin to call themselves a feminist'. Caroline Ffiske from Conservatives for Women said: 'Nicola Sturgeon's comments about JK Rowling not being "a real feminist" are absurd. JK Rowling has been a hero and an inspiration for tens of thousands of women across the United Kingdom who have become increasingly concerned about the impact of gender ideology'. The row between the women over gender issues goes back to March, but they have differing views on Scottish independence Ms Rowling liked a tweet comparing Nicola Sturgeon to 'Mean Girl' school bully Regina George, played in the movie of the same name by Rachel McAdams (left) FWS bosses called on activists to 'come, lend your voice and send a message that women matter', as a committee meeting on the issue was held Ms Rowling also donned a t-shirt branding Nicola Sturgeon a destroyer of womens rights. She did so as she lent her support to campaigners who gathered outside the Scottish parliament to protest against the devolved governments controversial gender reforms wrapped up in the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill. Campaigners have claimed that a move to self-identification and the removal of medical involvement in obtaining a gender recognition certificate will pose a risk to women in single-sex spaces. The First Minister was asked directly about JK Rowling's t-shirt and dismissed her critics on the BBC Radio 4s Today programme, declaring: Abusive men are a risk to women - that is what we should be focusing on. We shouldnt be seeking to further stigmatise and discriminate against a tiny, tiny group in society that are already one of the most stigmatised groups in society. There are many, many real threats to women out there right now, from attacks physical attacks, attacks of sexual violence to the removal of abortion and reproductive rights to what women in countries in Iran are going through. The threat to women in our society today is not from trans women, it is from abusive men, from lawmakers who want to take away our rights and that is what we should be focusing on. Nicola Sturgeon has led the fight to introduce the legislation and a Holyrood committee endorsed the proposed Bill, insisting it will not change or remove womens rights. But hundreds of women gathered outside the Scottish Parliament to oppose the changes, brandishing banners accusing the First Minister of wanting to erode rights and setting out the definition of a biological woman. Ahead of the demonstration, Miss Rowling, 57, posted a picture of herself on Twitter wearing a t-shirt bearing the slogan Nicola Sturgeon - Destroyer of womens rights. Ms Rowling, who has faced death threats from trans activists, wrote: I stand in solidarity with @ForWomenScot and all women protesting and speaking outside the Scottish parliament. #NoToSelfID. Dozens of protestors at the rally For Women Scotland (FWS) also wore the t-shirt, which caused a campaigner to be ejected from a parliamentary committee in June while a minister was giving evidence. The plans have faced a backlash in recent months, with a watchdog warning this week that allowing people to self-identify could cause 'confusion' about their status in other parts of the UK. FWS bosses this morning called on activists to 'come, lend your voice and send a message that women matter', as a committee meeting on the issue was held. Posting a picture of herself wearing a t-shirt with the message 'Nicola Sturgeon, destroyer of women's rights', Harry Potter author Ms Rowling lent the group her support. She tweeted: 'I stand in solidarity with @ForWomenScot and all women protesting and speaking outside the Scottish parliament. #NoToSelfID'. Asked by journalists about the post, a spokesman for the Scottish Government said he had not seen it. FWS says it campaigns to protect and strengthen women and children's rights, and aims to 'protect 'sex' in law and policy', 'help people speak up' and 'promote evidence-based discussion'. A statement on its website adds: 'We believe that there are only two sexes, that a person's sex is not a choice, nor can it be changed. Women are entitled to dignity, safety and fairness.' Farmer has warned keeping birds in confined spaces could lead to cannibalism Cooping chickens up together in confined spaces could lead to cannibalism, farmers are warned as a poultry lockdown comes into force today amid the largest ever bird flu outbreak. Measures to keep all poultry and captive birds indoors in England to prevent the spread of bird flu have come into force to contain the spread, after 230 cases of the disease have been confirmed since October last year. The national housing measures, which were announced last week and are being introduced from today, are aimed at preventing house birds from interacting with wild birds. Bird flu hotspots, including where 10km surveillance zones have been set up, revealed. Source: Defra Cooping chickens up together in confined spaces could lead to cannibalism, chicken farmers have warned. (Stock image) BIRD FLU: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW What is it? Bird flu is the source of all human flus, as far as we know. It often passes through another animal, such as a pig, in the process of mutating and adapting to infect us. Wild birds are carriers, especially through migration. As they cluster together to breed, the virus spreads rapidly and is then carried to other parts of the globe. New strains tend to appear first in Asia, from where more than 60 species of shore birds, waders and waterfowl, including plovers, godwits and ducks, head off to Alaska to breed and mix with various migratory birds from the Americas. Others go west and infect European species. What strain is currently spreading? H5N1. So far the new virus has been detected in some 80million birds and poultry globally since September 2021 double the previous record the year before. Not only is the virus spreading at speed, it is also killing at an unprecedented level, leaving some experts to say this is the deadliest variant so far. Millions of chickens in the UK have been culled and last November our poultry industry was put into lockdown, heavily affecting the availability of free-range eggs. Can it infect people? Yes, but just 864 people have been infected with H5N1 globally since 2003 from 20 countries. The risk to people has been deemed 'low'. But people are strongly urged not to touch sick or dead birds because the virus is lethal, killing 53 per cent of people it does manage to infect. Advertisement Yesterday, two commercial poultry farms in Norfolk and a non-commercial premises in Lincolnshire, became the latest to confirm highly pathogenic avian influenza, with 3km protection zones set up around the premises and all birds humanely culled. The Government said everyone must keep their birds inside regardless of the type of bird or numbers kept. But one chicken farmer has warned that keeping birds in confined spaces 'can bring all sorts of issues' including cannibalism. Anthony Allen, of Cotswolds Chickens, told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme: 'the biggest issue it presents to chicken keepers...in backyard scenarios, is that they may not necessarily have a covered outdoor area to keep chickens'. 'The regulation stipulates under lockdown conditions that the chickens should be kept inside and undercover and that does present problems and again without trying to get too detailed and technical about this, keeping chickens in confined spaces can bring all sorts of issues which can end in cannibalism. 'So it isn't ideal but clearly we have a problem and we have to do something about it.' It comes as bird owners are also being urged to follow other biosecurity measures mandated by the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) at all times to protect their flock and prevent the risk of future outbreaks. These include cleansing and disinfecting footwear and clothing before and after contact with birds, reducing the movement of people on to premises and storing bedding properly so it does not get contaminated by wild birds. The Government has warned owners that avian influenza could kill house birds if action is not taken. The new measures are being introduced after the disease was confirmed at over 90 premises and has been found in more than 200 dead wild birds since the start of October. Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer, said: 'Many poultry keepers in England have excellent biosecurity standards but we know that one small mistake is all it takes to introduce bird flu on to premises and kill flocks. 'A housing order alone will not be enough to reduce infection rates. Implementing scrupulous biosecurity and separating flocks from wild birds remains the best form of defence. Britain is grappling with is biggest ever outbreak of avian influenza which has seen millions of domestic poultry being culled and thousands of wild birds, like this gannet, also killed by the disease This map shows bird flu outbreaks detected in poultry farms and backyard flocks since October last year. Triangles with black dots indicate the most recent cases This map shows the density of bird flu cases detected in wild birds, darker red areas indicate higher numbers of cases with black dots showing the most recent cases 'Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, from today onwards they must be housed under cover to protect them from this highly infectious disease.' The UK Health Security Agency continues to advise that the risk to public health from the virus is very low. The Food Standards Agency advice that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers also remains unchanged. It comes as emergency drills over what will happen if the bird flu jumps to humans are being carried out by health chiefs, according to Whitehall officials. The highly pathogenic Avian H5N1 outbreaks have caused 3.8 million birds to be culled in the UK this year - nearly a third of the population in the UK. The virus is moving quickly among farmed and wild birds but has not yet mutated to be able to spread between humans, although those working with the birds have caught the disease. These include simulations, testing the virus for new mutations at each farm and offering antivirals to workers as a preventative measure. Dr Middlemiss said: 'Because this is a zoonotic disease, it has the potential to infect people. 'A teaspoon full of infected bird droppings will have thousands and thousands of infected viral doses in it. 'It takes a really small amount of virus to create an outbreak.' The virus's 'R' rate of infection can reach 100 - meaning one bird can pass it on to 100 others, reported The Telegraph. Pictured: Turkeys run free inside a barn in Knutsford. The culling figures cover the whole of Europe as well as the UK, which has killed 3m chickens, turkey and ducks already But Dr Middlemiss said the risk to the general population remains 'low' and that the avian flu pandemic does not pose a threat to the UK's food security. A compulsory 'housing order' - essentially a lockdown - for farmed birds will come into force on Monday. A 'prevention zone' was declared on October 17 as the country continued to battle the outbreak, meaning bird keepers must have strict biosecurity measures to safeguard flocks. The flu also means families could be facing a turkey crisis come Christmas Day. An identification expert said that the fingerprints of a man facing extradition to the US are those of the wanted fugitive Nicholas Rossi, a court has heard. Lisa Davidson, a Tenprint Identification Officer, was called to give evidence at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday. The court is trying to determine the identification of a man, 35, who claims he is Arthur Knight, but whom officials in the United States have said is Nicholas Rossi who is wanted for raping a 21-year-old in Utah, and for attacks on other women. An Interpol red notice document for Rossi's arrest was shown at the hearing. It featured multiple headshots of Rossi, and his fingerprints. A man (pictured), whom officials in the United States have said is Nicholas Rossi, appeared at an extradition hearing in Edinburgh today A document with the fingerprints of the man claiming to be Mr Knight, taken at Saughton Prison in Edinburgh this year, was also shown to the court. Ms Davidson, who has worked in fingerprint identification for 22 years, was asked by advocate depute Paul Harvey what her conclusion was when she compared the fingerprints on the two documents. She replied: 'I found that they were identical. The fingerprints were identical. All 10 prints were identical.' Ms Davidson was then asked to compare the man's fingerprints with those of the wanted man Rossi's on an extradition request, also shown before the court. She said the quality of the fingerprints on the extradition request was bad, but said she was able to confirm the left forefinger and thumb were the same as the man's. The court heard the man was arrested on October 13 last year while being cared for at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow after developing respiratory problems from contracting Covid-19. Charge nurse Ruth Keating, 58, who was on duty at the time, was called to give evidence at the hearing on Monday. The 35-year-old, who claims to be called Arthur Knight, has been fighting an extradition hearing by US authorities since he was arrested in December 2021 She told the court she cared for a patient called Arthur Knight. She was presented with the same Interpol red notice document featuring images of Rossi, but was asked by Mr Harvey to focus on photos of his arms, which featured tattoos. Addressing one particular photo showing a tattoo of a red cross above an angel wing, Ms Keating replied: 'That looks like the tattoo I saw on Arthur Knight.' When Mr Harvey asked the witness if she could identify Arthur Knight in the court room, Ms Keating pointed to the man. Dr Robert Hart, 36, an intensive care consultant who treated Rossi, also recognised the photos shown to him by police as patient Arthur Knight. He said the tattoos he saw on the patient were a 'match' to those shown in the wanted man's photos. The witness told the court the tattoos were 'discoloured', and 'the skin around the tattoos was fairly warped.' Rossi (pictured) is accused of faking his death from cancer in the US to avoid a sexual assault charge, before fleeing to Scotland Mr Harvey put it to Dr Hart if he had seen similar skin on patients who had tattoos removed, to which he replied: 'I am no expert in that.' The two police officers who arrested the man at QEUH, PC Shannon McGill and PC Jamie Crombie, who were also called to give evidence, said the man's tattoos matched those in the document. Detective Constable Lorn Gibson, 46, and Detective Constable Zahra Pirmohamed, 52, from Police Scotland's extradition unit based at the Scottish Crime Campus at Gartcosh, were also called to give evidence and confirmed how they fingerprinted the man at Saughton on July 15 this year. Earlier, the man arrived at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in a wheelchair chained to custody officers. Dressed in a navy pinstripe suit, the man wheeled himself into the court building without saying a word. Following a stream of preliminary hearings which saw the man fire six lawyers and claim he was being tortured in prison, the case to determine his identity officially commenced on Monday. Dressed in a navy pinstripe suit, the man wheeled himself into the court building without saying a word Asked at the beginning of the hearing if he was Nicholas Rossi or Arthur Knight, he replied: 'Arthur Knight.' His lawyer, Mungo Bovey KC, proceeded to tell the court of multiple issues concerning legal proceedings with regard to his client and requested the case be adjourned. One of these included complaints that some information from a solicitor for the man 'seems to be misconstrued by the sheriff'. He also told the court there were legal concerns over the way the warrant for the man's arrest was issued, and claims his client did not receive the provisional arrest certificate (PAC) after his arrest in December. Advocate depute Paul Harvey, however, disputed this, claiming action from a previous sheriffs had been what was required of them, and that the man had received the PAC. Sheriff Norman McFadyen rejected the request for adjournment and proceeding with the identification hearing. The case continues on Tuesday. The daughter of a Nigerian senator has appeared in court today accused of trafficking a Homeless man into the UK to harvest his organs for herself. Sonia Ekweremadu, 25, is accused alongside her father Ike Ekweremadu, 60, her mother Beatrice Ekweremadu, 56, and 50-year-old doctor Obinna Obeta. They are all charged with conspiracy to arrange the travel of another person with a view to exploitation. It is alleged they conspired together, with others unknown and with another family member Isaac Ekweremadu, to arrange the travel of a 21-year-old with a view to exploiting him between 1 August 2021 and 5 May this year. They facilitated his travel from Lagos to London to remove one of his kidneys, it is claimed. Sonia has a kidney-related disease and has been on dialysis for some time, the court has been told. Sonia Ekweremadu, 25, is accused of conspiracy to arrange the travel of another person with a view to exploitation Sonia Ekweremadu (centre) Ike Ekweremadu (left) and Beatrice Ekweremadu (right) seen here Picture shows Beatrice Ekweremadu (front) and Sonia Ekweremadu (behind) at the Old Bailey Prosecutors claim the plot was to harvest the man's organ for her benefit. They were arrested after the young man, who previously lived on the streets of Lagos, turned up at Staines police station, claiming he was the victim of trafficking. The man told officers he had arrived in the UK on 20 February this year and had been taken to Royal Free Hospital for tests, none of which he consented to. After these tests, the man said he had returned to the house he had been staying in, where he was 'treated effectively as a slave'. He said he escaped the address and was homeless for three days before going to the police. Ike, a barrister and former deputy president of the Nigerian Senate, and his wife Beatrice were arrested in the UK on 21 June after flying in to Heathrow from Turkey. Ike Ekweremadu, 60, is a barrister and the former deputy president of the Nigerian Senate Picture shows Sonia Ekweremadu and her father Ike Ekweremadu at a university graduation Ike and Obeta are currently on remand in HMP Wandsworth and HMP Belmarsh respectively. They did not appear at court today. Beatrice was granted bail at a hearing in July and appeared in court today wearing a black head-wrap and long black coat. Sonia is also on bail and appeared alongside her mother wearing a knitted, patterned sweater vest. The defendants were due to enter their pleas but this could not take place today because of further legal argument. The trial has been brought forward from May to 31 January next year at the Old Bailey. Prosecutor Oliver Glasgow, KC, said: 'We are told that this court is in a position to accommodate the trialthree months earlier. 'If an earlier date can be offered, and one can be, then it should be taken.' The trial will last four weeks and a High Court judge will preside over the hearing. The Ekweremadus and Obeta will next appear at the Old Bailey on 16 December this year. The whistleblower claims Joe discussed details of the business and appeared to be involved as a 'silent partner' The call was about Hunter, Key and Jeff's new venture into online gambling in Latin America, and the source says Joe was active on the call The informant says they were on a 2012 conference call involving Joe, Hunter, his business partner Jeff Cooper, late Senator Harry Reid and his son Key Reid A whistleblower has come forward to claim they have direct knowledge of Joe Biden's involvement in son Hunter's foreign business deals while serving as VP Advertisement Joe Biden was involved in his son Hunter's foreign business deals while he was Vice President, a new whistleblower with direct knowledge claims. The whistleblower has identified themselves to Senate investigators but asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals. The informant says they were party to a 2012 conference call involving then-VP Joe, Hunter, 52, his business partner Jeff Cooper, 53, late Senate majority leader Harry Reid and his son Key Reid, 48, who was also in business with Hunter. The Spring 2012 call was about Hunter, Key and Jeff's new venture into online gambling in Latin America, the whistleblower said, adding that Joe was active on the call discussing details of the business, and appeared to be involved as a 'silent partner'. 'He wasn't passive, he was talking about it. If I had to describe him, he was like a member of the Board of Directors,' the source said. In a statement to DailyMail.com, Cooper denied ever having a call about any of his companies with the president or late senator saying it was a 'complete fabrication'. Key, Hunter and the White House did not respond to requests for comment. A whistleblower has come forward to claim they have direct knowledge of Joe Biden's involvement in son Hunter's foreign business deals while serving as VP The informant says they were on a 2012 conference call involving Joe, Hunter and his business partners. The whistleblower has identified themselves to Senate investigators but asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal On the Spring 2012 call were Hunter's business partner Jeff Cooper, late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and his son Key Reid (left to right), the whistleblower claims An archive of the Ocho Gaming website from 2013 is shown. If Joe was, in fact, profiting from Ocho Global with Cooper and Hunter while Vice President as the whistleblower claims, he neglected to declare it on either his government ethics disclosures or his tax returns. There is, however, no evidence that Ocho Global had any profits On the alleged call, Joe asked about revenue projections, when the company's software would be ready, and congratulated Cooper on securing gambling licenses from the Peruvian government, the individual said. 'With the direct observations I had, it's obvious Joe was participating in the business,' they said. The alleged call was not recorded, but DailyMail.com has independently verified the whistleblower was closely involved in Coopers company for years, including at the time of the conference call, and was in a position to be involved in discussions on Ochos business development. Aspects of the source's story were verified using published government records and corporate filings. The whistleblower also provided documents, emails and photographs corroborating their account of their involvement with Cooper and Hunter's company. They are the second person to come forward attesting to Joe Biden's involvement in his son's foreign business dealings, after Hunter's former business partner Tony Bobulinski revealed in October 2020 that he discussed their deal with Chinese oil giant CEFC directly with Joe. Other partners in the Chinese deal also texted Bobulinski that Joe was involved, and emails on Hunter's abandoned laptop refer to Hunter allegedly holding 10% of the equity in the deal on his father's behalf. The anonymous informant's decision to come forward with their bombshell claims within 24 hours of the election is set to send Washington DC into turmoil. But they told DailyMail.com that it was not until this weekend that they had been able to obtain a security detail for their family, giving them the confidence to come forward. The whistleblower was involved in one of Hunter's joint ventures that conducted energy deals, invested in technology companies and even launched a series of online gambling platforms. In 2010 Hunter partnered with Cooper, a longtime Biden family friend, in Cooper's company, seeking to make deals both at home and abroad, often taking advantage of their political connections. One offshoot was Hunter and Cooper's online gambling company, Ocho Global. It had operations in Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Argentina. An April 2011 email from Cooper included a valuation of the business at around $30million. In April 2011, Hunter's business partner Jeff Cooper sent him an email detailing the business plan for Ocho Gaming. 'The current valuation is 10M for 33% of the company,' Jeff wrote On June 15, 2018, Joe texted his son: 'Call I'm with Jeff Cooper', and later wrote 'Jeff asked for you. Wants to do some work with you. Love Dad' Emails from Hunter's abandoned laptop show Cooper discussing the business with Hunter and Key Reid and reveal they were seeking licenses to roll out the Ocho brand across Latin America Emails show Hunter had a $300,000 windfall in 2015 from Eudora, income of $77,000 and a long term capital gain of $584,000 in 2017 and a gain of $646,000 in 2019 On the alleged call, Joe asked about revenue projections, when the company's software would be ready, and congratulated Cooper on securing gambling licenses from the Peruvian government, the source said Emails from Hunter's abandoned laptop show Cooper discussing the business with Hunter and Key Reid and reveal they were seeking licenses to roll out the Ocho brand across Latin America. The source claims they were part of a Spring 2012 conference call that included Hunter, Cooper and Key. The source was surprised when they heard then-VP Joe Biden and then-Senate majority leader Harry Reid also join the alleged call. 'It was Hunter, Key, Harry Reid and Joe Biden all on the phone,' the whistleblower said. 'Jeff Cooper was talking about the fact that his team had made contact at the highest levels of the Peruvian government, and they believed they had secured the rights that they needed for a gambling license in Peru. 'There was no attempt by anybody to get off the phone. They were all still there. Joe Biden was on the phone, Harry Reid was on the phone. 'One of the things [Joe] centered on a lot was when the company would become profitable,' the whistleblower said. 'Joe, in particular, was centered on the returns that would be expected in the family coffers.' Hunter is under federal investigation for alleged tax crimes, money laundering and illegal foreign lobbying concerning his overseas business dealings. President Biden says he never spoke to his son about his foreign business. But DailyMail.com has previously published voluminous evidence showing President Biden was aware of, and may even have been involved in, his son's foreign business. If Joe was, in fact, profiting from Ocho Global with Cooper and Hunter while Vice President as the whistleblower claims, he neglected to declare it on either his government ethics disclosures or his tax returns, although it is unclear whether or not the online gambling company ever made money. 'With the direct observations I had, it's obvious Joe was participating in the business,' the whistleblower said. Hunter and Joe are pictured together in 2012, while Joe was VP A 2016 email from Hunter's business partner Eric Schwerin shows Hunter owns 2-3% of Eudora Global, LLC Hunter sent a threatening email to Eric Schwerin in 2019, which shows Hunter was still getting checks - this time for $21,590 - from Eudora up until 2019 Harry Reid's son Key Reid was listed as 'Individual with Authority to Act' in documents for Ocho Global in several Latin American countries The whistleblower said both Joe Biden and Harry Reid were vocal in the Spring 2012 conversation, with Joe asking lots of questions about how much, and when, the business would pay out. 'Harry Reid asked whether or not the Peruvian government had been taken care of,' the source said. 'Cooper replied that it had all been taken care of; the Peruvian cooperation was in place. 'That's when Joe Biden said: ''That's what we need to hear more of boys. We need to be making progress,'' or something like that. Just an effusive comment that was endorsing that he was happy that things were proceeding. 'He had all sorts of questions about other stuff. 'Do we need to be doing other things with government officials? What do we need to do to get this moving ahead?' He asked about what the revenue projections were and how soon the Ocho Rio software could be demoed.' 'He was asking all detailed operational questions. He wouldn't be doing that if he didn't know about it. He seemed to be more interested than just a casual interest. 'With the direct observations I had, it's obvious Joe was participating in the business,' they said. Though the source could not recall the revenue projections given in the alleged call, emails from Hunter's laptop show Cooper had Ocho Global valued at $30million in April 2011, and its Argentina operation alone at $10million in March 2012. Hunter received millions of dollars from Eudora Global, Ocho's parent company. Emails show a $300,000 windfall in 2015 from Eudora, income of $77,000 and a long term capital gain of $584,000 in 2017 and a gain of $646,000 in 2019. The emails do not specify income from Ocho. Cooper told DailyMail.com: 'Ocho Global could not get any traction and was forced to close [in] the mid-20 teens.' 'Hunter Biden owned an extremely small share of Eudora Global along with his partner Eric Schwerin,' he said. 'Eudora, in turn, owned a small piece of Ocho Global. Neither Mr. Biden nor Mr. Schwerin played an active role in either company, to the best of my recollection. 'Further, neither Senator Harry Reid nor then-VP Biden had any role whatsoever in either business. 'There has never been a call with Senator Reid or VP Biden together or individually where any of my businesses were discussed, much less one where they were active participants. That is a complete fabrication by you or your 'whistleblower'.' On July 24, 2018, Hunter texted Cooper saying 'Spoke to dad about [Mexican billionaire Carlos] Slim ask. Let's talk tomorrow.' Hunter discussed setting up a law and consultancy firm with Joe, Cooper, and his late brother Beau in a November 2014 email. An archived version of Eudora's website from January 2012 described Hunter as 'a Founder and now a Board Member of Eudora' A May 2011 email from Eric Schwerin asks to have Hunter Biden's connections to the gambling business removed from the Eudora website By 2016, emails from Hunter's laptop show that the First Son owned around 3% of the parent company Eudora. The whistleblower is the second person to come forward attesting to Joe Biden's involvement in his son's foreign business dealings, after Hunter's former business partner Tony Bobulinski (pictured) claimed in October 2020 that he discussed their deal with Chinese oil giant CEFC directly with Joe The whistleblower said they had shied away from reporting the Vice President and Senate Leader's alleged involvement in Ocho to the FBI because they did not trust the Bureau and claimed their suspicions were confirmed when they saw reports by Senator Chuck Grassley that senior agents had tried to suppress the federal investigation into Hunter Biden. 'Who are you going to go to, the FBI? The FBI seems to be operating as a personal security service for the Bidens lately,' the source said. DailyMail.com has already revealed how Cooper's business with Hunter overlapped with the then-Vice President. Joe flew Cooper and Hunter to Mexico on Air Force 2 for a business meeting, he entertained Cooper and Hunter's Mexican billionaire business partners at the White House, and Cooper had plans to set up a consultancy with Hunter and Joe when he left office. When working on a giant oil and gas deal with the heir to a Mexican billionaire family, Cooper also asked Hunter if he could arrange a call from 'your dad to his dad' to facilitate their plans in 2015, messages from Hunter's laptop show. Bolstering the whistleblower's claims, texts from Hunter's laptop indicate that Joe, Hunter and Cooper discussed foreign business dealings. On June 15, 2018 Joe texted his son: 'Call I'm with Jeff Cooper', and later wrote 'Jeff asked for you. Wants to do some work with you. Love Dad.' A month later on July 24 Hunter texted Cooper saying 'Spoke to dad about [Mexican billionaire Carlos] Slim ask. Let's talk tomorrow.' Joe Biden entertained Mexican billionaires Carlos Slim and Miguel Aleman Velasco - his son Hunter's business associates - in the vice president's office in 2015 While Hunter and Cooper were working on their business plans, they managed to get the billionaires Slim, Velasco and Miguel Aleman Magnani a private 'meeting' with then-vice president Joe Biden in the VP's office. Photos on Hunter's laptop dated November 19, 2015, show the six men smiling at a meeting in Joe Biden's DC residence. Emails show the men also met Joe at the White House Joe Biden flew to Mexico on February 25 to 26, 2016 for trade talks with then-president Enrique Pena Nieto. 'We are arriving late tonight on Air Force 2 to MX City. We will be there for Thursday - I'm attending meeting w/ President N w/ Dad. Jeff is with me on lane [sic] and we will be with us all day,' Hunter wrote to his business partner Miguel Magnani on February 24, 2016 Hunter discussed setting up a law and consultancy firm with Joe, Cooper, and his late brother Beau in a November 2014 email. 'In order to develop this as a platform for both JRBs [Beau and Joe] I think it is imperative we (the three of us) have full control come 2016 when JRB1 [Joe] comes on board,' Hunter wrote. The email set out 'ball park' annual overheads for the consultancy shop totaling $1.2 million including a $500,000 salary for Beau. The plans were thwarted by Beau's tragic death in 2015 from brain cancer. Cooper has a long history with the Biden family. He and Hunter reportedly met through their wives: Francesca Cooper went to high school with Hunter's first wife Kathleen Biden. His Illinois law firm, asbestos claim litigation specialists SimmonsCooper, worked with Beau's Delaware law firm on dozens of cases. It also bankrolled Hunter and Joe's brother Jim's unsuccessful attempt to buy a hedge fund in 2006. By 2008 SimmonsCooper was Joe Biden's number one donor, giving $200,000 over the previous eight years. The large donations, and thousands more to Beau's political campaigns, drew scrutiny when Joe, in his role as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, helped block an asbestos reform bill. The reform could have jeopardized SimmonsCooper's business, and the firm lobbied him over the issue. At the time, a spokesman for Joe told the Los Angeles Times that all the SimmonsCooper business deals with his sons and brother were above board, and no special favors were arranged. Over the years Cooper has personally given more than $400,000 to Democrat campaigns, according to FEC data. Republican mega-donor Ken Griffin has said the party should move on from Donald Trump and elect a new leader. The hedge fund manager, 54, who has given nearly $60million to GOP candidates during this election cycle, has backed Florida governor Ron DeSantis as the future of the party. DeSantis is yet to formally announce his White House bid but he is one of considered Trump's main rival for the Republican nomination. Griffin told Politico of the former president: 'He did a lot of things really well and missed the mark on some important areas. And for a litany of reasons, I think it's time to move on to the next generation.' Trump has also not yet declared his intention to bid for reelection but he has heavily hinted at another run. Republican mega-donor Ken Griffin has said the party should move on from Donald Trump and elect a new leader DeSantis (pictured yesterday) is yet to formally announce his White House bid but he is one of considered Trump's main rival for the Republican nomination Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in support of the campaign of Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., at the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in Miami He said at a campaign rally Saturday in Pennsylvania: 'Everybody, I promise you, in the very next very, very, very short period of time, you're going to be happy.' Ken Griffin founded the massive hedge fund Citadel in Chicago in 1990, and, Citadel Securities in 2002. He is originally from Central and South Florida, having been born in Daytona Beach, and raised in Boca Raton. The billionaire businessman has admitted he disagrees with a number of DeSantis' policies but still believes he is the right person to lead the party. He said: 'He has a tremendous record as governor of Florida, and our country would be well-served by him as president. 'Would I support him? The bigger question is, is he going to run? That bridge has to be crossed.' On Sunday, Trump told supporters at his Miami, Florida rally on Sunday to re-elect DeSantis as their governor - one day after bashing him as 'Ron De-Sanctimonious.' Supporters packed in at the outdoor Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Center despite the rainy weather Trump took the stage 40 minutes early, much to the apparent surprise of rally goers and members of the media Mike Pompeo endorses DeSantis despite Trump criticisms Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has endorsed Ron DeSantis for reelection as Florida governor. Tomorrow, DeSantis faces off against Democrat Charlie Crist and is expected to win another term. Pompeo, who served under Trump, said yesterday: 'Not tired of winning. DeSantis you've proven gonservative policies work. Florida is better for it.' The endorsement came a day after Trump railed against his main rival for the GOP nomination, calling him Ron DeSanctimonious. Trump displayed poll numbers on the big screens at a Pennsylvania rally showing Republican voters preferred him to the Florida governor. 'There it is, Trump at 71, Ron DeSanctimonious at 10 percent,' Trump said derisively. 'Mike Pence at 7, oh, Mike is doing better than I thought. Liz Cheney theres no way shes at 4 percent. Theres no way. Theres no way. But were at 71 to 10 to 7 to 4.' The former president has widely taken credit for DeSantis' rise to political stardom. Advertisement He said Floridians 'are going to re-elect a great friend of mine, Marco Rubio' in two days when Americans head to the polls on November 8. Rubio is facing a challenge to his Senate seat from House Democratic Rep. Val Demings. 'You're going to elect DeSantis as your governor,' he added to cheers from the crowd. It was the first and only time Trump mentioned the governor during his lengthy speech. On the other side of the aisle, Trump also seemed to reference House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the recent break-in of her house, that resulted in her 82-year-old husband being brutally attacked with a hammer by an intruder who allegedly espoused QAnon beliefs. 'Crazy Nancy Pelosi, how's she doing lately?' the ex-president asked sarcastically. He also called on voters to 'fire' her from the House Speakership, a line echoed by most of Sunday's rally speakers. He took the stage 40 minutes early, much to the apparent surprise of rally-goers and the crowd. Trump told rally-goers at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Center in reference to Democrats in general, 'You have to crush the communists,' noting that he's ratcheted up his rhetoric from calling the left 'socialists.' 'The communist and Marxist direction of the radical Democrat Party is one of the biggest reasons that...Americans are joining our movement,' Trump said. It comes as Republicans have experienced a last-minute surge in momentum heading into the Tuesday elections, with RealClearPolitics projecting a decisive GOP victory in the House of Representatives and possibly a win in the Senate. If they clinch majorities in both houses of Congress, Trump said on Sunday, the GOP 'must immediately force the restoration of our southern border.' Trump even continued speaking when the sky opened up into a fierce downpour He capped off his speech by blowing a kiss up to the rainy sky Trump at one point also rolled out a gaffe reel of President Joe Biden that he's featured at many recent rallies He went a step further, calling on the number of Customs and Border Patrol agents and ICE officers to be 'doubled.' Border security has been among Republicans' core attack points for Democrats, amid a record surge in migrant encounters at the US border with Mexico. He also teased his own future 2024 plans while touting the number of voters he received in 2020. 'I did much better the second time,' Trump said, referencing the number of votes he got when he lost to President Joe Biden. 'And now, in order to make our country successful and glorious, I will probably have to do it again.' Rain began to pour at the end of his over-90-minute speech, but Trump, undeterred, continued. He said it was probably the best rally he'd ever held, blowing a kiss up at the sky to cap off the night. The Sunday rally was Trump's third in three days, part of a four-state swing leading up to Election Day. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis hit three separate counties for his own speaking events - but will be giving Trump a wide berth in Miami-Dade. He was excluded from the litany of GOP figures who spoke before Trump, like Florida Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, and House Reps. Matt Gaetz, Vern Buchanan and Michael Waltz among others. DeSantis' absence is not a surprise given the increasingly hostile relations between the GOP rising star and its de facto party leader. At his second of four rallies on Saturday night, Trump mocked DeSantis as 'Ron De-Sanctimonious' in Pennsylvania while dismissing a list of potential 2024 Republican challengers. The popular Republican governor has resisted taking public shots at Trump, perhaps aware of how intertwined their bases are, but has not ruled out the possibility of challenging him in 2024. Donald Trump mocked Ron DeSantis as 'Ron DeSanctimonious' at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday night While Trump appears in Miami, DeSantis will speak at three rallies closer to Tampa on Sunday His reluctance to do so has rankled Trump, who has widely taken credit for DeSantis' rise to political stardom from being just another House Republican to winning a close race for the Tallahassee governor's mansion in 2018. But more recently, DeSantis made a national name for himself with his vocal criticism of the Biden administration's COVID-19 precautions and other attacks, as well as legislation targeting LGBTQ youth. The vast majority of early 2024 GOP voter polls have put DeSantis right behind Trump in terms of who Republicans want as their next presidential nominee. Trump has not yet formally declared his intent to run but he's dropped several hints making it clear where he leans. 'Were winning big, big, big in the Republican Party for the nomination like nobodys ever seen before,' the former president said on Saturday night. He asked for poll numbers to be put up on the screen above him. 'There it is, Trump at 71, Ron DeSanctimonious at 10 percent,' Trump said derisively. 'Mike Pence at 7, oh, Mike is doing better than I thought. Liz Cheney theres no way shes at 4 percent. Theres no way. Theres no way. But were at 71 to 10 to 7 to 4.' Surprisingly, among the first high profile Republicans to rush to DeSantis' defense was Mike Pompeo - Trump's former secretary of state and a potential 2024 contender himself. 'Not tired of winning. [Governor Ron DeSantis] youve proven conservative policies work. Florida is better for it. Vote for [DeSantis].' Trump's inner circle has been eyeing November 14 as the expected date for him to announce a third bid for the White House, Axios reported last week. DeSantis, meanwhile, made the closing arguments for his own re-election bid on Sunday. He's running for a second gubernatorial term against Charlie Crist, a House Democrat who previously governed Florida from Tallahassee as a Republican. Despite staying mum on his presidential ambitions, DeSantis has amassed a massive $200 million war chest for his 2022 re-election bid - an eye-popping sum for a gubernatorial candidate. His Sunday rallies are part of his 'Don't Tread on Florida' tour. The stops included Lee, Hillsborough and Sarasota counties. Advertisement Rishi Sunak was given a personal welcome by his Swedish counterpart today as he made his international debut as Prime Minister. Ulf Kristersson went old school and wrote down his contact details for Mr Sunak as they met at the Cop27 environmental conference in Egypt. In an awkward image from Sharm El Sheikh the Scandinavian leader bent down in front of Mr Sunak to scribble on a piece of paper. The PM is attending the gathering of world leaders by the Red Sea after reversing a decision to stay away to focus on domestic economic problems. But as well as meetings with Mr Kristersson and EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen he also took part on a perhaps more controversial bilaterial meeting. He held a face-to-face discussion with Italy's new far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The pair chatted about house building and planning while journalists were in the room at the start of the bilateral meeting. The Prime Minister and Ms Meloni, Italy's first woman premier, took office within days of each other last month. Ms Meloni's Brothers of Italy party leads the country's first far-right-led government since the Second World War. He faces further tough meetings today, including with Emmanuel Macron. The Prime Minister and French President are due to meet this afternoon at the Cop-27 climate summit in Egypt after the PM vowed to 'get a grip' on the Channel migrant crisis. Ulf Kristersson went old school and wrote down his contact details for Mr Sunak as they met at the Cop27 environmental conference in Egypt. He held a face-to-face discussion with Italy's new far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The Prime Minister and Ms Meloni, Italy's first woman premier, took office within days of each other last month. The PM is attending the gathering of world leaders by the Red Sea after reversing a decision to stay away to focus on domestic economic problems. he also met Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (above) He also met EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen amid ongoing problems with the Brexit deal covering Northern Ireland Sunak and VDL talk Brexit in Egypt Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen agreed to 'work together' to end the row over the Northern Ireland Protocol, when the pair met for the first time at Cop27 in Egypt. It came as the UK issued a fresh appeal to Brussels to end the delay in granting access to EU scientific research as agreed in the post-Brexit trade deal. The Prime Minister met the European Commission President at the climate conference on Monday, where Mr Sunak stressed the need to 'find solutions' to the 'very real problems' caused by the post-Brexit arrangements in the region. Mr Sunak inherits from his predecessors Liz Truss and Boris Johnson the problem of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which is vocally opposed by unionists who claim it cuts off the region from the rest of the UK. The post-Brexit solution, designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, is cited as the Democratic Unionist Party's main reason for refusing to return to powersharing. The instability in Northern Ireland has raised concerns in Dublin, Brussels and Washington and the row between the UK and the EU shows few signs of coming to a rapid conclusion, despite indications of a more positive tone from the British side in recent weeks. A Downing Street spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister reiterated the need to find solutions to the very real problems it had created on the ground in Northern Ireland. They agreed on the importance of working together to agree a resolution.' Ms von der Leyen called it a 'good first meeting'. 'We face many common challenges, from tackling climate change and the energy transition to Russia's war against Ukraine,' she tweeted. She said she looked forward to 'constructive cooperation' between the two countries. Advertisement The PM met von der Leyen amid ongoing tensions with the bloc over the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol. As well as tackling climate change, the Ukraine war and energy crisis are also likely to feature in the two leaders' talks. The pair smiled and thanked the media at the start of the meeting. The Cop27 conference takes place against a backdrop of increasingly devastating extreme weather around the world, as well as an energy and cost-of-living crisis driven by Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. As the meeting kicked off in Sharm El-Sheikh there was yet another warning from UN experts that efforts to limit temperature rises to 1.5C and avoid the most dangerous impacts of climate change was 'barely within reach'. The past eight years are on track to be the hottest on record, with sea level rise accelerating, the melting of Europe's Alpine glaciers shattering records, and devastating floods, drought and heatwaves hitting in 2022. After wrangling between delegations, the issue of funding for loss and damage from climate change, such as destruction of crops, buildings and infrastructure in poorer countries, is now an item on the official agenda for the talks. Mr Sunak, attending Cop27 after what opponents called a 'screeching U-turn' having planned to stay home to work on domestic financial issues, will use his speech to the conference to call for a 'global mission for clean growth'. Sir Keir Starmer has hit out at Rishi Sunak over his initial decision not to attend Cop27 in Egypt, promising that a Labour prime minister would work to 'pull leaders together' on climate change. Speaking to reporters during a visit to Imperial College London, the Labour leader said: 'The first difference a Labour government would make is that you would have a prime minister who wanted to go to Cop because we realise just how important it is, because we realise that is not just about climate, it is also about the cost of living, it is about energy, it is about the next generation of jobs. 'You would have a prime minister, a Labour prime minister, on the world stage, pulling leaders together. I think Rishi Sunak made a big mistake in saying initially he wouldn't go, because it gave the impression that the UK no longer wants to be leading on the global stage. 'I think that is a mistake for our country, it is a mistake globally and I think it is a mistake for the climate crisis, which we have got to handle.' The PM met von der Leyen amid ongoing tensions with the bloc over the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also met with President William Ruto of Kenya at Cop27 this morning The PM decided to attend the event after Boris Johnson announced he would be going at the invitation of the Egyptian Government Sir Keir Starmer has hit out at Rishi Sunak over his initial decision not to attend Cop27 in Egypt, promising that a Labour prime minister would work to 'pull leaders together' on climate change. Rishi Sunak joined the COP27 summit today urging a 'global mission for clean growth' - but is facing a growing row about 'reparations' to states hit by climate change. The PM is in Egypt for the gathering - his first test on the foreign stage since entering No10 - having U-turned on his original decision not to attend. But the event is promising to be tricky as developing countries demand payouts for extreme weather events caused by climate change - at the same time as the UK imposes swingeing austerity and tax rises at home. Nicola Sturgeon - who has also jetted in for the summit - upped the pressure this morning, saying there is an 'obligation' on countries that industrialised first to help 'deal with the impacts'. Business Secretary Grant Shapps pointedly refused to rule out the idea, saying the UK is 'supportive of discussions' taking place at Sharm El-Sheikh. However, former PM Boris Johnson told a fringe event that Britain 'simply doesn't have the financial resources' to pay reparations and 'no country does'. While admitting that the UK had contributed vast carbon emissions, he argued that the focus should be on finding private investment and technological solutions. 'Let's look to the future,' he added. Mr Sunak could have an awkward encounter with his predecessor later, although the premier insisted there is 'no hatchet to be buried'. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, PCC president Revanth Reddy, former minister T. Subbarami Reddy and others during a public meeting organised at Madnoor as the Bharat Jodo Yatra concludes in Telangana on Monday. (Image: DC) MADNOOR (TS, MAHARASHTRA BORDER): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the voice of the people of Telangana was worth listening to as they were firm in their decisions and thought-process. There needs to be the spirit of India, which people from other states should strive to emulate. He said that the repressive methods that the TRS government was adopting would not work in the state. Rahul Gandhis Bharat Jodo Yatra completed its Telangana leg after 12 days on Monday. Addressing a public meeting marking the occasion at Menur in Madnoor mandal, Rahul Gandhi said, I shall never forget the love, affection and the spirit of Telangana people. I will forever cherish my journey in Telangana. The Congress leader said that party activists in the state worked tirelessly for the yatra. Although the media has not focused on them, I have seen their effort and work for the yatra. Congress cadre does not pertain to any single religion, race or caste. They are from all sections of society. They are our assets, he said. He said that during his earlier visits to Telangana, he only had formal interactions with the people. But, thanks to the Yatra, he could see and understand the real Telangana, he said. Recalling an incident during the yatra, the Congress leader said that a kid in his enthusiasm to meet him tripped multiple times due to the large crowds. Yet, he managed to come back and meet me. This never say die zeal of Telangana people is all endearing, he said. He criticised the state government for privatising hospitals, which is bound to add to the burden of the people as they would not be able to afford the treatment costs. People are not able to get quality education and are spending lakhs as the TRS government is privatizing even the education system and degrading its standards, he said. The former Congres president said that tribals, who had met him, had said that his grandmother Indira Gandhi had given them homes and the UPA government had enacted the Tribal Bill. The TRS government did not implement the bill and to make matters worse, it has been denying tribals right to ownership of lands, he charged. He said that once the Congress returns to power, they would give land rights to their owners. I have not met any farmer throughout the yatra who is happy and earning profits. The Congress government will give MSP rates to all crops and extend benefits to farmers, '' he said. The Chandrashekar Rao government was working for the benefit of five people while the Modi administration is working for his corporate friends, he alleged. The Crocodile Dundee star said she apologised for declining his dinner offer Hogan told A Current Affair he copped 'flack' over it but the Queen 'didn't mind' Legendary Australian actor Paul Hogan has reflected on the controversial moment he met the Queen wearing nothing but a cut off flannel shirt and shorts after performing a show - and how she apologised to him for turning down his offer for dinner. The Crocodile Dundee star sat down for an interview with A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw - her last before she leaves Nine's flagship program after 17 years. It comes as Hogan, 83, releases a new book, Australia According to Hoges, which is described as a 'love letter to Down Under'. Grimshaw brought up a photo from the book of Hogan meeting the Queen after he performed in the Royal Charity Concert at Sydney Opera House in 1980. Legendary Aussie actor and comedian Paul Hogan famously met the Queen and Prince Philip at the Sydney Opera House in 1980 wearing a cut off flannel, stubbies and footy socks When they met, Hogan donned a cut off flannel shirt, stubby shorts and footy socks. 'I love that shot,' the comedian said. 'I got a lot of flack over that but the Queen didn't mind.' Hogan has said in previous interviews that 'everyone was horrified' by what he wore that night when he met the royals - with the exception of the Queen. In an interview with Jonesy and Amanda back in 2020, he explained that it was his 'summer working uniform'. 'The stubbies and the torn-off shirt was the standard builders (and) labourers uniform back in the 70s,' he joked. Hogan (pictured) was reflected on his time meeting Her Majesty in a special interview with A Current Affair's Tracy Grimshaw Paul Hogan is pictured with his second wife Linda Kozlowski during Carousel Ball 2000 in Beverly Hills, California, United States. The couple divorced in 2014 after 25 years Hogan told Grimshaw that the late Queen had apologised to him during that same meeting after she 'won' a prize to have dinner at his home. 'The show we did at the Opera House for entertaining her, part of the thing I did was to pretend to draw the lucky seat prize,' he said. 'I drew two names out, which obviously was the Queen and Philip, and said the prize that they'd won was dinner at my place, and told them how to get there, what bus to catch and all that kind of stuff - was all funny.' 'But when I met her, she then leaned over and said, 'I'm sorry dear, I don't think we'll be able to make dinner', which is great, she's got a sense of humour.' Hogan also touched on his chronic health battle, revealing that he'd lost a lot of weight and was being 'held together with string'. Hogan now lives in California in the US with his son Chance (pictured together) To this day Crocodile Dundee remains Australia's most commercially successful film of all time 'I had a problem on the aorta and the kidney and the treatment fixed it but it shrunk me,' he said. The Aussie explained that he had lost all of his body fat and that his muscles 'shrank' leaving him feeble. Hogan claimed he was 'fit' up until he was 79 years old but started to deteriorate rapidly after turning 80. 'I'd still take out most 40-year-olds then I turned 80 and there's a saying that turning 80's not for sissies because things start to fall apart but, no, I can't complain.' Hogan now lives in California in the US with his son Chance. A mom-of-three has claimed that she is a 'walking miracle' after she survived when her abusive ex-boyfriend shot her through the neck - only for the bullet to pass through her and kill him. Mekeja Heath, 33, had a 'chaotic on-and-off' eight-month relationship with Byron Redmon, 26, in which she claims to have endured cheating and physical abuse before splitting a month before the attack on July 30. Following a row, Redmon pulled the gun out and had Ms Heath on her knees begging for her life before he shot her in the neck. However, the bullet exited her flesh and went through his femoral artery, fatally wounding him. 'I am a walking miracle, a centimeter over and I would be dead,' she said. 'Most people that get shot in the neck don't survive. 'I suffer from PTSD - I wake up dripped in sweat because I'm having nightmares about it and every time I hear a loud sound I think somebody is trying to attack me.' The terrified mom said that her ex had turned up at her apartment in Dallas, Texas, at 11.30am in a 'drunken rage' to confront her about 'spreading rumors' on his alleged deceit and abuse. Byron Redmon (left), 26, arrived at ex-girlfriend Mekeja Heath's (right) house in a 'drunken rage' on July 30 and shot her through the neck, only for the bullet to pass through her and kill him The 26-year-old mom-of-three believes she is a 'walking miracle' after surviving the attack from her ex-boyfriend who she claims became increasingly more abusive in the month leading up The bullet exited Ms Heath's flesh (wound pictured) and went through Redmon's femoral artery, fatally wounding him But after his attack backfired, the panicked man drove the pair of them both to a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries soon after. Despite suffering nerve damage to her right side and having a 'hole' in her neck, Ms Heath miraculously walked out of hospital just hours later with her wounds bandaged. Recalling the attack, the former nursing assistant said: 'I was begging him "please get me to the hospital, I don't want to die" so he picked me up, threw me over his shoulder and into the back seat of his car.' 'There was a trail of blood from my bedroom all the way out into the street.. It looked like a massacre. As we're driving he was saying "don't tell anybody that I shot you".' Prior to the attack Redmon was a rapper under the name Smoove, whose lyrics included references to guns and violence against women. In one of his songs, he can be heard saying: 'The b**** don't listen, I throat slit her [...].. You ain't got a gun, you no hitter.' Ms Heath has since shared horrifying photos of her wounded neck as she urges domestic violence victims to seek help. Ms Heath (pictured) said that she had a 'chaotic on-and-off' eight-month relationship with Redmon A panicked Redmon drove the pair of them to a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries soon after. Ms Heath suffered nerve damage There, doctors assessed and x-rayed Ms Heath's injuries and discovered that the bullet had left fragments in her neck, which were too dangerous to attempt to remove with surgery She described how he barged in and claimed he had been 'taking s***' about him - something she denid. She said she did not want to fight and told him he was 'drunk' and 'reeked of liquor'. 'He balled up his fists like he was about to hit me and I was like "don't put your hands on me because I'm going to call the cops today, you're not going to keep popping up at my house when you're angry and jumping on me",' she added. 'I heard a gun cock and immediately put my back up against the wall and started talking to him nicely - "calm down, you're drunk. You have a gun pointed at me, this is Mekeja". 'Everything happened so fast. He grabbed me by my hair and had the gun to my head and I was begging him "please just calm down". 'Before I knew it, I was on my knees and he was basically sitting on my back with the gun in his right hand pointed at my face. I could literally look down the barrel. 'My mind went into survival mode and I grabbed his wrist to try and keep the gun away from my face, squeezing the muscles to try and get him to release but he was so strong I couldn't. Ms Heath (pictured) is now waiting to see a neurologist for nerve damage that has left her unable to work due to numbness and intermittent pain down the right side of her neck and arm to her fingertips 'The more I tried to get him to release it and talk him down, the more aggressive and angrier he got. He was in my ear calling me a b**** and saying "I will kill you". 'Then the gun went off - boom. I instantly hit the floor and everything went blank. It was like my whole body was paralyzed, I thought I was dead. 'I came back to and could hear him screaming and asking for help. It was like when he shot the gun he came back to reality. It was like he was possessed. 'He was panicking and running back and forth, like "are you really shot? Oh my god I'm sorry I didn't mean to shoot it, the gun went off".' After arriving outside the Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Ms Heath says she jumped out of the car and ran inside screaming for help before being immediately admitted. There, doctors assessed and x-rayed her injuries and discovered that the bullet had left fragments in her neck, which were too dangerous to attempt to remove with surgery. They bandaged the wounds from the entry and exit point and discharged her with instructions to change the dressings regularly until it finally healed a month later. She is now waiting to see a neurologist for nerve damage that has left her unable to work due to numbness and intermittent pain down the right side of her neck and arm to her fingertips. Ms Heath claims that as she was being released from hospital one of the nurses gave her the shocking news that her ex had also been hit by the bullet and had bled to death. She added: 'My whole right side wasn't functional and they couldn't even tell me if I would have any permanent damage because they said my neck would have to heal on its own. Ms Heath claims that as she was being released from hospital one of the nurses gave her the shocking news that her ex had also been hit by the bullet and had bled to death 'They didn't even stitch me up so I was at home still bleeding from the neck and in excruciating pain and my mom had to change my bandages every hour on the hour. 'I was literally walking around with a hole in my neck and you could see the muscles and everything. 'I didn't even find out that Byron was shot and dead until they cleaned out my wound, put a gauze over the hole and sent me home. I thought he had fled the scene. 'It was a relief because I felt like if he was still here, he would try to hurt me because he thought I would go to the cops, but it also hurt me because I have questions that I'll never get the answers to. 'Like "why did you shoot me? What was the motive? Were you trying to kill me?" I'll never know. This is the stuff that haunts me every day.' Ms Heath said that she and Redmon grew up together in the same hometown before reconnecting in September 2021 through a mutual friend and starting to date a couple of months later. Ms Heath said that she and Redmon grew up together in the same hometown before reconnecting in September 2021 through a mutual friend and starting to date a couple of months later She claims he became increasingly violent and threatening before they finally split for good at the end of June - a month before he shot her. 'I loved him,' she said. 'He just made me feel alive like I was in high school again but it was all a cover up because he just wanted all these women - he was a womanizer. 'He would stay out and get drunk and I came to find out that he was living five different lives with different women and he started getting extremely violent. 'We would get into fights because I'm asking questions and he would just say that I'm 'b***ing' and complaining. 'We had one altercation where he choked me until I turned purple, I literally couldn't breathe. We were fighting all the time, it was so toxic and chaotic. 'He had threatened to do these things to me but I never took it into consideration and I wish I did.' Ms Heath is fundraising to help cover her extensive medical costs and to relocate with her three children to put the traumatic event behind her. A statement released by the Dallas Police Department said: 'On July 30, 2022, at approximately 11:39 am, Dallas Police responded to a shooting call in the 2200 block of Medical District. 'When officers arrived they could see a large amount of blood and a blood trail in front of an apartment. No one was located inside the apartment. 'At the same time, a call came in at a nearby hospital of a male and a female found outside in a vehicle, with gunshot wounds. 'The preliminary investigation determined at the apartment, the male, Byron Redmon, 26, shot the adult female victim in the neck during a domestic disturbance. 'The bullet then exited and hit Redmon in the leg. Redmon died at the hospital.' Mrs Hill has now been awarded over 15,000 by an employment judge After being sacked, Mrs Hill and her husband later lost their family home She said boss Russell Mason responded: 'Well that's my plans for you ruined' Mrs Hill found out she was pregnant five months after joining Nottingham firm An accountancy firm worker has won more than 15,000 in a discrimination case after her boss said 'Well, that's my plans for you ruined' when she told him she was pregnant. Kimberley Hill was left feeling 'panicky' and worried for her job by the comment from Russell Mason who continued to make 'little digs' at her, an employment tribunal heard. When Mr Mason's personal assistant left, he told Mrs Hill - who announced her pregnancy five months after starting the job - 'That would have been your new office but now you will be leaving soon,' a hearing was told. And after she started her maternity leave early, on the advice of her midwife, she was sacked by email by her 'egregious' boss who said her mind hadn't been 'entirely' on work. Mrs Hill sued her employer - Nottingham based accountancy firm 9ine Accounting Limited - for pregnancy discrimination and unfair dismissal. She has now been awarded a total of 15,995 in compensation. Kimberley Hill sued her employer, Nottingham-based accountancy firm 9ine Accounting Limited for pregnancy discrimination and unfair dismissal. She has now been awarded a total of 15,995 in compensation The tribunal heard that Mrs Hill started working for 9ine accounting in October 2019. In February 2020, she found out she was pregnant and told her boss. Upon hearing her news, Mr Mason replied: 'Well, that's my plans for you ruined,' the tribunal was told. Mrs Hill told the Nottingham hearing that the comment made her feel 'panicky,' because she did not know whether her job or the plans that Mr Mason had for her career progression had 'gone.' Although Mr Mason congratulated her, there were 'little digs, as if he was happy for her but upset about the impact of her pregnancy on him and his business,' the tribunal heard. Two days after when Mr Mason's personal assistant was sacked, he told Mrs Hill: 'That would have been your new office but now you will be leaving soon.' Mrs Hill told the tribunal that the comment made her feel 'on edge,' and unsure of her future with the company. In June 2020 she became unwell due to her pregnancy and was advised by her midwife to start her maternity leave earlier than she had intended. After informing Mr Mason, he replied by email that he 'understood where you are coming from,' which she took to be an agreement to her starting her maternity leave in July. Shortly afterwards however, in June, Mr Mason emailed Mrs Hill dismissing her with one week's notice, the tribunal heard, claiming he had found files left at her desk. In his dismissal email he said: 'You started life with 9ine with such vigour and enthusiasm that it appeared you would grow with the business and become a great asset. 'I don't think your mind has entirely been on work when you have been in the office.' After her maternity leave had ended, Mrs Hill struggled to find work and began receiving universal credit payments. Her husband was made redundant in July 2020 and her family had to move in with her husband's parents, a two-bedroom flat with three children, the tribunal heard. She sued the firm, claiming pregnancy discrimination, unfair dismissal and failing to provide a written statement of contract. The tribunal found that Mr Mason's 'principal reason' for the decision to sack Mrs Hill was because she was pregnant and found in favour of all her claims. Employment Judge Rachel Broughton dismissed the firm's argument that she had been dismissed due to concerns about her performance. The judge said: 'There was no attempt to inform Mrs Hill of the details of the alleged problems prior to the decision. She was not told which files had not been dealt with and not told what the alleged problems with the archiving project were. There was also no disciplinary hearing with the claimant to discuss the alleged issues.' Judge Broughton went on: 'The issues about [Mrs Hill's] performance were contrived to provide an excuse for terminating her employment. '[Mrs Hill] was pregnant and now without employment... this played a part in [she] and her husband losing their house. 'To dismiss someone because they are to take maternity leave is significant and to do so in such an offhand manner by email, without even speaking to them about the alleged reasons and giving them a chance to respond, is particularly egregious.' Mrs Hill was awarded 15,436 for injury to feelings and 559 for failure to provide written particulars. A decision on a loss of earnings award will be held at a later date. A trendy Italian restaurant just a stone's throw from Sydney's newly opened Crown Casino has gone out of business after eight years in the area. The Mark Richardson owned Bel & Brio, along with its fine dining venue Corso Brio, was one of the first restaurants to anchor the city's flashy Barangaroo precinct in 2016 hoping to cash in on the predicted increase in foot traffic. But its doors were closed and locked by landlord Lendlease this month after Mr Richardson was unable to pay up to $1.8million in owed rent. It's understood Covid lockdowns and the failure of the CBD to return to its bustling pre-2020 landscape are behind the venue's struggles. Bel & Brio at Baranagroo has closed over a rent dispute with landlords LendLease Owner Mark Richardson (pictured) said he would not try the restaurant business again but could focus on his construction companies But Crown's staggered opening over the same period could have been the final straw with its 14 high class bars and restaurants now fully operational and drawing in what few patrons there are left the area who might have otherwise splurged at the ritzy eatery just a block away. 'We've been in negotiations and mediations ... to get the (rent) fee to something reasonable however Lendlease had enough and pulled the plug and so they should have,' Mr Richardson told The Daily Telegraph. He said he was 'blindsided' by Lendlease locking them out of the venue but they had been considering closing already. He added he would work hard to ensure the 140 staff get everything they are owed after some complained of not having been paid for weeks. 'My hope is that someone will take over the venue and rehire the staff but if that doesn't happen, we find another business for them to work with... It's a shame for them but I've lost the most, eight years and $11 million.' The restaurant served gourmet Italian fare similar to the upmarket food halls in Europe Corso Brio, the venue's fine dining section, is also to close (pictured) The $2billion Crown development, just up the road, is fighting its own battles. While some bars and restaurants in the building were opened in 2020, the scathing Bergin Inquiry, sparked over allegations of money laundering and Chinese organised crime links, found it was unsuitable to hold a gaming licence. The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority only gave conditional approval to open its gambling operations in June this year. This was after the company was forced to overhaul its board, management and procedures resulting in a takeover by US private equity frim Blackstone and James Packer exiting the business. The acquisition netted Packer a cool $3.36billion payday. The massive Crown Sydney building is just a block away from Bel & Brio and has 14 restaurants James Packer has exited the embattled Crown Resorts with US private equity firm Blackstone taking ownership (Mr Packer is pictured with Kylie Lim in 2018) On Monday, Melbourne's Crown Casino was slapped with a record $120 million in fines for breaching gambling laws spanning more than a decade, including consistently failing to stop people gaming for long periods. The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) took disciplinary action against Crown for ongoing misconduct. The breaches include allowing patrons to gamble for upwards of 24 hours without a break and failing to stop patrons from using plastic picks to hold down pokie buttons. Crown Perth is also feeling the heat after a WA royal commission this year found it was unsuitable to run the casino but gave the operator two years to clean up its act. The owners of London's ExCeL centre have sued insurers for 16million in compensation after the venue was closed and used as a Nightingale hospital during the pandemic. London International Exhibition Centre plc say the losses they suffered from not being able to host events during the Covid outbreak should be covered by their insurers. The company argues this money is due under their business interruption cover, although insurers Royal & Sun Alliance, Allianz, CNA Insurance, Aviva, Zurich and Chubb European are thought to be contesting the claim. ExCeL's owners took out business interruption insurance on May 31, 2019. This included an indemnity against any human contagious or infectious disease apart from Aids, according to the claim, London International Exhibition Centre plc say the losses they suffered from not being able to host events during the Covid outbreak should be covered by their insurers The court documents say insurance was limited to a 15m pay-out, as well as an additional 1m to pay for costs. This produces a total of 'approximately 16m,' the papers claim. The first reported cases of Covid in the UK were on January 23, 2020 and the condition became a notifiable disease in England on March 5 2020, shortly before Prime Minister Boris Johnson instructed public venues to close and not reopen, the claim says. ExCeL was turned into a Nightingale Hospital to provide 4,000 hospital beds for the wave of people who were expected to be hospitalised with the disease. The exhibition centre is one of the largest in the UK, with more than 87,000 sq metres of events space as well as other meeting rooms and suites. Most years it holds more than 400 events for more than 4m visitors. The centre, which reopened on July 10 2021, claimed under its insurance policy on May 5, 2020, and says it is entitled to the insurance payout as a result of its business losses during the first three months of the outbreak. ExCeL was turned into a Nightingale Hospital to provide 4,000 hospital beds for the wave of people who were expected to be hospitalised with the disease The papers say that the gross profit for the three month between March and June 2019 was about 22.1m and that the anticipated profit for the same period in 2020 had been forecast at 21.4m. However, they say that as a result of the pandemic the actual profit for that period was 3.1m and they say the losses should be covered by the insurers. When it emerged the ExCeL Centre would be turned into a Nightingale hospital, its CEO, Jeremy Rees, said he was 'proud' to accommodate the request. 'Our country is facing the largest national emergency for a generation and our thoughts and sympathies are with those who are personally affected by this situation,' he said. 'It is crucial that everyone plays their part in the national effort, working with the government to combat the spread of the coronavirus and save lives.' A University of Kentucky student who bragged about being wealthy grew up in a modest three-bed family home as students are calling for her to be expelled over her violent racist outburst. Sophia Rosing, 22, was visibly intoxicated as she stumbled into the dorms on campus in Lexington, Kentucky, before she launched herself at fellow student Kylah Spring who was working the front desk. The blonde business and marketing major is currently at the Fayette County Detention Center - where she refused to identify herself to officers upon her arrival in the early hours. Rosing, listed as a Jane Doe because of her refusal to cooperate with officers, will appear in court later today via a video link charged with four offences, including assaulting a police officer. Now other pupils of the university are calling for Rosing to be kicked out of the facility, and are calling for the President, Eli Capilouto, to do more. Multiple students have slammed Capilouto for his statement on the incident, wanting more stringent measures to be taken. When asked by DailyMail.com if Rosing would be suspended, the University declined to comment because the disciplinary investigation was ongoing. Rosing bragged to fellow students the year before the vile racist incident, saying Im rich as f*** and youre obviously not. Sophia Rosing, 22, was visibly intoxicated as she stumbled into the dorms on campus in Lexington, Kentucky, before she launched herself at fellow student Kylah Spring who was working the front desk DailyMail.com can reveal that she grew up in a modes three-bedroom and two-bathroom family property in Fort Mitchell with her parents and siblings When asked by DailyMail.com if Rosing would be suspended, the University declined to comment because the disciplinary investigation was ongoing Sophia Rosing, 22, was caught on camera physically assaulting two black students at the University of Kentucky and calling a student employee a 'n***** b****' But DailyMail.com can reveal that she grew up in a modes three-bedroom and two-bathroom family property in Fort Mitchell with her parents and siblings. Her father, Paul Donald Rosing, works as an Technology Executive for Messer Construction Co, but relatives of Rosing have not yet responded to request for comment. Video posted online showed Rosing barely able to stand as she tries to hit fellow student Kylah Spring, who was working at the front desk of a dormitory on campus. Students have said the 'blanket statement' by the university is 'a start' but are demanding that 'real action' be taken. A march against racism will be held at 6 p.m. Monday at William T Young Library, with those involved walking to the Bowman statue on campus on behalf of Kylah Spring. Spring, who was assaulted by Rosing, shared a post which said: 'Eli, as per usual makes a statement that means jack s*** without action. 'Sophia Rosing needs to be held accountable and expelled for what she did. We will not tolerate this hate on campus.' Rosing, who is a double business and marketing major, has been fired by fashion brand Dillard's for her outburst. Sophia Rosing, second from right, has been removed from her role in Dillard's Campus Collective Program after footage of her racially abusing a fellow student went viral Other pupils of the university are calling for the business major, pictured with her dad, to be kicked out of the facility, and are calling for the President, Eli Capilouto, to do more Rosing is seen here early Sunday morning wrestling with fellow student Kylah Spring, who was working at the front desk of a dormitory on campus Rosing is now being held at the Fayette County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond - it is unclear if she has been bailed She was part of the Campus Collective Program, with a Dillard's spokesperson saying: 'Dillard's does not condone this behavior. Her relationship with Dillards has been terminated immediately.' University Police took Rosing into custody just before 4am on Sunday on charges of intoxication in a public place, third-degree assault on a police officer, fourth-degree assault and second-degree disorderly conduct. Rosing, who is white, calls Spring a 'n***** b***' as she tried to restrain her as she attempted to get into an elevator. 'Could you stop please?' Spring asks Rosing after she managed to escape Spring's grasp. 'Nope,' Rosing responds simply, before Spring tries to grab her again. Rosing then continues to repeat the racial slur, causing Spring to say: 'Ooh Jesus, I do not get paid enough for this.' 'Exactly and you're a n***** and you're a b****,' Rosing responds several times before a voice off-camera tells Spring: 'I've got this all on video.' A second video shows Spring and another black student trying to get her to sit in a chair, when Rosing hits out at the second black victim and tries to kick Spring. The blonde business and marketing major is currently at the Fayette County Detention Center - where she refused to identify herself to officers upon her arrival in the early hours Rosing, who is a double business and marketing major, has been fired by fashion brand Dillard's for her outburst When Spring and another black student tried to get Rosing to sit down, Rosing could be seen trying to punch the other victim and trying to kick Spring A University of Kentucky police officer can then be seen handcuffing Rosing in the dorm as she continued to repeat the racial slur and struggled to stay standing. Rosing is now being held at the Fayette County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond. It is unclear if she has retained an attorney to speak on her behalf, and is set to appear in court to be arraigned. In an Instagram post following the altercation, Spring explained why she had intervened in the first place. She explained that Rosing walked into Boyd Hall, on Martin Luther King Blvd, after Spring had refused her entry because she did not have an ID card on her. When blonde Rosing managed to get into the lobby she stumbled as she approached the elevators, which concerned Spring who was behind the front desk. Sophia Rosing, 22, was visibly intoxicated as she stumbled into the dorms on campus in Lexington, Kentucky, before she launched herself at fellow student Kylah Spring who was working the front desk Spring said that is when Rosing kicked her in the stomach, tried to run her over with a shopping cart that was in the lobby and bit her friend Rosing, who is a double business and marketing major, has been fired by fashion brand Dillard's for her outburst In an Instagram post following the altercation, Spring described what she had endured Spring said: 'I worked a shift tonight where was assaulted and called a n*****, and someone said other racial slurs towards me. 'It is a part of our job that if we see a student that's like very drunk, we are to call an RA to... write a report. Rosing is being held on a $10,000 bail after being arrested by campus police 'So I reach my head out of the desk area, and I ask the girl "Are you OK?"' Spring recounted, 'and she stared at me and started to call me a n*****.' At that point Spring called the RA and tried to prevent Rosing from entering the elevator, to wait for someone to arrive to help. She added: 'And so I jumped in, I tried to move her off to the side, and she just kept going "No n*****, you're a b****, you're a n*****, do my chores b****. 'And she kept doing that as I was trying to sit her down.' Spring said that is when Rosing kicked her in the stomach, tried to run her over with a shopping cart that was in the lobby and bit her friend. In an email to students following the altercation, President Eli Capilouto said Spring 'acted with professionalism, restraint and discretion.' Rosing had previously been filmed berating another student at a party She told the student in the video how she is rich and they apparently are not He noted that the school's Office of Student Conduct has launched an immediate review of the assault, and that its Student Success teams 'are reaching out to the student victims who were subject to this behavior to offer support.' It added: 'To be clear: We condemn this behavior and will not tolerate it under any circumstances,' he said, as he vowed to update students with more information as it becomes available. The disturbing video is not the first instance of Rosing berating other students while intoxicated. In another video posted shortly after the footage of the assault went viral, Rosing could be seen telling someone off camera at a party: 'I'm rich as f*** and you're obviously not compared to what you're waring. 'And I can do you and you can't do s*** about it, especially since you don't know my last name. But I know God-d*** well who you are.' Now, an Oklahoma mother of five, Holly has been reunited with members of her biological family, who continue to search for her parents' murderers Her father had previously joined a religious cult and Holly was later deposited at an Arizona church by a group of nomadic religious women and later adopted Holly Marie Clouse was reunited with the family she didn't know she had until recently, 40 years after her parents were murdered in the Texas woods A woman know as 'Baby Holly' has been reunited with her biological grandmother, 40 years after her parents were murdered in the woods. Holly Marie Clouse, 42, is the daughter of Harold Dean Clouse and Tina Gail Linn, a married teenage couple who disappeared in 1980 after relocating from Florida to Texas when Holly was not yet one. After her parents' murder, Holly was abducted by a group of women who wore white robes and traveled as a religious group. They dropped her off unharmed at a church in Arizona and she was raised happily by an adoptive family. It was only earlier this year that Holly discovered her birth parents had been brutally murdered. In an emotional reunion with the family she never knew she had, Holly hugged her paternal grandmother - Donna Casasanta, 80 - and said, 'I love you. Thank you for all your prayers.' 'Baby Holly' is now 42 and lives in Oklahoma. She is shown holding up a photo of her parents, taken not long before they were murdered in 1980 Harold Dean Clouse and Tina Gail Linn met as teenagers. They got married when Tina was 15 and pregnant with Holly, then moved to Texas before she was one so that Dean could get a better-paying carpenter job Donna Casasanta, 80, poses in front of a portrait of Holly with her murdered parents 'God kept me safe and protected all these years,' Holly said as she hugged her weeping grandmother. 'We never gave up on you,' said the elderly woman. For decades, Holly's family believed they had gone off-grid with a religious group. Last year, they learned that the pair had been murdered 40 years ago and their bodies dumped in the woods near Houston. It was the result of a genetic genealogy breakthrough by a group of scientists who wanted to identify a couple known as 'The Houston Does' whose bodies were found by a dog in 1981. As Holly unwound elements of her unknown past with her biological family, her parents' killers remain unknown - and possibly still at large. Mere months ago it was discovered that after her parents were killed, Holly was collected by a group of white robe wearing women in a nomadic religious group and left at a church in Arizona. Holly is now a mother of five in Oklahoma and will continue searching for answers as to what happened to her parents in the woods alongside her newfound family members. One day 'we will know (what happened) and the suffering will end,' she told Donna. Holly's parents were killed when she was just one-year-old. She was later adopted into a loving family and lived her entire life not knowing her parents were the victims of a brutal crime Dean's mother Donna is shown visiting the site where his body was found in woods in Texas (left) and visiting his grave in Texas last year (right). Every year for forty years, she has contacted the authorities to ask if anyone had used his social security number in the hope that he was alive, completely unaware that he had been murdered months after leaving home Earlier this year, Holly's aunt, Cheryl Clouse, told the DailyMail.com that is it 'an amazing miracle that we found her.' 'The whole family is so happy and relieved. Our hearts are still healing but we're so, so happy that we found her. And that she is alive, she has a family, and she survived. Nothing terrible happened to her. Hallelujah and Amen...we have Holly,' she said. For years, the family had hoped that Holly's parents were alive. That hope was fueled by a mysterious 1981 interaction with a cult member, who called herself Sister Susan, several months after the family stopped hearing from them. They believed her because it wasn't Dean's first experience with religious groups; years earlier, before he married Tina, he had disappeared with a cult for several weeks. Holly's extended biological family held out hope that Dean and Tina were alive until last year when they were told otherwise by detectives and law enforcement officers Tina (above) was 'sweet, soft and gentle' said Cheryl. She says her daughter looks like her and sounds like her For 40 years, the family held out hope that all three were alive. It wasn't until their bodies were identified last year that they discovered Dean and Tina had been dead for decades. 'He had joined [a cult] before, we thought maybe this was real. We always thought that the three of them were out there somewhere and that they would come home like he always did. When we were told they were identifiedthat hope was shattered. It's still hard. The whole family is still healing. It was such a brutal way to pass,' said Cheryl. Medical examiners had previously studied the bodies when they were unidentified determined that Dean had been beaten to death and Tina had been strangled. The Texas Attorney General's Office, with the help of Identifiers International and Family History Detectives - who identified the bodies - began investigating the case. Their work ultimately led them to Holly. The investigation into the murders of Holly's biological parents, Tina and Dean Clouse, is ongoing and, if anyone has information about their deaths, please contact the Texas Attorney General's Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit at coldcaseunit@oag.texas.gov. A 14-year-old boy is in a critical condition after being stabbed outside a Tesco supermarket in west London in an attack last night. The schoolboy was attacked at around 6.20pm near a branch of Tesco Express on Hanworth Road, Hounslow. Detectives and paramedics were called to the scene and the boy was taken to hospital, where remains in a critical condition, the Metropolitan Police said. The schoolboy was attacked at around 6.20pm near a branch of Tesco on Hanworth Road, Hounslow Several police cars and an ambulance attended the scene on the busy road last night. No arrests have yet been made and a crime scene is reportedly still in place near the junction with Nelson Road. The force said in a statement: 'Police were called at approximately 6.25pm on November 6 to reports of a male stabbed in Hanworth Road, near the junction with Nelson Road, Hounslow. Several police cars and an ambulance attended the scene on the busy road last night 'Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and the male, believed to be aged 14 years, was taken to hospital for treatment. 'He remains there in a critical but stable condition. 'No arrests have been made and inquiries into the circumstances are ongoing,' the spokesman added. A mother who was duped by a 'scam' website while trying to buy a Christmas present for her daughter has warned others about the potential dangers of online shopping. Thirza O'Boyle, 43, said she was left 'sobbing' after realising the Christmas presents she had bought online for daughter Darcey turned out to be from a 'scam website' almost identical to the real one. The teaching assistant from Corby, Northamptonshire, said she became aware of the 'online scam' after being alerted via her banking app of a 61.80 charge to an unknown recipient. Ms O'Boyle said she opened the confirmation email from the website, which read: 'Please note 'MARKETINGTIPSFORLAWYER' will be displayed on your credit card statement instead of the website from which you purchased the mentioned product.' Thirza O'Boyle, a mother from Northamptonshire, is warning other shoppers to be vigilant of online scams ahead of the festive season The 'fake' Pandora website in question with a 'not secure' warning next to the web address Ms O'Boyle paid 61.80 for what she believed were Pandora items but started to suspect she had been scammed when she got a notification from her banking app telling her the money was billed by 'MARKETINGTIPSFORLAWYER' Ms O'Boyle called her bank in an attempt to rescind her cash but was advised that an investigation may not be successful due to the payment being taken with her consent. She took to social media last Wednesday to warn others of falling victim to scam websites as Christmas draws nearer. She wrote: 'Well I feel absolutely stupid right now! I typed in 'Pandora sale' on Google and clicked on what I thought was the genuine site. 'I got some 'bargains' and paid 61.80, it all looked very legitimate. Then, I got an alert to say I'd made a payment of 66.95. Ms O'Boyle said that after paying for her items, she received an email telling her 'MARKETINGTIPSFORLAWYER' will be displayed on your credit card statement instead of the website from which you purchased the mentioned product', piquing her suspicions. 'I checked my email and in my junk mail, I had an email from a random address with the confirmation of a payment of 61.80 but that some random name will appear on the statement. 'I started panicking as this was obviously not genuine Pandora at all. I've rung my bank and stopped my card and I'm now hoping I can dispute the payment but I've been sobbing for ages. 'It was an order for Christmas presents for my daughter, using the savings I've put away to cover Christmas. Please, please let this be a lesson that all is not as it seems. I'm gutted.' The post has received hundreds of likes and comments, with many sharing their own experiences of falling for online scams. One person said: 'I've done exactly the same thing. I saw a site that was selling a Lego Disney castle for 40 and thought it was great. 'I was mega annoyed when a pair of Rayban glasses turned up on my doorstep. It was a dodgy website but I managed to dispute the charge and get my money back.' Another wrote: 'So many fake sites. You can literally buy anything fake these days. 'I got some GHDs once and they went bang and set alite [sic] one time while in my hand. Hope you get your money back.' Other people have shared their scam stories on social media after Ms O'Boyle alerted shoppers over the 'fake' Pandora website A third added: 'I did this last year and spent over 100. The bank did end up getting my money back. When something seems too good to be true it normally is.' Ms O'Boyle shared several photos of the website without a secure padlock next to the web address, as well as the invoice reference, with the hope that it would help others avoid falling for it too. She has not received any items that she ordered yet and has thankfully not had any extra funds removed from her account since cancelling her card and raising the investigation. Speaking last week, she said: 'I first Googled 'Pandora sale' and clicked on the link that I genuinely thought was the real Pandora website. 'After looking around, I bought some items and paid for them, using my debit card, and the amount came to a total of 61.80. 'Soon after, I received a receipt which went into my junk mail and when I opened it, the email said that the invoice for the card payment would show as 'marketing tips for lawyer'. 'That was when I realised that it was a scam and quickly checked my banking app. I discovered they had actually taken 66.95, despite me having a receipt for a different amount. 'Looking closely, I then realised it wasn't a UK company at all, it was a scam website and there had been an exchange rate calculation. 'The bank is now doing a full investigation but I've been told it might not be successful as I made the payment. Hopefully, my post can help stop it happening to someone else. 'I would hate someone to feel like this.' A brazen woman sped off in a stolen SUV from under cops' noses while they were arresting its driver during a traffic stop. The next day, police discovered Hannah Warren, 25, in the twice-stolen Nissan SUV. She then led them on a 30-minute chase through a town in rural Ohio, which ended with her crashing the car into a tree and then trying to run away. She was tasered and arrested by Nelsonville Police who discovered multiple syringes in her bag - one of which contained methamphetamine, prosecutors said. It is not clear if she was a passenger in the stolen car when it was pulled over, but police say she tried twice to interrupt their arrest of the 26-year-old male driver for whom they had a warrant. Hannah Warren, 25, took a stolen Nissan SUV after police officers pulled over its driver and were escorting him to their patrol car to place him under arrest Nelsonville Police Department officers pulled over the 2017 Nissan at 7.30pm on October 29 because the car had a loud exhaust and no lights. After doing so they also learned the car had already been stolen and was owned by a man named Todd Thompson. They also found that there was an active warrant for its driver Kevin McDonald, 26. As police tried to bring McDonald into custody Warren attempted to 'make contact' with the arresting officer and McDonald twice. As McDonald was being led by an officer to their patrol car Warren 'ran into the driver's seat (of the SUV) and sped off,' the Athens County Prosecutor said. Warren (pictured) led the police on a chase the day after she was seen stealing the Nissan SUV, police said. After a 30-minute chase through Nelsonville, Ohio, Warren crashed into a tree and tried to flee on foot The next day just before 2pm police responded to a report that the stolen Nissan SUV had been seen near South Akron Avenue in Nelsonville. Police located Warren in the car nearby on Watkins Street, prosecutors said. According to Nelsonville police, a man in the car then made off on foot. It is unclear who that man was. After police approached Warren, who remained in the car, a chase ensued for 30 minutes through the city. Eventually, Warren crashed the SUV into a tree on Poplar Street a few miles to the east. She fled the car on foot but was chased and tasered by an officer before being brought into custody. Kevin McDonald (pictured) was driving the stolen Nissan SUV when it was pulled over. He was arrested because there was an active warrant on him, police said Warren allegedly told officers at the time she had drugs in her backpack. A search revealed narcotics and syringes, one of which contained methamphetamine, prosecutors said. Warren was scheduled to appear in Athens County Common Pleas Court on Monday morning at 10am and was charged with indictments including grand theft of a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property, felonious assault, and vandalism. MEDAK, CHINTAL LAXMAPUR (SANGAREDDY): TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy said party leader Rahul Gandhi had emerged as a tall leader during the crisis created by divisive forces, and that the people strongly believed that he would resolve their problems with an alternative vision. Despite raids by the ED and the CBI, and the intelligence agencies warning about a threat to his life, Rahul Gandhi and embarked on the Bharat Jodo Yatra for the larger good of the country, Revanth Reddy said. The people would remember Rahul Gandhi and his Bharat Jodo Yatra like the Quit India movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, he said while speaking at a media conference along with senior leaders on the sidelines of the Bharat Jodo Yatra. The yatra was a grand success in Telangana because of the support we got from the people. Farmers, workers, intellectuals, they all participated in the Bharat Jodo Yatra and expressed their solidarity with Rahul Gandhi, Revanth Reddy said. The former Congress president was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's peaceful fight for the country's freedom and by Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, who had sacrificed their lives for the country, Revanth Reddy said. He said that the survival of the country was in danger. Telangana state has decayed due to Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao's corruption, he said. For the last eight years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and TS Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao had been trying to divide the people. Rahul Gandhi has risen as a leader to lead us through these tough times, he said. Rahul is ready to make any sacrifice for the country. CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said the Bharat Jodo Yatra was a historical one when the country was reeling under a crisis and added that Rahul Gandhi is trying to address the problems faced by various sections of the people during the yatra. Kathy Griffin's Twitter was suspended for changing account name to Elon Musk Kathy Griffin crept her way back on to Twitter after recently being suspended for impersonating Elon Musk - and used her dead mother's account to take her anger out on the platform's new CEO. Griffin, 62, went off on Musk from her late mother's account Sunday night, calling him an 'a**hole' for joking that she'd been 'suspended for impersonating a comedian.' She was suspended for challenging the Twitter's new policy against impersonation by changing her profile name to 'Elon Musk' without making clear it was parody account. The new policy was put in place after some celebrities changed their Twitter display names in reaction to the billionaire's decision to offer verified accounts for $8 a month. But she flouted the suspensions and logged on to her dead mother's account to further attack the CEO. Kathy Griffin, 62, was suspended from Twitter for challenging a new policy against impersonation by changing her handle to 'Elon Musk' without making clear it was a parody - but then used the account of her late mother Maggie Griffin (pictured) to rant at Musk Elon Musk confirmed the suspension of Griffin's account with a tweet joking about her impersonating a comedian In response, Griffin then went off on Musk from her late mother's account Sunday night, calling him an 'a**hole' for joking that she'd been 'suspended for impersonating a comedian' Elon Musk tweeted Sunday that Twitter will permanently suspend any account on the social media platform that impersonates another. Twitter then suspended Griffin Writing as Maggie Griffin, who died in March 2020 at the age of 99, she wrote: 'I mean you stole that joke, you a**hole. People have been posting that joke for hours, you hack. 'Look, please do a better job running this company. It used to mean something. This is KG btw.' Griffin continued tweeting well into Monday from her mom's account, which she had previously used during a suspension in 2019. She tweeted that her mother would be fine with it. She wrote: 'My wonderful mother had an account that I ran for her. She passed away, but I always kept the account. 'Trust me, she would be with me on this. Relax.' Griffin's most recent tweet late Monday morning was written as it came from beyond the grave and directly at Musk. Griffin continued tweeting well into Monday from her mom's account, which she had previously used during a suspension in 2019 Griffin used the hashtag #FreeKathy on many of her tweets, some of which backfired as many users replied with the hashtag #pleasefreeusfromKathy Musk continued the Twitter thread, writing that she could have her account back - for $8 'Elon, this is Maggie contacting you from the spirit world tell uyoure a douchebag. This is not parody. This is the actual ghost of Kathy Griffins boxed wine loving mother saying Im gonna get tipsy & throw my bingo cards at you! NOT A PARODY.' It finished with: 'To the moon, a**hole. #FreeKathy.' Over the weekend, Twitter said it would allow anyone to get a verified blue badge on the platform simply by signing up to the Twitter Blue subscription service and paying a monthly fee. The $8 verified accounts are Musk's way of democratizing the service, he claims. This comes after Musk made a dramatic intervention into the midterm elections by urging voters to pick Republican candidates for the US Congress. The new Twitter CEO told his 114million followers that 'independent-minded' people ought to vote for Republicans in a bid to 'curb the worst excesses' of the Democrats. It follows Musk's comments that he wanted the social media platform to be the most accurate source of information on the internet. Writing on Twitter this morning, Musk said: 'To independent-minded voters: Shared power curbs the worst excesses of both parties, therefore I recommend voting for a Republican Congress, given that the presidency is Democratic.' Musk's stirring endorsement comes just hours ahead of the anticipated red wave across the US - as many blue areas are expected to flip and vote Republican. An 18-year-old sex trafficking victim imprisoned for killing the man who raped her cut off her electronic tracking device and escaped the correctional facility where she was serving her probation sentence. Pieper Lewis fled the Fresh Start Women's Center in Des Moines, Iowa, around 6.15am on Friday, according to a probation violation report. A warrant was issued for her arrest but as of Monday morning, there was still no sight of the teen's whereabouts. Hours after she broke out of the women's residential corrections facility, the probation report asked for her deferred judgment to be revoked and have her original sentence imposed, KCCI Des Moines News reported. She could now face up to 20 years behind bars. Lewis stabbed Zachary Brooks, a married father of two, to death in a Des Moines apartment in June 2020. The teen alleged that Brooks had trafficked her against her will and raped her multiple times. She said that she killed him in a fit of rage. Police and prosecutors did not dispute that Lewis was sexually assaulted and trafficked. The teen pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and willful injury and received a deferred judgment from the Polk County District Judge, David Porter. Pieper Lewis, 18, gives her allocution during a sentencing hearing, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, in Des Moines, Iowa. Lewis pleaded guilty to killing the man she said raped her. On Friday around 6.15am, Lewis escaped from Fresh Start Women's Center where she was serving her probation sentence Lewis was 15 years old when she stabbed Zachary Brooks, a married father of two (pictured), to death in a Des Moines apartment June 2020 A warrant has been issued for Lewis's arrest but as of Monday morning there was still no sight of the teen's whereabouts In September, the judge ordered that Lewis pay $150,000 to the killer's family in restitution, as required by Iowa law. Under the judge's ruling, Lewis would also have five years' probation, serve 200 hours of community service and pay an additional $4,000 in civil penalties. Lewis first met Brooks when she was a runaway sleeping in hallways before he took her in. The teen's broken relationship with the woman who adopted her out of foster care at the age of 3 prompted her to run away, Lewis said. Officials have said Lewis was a runaway who was seeking to escape from an abusive adopted mother and was sleeping in the hallways of an apartment building when an older man took her in before forcibly trafficking her to other men for sex. Prosecutors had called the probation sentence she was given in September merciful for a teen who endured horrible abuse, although some questioned the $150,000 restitution she was ordered to pay. A GoFundMe campaign raised over $560,000 to cover the restitution and pay for her other needs. Polk County Judge David Porter told Lewis that her probation sentence 'was the second chance you asked for. You dont get a third,' the Des Moines Register reported. If Lewis had successfully completed five years of closely supervised probation her prison sentence would have been expunged. Brooks' body was found shortly after he was murdered. Prosecutors have argued that Brooks was asleep at the time he was stabbed and not an immediate danger to Lewis Neighborhoods and schools were evacuated or ordered to shelter in place after an 'uncontrolled fire' erupted at a chemical plant on Georgia's coast. Multiple explosions at the Symrise chemical plant in Brunswick on Monday morning led to officials ordering neighborhoods and schools within a mile of the plant to evacuate and those within three miles to shelter in place. Symrise's describes its company as 'creating inspiring fragrance, flavor, natural nutrition, and cosmetic ingredient solutions.' The chemical that ignited the fire was hydrogen peroxide pinene, according to WTOC. 'Code Red has been engaged,' Glynn County Sheriff's Office said. 'More potential evacuations are being coordinated. There is a multi-agency detail on the scene with more en route.' Emergency responders safely evacuated a small handful of employees working when the fire broke out at about 4am at the plant, Georgia, said fire Captain Eric Prosswimmer The fire sent a large plume of thick smoke into the air from the plant, located about 70 miles south of Savannah. Neighborhoods one mile away had been ordered to evacuate, including Sanctuary Cove, Satilla Shores, Hickory Bluff, and Royal Oaks. Roughly 100 households had been told to evacuate, according to Wayne Neal, chairman of Glynn County's elected Board of Commissioners. An uncontrolled fire broke out at the Symrise chemical plant in Brunswick on Monday morning and multiple explosions have been reported Neighborhoods one mile away has been ordered to evacuate, including Sanctuary Cove, Satilla Shores, Hickory Bluff and Royal Oaks All employees were evacuated from the power plant without injuries - but one firefighter suffered a minor injury The neighborhoods surrounding the chemical plant have been ordered to evacuate In a statement, the company said the fire occurred during normal business hours. 'The fire occurred during the regular production hours for the manufacture of fragrance ingredients,' Symrise told Fox News. 'Currently, Symrise has no reason to believe that the fire will cause additional health hazards to the local community.' Officials later said they located where the chemical leak occurred and have isolated it to prevent more explosions from occurring. The heat from the fire resulted in three more metal tanks with chemicals to explode. Officials said they were more concerned about hazards emitted through smoke drifting into surrounding areas. Capt. Eric Prosswimmer, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Public Information Officer, said the chemical that ignited the fire was hydrogen peroxide pinene Firefighters had to halt the use of 1.3 million gallons of water due to lack of supply, according to WTOC. Officials said the fire will burn itself out. 'We're going to take a very calculated, slow steps at this and make sure no one's in jeopardy,' Prosswimmer said. 'Right now we're staged way far back from it and some of it's just being allowed to burn.' Residents in about 100 homes have been evacuated, and fire officials from Florida are also at the scene. The company has more than 34,000 products they contribute to including, pet nutrition, probiotics, fine fragrances, food, and oral care. A disgraced Metropolitan Police officer who stole 1,500 from a safe at an east London police HQ has been jailed. Bradley Francis 'threw away his career' when he chose to carry out the crime at Stoke Newington police station in April. The 'desperate' 35-year-old used the 1,500 to pay off credit card debts. But he resigned as a police constable after his actions were uncovered by colleagues. He gave no reaction as Judge Martin Griffith, sentencing at Londons Southwark Crown Court, today told him no officer should 'consider themselves above the law' as he jailed him for 10 months. Francis had lost his career, marriage and home for a 'ridiculous' theft at a time when his family would have stepped in to help him pay a credit card debt. He was facing a police misconduct hearing before he resigned as a police officer earlier this year. The judge also told him: 'The public have to have confidence that the police will apply the law to themselves and not consider themselves above the law. 'The public should have absolute faith and trust in their police officers and that is quite right, Im afraid you have let that down.' Bradley Francis was a serving police officer with the Met when he stole 1,500 from a safe at Stoke Newington police station in East London Francis (pictured right) 'threw away his career' when he chose to carry out the crime in April, a judge has said. He is pictured arriving at Southwark Crown Court today Francis stood quietly in the dock as the judge told him: 'It is a great shame you threw away the career you loved, your good character, your marriage and all that because you chose a ridiculous way out (of) your financial affairs.' Francis, of Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, had pleaded guilty to theft by employee after stealing approximately 1,500 from a safe at Stoke Newington police station on April 12 while he was a serving officer. CCTV footage showed Francis spending a 'rather long time' at the safe and covering his actions with a fleece before locking the safe and moving away from it, prosecutor Gregor McKinley said. The cash was public money which was part of an ongoing intent-to-supply investigation. He had put 50 in to the safe but that had been just a 'pretext' to enable him to get the keys and see what was inside, the prosecution said. Within 30 minutes of the theft Francis had paid off a 1,500 credit card bill, but by this time he had already breached a high degree of trust and responsibility via his crime, which took 'some degree of planning', Mr McKinley said. The only person who had access to that safe at that time was Francis. Stock Newington police station, in East London, where Francis stole the 1,500 from a safe in the building The court heard Francis (right), 35, carried out the 'ridiculous' crime in April to pay off credit card debts. He is pictured arriving at Southwark Crown Court on Monday The judge told Francis that his 'pride' had stopped him from asking for help from his father, who was willing to find him work at the family firm when he gets out of jail, which could have helped him to avoid prison. John Greany, defending, said: Ultimately this was a stupid and desperate act by an officer who until then was a very good one. He has been commended, and a number of colleagues have written about his positive good character and the contribution he has made to the wider society before this stupid act. You would also have gathered from the pre-sentence report that it wasnt an offending motivated by greed, it was not a case where this man was trying to live the high life, he was behind on credit card payments and what he did immediately was to settle his credit card debt. I dont want to go through great detail the character reports, but the headlines from our perspective are he was a well-regarded officer beforehand, that he has lost his police career his previous good character, his marriage, and his good name. He has shown a degree of insight and remorse that will allow your honour in light of his plea and other mitigations a suspended sentence, there are very good ways of rehabilitation and employment in his family business. I think one of the tragedies is he could have gone to his family, and they wouldve been receptive, if he had only cried for help, but his pride got in the way, and he felt he had no option. Its a life that has been effectively turned upside down already, but he could go on to work and compensate this and make something of his life. Judge Martin Griffith told the shamed officer: Im afraid immediate punishment can only be done by custodial sentence, anyone who reads this would think oh well hes been let off because he is a policeman. Its a great shame to see someone like you standing in the dock in front of me You made up a story about a 50 note which would give you access to the safe, you had no idea what would be in there, but it was a chance you found the 1,500. It is doubly sad that from what Ive read about you, your father your bother and other extended members of the family would have helped you. Your father's going to give you a job when Im finished with you and so if only you hadnt had a matter of pride that you were going to ask them and instead of which you were going to steal from a police safe where you found 1,500, you wouldnt be standing here today a simple as that.' Francis, of Bishops Stortford, Herts, admitted theft by employee. He was jailed for 10 months and given three months to pay back the 1,500. A man has been fined 2,500 after his neighbours called 999 when he began sawing down a much-loved tree outside their homes in broad daylight. Residents of Roundhill Road, Kettering, saw the 52-year-old man - who has not been named - march up to the 50ft tall mature acer tree and begin cutting a ring round the trunk so it would gradually die. Ring barking or girdling causes irreparable damage to vital vessels that transfer nutrients up from the roots through the trunk to the leaves. They are protected under the bark of the tree and cutting them can kill a tree. After the man was photographed in action, Northamptonshire Police traced him and he has been given a conditional caution for criminal damage. He was ordered to pay 2,000 compensation to North Northamptonshire Council and 500 to an environment charity. After the man, 52, was photographed in action (pictured), Northamptonshire Police traced him and he has been given a conditional caution for criminal damage Cllr Dez Dell said 'I find it bizarre that people can move to a street that has had trees for a hundred years and then want to destroy them - the trees were there before us and should be there after us. A ring has been sawed around the trunk in a bid to kill the mature acer 'I was very upset to learn about the killing of this mature street tree. 'There are so many benefits our street trees provide, including the obvious haven for nature and wildlife, but also that they reduce surface water and flooding, remove pollutants from the air and the shade they provide is invaluable, especially as our summers get hotter. 'For those not so nature minded, they also increase house prices. We know trees are so important in the fight against climate change, which is why hundreds have been planted around Kettering in the last few years. 'However, it will take years before these new trees will sequester as much carbon as our decades old mature street trees. The tree (pictured) on Roundhill Road, Kettering, was sawed by a man who it is believed was trying to cut it down because it blocked out light 'It's tragic that all the work the community puts into these tree-planting events is undermined by this wanton destruction. 'Unfortunately, this is not the only case I have heard of people attempting to kill street trees.' The investigating team have taken a while to amass all the evidence - the trunk attack happened on May 26th this year. The motive of the man for trying to rid the street of the much-loved tree is not known, but it is believed he wanted to get rid of it because of the light it blocked out. Outraged residents reported him to police and, during an interview, he admitted causing criminal damage. Cllr Harriet Pentland, North Northamptonshire Council's executive member for climate and the green environment, said 'I am sure many local residents will be as saddened as I was to see the video evidence of someone deliberately and intentionally killing a mature street tree.' Speaking about the caution and fine, she added 'We hope this will send out a strong message that the council and the police will seek to prosecute anyone who deliberately causes damage and harm to the much-loved community trees. 'We would like to express our thanks to Northamptonshire Police for their positive action in identifying and prosecuting the offender.' Neighbourhood police officer PC Mike Ryan said 'This is a positive result for the local community and I would like to thank them for reporting this matter to us. 'There is often a false perception that we do not respond to incidents of criminal damage, but we do, and I hope that message is loud and clear to potential future offenders.' The man admitted the offence and was given a conditional caution - an alternative to prosecution under the Criminal Justice Act. It requires an offender to admit their wrongdoing and to agree to comply with certain conditions, which must be 'rehabilitative' or 'reparative' and/or to pay a financial penalty. Detectives are hunting for thug who left a pig's head next to an arson-hit tower block housing Somali families. The gruesome body part was planted outside the block in the Barton Hill area of Bristol overnight on Sunday morning. It was discovered yesterday and reported to Avon and Somerset Police who scrambled to the scene. The force confirmed today it was being treated as a hate crime. Somalis are predominantly Muslim and the religion prohibits the eating of pork. It was left just two weeks after an arson attack on the block that saw families forced to evacuate. A local community member told MailOnline: 'It is absolutely disgusting that something like this has happened. 'The alley where the head was left is next to a big block of flats where a lot of Somali families are living. A pig's head was left outside the block in Barton Hill on Sunday morning by culprit 'It is being treated as a hate crime towards the Somali community there.' Police were called at 11.09am on Sunday and found the head close by to where it had been originally left in the alleyway. The area is well-covered with CCTV so tape is now being searched to see if the culprit can be seen. Ch Insp Deepak Kenth said: 'Based on the information we have at this time, this incident is being treated as a hate crime and an investigation has been launched. It was left just two weeks after an arson attack on the block that saw families forced to evacuate 'Officers from the neighbourhood policing team are carrying out reassurance in the local community, as well as working closely with our network of partner agencies and organisations. 'We don't yet know the precise time the head was left in the alleyway, but we believe it was sometime on Sunday morning. A thorough review of CCTV footage from around the area is under way, as well as house-to-house and forensic-led enquiries, as part of our ongoing efforts to identify the person, or people, responsible. 'There is absolutely no place for hate, or crude attempts to cause upset or division, in our communities. 'We want to speak to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the Avonvale Road area on Sunday morning, as well as anyone who lives in this area, who may have relevant doorbell footage, or who were driving in this area, who may have relevant dashcam footage.' The same block was hit by fire on October 21, injuring six people. Avon Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed the fire was started deliberately. A man had been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. If you can help over the pig's head investigation, call police on 101 as soon as possible, and give the call handler the reference number 5222267142. An Oregon woman is suing carers for approving her breast removal gender change surgery after only brief Zoom meetings, blasting an 'abhorrent misdiagnosis' that left her 'mutilated' and unable to breastfeed. Camille Kiefel says she quickly regretted getting a double mastectomy in August 2020, and that clinicians at two Oregon centers for gender-affirming care shouldn't have green-lighted the procedure. The 32-year-old is suing social worker Amy Ruff, mental health therapist Mara Burmeister, other unnamed medics, and Brave Space Oregon and the Quest Center for Integrative Health two Portland-based centers for trans care. In the complaint, filed with Oregon State Courts, Kiefel accuses her care team of 'reckless abuse' of their 'positions of trust and authority as mental health professionals.' She's 'still suffering extreme, excruciating, severe emotional distress including but not limited to feelings of betrayal by mental health professionals, humiliation, distress, and anxiety over having lost her breasts', says the 13-page document. Camille Kiefel testified in Florida last month about the dangers of fast-tracking young people into irreversible surgeries, like the double mastectomy she now regrets She also endures 'living with a permanently scarred, disfigured, and physically painful or discomfiting chest, and deep feelings of regret over unnecessarily and permanently losing her choice ever to breastfeed a child.' According to court papers, Kiefel suffered various mental health issues as a child and teenager, eventually identifying as non-binary in 2016 and feeling 'distress' about her breasts. She believed a double mastectomy would solve her problems. She had a one-hour Zoom session with Ruff in May 2020 and then a 40-minute video call with Burmeister in July, after which both experts wrote recommendations that Kiefel undergo chest-reduction surgery, says the complaint. Kiefel says her carers should have spent more time reviewing her case and history of mental health problems, instead of effectively rubber-stamping a 'life-altering, physically damaging, irreversible' operation. Burmeister's referral letter even used 'cut-and-pasted boilerplate' language on people seeking sex-change operations rather than describing the particulars of Kiefel's case, she alleges. Amy Ruff, left, a clinical social worker, and Mara Burmeister, a mental health therapist, are being sued by patient Camille Kiefel for approving her breast removal sex change surgery She went under the knife in August 2020, but it did not solve Kiefel's problems and by May 2022 she realized the surgery had been a mistake, that she didn't need to transition and that she could tackle her problems with talking therapy. The defendants 'transgressed the bounds of socially tolerable conduct by abusing their positions of trust and authority' by recommending 'unnecessary, irreversible treatment' without weighing Kiefel's mental problems, says the complaint. Because of the surgery, Kiefel must endure a 'lifelong inability ever to choose to breastfeed a child' and doubts she will ever find a 'life partner sexually and romantically attracted to a woman without breasts,' it adds. Kiefel has called for a jury trial and seeks up to $850,000 in damages. David Mepham, the lawyer for Burmeister and the Quest Center, said the group's 'employees always strive to provide quality services for their clients, and we believe that was done in this matter. It is our intent to fully defend this case.' Kate Kauffman, the owner of Brave Space, said the organization 'respects the privacy of all current and former clients and does not comment on pending litigation'. In public appearances, Kiefel has spoken more vehemently about her care. Addressing a medical board in Florida last month, she railed against a misdiagnosis that left her with a 'mutilated' and 'carved-up body.' Like other young women who seek to transition and later came to regret it, Kiefel describes her sex change operation as a 'way for me to escape womanhood' and the social pressures women face nowadays. 'The surgery was an abhorrent misdiagnosis the goal of health care should always be to get to the root cause of the problem,' she said. 'Where my breasts were are hollow. I can never get them back. I can never fit a dress the same way again. I can never breastfeed. Who will love me?' The case comes amid concerns about the number of young women with mental health issues who feel that transitioning to men will solve their problems, only to later regret procedures and seek to 'de-transition', as the reversal process is known. Camille Kiefel nowadays uses social media to campaign against medical transitions and in favor of alternative therapies Kiefel's case has been financed by the Women's Liberation Front, a feminist group that backs several civil suits against clinicians who fast-track women into sex change operations when therapy is a better option. 'It is incredibly harmful for counselors to encourage their clients to amputate totally healthy body parts or fundamentally change their bodies, simply in order to conform to sexist stereotypes,' the group's director Mahri Irvine told DailyMail.com. 'Counselors should be working with clients to find healthy ways to cope with identity issues, rather than encouraging them to permanently modify their bodies.' 'Encouraging, in any way, a client to amputate totally healthy body parts, or fundamentally change their physical body, to conform to social stereotypes is an incredibly harmful thing to do,' 'It is not supportive, and it might appear to be supportive in the moment, but there's no thinking about that client's long term success in life and long term health.' For those experiencing gender dysphoria the distress felt due to a mismatch between biological sex and gender identity transitioning with cross-sex hormones and surgery can be life-changing and beneficial. Yet some experts warn against providing irreversible treatments, particularly to adolescents, pointing to growing numbers who come to regret procedures and seek to de-transition. Statistics on this issue are contested, but there does appear to be a rise in the number of young people seeking to transition, and studies suggest that online social media and peer groups play a role in the uptick. Experts are divided over the rise and its likely causes. Many link it to growing understanding and acceptance of gender dysphoria, others liken it to a 'contagion' or fad driven by peers and social media. Advertisement David Tennant has recreated the famous photo of Russian defector Alexander Litvinenko lying in a hospital bed before his death from poisoning. Litvinenko, a former Russian federal security services and KGB officer and outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin, died in agony in November 2006 after ingesting a rare radioactive substance. A new drama on ITVX - ITV's streaming service - will explore the story of the Metropolitan Police officers who investigated the case of Litvinenko, who was found in declining health at University College Hospital in London. Litvinenko will be played by Doctor Who star Tennant. His wife, Marina Litvinenko, will be portrayed by Russian-American actress Margarita Levieva who starred in The Deuce and The Blacklist. ITV said former New Scotland Yard officers Clive Timmons and Brent Hyatt, along with Marina Litvinenko's lawyer Ben Emmerson QC and the former spy's family, have helped the production. As part of filming for the drama, Tennant (left) replicated the infamous photo of Mr Litvinenko in his hospital bed shortly before he died Mark Bonnar, of Catastrophe and Quiz fame, will portray Timmons, while Utopia's Neil Maskell takes on the role of Hyatt. A UK public inquiry concluded in 2016 that Russians Dmitri Kovtun and Andrei Lugovoi, had deliberately poisoned Litvinenko by putting Polonium-210 into his drink at the Millennium Hotel in Mayfair. Headed by the former High Court judge Sir Robert Owen, the inquiry found the tea poisoning had 'probably' been carried out with the approval of the Russian president. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) also ruled last year, following a case brought by the Litvinenko's widow, that Russia was responsible for his killing. Russia has always denied any involvement in the death and had refused to comply with international arrest warrants issued for Kovtun and Lugovoi. Sir Robert's inquiry said the use of the radioactive substance - which could only have come from a nuclear reactor - was a 'strong indicator' of state involvement and that the two men had probably been acting under the direction of the Russian security service the FSB, for which Litvinenko used to work. Written by George Kay, the four part drama will tell the story of the determined Scotland Yard Officers who worked for ten years to prove who was responsible for Mr Litvinenko's [the former spy is pictured in 2002] The drama also focuses on the story of Marina, played by Margarita Levieva, Alexander's fearless, dignified widow [the couple pictured on their wedding day in Moscow, 1994] Maria fought tirelessly to persuade the British Government to publicly name her husband's killers and acknowledge the role of the Russian State in his murder [pictured in 2018] Tennant takes on the role of former Russian Federal Security Services officer Alexander Litvinenko in upcoming ITVX drama, Litvinenko Possible motives included Litvinenko's work for British intelligence agencies after fleeing Russia, his criticism of the FSB, and his association with other Russian dissidents, while it was said there was also a 'personal dimension' to the antagonism between him and Putin. Kovtun died in June of Covid-19 in Moscow, according to state-owned Russian news agency Tass. Litvinenko will stream exclusively on ITVX this December. A smiling Prince Andrew appeared carefree today as he rode around the grounds of Windsor Castle - just days after it was reported how he was left 'bereft' at being told he would never return to frontline royal duties. The disgraced royal, 62, was reportedly 'tearful' when his brother, then Prince Charles, informed him during a one-to-one meeting that there would be no route back for him into the royal fold earlier this year. The Duke of York has been banished from frontline royal duties following a US sex assault lawsuit by Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre. Prince Andrew, who settled for 12million in the case, denies any wrongdoing. But despite the claims of his dismay, first made in the Mail on Sunday, the royal appeared carefree today as he went out horse riding around the grounds of the Windsor estate. Wearing a waterproof jacket as he rode through the rain, former Navy serviceman Andrew was seen smiling while on a horse with a Remembrance poppy attached to the bridle. A smiling Prince Andrew appeared carefree today as he rode around the grounds of Windsor - just days after it was reported how he was left 'bereft' at being told he would never return to frontline royal duties The disgraced royal (pictured), 62, was reportedly 'tearful' when his brother, then Prince Charles, informed him during a one-to-one meeting that there would be no route back for him into the royal fold earlier this year Wearing a waterproof jacket as he rode through the rain (pictured), former Navy serviceman Andrew was seen smiling while on a horse with a Remembrance poppy attached to the bridle It comes after the Mail on Sunday reported how the Prince was left bereft and tearful when Charles told him he would never return to Royal duties. The Duke of Yorks hopes of returning to public life were dashed at a one-on-one meeting with his older brother that an insider has described as emotional and fraught. And the devastating decision has left those around the Duke concerned for his well-being, a source told this newspaper. Andrew is said to have been blindsided by the outcome of the private meeting, held at Charless Birkhall estate in Scotland, just days before the Queens death. He believes he could still be of value as a working member of the Royal Family despite his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and has lobbied strenuously to resume his former roles. But The Mail on Sunday understands these hopes were quashed in the early-morning meeting, attended only by the two brothers. Prince Andrew was left bereft and tearful when Charles, as Prince of Wales, told him he would never return to Royal duties, The Mail on Sunday can reveal Andrew was totally blindsided, the insider said. He is utterly bereft. He always believed there was a way back. There will be further evidence of Andrews isolation next Sunday, when he will be absent from the Remembrance Day service at The Cenotaph as, stripped of his official duties, he no longer has a role to play. His status has also been diminished following the death of the Queen, which robbed Andrew not only of his mother but his chief supporter. Andrew was extremely close to the Queen and tried to raise the issue of his return to public life many times with her, said the source. On some occasions she would say mildly conciliatory things but most of the time she would change the subject immediately to avoid talking about it. It is understood that most senior figures in the Royal Family had thought the matter settled that there was no way back. Yet this had not been Andrews understanding. Naive as it may sound, he always had hopes of regaining his position as a senior Royal, continued the source. At the meeting, Charles told him that he can go off and have a good life, a nice life, but that his public life as a Royal is at an end. He was told, You have to accept this. 'Andrew was extremely close to the Queen and tried to raise the issue of his return to public life many times with her,' a source told the Mail on Sunday Andrew, 62, was stripped of his military affiliations and Royal patronages in January after he lost his bid to quash a civil lawsuit in America brought by Epsteins former sex slave Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she had been forced to have sex with the Duke. The Duke vehemently denied her claims but, at the time, Buckingham Palace had said that the decision to strip Andrew of his titles was made by the late Queen. He also lost his right to be addressed as His Royal Highness in an official capacity. The Duke settled the civil case in February for a reported 12 million without accepting liability, and had believed this would allow him to return to Royal duties. He continues to strenuously deny any wrongdoing. Until the face-to-face meeting with his brother, Andrew believed that there was a way back that somehow he could be rehabilitated and play a role in The Firm going forward, the source said. He came out of the meeting shaken. He is still in shock. He is completely lost and very depressed. Andrew, 62, was stripped of his military affiliations and Royal patronages in January after he lost his bid to quash a civil lawsuit in America brought by Epsteins former sex slave Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she had been forced to have sex with the Duke - pictured here with former friend paedophile Jeffrey Epstein It is understood that Prince Andrew was later reduced to tears again when, in a separate conversation, he was informed he would be barred from wearing a military uniform at his mothers funeral. Plans now appear to be afoot to add his siblings Princess Anne and Prince Edward to the list of counsellors of state, the senior Royals who can deputise for the monarch if needed. If they are promoted through a change in the Regency Act, it would further sideline Andrew and Harry who, as the fifth and eighth in line, are technically closer to the throne but no longer carry out any official Royal duties. Andrew is being comforted by ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. It is understood the Princesses held at least one meeting with the King to express concern for their fathers wellbeing and plead a case for his return. But courtiers say there is little sympathy from Prince William or from the Queen Consort, both of whom firmly support Charless decision. The Queen was said to have been so concerned about Andrew that she showed her support publicly by allowing him to escort her down the aisle at Prince Philips memorial service in Westminster Abbey in March. Prince Andrew was left 'tearful' after a tense face-to-face meeting with Charles, then Prince of Wales, who told his younger brother he will never return to Royal duties, a source has claimed Sadly, the image of the Queen on Andrews arm overshadowed the service, said a Royal insider. It was all anyone was talking about and there was uneasiness among senior members of the family about the Queens decision, but she insisted. Andrew now feels misled by close relatives and blames certain courtiers for ushering him down a cul-de-sac and, he believes, briefing against him. He cannot comprehend there is no place for him in public life, said the source. He has a support system but he is in bad shape. He is finding it hard to process the reality of how life will be from now on. The Duke was barred from wearing his military uniform during the Queens funeral but was allowed to wear it during the private vigil after Charles took pity on his brother and relented. Since the funeral, the man who was once dubbed Air Miles Andy because of his frequent trips abroad has been confined to his home, Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. He has occasionally been spotted riding in Windsor Great Park but has become a virtual recluse, according to the source, who adds: He has no idea what the future holds and has no real plans. He is struggling to accept this is the end of the road for him as a Royal. It is all he has ever known. Prince Andrew, pictured today, sets out for a ride on his horse, which had Remembrance poppies on its bridle, in Windsor The loss of the Queen has also exacerbated his isolation. Until his troubles, he always had the ability to make the late Queen laugh, said a friend. They were very close and had a warm and loving relationship. There was no awkwardness. Andrew has denied being close to Epstein, who killed himself in jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on child sex trafficking charges. Epsteins former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, is currently serving 20 years in a Florida jail after being found guilty last December on child sex trafficking and other charges. In an exclusive interview with The Mail on Sunday last month, 60-year-old Maxwell described Andrew as her dear friend, saying: I feel so bad for him. I follow what is happening to him. He is paying such a price for the association. I consider him a dear friend. I care about him. On Saturday night, both Buckingham Palace and a spokeswoman for the Duke of York declined to comment. A hungry passenger who wanted to eat a banana on a subway in Wuhan covered herself in a giant plastic bag so she would avoid bending Covid rules. The woman was seen eating the banana before putting the peel into another small plastic bag that she had brought with her. Footage of the unusual incident was taken by another passenger called Wang. He was bemused and wondered at first if the woman was dressed up in a Halloween costume. But it then dawned on him that although it was around the same time, people are currently not allowed to take off masks to eat on public transport due to COVID rules. The woman covered up with a plastic bag on the subway in Wuhan, currently subject to Covid restrictions Speaking about the video he said: 'There are restrictions because of coronavirus outbreaks, but nevertheless even during an outbreak it seemed a bit extreme for the woman to go to this length to have a snack.' He added that it was clear what the motivation was, because it would have been otherwise impossible to eat inside the subway train with a face mask in place. Wang said: 'She managed to keep herself separate from others by simply putting the plastic bag over her head.' He thought it was strange and shared the video he took online but other passengers seemed unmoved by the plastic bag. The woman was seen eating the banana before putting the peel into another small plastic bag that she had bought with her Two men next to her were on their phones while a man on the other side of them looked like he was taking a nap. After the video went viral, a spokesman for the city's Metro said: 'We would like to remind people that eating on trains in Wuhan like in other Chinese cities is not allowed. 'We urge anybody who spots something like this to call our hotline and staff will attend to the matter.' 10,000 workers to boycott work in VSP on Nov. 11 The protest will be 639th by the staff of RINL. PTI File Image VISAKHAPATNAM: On Friday, November 11, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in Visakhapatnam, over 10,000 workers of RINL-Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) will be boycotting duties to put on record their differences with centre on its plan to disinvest its share in the prestigious steel plant. Incidentally, Fridays boycott of work will be the 639th protest VSP workers will be holding ever since February 3, 2021, the day they started their agitation against privatisation of the steel plant, established after a struggle of over two decades. VSP staff, under the aegis of the Vizag Steel Plant Porata Samiti (VSPPS), are planning a massive bike rally with over 1,000 participants from Gurrampalem to Gandhi Statue opposite the GVMC office in Dwarakanagar on November 9. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, samiti convener Ayodhyaram pointed out that they have already started pasting posters Modi Ji Stop Vizag Steel Plant Sale at 10,000 different points in the city to show their anger against the centre's decision on the plant. We met Y.V. Subba Reddy and Vijayasai Reddy from YSRC, Ganta Srinivasa Rao from Telugu Desam and other BJP leaders for an appointment with the PM to explain our pledges and consequences if the plant is privatised. We are not protesting at the PM's public meeting venue due to security reasons. But we will start protests from November 9 till the PM leaves Vizag to ensure that our pain reaches him," Ayodhyaram said. The issue of privatising VSP has become challenging for BJP and YSRC, as opposition parties have made scathing remarks against both the ruling parties at the centre and state for failing to protect the PSU from privatisation despite the two governments having a strong mandate. TD leaders point out that their sitting MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao had resigned as MLA for the steel plant, but the Speaker did not accept his resignation. TD claimed no one from YSRC has taken such an extreme decision so far. A drunk University of Kentucky student who assaulted a black desk clerk in a violent racist outburst has been fired from her influencer job at a department store. Sophia Rosing has been removed from her role in Dillard's Campus Collective Program after footage of her racially abusing a fellow student went viral. A representative for Dillard's branded her behaviour as 'abhorrent' adding that they 'do not condone racism or hate in any form'. The 22-year-old was visibly intoxicated as she stumbled into the dorms on campus in Lexington, Kentucky, before she launched herself at fellow student Kylah Spring who was working the front desk. The blonde business and marketing major is currently at the Fayette County Detention Center - where she refused to identify herself to officers upon her arrival in the early hours. Rosing, listed as a Jane Doe because of her refusal to cooperate with officers, will appear in court later today via a video link charged with four offences, including assaulting a police officer. Other pupils at the university are now calling for Rosing to be kicked out of the facility, and are calling for the President, Eli Capilouto, to do more. Sophia Rosing, second from right, has been removed from her role in Dillard's Campus Collective Program after footage of her racially abusing a fellow student went viral A representative for Dillard's branded her behaviour as 'abhorrent' adding that they 'do not condone racism or hate in any form' When asked by DailyMail.com if Rosing would be suspended, the University declined to comment because the disciplinary investigation was ongoing Sophia Rosing, 22, was caught on camera physically assaulting two black students at the University of Kentucky and calling a student employee a 'n***** b****' Multiple students have slammed Capilouto for his statement on the incident, wanting more stringent measures to be taken. When asked by DailyMail.com if Rosing would be suspended, the University declined to comment because the disciplinary investigation was ongoing. Rosing, who is a double business and marketing major, had been working as a representative for the College Fashionista program as well as undertaking an internship with the department store. On her LinkedIn profile, which has since been removed, Rosing said: I have had an internship in social media marketing and with a visual merchandising manager. Proudly apart of Dillards Campus Collective Program!' A Dillard's spokeswoman told DailyMail.com: 'Sophia Rosing was removed from the College Fashionista and Dillards Campus Collective communities on Sunday morning effective immediately. 'Her Campus Media (parent company of College Fashionista) vehemently denounces her behavior and does not tolerate any types of racism, hate speech, harassment, and violence of any kind.' The role involves regularly sharing outfits and trends for the brand online, with the University of Kentucky account being made private after the allegations against Rosing came to light. Sophia Rosing, 22, was visibly intoxicated as she stumbled into the dorms on campus in Lexington, Kentucky, before she launched herself at fellow student Kylah Spring who was working the front desk The blonde business and marketing major is currently at the Fayette County Detention Center - where she refused to identify herself to officers upon her arrival in the early hours DailyMail.com can reveal that she grew up in a modes three-bedroom and two-bathroom family property in Fort Mitchell with her parents and siblings Other pupils of the university are calling for the business major, pictured with her dad, to be kicked out of the facility, and are calling for the President, Eli Capilouto, to do more Rosing bragged to fellow students the year before the vile racist incident, saying Im rich as f*** and youre obviously not. But DailyMail.com can reveal that she grew up in a modes three-bedroom and two-bathroom family property in Fort Mitchell with her parents and siblings. Her father, Paul Donald Rosing, works as an Technology Executive for Messer Construction Co, but relatives of Rosing have not yet responded to request for comment. Video posted online showed Rosing barely able to stand as she tries to hit fellow student Kylah Spring, who was working at the front desk of a dormitory on campus. A march against racism will be held at 6 p.m. Monday at William T Young Library, with those involved walking to the Bowman statue on campus on behalf of Kylah Spring. Students have said the 'blanket statement' by the university is 'a start' but are demanding that 'real action' be taken. Rosing is now being held at the Fayette County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond - it is unclear if she has been bailed Rosing is seen here early Sunday morning wrestling with fellow student Kylah Spring, who was working at the front desk of a dormitory on campus Rosing, who is a double business and marketing major, has been fired by fashion brand Dillards for her outburst Spring, who was assaulted by Rosing, shared a post which said: 'Eli, as per usual makes a statement that means jack s*** without action. 'Sophia Rosing needs to be held accountable and expelled for what she did. We will not tolerate this hate on campus.' University Police took Rosing into custody just before 4am on Sunday on charges of intoxication in a public place, third-degree assault on a police officer, fourth-degree assault and second-degree disorderly conduct. Rosing, who is white, calls Spring a 'n***** b***' as she tried to restrain her as she attempted to get into an elevator. 'Could you stop please?' Spring asks Rosing after she managed to escape Spring's grasp. 'Nope,' Rosing responds simply, before Spring tries to grab her again. Rosing then continues to repeat the racial slur, causing Spring to say: 'Ooh Jesus, I do not get paid enough for this.' 'Exactly and you're a n***** and you're a b****,' Rosing responds several times before a voice off-camera tells Spring: 'I've got this all on video.' A second video shows Spring and another black student trying to get her to sit in a chair, when Rosing hits out at the second black victim and tries to kick Spring. Sophia Rosing, 22, was visibly intoxicated as she stumbled into the dorms on campus in Lexington, Kentucky, before she launched herself at fellow student Kylah Spring who was working the front desk When Spring and another black student tried to get Rosing to sit down, Rosing could be seen trying to punch the other victim and trying to kick Spring A University of Kentucky police officer can then be seen handcuffing Rosing in the dorm as she continued to repeat the racial slur and struggled to stay standing. Rosing is now being held at the Fayette County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond. It is unclear if she has retained an attorney to speak on her behalf, or if she will be released today. In an Instagram post following the altercation, Spring explained why she had intervened in the first place. She explained that Rosing walked into Boyd Hall, on Martin Luther King Blvd, after Spring had refused her entry because she did not have an ID card on her. When blonde Rosing managed to get into the lobby she stumbled as she approached the elevators, which concerned Spring who was behind the front desk. Spring said that is when Rosing kicked her in the stomach, tried to run her over with a shopping cart that was in the lobby and bit her friend Rosing, who is a double business and marketing major, has been fired by fashion brand Dillards for her outburst In an Instagram post following the altercation, Spring described what she had endured Spring said: 'I worked a shift tonight where was assaulted and called a n*****, and someone said other racial slurs towards me. 'It is a part of our job that if we see a student that's like very drunk, we are to call an RA to... write a report. Rosing is being held on a $10,000 bail after being arrested by campus police 'So I reach my head out of the desk area, and I ask the girl "Are you OK?"' Spring recounted, 'and she stared at me and started to call me a n*****.' At that point Spring called the RA and tried to prevent Rosing from entering the elevator, to wait for someone to arrive to help. She added: 'And so I jumped in, I tried to move her off to the side, and she just kept going "No n*****, you're a b****, you're a n*****, do my chores b****. 'And she kept doing that as I was trying to sit her down.' Spring said that is when Rosing kicked her in the stomach, tried to run her over with a shopping cart that was in the lobby and bit her friend. In an email to students following the altercation, President Eli Capilouto said Spring 'acted with professionalism, restraint and discretion.' Rosing had previously been filmed berating another student at a party She told the student in the video how she is rich and they apparently are not He noted that the school's Office of Student Conduct has launched an immediate review of the assault, and that its Student Success teams 'are reaching out to the student victims who were subject to this behavior to offer support.' It added: 'To be clear: We condemn this behavior and will not tolerate it under any circumstances,' he said, as he vowed to update students with more information as it becomes available. The disturbing video is not the first instance of Rosing berating other students while intoxicated. In another video posted shortly after the footage of the assault went viral, Rosing could be seen telling someone off camera at a party: 'I'm rich as f*** and you're obviously not compared to what you're waring. 'And I can do you and you can't do s*** about it, especially since you don't know my last name. But I know God-d*** well who you are.' Fayette County Sheriff's department have not yet responded to request for comment from DailyMail.com. Britain was warned of 'more friction and less trade' with the EU today if it goes ahead with unilateral action to ease political pressure over Brexit in Northern Ireland. The European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic said the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill would 'put (Ulster's) unique access to the EU market of 450 million consumers at risk'. Speaking in Westminster today he told British and European parliamentarians that the Uk was entitled as a free nation to alter its own laws as it wishes. But he added: 'But more divergence will carry even more cost and will further deepen the barriers to trade between the EU and the UK. 'As I have said before, more divergence means more friction and less trade - simple as that. And again, this in times of severe economic strains.' The NIP Bill was p[resented in the summer with the aim of sweeping away key parts of the Brexit agreement, adding a check-free 'green channel' for goods from mainland Britain and stripping control from the EU court. It would also ensure that VAT changes from Westminster apply to the province, permit state subsidies, and give ministers wide-ranging powers to cancel more of the divorce terms later if required. It came as Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen agreed to 'work together' to end the row over the Northern Ireland Protocol, when they met for the first time at Cop27 in Egypt. In Egypt, the new prime minister met the European Commission president as both attended the Cop27 climate conference on Monday, with Mr Sunak stressing the need to 'find solutions' to the 'very real problems' caused by the post-Brexit arrangements in the region. The European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic said the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill would 'put (Ulster's) unique access to the EU market of 450 million consumers at risk'. It came as Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen agreed to 'work together' to end the row over the Northern Ireland Protocol, when they met for the first time at Cop27 in Egypt. Mr Sunak inherits from his predecessors Liz Truss and Boris Johnson the problem of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which is vocally opposed by unionists who claim it cuts off the region from the rest of the UK. The post-Brexit solution, designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, is cited as the Democratic Unionist Party's main reason for refusing to return to powersharing. The instability in Northern Ireland has raised concerns in Dublin, Brussels and Washington, and the row between the UK and the EU shows few signs of coming to a rapid conclusion, despite indications of a more positive tone from the British side in recent weeks. Ms von der Leyen called it a 'good first meeting'. 'We face many common challenges, from tackling climate change and the energy transition to Russia's war against Ukraine,' she tweeted. She said she looked forward to 'constructive co-operation' between the two countries. In London, Mr Sefcovic spoke at a meeting of the UK-EU parliamentary partnership assembly He suggested that an agreement on the checks between Great Britain and Northern Ireland could be done 'within a couple of weeks' with political will. 'This is surely the moment to abandon recourse to unilateral action, such as the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill,' he said. 'If this Bill were to become law, the UK Government would put Northern Ireland's unique access to the EU market of 450 million consumers at risk. 'Is the UK Government truly prepared to deprive Northern Ireland of this opportunity? 'On top of it, unilaterally disapplying core parts of the protocol would also have serious consequences for our trade relationship under the Trade and Co-operation Agreement. 'I already mentioned today's challenging times, marked by soaring energy prices and the high cost of living. 'Any additional or persistent uncertainty is not going to help.' UK Europe Minister Leo Docherty told the event that it remained the UK's 'preference to resolve this through talks'. 'We are engaging in constructive dialogue to find solutions,' he said. There, he hit out at the EU's decision to deny British access to research programmes such as Horizon, accusing the bloc of failing to fulfil its part of the agreement. 'It brings no conceivable disadvantage to the EU or its member states, but the EU has politicised scientific co-operation by linking it with the Northern Ireland Protocol,' he said. 'Putting politics in the way of scientific collaboration constrains human potential and hurts everybody.' Criminals are using ridesharing vehicles to kidnap children in a worrying trend that has been identified by the FBI. The Bureau made a public service announcement last month saying 'criminal actors' are using rideshare vehicles because there is a 'lower likelihood of detection and ease of facilitation'. Although incidents of this have been rare, the FBI issued a warning due to the 'high impact' of the crimes. The Bureau also pinpointed the pandemic as a time when there was a spike in cases such as this, The Hill reports. 'Since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, law enforcement received several reports of rideshare services being used to facilitate child abduction,' the FBI said. Victims of the attempted abductions have since spoken out about the worrying impact that it has on them. 'It's affected my school life, my friends, my family,' a 15-year-old girl who was a victim of an attempted abduction said in 2019, according to ABC News. 'It's had such a negative impact on me. Everywhere I go, I feel scared because I'm so much more aware of my surroundings now.' Criminals are using ridesharing vehicles to kidnap children in a worrying trend that has been identified by the FBI Despite ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft banning children under the age of 18 from riding, they can often use an adult's account to bypass the laws. (File image) The teenager spoke about how she regularly used ridesharing vehicles in New York but in the summer of 2019, an Uber driver tried to kidnap her. It was revealed at the time, by The Nassau Country District Attorney's Office, that the driver was trying to force her home, and 'intended to sexually assault her'. What are the ridesharing rules? Car-share services are an ever-growing concept which have spiked over the last ten years. But companies such as Uber and Lyft do ban children under the age of 18 from riding. However, children can often use an adult's account to bypass the laws. Uber drivers must have background checks on the federal, state and local level. And riders must provide valid phone numbers, email addresses, and payment methods in order to use the platform. Advertisement But the FBI does not believe this to be a one-off. It added in a Public Service Announcement: 'While other modes of transportation were used during the pandemic, the privacy of ride-share services allowed criminal actors to obfuscate potential witness identification and afforded them.' The FBI specifically used a 16-year-old boy from Texas as a case study who was abducted when ordering an Uber. The teenager was set to ride for roughly 20 miles in April and was allegedly offered a drink during his journey. But the young boy woke up later that day 31 miles from his destination in a random home before fleeing the property and alerting authorities. The FBI also shared details about a child abduction in Mexico City in February where a seven-year-old boy's father asked a driver to stop off at a flower stand. The dad left the vehicle, leaving the driver with the child who was later recovered after calling his mom from the car. Car-share services are an ever-growing concept which have spiked over the last ten years. Despite companies such as Uber and Lyft banning children under the age of 18 from riding, they can often use an adult's account to bypass the laws. 'I know a lot of drivers who've faced outraged parents,' Larry Duncan, a Lyft driver in Bowling Green, Kentucky, told Vox in 2019. 'They yell and scream for you to give their kids a ride, and what some of us try to do, we say that the parent can ride with the kid, but they can't be alone.' The Bureau pinpointed the pandemic as a time when there was a spike in cases of attempted abduction. Pictured: Sepulveda Pass freeway in Los Angeles The FBI has called on the public to report any suspicious behavior possibly involving child abduction to a local law enforcement immediately. An Uber spokesperson said: 'Safety is paramount to the Uber experience and the report outlined by the FBI is extremely concerning. 'We are always working to build features and policies designed with safety in mind, which is why we've introduced many safety features into the app, like the Emergency Button; Live Help from a Safety Agent; Text-to-911 capability (where available); and GPS tracking on every trip. 'We also aim to do our part to raise awareness of these societal issues through education to help drivers spot the signs of human trafficking and report it.' They added that all drivers must have 'background checks on the federal, state and local level' and that riders 'must provide valid phone numbers, email addresses, and payment methods in order to use the platform which is more than many other forms of transportation require.' While Uber operates on a global capacity, rival ride-sharer Lyft is contained to the US and Canada. MailOnline also contacted Lyft for comment. The father's then-fiancee also faces child endangerment and second-degree murder counts and is awaiting trial A former New York City police officer has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his 8-year-old son, who was forced to sleep overnight on the concrete floor of a freezing garage. Michael Valva, 43, was convicted of four counts of child endangerment on Friday and faces a maximum potential sentence of 25 years to life after his son, Thomas Valva, died in January 2020. Thomas died after sleeping in the garage in the family's Long Island located on Bittersweet Lane in Center Moriches as temperatures dropped under 20 degrees. A medical examiner ruled the boy's death a homicide and found that hypothermia was a major contributing factor. 'While there is nothing that we can do to bring Thomas back, we are satisfied with the jury's decision,' Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said in a statement. 'Michael Valva subjected his sons to horrific abuse, neglect, and cruelty. He will now pay for cutting short the life of a young, innocent, defenseless boy who had a lifetime ahead of him.' Friday's verdict came on the first day of deliberations after a month's worth of testimony. Michael will be sentenced on December 8. Michael Valva, 43, was found guilty of child endangerment and second-degree murder in the death of his autistic eight-year-old son on Friday Thomas Valva died on January 17, 2020, from hypothermia after sleeping on his dad's Long Island garage. Prosecutors said the boy was starved and beaten along with his older brother Valva's (left) former fiancee Algela Pollina, 42, (right) were both charged for second-degree murder at the time. Pollina is awaiting pre-trial and has pleaded not guilty Prosecutors said Thomas and his 10-year-old brother were both on the autism spectrum and were at times forced to sleep in the garage. The boys spent 16 consecutive hours in the freezing garage leading up to the 8-year-old's death, Newsday reported. Prosecutors also alleged Michael Valva did nothing to help him as the boy died in front of him and then lied to police and first responders. Valva's then-fiancee, Angela Pollina, also faces child endangerment and second-degree murder counts. Pollina allegedly participated in the abuse and sprayed Thomas with cold water during the ordeal at the home in Center Moriches. She is awaiting trial and has pleaded not guilty. The case saw extensive delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Angelina Pollina allegedly participated in the abuse and spayed Thomas with cold water during the ordeal at the home in Center Moriches. Pictured: Pollina and Valva The case saw extensive delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pictured: Pollina and Valva The child endangerment counts stemmed from the beating and starving of both boys. Their teachers testified the boys came to school with bruises and often were so hungry they ate crumbs off the floor, according to the newspaper. East Moriches Elementary School principal Edward Schneyer said that when suspicions about the child's neglect were flagged to Michael, he rebuffed the concerns. As a result, the school started 'flooding' CPS with calls for Thomas' welfare, Schneyer said. Schneyer said that Thomas and his older brother Anthony appeared fine when they first started school in 2017, but they later started to come into class looking 'extremely emaciated.' The young brothers would come into school feeling cold and hungry, and Thomas would sometimes come to lessons with bruises and cuts on his face. Anthony, who was 10 at the time, also showed up to school soaked in urine on one occasion. The children's conditions would temporarily improve every time the school filed a new CPS complaint, but the changes were only short-lived, Schneyer said. East Moriches Elementary School principal Edward Schneyer (pictured) said that when suspicions about the child's neglect were flagged to the dad, he rebuffed the concerns Justyna Zubko-Valva, Thomas' mother, said she attempted to warn the school about her son's abuse by their father Zubko-Valva and her son Thomas before his death. Thomas' father was awarded custody of Thomas in 2017 Justyna Zubko-Valva, Thomas' mother, said she had provided the school with evidence of alleged abuse at the hands of his father for two years. The evidence ranged from audio recordings to medical records. She has recently been given the go-ahead to sue child protective services and school officials for $200million, a judge ruled. The father was awarded custody of his two sons - both autistic - in 2017, but Zubko-Valva claims that Thomas' school did nothing about her abuse allegations for a full year after that. She claims she gave CPS a flash drive with 320 files of evidence of abuse, which included transcripts of Valva teaching his sons to repeat 'mommy is mean,' 'I don't want to stay with mommy,' 'I don't love mommy.' Zubko-Valva said that Valva told CPS that she was the abusive parent, that she beat the kids and poisoned them with 'brown medicine.' She accused CPS of lying about their findings and fabricated evidence to support the father's accusations. Thomas' mother said that CPS found that he looked 'emaciated,' but that they closed their investigation into Valva 10 days before their son died. Thomas died after sleeping in the garage in the family's Long Island located on Bittersweet Lane in Center Moriches as temperatures dropped under 20 degrees Thomas was one of six children in Mike and Angela's care who were living at the home at the time the little boy died. Thomas' brothers have since been placed in the custody of their mother while Pollina's daughters were placed in the custody of their biological fathers On the day of Thomas' death in 2020, authorities were dispatched to the home where the boy had lived around 9.40am after his father said the boy had fallen in the driveway and lost consciousness while running for the school bus. Responding officers found Valva performing CPR on Thomas in the basement. The little boy was rushed to Long Island Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead. According to police, cameras and microphones that had been set up in Mike Valva's home captured audio of him and Angela taunting Thomas as he froze to death. The audio files allegedly recorded the couple discussing the fact that Thomas was suffering from hypothermia, had been washed with cold water, couldn't walk, and was 'face-planting' on the concrete. They laughed as they said 'he's hypothermic' and that he had 'face-planted' the floor. Pollina remarked: 'You know why he's falling?'. Valva replied: 'Because he's cold.... boo f*****g hoo'. Following his death, Thomas' brothers were placed in the custody of their mother. Pollina's daughters were placed in the custody of their biological fathers. United Airlines will block certain middle-aisle seats on planes to address the weight increase following the extra pounds passengers have gained in recent years. The airline is closing off seats on its fleet of Boeing 757s - an aircraft typically hailed for its roomy cabin size and large baggage capacity, usually making for a comfortable ride. Until the end of April, passengers on United 757s may find themselves with more space than ever as notices will bar people from sitting in certain allocated seats. According to staffers at the airline, the maneuver is being done in order to remain compliant with weight and balance requirements - to reduce any risks that may hamper the pilots' ability to pilot and land the plane. The decision comes after the Federal Aviation Administration raised its average weight figures in 2019 - adding 15 pounds to the average winter and summer weights for men, and 34 pounds for female passengers. The general numbers used by airlines regarding customers' weight are set by the FAA, with numbers varying between male and female passengers and fluctuating from season to season. United Airlines is blocking seats on its Boeing 757 planes to address weight gained by passengers in recent years. Since the late 1980s and early 1990s, the average American has put on 15 or more pounds. A barred Boeing seat is pictured on a United flight last week The restrictions will see between six seats cordoned off several aircraft between now and April United confirmed the change was a result of travelers' rising weight - which reportedly raised safety concerns as overweight planes run the risk of crashing or experiencing reduced flight performance while in the air, and nothing to do with rising fuel costs. The restrictions will see between three and six seats cordoned off per aircraft between now and April 2023, and will apply on all routes. What's more, the weight of a passenger is not just their body weight alone, but also the sum of the weight of their clothing and luggage - which typically increases during winter months when travelers pack coats, clothes, and other gear. 'The temporary change is a result of the increased average customer winter weights as prescribed by the FAA,' a United spokesperson told Frequent flyer blog Live and Let's Fly of the temporary change. 'To be compliant with the current B757 weight and balance requirements, United will block specific seats between 1 November and 30 April, 2023.' The number of blocked seats will vary based on the kind of Boeing 757, of which there are three, but travelers can expect anywhere from three to six seats blocked. The blocked off seats are always middle seats and are for the most part situated toward the center and some to the back of the plane, so that the weight of passengers is equally distributed on every flight, officials said. The off-limits seats - which range roughly from rows 16 to 40, depending on the flight - will have a laminated sign placed on them notifying passengers to leave them empty. A reporter from Live and Let's Fly spotted once such sign last week, while on a flight on one of the airline's Boeing 757s. 'Please excuse the inconvenience,' the signage notes. 'This seat is temporarily out of service.' In an unprecedented update in 2019, the FAA raised its average weight figures considerably - adding 15 pounds to the average winter and summer weights for men, and 34 pounds per female passenger. The average weight for women in summer went up from 145 pounds to 179 pounds, and from 150 pounds to 184 pounds for winter. Specifically, the carrier blocking seats on its fleet of Boeing 757s (pictured) - an aircraft hailed for its roomy cabin size and large baggage capacity, usually making for a comfortable ride What's more, officials said, the weight of a passenger is not just their body weight alone, but also the sum of the weight of their clothing and luggage - which typically increases during winter months when travelers pack coats, clothes, and other gear The average weight for men in summer rose from 185 pounds to 200 pounds, and 190 pounds to 205 pounds for winter. Taking into account the average number of seats for the three types of 757s in question, which is roughly 180 seats, the additional amount of pounds allowed on board the plane is a difference of between 2,700 to 6,100 pounds per flight. A 757 can haul more than 72,000 pounds of cargo, and seats between 239 and 289 passengers, depending on the series of aircraft. This means that is every since passenger on a packed 757-300 craft weighed 200 pounds, not including cargo, the plane's payload would be nearly 60,000 pounds -concerningly close to the designated limit. The issue comes after the FAA, in the same 2019 circular announcing the weight changes, floated the idea that airlines start weighing passengers before boarding do reduce the risk of a crash. The idea was met with pronounced backlash, with many arguing such a guidance would infringe on customers' rights while also airing potential insecurities. Such a plan has since failed to materialize. This month's announcement, meanwhile, appears to be the airline's alternative course of action in regards to weight tabulations - calculations that have grown increasingly cumbersome as American weights soar. Since the late 1980s and early 1990s, the average American has put on 15 or more additional pounds - without getting any taller. With that said, the seats with blocked middles are just being marketed as standard economy seats - meaning they are not being marketed as Economy Plus or even as preferred seats, despite the increased room. The airline, meanwhile, tried to play down the maneuver, not announcing it publicly until asked by Live and Let's Fly and citing once news was out how the airline did the same thing last winter - when weights were just as much on the rise. That guidance expired with the coming of spring. The same should happen this time around, pending a shift in strategy from the airline. United did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request from comment. A stalker used an Amazon Alexa to listen in on his ex-partner before threatening to stab her friend and throw acid in her face, a court heard. Hassan Mehmet, 35, waged a campaign of harassment against Shelby Laidlaw, who he had been in a relationship with for 13 years before they split in April. He went on to show her a knife, threatening to stab her male friend, before convincing the terrified woman to lend him her Jaguar, which he then deliberately drove off the M20, the court was told. Mehmet, who is from Southwark, southeast London, admitted to stalking, dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving without a licence at the Old Bailey today. He was previously arrested and released on police bail multiple times for alleged offences against Ms Laidlaw before he was remanded in custody on 22 July. Mehmet, of Don Phelan Close, appeared at the Old Bailey after admitting stalking and driving offences. Judge Philip Katz said: 'I find the whole thing completely shocking. Hassan Mehmet, 35, waged a campaign of harassment against Shelby Laidlaw, who he had been in a relationship with for 13 years before they split in April 'It didn't, luckily, go any further than what he did. 'We could easily be dealing here with a case of murder. 'He is wandering around, he is accessing somebody's Alexa... threatening somebody. 'It's appalling behaviour.' Judge Katz adjourned sentencing Mehmet while psychiatric reports are prepared. Mehmet was arrested on 13 April for coercive and controlling behaviour and domestic common assault after it was alleged that he bit Ms Laidlaw on her head. He was released on police bail and embarked on his campaign of harassment. James Lachkovic, prosecuting, said: 'On 19 April she became aware he was using the Alexa...to listen in on her at her home address. 'The following day she saw him near the address. 'It became apparent that he was watching her leaving the address because he sent messages indicating that he had seen her drive off from the premises. 'He continued to send messages despite being asked to stop. 'On 21 April she allowed him to accompany her on a hospital visit with her. 'In the car afterwards he threatened to use a knife on a male friend of hers and showed her a knife. 'She was so scared that she allowed him to borrow her car. 'On 22 April he came to her address and threatened to throw acid in her face before driving off in her car. 'On that same day he sent 118 messages and he sent further messages in the days following.' A stalker used an Alexa to listen in on his ex-partner before threatening to stab her friend and throw acid in her face, a court heard Later that day, Mehmet drove Ms Laidlaw's car on the M20. 'He appears to have had a puncture in one tyre but continued to drive at speed and then deliberately drove off the motorway, crashing the car,' the prosecutor said. He told police he was trying to hurt himself because of the breakdown of his relationship, the court heard. Mehmet was taken to hospital and visited Ms Laidlaw at her address after he was discharged. Between 26 and 27 April he sent her 266 messages, from different numbers, from the hospital. Mr Lachkovic said Mehmet was arrested again on 5 May and released once more on the 15th. After his release, the stalker threatened to stab Ms Laidlaw and pay someone to beat up her boyfriend. 'He wrote threatening messages on Facebook and sent threatening emails saying he would rip her teeth out of her face,' the prosecutor went on. 'He continued to make threats to her in July and messages were sent where he threatened to plunge a knife into Shelby Laidlaw's throat and stab her male friend.' Mehmet was eventually arrested and remanded into custody on 22 July. In an impact statement read out in court, Ms Laidlaw said: 'I was worried Hassan was going to carry out the threats. 'Hassan has been abusive in our relationship. 'The whole situation has left me feeling really drained and I'm scared of ever seeing him again as I feel he has no regard for authority.' Mehmet has 29 convictions for 36 offences between 2001 and 2017. His previous offending included robbery, affray, burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, criminal damage, theft and handling stolen goods. Manisha Knights, defending, said her client was 'very, very, very' unwell at the time, suffering from emotional unstable personality disorder. 'His mental health was at an absolute low.' Judge Katz said he will fix a sentencing date tomorrow. Few doubt that Tuesday's midterm elections in the United States are going to be anything but a disaster for the Democrats. If Joe Biden's party loses its majority in Congress, the president is likely to spend his remaining two years as a lame duck, unable to enact the legislation that he wants. So why are the Democrats faring so badly? For an answer, look no further than the state that packs the biggest electoral punch. California, where I live, has been under Democrat control for the past three decades, during which it has gone from being one of the world's most desirable places to live the Golden State to one of the worst. If Joe Biden's party loses its majority in Congress, the president is likely to spend his remaining two years as a lame duck Today, crime is rampant. Unemployment is soaring. Thanks to an influx during Covid of people from out-of-state, property prices are now unaffordable, with young professionals and middle-class families leaving in droves. But in Los Angeles, the homeless are ubiquitous, with more than 8,000 people routinely camped out along streets in the notorious 'Skid Row' district. San Francisco and San Diego are similarly affected by rough sleepers. It is estimated that there are now between half a million and a million homeless across North America. The state has also all but given up on defending against gangs of casual thieves, who walk into stores, empty the shelves and stroll out with their loot unconcerned that stunned shoppers are filming the robberies on their phones. Do a Google search for 'shoplifting in San Francisco', and you will be greeted with more than 100,000 hits. Add in cripplingly high taxation already one of the most heavily taxed states, California also boasts the highest top-rate bracket hopelessly untargeted public spending and economic stagnation, and you can see why so many are abandoning it. People ride their bikes past a homeless encampment set up along the boardwalk in the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles And why bother doing business in the world's fourth largest economy when you can move to somewhere with far less red tape, where the climate is just as balmy states such as Colorado, Arizona, Nevada and Texas and without all the entrenched social problems that come with Democrat-majority administration? Take a friend of mine, a California state senator who supported my candidacy when I ran for Mayor of Palm Springs. One day, he just decided to leave the state where he was born and raised, and where he had made a great living. Why? For the simple reason that California is no longer liveable. Nor is it a functioning democracy. He felt that, in a Democrat-controlled state, his services as a democratically elected Republican were not only unappreciated, but that the system prevented him from doing the job he was elected to do. He now lives with his wife in neighbouring Nevada, whose legislature is more evenly balanced between the two parties. Put simply, Democrats have now been ruling California unopposed for more than three decades, controlling the offices of governor, secretary of state, attorney general, and both chambers of the state legislature. The mother-in-law of Ted Sarandos (pictured), the Netflix CEO and one of the most powerful men in Southern California, was murdered last year Without an opposing voice from Republicans, it is a one-party state in both name and approach. Worse still, some believe that the Democrats have deliberately failed to prevent the arrival of immigrants from Mexico and Central America in order to retain a voter demographic that's in their favour. Democrats have freed the state from federal supervision, so illegal migrants can get drivers' licenses, take local government benefits and generally live off the rich who pay punitive taxes. It's as if California had been turned into a socialist state. And then there's the crime. Take the horror suffered by Ted Sarandos, the Netflix CEO and one of the most powerful men in Southern California. Last December, his mother-in-law was murdered by an intruder in her Beverly Hills home. Such incidents are not isolated. It's no wonder that those of us who are veterans of SoCal life watch our backs at all times. Compare this to the treatment meted out to a local doctor. One day, the doctor was arguing on the street with his son, and the police came and detained the son to calm him down. Now, six months on, the son is still under detention for no reason. That feels scary and totalitarian. Homeless people are seen in Sacramento, California, in a state with rising crime rates Meanwhile, rising house prices are forcing people to leave. An entire lower middle-class has been priced out of town. Unlike real estate, incomes in California have not doubled in the past two years. In fact, they have undergone a significant reduction. In some parts of Riverside County, in southern California, there are no more houses for sale in the $300,000 to $400,000 bracket. It's not just a problem for California. Other Democrat strongholds on the verge of social breakdown or voter displeasure have grasped that they have a problem. For more than two years, 'tent cities' for the homeless have sprung up around Portland, Oregon, another Democrat stronghold that has prioritised liberal law reforms over keeping order. Now, with just days before polling opens in the midterms, one encampment has been cleared and replaced with a skate park. In New York, where Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than two to one, candidates who have campaigned on national issue such as abortion laws or who had hoped that shouting about 'Trump and January 6th' would secure votes have been exposed as out of touch on bread and butter issues such as the rising cost of living and concerns about street crime. My hope is that, after Tuesday's midterm elections, some semblance of political normality will return which will pave the way for a Republican win in the 2024 race for the White House. Parts of Florida are still reeling from the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian Up to four inches of rain are expected around Tampa and two in Orlando Parts of the coast have also been placed under Storm Surge Watch The storm may develop into a Category 1 hurricane in the coming days A Hurricane Watch has been put into place across part of the state's east coast As Florida residents are rebuilding after the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian - the most deadly hurricane in the state for over 90 years - they are being warned of Subtropical Storm Nicole due to strike later this week. Storm Nicole is a subtropical storm that could become a Category 1 hurricane before hitting Florida's east coast late on Wednesday or Thursday. The National Hurricane Center put into place a Hurricane Watch for much of the coast from the Volusia/Brevard County Line to Hallandale Beach as well as for Lake Okeechobee. The expected arrival of Storm Nicole in Florida comes around a month after Category 4 Hurricane Ian inflicted considerable destruction to the state towards the end of September. On Monday morning Storm Nicole was heading north easterly at a speed of around 9 mph, according to a notice put out by the National Hurricane Center at 10am. Its heading will become more easterly in the next day and on Wednesday it is expected to pass over the northwestern Bahamas, according to the notice. It will then hit the coast of Florida on Wednesday night and storm surges are expected. Storm Surge Watches were put into place between Altamaha Sound and Hallandale Beach. Nicole is unique in that is a late-season storm. Subtropical Storm Nicole is expected to hit the east coast of Florida on Wednesday night and Thursday evening. Parts of the coast have been placed on Hurricane Watch Parts of Florida's east coast have also been place on Storm Surge Watch, with up to four inches of rain expected around Tampa and two in Orlando On Monday Florida governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for half of the state's counties. 'While this storm does not, at this time, appear that it will become much stronger, I urge all Floridians to be prepared and to listen to announcements from local emergency management officials,' he said. DeSantis also put out a press release on November 6 regarding the impending arrival of Storm Nicole. 'I encourage all Floridians to be prepared and make a plan in the event a storm impacts Florida,' said DeSantis. 'We will continue to monitor the path and trajectory of Invest 98L [Nicole] and we remain in constant contact with all state and local government partners.' The press release also advised residents of a number of cheap or free measures they could take to prepare for the storm. Those included keeping up-to-date with weather alerts and keeping the car gas tank at least half full in case urgent evacuation is required. Subtropical Storm Nicole may develop into a hurricane later this week but is unified in that it has occurred late in the Atlantic hurricane season Maps from the National Hurricane Center show that parts of the coast will potentially be struck by storm surges that will cause rising water levels A subtropical storm is a cyclone with a consistent wind speed of greater than 29 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center, which is based in Florida. They have cold as opposed to warm cores and are different from a tropical storm in that they have a lesser likelihood of developing into hurricanes, according to the National Weather Service. A Category 1 storm is the lowest classification for a storm on the hurricane wind scale and applies to those with minimum sustained wind speeds of 74 mph. Storm Nicole wind speeds are expected to reach around 70 mph on Wednesday as it passes over the Bahamas Hurricane Ian last month caused between $1.1billion and $1.8billion of damage to the state's agricultural infrastructure alone, according to an estimate released by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The hurricane also caused at least 120 deaths in Florida, more than any hurricane in over 90 years. Hurricane Ian - which devastated highly populated areas of south west Florida including Naples and Fort Myers - affected both coastal and inland communities by the flooding of homes but wind damage was comparatively less extensive. Hurricane Ian caused between $1.1billion and $1.8billion of damage to the state's agricultural infrastructure alone At least 120 people were killed in Florida, the highest number of deaths in the state caused by a hurricane in more than 90 years Areas south of Tampa, a region particularly affected by Ian, could be drenched by between two and four inches of rain, CNN reported. Meanwhile, Orlando is expected to see between one and two inches. During a briefing on Sunday, the National Hurricane Center's Acting Deputy Director Michael Brennan said that the storm is expected to be significantly less damaging than Ian. Brennan also suggested that due to the large scale of the storm the location of its epicenter is not as critical and it will affect wide areas. 'Do not focus on the exact track of Nicole since it is expected to be a large storm with hazards extending well to the north of the center, and outside the cone,' the National Hurricane Center said on Monday. Media watchdog Ofcom has concluded the BBC committed 'significant editorial failings' in its reporting of an anti-Semitic attack on Jewish students travelling on a bus in London. The body said its investigation found the broadcaster failed to observe its editorial guidelines to report news with 'due accuracy and due impartiality'. The incident on November 29, 2021 saw a group of about 40 young Jewish people aboard a Hanukkah party bus in London's Oxford Street attacked by a group of men who swore, made obscene gestures and threw a shopping basket at them. The incident was treated as a hate crime by police, but in its original report of the incident, BBC News said 'racial slurs about Muslims could be heard inside the bus'. Following BBC coverage on December 2, the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Chief Rabbi were among a significant number of groups and individuals who complained to the broadcaster about the accuracy and impartiality of the coverage. The BBC apologised for 'not acting sooner to highlight that the content of the recording was contested'. Despite the corporation's gaffe, a judgement by Ofcom said the organisation had not breached the Broadcasting Code. Last November, a video emerged of a group of men hurling abuse and spitting at a group of around 40 Jewish teenagers sitting inside a bus on London's Oxford Street However, in a statement, Ofcom added: 'Our investigation uncovered significant editorial failings in the BBC's reporting of an antisemitic attack on Jewish students travelling on board a bus in London. 'The BBC's reports claimed that an audio recording made during the incident included anti-Muslim slurs - which it later changed to the singular "slur" - which came from inside the bus. Shortly afterwards, it received evidence which disputed this interpretation of the audio. 'The BBC failed to promptly acknowledge that the audio was disputed and did not update its online news article to reflect this for almost eight weeks. During this time the BBC was aware that the article's content was causing significant distress and anxiety to the victims of the attack and the wider Jewish community. 'This, in our opinion, was a significant failure to observe its editorial guidelines to report news with due accuracy and due impartiality.' Ofcom said it had also investigated a connected report broadcast on BBC London News, concluding that 'at the time it was broadcast and for the 24-hour period it was available on the BBC iPlayer, the programme did not breach our rules'. It added: 'That said, the BBC made a serious editorial misjudgment by not reporting on air, at any point, that the claim it had made about anti-Muslim slurs was disputed, once new evidence emerged.' Footage showed the group of Jewish teenagers dancing as they celebrated Hanukkah moments before the attack. The incident was treated as a hate crime by police, but in its original report, BBC News said 'racial slurs about Muslims could be heard inside the bus' CAA's "BBC News: Stop Blaming Jews!" protest outside Broadcasting House, backed by Lord Grade and Dame Maureen Lipman, over its coverage of the incident on Oxford Street The BBC said the complaints were 'particularly in relation to the claim that an anti-Muslim slur had been heard from inside the bus' The watchdog said the BBC's 'failure to respond promptly and transparently created an impression of defensiveness by the BBC among the Jewish community'. News of Ofcom's findings have been welcomed by members of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, who branded the initial coverage by the BBC 'abominable'. In a statement today, a spokesperson for the group said: 'Almost a year after the BBCs abominable coverage of an antisemitic incident on Oxford Street, Ofcom has seen what every viewer and reader of the BBCs coverage could but which the BBC itself refused to accept: its reportage added insult to the injury already inflicted on the victims and the Jewish community and abysmally failed to meet the most basic editorial standards. Ofcoms decision today begins to undo that insult. Jewish broadcaster resigns from BBC over 'inexcusable' anti-Semitism A Jewish BBC broadcaster resigned after the corporation's coverage of an anti-Semitic attack wrongly accused the victims of making offensive Muslim slurs. Rabbi YY Rubinstein, a contributor to BBC programmes including Good Morning Sunday and the Thought For The Day, quit via a letter. He released it on Facebook, addressed to a member of staff, only known as Gabby. The letter said: 'The current crisis over anti-Semitism at the Corporation and its attempts to turn the victims of the recent anti-Semitic attack on Jewish children in London and claim that the victims were actually the perpetrators, was and is inexcusable. The obfuscation, denial that followed, was and is utterly damning. 'The Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles actually includes the BBC in its annual global anti-Semitism, 'Top Ten'. 'This does not in any way reflect on your own production company whose own record in this regard is exemplary. It also does not apply to many of the individuals I have worked with at the BBC over three decades. 'They were among some of the most courteous, kind and talented people I ever met or worked with. The same applies to you and your colleagues. 'I simply don't see how I or in fact any Jew who has any pride in that name can be associated with the Corporation anymore.' Advertisement 'Sadly, the BBCs stonewalling is exactly what British Jews have come to expect from our public broadcaster. Now that Ofcom has warned the BBC after the BBC disgracefully failed to uphold our complaints against it, it has become clear as day that a Parliamentary inquiry into the BBC focusing on its coverage of issues relating to Jews is warranted, and we have joined the Jewish Chronicle and others calling for one.' Following its coverage, the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Chief Rabbi were among a significant number of groups and individuals who complained to the broadcaster about the accuracy and impartiality of the coverage. The BBC's director-general Tim Davie then instructed the corporation's executive complaints unit (ECU) to investigate the complaints 'as a matter of urgency'. The broadcaster upheld complaints over the accuracy and impartiality of its coverage on December 2 and amended a story on its news website, alongside issuing a clarification of a TV report aired on the same day. In its findings published, the ECU said the original versions of both the online and television story 'did not meet the BBC's standards of due accuracy'. It said: 'The original online copy spoke of 'some racial slurs about Muslims' whilst the TV report explained 'you can hear some racial slurs about Muslim people'. 'In later versions the online copy was changed to 'a slur about Muslims' reflecting that the original iterations had mischaracterised the nature of the insult and there was insufficient evidence that it had happened on more than one occasion.' Following the ECU's findings, a BBC spokesman said it had been ruled 'that the inclusion in our reports of the existence of an alleged slur, said to have come from within the bus, was included in good faith, following a great deal of editorial scrutiny'. But they added: 'However, the ECU has also found that more could have been done, subsequent to the original report, to acknowledge the differing views and opinions in relation to what was said; this should have been reflected in our reporting; and the online article amended. 'We accept this and apologise for not doing more to highlight that these details were contested - we should have reflected this and acted sooner. 'Following the ECU's ruling, we have amended the story posted on the BBC News website on 2 December 2021 and issued a clarification in relation to a news report aired on BBC London on the same day.' The Board of Deputies of British Jews president Marie van der Zyl welcomed Ofcom's decision to investigate earlier this year, adding: 'We trust that justice will prevail.' Rabbi YY Rubinstein, a contributor to BBC programmes including Good Morning Sunday, quit after the corporation's coverage of the anti-Semitic attack Part of Rabbi YY Rubinstein's resignation later, which he posted onto Facebook She said: 'We note the ECU finding that the BBC did not meet standards of due accuracy and impartiality. 'We are however dismayed that the Corporation continues to justify certain erroneous editorial decisions that continue to cloud the issue and will compound the distress faced by the victims.' In the latest assessment of the BBC, Ofcom said the corporation had 'further to go' in learning how to responding to critiques of its reporting. It will also review how the broadcaster addressed the complaint, handling and transparency issues raised by the incident. In a statement tonight, a spokesperson for the BBC told MailOnline: 'While Ofcom has found that our reporting was not in breach of the Broadcasting Code, the BBCs Executive Complaints Unit ruled in January this year that more could have been done sooner to acknowledge the differing views about what could be heard on the recording of the attack. The BBC apologised at the time for not acting sooner to highlight that the content of the recording was contested.' Nikki Haley suggested on Sunday that the U.S. 'deport' Sen. Raphael Warnock at a Georgia rally for Republican Herschel Walker. 'Legal immigrants are more patriotic than the leftists these days,' the former South Carolina governor and UN ambassador said at a rally in Hiram, Ga. on Sunday. 'They worked to come into America and they love America. They want the laws followed in America. So the only person we need to make sure we deport is Warnock.' The comments came in the context of Haley railing against President Biden for his handling of the southern border. 'Look at the border. Do you know we've had 3.8 million illegal immigrants cross that border, 800,000 more got-aways, 4.5 million people broke the law and came here illegally?' Haley told a crowd of Walker supporters. 'And Biden and Warnock helped them do it. Now, I am the daughter of Indian immigrants. They came here legally, they put in the time, they put in the price, they are offended by what's happening on that border. The Trump Cabinet member described Walker, who is running neck-and-neck with the Democratic incumbent, as a 'a good person who has been put through the ringer and has had everything and the kitchen sink thrown at him, and he's still fighting for you.' Nikki Haley suggested on Sunday that the U.S. 'deport' Sen. Raphael Warnock at a Georgia rally for Republican Herschel Walker 'Look at the border. Do you know we've had 3.8 million illegal immigrants cross that border, 800,000 more got-aways, 4.5 million people broke the law and came here illegally?' Haley told a crowd of Walker supporters In the final weeks of the campaign the ex-NFL star has faced two women claiming he pressured them to get abortions which he paid for and his adult son accusing him of domestic violence. Walker says he is pro-life and supports Sen. Lindsey Graham's 15-week abortion ban. Haley's name has been floated as a potential 2024 candidate for president, but she has said she would not take on former President Trump. The ambassador traveled to New Hampshire after the Georgia rally before heading to Wisconsin and Pennsylvania on Monday. Real Clear Politics' polling average has Walker up by just 0.5 percent after he trailed Warnock for much of the race. Georgia's Senate contest is one of the hottest races in the country and could determine control in the upper chamber. If neither candidate breaches the 50 percent threshold on Tuesday, the race will go to a runoff in December, per Georgia's election law. Early voting has already broken records in the Peach State as each candidate hones in on their closing message. For Walker, that means tying his opponent to President Biden, who has a low approval rating in the state. For Warnock, it means framing his efforts in the Senate through a focus on cutting costs and vowing to 'work with anyone if it helps Georgia.' It also means ramping up his attacks on his controversy-mired opponent's character. The Trump Cabinet member described Walker, who is running neck-and-neck with the Democratic incumbent, as a 'a good person who has been put through the ringer and has had everything and the kitchen sink thrown at him, and he's still fighting for you' 'You went to Washington to say you gonna represent Georgia and you decide to represent Joe Biden,' Walker said of Warnock at a rally last Thursday. 'You went to Washington and say you gonna represent the people but yet you voted with him 96% of the time.' Meanwhile, Warnock told reporters at a recent campaign stop: 'Character matters. And this is somebody who has demonstrated that not only is he not ready for the job, he's not fit.' Warnock is making his pitch to ticket-splitters as polls show a number of Georgians plan to cast their ballot for GOP Gov. Brian Kemp but aren't sold on Walker. Kemp holds a steady lead over Democrat Stacey Abrams of 8.1 points, according to RealClear Politics. TikTok stars who mocked a government official in Nigeria have been sentenced to be whipped 20 times under Sharia law. Mubarak Isa Muhammed and Muhammed Bula insulted Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of the northern state of Kano. Their video, in which they mocked Mr Ganduje for alleged land grabbing, corruption and sleeping on the job, was posted last week. They posted the clip on TikTok and Facebook and Muhammad, who is known as Unique Pikin online, was arrested along with Mr Bula. TikTok stars Mubarak Isa Muhammed and Muhammed Bula insulted Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of the northern state of Kano, where the Sharia legal system is practised alongside the country's secular laws (file image) Their action was 'capable of disturbing public peace' according to prosecution lawyer Wada Ahmed Wada, who said they had defamed the governor. Both men pleaded guilty and asked the judge for leniency. However, the judge ordered them to be given 20 lashes each, pay a fine of 10,000 naira (20) and clean the court for 30 days. They also had to apologise to Mr Ganduje on social media for their actions. In Kano state, only Muslims are sentenced in Sharia court. But it is a state, among 12 others, which practises Sharia law among secular laws, as it is a Muslim-majority area. Their action was 'capable of disturbing public peace' according to prosecution lawyer Wada Ahmed Wada, who said they had defamed the governor. Both men pleaded guilty and asked the judge for leniency. However, the judge ordered them to be given 20 lashes each, pay a fine of 10,000 naira (20) and clean the court for 30 days (file image) The BBC reported that their lawyer, Bashir Yusuf, said they would not challenge the judgement. This is because they received a 'non-custodial' sentence and would not be jailed. The sentencing of the TikTok stars as the trend for social media stars grows in Nigeria, using comedy as a means to comment on society and political issues. The TikTokers rack up thousands of followers and occasionally mock public figures and post the videos on their accounts. A British pensioner has been remanded in a prison psychiatric war while police investigate the fatal stabbing of his wife. David Cadwallader, 80, was ordered to the unit at a closed hearing that took place in a Costa del Sol court Monday, three days after the attack at an apartment building in the resort town on Benalmadena on Friday night. Wife Lesley, 69, was stabbed up to 20 times including in the neck and managed to call police before the phone cut off. Officers arrived to find her body on the kitchen floor while David was lying on their bed. The elderly man is thought to have Alzheimer's, though investigators have not confirmed this. Officers have said they are looking into his mental state. David Cadwallader, 80, has been remanded to a prison psychiatric unit while police investigate the murder of his wife Lesley inside this apartment on Friday night Lesley was found stabbed more than 20 times inside this apartment block, having managed to call police around 10.30pm to say she had been attacked Police had to call firefighters to access the property after receiving the emergency call around 10.30pm on Friday. The suspected weapon, a kitchen knife, is believed to have been seized at the scene. A court official said after today's hearing: 'Torremolinos Court of Instruction Number 3, which is qualified to deal with domestic violence cases, has agreed to remand in prison the man arrested over the death of his wife at their home in Benalmadena. 'The suspect is British as was his wife. At the request of state prosecutors he will enter a psychiatric unit at the prison he ends up in. 'For the time being he is being investigated on suspicion of a crime of homicide although during the ongoing investigation that could change.' Mr Cadwallader was seen by a forensic doctor after being taken to court by police, who said at the weekend he had been arrested three times in the last few months for alleged domestic violence. However, he was released because his wife decided against pressing charges. A well-placed judicial source, backing an official police statement about the arrests on Saturday, added: 'We can confirm the victim declined to ratify in court previous complaints she had made regarding allegations of domestic violence which had led to the husband's arrest. 'Because there were no witnesses and the alleged victim didn't want to press charges, the court had to shelve the cases. The front door of the couple's 130,000 first-floor flat was sealed with police tape after the horror stabbing with a warning sign that said 'Do not enter.' The doorframe was badly-damaged in a clear sign officers responding to the emergency call from the stab victim had tried to force entry. David is thought to suffer from Alzheimer's and police have said they are looking into his mental state - though have not confirmed any illnesses Neighbours today recalled the dramatic moment police arrived at the scene, as they tried in vain to kick the front door down before making their way in through a back entrance A neighbour of the couple's in the 12-storey 1970s apartment block, which used to be an apart-hotel, confirmed police had made a failed attempt to smash it down before gaining access via another entry at the back. He added: 'They've lived here for ages, probably around 30 years. 'I'd heard they were both heavy drinkers and police have been around before to deal with what I presume were domestic disputes. 'A lot of foreigners live in this block and I know they used to help new-arrivals find their feet here. 'I never saw any younger people visiting that might have been relatives and I was told they had already decided to donate their flat to an animal sanctuary when they died.' Another neighbour said: 'I didn't hear any shouting or arguing before the police arrived. 'They tried to smash the door down but couldn't get through it and ended up getting in via an entrance round the back. 'It's so horrific that it's ended in this way.' Under Spanish law Mr Cadwallader's status is currently that of an 'investigado' which literally means 'investigated.' He has not yet been formally charged with any crime as charges are not laid in Spain until shortly before trial. It is not yet clear whether he will be held criminally responsible for his actions and made to stand trial if the ongoing investigation determines his mental capacities are affected by his apparent Alzheimer's. A Spanish police spokesman said after his arrest: 'It would appear he has a psychological illness with cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.' The newly defected Democrat has had a slew of famous faces backing his campaign - including Kim Kardashian, Chris Pratt and Gwyneth Paltrow Netflix boss Ted Sarandos posted a full page advertisement in the Hollywood Reporter encouraging LA locals to vote for Caruso Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has paid for a full-page advertisement where he backs billionaire developer Rick Caruso to be Los Angeles mayor. His wife Nicole Avant, 54, gave her support to Caruso, 63, last week, after crime and chaos continues to spiral in the city where her mother Jaqueline Avant was killed at her exclusive Beverly Hills enclave in a home invasion. Sarandos advertisement for Caruso is a shock move, with the head of Hollywoods biggest streaming service has been one of the nations biggest donors for the Democrats. The Los Angeles County Democratic Party has officially endorsed Congresswoman Kean Bass in the race, but Sarandos, 58, is urging residents to vote for Caruso. Caruso has previously identified as a Republican and an Independent before switching allegiances to the Democrats shortly before entering the race in February in the famously liberal city. In his advertisement, published on the Hollywood reporter, he said: The entire Machine of the Democratic Party had aligned for a candidate that is part of the very system that is failing this city. They are wrong. I am a lifetime Democrat. Rick is the Democrat Ive been waiting for, one with a plan and a track record of accomplishing impossible tasks in California and Los Angeles. Sarandos advertisement for Caruso is a shock move , with the head of Hollywoods biggest streaming service has been one of the nations biggest donors for the Democrats Many believe that billionaire businessman and LA mayoral candidate Rick Caruso will fix the city's rampant crime and homeless issues According to the LA Times Caruso has risen to within striking distance of Bass in the polls after the congresswoman took a seven-point lead in the June primary. A UC Berkeley poll published Friday showed that Bass lead has narrowed to four points, 45 percent to 41 percent, putting it within the polls margin of error. Bass has been backed by the Democrat establishment and is endorsed by Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders. Sarandos is not the only one to throw his weight behind the newly defected billionaire and real-estate mogul, who received a slew of endorsements from Kim Kardashian to Gwyneth Paltrow, who believe he will be effective at solving LA's plethora of problems. Actor Chris Pratt is the latest Hollywood star to throw his support behind billionaire Rick Caruso for the mayor of Los Angeles ahead of tomorrow's highly anticipated midterm elections. The actor, 43, bemoaned the California city's 'gradual decline into pain and utter disarray' as he urged voters to back Caruso. Pratt, whose father-in-law is former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, said: 'I've lived in LA for over 20 years. It's been great to me. In that time I've seen what many residents here have seen, the city's gradual decline into pain and utter disarray. Rick Caruso is a billionaire businessman - who has identified as a Republican, an Independent, and now a Democrat. He announced his candidacy for mayor on February 11 this year Chris Pratt has thrown his support behind billionaire Rick Caruso for the mayor of Los Angeles ahead of tomorrow's highly anticipated midterm elections (pictured with wife Katherine Schwarzenegger) Pratt, whose father-in-law is former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, rarely intervenes in politics Bass has been backed by the Democrat establishment and is endorsed by Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders 'If you live here, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I don't normally support political candidates. But in this election, there's too much to lose.' Following the slew of support, Sarandos paid for his won advert, which said: If you are tired of the inhumane way the homeless population lives in this city, the filth that goes uncleaned, the corruption in city hall, shrinking law enforcement and rising crime and now, the threat of even higher taxes, vote for Rick Caruso. His wife Nicole Avant has also backed Caruso, and believes that he is the answer to the skyrocketing crime problems in the city. Avant said that she found it 'very insulting' when people told her she ought to vote for Karen Bass in the upcoming midterms just because she is also a black woman - despite her old boss Obama also endorsing the candidate. Instead, Avant said that LA's rocketing crime problem demands a new mayor to fix the city's problems. Speaking to Bari Weiss' Substack, Common Sense, she said: 'This is like a breaking point. Who is in charge here? How is this happening? Caruso has star supporters including Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, Snoop Dogg, Elon Musk and Gwyneth Paltrow Jacqueline (left) was rushed to a hospital after the home invasion, but died of her injuries shortly after 'It's the drug addicts in front of people's houses, it's people naked in the streetthere's so much chaos, and Rick is the opposite of that, and we just need to reel things in and do things in a different way.' She said that she doesn't 'ever vote on race or gender adding: 'I'm a free thinker. People told me not to support Barack Obama and to support Hillary Clinton for the same reason, because she's a woman. You can't win.' Avant, who served as ambassador to the Bahamas from 2009 to 2011, is also a film producer whose work includes a 2019 Netflix documentary about her father, 'The Black Godfather.' Rick Caruso is a billionaire businessman - who has identified as a Republican, an Independent, and now a Democrat. He announced his candidacy for mayor on February 11 this year. The city's progressive DA George Gascon has consistently been at the forefront of criticism for being lenient with sentencing criminals - as homicides in LA reached their highest level in 15 years in 2022. Aariel Maynor confessed to fatally shooting 81-year-old philanthropist Jacqueline Avant during a botched raid of the couple's $7million mansion in a gated Beverly Hills community in December Shocking photos obtained by DailyMail.com show the sliding glass door that was smashed by home invaders who killed the wife of legendary music executive Clarence Avant Residents have argued that homelessness is the top problem facing the county, with 94 per cent of voters viewing it as a serious or very serious problem He has faced recalls after consistently failing to pursue felony charges. He's been vocal about his belief that the criminal justice system needs to focus more on intervention and rehabilitation, blasting 'tough on crime' policies as racist and a failure. Jacqueline Avant was shot in the back when a robber, who was a repeat offender, broke into their $7million Beverly Hills home 11 months ago. Arariel Maynor has since been sentenced to a minimum of 150 years in prison, after it was revealed he bragged to friends over the phone about the from jail following his arrest. In January, a UCLA graduate Brianna Kupfer was stabbed to death in a random attack in the middle of the afternoon while working in a luxury furniture store in the city. Murders in the City of Angeles rose 52 percent last year from 2019, and shooting incidents were up 59 per cent, according to LAPD data. The young Tyson, who is the heir to the billion-dollar business, joined the family firm in 2019 and was recently elevated to the role of Chief Financial Officer Police say Tyson, whose father - also John Tyson - is the chairman of the Tyson Foods board, was barely responsive when they found him in the home John R. Tyson, 32, was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning after falling asleep in a local college-age woman's bed. She found him there around 2am Tyson Food Chief Financial Officer John Tyson was arrested in Arkansas after allegedly getting drunk and dozing off in a house that did not belong to him. A woman showed up at her home and found Tyson, 32, in her bed. He was charged with public intoxication and trespassing and booked into the Washington County jail on Sunday morning. He was seen wearing orange pants and without a shirt on at the Sherriff's office. Tyson was released Sunday evening on a $415 bond, and is due to appear in court on December 1. The stranger, who says she does not know Tyson, found the heir to the billion-dollar food brand fortune asleep in her bed around 2am. Local television state KNWA/Fox24 reported that Tyson's breath smelled of alcohol when he was found and he was not able to verbally respond to police. His movements appeared sluggish and uncoordinated, according to the local report. Tyson is the son of the Tyson Foods chairman John H. Tyson, and great-grandson of the founder John W. Tyson. His family is worth an estimated $3.3 billion. John R. Tyson, 32, was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning for public intoxication and trespassing, after falling asleep in a house that was not his Tyson is seen here at the Washington County Sheriff's Office after being taken in on Sunday morning The college-aged woman told authorities that she thought she had left the front door unlocked. Tyson Foods said in a statement to CNBC that the company is aware of the incident but will not be issuing further comment, calling what happened a 'personal matter.' The 32-year-old was named CFO in late September. His predecessor, Stewart Glendinning, was selected to lead the company's prepared foods division. The young Tyson, who is also a lecturer at the University of Arkansas's business school, joined the family business in 2019 after working in investment banking at JP Morgan, as well as in private equity and venture capital. He attended Harvard University for his undergraduate degree and received an MBA from Stanford. The Tyson family are worth an estimated $3.3billion, and the company, started three generations ago, is worth $24billion. According to the Wall Street Journal, he is the youngest CFO serving at a company in the Fortune 500 or S&P 500. Earlier this year, a Beyond Meat's COO - Doug Ramsey - was fired after getting arrested in Arkansas for allegedly biting a man's nose in a parking garage outside of Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. Tyson attended Harvard and Stanford University before coming aboard at the family company - he also worked as an investment banker at JP Morgan and in private equity and venture capital The Tyson Foods meat company has grown over the last three generations into a $24 billion brand. John R. Tyson is the youngest CFO currently serving a Fortune and S&P 500 company About 38 people were hurt, with two suffering life-threatening injuries, after the Saturday morning fire broke out at the midtown high-rise at East 52nd Street The woman who was dangling out of the window of her midtown high-rise as a three-alarm fire ripped through her apartment sparked by an e-bike battery expressed gratitude to the heroic firefighters who saved her life during the daring rescue. 'I would have died without them. I thought I was going to die,' Christina Foti said from her hospital bed at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she was recovering, The New York Daily News reported. The Saturday morning blaze injured 38 people, including five firefighters, FDNY officials said. Two residents suffered life-threatening injuries, a report said. Foti, who suffered some injuries to her hands and had one of her eyes swollen shut, told the news outlet that she doesn't remember much. 'I just remember that it was horrible and I feel awful. I'm lucky I have my family [come] in from outside the city,' she said. 'They saved my life,' Foti said of the firefighters. 'I'm very, very grateful.' According to Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn, the tenant ran a business repairing e-bikes and scooters, and said at least five e-bikes were inside the burned-out apartment where the fire was sparked, Firehouse.com reported. He said, fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, like those most commonly seen in e-bikes and smartphones, have killed six people so far this year. Firefighters performed a rope rescue during the daring rescue as they saved a woman's life who was dangling out of her 20th floor window The three-alarm fire broke out around 10:30 am at East 52nd Street between First Avenue and Sutton Place. Officials said the fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery for a micro-mobility device - either an e-scooter or e-bike Firefighter Artur Podgorski, also from Ladder 16, is seen in the daring video getting lowered down by a rope to where Foti was clinging. Within seconds, the hero firefighter is seen grabbing the woman and then lowering her down into an open window below where other firefighters stood by ready to assist Foti was in her apartment on Saturday morning - located on East 52nd Street between First Avenue and Sutton Place - when a lithium-ion battery attached to an e-bike or scooter exploded by the front door of her 20th-floor apartment, FDNY officials said. Describing the terrifying ordeal, the woman said she had been sleeping when the blast occurred around 10.30am and the e-bike was a neighbor's that she said, he won, and knew nothing about it, the news outlet reported. Foti's apartment became so engulfed in smoke that the woman said she had no other way to escape but to go through the window where she clung for a horrifying five minutes, fire officials said, until help arrived. Patti Ryan, who lives in the apartment across the street, took a video of the stunning rescue and shared it on Twitter, hailing New York's bravest. 'I've never seen anything more #HEROIC than what I witnessed from #NYC apt,' she wrote, in part. 'Thank you to our heroes!!!! #FDNY @FDNY.' Foti, whose black pajamas slid down her legs exposing her black underwear as she clung to the brick building twenty stories high, as quick-thinking firefighters from Ladder 16 used a rope and rescue technique to save the woman. Ladder 16 Firefighter Belvon Koranteng used a rope to lower himself down to Foti's apartment. Once he got close enough, he saw that she was stuck on a window guard. Firefighter Artur Podgorski, also from Ladder 16, is seen in the daring video getting lowered down by a rope to where Foti was clinging. Within seconds, the hero firefighter is seen grabbing the woman and then lowering her down into an open window below where other firefighters stood by ready to assist. FDNY Deputy Assistant Chied, Frank Leeb, described the use of a rope rescue as 'a last resort in the FDNY' Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh (above) commended first responders' quick action to rescue the building's residents. She said the fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery that was powering a micro-mobility device, which typically refers to an electric scooter or e-bike Many went to Twitter to share their admiration to the FDNY FDNY Chief Frank Leeb called the miracle rescue technique a 'last resort in the FDNY,' the news outlet reported. And, Podgorski described the dramatic rescue as a 'team effort,' Firehouse.com reported. Many took to Twitter to share their admiration for the FDNY after the harrowing rescue calling them 'the bravest, ballsiest, most amazing.' A former Twitter employee has vowed to sue the social media giant after she was laid off while six months pregnant - despite Musk announcing that culled staff would be paid out until the end of January. Shennan Lu worked as a data science manager at Twitter before she was fired along with thousands of other employees on Friday as new CEO Musk continues his overhaul of the tech company. Lu took to the social media platform to voice her frustrations with the company's handling of the situation, accusing it of discrimination and vowed to fight in court. The series of tweets and her account have since been deleted - and it's unclear if she will actually go ahead and sue the billionaire's company for discrimination. After laying off roughly 50 percent of Twitter's work force on Friday following Musk's $44 billion acquisition, the company then reportedly reached out to dozens of employees to come back to work. The company still has about 3,700 employees. Those remaining are being pushed by Musk to work quickly to develop and implement new features. Shennan Lu, a former data science manager at Twitter who was laid off while six months pregnant, blasted the company for their handling of the situation and says she plans to sue After laying off roughly 50 percent of Twitter's work force Friday, the company then reportedly reached out to dozens of employees to come back to work In the now-deleted tweets, according to Insider, Lu wrote: 'My Twitter journey has come to an end, I got laid off while I'm 6-month pregnant. 'It has been a pleasure to work with all of you. I'm very thankful to lead such an amazing [data science] team, it's been a fun ride. #LoveWhereYouWorked.' 'There is definitely discrimination here. So I will fight. My performance has been tracking ahead (top 30%) for the last quarters, and I know for a fact that other male managers don't have this rating got stayed,' Lu added. 'See you in the court.' DailyMail.com has reached out to Lu for comment. Lu has worked at Twitter since last January and before that, worked at Facebook parent Meta and Comcast, according to her LinkedIn page. Lu is not the only pregnant employee who was laid off in the round of massive layoffs. Rachel Bonn, a former marketing manager at Twitter's San Francisco headquarters who is eight months pregnant, announced that she was laid off and had lost laptop access. Five former employees have filed a class-action lawsuit claiming that the layoffs violated California and federal law, Insider reported. Those who found themselves out of a job were told they will continue to be employed by Twitter until either January or February 2, depending on their role, though November 4 will be their last working day. Following the massive layoffs, Musk defended his decision saying he had no choice but to make cuts due to Twitter's financial situation. 'Regarding Twitter's reduction in force, unfortunately there is no choice when the company is losing over $4M/day,' Musk tweeted. 'Everyone exited was offered 3 months of severance, which is 50 percent more than legally required.' Musk has previously alluded to a determination to fix the company's financial health that would all-but-certainly involve massive layoffs. There have been reports of employees sleeping at the office - something Musk himself is known to do - in order to meet freshly imposed deadlines. Lu has worked at Twitter since last January and before that, worked at Facebook parent Meta and Comcast, according to her LinkedIn page Twitter said it would allow anyone to get a verified blue badge simply by signing up to the Twitter Blue subscription service and paying a monthly fee, a move criticized by some On Saturday, Twitter CEO Elon Musk responded to Mark Ruffalo on Twitter, telling the actor to not believe 'everything AOC' says Elon Musk tweeted Sunday that Twitter will permanently suspend any account on the social media platform that impersonates another Over the weekend, Twitter rolled out the new Twitter Blue subscription plan, which offers the verification check mark for any user willing to fork over $8 a month. The company - largely via Musk's personal account - said it will soon be launching additional new features, including reduced ads, the ability to post longer videos and a feature that allows users to receive priority ranking in replies, mentions and searches. In the course of his takeover, Musk almost immediately dissolved Twitter's board of directors upon purchasing the company, leaving Dorsey as one of few stakeholders with ties to previous leadership. Advertisement Britain should pay a staggering 1trillion in reparations to developing countries hit by climate change, campaigners claimed tonight. The demands came as the UN climate conference, Cop27, got under way in Egypt amid warnings the world is on a 'highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator'. Rishi Sunak echoed the late Queen's words in his address to the Sharm El-Sheikh gathering this evening, as the Prime Minister reflected on the achievements of the UK's hosting of last year's Cop26 conference in Glasgow. In his first speech to an international summit as PM, Mr Sunak reminded world leaders of Her Majesty's address to that summit 12 months ago. He said: 'She reflected how "history has shown that when nations come together in common cause, there is always room for hope". 'I believe we found room for hope in Glasgow. With one last chance to create a plan that would limit global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees, we made the promises to keep that goal within reach. 'And the question today is this: Can we summon the collective will to deliver them? I believe we can.' In a short speech, Mr Sunak also pledged the UK would triple its funding to help nations adapt to the impacts of climate change as he noted how 'finances are tough' both in Britain and across the world. 'The pandemic all but broke the global economy and before coming here today, I spent last week working on the difficult decisions needed to ensure confidence and economic stability in my own country,' he added. 'But I can tell you today that the UK is delivering on our commitment of 11.6 billion. And as part of this we will now triple our funding on adaptation to 1.5 billion by 2025.' Mr Sunak insisted it was 'morally right to honour our promises' when faced with extreme events such as recent devastating flooding in Pakistan. The PM also promised 65million investment in a range of green projects in Kenya and host nation Egypt. And he insisted Russia's invasion of Ukraine was a reason to 'act faster' on climate issues as 'climate security goes hand in hand with energy security'. But Mr Sunak was also facing a storm tonight over discussions about 'loss and damage' compensation payments to countries suffering the impacts of climate change which are on the summit's agenda for the first time. Amid the demands by campaigners for Britain to stump up an astonishing 1trillion, former PM Boris Johnson said the UK simply could not afford to hand over such vast sums while another MP said paying any reparations was complete and utter madness. Charity War on Want said the 1trillion sum for reparations reflects the damage done to planet Earth by the UK burning fossil fuels to power our economy. Asad Rehman, of War on Want, told the Mail that paying reparations was 'the right thing to do'. The charity says that as the UK's share of the total amount of greenhouse gas produced by burning fossil fuel is around 3.5 per cent, 1trillion would reflect the cost of removing that carbon. A trillion is a million millions, or a thousand billions. Mr Rehman said: 'The UK was able to industrialise and take resources from the rest of the world and power its economy by burning fossil fuels. 'This is plainly morally the right thing to do. The UK should step up and accept the responsibility.' Mr Rehman added that 'reparations' were the right term to use. 'This is not charity, this is not aid, this is the UK accepting the harm it's created and repairing that harm,' he said. Rishi Sunak echoed the late Queen's words in his address to the Sharm El-Sheikh gathering this evening, as the Prime Minister reflected on the achievements of the UK's hosting of last year's Cop26 conference in Glasgow In a short speech, Mr Sunak pledged the UK would triple its funding to help nations adapt to the impacts of climate change as he noted how 'finances are tough' both in Britain and across the world The Queen, who died in September, gave an address to world leaders at last year's Cop26 summit in Glasgow via video link Britain, as the first country to industrialise, has historically been the fifth biggest emitter, Mr Rehman said. While it only contributes 1 per cent to the total amount of greenhouse gas produced each year at present, its share historically is around 3-3.5 per cent. Daniel Willis, of Global Justice Now, which supports reparations payments said: 'The world needs to find a way to pay for rebuilding after climate disasters, which are already costing $116billion [101billion) a year. 'Countries need to be looking to the fossil fuel industry to raise a major part of it the five biggest oil companies alone have made over $170billion (148billion) in profits in the last year'. Earlier today, UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres used an address to the Cop27 summit to warn world leaders: 'We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator. Our planet is fast approaching tipping points that will make climate chaos irreversible.' The Cop27 summit is promising to be a tricky debut on the world stage for Mr Sunak, as vulnerable countries demand a 'loss and damage' mechanism for extreme weather events caused by climate change - at the same time as the UK imposes swingeing austerity and tax rises at home. Labour also continued to attack the PM over his initial refusal to attend Cop27, before he U-turned and decided he would attend the Egypt summit - which came shortly after Mr Johnson announced his own attendance. Shadow climate change secretary Ed Miliband said tonight: 'You could tell the PM did not want to be there from his vacuous and empty speech to world leaders, which showed that he has no real ambition to tackle the climate and energy crisis.' In other developments today: Mr Sunak said he is 'disappointed' with Matt Hancock for taking part in I'm A Celebrity, with Business Secretary Grant Shapps saying he should be helping constituents; The PM held talks with Emmanuel Macron over the Channel migrant crisis as he pushes for a new deal; Mr Johnson used his own speech in Egypt to attack 'corrosive cynicism' on the drive towards Net Zero, and denied trying to upstage Mr Sunak; Mr Sunak has insisted he will not be 'Scrooge' after the Autumn Statement on November 17, despite signs Jeremy Hunt will bring in swingeing tax hikes and spending cuts. What countries could be in line for money from a 'loss and damage' climate mechanism? Debate over whether and how to compensate vulnerable countries for 'loss and damage' caused by climate change has been raging for decades. Supporters argue that states that have not contributed much to carbon emissions are suffering worst from extreme weather and rising sea levels. However, critics insist there is no way developed countries can be held responsible for behaviour during industrialisation - which also brought huge improvements in living standards around the globe - or have the means to pay for all the consequences. There is no agreed definition of what constitutes 'loss and damage' from climate change, certainty about how the impact will be felt over the coming decades, consensus on who deserves money, or clarity about how the bill would break down between developed states. Any effort to include China in a list of those due damages would cause fury. One often-cited study from 2018 attempted to calculate the costs for vulnerable countries that could not be met by 'adaptation', suggesting it could reach a trillion dollars a year by 2040. Some of the countries often named as in need of support are: Maldives; Pakistan; Bangladesh; Nigeria; Jamaica; Barbados; Marshall Islands; Vanuatu. Advertisement Nicola Sturgeon - who has also jetted in for the summit - upped the pressure this morning, saying there is an 'obligation' on countries that industrialised first to help 'deal with the impacts'. Business Secretary Grant Shapps pointedly refused to rule out the idea completely, saying the UK is 'supportive of discussions' taking place at Sharm El-Sheikh. The topic is on the agenda at the annual conference for the first time. However, Downing Street stressed that there is no question of 'reparations' and instead pointed to the tripling of the climate 'adaptation fund' to 1.5billion by 2025. And former PM Boris Johnson told a fringe event that Britain 'simply doesn't have the financial resources' to pay reparations and 'no country does'. While admitting that the UK had contributed vast carbon emissions, he argued that the focus should be on finding private investment and technological solutions. 'Let's look to the future,' he added. There is no agreed definition of what constitutes 'loss and damage' from climate change, certainty about how the impact will be felt over the coming decades, or clarity about how the costs would break down between developed states. Any effort to include China in a list of those due damages would cause fury. One often-cited study from 2018 attempted to calculate the costs for vulnerable countries that could not be met by 'adaptation', suggesting it could reach a trillion dollars a year by 2040. In a statement as the summit kicked off, the Alliance of Small Island States called for a new loss and damage response fund that is operational by 2024, as well as for emissions to peak and decline immediately and reform of the financial system away from fossil fuels. The group of nations, whose very existence is threatened by the rising seas and increasingly stormy weather caused by climate change, said the fossil fuel industry had been raking in three billion US dollars a day for 30 years. 'It is still cheaper, and faster, to get money to destroy the planet than to save it,' they said. Rishi Sunak meets Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson during the Cop27 summit at Sharm el-Sheikh Mr Kristersson bent down at one point, seemingly to scrawl his contact details on a piece of paper Mr Sunak also greeted Croatian PM Andrej Plenkovic on his first foreign trip since entering Downing Street Rishi Sunak chats to Israel's President Isaac Herzog at the COP27 summit in Egypt today Rishi Sunak met other leaders including the EU's Ursula von der Leyen at the summit in Egypt today Mr Sunak with UAE president Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today Boris Johnson told a fringe event that Britain 'simply doesn't have the financial resources' to pay reparations and 'no country does'. Nicola Sturgeon has backed calls for a loss and damage mechanism The UN Secretary General insisted COP27 must agree on a 'clear time-bound roadmap' to addressing loss and damage from climate change Mr Sunak is facing a difficult test as developing countries demand 'reparations' for extreme weather events caused by climate change - as the UK imposing swingeing austerity and tax rises at home Boris jokes HEATWAVE sparked coup against him Boris Johnson today joked that the 'unbearable' heatwave in London this summer could have triggered the coup against him. The former PM speculated on the effect of the heat - regarded as evidence of climate change - as he spoke at the COP27 summit in Egypt. Mr Johnson also denied he was upstaging Rishi Sunak by attending the gathering, saying he was now merely a 'foot soldier and spear carrier' for the Conservatives. He told the New York Times event that he was acting as the 'spirit' of the COP26 summit that was held in Glasgow during his premiership last year. Mr Johnson was forced to step down from Downing Street after a wave of ministerial resignations - including that of Mr Sunak - made his position untenable. Following the collapse of the administration formed by successor Liz Truss, he then dramatically pulled out of the Conservative leadership contest at the last moment. Advertisement Downing Street said Mr Sunak is looking to set the seal on last year's Cop26 summit in Glasgow with more than 200million in UK funding to protect forests and invest in 'green' technologies. Mr Sunak's attendance at the gathering in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh alongside leaders such as US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron marks his first outing on the international stage since becoming PM last month. In interviews yesterday, shadow climate secretary Ed Miliband stressed it would also be in Britain's 'self-interest' to boost aid to developing countries. But, while he highlighted both Pakistan and the Maldives as possible recipients of 'loss and damage' payments, he denied it would also see China handed cash. Mr Miliband also shied away from describing payments to developing countries as 'reparations' for climate change damage, adding that 'lots of people are allergic to the term 'reparations''. A debate over 'loss and damage' is expected to be a key issue at the Cop-27 summit, with developing countries having already made demands ahead of the Egypt gathering. The G77+ China group of nations are also set to repeat their call for a dedicated financing facility for loss and damage. Ms Sturgeon said there was an 'obligation' on richer countries that have largely caused climate change to help those suffering the impact of it. She told the BBC: 'I think this Cop is an opportunity for the global north and the global south to come together and have a proper, grown-up conversation about how we make progress. 'We've got to mitigate climate change, we've got to help countries adapt to the impacts of climate change, but as we've seen over the past year, not least in Pakistan, there are many parts of the world that are suffering loss and damage now that is irreversible and can't be mitigated against. 'There is an obligation in the spirit of solidarity for the richer countries that have largely caused climate change to now make a big effort to help those dealing with the impacts address that.' In his speech to world leaders, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for action to double support to help poorer countries adapt to climate change. But he also said the 'harsh truth' is that it was not possible to adapt to the growing number of catastrophic events around the world. 'The deadly impacts of climate change are here and now. Loss and damage can no longer be swept under the rug. It is a moral imperative,' he said, calling for concrete results on the issue at Cop27. Mr Guterres also called for a pact between developed and developing countries, in which all nations make an extra effort to reduce emissions, richer countries provide financial assistance to help emerging economies speed their own renewable transition, and to end dependence on fossil fuels. However, the PM's official spokesman said there was no question of 'reparations'. 'We are already helping countries across the world deal with the impacts of climate change and recognise the existential threat it poses to countries around the world from flooding to drought,' the spokesman said. 'That's why we've made a commitment to these countries to support them on that front. 'As we said over the weekend, we're tripling funding for climate adaptation. 'That's from 500million to 1.5billion in 2025. And the Prime Minister is confirming 65million in funding for the Nature, People and Climate Investment Fund - that supports indigenous and local forest communities. 'My understanding is that neither reparations or liabilities is what's being discussed at Cop-27. 'It's about working together to support climate vulnerable countries as I set out.' He added: 'We're not talking about reparations or liability we are talking about continuing to provide that support for countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change.' In a round of interviews this morning, Business Secretary Grant Shapps dodged on whether the Government accepted the principle of 'reparations' to poorer countries. 'We're accepting the principle there's a discussion to be had about this, and actually, in a sense, that's been accepted all along,' 'Today for example, the Prime Minister's announcing over 65 million of assistance to developing countries to be able to produce energy in a sustainable way, there's been a tacit acceptance. 'We industrialised first and we appreciate the rest of the world needs to be able to bring themselves along as well.' Asked if the payments could therefore happen, he added: 'There is a big international discussion going on, that's one of the things happening at Cop27 in Egypt and we're supportive of discussions going on, that's the British position.' In his opening address, the PM will say it is essential countries stick to commitments made in Glasgow if the world is to avoid the worst impact of climate change by limiting warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. At the same time, he will argue that the transition away from fossil fuels has the potential to drive growth and deliver jobs in the new green industries of the future, while cutting off funding for Russia's war in Ukraine. Mr Sunak is expected to say: 'The world came together in Glasgow with one last chance to create a plan that would limit global temperature rises to 1.5C. The question today is: can we summon the collective will to deliver on those promises? 'I believe we can. By honouring the pledges we made in Glasgow, we can turn our struggle against climate change into a global mission for new jobs and clean growth. 'And we can bequeath our children a greener planet and a more prosperous future. That's a legacy we could be proud of.' Before arriving in Sharm El-Sheikh overnight, the Prime Minister said he wanted the UK to be a leader on the issue. 'We led the world last year when it came to the Cop we hosted, achieved some very important things, we need to cement our leadership,' he told The Sun. 'I want to make sure I'm there flying the flag for the UK, being a leader on these issues.' He also paid tribute to the role of the King, even though he will not be at the gathering following an agreement between the Palace and former prime minister Liz Truss. 'He has demonstrated incredible leadership on this issue for a very long time. Even though he is not going to be there in person, I know he will be there in spirit. His leadership and influence will be guiding us,' he said. Downing Street said Mr Sunak will announce a further 65.5million for the clean energy innovation facility which provides grants to researchers and scientists in developing countries working on clean technologies from biomass-powered refrigeration in India to lithium-ion batteries in Nigeria. The UK is also committing 90million for conservation in the Congo Basin rainforest and 65 million to support indigenous and local forest communities as Mr Sunak launches a new group to track commitments made in Glasgow on deforestation. Mr Sunak shaking hands with new Italian PM Giorgia Meloni today Rishi Sunak is in Egypt for the COP27 summit having U-turned on his original decision to to attend The PM held talks with Emmanuel Macron (pictured today) over the Channel migrant crisis later as he pushes for a new deal The UK is handing over the baton on the COP summits to Egypt, having hosted the 26th gathering in Glasgow last year Mr Sunak had originally not intended to travel to Egypt, arguing his priority was to sort out the estimated 60billion black hole in the public finances ahead of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's autumn statement on November 17. But he was forced into what opposition parties called a 'screeching U-turn' after coming under fire from within his own party, as well as from environmentalists questioning his commitment to the net zero agenda. Shadow climate change secretary Ed Miliband said the Prime Minister should now drop plans to issue more licences for North Sea exploration and end the Government's opposition to onshore wind. 'Rishi Sunak is the man who had to be dragged kicking and screaming to go to Cop so it's simply implausible for him to claim the mantle of climate leadership. Rishi Sunak is a fossil fuel prime minister in a renewable age,' he said. The latest round of UN climate talks takes place against a backdrop of devastating extreme weather around the world as well as an energy and cost-of-living crisis driven by President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. The UN has warned that, based on countries' latest climate action plans, there is currently no credible pathway to meet the 1.5C goal intended to avoid the worst impact of global warming. Rich countries are also falling short in providing the finance needed to help developing nations adapt to a changing climate and develop cleanly, the UN has warned. Megyn Kelly criticized the New York Times for including her in an article which accuses right wing politicians and commentators of circulating misinformation about the attack on Paul Pelosi. Talk show host Kelly said the paper must grow up and do your job after the Times singled her out because she raised doubts that all facts were being disclosed. Kelly, 51, has said San Francisco Police Department, which responded to the attack on 82-year-old Paul Pelosi, has more to disclose. Police are under pressure to release bodycam footage of their response to the attack on House Speaker Nancy Pelosis husband on October 28. Kelly was singled out in a Times piece about Republicans who spread 'misinformation' about the attack on Paul Pelosi, 82, because she 'raised doubts that all facts were being disclosed' Paul Pelosi was attacked with a hammer at the San Francisco home he shares with wife Nancy Several questions, such as exactly how suspected attacker David DePape gained entry to Nancy and Pauls guarded $6 million mansion, also remain unanswered. While some conservatives have been accused spread baseless conspiracy theories about the attack, Kelly appears to have been singled out by the Times for urging authorities to disclose more information. Kelly said on Twitter: The NYT lists me as a spreader of misinfo re the P Pelosi attack bc I raised doubts that all facts were being disclosed. Its called JOURNALISM. SFPD clearly has more to disclose but if u ask for it, youre a misinfo spreader like @Miguelnbc. Grow up, NYT & DO YOUR JOB. Miguel Almaguer, the NBC national correspondent tagged in Kellys post, was not named in the Times piece. A segment by Almaguer which aired on Friday about the attack was removed because it included information from an unreliable source. Kelly's image in the New York Times' gallery The report included a disputed claim that Paul Pelosi did not indicate he was in danger when police first arrived at his home. The recent Times piece about disinformation also named Pete Hegseth, an author and Fox News host, because he raised doubts that all facts were being disclosed. Byron York, chief political correspondent for the Washington Examiner, tweeted: NYT reports on 'How Republicans Fed a Misinformation Loop About the Pelosi Attack.' Casts a wide net. Can you believe some observers 'raised doubts that all facts were being disclosed'? But: Isn't that self-evidently true? Hasn't SF DA said as much? The Times piece included a gallery of 21 individuals who spread misinformation or cast doubt on the attack. They include nine elected officials and candidates, and 12 prominent figures. The Times' story singled out 21 individuals it said 'fed a misinformation loop about the attack' Kelly and Hegseth were included after they 'raised doubts that all facts were being disclosed' While some of those in the Times piece did spread misinformation, it singled out Kelly because she 'raised doubts that all facts were being disclosed'. Kelly says police have 'more to disclose' Responding to the Times piece, talk show host Kelly tweeted: 'Grow up, NYT & DO YOUR JOB.' Former President Donald Trump is included for suggesting the attack was staged, a claim for which there is no evidence. Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, is listed because he amplified a conspiracy theory about male prostitution. In the days following the attack, Musk tweeted - then deleted - an article which suggested the House Speaker's husband left a San Francisco gay bar with DePape prior to his assault. The claim is false. But the singling out of Kelly and Hegseth for seeking undisclosed details drew criticism. It comes after a prominent media watchdog called on NBC News to be 'more transparent' about its retraction over their report on Pelosi's attack. Steve Krakauer, editor of the Fourth Watch media newsletter, said: 'It's incumbent on NBC to be more transparent about the process, and say publicly what, if anything, was inaccurate in the report. 'Now much of the legacy press is notably anti-skepticism. And much of the incurious press labeled any skepticism in this assault and break-in as dangerous conspiracy theorizing.' DePape is accused of attempted murder, burglary and elder abuse over attack on Paul Pelosi Bodycam footage of DePape's arrest has not been released by the San Francisco Police Department or the citys District Attorney despite repeated requests, including by DailyMail.com. A spokesman for SFPD's media relations unit said on Monday: 'Due to the open investigation the officers' body camera footage along with any other evidence will not be released.' Pelosi is recovering at home a week after he was struck in the head with a hammer wielded by DePape, 42, who broke into the property while the House Speakers - along with her security detail - were in Washington, D.C. DePape, 42, is being held on charges of attempted murder, burglary, and elder abuse for breaking into the Pelosi home and attacking Paul Pelosi with a hammer. He had reportedly asked 'where's Nancy' and told investigators that he wanted to break her kneecaps. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins refused on Thursday to release details beyond what was already in court filings. He said: 'Mr Pelosi opened the door, they were both holding a hammer and the police observed Mr DePape pull that hammer away and then strike Mr Pelosi. That is the most that we're going to say at this point. Our job is not to try this case in the public or in the press. It's to try it in a courtroom.' Colombian authorities have opened an investigation into the death of an alleged rapist who was found dead inside his holding cell just hours after he was arrested at his home. Juan Gonzalez, 42, was taken into custody by the Bogota police Saturday, a five days after he approached Hilary Castro, 17, at a train station and forced her at knifepoint to perform oral sex on him. Gonzalez was taken to the 38th Immediate Reaction Unit on Sunday at 12:30 am and was represented by a public defender during a hearing with a judge on site. He was placed in a jail cell located in the second floor and was found unresponsive at 2:12 pm local time. According to the Colombian newspaper El Tiempo, an official report showed that the suspect never made any complaints about his health. Gonzalez's had 'polytraumatisms' in different parts of his body and law enforcement considered he may have been murdered. Hilary Castro (pictured) came forward last Wednesday with a video statement on social media, revealing she was assaulted at knifepoint in a Bogota train station and allegedly raped by Juan Gonzalez. The 42-year-old was arrested at his home Saturday and was found dead in a holding cell Sunday afternoon. Authorities are considering his death a homicide Juan Gonzalez (center) was found dead inside a jail cell at a Bogota, Colombia, police station on Sunday afternoon. He was arrested for allegedly assaulting 17-year-old Hilary Castro at a train station on October 31 and forced her to perform oral sex on him 'It has been reported that the deceased today fainted inside the cell, which with the support of a nurse gave him first aid and who stated that he no longer had vital signs,' the report indicated. Castro revealed the horrific October 31 encounter on social media with a video statement last Wednesday. The teenager recalled that she had stepped out of a B12 train line car at the Castellana station and that she noticed that Gonzalez checked the surroundings before he assaulted her. 'What I did was like trying to walk faster because it was a completely empty station where there was not a single police officer, a single security guard,' she said in Spanish. Gonzalez at one point withdrew a knife from a bag he was carrying and chased Castro down. 'He threatens me with a knife to which he tells me to give him everything. I proceed to take off, I had a shoulder bag, I give it to him, he starts to touch me everywhere,' Castro said. 'I couldn't find my cellphone but I took off the shoulder bag and he starts to threaten me and he starts to say a lot of obscene things to me.' Juan Gonzalez was arrested October 24 after residents called the police and said that the 42-year-old man had exposed his genitals to children and women at a park. A judge released him after indicating that there was no proof had been presented to charge him with any crime Colombian authorities are looking into the death of Juan Gonzalez, a 42-year-old man who was arrested and held at the 38th Immediate Reaction Unit in Bogota on Sunday, where he was found dead in a cell. Police initially said he had committed suicide but are now investigating the incident and considering it a homicide. Gonzalez was being investigated for forcing a 17-year-old to perform oral sex on him at a train station on October 31 and was arrested at his home Saturday A shaken Castro was forced to walk out the train station, which was not under police or security watch at the time, before she was sexually assaulted. 'He says that he wants to (have sex), that he wants I don't know what. I went into total shock and I can't respond to anything at all because I am extremely shocked by everything that was happening and this man proceeds to take my hand and starts pulling me out of the station,' Castro said. 'I got off the station at the point of threats and my cellphone started to come out a little here. He saw it and took it from me,' she added. 'He took me behind the station, proceeded to drop his pants while still having me threatened and forced me to perform oral sex on him.' The horrible attack stopped after two young men spotted a defenseless Castro being held against her own will by Gonzalez, who immediately took off running and disappeared. Juan Gonzalez is arrested at his home on Saturday evening. He was found dead inside a jail cell Sunday afternoon Hilary Castro was turned away from a Bogota police station when she went to file a rape complaint and was told that her 'case is not an emergency case' The individuals escorted Castro to a place where she was meeting a group of friends, including one who managed to contact Castro's mother because Castro was inconsolable and could not talk for herself. Castro spent the next two days locked in her bedroom until her mother was able to calm her down and accompanied her to the 38th Immediate Reaction Unit to file a report. However, Castro explained that they were given the runaround and sent to another unit, which refused to take the register the complaint because the station did not handle cases against minors. She returned to the 38th Immediate Reaction Unit, but was shockingly turned away. Juan Gonzalez was arrested Saturday night, five days after he approached Hilary Castro, 17, at a train station and forced her at knifepoint to perform oral sex on him 'There they also tell us that they do not receive complaints because it is already after 5 in the afternoon and my case is not an emergency case,' Castro said. 'Clearly I want to make this whole case public because I don't want this to go unpunished and I don't want this to happen to any other woman either,' she continued while adding that she was 'tired of judicial processes being extremely revictimizing for all of us and that we have to go through all these things.' The attack came nine days after Gonzalez was recorded on video being approached by two police officers in Bogota after he had exposed his genitals at a park filled with children and women. He was taken into custody October 22, but a judge immediately released him because there was no proof of the allegations. University of Kentucky student Sophia Rosing pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and disorderly conduct after a drunken rage where she called a black desk clerk a 'n*****' more than 200 times. The blonde 22-year-old was visibly intoxicated as she stumbled into the dorms on campus in Lexington, Kentucky, before she launched herself at fellow student Kylah Spring who was working the front desk. Footage showed her violent and racist outburst against Spring, with court documents revealing that she called her the derogatory term more than 200 times. Rosing on Monday pleaded not guilty to charges of intoxication in a public place, third-degree assault on a police officer, fourth-degree assault and second-degree disorderly conduct. Exclusive pictures obtained by DailyMail.com show her parents, Jill and Don Rosing, both leaving the courtroom after their daughter appeared via a videolink. Her bond has been at $10,000. During her rampage, the business and marketing major told University of Kentucky police officers that she gets 'special treatment' because she has 'lots of money', according to WKYT. She 'kicked and bit' officers as they tried to place her under arrest, according to court documents. A judge banned Rosing from contacting her victim, Kylah Spring, if she gets released on bail. She was also ordered not return to Boyd Hall, or drink alcohol. Her parents, Jill and Don Rosing, both sat in the courtroom watching as their daughter appeared via a videolink with her bond set at $10,0000 Sophia Rosing, 22, was visibly intoxicated as she stumbled into the dorms on campus in Lexington, Kentucky, before she launched herself at fellow student Kylah Spring who was working the front desk Her parents appeared to discuss the case with a third man after Rosling pleaded not guilty to all four offences DailyMail.com can reveal that she grew up in a modest three-bedroom and two-bathroom family property in Fort Mitchell with her parents and siblings Sophia Rosing, 22, was caught on camera physically assaulting two black students at the University of Kentucky and calling a student employee a 'n***** b****' Rosing is currently at the Fayette County Detention Center - where she refused to identify herself to officers upon her arrival in the early hours. She is listed as a Jane Doe because of her refusal to cooperate with officers. Other university students have called for Rosing to be expelled from the university and are calling for the President, Eli Capilouto, to do more. When asked by DailyMail.com if Rosing would be suspended, the University declined to comment because the disciplinary investigation was ongoing. Rosing bragged to fellow students the year before the vile racist incident, saying Im rich as f*** and youre obviously not. But DailyMail.com can reveal that she grew up in a modest three-bedroom and two-bathroom family property in Fort Mitchell with her parents and siblings. Her father, Paul Donald Rosing, works as an Technology Executive for Messer Construction Co, but relatives of Rosing have not yet responded to request for comment. In video of the incident posted online, Rosing was barely able to stand up straight as she tried to hit student Kylah Spring, who was working at the front desk of a dormitory on campus. Rosing is now being held at the Fayette County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond after using racist language more than 200 times in her foul-mouthed rant When asked by DailyMail.com if Rosing would be suspended, the University declined to comment because the disciplinary investigation was ongoing Sophia Rosing, second from right, has been removed from her role in Dillard's Campus Collective Program after footage of her racially abusing a fellow student went viral Other pupils of the university are calling for the business major, pictured with her dad, to be kicked out of the facility, and are calling for the President, Eli Capilouto, to do more Rosing is seen here early Sunday morning wrestling with fellow student Kylah Spring, who was working at the front desk of a dormitory on campus Spring, who was assaulted by Rosing, shared a post which said: 'Eli, as per usual makes a statement that means jack s*** without action. 'Sophia Rosing needs to be held accountable and expelled for what she did. We will not tolerate this hate on campus.' Rosing, who is a double business and marketing major, has been fired by fashion brand Dillard's for her outburst. She was part of the Campus Collective Program, with a Dillard's spokesperson saying: 'Dillard's does not condone this behavior. Her relationship with Dillards has been terminated immediately.' University Police took Rosing into custody just before 4am on Sunday on charges of intoxication in a public place, third-degree assault on a police officer, fourth-degree assault and second-degree disorderly conduct. A march against racism will be held at 6pm Monday at William T Young Library, with those involved walking to the Bowman statue on campus on behalf of Kylah Spring. Rosing, who is white, calls Spring a 'n***** b***' as she tried to restrain her as she attempted to get into an elevator. The blonde business and marketing major is currently at the Fayette County Detention Center - where she refused to identify herself to officers upon her arrival in the early hours Rosing, who is a double business and marketing major, has been fired by fashion brand Dillard's for her outburst When Spring and another black student tried to get Rosing to sit down, Rosing could be seen trying to punch the other victim and trying to kick Spring 'Could you stop please?' Spring asked Rosing after she managed to escape Spring's grasp. 'Nope,' Rosing responded, before Spring tried to grab her again. Rosing then continued to repeat the racial slur, causing Spring to say: 'Ooh Jesus, I do not get paid enough for this.' 'Exactly and you're a n***** and you're a b****,' Rosing responded several times before a voice off-camera told Spring: 'I've got this all on video.' A second video showed Spring and another black student trying to get her to sit in a chair, when Rosing hit out at the second black victim and tried to kick Spring. A University of Kentucky police officer then handcuffed Rosing in the dorm as she continued to repeat the racial slur and struggled to stay standing. Rosing is still being held at the Fayette County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond. It is unclear if she has retained an attorney to speak on her behalf, and is set to appear in court to be arraigned. In an Instagram post following the altercation, Spring explained why she had intervened in the first place. Sophia Rosing, 22, was visibly intoxicated as she stumbled into the dorms on campus in Lexington, Kentucky, before she launched herself at fellow student Kylah Spring who was working the front desk Spring said that is when Rosing kicked her in the stomach, tried to run her over with a shopping cart that was in the lobby and bit her friend Rosing, who is a double business and marketing major, has been fired by fashion brand Dillard's for her outburst In an Instagram post following the altercation, Spring described what she had endured She explained that Rosing walked into Boyd Hall, on Martin Luther King Blvd, after Spring had refused her entry because she did not have an ID card on her. When blonde Rosing managed to get into the lobby she stumbled as she approached the elevators, which concerned Spring who was behind the front desk. Spring said: 'I worked a shift tonight where was assaulted and called a n*****, and someone said other racial slurs towards me. Rosing is being held on a $10,000 bail after being arrested by campus police 'It is a part of our job that if we see a student that's like very drunk, we are to call an RA to... write a report. 'So I reach my head out of the desk area, and I ask the girl "Are you OK?"' Spring recounted, 'and she stared at me and started to call me a n*****.' At that point Spring called the RA and tried to prevent Rosing from entering the elevator, to wait for someone to arrive to help. She added: 'And so I jumped in, I tried to move her off to the side, and she just kept going "No n*****, you're a b****, you're a n*****, do my chores b****. 'And she kept doing that as I was trying to sit her down.' Spring said that is when Rosing kicked her in the stomach, tried to run her over with a shopping cart that was in the lobby and bit her friend. In an email to students following the altercation, President Eli Capilouto said Spring 'acted with professionalism, restraint and discretion.' Rosing had previously been filmed berating another student at a party She told the student in the video how she is rich and they apparently are not He noted that the school's Office of Student Conduct has launched an immediate review of the assault, and that its Student Success teams 'are reaching out to the student victims who were subject to this behavior to offer support.' It added: 'To be clear: We condemn this behavior and will not tolerate it under any circumstances,' he said, as he vowed to update students with more information as it becomes available. The disturbing video is not the first instance of Rosing berating other students while intoxicated. In another video posted shortly after the footage of the assault went viral, Rosing could be seen telling someone off camera at a party: 'I'm rich as f*** and you're obviously not compared to what you're wearing. 'And I can do you and you can't do s*** about it, especially since you don't know my last name. But I know God-d*** well who you are.' Drivers who have never visited the city were sent warning letters from council Drivers who have never visited Bristol and live hundreds of miles away have been hit with warning letters due to faulty cameras in a low-emissions zone. One motorist from Liverpool believed his car's number plate had been cloned and quickly informed the police after receiving a letter from Bristol City Council. The City Council admitted its Clean Air Zone cameras, which monitor which cars pass through the designated area, may be misreading registrations. The council sent letters to drivers using vehicles that had been triggered by the new cameras on the edge of the Clean Air Zone during a three-week period in September. The letters warned them that, while they weren't being fined for that trip, they would be if they make the same journey into the Clean Air Zone after the scheme starts on November 28. But a number of motorists have complained to Bristol City Council over the stress caused despite never having visited the city before. Drivers who have never visited Bristol have been receiving warning letters for driving through the city's 'Clean Air Zone', due to faulty cameras misreading number plates One motorist from West Wales said she visited her local police station because she was worried her vehicle had been cloned, while another driver from Merseyside said he would be demanding 300 compensation for the time and stress involved after receiving the letter. Bristol City Council said their advice to anyone who appears to have been sent a letter in error is to just ignore it, but the council has admitted there is a problem with the cameras not being able to correctly identify some letters on vehicle registration plates. In a statement, Bristol City Council said: 'It's possible that the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras set up to monitor traffic in the Clean Air Zone misread your registration number. If you weren't in Bristol in September, ignore the letter.' Drivers who own vehicles that are liable to pay the charge face a 9 fee or a long detour around the zone. One motorist from hundreds of miles away believed that his car's number plate had been cloned and went to the police (pictured: a Bristol road inside the new Clean Air Zone) But while the scheme is controversial, the admission that the cameras installed by the council to photograph every vehicle entering the zone could have issues has infuriated some drivers. Ian Hughes, a motorist from Prescot on Merseyside, said he was 'disgusted' with Bristol City Council. Mr Hughes told Bristol City Council that after he received a letter from the council about the CAZ area, he 'naturally assumed' his vehicle number plate had been cloned. 'Which led me then spending four and a half hours, informing DVLA and two police forces and various other departments, as per (the) advice from UK Government,' he said. 'I then learnt that it is more than likely down to your faulty cameras, which can't read the letter 'Y' and send out these letters incorrectly,' he fumed. Demanding 300 in compensation for his time, which he said was his 'cost to sort out your error and ineptness', he added: 'You simply cannot expect to send out these inaccurate letters and then not cover the genuine time costs to correct your mistakes.' A map of Bristol's Clean Air Zone, which came into effect at the end of last month Mr Hughes said he has since been contacted by several other people who have had the same letter, despite never driving anywhere near Bristol. 'I have requested 300 compensation for my time in dealing with Bristol city councils absolute ineptness,' he said. 'They don't understand the stress and anxiety caused by thinking your vehicle has been cloned. 'They couldn't run a tea party. Since putting this on the Bristol city council Facebook page I've been contacted by several other people who have had the same experience as me wasting their time and being upset and worried about the vehicle being cloned. 'I've never been to Bristol in my life and certainly will never go, I feel sorry for the people of Bristol having such a bunch of clowns running their city,' he added. Christine Davies, from west Wales, said: 'I've never been to Bristol in my life, neither has my vehicle. It's taken all day and hours of phone calls and (I'm) still none the wiser.' She said a council employee told her the council had received 'hundreds of complaints' about the issue. 'Who do I bill for taking a day off, travelling to the DVLA in Swansea, my local police station worrying my vehicle is cloned?' she asked. 'The women we spoke to in the council was unsympathetic, saying you've had hundreds of complaints today, not only mine. What's happened is irresponsible to the max,' she added. Bristol City Council have been contacted about the issue and a council spokesperson said that the advice to drivers who had received the letters last week in error was to ignore them. President Joe Biden is spending the day before the election doing virtual events from the White House while Jill Biden hit the campaign trail in Virginia. The first couple will be on stage together on Monday night in Bowie, Maryland, for the Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore. The day marks the two-year anniversary of when Biden won the White House. Both of the day's stop come in heavily blue areas amid signs Democrats are worried about turnout in Tuesday's election. Biden won the state of Maryland by 34 points and the Virginia House district that the first lady visited backed the president by 19 points. President Biden spent the day at the White House where he did a virtual fundraiser from the Democratic National Committee. Jill Biden was in Virginia, campaigning for Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton, a heavy GOP target. Jill Biden campaigned for Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in Virginia on Monday; Republicans are heavily targeting Wexton and two other Virginia Democrats President Joe Biden walks into the White House on Sunday night - he is spending Monday doing virtual events for Democrats Republicans are looking to pick up at least three House seats in the state after Republican Glenn Youngkin was able to win the gubernatorial contest last year. Democrats will be watching the results in Wexton and her fellow Reps. Elaine Luria and Abigail Spanberger's races as a sign of how Tuesday night is going for the party. Republicans are favored to win the House. The Senate is seen as more of a toss up and results may not be clear on election night. In their last prediction based on poll averages, Real Clear Politics has the GOP picking up at least 15 in the House races to take their total to 227, with the Democrats winning 174. Republicans only need to gain five seats to take control of the House. Thirty-four races for Congress are still considered toss-ups but it is becoming clear that Republicans have the momentum, despite the Democrats making a small comeback in the closing stages. President Joe Biden is battling low approval ratings as voters express their frustration with the economy and the high cost of living. Republicans have hammered Biden on the economy and blame Democrats for the crime rate - a message that appears to be resonating with voters. First lady Jill Biden takes pictures with supporters after speaking at an event for Rep. Jennifer Wexton in Virginia Thirty-four races for Congress are still considered toss-ups but it is becoming clear that Republicans have the momentum, despite the Democrats making a small comeback in the closing stages A final midterms poll projection shows Republicans with a grip on the majority in the House and picking up three seats in the Senate, with less than 24 hours until millions of Americans head to the polls Biden, the first lady and other surrogates are painting the election as a choice between democracy and anarchy. They accuse Republicans of wanting to cut Social Security and Medicare, end abortion rights and give tax cuts to the rich. 'There is a choice to make between two drastically different versions of our future,' Jill Biden said Monday in Virginia. 'Extremists are putting Social Security and Medicare on the chopping block. A Republican majority will attack women's rights and healthcare,' she said. Meanwhile, House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy, who will be the next speaker if Republicans win the House, told CNN that the party's first acts in power will be to secure the border, cut back on government spending and launch rigorous investigations into the Biden administration. More than 40 million Americans have already voted, according to the United States Election Project, far ahead of 2018 levels and suggesting their could be a record turnout. When will result of midterms be in? It could take just hours or almost a MONTH for control of Congress to be known... but beware of red and blue 'mirage states' that appear decided before they really are Though Election Day is just days away, it may take Americans up to a month to know which party will be in control of the United States Congress, All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for grabs on Tuesday, as are 35 U.S. Senate seats and 36 governorships. Republicans would need to pick up five seats to take a majority in the House and just one to control the Senate. Nonpartisan election forecasters and polls suggest Republicans have a very strong chance of winning a House majority, with control of the Senate likely to be closer fought as voters say they are most concerned about the economy. A massive wave of Republican support could lead to declarations of victory hours after polls close. But with dozens of races expected to be close and key states like Pennsylvania already warning it could take days to count every ballot, experts say there's a good chance Americans go to bed on election night without knowing who won. 'When it comes to knowing the results, we should move away from talking about Election Day and think instead about election week,' said Nathan Gonzales, who publishes the nonpartisan newsletter Inside Elections. The earliest vote tallies will be skewed by how quickly states count mail-in ballots, with some states reporting mail-in ballots results earlier, which could make it seem like Democrats have the lead in the state Beware of red and blue 'mirage' states The earliest vote tallies will be skewed by how quickly states count mail-in ballots. Because Democrats vote by mail more often than Republicans, states that let officials get an early jump on counting mail ballots could report big Democratic leads early on that evaporate as vote counters work through piles of Republican-leaning ballots that were cast on election day. In these 'blue mirage' states like Florida and North Carolina election officials are allowed to remove mail ballots from their envelopes before Election Day and load them in vote counting machines, allowing for speedy counting. But states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin don't allow officials to open the envelopes until Election Day, leading to a possible 'red mirage' in which Republican-leaning Election Day ballots are reported earlier, with many Democratic-leaning mail ballots counted later. Experts like Joe Lenski, co-founder of Edison Research, which will be tracking hundreds of races on November 8 said he will keep an eye on the mix of different types of ballots each state is counting throughout the night. 'Blue mirage, red mirage, whatever. You just have to look at what types of votes are getting reported to know where you are in that state,' said Lenski. So when will we know when the races are won? The first wave of vote tallies are expected on the East Coast between 7pm and 8pm ET. An early indication of Republican success could come if the races expected to be close like Virginia's 7th congressional district (where Republican Liz Cheney has put her support behind a Democratic candidate) or a contentious U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina turn out to be Democratic routs. By around 10pm or 11pm EST, when polls in the Midwest will be closed for an hour or more, it's possible Republicans will have enough momentum for experts at U.S. media organizations to project control of the House, said Kyle Kondik, a political analyst at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. If the fight for the House still looks close as vote tallies start coming in from the West Coast where there could be more than a dozen tight House races it could be days before control of the chamber is known, experts said. California typically takes weeks to count all its ballots, in part because it counts ballots postmarked by Election Day even if they arrive days afterward. Nevada and Washington state also allow late ballots if postmarked by November 8, slowing down the march to final results. 'If the House is really on the edge, that would matter,' said Kondik. It may take longer, perhaps weeks longer, to know which party will control the Senate, with close contests in Pennsylvania, Arizona and Georgia likely to determine final control. And iIf Georgia's Senate race is as close as expected and no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, a run-off election would be scheduled for December 6, possibly leaving control of the chamber in limbo until then. The Duchess of Sussex has said shes happy to be back in her native California, but Prince Harry would rather have moved to a different continent. His friend, the celebrated primatologist Dame Jane Goodall, has revealed that he wanted the couple to live in Africa, where he has spent some of the happiest times in his life. He wanted to bring Archie up in Africa, running barefoot with African children, she says of their three-year-old son. He and Meghan also have a daughter, Lilibet, aged 17 months. Read more here on The Mail+. It wasnt just an idle hope. In 2019, the Sunday Times disclosed that courtiers had drawn up plans to hand the Duke and Duchess of Sussex a major international job that could have seen them moving abroad after the birth of their first child. RICHARD EDEN: Prince Harry's friend, the celebrated primatologist Dame Jane Goodall, has revealed that he wanted the couple to live in Africa, where he has spent some of the happiest times in his life (Prince Harry, Meghan and Archie pictured in Cape Town in 2019) Prince Harrys advisers were said to be working on a bespoke role for the couple, probably in Africa (picture is Meghan and Harry in Johannesburg in 2019) Prince Harrys advisers were said to be working on a bespoke role for the couple, probably in Africa, that would combine some work on behalf of the Commonwealth along with charity work and a role promoting Britain. The plan had been drawn up by Sir David Manning, the former British ambassador to the U.S. and special adviser on constitutional and international affairs to Harry and Prince William. Of course, the plan was never put into action and the couple moved to North America before quitting royal duties. Had they moved to Africa, it could have made it more difficult for the Sussexes to sign lucrative deals with American companies such as Netflix, Spotify and BetterUp. Harry has a deep love of the continent and visited many times. His ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy is from Zimbabwe and he established a charity to help African orphans, Sentebale, with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. Dame Jane was previously interviewed by the Duke of Sussex for the edition of British Vogue edited by his wife in 2019 Meghan also feels an affinity to Africa, telling Nigerian-American comedian Ziwe Fumudoh on her Archetypes podcast last month that genealogy tests had found her ancestry was 43 per cent Nigerian. The former actresss mother, Doria Ragland, is African-American and her father, Thomas Markle, is of Dutch-Irish descent. Dame Jane was previously interviewed by the Duke of Sussex for the edition of British Vogue edited by his wife in 2019. In it, she spoke warmly of meeting and cuddling Archie. In her latest comments, she says of the Montecito-based couple: I dont talk about them now. Of course, I have my views, and I think Harry cares, I really think he does. My times that I talked with him I just felt that he was a really nice, good person. The naturalist, whos regarded as the worlds foremost expert on chimpanzees, may be reluctant to say more about her royal friends after the furore caused by the Vogue chat. The naturalist, whos regarded as the worlds foremost expert on chimpanzees, may be reluctant to say more about her royal friends after the furore caused by the Vogue chat (pictured hugging Prince Harry in 2019) In it, Harry made a comment about the number of children he wanted that was interpreted as a dig at Prince William and Catherine, who have three. Talking of saving the planet for future generations, Harry said: Ive always had a connection and a love for nature. I view it differently now, without question. But Ive always wanted to try to ensure that, even before having a child and hoping to have children. Dame Jane asked: Not too many? He replied: Two, maximum. In the new interview, with The Times, Dame Jane lets slip that Harrys not her only royal admirer. I talked with the late Duke of Edinburgh a couple of times, she says. He was fun. And King Charles? He keeps inviting me down to his farm [at Highgrove, Gloucestershire] but Ive never been able to go. Now that hes King, who knows? Read Richard Edens sparkling social diary, Eden Confidential, in full on Mail+ tomorrow. Assailants shot dead an American aid worker in Baghdad on Monday in a rare killing of a foreigner in the Iraqi capital in recent years, two police officials said. The man was shot in his car as he entered the street where he lives in the central Karrada district on the east bank of the Tigris River but the reason for the killing was not immediately clear, they said. They said the man's wife and child were in the car with him but were not hurt. The officials said as the man drove through his street, a car cut him off and assailants in another car shot him dead. It was not immediately clear if the assailants were trying to kidnap the man, they said. According to documents seen by The Associated Press, the man had been renting an apartment in Karrada's Wahda area since May last year. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the killing. Assailants shot dead an American aid worker in Baghdad on Monday in a rare killing of a foreigner in the Iraqi capital in recent years, two police officials said. U.S.-led coalition forces recently ended their combat mission in Iraq but continue to play an advisory role to Iraqi forces in the fight against IS U.S. Embassy officials when contacted by The Associated Press said they had only just heard about the shooting and had no information. Two security officials confirmed a U.S. citizen who worked for an international aid organization had been killed without giving his name. They said details were scarce but an investigation was underway. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Such attacks against individuals in the Iraqi capital have been rare since the defeat of the Islamic State group in the country in 2017 but rockets are sometimes fired toward the U.S. Embassy. U.S.-led coalition forces recently ended their combat mission in Iraq but continue to play an advisory role to Iraqi forces in the fight against IS. The court was told 344 people were persuaded to invest 5.4m in the project He has previous convictions for fraud and was fired from his job in 2017 A corrupt stockbroker who promised more than 300 investors huge returns for pouring 5.4million into a South American gold mine avoided jail today. Stephen Todd, 41, masterminded the swindle through IPR Capital Ltd, offering shares in a mining company in Ecuador, Southwark Crown Court heard. Todd has previous convictions for fraud and was disqualified from being a company boss for 10 years in 2017 for unfit conduct while running a series of disreputable firms in the City, including Square Investments and Hamilton Bentley. He and financial analyst Steven Mayne, 42, both admitted conspiracy to defraud while David Williams, 41, and John Andrews, 54, admitted money laundering offences. Corrupt stockbroker Stephen Todd, who promised more than 300 investors huge returns for pouring 5.4m into a South American gold mine, avoided jail today The court was told 344 people were persuaded to invest 5.4m in the project between May 2013 and January 2015. Todd and Mayne were both sentenced to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years. Williams received a 12-month sentence suspended for two years. Andrews, a former Army NCO currently serving a lengthy jail sentence for dealing MDMA, was jailed for 12 months. Todd was also disqualified from being a company director for six years. Walton Hornsby, prosecuting, said there had been 'genuine intention' to set up a 'profitable and functioning gold mine' in Equador and that they had hoped investors would have received a 'substantial increase'. But he added: 'The reason the conspiracy came to an end was that in February 2015 the Insolvency Service shut it down as it was seen to be against the public interest. 'Over time it was quite clear that this was not a viable investment.' The court heard that workers in the gold mine had to be laid off before Christmas 2014. Todd was previously jailed for seven years for 'carrying on a business with intent to defraud creditors' at Croydon Crown Court in 2018. Anu Mohindru, KC, defending Todd, said he had 'embarked on a journey of self-reflection' since his previous sentence, obtaining a higher education certificate in law, and had learned from his time in jail. Todd co-founded 'Inside People', an organization aimed at securing employment for ex-offenders. The defence said: 'He is a true advocate for rehabilitation. It would have a profound negative impact if Stephen were sent to prison.' Todd has previous convictions for fraud and was disqualified from being a company boss for 10 years in 2017 for unfit conduct Retired nurse Geraldine Fitzgerald lost 13,000 in the scam and told Southwark Crown Court she had felt 'sick and wobbly' when she realised the truth. She said: 'I felt excited about the gold mining project. I had recently inherited a few thousand pounds from the death of my mother. 'They gave the impression of being honest and open. It really touched all my buttons, all the things I care about. I trusted them.' Ms Fitzgerald said she felt sick when she realised she had been conned: 'I didn't want to believe that such nice friendly people could be involved in scamming people like me. 'The feeling of blankness lasted some time. I'm finding it difficult to relive this time. 'I feel sick that I allowed them to get emotionally inside me. I feel very sad that I allowed money from my mother to be used in this way.' She added: 'I worked as a nurse in developing countries. I am now reliant on housing benefits and a state pension. 'I put a lot into life. No one will pull me down or make me feel like a victim forever.' Another investor that did not want to be named lost 71,000 and said: 'It seems that the people behind the fraud were trying to line their own pockets' Southwark Crown Court (pictured) heard 344 people were persuaded to invest 5.4million in the project between May 2013 and January 2015 'They had little or no thought for the investors putting their money into the scheme.' Judge Gregory Perrins said: 'The entire investment was doomed to fail so that many people who had put their trust and so much of their lives in the project would suffer loss. 'The greed involved meant it was doomed to fail. There is no doubt that this is a significant, sophisticated and prolonged fraud. 'It is important to not lose sight of what this fraud is actually about. A large number of innocent people have had to endure the loss of their financial security, with all the loss and heart-break that that brings. '[This is] a story of dreams crushed, relationships torn apart. Bringing so much misery to the lives of so many.' Todd, of Limehouse, east London, and Mayne, of Earl's Court, admitted conspiracy to defraud. Williams, of Minster-on-Sea, Kent, admitted converting criminal property between 19 May 2014 and 3 February 2015, namely 60,553, knowing or suspecting it to constitute or represent in whole or in part a person's benefit from criminal conduct. Andrews, of Greenhithe, Kent, admitted converting criminal property between June 14 and 30 2014, namely 60,000, knowing it to constitute and hold at least in part proceeds from criminal conduct. Confiscation proceedings will now begin to recoup some of the money lost by victims of the fraud. Despite the growing migrant crisis nearly half of Home Office staff are still working from home, figures have shown. Only fifty four per cent of Home Office workers were back at their desks at their headquarters on Marsham Street during the week commencing October 17. Suella Braverman's department ranked second lowest for in-person attendance that week, just ahead of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office at 44 per cent. While the Ministry of Defence had 95 per cent of its workforce back at their desks during the same week, according to data published on the Cabinet Office website. The Home Office remained among the five lowest ranked for attendance between September 19 and October 21 - all while trying to deal with the migrant crisis. Nearly half of Home Office staff are still working remotely as the department tries to tackle the migrant crisis Data from the civil service shows the daily average staff working back at their desks for each department Pressure has been building on the Home Office due to overcrowding at the Manston airfield migrant processing centre Recently the Home Office advertised 40,000-a-year jobs for WFH staff to tackle the immigrant backlog. Borders and Enforcement teams in Leeds, Glasgow and Croydon are advertising 'hybrid' posts. The news of nearly half the Home Office staff working from home follows reports of mass overcrowding at migrant processing centres and of millions being spent to house asylum seekers in hotels. Meanwhile the MoD has had the highest attendance rate, 92 per cent, in the four weeks commencing October 3, as they continue their efforts supporting Ukraine. The Department for International Trade and the Cabinet Office were joint second, averaging 77 per cent during the same period. The Department for Work and Pensions, which has gone through a tumultuous period recently, had slight more workers back at their desks than the Home Office for the week starting on October 17 - with 62 per cent. Despite the efforts of Jacob Rees-Mogg earlier this year to pry civil servants from their spare rooms and kitchen tables, a large number of desks remain empty at Whitehall. Currently, one-third of civil servants are still working from home, with an average of 64 per cent of staff at their desks as of the week commencing October 24. Rees-Mogg (pictured) claimed staff are 'more productive, more energetic, more full of ideas' when surrounded by colleagues. Over the summer he said: 'I believe in the workplace environment' Over the summer a note (pictured) was left on empty desks at Whitehall by Jacob Rees-Mogg who campaigned for civil service's return to work and has recently started patrolling offices Though, analysis by The Telegraph appeared showed that Mr Rees-Mogg had some success, with occupancy averaging 65 per cent between Oct 3 and Oct 28 - compared with 54 per cent between June 6 and July 1. A government spokesman told the Telegraph: 'We've been clear on the benefits of face-to-face working and departments across government remain committed to having staff working in offices at pre-pandemic levels.' Last year, Rishi Sunak - then chancellor - said it was 'valuable' for 'young people in particular' to work from the office rather than at home or on a hybrid basis. He told LinkedIn News: 'I doubt I would have had those strong relationships if I was doing my internship or my first bit of my career over Teams and Zoom.' International cyberhackers have threatened to expose the personal data of millions of Australians unless Medibank pays up within 24 hours. A bizarre cartoon meme was posted by alleged Russian hackers on a dark web forum early Tuesday morning, a day after the health insurance giant said it would not be paying a ransom. The post quoted Chinese philosopher Confucius saying: 'A man who has committed a mistake and doesn't correct it is committing another mistake.' The post added under the quote: 'Data will be publish in 24 hours. P.S I recommend to sell Medibank stocks.' Hackers have since updated the threat with a YouTube link to an ABC satirical article by comedian Mark Humphries about Medibank. Authorities have confirmed they believe the threat to be legitimate. It's believed the hackers responsible are part of a Russian criminal group. Alleged hackers posted a bizarre meme (pictured) as they threatened to release the personal data of millions of Australia in 24 hours unless Medibank pays up 'Whoever these hackers are, they're very aware the scale of the incident down here in Australia,' tech expert Trevor Long told 2GB's Ben Fordham on Tuesday. 'We believe they're a Russian group, based on the forum they're using and they're just sitting here going "well if you're not going to pay us Medibank, we're going to make Australians believe we have the data and potentially release it online and scare every one of those 9.7 million people".' Mr Long later told the Today show: 'We will know in the next 24 hours if these people are real. This could be a complete elaborate ruse. 'If they release sample data like the Optus hackers did, then we will know they have the data and they will hold Aussies to ransom. 'That's the big test. If they've got the data, they'll release it, they'll make money off it and they will hold individual Aussies to ransom.' He urged customers to stay vigilant about emails and text messages they receive. Almost 10million past and present Medibank customers face an anxious 24 hours to see if their personal data will be released Mr Long agreed Medibank shouldn't pay the ransom. 'If we pay ransom it will get even worse, so it's an important thing Medibank doesn't pay any ransom,' he said. The latest threat comes a day after the health insurance giant said it would refuse to pay a ransom over the stolen data. The health insurer on Monday revealed the details of 9.7million current and former customers was accessed last month in the major data breach, including information like names, date of birth, phone number and email addresses. The company decided not to pay ransom money after seeking advice from cybersecurity experts. 'Based on the extensive advice we have received from cybercrime experts we believe there is only a limited chance paying a ransom would ensure the return of our customers' data and prevent it from being published,' chief executive David Koczkar said. 'In fact, paying could have the opposite effect and encourage the criminal to directly extort our customers, and there is a strong chance that paying puts more people in harm's way by making Australia a bigger target. 'It is for these reasons we have decided we will not pay a ransom for this event.' Rumors are swirling that former President Donald Trump could announce a third campaign for the White House on Monday night - but Trumpworld itself is at odds on whether he should wait until after the midterm elections, sources told DailyMail.com. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani believes he shouldn't, he told DailyMail.com on Monday afternoon, arguing that what's likely to be a strong Republican showing across the country is best left to speak for itself. A separate source close to Trump's orbit said the former president wants to announce tonight in order to take credit for the anticipated 'red wave' on Tuesday - but said others are warning him that he 'doesn't want to be on the hook for surprise losses.' Trump is holding his fourth MAGA rally in four days on Monday, appearing in Ohio alongside Senate GOP hopeful JD Vance. It's his final push to help Republicans win back control of Congress for the last two years of President Joe Biden's term. Giuliani, his ally and friend of more than three decades, has embarked on his own multi-state effort to bolster Republican midterm candidates and is broadcasting his WABC radio show from New Hampshire on Monday to cover its tight races. In addition to predicting GOP victories there and other battleground states - and even the blue stronghold of New York - he's also anticipating a certain Trump comeback in 2024. 'I think he's gonna run. In fact, I'm at a point where I'd be surprised if he didn't,' Giuliani said. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani's office provided photos of the ex-Republican official campaigning for GOP midterm candidates when DailyMail.com caught up with him the day before Election Day Giuliani held a press conference in Times Square in New York City to call on local leaders to address rising crime issues. He told DailyMail.com that Republicans are likely to win on Tuesday, and the victory should be allowed to stand on its own He also spoke with reporters on Monday from New Hampshire where he's campaigning for Don Bolduc and Karoline Leavitt He declined to go into details of his personal conversations with Trump but noted he was 'reading the tea leaves with the benefit of being his friend for 32 years.' Asked whether Trump should go through with announcing it tonight, however, Giuliani advised against it. 'Right now, I like where we are. I don't think- it can always be a surprise, we could always be wrong, right? But if you asked me, could this be lined up better for a big Republican win? No. So leave it alone,' the former Big Apple mayor explained. 'Don't add anything new to it.' He said earlier that Republicans 'could not be in a better position to win' amid Americans' overwhelming dissatisfaction with Democrats' handling of the economy, noting that he was an early supporter of many of the same MAGA candidates Trump had since endorsed like Kari Lake in Arizona. Taking that likely success into account, he said of Trump: 'I would say short answer is, if I were him, I wouldn't make an announcement tonight.' However, the Trump ally suggested the ex-president has his support if and when he does announce. Another Trump source, meanwhile, said if the former president's instincts are to announce tonight, he should 'go for it' (pictured at Sunday night's rally in Miami) Trump's planned rally in Ohio on Monday night is the fourth of his four-state swing to close out the 2022 midterm campaign cycle (pictured: crowds gather ahead of Trump's arrival) He's at the rally for Ohio Republican candidates including Republican candidate for U.S. Senate JD Vance, who is running in a tight race against Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Rep. Tim Ryan 'He would be the only one to really get us where the American people simply long to be,' Giuliani said. 'They're very upset because they're not only in a very bad position right now financially, but they can they can compare it directly to where they were two years ago.' Meanwhile, another Trumpworld source said they're supportive of him announcing a 2024 at Monday night's rally - and that the former president was 'considering' doing so. 'He wants to announce, he wants to take credit for tomorrow. But there are people asking him to hold back,' the source told DailyMail.com. 'What they will try to tell them is, you don't want to be on the hook if we have any surprise losses. 'My line of thinking and others' on the other camp say, look, he doesn't back down. He's always followed his instincts and if his instincts tell him we're gonna be ok in these places, go for it.' A final midterms poll projection shows Republicans with a grip on the majority in the House and picking up three seats in the Senate, with less than 24 hours until millions of Americans head to the polls Thirty-four races for Congress are still considered toss-ups but it is becoming clear that Republicans have the momentum, despite the Democrats making a small comeback in the closing stages Trump said at his last rally, in Miami, Florida on Sunday night, 'I did much better the second time. And now, in order to make our country successful and glorious, I will probably have to do it again.' Should the former president not run, however, Giuliani said Republicans are still in better shape to win back the White House than Democrats are to keep it. He added his prediction that Biden would not run for a second term. The president has not said whether he intends to run again but officials around him have suggested that it's highly likely. 'If God forbid, something happened to the former president, or he made a decision not to run, I think we have- we've got a multitude of candidates,' Giuliani said. 'They've got nobody. They've got a president who can't run. He's not gonna I don't care what they tell you. You're not going to make it. He can't make it off the stage, how's he going to run?' But the former mayor declined to say who he'd favor if Trump wasn't an option in 2024. 'I wouldn't even begin to guess about that,' Giuliani said. 'I just know I like that we've got a lot of choices.' Netflix has found success in the true crime genre as the streamer announced that The Watcher will be renewed for a second season and Monster will return as an anthology series with two new installments. The first iteration of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan's Monster anthology, titled Dahmer Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, saw huge success having been watched 856.2 million hours within the first 28 days of its release. It became Netflix's second most popular English TV season after Stranger Things. Dahmer, which follows the life of the infamous serial killer, topped both the Netflix and Nielsen streaming charts, and is projected to reach 1 billion view hours in the coming weeks, according to Netflix. The two new installments of the anthology will each focus on 'other monstrous figures who have impacted society,' but the specific crimes have not been revealed. A second season has also been announced for The Watcher, which is based on the true story of a family in New Jersey who is harassed out of their dream home by a man who sends them mysterious letters. It racked up more than 340 million hours watched since its release October 13 through October 30. Premiere dates for season two of The Watcher and future episodes of Monster, have not yet been announced. Netflix announced that The Watcher will be renewed for a second season. The series is based on the true story of a family in New Jersey who is harassed out of their dream home by a man who sends them mysterious letters The first iteration of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan's Monster anthology, titled Dahmer Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, saw huge success and became Netflix's second most popular English TV season after Stranger Things In a press release issued by Netflix on Monday, announced the second season of The Watcher and the continuation of the Monster anthology series. The first season of Monster saw massive success, becoming Netflix' second most popular English TV season ever, despite criticism from viewers and victims' families for the way it portrayed the real-life horror story. The renewed interest in Dahmer just before Halloween this year triggered speculation and fears for family members that people would dress up as the serial killer, donning a blonde wig, gold frame sunglasses and buy drills similar to the one used by the killer to dismember bodies. Between 1978 and 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer murdered 17 men in Wisconsin and Ohio. He was convicted in 1992 and murdered in prison two years later at the age of 34. Netflix describes the series as one that exposes these unconscionable crimes, centered around the underserved victims and their communities impacted by the systemic racism and institutional failures of the police that allowed one of America's most notorious serial killers to continue his murderous spree in plain sight for over a decade. The mother of one of Dahmer's victims has previously said the Halloween costumes impersonating the Milwaukee serial killer are insensitive to the families of his victims. Shirley Hughes, 85, the mother of Dahmer's twelfth victim Tony Hughes, criticized the Netflix show for re-victimizing the family of those he killed and misrepresenting the circumstances around the death of her deaf son. Hughes told multiple media outlets that she cannot believe the show was allowed to be made and that it pains her to see people profit from her son's death. She was the mother of aspiring model Tony Hughes, who was murdered aged 31 by Dahmer after they met at a gay bar in 1991. A mugshot of Jeffrey Dahmer taken in August 1982, ten years before he was sentenced to 15 life sentences in prison Shirley Hughes, 85, has said that she finds the new Netflix show re-traumatizing and views Dahmer-themed Halloween costumes as rubbing salt in the wound Hughes is the mother of deaf, aspiring model Tony Hughes, who was killed by Dahmer in 1991 An entire episode of Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story focused on the murder of Tony Hughes, who was played by deaf actor Rodney Burford Hughes told the Guardian: 'I dont see how they can use our names and put stuff out like that out there.' She also challenged the show's accuracy, saying: 'It didn't happen like that.' Hughes told TMZ that it was difficult enough seeing the Netflix show but knowing that people planned to dress like her son's killer was like salt in the wound. While some fancy dress shops opted not to sell Dahmer paraphernalia at all, props have shown up in online stores like eBay. For sale were blonde wigs, vintage gold-framed sunglasses and even vintage drills that look like the one used by Dahmer. Hughes told TMZ that she believed the family should be seeing some of the profits generated by her son's death, but at a minimum eBay listings should be taken down. Imitations of Jeffrey Dahmer's distinctive gold-rimmed sunglasses were available online A vintage Makita drill, similar to the one used by Dahmer to dismember his victim's bodies, was listed for sale on eBay In 1992, a Milwaukee judge awarded seven of Dahmer's victim's families $70million to acknowledge the severity of his crimes. But since Dahmer was behind bars there was no money for him to pay. The judge at the time said: 'It is true that it is Monopoly money in that Mr. Dahmer does not appear to have any resources. 'But I think that it was critical to the survivors that the outrage that had been perpetrated on members of their family was appropriately appreciated by the court.' It was then speculated that the penalties could potentially be paid for with money generated by a future book or movie. Evan Peters starred as Dahmer in the Netflix series 'Monster,' with Richard Jenkins, Molly Ringwald, Michael Learned, and Niecy Nash were also part of the cast. Between 1978 and 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer killed and dismembered no fewer than 17 men and boys, preying mostly on poor, young black men 'Audiences can't take their eyes off 'Monster' and 'The Watcher,'' said Bela Bajaria, Netflix's head of global TV told Variety. 'The creative team of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan on 'Monster' along with Eric Newman on 'The Watcher' are masterful storytellers who captivated audiences all over the world. The back-to-back force of these two series is due to Ryan's distinct original voice which created cultural sensations and we are thrilled to continue telling stories in the 'Monster' and 'Watcher' universes.' Netflix viewers will also get another taste of another popular thriller series The Watcher as the streamer announced it was renewed for a second season. The seven-part series stars Naomi Watts, 52, and Bobby Cannavale, 51, as a married couple who just moved into a brand new house in a New Jersey suburb, only to find themselves targeted by a stalker leaving threatening letters telling them to leave. Netflix viewers were left in terror after watching the creepy new thriller The Watcher - and people who live near the house the show was based off of are too afraid to go near it The brand new horror series tells the real-life story of a couple who were harassed out of their dream home (pictured) by a creepy stalker - whose identity remains a mystery to this day Derek and Maria Broaddus purchased a home in Westfield, New Jersey, in 2014, but received four terrorizing letters from an unidentified person who threatened them and their kids (seen) Because of the letters, the Broaddus family put the mansion back on the market, and it eventually sold again in 2019 for $959,000, and despite a long investigation, the identity of The Watcher was never discovered by police. Derek Broaddus is seen above The Watcher is based on a true story about a couple named Derek and Maria Broaddus, who were menaced by an unidentified person after purchasing a six-bedroom home at 657 Boulevard in Westfield, New Jersey, for $1.4 million in 2014. Between June of that year and February 2017, The Watcher sent four terrorizing notes to their home, in which he or she told them that they had been 'watching the house for decades.' The stalker threatened the Broaddus and their kids, writing in one harrowing note, 'It has been years and years since the young blood ruled the hallways of the house. Have you found all of the secrets it holds yet? 'Will the young blood play in the basement? Or are they too afraid to go down there alone. 'I would [be] very afraid if I were them. It is far away from the rest of the house. If you were upstairs you would never hear them scream.' Because of the letters, the Broaddus family put the mansion back on the market, and it eventually sold again in 2019 for $959,000, and despite a long investigation, the identity of The Watcher was never discovered by police. While the new owners have remained anonymous, many people who live in the town are still terrified to go near the home - with one resident revealing that people actually moved away from the area out of fears about the home's sinister history. 'There was always talk about the house. Im sure people decided to move out at least out of that area,' Ralph Bencivenga, 54, a lifelong resident who owns a pastry shop less than a mile from The Watcher house, told The New York Post recently. 'It was kind of freaky. If you know Westfield, its more of a quiet town, more family oriented. When that story came out, it definitely struck people.' Derek and Maria, who were menaced from 2014 to 2017, after purchasing a six-bedroom home at 657 Boulevard in Westfield, New Jersey. The real home is seen above Now, their story has been retold in a Netflix show, leaving numerous people on the internet reeling in fear. Netflix announced in November that it has been renewed for a second season The series stars Naomi Watts, Bobby Cannavale, Jennifer Coolidge, Mia Farrow, Henry Hunter Hall, Isabel Gravitt, and Luke David Blumm 'That area where it happened is a really beautiful area. Its not too far from schools. It was a weird situation.' Bencivenga explained that it was hard for the Broaddus family to sell the home because 'nobody' wanted to go near it. Executive produced by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, who were also behind hit shows Ratched, The Politician and Pose, the new Netflix show also stars Jennifer Coolidge, Mia Farrow, Henry Hunter Hall, Isabel Gravitt, and Luke David Blumm. Netflix made an unexpected comeback in the third quarter of this year, following the success of shows like Stranger Things and Dahmer. Executives at the streaming giant announced in October that the platform added 2.4million subscribers between July 1 and September 30 after two consecutive quarters losing subscribers. That is more than double what Wall Street expected. Netflix also topped Wall Street projections with revenue of $7.9billion up 6 percent from one year earlier. Those earnings among to $3.10 per share, after the companies share prices fell nearly 60 percent over the year. The report came as Netflix executives worked to revitalize its membership growth after a sudden decline in the first half of the year, when the company's subscriber base shrunk by a whopping 1.2 million people. Doctors say Ralphie has a 30 per cent chance of survival after chemotherapy Acute myeloid leukaemia is a rare form of cancer, especially for children Her first-born Huxley died last July during surgery to repair his intestine Sophie Kitcher, 34, found out her baby boy Ralphie has leukaemia this week A heartbroken mother of a baby son who died at just three days old has revealed that her one-month-old baby has leukaemia. Sophie Kitcher, 34, from Ware in Hertfordshire, found out that her son Ralphie has acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) this week - and only has a 30 per cent chance of surviving. The tragic news comes after her first-born Huxley died last July at just three days old. He was diagnosed with Down's syndrome at birth and died during surgery to repair a hole in his intestine. Sophie posted on Instagram, saying: 'If we haven't already been through hell and back here we are again, our beautiful darling rainbow boy has been diagnosed with leukaemia. 'I don't understand how life can be so cruel and my baby has now got to go through this. Sophie Kitcher, 34, from Ware in Hertfordshire, found out that her son Ralphie has acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) this week The tragic news comes after her first-born Huxley died last July at just three days old 'Ralphie you are our purpose and the reason we are still both here today fighting for you with your brother looking over us. 'Please everyone say your prayers for us, mummy and daddy are absolutely broken in pieces. How has this happened you are so perfect.' Ralphie will have chemotherapy for the next five months at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London - where Sophie and her husband Luke visited last year for Huxley's treatment. Ralphie was born on October 5 at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow. His middle name is Leo, as Huxley was born under the Leo star sign and the name's associations with lions - and being brave and strong - is also in memory of his brother. Ralphie will have chemotherapy for the next five months at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London Posting on Instagram at the time, Ms Kitcher said: 'I just know you are now here our baby boy to help heal Mummy and Daddys broken hearts, you really have made us smile again. 'Here's to this new chapter as a family, never ever lose that hope or give up on ur dreams, miracles really do happen.' AML is a rare type of cancer, with only around 3,100 people diagnosed with it each year in the UK, according to the NHS. Ralphie's case is especially rare, as the risk of developing AML increases with age and is most common in those over 75. An exclusive, invitation-only school has been shut down until 'further notice' after a Covid outbreak took out a third of its teaching staff and a single student. All students from Year 7 to 11 at Tangara School for Girls, in the north Sydney suburb of Cherrybrook, will return to remote learning for at least the next four days thanks to the handful of coronavirus cases. Year 12 students have already finished their school year. In a letter to the school's parents, Principal Rita Sakr said the outbreak had left many of the teachers bedridden and unable to attend class. 'Over the weekend, one third of our secondary staff have tested positive to Covid placing pressure on teaching, supervision and operational needs at our school,' Ms Sakr said. 'At this stage, there is only one confirmed case of Covid amongst our secondary students. 'School has decided to transition Years seven to 11 to remote learning for four days or until further notice.' Year Seven to Year 11 classes at Tangara School for Girls will be forced to learn from home after a student contracted Covid Radio host Ben Fordham told his 2GB listeners the school had hit 'the panic button'. 'We all thought Australia had moved on since the bad old days of Covid when we talk about lockdowns, curfews and learning from home,' he said. 'Tangara has about 600 students, one student has Covid and they've sent the entire senior school home. 'We can understand the concern with one third of teachers unwell but when you think about it, shutting down an entire business when one third of workers are unavailable sounds like they don't have a back-up plan. 'Sounds like they're pressing the panic button.' The principal of the invitation-only school (above) said a third of its teachers had been infected with Covid in an outbreak NSW had 809 people in hospital with coronavirus as of November 3 with 17 of those in intensive care. The state also saw 24 people die with Covid in the week up to November 3 from 12,450 positive cases. NSW has recorded a total of 3,561,546 Covid cases since the beginning of the pandemic and 5,454 deaths. The school shutdown comes as experts begin to speculate the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) will advise a fifth jab in the coming weeks with some already calling on the government body to recommend it. University of South Australia epidemiologist Professor Adrian Esterman told News Corp it was time for ATAGI to recommend a fifth dose given the nation was on the brink of a new wave. 'By and large I would welcome a fifth dose, we are at the beginning of a new wave,' said,' he said. 'More importantly we have waning immunity, most people had their last dose several months ago.' Deakin University epidemiologist Catherine Bennett said millions of Australians were still without their fourth dose. 'Half the people who are eligible for the fourth dose still havent had it, I think that is actually more urgent,' she said. Students were told they will learn from home for the remainder of the week or 'until further notice', leaving them unsure when they will actually return Commonwealth chief medical officer Paul Kelly also recently refused to rule out a Covid lockdown for Christmas because a new wave of the virus was on the way. '(Cases) are certainly are rising. How it will go in the future is a matter of speculation,' he told Sunrise. 'This is another variation of Omicron, from the grandchildren of Omicron, if you like.' He added that while another lockdown wasn't his 'decision' he didn't believe another would be 'likely'. 'My advice at the moment is be alert but not afraid,' he said. Dr Kelly also urged people to stay on top of boosters with officials monitoring if high-risk groups need to get their fifth jab. 'Now's the time to get that extra vaccine if you're due,' Dr Kelly said. 'At the moment, we're not considering further doses if you're already up to date. But that's something that ATAGI will continue to look at over the coming months.' Jean-Pierre released her own statement without naming Manchin that read, 'He regrets it if anyone hearing these remarks took offense It irritated West Virginia Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin, who called Biden's words 'divorced from reality' in a heated statement on Saturday He pledged to eventually 'shut down' coal plants across America amid the country's push to green energy during a speech in California on Friday White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was forced to defend President Biden's comments on coal for a second time on Monday White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended President Joe Biden on Monday amid fallout over the president's remarks that he'd 'shut down' coal plants amid the country's transition to clean energy. The speech, in Carlsbad, California on Friday, angered West Virginia moderate Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin - whose state and family have benefited from the industry. He demanded a formal apology from the White House and said the president's sentiments were 'divorced from reality.' Asked about Manchin's statement at her regular press briefing on Monday, Jean-Pierre replied, 'It seemed like there was some confusion on that, and so- but I want to say this - some of you were there.' 'It was loud and hard to hear, I think, or maybe not exactly what was being said, but I currently don't want to get into punditry from here,' the Biden official said. She referenced a statement she sent on Saturday afternoon clarifying Biden's comments - after which critics accused her of yet again needing to walk back the president's own words. 'We spoke to this over the weekend. The president's words, we believe, were twisted, and we were very clear about that. And anyone who knows Joe Biden knows he comes from a coal - coal country, from Scranton, Pennsylvania, his grandfather was a mining engineer,' Jean-Pierre said. 'President Biden knows that the men and women of coal country built this nation and he has spent his presidency fighting for coal communities...We believe his words were twisted and we just wanted to make sure there was some clarity.' White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was forced to defend President Joe Biden's comments on coal for a second time Biden said during an event in New York Sunday there would be 'no more drilling' in the U.S. one day after Joe Manchin blasted him for vowing to close coal plants - while the president nearly took a spill on stage. The president could be heard at one point telling someone in the crowd 'No more drilling. There is no more drilling. I haven't formed any new drilling. No.' On Friday, Biden claimed during an event in California that the U.S. will shut down coal mines in favor of wind and solar plants. Manchin said the next day that Biden's claims are the reason 'the American people are losing trust in President Biden.' 'Being cavalier about the loss of coal jobs for men and women in West Virginia and across the country who literally put their lives on the line to help and power this country is offensive and disgusting', Manchin said. Without naming Manchin, Jean-Pierre said in a statement shortly thereafter, 'The Presidents remarks yesterday have been twisted to suggest a meaning that was not intended; he regrets it if anyone hearing these remarks took offense.' However, Biden seemed to double down on the sentiment during an event with New York Governor Kathy Hochul. President Joe Biden delivered a chaotic speech from Yonkers, New York two days before the midterm elections where he stumbled on stage and spent a large time interrupting his own speech to interact with the audience Audience member and Sarah Lawrence College student Vivian Lipson held up a white bra with 'Joe Biden' written in black sharpie on each of the cups at the president's rally on her college's campus on Sunday, November 6 Biden had to catch himself at one point during the rally as he tripped over something on stage and almost fell. Biden was extremely interactive with the crowd during Sunday's rally for New York Governor Kathy Hochul. So much so that he even began having a conversation with a member of the crowd who yelled at the president at the end of his rally about drilling. He also stopped his rally at one point to get medical help for a crowd member who fainted. Biden was telling a story about his conversation with world leaders at the G7 summit right after he became president. It's unclear why Biden chose New York, a state which he won by more than 23 points in 2020, as the destination for a rally just two days before the 2022 midterm elections. Biden went to bat for New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Sunday, November 6 at Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers, NY despite her 7.5 point lead over challenger Republican Congressman Lee Zeldin The president was forced to stop mid-story when audience members brought his attention to someone requiring medical attention. 'Okay, I got it, I got it,' Biden said when the audience got frantic over the fainting spell. 'Let's get a little bit of help here. Someone fainted. I've got it, I've got it. We'll get some help over here.' He crowd sourced the effort and justified the fainting spell as due to standing for a long period of time at the rally, where Governor Kathy Hochul and Biden both spoke. Hochul is facing her first election after being appointed to complete disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo's term. She is going against GOP Representative Lee Zeldin ina state Biden won by 23.2 points in the 2020 presidential election. The deep blue state is unlikely to turn red with polls showing Hochul ahead of Zeldin by 7.5 points. It also raises the question why Biden chose New York as one of the states where he made his final argument for electing Democrats in the 2022 midterms. Biden interrupted his own speech several times to interact with the crowd, including almost encouraging a heckler, trying to find medical help for an audience member who fainted and talking to a person in the front row about how he 'stopped drilling' While Higher Love by Kygo and Whitney Houston began playing to signal the end of Biden's speech, the president stayed behind and started talking to a person in the crowd, which prompted the music to end abruptly. The president did not propose any plans to dig the U.S. out of economic turmoil in a New York rally just two days before Election Day instead he attacked Republicans and again painted November 8 as a 'battle for democracy.' He went after Zeldin's voting record while also invoking the names of lawmakers not in the New York race like far-right Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. Biden said that there are 300 'election deniers' on the ballot in the 2022 midterms, and claimed Republicans want to deny Democrats the right to vote as well as making sure their votes don't count when they are cast. 'You can't only love the country when you win,' the president said in reference to some lawmakers who have already suggested they won't accept the results. Six teal independents bankrolled by more than $10million in donations were the largest spending independent candidates in this year's Federal election, new data has revealed. The teals - who all won seats in parliament in May - were the first six in the top 10 biggest-spending independent candidates. The 10 highest spenders splashed out a combined $12.2m on political campaigns during this year's election. New Wentworth MP Allegra Spender spent more than any other independent candidate, according to Australian Electoral Commission figures released this week. She spent a whopping $2,124,058 to oust former diplomat Dave Sharma from the blue-ribbon seat in Sydney's eastern suburbs. Two other independents splashed out a combined $3.7m to oust high-profile Liberal MPs from their Melbourne seats. Wentworth MP Allegra Spender (pictured) spent more on her political campaign than any other independent candidate who ran in the federal election Ms Spender received $1.9million in donations while the Climate 200 group headed by activist Simon Holmes a Court chipped in $701,776. The daughter of late fashion designer Carla Zampatti also received $25,000 from Alex Turnbull, the son of former Coalition prime minister Malcolm Turnbull. Dr Monique Ryan wasn't far behind, spending a massive $2,122,231 to oust then-federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg in the Melbourne seat of Kooyong. She was followed by former ABC journalist turned Goldstein MP Zoe Daniel who spent almost $1.6million to grab Liberal Tim Wilson's seat. New North Sydney MP Kylea Tink ($1.4million) and Mackellar MP Sophie Scamps ($1.2million) also spent up big to claim a first three-year term in parliament. Western Australian-based Curtin MP Kate Chaney spent just under $1million in her successful quest. The seventh highest spending independent candidate was another teal, former Winter Olympic medallist Zali Steggall who spent almost $800,000 to secure a second term as Warringah MP on Sydney's northern beaches. Dr Monique Ryan (pictured) spent a massive $2.122million in her successful quest to win the Melbourne seat of Kooyong Monique Ryan famously unseated then-federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg (pictured on election night with his wife Amie) to become the new MP for Kooyong Independent candidates Rob Priestly, Carolyn Heise and Georgia Steele each spent around $700,000 but were all unsuccessful in their quests to be elected. Following the release of the AEC figures, Dr Ryan paid tribute to her 3,762 donors who raised $1.8million. 'The people of Kooyong knew that going up against one of the most powerful incumbent politicians in the country to put a community independent in parliament would be tough,' she tweeted. 'But when we work together, we can achieve the (previously) impossible.' But Liberal MP Alan Tudge said Ms Ryan's funding was 'probably the most concentrated and least transparent funding of any campaign in Australia's history'. Mr Tudge said $1.1m of the Kooyong independent's campaign funding came from 12 wealthy individuals or entities, including $20,232 from Mr Holmes a Court. Former ABC journalist Zoe Daniel (pictured) spent almost $1.6million on her campaign to defeat Liberal MP Tim Wilson in the Melbourne electorate of Goldstein Dr Ryan also received $100,000 from LB Conservation, $50,000 from Brian Snape and $20,000 each from Jacqueline Yates and Keep Them Honest. Ms Scamps, who raised $1.56m from 828 donors, said Climate 200 matched the $779,000 raised from the community on a dollar-for-dollar basis. 'The fact that 66 per cent of the donations I received during the election campaign were $100 or less, while a third were $50 or less, shows the extent to which my campaign was driven and powered by the community,' she said. 'The political system in Australia continues to favour the major parties who rely on donations from big business - including the fossil fuel industry - unions and lobby groups to entrench their power.' Ms Thorpe has previously dismissed the Voice to Parliament as waste of money Representative for the Attorney-General told the senator the 'answer is no' Ms Thorpe asked if the Voice would cede the sovereignty of Indigenous People Indigenous Voice to Parliament would enable First Nations people to be advisors Greens senator Lidia Thorpe accused of refusing to accept advice on the Voice Outspoken Greens senator Lidia Thorpe has been accused of refusing to 'accept advice' on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament amid a tense exchange with a Labor politician in the Senate. Senator Thorpe has repeatedly lashed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's plan to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament but vowed weeks ago to not campaign against the referendum that would ask Australians if they want it. But at Senate estimates on Monday, Senator Thorpe was shut down by Labor senator Murray Watt, who was representing Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, after she questioned if the Voice would cede the sovereignty of First Nations peoples. 'First Nations people being sovereign people of these lands for thousands and thousands of generations, they we are sovereign people,' she said. 'The question very clearly is: does going into the Constitution through the voice cede the sovereignty of First Nations people in this country?' Ms Thorpe asked representatives for Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus in Senate estimates if the Voice would cede the sovereignty of First Nations peoples in Senate estimates on Monday Senator Watt was quick to shut her down, saying: 'The answer is no'. 'It doesn't?,' a seemingly shocked Senator Thorpe replied. Poll Will you vote for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament? Yes No I don't know yet Will you vote for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament? Yes 154 votes No 1609 votes I don't know yet 106 votes Now share your opinion 'No, and departmental officials have twice said to you they wouldn't characterise it that way and as the representative of the Attorney-General, I can say that it doesn't,' Senator Watt hit back. Senator Thorpe then asked if the government had received any legal advice on how the sovereignty of First Nations people would be impacted by the referendum. An expert on constitutional law told the senator that no separate advice had been provided on sovereignty in context to the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. 'Is it something that you'll now go and do?' Senator Thorpe asked. 'Is it important? Is it important for the government to find out whether it cedes sovereignty? I'm not getting any answers.' Greens senator Lidia Thorpe (pictured giving a black power salute in the Senate) has previously dismissed the Indigenous Voice to Parliament as a 'waste of money' Senator Thorpe has previously dismissed the Voice as a 'waste of money' and called on any government funds used for a referendum to instead be spent on Indigenous communities. She said she would not campaign against the upcoming referendum and is understood to favour a treaty with Indigenous Australians rather than the Voice. Her party's position is it wants all elements of the Uluru Statement from the Heart -truth, treaty and the voice - to become law. 'I want to ensure that truth and treaty are taken as seriously as Voice,' she said earlier. 'This is what I am focused on. I have no time for negative campaigning that will only hurt those it affects the most First Nations people. 'I dont want to see my people hurt more.' Uluru Dialogue member Eddie Synot, a constitutional lawyer, took to Twitter on Monday to refute Senator Thorpe's claims and said the Voice would not cede sovereignty. Greens Senator for Victoria Lidia Thorpe (pictured front) joins protester outside the the British Consulate during an anti-monarchy protest in Melbourne, Australia, September 22, 2022 'If true, Senator Thorpe swearing allegiance to Crown and sitting in Parliament would've. The advice has been provided,' Mr Synot wrote. 'Senator Thorpe refuses it for ideological reasons and this is the key issue with the Greens equivocation on #UluruStatement. 'The advice is real and has been provided time again. Senator Thorpe refuses to accept it and continues to push unrealistic goals that will not be achieved. We have a meaningful way forward to get to a meaningful expression of our sovereignty.' Senator Thorpe is no stranger to fiery parliamentary antics, having earlier this year labelled the Queen a 'coloniser' and the parliament a 'colonial project'. The senator, who has both European and Aboriginal ancestors, said in June that her entry into the 'colonial project' was to satisfy her aspirations to 'renew the nation' and be a voice and spokesperson for First Nations people. Medical Examiners will autopsy both remains - it is not clear if the two are related Both sets of remains were found by trash collectors in the Austin neighborhood For the second time in just four days, trash collectors in the west side of Chicago found human body parts in trash cans. The remains were found just two blocks from each other - both discovered by Chicago Streets and Sanitation workers in its Austin neighborhood. Police used K-9 units and a helicopter to search the area and said they are currently investigating both cases and are not sure if they are linked. The first remains were found in a garbage can in an alley at around 9am on Wednesday, November 2 at the 4900 block of West Washington. The second set was discovered less than four days later just two blocks away on Leclaire Avenue at around 7pm on Saturday, November 5 - also in a trash can. The first remains were found on Wednesday morning at around 9am. The Chicago Sun Times reported that the remains were the lower half of a man The 4900 block of West Washington near to where the lower half of a man's body was discovered last Wednesday at around 9am After the first body parts were found Chicago police deployed a helicopter to search the area and brought in a K-9 unit to comb nearby lots for more remains for almost the entire day. A man living in the neighborhood told NBC Chicago that he saw police in the alley and an object on the ground which he later found out was part of a body. 'When I got a little closer, I said "that's a real body",' said the man, who did not want to be identified. He went on to say that the body he saw was incomplete and that the portion of it that remained was from approximately the stomach down. Detectives announced that an autopsy would take place and a death investigation was being carried out. After the first body parts were found Chicago cops deployed a helicopter to search the area and brought in a K-9 unit to comb nearby lots for more remains for almost the entire day The 100 block of North Leclaire Avenue where the second remains were found on Saturday at around 7pm just two blocks from the first The person had been 'dead for a while' according to a source with knowledge of the investigation who was quoted by the Chicago Sun-Times. The outlet reported seeing a photograph of the lower half of a man. They added that identifying the body would be a challenge because important identifiers such as teeth and fingerprints were missing. 'You gotta start looking for missing people, so just reverse-engineering it and trying to figure it out,' they told the Sun-Times. The second body was found in a trash can at 7pm on North Lecalire Avenue. It was also in a trash can The Cook County Medical Examiner is carrying out an autopsy on the remains. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Monday there are no 'specific, credible' election threats and that all Americans 'should feel safe going to the polls' on Tuesday. She also reminded voters that results may not known right away. The results of the 2020 election were not known until almost two weeks after that election. 'Law enforcement has briefed us that there are no specific credible threats identified at this point. The President has been briefed on the threat environment,' she said at her daily press briefing. 'Americans should feel safe going to the polls,' she said. She also consuled patience when it comes to knowing which party won control of the House and Senate. 'In modern elections, more and more ballots are being cast in early voting,' she said, noting that 'many states don't start counting those ballots until after the polls close on November 8.' 'We may not know all the winners of elections for a few days. It takes time to count all legitimate ballots in a legal and orderly manner. That's how this is supposed to work. And it's important for us to all be patient when while the votes are being counted.' White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said there are no 'specific, credible' election threats and that all Americans 'should feel safe going to the polls' Fears of violence spread after Nancy Pelosi's husband Paul was attacked at their San Francisco home last week by a man looking for the speaker. She was not home at the time. The Justice Department is sending monitors to 24 states to make sure federal voting laws are filed in Tuesday's election. They will be enforcing the Voting Rights Act, along with the National Voter Registration Act and other statutes as some voting rights groups have raised concerns there could be intimidation at the ballot box. But the elections also face non physical threats, including disinformation campaigns and allegations of vote fraud. 'People should have confidence in their election system,' Jean-Pierre said. Conspiracy theories about the security of election systems were pushed by Donald Trump supporters after his loss in 2020 and have continued to take hold in the midterm election. Russia has reactivated its trolls and bots ahead of the November 8th contest. And the FBI has issued warnings about disinformation threats. Voters line up outside of the Old Sedgwick County Courthouse in downtown Wichita, Kan., on Monday, the last day of early voting in the state Voters in New York participate in early voting Voters line up in Ohio to vote early ahead of Tuesday's midterm election When will result of midterms be in? It could take just hours or almost a MONTH for control of Congress to be known... but beware of red and blue 'mirage states' that appear decided before they really are Though Election Day is just days away, it may take Americans up to a month to know which party will be in control of the United States Congress, All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for grabs on Tuesday, as are 35 U.S. Senate seats and 36 governorships. Republicans would need to pick up five seats to take a majority in the House and just one to control the Senate. Nonpartisan election forecasters and polls suggest Republicans have a very strong chance of winning a House majority, with control of the Senate likely to be closer fought as voters say they are most concerned about the economy. A massive wave of Republican support could lead to declarations of victory hours after polls close. But with dozens of races expected to be close and key states like Pennsylvania already warning it could take days to count every ballot, experts say there's a good chance Americans go to bed on election night without knowing who won. 'When it comes to knowing the results, we should move away from talking about Election Day and think instead about election week,' said Nathan Gonzales, who publishes the nonpartisan newsletter Inside Elections. The earliest vote tallies will be skewed by how quickly states count mail-in ballots, with some states reporting mail-in ballots results earlier, which could make it seem like Democrats have the lead in the state Beware of red and blue 'mirage' states The earliest vote tallies will be skewed by how quickly states count mail-in ballots. Because Democrats vote by mail more often than Republicans, states that let officials get an early jump on counting mail ballots could report big Democratic leads early on that evaporate as vote counters work through piles of Republican-leaning ballots that were cast on election day. In these 'blue mirage' states like Florida and North Carolina election officials are allowed to remove mail ballots from their envelopes before Election Day and load them in vote counting machines, allowing for speedy counting. But states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin don't allow officials to open the envelopes until Election Day, leading to a possible 'red mirage' in which Republican-leaning Election Day ballots are reported earlier, with many Democratic-leaning mail ballots counted later. Experts like Joe Lenski, co-founder of Edison Research, which will be tracking hundreds of races on November 8 said he will keep an eye on the mix of different types of ballots each state is counting throughout the night. 'Blue mirage, red mirage, whatever. You just have to look at what types of votes are getting reported to know where you are in that state,' said Lenski. So when will we know when the races are won? The first wave of vote tallies are expected on the East Coast between 7pm and 8pm ET. An early indication of Republican success could come if the races expected to be close like Virginia's 7th congressional district (where Republican Liz Cheney has put her support behind a Democratic candidate) or a contentious U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina turn out to be Democratic routs. By around 10pm or 11pm EST, when polls in the Midwest will be closed for an hour or more, it's possible Republicans will have enough momentum for experts at U.S. media organizations to project control of the House, said Kyle Kondik, a political analyst at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. If the fight for the House still looks close as vote tallies start coming in from the West Coast where there could be more than a dozen tight House races it could be days before control of the chamber is known, experts said. California typically takes weeks to count all its ballots, in part because it counts ballots postmarked by Election Day even if they arrive days afterward. Nevada and Washington state also allow late ballots if postmarked by November 8, slowing down the march to final results. 'If the House is really on the edge, that would matter,' said Kondik. It may take longer, perhaps weeks longer, to know which party will control the Senate, with close contests in Pennsylvania, Arizona and Georgia likely to determine final control. And iIf Georgia's Senate race is as close as expected and no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, a run-off election would be scheduled for December 6, possibly leaving control of the chamber in limbo until then. The children's book about seven-year-old Ellen in New Orleans came out in May of this year - just before the end of Ellen's long-running daytime show Ellen DeGeneres' children's book 'Little Ellen' has topped a publisher's list publications teach kids about 'choosing kindness and bullying prevention' - despite the star being accused of toxic behavior on the set of her show. The former talk show host - who has herself been accused of being a bully - posted her delight on social media after the book, titled 'Little Ellen,' made the cut on Random House Kids' list. It also follows the abrupt cancelation of the HBO Max show upon which the book is based and the end of DeGeneres' own talk show - which came after a raft of accusations about workplace hostility and bullying from the big boss herself bubbled to the surface. The animated children's book, illustrated by Eleanor Michalka and released in May 3 2022, tells the story of DeGeneres, now-64, as a child in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ellen's final episode of her eponymous TV show was aired on May 26, 2022. Little Ellen, the children's book about DeGenres' childhood in New Orleans, was included on a list of Random House Kids' books about kindness and bullying prevention The book came out on May 3, 2022 - shortly before the famed comedian's final episode of her long-running daytime talk show - and shortly before the cancelation of the series upon which the book is based The show ran for two seasons on HBO Max, but was canceled in August. It was about life in New Orleans through the eyes of a young DeGeneres Ellen (left) pictured with wife Portia de Rossi (right). Prior to the end of Ellen's long-running show, a raft of claims about abuse, bullying, racism and generally 'toxic behavior' behind the scenes bubbled to the surface 'Get to know Little Ellen and the wonderful world she sees in this book of friendship and groovy moves, perfect for kids with big imaginations and ever bigger hearts!' reads Barnes and Nobles' overview section of the title. 'This joyful picture book promotes empathy and social-emotional learning, with an inclusive voice that encourages kids to be themselves,' it continues. Like the now-canceled HBO Max show, 'Little Ellen' centers on seven-year-old Ellen DeGeneres and the world around her through her eyes. Also included on Random House Kids' list are titles including The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig, Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea - a story about one teacher impacting the lives of seven fifth graders - and Answers in the Pages by David Levithan, a story about 'speaking up and coming out.' Ellen, who is credited as the book's author, wrote that she was 'honored to hear that 'Little Ellen,' a book about me as a little girl, was on the Random House Kids list of books about choosing kindness and bullying prevention.' DeGeneres celebrated her inclusion on the list of books that promote choosing 'kindness and bullying prevention' DeGeneres (left) and Rossi (right). DeGeneres denied all knowledge of the bullying etc. on her show and said that the staff included 255 people, few of whom she oversaw directly In 2020, at least 10 former and then-current employees of the Ellen Show claimed they had faced bullying and racism behind the scenes at the long-running talk show. The show, which ran from 2003 to 2022, built a brand around the compassionate slogan 'Be Kind,' often touted by the show's namesake. Staffers who had first-hand knowledge of the day-to-day goings on of production, however, said the charitable endeavors and sloganeering were 'all for show.' Employees leveled much of the blame against the show's executive producers, but claimed Ellen herself had not been involved enough to see what was happening on her own show. Months after the first claims surfaced, DeGeneres gave an interview, in which she said the attacks on her 'did feel very misogynistic.' 'It was devastating. I am a kind person. I am a person who likes to make people happy,' she said, adding that she understood how people - even fans of hers - might come to believe that the allegations about her personal behavior were true. 'It was too orchestrated. It was too coordinated. People get picked on but for four months straight?' she said to Today host Savannah Guthrie. GMB spokesman said there is 'real possibility' petrol supplies could be affected Fawley is UK's largest refinery, supplying a sixth of petrol stations and all airports Fears are growing of a petrol shortage later this month after staff at the UK's biggest oil refinery voted for strike action over pay. A 12-day strike is expected to begin on November 21 after members of the General, Municipal and Boilermakers Union (GMB) at Exxonmobil's Fawley Oil Refinery in Southampton voted to take industrial action. Fawley is the UK's largest refinery, supplying a sixth of petrol stations and all airports. It is feared that the maintenance workers' stoppage, which is expected to also affect deliveries, will hit the fuel pumps of garages across the south of England. A spokesman for the GMB said: 'We have issued a strike notice to various employers whose workers are based at the site in Southampton. Fears are growing of a petrol shortage after workers at Exxonmobil's Fawley Oil Refinery (pictured) in Southampton voted to take industrial action 'The dispute revolves around an Incentive Bonus Arrangement (IBA) which has been previously paid to workers but has been refused.' Bryan Hulley, GMB Regional Organiser, said there is a 'real possibility' that supplies of petrol could be affected by the strike action between November 21 and December 2. He said: 'Our members work hard in arduous and hazardous conditions, outside in all weathers, to repair and maintain process units. 'Without their efforts, breakdowns cannot be repaired and maintenance work to prevent breakdowns will not be carried out, so there is a real possibility that supplies of petroleum products could be affected. Members of the General, Municipal and Boilermakers Union have voted for industrial action over pay 'During the pandemic, our members were asked to work a shift system and waived a shift allowance due to the difficult financial situation. 'Given the current cost of living crisis, it is only fair that the employers put their hands in their pockets and reinstate this allowance, to which our members should be entitled. 'Industrial action is the last resort and it is a shame it has come to this but the employers know where we are if they would like to talk to us.' In April this year members of the Unite union at Fawley Oil Refinery began strike action over a 2.5 per cent pay offer. The industrial action ended in June after Unite secured a deal for around 100 workers. An ExxonMobil spokesperson said: 'This matter involves staff employed by contracting companies onsite, and relates to ongoing discussions over an incentive payment as part of nationally-agreed terms and conditions. 'We are disappointed at the outcome of the ballot and encourage union representatives to continue to work with employers to reach a resolution. 'We have a large and flexible workforce at Fawley and have resource plans to cover a range of scenarios. 'We do not anticipate any customer impact should action occur.' A report released Sunday 'determined that the reason for death was a multiple trauma, which is classified as fatal' Results of an autopsy released by Carmona's office Friday showed that Lopez's death was caused by alcohol intoxication The mayor of Mexico City has accused the attorney general of the central state of Morelos of colluding with a murder suspect to cover up the killing of a woman who was dumped on a road last week. The shocking allegations were made Monday after Rautel Astudillo turned himself in to authorities in the northeastern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon. The businessman is being linked to the murder of Ariadna Lopez, 27, a mother of a five-year-old child whose lifeless body was discovered October 31 by two bicyclists in the Morelos city of Tepoztlan, 57 miles south of Mexico City, the Mexican capital. 'The Attorney General of Justice of the State of Morelos is covering up and trying to cover up a femenicide, alleged nexus between the (killer) and the Attorney General of Justice of Morelos [Uriel Carmona],' Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said during a press conference. Ariadna Lopez, a 27-year-old mother to a five-year-old child, was found dead on the side of a road in Tepoztlan, a city in the central Mexican state of Morelos that is located 57 miles south of the Mexico City, the nation's capital. Lopez was out with a group of friends in the Mexico City neighborhood of Roma on October 30 and was found dead the next day in Tepoztlan Rautel Astudillo turned himself in to authorities in the northeastern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon. Mexico City authorities obtained an arrest warrant after linking him to the murder of Ariadna Lopez. Astudillo attended Lopez funeral service Friday and told reporters she had left his home on her own in a taxi, but Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum revealed on Monday a security camera image that shows him carrying her body Vanessa Flores, the girlfriend of Rautel Astudillo, was arrested Sunday in connection to the murder investigation but has not been formally charged Astudillo's girlfriend, Vanessa Flores, 20, was arrested Sunday in connection to the murder investigation but has not been formally charged. A spokesperson for the Mexico City attorney general told DailyMail.com that Astudillo was being extradited from Nuevo Leon and that he was due to arrive on a flight Monday night. 'I just found out that I have an arrest warrant against me, issued by a judge in Mexico City,' Astudillo told Mexican news station Telediario moments before he walked into the police precinct with his lawyers. 'I am innocent of what I am accused of, I did not kill her, that is why I have come to face justice.' Vanessa Flores (center), the 20-year-old girlfriend of Rautel Astudillo, was taken into custody Sunday in connection to the murder of Ariadna Lopez Still image from a parking lot surveillance camera shows Astudillo carrying Lopez's body after she was allegedly killed in his apartment. Investigators discovered blood stains on the living room floor, a seat cushion and in a bedroom Sheinbaum said Lopez was at a bar in the Mexico City neighborhood of Roma with a group of friends, including Astudillo and Flores, on October 30 around 6pm local time. They later headed to Astudillo's home in the same neighborhood an hour later. Astudillo attended Lopez's funeral service Friday and told reporters that she had left his residence by her own in a taxi. However, Sheinbaum revealed a screenshot image from the building surveillance camera that showed Astudillo carrying Lopez's body across an indoor parking lot at 11:28 am on October 31. Her body was identified by family members after Mexico City law enforcement released photos of her body's tattoos. Ariadna Lopez, a mother to a five-year-old child, was killed in Mexico City last week. Her body was dumped on the side of a road 57 miles away in Tepoztlan, Morelos Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum (pictured) accused Morelos state attorney general Uriel Carmona of covering up Ariadna Lopez's murder According to Morelos state attorney general Uriel Carmona, Ariadna Lopez's death was caused by is a 'serious alcoholic intoxication and a consequent bronchial aspiration' Carmona told reporters Friday that an autopsy had shown that Lopez death was caused by a 'serious alcoholic intoxication and a consequent bronchial aspiration.' The attorney general added that there were 'no traces of violence in it' and that 'technically, forensically up to this point the autopsy is not consistent with a femicide.' Lopez's family, Sheinbaum explained, reached out to the Mexico City attorney general's office and requested a second autopsy. The results were released by Sunday attorney general Ernestina Godoy, who said during a press conference that the 'necropsy established that the body of the young woman presented various injuries due to blows, so it was determined that the reason for death was a multiple trauma, which is classified as fatal.' Godoy said that investigators discovered blood stains on the living room floor, a seat cushion, and in a bedroom. Sheinbaum stressed during Monday's presser that investigators were committed to uncovering Carmona's plot to cover up the suspects' role in the murder. 'We do not want there to be impunity for any crime, but in particular for femicides,' she said. 'I present this case because we do not want there to be impunity in any case but in the case of feminicides where they even tried to blame the victim. As we are going to show in this case, it is evident that the Attorney General of the State of Morelos wanted to hide Ariadna's femicide, presumably because of his nexus with the probable (murderer).' Carmona defended his state's forensic team's autopsy in an interview with Radio Formula and said that they were not hiding any results. 'We did find injuries but for our medical examiner they were not the cause of death,' he said. 'She did have abrasions typical of resuscitation maneuvers and injuries typical of her body from when it was deposited or practically thrown.' A record one million 999 calls for an ambulance ended without the patient receiving face-to-face care in the past year, new figures show. Call handlers are now more likely to give advice over the phone instead of sending someone to see a patient. This can involve directing them to a pharmacy or urgent care unit using their own transport or a taxi. It comes as ambulance crews are increasingly forced to queue for hours outside A&E because there are no beds for patients, preventing them from responding to new calls. Call handlers are now more likely to give advice over the phone instead of sending someone to see a patient '1MILLION' NHS staff could go on strike this winter as fears grow of delayed blood test results and cancelled chemotherapy and dialysis treatments if mass walkouts over pay go ahead Up to one million NHS workers could walk out over pay conditions this winter, prompting fears that blood tests will be delayed, chemotherapy cancelled and dialysis treatments postponed if strikes go ahead. Unite has become the seventh union to announce a ballot, meaning that up to two-thirds of service staff could be involved in strike action over the coming months. Biomedical scientists are being asked to join the walk out, according to The Daily Telegraph, depriving hospitals of staff members able to analyse blood tests. The NHS carries out 130 million blood tests in England every year, usually to screen for infection, genetic conditions or to see if organs are working properly. Health insiders said if the strikes went ahead, it could see hospitals fall into disrepair and patients calls go unanswered. MPs warned workers to think very carefully over strike action and pay demands that would just break the NHS completely. Unite said it would ballot a proportion of its 100,000 NHS members across England and Wales, who work in areas including nursing, counselling and psychotherapy, dental professions, maintenance, administration and ICT. The action is expected to lengthen the backlog of patients waiting for treatment this winter. It comes just a day after the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy announced it was opening a ballot for industrial action to more than 20,000 physiotherapists. It is on top of the more than 850,000 NHS staff members, from nurses, junior doctors and midwives, that are either being balloted or are expected to be balloted on strike action over pay. There are around 1.4 million NHS workers in total, according to NHS Digital data. Advertisement The figures have sparked concerns that health care is being rationed 'by the back door'. The figures show that call handlers are failing to dispatch a paramedic to more than one in nine emergency calls double the rate of five years ago. Those who do receive an ambulance can wait up to 59 hours two and a half days for one to arrive. A total of 1,002,466 999 calls for an emergency ambulance ended with the patient receiving no face-to-face response in the 12 months to September, according to data from NHS England. This was 12 per cent of calls, the highest of any year since records began in 2017, when it was 6 per cent or 453,087 calls with no face-to-face response. By region, London and the Midlands had the highest level of ambulance calls with no face-to-face response, at 15 and 14 per cent respectively. No ambulance trust is reaching patients within target times, the data shows. Thousands with time-critical conditions such as heart attacks have to wait more than two hours for an ambulance. A vehicle should be on the scene of life-threatening emergencies within seven minutes and urgent incidents within 18 minutes. The analysis by the Labour Party comes days after the Mail asked: 'What on earth has happened to our emergency services?' following a report into failings in their response to the Manchester Arena bombing. Wes Streeting, Labour's health spokesman, said: 'Patients expect that when they call 999, an ambulance will arrive to treat them. 'They don't want to be left on their own, often in serious pain and agony. 'Of course, there will be some cases when over the phone advice is more appropriate. 'But the Health Secretary must explain why the number of patients who aren't sent an ambulance after a 999 call has doubled in just five years. 'If a decision has been taken to bring in rationing by the backdoor, he should come clean and level with the public. 'The answer to long ambulance waiting times is not to lower standards of care, it's to improve performance. 'Labour has a fully funded plan to train a new generation of NHS staff, so all patients get the care they need on time.' Miriam Deakin, of NHS Providers, representing NHS trusts, said: 'It's vital that ambulances are available to everyone who needs them as quickly as possible. 'Ambulance services and their partners increasingly try to help people get the care they need in the right place which means sometimes supporting them over the phone or to get help from another service. 'Pressure on 999 calls reflects soaring demand for services right across the health system including community and mental health services, GPs, and social care. 'Long waits for held-up ambulances stem from immense strain on the whole system, especially in social care. 'Thousands of people are in hospital when they could be recovering at or nearer home because social care capacity can't keep up with demand. 'The serious knock-on effect on available beds and admissions leaves ambulances waiting to hand over patients, preventing them getting back out quickly to respond to more calls. 'The 500million to help tackle the logjams announced by the government is welcome and desperately needed but an underfunded, overstretched social care system needs even more support to help ease pressure on the NHS, hospital beds and ambulances.' Ambulances took an average of 47 minutes and 59 seconds to respond to category two calls , such as burns, epilepsy and strokes. This is more than twice as long as the 18 minute target A&E waits have also breached a record, with the number of patients facing 12-hour waits exceeding 30,000 Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, which campaigns for elderly Britons, said he was 'very worried' by the sharp rise in calls that do not result in face-to-face care. He added: 'These shocking figures are symptomatic of the crisis affecting our ambulance services and do suggest there is some form of rationing going on. 'I'm concerned that a growing number of people are being fobbed off and not having their needs met when calling for help. 'It is likely to be the weak, vulnerable and non-pushy who are unable to argue their case or communicate the severity of their condition that fall by the wayside. 'Most people dialling 999 are not time-wasters but genuine patients in need of urgent assistance. 'We hear of people who have to call multiple times to get the help they need when their condition doesn't improve - perhaps they have had a fall and realise their leg is not just bruised but broken. 'If a call handler has any doubt that a patient needs an ambulance, they should dispatch one.' An NHS spokesperson, said: 'It is right that where clinically appropriate, patients are better off treated by other services such as community response teams at home - instead of unnecessarily being transported to hospital. 'The public should continue to come forward in the usual way by dialling 999 in an emergency and using 111 online for other health concerns.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'There are a range of calls that can safely be resolved with clinical advice over the phone or through referral to other services, helping ensure ambulances respond to more serious incidents. 'We are taking action to reduce waits in A&E and getting ambulances quickly back out on the road by providing an extra 500million to speed up discharge and free up hospital beds. 'This is alongside NHS plans to boost capacity and resilience ahead of winter, including creating the equivalent of at least 7,000 more beds.' A woman has been tragically killed in an alleged hit and run collision which saw her dragged along the road before hitting a parked car in Melbourne's west. Another woman, 22, has since been arrested and is now assisting detectives with their inquiries into the fatal incident. The victim was getting out of a car on High Street in Sunshine around 3.10pm on Monday when the vehicle took off. The car dragged her along the road for a short distance until she hit a parked car. The woman was rushed to hospital with serious injuries but later died. Police allege the driver did not stop at the scene. Police has launched a public appeal for information regarding an alleged hit and run which claimed the life of a woman in Melbourne's west on Monday (pictured, officers at the scene in Sunshine) The woman was getting out of a car in High Street, Sunshine (pictured) on Monday afternoon when the vehicle took off, dragging her along the road until she hit a parked vehicle A Brookfield woman, 22, was arrested on Monday night and is assisting police with their inquiries. No charges have yet been laid as of Tuesday morning. Forensic investigators returned to the scene on Tuesday, where they were seen gathering potential evidence. Police believe the driver and victim were known to each other. Investigations into the exact circumstances of the collision continue. Anyone who witnessed the collision, has dashcam footage or information is urged to call Crime Stoppers. A controversial 20mph speed limit for roads in Wales could save 100million a year as a result of reduced deaths and injuries, researchers have estimated. The legislation will set the default speed limit for residential roads and built-up areas at 20mph from next September, but local authorities can keep certain roads at 30mph. Research from the Transport Research Institute at Edinburgh Napier University found the scheme will save nearly 100 lives over a decade. It says the direct costs of introducing a ban will be 32million, but the savings in the first year alone will be three times this because less will be spent on dealing with the aftermath of accidents. A controversial 20mph speed limit for roads in Wales could save 100million a year as a result of reduced deaths and injuries, researchers have estimated (file image) The report adds: Evidence suggests that the health benefits of 20mph are far, far greater than casualty savings alone. 'They include increased physical activity, and therefore less obesity, less stress and less anxiety, as well as other health benefits such as reduced noise and air pollution. But 45,000 people have signed a petition against the Labour-led governments scheme, saying it will cause congestion, confusion and be unenforceable. The Welsh Conservatives have branded it unworkable. But 45,000 people have signed a petition against the Labour-led governments scheme, saying it will cause congestion, confusion and be unenforceable (First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford is pictured on September 26 at the Labour Party conference) Natasha Asghar, the Welsh Conservative shadow transport minister, said: Labour ministers need to stop imposing dogmatic and restrictive measures on road users in Wales and focus on making sure Wales has a public transport system fit for the 21st century. Lee Waters, the deputy minister for climate change, said: The evidence from around the world is very clear - reducing speed limits reduces collisions and saves lives. Slower speeds also create a safer and more welcoming environment, giving people the confidence to walk and cycle more, which will help to improve our health and wellbeing and help to improve the environment. As with any change, we know it will take time for people to adapt. The Justice Department will send monitors to 24 states in an effort to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws in Tuesday's elections. The action, which occurs regularly on Election Day, comes as civil rights groups and the federal government have raised alarm over potential voter intimidation at some polling places and ballot boxes. The 2022 election is playing out against the backdrop of persistent falsehoods made by former President Donald Trump and his Republican allies about losing the 2020 vote, a relentless campaign that will have implications as people cast their ballots. Democrats, on the other hand, have expressed concerns over the potential for voter suppression. The 64 jurisdictions where federal monitors - typically lawyers with the department's civil rights division and U.S. attorney's offices across the United States - are going include Maricopa County, Arizona, where there have been reports of people watching ballot boxes, sometimes armed or wearing ballistic vests. The Justice Department also announced it would be sending monitors to Cole County, Missouri, where local elections officials have said they would block the monitors. The attorneys will be in regular touch with election officials in the locations and will watch for signs of disruption to voters ability to cast ballots. There is also a call-in line should voters feel they are suffering discrimination at a polling place. The 64 jurisdictions where federal monitors are being sent include Maricopa County, Arizona, where there have been reports of people watching ballot boxes, sometimes armed or wearing ballistic vests Signs direct voters to drop off their ballots at a secure ballot drop box at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center in Phoenix late last month WHERE ARE THE MONITORS BEING SENT? The Justice Department plans to send the monitors to 64 jurisdictions in 24 different states. They include: The city of Bethel, Dillingham Census Area, Kusilvak Census Area and Sitka City-Borough in Alaska Maricopa County, Navajo County, Pima County, Pinal County and Yavapai County in Arizona Newton County in Arkansas Los Angeles County and Sonoma County in California Broward County, Miami-Dade County and Palm Beach County in Florida Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County in Georgia The town of Clinton, and the cities of Fitchburg, Leominster, Everett, Malden, Methuen, Randolph and Salem in Massachusetts Prince George's County in Maryland Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Pontiac and Southfield in Michigan Minneapolis, Hennepin and Ramsey counties in Minnesota Cole County in Missouri Alamance County, Columbus County, Harnett County, Mecklenburg County and Wayne County in North Carolina Middlesex County in New Jersey Bernalillo County and San Juan County in New Mexico Clark County and Washoe County in Nevada The borough of Queens in New York City Cuyahoga County in Ohio; Berks County, Centre County Lehigh County, Luzerne County, Philadelphia County in Pennsylvania The city of Pawtucket, Rhode Island Horry County in South Carolina; Dallas County Harris County and Waller County, Texas San Juan County, Utah Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park in Virginia Milwaukee and Racine, Wisconsin Advertisement The monitors are being sent to 'protect the rights of voters,' as they have for decades, the Justice Department said Monday. A look at the monitors: WHO ARE THE ELECTION MONITORS? The monitors are lawyers who work for the U.S. government. They are not law enforcement officers or federal agents. They generally include lawyers from the Justice Department's civil rights division and U.S. attorneys offices across the nation. The government also sometimes brings in employees from other agencies, such as the Office of Personnel Management, who are authorized to act as monitors under a federal court order. ___ WHY ARE THEY BEING SENT TO WATCH ELECTION SITES? The Justice Department has sent attorneys to monitor election sites and compliance with federal voting laws for more than five decades. The department's civil rights lawyers are responsible for enforcing civil action tied to the voting statutes and protecting the right to vote. The laws they enforce include the Voting Rights Act, along with the National Voter Registration Act and other statutes. Prosecutors in the same division also enforce criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and efforts to suppress voting based on someones race, national origin or religion. Some of the locations where they have been sent include areas where there were concerns in 2020, as well as locations where issues have already been raised this year. ___ WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING IN MARICOPA COUNTY? The Justice Department has warned about the potential for violations of the Voting Rights Act after people, sometimes armed or wearing ballistic vests, were monitoring ballot boxes in Maricopa County. There was a lawsuit over the activity and the department filed a statement of interest in the case. Federal officials have said that while lawful poll watching can support transparency, 'ballot security forces' present a significant risk of voter intimidation. ___ WHAT IS THE CONTROVERSY IN COLE COUNTY? Republican election officials in Cole County have pushed back against the Justice Department's efforts to review voting access in Missouri. Missouri's secretary of state, Jay Ashcroft, says county clerk Steve Korsmeyer had declined the Justice Department's efforts to monitor the polls, and Korsmeyer says he won't let them in if they show up. Ashcroft accused the department of 'trying to bully a hard working county official.' In a Thursday email shared by Ashcroft, an assistant U.S. attorney told Korsmeyer that four Department of Justice staffers planned to visit polling sites on Election Day and briefly question poll officials as part of a review in coordination with the civil rights division. 'Rest assured that we understand that you will be administering the election and we will try to minimize the time we spend at each site,' Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Thomas wrote. Reiterating his stance on Monday, Korsmeyer told The Associated Press, 'The DOJ won't be allowed into our polling locations,' citing a state statue that gives him some leeway in deciding who, other than election workers, is allowed to enter polling places. But he said Justice Department officials he spoke with were 'very respectful and said they wouldn't enter our polling locations on Election Day.' 'We dont expect any issues,' he said in an email to the AP. The department confirmed that its monitors would remain outside. Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes told jurors on Monday there was no plan for his followers to attack the US Capitol during the January 6 riot, as he tries to clear his name in his seditious conspiracy trial. Rhodes testified that he had no idea that his followers were going to join the mob who stormed the Capitol and that he was upset after he found out that some did. Rhodes said he believed it was stupid for any Oath Keepers to go into the Capitol. He insisted that was not their 'mission.' 'There was no plan to enter the building for any purpose,' Rhodes said. Rhodes is on trial with four others for what prosecutors have alleged was a plan to stage an armed rebellion to stop the transfer of presidential power from Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden. Prosecutors have tried to show that for the Oath Keepers, then riot was not a spur-of-the-moment protest but part of a serious, weekslong plot. Rhodes' defense is focused largely on his the idea that his rhetoric was aimed at convincing Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act, which gives the president wide discretion to decide when military force is necessary and what qualifies as military force. Rhodes told jurors he believed it would have been legal for Trump to invoke that act and call up a militia in response to what he believed was an 'unconstitutional' and 'invalid' election. 'All of my effort was on what Trump could do,' Rhodes said. Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes told jurors on Monday there was no plan for his followers to attack the US Capitol during the January 6 riot, as he tries to clear his name in his seditious conspiracy trial Thomas Caldwell is also charged with seditious conspiracy in one of the most serious cases to emerge from the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol Rhodes did not make clear what he would have wanted the militia to do after being called up by Trump. But he said disrupting the certification of the vote was not one of his goals and he expected that it would be certified. Prosecutors say Rhodes' own words show that he was using the Insurrection Act as legal cover and that he was going to act no matter what Trump did. When they get a chance to question Rhodes this week, they are likely to highlight messages such as one Rhodes sent in December 2020 in which he said Trump 'needs to know that if he fails to act, then we will.' Rhodes also addressed another key part of prosecutors' case: a massive arsenal of weapons the Oath Keepers had a hotel at nearby Virginia. Prosecutors say the guns were an element of a so-called quick reaction force that the group could deploy quickly to Washington. Rhodes claimed the weapons weren't there for that purpose and said it would have taken a long time to load them into a vehicle to bring into the city. Edward Tarpley the attorney of Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes, arrives at the Federal Courthouse during the Rhodes trial in Washington Rhodes did not go into the Capitol on Jan. 6 and prosecutors have described him as 'a general surveying his troops on a battlefield.' Rhodes said that he merely went to the Capitol to find his Oath Keeper followers who were not on a security 'mission' protecting figures such as Roger Stone, a longtime Trump confidant. Rhodes said he said he didn't even realize that one of his men went into the Capitol until he saw him in an FBI photo. Prosecutors have spent weeks methodically laying out evidence that shows Rhodes and the Oath Keepers discussing the prospect of violence before Jan. 6 and the need to keep Biden out of the White House at all costs. Among their key witnesses were two of Rhodes former followers who pleaded guilty in the Capitol attack and agreed to cooperate with investigators in the hopes of getting a lighter sentence. One told jurors that the Oath Keepers were prepared to stop the certification of Bidens electoral victory by 'any means necessary,' including by taking up arms. Three Oath Keepers who pleaded guilty to seditious conspiracy and struck cooperation deals with prosecutors were notably not put on the stand by the government. Its unclear why. The defendants are the first among hundreds of people arrested in the Capitol riot to stand trial on the Civil War-era charge that calls for up to 20 years behind bars. The Justice Department last secured such a conviction at trial nearly 30 years ago and intends to try two more groups on the charge later this year. On trial with Rhodes, of Granbury, Texas, are Kelly Meggs, leader of the Florida chapter of the Oath Keepers; Kenneth Harrelson, another Florida Oath Keeper; Thomas Caldwell, a retired U.S. Navy intelligence officer from Virginia; and Jessica Watkins, who led an Ohio militia group. They face several other charges in addition to seditious conspiracy. The juvenile accused of shooting two teens dead on a woodland trail in rural North Carolina earlier this year has been identified. The name of the underage suspect, court filings have revealed, is Issiah Ross, a 17-year-old aspiring Soundcloud artist who faces two counts of murder for the killings of 14-year-old Lyric Woods and 18-year-old Devin Clark. Woods and Clark, who were close friends, were found gunned down in a brush area near Buckhorn Road in Orange County on September 18. Court documents revealed that Woods had a gunshot wound to the left side of her neck, while Clark had gunshot wounds to the head and thigh areas. Missing from the September 26 criminal complaint, however, was the suspect's name - with police only providing his age in the official document. Officials had been tight-lipped about the suspect's identity following his arrest on that date, citing his age and laws regarding minors' right to privacy. The Orange County Sheriff's Office even announced that the suspect, who they believed was responsible for the dual killing, would likely not be tried as an adult. That assertion was proven wrong on Monday, when officials finally shed more light on the case, after announcing the then unnamed suspect's arrest on October 5. No motive was provided for the murders. Issiah Ross, a 17-year-old aspiring Soundcloud artist, faces two counts of murder for the killings of 14-year-old Lyric Woods and 18-year-old Devin Clark Lyric Woods, 14, (left) and 18-year-old Devin Clark were last seen on September 18. Their bodies were confirmed to have been found two days later, striking the search for a then-unidentified Ross During the 2:30pm press conference, Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood revealed a more detailed timetable for the murders, after discovering the bodies of the two teenagers on September 18, a Sunday. 'Because several people living near where Devin and Lyric were discovered heard gunshots early Saturday morning,' Blackwood said, 'we believe that's when the murders occurred.' The sheriff went on to reveal that his office's investigation quickly determined that Ross was a suspect - based on a combination of forensic and other unspecified evidence found at the scene of the slayings. Ross, knowing the law was hot on his tail, proceeded to flee to Delaware after the crimes, where two reported accomplices now face charges of harboring a fugitive. Police said Ross had lived in Delaware previously. Blackwood did not identify the two people charged for allegedly sheltering Ross, who briefly attended the same school as Clark, Eastern Alamance High School in Mebane - where he resided at the time of the crime and arrest. Ross' name previously was not allowed to be released, officials also revealed during the presser - due to the fact the case had been in juvenile court. However, on Monday, the county's district attorney revealed the teen will be tried as an adult, after his attorneys reportedly failed to file an appeal to stop that process. Ross, knowing the law was hot on his tail, proceeded to flee to Delaware after the crimes, where two reported accomplices now face charges of harboring a fugitive. Police said Ross had lived in Delaware previously. Officials had been tight-lipped about the suspect's identity following his arrest on that date, citing his age and laws regarding minors' right to privacy Alicia Stemper, director of public information for the sheriff, said there was no clear motive for the killings. 'We have some theories and we have some evidence, but we can't speculate as to motive at this time,' she added during the conference. While Ross will be tried as an adult, officials at the presser revealed that the most serious punishment option the teen could face is life in prison without possibility of parole. The is due to the fact that anyone under 18 is not eligible to receive the death penalty, officials said. Authorities believe that Ross fled North Carolina on Sunday - the day the bodies were found - and that same day uploaded five new songs on what appears to be his Soundcloud, under the name Mi$tr3. One song, entitled 'Glass,' mentioned lining up 'headshots,' and another mentions that he has 's**t I can't talk about/I cannot discuss.' In 'Th3 D3vil Is R3al,' also released on Sunday. he raps about waking up feeling like a demon. Authorities believe that Ross fled North Carolina on Sunday - the day the bodies were found - and that same day uploaded five suggestive songs on what appears to be his Soundcloud The profiled is plagued with comments from users accusing the teen of rapping about and glorifying the deaths. With that said, Ross has tracks going back years with similar themes. Police have yet to comment on the contents of the profile. The sheriff's office, meanwhile, says that is has since finished its investigation, and has handed over the case to the district attorney's office. Ross's next court date is slated for November 15. Until then, he will be held by prosecutors without bond. District Attorney Jeffrey Nieman said Ross is currently at a juvenile facility and even when transferred to adult court, he will remain in a juvenile facility. Authorities refused to provide additional information as to not risk the still ongoing case. Once he was identified as a suspect, a juvenile petition was announced by authorities on Sept. 20 when it was filed against Ross for two counts of first-degree murder. The big question of why Ross would kill the two fellow teenagers was asked at the press conference. 'We don't always know the motive,' said Stemper. Ross, a 17-year-old aspiring Soundcloud artist, faces two counts of murder for the killings of 14-year-old Lyric Woods and 18-year-old Devin Clark Locals had reacted with anger to Blackwood's announcement that the 17-year-old would be charged with a juvenile. Blackwood did not clarify that the suspect would be tried in adult court if subsequent charges were filed. 'This person murdered 2 people!! Said person should be tried as an adult!' wrote one on Facebook. 'The law needs to be changed, this 17 year old knew exactly what he/she was doing. Old enough to point the gun and take two lives, old enough to pay the consequences. No excuses,' said another. Another commented: 'Great work OCSD, now the court system needs to do their job that person should never see the outside of a prison again be under trial as an adult and possibly the death penalty....those kids deserve it!!' Several asked that the should face the death penalty if found guily. North Carolina supports the death penalty - however, the last execution took place more than 15 years ago. Similarly, no one has been sentenced to death in the state since 2019. 'The 17 year old knew right from wrong and had no business with a gun, so his parents need to be held accountable as well,' one local said of the charges. 'He needs to be charged as an adult and put in prison for life! The death penalty isn't good enough for what he did.' Another added: 'Tried as a juvenile? Death penalty or life isnt enough for the pain both sets of parents will do life from here on out with because of this crime taken out on their kids. 'Death here should be as close as it can be to the pain these kids went through.' Admiral of the Fleet Lord Michael Boyce - the Cold War submarine commander known as 'Iceman' who later challenged Tony Blair's authority while Chief of the Defence Staff in the run-up to the 2003 Iraq War - has died aged 79 after a battle with cancer. Lord Boyce was Commander-in-Chief Fleet, Commander-in-Chief Eastern Atlantic Area and Commander Naval Forces North Western Europe in the late 1990s and First Sea Lord from 1998 to 2001. He was then appointed Chief of the Defence Staff, becoming the last First Sea Lord to hold the position of Britain's military chief before Admiral Sir Tony Radakin's appointment last year. Admiral of the Fleet Lord Michael Boyce - the Cold War submarine commander known as 'Iceman' who later challenged Tony Blair's authority while Chief of the Defence Staff in the run-up to the 2003 Iraq War - has died aged 79 after a battle with cancer Lord Boyce was Commander-in-Chief Fleet, Commander-in-Chief Eastern Atlantic Area and Commander Naval Forces North Western Europe in the late 1990s and First Sea Lord from 1998 to 2001 (pictured with his family at Buckingham Palace) In that capacity, Lord Boyce challenged the Blair Government's legal authority for its invasion of Iraq. He later became a crossbench peer in the House of Lords and was made an honorary Admiral of the Fleet in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2014. Paying tribute to his predecessor, Sir Tony said: 'I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Admiral of the Fleet Lord Boyce, who has died peacefully after a long illness. He later became a crossbench peer in the House of Lords and was made an honorary Admiral of the Fleet in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2014 'Of his many achievements, Lord Boyce was most proud to be a submariner. 'His quiet determination and focus under pressure represented the best of the Silent Service, and served him throughout an extraordinary career where duty and loyalty to his country was always utmost. 'His integrity as Chief of the Defence Staff will remain an example to all those who aspire to lead.' A Sydney cafe chain has been found guilty of exploiting eight 'interns' and paying the university students from Taiwan just $6-an-hour. In total, 85 Degrees Coffee Australia Pty Ltd underpaid the workers $430,000 in under a year. The so-called interns had made the journey to Sydney through a deal arranged by a company related to the cafe chain. They were made to work up to 70 hours a week, earning between $1650 and $1750 a month from July 2016 to June 2017. That equates to less than $6 an hour. The chain was fined $475,000 by the Federal Court for exploiting the students, who had come from Taipei City University of Science and Technology in Taiwan. In total, 85 Degrees Coffee Australia Pty Ltd underpaid the eight workers $430,000 in under a year The so-called interns had made the journey to Sydney from Taiwan through a deal arranged by a company related to the cafe chain 85 Degrees is a repeat offender, having been reprimanded by the Fair Work Ombudsman in 2015 after it underpaid other visa holders. Federal Court Justice Robert Bromwich said: 'The contravening conduct itself was plainly deliberate.' It is the fifth-highest overall penalty ever secured in a case brought by the Fair Work Ombudsman and its second-largest court penalty against a single company. Four of the students worked at an 85 Degrees cake factory in St Peters, in Sydney's inner west, preparing and packing cakes and cleaning. Two others worked at the 85 Degrees bread factory in Hurstville making and packing bread products, while another worked across the St Peters factory and the 85 Degrees cafe outlet in Hurstville. The final worker was stationed at the 85 Degrees cafe outlet on George Street in the Sydney CBD. The common thread among 85 Degrees Coffee's directors was that they were either born in Taiwan or live there now. Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker told the Daily Telegraph: 'The substantial penalty sends a clear message that the exploitative conduct we have seen in this matter will not be tolerated in any Australian workplace.' The chain has been fined $475,000 by the Federal Court for exploiting the students, who had come from Taipei City University of Science and Technology in Taiwan 'Employers must pay the lawful minimum pay rates that apply to all employees, for all hours worked, regardless of a worker's nationality or visa status.' The workers were back-paid last year after the FWO filed legal action against 85 Degrees. The FWO investigation was triggered by a plea for help from the students. Ms Parker said: 'Any workers with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us.' The cafe chain was majority owned by a company registered in the Cayman Islands, records filed with the corporate regulator show. More than 500 conscripts from one Russian battalion were slaughtered in 72 hours after being dumped on the front line and told to dig trenches with just three shovels between them. Whistleblowers said only 29 men survived the massacre of mobilised men, with another 12 wounded. Their officers had abandoned them to relentless attack from Ukrainian artillery, drones and mortars. The slaughter of conscripts, forced to enlist last month from Voronezh in central Russia, match claims by other mobilised men who say their units also took big losses after being left leaderless. There are also allegations that 300 marines from the Russian Far East may have been wiped out in another brutal battle further along the front. The revelations, circulating on Russian social media, highlight concerns that the vast numbers called up by Vladimir Putin to rescue his bungled invasion are being used as cannon fodder by cowardly and incompetent commanders. More than 500 conscripts from one Russian battalion were slaughtered in 72 hours after being dumped on the front line and told to dig trenches with just three shovels between them They have sparked furious protests from relatives and follow reports that a general put his pistol to the head of a recruit who had retreated and threatened to kill him. The commander was withdrawn three days later, at the end of last month. Aleksey Agafonov told Viorstka, an online Russian media outlet, he saw complete confusion and discord after his unit was sent near to Svatovo, a town in Luhansk region occupied by Russia since March. This area has become one of hottest spots on the front line. Ukraine is advancing two miles a week while Russia has poured in soldiers to shore up its lines in the illegally annexed region. Agafonov said they were told they would be beefing up Russias territorial defence forces about ten miles to the rear. Instead, he claimed that on the night of November 1 they were dumped on the front line and ordered to dig. We had three shovels per battalion, there was no provision at all, he said. We dug in as best we could and in the morning shelling began. The officers immediately ran. The recruit said they attempted to dig in during lulls in the shelling but drones immediately spotted us and simply shot us. Agafonov said that when they fled the front without seeing the officers they found professional soldiers sitting in trenches further back. New arrivals are grouped into new battalions and thrown to the front to close the line of defence, he claimed. Although his allegations are unverified, they are backed by a second mobilised man called Nikolai Voronin. Everything Agafonov said is true, he said. There are a lot of dead. Voronin added that there were so few shovels that the soldiers were trying to dig trenches with bayonets and knives. A video shows soldiers staging mutiny against general at training base in Kazan Agafonov claimed a second battalion was crushed in the same area. Subsequent reports have disclosed that many mobilised men from other regions of Russia were killed there in the days before his arrival. A soldiers wife said 128 conscripts were sent to the front after just a few days of training, to be abandoned by their officers without communications and armed only with semi-automatic rifles to confront Ukrainian artillery. The woman, who asked not to be named, said they held their position for a fortnight under intense attack but many boys died. Her husband was among 12 men who escaped the carnage only to be sent back a few days later. At the weekend around 50 relatives staged protests in front of Voronezh government buildings. Why the hell do they say theyre alive and healthy when theyve all been killed there? asked Oksana Kholodova, the mother of one soldier. She added that relatives had phoned some of the men in hiding during a meeting with the regional governor and that they confirmed their situation. Let them fight, said Kholodova. But not on the front line and without any equipment. Voronin added that there were so few shovels that the soldiers were trying to dig trenches with bayonets and knives Anna, whose husband survived the Svatovo massacre, said they wanted everyone to know how badly the men had been treated. They were abandoned like kittens without preparation, without anything, she said. Other women said survivors were hiding in Svatovo, fearful of repercussions. They did not sleep, did not eat for three days they held the defence and did not run anywhere, unlike the commanders, said one. Serhiy Haiday, Ukrainian head of Luhansk region, said Russian forces were making repeated efforts to breach their lines using newly-mobilised men and mercenaries from the Wagner group, including troops recruited from prisons. He confirmed that Russia lost a battalion, around 500 soldiers in fighting near Svatovo. The soldiers attacking our positions are basically walking over the bodies of their comrades, said Haiday. Putin repeatedly said there was no need for mobilisation when launching his special operation in February. But then, panicked by the speed of Kyivs counter-attack in September, he announced a call-up that led 700,000 men to flee Russia. The tyrant claims 318,000 men have been conscripted with 80,000 already in the war zone. Independent media estimate that more than a million people will end up being mobilised. Pro-Kremlin groups have accused Ukraine of spreading lies about Russian military losses. Additional reporting by Kate Baklitskaya Prince Harry is facing claims that he is trying to get Netflix to postpone his controversial fly-on-the-wall documentary until after Christmas so it is released at around the same time as his bombshell memoir. The Duke of Sussex has been working on the series as part of his rumoured 88million deal with the streaming giant, but now wants the series delayed until next year, The Sun reports. Hollywood news website Deadline previously said that 'rattled' Netflix bosses 'blinked first' and decided to push back the original December release date after the US company came under heavy criticism over its bombshell fifth series of royal drama The Crown. But it is now claimed that Harry and Meghan's Archewell Productions are driving efforts to delay the docuseries, following claims the couple want to make 'extensive cuts' to the programme. Prince Harry is facing claims he is trying to get Netflix to postpone his controversial fly-on-the-wall documentary until after Christmas so it is released at around the same time as his memoir The Sun claims that publishers of Harry's memoir Spare, which was set to hit shelves at the same time as the show was screened on Netflix, have agreed to postpone its release until after January 10. The paper reported that the Duke needed to make last-minute changes to the book. However, a source told The Sun last night: 'Harry simply does not want it coming out before Christmas'. It follows reports that the couple want to make edits to the series as they look to 'downplay much of what they have said about King Charles III, Queen Consort Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales'. Insiders reportedly told US website Page Six that the couple are 'having second thoughts' on the project. The series is a co-production between Netflix and Archewell Productions 'Harry and Meghan are panicked about trying to tone down even the most basic language. But it's their story, from their own mouths,' one Netflix source told the website last month. Another said: 'They've made significant requests to walk back content they themselves have provided'. One Hollywood industry source claimed the couple were facing doubts about the series following the Queen's death. Representatives for the Duke and Duchess were contacted by MailOnline. Sir Gavin Williamson told a senior civil servant to 'slit your throat' and 'jump out of a window', it was claimed last night. A Ministry of Defence official alleged that Sir Gavin 'deliberately demeaned and intimidated' them regularly when he was defence secretary between 2017 and 2019. It follows reports that the Cabinet Office minister 'still hasn't apologised' for the abusive texts or made 'any contact' with ex-Chief Whip Wendy Morton, according to the BBC. The 'slit your throat' comment was made in front of other shocked civil servants during a meeting, the official told The Guardian. The 'jump out of a window' remark was made on a separate occasion, they alleged. The official, who later left government, said they reported the alleged behaviour to the MoD's head of human resources, but did not to make a formal complaint. The MoD official told The Guardian Sir Gavin 'shouted and raged' and a senior military official from the department later apologised for not calling out the now Cabinet Officer minister. Sir Gavin denied bullying the official but did not appear to deny using the specific words. A Ministry of Defence official alleged that Sir Gavin Williamson (pictured today) 'deliberately demeaned and intimidated' them regularly when he was defence secretary He said in a statement: 'I strongly reject this allegation and have enjoyed good working relationships with the many brilliant officials I have worked with across government.' The allegation was revealed on the day that Downing Street insisted Rishi Sunak retains full confidence in Sir Gavin despite a female MP coming forward to accuse Sir Gavin of raising sensitive details about her private life in an attempt to silence her. Downing Street has insisted Rishi Sunak (pictured during the Cop27 summit today) retains full confidence in Sir Gavin The MP alleges that when Sir Gavin was chief whip in 2016, he raised an issue about her private life at a time when she was campaigning on a difficult issue for the Government, The Times reported. And this allegation came just days after abusive messages Sir Gavin sent to former chief whip Wendy Morton were revealed. No 10 said Mr Sunak will allow the complaints process to run its course before deciding whether to act. Yesterday senior Tories criticised Sir Gavin, with Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross saying he would sack any of his frontbenchers who used the sort of language in the messages. In the expletive-laden texts to Mrs Morton Sir Gavin accused her of using the Queen's death to 'punish' senior MPs who were out of favour with Liz Truss by excluding them from the funeral's guest list. In one, he wrote: 'Let's see how many more times you f*** us all over. There is a price for everything.' Anne Milton, a former Tory MP who served as deputy chief whip under Sir Gavin, said: 'The use of information as leverage against MPs has no place in modern politics. I am surprised he was appointed as a minister.' In the expletive-laden texts to former chief whip Wendy Morton (pictured) Sir Gavin accused her of using the Queen's death to 'punish' senior MPs who were out of favour with Liz Truss by excluding them from the funeral's guest list Yesterday Mr Sunak said: 'I've been very clear that language is not right, it's not acceptable. 'And that's why I welcome the fact that Gavin Williamson has expressed regret about that and now we wait to see what the investigation says.' It comes as it is revealed that Sir Gavin has failed in his bid to stop his constituency being carved up. The Boundary Commission for England's revised proposals published today would see the county of Staffordshire go from 12 to 11 MPs. Sir Gavin's South Staffordshire seat is set to merge with part of South Dudley, currently held by Tory MP Mike Wood. Rishi Sunak was wise to avoid apocalyptic rhetoric during his keynote speech to the Cop27 climate conference in Egypt. In his first foray on to the international stage as Prime Minister, it was important his words were measured, not hysterical. As a result, his message that all nations should hasten their drive towards net zero carbon emissions to curb global warming hit the right note. By contrast, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres's end-of-the-world pronouncements risked ordinary citizens switching off. 'We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator,' he warned. Rishis Sunak was wise to avoid apocalyptic rhetoric during his keynote speech at Cop27 Given Russia's invasion of Ukraine has strengthened the importance of ending dependence on fossil fuels, Mr Sunak is right to want to turn Britain into a 'clean energy superpower'. But to get ordinary people on board, he must be realistic about what we can achieve and the potential costs. Britain produces under 1 per cent of the world's CO2, and has reduced emissions by 45 per cent since the 1990s. We are one of the only countries in the world to have imposed on its economy a strict, anti-competitive and legally-binding requirement to cut greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050 (a process started by Ed Miliband's ruinous Climate Change Act in 2008). While China, India and other rivals belch out eye-watering emissions (and are not even at the climate jamboree), signing Britain up to ever more punitive targets would be an act of pure economic hara-kiri. The naked truth is, we cannot yet meet our energy needs by renewables alone. To keep the lights on, fossil fuels and nuclear must remain part of the mix. As an environmental good guy, it's insane we are being urged to pay up to 1trillion in reparations to poor countries suffering the effects of climate change, such as flooding. Leave aside the fact this is simply unaffordable. To calculate compensation based on historical emissions would be mind-bogglingly complicated. How far back would it go? Who decides who pays? How much? And industrialisation is hardly a sin. It's the key factor that has driven up prosperity and living standards all over the world. If the Tories pay anything more than lip service to such a crazy idea, they are playing a very dangerous game with voters. When people are struggling to heat their homes in Britain, sending vast sums to the Maldives would be political suicide. No more softly-softly When will the police, the courts and the other authorities wake up and realise that the softly-softly approach will not deter Just Stop Oil from causing mayhem? Within hours of an injunction being issued to stop the group targeting the M25, protesters had flouted it by scaling the gantries, bringing traffic to a grinding halt. The right to peaceful protest is of course a fundamental part of our society. But the antics of these sinister cultists go way beyond that. It is wanton criminality. Never mind saving the planet. Their aim is to punish anyone unwilling to sacrifice their living standards on the altar of eco-austerity using violence if necessary. The time has come to hit these anti-democratic anarchists with long jail sentences not let them walk free to post attention-seeking social media videos from wherever they next wreak havoc. Secret lover campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay were allegedly shot before their bodies were burnt and dumped in bush graves. The badly burnt remains of Ms Clay, 73, and Mr Hill, 74 were located by Victoria Police Missing Persons Squad detectives on November 30 - just days after the arrest of former Jetstar pilot Gregory Lynn. On Monday, the Melbourne Magistrates' Court heard a ballistics expert would play a crucial role in the alleged killer's upcoming preliminary hearing, which is scheduled to run over four days in January. It is the first time any information on how police allege Lynn killed the elderly couple has been revealed in public. Russell Hill (pictured, right) and Carol Clay (left) are alleged by police to have been murdered during a camping trip in March 2020 Gregory Lynn, 55, (pictured) was charged with the murder of secret lovers Russell Hill, 74, and Carol Clay, 73 Footage of the search showed plain clothes officers sifting through dirt by hand as an excavator worked ahead turning the soil over and digging up the packed ground The court heard Victorian homicide detectives had compiled a whopping 773-page brief of evidence against Lynn, whose flight attendant wife Melanie tuned into the video link hearing in her husband's absence. Lynn has employed high profile criminal barrister Dermot Dann, QC to defend him in the Supreme Court of Victoria murder trial late next year. Mr Dann said he was eager to cross examine ballistics expert Paul Griffiths. 'Mr Griffiths is an important witness dealing with the bullet trajectory and so forth,' he said. The court heard 11 witnesses will be called to give evidence in the preliminary hearing. It is understood Lynn had been under surveillance by police for months before his arrest. The court heard the police brief contained mountains of transcripts of secret recordings of Lynn captured by detectives as part of 'Operation Lexicon'. Mr Dann said he had at least 14 folders of material related to his client's phone records. Lynn is set to appear in court in person for the first time when the matter proceeds in January. While detectives were keen to release information on the case to the public when Lynn was under investigation, few details have been made public since he was taken into custody. The 55-year old man from Caroline Springs in Melbourne's west remains in custody after being charged with the couple's murders. The bodies of his alleged victims had been dumped in dense bushland off the Providence Spur Track, north of Dargo in the state's east, and had remained there for 20 months. Mr Hill's family were not aware that he would be spending the weekend with his lover, Ms Clay Forensic experts made the grisly find off the Providence Spur Track north of Dargo in the state's east within dense bushland often frequented by deer hunters Detectives believe the bodies had been dumped in the area the very day they went missing on March 20, 2020. Mystery remains, for now, over what else police found at the burial site. A breakthrough in the missing campers case came when police arrested Lynn in the bush on November 22 last year. He had been arrested on a Monday night at a remote campsite in Arbuckle Junction, 1.5 hours south of Wonnangatta in the states east. Detectives seized his Nissan Patrol after tracking his movements and flying into remote bushland by helicopter. A trailer being towed by an off-road vehicle - also captured on CCTV the night the secret lovers vanished - is believed to remain missing. Lynn's arrest came just three weeks after detectives detailed their investigation progress on Channel 9's 60 Minutes. There, Inspector Andrew Stamper revealed police had been on the hunt for the driver of a blue late 90s Nissan Patrol, which had been captured on CCTV at the top of Mount Hotham when the campers vanished on March 20 last year. It is understood police had already placed listening devices throughout the alleged killer's vehicles and home with a view to listen to how he reacted to the media hysteria. Greg Lynn is seen with his wife Melanie - who is a flight attendant with Jetstar - with the pair meeting through work Officers endured treacherous conditions in the search for the missing campers Footage of the search showed plain clothes officers sifting through dirt by hand as an excavator worked ahead turning the soil over and digging up the packed ground Speaking then, Mr Stamper said police believed Mr Hill more than likely met foul play after getting into an argument with another camper in the remote Victorian wilderness. The camping site Lynn is believed to have been set up at on March 20 last year had been sought after among those who entered the rugged section of bush. Nestled upon the river, it is a camping site Mr Hill too liked to enjoy while there. But when police found his gutted tent, it was not in that perfect camping spot, but some 100 metres away. Mr Stamper said Mr Hill would have bumped into the other camper as he went to the river to retrieve water. 'We believe, that based upon what we know about Russell and how passionate he was and how experienced he was in that area and the camp in general, that it would make sense for him to go to a certain position which has access to the river, a nice little campfire already made-up, but the position that he actually chose ... is not as good,' he said. 'The only reason we can assume Russell didn't camp in the best spot was potentially there was somebody else already there.' Mr Stamper said if Mr Hill's interaction with that camper became confrontational, he would have been unlikely to have taken a step back. 'We know that Russell, albeit a very peaceful and law abiding man, he worked in the wilderness in that area. He worked tough jobs so he wasn't someone who would ... take a backward step. So there has been some sort of argument and maybe it's escalated from there,' he said. While Mr Hill had made contact with a mate over his CB radio upon reaching the camp site, he made no mention of anyone else being there or any such conflict. Police were unable to locate any clues from the other camper's site. Ms Clay was on a romantic camping trip and had confided in her sister about the romance The charred remains of the couples' tent were found by fellow campers a day after they vanished For 20 months police have been investigating what happened to the two missing campers In the initial stages of the case, authorities suspected the couple had simply run off together, but neither has accessed their bank accounts since their disappearance. Possessions belonging to the couple were found inside Mr Hill's Toyota 4WD at the scene. The only things missing were their mobile phones and a remote control drone. Mr Hill's wife Robyn, 71, said she had no idea her husband was with another woman when he went missing. She said her husband had been friendly with Ms Clay for decades but was unaware they were travelling together. Another working theory was that the pair had become lost, but given Mr Hill is an experienced outdoorsman with knowledge of the area, that would appear extremely unlikely. Multiple major search operations involving drones, helicopters, mounted police, search dogs and ground crews have also come up with nothing. Lynn faces life behind bars if convicted of the murders. A woman who burnt alive an entire family while they slept in their home took happy snaps of the blaze to share with friends before leaving them to die in agony. Abbey Forrest, 19, Inda Sohal, 28, and their baby daughter Ivy had no chance of escaping the raging inferno that claimed their lives in December 2020. But in a plea deal with Victoria's Office of Public Prosecutions, their killer Jenny Hayes was permitted to plead guilty to the lesser charge of arson causing death. In a cruel slap to the face of the families of her victims, Crown prosecutor Ray Gibson, QC told the Supreme Court of Victoria on Monday that Hayes had indeed been told someone was in the Point Cook home, in Melbourne's south-west, when she set it alight. Jenny Hayes, 46, was arrested in December and charged with three counts of murder. She accepted a plea deal to lesser charges Abbey Forrest, 19, Inda Sohal, 25, and their baby daughter Ivy (pictured together) didn't stand a chance after Jenny Hayes set their home on fire The Point Cook home that Jenny Hayes set on fire after a dispute with Mr Sohal's mate Hayes was not even made to appear in court to face the heartbroken victims of her actions and instead was able to phone in from her prison cell. The 47-year old had wailed and sobbed throughout her previous hearings, when Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth agreed to allow the killer to accept the deal. It remains unclear why Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd QC offered up the deal, which will see Hayes subject to a maximum penalty of 25 years in jail instead of a possible life sentence. In reality, she will get but a fraction of that maximum penalty. Hayes - an $180-an-hour sex worker - had been called to the family's property by Aakash Aakash - a mate of an oblivious Mr Sohal. Mr Aakash, who had been given access to the couple's downstairs bedroom, had met Hayes outside the property just after 2am that night. Mr Gibson told the court Mr Aakash warned Hayes that others were inside the home they were about to have sex within. 'Keep your voice down because my mate's sleeping inside,' Hayes was told. The young family's fate would be sealed after Hayes denied Mr Aakash's demands for more sex after a 30-minute session. The court heard Hayes was furious when Mr Aakash took back his money, returned to his car and drove off - leaving the young couple's home wide open. After a flurry of angry text messages, Hayes told Mr Aakash she would set his house on fire. Jenny Hayes is seen inside the house setting fire to a mattress Haunting CCTV footage captured the evil killer outside taking photos of the blaze Jenny Hayes is seen driving off to let the family burn. She returned later to take even more photos Jenny Hayes, 46, was arrested and charged with three counts of murder, but managed to avoid a murder trial CCTV footage played to the court showed Hayes carry out her threat, stopping to take photos as the downstairs bedroom went up in flames. 'You f**ked with the wrong person,' Hayes bragged. The court heard the young family were unable to escape out the front door due to the fire, with the only accessible window locked with a chain. A neighbour who tried to save the family later told police she had seen Mr Sohal crying for help from the window before falling silent. Baby Ivy's charred remains would be found later still within her cot, with the body of her mother by her side. But as firefighters worked to douse the raging fire, Hayes went straight back to work chatting up prospective clients. Describing herself as 'busty, curvy and a size 12', the cold blooded killer struck out twice more before going to sleep. Hayes would later brag about the fire to her friends, telling them she was fed up with people walking all over her. 'I'm so sick of people thinking they can just do this s**t to me and nothing happens to them. He took what I had, so I took what he had,' she told one mate. Mr Gibson said Hayes also showed two friends images of the house fire while describing how she had burnt it down. Hayes would later deny being told that anyone was in the house when she set it alight. Abbey Forrest, her sister Emily Forrest and their parents - each of whom gave heart breaking victim impact statements to the court on Monday Abbey Forrest (left) and sister Emily (right) Abbey Forrest, 19, Inda Sohal, 25, and their baby daughter Ivy had no chance of escaping the inferno Hayes' parents expressed their anguish at the prosecution's decision not to pursue murder charges against Hayes. Both were unable to even direct their heart breaking victim impact statements directly to Hayes, who simply appeared on a black screen with her name on it. Ms Forrest said she would never forgive Hayes for what she had done. 'Jenny took half of my family. What does Jenny Hayes get? Time and then move on while we're left with a mess in our lives. This is my life now, always sobbing because of that woman,' she told the court. 'I feel so lost, empty and ripped off to the point that my heart aches ... It's not fair. She has her family. Jenny took the lives of my family. Ivy was only 19 days old. She took that away from me ... where is the justice?' Abbey's father Alan Forrest told Justice Hollingworth he felt as if the justice system had robbed his family. 'It's wrong. The justice system feels so unjust. I have lost everything, I have no say in what happens to Jenny Hayes. Even the court process seems to protect her, give her more choices, protecting her needs. What about us?' he asked. 'I am angry at the situation. Anger that she took our family. I can't do anything. I can't change this, I couldn't stop it happening, I can't get justice. I feel like we get the raw end of the stick.' One after the other the shattered family members of the young family stood to deliver their statements to the blank screen. Among them was a statement from the five-year old nephew of Abbey, who had drawn a picture of Ivy punching fire 'because she is scared'. 'I really wanted to play dinosaurs with baby Ivy,' he told the court. Abbey Forrest and baby Ivy are farewelled at St. Mary's Basilica in Geelong on December 17, 2020 Neighbours had tried to rescue the family, but the family perished in the house fire The death of the young family sent shockwaves across the nation in the lead up to Christmas 2020. Mum and baby were farewelled at St Mary of the Angels Basilica in Geelong, south of Melbourne just days before Christmas. Baby Ivy would have been just three weeks and not even have a chance to be baptised before her life was so cruelly cut short. Her grandfather Alan Forrest - Abbey's father - bravely paid tribute to the pair. He choked back tears as he spoke of the fun loving and generous Tomboy his daughter was. Mr Forrest said his family would not get a chance to gather at his daughter's 21st birthday and he would not be able to provide a speech as father of the bride. She wont make it to her 21st birthday speech, or her father of the bride speech. So this is one speech that I must take the honour of Abbey, Ivy and Indi. The shattered parent described his daughter's love of horses and her hopes of one day becoming a paramedic. 'She was a generous kid,' he said. 'She was always grateful to and respected all of her teachers.' Hayes will be sentenced at a date to be fixed. Advertisement If humans are to one day land safely on Mars, engineers are going to have to invent a spacecraft that can slow down enough to survive atmospheric entry. Known as the 'seven minutes of terror', in 2021 NASA's Perseverance rover emerged unscathed after making its descent to the Red Planet using a basic parachute. But the landing process is trickier for larger payloads, such as rockets with humans on board. Thankfully, the US space agency may have a solution to the problem, in the form of a large flying saucer-like inflatable heat shield which will be launched to low-Earth orbit this week. Once there, the Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) will inflate, before descending back to Earth. NASA hopes the test will demonstrate how the heat shield can act as a giant brake to slow down a future Mars spacecraft. The technology is scheduled to launch on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on Wednesday (November 9) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, alongside a JPSS-2 polar-orbiting weather satellite. If humans are to one day land safely on Mars, engineers are going to have to invent a spacecraft that can slow down enough to survive atmospheric entry. Thankfully, the US space agency may have a solution to the problem in the form of a large flying saucer-like inflatable heat shield which will be launched to low-Earth orbit this week Once there, the Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) will inflate, before descending back to Earth If the test is a success, it could prove crucial in helping NASA reach its ambitious goal of launching humans to the Red Planet in the next decade What is LOFTID? On Wednesday (November 9), NASA will demonstrate new heat shield technology for the first time from low-Earth orbit in the form of its Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID). The heat shield will launch into space on board a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, alongside a JPSS-2 polar-orbiting weather satellite. Once JPSS-2 reaches orbit, the heat shield will inflate and be put on a re-entry trajectory from low-Earth orbit to test its ability to slow down and survive re-entry. Advertisement Once JPSS-2 reaches orbit, the heat shield will inflate and be put on a reentry trajectory from low-Earth orbit to test its ability to slow down and survive re-entry. If the test is a success, it could prove crucial in helping NASA reach its ambitious goal of launching humans to the Red Planet in the next decade. 'This technology could support landing crew and large robotic missions on Mars, as well as returning heavier payloads to Earth,' the US space agency added. When it comes to destinations with atmospheres including Mars, Venus, Titan, and Earth one of the key challenges NASA faces is how to deliver heavy payloads. As it stands, current rigid aeroshells are constrained by the size of a rocket's shroud its streamlined protective covering. For example, you may remember the 'seven minutes of terror' as NASA's Perseverance rover used a parachute to descend to the Martian surface last year. Radio signals sent from NASA and vice versa take 10 minutes for either party to make contact, so after the ground team told Perseverance to descend, the rover took over and made the epic journey completely alone. The spacecraft shot through Mars' atmosphere moving at 12,000 miles per hour, but then had to slow down to zero miles per hour seven minutes later in order to land safely on the surface. As a spacecraft enters an atmosphere, aerodynamic drag helps to slow it down. However, Mars' atmosphere is a lot less dense than Earth's, which provides an extreme challenge for aerodynamic deceleration. 'The atmosphere is thick enough to provide some drag, but too thin to decelerate the spacecraft as quickly as it would in Earth's atmosphere,' NASA explained. The agency's solution to this problem is a 20ft-wide heat shield which would be deployed in the upper reaches of atmosphere, allowing a spacecraft to decelerate early while experiencing less intense heating. It will become the largest blunt body aeroshell to ever go through atmospheric entry during this week's test. After delivery of the primary payload, the polar-orbiting weather satellite, LOFTID will be released to reenter Earth's atmosphere. It will decelerate from hypersonic, more than 25 times faster than the speed of sound, down to subsonic flight, less than 609 miles per hour. NASA hopes the test will demonstrate how the heat shield can act as a giant brake to slow down a future Mars spacecraft The heat shield will launch into space on board a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, alongside a JPSS-2 polar-orbiting weather satellite If the test is a success, it could prove crucial in helping NASA reach its ambitious goal of launching humans to the Red Planet in the next decade Throughout the flight, a realtime beacon periodically transmits limited data while sensors and cameras acquire a more comprehensive data set that is stored on an internal data recorder and an ejectable data recorder that is jettisoned and recovered after reentry. LOFTID will deploy a parachute to allow a soft splash down and will be retrieved from the Pacific Ocean. NASA said the demonstration is poised to 'revolutionise' the way it delivers payloads to planetary destinations with atmospheres. It added that the inflatable decelerator technology is scalable to both crewed and large robotic missions to Mars. While the Adele song 'Someone Like You' may indicate anxiety in relationships Avoidant people may like songs that validate their discomfort with intimacy When going out on a first date, you might think the best topics to chat about are hobbies and interests. But a new study suggests that the best thing to discuss to find out if you are a perfect match is your date's favourite song lyrics. Researchers from the University of Toronto say that the words to our most-loved tunes reveal our attachment style, whether that's 'anxious', 'avoidant' or 'secure'. Lyrics like 'guess she gave you things that I did not give to you' from Adele's 'Someone Like You' reflect an anxious attachment style, according to the study. Individuals with an avoidant attachment style may gravitate towards Tina Turner's 'What's Love Got to do With It?', which includes the words 'who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?'. However, those with a secure attachment style may like 'there ain't no hill or mountain we cannot climb' from Sonny & Cher's 'I Got You Babe'. Lyrics like 'guess she gave you things that I did not give to you' from Adele's 'Someone Like You' reflect an anxious attachment style, according to the study However, those with a secure attachment style may like 'there ain't no hill or mountain we cannot climb' from Sonny & Cher's 'I Got You Babe' WHAT YOUR FAVOURITE SONG LYRICS SAY ABOUT YOUR ATTACHMENT STYLE Avoidant songs: Beyonce, Irreplaceable Chris Brown, Say Goodbye N'Sync, Bye Bye Bye Michael Jackson, Billie Jean TLC, No Scrubs Rihanna, Take a Bow The Weeknd, The Hills Tina Turner, What's Love Got to do With It Anxious songs: The Police, Every Breath You Take Miley Cyrus, Wrecking Ball Adele, Hello U2, One No Doubt, Don't Speak Bruno Mars, When I Was Your Man Drake, Hotline Bling Adele, Someone Like You Secure songs: Whitney Houston, I Will Always Love You The Beatles, Love Me Do Ed Sheeran, Thinking Out Loud Beach Boys, Wouldn't It Be Nice Bryan Adams, (Everything I Do) I Do It for You Etta James, At Last Sonny & Cher, I Got You Babe Advertisement Previous studies have revealed that an individual's music taste can reveal a lot about their personality. For example, tesearchers from the University of Cambridge found that Ed Sheeran's song 'Shivers' appeals to extroverts, while Nirvana's 'Smells like Teen Spirit' is enjoyed by those with neurotic traits. A Spotify survey also found that people who like Aretha Franklin and soul music tend to be more agreeable, and lovers of folk music are more likely to be open. In the new study, published in Personal Relationships, the researchers set out to understand whether music taste also reflects our attachment style in relationships. People with a secure attachment style are capable of building and maintaining long-lasting relationships, as they are comfortable with proximity. However, an anxious attachment style indicates that the individual fears rejection or the loss of a relationship, and therefore tends to be overly attentive of their partner and seeks constant reassurance of their bond. Meanwhile, individuals with an avoidant attachment style feel uncomfortable when their partner starts to get too close, and may have difficulty trusting them or pull away. The research team asked 502 people to list at least seven of their favourite English language songs about relationships. Individuals with an avoidant attachment style gravitate towards words like 'who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?', from Tina Turner's 'What's Love Got to do With It?' WHAT ARE THE THREE MAIN 'ATTACHMENT STYLES'? Anxious - Anxiously attached people are often needier in romantic relationships and need more reassurance, as they fear rejection or the loss of a relationship. Around 20 per cent of the population have an anxious attachment style. Avoidant - Avoidants are much more likely to avoid intimacy altogether and keep other people at a distance. They are wary of closeness and can feel trapped by romantic relationships. Approximately 25 per cent of people have an avoidant attachment style. Secure - Securely attached people have little trouble communicating with their partners. They don't shy away from intimacy, but they are also comfortable on their own. They find it easier to form long-lasting and fulfilling relationships. Advertisement The participants then took assessments to determine their attachment style and levels of the 'Big Five' personality traits - extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. Their favourite songs were then analysed to establish whether the lyrics portrayed an anxious, avoidant or secure attachment style. After comparing the results with the participants' attachment styles and personality traits, it was found that avoidant people tended to like lyrics that reflect their attachment style. The same trend was not seen for those with an anxious attachment style, as instead they seemed to like music with 'validating and self-expressive themes about relationships'. Those who scored high in the personality traits of neuroticism and conscientiousness typically enjoyed lyrics that express anxiety. Surprisingly, those who scored high in openness did not prefer lyrics that expressed secure attachment. In a second study, the researchers analysed the lyrics of the 823 most popular songs from 1946 to 2015 to determine which attachment styles their plots expressed. It was found that the subjects of chart-toppers have become more avoidant over time. The authors wrote: 'We found evidence suggesting that Western culture's diminishing orientation toward social engagement is reflected in the rise of avoidant popular music. 'We hope that these findings will stimulate consideration of the value that lyrics can hold for describing, representing, and potentially influencing individuals' perspectives on and approaches to relationships.' The group took out a full-page advertisement in the New York Times explaining their findings and that it presents a life-threatening danger to child pedestrians' A video shows a black Model 3 does not picking a child in the road - although it is a 29-inch mannequin - and runs right over it The Dawn Project, a software company, tested Tesla's Full Self-Driving system to see if the technology registers children and stops for them As if Elon Musk did not have enough on his plate with Twitter, Tesla is now under fire in a full-page advertisement in the New York Times that warns its 'Full Self-Driving presents a life-threatening danger to child pedestrians.' The ad, which cost about $150,000, is from software maker The Dawn Project and claims to highlight safety testing conducted by the firm in October. A video of the experiment suggests the system does not register or stop for small mannequins crossing a road, according to the group. The testing involved a man driving in a Tesla on a back road and running over child-size mannequins in his path. Using the Tesla Full Self-Driving Beta 10.69.2.2, which is the latest version of the system, the vehicle collided with a 29-inch mannequin at speeds as low as 15 miles per hour and it ran over a four-foot-tall one at 20 miles per hour. The Dawn Project conducted a similar test in August and notes the new results confirm those shared in the commercial, which sparked Tesla to send a cease-and-desist order over. The Dawn Project took out the full page ad in The New York Times to share its findings in testing that showed Tesla vehicles do not register or stop for small mannequins, suggesting it would do the same for children Dan O'Dowd, the billionaire behind The Dawn Project, narrates the August video and calls for Tesla Full Self-Driving Beta software to be banned from the road, saying Tesla's software is 'the worst commercial software I've ever seen.' The responding letter accused O'Dowd of 'disseminating defamatory information to the public regarding the capabilities of Tesla's Full Self-Driving.' However, The Dawn Project has now shared the results in an advertisement that also includes a survey it conducted with the public to get their take on how safe Tesla's system is. 'Our survey shows that 93 percent of registered voters agree that a Full Self-Driving car that would run down a child in the road must be banned from our roads immediately,' O'Dowd shared regarding the October findings. The testing began with a four-foot-tall mannequin, the size of an older child, which was pulled across the road. The screen shows the system registers the dummy However, the Tesla Model 3 continues to drive toward the dummy, without stopping, and runs over it 'We publicly demonstrated it would do that three months ago and it still does it today. 'Why didn't National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recall this product months ago, in accordance with the will of the people?' The founder continues to rhetorical ask 'how many children need to die before NHTSA or the DMV will implement the will of the people?' The experiment was conducted with what looks like a black Model 3 that is being operated by a man at the wheel. He activates the Full Self-Driving system, taking his hands off the wheel to show it is operating, and begins cruising along a windy, back road. He drives up the road to where a small mannequin is being pulled across the road, in which the Tesla speeds over the obstacle and keeps driving. And this again happens while the vehicle is cruising at 50 miles per hour. A third time the Tesla is traveling at 20 miles per hour, runs over the dummy and its head flies up over the windshield. The issue, according to The Dawn Project, is that the system does not pick up on the 29-inch mannequins, which can be deadly in the real world. The Dawn Project tested the system another time with a 29-inch dummy, which was not even picked up by the system Here the Tesla is traveling at 20 miles per hour, runs over the dummy and its head flies up over the windshield. The group warns its 'Full Self-Driving presents a life-threatening danger to child pedestrians.' 'By now Elon Musk, the Tesla engineers, and the Board of Directors of Tesla all know that their product will mow down a child walking in a crosswalk,' O'Dowd shared in the advertisement. 'Yet they continue to recklessly sell and distribute a product that they know is defective and deadly. 'They continue to direct the resources of the world's richest man to churn out new features and conveniences for their Full Self-Driving product, but not to fixing its deadly defects.' The first video in August sparked NTSA to open an investigation into Tesla's Autopilot active driver assistance system, but the safety group is either still working on it or has since given up on the investigation. 'Deeply disturbing': A video in August claimed to show a Tesla in full self-driving mode running over a child-size mannequin during a test by a safety campaign group In February this year, Tesla recalled nearly 54,000 cars and SUVs because their full self-driving software was found to let them roll through stop signs without coming to a complete halt. The over-the-internet software update, which was being tested by a number of drivers, allowed the vehicles to go through junctions with a stop sign at up to 5.6 miles per hour. Talks over extending Milan Skriniar's contract at Inter Milan are 'progressing well', according to Javier Zanetti. The 27-year-old has been one of the most impressive defenders in Europe over the last few years and has been the subject of interest from several top clubs, including Manchester United, PSG and Tottenham. Via Fabrizio Romano, however, Zanetti, who is the vice president of Inter, claimed that he is confident the Slovakian will put pen to paper on a new deal to stay at the club. Talks over a new contract for Milan Skriniar's at Inter Milan are reportedly 'progressing well' Inter vice president Javier Zanetti has said he is hopeful an agreement can be reached soon 'We are in talks to extend the contract as conversations are progressing well', the Argentinian said. 'We hope to get it done and signed soon.' Skriniar has been a key member of Inter's team since making his debut in 2017 after joining from Sampdoria. He's made 233 appearances, scoring 12 goals, and has become one of the most sought-after centre backs in recent times. Erik ten Hag's Manchester United and Christophe Galtier's PSG have registered interest The Slovakia international has made 233 appearances for Inter since joining the club in 2017 He was a key cog of Antonio Conte's title winning side in 200/21, and reports have suggested the Italian has tried to take him to Tottenham on several occasions. If Zanetti's words are to be believed, however, it will prove a shrewd piece of business to tie Skriniar down for a few more years. Inter are currently seventh in the Serie A table and struggling for consistency under Simone Inzaghi after finishing runners up to rivals AC Milan last season. They face Bologna at home on Wednesday as they big to move into the top four of the league table. Advertisement Every week our Holiday Hero Neil Simpson takes an in-depth look at a brilliant holiday topic, doing all the legwork so you dont have to. This week: seeing America by train. The great American rail trip is set to be one of the holiday hits of 2023, with a tempting choice of escorted, independent and bespoke tours on evocatively named trains such as the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight and Rocky Mountaineer. Journeys promise a mix of ocean views, national parks, big cities and must-see sights. Flights are usually included in the price, as are hotel stays for nights when youre not on the move. While on trains, youll normally be in a two-berth couchette where staff make up the beds and serve morning coffee. The great American rail trip is set to be one of the holiday hits of 2023, with a tempting choice of escorted, independent and bespoke tours on evocatively named trains such as the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight (pictured, hugging the Pacific) and Rocky Mountaineer Coast Starlight runs between LA and Seattle Bookings for 2023 are already well under way, with specialist travel firm Great Rail Journeys saying that US trips have overtaken all other tours to become its long-haul bestsellers for each of the past three months. These trips are leisurely affairs many trains travel at whats called Kodak speed: slow enough for photos and to enjoy the views. Route 66 By Rail with American Sky is ideal if you want to get the feel of Americas most iconic road trip but dont want to do any actual driving. The 13-night holiday goes from Chicago to Los Angeles, and the trains stop at famous Route 66 locations such as St Louis, Albuquerque and the Grand Canyon. The trip begins and ends with two nights in hotels and includes a mix of hotels and overnight trains along the way. All reservations, itineraries and timings are made for you, with extras including tickets for the tram to the top of the Gateway Arch in St Louis, the vintage Grand Canyon Railway and a homes of the stars tour in LA. Costs from 2,449pp (americansky.co.uk). American Sky offers a 13-night train tour through classic Route 66 hotspots such as St Louis (pictured), Albuquerque and the Grand Canyon Independent travellers can have bespoke holidays arranged by Freedom Destinations. These feature grand trains such as the Coast Starlight, which hugs the spectacular Pacific coastline between LA and Seattle; the California Zephyr, which crosses the entire country between Chicago and San Francisco; the Maple Leaf, running from New York into Toronto; and the Rocky Mountaineer from Denver to Utah home to dinosaur tracks and mysterious rock formations in Arches National Park. Staff can build a package of flights and hotels around any of the rail trips and you have the option to travel in recliner seats, roomettes for two with shared bathrooms, or en suite cabins. Ticket prices for the two-night California Zephyr journey, for example, cost from 129, 329 and 779pp for each option (freedomdestinations.co.uk). The California Zephyr, above, starts in Chicago and terminates in San Francisco - book your trip on the train route with freedomdestinations.co.uk If you prefer to travel as part of a friendly group, with a tour manager looking after all the train tickets and timings, then fast-selling holidays with Great Rail Journeys are the ones to consider. Its 14-day Tracks Of The Deep South tour is perfect for music-lovers as it takes in Nashville, Memphis, Graceland and the jazz clubs of New Orleans. Extras include tastings at Jack Daniels Distillery, tickets for Chattanoogas Lookout Mountain Incline Railway one of the worlds steepest and a tour of Nasas Space Center in Houston. Costs from 2,545pp. Great Rail Journeys' 14-day Tracks Of The Deep South tour is perfect for music lovers as it takes in Nashville (pictured), Memphis, Graceland and the jazz clubs of New Orleans The Tracks Of The Deep South itinerary includes a ride on Chattanoogas Lookout Mountain Incline Railway - one of the worlds steepest incline railways (pictured) Next autumn, Great Rail Journeys is offering a ten-day New England In The Fall trip, which takes in the White Mountains one of North Americas most beautiful landscapes as well as North Conway Scenic Railroad and the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Costs from 2,395pp. But the ultimate bucket-list adventure is its complete America Coast To Coast tour on the California Zephyr. With 14 nights in hotels and two in smart cabins, the escorted holiday rolls from New York to San Francisco and has stops, tours and excursions in Washington DC, Las Vegas and more. Costs from 3,795pp (greatrail.com). Great Rail Journeys' ten-day New England In The Fall trip takes in the Mount Washington Cog Railway (pictured) Reese Witherspoon showed off a variety of flirty and feminine dresses and accessories from her special collection clothing line Draper James RSVP in her recent Instagram reel. The Legally Blonde actress, 46, launched her clothing line Draper James in 2015 and started collaborating with Kohls early this year. In a video, Witherspoon wore a range of pink outfits from her feminine, Southern-contemporary style clothing line, showing off the versatility of the handbags in her collection. The purse the Oscar-winner was holding is on sale for $48. Pink of the patch: The Morning Show star Reese Witherspoon wore a head-to-toe pink outfit in front of an autumnal backdrop to promote her Draper James RSVP clothing line exclusive to Kohl's The clothing line dropped exclusively in Kohls retail stores on February 22, 2022. In November 2021, Kohls made a deal to partner with Draper James with the goal to bring contemporary Southern style to Kohls customers. Her fall capsule collection features a variety of dresses, blazers, bodysuits, blouses, and cardigans. She also introduced a collection of handbags this summer to complement a summer capsule with skirts, capris, and rompers. Southern charm: Witherspoon demonstrated the versatility of her new handbags with various charming, pink outfits A bargain: The purse the Oscar-winner was holding is on sale for $48 To the Milwaukee Business Journal, Kohls Chief Merchandising Officer Doug Howe stated, When we thoughtfully make the decision to add a new brand to our exclusive portfolio, its critical that the product line not only addresses a void, but also provides meaningful differentiation to our current assortment. This is definitely the case with Draper James. Ahead of the launch, he continued, 'Reese has done a beautiful job creating a brand that is based on a foundation of classic American style, steeped in Southern charm that is relevant, feminine, and pretty. We look forward to providing access to this brand to both our existing and new customers. Recently, Kohls reported they will be extending the contract with Witherspoons successful brand until next year. Check out her outfit: Witherspoon showed how to style pink and florals for the fall season Good collab: The clothing line dropped exclusively in Kohls retail stores on February 22, 2022 I got you babe: In November 2021, Kohls made a deal to partner with Draper James with the goal to bring contemporary Southern style to Kohls customers At the same time as her brands success, Witherspoon is reportedly experiencing conflict in her personal life. The Morning Show star had been friendly co-parenting her two children with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe, 48. The former couple had called it quits in 2006 after seven years of marriage. Since then, they have been cordially raising their two shared children Ava, 23, and Deacon, 19 together. Since 2011, she has been married to talent agent Jim Toth, 52. The couple recently celebrated their 10-year anniversary. Witherspoon and Toth met at a party in 2010 and were engaged less than a year later. In 2011, they got married and had their first child together in the following year. Their son Tennessee James Toth, 10, was born in September 2012. Adrian Portelli is making headlines after pushing up the price of Omar and Oz's record-breaking home during Sunday night's finale of The Block. The 33-year-old opened the bidding at $4.5million, which was much higher than the $4.08million reserve price, and his aggressive style meant eventual buyer Danny Wallis ended up paying an eye-watering $5,666,666.66 for the 10-acre property. Portelli, an online promotions guru with a net worth of $8million, founded auto enthusiast club LMCT+ in 2018, which has now become Australia's largest and fastest-growing car community. Adrian Portelli (pictured) is making headlines after pushing up the price of Omar and Oz's record-breaking home during Sunday night's finale of The Block He also runs his own promotions and giveaway business, focusing on luxury vehicles and prestige houses. Portelli regularly promotes his lavish lifestyle and luxurious car collection on social media. In August this year, he purchased an incredible Gold Coast mansion for $2.3million. He also owns a home on Queensland's Hope Island and is building a property in Sanctuary Cove. Portelli runs his own charity, The Little Legends Foundation, which provides urgent medical care and offers experiences for vulnerable children. Portelli, an online promotions guru with a net worth of $8million, founded auto enthusiast club LMCT+ in 2018, which has now become Australia's largest and fastest-growing car community Portelli regularly promotes his lavish lifestyle and luxurious car collection on social media Portelli, who arrived at Sunday's auction in a flashy yellow Lamborghini and seemed to know Omar and Oz well, opened the bidding on House 5 at $4.5million. His bidding pushed Wallis into paying $5,666,666.66 for the four-bedroom home, making the boys instant millionaires with total winnings of $1,686,666.66 - the biggest victory in The Block's 18-year history. Following their win, some fans speculated the auction was 'dodgy' and that Portelli was 'set up' to force Wallis into spending more. But an equal number of viewers refuted this, saying the boys won fairly and calling out the criticism as 'racist'. Portelli, who arrived at Sunday night's auction in a flashy yellow Lamborghini and seemed to know Omar and Oz well, opened the bidding on House 5 at $4.5million, which was much higher than the $4.08million reserve price Portelli also hit back at the claims and insisted he was a 'genuine buyer'. 'For everyone questioning the legitimacy of the auction, I was a genuine buyer with every intention to purchase that property,' he wrote on Instagram. 'Nobody is to blame for what happened. It's an auction. Believe it or not but if you've got two people that genuinely want the property, a bidding war will commence.' He continued: 'I'm happy to show my bank account for anyone that suggests these were dummy bids.' Influencer Steph Claire Smith has defended her decision to remain a working mum after welcoming her son Harvey 18 months ago. The 28-year-old fitness guru says she's copped criticism for heading back to the office while her husband Josh Miller handles the role of stay-at-home dad. Steph, the founder of the Keep It Cleaner workout app, told 9Now she was frustrated by her critics' ideas about what makes the 'right' family set-up. Influencer Steph Claire Smith (pictured) has defended her decision to remain a working mum after welcoming her son Harvey 18 months ago She said trolls have slammed her parenting arrangement with Josh as 'unnatural' and that it 'shouldn't be done'. 'He's an incredible dad,' she said. 'He's doing a fantastic job... he's immensely proud of being a stay-at-home dad.' Steph said it was important for all new parents to have a conversation about 'who was going back to work and when'. Steph was back in the office four days a week only nine months after giving birth. Census data from 2011 states that four per cent of Australian families have mothers that work while the father stays at home. The 28-year-old fitness guru says she's copped criticism for heading back to the office while her husband Josh Miller (right) handles the role of stay-at-home dad Meanwhile, the businesswoman said Josh has faced scrutiny for his role. 'When you look at mothers' groups, more often than not there are zero dads in them,' she told 9Now. It comes after Steph recently said she had grown tired of being asked when she was going to have another child. Steph said it was important for all new parents to have a conversation about 'who was going back to work and when' 'People ask all the time. People close to me, people not close to me, strangers,' she said during her podcast KICBUMP with co-host Laura Henshaw. Despite growing up with the dream of having two or more kids, she said the amount of work she puts into raising a child has given her a new perspective. Though she and Josh still want two, they won't be having a second anytime soon. Sharon Stone unveiled her new cover shoot for Icon magazine to her 3.4 M Instagram followers on Sunday. The 64-year-old actress went braless under a sheer, long-sleeved black gown for the dramatic image. The Basic Instinct star wore a short white skirt under the figure-hugging garment and high heels. Cover girl: Sharon Stone, 64 went braless under a sheer, long-sleeved black gown for cover story in Icon Magazine this month She also wore an elaborate headpiece as she posed for a profile shot with her hands on her hips. The post was captioned, 'Thank you @icon.magazin & our team!' The black and white snap was taken on a marble floor with two large canvases hanging in front of an ivy wall as the backdrop. Earlier this week, the Primetime Emmy Award winner revealed she will undergo surgery to have a large tumor removed. The latest: Stone took to Instagram to encourage her followers to seek second opinion after a 'large fibroid tumor' was found in her body - pictured in LA in June Stone took to Instagram Stories Tuesday with a personal message about her health Stone took to Instagram Stories Tuesday with a personal message about her health, saying she 'just had another misdiagnosis and incorrect procedure,' and went for 'a double epidural' to treat her pain. She then encouraged her followers to seek second opinions after she said a 'large fibroid tumor' was found in her body after a previous medical misdiagnosis. The Oscar nominee said that amid 'worsening pain,' she went for a second opinion from a different doctor that revealed she has 'a large fibroid tumor that must come out.' This comes 21 years after the beauty suffered a brain hemorrhage and stroke that almost killed her. The Total Recall star addressed women directly writing, 'Ladies in particular: Don't get blown off. GET A SECOND OPINION. It can save your life.' Stone said she would be 'down for 4-6 weeks for full recovery,' and thanked fans for their care, adding, 'It's all good.' This is not the first time the Sliver actress has past spoken publicly about her health issues. In her 2021 autobiography The Beauty of Living Twice that in 2001, benign tumors were removed from her body that she described as 'gigantic' and 'bigger than my breast alone.' Stone pictured in 2001, the year she suffered a stroke and cerebral hemorrhage She said that in the wake of the medical procedure, a plastic surgeon gave her larger breast implants that she had consented to in a breast reconstruction surgery following the removal of the tumors. Stone also dealt with a stroke and cerebral hemorrhage in 2001, when she was 43-years-old. Appearing on the Today show in March of 2021, Stone shared details of the critical moments as she was hospitalized and a doctor told her she had nearly died. 'The room was so silent,' Stone said. 'When the room is so silent and no one's running around trying to fix you, that's when you realize how near death is and how serious everything is.' Stone achieved breakout fame in the 1992 hit Basic Instinct opposite Michael Douglas Stone would go on to recover, but she said that the stroke impacted her career and the way she was treated by others. 'People treated me in a way that was brutally unkind,' she told Variety in 2019. 'From other women in my own business to the female judge who handled my custody case, I don't think anyone grasps how dangerous a stroke is for women and what it takes to recover - it took me about seven years.' She added: 'I had to remortgage my house. I lost everything I had. I lost my place in the business. I was like the hottest movie star, you know? It was like Miss Princess Diana and I were so famous - and she died and I had a stroke. And we were forgotten.' Earlier this year, Stone also revealed has lost nine children by miscarriage. The actress - who is the mother of three sons Roan, 22, Laird, 17, and Quinn, 16, through adoption - insists women are made to feel that losing a baby is 'something to bear alone and secretly with some kind of sense of failure'. In an Instagram comment, she wrote: 'We, as females don't have a forum to discuss the profundity of this loss. I lost nine children by miscarriage. It is no small thing, physically nor emotionally yet we are made to feel it is something to bear alone and secretly with some kind of sense of failure. Instead of receiving the much needed compassion and empathy and healing which we so need. Female health and wellness left to the care of the male ideology has become lax at best, ignorant in fact, and violently oppressive in effort.' After recently clarifying that she hasn't 'retired' from acting, Eva Mendes elaborated more on why she hasn't appeared in a movie in the past eight years. While the 48-year-old actress did return to voice a Yoga Instructor in the animated kids series Bluey, she hasn't appeared in a movie since 2014's Lost River, her partner Ryan Gosling's writing and directing debut. Mendes recently appeared on the Australian podcast Fitzy and Wippa, where she revealed that she did step away from acting for her kids but also because she was being offered 's****y roles. Eva elaborates: After recently clarifying that she hasn't 'retired' from acting, Eva Mendes elaborated more on why she hasn't appeared in a movie in the past eight years When asked what would get her to return, Mendes said, 'Yeah, well, for a great role.' 'I was just, you know I took time off to be with the kids, because they were just so little. Now theyre six and our older one just turned eight,' she added. 'But its also because, you know, can I say a bad word? It was some pretty s*****y roles being offered to me and I was sick of taking them,' she clarified. Great role: When asked what would get her to return, Mendes said, 'Yeah, well, for a great role' 'I was sick of it, you know what, its not worth it. You know, if Im going to go away for a few months and be you know, it better be something thats damn good,' she added. Mendes was also asked if there is ever a certain moment in a script - or even a page - that solidifies her decision to pass on a project. 'Sometimes theres a page. If the character is introduced, and you know what I mean?' she said. Sick of it: 'I was sick of it, you know what, its not worth it. You know, if Im going to go away for a few months and be you know, it better be something thats damn good,' she added 'Sometimes its a page, but I usually try to give it the full, but sometimes halfway through, youre just like, Ill never, Ill never do this,' she added. She also cleared up talk that she has, 'retired,' from acting in a recent Instagram comment from October. 'I never quit acting. I wanted to be home with my babies and fortunately my other business ventures allowed me to do that more than acting would,' Mendes said. Cleared up: She also cleared up talk that she has, 'retired,' from acting in a recent Instagram comment from October 'Also, I was not excited about the stereotypical roles being offered to me at the time,' she continued, before revealing what her 'dream project' was. 'Especially after working on the film Lost River - that was a dream project. Thats a tough act to follow,' Mendes said. Mendes has been romantically involved with Ryan Gosling since 2011 with their daughters born in 2014 and 2016. Former foreign minister Julie Bishop is continuing to rub shoulders with celebrities during her visit to London. She enjoyed an outing last week with Sydney socialite Ellie Aitken and P.E Nation founder Pip Edwards as they promoted the Australian fashion industry. Ellie, whose high-profile split from her investment banker husband Charlie Aitken made headlines last year, has reportedly been friends with Julie for years. Former foreign minister Julie Bishop (left) is continuing to rub shoulders with celebrities during her visit to London. She is seen here with Sydney socialite Ellie Aitken (right) last week Julie shared several photos on Instagram of herself having tea with lawyer Ellie, writing: 'Leaving London after a memorable week with my travel bestie.' She was also pictured alongside Pip, whose trendy activewear label is starting to make inroads in the British market. 'Celebrating Australia's achievements in fashion, art and architecture in London under the guidance of the fabulous Gene Sherman,' she wrote. Julie shared several photos on Instagram of herself having tea with lawyer Ellie, writing: 'Leaving London after a memorable week with my travel bestie' Pip replied in the comments, 'Fabulous night with fabulous creatives.' Julie looked smart in a black blazer which she topped over a pair of matching slacks and pointed heels. Pip also kept her look suitably polished, wearing an all-black ensemble comprising a blazer, pants and high heels. She was also pictured alongside Pip Edwards (right), whose trendy activewear label P.E Nation is starting to make inroads in the British market Julie and Pip were seen with Gene Sherman at an Australian fashion showcase It was a big week for Julie, who also posed with Pip and her business partner Claire Tregoning in a more casual setting for other photos. 'So excited to promote our Aussie fashion designers in London this week,' the former politician captioned the snaps. 'No one understands or knows more about Australian fashion than you. You are always Fun and insightful,' Pip responded. Julie has been spending plenty of time with famous faces in England, having attended a book launch last Wednesday for Dr Gene Sherman's The Spoken Object. It was a big week for Julie, who also posed with Pip and her business partner Claire Tregoning (right) in a more casual setting for other photos She was joined by Princess Beatrice, former British Prime Minister David Cameron and A-list actress Isla Fisher. The glamorous socialite stole the spotlight in a silver sparkly mini dress by Max Mara, which retails for $1405. She teamed the sequinned frock with diamond and crystal ball drop earrings and her short blonde hair was coiffed in its signature style. Ms Bishop was excited to be attending the event, sharing a series of photos of herself posing alongside the stars on Instagram. The trio were seen engaged in conversation together over tea 'The Princess, the Prime Minister and the Actor. A simply extraordinary evening for @sherman_gene book launch 'The Spoken Object,' she wrote. It comes after Ms Bishop divided opinions after she appeared in a striking hot pink leather dress at a fashion event in London last month to give a speech about clothing and feminism. She turned heads in an eye-catching buttoned mini dress and sparkly heels as she took to the stage to speak at the Sherman Centre for Cultural Ideas Fashion Hub event at London's Design Museum. Julie Bishop rubbed shoulders with royalty, famous actors and former British Prime Minister David Cameron at a swanky book launch in London last Wednesday However, some attendees were said to be 'privately furious' she was named as a speaker at the prestigious event, because she once rejected being called a 'feminist' altogether, according to Nine newspapers' CBD column. During the speech, Ms Bishop talked up her contribution to equality and talked about how she was looked down upon by some colleagues for being more fashionable than other ministers. But during her time in Parliament, Ms Bishop said: 'I don't find the need to self-describe in that way [as a feminist]' and said she did not find the term useful. The glamorous socialite stole the spotlight in a silver sparkly mini dress by Max Mara, which retails for $1405 as she posed alongside Princess Beatrice Respected Australian activist and photographer Juno Gemes reportedly noted Ms Bishop was 'a strange choice'. Ms Bishop reportedly told the crowd her cabinet colleagues had disapproved of her fashion sense during her time in parliament and revealed she was told to wear 'more cardigans' when she was appointed aged care minister - an anecdote she has regularly told since leaving politics. Ms Bishop also spoke about the power of fashion in diplomacy, noting that she learned to wear colours to reflect the place she was dealing with. That meant white in The White House, red for China. 'The Princess, the Prime Minister and the Actor. A simply extraordinary evening for @sherman_gene book launch 'The Spoken Object,' she wrote. Pictured Julie and Isla Fisher The centre promoted the event with more photos of Ms Bishop in another pink dress, this time an extraordinary two-toned ruffled gown. One of the images had Ms Bishop standing next to a giant mining dump truck. 'The intriguing intersection of politics and fashion - delighted to speak at the Sherman Centre for Culture and Ideas in London,' Ms Bishop wrote in an Instagram post after her speech. It comes after Ms Bishop divided opinion after she appeared in a striking hot pink leather dress at a fashion event in London last month to give a speech about clothing and feminism She also thanked Bradley Lauten, David Jones' personal styling suite manager, in a social media post featuring photos of herself in the dress. Designed by Leo Lin, it retails for $899 at David Jones. Leo Lin said it designs for 'the new era of femininity is laced with strength, fearlessness, and confidence'. Amelia Gray Hamlin showcased her eccentric all-black attire while heading to a sushi restaurant in New York City with friends on Saturday. The 21-year-old Lions Management Model - who rocked nineties-retro shades - paired a baggy black leather jacket with childlike Mary Jane shoes over white socks. Amelia also wore a belly-baring black shirt with a knee-length skirt, and she styled her raven locks into braids accented with bright red barrettes. Lolita look: Amelia Gray Hamlin showcased her eccentric all-black attire while heading to a sushi restaurant in New York City with friends on Saturday Hamlin - who's struggled with anorexia since 2018 - Instastoried mouth-watering snaps of three of the selections from her upscale omakase feast. The Sonora Boots brand ambassador - who dropped out of The New School in 2019 - also shared a snap of her feet in front of purple graffiti reading '888.' On Sunday morning, Amelia - who boasts 1.3M Instagram followers - took a close-up snap of her bushy blonde eyebrows, which she bleached 'for fashion' back in September. Hamlin then shared two snaps - one featuring her socks in Crocs - of the downtown Manhattan skyline from her high-rise balcony in Brooklyn. Sensible flats: The 21-year-old Lions Management Model - who rocked nineties-retro shades - paired a baggy black leather jacket with childlike Mary Jane shoes over white socks Fuss free: Amelia also wore a belly-baring black shirt with a knee-length skirt, and she styled her raven locks into braids accented with bright red barrettes The Balenciaga FW/23 catwalker has been single since ending her 11-month romance on September 7, 2021 with The Kardashians star Scott Disick. Amelia is best known as one of two nepotistically-privileged daughters - including 24-year-old Delilah Belle - of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna and L.A. Law alum Harry Hamlin, who've been married 25 years. On Sunday, the 59-year-old Daytime Emmy nominee Instastoried a video of the 71-year-old Emmy nominee critiquing luxury LA supermarket chain, Erewhon Market. Chef's choice: Hamlin - who's struggled with anorexia since 2018 - Instastoried mouth-watering snaps of three of the selections from her upscale omakase feast Symbolic: The Sonora Boots brand ambassador - who dropped out of The New School in 2019 - also shared a snap of her feet in front of purple graffiti reading '888' 'Sunday': On Sunday morning, Amelia - who boasts 1.3M Instagram followers - took a close-up snap of her bushy blonde eyebrows, which she bleached 'for fashion' back in September 'Shoecam': Hamlin then shared two snaps - one featuring her socks in Crocs - of the downtown Manhattan skyline from her high-rise balcony in Brooklyn 'It was really crowded. Most expensive store I have ever been in my life,' Harry complained. 'It was really crowded with people, so they must be making money because, you know, I walked out with a little bag that was $80. For a sandwich, a couple pieces of meat, and popcorn - $80. Okay. But the sandwich is good though.' Lisa is also stepmother to Hamlin's 42-year-old son Dimitri Alexander from his four-year romance with Swiss sex symbol Ursula Andress, which ended in 1983. September 13 family portrait: The Balenciaga FW/23 catwalker is best known as one of two nepotistically-privileged daughters - including 24-year-old Delilah (2-L) - of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna (R) and L.A. Law alum Harry Hamlin (L) 'What did you think?' On Sunday, the 59-year-old Daytime Emmy nominee Instastoried a video of the 71-year-old Emmy nominee critiquing luxury LA supermarket chain, Erewhon Market Emily In Paris star Lily Collins took to Instagram on Sunday to share snaps from her romantic Mexico getaway with husband Charlie McDowell. The Los Angeles native, who began performing on screen when she was two years old in the BBC sitcom Growing Pains, captioned the post 'Magic in San Miguel.' In the first image, the 33-year-old British-born actress sat outside a red stucco building with arched columns on a colorful outdoor sunbed. In Mexico: Emily In Paris star Lily Collins shared pictures of her Mexican vacation with her husband Charlie McDowell on Sunday Happy couple: Lily smiled as her husband, Charlie McDowell, danced before he kissed her The 2021 Golden Globe nominee donned a classy outfit consisting of a white suit blazer and black pants. Keeping her makeup simple, the star added a blush color across her lips. Lily smiled in the second video as her husband of one year, Charlie McDowell, danced from side t side before he kissed her cheek. Her American film director husband wore a black suit and tie with his head shaved and face groomed. When in Mexico...: The giant costumes appeared to float above them as their faces poked out In the third image, Lily took a picture of the screenwriter standing on a patio looking at the sunset landscape of the city. Lily also shared playful videos of the newlyweds dancing with large paper machete characters worn on top of their heads. The giant costumes appeared to float ave them as their faces poked out from the groin area. Dinner games: The couple participated in a dance with large paper machete characters worn on top of their heads The fifth image showed a wooden stick carved with two birds' beaks touching next to a Walt Whitman poem that read, 'We were together. I forget the rest.' Lily kept the Halloween spirit going in a red and black dia de Los Muertos mask with black and red roses around the top. The photo dump ended with fireworks in the night sky. Day of the dead: Lily kept the Halloween spirit going in a red and black dia de Los Muertos mask with black and red roses around the top Going strong: The couple just celebrated their first wedding anniversary on September 4 A few weeks ago, the couple looked charming as they posed on the red carpet for the Ralph Lauren runway show in California. The couple, who started dating in 2019, just celebrated their first wedding anniversary on September 4. The lovebirds went Instagram official in 2019 before tying the knot during an intimate wedding ceremony in Colorado in 2021. Recently the pair put on a loved-up display in Paris as they went on a romantic scooter ride around the French capital. Collins initially traveled back to Europe in late May to begin work on season three of her hit show Emily In Paris. Loved-up: Lily and Charlie attended the Ralph Lauren runway show in California a few weeks ago The comedy-drama, in which Collins plays an American who moves to France to provide an American point of view to the French marketing firm Savoir, premiered in October 2020. This past January, the show got renewed for a third and fourth season by Netflix. The couple initially met while working on the set of Gilded Rage. During an interview with Vogue Australia late last year, Collins raved about getting to work with her spouse, which she said was easier than expected. 'I thought it would be harder, I have to say. I thought it would be more stressful to have to work with him, but it honestly was really amazing and freeing,' she told the outlet. The Block host Scott Cam has hinted there could be an investigation into what happened on auction day after two 'identical' homes sold for wildly different prices. All fives homes went under the hammer in Gisborne on Saturday: one inexplicably sold for a blockbuster profit of $1.6million, another made just under $170,000, a third barely reached its reserve, and two homes passed in without a sale. These unusual results left the cast and crew 'flabbergasted', with Cam telling radio show Fitzy & Wippa on Monday he's still looking for answers. The Block's Scott Cam (left, with Dylan and Jenny) has hinted there could be an investigation into what happened on auction day after 'two identical' homes sold for wildly different prices When asked why there was such a discrepancy in the sale prices, Cam said: 'I don't know. That's what I said in the closer last night when we signed off on the show. 'I said, "If anybody can explain what happened to me, I'd love to hear it." And that's true. Everyone, the crew, the cameraman, the producers, were all flabbergasted.' 'One joint goes for $5.6million, and the next joint goes for $4.1million, and they're virtually identical,' he added, referring to Omar and Oz's winning property, and Tom and Sarah-Jane's third-place home, which made a profit of just $20,000. The Block 2022 results HOUSE 1 Tom and Sarah-Jane Stunning architectural design meets luxurious country living. Address: 191 McGeorge Road, Gisborne VIC 3437 Listing: 5 Bed, 3 Bath. Price guide: $4-$4.4 million SOLD FOR: $4,100,000.99 HOUSE 2 Rachel and Ryan Luxury lodge country living is at the heart of this magnificent state-of-the-art, vineyard estate. Address: 197 McGeorge Road, Gisborne VIC 3437 Listing: 5 Bed, 3 Bath Price guide: $4-$4.4 million SOLD FOR: $4,250,000 HOUSE 3 Sharon and Ankur 'Gunyah' Luxurious country living with spectacular mountain views. Address: 223 McGeorge Road, Gisborne VIC 3437 Listing: 5 Bed, 3 Bath Price guide: $4-$4.4 million NOT SOLD HOUSE 4 Dylan and Jenny Acreage, views and luxury country living. Address: 225 McGeorge Road, Gisborne VIC 3437 Listing: 5 Bed, 3 Bath Price guide: $4-$4.4 million NOT SOLD HOUSE 5 Omar and Oz Sustainable luxurious lifestyle. Address: 241 McGeorge Road, Gisborne VIC 3437 Listing: 5 Bed, 3 Bath Price guide: $4-$4.4 million SOLD FOR: $5,666,666 Advertisement All fives homes went under the hammer in Gisborne on Saturday: one inexplicably sold for a blockbuster profit of $1.6million, another made just under $170,000, a third barely reached its reserve, and two homes passed in without a sale. (Pictured: winners Omar and Oz) Cam praised Tom and Sarah-Jane's gracious response to the bad news, saying: 'They were stoic, they were unbelievable, in fact, and they weren't angry. 'They were just going, "It is what it is." You know what Sarah-Jane said to me, "We'll just pay our mortgage off like everybody else."' The Block buyers' advocate Frank Valentic, of Melbourne-based Advantage Property Consulting, also remarked on the strange auction outcome. These unusual results left the cast and crew 'flabbergasted', with Cam telling Fitzy & Wippa on Monday he's still looking for answers. (Pictured: Ankur and Sharon, whose home didn't sell) '[It] was a result that was out of the box. I think [Adrian Portelli, one of the bidders on Omar and Oz's home] was a friend of the owners as well,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'It was a bit of a freaky result. 'He obviously had the money to buy it, but he also pushed Danny [Wallis, the winning bidder] up a long way above what those properties were worth.' SAS Rogue Heroes Rating: **** Black Sands Rating: ** Pearls awry and eyeshadow smeared across half of his face, Dominic West staggers from his bed in a velvet dress and takes a reviving slug of whisky. You'd be forgiven for thinking this was yet another libellous invention from The Crown, where West plays the future King Charles III as an obsessively vain and treacherous plotter. This time, though, the Old Etonian actor is taking liberties with a very different real-life figure, the Cairo spymaster Dudley Clarke, in SAS Rogue Heroes (BBC1). Dominic West plays Cairo spymaster Dudley Clarke in SAS Rogue Heroes on BBC One Whether the brigadier was actually a cross-dresser is disputed. Early in the war, Dudley was arrested in women's clothes, which he claimed to be wearing for an undercover operation though a photo of him in high heels and elbow-length gloves suggests it wasn't a convincing disguise. I suspect writer Steven Knight was inspired by Lawrence Durrell's Alexandria Quartet and the character of Lieutenant Commander Scobie, a British spy in Egypt with a penchant for hanging round the docks in ladies' clothing. Wherever the idea came from, West's intervention gives the story a much-needed twist. Without him, SAS Rogue Heroes is in danger despite the frequent explosions of violence and the poetic flights of verbose dialogue of becoming a bit monotonous. All the other characters want one thing: to kill Nazis. This was summed up in a segment where aristocratic maverick David Stirling (Connor Swindells) rounded up recruits. To earn a place in his special forces unit, all a soldier had to do was declare an unquenchable loathing of Germans. Pictured together left to right: Jock Lewes (portrayed by Alfie Allen), David Stirling (portrayed by Connor Swindells) and Paddy Mayne (portrayed by Jack O'Connell) Stirling's chief allies, brawler Paddy Mayne (Jack O'Connell) and uptight Jock Lewes (Alfie Allen), are united in the same ambition. So are the blimpish generals and the sultry French spy Eve (Sofia Boutella). They might have different ideas about the best way to go about winning the war, but none of them has anything else on their minds. There are no subplots, no distractions. Stirling's sole plan is to blow up Luftwaffe planes on the ground, like shooting grouse before they have a chance to take flight, and by the time he'd explained this for the eighth time it was getting wearisome. West, as the wildly theatrical and selfish eccentric Dudley, livened the proceedings up. Stirling is so determined that we know he'll carry off his scheme, even if it gets everyone killed. But Dudley is capable of sabotaging everything and everyone, including himself. That's much more interesting. Proceedings were in urgent need of some livening up in Black Sands (Alibi), a detective serial from Iceland that moves about as quickly as a melting glacier. Aldis Amah Hamilton, who also co-writes the show, plays detective Anita Elinardottir, who returns to the coastal town where she grew up, just in time to lead an investigation into the death of a German tourist. Aldis Amah Hamilton, who also co-writes the show, plays detective Anita Elinardottir in Black Sands Even by Scandi-noir standards, the first episode was uneventful, until the last moments. Our heroine had been shopping at the local supermarket and flirting with the cashier for about ten minutes when a woman staggered into the shop, raving and covered in blood. Worse still, she spoke no Icelandic! Can you imagine? Fans of Arctic Circle crime thrillers can overlook uneven pacing, but the behaviour of the police in Black Sands creates a far more uncomfortable problem. Standing guard over the dead woman, two young officers joked about whether they thought she was attractive. In the wake of sickening news stories about police sharing photos of female murder victims, such callousness is difficult to forgive. Omar Slaimankhel and Ozman 'Oz' Abu Malik's record-breaking $1.6m win on The Block finale descended into a bitter war of words on Sunday, with viewers accusing the pair of roping a 'millionaire mate' into being a 'dummy bidder' at auction to drive up the price of their home. During the episode, Adrian Portelli - an online promotions guru with a net worth of $8million, who arrived at the auction in a flashy yellow Lamborghini - seemed to know Omar and Oz well. Indeed, in a blink and you'll miss it moment Portelli was seen high-fiving Omar and Oz and their auctioneer, Tom Panos from Ray White Sunbury, just moments before he began bidding on their home. Omar Slaimankhel and Ozman 'Oz' Abu Malik's record-breaking $1.6m win on Sunday's Block finale descended into a bitter war of words, with viewers accusing the pair of roping their 'millionaire mate' into being a 'dummy bidder' at auction to drive up the price of their home Portelli then opened the bidding on House 5 at $4.5million, which was much higher than the $4.08million reserve price. His aggressive bids meant eventual buyer Danny Wallis ended up paying an eye-watering $5,666,666.66 for the four-bedroom, 10-acre property, making the boys instant millionaires with total winnings of $1,686,666.66 - the biggest victory in The Block's 18-year history. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia on Monday, Omar said he was 'disappointed' viewers would accuse him and Oz of bringing in a 'dummy bidder' and revealed the truth behind the pair's history with Portelli. Indeed, in a blink and you'll miss it moment Portelli (centre) was seen high-fiving Omar and Oz and their auctioneer, Tom Panos from Ray White Sunbury (far left), just moments before he began bidding on their home 'It's a shame that Oz and I do so well and we are here justifying our win a day after the auction, that's all I am worried about - that a lot of people out there are going to hate, but that's what happens.' He rubbished claims the pair were close mates with Portelli beforehand and he purposely opened the bidding at $4.5million, well over the reserve price. 'Oz and I got together with our agents a fair bit and they mentioned we had to reach out to all our networking and see who would potentially be able to come to the house and have a look at it,' he explained. 'We reached out to a mutual friend (Portelli) who said he might be keen. He's watched the show. He's seen our house and he absolutely loved it when he did come and see it a few weeks ago.' Portelli then opened the bidding on House 5 at $4.5million, which was much higher than the $4.08million reserve price On Sunday, questions were also raised why Portelli didn't bid on the other homes. 'He bid $5.5million for that house and then walked away. He could have bought any of the four houses for $4.2million so massive question mark as to why,' former Block contestant Josh Packham asked. Omar told Daily Mail Australia Portelli did in fact check out the other team's houses, but wasn't interested in bidding. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia on Monday, Omar said he was 'disappointed' viewers would accuse him and Oz of bringing in a 'dummy bidder' and revealed the truth behind the pair's history with Portelli He rubbished claims the pair were close mates with Portelli beforehand and he purposely opened the bidding at $4.5million, well over their reserve price 'He also saw another couple of houses and unfortunately for the them he wasn't interested. I'm pretty sure he went to house three or four on auction days,' he explained. He added that he and Oz met with other potential buyers and were surprised that eventual buyer Danny Wallis was even interested in their home. 'We had another bidder who loved our house, a beautiful family. We met the family a few times actually. So at the end of the day, we definitely had the bidders to buy the house,' he said. Portelli has also hit back at the claims he was a 'dummy bidder' and insisted he was a 'genuine buyer' 'Very surprising that Danny Wallace jumped on it as well. We had no idea he was gonna bid. So when Danny Wallace loved your house and a few other guys with that kind of wealth that's when you get a bidding war.' Portelli has also hit back at the claims he was a 'dummy bidder' and insisted he was a 'genuine buyer'. 'For everyone questioning the legitimacy of the auction, I was a genuine buyer with every intention to purchase that property,' he wrote on Instagram on Monday. 'Nobody is to blame for what happened. It's an auction. Believe it or not but if you've got two people that genuinely want the property, a bidding war will commence.' He continued: 'I'm happy to show my bank account for anyone that suggests these were dummy bids.' 'For everyone questioning the legitimacy of the auction, I was a genuine buyer with every intention to purchase that property,' he wrote on Instagram on Monday Coming in second during Sunday's auctions were Rachel and Ryan Carr, who negotiated to sell their home for $4,250,000 - making a profit of $169,000. Fan favourites Tom and Sarah-Jane came in third but didn't bring in big bucks. There was also heartache, with two couples, Ankur and Sharon and Dylan and Jenny, failing to sell their homes at auction. Both properties were passed in when they failed to attract a bidder over their $4.08 million reserve price, both attracting a highest bid of $4,075,000. Both couples continued to negotiate with their highest bidders after filming, but as of 9pm Sunday, November 6, Ankur and Sharon, and Dylan and Jenny, are still open to offers to buy their homes. The Block 2022 listings HOUSE 1 Tom and Sarah-Jane Stunning architectural design meets luxurious country living. Address: 191 McGeorge Road, Gisborne VIC 3437 Listing: 5 Bed, 3 Bath. Price guide: $4-$4.4million SOLD FOR: $4,100,000.99 HOUSE 2 Rachel and Ryan Luxury lodge country living is at the heart of this magnificent state-of-the-art, vineyard estate. Address: 197 McGeorge Road, Gisborne VIC 3437 Listing: 5 Bed, 3 Bath Price guide: $4-$4.4million SOLD FOR: $4,250,000 HOUSE 3 Sharon and Ankur 'Gunyah' Luxurious country living with spectacular mountain views. Address: 223 McGeorge Road, Gisborne VIC 3437 Listing: 5 Bed, 3 Bath Price guide: $4-$4.4million NOT SOLD HOUSE 4 Dylan and Jenny Acreage, views and luxury country living. Address: 225 McGeorge Road, Gisborne VIC 3437 Listing: 5 Bed, 3 Bath Price guide: $4-$4.4million NOT SOLD HOUSE 5 Omar and Oz Sustainable luxurious lifestyle. Address: 241 McGeorge Road, Gisborne VIC 3437 Listing: 5 Bed, 3 Bath Price guide: $4-$4.4million SOLD FOR: $5,666,666 Advertisement Omar said the pair met with other potential buyers and were surprised that Danny Wallis (right) was interested in their home The 2022 Austin Food And Wine Festival held its three-day event in Austin, Texas over the weekend. Among the many proprietors that were on the promotional trail: Breaking Bad stars Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston, who were there on Saturday to pitch their Dos Hombres mezcal. The two Hollywood leading men met with fans, foodies, and mezcal lovers at a booth, where they sold bottles of their brand of spirits and signed autographs and took photos, and later helped pour free samples to eager taste testers. Scroll down to video Pitch men: Breaking Bad stars Aaron Paul, 43, and Bryan Cranston, 66, attended the 2022 Austin Food & Wine Festival, where they pitched their brand of mezcal, Dos Hombres, to adoring fans, which included handing out samples from a truck Paul, 43, and Cranston, 66, were greeted by a slew of excited fans when they arrived in a SUV adorned with the Dos Hombres logos. From there, they loaded up boxes of Dos Hombres (two men), and sold bottles during a meet and greet at a booth, which attracted a long line of people looking to meet the actors and make a purchase. Never shy when it comes to their devoted Breaking Bad fans, the two actors turned entrepreneurs also took to a stage and talked about their relationship, which began with their roles as Walter White (Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Paul) in Breaking Bad, and how it culminated into them going into business together. They also fielded questions from the audience, who were eager to learn more about their budding friendship. Promo mode: The two actors, who founded Dos Hombres in 2019, held a Q-and-A BTS: The former Breaking Bad co-stars entertained the audience with stories about their time shooting the hit AMC drama series and the history of Dos Hombres Tasty: During their time on stage, Paul and Cranston sipped on their mezcal with the audience The day's events at the festival also included Paul and Cranston hopping into a food truck and personally serving up free samples of their mezcal, which went over well with the hungry and thirsty crowd. After Saturday's appearance, Paul took to his Instagram page and shared a video of the two stars walking to one of their meet and greets that showcased their comedic skills. In it, Paul struggles to carry four boxes of their mezcal while Cranston proceeds to direct him across a grassy landscape without ever offering any help. 'You want to help,' the Idaho native asks his Dos Hombres partner, who can be seen scurrying up closer to him. Entrepreneurial spirit: The two Hollywood leading men starred together on AMC's Breaking Bad for five seasons (2008-2013) before launching their Dos Hombres mezcal in 2019 Entertaining: The leading men riled up the crowd while serving up samples 'Yes. Walk straight and veer right,' Cranston responds. 'You want to take a couple of boxes,' Paul asks, all while his former co-star continues to direct their walk. At one point, after being asked to help again with the boxes, Cranston gets direct and shoots back: 'Not really.' 'It's friendship, it's fate, it's Mezcal,' Paul wrote in the caption of the clip. 'Love you Austin!' Founded in 2019, six years after the Breaking Bad series finale, the Dos Hombres name came about when they describes themselves as 'two guys on a quest.' The Austin Food & Wine Festival, which was held from November 4-6, featured dozens of companies and their representatives, entrepreneurs, chefs, among others, for a meet, greet, eat and drink. Funny: Paul took to his Instagram page and shared a video of the two stars walking to one of their meet and greets that showcased their comedic skills Hilarious: Cranston played the director while never offering to help with the boxes of mezcal Skit time: 'You want to help,' the Idaho native asks his Dos Hombres partner, who after playing directed eventually shoots back, 'Not really' Grand entrance: The two stars were greeted by swarms of fans when they arrived for the event Long line of fans: There was a long line of people looking to meet the guys and potentially buy a bottle of Dos Hombres Promotional trail: Paul and Cranston chatted with fans, posed for photos and signed autographs during the event Feature: Chinese projects protect sea turtles in Ghana 10:29, November 07, 2022 By Xu Zheng ( Xinhua Chinese workers clean two rescued sea turtles at Jamestown port, Accra, capital of Ghana, Nov.4, 2022.(Xinhua/Xu Zheng) ACCRA, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Ghana's coastline on the Atlantic Ocean is home to at least three species of sea turtles. In this natural habitat, they live, breed, and prosper, but have also been constantly facing poaching, sea pollution, and some other threats. While many Ghanaians devote themselves to protecting the endangered species, more and more Chinese who engage in port projects in Ghana are joining in their effort. On Friday afternoon, Chinese workers of CRCC Harbor &Channel Engineering Bureau Group Limited undertaking the Jamestown port project in Ghana received a call from locals, crying for help to rescue two trapped sea turtles along the coast. The workers rushed to the scene, located the two sea turtles in bad condition, and conveyed them carefully back to their base by the seaside. A Chinese worker sprays water onto a rescued sea turtle at Jamestown port, Accra, capital of Ghana, Nov.4, 2022.(Xinhua/Xu Zheng) With the help of local workers, a temporary shelter for the turtles was quickly set up, and clean water and food were timely provided. "We consulted local animal protectors to make sure all procedures are done correctly, and the turtles recovered their strength quickly," said Hu Yuechuan, office director of the China-aided project. Later in the day, some Chinese workers carried the turtles to the beach and released them back into the Atlantic Ocean. They cheered when the two swam far and the heads poked out of the water. According to Hu, since last year, the Chinese staff have rescued four sea turtles stranded onshore, from which they have gained more knowledge about the sea turtle and their prevention. "Such cases made us come to realize the importance of protecting the creature." In its response, the project established a task force engaging in the prevention, enhanced their regular patrol along the seaside, and encouraged local fishermen to share relevant information. "The sea turtle plays an integral part in the marine ecosystem, nobody should shy away from the responsibility of protecting them," Hu added. Chinese workers release a sea turtle back into the sea at Jamestown port, Accra, capital of Ghana, Nov.4, 2022.(Xinhua/Xu Zheng) As China-Ghana cooperation flourishes in recent years, Chinese-aided or Chinese-built infrastructure projects sprung up across Ghana, many of which take eco-logical protection as a top priority. In east Ghana's Tema port, the Chinese-built and largest port in the country, a sea turtle hatchery was built by Chinese workers as early as 2017 to safeguard the vulnerable species that are sensitive to noise and artificial lights. The Chinese project cooperated with the local wildlife society and residents nearby to meticulously care for the sea turtle eggs and create a favorable environment for them to breed, which was applauded by animal protectors. Justice Affukaah, a Ghanaian worker of the Jamestown port project, praised Chinese projects' efforts to conserve sea turtles. "They are shouldering their responsibility for protecting Ghana's eco-environment, which deserves a thumb-up," he said. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) Lies and unapologetic antisemitism from the UN Commission of Inquiry By Prof. Anne Bayefsky web posted November 7, 2022 Antisemitism at the United Nations may be as ubiquitous as the UNs dead silence on human rights violations around the world, but rarely has it been as brazen and transparent as on October 27, 2022. A presentation of a report to the General Assembly of a unique UN Commission of Inquiry on Israel, followed by a press conference with the three inquisitors at UN Headquarters in New York, was nasty, brutish and long-winded. Responding to the evidence-based charges of antisemitism tainting the inquiry and its members, Chair Navi Pillay wailed: Theyre all false and lies. A response to her lies is essential to recognizing the real dangers of this exceptional UN attack on Israel and the Jewish people. Background The Inquiry was created in May 2021 by the UN Human Rights Council at the behest of the Organization of Islamic states, joined by Council members and human rights aficionados like China, Libya, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, and Venezuela. The inquiry garnered zero Western democratic support. Quickly appointed as members of the inquiry were three individuals who lacked these qualities: objectivity, impartiality and independence. All those qualifications were mandatory under UN rules and all were summarily flouted when the target was the Jewish state. Navi Pillay from South Africa, who was UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014, was named as Chair, along with Miloon Kothari from India, and Chris Sidoti of Australia. All of them were extreme anti-Israel partisans who had pronounced themselves on the subject matter of the inquiry before passing go. Public scandals soon followed. Over the past four months, Sidoti ridiculed accusations of antisemitism, Kothari said the Jewish lobby controlled social media and objected to Israels membership in the UN, and Pillay shamelessly defended them both. The UN circled the wagons and left all three reprobates still standing. The official job description of the inquiry is to investigate all underlying root causes of recurrent tensions, instability and protraction of conflict, including systematic discrimination and repression. But the official summary of the inquirys first report to the General Assembly, issued on October 20, 2022, announced that the only human rights it dealt with were Palestinian. The report ended with a recommendation section directed to Israel, the UN and member states, and the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. Not a single recommendation was directed to Palestinians. The report never mentioned the word terror. Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad never appeared. It was, in short, a farce masquerading as law. The General Assembly: October 27, 2022 On October 27, 2022, the three inquisitors demonstrated why the worlds worst human rights violators are their biggest admirers, and how the UN system has been enlisted in the service of their anti-human rights and antisemitic agenda. Pillay stage-managed the two-part event, both the dialogue with states and the news conference. She began by presenting the report at the General Assemblys Third Committee. This Committee is composed of all 193 UN member states and is tasked with addressing human rights, even though the majority of UN members are not free democracies and think human rights protection is for losers. The sources of enthusiastic support for the inquiry from this environment was revealing. Iran currently engaged in a brutal bloody crackdown on the members of its civil society participated in the General Assembly dialogue with this: The Islamic Republic of Iran expresses support for the work of the Commission of InquiryThe brutal Israeli regime has resorted to a new law in order to hinder the Commissions work and its cooperation with civil societyMadam Pillay, in your opinion, how critical is the role of civil society in resolving the question of Palestine? Iran thus reminded listeners of the true nature of the exercise, namely, cynical political gamesmanship. Syria which murdered its own population by means of weapons of mass destruction told inquiry members and the General Assembly: I would like to thank the Chair and members of the Committee. We fully support your mandate, your efforts, and your report. And actually, we dont find what was mentioned in your report weird or unreal. This is an ordinary result for a continuous occupation since 1948. Thus, Syria reminded listeners of the actual root cause of the conflict, namely, Arab rejection of Jewish self-determination. Pillays presentation was a no holds barred attack on Israel from the UN podium, where she sat beside her two colleagues, accompanied by the Third Committees Chair, Ambassador Jose Blanco of the Dominican Republic. When she finished her tirade, Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan was given the floor. Ambassador Erdan criticized the report, pointed to the bias of its authors, and introduced actual victims of Palestinian terror that were physically present in the seats behind him and dehumanized by the report. The next move was extraordinary. The Chair did not proceed simply to call the next speaker. Instead, Ambassador Blanco said: Before we continue with the statement of the State of Palestine, I would like to recall to the Delegation of Israel that lets stick to the text of the document and lets avoid personal attacks or provocations for Members of the Commission. Such a reprimand from the Chair of the Third Committee to the Ambassador of any state let alone a state responding to a direct attack on its legitimacy and its people was unprecedented. Blanco had no comment for the next speaker, the representative of the State of Palestine, after her series of vicious slanders like apartheid, killing, maiming, domination, and oppression. Just Thank you very much. A few minutes later, the Chair gave the high-ranking Deputy Permanent Representative of Czechia (the Czech Republic), Miroslav Klima, the same treatment he had meted out to Ambassador Erdan. Klima said: We were shocked by a recent interview in which one of the members of the Commission used terms such as Jewish lobby and questioned Israeli UN membership. We strongly reject any form of antisemitism. Such comments contribute to the polarization of the situation and threaten to undermine the impartiality of the UN human rights mechanisms. Whereupon the Chair responded: I remind all delegations that we should focus on the report being submitted and avoid personal attacks on members of the Commission. This was not some trivial development in UN minutiae. It was an outrageous effort by the leadership of the General Assembly to silence the voices of member states objecting to antisemitism, and especially antisemitism emanating from a UN source. The UN apparatus had decided Kothari and his grotesque antisemitism, and his defenders, deserved protection and that it was the Israeli Ambassador and the Czech Deputy Perm Rep objecting to antisemitism who offended. UN rules demanding impartiality, objectivity, independence, as well as personal integrity, are personal by definition. Theres nothing impersonal about personal integrity. The authors of the report dont have immunity from fundamental breaches of key operating standards. And their bias goes to the heart of the credibility of their report. So how did this contemptible action by the General Assemblys top brass to curtail member states from naming and shaming the purveyors of modern antisemitism occur? Pillay herself exposed the source at the subsequent news conference. She said: All three of us are not antisemitic. Let me make that clear. And then to add insult to injury, they said that the report is also antisemitic. Now, there isnt one word in this report that can even be interpreted as antisemitic. Of course, its not new to us that this is always raised as a diversion. The President of the General Assembly [sic] asked them to address the content of the reportWe should not be subject to abuse such as this, which is just totally false. I dont want to go into all the things they said. Theyre all false and lies. The public criticism of the Israeli Ambassador and the Czechian representative and the intimidation of all the other diplomats who might have attempted now or in the future to object to UN-driven antisemitism had originated with the antisemitic bullies on the inquiry themselves. Pillays outburst corroborated the very conclusion she was trying so hard to avoid. She had spent a high-profile career as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014 and thereafter, peddling dangerous falsehoods about Israel and the Jewish people: blood libels such as Israelis deliberately target the innocent and murder children, and the Jewish state is racist. The claim that charges of antisemitism are a diversion is the diversion of the antisemite. The whine of the abusers that they are the abused is the classic diversion from the hurt of their victims, the victims of the Palestinian violence that Pillay and company incite and excuse. Whats totally false is that she and her crew are immune from criticism, and that well-documented charges of antisemitism are off limits because she says so. Lies from Navi Pillay and the UN Commission of Inquiry Pillays claim that the criticism directed at the inquisitors and their reports was all false and lies was deceptive propaganda. What follows, therefore, is a closer look at just some of the lies that should not be allowed to travel around the world before the truth gets its pants on. Lie number one. At the press conference a reporter from I24 News addressed the members of the inquiry with this question: youre already on record vocally as declaring Israel as an apartheid state. Youre vocally a proponent of boycotting and sanctioning Israel. Three weeks before you were appointed chairwoman of this Commission, you were signatory to a letter to President Biden attempting to implement punishment on Israel. So you have essentially prejudged every matter that is before this Commission in one form or fashionHow can you sit here and tell the world that this is an impartial commission? Pillay responded: its all news to me that I have done all this. I have signed no petition or made no statementId like to see it. Ive never seen it. You know, because then maybe somebody has used my name, I want to know. That was a lie. She did sign the statement, an open letter to President Biden dated June 14, 2021. Its easily accessible on the web with her name on it, identified as former UN High Commissioner. It was issued shortly before she was appointed to the job of determining the same facts that the letter had pre-determined. The letter says such things as: We, the undersigned global coalition of leaderscall for U.S. leadership to take action to help bring an end to Israels institutionalized domination and oppression of the Palestinian people[T]he United States must address the root causes of the violence Your administration must apply concerted diplomatic pressure to help end the ever-expanding discrimination and systemic oppression and ensure accountability for Israeli authorities that violate Palestinian rights. (The undersigned global coalition of leaders which included Pillay made no call for pressure or accountability for any Palestinian violation of Israeli rights.) Given the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry is to find all underlying root causes of recurrent tensions, instability and protraction of conflict, including systematic discrimination and repression the charge of prejudging was exactly right. Lie number two. In the same press conference exchange, Pillay said she wanted to know where her signature on the June 14, 2021 open letter to President Biden could be found, as if it was all news to her. If we pretend for a moment that she didnt sign it knowingly in the first place, she has certainly known for almost a year that her name was on it. Numerous public complaints of bias have directed readers to her signature on that very document and provided the link for her viewing ease. She has never removed what she now claims she didnt approve. Lie number three. Pillay told reporters at the news conference when asked about her bias all thats been twisted into that Im a campaigner for BDS. You know, I truly am not. Actually, on November 29, 2017, Pillay spoke at a special event for United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Here she is in her own words after speaking about the world-wide boycott and sanctions campaign against apartheid South Africa: I hope that the Palestinian struggle to end colonization gains this kind of momentum, especially in the civilian campaign of BDS, Boycott, Divestment, and SanctionsOn the BDS campaign. Im very pleased to hear that theres so much activity and support from South African civil society activists as well. On June 18, 2020 she signed a public letter organized by the South African BDS Coalition. The letter said: We endorse the Palestinian call for banning arms trade and military-security cooperation with Israel; suspending free trade agreements with Israel; prohibiting trade with illegal Israeli settlements and accountability from individuals and corporate actors complicit in Israels occupation and apartheid regimeWe demand that our governments fulfil their obligations under international law by: Adopting a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly which renews the call for, and provides the means to implement, targeted and lawful sanctions on Israel, including a military embargo. Pillays signature on the letter is accessible on the web, where it has been for over two years, and has been drawn to her attention multiple times. Lie number four. The inquiry on Israel is not discriminatory. Israel is treated in the same way as what the inquisitors consider to be the relevant comparisons: Ukraine (subject to a Russian invasion characterized by the daily targeting of civilians for 10 months); Syria (responsible for using chemical weapons against its own population and the murder of over 200,000 civilians in the last decade); and Myanmar (where grotesque forms of ethnic cleansing, sexual violence, and infanticide have victimized hundreds of thousands). On this lie, not only is the democratic state of Israel not comparable to the human rights degenerates running Russia, Syria and Myanmar, the UN operations directed at these countries are not identical to the Israel inquiry even according to Pillay and her colleagues. On the contrary, the members of the inquiry have repeatedly crowed that their mandate is a unique UN attack on Israel. Heres Pillay at the October UN press conference: this morning we presented our first report to the General Assembly, and that alone is unusual. Commissions of Inquiry do not get the mandate to deliver in Geneva and here, and the reports we delivered are different. She also said: Unlike other commissions, we have an open-ended mandate. At the General Assembly Pillay herself expressly referred to the unique mandate we are given. Moreover, in a June news conference in Geneva, held after presenting their first report to the UN Human Rights Council, Pillay said: we are very interested in the part of the mandate that requires us to identify individuals who are responsible and to work with judicial institutions for possible prosecutions and to secure justice. So all this is new.bOn the same occasion, Chris Sidoti said: the way in which accountability is framed in the mandate its different from other commissions of inquiry. Lie number five. These anti-Israel and anti-Jewish partisans are very keen on establishing their credentials by bloviating that all theyre doing is law. Irritated by the criticism, Pillay lectured states at the General Assembly: if you read the report youll see clearly its based on law. And she told the press conference: how would I exercise the prejudice anyway? Im dealing with international law here. Not so. They are political hacks hired by political actors to conduct a political onslaught. Heres inquiry member Miloon Kothari who is not a lawyer admitting to their non-legal agenda at the same press conference: Its quite different this mandate. If I may dare to say, it goes into the political issue rather than just reporting on violations, who killed who, and what happened. Of course, there is a reason these inquisitors cannot accurately apply the law to what actually happened. They dont know the facts, including the realities facing military and security forces that might allow an armchair general to apply the legal standards associated with self-defense. And they dont care. Pillay herself said at the June news conference: we want everyone to take this commission seriously because its the first time it can look into political questions which you cant do under the Human Rights Council regular mandates. At the October news conference a reporter asked Pillay: imaginethe Government of Israel, the leaders of Palestinians, and even the President of the United States ask you, what we should do, what is the solution to our problem? Addressing the global audience in response was one person, an anti-Israel radical appointed by anti-Israel radical states and their UN entourage, an individual having no authority, jurisdiction, knowledge or expertise to decide the terms and conditions of Arab-Israeli peace let alone overrule the negotiated terms of existing agreements between the parties. And yet, without hesitation, Pillay rattled off a list of demands only for Israel and concluded with this: I can think of a number of first steps that should be done before they enter into talks. It wasnt just hubris. This legal fraudster purported to dictate political answers by reciting a Palestinian list of demands starting with derailing negotiations and eschewing an immediate unconditional halt to violence. As even the Security Council has repeatedly reaffirmed, negotiations are the only hope to peace because they necessitate acceptance or recognition of the legitimacy of the other, while Pillays Palestinian clientele havent accepted the legitimacy of a Jewish state in 75 years. Lie number six. Pillay told the General Assembly and the worlds press corps: Im 81 years old, and this is the first time Ive been accused of antisemitism. Guffaws could be heard in the room. Take but one example I can provide from as long ago as 2008. Pillay was UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and busy mounting a massive campaign to convince countries to back a UN racist anti-racism Durban review conference. Dubbed Durban II, the conference was intended to regurgitate the 2001 Durban Declaration and its antisemitic message smearing one country with the charge of racism the Jewish one. At the time, I wrote in The Australian: Human rights commissioner Navanethem Pillay, who will be the secretary-general of Durban II, has unleashed a wave of misinformation intended to whitewash UN-based anti-Semitism. I also wrote in Forbes: Durban I was the 2001 U.N. world conference on racism, most famous for spreading anti-Semitism rather than defeating it. Pillay is engaged in a frenzied attempt to silence critics of round two. In this case, Pillays deceitful attempt to dodge and deny her role in enabling antisemitism vividly exploded. Pillay responded to the criticisms leading up to Durban II in a press release in March 2009: [T]he review conference has also been the target of a disparaging media and lobbying campaign on the part of those who fear a repetition of anti-Semitic outbursts. This is unwarranted. A month later, the only head of state to attend her UN confab was Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad whose invective from the UN stage included: Following the World War II they resorted to military aggressions to make an entire nation homeless on the pretext of Jewish sufferingsThe word Zionism personifies racism that falsely resorts to religion and abuses religious sentiments to hide their hatred and ugly faces. Lie number seven. A reporter from the New York Sun asked Pillay at the October news conference: I am told there were several NGOs that sent you all kinds of comments and reports that were ignored. Could you answer that? Pillay responded: One of our first methods was to call for submissionsI think there were 5 million submissions or emails came from one addressIt seems that theyre really records of Holocaust victims and so on, so not relevant to us. Our mandate doesnt require us to look at the Holocaust. The remark should be compared to Pillays statement when she opened the news conference: We are also mandated to investigate all underlying root causes of the recurrent tensions, instability, and protraction of conflict. So no time limit there. Look at the root causes from time immemorial to now. So the inquisitors could deal with anything they chose from time immemorial and decided the that the murder of six million Jews who didnt have self-determination and the protection of a Jewish state were irrelevant. Since I submitted the millions of submissions to which she referred, heres why the voices of Jewish victims ought to have counted in this UN human rights world. The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Amin al-Husseini, was a Nazi collaborator and propagandist. But Palestinian Arabs called him Palestines national leader, our hero, and the voice of the Palestinian people. He continues to be a singular role model to the Palestinian terrorists and political leaders of today. If Pillay and company were actually looking for the root cause of the Palestinian Arab-Israeli conflict, al-Husseinis antisemitism is key. He wrote the script for how to achieve the ethnic cleansing of Jews from the Middle East throughout the 20th and 21st centuries by equating the Jewish presence in the land of Israel with an existential threat to the Muslim faith thus rendering Palestinian Arab rejectionism of Jewish self-determination intractable, if not insoluble. But to Pillay and company, antisemitism was a diversion. Lie number eight. All of the submissions sent by myself and a group of other non-governmental organizations in response to the public call for submissions by the inquiry were described by Pillay to the same reporter as: I think there were 5 million submissions or emails that came from one addressIt seems that theyre really records of Holocaust victims. Another lie. In fact, we sent 4,890,902 unique submissions in advance of the inquirys June 2022 report to the Human Rights Council, and another 180,316 unique submissions in advance of their October 2022 report to the General Assembly. These submissions were from multiple sources on a large range of subjects. In addition to submissions from the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust and Human Rights Voices, they included: 11,699 submissions from Palestinian Media Watch (PMW); 11,132 submissions from AICE and its Jewish Virtual Library; 12,642 submissions from the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI); 2,872 submissions from the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center; and 7,807 submissions from the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (CAMERA). The inquisitors advertised on the UN website that they wanted specifics about victims. Over the course of seven months from February to August 2022, we obliged. In addition to the specifics of 4,987,090 victims of antisemitism during the Holocaust and the role and legacy of Nazi collaborator, propagandist and Palestinian role model al-Husseini, we sent the individual names and details of 613,500 specific Jewish refugees and victims of Arab persecution in the Middle East and North African nations over the past 75 years, individuals who returned to their indigenous homeland in the land of Israel; 4,220 civilian victims murdered in Arab campaigns to eradicate Israel; 24,092 Israeli forces who fell defending their country and its people from Arab Jew-hatred; The inquiry repeatedly said that its central task was to identify the root cause of the conflict. So we sent the evidence that violent Palestinian Jew-hatred is at the root of the Palestinian Arab-Israeli conflict including the specifics of 5,875 attacks by Palestinian Arabs and their collaborators in the 21st century, seven Arab wars against the Jewish state from 1947 on, and seventeen defensive Israeli military operations in response to Arab aggression in the 20th and 21st centuries. So no, these submissions could not be obscenely dismissed as only records of Holocaust victims, nor were they only from one address. Lie number nine. Pillay said at the news conference the inquiry called for submissions but in the case of our submissions Some of them are a bit difficult to read. In fact, all of our submissions were in electronic form, readily searchable, and clearly formatted using a standardized template. All they needed in order to comprehend the material, including the volumes of photographic and video evidence, were their lying eyes. Lie number ten. Pillay told the press, referring to our submissions, we didnt ignore [them]. False. To give but one example, our submissions included the details of the historical connection of the Jewish people to Hebron from time immemorial and the Arab massacre of the Jews of Hebron in 1922. The report mentions Hebron 14 times, does go back to 1922 and makes claims about historical ownership of Hebron. But it turns out that every one of these comments is about Israeli violations of Palestinian rights in Hebron. Palestinian violations of the rights of Jews in Hebron over an entire century is never mentioned. And the only historical connection to Hebron that these inquisitors could locate was to Palestinian Arabs. So yes, they did ignore. Lie number eleven. Pillay boasted to the General Assembly about the inquirys outreach to so-called civil society and how much they value and utilize the input from civil society. In her words: Weve consulted very many experts, both from Israel and Palestine and the rest of the world, and here we will continue to do that kind of research and get the opinions of civil societyThis Commission began immediately by going straight to civil society representatives and academics who address these issues. Their role is vital to raise awareness of violations and possible international crimes. Actually, Pillay and company went straight to civil society representatives and academics provided their contribution was more Israel-bashing. Those who she belittled at the June news conference as pro-Israel sources, those who she has labeled as the extremist Israel lobby, and those who fellow inquisitor Chris Sidoti dismissed as GONGOs the acronym for government organized (fake) NGOs got no calls, no invitations, and no requests for their opinions. They werent consulted, they were detoured. Dismissing the voices of genuinely independent Jewish experts and victims of antisemitism as government of Israel toadies is especially ironic in view of the affiliations of inquiry member and allegedly independent expert Chris Sidoti. Sidoti, for instance, has had a close working relationship a with the Palestinian Authoritys so-called Independent Commission on Human Rights. Lie number twelve. When the going got rough at the press conference, inquiry members took the unusual step of calling upon the moderator, a UN staffer, for answers. The UN spokesperson for the Human Rights Council branch answered a question about the double-standards that the inquiry mandate applied to Israel this way: there are several other open-ended mandates of the Human Rights Council, and all one needs to do is look at the website and you can see the large array of them. Actually, when you look at the UN website there is an array of thirty-six International Commissions of Inquiry, Commissions on Human Rights, Fact-Finding Missions and other Investigations, ever created by the Human Rights Council. In addition to the inquiry on Israel, only one other has no end date. Thats the clearly distinguishable case of Myanmar, where there was a prior finding that crimes against humanity had occurred before the permanent mission was created. And if open-ended includes a permit to investigate from time immemorial, the Israel-bashing license stands alone. Lie number thirteen. After Pillays presentation at the General Assembly, there was an unprecedented intervention by diplomats from eighteen states, and the European Union. Each of them took the floor either to condemn the antisemitism from inquiry members or to register objections to the inquiry itself. Given the last word, Pillay attempted to brush them all off with this scolding: let me make absolutely clear, we are not antisemitic. Now there was a reference to statement made by one of the commissioners. This has been dealt fully by the President of the Human Rights Council, who is the proper authority to clear up criticism of the mandate and clear up criticism of those he selected for appointment as commissioners. So I do encourage you to look at the Presidents website on that. The claim was insulting and false on many levels. Kothari made his overtly antisemitic remarks on July 25, 2022. At the time, criticism was swift and widespread. Nineteen states and the European Union condemned his remarks. The President of the Human Rights Council, Ferderico Villegas (Argentina), apparently spoke to Pillay privately about his behavior. Pillay responded by producing a formal public letter directed to the Council President on July 28, 2022. In her riposte she made no apologies; on the contrary, she defended her colleagues no doubt well aware of her own comparable vulnerabilities. The Council President then produced a written and public reply to Pillay on July 29, 2022 in which he called Kotharis remarks unfortunate and said they could reasonably be interpreted as the stigmatization of the Jewish people, which, as youre all aware, is at the heart of any expression of antisemitism. As for taking action, he did nothing. He whimpered that Kothari consider the possibility of publicly clarifying his comments and intentions. Though his predecessor in the position of President of the Human Rights Council had appointed all three inquisitors, he took no action to dismiss Kothari and the others, or to garner support for dismissal in any number of ways at his disposal, starting with a simple declaration that any or all of them had violated the UN Code of Conduct and were unfit for office. On August 4, 2022, Kothari wrote to the President of the Human Rights Council to clarify his remarks. He was apologetic for his choice of words. Twice he called his choice of words insensitive. Poor Kothari said: the offence I have caused by using these words has deeply distressed me. Then he slammed Israel for what he said was non-compliance with UN decisions. And that was the end of it for the UN. The Prime Minister of Israel Yair Lapid wrote to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Lapid called upon the Secretary-General to honor his pledge to stand in the front line of the struggle against antisemitism by taking the necessary measures to bring about the immediate resignation of Ms. Pillay and the other commissioners, and the disbanding of the Commission.. Israels Prime Minister was completely ignored. As far as the UN was concerned antisemitism from a UN human rights official, with a job description to find discrimination and repression based on national, ethnic, racial or religious identity, in a conflict between Jews and non-Jews (Arab or Muslim), had been dealt with fully by leaving the antisemitism exponent in the job. Or more accurately, it hadnt been dealt with at all. Conclusion This UN inquiry has only been in operation a year, but it has already left a deep stain on the United Nations. Its creators, enablers and mandate-holders are bent on the demonization and delegitimization of Israel and the self-determination of the Jewish people the face of modern antisemitism. Evidently, they have no compunction about using deceit to accomplish these ends. Dishonesty that must not be allowed to stand. Professor Anne Bayefsky is the Director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust, and President of Human Rights Voices. Home The Block: Tree Change's Omar Slaimankhel and Ozman 'Oz' Abu Malik have revealed how they plan to spend some of their prize money after becoming 'instant millionaires' on the show. The Sydney-based best friends made the largest sum over reserve of all five houses, selling their property for $5,666,666 and taking home a record breaking $1.6million in profit. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia on Monday, Oz, 30, revealed the pair will be donating some of the money to charity. The Block: Tree Change's Omar Slaimankhel and Ozman 'Oz' Abu Malik, both 30, have revealed how they plan to spend their prize money after winning the show 'Omar and I, we are two brothers that would love to continue what we do best, we would love to give back,' he explained. 'We obviously put a lot of hard work into charity, we've [donated] to charity all of our lives and this time we want to give back to kids.' While Oz didn't reveal how much exactly they will be donating, he said that his family back home have already picked a charity. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia on Monday, Oz, 30, (pictured right) said the pair are planning to donate a percentage of their $1.6million prize money to charity 'We definitely want to put it out there that we want to give back to the people that are less fortunate,' he said. Oz explained while he was happy with their victory, they couldn't help but feel for their co-stars who didn't sell their homes. 'Money comes, money goes in life. For me, it's all about people knowing that we did , and represented the best we could.' 'We obviously put a lot of hard work into charity, we've [donated] to charity all of our lives and this time we want to give back to kids,' he said. Osman pictured with his son Malik The western Sydney mates made the largest sum of all five Block houses, far exceeding the $4.08million reserve. But many weren't impressed with Omar and Oz's win after Adrian Portelli - an online promotions guru with a net worth of $8million, who arrived at the auction in a flashy yellow Lamborghini - seemed to know Omar and Oz well and bid on their home. Portelli opened the bidding on House 5 at $4.5million, which was much higher than the $4.08million reserve price. His aggressive bids meant eventual buyer Danny Wallis ended up paying an eye-watering $5,666,666.66 for the four-bedroom, 10-acre property, making the boys instant millionaires with total winnings of $1,686,666.66 - the biggest victory in The Block's 18-year history. Coming in second at auction were Rachel and Ryan Carr, who negotiated to sell their home for $4,250,000 - making a profit of $169,000. Fan favourites Tom and Sarah-Jane came in third but didn't bring in big bucks. There was also heartache, with two couples, Ankur and Sharon and Dylan and Jenny, failing to sell their homes at auction. Both properties were passed in when they failed to attract a bidder over their $4.08 million reserve price, both attracting a highest bid of $4,075,000. Both couples continued to negotiate with their highest bidders after filming, but as of 9pm Sunday, November 6, Ankur and Sharon and Dylan and Jenny, are still open to offers to buy their homes. The Block 2022 listings HOUSE 1 Tom and Sarah-Jane Stunning architectural design meets luxurious country living. Address: 191 McGeorge Road, Gisborne VIC 3437 Listing: 5 Bed, 3 Bath. Price guide: $4-$4.4million SOLD FOR: $4,100,000.99 HOUSE 2 Rachel and Ryan Luxury lodge country living is at the heart of this magnificent state-of-the-art, vineyard estate. Address: 197 McGeorge Road, Gisborne VIC 3437 Listing: 5 Bed, 3 Bath Price guide: $4-$4.4million SOLD FOR: $4,250,000 HOUSE 3 Sharon and Ankur 'Gunyah' Luxurious country living with spectacular mountain views. Address: 223 McGeorge Road, Gisborne VIC 3437 Listing: 5 Bed, 3 Bath Price guide: $4-$4.4million NOT SOLD HOUSE 4 Dylan and Jenny Acreage, views and luxury country living. Address: 225 McGeorge Road, Gisborne VIC 3437 Listing: 5 Bed, 3 Bath Price guide: $4-$4.4million NOT SOLD HOUSE 5 Omar and Oz Sustainable luxurious lifestyle. Address: 241 McGeorge Road, Gisborne VIC 3437 Listing: 5 Bed, 3 Bath Price guide: $4-$4.4million SOLD FOR: $5,666,666 Advertisement Coming in second at auction were Rachel and Ryan Carr, who negotiated to sell their home for $4,250,000 - making a profit of $169,000. Fan favourites Tom and Sarah-Jane came in third but didn't bring in big bucks. There was also heartache, with two couples, Ankur and Sharon and Dylan and Jenny, failing to sell their homes at auction. Both properties were passed in when they failed to attract a bidder over their $4.08 million reserve price, both attracting a highest bid of $4,075,000. Both couples continued to negotiate with their highest bidders after filming, but as of 9pm Sunday, November 6, Ankur and Sharon, and Dylan and Jenny, are still open to offers to buy their homes. Neighbours star Melissa Bell tied the knot with her long-term partner Grant Thompson in an emotional ceremony held on the Gold Coast last month. The actress told New Idea she fought back tears as the couple exchanged vows inside the Rotary Broadwater Chapel by The Sea, just days before Melissa celebrated her 50th birthday. Meanwhile, her 60-year-old groom had a special stash of tissues handy just in case. Neighbours star Melissa Bell tied the knot with her long-term partner Grant Thompson in an emotional ceremony held on the Gold Coast last month 'Mel looked just incredible,' the financial strategist told the magazine. In a tribute to her days on the beloved soap, Melissa walked down in the aisle in a fabulous couture dress she once wore on the show. The amazing all-white wedding gown featured in the fan favourite's on-screen nuptials back in 2020, when her character Lucy Robinson wed Mark Gottlieb, played by actor Bruce Samazan. Melissa got her big break on Neighbours back in 1991 playing Robinson, and has played the role intermittently since then. Melissa told New Idea the dress, which boasts a beautiful floral motif, was a generous gift from the Neighbours team. The actress told New Idea she fought back tears as the couple exchanged vows inside the Rotary Broadwater Chapel by The Sea, just days before Melissa celebrated her 50th birthday 'At the end of filming they gave it to me,' she said, 'and I was like ''wow a part of Australian TV history!'' 'It's very over-the-top, but I think that's me.' Melissa previously told New Idea she 'wasn't looking for love' when Grant came into her life after the death of her husband Gary Dickinson in 2016. In a tribute to her days on the beloved soap, Melissa walked down in the aisle in a fabulous couture dress she once wore on the show (not pictured) The former E Street star announced her engagement to financial strategist Grant in 2020. She said she'd met Grant after going on a 'self-discovery road' in the aftermath of her husband's death. Gary went into a coma after a heart attack in late 2015, before dying in February the following year. The couple shared three children together. She also has another son from a previous marriage. She added that Gary would be happy for her moving on with her life. The end of Abbie Chatfield and Konrad Bien-Stephen's relationship was confirmed when he was caught kissing Megan Marx in the spa on the set of Channel Ten's new series The Challenge. Now radio hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson have leaked footage of the pair steamy X-rated romp. The never-before-seen video was released to their Instagram account on Monday, and appears to have come from a security camera. Never-before-seen footage of Konrad Bien-Stephens' steamy X-rated romp with Megan Marx on the set of The Challenge has been leaked - after their hook-up confirmed the end of his romance with Abbie Chatfield (pictured with Konrad) It shows the pair getting very hot and heavy in the water while clad in skimpy swimwear. Kyle, 51, said he couldn't blame Konrad, 31, for making out with the blonde bombshell, 32, because she is so 'beautiful'. 'She's quite the woman though. Like look at her. Why wouldn't you want to throw one in there,' Kyle said. It comes after Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed Konrad and Megan struck up a romance soon after arriving in Buenos Aires to film The Challenge. Radio hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson leaked footage of the pair steamy X-rated romp on their Instagram page Two separate sources confirmed the pair's tryst, with one revealing: 'Oh, my gosh! The drama is insane. Konrad is sleeping with Megan [Marx]. 'Konrad said he was single and his relationship with Abbie was over because she broke up with him.' At the time the story broke, it wasn't public knowledge that Konrad had split from his 27-year-old girlfriend Abbie. It shows the pair getting very hot and heavy in the water while clad in skimpy swimwear She later confirmed they'd called it quits several weeks before he flew to Argentina. Before their break-up, Abbie revealed she and Konrad would only see each other a few times a week, and that her 'kink' was letting him sleep with other women. Konrad and Megan's salacious time in the hot tub was also confirmed when the trailer for the new show dropped. Kyle, 51, said he couldn't blame Konrad, 31, for making out with the blonde bombshell, 32, because she is so 'beautiful' A snippet of the footage of the pair getting it on was shown as Brooke Blurton, who dated Konrad on The Bachelorette, watched on from a nearby window. Brooke spied on the amorous duo alongside Australian Ninja Warrior star Troy Cullen and Big Brother winner Marley Biyendolo. Marley complained he's never going back into the spa again after their steamy romp. Michelle Williams stunned while hitting her first red carpet since giving birth to her third child at The Fabelmans' premiere in Los Angeles on Sunday. The 42-year-old actor donned a stunning off-the-shoulder black gown, slit right at the hem. Her dyed-blonde hair was parted in the middle and cut short, ending high above her slender shoulders. Gorgeous gown: Michelle Williams stunned while walking down the red carpet for The Fabelmans in Los Angeles on Sunday The two-time Golden Globe winner accessorized with a huge gold and diamond necklace, and her lips were painted a pale pink. Though the Dawson's creek alum has yet to any details about her family's newest addition, she and husband Thomas Kail welcomed a son sometime within the last month or so as she was last seen visibly pregnant while out shopping in mid-September. In May, Williams announced she was expecting another child during an interview with Variety. 'As the years go on, you sort of wonder what they might hold for you or not hold for you,' she said. 'It's exciting to discover that something you want again and again, is available one more time. That good fortune is not lost on me or my family.' Off-the-shoulder: The 42-year-old actor donned a stunning off-the-shoulder black gown, slit right at the hem Leading more stars: Williams led a number of a famous faces down the red carpet The pair, who married in 2020, welcomed their son Hart into the world in the same year. The star also shares her firstborn child with Heath Ledger who tragically passed away in 2008. Williams led a number of a famous faces down the red carpet including The Batman actor Paul Dano. The 38-year-old star wore a black blazer with a silver floral print and a pair of matching trousers. Floral-print: The 38-year-old star wore a black blazer with a silver floral print and a pair of matching trousers Slick: He wore a black button-down shirt underneath the jacket and slicked his brown hair back He wore a black button-down shirt underneath the jacket and slicked his brown hair back. Keeley Karsten stunned in a sleeveless white gown with a pair of tall black high heels. The Entanglement actress' brown hair was parted in the middle, and she flashed a brilliant white smile. Stephen Smith stepped out in a light blue suit and a pair of black shoes while he grinned alongside his mother, Laura, who looked chic in a black dress. The Gray Man actress Julia Butters, 13, wore a black gown adorned with two large white ribbons. Pristine: Keeley Karsten stunned in a sleeveless white gown with a pair of tall black high heels Grinning: The Entanglement actress' brown hair was parted in the middle, and she flashed a brilliant white smile Mother-son night out: Stephen Smith stepped out in a light blue suit and a pair of black shoes while he grinned alongside his mother, Laura, who looked chic in a black dress Accessories: The Gray Man actress Julia Butters, 13, wore a black gown adorned with two large white ribbons Smallest stars: A pair of the movie's youngest actors, Mateo Zoryon Francis-DeFord and Birdie Borria, looked stylish on their big night A pair of the movie's youngest actors, Mateo Zoryon Francis-DeFord and Birdie Borria, looked stylish on their big night. Francis-DeFord wore a cobalt blue jacket, black slacks and a black bowtie while Borria wore a pink dress with a ruffled skirt . A cape-like garment dragged on the ground behind her as she walked. Chloe East, 21, wore an off-the-shoulder red dress with a tight skirt and long train trailing after her. A matching red bow sat atop her head. Seth Rogen wore some bright colors to the event. The 40-year-old actor wore a green blazer and matching pants. He added a clay-red shirt and matching tie to the outfit as he posed alongside his longtime wife, Lauren Miller. Vibrant red: Chloe East, 21, wore an off-the-shoulder red dress with a tight skirt and long train trailing after her. A matching red bow sat atop her head Lots of color: Seth Rogen wore some bright colors to the event. The 40-year-old actor wore a green blazer and matching pants Clay-colored: He added a clay-red shirt and matching tie to the outfit Couple's night out: He posed alongside his longtime wife, Lauren Miller, who wore a black mesh top and baggy pants Several stars: Rogen, Williams and Dano flashed smiles as they posed together The film's director, 75-year-old Stephen Spielberg, wore a dark blue suit jacket with a gray sweater and blue button-down shirt underneath it. He enjoyed the evening out with his wife of more than 30 years Kate Capshaw who snuggled up to him in a black coat with a blue dress and matching scarf. Spielberg posed alongside Francis-DeFord and Gabriel LaBelle at the event also, hugging DeFord to his chest. Casual outfit The film's director, 75-year-old Stephen Spielberg, wore a dark blue suit jacket with a gray sweater and blue button-down shirt underneath it Happy couple: He enjoyed the evening out with his wife of more than 30 years Kate Capshaw who snuggled up to him in a black coat with a blue dress and matching scarf The film's stars: Many of the film's stars bunched up together (L to R: Dano, Francis-DeFord, LaBelle, Rogen, Spielberg, East) Some of the stars: Spielberg posed alongside Francis-DeFord and Gabriel LaBelle at the event also, hugging DeFord to his chest Family event: Standing together: Stephen was joined by his sisters at the event (L to R: Sue Spielberg, Anne Spielberg, Stephen, Nancy Spielberg) Based on him: According to its IMDb page , The Fabelmans centers around 'a young man named Sammy Fabelman' who 'discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth' According to its IMDb page, The Fabelmans centers around 'a young man named Sammy Fabelman' who 'discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth.' The movie is based partly on Spielberg's own upbringing. He co-wrote the screenplay with Angels in America playwright Tony Kushner. The Fabelmans is set for release on Friday, November 11. Based on him: The movie is based partly on Spielberg's own upbringing. He co-wrote the screenplay with Angels in America playwright Tony Kushner (pictured with Michelle Williams) Eminem gave a nod of respect to a long list of hip hop idols, both known and obscure, during his induction speech into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday. In all, the rap legend took about three-and-a-half minutes to mention more than 100 names after accepting the honor at the 37th annual ceremony held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The Detroit rapper also performed during the five-plus hour show with the help of special guests Ed Sheeran and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, with a set list that included the likes of My Name Is, Rap God, and Sing For The Moment, Stan, Forever and Not Afraid. Respect: Eminem acknowledged many of his hip hop heroes, more than 100 in all, during his induction speech into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame that was held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday Eminem was inducted into the hall of fame by his mentor, Dr. Dre. The legendary hip hop producer and NWA rapper took eight minutes rolling off his his protege's many accolades, and sharing some of their history together, according to The Detroit News. After revealing that he didn't even realize Eminem was White when he first heard him rap, Dre revealed that he encountered resistance when he first posed the idea of signing him to his record label. 'While everyone else around me had their doubts, I knew that his gift was undeniable,' Dre said, adding, 'His raw, dark and humorous lyrics coupled with an impeccable cadence stood out from anything I had ever heard before, and he was hungry. Both of us were.' Dre continued, 'My rebuttal to those naysayers went something like this: "He's going to be the biggest selling artist on our label." Little did I know, he was going to be one of the best-selling music artists of all time.' Eminem's mentor, Dr. Dre inducted his protege into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, rolling off many of his accomplishments Acceptance speech: Decked out in an all-black leather jacket and hood, Eminem was joined on stage by his early collaborator Denaun Porter From there he shared his long list of accomplishments over his career that spans 11 solo studio albums since 1996, which includes: '220 million albums sold, 13 No. 1 albums, Grammy Awards, an Emmy, an Oscar, the titles of best-selling music artist of the 2000s and best-selling hip-hop artist ever.' Decked out in an all-black leather jacket and hood, Eminem was joined on stage by his early collaborator Denaun Porter, while his 10-minute, six-song medley covered various sides of his creativity. When it came time to his induction speech, the father of three was obviously honored to in the company of such other great artists past and present. This sh**s crazy. So I wrote some sh** down tonight that Im never going to f***ing remember, so I had to read it off the paper and sh**, but its from the heart,' he started off his speech. 'I realize what an honor it is right now for me to be up here tonight, and what a privilege it is to do the music that I love, and the music that basically saved my life.' Rock the house: Porter was also among the artists to performance with the Detroit rapper during his six-song medley that lasted about 10-minutes Pop star Ed Sheeran also joined Eminem for his hall of fame performance After pausing to ask where Dre had gone, the 15-time Grammy winner proceeded to call him 'the man who saved my life , ladies and gentlemen, Dr. motherf***in' Dre.' He went on, 'So Im probably not supposed to actually be here tonight because of a couple of reasons. One of them that I'm a rapper, and this is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And there's only a few of us right now that have been inducted in already, but there's only a few of us.' 'Secondly, I almost died from an overdose in 2007, which kind of sucked,' he added, before directing attention to his daughter. 'Hailie, plug your ears: because drugs were f***ing delicious, and I thought we had a good thing going man, but I had to go and f*** it all up and take too many. G** damn. OK Hailie,' he said. After another pause, he regained his composure and continued, 'Paul, did I say, I said drugs were delicious, right? And finally, I had to really fight my way through man to try and break through in this music, and I'm so honored and I'm so grateful that I'm even able to be up here doing hip hop music, man, because I love it so much. Eminem went on to give a shoutout to the many musical artists who inspired his career. Walk this way: Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler showed off his rock 'n' roll credentials when he joined Eminem on the hall of fame stage 'My musical influences are many, and they say it takes a village to raise a child. Well it took a whole genre and culture to raise me. They say success has many fathers, and thats definitely true for me. So whatever my impact has been on hip-hop music, I never would have or could have done this sh** without some of the groundbreaking artists that I'm about to mention right now.' It's at this point that Eminem read aloud that list of over 100 names, in alphabetical order, starting with 2 Live Crew and going down the line to YZ, that took more than three minutes to finish. Among the more recognizable names included the Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, Beastie Boys, LL Cool J and of his mentor, Dr. Dre, whom he attributed to helping him achieve all of his success in music. Eminem joins a short list of rappers who have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame that includes Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, N.W.A., Tupac Shakur, the Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z and LL Cool J. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony is scheduled to air on HBO and HBO Max on November 19. Byron Baes star Jade Kevin Foster went through a harrowing ordeal recently after his $154,000 BMW was stolen after a thief broke into his house on Saturday morning. The reality star, 30, posted about the stressful situation on Instagram and told his fans the vehicle was a 'write off' after the heartless thief crashed it into a police car. 'The whole thing's completely f**cked. They just dumped it,' an upset Jade told his 1.2million followers. Byron Baes star Jade Kevin Foster (pictured) had his $154,000 BMW was stolen after a thief broke into his house on Saturday morning A devastated Jade told Daily Mail Australia he heard from the police the reckless thief crashed the luxury car into some trees and a police car before running away and was still on the loose. Jade said he has some choice words for the criminal who destroyed his treasured possession. 'If you want nice things then get your a** up and work for them! Dont be scum and steal,' he said. The reality star, 30, posted about the stressful situation on Instagram and told his fans the vehicle was a 'write off' after the heartless thief crashed it into a police car Earlier this year, Jade recalled the terrifying moment a group of thugs assaulted him and stole his diamond engagement ring after a night out in Brisbane. Foster was attacked on 15 June, but only recently found the strength to discuss his experience publicly. Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, Foster spoke of how he was at a nightclub promotion event with a pal in Brisbane when a group of men began stalking him. Jade had some choice words for the criminal who trashed his treasured possession: 'If you want nice things then get your a** up and work for them! Dont be scum and steal' Unfortunately, the star had unintentionally made it easy for the men to find him by posting his location on Instagram. 'I never had to second guess or question myself before posting on my social media telling fans where I will be or where I'm going, as I've only ever experienced positive encounters from followers who have come to my location to meet me,' he lamented. Foster found viral fame after being pictured with Kim Kardashian in 2014. He went on to star in Netflix's Byron Baes and billed himself as 'Australia's biggest male influencer' on the reality series. Jade stars in Netflix's Byron Baes and bills himself as 'Australia's biggest male influencer' on the reality series Fans of the long-running improvised comedy series Whose Line Is It Anyway? will be saying goodbye to the beloved show sometime next year. While the show coming to an end hasn't been officially announced by The CW Network, one of the show's stars - Colin Mochrie - revealed the news to fans on Twitter. The 12th season will start production in January, while the current 11th season is four episodes into its run, airing at 9 PM ET on The CW Network. End: While the show coming to an end hasn't been officially announced by The CW Network, one of the show's stars - Colin Mochrie (right) - revealed the news to fans on Twitter 'Hey everyone. Hope you are enjoying the current season of Whose Line. In January, we shoot our final season. Thank you all for the support over the years,' Mochrie said in a tweet sent on Friday morning. The host of Whose Line Is It Anyway? - Aisha Tyler - quote-retweeted Mochrie's original tweet, adding 10 red heart emojis. None of the other stars of the show, such as Wayne Brady or Ryan Stiles, have addressed the end of the show. Thanks: 'Hey everyone. Hope you are enjoying the current season of Whose Line. In January, we shoot our final season. Thank you all for the support over the years,' Mochrie said in a tweet sent on Friday morning Host: The host of Whose Line Is It Anyway? - Aisha Tyler - quote-retweeted Mochrie's original tweet, adding 10 red heart emojis Whose Line Is It Anyway was created by Mark Leveson and Dan Patterson, which originated as a British radio show before being turned into a British TV series in 1988. The original show was hosted by Clive Anderson, who would task a rotating group of comedians with performing a number of improvised sketches. The original cast featured Tony Slattery, Michael McShane, Josie Lawrence and Richard Vranch with Stiles and Greg Proops joining the show in 1989 and Mochrie joining in 1991. Created: Created: Whose Line Is It Anyway was created by Mark Leveson and Dan Patterson, which originated as a British radio show before being turned into a British TV series in 1988 The original British series ran for 10 seasons until 1999, though an American version hosted by Drew Carey debuted on ABC in 1998. The ABC series featured Mochrie, Stiles, Brady, Proops and other comedians such as Brad Sherwood. The series ran for eight series until going off the air in 2007, with The CW reviving the series in 2013 with host Aisha Tyler. American: The original British series ran for 10 seasons until 1999, though an American version hosted by Drew Carey debuted on ABC in 1998 The current 11th season has featured guests such as Johnathan Magnum (Brady's co-host on Let's Make a Deal), along with Padma Lakshmi, Darren Criss and Gary Anthony Williams. The beloved series has featured guest stars throughout the years including Keegan Michael Key, Heather Anne Campbell, Candice Patton, Kyle Richards and many more. There is no indication if the creators and producers are shopping the show to other networks or streaming services. Eccentric buyer Danny Wallis says he doesn't even watch The Block - despite snapping up several houses. The Melbourne-based IT entrepreneur bought three houses this year, spending a total $14million at auction. 'They're my saviour because it makes it easier to buy houses. But I don't actually watch the show,' he told The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Monday. Eccentric buyer Danny Wallis (left) says he doesn't even watch The Block - despite snapping up several houses He will however continue to buy The Block houses in the future. 'I'm going to look at them every year and if they're good, they're well-built and that [I will],' he said. 'They're certainly more well-built than a lot of houses you buy, because they get so much scrutiny on them; too many of them can't afford to build dud houses.' 'They're my saviour because it makes it easier to buy houses. But I don't actually watch the show,' he told The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Monday 'They're very good quality and any problems that you have with them, Channel 9 is always there to come and fix them up,' he added. 'I've got a problem with my water and they're there straight away.' Omar Slaimankhel & Ozman 'Oz' Abu Malik smashed records on The Block: Tree Change for 2022 on Sunday night when Wallis bought their home. He will continue to buy The Block houses in the future. 'They're very good quality and any problems that you have with them, Channel 9 is always there to come and fix them up,' he said The Sydney-based best friends sold their home for $5,666,666 with a $4.08 million reserve price - taking home a record breaking win $1.6million in profit. Wallis snapped up three homes last year for a combined $12.25million, and he will no doubt be back in 2023 with more outrageous bids. But it seems that Danny has worn out his welcome, with many fans slamming his 'annoying' bidding style during Sunday's finale after he held up the auction while he sought 'advice' from his dog. During Sunday's finale he held up the auction while he sought 'advice' from his dog 'Do the people at #theblock know the whole 'Danny' thing takes away all and any credibility of this show?!' one person wrote on Twitter. 'How can anyone respect Danny honestly,' another asked, while one more chimed in: 'Danny suuuuuuucks'. 'OH HERE WE GO DANNY PLS STOP it's dragged out already,' another person watching wrote. With the highly-anticipated Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hitting theaters this weekend, Lupita Nyong'o revealed the cast honored their late co-star Chadwick Boseman before filming began. Nyong'o, 39, who reprises her role as Nakia from the 2018 blockbuster Black Panther, was part of a cover story on the sequel for Ebony. The actress revealed that, before filming began on the sequel, the entire cast visited the grave of Chadwick Boseman. Honored: With the highly-anticipated Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hitting theaters this weekend, Lupita Nyong'o revealed the cast honored their late co-star Chadwick Boseman before filming began Grave: With the highly-anticipated Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hitting theaters this weekend, Lupita Nyong'o revealed the cast honored their late co-star Chadwick Boseman before filming began Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016, though he kept the diagnosis private apart from his inner circle. He passed away after a four-year battle with cancer in 2020, with the cancer progressing from Stage III at diagnosis to Stage IV closer to his death. Marvel insisted shortly after his death that they would not recast his beloved character T'challa, with the studio stating they would dedicate the sequel to Boseman's memory. Diagnosed: Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016, though he kept the diagnosis private apart from his inner circle Battle: He passed away after a four-year battle with cancer in 2020, with the cancer progressing from Stage III at diagnosis to Stage IV closer to his death Nyong'o revealed in the interview, 'We visited his resting place before we started filming and we had that moment as a cast.' 'We went with the new cast who hadnt met him as well. It was our way of continuing this journey,' the actress added. 'It really doesnt feel like we have anything to prove to his spirit. I feel very, very centered about how we brought him along with us,' she added. Visited: Nyong'o revealed in the interview, 'We visited his resting place before we started filming and we had that moment as a cast' '(Director) Ryan (Coogler)had an artist make this necklace that has Chadwicks image on it and he wore it every day. So hes been with us, he knows what we did,' Nyong'o said. Her co-star Danai Gurira, who returns as Okoye, revealed in the interview that Boseman's death took a toll on the cast. 'Theres a grief navigation that we were going through as we were stepping back into living in this world without our leader, our King and our brother. That was a really specific journey to take in it,' she said. Ryan: '(Director) Ryan (Coogler)had an artist make this necklace that has Chadwicks image on it and he wore it every day. So hes been with us, he knows what we did,' Nyong'o said Toll: Her co-star Danai Gurira, who returns as Okoye, revealed in the interview that Boseman's death took a toll on the cast Letitia Wright, who plays Shuri, added, 'I knew that he was in a better place, but I selfishly wanted him to still be here with us, with me. 'But for myself, I use the film as a love letter to Chad. Every scene, every word I utter is with fullness and with life as he would want me to live it, you know, as he did live,' she continued. 'It was hard. But we all used the time to grieve together and support each other. We used the time to fuel the story with our energy, with our love and with the power that was within us because it had to go somewhere, you know?' she said. Kate Hudson showed off her sensational bikini body on the weekend, as she soaked up the sun in the desert. The Almost Famous star, 43, looked incredible as she stripped off into a tiny two piece, sharing some sizzling snaps to Instagram. Kate enjoyed a luxury minibreak with her fiance Danny Fujikawa, 36, who she cosied up to in one snap, captioning her post: 'Take me to the dezzzz #familyrandr.' 'Take me to the desert': Kate Hudson showed off her incredible figure as she stripped off into a tiny bikini and cuddled up to fiance Danny Fujikawa on a luxury minibreak over the weekend In her sun-drenched bikini snap, Kate went makeup free as she relaxed on a sunbed, with her long locks wet from a swim. She also shared a picture of herself with her musician fiance Danny, giving a glimpse of her washboard abs in an orange striped crop top and high-waisted lilac leggings. In the sweet image, the pair embraced while hiking in the rocky mountains. Top of the crops! She also shared a picture of herself with her musician fiance Danny while hiking, giving a glimpse of her washboard abs in an orange striped crop top Racy: Other images from their getaway included Kate showing some skin as she jumped out of the shower wearing a towel Other images from their getaway included Kate showing some skin as she jumped out of the shower wearing a towel. Another image showed her posing up with athlete and fitness buff Angi Greene at the gym. Kate also included some family snaps showing their daughter Rani Rose, four, tucking into some ice cream with a friend. Working up a sweat: Another image showed her posing up with athlete and fitness buff Angi Greene at the gym Sweet: Kate also shared a picture of Danny with an adorable pooch as they relaxed on the lounge As well as Rani, Kate is also mother to sons Ryder, 18, who she shares with The Black Crowe's Chris Robinson and 11-year-old Bingham, who she shares with Muse musician Matt Bellamy. Last week, Kate was seen trick or treating with Rani Rose in Santa Monica. The luxury stay is a well-deserved break for Kate, who has been busy in recent weeks promoting her new film, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Family time: Kate also included some family snaps showing their daughter Rani Rose, four, (left) tucking into some ice cream with a friend Family time: The pair enjoyed the luxury stay with some friends and family Just last month, Kate travelled to Spain for the film which also co-stars the likes of Bond star Daniel Craig, 54, and Janelle Monae, 36. The film centres on Daniel's detective character Benoit Blanc. According to IMDB, 'famed Southern detective Benoit Blanc travels to Greece for his latest case'. It tells the story of tech billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton) inviting his friends for a getaway on his private Greek island - with one turning up dead. The movie is a sequel to the highly-popular and critically-acclaimed 2019 film Knives Out. It is set for release on November 23. The past, present, and future of Quebec updated to 2022 (Part Five) By Mark Wegierski web posted November 7, 2022 The Quebecois nurse a great number of grievances against what has ironically been dubbed "TROC" ("the rest of Canada"). (Troc apparently means rump in French.) The term has an interesting significance giving the impression that Quebec wants to see itself as both the most quintessentially important part of Canada as well as separate from Canada. It also points to the unwillingness of TROC to call itself English Canada or English-speaking Canada. Indeed, the term English Canada is frequently rendered in quotation marks in many of the more recent Canadian English-language political works, as it would today be considered presumptuous to assert the existence of such an entity, considering the supercharged multiculturalism that especially characterizes such major megalopolises as current-day Toronto and Vancouver. As in the case of most so-called recognized minority groups today, the Quebecois have amplified in their collective memory, a long catalogue of wrongs that were committed against them by the anglais. However, the Quebecois cannot just be seen as a recognized minority they have a huge area of land to which they could be considered native they are a nation and, were they to separate, they would form a territorial nation-state. For the Quebecois nationalist today, everything bad begins with the battle of the Plains of Abraham, and the resultant Conquest -- the conquest of French Quebec by the British in 1759. This primal wound has haunted French-English relations in Canada. However, the French of an earlier Quebec seemed to be better able to reconcile themselves to their fate. The British had ironically been relatively tolerant to the institutions of Ancien Quebec, especially in regard to the Roman Catholic Church which was allowed to continue to flourish something that was virtually unheard of in most British realms. Some may remember that phrase from an American Revolutionary ditty if Gallic Papists have the right, to worship their own way, what hope then, for the freedoms, of poor Americay. George IIIs toleration of Roman Catholicism in Quebec was read in as an article of indictment against him in the Thirteen Colonies. In the nineteenth century, the British constitutional monarchy was not seen as alien to Quebec, as it has latterly become perceived. From the 1960s forward, as modern, progressive-minded nationalists, the Quebecois have had to find a way to repudiate much of their earlier, Catholic-centred, rurally-focused history, and to simultaneously blame what is today seen as this unfortunate backwardness exclusively on the English. The artifact which fulfills this function is the idea of the so-called "roi negre" (which could be politely translated as local chieftain). It is assumed that first the prelates of the Church, and then such figures as Duplessis (a long-serving Premier of Quebec in the 1930s to 1950s, called "le Chef", somewhat similar in style to America's Huey Long), were actually tools of the English in maintaining social control over Quebec. The English were not interested in improving Quebec society, so long as they had a "local chieftain" they could rely on to enforce order among the locals about whom the English couldnt care less. The English did dominate commerce and industry in Quebec up to the 1950s, largely confining French-Canadians to the rustic, but it is not often considered that many at that time might have preferred such a life. One of the great focal events of Quebec, for the Quebecois nationalists, is the 1837 Rebellion of the Patriotes, led by Louis-Joseph Papineau, which was brutally suppressed by the British. Although the Rebellion actually had comparatively little support at the time, across a Church-bound Quebec, it is seen as a harbinger of secular nationalism. The execution of Louis Riel, the leader of the half-French/half-Indian Metis in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, is seen as another atrocity. The fact that Riel had decades earlier executed an English-Canadian in rather gruesome circumstances which made it difficult for Canadian Prime Minister John A. Macdonald to show clemency -- is rarely mentioned. Salt was also rubbed into the wounds when French-language schooling in Manitoba was done away with, and failed to be enacted in other provinces with French minorities. The execution was certainly a baneful event, which turned Quebec away from the once-powerful Bleus/Conservative Party in the federal election of 1896. Relying on a solid bloc of seats from Quebec, and a minority of seats from English Canada, the Liberals have almost always formed the government of Canada in the Twentieth Century. While Quebec remained a very conservative society until the so-called "Quiet Revolution" of the 1960s, it generally voted Liberal federally. This trend was continued with its support of the chameleon-like Pierre Elliott Trudeau, first elected in 1968. English-Canadians believed that Trudeau would "put Quebec in its place", while French-Canadians voted for him because he was seen as a "native son". The idea of Trudeaus toughness against the Quebec separatists was reinforced by his declaration of martial law in Quebec in October 1970, against a small, extremist separatist faction, that had kidnapped (and later murdered) the Quebec Minister of Labour, as well as kidnapped a British trade official. Trudeau enacted the policy of coast-to-coast bilingualism (French and English) in Canada, which was said to be the price of keeping Quebec in Canada. Ironically, the Quebecois nationalists cared little for bilingualism, and moved to make their province unilingually French. Trudeau's individual rights, multiculturalism, and aboriginal rights policies came to be seen as diluting and undermining the now undisputed place of French-Canadians as one of the "two founding peoples" of Canada. The 1980 Quebec referendum on "sovereignty-association" failed by a ratio of 60 to 40. In 1982, Trudeau "patriated" the Canadian Constitution, including within it the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, within the Constitution Act, 1982. The Parti Quebecois provincial government, led by Rene Levesque, which had just lost the referendum, refused to accept this. The so-called "patriation", and the maneuvers of Trudeau and the other Premiers concerning its initial announcement to the public, are often seen as an anti-Quebec conspiracy, sometimes described in Quebec, rather too flamboyantly, as "the Night of the Long Knives". In an attempt to have Quebec accede to the new Canadian Constitution, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney negotiated the Meech Lake Accord in 1987. A strange kind of fury seized English Canada, especially in opposition to the legal recognition of Quebec as a distinct society, an obvious historical and social reality, but a blow to absolute individual rights, as well as to the notion that so-called group rights are normally afforded only to visible minorities (a term of official usage), as well as to Aboriginal peoples in Canada. The Accord failed in 1990, when it was rejected by the recalcitrant legislatures of two smaller English-Canadian provinces. In 1992, the Charlottetown Agreements were cobbled together by Mulroney and the ten provincial Premiers. They were in many ways similar to the Accord. They were put to a countrywide referendum. The Quebecois nationalists opposed them because they did not offer enough to Quebec, whereas TROC opposed them because they offered too much. The Agreements were solidly defeated across the country. Written in 1840, Lord Durham's famous Report had accurately warned that the future of Canada might consist of "two nations warring in the bosom of a single state". To be continued. Mark Wegierski is a Canadian writer and historical researcher. Home Millie Mackintosh has given up drinking alcohol to help with her anxiety, taking to Instagram on Sunday to share the update with fans. Revealing that she has been sober for 12 weeks now, the former Made In Chelsea star, 33, admitted that drinking was a 'huge trigger' for her anxiety. It comes after she began medication to help with her mental health back in August, sharing that it had been something she's struggled with since being a teenager. 'Its a huge trigger': Millie Mackintosh, 33, has revealed that she is 12 weeks sober after giving up alcohol to improve her anxiety (pictured in 2016) Posting a candid update to her 1.4M followers, the beauty shared that the decision to cut out alcohol was the result of a 'breakthrough in therapy'. Talking on the decision to give up alcohol, she also noted the health benefits she has experienced since cutting it out. 'I had a breakthrough in therapy and decided to stop drinking alcohol, I didnt want to admit it but its a huge trigger for my anxiety. It has an instant negative effect on my mental health and right now Im focused on feeling my best, finding happiness in my life and not trying to escape from it,' she penned. Breakthrough: Posting a candid update to her 1.4M followers, the beauty shared that the decision to cut out alcohol was the result of a 'breakthrough in therapy' WHAT IS ANXIETY? Anxiety is a normal part of life that affects different people in different ways at different times. Whereas stress can come and go, anxiety often persists and does not always have an obvious cause. Along with depression, anxiety is among the most common mental-health condition in the UK, affecting 8.2million people in 2013 alone. Around 40million adults suffer from the condition in the US every year. Anxiety can make a person imagine things in their life are worse than they are or that they are going mad. Although it evolved as part of the 'fight or flight' mechanism in our caveman days to avoid danger, anxiety can be inappropriately activated in everyday life when stress builds up. It can have a clear cause, such as moving house or having surgery. However, sometimes little life events build up until a person is unable to cope, with anxiety then taking them by surprise. Physical symptoms can include: Increased heart rate and muscle tension Hyperventilation and dizziness Nausea A tight band across the chest Tension headaches Hot flushes Sweating 'Jelly legs' Shaking Feeling like you are choking Tingling in the hands and feet Some psychological symptoms are: Thinking you are going mad or losing control Thinking you may die or get ill Feeling people are staring at you Feeling detached from others or on edge Treatment often involves counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy. Activates like yoga, exercise, reading and socialising can help to manage anxiety. Advertisement Continuing: 'Its been 12 weeks and Im enjoying sober life, not missing the hanxiety, feeling more energised, my skin is looking great and Im sleeping much better. Millie went on to detail that she may return to drinking in the future, before asking if any of her followers have done the same. 'Now, Im not saying Ill never drink alcohol again, Im just saying that right now, Im not and I want to keep going. Has anyone else ditched the booze? How are you finding it? I would love to hear from more sober curious people.' And providing an insight into her journey with anxiety mediciation, Millie revealed that while it has improved her mental health, she is lowering her dosage as it also makes her feel 'emotionally numb'. Writing: 'Generally I am a lot less anxious which is great, Im still taking my SSRI medication but I recently reduced my dose, as I have been feeling a bit emotionally numb and disconnected which can apparently effect around 30% of people. 'I am going to see how it goes over the next few weeks and possibly come off my meds by the end of the year, then either stay off them or try different ones. 'It is a tough decision because I am really benefitting and functioning well without constant anxiety and living in fear of panic attacks but I want to still feel all the good emotions too!' she concluded. Millie accompanied the lengthy post with a glowing selfie, in which she displayed her fresh complexion. Talking about her relationship with alcohol back in 2016, the star explained to Stellar magazine that she always tries to keep it healthy. 'If I am drinking, Ill have tequila and soda, or tequila on the rocks, both with fresh lime. This is quite a clean and relatively low-calorie drink. Or Ill order a glass of red; Ill just have one glass and make it last,' she said. Millie is married to fellow former Made In Chelsea star Hugo Taylor and the couple are parents to daughters Sienna, two, and Aurelia, 12 months. And back in August, she took to social media to explain that she has been seeing a therapist to deal with some 'painful experiences' from her teenage years and has found the medication to be helpful. While also noting that motherhood and the Covid-19 pandemic have had a negative effect on her mental health. Mille wrote at the time: 'Since lockdown & becoming a mother my anxiety (particularly social anxiety) really started to take over, consuming my thoughts leading me to feeling trapped.' Balance: Talking about her relationship with alcohol back in 2016, the star explained to Stellar magazine that she always tries to keep it healthy (pictured 2017) Giving birth to eldest child Sienna during lockdown, this led to a spiral of post-natal depression for Millie. Previously admitting that the birth was 'daunting', Millie was also forced to give birth solo, without husband Hugo by her side - due to pandemic restrictions. For help and support with anxiety, contact Samaritans on 0808 164 0123 or visit a branch For help call Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support (PANDAS) on 0808 1961 776 Zoe Foster Blake could not wipe the smile off her face on Monday when she visited the set of iconic children's TV series Play School. The beauty entrepreneur, 42, shared a gallery of photos to Instagram showing her posing up a storm with the show's iconic characters. One snap showed Zoe working her best angles as she posed on the colourful floral set with Humpty Dumpty and Big Ted. Zoe Foster Blake (pictured) could not wipe the smile off her face on Monday when she visited the set of iconic children's TV series Play School The mother-of-two cheekily wrote next to the snap that 'it's another thing that won't impress my children'. Zoe posted another photo which showed a video camera filming her having fun on the set hinting she may soon be guest starring on the long-running program. 'This was a real moment. I was genuinely starstruck being with all these plush icons,' she captioned the photo. The beauty entrepreneur shared a gallery of photos to Instagram showing her posing up a storm with the show's iconic characters Zoe is one of Australia's most successful entrepreneurs. Last year she enjoyed an $89million payday after selling her controlling stake in skincare company Go-To. Go-To had a boom in sales during the Covid-19 pandemic, which helped secure its founder a place on the Australian Financial Review Young Rich List. Zoe married comedian and radio personality Hamish Blake (pictured) in 2012 and has two children with him, son Sonny Blake, eight, and daughter Rudy, five She is also a popular children's author and has written over a dozen fun and engaging kids books. Zoe married comedian and radio personality Hamish Blake in 2012 and has two children with him, son Sonny Blake, eight, and daughter Rudy, five. The couple, who previously lived in Melbourne, moved last year to Sydney, where they snapped up a $8.925million family home in the eastern suburbs. Advertisement Damian Lewis was pictured reprising his role as Bobby Axelrod in Billions on Friday night - after announcing he had quit the Showtime drama a year ago. The actor, 50, wrapped up in a brown padded coat as he filmed scenes for the Critics' Choice nominated programme outside the Tower of London, with the rest of the cast including Maggie Siff and David Costabile. In October 2021, he confirmed he would not be returning to Billions after season five, which is usually shot in New York City - claiming he wanted to stay closer to his family in the UK after his wife Helen McCrory died six months earlier from breast cancer. Emerging: Damian Lewis was pictured reprising his role as Bobby Axelrod in Billions on Friday night - after announcing he had quit the Showtime drama a year ago He wrote on Twitter at the time: 'Thank you Billions thank you. A pleasure and a privilege to play Axe for 5 seasons with some of the smartest, funniest most talented cast and crew I've worked with... 'I'll miss the Billions family. Yep, some jobs are more than just a job. Love.' Speaking to The New York Times, Damian said: 'There's an opportunity maybe for me to return. But for now, broadly speaking, Axe has been vanquished.' Showrunner Brian Koppelman took to Twitter to pen: 'What an incredible joy to spend five years working so closely with the great @lewis_damian!... He's back! In October 2021, he confirmed he would not be returning to Billions after season five, which is usually shot in New York City - claiming he wanted to stay closer to his family in the UK after his wife Helen McCrory died six months earlier from breast cancer Co-stars: Damian is pictured with David Costabile - who plays Mike "Wags" Wagner in Billions Chilly? The actor, 50, wrapped up in a brown padded coat as he filmed scenes for the Critics' Choice nominated programme outside the Tower of London At work: Damian chatted to members of the crew during the night shoot Upset: He wrote on Twitter at the time: 'Thank you Billions thank you. A pleasure and a privilege to play Axe for 5 seasons with some of the smartest, funniest most talented cast and crew I've worked with...' '@DavidLevien and I are beyond grateful to you, Damian, for the work, of course, and the fellowship, and for all you sacrificed to come do this with us.' After filming of his final episodes remotely, Brian said of Helen's loss: 'We wouldn't ask him to come to America in that situation. Right after the love of his life passed away, who was a remarkable, incredible artist and human being... 'It's Damian's private life, so it's not really ours to comment on. We just feel truly, unbelievably lucky to have had five years with Damian and Paul Giamatti together.' Back last July, and before he announced his departure, Damian was seen back at work filming Billions after Helen's death. The father-of-two was seen chatting with crew members as he filmed scenes. Hopes: Speaking to The New York Times, Damian said: 'There's an opportunity maybe for me to return. But for now, broadly speaking, Axe has been vanquished' Tragic: After filming of his final episodes remotely, Brian said of Helen's loss: 'We wouldn't ask him to come to America in that situation. Right after the love of his life passed away, who was a remarkable, incredible artist and human being...' Talented: Back last July, and before he announced his departure, Damian was seen back at work filming Billions after Helen's death. The father-of-two was seen chatting with crew members as he filmed scenes His co-star Paul Giamatti, who plays ruthless attorney Chuck Rhoades, was also seen on set. The hit series follows the pair fractious relationship as they try to outdo each other in the competitive financial market. It marked Lewis' return to work after the loss of his wife of 14 years. Damian announced the heartbreaking news that Helen had passed away back in April of that year, sharing a statement on Twitter. He penned: 'I'm heartbroken to announce that after a heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family. Group: Damian seemed to be in deep conversation with his colleagues on Friday Exciting: Camera crews huddled around the cast as they put their acting skills to use Iconic: A Tower Guard was seen on duty while the Billions crew got to work 'She died as she lived. Fearlessly. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.' He later revealed his late wife had urged him to find love again just two weeks before her death, adding she had shown 'no fear, no bitterness' and 'no self-pity.' Writing in The Sunday Times, the actor said Helen told him and their children, daughter Manon, 14, and son Gulliver, 13, that she wanted 'Daddy to have lots of girlfriends'. He wrote: 'She has been utterly heroic in her illness. Funny, of course generous, brave, uncomplaining, constantly reminding us all of how lucky we've been, how blessed we are. 'Her generosity has extended to encouraging us three to live. Live fully, take opportunities, have adventures. Comeback: Damian is pictured in-character on Billions 'Only a couple of weeks ago she said to us from her bed, 'I want Daddy to have girlfriends, lots of them, you must all love again, love isn't possessive, but you know, Damian, try at least to get though the funeral without snogging someone.' Damian also wrote of his heartbreak that Helen had left their children 'too early' but they have been prepared for life as she taught them to be 'courageous'. He stood by the actress' side during her illness, with Helen brushing off her hoarse voice in her final TV appearance last month to selflessly talk about their charity work. The couple's devotion to one another shone brightly for all to see, with Lewis saying the actress died peacefully at home surrounded by 'peace and love' and their children. His love: Damian and his late wife Helen arrive at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute gala benefit in 2012 Helen, who was awarded the OBE for services to drama in the 2017 New Years Honours, was best known for playing the matriarch Polly in Peaky Blinders and Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter films. Her other movie roles included playing MP Clair Dowar in Skyfall and Cherie Blair in The Queen and The Special Relationship. On television, she appeared in Doctor Who, Inside No 9 and His Dark Materials, and last year appeared in the Hugh Laurie drama Roadkill on the BBC and ITV's Quiz. She also had an accomplished stage career, winning plaudits for National Theatre roles in productions of Medea and Terence Rattigan's The Deep Blue Sea. McCrory was also was nominated for an Olivier for her role as Rosalind in As You Like It in at London's Wyndham's theatre in 2006. The actress and Lewis married in 2007 after falling in love when they were both cast in the play Five Gold Rings at the off-West End Almeida Theatre back in 2003. Together they share a daughter Manon, 14, and son Gulliver, 13. The couple were last seen during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, where they appeared to speak about their charity work for the Prince's Trust and the Prince's Trust Awards. McCrory and Lewis led fundraising efforts to provide hot meals for NHS staff during the pandemic. Their work led to almost 1million in donations to the Feed NHS scheme, and partnerships with chains including Leon and Wasabi. Rebecca Gibney has revealed that she suffered so badly from panic attacks that she felt as if she was sliding into a 'black hole' from which she could not escape. The actress began having symptoms when her first marriage to musician Irwin Thomas broke down while she was soaring to fame on Halifax f.p. in the 1990s. 'It was pretty tough,' the 57-year-old admitted on Channel Seven's This Is Your Life on Monday night. Rebecca Gibney (pictured) has revealed that she suffered so badly from panic attacks that she felt as if she was sliding into a 'black hole' from which she could not escape 'And that was the hard thing, you do put on a front. My career was going great guns,' she explained. 'I just couldn't verbalise there was a hole inside of me and I was tumbling into it'. Rebecca said she needed 'five Valium' to survive a flight between France and Australia. The actress began having symptoms when her first marriage to musician Irwin Thomas broke down while she was soaring to fame on Halifax f.p. in the 1990s. Pictured on the show 'I had anxiety attack after anxiety attack. I was in such a hole, and I thought I'm not going to make it,' she said. The actress revealed that her producer at the time handed her a card for a therapist and she called the next day to make an appointment, after which she underwent two years of therapy. The Packed to the Rafters star says that she was crippled by silence and couldn't tell anyone she was suffering. 'It was pretty tough,' the 57-year-old admitted on Channel Seven's This Is Your Life on Monday night. 'I just couldn't verbalise there was a hole inside of me and I was tumbling into it' 'I was struggling, and I couldn't verbalise what was wrong. I just knew there was a hole inside me and it was getting bigger and bigger, and I was tumbling into it,' she explained. 'I didn't even tell Mum, I couldn't even tell my family, because I couldn't explain it,' she said. 'It's so important that now, people talk about their struggles. Because if you get the help, you can get through it. 'Now I know that if I start to slide into that pit, I know that there's a way out of it.' 'I had after anxiety attack after anxiety attack. I was in such a hole, and I thought I'm not going to make it,' she said In April 2014, Rebecca revealed that she 'contemplated hospitalisation' because her mental illness became so severe. 'I couldn't talk about it because I didn't know what was happening to me,' the star told the Sun Herald. 'I contemplated hospitalisation, but I didn't want people to find out. I felt like I was in the bottom of a pit. Every time I tried to claw my way out, I'd slip back down,' she said at the time. In the six months following the breakdown, the actress saw a psychiatrist twice a week and later made weekly visits in the year and a half thereafter The actress suffered a major breakdown after wrapping up a promotional tour for her TV series Halifax f.p. at age 30. Battling agoraphobia, she was unable to board her plane without five Valium, an experience which prompted her to seek psychiatric help. Rebecca recalled that at the height of her illness she suffered from 15 panic attacks a day. In April 2014, Rebecca revealed that she 'contemplated hospitalisation' because her mental illness became so severe She credits extensive and continued professional advice for her recovery. In the six months following the breakdown, the actress saw a psychiatrist twice a week and later made weekly visits in the year and a half there after. 'I'm lucky. I'm through it, but it doesn't mean I don't have down days. I just know how to deal with it now,' she said. If you or someone you know needs support, contact on Lifeline on 13 11 14 or at www.lifeline.org.au Johnny Depp has given his fans the thumbs up after performing in LA in his first appearance since splitting from British lawyer Joelle Rich. His romance with the privately-educated mother-of-two, 37, supposedly begun during his highly publicised court battle with ex wife Amber Heard in Fairfax, Virginia. The pair were seen shooting each other tender glances during his court case this spring and Rich was spotted travelling to court with Depp by car. Good spirits: Johnny Depp has given his fans the thumbs up before heading home after performing on his music tour with Jeff Beck in Los Angeles on Sunday Rumoured split: Johnny Depp's romance with British lawyer Joelle Rich (right) has reportedly fizzled out barely months after it had begun - supposedly during the court battle with his ex-wife Amber Heard (pictured together at the time) Johnny was seen saying hello to fans stood outside the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday evening, where he was performing on his music tour with Jeff Beck in Los Angeles on Sunday. Cutting a dapper figure, the actor and musician, 59, gave doted listeners a warm welcome before he left the venue. The Edward Scissorhands actor wore a grey fedora hat with brown braided string around the base. He wore an off-white striped shirt with rolled up sleeves, showcasing his many tattoos, and a grey waistcoat with black buttons. Warm welcome: Cutting a dapper figure, the 59-year-old actor and musician gave doted listeners a warm welcome outside the Orpheum Theatre in LA before he headed home When news of the liaison between Johnny and his now ex-lover Joelle Rich broke last month, it was said that they enjoyed 'off the scale chemistry'. However there was no sign of the actor when Rich attended a family wedding in Ibiza last weekend and sources in New York believe that Depp's relationship was fizzling out and may actually already be over. A friend of Depp's said: 'Are they still an item? We are not talking about a normal couple here. It's not a big, stable, committed love affair and I'm not sure that it ever was. 'I don't know if they are together in any way at this point. Certainly I don't believe it is a serious romantic relationship, or even an exclusive one.' Music man: Johnny kept it casual with a pair of black denim jeans and a pair of black leather boots, and accessorised with plenty of his signature silver bracelets, rings and sunglasses The source added: 'Firstly, he has just come out of a massive legal battle [with ex-wife Amber Heard], so who would want to commit after that? It has been an extremely traumatic period for him. Johnny kept it casual with a pair of black denim jeans and a pair of black leather boots, and accessorised with plenty of his signature silver bracelets, rings and some black sunglasses. The 59-year-old kept a youthful, clean-shaven look - having shaved off his signature goatee. Waving goodbye: Johnny's appearance on Sunday comes after Johnny reportedly split from London lawyer Joelle rich, 37, a privately-educated mother-of-two The Pirates Of The Caribbean actor is currently on tour with rocker friend Jeff Beck. 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. He looked in good spirits on Sunday evening, where he was accompanied by his bodyguard, giving the thumbs up and waving to fans as they waited outside. Secondly, he's Johnny Depp and I don't think a standard committed relationship is going to be his thing.' Chemistry: The pair were seen shooting each other tender glances during his court case this spring in Fairfax, Virginia (pictured at his court case at the High Court in London in 2020) London friends of Rich say that her plans for a divorce from husband Jonathan are still progressing. Joelle and Jonathan have two children and lived together in a 1.5 million house in North London. They were married in 2011. Since the trial, in which Depp sued Heard over an article she wrote for the Washington Post, the actor has spent a few months in France making the French language film Jeanne du Barry, in which he plays Louis XV. Since that wrapped last month he has taken up his music career again, playing dates in the U.S. with guitar hero Jeff Beck, and planning a UK tour next year with Alice Cooper in supergroup Hollywood Vampires. Rock on: Newly single Johnny Depp is pictured performing live with Jeff Beck on tour in Thousand Oaks, California at the Bank of America Theatre Friends and colleagues: The Pirates Of The Caribbean actor is currently on tour with rocker friend Jeff Beck (left). Depp and Beck met in 2016 and bonded over their shared love of music Rich remains a partner at UK law firm Schillings and is said to earn 250,000 a year. She met Depp in 2018 when the company was hired to sue The Sun for libel, after the tabloid called him a wife-beater. Depp lost his libel action, but the tables were turned in the U.S. trial against ex-wife Amber. It ended with humiliation for Heard, who was ordered to pay him 9.2 million in damages. Law Society guidelines state that a relationship between a solicitor and client is acceptable as long as there is no conflict of interest. There is no suggestion that such a conflict existed in this case. Kate Beckinsale shared a cheeky post to Instagram on Monday during a trip to Croatia. The actress, 49, was joined by a pal and a group of firemen as she posed on a public bicycle featuring the slogan, 'Put the fun between your legs.' In her caption, she joked: 'Id highly advise putting the fun between your legs if you want to quite quickly meet a clutch of Croatian firemen.' 'I'd highly advise putting the fun between your legs!' Kate Beckinsale posed on a bike with a group of fireman as she shared cheeky post to Instagram on Monday during her Croatia trip It comes after Kate cut a casual figure as she enjoyed a shopping trip at the trendy Kitson store in Beverley Hills on Friday. The Hollywood star looked effortlessly chic in a cream knitted jumper and a white top. She completed the comfy ensemble in a pair of skin-tight leggings and wore a pair of stylish glasses. Kate styled her brunette locks up in a messy bun, while opting for a light palette of makeup, showing off her natural beauty. Buddies: The actress, 49, was joined by a pal s she posed on a public bicycle featuring the slogan, 'Put the fun between your legs' Hilarious: In her caption, she joked: 'Id highly advise putting the fun between your legs if you want to quite quickly meet a clutch of Croatian firemen' Beckinsale was enjoying some downtime while on the promotional trail for her new film, Prisoner's Daughter, in which she stars opposite Succession actor Brian Cox. News about Prisoner's Daughter's development was revealed to the public by Deadline last January, when Kate signed on to appear in the movie. The film is centered on a terminally ill former convict whose violent past comes back to haunt him while he attempts to reconnect with his daughter and grandson. In addition to Kate and Brian, the movie stars performers such as Tyson Ritter, Jon Huertas and Ernie Hudson. Director Catherine Hardwicke previously spoke to Deadline and expressed that her feature would tell a potentially troubling, yet moving story. The filmmaker described Prisoner's Daughter as 'a raw, personal look at a deeply fractured family.' The director then remarked that she began working on the project with a set intention in mind. 'I want to fully immerse the viewer in Kate's character's intense world as she, her father and her young son try to heal generational family trauma and find a new way forward,' she said. Melanie Griffith put her acting skills to good use, imitating her friend Kris Jenner over the weekend. The Working Girl star, 65, got dolled up in a short dark wig and large sunglasses in the reality star's classic style. She showed off her slim form in a body hugging black top with a crew neck and feathers at the cuffs and a black leggings and accessorized with dangling diamond earrings. The siren dressed as Kris to celebrate the momager's 67th birthday. Acting skills: Melanie Griffith, 65, put her acting skills to good use, imitating her friend Kris Jenner over the weekend Melanie shared a video on social media in which she tried to mimic The Kardashians matriarch saying, 'You know, I've really got to get going but first let me just check this $4 billion deal...' and burst out laughing before she could finish the sentence. The Pirates of Somalia actress explained the getup to her fans, 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRIS! I love you soooo much. Kourtney threw a wonderful birthday dinner with all of Kriss daughters and BFFs and to surprise her, we all dressed up as Kris! Here I am glamming and hamming it up on my way to her. Soooooo much fun!! ' The short video got lots of likes from her friends. Gwyneth Paltrow called it 'Genius,' and Jamie Lee Curtis said it was 'Amazing.' Laughing: Melanie shared a video on social media in which she tried to mimic The Kardashians matriarch saying, 'You know, I've really got to get going but first let me just check this $4 billion deal...' and burst out laughing before she could finish the sentence Birthday surprise: Melanie and all of The Kardashians star's friends were asked to dress like Kris for a birthday surprise Amber Valetta wrote 'So good M!!!" and Carly J Steel said, 'Love this!!' Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Lisa Rinna and Kathy Hilton, both responded with multiple emojis. The Oscar nominee seems to lead a quiet life, but does appear occasionally in film and television. She had a small role in her daughter Dakota Johnson's romantic drama The High Note in 2020. Kris Jenner style: The Working Girl star, 65, got dolled up in a short dark wig and large sunglasses in Kris's classic style. She showed off her slim form in a body hugging black top with a crew neck and feathers at the cuffs and a black leggings The mother of three shares her oldest son, Alexander, 37, with her first husband, actor Steven Bauer and her youngest daughter, Stella, 26, from her marriage to Oscar nominee Antonio Banderas. Dakota is from her marriage to actor Don Johnson. Melanie struggled with drug and alcohol addiction through much of her life, but has been sober since 2010. The Disastar Artist actress made a rare public appearance in October when her longtime friend Jamie Lee Curtis received the honor of putting her hand and foot prints in the cement in front of the legendary TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. Hot stuff: Griffith has kept her dynamo figure over the decades Love: Melanie's friends, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Amber Valletta, Gwyneth Paltrow and RHOBH stars Lisa Rinna and Kathy Hilton loved the video In a speech, she honored the Halloween Ends star for surviving and thriving in Hollywood on her own terms. 'Jamie has been relentlessly, fiercely, unapologetically herself. She is constantly evolving and surprising us.' 'She has defined what beauty and power and strength look during every decade of her and she has refused to shape herself to be what this industry or the media or anyone else wanted her to be. She decides who she is always. The rest of us just have to try and keep up.' Eamonn Holmes has admitted that fracturing his shoulder in a fall is a 'massive setback' but revealed that he's improving 'day by day' and remaining positive thanks to messages from fans. Last week, his GB News co-host Isabel Webster revealed that he'll be absent from work until the New Year as he recovers. Speaking about his injury, the much-loved Breakfast show anchor, 62, discussed the 'amazing' NHS workers he have been taking care of him throughout his ordeal. Hellish! Eamonn Holmes, 62, has admitted fracturing his shoulder is a 'massive setback' but revealed that he's improving 'day by day' and remaining positive thanks to messages from fans Eamonn told GB News of fracturing his shoulder during the fall: 'It was a massive setback and means I'm going to need to take some extra time off to get myself better. 'It's been a hellish few weeks. But day by day I'm improving and I am remaining positive and trying to look on the bright side.' 'I can't say a big enough thank you to everyone who has sent me lovely messages, they've really cheered me up and kept me going.' Praising the NHS, Eamonn added: 'Also, I really must say a heartfelt thank you to the doctors and nursing staff who have been looking after me. They all are amazing. God bless.' Grateful: The much-loved Breakfast show anchor, 62, also spoke gratefully of the 'amazing' NHS workers he have been taking care of him throughout his ordeal Agony: Eamonn recently fractured his shoulder after a nasty fall at his Surrey home just weeks after undergoing spinal surgery (pictured earlier this year) The popular TV star admitted that he is itching to get back to work at GB News alongside Isabel, bringing the news of the day to viewers. Eamonn also insisted that he is 'determined' to keep speaking up for all of the people suffering with chronic pain. The former This Morning presenter recently fractured his shoulder after a nasty fall at his Surrey home just weeks after undergoing spinal surgery to threat chronic pain in his back and legs. And last week, his co-host Isabel said it's been 'heartbreaking' to see how pain her colleague has endured over the last few months. And with the TV favourite now likely to be off screens until the New Year as he recovers, Isabel has admitted that she misses him 'just as much as viewers'. Speaking to The Daily Mail's Richard Eden she said: 'It's been heartbreaking to see him in so much pain, Eamonn has had such a run of back luck.' Eamonn's representative told The Express: 'He's naturally gutted by the setback, but the good news is the surgery on his shoulder went well. He's now receiving fantastic care and resting. 'Sadly it means Eamonn is likely to need a longer period off TV than he first thought in order to get himself better and heal. 'But despite being in an awful lot of pain, he's remaining positive and is looking forward to doing what he loves most and being back on TV and presenting on GB News just as soon as he can.' Heartbreak: Eamonn's GB News co-presenter Isabel Webster, 39, last week said it's been 'heartbreaking' to see how pain he has endured (pictured together earlier this year) The spokesperson concluded that the TV personality is thankful for the NHS's 'wonderful care' and is 'determined' to rest and get better. MailOnline contacted Eamonn's representative for further comment. Eamonn and Isabel have presented the breakfast show on cable news channel GB News since January after being relieved of his hosting duties on This Morning. He and wife Ruth Lansford, who hosted Friday's edition of the show since 2006, were replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary. Breakfast buddies: Eamonn and Isabel have presented the breakfast show on the cable news channel since January (pictured earlier this year) Eamonn and his wife Ruth were no where to be seen at the NTAs last month - because of his recent vital back surgery and her QVC schedule clash. The married presenting duo, who used to host NTA winning show This Morning on a regular schedule, are normally firm attendees of the biggest night in TV. But his recent health woes and her work with teleshopping channel QVC meant that the pair were not sat with their industry colleagues as they usually do on a star-studded night in London. The Northern Irish presenter recently told his new channel GB News that he was operated on around two weeks ago, talking on 5 October: 'It's early days, it'll probably be about three weeks before they know if it's been a success or not.' Eamonn - who suffers from shingles - was forced to take a step away from his show to prepare for the vital back surgery on 28 September. Get well soon! The spokesperson concluded that the TV personality is thankful for the NHS's 'wonderful care' and is 'determined' to rest and get better (pictured earlier this year) The television personality said that he was 'praying' ahead of the operation which aimed to relieve pressure on his static nerves. The broadcaster has suffered from long-term difficulties, previously telling of his battle with chronic back pain after a dislocated pelvis led to three slipped discs. He told The Express: 'It's an operation that carries a 20 per cent risk of going wrong, but such is the pain and restrictions that I have been suffering for the past 18 months, I've decided it is a risk I am willing to take. 'In fact, it's a risk I want to take because, at this moment in time, nothing could seem worse than the constant pain that runs through my lower back and legs.' Eamonn said that he was praying 'that God will guide [his] surgeon's hand this week' to help him get back to the 'man he used to be.' No show: Eamonn and his wife Ruth Langsford were no where to be seen at the NTAs last month - because of his recent vital back surgery and her QVC schedule clash (pictured in 2021) He went on to reveal to the publication that the agony can be so intense that sleep is sometimes his own 'escape', adding that someone can be surrounded by family and friends but that severe pain can feel like your companion. Before saying that he hoped his recovery offered hopes to those who can no longer deal with their depression and anger with chronic pain. Eamonn, who presents the Breakfast show with Isabel on GB News, temporarily stepped down from his role as the co-presenter in June while after receiving hospital treatment due to his painful condition. He revealed that he felt 'humiliated' as his co-star Isabel Webster was forced to help him through the crowds while reporting on the Queen's funeral outside Buckingham Palace. Poorly: Eamonn recently revealed he felt 'humiliated' as his co-star Isabel was forced to help him through the crowds while reporting on the Queen's funeral outside Buckingham Palace The broadcaster is currently recovering from back surgery after suffering long-term difficulties, previously telling of his battle with chronic back pain after a dislocated pelvis led to three slipped discs. And joining the show via video from him home following his operation, Eamonn reflected on how he felt with Isabel having to assist him as he stumbled and struggled on his crutch during the presenting stint, telling her: 'It was an issue for me'. As they chatted through their coverage of the Queen's death and subsequent funeral in September, Isabel reflected that they were 'up against the crowds.' She explained: 'There was a pack of around eight people wide, walking, all trying to see the royal procession and we were going against the crowd arm in arm, and it was a long walk.' Praising his pal for helping him, Eamonn then said: 'You're one of my dearest friends in life Isabel, and you go above and beyond the call of duty. 'I mean, there is such a beautiful heart with you. But I mean it was humiliating for me. You took me through that crowd. And I stumbled a few times, and my leg gave way a few times. 'And after that I was a bit humiliated really. You didn't make any issue of it, but it was an issue for me.' The broadcaster has suffered from long-term difficulties, previously telling of his battle with chronic back pain after a dislocated pelvis led to three slipped discs. Former This Morning host Eamonn left GB News viewers wondering where he was when he wasn't on-screen, with the journalist taking to Twitter to clear things up, writing: 'Many of you have been asking why I haven't been presenting GB News. 'Unfortunately, due to a reoccurrence of a long-term back condition, I've had to undergo some unexpected hospital treatment and am now following Doctor's orders by taking a short time off. Sylvester Stallone has revealed his fleeting split from wife Jennifer Flavin will be a part of the family's new Paramount + show, amid speculation the couple's break-up was staged for TV. Former model Jennifer, 54, filed for divorce from the Rocky legend, 76, in August following a 25 year marriage - but just one month later, it was confirmed the pair, who share three daughters, had reconciled. The family are now tipped to become the next top reality stars, with Sly telling the Hollywood Reporter that 'of course' the split will form part of the show, while refreshingly acknowledging his own shortcomings as a husband and father. Candid: Sylvester Stallone has revealed his fleeting split from wife Jennifer Flavin will be a part of the family's new Paramount + show, amid speculation the couple's break-up was staged for TV (pictured together last month) The Tulsa King actor said: 'Its the John Lennon thing: Life is what happens when youre making other plans. Hopefully youre involved with people who understand the foibles of life and the fragility of it and how rare a real good relationship is. 'Sometimes I put the work ahead of [my family], and that is a tragic mistake which wont happen again.' Last month the Oscar winner opened up about the forces that drove he and wife Jennifer back together. He said: 'There was a reawakening of what was more valuable than anything, which is my love for my family,' Stallone told The Sunday Times. 'It takes precedence over my work and that was a hard lesson to learn.' Icon: The family are now tipped to become the next top reality stars, with Sly telling the Hollywood Reporter that 'of course' the split will form part of the show, while refreshingly acknowledging his own shortcomings as a husband and father Stallone told the outlet that he regretted focusing on his career over his children in some cases 'I didn't pay enough attention when they were growing up,' said Stallone, who is father to daughters Sophia, 26, Sistine, 24, and Scarlet, 20 with Flavin, 54; and with ex Sasha Czack, son Seargeoh, 43, and the late Sage Stallone, who tragically passed away at 36 following a heart attack in July 2012. He added: 'I was so career-oriented and now I go, "OK, I don't have that much runway up ahead and I want to start asking them about their lives." 'I ask them about their day and they started at first a little monosyllabic. Then I heard one say, "I was just thinking about you." Oh my God. I've never heard that before in my life. When a daughter knows you care, she's there forever.' The Stallones are currently filming a reality show for Paramount+ - which was first announced in August this year - and are said to be working with the same team behind Keeping Up With The Kardashians. A rep for the Rocky star confirmed the series stating: 'The Stallones are presently filming a reality show together, which will debut on Paramount+.' Shortly after, former model Jennifer filed for divorce. The news sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with many expecting a bitter divorce battle to rival Brad and Angelina. Family first: 'Sometimes I put the work ahead of [my family], and that is a tragic mistake which wont happen again' (pictured with Jennifer and daughters Sistine and Sophia) When the split was first announced, Stallone issued an August 24 statement that said, according to E! News, 'I love my family. We are amicably and privately addressing these personal issues.' The Rambo star also had a giant tattoo of Jennifer on his right bicep covered with a picture of Butkus, Rocky's bull mastiff from the hit movies. In September, it was reported that the movie star and his wife of 25 years 'decided to meet up at home, where they talked and were able to work out their differences. They are both extremely happy,' his rep told Page Six. The couple were then seen smiling and reuniting as they were pictured out and about in Los Angeles, much like Kim and her family. The sighting comes after it was reported that the lovebirds have a 'better channel of communication' to work through their differences, according to People. They still have work to be done, the source noted, but 'in a longterm marriage like theirs, ending it and dividing up their assets would be difficult.' While it is not all 'bliss' for the couple, they 'are both family-oriented,' the source said, 'that had a lot do do with their efforts to stay together.' Throwback: The movie star and his wife of 25 years are pictured during Friars Club Honors in New York, 1997 Adding: 'They have their differences.' Sylvester and Jennifer's fortune is estimated to be around $400 million; they live in a $36 million mansion in Palm Beach, Florida. In the divorce proceedings, Jennifer accused Sylvester of 'intentional dissipation of marital assets.' Their divorce was put on pause on September 21 via an abatement in court. Days prior to their reconciliation, a court filing revealed at a Palm Beach Country, Florida court revealed that the duo agreed 'that it is in the best interests of each of them individually, and more importantly collectively as a family, to resolve all issues attendant to the dissolution of their marriage in a dignified, amicable and private manner out-of-court.' They first dated in 1988 shortly after his brief second marriage to Brigitte Nielsen had gone south. They had met in a Beverly Hills restaurant when she was a 20-year-old model and he was suffering a temporary glitch with Rambo III a movie that won him the Golden Raspberry for worst actor. But he then moved on to model Janice Dickinson who said he was the father of her little girl. He ended things with Flavin by sending her a letter by FedEx, which she called 'sloppy.' Oh dear: The Rambo star also had a giant tattoo of Jennifer on his right bicep covered with a picture of Butkus, Rocky's bull mastiff from the hit movies 'Wonderful..' Fans speculated they reconciled in September after he shared two throwback photos on his social media showing he and Jennifer holding hands It was only after he and Dickinson split that DNA tests proved he was not the dad. He then got engaged to actress Angie Everhart but that fizzled and he again returned to Flavin. They married on May 17, 1997 at the posh Dorchester Hotel in London, and with Stallone's reputation as a playboy, few predicted they would last long. 'I'm not naive about what may go on when I'm not around he's a 45-year-old man I can't change the way he is,' Flavin told People at the time. 'Still, he's not a cheating dog every day of the week,' she added. 'We spend five out of seven nights together, so I don't know where he'd find the time.' But last it did and just this May they celebrated their silver wedding anniversary. Sarah Cawood broke down as she detailed the impact of coming off hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and antidepressants amid her breast cancer battle. The presenter, 50, took to Instagram to share a heartbreaking update after going public with her stage one breast cancer diagnosis in September. Sitting in her parked car, Sarah wept while explaining how she has had to ditch what she was taking to help relieve her menopause symptoms and take different medication for her hot flushes, which has depression as a side-effect. Heartbreaking: On Monday, Sarah Cawood, 50, broke down in an Instagram video as she detailed the impact of coming off HRT and antidepressants amid her breast cancer battle Sarah captioned her raw video: 'I solve one problem. Then another pops up in its place. Breast cancer is a f**king t**t.' She told her followers: 'I'm asking you lot for a favour today. I'm sorry I look so tired and washed out and s**t 'In a nutshell I went on the Clonidine for my hot flushes. Because of my breast cancer I've had to come off my HRT, so then my hot flushes were awful, so I went on the Clonidine for that. 'And also when I start my Tamoxifen (breast cancer drug), I will have to come off my SSRI (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, an anti-depressant). So tough: The presenter explained how she has had to ditch what she was taking to help relieve her menopause symptoms and take different medication for her hot flushes Health update: In September, Sarah revealed she'd been diagnosed with stage one breast cancer, after doctors discovered a lump during her routine mammogram 'I was on a very low dose of citalopram. That and the HRT completely wiped to my menopause symptoms. I was golden. I was coasting. Nothing bothered me, I was really calm, I never lost my temper. 'Now, I'm on the Clonidine one of the side effects is depression, which I have noticed almost immediately I started taking the pills. But I only found out today that was a side effect 'Plus now I'm coming off the citalopram so I'm cutting the little pills in half. And so I don't know what to do. Every time I solve a problem, another one pops up in its place. 'So I don't know if any of you breast cancer ladies have the solution because apparently Tamoxifen causes depression too.' At this point, Sarah wept and through the tears uttered: 'I'm so sorry. And I didn't wanna cry because everyone will send me nice messages and I won't have time to answer them and I'll feel guilty. Throwback: The presenter who previously fronted 90s favourites Live And Kicking and Top Of The Pops, admitted that she feels 'lucky' that doctors discovered the disease early 'But it was like this all weekend and it's just not like me, so I don't know what the solution is. I've got to get an appointment with a doctor tomorrow but I'm not a priority. 'And I hate feeling like this because I don't want like to pass me by, it's so precious So, if any of the pink army out there can help what do I do? 'I need to get rid of the hot flushes but I also need to protect my mental health so I don't know what to do. I didn't know if anybody had any advice? 'I just wanna feel like myself again It must be this Clonidine stuff because I was absolutely fine until I started taking that a week ago... 'And the hot flushes are much better but I feel like everyone's p**sing me off. And all my kind and friendliness has gone and I'm hating on my family and I just want to be on my own all the time.' Important: Along with undergoing treatment for her diagnosis, Sarah said she is focused on raising her two children Hunter, 10, and Autumn, nine Back in September, Sarah told The Sun that she will undergo a lumpectomy following by radiotherapy and long-term hormone treatment. Explaining the moment she received her diagnosis, Sarah explained that after undergoing a routine mammogram doctors sent her for a follow-up, having discovered a lump in her breast. Following an ultrasound and a biopsy, she was told that the lump wasn't a cyst, and she assumed the worst as she headed to meet the surgeon. Despite receiving a cancer diagnosis, Sarah, who lives in Essex with her husband Andy Merry and their two children, said doctors reassured her that the condition was treatable. The TV personality even joked it was the 'Carlsberg of breast cancers' in reference to the popular 'if Carlsberg did' advertising campaigns of the early noughties. Progress: Following her diagnosis, Sarah revealed that she will undergo a lumpectomy, radiotherapy and a long-term hormone treatment She explained: 'The surgeon went, ''Can you see that? That's a very small cancerous lump''. And I went, ''Oh, OK, is it aggressive?''. 'And she said, ''No''.. And I went, ''Brilliant''... I was like, ''OK, so easily fixed?'', and she was like, ''Yes, not really much of a problem.'' 'It really is the Carlsberg of breast cancers. If you have to have it, this is the one to have. I feel really lucky. 'There are people that really are up s**t creek without a paddle, who have cancer, and I am not that person.' Sarah rose to fame in the 90s for her presenting role on The Girlie Show, before hosting Live & Kicking, Top Of The Pops and the Eurovision Song Contest. Skeptic's Guide to the Universe: In our global energy crisis, who speaks for mankind? By Charlotte B. Cerminaro web posted November 7, 2022 In 2018, nearly 75 years after the death of Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla, large portions of the documents, schematics and machinery seized from his residence were finally declassified by the FBI and released to the public. One of the most prolific inventors and influential scientists in history, he put many theoretical ideas to practical use. Among his countless inventions: The first AC electrical system (more efficient than Edison's direct current); AC powered generators and motors; machines that used rotating magnetic field currents (earliest MRI technology); practical applications for x-rays in medical science; using and transmitting electromagnetic energy to broadcast on infinite wireless channels and for remote guidance systems and of course, the Tesla coil. He was also one of the first scientists to recognize some of the groundbreaking implications of quantum mechanicsmore specifically, Zero-point energy. His intuitive grasp of these strange new concepts put Tesla in a rare position to test them, and then apply them to the betterment of humanity. Beginning with physicists Neils Bohr and Max Planck, the scientific paradigm was completely upended by quantum theory. What was previously understood, now null and void. Neils Bohr was famously quoted, "If quantum mechanics hasn't profoundly shocked you, you haven't understood it yet." The theory is deeply disturbing, but it does explain what we already seem to know: the universe isn't just teeming with energy, it is energy. Mass is simply a type of energy, and all energy is formed by subatomic particles that behave like waves. Infinitesimal quantalike some primordial, elemental substance of creation itselfare the subatomic particles that comprise all mass and energy in the known universe. Now understood as a universal constant, energy is not only abundant, its sources are ubiquitous. Practical applications are a reality; quantum physicists such as Richard Feynman and John Wheeler have calculated the electromagnetic (EM) energy emitted by certain subatomic particles, such as photons and electrons. The term 'Zero-point energy' refers to "ground state", an atom or element's lowest and most stable energy form. In this state, all electrons are in the lowest possible orbit, closer to the nucleus. They do not emit excess or unstable energy and therefore, energy levels are safe and not prone to decay. As we approach Zero-point energy, a single grain of table salt can power a large household for several years. This simple compound of sodium and chloride (Na+ Cl-) ions, contains a moderate amount of clean EM energy from its orbiting electrons. The crystalline form is highly stable; decay is negligible. This is just the tip of the iceberg. We have been technologically capable of harnessing subatomic energy for decades; there is an incomprehensible and dark reality within those massive, highly unstable radioactive isotopes we harness for nuclear power. In the search for clean energy, an area of particular interest is quantum electrodynamics, a branch of quantum theory specific to atmospheric energy and motion. Late in the 1920's, Tesla discovered that there are infinite EM interactions between photons, electrons, and atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen. These subatomic particles in the atmosphere are in constant motion and also interact with natural geomagnetic forces to create oscillations and waves of even higher intensity. After numerous experiments, Tesla had blueprints for something that we still consider impossible today. Funded by JP Morgan and several other wealthy investors, he built "conduction poles" that naturally attracted the abundant atmospheric energy and transmitted it wirelessly to other poles having AC circuits. He effectively created a working power grid with virtually unlimited clean energy. The funding also included a large broadcasting tower on Long Island for wireless communication on unlimited channels. These designs held great promise; with further refinement, our problems with limited energy resources and their polluting byproducts would probably be nonexistent. Unfortunately, during WWII there was increasing fear within the US government that these structures were being used by the Germans, or that the technology would fall into German hands. The prototypes were leveled and their schematics were among the hundreds of documents that the FBI has not released. They reported about 30% of the seized property and documents as "missing". It would be easy to write off as yet another conspiracy theory, but the words of President John F. Kennedy keep coming to mind, from one of his most famous speeches. The gravity of this message must give us pause; it raises problems more imponderable than the energy crisis. Only one question comes to mind, its relevance now all-too-clear: Who speaks for mankind? Charlotte B. Cerminaro is a Juilliard-trained classical musician and recording artist. In her free time she enjoys writing and regularly contributes to Enter Stage Right and she attained a Bachelor's Degree in Molecular Biology. Home Whitney Cummings has revealed she's joining OnlyFans in a bid to avoid 'dorks and snitches' on Twitter - amid Elon Musk's controversial takeover of the social media platform. The comedian, 40, told TMZ she had become frustrated with entertainers becoming 'demonetized or de-platformed' due to jokes being reported as 'hate speech' on social media - and was seeking a fresh start with OnlyFans. The star, who boasts 1.4million followers on Twitter said OnlyFans - which has become famous for allowing models to sell nude photos and videos - is 'giving more money to women than Hollywood'. Candid: Whitney Cummings has revealed she's joining OnlyFans in a bid to avoid 'dorks and snitches' on Twitter - amid Elon Musk's controversial takeover of the social media platform She said: 'We're really just trying to make people laugh, so I'm trying out every new platform I can to see what's good. 'Instead of dirty photos or dirty videos, we'll have some dirty jokes on there, because there's a lot of people on Twitter being dorks or being snitches and they're not allowing us but we're also forcing jokes on people in the middle of the day that they're maybe not asking for. 'OnlyFans is giving more money to teachers.' The star did not reveal if she will quit the microblogging app. Whitney's comments come after tech mogul Musk completed his $44 billion deal to buy Twitter last week. Outspoken; The comedian, 40, told TMZ she had become frustrated with entertainers becoming 'demonetized or de-platformed' due to jokes being reported as 'hate speech' on social media - and was seeking a fresh start with OnlyFans Big following: The star did not reveal if she will quit the microblogging app - she has 1.4million followers Saying goodbye: Gigi Hadid has become the latest celebrity to leave Twitter after tech mogul Elon Musk completed his $44 billion deal to buy Twitter last week; seen last month Sad: Ultimately, she explained that she feels Twitter is no longer 'a safe place for anyone, nor a platform that will do more good than harm' On Saturday, Gigi Hadid informed her 76.2 Instagram followers that she 'deactivated' her Twitter account due to 'its new leadership.' 'It's becoming more and more of a cesspool of hate & bigotry, and its not a place I want to be a part of,' she wrote on her Instagram Story. The beauty said that she is 'only sorry to the fans' that she has 'loved connecting with for a decade' on the platform. Ultimately, she explained that she feels Twitter is no longer 'a safe place for anyone, nor a platform that will do more good than harm.' Additionally, she shared a screenshot of a viral tweet, penned by Shannon Raj Singh, which informed her followers that 'the entire Human Rights team has been cut from the company.' Despite being terminated, she said she was 'enormously proud of the work we did to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business & Human Rights, to protect those at-risk in global conflicts & crises including Ethiopia, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, and to defend the needs of those particularly at risk of human rights abuse by virtue of their social media presence, such as journalists & human rights defenders..' Hadid's decision comes after Bot Sentinel, a data firm, found that Twitter may have lost over a million users since Musk bought the tech company for $44 billion, indicating that some users have been suspended by the company and others may have deactivated out of protest. TV screenwriter Shonda Rhimes, actor Mia Farrow, as well as Madam Secretary star Tea Leoni, She Hulk actor Jameela Jamil, as well as authors and activists Shaun King and Amy Siskind have all threatened to boycott the platform. Musk has already spurred backlash for his new verified checkmark system that will cost $8-a-month. Oscar-winning La La Land director Damien Chazelle, 37, shared some happy news over the weekend. On Saturday his wife of four years Olivia Hamilton showed off her baby bump when at the 11th Annual LACMA Art + Film Gala at Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The 35-year-old blonde beauty cradled her large bump while in a slinky gold gown as she smiled for the camera. The director is next working with Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie in the December movie Babylon. Baby number two: Oscar-winning La La Land director Damien Chazelle, 37, shared some happy news over the weekend. On Saturday his wife of four years Olivia Hamilton showed off her baby bump when at the 11th Annual LACMA Art + Film Gala at Los Angeles County Museum DailyMail.com has reached out to his rep for comment. The couple got engaged in October 2017 at Point Dume in California. They tied the knot just under a year later in Malibu, California. Hamilton - a graduate of Princeton University - had roles in La La Land and Chazelles film First Man. The actress is a former McKinsey & Company consultant. In November 2019 they welcomed a son, but they have not shared the boy's name. The Oscar-winning director was previously married to Jasmine McGlade. Bumpy babe: The 35-year-old blonde beauty cradled her large bump while in a slinky gold gown as she smiled for the camera His lady: The couple got engaged in October 2017 at Point Dume in California. They tied the knot just under a year later in Malibu, California. Hamilton - a graduate of Princeton University - had roles in La La Land and Chazelles film First Man First born: In November 2019 they welcomed a son, but they have not shared the boy's name His next film is the highly anticipated movie Babylon. Brad Pitt plays Jack Conrad, who is a mastermind behind making movies bigger and better in Hollywood. His style is outrageous as he downs martinis until the early morning with burlesque dancers and even elephants but it's clear his heart is in the business. Also in the film is Margot Robbie as a crazed, coked up starlet and Jean Smart as the wise veteran. The film from Oscar-winner Chazelle is set to open on Christmas Day on December 25, 2022. The man: The first trailer for the highly anticipated movie Babylon was shared in September. Brad Pitt plays Jack Conrad, who is a mastermind behind making movies bigger and better in Hollywood; Damien is the director Dashing but dangerous: His style is outrageous as he downs martinis until the early morning with burlesque dancers and even elephants inside a party. But it's clear his heart is in the business as he loves the power The trailer opens with Pitt looking dashingly handsome in a black tuxedo as he takes a martini off a tray. He is clearly the big man in the room as he greets guests who are going wild on drink and drugs as they are living in the free-wheeling 1920s. Then the focus goes to Robbie's character Nellie LaRoy as she gets high on cocaine and details how she wants to rise to power while having fun. The star is far from polished and she is a little too eager to ride the wave of insanity in the den of iniquity that is Hollywood. At one point she even offers to fight a live snake to garner attention at a party. He has not slept yet: In one scene he holds a gun while drunk as he has on only a white tank top and trunks A new Pitt: The star does a little dance on his balcony before he falls over the railing She knows his time is up: A tense scene takes place between Pitt and Jean Smart as he tells her that what he does 'means something.' She then retorts with letting him know Hollywood is much bigger than he is, hinting his power will fade Party people: Pitt looks like he is the life of the party in posters for the film Babylon. The film is set in the roaring 1920s during the transition from silent movies to talkies Pitt is seen again as the man holding the strings as he makes it clear he was the one who gave actors respectability in Hollywood. A tense scene takes place between Pitt and Smart as he tells her that what he does 'means something.' She then retorts with letting him know Hollywood is much bigger than he is, hinting his power will fade. The beauty: Then the focus goes to Robbie's character Nellie LaRoy as she gets high on cocaine and details how she wants to rise to power while having fun She needs a rest: The star is far from polished and she is a little too eager to ride the wave of insanity in the den of iniquity that is Hollywood Too wild: At one point she even offers to fight a live snake to garner attention at a party The clip encapsulated the excess and flamboyance of the 1920s before the big stock market crash of October 1929. The film is set in the roaring 1920s in Hollywood when talkie films were replacing silent ones. It is 'a tale of outsized ambition and outrageous excess, that traces the rise and fall of multiple characters during an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early Hollywood,' according to Paramount Pictures which is releasing the project. Ready to party in red: Robbie had on a red dress that exposed her tummy for the Babylon poster The period piece is written and director by Chazelle who earned the Best Director for La La Land. The Academy Award winner previewed the trailer for the press at the Toronto International Film Festival Monday. During a question and answer period, Damien revealed his thoughts about the project, which he says is one of his most ambitious to date. 'I have always loved silent films. I am one of the disciples of the idea of pure cinema. The high points of the silent era are some of the high points of cinema, period.' The film boasts an eclectic cast which includes Jean Smart, Li Jun Li, Jovan Adepo and Diego Calva and Olivia Wilde. 'Babylon is the biggest number of roles I have juggled by far. The casting process took a long long time.' The storyline takes place before the Hays Code was introduced in 1930, prohibiting profanity, nudity, drug use, sexual 'perversion', inter-racial relationships and much more on screen. According to the director, the story was inspired by the era and the off-screen antics going on in Tinseltown. On Monday, Shia LaBeouf rocked a ponytail and black leather outfit in his first sighting on the Atlanta set of five-time Oscar winner Francis Ford Coppola's $100M-budget epic Megalopolis. The 36-year-old Daytime Emmy winner certainly looked flashy in a black gold chain-print button-up tucked into leather pants with a studded leather fedora and boots. Shia - who's making a comeback despite seven prior arrests - topped his gaudy get-up off with a studded leather jacket. Action! On Monday, Shia LaBeouf rocked a ponytail and black leather outfit in his first sighting on the Atlanta set of five-time Oscar winner Francis Ford Coppola's $100M-budget epic Megalopolis In May, LaBeouf - who welcomed his first child with Mia Goth in March - successfully completed a year-long judicial diversion program stemming from 2020 misdemeanor battery and petty theft charges. Joining the former Disney Channel star on the set was Game of Thrones alum Nathalie Emmanuel, who emulated Grecian glam in a plunging sheer black dress and golden gladiator heels. The English 33-year-old had her curly locks styled in an updo for the outdoor shoot, which began November 1 at Trilith Studios. There were three other actresses - including SNL star Chloe Fineman and All About Sex actress Madeleine Gardella - also wearing Grecian-inspired black and gold costumes. Versace inspired: The 36-year-old Daytime Emmy winner certainly looked flashy in a black gold chain-print button-up tucked into leather pants with a studded leather fedora and boots Listening to music: Shia - who's making a comeback despite seven prior arrests - topped his gaudy get-up off with a studded leather jacket Reformed? In May, LaBeouf - who welcomed his first child with Mia Goth in March - successfully completed a year-long judicial diversion program stemming from 2020 misdemeanor battery and petty theft charges Game of Thrones alum: Joining the former Disney Channel star on the set was Emmy nominee Nathalie Emmanuel, who emulated Grecian glam in a plunging sheer black dress and golden gladiator heels The plot of Megalopolis is described as 'an architect wanting to rebuild New York City as a utopia following a devastating disaster,' but the the 82-year-old filmmaker calls his dream project 'a love story.' 'A woman is divided between loyalties to two men. But not only two men. Each man comes with a philosophical principle,' Francis explained to GQ in February. 'One is her father who raised her, who taught her Latin on his lap and is devoted to a much more classical view of society, the Marcus Aurelius kind of view. The other one, who is the lover, is the enemy of the father but is dedicated to a much more progressive "Let's leap into the future, let's leap over all of this garbage that has contaminated humanity for 10K years. Let's find what we really are, which are an enlightened, friendly, joyous species."' Scheduled to wrap in March! The English 33-year-old had her curly locks styled in an updo for the outdoor shoot, which began November 1 at Trilith Studios Funny woman: Saturday Night Live star Chloe Fineman was spotted on set also wearing Grecian-inspired black and gold costumes Several stars: The four Grecian-inspired actresses all stood in a circle chatting (L to R: Nathalie Emmanuel, Chloe Fineman, Madeleine Gardella and Isabelle Kusman) Logline: The plot of Megalopolis is described as 'an architect wanting to rebuild New York City as a utopia following a devastating disaster,' but the the 82-year-old filmmaker calls his dream project 'a love story' Coppola - who's wanted to make Megalopolis since 1982 - sold a piece of his wine empire in order to self-finance the movie, which will be the first to shoot at Prysm Stages' LED volume stage. The legendary Godfather director also cast his younger sister Talia Shire, nephew Jason Schwartzman, and Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman (despite resurfaced sexual assault allegations). Francis' star-studded ensemble also includes Laurence Fishburne, Jon Voight, Forest Whitaker, Aubrey Plaza, Adam Driver, Grace VanderWaal, James Remar, and D.B. Sweeney. Francis explained to GQ in February: 'A woman is divided between loyalties to two men. But not only two men [her father and her lover]. Each man comes with a philosophical principle' 'State-of-the-art technology': Coppola - who's wanted to make Megalopolis since 1982 - sold a piece of his wine empire in order to self-finance the movie, which will be the first to shoot at Prysm Stages' LED volume stage Star studded: The legendary Godfather director also cast (from L-R) his younger sister Talia Shire, nephew Jason Schwartzman, and Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman despite resurfaced sexual assault allegations Meanwhile, Shia's last gig was playing the Italian monk-turned-saint Padre Pio in Abel Ferrara's biopic of the same name, which received dismal reviews at the Venice Film Festival and the Rio de Janeiro Film Festival. LaBeouf will next face his ex-girlfriend - Grammy nominee FKA twigs - in a civil trial over sexual battery allegations, which is scheduled for April 17, according to Rolling Stone. The British 34-year-old also accused the the Echo Park native of assault, infliction of emotional distress, and infecting her with a sexually-transmitted disease during their turbulent 11-month relationship in a lawsuit she filed in LA in 2020. No release date: Shia's last gig was playing the Italian monk-turned-saint Padre Pio in Abel Ferrara's biopic of the same name, which received dismal reviews at the Venice Film Festival and the Rio de Janeiro Film Festival Advertisement Emmy-winning producer Ryan Seacrest has finally sold his sprawling Beverly Hills mansion for $51 million, three years after first listing the property back for a whopping $85 million back in 2020. Earlier this year, the 47-year-old media personality put the estate back on the market with a significantly reduced price tag first to $74.5million price, then $69 million, to offload the pad. This marks the longtime American Idol host's last massive home in California, which was listed by realtor Kurt Rappaport and purchased from Ellen DeGeneres for $36.5 million in 2012, according to TMZ. Mogul: Emmy-winning producer Ryan Seacrest has finally sold his sprawling Beverly Hills mansion for $51 million, three years after first listing the property back for a whopping $85 million back in 2020; pictured in April 2022 The sale comes after moving into a massive six-story townhouse in New York City to host Live With Kelly and Ryan. The new owner's main house, which the listing says is one of 'Beverly Hills most private and secluded' estates, is a massive 9,200 square feet and located on 2.87-acres of land. There are four bedrooms and six bathrooms in the main dwelling which has a breezy beige and white feel. Beautiful home: Earlier this year, the 47-year-old media personality put the estate back on the market with a significantly reduced price of $69 million in a bid to offload the pad after moving into a massive six-story townhouse in New York City to host Live With Kelly and Ryan Sprawling: This marks the longtime American Idol host's last massive home in California, which was listed by realtor Kurt Rappaport Moving on from the West Coast: Over the years, the Live With Kelly And Ryan star been spending more time in New York to co-host the popular morning show with Kelly Ripa The living room is large and inviting, making it perfect for cocktail parties for the rich and famous. There are breathtaking views of the city skyline that make Los Angeles look like an ideal city full of high rise buildings and lush trees as the home is high above the traffic and strip malls. The kitchen is perfect for a master chef who needs to whip up a gourmet meal for 20. The feel is airy with high ceilings and there are all the best appliances with two ovens and plenty of ranges. Light and airy: There are four bedrooms and six bathrooms in the main dwelling which has a breezy beige and white feel Have a seat: The living room is large and inviting, making it perfect for cocktail parties for the rich and famous Sit down and enjoy meal for 10: The dining room is stand alone with high white ceilings and a modern light fixture And a view from the room as well: There are several windows at the end of the dining room that look at the back yard There is also a roomy movie theater that can easily seat 20 people comfortably to see the latest blockbuster. And there is a full working gym that can fit every exercise equipment a proper gym has. There is a yoga room as well that is spacious and has plenty of light. So much off to the side: There is a breakfast nook as well with a mini living room that can be seen from the kitchen Another dining room! In addition to the main dining room there is another one which has a butler's station and two windows Sweet dreams in this dreamy space: The master bedroom is large with corner windows that look out to the back yard Another angle: And there are also windows to the side where there is a chaise lounge that makes the room look relaxing The walk in closet is as big as most bedrooms in Los Angeles if not bigger. The style is decidedly male with brown/beige wood shelves and walls as well as a golden beige carpet. The wide middle island has a dresser drawer and an inlaid top. Outside there is plenty of room for strolls and there are also a selection of sprawling wildlife ponds. And a pond just for fun: There is a large pond with lily pads and fountains that is surrounded by large river rocks Another place to have an al fresco dinner: This dining space is surrounded by mature trees and a paver walkway And there is a pizza oven near the seating area that can fit 25 people. There are also three adjacent guest-homes, and while Ryan owned the property, he ought another one. Will And Grace co-creator and Emmy Award-winner Max Mutchnick lived in the house before Ellen. So much space: The swimming pool is perfect for laps or for sunbathing next to; there is also a cabana She will be accepting a CFDA Award today on behalf of her wildly popular shapewear brand SKIMS. And Kim Kardashian served some serious style as she arrived at the Ritz Carlton alongside her sister Khloe Kardashian on Monday. The fashion icon, 42, worked a sophisticated black wrap coat and her favorite edgy Balenciaga shades as she strutted into the establishment with Khloe, 38, in tow. CEO chic! Kim Kardashian served some serious style as she arrived at the Ritz-Carlton in New York City alongside her sister Khloe Kardashian on Monday Her platinum blonde hair was styled down into textured waves that were parted at the center and fluttered aside her radiant complexion. She had her feet slipped inside a pair of pointed heels. Kim carried a minimal amount of belongings about in a tiny yet unmissable bright red purse. Following in close pursuit was Khloe, who was also decked out in a similar all-black look. Red-y or not! She carried a minimal amount of belongings inside an unmissable tiny red purse Unlike Kim's flowing tresses, her hair was scooped up into a sleek bun and she was bundled up in a black coat. She also mixed fashion with function, opting for a pair of black and white Nike trainers rather than heels. Also pictured out in NYC was momager Kris Jenner. Walk this way! Kim strutted through the big city in her pointed footwear The star beamed with happiness as she stepped onto the curb in a sketch print suit. A member of her entourage carried her glossy alligator print purse for her. Skims will be the recipient of the first-ever Innovation Award presented by Amazon Fashion at the CFDA Awards today. Kim along with fellow Skims founders Emma Grede and Jens Grede will accept the award on behalf of their range. In a statement, CFDA CEO Steven Klob said: 'With Skims, Kim, Emma and Jens have pioneered new technology in the process of reinventing the concept of solutions-oriented shapewear.' Suits her! Momager Kris Jenner was also seen in NYC in a sketch print suit Helping hand! A member of her entourage carried her glossy alligator print purse for her 'SKIMS is delighted to be recognized as the first-ever recipient of the Innovation Award presented by Amazon Fashion,' Kim, Emma and Jens said in a joint statement. 'Thank you to the CFDA and Amazon Fashion for acknowledging our efforts in the industry as we continue to innovate to find solutions for all customers.' This is not the first time Kim has been honored at the elite event - she received the Influencer Award in 2018. Skims is now worth $3.2 billion following its launch in 2019. While initially launching as a shapewear range, it has since expanded to sell everything from lingerie to swimwear. When talking about SKIMS to Variety earlier this year in March and its 3.2 billion-dollar worth, Kim expressed, 'I definitely never imagined that it would be that successful. I do everything from picking the fabrics and the product design to the campaigns.' 'Im in the campaigns and Im the fit model. Its a full-time job. Nothing comes easy. You really, really have to work really hard at it,' the reality star added. Marion Cotillard showed off her chic sense of style as she attended the Charlotte Premiere At UGC Cine Cite Les Halles in Paris, France on Monday. The actress, 47, wore a black jacket with quilted detail and a pair of matching trousers. She added a few inches to her stature by opting for a pair of black boots and opted for a palette of natural hues with her make-up. Stepping out: Marion Cotillard showed off her chic sense of style as she attended the Charlotte Premiere At UGC Cine Cite Les Halles in Paris, France on Monday The star, who voices the character of French Charlotte in the animated film, was seen posing alongside director Eric Warin at the event. Eric opted for smart but casual attire, wearing a black jacket with a crisp white shirt which he left unbuttoned at the collar. He wore a pair of blue denim jeans and wore a comfortable pair of black trainers for his outing. In style: The star wore a black jacket with quilted detail and opted for a palette of natural hues with her make-up Out on the town: The star, who voices the character of French Charlotte in the animated film, was seen posing alongside director Eric Warin at the event Charlotte is an account of German-Jewish artist Charlotte Salomon's life in the south of France between the years of 1941 and 1943. The years lead up to when Charlotte was sent to Auschwitz during World War II, with the movie being inspired by her memoir Life? or Theatre? Marion has recently been in Croatia filming scenes for iconic war photographer Lee Miller's biopic. Strike a pose: Eric opted for smart but casual attire, wearing a black jacket with a crisp white shirt which he left unbuttoned at the collar Telling the tale: Charlotte is an account of German-Jewish artist Charlotte Salomon's life in the south of France between the years of 1941 and 1943 (Charlotte Salomon pictured around 1939) She is playing the role of Solange D'Ayen in historical biopic Lee, which chronicles the life of Vogue model turned World War II correspondent Lee Miller. Marion is starring alongside actors Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Josh O'Connor. The film, called Lee, will follow the life and experiences of the photojournalist as she travels to the frontline of World War II and tries to expose the horrific truths of the Nazis. Anna Heinrich shows off her incredible physique on the cover of the December issue of Australian Women's Health. The former Bachelor star, 35, flaunts her ripped torso, lean legs and toned arms in a series of images for the glossy publication. Anna curled her long blonde locks and wore a neutral palette of makeup while posing for a beachside photo shoot. Anna Heinrich (pictured) showed off her incredible physique on the cover of the December issue of Australian Women's Health Anna told the publication that if it wasn't for falling for her husband Tim Robards on The Bachelor nine years ago, she would most likely still be working as a lawyer. 'If I had never met Tim, I felt like I probably would've stayed in law, been at the same firm, never kind of ventured out, never tried to do anything else because I just felt at ease,' she said. 'That's one of the things that I've always said is you want to surround yourself with positive, uplifting people because they definitely rub off on you.' The former Bachelor star flaunted her ripped torso, lean legs and toned arms in a series of images for the glossy publication Anna curled her long blonde locks and wore a neutral palette of makeup while posing for a beachside photo shoot Anna admitted that signing up for the Channel 10 dating show almost a decade ago saw her confront her own vulnerability and self-doubt. She also spoke about her experience on on Seven's military-training inspired series SAS Australia, which gave her the confidence to start her own business. 'It's helped me be more open to opportunities and to push myself, because I know good things happen when you put yourself out of your comfort zone.' Anna told the publication that if it wasn't for falling for her husband Tim Robards (right) on The Bachelor nine years ago, she would most likely still be working as a lawyer 'If I had never met Tim, I felt like I probably would've stayed in law, been at the same firm, never kind of ventured out, never tried to do anything else because I just felt at ease,' she said Anna met Tim on the first season of The Bachelor Australia back in 2013. They married in Italy in June 2018, and welcomed daughter Elle two years later in November 2020. The December issue Womens Health Australia is on sale now Anna met Tim on the first season of The Bachelor Australia back in 2013. They married in Italy in June 2018, and welcomed daughter Elle two years later in November 2020 Kourtney Kardashian posed in pink and purple feather-lined co-ord to promote her new vitamin and supplement brand Lemme in a series of pictures posted on her Instagram. The TV star showed off a bottle of her Lemme Chill De-Stress Gummies in her left hand, also flaunting her stunning and massive oval-cut wedding ring at the same time. The De-Stress Gummies' main ingredient is Ashwagandha which comes from an evergreen shrub. It is used for many conditions related to stress, according to webmd. All smiles: Kardashian lounged and posed on a bed in her new Lemme promotion pictures Flaunt it: Kourtney Kardashian posted new pictures promoting her vitamin venture Lemme and showed off her wedding ring too In the post, she announced that her gummy supplements are now available on Amazon. She wore her hair in a blunt, chin-length bob with a middle part. For her makeup, Kardashian rocked a smoky eye paired with a nude lip. On September 27, Kardashian Barker, 43, launched three gummy supplements Lemme Chill, Lemme Focus, and Lemme Matcha exclusively on her website. The gummy vitamins and supplements support reduced stress, increased concentration, and improved energy metabolism, respectively. According to the companys website, Lemme uses innovative science-backed formulations that are delicious, clean and packaged in 100% post consumer-recycled materials. After years of struggling to find the right supplements, I embarked on a journey to create science-backed products that you would legitimately look forward to taking everyday, the entrepreneur said of her candylike, botanical-blend supplements. Not too match: Kardashian showed some skin in a sexy pink blouse and skirt that match the packaging of her Lemme supplements According to a press release, Kardashian had been working on this brand for the past five years with leading experts in health, medicine, and botany to put together the Lemme Medical Advisory Board behind the gummy supplements. Kardashian made a business out of her health and wellness passion in 2019 by launching Poosh, a multimedia platform and community. She wrote on Lemmes website that her wellness journey began after having her first child and reading about the best foods to promote his growth and wellness. She incorporated sustainability into her brand by partnering with Carbonfund and One Tree Planted. Proceeds from her supplement products will go towards helping plant thousands of trees each year. In addition, Lemmes packaging uses only post-consumer recycled materials for not only the bottles but shipping materials as well. Do you lilac it like this? Kardashian followed the theme of her pink and purple vitamin bottles by accessorizing with pink and purple rings and feather sleeves The press release revealed the bottle design was inspired by her love of vintage candy jars and the spiral gummy design was designed by Kardashian herself. The day after the launch, on September 28, Kardashian held a party in Hollywood to celebrate her new business venture with her family and friends. Kardashian transformed the venue, Goya Studios, into a carnival-themed playground with candy and vitamins all around to treat all the guests. After her successful launch, the brand went on to release Lemme Debloat, digestive gummies, and Lemme Fall In Love, organic flower elixirs. Her bestselling Debloat gummies are currently sold out, and the brand is working hard to restock amid the success. Here's a royal portrait with a difference. Prince Albert of Monaco poses for a photo with his two children by former lovers for the first time. The extraordinary picture, taken in New York, was shared online by his ex, Nicole Coste, 50, a Togolese former Air France hostess. Wearing an open-necked shirt, the Prince, 64, has his arm round American actress Jazmin Grimaldi, 30, his daughter with American waitress Tamara Rotolo, 61. Jazmin met him for the first time when she was 11 after a DNA test confirmed Albert was her father. 'It's wonderful that it happened when it did, and we've been enjoying a great relationship ever since,' she said. Jazmin has her arm round Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste, 19, Nicole's son. Albert confirmed he was Alexandre's father just before he was enthroned as ruler of the principality in 2005. 'Paternally king,' Nicole remarks. Albert also has seven-year-old twins with his wife, the former Olympic swimmer Princess Charlene, 44, whom he married in 2011. Prince Albert of Monaco, posing for a photo with two children by his former lovers. The extraordinary picture, taken in New York, was shared online by his ex, Nicole Coste, 50, a Togolese former Air France hostess Albert also has seven-year-old twins with his wife, the former Olympic swimmer Princess Charlene, 44, whom he married in 2011 Prince Harry 'wanted to raise Archie in Africa' The Duchess of Sussex has said that she's happy to be back in her native California, but Prince Harry would rather have moved to a different continent. His friend, the celebrated primatologist Dame Jane Goodall, has revealed he wanted the couple to live in Africa, where he has spent some of his happiest times. 'He wanted to bring Archie up in Africa, running barefoot with African children,' she says of their three-year-old son. He and Meghan also have a daughter, Lilibet, aged 17 months. It wasn't just an idle hope. In 2019, it was disclosed that courtiers had drawn up plans to hand the Duke and Duchess of Sussex a major international job that could have seen them moving abroad after the birth of their first child, probably to Africa. Of course, the plans were never put into action and the couple moved to the U.S. before quitting royal duties. It could have made it more difficult for the Sussexes to sign lucrative deals with American companies had they moved to Africa. Meghan told Nigerian-American comedian Ziwe Fumudoh on her Archetypes podcast last month that genealogy tests had found her ancestry was 43 per cent Nigerian. Dame Jane was previously interviewed by Harry for the edition of British Vogue edited by his wife in 2019. In it, she spoke warmly of meeting and cuddling Archie. In her latest comments, she says of the couple: 'I don't talk about them now. Of course, I have my views, and I think Harry cares, I really think he does.' Speaking to The Times, she adds: 'My times that I talked with him I just felt that he was a really nice, good person.' The naturalist may be reluctant to say more after the furore over the Vogue chat. In it, Harry spoke about the number of children he wanted, 'two, maximum' interpreted as a dig at Prince William and Catherine, who have three. Why Oti's a cheap(er) date She shimmied to victory lifting the glitterball trophy twice on Strictly Come Dancing during her seven-year stint on the show, but Oti Mabuse seems to be struggling to bring the sparkle to her latest venture. I hear that ticket prices to her London Dance Nights have been slashed by half. Organisers of the event this weekend at the Novotel in Hammersmith, West London, promise it will be a 'night like no other'. Priced initially at 179, the evening includes a drinks reception, fine-dining experience and the chance to meet Strictly stars including fellow former pros Kristina Rihanoff and Janette Manrara. Tickets have now been reduced to 89. Organisers of Strictly Come Dancing this weekend, featuring Oti Mabuse at the Novotel in Hammersmith, promise it will be a 'night like no other'. But ticket prices have been slashed Marks & Spencer heiress Rebecca Sieff fell in love with Castle Howard when she was 14 years old and watched Brideshead Revisited, the ITV epic drama filmed at the Yorkshire stately home. She went on to marry its owner, the late Simon Howard. Karen Spencer, who is now chatelaine of Althorp, insists she had no such aspirations for the Northamptonshire pile where Princess Diana grew up. 'If I am honest, initially I rejected the full-time nature of this role,' says the Canadian, 50, who became Earl Spencer's third wife in 2011. 'I thought the house was lovely, but it's not going to take up too much of my time. But I will confess that it has sucked me in.' Fergie takes her pooch for a pedal Prince Andrew was said in The Mail On Sunday to be 'completely depressed and lost' after his hopes of returning to public life were dashed by King Charles. His ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York is, by contrast, full of good cheer. Yesterday, she shared this jolly photograph with her followers online, commenting, 'Keeping joyful this autumn.' In her basket is one of their Norfolk terriers. Fergie, 63, added: 'Autumn is a perfect time to start anew... and get a little cheeky.' The picture is thought to have been taken at Windsor, where she still lives at Royal Lodge in a separate wing from Andrew, whom she divorced in 1996. Duchess of York is full of good cheer. Yesterday, she rode around with a Yorkshire terrier in her basket and shared the jolly photograph with her followers online, commenting: 'Keeping joyful this autumn' Baroness Shackleton of Belgravia, nicknamed 'the Steel Magnolia' because of her reputation as one of the country's most formidable divorce lawyers, insists her nose has not been put out of joint by the arrival of a new peer in her swanky area of London. Historian Andrew Roberts has chosen the title Baron Roberts of Belgravia after being handed a seat in the House of Lords by his old friend Boris Johnson. Fiona Shackleton tells me: 'You can have any amount of peers of the same place. [Late advertising grandee] Tim Bell also was 'of Belgravia'. There may be others.' While previous chief whips argue about expletive-filled text messages, Rishi Sunak's man in the role should have no trouble keeping MPs in order. Simon Hart was master of the South Pembrokeshire Hunt for ten years, and has a riding whip to brandish at the uncooperative. Sofia Vergara seemed to bring the sunshine with her as she stepped out in Los Angeles Monday. The actress, 50, was spotted in a bright lime green suit as she left a lunch date with her 31-year-old son Manolo at Cecconi's restaurant in the West Hollywood area. The Modern Family star paired the vibrant pants and jacket with a toned down brown top and a matching YSL crossover bag. Sunshine: Sofia Vergara, 50, seemed to bring the sunshine with her as she stepped out in Los Angeles on Monday in a bright lime green suit for lunch at Cecconi's restaurant in the West Hollywood area The America's Got Talent judge completed the look with high heels, and dark sunglasses. Her highlighted hair was styled straight. Prior to her tucking in for pasta and pizza, the former model demonstrated her Monday workout in a video. It was apparently legs and glutes day, as the demonstrated various leg lift exercises with and without a resistance band. Toned down: The Modern Family star paired the vibrant pants and jacket with a toned down brown top and a matching YSL crossover bag Accessories: The America's Got Talent judge completed the look with high heels, and dark sunglasses. Her highlighted hair was styled straight The influencer wore a bright pink pair of leggings and a top with gray sneakers. Sharing her experience on social media, Sofia wrote, 'Monday torture!" and made sure her fans knew that her attire was 'All @walmartfashion . The savvy entrepreneur has an extensive collection on collaboration with the massive retailer, including active wear, jeans, dresses and intimate wear. Workout: Prior to her tucking in for pasta and pizza, the former model demonstrated her Monday workout in a video Legs and glutes: It was apparently legs and glutes day, as the demonstrated various leg lift exercises with and without a resistance band She recently returned from a visit to the Walmart headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, where she met with executives and visited the first ever store. From her car, Sofia recorded a video announcing she had just gotten word that her latest endeavor was a huge hit. 'Hey everyone,' she said. 'I was just told that my Walmart home capsule collection is almost sold out. Thank you so much. That was so fast. I'm so excited, because I think you are going to love what's coming next. Thank you so much.' Torture: Sharing her experience on social media, Sofia wrote, 'Monday torture!" and made sure her fans knew that her attire was 'All @walmartfashion . The search for the body of missing toddler Quinton Simon, despite weeks of tips and digging in the local landfill, which might be his last resting place, has yielded no results. Missing Toddler's Slim Chance To Be Found The police posted on social media, and the FBI, with the Chatham County Police Department search team, has been trying to dig out the remains, should they be there, reported NY Daily News. Quinton allegedly was not found in his playpen at his home in Savannah at 6 a.m. on October 5. Later, a report came that the child had been missing for several hours, which began one of the most extensive searches and thorough probes that the Chatham County Police Department has ever engaged in. Authorities have checked the backyard and surrounding areas, with a pond close by, and went to the local rubbish head. It could be the one place the body was hidden. Landfill Might be Quinton Simon's Resting Place Local police added that the rubbish heap is the last resting place to dump the toddler's corpse. The low chance of finding the body of a missing toddler Quinton Simon is the amount of trash to sift through at the local landfill; also, trash is compressed, making it double hard to stay focused. Read Also: Joe Biden Uncomfortably Grabs Teen Girl's Shoulder During Administration's Visit in Southern California These include Chatham County Police Department officers, the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and Chatham County Sheriff's Office personnel, who have exhausted everything to get answers, noted Yahoo. An advisory comes after more than a week of searching; Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley remarked that investigators are sure that Simon's remains are at the local rubbish heap. He did not clear why the dump was of interest, but Hadley thought whoever killed Quinton had put him in a certain garbage bin at a specified place and was taken by the garbage services to the dump. Authorities stressed that the search for the toddler's remains is a top goal and thanked all those involved in the local community and more. Prime Suspect in Quinton Simon's Disappearance The frantic search for any clue or sign of the toddler's body in the house and surrounding areas has lasted for over a week, per Local Today. On Wednesday, Leilani Simon was the number one suspect, according to the cops. But she has not been arrested or charged with any crime yet. They were looking for a phone number associated with Ms. Simon, but none is listed. They also wanted to know whether an attorney could represent her on suspicion of murdering the child. Till now, the police are concentrating on a landfill and the most extensive search of the Chatham Police. So far, no leads have panned out, but they will try to break the case. The missing toddler, Quinton Simon case, led to a search at a local landfill, which might be his last resting place. Related Article: New York Prison System: Rikers Island Inmate Dies Bringing NYC Jail Death Toll to 18 This Year @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Details surrounding Takeoff's funeral services have emerged following his tragic death at age 28 last week. The services will be held at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, according to TMZ. The arena is capable of holding more than 20,000 people. Reverend Jesse Curney, III, the senior pastor of New Mercies Christian Church, has revealed he will be giving the eulogy. Rest in peace: Details surrounding Takeoff's upcoming funeral have emerged; pictured 2021 'I am doing a eulogy, it is at State Farm, and New Mercies choir will be singing,' Curney said in an interview with Atlanta radio station V-103. Curney plans on remembering Takeoff as a young man who was devoted to his family and faith. 'I plan to remember him as a young man that I saw grow up in the church who loved being with his family, who loved coming to worship, times when he made it to church with his busy schedule, he still came as just a regular worshipper and one who showed love to his fans while he was even at church, after church, 'cause everyone allowed him to worship and just be a regular person. 'And I think that's what's so important for me and for most of all for his family, is that this was a son, a grandson, a brother, a nephew, a cousin. This family and so therefore to remember his love that he shared for everyone and gave to everyone. That's the person I know and that's the person I can speak of.' The venue: The funeral will reportedly take place at the State Farm Arena 'It is a great loss,' he added. 'It is sad that we as African-Americans continue to do this to ourselves and so therefore I hope that this is a wake-up call for all of us that there really needs to be some serious changes within our community. Takeoff was killed around 2:30 a.m. November 1 when gunfire erupted outside of 810 Billiards & Bowling following a private party. Police in Houston said that the rapper's death was the result of gunshot wounds to the head and torso following a shooting outside a private party at a downtown Houston bowling alley. The announcement - following an autopsy by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences in Houston - comes as police are still seeking the public's help in tracking down the person or persons responsible for the rappers death. Music makers: Takeoff, whose off-stage name was Kirsnick Khari Ball, formed one-third of the Grammy Award-nominated rap trio Migos with uncle Quavo and cousin Offset from suburban Atlanta; pictured 2019 Takeoff's primary cause of death was listed as 'penetrating gunshot wounds of head and torso into arm' and his manner of death was called homicide. Takeoff, whose off-stage name was Kirsnick Khari Ball, formed one-third of the Grammy Award-nominated rap trio Migos with uncle Quavo and cousin Offset from suburban Atlanta. Investigators are looking to speak with the 40 people who attended the party and fled after the gunfire, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said. At least two people discharged firearms, according to Finner. Two others were hit by gunfire but had non-life-threatening wounds and went to hospitals in private vehicles, he said. Finner said Takeoff was 'well respected,' and there was 'no reason to believe he was involved in anything criminal at the time.' Migos' record label, Quality Control, mourned Takeoffs death in a statement posted on Instagram. The statement said senseless violence 'has taken another life from this world and we are devastated.' The bowling alley is in a three-story Houston retail complex with high-end restaurants and a House of Blues and is near a Four Seasons hotel. Fans had created a memorial with roses, candles and a teddy bear on the first floor of the retail complex. Naomi Watts was spotted in New York City on Monday as she arrived to work on the set of the upcoming series Feud: Capote's Women. The 54-year-old star is set to play socialite Babe Paley in the TV series about author Truman Capote. The Mulholland Drive actress was clad in a classic white button-up shirt and a long black skirt. She looked every bit the glamorous movie siren as she added a pair of oversized black sunglasses. On the scene! Naomi Watts was spotted in New York City on Monday as she arrived to work on set of the upcoming series Feud: Capote's Women The UK-born entertainer - who has been busy this fall promoting her new hit show The Watcher - wore her blonde locks in a wispy bob with the ends flared out, adding volume. She carried a red backpack over one of her shoulders and kept her phone in a black leather case positioned crossbody-style over her torso. The longtime performer was makeup-free and she kept a white face mask on her wrist for safekeeping. Her maxi skirt boasted a side slit that bared a bit of her leg as she walked through the city. Attire: The 54-year-old Mulholland Drive star was clad in a classic white button-up shirt and a long black skirt Naomi walked around in black Oxford shoes with a slight platform and thin laces. At one point she swapped over large, oval-shaped shades for large, black-rimmed eyeglasses. She rolled up the sleeves of her shirt as she prepared to get to work on the Ryan Murphy FX limited series. In Feud - an anthology - Watts will take on the role of Babe Paley, a socialite 'who ruled the glamorous world of New York society in the 1960s and 70s,' according to Deadline. The show is adapted from the Laurence Leamer-authored book Capotes Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era. Stylish: She looked every bit the glamorous movie siren as she added a pair of oversized black sunglasses In addition to her on-screen endeavors, the award-winning actress recently helmed Stripes, a brand dedicated to representing menopausal women. Naomi said she felt there was a 'clear' need for the beauty industry to accommodate the 'scalp to vag' impact caused by the changes in hormones. 'It became clear to me that even though some brands were catering towards women of my age group, I didn't feel like they were representing the women in an honest way, whether it was through their ad campaigns or just their general messaging,' she dished to InStyle. Businesswoman: In addition to her on-screen endeavors, the award-winning actress recently helmed Stripes, a brand dedicated to representing menopausal women Naomi - whose company includes 'hair and body stuff' such as 'Dews As I Do' brightening serum and 'The Crown Pleaser' densifying hair mask - also felt it was important to add 'vaginal products' to combat dryness caused by menopause. She said: 'We included hair and body stuff, and then the vaginal products because that's also an area that suffers. 'One thing people say about menopause is that the libido lessens, and of course it does a little bit because our hormones are not driving our moods anymore. But it doesn't mean we stop thinking about sex or we stop wanting sex; we still have desire.' Bella Hadid has sparked concern after sharing photos of her bruised legs and back covered in bandages in a cryptic Instagram post on Monday. The supermodel, 26, posted snaps to her Instagram story showing her sitting topless on a bed in a hospital room, with a bandage around her right arm, and gauze covering her back. A further snap showed her legs covered in large, purple bruises, while a third photo showed a syringe filled with blood. Worrying: Bella Hadid has sparked concern after sharing photos of her bruised legs and back covered in plasters in a cryptic Instagram post on Monday DailyMail.com has contacted Bella's representatives for comment. Bella was last seen in public in Santa Monica on Saturday as she headed to a photoshoot. The little sister of Gigi Hadid had returned to work after a trip to Qatar where she went skydiving with her boyfriend Marc Kalman. Last month the star celebrated her 26th birthday and shared a series of snaps. Catwalk queen: The star has recently been ruling the runway in Qatar (pictured last week) What's happened? The supermodel, 26, posted snaps to her Instagram story showing her sitting topless on a bed in a hospital room, with a bandage around her right arm, and plasters covering her back Post: A further snap showed her legs covered in large, purple bruises, while a third photo showed a syringe filled with blood 'My sister made me this cake [SOBBING EMOJIS] @gigihadid,' captioned the runway maven, who boasts nearly 56million followers on the platform. Gigi also drew Bella's favorite food, which happens to be pizza, as well as a camera symbolizing her professional career as a high fashion model Shopping bags, a can from Bella's drink line Kin Euphorics and clinking champagne flutes were also featured. As a nod to Bella's equestrian background, Gigi made sure to include a drawing of a horse. So sweet: Last month Bella got an adorable custom cake from her older sister Gigi Hadid in celebration of her 26th birthday, which she rang in on Sunday, October 9 Someone was able to capture the moment Gigi presented her younger sister with the custom creation, which Bella accepted with a beaming smile 'Happy Bday Bella' was written out atop the cake in black icing, along with a large '26.' Someone was able to capture the moment Gigi presented her younger sister with the custom creation, which Bella accepted with a beaming smile. Bella posed with the cake in hand after blowing out her birthday candles. For her special day, the Vogue covergirl cut an edgy figure in a vintage oversized leather jacket layered over a sheer black lace sweater dress. Her dark brown hair looked freshly blown out and she kept her bangs swept to one side. Birthday girl: A sparkling tiara was placed atop the LA native's head and she ditched her jacket to show off her sexy dress in all its glory Though he appeared to be absent from the festivities, Bella received a handmade birthday card from WME/IMG Vice President, Luiz Mattos. Lucali owner Mark Iacono was on site helping whip up brick-oven pizzas for the brunette beauty and her birthday crew. In a heartfelt caption included with her first of many birthday-related Instagram slideshows, Bella predicted that her 26th year is bound to be a 'special one. She also gave a shout-out to beau Marc for helping put together the surprise party. 'Best surprise .! Thank you to my baby, my friends and family for making me feel so loved on my solar return . 26 is going to be a special # year .. I feel it' Bella wrote. On the morning of her birthday, Bella received countless floral arrangements - many of which consisted of stunning pink, red and white roses - that were delivered to her apartment. 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Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, claims that Russia plans to employ Iranian missiles for potential assaults on the country's infrastructure, particularly its energy sector. According to Zelensky in his evening speech on Sunday, more over 4.5 million customers in Kyiv and six other districts have already lost power as a result of Russian attacks. Iran Admits to Providing Drones to Russia Additionally, he said that Russians "used Iranian attack drones again" on Sunday, although he did not go into greater detail. It would be the first time that Iran sent highly modern precision guided missiles to Russia, which might offer the Russian military a significant advantage, as per CNN. As a result, the shipment is being closely watched. Since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in late February, Iranian drones have become a crucial factor in the battle. Zelensky informed the Ukrainian people that while the Iranian government says it gave a few drones to Russia before that country's full-scale invasion of Ukraine started in February, he is aware that this is untrue. He said that at least ten Iranian drones are shot down by Ukrainian forces every day, and despite Tehran's silence on the subject, officials are aware that Iranian instructors have taught the Russians how to handle the drones. The first drones were sent to Russia on Saturday, according to Iran's foreign minister, who also noted that the supplies took place before to the commencement of the conflict. A drone shipment to Russia was previously rejected by Iranian officials, The Hill reported. According to the foreign minister, Iran is unaware of how drones are being utilized in Ukraine. Official silence in the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine has been upheld by Tehran. Read Also: South Korea Detects 180 North Korean Warplanes Near Border, Prompting Seoul To Scramble Fighter Jets Zelensky Accuses Russia of Energy 'Terrorism' Russian drone attacks on military and civilian targets have continued throughout the war, and rumors suggest that Iranian drones have been ordered to assault Kyiv. In the current world, "there will be no such thing as any terrorist or any of their accomplices going unpunished," Zelensky said. While most of the intense combat in Ukraine is located in the country's east and south, the capital city of Kyiv and the districts around it are being attacked differently, using misery and disruption as weapons. Rolling blackouts for Kyiv and six other adjacent districts, including Kharkiv, have been declared by Ukraine's electrical operator under pressure as a result of Russian assaults that have damaged 40% of the nation's energy infrastructure. Additionally, unplanned emergencies outages are anticipated, as per USA Today. Sixteen regions have experienced power outages as a result of Russian drone and missile assaults, which has prompted Kyiv officials to consider organizing mass evacuations. Although they observed that 1,000 heating shelters would not be adequate for the 3 million residents of the city, they nevertheless aim to build them. In the winter, Kyiv often experiences low 20s to low 30s in temperature. Related Article: Ukraine Minister Calls Russia 'World's Top Liar' After Inspectors Disprove 'Dirty Bomb' Allegations @YouTube @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. On Sunday, a political showdown in the Sunshine State may pave the way for a contentious 2024 presidential election. Just two days before election day, Donald Trump will hold his third rally of a four-state trip on Sunday evening in Miami, Florida. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, meanwhile, will avoid Trump in Miami-Dade while traveling to three different counties for his own speaking engagements. At 5 o'clock, the former president will speak after a slew of other Republicans address the audience. Ron DeSantis vs. Donald Trump Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott of Florida, as well as Representatives Matt Gaetz, Vern Buchanan, and Michael Waltz of the House, are among those scheduled to speak before Trump. Ron DeSantis was noticeably absent from the event, which was not unexpected considering the deteriorating relationship between the rising star of the GOP and its de facto leader. Trump blasted DeSantis as "Ron De-Sanctimonious" in Pennsylvania at the second of his four rallies on Saturday night, dismissing a list of possible Republican rivals in 2024, Daily Mail reported. The well-liked Republican governor has refrained from publicly criticizing Trump, possibly mindful of how linked their supporter bases are, but has not ruled out running against him in 2024. Joe Biden vs. Ron DeSantis Moreover, at a fundraiser in Florida on Tuesday, Joe Biden referred to Governor Ron DeSantis as "Donald Trump incarnate," possibly revealing how Democrats want to portray the potential Republican presidential nominee in 2024. The president stated that the current governor lacked the capacity to bring back civility to public life and bring the nation together while speaking at a rally in favor of Charlie Crist, who is challenging DeSantis for governor of Florida. In addition, Biden criticized Republicans more broadly for their response to the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, and the ongoing contestation of the results of the 2020 election. He also criticized the Florida governor for his callous attitude, which has contributed to the toxic nature of modern US politics. The attack last week on Paul Pelosi, the husband of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, in his San Francisco home, the president said, was caused by the more violent speech that has grown over the years. At a rally later that evening in Miami, Biden urged Floridians to vote on Tuesday, saying "everything is at stake" in the next election, as per The Independent. Read Also: Missing Arkansas Pregnant Woman Found Dead, Separated from Unborn Child in Missouri US Presidential Election 2024 Former President Donald Trump, possible Republican primary rivals Ron DeSantis and Mike Pence, as well as President Joe Biden, who is considering running for reelection in 2024, are all out campaigning. In his final week of campaigning, Donald Trump visits Iowa, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, all of which play significant roles in the struggle for party control of the Senate and in his prospective 2024 presidential candidacy, which he has hinted at during the 2022 election cycle. DeSantis will continue to campaign for reelection against Charlie Crist, a Democrat, during the closing days of the midterm elections in Florida. DeSantis has traveled to battleground states including Arizona, Ohio, and Wisconsin during the election season to support Republican candidates; this is typical of aspirant presidents. Trump apparently disapproves of DeSantis' presidential campaign-style actions and has never officially backed the governor for reelection, despite DeSantis' apparent request. The former vice president and prominent former Trump adviser Mike Pence are both running for office in the last days of the midterm election. Recently, Pence ran for office in Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. On the Friday before election day, he is planned to be in Michigan, and like the other potential candidates for president, he may add campaign or media activities. If Biden decides to run for president again in 2024, Trump and other Republican contenders would undoubtedly criticize him, regardless of their disagreements. On November 20, the president will turn 80 years old. Democrats have made suggestions that he forgo the 2024 election; these suggestions may become more frequent if the Democrats perform poorly in the midterm elections. In particular, if Trump is his opponent, Biden claims he is willing to run again and is in good health. However, possible successors like Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Vice President Kamala Harris have also been involved in the midterm elections, as per USA Today. Biden will be campaigning in Maryland, New Mexico, California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. He will campaign in Pennsylvania alongside former President Barack Obama for Senate candidate John Fetterman, who is in a close battle with Oz that may determine who controls the majority in the Senate. Related Article: US Midterms: Biden, Trump Push Final Rally in Pennsylvania, Where Republicans Raise Concerns on Vote Counting @YouTube @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Whether you are visiting the south coast of Iceland or the north or anywhere in between, there are some magnificent sights awaiting you. (Photo By Arrangement) Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice, so it should come as no surprise that Iceland has quite a few unique natural wonders. Whether you are visiting the south coast of Iceland or the north or anywhere in between, there are some magnificent sights awaiting you. Here are six of the most fascinating things about this country you didnt know before. 1) The Language Icelandic is a North Germanic language spoken in Iceland, as well as by some Icelandic people in Greenland, Canada, and the USA. Icelandic has two official writing systems; Latin alphabet (since 15th century) or Icelandic alphabet (since 19th century). The country has a relatively small population which makes it hard to find native speakers. Most Icelanders speak English very well so you will have no problems communicating with them if you are not fluent in Icelandic. 2) The People Iceland is home to some of the friendliest people in the world. The Icelandic are a Scandinavian people, so they are very similar to Norwegians or Swedes. They speak their own language, Icelandic, which is related to Norwegian. Most Icelanders live in Reykjavik and other large cities in the south like Isafjorur, Akureyri, and Hofn. Aside from Reykjavik, there is also a small population in one part of West-Iceland called Islandsbr that speaks Icelandic as well. 3) How the Glaciers Formed The glaciers in Iceland are formed by snow that has accumulated over centuries. The glaciers can be seen at many places across the country, but they are most well-known on the South Coast. This area is home to some of Iceland's most popular natural attractions, such as Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Skaftafellsjokull Glacier, and VatnajokullGlacier ,. The glaciers began forming when snow was deposited on a glacier or ice sheet from water vapour from clouds. As more snow continued to accumulate, the pressure increased. Over time, this process creates what is called a glacial mass. Once you have enough ice and snow accumulation, gravity pulls it down towards the bottom of mountain slopes (known as valley glaciers). When this happens, these valley glaciers move very slowly down slopes due to gravity which causes them to form into large masses called tidewater glaciers. These can sometimes reach lengths of 20 miles long and the glaciers in Iceland are great for glacier hiking tours. 4) The Culture Iceland was settled by Vikings around 800 AD, but it wasn't until 1262 that the first permanent settler, IngolfurArnarson, arrived on Icelandic shores. The country has a population of 332,000 people who speak Icelandic as their first language (an ancient Nordic language) and live according to Viking traditions. Iceland is considered one of the most egalitarian societies in the world. Women have been fighting for gender equality since 1874 when they protested against a law that gave men better inheritance rights than women. This resulted in an 1875 constitution amendment that gave both genders equal inheritance rights; it also granted voting rights to all citizens over age 20, regardless of sex or wealth. 5) Things to Do While in Iceland Explore Reykjavik's many museums, including the National Museum of Iceland and Reykjavik Museum of Photography. Take a stroll around Tjornin Pond or visit Akureyrarkirkja Church to see where Eric the Red is buried. Hike up Mount Esja for a beautiful view over Reykjavik on a clear day Visit Harpa Concert Hall for an evening performance. Walk through Laugardalur Park to see what locals do on weekends. Take in some Icelandic art at Kjarvalsstair. 6) Facts About The Blue Lagoon The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa found on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. It is just 15 minutes from Keflavik International Airport, making it an ideal place to stop off after a long flight or before returning home. The Blue Lagoon consists of three pools, two silica mud baths and one steam bath. You can also enjoy a drink from the swim-up bar or take advantage of our massage services. There are dressing rooms available for use with lockers where you can leave your clothes if you wish. No Deccan Chronicle journalist was involved in creating this content. The group also takes no responsibility for this content. TIRUPATI: With the arrest of a foreign drug peddler and five others, the Chittoor Town-II police on Monday busted a drug racket operating from the outskirts of the district headquarters. The police seized 34-gram MDMA (Methamphetamine) crystals worth Rs 2 lakh from the accused. Disclosing the details, Chittoor SP Rishanth Reddy said the police got specific inputs from reliable sources, after which teams have been formed to keep a vigil during the last few days. Acting on information that sale of psychotropic substances was taking place near Iruvaram locality on the city outskirts, the Chittoor II town police along with local tahsildar tried to arrest eight persons in the morning. While two of the accused managed to abscond, six persons including a Sudanese national were arrested and 34 grams of MDMA worth `2 lakh seized from their possession. The arrested were K. Siraj (37) of Thavanampalle mandal, Ahmed Omar Ahmed Sayyed (28) of Sudan, K Suresh (25), S Jayashankar (32), C Pratap (26) and S Teja Kumar (22), all residents of Chittoor town. The police also arrested three others - Venkatesh, Mohan and Murali, who were part of the gang. Police said that Ahmed Omar Ahmed Sayyed belonged to Al-Mazad, Bahry, North Khartoum city. He came to India on a student visa in 2013 and has been staying in Bengaluru since then. Some of the arrested had already been booked in drug peddling cases in Bengaluru and other criminal cases in Chittoor district. Bomb squad personnel deployed at the AU Engineering College grounds as part of the security arrangements for the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Modi in Visakhapatnam on Monday. (DC Image) Visakhapatnam: Extensive security arrangements, with the deployment of over 4,000 security personnel, are being made for Prime Minister Narendra Modis arrival in Visakhapatnam on November 11. Senior police officials said that 3,601 civil cops, 415 armed reserve personnel headed by 12 additional SP rank officials, 44 DSPs and 364 circle inspectors will be deployed. Further, contingents of the SPG will also be deployed, besides three units of Octopus and six units of anti-Maoist and Greyhound squads at the venue where the Prime Minister would address the public. Police personnel also started visiting hotels, lodges and guest houses to look for suspicious arrivals. No arrest has been made so far but we are questioning suspicious people and checking all the vehicles entering the city, a senior police official said. On Monday evening, industries minister Gudivada Amarnath, MPs, the district collector, the GVMC commissioner and the police commissioner held a meeting on the PMs visit and also inspected the venue. The police said that the venue Andhra Universitys engineering college ground has a capacity of 70,000 but they will restrict it to 40,000 and accommodate another 40,000 in an open space opposite the venue for the event. The boundary wall of the ground would be removed and the ground level raised by using soil for public convenience, officials said. Scores of trees on the north side of the ground were also removed for the Prime Ministers security cover. The traffic police, meanwhile, advised the public to avoid roads from Hanumanthawaka Junction-Maddilapalem Junction, Satyam Junction-Maddilapalem, Asilmetta Junction-Maddilapalem, Hanumanthuwaka Junction-Jodugullapalem Beach Road and RK Beach Road-Jodugllapalem Beach Road on November 12, till 4 pm. The road between the National Highway and the AU Registrar's office has been closed since Sunday morning. The doctrine of basic structure was propounded by the top court in 1973 in the Keshavananda Bharati case, holding that Parliament cant amend every bit of the Constitution and aspects such as rule of law, separation of powers and judicial independence which formed part of the basic structure of the Constitution. PTI New Delhi: The Supreme Court's Constitution bench on Thursday identified three broad issues to be adjudicated in a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 10 per cent reservation given to the economically weaker sections in the general category. The three questions are: whether or not it changed the basic structure of the Constitution first by making economic criteria as the basis for reservations and second by excluding SCs, STs, OBCs and SEBs from EWS reservations and whether it could be extended to private unaided institutions. A five-judge constitution bench comprising Chief Justice Uday Umesh Lalit, Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, Justice Bela M. Trivedi and Justice J.B. Pardiwala agreed on the three issues suggested by Attorney General K.K. Venugopal for the adjudication, noting that they broadly covered all the aspects relating to the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 103th Constitution Amendment Act enacted in 2019. The Constitution bench took note of other issues suggested by several lawyers and decided to take questions framed by Attorney General Venugopal as the core issues to be decided. The bench said that the other issues were covered in the propositions by the Attorney General. One of the questions that the Constitution bench will examine is whether the law had breached the doctrine of basic structure of the Constitution by allowing the state to make such special provisions, including reservation, based on economic criteria. The other issue to be adjudicated by the Constitution bench was whether it breached the basic structure of the Constitution by excluding SCs, STs, OBCs and socially economically backward classes (SEBC) from the scope of the EWS reservation. The third issue was whether the 2019 amendment empowered the state to follow it in admissions to the private unaided institutions. The doctrine of basic structure was propounded by the top court in 1973 in the Keshavananda Bharati case, holding that Parliament cant amend every bit of the Constitution and aspects such as rule of law, separation of powers and judicial independence which formed part of the basic structure of the Constitution. CJI Lalit, speaking for the bench, asked the intervenors, including states like Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Maharashtra, to file their written submissions, assuring them that they would also be allowed to argue provided there is no repetition of arguments. The Constitution Bench had on September 6 made clear that it would commence hearing from September 13 on the batch of 40 petitions after deciding the issues for its adjudication and passing the directions to ensure a smooth hearing, after it was told that the lawyers together would take 18 hours at the most to argue. The court has spread the 18 hours over five days. VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy as president of the YSR Congress has started concentrating on the Opposition-held assembly segments and also the constituencies that were won by his party with low margins in the 2019 polls, with a view to making a clean sweep for the ruling party in the next polls. He started conducting meetings with party cadres of those segments, instilling confidence in them to beat the rivals. Opposition Telugu Desam had won 23 MLA seats while there were 22 segments that were won by YSRC with low margins. Jagan, under Mission 175-Elections 2024 started meetings and completed review of Alur, Kuppam, Tekkali, Mandapeta and Addanki assembly segments by now. The political scenario in AP is swiftly changing with speculations of TD and Jana Sena along with BJP jointly taking on the YSRC as in the 2014 elections, so as to oust Jagan Reddy from power. The YSRC got 49.95 per cent vote share, TD 39.17, JS 5.53 BJP 0.84 while the rest of the votes were shared by other political parties in AP during the 2019 polls. The TD and JS are planning to unite the opposition parties to increase the vote percentage to above 50 per cent in the 2024 elections so as to defeat the YSRC. Earlier, during the TD term, the Opposition constituencies had got no funds for development. Jagan Reddy generously allotted funds and carried out developmental activities in opposition-held constituencies too, also with a view to attracting the traditional voters of TD towards the YSRC in the next elections. He started giving top priority in allotting funds for development of TD assembly constituencies. This mission was started from Kuppam constituency, and it worked well. The YSRC won all the local elections despite Kuppam being a traditional bastion for Chandrababu Naidu, which he is winning without a break since 1989. Jagan further gave MLC Post to 33-year-old KRJ Bharat, who will be the YSRC candidate in the 2024 elections from Kuppam. The MLC post to Bharat helps him resolve public issues and push development works in Kuppam. Jagan sanctioned ` 56 crore to Kuppam municipality and took up the Kuppam branch canal works to complete it in one years time. Similarly, the CM offered MLC post to Duvvada Srinivas, who is in-charge of Tekkali assembly constituency from where TD state president Kinjarapu Atchannaidu had won the seat repeatedly. In the 2019 election, YSRC aspirant Perada Tilak lost to Atchannaidu. Hence, this time, the CM announced Srinivas as the party candidate for the 2024 elections. Further, the state government spent Rs 1,026 crore of funds for development in Tekkali segment in the past three years. Notably, there was group politics in YSRC in Tekkali. Hence, Jagan promised MLC post to Tilak and asked him to work for the win of Srinivas vis-a-vis the Tekkali assembly seat. Jagan spent Rs 1081 crore of funds in Addanki segment, which was a bastion of TD for years and prepared B Krishna Chaitanya as YSRC candidate for the2024 elections. A total of Rs 946 crore was spent in Mandapeta, which was won by V Jogeswara Rao of TD in 2019. Jagan gave MLC post to Thota Trimurthulu and chose him as YSRC aspirant for the 2024 elections. According to sources, beside the 23 seats of TD, some 22 seats were won by the YSRC with simple margins of 25 votes,708 votes, 814 votes, 838 votes and 1,000 to 9,000 vote majority. Very tough fights were registered in these 22 seats between YSRC and TD in the 2019 election. Jagan is expecting an increase in the support of the people of these constituencies to the YSRC due to development and welfare programmes. He has instructed YSRC legislators, leaders and cadres to work to retain these seats without giving any chance to TD, by mingling more with the public, explaining development and welfare. The sources said the CM will continue the reviews of all 23 TD segments in the coming days and the less- margin segments thereafter. WARANGAL: In a new development many people from Karimnagar and Warangal districts, firm in their opinion that by-elections was the way out for an appropriate development of their constituency, are calling up incumbent ministers, MLAs and MLCs demanding their resignation so as to ensure an early bypoll. It has been of such a high order that in the past one week, two ministers and five MLAs received phone calls from people questioning the progress of developmental activities in their constituencies. The more aggressive ones staged protests holding placards demanding the MLAs to resign from their post and pave the way for some sort of development. Those who received such calls included welfare minister Koppula Eshwar, food and civil supplies minister Gangula Kamalakar, legislators Rasamayi Balakishan (Manakondur), Sunke Ravi Shankar (Choppadandi), Dasari Manohar Reddy (Peddapalli), Vodithala Satish Kumar (Husnabad) and Muttireddy Yadagiri Reddy respresenting Jangaon. This has gone viral across social media platforms. One Kyatham Ramesh from Batikipally village in Pegadapally mandal, who was working in Kuwait, made a phone call to Eshwar and demanded him to resign from his post as although people from Dharmapuri constituency elected him four consecutive times as an MLA, there has hardly been any development. Those that had started were left midway through or there has been nothing beyond laying of foundation stones. Social activist Kota Shyam Kumar staged a protest holding placards in front of the collectorate demanding Kamalakar to resign from the cabinet and as an MLA in order to ensure a semblance of development in Karimnagar. Jella Chandraiah, resident of Vadluri village in Bejjanki mandal, made a phone call to Rasamayi Balakishan making a similar demand. The MLA, while claiming that enormous development has taken place in the constituency asked Chandraiah to call up Karimnagar MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar (incidentally from the BJP) and demand his resignation from the Lok Sabha. This, the MLA, said would trigger development across in the entire Karimnagar parliamentary constituency. Anugu Anil and Kalyanam Anil Kumar residents of Boinpally mandal staged a protest at Ambedkar Chowrasta compelling Ravi Shankar to resign from his post. They contended that because of by-elections, Dubbaka, Huzurabad and Munugode saw implementation of several schemes like Dalit Bandhu and developmental works. People in Choppadandi constituency can benefit if he resigns and forces a bypoll, they said. Kandhi Satish Reddy from Venkateshwara Pally village in Kohed mandal of Husnabad constituency called up Satish Kumar and demanded his resignation as the TRS government had not fulfilled its poll promises and had not taken up any developmental works in their constituency. One Ranjith Reddy, resident of Burvanmiyapet, Eligedu mandal, sought the immediate resignation of Manohar Reddy. The Peddapalli MLA asked him to come to his camp office and speak directly instead of talking on the phone. The voice recording which was posted by the call went viral on various social media platforms. One person who introduced himself as a resident of Cherial mandal made a phone call to Jangaon MLA Yadagiri Reddy and asked him about which party would win the Munugode seat. After some hesitation the MLA said the TRS candidate would win. When the person asked the MLA if it would be better if there was a byelection in Jangaon also, the MLA cut the call. Interestingly even senior Congress leader and MLC T. Jeevan Reddy received one such phone call. Salvaji Madhav Rao of Dharmaram mandal of Peddapalli district demanded the MLC to resign from his post. To Jeevan Reddys question, the caller said following his resignation, the government will open its eyes and try to resolve all issues pertaining to graduates. The decision of the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27), now underway at Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt, to take on its agenda funding for loss and damage for poor nations is welcome in the limited sense that it is an admission of the rich and industrialised nations of their role in polluting the planet. Experience, however, shows that such promises to compensate for environmental sins are more met in their breach than observance. In theory, loss and damage refers to costs nations have incurred from weather extremes or impacts. They include unprecedented rains, droughts and rising sea levels which impact the poor nations mostly and poorest sections in all nations. The rich nations had at the UN climate meet in Copenhagen 12 years ago agreed to channel $100 billion a year to less wealthy nations by 2020 so that they can adapt to climate change and get ready for future changes. That the exact numbers are still not available points to the failure of the promise. All that we have on record is an admission by UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres that We are not there yet and a UN report that the target was out of reach. The one silver line is that COP26 which met at Glasgow last year was not even open to the idea of compensation but that position has changed now. However, the larger issue is not about compensation; its the mismatch of the payment that the polluters of the past are told to make and the sacrifices asked of those who are now being accused of polluting. A just solution should begin with a binding agreement by the rich nations to cut down on their consumption but that has not happened yet. They either refuse to join such protocols or withdraw from them at will. Its their commitment to such promises and agreements that matters most. Funds are just a reflection of it. As the East Asian nation indicates intent to assault military bases and operation command systems, North Korea said on Monday that its latest missile tests were designed as practice to "mercilessly" hit South Korean and American targets. In defiance of recent US-South Korean air force drills, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) heightened geopolitical tensions last week by firing dozens of missiles into the sea. Some locations in South Korea and Japan were evacuated in response to the DPRK's missile testing. North Korea Missile Tests Military representatives of the Korean People's Army (KPA) revealed that one of the missiles tested had a unique functional warhead intended with "paralyzing the operating command system of the adversary." Per Fox News, the military declaration demonstrates Kim Jong Un's determination to stand his ground against US and South Korean soldiers. On Thursday, the two nations released a joint statement warning that any nuclear assaults might terminate Kim Jong Un's authority. On Monday, the military of North Korea made no mention of any plans to strike the US mainland. Experts believe that nearly every missile fired by North Korea this week was likely a short-range nuclear-capable weapon, bringing US military sites in South Korea within striking distance. The military of the North claimed to have fired tactical ballistic missiles, super-large, multiple-launch missiles, and a significant test of a ballistic missile with a specific functional warhead tasked with "paralyzing the operating command system of the adversary." It omitted specifically mentioning a rumored intercontinental ballistic missile launch on Thursday that was intended to strike the US mainland, NBC News reported. The majority of the short-range North Korean missiles that were fired last week were almost all nuclear-capable. They put important military targets in South Korea, including as American military installations, within striking distance. Later on Monday, the military of South Korea challenged several of the North's claims regarding its missile testing. The North's cruise missile launches were not detected by South Korea, according to spokesperson Kim Jun-rak, and it is noteworthy that North Korea made no mention of what Seoul believed to be an unusual ICBM flight. Read Also: Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelensky Blames Iran for Helping Russia Prolong Devastating War US-South Korea Joint Military Drills The annual fall air force exercises known as 'Vigilant Storm' between the United States and South Korea this year were the biggest ever. Approximately 240 warplanes, including both nations' powerful F-35 fighter jets, participated in the drills. The exercises were originally scheduled to last five days, finishing on Friday, but the allies decided to extend the training by one more day in response to the North's missile testing. The United States flew two B-1B supersonic bombers over South Korea on Saturday, the last day of the air force drills, as a show of force against North Korea. This was the aircraft's first such flyover since December 2017. The B-1Bs' involvement in the joint exercises, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, showed that the allies were prepared to "sternly respond" to North Korean provocations and that the US was committed to defending its partner with all of its military resources, including nuclear. Particularly in times of high tension, Pyongyang has denounced the use of US strategic weapons like B-1Bs and aircraft carrier strike groups. The US Air Force refers to the supersonic B-1B "Lancer" aircraft as "the backbone of America's long-range bomber force" although it no longer carries nuclear bombs. The Lancer can carry up to 34 tonnes (75,000 pounds) of weaponry, including laser-guided bombs and cruise missiles, according to the USAF. By refueling in-flight, the B-1B's range may be increased, enabling it to carry out attacks anywhere in the world, as per Daily Mail. North Korea would view the deployment of the B-1B as a "serious danger" given its standing as a strategic US asset, according to Ahn Chan-il, an expert on North Korean studies said. A day before to the deployment of the B-1B, South Korea had scrambled fighter jets in response to the mobilization of what it claimed to be 180 or more North Korean warplanes. According to experts, Pyongyang is especially sensitive about these drills since its air force is one of its military's weakest points and lacks modern planes and well-trained pilots. Vigilant Storm has witnessed some of the most cutting-edge US and South Korean jets in action, including F-35 stealth fighters, in contrast to North Korea's aging fleet. Related Article: South Korea Detects 180 North Korean Warplanes Near Border, Prompting Seoul To Scramble Fighter Jets @YouTube @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Disclaimer: Deccan Herald does not vouch, endorse, or guarantee any of the above content, nor is it liable for any claims arising thereof. For a long, Amazon long has been offering the simple wake phrase 'Alexa' for smart devices and Google followed it by simplifying the Ok/Hey Google to invoke or continue the conversation with a digital assistant. But, Apple device owners have to always use the prefix 'Hey' to start a conversation with Siri. Now, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman citing confidential sources has claimed that Apple may simplify the phrase words for the smart voice assistant on its products. For most people, dropping the 'Hey' from Siri wake phrase may sound like an easy job but it isn't. It is said to be a huge technical challenge, as Apple engineers have to recode the algorithm of the AI (artificial intelligence) model, which by the way has to work on the device. It has to be able to understand the dialect or accent of people correctly to have a normal continued conversation to do tasks on the device. Apple is already testing within the company among employees. But, it continues to evaluate the feedback and makes changes for several months. The company may take a year if not more to make conversation with Siri better on Apple devices. If things go as planned, the Siri update may come by the end of 2023 or early 2024. On a related note, Apple is expected to bring new Macs in early 2023. Last month, the company was speculated to bring new M2-based Mac PCs along with the new iPad, iPad Pro, and Apple TV 4K, but only the latter three made their official debut. Now, the latest report indicates, the Cupertino-based company has big plans in 2023 and may kick off with new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with faster and more powerful M2 silicon as early as January or February. Must read | Apple iPhone 14 Plus review: Power-packed mobile Get the latest news on new launches, gadget reviews, apps, cybersecurity, and more on personal technology only on DH Tech. In July, when a critical deal was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey to free up millions of pounds of desperately needed Ukrainian grain, India played an important behind-the-scenes role in helping sell the plan to Russia, which had been blockading the grain ships. Two months later, when Russian forces were shelling the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine, leaving the world anxious about a nuclear catastrophe, India stepped in again and asked Russia to back off. Throughout the Ukraine war, India has quietly assisted during a few pivotal moments such as these. This week, Indias foreign minister S Jaishnkar is traveling to Moscow for meetings with Russian officials on economic and political issues. Diplomats and foreign policy experts are watching closely to see if India can use its unique leverage as one of the worlds largest countries that is a friend to both East and West to press Russia to end its war in Ukraine. Officials within the Indian government have already been discussing what role India might play in peacemaking efforts, when the time is right. Russia and Ukraine are far from negotiating with each other; Ukraine feels it has momentum on the battlefield and is in no mood to talk, and Russia is hardly relenting either. But the widespread belief is that if the fighting reaches a stalemate, and the energy crisis makes life really miserable in Ukraine and across Europe this winter, the prospect of a negotiated settlement or at least a cease-fire may possibly arise. That could open up a role for an enterprising neutral country or some small group of them to try to broker peace. Earlier this year, President Emmanuel Macron of France floated the idea of hosting peace talks along with Indias leader, Narendra Modi, according to two Indian officials. The Franco-Indian effort never materialized. But it showed that India is increasingly viewed as a potential peacemaker with access to both sides. Read | US urges Ukraine to be open to talks with Russia Were Russia and Ukraine to express interest in having a neutral third party mediate, said Jeff M. Smith, director of the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation, a Washington research institute, India would be a strong candidate with credibility on both sides. India has long tried to balance its ties to Russia and the West. During the 1950s and 60s, it was a leader of the Non-Aligned Movement, a loose alliance of the worlds poorest and smallest nations that tried to navigate a path through the Cold War without joining one side or the other. Even as India has grown its now the second most populous country after China and the worlds fifth largest economy it is still trying to squeeze itself through a geopolitical needle. It has cultivated closer relations with the United States but Moscow remains a trusted partner, a key energy supplier and the source of much of the Indian militarys weaponry. Modi seems to enjoy a good rapport with Russias leader, Vladimir Putin, with whom he shares certain strongman characteristics. He can speak to Russia directly, which may be why Macron approached Modi about joint peace talks. But the Ukraine crisis and the escalating tensions between Russia and the West are testing Indias tightrope act. It continues to buy Russian oil, lots of it, which angers Ukraine and the United States. And it has refused to support resolutions at the United Nations that have condemned Russias aggression. As they faced pressure from the West, Indian officials all along privately maintained that calling out Russia would achieve little, while staying neutral at least in public could come in handy in efforts to end the war. So while India has refrained from directly criticizing Russia, it has expressed concern about the violence and suffering the invasion has caused. At a regional summit in Uzbekistan in September, Modi said the whole world was paying the price and told Putin, Todays era is not of war. He said he wanted to discuss how we can move forward on the path of peace. Modi, Indias most powerful prime minister in decades, has been trying to refashion the countrys tradition of nonalignment into a more commanding strategy an all alignment of sorts. Peacemaking could carve a more prominent place for India in the global order and possibly bring it closer to a long-sought prize of a fairer power distribution a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. And trying to solve the worlds biggest crisis seems to have appealed to Modis ambitions to go down in history as one of Indias greatest leaders. But when Macron approached Modi about peace talks, Indian officials said it wasnt clear what the West wanted as an ultimate settlement for the Ukraine war: Should Ukraine cede territory to Russia? Who would enforce any cease-fire that was struck? Indian officials said that after Macron got swept up in his reelection campaign, the idea faded anyway. Indian officials have recently dropped hints about playing a bigger mediating role. At a conference last month in New Zealand, S Jaishankar, Indias foreign minister, asked, How do you get to facilitate at least the ability for the participants in the conflict to sit down and talk? Whatever we can do, he said, we will be willing to do. Jaishankar, who holds a doctorate in nuclear diplomacy, has been the chief theorist, as well as the chief implementer, of Indias new foreign-policy approach. When not shuttling between world capitals, he gives frequent and candid lectures at universities and research institutions. In his 2020 book The India Way, he said Indias rise would be determined by how it navigates a world of naked self-interest. India sees an expansionist China, whose troops have clashed with the Indian military high in the Himalayas, as the No. 1 threat. This has shaped how India has reacted to Russias invasion of Ukraine. India doesnt want to openly antagonize Moscow, a reason often cited for why it has abstained on the UN resolutions critical of Russia. Russia and China have become leading members of the critics of the West and say they have a special relationship, and India is wary about pushing Russia any closer to China. India could play a significant role if Russia reaches a point in the conflict where it is looking for friends or partners to bridge the gap with the West, said C. Raja Mohan, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute in New Delhi. Otherwise, Indias facilitating role between Russian and Ukraine would be limited, he said. Fundamentally, it is still a European question, it is a trans-Atlantic question, Mohan said. Putin, though, has been complimentary about India and Chinas push for dialogue, saying, These are our close allies, partners, and we respect their position. Another possibility that diplomats have floated is a joint mediation effort led by India, Israel and the United Arab Emirates, nations a sliver of Indias size but geopolitical players that have similarly tried to stay neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war. The fact that these issues are being discussed and that some officials are contemplating an India, Israel, UAE mediation effort is a significant development, said Kenneth Juster, a former US ambassador to India. That these three countries could be working together and possibly approaching Russia to mediate its dispute with Ukraine, he said, illustrates the fluidity of the international system and the changes that have occurred in it. He added that the Indian foreign service has very skillful diplomats, and that if they offered to help with talks, when Russian and Ukraine were ready for them, that would be good. Negotiations in March brokered by Turkeys leader, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, failed. Since then the Ukrainians have only suffered more. More mass graves have been discovered. More remains of civilians brutalized by Russian forces have been unearthed. More Russian missiles have slammed into cities, casting countless Ukrainians into darkness and cold. This leaves just about all Ukrainians, from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on down, dead set against negotiations. Ukrainians are also perhaps more skeptical about India, largely because India keeps buying Russian oil, which the Ukrainians say helps finance the bloodshed in their country. Yuri Makarov, the chief editor of the Ukrainian national broadcasting company and a popular commentator based in Kyiv, was surprised to hear that Indian officials had been contemplating peace efforts. I wonder if they have their own idea of the real Ukrainian situation, he said, adding that he had yet to meet any Indian diplomats, intellectuals or journalists in Kyiv. His instinct, he said, was that Israel or Turkey would be better informed mediators, if negotiations were to resume. Still, Makarov said, Russia doesnt want Ukraine to exist. He added, So I dont see an option for talks, sadly. The two African cheetahs made their first kill within hours of their release in a larger enclosure at Kuno National Park where they were brought in from Namibia on September 17. The cheetahs hunted down a cheetal (spotted deer) either late Sunday or in the wee hours of Monday and the monitoring staff from the forest department got the information on Monday, Madhya Pradesh Forest official Uttam Kumar Sharma said. The first batch of eight animals five females and three males was released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17 in their designated quarantine enclosure or boma. They were provided with buffalo meat. Also Read | The genesis of the cheetah relocation As per protocol, the animals have been kept under observation to check if they develop diseases and adjust well to the new climate. The first pair two males named Freddie and Alton were released in a larger enclosure spreading over 98 hectares on Saturday after being quarantined for seven weeks. The successful first hunt by the cheetahs within 24 hours of moving to the larger enclosure has allayed the park management's concerns about their prey-hunting ability. The cheetahs eat their prey within two hours of hunting, Sharma said. The other six cheetahs named Savannah, Sasha, Obaan, Asha, Cibili and Saisa would also be released in the larger enclosure with live prey in a phased manner. The park originally prepared as the second site for Asiatic lions will have 20 animals initially. Over the next five years 4-8 animals plan to be brought in every year till the park was saturated, officials said. The current carrying capacity for Kuno (748 sq km area) is a maximum of 21 cheetahs. Once restored fully, the larger landscape can hold about 36 animals. The carrying capacity can be further enhanced by including the remaining part of the Kuno Wildlife Division (1,280 sq km) through prey restoration. To establish a meta-population with spotted cats at Kuno and three other proposed sites - Nauradehi, Gandhisagar and Mukundara forests - India would have to import African cheetahs (2-4 animals) at a gap of every 1-4 years for the next 15 years because of the cub mortality of 30-60 per cent and adult mortality of 12-15 per cent among the animals, according to a document prepared by the ministry. India is negotiating with South Africa to bring another 20 animals. Opposition Monday spoke in different voices on the Supreme Court upholding 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS) with the Congress welcoming it, and the DMK finding fault with the judgment. Trinamool Congress (TMC) officially preferred "no comments as of now" even as one of its senior MPs, Saugata Roy, welcomed the judgment as "historic". In a statement, Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh said the party welcomed the judgment. Congress also sought to take credit for the EWS quota with Ramesh saying the amendment itself was the result of a process initiated by the Manmohan Singh government in 2005-06 with the appointment of the Sinho Commission that submitted its report in July 2010. Also read | SC upholds 10% reservation for economically weaker sections in 3-2 majority "Thereafter, widespread consultations were held and the Bill was ready by 2014. It took Modi Sarkar five years to get the Bill enacted. It also bears mention here that the Socio-Economic and Caste Census was completed by 2012, when I myself was the Union Rural Development Minister. The Modi Sarkar has yet to clarify its position on an updated Caste Census, something that the Congress party supports and demands," he added. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK supremo MK Stalin described the verdict as a "setback" to the century-long social justice struggle even as he urged other parties and like-minded organisations in the state to come together to ensure that their voice is heard across the country. He said legal experts would be consulted after a thorough analysis of the judgment and a decision will be taken on the next step to continue the struggle against the EWS reservation. "From the land of Tamil Nadu, which made the first constitutional amendment to protect social justice, I request like-minded organisations to unite to make the voice of social justice resound throughout the country," he said. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol Thirumavalavan, a DMK ally, also opposed the judgment saying it is not for the poor in all castes. "This is meant for the poor among the upper caste. In that case, how can this be construed as a judgment based on economic criteria?" he said. TMC chief spokesperson Sukhendu Sekhar Ray said the party has "nothing to say on it as of now" but another party MP Saugata Roy said it is a big step towards achieving economic equality in the country. "Parliament had unanimously passed the legislation for having 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker sections. That was challenged in the Supreme Court. The apex court has upheld the amendment, and this is a big step towards achieving economic equality in the country," Roy said. Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Abdul Sattar used an offensive word against NCP leader and Baramati MP Supriya Sule, which has now snowballed into a major political issue in the state. Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi partners Sharad Pawar-led NCP, Congress and Uddhav Thackeray group of Shiv Sena have demanded that Sattar be sacked immediately, putting the Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis government on the back foot. The NCP has launched state-wide protests against Sattar, who is an MLA from Sillod in Aurangabad. Sules husband Sadanand Sule condemned the statement. So the misogynistic leaders continue their tirade against Supriya and by default all women, who stand up to their macho behaviour and expose their character and abilities. First, it was to work in the kitchen and elsewhere, and now this statement by a sitting cabinet Minister in Maharashtra tantamounts to giving her money the conjecture is well established. These are the people who are legislators and claim to be part of a new progressive government they give a damn about anyone but themselves and least of all women, Sule tweeted. In 24 hours, Sattar should be removed from the Cabinet, NCP state chief spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said. An Extremely crass and shameful statement on Ms.@supriya_sule by Maharashtra minister @AbdulSattar_99. This is an insult to all women and shows his cheap mindset.#AbdulSattar and his likes should stop testing our patience because we know how to protect the dignity of our women. pic.twitter.com/1lCY0iLA1C Clyde Crasto - (@Clyde_Crasto) November 7, 2022 Meanwhile, NCP national spokesperson Clyde Crasto said, The statement is an insult to all women and shows his cheap mindset. Sattar and his likes should stop testing our patience because we know how to protect the dignity of our women. NCP Womens wing leader Vidya Chavan also demanded that Shinde must sack Sattar or seek his resignation within 24 hours failing which they would block his entry to Mantralaya, the state secretariat. As protests erupted, Sattar, who was earlier defiant and refused to withdraw his comments or apologise, came around. I was only replying to those defaming us with allegations like pannas khokhe. However, if any woman feels that I have offended them in any manner, I hereby withdraw my words and also apologise I am sorry. Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray, who was in Buldhana, lashed out at Sattar. So now Abdul Gaddar has made a statement, he said. State Congress President Nana Patole said, This is the Hindutva of the ED governmentthey are now openly abusing ladies. Politics in Maharashtra was never like this. As a damage control exercise, Balasahebs Shiv Sena chief spokesperson and Education and Marathi Language Minister Deepak Kesarkar tendered an apology. As spokesperson, I have apologised on behalf of Abdul Sattar. We respect Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule, but there is no question of giving resignation," Kesarkar said. The Karnataka government has ordered a CID investigation into the death of Dalit activist P Deekaiah, official sources said. Deekaiah was found unconscious with head injuries in his house in Belthangady in Dakshina Kannada district on July 6, when other occupants were away. He was admitted to a private hospital in Mangaluru where he died on July 8. The body was buried at his native village of Kaniyoor after his organs were donated. Also Read | Dalit man beaten to death for 'stealing' guava in Uttar Pradesh A complaint was later filed with the police by his family members, who suspected foul play behind the death. A case was registered and the body was exhumed in the presence of Belthangady tahsildar on July 18. The family members of Deekaiah later demanded a CID probe, blaming the police were not conducting the investigation in a proper manner. The state government, in its order on November 4, has asked the Belthangady police to hand over the case file to the CID, sources said. Released: November 4, 2022 With the Nov. 8 General Election only a few days away, Delaware County Elections is reminding voters that their vote-by-mail ballot must be properly completed, sealed, signed, and dated to be counted. Any vote-by-mail ballot whether a no-excuse mail-in ballot or a traditional absentee ballot that is considered flawed may be disqualified. Flawed ballots are those that are damaged, unsigned, undated, improperly dated, unsealed, or not placed in the secrecy envelope before being placed in the larger Ballot Return Envelope. The Bureau of Elections is responsible for reviewing all vote-by-mail ballot envelopes that are returned in Delaware County. Vote-by-mail ballots that are reviewed and determined to be flawed are then segregated, and the Bureau attempts to contact voters by emails or letters to give the voters a chance to obtain a new ballot at the Voter Service Center. Voters who included an email address on their applications should check their inbox or spam box for such notification. Voters who receive notification that the ballot envelope is flawed must correct the ballot in-person at the Voter Service Center, located on the 1st floor of the Government Center Building, at 201 W. Front St., in Media, PA. Voters will have the opportunity to receive a replacement ballot and complete and return their ballot during the same visit. Voters Valid ID is required. Voter Service Center Location and Hours 201 W. Front St., Media, PA (Accessible from the Orange Street or 3rd Street entrance) Saturday, Nov. 5: 9 a.m. - 12 noon Monday, Nov. 7: 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8: 7:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. Voters who have yet to receive their vote-by-mail ballot can check the status at delcopa.gov/ballot-tracker and may visit the Voter Service Center to obtain a replacement ballot. Voters with questions related to their vote-by-mail ballot, or questions about any aspect of the upcoming Nov. 8, 2022 General Election are urged to call the Delaware County Election Hotline at (610) 891-VOTE, or visit the Delaware County election website Delco Votes! delcopa.gov/vote. A 24-year-old man warned his ex-partner he wouldn't 'be locked up forever' during his arrest for assaulting her earlier this year. David Cunningham, of no fixed abode, appeared at Coleraine Magistrates Court on Monday via video link in connection with the incident in July 2022. The defendant entered guilty pleas to two charges of common assault, resisting police, assault on police and making threats to kill. The court heard police had been called to a domestic incident at the Drummond Hotel, Ballykelly during the early hours of July 26 2022. It had been reported that there had been an altercation between the defendant and the injured party outside the hotel, during which the injured party had been left with bruising. The defendant had left the scene when police arrived and spoke to the injured party, who said she had been assaulted by Cunningham and that he had 'punched her'. While police were speaking with the injured party, the defendant returned to the scene, became aggressive towards her and punched a police constable attempting to restrain him. The defendant continued to be aggressive towards the injured party, making threats and warning her: I'll not be locked up forever. During police interview, the defendant said: I hope she's in witness protection because when I get out of here I'm going to murder her. Defence for Cunningham said his behaviour was 'deplorable', but that he had entered guilty pleas to all charges and had spent significant time already in custody. They said the defendant was homeless and had grown up in the care system. Judge King asked the defendant if he was still in a relationship with the injured party, to which he replied that he was not. If we stay together it's not going to make any of us happy, added the defendant. The judge sentenced him to a total of five months' imprisonment with the defendant freed on time already served. A 25 offender's levy and a restraining order were also imposed. An official portrait of the late John Hume will be unveiled in Westminster, following a commission from the Speakers Advisory Committee on Works of Art. The portrait will be unveiled on Monday (November 7, 2022). Painted by the critically acclaimed artist Colin Davidson, the portrait of the former MP for Foyle will hang in Portcullis House, one of the busiest buildings on the Parliamentary Estate, and marks the contribution the Nobel Peace Prize winner made during his 22 years as a Westminster MP. Painted over a number of weeks at Davidsons studio in the North, it is based on sketches the artist made during sittings with Hume in 2016, four years before he died. The official portrait of the late John Hume by Colin Davidson. UK Parliament WOA 7738 First elected to the Foyle constituency in 1983, John Hume was a leading figure in the Northern Irish civil rights movement. He was leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) from 1979 to 2001 and one of the key architects of the peace process. In 1998 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace alongside David Trimble, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party for their efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Northern Ireland. Supported by his wife Pat, Humes work won him support from across the political spectrum both at home and abroad. He continues to be remembered fondly by Members who served alongside him in the House of Commons, as well as those who came after him. Following a proposal from the Member for Belfast South, Claire Hanna (SDLP), the Speakers Advisory Committee on Works of Art were pleased to commission the portrait as a permanent addition to the Parliamentary Art Collection, recognising Humes important role in promoting peace and reconciliation across Northern Ireland, Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Social Democratic and Labour Party Leader Colum Eastwood MP said the new portrait of John Hume at Westminster is a fitting tribute to the peacemaker. Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said: "Since Johns passing in 2020 we have seen numerous tributes paid to him around the world. From his home city of Derry, to Brussels, Dublin, Washington and now Westminster, the enormous contribution that John made to peace here and his lasting legacy has been fondly remembered and immortalised in everything from sculptures to paintings and stage performances. "During his political career John wore many hats, he led the SDLP, served as an MEP and was a regular visitor to America to advocate for peace. This remarkable portrait from Colin Davidson recognises the over 20 years John spent serving people in Derry as their MP. He continued: When he was first elected in 1983 the North was embroiled in turmoil and by the time he retired things had changed unimaginably largely due to his efforts. Its fitting that his contribution to achieving peace on this island will be permanently recognised at Westminster." South Belfast MP Claire Hanna said: "Johns contribution to our lives has been incalculable and he is an inspiration for anyone choosing to pursue their goals through political and parliamentary means. He knew the value of protest and campaigning, but also the need to create and use political and democratic levers to achieve change. His commitment to peace created the three-strand concept embedded in the Good Friday Agreement and he knew each has to be nurtured. "Were delighted that his portrait, in such a prominent location in Westminster, will remind and encourage UK parliamentarians to understand and value the Agreements principles. Colin Davidson has also made a huge contribution to public life through art, using his incredible skills to communicate truth in accessible ways - there was no better fit for this paintings commission." Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP said: John Hume was one of the true giants of Northern Irish politics. An advocate for democracy across these islands and beyond, it was important for the House to ensure that Hume was finally represented in the Collection. He was also one of the most important and impactful parliamentarians of his generation, and is greatly missed by colleagues and Members - both here in Westminster and in Europe. Colin Davidson has captured a wonderful likeness, and the Committee and I are delighted to accept this work into the Parliamentary Art Collection. Colin Davidson is a contemporary artist, living and working near Belfast, Northern Ireland. A graduate of the University of Ulster, he has won international recognition for his portraits and is considered one of Northern Irelands most important artists. As well as numerous commissions, Davidsons sitters have included several Northern Irish and Irish politicians, including Lord David Trimble, the Revd Ian Paisley (Baron Bannside), President of Ireland Michael D Higgins and Martin McGuinness. Entitled John Hume, Davidson began working on the posthumous portrait in 2022. Completed earlier this summer, the painting is oil on canvas measuring 37x40 inches, in keeping with the artists commitment to large-scale, impactful works. Hume is shown adjusting his glasses and focusing on the gaze of the person looking at him, retaining a curious, yet quietly self-assured pose. Davidson first painted Hume in 2016, as part of a private commission. Sitting with John for over two hours, he made a number of sketches as Hume read stories from Silent Testimony, Davidsons collection of portraits and stories of individuals affected by The Troubles. These sketches went on to form the basis of the new composition. Colin Davidson said: Six years ago I was honoured to spend time with John Hume, drawing and sketching a man who had become a personal hero for me. Over the last year, I have revisited these drawings and created something new a different portrait painting which, I hope, captures Johns focused vision and strength of character. John meant so much to so many people across these islands. We would not have peace in this part of the world without him, so it is appropriate that this new portrait of John Hume will hang in Westminster now for people to visit and hopefully draw inspiration from. I am grateful to both the Committee - and of course the Hume family, for the privilege. Tim Attwood, Chair of the John and Pat Hume Foundation said: It is wonderful that Colin Davidson was commissioned by the House of Commons, not only because he is a local and internationally acclaimed artist, but also because Colin, through his work with WAVE, is a campaigner for victims and survivors. His Silent Testimony exhibition features 18 large-scale portraits, capturing the pain and hurt of individuals who suffered loss during the Troubles. Like John and Pat Hume he is a courageous voice for peace and reconciliation. The portrait of John Hume will be sited alongside other artworks from the Parliamentary Art Collection, in the publicly accessible area of the first floor of Portcullis House. Installation of the work is expected to complete early next year. Members of the public can view the work when attending Select Committee meetings during sitting times, as well as during special tour events which are scheduled at various periods throughout the year. North Korea's military said Monday its recent series of missile tests were preparations to "mercilessly" assault South Korean and United States targets with missiles that possibly contained nuclear warheads. Kim Jong Un's announcement shows he won't back down from his rivals' efforts to intensify military exercises. However, according to some experts, Kim also used their drills as a pretext to update his nuclear weapons and gain more clout in upcoming negotiations with Washington and Seoul, according to a report published by Yahoo! News. Tensions Between the Two Koreas Further Intensify Last week, in protest of extensive US-South Korean air force drills that the North considers an invasion practice, Pyongyang launched dozens of North Korea Missile tests and sent jets flying into the sea, causing evacuation alerts in some South Korean and Japanese communities. Officials from the United States and South Korea replied that they would improve their joint training exercises and warned the North that the use of nuclear weapons would lead to the overthrow of Kim's leadership. The General Staff of North Korea military declared in a statement released by state media that the recent comparable military operations by the Korean People's Army are "a clear answer" of North Korea that "the more thoroughly and mercilessly the KPA will counter them." It said the North Korea Missile tests featured ballistic missiles armed with dispersion and subsurface infiltration warheads to hit enemy air bases, ground-to-air missiles designed to "annihilate" enemy aircraft at varying heights and distances, and strategic missile systems that landed in international waters 80 kilometers (50 miles) off South Korea's southeastern coastal city of Ulsan. According to the North's military, it also conducted a significant test of a ballistic missile with a unique functional warhead that was tasked with "paralyzing the operation command system of the enemy." This may be a simulation of electromagnetic pulse strikes, but experts doubt North Korea possesses the technology needed to perform this type of attack. North Korea stated its latest missile launches were modeled assaults on South Korea and the US during a "dangerous war drill," while the South said it had retrieved North Korean missile components near its coast. Read Also: Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelensky Blames Iran for Helping Russia Prolong Devastating War Pyongyang Blasts 'Vigilant Storm' Al Jazeera reported that the North Korea military described the "Vigilant Storm" exercises as an obvious provocation designed to deliberately escalate tensions" and a "dangerous war exercise of a very high aggressive nature." In Vigilant Storm, hundreds of US and South Korean fighter jets, including B-1B bombers, took part. Since December 2017, B-1B aircraft had not traveled to the Korean Peninsula. The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea stated during a briefing on Monday that North Korea not mentioning the ICBM had not altered their opinion that the missile was an ICBM that "did not fly normally." The absence of the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Monday's state media report, according to retired South Korean Lt. Gen. Chun In-bum, indicates that the North Korea military did not want to make North Koreans aware of its failure. As per a CNN report, he said that since the third phase failed, whatever North Korea claims, it ignored UN resolutions and "peace overture of the alliance and conducted a provocative test of an ICBM and it seems it didn't achieve its intended goal." The former South Korean military official also suggested: "focus on the facts, not on what North Korea claims." Related Article: South Korea Detects 180 North Korean Warplanes Near Border, Prompting Seoul To Scramble Fighter Jets @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Feis Dhoire Cholmcille has been gifted a wonderful new shield in memory of Charlie McDaid, a Feis stalwart who sadly passed away in October 2021. Charlies wife, Celine, and his daughter, Joanne, presented the shield to the Feis Committee in the Millennium Forum on Saturday. Speaking to Derry News, Celine said the Charlie McDaid Memorial Shield would be awarded for storytelling and would be accompanied by a bursary. Joanne Ghosh (right) presenting the Charlie McDaid Memorial Shield to Betty Gallagher, Speech and Drama Secretary of Feis Dhoire Cholmcille. Thanking Celine and Joanne for the McDaid familys generosity, Betty Gallagher, the Speech and Drama Secretary of Feis Dhoire Cholmcille, described Charlie as a true gentleman. Writing in Leabhar na Feise 2022, Betty paid tribute to Charlie saying: Charlie always made time to talk and listen to everyone. He was a giant of a man who had a gift of the gab and was a fantastic story teller. He had a wicked sense of humour and a smile as wide as the Foyle Bridge. Charlies family took part in the Feis and when their competing days were over he returned to Feis Dhoire Cholmcille as a stage steward. There wasnt anything that Charlie couldnt handle. His booming voice and ready wit made him popular with the committee, parents and the competitors. Charlie will be missed this year and the committee of Feis Dhoire Cholmcille wish to extend their condolences to the McDaid family. May he rest in peace. Fondly recalling her husband, Celine said Charlies background had been in nursing but he had loved to entertain people. His whole life, from when he was 18 until he took early retirement at 55, was devoted to nursing. He trained in London and he subsequently worked in Gransha and Stradreagh, in mental health and learning disability. In Charlies day it was called Special Care then they changed the title to Learning Disability, in the 70s and 80s, said Celine. Charlie was interested in storytelling and he loved doing monologues. He would have told yarns, jokes and had the craic. He had a long history of being MC in the Father Daly concerts in St Columbs Hall back in the days of Frank Carson. He would also have compered concerts around the country at that time. He would also have been asked to be the after dinner speaker for some of the sports clubs. If you were talking to Pat Henderson and her family, they would say Charlie did so much to help Pat with her action songs. He would have got a lend of the old screens they had in hospitals, for dividing up the stage and providing background. More recently In the Feis, Charlie was Stage Steward, said Celine. Charlie also actively encouraged his children to take part in Feis Dhoire Cholmcille. So the three of them, Tessa, Joanne and Cahir, all competed, smiled Celine. Laughing, Joanne said: We did anything and everything in the Feis. We did Irish dancing, singing, speech and drama and instrumental. The whole family was at the Feis for the week. We would have had a big timetable on the wall showing who needed to be in which building at what time. In the days before mobile phones it was a real logistical feat, moving around between venues, getting to the different competitions, and, maybe, having two competitions and the same time in two different places. I remember the team dances especially because you had to be there for the team, no question. With something like singing you could sing out of order or you could ask to go first because you needed to be at a different competition or you could go on last, said Joanne. Celine, who also nursed in Gransha, said she was very touched to read Charlies Remembering Friends of the Feis tribute in Leabhar Feis 2022. I was very appreciative of the tribute they wrote in this years Feis book. We did not know about it. I came to the Feis with Cahir and Jemma and their girls this Easter. I was standing outside waiting to get in, I opened the Feis book and who was looking back at me, but Charlie. Charlie enjoyed life and loved people. He never passed anyone. He talked to everyone. Joanne said: We used to joke that my daddy knew half of Derry and the other half knew him. He was really good craic and very mischievous. The story about him getting through the army checkpoint on Craigavon Bridge in the 1980s has gone down in family lore. I was two years old and he needed to drop me to the childminder before he started his shift in Stradreagh. We were over the town and needed to get to Altnagelvin, so daddy drove up the outside of the checkpoint, right up to the soldiers. They were all, Whos this jumping the line? Well, daddy said, This child in the back is up for adoption in Belfast and I need to have her on the 2 oclock train. They just waved him through, said Joanne wistfully. Celine added that if Charlie had won the lotto, he would have wanted to build a centre for people for whom alcohol was a problem in Derry. That was the mark of the man. Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how a man with 117 previous convictions admitted being disorderly in Altnagelvin Hospital and assaulting police on November 5. Leo Doherty (31) with an address at St Colman's Drive in Strabane admitted two charges of assault on police and one charge of disorderly behaviour in Altnagelvin Hospital on November 5. A barrister asked for a pre-sentence report to be prepared and for bail in the meantime. A police officer said that given Doherty's record and the fact there were 26 breaches of bail police were seeking a remand in custody. He told the court that Doherty was at his home address and was clearly under the influence of drink or drugs. The Ambulance Service asked for police assistance in taking him to hospital and when they did so he became aggressive and lashed out at police. He struck one officer in the chest and assaulted another. Defence counsel Dean Mooney said his client's record 'gave cause for concern'. He said Doherty had been offence free for almost a year. Bail was granted on condition he observe a curfew and wear a tag and a stains from alcohol. He will be sentenced on December 30, One county only has eight electric vehicle charging points with another four counties having less than 30, a new report has found. The lack of adequate electric vehicle (EV) charge point infrastructure in rural Ireland raises serious doubts about the governments ability to deliver on the Climate Action Plans commitment to have almost one million EVs on Irish roads by 2030, according to the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA). A new report identifies that the Northern and Western region (Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Leitrim, Roscommon, Monaghan and Cavan) has 488 publicly available EV charge points. Northern Ireland has 529, the Southern region has 920 and the Eastern and Midland region has 1,261. The counties with the highest number of publicly available EV charge points were Dublin (639), Antrim (240), Cork (239), Kildare (174) and Galway (172), with the lowest number located in Leitrim (8), Longford (19), Monaghan (24), Offaly (27) and Fermanagh (29). See the full list of counties below. Research published today (Monday) by the NWRA, one of Ireland's three regional assemblies, has examined the number of publicly available EV charge points for each county on the island of Ireland. The NWRA has also, in collaboration with the survey company Ireland Thinks, undertaken a survey of residents based in rural and urban areas of the Northern and Western region for their opinions on EVs and EV charge point infrastructure The analysis outlines to policymakers what is needed to encourage a greater uptake of EVs and reduce dependence on fossil fuel-powered vehicles in rural regions. The Climate Action Plan sets targets that require a transformation in how we travel and connect our communities. EVs can help meet these targets as improvements in battery technology and market offerings have made EVs a viable low-carbon alternative for rural residents who typically lack access to public transport. In addition to it being the most rural-oriented region under Project Ireland 2040, the Northern and Western Region registered the lowest concentration of publicly available EV charge points per km2 on the island of Ireland. The survey of 559 residents of the Northern and Western region found that: 79% were very unlikely to buy a new EV within the next 12 months, with only 3% very likely to buy a new EV in the same period. If the government were to increase the maximum grant rate for EV purchases from 5,000 to 10,000, the percentage of respondents that were very likely to purchase an EV within the next 12 months rises from 3% to 12%, while those that were very unlikely to purchase an EV within a year falls from 79% to 49%. If more Fast EV charge points were provided, the percentage of respondents very unlikely to buy a new EV in the next 12 months drops from 79% to 57%, while those that were very likely to purchase an EV within the next 12 months rises from 3% to 11%. 31% felt that every village and town should have at least two EV charge points to encourage a greater uptake of EVs and to reduce range anxiety, with 20% of respondents feeling that at least two EV charge points was needed for every 5 kms, while 18% of respondents felt that at least one EV charge point was needed in every petrol station. The NWRA is making the following recommendations to address the issue: Enhance provisions under the Climate Action Fund so more EV charge points can be installed in the Northern and Western Region, particularly Fast and High-powered EV charge points. Ensure EV charge points are deployed in accessible locations while there should be at least 2 publicly available EV charge points for every village and town in the region. Remove the co-financing requirement for the Electric Vehicle Public Charge Point Grant for Local Authorities based in the Northern and Western Region. Implement regionally-targeted grants for EV purchases valued between 20,000 and 60,000 so residents of rural regions receive higher grant rates than their urban counterparts. Explore increasing the maximum grant of 5,000 for EV purchases valued between 20,000 and 60,000 and examine the merits of enhancing other financial reliefs. Launch a regional promotional campaign across the Northern and Western Region to highlight government supports and grants available to purchase an EV. According to John Daly, economist with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly: The roll out of publicly available EV charge points needs to be dramatically improved across Ireland if the government is to deliver one million EVs on Irish roads by 2030, particularly in rural regions such as the Northern and Western Region. Our research has found that the lack of publicly available EV charge points is one of the key factors discouraging people from the Northern and Western region in switching to EVs, with this type of infrastructure central to overcoming challenges such as range anxiety, namely an EV drivers fear that they will run out of power before reaching their destination or being able to return from their destination. Policymakers may also consider enhancing EV grants as the high price of EVs was seen as the greatest barrier to purchasing an EV, while the provision of regionally targeted grants could improve the uptake of EVs in rural regions with low levels of disposable income, he said. The full list of charge points per county Dublin 639 Antrim 240 Cork 239 Kildare 174 Galway 172 Wexford 146 Limerick 113 Kerry 108 Wicklow 102 Donegal 99 Down 97 Clare 89 Tipperary 84 Louth 83 Mayo 81 Westmeath 78 Meath 74 Derry 70 Laois 65 Waterford 57 Kilkenny 52 Tyrone 50 Armagh 43 Cavan 35 Sligo 35 Roscommon 34 Carlow 32 Fermanagh 29 Offaly 27 Monaghan 24 Longford 19 Leitrim 8 An investigation is under way after a fire broke out at an equestrian centre shed in Co Kildare reportedly earmarked for use as a home for Ukrainian refugees. The fire broke out in a shed at the back of the privately-owned Kill Equestrian Centre shortly after 8pm on Sunday. The fire was brought under control by firefighters and no-one is reported to have been injured. The site has been reportedly earmarked to house hundreds of Ukrainian refugees amid a severe shortage of suitable accommodation across Ireland. A Garda statement said that a protest/demonstration held by a group of people outside the equestrian centre earlier on Sunday had passed off without incident. A public meeting had been held on Friday where local people voiced their concerns about turning what has been called an agricultural barn into a temporary emergency accommodation centre. Kildare councillor and mayor Fintan Brett said the concerns were that the centre is unsuitable as a home and is without lights, ventilation and possibly without a sewerage system. Its a mile outside the village, he told local radio station KFM on Friday. When you have a group of people that are already traumatised, mostly women and children, and theyre asked to go live in a barn, I dont think thats going to help their mental health. Gardai said an investigation was under way. A spokesperson for the Department of Equality and Inclusion told the PA news agency that discussions were continuing about whether to use the centre as accommodation for Ukrainian refugees. Discussions are ongoing at this stage between the department and the provider about the potential use of the Kill Equestrian Centre to house Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, which, should the contract be agreed, will comprise families (mothers, fathers and children) and single females. It also said that the State was considering all offers of accommodation made, including the temporary use of non-residential buildings, in order to address the urgent accommodation need. The Department engages external inspection companies to ensure independent inspections are carried out at all properties used by Ukrainians. Inspections are carried out to ensure fire safety, general health & safety, sanitary facilities, food service, security and the general condition of building is up to the standard required. No person can be placed in the accommodation until all inspections are carried out satisfactorily. Ireland has accommodated 54,000 Ukrainian nationals since the Russian invasion began in February, with around 43,000 in state-provided accommodation and more than 14,000 Ukrainian children attending Irish primary and secondary schools. In an attempt to streamline the process, Cabinet decided that from December Ukrainians will be offered accommodation only, and those living in hotels will be partly charged for their meals. A refusals policy has also been introduced which means refugees who refuse an offer of suitable accommodation will not be offered another option. The Irish Government also agreed to double the payments for people hosting Ukrainian refugees to 800 euro. Ministers have repeatedly warned of the challenge of sourcing accommodation amid Irelands years-long housing crisis, and admitted last month that newly arriving refugees may have to sleep on the streets while accommodation is sourced. The Government had asked its departments to list public buildings that could be modified as emergency accommodation for any newly arriving Ukrainian nationals. The first contract to deliver 500 modular homes for people from Ukraine will be completed in early 2023. US Admits Iran Is Not Building a Nuclear Bomb "Iran does not today possess a nuclear weapon and we currently believe it is not pursuing one." By Ted Snider November 07, 2022: Information Clearing House -- " Antiwar " - Americas top diplomat for negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran said on October 30 that the US is not going to "waste time" trying to keep the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal alive. President Bidens special envoy for Iran, Robert Malley, said that It is not on our agenda. We are not going to focus on something which is inert when other things are happeningand we are not going to waste our time on it if Iran has taken the position it has taken." Apparently reading from the script, Malley insistence that "we are not going to focus" on the negotiations echoes earlier statements from the State Department. On October 12, State Department spokesman Ned Price used the same formulation, saying that the negotiations are "not our focus right now." The Biden administration has walked so far away from the negotiations that another senior US official recently said that because of Irans response to protests and because of its support for Russia in the war in Ukraine, "even if Iran came back to the table today and said it wanted a nuclear deal, the U.S. was unlikely to move forward." That senior Biden official went on to say that the US is virtually considering the deal dead and is "taking steps to ensure the US has a ready military option." Malley, while denying that diplomacy is totally dead, echoed those words too, declaring that Biden "is ready to use military means as a last resort to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon." The US is not wasting its time renegotiating the JCPOA nuclear agreement with Iran because of Irans response to protests or because Iran is supporting Russia. Were Iran developing a nuclear weapon, it would be worthwhile negotiating a nuclear agreement to prevent it from getting one whatever its position on protests or Russia. The US is wasting its time renegotiating a nuclear agreement to stop Iran from developing a nuclear bomb because the US has admitted that Iran is not developing a nuclear bomb. On October 27, after a long delay, the US Department of Defense finally released its Nuclear Posture Review. The review contained a bombshell that failed to explode in the media because it was understandably lost in the glare of three other bombshells that the Secretary of Defense dropped. The US insistence that it would use a nuclear weapon in a first strike, that it would use a nuclear weapon in the face of a conventional threat and that it would use a nuclear weapon, not only to defend itself, but to defend an ally were colossal enough to draw all the attention. But that meant that what went unnoticed was the colossal admission that Iran is not even building a nuclear weapon nor has it even made a decision to pursue one. The Nuclear Posture Review makes that admission, not once, but twice. And the admission is made again in the National Defense Strategy in which it is included. The Nuclear Posture Review first says that "Iran does not currently pose a nuclear threat but continues to develop capabilities that would enable it to produce a nuclear weapon should it make the decision to do so." It then formulates the truth about Iran in the greatest clarity: "Iran does not today possess a nuclear weapon and we currently believe it is not pursuing one." If the US knows that Iran does not posses a nuclear weapon and does not even believe that it is pursuing one, then why the threats, assassinations, sabotage and sanctions? Why are Iranian people being starved, scientists and generals being killed, nuclear plants being crippled and war being threatened? If the US is concerned that Iranian nuclear activities are continuing, then they should not abandon the renegotiation of the JCPOA nuclear agreement, but return to it, since they admit in the Nuclear Posture Review that these activities were "previously constrained by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)." Prior to the US illegally pulling out of the JCPOA, Iran was in full compliance with its JCPOA commitments. Eleven consecutive International Atomic Energy Agency reports verified that Iran was completely and consistently in compliance with their commitments under the agreement. Iran only started slowly and reversibly going beyond the limits prescribed by the JCPOA long after the US had ended their legal requirement to comply by illegally leaving the agreement. Why sanction Iran and abandon the JCPOA negotiations when Iran is neither possessing nor pursuing a bomb and when Irans actions of concern were constrained by, and can be constrained again by, the JCPOA agreement that the US is abandoning? The absurdity of Malleys recent statement is revealed by the Nuclear Posture Review. It is a waste of time to negotiate a deal to stop Iran from developing a weapon that the US believes it is not pursuing. It is not a waste of time to renegotiate an agreement that "previously constrained" the very activities the US hopes to constrain. Digiweb, Irelands highest rated internet service provider, is celebrating 25 years of delivering broadband to homes nationwide. Founded by entrepreneur Colm Piercy in 1997, Dundalk based Digiwebs enduring success is remarkable in a market dominated by large multinational operators with massive marketing budgets. Without these cosmetic bells and whistles, the 25-year milestone has been achieved through Digiwebs dedication to delivering more than just a broadband package to its customers. Service is at the core of Digiwebs enduring success, and the Digiweb team takes great pride in bucking the trend when it comes to customer service and telecoms. The company is Irelands top ranked internet provider on Trustpilot based on over 4,200 reviews. Digiwebs mission is to provide customers with a fast, reliable, internet connection at a reasonable price, supported by customer-focused, Irish-based staff. This mission has really hit home with Irish customers over the years. said Managing Director, Declan Campbell. The reliability of your home broadband connection has never been so important; as is the knowledge that, should you need to contact your broadband provider, they are there for you and you can trust them to help you. Digiweb MD, Campbell, continued, Our teams commitment to rapid delivery, outstanding customer support and service, and quick resolution is absolute. Our customers recognise the service as exceptional and that is why they continuously acknowledge our people in online reviews. With such effort and an ever-evolving product offering, the prospect of another successful 25 years in business looks promising. Digiweb provides broadband and telephone services in every county nationwide. Visit www.digiweb.ie for more information. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. District heating systems, like Carlinn Hall in Dundalk, and the States potential to be a wind energy superpower were raised at the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis by Dundalk TD Ruairi O Murchu who said the party in government would help ease the pain of energy costs. Around 2,000 people attended the Ard Fheis at the RDS in Dublin on Saturday and heard Deputy O Murchu say there had been consistent and constant government failures to tackle the energy crisis including the problems of cost and reliance on fossil fuels. Deputy O Murchu said: We have had abject failure in relation to off shore wind energy. We have the potential to be a superpower in this area, but there have been failures at a planning level, at a resource level and failures of imagination at government level. District heating systems have the potential to be a major win for us, from a renewable and waste heat usage point of view. But in Dundalk, we have a communal heating system that is fed by gas and people are being charged extortionate rates. The Louth TD continued, we need the government to provide short term mitigations to ease the pain for these people on the bills that cant be paid. We need to switch to a fuel source that is more sustainable and that will require the government and the SEAI putting grant schemes in place that will deliver. He said people need to have the pain of energy bills eased while moving towards more sustainable fuel sources and added that the governments current retrofit scheme was aimed at those who can pay the most. "Sinn Fein in government", he said, would take on the big suppliers and put in place a system of caps and windfall charges. The Louth TD also hit back at those who said this was not the time to talk about Irish unity and called once again for a Citizens Assembly on the subject, ahead of a referendum on the issue. He said: We owe it to the people to deliver that republic, a better Ireland, one that delivers on energy and housing and health and where everyone has a better chance. By Caitlin Johnstone November 07, 2022: Information Clearing House -- A new Bloomberg article titled "Sloppy US Talk on Chinas Threat Worries Some Skeptical Experts" discusses the dangerous cycle in which pressures in the US political establishment to continually escalate hostilities with Beijing provokes responses that are then falsely interpreted as Chinese aggression. Bloomberg's Iain Marlow writes: The hawkish narrative limits room for maneuver in a crisis, said M. Taylor Fravel, director of the Security Studies Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Any effort to defuse tension could be characterized as conciliatory or not tough enough, he said. China has been consistent on Taiwan and theres little public evidence to suggest its sped up the timeline to take Taiwan, said a former senior US official who worked on China policy but asked not to be identified. The former official said the hawkish tone in DC has contributed to a cycle where the US makes the first move, interprets Chinese reactions as a provocation, and then escalates further. Bloomberg quotes Bonnie Glaser, director of the Asia program at the German Marshall Fund, who says this cycle of self-reinforcing escalation could end up provoking the war that we seek to deter." We just saw this same self-perpetuating cycle of military escalation exemplified against North Korea, where tensions have again been flaring after a long pause. The US and South Korea initiated a provocative military drill designed to menace the DPRK, Pyongyang responded by launching missiles in its own show of strength, and the Pentagon announced an extension of the drills in response to that response. Antiwar's Dave DeCamp explains: The US and South Korea are extending massive aerial war games after North Korea put on a massive show of force in response to the drills. Washington and Seoul started their Vigilant Storm exercises on Monday, which were initially scheduled to run 24 hours a day for five days. This years Vigilant Storm is the largest-ever iteration of the drills, involving nearly 100 American warplanes and 140 South Korean aircraft, and about 1,600 planned sorties. Pyongyang made it clear it would respond to the Vigilant Storm drills, and it launched 23 missiles on Wednesday, which is said to be the most North Korea has fired in a single day. North Korea also fired over 100 artillery rounds on the same day and launched six more missiles on Thursday. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the extension of Vigilant Storm after a meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Lee Jong-sup. Ive consulted with Minister Lee and weve decided to extend Vigilant Storm, which is our long-scheduled combined training exercise, to further bolster our readiness and interoperability, Austin said. "So they launch these war games, provoke a bunch of North Korean missile launches and then say they have to extend the war games because of the missile launches," tweeted DeCamp. DeCamp quotes another DPRK official who warns that the extension of the US-ROK war games may provoke further escalations, saying The irresponsible decision of the US and South Korea is shoving the present situation, caused by provocative military acts of the allied forces, to an uncontrollable phase. We've been seeing this same cycle repeated year after year: US military expansionism and aggression in a given part of the world receives pushback from the people who live there, and the US responds to that pushback with more military expansionism and aggression. The official narrative is that the US is responding to unprovoked aggressions from the other side, conveniently omitting its own antecedent aggressions and provocations a manipulation tactic the western media are always happy to facilitate. In reality it's not hard to determine who the aggressor is when one party is flying to the other side of the planet to menace the borders and security interests of the other, especially when ramping up militarism in more and more parts of the world facilitates both the US military-industrial complex and the unipolarist objectives of US empire managers. But because the US empire has the most sophisticated narrative control system ever devised, enough people in enough places that matter swallow the official story despite its self-evident absurdity. A system which perpetuates and exacerbates itself while pretending to solve the problems it creates is often called a self-licking ice cream cone. Because that type of system is promoted by those serving the most powerful and belligerent power structure on earth, one might call US militarism a self-licking boot. We've been watching the self-licking boot of US militarism exemplified for decades in the "war on terror" scam, where US military interventionism destabilizes geostrategically crucial parts of the world and makes the locals who've suffered under US bombings want to harm their persecutors, and the response is to ramp up military expansionism in those parts of the world in the name of fighting terrorists and protecting US troops. We been watching it in Ukraine, where US aggressions provoked an invasion by a government the US empire has long targeted for destruction, and that invasion is now being used to advance longstanding US strategic objectives while continually expanding US military involvement in the region. And we'll be sure to see more and more of it as the US accelerates toward global conflict on two fronts simultaneously while mainstream media pundits cheer it on, despite all available evidence indicating that we are witnessing something profoundly stupid and crazy. The US will continue ramping up aggressions against Moscow and Beijing, those governments will respond, and we will be told that the US must respond to these outrageous provocations by ramping up aggressions. Repeat ad nauseum. Lick, lick. Caitlin's articles are entirely reader-supported, so if you enjoyed this piece please consider sharing it around, liking her on Facebook, following her antics on Twitter, checking out her podcast, throwing some money into her hat on Patreon or Paypal, or buying her book Woke: A Field Guide for Utopia Preppers. https://caitlinjohnstone.com IRELAND South MEP Billy Kelleher has renewed his call for the Russian ambassador to be expelled. Describing the Russian ambassador to Ireland, Yuri Filatov, as a threatening menace, Mr Kelleher said it was time to send the ambassador back to Moscow. He has told the Irish people civilians arent being attacked in Ukraine, but I have witnessed first-hand the destruction rained down on the people of Ukraine in Bucha and Irpin, Mr Kelleher said. I saw where houses were destroyed, fridges taken from the houses, televisions torn off the walls, pilfered by Russian troops, and I met elderly people who have been beaten up and assaulted inside their own homes by Russian troops. "I met women who were raped by Russian troops, and I saw young men who had been shot dead by Russian troops, so Mr Filatov should go, he said. The Fianna Fail member of the European Parliaments comments come after the Russian ambassador said plans for the Irish Defence Forces to participate in an EU demining training mission for Ukrainian soldiers meant that Ireland would clearly be involved in the ongoing conflict in a direct way. Mr Filatov said that a Dail debate about Irelands neutrality had illustrated that there was no ambiguity about the fact that Ireland is not neutral in the Ukrainian conflict. IRELAND South MEP Billy Kelleher has renewed his call for the Russian ambassador to be expelled. Photo: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie Responding to the ambassadors remarks, Mr Kelleher, who had previously offered to personally drive Mr Filatov to the airport on his way out of Ireland, said the ambassador lacked all credibility. Anything that is said by Mr. Filatov is said in a manner in a tone thats condescending and offensive to the Irish people, Mr Kelleher said. Mr Kelleher added that he believed Irish neutrality was in no way infringed by Defence Forces training Ukrainian personnel in demining. This is about the Irish Army assisting in humanitarian training in demining. This is about ensuring that when a young when a child goes out to play, or a farmer goes out to plough, they dont lose a leg, he said. This is about the basic decency of Ireland offering assistance to a country to [decommission] mines that could do untold damage to people, so it has nothing to do with infringing neutrality, its about basic decency and humanity. Asked whether he had raised this matter with the Taoiseach or with Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, Mr Kelleher said his opinions were well known. The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Russian embassy were both contacted. M ichael Gibsons Paper Belt on Fire weaves together a memoir and a manifesto. Without the memoir describing his accomplishments and how he achieved them, the manifesto might seem deluded and grandiose. Without the manifesto, the memoir would lack passion. Together, they make for a compelling read. Lessons from the Memoir Gibson was hired by Thiel Capital in 2010, primarily to assist Peter Thiel in teaching a course. But immediately Gibson became involved with the Thiel Fellowship, an initiative to pay select young people $100,000 a year for two years to do something other than attend college. A few years later, Gibson and his co-worker, Danielle Strachman, broke away to start a venture capital fund called 1517, that would back very young entrepreneurs, including teenagers. Screening candidates for the Thiel Fellowship and then searching for young entrepreneurs gave Gibson and Strachman a unique experience finding unusually gifted individuals. Like Tyler Cowen and Daniel Gross in their book Talent, Gibson and Strachman were looking beyond the standard indicators of intelligence to find intangible qualities. Gibsons chapter Intelligence Redefined, is at least the equal of the Cowen-Grossman book. For Gibson, the key quality is a sort of wily resourcefulness. The great founders are the ones who always find a way. This is their highest virtue. What does it take to find a way in the world of tech start-ups? Gibson lists five abilities founders need: First, the ability to confront unknowns and uncertainty without being either too tentative or too overconfident. Gibson calls this edge control. Second, the ability to adapt as a company grows from a handful of people in a room to a giant corporation. I myself have noticed that small firms can and should be managed informally, but when you get past the Dunbar number of about 150 employees, you start to need formal mechanismsorganization charts, company manuals, internal training programs, and so the like. Third, what Gibson calls hyperfluency. The founder must have superior knowledge of a technology/market niche but also must be able to communicate that knowledge to ordinary people unfamiliar with the niche. Fourth, founders of a company have to have the social and emotional intelligence to make hires, work with customers, raise money from investors, and gel with co-founders. The complexity of this total effort is incredibly demanding and emotionally exhausting. Finally, The initial motivation for starting a company is often the excitement of doing something new and risky but the sustaining motivation to keep going year after year, through all the twists and turns, has to be tied to something deeper, something richer in meaning. Previously, working in a large organization, my experience had been that when an idea of mine became a corporate project, someone else was put in charge. When I started one of the first commercial sites on the Web, I had something to prove. Previously, working in a large organization, my experience had been that when an idea of mine became a corporate project, someone else was put in charge. That was deeply frustrating. Going out on my own allowed me to try to implement an idea myself. But once the Web-based business became successful enough to provide me with sufficient validation, there was no sustaining motivation for me to stick with it. I also appreciated another chapter of the memoir called The Cram-Down, which describes how as early-stage funders the 1517 Fund could get mistreated by later investors. I had a similarly bitter experience when I attempted an angel investment, and until I read this chapter, I thought that in getting screwed over I was uniquely inept. Iranian FM says U.S. should prove "real will" in nuclear negotiations Xinhua) 10:37, November 07, 2022 TEHRAN, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Saturday called on the United States to prove its "real will" in the negotiations aimed at the revival of 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, according to the Foreign Ministry's website. The United States should prove that it would not "violate" its obligations by imposing sanctions, Amir-Abdollahian said at the first meeting of the national coordinators of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations, which kicked off in the Iranian capital Tehran on Saturday. He pointed to Washington's unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear pact, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in 2018, saying that it showed Washington's "disregard for its international obligations and its clear violation of the resolution approved by the United Nations Security Council." It is unfortunate that the incumbent U.S. administration, despite its promises and claims, still maintains the course of "hostile actions ... and continuation of the failed policy of maximum pressure" against Tehran, he said, adding that instead of making up for the mistakes of the previous government, the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden "adopts hypocritical positions." The Iranian foreign minister stressed that his country adheres to the continuation of nuclear negotiations for the revival of the nuclear agreement, while emphasizing its inalienable right to use peaceful nuclear energy in all its dimensions, including uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes. Meanwhile, "America must prove that it has good intentions and real will and does not intend to use the negotiations to waste time and find another excuse to continue violating its obligations and continue the sanctions that this country is unfortunately very addicted to," he noted. Amir-Abdollahian said on Thursday that his country had "absolute readiness" to conclude nuclear talks "as soon as possible." On Wednesday, the top Iranian diplomat said an Iranian delegation would travel to Vienna, Austria in the coming days for talks on enhancing cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Iran signed the JCPOA with major countries in July 2015, agreeing to curb its nuclear program in return for removing sanctions on the country. However, former U.S. President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the agreement and reimposed unilateral sanctions on Tehran, prompting the latter to drop some of its commitments under the pact. The talks on the JCPOA's revival began in April 2021 in Vienna. No breakthrough was achieved after the latest round of talks held in early August this year. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) Question Everything! Purpose and Intent of this website: How the US government attempts to control public perception of its aid to Ukraine By Scott Ritter November 07, 2022: Information Clearing House -- A recent media expose on the US effort to arm Ukraine looks as if its been curated by the Biden administration to shape public perception November 06, 2022: Information Clearing House -- NBC News has NBC News has reported that , according to four people familiar with the incident, a phone call between US President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart, Vladimir Zelensky, turned testy after the Ukrainian leader pressed Biden for more assistance. On June 15, Biden called Zelensky to inform him of the recent release of some $1 billion in assistance (this included the drawdown of arms and equipment from US Department of Defense inventories valued at $350 million, and $650 million in additional assistance under the departments Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative). This type of person-to-person communication had become commonplace since Russias decision to send troops into Ukraine in February 2022, with Biden informing Zelensky of each major assistance allocation in a program that had, as of June 15, seen the dispatch of some $5.6 billion in American military aid. This time, however, rather than thank the US president, as had been the previous practice, Zelensky proceeded to ask for more assistance, citing specific requests for equipment that had not been included in the June allocation of aid. At this point, NBCs sources say, Biden lost his temper. The American people were being quite generous, and his administration and the US military were working hard to help Ukraine, he said, raising his voice, and Zelensky could show a little more gratitude, the NBC story reports. According to NBC, the source of Bidens anger went beyond the lack of gratitude shown by Zelensky (NBC reports that the two leaders have since warmed to one another), but rather the growing realization on the part of the Biden White House that support for the blank check being written for Ukraines war effort is waning among members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. With the Republicans expected to retake control of the House of Representatives and positioned to do the same in the Senate in the upcoming mid-term elections, the Biden administration appears poised to try to squeeze out another $40-60 billion in aid during the lame duck session between the election and when the present term of Congress expires next January. It is expected that this new aid package will be challenged by the Republicans, who will seek to have its consideration postponed until the new Republican-controlled Congress is sworn in. Shortly before NBC News broke the story of the contentious Biden-Zelensky phone call, The New Yorker ran a glowing review of the state of US-Ukrainian military cooperation. Entitled Inside the US Effort to Arm Ukraine, the piece, authored by Joshua Yaffa, a contributing writer for the magazine, provides an expansive and yet intimate look at the complex interaction between the US and Ukraine about not only the provision of military equipment, but also the active cooperation between US and Ukrainian military and intelligence officials concerning the actual conduct of the conflict, including the provision of targeting data in support of US-provided artillery systems such as the M777 howitzer and the HIMARS multiple rocket launch system. Its two main messages can be summarized as follows: first, American weapons are helping Ukraine stand up to Russia and showing the world Putin can be defeated, and second, the US is taking every care not to cross any lines that would escalate the conflict into a direct confrontation with Moscow. Based in Moscow for many years, Yaffa is an experienced writer on Russian affairs. The scope and scale of the sources he was able to draw upon in writing his most recent article is a whos who of US and Ukrainian officialdom. Both named and unnamed, all of them are well positioned to provide Yaffa with the kind of inside information that makes his article so attractive, both from an informational aspect, and readability. On the Ukrainian side, Yaffa interviewed Aleksey Reznikov, Ukraines defense minister; Mikhail Podoliak, a top adviser to Zelensky; Aleksey Danilov, Secretary of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council; and a senior Ukrainian military official close to the commander in chief of the military, Valery Zaluzhny. Ukrainian officials habitually interact with Western journalists as part of their effort to shape the narrative about the ongoing conflict with Russia. The surprise isnt that Yaffa was able to interview these individuals, but rather what they were willing to open up about the hitherto obscure details of the sensitive cooperation between the US and Ukraine in the actual conduct of the conflict. The US is very controlling about the release of information about classified cooperation with other nations. This reticence to be transparent extends not only to the US officials involved, but also to the foreign nationals participating in the secret work. In short, there is no way the three Ukrainians would have agreed to sit down and talk to Yaffa about these issues unless their participation had been green-lighted by the Biden administration beforehand. The extent to which the Biden administration was behind the decision to cooperate with Yaffa on this story becomes clear upon closer examination of the anonymous sources drawn upon for the article. A Biden administration official involved in Ukraine policy; a senior official at the Defense Department; a person familiar with Biden White House discussions of Ukraine; an administration official; a senior US official; a US military official close to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Milley; a senior Biden administration official; and a senior US intelligence official. Numerous other sources, both named and unnamed, were also interviewed by Yaffa. Anyone with any experience with sensitive national security activities knows that there are two hard-fast truths when it comes to such activities they are highly classified and compartmentalized, and any unauthorized release of information pertaining to such activities is a serious violation of the law, subject to prosecution and imprisonment for anyone caught leaking such information to the press. Accordingly, either every source cited by Yaffa had been simultaneously overcome with a Lemming-like desire to jump off a figurative cliff, risking losing their careers and going to prison in order to help the young New Yorker contributing writer pull off the scoop of a lifetime, or the Yaffa article was part and parcel of a Biden administration information operation designed to inject a positive narrative about US-Ukrainian military relations into the mainstream discussion on Ukraine in a concerted effort to shape public perception in the lead-up to the mid-term elections. My money is on the latter. Good journalism is all about bottom-up reporting, where a reporter conceives a story and then runs it to the ground by seeking out interviews with relevant sources. Stenography is about having a story spoon fed to you by sources for the purpose of serving an agenda that has nothing to do with the pursuit of fact-based truth, but rather shaping public opinion about a matter of importance. Yaffas Inside the US Effort to Arm Ukraine is a clever piece of government-dictated stenography disguised as journalism and should be treated as such by all who read it. Scott Ritter is a former US Marine Corps intelligence officer and author of 'Disarmament in the Time of Perestroika: Arms Control and the End of the Soviet Union.' He served in the Soviet Union as an inspector implementing the INF Treaty, in General Schwarzkopfs staff during the Gulf War, and from 1991-1998 as a UN weapons inspector. Views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Reader financed- No Advertising - No Government Grants - No Algorithm - This Is Independent Get Our Free Newsletter Registration is not necessary to post comments. We ask only that you do not use obscene or offensive language. Please be respectful of others. See also Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. Thirty fossil fuel companies contribute to nearly half of the energy sectors methane emissions, according to a Global Energy Monitor Analysis released Thursday. A potent, but short-lived greenhouse gas, methane traps more than 80 times more heat in the atmosphere than CO2 over a 20-year period, and rapidly and dramatically slashing methane pollution is the most feasible way to limit global warming to 1.5C (2.7F). State-owned companies ranked worst, with National Iranian Oil Co., Gazprom PJSC, and China Energy Investment Corp. making up the top three. The GEM report is consistent with other recent reports on the concentrated nature of methane pollution in the oil and gas sector, and highlights how cutting methane pollution is an efficient way to limit climate change, especially in the short term. There are vast differences between countries in how much methane they emit for each unit of oil and gas they extract. This shows that these emissions are avoidable, Mason Inman, one of the authors of the report, said. About half of oil and gas methane emissions could be eliminated at no net cost to the companies, since they would capture more natural gas and be able to sell it. For a deeper dive: Bloomberg For more climate change and clean energy news, you can follow Climate Nexus on Twitter and Facebook, sign up for daily Hot News, and visit their news site, Nexus Media News. Installers for the solar company Sunrun prepare solar panels to be installed on the roof of a home in California in 2020. Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Sunrun, a solar power and battery company based in San Francisco, will build the first virtual solar power plant in Puerto Rico. The virtual power plant (VPP) will be 17 megawatts and is designed to strengthen the power grid with solar energy aggregated from more than 7,000 customers residential solar and battery systems. During 2023, Sunrun will work on enrolling customers into the VPP program and expects network dispatches to begin in 2024. According to the company, the enrolled customers receive cost savings from generating solar energy, and any backup power also earns customers money for sharing stored energy with the power grid. Puerto Ricans are ready to make the move to reliable independent clean energy solutions that will increase their sense of safety and security in their own homes, Sunrun CEO Mary Powell said in a press release. Were solving energy insecurity on the island by switching the model so that solar energy is generated on rooftops and stored in batteries to power each home, and then shared with neighbors, creating a clean shared energy economy. That way, residents not only have control over their energy at home, but can also share power with their community and be compensated for it. A virtual power plant is a decentralized power network that draws energy from multiple independent sources, and Sunruns project in Puerto Rico will create a virtual power plant relying on solar panels and battery storage for a clean energy network that can better withstand outages. In 2019, the Puerto Rico Energy Public Policy Act passed to focus on a more sustainable energy system, and the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) noted that VPPs were the best solution. Consumers benefit greatly through VPPs, from saving money on utilities to reducing pollution from fossil fuels to having a more reliable grid for all. According to Sunrun, thousands of its consumers with solar-plus-battery systems had more than 350,000 hours of backup power after Hurricane Fiona. My solar and battery system kept my lights on and my family safe during Hurricane Fiona, said Hector Jimenez, a Sunrun customer in San Juan, according to the companys press release. My neighbors relied on diesel to run their generators and started to worry when fuel supply began to run low. I was able to help them out by charging up portable batteries and lending them to people in the community who needed electricity. Consumers with solar-plus-battery systems interested in participating in the VPP will be able to provide backup energy reserves during grid outages but also have the option to opt out of the program at any time. The VPP terms of agreement were approved by the Governing Board of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority on October 26, 2022, and the agreement is awaiting regulatory sign-off by the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau and the Fiscal Oversight Management Board. Cattle prices in the EU on the rise because of lower output Deadweight cattle prices in the European Union have increased since late-2021 because of declining output year-on-year, with the largest production declines in Germany and France, the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board reported. The EU Commission is projecting that beef production in the region will stay below 2021 levels for the remainder of the year before stabilising at this lower level through 2023. If demand remains at current levels, this will probably provide some support for cattle prices for the foreseeable future. Through 2020 and 2021, UK prices had been higher than those on the continent, with price support coming in part from a shortage of cattle and increased retail demand brought on by the pandemic. Prices have recently softened, in part as a result of changes in exchange rates, and have since returned to tracking the higher end of EU prices. Exports of UK beef have increased significantly year-on-year. Although the removal of COVID-19 restrictions and the return to regular trading patterns following Brexit will contribute to some of this growth, the EU will be the UK's largest trading partner, which will result in more competitive pricing. The prices of EU cull cows have been rising in line with those of prime cattle. The EU average deadweight O3 cow price increased 27% from the same time last year to EUR 4.30/kg (~US$4.30; EUR 1 = US$1) in the week ending October 10. The tighter cattle supply and ongoing demand for beef after COVID-19, particularly for manufacturing, is driving these higher prices. Due to pressures like profitability and environmental goals, breeding cow populations have been declining in several EU member states, including France and the Netherlands. The region's production has also been impacted by the recent drought. Due to forage shortages and high feed prices, the EU Commission expects to see more cattle slaughtered toward the end of the year. - UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board Australia releases discussion paper seeking ideas for biosecurity funding model The Australian government has released a public discussion paper seeking ideas for a long-term sustainable biosecurity funding model, prompting a positive response from a key farming group, but also a warning that the "days of buck passing need to end". The paper looks at the benefits a strong biosecurity system has for all Australians, along with funding arrangements and investments to support biosecurity operations in the longer term. Australia's Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, said the Anthony Albanese government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen Australia's biosecurity system. "Our biosecurity system is facing increasing pressure from disrupted global trade supply chains and travel," Watt said. "This year, we have seen two highly contagious and potentially deadly livestock diseases spread through Indonesia foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease. "Australia is free of both diseases, and since their appearance, Indonesia is making good progress on getting them under control. But it's demonstrated that we can't afford to take our foot off the pedal and get complacent on our biosecurity. "The October budget includes a $134 million down-payment on the government's commitment to long-term, sustainable funding for biosecurity, by investing in front line staff, 20 new detector dogs and stronger defences against the threat of FMD and other diseases. "We are also laying the foundations for a national livestock traceability scheme that delivers a fit-for-purpose, modern system to protect our valuable livestock industries. We know there is broad support for sustainable funding and we want to discuss with the Australian public the best way to go about that. I encourage everyone to look at the discussion paper and give us their views and ideas on what a model could look like." In response to the release of the discussion paper, NSW Farmers said it welcomed the federal government's move towards a sustainably-funded biosecurity system. NSW Farmers Biosecurity chair Ian McColl said farmers had long been calling for a long-term sustainable funding model for biosecurity. "The biosecurity threats not just to our food and fibre production but to our entire economy are quite serious," McColl said. "We have been arguing for some time that we need sustainable funding and a long-term view of biosecurity controls to keep our country pest and disease free. This is a promising move from the federal government, and I would encourage everyone to take a look at the discussion paper and have their say." The discussion paper identifies Australia's animal, plant, human and environmental health outcomes rely on strong biosecurity controls to manage and minimise the risk of pests, weeds and diseases entering, emerging, establishing or spreading within Australia, while facilitating trade and the movement of plants, animals, people and products. However, McColl said he was concerned about the scope of the paper, which would not consider the biosecurity activities of other jurisdictions. The lessons of COVID-19, McColl said, were that gaps in bureaucratic oversight led to gaps in our control and response efforts. "We cannot afford to have the states and the Commonwealth pointing fingers and passing the buck while a disease or pest spreads far and wide, which is precisely what we saw with COVID," McColl said. "It is absolutely critical that we have a biosecurity system that is focused on the outcome of keeping disease, pests and weeds out, regardless of who is responsible for compliance or funding. "If we fail to get everyone on the same page, and leave gaps in the system, we run the risk of wasting time and effort in the event of an outbreak." McColl added that farmers wanted what most Australians wanted governments to get on with the job and sort out jurisdictional issues later. "People in rural communities couldn't care less if it's state or federal or local money funding something, as long as it gets funded," McColl said. "Because they are the people who will feel the impact of an $80 billion foot and mouth disease outbreak, they're the ones who will lose work and won't be able to move around. "This discussion paper is one part of the puzzle the other part will be all governments working hand-in-hand with other stakeholders to ensure everyone knows exactly who needs to do what and when." - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Ukraine War Is 'Warmup' for U.S. in Face of China "Threat": Stratcom Commander By Gerrard Kaonga November 07, 2022: Information Clearing House -- " Newswee k" - Navy Admiral Charles A. Richard, the commander of the United States Strategic Command (Stratcom), has warned that the war in Ukraine isn't the largest conflict that the U.S. will see right nowit must be prepared for a global conflict involving China. "This Ukraine crisis that we're in right now, this is just the warmup," Richard said during a speech at the Naval Submarine League 2022 Annual Symposium and Industry Update. "The big one is coming. And it isn't going to be very long before we're going to get tested in ways that we haven't been tested in a long time. "We have to do some rapid, fundamental change in the way we approach the defense of this nation," he continued. "I will tell you, the current situation is vividly illuminating what nuclear coercion looks like and how you, or how you don't stand up to that. "As I assess our level of deterrence against China, the ship is slowly sinking. It is sinking slowly, but it is sinking, as fundamentally they are putting capability in the field faster than we are," Richard said. "As those curves keep going, it isn't going to matter how good our [operating plan] is or how good our commanders are, or how good our horses arewe're not going to have enough of them. And that is a very near-term problem." Richard also said that the U.S. needs to look to its military development past to see how it could increase its domination in the international military sphere. "We used to know how to move fast, and we have lost the art of that. We have got to get back into the business of not talking about how we are going to mitigate our assumed eventual failure[s]," he said. "[We need to] flip it to the way we used to ask questions in this nation, which is what's it going to take? Is it money? Is it people? Do you need authorities? What risk? That's how we got to the Moon by 1969. We need to bring some of that back. Otherwise, China is simply going to out-compete us, and Russia isn't going anywhere anytime soon." Despite Richard's concerns, China's president Xi Jinping has recently called for a better relationship between the U.S. and China. In his first public message to U.S. President Joe Biden since he extended his rule over the Communist Party, Xi indicated the two countries should return to a "sound and steady relationship." "The world today is neither tranquil nor stable. China and the United States are two major countries. Closer communication and cooperation between us will help bring greater stability and certainty to the world, and promote world peace and development," Xi told the National Committee on United StatesChina Relations (NCUSCR). "China stands ready to work with the United States to find the right way to get along with each other in the new era on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. This will benefit not only our two countries but also the whole world," the letter said. Isle of Man Post Office Announces 2022 Christmas Arrangements Isle of Man Post Office has announced details of its Christmas arrangements for 2022. Details include last recommended posting dates, opening and closing times, and collection and delivery times across its services for the festive period. Last Recommended Posting Dates Isle of Man Post Office would like to remind all customers of the importance of ordering and posting early, especially this year due to the ongoing strike action taking place by the Communication Workers Union in the UK, who represent the majority of Royal Mail staff. Disruption is likely between now and December. Last recommended posting dates to international destinations including Australia and New Zealand start from Wednesday 30th November. A full list of posting dates for international destinations is available at www.iompost.com/christmas, with regular updates announced via our Facebook page. For friends and family of HM Forces personnel, mail must be sent by no later than Friday 25th November for operational British Forces Post Office (BFPO) and for static BFPOs no later than Friday 2nd December. Don't forget friends and family can continue to send letters and parcels up to 2kg free of charge to any BFPO address. The last recommended posting date for sending letters and parcels to the UK via first class mail and Parcelforce48 is Tuesday 20th December; the last posting date for Parcelforce24 to the UK as well as local to local letters and parcels is Wednesday 21st December. The UK and local to local Special Delivery deadline is Thursday 22nd December. Customers are also reminded to make sure their letters and parcels are properly addressed, ensuring a postcode and return name and address is included along with correct postage applied to avoid any delays. For information about prices, packaging and addressing standards visit www.iompost.com/christmas. Isle of Man Post Office Retail Network The Island-wide Post Office network will be open as normal in the lead up to Christmas. However, on Friday 23rd and Friday 30th December most sub-Post Offices and delivery offices will close early. Post Office Headquarters will close at 18.00 on both dates and Northern Delivery Office will close at 18:30. All Post Offices will be closed on Sunday 25th Tuesday 27th December and Saturday 31st December Monday 2nd January inclusive. As of Tuesday 3rd January 2023, Post Offices and delivery offices will revert back to their normal opening hours. Customers are also asked to note that any notice left cards received on Friday 23rd December can be collected on Saturday 24th during 06.00-13.00 (Northern Delivery Office) and 09:00-12.30 (Post Office Headquarters). Any notice left cards received on the 24th December are unlikely to be available for collection on Christmas Eve. For a full breakdown of opening hours across the Island over the festive period visit www.iompost.com/christmas. Sending Mail Customers are kindly reminded to make sure that any items being posted are safe to fly. Many everyday items and gifts are classified as prohibited or restricted under transport legislation and therefore some cannot be flown, particularly those items over 100ml in size. Examples include popular Christmas gifts such perfumes and alcohol. For a full list of prohibited and restricted items visit www.iompost.com/restricted. Alternatively, if you are unsure about any items you wish to send to the UK or overseas, please contact Customer Services on 664664 or ask at your local post office. Customs Declarations for International Items Customers are kindly reminded that since January 2021 it has been a legal requirement that all items containing goods being sent to destinations beyond the UK, including Channel Islands, must have a fully completed customs declaration (CN22/23 or CP72 if using Parcelforce services) detailing the contents of any letters and parcels. To avoid any unnecessary hold ups when visiting a post office, the form can be printed from our website in advance by visiting www.iompost.com/ecd. Customers can complete the form in advance, handing it to the post office staff with the parcel. For those customers unable to do this, copies are available to complete at all post offices, but for the consideration of all customers it is requested that customers complete forms prior to approaching the counter. Receiving Mail Customers who miss their parcel delivery are advised that they can request to direct their item to one of fourteen convenient Island-wide locations for collection by using our online redelivery request service www.iompost.com/collections. Customers will receive a text message notification when the parcel is at their requested location ready for collection. Many of these locations provide extended opening hours allowing customers to collect at a time that is suitable to them. Isle of Man Post Office encourages customers to sign up for the Authority to Sign service. This allows the post person to sign for any items requiring a signature on behalf of the customer and leave them in a safe location on the property while customers are out. Details of Authority to Sign services can be found at www.iompost.com/ats or you can request a form from your local post office. Christmas Stamps and Gifts This years Christmas stamps, Manx Winter by local artist Julia Ashby Smyth are now available to purchase online at www.iompost.com/postal-shop (in quantities of 24 self-adhesive stamps) or at your local post office. These are the final Isle of Man stamps to be approved by and to feature the effigy of HM Queen Elizabeth II. There are also a number of collectable items that would make wonderful Christmas gifts which are available to browse and purchase from iompost.com/christmasgiftshop. For those who prefer the option of a monetary gift or are going away for the festive period, IOMPO offers foreign currency, presented in a gift wallet and with free delivery, available to order at iompost.com/Forex or at your local post office. Letters to Father Christmas Isle of Man Post Office is pleased to continue its express letter service to the North Pole so that children of the Isle of Man can send their letters to Father Christmas and receive a free response. Father Christmas will endeavour to respond to each and every letter so these should be sent as soon as possible in an envelope with a first class stamp, so it reaches Lapland in a timely manner. Letters without a stamp will not reach Lapland. To avoid any disappointment, all letters should include a return address so Father Christmas knows who to send a reply to. Information about Father Christmas letters and sending and receiving Christmas mail can be found on the Christmas page of our website www.iompost.com/christmas. Self-service kiosks Customers are reminded of the Isle of Man Post Offices self-service Pay & Post Kiosks which are positioned across the Island and offer convenient access to postal services out of working hours without the need to queue. The Pay & Post Kiosks assist those customers wishing to send letters and parcels, purchase postage and pay Government rates, fixed and endorsable penalty fines and utility bills. Details of all our service locations Island-wide can be found at https://www.iompost.com/tools-forms/post-office-services-finder. All information is correct at the time of publication and subject to change. For up to date information please visit www.iompost.com/christmas or follow Isle of Man Post Office on Facebook and Twitter. French high-end audio company Devialet has a reputation for making powerful, interesting and eye-wateringly expensive speakers. Today, the company has announced its first portable smart speaker with an eye-watering price tag. Looking like a cannonball with its own carrying strap, the Devialet Mania is designed to calibrate its sound to the area its in. So, if near to a wall, itll tweak where its speakers are pumping to give you expansive and powerful audio while on the go. Devialet Nestled inside the Manias 170mm (6.7-inch) tall body is a quartet of full-range drivers teamed up with a pair of Speaker Active Matching sub-woofers. Four microphones are used for that stereo calibration, but can also be used to communicate with Amazons smart assistant, Alexa. The speaker can also connect to your favorite music service over WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect. The company promises that Mania will travel well, too, with IPX4 water resistance and 10 hours of battery life, when used at moderate volumes, at least. The Mania is available to order from today, priced at $790 online or via a number of retail stores. On October 15th, billionaire Elon Musk said he would indefinitely fund Ukraines Starlink use to support the country. But, on October 24th, the Ukrainian military lost internet access, causing problems for commanders and soldiers fighting the Russian invasion. The outage was reportedly caused by a funding brouhaha between Musk, SpaceX and the Department of Defense. The issue centers on the (roughly) $3.15 million running cost, which SpaceX had asked the US to pay for, but withdrew after public criticism. The report added that DoD officials are likely to take on the running costs but want to set firm contract terms, lest the impulsive billionaire change his mind. Thats a reference to, uh, lots of things, but also that Musk has publicly called on Ukraine to hand over chunks of its territory to Russia to guarantee peace. Dan Cooper The biggest stories you might have missed The company employs over 87,000 people Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp owner Meta will apparently start the week by announcing a round of large-scale lay-offs. This is a reaction to both Metas recent financial woes (burning all of its profit on a metaverse boondoggle) and the sheer number of people it employs. In its most recent earnings call, Mark Zuckerberg said the company would focus its investments on high priority areas, which would see non-priority teams stay flat or shrink. Continue Reading. The decision to drop passenger operations was behind the split. Hyperloop One Virgin Hyperloop is no more after the Virgin Group withdrew its branding from the well-funded Hyperloop startup. The company has now reverted to its previous name, Hyperloop One, and is promising a fresh start in its operations. The split was prompted by the startups decision to end research into building a passenger service to concentrate on freight shipping. Continue Reading. Three seasons too late, if you ask me. HBO Westworlds first season was a thoughtful and entertaining exploration of AI, humanity, free will and commerce. Unfortunately, the blockbuster conclusion of that run also kicked the narrative legs out from under the series as it attempted to continue. After limping on for three more awful years of go-nowhere, no-stakes storytelling, ratings fell from 3.3 million in the pilot to a low of 312,000 during its fourth season. Its no surprise HBO pulled the plug, citing the high budget and miniscule audience as justification. And to think: The second season of Carnivale pulled in 1.7 million viewers a week, but that wasnt enough to spare it from the axe. Continue Reading. This isnt the first Long March 5B to screw up its descent. China Daily CDIC / Reuters Spain was forced to close its airspace, leading to hundreds of flight delays, to prevent mid-air collisions caused by a falling Long March 5B. The Chinese-made rocket carried the final piece of the countrys Tiangong space station into orbit, before making an uncontrolled descent. Unlike other heavy rockets, which can fire engines to guide their fall back to Earth, the Long March is just left to land wherever. The approach has already drawn the ire of NASA administrator Bill Nelson, who said China risks causing major damage or loss of life. Continue Reading. Twitter Corner Heres a rundown of everything that happened with Twitter over the weekend. Carlos Barria / Reuters A number of major companies opted to pull their adverts (and money) from Twitter after Elon Musks content-moderation promises failed to reassure them. One of the worlds largest advertising companies has advised clients to pause spending on Twitter until the dust around the acquisition settles. The reaction is only natural. Blue-chip brands dont really want to have ads sitting side by side with hate speech. This is especially the case given the company lost around 15 percent of its trust and safety team in the mass-layoffs. Not long after, Yoel Roth, Twitters head of safety and integrity, said fighting misinformation remains a top priority as the US goes to the polls. Roths pleas may fall upon disbelieving eyes, however, as Musk himself promoted a conspiracy theory concerning Paul Pelosis attacker last week. Twitter then began testing support for its new Blue subscription, with its paid-for verification system. The setup isnt live yet, but app updates already reveal groundwork laid for the features. Activations for the paid-for verification wouldnt start until November 9th at the earliest, however, holding off until after the midterm elections, to prevent abuse of the system. Another feature, announced this weekend, is the ability to append long-form essays to tweets. This, said Elon Musk, would end the absurdity of notepad screenshots, common when users want to post lots of text (usually an apology) in a single tweet. Speaking of apologies, Twitter co-founder and former CEO, Jack Dorsey, posted one of his own on Saturday. He said the need for large-scale layoffs was his fault because he grew the company too quickly. But clearly, despite those claims, Twitter has apparently had some remorse of its own around the scale of its layoffs. Management has reportedly realized many of the employees unceremoniously dumped last week were actually doing important work. Its rumored some of those people were asked to return, but you can understand if theyre not feeling much generosity of spirit toward their former employer after the nature of their split. If China were to attack Taiwan, it wouldnt just have to face a hostile superpower. It would also likely have to confront its longstanding regional rival, Japan. For centuries, Japan and China have vied for hegemony in East Asia; at times, they have threatened each others survival. Today, as I found from three days of meetings with Japanese officials and analysts in Tokyo, the threat of Chinese aggression is producing a quiet revolution in Japanese statecraft and pushing the nation to get ready for a fight. For the US, China is a dangerous but distant challenge. For Japan, China is the existential danger next door. Years before American leaders were proclaiming the return of great-power rivalry, Japanese officials were warning that Beijing was up to no good. As Chinas capabilities become more formidable and its conduct in the Taiwan Strait more menacing, Tokyos concerns grew more acute. The weather may have been beautiful when I visited the capital, but there is very much a sense that storms are on the horizon. Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow, warned Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in June. The same month, some 90% of the Japanese public believed the country should prepare for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. That was before Chinese leader Xi Jinping ratcheted tensions by firing ballistic missiles into Japans exclusive economic zone following House Speaker Nancy Pelosis visit to Taipei. In Tokyo, as in Washington, opinions differ regarding when the risk of war will be greatest, and even whether Xi would hazard everything in a high-stakes military gamble. Some officials told me that Xis recent personnel reforms which included placing a veteran of Chinas last foreign conflict, against Vietnam in 1979, and a former commander of Chinese military forces opposite Taiwan in the two top spots on the Central Military Commission amount to a creation of a war council. Others counter that the Peoples Liberation Army will lack key capabilities necessary to invade Taiwan, such as sufficient amphibious landing craft, for years to come. But there is little debate the country must brace for trouble, because China taking Taiwan by force would be disastrous for Japan. If Taiwan fell, the islands at the far southwestern end of the Japanese archipelago might become indefensible. China could constrict Japans vital trade routes, increase the pressure around the disputed Senkaku Islands, and otherwise coerce its historic rival. This is why the Tokyo government has stated as strongly as it can, given Japans post-1945 aversion to the use of force that it would not stand by while Taiwan was subjugated. Already a serious regional military power, Japan is moving rapidly to strengthen its capabilities for deterrence and defense. Japan plans to nearly double defense spending by 2027. It is turning some of the southwestern islands into strongpoints studded with anti-ship missiles and air defenses; it reportedly has plans to use its high-quality submarine fleet to bottle up the Chinese navy. Tokyo is also moving to acquire American Tomahawk cruise missiles and other counterstrike capabilities that could target the Chinese mainland. Some of these moves are publicly justified as measures to deal with a very real threat from North Korea, which livened my arrival in Tokyo by launching ballistic missiles that triggered alerts for residents of north and central Japan to seek cover. But Japanese officials acknowledged privately to me that every crisis with Pyongyang strengthens their argument for acquiring weapons that can blunt aggression by Beijing. Meanwhile, cooperation with the US is getting deeper, with American and Japanese forces stepping up training together including large-scale exercises off several southern islands this month and preparing joint-operational plans in case conflict over Tawian breaks out. These measures are part of a larger shift, as Tokyo which in the 1930s and 40s ravaged its neighbors becomes a pillar of Indo-Pacific security. When the US withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement under President Donald Trump, Japan salvaged a pared-down version of that accord, to act as a counterweight to Chinese influence. Japanese officials are weaving a web of security partnerships, with countries from Australia to India, meant to strengthen checks against Chinese expansion. Tokyo even coined the idea of preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific, a phrase Washington has now appropriated. To be sure, its a halfway revolution. Doubling defense spending would take Japans military outlays to just 2% of GDP. The countrys constitution still imposes serious constraints on foreign and defense policy. But the overall trend is clear and, most likely, durable. Kishida, once considered a dove, is carrying out the policies that his more hawkish predecessor, Shinzo Abe, envisioned without provoking nearly as much blowback as the more polarizing Abe. This is good news for Washington. Access to Japanese bases and the involvement of Japanese forces would make the odds in a war over Taiwan far more favorable for the US. An alliance that began as a one-way security guarantee after World War II is steadily evolving into a more authentic partnership. Thats not say that the two countries are in lockstep. The volatility of US politics and the legacy of the Trump years have led to lingering concerns about Americas long-term reliability. As I learned in Tokyo, Japanese think-tanks are quietly studying geopolitical plan Bs (or plan As) in case Trump returns to power. Military and diplomatic investments that make Japan a better ally of the US today serve as insurance against a future in which America retreats into isolationism or angry unilateralism. Japanese and American diplomats I spoke to also worried that Washington sometimes elevates the symbolic aspects of support for Taiwan, such as the Pelosi visit or calls to recognize that island as an independent country, over concrete action to strengthen its defenses. Whereas Tokyo prefers deterrence without provocation, the US periodically practices provocation without deterrence. Thats not a good way to handle a dangerous rival or to keep Americas single most crucial ally in the fold. Hal Brands : bloomberg.com This is an edited version of remarks delivered on Nov. 3 in Bali, Indonesia, at the G20 Religion Forum, an international summit of religious leaders inaugurated by the government of Indonesia in its capacity as 2022 president and host of the annual G20. BaliIt has been a disquieting and dangerous year in world affairs. Consequently, we owe a special debt of gratitude to the Indonesian government, whose nations motto is, in the Old Javanese language, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika unity in diversity. Thanks to the leadership of Nahdlatul Ulama and the counsel of the Center for Shared Civilizational Values, and in partnership with its Muslim World League cohost, Indonesia reaffirms the principle of unity in diversity with this first annual G20 Religion Forum (R20). By inviting to Bali abounding in natural beauty and warm and kind people citizens from around the globe and representing a variety of faiths to explore religion and our shared humanity, this forum takes a stand against the forces that would divide us into warring tribes. Our speeches, panel discussions, and conversations over coffee and meals inspire confidence that we can fortify unity by better understanding the marvelous diversity of peoples and nations, and that we can honor diversity by more fully grasping the enduring principles that make unity among peoples and nations possible and desirable. In 1948, the UN General Assembly approved the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since then, human rights the rights inherent in all human beings have become the international language for discussing human dignity, the freedoms that belong to all individuals, and the irreducible responsibilities of citizens and governments. The UDHR presents religious liberty as a fundamental freedom. The first article states that [a]ll human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Article 2 provides that no one shall be deprived, because of religion, the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration. And Article 18 affirms that Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance. The UDHR does not ground human rights in religious faith or theological doctrine. However, by recognizing religious liberty as a basic right and fundamental freedom, the UDHR fosters respect for faith and the diversity of forms that it takes. But all is not well with the state of human rights, and not only in countries that reconceive them as collective imperatives to justify the flagrant violation of UDHR principles. In the United States and in other rights-protecting democracies ideas have grown in popularity that erode understanding of, and dedication to, human rights, including the right of religious freedom. Critics on the left contend that universal claims about Western civilization and liberal democracy provide cover for colonialism and imperialism. Critics on the right maintain that invocations of universal rights serve as a pretext for imposing progressive political preferences at home and abroad. Both sets of critics make the same mistake: They refuse to distinguish between universal principles and the abuses to which those principles are subject. Meanwhile, nationalism attracts keen interest in the United States and in other liberal democracies. This is legitimate and, in some respects, welcome. The UDHR supposes that peoples of the world will organize themselves into independent nation-states; that nation-states serve human dignity by allowing individuals united by a shared history and sense of political destiny to pursue distinctive visions of the common good; and that nation-states rightly give priority to their citizens security, freedom, and prosperity. But we must not forget the temptations that nation-states face. They are vulnerable to supposing that their unique traditions confer special privileges and prerogatives, giving them authority to repress dissenters at home and impose their dominion abroad. To enable nation-states to respect human dignity in its multifarious expressions, we must preserve the domain between government and the individual. In civil society which embraces families, neighborhoods, houses of worship, and all manner of voluntary associations people learn to enjoy the blessings of community, care for their needs and those of others, advance shared interests, and cooperate on behalf of the common good. At the same time, we must remain attentive to that which endures above government and the individual. Universal human-rights principles impose obligations on government and the individual as well as limits. In recent years, the reckless disparagement of universal principles and growing confusion about the reach of nationalism have widened the partisan divide within liberal democracies. Under the influence of both, fellow citizens incline to view one another as adversaries rather than partners in a common enterprise. Acrimonious discourse becomes a way of life. Tribalism according to which ones highest loyalty is to ones social and political group gains ground. These simmering tensions pose a mounting threat to that unity within diversity on which not only liberal democracy depends but also a world order that respects the sovereignty of nations and the universal rights of individuals. Observations such as these impelled then-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the summer of 2019 to create the Commission on Unalienable Rights. The independent commissions purpose was to reground Americas commitment to human rights in the nations founding principles, constitutional traditions, and the obligations that the country took on in 1948 by voting in the UN General Assembly to approve the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Harvard Law School Professor Mary Ann Glendon chaired the commission. I served as the commissions executive secretary. The 11 commissioners included members of the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Mormon faiths; Democrats, Republicans, and independents; professors of law, philosophy, comparative literature, African and African American studies, and sociology; Jewish and Muslim clergy; government officials and activists. We disagreed about many matters, but we were united in the conviction that human rights were central to the American constitutional tradition, a source of political cohesiveness and national strength, an integral part of a responsible foreign policy, and the common property of humanity. We hoped that our report would prove useful not only to Secretary Pompeo, State Department colleagues, and fellow citizens, but also to friends and partners around the world. Beyond providing insight into Americas distinctive rights tradition, we wanted to invite other peoples and nations to undertake a reexamination of their traditions as we had of ours. We were confident that they, too, would find moral, philosophical, and religious resources to reaffirm the dignity of individuals and the rights human beings share. The commission operated in the spirit of Jacques Maritain, the eminent French Catholic philosopher. Maritain wrote the introduction to a 1948 UNESCO volume, Human Rights: Comments and Interpretations, which featured essays from around the world. Maritain argued that it was possible to secure agreement across borders and cultures on a small set of human rights. But, he emphasized, it was to be expected that this agreement would be reached by a multiplicity of routes: Peoples and nations would reason from within their own distinctive cultures and faiths to arrive at a common core of universal principles. In the summer of 2020, with the unanimous endorsement of all 11 commissioners, the Commission on Unalienable Rights published its report. We focused on Americas distinctive rights tradition, which has roots in biblical faith, the civic-republican school of citizenship and government, and the modern tradition of freedom. The report underscored that with its 1776 Declaration of Independence, the United States became the first nation to establish its government on the universal principles of individual freedom and equality under law. We highlighted the role that the U.S. Constitution plays in securing unalienable rights. We recognized that the barbarous institution of slavery betrayed Americas founding principles. We explored the great progress that America has made, and the pride the nation justly takes, in the quest to deliver to all citizens the equal liberty under law that the countrys founding principles promise. And we examined the place of human rights in a foreign policy worthy of a nation dedicated to freedom and democracy and possessing great power responsibilities. The commission observes in conclusion that respect for human rights must be cultivated, and the promotion of human rights is only one element in building the kind of societies that promote human flourishing in all its dimensions. Another element, the UDHR stresses, is education. While holding that human rights should be protected by the rule of law, the UDHR is not intended as a statement of formal legal principles. Rather, it presents a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations. Individuals and societies, the UDHR urges, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms. Let us, gathered here in Bali for the first annual G20 Religion Forum, carry forward the work of cultivating respect for human rights through teaching and education. Inspired not least by Indonesias national motto of unity in diversity, let us cherish our own traditions while reaching outward to the principles that reflect our shared humanity. Next year marks the 75th anniversary of the publication of UNESCOs report on the possibility and desirability of international agreement on human rights, as well as of the UNs approval of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Amid resurgent threats to a world order that is grounded in respect for independent nation-states and dedication to universal human rights, these anniversaries provide an excellent occasion to convene another group of thinkers representing the worlds many and varied regions and faiths. They should write a new round of essays. By drawing on their distinctive traditions, contributors can vindicate anew the essential human dignity and those basic rights and fundamental freedoms through which peoples and nations can bring politics into better alignment with justice. HELENA, Mont. - A new sidewalk between the north side of Lewis Street between Prickly Pear Elementary School and East Valley Middle School in East Helena has been proposed. The sidewalk would include a new Americans with Disabilities (ADA) compliant concrete sidewalk, new ADA compliant curb ramps at Prickly Pear Avenue and Montana Avenue/ Valley Drive and revegetation. According to the Montana Department of Transportation, the project looks to provide pedestrian connectivity between Prickly Pear Elementary School and East Valley Middle School, and to further connect existing and future proposed pedestrian facilities in the community of East Helena. The project is tentatively scheduled to start in 2024, depending on project development activities and the availability of funding. No right-of-way acquisition is anticipated, and utility relocations may be required. Funding for the project would come from the Transportation Alternatives federal aid funding through MDT, and local matching funds are being provided by the East Helena School District. People are invited to provide comments on the proposed project. Comments may be submitted online at http://www.mdt.mt.gov/contact/comment-form.aspx or in writing to Montana Department of Transportation, Great Falls office, PO Box 1359, Great Falls, MT 59403-1359. Please note that comments are for project UPN 10104000. You can contact Great Falls District Preconstruction Engineer Jim Combs at 406-788-2773 or Project Design Engineer Joshua Dold at 406-444-6385 with questions or comments about the project. A car has been found floating on the beach, in Santa Barbara, California, and it appears to be a white Model 3 Tesla. This unfortunate event began when the owner took the car to the beach, which is illegal, according to Futurism. The car is seen just this Monday, bobbing with the waves off the coastline of Carpinteria, California. John Palminteri, a TV and Radio reporter, tweeted a photo of the half-sunken vehicle back on November 1st. The local sheriff and firefighters have confirmed that there was no one trapped inside. According to reports, the driver is unharmed. He drove the car into the beach but was caught in the oncoming tide. A spokesperson from the local sheriff's office advised the owner to get his car out of the ocean. A Tesla was found floating in the ocean off Carpinteria this morning about 8 a.m. Firefighters searched the car along with the surrounding area, but no one was found. The Santa Barbara Co. Sheriff's Dept. is investigating. (photos: Carpinteria fire, Robin Karlsson, Bill Ehrgott) pic.twitter.com/X1CAmcdL4V John Palminteri (@JohnPalminteri) October 31, 2022 Will It Still Work? For some of its functions, yes. Entirely, maybe but probably not. Rich Rebuilds attempted to do this on his YouTube Channel, after buying several flood-damaged Teslas. In his video, you'll see how he had a hard time attempting to get the electric car to work again, considering that it had been in the water for ten days. He dismantled the battery pack to take a closer look at the damage. After much work, Rich Rebuilds tried to jumpstart the vehicle. He ended up with a car that still had an LTE service, and can still connect to the Internet. Some of its lights were still working too, according to Tesmanian. Not everything was fixed, and the car even advised the YouTuber to take it in for service. Mechanical issues aren't the only problems here. With flood damage, a lot can go wrong. Other than the low-voltage accessory items, there's also the issue of mold growth as mentioned by CNET. Since the car that was recently found is in the ocean, there are also different factors to look into like how salt water will affect the car. Read Also: Tesla Cybertruck Release Date, Exterior, Specs and More: Production Schedule Confirmed! But Elon Musk Says It Can He did say that the car floats well in water. But, he also said in his tweet that it is not recommended, and it can only be done in short periods of time. The Tesla CEO claimed that the driver can navigate through the waters, by thrusting through wheel rotation. Musk explained that the Tesla Model S drive unit and batteries were sealed. If that's the case with the Model 3, which it likely is, it would explain why some functions are still working. We *def* don't recommended this, but Model S floats well enough to turn it into a boat for short periods of time. Thrust via wheel rotation. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 19, 2016 Tesla owners should not confuse their cars with the Tesla Cybertruck unveiled in 2019, which Musk claimed was technically an amphibious vehicle. He also stated that it will be waterproof enough to serve as a boat, but only briefly. It can cross rivers and lakes, and even seas if they weren't rough. Musk expressed that an electric propeller should be mounted on the tow hitch, for it to be able to go faster than a few knots. Related: Elon Musk Says Tesla Cybertruck Deliveries to Start in Mid-2023 All poultry and captive birds in England must now be housed indoors to prevent the spread of bird flu as mandatory measures roll out today. Farmers and bird keepers are legally required to shut their birds indoors to prevent access by wild birds and to follow strict biosecurity measures from Monday (7 November). The UK's Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said bird keepers in England must "step up their efforts in the fight against avian influenza". Since late October 2021, the UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of bird flu, with over 200 cases confirmed on commercial premises and smallholdings. The disease was confirmed at over 90 premises since the start of last month, as well as in over 200 dead wild birds. The government recently raised the risk of avian influenza in wild birds to 'very high'. However, Ms Middlemiss warned that a housing order alone would not be enough to reduce infection rates. "Implementing scrupulous biosecurity and separating flocks from wild birds remains the best form of defence," she said. Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, from today onwards they must be housed under cover to protect them from this highly infectious disease. 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. The AIPZ means that all keepers need to take extra precautions, such as restricting access for non-essential people on site. The UK Health Security Agency continues to advise that the risk to public health from the virus is 'very low'. And the Food Standards Agency advice remains unchanged, that avian influenzas pose a 'very low' food safety risk for UK consumers. It comes after the government announced last week that it will alter its existing bird flu compensation scheme to make payments faster, helping stem cash flow pressures. And in consultation with the Food Standards Agency (FSA), an easement to marketing rules will also be introduced in England. This means that farmers who breed turkeys, geese or ducks for their meat will have an the option to slaughter their flocks early and to freeze these products. Small farming businesses in Scotland are set to benefit from a share of more than 10m to improve supply-chain efficiency, increase production and run feasibility studies. A total of 33 businesses, large and small, will receive the Scottish government's food and drink grants, which range from 16,000 to 1.4 million. The Food Processing, Marketing and Cooperation (FPMC) scheme aims to boost processing facilities, run co-operative ventures and boost exports. This year, projects include capacity building for a dairy farm to meet the growing demand for its soft cheese. A new venison processing operation will also be set up thanks to the scheme, as well as the installation of solar panels at a butchers to reduce carbon footprint. Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon visited one of the recipients of the fund, a family-run organic farm in Aberdeenshire. The Scottish government is supporting investment and expansion in our food and drink sector which offers incredible produce that is enjoyed at home and abroad," she said. Im confident that this round of funding will play an important role in helping producers continue to deliver high-quality, innovative and nutritious products securing and creating jobs and boosting the economy." Phil Swire, who runs the small dairy farm which consists of Balmakewan Farm Shop, said the grant would enable the family to diversify and move forward. It will allow us to process our organically home grown produce on site, creating further local employment," Mr Swire said. "It is my belief that we need to be offering nutrient dense, ethically farmed, chemical free and environmentally positive food directly to local consumers whilst also reducing food miles. "This project will allow our small family run farm to start offering exactly this to our local community. FPMC is one of a number of funding schemes which make up the Scottish Rural Development Programme. Two men have been arrested by the police following a series of on-farm crimes in Cumbria, including theft of agri machinery. Police received a report from an off-duty officer on the morning of 2 November of a suspicious vehicle carrying two quadbikes. Officers arrived in the area looking to locate it, with them stopping the vehicle that night on Northside Road, Workington. A 31-year-old man from Pontefract was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen goods and remains in police custody. Officers made a further arrest of a 32-year-old man from Workington on suspicion of burglary, he also remains in custody. The two quadbikes recovered are believed to be those stolen earlier in the day from farms in the Keswick area. Detective Inspector Calvin Greaves, from Cumbria Police, said this type of crime "disrupts our communities and adversely affects the local economy". He called on farmers and landowners to take preventative measures to stop further crimes from occurring. Its important that simple and basic steps are taken to protect your property such as ensuring outbuildings are locked and that tools and machinery are kept out of sight. Installing tracking devices to property is also a great security measure and can help significantly within an investigation to locate the property. "Markings or data tags are also really helpful so we can identify who the items belong to if found," he said. Farmers have recently been warned that the cost of living crisis could trigger increases in thefts from farms and rural properties this winter. Farmers should increase security as rises in the prices of diesel, heating oil, fertiliser and machinery make their businesses more attractive targets, NFU Mutual said. Farm vehicles top the target for thieves with tractors, trailers, quad bikes, pick-ups and Land Rover Defenders at particular risk, the rural insurer warned. NFU Cumbria County Chairman, Ian Bowness said it was 'clear' that machinery and fuel theft was back on the rise, with farms being targeted. Rural crime has huge financial implications for farm businesses, and it also leaves farming families feeling vulnerable, intimidated, and in some cases directly threatened. "This all comes at a time when the industry is already facing numerous other pressures, not least soaring production costs and challenging weather conditions. Id urge all farmers in the county to take the necessary precautions to prevent machinery theft impacting farm businesses, both financially and emotionally. UK trade minister Greg Hands will co-host the UK-Taiwan 25th annual trade talks in Taipei to boost trade and future-proof UK economy through collaboration on green trade and supply chains. The talks with Taiwanese deputy minister Chern-Chyi Chen will look at tackling barriers to trade in various sectors to help more UK firms export and invest in Taiwan. Hands will also promote UK expertise in offshore wind, hydrogen and electric vehicles in discussions on areas of mutual interest such as renewables and science and innovation, a UK government press release said. UK trade minister Greg Hands will co-host the UK-Taiwan 25th annual trade talks in Taipei to boost trade and future-proof UK economy through collaboration on green trade and supply chains. The talks with Taiwanese deputy minister Chern-Chyi Chen will look at tackling barriers to trade in various sectors to help more UK firms export and invest in Taiwan. Visiting Taiwan in person is a clear signal of the UKs commitment to boosting UK-Taiwan trade ties. Like the UK, Taiwan is a champion of free and fair trade underpinned by a rules-based global trading system. Boosting trade with this vital partner [Taiwan] is part of the UKs post-Brexit tilt towards the Indo-Pacific and closer collaboration will help us future-proof our economy in the decades to come, Hands said. Our thriving 8 billion trade partnership has gone up 14 per cent in the last two years, with UK exports to Taiwan also increasing in that time, he added. During the Trade Talks, Innovate UK will sign a memorandum of understanding with the ministry of economic affairs in Taiwan, pledging to increase collaboration on technology and innovation. This includes a 5 million funding commitment till 2025 and support to UK businesses via a bespoke Innovation Programme between the United Kingdom and Taiwan. With its advanced, high-tech economy, a gross domestic product of over $770 billion and strong economic growth, Taiwan is an important trading partner for the United Kingdom. According to the UK governments annual business survey, 88 per cent of UK businesses operating in Taiwan said they are optimistic about the outlook for the next three years. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Director Park Chan-wook attends the 11th LACMA Art+Film Gala at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in Los Angeles, California, Saturday. AFP-Yonhap By Kwak Yeon-soo Filmmaker Park Chan-wook was honored at this year's Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) Art+Film Gala. Another honoree was American visual artist Helen Pashgian, a pioneering member of the Light and Space art movement of the 1960s. Park won the Best Director award for his latest film "Decision to Leave" at this year's Cannes Film Festival. The film has been chosen as Korea's submission for Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 23, 2023. "I initially wanted to begin with the following words: 'I do not know how to thank you for such an award that is beyond me,' but I remembered advice from a friend that is familiar with both Korean and American culture. She told me that you should not be too humble in America So I will take in that advice and say the following words instead: 'I am not at all surprised for the award that I obviously deserve,'" Park said in his acceptance speech. Actor Lee Byung-hun, who starred in Park's 2000 film "Joint Security Area," took the stage to introduce Park. The actor referenced the Halloween crowd crush tragedy that occurred in Seoul last month, which killed 156 people. "Please join me in keeping all the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers," he said. Since his 1992 directorial debut "The Moon is the Sun's Dream," Park has been the stylish mastermind behind some of the most iconic titles that put Korean cinema on the map. They include the 2000 mystery thriller "Joint Security Area" and the so-called "Vengeance Trilogy" in the 2000s, made up of "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance," "Oldboy" and "Lady Vengeance." In recent years, he has also ventured into projects outside of the silver screen, such as the 2018 British spy thriller television series "The Little Drummer Girl" and the 2022 short martial arts fantasy "Life is But a Dream," shot entirely on an iPhone. The annual event, supported by the luxury brand Gucci and co-chaired by LACMA trustee Eva Chow and actor Leonardo DiCaprio, aims to honor artists who have contributed to the development of modern and visual art. Among the participants this year were the other Korean celebrities including actors Zo In-sung, Park Si-yeon, Jang Dong-gun, Ko So-young and BLACKPINK's Rose. Adipurush helmed by Om Raut of Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior fame and featuring Kriti Sanon, Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan, and Sunny Singh is one of the most anticipated big-budget films to look forward to. A month back the first look was shared and there was a mixed response to it keeping various factors in mind. The film was earlier slated to release on January 12, 2023. However, as of this morning - the release date has changed and the same was confirmed by the cast on their social media platforms. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kriti (@kritisanon) The film is now slated to release on June 16, 2023. The post shared on social media read - "Adipurush is not a film, but a representation of our devotion to Prabhu Shri Ram and commitment towards our Sanskriti and history. In order to give a complete visual experience to the viewers, we need to give more time to the teams working on the film. Adipurush will now release on June 16th, 2023. We are committed to make a film that India will be proud of. Your support, love and blessings is what keeps us going. - Om Raut." The film has a star cast and a strong storyline that fans are looking forward to. The prolonged wait only seems to be increasing the anticipation for it all the more. BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - China will on Monday release October figures for imports, exports and trade balance, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. Imports are expected to rise 0.1 percent on year after adding 0.3 percent in September. Exports are called higher by an annual 4.1 percent, slowing from 5.7 percent in the previous month. The trade surplus is pegged at $95.8 billion, up from $84.74 billion a month earlier. Indonesia will provide Q3 numbers for gross domestic product, with forecasts suggesting an increase of 1.62 percent on quarter and 5.89 percent on year. That follows the 3.72 percent quarterly increase and the 5.44 percent yearly gain in the three months prior. Thailand will see October figures for consumer prices, with forecasts suggesting in increase of 6.0 percent on year overall, slowing from 6.41 percent in September. Core CPI is tipped to rise an annual 3.2 percent, up from 3.12 percent in the previous month. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. CUPERTINO (dpa-AFX) - Apple said Sunday that it now expect lower iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max shipments than the company previously anticipated and customers will experience longer wait times to receive their new products. It is due to temporary COVID-19 restrictions at the primary Foxconn factory where the devices are assembled in Zhengzhou, China. Recently there were reports that workers at the iPhone assembly factory in China ran away from the premises after a spurt of COVID-19 cases forced a complete lockdown at the factory. Foxconn, which is a supplier to US-based Apple, has many workers at its Zhengzhou complex and has not provided an official count of how many are infected by COVID-19. Apple acknowledged in its Sunday release that COVID-19 restrictions have temporarily impacted the primary iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max assembly facility located in Zhengzhou, China. The facility is currently operating at significantly reduced capacity. Apple stated that it is working closely with supplier to return to normal production levels while ensuring the health and safety of every worker. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - November 6, 2022) - Joel Nunez, an Entrepreneur and Creative Producer from New York City, recently announced that his creative consulting agency, BOOKNUNEZ, grew by 253% between 2021 and 2022. "The tremendous growth we're seeing has enabled our ability to focus on the art and creativity behind our partners and clients projects whereas in the past I was mostly trying to grow the business and increase profit," he says. Joel Nunez - Image To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8935/143032_fig1.jpg Nunez attributed the exponential growth to increased demand for creative services and the company's ability to provide them outstandingly. Joel and his team have also produced and sponsored a large opening party at Lavan 541 for the Event Planner Expo earlier this year where event curators and marketing professionals came together to network. Beyond the demand for the services, Nunez attributes the recent growth to its team of talented and passionate doers. He shares, "Our team is constantly coming up with new and innovative ideas, and we're always looking for ways to improve our services." The company's commitment to its clients has also contributed immensely to its unprecedented success. About BOOKNUNEZ BOOKNUNEZ is a creative consulting company established in New York in 2018 by Creative Producer and Entrepreneur Joel Nunez. BOOKNUNEZ offers a wide range of services, such as creative direction, video production, promotional events, and brand marketing. The company has worked with various household name brands in numerous industries. A catalyst for Booknunez's success has been its strategic partnerships. Joel is currently doing producer duties for companies like Strange Nature Productions, Eventique, Lavan541, the Web3NYC Gallery, and Vibrant Emotional Health. Contact Person: Joel Nunez Website: www.booknunez.com Email: booknunez@gmail.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/joelnunez To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143032 Wellington, New Zealand--(Newsfile Corp. - November 6, 2022) - New Zealand Energy Corp. (TSXV: NZ) ("NZEC" or the "Company") announces it has requested the New Zealand oil and gas regulator, New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals to amend each of PML 38140 (Waihapa) and PML 38141 (Ngaere) to allow for the sequestration of carbon within the area of each licence. The Waihapa and Ngaere licences, which are suitable for carbon sequestration, are in relative proximity to large emitters. The Company also confirms the TSX-V has given its approval to the extension of the term of the Convertible Loan Agreement with Arizona Finance Limited to 31 May 2023. On behalf of the Board of Directors "James Willis" Chairman New Zealand Energy Corp. New Zealand Energy Contacts Email: info@newzealandenergy.com Website: www.newzealandenergy.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This document contains certain forward- looking information or statements ("forward-looking statements"), including statements regarding NZEC's business and the proposed extension of the Convertible Loan Agreement. The reader's attention is specifically drawn to the qualifications, disclosure and cautionary statements in these documents regarding forward-looking statements, and reserve and resource estimates. Statements relating to "reserves" are also deemed to be forward looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves described exist in the quantities predicted or estimated and that the reserves can be profitably produced in the future. The Company notes that such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond NZEC's control, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, currency fluctuations, imprecision of reserve estimates, environmental risks, operational risks in exploration and development, competition from other industry participants, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, stock market volatility and the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. Although the Company believes that the expectations in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate. Those factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information. Such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward looking information. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward looking information, as no assurance can be provided as to future results, levels of activity or achievements. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this document or the date of the documents referenced above, except as required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143263 Increasing demand from private equity drives exceptional hires at Boyden, who will help clients achieve business expansion and value creation through market leading talent London, UK, Nov. 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boyden, a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 75 offices in over 45 countries, is delighted to welcome new partners and prominent experts in private equity & venture capital Siwan Jones, specialising in executive search and James Hunt, specialising in interim management. Commenting on their appointments, Nick Robeson, Chief Executive, United Kingdom & Ireland said, "Siwan's and James' decision to join Boyden confirms the strength and success of our brand in the United Kingdom. They both bring an impressive, long-term track record in delivering strategically-based solutions to the unique needs of their clients, and are closely aligned to our firm's culture of client-focused, cohesive solutions delivered through strong collegiality." Siwan Jones, Partner, Boyden United Kingdom, is a seasoned expert in global executive search, specialising in strategy and transformation talent for private equity and corporate clients. She was previously co-head of an executive search and interim management firm in the UK, and prior to that in-house recruiter at Google UK. Siwan has a multicultural, pan-European professional background, having worked extensively with private equity firms in Europe, at both fund and portfolio company level, supporting assets across all sectors throughout Europe, and also with multinationals. Her focus on strategic functional capabilities and transformational leadership enables her to support clients across a range of sectors, from industrials, to healthcare companies and fintech firms. Siwan holds an MA in Russian and German from Queen's College, Cambridge University. James Hunt, Partner, Boyden United Kingdom, is a long-term interim management expert with nearly 30 years' experience in recruitment. He specialises in delivering change and transformation programmes for start-ups, hyper-growth businesses, privately-owned companies and multinationals in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, the United States and Asia/Pacific. His expertise enables organisations to grow and build value, and private equity firms to achieve returns on portfolio businesses through organic growth, mergers & acquisition and capital events. He is a former Executive Committee member of the Interim Management Association (IMA). James joins Boyden from a global recruitment firm where he was Partner, Executive Interim, Change & Transformation. Previously he held Partner and other senior roles at UK executive search and interim firms following a career in the British Army. He holds a law degree from University College London (UCL). James commented, "I have known partners at Boyden for many years, and am delighted to join a thriving business where clients benefit from very close working relationships and integrated approaches to leadership needs. Given the current economic environment in the UK, international investors are eyeing up potential acquisitions, and the need for experienced interim managers will be crucial for many businesses. Boyden's global connections, market intelligence and understanding of leadership needs in different business and economic cycles is highly beneficial. Private equity portfolio companies need a certain level of technical and leadership expertise that enhances rather than replaces key executives during growth phases. Interim management, with an expert culturally aligned to the CEO or founder, can make a huge difference in terms of cost, repositioning the business and knowledge share". Siwan added, "Boyden's energy is impressive, with a very clear strategy built around delivering excellent outcomes for clients. The firm's collaborative capabilities will enable me to serve clients across sectors globally, leveraging interim management and leadership consulting approaches that make a huge difference as businesses evolve, expand into new markets and deal with competitive challenges". Managing Partner, UK and Global Co-Leader, Interim Management, Lisa Farmersaid, "We are seeing increasing demand from private equity, as innovation and digital transformation reveal extraordinary opportunities. Our new partners James and Siwan join a very strong, international team at Boyden. Our clients will benefit from their distinguished track records and reputation in private equity, gaining a strong competitive edge through strategic long-term and interim leadership solutions." About Boyden 's Global Private Equity & Venture Capital Practice The burgeoning private equity market is fuelling intense competition for talent to lead portfolio companies. As exit cycles lengthen, firms are paying higher multiples and it is taking longer to achieve returns. Investors need the right leadership and interim management, and independent, non-executive directors who bring specific expertise and knowledge to the table. Boyden secures our clients' investments by putting long-term and interim leaders at the helm who can decisively confront challenges, put strategy into action, and drive innovation to optimise performance. Boyden has over 50 experts in its global private equity & venture capitalteam in the UK, continental Europe, North America, South America, East Africa and Asia/Pacific. About Boyden Boyden is a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 75 offices in over 45 countries. Our global reach enables us to serve client needs anywhere they conduct business. We connect great companies with great leaders through executive search, interim management and leadership consulting solutions. For further information, visit www.boyden.com. Attachments Internet City, Lisbon--(Newsfile Corp. - November 7, 2022) - Global crypto exchange, LBank, joined Web Summit Lisbon in Portugal as a proud sponsor and exhibitor. Lisbon has been on LBank's list of destinations for a while and it was great for the top-20 crypto exchange to finally set foot in Europe officially. The 4-day event gathered over 70,000 attendees and is one of the biggest crypto events of the year. This was also the first live Web Summit event in the past two years, giving LBank the special opportunities to connect in person with their users in Europe. Figure 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8831/143136_5397243d743b6a22_002full.jpg This year's event centered around major topics such as the development of NFTs, the future of Metaverse, and, especially, where Web3 is headed. As an industry-leading force, LBank is very involved in all these sectors, both as investors and as promoters. "To be a part of this great celebration of crypto and seeing how much faith people have in the industry was very inspiring." an LBank representative said. LBank also had a special campaign set up for users in Lisbon. Users had the chance to get free rides in central Lisbon to get between different locations amid limited cabs and heavy traffic. "LBank Free to Ride Lisbon" was LBank's way of saying thank you for the unyielding support from users and fans. After joining LBank's telegram group, all users needed to do to get a free ride is to share with LBank staff where they will start and where they are headed. Every ride needs to include at least one LBank user, that user must take a screenshot of their LBank UID and send it to group managers. Cars were equipped with free LBank Merchandise, including newly designed mouse pads and T-shirts, which were given to riders. More than 20 groups of riders got a free ride between destinations. On November 3rd, LBank hosted a successful "LBank & Friends" Afterparty with over 200 attendees. During the afterparty, LBank also hosted a panel for discussion and a roadshow for projects listed on LBank. The afterparty gathered a diverse crowd and was a great chance for people to discuss topics about Web3 and more. LBank's next stop will be Dcentral Miami, later this month. After exhibiting in Bitcoin Miami earlier this year LBank will again have the privilege of visiting the beautiful city of Miami and connecting with more from the ever-growing crypto industry. About LBank LBank is one of the top crypto exchanges, established in 2015. It offers specialized financial derivatives, expert asset management services, and safe crypto trading to its users. The platform holds over 7 million users from more than 210 regions across the world. LBank is a cutting-edge growing platform that ensures the integrity of users' funds and aims to contribute to the global adoption of cryptocurrencies. Start Trading Now: lbank.com Community & Social Media: l Telegram l Twitter l Facebook l LinkedIn l Instagram l YouTube Contact Details: LBK Blockchain Co. Limited LBank Exchange marketing@lbank.info business@lbank.info To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143136 BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - U.K. stocks were little changed in cautious trade on Monday after Chinese health officials reiterated that they would continue with the country's strict COVID-19 measures. The benchmark FTSE 100 was marginally lower at 7.328 after rallying 2 percent on Friday. PayPoint slumped 4.7 percent after it agreed to buy gifting and engagement firm Appreciate Group for 83 million pounds ($94.4 million) in shares and cash. GSK fell 2.6 percent. The drug maker said a late-stage study of its blood cancer drug Blenrep failed to meet its main goal. In economic releases, U.K. house prices were down 0.4 percent in October from September, when prices slid 0.1 percent, data published by the Llyods Bank subsidiary Halifax showed. This was the second consecutive fall and the sharpest since February 2021. The rate came in line with expectations. The latest fall has taken the typical property price to a five-month low of GBP292,598. The annual house price growth eased to 8.3 percent in October from 9.8 percent in the preceding period. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Frankfurt, Germany--(Newsfile Corp. - November 7, 2022) - Enduro Metals Corporation (TSXV: ENDR) (FSE: SOG) (OTCQB: ENDMF) will be participating in the Deutsche Goldmesse, which will take place on November 18th and 19th at The Westin Grand Frankfurt. Members of the Enduro Metals Corporation management will be taking meetings throughout the day, and also present at 2:30 PM CET on November 18th to an audience of European investors. An online registration form is available, and investors can register to attend at: https://deutschegoldmesse.online/investor-registration/ Kai Hoffmann, Managing Director of Soar Financial Partners, remarked, "We are excited to host our 3rd in-person premier mining investment event, bringing together carefully selected mining and exploration companies with the European investment community over the course of two days. We anticipate this to be our largest conference yet, and we are pleased to welcome again an astute line-up of keynote speakers." The Deutsche Goldmesse website is continuously being updated concerning attending companies, keynote speakers, agenda, etc.: www.deutschegoldmesse.com About Enduro Metals Corporation Enduro Metals is an exploration company focused on its flagship Newmont Lake Project; a total 688km2 property located between Eskay Creek, Snip, and Galore Creek within the heart of northwestern British Columbia's Golden Triangle. Building on prior results, the Company's geological team have outlined 4 deposit environments of interest across the Newmont Lake Project including high-grade epithermal/skarn gold along the McLymont Fault, copper-gold alkalic porphyry mineralization at Burgundy & 72 Zones, encouraging porphyry-style alteration typical of alkalic copper-gold porphyry systems at North Toe, and a large 9km x 4km geochemical anomaly hosting various gold, silver, copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, and lead mineralization along the newly discovered Chachi Corridor. About Deutsche Goldmesse Deutsche Goldmesse is Germany's premier mining investment conference, based out of Frankfurt- one of Europe's most important financial capitals. We bring together leading minds in the industry to foster new business opportunities and facilitate valuable relationships. The exclusive two-day event showcases industry-leading keynote speakers and up to 35 carefully considered companies in a range of commodities and stages from explorers to producers. Hosted by Soar Financial Partners, we provide a platform where top company management can connect with a vast network of European institutional and HNW investors, retail investors, analysts, influencers, newsletter writers, media, and other local partners. For further information: Enduro Metals Corporation Ali Wasiliew Corporate Communications Team +1 (250) 307-1116 info@endurometals.com https://endurometals.com/ LEA ReplyTM, Reply's supply-chain execution platform, enables new levels of flexibility and automation Fabric, the technology company that's reshaping retail fulfillment, and Reply, specialized in new communications channels and digital media, announced today that they have entered into a strategic partnership to offer brands and retailers a seamless integration to a single point solution for a warehouse management system (WMS) and automated robotic fulfillment. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005099/en/ Fabric will use the LEA Reply supply-chain execution platform developed by Logistics Reply to integrate with its automation solution and provide a ready-to-use connector to Reply's leading WMS in the market. This will also allow both Fabric and Reply to quickly develop new features for their customers to improve the performance of the robotics, WES, and WMS with minimal additional integration efforts and no disruption to the customers' operations. Especially amid a boom in online shopping and increasing customer expectations for rapid delivery times, this technology satisfies retailers' critical need to revolutionize their fulfillment strategies in order to maintain their competitive edge in the market. LEA Reply can be used to rapidly develop and build new end-to-end supply chain solutions for any business requirement. By augmenting Fabric's MFC automation platform, the combined solution empowers retailers to maximize customer satisfaction, making MFCs more local, flexible and automated to allow for faster deliveries and more efficient operations. "We are quite excited about this partnership. Reply's technology complements ours very well and ensures a robust automated fulfillment platform for any brand, retailer, or 3PL that is ready to take their supply chain to the next level," said Avi (Jack) Jacoby, Fabric's CEO. "This is the future of fast, accurate, cost-effective fulfillment: placing inventory close to the consumer and automating the operations." This partnership gives customers new levels of flexibility and automation, including: Actionable data and intelligence: Together, predictive analytics can combine with automation to maximize fulfillment optimization and speed. For example, updated sales forecasts can inform how inventory is displayed within the MFC s, optimizing the space and reducing picking time and distance. Together, predictive analytics can combine with automation to maximize fulfillment optimization and speed. For example, updated sales forecasts can inform how inventory is displayed within the MFC s, optimizing the space and reducing picking time and distance. Faster onboarding: By snapping together modular microservices like building blocks, Fabric and Reply can accelerate new process configurations and data migrations, getting new customers up and running with unprecedented speed. By snapping together modular microservices like building blocks, Fabric and Reply can accelerate new process configurations and data migrations, getting new customers up and running with unprecedented speed. Easy extensibility: Systems talk easily with one another through APIs, effortlessly integrating with external systems of customers and couriers. "We are thrilled to announce this strategic partnership that allows us to offer retailers a smart, orchestrated and complete ecosystem for e-commerce fulfillment and logistics," said Enrico Nebuloni, Executive Partner at Reply. "The omni-channel operating models for orders preparation and delivery such as depot fulfillment, in-store fulfillment, drop shipping, curbside pickup, lockers and home delivery, that are all natively supported by our proprietary LEA ReplyTM platform, can be now complemented, in a seamless way, by Fabric's innovative MFCs." To learn more about how Fabric and Reply are creating a competitive advantage for retailers through fulfillment optimization and speed, please visit getfabric.com. Reply Reply [EXM, STAR: REY] specializes in the design and implementation of solutions based on new communication channels and digital media. As a network of highly specialized companies, Reply defines and develops business models enabled by the new models of AI, big data, cloud computing, digital media and the internet of things. Reply delivers consulting, system integration and digital services to organizations across the telecom and media; industry and services; banking and insurance; and public sectors. www.reply.com Fabric Fabric is a retail technology company that enables exceptional customer experiences from click to delivery. Fabric launched the micro-fulfillment center (MFC) concept of local, flexible, and automated fulfillment to meet the evolving needs of the retail industry. Its best-in-class intelligent robotics platform empowers brands in their quest for cost-effective, on-demand fulfillment. Founded in 2015, Fabric is backed by leading investors, including Temasek, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), Corner Ventures, Playground Ventures, Princeville Capital, Innovation Endeavors, Aleph, and others. Fabric is headquartered in Tel Aviv with a main office in New York and teams located throughout the United States. For more information, visit getfabric.com LEA ReplyTM LEA ReplyTM is Reply's digital platform designed to enable efficient, agile and connected supply chains. The solution consists of a suite of microservices covering various business processes including the management of warehousing, inventory, distribution, delivery and store logistics. LEA ReplyTM modules are highly configurable and customisable, and the platform uses technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and the Internet of Things to ensure enhanced quality and operational efficiency. www.lea-reply.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005099/en/ Contacts: Media Reply Fabio Zappelli f.zappelli@reply.com Tel. +390117711594 Aaron Miani a.miani@reply.com Tel. +44 (0)20 7730 6000 Treble (for Fabric) Michael Kellner fabric@treblepr.com Fabric Ian Televik ian.televik@getfabric.com Korea announced its maiden container freight index Monday to better reflect shipping rates on Asian routes, the oceans ministry said. The Korea Ocean Business Corporation (KOBC) Container Composite Index (KCCI) stood at 2,892 for the second week of November, according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries In July 2020, the ministry joined hands with the state-run KOBC to develop the KCCI to better respond to growing uncertainties from the worsening global supply chain disruptions. The KCCI is based on rates for cargo on 13 routes from Busan, Korea's largest port on the country's southeast coast, to Asia, North America and Europe. The index utilizes freight rates unveiled by shipping companies registered with the ministry and provided by logistics companies, the ministry added. Currently, Korean exporters and importers bank on the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) for data on freight rates. The oceans ministry said the KCCI will be of great help to local shipping companies and trading firms by allowing them to obtain exact data on freight rates. The ministry said it will announce the KCC on the KOBC website every Monday. (Yonhap) MOSCOW (dpa-AFX) - More than four million people in Ukraine are facing significant power outages as Russia stepped up attacks targeting the country's power generating stations. Ukraine's state-energy company Ukrenergo warned on Monday that scheduled and unscheduled power cuts can be expected across the country in coming days. 'From 6:00 a.m. and until the end of the day, there will be scheduled power outages in Kyiv city, and Kyiv, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava regions,' Ukrenergo announced on social media. 'There will also be emergency outages in certain regions. They will be introduced by regional power distribution companies in case the deficit is bigger than planned. In case of emergency blackouts, electricity may be cut off earlier than planned and consumption restrictions may last longer,' it added. The country's power grid is still unable to resume full operation after the terrorist attacks of Russia, according to Ukrenergo. 'We have to introduce power outages in some regions to avoid overloading of high-voltage infrastructure.' Meanwhile, Kyiv's mayor Vitali Klitschko has warned residents of the capital city to prepare for the worst, anticipating further Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. He described the Rusian strategy as 'terrorism' and 'genocide.' 'Our enemies are doing everything to keep the city without heat, electricity, and water supply, and in general, they want us all to die,' he added. Russian forces started attacking Ukraine's energy and infrastructure targets on October 10 as winter is in sight. The Russians have also intensified attacks on civilian targets in the southern city of Kherson, according to the Ukrainian military. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc. is planning to begin large-scale layoffs this week, mostly starting Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reported citing people familiar with the matter. The layoffs are likely to impact many thousands of employees, and the social media platform is preparing to notify employees of the job cuts, the report said. Employees already have been informed to cancel nonessential travel starting this week. Meta reportedly said in September that it was planning to cut expenses by at least 10 percent in the coming months, in part through staff reductions. At the end of September, Meta reported to have more than 87,000 employees. Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg during the company's third-quarter earnings call on October 26 said, 'In 2023, we're going to focus our investments on a small number of high priority growth areas. That means some teams will grow meaningfully, but most other teams will stay flat or shrink over the next year.' He then added that in aggregate, the company expects to end 2023 as either roughly the same size, or even a slightly smaller organization than it is today. Many major tech firms recently announced job cuts or hiring freeze amid the slowing growth, including Walmart, Google, Tesla, Snap and Flipboard. Last week, Twitter cut about half of staff following the social media platform's acquisition by Elon Musk. Microsoft recently announced layoffs across multiple divisions, impacting fewer than 1,000 people, Axios reported citing a source. Chipmaker Intel Corp. was planning thousands of job cuts amid a slowdown in the personal computer market, Bloomberg reported. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Helps enterprise merchants get to market faster, at scale, increase revenue potential, improve cost efficiencies, reduce tax risk and provide customized experiences Provides enterprise clients access to global EY wavespace x Shopify centers to co-create transformational commerce experiences LONDON, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The EY organization today announces a global alliance with Shopify Inc., a provider of essential internet infrastructure for commerce, to help enterprise organizations maximize the potential of online commerce and to support the sale of regulated products. The EY-Shopify Alliance, founded in Canada, aims to help enterprises activate and scale their e-commerce businesses in two ways. The first is through EY e-commerce system integration services optimized for the implementation of Shopify for large-scale businesses. The second is by creating new secure options for the sale of regulated products such as pharmaceutical products and alcoholic beverages. This alliance synergizes Shopify's speed-to-value, rapidly deployable and customizable platform with the integration capabilities of EY across all relevant back-end systems, such as enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management (CRM), inventory management, fulfilment and financial reporting, back-end implementation and indirect taxes, as well as front-end customer experience. The proven compliance, data analytics, global tax, trade and managed services capabilities of EY teams will help Shopify's large merchants remain compliant when selling regulated products - regardless of geography. This will allow merchants to be updated on rapidly evolving regulations, operate and sell products in a compliant manner with reduced risk, and drive a tax-efficient distribution model, creating a leading-class digital experience for customers. EY and Shopify will train an initial cohort of 500 technical professionals around the world who will play a key role in bringing the unique strength of the alliance to enterprise customers at scale and add accelerated value to customers. Further support will be extended to those professionals by enabling up to 10,000 consultants through exposure to the Shopify platform. The alliance will also establish a set of first-of-its-kind EY wavespace x Shopify centers. Leveraging the global network of EY wavespace innovation hubs (in locations such as New York, London, Toronto, Sydney and Singapore), these centers will bring the power of Shopify, EY teams and their collective clients together to create improved online customer experiences and solutions, reimagine the future of e-commerce and unlock new markets for regulated products. Kristina Rogers, EY Global Consumer Leader, says: "Enterprises and online merchants are re-evaluating their e-commerce strategies to provide better, more relevant and frictionless experiences to meet high e-commerce customer expectations. This collaboration with Shopify will help brands enhance their customer journeys, explore new channels and ultimately grow their businesses - all while navigating the increasingly complex world of regulated retail." Jad Shimaly, CEO and Chair, Ernst & Young LLP (EY Canada), says: "The demands and expectations of next-generation conscious consumers will require a pivot to thrive in accelerated e-commerce environments - and fast. The alliance with Shopify will provide a broad range of transformational services that help merchants comply with the complex regulatory landscape and build new operating models that deliver seamless, sustainable customer experiences. I am excited to see this partnership unlock opportunities for clients that allow them to grow at scale while creating long-term value for all stakeholders." Harley Finkelstein, President, Shopify says: "Modern enterprises operate in a complex environment where scale, speed and flexibility are needed to drive growth. We are excited to work with EY teams to bring the performance, customization and commerce expertise that our merchants know and love to more large enterprises around the world." For more information, visit ey.com/alliances. About EY EY exists to build a better working world, helping to create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets. Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate. Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients. About Shopify Shopify is a leading provider of essential internet infrastructure for commerce, offering trusted tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business of any size. Shopify makes commerce better for everyone with a platform and services that are engineered for reliability, while delivering a better shopping experience for consumers everywhere. Proudly founded in Ottawa, Shopify powers millions of businesses in more than 175 countries and is trusted by brands such as Allbirds, Gymshark, Heinz, Tupperware, FTD, Netflix, FIGS, and many more. For more information, visit www.shopify.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1721690/EY_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ey-announces-global-alliance-with-shopify-to-build-a-new-market-for-regulated-products-and-deliver-enterprise-ready-e-commerce-services-301670166.html By joining the Allied OMS network of doctor-owned practices, Paramount Oral Surgery can expand access to care to thousands of patients in New York City SOUTHLAKE, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 7, 2022 / Allied OMS - a doctor-owned-and-led management services organization (MSO) in the oral and maxillofacial surgery space - is pleased to announce Paramount Oral Surgery, located in Staten Island, NY has joined its growing network of top tier OMS practices, bringing the Allied OMS Doctor Equity model to the New York market. Allied OMS will provide access to its Private Equity Preparedness Model along with financial and operational support to maximize the value of the practice while the doctors of Paramount Oral Surgery maintain control of all clinical decisions and gain access to the benefits of a centralized business platform. "Our first partnership in New York is with one of the most advanced and knowledgeable OMS practices in the region," says Dan Hosler, CEO of Allied OMS. "The team at Paramount Oral Surgery has built their practice through care of their patients and extensive expertise in the field, making them a perfect practice for the Allied OMS network to enter the New York market." Led by Stuart Katz, DMD, and David Sheen, DDS, Paramount Oral Surgery provides advanced full scope oral and maxillofacial, including removal of wisdom teeth, canine exposures, pathology, TMJ treatment, and bone grafting with emphasis on dental implants. All procedures can be accomplished under general anesthesia, deep sedation, conscious sedation and/or nitrous oxide. The team at Paramount Oral Surgery incorporates today's advanced technology to deliver exceptional clinical outcomes for their patients, including Cone Beam Computed Tomography and the use of Platelet Rich Plasma. Skill and compassion are at the forefront of their exceptional patient outcomes. Dr. Stuart Katz and Dr. David Sheen of Paramount Oral Surgery in Staten Island, NY join the Allied OMS network of top-tier OMS practices turning private equity into Doctor Equity Dr. David Sheen of Paramount Oral Surgery in Staten Island, NY "Joining a group committed to the future of OMS aligns with our values and culture while we gain access to the operational expertise we need to stay competitive in our market," says Dr. Katz. "The Allied OMS model and network of doctors is a unique model that empowers us as doctor-owners to expand the scope of our services as we continue to put the well-being of our patients first." The Allied OMS Doctor Equity model puts doctors in greater control of their economics while maintaining clinical, brand, and cultural control. Allied OMS partners with best-in-class, like-minded doctors with top-tier clinical outcomes who are passionate about the future of OMS and want to remain entrepreneurial to create a better future for their patients and their practices. "The Allied OMS doctor-owned private equity model sets our doctor network apart, and our Private Equity Preparedness Model guides them to maximize the value of their practices, leveling the playing field in each region we enter," says Ryan Graham, COO, Allied OMS. Paramount Oral Surgery brings Allied OMS into the New York Market. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, Allied OMS has 36 surgeons serving patients out of 29 locations across California, Colorado, New York, Oregon, and Texas. About Allied OMS Allied OMS is a doctor-owned, doctor-led management services organization in the oral and maxillofacial surgery space that combines the best of private practice with the best of private equity. Collectively owned and governed by doctors and veterans from private equity and management consulting, Allied OMS leverages decades of experience building and exiting platform businesses in the healthcare industry to employ the tools that maximize practice value. Composed of best-in-class OMS practices that are in the top tier of clinical outcomes, Allied OMS is proud to turn Private Equity into Doctor Equity. Unlock the potential in your practice and gain Power Through Partnership; email partner@alliedoms.com or visit AlliedOMS.com. About Paramount Oral Surgery Paramount Oral Surgery of Staten Island, NY, provides an extensive range of oral and maxillofacial services ranging from wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and full mouth restoration to patients across Staten Island. With a combined 27 years of experience serving patients, the team has expanded the scope of oral and maxillofacial services to provide high-quality, compassionate care for patients. The team can conduct virtual surgical plans prior to surgical treatment and an extensive range of implant and extraction procedures with the well-being of patients at the forefront of their work. For more information, visit ParamountOralSurgery.com ### Media Contact Jennifer Horspool 949-933-4300 Jennifer@engagementpr.com SOURCE: Allied OMS View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/724164/Paramount-Oral-Surgery-of-Staten-Island-Joins-Allied-OMS-Bringing-Doctor-EquityTM-to-New-York Golden Ocean Group Limited (the "Company) will publish its financial results for the third quarter of 2022 on Wednesday November 16, 2022. In connection with the release, a conference call and webcast will be held as described below: Conference call and webcast A conference call will be held at 3:00 P.M. CET (9:00 A.M. New York Time) on Wednesday November 16, 2022. The presentation will be available for download from the Investor Relations section at www.goldenocean.bm (under "Presentations") prior to the conference call/webcast. In order to listen to the presentation, you may do one of the following: a. Webcast Visit the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.goldenocean.bmand click on the link to "Webcast", or access directly via the webcast link below. GOGL Q3 2022 Webcast b. Conference Call Participants will need to register online prior to the conference call via the link below. Dial-in details will be available when registered. GOGL Q3 2022 Conference Call A Q&A session will be held after the conference call/webcast. Information on how to submit questions will be given at the beginning of the session. November 7, 2022 Hamilton, Bermuda This information is subject to the disclosure requirements of section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Launch of Luiss US Foundation and opening of Luiss Alumni Chapter in Washington D.C. ROME, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Strengthening the bridge between Italy and the US with skills, relations and new business opportunities, as strategic assets of a new "economic and educational diplomacy" is the goal of Luiss University's mission in the United States. The delegation includes Vice President Paola Severino, Rector Andrea Prencipe, Deputy Rector for Internationalisation Raffaele Marchetti and the president of Luiss Alumni Association (ALL), Andrea Battista. One of the mission's goals is launching the Luiss US Foundation which will serve as an operational hub for fundraising and for seeking new stakeholders on American soil. It will enable the University to develop enhanced cooperation with American universities, companies, and civil society organizations to become a physical and cultural milestone for the large Italian-American community in the US. To achieve these objectives, the new Foundation will draw on ideas and resources from the University's Alumni community, a network of more than 54,000 professionals on five continents who, during this mission, will inaugurate the new Washington Chapter. It will add to those already present in New York and California. The new office in the US capital will be headed by Giuliana Cane, Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). It will operate through an international partnership of the world's most prestigious universities and business associations that - in addition to Luiss - will include George Washington University (GWU) in the US, SciencesPo Uni, Ottawa, Canada; Hertie School in Berlin, Germany; King's College London, UK; and Universite Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium. "Luiss is proud to contribute to the writing of a new page in the story of Rome-Washington relations, a seminal and emblematic step, especially in these times of high uncertainty. Connecting the Higher education system and the industrial systems of our countries with this ideal bridge, extended to our closest continental partners, means building a solid basis for the creation of fundamental new skills and opportunities for generating economic growth and a common vision of the world," declared University Vice President Paola Severino. On the occasion of the US mission, "NIAF-Luiss Guido Carli" scholarships has been launched. Funded by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), they will enable US students of Italian descent to attend Luiss. "These new Luiss initiatives in the United States consolidate and accelerate our internationalization path, which, to date, counts more than 315 partner universities in 64 countries," said Rector Andrea Prencipe, who added: "The global approach of our Athenaeum continues, therefore, along two lines: preparing students with an international mindset and interdisciplinary knowledge to face the complexity of future challenges, and strengthening our relations with companies and institutions present overseas, also through the network of Luiss Alumni, true ambassadors of our University." According to the prestigious QS World University 2022 ranking, Luiss Guido Carli University is the 1st in Italy by Subject, 22nd in the world for Political and International Studies and in the Top 100 for the Social Sciences and Management. For more information: LaPresse SpA Communication and Press Office Director Barbara Sanicola - barbara.sanicola@lapresse.it A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/485c25f5-35f6-4e44-a092-df809dddd3bc The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress. Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares For immediate release 7 November 2022 FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC (the "Company") MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES The Company announces that it has today purchased 8,710 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 816.65 pence per Ordinary Share. Such shares will be held in treasury by the Company. The transaction was made pursuant to the authority granted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 9 February 2022. Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 9,871,579; the total number of Ordinary Shares that the Company has in issue, less the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury following such purchase, and therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 215,119,724. The figure of 215,119,724 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. For and on behalf of Frostrow Capital LLP Company Secretary For further information, please contact: Victoria Hale Frostrow Capital LLP Tel: 020 3 170 8732 In accordance with article L233-8 of commercial law, Wavestone informs its shareholders that as of October 31, 2022, its capital was composed of 20,196,492 shares representing 32,537,236 voting rights according to article 223-11 of the AMF. About Wavestone In a world where knowing how to drive transformation is the key to success, Wavestone's mission is to inform and guide large companies and organizations in their most critical transformations, with the ambition of a positive outcome for all stakeholders. It's an ambition anchored in the firm's DNA and embodied in the signature "The Positive Way." Wavestone draws on about 4,000 employees across Europe - where it is a leading independent player in consulting, the United States and Asia. Wavestone is listed on Euronext Paris and recognized as a Great Place to Work. Wavestone Pascal Imbert CEO Tel.: +33 (0)1 49 03 20 00 Benjamin Clement Financial Communication Tel.: +33 (0)1 49 03 20 00 Actus Mathieu Omnes Investor and Analyst Relations Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 92 Deborah Schwartz Press relations Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 35 ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: xmucYZqbZWiWnZxqZJ2XZmOYaJlhlmSdZ5KcxJRvZZ6VaJ5gmm1pl8nKZnBolmVq - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-77104-wavestone_declaration-amf_221107-en.pdf 7 November 2022 Rightmove plc Share buy-back programme Rightmove plc - Transaction in own shares Rightmove plc ('Rightmove') announces that today it purchased 86,000 of its 0.1p ordinary shares at a volume weighted average price paid per share of 505.347p. The highest price paid per share was 509.000p and the lowest price paid per share was 503.0000p. Rightmove purchased these shares through Numis Securities Limited. The number of shares purchased represented 0.0104% of the voting rights attributable to the total ordinary shares in issue prior to such purchase. The purchased shares will be cancelled. Since announcing a share buy-back programme on 28 December 2007, Rightmove has purchased in aggregate 479,327,227 ordinary shares. The total number of ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury shares) following this announcement is 827,351,801. Rightmove holds 12,375,052 shares in treasury. In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation) as amended by The Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (the "UK MAR"), the schedule below contains detailed information about the purchases made by Numis Securities Limited on behalf of the Company as part of the buyback programme. Contact: Michelle Palmer, Deputy Company Secretary CompanySecretary@rightmove.co.uk Schedule of Purchases - Individual Transactions Redde Northgate Plc - Transaction in Own Shares NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION 7 November 2022 REDDE NORTHGATE PLC ("Redde Northgate" or the "Group" or the "Company") Transaction in Own Shares Redde Northgate plc (LSE:REDD) announces that on 7 November 2022 it purchased the following number of its own shares to be held in treasury: Class of shares : Ordinary shares of 50p ("shares") Number of shares purchased : 110,000 Weighted average purchase price paid : 348.6498 pence per share Highest purchase price paid : 350 pence per share Lowest purchase price paid : 346.5 pence per share Following the above transaction, the Company's issued share capital consists of 246,091,423 ordinary shares of 50p each, of which 14,366,710 ordinary shares are held in treasury, and 1,000,000 preference shares of 50p each which do not carry any rights to vote. Therefore the total number of voting rights in the Company is 231,724,713 which may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in the Company under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation) as incorporated into UK domestic law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, the schedule below contains detailed information about the purchases made by Numis Securities Limited on behalf of the Company as part of the Company's buyback programme. Schedule of Purchases - Individual Transactions (all of 7 November 2022) Number of shares purchased Transaction price (GB pence per share) Time of transaction Transaction reference number Venue 2891 350.00 08:32:34 00061985763TRLO0 LSE 1867 350.00 08:32:34 00061985764TRLO0 LSE 646 350.00 08:32:34 00061985765TRLO0 LSE 1976 350.00 08:32:34 00061985766TRLO0 LSE 1620 349.00 08:39:35 00061986040TRLO0 LSE 835 349.00 08:39:35 00061986041TRLO0 LSE 2840 348.50 08:39:44 00061986051TRLO0 LSE 25000 348.00 08:50:45 00061986539TRLO0 LSE 2351 348.50 09:01:41 00061986888TRLO0 LSE 2158 348.50 09:23:26 00061987764TRLO0 LSE 768 350.00 09:25:26 00061987813TRLO0 LSE 2135 350.00 09:28:47 00061987920TRLO0 LSE 2000 350.00 10:21:34 00061988926TRLO0 LSE 119 350.00 10:21:34 00061988927TRLO0 LSE 381 350.00 10:21:34 00061988928TRLO0 LSE 1716 350.00 10:21:34 00061988929TRLO0 LSE 500 349.50 10:42:07 00061989348TRLO0 LSE 1500 349.50 10:42:07 00061989349TRLO0 LSE 537 349.50 10:42:07 00061989350TRLO0 LSE 1992 349.00 10:43:30 00061989404TRLO0 LSE 355 349.50 11:25:12 00061990491TRLO0 LSE 88 349.50 11:25:12 00061990492TRLO0 LSE 2068 349.00 12:12:32 00061991472TRLO0 LSE 500 348.50 13:03:24 00061992744TRLO0 LSE 1775 348.50 13:03:24 00061992745TRLO0 LSE 582 348.50 13:03:24 00061992746TRLO0 LSE 1495 348.50 13:03:24 00061992747TRLO0 LSE 492 348.50 13:03:24 00061992748TRLO0 LSE 500 349.00 13:25:49 00061994002TRLO0 LSE 500 349.00 13:25:49 00061994003TRLO0 LSE 500 349.00 13:25:49 00061994004TRLO0 LSE 500 349.00 13:25:49 00061994005TRLO0 LSE 376 349.00 13:25:49 00061994006TRLO0 LSE 20 349.50 13:43:32 00061994578TRLO0 LSE 2265 350.00 13:57:09 00061994942TRLO0 LSE 2250 350.00 14:23:09 00061996118TRLO0 LSE 384 349.50 14:38:09 00061997350TRLO0 LSE 1731 349.50 14:38:09 00061997351TRLO0 LSE 2017 349.50 14:38:09 00061997352TRLO0 LSE 512 349.50 14:38:09 00061997353TRLO0 LSE 2242 349.50 14:38:09 00061997354TRLO0 LSE 320 348.50 14:38:17 00061997386TRLO0 LSE 2122 349.00 15:06:10 00061999201TRLO0 LSE 2161 349.00 15:11:10 00061999394TRLO0 LSE 570 348.50 15:20:10 00061999879TRLO0 LSE 1087 348.50 15:20:10 00061999880TRLO0 LSE 999 348.50 15:20:10 00061999881TRLO0 LSE 839 348.50 15:20:10 00061999882TRLO0 LSE 381 348.50 15:20:10 00061999883TRLO0 LSE 877 349.00 15:20:10 00061999884TRLO0 LSE 508 349.00 15:20:10 00061999885TRLO0 LSE 57 349.00 15:20:10 00061999886TRLO0 LSE 730 349.00 15:21:10 00061999927TRLO0 LSE 333 349.00 15:21:10 00061999928TRLO0 LSE 869 349.00 15:21:10 00061999929TRLO0 LSE 437 349.00 15:21:10 00061999930TRLO0 LSE 1786 348.00 15:24:21 00062000163TRLO0 LSE 219 348.00 15:24:21 00062000164TRLO0 LSE 31 347.50 15:26:40 00062000300TRLO0 LSE 342 347.50 15:27:11 00062000323TRLO0 LSE 154 349.00 15:34:33 00062000739TRLO0 LSE 575 349.00 15:34:33 00062000740TRLO0 LSE 500 349.00 15:34:45 00062000742TRLO0 LSE 1000 349.00 15:34:45 00062000743TRLO0 LSE 399 349.00 15:34:45 00062000744TRLO0 LSE 892 349.00 15:35:44 00062000840TRLO0 LSE 453 349.00 15:35:44 00062000841TRLO0 LSE 15 349.00 15:39:18 00062001152TRLO0 LSE 80 349.00 15:40:20 00062001206TRLO0 LSE 469 349.00 15:40:20 00062001207TRLO0 LSE 3223 348.00 15:41:51 00062001275TRLO0 LSE 2500 348.00 15:41:51 00062001276TRLO0 LSE 2103 347.50 15:43:25 00062001393TRLO0 LSE 2187 347.00 15:51:09 00062001786TRLO0 LSE 2042 347.00 15:58:33 00062002270TRLO0 LSE 242 346.50 16:06:31 00062002838TRLO0 LSE 52 346.50 16:06:31 00062002839TRLO0 LSE 505 346.50 16:06:31 00062002840TRLO0 LSE 609 346.50 16:06:31 00062002841TRLO0 LSE 102 346.50 16:06:31 00062002842TRLO0 LSE 26 346.50 16:13:31 00062003563TRLO0 LSE 2220 346.50 16:13:31 00062003564TRLO0 LSE Notes This announcement is made in accordance with the requirements of Listing Rule 12.4.6. For further information contact: Buchanan David Rydell/Jamie Hooper/Hannah Ratcliff +44 (0) 207 466 5000 Notes to Editors: Redde Northgate is the leading integrated mobility solutions platform providing services across the vehicle lifecycle. The Company offers integrated mobility solutions to businesses, fleet operators, insurers, OEMs and other customers across seven key areas: vehicle rental, vehicle data, accident management, vehicle repairs, fleet management, service and maintenance, vehicle ancillary services and vehicle sales. The Company's core purpose is to keep its customers mobile, whether through meeting their regular mobility needs or by servicing and supporting them when unforeseen events occur. With its considerable scale and reach, Redde Northgate's mission is to offer a market-leading customer proposition and drive enhanced returns for shareholders by creating value through sustainable compounding growth. The Group aims to achieve this through the delivery of its strategic framework of Focus, Drive and Broaden. Redde Northgate services its customers through a network and diversified fleet of over 120,000 owned and leased vehicles, supporting over 600,000 managed vehicles, with more than 170 workshop, body shop and rental locations across the UK, Ireland and Spain and a specialist team of over 6,000 automotive services professionals. Further information please visit the Company's website: www.reddenorthgate.com National Tax Service (NTS) Commissioner Kim Chang-ki, third from left, poses with high-level tax officials from Latin American countries at the 2nd Korea-Latin America Digital Tax Administration Forum held in Seoul, Monday. From left are Suriname's tax chief Ismael Kalaykhan, IDB Fiscal Management Division Chief Emilio Pineda, Kim, Guatemala Superintendent of Tax Administration Marco Livio Diaz Reyes and Panama Director of Revenue Publio de Gracia. Courtesy of NTS By Yoon Ja-young The National Tax Service (NTS) is holding the 2nd Korea-Latin America Digital Tax Administration Forum jointly with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) from Nov. 7 to 10, joined by some 50 participants including five commissioners and high-level tax officials from 15 Latin American countries. The forum was prepared to share Korea's experience in the digital transformation of its tax administration, contributing to the enhancement of Latin American countries' tax administration capabilities and establishing close cooperation. The tax agency held the first forum in Seoul in 2019 after signing an MOU for cooperation with the IDB, which is aimed at promoting social and economic development in Latin American nations as well as supporting regional economic integration. The forum was joined this year by officials from tax administrations of each country as well as about 20 experts from the Inter-American Center of Tax Administrations (CIAT), WU Global Tax Policy Center and domestic and international IT service firms, with diverse topics such as tax administration in the post-pandemic era, Hometax and e-tax invoice, new digital technology in tax administration and taxpayer protection and security management. In his opening remarks, NTS Commissioner Kim Chang-ki noted that the digitization of tax administration has emerged as a key topic for many tax authorities around the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He explained Korea's 25 years of experience and achievements in digital tax administration accumulated since the launch of the Tax Integrated System in 1997, including the significant improvement of tax services and transparency of national tax administration. He also emphasized that the accelerated transition to a non-face-to-face economy and digital transformation during the pandemic further increased the importance of digital tax capabilities. He added that the advanced digital tax administration helped the NTS overcome the COVID-19 crisis and secure tax revenues stably, highlighting that the NTS can be an important partner for Latin American nations in the advancement of digital tax administration and asking for close cooperation in various fields beyond digital tax administration. The commissioner also suggested strengthening their cooperative relationships further and working together to resolve tax-related issues such as international double taxation faced by Korean firms operating in the region, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Korea and 15 Latin American countries. As Korea is accelerating its bid to host World Expo 2030 in Busan, he asked for active support from Latin American countries, traditional allies of Korea, for Busan's bid. Flint, Michigan--(Newsfile Corp. - November 7, 2022) - Bacco Farms is proud to host their 3rd Annual Turkey and Canned Food Drive at the 6200 North Dort Highway location. The female-owned, family-run recreational cannabis dispensary is well-known for its marijuana education initiatives, continued community support, and high-quality weed products and pricing. The Turkey Drive will take place at Bacco Farms on November 19th, from 3 pm to 6 pm and is open to the public. Bacco Farms Cannabis Dispensary Hosts Annual Turkey Drive To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7544/143352_bacco.jpg Bacco Farms is committed to providing Flint residents with the best possible cannabis product in a safe and welcoming environment. By employing locals, providing community outreach initiatives, and organizing events to raise awareness of the medicinal benefits cannabis can provide, Bacco Farms is well-known in the Flint cannabis community today. "With our Flint-First mentality we are proud to be able to host our annual turkey and canned food drive for the 3rd year in a row. We plan on having upwards of 15 vendors and a meet and greet with Flint native, celebrity recording artist, and philanthropist KrispyLife Kidd. Our goal is to surpass last year's drive and hope to be able to donate 100 turkeys and at least 500 canned or boxed food items to the Greater Holy Temple. We are so appreciative of our Flint community and this is Bacco Farms' way of expressing that gratitude," said Regina Momgaudas, owner and operator of Bacco Farms. Bacco Farms Turkey Drive Event Details: When: Saturday, November 19th Time: 3pm to 6pm EST Location: 6200 N Dort Hwy, Flint, MI 48505 Cost: No charge for admission. Instead, contributions and donations made to the turkey and canned food drive will be graciously accepted The event is open to the public and will host at least 15 local vendors, and will also collect canned goods donations for those in need during the holiday season. For every turkey, canned, or boxed food donation made, patrons will receive 50 points for each item they donate. These points can be utilized for Bacco Farms purchases in store. All donations will directly benefit the Greater Holy Temple of Flint, MI. During the event, on November 19th from 4pm to 5pm, Bacco Farms will be hosting a meet and greet with Flint native and celebrity rapper, KrispyLife Kidd. "We are thrilled to have KrispyLife Kidd aid our community service projects because of how much they love giving back to Flint," said Phoebe Momgaudas, Bacco Farms General Manager. About Bacco Farms The hard working crew over at Bacco Farms hail from Flint, Michigan and are passionate about the benefits marijuana can have on people's lives. By stocking only the finest quality products and providing superb customer service, they hope to bring those life-changing advantages to as many people as possible. Since 2019, Bacco Farms has been a proud leader in the cannabis industry. Being vertically integrated, they are involved in every part of the cannabis process from seed to sale. Their mission is simple: educate their community and provide them with the best possible product at fair pricing. "This is our favorite time of year because giving back to our community means so much to us here at Bacco Farms -without it we would not be here. During this time of giving we would like to make sure our community knows we are there to support them no matter what," - said Phoebe Momgauda, Bacco Farms General Manager. For more information on Bacco Farms' 3rd Annual Turkey Drive, Phoebe with Bacco Farms is reachable either by phone 810-877-6538 or via email at phoebe@baccofarms.com. CONTACT: Phoebe Momgaudas PHONE: 810-877-6538 EMAIL: phoebe@baccofarms.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143352 EQS-Ad-hoc: PlusPlus Capital Financial S.a.r.l. / Key word(s): Bond PlusPlus Capital informs of cross-default on 2026 EUR bond 07-Nov-2022 / 22:30 CET/CEST Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. PlusPlus Capital informs of cross-default on 2026 EUR bond Tallinn, Estonia, 7 November 2022. PlusPlus Capital ("PPC") has not made the interest payments on its 2022 Estonian notes (ISINs: EE3300001726, EE3300001437, EE3300002005, and EE3300002179). The Company has suspended payments on the Estonian Notes after calling holders of its 2022 Estonian Notes with ISIN EE3300001726 to vote on a redemption waiver by 18 November 2022. Previously, the total volume of EUR 15 million of Estonian Notes (ISIN: EE3300001726) initially outstanding for repayment had been only partially rolled over to EUR Notes 2026 (ISIN: XS2502401552), as a number of long-standing commitments from investors would not be renewed due to changes in market conditions. As the total amount of the outstanding payments on the 2022 Estonian notes, including the redemption of the notes and interest payments, exceeds the amount of EUR 10 million according to terms and conditions, PlusPlus Capital Financial S.a r.l. declares a cross-default on the 2026 EUR bond (ISIN XS2502401552) and informs the bondholder agent without delay. PlusPlus Capital in view of the successful operational business development is committed to finding a sustainable and satisfactory solution with the involvement of the investors. PlusPlus Capital will publish its 2022 Nine-Month Report on 15 November 2022. The corresponding earnings call will be held on 17 November 2022. Contact: PlusPlus Capital Peeter Piho, Chairman of the Supervisory Board Email: peeter.piho@plusplus.ee Phone: +372 503 0130 Aalto Capital (Investor Relations) Sven Pauly, Consultant Email: sven.pauly@aaltocapital.com Phone: +49 89 898 67 77 0 07-Nov-2022 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com Skye will continue to pursue Canadian Securities Exchange listing following closing of transaction Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 7, 2022) - Emerald Health Therapeutics, Inc. (CSE: EMH) (OTCQB: EMHTF) ("Emerald" or the "Company") and Skye Bioscience, Inc. (OTCQB: SKYE) ("Skye") announced today that they intend to close the previously announced Plan of Arrangement ("Arrangement") on or about November 10, 2022, and that they waived the condition that Skye obtain a conditional approval to list its shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") prior to closing the Arrangement. After careful consideration, each of the Company and Skye determined that closing the transaction at this time was in their mutual best interest. The closing of the Arrangement will, among other things, result in the Company's shareholders receiving their shares of Skye under the Arrangement and will allow the Company to complete the sale of its remaining cannabis assets and create funds to be utilized in Skye's Phase 1 clinical trial, which is expected to begin before the end of 2022. Although the conditional listing requirement has been waived, Skye has covenanted that it will use its best efforts to obtain the listing of its shares on the CSE as soon as possible. The Skye listing application was submitted to the CSE on August 31, 2022 and is currently under review. Emerald recommends that shareholders holding their shares in registered accounts seek tax advice prior to the closing of the Arrangement with respect to the tax consequences of the Arrangement closing prior to the listing of Skye's shares on the CSE. Please visit www.emeraldhealth.ca for more information or contact: Jim Heppell, Chairman 1(800) 757 3536 Ext. #5 Emerald Investor Relations 1 (800) 757 3536 Ext. #5 invest@emeraldhealth.ca Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and are subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements include but are not limited to: the anticipated closing date of the Arrangement, Skye obtaining CSE listing approval, satisfaction of other conditions to closing the Arrangement, and repayment of the loan. We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to the risks that the parties may not be able to obtain the necessary consents and approvals or satisfy the necessary conditions precedent to complete the Arrangement as well as the risk factors described in Emerald's annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and other regulatory filings and the risk factors regarding Skye's business in the documents attached to the Company's management information circular. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent management beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature are inherently uncertain and beyond management control. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent our expectations as of the date hereof. Forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to obtain a better understanding of our anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Emerald undertakes no obligations to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur unless required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143395 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - While reporting its third-quarter results on Monday, Teradata Corp. (TDC) revised its outlook for the full year 2022. Looking forward, the company now expects earnings of $0.41 to $0.45 per share, adjusted earnings of $1.58 to $1.62 per share and cash flow from operations of about $420 million. Previously, the company expected earnings of $0.36 to $0.46 per share, adjusted earnings of $1.55 to $1.65 per share and cash flow from operations of about $425 million. The company continues to expects total revenues to decline in the mid-to-high-single-digit percentage range year-over-year as reported. On a constant currency basis, total revenue is anticipated to decline in the low-single-digit percentage range. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters currently estimate earnings of $1.60 per share and revenues of $1.79 billion for the year. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. TORONTO, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mandalay Resources Corporation ("Mandalay" or "the Company") (TSX: MND, OTCQB: MNDJF) today announced that its third quarter 2022 financial results will be released after market close on November 09, 2022, followed by a conference call with Dominic Duffy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mandalay, for investors and analysts on November 10, 2022, at 8:00 AM (Toronto time). Analysts and interested investors are invited to participate using the following dial-in numbers: Participant Number (Toll free): 877 407 8289 Conference ID: 13734270 A replay of the conference call will be available until 11:59 PM (Toronto time), November 24, 2022, and can be accessed using the following dial-in number: Encore Toll Free Dial-in Number: 877 660 6853 Encore ID: 13734270 For Further Information: Dominic Duffy President and Chief Executive Officer Edison Nguyen Director, Business Valuations and Investor Relations Contact: 647.260.1566 ext. 1 About Mandalay Resources Corporation: Mandalay Resources is a Canadian-based natural resource company with producing assets in Australia (Costerfield gold-antimony mine) and Sweden (Bjorkdal gold mine). The Company is focused on growing its production and reducing costs to generate significant positive cashflow. Mandalay is committed to operating safely and in an environmentally responsible manner, while developing a high level of community and employee engagement. Mandalay's mission is to create shareholder value through the profitable operation and continuing the regional exploration program, at both its Costerfield and Bjorkdal mines. Currently, the Company's main objectives are to continue mining the high-grade Youle vein at Costerfield, bring online the deeper Shepherd veins, both of which will continue to supply high-grade ore to the processing plant, and to extend Youle Mineral Reserves. At Bjorkdal, the Company will aim to increase production from the Aurora zone and other higher-grade areas in the coming years, in order to maximize profit margins from the mine. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 7, 2022) - Destiny Media Technologies Inc. (TSXV: DSY) (OTCQB: DSNY), the makers of Play MPE, a cloud-based SaaS solution for promotional music marketing, today announced that the Company will hold a live webinar on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) to discuss financial results for its fiscal year ended August 31, 2022. The Company plans to release financial results before market open on Monday, November 14, 2022. The live webinar will include comments from President, Chief Executive Officer, Fred Vandenberg, and Director of Business Development, Allan Benedict. Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2022 Time: 2:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) Attendees are encouraged to register prior to the scheduled time at the following: https://investors.dsny.com/investors/financials/ or directly on the Webinar Registration Form. Attendees viewing the webinar can participate in the question and answer portion of the live presentation. Attendee cameras will remain off throughout the presentation and question and answer period. Attendees' microphones will remain off unless the attendee voluntarily selects to engage in verbal questions similar to the format available on traditional conference call format. The webinar format will provide the Company an opportunity to present visual information and provide attendees an opportunity for written questions. For those without internet access, the webinar can be accessed via the following dial in details: Direct dial in: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 253 215 8782 Webinar ID: 860 4865 3403 Attendees participating via dial in will not have access the webinar video stream, and will not have access to question and answer functions. A recording of the webinar will be available after the event on https://investors.dsny.com/investors/financials/. About Destiny Media Technologies Inc. Destiny Media Technologies Inc. ("Destiny"), provides software as service (SaaS) solutions to businesses in the music industry solving critical problems in distribution and promotion. The core service, Play MPE (www.plaympe.com), provides promotional music marketing to engaged networks of decision makers in radio, film, TV, and beyond. More information can be found at www.dsny.com. Contacts: Fred Vandenberg CEO Destiny Media Technologies, Inc. 604 609 7736 x236 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143418 constellr, a Freiburg, Germany-based space data and services company, raised $10M in Seed funding. The round was co-led by Lakestar and VSquared, with participation from FTTF, IQT, Amathaon Capital, Natural Ventures, EIT Food, OHB Venture Capital, Next Humanity, and Seraphim. The company intends to use the funds to develop its first two satellites, conclude its existing pilot programs and develop its processing platform. Spearheaded by researchers Max Gulde, Marius Bierdel and Christian Mittermaier, constellr leverages proprietary space infrastructure with sensing capabilities to offer water monitoring for the agricultural sector worldwide. The company provides global data for smart crop monitoring, identifying changes in crop health days to weeks before they become visible and enabling farmers to react early to and mitigate for potential crop risks and losses. This advanced warning means the risk of crop failure or damage is reduced, allowing more accurate crop yield forecasting and thus stability and management across supply chains. constellr is currently working with large agrifood, agrichemistry and smart irrigation organizations. It currently counts over 40 team members with roots in aerospace engineering, insurance, clean tech, finance and data science. FinSMEs 07/11/2022 PhotoRoom, a Paris, France-based global photo editing platform, raised $19m in Series A funding. The round was led by Balderton Capital with participation from angels from Facebook, Hugging Face and Disney+, as well as Adjacent. The company intends to use the funds to develop its existing software further, improve generative AI features and keep hiring talent across Europe. Founded in late 2019 by Matthieu Rouif and Eliot Andres, PhotoRoom is an editing app for consumers, entrepreneurs and businesses worldwide looking to elevate their online imagery. By leveraging deep learning to translate pixels into objects, its advanced AI allows users to edit images in seconds. They can remove, replace or blur backgrounds. The software can be used to delete unwanted features with a Magic Retouch tool. Since launch, the app has been downloaded 40 million+ times worldwide. It is currently available in 28 languages. The company also recently rolled out a web-based version of its software, which makes its professional tools accessible and enables users to collaborate on images. As a former member of the 2020 Y Combinator cohort, this latest round takes the total raised by PhotoRoom to $21m. FinSMEs 07/11/2022 S.i. Systems, a Calgary, Canada-based information technology staffing company, received an investment from Cornell Capital and TorQuest Partners. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its business reach. S.i. Systems will retain its headquarters in Calgary, and Cornell Capital and TorQuest will work closely with the current management team, led by Chief Executive Officer and Founder Derek Bullen, President Leonie Tyler, and Chief Financial Officer Andrew White, to execute on the companys next phase of growth. Headquartered in Calgary, with offices in Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, Mississauga, Montreal and Ottawa, S.i. Systems ULC S.i. Systems leverages its proprietary MatchGuideTM technology to offer its customers a comprehensive suite of solutions for on-demand access to high-skilled IT talent necessary to support their most critical business initiatives. The company has established itself as a provider of critical IT talent across industries in Canada and recently entered the high-demand U.S. market through the establishment of new offices in Chicago and Houston. FinSMEs 07/11/2022 Christian Greco, Italian Egyptologist and director of Museo Egizio in Turin, the second-largest museum in the world dedicated to Egyptian antiquities after Cairo, speaks during a talk entitled "Writing History in the Digital Age" at the Expo Centre Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, Nov. 4. The session was held as part of the ongoing 41st edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair. Courtesy of Sharjah Book Authority By Park Han-sol SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates How will a museum survive in the era of digitization and that new buzzword we can't seem to escape metaverse? Will the brick-and-mortar repositories of humanity's collective history give way to their virtual counterparts? Egyptologist Christian Greco doesn't believe in that idea of a zero-sum game between the physical and the virtual. In fact, the historian, who also serves as the director of Museo Egizio in Italy's Turin, the second-largest museum in the world dedicated to ancient Egyptian collections after Cairo, characterizes the future of museums as having three equally important pillars: the physical, the digital and the metaverse. Greco hails from Italy, the Guest of Honor nation of the ongoing 41st edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Since last year, the annual book fair has emerged as the largest event of its kind not just in the Middle East but in the world in terms of purchasing and selling copyrights, according to the Sharjah Book Authority. "The [physical] museum is a construction of modern and contemporary society. We are opening them all the time," he said at the Expo Centre Sharjah, Nov. 4, where 150 eminent authors, intellectuals and artists across the globe gathered to highlight their creative journeys and wide-ranging expertise during the event's 12-day run. Explaining how the number of museums in Europe alone grew over 510 times in just two centuries from 35 in 1815 to 18,000 today he noted that the level of demand for such institutions from the general public remains just as high, as evidenced by the constantly rising number of visitors. Installation view of the Gallery of the Kings inside Museo Egizio in Turin, Italy / Courtesy of Museo Egizio Fundamentally speaking, however, are these museums a place of conservation or destruction? Well, a little bit of both, the Italian historian says. "Yes, the material culture is preserved within the showcases, but ... when we see the objects in the [vitrine], we don't perceive them in the way they were meant for, [when or how] they were conceived and functioned in society." By plucking the individual objects from their original context social, political, religious and geographical landscapes and displaying them as separate entities in a vacuum, these institutions have, in a sense, distorted our collective memory of the ancient past. For instance, an inner coffin in ancient Egypt was called "suhet," which also meant an "egg," because it was the ritualistic place of transformation and the rebirth of the body within the tomb. "It was never meant to be in a showcase and publicly admired as a work of art!" Greco said. And this is where digital museums and the metaverse can come into the picture, not to replace their brick-and-mortar counterparts, but rather, to work together to enhance our understanding of humanity's past. After making it clear that the digital museum does not simply refer to a collection of databases and images uploaded on a website, the Egyptologist highlighted these virtual institutions need separate curators and exhibitions which can be set apart from the in-person ones like, bringing together relics that can never be together in real life. The mummy of Petamenophis, who belonged to a wealthy family in Roman Egypt, can be one such case. The body of the small boy is housed in Greco's museum in Turin. His parents are in the Louvre in Paris. His grandparents are in the British Museum, while his siblings and cousins are located in Berlin. His aunt is all the way in the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden, the Netherlands. Meanwhile, the family's tomb has been found back in Egypt. Through a digitally rendered 3D model of the tomb that can summon mummies and funerary items dispersed across Europe in one place an afterlife reunion, if you will the virtual museum can provide a richer context for the present-day audience to visually understand the distant past. "And it's not enough just to make a 3D model. The museum needs to have content [that the users can] visit and have someone explain it. We need to hire curators, who can take care of these digital institutions," the 47-year-old noted. Installation view of the Coffin Gallery inside Museo Egizio in Turin / Courtesy of Museo Egizio The idea of the metaverse, which envisions a fully realized, interactive digital universe with assets, environments and experiences all available within the virtual space, can even further change the dynamics of history museums, Greco argued. In fact, he believes it could become a kind of a "time machine" that can present a whole different way to approach and understand the past. For example, archaeologists and researchers can collect, translate and digitize all the inscriptions and resources in hand as historical evidence attesting to a certain period; subsequently, they can feed the verified information to machine learning-powered systems and the artificial intelligence to bring the text to virtual life. "We can reconstruct the landscape, and then your avatar [in the metaverse] could meet an avatar of a person in the past. You could ask questions and the answers could be given based on the [input] sources," the museum director said. "How wonderful would it be for me to be in front of Queen Hatshepsut [considered one of the greatest pharaohs] and to ask her about things that I now don't know?" Of course, such a rosy picture is not without its concerns. At least up until now, the talk of the metaverse itself has largely revolved around its commercial nature led by Big Tech. But if we want a cultural metaverse, so to speak, Greco emphasized the need for "public investment" and "collective research." "I do not believe that we can be dependent on the agenda of a private, commercial entity, whatever it is, because this is our shared memory," he said. There is also the issue of how unbiased sources that will be used in the digital universe can be and whether their historical narrative will be affected by the existing political, cultural power structure. While pure "objectivity" is an impossible ideal to pursue in history by its nature, the Egyptologist nevertheless noted the importance of the hierarchy of sources and ethical codes, like the ones adopted by museums to uphold the integrity of their collections, to prevent any explicit misuse. "Once again, I think the only means we have is the authority of public money. Public investment is something that represents the society, not just one place or country," he said. "I think the metaverse can really deliver a different experience for all of humanity when it comes to our dealing with the past and memory. It can be a wonderful epistemological tool for the future, and we shouldn't stop research on that because we are afraid of what could be [its] misuse." CCTV: The 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands recently opened in Wuhan, China and Geneva, Switzerland. President Xi Jinping attended and addressed the opening ceremony via video link. Could you share more information about it with us? Zhao Lijian: On November 5, the opening ceremony of the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14) opened in Wuhan under the theme of Wetlands Action for People and Nature. President Xi Jinping noted in his address that it is important that we build global consensus on prizing wetlands, advance the global process on wetlands conservation, enhance peoples well-being globally by leveraging the role of wetlands, and scale up wetlands action across the world. This year marks the 30th anniversary of China joining the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. China is home to 13 of the 43 international wetland cities accredited under the Ramsar Convention, more than any other country in the world. China now boasts 56.35 million hectares of wetlands. With four percent of the worlds wetlands, China has met the diverse demands of one-fifth of the worlds population for wetlands. As Secretary-General of the Ramsar Convention Musonda Mumba said, China has shown strong leadership in wetland conservation; living up to its commitment, the Chinese government has increased input in wetland conservation, and demonstrated the importance it attaches to ecosystems with concrete actions. What weve seen with the government of China is really absolutely exciting, she added. Known as the kidneys of the earth, wetlands are one of the three major ecosystems on the globe, along with forests and oceans. They are also among the most threatened ecosystems in the world. How to protect and develop the wetlands is a shared challenge facing China and other countries across the world. Yesterday, the High-level Ministerial Segment of COP14 adopted the Wuhan Declaration, which is another important document that embodies the consensus of all parties and the will of the world. We believe that this meeting will become a new starting point for international cooperation in advancing global wetland conservation, and will open a new chapter for harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Dragon TV: The fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) kicked off on November 4. Do you have any comment? Could you share more on the features and significance of the CIIE this year? Zhao Lijian: As the first major international expo held in China after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the fifth CIIE has drawn widespread attention. As President Xi Jinping noted in his address at the opening ceremony, the CIIE has become a showcase of Chinas new development paradigm, a platform for high-standard opening up, and a public good for the whole world. China will work with all countries and all parties to share the opportunities in its vast market, the opportunities from its institutional opening up, and the opportunities from deepened international cooperation. Openness is the defining feature of this years CIIE. It has attracted a large number of participating countries and is broadly representative. Statistics show that the CIIE is participated by a total of 145 countries, regions and international organizations, including developed, developing and some of the least developed countries. Eight countries including Nicaragua, Djibouti and Iceland take part in the country exhibition for the first time this year, making their debut at the CIIE. Besides, businesses from 127 countries and regions attend the business exhibition, including more than 280 industry-leading or the worlds top 500 companies. Exhibitors from RCEP member countries also participate in the CIIE, and the event this year has also attracted exhibitors from more Belt and Road partners and more SCO member states. This CIIE features six exhibition areas, showcasing hundreds of new products, new technologies and new services. They include consumer goods and agricultural products that will make peoples life better, and high-grade, high-precision, advanced medical devices and equipment featuring world-leading science and technology. For many of them, this is their first launch in China, in Asia and in the world. Openness is what has made the CIIE so attractive. It is also the source of hope for global economic recovery and development. The report to the 20th National Congress of the Party explicitly stated that China is committed to its fundamental national policy of opening to the outside world and pursues a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up. Going forward, China will only open its door even wider. Let us wish this CIIE a full success! China Daily: We have noted that the China-Laos Railway has delivered remarkable results in the past 11 months since operation started. Do you have more information to share? Zhao Lijian: Lately we have heard much good news about the China-Laos Railway. According to the latest data, the Railway has served more than 7.5 million passengers, making it much more convenient for people along the route to travel. Just last week, all freight stations of the Railway came into operation, further boosting the connectivity along the routes of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Up to 225 freight train trips have been made along the Railway, shipping 9.86 million tonnes of goods to more than ten BRI partner countries including Laos and Vietnam. The varieties of goods have increased from more than 100 at the beginning to more than 1,200 today, and have diversified from fertilizer and general merchandise to commodities like electronic and photovoltaic products and cold-chain fruits. Besides, we have developed new modes of international rail transport such as Lancang-Mekong Express plus transnational e-commerce and the China-Laos Railway plus the China-Europe freight train services, establishing seamless connection with the new western land-sea corridor and the China-Europe freight train services. This has extended the China-Laos Railways reach, and enhanced its cross-border cargo transport capacity. Last Saturday, a promotion event for development cooperation along the China-Laos Railway was held at the fifth CIIE. Up to ten billion RMB worth of investment and procurement deals were signed on-site. The China-Laos Railway has become an epitome of high-quality BRI cooperation between China and ASEAN countries. Committed to further opening up, China will provide new opportunities to the world with its continued development. We will work together with Laos and other BRI partner countries to bring into full play to the flagship role of the China-Laos Railway and jointly build a demonstration zone for high-quality BRI cooperation, so as to deliver more benefits to the people in regional countries. TASS: The G7 foreign ministers statement following their meeting at Munster, Germany said that the G7 members aim for constructive cooperation with China, where possible and in our interest. The G7 foreign ministers also reminded China of the need to uphold the principles of the UN Charter on peaceful settlement of disputes and to abstain from threats or the use of force. The statement also mentioned Chinas internal affairs including issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet. Do you have any comment? Zhao Lijian: Chinas position on issued related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Taiwan is consistent and clear-cut. The G7 foreign ministers statement grossly interferes in Chinas internal affairs and maliciously smears China in disregard of our solemn position and the plain facts. We deplore and firmly reject it. China has been exemplary in implementing the UN Charter and practicing true multilateralism. We are committed to promoting joint international response to global challenges and to building a human community with a shared future. We urge the G7 to discard the Cold War mentality and ideological bias, stop meddling in other countries internal affairs, stop peddling lies and falsehoods, stop stoking regional tensions and bloc confrontation, and work instead to create enabling conditions for global cooperation. CRI: A passenger plane with 39 people on board crash-landed Sunday in a lake in Tanzania, killing at least 19. Are there any Chinese casualties? Has China sent condolences to Tanzania? Zhao Lijian: On the afternoon of November 6 Beijing time, a Tanzanian commercial passenger plane crashed into Lake Victoria, causing major casualties. We deeply mourn for the victims and offer our sympathies to the bereaved families and those injured. China stands firm with Tanzania in this moment of grief. According to what we know so far, a Chinese passenger was injured in the accident, and is now being treated in hospital. The Chinese Embassy in Tanzania has launched emergency response, and reached out to this injured individual to offer comfort and assistance. China News Service: According to reports, on November 6, HSBC released a report based on survey results about overseas companies outlook on China amid new opportunities brought by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Do you have any comment? Zhao Lijian: I have also seen the report. It shows that over 80 percent of the overseas companies surveyed expect their China business to grow in the coming year, and 75 percent plan to expand supply chains in China in the next 24 months. Besides, 93 percent of the polled companies from RCEP markets said their trade ties with Chinese partners will be strengthened, with more than 40 percent of them expecting their China business to grow by at least 30 percent in the next year. The survey was conducted in 16 major markets around the world, covering nearly 3,400 companies in nine RCEP member states and seven major economies. China is pursuing a more proactive strategy of opening up and working to build a globally-oriented network of high-standard free trade areas to advance a broader agenda of opening up across more areas and in greater depth. Trade between China and other RCEP member states for the first eight months this year hit 8.32 trillion RMB, accounting for nearly one third of Chinas foreign trade. Going forward, we will continue to advance high-standard opening up, provide convenience for foreign companies investment and operation in China, and increase trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. Reuters: Britains Department for International Trade said on Monday that the Minister of State for Trade Greg Hands would visit Taiwan and meet Tsai Ing-wen. The two will co-host the 25th annual UK-Taiwan trade talks. Does the foreign ministry have any comment? Zhao Lijian: We have reiterated Chinas principled position on the Taiwan question on multiple occasions. There is but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinas territory. We firmly oppose any form of official interaction between the Taiwan region and countries having diplomatic ties with China. The one-China principle is the political foundation of the development of diplomatic ties between China and the UK. We urge the UK to earnestly respect Chinas sovereignty, adhere to the one-China principle, stop having any form of official interaction with Taiwan, and stop sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces. The Taiwan authorities should also beware that any attempt to seek independence by colluding with external forces is doomed to fail. MASTV: According to reports, Japanese defense minister Yasukazu Hamada said at a press conference on November 4 that Japan has officially joined NATOs cyber defense center. Whats Chinas comment? Zhao Lijian: We have noted the reports. NATO has publicly stated on many occasions that it will remain a regional alliance and it does not seek a geopolitical breakthrough. The Asia-Pacific lies beyond the geographical scope of the north Atlantic and has no need for a NATO replica. In recent years, however, we have seen NATO constantly strengthening ties with Asia-Pacific countries. What is it really up to? This calls for high vigilance in the international community, in particular Asia-Pacific countries. East Asia is one of the most peaceful and stable regions in the world and a promising land for cooperation and development, not an arena for geopolitical contest. Given the history of overseas aggression waged by Japanese militarism during the last century, Japans neighbors in Asia and the international community pay close attention to Japans military and security tendencies. What Japan should do is draw lessons from history, stay committed to the path of peaceful development, and avoid doing things that could dismantle trust and affect peace and stability in this region. Phoenix TV: We have recently noted that the US is prepared to pressure Japan and the Netherlands even more to join the US to block the flow of advanced chip technology to China. Whats your comment? Zhao Lijian: This is not the way an open and honest major country would act. But then again, there is nothing new about the way the US abuses its state power and tech advantage and coerces its allies economically just to perpetuate its hegemonic power and selfish interests. The US keeps politicizing tech and trade issues, turning them into a tool and basing them on ideologies, and targets countries with tech blockade and decoupling. The world sees clearly what the US is up to. Anyone who tries to block others way will only have his own path blocked. We hope relevant parties would adopt an objective and fair stance, take into account their long-term interests and the fundamental interests of the international community and come to the right, independent conclusions. Prasar Bharati: Pakistani media have reported that during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs recent visit to Beijing, the Chinese leadership promised to roll over $4 billion in sovereign loans, refinance $3.3 billion commercial bank loans and increase currency swap by about $1.45 billion. Can you confirm this and provide more details on the debt assistance provided by China to Pakistan and other financial assistance? Zhao Lijian: China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. Our two countries have always supported each other, worked together for shared development, and stood together in times of difficulty. We have supported Pakistans efforts to achieve financial stability within the scope of our capability and will continue to do so. As for the details you asked about, let me refer you to the competent authorities. PTI: Pakistan is also going through political and economic turmoil. Especially there was an assassination or probably something similar. Attempt has been made on the former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was injured in that attack. Can you comment on the kind of situation that Pakistan is going through? Zhao Lijian: We have taken note of the reports. We extend our sympathy to Mr. Imran Khan and wish him a speedy recovery. Prasar Bharati: Indian students are saying that about 40 Chinese universities have still not issued them the No Objection Certificates (NOCs), which are required to apply for Chinese visas. This is affecting thousands of Indian students. While many of these universities are not replying to their requests, a few universities said that their provincial government is stopping them from issuing the NOCs. Can you give any concrete reasons for this? Why universities are delaying the NOCs or is there any timeline while issuing the same documents to students from other countries? Zhao Lijian: I know you have followed very closely the developments regarding Indian students return to China. For the specific questions you raised, I would refer you to the competent Chinese authorities. What I can tell you is that the Chinese government welcomes foreign students to resume or start their studies in China, and the government has provided the possible assistance to the students who need it. Foreign students who wish to acquire a degree in China can apply for visas in Chinese embassies and consulates overseas. Since August 24, foreigners holding a valid residence permit for study can enter China directly with that permit. As far as I know, despite COVID-19, progress has been made in cross-border flow of personnel between China and India. At least 1,300 Indian students have received Chinese visas. The channels for communication between Indian students and Chinese universities remain open. We suggest that Indian students stay in close touch with their universities and plan their return to campus according to the arrangement of their universities. A TV screen showing a news program reporting about North Korea's missile launch with file footage, is seen at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Nov. 5. AP-Yonhap North Korea's military said Monday it will take "sustained, resolute and overwhelming" practical military measures in response to joint military drills of South Korea and the United States amid speculation that Pyongyang will likely soon carry out another nuclear test. In a "report" carried by the official Korean Central News Agency, the General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) labeled the allies' Vigilant Storm exercise last week as an "open provocation aimed at intentionally escalating the tension." "The recent corresponding military operations by the KPA are a clear answer of the DPRK that the more persistently the enemies' provocative military moves continue, the more thoroughly and mercilessly the KPA will counter them," the KPA said. The DPRK is the acronym for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "The KPA General Staff once again clarifies that it will continue to correspond with all the anti-DPRK war drills of the enemy with the sustained, resolute and overwhelming practical military measures," it added. Senior diplomats of South Korea, the United States and Japan strongly condemned North Korea's latest missile launches in their phone talks Monday, calling them a "serious threat" to the security of the Korean Peninsula and beyond, according to Seoul's foreign ministry. Last week, the North launched a barrage of ballistic missiles into the East Sea and the Yellow Sea, including an intercontinental ballistic missile, apparently in protest against a South Korea-U.S. joint air force drill called "Vigilant Storm." In their consultations, First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-dong and his American and Japanese counterparts Wendy Sherman and Takeo Mori, respectively pointed out the North's recent ballistic missile launches were in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions, and posed a serious threat to the peace and stability of the peninsula and the international community as a whole, added the ministry. (Yonhap) A Disney Legend Has Died Legendary Disney costume designer and animator Alice Davis has passed away. By Charlene Badasie | After a lifetime crafting some of the most iconic costume designs in Disney history, Alice Estes Davis has died at the age of 93 at her Los Feliz home in Los Angeles. The designer, who began her career creating womens lingerie and undergarments, was named a Disney Legend in 2004 for her extraordinary and integral contribution to The Walt Disney Company. Her most notable work includes costume designs for Its a Small World and Pirates of the Caribbean. Alice Davis She also helped in animating the lead character in Sleeping Beauty, Briar Rose. Described as one of Disneys original designing women, Alice Davis was married to animator and Imagineer Marc Davis until he died in 2000. As one of the companys legendary Nine Old Men, he became a Disney Legend in 1989. Now, the couples names appear on side-by-side windows on Main Street at Disneyland. Born in Escalon, California in 1929, Alice Davis earned a scholarship to L.A.s Chouinard Art Institute and attended night school to study animation. Marc, who had already worked on several projects for Disney, was an instructor at the school, which was famous for training artists. While working for the Beverly Vogue & Lingerie House, Marc asked Alice to design a costume for Helene Stanley to wear during a live-action shoot to inspire his animation of Princess Aurora in 1959s Sleeping Beauty. Marc wanted to see how the skirt worked in live dance steps, and that was my first job at Disney, Alice Davis previously recalled via The Hollywood Reporter. Although she had little experience with clothes, the project led her to design costumes for the 1960 live-action Disney film Toby Tyler, starring Kevin Corcoran. Then in 1963, she was personally recruited by Walt Disney to work on the Its a Small World attraction for the 1964 Worlds Fair in New York. For the boat ride, Alice Davis collaborated with art designer Mary Blair to research, design, and supervise the creation of over 150 costumes. She also formulated costuming procedures, set up a manufacturing base, and developed quality control refurbishing techniques that established the standards for three-dimensional characters in other rides and shows created by Disney. In 1965, Alice Davis translated the pirates attire from her husbands original drawings of the shiver-me-timbers cast and crew into designs for the costumes featured in Pirates of the Caribbean. Two years later, when the attraction opened at Disneyland, guests were dazzled by the animated figures and their carefully crafted attire. In the years that followed, she contributed to General Electrics Carousel of Progress and the Flight to the Moon attractions. Her career served as an inspiration to many Disney artists who came after her. When I was a little girl, my parents took me to Walt Disney World and I made them go on the small world ride about 24 times because I loved it, Susan Goldberg, the art director of Fantasia/2000 said in a Disney company press release. I didnt know anything about Mary Blair or Alice Davis then, but I grew up wanting to be a costume designer. So Alice Davis is the reason I have a career in animation. Following her death, executives at The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco described Alice Davis as a compassionate and altruistic person who participated in discussions, panels, and special programs, while donating artwork and objects. She was always Marcs leading lady, and she will always hold a special place in our hearts, they said. We will miss her deeply. This combined photo, released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, Monday, shows the North Korean military firing missiles into the East Sea and the West Sea from Nov. 2 to Nov. 5 corresponding to a South Korea-U.S. joint air exercise. Yonhap Nuclear test could be postponed: ex- and current government officials By Kang Seung-woo Undeterred by the failed test of what is suspected to have been a Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) last week, North Korea is expected to push ahead with another launch of its largest and most powerful missile ahead of a holiday marking its successful nuclear-capable missile test, according to diplomatic observers, Monday. North Korea designated Nov. 29 as "Rocket Industry Day" commemorating the anniversary of test-firing a Hwasong-15 nuclear-capable ICBM on Nov. 29, 2017. The missile is believed to be theoretically capable of hitting targets anywhere in the U.S. mainland. Afterwards, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un declared the completion of "the state nuclear force." On Thursday, the totalitarian state test-fired a Hwasong-17, but it failed while in flight, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). "Ahead of conducting a nuclear test, North Korea needs to vindicate that it has mastered nuclear-strike capability by being able to deliver a nuclear warhead anywhere in the continental United States, so it is highly expected to launch an ICBM like it did in 2017," said Shin Jong-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Defense and Security Forum. "The ICBM would definitely be a Hwasong-17," Shin added. Analysts believe the Hwasong-17 may be capable of carrying multiple warheads and traveling up to 15,000 kilometers, putting any place in the U.S. mainland within range. The missile was unveiled in October 2020. Fueling such speculation is the fact that North Korea has resorted to large-scale military shows of force in years ending with a five or zero. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the successful launch of the Hwasong-15. This year alone, North Korea has test-fired the so-called "monster missile" on five occasions between February and November. But all of the test launches ended in failure, raising speculation that the country is still short of completing the development of the missile. However, Shin said North Korea will not be mindful of its past failures. "Despite a series of failures, North Korea has test-fired the missile," Shin said. "It is still under development and the North may have acquired some data from the failed launches. In that sense, it is ready to test-fire another Hwasong-17," he said. Earlier in the day, the General Staff of the North's Korean People's Army (KPA) said it fired two cruise missiles from North Hamgyong Province in protest against Vigilant Storm, a combined air exercise between South Korea and the U.S. that came to an end, Saturday. The missiles landed in international waters about 80 kilometers off South Korea's southeastern coastal city of Ulsan as part of North Korea's four-day military operations between Nov. 2 and Nov. 5. A photo released by the official North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows a new Hwasong-17 missile displayed in a military parade held to celebrate the 90th founding anniversary of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army in Pyongyang, North Korea, April 25. Yonhap Pune, India, Sept. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global Voluntary Carbon Offsets Market size is set to gain traction owing to the increase in respiratory diseases. Fortune Business Insights has presented this information in its report titled Voluntary Carbon Offsets Market, 2022-2029. Voluntary carbon offsets are a well-known mechanism for reducing CO2 levels in the atmosphere. According to report analysis, global voluntary carbon offsets market to grow rapidly during forecast period of 2022 to 2029; Increase in respiratory diseases to augment market growth Key Industry Developments February 2020: The Carbon Offset Program was introduced by Xometry. For this launch, Xometry collaborated with Dot Neutral, an organization dedicated to connecting businesses with carbon-offset initiatives. This launch will assist Xometry in reducing its carbon footprint. Request a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/sample/voluntary-carbon-offsets-market-104248 Drivers & Restraints - Increasing CO2 emissions to boost the market The rapid increase in CO2 emissions has increased the demand for voluntary carbon offsets. CO2 emissions have had a negative impact on both human health and the environment. It has resulted in climate change and an increase in respiratory diseases, primarily caused by pollution of the air, water, and soil. These negative consequences have increased the demand for voluntary carbon offsets to compensate for greenhouse gas emissions. The supportive government initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will increase the demand for voluntary carbon offsets. As a result, market growth will be accelerated during the forecast period. However, compliance emission reductions (CERs) and verified emission reductions (VERs) are two alternative projects for reducing CO2 emissions. Implementing these projects is expected to reduce voluntary carbon offset adoption and limit the voluntary carbon offsets market growth. COVID-19 Impact COVID-19 had a Potential Impact On Market The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic had the potential to shock global carbon markets. On the other hand, markets demonstrated remarkable resilience, first reacting rationally to lower demand by lowering prices and then returning to near-normal functioning. While the increase in emissions is concerning, many of the world's largest carbon-emitting countries have recently announced long-term environmental policies to assist their economies in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and eventually achieving net-zero carbon emissions. To get to know more about the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this market, please visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/voluntary-carbon-offsets-market-104248 Competitive Landscape - Finite Carbon to launch a voluntary carbon offset program In October 2019, Finite Carbon Inc., a Finite Resources subsidiary, launched a voluntary carbon offsets program. BP Ventures has invested $5 million in this launch. The investment will help Finite Carbon launch a new business that will reduce emissions and provide sustainable forest management. Segmentation - On the basis of type, the market is divided into forestry, renewable energy, landfill methane projects, and others. On the basis of application, the market is segmented into industrial, household devices, energy industry, agriculture, and others. On the basis of end-use, the market is fragmented into government, non-government, private sector, and others. Geographically, the market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa. SEGMENTATION: ATTRIBUTE DETAILS By Type Forestry Renewable Energy Landfill Methane Projects Others By Application Industrial Household Device Energy Industry Agriculture Others By End-Use Government Non-Government Private Sector Others Report Coverage - The report covers an in-depth analysis on the voluntary carbon offsets market. The report comprises details on the growth opportunities, challenges, driving, and restraining factors. Furthermore, the report covers detail about the key market players adopting several growth strategies to sustain in the market. Regional Insights - Greater Demand for Clean Electricity to Accelerate Growth in North America The voluntary carbon offsets market share in North America is expected to remain the leading region during the forecast period. The increase is due to supportive government regulation aimed at lowering CO2 emissions. The rising demand for carbon offsets in industrial applications will drive market expansion. In Europe, the leading countries are the U.K. and Germany. The Asia Pacific market will expand due to the rising demand for carbon offsets in household devices and agricultural applications. The Middle East and Africa are expected to see significant growth due to the increasing adoption of carbon offsets in the energy industry. Get your Customized Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/customization/voluntary-carbon-offsets-market-104248 List of Key Players in the Global Market - SOUTH POLE Shell Vertis Environmental Finance Terrapass 3Degrees NativeEnergy Forest Carbon Ltd FairClimateFund BNP Paribas CIB Carbon Footprint Ltd ClimeCo Corporation Table of Content: 1. Introduction 1.1. Research Scope 1.2. Market Segmentation 1.3. Research Methodology 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions 2. Executive Summary 3. Market Dynamics 3.1. Market Drivers 3.2. Market Restraints 3.3. Market Opportunities 4. Key Insights 4.1 Key Industry Developments - Merger, Acquisitions, and Partnerships 4.2 Distribution Analysis 4.3 Porters Five Forces Analysis 4.4 PEST Analysis 4.5 Technological Developments 4.6 Impact of COVID-19 Continued Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/queries/voluntary-carbon-offsets-market-104248 About Us: Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them to address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. Phone: US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regen Network Development released its marketplace application for tokenized carbon and ecological assets, Regen Marketplace. Regen Network's application-specific blockchain allows farmers, foresters, and land stewards to originate high-quality, nature-based carbon credits to markets, catalyzing regenerative finance solutions to the climate crisis. Regen Marketplace takes advantage of Regen Ledger, which brings transparency and public governance to voluntary carbon markets. Regen Marketplace is a platform for the origination and exchange of ecological assets. Sellers can define, manage, mint, and sell tokenized carbon and other ecological assets in the blockchain-based registry system. Using Regen Marketplace, corporate sustainability departments and government entities striving to meet their climate commitments are encouraged to purchase, transfer, retire, and bundle tokenized carbon on the blockchain for carbon offsetting purposes, effectively removing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere. Blockchain protocols and dApps are encouraged to package and export tokenized carbon for DeFi or consumer climate impact apps. Since 2020, Regen Network Development has partnered with blockchain protocols to become verifiably carbon neutral, including Osmosis, Stargaze, and Cheqd, retiring over 10,000 tons of carbon. In 2020, Regen Network sold and retired over 120,000 CarbonPlus Grasslands credits to Microsoft for its Moonshot goal on the Regen Network blockchain. Regen Network Development's strategic launch partnership with City Forest Credits Registry (CFC) aims to kick-start a market for urban forest carbon credits by tokenizing and listing the 2021 City Forest Credits portfolio in Regen Marketplace. CFC is the U.S. national standard for carbon emission reductions through urban forest preservation and carbon removal through urban tree canopy reforestation. The urban forestry projects featured in the marketplace launch have direct impacts on 20 million Americans in urban communities. The portfolio represents all the verified city forest carbon across the United States, is the largest urban forest carbon placement in history, and is the first blockchain-based urban forestry portfolio. Gregory Landua, CEO of Regen Network Development, said, "The launch of the Regen Marketplace is a historical milestone in the global effort to address the climate crisis. Bringing more nature-based credits to a carbon market hungry for a supply of high-quality carbon credits will help scale the global effort to reverse climate change. The underlying characteristics of this disruptive new marketplace are critical - radical transparency, community governance, and an open source tech stack designed to rapidly expand and decentralize the global movement to reverse climate change. Regen Network is a neutral, sovereign appchain to serve the demands of the growing climate impact movement and market for nature-based carbon and ecological assets." As Regen Network onboards more partners to participate in the growing ecosystem of climate impact champions, like Moss.Earth, Open Earth Foundation, Earthbanc, ERA Brazil, Shamba Protocol, and Terra Genesis International, the protocol hopes to gain mainstream participation in the end-to-end lifecycle of seamlessly designing, tokenizing, and purchasing carbon credits to retire them for climate change impacts. Over 20 partners are currently designing new ecological assets within Regen Marketplace, giving consumers access to a climate-positive economic system. ### Gregory Landua, CEO of Regen, is available for interviews. Media Contact Anna Ryan, Senior Consultant Wachsman Anna@wachsman.com +353 87 249 9198 About Regen Network Regen Network is a neutral, sovereign appchain to serve the demands of the growing climate impact movement and market for nature-based carbon and ecological assets. Regen Network's blockchain infrastructure originates high-quality, nature-based tokenized carbon to markets, catalyzing regenerative finance solutions to the climate crisis. About Regen Network Development, Inc. Regen Network Development, Inc. is a blockchain software development company focused on building applications for ecological regeneration on the Regen Network blockchain. RND Inc. is responsible for the largest Australian-based carbon credit purchase, the largest U.S.-based urban forest carbon purchase, and the largest soil carbon credit purchase in history. RND Inc. sold the first issuance of CarbonPlus Grasslands ecocredits to Microsoft for its Moonshot goal. Learn more at https://regen.network, Press Kit, and follow us on Twitter. Press Contact: David Fortson, david@loalabs.io About City Forest Credits Registry City Forest Credits is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit carbon registry that manages carbon and impact standards for metropolitan areas in the United States. Press Contact: Doug McPherson, doug@otiumbc.com This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Portland, OR, Nov. 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the report published by Allied Market Research, the global polyolefin foam market generated $8.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $13.4 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2022 to 2031. The report offers a detailed analysis of the top winning strategies, evolving market trends, market size and estimations, value chain, key investment pockets, drivers & opportunities, competitive landscape and regional landscape. The report is a useful source of information for new entrants, shareholders, frontrunners and shareholders in introducing necessary strategies for the future and taking essential steps to significantly strengthen and heighten their position in the market. Download Sample PDF (257 Pages PDF with Insights): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/32011 Report Coverage & Details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20222031 Base Year 2021 Market Size in 2021 $8.2 billion Market Size in 2031 $13.4 billion CAGR 5.1% No. of Pages in Report 257 Segments Covered Resin type, end-use industry, and region Drivers Rise in income levels and current attitudes toward home ownership among people Increase in the expenditure on commercial and luxury automobiles in emerging economies Opportunities Expansion of the construction industry Surge in demand for CO2-based polyols Restrains Restrictive laws Rise in concerns about the environmental impact of small plastic beads COVID-19 Scenario: The outbreak of COVID-19 had a negative impact on the growth of the global polyolefin foam market, owing to the presence of lockdowns in various countries across the globe. Lockdowns resulted in the closure of various manufacturing facilities, including those of polyolefin foams, which adversely impacted the demand for the market. In addition, shortage of workforce and essential raw materials due to strict import and export restrictions further aggravated the impact on the market. These restrictions were imposed by the government so as to curb the spread of the virus during the pandemic. However, since the release of the lockdown and other restrictions, the global polyolefin foam market is expected to experience exponential growth. The majority of the market's expansion in the post-pandemic can be attributed to growth in the construction, healthcare, and various chemical industries. The repot offers detailed segmentation of the global polyolefin foam market based on resin type, end-use industry, and region. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of every segment and their respective sub-segment with the help of graphical and tabular representation. This analysis can essentially help market players, investors, and new entrants in determining and devising strategies based on fastest growing segments and highest revenue generation that is mentioned in the report. Enquire for Customization with Detailed Analysis of COVID-19 Impact in Report @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/32011 Based on resin type, the polyethylene segment held the dominating market share in 2021, holding nearly half of the global, and is expected to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. The ethylene vinyl acetate segment, on the other hand, is expected to cite the fastest CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period. Based on end use industry, the packaging segment held the dominating market share in 2021, holding around two-fifths of the global market, and is expected to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. The automotive segment, on the other hand, is expected to cite the fastest CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period. Based on region, the market across Asia-Pacific region held the dominating market share in 2021, holding more than half of the global market, and is expected to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. In addition, the same segment is expected to cite the fastest CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. The report also analyses other regions such as North America, LAMEA, and Europe. The key players analyzed in the global polyolefin foam market report include Armacell, BASF SE, DOW INC, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Hanwha solutions, Huzhou Changyuan Tefa Co.,Ltd., Intecfoams, KANEKA CORPORATION, NMC International SA, SABIC, Sekisui Chemicals Co., Toray Industries, Inc., TotalEnergies, Ultralon, Arkema. The report analyzes these key players in the global polyolefin foam market. These market players have made effective use of strategies such as joint ventures, collaborations, expansion, new product launches, partnerships, and others to maximize their foothold and prowess in the industry. The report is helpful in analyzing recent developments, product portfolio, business performance and operating segments by prominent players in the market. Want to Access the Statistical Data and Graphs, Key Players' Strategies: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/polyolefin-foam-market/purchase-options About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. London, UK, Nov. 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boyden, a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 75 offices in over 45 countries, is delighted to welcome new partners and prominent experts in private equity & venture capital Siwan Jones, specialising in executive search and James Hunt, specialising in interim management. Commenting on their appointments, Nick Robeson, Chief Executive, United Kingdom & Ireland said, Siwans and James decision to join Boyden confirms the strength and success of our brand in the United Kingdom. They both bring an impressive, long-term track record in delivering strategically-based solutions to the unique needs of their clients, and are closely aligned to our firms culture of client-focused, cohesive solutions delivered through strong collegiality. Siwan Jones, Partner, Boyden United Kingdom, is a seasoned expert in global executive search, specialising in strategy and transformation talent for private equity and corporate clients. She was previously co-head of an executive search and interim management firm in the UK, and prior to that in-house recruiter at Google UK. Siwan has a multicultural, pan-European professional background, having worked extensively with private equity firms in Europe, at both fund and portfolio company level, supporting assets across all sectors throughout Europe, and also with multinationals. Her focus on strategic functional capabilities and transformational leadership enables her to support clients across a range of sectors, from industrials, to healthcare companies and fintech firms. Siwan holds an MA in Russian and German from Queens College, Cambridge University. James Hunt, Partner, Boyden United Kingdom, is a long-term interim management expert with nearly 30 years experience in recruitment. He specialises in delivering change and transformation programmes for start-ups, hyper-growth businesses, privately-owned companies and multinationals in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, the United States and Asia/Pacific. His expertise enables organisations to grow and build value, and private equity firms to achieve returns on portfolio businesses through organic growth, mergers & acquisition and capital events. He is a former Executive Committee member of the Interim Management Association (IMA). James joins Boyden from a global recruitment firm where he was Partner, Executive Interim, Change & Transformation. Previously he held Partner and other senior roles at UK executive search and interim firms following a career in the British Army. He holds a law degree from University College London (UCL). James commented, I have known partners at Boyden for many years, and am delighted to join a thriving business where clients benefit from very close working relationships and integrated approaches to leadership needs. Given the current economic environment in the UK, international investors are eyeing up potential acquisitions, and the need for experienced interim managers will be crucial for many businesses. Boydens global connections, market intelligence and understanding of leadership needs in different business and economic cycles is highly beneficial. Private equity portfolio companies need a certain level of technical and leadership expertise that enhances rather than replaces key executives during growth phases. Interim management, with an expert culturally aligned to the CEO or founder, can make a huge difference in terms of cost, repositioning the business and knowledge share. Siwan added, Boydens energy is impressive, with a very clear strategy built around delivering excellent outcomes for clients. The firms collaborative capabilities will enable me to serve clients across sectors globally, leveraging interim management and leadership consulting approaches that make a huge difference as businesses evolve, expand into new markets and deal with competitive challenges. Managing Partner, UK and Global Co-Leader, Interim Management, Lisa Farmer said, We are seeing increasing demand from private equity, as innovation and digital transformation reveal extraordinary opportunities. Our new partners James and Siwan join a very strong, international team at Boyden. Our clients will benefit from their distinguished track records and reputation in private equity, gaining a strong competitive edge through strategic long-term and interim leadership solutions. About Boyden s Global Private Equity & Venture Capital Practice The burgeoning private equity market is fuelling intense competition for talent to lead portfolio companies. As exit cycles lengthen, firms are paying higher multiples and it is taking longer to achieve returns. Investors need the right leadership and interim management, and independent, non-executive directors who bring specific expertise and knowledge to the table. Boyden secures our clients investments by putting long-term and interim leaders at the helm who can decisively confront challenges, put strategy into action, and drive innovation to optimise performance. Boyden has over 50 experts in its global private equity & venture capital team in the UK, continental Europe, North America, South America, East Africa and Asia/Pacific. About Boyden Boyden is a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 75 offices in over 45 countries. Our global reach enables us to serve client needs anywhere they conduct business. We connect great companies with great leaders through executive search, interim management and leadership consulting solutions. For further information, visit www.boyden.com. Attachments TOKYO, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ, TSE Prime: 3774) today announced its consolidated financial results for the first six months for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023 (1H22, from April 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022) under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).1 Highlights of Financial Results for 1H22 FY22 Targets 1H22 Full Year Total revenues JPY 122.0 billion up 11.8 % YoY2 JPY 117.0 billion JPY 250.0 billion Operating profit JPY 11.2 billion up 20.1 % YoY JPY 10.7 billion JPY 27.2 billion Profit before tax JPY 12.9 billion up 23.3 % YoY JPY 10.3 billion JPY 26.3 billion Net profit3 JPY 8.6 billion up 25.3 % YoY JPY 6.8 billion JPY 17.5 billion Overview of 1H22 Financial Results and Business Outlook Digital transformation trend among Japanese enterprises, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has continued to expand, while business activities have been gradually getting back to normal. Under those circumstances, revenue growth rate year over year (YoY), which we regard as an important indicator for business expansion, showed the increasing trend from 9.8% in 1Q22 to 13.7% in 2Q22. For this six-month period of 1H22, network services recurring revenues excluding mobile services continued to accumulate with 10.1% YoY growth, mainly driven by IP services4, security services and WAN services. Also, we have been seeing strong demands for network related integration from various industries and had 1H22 systems integration revenue and orders received increased by 19.5% and 31.2% YoY respectively. As a result, we exceeded each of our 1H22 financial targets. As for the further expansion of our network services line-up, we internally developed and launched "IIJ Secure Access Service" as our SASE5 service based on our service development strategy. Through offering a combination of our highly reliable and value-added services with systems integration, we are confident that our revenue growth would be stronger, which should lead to significant profit expansion, said Eijiro Katsu, President of IIJ. Japanese enterprises and government agencies have just started to evolve their network and systems to the ones that combine Internet technologies such as Cloud, remote access and advanced security features based on zero-trust, which is what we had foreseen years ago. These shifts are making our expertise in Internet and network technologies more prominent against competitors such as telecom carriers and system integrators. In order to strengthen our business expansion further, we are enhancing on recruiting activities and have acquired 1.5 times more new graduates expected to join IIJ next spring. We believe that our technology-oriented business operation continues to attract engineers which contribute further business expansion, concluded Koichi Suzuki, Founder and Chairman of IIJ. _____________________ 1 Unless otherwise stated, all financial figures discussed in this announcement are prepared in accordance with IFRS, unaudited and consolidated. 2 YoY is an abbreviation for year over year change. 3 Net profit is profit for the year attributable to owners of the parent. 4 IP services are IIJs dedicated-type Internet connectivity services, mainly used by corporate users. 5 SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is a concept to shift controls of network and security on the route to Cloud services to enable secure access from any points, instead of the conventional centralized management through headquarters or data centers. 1H22 Financial Results Summary We have omitted segment analysis because most of our revenues are dominated by network services and systems integration (SI) business. Operating Results Summary 1H21 1H22 YoY Change JPY millions JPY millions Total revenues 109,054 121,962 11.8 Network services 63,436 67,707 6.7 Systems integration (SI) 44,209 52,846 19.5 ATM operation business 1,409 1,409 0.0 Total costs (85,969 ) (95,471 ) 11.1 Network services (46,754 ) (49,802 ) 6.5 Systems integration (SI) (38,340 ) (44,857 ) 17.0 ATM operation business (875 ) (812 ) (7.2 ) Total gross profit 23,085 26,491 14.8 Network services 16,682 17,905 7.3 Systems integration (SI) 5,869 7,989 36.1 ATM operation business 534 597 11.8 SG&A, R&D, and other operating income (expenses) (13,781 ) (15,318 ) 11.2 Operating profit 9,304 11,173 20.1 Profit before tax 10,432 12,858 23.3 Profit for the period attributable to owners of the parent 6,892 8,638 25.3 (Note) Systems integration includes equipment sales. Segment Results Summary 1H21 1H22 JPY millions JPY millions Total revenues 109,054 121,962 Network services and SI business 107,712 120,608 ATM operation business 1,408 1,409 Elimination (66 ) (55 ) Operating profit 9,304 11,173 Network services and SI business 8,933 10,725 ATM operation business 417 468 Elimination (46 ) (20 ) 1H22 Revenues and Income Revenues Total revenues were JPY121,962 million, up 11.8% YoY (JPY109,054 million for 1H21). Network services revenue was JPY67,707 million, up 6.7% YoY (JPY63,436 million for 1H21). Revenues for Internet connectivity services for enterprise were JPY19,269 million, up 2.4% YoY from JPY18,813 million for 1H21. The increase was due to an increase in revenues of IP services and enterprise mobile services, which absorbed a decrease in IIJ Mobile MVNO Platform service (MVNE) revenue in the response to the reduction in procurement cost. Revenues for Internet connectivity services for consumers were JPY12,453 million, up 2.1% YoY from JPY12,196 million for 1H21, mainly due to an increase in revenue of IIJmio Mobile services led by an increase in subscription, which absorbed a decrease in revenue resulted from a decrease in average revenue per user along with continued migration of old plans customers to GigaPlans, which launched at the beginning of the previous fiscal year. Revenues for Outsourcing services were JPY22,469 million, up 15.0% YoY from JPY19,546 million for 1H21, mainly due to an increase in security-related services revenues. Revenues for WAN services were JPY13,516 million, up 4.9% YoY from JPY12,881 million for 1H21. Network Services Revenues Breakdown 1H21 1H22 YoY Change JPY millions JPY millions Total network services 63,436 67,707 6.7 Internet connectivity services (enterprise) 18,813 19,269 2.4 IP services (including data center connectivity services) 6,622 7,090 7.1 IIJ Mobile Services 10,284 10,137 (1.4 ) Enterprise mobile services (IoT usages etc.) 4,839 5,302 9.6 IIJ Mobile MVNO Platform service (MVNE) 5,445 4,835 (11.2 ) Others 1,907 2,042 7.1 Internet connectivity services (consumer) 12,196 12,453 2.1 IIJmio Mobile Services 10,741 10,866 1.2 Others 1,455 1,587 9.1 Outsourcing services 19,546 22,469 15.0 WAN services 12,881 13,516 4.9 Number of Contracts and Subscription for Connectivity Services (Note 1) As of Sep. 30, 2021 As of Sep. 30, 2022 YoY Change Internet connectivity services (enterprise) 2,301,380 2,627,001 325,621 IP service (greater than or equal to 1Gbps) (Note2) 757 818 61 IP service (less than 1Gbps) (Note2) 1,211 1,307 96 IIJ Mobile Services 2,210,095 2,532,815 322,720 Enterprise mobile services (IoT usages etc.) 1,218,375 1,493,805 275,430 IIJ Mobile MVNO Platform service (MVNE) 991,720 1,039,010 47,290 Others 89,317 92,061 2,744 Internet connectivity services (consumer) 1,416,927 1,518,130 101,203 IIJmio Mobile Services 1,072,107 1,178,269 106,162 Others 344,820 339,861 (4,959 ) Total contracted bandwidth (Gbps) (Note 3) 7,279.7 7,729.1 449.4 (Notes) 1. Numbers in the table above show number of contracts except for IIJ Mobile Services (enterprise) and IIJmio Mobile Services which show number of subscriptions. 2. The numbers of IP service contracts include the numbers of IIJ data center connectivity service contracts. 3. Total contracted bandwidth is calculated by multiplying number of contracts under Internet connectivity services (enterprise) except for IIJ Mobile Services and the contracted bandwidths of the services respectively. SI revenues , including equipment sales, were JPY52,846 million, up 19.5% YoY (JPY44,209 million for 1H21). Systems construction and equipment sales, a one-time revenue, was JPY19,549 million, up 26.4% YoY (JPY15,472 million for 1H21). Systems operation and maintenance revenue, a recurring revenue, was JPY33,297 million, up 15.9% YoY (JPY28,737 million for 1H21), mainly due to continued accumulation of systems operation orders as well as an increase in cloud-related services revenues. Orders received for SI, including equipment sales, totaled JPY60,992 million, up 31.2% YoY (JPY46,503 million for 1H21); orders received for systems construction and equipment sales were JPY21,670 million, up 14.9% YoY (JPY18,865 million for 1H21), and orders received for systems operation and maintenance were JPY39,322 million, up 42.3% YoY (JPY27,638 million for 1H21). Order backlog for SI, including equipment sales, as of September 30, 2022 amounted to JPY80,937 million, up 17.4% YoY (JPY68,949 million as of September 30, 2021); order backlog for systems construction and equipment sales was JPY14,572 million, up 16.0% YoY (JPY12,561 million as of September 30, 2021) and order backlog for systems operation and maintenance was JPY66,365 million, up 17.7% YoY (JPY56,388 million as of September 30, 2021). ATM operation business revenues were JPY1,409 million, almost same revenue as JPY1,409 million for 1H21. Cost of sales Total cost of sales was JPY95,471 million, up 11.1% YoY (JPY85,969 million for 1H21). Cost of network services revenue was JPY49,802 million, up 6.5% YoY (JPY46,754 million for 1H21), mainly due to an increase in purchasing cost of mobile device. Gross profit was JPY17,905 million, up 7.3% YoY (JPY16,682 million for 1H21), and gross profit ratio was 26.4% (26.3% for 1H21). Cost of SI revenues, including equipment sales was JPY44,857 million, up 17.0% YoY (JPY38,340 million for 1H21), mainly due to increases in license fees along with an increase in multi-cloud related services revenues and purchasing costs. Gross profit was JPY7,989 million, up 36.1% YoY (JPY5,869 million for 1H21) and gross profit ratio was 15.1% (13.3% for 1H21). Cost of ATM operation business revenues was JPY812 million, down 7.2% YoY (JPY875 million for 1H21). Gross profit was JPY597 million (JPY534 million for 1H21) and gross profit ratio was 42.4% (37.9% for 1H21). Selling, general and administrative expenses and other operating income and expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses , including research and development expenses, totaled JPY15,508 million, up 12.5% YoY (JPY13,790 million for 1H21), mainly due to increases in personnel-related expenses, advertising expenses and outsourcing expenses. Other operating income was JPY221 million (JPY93 million for 1H21). Other operating expenses was JPY31 million (JPY84 million for 1H21). Operating profit Operating profit was JPY11,173 million (JPY9,304 million for 1H21), up 20.1% YoY. Finance income and expenses, and share of profit (loss) of investments accounted for using equity method Finance income was JPY2,042 million, compared to JPY1,772 million for 1H21. It included gains on financial instruments, mainly related to funds, of JPY1,196 million (JPY1,692 million for 1H21) and foreign exchange gain of JPY761 million (JPY3 million for 1H21). Finance expense was JPY279 million, compared to JPY272 million for 1H21. It included interest expenses of JPY266 million (JPY272 million for 1H21). Share of loss of investments accounted for using equity method was JPY78 million (loss of JPY372 million for 1H21). There was a loss of DeCurret Holdings, Inc. of JPY180 million. Profit before tax Profit before tax was JPY12,858 million (JPY10,432 million for 1H21), up 23.3% YoY. Profit for the period Income tax expense was JPY4,118 million (JPY3,474 million for 1H21). As a result, profit for the period was JPY8,740 million (JPY6,958 million for 1H21), up 25.6% YoY. Profit for the period attributable to non-controlling interests was JPY102 million (JPY66 million for 1H21), mainly related to net income of Trust Networks Inc. Profit for the period attributable to owners of the parent was JPY8,638 million (JPY6,892 million for 1H21), up 25.3% YoY. Financial Position as of September 30, 2022 As of September 30, 2022, the balance of total assets was JPY235,160 million, increased by JPY3,355 million from the balance as of March 31, 2022 of JPY231,805 million. As of September 30, 2022, the balance of current assets was JPY103,947 million, decreased by JPY538 million from the balance as of March 31, 2022 of JPY104,485 million. As for the major breakdown of balance and fluctuation of current assets, cash and cash equivalents decreased by JPY5,323 million to JPY42,068 million, trade receivables decreased by JPY103 million to JPY37,546 million, inventories increased by JPY1,279 million to JPY3,887 million, prepaid expenses increased by JPY2,097 million to JPY15,650 million, mainly due to operation and maintenance costs, and contract assets increased by JPY1,575 million to JPY3,445 million. As of September 30, 2022, the balance of non-current assets was JPY131,213 million, increased by JPY3,893 million from the balance as of March 31, 2022 of JPY127,320 million. As for the major breakdown of balance and fluctuation of non-current assets, tangible assets increased by JPY2,838 million to JPY20,684 million mainly due to purchases related to Shiroi Data Center Campus construction, right-of-use assets, which include right to use leased assets under operating lease contracts such as office and data centers and assets under finance lease contracts such as data communication equipment, decreased by JPY214 million to JPY44,660 million mainly due to depreciation, intangible assets decreased by JPY746 million to JPY15,678 million mainly due to amortization of software, and prepaid expenses increased by JPY1,512 million to JPY11,964 million, mainly due to operation and maintenance costs. As of September 30, 2022, the balance of current liabilities was JPY74,501 million, decreased by JPY2,276 million from the balance as of March 31, 2022 of JPY76,777 million. As for the major breakdown of balance and fluctuation of current liabilities, trade and other payables increased by JPY1,031 million to JPY21,773 million, borrowings increased by JPY250 million to JPY16,620 million due to a decrease of JPY750 million from repayment of long-term borrowings and an increase of JPY1,000 million owing to a transfer from non-current liabilities, income taxes payable decreased by JPY1,907 million to JPY3,888 million, contract liabilities increased by JPY435 million to JPY10,006 million and other financial liabilities decreased by JPY1,305 million to JPY15,730 million. As of September 30, 2022, the balance of non-current liabilities was JPY49,154 million, decreased by JPY1,253 million from the balance as of March 31, 2022 of JPY50,407 million. As for the major breakdown of balance and fluctuation of non-current liabilities, long-term borrowings decreased by JPY1,000 million to JPY4,500 million due to a transfer to current portion, contract liabilities decreased by JPY921 million to JPY6,508 million and other financial liabilities increased by JPY911 million to JPY31,057 million. As of September 30, 2022, the balance of total equity attributable to owners of the parent was JPY110,359 million, increased by JPY6,831 million from the balance as of March 31, 2022 of JPY103,528 million. Ratio of owners' equity to total assets was 46.9% as of September 30, 2022. 1H22 Cash Flows Cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2022 were JPY42,068 million (JPY39,795 million as of September 30, 2021). Net cash provided by operating activities for 1H22 was JPY13,457 million (net cash provided by operating activities of JPY18,865 million for 1H21). There were profit before tax of JPY12,858 million (JPY10,432 million for 1H21), depreciation and amortization of JPY14,145 million (JPY13,266 million for 1H21), including JPY5,629 million (JPY5,035 million for 1H21) of depreciation of right-of-use operating lease assets under IFRS 16, and income taxes paid of JPY6,035 million (JPY3,352 million for 1H21). Regarding changes in working capital, there was net cash out of JPY5,992 million compared to net cash-out of JPY399 million for 1H21. As for the major factors for the increase in net cash outflow in comparison with 1H21, there were a decrease in proceeds from trade receivables and increases in payments of prepaid expenses and inventories, which exceeded a decrease in payments of trade and other payables. Net cash used in investing activities for 1H22 was JPY7,219 million (net cash used in investing activities of JPY8,185 million for 1H21), mainly due to payments for purchases of tangible assets of JPY5,704 million (JPY4,164 million for 1H21), payments for purchases of intangible assets, such as software, of JPY2,137 million (JPY2,167 million for 1H21), and proceeds from sales of tangible assets of JPY947 million (JPY1,011 million for 1H21). Net cash used in financing activities for 1H22 was JPY12,601 million (net cash used in financing activities of JPY13,402 million for 1H21), mainly due to payments of other financial liabilities of JPY9,544 million (JPY8,989 million for 1H21), which included payments under operating lease contracts such as office rent and finance lease contracts such as network equipment, repayments of long-term bank borrowings of JPY750 million (JPY4,085 million for 1H21) and dividends paid of JPY2,258 million (JPY1,759 million for 1H21). Future Prospects including FY2022 Financial Targets 1H22 financial results slightly exceeded our financial targets announced on May 13, 2022. Meanwhile, FY2022 financial targets remain unchanged, because the full-year forecasts are largely dependent on the fourth quarter results in general. Presentation Presentation materials will be posted on our web site (https://www.iij.ad.jp/en/ir/) on November 7, 2022. The presentation material can also be found here http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/a34c18ba-de82-4548-a2d3-461ea6a97120 About Internet Initiative Japan Inc. Founded in 1992, IIJ is one of Japans leading Internet-access and comprehensive network solutions providers. IIJ and its group companies provide total network solutions that mainly cater to high-end corporate customers. IIJ's services include high-quality Internet connectivity services, mobile services, security services, cloud computing services, and systems integration. Moreover, IIJ operates one of the largest Internet backbone networks in Japan that is connected to the United States, the United Kingdom and Asia. IIJ listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) in 2006 and transitioned to the Prime Market of TSE from April 2022. For inquiries, contact: IIJ Investor Relations Tel: +81-3-5205-6500 E-mail: ir@iij.ad.jp URL: https://www.iij.ad.jp/en/ir Disclaimer: Statements made in this press release regarding IIJs or managements intentions, beliefs, expectations, or predictions for the future are forward-looking statements that are based on IIJs and managements current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about its business and the industry. These forward-looking statements, such as statements regarding revenues and profits, are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause IIJs actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) March 31, 2022 September 30, 2022 Millions of yen Millions of yen Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 47,391 42,068 Trade receivables 37,649 37,546 Inventories 2,608 3,887 Prepaid expenses 13,553 15,650 Contract assets 1,870 3,445 Other financial assets 1,295 1,112 Other current assets 119 239 Total current assets 104,485 103,947 Non-current assets Tangible assets 17,846 20,684 Right-of-use assets 44,874 44,660 Goodwill 9,479 9,877 Intangible assets 16,424 15,678 Investments accounted for using equity method 5,830 5,672 Prepaid expenses 10,452 11,964 Contract assets 69 53 Other investments 17,410 17,780 Deferred tax assets 183 196 Other financial assets 4,245 4,101 Other non-current assets 508 548 Total non-current assets 127,320 131,213 Total assets 231,805 235,160 Millions of yen Millions of yen Liabilities and Equity Liabilities Current liabilities Trade and other payables 20,742 21,773 Borrowings 16,370 16,620 Income taxes payable 5,795 3,888 Contract liabilities 9,571 10,006 Deferred income 65 77 Other financial liabilities 17,035 15,730 Other current liabilities 7,199 6,407 Total current liabilities 76,777 74,501 Non-current liabilities Borrowings 5,500 4,500 Retirement benefit liabilities 4,395 4,478 Provisions 786 788 Contract liabilities 7,429 6,508 Deferred income 340 311 Deferred tax liabilities 641 322 Other financial liabilities 30,146 31,057 Other non-current liabilities 1,170 1,190 Total non-current liabilities 50,407 49,154 Total liabilities 127,184 123,655 Equity Share capital 25,562 25,562 Share premium 36,518 36,615 Retained earnings 37,024 43,404 Other components of equity 6,275 6,609 Treasury shares (1,851 ) (1,831 ) Total equity attributable to owners of the parent 103,528 110,359 Non-controlling interests 1,093 1,146 Total equity 104,621 111,505 Total liabilities and equity 231,805 235,160 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss (Unaudited) Six Months Ended Six Months Ended September 30, 2021 September 30, 2022 Millions of yen Millions of yen Revenues Network services 63,436 67,707 System integration 44,209 52,846 ATM operation business 1,409 1,409 Total revenues 109,054 121,962 Cost of sales Cost of network services (46,754 ) (49,802 ) Cost of systems integration (38,340 ) (44,857 ) Cost of ATM operation business (875 ) (812 ) Total cost of sales (85,969 ) (95,471 ) Gross Profit 23,085 26,491 Selling, general and administrative expenses (13,790 ) (15,508 ) Other operating income 93 221 Other operating expenses (84 ) (31 ) Operating Profit 9,304 11,173 Finance income 1,772 2,042 Finance expenses (272 ) (279 ) Share of profit (loss) of investments accounted for using equity method (372 ) (78 ) Profit (loss) before tax 10,432 12,858 Income tax expense (3,474 ) (4,118 ) Profit (loss) for the period 6,958 8,740 Profit (loss) for the period attributable to: Owners of the parent 6,892 8,638 Non-controlling interests 66 102 Total 6,958 8,740 Earnings per share Basic earnings per share (yen) 38.17 47.81 Diluted earnings per share (yen) 37.99 47.58 IIJ conducted a stock split at a ratio of two-for-one with an effective date of October 1, 2022. Basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share are calculated as if the stock split had been conducted at the beginning of the previous fiscal year. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 September 30, 2022 Millions of yen Millions of yen Revenues Network services 31,961 34,473 System integration 23,403 28,578 ATM operation business 715 721 Total revenues 56,079 63,772 Cost of sales Cost of network services (23,609 ) (25,371 ) Cost of systems integration (20,380 ) (24,197 ) Cost of ATM operation business (431 ) (412 ) Total cost of sales (44,420 ) (49,980 ) Gross Profit 11,659 13,792 Selling, general and administrative expenses (6,707 ) (7,652 ) Other operating income 40 28 Other operating expenses (48 ) (21 ) Operating Profit 4,944 6,147 Finance income 427 300 Finance expenses (135 ) (148 ) Share of profit (loss) of investments accounted for using equity method (155 ) (64 ) Profit (loss) before tax 5,081 6,235 Income tax expense (1,666 ) (1,982 ) Profit (loss) for the period 3,415 4,253 Profit (loss) for the period attributable to: Owners of the parent 3,385 4,248 Non-controlling interests 30 5 Total 3,415 4,253 Earnings per share Basic earnings per share (yen) 18.74 23.51 Diluted earnings per share (yen) 18.65 23.39 IIJ conducted a stock split at a ratio of two-for-one with an effective date of October 1, 2022. Basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share are calculated as if the stock split had been conducted at the beginning of the previous fiscal year. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) Six Months Ended Six Months Ended September 30, 2021 September 30, 2022 Millions of yen Millions of yen Profit (loss) 6,958 8,740 Other comprehensive income, net of tax Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss Net change in fair value of equity instruments designated as measured at fair value through other comprehensive income 2,008 (711 ) Total of items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss 2,008 (711 ) Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 18 1,011 Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income 0 (1 ) Share of other comprehensive income of investments accounted for using equity method 13 35 Total of items that may be reclassified to profit or loss 31 1,045 Total other comprehensive income, net of tax 2,039 334 Other comprehensive income 8,997 9,074 Other comprehensive income attributable to: Owners of the parent 8,931 8,972 Non-controlling interest 66 102 Other comprehensive income 8,997 9,074 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 September 30, 2022 Millions of yen Millions of yen Profit (loss) 3,415 4,253 Other comprehensive income, net of tax Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss Net change in fair value of equity instruments designated as measured at fair value through other comprehensive income 1,174 241 Total items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss 1,174 241 Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 23 309 Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (0 ) 0 Share of other comprehensive income of investments accounted for using equity method (0 ) 19 Total of items that may be reclassified to profit or loss 23 328 Total other comprehensive income, net of tax 1,197 569 Other comprehensive income 4,612 4,822 Other comprehensive income attributable to: Owners of the parent 4,582 4,817 Non-controlling interest 30 5 Other comprehensive income 4,612 4,822 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders Equity (Unaudited) Six months ended September 30, 2021 Owners of the parents shareholders equity Non-controlling interests Total equity Share capital Share premium Retained earnings Other components of equity Treasury shares Total Millions of yen Millions of yen Millions of yen Millions of yen Millions of yen Millions of yen Millions of yen Millions of yen Balance, April 1, 2021 25,531 36,389 25,047 4,865 (1,875 ) 89,957 1,015 90,972 Comprehensive income Profit (loss) - - 6,892 - - 6,892 66 6,958 Other comprehensive income - - - 2,039 - 2,039 - 2,039 Total comprehensive income - - 6,892 2,039 - 8,931 66 8,997 Transactions with owners Issuance of common stock 31 (31 ) - - - 0 - 0 Disposal of treasury shares - 23 - - 24 47 - 47 Dividends paid - - (1,759 ) - - (1,759 ) (49 ) (1,808 ) Stock-based compensation - 39 - - - 39 - 39 Total transactions with owners 31 31 (1,759 ) - 24 (1,673 ) (49 ) (1,722 ) Balance, September 30, 2021 25,562 36,420 30,180 6,904 (1,851 ) 97,215 1,032 98,247 Six months ended September 30, 2022 Owners of the parents shareholders equity Non-controlling interests Total equity Share capital Share premium Retained earnings Other components of equity Treasury shares Total Millions of yen Millions of yen Millions of yen Millions of yen Millions of yen Millions of yen Millions of yen Millions of yen Balance, April 1, 2022 25,562 36,518 37,024 6,275 (1,851 ) 103,528 1,093 104,621 Comprehensive income Profit (loss) - - 8,638 - - 8,638 102 8,740 Other comprehensive income - - - 334 - 334 - 334 Total comprehensive income - - 8,638 334 - 8,972 102 9,074 Transactions with owners Disposal of treasury shares - 56 - - 20 76 - 76 Dividends paid - - (2,258 ) - - (2,258 ) (49 ) (2,307 ) Stock-based compensation - 41 - - - 41 - 41 Total transactions with owners - 97 (2,258 ) - 20 (2,141 ) (49 ) (2,190 ) Balance, September 30, 2022 25,562 36,615 43,404 6,609 (1,831 ) 110,359 1,146 111,505 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Six Months Ended Six Months Ended September 30, 2021 September 30, 2022 Millions of yen Millions of yen Cash flows from operating activities Profit (loss) before tax 10,432 12,858 Adjustments Depreciation and amortization 13,266 14,145 Loss (gain) on sales/disposals of property and equipment 69 (151 ) Shares of loss (profit) of investments accounted for using equity method 373 78 Finance income (1,742 ) (2,042 ) Finance expenses 272 279 Other 63 389 Changes in working capital Decrease (increase) in trade receivables 5,133 534 Decrease (increase) in inventories 79 (1,242 ) Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses (1,464 ) (3,351 ) Decrease (increase) in contract assets (585 ) (1,559 ) Decrease (increase) in other assets (30 ) (120 ) Decrease (increase) in other financial assets 685 372 Increase (decrease) in trade and other payables (2,877 ) 766 Increase (decrease) in contract liabilities (259 ) (700 ) Increase (decrease) in deferred income (5 ) (1 ) Increase (decrease) in other liabilities (1,293 ) (772 ) Increase (decrease) in other financial liabilities 0 (2 ) Increase (decrease) in retirement benefit liabilities 217 83 Subtotal 22,334 19,564 Interest and dividends received 154 189 Interest paid (271 ) (261 ) Income taxes paid (3,352 ) (6,035 ) Cash flows from operating activities 18,865 13,457 Cash flows from investing activities Purchases of tangible assets (4,164 ) (5,704 ) Proceeds from sales of tangible assets 1,011 947 Purchases of intangible assets (2,167 ) (2,137 ) Purchase of a subsidiary (2,612 ) - Purchases of other investments (348 ) (280 ) Proceeds from sales of other investments 95 9 Payments for leasehold deposits and guarantee deposits (84 ) (30 ) Proceeds from collection of leasehold deposits and guarantee deposits 121 14 Payments for refundable insurance policies (37 ) (37 ) Other 0 (1 ) Cash flows from investing activities (8,185 ) (7,219 ) Cash flows from financing activities Repayment of long-term borrowings (4,085 ) (750 ) Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings 1,480 - Payments of other financial liabilities (8,989 ) (9,544 ) Dividends paid (1,759 ) (2,258 ) Other (49 ) (49 ) Cash flows from financing activities (13,402 ) (12,601 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 50 1,040 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (2,672 ) (5,323 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period 42,467 47,391 Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period 39,795 42,068 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) Going Concern Assumption Nothing to be reported. Material Changes in Shareholders Equity Nothing to be reported. Segment Information IIJ and its subsidiaries (collectively the Company) primarily operates its network service and system integration business, which provides a comprehensive range of network solutions to meet its customers needs by cross-selling a variety of services, including Internet connectivity services, WAN services, outsourcing services, systems integration and sales of network-related equipment, and the ATM operation business. Therefore, the Company defined two reportable segments: Network service and systems integration business and ATM operation business. Segment information for the Company is as follows: Six months ended September 30, 2021 Reportable segments Network service and systems integration business ATM operation business Adjustments Consolidated Millons of yen Millons of yen Millons of yen Millons of yen Revenue Customers 107,646 1,408 109,054 Intersegment transactions 66 (66 ) Total revenue 107,712 1,408 (66 ) 109,054 Segment operating profit 8,933 417 (46 ) 9,304 Finance income 1,772 Finance expense (272 ) Share of profit (loss) of investments accounted for using the equity method (372 ) Profit before tax 10,432 Six months ended September 30, 2022 Reportable segments Network service and systems integration business ATM operation business Adjustments Consolidated Millons of yen Millons of yen Millons of yen Millons of yen Revenue Customers 120,553 1,409 121,962 Intersegment transactions 55 (55 ) Total revenue 120,608 1,409 (55 ) 121,962 Segment operating profit 10,725 468 (20 ) 11,173 Finance income 2,042 Finance expense (279 ) Share of profit (loss) of investments accounted for using the equity method (78 ) Profit before tax 12,858 Intersegment transactions are based on market price. Subsequent Events Based on the resolution of the IIJs board of directors held on August 5, 2022, IIJ conducted the stock split of shares as of the record date of September 30, 2022, at a ratio of two-for-one with an effective date of October 1, 2022. Therefore, the information per share for the first half ended September 30, 2021, for the second quarter ended September 30, 2021, for the first half ended September 30, 2022 and for the second quarter ended September 30, 2022 in the consolidated financial statements is based on the post-split basis. Note: The following information is provided to disclose Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ) financial results (unaudited) for the first six months ended September 30, 2022 (1H22) in the form defined by the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Consolidated Financial Results for the Six Months ended September 30, 2022 [Under IFRS] November 7, 2022 Company name: Internet Initiative Japan Inc. Exchange listed: Tokyo Stock Exchange Ticker symbol: 3774 URL: https://www.iij.ad.jp/ Representative: Eijiro Katsu, President and Representative Director Contact: Akihisa Watai, Senior Managing Director and CFO TEL: +81-3-5205-6500 Scheduled date for filing of quarterly report (Shihanki-houkokusho) to Japans regulatory organization: November 14, 2022 Scheduled date for dividend payment: December 2, 2022 Supplemental material on quarterly results: Yes Presentation on quarterly results: Yes (for institutional investors and analysts) (Amounts of less than JPY one million are rounded) 1. Consolidated Financial Results for the Six Months ended September 30, 2022 (April 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022) (1) Consolidated Results of Operations (% shown is YoY change) Revenues Operating profit Profit (loss) before tax Profit (loss) for the period Profit (loss) attributable to owners of the parent Other comprehensive income JPY millions % JPY millions % JPY millions % JPY millions % JPY millions % JPY millions % Six Months ended September 30, 2022 121,962 11.8 11,173 20.1 12,858 23.3 8,740 25.6 8,638 25.3 9,074 0.9 Six Months ended September 30, 2021 109,054 7.3 9,304 77.6 10,432 133.6 6,958 147.6 6,892 148.8 8,997 108.4 Basic earnings per share Diluted earnings per share JPY JPY Six Months ended September 30, 2022 47.81 47.58 Six Months ended September 30, 2021 38.17 37.99 (Note) IIJ conducted a stock split at a ratio of two-for-one with an effective date of October 1, 2022. Accordingly, basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share have been calculated as if the stock split had been conducted at the beginning of the previous consolidated fiscal year. (2) Consolidated Financial Position Total assets Total equity Total equity attributable to owners of the parent Ratio of owners' equity to total assets JPY millions JPY millions JPY millions % As of September 30, 2022 235,160 111,505 110,359 46.9 As of March 31, 2022 231,805 104,621 103,528 44.7 2Dividends Annual Dividends 1Q-end 2Q-end 3Q-end Year-end Total JPY JPY JPY JPY JPY Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2022 23.00 25.00 48.00 Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2023 29.25 Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2023 (forecast) 14.63 (Notes) 1. Changes from the latest forecasts disclosed: None 2. IIJ conducted a stock split at a ratio of two-for-one effective as of October 1, 2022. The forecast of year-end dividend per share is the amount after the stock split. Regarding the amount on a pre-split basis, the forecast of year-end and annual dividend per share are JPY29.26 and JPY58.51, respectively. 3Targets of Consolidated Financial Results for the Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2023 (April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023) (% shown is YoY change) Revenues Operating profit Profit (loss) before tax Profit (loss) for the year attributable to owners of the parent Basic earnings per share JPY millions % JPY millions % JPY millions % JPY millions % JPY Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2023 250,000 10.5 27,200 15.5 26,300 8.8 17,500 11.7 96.89 (Notes) Changes from the latest forecasts disclosed: None IIJ conducted a stock split at a ratio of two-for-one with an effective date of October 1, 2022. The target of basic earnings per share is the amount after the stock split. As for the details about our financial targets for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, please refer to Future Prospects including FY2022 Financial Targets which is disclosed on page 8 of this earnings release. * Notes: (1) Changes in significant subsidiaries: None (2) Changes in accounting policies and estimate i. Changes in accounting policies required by IFRS: None ii. Other changes in accounting policies: None iii. Changes in accounting estimates: None (3) Number of shares issued (common stock) i. Number of shares issued (inclusive of treasury stock): As of September 30, 2022: 187,069,600 shares As of March 31, 2022: 187,069,600 shares ii. Number of treasury stock: As of September 30, 2022: 6,371,656 shares As of March 31, 2022: 6,443,334 shares iii. Number of weighted average common shares outstanding: For the six months ended September 30, 2022: 180,668,564 shares For the six months ended September 30, 2021: 180,558,276 shares * IIJ conducted a stock split at a ratio of two-for-one with an effective date of October 1, 2022. Accordingly, number of shares issued, number of treasury stock and number of weighted average common shares outstanding above have been calculated as if the stock split had been conducted at the beginning of the previous consolidated fiscal year, respectively. * Status of Audit Procedures This document is not subject to the audit procedures by certified public accountant or independent auditor. * Explanation on the Appropriate Use of Future Outlook and other special instructions i) Forward-looking statements Forward-looking statements disclosed in this document are based on IIJ Groups expectation, estimates, and projections based on information available to IIJ Group as of November 7, 2022. As these forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ from those disclosed due, for example, to but not limited to changes in business climate and/or market trends. As for our latest forecast of our financial targets, please refer to Future Prospects including FY2022 Financial Targets written on page 8 of this document. ii) Change in the unit of presentation for monetary amounts Amounts of accounts and other items presented in our condensed quarterly consolidated financial statements were previously stated in thousands of yen, but effective from the first quarter ended June 30, 2022, IIJ has changed to present such amounts in millions of yen. In order to facilitate comparison, the amounts for the previous consolidated fiscal year are also presented in millions of yen. iii) Others Presentation material will be disclosed on TDnet as well as posted on our website on November 7, 2022. HANOI, Vietnam, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The garment and textile is one of the key industries in Vietnam with the second-largest export turnover in the country. Despite the volatility of the global economy post Covid-19, the sector is still on track to achieve its export target of $42-43 billion this year, according to Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese industrial real estate market continues to record positive signals, attracting a large amount of foreign capital. In March, Vietnam fully reopened its borders as it looks to accelerate the economic recovery, boosting the influx of international businesses. In addition, Vietnam is gaining a stronger foothold in the EU market after the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) took effect in August 2020, making the country an appealing destination for foreign manufacturers. According to experts, Vietnams industrial real estate stays strong with an abundant supply. Savills Hanoi Director Matthew Powell indicated that compared to regional countries, Vietnam has more favourable conditions with more affordable real estate prices and many new projects are expected to provide the market in the future. Competitive labour costs and the improved legal corridor are also among the factors attracting investors to the country. Nam Dinh province, the cradle of Vietnams textile and garment industry, converges favorable factors for industrial real estate development as well as the province's incentive policies for investors. Contributing significantly to the whole countrys foreign investment flow which reached more than $14 billion in the first half of 2022 (according to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Planning and Investment), Nam Dinh is emerging as one of the key northern industrial provinces in Vietnam. In 2021, the locality attracted the highest amount of capital ever while also stepping up a remarkable 16 places in the Provincial Competitiveness Index 2021 (PCI). According to Vietnams General Statistics Office Nam Dinh province was home to 123 FDI projects, with a total registered capital of $3.7 billion. Nam Dinh province is focusing on attracting investment capital to continue promoting textile and garment- its spearhead industry. Textile manufacturing accounts for 29% of the structure of the provinces industrial sector and 66% of the province's export value in 2021. In the province, new-generation industrial zones and clusters which have features related to logistics, warehouses, factories, especially service urban areas, are attractive to investors. Many industrial park investors have paid much attention to service issues and green solutions. Standing out like a bright spot of the provinces industrial parks, Aurora IP, developed by one of Vietnam's leading real estate developers Cat Tuong Group, is attracting global investors attention. Oriented to be a green - clean - sustainable industrial park and a well-balanced industrial ecological community, Aurora is one of the very few IPs in Vietnam qualified to accommodate fabric-dyeing facilities. Its infrastructure is synchronously designed with the countrys largest capacity of water supply and wastewater system as well as the development of complex social infrastructure. Auroras wastewater treatment system is well designed with a large capacity of 110,000 m3/day night, divided into modules with advanced and synchronized technology, shall ensure the standard receipt and treatment of wastewater before discharging. With these factors, Aurora IP is one of the most attractive industrial real estate projects in the north of Vietnam. Experts believe that environmental-friendly production will be an inevitable trend in the green growth strategy. Amidst the world facing many difficulties and challenges post-pandemic, Aurora IP still affirms its unique attraction and value of a well-designed infrastructure. In line with the general development orientation of the Nam Dinh province, Aurora IP provides investors with a favorable environment towards green and sustainable growth, said Mr. Tran Quoc Viet, Chairman & CEO of Cat Tuong Group. Email: info@auroraip.vn https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6df39516-d8f1-40b0-99dc-b6a4fbedab48 English Norwegian (2022-11-07) Kitron has entered into a long-term production agreement with an expected value of NOK 750 million with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace AS for electronic modules that are part of KONGSBERGs remote weapon station system (RWS). This is a significant agreement for Kitron. It both extends and expands our strong collaboration with KONGSBERG, says Peter Nilsson, CEO of Kitron. On Monday, 31 October, KONGSBERG announced a new 5-year framework agreement with the U.S. Army for its version of the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS). For Kitron's production facilities in the USA and Norway, the CROWS program is expected to generate annual revenues of NOK 150 million over the next five years. The volume will depend on demand and the annual budget process in the US and may therefore be either lower or higher. In total, KONGSBERG has delivered more than 18,000 weapon station systems across all defence branches to the US military. The system is intended to provide protection and a better decision-making basis for soldiers or operators. For further information, please contact: Peter Nilsson, President and CEO, tel. +47 948 40 850 Hans Petter Thomassen, Managing director, Kitron Norway, tel.: 47 913 92 360 E-mail: investorrelations@kitron.com Kitron is a leading Scandinavian electronics manufacturing services company for the Connectivity, Electrification, Industry, Medical devices and Defence/Aerospace sectors. The group is located in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Lithuania, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, India, China and the United States. Included the acquisition of BB Electronics in January 2022, Kitron has about 2 800 employees, and pro forma revenues were about NOK 5 billion in 2021. www.kitron.com This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Ac Pune, India, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global inertial measurement unit market size was valued at USD 15.71 billion in 2021. The market is expected to grow from USD 16.41 billion in 2022 to USD 28.37 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.13% during the forecast period. Strong demand for unmanned UAVs and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is expected to foster the markets growth. Fortune Business Insights presents this information in its report titled Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) Market, 2022-2029. COVID-19 Impact Supply Chain Disruptions Hindered Industrys Growth During the Pandemic This market was negatively affected during the COVID-19 pandemic due to disruptions in the supply chain. The alarming spike in COVID-19 infections led to the imposition of stringent lockdown norms, thereby disrupting the supply chain. Furthermore, transport and travel restrictions created a huge raw material shortage. However, lockdown relaxations allowed manufacturers to enhance their production activities, balance costs, and satisfy demand. This factor facilitated the inertial measurement unit industrys progress during the pandemic. Get a Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/sample/inertial-measurement-unit-market-101827 List of Key Players Profiled in the Report Analog Devices Inc. (U.S.) Gladiator Technologies (U.S.) Honeywell International Inc.(U.S.) Parker Hannifin Corp (U.S.) General Electric Company (U.S.) Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) (Israel) Thales Group (France) Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.) Trimble Inc. (U.S.) Safran S.A(France) TDK Corporation(Japan) Report Scope & Segmentation: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2022-2029 Forecast CAGR 8.13% 2029 Value Projection USD 28.37 Billion Base Year 2021 Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) Market Size in 2021 USD 15.71 Billion Historical Data 2018-2020 No. of Pages 200 Segments Covered By Component Analysis, By Technology Analysis, By Platform Analysis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) Market Growth Drivers Increasing Demand for Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) to Propel Inertial Measurement Unit Market Growth Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/inertial-measurement-unit-market-101827 Segments Accelerometer Segment Dominated Market Share Owing to Increasing IMU Applications By component, the market is segmented into accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer. The accelerometer segment is expected to dominate due to rising IMU applications. Ring Laser Gyro Segment to Dominate Owing to Strong Demand for Space-based Navigation Devices Based on technology, the market is classified into mechanical gyro, ring laser gyro, fiber optics gyro, MEMS, and others. The ring laser gyro segment is expected to grow due to the strong demand for space-based navigation devices. Space Segment to Lead Owing to Increasing Defense Budgets and Military Modernization As per platform, the market is categorized into airborne, ground, maritime, and space. The space segment is expected to lead due to rising defense budgets and military modernization. Aerospace and Defense Segment Accounted for the Largest Share due to High Demand for UAV and Aircraft Fleets By end-user, the aerospace and defense segment accounted for the largest share in the market in 2021. The increase in demand for UAV and rising aircraft fleets have led to the increasing demand for the product in the aerospace sector. Regionally, the market is clubbed into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world. Inquire Before Buying This Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/queries/inertial-measurement-unit-market-101827 Report Coverage The report provides a detailed analysis of the top segments and the latest trends in the market. It comprehensively discusses the driving and restraining factors and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. Additionally, it examines the regional developments and the strategies undertaken by the market's key players. Drivers and Restraints Robust Demand for Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) to Foster Industry Growth An inertial measurement unit is an electronic device that measures objects orientation and movement using magnetometers, gyroscopes, and accelerometers to function smoothly. Robust demand for Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is expected to fuel IMS sales. Furthermore, its increasing adoption in medical, defense, communication, electronics, and automotive applications is expected to foster this industrys progress. Moreover, the rising demand for robotic systems may fuel inertial measurement unit adoption. These factors may drive the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) market growth. However, rising concerns regarding heat dissipation and navigation hiccups are likely to hinder the industrys growth. Regional Insights Strong Defense Spending by Governments to Propel Market Growth in North America North America is expected to dominate the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) market share due to strong defense spending by governments. The market in North America stood at USD 6.08 billion in 2021, and is expected to gain a huge portion of the global market share in the coming years. These factors may facilitate this industrys growth. In Europe, the presence of several major players is expected to foster the demand for inertial measurement units. Furthermore, robust investments in the latest warfare technologies are expected to foster this industrys progress. In Asia Pacific, rising expenditures in the space industry by Australia, India, Japan, and China are expected to foster IMU demand. Moreover, the Indian Defense Ministry entered into a contract to offer advanced fighter aircraft to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). This factor may propel market progress. Competitive Landscape Major Players Undertake Acquisitions to Elevate Production Capacities The prominent companies operating in the market undertake acquisitions to elevate their production capacities. For example, Inertial Labs undertook the acquisition of Memsense in February 2021. This acquisition was aimed to enhance the companys production capacities and elevate their brand image. Furthermore, major players operating in the market deploy research and development, mergers, novel product launches, and expansions to boost their market position. Speak to Our Expert: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/inertial-measurement-unit-market-101827 Detailed Table of Content: Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Key Insights Key Industry Developments Key Contracts & Agreements, Mergers, Acquisitions and Partnerships Latest technological Advancements Porters Five Forces Analysis Supply Chain Analysis Quantitative Insights-Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) Market Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) Market Steps Taken by Industry/Companies/Government to Overcome the Impact Key Development in the industry in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic Potential Opportunities due to COVID-19 Outbreak TOC Continued! Key Industry Development February 2022- Honeywell International Inc. won an agreement for a space technology advanced research contract, including research and development for a strategic grade compact IMU. Read Related News: Inertial Navigation System Market to Reach USD 15.45 Billion by 2028 | Inertial Navigation System (INS) Industry Share, Emerging Technologies, Latest Trends by Fortune Business Insights Microwave Devices Market to Hit USD 9.88 Billion by 2029 | At a CAGR of 7.15% Defense IT Spending Market Worth USD 110.89 Billion by 2027; Backed by High Investment in Defense Sector in North America, Says Fortune Business Insights About Us: Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Address: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. 9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune-411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SAMEBIKE is ready to celebrate Black Friday with discounted prices and special deals throughout November 2022. At the same time, the brand is finally launching the SAMEBIKE MIX10 electric bicycle. Now ready for pre-order, the e-bike is smarter than ever, thanks to its app integration for navigation and riding records. SAMEBIKE official online store will be celebrating Black Friday with an exclusive promotion. In the EU, customers will be enjoying a 6% extra discount sitewide until November 6th 2022. Following November 6th, website visitors can expect special deals each week through the month. Below is a detailed timeline of the SAMEBIKE Black Friday Promotion: From November 7th to 11th , an extra 60$ OFF on Folding E-bikes. On November 14th until 18th , an extra 60$ OFF on Electric Mountain Bikes. From November 18th to 25th , an extra 60$ OFF on Fat Tire E-bikes. From November 25th until 30th, you can buy 2 and get 10% OFF. You may learn more about the Black Friday Promotion here. At the same time, SAMEBIKE MIX10 electric bike is on pre-order. The MIX10 e-bike smart design integrates with SAMEBIKEs phone app. Riders are provided with navigation information and riding records. Users can adjust the PAS level from 0-5 or shift the SHIMANO 7-speed gear according to their needs in different riding scenarios. With a removable battery, the new e-bike gives riders pedal assistance for 80-100 km with one single charge. You can pre-order SAMEBIKE MIX10 at an early bird price of 889, with 6 different color style options. The company is shipping to the EU, UK, US, and Canada with expected delivery in November. You may learn more about SAMEBIKE MIX10 here. About SAMEBIKE SAMEBIKE is a brand belonging to SAMEWAY, a company founded by Mr. David Hou in 2004. Its vision is to create premium electric mobility products and gears at an accessible price for anyone and anywhere. Since then, the company has been researching and producing electric bicycles sold all over the world. Media Contact Official online store: https://www.samebike.store/ Email: info@samebike.store CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United Hunter Oil & Gas Corp. (the "Corporation" or "UHO") (TSXV: UHO) (Frankfurt: 18U1), is pleased to announce that at its annual and special meeting of shareholders held earlier today, shareholders of UHO voted in favour of the resolutions necessary to give effect to the amalgamation (the "Amalgamation") under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) with Bocana Resources Ltd. ("Bocana"). The resolution in respect of the Amalgamation was approved by 100% of votes cast by UHO shareholders. UHO shareholders also approved all of the annual meeting matters set forth in the notice of meeting for the shareholder meeting and the disinterested UHO shareholders also approved the Management Fee Debt Conversion. Additionally, the shareholders of Bocana also approved the Amalgamation at their meeting of shareholders. As announced by the Corporation in prior news releases, assuming the Amalgamation is completed, then under the terms of the Amalgamation: The shareholders of UHO will received 1 share of the resulting issuer for each 1.6877 UHO shares held immediately prior to the effective time; The shareholders of Bocana will receive 1 share of the resulting issuer for each 1 Bocana share held immediately prior to the effective time; The holders of UHO options and warrants will received one equivalent option or warrant, as applicable, for each 1.6877 UHO options or warrants held immediately prior to the effective time; and The holders of Bocana warrants will receive 1 warrant of the resulting issuer for each 1 Bocana warrant held immediately prior to the effective time. The Amalgamation remain subject to a number of closing conditions, as described in the Information Circular in respect of the Amalgamation, which is available on SEDAR under UHO's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com Debt Settlement As described in the Circular, UHO Shareholders were asked to consider the approval of a debt settlement to Mr. Timothy J. Turner and Mr. Miles Nagamatsu (the Insiders), the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, of the Corporation (the Insider Debt Settlement). Disinterested UHO shareholders approved the Insider Debt Settlement and accordingly, the Corporation will issue an aggregate of 5,089,776 UHO common shares to the Insiders for an aggregate debt settlement of $305,386.00, subject to final approval of the TSX-V. The Insider Debt Settlement is exempt from the valuation requirements of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101") by virtue of the exemptions contain in sections 5.5(a) of MI 61-101 in that the fair market value of the consideration for the securities of the Company issued to insiders does not exceed 25% of its market capitalization. An additional 41,667 UHO common shares will also be issued to an arm's length third party for an aggregate debt settlement of $2,500.00, subject to final approval of the TSX-V. Mr. Turner, CEO of the Corporation stated: I would like to thank the shareholders, directors, and all of our partners for their commitment in getting this transaction to this point. We are very pleased with the strategic Amalgamation between United Hunter and Bocana Resources and we look forward to Bocana Resources growth and value creation in the upcoming year. 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; the expected process for and timing of implementing the Amalgamation; the expected timing and approval of the TSXV with respect to the Insider Debt Settlement; the anticipated benefits of the Amalgamation the expected growth and value creation of the resulting issuer; 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 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. Chinese vice premier stresses further opening-up Xinhua) 10:41, November 07, 2022 Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua addresses the Forum on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Higher-level Opening-up, in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) SHANGHAI, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua on Saturday said that the country will provide new opportunities for the world with its new development, and promote the construction of an open world economy. Since the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) came into effect, the Chinese government has taken a series of practical measures to fulfill its market opening commitments and obligations under the RCEP agreement, Hu said when addressing the Forum on RCEP and Higher-level Opening-up, which was held in Shanghai on Saturday. China is ready to work with other member states to further upgrade the development of the RCEP, deepen regional cooperation on industrial and supply chains, align high-standard economic and trade rules, and strengthen regional connectivity, Hu said. He also noted that the country is actively advancing its accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, carrying out negotiations on joining the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, and signing free trade agreements with more willing trading partners. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) The chief of the United Nations refugee agency will visit Korea this week to meet with scholars and government officials and call for their continuous attention and support for the global humanitarian crisis, its Seoul office said Monday. U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi is scheduled to arrive in Seoul on Wednesday for a three-day trip for meetings with officials from the foreign and justice ministries on the situation of global refugees. He plans to "express gratitude" for Korea's "steadfast assistance and interest" on the matter, according to the Korean office of the U.N. refugee agency. He will sit down with officials from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for discussions on ways to protect the forcibly displaced, it said. During his trip, Grandi is also set to meet with various figures, including scholars, refugees, religious leaders and rights activists, as well as Jung Woo-sung, actor and goodwill ambassador for UNHCR Korea. It will be Grandi's third visit to the South since assuming office in 2016 and the first in four years following the COVID-19 pandemic. (Yonhap) LOS ANGELES, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Irwin Naturals Inc. (CSE: IWIN) (OTC: IWINF) (FRA: 97X) (Irwin or the Company) announced today a licensing and supply agreement with Mockingbird Cannabis, LLC (Mockingbird Cannabis) to produce and distribute Irwin Naturals THC products in Mississippi. Klee Irwin, CEO of Irwin Naturals said, For 28 years, we have safely cared for the health of our customers, and we look forward to being the trusted friend on the shelves of Mississippi dispensaries for medical marijuana. The state-of-the-art facility that Clint Patterson and his team have put together in Mississippi and their leading position in the market makes Mockingbird Cannabis the perfect partner as we seek to make Irwin Naturals THC products available in every state it is legal. Clint Patterson, CEO Mockingbird Cannabis LLC said, Were excited that Irwin Naturals chose us to produce and distribute this line of products. Irwin Naturals is a company that has made its name with first-in-class products, and were excited to take this next step with them in Mississippi. Irwin Naturals was founded in 1994,and has built itself into a brand recognized in 80 percent of American households1 with its best-in-class nutraceuticals, such as its famous Power to Sleep. Irwin Naturals products are available in more than 100,000 stores in North America. Under this licensing agreement, Mockingbird Cannabis will augment Irwin Naturals products with THC and make them available to Mississippi dispensaries where they will be sold under the Irwin Naturals brand name. Mockingbird Cannabis is the largest licensed medical marijuana cultivator currently operating in Mississippi. Its massive facility is located just outside Raymond, totaling more than 163,000 square feet with 16 grow rooms. Its expected to ultimately employ more than 200 people2. The property was formerly used by the states Department of Revenue. In 2020, Mississippi voters overwhelmingly approved an initiative to legalize marijuana for medical purposes. However, that initiative was struck down by the states Supreme Court. The state legislature passed a bill earlier this year to legalize medical marijuana, and it was signed into law by the governor. As of last month, more than 100 dispensaries had been licensed by the state with the expectation that sales will begin by the end of the year.3 Mockingbird Cannabis is expected to be one of the first companies to have product that is ready to market. Cannabis is now legal in the majority of states. However, because it is not legal at the federal level, products must be approved on a state-by-state basis. As a national brand, Irwin Naturals is leveraging its brand by reaching licensing agreements with cannabis manufacturers on a state-by-state basis. Irwin Naturals previously reached licensing agreements with cannabis manufacturers in California, Colorado, Michigan, Ohio and New Mexico. Additionally, Irwin Naturals has a licensing agreement with Entourage Health Corp. in Canada for a line of cannabis softgels that will be marketed in Canada. Klee Irwin, CEO of Irwin Naturals said, We are positioned as one of the first household brands to have a national footprint in THC, and this partnership with Mockingbird Cannabis in Mississippi is a great step toward that goal. About Irwin Naturals Irwin Naturals has been a household name and best-in-class herbal supplement formulator since 1994. It is now leveraging its brand to enter into both the cannabis and psychedelic industries. On a mission to heal the world with plant medicine, Irwin has operated profitably for over 27 years.4 Irwins growing portfolio of products is available in more than 100,000 retail doors across North America, where nearly 100 million people know the Irwin Naturals brand.5 In 2018, the Company first leveraged its brand to expand into the cannabis industry by launching hemp-based CBD products into the mass market. The Company is now leveraging its famous halo of brand trust with an objective to become one of the first household name brands to offer THC-based products and psychedelic mental health treatment. Irwin Naturals became a publicly traded company on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) in August 2021. The Companys shares began to be traded on the OTCQB Venture Market in November 2021. More information on the Companys stock can be found via Bloomberg as well as the Wall Street Journal. For investor-related information about the Company, please visit ir.irwinnaturals.com/. To contact the Companys Investor Relations department, please call toll-free at (800) 883-4851 or send an email to Investors@IrwinNaturals.com. Klee Irwin ________________________________ Klee Irwin Chief Executive Officer T: 310-306-3636 investors@irwinnaturals.com IR Information Press Contact Irwin Naturals Investor Relations Cassandra Bassanetti-Drumm T: 310-306-3636 investors@irwinnaturals.com Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views and/or expectations of management of the Company with respect to performance, business and future events. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "may", "will", "would", "could", "should", "believes", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "expects", "plans", "intends", "anticipates", "targeted", "continues", "forecasts", "designed", "goal", objective, or the negative of those words or other similar or comparable words. Forward-looking statements are based on the then-current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about the business and the industry and markets in which the Company operates. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements related to information concerning the ability of the Company to perform the terms of the transaction referenced herein; the receipt of all necessary approvals, including regulatory approvals; expectations for other economic, market, business and competitive factors; and the Company actually entering into and doing business in the U.S. cannabis and psychedelics markets. Except for (i) the License and Supply Agreement announced herein and (ii) the other license and supply deals entered into referenced herein, the Company does not have any other active operations or agreements with respect to the entrance into the THC and/or cannabis markets. The potential entrance by the Company into these new business segments are in their preliminary stages and may be subject to approval from the board of directors of the Company as well as any regulatory approval, including that of the Canadian Securities Exchange. These statements are based on numerous assumptions that are believed by management to be reasonable in the circumstances, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: board and regulatory approval, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange; Irwin being able to acquire and/or enter into business relationships to enter into these new markets; the Company obtaining the required licenses; and changes to regulations and laws regarding cannabis or psychedelics. Further information on the regulatory environment and risks will be contained in future disclosures. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from that which are expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Irwin Naturals Inc. 1 Consumer brand recognition information is based on a formal Company survey with a sample size of 500 randomly selected adults. 2 Inside a $30 million bet on Mississippis medical marijuana industry Mississippi Today, May 18, 2022 3 Mississippi on track to have medical marijuana up and running by years end, WLOX, Aug. 21, 2022. 4 Under several corporate structures, Klee Irwin has operated the Irwin brand profitably since 1994, as measured by EBITDA adjusted for extraordinary costs. 5 Consumer brand recognition information is based on a formal Company survey with a sample size of 500 randomly selected adults. TORONTO, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clear Blue Technologies International Inc. (TSXV: CBLU), the Smart Off-Grid Company, today announced that it received its first order from Telia Cameroon (Telia) on October 18, 2022, for initial systems as part of its telecommunications service rollout in Cameroon for MTN. Following successful pilot validation, the initial rollout of 50 systems is expected in early 2023. Clear Blue will supply its Nano-Grid Smart Off-Grid power solution and will be Telia Cameroons preferred Solar power provider for its program with MTN Cameroon. These 50 sites have an estimated 5-year lifetime contract value of $1M CAD for Clear Blue. Clear Blue Technologies systems have incredible value for telecommunications. To support applications in Cameroon, we need systems that are cost-effective and provide reliable solar power without the need for diesel generators, said Jean Baptiste, Manager of Telia Cameroon. Clear Blues systems are remotely managed and operated by Clear Blue, reducing the initial size and CAPEX, while also significantly reducing OPEX, as we wont have to go to the site for maintenance and can triage a problem before it occurs. Telia Cameroon is an exciting new strategic partner providing valuable services to help connect the unconnected in Africa. They have a number of telecom deployments and work with major network operators like MTN Cameroon to bring connectivity to more people across Cameroon. We are thrilled to be working with Telia on this rollout program and, hopefully, many more to come in the future", said Miriam Tuerk, co-founder and CEO of Clear Blue. The desire to move away from traditional diesel generator-based solutions was a key element of Telias business plan. Their commitment to using Smart Off-Grid power will help transform access to telecom service across the country. As a market leader in the provision of clean, managed, off-grid wireless power for mission-critical telecommunications systems, Clear Blue is solving one of the biggest barriers to expanding connectivity in emerging markets the ability to access cost-effective, reliable solar power. Telia Cameroon is bringing connectivity access across Cameroon, and we are excited to see what the future holds with them. About Telia Telia Cameroon provides customers with 4G LTE private cellular technology solutions to meet their business needs, Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) and digital integration of telecom mobile network solutions from GSM 3G to 4G in rural areas. Its customers include both public and private organizations, and its products offer turnkey solutions to customers for increased communication, connectivity, safety and convenience. Learn more at www.telia.cm. About Clear Blue Technologies International Clear Blue Technologies International, the Smart Off-Grid company, was founded on a vision of delivering clean, managed, wireless power to meet the global need for reliable, low-cost, solar and hybrid power for lighting, telecom, security, Internet of Things devices, and other mission-critical systems. Today, Clear Blue has thousands of systems under management across 37 countries, including the U.S. and Canada. (TSXV: CBLU) (FRA: 0YA) (OTCQB: CBUTF). For more information, contact: Miriam Tuerk, Co-Founder and CEO +1 416 433 3952 investors@clearbluetechnologies.com www.clearbluetechnologies.com/en/investors Nikhil Thadani, Sophic Capital +1 437 836 9669 Nik@SophicCapital.com Legal Disclaimer 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. Forward-Looking Statement This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" and/or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only Clear Blues beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Clear Blue's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information contained herein may include, but is not limited to, information concerning the future phases of the project or future value of this project for any mentioned parties. By identifying such information and statements in this manner, Clear Blue is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Clear Blue to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. An investment in securities of Clear Blue is speculative and subject to several risks including, without limitation, the risks discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Clear Blue's listing application dated July 12, 2018. Although Clear Blue has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. In connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Clear Blue has made certain assumptions. Although Clear Blue believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information and statements attributable to Clear Blue or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cannabix Technologies Inc. (CSE: BLO) (OTC PINK: BLOZF) (the Company or Cannabix) developer of marijuana breathalyzer devices for law enforcement and the workplace reports that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Warren County, Pennsylvania, District Attorneys office to pilot the Companys technology for detection of 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and in human breath. The Companys proprietary breath capture and laboratory-based marijuana detection equipment (as described below) will be used to collect and confirm THC in breath samples. Cannabix plans to supply 2 handheld Breath Collection Units (BCU) to Warren police before the end of the year and such devices will be used in Warren County at the discretion of its police force for up to 3 months or longer. The Cannabix BCU can be used to collect time of stop breath samples immediately upon suspicion of cannabis use by a driver. Field Samples collected using the BCU by Warren police (and Drug Recognition Experts) will be processed at a designated laboratory using proprietary MS Breath Sampler hardware. Warren County District Attorney Robert C. Greene, stated the following, Marijuana use is here and has been for decades. Pennsylvania (PA) has legalized the medical use of marijuana and recreational adult use is right around the corner. Every state surrounding Pennsylvania has legalized medical marijuana and more importantly, Warren County borders the State of New York which has legalized recreational use. The goal is to keep Warren County citizens safe from impaired drivers. Currently, in Pennsylvania, an individual cannot drive if there is ANY marijuana metabolite in their blood. Therefore, if an individual is completely sober, but legally used marijuana in the weeks prior to driving on PA roads, they are driving illegally according to PA law and can be arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence, see 75 Pa.C.S.A.3802(d)(1)(iii). And yes, this happens every day in Pennsylvania. We are excited about the opportunity to work with Cannabix to assist in testing a breath test device that can detect if an individual has smoked marijuana in the past 2-3 hours. If this device is proven to be reliable in PA Courts, this could be a game changer in keeping our roads safer with new legislation and at the same time, not infringe on citizens rights who use marijuana legally and still want to be able to drive a vehicle. Warren County looks forward to working with Cannabix on the Pilot Program. Rav Mlait, CEO of Cannabix stated, Cannabixs collaboration with Warren County will help us in our efforts to gather critical real-world data using our technology and methods. The Warren County District Attorneys office has an unwavering commitment to keeping its citizens safe as laws surrounding marijuana consumption evolve and we commend their leadership and participation in helping advance cutting-edge cannabis breath technology. We are seeking additional collaborators and welcome such interest. Current forms of testing for marijuana use can identify THC ranging from minutes to days after actual use, making it impossible to show the difference between the two. Studies have shown that breath is a better indicator of impairment than saliva, blood, or urine because THC is present in breath for a relatively short period of time (1-3 hours) after consumption; whereas, it is excreted at detectable levels in other body fluids for many hours, days, or even weeks after smoking. This short time period of detection in breath aligns with the peak impairment window. The Companys handheld Breath Collection Unit (BCU, Fig. 1) and newly developed laboratory MS Breath Sampler (Fig. 2) are being used together to provide a new method for drug detection that complements gold-standard mass spectrometry (MS) and significantly simplifies laboratory analysis methods, reduces sample turnaround times (thus minimizing operating costs), while maintaining sensitive, precise results. It should be noted the BCU is also being used in concert with the Cannabix FAIMS Detection Unit (a separate device, under development, not part of this pilot, which is being developed as a portable system capable of both breath collection and analyses in the field). The Cannabix BCU will provide quick and nonintrusive breath sample collection and easy analysis with no sample preparation needed in a lab setting using the Companys MS Breath Sampler hardware. In comparison, existing and legacy breath and saliva testing procedures require several sample extraction and preparation steps prior to analysis, and analysis itself can take from 1 - 3 hours per sample. This is expensive and impractical. Also, existing and legacy breath and saliva testing procedures tend to have inefficient, time-consuming collection methods, and recoveries are still often poor. Cannabix has developed unique approaches to breath testing that will reduce costs and make operations and processes far more efficient. Readers should note, although the Company has achieved proof of concept prototype for its BCU and MS Breath Sampler, the testing method and device is still in the preapproval stage and accordingly the Company is not currently making any express or implied claims that the technology will proceed to commercial use. (1) Olla P, Ishraque MT, Bartol S. 2020. Evaluation of Breath and Plasma Tetrahydrocannabinol Concentration Trends Postcannabis Exposure in Medical Cannabis Patients. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Res.; 99-104. Himes S. et al. 2013. Cannabinoids in Exhaled Breath following Controlled Administration of Smoked Cannabis. Clinical Chemistry; 17801789. Beck O, Sandqvist S, Dubbelboer I, Franck J. 2011. Detection of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in exhaled breath collected from cannabis users. J Anal Toxicol; 35:541 4. About Cannabix Technologies Inc. Cannabix Technologies Inc. is a developer of marijuana breathalyzer technologies for law enforcement and the workplace. Cannabix is working to develop drug-screening devices that will detect THC - the psychoactive component of marijuana that causes impairment using breath samples. Breath testing for THC would allow employers and law enforcement to identify recent marijuana use that better aligns with impairment. Cannabix devices are in the advanced prototype and pre-clinical testing stage. We seek Safe Harbor. On behalf of the Board of Directors Rav Mlait CEO Cannabix Technologies Inc. For further information, contact the Company at info@cannabixtechnologies.com The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. Such forward-looking information can include without limitation statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance of the Company, such as final development of a commercial or prototype product(s), successful trial or pilot of company technologies, no assurance that commercial sales of any kind actually materialize; no assurance the Company will have sufficient funds to complete product development. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Companys plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information, including: (i) adverse market conditions; (ii) risks regarding protection of proprietary technology; (iii) the ability of the Company to complete financings; (iv) the ability of the Company to develop and market its future product; and (v) risks regarding government regulation, managing and maintaining growth, the effect of adverse publicity, litigation, competition and other factors which may be identified from time to time in the Company's public announcements and filings. There is no assurance that its development of marijuana breathalyzer technology will provide any benefit to the Company, and no assurance that any proposed new products will be built, will be successful in beta testing or clinical trials. There is no assurance that existing patent pending technologies licensed by the Company will receive patent status by regulatory authorities. The Company is not currently selling commercial breathalyzers. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d649e2e5-8634-4643-b56c-8a87bddb1cf7 CHICAGO, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Animal Genetics Market the new research report adds to Data Bridge Market Researchs reports database. This Research Report is spread across 220 No of Tables, And 60 No Figures summarizing Top companies, with tables and figures. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) estimates presented in the Animal Genetics report are crucial for companies to use when determining the investment's worth throughout the period. This report provides businesses with accurate and up-to-date information about the various types of consumers, their demands and preferences, their perspectives on the product, their intentions when making a purchase, their reactions to products, and their varying tastes regarding a particular product already on the market. Studies on the definition of the market, the segmentation of the market, and competitive analysis of the market are the focal points of this study. Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the animal genetics market was valued at USD 5.5 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 11.16 billion by 2029, registering a CAGR of 9.25% during the forecast period of 2022 to 2029. The market report curated by the Data Bridge Market Research team includes in-depth expert analysis, patient epidemiology, pipeline analysis, pricing analysis, and regulatory framework. Grab an Exclusive Sample of the Animal Genetics Market Report in PDF Version @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/request-a-sample/?dbmr=global-animal-genetics-market Animal genetics is a field of genetics that investigates the appearance, breeding, and color of animals. It is based on standard genetic concepts and mostly employs general genetic approaches such as hybrid, cytological, population, ontogenetic, statistical, and twin methods. Inheritance patterns, physiology, and biochemical features are all identified using a hybrid analysis. The animal has its own distinct inheritance of traits due to its enormous number of chromosomes. The link between these genes and animal productivity, fertility, and viability is a key focus of research in this discipline. Drivers Increasing focus on the identification of superior disease-resistant breed The rising focus on the identification of superior disease-resistant breed will cushion the markets growth rate. Researchers in the field of animal genetics have discovered features inside genes that help animals' health, growth, and ability to consume nutrition. These genetic breakthroughs boost output while lowering environmental impact. Almost a billion people rely on livestock and animals for their food security and livelihoods, and livestock and animals account for roughly 40% of worldwide agricultural output. As a result, studying animal genetics to identify and produce disease-resistant breeds is critical for the rising population. Rise in the consumption of animal-derived protein and dairy products. The animal genetics industry is being driven by the increase in the consumption of animal-derived protein and dairy products. Humans get their protein and calcium primarily from livestock and fowl. Beef, veal, dairy products, and eggs are among the most popular foods, and demand for these items is predicted to rise significantly. Furthermore, the rising demand for companion animals will be a major factor influencing the growth of the animal genetics market. Along with this, increasing urbanization and rising number of global population are the driving factors accelerating the growth of the animal genetics market. Also, the rise in the genetic service to prevent genetic diseases and increasing expenditure on healthcare infrastructure are the major market drivers that will further escalate the growth of animal genetics market . Some of the major players operating in the Animal Genetics market are NEOGEN CORPORATION (U.S.), Genus (U.K.), URUS (U.S.), E.W. Group (Germany), Groupe Grimaud (France), Topigs Norsvin (Netherlands), Zoetis (U.S.), Envigo (U.S.), Hendix Genetics B.V. (Netherlands), Animal Genetics Inc. (U.S.), VetGen (U.S.), DanBre (Denmark), Tropical Bovine Genetics (India), Trans Ova Genetics (U.S.), Inguran LLC dba STgenetics (U.S.), Semex (Canada), Cobb-Vantress (U.S.), Milk Source (U.S.), Eurogene AI Services (Ireland), CRV Holding B.V. (Netherlands), E.W. Nutrition GmbH (Germany), Trans Ova Genetics. (U.S.), Beacon Automation Pty Ltd. (Australia), Cogent (U.S.), Genex Services, LLC (U.S.), ABS GLOBAL, INC. (U.S.), Anicam Enterprises Inc. (U.S.), and Milk Source Recent Development In September 2021, Tropic Biosciences and Genus PLC had formed a strategic partnership to work on Tropic Biosciences' Gene Editing Induced Gene Silencing (GEiGS) technology for porcine and bovine genetic applications. Access Full Research Report @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/checkout/buy/enterprise/global-animal-genetics-market Core Objective of Animal Genetics Market: Every firm in the Animal Genetics market has objectives but this market research report focus on the crucial objectives, so you can analysis about competition, future market, new products, and informative data that can raise your sales volume exponentially. Size of the Animal Genetics market and growth rate factors. and growth rate factors. Important changes in the future Animal Genetics Market. Top worldwide competitors of the Market. Scope and product outlook of Animal Genetics Market. Developing regions with potential growth in the future. Tough Challenges and risk faced in Market. Global Animal Genetics top manufacturers profile and sales statistics. Opportunities for Key Players: Growing adoption of selective breeding in animals Moreover, the rising adoption of selective breeding in animals will benefit the growth of animal genetics . DNA typing is used to identify and control the paternity of domestic animals. It's also utilized for diagnosing genetic problems and sexing animals, which helps to boost segment growth. Furthermore, as selective breeding for desirable qualities becomes more widely accepted, demand for animal genetics services will rise, resulting in market increase. Moreover, the growing focus of manufacturers on the adoption of advanced technologies and increase in the number of research and development activities will further provide beneficial opportunities for the animal genetics market growth during the forecast period. Segmentation Covered: Animal Genetics Market By Product Poultry Porcine Bovine Canine By Genetic Material Semen Embryo By Services DNA Typing Genetic Trait Tests Genetic Disease Tests Browse a Detailed Summary of the Research Report @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-animal-genetics-market Challenges of the Animal Genetics Market Surging emergence of alternatives such as lab-based meat However, increasing the emergence of alternatives such as lab-based meat will impede the growth rate of the animal genetics market. The move toward a demand for high-quality products offsets some of the increase in per capita meat consumption. Changing consumer tastes and attitudes towards meat consumption about its influence on health, the environment, animal welfare, and global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions could move demand away from animal-based protein. This could have a long-term negative influence on demand for animal-based protein, delaying the adoption of animal genetics. On the other hand, the rising need for specific breeding programs for breeds with inferior economic performance will challenge the animal genetics market. Additionally, economic sustainability in local breeds and the lack of skilled veterinary research professionals will restrain and further impede the growth rate of market during the forecast period of 2022-2029. Animal Genetics Market Regional Analysis/Insights: The countries covered in the animal genetics market report are U.S., Canada and Mexico in North America, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Rest of Europe in Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC) in the Asia-Pacific (APAC), Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA) as a part of Middle East and Africa (MEA), Brazil, Argentina and Rest of South America as part of South America. North America dominates the animal genetics market because of major key players and increasing need for animal protein in this region. Additionally, growing acceptance of advanced technologies in animal genetics and the recognized livestock sector will flourish the markets growth rate in this region. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow during the forecast period due to rise in animal care facilities, both at veterinary hospitals and community-level centres in this region. Along with this, increasing demand for effective tests and other hereditary amenities for testing hereditary diseases in animals will flourish the markets growth rate in this region. Table of Contents: Introduction Market Segmentation Executive Summary Premium Insights Global Animal Genetics Market Regulations Market Overview Global Animal Genetics Market, By Product Global Animal Genetics Market, By Genetic Material Global Animal Genetics Market, By Services Global Animal Genetics Market, By Region Global Animal Genetics Market: Company Landscape SWOT Analyses Company Profile Questionnaires Related Reports For More Insights Grab TOC @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/toc/?dbmr=global-animal-genetics-market Browse Related Reports: Epigenetics Market , By Product (Enzymes, Instruments and Consumables, Kits, Reagents), Application (Oncology, Metabolic Diseases, Developmental Biology, Immunology, Cardiovascular Diseases, Others), Technology (DNA Methylation, Histone Methylation, Others), End User (Academic and Research Institutes, Pharmaceutical Companies and Biotechnology Companies, Contract Research Organizations (CROs)) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-epigenetics-market Optogenetics Actuators and Sensors Market , By Product Type (Light Instruments, Actuators, Sensors), Disease Type (Retinal Disorders, Parkinsons Disease, Anxiety and Depression, Autism, Schizophrenia, Others), Application (Neuroscience, Retinal Diseases Treatment, Hearing Problem Treatment, Behavioral Tracking, Cardiovascular Alignment, Pacing), Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Others), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, Italy, U.K., France, Spain, Netherland, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-optogenetics-actuators-and-sensors-market Epigenetics Diagnostic Market 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Africa) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-epigenetics-based-instruments-market Epigenetics-Based Kits Market , By Product (Bisulfite Conversion Kit, Chip Sequencing Kit, Deep Sequencing Kit, Whole Genome Amplification Kit, RNA Sequencing Kit, Immunoprecipitation Kit, 5-HMC and 5-MC Analysis Kit, Others), Technology (DNA Methylation, Histone Methylation, Histone Acetylation, Large Non-Coding RNA, MicroRNA Modification, Chromatin Structures), Application (Oncology, Non-Oncology, Developmental Biology, Drug Discovery, Others), End-Users (Academic and Research Institutes, Pharmaceutical Companies, Biotechnology Companies, CROs), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, Italy, U.K., France, Spain, Netherland, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia- Pacific, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-epigenetics-based-kits-market Immunogenetics Market , By Application (Cancers, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohns Disease, Diabetes Mellitus Type 1, Systemic Lupus Erythematous), Therapeutic Category (Central Nervous System (CNS) Disorders, Oncology, Immunology, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Metabolic Disorders, Others ), End Use (Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, Others) Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Rest of South America, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Hungary, Lithuania, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Rest of Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-immunogenetics-market Optogenetics Market , By Light Equipment Type (Laser, and Light-emitting Diode (LED)), Actuator (Channelrhodopsin, Halorhodopsin, and Archaerhodopsin), Sensor (Calcium Aequorin, Cameleon, and Other, Chloride (Clomeleon), Membrane-gated (Mermaid), Others), Application (Neuroscience, Behavioral Tracking, Retinal Disease Treatment, and Others) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-optogenetics-market Epigenetics Drugs Market , By Type of Therapy (Histone Deacetylases (HDAC), DNA Methyltransferases (DNMT)), Applications (Oncology, Non-Oncology), End Users (Hospitals, Speciality Clinics, Others), Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy, Others), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Rest of South America, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Hungary, Lithuania, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Rest of Europe, 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https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-pharmacogenetic-testing-in-psychiatry-depression-market North America Pharmacogenetics Testing in Psychiatry/Depression Market , By Type (Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, and Eating Disorders), Test Type (Whole Genome Sequencing, and Chromosomal Array-Based Tests), Patient Type (Child, Adult, and Geriatric), Gene Type (CYP2C19, CYP2C9, VKORC1, CYP2D6, HLA-B, HTR2A/C, HLA-A, CYP3A4, SLC6A4, MTHFR, COMT, and Others), Products (Instruments, Consumables, Software & Services), End User (Hospitals and Clinics, Diagnostics Laboratories, Academic and Research Institutes, and Others), Distribution Channel (Direct Tender, Third Party Distribution, Hospital Pharmacy, and Others) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/north-america-pharmacogenetic-testing-in-psychiatry-depression-market About Data Bridge Market Research: An absolute way to forecast what future holds is to comprehend the 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Contact Us:- From Mexico City, Aeromexico will begin service to Rome and restart service to Tokyo From Guadalajara and Monterrey, Aeromexico will increase frequencies to Madrid to daily This will be Aeromexicos largest schedule ever between Mexico and Europe, with 54 weekly non-stop flights during the peak summer season to five European cities: Madrid, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and now Rome Mexico City, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mexico City, November 7, 2022. - Aeromexico is excited to announce its continued commitment to connect Mexico with the world next summer. Starting March 25th the airline will fly non-stop to Rome and resume service to Asia through a daily non-stop flight to Tokyo, both from Mexico City. In addition, starting March 27th Aeromexico will increase frequencies to Madrid from both Monterrey and Guadalajara, first with five weekly flights, increasing to daily on June 1st. Adding a new destination to its global network, Aeromexico will operate three non-stop flights a week on the Mexico City-Rome route, increasing to five flights on June 1st. Customers will not only have direct access to the `Eternal City`, but also convenient connections to many other exciting destinations in Italy such as Milan, Turin, Genoa, Venice, Florence, Naples, Catania, and Bologna. With the return to Tokyo after almost 3 years, Aeromexico is excited to add Asia back to its global network, providing non-stop service to Mexico City and connecting options throughout Mexico and the Americas and via Tokyo to points throughout Asia. Also, with the success of its Guadalajara Madrid and Monterrey - Madrid routes, Aeromexico is expanding its frequencies in each market from three times weekly to daily operations by June 1st. The frequencies will increase from three to five weekly March 27th, and then daily on June 1st. Aeromexico currently connects Mexico and Spain with 20 weekly flights from Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. By June 2023, there will be 28 flights per week departing from those three cities to Spain. With the new flights, Aeromexicos offer to the European continent will increase by more than 20% vs summer 2022, operating 54 Mexico-Europe frequencies per week. This is the most service in history by Aeromexico between Mexico and Europe, all operated with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner; the safest, most modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly aircraft available. All long-haul flights operated by Aeromexico are attractive for the interexchange of commodities, and Aeromexico Cargo has the capacity, infrastructure, and certifications to transport them. In the last 12 months, the company moved more than 136 thousand tons through its entire network. Mexico's global airline will continue to offer the best connectivity in the country and by March 2023 will exceed 100 domestic and international routes, operating under the highest safety and service standards in the industry. -oo0oo- About Grupo Aeromexico Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V. is a holding company whose subsidiaries are engaged in commercial aviation in Mexico and the promotion of passenger loyalty programs. Aeromexico, Mexicos global airline has its main hub at Mexico City International Airport. Its destinations network features the United States, Canada, Central America, South America, Asia, and Europe. The Group's operating fleet is comprised of Boeing 787 and 737 jet airliners and Embraer 190 models. Aeromexico is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, which celebrated its 21st anniversary, and serves 170 countries with its 18 SkyTeam airline partners. Aeromexico created and implemented a Health and Sanitization Management System (HSMS) to protect its customers and employees at all steps of its operations. Attachment Westford,USA, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Parkinson's disease is a debilitating neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. As the population ages, the number of people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease is expected to increase in the Parkinson's disease drug market . According to the Parkinsons Foundation, there are around 10 million people living with Parkinsons disease worldwide and 60,000 new cases are diagnosed every year in the United States alone. As of 2021, more 1 million people in the US are living with Parkinsons disease. As per SkyQuests analysis, only 4% of the population with PD are diagnosed before age of 50. Apart from this, men are 1.5 times more susceptible for the disease than women. The aging population is not the only factor driving demand for Parkinson's disease drug market. As our understanding of the disease grows, we are able to develop more targeted and effective treatments. New drugs are constantly being developed and approved by regulatory bodies, giving patients and doctors more options to choose from. The cost of these drugs can be prohibitively high, but fortunately there are a number of assistance programs available to help offset the costs. Many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs that provide free or discounted medications for those who qualify. There are also a number of charitable organizations that provide financial assistance for those in need. Get sample copy of this report: https://skyquestt.com/sample-request/parkinsons-disease-drug-market Levodopa is the Most Popular in Parkinsons Disease Drug market In recent years, several new treatments have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) including duodopa (lisurdopride), safinamide, opicapone, and rasagiline mesylate extended-release tablets. These new treatments have improved the management of Parkinsons disease and have increased patients life expectancy. Moreover, government initiatives to create awareness about Parkinsons disease are also contributing to the growth of this market. There is currently no cure for Parkinson's in the global Parkinson's disease drug market, but there are treatments available that can help to manage the symptoms of the condition. One such treatment is levodopa, a drug that helps to replenish levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is essential for proper brain function and is known to be involved in the control of movement. Other Parkinson's disease drugs include MAO-B inhibitors and COMT inhibitors. MAO-B inhibitors work by breaking down dopamine, while COMT inhibitors prevent dopamine from being broken down. These drugs can be used alone or in combination with each other or with levodopa. Levodopa has been used to treat Parkinson's disease for many years and is considered to be one of the most effective treatments available in the Parkinson's disease drug market. However, as the condition progresses, patients may begin to experience side effects from levodopa treatment, such as involuntary movements (known as dyskinesia). As the demand for levodopa continues to grow, so does the demand for new and improved treatments for Parkinson's disease. In recent years, several new drugs have been developed that offer promising results in clinical trials. These new drugs are designed to either improve upon the efficacy of levodopa or reduce its side effects. The growing demand for new and improved Parkinson's treatments is being driven by both an increase in incidence of the condition and an aging population. With more people living longer and being diagnosed with Parkinson's at an older age, there is a growing need for effective treatments that can help patients maintain their quality of life. Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC): https://skyquestt.com/report/parkinsons-disease-drug-market Roche, Pfizer, Merck & Co., Novartis, and Teva are top 5 Players in Parkinsons Disease Drug Market The most common drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease are levodopa and carbidopa. Levodopa is the primary drug used to manage the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and it is often used in combination with carbidopa, which helps to improve its effectiveness. Roche is the leading producer of Parkinson's disease drug and holds the largest share of the global Parkinson's disease drug market. The company's product, Levodopa, is a dopamine precursor. Levodopa is effective in treating the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but it can cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Roche also has a strong pipeline of other potential treatments for Parkinson's disease, including an oral formulation. It is the leading supplier of Levodopa, which is followed by Pfizer, Merck, Novartis, and Teva. Roche's pioneering work in the field of Parkinson's disease has led to the development of several new formulations of Levodopa, including an extended-release formulation that provides continuous 24-hour coverage. This innovation has dramatically improved patient outcomes, and Roche is committed to continuing its work to help patients manage their condition. Pfizer is another leading player in the global Parkinson's disease drug market, and its products are used by millions of patients every day. The company has developed a number of innovative drugs for treating Parkinson's disease, and its products are widely used by neurologists and other specialists. SkyQuest's analysis of Pfizer's products shows that the company has a strong portfolio of drugs for treating Parkinson's disease. The analysis of the Parkinson's disease drug market shows that the company's products are effective and safe, and that they offer a good value for money. Our report also notes that Pfizer's products are well-positioned to compete in the marketplace, and that the company has a strong track record of success in clinical trials. Speak to Analyst for your custom requirements: https://skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/parkinsons-disease-drug-market Major Companies in Global Parkinsons Disease Drug Market Pfizer, Inc. Impax Laboratories, Inc. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd Novartis Ag Merck & Co., Inc. Orion Pharma Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. Vertical Pharmaceuticals, Llc GlaxoSmithKline PLC Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd. Wockhardt Stada Arzneimittel Ag Mylan N.V. Cipla Inc. Par Pharmaceutical Daiichi Sankyo Company Ltd Apotex Inc. Related Reports in SkyQuests Library: Global Cancer Immunotherapy Market Global Methionine Market Global Nutraceutical Excipient Market Global Single Use Bioprocessing Market Global Pharmaceuticals Market About Us: SkyQuest Technology is leading growth consulting firm providing market intelligence, commercialization and technology services. It has 450+ happy clients globally. Address: 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886 Phone: USA (+1) 617-230-0741 Email: sales@skyquestt.com English Icelandic 92 thousand passengers and 81.9% load factor in October PLAY carried 91,940 passengers in October. The load factor was 81.9% compared to an 81.5% load factor in September. 35.1% of the passengers were passengers traveling from Iceland, 28.5% were traveling to Iceland and 36.3% were connecting passengers (VIA). In general, demand from passengers coming to Iceland has been lower than anticipated in the past months due to, amongst other factors, the capacity situation within the Icelandic tourism sector, which was at maximum capacity with hotel and rental cars fully booked. This resulted in more VIA passengers than were expected which deliver less unit revenue than TO/FROM passengers. PLAY is now seeing positive development as the capacity issues in the Icelandic tourism sector are largely solved and as prepaid COVID-19 vouchers,e.g., airfare, hotels, and rental cars, decrease. PLAY clearly sees a strong booking trend to Iceland for the winter and next year. The Icelandic Tourist Board anticipates 40% increase in passengers coming to Iceland next year compared to 2022 which will have a positive effect on PLAYs business. On-time performance (OTP) in October was 95.4%. Last week we presented our Q3 results and I feel that it is a significant achievement for such a young company to have made an operational profit (EBIT) since the majority of our destinations were brand-new to our network and PLAY therefore mostly unknown in these markets. The load factor in Q3 was very acceptable at 85% and continues to be acceptable in October. We are seeing that trend continuing into the winter months which is a very good sign. On a very positive note, we see that the TO traffic (passengers traveling to Iceland) is increasing for the next months. The fabulous PLAY team is already hard at work preparing for our next expansion phase and is hiring people, receiving four additional aircraft, and adding new destinations to our network. I look forward to the future as we are already seeing PLAY grow into a strong and profitable low-cost airline with a growing revenue base and happy customers, says Birgir Jonsson, PLAYs CEO. Attachment Ohio National Financial Services, Inc. to be renamed Constellation Insurance, Inc. Anurag Chandra to be appointed as President and CEO, replacing Barbara Turner who is stepping down following the successful transaction and integration with Constellation CINCINNATI, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ohio National Financial Services, Inc. (Ohio National or the Company) today announced that the Company is implementing certain structural changes to further its integration with Constellation Insurance Holdings, Inc. (Constellation) and to accelerate the execution of Ohio Nationals organic and inorganic growth strategy. Effective November 11, 2022, Ohio National Financial Services, Inc. will be renamed Constellation Insurance, Inc., at the corporate level; The Ohio National Life Insurance Companys and its subsidiaries products and services are unaffected and will continue to be marketed and sold under the Ohio National Financial Services brand, as before. Anurag Chandra will be appointed as the Companys President and CEO in addition to his current role as Chairman and CEO of Constellation. Barbara Turner will be stepping down from her position as President and CEO of Ohio National. We respect and accept Barbaras decision and thank Barbara for her committed service to Ohio National over the last 25 years, as well as her leadership during the demutualization process and the ownership transition this year, said Anurag Chandra, Chairman and CEO of Constellation. Barbara Turner commented, Upon accepting the role of CEO of Ohio National, I indicated my primary objective was to leave the company in a better position than it was when I accepted the role. Given the completion of the Constellation transaction and successful integration of Ohio National with Constellation, the time is right for me to step down as President and CEO. The company now has the capital, talent and infrastructure to fully capitalize on its growth potential and is very well positioned for the future. Barbara Turner has more than 35 years of leadership experience in the financial services industry. She joined Ohio National in 1997 and served as Ohio National's President and Chief Operating Officer since November 2018 and became CEO in 2020. Barbara Turner was Ohio National's 11th President and CEO and the first woman and person of color to serve in the role since its founding in 1909. During her tenure, she led Ohio National's annuities strategic business unit, serving as Chief Administrative Officer, and served as President and Chief Executive Officer of The O.N. Equity Sales Company (ONESCO), the company's affiliated broker/dealer. Under her leadership, ONESCO experienced historic growth and profitability and was recognized as a top broker/dealer in the country by Financial Planning magazine. Anurag Chandra will also serve as President and CEO of Ohio Nationals life insurance subsidiaries on an interim basis while a search is conducted to identify a new CEO for the life insurance subsidiaries who will report directly to Anurag Chandra in this new organizational structure. About Ohio National Since 1909, Ohio National has been committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. Through our network of financial professionals across 49 states (all except New York), the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and through affiliated operations in South America, we provide the insurance products that help our policyholders achieve financial security and independence. As of December 31, 2021, its affiliated companies have $40.8 billion total assets under management. Products are issued by The Ohio National Life Insurance Company and Ohio National Life Assurance Corporation. Recognized as a Leader in Workplace Equity by Ellequate. Please explore ohionational.com for more information and for the latest company updates, connect with Ohio National on LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube. About Constellation Constellation is an insurance holding company targeting acquisitions of life and P&C insurers based in North America, with the strategic intent of building a substantial, highly rated and conservatively managed multi-line insurance business backed by long-term institutional capital. Constellations founding investors and equal partners, CDPQ and Ontario Teachers Pension Plan are two of the largest long-term institutional investors in North America, managing a total of over C$660 billion in net assets, including over C$140 billion in private capital investments. PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational and positive behavioral supports to overcome challenges that impede success in a traditional school setting, today announced the hiring of Dawn Thomas as president. Thomas will lead the growth and development of SESIs special education and alternative education programs, as well as identify, attract and cultivate talent. Dawn Thomas brings an impressive set of managerial leadership skills to SESI, and her mission-driven approach makes her particularly well-suited to lead the organization into its next successful chapter, said Jeffrey Cohen, CEO of FullBloom, SESIs parent company. Data and anecdotal evidence show that kids today are really struggling, and that the struggle is amplified for students with special needs. We are thrilled to welcome Dawn aboard as the leader of a passionate SESI team focused on providing the critical educational and behavioral supports these students depend upon. Thomas joins SESI from DaVita, the national leader in kidney care, where she served as a divisional vice president and regional operations director, overseeing $250 million in revenue, 75 clinics and more than 1,000 employees. Earlier in her career, she held general management and operational leadership roles at various organizations, including McMaster-Carr, the University of Chicago Medical Center and AT&T. The work SESI does is life-changing for so many students who require additional support to achieve success, said Thomas. Our dedicated staff has a huge influence at such a critical point in the lives of students and I am excited to build an even stronger team and educational product, creating rewarding futures for our students and the generations that follow them. Thomas, whose mother is a retired special education teacher, grew up in a household where schooling was a top priority. She earned her masters degree in business administration with a focus on management, organizations and operations from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She holds a bachelors degree in management science and engineering from Stanford University. About Specialized Education Services, Inc. Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, is a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational and behavioral supports to overcome challenges that impede success in a traditional school setting. SESI partners with school districts to run in-district classrooms and standalone schools that meet the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of special education students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Emotional Disabilities, Learning Disabilities and other challenges; and alternative education students in need of trauma-informed education. Implementing a research-based education model that incorporates supportive therapies, positive behavior interventions and supports, life skills training, and workforce development programs as well as professional learning for special education teachers SESI guides students toward success in and out of the classroom. SESI proudly serves more than 7,000 students in over 95 day schools and more than 90 in-district classrooms, and partners with over 600 school districts nationwide. SESI is accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED). Learn more: www.sesischools.com. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/442ee46f-a632-41ce-b5e1-2632074ccdb3. Dallas, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After serving our country in World War I, Travis Dickey opened his very first barbecue restaurant in Dallas, Texas in 1941. Since the debut of Dickeys Barbecue Pit , the Dickey family has always made sure to reinvest in the community and support America's heroes. In honor of Veterans Day on Friday, November 11th, Dickeys is giving away a FREE Pulled Pork Sandwich * to military veterans in-store for carryout, in the Dickeys app , or online at Dickeys.com using the code VETFREE all day. The support for military personnel doesnt stop there! From November 11th through December 31st, Barbecue at Home by Dickeys is taking 15% off all orders for veterans when they use the code VETERAN15. Barbecue At Home allows barbecue enthusiasts from all over the U.S. to have craft sausages, premium quality meats, and unique rubs and spices shipped right to their door. Dickeys is proud to support and give back to veterans, said Dickeys CEO Laura Rea Dickey. Were proud to honor our founders legacy and serve the people who have bravely served us. Veterans Day is the perfect way to honor those who have selflessly served the country. Dickeys invites everyone to share the love and bring parents, friends and even grandparents to show the brands immense appreciation. *Dickeys Veterans Day code is not valid with any other offer or discount. Limit one Pulled Pork Sandwich per customer. To learn more, follow Dickeys Barbecue Pit on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Download the Dickeys Barbecue Pit app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. To learn more about Dickeys Virtual Concepts follow: Wing Boss on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok , Trailer Birds on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok and Big Deal Burger on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok About Dickeys Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the worlds largest barbecue concept, was founded in 1941 by the Dickey family. For the past 80 years, Dickeys Barbecue Pit has served millions of guests in 44 states Legit. Texas. Barbecue. At Dickeys, all our barbecued meats are smoked onsite in a hickory wood burning pit. Dickeys proudly believes theres no shortcut to true barbecue and its why our name isnt BBQ. The Dallas-based, family-run barbecue franchise offers eight slow-smoked meats and 12 wholesome sides with 'No B.S. (Bad Stuff)' included. Dickeys Barbecue has 550 locations across the United States and eight other countries. Dickeys was named to Newsweeks 2022 Americas Favorite Restaurant Chains list and USA Today 2021 readers choice awards. Dickeys won first place on Fast Casuals Top 100 Movers and Shakers list, been named a Top 500 Franchise by Entrepreneur and named to Hospitality Technologys Industry Heroes list. Led by CEO Laura Rea Dickey, who was named among the countrys 50 most influential women in foodservice in Nations Restaurant News, was recognized by Fast Casuals Top 100 Movers and Shakers list and honored by Dallas Business Journal. Dickey's Barbecue Pit has also been recognized by Fox News, Forbes Magazine, Franchise Times, The Dallas Morning News, The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine and QSR Magazine. Dickeys Barbecue is part of Dickeys Restaurant Brands which has more than 700 restaurants nationwide including brands Wing Boss, Trailer Birds, Big Deal Burger and bbqathome.com. DRB is led by CEO Roland Dickey Jr. For more information, visit www.dickeys.com. # # # Attachment Nuns pay tribute at the site of the Oct. 29 Halloween tragedy in Itaewon, Seoul, Monday, two days after the government-set national mourning period ended on Nov. 5. At least 156 were killed in the tragic crowd crush. Korea Times photo by Hong In-ki The following are the condolence messages from heads of foreign missions in Korea to the victims of the Itaewon crowd disaster on Oct. 29 and their families. Their messages are arranged based on the order of their date of arrival in Korea. ED. Ambassador of Mexico to Korea Bruno Figueroa Mexican Ambassador to Korea Bruno Figueroa What happened in an Itaewon alley on the night of Oct. 29 was truly horrific. As a father of teenagers and young adults who never miss the Halloween night, I feel the losses as mine. I convey my most sincere condolences and heartfelt solidarity to the families and friends of the victims and injured, as well as to the people of Korea. This tragedy has touched deeply upon many lives, including two young Mexican students who barely survived. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you at this difficult time. Russian Ambassador to Korea Andrey Kulik Russian Ambassador to Korea Andrey Kulik I express my deep sorrow for the tragic death of a large number of people in Itaewon.I offer my deepest condolences to the families of the victims. I wish a speedy recovery to all the injured. Ambassador of Croatia to Korea Damir Kusen Ambassador of Croatia to Korea Damir Kusen With profound sorrow, we send our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the grieving families, friends and dear ones of all those who lost their lives in the dreadful tragedy in Itaewon on Saturday night. We also send our best wishes of fast recovery to all who were injured in this tragic event. The Croatian people stand strongly with all of you in this time of sadness and mourning, with open arms and friendship, as well as with our deep belief in the strength, courage and unity of the Korean people to remain united and strong in passing through this tragic period. Argentine Ambassador to Korea Alfredo Bascou Argentine Ambassador to Korea Alfredo Bascou On behalf of the Government of Argentina and the Argentine community in Korea, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the Korean people on the tragic events in the Itaewon district last Saturday. I feel close to those who lost friends and loved ones. At the same time, I wish a speedy recovery for those injured on the tragic evening. Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Vu Tung Ambassador of Vietnam to Korea Nguyen Vu Tung We were deeply saddened and heartbroken over the tragic incident in Itaewon. We would like to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families, the Korean people and the government over this tragic loss. We wish that the deceased will rest in peace and the injured will recover speedily. We always stand with you in this difficult moment with the spirit of solidarity and friendship. Israeli Ambassador to Korea Akiva Tor Israeli Ambassador to Korea Akiva Tor Please accept the deepest condolences of the State of Israel and all its people on the terrible tragedy which has befallen Korea in Itaewon last week. We were stunned and heartbroken at the loss of life of so many young people. We send our sincere condolences to the parents and the families of the victims and our prayers for a speedy recovery to the injured. May Korea never know such sadness again. Ambassador of Nicaragua to Korea Rodrigo Coronel Kinloch Ambassador of Nicaragua Rodrigo Coronel Kinloch In times of despair and sadness is when we need a friend the most. A friend to seek comfort, to lend a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen and a hand to help us get up and be with us as we walk again. I want you to know that myself and all the people of Nicaragua have been and will always be there for you. We share your sorrow for this inexplicable tragedy that has taken so many precious lives. As we mourn the losses together we will lend you a shoulder, an ear and a friendly hand. Nicaragua is with you and you are in our hearts and prayers. Lastly, as we remember those who have left us too soon we are reminded that life is precious. It is a gift that we must treasure and thus we need to love with all our heart, laugh with all our might and live the life that makes us feel alive! Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Catherine Raper Australian Ambassador to Korea Catherine Raper The Australian government sends its sincere condolences to all those affected by the tragedy in Itaewon on Oct. 29. The Australian Embassy in Seoul confirms one Australian was amongst those killed. We are liaising closely with local authorities and our consular officials continue to provide assistance to the family of the individual who was killed. Consular officials are also assisting a small number of other Australians who were present and injured in the incident. Officers from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are providing consular assistance to the individual's family in Australia. Our thoughts are with the family and others affected by this tragic incident. Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Korea Federico Alberto Cuello Camilo Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Korea Federico Alberto Cuello Camilo The Embassy of the Dominican Republic and its staff deeply regret and offer their sincere condolences to the Korean people. Our thoughts and prayers go to the many families of the young people who perished or were injured that night. The Embassy of the Dominican Republic has no doubt that a country like Korea, which has overcome the sad legacy of colonialism and war, will yet again demonstrate its resilience to tensions like those arising from high population density, and to shocks such as this unfortunate tragedy. Ambassador of the Philippines to Korea Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega Ambassador of the Philippines to Korea Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega The Philippine Embassy conveys profoundest condolences on the loss of lives and injury arising from the tragedy that took place in Itaewon on Oct. 29. Itaewon is home to a vibrant community, including the Philippine Embassy in Seoul. We are deeply saddened by this turn of events. We offer our thoughts and prayers for those who lost loved ones and wish those injured a speedy recovery. We stand with the Republic of Korea and with the other countries who lost nationals during this difficult time. Estonian Ambassador to Korea Sten Schwede Ambassador of Estonia to Korea Sten Schwede I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in a crowd surge on Oct. 29 in Itaewon. On behalf of the people of Estonia and my government I am extending our heartfelt sympathy to you and the people of South Korea. My thoughts are with the families of those killed and I wish the many who were injured a swift and full recovery. Ambassador of Qatar to Korea Khalid bin Ebrahim Al Hamar Ambassador of Qatar to Korea Khalid bin Ebrahim Al Hamar We send our thoughts and deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. We are thinking of everyone affected by this tragedy, and wishing a fast and full recovery to those who were injured. The State of Qatar stands with the Republic of Korea at this difficult time. Ambassador of Serbia to Korea Nemanja Grbic Ambassador of Serbia to Korea Nemanja Grbic Although there are no words that could ease the sadness and pain after such a great tragedy such as the one in Itaewon, I use this opportunity to send a message of support and solidarity of the Government of Serbia and its people to our Korean friends. I express my sincere and profound condolences to the families of the victims, Korean and non-Korean ones, and I wish those who were injured a speedy and full recovery. Let us join our efforts so that devastating and misfortunate events like this never happen again. Ambassador of Portugal to Korea Susana Vaz Patto Ambassador of Portugal to Korea Susana Vaz Patto On behalf of the Portuguese Government and the Portuguese people, I share in the mourning for the loss of so many young, promising lives from South Korea and other countries. In Portugal, it is said that "saudade" (longing for/missing something or someone) is "the daughter of love" and "the company of those who are lonely." My heart goes out to the souls of all those who were lost in Itaewon and to the eternal "saudade" felt by their loved ones. My deepest thoughts are also with the many heroes and survivors of this tragedy, in the hopes that they make a full recovery. Ukrainian Ambassador to Korea Dmytro Ponomarenko Ambassador of Ukraine to Korea Dmytro Ponomarenko On behalf of the people of Ukraine, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy in Itaewon. We grieve with the people of Korea and wish a speedy recovery to all those injured. Ambassador of Brazil to Korea Marcia Donner Ambassador of Brazil to Korea Marcia Donner This is a sad and very difficult moment for all of us in Seoul, whether Korean or foreign, thinking about all the loss of life, of those who left us in suffering and despair. As a mother, upon hearing the news I could only think about all those parents that said goodbye to their children in the evening, out for a good moment of fun, and by the next morning received the news of their deaths. I send my heartfelt solidarity and condolences to the families that lost cherished ones, while wishing and praying for the fast recovery of those injured in the crowd. Many Brazilians were in Itaewon that night, and my heart goes to them as well. I truly cannot imagine how difficult it has been to watch the events unfold. Ambassador-designate of Norway to Korea Anne Kari Hansen Ovind Ambassador-designate of Norway to Korea Anne Kari Hansen Ovind I am devastated and heartbroken by the Itaewon tragedy where so many young people lost their lives. His Majesty the King of Norway has conveyed his condolences to the President of the Republic of Korea on behalf of the Norwegian people, and so has the Norwegian Prime Minister on behalf of our government. I am grateful to Foreign Minister Park Jin for his kind words and support in relation to the Norwegian victim of this tragedy. We are grieving together with the Korean people and stand with the Republic of Korea at this difficult time. Ambassador of Turkey to Korea Murat Tamer Ambassador of Turkey to Korea Murat Tamer We are deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at Itaewon which caused many deaths and injuries. On behalf of the Turkish Government and the people and also on my behalf, I would like to extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the grieving families of our Korean Blood Brothers who lost their lives, and offer our prayers for a speedy recovery to those who have suffered injuries. Ambassador of Sudan to Korea Amira Agarib Parsippany, New Jersey, USA, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wireless Telecom Group, Inc. (NYSE American: WTT), a leader in wireless communications and radio frequency instrumentation, announced it will release its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 on Monday, November 14, 2022, after the market closes. The Company will host a conference call on Monday, November 14, 2022 at 4:30 pm EST in which management will discuss its financial results. To participate in the conference call, dial 800-346-7359 or 973-528-0008. The conference identification number is 542659. The call will also be webcast over the internet at the following: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1690/47089 A replay will be made available on the Wireless Telecom website following the conference call. - END About Wireless Telecom Group Wireless Telecom Group, Inc., comprised of Boonton, CommAgility, Holzworth, and Noisecom, is a global designer and manufacturer of advanced RF and microwave components, modules, systems, and instruments. Serving the wireless, telecommunication, satellite, military, aerospace, and semiconductor industries, Wireless Telecom Group products enable innovation across existing and emerging wireless technologies. With a product portfolio including peak power meters, signal generators, phase noise analyzers, signal processing modules, 5G and LTE PHY/stack software, noise sources, and programmable noise generators, Wireless Telecom Group supports the development, testing, and deployment of wireless technologies around the globe. Wireless Telecom Group, Inc.s website address is wirelesstelecomgroup.com. Contact Michael Kandell 25 Eastmans Road Parsippany, NJ 07054 Tel: (973) 386-9696 Fax: (973) 386-9191 www.wirelesstelecomgroup.com NEW YORK, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Rite Aid Corporation (Rite Aid or the Company) (NYSE: RAD) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and docketed under 22-cv-04201, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Rite Aid securities between April 14, 2022 and September 28, 2022, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials. If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Rite Aid securities during the Class Period, you have until December 19, 2022 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com . To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here for information about joining the class action] Rite Aid, through its subsidiaries, operates a chain of retail drugstores in the U.S. The Company operates through two segments, Retail Pharmacy and Pharmacy Services. The Pharmacy Services segment provides integrated suite of pharmacy benefit management (PBM) offerings through, inter alia, the Companys Elixir subsidiary, including technology solutions, mail delivery services, specialty pharmacy, network and rebate administration, claims adjudication, and pharmacy discount programs. In Rite Aids Q4 2022 earnings call on April 14, 2022, Rite Aids President and CEO, Defendant Heyward Rutledge Donigan (Donigan), addressed the growth of Elixirs PBM services business during the selling season ending January 1, 2023, stating that (i) in the past few months, Elixir had already sold 35,000 new members (as against a total of 55,000 new members in the prior year), (ii) Elixir was a finalist for 150,000 additional new members, and results have shown that once we get to finalist, were winning deals 35% of the time, and (iii) Elixir had a current pipeline of nearly 1 million members and growing. In a letter to shareholders, dated June 10, 2022, appearing in Rite Aids 2022 Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement, Defendant Donigan stated, [o]ur Elixir account and sales teams are gaining momentum, and we are executing more efficiently by consolidating functions. And the market is noticingwe have added 34,000 individuals covered by Elixirs PBM services since January 1, 2022, with many more in the pipeline. In Rite Aids Q1 2023 earnings call on June 23, 2022, Defendant Donigan stated concerning the PBM services business that [o]ur strong network contracts, new rebate capabilities, innovative clinical services and expertise in government programs have enabled us to add 80,000 new lives for January 1, 2023 start date. These are more new lives than we sold last year. And additionally, the selling season is still in progress, and we've got close to 1 million lives remaining in the pipeline for January 1, 2023. On the same call, Elixirs COO, Defendant Chris DuPaul, advised that weve had a pretty strong start to our selling season, particularly on the health plan side, and were feeling really good about where our lives are headed going into [1/1/23]. . . The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Companys business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) despite representations to the contrary, the number of new members (i.e., lives) that the Elixir PBM services business was adding during the selling season ending on January 1, 2023 was in material decline; (ii) Rite Aid was likely to recognize a significant charge for the impairment of goodwill related to Elixir due to a decrease in lives covered by Elixirs PBM services business; and (iii) as a result, the Companys public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On September 29, 2022, Rite Aid announced a $252.2 million charge for the impairment of goodwill related to the Companys Elixir subsidiary. On an earnings call held later in the day, Rite Aids Chief Financial Officer, Matt Schroeder, explained that the large impairment charge was related to Elixir based on an update to our estimate of lives for 2023 based on the latest selling season, and that Rite Aid expected[ed] lives to go down. On this news, Rite Aids stock price fell $1.97 per share, or 28.02%, to close at $5.06 per share on September 29, 2022. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com CENTREVILLE, Va., Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN) announced today that the company was selected to conduct remedial investigations and feasibility studies at Army National Guard Facilities where aqueous film forming foam or other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) releases have occurred. The $28 million, firm-fixed price, eight-and-a-half-year contract was awarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, under the Huntsville U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center contract, Emerging Environmental Requirements Acquisition (EERA). PFAS has emerged as one of todays most significant environmental issues, widely detected in soil, groundwater, and surface water. Our team has comprehensive experience investigating, mitigating, and remediating PFAS associated with a wide variety of industries, from plastics and fabric manufacturing to firefighting foam, said Jon Moretta, president, engineered systems business unit for Parsons. We are honored to be selected to deliver our expertise to the Army National Guard to help keep their facilities and their people safe and healthy. Under this task order, Parsons is planning to investigate the nature of PFAS impacts at 16 Army National Guard installations in 12 states, with options to add five additional installations. The contract includes understanding of the nature and extent of PFAS impacts to soil, groundwater, and surface water; identifying if PFAS concentrations pose a risk to human health or the environment; and identifying and evaluating potential alternatives to remediate the PFAS impacts. The company will deliver community relations support, clean drinking water delivery, and design/installation of point of entry drinking water systems as needed. Parsons has more than 50 years of experience delivering environmental engineering services in support of the Department of Defense, including investigation, mitigation, and remediation of PFAS. An industry leader, Parsons has investigated more than 1,000 facilities, and designed, constructed, and operated multiple industrial wastewater PFAS treatment plants around the United States. To learn more about Parsons PFAS expertise, visit www.Parsons.com/markets/pfas. About Parsons Parsons (NYSE: PSN) is a leading disruptive technology provider in the global defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure markets, with capabilities across cybersecurity, missile defense, space, C5ISR, transportation, environmental remediation, and water/wastewater treatment. Our solutions around the globe help make the world safer, healthier, and more connected Please visit parsons.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to learn how were making an impact. Media Contact: Bernadette Miller +1 980.253.9781 Bernadette.Miller@Parsons.com Investor Relations Contact: Dave Spille + 1 703.775.6191 Dave.Spille@parsons.com NEW YORK, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP (Scott+Scott), an international securities and consumer rights litigation firm, is investigating whether certain directors and officers of Leidos Holdings Inc. (Leidos) (NYSE: LDOS) breached their fiduciary duties to Leidos and its shareholders. If you are a Leidos shareholder, you may contact attorney Joe Pettigrew for additional information toll-free at 844-818-6982 or jpettigrew@scott-scott.com. Scott+Scott is investigating whether members of Leidoss board of directors or senior management failed to manage Leidos in an acceptable manner, in breach of their fiduciary duties, and whether Leidos and its shareholders have suffered damages as a result. On November 1, 2022, Leidos announced it had received subpoenas in connection with criminal investigations into potential foreign bribery and antitrust violations. What You Can Do If you are a Leidos shareholder, you may have legal claims against Leidoss directors and officers. If you wish to discuss this investigation, or have questions about this notice or your legal rights, please contact attorney Joe Pettigrew toll-free at 844-818-6982 or jpettigrew@scott-scott.com. About Scott+Scott Scott+Scott has significant experience in prosecuting major securities, antitrust, and consumer rights actions throughout the United States. The firm represents pension funds, foundations, individuals, and other entities worldwide with offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Connecticut, California, and Ohio. Attorney Advertising CONTACT: Joe Pettigrew Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP 230 Park Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10169 844-818-6982 jpettigrew@scott-scott.com LOS ANGELES, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Independent retail media platform Zitcha has raised $2.9 million in seed funding led by Australian venture capital firm OIF Ventures, launching a new phase of expansion that will see the platform scale up and officially launch in the U.S. Software platform Zitcha connects the media assets of retail brands including email, apps, digital in-store screens, web and social media. The platform automates the purchasing of media across these channels allowing retail suppliers to connect directly with consumers at every touchpoint enabling better sales attribution. After establishing a strong presence in Australia, Zitcha has set its sights on the U.S. market, which will be key to its expansion as the retail media industry continues its red-hot growth in the coming years. Globally, Boston Consulting Group estimates the retail media market to be worth $US36 billion and it is expected to increase to $US100 billion by 2026. Major brands such as Microsoft, LEGO, Asahi, Samsung and Nestle have already onboarded with Zitcha, and the business is currently in discussion with many top tier retailers that are keen to take advantage of the opportunity the platform presents. Notable retailers already utilizing the Zitcha platform through its Australian operation include Adore Beauty and New Zealands largest retail group, The Warehouse Group. Zitcha co-founder and CEO Troy Townsend said: Since Zitchas official launch in June, the interest from retailers in Australia and beyond has been incredible. We are rapidly scaling the business and taking it to North America, Asia and Europe. With OIFs track record of partnering with founders and helping them launch in the U.S., they are the perfect investor for us. OIF Ventures Investor Oliver Darwin said: Retail media is fundamentally shifting the digital advertising landscape, providing a high-margin revenue stream for retailers and increased ROI for advertisers. Troy and Jack have unique insight into the challenges faced in the retail media ecosystem and have built a best-in-class platform to solve them with Zitcha. Were incredibly proud and excited to be partnering with the Zitcha team on this journey. Zitcha co-founder Jack Byrne said: Were stoked to be working with OIF. This funding will enable us to grow the opportunity even further as we capitalise on our unique position to help retailers sell any marketing channel they want, in one place with their brand front and center while maintaining full control over first party data. ABOUT ZITCHA The retail media landscape is changing, and were leading that change. Zitcha is an intelligent, efficient, high-performance and all-channel platform that empowers retailers to monetise their assets such as websites and socials, while also making it easier for suppliers to target shoppers through the path to purchase. Zitcha offers a new perspective for better results. Find out more at zitcha.com. For media inquiries, contact: Jonathan Winslow jonathanw@bastionagency.com Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Kim Seung-kyum speaks during a change of command ceremony at the JCS headquarters in Seoul, July 5. Joint Press Corps South Korea's military began its annual computer-simulated Taegeuk exercise Monday, officials here said, as part of efforts to hone its capabilities against North Korea's threats. The four-day command post exercise will focus on strengthening crisis management capabilities, and the ability to transition into wartime and train operational capabilities against various threats, including those from North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Honda unveiled the e:N2 Concept, the concept model for the second set of its e:N Series models, the Honda-brand EV model series in China, at the Fifth China International Import Expo in Shanghai, China. Built on the e:N Architecture F, a dedicated architecture developed exclusively for the e:N Series, the e:N2 Concept was designed to achieve unique driving pleasure, enabling the driver to enjoy a strong sense of unity with the vehicle. This was realized based on the dynamics technologies of Honda, including outstanding vehicle stability and crisp handling. The exterior design of the e:N2 Concept features sharp and dynamic body lines and surface finishing which highlights the metallic look, aiming to present new styling that does not belong to any existing categories. The interior was designed with an aim to realize the value of this EV as a space where occupants can enjoy intellectual exhilaration. To this end, a clean and uncluttered digital cockpit was adopted, and smart hospitality for the occupants will be offered with the latest Honda CONNECT features as well as the effective presentation of lighting and scents. TECO 2030 and its partners will receive 5 million in funding from HORIZON EUROPE for the the hydrogen-powered tanker concept, HyEkoTank. The consortium expects to finalize the grant agreement process by the end of this year, and plans project startup by 1 February 2023. In addition to TECO 2030, Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited and Shell International Exploration and Production BV, the HyEkoTank project involves partners Ektank AB, Blom Maritime AS, TECO Solutions AS, Umoe Advanced Composites AS (UAC), FKAB Marine Design, Neste Oyj, and UiT - The Arctic University of Norway. The HyEkoTank project will retrofit a 18,600 DWT product tanker with a 2.4 MW fuel cell system by TECO 2030 and 4000 kg compressed hydrogen storage for demonstration in 2024. Concept illustration HyEkoTank. Retrofit installation of fuel cells with compressed hydrogen storage on existing Ektank vessel. The solution can eliminate emissions in port and reduce up to 100% of GHG emissions on voyages. The HyEkoTank hydrogen powered tanker will demonstrate zero emission at berth and 60% reduction of GHG emissions during voyage. As part of the European Green Deal, the EU has committed to reducing GHG emissions by 55% by 2030, and a binding target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Under the Fit for 55 package the EU is currently developing its climate, energy and transport-related legislation to align current laws with the 2030 and 2050 ambitions. The Seoul city government has approved the reconstruction of the oldest apartment complex in the city's Yeouido district to turn it into a high-rise complex that houses 2,500 households and includes a 65-story building, officials said Monday. The city said a reconstruction plan has been granted for Sibeom Apartments, a 24-building complex currently housing 1,584 households, built in Yeouido in 1971. Under the plan, the complex will be rebuilt into a block of high-rise apartment buildings as tall as 65 stories and enough to house 2,500 households to become the tallest reconstructed apartment complex in central Seoul. The new complex will also be equipped with a variety of facilities for culture, exhibition, commercial and other services on top of many different types of housing, according to the Seoul officials. Located near the Han River, the apartment complex will also be fitted with a special sunset observatory deck, a riverside park and a bridge that connects the park with the Han River as part of a joint project with the city government. The city officials said the area of the Sibeom Apartments is expected to be officially designated as "an urban redevelopment zone" in the first half of 2023 in order for the reconstruction work to begin. (Yonhap) The Redmi Note 12 series still claims the top two spots in our trending chart in week 44. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ leads from the Redmi Note 12 Pro, although the other two members have lost some ground. This allowed the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra to sneak back onto the podium positions, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max climbed to fourth. The aging iPhone XR still plenty of people checking its specs page, allowing it to claim the fifth page, ahead of the Redmi Note 12. In seventh we have the Galaxy A53 ultra-popular mid-ranger, while the eight position goes to the outright ancient iPhone X. Redmi Note 12 Explorer is all the way down in eight, while the Google Pixel 7 Pro that was in the lead a few weeks back is now on the verge of dropping from the chart entirely. See you next week! Prime Minister Han Duck-soo apologized Monday for a deadly crowd crush in Seoul's Itaewon district, vowing to reform crowd control measures to prevent similar tragedies from happening again. "As the prime minister in charge of state affairs in connection with the disaster in Itaewon, I sincerely apologize to the people," Han told a parliamentary meeting. Han also expressed his deep condolences to foreign victims and their families. "With a heavy responsibility, the government will support each and every bereaved family member without neglect, and will quickly push for fundamental system improvement to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy," Han said. The Oct. 29 crush killed 156 people, mostly in their 20s and 30s, including 26 foreigners. (Yonhap) The Guam Election Commission took all night to tabulate the results of the Aug. 27 primary election because the election used two ballot sheets partisan and non-partisan which took twice as long to count, according to GEC Executive Director Maria Pangelinan. Voters during that election cast 23,679 ballots in the races for governor, the Legislature and congressional delegate and 22,785 ballots for the non-partisan attorney generals race. The final election results were published about 12 hours after the polls closed. Although Tuesdays General Election involves only one double-sided ballot sheet, its difficult to say when the final results will be available because, theres too many moving parts, Pangelinan said. I never predict how long its going to take, she said. It depends on what happened during the day, whether (precinct officials) are able to reconcile real quickly. Thats a major moving part. Reconciliation Officials assigned to the islands 67 precincts must reconcile the number of ballots cast on Election Day and by absentee voters against the number of voter signatures on the precinct roster. Each precinct receives one blank ballot for each registered voter at that precinct, and officials must account for all used and unused ballots. The reconciliation happens at the University of Guam Calvo Field House, where the ballot boxes are unlocked so precinct officials can handle and count the ballots at work tables before the ballot sheets are tabulated by machine. Precinct officials are allowed to use only red pens at the field house to prevent ballots from being altered. The ballot boxes will contain two different types of ballots traditional paper ballots and the smaller ballot sheets from voters who used the ExpressVote machines. The GEC has allowed voters to use ExpressVote machines since the 2020 elections. The machines help prevent spoiled ballots because they do not allow voters to mark more votes than allowed for each office. Pangelinan said the process can be delayed if the ballot numbers dont add up because extra steps are required. If there are more voter signatures than cast ballots, precinct officials must sign a disclosure, Pangelinan said. If there are more cast ballots than signatures which can happen if precinct officials dont ensure all voters sign in the commission must discard randomly selected ballots so the numbers add up, she said. Three ballots were discarded during the primary election for that reason, Pangelinan said. Have an idea? Want to praise or comment on something? Submit your letter to the editor. Haiti - News : Zapping... Fuel : Barbecue wants to reassure Jimmy Cherizier alias "Barbecue" Leader of the "G9 family and alies" gang coalition said in a video broadcast on social networks on Sunday that fuel distribution companies could obtain supplies from the Varreux oil terminal without fearing for their safety. and resume supplying their customers. He forgets that he no longer controls the Varreux terminal https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-38048-haiti-flash-end-of-the-blockade-of-the-oil-terminal-victory-of-the-pnh-the-g9-derouted.html and has nothing more to decide, nor is he the Chief of all the gangs, which limits the scope of his declarations to the "G9". Varreux : The PNH consolidates its positions The special units of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) still occupy the Varreux terminal. An important device is put in place to secure the perimeters. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-38048-haiti-flash-end-of-the-blockade-of-the-oil-terminal-victory-of-the-pnh-the-g9-derouted.html Over $4 billion in deposits in Haitian banks The total amount of bank deposits in the Haitian financial system is 446.3 billion Gourdes (4.3 billion US dollars) as of March 31, 2022. Among our Dominican neighbors, deposits in the first Dominican bank "Banreservas", were 803 billion pesos in August 2022 or 15 billion US dollars) BINUH "urges"to ensure the availability of fuel "The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) recognizes the work carried out by the specialized units of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) who took part in the operation carried out on November 3 for the resumption of control of Terminal Varreux which had been under the control of armed gangs since September 12, 2022. We urge the Government and other stakeholders to coordinate their efforts to ensure the availability of fuel in the country [...]" The US Navy hospital ship will stop in Haiti During its 2-month "Continuing Promise 2022" mission, the US Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort will stop in Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Dominican Republic and Haiti. Medical teams will treat hundreds of people at each stopover. HL/ HaitiLibre Published on 2022/11/07 | Source New poster added for the upcoming Korean movie "The Distributors" (2022) Advertisement Directed by Hong Seok-goo With Park Sung-hoon, Kim So-eun, Song Jin-woo, Park Joo-hee, Lim Na-young, Ji Min-hyuk,... Theatrical version of "Drama Special 2022 - TV Cinema - The Distributors". Synopsis "My cell phone disappeared, and I became the Nth" Do Yoo-bin, a man who dreams of a happy married life, is led by his old friend, Gong Sang-beom, and spends an unforgettable day at the club. And then, the memories from before that night disappeared, and a phone call was received from someone. The criminal said that if he didn't get 33 million won, he would release the video to the world... Tonight, everything he wanted to hide is unlocked! Release date in Korea : 2022/11/23 In this surveillance camera footage, Lee Im-jae, former head of Yongsan Police Station walks on the streets of Itaewon around 11:00 p.m., Oct. 29, heading to the scene of a massive crowd crush. Yonhap By Lee Hyo-jin Lee Im-jae, the former head of Yongsan Police Station, has been charged with professional negligence resulting in deaths and injuries following allegations about his belated, botched response to the massive crowd crush that occurred in central Seoul's Itaewon, Oct. 29, according to an independent investigative team at the National Police Agency, Monday. Lee was temporarily removed from his post, Nov. 2, three days after the disaster on Halloween weekend killed 156 people and injured nearly 200. Lee Im-jae, former head of Yongsan Police Station / Korea Times file Surveillance footage disclosed on Sunday shows Lee walking to the scene of the tragedy with his hands behind his back at around 11 p.m., while dozens of victims were lying on the ground receiving CPR following the fatal crowd accident which was first reported to police at around 10:15 p.m. According to the police, Lee was initially notified about the dangerously dense crowds in Itaewon at around 9:30 p.m. while having dinner at a restaurant near Yongsan Police Station after overseeing a rally held near the presidential office that ended around 8:30 p.m. He headed to Itaewon at around 9:47 p.m. but didn't arrive on the scene until around 11:05 p.m., some 50 minutes after the deadly incident began. An internal police audit later found that Lee had insisted on traveling by car to the scene despite the heavy traffic in the area, which significantly delayed his arrival. Reiterating solidarity towards war-ravaged Ukraine, European Union is set to propose a substantial financial package of up to EUR 1.5 billion a month to the country which would contribute to covering its financing needs for 2023. Positive developments: we will propose this week the financial support package for Ukraine in 2023. The EU will be at Ukraine's side for as long as it takes." This comes after EU President held talks on Sunday with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The main focus of the conversation was on ensuring financial support for Ukraine in the months ahead. President von der Leyen informed President Zelenskyy that she would this week propose a substantial financial package from the EU of up to EUR 1.5 billion a month, totalling up to EUR 18 billion, which would contribute significantly to cover Ukraine's financing needs for 2023. Both leaders recognised the importance of ensuring predictable and regular funding of essential state functions. "The support in the form of highly concessional long-term loans, with coverage of the interest costs, would also work to support Ukraine's reforms and its path towards EU membership," the European Commission said in a statement. President von der Leyen confirmed ongoing work by the EU to continue to provide immediate humanitarian support to Ukraine, particularly over the winter. She reiterated that the EU is in it for the long haul in its support for Ukraine. The leaders also discussed the importance of ensuring Ukraine's agricultural exports can reach the world. In addition to full support for the UN's efforts to reach an agreement with Russia on the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the leaders also discussed plans to expand the capacities of the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, which have so far been used to transport the great majority of Ukrainian agricultural and non-agricultural exports since the start of the Russian war. Finally, the leaders discussed strengthening sanctions, as well as the "negative role played by Iran's support for Russia's aggression" and how to respond. HT Source: ANI Hendersonville hires new city clerk The city of Hendersonville has hired a new city clerk, Jill Murray, who will start later this month. Murray, currently clerk for the Brevard City Council, will begin her service with the city of Hendersonville on Nov. 14. We are looking forward to Jill Murray joining the city of Hendersonville team as our new city clerk, Mayor Barbara Volk said. The clerk position is of utmost importance to a municipality, and we know Ms. Murrays training and experience will serve her well. JMurray has served the Brevard community for nine years. She has held the position of clerk for close to five years after previously serving as executive assistant to the city manager, deputy city clerk and HR specialist. She is a Certified Municipal Clerk with both the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and the North Carolina Association of Municipal Clerks. She is also a graduate of the North Carolina School of Government Municipal and County Administration program. FARMERS are predicting a turkey shortage this Christmas owing to the threat of bird flu. Following the announcement of the largest ever outbreak of avian influenza, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is bringing in strict biosecurity measures for poultry farmers from Monday. These include wearing protective footwear, limiting access to the birds and keeping all birds indoors. Bird flu circulates among wild birds which migrate to the UK from mainland Europe over the winter. Defra said the east of England had been particularly badly hit with outbreaks in poultry and captive birds. Farmers have already been hit by the rising cost of bird feed and transport and some fear for the future of the industry. Barry Wagner, owner of Gabriel Machin butchers in Market Place, Henley, said: Our turkey prices have gone up by 25 per cent this year. It is not so much caused by the bird flu outbreak as the cost of fuel, transport and bird feed. We are in a fortunate position because our turkey farmer has not been affected by the flu. However, I have heard horror stories about lots of birds dying. Other birds from abroad such as guinea fowl and duck have increased in price massively due to shortages from bird flu. I cannot get free-range, good quality duck at the moment. There will also be a shortage of cheap turkeys this year. The local, independent farmers we use have moved their birds inside and no longer allow the farm tours they used to hold in order to limit any risk of contamination. No sick birds will get into the food chain in the UK because we have very stringent environmental health measures. Mr Wagners turkey supplier, Mike Lambert, of Starveall Turkeys in Aylesbury, said that avian influenza was a big concern. He said: It is a horrific set of circumstances and a major worry for me and the future of free-range poultry. I am definitely stressed. Like covid, it cannot be controlled at the moment. We follow biosecurity advice and measures outlined as strictly as we can. We have 9,000 birds in total, 8,000 turkeys and 1,000 geese. We have shut all the birds inside because they would most likely contract the disease from contact with wild birds outside. This is not good as our birds are free range but we have to do it. Wild birds could fly over the pen and drop faeces on the field. If one of our birds pecked at it and then got flu, the whole flock would be at risk. It is very nasty if the birds get it. I have friends in Essex and Norfolk who have been devastated by their birds getting sick on their farms. Any birds still alive are culled by the Government. One of my friends had 10 of his birds die on the first day. He had 12,000 in total. The following day 60 died. Then thousands died. It is a very aggressive disease. The most important thing if a farm gets it is early diagnosis from a vet. The Government offers compensation on birds that they kill but only the ones deemed to be healthy and not the ones that were already dead. A good farm producer with a lot of birds will follow the biosecurity rules anyway but we have tightened hygiene measures and the two men on my farm that take care of the poultry now wear shoe covers when they go into the barn because that is one of the riskiest and most likely ways to spread the disease. We are not a massive farm and in the past we havent had to administer these types of measures but this is a high-risk flu. It is the worst I have ever known. Mr Lambert predicted a shortage of turkeys this year, saying prices had gone up by 20 per cent owing to rising costs. He said: The price of turkey feed went up by 52 per cent last year. Food is our biggest cost and the biggest ingredient in it is wheat, which the war in Ukraine has impacted and placed pressure on. Fuel and transport costs have also gone up. I need to make a living and I want to carry on as I have valued customers and a premium product but the risk to birds from the disease could force out small businesses and put off potential ones. Who in their right mind would go into this industry now? It is expensive enough as it is as you need a lot of barn and field space, expensive equipment and labour, let alone the high risk of bird flu. The future of the industry does not look good. Simon Windsor, of Copas Traditional Turkeys in Cookham, said the business had not been affected, adding: We have put in place a number of measures to stop bird flu. ON October 25 the Reading RSPB group was delighted to be able to host a Zoom lecture by Steve Menzie from the Falsterbo bird observatory in Sweden. Steve has worked at the observatory during each spring and autumn migration season since 2012 and has been based permanently there as observatory manager since 2020. His long experience meant that he was able to give us a detailed picture of the observatorys work and gave a real sense of the excitement of seeing mass movements of birds. Falsterbos position south of Malmo means that breeding birds from all over Scandinavia and Russia have to pass through there on their way south in autumn and north in spring. Systematic counting of migrating birds at Falsterbo started in 1920 and has provided a mass of data. Between two and four million birds are counted each year between August 11 and November 20 and this provides valuable data on the success of each breeding season. The official count is provided by just two people, although the observatory is a hot spot for visiting birders from all over Europe. The observatory also hosts visiting groups and school parties and provides courses to educate and inspire the next generation so this work that is so important for conservation continues. On November 8 there will be a talk by Andrew Cleave on the Bermuda petrel and on December 13 we will have our annual members evening, with short talks by members of the group and festive food and drink. We will kick off the new year with a talk on January 10 about the birds of Cuba. On Sunday, October 16 the group visited Keyhaven Marshes on the Hampshire coast near Lymington. It was a lovely sunny day and we saw good numbers of ducks such as wigeon, teal and pintail, which overwinter in the marshes, as well little stint and curlew sandpiper, which pass through in the autumn. Ruff, golden plover and grey plover added to the tally of 55 species and, as a farewell to summer, there were still around 20 to 30 swallows hawking for insects over the pools. On Tuesday, October 18, 10 members of the group met for a walk around Hosehill Lake, a Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust reserve near Theale. There was glorious sunshine once the early mist had cleared. Overwintering ducks were again in evidence, as were herons and little egrets. It was an excellent walk with a total of 41 species identified. On November 15 there will be a midweek trip to Port Meadow and on Sunday, November 20, a minibus trip to the coastal RSPB reserve of Pagham Habour. On Sunday, December 18 there will be a minibus trip to Stockers Lake, a Herts and Middlesex nature reserve, near Rickmansworth. The last outdoor meeting of the year will be a walk at Dinton Pastures on Tuesday, December 20. Trips in 2023 will start with a visit to Dorney Wetlands, near Windsor, on Sunday, January 15 and a trip to Bury Down, near West Ilsley, on Tuesday, January 17. All indoor meetings are held at Pangbourne village hall and start at 8pm. Visitors are very welcome. There is an entrance fee of 5 for non-members, juniors half price. New members are always welcome with annual membership set at a modest 15 (10 for juniors). For more information, visit www.reading-rspb.org Judith Clark In this photo from Nov. 4, coworkers of the two miners who were trapped deep within a zinc mine in Bonghwa County, North Gyeongsang Province, hug each other in excitement after finding the trapped miners still alive. Courtesy of Gyeongbuk Fire Service Headquarters Despair, hope tested two survivors who barely knew each other By Ko Dong-hwan Park Jeong-ha, 62, one of the two miners who survived 10 days trapped underground until helping hands miraculously arrived, has 25 years of experience working in the profession. One life-saving tip he remembered from a survival manual, in the event of a tunnel collapse, was not to stay helplessly in one place after becoming trapped but to salvage what is available and prepare a shelter to minimize the danger. This is what he and the other miner did, barricading the place with vinyl coverings to block the cold wind. The other miner, 56, who wished to only be identified by the surname Park, started working for the mining firm in Bonghwa County, North Gyeongsang Province, only four days before the accident occurred on Oct. 26. The inexperienced miner said after being saved on Nov. 4 that the moment of collapse had instantly shrouded him in darkness as 900 tons of debris fell around them. It was such a shocking moment that he couldn't feel his arms and legs at first. "My head was paralyzed and I couldn't think rationally," the younger Park said in a media interview, Monday. He sometimes sobbed while thinking about his desperate situation. "But I survived because I could rely on my superior who had many years of experience as a miner." The pair barely knew each other before the incident. But they started getting to know each other better while trapped 190 meters underground. Surviving miners Park Jeong-ha, right, and Park, who wished to remain anonymous, talk to each other in a recovery room of Andong Hospital in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, Nov. 5. Yonhap All they had to sustain themselves were 4 liters of fresh water, 18 packs of coffee mix and an electric water heater. They first tried to heat up the heater using a bonfire they managed to make with about 20 wooden planks. The space was somehow connected to the outside so they could make the fire without suffocating. The fire, however, melted the heater's plastic covering, leaving a stainless steel container within the device, which they used to boil water for coffee. The supplies ran out in three days. They started collecting underground water dripping from above which they drank without boiling. The inexperienced worker vomited twice while drinking it. They kept looking for ways to escape, exploring the tunnel's nooks and crannies for the first three days of their isolation. But all pathways were blocked by large rocks that they couldn't move. "We dug about 10 meters but gave up after seeing no signs of meeting any path for escape," the younger Park said. "Countless times we climbed up a rocky heap about 70 degrees to handpick our way through but kept sliding down unsuccessfully. We had 20 explosives and used them over two times to blow up the rocks but it did little and didn't help with creating an escape path. We took turns clanging on pipes in the tunnel to make sounds to the outside world for about 30 to 40 minutes each time but there were no signs of a response." Five days into their isolation, they heard the sound of explosions outside. The explosions grew louder the next day. That's when they thought help was on its way. But at the same time, their strength was dissipating. In front of Andong Hospital, Park Geun-hyeong, son of Park Jeong-ha, shows reporters a pair of work pants his father wore while trapped in the mine, Nov. 5. Yonhap THE River & Rowing Museum in Henley is appealing to university students to join its team of volunteers to help with curation. While the museum is closed for refurbishment and repairs, the curatorial team is cataloguing the entire collection so they can be cleaned. Project manager Emma Staveley said: We have an immediate need for extra hands on deck. Our curatorial team is working hard to remove some of the items on display in order to give them a bit of TLC, so they will be looking their best when the museum re-opens in 2023. Given the nature of our project, were particularly keen to recruit students of museum studies or similar courses who are looking to gain hands-on experience of curation. If you are interested, send an email with your CV to museum@rrm.co.uk A MEMBER of Wargrave Parish Council has been found to have broken its code of conduct. An investigation by Wokingham Borough Council concluded that Councillor Nick Hart had breached a clause that states: Councillors must not seek improperly to confer an advantage or disadvantage on any person. The probe was launched following a complaint made by a member of the public, who wished to remain anonymous, in November last year. The complaint alleged that Cllr Hart had used his position for personal gain when the Greyhound pub in High Street, Wargrave, was put on the market. A group of residents tried to nominate the pub as an asset of community value. The nomination, which included the details of the residents, was circulated to individual councillors to seek their support. Cllr Hart, who was then a potential buyer of the Greyhound, made contact with signatories to try to persuade them to withdraw their support. The complainant said: The information misused by Cllr Hart would not have been available to him had he not been a parish councillor. Cllr Harts bid to buy the pub was accepted in December 2021 but it was remained closed ever since. The borough council published a decision notice on its website on July 18, stating that Cllr Hart had been found in breach of clause 1.8.3 of Wargrave Parish Councils code of conduct. Notice of the breach was given in the councils meeting on July 25. It stated that Cllr Hart would receive training on aspects of the code. Parish clerk Stephen Hedges told the Henley Standard that the training had not yet taken place but that it would once the training had been refreshed. The decision notice also stated that Cllr Hart was expected to send a written apology to the complainant. The complainant says that this has not yet been received. Cllr Hart joined the council in May 2018 and left in April this year after a full term. At the annual parish council meeting in May he was co-opted back on to the council to fill a vacant seat for the east ward. This was two months before the decision notice was issued. Mr Hedges said: The decision notice was issued after Cllr Hart was co-opted, so councillors would not have been aware of a complaint under investigation. A spokeswoman for Wokingham Borough Council said: We wont be commenting further on the details of the breach. Cllr Hart declined to comment. Councillor Michael Etwell raised the possibility of increasing transparency in relation to breaches of the code of conduct at a parish council meeting in August. It was suggested that discussions be held with the borough councils monitoring officer, who investigates complaints. A FUNDRAISER is to be held for an animal sanctuary that had 15,000 of equipment stolen in a burglary. The raiders broke into the Watlington Hill Farm Sanctuary in Christmas Common during the night of September 4. They stole machinery, gates and personal belongings of Lindsey Howard-Dean, who runs the sanctuary and looks after 99 rescued farmyard animals. She said she felt violated by the burglary. Mrs Howard-Dean said: It was a bit of a shock. I have always felt safe in Christmas Common. I have lived here my whole life and nothing has happened before. It is a horrible feeling and such a shame. It is a sad thing that there are people that desperate. I am trying to stay positive. She said the rural police taskforce that investigated told her the burglars had been well-prepared and probably used drones to check the farm and access points. She said: The thieves came through the top field, where the cows are. They actually kept the gates closed, which was clever because the animals would have come to the house and alerted us. They even unhinged the gates and lifted diggers from trucks. I locked up at 10.30pm and before midnight my credit cards had been used in Wycombe. Mrs Howard-Dean, who arranges visits to the sanctuary by people with learning disabilities, said: We had an open day at the end of August and this happened a couple of weeks later. I just hope that the thieves werent at the open day to look around and take advantage. Open farms are a massive initiative and the last thing people want to be thinking about is something like this. She said her insurance company had not agreed to pay for everything that was taken. I have no idea how we are going to replace the stuff, she said. The rural taskforce told me it could take a couple of years to find the people and they would have sold everything they stole by then. Mrs Howard-Dean said that none of the animals was stolen or injured but that they were very stressed by the incident. She said: Venus, our highland cow, is very affectionate and friendly and the next day she was very needy and tried to get in the car. She was clearly very frightened. The fundraiser will take place at Watlington town hall next Saturday, (November 12) from 9.30am to 2.30pm. There will be face-painting, bake sales, live music and craft stalls and knitting classes. Donations such as cakes and second-hand items to sell at the stalls are welcomed. Organiser Davina Wallis, who has two children, Laura, 21, and Stevie, 19, who have learning difficulties, said she wanted to give back to the farm, which had helped her family over the years. She said: Lindsey is one of the kindest people on the planet and this is an absolute tragedy. As soon as I heard I thought, How could this happen when she spends all her time helping others? It is a horrible thing for anyone to endure, let alone Lindsey. She gives to everyone. She already has enormous expenses on the farm. The hay is extremely costly because of the amount she needs. Lindsey has run the farm all her life and it was owned by her parents before her. She rescues these animals so they can live out their days in peace and comfort. She also arranges for groups to come to the farm and enjoy the animals, in particular people with learning difficulties. My two children have learning difficulties and it has had an enormous effect on them. It provides a safe space and is like animal therapy. I want to raise money and awareness for Lindseys farm. I hope people will come and support it. We should club together as a community. Mrs Howard-Dean said: Davina is amazing. She and her kids are examples of the whole reason why I started doing this. Many people come to help with DIY and maintenance but no one has ever held a fundraiser for us before, so I really appreciate it. Davina is such a busy and proactive lady. I am really overwhelmed and touched because so many parents that we support have been dipping in and helping out. President Yoon Suk-yeol presides over a government-civilian meeting on national safety regulations at the presidential office in Seoul, Nov. 7. Yonhap President Yoon Suk-yeol apologized to the nation Monday for the deadly Itaewon crowd crush, saying he will ensure a thorough investigation into the tragedy and hold those responsible to account. Yoon issued the apology during a meeting held to review crowd control and other safety regulations in the wake of the tragedy that killed 156 people on Oct. 29. "I dare not compare myself to the parents who lost their sons and daughters, but as the president who should protect the people's lives and safety, I grieve and my heart is heavy," he said. "I am apologetic and sorry to the bereaved families who are facing an indescribable tragedy and to nation that is sharing in the pain and sadness." The remark was seen as his first formal apology to the nation, though he previously apologized in remarks during Buddhist and Christian memorial services. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-Sup participate in a news conference at the Pentagon on November 3, 2022 in Arlington, Virginia. Following North Korea's launch of three short-range ballistic missiles into the oceans off its east coast, South Korea's Lee Jong-Sup is meeting with the United States' Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. AFP-Yonhap Developing nukes will be politically difficult path for Seoul By Kim Yoo-chul The skies over the Korean peninsula came within inches of becoming the scene of a supersonic dogfight last week after 80 South Korean fighter jets, including an unspecified number of F-35A stealth fighters, were scrambled to intercept 180 North Korean warplanes that flew dangerously close to the inter-Korean border. The latest incident illustrated just how tensions continue to escalate on the Korean Peninsula, with military and security experts voicing concerns that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is veering closer to a high-level demonstration of his regime's military strength amid geopolitical uncertainty represented by deepening conflicts between the United States, China and Russia. The North's rare display of airpower came as Operation Vigilant Storm, which continued from Oct. 31 to Nov. 5, brought out a total of 240 South Korean and U.S. fighter jets with heavy opposition from North Korea. During the joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, North Korea fired 30 missiles. Now, the North is feared to extend its most intense period of missile testing. Intelligence officials and security experts in the United States and South Korea said a seventh nuclear test conducted by Pyongyang would increase the likelihood of Washington and Seoul taking stern actions against the North. Ned Price, a U.S. State Department spokesperson, told reporters that there would be profound costs and consequences if North Korea conducts another nuclear test, although he did not elaborate. The latest situation warrants an analysis of the broader strategies behind the recently escalated shows of missile development from Pyongyang. Some say the North Korean nuclear issue should be approached from an arms control standpoint. Arms control talks with N. Korea: one feasible scenario One lesson learnt from the 2018 Hanoi summit, where the leaders of North Korea and the United States met but failed to yield any results, was that the Kim Jong-un regime wants its nuclear program to be regarded as undeniable and irreversible, said experts. A TV screen shows a file image of North Korea's missile launch during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. AP-Yonhap "I strongly doubt complete denuclearization of North Korea is possible. After the midterm elections, the U.S will have no options but to start arms control talks with North Korea based on the North's commitment to the non-proliferation of its nuclear weapons as it's unlikely for the United States to be in sync with the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's 'pricey hope' for the U.S.' regular rotational deployment of strategic assets including bombers and carrier strike groups," Chung Se-hyun, a former unification minister under the Moon Jae-in administration, told The Korea Times. "The Yoon administration should not rule out the possibility of the United States restarting negotiations with North Korea. The government has to be prepared to pursue an inclusive mediation process with Washington because Pyongyang wants direct talks with Washington, if the discussion process is renewed, which I think will happen sometime after the U.S. midterm elections." Pursuing arms control talks with North Korea is not an easy process, as it would mean the recognition of the North as a nuclear state under the international Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). North Korea became a state party to the NPT in 1985, but withdrew in 2013 and began developing nuclear weapons. Any engagement in arms control talks with Pyongyang would signify the U.S.' policy change toward North Korea, because Washington has long stressed that the North Korean nuclear program is illegal and subject to United Nations sanctions. Washington said its commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula has not changed and added that it is ready to meet the North Koreans without preconditions. "Despite Washington's repeated commitment to pursuing the complete denuclearization of the peninsula, I would say pursuing complete denuclearization is something that can't be achieved at all. That's why it's a very realistic idea to develop discussions with North Korea from an arms control standpoint," said Kim Jeong-dae, a former South Korean defense official and a visiting professor at Yonsei University. "If the peninsula sees a further increase in tensions, it's very feasible for the international community to move forward with arms control talks with the North. South Korea has to articulate ideas and suggestions actively and present deliverables when it comes to risk reduction on the peninsula," Kim added. North Korea is anticipated to increase its nuclear arsenal to between 151 and 242 nuclear weapons by 2027 with the country having the capacity to manage between 30 kilograms to 60 kilograms of plutonium, and 175 kilograms to 645 kilograms of highly-enriched uranium (HEU) by then, according to estimates by Asan Institute and RAND Corporation, a U.S.-based nonprofit think tank. The former Moon Jae-in administration had asked the United States to persuade North Korea to follow the Kazakhstan model, but the request was refused as Washington opposes accepting the North as a nuclear state. In return for sovereignty guarantees from major nuclear powers, Kazakhstan, formerly a test site for Soviet nuclear weapons, abandoned its nuclear weapons in the wake of the Soviet collapse. This handout photo taken on November 5, 2022 and released by Japan's Ministry of Defense shows members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and the US participating in a bilateral military exercise in the skies over Kyushu island. North Korean forces said they would respond to joint exercises by the US and South Korea with "sustained, resolute and overwhelming" military measures, its state media reported on November 7, 2022. The warning came following a spate of missile tests by North Korea last week, including four ballistic missiles on November 5, while the US and South Korea conducted their biggest-ever air force drills. AFP-Yonhap "As even China, the North's economic lifeline, doesn't want to see a further escalation of geopolitical tensions on the peninsula, given Pyongyang's nuclear strengths, it would be a logical course of action for the United States to review the Kazakhstan model by having the North as a responsible nuclear non-proliferation state, eventually. As its law makes denuclearization negotiations a non-starter, Pyongyang won't repeat its failure in Hanoi by retaining its nuclear program," a presidential security adviser under the former Moon administration said by telephone. US doesn't want South Korea to become 'nuclear state' Because it is apparent that North Korea was able to have secured some degree of sanctions relief through China and Russia's non-enforcement of sanctions, some political analysts are asking the Biden administration to impose more extensive sanctions on China and Russia including the imposition of sanctions on leading Chinese commercial banks. But an expansion of areas of sanctions aimed at pressuring China would cost a lot for the United States as inter-Korean relations are already in jeopardy. Within that context, there are calls from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) politicians for the country to have its own nuclear weapons. Additionally, the reliability of the American nuclear umbrella is being questioned as North Korean intercontinental ballistic missiles are capable of striking the U.S. mainland. A March poll conducted by Asan Institute found some 70.2 percent of South Koreans hoped Seoul would build up its nuclear capability, while another poll in June by the South and North Development (SAND) institute also found that some 74.9 percent Koreans favor a nuclear capability with more than half in support even if it violates the NPT. "South Korea has to explore self-defense measures. Because we can't counter nuclear threats by using conventional weapons, now it's time to think about asking the United States to redeploy tactical nuclear weapons here, or having our own nuclear capability. I think we have to pursue methods of building our own nuclear weapons, eventually," Rep. Kim Ki-hyun, a PPP lawmaker and one of the leaders in the race for the party chairman post, said in a recent local radio interview. Former President Moon Jae-in and former first lady Kim Jung-sook spend time with Pungsan breed dogs on a lawn at Cheong Wa Dae in August 2021. Screenshot from former President Moon's Facebook account By Lee Yeon-woo Former President Moon Jae-in released a statement Monday that he will return two Pungsan breed dogs to the current government, as well as a puppy of the female dog. The two dogs, named Gomi and Songkang, were gifts from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un when the two leaders met in 2018 for their third inter-Korean summit. Gomi later gave birth to seven puppies in 2021, one of which the presidential couple raised while rehoming the remaining six with other families. Before leaving the presidential office, Moon spoke with then President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol about the dogs. Yoon recommended Moon keep the dogs himself, an offer Moon accepted. Any gifts received by a sitting president belong to the government. Before Moon left the presidency, an agreement was signed between a presidential secretary and the head of the Presidential Archives at the time, confirming that the Ministry of the Interior and Safety would cover Moon's expenses for raising the three dogs. The ministry then drew up a draft confirming that it would provide monthly payments of 2.5 million won to Moon in return for raising the three dogs. But the plan has not been implemented yet, due to opposition from the interior ministry as well as the Ministry of Justice. Moon's announcement that he would return the three dogs to the government came as the expenses were not provided. "Ex-President Moon has been raising the Pungsan dogs for a long time. He is very disappointed to return the dogs, especially at this time when Gomi went through surgery. But he was comforted by being able to take care of them for six months more (after his retirement). We believe that Presidential Archives will take good care of the dogs, but we hope they will also care for them emotionally," a post uploaded on Moon's social media read. If enthusiasm is contagious, Columbus' newest and first independent lifestyle hotel has chosen exactly the right leader who will bring people together through partnership and hospitality for social connection and good times at The Junto. Jason Delcamp has been recruited from Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek, where he led the team as General Manager to become the number one guest rated independent hotel and restaurant experience in the notable Cherry Creek market, just outside of Denver. Under Delcamp's leadership, Halcyon was awarded a 'Best Place to Work' by the Denver Business Journal in May 2022, the only hotel to be listed. Delcamp attributed the award, a selective recognition process based on employee surveys, to his team and "how they felt about their workplace and the strong team atmosphere." It's a culture he is committed to recreate in Columbus. Born in Nebraska and raised in Colorado, Delcamp already feels a kinship to Columbus, having participated as a rider in Pelotonia the last several years and also attending RTRX, the acclaimed leadership development retreat that Merkel created in 2012 which operates annually around Pelotonia Ride Weekend each August. Even with a fondness for the city, Delcamp had not initially entertained relocating to Columbus. Merkel viewed Delcamp as the right leader at the right time for a new lifestyle hotel and unique experiences unlike any in Columbus and set about selling Columbus to Delcamp and his family. Neighborhoods, nightlife, sports, schools, parks, cultural experiencesand most importantly, peoplewere all part of the family visits planned by Merkel to showcase Columbus. As he onboards to his new role, Delcamp believes The Junto is perfectly situated for success in "Little West" a fond nod to the location as a little west of Downtown and near Franklinton, an historic area of Columbus that continues to evolve and attract creatives, businesses, and cultural destinations. Being developed at 77 Belle St., the hotel features 198 creatively designed rooms and suites with unique unexpected touches and aims to be the cultural hub of the area. We've long been known as the meeting place for the global travel trade, and home to the ideas and connections that shape travel. But in 2021, our role in connecting, directing and inspiring travel businesses matters like never before. Because this year, WTM London will provide the moment when the industry can take off again. Rebuilding businesses; reimagining the future Ideas mean business at WTM London. We provide the platform for millions of meetings and business connections, which over the years have generated deals worth billions. Our marketing reaches further and deeper: if you have a game-changing travel product or service, this is where you tell the world. During the pandemic, technology has shown its potential in building a better kind of travel industry for the future. Through innovation we can enhance safety, enable collaboration, address environmental challenges and build more robust businesses. WTM London is your discovery point for a new wave of ideas, technologies and solutions big and small, which will enable the next generation of travel businesses to emerge and thrive. We urge you to join us. Let's seize the moment to begin building a revitalised, safer and more sustainable travel industry. Expand your network WTM London is the fastest and most powerful way to refresh and grow your business network. Make sense of a changing industry Hear from industry leaders about trends and innovations, and how to move with the changes that are transforming travel. Showcase your destination Engage with visitors and buyers from the travel industry who are hungry to discover new destinations and cultural experiences. China, Germany eye further cooperation on economy, trade Xinhua) 10:48, November 07, 2022 Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz jointly meet with representatives of the Chinese and German business community at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 4, 2022. The two leaders listened to the ideas of the business leaders on deepening China-Germany business cooperation, and exchanged views with them. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) BEIJING, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz jointly met with representatives of the Chinese and German business community at the Great Hall of the People on Friday evening. The two leaders listened to the ideas of the business leaders on deepening China-Germany business cooperation, and exchanged views with them. Recognizing China and Germany as major economies in the world and each other's important partners, Li said that businesses of the two countries enjoy longstanding cooperation, the bilateral economic and trade ties have long been deeply integrated, and severing these ties and decoupling is simply impossible. The growth of economic and trade ties is ultimately driven by businesses through their cooperation in production and operation, said Li, adding that given the complexities in the world economy, economic and trade interactions between market players are crucial for buttressing the economic development of both countries. The premier stressed that China wishes to work with Germany to make a bigger pie of cooperation, foster a favorable environment for the development of businesses, and support businesses of the two countries in working with each other to grow together amid cooperation. "This is not only good for China and Germany, but also conducive to the stability and smooth functioning of global industrial and supply chains." Li pointed out that China, as a developing country with more than 1.4 billion people, is a big market. The Chinese economy has become deeply integrated into the world, and its market potential is steadily releasing, he added. "China will unswervingly expand opening-up, uphold free and fair trade, and follow market principles and business rules," said Li, adding that the reform to streamline government administration, improve regulation and upgrade services will be advanced, and work will continue to foster a market-oriented and law-based business environment up to international standards. Domestic and foreign investors and enterprises under all types of ownership will be treated fairly and as equals. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz jointly meet with representatives of the Chinese and German business community at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 4, 2022. The two leaders listened to the ideas of the business leaders on deepening China-Germany business cooperation, and exchanged views with them. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Li encouraged German companies to actively invest and do business in China, remain committed to the Chinese market, deepen cooperation with Chinese counterparts, and properly address issues and challenges that emerge in the course of cooperation in the spirit of mutual benefit. Li briefed the participants on the state of China's economy. He said that due to the shocks from factors beyond expectation, the Chinese economy faced new downward pressures this year, with a notable decline early in the second quarter. "We responded to the situation with resolute and swift actions, focusing on supporting market entities and keeping employment and prices stable. We introduced and implemented a policy package for stabilizing the economy and follow-up measures," said the premier. Through painstaking efforts, the downturn was reversed in time and the economy is stabilizing and picking up, said Li, adding that despite various challenges, the over 160 million market entities in China have shown strong resilience and vitality. "This is our source of confidence and strength in maintaining the sound and steady performance of the economy. We believe that China's economy will achieve better development," Li stressed. For his part, Scholz noted that globalization brings affluence and prosperity, and that Germany-China cooperation delivers fruitful results. He underscored the value of candid communication between the two sides and called for efforts to preserve such partnership. Germany is ready to work with China to strengthen equal-footed and mutually beneficial cooperation and create a fair market environment for their entrepreneurs to do business in each other's countries, so as to deliver benefits to both sides, Scholz said. Wang Yi and He Lifeng were present at the event, which was attended by nearly 30 business executives from the two sides. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) President Yoon Suk-yeol speaks during a meeting on the national safety system at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Joint Press Corps Yoon makes formal apology over Halloween disaster By Nam Hyun-woo President Yoon Suk-yeol promised Monday to reprimand those who are responsible for the Itaewon crowd crush and overhaul the police's risk management and response system. He also made a formal apology as the president who is in charge of the public's safety. "To protect the people's safety, a sweeping overhaul is required for police services related to risk management and accident prevention," Yoon said during a meeting held to review crowd control and other safety regulations in the wake of the crowd crush that killed 156 people enjoying Halloween festivities on Oct. 29. "Regarding this disaster, we will make sure that the truth will be found clearly and make the whole process crystal clear to the public," Yoon said. "Depending on the outcome, I will make those who are accountable take grave responsibility." National Police Agency Commissioner General Yoon Hee-keun listens to remarks from President Yoon Suk-yeol, unseen, during a meeting on the national safety system at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Joint Press Corps During the closed-door meeting, Yoon slammed the police for their negligent response to the incident, according to deputy presidential spokesperson Lee Jae-myoung. "When police received the first emergency call at around 6:34 p.m., it is assumed that the situation at the site could have been chaotic, and how can you say that police have no authority to control the situation?" Yoon was quoted as saying, referring to the police's initial explanation that it has no authority to control the crowd. Yoon's comments came after news reports and an internal audit by the police suggest that control efforts by law enforcement authorities were insufficient and that their chain of command was not functioning properly during the incident. A transcript of emergency calls that police received on the night of Oct. 29 showed that it had received at least 11 calls clearly showing the risks of a crowd crush, but officers were dispatched to the scene in response to only four of those calls. Police also suspect that the chief of Yongsan Police Station, who was in charge of the Itaewon area, might have ordered, after the incident took place, the deletion of an internal report which warned of the risk of a crowd crush. Also, top police officials failed to report the situation immediately after the incident, and made a report to the presidential office an hour later than the National Fire Agency. These revelations resulted in criticism against National Police Agency (NPA) Commissioner General Yoon Hee-keun, Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, with the opposition bloc demanding their resignations. "Who has the responsibility to prevent safety accidents? It is the police," Yoon said. "Our police force is not that incompetent, and has outstanding intelligence capabilities, but how can they watch the situation for four hours doing nothing?" An official at the presidential office said Yoon was not targeting a certain person attending the meeting, but the comments are interpreted as the president's intention to hold police accountable for letting the situation get out of control. As the president pinpointed the police as the target of an overhaul, heads are likely to roll within the NPA depending on the outcome of the internal audit. In May 2014, then-President Park Geun-hye "disbanded" the Korea Coast Guard, holding it accountable for poor responses during the sinking of the Sewol ferry a month before, which killed 304 passengers. The coast guard was revived during the Moon Jae-in administration that followed. Although it will be impossible for Yoon to take such drastic measures, chances are high that a sweeping overhaul of ranking officers will take place, including the police commissioner general, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency chief Kim Kwang-ho and former Yongsan Police Station chief Lee Im-jae, who was relieved from the job after the incident. Reforming emergency response system Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min listens to remarks from President Yoon Suk-yeol, unseen, during a meeting on the national safety system at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Joint Press Corps In our regular Shiji Buzz conversations, we explore various hot topics in hospitality technology with a panel of diverse experts from across the industry. Below we share highlights from a recent episode on the changes in F&B post-COVID. With travel steadily resuming its pre-pandemic pace and life going back to normal, we took the opportunity for the latest Shiji Buzz to discuss the recovery of F&B post-COVID with different industry leaders. In this panel, four hoteliers share their perspectives on how technology is impacting recovery, in particular contactless solutions, and the effects of the COVID pandemic on the course of the F&B industry evolution. Our panelists are Ravi Singh, founder of seafood restaurant chain KickinInn Australia; Jonathan Reinfelds, Field Services Technology Director at Hyatt APAC; Mark Rademaker, Global Head of Hospitality at Adyen, a leading payment provider for F&B and hospitality in e-commerce and in-store payments; and James Montague, Senior Director of Integrations & Security at Shiji Group for payments in global markets. Its hard to consume seafood as takeaway or on the run, so we created a culture of taking the restaurants vibe and experience to customers homes. When we were closed, we invented the takeaway series based on our own internal resources and delivered to 22,500 homes every month, so it really kept our business going. Ravi Singh, Founder KickinInn Here are highlights from the conversation. Lets jump in. The situation during COVID and restaurants coping strategies Ravi begins by sharing how the Australian industry, just like most of the world, went through turbulent times but has mostly recovered. Sharing about the situation at KickinInn specifically, he says, Its hard to consume seafood as takeaway or on the run, so we created a culture of taking the restaurants vibe and experience to customers homes. When we were closed, we invented the takeaway series based on our own internal resources and delivered to 22,500 homes every month, so it really kept our business going. For F&B post-COVID, however, behaviors changed. Ravis strategy was to keep customers engaged and informed about what was happening in the business by reaching out to them online and having collaborative conversations that culminated in the introduction of menus based on customers ideas. Sales went up 33% compared to last year, and thats simply due to closer engagement with our customers than ever before , Ravi points out. Mark goes on to discuss the need businesses had to pivot and find their footing in e-commerce, with some of them making their very first forays into the area. Due to hygiene or other operational factors, digital menus and digital payments became something of a norm, but he has also observed preferences shifting back to physical menus as the crisis improved, noting that most but not all of the technology adopted is here to stay. I think it will be intriguing to see which trends are going to stick around. I believe having what we call omnichannel to service guests is going to stay, and one of the interesting points we found is that it doesnt mitigate customer service, Mark predicts, adding that contactless service and a high-touch experience dont need to be relinquished, especially when it comes to the luxury segment, where such technologies have the power to add to the degree of control a guest can have over their experience. James agrees that the industry was forced to adopt new ways to conduct business, and comments on how hoteliers suddenly had new choices available to them: Customers are now driven to different payment methods based on preference and usage habit, and theres a high degree of adoption moving from a traditional way of payment with a credit card and terminal to more alternative payment methods. How can F&B businesses maintain high-touch service in an increasingly contactless and automated environment? Ravi believes there is still more work to be done in automation and contactless solutions. Sharing results of tests conducted by his restaurant chain with their 1+ million-a-year customer base, Ravi concludes that contactless technology has been taken to the next level but has also been exaggerated, as it was not adopted widely by the average consumer in Australia. He cites how, after the pandemic subsided, over 89% of their customers preferred to revert back to traditional methods, such as physical menus. As for the labor shortage, he goes on to say that Australia is struggling just like the rest of the world, and some restaurants have trouble choosing a platform or solution that meets the needs of their business. On top of it, the difficulty to find quality staff makes it imperative for operators to balance the quality of service that comes with customer interaction with the need for operational efficiencies. Jonathan chimes in, agreeing with Ravis observation. As operators or business owners can be approached by a large number of technology providers and other vendors with often competing solutions, the task of choosing vendors to partner with can become daunting. Jonathan offers advice to make the right choice: During COVID, there was an explosion of service providers approaching businesses with similar solutions. When we look at these competing solutions, the first key factor is the ease of use for the staff and what the learning curve is like. The second factor, which is equally important, is the security of the platform as we want to be as safe as possible when dealing with payment cards and customer data. A third factor is the flexibility of the solution, especially since many operators cover a wide range of outlets going from grab-and-go to fine dining, and we want to make sure the solution will cover as much of these operations as possible. Are F&B businesses in Asia ready for contactless payment integration? For James, Asia is, to some degree, the pioneer in these methods, with China and Southeast Asia boasting a high volume of QR code-based payments. The key to making contactless payments work seamlessly is integration, from the point of payment all the way to reconciliation. Theres nothing worse than a cashiers workstation in a restaurant with four tablets, three terminals, two QR code scanners, and three printers. Its a messy experience for the guest and a cumbersome one for the cashier. Disparate channels that are not integrated into the back-of-the-house functions when it comes to reconciliation processes also become quite a nightmare. Mark echoes James opinion that APAC moved quickly on tech adoption and was on the cusp of leading the world in this regard, and also that integration is extremely important. He cautions that having multiple channels can be challenging for businesses, as the increased focus on driving efficiencies heightens the degree to which reconciliation is needed, especially as payment providers may differ for each of the solutions. Additionally, Mark sees cloud solutions as an advantage in future-proofing payments: The interesting thing about payments is, if we all got together two years from now, I guarantee that a new payment method that none of us have ever heard of will have popped up, adding that cloud-based solutions allow for routinely future-proofing terminals and e-commerce platforms, an understated benefit as humans tend to see things in a static vacuum. Ravi agrees but is concerned with bottlenecks that can be caused by substandard integration of contactless payment systems. Hospitality operations survive on the cash flow of the business, () we need to pay suppliers and some accounts turn over very quickly. If we are using any integrations, they have to be adaptable and quick and the money needs to reach our accounts in a timely manner for us to maintain a healthy cash flow. Looking ahead at F&B post-COVID All panelists have the same opinion that cloud-based solutions will be increasingly important. Table pay emerges as one of the most promising features, and each of them exposes a different aspect of its usage, apart from other predictions. Ravi sees the need to plan for and budget around how to make table pay more efficient, cost-effective, and easy to use. He notices how Millennials and Zennials are going down the app route, and wonders what functions can be added to that ecosystem to make it easier to place and receive orders in the future. Mark is another fan of the table pay functionality, as he recognizes a real need to streamline operations without reducing customer service. He raises questions on how to make that function better and decrease the time needed to go back and forth to a POS system. Another promising area is queue-busting technology. There are studies showing that as lines get longer, people start to walk away. And as a business is coming back now, we obviously want to be able to help our clients retain as many customers as possible. He also sees the trend of buying online and paying in-store growing in popularity as customers enjoy the flexibility and the gamification experience conferred by an app, while also enjoying the opportunity to physically interact with their purchase. Jonathan shares that infrastructure should be upgraded with more cloud-based solutions implemented, as COVID made more evident that legacy premise-based infrastructure was becoming too costly and had been suffering too many time delays. He also points out that different regions will have different challenges in terms of what technology is available, as well as regulations, making the way we interact with the guests in each geography different. As for the technology to be used going forward, Jonathan agrees with Mark that the future will see hybrid solutions: Contactless is here to stay, but we will definitely still have outlets that will want a traditional touch experience. James highlights that although the concept of taking pay at a table on a device is not new, weve come a long way from just the basic functionality of taking payments, and clients are now looking at how to use it to collect data on the customer, such as getting their email or getting them to enroll in a membership program. In addition, As people are starting to travel again, and not just because of COVID, they prefer electronic receipts which make expense claims easier. Integration of email capture into table pay is one big demand we are seeing. James also agrees with Mark that the all-in-one device which bundles payment and ordering into one is the way forward to enhance the experience. RELATED: View source Opened in September 2020 in the heart of Glion Institute of Higher Education, "Maison Decotterd" comprises three culinary spaces the gastronomic restaurant, the bistro and the lounge bar which together form a true gastronomic destination in a spectacular setting. For the 11th consecutive time, Gault & Millau once again awarded Stephane Decotterd 18 points for his gastronomic restaurant. I associate my team with this magnificent distinction; with this beautiful recognition of the constancy of our commitment as well as the quest for excellence pursued by each of us. Stephane Decotterd The chef, who has been practicing exclusively local produce-based cuisine for several years, along with his wife, a former sommelier and restaurant manager, jointly manage this establishment which is a member of Relais et Chateaux and has been awarded a Michelin star. Salmon from Graubunden with masterwort, chicory given a tangy taste by Granny Smith apples, Lake Maggiore pikeperch with Vulliens Szechuan pepper, Pinot nor juice and red onions, Saddle of Deer from the Jura grilled with juniper wood, Confit Shoulder Toast Tartlet, Pan-fried wild mushrooms and fingerling potatoes emulsion, along with desserts such as Fellenberg Plums and Meadowsweet as well as Shortbread biscuit and candied prunes: these dishes drawn from the tasting menu testify to the demanding culinary philosophy promoted by the Chef. This approach embodies an unmistakable signature and an eco-responsible vision resolutely oriented towards promoting producers and high-quality produce, of which Stephane Decotterd is also delighted to raise awareness among the international cohorts of first semester Bachelor students at Glion through a four-week internship they undertake at Maison Decotterd alternating between the gourmet restaurant and its kitchen, the bistro and the bar. This influence extends far beyond the borders of Switzerland, notably through the Chef's role as vice-delegate for Switzerland and as a member of the World Culinary Council, which is committed to protecting and promoting the richness and diversity of the world's culinary and hotel traditions and to ensuring their continuity. About Stephane Decotterd Stephane Decotterd was born in Billens in the canton of Fribourg and grew up in Corseaux and La Tour-de-Peilz near Vevey. He considered becoming a chef from the age of ten and started his apprenticeship right after school at "Le Petit" restaurant in St-Legier. After working in a few other restaurants, including Le Pont de Brent, and spending two years in Quebec, Canada, he returned to Switzerland in 2005 and took up professional residence at Le Pont de Brent. In 2008, he won the "Cuisinier d'Or" competition, the award for the best Swiss chef. In 2009, he was fifth in the world at the Bocuse d'Or, an artistic cooking competition in Lyon (France). In 2011, Stephane took the reins of the "Pont De Brent" with his wife Stephanie. In 2012, the couple was awarded two stars in the Michelin Guide and an 18/20 Gault-Millau rating. In 2018, the Chef abandoned seafood, exotic fruit and other imported products to devote himself solely to eco-responsible cuisine that promotes local products and terroirs. In 2020, the Chef was awarded the "Ethical Cuisine Trophy" in London by the Relais & Chateaux association of which is also vice-delegate for Switzerland and a member of the World Culinary Council. That same year he also received the "Swiss Culinary Merit" award for his excellence and know-how in respecting Swiss culinary heritage produce. He is also a member of the "Academie Culinaire de France". About Maison Decotterd Maison Decotterd - https://maisondecotterd.com/ - opened in September 2021 in the heart of Glion Institute of Higher Education, overlooking Montreux and the Vaud Riviera. Run by Chef Stephane Decotterd and his wife Stephanie Decotterd, winner of the 2019 Swiss Michelin Hospitality and Service Award, Maison Decotterd comprises two restaurants and a bar. The Stephane Decotterd gourmet restaurant (18 Gault et Millau points 1 Michelin star in 2022) offers a breathtaking view of Lake Geneva; the chic brasserie is named Bistro by Decotterd; and the Lounge Bar by Decotterd provides tasty dishes and a fine selection of wines by the glass. Both exceptional restaurants reflect Chef Stephane Decotterd's vision of regional, eco-responsible and original cuisine. Maison Decotterd is a member of the Relais & Chateaux Association, thereby belonging to a global network of 580 unique hotels and 100 exceptional restaurants. About Glion Institute of Higher Education Founded in 1962, Glion Institute of Higher Education is a Swiss institution offering bachelor's and master's degrees in hospitality, luxury and finance to an international student body across three campuses in Switzerland and London, UK. Glion is ranked among the world's top five higher education institutions for hospitality and leisure management, and in the top three number for employer reputation since its entry in the ranking in 2018. (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2022). Part of Sommet Education, worldwide leader in hospitality education, Glion is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). For more information, visit glion.edu Anouck Weiss Chief Communication Officer Glion View source Arch Amenities Group, a full-service global provider of amenity management and consulting services for commercial and residential properties, including spas, fitness centers, meetings and events spaces, pools and private clubs, today announced the appointment of Todd Ertel as chief financial officer. A senior finance professional with 25 years experience in financial planning, operations and business development, Ertel will lead the accounting, finance and strategic mergers and acquisitions functions for Arch. He also will oversee all legal affairs for the company and collaborate with the senior leadership team on long-term strategic planning. Barry Goldstein, Arch chief executive officer, said Ertels extensive experience in both finance and operations in global organizations will support the next phase of the companys growth. Todd has a proven track record in driving meaningful financial returns, raising capital, launching and managing businesses, overseeing acquisitions and successfully building and mentoring finance teams, Goldstein said. Arch will benefit from his leadership as we continue to grow our business and meet the increasing demand for wellness and amenities services in commercial and residential spaces. Arch Amenities Group recently announced its acquisition of three wellness businesses Innovative Spa Management (ISM), Privai and Spa Space which expanded its network of spa clients to over 70 while providing a technology platform to manage the companys 260 other wellness, recreation and amenities spaces. Ertel formerly was chief financial officer at Alfred, a leading residential technology platform that provides software and property management services to the multifamily real estate industry. Prior to that, he was chief financial officer for Club Quarters, a hotel company based in Stamford, Connecticut. Ertel also previously served as vice president of finance at Marriott International, where he led the financial integration of newly acquired Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and was responsible for financial oversight of the brand, global marketing, partnerships and digital organizations. Earlier in his career, Ertel was director of finance at Starwood Hotels & Resorts; startups including Gifts that Give, a social commerce and giving site; and Premier Health Partners, the UKs largest maternity network, which he co-founded. He also spent 10 years at Deloitte in Chicago, Oslo and London. Ertel earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a concentration in finance at the University of South Carolina, Aiken, and a Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Chicagos Booth School of Business. About Arch Amenities Group Arch Amenities Group, based in Rockville, Maryland, is a leading provider of hospitality management and consulting services for commercial and residential properties, hotels, spas, private clubs and recreation spaces worldwide. Arch provides daily management services as well as feasibility studies, planning and design consultancy and pre-opening and sustaining strategy and support. Arch is a portfolio company of private equity firm CI Capital Partners. All cities are feeling the pressure of creating a low-carbon future yet as the Global North starts to retrofit its buildings and rethink energy use, the Global South is facing an augmented set of challenges. Many cities across Asia and Africa are undergoing rapid urban growth while contending with the worst effects of climate change. In Sub Saharan Africa, Dar es Salaam, Kinshasa and Nairobi are expected to see their populations grow by 4% per year up to 2035. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, already has the highest population density in the world. Issues such as overcrowded housing and congested infrastructure, unaffordability, and environmental damage are increasingly commonplace. At the same time, Global South cities are at the sharp end of extreme weather, a growing risk often exacerbated by poor urban planning and unregulated, haphazard real estate construction. Due to their location, the likes of Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Mumbai are particularly susceptible to rising sea levels. Decarbonization is just one of a multitude of acute challenges that cities in the Global South must tackle even when issues like income, health and education may seem more immediately pressing. Jeremy Kelly, Lead Director, City Futures at JLL Fresh thinking for fast-evolving cities Unlike cities in the Global North, much of the building stock and infrastructure that will exist in emerging cities by 2050 has yet to be built. Furthermore, some countries will be constructing cities from scratch. COP27 host Egypt is developing 40 new cities for its 106 million-strong population thats growing at a rate of 2 million people a year. This enables cities to address decarbonization at a very early stage of development, adopting a whole life carbon approach while designing buildings with adaptability and versatility in mind. Its an opportunity in a way, because its easier to embed sustainability at the outset rather than trying to retrofit it, says Kelly. The best sustainability strategies embrace a holistic approach, in which the drive towards decarbonization and its implications are considered alongside social value, shared equity, environmental factors, water scarcity and waste management. New construction equally needs to ensure that buildings and cities are resilient to the effects of climate change. Scalable, low-cost and nature-based solutions increasingly feature in cities strategies. In 2019 Buenos Aires introduced a new building code with guidelines for adopting measures such as green roofs and walls, solar energy, and efficient water use. Mexico City has planted more than 33 million trees, shrubs and plants as part of its Green Challenge plan. Embedding sustainability in such ways can deliver financial as well as social and environmental benefits. Acting early on decarbonization will help cities in developing countries attract investment and create green jobs, which in turn make them more competitive, Elke Kornalijnslijper, Head of Sustainability Services for Southeast Asia at JLL, points out. Companies with net zero carbon goals will choose locations that help them to achieve those targets, she explains. It requires a very strong vision as developing a city takes many years and a long-term commitment but not taking action on a holistic sustainability plan means that, over time, they will become less competitive. Bringing in new regulations While momentum around sustainable real estate continues to build, regulation at government level is essential to drive change. Some cities in Asia and Africa have few existing building regulations, particularly related to energy efficiency, and even where they exist, they may not be well enforced. Governments in the Global South need to fast-track regulation, says Kelly. Getting it right from the get-go will avoid the need to undertake costly retrofits in the future but its important that regulations are manageable and enforceable. It will require different parties working closely together. Concerted effort is required from the entire ecosystem the government, private players and the civil society in devising consistent policies on energy, water and waste management at a city level, says Radha Dhir, CEO of JLL India. In India, while the Government is successfully driving Green Corridors and Smart Cities, more policies are needed to facilitate tapping renewable energy, efficient water and waste management. Furthermore, the private sector will also have to invest more to expedite their own net zero targets. Cross-border collaboration between the North and South will also be key. As the largest emitters, and responsible for the bulk of historical emissions, the Global North has a moral imperative to step up, says Kelly. It can help close the knowledge and skills gap to help Global South cities to kickstart their decarbonization journeys. Sharing technology and innovative solutions will not only make buildings more sustainable in terms of construction, but it will also enable all stakeholders be they governments, developers or citizens to measure and benchmark results. Some Global South are already highlighting why technology will be critical. Thailands fully-integrated One Bangkok district was designed with future flood levels in mind, and also tracks energy, waste and water to gauge and reduce usage. Similarly, Indias Indore Smart City integrates digital technology to better respond to its citizens. With all eyes on the challenges faced by the Global South at COP27, the need for a holistic and future-proof approach to sustainable planning has never been more evident, says Kornalijnslijper. After all, buildings are generally designed to last for decades, she says. What we develop today will impact how we live in our cities for the next 50 years. About JLL JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. JLL shapes the future of real estate for a better world by using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $19.4 billion, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of more than 100,000 as of March 31, 2022. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com. View source As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. 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Our expanded daily delivery of your local news reaches into the following areas: Top indie Secretly Group adds to A&R team Music publisher Secretly Group announced the addition of multiple additions to their A&R team, including Laura Frias, Trinity Hood and Tony Messina-Doerning. by Ian Courtney from Celebrity Access Both Hood and Messina-Doerning join Secretlys Los Angeles offices as A&R Associates, where they will report to Eddie Sikazwe, Senior Director of A&R and work with clients such as Grizzly Bear, Japanese Breakfast, and The War On Drugs, among others. Hood joins Secretly with a resume that includes stints at UTA, where she was part of the agencys music touring team, and Derek MixedByAli Alis Noname Studios. Im thrilled to join Secretly Publishing and work alongside Eddie and the rest of the team. Secretly Publishing is home to numerous artists Ive loved for many years Im especially excited to contribute to projects with those artists and new ones well love in time to come, Hood said. Messina-Doerning brings A&R experience to his new role at Secretly, having previously spent four years working with ss the label roster of Ricky Reeds Nice Life Recording Company. Ive been a long-time admirer of the artists and music that Secretly Group has developed and championed over the years, noted Messina-Doerning. Im thrilled to welcome Tony and Trinity to the Secretly Publishing family as part of our A&R team. Their addition is another display of our commitment to providing first-class service to our writers. After multiple conversations with Tony and Trinity, I have no doubt that theyll bring exciting and unique concepts to the team, stated Eddie Sikazwe, Senior Director of A&R at Secretly. On the label side, Secretly Group announced Laura Lau Frias has joined the company as A&R Director for Dead Oceans, Jagjaguwar, Saddest Factory Records and Secretly Canadian. Based in Brooklyn, she brings significant A&R experience to her new post after spending six years at Kobalt Music Group in a variety of roles across Synch Licensing, Publishing A&R and, most recently, Records A&R at AWAL. Im delighted to join the Secretly family the company is unmatched when it comes to true artist development, says Lau Frias, who has lately been involved with Dead Oceans signing of fast-rising Asheville, NC band Wednesday. I have the utmost respect for Secretly Groups commitment to expand and diversify the independent space. Im excited to bring a new perspective and be a voice for those who, like me, grew up very far from the industry and aspire to be part of the change. Share on: Pittsfield Could Look at High Cost of Chicken Permits PITTSFIELD, Mass. Director of Public Health Andy Cambi says the city's process for keeping chickens is effective after a resident brought her concerns about the cost to a City Council subcommittee in September. Instead, he suggested looking into options for financial aid to mitigate the cost for permits. Chickens are permitted through zoning ordinance under a special permit at a cost of more than $500. Resident Melissa Corbett previously proposed a permitting process for the raising of six chickens that goes through the Board of Health instead of the Zoning Board of Appeals and has an initial fee of $25. "I'm confident right now that the current process, special permit for chickens is effective through the special permits because it does give that opportunity for public hearings and publications to neighborhoods where people can be alerted to their neighbors that want to have chickens, Cambi told the Board of Health on Wednesday. "We don't have much agricultural land here. It's a lot of residential. So, you know, I worry as far as what could be the outcome if the Health Department took over this and then we didn't have that process as thorough as the zoning laws require. He also questioned if the department has the staff to take on that task. Adams Conservation Approves Parking Expansion for B&B Micromanufacturing ADAMS, Mass. The Conservation Commission has approved a notice of intent from White Engineering, on behalf of B&B Micromanufacturing, to construct an expanded parking lot and driveway. The Planning Board gave the expansion, the intent of which is to meet the increasing needs of B&B's clients, site plan approval in September. The commission had continued the notice after feedback on the application from board members. "[Increased demand from clients] was what necessitated the need for creating this road network and the parking of the units throughout the property," Brent White, an engineer from White Engineering representing B&B, said. "... What we've done to enhance the proposal is to create a series of swales and installation of rain guards to provide more of a true stormwater management peak-rate attenuation." The project is already partially complete, as the applicant was unaware a notice of intent was required. The construction is within a 100-foot buffer zone of bordering vegetated wetlands. After the changes, the commission was happy with the state and condition of the work done. White said they might need to come back if additional changes or further expansion is necessary. "I think the work done on the finished product will satisfy the commission," said Commission Chair James Fassell. "Because even though it's kind of late, I think you did a good job with it." Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, adjusts his glasses during a meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap DPK denies allegations that it helped organize anti-Yoon protests By Jung Min-ho Only a few hours after the news broke last month about a deadly crowd crush in central Seoul's Itaewon, Nam Young-hee, vice chief of the Institute for Democracy, a think tank of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), concluded that President Yoon Suk-yeol and his safety minister were to blame and demanded they step down immediately. The comment, which she made when police and emergency workers were still scrambling to gather the facts, was a grim sign of how the tragic incident, which killed 156 people and injured 197 others, could be used and exploited politically. Two days after the end of a national mourning period for the victims and their families, Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the DPK, called for the resignations of all relevant top officials, including Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. "The president, who is responsible for this disaster and all state affairs, should apologize sincerely to the people and the victims," Lee said during a meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul, Monday. "Taking responsibility comes with action rather than words There should be a sweeping reshuffle, including the resignation of the prime minister." Lee also called for a new investigation into the case under an independent counsel, saying that police and prosecutors under Yoon cannot be trusted. In a message to the victims, he said, "The fault is on the country. It was never your fault." A woman attends a candlelit vigil for the victims of the Halloween crowd crush tragedy, in Seoul, Nov. 5. The signs can be translated to "We hope the victims of the Itaewon disaster rest in peace; (Look at) the sight of the crazy drunk president and his wife." AP-Yonhap Speaking on a TBS radio show, Rep. Lee Sung-man, a senior member of the party's response team to the incident, claimed that the administration's relocation of the presidential office was attributable to a lack of crowd control in Itaewon because the project unnecessarily increased the security burden on the police in the area. He also pointed out that police made a mistake by concentrating too much on drug offenses. A legal expert, however, said such criticism makes sense only in retrospect. "As drug offenses have become a serious concern for many in recent years, it seemed reasonable for police to be well-prepared for them. Also, the number of police officers in the area was not unusual, compared with previous years," Kim Jin-sook, a former high-ranking prosecutor, told The Korea Times. "Police deserve criticism for failing to respond to emergency calls that night, but the opposition party's attempt to attack the lack of preparation for a big crowd seems unreasonable, given that the area has always been crowded every weekend for many years." Rep. Chung Jin-suk, center, interim leader of the ruling People Power Party, attends a meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap BArT Students Receive John and Abigail Adams Scholarship ADAMS, Mass. The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship is a merit-based program that provides credit towards tuition for up to eight semesters of undergraduate education at a Massachusetts state college or university. For this scholarship, merit is based on student scores on the 10th-grade Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test. This year's recipients at Berkshire Arts & Technology (BArT) Charter Public School are Sheldon Alexander, Jacob Brown, Ivan Chen, Felee Davis, Isaac Huberdeau, Riley Jowett, Matthew Lizzo, Ranger McGinnis, Sawyer Moser, Ruby Pullaro-Clark, Ndey Touray, Matthew Weiskotten, and Giordan Zavatter. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must: Score in the Advanced category on one of the three high school state assessment tests in ELA, Mathematics, or STE (Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics, or Technology/Engineering); and Score in the Proficient or Advanced category on the remaining two high school state assessment tests; and Have combined scores from the three tests that place them in the top 25 percent of students in the graduating class in their district. Students in charter schools are eligible for the scholarship if they meet the eligibility requirements for either the school they attend or the district in which they reside. To continue receiving the Adams Scholarship, a student must Berkshire Museum Presents Winter Festival: Solstice Celebration PITTSFIELD, Mass. After two years without an in-house holiday season celebration, Berkshire Museum brings to life its second-floor gallery spaces with a celebration of winter that is unique to the area. Opening Saturday, Nov. 12 with a celebration featuring a performance by award-winning musical artist Paul Winter, in Berkshire Museum's Little Cinema. Doors open at 5 pm, with the concert beginning at 5:30 pm, exhibition opening celebration immediately follows. Tickets to the celebration are $75 for Premium Concert Seating and $50 for General Admission Concert Seating. All tickets include holiday cheer, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres! Tickets can be purchased at berkshiremuseum.org/event/winterfestival Winter Festival exhibitions include "Santa Classics," by Philadelphia-based artist Ed Wheeler, where visitors get to see Kris Kringle in classical works of art. As well as "Hoot's Holiday: A Solstice Tale," written by Berkshire Museum's Exhibitions Research and Content Editor Charlie Catacalos. Hoot's Holiday follows a journey through time with an Owl living atop the roof of Berkshire Museum as they find objects historic to the Berkshires. "Hoot's Holiday is a reimagined celebration of winter in the Berkshires. I look forward to visitors getting to experience the history of the Berkshires through this tale of wonder and exploration," said Catacalos. Winter Festival is sponsored by The Feigenbaum Foundation, with additional support from Mill Town Capital, and Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. Additional Winter Festival events include: Book Talk: Twas the Night The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem Nov. 27, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm Meet Pamela McColl, the writer of new book "Twas the Night: The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem." Included with Museum admission. Wingmasters' World of Owls Dec. 3, 11:30 am to 12:15 pm and 1:30 pm to 2:15 pm. Meet live owls in the Berkshire Museum's Little Cinema. $17 adult, $10 child (includes Museum admission); Museum members $7 adult, $5 child Carols of the Bell Dec. 4, 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm Celebrate the holiday season with the First Congregational Church of Lee Handbell Choir. Included with Museum admission. Magic By George Dec. 31, 11 am and 1 pm Join award-winning, Boston-based magician George Saterial as he performs amazing magic and astonishing illusions. $17 adult, $10 child (includes Museum admission); Museum members $7 adult, $5 child NORTH ADAMS, Mass. A city woman Monday pleaded not guilty in Northern Berkshire District Court in the death of her grandmother. Kelsie C. Cote, 26, of 22 Rich St., is charged with murder, assault to murder and evidence tampering in the death of Doris A. Cote, 74, of 300 Church St. Through her attorney, Brockton's Kevin Reddington, Kelsie Cote entered her pleas before Judge Paul M. Vrabel in an arraignment that lasted a few minutes. Reddington said his client agreed to voluntary detention in the case with her next court appearance scheduled for Jan. 9. Also during the arraignment, the Berkshire District Attorney's Office amended the complaint against Kelsie Cote to say the offense occurred on or about Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. According to a North Adams Police affidavit filed in support of probable cause, police received a call from Tobe Cote, father of Kelsie Cote, at about 4 p.m. that Tuesday reporting that he had found his mother at the bottom of the stairs at the residence where Doris Cote lived alone. "The investigation determined that Kelsie Cote was the last person to see her grandmother alive," District Attorney Andrea Harrington said in a statement outside the courthouse on Monday afternoon. "She reported finding her grandmother deceased on the morning of Nov. 1. Kelsie Cote was one of two people with access to the home in addition to her grandmother." Harrington said Kelsie Cote told police that she found her grandmother dead at the bottom of the basement stairs at 10 a.m. on Nov. 1 but did not call for help until 4 p.m., when she contacted Tobe Cote. "She admits that she attempted to clean up the scene and that she interfered with her grandmother's body," Harrington said. "Her statement was inconsistent with the evidence in many regards, including that she claimed that she left her grandmother's residence at 7:30 at night on the evening of Halloween, but evidence shows that she actually left after midnight on the morning of Nov. 1. "She claimed that she found her grandmother at the bottom of the stairs, but there was evidence of a violent assault that occurred in an upstairs room. And the evidence suggests that the body was dragged to the stairs." The police report says investigators found, "apparent bloody footprints and drag marks leading from the main living level hallway through the kitchen and down the basement stairs." Prior to Monday's arraignment, Reddington declined an offer from reporters in the courtroom to speak on the record after the proceeding. Harrington said that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Westfield found Doris Cote, "suffered from bruising at the base of her neck, the center of her forehead, the bridge of her nose or left cheek and her left ear. There were seven total wounds that were primarily about her head." A preliminary autopsy report included in the police affidavit cited "four sharp force injuries located on the backside of the victim's head." "Doctor [Andrew] Elin advised that nothing other than a sharp object could have caused these wounds," the affidavit reads. "There's also evidence that Kelsie Cote tried to conceal evidence of bloody clothes and potential weapons in trash bags that were located in her automobile," Harrington said on Monday. According to the affidavit, Kelsie Cote was interviewed twice by police prior to her arrest. In her statements to police, Kelsie Cote said that she found Doris Cote's body, she "freaked out and did not want to accept that Doris was gone. Kelsie stated she just laid there with her," according to the affidavit. Police say Kelsie Cote also told police in an interview that she did eventually attempt to clean up the house after finding Doris Cote's body. "She went upstairs to contain herself," the police affidavit reads. "While Kelsie was upstairs, she observed blood in the hallway and kitchen. The majority of the blood was in the computer room. The blood appeared to be crusty and black. Kelsie cleaned the blood because Doris was a clean freak." "Kelsie stated Doris keeps an extremely tidy, clean house," the affidavit reads at another point. "Kelsie reported trying to clean up the [home's] Office and blood in the kitchen and hallway. Kelsie reported removing Doris' shirt because it was already half off and that her grandmother had previously requested putting normal clothing on her if she had ever passed." Harrington, the District Attorney, said Monday there was no evidence of injuries to Doris Cote prior to the events that lead to her death. "We do not have any evidence of a history of abuse," Harrington said. "The investigation has uncovered that Doris Cote was not in a dating relationship. And the evidence so far all indicates that there were no concerns in terms of her safety prior to the incident." Harrington said that Kelsie Cote is the only suspect in the case and that the investigation is ongoing. Harrington declined to speculate on a motive in the death of Doris Cote. The police affidavit in support of probable cause includes a photocopy of Doris Cote's will, which names Kelsie C. Cote as an heir. "During the search of the residence, investigators alerted to a collection of financial statements from various stock/mutual holdings that presented in the name of Doris Cote," the affidavit reads. "Unofficial estimates have been concluded to exceed more than $1,000,000. A checking account also in the name of Doris Cote was located. The balance in the account was more than $80,000." PJ Library Pajama Drive PITTSFIELD, Mass. As chilly weather returns to the Berkshires, the PJ Library Pajama Drive conducted by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires also returns. Last year's effort collected hundreds of pairs of pajamas from individuals, groups, and local businesses. The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires have again teamed up with Carr Hardware to offer drop-off of brand-new pajamas (sizes newborn to teen) at these locations across Berkshire County: Carr Hardware, 256 Main Street in Great Barrington Carr Hardware, 489 Pittsfield Road in Lenox Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, 196 South Street in Pittsfield Carr Hardware, 179 State Road in North Adams The Pajama Drive runs from November 4 through December 4. Monetary donations towards the purchase of pajamas are also welcome. Donations will be received by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families in Pittsfield and will be distributed to local families during the holiday season By Lee Hyon-soo Korea was one of the world's poorest countries in the mid-20th century. Today, however, Korea's GDP ranks 10th and its trade volume is 7th in the world. Indeed, Korea has come a long way and is the envy of less-developed countries. Korea's economic growth was so dramatic that it was called the miracle on the Han River. When Korea embarked on economic development in the early 1960s, it had to start from scratch because it was not endowed with natural resources nor did it have a technological and capital base to speak of. However, Korea had what other poor countries lacked at the time: (a) a visionary political leader who was determined to lift Korea out of poverty with the help of forward-looking technocrats and daring entrepreneurs and (b) a large pool of well-educated young men and women who could be mobilized as a workforce to carry out his ambitious economic development plan. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that if good workers had not been available, Korea's economic development plan would not have borne fruit. Therefore, it would be fair to say that the credit for Korea's remarkable economic growth was largely due to the Korean parents who had given top priority to the education of their children while eking out a precarious living in a poverty-stricken country. The Korean tradition of educational zeal has persisted to date. Actually, it has grown more acute as the years have passed. Korean parents who feel that Korea's public education system leaves much to be desired invariably send their children to "hagwons" (private academies) after school, which involves an unbearable financial burden for less affluent parents. Some more aggressive parents take extraordinary measures for the sake of their children. They take their children abroad to give them a first-rate education that is not available in Korea. They may be divided into two disparate groups. Included in the first group are the parents who have emigrated to foreign countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia with their children. Due to language and other barriers, they struggle to make ends meet in the countries where they have settled. However, they make an all-out effort to educate their children. Their wholehearted devotion pays off as most of their grown children perform meaningful roles in mainstream society, unlike their parents who still remain on the fringe of society. The second group comprises the parents who give up their normal married lives by living separately for the education of their children. Mothers take care of their children who go to school in foreign countries, while fathers stay home in Korea to make money to support them. They get together once or twice a year. Such an unnatural lifestyle entails serious emotional and financial hardships on the part of the parents concerned. Only Korean parents would endure such hardships for the sake of their children. The upshot of their self-sacrifice is that their children who have been educated offshore will have an advantage in seeking employment in the international arena. And those who return home will be able to play an important role in internationalizing Korea. In a nutshell, it seems that there are no parents like Korean parents as far as children's education is concerned. They really deserve commendation. On a personal note, I did my part as a parent. I worked hard to give my brainy son the best education and managed to put him through Harvard Business School. The writer (tomhslee43@gmail.com) is a freelance columnist. By Simon Hutagalung Korea, once a united and culturally enriched country, was colonized by Japan in 1910. Even though World War II liberated Korea from 35 years of Japanese colonial oppression, the country was soon invaded by the U.S.S.R in the North. This led to American fears that the USSR would control the whole peninsula. They made an offer to the USSR to demarcate the country into two parts and split it between them. Stalin accepted this offer and on Aug. 17, 1945, Korea was divided into two parts. Even after 70 years of war, relations between North Korea and South Korea are still at a stalemate. The ties between the totalitarian, nuclear, dynasty of North Korea and the affluent and democratic South are hostile. North Korea's nuclear weapons are seen as a threat to the security of South Korea as well as its allies i.e. the United States and Japan. Owing to its threat of nuclear proliferation and subsequent blackmail to get concessions, North Korea had to face numerous economic sanctions at the hands of the United Nations Security Council since 2006. On the other hand, the regular joint military drills conducted by South Korea in collaboration with the U.S. and Japan are seen as a challenge to North Korea. These circumstances pose a threat to the stability and progress of the Korean Peninsula as well as a hazard to global peace. Thus, South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. are strengthening their defense posture, instead of trying to amend the situation, which has the potential to turn into a nuclear war. In addition to putting them on the edge of war, this situation also puts an economic burden on the parties to the conflict and reduces their chances of collaboration. Thus, there is a dire need to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula. To achieve the integration of the two Koreas, the role of international and regional powers cannot be overestimated. For example, the role of North Korea's strategic partners like China and Russia in bringing the two hostile states together is significant. China has agreed with South Korea to scale up communications for peace on the Korean Peninsula in addition to improving regional and multilateral cooperation. China and Russia both have a lot of sway over North Korea as well. They should use their influence to bring the two parties to the negotiation table. Similarly, South Korea's allies particularly the U.S. and Japan help shape its policy on North Korea. North Korea's nuclear strategy also revolves around the U.S.' involvement in the region. They have tried to dissuade Pyongyang's efforts to develop nuclear power by force, but it's all been in vain. It is a suitable time for them to change their strategy. Moreover, it is detrimental to international peace and regional prosperity. Thus, instead of provoking North Korea to accelerate its nuclear mission by conducting military drills with South Korea, the U.S. should urge both parties to come to the negotiating table. Japan's economic interests and security are also at stake in the prevalent hostile atmosphere. It should play its part in diminishing the tensions in the region. Instead of provoking North Korea, the U.S and Japan should reduce their military involvement in the peninsula. They should encourage the parties to resolve their issues through dialogue and diplomacy. Only then can the Korean Peninsula can achieve its true potential and stability can be ensured in this era of increasing regional integration. In addition to efforts by international actors, North Korea and South Korea should themselves strive to integrate back into one Korea. Diplomatic, cultural, political, economic and military confidence-building measures should be employed to reduce tensions between the two states. The two culturally similar states with a shared history and language have multiple opportunities to present a common front. For example, North Korea and South Korea marched together at the 2018 Winter Olympic Opening Ceremony. This united front should be exercised in other areas as well. Moreover, demilitarization in the form of gradual troop withdrawals from their borders should be initiated. They should enhance bilateral trade, communications and negotiations to amplify cooperation. The Inter-Korean Summit of 2018 ameliorated the strained relations between the rival states. At this summit, they declared an official end of the war between them. Instead of every few years, such Korean Peace summits should be held annually. To conclude, it is an opportune time for the Korean War to end and for the two parts of Korea to unite and create prosperity together as they did for thousands of years. For this purpose, the major powers, which are responsible for dividing the Korean Peninsula and leading to it to civil war, should play their part in peace-building measures now. The confidence-building measures between the two states need to be fueled to integrate the two Koreas. Simon Hutagalung is a graduate of the City University of New York. On October 29, the ruling Myanmar junta banned independent online news outlet The Irrawaddy and accused the publisher of violating national security laws. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns the actions of the junta, and urges the authorities to reinstate The Irrawaddys publication license and end the forced closure of the outlet. A screenshot from The Irrawaddy's website on November 7, 2022. The Irrawaddy faced the revocation of its publishing licence and was forced to close by the Myanmar junta on October 29. Credit: The Irrawaddy On October 29, the Ministry of Information officially ordered the closure of The Irrawaddy and revoked its publication license. The news outlet has been accused of damaging state security, rule of law, and public tranquility through its coverage. The juntas forced closure of The Irrawaddy is the latest in a series of attacks against the news outlet since Myanmars military coup in February 2021. On October 14 2022, junta officials announced their intention to take legal action against The Irrawaddy and BBC Burmese journalists for their coverage of a conflict incident in Mon State which left three dead, prompting many to flee into hiding. The news outlet suffered censorship and legal action by junta forces in 2021, including a lawsuit in March, and two raids on The Irrawaddys Yangon office later that year. The junta has previously blocked the outlets website in Myanmar, and multiple journalists, media workers and outlet staff, including publisher U Thaung Win and media worker Zaw Zaw have been detained. The Irrawaddy was founded in Thailand in 1993 and moved into Myanmar in 2012. Following the coup, the news outlet was forced to relocate its editorial staff outside the country. A new report by the IFJ, The Revolution Will Not Be Broadcast Myanmar: IFJ Situation Report 2022, has detailed the lived experiences of Burmese journalists and media workers, bringing to light the juntas many human and media rights violations since February 2021. The report calls on governments from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), media organisations and civil society to bring attention to and act against human rights violations in Myanmar, among other recommendations. The IFJ said: The military junta must stop their attacks on freedom of the press and let journalists and independent media operate freely. The IFJ reiterates its call for solidarity for journalists and media workers in Myanmar, and urges the authorities reinstate The Irrawaddys publication licence and end its forced closure. Instructure, the maker of Canvas, has partnered with Thunderbird School of Global Management (Thunderbird) at Arizona State University (ASU), to provide a platform for the Francis and Dionne Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative. This ambitious program is powered by the Canvas Learning Management System and aims to offer quality online education from world-class accredited institutions in 40 languages to learners across the globe. The courses will be provided at no cost to the learner with women and girls accounting for 70 percent of enrollment worldwide. Canvas LMS to deliver learning in more than 40 languages through the Francis and Dionne Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative "The Francis and Dionne Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative is exactly the type of global care initiative Instructure is excited and proud to put resources and time into supporting," said Steve Daly, CEO of Instructure. "As leaders, we need to think globally about how we deliver first-rate equal access to education with a diverse range of student needs in mind. This global initiative is an engaging online program that offers the necessary flexibility and empowers forward-thinking leaders and educators worldwide. We are delighted to be a part of that kind of innovative actionable program. Francis and Dionne Najafi, both Thunderbird graduates, made an unprecedented $25 million donation to the Thunderbird School of Global Management earlier this year that launched the Francis and Dionne Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative. The program provides world-class education to a population that previously could not access it, especially women and young learners. It continues through 2030. "We believe access to education is a basic human right, which is why we worked with Thunderbird to create a global initiative that will educate 100 million learners worldwide," said F. Francis Najafi on behalf of him and his wife, Dionne Najafi. "We are excited and deeply humbled to be part of such a bold initiative that combines T-bird's entrepreneurial drive with a desire to do good. We hope to impact communities around the world and be a force that brings us all closer together." The Francis and Dionne Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative is an ambitious large-scale program, and the number of people it aims to reach with online education at no cost is unprecedented, said Shiren Vijiasingam, chief product officer at Instructure. The program aligns with our goal of extending inclusive education worldwide. Were proud to partner with the initiative and support it with Canvasa world-class solution for the worlds classrooms that makes student success more equitable. The Global Initiative has three pathways for learners depending on their education levels. The foundational courses are for learners of any level; the intermediate courses are for advanced high school learners to current undergraduate learners; the advanced courses are for advanced undergraduate learners and above. "We are honored to partner with Instructure and their Canvas LMS platform to help accelerate educational empowerment worldwide, support learners and professionals to gain the skills needed to succeed in the dynamic digitalized global economy, and advance sustainable and inclusive prosperity worldwide," said Sanjeev Khagram, director general and dean at ASUs Thunderbird School of Global Management. Interested learners can get more information and register for courses at 100millionlearners.com. Leading integrated network company PLDT Inc. (PLDT) has sustained its dominance as the country's most extensive network, as its domestic and fiber footprint breach one million kilometers, bolstering PLDT's ability to deliver enhanced customer experience nationwide. As of end-September, PLDT has expanded its total fiber footprint to about 1,091,000 kilometers, consisting of over 231,000 kilometers of international fiber and almost 860,000 kilometers of domestic fiber, reinforcing the Philippines position as a regional hyperscale hub and boosting connectivity needs of individuals, homes, and businesses across the country. "Our sustained investments in our network rollout has allowed us to continuously improve customer experience nationwide. Our fast and reliable network has been enabling companies' hybrid work set-ups, online banking and payments for enterprises of all sizes, as well as the government's initiatives to digitalize the Philippines," said Eric Santiago, PLDT Network Head. As of end-September, PLDTs fiber infrastructure has passed some 16.8 million homes in 67% of the countrys cities and municipalities. It also supports PLDT's wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc.'s (Smart) 77,200 base stations, including 7,300 5G base stations and close to 40,000 4G/LTE base stations deployed nationwide. Smarts network covers 97% of the population with 3G, LTE, and 5G. In the first nine months of the year, PLDT also built 1.29 million additional fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) ports ,bringing total FTTH capacity to 5.9 million. PLDT also recently announced the start of the initial phase of cable construction of the 9,400-kilometer subsea cable Asia Direct Cable (ADC) in Batangas, with target completion of all landing links at the end of 2023. When completed, ADC will link seven international cable landing points in the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Once fully equipped, this will provide PLDT an additional international network capacity of at least 36 Tbps for faster delivery of hyperscale data across East and Southeast Asia. The upcoming activation of ADC and Apricot cables systems will increase to 19 the number of international submarine cable systems of PLDT, which includes the recently energized Jupiter Cable System. Once fully equipped, PLDTs current international network capacity of 60 Tbps will expand to over 130 Tbps, remaining unparalleled in the Philippines. PLDT has invested 518.5 billion in total capex over the last ten years, until 2021. Capex for 2022 includes, among others, investment in capacity to support PLDT's home broadband business and the rise in network traffic. Always engineered to do good, Trend Micro Philippines continues its free annual cybersecurity conference this year with DECODE 2022: Detect & Respond. This two-day virtual conference is set on November 28 and 29, 2022. Registration is now open for the biggest cybersecurity conference in the Philippines DECODE 2022: Detect & Respond will feature industry leaders from across the globe who will discuss the latest technologies, trends, threats, and opportunities in the fast-paced and ever-changing world of cybersecurity. Doing everything in its power to spread awareness and empower Filipinos, Trend Micro holds these free-for-all conferences with the intent of keeping cybersecurity professionals informed, inspired, and well-networked with their peers in the industry. This benefits not only their individual careers, but also the countrymen their work serves to protect, stated Alma Saturnino-Alvarez, Threat Hunting Director of Trend Micro. Last years conference, DECODE 2021: DEC1DE. DEC0DE, garnered an audience of over 1,200 individuals. It also featured various case studies, discussions of top threats and risks, and an analysis of how a Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) role in a company has evolved through the years. The event also highlighted Trend Micros advocacy of uplifting women in the tech industry via a Get IT Girl! session that featured a Q&A activity with Olympiad Nesthy Petecio and a panel discussion that talked about diversity and inclusivity in tech. This year, DECODE 2022: Detect & Respond will have six keynote presentations and over 40 sessions across four key tracks. Attendees will learn about recent and relevant developments in the security industry, including emerging threats and vulnerabilities, deepfakes, fake news, scams and spam, IoT and critical infrastructures, and threat hunting and incident response. They will also learn how to act on the knowledge they gained from the past five years of DECODE conferences to seamlessly detect and address security gaps through tried-and-tested methods and tools, quickly identify risk levels, and respond swiftly and accordingly to various threats. DECODE 2022: Detect & Respond, which promotes the efficiency and efficacy of cybersecurity systems to secure organizations and communities, is an online event where IT professionals and students can learn and network virtually. Conference recordings will be made accessible to all attendees until a year after the event. With DECODE now on its sixth year, Trend Micro furthers its initiative to improve the cybersecurity industry by bringing top security experts to the Philippines largest annual cybersecurity conference. Register now to be a part of DECODE 2022: Detect & Respond at www.decodeph.com. Prevent Unauthorized Transactions in your demat / trading account Update your Mobile Number/ email Id with your stock broker / Depository Participant. Receive information of your transactions directly from Exchanges on your mobile / email at the end of day and alerts on your registered mobile for all debits and other important transactions in your demat account directly from NSDL/ CDSL on the same day." - Issued in the interest of investors. KYC is one time exercise while dealing in securities markets - once KYC is done through a SEBI registered intermediary (broker, DP, Mutual Fund etc.), you need not undergo the same process again when you approach another intermediary. No need to issue cheques by investors while subscribing to IPO. Just write the bank account number and sign in the application form to authorise your bank to make payment in case of allotment. No worries for refund as the money remains in investor's account." www.indiainfoline.com is part of the IIFL Group, a leading financial services player and a diversified NBFC. The site provides comprehensive and real time information on Indian corporates, sectors, financial markets and economy. On the site we feature industry and political leaders, entrepreneurs, and trend setters. The research, personal finance and market tutorial sections are widely followed by students, academia, corporates and investors among others. L&T Realty, the Real Estate Development arm of Larsen & Toubro and Singapore-listed CapitaLand India Trust Management Pte. Ltd., trustee-manager of CapitaLand India Trust (CLINT), have entered into a non-binding term sheet for a commercial platform to develop close to 6 million square feet (0.56 million square metres) of prime office spaces across Bengaluru, Chennai and Mumbai in India.Under this platform, L&T will build and develop office spaces - while CLINT will market the office spaces. Depending on the completion of these developments, CLINT expects majority of the capital commitment for the projects to start from 2H 2024 onwards. CLINT will acquire the ownership of these properties in a phased manner, the company said.On this occasion, Shrikant Joshi, CEO & MD, L&T Realty said: Indian Office leasing market continues to grow with demand for quality office space from international and domestic clients. The net absorption space for January-September 2022 period stood at a three-year high of 30.3 million square feet (2.8 million square metres). We are delighted to have forged partnership with CLINT for premium office space in the three top metropolises of India.Notably, both parties will make an announcement at a later date when definitive agreements are signed, the company said on Monday.At around 11:17 AM, Larsen & Toubro Ltd is currently trading at Rs2,017.70 per share up by Rs2.8 or 0.14% from its previous closing of Rs2,014.90 per share on the BSE.For feedback and suggestions, write to us at editorial@iifl.com By Prof. H.C. Pande Vice Chancellor Emeritus BIT Mesra It has been said that politics keeps comedians in business. India has done one better, or maybe two better, as in the matter of politics, liars and crooks are in this business as well. Comedians can be tolerated as they at least give you a chance to laugh, and may be forget your miseries for a while, but liars and crooks only rub salt in your wounds, making you more frustrated and angry. Examples abound and it would be enough to recall the shenanigans of just two political parties, the oldest and the newest, in our political firmament. The vanguard of the independence movement INC, the Indian National Congress, has degenerated to an impossible extent. Top leader of the party, Rahul Gandhi was made to go from temple to temple and proclaim his Hindu faith by wearing a yagyopavit over his clothing and insisting that he belongs to Dattatreya gotra.This drama was as unnecessary as it was stupid. No one wears yagyopaveet over the clothing, and gotra is undefined in mixed marriages, in the sense, that Rahul Gandhis grandfather was Parsi and the mother is Roman Catholic. In this day and age custom and lineage do not have much meaning. Rishi Gautama has held that a truthful person belongs to the highest gotra. We as people even today appreciate the truth and look down on lies. Congress Managers do not understand that in a political battle, copying the adversary (that too a third-rate copy) does not help and one has to come up with a better ideology, and that in this IT age, lies can be easily found out. The degeneration of the oldest political party, the Congress, is a looming tragedy for the country. AAP, the newest political party of any consequence, appeared as a bright star only to become a black hole, with insatiable appetite for gobbling, whatever remains of honesty, morality and ethics in the countrys political life.This only proves that politics is ,after all, the last refuge of a scoundrel. The ideology of the party is to tell lies brazenly, without blinking an eye, make promises and blame others for not being able to deliver them. Freely distribute the freebies for a free fall of the economy and use the Central Government as a punching bag, delivering punches below the belt type. The tragedy is that among all the political parties, AAP has most members who are well educated and well informed, yet in the short span of its existence it has beaten, the veterans of the political arena, by the proverbial mile, in the matter of white lies, deceit and demagoguery. On top of it, how the party managed to collect vast funds for its launch, is more than hazy and its current funding sources are a big question mark. As of today, the show business of Indian politics begins with the election manifesto which is a mix of promising promises, deceitful promises and pure deceit. This is followed by drama and demagoguery. In the matter of drama, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) takes the cake. The sterling performance of Mamta Bannerjee with the unbroken, broken leg, deserves an Oscar. Compared to the Broken Leg TMC show, the INC presentation Yagyopavit and Gotra drama is a non-starter. Mahatma Gandhis party, the Indian National Congress, has a lot to learn. The transition from MG to MGM is ill-advised and is so dangerous as to be suicidal. With the grand old party going in for questionable tactics, and the brand new party of questionable birth and suspicious sustenance, putting up fraudulent shows on the nations political stage, the chances of the countrys democratic play ending in a tragedy are close to one hundred percent. The process of degeneration of democracy is not yet complete but, unfortunately, well on its way. In this seemingly hopeless situation we should not give up but recall Churchills words at the height of the second World War: The situation is hopeless but not serious. The degeneration of democracy has to be reversed. Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis attempt to rake up Nepali nationalism by raising Kathmandus border row with India is an opportunistic attempt to win the November 20 elections, say Nepal experts. Khadak Raj Joshi, a leading civil society activist in Sudurpaschim Province told India Narrative that elections are giving major political parties yet another chance to whip up nationalistic rhetoric. The sovereignty issue is, of course, there. But, its more about securing electoral gains on the plank of anti-Indian nationalism. Hoping to rouse jingoism, Oli said during his inaugural rally on Friday that We wont allow a single inch of our land to be encroached uponWe issued the national map [incorporating the Kalapani area]. The Parliament endorsed it unanimously. I am here to guarantee that [the area returns to Nepal]. Oli was referring to a map, endorsed by parliament, that he as former Prime Minister had released. It included the area claimed by India as part of Nepal. Significantly Oli chose the Darchula border area, which includes the contested zone, for his first rally, with a clear aim of striking a strident nationalistic posture, and avoiding bread-and-butter issues that impact the life to regular Nepalese. But some Nepal watchers are of the view that Olis pitch may backfire. People know that Kalapani (a point of dispute) is just an election agenda, nothing more than that. So, to my understanding, this Kalapani agenda is not going to be sold out this time. In the last elections, KP Sharma Oli, Deuba and even Prachanda said they would regain territories in Kalapani by holding talks with India if they won elections. See, that did not happen in the past five years when they ruled the country one after another. Now, elections are coming and they are making it an election agenda. Oli told recently that he would work to bring back territories in Kalapani. We cant trust him at all, says Krishna Prasad Regmi, a local resident of Dhangadhi, the temporary capital of Nepals Sudurpashchim Province. An article in the Nepali daily Kathmandu Post quoted Uddhab Pyakurel, who teaches political sociology at Kathmandu University, as saying nationalist agenda of that Olis CPN-UML party has become stale now and is not going to pull significant votes for the party. Bhaskar Gautam another political commentator asserted that, Oli doesnt walk the talk. While he makes big public remarks against India, we have seen him surrender before the southern neighbour on several occasions. An editorial in the same newspaper also roundly criticised Olis poll strategy. On Friday, two-time prime minister and UML chairman KP Sharma Oli, while addressing a mass gathering in Darchula district, which includes the occupied area, guaranteed that he would return to Nepal the land that currently houses Indian forces The UML is evidently under pressure to shore up its votes as it faces a formidable foe in the five-party ruling alliance. As inflaming anti-India sentiments has traditionally been an effective electoral agenda in Nepal, it has chosen this easy way out. But in doing so the party and its chairman are doing the country disservice. Nepal:Election Campaign On May.6,2022 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Nepals Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba greet towards the general public while, he attends the election rally of five party alliance as a chief guest organized in capital ahead of upcoming local level election. pic.twitter.com/uqWs4O9Nhz abhiz_capture (@AbhishekMaharj6) May 6, 2022 The edit however, praised both incumbent Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Thapa and another former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai for not indulging in competitive jingoism. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba responded to Olis statement, saying that bilateral dialogue rather than electoral grand-standing is the need of the hour. On this issue, Deuba and Bhattarai are right. Also Read: In Deubas home turf independents make their mark as Nepal heads for polls Jemulpo (modern Incheon) in the late 1880s or early 1890s. Daibutsu Hotel can be seen in the center. Robert Neff Collection By Robert Neff The morning of March 27, 1884 was cold but invigorating. Naval surgeon George W. Woods, a crewmember of the American warship, the U.S.S. Juniata, and a guest of the American ambassador to Korea, had arrived in Seoul the previous night with a couple other officers from the ship. Woods woke up to the smell of pine smoke and the sound of a servant stoking the fire in the "ondol" (underfloor heating system). Unlike his peers who were still suffering from their trek Woods was anxious to explore the city. In a letter home he wrote: "It was a pleasant sensation to get up with bare feet, and feel the surprising warmth of the stone floor covered with matting, and the general tempering of the atmosphere, so agreeable as to make the toilet a pleasure. Why is it that [the] most pleasant things are preached as unhealthy: a cold room, and cold water, and rough towels insure health; while all that is warm, and soft, and desirable is denounced?" Adding to his comfort was the pitcher of hot water for his bathing, his boots freshly polished and a cup of hot coffee and toast. With the edge taken off his appetite, freshly washed and dressed in clean and warm clothing, he set out to explore the capital of the Land of the Morning Calm. It was a short jaunt. The nip in the air and the recollections of how some Christians were reported to have died (soaked with water and allowed to suffocate in the ice that formed around them) in the streets not so distant in the past, convinced him to retrace his steps to the American legation. Here he found his companions and his hosts "ready to go into breakfast, which was a thoroughly good American meal with hot bread, cakes and maple syrup." It has often been said that bread, pastries and cakes were introduced to the Korean Peninsula by Western missionaries, but, for the most part, they (with the exception of the Catholic missionaries) didn't arrive until the next year. Rose Foote, the wife of the American Minister to Korea (Lucius Foote) was an avid baker and often sent cakes, bread, homemade jams and preserves to the Korean palace and the royal family. She was also fond of treating visiting naval officers to home-cooked meals all accompanied with pastries and other baked goods. The naval officers were not the only ones eating bread the sailors aboard the U.S.S. Juniata consumed a surprisingly large amount of bread. According to the logbooks, the ship was consuming about 184 pounds of fresh beef, a similar amount of vegetables and 150 pounds of bread. The crew of an unidentified ship. Circa late 19th century. Robert Neff Collection Slush is taking place from 17 November 2022 to 18 November 2022. Slush is a trade show anually held in Helsinki, Finland. Usually in the month of November. It is essentially a startup and tech event that facilitates meetings between the founders of startups and investors such as venture capitalists, accomplished with events such as matchmaking and pitching competitions. Considered as the worlds leading startup event, SLUSH 2022 will be conducted in Finland. This event is a blessing for all the fledgling businesses to showcase their competencies and products. Prominent companies like Google, Nokia, Mastercard, Sequoia etc. will also take part in the event. Slush aims to establish a global startup community. 8,800 attendees from all over the world come together to take part in this international networking festival. Fydo will now be getting the opportunity to visit and network with influential VCs there. Fydo is an ad-tech platform that uses advertising technology to assist new and small businesses in growing their customer bases and enhancing their operations so they can compete with business titans. Because they lack a marketing platform, small businesses and corporations in urban areas lack a way to advertise sales and discounts without having to spend a fortune on advertising. We also give thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises a place to offer their products locally. The Indian embassy in Finland will also host Fydo along with the other delegates selected by Gov. of India, who will meet with investors and venture capitalists. Which would greatly aid Fydo in its efforts to grow the business. Starting from a few states in India being and now chosen for the SLUSH 2022 Event will be a significant step for fydo to begin its Global expansion. Ever since Elon Musk took over Twitter, it's been chaos all around. From the introduction of monthly fee for the blue tick (verification) and new rules surrounding account suspension, it appears that Elon Musk is making sweeping changes at Twitter. But recently, Elon Musk made a startling claim - or really, he responded to one. A user on Twitter claimed that "Twitter employees were selling verification for upwards of $15,000." Twitter employees were selling verification for upwards of $15,000. For certain accounts, mine included, they would refuse to verify you through the standard application and then privately offer to verify you for $$ behind the scenes. Investigation needed. Chairman (@WSBChairman) November 5, 2022 "For certain accounts, mine included, they would refuse to verify you through the standard application and then privately offer to verify you for $$ behind the scenes," the user added. Elon Musk responded to this claim, offering a brief and ominous "yup" in response to these very serious allegations. Reuters What's with verification? In a different Tweet, the new Twitter CEO explained how easy it has remained to get a blue tick verification badge on the platform using third-party apps. "Far too many legacy verified checkmarks were handed out, often arbitrarily, so in reality they are *not* verified. You can buy as many as you want right now with a Google search," he wrote. Some receipts from just now pic.twitter.com/WXV8aEq4ds Chairman (@WSBChairman) November 5, 2022 AFP Also read: Elon Musk Changes His Bio As 'Twitter Complaint Hotline Operator' Amid Criticism Over Blue Tick Fee "Piggybacking off payment system plus Apple/Android is a much better way to ensure verification," Musk added. Reuters These Tweets were in response to Shibetoshi Nakamoto, the creator of Dogecoin, who opposed the $8 monthly verification fee on Twitter. Twitter CEO Elon Musk took over the company just last week after completing a $44 billion acquisition. Far too many legacy verified checkmarks were handed out, often arbitrarily, so in reality they are *not* verified. You can buy as many as you want right now with a Google search. Piggybacking off payment system plus Apple/Android is a much better way to ensure verification. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 5, 2022 Also read: Employees Were Abruptly Logged Out Of Systems As Elon Musk Sacks Almost Entire India Staff: Report Besides changing how verification works, Musk has also undertaken mass layoffs at the company, letting go of as much as 50% of its workforce. But now, it appears that Twitter is urging many of its fired employees to return. Why? We'll never know, as is true with all-things-Elon-Musk. What do you think about new changes at Twitter under Elon Musk? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com. On November 8, United States citizens will vote in midterm elections. These elections will determine the 118th United States Congress, which will be made up of two parts - 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate. In addition, this election will be the first to be impacted by the redistricting that followed the 2020 census. Midterm elections are held every two years when they fall in the middle of the president's four-year term of office. These elections frequently act as a referendum on the president's performance, and the party holding the White House tends to lose seats. Over the last two years, the Democratic Party has maintained its hold on the House of Representatives and the Senate. This made it easier for President Joe Biden to get the laws passed. However, the Democrats' hold on power over the Republicans is only by extremely thin margins, making a race quite close. According to the exit polls, the Republicans may win the House, but the Democrats may keep their majority in the Senate. There are 435 seats in the House of Representatives, and either party safely holds most of them. Of those seats, just 30 are considered competitive between the two parties. Key races: Pennsylvania, California, Ohio, and North Carolina. There are currently 35 seats up for grabs in the Senate, and four may go either way. Key races: Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. Due to the expected closeness of so many races, it could be days before we receive the official results. Note: Each state has two senators who serve for a tenure of six years. Representatives serve two-year terms and represent smaller districts. President Biden will be able to continue his goals on climate change, expanding government-run healthcare programs, protecting abortion rights, and tightening gun control if the Democrats remain in power. However, if the Republicans get control of either chamber, they will effectively be able to derail his plans. Besides that, they will also be able to control investigatory committees so that they could end the inquiry into January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump. In addition, they may initiate additional investigations into areas of interest to conservatives, such as the business connections of Joe Biden's son in China or the unexpected withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. In exchange, President Biden may veto conservative legislation on abortion, immigration, and taxes. Ultimately, the result will be a gridlock until the next presidential and congressional elections. Going pro The 2022 IBA 5-Star Professional Liability survey recognizes MGAs, carriers, and brokers who have excelled in broker relations, claims handling, underwriting expertise, and product quality. Despite a challenging past couple of years, the industry responded strongly, and the 5-Star Professional Liability winners are those who went above and beyond to deliver for their clients. The industry is very resilient and has fared pretty well during COVID, Kirstin Marr chief analytics officer at Insurity. For companies who werent really used to a remote workforce, a lot of them pivoted pretty well. You didnt see a ton of disruption in the insurance industrys ability to handle claims and to still have a strong financial performance. The respondents to IBAs survey rated coverage as the most important detail when selecting a policy all rated this a perfect 5, on a scale of 1 to 5. The next important were claims payment/processing (4.53) and underwriting expertise (4.47). Of least importance overall on the list was access to risk mitigation/risk evaluation partners, which scored 3.88. Nick Hoadley, CEO of global insurance talent acquisition firm Insurance Search, says, I think what weve seen over the last couple of years is that the insurance market is very solid and very stable. The reaction to the pandemic has been very strong, and the numbers posted, particularly by the agencies and brokers, have been very strong. We are not interested in commodity-type coverage. We want to solve problems with innovation Peter Taffae, ExecutivePerils Some winning product lines Winning in the insurer category, Markel is determined to be a leader across all market segments. To do that, a carrier needs to remember that customer needs and preferences not the preferences of the underwriters lead the direction of the market, says Jim Gray, the firms executive underwriting officer. Some notable results, he explains, include Markels Cyber 360 product, products for the investment advisor community, employment practices/wage and hour primary product, and intellectual property lending support product. In addition, Markel managing director Eric Amadori highlights large account risk management, D&O, and products for financial institutions. We are known for providing steady, consistent capital throughout economic and industry cycles, he explains. Our strong reputation as expert knowledge-based, responsive and experienced underwriters and claims professionals differentiates our offerings in the marketplace, as does our ability to handle multiple projects for multiple clients. Our underwriting expertise and service are our competitive advantages. ExecutivePerils is a boutique wholesaler focused on D&O, EPL, cyber, and errors and omissions (E&O) and is a winner in the MGA and broker categories. We have two national exclusives, both doing very well in both growth and loss ratio, explains CEO Peter Taffae. The oldest is FranchisorSuite, a dedicated comprehensive D&O, franchisors malpractice and EPL policy tailored to the unique exposures to franchisors, including vicarious liability and joint employer. Our second national exclusive is RE360, a D&O, EPL, fiduciary, cyber, and the following E&O: sales, leasing, property managers, property developers, construction managers, escrow, appraisers, auctioneers, title, lock box, and open house. The policy is extremely broad and has features unavailable elsewhere. The fact that these winners are updating and adding new product lines mirrors industry analysis by Marr, who describes how firms are focusing more on niche segments. She says, Even if they have a book of business that covers a wide variety, they have to actually look at each segment of their book and run their risk selection and pricing in a much more granular, sophisticated way. Creating a home for talented professionals to practice their craft is the key to keeping our competitive edge Jim Gray, Markel Tech benefits Bastiaan de Goei, an industry leader with Instabase, expects technology to become even more vital. He says, In the next 12 months, I expect large enterprise insurance companies to start really adopting practical AI inside of their insurance operations. Im talking about the practical use of these types of very advanced technologies, so in integrating advanced analytics and machine learning to handle core processes such as claims intake. Markels Pollaro says new technologies are already enabling the industry to do things that were unimaginable five to seven years ago. His colleague Amadori concludes, Technology allows us to streamline underwriting efficiencies, providing solutions for our clients in a more knowledgeable and impactful way, while enhancing our customer experience. Pollaro also emphasizes Markels more than 45 years in the US professional liability sector. Of their model of operation, he explains, Listen to our customers and distribution partners, and pay attention to trends and developments in legislation, the regulatory climate and litigation that is where innovation for product development originates. It's a corresponding story at ExecutivePerils. We continue to look for opportunities where we can bring value, both to agents and underwriters, says Taffae. Were not interested in commodity-type coverage. We want to solve problems with innovation. We currently have a third product in development that will be state of the art. Our business model is to solve problems with innovation. Technology allows us to streamline underwriting efficiencies, providing solutions for our clients in a more knowledgeable and impactful way, while enhancing our customer experience Eric Amadori, Markel Multiple perspectives on market developments Both Markel and ExecutivePerils also have a similarly detail-oriented perspective. Over the past two years, the professional liability market has worked toward pricing equilibrium and rate adequacy that had been missing for many years prior, says Sal Pollaro, managing director of management and professional liability at Markel. Certain lines of coverage experienced more variability, such as public D&O and cyber, and those rate and term/condition corrections likely reflected how wide the gap had been previously. At the same time, Amadori is focused on financial lines. Hes been concerned with derivative lawsuits related to board-level diversity, equity, and inclusion/environment, social, and governance, single case agreement industry trends and initial public offering/special purpose acquisition company (SPAC)/De-SPAC litigation, as well as increased legal expenses, the shifting regulatory environment, and the enhanced recession risk. Gray says Markel has grown its premium base and clients. Our ability to maintain a profitable book of business has benefited our clients by enabling Markel to service them as a stable source of capacity, he says. As multiple carriers have re-entered the market, pricing levels have been moderated, and an equilibrium has started to be achieved. And for Taffae, the past few years have been challenging due to less supply and more demand. It has offered opportunities to think outside the box in order to secure the coverage insureds expected, he explains. Recently, with new markets entering the marketplace, most clean accounts are having better renewal terms. Carriers ABA Insurance Services Admiral AIG Allied World Ascot AXA Beazley Berkley Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance CFC Chubb CNA GenStar Insurance Services Great American Insurance Group Hiscox Landmark American Insurance Company MedPro Group Norman-Spencer QBE Insurance Group StarStone Insurance The Doctors Company The Hanover Insurance Group Travelers MGAs Alta Pro Insurance Services At-Bay Brown & Brown Canopy Specialty Insurance Coalition Cooper & McCloskey CorRisk Solutions CRC Group E-Risk Services ExecutivePerils FranchisePerils Hayes Insurance Group Huntersure Lawyers Protector Plan Professional Risk Facilities Risk Placement Services RT Specialty Specialty Program Group US Brokers Network Vanguard Specialty Brokers We're a one trick pony. All we write is workers comp, but it's very good trick and we do it very well, Math told Insurance Business. We have the best underwriters in the industry, and we're able to tackle difficult accounts and get to the right price and underwrite effectively this year, we should finish over $200 million in premium. Read more: IBA 5-Star Program Administrators 2022 - SPECIALTY COMP INSURANCE SOLUTIONS The business is no longer a well kept secret, the CEO said, and in addition to its longer-term relationship building, it has this year made a conscious effort of getting its name out there online, through digital content, as well as social media sharing. Who would have thought that 30 years ago, social media would be such an effective platform for getting your name out there and engaging with customers, but now it's vital to being a leader in the industry, Math said. While other lines have hardened, workers comp has remained what many might call a soft market, with rates remaining relatively static. The reason why you're getting rate increases in other lines of business outside of workers comp is because you need them to bring the line of business into a state of profitability; however, for workers comp, we're already in a profitable state, so we just need to not cut our own throats with rate decreases that are suicidal and detrimental, Math said. The industry as a whole is still very profitable, so workers comp is soft with regard to rate level, but it's strong with regard to performance, and I don't see that really letting up in the next couple of years. Profitable growth should not just be about delivering results for the MGA, but also about providing good results for insurers through fraud reduction and safety efforts, according to Math. Math may have been confident that his business will continue to thrive, but he did have words of warning that some firms may find themselves in a more precarious position. The companies that don't know what they're doing are going to move from a profitable state to an unprofitable state; those that rely on cash flow underwriting and investment earnings, and those that are willing to ignore some of the early warning signs, either on an account-by-account basis or in the industry those companies will have some rough times ahead, Math said. But I think being the best in breed in workers comp those that are in the top 50th percentile and 25th percentile will continue to find ample opportunity to develop profitable business results. One niche that has proved to be a success story for Specialty Comp is staffing companies that provide skilled workers, and this has been buoyed by some employers post-COVID approach. Post-COVID, many companies chose not to hire workers back, but rather to engage in staffing companies that provide skilled labour force, Math said. We are large into the staffing niche, where we've written several staffing companies that have grown significantly once the COVID rebound occurred, and we've enjoyed success as those staffing companies have grown materially. Staffing may have proved a win for the business, but one area that continues to trouble workers comp underwriters is the gig economy. Sixteen percent of Americans had at some point earned money through a gig economy platform as of August last year, according to a Pew Research Center survey. It's very difficult to understand when gig employees are on the clock, doing actual work for which they're compensated for versus when they're not on the clock, and thus not subject to or entitled to workers compensation benefits, Math said. That's really a curveball that the gig economy has thrown the workers comp industry, and it's still yet to be determined how the industry gets its arms around that. Read more: Executive Insights Report: Workers' Comp Insights 2021 For decades, workers comp fraud had been estimated at $7 billion a year, but a recent report by the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud pegged it at around $34 billion annually. Of this, $9 billion comes from employee fraud, while $25 billion is employer fraud, the coalitions workers comp task force found. Employer fraud could be a business hiding or misrepresenting its payroll or taking advantage of the gray area between whether a worker is a staff member or a contractor. What Specialty Comp sees more of, though, is misclassification of employees, for example classifying a roofer as being in a clerical position. During the course of my career, I've seen many [employees in clerical positions] falling off of roofs, and that doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me, Math said. As for how agents and brokers on the front line can help to combat workers comp fraud, Math said: Agents just need to be true to themselves; agents will sometimes view themselves as an advocate for their client, but agents are really an extension of the insurance carrier. As such, they owe the insurance carrier a proper amount of due diligence and representation and [must make sure they are] collecting all the correct information and reporting it accurately. A graphic representation of the Danuri lunar orbiter sending "Dynamite," a song of BTS, to Earth, is seen in this photo provided by the Ministry of Science and ICT, Monday. Courtesy of Ministry of Science and ICT By Baek Byung-yeul Danuri, Korea's domestically-developed lunar orbiter, succeeded in sending files including video, photos and interestingly "Dynamite," the hit single of K-pop band BTS from space at a distance of 1.28 million kilometers to Earth, the science ministry said Monday. The Ministry of Science and ICT said "the Danuri has successfully sent data such as videos and photos from space," in a shared press release with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI). The unmanned space vehicle sent the files using its space internet payload, developed by the ETRI. The internet device was designed to test the data transmission capability in a space environment where disconnection of telecommunications frequently occurs unlike that on Earth. Sending BTS's hit song and other files have proved the stability of Korea's space internet technology, the science ministry explained. "The ETRI conducted performance verification tests of its space internet payload twice on Aug. 25 at a distance of 1.21 million kilometers from the Earth and Oct. 28 from 1.28 million kilometers away, together with KARI and NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and succeeded in sending video, photos and BTS's song 'Dynamite,'" the ministry said. "The performance verification test is significant in that they were conducted at distances of about three times the communication distance of about 380,000 km, which was the mission given to Danuri before launch," the ministry added. This photo, taken by the Danuri lunar orbiter on Sept. 24, shows the moon in different positions relative to Earth at 10-minute intervals. Courtesy of Ministry of Science and ICT The LDI reported that policyholders have filed 478,417 claims of all types from Hurricane Ida as of September 30. Of those claims, some 319,855 (67%) were closed with payment, equivalent to $10.9 billion in payments for hurricane damage. According to the LDI, the updated Ida information was generated from a data call it had issued for all authorized P&C insurers and surplus lines insurers operating in the state. Figures include claims from both personal and commercial insurance, but did not include claims and payment data from the National Flood Insurance Program. Policyholders who feel their claim has not been properly resolved by their insurer can call us at 800-259-5300 and file a complaint, said Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon. Policyholders need to know they have a right to file a supplemental claim if they find additional damage or if the increased cost of materials made the initial payment insufficient to cover the loss. Read more: Louisiana regulator proposes $20 million plan to fund insurer incentive program The LDI had previously proposed creating a $20 million incentive fund to attract more insurers to the state. According to Donelon, the $20 million would be coming from the excess the LDI collects from charging insurers for licenses, as well as other costs of business. Under the partnership, Zurich customers will be offered multi-seat access to Baron Threat Net, a web-based tool with a companion app that delivers current and forecasted weather information. Baron Threat Net delivers accurate, detailed weather information such as a storms time of arrival to specific areas. With our new relationship with Baron Weather, Zurich can provide our customers with technology that gives them greater insights into severe weather events headed their way that could impact their business, said Patrick Clarke, head of risk engineering services at Zurich Resilience Solutions. Baron Weathers technology provides advanced notification and a deeper understanding of how the climate affects properties and enables its users to proactively protect people, equipment, materials and environment, while at the same time, prepare and deploy response resources more efficiently. Zurich is offering Baron Threat Net because of our alerts and monitoring capabilities, said Greg Thompson, Baron Weather director of business development insurance. This ensures Zurich can offer customers access to location-specific weather perils and the ability to set up customized alerts for the locations and conditions they want to monitor in real time. Read next: WBN partners with Zurich for resilience Baron Threat Nets capabilities include the ability to: New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! Infowars host Alex Jones is facing the possibility of having more penalties heaped onto the amount he already owes for spreading conspiracy theories about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, as the punitive damages phase of his Connecticut trial is set to begin Friday in a lawsuit filed by the victims families. A jury last month ordered Jones and his company, Free Speech Systems, to pay nearly $1 billion in compensation to the Sandy Hook families for the harm they suffered when he persuaded his audience that the 2012 shooting that killed 26 people was a hoax perpetrated by crisis actors. The jury also said punitive damages should be awarded. That amount will be determined by Judge Barbara Bellis following evidentiary hearings set for Friday and Monday. The plaintiffs lawyers, in court filings, suggested punitive damages could total $2.75 trillion based on one hypothetical calculation, but have not asked for a specific amount. Justice requires that the Courts punitive damages award, punish and deter this evil conduct, attorneys Alinor Sterling, Christopher Mattei and Joshua Koskoff wrote in a motion. Only a punitive damages assessment of historic size will serve those purposes. Jones lawyer, Norm Pattis, is arguing that any punitive damages should be minimal, in part because the $1 billion compensatory damages award is the functional equivalent of punitive damages due to its extremely large amount. Few defendants alive could pay damages of this sum, Pattis wrote. Indeed, most defendants would be driven into bankruptcy, their livelihood destroyed, and their future transformed into the bleak prospect of a judgment debtor saddled for decades with a debt that cannot be satisfied. To regard this as anything other than punishment would be unjust. Pattis did not return a message seeking comment. Mattei declined to comment. All the plaintiffs, including relatives of eight of the shooting victims and an FBI agent who responded to the school, gave emotional testimony during the trial, describing how they have been threatened and harassed for years by people who believe the shooting didnt happen. Strangers showed up at some of their homes and confronted some of them in public. People hurled abusive comments at them on social media and in emails. And some said they received death and rape threats. Jones was found liable last year for damages to the families for defamation, infliction of emotional distress and violating Connecticuts Unfair Trade Practices Act. Although punitive damages are generally limited to attorneys fees for defamation and infliction of emotional distress, there are no such limits for punitive damages under the Unfair Trade Practices Act. In a calculation in a plaintiffs court filing, they said Jones comments about Sandy Hook were viewed an estimated 550 million times on his and Infowars social media accounts from 2012 to 2018. They said that translated into 550 million violations of the Unfair Trade Practices Act. If each of the 550 million violations were assessed at the $5,000 statutory maximum, the total civil penalty would be $2,750,000,000,000 ($2.75 trillion), their attorneys wrote. They also said punitive damages for violations of the unfair trade practices law typically are multiple times more than compensatory damages. As for legal fees, the plaintiffs and their lawyers have a retainer agreement stipulating the law firm, Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, will get one-third of any compensatory damages recovered from Jones and Free Speech Systems. The firm says its legal costs in the case have been nearly $1.7 million so far. Jones has said on his Infowars show that it doesnt matter how large the damages awards are, because he doesnt have $2 million to his name and he wouldnt be able to pay the full amounts. That contradicted testimony at a similar trial in Texas in August, when a jury ordered Jones to pay nearly $50 million to the parents of one of the children killed in the Sandy Hook shooting due to his lies about the massacre. A forensic economist testified that Jones and Free Speech Systems, Infowars parent company, have a combined net worth as high as $270 million, which Jones disputes. Free Speech Systems filed for bankruptcy protection in the middle of the trial in Texas, while a third trial over the hoax conspiracy is planned around the end of the year. Jones hawks nutritional supplements, survival gear and other products on his show. Evidence at the Connecticut trial showed his sales spiked around the time he talked about the Sandy Hook shooting _ leading the plaintiffs lawyers to say he was profiting off the tragedy. In documents recently filed in Free Speech Systems bankruptcy case, a budget for the company for Oct. 29 to Nov. 25 estimated product sales would total $2.5 million, while operating expenses would be about $740,000. Jones salary was listed at $20,000 every two weeks. Jones has vowed to appeal all the verdicts against him related to Sandy Hook. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! A federal jury has awarded $3 million to a former Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center worker who said racial discrimination led to his firing. Attorneys for David Ako-Annan, who is Black, said the damages represented the largest sum awarded for a racial discrimination case in Maine. The essence of Maine is that we are one big family where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and no one is more or less important. This case is critical to sending a message to EMMC that it must work harder to ensure the fair and equal treatment of workers who are Black or people of color, said David Webbert, one of Ako-Annans attorney. Ako-Annan, 46, of Milford, immigrated from Ghana to Maine, where he graduated from the University of Maine, earned a masters degree in business administration and human relations and counseling from Husson University, and worked as a practice manager at a primary care medical office operated by Northern Light EMMC. In the lawsuit, he contended his intelligence was questioned and that he was subjected to intimidation and racially insensitive remarks. He said an internal complaint of racial discrimination was met with a disciplinary warning. EMCC contended that Ako-Annan failed to do his job properly, leading to his termination, but the all-white jury on Thursday concluded he was a victim of racial stereotyping and implicit bias. A spokesperson for Northern Light Health stood behind the contention that Ako-Annan was fired for poor performance. We continue to stand behind our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in our workforce and believe it was amply demonstrated in this case, said Suzanne Spruce, chief marketing and communications officer. The jury awarded $1.5 million in compensatory damages and $1.5 million in punitive damages. Hes also eligible for more than $300,000 in back pay, his attorneys said. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Maine Medical Professional Liability New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! More than three dozen people were injured, two critically, in a fire at a high-rise apartment building in Manhattan caused by a faulty battery, fire officials said. The blaze broke out Saturday morning in the 37-story building on East 52nd Street, near the East River. Videos posted online showed people hanging out of apartment windows as firefighters used ropes to scale the building and smoke poured out of a window. Some residents above the floor where the fire started escaped to the roof, fire officials said. At a news conference, FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said the fire started in a 20th-floor apartment from a lithium battery connected to an unspecified micromobility device. Thirty-eight people were injured, including two in critical condition and five in serious condition, fire officials said. Fire officials were not sure how many families were displaced by the fire. Several people have died in fires linked to micromobility devices in New York. An electric scooter battery sparked a fire that killed an 8-year-old girl in Queens in September, and a woman and a 5-year-old girl were killed in August in Harlem by a fire that was blamed on a scooter battery. A fire linked to an e-scooter killed a 9-year-old boy in Queens in September 2021 Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Nineteen people died after a passenger plane crashed into Africas largest lake on approach to an airport in northwestern Tanzania, Radio One cited Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa as saying. The ATR turboprop aircraft was carrying 39 passengers from Tanzanias commercial hub of Dar es Salaam to Bukoba. Earlier on Sunday, state-run broadcaster TBC had reported that 26 people had been rescued and work was ongoing. Precision Air flight plunges into Lake Victoria when landing at Bukoba Airport in Tanzania, authorities say rescue operations underway : Courtesy pic.twitter.com/WJLYfGeVjw Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) Nov. 6, 2022 Images shared by East African media showed the aircraft seemingly intact after plunging into Lake Victoria, which borders Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. Authorities are in touch with pilots still inside the plane and discussing the possibility of towing it to land, regional commissioner Albert Chalamila said earlier in a televised press briefing. A joint venture between Airbus SE and Italys Leonardo SpA, Toulouse-based ATR builds turboprops with as many as 78 seats, according to its website. Those rescued have been taken to the hospital for medical care, Precision Air said. An investigation team including the carriers technical staff and the Tanzania Airports Authority have traveled to the scene, it said. With assistance from Patrick Sykes. Photograph: Rescuers search for survivors after a Precision Air flight crashed on Lake Victoria, Tanzania, on Nov. 6, 2022. Photo credit: Sitide Protase/AFP/Getty Images Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Pakistani online insurance startup Waada acquired a local rival to create the South Asian nations largest player in the field, seeking to benefit from growth in the burgeoning market. The Karachi-based company took over MicroEnsure Pakistan, a unit of MIC Global operating in South Asia and Africa, in an all-stock deal, according to a statement Friday. The brands combined have 1.5 million active customers, Waada said, without disclosing the deal value. Waada also said its closed a seed round of $1.3 million from local angel investors and foreign venture capital firms. Pakistans startup industry attracted record funding last year, but has languished since, as venture investors have become more cautious amid a global economic slowdown and slumping tech stocks. Airlift Technologies Pvt., which raised Pakistans largest round, has shut down, Vitols used-car venture VavaCars exited the market this year, and Dubai-based ride-hailing provider Swvl Holdings has suspended daily operations in the country. This is the first of many consolidations which the Pakistan market will experience, said Nadeem Hussain, founder of Planet N, a Waada investor that helped to structure the transaction with MicroEnsure. The global slowdown will make fundraising difficult. Pakistan has one of the worlds largest unbanked populations, giving its financial sector ample potential for growth. The nations insurance penetration is just 0.7%, trailing its neighbors in Asia. Waada aims to add customers using online sign-ups and has a goal to distribute 10 million policies in three to five years. Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Mergers & Acquisitions InsurTech Tech Allstate Corp. is in talks about moving its headquarters to Chicago after selling the majority of its suburban campus earlier this year, potentially returning to a city that it quit decades ago. The insurer has held discussions with Chicago officials about the potential move, but it has yet to announce a decision, according to people familiar with the matter. Discussions are ongoing and Allstate, which employs more than 7,000 people in Illinois, could still choose a different location for the headquarters. Its unclear how many people would be affected, since 75% of the companys employees work from home. Moving back to the city would help Chicago make up for some high-profile corporate departures this year, including the decision by Citadel, Ken Griffins giant hedge fund, to leave for Miami. It also would dovetail with a trend of companies decamping from the Illinois suburbs to the city in search of young university talent. McDonalds Corp. and Oreo-cookie maker Mondelez International Inc. are among companies that relocated from the suburbs to the trendy Fulton market district in recent years. A spokesman for Allstate said the insurer is considering options for a modern headquarters in Illinois that will support the way our employees are working now and into the future. The city of Chicago didnt respond to a request for comment. Allstate bought a building in Chicagos central business district earlier this year. While 29 North Wacker Drive will house some employees, its unlikely to become Allstates headquarters, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks with the city are private. In an interview, Chief Executive Officer Tom Wilson said the company was re-evaluating what it would want from a new headquarters and that an ideal campus would foster collaboration and mentorship, rather than languishing as an empty office full of computer monitors. Allstate sold the majority of its Northbrook campus for $232 million this year. New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! A federal court in late October found the US government liable for $455,000 in damages to six claimants whose homes were flooded by water backed up behind two dams near Houston during Hurricane Harvey but thats just for starters. Approximately 10,000 structures upstream from the Addicks and Barker dams were inundated during the storm and each has a potential claim, said Daniel H. Charest, an attorney for the plaintiffs. He said the ruling could lead to ultimate damages of $1.67 billion if the amount awarded by the court were extrapolated as the average award for each of the properties that was damaged. But thats just a rough estimate and doesnt include interest. Whats more, Charest said he may appeal the decision because he believes the formula used by the US Court of Federal Claims did not adequately compensate the claimants. We advocated for more, he said. Hurricane Harvey unleashed a torrent of litigation from property owners both upstream and downstream from the two dams. The upstream owners say the government never told them that it would use their property as a flood-control reservoir. Downstream owners sued saying the Army Corps of Engineers did not have to release water from the dams because the structures had been upgraded to hold back far more water. The six upstream claims decided in the Oct. 28 ruling by Judge Charles F. Lettow were bellwether cases. They were tried as a way of establishing a method of determining the amount of damages. Lettow ruled in 2019 that the government was liable for damages because it created a reservoir when the Corps built the dams in the 1940s, but failed to buy all of the property that would be submerged during extreme rain events. Lettow decided that this amounted to a taking under the 5th Amendment to the US Constitution, which means the government must pay fair value. During the damages trial, attorneys argued for different methods of determining the value of a flood easement that had been created behind the Addicks and Barker dams. A key data point in deciding the value of the easement was to determine how frequently the properties that lie within it are likely to flood. An expert for the government said the 33.7 inches of rain that fell during Harvey was a 1-in-1,000 year event, although he also conceded that a second 1,000-year event struck in 2019 when Hurricane Imelda dumped 40 inches of rain. Experts for the plaintiffs estimated that properties within the flood easement are likely to be inundated once in every 10 to 20 years.Expert witnesses also disagreed about whether people who buy real estate in the Houston area are aware of the unrecorded flood easement behind the dams, or that the properties are at risk of flooding. Widespread awareness would presumably lower values. Judge Lettow said in his opinion that the government greatly underestimated the frequency of the flood risk, while the plaintiffs experts overstated it. He said that the evidence shows that the market is largely unaware of the flood easement, although the public is aware of a more general flood risk in the area. But Lettow determined that the property owners are entitled to compensation for their losses. He included the loss of personal property, despite the governments objections. Lettow subtracted any payments that the property owners received through the Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster assistance program when calculating the damages. He determined damages to the six property owners ranged from $1,401.49 for a house that required only minor repairs to a garage to $195,549.85 for a house that was coated in a foot and a half of mucky sludge. Charest said he expects the government to appeal the decision. He said he may also appeal because the court undervalued the damages. For example, Lettow awarded zero dollars to compensate an owner who suffered only minimal damage for diminished property value because of the easement. Charest said he is concerned that hundreds of property owners who suffered damages will miss out on getting compensation from the government. He said a six-year statute of limitations will bar any claims after August 2023. As of this week, he said, only 3,400 lawsuits have been filed by upstream owners. He said that means another 6,000 havent yet filed claims. About photo: A house and vehicles stand in floodwaters due to Hurricane Harvey in Spring, Texas, U.S., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Flood Hurricane Residents in southeastern Oklahoma and northeastern Texas began assessing weather damage Saturday, working to recover and thankful to have survived after a storm stretching from Dallas to northwest Arkansas spawned tornadoes and produced flash flooding, killing at least one, injuring others and leaving homes and buildings in ruins. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt went to the town of Idabel to see the damage. He said on social media that all the homes had been searched and a 90-year-old man was killed. Keli Cain, spokesperson for the states Department of Emergency Management, said the mans body was found at his home in the Pickens area of McCurtain County, about 36 miles (58 kilometers) north of Idabel. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol also reported a 6-year-old girl drowned and a 43-year-old man was missing after their vehicle was swept by water off a bridge near Stilwell, about 135 miles (217 kilometers) north of Idabel. The drowning has not been officially attributed to the storm and will be investigated by the medical examiner, Cain said. Saturday afternoon Stitt declared a state of emergency for McCurtain County, where Idabel is located, and neighboring Bryan, Choctaw and LeFlore counties. The declaration is a step in qualifying for federal assistance and funding and clears the way for state agencies to make disaster-recovery related purchases without limits on bidding requirements. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said damage assessments and recovery efforts are under way in northeast Texas and encouraged residents to report damage to the Texas Division of Emergency Management. I have deployed all available resources to help respond and recover, Abbott said in a statement. I thank all of our hardworking state and local emergency management personnel for their swift response. National Weather Service meteorologist Robert Darby in Tulsa said the far-reaching storm produced heavy rain in the Stilwell area at the time, around 4 inches (10.16 centimeters). Idabel, a rural town of about 7,000 at the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, saw extensive damage, Cain said. There are well over 100 homes and businesses damaged from minor damage to totally destroyed, Cain said. Trinity Baptist Church in Idabel was preparing to complete a new building when the storm ripped apart their sanctuary and flattened the shell of the new structure next door, according to Pastor Don Myer. The 250-member congregation was to vote after the Sunday service on whether to move ahead with he final work to complete the building, Myer told The Associated Press. But we didnt get to that. Every vote counts and we had one vote trump us all, Myer, 67, said. We were right on the verge of that. Thats how close we were. Myer said the congregation is going to pray on what happened, see how much their insurance covers and work to rebuild. On Saturday morning, a few members of the church took an American flag that had been blown over in the storm and stood it upright amid the wreckage of the original church building. Shelbie Villalpando, 27, of Powderly, Texas, said she was eating dinner with her family Friday when tornado sirens prompted them to congregate first in their rented homes hallways, then with her children, aged 5, 10 and 14, in the bathtub. Within two minutes of getting them in the bathtub, we had to lay over the kids because everything started going crazy, Villalpando said. Ive never been so terrified, she said. I could hear glass breaking and things shattering around, but whenever I got out of the bathroom, my heart and my stomach sank because I have kids and it could have been much worse. What if our bathroom had caved in just like everything else? We wouldnt be here. Terimaine Davis and his son were huddled in the bathtub until just before the tornado barreled through Friday, reducing their home in Powderly to a roofless, sagging heap. We left like five minutes before the tornado actually hit, Davis, 33, told The Associated Press. Me and my son were in the house in the tub and that was about the only thing left standing. In their driveway Saturday morning, a childs car seat leaned against a dented, grey Chevrolet sedan with several windows blown out. Around back, his wife, Lori Davis, handed Terimaine a basket of toiletries from inside the wreckage of their house. The couple and the three kids who live with them did not have renters insurance, Lori Davis said, and none of their furniture survived. Were going to have to start from scratch, she said. They hope to stay with family until they can find a place to live. The next few days look like rough times, Terimaine Davis said. Judge Brandon Bell, the highest elected official in Lamar County where Powderly is located, declared a disaster in that area. Bells declaration said at least two dozen people were injured across the county. Powderly is about 45 miles (72 kilometers) west of Idabel and about 120 miles (193 kilometers) northeast of Dallas and both are near the Texas-Oklahoma border. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth confirmed three tornadoes in Lamar, Henderson and Hopkins counties Friday night as a line of storms dropped rain and sporadic hail on the Dallas-Fort Worth area and continued to push eastward. The weather services office in Shreveport, Louisiana, said it was assessing the damage in Oklahoma. Weather service meteorologist Bianca Garcia in Fort Worth said while peak severe weather season typically is in the spring, tornados occasionally develop in October, November, December and even January. Its not very common, Garcia said, but it does happen across our region. _____ Associated Press writer Ken Miller in Oklahoma City contributed to this report. About photo: Logan Johnson, 11, carries a sign that reads Thankful after he recovered it from his familys destroyed home after a tornado hit in Powderly, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/LM Otero) Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Texas Windstorm Oklahoma Naver's headquarters / Yonhap Korean internet portal giant Naver said Monday its third quarter sales topped 2 trillion won ($1.4 billion) for the first time in two years on robust growth in its content business. The company said in a regulatory filing that its sales reached 2.05 trillion won for the July-September period, up 19.1 percent from 1.73 trillion won the previous year. It is the first time that Naver posted more than 2 trillion won in sales since the third quarter in 2021, when the Korean company completed the business integration of its messaging firm Line in Japan with Yahoo Japan. Its third-quarter net income slumped 28.2 percent on-year to 231.6 billion won ($163.2 million), and its operating profit declined 5.6 percent to 330.2 billion won, according to Naver. The earnings fell behind market expectations. The average estimate of net profit by analysts stood at 298.8 billion won, according to a survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency. Naver said the stellar performance for the third quarter was led by brisk sales in content and commerce sectors. Content sales skyrocketed 77.3 percent to 311.9 billion won over the same period due to increased global demand for its webtoons. Revenue from its webtoon business gained 18.1 percent from a year earlier. Revenue from Naver's commerce business in the first quarter jumped 19.4 percent on-year to 458.3 billion won thanks to an expansion in its new shopping services, such as Brand Store. The company's flagship search platform, which covers its ads business, saw its sales grow 8 percent on-year to 896.2 billion won. Sales from the fintech sector also expanded 22.5 percent on-year to 296.2 billion won on increased online shopping through its mobile payment service Naver Pay. Revenue from its cloud business retreated 1.5 percent on-year to 94.8 billion won. (Yonhap) New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! As the Florida Legislature prepares for its 2nd Special Session on property insurance in 2022, its time we examine why our market sputtered out of control and discuss the necessary solutions to fix it. Many Floridians are wondering: How could nine insurance companies go bankrupt in less than two years? Why have rates tripled, on average, for every homeowner? What caused the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. to grow from an all-time low of 420,000 policyholders to more than 1 million and heading for 2 million? Media outlets across the state have done a decent job of highlighting the failing insurance market. However, there are many misconceptions associated with these reports. The first, that storms are to blame, and the second, that reinsurance rates are exploding due to climate change. In truth, many factors have contributed to the crisis and the insolvent companies failed or were failing long before the 2022 Hurricane season even began. Reinsurance rates have risen, but the cost that can be passed onto the consumer is statutorily capped at 15% per year. While considerable, that only accounts for 60% of the 300% in rate increases since 2018. In short, this crisis starts and ends with litigation. Most have likely seen the headlines that Florida accounts for 80% of our nations property insurance lawsuits, while only accounting for 8% of the claims. Breaking that data down further shows that every other state averages less than 1,000 lawsuits annually, while Florida averages 100,000. This leads us to the multi-billion-dollar question: How? This question merits a complex answer, for sure, but can be boiled down to this: The combination of assignment-of-benefits (AOB) proliferation, an obscure, 2016 decision by the Florida Supreme Court (Sebo vs. American Home Assurance), and the 100-year-old one-way attorney fee statute (627.428), created a perfect legal storm so great that it brought our states insurance market to its knees. A laymans attempt to describe each is as follows AOBs have been often utilized in healthcare. You go to the doctor, and you assign your benefits to them so they can work with your insurance company for billing purposes. One day a few Florida attorneys figured out they could apply this practice to a homeowner in need of a fast repair, and assume complete control of a claim, including the ability to file a lawsuit. And, Voila! A massive incentive was created from thin air and a cottage industry was born. Prior to 2010, the state saw about 400 lawsuits annually, but once the AOB scheme was unleashed, that number ballooned to 30,000 in 2016. It took strong words from Gov. Ron DeSantis, in his very first State of the State address in 2019, to move the needle on moderate reform when he declared that AOBs had degenerated into a racket. Unfortunately, by then, this racket had already metastasized out of control. This then brings us to the 2016 Sebo decision by the state Supreme Court, which replaced the long-standing and efficient proximate cause doctrine with the concurrent causation doctrine. In practical terms, this enabled contractors to find very minimal damage on already deteriorating roofs or buildings and claim that the small damage, combined with the crummy condition of the structure, necessitated a full replacement at insurers expense. So, one windblown shingle on a 20-year-old roof was artfully used to get someone a new roof for free. Now, let us factor in the holy grail one-way attorney fees, courtesy of Florida Statute 627.428. The way this statute works is relatively simple: If you sue your insurance company and the case goes to trial, you only need to win $1 more than their last pretrial offer, regardless of the amount for which you were suing. If successful, the homeowner will be compensated for all attorney fees at the insurance companys expense. This fee structure, hailed as the David vs Goliath statute, was created to level the playing field so the Smith Family (David) could fight back against Big Insurance Co. (Goliath). For decades, it was considered to be a fair and reasonable concept. However, mixing these three components together is where things go radioactive. Essentially, nothing prevents a contractor from coming to your home and assuming your rights, finding minimal damage yet filing a large claim; and then working with a lawyer to inflate the claim higher to garner a huge settlement. Financially, it works like this: They sue an insurer for $100,000 for a new roof that, if legitimately damaged, costs $25,000. But it has only two shingles missing that should cost $150 to replace. The insurance company must meet in the middle and settles for $65,000 because it would cost more to go to trial. Now multiply by 130,000, which is the number of lawsuits filed last year, according to state Department of Financial Services data. That equates to more than $8 billion and a healthy dose of eyeball emojis. Now you might find yourself saying: How can these insurance companies claim poverty and any of this be true when 4 out of 5 television commercials is an advertisement for an insurance company? The answer is that those national carriers combine for only 10% of the market share in Florida. This has been the case since the 2004-2005 hurricane seasons when Mother Nature alone was cause for concern. Citizens Insurance is now the largest provider in the state with more than 15% of the market share. Domestic (Florida-only or predominant) carriers are the primary source of homeowners insurance in the state. These insurers, national and domestic, are not without blame, either. Despite the ongoing multibillion dollar racket being committed against them, many carriers that went belly up did so because they ignored the most fundamental aspect of insurance, risk management. The few companies that have weathered this market responsibly did so because they chose to sacrifice growth to protect solvency. The now-defunct carriers were 2-3 years too late when it came to tightening their underwriting practices. It is also unfathomable that some companies would pay not just normal, but increased, dividends or investor bonuses at a time when their company surpluses were being depleted by the tens of millions annually. Even worse, some took on debt to do so. Regardless of the reforms enacted in December, there will be more insolvencies and the number of existing companies on stable ground moving forward can be counted on one hand. The topic of insurance can seem boring, but it is essential state infrastructure. It is the oil that keeps a free-market engine running, and it is safe to say Floridas property insurance market needs an oil change! What should the new synthetic blend look like? Thus far, the state has tried three times since 2019 to halt abusive practices: AOBs were first regulated to allow for a 14-day rescission period and a new fee-shifting measure for third-party lawsuits was put in place. Then in 2021, a hybrid version of that fee structure was enacted for first-party lawsuits and the amount of time to file a claim was lowered from 5 years to 2 years. Finally, in the May 2022 Special Session, one-way attorney fees were eliminated altogether for AOBs, attorney fee multipliers were prohibited, and building-codes for roofs were updated to combat the loophole being exploited post-2016 and the Sebo case. Has it worked? Some, but not quick enough. Thankfully, Hurricane Ian did not deliver a death blow to the insurance industry partly because these previous reforms had been enacted. Each reform was a tough battle brought forth by good legislators and none made it across the finish line without the governors vocal support. However, just surviving Ian is not good enough because Floridians know there will always be more hurricanes on the horizon. To stabilize the marketplace for the foreseeable future, the one-way attorney fee must be abolished across the board, just as it is in most other states. Other changes: Price and scope arguments can be resolved through arbitration or independent appraisals. The time frame to file a claim should be lowered to one year and any assignment of rights, benefits, etc. should be banned completely. Litigating when an insurance company has truly engaged in bad-faith practices should be allowed to continue. If these measures happen, we will slowly get back to normal or as normal as Florida can be. The better in-class carriers will begin to grow again, pressure on Citizens will be relieved, and new capital will form to enter the state and fill the void left by insolvencies. Reinsurance pricing will also stabilize. Their world-class modeling can project storm losses down to the decimal, but no model can predict how legal rackets create hurricane-esque losses in years with no hurricanes. With the right public policy, the insurance market will fire on all cylinders again. The oil change is long overdue. Kevin Comerer is a consultant and registered lobbyist with Rubin, Turnbull & Associates, in Tallahassee. He was previously legislative director for American Integrity Insurance Co. Top photo: AP Topics Trends Florida Legislation Energy Oil Gas Market New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! The National Transportation Safety Board on Thursday renewed its call for seat belts on school buses after completing an investigation of a 2020 crash in Tennessee that killed the driver and a 7-year-old girl. The investigation corroborated an initial report by the Tennessee Highway Patrol on the Oct. 27, 2020, crash. A Service Electric Company utility truck was travelling northbound on state Highway 58 in Meigs County when its front right tire went off the side of the road. Driver Terry Trammell steered to the left and when the tire reconnected with the pavement, the truck spun counterclockwise, sending his vehicle into the path of the bus and nearly perpendicular to the roadway. School bus driver Lisa Dillard braked but had no time to avoid the collision, according to the report. Neither vehicle was speeding and the school buss brakes had been replaced the previous month. The Safety Board said the probable cause of the wreck was Trammells inattention to the road because he was looking in his rearview mirror at a sheriffs deputy vehicle. Dillard, 53, was killed in the crash along with a 7-year-old girl who was seated directly behind her, according to the report. Another four children were seriously injured, all of whom were in the first three rows. Dillard, of Birchwood, was wearing her seat belt, but the childrens seats did not have belts. Trammell, of Grandview, was wearing his seat belt and was uninjured. This case is a gut-wrenching reminder that failure to act on our recommendations can lead to unimaginable and preventable tragedy, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said in a statement on the report. School buses are often praised for their safety record, but weve become complacent. Childrens lives are at stake. The Board on Thursday renewed its 2018 recommendation that states require lap and shoulder belts for all passengers in new, large school buses. Tennessee is among states that do not require seat belts, although the legislature in 2018 set aside $3 million to reimburse school districts for adding seatbelts to new buses or retrofitting older buses. As of fiscal year 2021, almost $827,000 had been awarded to school districts, according to the Safety Board report. The Board also renewed a 2010 recommendation that lane departure warning systems be required for heavy buses and trucks. Photo: The scene of the Oct. 27, 2020 crash in Decatur, Tennessee. (Tennessee Highway Patrol via AP, File) Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics K-12 Tennessee Electric company PacifiCorp has entered a settlement with two families who were victims of the catastrophic Labor Day fires in southern Oregon in 2020, according to attorneys representing the families, the Oregonian reports. The confidential settlement avoids a jury trial that was set to start Nov. 15. According to filings in a lawsuit originally brought in October 2020, plaintiffs Kathy Kreiter and Tim Goforth lost their home in the fire. Goforth was blinded permanently in one eye by an injury sustained in the blaze. The other plaintiffs, Phillip and Cassie Strader, lost 750 acres of timber in the fire, which constituted their retirement fund, the filings said. Together, they were seeking $69 million in damages. A judge had agreed to let the jury consider punitive damages beyond that amount due to PacifiCorps alleged reckless indifference to the risk of harm to the plaintiffs and residents of Douglas County. Their attorneys, led by San Francisco-based Baker & Hostetler LLP, filed three additional lawsuits earlier this week seeking more than $100 million in damages on behalf of a handful of the 200 families they represent. They could go to trial if the parties cant come to terms in mediation, or PacifiCorp could consider a global settlement before another case goes to trial. We went right up to trial and there was a settlement, said Robert Julian, a lawyer at the firm, according to the Oregonian. Well try to resolve them all with a retired judge. Well give it two or three or four months, hold off filing (more cases) for a while. If they dont settle progressively, well go to trial. A spokesperson for PacifiCorp said the company doesnt comment on legal matters. The utility company, which provides electrical service in many of the rural communities ravaged by the 2020 fires, faces a raft of litigation stemming from the blazes. One of the largest is a class action case filed on behalf of owners of properties burned in the Santiam, 242 and South Obenchain fires. That trial is scheduled for April 24 in Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland. PacifiCorp, a subsidiary of Warren Buffetts conglomerate, Berkshire Hathaway, is also being sued by various insurers and faces a $350 million suit from timberland owners in Douglas County. While the specific claims in the lawsuits vary, they generally allege that the utility was negligent in managing its transmission and distribution rights of way, failed to perform adequate tree trimming and didnt deenergize its electrical lines in advance of a historic windstorm that was forecast days in advance. In the case of Archie Creek, plaintiffs have alleged PacifiCorp reenergized a line downed in the storm that ultimately caused one of the two fires that merged into the larger conflagration. The Archie Creek Fire exploded on Sept. 8, 2020, growing to over 150 square miles in the first 48 hours as it was fanned by strong easterly winds. It burned about 200 square miles and destroyed more than 100 homes. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Numbers Oregon Hundreds of female city employees are anticipating back payment from the City of Albuquerque, New Mexico, to make up for a wage gap going back years. KOB-TV reported that a judge is expected to sign off on the $17 million settlement the city has agreed to pay to cover claims from over 430 workers. The hearing for the judge to give approval is scheduled for Nov. 17. Attorneys expect each woman to receive anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $100,000. Some had claims going back a decade. In the collective action lawsuit, female staffers allege the city pays $3-$6 less per hour compared with their male counterparts. They say the wage disparity occurs across jobs from bus drivers to city office staff. Under the agreement, they will also get a bump in salary and changes to retirement benefits. Meanwhile, the city agreeing to settle does not mean an admission of any unlawful conduct. Officials said in a statement that the city is committed to closing a gender pay gap and ensuring a lawful pay structure. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Mexico New Mexico Pre-tax profits at the main Irish arm of jobs and professional networking social media platform, LinkedIn last year increased by 42 per cent to $176.35m (176.55m) LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company recorded the jump in pre-tax profits as revenues surged by $1.38bn or 42.5 per cent from $3.24bn to $4.62bn. The firm last year paid out a dividend of 250m and in a note, the accounts state that subsequent to year end, the company intends to return capital of $5.6bn to its immediate parent firm, Microsoft Ireland Research. The directors state that revenues last year increased by $1.38bn due to increases across all lines of business. Last month, LinkedIn Ireland confirmed that it is scaling back plans to expand its office space at a new campus in Dublin with the firm stating that the move is a consequence of more of its Irish based staff working from home more often, which means it does not need as big an office footprint. Commercial real estate developer IPUT is currently developing 600,000 sq ft of new office space at Wilton Park and the firm has now decided not to occupy Two and Three Wilton and will only use One Wilton, as well as Four Wilton when the project is completed around 2025. The Irish-based business of LinkedIn manages the companys operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). The revenues generated by the Irish-based business accounted for 45 per cent of LinkedIns global revenues of $10.28bn in 2021. The new accounts show that the average numbers employed by LinkedIn last year declined marginally from 1,810 to 1,787 but staff costs increased from $288.27m to $294.2m. The directors state however that there was an increase in the actual number of employees during the latter half of the financial year supporting the companys growth in activities during the year. The business last year recorded post-tax profits of $155.28m after paying corporation tax of 21m. The directors state that the number of members last year increased by 70 million to 810 million across 200 countries in 26 languages. They state: This was achieved through continued investment on the LinkedIn platform and in marketing and advertising expenses. The companys cost of sales last year increased by 52 per cent from $1.8bn to $2.74bn and administrative expenses increased by 26 per cent from $1.35bn to $1.7bn while 'other operating expenses' totalled $13.92m The firm last year recorded an operating profit of $161.88m and profits were boosted by $13.79m received in shares from group subsidiaries. At the end of December last, the business had shareholder funds of $6.18bn with the bulk of funds made up of $4.19bn from a share premium account. The firm's cash funds last year increased from $7m to $8.9m. The company has subsidiaries based in 17 countries Britain, Canada, India, France, Netherlands, Italy, Japan, Germany, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sweden, Brazil, Austria, Malaysia and Mexico. Alan Ryan Halls statue of Monsignor Hugh OFlaherty in Killarney cuts an intriguing figure; the late cleric is depicted in mid-stride, with his cap in one hand and a Bible in the other. OFlaherty was a senior official at the Vatican who, during the German occupation of Italy in World War II, helped saved thousands of lives by arranging hiding places for Allied servicemen and Jews fleeing the Nazis. This is how he was remembered by many of those who approached him for help, says Jerry OGrady, the former CEO of Killarney Tourism and Commerce, who was instrumental in having the statue commissioned. Theyd arrive in Rome, disguised as farmers or whatever, and go to a particular arch by the Vatican gates where Fr Hugh would be waiting between noon and 3pm. Once theyd identified themselves, thered be no chat or anything. He'd just say follow me and stride off across St Peters Square to his residence, which, ironically, was in the German College. OFlaherty was born in Kiskeam, Co Cork in 1898, but grew up on the golf course in Killarney, where his father worked as a steward. His was a relatively late vocation; he was aged 20 when he enrolled at Mungret, a Jesuit college in Co Limerick, whereas most of the other students enrolled in their mid-teens. He was sent to Rome to complete his studies in 1922, and made such an impression he was kept on to work as a Vatican diplomat, serving in Egypt, Haiti, Santo Domingo and Czechoslovakia. In 1934, he was appointed a papal chamberlain, which required him to live at the Vatican. Lt Gen John CH Lee presents the US Medal of Freedom to Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty in Rome in 1946. In the early years of World War II, when Mussolini held power in Italy, OFlaherty toured prisoner of war camps throughout the country, helping get information to the families of soldiers reporting as missing in action through his contacts in Radio Vatican. When Mussolini was dismissed as prime minister in 1943, these prisoners were released, but many were recaptured by the Nazis. OFlaherty became a point of contact for wanted servicemen, as well as for Jews on the run. He developed a network of supporters, who helped him find hiding places for those sought by the Nazis. Some were concealed in church properties, others in private homes. He is believed to have helped save as many as 6,500 from execution. My father knew Fr Hugh, says OGrady. He would have been a familiar figure around Killarney when he returned from Rome, but none of us really knew anything of what hed achieved. Certainly, we never learned anything about him as schoolchildren. # This was partly because OFlahertys actions were viewed in some quarters as being in breach of Irelands neutrality during World War II. There were two Irish ministers, or ambassadors, to Italy in those days, says OGrady. Dr TJ Kiernan was ambassador to the Vatican. He would have been very sympathetic to the work Fr Hugh was doing, and while he couldnt be seen to be helping himself, his wife, the ballad singer Delia Murphy, and daughter worked tirelessly to assist him. The Irish ambassador to Italy was Michael MacWhite. He took a different view, believing that Fr Hugh was misbehaving. When he heard the Italian secret police were looking for Fr Hugh, he sent a message back to Dublin saying: It would not surprise me if he found himself in a concentration camp one of these days. Gregory Peck as Monsignor Hugh OFlaherty in a scene from The Scarlet and The Black. OFlahertys ability to outsmart the secret police and the Nazis earned him the nickname, the Vatican Pimpernel. To a certain extent, he was protected by his status in the church; the Vatican, under Pope Pius XII, has a mixed history in its dealings with the Nazis, but officially maintained its neutrality during the German occupation of Italy. But at one point, the head of the Gestapo in Rome, Herbert Kappler, had a white line painted at the entrance to St Peters Square and let it be known that if Fr Hugh were ever to cross it, he would be done for. When the war ended, OFlaherty went on to campaign for Italian and German prisoners-of-war to be treated humanely. He would have been criticised for this at the time, but his motto always was: God has no country. When Kappler was jailed, OFlaherty was the only one who ever visited him in prison. He returned regularly, and so impressed the former Nazi officer that he converted to Catholicism. OFlaherty was the subject of several books, including The Rome Escape Line by Lt Col Sam Derry, one of the servicemen the monsignor helped avoid capture, and who went on to assist him in his work. There was also a television movie, The Scarlet and the Black, starring Gregory Peck at Fr Hugh. Its a pretty good film, but took a certain amount of poetic license with his story. OFlaherty suffered a stroke in 1960, and returned to Co Kerry to live with his sister in Cahirsiveen. He died in 1963. The suggestion that Killarney should honour OFlaherty came from two board members of Killarney Chamber of Commerce, Greg Canty and Deirdre Waldron, who had read Brian Flemings 2010 biography The Vatican Pimpernel: The Wartime Exploits of Monsignor Hugh OFlaherty. Alan Ryan Hall working on his bronze statue of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty in 2013. Picture: Don MacMonagle We organised a committee, with the late Michael Courtney, Mayor of Killarney, as chairman, says OGrady. Things got moving pretty quickly. We raised a budget of 100,000, and had an open competition for the sculpture, attracting thirty-five entries. One stipulation was that the meaning of the sculpture had to be obvious. Alan Ryan Halls submission was the popular favourite. Alan is based in Valentia. Once he got the commission, he contacted Fr Hughs grandnephew and had him model for the sculpture. The same committee organised photography, poetry and illustrated essay competitions, inspired by OFlaherty, for schools, and an Annual Humanitarian Award, whose recipients have included the GOAL aid workers Sharon Commins and Hilda Kawuki; Trocaires Regional Director for Latin America, Sally ONeill; and Sr Agnes Hunt of the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas. Ryan Halls two metre high bronze sculpture was unveiled on Mission Road, Killarney on October 30, 2013, on the 50th anniversary of OFlahertys passing. OGrady is very happy with the reaction there has been to it. Most days I drive by, theres someone taking photographs. Often, therell be one or two of them imitating Fr Hughs stride. Its particularly gratifying to see school trips stopping by to learn about his achievements. The search for the elixir of eternal youth has deep roots. In Ancient Egypt, Queen Cleopatra tried to stay looking young by bathing in sour donkeys milk and honey. Chinese Emperor Jiajing drank mercury, sulphur and arsenic it killed him. In 16th-century Hungary, Countess Elizabeth Bathory swore that cleansing herself in the blood of freshly butchered virgins gave her skin a smoother appearance. Today, age-defying Jennifer Lopez (52) attributes her youthful looks to avoiding the sun and "being kind to other women"; while fashion designer Vera Wang (73), whose fans claim "never ages", reveals her secret is sleep... and vodka cocktails. Attempting to push back the years is one thing. Donkey Milk Soap is supposed to reduce wrinkles. The instructions are on You Tube. Trying to cheat death is quite another. Yet one eighteenth-century musician and failed candidate for parliament (Monaghan, 1745 and Dublin, 1749) reckoned you could even do that. Enter Richard Pockrich (or Poekrich) who was born about 1695 on the family estate at Derrylusk, Aghnamallagh, Co. Monaghan: "You only need to let the blood of youthful, sanguine types flow across into aged, decrepit and withered ones, he maintained. "Projecting Pock", as he was nicknamed, was an entertainer and a master of self-promotion, who spent a lifetime blowing his inheritance of 4,000 (equivalent to 300,000 today) on a series of daring enterprises and bonkers schemes. Most renowned were his musical glasses (or glass harp), which exploited a parlour trick using drinking glasses that he tuned by putting different levels of water in each. At first, he tapped the glasses with sticks, but by the time of his first public debut, which included playing excerpts from Vivaldis Four Seasons at the Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin in 1743, he had developed the more refined technique of stroking their rims and sides with his moistened fingers. Subsequently, he went on tours with his glasses to London. They caught the public imagination and inspired scientist Benjamin Franklin, composer Christoph Willibald Gluck and hypnotist Franz Mesmer. Countess Elizabeth Bathory allegedly bathed in the blood of freshly butchered virgins to make her skin look smoother (historycollection.com). Pockrichs rise to public acclaim is remarkable, since one contemporary describes him as stingy: he was never known to do one benevolent act. The whacky inventor also had more than a touch of arrogance: I am, perhaps, the best master of harmony in the known world, he professed in his unsuccessful application to become Choir Master at Armagh Cathedral in 1742. Ever since his proposal to open a brewery and distillery at Island Bridge, Dublin, in 1715, most of Pockrichs ventures had lost money, and it wasnt long before he was plunged into debt. When bailiffs came to arrest him, he managed to entrance them with an impromptu performance on his angelick organ (one of the first recorded instances of mesmerism), and they apparently let him off. A cream made from fish cartilage and sea plants for younger looking skin. (Advertisement in the Cork Examiner, 2 Nov. 1994). The mind of the great eccentric continued to bubble over with impractical gimmicks, most of which were ridiculed by contemporaries. Using an original method unknown to anyone else, he proposed to drain bogs and plant vineyards, raise geese by the thousand on a farm in the barren mountains of Wicklow, and construct wings so every human could fly. Self-glory and self-enrichment were his primary aims, concludes FE Dixon in the Dublin Historical Record (1948). Exasperated by his mad aspirations, meanness and arrogance, his wife, Margaret (a widow he married at 50 for her money but who turned out to be in debt) left him and ran off with actor Theophilus Cibber. Keeping young and beautiful Pockrich's schemes to "keep young and beautiful" began with the probably ineffective though at least harmless method of getting rid of wrinkles. He claimed that his own smooth complexion was due to a special recipe: Take common brown paper, steep it in vinegar, and apply it to the forehead, the skin about the eyes, or any other wrinkled part; let it lie on some time, every half hour renewing the application. Eighteenth-century physician George Cheyne recommended drinking only water from an early age (Wikimedia Commons). But his schemes culminated in the downright dangerous, above all his proposal to rejuvenate old people he meant those aged sixty or more by means of blood transfusions with youthful, "physically active specimens". A dodgy business indeed: it was not until over a century and a half later, in 1900, that anyone knew about different blood groups. Blood transfusions were not new, but before Pockrichs time donors had been animals, such as sheep and dogs. The Monaghan mans instructions were chillingly precise: "Take an influx tube... fix it to the extreme ends [of] the veins of two different persons... the one youthful... such as a strong cook, maid, or country girl, the other one aged, decrepit and withered." The rich "fermenting" blood of the one will "immediately flow like wine decanted into the shrivelled veins of the other". Dublin crowds hunt down Microhydrin, a powder supposedly extracted from waters in remote parts of Pakistan and Ecuador, where people remain healthy after the age of 100 (Irish Examiner 29 Oct. 2001 p.6). Results would be awesome to behold: "The wrinkled skin braces, the flesh plumps up and softens, the eyes sparkle". His methods would "totally abolish the effects of age" and "cause an utter renovation of the animal spirits". Whats more, he declared, the process could be repeated time and time again, and mortality postponed indefinitely. To those with a vested interest in death undertakers, gravediggers, and those hoping to inherit Pockrich's plan became a source of worry. But they were at least slightly assuaged by the suggestion that anyone who lived beyond 999 years be legally declared "dead", charged burial fees, and made to face claims on their estate. Jennifer Lopez (52) attributes her youthful looks to avoiding the sun and "being kind to other women" In 1759, Richard Pockrich was on tour with his musical glasses in England, and making a healthy 6 per day from performances. But when he was lodging at Hamlins Coffee House in Sweetings Alley near the Corn Exchange on 10 November, the building, along with several other houses, caught fire and he perished in the flames. According to his biographer, D.J. ODonoghue (An Irish Musical Genius, 1899), the fire began in Pockrichs very own room, perhaps when he was carrying out an experiment. For all the potions, elixirs and transfusions in the world, nothing could prevent his death by accident. Six more death-defiers The Tanaiste is to meet with the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) to discuss the impact of the layoffs at Twitter and Stripe as Irish politicians have started to demand answers from the social media giant about how the company handled the dismissal of staff. Twitter began a global cull of its 7,500-strong workforce, but many staff in Ireland were told that their jobs were at risk of redundancy and that they remain employees of Twitter. Employees at the Dublin office were told that they would not be able to access the office for security reasons as new owner Elon Musk began the process of laying off staff in a bid to cut costs at his $44bn investment. Meanwhile, Stripe entered a 30-day consultation with staff over the job cuts, with the fintech company founded by the Limerick brothers Patrick and John Collison seeking to cut 14% of its staff worldwide. Sinn Fein TD Maurice Quinlivan said the Oireachtas enterprise committee, which he chairs, will this week discuss the manner of the Twitter layoffs. File picture: Damien Storan Under Irish legislation, the Department of Enterprise must be informed of widespread layoffs at large companies and no such notification has been received by the relevant minister, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar, regarding the Twitter job cuts. Mr Varadakar will meet with the IDA today to discuss the impact of the layoffs at both Twitter and payments firm Stripe on the overall Irish economy. TDs have, however, questioned whether it would be possible to bring representatives from Twitter before any Oireachtas committees to discuss the layoffs. However, representatives of the tech industry could be called amid fears that layoffs will spread across the sector in 2023. Sinn Fein TD Maurice Quinlivan is the chair of the Oireachtas enterprise committee and said that he was concerned at how the situation had been handled. He said that the committee would discuss the situation during the week. Fianna Fail TD James OConnor said that he did not believe that Twitters new owner would be keen on having representatives appear at the committee, but said that overall he was concerned about the impacts of a potential slowdown in the tech sector and would like to see this discussed. Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy said that the Government must ensure that Twitter adheres to its legal obligations. The IDAs success in attracting Twitter to Dublin over a decade ago was hailed at the time as a big win for Ireland. However, there needs to be some sort of social responsibility attached when international tech companies avail of our low corporation tax rates and IDA incentives to set up here. As well as seeking a full breakdown of any benefits offered to Twitter by the State, I will be asking the Tanaiste if he is satisfied that all employment obligations and communication protocols have been complied with by the company in announcing the job cuts. Labour senator Marie Sherlock said that the move from Twitter shows the need for collective bargaining rights. She said it should be the wake-up call to State that a right to be recognised for collective bargaining purposes is vital. Sympathy the from Government rings very hollow unless they are prepared to take comprehensive action on that. The parents of a young Tipperary boy with autism and a rare eating disorder are fearful for his life because he cannot access the services he needs. Riain Pliszka from Cashel is 11-years-old. He was diagnosed with autism in 2013, at the age of two, and also has anxiety. His mum Caitriona says that her son ate well until he was about 18 months old. However, he then developed the first signs of food restriction and sensory aversions, which over the years gave way to the diagnosis of Avoidant Restrictive Food intake disorder (ARFID). Caitriona says: He loved his food, especially sausages, which were his favourite, and he had loads of words, but over the next few months everything happened quite rapidly. She says Riain became non-communicative but is now speaking again, through the use of lamh and visuals, both at home and in school. His food refusal began from about the age of three. He became a very ill malnourished little boy and ended up in South Tipperary general hospital where his weight was off the centile chart, and he ended up with a drip and the first insertion of a nasogastric (NG) tube. By the age of six, Riain was in an ASD unit in a mainstream school and had to attend school using an NG tube. Caitriona recalls: We tried food after food after food of different types, textures, colours, but we also had to watch, and still do. The packaging must also not change. Play therapy, physiology sessions with parents and various other plans were tried but none have worked. She said he is not a stable weight, adding: Without the protein drinks it would be drastically low with major implications. He is always on the lower level of the centile chart and has often fallen off the chart on weight measurements. His food intake remains very limited, and he has to drink three 125mls-portions of compact protein, and 200ml of a nutrient-dense drink every day. ARFID is a condition characterised by the person avoiding certain foods or types of food, having restricted intake in terms of overall amount eaten, or both. However, he has not been able to access a service which will take a holistic approach to his autism, anxiety, and ARFID diagnoses. No energy Caitriona says his NG tube has been a lifesaver for us as parents, but is hard work and time-consuming and extra care and attention is required. He has been admitted on several occasions to pediatric wards, and Caitriona says: "He'd often get so weak from not eating we'd have to carry him to bed or to the toilet, and his energy levels were low and still low to this day. If he had something on, he will spare his energy for that and then in the evening he's literally thrown on the sofa and weak." She says that almost a year ago, Riains weight plummeted and a decision was made by his medical team that the NG tube had to stay in permanently, with tube changes when required. She added: We aren't in anyone's catchment area, it looks like from our side. His family feel they are being thrown from pillar to post because they cannot find out if Riain can access services through CAMHS or the Childrens Disability Network Team. In recent weeks, the family have been informed that Riain is on a waiting list for CAMHS, but Caitriona is concerned that each passing day is one that is being lost for Riains health. Waiting game She said: Kids in the UK are going blind or have organ failure and death (because of ARFID). This can be avoided and as his mum and dad, we have to fight for his needs and advocate on his behalf. "We have a duty to care for our son and family and we will fight for him and his needs and entitlements. We won't fail our son. She and her husband Rafal are very grateful to the medical staff who have worked with him, particularly at Tipperary University Hospital. His case was recently raised in the Dail by Sinn Fein TD, Martin Browne. A spokeswoman for the HSE said a service for children with ARFID is provided from Tallaght Hospital, Dublin. It is delivered as part of the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) programme, which is an evidence-based programme for children with the disorder. She added: Management of children with ARFID requires a collaborative working between a number of professionals and, depending on a persons needs and level of complexity, may involve joint working between the acute hospital sector and HSE community healthcare divisions such as Primary Care, Disability, and Mental Health. Such joint working is governed by existing protocols and established Hospital Group and Community Healthcare Organisation governance structures. For more complex cases, local services can consult with tertiary specialists and national Feeding, Eating, Drinking and Swallowing (FEDS) services such as those in the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC). She said that the HSEs national clinical programme for people with disability is currently developing national guidance to strengthen pathways to specialised services for children with disabilities. These services work in collaboration with local services centred on an individuals needs. She added: The HSE does not discuss individual cases but will do so directly with a patient and/or their family. According to Bodywhys, the eating disorders association of Ireland, 5% of contacts to it in 2021 related to ARFID. However, the organisation noted in its 2021 report that there has been an increase in contacts regarding ARFID. More than 400 people travelled to a protest in support of homebirth access for rural areas in Cork City, including from Kerry, Limerick, Clare, and West Cork. Protesters called for access to this public service to remain unchanged for rural women, at a gathering organised by the Birthright Alliance Ireland. A HSE recommendation to limit access to women living in areas from where an ambulance could reach a maternity hospital in 30 minutes is under consideration. Protest co-organiser Kara Spratt gave birth to four children through the Cork homebirth service. The overriding feeling there today was immense gratitude for the service and so much love for the midwives and what they bring to the families, she said. Of the 11 bookings that one of our midwives has between now and April, all of them would be shut out if this is applied rigidly. And for Cork and Kerry, if you are going to apply any model nationally would you not look instead to the area which supplies the highest number of homebirths? She met people who travelled for over an hour to the protest at Cork University Maternity Hospital. "People do not want to see their choices restricted It is women in rural communities who are being left out." Midwife Mary Cronin, mum Siobhan Kiely with four-month old Leo who was born at home, and her mum, Elke Hasner, who is also a midwife, at the Birthright Alliance protest at Cork University Maternity Hospital. Picture: Larry Cummins Ms Spratt, a solicitor, warned of risks to women who could be faced with driving to CUMH during labour instead of having a homebirth. We have so many women who gave birth on the side of their road maybe with their second baby, and then with the third they said no, we are doing this at home, with support, with two midwives there'. Self-employed community midwife in Cork Mary Cronin attended the protest. She delivered 40 homebirths last year, and said Cork saw 30% of the national figures. We have data on homebirths for the last 20 years in Cork, and there is no evidence to support what they are trying to do, she said. I have four women on my books at the moment for next year who would be excluded if this comes in. Families attending the protest against a proposed change to regulations around homebirth at national level, organised by Birthright Alliance, at Cork University Maternity Hospital. Picture: Larry Cummins She is based in Kinsale, but sometimes travels to women in Clonakilty or Rosscarbery, and said she is already warning women the outlook for next year is uncertain. Under an ongoing transition, the national service is coming under oversight of hospital groups. A HSE Home Birth Oversight and Steering Committee was set up to monitor this. They received a recommendation from the National Women and Infants Health Programme and HSE Intelligence Unit on travel time. Student midwives Nicole Maher, Abbie Twomey, and Natalie Moore at the Birthright Alliance protest on Sunday at Cork University Maternity Hospital. Picture: Larry Cummins From the geospatial analysis, this recommendation covers 83% of the female population of childbearing age, a HSE spokeswoman said. This recommendation is designed both to ensure the best possible chance of getting to a maternity hospital in a timely manner so as to ensure the best outcome for mother and baby. She said the recommendation ensures the clinical judgement of the community midwives is supported. The protest was addressed by Fianna Fail TD Christopher OSullivan. Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns also supported the protest, posting on social media the recommendation will disqualify many rural families. Leaders of the two labor unions for Seoul Metro hold a press conference in front of Seoul City Hall, Nov. 7. Yonhap The labor unions of Seoul Metro, the operator of the Seoul subway system, threatened Monday to go on a general strike starting in late November if the company does not redress its plan to downsize the workforce. Unionized workers of Seoul Metro have been protesting that the company discarded an agreement signed with them in May to hire more subway workers in order to resume late-night subway services suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Seoul Metro has countered it has no plan to cut the workforce in charge of safety maintenance and only plans to outsource peripheral work, such as in-house cafeteria services. During a press conference, representatives of Seoul Metro's two labor unions said they will go on a general strike starting Nov. 30 if the company and the Seoul city government, which manages Seoul Metro, do not up come up with measures to redress the downsizing plan or to secure enough safety maintenance workers. The two labor unions, with one affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and the other with the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, argued the downsizing plan goes against growing calls for workforce reinforcement in the wake of a recent suspected stalking murder of a female Seoul Metro employee by a male colleague, which occurred while she was working alone. "If Seoul Metro abandons its duties to ensure the safety of workers and citizens, we will stand on the citizens' side by resolutely staging a general strike," Myung Soon-pil, a labor union leader, said during the press conference in front of Seoul City Hall. The strike, if carried out, is expected to lead to significant disruptions in train services on Subway Lines 1 through 8, with the weekday train operating rates on Lines 1 and 4 expected to go down to 53.5 percent and 56.4 percent, respectively, from the normal levels. Corresponding rates on the weekend are predicted to go down to some 50 percent. In a recent four-day plenary vote conducted last week, 79.7 percent of the unionized Seoul Metro workers who cast a vote supported the general strike plan, according to union officials. (Yonhap) Parts of Cork experienced flooding on Monday as high tide hit the city. Cork City Council advised "extreme caution" for flooding in areas of the city centre from high tide and over the coming days. Monday's high tide caused widespread flooding in low-lying areas of the city which will impact on traffic flow. At 6.30pm, Cork City Council advised that all roads have reopened. People are still being advised to be extremely cautious on the roads as localised flooding is still causing some disruption. As high tide hit the city at around 5pm, flooding was causing disruption to traffic in areas including Lower Glanmire Road, Wandesford Quay, Morrison's Island and Father Matthew Street. The cycle lane on South Mall is flooded and traffic on South Terrace and Lavitt's Quay were reduced to one lane with Gardai on hand direct traffic. The city and county remain under a status yellow wind warning since 11am this morning, along with five other counties. Andranik Kazarian who rents a parking space near Frenchs Quay in the city, which flooded on Monday evening said that he does not think there is much that can be done to stop the flooding. Its not the first time its happened here, he said, as he rolled up his trousers to wade through the flood waters to his car. Nothing can be done about it, I think. You cannot prevent water coming here. The flooding is not too scary, he said, adding that he wades through flood water to his car around twice a year. Its my choice to park here. If I had a feeling it would get damaged, I wouldnt park here. A local shop owner, Kieran OSullivan, said where he is on Frenchs Quay seems to escape the flooding. Its strange, I think were just that bit higher, he said. Were lucky! A delivery Mr O'Sullivan was expecting on Monday evening was postponed due to flooding. He said it is frustrating to see the same spots flooding every year. He said he was worried about flooding, but after 40 years on the Quay hes hopeful the shop will escape any damage in the future. Concern Its hard not to be concerned with the height of the water and the generally heavy rainfall, one woman said, moments after clambering over some floodgates into her office on OSullivans Quay. She said the flooding is frustrating, but she was very anxious to maintain the historical facade of the riverside. She said she would prefer to engage in flood protections like the barriers at her office, rather than erect a barrier on the side of [the Lee]. Meanwhile, high tides over the coming days will cause localised flooding and disruption to traffic, the council has warned. The following areas have been highlighted as at-risk areas for flooding later today: South Mall (South Side) Morrisons Quay Union Quay Lower Glanmire Road Horgans Quay Fr. Matthew Quay Trinity Bridge Union Quay Sharman Crawford Street Wandesford Quay Frenches Quay Probys Quay Crosses Green Lavitts Quay Kyrls Quay South Terrace Rutland Street Sawmill Street Businesses, property and home-owners in these areas have been urged to take appropriate measures to protect their premises. Flooding on Kennedy Quay in Cork City. Picture: Liz Dunphy Kerry added to warning list Meanwhile, Kerry is the latest Munster county to fall under a weather alert, as a status yellow rain warning came into effect at 5am this morning. The warning will be in place until 9pm tonight alongside a status yellow wind warning which covers Cork, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Wicklow from 11am today. "Spells of heavy rain at times today may lead to localised flooding," said Met Eireann. "Highest rainfall amounts in mountainous areas." Counties under the wind warning can expect a "spell of very strong and gusty southerly winds" that will track eastwards today. "Damaging gusts of up to 110 km/h are possible," it was added. This morning will be "cloudy and breezy with outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, especially in the southwest", Met Eireann said. The forecaster said, "more rain will spread eastwards across the province with localised flooding possible" today. "It will become very windy also with strong, gusty southerly winds, strongest in the south. The rain will clear eastwards this evening and winds will ease." Paschal Donohoe has said he and the Government must convince Europes finance ministers to allow him and Michael McGrath both attend Eurogroup meetings after December. Mr Donohoe said he would be explaining to his colleagues how the proposal to have him remain as chair, while also having Mr McGrath attend meetings as Irish finance minister, would work. European Finance Ministers will elect a new President of the Eurogroup on December 5, with nominations closing on November 24. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Donohoe said he was delighted to say he had the backing of the Government to seek re-election and therefore was putting his name forward. Speaking at the same press conference, EU Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni warned that the Eurozone will drift into recession as the continent combats low consumer and business sentiment and high inflation. He warned that a difficult winter lies ahead. It is clear from various indicators that a contraction is possible, probable. We should work to avoid a prolonged period of recession, he said. Meanwhile, Mr McGrath is due to take over the finance portfolio in December as part of a Cabinet reshuffle. The Government has said that if he was re-elected, Mr Donohoe would carry out his duties as president of the Eurogroup as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, which is technically a finance ministry. No legal impediment The Government has sought legal advice on the issue and it is understood the Government has been told there is no legal impediment to having two ministers attend Eurogroup meetings, although it could be politically tricky. There is a precedent in that the former Luxembourg prime minister Jean-Claude Juncker was president of the Eurogroup and his finance minister also attended. Dutch finance minister Sigrid Kaag expressed support for Mr Donohoe saying: "We appreciate the role that Paschal Donohoe has performed so far immensely. It's also important we consider the value of continuity in times of great economic uncertainty and potential crisis, hence his experience, the way he delivers on his role, we value immensely." Belgian finance minister Vincent van Peteghem said Mr Donohoe was "the right man in the right place" for the past two and a half years. I'm also sure in the coming two and a half years he will also be a good president of the eurogroup. "I think its important that in very uncertain times as we have today that we have some stability and we have continuity in this position. So I fully support his presidency," he said. Sinn Fein's finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty has said the only people interested in Mr Donohoe's attempt to remain as president of the Eurogroup are in Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. He told RTE News: "The reality is that the only people interested in this are senior members of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail who are carving out jobs among themselves." The TD for Donegal added: "We wish him well, but what people want is not a rotation of Finance Minister but a new government that will seriously tackle the cost of living crisis." Meanwhile, Labour's Ged Nash has claimed that Mr Donohoe's bid to be re-elected as Eurogroup president has "taken up far too much time and political energy." A little cottage with a very big view this one-bed West Cork property looks right out across Dunworley Bay from its sloping three-quarter of an acre site. Called Dunworley View it was built as a summer home around 35 years ago and it does have amazing views, says Maeve McCarthy of Charles McCarthy quoting a guide of 290,000. Offering just 46 sq m of living space, and BER exempt because of its size, its a traditional style cottage with stone facing on its gable end. In need of some updating and modernisation, it has electric heating, mains water and a septic tank. Ms McCarthy says that the site size gives a buyer the option of applying for planning permission for an extension. Inside the small cottage theres a living/ dining/ kitchen area with some fitted units as well as one bedroom and a shower room. Ms McCarthy says the property is attracting interest from holiday home buyers but could be considered by a buyer who wants to turn it into a family home. This is a rare opportunity to purchase a coastal bolt-hole in a much sought-after coastal location, she adds. Located at Lislevane, Dunworley View is just across the road from a slipway and is within a 20 minute walk from Moloneys strand, a sandy beach popular with swimmers. Situated across the bay from Dunworley Beach the property is seven km from Timoleague and 15 km from Clonakilty. VERDICT: Offers great views and lots of possibilities. Durrus, West Cork 299,000 & 315,000 Size 106 sq m Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 BER A2 Although new builds are quite a rarity in the West Cork village of Durrus, Hodnett Forde Property Services recently listed two new three-bed semis one with a kitchen for 315,000 and one without a kitchen for 299,000. Auctioneer Mark Kelly says the properties in Carraig Naofa, the only development to be built in the village in recent years, will appeal to holiday home buyers, investors, and young buyers. It is registered for the Help to Buy scheme/First Home Scheme, he says. Built to an A2 energy standard, both properties have 106 sq ft of living space, which at ground-floor level includes a living room and a kitchen diner as well as an understairs WC. The upper floor in each has a bathroom and three bedrooms including one en suite. The properties have been fully finished with timber flooring and tiling and have air-to-water heat pumps and triple glazing, says Mr Kelly explaining that No 15 is the one with a kitchen and that No 14 is the one for sale without one. No 17, a four-bed detached house priced at 445,000 has also been released. The village, situated near Sheeps Head and the Mizen Peninsula, is popular with holidaymakers. Carraig Naofa is within a short walk from village amenities and just a 15-minute drive from Bantry, says Mr Kelly noting that tourist spots such as Schull, Ahakista, Ballydehob, and the Sheeps Head are all within easy reach. The most recently recorded sale in Carraig Naofa was in May 2021 when No 11 sold for 204,300. VERDICT: New homes, being scarce, are always in demand. Quaker Road, Cork city 225,000 Size 84 sq m (900 sq ft) Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 BER D1 Convenient to the city centre and affordable, No 11 East View Terrace, off Quaker Road, is new to the market with a guide of 225,000. Located in a cul de sac within a 10-minute walk from Cork city centre, its a two-bed, mid-terrace house which is likely to appeal to both first-time buyers and investors. Fitted with double glazing and gas heating, its in need of refurbishment but, according to John Barry of Frank V Murphy auctioneers, it has huge potential. VERDICT: Could be turned into an attractive city pad. Donnybrook, Cork 275,000 Size 86 sq m (926 sq ft) Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 BER Pending The owners of 73 Bracken Court in Donnybrook have added a little personality and colour to their three-bed, semi-detached home with some creative shelving. Joint selling agents, Jeremy Murphy auctioneers and Irish & European, say the 1980s-built property is in good order and would because of its size, Douglas location, and guide price, make an ideal starter home. Accommodation includes a sitting room and a kitchen/ diner. The upstairs has a bathroom and three bedrooms. Overlooking a green area at the front, its located a little over 2km from Douglas village. VERDICT: A three-bed semi in the Douglas area in this price range is likely to be well viewed Telecommunications provider Singtel Optus has denied that data which was leaked during a massive breach of its network is in any responsible for a cafe owner losing about $10,000 from his ANZ bank account. The company told iTWire, in response to a query, that "No customer payment details, including any direct debit or credit card information, nor passwords, including My Optus app logins, have been compromised in the cyber attack on Optus customers." The Age had claimed in an article published on 6 November that a cafe owner in Elsternwick, a Melbourne suburb, had close to $10,000 withdrawn from his ANZ account. Jim Marinis was one of those affected by the Optus leak. Additional withdrawals had brought his losses up to $40,000, the newspaper alleged. It also said Marinis had also seen "fraudulent applications for credit cards, online shopping vouchers and personal loans worth more than $60,000" made in his name, adding that a direct link from the Optus breach to his losses had yet to be established. An Optus spokesperson added: "Optus has taken a range of actions to prevent harm from coming to any customer as a result of the cyber attack, including providing free credit monitoring services to customers and working with state and federal government agencies to secure impacted identification documents and provide advice for customers. "If any customers believe that they are a victim of cyber crime, we strongly recommend they contact and follow the advice from the AFP." The company has released a letter to customers outlining all its actions after discovering the data breach. COMPANY NEWS: Leading global technology company, Thoughtworks , has partnered with the University of Sydneys StepUp for Research to help develop and improve this online matching service that helps people and researchers connect, fast-tracking more effective and inclusive research across Australia in both ageing and dementia. Launched by the University of Sydney today, StepUp for Ageing Research is an innovative online matching service that connects interested volunteers with research projects being run across Australia. From quick surveys to drug trials and everything in between, the service helps researchers recruit into studies and helps volunteers access tailored opportunities that interest them, providing a chance to give back. Thoughtworks Head of Social Change, Tom Sulston says Thoughtworks used design thinking and agile practices to help the StepUp team to ensure the system meets the needs both of the public interested in ageing and dementia research and also ageing researchers working in ageing and dementia fields in Australia. Were so proud to support this project through our Social Change practice. Professor Yun-Hee Jeon said Australias rapidly ageing population cant be ignored and research is the key to improving quality of life, and the quality of aged and dementia care services. By 2060, around one-fifth of Australias population will be 65 or over, says Professor Jeon, Susan and Isaac Wakil Professor of Healthy Ageing at the University of Sydney and Director of StepUp for Ageing Research. For Australia to cater to this shift we need better services, better treatments and the facilities and infrastructure to support people to age well especially for the majority of Australians who would like to stay in their homes. StepUp for Ageing Research builds on the successful StepUp for Dementia Research launched in 2019. The service has enlisted close to 1,700 volunteers, 26 universities and institutes, 220 researchers and successfully fed participants into over 50 completed research projects, with another 50 studies currently recruiting through the service. StepUp ambassador The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO said active engagement of older people and their families in research is essential to keep them front and centre in health policy development and service delivery. Healthy ageing is about older people becoming and remaining healthy. StepUp for Ageing Research will enable the voices of older people, families and communities to be heard and to be included, she said. But unfortunately, research is costly and one of the significant costs is recruitment. Numerous research studies encounter problems because they cant get the required number of participants to sign on, and stay on. One large multinational Alzheimers trial predicted a recruitment period of 18 months but took three years to finalise recruitment. These recruitment delays are not only costly, they also slow the pace at which discoveries and better ways of doing things can be implemented, said Jeon. Professor Jeon said dementia, aged care and ageing-related research is a particularly difficult area to recruit for as many older people often keep to themselves or can be difficult to reach. But on the flip side many people who are ageing often want to give back and make a meaningful contribution to society they just dont know where to start. StepUp for Ageing Research aims to bridge this gap and make it easy for the public to connect with researchers, comments Jeon. The platform was developed in collaboration with the UKs Join Dementia Research team at University College London and University of Exeter, and technology partner Thoughtworks Australia, with initial funding from the Australian Government.Who is StepUp for Ageing Research for? Anyone 18 years and over who resides in Australia can register to be involved online, via phone or post. The service is looking to recruit all adults, including the young, older people, those with dementia or cognitive decline, family, friends and carers. Being able to speak English is not a requirement and many studies use translators as research needs to represent all cultures and ethnic backgrounds. How does it work? Once you have registered your details at StepUp for Ageing Research, the service checks to see if you match any studies. If so, it will send you detailed information on the study and you then decide if youd like to take part. By registering for the service you are not committing to research projects. What people are saying Bobby Redman, who lives with dementia, said she loves being involved with StepUp for Research as it allows her to be involved with research that could help her retain functioning and potentially even one day find a cure for dementia. It gives me purpose and makes me feel that I can make a difference, said Bobby. So far, I have been linked to more than a dozen research projects covering many different perspectives including activities to reduce the risk of further cognitive decline; rehabilitation; impact on social skills and the use of technology. It is so easy to connect to researchers through StepUp - once registered on the website, emails come through to tell me that I have been matched and I then have the option of deciding whether I want to be involved. There is no pressure, just great opportunities. A note on privacy Protecting peoples data and privacy is a priority for StepUp for Research. The platform complies with the University of Sydneys cybersecurity policies and ethics protocols. Declaration: StepUp for Dementia Research was initially supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health under the Dementia and Aged Care Services Fund. Development of StepUp for Ageing Research was supported by ThoughtWorks Australia and Calvary. gettyimagesbank By Kim Hyun-bin Domestic companies operating smart grid businesses are advised to enter Vietnam, Indonesia, India and the Philippines to enhance their performance in a market, which shows annual growth of 18.2 percent, according to Korea International Trade Association (KITA) report released, Monday. According to the KITA report titled "Carbon neutral era, global smart grid market status and Korean companies entry strategies," the global smart grid market is expected to reach around $160 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.2 percent from $36 billion last year. The report selected four countries, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and the Philippines, as promising countries for Korean smart grid companies to enter after evaluation of the market potential of each country including Korea's export size, electricity consumption per capita, and corporate environment evaluation. A smart grid refers to a system that optimizes power grid operation efficiency by applying information and communication technology (ICT) to the existing power grid and monitoring and controlling the power grid in real time. The four countries have high market growth potential and excellent business environments making them highly attractive to enter. In the smart grid field, the microgrid and energy storage systems (ESS), advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), and renewable energy are expected to surge. A microgrid is a smart grid system that can supply electricity to a small area. On the other hand, the U.S., Canada, Singapore, Germany, and Japan were found to be low-risk groups with highly rated business environments. However, they have already matured and have low growth potential. In Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh Electricity Corporation and energy solutions company Trilliant Networks plans to install about 1 million AMI component devices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City by 2025. In Indonesia, the demand for microgrid installation using renewable energy such as solar and wind power is expected to increase mainly in small island areas. Since 2017, India has been upgrading AMI, renewable energy and microgrids. It aims to supply AMI to the entire country by 2027. The Philippines is a country made up of about 7,000 islands and is vulnerable to power outages caused by natural disasters. "In order to target the overseas smart grid market, strategies such as increasing understanding of local projects, strengthening partnerships with local companies, and forming a consortium with companies with experience in overseas expansions are necessary," Kim Mun-sun a senior researcher at the KITA said. Given the spate of data breaches that have been affecting Australian companies in recent times, one would think that journalists, who often have to query officials about these incidents, would be brushing up a bit on their tech knowledge in order to avoid looking foolish. Alas, that does not seem to be the case. On Monday morning, the ABC's Virginia Trioli, who hosts the morning program, actually asked the chief executive of Medibank, David Koczkar, whether it was necessary to have an admin user on an IT network. Her question followed Koczkar's statement that whoever attacked Medibank's systems had gained access by using credentials belonging to an admin user. And so, in all seriousness, Trioli wanted to know if it was possible to avoid having these pesky admin users on IT systems. She followed up with a vague question about two-factor authentication. Trioli's news sense does not appear to be the sharpest either; she initially allowed Koczkar to bleat on about his company's gallant refusal to pay any ransom in order to get the data that is encrypted unlocked. Of course, the main point in Medibank's announcement this morning was that the number of people exposed has now gone up to 9.7 million. That was buried towards the end of the statement that was issued, but then it is the job of a competent newsperson to sniff it out. The fact that Medibank would be going against the Australian Government's position on ransoms if it did fork out the moolah did not seem to occur to Trioli either. No doubt, one has to be sympathetic to people whose systems have been breached, but getting tangled in spin is an entirely different thing. Medibank has been slowly releasing data about the breach, with the news going from bad to worse from day to day. It is something akin to slowly boiling a frog, so that the animal will feel the least pain until it finds itself fully cooked. On the data breach front, it would be good if the taxpayer-funded national broadcaster's staff were to get a little beyond, "Ooh, the cybers" and spouting tripe about "hackers". It is rather juvenile to say the least. The Poly Sync 10 is a versatile USB speakerphone with enterprise-grade hi-fi. Take this all-in-one USB speakerphone wherever you go, or use it in your home office to free yourself from a headset. Poly has long been making quality audio products that look good and sound great, and, importantly, that genuinely meet the needs of the audience theyre for. In this case, the new Poly Sync 10 is a tiny, easily portable, speakerphone that turns any room into a conference room. It has a handsome, award-winning design, simple and intuitive touch controls, and amazingly loud yet crisp, clear audio. It includes a two-microphone steerable array to reduce surrounding noises from your environment too and ensure everything you say is heard. Additionally, it's full duplex so both sides of the call can speak and be heard simultaneously. Its IP64 dust- and water-resistant. That rating means its totally resistant to dust, and protected against splashes. Obviously, dont take it diving. It connects via USB-A or USB-C and includes a dedicated Microsoft Teams button so you can always join a meeting with one press, instead of hunting around your screen for your Teams window. The microphone picks up from 1.5m away, and is suited for rooms up to 3m x 3m. The speaker is 40mm and includes bass reflect with dual passive radiators. Its 32.5mm x 89.2mm x 182mm and weighs 280g. What that all means is it is super-portable, takes up barely any room on your desk or in your backpack, yet delivers thumping great sound - not only voice, but is an excellent music and podcast player too. Use it for work, and use it for fun; the Poly Sync 10 does it all. Its also certified for use with Microsoft Teams and Zoom so you know you are going to get the best results out of those products. iTWire has been testing the Poly Sync 10 out and found the voice quality was crisp, clear, and effortless. I placed it on my desk and sat normally in my chair and had no difficulty being understood, or understanding those I was speaking with. It delivered excellent audio and microphone pickup. It doesnt offer Bluetooth, but does have a big brother - the Poly Sync 20 - which does. However, thats no problem; plugging it into a docking station when sitting at your desk is a no-brainer, and it can plug directly into your laptop on the go. The Poly Sync 10 is available for prices starting at $163.95. See it in action here. Get unlimited access to all content and features at ivpressonline.com with our Full Online Access Subscription. Read our E-Edition, the digital replica of the print newspaper online, access content in exclusive sections including Family, Teen, Business, Databases, Farm and more. This option does not include daily home delivery of the Imperial Valley Press newspaper. For home delivery service, please select Premium or Premium Plus. Today Abundant sunshine. High around 70F. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph, becoming NE and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Tonight Clear skies. Low 43F. Winds light and variable. Tomorrow Mainly sunny. High near 70F. Winds light and variable. Workers repair disconnected train tracks at Yeongdeungpo Station in southern Seoul, Monday, a day after a Mugunghwa train derailed there and injured 34 passengers, Sunday. Yonhap Korail CEO Na Hee-seung Korea Times file By Lee Kyung-min Land Minister Won Hee-ryong called for a fundamental and complete overhaul of Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL), the state-run rail operator, Monday, after a train had derailed late Sunday. The accident that caused injuries to at least 34 passengers came less than a day after a maintenance worker died while working, Nov. 5. The series of accidents are fueling criticism of KORAIL CEO Na Hee-seung. He may become the first head of a state-run organization to be charged under a law, which subjects CEOs of large companies to a period of imprisonment of up to one year or fines of up to 1 billion won ($712,000) if fatal industrial accidents occur at their organization or its smaller partner firms. Na was questioned over the death of a rail worker in his 50s in Daejeon, March 14, according to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, Monday. Interview: Cooperation with Chinese partners crucial to Rio Tinto's long-term success, says chief executive Xinhua) 13:07, November 07, 2022 SYDNEY, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Rio Tinto looks forward to expanding cooperation in decarbonization and energy transition with its Chinese partners, which it sees as crucial to the company's success, Jakob Stausholm, chief executive officer of the mining multinational, told Xinhua in a recent interview. For the fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE), scheduled for Nov. 5-10 in China's economic hub Shanghai, Rio Tinto will make its appearance as an exhibitor for the first time, hosting a 200-square-meter booth. Stausholm said the expo "has been an important event for Rio Tinto since 2018," given the company's participation in the past four editions through sponsoring Australia's national pavilion. Speaking of this year's exhibit, the chief executive revealed that Rio Tinto would focus on energy transition and technology. "It (CIIE) provides a great opportunity for us to spend time with our various partners in China, to develop new relationships and to work together on some of the most complex issues the world has ever faced in addressing climate change," said Stausholm. Noting that Rio Tinto is committed to decarbonization across the entire value chain, Stausholm told Xinhua the company is working with some of China's leading minds, including Tsinghua University and Baowu Steel Group, to research and develop new technologies to deliver a low-carbon future. "China is making real progress and is clearly committed to addressing climate change. The commitment to stop growing emissions and then move to net-zero is significant in the global fight to address climate change," said Stausholm. Stausholm praised China's economic development and recalled the skyscrapers, high-speed rails and other modern infrastructure he saw during visits to China, saying that they helped improve the lives of 1.4 billion people in China. "What took Europe centuries to complete in the First Industrial Revolution, China has managed in just a few decades, and in the process has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty," he said. Founded in 1873, Rio Tinto is a leading global mining group. Since its first shipment of iron ore to China in 1973, the company has established extensive partnerships with Chinese enterprises. Viewing China as Rio Tinto's biggest customer and an important partner, the chief executive noted that the company has had joint ventures with Chinese partners in Australia's Pilbara region for more than 40 years. In September, Rio Tinto announced that it teamed up with China's Baowu Steel Group to develop an iron ore project in the Pilbara region, with a joint investment of 2 billion U.S. dollars. As well as economic development, the innovations coming out of China are top-notch, particularly in decarbonization, he noted. Stausholm said Rio Tinto looks forward to maintaining its deep relationships with its Chinese partners and co-investing globally with a strong focus on tackling climate change. "We are, in 2022, embarking on the next exciting phase and building a deeper relationship for the years to come," said Stausholm. "These relationships are crucial to our long-term success." (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) A tower of the National Bank of Ukraine is seen during a blackout in Kyiv, Ukraine, Nov. 6. AP-Yonhap Ukraine's Russian-occupied city of Kherson was cut off from water and electricity supplies Sunday after an air strike and a key dam in the region was also damaged, local officials said. It is the first time that Kherson which fell to Moscow's forces within days of their February offensive has seen such a power cut. "In Kherson and a number of other areas in the region, there is temporarily no electricity or water supply," the city's Moscow-installed administration said on Telegram. It said it was the "result of an attack organized by the Ukrainian side on the Berislav-Kakhovka highway that saw three concrete poles of high-voltage power lines damaged." Energy specialists were working to "quickly" resolve the issue, the Russian-backed authorities said, as they called on people to "remain calm." But the head of the regional administration, Yaroslav Yanushevych, blamed Russia for the power outages. He said that in Beryslav city around 1.5 kilometers (just under a mile) of electric power lines had been destroyed cutting off power entirely because the "damage is quite extensive." "Probably, there will be no light in Beryslav until the city is completely de-occupied," he wrote on the Telegram social media platform. "It is impossible to promptly repair the lines there is a lack of specialists, equipment, and the Russian invaders will not allow this to be done." News of the outage followed reports that the Kakhovka dam in the Russian-controlled region of Kherson was "damaged" by a Ukrainian strike. "Today at 10:00 (0800 GMT) there was a hit of six HIMARS rockets. Air defence units shot down five missiles, one hit a lock of the Kakhovka dam, which was damaged," Russian news agencies quoted local emergency services as saying. The RIA Novosti news agency quoted a local Moscow-backed official saying the damage was not "critical." Ukraine in recent weeks warned that Moscow's forces intended to blow up the strategic facility to cause flooding. The Kakhovka hydroelectric dam in southern Ukraine was captured by Moscow's forces at the start of their offensive. It supplies Russian-annexed Crimea with water. A Ukrainian Orthodox faithful lights a candle during the Sunday mass at St. Volodymyr's Cathedral, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine Nov. 6. Reuters-Yonhap A video of U.S. President Joe Biden is seen on a screen as former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a rally ahead of the midterm elections, in Miami, Florida, U.S. Nov. 6. Reuters-Yonhap An election year that unfolded against the backdrop of economic turmoil, the elimination of federal abortion rights and broad concerns about the future of democracy is concluding with a final full day of campaigning in which leaders of both parties will issue urgent appeals to their supporters. President Joe Biden is holding a Monday evening rally in Maryland, where Democrats have one of their best opportunities to reclaim a Republican-held governor's seat. The appearance is in line with Biden's late-campaign strategy of sticking largely to Democratic strongholds rather than stumping in more competitive territory, where control of Congress may ultimately be decided. His predecessor, former President Donald Trump, will hold his final rally of the campaign in Ohio. As he readies another run for the White House, Ohio holds special meaning for the former president because it was one of the first places where he was able to prove his enduring power among Republican voters. His backing of JD Vance was crucial in helping the author and venture capitalist _ and onetime Trump critic _ secure the GOP's nomination for a Senate seat. With more than 41 million ballots already cast, Monday's focus will be ensuring that supporters either meet early voting deadlines or make plans to show up in person on Tuesday. The results will have a powerful impact on the final two years of Biden's presidency, shaping policy on everything from government spending to military support for Ukraine. (AP) A UK trade minister arrived in Taiwan on Monday for the first in-person talks since the coronavirus pandemic in a bid to boost ties with the self-ruled island, sparking a rebuke from Beijing. Trade Policy Minister Greg Hands will co-host annual talks starting Tuesday and meet Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen during his two-day visit, the Department for International Trade said. Hands noted that Britain and Taiwan were both centres for global technology and that the "flourishing" island was a "vital partner" as the UK seeks new trade in the Pacific after Brexit. The visit would help "future-proof" the UK economy by securing Taiwanese supply chains in semiconductors and electronic components, he wrote in The Times newspaper. But China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, took umbrage at the trip by Hands the first by a British minister to the island since 2018.Beijing urges Britain to "stop any form of official exchanges with Taiwan and stop sending wrong signals to Taiwan separatist forces", foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said. (AFP) Today A mix of clouds and sun. High 58F. Winds light and variable. Tonight Showers this evening, becoming a steady rain overnight. Low 46F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Tomorrow Clearing skies after some morning rain. Thunder possible. High 61F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Sudan's army chief and coup leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Sunday warned Islamists and the party of ousted president Omar al-Bashir to stay away from the military. Burhan, whose October 2021 coup derailed a transition to civilian rule, was a senior general under Islamist-backed Bashir. The military toppled the long-time autocrat in 2019 amid enormous street protests. "We are warning the National Congress Party and the Islamists: do not approach the army," Burhan said in a speech to the military. "The army does not belong to any party". His comments come after some 3,000 protesters marched in the capital Khartoum last week, rejecting United Nations mediation efforts between civilian and military leaders as "foreign interference" and calling for a return of Islamist rule. After Bashir's ouster, the then civilian-led authorities passed a law in 2019 ordering the NCP be dissolved, its assets seized and the regime dismantled. But after last year's coup, civilian leaders were arrested, and the military authorities have since returned property to certain NCP ex-leaders, while some Islamist figures have regained positions of power. The NCP said in a statement later Sunday: "Burhan, you know very well that the armed forces are loyal to the organisation", referring to Bashir's Islamist regime. "We will not let you hand over the country to mercenaries and embassy collaborators again," it added. Sudan has been mired in a political and economic crisis since last year's coup. Security forces have cracked down on near-weekly protests, resulting in at least 119 deaths, according to pro-democracy medics. Civilian leaders have refused to negotiate with the military before it commits to a timetable for full withdrawal from power. The only proposal so far considered by both civilian leaders and the military is a transitional constitution developed by the Sudanese Bar Association, which would impose a ban on NCP activity. Bashir, 78, has been in custody in Khartoum since his 2019 ouster. He has been convicted of corruption and has also been on trial over the Islamist-backed 1989 coup which brought him to power. Bashir has been wanted by the International Criminal Court for more than a decade over charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan's western Darfur region. Russia, the worlds fourth largest emitter, has signed all UN climate treaties, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. To prevent dangerous interference with the climatic system, Russia is therefore bound to develop and implement effective measures aimed at reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 or soon after. But on 11 September 2022, a coalition of Russian human rights organizations and activists filed the first ever Russian climate case before the Supreme Court. Their lawsuit challenges the country's long-term climate strategy as inconsistent with its national and international obligations. The plaintiffs, citing the independent organization Climate Action Tracker, claim in their brief that the actions - or inactions - envisaged are "critically insufficient" and that the implementation of the Russian strategy involves serious violations of several fundamental human rights. Forest absorption of greenhouse gases Instead of the significant reductions needed, the Russian Climate Strategy, defined by a Presidential Decree and a Governmental Order, assumes an increase in the Russian greenhouse gas emissions level by 2030 compared to 1990. The measures envisaged focus exclusively on carbon dioxide removal techniques to enable the achievement of the net-zero target by 2060. The Russian Strategy proposes to boost the absorption of greenhouse gas emissions through land use change and forestry. In essence, Russia considers that its forests will absorb most of its carbon emissions, regardless of their level. The Strategy does not provide any detail on how or when these measures will be implemented or what their projected impact on emissions would be. These are some of the arguments developed in the coalitions case to demonstrate that the policies and actions outlined in the Decree and Order are not consistent with the Paris Agreements 1.5C temperature limit. According to the scientific report annexed to the lawsuit, if all countries were to follow Russias approach, warming could reach over 3C and up to 4C. And these projections might not be factoring in the potential escalating effects associated with the specificities of Russias northernmost territories. Vulnerable to global warming The Russian Arctic and Siberia, which cover at least 60% of the Russian territory, are among the regions with the strongest warming worldwide. In 2020, temperatures soared across Siberia to reach a record-breaking 38C inside the Arctic Circle. Heatwaves at such a level have devastating, cascading, and even escalating effects on global warming, be it through the thawing of permafrost, the shrinking of sea-ice or the destruction of boreal forests (or taiga) - the world's largest land biome. The rapid disappearance of sea ice on the Arctic Ocean, which the Russian Strategy associates with new navigation and transport opportunities, is particularly concerning. Combined with shrinking snow cover and the melting of glaciers, it leads to greater surface solar absorption, thus amplifying warming and driving further melt. The degradation or destruction of the Siberian taiga causes a similar accelerating effect. With warmer temperatures, various insect pests are proliferating, feeding from trees, and causing their gradual deterioration, sometimes leading to their deaths. Degraded trees submitted to heatwaves are also more vulnerable to wildfires, which explains their increase in frequency, intensity, and scale over the last few years. In 2021, Siberian wildfires destroyed 168,000 square kilometres of forest, an area nearly the size of Cambodia. Largely underreported in Russia, smoke from forest fires universally identified as the cause of respiratory illnesses and death reached the North Pole for the first time in 2021. The Boreal forests are one of the largest carbon sinks on the planet. With these forests turned to smoke and ash by global warming-induced wildfires, Russia is setting a record for the share of carbon emissions for the worlds highest latitudes. And yet, its long-term climate strategy relies almost exclusively on the carbon sequestration capabilities of the forestry sector to offset the greenhouse gases it projects to produce in volumes larger than ever... Human rights violations Meanwhile, the thawing of permafrost has already changed the landscape across the Arctic by draining lakes, altering vegetation, causing landslides, or even, the disappearance of Arctic islands and the northern coastline. In Siberia, giant craters have been discovered, reportedly caused by thawing permafrost allowing methane to explode out of the ground. Aside from the enhanced release of methane and other greenhouse gas, thawing has led to increased exposure to the bacteria that causes anthrax disease, as established by the 2016 outbreak that killed thousands of reindeers and at least one 12-year-old boy, whose community of nomadic herders had 72 members hospitalized. The release of anthrax spores, previously frozen for centuries, is just one of the phenomena described in the Russian lawsuit to illustrate the adverse effects of climate change on human lives and health. The vector-borne and infectious diseases have been multiplying, particularly in the Northern regions. The scientific report annexed to the lawsuit supports the conclusion that premature deaths as well as an increase in respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, allergies, heat stroke, are all closely linked to the deterioration of the Russian natural environment. All of this, claim the plaintiffs, is evidence that climate change has already had a serious and devastating impact on a wide range of human rights in Russia. The right to life, the right to health, the right to a favourable environment all protected by the Russian Constitution and international instruments binding on Russia have been gravely impacted because of global warming. As usual, the most directly and urgently concerned are also the most vulnerable, namely indigenous minorities and young people. Threatened Indigenous peoples Of the 180 peoples inhabiting the territory of contemporary Russia, 40 are officially recognized as indigenous peoples. They live in the northern and far eastern regions and have been put at more than 250,000. Four of these indigenous communities, coming from different geographical regions of the Arctic and Siberia, are represented in this climate case: the Saami (Lapland, Murmansk, Kola Peninsula), the Shorians (Kemerovo Oblast), the Itelmen (Far East, southern Kamchatka peninsula), and the Udege (Far East, Primorsky and Khabarovsk Oblasts). These communities have maintained strong links to the environment through hunting, fishing, herding, and foraging, and other subsistence-based activities intrinsic to their cultural existence. As warming rates accelerate at a faster rate than in the rest of the world, they are facing widespread disruption to all aspects of their traditional ways of life. Russia's failure to take measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions directly contributes to this situation and severely violates the rights of indigenous minorities and other communities whose way of life depends on the territory in which they live. The already dire consequences of global warming on indigenous minorities living in the northernmost parts of Russia will be even more damaging in the future if the challenged Decree and Order remain as they are now. This breaches another principle enshrined in the Constitution of the Russian Federation, namely the principle of equality of human and civil rights and freedoms (Article 19). This also applies to the future Russian generations, who will have to face the catastrophe of climate change in a much worse position. Hostile environment The President and Government of the Russian Federation do not seem too concerned about the situation. Quite the reverse since, according to their Strategy, climate change also creates new opportunities for the Russian Federation, such as an increase in the navigation period in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, a reduction in the duration of the heating period, an increase in crop productivity and the absorptive capacity of managed ecosystems. In other words, Russia, which is warming faster than the rest of the planet, is committed to doing nothing to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Whilst this inaction and its terrible consequences for the Russian people is exactly what the plaintiffs are denouncing, their lawsuit was filed in an extremely hostile context. With a Russian economy depending more than ever on its fossil fuel exports, particularly crucial to finance its war in Ukraine, asking the Russian President and Government to change the Russian National Climate Strategy could almost be considered as kamikaze. Over the last ten years, the Russian Government has been tightening its control over NGO activities and the media. The pressure has increased further since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Many environmental and human rights activists have had to leave the country. Public opinion is therefore not particularly alert to the climate threat, which concerns inhospitable regions with little human density, or cities closed to the rest of Russia, such as Norilsk, ranked as the countrys most polluted city with sulphur emission rates only rivalled by erupting volcanoes. A pioneering case brought by courageous activists This did not discourage the plaintiffs from voicing their grievances to the highest judicial level, through a claim brought by two organizations and 18 Russian citizens from all over the country, from Irkutsk, Murmansk and Keremovo regions to the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Among the individual plaintiffs most anonymous for security reasons - are the representatives of four indigenous communities, as well as five members of the youth-led global movement Fridays for Future started by Greta Thunberg in 2018. The two organizations are Moscow Helsinki Group, and Kaliningrad Regional Non-Governmental Organisation "Ecozaschita!", both amongst the oldest in Russian civil society and leading actors in human rights and environmental protection in Russia. The claim was submitted five days before Russia ceased to be a High Contracting Party to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). This was therefore the last week where there was a chance to bring such a claim to the European Court before the closing of this jurisdictional avenue. The Supreme Court took only ten days to dismiss the complaint at first instance, considering that the rights of the plaintiffs were not affected. This rejection was appealed on October 6, and the Supreme Court's appellate body is due to rule on it on December 8. There will be one last appeal to the Supreme Court before all avenues of appeal are exhausted and the case can be taken to the ECHR. Probably the last case against Russia... Let us hope that the brave Russian lawyers behind the case many of whom are also anti-war activists will not be neutralized by the countrys repressive regime or sent away to the Ukrainian front by conscription. These men and women are thus on two fronts, which have in common the aim of protecting humanity and the planet from a very dark future. Recommended reading Redefining climate justice Mourners Tanzanians on Monday paid tribute to 19 people killed when a passenger plane crashed into Lake Victoria in the countrys deadliest plane crash in decades. The Precision Air flight from the financial metropolis of Dar es Salaam crashed on Sunday morning while attempting to land in the northwestern city of Bukoba. Bad weather was blamed for the accident. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa was among hundreds of people who gathered at Bukobas Kaitaba Stadium, with Muslim and Christian clerics leading prayers for the dead while onlookers wiped away tears. The ceremony to deliver the bodies of the victims to their families is expected to last for hours, with local broadcasters broadcasting live from the stadium. Twenty-four survivors were evacuated from the 43 people on board flight PW 494 when investigators from Precision Air and the Tanzania Airports Authority arrived in the lake town on Sunday. Precision Air, a publicly traded company and Tanzanias largest private airline, said the plane was an ATR 42-500 manufactured by Toulouse-based Franco-Italian company ATR and was carrying 39 passengers including an infant and four crew members, according to the board . AFP journalists saw the plane largely submerged on Sunday as rescuers, including fishermen, waded through water to get people to safety. Rescuers tried to use ropes to lift the plane out of the water, aided by cranes, as local residents also tried to help. President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Monday offered her condolences to the families of the victims and saluted the rescue workers and volunteers for their quick action to save lives. I congratulate those who took part in the rescue, including the people of Bukoba, she said on Twitter. I pray that those who have died will rest in peace and that the injured will recover quickly. Precision Air, part-owned by Kenya Airways, was established in 1993 and operates domestic, regional and private charter flights to popular tourist destinations such as Serengeti National Park and the Zanzibar Archipelago. The accident came five years after 11 people died in a Coastal Aviation plane crash in northern Tanzania. The unpleasant reality of perpetrators who looked the other way was revealed. Ryu Sung Hoon also faced the consequences of his planned revenge in "Blind" episode 16. 'Blind' Episode 16: Ryu Sung Hoon Admits & Apologizes For His Sins Ryu Sung Hoon's (Ha Seok Jin) long revenge ended, and a meaningful move began to reveal the truth 20 years ago. The perpetrators, who turned a blind eye to the truth for their own good, paid for their sins, and the victims moved on from the past. Sung Hoon, who faced his father, Judge Ryu Il Ho (Choi Hong Il), made him confess his sins. Meanwhile, Judge Ho opened a new opportunity for Jo Eun Ki (Jung Eun Ji), which shocked her and Ryu Sung Joon (Ok Taecyeon). During the interrogation, Sung Hoon revealed the true colors of Yeom Ki Nam (Jeong In Ki), and Na Kook Hee (Jo Kyung Sook) with a video he secretly filmed, while Jung Yoon Jae (Park Ji Bin), was imprisoned in the same cell as Baek Moon Gang (Kim Beop Rae). The terrible revenge committed by the victims, who were trampled with all their hopes stolen, caused their own destruction. Public's Participation in Trial Held For Ryu Sung Hoon However, their revenge became the cornerstone of revealing the truth. Ryu Sung Joon and Jo Eun Ki took direct action to inform the world of the truth of Hope Welfare Center. Ryu Sung Hoon, who wanted to convey the reality, asked for a public participation trial, and his defense was taken by lawyer Park Moo Hyuk (Kim San Ho), who was a victim of the HWC. Cho In Sook (Cho Yeon Hee, a nurse at Welfare Center, attended the trial as a decisive witness, she offered a sincere apology, revealing why she had no choice but to lie. Sung Hoon also sought an apology from all those who suffered from his revenge, as well as the victims of HWC. New Beginning For Ryu Sung Hoon, Ryu Sung Joon & Jo Eun Ki As people's interest in knowing the truth of the HWC poured out as he planned, it foreshadowed a change in the reality that turned a blind eye to the truth. The change also resonated with Sung Joon, Sung Hoon, and Jo Eun Ki. Ryu Sung Hoon escaped from the memory of causing revenge and paid for the crime he deserved. Sung Joon recalled the children who were sacrificed without the help of adults when he saw Eun Ko playing with the kids. Sung Joon ended the scene with the statement, "If there were adults who fought until the end without turning a blind eye to the truth, there would be no misery." As "Blind" officially ended its run, the thriller series recorded an average rating of 5.1 percent in the (Seoul) metropolitan area, and 4.5 percent nationwide. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'Blind' Episode 15: Ha Seok Jin, Park Ji Bin Masterminds Behind the Revenge What can you say about "Blind" episode 16? Share your thoughts/replies with us in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity updates, keep your tabs open here at KDramastars. KDramastars owns this article. Shai Collins wrote this. 72 Shares Share We use a punishment mindset that exacerbates the trauma (people have already suffered). We have to change that. Bryan Stevenson, Director of the Equal Justice Initiative In the months preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, our quality improvement team was discussing the safety of providers and staff on a weekly basis. This was not in the context of a communicable disease or sufficient personal protective equipment but instead related to another insidious health care exposure and threat: workplace violence. Consider CW, a 55-year-old female with altered mental status who arrived from the emergency department at midnight with suspected sepsis. When the nurse performed her admission assessment, the patient yelled profanities and gripped her ponytail, not letting go until another nurse came to assist. The patient attempted to depart, and security was called to return her to the room. There had been an FYI alert in the patients chart, which mentioned her physical violence toward staff with no further explanation or customized care plan. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), hospitals are one of the most dangerous places to work. Our institution logged 363 violent incidents in fiscal year 2019, with 91 percent of occurrences in the inpatient setting. In a recent poll of emergency physicians, almost half of the respondents reported having been physically assaulted, and most of the assaults had occurred within the previous year. OSHA reported that 13 percent of missed workdays by nurses in 2019 were due to workplace violence. Even more troubling, workplace violence often is considered a part of the job. During the 2019-2020 academic year, our improvement team discovered a sense of vulnerability among providersstories of patients propelling hot coffee and sharp utensils at them, chokeholds, sexual innuendo, and racist slurs. Workplace violence was eroding morale, contributing to burnout, and threatening their sense of safety. Though the health care sector is among the most susceptible industries to violence in the United States, workplace violence prevention and response protocols are vague at best. The Joint Commission has not developed clear policies regarding workplace violence. OSHA has provided guidelines to reduce the risk of workplace violence, though it lacks a patient-centered focus. As a result, workplace violence efforts have included low-impact, stigmatizing, and traumatizing interventions: security at entrances (sign-in procedures; visitor passes; badge entry), FYI alerts regarding violence, and security officers to respond to aggressive behavior. Institutions must consider patient-centered ways to prevent episodes of violence through the practice of trauma-informed care (TIC). Nearly one-quarter of patients have a history of trauma and are often re-traumatized by the invasive and authoritarian nature of health care. TIC offers a framework for providing medical care and serves as a vehicle for systems and culture change that creates physical and psychological safety for both providers and patients. It emphasizes trauma prevalence and impact, recognition of symptoms, and response to trauma history, and prevention of re-traumatization. In the case of CW, the assistant unit director sat with her on several occasions. She discovered that the patient had experienced homelessness, substance use disorder and had suffered multiple violent assaults. The patient found the lack of control over the day, multiple providers, and limited privacy challenging. She felt like she was back on the streets, fighting for her life. The patient, husband, and team collaborated on a care plan to contact her family right away when she felt triggered, allow them to visit without restrictions, and minimize the number of staff responding to her. All instances of violence may not be preventable, but early recognition and intervention are critical. Behavioral Emergency Response Teams (BERTs) are staff well-trained in non-violent intervention techniques to manage disruptive behaviors from patients suffering from untreated mental illness, poverty, violence, and/or a lifetime of maltreatment. In a pilot on a medical-surgical unit, a BERT responded to 17 behavioral emergencies. The number of assaults decreased from 10 (pre) to 1 (post); security intervention decreased from 14 to 1; and restraint use decreased from 8 to 1. Nurses rated the BERT as supportive and effective. In another study, the BERT improved safety for patients and staff and enhanced staff satisfaction. By the summer of 2020, groups across our health system convened through an educational program in TIC, Trauma Transformed. Executive leaders had weekly interdisciplinary meetings that included psychiatry and security representatives to create systems change. The task force developed a pilot with a psychiatric nurse on three Medicine units. The nurse rounds on patients with a history of violence and engages our TIC-trained security team selectively. We are tracking a range of metrics, including demographics, patient and provider satisfaction, calls to security, WPV events, and safety attendant usage. We also plan to review FYI flags for bias and amend them appropriately. CW healed safely in part due to her teams trauma-informed approach. She is one patient among countless others with a trauma history who have experienced the cycle of violence perpetuated within our hospital system. It is imperative that health systems revise and clarify their approach to workplace violence by acknowledging the re-traumatization of patients as a core cause. The first steps may be to train providers in TIC, create less authoritarian/invasive care processes (maximize patient autonomy, enhance continuity, minimize unnecessary interruptions) and establish a BERT. Work in this area must incorporate the patient perspective, engage providers across disciplines, and include unbiased and rigorous data collection. Prioritizing the well-being of providers through enhanced safety for our patients with trauma represents the leadership that our health care institutions need. Jenica W. Cimino is a program manager and quality improvement specialist. Lyza Hiltner is a nurse and palliative care consultant. Katie E. Raffel is an internal medicine physician. Image credit: Shutterstock.com 15 Shares Share Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! It is impossible to fix a system with an unwillingness to bend. It means working together to accomplish a goal. Living in the gray requires a commitment to growth and discomfort. In the gray, it is possible to hold on to deeply held convictions while bending just enough, leading toward personal and collective liberation. That will save lives in a way that causes no harm. Cessilye R. Smith is a writer, speaker, and activist. She shares her story and discusses her KevinMD article, Protecting Black womens maternal health is urgent. The Podcast by KevinMD is brought to you by the Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience. With so many demands on their time, physicians today report record levels of burnout. 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VISIT SPONSOR https://nuance.com/daxinaction SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RATE AND REVIEW https://www.kevinmd.com/rate FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/kevinphomd FOLLOW ON TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/@kevinphomd GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE https://earnc.me/af0KVT Powered by CMEfy. Ambitious female entrepreneurs from Kilkenny who are looking to take their business to the next level are being urged to apply for the latest cycle of Going for Growth, the award-winning business development initiative. Going for Growth is a six-month part-time programme, supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG, which assists ambitious female entrepreneurs to achieve their growth aspirations. There is no charge to those selected to participate. This is the 15th year of Going for Growth and more than 850 female entrepreneurs have so far taken part in the programme. A total of 88% of participants on the 14th Going for Growth programme reported that their involvement brought about practical change within their business and 93% said they felt nearer to achieving their ambitions. All participants said they would recommend Going for Growth to others. The figures, which were gathered in their end-of-cycle survey, show the resilience and determination of the entrepreneurs on the programme and the value of the peer support they received while participating. Past participants from Kilkenny include Aisling Carroll of Momentum Healthcare which specialises in providing people with complex physical disabilities the opportunity to enjoy an active and independent lifestyle. Other past participants from Kilkenny include Kate Fleming and Nicki Hoyne. Kate was a participant on the 14th cycle with her business, LawEd, an educational hub that teaches young people how the law impacts their daily lives. Kate says: This programme was the first time I actually gave myself time to work on the business and not in it! It was like a business degree in 6 months and touched on everything that was so relevant to a business like mine. The power of the round table was immense and the will to share, help and assist at all times. It showed me that you need to evolve and be agile in business but the most important part is that you need to be stubborn and passionate about your vision. Nicki, founder of Nicki Hoyne, a slow fashion footwear and handbag brand, was a participant on Starting Strong, which is part of Going for Growth but for earlier stage businesses. Nicki says: An incredible programme, I highly recommend. With the guidance of Chupi Sweetman, we came together to deep dive into monthly topics to interrogate and build strong foundations for our businesses. The group was open and honest, sharing and supporting each other through the process. It taught me to always be zooming out to work on my business and not just in my business. I now have strong foundations and the right plan to move forward. Log onto goingforgrowth.com for more details. RTEs popular farming and rural affairs programme, Ear to the Ground, continues its groundbreaking 30th Season on Thursday, November 10, at 7pm on RTE One. Kilkenny presenter Helen Carroll, returns with the team for this 30th series. In the episode Darragh goes to Meath for the start of this years Beet Harvest. Helen visits Killua Castle Farm to see how the Irish moiled herd are taking to their spectacular surroundings and Ella visits two farming women in Limerick who are challenging the status quo. Beet Darragh Mc Cullough travelled to Meath for the start of this years Beet Harvest. A crop that once used to grow for sugar, is now produced exclusively for feeding to animals. But since we need to reduce our reliance on imported feeds, is there potential to grow more of this crop, both for animal feed and also in the future for feeding Anaerobic Digesters? Rare native breeds on the spectacular Killua Castle Farm In 2006 Allen and Lorena Krause began restoring the ruined Killua castle and its 340 acre demesne. With an interest in regenerative farming they started a native rare breeds farm on the grounds five years ago. Under the watchful eye of farm manager Anthony Gilsenen they are producing Irish moiled beef, red deer venison, jacob sheep and wild boar. Helen Carroll visits the Killua Castle Farm to see how the Irish moiled herd are taking to their spectacular surroundings. Gender Inequality in Farming On paper, farming in Ireland is very much a male dominated world. Over 70,000 women work on Irish family farms yet only less than 1300 farms cite women as official partners. Ella McSweeney visits two farming women in Limerick who are challenging the status quo - Catherine Quinn and her grand-daughter Hannah-Quinn Mulligan. Catherine grew up the eldest of nine children yet was not considered to inherit the family farm. Journalist and farmer Hannah founded the Women in Agriculture Stakeholders Group to try to redress this gender imbalance. This season Era to the Ground continues to explore the issues, challenges and opportunities facing Irish farmers and rural dwellers. Ear to the Ground is broadcast from the 7th of November, 2022 through until March 2023. Kilkennys Great War Memorial Committee will hold two events at the weekend as part of Remembrance Sunday. At 12.30pm at the memorial in the Peace Park a short ceremony will take place to remember those who died from Kilkenny in the Great War. The ceremony will begin by the blowing of a whistle from the War, followed by hymns, poetry, calling the names of those who died in November and an individual story, wreath laying, pipers Lament last Post and Reveille and the national anthem concludes the ceremony. Later on in the evening at 7pm in the Home Rule Club a fundraising lecture with take place by Larry Scallan on the inscriptions of the Kilkenny headstones their wording symbolism and stories. The admission is 5 and it is to raise funds to engrave some new names of Kilkenny men and women who served in both world wars on the memorials in Kilkenny. If you are unable to attend you can still donate to the fund by direct debit to the memorial account using the IBAN IE29BOF190606422546979 and BIC BOFIIE2D to help raise the full amount. Around this time 100 years ago families all over Ireland received Final Verification Forms from the Imperial War Graves Commission, requesting that information relating to the headstone of their loved one. These headstones were being engraved and there was now an opportunity to add a personal inscription to the base of the headstone. The lecture will analyse the over 130 personal inscriptions returned by families who have loved ones remembered on the Kilkenny Great War Memorial. It has to be considered that there were rules governing the personal inscription. There could be no more than 66 characters and each space between words counted as a character. Also, there was a cost of 3 1/2d per character to be paid. This cost probably prevented some relatives from submitting a personal inscription or reduced their capability to inscribe a headstone where they were probably going to see in person. There are currently 827 names recorded on the Kilkenny Great War memorial, and approximately 50% of them have no known grave and are recorded on memorials like the Menin Gate. The remaining 50% have headstones and were buried in Imperial War Grave Commission Cemeteries. Of this 400 or more approximately 250 families returned final verification forms throughout the 1920s and within this number 130 families returned personal Inscriptions to be included on the base of the headstone. The following are examples of Kilkenny soldiers and Nurses inscriptions, 7800 Private John Carolan Royal Irish Regiment, Died 02/08/1917, Buried in Aeroplane Cemetary Belgium. Personal inscription reads: HERE LIES A BRAVE IRISH SOLDIER MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE. 5768 Private Henry Colclough Irish Guards died 14/09/1917 from Freshford Buried inBleuet Farm Cemetery Belgium . Personal Inscription reads. WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM THAT LOVED US. Commandant (retired) Larry Scallan has spent 33 years in the Defence Forces being stationed in James Stephens Barracks for most of that time. Larry has been bringing groups of people to France and Flanders since 2011 and he has a keen interest in our local military history and heritage. He has been involved giving walking tours in kilkenny city during heritage week as well as contributing to decade of centenaries projects. The public are invited to come along for one or both events. Any families of those men and women from Kilkenny will find both events poignant and respectful of the sacrifice and service of their loved ones. Kilkenny Arts Office and KCLR radio station have collaborated to co- produce a new 12 week show, The Arts Show on the station. The show will share and highlight arts and cultural activity in the region. It will profile and highlight professional practitioners and experiences across art forms and community projects, giving a voice to artists and creative activity across the county. It is hoped this in turn will broaden and diversify regional knowledge and potential audiences and will provide an opportunity to highlight the intrinsic value and significance of the arts to life in Kilkenny, as well as its economic and social benefits. Episode 1 of the new show debuted last Wednesday and featured topics including: The Future of Cinema, Local Visual Artists Minds, and a Musicians Life. The Future of Cinema segment recorded at the Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas last summer, featured actor Jeremy Irons and film producer David Puttnam chatting about the future of film and cinema. Next, Elizabeth Cope, a visual artist from Paulstown, discussed the importance of a live audience for an artists work. The next segment profiled artist, Ramon Kassam, a visual artist in Thomastown, discussing his art and being an artist living and working in Kilkenny. Finally, Podge McNamee of Ham Sandwich, an Irish indie rock band, chatted about their new album Magnify, and life as a musician. They also mentioned some Irish bands to look out for. The Arts Show presented by Hugo Jellett is brought to audiences by the Kilkenny County Council Arts Office and Creative Ireland. If you missed it, you can catch up on the first episode at: https://kclr96fm.com/episode-1-the-future-of-cinema-local-visual-artists-minds-and-a-musicians-life/?fbclid=IwAR0QNAvXlKfPeGBACXftbt4V2beXmSdW8F3nBR2TQ_CVptQrNh0M Kilkennys vibrant and diverse social community has received a boost with news that local venues are to benefit from the Night-Time Economy Support Scheme. In total 11 businesses in Kilkenny have received support, including bars and restaurants. Announcing the grants, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, T.D. said applications were received from a wide range of venues across the country from pubs, nightclubs, cafes, theatres, arts centres, galleries, museums and retail outlets. The 11 venues selected in Kilkenny are: The Field bar and restaurant; Biddy Earlys cocktail bar/ The Dylan whisky bar; Aroi restaurant; Paris Texas; Kytelers Inn; Motte and Bailey Ltd; John Cleeres bar and theatre; The Village Inn; Aran; Billy Byrnes gastro bar and venue; Lanigans bar and restaurant. Jim Kavanagh sends vital aid to Ukraine with help of refugees in Kilkenny Well in excess of 2000 events in every county across the country, have been approved for funding, they include live music, ranging from traditional music to electronic music, DJ nights, theatre, comedy, dance, literature, art and photographic exhibitions. The scheme included a specific strand of funding for unlicensed premises such as cafes, dry bars and other suitable venues to support diversification and inclusivity in our Night-Time Economy. The fund has been an important source of employment for artists and performers across the country with thousands of employment days generated by this scheme. A vibrant, diverse and inclusive night-time economy is important for our towns and cities, it boosts the local economy, makes our towns and cities more attractive places to visit and to live in. There has been a great reaction from the night-time sector to this pilot scheme, Minister Martin said. It has been over 9 months since the invasion of Ukraine, which sparked a devastating humanitarian crisis for those who have been unable to seek refuge around the world. However, Kilkenny-based Chernobyl Children International volunteer, Jim Kavanagh, continues to answer the call of those in need and is sending 150,000 of aid directly to the worst-affected areas of Ukraine, just in time for the harsh-winter conditions and Christmas. The aid, which includes vital medical supplies, wood-burning stoves and non-perishable foods, as well as supplies for young babies and the elderly. 11 Ukrainian refugees who are based in Kilkenny joined Jim to load the humanitarian aid into the container throughout the weekend, remarking that they were delighted to be able to do something to help support their war-torn homeland. [Picture: The dedicated team of volunteers who packed the humanitarian aid container] Speaking about the volunteers and the humanitarian aid on the way to Ukraine, Adi Roche Voluntary CEO of Chernobyl Children International said; In these troubled times, it is heart-warming to see the generous hand of friendship extended to the Chernobyl affected country of Ukraine, by Jim, our volunteers and their generous supporters. The war has highlighted the immediacy of the problems in the areas, and to see Ukrainian refugees join our efforts here in Kilkenny is so inspiring. Jim Kavanagh proves to be a shining example of what true volunteerism is all about when he won the Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year award in 2014. Having led dozens of humanitarian aid convoys to the Chernobyl affected regions, he has hand-delivered millions of euro worth of aid to Belarus and Ukraine with Chernobyl Children International over the past 3 decades. In addition to this, Chernobyl Children International are providing monthly humanitarian aid deliveries in the Chernobyl affected regions, through partners in Ukraine, which are reaching communities who are falling under the radar of much humanitarian aid. A life-saving Cardiac Surgery Mission will also touch-down in Lviv, Ukraine in December, offering babies the best chance of surviving the double-tragedy of Chernobyl and now the ongoing war. The first garda ever murdered in Ireland, a young Laois man, was killed 100 years ago this month, but his family say he never got the honourable funeral he deserved. Garda Henry Phelan was buried quietly in Camross in 1922 after he was shot dead while on duty in Tipperary, by the IRA. He is to be remembered in a memorial Mass next week, when wreaths will be laid by his family. Born in Rushin, Mountrath on Christmas Day 1900, Henry Phelan worked on his family farm until he joined the civic Guards in 1922. He was killed the same year on November 14. His great nephew Tommy Dunne has said that according to Garda Phelans Inspector at the time James Begin, no oration was delivered, not a drum was heard, Not a funeral note. We hope to right that wrong. A memorial Mass to commemorate the life of Garda Phelan will be held at St Fergals Church Camross at 11 am on November 12. A funeral note will be provided by renowned Piper Cormac Bowell, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at Garda Phelans headstone in the nearby cemetery in Camross. All are welcome to come and attend this celebration in honour of this young local hurler and friend to many, Tommy said. He has written a stirring account of Garda Phelans short life. Henry was by all accounts a decent friendly young man. His father died when he was born. He grew up at a time when most people around him joined the RIC. Henry was a young man with different ideas. He became a volunteer in the war of independence. It was serving as a volunteer that he came to the attention of his superiors In early 1922 on the establishment of the free state a new police force was being formed, An Garda Siochana was established to replace the Royal Irish Constabulary. Many of the young recruits were chosen from the volunteers of the war of independence. Young men who had proved trustworthy and of good character. Henry was one of these. They were asked to put on the Garda uniform and go unarmed out into a land torn apart by civil war. Their job was to be civic Guards unarmed and show their armed former colleagues that there was a better way, by peace and political progress. It was known that some of these young men would die for their courage. And so it was on the 14 Nov Henry was shot in Mullinahone on the Tipperary border. His crime was collecting hurleys and a sliotar to help start a new hurling team in Callan, Kilkenny. He was known to have taken hurleys from Brophys, Mountrath and Dooley's, Coolrain. His death saved many others. Within a short period of his murder orders went down through the IRA ranks throughout the country. Never again to shoot or kill an unarmed Garda. This young man chose his own path. An honourable and brave path. We owe these young men for what we have today. His funeral at the time was a very quiet affair as so not to offend either side of the civil war. Let us right that wrong. Let us join together as a community to honour one of our own. A young decent chap who has lain quietly unnoticed in our local graveyard for 100 years, Tommy Dunne writes. All are welcome to attend, particularly all serving gardai. Light refreshments served at The Camross Inn afterwards. Councillors in the Piltown Municipal District have been voicing their concerns over a lack of consultation from Waterford officials in relation to the Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) for Waterford. The aim of the new Waterford MASP is to provide a framework for accelerated growth in the city and wider metropolitan area. Official documents published on the MASP designate local electoral areas of South Kilkenny, administered by Kilkenny County Council, as part of the wider Waterford metropolitan area. These areas include Aglish, Dunkitt, Kilculliheen (including parts of Ferrybank) and Rathpatrick. With these areas relying on local political representation from their local councillors, the elected members of Piltown Municipal District Council have hit out at a lack of consultation between local authorities on the MASP. Cllr Tomas Breathnach stated at this month's meeting, held in Ferrybank, that the Waterford MASP 'needs an awful lot of careful study'. "Weve been at the vanguard of seeking a collaborative approach with Waterford, consistently seeking joint meetings since 2014 and I'm disappointed we have had no input or say into the process to date," he said. "There's a huge amount to discuss in relation to the MASP and it's a significant development from a South Kilkenny perspective. "We need a wider regional approach because if it goes to the Department its taken out of our hands and we want our input considered." Cllr Fidelis Doherty then made a formal request to enquire about the progress from Waterford in relation to discussions on the MASP. Cllr Ger Frisby was also critical of the handling of the consultation process up to this point. "When were not consulted thats where problems and trouble arise," he said. Cllr Eamon Aylward added that Piltown MD councillors have been 'at the coalface chasing meetings with Waterford'. "Weve been pushing it and its in our interest to be front and centre of the process," he said. Cllr Fidelis Doherty highlighted that a meeting with Waterford City and County Council will be held on November 23 and the Waterford MASP will be top of the agenda. AIMS OF THE WATERFORD MASP The MASP provides a high level strategic framework for the sustainable development of the Waterford Metropolitan Area based on the ambition for the City and Metropolitan area as an innovation-centred, enterprising, University City with a diverse population, a vibrant cultural sector, a thriving economy, and a significant and substantial profile that brings European and international recognition. It is an objective to strengthen the role of the Waterford Metropolitan Area as an international location of scale, a complement to Dublin and a primary driver of economic and population growth in the Southern Region. It is an objective to promote the Waterford Metropolitan Area as a cohesive metropolitan area with (i) the city centre as the primary location at the heart of the metropolitan area and region, (ii) compact growth and regeneration of the Metropolitan Area across the city centre and suburbs, (iii) active land management initiatives to deliver housing and employment locations in a sustainable, infrastructure led manner. It is also an objective to secure co-ordinated investment and delivery of holistic infrastructure packages across State Departments and infrastructure delivery agencies as they apply to the Waterford Metropolitan Area and seek further investments to deliver on the metropolitan area goals. Huge long-term goals such as the development of the North Quays in Waterford, the provision of improved infrastructure to the wider Waterford metropolitan area and the further development of the Port of Waterford in Belview will have a huge impact on the day-to-day lives of many residents in South Kilkenny. Budding animators and anyone who appreciates the internationally-acclaimed work of the five time Oscar-nominated Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon will revel in an exhibition which includes a talk series and events with Cartoon Saloon animators, editors and directors and more at Kilkennys Butler Gallery. The iconic Kilkenny city centre Gallery hosts the free exhibition of their new animated film My Fathers Dragon, directed by Nora Twomey from November 19 to January 15. The film is inspired by a beloved 1948 fantastical childrens novel by Ruth Stilies Gannett about Elmer Elevator, a boy who runs away from home to rescue Boris, a captive baby dragon trapped on a wild island. The not-to-be-missed exhibition is curated by Anna OSullivan, Butler Gallery Director, and designed by award winning exhibition designer, Steven McNamara of Roji. Together, theyve developed a truly amazing, immersive, sensory and child-centred exhibition experience that will captivate audiences of all ages. My Fathers Dragon went on Irish cinema release on November 4 and goes on Netflix release on November 11. Nora Twomey, Cartoon Saloon Director Twomey said: Our animators and artists at Cartoon Saloon have worked together to craft My Father's Dragon, inspired by Ruth Stiles Gannett's amazing book and we are delighted to continue our partnership with Butler Gallery for this Exhibition. It is amazing to see how the gallery's team have created an immersive experience for all ages. I can't wait for visitors to partake in the world of My Father's Dragon at Butler Gallery. Its their fourth exhibition with Cartoon Saloon and as with previous collaborations, Butler Gallery will deliver an extensive programme of public engagement for children and adults that will include themes such as childrens resilience and problem solving, addressing mental health issues while coping with a crisis, and celebrating the films art and artists, Anna OSullivan explained. Learning and public engagement events will include tailored inclusive workshops for children and young people; interactive visits for schools and groups that encourage creativity through hands-on making; tour programmes and making activities; a talk series and classes with Cartoon Saloon animators, editors and directors and an animator-in-residence programme. For latest updates on the exhibition, details about the talks, masterclasses and more visit butlergallery.com or https://www.cartoonsaloon.ie/my-fathers-dragon/ In Defence of Marxism is committed to safeguarding your privacy. 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We recommend that you check this Privacy Policy occasionally to ensure you remain happy with it. We may also notify you of changes to our privacy policy by email. Third party websites We link our website directly to other sites. This Privacy Policy does not cover external websites and we are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any external websites you visit via links on our website. Updating information You can check the personal data we hold about you, and ask us to update it where necessary, by emailing us at webmaster@marxist.com Contact We are not required by law to have a Data Protection Officer however we have a Data Protection Manager. Please let us know if you have any queries or concerns whatsoever about the way in which your data is being processed by emailing the Data Protection Manager at webmaster@marxist.com Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Mostly cloudy and windy. Periods of rain and snow showers this morning. A few snow showers in the afternoon. Morning high of 44F with temps falling to near 25. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 16F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. President Yoon Suk-yeol appointed his new education minister Monday, his office said, completing the lineup of his first Cabinet. Lee Ju-ho, a professor at the Korea Development Institute and former education minister under the Lee Myung-bak administration, was named education minister and deputy prime minister for social affairs in September. He underwent a confirmation hearing, but the National Assembly failed to adopt a report on the hearing, making him the 14th senior government official under the Yoon administration to be appointed without such a report. Lee succeeds Park Soon-ae, who quit in August only a month after taking office amid public opposition to her plan to lower the elementary school starting age. Yoon's first nominee for education minister, Kim In-chul, withdrew amid allegations of favoritism related to his family's reception of scholarships from a nonprofit organization. (Yonhap) Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung met with Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming on Monday and stressed the importance of China's "constructive" role for regional peace in the wake of a series of North Korean missile launches. "The tension on the Korean Peninsula has escalated to a grave situation as North Korea's military provocations continue," Rep. Lee of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) told the top envoy during their meeting at the National Assembly. "Communication and cooperation between Seoul and Beijing has become more important than ever. I again request that China play a constructive role for peace in Northeast Asia," Lee said, calling for China's "active" response for regional peace. Xing said China is also concerned about the situation and called for dialogue to defuse tensions. "I hope everyone calms down and resolves things through talks," Xing said. "We plan to cooperate with South Korea, and exchange views with the DPK to work for peace and safety on the Korean Peninsula." North Korea launched more than 30 ballistic missiles last week alone, including a presumed failed intercontinental ballistic missile, amid growing concerns it may soon carry out what would be its seventh nuclear test. Lee and Xing also discussed widening civilian exchanges between the two countries in areas like the economy, culture, and arts, and among the younger generation, while offering their condolences for the victims of the Itaewon crowd crush that killed 156 people, including four Chinese nationals. (Yonhap) Angola, IN (46703) Today Cloudy early, then off and on rain showers for the afternoon. High 53F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Cloudy with periods of rain. Thunder possible. Low 28F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. BTS Jin's "The Astronaut" has impressively recorded the highest daily sales for a Korean soloist on the Oricon Daily Singles chart in history. BTS Jin's 'The Astronaut' Achieves Highest Daily Sales for Korean Soloist in Oricon History On Oct. 28, Jin officially became the second BTS member to release a solo project since the group's debut in 2013. He released his first single album "The Astronaut," which features the title song of the same name. According to the latest Oricon Daily Singles chart (dated Nov. 5), Jin's "The Astronaut" sold a total of 104,018 copies in its first day. Those numbers earned the single the top spot of the tally. Not only that, but the project made BTS Jin the first foreign male soloist to debut at No. 1 on the Oricon Daily Singles chart with a first single since Jang Keun Suk in 2011. Furthermore, "The Astronaut" is now the Korean solo project with the highest daily sales on the Oricon Daily Singles chart in history. This is an impressive feat for a single that was released in only two versions and had less promotions in Japan. This achievement just goes to show how popular BTS Jin is in the country despite having no solo Japanese releases in the past. As a matter of fact, the physical version of the single was sold out on several outlets of Tower Records. Additionally, Jin's "The Astronaut" debuted at No. 43 on Billboard Japan Hot 100, while the BTS member reached a new peak of No. 35 on Billboard Japan Artist 100 as of Nov. 2. The idol even achieved the highest debut for a Korean male soloist on the Spotify Top Artist Japan chart; he entered at No. 100. The song "The Astronaut" is also doing well on the biggest music platforms in Japan, such as Line Music and RecoChoku. It debuted at No. 22 on Line Music's daily chart and went up to No. 15 on Nov. 2. It later entered at No. 23 on Line Music's weekly chart. Whereas on RecoChoku, the track debuted at No. 3 on the daily chart and No. 7 on the weekly tally. Congratulations to BTS Jin on his impressive achievements in Japan with "The Astronaut"! Jin Ties With PSY as Korean Soloist With Highest Debut on UK's Official Singles Chart In other news, BTS Jin has successfully earned his first solo entry on the United Kingdom's Official Singles chart. On Nov. 4 local time, Jin's "The Astronaut" landed on multiple UK Official charts. It debuted at No. 61 on the Official Singles chart for the week of Nov. 4 to 10- matching PSY's record for the highest debut by a Korean soloist in history. (PSY's smash hit "Gangnam Style," "Gentleman," and "That That" all entered that tally at No. 61.) Considering English-language songs, BTS Jin is now tied with PSY for the third-highest debut on the chart by a Korean soloist, following his co-member Jungkook (whose collaboration song with Charlie Puth, "Left and Right," entered at No. 41) and BLACKPINK Rose (whose solo debut song "On The Ground" debuted at No. 43). What's more, "The Astronaut" occupied the No. 2 spot on both the Official Singles Sales chart and the Official Singles Downloads chart this week. The song joins BTS V's "Christmas Tree" as the highest-charting song by a Korean soloist on the UK Official Singles Sales chart. Meanwhile, the music video for the track debuted at No. 55 on the Video Streaming chart. For more K-Pop updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article Written by Maria Scott 80 percent of India's Delhi families have members suffering from air pollution ailments: survey Xinhua) 13:33, November 07, 2022 Vehicles and motorcycles move on a road amid thick smog in New Delhi, India, Nov. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Javed Dar) NEW DELHI, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 80 percent of families living in India's Delhi and surrounding areas have someone suffering from air pollution related ailments, a new survey has found. The findings assume significance in the wake of air pollution touching alarming levels over the past few days, with the air quality index (AQI) crossing into the "severe" category. A train arrives at a station amid thick smog in New Delhi, India, Nov. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Javed Dar) Quoting the survey findings, the "Business Standard" reported on Saturday that four among every five families living in Delhi and nearby areas, often referred to Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), surveyed have someone experiencing pollution-related ailments. "Eighteen percent of them have already visited a doctor or a hospital," the survey said. A total of 19,000 people were covered in the survey conducted by LocalCircles, a community social media platform. People walk on a railway track amid thick smog in New Delhi, India, Nov. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Javed Dar) The responses were sought from residents of Delhi and nearby cities of Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad. During the survey, it was also found that 80 percent said their members were "facing multiple issues due to the pollution," while seven percent denied having any issue at all due to the pollution. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) New Delhi [India], November 7 (ANI/BusinessWire India): D2C Ecommerce, a homegrown multi-brand e-commerce platform has acquired leading personal care D2C brand 'Luxura Sciences'. Through this acquisition, D2C Ecommerce will expand in personal care and beauty segment, strengthen Luxura Sciences' product offerings by investing in newer categories and foray into global markets including US, UK, Middle East, South East Asia and Europe. D2C E-commerce had recently announced leading actress Rakul Preet Singh as brand ambassador for its fashion jewellery brand 'AccessHer'. Also Read | Odisha Road Accident: Three Die, 4 Injured As Car Collides With Oil Tanker in Balasore. Luxura Sciences was established in 2018 by serial entrepreneur Mohd. Suaid Ahmed. Luxura's natural personal care range is made with pure ingredients to restore and maintain overall health of the hair, skin and body. Luxura's natural, herbal products are produced by using time tested therapeutic methods of Ayurveda, the world's oldest holistic wellness science. Luxura harnesses the goodness of nature to restore the body's imbalance; and uses only genuine ingredients & rare blends which are free from harmful chemicals & toxins. Also Read | Gujarat Assembly Elections 2022: AAP Declares 12 More Candidates for Vidhan Sabha Polls; Alpesh Kathiriya to Contest from Surat. Currently, Luxura Sciences has over 100 personal care products listed across various renowned e-commerce platforms such as - Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho & Nykaa and will now also be available on www.d2csale.com. The brand has wide product range across skin care, hair care, essential oils and herbal extracts which include hair oil, shampoo, conditioner, hair pack, face pack, serums, cleansers, moisturizers, etc. Luxura Sciences was the first brand to introduce onion hair oil for Indian consumers way back in 2018. Luxura Sciences' multipurpose onion hair oil, shampoo and conditioner are formulated with natural blends of organic oils & extracts that provide all the needed vitamins, proteins and antioxidants that the scalp needs for healthy hair growth. Commenting on the acquisition announcement, Manish Gupta CEO and Founder, D2C Ecommerce expressed, "Luxura Sciences is a pioneer in natural personal care segment and has already made a mark for itself in the nascent online D2C space. Both D2C Ecommerce and Luxura Sciences adhere to the same vision and want to provide the best quality products to the Indian consumers at affordable prices. This partnership gives us an opportunity of entering into fast growing personal care and beauty segment. The consumers are increasingly preferring new age natural personal products. With Luxura Sciences research based products, we are confident of catering to various consumer needs in beauty segment and also scale the business to newer heights by leveraging our existing capabilities." Mohd. Suaid Ahmed, Founder of Luxura Sciences stated, "Luxura Sciences has been changing the way you shop for personal care and beauty by providing a combination of natural, vegan ingredients with high end, clean non-organics. With Luxura Sciences you no longer need to choose between health and performance, you can have both. Luxura Sciences products are hugely popular and has a great brand following amongst consumers. By partnering with D2C Ecommerce we can now cater to a wider audience both in India and overseas as well as introduce new innovative products." With this acquisition, Suaid Ahmed will now be part of the core team at D2C Ecommerce, and will be actively involved in expanding the product range and scaling up D2C Ecommerce's operations in India and across the globe. This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chandigarh, Nov 7 (PTI) The Punjab Transport department has blacklisted 5,706 BS (Bharat Stage)-IV vehicles which were registered in a fraudulent manner, it said on Monday. Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court, a complete ban had been imposed on the registration of BS-IV vehicles after March 31, 2020. Also Read | Bengaluru Court Directs Twitter To Block Accounts of Congress and Its Bharat Jodo Yatra Till Next Hearing Over Copyrights Issue. But these vehicles had been registered fraudulently, of which the transport department identified 5,706 vehicles so far, he said in a statement here. The minister said the investigation revealed that vehicle owners, some company dealers and some officials of regional transport authority offices tampered with engine and chassis numbers for registration of the vehicles. Also Read | BJP Leader Sanjeev Mishra Shot Dead Over Old Dispute in Bihar's Katihar. Besides, many vehicle dealers continued their dealerships without getting themselves registered with the office of the State Transport Commissioner (STC), he further said. "The department uploaded the list of fraudulently registered BS-IV and other vehicles on the website of the department," informed the minister. So far, 5,706 vehicles have been identified and an investigation is on for the identification of other vehicles, he said. He said the erring employees and persons involved in it will not be spared. The state government has also taken action against those vehicle owners, whose taxes were due and whose documents were incomplete. (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, November 7: AAP leader Gopal Rai on Monday said his party will raise the issue of garbage mismanagement in the upcoming Municipal Corporation of Delhi elections, asserting that the BJP has to answer why the trash mountains across the capital haven't been cleared yet. The BJP has been in power in the MCD -- trifurcated in 2012 and then unified this year -- for three straight terms. The high-stakes civic polls on December 4 is largely being seen as a three-way contest between the BJP, the AAP and the Congress. MCD Elections 2022: Manoj Tiwari Records Campaign Song BJP Ka Matlab Seva Hai To Woo Delhi Voters (Watch Video). Rai said the AAP will hold public meetings from November 8-20 and raise the issue of garbage. "In the MCD polls, the AAP will be focusing on the issue of garbage in Delhi. We will hold multiple public meetings at every booth and raise the issue. "We have prepared 600 spokespersons who are being trained to raise the issue. None of them are contesting the elections," Rai said as he launched the 'Kude ka jansamvad' campaign here. The spokespersons will hold discussions on the issue with the public and take their feedbacks, he said. MCD Elections 2022 Dates and Complete Schedule: Voting To Be Held on December 4, Results on December 7. "The BJP is an aimless party and they purposely fixed this impromptu election with an aim to win the polls. The BJP has to answer why garbage mountains and landfill sites across Delhi haven't been cleared yet," he said. AAP leader Durgesh Pathak said public meetings will be held in every booth in Delhi and a few questions will be asked to the public about the issue of garbage. "We will ask people if there is garbage mismanagement in their society and if they spot garbage at other places as well. We will also talk about the three garbage mountains that the BJP has created in Delhi," Pathak said. He further said the BJP has "failed" to keep Delhi clean, despite getting three chances at the MCD. "In MCD, the BJP got three chances which means they couldn't resolve the garbage issue in 15 years," he 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, Nov 7 (PTI) The Supreme Court's verdict upholding the EWS quota on Monday has garnered mixed opinions from prominent activists, including Shabnam Hashmi, and social media users with some describing a "landmark decision" and others, calling it a "blunder" for breaching the 50 per cent reservation ceiling. The Supreme Court, by a majority 3:2 view, upheld the validity of the 103rd Constitution amendment providing a 10 per cent reservation to those belonging to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in education and government jobs. Also Read | Ahmedabad Shocker: Man Stabbed to Death For Asking Back Rs 5000 He Had Lent, Accused Arrested. "Reservation in education and employment should be ONLY economic status based, with special incentives for first gen entrants, differently-abled, military and sportspeople. Caste based reservation is a social injustice, a political scam that robs those who really need help. #EWS," tweeted actor-activist Kasturi Shankar. "SC Verdict, upholding landmark 10% EWS reservation has reinforced the #SabkaSaathSabkaVikas vision of the @narendramodi Govt. This stamp of SC will help promote social equality' & provide equal opportunities in higher edu & jobs to those left behind due to their eco status," tweeted one Amarjeet Verma from Bihar. Also Read | Mumbai Shocker: Woman Killed by Live-in Partner in Ambernath. "Today's #SupremeCourt verdict is a landmark decision and an absolute win for economic parity in Indian society," tweeted one Vinay Sharma. The top court said the law on the EWS quota does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution. But along with a row of social media messages lauding the SC's decision, the 3:2 split verdict also got its share of criticism from activists, social groups, and commentators who said the decision will open a pandora's box. According to social activist Shabnam Hashmi, providing reservation for EWS and excluding Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes from that strikes at the heart of affirmative action. "The reservation was meant to correct a historical wrong and bridge the gap between the SC/STs and other socially privileged classes. The affirmative action has helped some representatives economically but socially they still face discrimination. Poverty can be removed by bringing changes in the economic policies," Hashmi told PTI. Many took to Twitter to express their disappointment with the verdict and cautioned about the problems that it might cause in the coming future. "SC verdict opens the pandora's box if as it seems to say, the 50 per cent ceiling on reservation is not to be taken as sacrosanct any longer. Each State could move that percentage up to accommodate whichever politically powerful group they wish to. #EWS," tweeted political commentator Sumanth Raman. Echoing the views of Raman, Abhimanyu Pratap Singh tweeted: "Supreme Court #EWS verdict will be a blunder - Now every state government will increase the band of reservation according to their political benefits, Maratha, Patel, etc Reservation issues will come again." The Hyderabad-based group Bahujan Students' Federation Of India (BSFI) also questioned the SC for breaching the set limit of 50 per cent on reservation, and demanded a subsequent increase in current percentage reservation for the Other backward Classes (OBC). The nine-judge bench in the 1992, Indra Sawhney, adjudicating on what is more commonly known as the 'Mandal Commission case,' had ruled that "reservation should not exceed 50 per cent, barring certain extraordinary situations." "Supreme Court itself has breached the limit of 50% on Reservation. 60% Indian Population belongs to OBC Community and they are as of now getting 27%, which is unfair. After #EWSVerdict OBC Reservation could be increased to 60%. #OBC Demand 60% #Reservation #teambsfi," tweeted the non-governmental organisation BSFI. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jaipur, November 7: Today's students are the country's future leaders, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said on Monday. He was addressing students at a reunion programme in Rashtriya Military School, Dholpur, on the occassion of its diamond jubilee celebrations. Yadav, an alumnus of the school, called upon the students to bring glory to the country by joining the Indian Army. On the occassion, he unveiled the statue of Colonel Ghai, the school's first principal. Akhilesh Yadav Becomes Samajwadi Party President for Third Consecutive Time. In his address as the chief guest, Yadav relived his memories and also met fellow students. He also posed for group photos with the 1990-batch passouts. Election Commission to Akhilesh Yadav: Furnish Evidence of Deliberate Deletion of Muslim, Yadav Voters' Names in Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections. Yadav had joined in the school while in Class 6 on July 13, 1983. He completed his Class 12 at this school and moved to Mysuru in Karnataka to study engineering. (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, November 7: With the Supreme Court on Monday upholding the EWS quota, the BJP lauded the decision and said it is a victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his "mission" to provide social justice to the country's poor. BJP general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh said, "Supreme Court upholds the legality of EWS reservation for unreserved sections. Another big credit for PM Narendra Modi's vision of Gareeb Kalyan. A big boost in the direction of social justice ." EWS Quota: Supreme Court Upholds Validity of 103rd Constitution Amendment Providing 10% Reservation to Economically Weaker Sections. Echoing the view, BJP general secretary C T Ravi said the verdict is yet another victory for Modi in his mission to provide social justice to India's poor. EWS Quota: Supreme Court Upholds 10% Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections in General Category. The Supreme Court, by a majority view of 3:2, upheld the validity of the 103rd Constitution amendment providing 10 per cent reservation to people belonging to economically weaker sections (EWS) in admissions and government jobs. The top court said the law on EWS quota does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Amaravati, Nov 7 (PTI) The BJP and the YSR Congress in Andhra Pradesh are at loggerheads over the scheduled visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to port city Visakhapatnam on November 11 and 12 with both parties vying to own it. Also Read | Rupee Rises 22 Paise to 82.13 Against US Dollar in Early Trade Latest Tweet by PTI News. The YSRC leadership is ostensibly seeking to use the Prime Minister's trip to Vizag to showcase the "close bond" Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy enjoys with Modi, at a time when the principal opposition Telugu Desam is trying to re-align with its old friend BJP. Also Read | UP Road Accident: Two Killed, 10 Injured As Bus Collides With Truck on Yamuna Expressway in Agra. The Prime Minister will land in Visakhapatnam on the night of November 11 and take part in a series of programmes the next day, though there is no official confirmation yet of the exact events. The YSRC claimed the Prime Minister's visit "is totally a government event" but the BJP disputed it. "If it is a government event, why is an MP of the ruling party announcing it? Where is the need for him to announce that lakhs of people will attend Prime Minister's public meeting? He should stop the dramas," BJP state president Somu Veerraju said, hitting out at YSRC MP V Vijayasai Reddy. "Many people are talking different things, but the Prime Minister's two-day visit is an official programme. The Prime Minister will address a public meeting on November 12 apart from taking part in seven other programmes," Vijayasai Reddy said in an apparent rebuttal. It was BJP MP G V L Narasimha Rao who had, in August, requested Modi to visit Visakhapatnam "at his early convenience" to launch several prestigious development and infrastructure projects of the Central government. Among those proposed were inauguration of the Rs 26,000 crore expansion and modernisation of HPCL's petroleum refinery, first phase of the new green campus of Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam and a cruise terminal at the Visakhapatnam Port. The Prime Minister is expected to lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of the Visakhapatnam Railway Station, being taken up at a cost of Rs 400 crore, construction of a 400-bedded speciality ESI Hospital (Rs 385 crore) and modern mega fishing harbour. Though there is anticipation, no confirmation has been received on whether or not the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the new South Coastal Railway Zone, one of the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014 that hasn't yet been fulfilled. On November 12, Modi will address public meeting at the Andhra University Engineering College grounds. While the BJP is making its own arrangements for mobilising crowd for the meeting, the YSRC said "not less than two lakh people" will come and listen to the address of the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister. The YSRC has directed its local leaders in Visakhapatnam and neighbouring Vizianagaram and Srikakulam also to bring in people from those districts. (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, Nov 7 (PTI) A Delhi court on Monday declared former TMC youth wing leader Vinay Mishra a proclaimed offender (PO) in a money laundering case linked to the alleged cattle smuggling racket across the India-Bangladesh border. Special Judge Raghubir Singh passed the order on an application moved by the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) Special Public Prosecutor Nitesh Rana. Also Read | IAF Recruitment 2023: Registration Begins For Agniveervayu Posts at agnipathvayu.cdac.in, Here's How to Apply. In the application, Rana told the court that Mishra, who was the alleged kingpin in the smuggling racket, failed to appear before the court despite being summoned by the judge and even an arrest warrant has been issued against him for his non-appearance in the matter. Rana said that Mishra was required to be declared a PO for further course of action against him which includes a Red Corner Notice. Also Read | Himachal Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022: Congress is Wide Ball, AAP No Ball, Only BJP is Good Length Delivery, Says Rajnath Singh. The court had in April taken cognisance of the charge sheet filed by the ED against Mishra, Mohammad Enamul Haque, and others and the judge had issued a summons for the accused to appear before it. According to the ED, the case was lodged following an FIR by the CBI in Kolkata against Satish Kumar, the then Commandant of the Border Security Force (BSF). The FIR alleged that Haque, along with Kumar and other public servants and private persons was involved in the smuggling of cattle. It was alleged that the smuggling of cattle through the India-Bangladesh border was carried out at Haque's instance and he paid bribes to the security personnel for facilitating the illegal trade. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ahmedabad, Nov 7 (PTI) The Election Commission has rejected the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s request to accept nominations on the public holiday on November 12 under the Negotiable Instruments Act, a senior official said on Monday. Also Read | Bengaluru Court Directs Twitter To Block Accounts of Congress and Its Bharat Jodo Yatra Till Next Hearing Over Copyrights Issue. Also Read | BJP Leader Sanjeev Mishra Shot Dead Over Old Dispute in Bihar's Katihar. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Gujarat, P Bharathi, told PTI that Gujarat BJP had requested that nomination forms be accepted on November 12, the second Saturday of the month and a public holiday, for the next month's Assembly polls to be held in two phases on December 1 and 5. "We had written to the Election Commission (regarding the BJP's request). The Commission has said no to this request because it is a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act" she said. The last date to file nomination papers for the first phase is November 14. Gujarat will vote in two phases on December 1 and December 5, and the counting of votes will be taken up on December 8 along with that of Himachal Pradesh. Of the total 182 assembly seats in Gujarat, 89 seats will vote on in the first phase and the rest 93 seats on December 5. The process to file nominations for the first phase began on Monday. The notification for the second phase will be issued on November 10 and the last date for nominations will be November 17. The last dates for the withdrawal of nominations for the first and second phases are November 17 and 21, respectively. (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, November 7: The internal security situation in the country remained under control during 2021, says Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Annual Report 2021-22. The report, released on Monday, mentions that Government of India's "due priority" to enhancing internal security has even the reason behind maintaining internal security situation in the country. Rs 3.5 Lakh Crore Needed for Internal Security in 2020-25: MHA. The principal focus on the internal security front remained on countering terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, improving the security scenario in the North Eastern States, combating Left Wing Extremism and maintaining peace in the hinterland of the country, reads the report. BBL Patale, IPS Appointed as Joint Director, Internal Security, MHA? Home Ministry Debunks Fake News. Internal security issues in the country can broadly be categorized with issues related terrorism in the hinterland of the country, Left Wing Extremism (LWE) or naxal issue in certain areas, insurgency in the North Eastern States and cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Explaining the action taken to control internal security in the country, the report said the central government fosussed on capacity building of states police forces through "regular training in the area of intelligence collection, response to terror incidents and investigation" as they are first responders to any terrorist incident. Besides, it states, the names of 'Terrorist Organizations' or 'Individuals' that indulged in terrorist activities are listed in the First Schedul and Fourth Schedule to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 respectively. It also said the Central Government has declared 42 organizations as terrorist organizations and 31 individuals as individual terrorists so far. Apart from that, the MHA actively participated in the Joint Working Group Meetings on Counter Terrorism with foreign countries. The Law Enforcement Agencies keep a close watch on the activities of fundamentalist organizations and groups, having bearing on security, peace and public tranquility of the country and take action as per extant provisions of law, wherever necessary, it also mentions. To strengthen the internal Security, the report says the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which was constituted under the NIA Act of 2008 as a Special agency for investigation and prosecution of offences specified in the Schedule of NIA Act, since its inception, has registered 438 cases as on March 31 this year. Out of which, 349 cases have been charge sheeted. Trial has been concluded in 89 cases, out of which 83 cases have resulted in conviction. NIA is the premier investigation agency at the Central level to investigate terrorism related cases, including terrorism financing cases. Since the inception of Multi Agency Centre (MAC) 4,06,925 inputs have been shared through its platform till December 31, 2021, says the report. In pursuance of its mandate, 297 daily Nodal Officers Meetings, Focus Group Meetings, meetings on Cross Border Terrorism or LWE issue or Insurgency in Punjab and issues related to IIG Camps in North East were organized at MAC in New Delhi in 2021. In addition, 264 meetings were organized at Subsidiary Multi Agency Centers (SGMACs) to discuss terrorism related issues at State level. MAC had also launched National Memory Bank (NMB) integrated with Threat Management system (TMS) on MAC-SMAC - State SB network in June 2021. A total of 30,991 data have been uploaded on the NMB in the form of IRS, periodicals, dossiers and incident reports to facilitate analysis by stakeholders on counter terrorism related issues. (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, Nov 7 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday paid tributes to Azha. Valliappa, a famous Tamil writer feted especially for his literary works for children, on his 100th birth anniversary. His efforts continue to inspire several people in today's era, Modi said. Also Read | Dev Deepawali 2022: Varanasi All Set To Witness 'Grand' Celebrations, Around 10 Lakh Diyas To Illuminate Ganga Ghats Today. The prime minister tweeted, "I pay homage to Thiru Azha. Valliappa on his birth centenary. He is not only remembered for his outstanding writing and poetry but also for his efforts to popularise history, culture and literature among children. His efforts continue to inspire several people in today's era." (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], November 7 (ANI): A massive fire broke out at a Pan Masala company in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur which was later brought under control. The Fire officer has informed that no casualties have been reported in the matter as five fire tenders reached the spot along with the police personnel at Dada Nagar Industrial area on Monday. Also Read | India Post Recruitment 2022: Vacancies Notified for Over 180 Posts at dopsportsrecruitment.in, Know How To Apply and Other Details. "We received information about a massive fire in the Dada Nagar Industrial area site. Five fire tenders along with the police went to the spot and brought the fire under control. The area has now been confined," Fire officer Deepak Sharma said. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Also Read | Assam: Primary School Headmaster Removed From Post for Coming to School With Machete in Cachar (Watch Video). Earlier in the day, a massive fire had broken out at the Mushkin International B-39, under the Phase-2 police station, Noida. This fire was later doused off with the help of seven fire tenders. (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, Nov 7 (PTI) IOL Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals on Monday said it has received certificate of suitability from EDQM to supply Pantoprazole Sodium Sesquihydrate API in European markets. The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) is a mandatory certification for distribution of any API/ pharma products in Europe. Also Read | Electric Vehicles: 54% Indian Consumers Concerned About EV Quality, Not Range, Says Report. Pantoprazole Sodium Sesquihydrate, an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), is proton pump inhibitor used in drugs to suppress the gastric acid secretion. "The company started production of Pantoprazole Sodium Sesquihydrate in Q3 FY 2020 at its Punjab-based facility. Also Read | IAF Recruitment 2023: Registration Begins For Agniveervayu Posts at agnipathvayu.cdac.in, Here's How to Apply. "With this CEP (certificate of suitability) certification, the company will now be able to export it to entire Europe. IOL currently has a total capacity of producing 240 TPA of Pantoprazole Sodium Sesquihydrate," a release said. IOL is the world's largest producer of Ibuprofen API with 33 per cent market share globally. The company has 13 plus APIs in its portfolio such as Metformin Hydrochloride, Clopidogrel Bisulfate Form II, Fenofibrate, Paracetamol etc. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and EDQM cooperate on matters aimed at ensuring the quality of medicines and protection of public health in Europe. (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, Nov 7 (PTI) Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has increased its shareholding in Voltas by buying an additional 2 per cent stake. LIC said it acquired Voltas' shares worth Rs 634.50 crore through open market transactions during the period from August 10 to November 4, 2022. Also Read | Electric Vehicles: 54% Indian Consumers Concerned About EV Quality, Not Range, Says Report. The state-owned life insurer increased its shareholding from 2,27,04,306 shares (equivalent to 6.862 per cent) to 2,93,95,224 (8.884 per cent) in Voltas, according to a regulatory filing on Monday. Voltas is engaged in the business of air conditioning, refrigeration, electro-mechanical projects as an EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractor both in domestic and international market. Also Read | IAF Recruitment 2023: Registration Begins For Agniveervayu Posts at agnipathvayu.cdac.in, Here's How to Apply. Stock of LIC closed at Rs 633.30 apiece on BSE, up by 0.84 per cent, while Voltas scrip ended 1.24 per cent lower at Rs 834.40 apiece. (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, Nov 7 (PTI) Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Monday suggested exporters to make temporary adjustments in prices to meet short-term challenges and retain market share. He also called for exploring export potential of unique products such as castor and instructed officials of the ministry to help promote those items. Also Read | IAF Recruitment 2023: Registration Begins For Agniveervayu Posts at agnipathvayu.cdac.in, Here's How to Apply. The minister "told industry to strive to retain export markets even if they are to make temporary changes in their pricing structure to accommodate short-term challenges", an official statement said. Goyal said this while chairing a meeting of representatives of export promotion councils. Also Read | GSMA Appoints Bharti Airtel CEO Gopal Vittal As Deputy Chair for Two-Year Term. The meeting came amid the moderating export growth in the last few months. The country's exports rose by 4.82 per cent to USD 35.45 billion in September, even as the trade deficit widened to USD 25.71 billion. The minister also asked them to utilise the disruptions in the global trade in their favour by occupying the space yielded by some countries. Goyal asked officials to analyse export data on the basis of sectors, commodities and markets to find out areas of opportunity for Indian exports. "The minister called for open channels of communication between export promotion bodies and industry bodies with the government so that issues being faced may be flagged and resolved at the earliest," it added. (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], November 6 (ANI): According to new simulations, fish glance down when swimming because the stable riverbed underneath them provides more trustworthy information about their swimming direction and speed. The study, published in the journal Current Biology, is the first to combine simulations of zebrafish's brain, native environment and spatially-varying swimming behaviour into one computational model. By analyzing this model, the researchers concluded that this quirk looking down while swimming forward -- is an adaptive behaviour that evolved to help the fish self-stabilize, as when swimming against a current. Also Read | Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool, Premier League 2022-23 Free Live Streaming Online: How to Watch EPL Match Live Telecast on TV & Football Score Updates in IST?. As water moves, fish are constantly trying to self-stabilize in order to stay in place -- rather than getting swept away in a moving stream. Focusing on other fish, plants or debris might give the fish a false sensation that it's moving. However, the stable riverbed below them gives fish more reliable information about their swimming direction and speed. "It's similar to sitting on a train car that isn't moving. If the train next to yours starts to pull to away from the station, it can trick you into thinking you are moving too," said Northwestern's Emma Alexander, who led the study. "The visual cue from the other train is so strong that it overrides the fact that all of your other senses are telling you that you are sitting still. That's exactly the same phenomenon that we are studying in fish. There are many misleading motion cues above them, but the most abundant and reliable signals are from the bottom of the river." Also Read | Online Fraud in West Bengal: Two Held for Duping Investors of Rs 32 Crore During COVID-19 Pandemic. Alexander is an assistant professor of computer science in Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering, where she runs the Bio Inspired Vision Lab. To conduct the research, Alexander and her collaborators focused on zebrafish, a well-studied model organism. But, although many laboratories have tanks full of zebrafish, the team wanted to focus on the fish's native environment in India. "It was recently discovered that fish respond to motion below them more strongly than motion above them. We wanted to dig into that mystery and understand why," Alexander explained. "Many zebrafish that we study grow up in lab tanks, but their native habitats shaped the evolution of their brains and behaviors, so we needed to go back to the source to investigate the context for where the organism developed." Armed with camera equipment, the team visited seven sites across India to gather video data of shallow rivers, where zebrafish naturally live. The field team encased a 360-degree camera inside a waterproof diving case and attached it to a remotely-controlled robotic arm. Then, they used the robotic arm to plunge the camera into the water and move it around. "It allowed us to put our eyes where the fish eyes would be, so it's seeing what the fish see," Alexander said. "From the video data, we were able to model hypothetical scenarios where a simulated fish moved arbitrarily through a realistic environment." Back in the lab, the team also tracked zebrafish's motions inside a ball of LEDs. Because fish have a large field of view, they do not have to move their eyes to look around like people do. So, the researchers played motion stimuli across the lights and watched the fishes' responses. When patterns appeared on the bottom of the tank, the fish swam along with the moving patterns -- more evidence that the fish were taking their visual cues from looking downward. "If you play a video with moving stripes, the fish will move along with the stripes," Alexander said. "It's like they are saying 'wait for me!' In the behavioral experiment, we counted their tail beats. The more they wagged their tails, the more they wanted to keep up with the moving stripes." The team then abstracted data from its videos and combined it with data from how motion signals get encoded into the fish's brain. They fed the datasets into two pre-existing algorithms used for studying optic flow (or the movement of the world across our eyes or camera lenses). Ultimately, they discovered that in both scenarios -- in the wild and in the lab -- zebrafish look down when swimming forward. The researchers concluded that fish look down to understand their environment's motion and then swim to counteract it -- to avoid being swept away. "We tied everything together into a simulation that showed that, in fact, this is an adaptive behavior," said Alexander, who led the computational part of the study. "The water surface is constantly moving, and other fish and plants are moving by. Fish are better off omitting that information and focusing on the information below them. Riverbeds have a lot of texture, so fish are seeing strong features they can track." Not only does this information gives some insight into fishes' behavior, it could also inform designs for artificial vision systems and sophisticated bio-inspired robots. "If you were making a fish-inspired robot and you just looked at its anatomy, you might think 'the eyes are pointing sideways, so I'm going to point my cameras sideways,'" Alexander said. "But it turns out that the eyes are pointing sideways because they are balancing several tasks. We think they point sideways because it's a compromise -- they look upward to hunt and downward to swim." (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Hong Kong, November 7 (ANI): China's military bases, built upon reefs that barely protrude above the surface of the South China Sea, have attracted a lot of attention since they first started popping up nearly a decade ago. China has invested a lot of money and effort into creating these overtly military bases over the past 7-8 years. In 2015, Chairman Xi Jinping actually promised former US President Barak Obama that China would not militarize these facilities. It was a bald-faced lie back then, something that became even more obvious in the intervening years. Also Read | Pakistan May Face Shortage of Petrol and Diesel Due to Inadequate Import Amid Russia-Ukraine War. Chinese analysts describe these bases - 20 outposts in the Paracel Islands (of which Woody Island is the largest) and seven in the more southerly Spratly Islands - as "unsinkable aircraft carriers". China has had jurisdiction over the Paracel Islands only in the latter half of the last century. In the past decade, however, the PLA has erected seven militarized outposts in the Spratlys, approximately 1,300km south of Hong Kong. The PLA has installed high-tech sensors on Cuarteron, Fiery Cross, Gaven, Hughes, Johnson, Mischief and Subi Reefs. Indeed, satellite and aerial imagery of these facilities shows them bristling with infrastructure such as runways, berths, hangars, barracks, radars, naval guns and air defense missiles. Also Read | 5G Milestone: Samsung Reaches Record-Breaking 1.75Gbps Download Speed at 10km Distance. The John Hopkins Applied Physics University published a series of assessments about these South China Sea bases, in which J. Michael Dahm noted: "Over two dozen probable radars were noted on the island reefs in total. These include likely air and surface search radar, target tracking radar, microwave over-the-horizon radar that can track surface targets at long range, and a unique low-frequency radar on Subi Reef purported to have significant anti-stealth capabilities." Furthermore, Dahm stated, 'Electronic warfare systems...appear to be diverse and redundant, probably covering a broad swathe of the electromagnetic spectrum. In addition to mobile ground-based electronic warfare systems, the PLA established a number of fixed signals intelligence facilities that include a high-frequency direction-finding site [Mischief Reef] and a likely site to monitor foreign satellites communications [Fiery Cross Reef]." Four reefs boast 50 high-frequency communications antennas between them, some as tall as 26m, that provide complementary longer-range communications. An undersea fiber-optic cable link with the mainland exists (completed to all seven outposts by 2017) alongside robust satellite communications. Furthermore, inter-island communication relies on troposcatter, VHF/UHF line-of-sight, 4G cellular and data links. These can be reinforced by unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft if necessary. From 2016-19, China created a network of sensors and communications equipment between Hainan and the Paracel Islands. This Blue Ocean Information Network comprises five 34m-long floating platforms around Hainan, and one fixed platform at Bombay Reef in the Paracels. They presumably collect marine data and act as communications conduits. Chinese militarization of the South China Sea is consequential, giving the PLA major advantages in all situations outside of a major conflict. Yet they are not as "unsinkable" as China makes out, for they possess vulnerabilities. Professor Collin Koh, Research Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, posed the question: "[Have you] ever wondered why each of these outposts is so underpopulated, considering the infrastructure can hold about a regiment of troops? The fact is that, geomorphologically, these artificial islands are unstable." Koh, quoting a Chinese government official, noted that these "artificial islands were built in haste. Environmental impact assessment and structural feasibility studies, which would have been required, were pushed aside to expedite the project." Thus, "The geomorphological challenges pushed aside for the political expediency of having these artificial islands up and running wouldn't have been [dealt with] when construction was still ongoing." Indeed, Chinese and People's Liberation Army (PLA) scientists were grappling with the problem even whilst construction was in full swing. This could be seen in an August 2016 study published by the Journal of Harbin Engineering University. The abstract reveals that the carbonation service life of concrete structures in the South China Sea is less than 25 years, with chloride diffusion penetration in ordinary concrete some 1-2 orders of magnitude greater than temperate areas like Europe. China is thus locked in a perennial battle against marine corrosion in the South China Sea. High temperatures, extreme humidity, high salt fog and solar radiation "significantly accelerate the corrosion rate" of alloys, according to another study conducted on Woody Island in the Paracels, and published in 2020. Yet another study stated that "different seawater zones of a reef in the South China Sea have severe corrosion properties, especially in the splash zone..." Furthermore, "Storage of petroleum, oil and lubricants supplies poses a challenge given the extant marine environment in the South China Sea, especially the omnipresent nemesis which is none other than corrosion..." Koh continued: "Even into this year, Beijing continues to conduct research on the geomorphological stability of these artificial islands - which very plausibly indicates it remains a persistent problem and that no significant breakthroughs have yet been achieved to rectify it." Remember that earthquakes in the South China Sea area are relatively frequent too, with these structures built from reclaimed coral sand. Koh again: "Geomorphological stability issues and marine corrosion aside, long-term habitability at these outposts also presents a particular challenge." This was recognized by China years ago, for a 2007 study concluded that "the self-rated health in naval servicemen in the islets of the South China Sea is worse than that in ones on the land, especially psychological health." Such findings were backed up a 2019 report entitled "Investigation and Analysis of Health Service Needs of Officers and Soldiers on Some Islands and Reefs of Nansha". The survey found that 70% of respondents reported high monthly morbidity rates (i.e. incidences of health issues). Common complaints were joint pain, skin diseases, oral/dental diseases, upper respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, 18.2% of respondents reported feeling anxious, depressed or lonely, likely exacerbated by the isolation of these remote bases. Another study published just a few months ago suggested that slightly older military personnel exhibited better tolerance compared to young personnel in the high-temperature and high-humidity environment. The fact that China is performing so many studies on physical and mental performance in the South China Sea shows it is a matter of high concern for the PLA. Yet another study published in China's Industrial Water and Wastewater in February 2021 concluded, "Due to the shortage of freshwater resources, the exploitation and utilization of outlying islands and reefs are seriously restricted." Potable water on these reefs comes from desalination plants. In fact, Taiwanese-occupied Taiping is the only island in the South China Sea possessing natural freshwater. Koh summarized: "So in conclusion, I just want to say that it's easy to focus on the obvious - those impressive artificial structures that are so visual - and overlook the not-too-obvious challenges that afflict these outposts. 'Unsinkable'? Sorry, I don't place my bet on such a label." Nonetheless, the China Coast Guard, People's Armed Forces Maritime Militia and PLA have not slackened efforts to stamp Beijing's authority on the disputed maritime area of the South China Sea. China typically uses fishing boats, militia and law enforcement patrol vessels to create ongoing presences in contentious locations such as Scarborough Shoal, and these vessels routinely find succor in China's new outposts. Additionally, Beijing is attempting to prevent US and other foreign naval ships from transiting through the South China Sea, and freedom of navigation for civil maritime traffic could one day be hindered if China is allowed to assert illegal control over international waters. China is in the same way interfering with overflights in the South China Sea, ordering foreign military aircraft to turn away. Lynn Kuok, a Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific Security at the UK-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, explained: "This is something that should concern us all. First, because it's not merely a dispute over rocks and reefs as some like to say, but it's something that affects the balance of power in the region. "And the second reason it should concern us is that the rules-based order is being undermined, and this doesn't just affect the South China Sea and the US, China, but it affects global order and the ability to ensure stability, not just regionally but internationally. So we should all care about what happens in the South China Sea." But why is China so insistent on claiming territory within its ambiguous Nine-Dash Line that it arbitrarily concocted, and whose territorial claims overlap those of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam? There are obvious military and strategic reasons. China covets a buffer zone off its coast, strategic depth so it can keep potential enemies at arm's length. Additionally, a shallow continental shelf along much of China's coastline is etched more deeply in the South China Sea, thus allowing nuclear submarines located at Hainan Island to reach deep water with greater stealth. Furthermore, the area helps protect access to the critical Malacca Strait chokepoint. Naturally, there are vast hydrocarbon resources beneath the seabed that can be exploited, as well as fishing stocks. China's rabid nationalism and domestic public opinion also force it to go on claiming the South China Sea as its own. Koh told ANI: "This ties in with the fact that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is a victim of its own success, because decades of national education have created generations of younger Chinese citizens who have never gone through the tough old days under communist rule. All they see is a strong China that has past grievances and, of course, the question to the CCP is, 'Why aren't we being strong and fighting back?'" In effect, by calling the South China Sea an ancestral sea, the CCP has painted China into a corner. If possession is nine-tenths of the law, then announcing new "official" districts there on 18 April 2020 was just one further step to cement China's position in the Paracel and Spratly Islands, despite its exorbitant territorial claims having already been declared invalid under international law via a Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in July 2016. China's two new districts will "govern" the Paracels, Macclesfield Bank and the Spratly Islands, where overlapping claims exist with Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. The Xisha administration will be located on Woody Island, while the Nansha jurisdiction will be controlled from Fiery Cross Reef. This move enables more resources and manpower to be allocated to island management. Then, on 19 April 2020, the Natural Resources Ministry and Civil Affairs Ministry jointly announced the naming of 80 geographical features in the South China Sea, including 25 islands, shoals and reefs, and 55 underwater features. Again, this is part of efforts to create a fait accompli and assert Chinese ownership after the fact. China once claimed that its new Spratly facilities were being built for the benefit of others. This is a blatant lie, for no aircraft or boat is allowed anywhere close to them. Indeed, recent imagery showed that the PLA has placed mobile obstacles onto runways so that aircraft - presumably including those in distress - cannot land there. China rushed through the militarization of its man-made military bases in the Spratly Islands, and it continues to deal with the by-products of those actions. The greatest challenge is corrosion in the harsh marine and tropical environment. Nonetheless, these bases still permit the PLA and supporting agencies to dominate the waters and skies of the South China Sea. They act as hubs for maritime patrol vessels, and radars and aircraft on temporary rotations can govern the skies. Yes, in wartime, these bases would be highly vulnerable to enemy attack by missiles and bombs, and the PLA would have an extremely hard time resupplying them. Despite this, one added advantage is that they would tie up resources and forces in the initial phases of a wider conflict against China. But for now, despite the environmental, corrosion and health challenges these militarized reefs endure, they do enable the Chinese government to extend its belligerent reach far to the south of legal limits. (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], November 7 (ANI): Russia and India stand for the active formation of a more just and equal polycentric world order, the Russian Foreign Ministry said ahead of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to Moscow. Jaishankar will begin his two-day visit on Monday to hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in continuation of the regular high-level dialogue between the two sides. Also Read | Sanjay Bhandari, Fugitive Arms Dealer, To Be Extradited to India, Rules UK Court. During the EAM's visit, talks between the two sides are expected to cover the entire range of bilateral issues and exchange views on various regional and international developments. "Russia and India stand for the active formation of a more just and equal polycentric world order, and proceed from the inadmissibility of promoting the imperialist diktat on the global arena," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Also Read | Imran Khan Asks Pakistan President Arif Alvi To Draw Up Clear Operational Lines for ISPR. The Russian Foreign Ministry said bilateral relations between the two countries bear the character of a special and privileged strategic partnership and effective interaction mechanisms have been formed between the two countries over the past decades. "The key areas of cooperation with India are the further intensification of the political dialogue in a bilateral format and on international platforms, promotion of economic, financial, energy, military-technical, humanitarian, scientific and technical cooperation," the Russian statement read. According to the Russian foreign ministry, Lavrov and Jaishankar will discuss ways to advance joint work in the key areas and compare notes on the schedule of upcoming contacts. "The talks will focus on the trade and investments, transport and logistics, the use of national currencies in mutual settlements, as well as promising projects in the energy sector, especially in the Arctic shelf and the Russian Far East," the ministry said. It said there will be an exchange of assessments on the current international issues with an emphasis on interaction within the UN, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Group of Twenty (G20) and RIC (Russia, India, China). "The Ministers will also discuss India's presidency in the SCO, efforts to fight terrorism, as well as a number of the regional issues, including the formation of a security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, the situation around the Iranian nuclear problem, state of affairs in Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine," the Russian foreign ministry said. Since the start of the Ukraine conflict earlier this year, India's bilateral ties with Russia have come under the scanner of the West for a surge in oil imports from sanctions-hit Moscow. The war in Ukraine which has continued for more than eight months has had a significant impact on global food security and has led to a sudden increase in crude prices. Notably, India has not condemned Russia since the start of the conflict and has maintained its independent position. On several UN forums, New Delhi has consistently called for a cessation of violence and advocated the path of peace and diplomacy. (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 [India], November 7 (ANI): South Korean Ambassador to India, Chang Jae-bok paid an official three-day visit to Srinagar and held talks with various stakeholders on issues pertaining to the bilateral cooperation in several domains, including the development journey of the region. During the visit, ambassador Jae-bok met various stakeholders including Pandurang K. Pole, the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir and office bearers of the J-K Policy Institute and its staff. Also Read | 'Time Traveller' From Year 3000 Claims US Navy Will Interact With UFOs This Month, Makes Other Chilling Predictions Including Discovery of Deadly Virus in Antarctica. "Ambassador Chang Jae-bok paid an official visit to Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir(UT) from Oct 31 to Nov 2. During the visit, the Ambassador met various stakeholders including Mr. Pandurang K. Pole, the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir and office bearers of the J-K Policy Institute and its staff," the South Korean embassy said in a statement. "They have discussed issues pertaining to the bilateral cooperation in various domains, current situation and development journey of the region," it added. Also Read | Pakistan May Face Shortage of Petrol and Diesel Due to Inadequate Import Amid Russia-Ukraine War. The South Korean embassy said ambassador Chang Jae-bok visited the University of Kashmir in Srinagar on November 1. He had a meeting with Nilofer Khan, the Vice Chancellor and Deans of the University and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the education field. Also, Ambassador Chang delivered a lecture in the University on Korea-India bilateral relations, how both countries are important partners to each other. Before the lecture, the envoy asked students to join in mourning for the victims and bereaved families of Itaewon accident in Seoul, as well as, the victims of the Gujarat bridge collapse. Last week, American diplomats based in New Delhi paid an official visit to Srinagar this week as part of their efforts to bolster people-to-people ties. "Diplomats from the US Embassy in New Delhi paid an official visit to Srinagar this week," the US Embassy spokesperson, Christopher Elms told ANI. He added that diplomats accredited to India regularly visit all parts of the country as part of their efforts to expand cooperation with state and local governments and develop people-to-people ties. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Danushka Gunathilaka was reportedly moments away from leaving for the airport to fly back home when he was pulled out of the team bus and apprehended by police, a report in the Daily Mail has said. He was arrested in Sydney on Sunday morning for allegedly sexually assaulting a 29-year-old woman in Rose Bay earlier last week. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday seized 6 kg of heroin from a foreign national at Mumbai Airport. According to the reports, the seized contrabands are worth Rs 18 Crores in the international market. The accused has been arrested. Mumbai Drugs Bust: DRI Seize 198 Kg High Purity Crystal Methamphetamine and 9 Kg Pure Cocaine From Truck Carrying Imported Oranges. Six Kg Heroin Seized at Mumbai Airport: Maharashtra | Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seized 6 kg of heroin worth Rs 18 Crores in the international market, from a foreign national at Mumbai Airport. The accused has been arrested. pic.twitter.com/PptRJvctwo ANI (@ANI) November 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.) Germany's opposition CDU party is calling for at least three months in prison for climate activists who block roads or attack cultural assets. pic.twitter.com/KNVvOV2i2R Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) November 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.) Seoul, Nov 7: South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Monday apologised to the nation over the deadly Seoul crowd crush, calling for a sweeping overhaul of the police accused of bungling the response and promising to punish those responsible. Yoon made the remark during a meeting held to review crowd control and other safety regulations in the wake of the tragedy that killed 156 people on October 29, reports Yonhap News Agency. Halloween Stampede in Itaewon: 151 Killed, 82 Injured in Deadliest Stampede in South Koreas History. "In order to respond effectively to various dangers in our society, we must carry out a general institutional review of authority and responsibility in safety management, and of a rapid reporting system," he said, amid criticism that the police and local government authorities were neither informed nor present at the scene in a timely manner. "We need major innovations in the way police prepare against risks and prevent accidents in order to protect the people's safety. "I will make sure the truth is thoroughly determined regarding this tragedy and disclose the process to the public in a transparent manner that leaves not a trace of doubt," the President added. Yoon did not mention how he will uncover the truth, but the police have been conducting an internal inspection and investigation into what went wrong in its handling of the disaster. "In line with the results, I will strictly demand accountability from those responsible," he said. In his first formal apology to the nation over the tragedy, he said: "I dare not compare myself to the parents who lost their sons and daughters, but as the President who should protect the people's lives and safety, I grieve and my heart is heavy. "I am apologetic and sorry to the bereaved families who are facing an indescribable tragedy and to the nation that is sharing in the pain and sadness." iPhone Supplies Drop Due to Anti-Virus Curbs in China: Apple. Yoon renewed his call on the government to handle the aftermath of the tragedy in a responsible manner, and to improve existing anti-disaster and safety regulations to make the nation safer. On Sunday, the President and first lady Kim Keon-hee attended a memorial mass held at the Myeongdong Cathedral. It was Yoon's third attendance in a religious service honouring the victims, following a Buddhist memorial service at the Joggye Temple in central Seoul on November 5 and a church service organised by the United Christian Churches of Korea the next day. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 07, 2022 09:57 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has been reportedly preparing for mass employee layoffs this week. It was first reported by the Wall Street Journal on Sunday, citing numerous sources familiar with the matter. The Meta employee layoffs were seen to be the first large-scale dismissals in the company's 18-year history. According to CNET, the Facebook parent company was reportedly eyeing to cut its costs by at least 10% within the next few months. Meta has employed 87,000 workers. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said during the company's third-quarter earnings call late last month that downsizing the workforce could be imminent. Zuckerberg noted that the company will focus its "investments on a small number of high priority growth areas" in 2023. He added that it could mean that some teams will "grow meaningfully," while other teams "will stay flat or shrink over the next year." Zuckerberg then noted that they expect to end 2023 with roughly the same size or "even a slightly smaller organization." The Meta chief executive said that he expects the metaverse investments to take about a decade before seeing promising results. READ NEXT: Elon Musk Closes Twitter Deal, With Two at Least Four Twitter Executives Fired as the Billionaire Takes Over Meta Company Employee Layoffs Mark Zuckerberg also said he had to freeze hiring, shutter projects, and reorganize teams to reduce costs. The social media company had cut plans to hire engineers by at least 30% in June. Zuckerberg also warned employees to prepare for an economic decline. Meta's shareholder Altimeter Capital Management noted in its open letter to Zuckerberg that the company needs to streamline by decreasing jobs and capital expenditure. It added that Meta had lost investor confidence as it increased spending and turned to the metaverse. In July, Zuckerberg said the company was experiencing one of the "worst downturns that we've seen in recent history," The New York Times reported. He added that workers should be prepared to do more work with fewer resources, and their performances would be reviewed more intensely than previously. Zuckerberg said at the time that "self-selection" was fine with him. He noted that there were probably some people who were part of the company "who shouldn't be here." Meta's business has been affected by privacy changes that Apple imposed, which hindered the ability of many apps to target mobile ads to users. The bulk of Meta's revenue, which is digital advertising, has also weakened as advertisers backed out. The employee layoffs are seen to happen by the end of the week, joining other tech companies with their employment cutoff. Tech Large-Scale Employee Layoffs Meta is not the first tech company to impose large-scale employee layoffs. Twitter's workforce has already been reduced by its new CEO, Elon Musk. Previous reports indicated that as much as half the company's 3,700 workers had been affected by last week's layoffs. Musk could reportedly lay off 25% and as much as 75% of the workforce. Rideshare company Lyft was also reported to lay off 13% of its staff, with job cuts affecting around 650 employees. In July, Lyft had already laid off 60 workers. A Microsoft spokesperson noted that there will also be employment cuts in the company, which would be 1% of its 180,000 workers. The spokesperson noted that the company will review its business priorities regularly while making "structural adjustments accordingly." READ MORE: Elon Musk Warns World: Global Recession Could Last 'Until Spring '24' This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Meta Reportedly Freezes Hiring, Warns of Layoffs - From Yahoo Finance Anti-government protests in Peru continue to grow after thousands of protesters took to the streets on Saturday demanding the left-wing president Pedro Castillo's removal. Voice of America News reported that Peru's capital, Lima, saw demonstrators marching toward Congress. Protesters were carrying Peru's flag and signs with anti-government slogans. They were then faced with dozens of riot police releasing tear gas, halting their procession. As of now, there were no immediate reports of injuries. Meanwhile, the leftist president has called the opposition as "reactionaries" and "the enemies of people." Police launched several tear gas canisters in their efforts to disperse crowds. Authorities were wearing helmets and plastic shields. Castillo's government is currently under investigation after several corruption charges against him. The Peruvian president has already faced two impeachment attempts after he has been in office for a little more than a year. Lawmakers are seeking to have Castillo in a third trial. However, it is widely acknowledged that there are likely insufficient votes to remove him from his position. READ NEXT: Ecuador Prison Riot Kills at Least 15; Nation's Prisons Agency Said Prisoners Fought With Guns, Knives Protests in Peru Peru currently faces a number of economic issues, including the skyrocketing costs of basic goods. In addition, the country was disproportionately hit by COVID-19, with poverty levels projected to remain above pre-pandemic levels for the next two years, as forecasted by the World Bank. One of the protesters told a media outlet that she was participating in the movement for the sake of her children and grandchildren as the "government is becoming hell." Another one said that Peru "has stagnated," speaking economically. One of the organizers of the march and a conservative lawyer, Lucas Ghersi, said that they see a government "involved in corruption and Congress doesn't react." Protests have also erupted in various parts of the country such as in Arequipa, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Trujillo. Peru's attorney general has filed a constitutional complaint against Castillo with Congress. Opposition lawmakers are expecting the complaint will result in Castillo's removal from office. Peru's President Pedro Castillo and Corruption Charges Against Him Peru's Attorney General Patricia Benavides filed in October a constitutional complaint, accusing Castillo of leading a criminal organization after finding evidence of influence-peddling and acts of collusion. Castillo is already facing six investigations regarding issues such as graft and plagiarism. The Public Prosecutor's Office ordered the arrest of five former Castillo advisers in October and a search of the offices and home of six members of Congress. Two former Castillo ministers were also involved in the complaint, namely, Transportation and Communications minister Juan Silva Villegas, who is currently on the run and Housing, Construction, and Sanitation minister Geiner Alvarado Lopez. It would require 66 votes out of 130 to suspend Castillo. Meanwhile, Castillo flatly denied the accusations against him and those close to him in a press conference. He suggested in a statement that he was willing to die for his people, saying that if his blood has to "flow in the streets for the benefit of the people, then so be it." Before the marches, Castillo said that people are trying to break the country with disinformation and false accusations. READ MORE: Parts of Amazon Rainforest in Brazil Are Being Illegally Offered for Sale on Facebook Marketplace This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Perus President Castillo lifts Lima lockdown amid criticism - from Al Jazeera English Several tornadoes have ripped across three states, causing death and destruction in their wake. The most affected areas include Dallas, Texas, and northeastern Texas, as well as northwest Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. According to the Associated Press, there are two reported casualties so far. The first is a 90-year-old man from Idabel, Oklahoma. His death was confirmed by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. The man's body was found inside his home in the Pickens area of McCurtain County. Meanwhile, the second death came in northeastern Texas. According to The Guardian, it was reported by a Morris County official, though no further details have been released as of writing. State of Emergency Declared in Oklahoma While Texas Assesses Damage The damage seems to be the biggest in Oklahoma where Governor Stitt declared a state of emergency for McCurtain County, where Idabel is located, as well as nearby Bryan, Choctaw, and LeFlore counties. Over 100 homes and businesses were damaged in Idabel, Oklahoma due to the tornadoes, with the amount ranging from minor damage to totally destroyed. As the tornadoes ripped through the state, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol also reported the drowning of a 6-year-old girl. However, it was not clear if this was attributed to the storm. The Oklahoma medical examiner will be investigating the matter. The girl was with a 43-year-old man, who was also reported missing after their vehicle was swept by water off a bridge near Stilwell, Oklahoma. With the State of Emergency declaration, Oklahoma will receive federal assistance and funding, as well as clear the way for state agencies to make disaster recovery-related purchases without any limits on bidding requirements. "There was total destruction on the south and east sides of Idabel," said Steven Carter, a local Oklahoma emergency management coordinator. READ NEXT: Hurricane Lisa Hits Belize, Will Hit Guatemala and Mexico Soon Over in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott stated that damage assessments and recovery efforts are underway in the areas affected by the tornadoes. He stated that he has "deployed all available resources to help respond and recover." In Lamar County, Texas, a disaster was declared, with at least two dozen people injured across the country. Multiple Tornadoes Formed in Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center revealed that Texas had the most tornadoes form, with nine. Meanwhile, four tornadoes formed in Arkansas, and only one in Oklahoma. However, that one tornado in Oklahoma was the one that caused the most damage. The storm has also caused record rainfall in Dallas, as over three inches of rain was recorded at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, breaking the previous record of 1.77 inches in 1956. There were also power outages reported, with almost 40,000 homes and businesses without power in Texas, most of which are located in the northeastern portion of the Lone Star state. Most of the power outages are caused by the storm. Another 5,000 homes were reported without power in Oklahoma. A tornado watch has also been issued for various areas, including southeast Texas, northwest Louisiana, western Arkansas, and extreme southeast Oklahoma. In addition to the heavy rainfall and tornadoes, damaging wind gusts and large hail are also reported to be possible, according to the Weather Channel. READ NEXT: Hurricane Julia Update: 28 Dead as Heavy Rainfall Lashes Guatemala and El Salvador This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Broken Bow, Oklahoma Tornado 11/4/2022 - Disaster Alerts The late British monarch Queen Elizabeth was secretly friends with actor Tom Cruise before her death. A close source noted that the late queen and the top-notch actor "really hit it off" over the summer, with the "Mission: Impossible" star appearing at Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, according to a Yahoo News report. The sources noted that the late queen had let it known that she was "really disappointed not to have met" Cruise at the pageant. As a result, the actor was invited to have a special tour of Windsor Castle with everything prepared for him. After the tour, the two reportedly had tea together. They added that the queen loved seeing the actor, so much that Queen Elizabeth invited Cruise back for lunch. The visit was determined a success and Cruise was given the chance to fire a ceremonial gun. The sources noted that Cruise was even allowed to fly in by helicopter. Cruise spoke during a television interview of his admiration for the queen before he appeared as part of the Platinum Jubilee's Gallop Through History equine pageant in May. The actor said at the time that Queen Elizabeth was a woman that he greatly admires, adding that he thinks she is "someone who has tremendous dignity" and that he admires her devotion." Cruise said what the queen accomplished "has been historic." READ NEXT: King Charles III Net Worth: A Peak to Wealth and Inheritance of the New Monarch After Queen Elizabeth's Death Queen Elizabeth and Tom Cruise 'Secret' Friendship The two were set to meet for the second time. However, it did not materialize as the queen passed away on September 8 at the age of 96. Cruise never got his second meeting with the queen. He then opened up about how much she respected the late monarch as a person while he was attending the Platinum Jubilee festivities. Cruise earlier said that he loves Britain because of the beautiful countryside, friendly locals, great sights, and history. Aside from that, the actor has filmed several movies in the United Kingdom. He was also filming parts of the upcoming film "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" in the U.K. The actor also revealed that he can relax in Britain without being swarmed by fans and autograph hunters, adding that he likes Britain's cows and sheep. Queen Elizabeth's Death King Charles announced the death of his mother at the time, saying that it was a "moment of great sadness" for him and all the members of the family. He added that he knows that his mother's loss will be "deeply felt through the country," extending to the Realms and the Commonwealth of Britain. The queen passed away at Balmoral on a Thursday afternoon. She has been placed on the throne since 1952 and became witness to massive social changes, as reported by BBC News. Her children traveled to Balmoral after doctors placed the queen under medical supervision. Other members of the family were also present such as her grandsons Prince William, who is now heir to the throne, and Prince Harry. Queen Elizabeth became heir to the throne at age 10 when her father became King George VI. READ MORE: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Opt Not to Hold Daughter Lilibet's Christening in the U.K. As It's Likely to Be in California: Royal Sources This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Tom Cruise Attends Queen Elizabeth's Jubilee Celebrations - from ET Canada Former Florida cop, Yessenia Sanchez, admitted on camera to shooting her estranged police officer boyfriend after she actively stalked him through "electronic means," according to a police report. The police report also noted that a "closed-circuit television camera" captured the incident entirely and that the victim, who was also a Miami-Dade police officer, was shot in the head. The 32-year-old former Florida cop is charged with first-degree attempted murder with a deadly weapon. She is also currently being held without a bond, as reported by Law&Crime. Aside from the first-degree attempted murder, she was also charged with aggravated stalking and a separate case involving one count of leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage. The Miami-Dade police officer victim was identified as Damian Colon and was in "extremely" critical condition, according to Hialeah Police Sgt. Jose Torres. It was reported late Friday that the victim was out of surgery and was determined a critical but stable condition. READ NEXT: Miami Police: Scary Abduction Attempt Caught on Doorbell Camera Former Florida Cop Tracking Police Officer Boyfriend Sanchez and Colon had a seven-year relationship, with police noting that Sanchez used to track her ex-boyfriend to a home in the 1200 block of West 79th Street. Authorities also noted in a Miami Herald report that Sanchez unholstered her gun and shot him once before taking off and crashing her vehicle into another car while she was trying to escape the scene. Police said Sanchez then abandoned her vehicle and took off on foot before being caught by law enforcement authorities. Authorities said that they identified Sanchez through video surveillance. She then confessed to the shooting and admitted to stalking the victim with GPS. Multiple law enforcement sources noted that Colon, who was off duty, was inside his pickup truck, which was parked outside his family's Hialeah home just before sunrise on Friday when Sanchez pulled up. Colon then got out of his truck and walked to the porch, with Sanchez following behind. The suspect then shot him at point-blank range. Former Florida Cop's History of Violence Police officers arrested Sanchez last year while she was still a police officer. In Sanchez's arrest form, she claimed that her fight with Colon started over childcare, adding that she got angry that she hurled a "ceramic object" at her boyfriend. The report said that Colon left and she called and asked him to return. Police noted that Colon went back and Sanchez was pointing a gun at her head, which he was able to take away from her. Colon then tried to leave again, which prompted her to punch and scratch him before grabbing a knife and threatening to harm herself again. Sanchez also threatened to slash his tires. Colon then found the tires of his police car flattened. Miami-Dade police arrested Sanchez. She then claimed Colon slapped her in the face, but officers noted that she had "no evidence to support her claim." READ MORE: Texas, Arizona Keep Sending Buses of Migrants to Washington; DC Mayor Devotes $10 Million to Help This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Ex-girlfriend charged in shooting of officer - from CBS Miami On Sunday, an influential gang leader said he was lifting the fuel blockade at the key terminal that had been choking the capital of Haiti for almost two months. Jimmy Cherizier, a former police officer with the nickname "Barbecue," announced the move after the government said it had at least some success in reclaiming the terminal and after the United Nations voted to put sanctions on Cherizier. However, it was still unclear who was in charge of the terminal and the surrounding area, and there was no evidence that any fuel had been able to leave, per Associated Press News. Cherizier invited truck drivers to come to fill their tanks in a speech shared on social media. "Drivers can come to the terminal without fear," he said. Ariel Henry's resignation as prime minister was demanded when Cherizier's G9 gang federation took control of the region around a petroleum depot in Port-au-Prince on September 12. The situation would be solved if the fuel was released. Nearly 10 million gallons of gasoline and diesel and over 800,000 gallons of kerosene were inaccessible due to the gang's blockade. The fuel blockade caused fuel stations to shut down, hospitals to reduce essential services, and grocery stores and banks to be forced to operate on a limited schedule. In addition, it made it harder to contain the outbreak of cholera that afflicted and killed thousands of individuals. Clinics have issued alerts that they have run out of fuel and are having difficulty obtaining drinkable water. READ NEXT: Haiti Receives Canada's Assessment Mission Team Amid Security Crisis in Nation Haiti Police Take Control of Fuel Terminal On Thursday, gunfire resounded from the vicinity of the terminal as Haiti's National Police tried to regain control. "We won a fight, but it is not over," police chief Frantz Elbe said in a voicemail he sent to The Associated Press on Friday. According to the authorities, the Varreux port, located in the run-down Cite Soleil district, will resume petroleum distribution on Monday. BBC noted that neither the government nor the police reported any injuries or deaths due to the takeover. In a statement, Prime Minister Henry commended the police for recapturing the airport terminal. U.S., Canada Punish Haiti Politicians Linked To Armed Gangs Joseph Lambert and Youri Latortue have been subject to joint sanctions from the United States and Canada for allegedly using their positions "to protect and enable the illicit activities of armed criminal gangs." According to Al Jazeera, the current and former presidents of Haiti's Senate, Lambert and Latortue, were charged with helping Haitian gangs "through money laundering and other acts of corruption" by Canada's foreign affairs department on Friday. The two were also accused of "having engaged in, or attempted to engage in, activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a significant risk of materially contributing to, the international proliferation of illicit drugs," according to the US Department of the Treasury. According to a statement by Treasury officer Brian E. Nelson, Joseph Lambert and Youri Latortue's use of their official positions to distribute drugs and communicate with gangs and criminal networks has damaged the rule of law in Haiti. "The United States and our international partners will continue to take action against those who facilitate drug trafficking, enable corruption, and seek to profit from instability in Haiti," he added. READ MORE: Tom Werner Marries ABC News' Jennifer Ashton This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Haitian police control main fuel terminal in the country - From TeleSUR English A former Wisconsin hospice nurse illegally amputated the foot of a patient who was near death. She is now being charged with a felony. Yahoo! reported that the dying patient under Mary K. Brown's care was admitted to the nursing home in March 2022 with severe frostbite on both feet. It was anticipated that he would die by the end of May. "Brown had no medical orders to perform an amputation. She stated that she did not have permission to remove the victim's foot. Brown did not have the VICTIM's permission to amputate his foot," the criminal complaint read, according to Local Today. It was also stated in the complaint that the nursing home administrators agreed it was beyond the reach of Brown's practice to perform amputation and that a doctor's order was required prior for such procedure. Brown, 38, a former hospice nurse who is taking care of the victim at the Spring Valley Health and Rehab Center in Spring Valley, Wisconsin, was charged with physically abusing an elderly person, causing grievous bodily damage on purpose, and causing mayhem. READ NEXT: Bobbi Kristina Brown Update: Impostor Hospice Nurse Held on $24,000 Cash Bond Mary K. Brown, the Wisconsin Hospice Nurse Amputates Patient's Right Foot Brown removed the dying patient's right foot, which was only supported by a small amount of skin and a few tendons, on May 27, without the doctor's or patient's permission or request. According to US Today, Brown admitted to police investigators that she had surgically amputated the patient's foot for his comfort. A nurse who saw the incident said the patient tightly gripped her hand while moaning in pain throughout the procedure. Another witness, a nurse, spoke to the patient after the operation and told her he felt everything while the nurse was cutting his foot. Reports say that another nurse told police that the amputation was poorly done. The nurse also stated that Brown said her family owned a taxidermy shop where she planned to keep the foot and put up a sign that said "Wear your boots, kids" next to it. The CEO of Spring Valley Senior Living and Health Care Issued a Statement Kevin Larson, administrator and chief executive officer of Spring Valley Senior Living and Health Care, stated that Brown is not an employee and issued the following statement: "We have and will continue to fully cooperate in the investigation of this matter. The identified person is not employed in our community." Brown, the former Wisconsin hospice nurse, is scheduled to make her initial appearance in court on December 6, WQOW reported. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison if found guilty. A victim is an elderly person; thus, the maximum sentence might be up to six more years for each crime. READ MORE: Haiti: G9 Gang Leader, Jimmy Cherizier, Lifts Fuel Blockade This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: ASK UNMC! How serious is frostbite and how is it treated? - From UNMCEDU Laois Gardai will sell hundreds of donuts in aid of a worthy cause in Portlaoise later this month. Gardai attached to Abbeyleix and Portlaoise Garda Stations are holding a Cops and Donuts fundraiser for Special Olympics Ireland/Leinster. The event will take place at Laois Shopping Centre in Portlaoise on Sunday, November 20 from 10am to 4pm. Gardai will erect a custom-made stand where more than 2,000 delicious donuts will be sold to the public by local Gardai, Special Olympics athletes and volunteers. The donuts cost 2 for two or 5 for six. All proceeds will go directly to Special Olympics Leinster. The delicious donuts are sourced from Kellys Bakery in Co Wexford and the donuts are sponsored by Allenview Motor Company Ltd, Monasterevin, Co Kildare. We are extremely grateful to Allenview Motor Co for their generous sponsorship to ensure this event is a great success, Gardai said. The profits go to Special Olympics Leinster as part of An Garda Siochanas commitment to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Denis Naughten TD has called on the Government to treat the surge in long COVID patients with the same urgency as the initial COVID-19 infections and ensure that an estimated 21,459 adults who are unfit to work are given access to the medical care they need. These patients who are trying to access medical care, are likely to be suffering from long COVID to such an extent that they are unable to work. This is despite promises since September last year that a treatment pathway would be put in place by the HSE, said Denis Naughten. Symptoms of long COVID include fatigue and brain fog, which are experienced at least three months after the initial infection for significant periods of time, in some cases over two years. Professor Jack Lambert of the Mater Hospital told the Oireachtas Health Committee earlier this year that patients with the condition act very much like patients who have experienced closed head injuries. The World Health Organisation has defined long COVID as a condition that occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection, usually three months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms that last for at least two months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Last September, after I questioned the Health Minister on the issue of treatment for long COVID patients, the HSE stated that it planned to establish specialist long COVID clinics yet today we are still waiting for these to become operational, stated Denis Naughten. We cannot just sleepwalk into a crisis of chronic illness, which will push people already on waiting lists for treatment since before the pandemic even further down these horrendous waiting lists. As a result, the Regional Group of TDs will seek a Government commitment in the Dail this Wednesday to ensure that long COVID services are rolled out across the country immediately. Based on an analysis of people who claimed the COVID Enhanced Illness Benefit payment from the Department of Social Protection, a county by county breakdown can now be provided to an estimated 21,459 adults nationally who are likely to be suffering from or have suffered from long COVID to such an extent that they are unfit to work. Leitrim has the lowest figures of 132 estimate long COVID sufferers. Maros Sefcovic has suggested that UK-EU agreement on checks between Great Britain and Northern Ireland could happen within weeks, with the right political will. It comes as Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen agreed to work together to end the row over the Northern Ireland Protocol, when they met for the first time at Cop27 in Egypt. Mr Sefcovic, the European Commission vice-president and Brexit negotiator, made the comments in Westminster during a meeting of British and European parliamentarians. He said: This is the area where we do not seek any political victory. We just want to solve the problem. Discussing EU proposals to reduce checks, he said: Is it too much to do this? Can we not find pragmatic, technical solutions to make this thing work? I believe it could be done, if there is political will, Im sure that we can sort it out really within a couple of weeks because really both sides of our negotiating teams we know these topics from all angles. Earlier, Mr Sefcovic told parliamentarians that he did not believe the EU and the UK were worlds apart on the protocol, as he warned that unilateral action by the Government would have serious consequences. In Egypt, the new prime minister met the European Commission president as both attended the Cop27 climate conference on Monday, with Mr Sunak stressing the need to find solutions to the very real problems caused by the post-Brexit arrangements in the region. Mr Sunak inherits from his predecessors Liz Truss and Boris Johnson the problem of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which is vocally opposed by unionists who claim it cuts off the region from the rest of the UK. Good first meeting with Prime Minister @RishiSunak in the margins of #COP27 We face many common challenges, from tackling climate change and the energy transition to Russias war against Ukraine. I look forward to a constructive cooperation based on our agreements. pic.twitter.com/TeInbLKVSn Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 7, 2022 The post-Brexit solution, designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, is cited as the Democratic Unionist Partys main reason for refusing to return to powersharing. The instability in Northern Ireland has raised concerns in Dublin, Brussels and Washington, and the row between the UK and the EU shows few signs of coming to a rapid conclusion, despite indications of a more positive tone from the British side in recent weeks. Ms von der Leyen called it a good first meeting. We face many common challenges, from tackling climate change and the energy transition to Russias war against Ukraine, she tweeted. She said she looked forward to constructive co-operation between the two countries. In London, Europe Minister Leo Docherty spoke for the Government at a meeting of the UK-EU parliamentary partnership assembly and told a roomful of European and British politicians that it remained the UKs preference to resolve this through talks. We are engaging in constructive dialogue to find solutions, he said. There, he hit out at the EUs decision to deny British access to research programmes such as Horizon, accusing the bloc of failing to fulfil its part of the agreement. It brings no conceivable disadvantage to the EU or its member states, but the EU has politicised scientific co-operation by linking it with the Northern Ireland Protocol, he said. Putting politics in the way of scientific collaboration constrains human potential and hurts everybody. On the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, which would tear up the Northern Ireland Protocol and is currently in the House of Lords, Mr Docherty said: We are not expediting the progress of that Bill. Many of you will know that laws, like sausages, take time to be made and they are quite slow. It is going through its normal course through the legislative procedure. Were not expediting it, but were not halting it. Were just letting it go forward as it would. Laurent Fabius, French foreign minister and COP21 president, center, after his speech, alongside President Francois Hollande (left), Ecology Minister Segolene Royal and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (right), during COP21 at Le Bourget (Seine-Saint-Denis), Dec. 12, 2015. PHILIPPE WOJAZER/AFP This year, like every year, the international community will be at the planet's bedside. From November 6 to 18, the 27th United Nations Climate Conference (COP27) will be held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in the presence of nearly 30,000 people from 196 countries. The goal is to accelerate the fight against climate change. The conference has been a key event in climate negotiations for nearly 30 years. In 1992, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The international treaty recognized the existence of human-induced climate change and said it was up to developed countries to combat it. It was ratified by 198 parties (196 country states, the European Union and the Holy See). Read more Subscribers only Climate: As COP27 approaches, negotiations focus on compensation for damages The Framework Convention established Conferences of the Parties ("COP"), which are annual meetings of signatories at a global summit. It is the place where decisions to address climate disruption are adopted by consensus, with the first COP held in Berlin in 1995. Since then, the conferences are held in a different city each year, according to a system of rotation of continents or, failing that, in Bonn (Germany), the headquarters of the UNFCCC secretariat. There are preparations throughout the year, including interim negotiations in June in Bonn, and a pre-COP, which was held this year in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in early October. The COPs bring together delegations from the 196 states, civil society (businesses, NGOs, scientists, local authorities, Indigenous peoples, trade unions) and the media from around the world. Notable advances Since 1995, COPs have sometimes led to notable advances. The COP21, held in Le Bourget (Seine-Saint-Denis), led to the adoption of the Paris climate agreement, on December 12, 2015. This was the first international treaty to reduce emissions, which aims to contain global warming well below 2C and preferably to 1.5C, against the pre-industrial era. It has been ratified by 194 parties Eritrea, Iran, Libya and Yemen have not signed. In 2018, COP24 in Katowice, Poland adopted the bulk of the rules for implementing the Paris agreement. COP26, held in Glasgow, Scotland, last year, asked countries to revise their climate targets upwards from the end of 2022 and, for the first time, it encouraged countries to "decrease" their use of coal. We are interested in your experience using the site. Send feedback Read more Subscribers only Sunak's dithering on COP27 participation causes controversy At the same time, however, these international meetings have not prevented greenhouse gas emissions from continuing to increase, which means the climate imbalance is also increasing. Every year, the question of their usefulness is raised, and the slowness of the process is criticized. "The COPs have an important role to play as a high-level political forum," said Lola Vallejo, the climate director of the lInstitut du Developpement Durable et des Relations Internationales (IDDIR, Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations). They maintain multilateralism, give a voice to all countries, including developing and vulnerable countries that would not otherwise have a forum, and "provide a strong framework for transparency and accountability, where progress is reviewed," she added. They also allow for sectoral coalitions to be launched, such as on coal phase-out or deforestation. Finally, they serve to mobilize civil society and raise public awareness. You have 11.95% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. FeatureVolodymyr Zelensky's government is keeping exiled Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya at bay, while a battalion of Belarusian volunteers has been fighting for Ukraine since the beginning of the war. While Kyiv does not recognize the legitimacy of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, since his re-election in August 2020, and denounces his participation in the Russian war against Ukraine, diplomatic relations between the latter and Belarus have managed to stay in place. Despite aggressive rhetoric and regular Russian missile and drone attacks from Belarus, the Ukrainian embassy has not left its offices in Minsk. It is a strange situation for these neighboring countries, one of which has become an accomplice in an aggression against the other. Although officially the Ukrainian diplomatic corps in Belarus serves as a relay for its few remaining citizens, in reality, "the fact that the Ukrainians have kept their ambassador means that they are keen to have direct information from the Lukashenko regime," explained Pavel Slunkin, a Belarusian diplomat, who defected in September 2020 and has been living in exile ever since. "They understand that the situation could really get complicated if Lukashenko decides to send his troops to Ukraine," he continued. "This is one of the reasons why the Ukrainians still refuse to meet with [Belarusian opposition leader] Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, so as not to provoke Lukashenko." Since the beginning of the war, Ms. Tikhanovskaya in exile in Lithuania after her orchestrated defeat in the presidential election has tried to open diplomatic relations with Mr. Zelensky's government. Her efforts, however, have so far been in vain, and the opening of a representative office in Kyiv in June has not changed anything interactions remain limited. From Vilnius, the "united transition cabinet" formed by Ms. Tikhanovskaya is struggling to get the attention of Ukrainian authorities. 'Actions, not just words' It has competition on that front in the form of a faction of the Belarusian opposition that has emerged on the Ukrainian battlefields: the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment. Comprising 500 Belarusian volunteers who have been fighting on the side of Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion, they are convinced that the overthrow of the Minsk regime which is supported economically and politically by the Kremlin depends on a victory of the Ukrainian army against the common enemy. We are interested in your experience using the site. Send feedback Belarusian battalion soldiers at their base in Kyiv Adrien Vautier / Le Pictorium for Le Monde On October 19, its representatives met with MPs of the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian Parliament) who are members of the parliamentary group created in 2020 for a "democratic Belarus." The meeting resulted in a legislative proposal two days later, to recognize Belarus as a Russian-occupied territory in the same vein as the bill passed in October to recognize the independence of "temporarily occupied" Chechnya. You have 59.58% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. THE UNIVERSITY of Limerick has launched a new programme for student representatives that is the first of its kind. UL Student Life has launched the Leaders for Life programme with an aim to champion and empower student representatives. The programme will provide student reps with practical skills that will enable them to understand their role and be able to conduct their role as a representative effectively, while also supporting and inspiring them to go beyond the role and develop the leader within. Speaking on the launch of the programme, ULSL Head of Leadership and Advocacy, Gillian OGorman said: Through continuous discussion and feedback, we learned that there was both a knowledge and skills gap amongst our student leaders, that was prohibiting them from fully stepping up into their leadership roles. Each year, UL Student Life works with over 300 students in various leadership roles; from class reps and student councillors to a full-time elected Student Officer team, all of which need support and guidance in their roles. Ms OGorman continued: Seeing this program come to fruition is an important milestone for UL Student Life. This platform is one of a kind, and we know its going to help put the student voice front and centre of all decision making within the University. Professor Patrick Ryan, Associate Vice President of Student Engagement said: The Leaders for Life programme recognises the talents, skills, and motivation of the next generation of society leaders. UL is superbly placed to nurture and develop a key group of its community - the student body so that participants of the programme, not only get the best educational experience possible, but that they are also equipped to emerge from the UL experience as confident and courageous influencers of our wider society. A LIMERICK man has been jailed for four years harassing a woman he later discovered, at trial, he had confused with someone else. Eoin Hannan, aged 49, of Abbeyvale, Corbally was convicted earlier this year of harassing Ciara Hassett at various locations in the State on dates between February 14 and August 25, 2020. Hannan had denied the charge and the conviction followed a jury trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Last July, he pleaded guilty to a separate charge of harassing Ms Hassett's father on dates between January 20 and February 13, 2021. During a sentencing hearing, the court heard that Hannan repeatedly contacted the victim despite being warned by gardai, in 2017, that the woman did not welcome his behaviour. He was warned again in February 2019 but on Valentines Day 2020 he sent a Valentines card to Ms Hassett at her family home where her father lives. She was upset because she was worried Hannan would visit the house. Detective Garda Sarah Barry told the court that over the next eight months Hannan sent wine and chocolates to her workplace in the capital. He sent her a watch in June 2020 and later sent her a bracelet. In August of the same year, he sent a letter to the family home with a teddy bear and a lollipop. The letter referred to the victim's father and included the phrase one could kill anything except time which caused her concern. The same month Hannan came to her workplace and asked to speak to her but security refused him entry. Gardai arrested him that month and Hannan said he had been trying to woo the woman, who he said he met in 2013. He said he told her in July 2020 if she texted the word stop he would have stopped and expressed outrage that she didnt have the gumption to stop him and said she was misleading him. Hannan was charged and released on bail pending prosecution before the courts. However, the following January he wrote to the victim's father while on February 13, 2021 he then rang Mr Hassett and asked for the victim's number. Mr Hassett refused to give it and told Hannan not to ring again. However, he rang again and left a voice message telling Mr Hassett he won't contact him again but asked for Ms Hassett's number. The court heard that at the trial it was confirmed that Hannan had never met Ms Hassett and had a mistaken impression of who she was and had got her confused with someone else. In a victim impact statement, Ms Hassett said she had hoped that by ignoring the unsolicited and unwanted contact it would stop. She said the situation was unnerving and exhausting and when she heard of his mental health issues and criminal behaviour, her fears were heightened. Mr Hannon's 44 previous conviction include assault, criminal damage and making a threat to kill. She said she worried he would show up at her home and she set all her social media to private. She delayed her return to the office after the pandemic due to the frightening escalation in the offending in 2021. She said she found the legal process difficult and exhausting, particularly being cross-examined by Hannan, who defended himself at trial. Gareth Casey BL, defending, told the court that his client has significant mental health issues and that it became clear at the trial that Ms Hassett was not the woman he thought she was and that he thought he knew. He said while the communication was unwelcome and was a direct attack on her peace of mind, it was generally benign. He said his client has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and was likely unwell for most of the time of the offending. Judge Orla Crowe said she accepted that his mental health issues were at the root. She imposed a four-year prison term and directed that he undergo any psychiatric service while in custody and not communicate by any means with the victims or their family home and Ms Hassetts place of work. PICTURES: ADRIAN BUTLER THE LOCAL boss of a multi-national biopharmaceutical company which is opening a new 400m facility in Raheen has praised the support the firm has received. Lilly has just received news from Limerick City and County Council that it intends granting planning permission to build its new facility in the Raheen Business Park. The healthcare firm is planning to create more than 300 new jobs for workers such as engineers, scientists, and operations personnel, who will produce some of the most up to date biologics manufacturing technology. The site head in Limerick is Dave Riordan, and he was on hand as the company held a community open day last week in the South Court Hotel, near its new home in the Raheen Business Park. Time for another Limerick Live poll! Do you agree with the government decision to change the licensing laws to allow nightclubs to remain open until 6am? He said: "This is our opportunity to introduce ourselves to the community. Lilly's modus operandi is we want to be part of that community. Our employees are coming from the community or will become part of the community and we see it as a mutually beneficial experience, to meet our neighbours, say hello and introduce ourselves." Since making the jobs announcement, Mr Riordan revealed there's been an "extremely positive" reaction from local stakeholders. "I lived in Limerick a long time ago and it's my first time being back in 10 to 15 years. But the welcome I've received from local industry, from our neighbours and the other businesses and local government and the schools has been phenomenal. Everyone has been extremely welcoming, very helpful - trying to help us find our way through the vagaries. It's been a great experience so far." "It's the first step on what will be a pretty long journey for Lilly. We are excited to be in Limerick," he concluded. NEW DELHI: Skechers South Asia Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of Skechers USA, has appointed actor Kriti Sanon as the new brand ambassador for Skechers India. Sanon will be the face of the fashion and lifestyle categories for the brand and appear in its upcoming campaign for a line of streetwear sneakers. Launched in 2012 in India, the company said it offers a range of footwear styles.Rahul Vira, CEO of Skechers South Asia, said, We began operating in India citing a huge potential in the footwear market ten years ago. Sanon is a fashion icon for young consumers, and her influence paired with our brand will increase awareness about fashion without compromising on comfort, making this association organic and effortless. With her being the face of the company for the fashion and lifestyle category, we aim to widen our brand appeal and increase our reach throughout India." Kriti Sanon added, Fashion, comfort and fitness go hand in hand for me. My sense of style is an extension of my personality and as a big sneaker enthusiast, I am really thrilled to be associated with Skechers, a brand that I genuinely love. I am all set to start this exciting journey with them and I cant wait to share the cool campaign with all of my fans." According to website Statista, Indias footwear market revenues stood at about $23.73 billion in 2022. The market is expected to grow annually by 6.77% (CAGR 2022-2027). Ratings agency Icra has said India is the second largest producer of footwear globally, accounting for 9% of the global annual production of 22 billion pairs. It annually produces 2.2 billion pairs, of which 90% are consumed internally while the remaining are exported, primarily to European nations. Indias annual footwear consumption of 2 billion pairs is the third largest globally, after China and the US, and has recorded a growth over the past decade, driven by the rise in income levels, growing fashion consciousness and increasing discretionary spending. Following missions to the moon and Mars, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has turned its attention to Venus and is collaborating with Japan to explore the moon's dark side. Anil Bhardwaj, the director of the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, said during a presentation on ISRO's upcoming missions at the Akash Tattva conference that the space agency also intended to send a probe to Mars. Bhardwaj claimed that it was in discussions with JAXA about sending a lunar rover to investigate the moon's permanent shadow region.As per the initial plans, a lunar lander and rover built by ISRO will be put into orbit by a Japanese rocket with a planned landing near the south pole of the moon. "The rover will then travel to the permanent shadow region of the moon which never sees sunlight," Bhardwaj said. The exploration of the area, according to him, was interesting because anything that had remained in the PSR zone was analogous to having been frozen in place for all time. In the Aditya L-1 mission, a 400-kg class satellite carrying the payload will be placed in an orbit around the Sun so that it can continuously view the star from a location known as the Lagrange Point L-1. The orbit, which would be 1.5 million kilometres from Earth, would study coronal heating, solar wind acceleration, the beginning of coronal mass ejections, flares, and near-Earth space weather. Bhardwaj predicted that the Aditya L-1 and Chandrayaan-3 missions would be prioritised as early as next year, and that they would likely be followed by JAXA's missions to the moon and Venus. Because it would be used again on a mission with JAXA, success of the lunar rover on board Chandrayaan-3 is crucial. In January 2020, ISRO chief K Sivan had announced that India's third lunar mission, Chandrayan-3.. ISRO chief also said that some good progress was made on Chandrayan-2, even though it could not land successfully. (With inputs from PTI) Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Iran must be punished for what he called its complicity in Russian terror" and accused the regime in Tehran of helping to prolong the war and exacerbate its impact on food and energy supplies. If it was not for the Iranian supply of weapons to the aggressor, we would be closer to peace now," Zelenskiy said Sunday evening in his daily address. Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Zelenskiy on a telephone call that she will this week propose a financial aid package of as much as 18 billion ($17.9 billion) to help cover Ukraines needs into next year. Kyiv and six other regions in northern and central Ukraine are meanwhile facing additional emergency blackouts on Monday due to the growing power shortage following Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Ukrainian forces repelled attacks over the past day near eight settlements in the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Ukraines General Staff said on Facebook. The countrys southern operational command said that three Russian munitions depots and a UAV control station were destroyed. Russian troops shelled the Nikopol district in the Dnipropetrovsk region overnight, local authorities said on Telegram. The UK Ministry of Defence said in its latest intelligence update that Russias continued lack of air superiority is likely exacerbated by poor training, loss of experienced crews, and heightened risks of conducting close air support" and that this is unlikely to change in the next few months." Europes hard ban on Russian coal imports, which came into effect on Aug. 10, has pushed rejected Russian coal cargoes to Turkey, India, China and Africa. These coal cargoes are being sold at a significant discount compared to similar grade coal from other countries. In September, Turkey imported Russian thermal coal at $199 per metric ton, 23% lower than similar grade coal from Colombia, its next largest supplier. See the full BNEF research report here. Seizing superyachts belonging to Russian oligarchs has been a public relations success for Western governments, but the legal and financial implications are complex. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and senior Russian counterparts have held talks in recent months on guarding against the risk of escalation and warn Moscow against using nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing US and allied officials. A settlement of the war in Ukraine wasnt an aim of the discussions, according to the report. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The Tanaiste said he is confident technology companies operating in Ireland will comply with statutory requirements around the impending redundancies at Twitter and Facebook. Leo Varadkar said no big tech company has given any indication they intend to close their offices in Ireland. Mr Varadkar held meetings with officials from the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and Enterprise Ireland over upcoming job losses within the tech sector. Twitter is preparing to lay off some of its Irish workforce after it was bought by Elon Musk, while Facebook parent group Meta is also planning redundancies that are expected to affect thousands of staff, with an announcement expected to be made on Wednesday. Following the meeting on Monday evening, Mr Varadkar said in a statement there is still high demand for tech workers in Ireland. Today senior IDA and Enterprise Ireland staff briefed me and Ministers of State Damien English and Dara Calleary on the current situation in the global tech sector, he said. This followed a series of direct contacts by my office and the agencies with the companies involved. My main concern is for the staff and their families who will be affected by downsizing in certain tech companies with a presence in Ireland. No company has given any indication that it is considering closing its Irish base. We will assist any employees affected as they seek alternative employment or other opportunities. As a country we are close to full employment, with high demand for tech, marketing and other skills across all sectors. There is a strong pipeline of new investments from overseas and within Ireland in a range of sectors including tech and in other sectors and we expect many positive announcements in the coming months. The economy is well diversified, with hundreds of thousands of people employed by indigenous SMEs, pharmaceuticals, agri-food, med-tech, and financial services. We have ongoing engagement with major tech employers through the IDA and Enterprise Ireland, and the Government has asked the agencies to intensify this engagement. There are well-established statutory processes to protect employees, and we are confident that all national employment rights requirements for consultation and notification of redundancies will be adhered to once decisions on any reductions in employment are made. Mr Varadkar said he has asked officials in the Department of Enterprise, the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to keep him informed of any developments. At Government-level we are focused on competitiveness and ensuring that Ireland is the best place in Europe to invest and grow for the future. We are acting on energy, skills, housing, access to water services, and planning, he added. We have never taken our economic prosperity for granted. In just over a month we will publish a white paper on enterprise which will set the strategic direction for job-creation and growth for the years ahead. Meanwhile, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said there are issues within the digital sector and he is concerned over potential job losses. Speaking in Egypt at the Cop27 conference, Mr Martin said: We will consult with all the various companies. I have been concerned for some time in terms of the global economic situation because of the war in Ukraine and the implications across Europe and the world, the migration and so on. But that said, we have bounced back strongly from Covid-19, we do export heavily on what we produce so what happens globally has an impact on Ireland. So our challenge is to make sure that we will engage with the IDA and companies. We have faced this situation before, where we consolidate, we look for new opportunities in times when it picks up again in those particular sectors. There are issues clearly in the digital area, we are always concerned whether there is potential job losses. But we always tend to look at it with a view of, OK, there are realities out there that we cant change globally, how do we deal with this domestically and how do we regroup, what new opportunities are out there in these sectors? Ireland is host to several tech giants European headquarters, including Twitter, Google and Facebook. Meta employs around 3,000 people at its Dublin office. Twitter is expected to enter a 30-day consultation period with staff, during which time they are not required to work or attend the office. Crime By Chris Boyle Published: November 07 2022 Tyler Flach stabbed Khaseen Morris in the heart, killing him, at a strip mall in 2019. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced today that a Lido Beach man has been convicted of the murder of an Oceanside teenager in September 2019. Tyler Flach, 21, was convicted after a jury trial before Judge Howard Sturim on charges of Murder in the Second Degree (an A-I felony); Gang Assault in the First Degree (a B violent felony); Assault in the Third Degree (an A misdemeanor); and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (an A misdemeanor). The trial began on October 13 and closings occurred on October 25. The defendant faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison and is expected to be sentenced on December 14. Khaseen Morris was a bright, funny and energetic young man who, at only 16, had his entire life in front him, said DA Donnelly. Morris recently moved to the Oceanside area and had attended his new high school for only ten days when Tyler Flach enraged that Morris had walked a girl home from school deliberately attacked Morris with a gang of seven other defendants. The defendant intentionally stabbed Morris in the chest, piercing his heart. Despite the best efforts of trauma doctors Morris lost his life later that night. We stand with the Morris family and all of Khaseens friends as they continue to mourn his senseless loss. DA Donnelly said that on September 16, 2019, at approximately 3:45 p.m., Flach and his group exited Flachs vehicle on Brower Avenue in Oceanside and attacked 16-year-old Khaseen Morris and several of his friends during an after-school fight outside of a strip mall. During the altercation, Flach stabbed Morris in the heart and the victims heart stopped beating. Morris was taken to Mount Sinai South Nassau where trauma doctors were able to revive him, however, Morris passed away at 11:55 p.m. on September 16, 2019. Flach surrendered to the Nassau County Police Department on September 18, 2019. Defendant Haakim Mechan is awaiting trial. Deputy Bureau Chief Daryl Levy and Senior Litigation Counsel Ania Pulaski of the Homicide Bureau are prosecuting the case. Flach is represented by Edward Sapone, Esq, Fred Sosinsky, Esq. and Keith ODonnell, Esq. Mechan is represented by Aaron Wallenstein, Esq. (Alliance News) - UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed to "work together" to end the row over the Northern Ireland Protocol, when they met for the first time at Cop27 in Egypt. The Northern Ireland Protocol was on the agenda too in Westminster, as Brexit negotiator Maros Sefcovic told British and European parliamentarians that he did not believe the UK and the EU were "worlds apart" on the protocol, as he warned that unilateral action by the government would have "serious" consequences. In Egypt, the new prime minister met the European Commission president as both attended the Cop27 climate conference on Monday, with Sunak stressing the need to "find solutions" to the "very real problems" caused by the post-Brexit arrangements in the region. Sunak inherits from his predecessors Liz Truss and Boris Johnson the problem of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which is vocally opposed by unionists who claim it cuts off the region from the rest of the UK. The post-Brexit solution, designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, is cited as the Democratic Unionist Party's main reason for refusing to return to powersharing. The instability in Northern Ireland has raised concerns in Dublin, Brussels and Washington, and the row between the UK and the EU shows few signs of coming to a rapid conclusion, despite indications of a more positive tone from the British side in recent weeks. von der Leyen called it a "good first meeting". "We face many common challenges, from tackling climate change and the energy transition to Russia's war against Ukraine," she tweeted. She said she looked forward to "constructive co-operation" between the two countries. In London, Europe Minister Leo Docherty spoke for the government at a meeting of the UK-EU parliamentary partnership assembly and told a roomful of European and British politicians that it remained the UK's "preference to resolve this through talks". "We are engaging in constructive dialogue to find solutions," he said. There, he hit out at the EU's decision to deny British access to research programmes such as Horizon, accusing the bloc of failing to fulfil its part of the agreement. "It brings no conceivable disadvantage to the EU or its member states, but the EU has politicised scientific co-operation by linking it with the Northern Ireland Protocol," he said. "Putting politics in the way of scientific collaboration constrains human potential and hurts everybody." Sefcovic, who spoke after Docherty, offered warm words for the progress made in recent weeks with Foreign Secretary James Cleverly as EU-UK talks restarted. But he had a stark warning about the consequences of the UK pushing ahead with plans to rip up the protocol, saying the proposals put forward between the two sides to solve the issues in Northern Ireland are not fundamentally different. "This is surely the moment to abandon recourse to unilateral action, such as the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill. "Unilaterally disapplying core parts of the protocol would also have serious consequences for our trade relationship under the Trade and Co-operation Agreement." He said that any "additional or persistent uncertainty" would not help amid a cost-of-living crisis. Pointing to UK's idea of a "green lane", he contrasted it with EU proposals. "The issue here boils down to "no checks" versus "minimum checks", stemming from Brexit itself. Because we must acknowledge that Brexit did fundamentally alter trade on the island of Ireland." "I believe that our respective positions are not worlds apart if we genuinely explore the EU's robust proposals." By Dominic McGrath source: PA Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Alliance News) - Moscow has yet to provide its "ground-breaking evidence" to support allegations of UK involvement in attacks on Russian targets, according to the Defence Secretary. Ben Wallace ridiculed the claims in the House of Commons, adding he did not expect any evidence to be offered given Russia is "involved in misinformation". The UK ambassador to Moscow, Deborah Bronnert, last week was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over alleged UK involvement in a drone attack on Russia's Black Sea fleet at the weekend. In London, Andrey Kelin, the Russian ambassador to the UK, claimed British "specialists" had been involved in the "training, preparation and execution" of the raid, warning the UK was being drawn "too deep" into the conflict. Wallace, responding to Conservative MP Luke Evans (Bosworth), told the Commons: "In recent days Russia has made a range of allegations against the UK and other international partners, clearly designed to distract the attention from Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. "I did indeed receive a letter from the Russians which seemed to demonstrate everything that has been announced either in this House or in the media by the Government going way back to the times of Orbital. "As yet I still await the ground-breaking evidence but I don't expect it to come because simply what we know is that Russia is involved in misinformation." By Richard Wheeler, PA Parliamentary Editor source: PA Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Greg Sukiennik has worked at all three Vermont News & Media newspapers and was their managing editor from 2017-19. He previously worked for ESPN.com, for the AP in Boston, and at The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield, Mass. China's foreign trade of goods up 9.5 pct in Jan.-Oct. Xinhua) 13:38, November 07, 2022 Photo taken on May 1, 2022 shows a container vessel docking at the Qianwan Container Terminal in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- China's foreign trade of goods expanded 9.5 percent year on year to 34.62 trillion yuan (about 4.79 trillion U.S. dollars) during the first ten months of the year, official data showed Monday. Exports rose 13 percent year on year to 19.71 trillion yuan, while imports increased 5.2 percent from a year ago to 14.91 trillion yuan, according to the General Administration of Customs. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) Read the original article on Business Insider. With Russia's war in Ukraine in its eighth month, there is still no clear end to the carnage in sight. Tens of thousands of soldiers are dead or maimed, entire cities have been reduced to twisted piles of rubble, there have been allegations of torture and atrocities by Russian occupiers, and millions have become refugees. While Russia has occupied swathes of territory in the south and east of the country, Ukraine has put up a stronger fight than anyone expected and often humiliated Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion forces that, on paper, were meant to overwhelm Ukraine in days. Not only have the Ukrainian defenders fended off a total conquest from Russia, they have also retaken parts of the country by launching well-organized, audacious counter-offensives in the east and south. However, despite the battlefield defeats, Russia still has destructive military capabilities it can call upon. In recent weeks, it has launched a missile and drone blitz of Ukraine's energy infrastructure. While the largest war in Europe since 1945 seems to have entered an attritional phase, there are several ways the conflict could play out. Cease-fire If the fighting reaches a stalemate, there could be some negotiated, temporary cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine, according to Seth Jones, the director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, or CSIS, International Security Program. "That would probably not be an end, though, that would be the state of active warfare declining, at least temporarily, and it becomes something closer to a frozen conflict that can heat up or cool down depending on the range of factors," he said. Jones pointed to the two Chechen Wars that took place in the 1990s. Russia negotiated a cease-fire in 1994, which ended the first war, but then restarted another war three years later and ramped up its onslaught. In this scenario, Russia could hope that the US and other Western countries lose interest in the conflict and in supporting Ukraine. "That would eventually change the balance of power in Russia's favor and allow it to reconquer territory the way it ideally wanted to in February," Jones said. A peace deal It is possible that the war could end with a peace deal, though a settlement is difficult because of Russia's and Ukraine's different goals and what they both view as their rightful territory. "I think Vladimir Putin is in too deep at the moment. He's committed far too much political and military capital right now to extract himself from the war without very clear successes," Jones said. Jones said that while it is not clear what Putin would accept as a "success," he might settle for Russia taking parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson Oblasts, which he could then frame as his intended goals. The more complicated question is what Ukraine would be willing to give up in any peace deal. Jones said it would be almost "politically suicidal" for any leader in Kyiv to give away any Ukrainian territory. Russian victory When it began its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Russia's goal was to take over the country completely. Jones said it is important to note that Ukraine has already achieved a significant victory in preventing Russia from achieving that goal. "Arguably, at least up to February 2022, the third most powerful military army in the world behind the US and the Chinese was the Russians. So they've already prevented a Russian blitzkrieg operation to take the capital, overthrow the government, and either integrate it into Russia or establish a puppet government," he said. It is unlikely now that Russia would be able to turn the war around entirely and achieve its original aims, but it could accept a "victory" in the form of a peace deal in which it takes more territory than it had before the invasion began. Russian retreat, Ukrainian victory As long as Putin is at the country's helm, it would be very unlikely that Russian forces would retreat entirely, Jones said. "In Russia, bad things happen to rulers who lose wars," Mark Cancian, a retired US Marine colonel and CSIS senior advisor, previously told Insider. But despite Russia's strongman facing discontent at home due to rising war casualties, the partial mobilization of reservists, and an economy damaged by sanctions, he appears to show no signs of backing down. Though the chances of him being overthrown in a coup are perhaps higher than ever, experts have previously said the Russian leader has made his regime "coup-proof" through a culture of distrust among Russia's intelligence agencies. However, a total Russian retreat could be possible if Putin were to be ousted or die. Rumors have also long swirled about his alleged health problems, though US intel and military experts have warned that there is no credible evidence that he is ill. Ukrainians believe outright victory is possible. Svitlana Morenets, a Ukrainian journalist who works for The Spectator news magazine in the UK, spoke on Friday at a debate entitled "Is it time to make a peace in Ukraine." The plan is not for years of battle but the military defeat of Russia, she said. She highlighted Putin's recent climbdown over the "grain corridor" as an example of Russia's growing weakness. Long-term war Not all wars end with a clear victory for one side. Another possibility is that fighting continues to rage on without any cease-fire or settlement, which, according to Jones, could go on for years. It could involve special forces fighting back and forth on contact lines, guerilla action from Ukraine in Russian-controlled territories, and long-range bombardment of Ukrainian territory from Russia or Belarus. In its current phase, the conflict appears to have become a war of attrition. Rather than taking more territory, Russia's objectives in the current stage of war seem to be to weaken Ukraine's resources, economy, and army. It is unclear which side would be able to hold out for longer, though Russia has experienced significant losses in terms of soldiers and weapons. According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the newly appointed Russian General Sergey Surovikin plans to build a solid line of defense in occupied territories and effectively freeze the war over the winter. Russia would not seek to begin any new large-scale offensive into Ukrainian territory at this time and would take the time to build back up its fighting capabilities, the think tank said. Nuclear war and/or NATO intervention Putin has repeatedly made nuclear threats since he began the invasion of Ukraine and, in September, claimed that it was "not a bluff." Western countries and experts are divided on how seriously to take the threats. Jones said that there were big risks involved in using nuclear weapons, especially if they were Putin detonates them in territories he has been claiming are Russian. There would also be a risk of nuclear fallout on Russian territory due to proximity. If Russian forces face a full-scale military rout, Putin could use a battlefield nuclear weapon, but Jones said the risks of using nuclear weapons would likely outweigh any benefits. "There are a lot of risks involved in making that nuclear taboo, politically, diplomatically. What would that spell for Vladimir Putin's regime? I think the US has already communicated pretty forcefully that all bets are off if Russia were to use nuclear weapons," he said. It is unclear whether NATO would get involved in that scenario, Jones said. One senior official previously said that a Russian nuclear strike could trigger a "physical response" from NATO itself. However, Jones said that NATO declaring war on Russia could create a major war that could pull in other countries like China, which is an outcome that the organization likely wants to avoid. To avoid that scenario, NATO would likely first turn to increased sanctions and support Ukraine with weapons. The Space Force is starting its first graduate school program and, unlike other service branches, it's partnering with a private university rather than starting from scratch. In 2023, selected Space Force officers, civilians and other members of the military will join the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C., to study for a master's degree in International Public Policy. "We are very excited to be chosen by the U.S. Space Force for this opportunity and are looking forward to this partnership," James B. Steinberg, dean of Johns Hopkins SAIS, said in a press release Nov. 1. "Participants in this program will be integral members of our school, working closely with our distinguished faculty, students, and contributing to our intellectual community." Read Next: Space Force Gets New Chief Space Officer for the First Time Since Forming in 2019 Historically, the branches have offered college educational courses for senior military officers and Department of Defense civilians at service-run schools, starting with the U.S. Naval War College's founding in 1884. But the Space Force's announcement with Johns Hopkins marks a departure from that tradition by working with a private university to run its program. Maj. Gen. Shawn Bratton, head of Space Training and Readiness Command, said in a news release that Guardians will have access to science, technology, engineering and math electives; expanded laboratory research; and more chances to work with the commercial space sector in the area. The Space Force classes will take place at Johns Hopkins' new campus at 555 Pennsylvania Avenue, formerly the Newseum building in the heart of Washington, D.C. The service wanted to have an academic program in the nation's capital so students and their families would have "fewer [permanent change of station] moves, adding family stability, increasing quality of life, and providing a seamless transition to their follow-on assignment," according to a news release. The Space Force is currently working to transition some faculty members from Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, to the new program at Johns Hopkins sometime in 2023. "To develop superior space capabilities and deliver warfighting solutions, we must deliberately grow our Guardians to think, act, and fight strategically with an understanding of how they fit into the larger ecosystem of the space community," Katharine Kelley, deputy chief of Space Operations for Human Capital, said in a news release. When the Space Force was stood up in 2019, the budget and plans did not include creating its own service academy or war college, unlike the other branches. Cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado can learn about the Space Force when joining and then commission as officers into the new service branch upon graduation, much like how those who study at the U.S. Naval Academy can become Marines. Earlier this year, the Air Force Academy announced it had its first permanent professor who is a member of the Space Force. Interest in the new service branch has grown among the cadets. In 2020, 9% of the student body -- 88 cadets -- commissioned into the Space Force upon graduation. The following year, the Air Force Academy opened the first Space Force detachment at the school, allowing cadets to connect with active-duty Guardians to learn more about the service. In 2021, the percentage of those who became officers in the Space Force upon graduation grew to 11%, or 115 cadets. The 2022 class graduated around 10%, roughly 100 cadets, into the Space Force. -- Thomas Novelly can be reached at thomas.novelly@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomNovelly. Related: Air Force Academy Will Have First Permanent Space Force Professor as More Cadets Become Guardians Two Massachusetts men accused of planning to sell fentanyl to veterans seeking treatment for substance abuse disorders at a Department of Veterans Affairs facility northwest of Boston were arrested Wednesday, the Department of Justice announced the following day. Deiby Bladimil Casado Ruiz, known as "El Bebo," and Pedro Antonio Sanchez Bernabel conspired to distribute the oft-deadly synthetic opioid over a three-month period starting in late July, according to their indictments. Ruiz was charged with actual distribution, while Bernabel was charged with aiding and abetting. "Veterans seeking treatment for substance abuse are often at their most vulnerable," Special Agent Christopher Algieri of the VA's Office of Inspector General said in a statement last week. Read Next: VA Starts Doing Toxic Exposure Screenings as Advocates Press for Medical Testing "What these two men are accused of doing is absolutely appalling," Joseph R. Bonavolonta, a special agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, said in the same release. "We believe they targeted veterans who have valiantly defended our country's freedoms and are now seeking treatment for their substance abuse disorder, and plied them with fentanyl, a deadly narcotic 50-100 times stronger than morphine." The indictments did not include any cases of specific harm done to veterans seeking treatment, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts did not answer whether any were affected when asked by Military.com, deferring the publication to the indictments. The case represents a disturbing nexus for two populations ravaged by the deadly opioid epidemic; of the nearly 1 million people who died by a drug overdose between 1999 and 2020, 82% were caused by opioids, according to the Centers for Disease Control. According to the VA, 20% of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder also suffer from substance abuse disorders -- that includes opioids, alcohol and other drugs. Stresses of deployments, zero-tolerance policies regarding drugs, and stigmas contribute to drug use for service members and veterans, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, but for opioids, the institute pointed to injuries incurred during military service and subsequent treatments for pain management as a gateway to opioid abuse. "Military physicians wrote nearly 3.8 million prescriptions for pain medication in 2009, more than quadruple the number of such prescriptions written in 2001," according to the institute. And while the VA reported a significant decrease in opioid prescriptions over the last decade, the effects of opioid addiction can be varying and long-lasting. Opioid deaths increased by 44% between 2017 and 2020 nationally. Massachusetts is facing a particularly difficult battle with the drugs; the commonwealth is ranked 17th for state mortality rates attributed to opioids, according to the NIDA and CDC. Ruiz and Bernabel face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, and a maximum of 40, for conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The act of distributing the drug carries a sentence of up to 20 years, a $1 million fine and three years of probation. When asked about the Justice Department's allegation that the pair were targeting veterans at the Bedford Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bernabel's attorney Joan M. Griffin said she did not know. "It's just that early," she told Military.com in a phone call Monday, referring to recency of the arrests and adding over email that she has "no further information as to the government's allegations." Oscar Cruz Jr., Ruiz's attorney, said he did not have any comment regarding the case when contacted by the publication. Information on VA-provided substance abuse treatment can be found here, and veterans can also speak with a crisis counselor by dialing 988 and selecting 1. -- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @df_lawrence. Related: How Trauma Before Service Is Shaping a Generation of Troops Veterans with cancer will get priority when the Department of Veterans Affairs begins processing benefits claims under the sweeping toxic exposure law enacted earlier this year, officials said Monday. "I'm proud to announce for the first time today, on National Cancer Awareness Day, that we're expediting benefits delivery for veterans with cancer conditions covered in this law," VA Secretary Denis McDonough said during a speech at the National Press Club. McDonough also vowed the department "will not rest" until "every veteran gets the care they need and the benefits they deserve." Read Next: VA Staff Providing Abortions May Not Be Protected in Some States, Democratic Lawmakers Warn The VA is set to begin processing claims for benefits filed under the toxic exposure bill, known as the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics, or PACT, Act, on Jan. 1. The law designated 23 diseases as presumed to be linked to burn pits used during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and other airborne pollutants and environmental hazards from earlier conflicts, meaning veterans with those ailments will now have a streamlined process for claiming health care and disability benefits. Of the 23 presumptive diseases, about half are different types of cancer: melanoma, brain cancer, neck cancer, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, glioblastoma, head cancer of any type, respiratory cancer of any type, reproductive cancer of any type, gastrointestinal cancer of any type, lymphoma of any type and lymphomatic cancer of any type. The decision to prioritize benefits claims for cancer over the other presumptive diseases in the PACT Act is part of the Biden administration's Cancer Moonshot, the effort to find new treatments and slash the death rate for cancer, the VA said. President Joe Biden first launched the Cancer Moonshot initiative when he was vice president and revived it earlier this year. Biden's attention on cancer came after his son Beau died of glioblastoma in 2015. Biden has said he suspects his son's fatal cancer was caused by the burn pits he was exposed to while serving in Iraq and Kosovo with the Delaware National Guard. The announcement on prioritizing claims from veterans with cancer is one of a flurry of moves the VA is making as it begins to implement the PACT Act and prepare to process claims. Also Monday, the department formally unveiled the PACT Act-mandated toxic exposure screening it will provide to veterans starting this week. Since the PACT Act was signed into law in August, nearly 137,000 veterans have filed claims for benefits, McDonough said Monday. That's up from the 113,000 claims he cited just a couple weeks ago. The gap between accepting claims as soon as the bill was signed and waiting to process them until January was built into the law to give the VA time to hire more claims processors. The department has met a goal it set earlier this year to hire 2,000 new processors, McDonough said, though he acknowledged more will be needed. "That's not enough," he said. "We need at least that many more, if not more than that to implement the PACT Act." -- Rebecca Kheel can be reached at rebecca.kheel@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @reporterkheel. Related: VA Starts Doing Toxic Exposure Screenings as Advocates Press for Medical Testing The Department of Veterans Affairs should do more to clarify legal protections for employees providing abortion care in states where the procedure is now illegal, House Veterans Affairs Committee Democrats said in a report released Monday. The 21-page report, written by Democratic committee staff members, also called on Congress to codify the VA's ability to provide abortions, something that is unlikely with Democrats' current narrow majorities and the expectation that Republicans will win control of at least the House in Tuesday's midterm elections. "More than two million living women veterans have fought for and defended our country's core founding principle: freedom," House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano, D-Calif., said in a statement released with the report. "It is why they served, and it is why they continue to serve in greater numbers than ever before. There is no doubt women veterans deserve our nation's gratitude and appreciation, but more importantly, they deserve access to the comprehensive health care and benefits they've earned, including reproductive health care." Read Next: 40 Years Later, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Stands as Lasting Statement on War and Remembrance The report's release comes a day before the midterm elections in which Democrats have campaigned heavily on abortion rights following the June Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization that overturned nationwide abortion rights, leading to at least 14 conservative states banning or severely restricting abortion. While the report does not mention the election, its timing suggests the recommendations for congressional action are an 11th-hour pitch to voters on what Democrats could do if they defy expectations and not only retain, but expand, their majorities. Following the Supreme Court decision, the VA announced it would begin providing abortions for the first time in cases where the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or the life or health of the mother is at risk. The move drew praise from Democrats, but backlash from Republicans who question the VA's legal authority to provide the procedure and have vowed to "sanction" the department over the issue. While the Justice Department issued a legal analysis in support of the VA policy that stressed federal law supersedes state law so local authorities cannot penalize VA doctors for performing abortions, states that have banned the procedure are vowing to enforce their laws, and concerns have been raised that the threat of prosecution could deter VA clinicians from providing abortions. Democrats on the House Veterans Affairs Committee announced over the summer they were compiling information on reproductive health care at the VA in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling. The report released Monday is based on visits to six VA facilities in Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona and Nevada that Takano; health subcommittee Chairwoman Julia Brownley, D-Calif.; and other committee members conducted in August and September, seven listening sessions committee members held with veterans in those states and New Mexico, and a public hearing the committee held in September. During the site visits, lawmakers found it was unclear whether VA facilities will be able to protect their employees from prosecution or civil penalties in states where abortion has been outlawed, including protecting people from getting arrested on VA grounds. Whether a VA facility falls exclusively under federal law enforcement jurisdiction depends on the circumstances under which the government first got the property or any subsequent agreement with state officials on jurisdiction, and in facilities where state and federal jurisdiction overlap, "state abortion laws could potentially be enforced," according to the report. VA police generally have memoranda of understanding with local law enforcement agencies in facilities with overlapping jurisdictions, but the committee was not able to find any existing agreements that cover enforcement of state abortion laws. VA police chiefs told the committee that they would have to allow local law enforcement onto VA property if there's a valid arrest warrant but that, based on past experience, it's unlikely local police would show up unannounced, the report said. "None of the VA medical facilities the committee visited had exclusive federal law enforcement jurisdiction, and it remains to be seen how this status will come into play in states that have enacted criminal laws or civil penalties related to abortion," the report said. "Because federal supremacy concepts have not yet been tested with regards to VA health care policies, none of the VA medical facilities were aware of the extent to which they could prevent employees from being targeted by local or state authorities seeking to enforce state laws, even if VA employees were involved in providing abortions within the scope of their federal employment." To help address the uncertainty, the report recommends the VA's general counsel compile a comprehensive inventory of the law enforcement jurisdictional status of each VA medical facility, applicable state abortion laws, and existing memoranda of understanding with state and local enforcement agencies. Employees at the VA facilities also told committee members that state-specific guidance from department headquarters on how to navigate a post-Dobbs world would be "invaluable," according to the report. As such, the report recommends the VA issue detailed guidance and "clearly communicate with employees -- including those who are indirectly involved in the delivery of abortion services -- about the extent to which they will be shielded from licensure or law enforcement actions." In the listening sessions, which were held off VA property and without the involvement of VA officials in recruiting participants, lawmakers heard "widespread concerns" from female veterans that they are not being treated appropriately, both for reproductive care and more generally. The women also expressed concern about harassment from other, usually male, veterans in areas of VA facilities that aren't well-patrolled by staff or VA police, according to the report. Many of the women at the listening sessions asked for more gender-specific treatment options and physical access points at VA medical facilities, the report said. "The ongoing lack of basic parity between VA health care for men and women veterans is clear," the report said. While Democrats believe the department already has the legal authority to provide abortions under a 1996 law that said the secretary "shall" provide "needed" medical care to veterans, the report said that passing a law that codifies the VA's new abortion policy would "remove any doubt that the department has the authority to provide abortion care to veterans." The report also called on Congress to eliminate co-pays for contraception for veterans and expand veterans' eligibility for in vitro fertilization to any veteran who needs infertility care. Eligibility for in vitro fertilization covered by the VA is limited right now to married couples with a service-connected condition that causes infertility who can produce their own sperm and eggs, criteria so narrow the report says only 600 veterans have used the benefit since 2016. "By expanding and strengthening veterans' access to reproductive health care at VA, we can ensure these veterans are seen, heard, and treated with the respect they have earned and deserve," the report said. "We also send a message to the women veterans, and girls who aspire to serve our country in the future, who are watching and listening that their service to our country is valued." -- Rebecca Kheel can be reached at rebecca.kheel@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @reporterkheel. Related: VA Stepping Up Security as It Begins Providing Abortions Primary care physicians within the Veterans Health Administration will begin asking their patients this week whether they think they were exposed to environmental hazards during their service -- a conversation Department of Veterans Affairs officials say should lead to increased awareness and treatment for medical conditions linked to burn pits, pesticides, industrial chemicals and other toxins vets encountered in the military. But advocates for military personnel and veterans say the five-minute screening doesn't go far enough and are pressing the VA for medical screenings, including cancer tests, for those who served in geographic areas with the most likelihood for exposure. During a demonstration of the new screening process, VA Press Secretary Terrence Hayes, a retired Army master sergeant, answered questions from a physician on possible exposure, noting that during his time in Iraq he was potentially exposed to burn pits but had no symptoms. Read Next: 2022 Veterans Day Deals, Discounts and Freebies He was provided a folder containing information on toxic exposures and related illnesses; related benefits; and the burn pit registry, a voluntary database kept by the VA of veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War and onward who may have been exposed. As part of the three-question screening, Hayes was asked whether he had any health concerns he thought might be related to exposure. "Can't kinda put my finger on it. There were some things I dealt with in the past that I think I've gotten worked out, but nothing I can really put my finger on," Hayes said during the screening at the Washington, D.C., Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Screening physician Dr. Joel Nations, the hospital's deputy chief of staff for operations, told Hayes his answers to the questions will be placed in his medical record and he again will be asked about any symptoms or concerns in five years. The screenings are now required at VHA facilities as part of the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins, or PACT, Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden earlier this year after veterans groups protested delays in Congress that held up the legislation. Advocates say the process doesn't go far enough to educate veterans on exposures, arguing that vets may not realize they have been exposed to toxic substances. Chelsey Simoni, a clinical nurse researcher with the HunterSeven Foundation, a group established to support personnel with military exposure-related illnesses, said the VA isn't drilling down to geographic areas where service members were known to have exposures and their physicians are not well-versed on the extent of the hazardous environment. Simoni said that, when she was young, she had no idea that her activities, such as exercising in a combat zone, would lead to bronchial infections, a weakened immune system and lung nodules. "The three questions we are asking are not OK. They do not do justice," Simoni wrote in an email to Military.com. She also noted that, since the questions are being asked only within the VA health care system, the department is missing roughly 70% of the post-9/11 veteran population who don't receive their care in a VA facility. "As a civilian provider, I can tell you we are less than 4% competent to provide veteran-centric care and are more likely to identify a post-9/11 veteran's symptoms as psychosomatic rather than health-related," Simoni said. Hayes said the standard screening questions may appear to be basic, but the discussion they spark could lead to medical testing and follow-on care with a specialist. If he had said, for example, that he had asthma, he might be referred for an appointment and told that the condition is considered to be linked to burn pit exposure and he could be eligible for disability benefits. "The standard screen, it could be five minutes. It could be 15, 20 minutes. It depends on the conversation between the doc and the veteran, where that leads to -- follow-on testing and treatment," Hayes said. The PACT Act contained a number of provisions to assist the estimated 3.5 million veterans at risk for illness as a result of exposure to burn pits, airborne particulate matter, chemicals and other toxic substances encountered during overseas deployments. The law broadened health care services and disability compensation to an estimated 1 million veterans, and it established a pathway for expedited disability compensation for vets stricken with certain diseases. VA officials are pressing eligible veterans not enrolled in VA health care to do so and hope the exposure screening and subsequent tracking of medical conditions will act as incentive. "This is why we want people to enroll. We want them all," Hayes said. Veterans can call to make an appointment with their primary care providers specifically to take the screening or they will be quizzed at their next appointment beginning Nov. 8. Those who want more information on the PACT Act or to apply for disability benefits should go to the VA's website or call 1-800-MY-VA-411 (1-800-698-2411). -- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @patriciakime. Related: VA Accelerates Toxic Exposure Claims, Urges Veterans to Apply Now Despite the troubled history between native tribes and the U.S. government, American Indians have served in every major American conflict in the country's history. They also enlist in the U.S. military at five times the national average of other demographics. It's a good thing, too, because without native warriors like Pascal Poolaw, American military history might look entirely different. Poolaw would become the U.S. military's most decorated veteran, serving in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. During his service, he earned 42 medals and citations, including four Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars and three Purple Hearts, one for each war in which he fought. Poolaw was born into the Kiowa Nation in 1922, at a time when American Indians weren't even considered natural-born citizens of the United States. Indigenous people wouldn't have the right to natural-born citizenship until Congress passed the Indian Citizenship Act in 1924. Poolaw's military story isn't just about his country, however; it's also about his dedication to family He first joined the Army in 1942, following his father and two brothers who were already fighting in World War II. By 1944, he was fighting with the 4th Infantry Division in Europe. While assaulting the Siegfried Line in Belgium, then-Staff Sgt. Poolaw noticed a strong German counterattack threatening his machine gun squad. Pushing his men forward, he began tossing grenades at the advancing enemy while under heavy returning fire. The effort dispersed the Germans and saved his unit. After repelling the German assault, his company continued its attack on the Siegfried Line. He was awarded his first Silver Star for making a stand against a concentrated enemy formation. Poolaw was also wounded in the effort, receiving his first Purple Heart. When the Korean War broke out in 1950, Poolaw was still in the Army and was sent to Korea with Army's 25th Infantry Division. The 25th Infantry Division was one of the units that cut off the approaches to the port city of Pusan early in the war, preventing the communists from pushing United Nations forces into the sea and capturing Korea. After the Incheon Landing put 40,000 U.S. and allied troops behind the communist lines in September 1950, the 25th broke out of what was then known as the Pusan Perimeter. Poolaw was there. Although the bulk of the enemy forces fell apart in disarray from the UN's one-two punch, there were elements of stiff resistance. Poolaw was with a company of men against that kind of resistance. On Sept. 19, 1950, Sgt. 1st Class Poolaw of Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment volunteered to lead a squad against a numerically superior force dug in at the top of a hill. His squad surprised the enemy's perimeter, fighting a brutal hand-to-hand engagement while the rest of C Company followed and captured the position. Poolaw was awarded another Silver Star, but he was far from finished in Korea. By April 1951, fighting was centered on or near the 38th Parallel, where the war had ground into a bloody stalemate. At Chongong-ni, then-Master Sgt. Poolaw's platoon was pinned down by automatic weapons fire, mortars and whatever else the communists could throw at them. To relieve the pressure on his men, Poolaw advanced under this onslaught, firing his rifle in the open terrain. Poolaw distracted the enemy, drawing all their fire on himself. As he moved, his platoon maneuvered to a better vantage point and returned fire on the enemy position, and he was awarded a third Silver Star. His courage under fire in Korea earned him a battlefield promotion to second lieutenant and later a promotion to first lieutenant. He returned to the United States shortly after, where his four sons, all of whom would serve in the military, were growing up fast. In 1962, Poolaw retired from the Army after 20 years of service and four years in combat. But Poolaw wasn't away from the Army for long. The United States was soon involved in another war, this time in Vietnam. His sons were old enough to serve and three of them would fight in Vietnam. In 1967, Pascal Poolaw Jr. lost his right leg to a land mine there. Shortly after, his son Lindy received a draft notice and would soon be on his way to Vietnam. The elder Poolaw decided to reenlist and serve one more time. Pascal Poolaw in Vietnam, 1967. (Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund) To ensure he would see action in Vietnam, Poolaw resigned his commission, became a non-commissioned officer once more and volunteered to serve in combat, all in an effort to keep Lindy out of the war zones. He missed deploying with his son by one day. Deploying to Vietnam with the 26th Infantry Regiment in May 1967, he was named first sergeant of his company. A few months later, he was on a search and destroy mission as part of Operation Shenandoah II in Loc Ninh. It was an attempt to secure South Vietnam's Highway 13 as it was being repaired for use by American and South Vietnamese forces. The company was moving through a rubber plantation as it was ambushed by the Viet Cong. The ambush began with accurate sniper fire, but the unit was soon engulfed by claymore mines, rockets, small arms and automatic weapons. Outnumbered and outgunned, Poolaw tried to organize the lead squad to establish a base of fire and move wounded troops. Already wounded in the initial ambush, Poolaw was hit by incoming Viet Cong fire as he attempted to pull one of his wounded soldiers to safety. He succumbed to the wound that day, Nov. 7, 1967, at the age of 45. He posthumously received his fourth Silver Star and third Purple Heart. 1st Sgt. Pascal Poolaw was 45 years old while serving in the Vietnam War. (U.S. Army) Irene Poolaw, his wife of 37 years, said in his eulogy: "He has followed the trail of the great chiefs. His people hold him in honor and highest esteem. He has given his life for the people and the country he loved so much." -- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook. Want to Learn More About Military Life? Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for post-military careers or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox. Jacob deGrom and Taijuan Walker are both headed to the free agent market, according to a media release from the MLB Players Association (via Twitter). As expected, deGrom opted out of the final guaranteed year of his contract, while Walker took a $3MM buyout rather than exercise a $7.5MM player option for the 2023 season. deGrom was owed $30.5MM in 2023, and the Mets held a $32.5MM club option on the former two-time Cy Young Award winner for 2024. There is no doubt deGrom will find more than $30.5MM on the open market, as his skill level still supersedes some obvious questions about his health and long-term durability. Multiple injuries kept deGrom on the shelf for over an entire year, as he didnt make a single MLB appearance between July 7, 2021 and August 2, 2022. Upon returning this season, deGrom still looked tremendous, posting a 3.08 ERA and a host of elite Statcast numbers. Throughout his injury hiatus, deGrom consistently maintained that he still planned to opt out of his contract, and his strong performance over his 64 1/3 innings should quell doubts in the minds of some suitors. Of course, deGrom also turns 35 in June 2023, so there has been speculation that teams might prefer to offer him deals with a high average annual value rather than a lengthy term. Reports have also suggested that geography is a factor for deGrom, as his preference would be to play for a team closer to his home in Florida. During the 2020-21 offseason, Walker joined the Mets on a two-year deal worth $20MM in guaranteed salary. Given the high price of his buyout, Walkers $4.5MM decision wasnt a hard one to make, as the right-hander will look to capitalize on what has now been three consecutive seasons of solid work. The 30-year-old isnt a big strikeout pitcher and he allows a lot of hard contact, though hell get plenty of attention as a solid arm for the middle-to-back of many rotations. Walker missed almost all of the 2018 and 2019 seasons due to Tommy John surgery and a shoulder injury, before rebounding with a 2.70 ERA over 53 1/3 innings with the Mariners and Blue Jays during the shortened 2020 season. That performance led to Walkers contract with New York, and he has stayed mostly healthy (averaging 158 IP) over his two seasons with the Mets while posting a 3.98 ERA. 2022 was the better of Walkers two seasons, as he had a 3.49 ERA and an above-average 6.9% walk rate. Between deGrom, Walker, Chris Bassitt expected to decline his end of a mutual option, and the Mets holding a $14MM club option on Carlos Carrasco for 2023, New Yorks rotation could look quite different by Opening Day. Even with the Mets willingness to spend big, retaining all of these starters might even be beyond ownerships comfort zone, especially with other free agent questions left to be answered. The Mets already made one big strike to re-sign an in-house free agent, agreeing to a five-year, $102MM deal with closer Edwin Diaz yesterday. The Phillies picked up their $16MM club option on Aaron Nola for the 2023 season, the New York Posts Jon Heyman reports (Twitter link). The option contained a $4.25MM buyout, but there was no chance the Phils werent going to retain the star right-hander for another season. Drafted seventh overall in the 2014 draft, Nola made his MLB debut the very next season, and has gone on to become the gem of Philadelphias oft-maligned player development system. Since the start of the 2018 season, no pitcher has thrown more innings than Nolas 871 2/3 frames, and he has paired that durability with a 3.47 ERA. (Even that number is a bit misleading, as Nola had a 3.26 SIERA in 2021 but only a 4.63 ERA due to some sheer bad luck.) That five-stretch also saw Nola finish third in NL Cy Young Award voting in 2018, and he collected a seventh-place finish in 2020. It seems likely that Nola will again appear on some Cy Young ballots this year, after his 3.25 ERA over 205 innings, a league-best 8.1 K/BB rate and 1.3 BB/9, as well as excellent strikeout, hard-hit ball, and chase rates. Nola reached for the postseason for the first time in his career, starting five games during the Phillies run to their first World Series appearance since 2009. Back in February 2019, Nola signed a four-year extension worth at least $45MM in guaranteed money. With the option exercised, that deal is now a five-year, $56.75MM pact that has already been worth every penny for the Phillies. The right-hander doesnt even turn 30 until June, and the question now becomes whether or not the Phillies can sign Nola to another extension. Locking Nola up to another long-term deal would be a good way of ensuring some more rotation stability, as Zack Wheelers contract is up after 2024 and Ranger Suarez is arbitration-controlled through 2025. Top prospect arms like Andrew Painter and Mick Abel could debut in the majors as early as 2023, but just given the timing of the expiring contracts, Painter and Abel could be viewed more as possible in-house replacement for Wheeler rather than Nola. The Chief Executive Officer of Grace Kohey Media GH, well-known on social media as Afia Mahama, has warned the dancehall act, Shatta Wale to desist from involving the former President John Dramani Mahama in the fight between him and his former manager, Bulldog. In a video cited by afriqatrends.com, the former presidents activist alleged that Shatta Wale involved Mr Mahama in their issues to tarnish his image because he might have been paid to do that. Afia Mahama said it was the same strategy the Assin Central legislature, Hon. Kennedy Agyapong mounted by connecting Tracy Boakye and Mzbells social media beef about a particular sugar daddy (papa no) to his excellency the former president, John Dramani Mahama. Speaking on a Facebook Live, Afia Mahama told Shatta Walle to go for his weed if its finished or see his doctor for medical assistance if hes unwell and avoid spewing trash about Mr Mahama he has no evidence. Stop using your Ano Bayaa (Big Mouth) to peddle lies about JM, dont take it as an insult for saying wano bayaa, you said it in your song and its one of my favourite songs. Im still a fan of your family (SM Music) but I wont tolerate you disrespecting and disgracing the former President, John Dramani Mahama, she said. Watch the video below: facebook Tiktok Kumawood actor, Mohammed Boniface, otherwise known as Kompany, has allegedly blamed musician Atom of 'Yewo Krom' fame for his frosty relationship with popular actress and UTV host Nana Ama McBrown. Earlier reports say McBrown has been supportive of Kompany's career. He was at the point of leaving with McBrown in her home but he paid her back with ingratitude. But in an interview with Ambassador TV, he blamed Atom for their issues and rendered an unqualified apology to the actress. He alleged that it was Atom who deceived him. Nana Ama McBrown took me as her son and went an extra mile to bring me to the limelight, but my bad attitude pushed me away from that glorious opportunity, he disclosed. Those who say bad things about my Godmother Nana Ama McBrown don't know her and I pray they get close to her for just a day. When I joined Kumawood movie industry, Nana Ama McBrown devoted all her time and energy to pushing me. Anytime she is going to shoot a movie, she will make sure I get a role in that movie, he continued. Those saying Nana Ama McBrown didn't help me should desist from such comments. Nobody should blame her but rather I blame myself. Even in the Bible, God helps those who help themselves so Nana Ama McBrown cannot help me if I refuse to help myself, he said. I was staying with Nana Ama McBrown but I was deceived by 'Yewo Krom' hitmaker Atom, so I moved from Nana Ama's house to stay with Atom, he alleged. It got to a point Nana Ama McBrown will even struggle to reach me because I followed Atom for shows, but he disappointed me. Nana Ama McBrown should forgive me and accept me back. I know my actions pushed me away, but as a prodigal son, all I can say is I have regretted all my actions, he added. 07.11.2022 LISTEN The Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East Constituency and former Deputy Attorney General Dr. Domnic Akuritinga Ayine has said the NDC is much more committed to the realization of national projects than the ruling NPP as far as the issue of Upper East Regional Airport is concerned. The Upper East Regional Airport has encountered delays since it was proposed. First, it was an impasse between two communities in the BONABOTO Zone Sherigu and Sumbrungu. The two communities quarrelled over the citing siting of the airport which was later partially resolved. Then, when the misunderstanding between the two communities was about resolving, the Aviation Minister of the blessed memory Mr. Kofi Ada decided to change the location to his constituency in Navrongo. That matter wasnt resolved until he was removed as Aviation Minister and subsequently met his untimely death. Sharing his experience and the effort he has made as far as the Upper East Regional Airport is concerned Dr. Ayine told this reporter on Wednesday, October 28, 2022 that under the NDC, plans were more advanced to commence the project. When we were in office, plans were far advanced for the regional airport to be constructed. When we lost power, Hon. Kofi Ada became Minister of Aviation. I went to him and told him that the plan we had for the regional airport should be continued. He agreed with me but, subsequently when I spoke with him, may God bless his soul, I cant lie for a dead person. He told me from the ground, it was not going to be good for him if he moved the venue of the airport from Navrongo to Sumbrungu. He said it was not going to be good for him politically," Dr. Ayine revealed. He continued, But I kept urging him and his deputy Mr. Afful. I kept telling them to bite the bullet and go ahead and do as we have planned. He was there for four years, he didnt lay a finger because of this political issue he raised and finally, he was removed as Aviation Minister and subsequently met his untimely death. The Bolga East legislator further explained how he engaged the Transport Minister on the matter. I have spoken several times to the Transport Minister on the matter and he told me that the Regional Minister is working assiduously on it and the regional minister himself informed me that they have brought two investors one was from Morocco and that they are doing visibility studies to know whether or not it will be wealth wise in investing resources to construct and manage the regional airport on what they called Build Operate and Transfer basis (BOT). That is where we are with the regional airport, he stated. However, Dr. Ayine expresses worry. Because this is the sixth year running and not even a sod cutting has taken place as far as the regional airport is concerned. 07.11.2022 LISTEN Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East Constituency Dr. Dominic Ayine has made an interesting proposal to people from the Upper East Region home and abroad regarding the delayed regional Airport. According to the Bolga East legislator, the construction of the Upper East regional airport can be done by the people themselves. Speaking in an interview with this reporter on Wednesday, October 28, 2022, the MP said the people of the region need to think positive about the project. We as citizens of the Upper East Region, why are we not thinking about the possibility that we could do this ourselves?" he asked Dr. Ayine further explained that to make the Upper East Regional airport a reality, the people of the region could construct it themselves by putting together a company that will allow citizens to buy shares to generate proceeds for the project. We could begin to think about putting together a company, letting our own citizens buy shares in the company and we use the proceed to construct the Airport, and those who bought shares in the company will be paid dividends if we make a profit and if it doesnt make a profit you say well, you have contributed to the development of your region. This is not rocket science, he stressed. He further used the Singaporean Bus transit as an example. It was done in Singapore. The story of a bus transit system in Singapore is very interesting. All that they did was that they incorporated the company and asked ordinary Singaporeans to buy shares and they used the proceeds to buy the buses. So, as we speak now, that bus system is been run on basis of the investment of ordinary Singaporeans. He, however, advised the region not to rely on the government or MPs for all projects, stressing that they should come together and make the airport a reality. Let us as a region, put aside our partisan affiliations and say that we want an airport for ourselves. We want to set up a company and asked our ordinary citizens to buy form in this company, shares for One Thousand Ghana Cedis (Ghc1000.00). Lets get a very solid Board of Directors, lets get a very solid management company, and let us build that Airport through private initiative. If the Ghana Airport wants to team up with those who are going to invest in it fine! If not lets go ahead and acquire land by paying compensation with what comes in by way of shares subscription and then we can build that Airport, Dr. Ayine emphasised. 05.11.2022 LISTEN The African Court on Human and Peoples Rights 67th Ordinary Session starts on Monday, November 7th, and ends on Friday, December 2nd at Arusha, Tanzania. The eleven Judges of the African Court during the four-week session would examine a number of applications and deliver Judgments on December 1st which would be streamed live via the link: https://www.youtube.com/user/africancourt/live . A statement issued and signed by Dr. Robert Eno, African Court Registrar, and copied to the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) on Saturday has stated. Dr. Eno in the statement also announced that as part of activities to open the session on November 7th; Ms. Grace Wakio Kakai, who is a national of Kenya would be sworn in as the new Deputy Registrar of the African Court. Ms. Kakai takes over from Mr. Nouhou Diallo, a citizen of Burkina Faso, who has retired. According to the statement, Ms. Kakai has served the African Court as the Head of the Legal Division. The African Court is composed of eleven Judges, nationals of African Union Member States elected in their individual capacities. The African Continental Court meets four times a year in Ordinary Sessions and may hold Extra-Ordinary Sessions. The Executive Director of the Institute for Energy Security, Nana Amoosi VII, has described governments attempts to find more affordable petroleum products amid the economic crisis as wasteful and impossible. Speaking on The Big Issue, Nana Amoosi VII said the players in the petroleum sector would have utilised links to cheaper fuel by now if possible. If there is somewhere that we have heavily discounted fuel that can cushion our situation, I am certain that the BDCs and the OMCs will be the first to jump on this. If the government did secure a deal for cheaper fuel, Nana Amoosi VII said such a move should be proved and Ghanaians must ask what did they give in return for such a huge favour. Nana Amoosi VII also criticised the overall attempt by the government to look for cheaper fuel, as outlined by the President during a speech on Ghanas economic crisis. The IES boss called it a recipe for disinvestment because of the wrong signals it would send to the international market. It will stifle investment and worsen the present case of under-investment in the energy or the petroleum sector because it can potentially cause an unwanted case of excess supply. We will be giving the signal that we prioritise the importation of fuel while ignoring local investment, Nana Amoosi VII said. Currently, some Oil Marketing Companies are selling products for as high as GHS23. The rising costs have been due to the high exchange rate affecting the prices of fuel on the international market. ---citinewsroom 06.11.2022 LISTEN President Akufo-Addo has made a personal contribution of Fifty thousand Ghana cedis (GHS 50,000.00) to the Sunyani Technical University (STU) Endowment Fund. In addition, the President has assured STU that government will take steps to address some of the major concerns of the university. The Presidents donation was made on his behalf by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Michael Okyere Baafi, at the grand durbar to climax the 55th anniversary of STU, which was held under the theme STU, 55 years of Progress and Achievements in TVET and Engineering Education: Mobilising Excellence for Leadership in Ghanas Industrialisation Agenda. The colourful durbar attracted dignitaries such as the Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu Banahene; Deputy Attorney-General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah; the Deputy Minister for Education in charge of TVET, Madam Gifty Twum Ampofo, the Sunyani Municipal Chief Executive, Ansu Kumi and the Sunyani West Municipal Chief Executive, Kusi Boadum. Also in attendance were traditional authorities, corporate organisations, businessmen as well as old students of the institution stretching its days from Sunyani Technical Institute (SUTECH) to Sunyani Polytechnic and finally as Sunyani Technical University. In his address read on his behalf, President Akufo-Addo congratulated management, staff and past and present students of STU for their various contributions which have kept the institution on its feet since its establishment in 1967. Industrialisation The President said his government has enhanced the performance of Technical Universities in Ghana, especially STU, in the training of skilled and professional workforce for the governments industrialisation agenda. Since 2017, the NPP government has created a strong foundation for TVET due to its importance in our countrys socioeconomic development. This foundation includes the passage of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), to regulate, promote, and administer a robust TVET sector for transformation, innovation, and sustainable development in Ghana, he said. He further said the rehabilitation and upgrading of laboratories and workshops in Technical Universities and Technical Institutes in the country by government is one of the key interventions meant to give more impetus to skills training. Massive TVET support The President said the Sunyani Technical University and Methodist Technical/Vocational Institute, also in Sunyani, were among the 57 institutions that benefitted from the $119 million project executed in collaboration with AVIC International Holding Corporation of China. He also announced that government, through Planet One of the United Arab Emirates, has expended an estimated 392 million in infrastructure development in the National Vocational Training Institutes to further boost the TVET sector. Appreciation For his part, the Vice-Chancellor of STU, Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers of the institution, chiefs, opinion leaders and countrys first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, through whose instrumentality the institution was established. He also recognized the diverse contributions of the Alumni, students and staff, especially the first Principal of SUTECH, the late Mr. Kuma Minta, toward the development and growth of the institution over the years. We cannot forget the dedicated leadership of the first Rector of Sunyani Polytechnic, Prof. Kwasi Nsiah-Gyabaah, who worked to grow the polytechnic to a notable institution between 1997 to 2010, the Vice-Chancellor added. Brief history The Sunyani Technical University (STU) began in 1967 as Sunyani Technical Institute (SUTECH) to offer technical and vocational education and training to Middle School Leavers, and later on, to Junior Secondary School graduates in hands-on Craft/Intermediate Block-Laying and Concreting, Carpentry and Joinery, Furniture Craft as well as Painting and Decoration programmes. In 1997, Sunyani Technical Institute was upgraded to Sunyani Polytechnic (SPOLY) in line with government policy to stress on Technical/Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the tertiary level. The enabling law, the Polytechnics Act 745 empowered the institution to offer tertiary education programmes, principally, Higher National Diploma (HND) in areas in response to national human resource needs at the tertiary level. In 2016, Sunyani Polytechnic was converted to Sunyani Technical University (STU) and given a new mandate through the coming into force of the Technical Universities Act 2016 (Act 922 as amended). 06.11.2022 LISTEN Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, who is aspiring to be the next General Secretary of the main opposition NDC, has hailed the unique colourful symbol of unity exhibited by the Chiefs and people of Anlo at this years Hogbetsotso Za Festival. According to him, the festival which is being celebrated this weekend by the people of Anlo, Anlo State in the Volta region has witnessed huge success by drawing people from diverse ethnic groups to promote unity and development. Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, who is the current Elections Director of the NDC reiterated that ensuring a united front among all people of diverse ethnic groups to help promote unity of purpose for Ghanas development is in the right direction. He was speaking on the sidelines of the Hogbetsotso Grand Durbar on Saturday. The Hogbetsotso Za has become one of the most prominent festivals in Ghana which seeks to rally all Ewes across the country and unify other Ghanaians of other ethnic groups towards the development of the country. While the quest for political power is critical in spearheading development, the gracing of the Hogbetsotsoza by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, following the special invitation by Awomefia Togbe Sri signifies a longstanding effort to bring all cultures in Ghana together, Elvis stated. At the same event, he also took time to interact with former President John Dramani Mahama, leading chiefs in the Volta region, leaders of the NDC across all levels of the party, opinion leaders, elders, members and sympathisers of the party to assure them of his commitment towards a united party in the National Delegates Congress in December. Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah has declared his intention to contest for the General Secretary position because he believes Ghana is at the crossroads having been led by the incompetent leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who heads the economic management team. Elvis Afriyeh Ankrah, insists, following the comprehensive development undertaken by the John Mahama-led administration, it has become imperative for the NDC to be elected in the 2024 elections to give hope to the ordinary Ghanaian and restore the dwindling economy back on track. Pilots on strike at Kenya Airways will face disciplinary action if they don't return to work immediately, the government said Sunday, with thousands of passengers stranded for a second day after dozens of fresh flight cancellations. The Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) launched the strike at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 06:00 am (0300 GMT) on Saturday -- defying a court order against industrial action and deepening the woes of the troubled national carrier. "Considering the defiance of KALPA and their total disregard for the existing court order -- which is at the heart of the rule of law -- the Ministry of Labour now has to activate the procedures governing industrial relations," Kenya's Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said in a statement. "I urge the pilots to be mindful of the consequences of defying a court order and to urgently return to work because impunity cannot be an option," the newly-appointed minister added. The airline, part owned by the government and Air France-KLM, is one of the biggest in Africa, connecting multiple countries to Europe and Asia. But it has been facing turbulent times, including years of losses. Murkomen said the government, which has pumped millions of dollars into the airline, had made "relentless efforts" to resolve the dispute but to no avail. "The sour and chronic industrial action is an impediment to ongoing efforts to raise capital for Kenya Airways," he said. There was no immediate response to the minister's statement from KALPA, which earlier on Sunday said that its members would remain on strike "until their voice is heard." "The public should expect major flight disruptions to continue," it said on Twitter, blaming the airline's management for failing to resolve the stalemate. The airline's managing director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, in turn accused the protesting pilots -- who make up 10 percent of the workforce -- of "holding passengers, other employees, management and the economy at ransom." He said Sunday that 56 flights had been cancelled due to the strike, which has thrown around 12,000 passengers' plans into disarray. 'Inconveniencing' Many travellers turned up to the Nairobi airport on Sunday, only to find out that their flights would not take off. "I came here at around 5:25 in the morning... but I have been informed that the flight has been cancelled," passenger Erick Muhanda, who was due to travel to South Africa's port city of Cape Town, told broadcaster Citizen TV. "It's quite inconveniencing," he said. The pilots are pressing for the reinstatement of contributions to a provident fund and payment of all salaries stopped during the Covid-19 pandemic. On Monday, the airline won a court injunction stopping the strike, but an official at KALPA, which has 400 members, told AFP the pilots "were acting within the provisions of the law" and that they were yet to be served with a court order. The carrier has warned that the strike would jeopardise its recovery, estimating losses at $2.5 million per day if the pilots went ahead with their plans. The airline was founded in 1977 following the demise of East African Airways, and flies more than four million passengers to 42 destinations annually. It has been operating in large part thanks to state bailouts following years of losses. The carrier saw its revenue nosedive after the pandemic grounded planes worldwide because of stringent travel restrictions, devastating the aerospace and tourism industries. In August, the airline reported a $81.5 million half-year loss citing high fuel costs, despite the government injecting some $520 million to keep it afloat. On Wednesday, the airline's management said it was on the path to recovery, flying at least 250,000 passengers each month, and aiming to cut its overall operating costs by 10 percent before the end of next year. 06.11.2022 LISTEN The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called for the preservation of Ghanaian culture and heritage as a legacy to unborn generations. Speaking in Anlo on Saturday at the 2022 Hogbetsotso Festival, which happened to be the 60th Anniversary of the festival, Dr. Bawumia underscored the need for cultural sustainability, explaining that it is about "maintaining cultural beliefs, cultural practices, heritage conservation, culture as its own entity, and the question of whether or not any given culture will exist in the future." Stressing the immense contributions of culture to economic development, especially through tourism, Dr. Bawumia commended the Chiefs and people of Anlo state, for preserving the Hogbetsotso, which he said continued to attract visitors to the area, for several years. "This festival has not been celebrated ever since the break out of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, which brought many countries, businesses and organisations to their knees. Thanks to the good interventions and measures instituted by the His Royal Majesty, Torgbi Sri III and the good people of Anlo, this festival has once again seen the light of day," Dr. Bawumia said. "The Anlo State, over the past 60 years, has strived and contributed in many ways towards the Development of our dear nation Ghana. So, as we celebrate the 60th Annual Hogbetsotso Festival today, we must look back even as we take stock of our achievements and challenges over the years and re-strategise on how we can further accelerate the development of the Anlo State and Ghana at large," Dr. Bawumia said. "From their rich cultural heritage to cultural and creative industries, culture is both an enabler and driver of the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development of our people." "The people of Anlo have come this far with their unique culture and tradition and preserving such culture and heritage will be a legacy for the future and unborn generations. Dr. Bawumia also touted the tourism potential of the area, adding that issues affecting the area, such as poor road networks and the tidal wave, are being considered by the government to boost the tourism potential of the area. "A common knowledge is that Anlo Traditional Area, especially Anloga and Keta is one of the growing, well patronized and highly competitive tourist destinations in Ghana and beyond. Aside the enormous tourism potentials of the districts, which draw hundreds of tourists here every week and several thousand every year, it is naturally, a peaceful area to sit and relax." The colourful festival, also attracted renowned traditional leaders of the country, including the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Ga Mantse Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II and the Omanhene of Kwahu Traditional Area Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II. The presence of the Asantehene in Anlo was even more historic, as his visit was the first time in over 120 years that any Asantehene has visited the Volta Region. Ugandan youth activist Nyombi Morris arrived in Egypt for the UN's COP27 climate summit with high hopes of being part of the campaign for environmental justice. But it didn't take long for Egypt's stiff security measures to shatter his dreams, as rights groups warn the North African country has stifled protests with "dozens" of arrests. "I was so happy when they announced that COP would be in Africa," said Morris, who founded the Earth Volunteers youth organisation campaigning for "climate justice". "I thought maybe I would get a chance to be at the room where the negotiations are taking place." Instead, "with the questions we received at the airport, it will not be easy for us to continue with our plan", the 24-year-old said. Activists wanting to demonstrate at COP27 must request accreditation 36 hours in advance. By MOHAMMED ABED (AFP) In 2008, when Morris was 10, devastating flash floods hit Uganda's eastern Butaleja district -- an area where the illegal extraction of riverbank sand for construction was common. Some 400 people, including Morris's family, lost their homes. Morris, who has said the digging "exacerbated flooding already made worse by climate change", said they had to move to the capital Kampala. "I am here to represent my mother who lost a farm, who lost a home," he said. "I am here to ask for compensation for my community." 'Abusive security measures' Activists wanting to demonstrate at COP27, held in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, must request accreditation 36 hours in advance, providing information such as the names of the protest organisers and details of the proposed march. Activist Nyombi Morris arrived in Egypt with high hopes for Africa's first COP, but was quickly disenchanted. By Mohammed ABED (AFP) Approved demonstrations are only allowed during working hours, and in a specific purpose-built area. That accreditation process is risky, Morris fears. "When they started asking about our locations, where we will be staying, our passports, our names, we were worried," he said. "What if they follow one of us and (we) get arrested?" He cited the case of Indian climate activist Ajit Rajagopal, who was arrested after setting off to march from Cairo to Sharm el-Sheikh. He was later released after an international outcry. Human Rights Watch on Sunday warned that "dozens of people" calling for protests had been detained. By AHMAD GHARABLI (AFP) Human Rights Watch on Sunday warned that "dozens of people" calling for protests had been detained. "Egypt's government has no intention of easing its abusive security measures and allowing for free speech and assembly," the watchdog said. Rights groups say at least 138 people have been arrested ahead of a rally slated for November 11 -- planned nationwide but not in Sharm el-Sheikh -- against what they decry as repression and sharp increases in the cost of living. 'Watching online' Africa is home to some of the countries least responsible for planet-heating emissions but hardest hit by an onslaught of weather extremes. Africa is home to some of the countries least responsible for planet-heating emissions but hardest hit by an onslaught of weather extremes. By Mohammed ABED (AFP) On top of security restrictions, Morris lamented that activists like him were excluded from the talks. "I am watching online because our 'observers' badges don't allow us to enter," he said. "I'm like 'so, why are we here?'" He said his hopes have faded that having the summit in Africa might make a difference -- including in demanding wealthy nations responsible for emissions pay their dues. "It is not an African COP, it is a polluters' COP -- because it is polluters dominating," he said. "Haven't you seen Coca-Cola here?" he added, referring to one of this year's official sponsors. Campaign group Greenpeace has called Egypt's choice of the soft drink giant "appalling", blaming the company for much of the "plastic pollution in the world". Last year, at the COP26 in Glasgow, tens of thousands of demonstrators from all over the world marched to demand "climate justice". Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is skipping COP27, slamming it as a forum for "greenwashing" and saying the "space for civil society this year is extremely limited". On Sunday, ignoring the restrictions, a handful of activists waved banners at the entrance to the summit hall. "We are trying to promote the veganism to help save the planet from the greenhouse gases", said Tom Modgmah, a follower of Vietnamese "Supreme Master Ching Hai", alongside colleagues waving banners. "Be vegan, make peace," they read. Leadership of the three striking teacher unions will today, Monday, November 7 meet the Employment and Labour Ministry to continue deliberations over the appointment of Dr. Eric Nkansah as the Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES). The unions declared a strike on Friday, November 4, following their demand for the withdrawal of Dr. Nkansah's appointment. An earlier engagement with the Ministry ended inconclusively. Speaking to Citi News, the President of one of the unions, the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Angel Carbonu expressed disappointment at the Education Ministry for not addressing their concerns sooner. The invitation to even come and jaw-jaw was not from the Education Ministry. They were rather trying to banter us in the media through press conferences instead of sitting with us to discuss the issues. So we are on strike, expecting that our demands will be met at [todays] meeting. Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Bright Wereko-Brobby said he is optimistic that the concerns of the teachers will be addressed. This is a matter we can sit and discuss. So I am optimistic that nothing untoward will happen. The issues that they have raised will be looked at and will be resolved by Monday after we meet. citinewsroom Members of the the Concerned NPP Youth, Concerned Polling Station Executives and Concerned Electoral Area Coordinators, have petitioned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to dismiss the District Chief Executive Officer (DCE) of Ellembelle Kwasi Bonzoh. According to them, the President needs to sack him in order to save the image of the party in the Western Region. They accused him of involving in illegal small scale mining activities (Galamsey). We can authoritatively say that our DCE, Hon Kwasi Bonzoh is neck deep in the galamsey activities which have destroyed some water bodies in the district, something your government is trying so hard to fight. This is a public knowledge as some of the galamsey kingpins are living under his roof. One cannot fathom why as the head of the District Security Council and with all the political powers will allow galamsey activities to flourish day and night for months at a distance less than half Km from his office. Below is the full petition PETITION TO SACK ELLEMBELLE DCE, HON. KWASI BONZOH WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT. We, the Concerned NPP Youth/ Concerned Polling Station Executives and Concerned Electoral Area Coordinators, petition your good office to relieve the DCE of Ellembelle, Hon. Kwasi Bonzoh from office with immediate effect to save the image of the party and the District from further dwindling. We have wholeheartedly supported Hon. Kwasi Bonzoh ever since his appointment as District Chief Executive of Ellembelle in 2017 till date with the sole motive of ensuring development of the district and bringing absolute peace to the party so as to wrestle the seat from the NDC party. On the contrary, the repeated transgressions of the Hon. Kwasi Bonzoh, is now a threat to Ellembelle and inimical to the survival of the party. Your Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana, we hope you are privy to the series of petitions written to your office by the former executives highlighting the gross misconduct of the Hon. DCE which among them has to do with his nonsupport of party activities, persistent creation of division in the party, his involvement in galamsey activities, just to mention but a few. As if those are not enough, his recent conduct has iretrate our call for his immediate dismissal. His behaviour has constantly put NPP in Ellembelle into public ridicule and sank the party beyond salvage. Some of the reasons are as follows: Involvement in Galamsey activities We can authoritatively say that our DCE, Hon Kwasi Bonzoh is neck deep in the galamsey activities which have destroyed some water bodies in the district, something your government is trying so hard to fight. This is a public knowledge as some of the galamsey kingpins are living under his roof. READ ALSO: Let's fight poverty, not each other Bawumia calls for peace in Chereponi One cannot fathom why as the head of the District Security Council and with all the political powers will allow galamsey activities to flourish day and night for months at a distance less than half Km from his office. Most major stakeholders including traditional authorities in the district were extremely perturbed when her Ladyship, Mrs. Awo Amissah was transferred from the district all because she admitted to an open secret that the substantial noise of the galamseyers at the back of her residence gives her sleepless night and that she had to move from her official resident. Due to this, the district has no magistrate as of now. His attempt to cover up led to the interdiction of the then Divisional Police Commander, ACP Dodzi Hlordz, and the transfer of some assembly staff who fiercely protested against his involvement in the galamsey activities at the back of their residence. This has seriously dented the reputation of the party in the district. As ardent members of the party, we cannot sit aloof for Hon Kwasi Bonzoh to send the party to the slaughter House for his personal against. His purported media war against galamsey is known by the grassroots of the party and most opinion leaders in the district as cosmetic and face saving exercise to cover up his guilt. Therefore, we are appealing to you. as a matter of urgency to act accordingly to redeem our party. Instigating Unnecessary Demonstrations And Attacks on Party Leaders Ellembelle NPP has neither known nor enjoyed peace ever since Hon. Kwasi Bonzoh became the DCE. He always engaged in acts that in one way or the other creates division and this continues to thicken by the day. Attacks and insults on party leaders have been the norm. He always instigates his boys to insult prominent party leaders within the Party who can help win the seat from the NDC. The regional chairman and the former national chairman have all been victims. He organized an unwarranted demonstration in 2017 and bused innocent people from the constituency to the party head office, Accra to demonstrate over frivolous allegations which could have been resolved peacefully in the constituency. Mr. President, Ellembelle was one of the peaceful constituencies in the country until Hon. Kwasi Bonzoh became the DCE, that every polling station election were always characterized by immense violence and brutality all in the name of winning parliamentary primaries. READ ALSO: State of the Nation: Minority's outlook in pictures Our call for his immediate removal essentially hinges on the recent attack, Hon. Bonzoh masterminded which could have resulted in civil unrest and an attack on Ghana Gas Processing Plant at Atuabo all because he wanted to be appointed as deputy CEO at the company. If the police had not intervened and caused the immediate arrest of some of the boys who publicly declared they were going to burn down the Gas Processing Plant at Atuabo, it could have been a sad day for Ghana. This selfish and unpatriotic attitude is not deserving of a DCE. Despite the police arrest, Hon. Bonzoh also instigated another set of the youth of which some of them lives under the same roof with him to demonstrate at a durbar held to climax the Kundum festival of Eastern Nzema Traditional Council, Atuabo despite previous engagement with the Board Chair of Ghana Gas, Hon Kennedy Agyapong who happens to be the guest of honor of the ceremony. This is a blatant disrespect for traditional authorities because this durbar brought together all the chiefs in the district to climax the Kumdum festival. The party again was in the bad news and ridiculed for something Hon. Kennedy Agyapong tried his best to avoid but the DCE refused. Hon. Bonzoh has to be removed immediately to avert doom for NPP and Ghana. Development on IGF Ellembelle District is fortunate to have been surrounded by a good number of companies that pays property rate and business operating permit regularly to the District Assembly. Among these major companies are Quantum PLC, Adamus Resource LTD, ENI Ghana, and Ghana Gas Company Ltd. It is therefore expected that the District Assembly will have substantial funds to undertake a lot of IGF Projects in the District to enhance the party fortunes of winning the 2024 elections. It was recently established that Ghana Gas alone has paid close to 8 million Ghana Cedis as property rate and business operating permit to the District Assembly since 2017. It is also rumored that Quantum PLC, Adamus resource LTD, and ENI Ghana have also paid substantial amount on the same premises to the Assembly for the past six years. Despite all these internally Generated Funds very little has been seen as IGF projects in the District. The party can only boast of CODA projects and a few Common Fund Projects as an achievement. Party communicators have consulted the DCE on several occasions to at least outline some projects or activities being carried out by IGF from these companies since a lot of pressure groups, traditional authorities, and the opposition parties are calling for accountability but all falling in deaf ears. There is virtually nothing to show from these huge sums of money paid to the assembly. READ ALSO: Intelligence gathering is key in fighting galamsey - Fatimatu Abubakar What has exacerbated the situation is the recent details provided by Ghana Gas Company on actual payments made to the Ellembele district assembly. This was occurstrated by accusations levelled against Ghana Gas for not contributing to the development of the district . Moreover, our independent checks from the companies mentioned above suggest that a lot of monies have been paid to the District Assembly. The impending agitations from pressure groups, traditional authorities and the opposition parties are too immersed and affecting the image of the party in the district. We are of the view that these huge funds could have been used properly to enhance the chances of the party to annex the parliamentary seat in the next election but unfortunately that is not the case in Ellembelle. We therefore call for the immediate removal of Hon. Bonzoh as the DCE to save the party from going into the abiss. Again, we call for independent audit to be carried out since your government detests the misapplication of public funds. We are also by this petition inviting the Local Government and Rural Development Ministry to take interest in this matter and initiate detailed investigations to salvage the image of the NPP Party and the Government at large. We are aware that Hon. Bonzoh has repeatedly boasted about his relationship with the President and we quote I am the darling boy of the president, all DCE's in Ghana can be sacked but not me. The president still nominated me when I was excluded from the vetting committee's list to him. But for the betterment of the constituency and to curtail endless disunity in the party, we strongly believe it is about time the President acted on such unscrupulous behaviour of Hon. Kwasi Bonzoh and save the party from total collapse in the constituency. Conveners Bernard Cobbinah Joseph Cudjoe Matthew Kwaw Mens Former IT Cordinator Polling Station Chairman Electoral Area Coordinator 0555240825 0541815555 0548050217 Paul Attabiah Rahman Communicator Concern NPP Youth 0503686957 Cc; THE REGIONAL MINISTER, WESTERN REGION SEKONDI-TAKORADI THE REGIONAL CHAIRMAN THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY (NPP) TAKORADI 3news.com The Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Education, Kwasi Kwarteng has appealed to the teacher unions who are striking to return to the classrooms in the interest of the students. Speaking on the New Day show with Roland Walker on TV3 Monday November 7, Mr Kwarteng said In the interest of the students they should go back to the classroom. The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT) have declared strike over the appointment of Dr Eric Nkansah as the new Director General of the Ghana Education (GES). They declared the industrial action on Friday November 4. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed Dr Nkansah as the new Director-General of the GES to replace Professor Kwasi Opoku-Amankwah. The appointment took effect on Wednesday October 19, 2022. I take this opportunity to congratulate you formally on your appointment. Kindly indicate your acceptance or otherwise of this appointment within 14 days of receipt of this letter, a statement signed by the Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante said. But NAGRAT, GNAT and CCT rejected the appointment. The associations said the new appointee is a banker who has no background in teaching. Therefore, they are unhappy with his appointment. Addressing a press conference in Accra on Thursday October 20, President of NAGRAT, Mr Angel Carbonou said teachers were hoping that a person who has background in education would be appointed in order to bring his or her expertise to bear. This appointment is an indication that there are no qualified teaching professionals to man education in Ghana, he said. Mr Carbonou indicated that they are annoyed and surprised by the appointment of Dr Nkansah. He said What annoyed and surprised all of us was that a new Director General has been appointed to the Ghana Education Service. The authority to appoint Director General of GES is the President of the land. Unfortunately, contrary to what the teacher unions indicated that, we will want a Director General who is a professional teacher, who has passed through the mill, who can bring his knowkdge, skills and influence to bear on the activities of teachers and non-teachers in the GES. Contrary to that, the gentlemen who was appointed yesterday is not a teacher, he is banking officer, who was a special assistant in the office of the Minister and has been appointed as the DG of the GES. We are not happy with this development, it is as of we don't have professionals and well educated people who have gone through the mill in education in this country to run education. 3news.com Vice President, H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was the special guest for the 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Hogbetsotso Za Festival at Anlo, in the Volta Region over the weekend. The Vice President joined the Awoamefia, Togbi Sri III, and the chiefs and people of the Anlo State for this years celebration of beautiful annual celebration. Delivering his address at the event, H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia called for the preservation of Ghanas rich culture and heritage as a legacy to the unborn generations. On behalf of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Government, Vice President Dr. Bawumia congratulated the Awoamefia and the good people of Anlo, for successfully preserving the Hogbetsotso Festival for six decades. He stressed that the historic presence of distinguished traditional authorities from various parts of Ghana including the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Ga Mantse Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, and the Omanhene of Kwahu Traditional Area Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, for the celebration, was a beautiful spectre, which did not only showcase the rich tradition and culture of our country but also demonstrated the countrys sense of togetherness as a people. Geneva Climate change is reshaping migration patterns in every part of the world. Ahead of the 27th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Egypt, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is calling for urgent action on human mobility in contexts of climate change, environmental degradation and disasters. It is time to put into practice the dense web of agreements made in the context of climate negotiations, disaster risk reduction, migration governance and other relevant processes. These agreements must urgently be matched with action on the ground in national and local contexts. To support States and the wider international community in this implementation stage, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched its new flagship report. According to the IDMC's Global Report on Internal Displacement 2022, disasters linked to natural hazards led to 23.7 million internal displacements. "This report sets out a way forward to provide people with the right to choose and define mobility in a changing climate, says IOM Director General Antonio Vitorino. There is no time to lose. We must accelerate implementation of these solutions at the local level with communities." The report, People on the Move in a Changing Climate Linking Policy, Evidence and Action, provides communities, partners, governments and other UN agencies with guidelines to scale up the implementation of adaptative action. The three recommendations include: Providing Solutions for People to Stay: Averting and minimizing displacement though disaster risk reduction and in situ adaptation; Providing Solutions for People on the Move: Minimizing and better addressing losses and damages, including displacement through anticipatory action; and Providing Solutions for People to Move: Enabling safe and regular migration. The same objectives have already been set in the IOM Institutional Strategy on Migration, Environment and Climate Change 20212030, the new report also highlights practical solutions implemented by IOM and global partners to inspire policy makers to identify and replicate good practices. For instance, community engagement in Burundi has reduced risks for settlements and housing linked to natural hazards, in addition to population movements. In Tajikistan, providing training on climate change adaptation and financial literacy and management to women who have chosen to stay, has helped them with channeling their remittances into climate change adaptation and resilience-building. IOM remains fully committed to stand together with the international community and take urgent action to design and implement sustainable solutions to assist and protect those who are most affected by the adverse impacts of climate change, environmental degradation and disasters, including migrants and internally displaced persons. Through its Migration, Environment and Climate Change Division, IOM oversees, supports, and coordinates the development of policy guidance for activities with a migration, environment, and climate change dimension. Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, and the acting Accountant General of theFederation, Sylva Okolieaboh to immediately reverse the apparently illegal deductions from the salaries of members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for October 2022. SERAP is also urging him to direct Mr Ngige and Mr Okolieaboh to pay ASUU members full salaries for the duration of their strike action. The Federal Government recently allegedly paid half-salaries to members of ASUU for the month of October, 2022. Some professors reportedly received salaries ranging from N71,000 to N121,000 for October. In the open letter dated 5 November, 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: Paying half salaries to ASUU members solely for exercising their human rights is patently unlawfuland incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] andinternational standards. SERAP said, The alleged deductions from the salaries of ASUU members also amount to punishing them for exercising their right to strike. The letter, read in part: The deductions are illegal and disproportionate. The deductions may also be construed as a deliberate attempt to take away the right to strike, and to make ASUU a lame duck. The right to strike implies the right of workers not to be punished for striking. ASUU members do not therefore forfeit their salaries because they exercise their right to strike. We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our requests in the public interest. Illegal deductions from the salaries of ASUU members may also violate the right to work, and to respect of the dignity inherent in a human being. The deductions are also incompatible with the prohibition of all forms of exploitation and degradation of man particularly cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment and treatment. The deductions also implicitly violate the right of members of ASUU to an adequate standard of living for themselves and their families, including to the continuous improvement of living conditions. Strikes are an essential means available to workers and their organizations to protect their interests. The right to strike is an intrinsic element of the right of association recognized under the Nigerian Constitution, ILO conventions, and human rights treaties to which the country is a state party. Indeed, the right to strike and that of entitlement to full pay for days of strike are essential elements of trade union rights. Paying ASUU members or any workers half salaries solely for lawfully and peacefully exercising their right to strike constitutes an impermissible restriction on the right to freedom of association including the right to strike, which is an essential element in the principle of collective bargaining. The application of any purported no work, no pay rule to deduct from the salaries of ASUU members would be clearly inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution and international standards. The right to strike is a keystone of modern industrial society. No society which lacks that right can be democratic. Any society which seeks to become democratic must secure that right. The ILO Committee on Freedom of Association has stated that the imposition of sanctions for strike action is not conducive to harmonious labour relations. According to the Resolution concerning the Abolition of Anti-Trade Union Legislation in the States Members of the International Labour Organisation, member states including Nigeria must ensure the effective and unrestricted exercise of trade union rights, including the right to strike by workers. Another ILO resolution, titled, Resolution Concerning Trade Union Rights and their Relation to Civil Liberties called for action in a number of ways with a view to ensuring full and universal respect for trade union rights including the right to strike in their broadest sense. Protecting fundamental human rights including the right to strike is not simply about States fulfilling their legal obligations. It is also about them creating democratic and equitable societies that are sustainable in the long run. Without protecting a right to strike, freedom of association, in particular the right to organize activities for the purpose of promoting and protecting workers interests, cannot be fully realized. Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution; and the countrys international obligations including under the International Labour Organization [ILO] Conventions, the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to which Nigeria is a state party. SERAP notes that ASUU recently suspended its eight months industrial action following interventions from the Court of Appeal, which upheld an earlier decision from the National Industrial Court NIC. Dr. Kwabena Duffuor 07.11.2022 LISTEN Former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor has urged Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to do the honourable thing and just resign. According to the leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), it is unfortunate that the Finance Minister remains in office despite several calls for his removal. Speaking to Kasapa FM in an interview, Dr. Duffuor indicated that the best thing for Ken Ofori-Atta is to walk away. Its quite unfortunate but I dont understand why he should continue to occupy that position when the two sides including both the majority and the minority have rejected him. There is no point in staying on as a Minister when your own people are calling for your head. The best thing for him is to walk away now, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor shared. The heightened calls is clear that most Ghanaians want President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to remove Ken Ofori-Atta. Not only the Minority in Parliament but the Majority NPP MPs has also called on the President to get rid of their Finance Minister to save the government. At a press briefing in Parliament last month, the Majority Caucus threatened to boycott the business of government in the House including the hearing of the 2023 Budget statement if President Akufo-Addo refuses to remove Ken Ofori-Atta. But they made a sudden u-turn after a meeting with President Akufo-Addo. 07.11.2022 LISTEN ANAQ Foundation has engaged some Members of Parliament in the Ashanti Region to support the passage of the Alcohol Regulation Bill when it is brought before Parliament. In partnership with the Ghana Non-Communicable Diseases (GhNCDA), the step was also to ensure that the MPs add their voice to the current national discourse on alcohol regulations. The Foundation has so far engaged seven Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Ashanti Region, including Hon. Akwasi Konadu, Member of Parliament for Manhyia North and Hon. Kofi Amankwa-Manu, Member of Parliament for Atwima Kwanwoma. Others are Hon. Emmanuel Agyei Anhwere, Member of Parliament for Atwima Nwabiagya South and Hon. Johnson Kwaku Aidoo, Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South West. During the meeting with the Ahafo Ano South West legislator, he assured that they will contribute to the policy when it is brought before Parliament to reduce the risk of alcohol among the population. He said, it's about time to intensify the advocacy on alcohol and work tirelessly to ensure the adoption of the national Alcohol Regulations. Not only alcohol, issues on tramadol must also be carefully looked at again. The Members of Parliament were marvelled by the contribution and collaborative effort of the Ghana Non-Communicable Disease Alliance (GhNCDA) and other organizations comprising, NGOs, CSOs, PLWNCDs among others to produce and present the policy and fact sheet on alcohol consumption in Ghana. The President of ANAQ Foundation, Mrs. Ama Nyarko Attefuah Quainoo expressed her gratitude on behalf of GhNCDA to all the MPs engaged and assured them of ANAQ Foundations readiness to ensure government passes an alcohol control law or any other legislative instrument that gives legal backing to alcohol control in Ghana. Mrs. Ama Nyarko Attefuah Quainoo stated that several health disorders had been ascribed to the harmful use of alcohol which has led to some productivity losses, a worrying situation that needs national attention. Some of the negative health effects of abusive alcohol consumption include mental health problems, liver and heart ailments, and diabetes, she added. She posited that the trend of non-communicable diseases, many of which had the commodity as the risk factor, was also on the increase. According to ANAQ Foundation in a survey conducted in Ghana at the beginning of 2022, alcohol consumption per capita reached 2.7 litres in 2016 with 9.4% of Ghanaian adults engaging in binge alcohol consumption. The binge alcohol consumption poses a great risk to the overall health of Ghanas population and is a burden to the entire economy, according to the survey. "Alcohol use disorders in Ghana were 4.1% in 2016, above the World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa region average of 3.7%. Similarly, in 2016, Ghanas alcohol dependence (1.4%) exceeded the WHO Africa region figure by 0.1%," the survey revealed. The newly enskinned Zosimli-Naa Ife Bell Tipagya has lauded the people of the Dagbon Traditional area for their life-changing hospitality towards visitors. She is pleased that the hospitality of the Dagbon people is unmatched, considering how they welcome visitors at the first point of contact. When it comes to the people of Tamale, when it comes to the people of Northern region, I will say that the hospitality of the people of this region and Dagbon is unmatched. They always offer you water whenever you arrive, the tradition calls for water because water is life, she noted. Addressing Chiefs, officialdom and students at the maiden Damba festival organized by the Tamale Technical University branch of the Dagbon Students Association (DASA), Chief Ife Bell Tipagya admonished members of the Association to jealously protect the Dagbon tradition and also take good care of the land. It's our responsibility as people of the land and as students of the land to ensure that we take care of the lands so that they can take care of us, lets no wait for someone to be watching before we start doing what is expected of us. Social media messages are moving so quickly, so as students of the culture and tradition, it's our responsibility and mandate to ensure that what we're communicating is correct, it's accurate, because if we don't make sure that what we're communicating or sharing is actually accurate and laudable then we'll create the problem that we have to fix over and over again for decades. She stated that misinformation on social media does not build trust that can attract foreign investors and bring the needed spotlight to the Dagbon traditional area. Am therefore urging you all as Dagbon students to share better and accurate information about the tradition and culture. She encouraged the youth to turn on the light for Tamale and Dagbon to shine. We have to turn the light of Tamale, there's a light that's shinning but we got to turn on the volume on that light, so that more people can see the opportunities, how do they connect and what might be possible for them. Chief Ife further reiterated the need for a better and conducive environment in Dagbon, stating that We can't flourish if we don't have the right environment. Chief of the Dagbon Students Association of the University, Naa Nurudeen Ibrahim used the occasion to appeal to traditional rulers in Dagbon and other kingdoms to use the annual Damba festival to facilitate development in their respective areas. This according to him can be possible, if the Damba festival is well organized and publicised to attract sons and daughters of Dagbon, tourists and investors to the annual event. Chief Nurudeen further bemoaned the challenges members of the Association face on campus and therefore appealed to political figures, philanthropists, non-governmental organizations, and sons and daughters of Dagbon to come to their aid. The current economic impact has taken a repel effect on us as students and members of the Association, feeding, accommodation and other basic needs have become a challenge, almost all of us here are owing the school which I know many will drop out from school next semester if attention is not given to us before school resumes in January, many colleagues were sack from exams hall because of fees, the problem ahead of us again is hostel fee and next year school fees, which I know we can't afford all, those staying outside the country can reach us on 0247719242. According to him, the doors of the Association are open for any kind of support such as reading books, clothing, labtops and other educational materials which can enhance teaching and learning. Several dignitaries including eminent chiefs, political figures, youth chiefs, DASA chiefs from other schools and about a thousand celebrants graced the occasion. The festival was under the theme: Promoting Dagbon Culture, and Economic Benefit of Damba; the role of Dagbon Students. Assembly Members of the Yendi Municipal and Tamale Metro assemblies have received capacity-building training to help promote grassroots development in those assemblies. The training was organized by the Paabinaa Meriga Peace Initiative (PAMEPI), a non-governmental organization in Ghana last Wednesday and Thursday, sponsored by former NPP Aspirant for Yendi Hajia Abibata Shaani. It was part of the Ethical Governance project implemented by the Women in Tech Ghana, a subsidiary of the PAMEPI, to boost the performance of assembly members and promote the development of communities. It was on the theme The Role of Ethical Governance in Promoting Grassroots Development. The Executive Director of the PAMEPI, Mr Fuseini Yakubu, in an interview with the media on the sidelines of the workshop, said it was to empower the assemblies to be able to execute their mandates accurately and satisfactorily. He also said the training aimed at promoting ethical governance and sustainable community development at the local government level. This capacity building is to empower the assembly members on basic ethics in governance. Mr Yakubu revealed that as part of efforts to improve education, PAMEPI was implementing the School for All project which is aimed at providing reading materials as well as teaching resources to schools in rural communities. It was also an opportunity for us to share some of the programs that our organization is implementing with the assemblies like the Mobile Library bus which is coming from the United States of America, he noted. Mr Yakubu further noted that as part of their collaboration with RWTH Aachen University in Germany, professionals from RWTH Aachen University would be visiting Ghana in the second week of May 2023, to train selected Young professionals and students in Tertiary institutions on Start-ups. He added that the NGO was also implementing the Women in Tech Ghana aimed at empowering girls and women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to promote job creation for females in the Tech area. The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) for Tamale, Mr Sule Salifu and the Municipal Chief Executive for Yendi Alhaji Ahmed Yussuf Abubakar, in their submissions, thanked the PAMEPI and the Women in Tech Ghana for the initiative. They also promised to ensure that the assemblies undertake regular capacity buildings for their members so they could perform better and help the assemblies in achieving their mandates. Some of the assembly members who spoke to the media also thanked the Paabinaa Meriga Peace Initiative (PAMEPI) and the Women in Tech Ghana for the training. They also promised to use the knowledge they have gained to help develop their communities and appealed to other NGOs who could be of help, to come to their aid. School Kids Bushfire Prevention Awareness Campaign (SKBFAC) has been launched at the Gorogo Primary School in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, under the sub-theme Bushfire Destroy Lives, You can prevent it. It was organized by the Forum for Natural Regeneration (FONAR), in partnership with the Ghana National Fire Service and the Talensi District Directorate of Education. The campaign will be rolled out in fifteen other schools across the Talensi District, as the dry and windy harmattan season approaches. The launch is FONAR and its stakeholders' contribution to the success of 2022, and 2023 National Anti-Bushfire Campaign with the theme: My Environment, My Life: Stop Bush-fires Now. FONAR is a Bolgatanga-based national environmental NGO dedicated to promoting Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), doing this through education, advocacy, community mobilization, capacity building, and fostering partnership with like-minded organizations and individuals. Speaking to ModernGhana News at Gorogo, the Chief Executive Officer of FONAR Smaila Seidu Saaka said the sub-theme underscored that children contribute meaningfully to bushfire prevention in communities. Mr. Saaka stated that children are the future and "the problems we have about bush-fires are behavioural and the easiest way to deal with behaviour is to tackle children because they are still young, they have less to think about. Once you inculcate in them that fire is dangerous, it can be controlled. Then we will be making headway in terms of addressing the perennial bush-fires that we have in Ghana." Mr. Saaka stated FONARs focus is on children and the school echo clubs being implemented in the Talensi District, target the younger children, changing their minds at a younger age, which is termed the bottom-up approach. He added that FONAR is looking at different environmental issues that are common in the area and bushfire is one of them. The Divisional Officer Grade 3, DOIII Mohammed Musah who schooled the pupils on the rudiment of bush-fires explained that the GNFS has the mandate of preventing and managing undesired fires. He indicated that they do this through education, sensitization, durbars, joint program, and collaboration with their stakeholders one of which is FONAR and schools echo clubs under the Talensi District Education Directorate. Dealing with the children, he stated are the future leaders, and giving them training at an early age means they will grow up being conscientised. 07.11.2022 LISTEN New Patriotic Party (NPP) youth in the Asuogyaman Constituency in the Eastern Region have taken a swipe at their Member of Parliament (MP). This comes on the back of comments made by the MP, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, on the floor of Parliament suggesting a reduction in the number of sitting days per week due to the hike in fuel prices. The legislator, in the wake of fuel price hikes on Friday, November 4, 2022, proposed parliamentary sitting days be reduced to two days a week, instead of four days sittings a week. The youth of the party believe the statement does not reflect the views of constituents. The youth organizer of the NPP in the constituency, Solomon Ansah, said the statement was only an attempt to cover up for his inactivity on the floor of Parliament. We are disappointed in our MP because we didnt vote for him to go to Parliament to go and speak for himself, but rather speak for the ordinary Ghanaian in Asuogyaman. When we heard him make that statement on the floor of the house, it did not make us happy. He is being pushed to just say something in the house because he is noted for not speaking. The Nation Builders Corps Trainees Association of Ghana (NABTAG) has declared a one-day prayer for God's intervention to change the heart of government officials who matter over their unpaid allowances. The former NABCo trainees have, therefore, set Wednesday, November 9, 2022, for fasting and prayers over their unpaid allowances. A statement issued by the trainees said: [Because of] the suffering, NABCo trainees are to fast and pray on Wednesday, November 9th 2022, [for] God to touch the heart of our leaders to hear our cry and pay usNABCO trainees sacrificed their lives for Ghana for 46 tough months (3 years, 10 months). The statement added that Unfortunately for us, after 46 months of sacrifice, we were just told to go home sadly. By that time, the government owed us 10 months' stipends. We pleaded for a long time [but] the government insulted us with one month stipend. It is only God who knows the hardship these innocent trainees went through for these 46 months and still going through. Therefore, we are turning to God for his intervention by fasting and prayers on Wednesday, 9th November 2022 for God to change the heart of these leaders towards us in this difficult time for them to pay what is due us. It is written in the book of Psalm 61:1, (Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.) and in Proverbs chapter 21:1 that (The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases). We implore every trainee to be part of this one-day fasting and prayers. We believe by the end of this fasting and prayers, God will pave the way to where there seems to be no way. NABCo was introduced in 2017 by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led government as part of measures to address graduate unemployment in the country. The initiative was run under seven modules, namely Educate Ghana, Heal Ghana, Feed Ghana, Revenue Ghana, Digitize Ghana, Enterprise Ghana, and Civic Ghana. By Citi Newsroom French President Emmanuel Macron has urged the United States, China and other non-European rich nations to pay their fair share to help poorer countries deal with climate change. "We need the United States and China to step up" on emissions cuts and financial aid, Macron told French and African climate campaigners on Monday on the sidelines of the UN climate summit (COP27) in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. "Europeans are paying," he said. "We are the only ones paying." "Pressure must be put on rich non-European countries, telling them, 'you have to pay your fair share'," he said. Stepping up financial aid to poorer countries that face the brunt of climate-induced disasters has emerged as a major issue at the 13-day climate conference that began on Sunday. The heads of developing nations won a small victory when delegates agreed to put the controversial issue of money for "loss and damage" on the agenda. Nearly 100 heads of state and government will speak at the summit on Monday and Tuesday, but China's President Xi Jinping, whose country is the world's top emitter of greenhouse gases, is not attending the conference. US President Joe Biden, whose country ranks second on the top-polluters list, will join COP27 later this week after midterm elections on Tuesday that could put Republicans hostile to international action on climate change in charge of Congress. Fresh from his own election victory, Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is expected to attend the summit later on, with hopes that he will protect the Amazon from deforestation after defeating climate-sceptic President Jair Bolsonaro. Another new leader, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, reversed a decision not to attend the talks and is due to urge countries to move "further and faster" in transitioning away from fossil fuels. Macron and Sunak are due to hold talks on the sidelines of the summit later today. (with AFP) The Ninfahene of Gomoa Akyempin Traditional Area Nana Adu Boata has charged the people of Gomoa not to vote in the 2024 election if the ruling New Patriotic Party-led government does not fix their roads and introduce other developmental projects. Nana Adu Boata took the government to the cleaners at a durbar of chiefs at a festival at Gomoa Mumford in the Gomoa West District. Before his speech, the District Chief Executive for Gomoa West, Bismarck Besie Inkoom had addressed the gathering and touted the achievements of the government. The DCE had said the Nana Akufo-Addo-led government is the best political party the people of Gomoa West and Ghanaian had gotten since independence. He had stated that the NPP is the only political party which is constructing a Police Station, Hospital and Fishing Harbour for the people of Gomoa Mumford. He then encouraged the people to come out massively in 2024 to vote for the NPP for massive development. Taking his turn to address the gathering, Nana Adu Boata angrily rubbished the claims of the DCE. According to the Ninfahene of Akyempin Traditional Area, the Akufo-Addo-led NPP government has not done anything good for the people of Gomoa. He warned the Gomoa West DCE to stop singing President Akufo-Addos praises for he has performed abysmally. He stressed that the government has done nothing for the people of Gomoa Mumford and Gomoa West District as a whole. The angry Chief, therefore, prevailed on the people of Gomoa Mumford not to vote in the upcoming 2024 general election if their deplorable road is not constructed. He said until all deplorable roads in the Gomoa West District is constructed, he refuses to accept that the NPP has performed. If they do not construct our road from Ankamo to Dawurampong nobody should vote. All our roads are bad Asempanyin, Gomoa Mampong, Gomoa Adjabiso [ are all bad]. Sharing his experience, the chief said I drove on that road [Gomoa Adjabiso road] some time back and I got stuck. I had to organise some boys to help me push the car and referring to the DCE, he irately said you are here praising yourself and the government, what have you done? he queried. The emotionally charged chief continued nobody from Gomoa will vote in 2024 because this government does not respect us. We also hear and see in the media development projects in other regions and places like Asanteman, are we Gomoas not people too? Dont we also vote? If they dont fix our roads we wont vote, this government has done nothing for us, they havent done anything good for us and I will repeat same if President Akufo-Addo was sitting right here, he profusely said amid cheers and clap from the gathering. Source: Classfmonline.com Anas Aremyaw Anas and Tiger Eye PI are set to release yet another explosive undercover investigative piece on November 14, 2022 at the International Conference Centre, Accra. The documentary titled, Galamsey Economy exposes alleged bribery, and corruption as well as corruption related offenses. Investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas and his TigerEye PI team released a documentary on Ghana's mining sector in 2019. Anas and his team exposed among other things the deep-rooted corruption hampering governments fight against illegal mining in the country. Anas, among other things, in the piece shamed some high profile personalities tasked to clamp down on illegal mining but failed to do so and sold their integrity for cash. Presidential Staffer and Secretary to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on illegal mining (IMCIM), Mr. Charles Cromwell Bissue was indicted in the 2019 expose by investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas. In the documentary, Mr. Bissue is captured accepting money ostensibly to facilitate clearance for a mining company without going through due process. He is heard in the video instructing his subordinates to fast-track the processing of the companys documents. The Ashanti Regional Police Commander DCOP Afful Boakye Yiadom has lauded the Obuasi East District Assembly for financing the building and furnishing of a modern police complex at Kwabenakwa to enhance security in the area. DCOP Boakye Yiadom who once served as the Divisional Police Commander for Obuasi was speaking at a ceremony to commission a modern police station in Obuasi. The beautiful edifice which was funded from the Assemblys share of the District Assemblies Common Fund also has cells, offices, lavatories and a mechanized borehole. The visibly excited Regional Police Commander called for the support and cooperation of the people for the Police officers who will be stationed there, to enable them exercise their duties effectively. He also tasked Police officers in the area to be professional and perform their roles responsibly. Again, he assured, "plans are afoot to beef up the Police personnel here. The National headquarters have taken note of the shortfalls and very soon well equipped personnel will be added to the numbers here". The Kwabenakwa to Asokwa junction stretch has been a haven for criminals to operate in recent times. Last year, a policeman was killed when suspected robbers attacked a bullion van that he was on board, at Nyankomaso near Kwabenakwa. This, among other pockets of crime in the area, according to the DCE Honorable Faustina Amissah, prompted the Assembly to put up the Police station to deal with the menace. She said "siting of the project in this area was strategically done because we are aware of the criminal activities that go on here. I have no doubt that a Police station here will deter criminals and further enhance security in this enclave." ASSEMBLY HANDS OVER 20-SEATER WC TOILET FACILITY TO CKC SCHOOL Earlier in the day, the Assembly also outdoored a 20-seater Water Closet Toilet facility with septic tank and a merchandised borehole for the Christ the King Catholic Senior High School. The project also funded from the Assemblys share of the District Assemblies Common Fund is envisioned to improve the sanitary conditions of the school. Hon Amissah hinted that the Assembly will start the construction of a science lab for the school in the first quarter of 2023. This constitutes efforts by the Assembly to improve the infrastructural facilities of the school. The Headmaster of the school, George Owusu Gyimah expressed gratitude to the Assembly for attending to their needs. He said the absence of a befitting toilet facility was a major challenge facing the school. "This is a welcome relief for all of us at CKC, we are also appealing to the Assembly and old students to help complete a 600- bed girls dormitory in the school, which has stalled since 2010." Private Legal Practitioner, Lawyer Martin Kpebu has opined that President Akufo-Addos legacy will be nothing to write home about. In the past weeks, the lawyer has been very critical of the ruling NPP government, insisting that the President must resign for driving Ghana into a ditch. Last Saturday, Lawyer Martin Kpebu organised a demonstration dubbed Kume Preko Reloaded to drum home the demand for the Presidents resignation. Speaking to Joy News today, the Private Practitioner has indicated that it is clear to him that the legacy the President will be leaving after his term expires will be a bad one. According to him, President Akufo-Addo only came to oversee thievery and enrich his family and friends. Each time the government borrows, the President's family becomes richer. The President now has his legacy in front of him, that he came to oversee thievery and enrich his family, Lawyer Martin Kpebu said. Meanwhile, the Communication Director of the ruling New Patriotic Party, (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah has slammed Martin Kpebu. He argues that the Private Legal Practitioner lacks a sound basis for championing the resignation of the President. Mr. Richard Ahiagbah is calling on the Ghanaians to ignore Martin Kpebu and trust President Akufo-Addo to guide the country out of the current crisis. The late Northern Regional Chairman for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Chief Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulai Mobila's family has endorsed the candidature of the acting chairman ahead of regional executive elections on November 13. Their endorsement was made on Radio Tamale on November 4, when the son of the late Chairman was speaking on the need for the NDC to give Mr. Ali Adolf John the opportunity to lead the party into the 2024 elections on Sunday. When asked if Mr. Adolf will have the ability and capacity to manage the party as Chairman Mobila was doing in terms of resources and support, Alhaji Ibrahim Tijani who spoke on behalf of the family said "money no be problem", adding that they are ready to do everything for Mr. Adolf as chairman for the NDC. "I, Alhaji Tijani wants to make it clear here and today that Chairman Mobila's family is solidly behind the acting chairman, Mr. Adolf. The family has charged me to use our late father's cars, office and resources to support Mr. Adolf's campaign", the late Chairman's son disclosed. When asked why they are doing all this for the acting chairman, Alhaji Tijani said, "Mr. Adolf was not the only vice chairman assisting my father. But he was the only one who recognised our father as an elder and his boss. He gave him all the respect our father needed, and the best we can do is to reciprocate that gesture." He used the opportunity to advise young people in politics to always see elders as their fathers no matter their opposing views on issues, saying "when you respect an elderly, it will be reciprocated in many folds." Mr. Ali Adolf who is the acting chairman took up the position following the death of his boss, the late chairman Mobila few months ago. His nomination and subsequent endorsement by the party's council of elders were supported by many party supporters across the region, with many describing it as "unanimous". He later picked nomination to contest for the chairmanship position and to continue when elected on November 13, next Sunday. When I say it's not funny anymore this is what I mean. Few weeks ago, transport fare from Kumasi to Mankessim (Note: Same price from Mankessim to Kumasi) was Ghc57. Fast forward today, it's astronomically increased to Ghc83, a situation arising from the hikes in fuel prices. Salaries of public sector workers have not seen any increament regardless of the economic crisis staring at us in the face. What has being partisan got to do with this? What we face today is not and must not be an individual concern. Collectively, we must eschew partisanship, call a spade a spade and speak out without fear of victimization. It is not true that we are all in this together. What exactly are we in together? The suffering of the Electorate Employers called "Ordinary Ghanaians" or the enjoyment of the Employee called "Honorable"? It is clearly the case of the employer suffering whilst the employee enjoys all the gains yet hiding behind the smokescreen of "I am serving you". Where in the history books do we find the master sleeping with an empty stomach whilst the servant goes to bed belching out of a full stomach? Pathetic. Things are not well. This cannot be the Ghana we want to build. Most definitely, this cannot be the leadership we need. Something must be done. Stringent measures are needed to reshape the direction of the country. Leadership is about delivering results. A leader proffers solutions not reiterating challenges. A leader can only rally the people's support if he or she presents to them intended solutions, not complaints. One thing must be made clear and I say this without any shred of fear of future sanctions; Ghanaians did not vote for my party NPP to keep reminding them of the failed John Dramani Mahama's administration. In the words of Manasseh Azure Awuni in his book The Fourth John, he asserts that the John Dramani Mahama presidency "was an error of an era, a cancerous tumor whose removal called for an eternal thanksgiving service". The writer of the Fourth John preaches that, any thought of a John Mahama come back as President is tantamount to cruelty against this nation. Widely agreeing to Manasseh Azure's position on the leadership of then president John Dramani Mahama, Ghanaians unprecedentedly rejected his candidature in 2016 and 2020. Therefore, it is unfortunate that six years and counting, we are still left with nearly nothing to say to Ghanaians but to linger around the failure of a failed former president, John Dramani Mahama and his NDC government, COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war. Assuming these three are the challenges facing the Akufo-Addo led government, what solutions are being presented to Ghanaians to restore hope and confidence in the broken economy? We need solutions not complaints. It is no more funny, times are really tough for the ordinary Ghanaian. A program to ensure that every basic school child within the Achiase and Birim South districts of the Eastern Region enjoys free orange a day has been launched. The initiative being implemented by Eastfield Foundation, an independent and development oriented Non-Governmental Organization will boost local consumption of orange products among children and adults. Speaking at the launch of the program, the Chairman of the foundation, Nimo Ahinkorah, announced that the foundation has put together the initiative to augment the health needs of school going children. "Although these communities are blessed with luscious orange farms, most of these children can only get oranges if their parents buy them or after theyve gone to work in farms which should not be the case," he said According to him, apart from boosting local consumption of orange products, it will also serve as one of the channels the foundation can give back and make a real impact in the community where its parent corporation, Eastfield Farms is situated. For him, the foundation wants to share this success with all the people who trusted and supported Eastfield Farms Ltd and the Orange Growers Association. Mr. Ahinkorah said, "the foundation chose to focus on children because they are most the vulnerable and constitute the future of society, it is therefore imperative that we provide basic needs of good health before we move to other needs". He noted that the foundations target is to provide all school children within the two districts with an orange everyday but will pilot the initiative with each child consuming an orange every Wednesday whilst in school. "The hope is that the Orange Growers Association will also join this initiative and enable the foundation provide oranges for each child every day instead of the current every Wednesday." As part of the gesture, the chairman stated that the foundation hopes to provide scholarships to brilliant but needy school children to further their education. It also intends to build libraries and refurbish dilapidated schools within the districts. For now, the Korkroso D/A Basic, Adinkrom D/A Basic, Oforikrom D/A Basic, Siawkrom D/A Basic and Abidjan D/A Kindergarten are the beneficiary schools in the two districts. On his part, the Achiase district director of education, Samuel Wadie Kwae commended the Eastfield Foundation for their benevolence and entreated other corporate bodies and individuals to emulate and support school children in deprived areas. Mr Klenam Koku Fiadzoe, president of Eastfield Foundation said his outfit was hoping that orange juice will be served at official functions as a way of encouraging the patronage of orange made products because of its enormous health benefits. At the function, teachers were also given freshly squeezed orange juice and Aqua Blue mineral water donated by ASEDA Industries and Nestles Chocomilo by Triple D Ventures. In attendance were the Head of the Inspectorate Division, Wilson Amponsah and School Improvement Support Officer, Dickson Aboagye of the Achiase district directorates of education. Also present were Samuel Abudu of the Orange Growers Association and other representatives of Eastfield Farms. The National Labour Commission (NLC), Monday, urged the leadership of the striking three teacher unions to call off their strike immediately and resume work. NLC says the teacher Unions failed to follow due process. The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT); National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT); and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers Association (CCT) commenced an indefinite strike, effective Monday, November 7, to back home their demand for the termination of Mr Eric Nkansah appointment as the acting Director General for Ghana Education Service. The Executive Director, Lawyer Ofosu Asamoah, who was speaking in an interview with Sompa TV, in Kumasi, said should this fail its Legal Department would enforce the Labour Law to compel the striking teacher unions back to the classroom. He noted that the teacher unions have contravened the provisions of the Labour Act (Section 159), which mandated a party in a dispute under arbitration to serve a written notice to the other party and the Labour Commission before it embarks on a strike or a lockout. Lawyer Ofosu Asamoah added that the teacher unions have violated the labour law act which says a 7 days prior notice should be served to the labour union before any demonstration or strike action. He described as highly unacceptable since the Commission did not receive any notice from the three teacher unions but only heard it in the news during their press conference on Friday. He challenges the teachers Union to present tangible reasons to back up their claims than calling Mr. Nkansah a 'goro boy.' First, we are not aware of their strike, I heard it in the news during their press conference, the law is clear, 7 days' notice should be served, which we have not received, again, a press conference is not a ground for strike, and you don't call an appointee a golo boy, what happens when finally you accept him?" he asked. Lawyer Ofosu Asamoah said an employee cannot determine who an employer hires or appoint for a particular position. He added that the background checks on Mr Nkansah reveal that he was once a lecturer and a director for tertiary education and sees nothing wrong with his appointment. It's not the right of employees to determine who an employer must employ, the employer has the right to hire and fire when deemed necessary, these are flaws from their end and the Constitution is clear on the employer's status," he told Omanhene. Aspiring President, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor has opened up on how he was able to grow Ghanas economy when he was the Minister of Finance. According to him, he made sure he paid people government owed on time especially contractors. Speaking to Kasapa FM in an interview, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor explained, We never joked with expenditure. I was not making payments when there was not enough money. But as soon as money hits government account, I paid off people who government owed. We managed government bills very well. I never joked with arrears. I never denied contractors their money. I ensured I paid regularly in bit until all the debt is cleared." He revealed that the trick he used to grow the economy was ensuring that once the government was paying contractors, it was also taking the corresponding taxes from workers. When we paid contractors, their work also progressed and we also took the taxes. You pay arrears with your right hand and you take taxes with your left hand. That is how it is done. If a contractor has executed a project worth GHC10m and you say youll not pay him, how does he take care of the workers? The money is not for him, it is for the workers. When he pays them, then you also take the tax from them. That helps the economy to grow very fast and a lot of taxes are paid. If government does not pay contractors their businesses collapse and therell not be enough taxes to build the country, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor who also served as Governor for the Bank of Ghana in the past shared. Last week, Dr. Duffuor officially announced his readiness to contest the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearership race when nominations are opened. A seven-member delegation from the Energy Regulatory Board of Zambia is in the country to understudy the operations of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) in the regulation of the petroleum downstream industry. The team seeks to have a better insight into the implementation of price deregulation, fuel marking, electronic cargo tracking and the Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF). An arrangement has been made to visit the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) Akosombo depot, an oil marketing company, and a fully automated retail outlet to have hands-on experience in their operations. Welcoming the delegation at the NPA in Accra today (Monday), a Deputy Chief Executive of NPA, Mr Perry Okudzeto said collaboration between countries was critical now, especially for regulators of the energy industry. For instance, he said, with the crisis in the energy industry, access to forex and petroleum products had become difficult. Therefore, Mr Okudzeto said such collaboration and sharing of experiences were crucial to help member countries to come out of the storm. He assured the delegation of NPAs readiness to take it through its operations, including visits to system areas in Accra and Tema to gain insight into what we do. The leader of the delegation, Mr Simweemba Buumba, thanked the NPA for accepting the request to understand Ghanas downstream industry. He said his team was ready to learn from NPA, and affirmed the commitment of Zambia to continue its collaboration with Ghana. We look forward to learning from you. The collaboration will continue, he said. Giving an overview of Ghanas downstream petroleum industry, the Director of Policy Coordination of NPA, Mrs Sheila Abiemo, said the deregulation regime introduced by the government had brought about price decontrol, transparent pricing and ensured the implementation of the UPPF regime. She said the NPA regulates the importation of crude oil and refined petroleum products and indicated that the Authority supplies the products to the power, aviation, and mining industries as well as the retail markets. Mrs Abiemo mentioned illegal imports, pricing issues, delayed payments of premix and residual fuel oil (RFO) subsidies and inadequate storage infrastructure as some of the challenges in the industry. She said the NPA had taken steps to address the challenges while it also intensifying education to get compliance. For his part, the UPPF Coordinator, Mr Jacob Amuah, said the implementation of the UPPF regime had ensured equal prices of petroleum products across the country, reduced dumping and fraudulent claims. Source: National Petroleum Authority (NPA) A member of the Hogbetsotso Planning Committee, Agbotadua Kumasah has explained why the Vice President of the Republic, H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was booed at the Hogbetsotso. The Vice President joined the Awoamefia, Togbi Sri III, the chiefs and people of the Anlo State for this years celebration of the beautiful annual celebration. Delivering his address at the event, H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia called for the preservation of Ghanas rich culture and heritage as a legacy to the unborn generations. Although he would receive cheers, he was also booed by people gathered before he could finish his speech. Reacting to the booing incident which has since gone viral, Agbotadua Kumasah disclosed that the booing started when Dr. Bawumia agitated the gathering by speaking on the current economic crisis and non-existent projects. When the Asantehene and Kwahumahene spoke, people applauded them. When he [Bawumia] started speaking, he talked about the unity between the Anlos and the Asanteman. And the people were enjoying and even clapping for him. But when he mentioned the economic situation that is when the trouble started, the Hogbetsotso Planning Committee member shared. Agbotadua Kumasah added, He mentioned among others that they [NPP government] have built more airports, roads than any other government. And the people who were there did not see the roads, airports and universities he was referring to so that brought some agitation and it became very difficult to control the people because none of what he was saying has happened in the area. The Accra Regional Police Command has asked pressure group, Arise Ghana to relocate the converging point for its intended demonstration to the Independence Square. This comes on the back of a meeting between the Accra Regional Command and the representatives of Arise Ghana led by musician, Rex Omar. In a letter addressed to the Pressure Group, the Police said: The Revolution Square opposite the Jubilee House is not a convenient point for convergence for the intended demonstration due to security and other related reasons. It indicated that: Per the National Security and Police Security Intelligence assessment, theres reasonable grounds that converging at the Revolution Square will endanger public, public defence, public order, public safety, the running of essential services and violate the rights and freedoms of other persons. It assured the group of its adequate protection in fulfilment of its mandate under the Public Order Act. The group had planned to demonstrate and picket the Revolution Square in Accra from Saturday, 15 to Tuesday, 17 November 2022. Source: classfmonline.com DR Congo's military has deployed two fighter jets against M23 rebels in the conflict-torn east, provoking a rebuke Monday from neighbouring Rwanda, which accused Kinshasa of violating its airspace. Rwanda's government stated that two Sukhoi-25 aircraft from the Democratic Republic of Congo had violated its airspace on Monday morning, with one jet allegedly briefly touching down in the small central African nation. "No military action was taken by Rwanda in response, and the jet returned to DRC," the statement added, explaining that the government had formally protested the move. The accusation comes as tensions between the DRC and Rwanda are at their highest in years, with Kinshasa accusing Kigali of backing the resurgent M23 rebels. A mostly Congolese Tutsi group, the M23 first leapt to prominence in 2012 when it briefly captured the main city in eastern DRC, Goma, before being driven out, and then lying dormant for years. Young women are also volunteering to join the Congolese army. By ALEXIS HUGUET (AFP) But the group resumed fighting in late 2021, claiming the DRC had failed to honour a pledge to integrate them into the army, among other grievances. The rebels have won a string of victories against the Congolese army in North Kivu province in recent weeks, dramatically increasing the territory under their control. The DRC expelled the Rwandan ambassador in response to escalating violence. But details about the Congolese government's deployments of jets -- a new twist in the conflict -- remain unclear. AFP journalists saw two fighter jets take off from Goma airport on Monday morning. A resident of the settlement of Kiwanja in North Kivu, which recently fell into M23 hands, also told AFP a jet had flown overhead that morning. Would-be recruits to the Congolese army have their heads shaved near military base in Goma. By ALEXIS HUGUET (AFP) The current frontlines are thought to be situated near the town of Rugari, 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Goma, and an important commercial hub of about one million people. Vigilance groups A Congolese military spokesman in Goma, Colonel Guillaume Ndjike Kaiko, said he was unaware fighter jets had allegedly crossed the border into Rwanda. However he told AFP the DRC will continue to fight so long as rebels occupy a "single centimetre" of its territory. "We are being attacked and the DRC has the right to put all means at its disposal," Kaiko said. In a national address on Thursday, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi accused Rwanda of seeking to destabilise eastern Congo to appropriate the region's mineral wealth. He also urged youngsters to enlist in the army as well as form "vigilance groups" against the M23. DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has urged youngsters to enlist in the army and form 'vigilance groups' against M23 rebels. By ALEXIS HUGUET (AFP) Kaiko said 3,000 people had already responded to the call in Goma. 'Beat the rebels' Near a military base in the city on Monday morning, hundreds of recruits lined up in formation, with some holding dummy wooden guns. A general told them they would undergo training before the army decides their role. "Real Congolese must join the army, to beat the rebels," said Daniel, a 28-year-old recruit, before singing songs advocating national unity with his comrades. A 25-year-old woman named Solange echoed a similar martial spirit. "I want to fight against Rwanda," she said. "I give my life to the nation". 07.11.2022 LISTEN Two TikTok stars in Nigeria have been sentenced to whipping and forced to clean the courts after they used social media to mock a government official. Mubarak Isa Muhammed and Muhammed Bula were found guilty of defaming Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of the northern state of Kano. The pairs lawyer said they would not challenge the judgement. Nigeria has seen a growing number of social media stars who use comedy to comment on social and political issues. Muhammad, whose online alias is Unique Pikin, and Bala were arrested last week after posting their video in which they mocked the governor for alleged land grabbing, corruption and sleeping on the job to TikTok and Facebook. Prosecution lawyer Wada Ahmed Wada said the men had defamed the governor and that their action was capable of disturbing public peace. They pleaded guilty and asked for leniency, but the judge ordered them to be given 20 lashes each, to pay a fine of 10,000 naira (20) and to clean the court premises for 30 days. They were also ordered to publicly apologise to Mr Ganduje on social media. Their lawyer, Bashir Yusuf, told the BBC they would not challenge the judgement, given it was a non-custodial sentence meaning those convicted would not be jailed. Nigeria has seen a rapid increase in TikTok users in recent years, particularly among young people. These users sometimes mock public figures, including government officials, by clipping images or videos, often to create comedies that attract massive followers to their accounts. Kano State, a Muslim-majority part of northern Nigeria, is among about a dozen states in the region that practise the Sharia legal system alongside the countrys secular laws. Only Muslims can be tried in Sharia courts. By Citi Newsroom Sorry, we can't find the content you're looking for at this URL. 07.11.2022 LISTEN The Concerned Youth and Polling Station Executives in the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) of Ellembelle Constituency of the Western Region have petitioned the Office of the Presidency to as a matter of urgency sack the District Chief Executive (DCE), Kwasi Bonzoh of the area over gross misconduct. According to the petitioners, the Ellembelle DCE since his appointment has been engaging himself in bad habits that have made the Ellembelle NPP unpopular and unattractive before the constituents. "We have wholeheartedly supported Hon. Kwasi Bonzoh ever since his appointment as District Chief Executive of Ellembelle in 2017 till date with the sole motive of ensuring the development of the district and bringing absolute peace to the party so as to wrestle the seat from the NDC party", the petition contained. The petitioners claimed that the Ellembelle DCE, Kwasi Bonzoh has been engaging in illegal mining (Galamsey) activities to destroy farmlands and water bodies in the area. "Your Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana, we hope you are privy to the series of petitions written to your office by the former executives highlighting the gross misconduct of the Hon. DCE which among them has to do with his nonsupport of party activities, persistent creation of division in the party, his involvement in galamsey activities, just to mention but a few. As if those are not enough, his recent conduct has reiterated our call for his immediate dismissal", they stated. "We can authoritatively say that our DCE, Hon Kwasi Bonzoh is neck deep in the galamsey activities which have destroyed some water bodies in the district, something your government is trying so hard to fight. This is public knowledge as some of the galamsey kingpins are living under his roof. "One cannot fathom why as the head of the District Security Council and with all the political powers will allow galamsey activities to flourish day and night for months at a distance less than half Km from his office", they emphasized. They also stated that the Ellembelle DCE has been attacking and insulting some bigwigs in the NPP. "Ellembelle NPP has neither known nor enjoyed peace ever since Hon. Kwasi Bonzoh became the DCE. He always engage in acts that in one way or the other creates division and this continues to thicken by the day. Attacks and insults on party leaders have been the norm. He always instigates his boys to insult prominent party leaders within the Party who can help win the seat from the NDC. The Regional Chairman and the Former National Chairman have all been victims", they said. They are, therefore, calling on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to relieve the Ellembelle DCE from his post in order to save the Ellembelle NPP from losing the upcoming 2024 elections in the constituency again. "But for the betterment of the Constituency and to curtail endless disunity in the party, we strongly believe it is about time the President acted on such unscrupulous behaviour of Hon. Kwasi Bonzoh and save the party from total collapse in the Constituency", they appealed. Read below the full petition issued by the Concerned Ellembelle NPP Youth and Polling Station Executives: Concerned NPP Youth Ellembelle Constituency 3rd November, 2022 THE CHIEF OF STAFF, FLAGSTAFF HOUSE ACCRA. THE MINISTER LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEV. ACCRA. PETITION TO SACK ELLEMBELLE DCE, HON. KWASI BONZOH WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT. We, the Concerned NPP Youth/ Concerned Polling Station Executives and Concerned Electoral Area Coordinators petition your good office to relieve the DCE of Ellembelle, Hon. Kwasi Bonzoh from office with immediate effect to save the image of the party and the District from further dwindling. We have wholeheartedly supported Hon. Kwasi Bonzoh ever since his appointment as District Chief Executive of Ellembelle in 2017 till date with the sole motive of ensuring development of the district and bringing absolute peace to the party so as to wrestle the seat from the NDC party. On the contrary, the repeated transgressions of the Hon. Kwasi Bonzoh, is now a threat to Ellembelle and inimical to the survival of the party. Your Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana, we hope you are privy to the series of petitions written to your office by the former executives highlighting the gross misconduct of the Hon. DCE which among them has to do with his nonsupport of party activities, persistent creation of division in the party, his involvement in galamsey activities, just to mention but a few. As if those are not enough, his recent conduct has reiterated our call for his immediate dismissal. His behaviour has constantly put NPP in Ellembelle into public ridicule and sank the party beyond salvage. Some of the reasons are as follows: 1. Involvement in Galamsey activities We can authoritatively say that our DCE, Hon Kwasi Bonzoh is neck deep in the galamsey activities which have destroyed some water bodies in the district, something your government is trying so hard to fight. This is a public knowledge as some of the galamsey kingpins are living under his roof. One cannot fathom why as the head of the District Security Council and with all the political powers will allow galamsey activities to flourish day and night for months at a distance less than half Km from his office. Most major stakeholders including traditional authorities in the district were extremely perturbed when her Ladyship, Mrs. Awo Amissah was transferred from the district all because she admitted to an open secret that the substantial noise of the galamseyers at the back of her residence gives her sleepless night and that she had to move from her official residence. Due to this, the district has no magistrate as of now. His attempt to cover up led to the interdiction of the then Divisional Police Commander, ACP Dodzi Hlordz, and the transfer of some assembly staff who fiercely protested against his involvement in the galamsey activities at the back of their residence. This has seriously dented the reputation of the party in the district. As ardent members of the party, we cannot sit aloof for Hon Kwasi Bonzoh to send the party to the slaughter House for his personal against. His purported media war against galamsey is known by the grassroots of the party and most opinion leaders in the district as cosmetic and face-saving exercise to cover up his guilt. Therefore, we are appealing to you. as a matter of urgency to act accordingly to redeem our party. 2. Instigating Unnecessary Demonstrations And Attacks on Party Leaders Ellembelle NPP has neither known nor enjoyed peace ever since Hon. Kwasi Bonzoh became the DCE. He always engage in acts that in one way or the other creates division and this continues to thicken by the day. Attacks and insults on party leaders have been the norm. He always instigates his boys to insult prominent party leaders within the Party who can help win the seat from the NDC. The Regional Chairman and the Former National Chairman have all been victims. He organized an unwarranted demonstration in 2017 and bused innocent people from the Constituency to the party head office, Accra to demonstrate over frivolous allegations which could have been resolved peacefully in the Constituency. Mr. President, Ellembelle was one of the peaceful Constituencies in the country until Hon. Kwasi Bonzoh became the DCE, that every polling station election were always characterized by immense violence and brutality all in the name of winning parliamentary primaries. Our call for his immediate removal essentially hinges on the recent attack, Hon. Bonzoh masterminded which could have resulted in civil unrest and an attack on Ghana Gas Processing Plant at Atuabo all because he wanted to be appointed as Deputy CEO at the company. If the police had not intervened and caused the immediate arrest of some of the boys who publicly declared they were going to burn down the Gas Processing Plant at Atuabo, it could have been a sad day for Ghana. This selfish and unpatriotic attitude is not deserving of a DCE. Despite the police arrest, Hon. Bonzoh also instigated another set of the youth of which some of them lives under the same roof with him to demonstrate at a durbar held to climax the Kundum festival of Eastern Nzema Traditional Council, Atuabo despite previous engagement with the Board Chair of Ghana Gas, Hon Kennedy Agyapong who happens to be the guest of honor of the ceremony. This is a blatant disrespect for traditional authorities because this durbar brought together all the chiefs in the district to climax the Kumdum festival. The party again was in the bad news and ridiculed for something Hon. Kennedy Agyapong tried his best to avoid but the DCE refused. Hon. Bonzoh has to be removed immediately to avert doom for NPP and Ghana. 3. Development on IGF Ellembelle District is fortunate to have been surrounded by a good number of companies that pays property rate and business operating permit regularly to the District Assembly. Among these major companies are Quantum PLC, Adamus Resource LTD, ENI Ghana, and Ghana Gas Company Ltd. It is therefore expected that the District Assembly will have substantial funds to undertake a lot of IGF Projects in the District to enhance the party fortunes of winning the 2024 elections. It was recently established that Ghana Gas alone has paid close to 8 million Ghana Cedis as property rate and business operating permit to the District Assembly since 2017. It is also rumored that Quantum PLC, Adamus resource LTD, and ENI Ghana have also paid substantial amount on the same premises to the Assembly for the past six years. Despite all these internally Generated Funds very little has been seen as IGF projects in the District. The party can only boast of CODA projects and a few Common Fund Projects as an achievement. Party communicators have consulted the DCE on several occasions to at least outline some projects or activities being carried out by IGF from these companies since a lot of pressure groups, traditional authorities, and the opposition parties are calling for accountability but all falling in deaf ears. There is virtually nothing to show from these huge sums of money paid to the assembly. What has exacerbated the situation is the recent details provided by Ghana Gas Company on actual payments made to the Ellembelle district assembly. This was orchestrated by accusations levelled against Ghana Gas for not contributing to the development of the district. Moreover, our independent checks from the companies mentioned above suggest that a lot of monies have been paid to the District Assembly. The impending agitations from pressure groups, traditional authorities and the opposition parties are too immersed and affecting the image of the party in the district. We are of the view that these huge funds could have been used properly to enhance the chances of the party to annex the parliamentary seat in the next election but unfortunately that is not the case in Ellembelle. We therefore call for the immediate removal of Hon. Bonzoh as the DCE to save the party from going into the abiss. Again, we call for independent audit to be carried out since your government detests the misapplication of public funds. We are also by this petition inviting the Local Government and Rural Development Ministry to take interest in this matter and initiate detailed investigations to salvage the image of the NPP Party and the Government at large. We are aware that Hon. Bonzoh has repeatedly boasted about his relationship with the President and we quote I am the darling boy of the president, all DCEs in Ghana can be sacked but not me. The President still nominated me when I was excluded from the vetting committees list to him. But for the betterment of the Constituency and to curtail endless disunity in the party, we strongly believe it is about time the President acted on such unscrupulous behaviour of Hon. Kwasi Bonzoh and save the party from total collapse in the constituency. Signed by Conveners Bernard Cobbinah, Former Ellembelle NPP Constituency IT Coordinator Tel: 0555240825 Joseph Cudjoe, Polling Station Chairman Tel: 0541815555 Matthew Kwaw Mensah Electoral Area Coordinator Tel: 0548050217 Paul Attabiah Nyanzu, NPP Communicator Tel: 0503686957 Rahman Salifu Concern NPP Youth 0501669444 Cc; THE REGIONAL MINISTER, WESTERN REGION SEKONDI-TAKORADI THE REGIONAL CHAIRMAN THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY (NPP) TAKORADI The Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu Constituency, Alexander Afenyo-Markin is urging the three striking teacher unions to return to the classrooms for the sake of the students. Teacher unions including the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers Ghana (CCT-G) on Friday, November 4, announced an indefinite strike action to protest President Akufo-Addos appointment of Dr. Eric Nkansah as the new Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES). Speaking to Citi FM on the matter, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged the teacher unions to give Dr. Eric Nkansah a chance to serve before passing judgment on him. From the CV we have in the public space the last after going to do banking came back into the academia. Didnt he? Im saying that we may not like somebody but we are running a democracy. Tomorrow Mr. Angel Carbonu may get the benefit of an appointment and somebody will get up and say I dont like him so Im just opposing it and he should be sacked. We cannot run any governance machinery working when we have some of these trivialities. It will not help, the Deputy Majority Leader argued. Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin continued, They should allow the man to work and then asses him on the basis of his work and then say that we have worked with you and we think that you are not competent enough. I think that they should even be happier considering the mix. An educationist who has had the benefit of a banking practice and then back to academia, and now back to policy. Such a person will have a rich experience. Give him the chance. I think they may be stretching their luck too far. They will have to all humility accept the man and assess his competence. Today, the effects of the strike action have been felt across the country as GES and the Ministry of Education engage the teacher unions to resolve the matter. Two persons who allegedly broke into a Land Cruiser vehicle and made away with an Apple Mac Book pro Laptop valued at GHS14,000 have been remanded into police custody by an Accra Circuit Court. Daniel Deku, aka Paa Dan, a Hotel Manager, and Kofi Abdul Rahman, a driver, are said to have broken into a vehicle of a medical doctor and made away with his laptop, cash in the sum of $5,000 and GHC20,000 and some personal documents. Deku and Rahman have been charged with conspiracy to commit crime to wit stealing and stealing. Rahman is facing additional charge of causing damage. He is said to have damaged the Toyota Land Cruiser's right rear glass door valued at GHS1,500. Also in the dock were Henry Kwaku Adu, a businessman, who was charged with dishonestly receiving and Ekow Painstil, charged with abetment of crime to wit stealing. Painstil is said to have abetted with Kofi Abdul Rahman. The four accused persons have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Meanwhile an accomplice, Paa Harry, a driver, is said to be at large. The court presided over by Mrs Susana Eduful admitted Adu and Painstil to bail in the sum of GHC100,000 with four sureties, two to be justified with landed property. The matter has been adjourned to November 21. Chief Inspector Isaac Anquandah narrated that the complainant was one Dr Benjamin Sarkodie, a 56-year-old medical practitioner. On October 15, the Police received intelligence, which led to the arrest of Deku, who was also involved in another stealing case at Place Mall, Labone branch. During interrogation, the prosecution said Deku mentioned Rahman as his accomplice. It said on October 30, this year, the Police arrested Rahman at Bubuashie, Accra, and he also mentioned Painstil as the one, who always received their stolen items for sale. Based on that information, the prosecution said Painstil was called on phone and he arranged to meet Rahman with a bag to collect some stolen items. When Painstil arrived at Kaneshie First Light, the police picked him up. Painstil told the Police that he received the complainant's laptop, and he also led the Police to Kwame Nkrumah Circle and a search was conducted in Adu's shop where the complainant's laptop was found. Meanwhile, a CCTV footage has indicated that on October 11, this year, Deku, and Rahman on board a Hyundai Accent with registration number GW 3178-16 by Paa Harry, now at large, went on a stealing spree and landed at the Palace Mall, Labone car park. The prosecution said the footage revealed that Deku and Rahman got out of their car and spied various vehicles at the car park. It said Rahman spotted the complainant's Land cruiser and caused damage to the right rear glass and stole the items. The prosecution said investigations revealed that Deku, Rahman and Paa Harry shared the money and sent the laptop to Painstil to sell. Painstil also sent the laptop to Adu at Tiptoe Lane, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, who also bought same as scrap and sent the money (GHS2,200) to Rahman. GNA Government is not footing the travel bills of the 350 delegates attending the 27th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 27) in Egypt. Mrs Cynthia Asare Bediako, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MESTI), told the Ghana News Agency that majority of the delegation, consisting of state and none-state actors, were funded by development partners. It is the responsibility of MESTI to coordinate and register persons attending the annual meeting. This does not mean the government is sponsoring all of these delegates. Delegates traveling on government's ticket are not many, she said. Their funding is sourced from different agencies, including Global Environment Facility- UNFCCC, World Bank, Climate Vulnerability Forum, UNDP and UNICEF. These agencies also sponsor some government of Ghana officials to participate in the conference, she said. COP27 is the meeting of countries to take action towards achieving the worlds collective climate goals under the Paris Agreement and the Convention. Building on the outcomes and momentum of COP 26 in Glasgow last year, the nations are expected to demonstrate at COP 27 that they are in a new era of implementation by turning their commitments under the Paris Agreement into action. The conference is from 6th to 8th November, 2022, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Responding to the question of the high number of delegates, she said but for inadequate funding, Ghana required many people to participate in the many technical negotiations at the annual conference. The more people attend the conference the better it is for Ghana because they will learn and understand the issues. They will then support the implementation of the climate plans. The COP is also a platform to raise funds and forge partnerships for technical support. We need more technical hands to help, she said. At the Pre-COP Press Conference on Thursday, 3rd November 2022, Dr Kwaku Afriyie, the Minister of MESTI, explained that out of a total of 322 people attending, 226 were from government institutions. About 72 were non-state actors and 24 from Climate Vulnerable Forum. Half of the number on the government platform are NGOs and partner institutions, he clarified. Therefore, the actual government staff attending the COP is about "The people attending this will be participating in diverse programming, including negotiations, workshops, side events and bilateral meetings, he said. Ghana is said to require between US$ 9.3 and US$ 15.5 billion of investment to implement the 47 nationally determined contribution measures from 2020 to 2030. GNA November 07, 2022 Ukraine - U.S. Deceives Allies To Keep Them In Line The Biden administration launched a make-believe campaign that is supposed to calm those European 'allies' who press for peace talks over Ukraine. But, as the Washington Post provides, the alleged Biden push towards negotiations is a sham: The Biden administration is privately encouraging Ukraines leaders to signal an openness to negotiate with Russia and drop their public refusal to engage in peace talks unless President Vladimir Putin is removed from power, according to people familiar with the discussions. The request by American officials is not aimed at pushing Ukraine to the negotiating table, these people said. Rather, they called it a calculated attempt to ensure the government in Kyiv maintains the support of other nations facing constituencies wary of fueling a war for many years to come. ... While U.S. officials share their Ukrainian counterparts assessment that Putin, for now, isnt serious about negotiations, they acknowledge that President Volodymyr Zelenskys ban on talks with him has generated concern in parts of Europe, Africa and Latin America, where the wars disruptive effects on the availability and cost of food and fuel are felt most sharply. If Zelensky will now start to offer talks we know that it will not be serious but just for show. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has just visited Kiev. He is likely the one who has put up this scheme. It would be consistent with another recent story planted in the Wall Street Journal about talks between Sullivan and some Russians: National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has in recent months held secret talks with high-level Russian officials, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing unnamed US and allied officials. The officials said that the talks were aimed at reducing the risk of the war in Ukraine turning into a broader conflict and that Sullivan warned Moscow against using nuclear weapons. They said Sullivan held talks with Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the secretary of the Russian Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev. The reason to plant that story is likely the same one as above - to calm down allies who are getting nervous about an endless war. It is obvious that the U.S. does not want the war to end anytime soon: The U.S. is sending Ukraine $400 million more in military aid and establishing a security assistance headquarters in Germany that will oversee all weapons transfers and military training for Ukraine, the Pentagon announced Friday. ... The new command post, called the Security Assistance Group Ukraine, signals a more permanent, long-term program to continue to aid Kyiv in its fight against Russia, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters at the Pentagon. The new command post that will oversee this aid will be led by a three-star-level senior officer and have about 300 personnel based in Germany who will monitor the weapons assistance and training programs, said U.S. Army Europe spokesman Col. Martin ODonnell. Such a command points to an effort over multiple years. Likewise some of the weapon systems the U.S. has promised to Ukraine have not yet been produced. They will reach Ukraine only 2023 or 2024 - if ever. But I doubt that this plan for a years long war can work. Russia's recent attack on the electricity systems of Ukraine has shown that it has the escalation dominance, that it could do much more to destroy Ukraine and to make it incapable of further pursuing the war. The U.S. is also pushing Ukraine to attack the Russian positions on the right bank of the Dnieper river: Ukrainian forces can retake the strategic southern city of Kherson from Russian troops, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Thursday, in what would be a major defeat for Russia in its invasion of its neighbor. Austins remarks coincided with a Russian-installed official in Kherson region saying Moscow was likely to pull its troops from the west bank of the Dnipro River, signaling a significant retreat, if confirmed. ... On the issue of whether the Ukrainians can take the remaining territory on the west side of the Dnipro river and in Kherson, I certainly believe that they have the capability to do that, Austin told a news conference at the Pentagon. Most importantly, the Ukrainians believe they have the capability to do that. We have seen them engage in a very methodical but effective effort to take back their sovereign territory. There are also rumors from Ukraine that Sullivan has pressed Zelensky to launch a Kherson campaign as soon as possible. Zelensky is said to have agreed to do so. But the Ukrainian army does not want to do that - at least not now. The Russian troops in the area have been reinforced. The fields are muddy and can not be crossed by heavy vehicles. Russian artillery attacks destroy equipment pre-positioned for the attack before it is ready to come near the front line. The Ukrainian military has for weeks tried probing attacks in the Kherson region. These had no significant results while the attacking units had high losses. The units deployed around the region have been there since early October or longer. The Military Land deployment map shows only one unit that arrived just five days ago. The 98th Azov battalion, one of the fascist volunteer forces, has been positioned in the back of 128th Mountain Assault Brigade which, in recent weeks, has had some of the most serious losses. The use of such 'nationalist' forces to prevent the retreat of exhausted front line units has been a regular occurrence in this war. Ukraine has for weeks had no success on the battle field. Washington wants it to show such a success so that it can tell its allies that the war can be won by the Ukrainian side. The push for an attack on Kherson is again part of the overall campaign to convince Europeans that they should sustain the efforts to arm and support Ukraine. The campaign is misleading. Ukraine is losing the war badly. But the U.S. wants to fight Russia down to the last Ukrainian - and down to the last Euro. Posted by b on November 7, 2022 at 15:42 UTC | Permalink Comments next page You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close A customer gets his order at McDonalds in Harmon, Guam on Oct. 1. Despite gains in tourist arrivals and a decline in the islands unemployment rate, an industry official said other indicators show that the islands economic rebound has a long way to go. Yunnan dispatches sci-tech experts to South Asia, Southeast Asia, builds bridge of int'l technological cooperation 15:07, November 07, 2022 By Zhang Fan, Li Maoying ( People's Daily Moth orchids and lilies bred in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan province, are hot sellers in Vietnam. A China-Laos joint lab of renewable energy is now offering hot water heated by solar energy for Lao schools and hospitals... Such progress was made possible by a mechanism of sending Chinese sci-tech experts to foreign countries, started by Yunnan province in 2013. This year, the province once again dispatched a group of sci-tech experts to South Asian and Southeast Asian countries for scientific research, technological advisory and training programs. Lu Hai, a researcher of an institution of the Yunnan branch of the China Southern Power Grid, was recently designated as a sci-tech expert by the Yunnan Provincial Science and Technology Department and joined the preparation work for the construction of a joint lab of power technologies among the Lancang-Mekong countries. "As a sci-tech expert dispatched overseas, I can fully leverage cooperation platforms to share experiences in power technologies, operation and management," Lu said. Relying on its geological and industrial advantages, Yunnan province employs this mechanism to meet the demand for technologies of South Asian and Southeast Asian countries during their economic and social development, said He Wei, an official with the Yunnan Provincial Science and Technology Department. So far, the department has dispatched 92 experts to 16 countries, including Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, in five batches, according to He. Hu Faguang from the Institute of Tropical and Subtropical Cash Crops at the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences is dispatched to Laos to offer guidance and training on coffee technologies for Chinese companies. So far, he has worked in the Southeast Asian country for a total of over 300 days. To improve the capability of coffee planting in local Lao communities, Hu instructed local technicians from the very basics. He proposed to grow coffee trees on contiguous fields along roads, so as to make the local coffee business stronger and more centralized. Today, Chinese experts have been dispatched to six counties to plant coffee in the country. Like Hu, many other Chinese sci-tech experts have also established platforms of academic and technological exchanges to nurture professionals for local communities. For instance, professor Chen Yubao from Yunnan Normal University (YNU), one of the earliest Chinese sci-tech experts dispatched overseas, has helped construct some 20 demonstration zones of renewable energy in Laos. "These demonstration projects promoted the application of Chinese renewable energy technologies in Laos, tangibly improved local people's living standards, and set a good example in talent cultivation and lab construction for local communities," Chen told People's Daily, hailing these projects as a role model for international sci-tech cooperation. According to him, the Solar Energy Research Institute at YNU recruits doctoral and postgraduate students from Laos, who would return to their country after graduation and contribute to local new energy studies. Chinese sci-tech experts dispatched overseas promote China's exchanges and cooperation with neighboring countries, build a bridge of international cooperation, and enhance people-to-people bonds through technological and personnel exchanges, said Wang Xueqin, head of the Yunnan Provincial Science and Technology Department. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) On Friday, November 4, in Arisaig in Scotland, Ambassador Marie Chatardova unveiled a restored memorial to Czechoslovak soldiers who trained here under the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II. On Friday, November 4, in Arisaig in Scotland, Ambassador Marie Chatardova unveiled a restored memorial to Czechoslovak soldiers who trained here under the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II. The memorial, which was placed on the site in 2009, has so far contained 71 names of SOE trained men, who died while on duty. Thanks to also to a collection from Czech compatriots and the families and friends of these soldiers, it was restored and updated with 4 new stones, newly containing also 188 names of those who survived the war. The names were researched and added by military historian Eduard Stehlik, Mr. Martin Matejicek and the honorary consul of the Czech Republic in Edinburgh, Mrs. Veronika Macleod, then played a crucial role in securing the new memorial. Between 1941 and 1943, over 259 Czechoslovak paratroopers underwent special military training in the beautiful Scottish scenery. Their role was to be deployed over occupied territories and conduct covert operations to subvert the Nazi regime. Their prospects of surviving the action were slim, and many of them did not live to see the end of the war. They died in combat, in Gestapo torture chambers, on gallows, or in concentration camps. The most famous operation of Czechoslovak soldiers trained by the SOE Operation Anthropoid, which led to the assassination of the acting Reich Protector Reinhard Heydrich, is still today the most iconic example of the determination and heroism of the Czechoslovak resistance in the fight against the Nazi regime. Yves here. Most US readers are generally familiar with the fact that the US pays for a ton of drug research.yet lets pharma companies license it on extremely favorable terms, to the detriment of both American taxpayers as seed round VC funders and as patients buying these drugs. Among other things, this post describes the licensing scheme that allows these perverse outcomes to happen. Of course, the root cause is promoting profit-driven medicine. Whenever a group of students passes by here, I tell them: I dont ask that you change bc you are going to live in a capitalist country. I only ask that you not let anyone die because they dont have the money. Ileydis Iglesias, Director of Cubas Endocrinology Institute pic.twitter.com/8USN75d7O9 DSA International Committee (@dsa_intl_comm) November 5, 2022 By James Stout, Ph.D., is a journalist and historian living with diabetes. He has more than a decade of public health volunteering experience. Originally published at Undark When Covid-19 vaccines arrived in the winter of 2020, the much-heralded shots put a spotlight on the big pharmaceutical companies that had brought them to market especially Pfizer and Moderna. It could be easy to miss one important detail: Those vaccines, like many of those companies flagship products, would not have been possible without public funding. By one estimate, the National Institutes of Health spent $17 billion on vaccine technologies fundamental to the Covid-19 vaccine. More recently, the United States Operation Warp Speed poured billions into development. And according to a 2021 study, 95.5 percent of the funding behind AstraZenecas vaccine came from the British government. Despite this massive influx of public cash, the resulting Covid-19 vaccines raked in huge profits for the corporations that brought them to market. Modernas vaccine, for example, created at least five billionaires an illustration of the current drug development system in which research is publicly funded, but corporations profit. Pharmaceutical companies often reap the rewards of public spending. In fact, in the U.S, every new drug approved by the FDA between 2010 and 2019 has relied on grants from the NIH. Meanwhile, the companies sometimes turn around and charge the public exorbitant prices for the same drugs their tax dollars helped create. Part of the problem is an outdated licensing system that allows private companies to buy exclusive rights to use publicly funded research, with few strings attached. Many of these issues stem from the way intellectual property, or IP, is licensed in the U.S. and some other wealthy countries. Making changes to the way we fund research and license drugs could help treat millions of people, particularly in developing nations. Typically, when a scientist conducts research at an institution, the IP meaning any novel innovations they produce, such as a new drug belongs to the institution, rather than the scientist who did the work or the funder who paid for it. This arrangement is in large part thanks to the 1980 Bayh-Dole Act, which allows universities to patent inventions even when taxpayers funded the research. After the research is done, the institution can sell the IP to a corporation through a technology transfer agreement, and the company can bring it to market. After that point, as owners of the IP, companies have the freedom to set prices and make other key sales decisions. This model has been championed as a way to encourage innovation, but those private companies are obliged to deliver the maximum return to shareholders rather than to ensure the greatest possible reduction in human suffering. A better model is possible one which allows for drug innovation while keeping drugs accessible and affordable for everyone. For example, the Universities Allied for Essential Medicines, or UAEM, has proposed a global access licensing framework, in which patents are only employed when truly necessary and any barriers to formulating generic alternatives which tend to be much less expensive be removed. This change starts with research institutions. Universities should stipulate in their technology transfer agreements that they would not use patents to prevent generic competition in places where the list price of the drug was unattainable based on average income, and they would only sign contracts to sell IP where the buyer, such as a pharmaceutical company, agreed to do the same. Research institutions would also not use their IP rights to challenge further research from other institutions that might result in new drugs or compounds more suited to use in low-income countries (for example, ones that could be stored outside of a refrigerator). The potential harms of the current licensing model and how they ripple out beyond countries like the U.S. and Britain are evident in the drug enzalutamide, which is used to treat prostate cancer. It was discovered and patented at the University of California, Los Angeles in 2006, using funding from NIH and the Department of Defense, and has since been classified as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization. But UCLA licensed the drug out. It is now produced by Pfizer and sold under the brand name Xtandi. Xtandi is highly effective, but it costs almost $13,000 per month, and even patients in the U.S. struggle to afford it. Meanwhile, in order to protect their patent, UCLA challenged a decision that made generic versions of the drug available in India, taking their case as far as a high court in New Delhi. UCLA won, and enzalutamide is now only available under the brand name of Xtandi in India, where it costs nearly 30 times the average per capita income, making it inaccessible for many. A global access model would have allowed for generic competition in India and other low-income markets. With global access provisions in contracts as a standard, UCLA could have avoided negative publicity and a lengthy court case, and more importantly saved lives. Because institutions cannot necessarily be trusted to do what is best for the common good, funders, such as NIH, should make it a global access licensing model a condition of grant awards. The need for accountability is evident in the case of Oxford Universitys Covid-19 vaccine. Researchers at that institution (who are likely well aware of the pitfalls of the current model), proposed that licensing for their discoveries be available as non-exclusive and royalty free. But external pressure led them to abandon this promise. The IP was sold to AstraZeneca, which committed to selling the vaccine at-cost for the duration of the pandemic. In late 2021, it claimed the pandemic had moved to an endemic phase and moved to a for-profit model, yielding $1 billion in profit that same quarter. By making sure universities commit to enforcing their patents with the goal of reducing human suffering, and allow for generic competition in markets where drugs are not affordable to most people, we can save hundreds of thousands of lives with tiny profit sacrifices for some of the wealthiest corporations on the planet. This change requires government action, and a change in how universities see intellectual property. It will undoubtedly face pushback from pharmaceutical interests. But publicly funded research should benefit people first, not corporations. By Lambert Strether of Corrente. Election Eve feels like a good time to write about voting, if only to avoid the horror of focusing on the results of the actual vote that is about to take place. Weve written a lot of posts on voting at NC. Most have been heavily researched. To link to a fair sampling: Today, Im going to take a different tack entirely. Rather than present research, Im going to try reasoning from postulates and first principles, and do hardly any research at all. I will then present a plan that satisfies them. (Sadly, I will find myself in unaccustomed territory here, since it turns out one major feature of the plan is supported by conservatives.) I hope readers will take this as a starting point and add features (or dispute them). Id particularly like to hear from readers with international experience. The original text of the Constitution does not explicitly institute a right for citizens to vote. (I tried to find some Federalist Papers quotes on this topic, but what a mess it was.) However, the 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th amendments all begin The right of citizens of the United States to vote and remove limitations to the franchise based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude, sex, failure to pay poll tax or other tax, and eighteen years of age respectively, so I think we can assume that such a right exists. In this post, Ill focus on how that right should be exercised, at the ballot box, in the precinct, so that election theft may be prevented and a fair ballot count performed. (Important but out of scope for this post are gerrymandering and voter rolls. Voter rolls are often digital and therefore problematic see postulate (I) above.) Of elections and election technology, I postulate: (I). Digital = hackable; (II). The financial stakes for any election are enormous; (III). Phishing, in essence, is the proposition that if fraud can happen, it will already have happened. (Phishing is ubiquitous, especially in a financialized economy. See Shiller and Akerlof on this point.) For election theft[1], digital speaks to means, financial speaks to motive, and phishing speaks to opportunity (everywhere). We should, in other words, create policy on the basis of the worst case scenario that the electoral system is run by a criminal class, and create checks and balances that prevent the crooks from taking it over and corrupting the results. Its the only way to be sure. Here are the principles that I devised. Im sure readers will let me know in comments if I missed anything! This is what universal suffrage should look like. Insofar as possible: (A). Every citizen should have an equal chance to vote. Here I have in mind less Voting Rights Act-type discrimination, which is real and wrong, but precinct-level shenanigans (see below), (B). Every voter should have the ability to vote from same fact set. Its really ridiculous picking one example from many that people could have voted for Fetterman before seeing his debate performance. To pick hypotheticals, it would be ridiculous to have voted for Biden before he nuked Ukraine, or Trump before he pardoned all his buddies. Yes, one can say my mind is made up, or vote Blue no matter who, or, with Hunter Thompson, Freak Power (lots of good ideas here), but thats a hypothetical too. Further, I think our electoral system should seek to reduce the baleful influence of partisanship and priors, not increase it. Needless to say, I dont agree with Democrat think tank Brookings bizarre proposal for election month. (C). Every voters ballot should be marked and counted using the same process. Hone the process. Perfect it. Standardize it. How many ways can there be to count a paper ballot? (D). Voting should be funded as the essential public service it is. This includes hand-counting, if need be, but also accommodations. Here is the plan I devised to satisfy the principles given the postulates. Under the elections clause, Congress should: (1). Declare election day (this year, November 8, tomorrow) a national holiday (i.e., paid). No early voting. No drop boxes. Mail-in only for those physically unable to travel to the precinct; nursing homes, the military, overseas voters, etc. Meets principle (A); nobody needs to work on Election Day. Meets principle (B): all vote at the same time. (2). Mandate that the default voting system for all precincts must be hand-marked paper ballots, hand-counted in public (modulo accomodations in point (3) below. Meets principle (C), based on postulates (I), (II), and (III).[2] (3). Accomodations (disabilities; language; transport) should be Federally mandated and funded (by principle (D)) at the precinct level. Meets principle (A)[3]. (4) Election resources should be evenly distributed across precincts, and remediation funded (by principle (D)) if need be. Here, I am thinking of games partisan election administrators play, like long lines in some precincts, or ballots running short, etc. I think very little of this is done in good faith. At the same time, evenly is doing a lot of work, and regulations would need to be developed to institutionalize it. (5) Counting, and ballot-handing generally, should not be performed by party members[4]. See principles (II) and (III). Example. (6) Assistance for voter IDs, where mandated, should be Federally mandated and funded (by principle (D)). Meets principle (A). I dont much like voter IDs (much less national IDs). I prefer the system where my church ladies carefully cross my name off a list when I tell them what it is. But, if voter IDs are what we must have, its absurd that poor people, or the housebound, the disabled, or former felons, have to jump through hoops to get them. Again, Im sure readers will let me know in comments what I missed[5]! Now lets take a look at the approaches each of the two parties are taking The Democrats seem to focus on making voting more convenient (mail-in ballots, drop-boxes, early voting). In fact, theyve ended up making it more complicated; they love homework, and so we get officious nonsense like Make a plan to vote. (Yeah, my plan is to down to my precinct on election day, a holiday, and cast my paper ballot along with everyone else. Sheesh.) They focus much less on giving people a reason to vote (see last weeks dithering about so-called closing arguments). They focus hardlly at all on expanding the voter base. The Republicans, in my view, think much more strategically. They are focusing on electing (or muscling) officials who control the election machinery, just as, in earlier days, they focused on electing their people to school boards. (Democrats, then as now, express aghastitude but remain oddly passive.) Further, they are taking advantage of the additional attack surface provided by the Democrat tactic of convenience: Staging goons outside drop-boxes, fulminating against mail-in ballots. etc. And of course overly tight yarn diagrams. You can see that neither party is what I would call principled, and neither focuses on election theft, no doubt because both prefer to hold that ultimate weapon in reserve for situations like Iowa 2020 (see Principle I). For my plan as modified by you, dear readers to be adopted, both parties would have to accept paper ballots[6] (which, oddly or not, Republicans are more likely to do). Democrats would have to surrender convenience as a value. Republicans would have to accept universal standards for voting (and stop yammering about Federalism, which they are wont to do). Would both parties agree to a voting system designed to avoid election theft, count all votes fairly, and treat all voters equally? Hard to say, at this point. But worth thinking about! NOTES [1] I mean election theft, stealing an election by corrupting the results (as Jeb Bush did for his brother George in Florida 2000, by corrupting the voter rolls). I do not mean voter fraud, much beloved of Republicans but apparently minimally practiced. Election theft, given that its practiced by insiders, could be thought of as a form of accounting control fraud. [2] Personally, Im against even digital counting. I believe that digital should be removed from the process entirely (except possibly in cases of accommodation). The only reason I can see for digital counting is convenience, which should be abolished as a principle and replaced by mandates and funding. If people dont want to volunteer and I think that in many jurisdications they do and will pay people. [3] The current solution for voters with print disabilities has been to use BMDs audio ballot with keypad and a headphone jack. This article describes that process, and makes the point that often precincts have ill-trained people when there is only one BMD available, impeding the voter. The solution to that is mandates and funding, not creating an intrinsically hackable and corruptible national electoral system by imposing BMDs on all voters. [4] An alternative would be to always have members of all parties present (not two, but all). [5] I considered making voting mandatory (as in Australia) but concluded it was a bridge too far. Mandatory voting would certainly give strong incentives to fix broken systems. Readers? [6] Worth noting that Arizonas paper balloting turned out to be robust. Note that I said robust. If indeed election fraud was committed, the paper ballots will have enabled it to be detected (though I dont think this story has broken through anywhere but Rasmussen, and I dont have the energy to dig into it.) (Natural News) It is pretty much a certainty that Great Britain faces a lights out scenario this winter, which is further evidenced by their war game emergency plans released by government ministers. Official documents marked sensitive warn that food and water supplies, transportation and communication could all be disrupted for up to a week this winter in a reasonable worst-case scenario caused by a nationwide power outage. Officials in Whitehall have begun stress-testing what was intended to be a secret protocol called Programme Yarrow. This involves prioritizing food, water and shelter procuration for the young and the elderly, as well as those who provide care to these and others considered vulnerable. Programme Yarrow was already in the works prior to Russias invasion of Ukraine, so blaming that for what government officials are soon expecting in the United Kingdom is inaccurate. Interestingly, though, there is mention in the pre-invasion Programme Yarrow plans about an attack on underwater power cables. This is eerily similar to the recent sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines running from Russia to Germany. We also know that the Met Office is expecting a colder-than-usual winter this year, which is expected to put added pressure on already scarce and expensive gas and electricity supplies. (Related: Back in September, it was announced that upwards of 60 percent of all British manufacturing risks closure due to hyperinflating energy prices.) Programme Yarrow mentions plans of three-hour rolling blackouts across the U.K. under such circumstances. Sixty percent of electricity demand will be met between day two and day seven of a potential one-week blackout scenario, the documents state, which is when households and businesses will be given intermittent access to rationed supplies. Customers will be given 24 hours notice before these planned outages, which as previously mentioned would occur for up to a week on a rolling basis. Will the lights stay on in Great Britain this winter? Should rolling blackouts occur this winter, it would mark the first time since the 1970s. Electricity operators say they are working to keep the system balanced at all times to minimize the risk, but the energy crisis is leading the country into uncharted territory. This means that the amount of electricity being put into the grid by power plants, wind farms and others should match the amount being taken out by households and businesses at any given time, explains MailOnline about how electricity balancing works. The grid plans for when it thinks demand can be high so it can ask generators to meet that demand. But if there is ever an imbalance where demand is higher than supply or supply is higher than demand, it can cause major breakdowns in the grid. That could cause actual physical damage to the grid that could take days to repair. The purpose of planned outages is thus to avoid a breakdown of the grid that results in costly repairs and excess downtime. Considering the U.K. has one of the most reliable power networks in the world, the hope is that all of this will be a non-issue throughout the winter months. Brits are being encouraged to do energy-intensive things during certain hours to avoid disrupting this electricity balancing act. One major thing they can change is the times during which they charge their electric vehicles (EVs). The British government says it is launching a new system this month that will offer cash payments to customers who agree to change the times that they use larger amounts of energy. If that is not enough, then forced rationing could occur. Want to keep up with the latest news about the threat of a global economic implosion? Visit Collapse.news. Sources for this article include: DailyMail.co.uk NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Western democracies in Europe are continuing to collapse under the insane woke cultural influence of the far-left, as noted in a report by constitutional law professor Jonathan Turley on his website. The George Washington University Law School academic noted that while Finland was recently once again rated as the happiest place to live, its not the place to be if you value freedom of speech, noting that a major free speech case is percolating there following the filing of criminal charges against Member of Parliament and former Interior Minister Paivi Rasanen. Her crime? Quoting the Bible to voice her opposition to her churchs sponsorship of an LGBTQ pride event. The 61-year-old MP is now reportedly facing up to two years behind bars for simply exercising her free speech and freedom of religion rights. Turley writes: On June 17, 2019, Rasanen asked in a Twitter post how the sponsorship was compatible with the Bible, linking to a photograph of a biblical passage, Romans 1:24-27, on Instagram. She also posted the text and image on Facebook. However, she also insisted that The purpose [of] my tweet was in no way to insult sexual minorities. My criticism was aimed at the leadership of the church. The Prosecutor General charged Rasanen with incitement against a minority group, arguing that her statements were likely to cause intolerance, contempt, and hatred towards homosexuals. But Rasanen has not backed down, standing firm on her rights to freedom of speech. I cannot accept that voicing my religious beliefs could mean imprisonment. I do not consider myself guilty of threatening, slandering, or insulting anyone. My statements were all based on the Bibles teachings on marriage and sexuality, she said. I will defend my right to confess my faith, so that no one else would be deprived of their right to freedom of religion and speech, she continued. I hold on to the view that my expressions are legal and they should not be censored. I will not back down from my views. I will not be intimidated into hiding my faith. The more Christians keep silent on controversial themes, the narrower the space for freedom of speech gets, Rasanen adds. In his assessment of this outrage, Turley noted that throughout Western governments, especially in France, there has been an alarming rollback of speech rights, mostly under the guise of combatting hate speech and non-discrimination laws, both of which are really just used by the woke, intolerant left to silence criticism of aberrant lifestyles. He noted earlier that he wrote about the prosecution of famous French actress Brigitte Bardot after she said in 2006 that Muslims were ruining her country in a letter to Nicolas Sarkozy, then-Interior Minister and later Frances president. Bardot, an animal rights activist, has been repeatedly hit with such criminal complaints for criticizing different groups. Now she was later fined for calling the inhabitants of La Reunion savages for their continued sacrificing of animals in religious rituals, Turley wrote. And though he said that he disagreed with Rasanens views on homosexuality, because Turley is a constitutionalist first and a liberal second he also disagrees with Finlands persecution of her simply for holding a certain viewpoint. I happen to disagree with her views on homosexuality but that is immaterial. Many of us in the free speech community view this as a human right to be able to express ones values and beliefs without threat of arrest. In the name of equity, Finland is sacrificing liberty. In the name of tolerance, Finland is declaring intolerance for opposing views, Turley said, pointing out the same hypocrisy American leftists engage in when shutting down the speech of conservatives. No such tradeoff is necessary. Political opponents can respond to what they view as bad speech with better speech, he continued. In the free expression of ideas, people can reach their own conclusions and better viewpoints can prevail. Instead, in cases like the one involving Rasanen, critics are seeking to silence those with opposing viewpoints. It is a new orthodoxy imposed on dissenting views the same state-supported intolerance that once led to the censuring of gay activists and advocates for LGBT rights, Turley adds. If our countrys liberal academics were truly liberal in the historic sense, they would all echo Turleys views: You can disagree with someone elses opinion but in a free society you cant be allowed to persecute them for it. Sources include: JonathanTurley.org BBC.com (Natural News) A teenager suspected in two murders has been set free on an ankle monitor after a judge used a safety tool from a bail reform group to determine he somehow does not pose a risk to society. Adrian Avila, 18, was charged as one of four people who murdered 17-year-old Donnie Brandon in 2020. Brandon was shot multiple times in the head, chest and neck at Sandia Vista Park. He was also charged in the 2021 killing of former corrections officer Elias Otero. He and an 18-year-old accomplice, Anna Bella Dukes, have both been charged with murder, armed robbery, conspiracy, tampering with evidence and kidnapping after using a social media app to lure Oteros brother as part of a robbery attempt. The pair held Oteros brother at gunpoint and drove him to his home in his own car, where they instructed him to have Elias Otero meet them with additional money. When Elias stepped out of the home and threatened the suspects, Avila shot and killed him. Despite murdering two people, Albuquerque district judge Stanley Whitaker ruled that Avila did not pose a threat to the community and allowed him to walk free with a GPS ankle monitor. He based this on a risk assessment with the Arnold Tool, a system developed by the Laura and John Arnold Foundation that seeks to eliminate unjust pretrial detention and create a justice system where jail is only used when absolutely necessary. The Arnold Tool and other bail reform measures have been under fire recently after suspects that were deemed safe to release went on to commit even more severe crimes. The tool uses a scale that runs from 1 to 7, with 7 representing the highest threat. Avila scored a 2 out of 7 on the scale for being a threat to society and a score of 1 on the scale for failing to show up for trial. Police chief, district attorney disagree with judges assessment Albuquerque Police Department Chief Harold Medina expressed his outrage over the judges use of the tool to decide Avilas release from prison. In a statement, he said: This suspect is at the root of the gun violence were seeing in Albuquerque and the record number of homicides. Our officers and detectives are doing everything possible to investigate and arrest the people who are terrorizing our neighborhoods committing robberies and homicides with stolen guns. He added: At the same time, we are getting reports of violent suspects cutting off their ankle monitors and left to roam the streets until we re-arrest them. This is beyond upsetting. This jeopardizes the safety of our community, including our officers. Bernalillo County District Attorney Raul Torrez pointed out that the decision also marks the first time a defendant who has been accused of two separate murders has been allowed to await trial outside of a jail cell. He told ABC affiliate KOAT: Weve made the decision already to file an appeal of that order and seek review from an appellate court and ask that Mr. Avila be remanded into custody pending outcome of not just one, but two separate murder cases. The mother of one of the victims, Alicia Otero, is worried that another family will have to suffer the pain of losing a loved one with Avila free while awaiting trial. She said: I feel another family is going to have to go through the pain that were going through by losing their loved one also. Every day we wake up. I dont eat, I dont sleep. All I think about is what it took from us. He took my baby. What kind of woke scale gives a person who has murdered two people a score of 2 out of 7 for being a threat to society? Is the judge willing to accept responsibility if this double murder suspect hurts or kills someone while he is free? Incidents like this are a reminder of the many ways the criminal justice system is failing and putting society in danger. Sources include: WesternJournal.com DailyMail.co.uk CABQ.gov (Natural News) If you live in California, you seriously need to think about leaving. Or, if you want to stay and youre a Democrat voter, stop doing that because the party of the donkey is not only making your life more expensive and far less fulfilling, they are making it dangerous as well. Case in point: The left-wing lunatics who run Los Angeles County have decided to close the largest mens jail and have made zero provisions for the 3,800 inmates who are currently housed there 900 of whom have serious mental health problems. Law Enforcement Today notes: The program, approved by local lawmakers, would close the largest jail within the worlds largest jail system with no provisions for housing the 3,800 suddenly freed inmates, 900 of whom have mental health problems. Opened in 1963, the enormous jail has been the temporary home to some of the nations most notorious criminals, including Charles Manson, Night Stalker Richard Ramirez and Golden State Killer Lonnie Franklin. L.A. County initially planned to replace the jail with a facility called the Consolidated Correctional Treatment Facility, where inmates with mental health problems would receive the help they need, the report continued. But as often happens when actions are not thought through, that plan fell to a desire for incarceration-diversion programs and community-based alternatives, LET noted further. Afterward, the libtards who run L.A. County just decided instead to cancel plans altogether to open the treatment facility without also canceling plans to close the jail. As such, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted July 7, 2020, to close Mens Central Jail. Roughly a year later, the board voted 4-1 to actually begin the process of shuttering the facility after 57 years of housing inmates. To add some perspective, LET added, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department was handed a $47 million decrease in funding for its jails while simultaneously dealing with a dramatic increase in crime that includes a 94 percent surge in murder rates over the past two years, thanks in large part to George Soros-installed L.A. District Attorney George Gascon, who has simply refused to enforce existing laws by prosecuting lawbreakers. But the sheriffs department is fighting back. LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said he plans to sue the Board of Supervisors to keep the mens jail open. They dont have the legal authority to do this. They think by removing the budget from us that we will be forced to close the jail, he told the Washington Examiner. But every single inmate is there by orders of the court, so the board has no authority to intervene and release them from custody. They are smoking some strong stuff at the Board of Supervisors, he added. After being elected to his post three years ago, Villanueva has been battling the left-wing lunatics at the L.A. County Board of Supervisors nearly every single day just to be able to employ proven policing techniques that are constitutional and known to keep civilians safer, even amidst a nationwide defund the police movement that was also echoed locally. The board appears to dismiss the Sheriffs suggestions and instead seems intent on [removing] his authority. It has, for instance, rejected Villanuevas request for outside counsel, or the funds to hire his own, to resolve the jail issue, LET reported. County Counsel Rodrigo Castro-Silva responded to Villanuevas request in a Dec. 28, 2021 letter that states, in part: Like all county department heads, you are responsible for operating the Sheriffs Department within the parameters of the budget. Your disagreements with the Board regarding budgetary matters is not a basis for independent outside counsel. Rather, Castro-Silva demanded that the sheriff work alongside the board to implement a new model of criminal justice policies to offer more effective rehabilitative options and better serve the community. Again, if you live in L.A. or California in general, either move while you can or stop electing lunatic Democrats who are obviously destroying your cities. Sources include: LawEnforcementToday.com NaturalNews.com KTLA.com (Natural News) As we revealed recently, the NuManna company a provider of survival food products has spent the last five years deceiving customers by marketing an organic storable food product with label artwork and marketing claims that say Natural News has been testing their product for heavy metals and pesticides. Their product was also heavily promoted with the claim that their product was Health Ranger approved. But as readers now know, Natural News hasnt tested their product since late 2016, and the NuManna company violated the terms of the contract in 2017 and decided to simply cut off royalty payments to Natural News for no reason whatsoever. Despite ending all royalty payments, NuManna continued to falsely claim their product was Health Ranger Approved and was being routinely tested by Natural News labs. The contract required food samples to be sent to Natural News for each production lot so that ongoing, repeated testing could be conducted. But no samples were ever sent beyond the original pre-production formulation samples. Even worse, NuManna was made aware of these violations multiple times, and acknowledged that they knew what they were doing, but they continued to use the false claims on their product labels, website, brochures, marketing materials and other content, continuing to deceive their customers for many years, while profiting from the deception by implying that the Health Ranger had granted ongoing approval for their products (and while falsely claiming those products were being tested in the Natural News labs, which they were not). One former distributor recently told Natural News: I should have known by the way their staff behaved when small things went wrong that something like this was coming. I also endorsed their products because I thought that Mike Adams was guaranteeing the quality. I feel awful about every customer who ever purchased through me, thinking that we were doing business honestly. NuManna so far refuses to apologize and appears to be in a state of self-denial When Natural News went public with this astonishing story, we demanded that NuManna: 1) Stop using the labels. 2) Publicly apologize for the years of deception. 3) Offer refunds or store credit to all customers who purchased these products. 4) Donate the owed royalties to non profit organizations of our choice. As NuManna distributors were receiving a flood of angry calls, we quickly followed up with a second story, urging the public to understand that, to our knowledge, distributors of NuManna products had no knowledge that NuManna was running this scheme. They are telling us that NuManna kept this information from them and even lied to them about the labeling of their organic product. To our knowledge, NuManna still has not apologized for this scheme, and to our knowledge they have not contacted their customers who purchased these products to offer an explanation or a refund. An email from NuManna to customers who contacted them about this issue claims they dispute the allegations. Thus, it appears they are continuing to deny the reality of what they have been doing and all the harm they have caused their own customers by misleading them into falsely believing their products were being routinely lab tested and Health Ranger Approved a claim that appeared prominently for many years in their marketing materials as shown here: When given the opportunity to do the right thing, NuManna continues to choose to delay and deceive. This speaks volumes about this company and their lack of operational ethics, in my view. Any honest company, I believe, would immediately apologize and seek to make this right. NuManna has so far chosen not to do that. In our original reporting, we publicized a public email address where distributors could contact us with additional information about NuManna: [email protected] We have received many emails at that address, and there are many true stories to share with the public about NuMannas business practices. I posted a full podcast explaining all this, and why its wrong to falsely claim your product is being tested and approved when it isnt: A former NuManna distributor asks Daniel Brigman to do the right thing and APOLOGIZE to customers for the deception Now, a former NuManna distributor known as Ready Made Resources (ReadyMadeResources.com) is stepping forward and publicly asking Daniel Brigman at NuManna to do the right thing and apologize for the deception. I interviewed Bob Griswold whom I have known for years as a major player in the night vision retail industry for about 30 minutes, in which he lays out what happened and why NuManna needs to come forward with an apology and an offer to make good on the owed royalties (which can be structured as donations over time to non-profits we designate). That full interview is viewed here: Brighteon.com/9b904957-f34e-4008-b684-9a754b327ffb As you can hear in the interview, both Bob Griswold and myself are asking NuManna to simply own up to their deception and misrepresentation, and by doing so, we will agree to drop all legal claims against them. As Christians, we will agree to forgive them if they apologize and make this right for their customers. We ask for no money whatsoever even though we are owed plenty and instead seek to use any restitution to fund worthwhile non-profits such as Craig Sawyers group that works to stop child trafficking across the US border. As Bob Griswold says, its like offering NuManna a get out of jail free card. So far, NuManna has refused to agree to arbitration, and they have refused to publicly apologize or offer anything in the form of donations to non-profits for the owed royalties. We are hearing from other distributors who are extremely unhappy about this situation, and several are telling us that they are demanding NuManna do the right thing so that this issue can be resolved and the company can move forward. We are currently encouraging all customers who purchased these fraudulently-labeled NuManna products (the Organic Family Pack) to demand refunds from the company and to consider filing complaints with all relevant organizations, including the Better Business Bureau and the FTC. We are, of course, meeting with our own attorneys and are prepared to sue NuManna in civil court for their contract violations, theft of intellectual property and several other issues. But of course, such lawsuits only tend to enrich attorneys on both sides while taking years to resolve, which is why we are offering NuManna a simple, honest path to resolving this amicably, without resorting to expensive lawsuits. NuManna has a golden opportunity right now to repair the damage, ask the public for forgiveness, and rebuild trust with customers. Will they take it? If you purchased one of these products from NuManna, you can contact them here: Phone: 1-888-597-0775 [email protected] https://numanna.com/contact-us/ (Natural News) Several parents of students at a Los Angeles-area public school were outraged after finding out about sleeping arrangements at a school-organized science camp in nearby San Bernadino County. Parents addressed their concerns with Los Alamitos Unified School District officials after Weaver Elementary School students were forced to sleep with adults. No parent should feel the way I feel after knowing what could have happened to my daughter, said parent Suzy Johnson, according to KTLA5. Parents said that their fifth-grade girls alerted them after some biologically male counselors at Camp Pali in San Bernardino who use the pronouns they/them spent three nights sleeping alongside them in cabins. I contacted the school and asked them if they were able to confirm that there was not a man actually sleeping in the same cabin as the girls. They were not able to confirm that, noted parent Rachel Sandoval. Emmi Teige, an assistant director of Camp Pali, explained to KTLA5 that what happened is really just the fault of lunatic Democrats who run the most screwed-up state in the union. Per California law, we place staff in cabins they identify with, she said. The outlet adds: Parents say they are not accusing anyone of a crime, but they are angry the school district did not let parents know about the camp policy. These parents say they just want others to be informed of the policy so that they can make decisions for their own families. Its awful that children had to even experience this in fifth-grade camp, said Johnson. If I was aware of it and I had initialed something saying this was going to be done at this outdoor science camp, I would have kept my children home. A school district spokesperson told KTLA5 that all concerns and complaints by parents and others are taken seriously and as such, district personnel are investigating. But again, if it truly is state law that biological men and women can sleep with young children of the opposite sex for any reason, then an investigation will prove fruitless. Shortly afterward, however, the district essentially claimed that the girls were lying to their parents in a statement issued to KTLA, saying there were no biologically male counselors sharing cabins with female students. While counselors may have used the pronouns, they/them, the use of these pronouns is not restricted to biological males. Biological females also use those terms, the statement said, followed by mishmash word salad about rights and equality. Pali Institute is an equal opportunity employer and always has been, with diversity and inclusion among its core values, the statement continued. Its commitment to diversity and inclusion applies equally to its students. Pali Institutes priority is and always has been to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of its students, with strict rules and guidelines that govern staff interaction with students, the statement continued. So again, someone is lying, and it is a good bet that its the school district or the Institute. Several young girls would not go home and tell their parents the same story we had to sleep with biological men unless it were true (and what does the left tell us about such things Always believe girls?). What is also true is that the Democrat supermajority that rules California is insane when it comes to LGBTQ policies. Over the years, Democrats have literally trampled on the rights of men and women, boys and girls in the state who are not confused about their gender in order to convey extra-special rights on a tiny minority of residents. And now, those lunatic laws and policies are coming back to bite. The solution is simple for Californians if a majority of them are smart enough to see it and brave enough to accept it: Stop electing left-wing Democrats to office. Sources include: KTLA.com NaturalNews.com A yellow weather warning of heavy rain causing potential flooding to homes is in effect for much of south-east England, with rain forecast for the rest of the week. The Met Office warned that heavy rains could cause flooding in homes and businesses and disrupt public transportation in a region stretching from Chichester in West Sussex to Canterbury in Kent. yellow flood warning in place for parts of south-east England "Southern England and the south-east have seen quite a heavy band of rain moves fairly slowly," a Met Office spokesperson said on Sunday, as per The Guardian. Plumpton, near Lewes in East Sussex, had received 39mm of rain in the previous 24 hours, more than a third of the area's average monthly rainfall, according to a spokesperson. Flooding caused by heavy rain caused flooding in parts of London, forcing the Dagenham Heathway tube station to close temporarily. Adam Hartley, 50, a creative director at a public relations firm, told the PA news agency that he awoke to find flooding outside his door in Haringey, north London, and demanded that more be done to address the city's "unfit-for-purpose sewage and drainage systems." "The problem is that I live at the bottom of two steep hills in Muswell Hill, so when it rains, the leaves and dirt wash down the hill and clog the drains on our road," he explained. The Met Office predicted that Monday would be cloudy with rain showers, primarily in the west, where it would become "very windy" later while remaining brighter in the east. "Southwesterly winds will strengthen through Monday, especially in the afternoon and evening, when gales are possible for the Celtic and Irish Sea coasts," it tweeted. "The strongest winds will then shift east into southern and western England, Wales, and southwest Scotland." Heavy, squally rain is expected to return overnight into Tuesday, giving way to sunny spells and showers that will dissipate on Wednesday, with more rain expected in northern areas on Thursday. According to the spokesperson, heavy rain and strong winds are possible in South Wales on Monday night and Tuesday. Also Read: Heatwave to Hit the UK in April and Climate Change is to Blame: Met Office Forecast Maps show when and where rain will be most torrential in Britain Rising water levels may affect homes and businesses in the area, and there is a risk of spray and flooding on roads, which will likely lengthen travel times. Despite the heavy rain, the southeast will be pleasant. However, maps show that torrential rain will fall across the southeast of England at 9 a.m. on Sunday before easing off in the late morning and early afternoon, as per Mirror. On Sunday morning, widespread fog will cover much of northern England and is expected to be slow to clear. According to a Weather Outlook spokesperson, heavy rain could fall in the far south-east this morning, with showers in the north. More organized bands of heavy and blustery showers push eastward across the southern and central regions throughout the day. This morning, the rain will become heavier and more persistent across the southeast of England before clearing this afternoon. The fog in the north-east Midlands and north-east England is taking its time to clear. Related article: UK Weather: August Bank Holiday Will Be Expected With Heavy Rain While 26C Heatwave Returns Next Week A tornado outbreak killed at least two people last week after twisters left a trail of destruction in the Southern Plains, affecting Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, according to US media reporting. Powerful thunderstorms struck the region, producing damaging winds, large hails, and tornadoes. The tornadic storm also caused significant damage to property, where similar cases were reported in the past. Initial details of the extreme weather event in the Central US only mentioned the infrastructural damage and travel disruption caused by the swirling vortex of air. However, updates on the deadly outbreak over the weekend suggests the gravity of the situation of the severe storms in the region. Amid the recover efforts, cleanup efforts and storm surveys will continue in the tornado-hit states. The twister outbreak occurred even as the country is heading towards the winter season in December. The weather phenomenon particularly transpired during a severe thunderstorm that can spawn not only tornadoes but also other weather hazards like heavy rain. This year alone, thunderstorm-driven tornadoes have ravaged the central, southern, and even the southeastern US. Southern Plains Tornado Outbreak Tornadoes due to severe thunderstorms rampaged across parts of the Southern Plains on Friday, November 4, killing at least two people and injuring dozens of others. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the first tornado emergency since spring in Idabel, Oklahoma, where one of the tornadoes caused a fatality. The other tornado death occurred in Texas, CNN reported. The first tornadic storms of the latest tornado outbreak appeared in northeast Texas and southern Oklahoma where several mobile homes were damaged, according to Fox Weather. The extreme weather also damaged trees and downed power lines. Also Read: Persisting Severe Weather Brings Increased Chance of Multiple Tornadoes to Hit Texas, Nearby States What is a Tornado Outbreak? In recent decades, the reality of tornado spawns or burst of tornadoes has been used often to refer to multiple tornadoes occurring in a specific location in a short span of time. In most instances, this event occurs under one or more severe thunderstorm phenomenon. In 2022, there are several reported tornado outbreaks that transpired in the US, resulting in casualties and widespread damage. The term "tornado outbreak" appeared in meteorological literature since the 1950s and was used to emphasize severe weather events with many tornadoes, according to a scientific paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society in April 2021. However, the exact meaning and understanding of the said term evolved over the years, the study adds. March 2022 Tornado Outbreak In March 2022, the NWS reported multiple, strong tornadoes that were produced across south-central Texas from the cities of San Antonio to Jarrel from long track supercells amid a warm front and strong low-level jet over the region that time. As a result, tornadic activity moved into southeast Texas where a long-lived supercell travelled from Burleson County to Houston County, producing five tornadoes. The storm responsible for producing the five tornadoes also generated additional tornadoes in Shreveport's County, causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and other structures that resulted in 14 injuries, the NWS stated. Related Article: Northeast Texas Is Hit by Dangerous and Destructive Tornadoes as a Severe Storm System Moves East According to a new Cornell University-led study, changing the wording on expiration dates on perishable food items - which is currently unregulated and widely variable - could help reduce food waste. A consumer survey discovered that certain wording, such as "best by," as opposed to "best if used by," had the potential to reduce food waste, but the results varied depending on the type of food in question. Predictably, the more perishable a food item, the more likely it is to be discarded. Words matter in food freshness, safety messaging Shuay-Tsyr Ho, assistant professor of agricultural economics at National Taiwan University; Florine Livat, associate professor of economics at the Kedge Business School in Talence, France, and a former Dyson visiting scholar; and Abigail Okrent of the United States were co-authors. Economic Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. Rickard and his colleagues discovered that the words "use" or "use by" seemed to speak more directly to the perceived food safety implications of consuming food after the expiration date listed on the package, potentially leading to an increase in food waste, as per ScienceDaily. The phrase "best by" appeared to refer solely to food quality beyond a specific date, resulting in less waste. According to Rickard, the motivation for this work stems from the "wild west" landscape of food date labels, which is expected to be driven in part by manufacturers' desire to sell more products. The Food Date Labeling Act has introduced nearly a year ago in both the U.S. The House of Representatives and the Senate are working together to reduce food waste. "You go into the yogurt section at the grocery store and you see many different labels - some say 'use by,' some say 'best by,' some say 'best if used by,' some say 'fresh by,' and there are no rules about this," he explained. The researchers asked participants to rate their likelihood of discarding 15 different food and beverage items that were one day past the stated date code on a one to five scale (five being extremely likely). The question in the first section of the survey only included the expiration date code (i.e. date/month/year); in the second section, the question included both a date code and a date label with one of ten different wording variations. Four of the date label variations were similar to those commonly used in the United States: "Best if used by"; "Best by"; "Use by"; and "Sell by." The other six included a date label and a biosensor, a visual indicator of food quality. Rickard also stated that the novelty of the biosensor technology resonated with survey participants in the United States, and that when it was presented to participants as green (fresh), it resulted in significantly lower discard rates. According to the researchers, one of the unintended consequences of a more uniform approach to date labels is an increase in food waste depending on the wording of the label, as well as an increase in the re-purchasing of perishable items high in protein, fat, and cholesterol. Also Read: Soil Loss Threatens Food Security How to reduce food waste Food waste occurs throughout the food supply chain, from production to consumption. Examples include spoilage during storage and transportation, as well as exposure to insects and rodents, bacteria, or mold, as per Mayo Clinic. Sorting out blemished or imperfect produce costs money, as does buy more than you need or can consume. Not only is edible food wasted, but so is all of the energy, fertilizer, and land use that went into producing it. Planning at least a few meals each week is an excellent way to ensure that you are eating healthy foods. It also keeps you from buying too much food because you feel obligated to stock up. Plan your meals so that you don't use entirely different ingredients for each recipe. For example, serve broccoli as a side dish one night and as a casserole the next. Begin by purchasing only what you can eat in a week. Greens in a plastic container in the crisper drawer with a paper towel, tomatoes and bananas on the counter, potatoes and onions in a cool, dark place, and fresh herbs in a glass of water. Keep frozen fruits and vegetables on hand in case you consume all of your fresh produce before your next grocery run. Buying imperfect food, which refers to misshaped or oddly shaped fruits and vegetables, has never been easier. Some companies will deliver "ugly" foods to you on a monthly basis if you sign up for a subscription. To get your hands on some imperfect produce, you can also start a relationship with a local farmer through a community-supported agriculture or farmers market. Remember not to buy bruised or spoiled produce. Find ways to use old food instead of throwing it away. Soup stock can be made from vegetable scraps and peels. Soft apples or blueberries pair well with cooked oatmeal. Stale bread can also be used to make croutons or egg strata. Slightly wilted vegetables work well in soups and stir-fries. One of the best things about soup is that it can be made out of almost anything. Related article: Gene-edited Crops Helps the World To Ensure People's Food Security Southeast England is struck by floodwaters due to heavy rain caused by a storm weather, which forecasts indicate may continue throughout the rest of the week. During this period, widespread disruption of travel and inundated establishments are possible, as warned by UK weather authorities. UK Stormy Weather Britons as of Sunday, November 6, were battling heavy downpours and flash floods that left some cars submerged and rail stations forced to shut down as the stormy weather batters Southeast England or the South East, according to the Daily Mail UK. Both the UK's Met Office and Environment Agency issued alerts and warnings pertaining to the persistent torrential rain and flooding. Also Read: Heatwave to Hit the UK in April and Climate Change is to Blame: Met Office Forecast Yellow Met Office Warning The Met Office issued a yellow warning at 11 p.m. UTC time on Sunday which means that heavy showers are likely to cause further flooding in some places. Based on the UK weather agency's website, the warning pertains to affected parts of Southeast England, particularly for the city of Brighton and its surrounding areas. The agency added that the public should expect the following damage or disruption to be caused by the inclement weather in the coming hours: Floodwaters entering several homes and businesses are likely. Affected bus and train services could experience delayed journey times. Road flooding can also affect road traffic movement and journey times. The yellow Met Office warning is only valid until 10:00 on Monday, November 7. However, it could either be updated or extended depending on the weather conditions in England and other parts of the UK in the coming hours and days. England Flooding Warnings and Alerts The UK Government posted on its website the following flood advisories for England. Below is a list of five flood warnings in effect for the last 24 hours: Alfriston Barcombe Mills Hellingly and Horsebridge Mock Bridge Alverstone, Langbridge, Whitwell, and Wroxall on the Eastern Yar The flood warnings mean that flooding is expected in the following locations. Still, previous weather alerts not only in the UK but also in the US indicate that flood warnings, alerts, or watches can indicate an ongoing flooding. Meanwhile, the UK government also posted 39 flood alerts, which means that flooding is possible in the following areas: Beaulieu estuary Chertsey Bourne Christchurch Harbour Climping Seafront Combe Haven Cranleigh Waters Cripsey Brook Cukcmere River Dorset coast in Poole Harbour Eastern Yar Humber estuary Isle of Wight coast Langstone to Emsworth Harbour Lower River Medway Mansbridge and Riverside Park Middle River Roding River Adur East Branch River Brent River Darent River Ingrebourne River Lox River Mole and tributaries Rivers Eden and Eden Brook River Teisa area River Uck Severn Estuary in Severn Beach Southampton Water and Hamble The Rivers Wid and Can Upper Aun Upper Ouse Upper River Colne and Radlett Brook Upper River Derwentm Derwent Water, and Stonethwaite Beck Upper River Medway Upper River Mole, Burstow Stream, Gatwick Stream, and Ifield brook Upper River way Upper Roding Western Rother Other areas in Southeast England and its adjacent regions not mentioned in the flood advisories are still possible to experience floodwaters or flash flooding. Communities near inland bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and streams are also susceptible to flooding. Related Article: Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice: Severe Weather Warnings Issued to England and Across the UK Researchers from California and Denmark were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in September for developing "click" chemistry, a process in which molecules snap together like LEGO, potentially making them a more efficient transportation device for delivering pharmaceuticals to cancer tumors. 'Click' chemistry may help treat dogs with bone cancer In a recent study, a University of Missouri researcher demonstrated for the first time how click chemistry can be used to more efficiently deliver drugs to treat tumors in large dogs with bone cancer - a process that had previously only been successful in small mice, as per ScienceDaily. If you want to use the immune system to attack a tumor, an antibody is an extremely specific way to deliver a drug or radioactive payload to the tumor, but the problem with antibodies is that they are huge molecules that circulate in the bloodstream for days or even weeks, according to Jeffrey Bryan, an associate professor in the MU College of Veterinary Medicine and study author. The goal of click chemistry is to maximize therapeutic drug delivery specifically to cancer tumors to increase efficacy while minimizing drug circulation throughout the bloodstream and causing dangerous side effects. For years, many chemists assumed that while click chemistry had been successful in mice, it would not work in large dogs or humans because the size of the body would be too large for the two sides of therapy-delivering molecules to find each other and snap, or "click," together. Bryan worked with Brian Zeglis, an associate professor at Hunter College in New York who specializes in click chemistry, to carry out the first successful "proof-of-concept" study at the MU College of Veterinary Medicine. Doses of radiopharmaceuticals were delivered specifically to the tumors in five dogs weighing more than 100 pounds and suffering from bone cancer using click chemistry. Bryan has spent nearly two decades studying veterinary and comparative oncology. He claimed that some dogs with one known bone tumor have additional bone tumors hidden within their skeleton. Another advantage of studies involving imaging scans and click chemistry is the ability to determine whether additional cancer tumors are present in a dog's skeleton and affect its health. The MU College of Veterinary Medicine, which received more than $14 million in federal research funding from the National Institutes of Health last year, is home to cancer clinical trials that draw people and their pets from California, Florida, New York, and other states across the country. While this was a successful "proof-of-concept" imaging study involving click chemistry, Bryan's long-term goal is to develop a therapy involving radiopharmaceuticals, potentially involving an antibody-targeting molecule, to treat dogs with bone cancer that may not be well enough for other surgical treatments. Bryan will collaborate with ELIAS Animal Health in 2020 to develop a precision medicine approach (a vaccine derived from a dog's tumor) to target and kill cancer cells in dogs suffering from osteosarcoma. Because of the treatment's success in dogs, the Food and Drug Administration granted ELIAS Animal Health's parent company, TVAX Biomedical, a rare fast-track designation to study the ELIAS immunotherapy approach to treat glioblastoma multiforme, a cancerous brain tumor in humans. The last dog in that study died a few weeks ago, five years after their initial diagnosis of bone cancer, and the dog never relapsed, so the dog was able to live the rest of its life cancer-free thanks to the immunotherapy, Bryan said. Also Read: Oldest Human Cancer Found in 1.7-Million-Year-Old Bone What is osteosarcoma in dogs? Osteosarcoma is a type of aggressive bone cancer. It is the most common type of primary bone cancer in dogs, and it usually starts in the leg, as per The Pet Oncologist. Large dog breeds are disproportionately affected by this cancer. Although osteosarcoma is serious cancer, the vast majority of dogs can be significantly helped with treatment. Most dogs with bone cancer in the leg will have a limp and swelling in the bone, which can lead to misdiagnosis as a soft tissue injury or orthopedic problem. Cancer in the leg is excruciatingly painful because small fractures and bleeding put pressure on the sensitive nerve endings on the affected bone's surface. Sometimes the fractures are more severe, resulting in a broken leg that cannot be repaired (called a pathological fracture). Amputation is the most effective treatment for cancer of the leg in the vast majority of dogs and will relieve the pain caused by bone cancer while also preventing the leg from breaking. Because amputation does not stop the spread of cancer, a therapy that can reach the lungs and other body sites are required to prevent or delay the spread of these cancers. Chemotherapy after amputation is the most important advancement and gold standard treatment for osteosarcoma in dogs, as it can slow the spread of cancer, dramatically improve life expectancy, and, in some cases, result in a cure. Related article: Oldest Tumor Ever Discovered Demonstrates Cancer's Threat Even 120,000 Years Ago Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy and windy. A few showers this afternoon. High near 60F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Windy with rain showers early then partly cloudy overnight. Low 23F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Higher wind gusts possible. For more than four decades, doctors have been split on whether giving steroids during a pediatric open-heart surgery could be helpful for post-operative recovery. A new study is providing a bit more clarity, suggesting there are some benefits for certain kinds of patients. Led by Duke Health researchers, the study was the largest trial designed to resolve the long-standing issue. More than 1,200 infants with heart disease were enrolled at 24 U.S. centers, with roughly half randomly assigned to receive steroids prior to heart surgeries, and the other half randomized to receive a placebo. The main focus was whether prophylactic steroid use reduced any of more than a dozen complications, including death and heart transplant, compared to a placebo. In the primary analysis, the researchers found no differences in the two groups, but steroid use was associated with elevated blood-sugar levels that required insulin therapy in some cases. Results showed 19% of participants using steroids required insulin therapy, compared to 8% in the placebo group. However, like many trials, the results were more nuanced and secondary analyses showed that some children might benefit. The findings appear Nov. 6 in the New England Journal of Medicine and are being presented at the American Heart Association's 2022 Scientific Sessions. Lead author of the study, Kevin Hill, M.D., a member of the Duke Clinical Research Institute and chief of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology at Duke University School of Medicine, described the nuances of the study. Secondary results suggested that patients with less complex cases might be the ones who do better with steroids. Steroids reduce inflammation, and their benefit may be highest in children undergoing less complex procedures where inflammation is manageable. But when you have the most complicated patients with severe inflammation affecting multiple organ systems, using steroids is like throwing a glass of water on a forest fire, and they seem to have less impact." Kevin Hill, M.D., member of the Duke Clinical Research Institute and chief of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology at Duke University School of Medicine Jennifer S. Li, M.D., is the senior author of the paper and a professor in the departments of Pediatrics and Medicine at Duke. She says there's a need for further study. "We need to hone in on the patients who can actually benefit most from steroid use and develop a targeted approach to using this medicine, so that we maximize its benefit and minimize adverse effects," Li said. Duke Clinical Research Institute performed the trial administration, data management and statistical analyses. The study was performed as a "trial within a registry" leveraging the infrastructure of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database to conduct a low cost, pragmatic trial. In addition to Hill and Li, study authors include, Prince J. Kannankeril, Jeffrey P. Jacobs, H. Scott Baldwin, Marshall L. Jacobs, Sean M. O'Brien, David P. Bichel, Eric M. Graham, Brian Blasiole, Ashraf Resheidat, Adil S. Husain, S. Ram Kumar, Jerry L. Kirchner, Dianne S. Gallup, Joseph W. Turek, Mark Bleiweis, Bret Mettler, Alexis Benscoter, Eric Wald, Tara Karamlou, Andrew H Van Bergen, David Overman, Pirooz Eghtesady, Ryan Butts, John S. Kim, John P. Scott, Brett R. Anderson, Michael F. Swartz, Patrick I. McConnell, David F. Vener, and the STRESS Network Investigators. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Centers for Advancing Translational Sciences (U01TR-001803-01, U24TR-001608-03) and from the Eunice Kennedy Schriver National Institutes for Child Health and Human Development (U18FD-006298-02). Previous research has indicated the reverse transmission of various zoonotic pathogens from humans to animals as a global concern. Furthermore, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on 6th July 2022 stated that while occasional occurrences of COVID-19 in domestic or zoo animals show little long-term consequence, infections at wildlife population levels indicate the possibility of further evolution of the virus in animals and a future reintroduction of the virus into humans at a later date. Therefore, identifying the risk of SARS-CoV-2s establishment in the wild mammal population is essential. Research Letter: Serologic Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Wild Rodents, Europe. Image Credit: Rudmer Zwerver / Shutterstock Wild rodents are suspected to be more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most often, infection results in no or minor detectable disease, although shedding of the virus takes place 4 to 7 days post-infection and can be spread to naive rodents. This could lead to broad circulation, reverse transmission, and long-term establishment of SARS-CoV-2 among the rodent population. The joint United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and OIE (FAO-OIE) Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Evolution in Animals suggested that a large surveillance study of rodent populations exposed to humans is required to close a significant gap in SARS-CoV-2 research. Experiments have indicated that the detection of antibodies takes place for several weeks or longer following the infection of rodents with SARS-CoV-2. However, the shedding of the virus takes place for only a few days. In addition, a recent survey in Hong Kong reported Norway rats to be seropositive for SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, more extensive surveillance studies are required in other habitats, continents, and non-commensal rodent species considering their high ubiquity and biodiversity. A new study published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal conducted a large-scale serologic survey of SARS-CoV-2 in multiple rodent species to determine the reverse transmission of SARS-Cov-2 and its establishment in wild rodents across different settings. About the study The study involved sampling 1,202 rodents and 35 Soricidae shrews from 8 urban parks and 23 forest sites across 5 European countries (Poland, Germany, France, Belgium, and Ireland). This was followed by an assessment of the SARS-CoV-2 serologic status of each rodent using an infected cell-based immunofluorescent assay (IFA). SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR was also used to confirm infection. Study findings The results reported one IFA-positive rodent, which was observed to be a wood mouse sampled from an urban park in Belgium. However, no neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were detected in the wood mouse. Moreover, the RT-qPCR results of 59 rodents sampled from the same area were observed to be negative. Therefore, the current study demonstrates no significant evidence of the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among rodents in northern Europe. A similar observation has also been reported from Hong Kong, which has denser human and larger rodent populations. Thus no evidence of widespread SARS-CoV-2 circulation has been reported among rodents to date. Thought Leaders Ms. Anita Kouvahey-Eklu Deputy Country Director Integrate Health In this interview we speak to Ms. Anita Kouvahey-Eklu, a recent Heroines of Health award winner, about her work in addressing gender inequalities within healthcare. Please can you introduce yourself and tell us what inspired your career in women's health? My name is Anita Kouvahey-Eklu, and I'm a medical provider, advocate, and activist for LGBTQIA+ and women's rights. I started my career as a physician's assistant over 20 years ago at a health center in Kouve, located in the Yoto district in Togo. This is where I first started delivering reproductive health and HIV/AIDs care. I have been fighting for reproductive justice and against HIV ever since. I aim to empower women to make their own decisions about their health, ensuring that no women die while giving birth. Women currently account for 70% of the health workforce globally but are often left out of decision-making, demonstrating that women deliver health, but do not lead it. As a woman in health, what are some of the biggest challenges women currently face when starting a career in health? In Togo, women are not allowed to make their own decisions about their bodies or health. They can only act upon their husbands' approval. In this context, it is extremely difficult for women even to consider starting a career in health. I launched a reproductive health program deploying the very first female Community Health Workers in remote areas of Togo. When they first start working in their communities, we know they face strong gender bias and skepticism that women cannot do this kind of work. But after some time, the community realizes how big of an asset they are and how efficient they are. At Integrate Health, we emphasize the recruitment of women as Community Health Workers to provide them with the opportunity to enter this field. These women, as they walk around in their neighborhood, are the symbol and proof that women can work in health. They contribute to breaking the patriarchal structures and other women that they can take back agency over their own health. Image Credit: How will the recognization of gender inequalities in the health workforce help to improve global health security? Health is an inalienable right that should not be linked to gender. Unfortunately, in our countries, access to quality health care for women is not given and remains a real challenge. The most visible impact of this inequality is the high maternal mortality rate, which is often not regarded with as much importance as it should be. It is up to civil society organizations that are aware of this inequality to support governments by advocating for the implementation of targeted strategies. Only then can global health security improve. You recently received a Heroine of Health Award by Women in Global Health for your contributions and achievements. Please can you tell us about the work you are involved with that led to this award? After my experience at the health center in Kouve, I launched a reproductive health program deploying women as Community Health Workers in remote areas of Togo to deliver community-based distribution of contraception, HIV screening, and treatment. Programs like these decreased the HIV prevalence in Togo to 1.9%. Today, I'm working with the Ministry of Health to help them achieve Universal Health Coverage goals. Additionally, I train police officers about abortions so they can inform and support women, support the rollout of sex education programming in schools across the country, and advise several LGBTQIA+ organizations working throughout West Africa in my free time. Heroines of Health 2022: Leading Change Play What does this award mean to you? A lot. First of all, it shows recognition to all women who work in the shadows for the well-being of families. Secondly, it brings attention to the fact that we must do better as long as we have the strength and tenacity to keep going. It also recognizes the efforts of many years of sacrifices and fights. Finally, it is a great inspiration. It reminds us that somewhere, someone is laughing and happy about having access to free healthcare. Our fight makes the world a better place. These awards have been set out to highlight incredible women who are the backbone of global health systems but are traditionally unrecognized. As an advocate for equality, how important is it to showcase all the incredible women that work to make the world a better place, and what more should governments and policymakers be doing to support women in health? In my opinion, it's not about shedding light on the person, but on her incredible work and achievements. This is what people should be amazed about. Reaching out to a fellow human being in a situation of illness is to value the human person. To smile at a person in a situation of distress, discrimination or stigmatization is to remake the world with the forgotten values of generosity, active listening, and empathy. Governments must rewrite programs to integrate the notion of gender, promote women's access to education and give them more responsibility and the opportunity to participate in decision-making fully. You have been championing LGBTQIA+ rights, women's rights, and Universal Health Coverage for over 20 years. How important was it to you to raise awareness for equal rights, and what role does education play in accelerating equality? It's crucial to provide information and education about gender, sexuality, diversity, inclusion, confidence, acceptance, and self-esteem from a young age. Through this education, when these young people grow up, they understand the importance of self-care and making their own health decisions. They are more likely to seek appropriate care when they need it. But they also become more empathetic and accepting individuals, leading to more equality. At the same time, I've seen many people from the LGBTQIA+ communities struggling with discrimination and being rejected. That rejection not only comes from the outside, from society but also from the inside. They do not accept who they are. It's very difficult to understand what they are going through and what puts them more at risk from a health and economic perspective. That's why they need support, and that's why I'm involved in several organizations across the region. We try to support them in reaching health and economic independence. I was recently in Burkina Faso to organize a large 'university' with different educational modules for exactly that purpose. Image Credit: Maxim Studio/Shutterstock.com Throughout your career, what has been your proudest achievement? During my career, I encountered a lot of suffering. In general, women bear the high cost of that suffering; sometimes, they open up and let it show. What I am most proud of having succeeded in setting up a unit for the care of people living with HIV with the Togolese Association for Family Welfare, an organization dedicated to infected women called "Association Sauvons le Monde." In fact, in 2003, when I started fighting against HIV, it was very difficult to tell a person what they were suffering from after a test. The road was tumultuous, but now, when I meet someone we tested back in 2003 who is alive and well thanks to the collaboration of a multidisciplinary and supportive team, I say bravo, we did it!!!! Are you hopeful that with continued awareness and support for women in health, we will one day see these women taking on higher, better-paid roles? What would this mean for global equality? Yes, things must and will change. It is the law of nature, a wheel that turns. Perceptions are now changing. The woman of yesterday, perceived as the inferior being, now is a partner for action and development. This must be further incorporated into laws to guarantee women's rights. And actions must be taken to allow women to assert themselves and empower them to take their destiny into their own hands. How will the improvement of awareness surrounding women in health subsequently impact younger generations of women? Why is it important to inspire young women to start a career in health? Our countries are still marked with high rates of infant mortality. This challenge calls for a greater contribution from midwives and community health workers. The younger generations of women have their place in tackling this challenge. Image Credit: Hector Conesa/Shutterstock.com What is next for you and your work? Continue the fight for universal access to quality care through my daily work at Integrate Health. To share my experiences with younger generations and to advise civil society organizations working in the field of social justice to focus on minority programs. Where can readers find more information? Blog article written by Integrate Health Profile by Women in Global Health Recent feature article written by Anita About Ms. Anita Kouvahey-Eklu Mrs. Anita KOUVAHEY-EKLU holds a diploma of Superior Health Technician with a medical option. She spent 23 years as a medical provider and then as a manager of programs and community projects at the Togolese Association for Family Welfare (ATBEF). In her position, she was able to set up an HIV unit and an efficient program for the provision of contraceptive services, including the injection of DMPA-IM and DMPA-SC by CHWs. Recently she joined Integrate Health as Deputy Country Director, where she participates in the Partnership's Community-Based Health Systems Strengthening program with different strategies. Birth control options have improved over the decades. Oral contraceptives are now safer, with fewer side effects. Intrauterine devices can prevent pregnancy 99.6% of the time. But no prescription drug or medical device works flawlessly, and people's use of contraception is inexact. "No one walks into my office and says, 'I plan on missing a pill,'" said obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Mitchell Creinin. "There is no such thing as perfect use, we are all real-life users," said Creinin, a professor at the University of California-Davis who wrote a widely used textbook that details contraceptive failure rates. Even when the odds of contraception failure are small, the number of incidents can add up quickly. More than 47 million women of reproductive age in the United States use contraception and, depending on the birth control method, hundreds of thousands of unplanned pregnancies can occur each year. With most abortions outlawed in at least 13 states and legal battles underway in others, contraceptive failures now carry bigger stakes for tens of millions of Americans. Researchers distinguish between the perfect use of birth control, when a method is used consistently and correctly every time, and typical use, when a method is used in real-life circumstances. No birth control, short of a complete female sterilization, has a 0.00% failure rate. The failure rate for typical use of birth control pills is 7%. For every million women taking pills, 70,000 unplanned pregnancies could occur in a year. According to the most recent data available, more than 6.5 million women ages 15 to 49 use oral contraceptives, leading to about 460,000 unplanned pregnancies. Even seemingly minuscule failure rates of IUDs and birth control implants can lead to surprises. An intrauterine device releases a hormone that thickens the mucus on the cervix. Sperm hit the brick wall of mucus and are unable to pass through the barrier. Implants are matchstick-sized plastic rods placed under the skin, which send a steady, low dose of hormone into the body that also thickens the cervical mucus and prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg. But not always. The hormonal IUD and implants fail to prevent pregnancy 0.1% to 0.4% of the time. Some 4.8 million women use IUDs or implants in the U.S., leading to as many as 5,000 to 20,000 unplanned pregnancies a year. "We've had women come through here for abortions who had an IUD, and they were the one in a thousand," said Gordon Low, a nurse practitioner at the Planned Parenthood in Little Rock. Abortion has been outlawed in Arkansas since the Supreme Court's ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization in late June. The only exception is when a patient's death is considered imminent. Those stakes are the new backdrop for couples making decisions about which form of contraception to choose or calculating the chances of pregnancy. Another complication is the belief among many that contraceptives should work all the time, every time. "In medicine, there is never anything that is 100%," said Dr. Regine Sitruk-Ware, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Population Council, a nonprofit research organization. All sorts of factors interfere with contraceptive efficacy, said Sitruk-Ware. Certain medications for HIV and tuberculosis and the herbal supplement St. John's wort can disrupt the liver's processing of birth control pills. A medical provider might insert an IUD imprecisely into the uterus. Emergency contraception, including Plan B, is less effective in women weighing more than 165 pounds because the hormone in the medication is weight-dependent. And life is hectic. "You may have a delay in taking your next pill," said Sitruk-Ware, or getting to the doctor to insert "your next vaginal ring." Using contraception consistently and correctly lessens the chance for a failure but Alina Salganicoff, KFF's director of women's health policy, said that for many people access to birth control is anything but dependable. Birth control pills are needed month after month, year after year, but "the vast majority of women can only get a one- to two-month supply," she said. Even vasectomies can fail. During a vasectomy, the surgeon cuts the tube that carries sperm to the semen. The procedure is one of the most effective methods of birth control the failure rate is 0.15% and avoids the side effects of hormonal birth control. But even after the vas deferens is cut, cells in the body can heal themselves, including after a vasectomy. "If you get a cut on your finger, the skin covers it back up," said Creinin. "Depending on how big the gap is and how the procedure is done, that tube may grow back together, and that's one of the ways in which it fails." Researchers are testing reversible birth control methods for men, including a hormonal gel applied to the shoulders that suppresses sperm production. Among the 350 participants in the trial and their partners, so far zero pregnancies have occurred. It's expected to take years for the new methods to reach the market and be available to consumers. Meanwhile, vasectomies and condoms remain the only contraception available for men, who remain fertile for much of their lives. At 13%, the typical-use failure rate of condoms is among the highest of birth control methods. Condoms play a vital role in stopping the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, but they are often misused or tear. The typical-use failure rate means that for 1 million couples using condoms, 130,000 unplanned pregnancies could occur in one year. Navigating the failure rates of birth control medicines and medical devices is just one aspect of preventing pregnancy. Ensuring a male sexual partner uses a condom can require negotiation or persuasion skills that can be difficult to navigate, said Jennifer Evans, an assistant teaching professor and health education specialist at Northeastern University. Historically, women have had little to no say in whether to engage in sexual intercourse and limited autonomy over their bodies, complicating sexual-negotiation skills today, said Evans. Part of Evans' research focuses on men who coerce women into sex without a condom. One tactic known as "stealthing" is when a man puts on a condom but then removes it either before or during sexual intercourse without the other person's knowledge or consent. "In a lot of these stealthing cases women don't necessarily know the condom has been used improperly," said Evans. "It means they can't engage in any kind of preventative behaviors like taking a Plan B or even going and getting an abortion in a timely manner." Evans has found that heterosexual men who engage in stealthing often have hostile attitudes toward women. They report that sex without a condom feels better or say they do it "for the thrill of engaging in a behavior they know is not OK," she said. Evans cautions women who suspect a sexual partner will not use a condom correctly to not have sex with that person. "The consequences were already severe before," said Evans, "but now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned, they're even more right now." This story is a collaboration between KHN and Science Friday. Listen to the conversation between KHN senior correspondent Sarah Varney and Science Friday producer Shoshannah Buxbaum. In a recent study published in the Molecular Psychiatry journal, researchers assessed the role of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. Peripheral diseases include Guillain-Barre syndrome, muscle injury resembling myositis, and, most significantly, almost 65% of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients reported hyposmia, which is a common pre-motor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD). Additionally, studies are now determining the association between SARS-CoV-2 infections and PD in light of documented cases of PD associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the mechanism via which SARS-CoV-2 could raise the risk of manifestation of PD and other neurological problems, as well as how COVID-19 might affect synucleinopathy, is not yet identified. About the study In the present study, researchers employed a human monocyte-derived microglia (MDMi) cellular model to examine inflammasome activation observed against SARS-CoV-2 and its spike protein and the expression of microglial NLRP3 inflammasome in the brain following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The team infected female K18 human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) mice with an early clinical isolate of the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain to assess the virus' impact on the brain. Up to 12 days post-infection (dpi), body weights, clinical scores, and survival rates were documented. Subsequently, a nanobody that detected divergent SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as the Wu strain, was employed to examine the brains of infected mice with six dpi. NLRP3 expression was then estimated by immunofluorescence to ascertain whether inflammasome activation occurred after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The potential contribution of SARS-CoV-2 to the promotion of inflammasome activation within the human microglia was also examined. To obtain adult microglia, MDMi was produced. The team confirmed that, compared to monocyte-derived macrophages, the developed MDMi strongly expressed the common microglia hallmark markers, including P2RY12 and TMEM119. The release of infectious viral particles following infection was estimated using multiplicity of infection (MOI) values of 1 and 0.1 to assess whether these MDMi supported SARS-CoV-2 replication. The MDMi cells were exposed to SARS-CoV-2, and important inflammasome activation signals were estimated to investigate the activation of microglial inflammasomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The MOI of 1 Wuhan isolate was incubated with MDMi or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed cells. Immunocytochemistry and Western blot were used to identify signs of inflammasome activation 24 hours after infection. Next, the team tested whether spike protein could directly activate inflammasomes in human microglia. Neuroscience eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today The team created a low endotoxin S-clamp and a control trimeric fusion protein (F-clamp) derived from the Nipah virus. These proteins were verified using sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), size exclusion chromatography, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to further understand the mechanism of inflammasome activation by SARS-CoV-2. Results The team detected widespread viral spread in the parenchymal brain cells of infected mice. Ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1) staining for the pan-microglia/macrophage protein also showed morphological changes indicating microglial activation in brains infected with SARS-CoV-2. When stained for the particular microglial marker TMEM119, SARS-CoV-2-infected brains revealed retracted and thickened TMEM119-positive cell processes along with large cell bodies, indicative of microglial activation. Furthermore, co-staining with anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein showed that the virus was present in the vicinity of these activated microglia. qPCR further verified the participation of inflammasomes in SARS-CoV-2-infected brains, with significant overexpression of caspase-1, Aif1 (Iba1), and pycard (ASC). Overall, these investigations demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice activated the microglia and upregulated the inflammasome components of NLRP3. Inflammasome activation was induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection in MDMi, as evidenced by cleaved interleukin (IL)-1 release in the cells' supernatant after exposure to the Wuhan strain. This supported the inflammasome's activation by correlating with rising levels of cleaved caspase-1. ASC speck formation, a biological indicator of inflammasome activation, supported these findings. Both Wuhan-treated MDMi and nigericin (Nig)-activated LPS-primed cells used as positive control showed increased ASC speck staining. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 exposure could instantly activate the inflammasome in MDMi without priming, indicating that the virus can prime and activate the inflammasome. Using size-exclusion chromatography, the team confirmed that most of the S-clamp and F-clamp proteins were present in their trimeric form and maintained reactivity as measured by the binding of crucial LPS-induced antibodies. These proteins had disintegrated after the LPS wash-out but had been re-induced by the viral spike protein. This showed that the spike protein primed and activated the inflammasome. The team also noted that compared to a control protein such as NCAM-FcM, which was generated similarly to hACE2-FcM, the human ACE2 protein prevented SARS-CoV-2 entry with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 39 g/mL into the Vero E6 cells. In contrast to CO5 and nigericin, pre-treating LPS-primed MDMi with 3E8 reduced IL-1-beta production following activation with S-clamp. This indicated that spike-ACE2 interaction particularly contributed to inflammasome activation in microglia. Further research is needed, but this is potentially a new approach to treating a virus that could otherwise have untold long-term health ramifications. Overall, the study findings established that SARS-CoV-2 and its spike protein could prime and activate the NLRP3 inflammasome present in human microglia. This highlighted the potential COVID-19 risk factor in manifesting neurodegeneration and PD. When Susie Talevski sued the agency that managed her elderly father's care before he died, she hoped to get justice for her family. She did not expect the case would grow into a national bellwether. A ruling against her could strip millions of vulnerable Americans of their power to hold states accountable when they do not receive benefits allowed by law. "This case has taken on, really, a life of its own way beyond what I could have foreseen," said Talevski, a resident of Valparaiso, Indiana. Talevski filed a lawsuit in 2019 alleging that her father's rights were violated at a nursing home where he lived to get care for his dementia. "He went from being able to walk and talk to not being able to move," Talevski said. "[The nursing facility] treated my dad like trash, like a dog. In fact, dogs are treated better than that." In court filings, the Talevski family claims that Gorgi Talevski was overmedicated to keep him asleep, his dementia wasn't properly managed, and he was involuntarily transferred to different facilities hours away from the family's home, which accelerated his decline. Her father died a year ago, in October. Talevski sued the Health and Hospital Corp. of Marion County, the public health agency in Indiana that owns the nursing facility. The agency, known as HHC, declined to comment on the case but has denied any wrongdoing. In court documents, it argued that Gorgi Talevski was violent and sexually aggressive, which affected his care. It tried to dismiss the case, saying Talevski didn't have the right to sue. But federal courts said the lawsuit could move forward. So, the public health agency made an unexpected move. It took the case to the nation's highest court and posed a sweeping question: Should people who depend on initiatives funded in part by the federal government such as Medicaid and programs that provide services for nutrition, housing, and disabilities be allowed to sue states when they believe their rights have been violated? A ruling in favor of the HHC could mean millions of Americans who rely on federal assistance programs would lose that right. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on Nov. 8. "The reach of an adverse decision would be catastrophic," said Jane Perkins, an attorney at the National Health Law Program. "It would leave these programs really standing out there without a true enforcement mechanism." HHC of Marion County owns and operates 78 skilled nursing facilities across Indiana in a public-private partnership with American Senior Communities. The answer to the question of whether people who depend on federal assistance programs can sue over rights violations has been settled precedent for decades, said Perkins, who has litigated numerous civil rights cases for Medicaid beneficiaries. For that reason, she was shocked when she learned the Supreme Court had chosen to hear this case. The Supreme Court is asked to review nearly 7,000 cases each year and they often agree to look at only 1%-2% of them. Perkins said she sees parallels between this case and the recent Supreme Court decision that overturned the constitutional right to an abortion. "The idea that the court would accept this case and accept that question of whether you can ever enforce these laws is of concern," Perkins said. "The recent court decisions Dobbs in the abortion context coming to mind shows the court is willing to set aside precedent." Since the Supreme Court agreed to look at the case, at least 25 entities have filed amicus briefs, which provide courts information from people not directly involved in a case. Most have sided with the Talevskis including members of Congress like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Whip James Clyburn, AARP, American Cancer Network, American Public Health Association, and Children's Health Care Providers and Advocates. Marion County HHC will be represented by Lawrence Robbins, who has argued 19 cases before the Supreme Court and represented Christine Blasey Ford during the confirmation hearing of Justice Brett Kavanagh. Talevski will be represented by Andrew Tutt of Arnold & Porter. Recently, Tutt argued and won a case before the Supreme Court that safeguarded the reemployment rights of thousands of veterans and service members. Programs that rely on federal money flowing from Congress to states, like Medicaid, typically come with a set of provisions or requirements that states are supposed to follow to receive and use the funds. Civil rights lawsuits are one of the primary enforcement mechanisms beneficiaries of those programs have to hold state agencies accountable if the agencies violate their rights or fail to provide entitled services. There are other means of oversight, which supporters of the Indiana state agency's petition tout as viable alternatives to lawsuits. One is federal monitoring by the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency can investigate and threaten to withhold funding from state programs that fail to comply with federal provisions. But this usually involves lengthy legal processes that can be counterproductive, stalling benefits to individual patients, instead of helping them. "If [HHS] tries to turn off the money, the state could take them to court immediately and get an injunction," arguing that the ceasing of federal funds would cause irreparable harm, said Sara Rosenbaum, a professor of health law and policy at George Washington University. "People [would be] left totally without their benefits, or the providers are left totally without their payments." Former senior HHS officials say that federal oversight is far from sufficient and that civil rights lawsuits remain a crucial enforcement mechanism. Private enforcement through lawsuits is indispensable for nursing home residents, they say, especially in places like Indiana where the state owns the most nursing homes. The former officials said in a court brief that a decision in favor of HHC would potentially raise the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse of Medicaid funds, leading to widespread underenforcement and leaving "millions of individuals, providers, and other beneficiaries more vulnerable to violations of their statutory rights." Nearly 83 million Americans, a quarter of the U.S. population, are enrolled in Medicaid. This means HHS oversees more than half a trillion dollars in spending across all states and U.S. territories and the federal agency, the former officials argue, lacks the logistical and practical capacity to "meaningfully remedy individual violations in many cases." Indiana's Attorney General, Todd Rokita, is among allies publicly supporting the state's perspective. Rokita, in a court brief filed along with 21 other Republican attorneys general, said civil rights lawsuits burden states and cripple them with legal expenses, just to line the pockets of attorneys rather than benefit Medicaid enrollees. "The state has litigated 1,200 civil rights cases just in the last three years," Rokita said in a written statement. Legal experts told Side Effects that the number Rokita cites is highly misleading because it lumps together all civil rights lawsuits, not just those that have to do with federal entitlement programs, which are at the heart of this case. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of HHC, lawsuits like a 2015 case that won Medicaid recipients the right to an expensive hepatitis C drug may not be possible in the future, said Emily Munson, an attorney with the advocacy group Indiana Disability Rights. When states tried to cap the benefits of people with disabilities in Indiana and across the nation, civil rights lawsuits have helped patients gain access to things like in-home support with day-to-day tasks, known as attendant care. Munson has litigated similar cases. She has a disability herself, and the prospect of a Supreme Court decision in favor of Marion County terrifies her. "I rely on Medicaid for attendant care, for wheelchair repairs," Munson said, "and losing the ability to go to federal court if need be is very scary." During the latest HHC board of trustees meeting in mid-October, the monumental case was absent from the agenda. But when the meeting opened for public comment, state representatives, patients, and advocates seized the opportunity to voice their concerns. They had one demand for the agency: withdraw its Supreme Court petition. State Rep. Robin Shackleford, an Indianapolis Democrat, and others in the legislature have been vocal about their concerns. Shackleford said many of her constituents are on Medicaid and SNAP, the Department of Agriculture's supplemental nutrition program. They would be horrified if they knew the board was the driver behind removing their rights," Shackleford said. This story is part of a partnership that includes Side Effects Public Media a public health news initiative based at WFYI, NPR and KHN. AMES, Iowa Nov. 7, 2022 The Federal Recreational Trails Program Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting Thursday, Nov. 10, at the Iowa Department of Transportation's main complex at 800 Lincoln Way in Ames. The meeting will be held in the South Conference Room, immediately inside the main entrance. Interested parties may attend the meeting in person or via the Microsoft Teams meeting link or live audio may be accessed via telephone by dialing 515-817-6093 and using conference ID 685 033 814#. The link will be active shortly before the meeting and discontinued immediately after the meeting ends. Federal Recreational Trails Program Advisory Committee Public Meeting 1:30 p.m. Welcome and introductions 1:35 p.m. Program overview and apportionments 1:40 p.m. Application, guidance, and scoring criteria 1:50 p.m. Questions 2:00 p.m. Adjourn Contact: Scott Flagg, Iowa Department of Transportation, at 515-239-1252 scott.flagg@iowadot.us. Iowa DOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other nondiscrimination statutes. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact the Civil Rights Bureau by email at civil.rights@iowadot.us. # Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High near -15F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low -16F. Winds light and variable. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Reported by Zahra Ayaz I ran is undoubtedly the biggest security threat in the region and there has to be unified efforts to tackle the rogue regime, a leading Israeli strategist and defence studies academician has opined. During an exclusive interaction with The Daily Tribune, Dan Schueftan, an Israeli academic and chairman of the National Security Studies Center at the University of Haifa, the rising influence of Iran in the region offers direct threat to both GCC nations and Israel. Today, Israel is in a difficult situation with Iran, not only because Iran directly threatens Israel, but also because Iran dominates the entire region, and if Iran succeeds in dominating the region, it will be bad not only for the country securing the Middle East, but also dangerous to Israel. Ignorant is the most difficult challenge. Israel is in a better position than before because it is recognised around the world, particularly in the Middle East, so if Israel works with Middle Eastern countries, it will try to prevent Iran from jeopardising the region. Mr. Dan said Israel has always upheld democratic values. To the best of my knowledge, Israel is a unique situation, and it is the only democratic open society that is bringing war for generations. The question is how one can survive in extremely difficult circumstances while maintaining a democratic and open system in which people can freely express themselves; we have both experience in bringing together the toughest and softest times. On the one hand, you must be tough enough to survive while also being soft enough to ensure that your survival has meaning and that you survive as an open, vibrant society from which others can learn. Highlighting the growing bilateral ties between Israel and Bahrain, he said: We have a common interest in strengthening our bilateral ties because of Israels needs, and Bahrain can have a positive impact on Israels needs. This means that we can come to Bahrain and learn, and you can come to Israel and learn, and we can maintain a good relationship and be willing to cooperate. Mr. Dan opined that Palestinian peace roadmap, at the moment, seems to be a tough task. When it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, unfortunately, I do not see any way out. The reason is that the Palestinian leaders are unwilling to accept any compromise. We tried to approach them again and again, but the Palestinians rejected each time. Personally, I believe that no one is willing to take a risk, and that no leaders are currently willing to take the risk of promoting such an approach, so there is no road to peace being established, he added. Mr. Dan also spoke briefly about Russias aggressive move in Ukraine, saying, I think the war in Ukraine taught people in Europe and the United States that Putin is not the best at this job, and also a barbaric aggressor, and since Putin is currently pursuing the war against Ukraine, the best we can do is help the Ukrainians defend themselves, and we need to make sure this kind of barbaric war doesnt happen again. When asked about whether the transition to a multipolar world could lead to more or fewer conflicts, Mr. Dan responded, I am very much aware of what may happen if Chinese control the reality in the world order, remember China today is the most totalitarian system ever existed inside China, imposing its policies in a most sophisticated way. I think people who want to live in freedom should be very much concerned about whats happening inside China, you know, because its the most totalitarian system ever existed inside, he continued. I dont believe a change in the world order will promote freedom; I would prefer to keep American control. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) Board of Directors welcomed the positive outcomes of its intensified inspection campaigns in strengthening government efforts to address illegal practices in the labour market, tightening dealing with violating employers and workers, and addressing irregular employment. Labour Minister Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan gave a detailed report about LMRAs efforts, programmes and achievements as he chaired yesterday the boards sixth regular meeting virtually, in the presence of LMRA Chief Executive Officer Noof Abdulrahman Jamsheer and members. The panel affirmed the LMRAs keenness to create a competitive, fair and stable work environment that ensures the rights of all parties, which will enhance their contributions to the comprehensive development process, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. They also commended the order of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to revoke the Flexi permit, register all expatriate workers in partnership with the private sector, intensify inspection campaigns and toughen measures against violators, be it workers or employers, as well as link work permits to vocational and occupational standards to increase safety and protections in places of work, in addition to the provision of the appropriate environment for workers that takes into account their rights and increases the effectiveness of their role in economic development. Partnership Jamsheer said that the launch of the registration system of workers coincided with the beginning of a new phase of partnership between the public and private sectors to develop the labour market and address any potential obstacles in the work environment, noting that both the government and private sectors share the same goals of achieving sustainable economic development and maintaining the stability of the labour market within a system that ensures fairness, competitiveness and flexibility that meets the requirements of the market. She reviewed LMRAs plan to intensify inspection campaigns and toughen measures against violators, in partnership with the Interior Ministry and the relevant authorities, stressing LMRAs keenness to deal firmly with all violations of its rules. The LMRA Chief Executive also highlighted LMRAs strategic plans aimed at developing the work environment for workers and employers. Agencies | Sharm El Sheikh The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today arrived in the Arab Republic of Egypt to attend, on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), held in Sharm El Sheikh, from 6 to 18 November. His Royal Highness gave a statement in which he expressed his pleasure in visiting Egypt, and highlighted the strength of bilateral ties between both countries. His Royal Highness then conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, HE Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as well as His Majestys wishes for a successful conference that will strengthen international cooperation on climate change. His Royal Highness affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain's commitment to further bolstering Bahrain-Egypt relations and noted the Kingdoms pride in Egypt's championing of common Arab interests. HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad went on to commend the progress and development experienced by Egypt, under the leadership of HE El-Sisi. His Royal Highness highlighted the importance of COP27, which is taking place against a backdrop of global climate challenges that require innovative and collective international action to develop solutions that protect the environment. HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad wished Egypt every success in delivering this important global environmental event and expressed hope that the conference will bring renewed impetus and unity in addressing shared environmental challenges. On his arrival in Sharm El Sheikh, His Royal Highness was accompanied by the Minister of Finance and National Economy, HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Minister of Oil and Environment, Bahrain's Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, HE Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Daina, and the Minister of Sustainable Development, HE Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif. Agencies | Dodoma The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The death toll from Sunday's plane crash in Lake Victoria in Tanzania has jumped to 19, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said, after the Precision Air flight with dozens of passengers aboard plunged into water while approaching the northwestern city of Bukoba. "All Tanzanians are with you in mourning the 19 people who lost lives during this accident," Majaliwa told a crowd after arriving at Bukoba airport, where the flight had been scheduled to land from financial capital Dar es Salaam. Regional authorities and the airline earlier said that 26 survivors out of the 43 people on board flight PW 494 had been pulled to safety and taken to hospital in the lakeside city in Kagera region. It was not immediately clear if the 19 victims included rescuers who drowned or whether the 48-seater aircraft had more people on board than previously disclosed, a regional official said. "We are continuing to investigate, there is a possibility that two people were not onboard but died during the rescue effort," said Kagera regional commissioner Albert Chalamila. Precision Air, a publicly-listed company which is Tanzania's largest private airline, said it had dispatched rescuers to the scene. "An investigation team consisting of Precision Air technical staff and TAA (Tanzania Airports Authority) has also departed to join the rescue team on the ground," the airline said in a statement. "Precision Air sincerely understands the anxiety for confirmed information and will therefore do its best to issue more details," the company said. It said the aircraft was an ATR 42-500, manufactured by Toulouse-based Franco-Italian firm ATR. Video footage broadcast on local media showed the plane largely submerged as rescuers, including fishermen, waded through water to bring people to safety. Emergency workers attempted to lift the aircraft out of the water using ropes, assisted by cranes as residents also sought to help. President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her condolences to those affected by the accident. "Let's continue to be calm while the rescue operation continues as we pray to God to help us," she said on Twitter. The African Union Commission chair Moussa Faki Mahamat also shared his condolences, as did the secretary general of the regional East African Community bloc, Peter Mathuki. "Our hearts and prayers go to the families of passengers on-board a plane that crashed into Lake Victoria, with our full solidarity to the Government & people of #Tanzania," Faki wrote on Twitter. "The East African Community joins and sends our condolences to Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan, families and friends of all those who were affected by the Precision Air plane accident," Mathuki said, also on Twitter. Precision Air, which is partly owned by Kenya Airways, was founded in 1993 and operates domestic and regional flights as well as private charters to popular tourist destinations such as the Serengeti National Park and the Zanzibar archipelago. The accident comes five years after 11 people died when a plane belonging to safari company Coastal Aviation crashed in northern Tanzania. In March 2019, an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa to Nairobi plunged six minutes after take-off into a field southeast of the Ethiopian capital, killing all 157 people on board. In 2007, a Kenya Airways flight from the Ivory Coast city of Abidjan to Kenya's capital Nairobi crashed into a swamp after take-off, killing all 114 passengers. In 2000, another Kenya Airways flight from Abidjan to Nairobi crashed into the Atlantic Ocean minutes after take-off, killing 169 people while 10 survived. Agencies | Vtican City The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Pope Francis said on Sunday that women he has appointed in the Vatican have proved they can be better managers than men and that there was too much male chauvinism in the Roman Catholic Church and society at large. The pope made his comments during an airborne news conference on the plane returning to Rome from his four-day trip to Bahrain. "I have noticed that every time a woman is given a position (of responsibility) in the Vatican, things improve," he said. Francis was asked about the women at the forefront of protests in Iran, but he did not answer the question, pivoting to the topic of the role of women in general. Speaking of women he has appointed to managerial roles, he mentioned Sister Raffaella Petrini, the deputy governor of Vatican City, who is effectively the most powerful woman in the Vatican, in charge of some 2,000 employees. "Things have changed for the better," he said, referring to the management skills of Petrini, who was appointed last year. He also cited the impact of five women he appointed to a department that oversees Vatican finances. "This is a revolution because women know how the find the right way to go forward," he said. Francis condemned male chauvinism, acknowledging there was still too much of it around the world, including in his native Argentina. "Women are a gift. God did not create man and then give him a puppy dog to play with. He created man and woman," he said. "A society that is not capable of (allowing women to have greater roles) does not move forward." Francis has also appointed women as deputy foreign minister, director of the Vatican Museums, deputy head of the Vatican Press Office, as well as four women as councillors to the Synod of Bishops, which prepares major meetings. , Nov 07 ( Bloomberg ) - The father and son sentenced to serve time in a Japanese prison for smuggling Carlos Ghosn out of the country in a large musical-equipment case were transferred to the US a week ago, ending another chapter of the corporate saga involving the former chairman of Nissan Motor Co. and Renault SA. Michael Taylor, the father and a former US Green Beret, and his son Peter Taylor were imprisoned last year after they pleaded guilty to helping the auto industry executive flee trial in late 2019 and make his way to Beirut. Ghosn was arrested in Japan in 2018 on charges of underreporting income and other corporate crimes, which he has denied. The Federal Bureau of Prisons flew both out of Japan late in October after the two governments agreed to let them serve the remainder of their sentences in the US, according to Peter, who was released soon after arrival. Michael is set to be freed soon, pending procedural matters, he added. A call to a spokesperson for the Tokyo prosecutors office was unanswered on Saturday. With Ghosn out of reach Lebanon doesnt extradite its citizens the pairs situation became a proxy in Japan for Ghosn and his case. Greg Kelly, a former Nissan director who was detained on the same day as his boss, was exonerated of most charges and left Japan earlier this year. He is appealing the verdict. Michael Taylor received a sentence of two years while Peter Taylor was ordered to serve 20 months in prison. ... continue reading Sharm el Sheikh (PANA) Africa, which contributes less than 4% of greenhouse gas emissions, is willing to work with all partners so that the UN Climate Change Conference in Sharm el Sheikh (COP27) is not just another report on climate change, but an action in favour of climate in the interest of current and future generations GATINEAU QC, Nov. 6, 2022 /CNW/ - A federal by-election will be held on Monday, December 12, 2022 in the electoral district of MississaugaLakeshore ( Ontario ) to fill a vacancy in the House of Commons. in the electoral district of MississaugaLakeshore ( ) to fill a vacancy in the House of Commons. The Elections Canada office in MississaugaLakeshore will open soon. For complete information on the health and safety measures in place at Elections Canada locations, visit elections.ca. Canadian citizens who are at least 18 years old on election day are eligible to vote in MississaugaLakeshore if they: Live in MississaugaLakeshore. Their home address must be in the electoral district as of Monday, November 7, 2022 until election day, December 12, 2022 . Their home address must be in the electoral district as of until election day, . Are registered . Most Canadians who are eligible to vote are already registered in the National Register of Electors. To check if they are registered or register to vote, electors should use the Online Voter Registration Service at elections.ca, call us at 1-800-463-6868 or contact their Elections Canada office. They can also register in person at their polling station when they go to vote. . Most Canadians who are eligible to vote are already registered in the National Register of Electors. To check if they are registered or register to vote, electors should use the Online Voter Registration Service at elections.ca, call us at 1-800-463-6868 or contact their Elections Canada office. They can also register in person at their polling station when they go to vote. Show proof of their identity and address. There are many different pieces of ID that can be used to prove identity and address. The full list is available Electors can vote: At the Elections Canada office in MississaugaLakeshore, anytime between now and Tuesday, December 6 , 6:00 p.m. , At their assigned polling station, on advance polling days or election daythat is, on: Advance polling days: Friday, December 2 ; Saturday, December 3 ; Sunday, December 4 ; and Monday, December 5 Election day: Monday, December 12 ; ; ; and By special ballot: by applying online before Tuesday, December 6 , 6:00 p.m. , and returning their special ballot by mail or in person before polls close on election day , , and returning their special ballot by mail or in person before polls close on election day Elections Canada is following all provincial and local public health guidelines in MississaugaLakeshore and has put in place measures to protect electors, election workers and political participants. is following all provincial and local public health guidelines in MississaugaLakeshore and has put in place measures to protect electors, election workers and political participants. For more information, visit elections.ca or call us at 1-800-463-6868. Elections Canada is an independent, non-partisan agency that reports directly to Parliament. Subscribe to our news service at elections.ca. SOURCE Elections Canada For further information: Elections Canada Media Relations, [email protected] The first-of-its-kind study included 4000 Ontario paramedics over four years TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2022 /CNW/ - A new study funded by Heart & Stroke, and published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), suggests that using two defibrillators to deliver a sequential or "double" shock to the heart and switching standard pad positions by first responders could improve survival for those experiencing cardiac arrest. Dr. Sheldon Cheskes, a Heart & Stroke funded researcher, and Professor of Emergency Medicine in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto, and his team conducted the four-year trial across six paramedic services in Ontario, which included 4000 paramedics. The study, presented at the American Heart Association Resuscitation Science Symposium - Late Breaking Trials, compared two novel techniques to standard care for patients receiving care from paramedics involved in the trial. All patients who remained in ventricular fibrillation (VF) after 3 shocks, using standard defibrillation techniques, continued to receive defibrillation using standard defibrillation techniques or one of the following strategies: One technique, double sequential external defibrillation (DSED), involved applying a second set of pads from a second defibrillator to the patient and sequentially shocking the patient using the two defibrillators. The second technique, vector change defibrillation (VC Defibrillation), involved changing the standard pad position known as anterior-lateral pad to anterior-posterior pads. Remarkably, DSED was found to significantly improve both survival and neurological outcomes while vector change defibrillation improved survival when compared to the current standard of care. Survival to hospital discharge was 30.4% in the DSED group compared to 21.7% in the vector change group and 13.3% in the standard care group. These findings are most notable for first responders when standard methods of external defibrillation are ineffective. "I am so proud of the paramedics who were trained and took part in the trial, as they clearly demonstrated that these new strategies could improve outcomes for these patients," says Dr. Cheskes, who is also a scientist at St. Michael's Hospital, a site of Unity Health Toronto. "This trial has the potential to change practice around the world while saving the lives of patients sustaining refractory ventricular fibrillation." An estimated 35,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests happen each year in Canada. This means, on average, one cardiac arrest every 15 minutes. Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime, at any age, without warning. Currently, 80% of cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting and nine in ten of these people do not survive. Performing CPR and using AED on a person experiencing cardiac arrest can double their chance of survival. "Heart & Stroke is proud to be funding such important research, a first-of-its kind in the world, right here in Canada," says Diego Marchese, Executive Vice President, Research, at Heart & Stroke. "Dr. Cheskes' findings are promising to improve methods for first responders who administer defibrillation and ultimately save more lives." Since 2010, Heart & Stroke, together with funding partners, has placed more than 15,000 AEDs in communities across Canada. We have also taught millions of Canadians the simple life-saving steps of CPR. About Heart & Stroke Life. We don't want you to miss it. That's why Heart & Stroke has been leading the fight to beat heart disease and stroke for 70 years. We must generate the next medical breakthroughs, so Canadians don't miss out on precious moments. Together, we are working to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery through research, health promotion and public policy. Heartandstroke.ca @heartandstroke SOURCE Heart and Stroke Foundation For further information: Alicia D'Aguiar, [email protected], 647-426-8410 YELLOWKNIFE, NT, Nov. 7, 2022 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion was joined by the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, the Honourable Paulie Chinna, Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories (Housing NWT), and Rebecca Alty, Mayor of Yellowknife announce over $23 million of joint funding for the creation of 63 units of affordable rental housing for at-risk individuals. Government of Northwest Territories Logo (CNW Group/Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) Lynn's Place II, located at 4904 54 Street, is a 21-unit affordable rental project for women and children. The Government of Canada is providing $12.5 million through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF) and $5 million to the City of Yellowknife through the second phase of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) which will go towards Lynn's Place II. This federal investment under the National Housing Strategy joins contributions and supports from the Government of Northwest Territories through Housing NWT. YWCA NWT contributed over $1 million in cash equity and will operate Lynn's Place II. Housing NWT has multi-year funding arrangements in place to provide the YWCA with operating and initiative funding of over $500,000. Construction began May 2022 and is expected to be completed by July 2023. Spruce Bough, formerly the Arnica Inn and located at 4115 Franklin Street, includes 42 bachelor units for at-risk men and women in the community. The Government of Canada is providing $6 million through the NHCF. The Government of Northwest Territories, through Housing NWT, made a capital cash contribution of $620,000 while the Yellowknife Women's Society gave $150,000 in cash equity and the sites previous owners made a generous donation of $300,000. Building amenities include 24-hour support staff, common areas, and office space for programs run by the Yellowknife Women's Society. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2023. Quotes: "Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That is why we are creating 63 much-needed affordable rental housing units and on-site support services for at-risk individuals in Yellowknife. Building housing like Lynn's Place II and Spruce Bough is key to ending the cycle of homelessness and family violence. Our government remains committed to working with our partners to deliver more housing options in Yellowknife and across the North. This is one of the many ways our government's National Housing Strategy continues to ensure no one is left behind." The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion "A house is more than just four walls and a roof - it's a safe place to call home, raise a family, to live with dignity. Our Government continues to make historic affordable housing investments in the Northwest Territories and across the country to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for people who need it most. When complete, these two new developments will bring 63 more affordable rental units for Yellowknife families." The Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs "With this announcement, we are providing Yellowknife's most vulnerable residents with safe, supportive and affordable rental housing that will help bring a positive change to their lives. Through partnerships with all levels of government and local stakeholders, we are working to ensure that all people in Yellowknife and across our Territory have safe and affordable housing." Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories "It is important that NWT residents have a safe and affordable place to call home. We welcome this partnership through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund and look forward to finding more ways to collaborate effectively to increase the wellbeing of individuals and communities by providing fair access to quality housing for people most in need. Only through collaboration and working in partnership will we be able to effectively address the NWT's housing crisis." The Honourable Paulie Chinna, Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories "Supporting the housing needs of all Yellowknifers, including women and children, is so important to our community and the City of Yellowknife. This project helps to fill an important gap and ensures that more women and children will have access to affordable, safe housing, with crucial support services, which may have life changing impacts for many individuals for years to come. I am very excited to see that this project has already started, and look forward to future opportunities and partnerships to help expand affordable housing in Yellowknife." - Rebecca Alty, Mayor of Yellowknife "Affordable, safe, and secure housing is fundamental to women's safety and economic security, and we are extremely grateful for the support and vision of our funding partners to help make this much needed building a reality. This project is built from the belief that together, we can foster equity and create a healthy and safe community, and in just a few months, we look forward to providing a wrap-around hub of support in a safe space where women and families can reach their full potential." Hawa Dumbuya-Sesay, Executive Director, YWCA NWT "The funding provided for the Spruce Bough building purchase and renovations currently happening on site, have established a 20-year commitment to providing safe and supportive housing for vulnerable homeless elders in the community. This vision started in 2018 and has been a journey for sure but the outcome is going to be worth the wait." Carla Smith, Director of Finance, Yellowknife Women's Society Quick facts: The National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF) is a program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that gives priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans, and young adults. is a program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that gives priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans, and young adults. With a budget of $13 .2 billion, the NHCF plans to: .2 billion, the NHCF plans to: Create up to 60,000 new homes Repair up to 240,000 homes Create or repair at least 4,000 shelter spaces for victims of family violence Create at least 7,000 new homes for seniors Create at least 2,400 new homes for people with developmental disabilities Budget 2022 proposes to advance $2.9 billion in funding under the NHCF to accelerate the creation of up to 4,300 new units and the repair of up to 17,800 units. in funding under the NHCF to accelerate the creation of up to 4,300 new units and the repair of up to 17,800 units. The Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) is a $2 .5 billion program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) to help address the urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians, especially in the context of COVID-19, through the rapid construction of over 10,000 units of affordable housing. is a .5 billion program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) to help address the urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians, especially in the context of COVID-19, through the rapid construction of over 10,000 units of affordable housing. The RHI takes a human rights-based approach to housing, serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and other vulnerable people, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, young adults, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, people experiencing mental health and addiction issues, veterans, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, racialized and Black Canadians, recent immigrants, and refugees. Units are intended to be constructed within 12 months of funding being provided to program applicants (with some exceptions). Units in the North and remote communities are intended to be constructed within 18 months. Budget 2022 proposes to provide $1 .5 billion over the next two years to extend the RHI and create 4,500 additional affordable housing units across Canada , with at least 25% of funding going towards women-focused housing projects. .5 billion over the next two years to extend the RHI and create 4,500 additional affordable housing units across , with at least 25% of funding going towards women-focused housing projects. The Government of Canada's National Housing Strategy (NHS) is an ambitious, 10-year plan that will invest over $72 billion to give more Canadians a place to call home. Associated links: As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC's aim is that by 2030, everyone in Canada has a home they can afford, and that meets their needs. For more information, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook. authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC's aim is that by 2030, everyone in has a home they can afford, and that meets their needs. For more information, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook. Check out the National Housing Strategy Housing Funding Initiatives Map to see the affordable housing projects that have been developed across Canada . SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation For further information: Media contacts: Arevig Afarian, Office of the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [email protected]; Cabinet Communications, Government of the Northwest Territories, [email protected] Ducks Unlimited Canada expands popular "Give a Duck" campaign to include turtles and damselflies OAK HAMMOCK MARSH, MB, Nov. 4, 2022 /CNW/ - Back by popular demand and bigger and better than ever, Canada's leading wetland conservation organization is bringing back the "Give a Duck" holiday campaign, with new symbolic giving options. Ducks Unlimited Canada's holiday gift-giving campaign focuses on conserving wildlife habitat Tweet this Good things come in small packages. (CNW Group/DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA) Good things happen when you give a duck this holiday season. (CNW Group/DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA) Give a home for wild turtles. (CNW Group/DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA) This year's campaign also provides the option to "Give a Home for Wild Turtles" or "Give a Damselfly," two other important species that make wetlands their home. Once a common sight in our favourite lakes, all of Canada's wild turtle species are now at some level of risk, while nearly one-eighth of the world's damselfly and dragonfly species are at risk of extinction, with habitat loss as the leading cause. "At a time when wildlife population declines are headline news and people are feeling overwhelmed, we want to remind people that habitat conservation works," says Janine Massey, DUC's chief of marketing and communications. "This holiday season, we're making it easy for Canadians to make a measurable difference." For as little as $20, holiday gift-givers can help conserve the space these iconic species need to thrive. As a bonus, conserving wetlands provides habitat to more than 500 other species of wildlife while filtering our water, storing carbon, mitigating the effects of floods and droughts and providing recreational space for communities. "Whether you give a duck, a damselfly or shell out for turtles, you're not only supporting the future of these species and their habitat, you're supporting the future for us all," says Stuart Slattery, national manager of DUC's research institute. "We know that wetlands are some of the most important natural areas on the planet and are incredibly valuable to maintaining healthy landscapes." Not only are these symbolic gifts a memorable way to mark the holidays, it's also a gift that keeps on giving back to nature by supporting the conservation and restoration of Canada's wetlands. Learn how to Give a Duck today at ducks.ca/gift-ideas Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations, Indigenous Peoples and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. To learn more about DUC's innovative environmental solutions and services, visit www.ducks.ca SOURCE DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA For further information: Ashley Lewis, Ducks Unlimited Canada, [email protected] OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 7, 2022 /CNW/ - Shipping is vital to continue building an economy that works for everyone and creating good jobs for Canadians. The Government of Canada is also committed to taking concrete action to meet its climate goals and ensure that Canadians have an efficient and environmentally friendly shipping system. Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced: the creation of a Canadian Green Shipping Corridors Framework and that Canada is joining the Zero-Emission Shipping Mission. These two new initiatives were highlighted by Canada's Climate Change Ambassador during COP27. Through the Framework and by joining the Mission, Canada is building on the commitment made when signing on to the Clydebank Declaration during COP26, signaling its plan to support the establishment of green shipping corridors (zero-emission maritime routes between two or more ports). The Government of Canada developed the Canadian Green Shipping Corridors Framework to assist all parties interested in developing a green shipping corridor. It does so by: setting out a common Canadian vision to make sure that green shipping corridors are implemented consistently; and empowering all parties to work together to eliminate emissions and tackle the climate crisis. Canada will also join the Zero-Emission Shipping Mission as a supporter and will actively contribute to the Mission activities and projects. In joining, Canada will have access to Zero-Emission Shipping Mission resources and networks of supporters in government and industry. As efforts on green shipping corridors continue, Canada and the United States also announced their joint work to facilitate the establishment of a Green Shipping Corridors Network in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System. Through this initiative, Canada and the United States will work with industry to help facilitate the establishment of green corridors throughout the region. Reducing emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 in the marine sector is a process that requires a variety of solutions, technologies or approaches depending on the type of vessel and where it operates. Green shipping corridors are important to achieve our climate goals as they can help speed up the development, testing and use of scalable net-zero fuels and technologies. Green shipping corridors may also create opportunities to facilitate the reduction of other environmental impacts of marine transportation. Quote "Being at the forefront of reducing marine emissions will create new opportunities for Canadian clean tech and clean fuel innovators, and contribute to Canada's economic growth and prosperity. Today's announcement showcases Canada's leadership in reducing the environmental impacts of our marine transportation sector." The Honourable Omar Alghabra Minister of Transport Quick Facts Transportation is Canada's second largest source of emissions. The Canadian Green Shipping Corridors Framework will help the country's marine transportation sector reduce its environmental impact. second largest source of emissions. The Canadian Green Shipping Corridors Framework will help the country's marine transportation sector reduce its environmental impact. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act clearly states the Government of Canada's commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. clearly states the Government of commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Government of Canada released the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan in March 2022 where we committed to reduce emissions by 40 to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030. The plan recognizes that reaching our climate goals will require work from all transportation modes, including the marine sector. released the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan in where we committed to reduce emissions by 40 to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030. The plan recognizes that reaching our climate goals will require work from all transportation modes, including the marine sector. This framework is aligned with other Government of Canada priorities, including the Oceans Protection Plan and Marine Conservation Targets. It is also aligned with the U.S. Green Shipping Corridors Fact Sheet released in April 2022 . priorities, including the Oceans Protection Plan and Marine Conservation Targets. It is also aligned with the U.S. Green Shipping Corridors Fact Sheet released in . The Green Shipping Corridor Network Initiative builds on the work launched under the "Joint Statement by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Transport Canada on the Nexus between Transportation and Climate Change," Associated Links Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to e-news or stay connected through Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada. This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities. SOURCE Transport Canada For further information: Nadine Ramadan, Press Secretary and Communications Advisor, Office of the Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, [email protected]; Media Relations: Transport Canada, Ottawa, [email protected], 613-993-0055 GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 7, 2022 /CNW/ - The Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE), Caroline J. Simard, announced today the publication of an undertaking and seven administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) to address violations under the Canada Elections Act (the Act). In order to maintain transparency, and as required by the Act, summaries of AMPs and the full text of undertakings are published on the CCE's website. The Deputy Commissioner has the power to issue Notices of Violations imposing AMPs of up to $500 for individuals. In this capacity, the Deputy Commissioner issued Notices of Violation to: the leader of a political party for failing to register as a third party immediately after having reached $500 or more in election advertising expenses for election advertising messages transmitted during the election period, and for failing to appoint a financial agent; or more in election advertising expenses for election advertising messages transmitted during the election period, and for failing to appoint a financial agent; a candidate for a registered party who failed to appoint an auditor after having received more than 10% of the votes cast in their electoral district; a candidate for a registered party who failed to appoint a replacement official agent; three official agents who failed to produce a candidate's electoral campaign return within the required deadline following the 2019 general election. The Deputy Commissioner also accepted an undertaking from an official agent who failed to provide a candidate's campaign return within the required deadline. AMPs and undertakings are administrative tools of compliance that the Commissioner can use to address violations under the Act. They aim to promote compliance with the Act. More information about AMPs can be found in our Policy for the Administrative Monetary Penalty Regime. The Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections is distinct from Elections Canada and the Commissioner carries out a different mandate. Elections Canada administers the Canada Elections Act and federal elections while the Commissioner is responsible for ensuring compliance with, and enforcement of, the Canada Elections Act. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. SOURCE Commissioner of Canada Elections For further information: For media enquiries, please contact: [email protected]; For complaints and non-media-related enquiries please use our online form; To receive updates from the CCE, subscribe to our email alerts. OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 7, 2022 /CNW/ - Whether in the Atlantic, Pacific, or Arctic oceans, the health and protection of our coastlinethe longest in the worldis critical to our environment, our economy, and to all Canadians. Since 2016, Canada's Oceans Protection Plan has made shipping safer, increased protections for our marine ecosystems, improved how we respond to marine incidents, and strengthened the role Indigenous Peoples play in how their traditional coasts and waterways are managed. Today, on the sixth anniversary of the Oceans Protection Plan, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, released the Report to Canadians that details hundreds of results across more than 50 initiatives from coast-to-coast-to-coast since the start of the Plan. A sample of highlights from the hundreds of Oceans Protection Plan program results include: Atlantic Region: Supported the studies of over 340 graduates from underrepresented groups, including Indigenous Peoples and women, from Nova Scotia Community College's Marine Training Program, to pursue future careers in the marine industry. Supported the studies of over 340 graduates from underrepresented groups, including Indigenous Peoples and women, from College's Marine Training Program, to pursue future careers in the marine industry. Quebec Region : Installed emergency tow kits on four Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers based in Quebec City. Additionally, made the Canadian Coast Guard's Regional Operations Centres in Quebec , which monitor and assess marine incidents (including pollution events), operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. : Installed emergency tow kits on four Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers based in Quebec City. Additionally, made the Canadian Coast Guard's Regional Operations Centres in , which monitor and assess marine incidents (including pollution events), operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ontario Region: Funded the removal of over 40 abandoned boats that threaten marine ecosystems, navigation, local economies, and public safety in the region. Funded the removal of over 40 abandoned boats that threaten marine ecosystems, navigation, local economies, and public safety in the region. Arctic Region: Invested in a variety of safety equipment and marine infrastructure projects to make Arctic resupply operations more efficient and safer for communities, workers, and the environment. Invested in a variety of safety equipment and marine infrastructure projects to make Arctic resupply operations more efficient and safer for communities, workers, and the environment. Pacific Region: Funded 25 coastal aquatic habitats restoration projects in British Columbia , helping protect species like the Chinook salmon, a priority food source for the Southern Resident killer whale. The Oceans Protection Plan is a Canadian success story. When Indigenous Peoples, industry, communities, academia, and government work together to protect our environment, grow our economy, and support good jobs across the country, we deliver real results. A renewed and expanded Oceans Protection Plan will keep our oceans and coasts healthy, advance reconciliation, and build a clean future for our children and grandchildren. Quotes "Collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, coastal communities, scientists, and the marine industry has been the cornerstone of the Oceans Protection Plan. During the first five years of the Oceans Protection Plan, we made significant progress in marine safety and emergency response, protecting our ecosystems and marine wildlife, and building partnerships with Indigenous Peoples and coastal communities. Our work is not done, and I look forward to more results from the Oceans Protection Plan in the years to come." The Honourable Omar Alghabra Minister of Transport "The Oceans Protection Plan is making a real difference in how we prevent and respond to marine pollution and protect coastal habitats. The important partnerships with Indigenous and coastal communities, industry and researchers make these accomplishments possible" The Honourable Joyce Murray Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard "Canada's beautiful oceans are vital to our future in so many ways, from helping to fight climate change to maintaining a sustainable way of life. Building on the successes of the first phase of the Ocean's Protection Plan, the renewed Plan gives Environment and Climate Change Canada the tools to continue to study priority species, keep shorelines pristine and reduce oil spill impacts. The Government of Canada has accomplished a lot in just a few years, but there is more work to do." The Honourable Steven Guilbeault Minister of Environment and Climate Change "With the longest coastline in the world, Canadians understand the importance of preserving the health of our oceans for future generations. The results from the last five years are clear and the renewed and expanded Oceans Protection Plan will continue to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of Canada's marine supply chains and ensure environmental protection, including by advancing research on marine pollution, ecosystems, and wildlife. This is a critical part of our collaborative effort to support local economies and build more resilient coastal communities." The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Natural Resources Quick facts The extension of the Oceans Protection Plan by $2 billion over 9 years is part of the Government of Canada's Budget 2022 commitment to renew and expand upon the success of the Plan. over 9 years is part of the Government of Budget 2022 commitment to renew and expand upon the success of the Plan. Since 2016, the Government of Canada has dedicated $3.5 billion to the Oceans Protection Plan, making it the largest investment Canada has ever made to protect its coasts and waterways. has dedicated to the Oceans Protection Plan, making it the largest investment has ever made to protect its coasts and waterways. The Oceans Protection Plan is a whole-of-government effort, with responsibility shared across all partner departments including Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada Canadian Coast Guard, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and Health Canada, with support from Public Services and Procurement Canada and Global Affairs Canada. Associated links Multimedia Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to e-news or stay connected through Twitter, Facebook, YouTube , and Instagram to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada. This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities. SOURCE Transport Canada For further information: Nadine Ramadan, Press Secretary and Communications Advisor, Office of the Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, [email protected]; Media Relations, Transport Canada, , Ottawa, 613-993-0055, [email protected] Kigali, Rwanda (PANA) - The Rwandan government has protested the landing of a fighter jet from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on its territory on Monday, saying it was an act of "provocation" Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has lashed out at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, preside... Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has lashed out at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Ortom noted that anybody supporting Atiku is an enemy of the Benue people. Speaking when he hosted his colleagues from Rivers, Oyo, Abia, and Enugu states in Makurdi, the state capital, Ortom vowed never to back Atikus presidential bid due to the killings of Benue people by armed Fulani herders. The governor vowed never to support a Fulani man in becoming Nigerias president. He said: To hell with Atiku and anyone supporting him. They should go and tell him. You want me to be slave for a Fulani. Its better I die. Anybody supporting Atiku is an enemy of Benue. My people are being killed and you want me to be quiet. My tenure ends in May and you can do whatever you want if you think you have the powers. I have written my will. I will never support a Fulani man to become president. Ortom, Nyesom Wike, Seyi Makinde, and Okezie Ikpeazu have been against the PDPs leadership following Atikus emergence as the partys presidential candidate. The governors also demanded that Iyorchia Ayu resigns as PDPs National Chairman. They stressed that the North cant produce the partys presidential candidate and National Chairman. The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, ignored the presidential candidates town hall ... The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, ignored the presidential candidates town hall meeting to discuss plans ahead of the 2023 elections. The town hall meeting, hosted by the Arise News Channel in conjunction with the Center for Democracy and Development (CDD) in Abuja, was attended by three presidential candidates, Labour Partys Peter Obi, NNPPs Rabiu Kwankwaso and PRPs Kola Abiola, while PDPs Atiku Abubakar was represented by his running mate Ifeanyi Okowa. No reason was publicly offered for Mr Tinubus snob of the opportunity to share his plans with Nigerians via a live broadcast. However, the former Lagos governor was spotted at the birthday party of his associate, retired colonel Sani Bello, some 6.4 km (an eight-minute drive) from the venue. Mr Tinubus absence from the town hall meeting is the latest in his series of purposeful boycotts of public gatherings aimed at engaging directly with candidates for public office. The absence of the former Lagos governor has sparked widespread public outrage. His prior performances had sparked concerns about his health and ability to manage the country in 2023 and beyond. Given the low ratings that Mr Tinubus public relations stunts have earned him, his aides have kept him out of public scrutiny. Mr Tinubus campaign later issued the following statement explaining why he shunned yesterdays town hall event: The APC Presidential Candidate in the forthcoming 2023 presidential election, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, did not attend the presidential debate organised by ARISE TV on Sunday, November 6, 2022, for the following reasons: Firstly, many radio and TV networks in Nigeria have indicated interests to host such debates and out of deference to other TV and radio stations, our candidate will not be making selective appearances in some networks, whilst ignoring others. As President of Nigeria, by the Special Grace of God, he intends to treat all persons and businesses fairly and equally. Secondly, the busy and hectic campaign schedules of Asiwaju Tinubu will not permit him to honour all such invitations by different radio and TV networks, hence our decision for him not to start with one TV station and later ignore others. Thirdly, our candidate had long before now realised the importance of speaking directly to Nigerians and shortly after unfolding his Action Plan as President embarked on Town Hall meetings beginning with his interaction with the Business Community and other stakeholders in Kano followed by the Town Hall meeting and presentation by experts last week in Lagos. Tomorrow, he will be interacting with Agro and Commodity Groups in Minna, Niger State. Whilst we thank Arise TV for the invitation, we want to assure Nigerians that we shall continue to hold these debate groups and Nigerians in high esteem. Nigerians will hear from our candidate loud and clear through other forums. Lastly, out of profound respect for Nigerians, we urge all our party structures and supporters at the grassroots to continue to organise town hall meetings to educate Nigerians on the Action Plan of our candidate as we believe a grassroots-approach to reach Nigerians will also be more profound. Thank you. FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN, FCIArb (UK) Director, Public Affairs and Spokespersons, Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council. The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council has explained why Bola Tinubu, its standard bearer, did not attend a town ... The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council has explained why Bola Tinubu, its standard bearer, did not attend a town hall meeting for presidential candidates. The meeting was organised by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and Arise Television on Sunday. While Ifeanyi Okowa, vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), represented Atiku Abubakar, his partys presidential candidate, Tinubu did not send any representative. The former governor of Lagos was attending a meeting with some APC stakeholders while the town hall was ongoing. The House Majority Leader visited Tinubu in company with the state House of Assembly member and the two local government chairmen from his constituency as well as other prominent leaders from the state. pic.twitter.com/TamBgbdPnY Jubril A. Gawat (@Mr_JAGs) November 6, 2022 In a statement, Festus Keyamo, spokesman of the campaign organisation, said Tinubu intends to treat every entity equally, adding that a number of networks have indicated interest to host similar events and it would not be fair if he makes selective appearances. As president of Nigeria, by the special grace of God, he intends to treat all persons and businesses fairly and equally, he said. Secondly, the busy and hectic campaign schedules of Asiwaju Tinubu will not permit him to honour all such invitations by different radio and TV networks, hence our decision for him not to start with one TV station and later ignore others. Thirdly, our candidate had long before now realised the importance of speaking directly to Nigerians and shortly after unfolding his Action Plan as president embarked on town hall meetings beginning with his interaction with the business community and other stakeholders in Kano followed by the Town Hall meeting and presentation by experts last week in Lagos. Tomorrow, he will be interacting with Agro and Commodity Groups in Minna, Niger state. Locally reported news and sports Stay Current with What's Happening Get the most of NNY360, register today! By providing your email address, you consent to receive emails and special offers from NNY360.com Thank you for using NNY360! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Silk Road e-commerce promotes trade among Belt and Road countries 15:37, November 07, 2022 By Yan Yu ( People's Daily As part of China's efforts to share market opportunities, Silk Road e-commerce has experienced rapid development over the recent years, vigorously driving the two-way trade between China and other Belt and Road countries. Chinese and foreign hosts sell products to foreign consumers on a livestreaming show in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan province, Aug. 8, 2022. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Tao) It is constantly deepening international cooperation and expanding the Belt and Road "circle of friends." At an export cargo station of the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, south China's Guangdong province, a batch of "made in China" commodities for cross-border e-commerce, including home appliances, clothes and toys, would soon be shipped to Pakistan, South Africa and other Belt and Road countries. In the Qingpu Comprehensive Bonded Zone of Shanghai, numerous commodities were piled up in warehouses, including exhibits displayed at the China International Import Expo (CIIE). Exhibits from around the world would become available on cross-border e-commerce platforms and be shipped directly to consumers from the bonded zone after the CIIE. Today, this innovative model is attracting merchants from all over the world to attend the CIIE and participate in the Silk Road e-commerce. A plane takes off at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, south China's Guangdong province, June 3, 2022. (People's Daily Online/Ye Bingxin) Since signing its first bilateral memorandum of understanding on e-commerce cooperation with Chile at the end of 2016, China has inked documents and established bilateral e-commerce cooperation mechanisms with more than 20 countries from five continents, including Belarus, Italy and Columbia, to promote policy exchange, planning coordination, industry promotion, sub-national cooperation, and capacity building, among others. Silk Road e-commerce has become a new channel of international economic and trade cooperation. The prospering Silk Road e-commerce comes from China's efforts in a wide range of aspects. Over the recent years, the country has established cross-border e-commerce pilot zones in six batches and issued a series of supportive policies. It also constantly expanded the list for cross-border e-commerce retail imports and put into use a number of overseas warehouses in Belt and Road countries. Silk Road e-commerce is now an important measure for local authorities across China to advance Belt and Road construction. Many cities have set up cross-border e-commerce pilot zones to build themselves into node cities of Silk Road e-commerce. A man fetches products in a cross-border e-commerce warehouse in a comprehensive bonded zone in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu province, Oct. 20, 2021. (People's Daily Online/Geng Yuhe) Besides, China has hosted a number of activities, such as livestreaming and launches of country pavilions on e-commerce platforms, to help its Silk Road e-commerce partners bring their quality products to the Chinese market and establish new channels of trade and investment. The 2022 China-ASEAN Silk Road Cross-border E-commerce Forum was held in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region this September. During the forum, online events were held to promote products from the autonomous region, and diplomats from ASEAN countries in China were invited to introduce their countries products to Chinese consumers through livestreaming shows. Today, Silk Road e-commerce is seeing fruitful results. Coffee and pepper from Rwanda are coming to China via e-commerce platforms; the online retail sales of Iceland have significantly improved; thousands of enterprises from the countries along the Belt and Road have upgraded their products and services through e-commerce cooperation. Foreign vessels dock at a terminal of the Shidao New Harbor in Rongcheng, east China's Shandong province for unloading, Sept. 17, 2022. The Shidao New Harbor has become an important transfer hub for cross-border e-commerce. (People's Daily Online/Yang Zhili) According to an official with the Ministry of Commerce, China's cross-border e-commerce exports surged 92.7 percent year on year in the first quarter of this year. More and more countries are expecting to join Silk Road e-commerce. In the future, Silk Road e-commerce will expand its cooperation to higher levels with huge development potential. China will establish bilateral e-commerce cooperation mechanisms with more countries under the framework of Silk Road e-commerce, and align with high-standard international economic and trade rules, to promote high-level development of cross-border e-commerce. A man introduces a Turkish lamp to Chinese consumers at a commodity fair in Shanghai, May 1, 2021. The fair that opened on April 30, 2021 sold exhibits displayed at the China International Import Expo. (People's Daily Online/Wang Chu) (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. AMD's Frank Azor confirmed to PCWorld that the new RDNA 3-based Radeon RX 7900 XTX is an RTX 4080 competitor and does not aim to take on the RTX 4090, which is 60% more expensive. Azor also touched upon FSR 3 and said that AMD aims to make the next generation upscaling technology available to all architectures. 4 Reviews AMD's recent RDNA 3 launch event evoked more questions than answers, primarily due to the manner in which the company did the performance comparisons. While some preliminary data extrapolation based on AMD's arbitrary figures showed that the RX 7900 XTX may not be very far behind the RTX 4090, the company itself did not showcase any comparison with the competition during the RDNA 3 keynote. However, it looks like AMD is actually aiming for the RTX 4080 and not the RTX 4090 with RDNA 3 cards. Speaking to PCWorld, AMD's Frank Azor clarified that the Radeon RX 7900 XTX indeed targets the RTX 4080 and not Nvidia's BFGPU. He said that the reason AMD didn't have any performance comparisons is because the RTX 4080 is not launched yet. [RX 7900 XTX] is designed to go against 4080 and we dont have benchmarks numbers on 4080. Thats the primary reason why you didnt see any NVIDIA compares... $999 card is not a 4090 competitor, which costs 60% more, this is a 4080 competitor." Azor also confirmed that FSR 3 will be coming to non-RDNA 3 architectures as well. This is unlike Nvidia's DLSS 3, whose frame generation features explicitly require an RTX 40 series GPU. AMD's Chief Architect of Gaming Solutions also said that FSR 3 isn't a knee-jerk reaction to DLSS 3. [FSR 3] is not a reaction or a quick thing [to DLSS 3], it is absolutely something we have been working on for a while. Why is it taking a little bit longer for it come out, that youd probably hoped for? The key thing to remember about FSR is the FSR philosophy and FSR until now did not just work on RDNA 2 or RDNA 1 they work on other generations of AMD graphics cards. They also work on competitors' graphics cards. It is exponentially harder than if we just made it work on RDNA 3. [] We really do want to work on more than just RDNA 3." While that can be construed as AMD's intent, FSR 3 is still in development. We will have to see how the upscaler's features such as frame interpolation contribute to overall latency. DLSS 3's frame generation increases latency significantly, which is why Nvidia requires RTX Reflex to be turned on to mitigate some of the latency side effects. Buy the MSI Radeon RX 6800 XT Gaming Z Trio on Amazon Terrorist arrest An operative of the Al Qaeda terror group was arrested from Ramban district of Jammu division, the J&K Police said on Monday. An operative of the Al Qaeda terror group was arrested from Ramban district of Jammu division, the J&K Police said on Monday. A police spokesman said that the operative was identified as Amiruddin Khan, son of Mostafa Khan, a resident of West Bengal. Amiruddin Khan was arrested with a Chinese grenade in Ramban. "An FIR under relevant sections of law has been registered against him," the police said, adding that further investigation was going on. Huawei's Kirin line of processors were once a main rival for Qualcomm's Snapdragon mobile SoC series, particularly at the higher end. However, they have been sanctioned out of existence by the US government. There have been rumors of their return in 2023; however, the OEM has reportedly dismissed them as fake news. 4 Reviews Huawei's mobile device business was dealt a killer blow by the OEM's blacklisting on the part of the US administration, particularly as it was incapable of equipping its smartphones with the Kirin line of SoCs. The silicon may have been developed in-house, but still depended on technology from US and international companies that complied with the sanctions barring them from working with Huawei. These circumstances did not prevent alleged leaks pointing to the taping-out of new Kirin processors, destined for release in 2023. They might have augmented the last of Huawei's supplies, which may be down to underpowered variants such as the 710A at this point. However, the Weibo account All-Weather Technology News now claims that Huawei has responded to its questions about these rumors, calling them "false news" and denying the production of any new Kirin chips. It may be just as well, as the P50 and Mate 50 series have set a precedent of transitioning to Qualcomm Snapdragon 8-series chipsets, and in-house alternatives might be mistaken for a new CATL battery at this stage anyway. Buy the Huawei Watch GT 3 on Amazon NiSource is looking to sell a minority stake in its flagship NIPSCO business. The Merrillville-based parent company of the NIPSCO and Columbia Gas utilities decided after a business review that selling a stake in NIPSCO would strengthen the company's finances, drive value to shareholders and allow it to "maintain service that is affordable for customers." "Our commitment to Indiana remains unchanged. This financial mechanism will have no impact on NIPSCO's strategic direction in the state or on our commitment to our customers," NiSource President and CEO Lloyd Yates said. "A minority sale provides a financially efficient opportunity to strengthen our balance sheet and provides flexibility to finance our growth investments as we continue to invest in and serve our customers." NIPSCO President Michael Hooper said in a letter to employees the stake would be less than 20%, that no buyer has been identified and that the hope would be to complete a sale by next year. "I would like to reiterate what Lloyd shared, which is that this does not change what employees will do nor will it have an impact on our operations or day-to-day decision-making at NIPSCO," he said in the letter to employees. "Selling a minority share in the business is simply a financing tool used to help strengthen our balance sheet, among other benefits, and is similar to what other Indiana energy providers and the industry have done in recent years." Hooper sought to reassure employees. "I would also emphasize Lloyd's comment that NIPSCO is and will remain an important component of our diverse portfolio and we remain committed to serving our customers and communities across Indiana," he wrote. "As employees, you are critical to our success." The sale would lessen future external capital model needs and eliminate equity needs until 2025. At that point, NiSource plans a "modest" at-the-market securities program "to maintain credit metrics as growth investments continue." The business review looked at other utilities, legislative support for long-term investments in the six states where it does business, options to finance growth and strategic merger opportunities. It found the company will likely pursue long-term value creation through its existing portfolio of electric and natural gas businesses in the Midwest. In November 1988, Albert Barloga watched his 18-year-old daughter cast her first ballot in an election. Barloga, who lived in Merrillville, was genuinely excited for his daughter, an Andrean High School graduate whose life was pretty typical at that point. She hung out with friends, worked a part-time job and attended classes at a community college. Her milestone birthday that year, however, meant just as much to her father as it did to her. Barlogas little girl could finally vote, a civic duty he held in high reverence. He knew his daughter would have an opportunity to share her voice in that election. Not only for U.S. president Michael Dukakis versus George H. Bush but for local elections as well. The word democracy wasnt merely a blustery talking point for Barloga, who was usually the smartest guy in the room though he would never say so. Barloga believed democracy was a gift, a privilege, a patriotic act. He often reminded his daughter of this dusty history lesson. He also reminded her that it wasnt too long ago when women in this country didn't have the right to vote. Barlogas wife, Vivienne, was an outspoken trailblazer in the womens movement for equality. He not only supported her efforts. He celebrated her existence. Barloga celebrated his daughter as well, especially on that Election Day in 1988 when she walked into Miller Elementary School to cast a ballot. He didnt ask who she voted for. It didnt matter. All that counted was that her vote was counted. Barloga was a proud father that day. The East Chicago native and U.S. Army veteran held a masters degree in material science from Purdue University and Vanderbilt University. He was a professional engineer who retired from U.S. Steel in 1995. And he was involved with Americorps and the Senior Olympics. Still, with all those accomplishments under his belt, voting on Election Day served as one of his most cherished accomplishments. In every election since 1988, whether it was a primary or general, midterm or presidential, Barloga asked his daughter the same question. And he asked it with the excitement of a child: Did you vote today? He never asked who she voted for. Only if she voted. Barloga didnt want her to squander her civic right and cultural privilege. His daughter didnt fully understand its importance. She wasnt always honest with her father, a few times telling him that she voted on her lunch hour from work when she actually went home for a nap. Her nonchalance for the voting process changed dramatically in 2003, when her father was stricken with cancer. The disease quickly spread throughout parts of his body. Barloga went from his home to the hospital to hospice care in a matter of months. On a Tuesday morning in November of that year, Barloga passed away. He was 71. His daughter got the call while at work. She rushed to the VNA Horton Hospice Center in Valparaiso. It was too late. He was gone. After a very long day of answering questions, going over documents and comforting her mother, it was time to go home. She felt beyond exhausted. Her eyes were swollen from crying. She felt numb. On her way home, she drove past Memorial Elementary School in Valparaiso and casually noticed all the political signs in front of the school. Thats when it hit her. And it hit her hard. It was Election Day. Her dad died on Election Day. She gasped and hit the breaks in her car. She made an abrupt U-turn and sped toward the school. She darted out of her car and into the school. She was met by a woman sitting behind a desk reading a book. With desperation in her voice, she asked the woman, Is there still time to vote? The woman lifted her head and in gentle bewilderment nodded yes. Barlogas daughter rushed into the polling place and grabbed her ballot. She made her choices and placed her ballot into a box. Then she exhaled with memories of her first voting experience at another elementary school feeling like a lifetime ago. That was for you, dad, she told herself. From that night on, she has voted on every Election Day. It didnt matter her schedule or the weather or the candidates names. All that mattered was that her vote was counted. She proudly wears her sticker boasting, I VOTED. On Saturday, she again fulfilled her unspoken promise to her late father, nearly 20 years after his death. After getting off work, and before returning home, she walked into the Porter County government building, waited in line, and cast another ballot. Somewhere my dad is looking down on me and smiling, she told me afterward. Kerala Governor news Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Monday barred journalists of Kairali TV and Media One TV channels from covering a press briefing in Kochin after inviting them. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Monday barred journalists of Kairali TV and Media One TV channels from covering a press briefing in Kochin after inviting them. Sidelining of a section of the media has come under fire from both the CPI-M and the Congress-led UDF. Khan has been upset with Media One and said that they are settling scores with him over the Shah bano case by giving false news, while Kairali is a party channel. He said the vice chancellor, whom he had appointed to take charge at the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University of Kerala, had to face law and order issues. There are threats against him also, but he is ready to face it, he added. Taking on the Left parties for their proposed massive protest march before his official residence by the CPI-M on the 15th of this month, the Governor asked them not to wait till then. Khan said he is willing to take part in a public debate over what's happening in the state and asked Vijayan also to take part. He is prepared to quit, he said if the state government comes out with evidence to prove that he is interfering in the governance. It's the other way, he said, adding that the state government is interfering in the functioning of the Raj Bhavan. "Anyone is free to raise a complaint against him or seek legal redress, if he has violated rules," he asserted. Turning his ire towards Vijayan, Khan said, he knows who Vijayan is as long ago, when a young IPS officer wielded a pistol, Vijayan had ran away. Responding to the allegations, CPI-M state secretary M.V.Govindan accused the Governor of taking a position which in no way is "acceptable" and termed it "totally undemocratic". "A governor has to function in a fair manner with no discrimination and according to the Constitution. Here, the governor is violating everything and is creating tension. But the CPI-M is not going to budge as the people of Kerala are the final deciding authority and that's what we will be doing," said Govindan. Leader of Opposition V.D.Satheesan said that a person occupying a Constitutional post should never resort to partisan ways of conduct. "Avoiding a section of the media is a fascist style of functioning and undemocratic and in no way it's acceptable as freedom of the press is of paramount importance," said Satheesan. The Kerala Union of Working Journalists too have strongly condemned Khan's act announced to stage a protest before the Raj Bhavan on Tuesday. MICHIGAN CITY A 31-year-old local man faces several felony charges in connection with a stolen gun and illegal drugs found in his vehicle, Michigan City police said. Police working a special patrol around 6 p.m. Saturday said they spotted a Nissan Maxima commit numerous traffic violations on the citys north side. The vehicle was stopped and police said they found the handgun and drugs near the driver, identified as Bryley Langford. These same officers learned during their field investigation that the firearm located inside the Nissan had been reported stolen and Langford was prohibited from possessing a handgun, according to the department. Langford was taken into custody and faces felony counts of possessing methamphetamine, unlawful carrying of a handgun and theft of a firearm. He was not offered a bond because of an unrelated pending court case. This is the second major felony arrest made within the same week by officers working the Street Hawk Patrols, Michigan City police said. Officers working this type of saturation patrol target different areas of Michigan City for gun violence, offenses involving individuals prohibited from possessing firearms, individuals possessing illegal firearms, individuals using firearms while committing a crime, shots fired calls for service and narcotics eradication. CROWN POINT A man who helped prosecutors secure the conviction of another man in a triple murder nearly 25 years ago at a Hammond crack house was sentenced Friday to 45 years in prison. David L. Copley Jr., 47, of Franklin, admitted in a plea agreement that he helped James H. Higgason III bludgeon Jerod "Buddy" Hodge, 18, of Chicago, to death Jan. 18, 1998, inside a residence in the 4600 block of Torrence Avenue in Hammond. Higgason, 53, of Whiting, was convicted in May of murdering Hodge; Elva Tamez, 36, of Hammond; and Timothy W. "Midnight" Ross, 16, of Calumet City. He was sentenced to 180 years in prison. During Higgason's sentencing, Tamez's family remembered her as a kind person with many gifts and talents. Knowing she died such a violent death brought great despair, her sister Imelda O'Neill said. Linda Hodge, Jerod Hodge's mother, said the day she learned that her son died was the worst day of her life. She had to quit her job as a bus driver because every young man who climbed aboard reminded her of her child, she said. "I want everyone to know my child did exist," she said. "And I carry my angel with me." Copley pleaded guilty in October 2021 and agreed to testify against Higgason. He first spoke with police about the homicides in February 1998, when he admitted that he and Higgason had been to the house to buy crack cocaine. He initially claimed that they left and did not kill anyone. Hammond police spoke to him again in May 1998, after he entered a rehab facility in South Bend and "wanted to clear his conscience," according to court records. He admitted that he and Higgason were at the home on Torrence Avenue using crack cocaine and Hodge and Ross fell asleep, the plea agreement states. Tamez was sent outside to search for cigarettes, Copley told police, and Higgason handed him a board and said something like "We're going to kill these guys." Copley said Higgason instructed him to hit Hodge, so Copley hit Hodge in the head with the board while Hodge slept, records state. Copley alleged that Higgason also struck Hodge, who was killed. Copley said he ran out of the house as Higgason bludgeoned Ross and Tamez, who was let in the house after she began knocking on the door. VALPARAISO A resolution may be near in charges stemming from a 10-year-old murder case from Portage. Defense attorney Matthew Norman Fech told a local judge Monday that he is providing information to prosecutors that could bring a conclusion to the murder and conspiracy-to-commit-murder case against his client, Sheaurice Major. Major, 52, is accused of hiring someone to shoot and kill Carl Griffith Sr. outside his Portage home on Nov. 1, 2012. Major spent nearly four years behind bars the first time she was charged with the crime but was released in March 2017 because of a lack of evidence. She was taken back into custody in October 2018, when convicted gunman Dontaye Singletary of Gary reached out to police and prosecutors, offering to provide the information they needed against Major. She was released on recognizance in January 2019 because of delays in the case. Major, who has pleaded not guilty, had been scheduled to face jurors in April 2019. But the trial was delayed by health problems suffered by her then-attorney. It was rescheduled for October that year, then derailed again when the attorney pulled out of the case. The case has been repeatedly continued by the court since, records show. Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish agreed to continue Mondays hearing to Dec. 19. Griffith was an employee of a towing company owned by Majors estranged husband, and police said Major had Griffith killed because she did not like him. A witness in the case, who was shot and killed Dec. 13, 2012, in her beauty salon in Gary, had said on videotape that she put Major in touch with Singletary when she voiced interest in hurting Griffith. The witness said she drove Singletary to Majors Portage apartment on the day of the murder and she noticed that he had a gun. The witness said Major instructed her where to drop off Singletary and where to wait to pick him up. The witness said Major paid her $2,700 and Singletary $2,500 for their roles in the slaying. A jury found Singletary guilty in January 2015 of murdering Griffith by shooting him three times with a high-powered rifle shortly after Griffith returned to his home. Singletary was sentenced to 65 years behind bars. National Park Service fire managers plan to burn 77 acres Monday near the Dunewood Campground at Indiana Dunes National Park. Ignitions are expected to begin around 11 a.m. at the campground near Beverly Shores, according to a news release. Burning around the campground after trees drop their leaves helps decrease the threat of wildfire during the camping season the next summer, officials said. The burn is one of seven planned this fall over more than 1,400 acres of parkland. An online map of the planned prescribed fire areas can be found at https://bit.ly/IndianaDunesFallFires. Residents of Lake and Porter counties may sign up to receive prescribed fire notifications through the Smart911 system. Go to www.smart911.com to sign up. The free service provides emergency notifications, a private 911 safety profile and a vulnerable-needs registry. Indiana Dunes National Park also announced prescribed fire activity on its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/IndianaDunesNPS. The Brooklyn Nets and the Anti-Defamation League sent a letter to Amazon asking the company to address the deeply and unequivocally antisemitic documentary and related book at the heart of the Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irvings suspension. The company said it was working with the A.D.L. to explore adding a disclaimer to the film. The letter signed by the A.D.L.s chief executive, Jonathan Greenblatt, but on behalf of the Nets as well called on Amazon to take down or add explanatory context to the film and the related book, saying they were designed to inflame hatred and, now that it was popularized by Mr. Irving, will lead directly to the harm of Jews. A copy of the letter was obtained by The New York Times. Cory Shields, an Amazon spokesman, said the potential disclaimer would appear on the documentarys main detail page, which viewers would see before buying or renting the film. A similar note potentially would be added to a page where customers could buy the book that the film is based on. More than a week ago, Mr. Irving tweeted a link to Amazon for a documentary called Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America, which includes extensive antisemitism, such as claims that Jews control the media and that millions of Jews did not die during the Holocaust. Weeks after expressing optimism about the global economy and its business, Apple on Sunday warned that its sales would fall short of expectations because a key iPhone factory in China had been shut down by a coronavirus outbreak. The abrupt change in its business prospects are the latest reminder of the risks of the companys concentrated manufacturing supply chain in China. Once an operational strength that afforded Apple the flexibility to have legions of workers crank out iPhones to meet global demand, its reliance on China has become a liability as the countrys commitment to a zero Covid-19 policy has led it to lock down cities, businesses and factories. In mid-October, Apples largest iPhone manufacturer, Foxconn, shut off the primary plant in Zhengzhou as coronavirus cases spiked. Foxconn closed the facility to the outside world and walled roughly 200,000 workers inside its grounds. Production of iPhones has continued at a significantly reduced capacity, Apple said in a statement on Sunday. The company added that its production woes would mean that customers would face longer wait times between the purchase and delivery of its high-end iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. We are working closely with our supplier to return to normal production levels while ensuring the health and safety of every worker, Apple said in its statement. COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. John Fetterman was getting fired up at a campaign rally on Thursday evening, vigorously bashing his Republican opponent, Mehmet Oz, as a fraud, when the lingering effects of the stroke he had in May abruptly surfaced. This is a guy thats, thats made millions, with scam, ah you know, scam Mr. Fetterman trailed off, trying twice more for the word he would eventually land on: artist. Eh thats another one, somebody can film that, he continued, laughing a little and flinging his arms out to his sides, as if daring his critics to mock him. Stroke thing. He sold miracles that I just couldnt even pronounce even before I had a stroke. In the final days of the extraordinary Pennsylvania Senate race, in which a stroke survivor is running against a celebrity television physician, Mr. Fetterman is proactively acknowledging that his recovery remains a work in progress, leaning into the issue with a mix of humor, sarcasm and notes of empathy for others struggling with health challenges, as he competes in one of the most consequential contests in the nation. The video seemed aimed at turning Mr. DeSantis into an object of veneration, much as Mr. Trump has for some time been viewed by many Christian nationalists and other fervent supporters as an almost messianic figure. Mr. Trump, who was in Pennsylvania on Saturday to support a slate of Republican candidates, casually dropped the new epithet into his speech while pointing out his wide lead over Mr. DeSantis in early polls of a hypothetical Republican primary field. A branding magnate who has affixed his family name to everything from cuts of steak to lines of clothing, Mr. Trump used a pair of giant TV screens flanking the stage at his rally to display a half-dozen slides of poll numbers that underscored his political strength among Republicans. In Florida, Mr. DeSantis has downplayed talk about a potential presidential bid, but he pointedly refused to say during a debate with Mr. Crist whether, if re-elected, he would serve all four years. Mr. DeSantis scheduled 13 rallies across Florida between Friday and Monday, including three on Sunday, leaving some Republican candidates in the awkward position of having to choose whether to campaign with the governor or the former president. Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott were in Miami, as were seven members of Congress. Jimmy Patronis, the states elected chief financial officer, introduced Mr. DeSantis at the campaign stop in Sun City Center. Mr. DeSantis devoted much of his hourlong speech to about 500 people at a community hall to his response to the Covid-19 pandemic. How we get live election results. We report vote totals provided by The Associated Press, which collects results from states, counties and townships through a network of websites and more than 4,000 on-the-ground correspondents. To estimate how many votes remain to be counted, our team of data journalists and software engineers gathers vote tallies directly from the websites of election officials and compares these with our turnout expectations. Heres more on how that works. He made sure to point out that his pandemic policies separated him from Democrats and even some Republicans. Americans casting their ballots in tomorrows midterm elections might be voting in their 30th or 40th contest in four years. In the same amount of time, a German citizen might vote in six to eight races. Put simply, the U.S. has an unusually high number of elections. The federal government alone holds elections every two years, compared with around every four or five years in other advanced democracies. Why does this matter? Some experts argue that the saturation of elections has significant downsides exhausting voters and hurting the quality of governance by pushing lawmakers toward more campaigning, fund-raising and short-term thinking. But more frequent elections also offer voters more opportunities to hold officials accountable. Experts characterized elections as a balancing act: Too many can overwhelm the public and lawmakers, while too few provide insufficient chances for accountability. The technology industry has been a leading engine of growth for good-paying jobs in New York City over the past decade. That trend continued through the pandemic, but a new report casts doubt on how widely the tech-fueled prosperity is being shared. The new study details the challenges that students at the City University of New York face as they try to start careers in technology. The CUNY system, with 25 colleges, is the nations largest urban university, and it has long served as a ladder to the middle class for low-income New Yorkers. A majority of its students are Black and Hispanic. CUNY has the potential to be the citys largest and most equitable springboard into technology careers, the report said, but that potential is largely untapped. Both CUNY and tech employers must change to address the challenge, according to the Center for an Urban Future, the public policy organization that conducted the research. Delhi school to reopen Amid an improvement in the air quality of the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday announced that primary schools in the city will reopen from Wednesday, while the ban on truck entry has also been lifted. Amid an improvement in the air quality of the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday announced that primary schools in the city will reopen from Wednesday, while the ban on truck entry has also been lifted. The Minister also informed that a ban on open-air activities is also being lifted. While addressing a media briefing, Rai also revoked the 50 per cent work-from-home policy for government employees, saying that the offices will be back to working with full capacity from Monday onwards. "In Delhi, the pollution level had crossed 450 in the last few days, due to which CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) had directed to implement phase four of the GRAP under which the entry of trucks was banned, primary schools were closed, 50 per cent work from home was instructed in government offices. "However, air quality has been improving rapidly since yesterday (Sunday) and now the AQI stands at 350, the wind direction has changed. In view of this, the CAQM decided has to withdraw the the phase four measures," the Minister added. Rai also said that except for railway, metro, airport, defence, hospital, all other construction work will be banned under phase three of the GRAP. "The ban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles will continue," he said. Rai's announcement came a day after the CAQM revoked the GRAP 4 measures in the NCR. SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City and now a special envoy on climate change for the United Nations, announced a new international plan on Monday to help 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America phase out coal by 2040. The announcement from Mr. Bloomberg, a billionaire philanthropist who has given more than $500 million to help end coal use in the United States, did not include a new financial pledge. Instead, he said, the initiative will focus on helping develop business plans, national policies and technical resources that countries need to mobilize big-dollar investments in clean energy. The alliance of governments under a partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies and Sustainable Finance For All, a United Nations body will concentrate on countries where energy demand is projected to grow, and where renewable energy potential is plentiful. Coal is the single largest source of planet-warming emissions and still a major source of energy generation in many nations. At the same time, attracting private-sector dollars for wind, solar and other renewable power has been a challenge, particularly in developing countries. Switzerland, one of the worlds richest nations, has an ambitious climate goal: It promises to cut its greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. But the Swiss dont intend to reduce emissions by that much within their own borders. Instead, the European country is dipping into its sizable coffers to pay poorer nations, like Ghana or Dominica, to reduce emissions there and give Switzerland credit for it. Here is an example of how it would work: Switzerland is paying to install efficient lighting and cleaner stoves in up to five million households in Ghana; these installations would help households move away from burning wood for cooking and rein in greenhouse gas emissions. Then Switzerland, not Ghana, will get to count those emissions reductions as progress toward its climate goals. In a business known for its short shelf life, a restaurant like Le Bernardin turning 50 is significant. The owners, Maguy Le Coze and the chef, Eric Ripert, have planned a dinner to mark the occasion. Ms. Le Coze and her brother, Gilbert, first opened their seafood restaurant in 1972 on the Left Bank in Paris, with a view of Notre Dame, then relocated the restaurant near the Arc de Triomphe. They made the trans-Atlantic move to the present location in New York in 1986, as an anchor in a collection of restaurants in a new office tower on Seventh Avenue. The restaurant received four stars in its first New York Times review, three months after opening, a top ranking it has maintained over decades. In Paris it received two stars from Michelin, but was never awarded the ultimate three. (Mr. Le Coze contended that it was because they only served fish.) When Michelin introduced its New York guide in 2005, the restaurant finally achieved the third star. It was a pinnacle that Mr. Le Coze was unable to enjoy: He died unexpectedly of a heart attack in 1994. Ms. Le Coze kept the restaurant going with Mr. Ripert, who became her partner in the restaurant. To mark the anniversary they have organized a $1,000 per person six-course dinner on Wednesday with 10 percent going to the charity City Harvest, which Mr. Ripert supports. The menu combines echoes of Le Bernardin classics, like the pounded tuna first course; and monkfish with a sunchoke puree replacing melted leeks. (Mr. Le Coze is often credited with popularizing monkfish for the American audience.) In recent years, Le Bernardin has always been at or near the top of global restaurant awards. Le Bernardin, 155 West 51st Street (Seventh Avenue), 212-554-1515, resy.com; le-bernardin.com. First, lets get a rough idea of the structure of muscles. Muscle cells are long and elastic and come bound together in protein sheaths called fibrils. These fibrils are arranged lengthwise into bundles like the filaments in a fiber-optic cable which give meat its distinctive grain. As meat heats up, the proteins that surround these bundles change shape and contract, causing those bundles to squeeze tighter and tighter, eventually forcing out juices. Just like toothpaste out of a tube, once the juices are squeezed out, there is no way to get them back in. This is why overcooked meat ends up dry, even when cooked in a moist environment. The salt in a brine dissolves some of the proteins in those bundles. A weaker protein structure means less squeezing, which leads to juicier cooked meat. Moreover, because a salty brine works its way from the outside in, its greatest effects will be on the outermost layers of muscle fibers, the areas most prone to overcooking. While the advantages of soaking a turkey in a liquid brine are obvious, especially in lean breast meat, there are some disadvantages. The first is space. In a restaurant kitchen with a walk-in refrigerator, space isnt an issue, but at home, finding a vessel that can fit a whole turkey and keep refrigerator-cold for a couple of nights is not as easy. I used to resort to brining turkey inside a cooler, which Id keep chilled with ice packs that Id change out every six to eight hours. (Ice packs were necessary because using plain ice would end up diluting the brine as it melted.) The second disadvantage is that liquid brine can dilute the turkey flavor. A brined turkey may taste juicier, but it also tastes watered down, as there is an inevitable exchange of liquid between the turkey and the brine during its extended soak. The solution? Ditch the solution. These days, I use a salting method known as dry-brining, which I learned from the chef Judy Rodgerss recipe for the roast chicken she served at Zuni Cafe in San Francisco. All you have to do is salt your turkey inside and out with coarse salt (it works best if you get some of the salt between the meat and skin on the breast, but even salting over the skin will help), place it uncovered on a rack in the fridge, and let it rest for a day or two. Initially, the salt will draw out liquid from the turkey youll see it start to bead up on the surface within minutes. The salt then dissolves in this liquid, creating a super-concentrated brine that will then start to work its way back into the bird, dissolving muscle proteins as it goes. In testing I did for my Food Lab column at Serious Eats, I found that dry-brined poultry as well as traditionally brined birds retain about 35 percent more moisture than unbrined poultry. But one advantage of dry-brining is that the turkeys flavor remains undiluted by excess water. While brining is key, temperature management is even more so. The goal is to get the dark leg meat to cook faster than the lean breast meat. The traditional method of roasting a turkey placing it on a rack in a deep roasting pan accomplishes the exact opposite. A deep roasting pan reduces the flow of hot air around the thighs and back of the turkey, while the breast meat remains elevated above the rack, speeding up its cooking. By the time the leg meat has reached the requisite 170 to 180 degrees, the breast meat is hopelessly overcooked. State family court judges, who review placements, can rule against a tribe, but the reasons have to be clear and convincing, a high bar. About seven years ago, the Brackeens, who had two biological sons, felt called by their evangelical Christian faith and comfortable circumstances a large brick home on an acre with a pool and a greenhouse to foster children, they recounted in a 2019 interview with The New York Times. A 10-month-old boy, known in court records as A.L.M., whose Navajo mother lived on state land, had entered the Texas foster care system. He was placed with the Brackeens. The Navajo said that because his mother was a tribal member, tribal families should have priority for foster care and adoption. But as months passed, the tribes placements fell through and A.L.M. continued to bond with the Brackeens. Eventually, the Navajo and the Cherokee, the boys fathers tribe, agreed to let the Brackeens adopt the little boy, who is now 7. Wanting to foster and perhaps adopt more Native American children but fearful of getting stuck in the same legal labyrinth, the Brackeens agreed to become lead plaintiffs in a 2017 federal lawsuit brought by Texas, Louisiana, Indiana and other families challenging the law. In 2018, a federal court judge in Texas struck down the law as unconstitutional, and A.L.M.s biological mother gave birth to Y.R.J. The baby, like her mother, tested positive for methamphetamine, and she was immediately put into state foster care. The Brackeens filed for custody of Y.R.J. This time, the Navajo petitioned a judge to award custody to the babys great-aunt, who lives on the reservation among many relatives. The Brackeens argued that they deserved to adopt the little girl because she would be living with a half brother close in age. A Texas judge said Y.R.J. could live primarily with the Brackeens but that they would share custody with the great-aunt. The Brackeens would have to bring the child to the Navajo reservation every summer for extended visits. NASHVILLE There I was, snug in my own bed in the middle of the night, turning to sleep on my side, when wham! the room slid sideways. Then it took off, spinning and spinning as though a sadistic carnival barker had flipped a switch and pushed the speed to max. Reader, I will spare you the details except to say that I have lately learned how delicate an instrument is the human ear, how many ways there are to disrupt its functions. As when, say, a lump of wax detaches itself from the ear canal through an exactly wrong combination of angles and gravity, lodges itself in the eardrum, and transforms the human vestibular system into a Tilt-a-Whirl. For days I lay in bed, trying not to move my head and reciting to myself lines from The Second Coming, a poem by the Irish poet William Butler Yeats: Turning and turning in the widening gyre/The falcon cannot hear the falconer. At the otolaryngologists office, the source of my torture finally emerged after half an hour of patient manipulations by a doctor wielding tiny power tools. In the newly stationary room, I looked at it, amazed. How fragile the human body is that it can be thrown into chaos by something so small! The same can be said for the body politic. Right-wing politicians and media outlets have turned American democracy upside down through nothing more than a lie. They put forth Supreme Court candidates who assure Congress that they respect legal precedent but who vote to overturn Roe v. Wade the instant they have a majority on the court. They endorse political candidates who openly state that they will accept only poll results leading to their own election. Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;/Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world. They denounce calamities where no calamities exist, turning public schools into battlegrounds and library books and bathrooms into weapons. But their answer to the real calamity of children being slaughtered in their classrooms is to arm teachers, to bring even more guns into the classroom. Political violence and threats are rising, and so is the intimidation of voters and voting officials. Israels shift rightward has been long in the making. Mr. Rabins assassination also killed the Israel that Mr. Rabin was imagined to represent. The Israel that many Americans and especially American Jews fondly remember for its irreverent secularism and vaguely social-democratic ethos no longer exists. It was always more myth than reality, but the facts that enabled the myth are gone: A conservative interpretation of Judaism increasingly dominates the public sphere. The last left-wing parties are headed to the grave. The idea that Jews and Arabs should have equal rights is supported by only a minority of Jewish Israelis. Since at least Mr. Netanyahus second term in 2009, outright anti-Palestinian racism has become a routine feature of Israeli discourse, as Mr. Netanyahu successively normalized politicians seen to represent the most belligerent forms of ethnonationalism: In 2010 it was Avigdor Lieberman, who called for transferring out of areas where Palestinian-Arab citizens of Israel were the majority; in 2013, it was Naftali Bennett, who called for annexing parts of the West Bank (and later replaced Mr. Netanyahu as prime minister). In February 2019, when Mr. Netanyahu first gave his stamp of approval to the Jewish Power party, it was not an aberration but the culmination of a steady march. It was also a recognition, on Mr. Netanyahus part, that the difference between his mainstream-right Likud party and the extreme right was now a matter of degree. The real reasons for this shift defy the conventional explanations. Yes, the violence of the second intifada in the early 2000s disillusioned many Jewish Israelis about the possibility of peace with the Palestinians. But the subsequent decade and a half, during most of which Mr. Netanyahu was prime minister, largely insulated most Israelis from the consequences of their government maintaining an indefinite occupation of the West Bank and siege of the Gaza Strip. Support for a two-state solution practically evaporated, and the issue nearly disappeared from Israeli discourse. The past five years have seen far fewer Israeli civilian and military casualties than in the 1990s and early 2000s, but the Israeli Jewish public has also become much less willing to stomach losses. In the wake of the 21-day war last spring sparked by an Israeli raid on the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and responded to with rocket fire from Gaza and the interethnic violence in so-called mixed cities, Mr. Ben-Gvir channeled Israelis desire for a quick and easy solution to what some call the Palestinian problem by proposing to resolve it by force. His partys platform promises the establishment of sovereignty over all parts of Eretz Israel liberated in the Six-Day War and settlement of the enemies of Israel in the Arab countries that surround our small land. Demographics are not destiny, but in Israel they could enable a permanent majority for the religious-right coalition that has solidified through the decade-plus of Mr. Netanyahus dominance. Mourning the election results, Israels secular liberals lament that they increasingly find themselves a minority in their own country: More than half of Jewish Israelis currently identify as traditional, religious or Haredi (ultra-Orthodox), and demographers expect these politically conservative populations to increase as a share of Israels population. Not only do roughly two-thirds of Jewish Israelis ages 18 to 34 identify as right wing, but also, according to a 2016 Pew Survey, 49 percent of Jewish Israelis ages 18 to 49 agree that Arabs should be expelled or transferred from Israel, compared with 44 percent who disagree. For years, the coffee calendar was fixed: iced in the warmer months, hot once the mercury dropped. But these days, whether as a result of climate change or, more likely, the enduring cold brew craze, baristas are running their cocktail-grade ice machines straight through the winter. Regardless of the weather, says Ian Walla, the general manager of the Lower Manhattan location of the Nordic microroaster La Cabra, for the most part, coffee drinkers are all in on iced or all in on hot its a lot more common for somebody to stick with a temperature. Kyle Glanville, a co-founder of Go Get Em Tiger, which has outposts across Los Angeles, attributes the rapid rise of cool drinks to the communal nature of coffee. Its such a social beverage that folks are influenced by what others around them are doing, he says. And if you visit Abraco, an East Village cafe that feels like a good neighborhood bar, those around you will most likely be drinking cold brew. Its not seasonal anymore, says the co-owner Liz Quijada. The people who get cold brew all spring and summer get cold brew in winter. For those who want to try something different and maybe even a little frostier Quijada recommends the frappe, an off-menu take on a Greek seaside classic. Espresso, simple syrup and ice are blended in a Vitamix, resulting in a texture so rich and creamy that its hard to believe the drink is dairy-free. The frappe might be native to the summer cafes of Paros and Crete, but it now has a second home: a wintry New York City. Oliver Strand Mastodon is a part of the Fediverse, or federated universe, a group of federated platforms that share communication protocols. Unlike Twitter, Mastodon presents posts in chronological order, rather than based on an algorithm. It also has no ads; Mastodon is largely crowdfunded. Most servers are funded by the people who use them. The servers that Mastodon oversees Mastodon Social and Mastodon Online are funded through Patreon, a membership and subscription service platform often used by content creators. Although Mastodon visually resembles Twitter, its user experience is more akin to that of Discord, a talking and texting app where people also join servers that have their own cultures and rules. Unlike Twitter and Discord, Mastodon does not have the ability to make its users, or the people who create servers, do anything. That includes establishing content moderation, or rules for what posts to keep up and what to take down. But servers can dictate how they interact with one another or whether they interact at all in a shared stream of posts. For example, when Gab used Mastodons code, Mastodon Social and other independent servers blocked Gabs server, so posts from Gab did not appear on the feeds of people using those servers. How do you join Mastodon? To join Mastodon, you sign up for an account on a server. This website will be home to your account, profile and feeds. Some websites allow immediate registration, while others require an approval or an invitation. There are at least 4,000 independent servers, according to estimates by fediverse.party. Many servers are topical, ranging from one for all the ravers in the universe to one for Britain. Like an email account, your username includes the name of the server itself. For example, a possible username on Mastodon Social would be janedoe@mastodon.social. Regardless of which server you sign up with, you can interact with people who use other Mastodon servers, or you can switch to another one. Once you sign up for an account, you can post toots, which are Mastodons version of tweets. You can also boost other peoples toots, the equivalent of a retweet. Our next steps are not just getting our people to go and vote, but getting our people to be the people that people vote for. TESLA COX, 31, who is Tlingit and gathered late last month with other Alaska Natives for a three-day convention, where their influence as a voting bloc was a major topic of discussion. Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Making the World Heritage List from UNESCO, the United Nations educational, scientific and cultural organization, is a kind of gold seal of approval in the tourism world. The list, which began in 1978, has more than 1,150 sites nominated by their host nations and includes tourist destinations like the Great Wall of China, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Central Amazon Conservation Complex in Brazil. It also features some of the worlds most-famous and most-visited glaciers, including those in Yosemite National Park. But according to a report released by the agency last week, a third of them are expected to disappear by 2050 because of climate change. The glaciers that are likely to disappear include the last remaining ones in Africa, in Kilimanjaro National Park and on Mount Kenya, those on the Pyrenees Mont Perdu, which spans the borders of France and Spain, and in Italys Dolomites. The report, released days before the U.N.s COP27 climate change conference is set to begin in Egypt, posed a challenge to the travel industry, which is a large contributor to global carbon emissions, with a footprint estimated between 8 and 11 percent of total greenhouse gases, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, or W.T.T.C. Aviation represents around 17 percent of total travel carbon emissions. Just about anything is still possible in this years midterm elections. Everything from a Democratic hold in the Senate and a fairly close race for the House to something like a Republican rout is well within the range of realistic possibilities on Tuesday. Why such a wide range? With so many races on edge, it wouldnt take much for the final outcome to feel very good, or very bad, for either party. In the Senate, the races likeliest to decide control remain exceptionally close, with the poll averages showing essentially a dead-heat in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona and even New Hampshire. With just a few lucky breaks, either party could win control. Theres a similar story in the House. While Republicans are plainly favored to win the chamber, dozens of races are tossups. It wouldnt take much for Democrats to keep the race fairly close, perhaps delaying a call on House control for many hours or perhaps even days. On the other hand, it wouldnt take much for Republicans to pick up dozens of seats, leaving the impression that 2022 was something like a wave election. Two canvassers walked a cul de sac in a Northeastern Pennsylvania town looking for persuadables independent voters who might be convinced to vote for Democrats and Erik Brandt, out resurfacing his driveway, offered himself as one. The conversation turned to how the Republican candidate for governor has vowed to ban abortion without exceptions, and Mr. Brandt, 50, demurred. He finds it easier to talk about gun control, or the economy. Abortion is not really my its too hard for me, he said. If he had to pick, he said, Im kind of pro-life, with exceptions for rape and things of that nature. One of the canvassers, Karen Anselm, shared that when she was pregnant and unmarried at 19, her parents offered to help her get an abortion, but she chose to give birth to her son. The point is, I had a choice, she said. If Im pro-choice, I cant force anyone to have an abortion. If Im pro-life, I am forcing someone to have a child. No driveway conversation could capture the debate and emotions around abortion. But this one and other interviews in this closely contested quadrant of a swing state over the last few weeks reflects a gender gap seen in polls and voter registration rolls since the Supreme Courts decision in June to overturn Roe v. Wade. While the decision has outraged many women and galvanized them heading into midterm elections, men, even those who support some right to abortion, remain passive by comparison. We must create a voting system that provides secure options for voters, equitable access to the polls and ensures all our voices are heard when it comes time to vote, Khalilah Spencer, president of Promote the Vote, a group backing the effort, said as the campaign for Proposal 2 began this year. But Secure MI Vote, an opposing group, said, If Proposal 2 wins in November, elections will not be secure ever again. An initiative in Ohio is aimed at thwarting any attempt to allow people who are not United States citizens from voting in local elections. It is meant to counter efforts elsewhere, including New York City, to allow permanent legal residents and people authorized to work in the United States to vote in city-level races. A similar proposal is up for a vote in Louisiana on a Dec. 10 ballot. Other measures offer an opportunity to take the nations temperature on an array of other contentious issues. Several states, including California, Kentucky, Michigan and Vermont, have measures that will either protect or curtail abortion access. North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri and Maryland have ballot measures on legalizing marijuana. In Colorado, which was one of the first states to legalize marijuana for recreational use, voters are deciding whether to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms and allow for restricted access to people who are 21 and older. (Oregon is the only other state that has moved to widely legalize psychedelics.) Good, Ms. Isbell said. Well, youre getting my vote no doubt about that, she told Ms. Chavez-DeRemer, turning to her husband to instruct him, Were voting for her. Democrats concerns about the race have intensified as widespread frustration with high inflation, as well as homelessness and public safety in Portland, have reverberated throughout the state, bolstering Republican efforts to flip the governors office for the first time in four decades, as well as to flip multiple congressional and state seats down the ballot. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Justin Hwang, the chairman of the state Republican Party, said at a gala hosted by the League of Minority Voters, where Ms. McLeod-Skinner and Ms. Chavez-DeRemer both participated in a forum. Asked about the race, he added, It would be much harder if Kurt were still a congressman; he has the name ID, and hes more of a moderate. Both women would make history if elected, Ms. McLeod-Skinner as the first openly L.G.B.T.Q. lawmaker to represent Oregon, and Ms. Chavez-DeRemer as the first Republican Latina congresswoman in the states history. Having survived their respective primaries, they have focused their campaigns on highlighting their bipartisan bona fides and swatting away accusations that they are entrenched in their partys extremes. To drive home the point, Ms. McLeod-Skinner often wears a lavender or purple button-down shirt a bit of a statement, she said, about the shade of her politics while Ms. Chavez-DeRemer elicits chuckles on the campaign trail when she mentions parenting twin girls aligned with different parties. You start to see your voice somewhat get shut out with the one-party voice, and so I thought it was important for some balanced, pragmatic thought, Ms. Chavez-DeRemer, the former mayor of Happy Valley, said in an interview before a business forum. I thought it was time to address some of the issues that were seeing the high cost of living, certainly our education system, as well as the crime. If residents are familiar with Mr. Caruso, it is for a different reason: their years of shopping at his glittering malls. While he has not served in elective office, he has deep civic ties, having served on panels overseeing the Los Angeles Police Department, the citys Department of Water and Power and the University of Southern California. The candidates policy differences are slim. Both have emphasized a need for public safety and have vowed to put more officers on the street. Both have expressed heartbreak at the bigoted remarks on the released audio and called for all involved to resign from office. Their positions on homelessness are more pronounced: Both have said they will treat the issue as an emergency, closing homeless encampments and moving people into temporary and permanent housing that comes with support services. Mr. Caruso has made an aggressive pledge to house 30,000 people in 300 days; Ms. Bass has said that is unrealistic, and has promised to house 17,000 or so in 365 days. The candidates have been in attack mode, as often happens in close races. In a $50 million-plus ad blitz that has inundated the citys airwaves, Mr. Caruso has sought for months to portray Ms. Bass in multiple languages as a Democratic insider with few new solutions. Her campaign has lashed back, reminding the heavily Democratic electorate that Mr. Caruso was a Republican who registered as a Democrat only recently and that despite the seat being nonpartisan, party loyalty matters. If you lie about who you are, if you lie about who other people are, how could you possibly bring the city together to meet the needs that we have in Los Angeles right now? Ms. Bass asked at a recent news conference after being endorsed by former President Barack Obama. Mr. Caruso who has changed his party preference several times since 2011, mostly between Republican and independent until he registered as a Democrat this year has countered that he left the G.O.P. because he disagreed with former President Donald J. Trump and that his party affiliation is a red herring. There was no confetti strewn across the streets of Philadelphia on Sunday morning, no chants of We are the champions, or whiffs of smoke from celebratory fireworks. The city had lost both the World Series and the Major League Soccer Cup final on Saturday in a span of about five hours. But at 12 p.m. on Sunday, at an abandoned pier along the Delaware River, a bearded man in a white sleeveless shirt sat at a makeshift table and stared intently at the plate as dozens gathered around. They braced for gusts of wind in order to cheer him in the final stretch of a self-imposed challenge: To devour 40 rotisserie chickens in 40 days. Maybe the man, Alexander Tominsky, 31, would be the one to bring them redemption after a miserable weekend filled with defeat. Eat that bird! they chanted. And eat it he did. In an hour, Mr. Tominsky, a restaurant server in the city, ate his 40th rotisserie chicken in as many days, completing an Odyssean journey of sorts that had enthralled, and puzzled, thousands online, and brought a moment of rejoicing to a beaten city, a chance to holler and declare victory for the person now referred to as The Philadelphia Chicken Man. Since the 2020 election, Republican voters have been encouraged by some of their most vocal leaders, including former President Donald J. Trump, to eschew mail voting and instead cast a ballot in person, preferably on Election Day. That push is in part a strategy and in part a concession to the conspiracy theories about elections and mail ballots that have consumed much of the Republican base. Since before the 2016 election, Mr. Trump has been making false statements about mail voting being part of a rigged system, and was joined by many allies during the 2020 election falsely painting mail ballots as corrupt. On the Democrats side, voters and candidates embraced the method en masse during the pandemic. But there has also been a legal strategy behind the Republican rhetoric, evident in 2020 and this year, seeking to gain an edge over Democrats. Republican lawsuits in some battleground states, including Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan, have targeted mail ballots, seeking to either reject or restrict ballots that have leaned overwhelmingly Democratic since the pandemic, and potentially gain a marginal edge that could help in an extremely close race. Those efforts have precedents in the 2020 election. For example, in Texas, with just weeks to go before that vote, Republicans sued to disqualify more than 127,000 absentee ballots dropped off in drive-through locations in Houston. For all the rallies, emailed fund-raising pitches and exhortations on his social media website to support Republican candidates, former President Donald J. Trump was always destined to make the 2022 election about one thing: himself. And so it was distressing, but unsurprising, to a number of Republicans nationally and in Washington that, on the eve of what many polls are forecasting as a strong night for G.O.P. candidates, Mr. Trump began telling people on Monday that he planned to announce his third presidential campaign that night, at a rally in Dayton, Ohio. Throughout Monday, Republicans who had pressing election-eve work to do instead spent their time trading text messages and anxious calls about whether Mr. Trump was poised to animate Democratic and Republican voters alike as they prepared to vote on Election Day by putting himself front and center. A close ally of Mr. Trumps, Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, road-tested Mr. Trumps idea for a Dayton announcement on Twitter on Monday morning, following a predictable pattern in which Mr. Trump spreads word of what hes thinking in the hopes that it becomes public and generates news coverage. With alarm over foreign manipulation of the U.S. midterm elections swirling ahead of Tuesdays vote, an influential Russian businessman and close associate of President Vladimir V. Putin sardonically boasted on Monday that Russia was interfering in the election. Gentlemen, we have interfered, we do interfere and we will interfere, the businessman, Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, known as Putins Chef, said in a statement posted by his catering company in response to a question from a Russian news outlet. We will do it carefully, precisely, surgically as we are capable of doing it. During our targeted operations, we will remove both kidneys and liver at once. RIA Novosti, a Russian state-owned news agency, described the comments as ironic. But Mr. Prigozhin the founder of a shadowy mercenary force closely linked to the Kremlin has been accused of being deeply involved in such operations. In 2018, he was indicted by the United States in a case involving the troll factory that spearheaded Russian efforts to meddle in the 2016 elections in the United States. Last year, the F.B.I. also put Mr. Prigozhin on its most-wanted list and the U.S. Treasury placed him under sanctions for organizing disinformation campaigns in elections in Asia, Europe and Africa. The U.S. government imposed additional sanctions on Mr. Prigozhin in March, shortly after Russias invasion of Ukraine. The UN peacekeeping deployment is a significant illustration of internationalism and world collaboration. It has been proven to be one of the best strategies for promoting and upholding global peace and stability. by Kamal Uddin Mazumder The establishment and maintenance of stability through cooperation was the key motivation behind the UNs founding in 1945. The primary objective of the UN is to maintain international peace and security, and in pursuit of such ends, to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace and for the suppression of acts of aggression or other breaches of the peace and to bring about by peaceful means and in compliance with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace. As a part of a global peace movement, the UN Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO) were established in 1948 to settle international conflicts. The first mission was to send UN Army investigators to the Middle East to observe the agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbors. In recent years, the UN peacekeeping operation has changed to reflect the dynamic nature of international conflicts and the global political landscape. The UN peacekeeping role was specifically extended after the Cold War. South Asian countries send a sizable contingent of soldiers to peacekeeping operations. Peacekeeping operations are one area of international activity where the regions united efforts have had a positive effect. Bangladesh has assumed a leadership position in the UNs peacekeeping mission and is well-versed in the history of such missions. Bangladesh is one of the UNs most significant and trustworthy partners thanks to its ongoing commitment, adherence to the organizations regulations, and prompt adaptation measures. It has stayed committed to acting as an accountable UNPKO stakeholder despite the changing nature of the worlds security environment. Instead of concentrating only on peacemaking and peacebuilding, modern peacekeeping aims to ensure social protection in both pre- and post-conflict environments and to seal harmonious connections. After intrastate warfare ended and armed conflict began, peacekeeping now has a variety of responsibilities that go beyond its core duties. One of the main goals of UN peacekeeping missions may be to increase state efficiency and reduce state fragility. As a result, the current batch of troops may significantly affect the UN forces ability to operate. Bogoro (Bunia) Ituri Province, DR Congo: Patrol commander of BOGORO Company Operating Base (COB) of MONUSCO Bangladesh battalion is interacting with the chief of ADA village, while out on patrolling to know about the security situation of the locality on 01 December 2017. [Photo: MONUSCO Forces/UN] Despite challenging topographical, meteorological, and other unfavorable conditions, Bangladeshi forces are completing the job with the utmost integrity, dedication, and professionalism. Bangladesh has been actively taking part in peacekeeping operations all over the world for the past three decades, and it has been essential to maintaining world peace and stability. In 1988, Bangladesh participated for the first time in both the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG) in Iraq and the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) in Namibia. In addition to multiple successful operations in Somalia, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bangladeshi troops ensured that rebels in Liberia and the Ivory Coast (Cote dIvoire) gave up and laid down their arms. The country also closely monitored the elections in Mozambique, the Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Ivory Coast, and other African countries. Since 1988, Bangladesh has sent almost 175,000 soldiers, including more than 1,800 women, on 54 peacekeeping operations to 40 different countries on five continents. Presently, around 7,000 military and police are participating in ten distinct tasks. The majority of Bangladeshs peacekeepers are stationed in Africa. The nations and names of the missions where Bangladeshi personnel are presently stationed are included in the following table. When they first joined the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia in 1993, a detachment of 1,002 soldiers was headed by the 3rd East Bengal Regiment, an infantry regiment from the Bangladesh Army. The operation in Cambodia was a huge endeavor for Bangladesh, and the military of that nation contributed a sizable detachment to the peacekeeping effort. The Bangladeshi military participated in DDR efforts in Kosovo, Timor-Leste, Sierra Leone, and Liberia as well as demining operations in South Sudan. They have also helped Juba have access to water, sanitation, basic education, jobs, and other means of livelihood. In response to the growing threat presented by improvised explosive devices, Bangladeshs Engineer Centre and School of Military Engineering and Ordnance Centre and School has started providing specialized training on counter-IED (IED). All peacekeeping units getting ready for deployment to Mali receive specialized training from these two institutes. Bangladesh was one of the first countries to adopt the 2016-introduced Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System. It has accelerated its deployment by contributing troops to the UN mission in Mali. Bangladesh is dedicated to upholding its reputation in order to bring about world peace. The most casualties occurred during three large ambushes against Bangladeshi contingents in 2017 and 2018. Eight valiant Bangladeshi warriors gave their lives in these three ambushes, inflicting serious injuries on 10 more troops. A brigade-sized force was able to be sent to Freetown, Sierra Leone as a result of Bangladeshs prompt provision of more troops in response to the UNs request and in compliance with the missions increased mandate. Bangladeshi soldiers continued to serve in places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo by frequently keeping an eye on villages to maintain security. Missions by Bangladeshi contingents in Darfur, Cyprus, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were completed successfully. Former peacekeepers and observers claim that the UN hired the majority of Bangladeshi soldiers for peacekeeping operations worldwide over the previous three decades because of their neutrality, professionalism, and quick responsiveness during the deployment. In addition to their competence, former members of the military forces and the police claimed that Bangladeshi peacekeepers high moral standing while serving in UN missions also assisted the country in sending out more troops. In 2011, 2014, 2015, 2021, and 2022, Bangladesh was the country that supplied the most troops. In November 2019, Bangladesh Police received the Best Police Unit Award for its dedication to UN Peacekeeping missions. The Nyala Super Camp in South Darfur, Sudan, was secured by the Bangladesh Formed Police Unit (FPU) 11, which received praise for its outstanding efforts in boosting the capabilities of the police force. In 2021, some 110 Bangladesh Navy servicemen who took part in the UN mission to uphold stability in Beirut, Lebanon, were awarded the Peacekeeping Medal. Rear Admiral Andreas Mugge, the Maritime Task Force (MTF) Commander of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, presented the medal to the officers and crew of the Bangladesh Navy destroyer Sangram in recognition of their contributions to peacekeeping operations. Since the Navy was sent to Lebanon 11 years ago, its personnel have performed their responsibilities with the utmost integrity, commitment, and efficacy. The Navys proud participation has strengthened Bangladeshs status and image overseas. Additionally, Bangladesh was warmly commended this year by the US Embassy in Dhaka for their contributions to UN peacekeeping missions. When Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, the former president of Sierra Leone, paid a visit to Bangladesh in 2003, he expressed his appreciation for Bangladeshs significant help to Sierra Leone as a result of the performance of the nations peacekeepers in Africa. Ivorians frequently called Bangladeshi soldiers munami, which is Ivorian for my friend. Additionally, the UN awarded medals to about 861 members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, including 19 women, who were serving with the UN peacekeeping force in South Sudan (UNMISS) in 2020 for their unwavering efforts to ensure the safety of civilians. The UN peacekeeping deployment is a significant illustration of internationalism and world collaboration. It has been proven to be one of the best strategies for promoting and upholding global peace and stability. The Blue Helmet now stands for global cooperation and collective leadership for world peace. Bangladesh eventually joined the Blue Helmet family with pride due to its enormous commitment to UN peacekeeping efforts over time. The nation of Bangladesh has reached unprecedented heights as a result of its participation, service, and sacrifice in UN peacekeeping missions for world peace. Bangladesh has been building its reputation in the UN for more than three decades thanks to its diligence and commitment. As a global peacekeeper and advocate, Bangladesh may be regarded as exceptional and exemplary. Bangladeshi peacekeepers have served in Africas arid regions and continue to do so. They have made a significant contribution in a variety of fields as security personnel, medical professionals, engineers, trainers, and advisors while dealing with numerous security threats, difficulties, and challenges. Around the world, threats are currently taking on new dimensions, which is likely to jeopardize world peace. Radicalization, environmental concerns, enormous human migration, the growth of right-wing extreme nationalism, catastrophic catastrophes, trade conflicts, etc. are some of the primary security dangers of the new millennium. The UN may react to the fresh challenges and change its emphasis to take into account the developing nature of the dispute and the evolving role of PKO. If Bangladesh is to keep up with the rate of global development and manage difficult disagreements, it may need to make progress. Kamal Uddin Mazumder, Security and strategic affairs analyst, Dhaka, Bangladesh. WASHINGTON The Supreme Court, which has in recent years become increasingly skeptical of the power of administrative agencies, seemed ready on Monday to make it easier to challenge their structure and authority. The court heard separate arguments in two cases, one involving the Federal Trade Commission and the other the Securities and Exchange Commission. The question in both was where and when constitutional objections to agency power may be pursued. A majority of the justices seemed prepared to say that people and companies subject to agencies enforcement actions should not have to wait until administrative proceedings are completed before they can raise at least some constitutional objections to the agencies structures in federal trial courts. What sense does it make for a claim that goes to the very structure of the agency having to go through the administrative process? Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr. asked. The intelligent man on the street is going to say thats a bunch of baloney, he said in a 2017 argument about the consequences of adopting one way to measure partisan gerrymandering. It must be because the Supreme Court preferred the Democrats over the Republicans. And thats going to come out one case after another as these cases are brought in every state. And that is going to cause very serious harm to the status and integrity of the decisions of this court in the eyes of the country. The theory in the new case, Moore v. Harper, No. 21-1271, would give state legislatures independent power, not subject to review by state courts, to set all sorts of election rules at odds with state constitutions, not least by drawing congressional maps warped by partisan gerrymandering. The case, set to be argued on Dec. 7, concerns a voting map drawn by the North Carolina Legislature that was rejected as a partisan gerrymander by the states Supreme Court. Republicans seeking to restore the legislative map argued that the state court was powerless to act. The theory is based on a reading of the Constitutions Elections Clause, which says: The times, places and manner of holding elections for senators and representatives, shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof. If the Supreme Court accepts that legislatures are the only organs of state government that matter in elections, lawyers for the Brennan Center for Justice wrote in a friend-of-the-court brief, countless provisions of state constitutions, decisions of state courts and policies of state election administrators would be called into question. TURNEFFE ATOLL, Belize Belize faced an economic meltdown. The pandemic had sent it into its worst ever recession, putting the government on the brink of bankruptcy. A solution came from unexpected quarters. A local marine biologist offered Prime Minister Johnny Briceno a novel proposal: Her nonprofit would lend the country money to pay its creditors if his government agreed to spend part of the savings this deal would generate to preserve its marine resources. For Belize, that meant its oceans, endangered mangroves and vulnerable coral reefs. The resulting deal, known as blue bonds, is an example of a novel approach that has allowed a growing number of developing nations to cut their debt by investing in conservation, giving them a larger role in the fight against climate change. It gave us breathing space, Mr. Briceno said. Instead of bondholders, we will now be paying to protect our environment. Because such mergers tend to lead to weakly institutionalized bargains between factions, rather than strong central institutions, these kinds of parties tend to be vulnerable to radicalization, he said. At first blush, that might not sound like the story of the American Republican Party. After all, it has existed for more than a century. It was the party of Lincoln. Its nickname is the Grand Old Party. But look a little more closely at the Republican Partys development since the 1960s, and a very different picture emerges. In fact, for much of the 20th century, the southern Republican Party did not, in any meaningful sense, exist. During the Jim Crow era, southern states were run as single-party, segregationist regimes by the Democratic Party. In addition to dismantling voting rights for Black Americans and sharply limiting them for white voters whose preferences were inconvenient for the ruling elite, southern Democrats used legal restrictions and extralegal harassment to repress opposition parties, Robert Mickey, a political scientist at the University of Michigan, wrote in his book Paths out of Dixie: The Democratization of Authoritarian Enclaves in the American South, 1944-1972. The result was that the G.O.P. had essentially no institutional infrastructure or electoral base in the Democrats Solid South. When the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act finally opened the region to competitive elections, the Republicans had to build state parties anew. One of the most successful ways they did so was via mergers with breakaway contingents of segregationist politicians from the Democratic Party, said Angie Maxwell, the director of the Diane D. Blair Center of Southern Politics and Society at the University of Arkansas, and the co-author of The Long Southern Strategy: How Chasing Votes in the White South Changed American Politics. It was hard, because there was virtually no Republican Party, she said. It took politicians, big-name politicians, standing up and switching parties, which Strom Thurmond was the first one to do. Deciding to just take the hit, and go Im going to be a Republican, and start building a party. The retreat of Russian forces from the key city of Kherson is a watershed moment in Ukraines campaign to reclaim territory in the south of the country that Moscow captured near the start of its invasion. A vital Black Sea port and a gateway to Crimea, Kherson is important strategically. Moscows forced withdrawal has added resonance because Kherson was the first major city to fall to Russian forces after the start of the invasion on Feb. 24. Here is why the pullback from the city could prove to be a significant event in a grinding war that is now in its ninth month. An American aid worker was shot dead on Monday while driving a car in Baghdad, Iraqi officials said, in a rare attack on a foreigner in the Iraqi capital. A senior Iraqi intelligence official said the American was killed in the evening in the central Karrada area of Baghdad, where he and his family rented a house. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the public, said the aid workers car had been shot by gunmen traveling in two vehicles. Security officials said that they did not know the motive behind the attack. The intelligence official said the American had been employed by Millennium Relief and Development Services, a U.S.-based charity that says it was established in 1998 to provide long-term development assistance to the poor in more than 40 countries. A spokesman said the U.S. Embassy could not yet confirm the death but was investigating. The New York Times is withholding the victims name pending confirmation that his extended family has been notified. Follow our live coverage of the COP27 Climate Summit in Egypt. CAIRO Walking home from the downtown Cairo restaurant where he works late one recent night, Ahmed Ali did a double-take: Tahrir Square, home to the famed Egyptian Museum and multiple revolutions, was almost entirely dark. Usually it dripped with golden light. But that night, practically its only illumination came from the red subway stop sign. Had there been a blackout? Mr. Ali asked his fellow waiters. No, they said. In August, at the height of the Egyptian summer, the government had ordered government offices, stadiums, hotels and malls to turn down the air-conditioning and turn off the lights to conserve power. The natural gas savings would be sold to Europe at a hefty markup, helping Egypt weather an economic hurricane and Europe survive an energy crisis brought on by Russias invasion of Ukraine. The more we export to Europe, the more were going to have electricity shortages here, said Mr. Ali, 21. Its a good thing for Europe, but its not a very good thing for us. When world leaders gather in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, this week for the annual United Nations climate summit, the debate over who bears financial responsibility for climate change will be center stage. Poor nations, which have contributed the least to climate change but are among the most vulnerable to its effects today, are seeking more financial commitments from rich countries, many of which have grown their economies by burning fossil fuels. Most Vulnerable, but Least Responsible for Climate Change A vulnerability index developed by the University of Notre Dame measures countries exposure, sensitivity and capacity to adapt to the negative effects of climate change. A bubble chart ranking countries from more to less vulnerable. Each bubble is sized by the countrys historical emissions. It shows that lower income countries tend to have low historical emissions but are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. 10 gigatons CO2 Climate change vulnerability index COUNTRYs Total historical emissions 1 Somalia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, but has contributed only a tiny fraction of global emissions. More vulnerable Less vulnerable Lower income countries 0.6 Many small island nations face threats from rising sea levels and extreme disasters, despite historically low emissions. Pakistan experienced widespread and deadly flooding this summer that scientists linked to climate change. India 57.1 Gt CO2 0.5 Middle income countries China 249.4 Gt CO2 0.4 Russia 117.5 Gt CO2 Japan 66.7 Gt CO2 Higher income countries United States 421.7 Gt CO2 0.3 United Kingdom 74.9 Gt CO2 Germany 93.1 Gt CO2 Wealthy countries are responsible for half of the worlds emissions since 1850. They are also experiencing more frequent and extreme weather as the world warms, but are better prepared for climate-related disruptions. Climate change vulnerability index COUNTRYs Total historical emissions 10 gigatons CO2 1 Somalia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, but has contributed only a tiny fraction of global emissions. More vulnerable Less vulnerable Lower income countries 0.6 Many small island nations face threats from rising sea levels and extreme disasters, despite historically low emissions. Pakistan experienced widespread and deadly flooding this summer that scientists linked to climate change. India 57.1 Gt CO2 0.5 Middle income countries China 249.4 Gt CO2 0.4 Russia 117.5 Gt CO2 Japan 66.7 Gt CO2 United States 421.7 Gt CO2 0.3 United Kingdom 74.9 Gt CO2 Germany 93.1 Gt CO2 Higher income countries Wealthy countries are responsible for half of the worlds emissions since 1850. They are also experiencing more frequent and extreme weather as the world warms, but are better prepared for climate-related disruptions. Global Carbon Project. Sources: University of Notre Dame Income groups reflect International Monetary Fund designations. The consequences of global warming are already unfolding, with developing countries often on the front lines of the devastation. Pakistan experienced catastrophic floods this summer, which scientists said were made worse by climate change. A third of the country was left under water, leaving 1,700 people dead and causing at least $40 billion in economic losses. Extreme flooding also submerged parts of Nigeria earlier this month, and elsewhere in Africa, record drought has brought millions to the brink of starvation. At this years climate conference, known as COP27, developing countries are expected to press wealthy nations historically the world's biggest emitters to fulfill earlier promises of financial support and push them ever further. Current Commitments Falling Short More than a decade ago, the worlds rich, industrialized countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, Britain and Japan committed to giving $100 billion a year by 2020 (and through 2025) to poor nations for climate adaptation and mitigation projects. But wealthy countries have failed to meet that goal. Climate Finance Pledges, Unmet Rich countries promised to mobilize $100 billion per year in public and private financing by 2020 to help poor countries mitigate and adapt to a changing climate. A bar chart showing that while financial contributions from wealthy countries have increased each year since 2016, the $100 billion per year goal was not met by the 2020 deadline. There was a $16.7 shortfall in 2020, the most recent year that data is available. In addition, the chart shows that financing for mitigation projects has generally been twice as high as for adaptation projects. $100 billion per year goal by 2020 Shortfall $16.7 billion $83.3 $80.4 $79.9 $71.7 $58.5 billion delivered Mitigation Both Adaptation 2019 2016 2017 2018 2020 $100 billion per year goal by 2020 Shortfall $16.7 billion $83.3 $80.4 $79.9 $71.7 $58.5 billion delivered Mitigation Both Adaptation 2019 2016 2017 2018 2020 Source: Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development . Totals may differ due to rounding. Nations will need to agree on another financing pledge of at least $100 billion a year before 2025, so negotiations at this years summit will begin shaping that goal. Most estimates have suggested that $100 billion is not nearly enough to help poor countries stave off the worst effects of climate change, let alone shift away from burning oil, gas and coal. All of the evidence suggests that we need trillions, not billions, said Baysa Naran, a manager at Climate Policy Initiative, a research center. The money so far has funded mitigation projects, which help developing countries transition away from fossil fuels, like building a zero-emissions transit system in Pakistan. Money has also gone toward adaptation projects, which help countries build resilience against climate risks, like restoring mangrove habitats in Guinea-Bissau to protect from rising seas. Critics point out that funding has often come in the form of loans rather than grants. That has increased many poor countries' already unsustainable burden of debt, said Alina Averchenkova, a climate policy fellow at the London School of Economics. Some countries may also count certain types of projects toward their contributions that others do not, which can lead to inflated figures, said Sarah Colenbrander, director of the climate program at the Overseas Development Institute. The $100 billion goal was carefully crafted to be deliberately vague a result of highly politicized negotiations at COP15 in Copenhagen, said Preety Bhandari, a senior advisor at the World Resources Institute. As a result, theres no requirement that specific countries contribute a certain proportion of the funds. Multiple analyses have calculated that the United States, which contributed less than $3 billion of the $83.3 billion in 2020, is underdelivering by tens of billions of dollars when considering its relative emissions, population size and wealth. In addition, mitigation projects have generally received twice as much funding as those focused on adaptation, although many experts and representatives from vulnerable nations say that the two should be more balanced. While mitigation addresses the root of the climate problem by curbing emissions, it doesnt help communities adapt to current or future risks. An agreement reached at the end of last years climate negotiations in Glasgow urged rich countries to at least double finance for adaptation by 2025 to $40 billion. A Separate Fund for Loss and Damage More recently, some of the worlds most vulnerable nations have intensified calls for new funds from the worlds wealthiest economies to compensate for damages caused by climate change. The issue is known in climate negotiations as loss and damage and proponents have described it as a form of climate reparations to pay for irreversible losses of income, culture, biodiversity and lives. Wealthy countries have historically resisted calls for a loss and damage fund, largely out of fear that it could open them up to legal liability. In Glasgow last year, the United States opposed language that would set up such a fund. This year, as Egypt has vowed to put loss and damage on the formal COP27 agenda, representatives from the United States and European countries have indicated that they might be open to discussing it. A group of small island states first raised the issue of loss and damage in 1991, pointing to the irreparable destruction they faced from sea level rise. Since then, those countries have attempted to quantify the crushing costs. V20, or the Vulnerable Twenty group composed of finance ministers from 58 nations, estimated that its member states have lost $525 billion, or about one fifth of their wealth, over the past two decades due to climate change. Countries are already paying for climate change now, and the burning question is: Can we let this go on?, said Sara Jane Ahmed, a financial advisor to V20. And the answer is: No, we cant. This article reflects expectations for results timing by officials before election night. As of Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time, three competitive Senate seats are yet to be called. Its unclear how long it will take to count remaining mail and provisional ballots in Nevada and Georgia. Georgia seems unlikely to be resolved before a Dec. 6 runoff election. States with competitive Senate races in 2022 States called on election night in 2020 ME VT NH WA ID MT ND MN IL NY RI MA OR WY SD IA IN OH NJ CT CA UT CO NE MO KY WV VA MD DE NM KS AR TN SC DC OK LA MS AL HI TX FL In 2020, 42 states and Washington, D.C., had reported enough results for news organizations to project winners in the presidential race by about 3:00 a.m. Eastern. States with competitive Senate races in 2022 States called later AK 8 days WI Next day MI Next day NV 4 days PA 4 days AZ 9 days NC 10 days GA 16 days But eight states took longer. Six of them all but Alaska and Michigan have competitive Senate races this year that could determine the balance of power in Congress. While Tuesdays election (see live results) will not follow the exact same patterns, some of the same factors could extend the release of results until later into the week. That means we may again have to wait until after Election Day to know the outcome in some of the most competitive states. Heres how vote reporting unfolded in 2020: Share of total vote reported over time by state in 2020 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% 6 p.m. Eastern 10 p.m. Colo. D.C. Ind. Kan. Race called in Ky. Vt. On election nights, results start coming in after 6 p.m. Eastern. Some states count faster than others, but like in the 2020 presidential race shown here, winners in noncompetitive races can often be projected before most of the results are in. Vote count progression is shown up to the moment The New York Times reported a projected winner in each state. In other states, even those that count fast, projections cannot be made if the races are close. By midnight Eastern on election night in 2020, 16 states had not yet been called for either Joseph R. Biden Jr. or Donald J. Trump, then the president. By 3 a.m. Eastern, winners were projected in eight of those states, including the battleground of Florida. Michigan and Wisconsin, two states where officials allowed little to no time before Election Day to process mail ballots, were called later on Wednesday. It was not until the Saturday after the election, when the race was called in Pennsylvania (another state where ballots cannot be processed early), that The New York Times and other news organizations were able to project Mr. Biden as the winner. Nevada was also called that day. Still, the full results in four states trickled in over the subsequent days. The final state where a presidential winner was projected Georgia came more than two weeks after the election, following a recount. The longer wait for results in 2020 contributed to false claims that the election had been stolen from President Trump. In reality, the counting of an unprecedented volume of mail ballots in conjunction with very close races meant that it took longer than usual to project winners. There are a few reasons why Tuesdays election will differ from the one in 2020. Its a midterm year, which generally produces lower voter turnout than a presidential election. In part because of the lifted Covid restrictions, many states expect a smaller share of ballots cast by mail, which often take longer to count than those cast in person and sometimes are allowed to arrive days after the election. Also, its difficult to predict which races will be decided by the final ballots. Still, some factors remain the same. Republican-led legislatures in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin have resisted entreaties from local election officials to allow mail ballots to be processed earlier. And extremely close races can trigger automatic recounts or runoff elections. If control of the Senate comes down to the race in Georgia, for example, we may not know the outcome until a Dec. 6 runoff. The Times relies primarily on a team of analysts and researchers at The Associated Press to make race calls, which happens when a trailing candidate no longer has a path to victory. Sometimes winners are projected in races in which only a small share of votes have been reported. These early calls can be made if the race is not closely contested, or if the party or candidate has a history of consistent wins in the county or state. The calls could also be based on results from a pre-election survey. The Times asked officials in every state and Washington, D.C., about their expectations for this year and what, if any, rules have changed since 2020 that could affect vote counting and reporting. Many noted that vote counts are not official until they are certified in each state. Jump to a state... Alaska Arizona Georgia Michigan North Carolina Nevada Pennsylvania Wisconsin Alabama Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut D.C. Delaware Florida Hawaii Iowa Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Massachusetts Maryland Maine Minnesota Missouri Mississippi Montana North Dakota Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Vermont Washington West Virginia Wyoming States with competitive Senate races Competitive races include those rated as tossups, lean Democrat or lean Republican as of Nov. 7. State Timing of results How vote counting progressed in 2020 Arizona Last polls close at 9 p.m. Eastern Competitive congressional races Senate, House (3 districts) Timing of results Like in 2020, most people are expected to vote early by mail, in-person or by drop box. Those ballots require the verification of voters signatures, and officials say the timing of results will depend on how many people return their ballots at the last minute on Election Day. No results are released until 10 p.m. Eastern. How vote counting progressed in 2020 Race called 9 days later 6 p.m., Nov. 3 Midnight Noon, Nov. 4 82% rpt. Colorado Last polls close at 9 p.m. Eastern Competitive congressional races Senate, House (1 district) Timing of results Officials did not comment on the timing of results, but there have been no rule changes since 2020 that would be likely to affect ballot counting. Most voters cast mail ballots, which must arrive by Election Day. Counties must upload results at least once by 10 p.m. Eastern and again by 11 p.m. Eastern. How vote counting progressed in 2020 Race call 6 p.m., Nov. 3 Midnight Noon, Nov. 4 90% rpt. Georgia Last polls close at 7 p.m. Eastern Competitive congressional races Senate Timing of results Officials expect that results will be reported faster than in 2020 because fewer people are voting by mail. Theres a possibility that the high-profile Senate race wont be decided until a Dec. 6 runoff election, which will be triggered if no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote. How vote counting progressed in 2020 Race called 16 days later 6 p.m., Nov. 3 Midnight Noon, Nov. 4 95% rpt. Nevada Last polls close at 10 p.m. Eastern Competitive congressional races Senate, House (3 districts) Timing of results While officials said it could take awhile for counties to begin uploading results after the polls close, they did not make predictions for the pace of reporting. (In 2020, it took three days for 90 percent of the vote to be reported.) The state conducts a predominantly mail-ballot election, and while ballots must still be postmarked by Election Day, they now have four days to arrive (until Nov. 12), instead of the seven days allowed in 2020. How vote counting progressed in 2020 Race called 4 days later 6 p.m., Nov. 3 Midnight Noon, Nov. 4 85% rpt. New Hampshire Last polls close at 8 p.m. Eastern Competitive congressional races Senate, House (2 districts) Timing of results A smaller share of voters is expected to vote by mail because concern about Covid-19 is no longer an accepted reason. Still, officials expect the timing of reporting to be similar to 2020, with full unofficial results by Wednesday. How vote counting progressed in 2020 Race call 6 p.m., Nov. 3 Midnight Noon, Nov. 4 76% rpt. North Carolina Last polls close at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Competitive congressional races Senate, House (1 district) Timing of results State officials expect a quick pace of reporting, similar to 2020. The deadline for mail ballots postmarked by Election Day to arrive was shortened to 6 days from 9 days in 2020, and officials expect a smaller share of voters to vote by mail. How vote counting progressed in 2020 Race called 10 days later 6 p.m., Nov. 3 Midnight Noon, Nov. 4 99% rpt. Ohio Last polls close at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Competitive congressional races Senate, House (3 districts) Timing of results No predictions were provided for the pace of reporting. Mail ballots must be postmarked by the day before the election and have 10 days to arrive. How vote counting progressed in 2020 Race call 6 p.m., Nov. 3 Midnight Noon, Nov. 4 96% rpt. Pennsylvania Last polls close at 8 p.m. Eastern Competitive congressional races Senate, House (3 districts) Timing of results Officials are not permitted to begin processing mail ballots before Election Day, and the states top election official said it would most likely take several days for full unofficial results to be available. Early returns could give a misleading impression of a large Republican advantage before all mail ballots are counted. How vote counting progressed in 2020 Race called 4 days later 6 p.m., Nov. 3 Midnight Noon, Nov. 4 82% rpt. Wisconsin Last polls close at 9 p.m. Eastern Competitive congressional races Senate Timing of results Officials may not begin processing mail ballots until Election Day, and officials have said that vote counting may take until the morning after the election or later that day. Early returns could give a misleading impression of a large Republican advantage before all mail ballots are counted. How vote counting progressed in 2020 Race called 1 day later 6 p.m., Nov. 3 Midnight Noon, Nov. 4 100% rpt. Matt George I recently had a conversation with the personification of "margin-of-error." With a mischievous grin, a small business owner in North Carolina recounted with glee how he had personally thwarted the national polling industry back in 2016 and again in 2020. One day, Id answer that I was for Trump. The next, Id be for the Democrat. It didnt matterI just said how I was feeling on any given day. It wasnt about how I voted on election day. They asked me who I was going to vote for weeks in advance, and I flipped back and forth. For someone who constructs, fields and analyzes thoughtful public opinion surveys, his answer infuriated me to my very core. He was unapologetic. But he was also not wrong. Every two years, our country holds an election. And in between those two years, an entire industry works to build an infallible crystal ball that can predict the future with near certainty. And every two years, when that crystal ball invariably fails to be infallible, journalists, pundits and politicians sound a familiar cry, Polling is broken. It doesnt work. Ill be the first to admitif you expect polling to be 100 percent correct in its predictions, 100 percent of the time, then, yes, polling doesnt work. Polls are a blunt instrument. They cant predict the future. Theyre simply a measure at a single given time. But in a culture that sees poll numbers as the goal rather than a metric, this basic framing gets lost in the noise. How many times have you seen a politician celebrate a poll that showed them up in their race? How many times have you seen pundits herald one poll as proof of one candidates dominance over another? We need to rethink polls as means of unearthing valuable trends and currents of public opinion that can guide us to reasonable conclusions through careful contextual analysis. Polls can help us know where a candidate, company or organization is underperforming their potential, allowing them to adapt. For example, when Glen Youngkins Virginia gubernatorial campaign learned through trended data polling that the likely voter electorate was concerned about education, it pivoted, making the issue one of the foundations for their platform. This defining issue contributed significantly to his campaign victory. If you take the temperature today, youll have a single data point about what the weather is like at a single moment in time. But that data bears no real insights or predictive capability on what the temperature will be in an hour or tomorrow or a in a week. New day New temperature. But what if you took the temperature every day for a week or a month and noticed that it was cold each day and getting colder over time. You could begin to identify trends and make reasonable conclusions about those trendslike that it might continue getting colder or that you might be entering a period of prolonged coldFall or Winter. Are there some hot days in Fall? Sure. But the overall trend provides you insight that you can use to plan appropriately. Polling can unearth those trends. Polling can measure momentum. In 2016, most polls predicted Hillary as the expected winner. But they also identified significant Trump momentum in late October after FBI director, James Comeys letter to Congress. Which measure should have had more weight in our news cycles? The individual temperature readings which showed Hillarys numbers as larger than Trumps or the trend of Trumps momentum? In 2020, preelection polling predicted a decisive Biden victory that turned out to be significantly less of a landslide than expected. Many polls in the Midwest were wildly off when compared to the results. But yet again, polling also identified Trump gaining momentum in the final weeks of the election, cutting into the decisive victory many Democrats had planned. In 2022, lets learn our lesson and pay attention to the trends the polls are showing us. As of late-October, polling in the lead-up to the 2022 Midterms looked familiarly favorable for some Democrats in high-profile Senate races, who were long expected to suffer electoral losses this year. For example, polls have shown Georgia Democratic incumbent Raphael Warnock leading Republican challenger Herschel Walker by as much as six points. But lets remember that in 2016 and 2020, polls consistently underrepresented non-college educated voters, and had significant trouble eliciting accurate responses from Republican voters. Wouldnt it be reasonable to consider that the trend of polls underrepresenting Republican turnout might continue? So, if polling sometimes gets the answer wrong, does it still matter? You bet. Especially when used to identify and harness momentum. Its worth noting that polling can do so much more than make election predictions. It can uncover trends in how the public perceives the economy or detect critical changes in our culture. It can warn companies when their team members work engagement and morale might be slipping. Accurately measuring public opinion momentum can predict which products consumers will buy, which ideas voters will support, and which values we adhere to as a society. Finding the momentum of public opinion provides competitive advantages to companies and organizations by empowering them to adapt and remain nimble. The next time you read a political poll result, read it more as a single suggestion rather than a prediction. And then, keep looking to see if you can uncover the trends and momentum shifts that explain what people are really thinking. *** Matt George is a partner at Seven Letter. Japan is developing a new series of wheeled armored combat vehicles to replace those built locally in the late 1990s in small quantities. Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi, which designed and built the new 8x8 26-ton wheeled Type 16 tank, wants to use the Type 16 chassis as the basis for the new wheeled IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) as well as a recon vehicle and mortar carrier. The Type 16 tank entered service in 2016 and production continues. Using a common chassis for all four (tank, IFV, recon, mortar) vehicles would reduce costs and simplify training and maintenance. This would also be an attractive export item. The government is also testing the Finnish firm Patria AMV XP for just the Japanese IFV contract. The government wont decide on the Mitsubishi proposal until 2023. Tests of all the competing vehicles are taking place in 2022. Mitsubishi has already built prototypes of the IFV, recon and mortar carrier versions for the competition. In 2010, after more than two decades of lobbying, Japan changed its laws to allow weapons exports. There were still some restrictions that were not lifted until early 2022. The original bans were part of post-World War II reforms and reaction to the military government that got Japan into World War II, with disastrous results. The post war constitution forbade Japan from possessing offensive military forces. Japanese armed forces were called the "Self Defense Forces." It was decades before Japan could even bring itself to build major weapons itself. But by the late 1980s, Japanese companies found that they were quite good at it. At that point, an international marketing survey indicated that, if Japan were allowed to export weapons, they would eventually capture up to 45 percent of the world tank and self-propelled artillery market, 40 percent of military electronic sales, and 60 percent of warship construction. That seemed optimistic, but there was no doubt that the Japanese could produce world class weapons. Throughout the 1990s, Japanese manufacturers produced nearly $7 billion worth of weapons and military equipment a year, just for the self-defense force. These locally manufactured weapons were more expensive because they were produced in small quantities and could not be exported. Japan noted that even tiny Israel manages to export $4 billion worth of weapons a year. Japan sees itself as well suited to grab a sizable chunk of the world arms market. After the 1990s, the escalating price of oil (driven largely by increased demand from China and India), sent international arms sales from $29 billion in 2003, to over $60 billion now. Oil rich countries, particularly those in the Persian Gulf, are eager to buy more weapons, with which to defend their assets. Neighbor Taiwan is also seeking such armored vehicles. These countries have been buying all sorts of Japanese high-tech items for decades, so it's easy for Japan to find buyers for its weapons as well. A record number of professionals from the public relations, marketing and advertising fields gathered on Nov. 3 for the combined Mid-Atlantic Marketing Summit, PR Summit DC and ADWKDC conference, #Summits22, at the Capital One Hall in Tysons, Va., located just outside Washington, D.C. The day-long conference, hosted by Capitol Communicator, attracted 450 attendees from around the region and also outside the Washington area. (L to R) Paul Sherman, co-producer, Mid-Atlantic Marketing Summit; Paul Duning, executive producer of the Summits; and Robert Udowitz, co-producer, PR Summit DC Participants enjoyed networking opportunities along with 27 informative sessions with more than 80 speakers. The 30 exhibitors showcased the latest high-tech products and services. This was the second year the event was held at the Capital One Hall, with ADWKDC added this year. ODwyers was again a media partner for the conference. Robert Udowitz, co-producer of the PR Summit DC, asserted that the gathering featured a wonderful turnout of the marketing, public relations and advertising industries. He added, The 27 sessions really pertain to any of the three disciplines and thats what makes it unique. He continued, No other conference does that. Timely Sessions Presented Some of the many session topics included, Marketing Leaders and Communications Directors Roundtable: The Big Picture, Keynote Intro by Applecart, Keynote Speaker: Seth Goldman, founder, Just Ice Tea (and Honest Tea), Social Media Directors Round Table, Rishad Tobaccowala on Restoring the Soul of Business: Staying Human in the Age of Data, In-Housing Paid Media: Opportunities & Obstacles, More than Whiskey: The Story of Jack Daniels Advertising, Influencer Marketing: Promoting Messages Not Products, Evolving Social Platforms & How to Maintain a Strong Brand with Channel-First Content Creation, Misinformation, the Capitol Insurrection, and a Winter Storm: Using Real-time Data at Critical Moments, Taking a Corporate Stand on Societal Issues: Where Do We Draw the Line?, SEO: Trends, Developments & Best Practices, The Power of Creativity in a Digital World, Are You Ready for Google Analytics 4?, and What I Wish I Knew: Insights and Advice from Young Marketers. PR Pros Valued by Reporters In the session, Muck Racks State of Media Relations & Journalists Round Table, Andrew Mercier, Muck Racks editorial director, highlighted findings of the companys State of PR 2022 and State of Journalism 2022 surveys. Among some of the results were that journalists prefer to receive pitches from 9:00 a.m. to late morning or noon. The best pitch length is about 100 to 200 words and Twitter is one of the most valuable platforms for communications professionals. (L to R) Andrew Mercier, Sophia Cai, Maria Glod & Vandana Sinha During the session, Vandana Sinha, editor-in-chief of the Washington Business Journal, explained that her mission is to serve her readers. She said that while PR pros and journalists can have different interests, We can have great relationships. One of the best ways to form a relationship with her is to get to know her organization and what sets it apart. She added that of course, Honesty and transparency are critical. Maria Glod, deputy Metro editor at The Washington Post, asserted, We are always looking to expand our expertise, and she added that PR pros can assist her with getting in touch with experts for her stories. Sophia Cai, national politics reporter for Axios, agreed and said she turns to communications pros to get in touch with experts on a topic. She continued, I value access to your principal. Cai added that she likes to talk to experts in a field and likes to be introduced to experts. She is always happy to pick up the phone, and likes to hear a voice. The WBJs Sinha also emphasized the importance of making sure the contact person listed on a press release be available, either immediately or to get back to her as fast as possible. And in crisis, she asserted, Dont shut out the media. Even if it is to say, no comment. Regarding Twitter Cai, of Axios, said that she does Tweet her stories and she uses Twitter to look up information on her subjects. Sinha concurred and said that Twitter is a great information source. She added, Its a great way for us to disseminate our information. The Posts Glod explained that for her Twitter is a starting point for stories, but she cautioned against false or fake Twitter accounts. Post editors, along with Cai and Sinha, are always verifying any information on Twitter. When the three panelists were asked to describe the DC media scene with one-word, they responded, vibrant, complicated, and chaos. Importance of Keeping Communications Brief Emphasized in Session Mike Allen, co-founder of Axios Mike Allen, co-founder of Axios, emphasized the importance of being brief and getting to the point in written communications. Allen, co-author of Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less, explained when trying to communicate with your audience to always think about, What is the Tweet? He asserted, Twitter is the ultimate Smart Brevity. Allen explained that the Axios HQ software uses the Smart Brevity formula to help companies relay their messages more effectively. Communicators need to think about What would someone grab on to. The best way to convey an idea he said, is to Boil it down. This concept can be used for all industries, from politics to business and more. When discussing writing and the Smart Brevity concept, Allen continued, Less is more. Allen revealed of utmost importance when communicating with an audience is to Tell me something I dont know and why does it matter. He explained that less words show the reader, You respect their time. Other key hallmarks of the Axios communications methods are to include visuals with an elegant simplicity. Also, to always tell readers where they can get further information on your topic. Allen emphasized the importance of using hyperlinks in todays communications for an additional explanation of terms, topics, original reports, polls, news stories, academic papers, and much more. Hyperlinks can be very useful to readers so that additional information is there if people want it. Ultimately, he asserted, Say what people need to know. Met Eireann has extended a Wind Warning issued on Sunday to more counties with heavy rain also on the way. A Status Yellow Met Eireann Wind Warning now covers Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry and Waterford. It is valid from 11.10am on Monday and remains in place until 9pm tonight. It warns that a spell of very strong and gusty southerly winds will track eastwards on Monday afternoon and evening with damaging gusts of up to 110 km/h possible. A separate Status Yellow Rain Warning is also in place for Kerry and Galway up to 9pm this evening. This warns that spells of heavy rain at times today may lead to localised flooding. Highest rainfall amounts will be in mountainous areas. The UK Met Office has also issued a Rain Warning for County Down. A weather advisory for all of Ireland also remains in place for this week. Met Eireann is warning that further spells of rain and showers will cause localised flooding due to waterlogged soils and high river levels. The full Met Eireann weather forecast for Ireland for the coming week is as follows. Weather Forecast for Monday Cloudy and blustery on Monday afternoon with outbreaks of rain turning heavy at times, with an ongoing risk of flooding. It will become windy or squally for a time as an organised band of rain crosses the country also with strong to near gale and gusty southerly winds, strongest in the south and southeast. As that band of showery rain begins to clear to showers from the southwest, winds will veer southwesterly and gradually ease later this afternoon and this evening. Highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees. Clear spells and scattered showers tonight, some turning heavy or thundery. While winds will ease mostly moderate to fresh with lowest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees. Weather Forecast for Tuesday According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast for Ireland, Tuesday will be breezy with sunny spells and scattered showers, some turning heavy or thundery. Highest temperatures of 10 to 12 degrees in moderate to fresh and gusty southwest winds. On Tuesday night, showers will continue for a time, but will become confined to western coastal counties overnight. Lowest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees with moderate southwest winds. Weather Forecast for Wednesday According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast, Wednesday will be bright with sunny spells. There'll be some showers in the west and northwest, but a good deal of dry weather further east. Highest temperatures of 11 to 13 degrees with moderate southwest breezes. Through Wednesday evening and night outbreaks of rain will spread northeastwards over the country with freshening southerly winds. Lowest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees. Weather Forecast for Thursday Thursday will be mild, humid and mostly cloudy with outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Highest temperatures of 14 to 16 degrees with fresh to strong southerly winds. Through the evening and night, more persistent rain will spread eastwards across the country with localised flooding possible. Weather Forecast for Friday Friday will continue mild and mostly cloudy with outbreaks of rain, which may be heavy at times in the west of the country with localised flooding possible. Highest temperatures of 14 to 16 degrees with fresh gusty southerly winds. Weather Forecast for the weekend Met Eireann says that current indications suggest that next weekend will continue mild and unsettled with outbreaks of rain and drizzle through Saturday and more persistent rain spreading eastwards across the country on Sunday. Day time temperatures will range from about 13 to 16 degrees with mainly moderate fresh southerly winds. When it comes to bank accounts and money, more than half of Irish people surveyed prefer face-to-face dealings than doing so online. According to a new survey, Irish people want to conduct their main banking transactions with a human being and not a computer. The Credit Union Development Association (CUDA), says this is one of the findings of their survey, which found that more than 6 in 10 people still opt for face-to-face interactions when opening a current account or accessing car finance. In addition, 8 in 10 people want to take out the mortgage with the help of either a lender employee or a broker. The credit union representatives say the report indicates just how important face-to-face interaction still is with the public when it comes to banking. The research, which surveyed 1,000 people nationwide, found: More than two thirds (65pc) of those who opened a current account over the last five years did so with in-person support from branch staff. 54pc of those who opened savings accounts preferred to do so with in-person support. Six in 10 (63pc) used face-to-face help when taking out car finance. The vast majority (87pc) of those who applied for a mortgage in the last five years did so either in branch - or in person with a financial advisor. Commenting on the findings, Kevin Johnson, CEO of CUDA, said: The preference for face-to-face interaction doesnt surprise us and supports the decision of credit unions to retain this key service while rolling out their new digital channels for members. Choice in how to interact with a financial institution is imperative for consumers. Its not ok that some banks appear to be trying to force their customers to fit into their lower-cost branch models, in an effort to boost profits for shareholders but to the detriment of customer service. Borrowing for a major purchase such as a car or home is a big deal for most people, so it is not surprising that so many people need the reassurance of the personal touch when taking out a personal loan or a mortgage. People have financial needs and financial challenges, some straightforward and some requiring quite specific advice, so they should be able to decide between going online and walking into their local branch and getting face-to-face help if they need it, he said. The CUDA survey revealed that more than 7 in 10 people still bank with the country's three main banks. But Mr Johnson contends that the tide is turning against the pillar banks. There is a definite shift in mindset in recent years and people are becoming increasingly open to the offerings of other providers. This change in behaviour is only going to gather more pace in the next few years and we believe the market will really open up and the Irish banking landscape will look completely different in five years time. Credit unions for their part are making a real play to grow their role by offering people the length and breadth of the country exactly what they need efficient and effective banking solutions, with digital, local and in-person support, Mr Johnson said. Further findings from the CUDA consumer survey include: One in 20 (5pc) said they used a fintech such as Revolut, N26 or Bunq for most of their banking needs. Those aged between 25 and 34 are more likely than other age cohorts to use a fintech for most of their banking needs 13pc vs the national average of 5pc One in 25 (4pc) use credit unions for the majority of their banking - twice as much as the number who cited An Post. Men are more likely to use a credit union or a fintech for their banking needs though the numbers are still relatively small. As co-operative societies, owned by and managed in the interest of their members, credit unions understand the importance of setting and achieving service levels at the standard expected by the members. They are delivering digital services with a personal touch, only in this way, they can be certain that they will achieve high levels of customer experience satisfaction, retain business and also optimise the use of valuable resources. With this in mind, credit unions continue to invest in emerging technologies, as these give rise to new ways of conducting financial activities, while also continuing to invest in their people. Balancing these investments enables them offer both digital and face-to-face options to both borrowers and savers, Mr Johnson concluded Alflaila will bid to cap a memorable campaign for trainer Owen Burrows with victory in the 600,000 Bahrain International Trophy on November 18. Despite the blow of prominent owners Shadwell significantly decreasing their racing interests, Burrows has enjoyed a breakthrough year, with Hukum providing him with a first Group One success in the Coronation Cup at Epsom in June and Minzaal doubling his top-level tally in Septembers Sprint Cup at Haydock. Alflaila, a three-year-old son of Dark Angel, has also flown the flag with distinction for the Lambourn handler, with a Listed success at Pontefract followed by back-to-back Group Three wins at York and Newmarket respectively. Alflailas most recent triumph in the Darley Stakes gained him an automatic entry into the Bahrain Trophy and he is set to make the trip to the Middle East next week. ALFLAILA wins the G3 Darley Stakes @NewmarketRace powerfully under @JimCrowley1978, continuing the great season for @ojburrows74! The homebred son of Dark Angels third consecutive stakes win. pic.twitter.com/Xh7sPLxelp Shadwell Racing (@ShadwellRacing) October 8, 2022 Burrows said: Ive been really, really pleased with Alflaila since Newmarket. He has come out of the race well. Weve had a couple of quiet weeks with him but are stepping his work up now. He looks great and although were coming towards the end of the year, hes showing me no signs that he has had a hard season. Hes really well. Alflaila missed the break in the Darley Stakes, but ultimately pulled clear of his rivals in the hands of Jim Crowley. I was slightly concerned at Newmarket that he would be vulnerable with a slow start there because, as we know, you can struggle to come from behind on the Rowley Mile, Burrows added. It was interesting to see the second horse (Ottoman Fleet) frank the form (by winning subsequently at Newmarket), so I think it looks as though its a strong piece of form. Burrows is confident there is more to come from his improving colt, saying: We had high hopes for him last year and for whatever reason while he didnt run badly, but he didnt fulfil what we thought he was potentially going to be. Hes won two Group Threes now and we hope hell progress to Group Two and then Group One level, but the race in Bahrain is proper Group One level money. Im really looking forward to it. Its been quite a year for us with our first runners in Dubai, so I am really looking forward to going to Bahrain. Everybody tells me it is such a good place and there are great training facilities. Alflaila is pretty versatile ground-wise. Jim Crowley has a good relationship with the horse and is set to ride the horse in Bahrain. I dont see why he wont stay the mile and a quarter. His last two runs were over nine furlongs. I think it will probably give him a chance to find his feet and I didnt think he was stopping at Newmarket last time. Id be surprised if we were blaming the trip if he gets beat. A candlelight vigil or candlelit vigil is an outdoor assembly of people carrying candles, held after sunset in order to show support for a specific cause. Such events are typically held either to protest the suffering of some marginalized group of people, or in memory of the dead. In the latter case, the event is often called a candlelight memorial. A large candlelight vigil will usually have invited speakers with a public address system and may be covered by local or national media. Speakers give their speech at the beginning of the vigil to explain why they are holding a vigil and what it represents. Vigils may also have a religious or spiritual purpose. On Christmas Eve many churches hold a candlelight vigil. The Ukraine War has been a unique conflict. It was largely unexpected, although for the last two decades Russian president for life Vladimir Putin has been talking about NATO reviving the Cold War by trying to limit Russian territorial ambitions. At the same time, Putin, like many former KGB officers and nostalgic Russians in general, believed the dissolution of the Soviet Union (the centuries old Russian empires) was a great tragedy. That sort of attitude is nothing new and it is still a factor in many parts of the world. It was clear in 2014, when Putin acted on his imperial nostalgia and seized Crimea and tried to grab two east Ukrainian provinces. This was naked aggression and a cause for alarm among NATO members, especially the ones that joined after 1991 when they were finally free of Russian occupation or domination. The original (pre-1991) NATO members were alarmed at these Russian actions in Ukraine and offered to assist Ukraine in dealing with the continued fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces in the two partially occupied eastern (Donbas) provinces. For the new NATO members this Russian aggression was a much more threatening move by their traditional enemy. This disagreement continued even after Russia tried to take all of Ukraine in early 2022. That war is still underway and the differences between NATO members are still there, only more intense and more in need of resolution. That is happening, but slowly and painfully. NATO united to assist Ukrainians in fighting the Russian invasion. What was still lacking was agreement on how to move forward with a war NATO did not want or expect. Because Ukraine was not yet a NATO member, NATO could not automatically join the fight against Russia. To do so anyway would, as Putin announced, trigger another World War. This was more of a psychological ploy than substantial threat but it worked and it soon became clear that Putin may have lacked the military power he thought he had, but was still a contender, and effective, when it came to the war of words. The Cold War era KGB was more than just a large intelligence agency, it was also where many of the most talented, ambitious and amoral Russians could find a useful career. The KGB existed to keep the Soviet communist police-state in power. As long as the economic flaws of the communist system were kept under control, the KGB could do its job. A communist command economy eventually self-destructs and the KGB was the first to recognize that this was happening. It took too long to convince senior government leaders that this was happening and that reforms had to be developed and implemented quickly to preserve the Soviet Union. It wasnt enough, it didnt work and the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. Russia tried democracy for a decade but it didnt work. The Soviet era officials were gone but not the epic levels of corruption that had developed during the decline of the empire. Putin got elected by convincing enough Russians that he could do something about corruption and he did, for a while, but then became part of the problem that still traps Russia in a spiral of self-destruction. Putins efforts to solve his problems with military aggression failed spectacularly. The unprecedented level of economic sanctions imposed on Russia in 2022 have crippled the Russian economy and created problems that will take years or decades to repair. NATO nations have also been forced to reexamine their own military resources and capabilities. When it came to sending Ukraine weapons, some European nations gave all they had, but the Americans ended up supplying most because they had vastly larger stockpiles and military resources in general. This was quickly discovered when the nations supplying Ukraine established a central system for coordinating Ukrainian requests with what contributors could supply. This system was established early on and made it clear that, even though total annual NATO defense spending was nearly 18 times larger than Russian spending, this did not provide NATO with an overwhelming advantage. European nations once more had to admit that their peacetime armed forces spent far more on payroll than weapons procurement and maintenance. Since the 1990s many NATO nations treated the military budget as a jobs creation program and many of those in uniform were not combat ready. As was the case during the Cold War, Russia still had a command economy that produced a lot more weapons. Fortunately the Russians were still unable to maintain a lot of those weapons or adequately train sufficient manpower to operate them. Russia command systems and tactics were still stuck in Cold War mode and that led to the surprising ineffectiveness of these weapons and troops in Ukraine. Russia used its command economy system to gather more resources and troops but these were poorly armed and equipped, and even less trained. Despite that Russia is still able to send these second-rate troops to Ukraine while NATO has a difficult time supplying Ukraine with weapons and economic aid. Russia took advantage of this by switching their attacks to economic targets. This meant Ukraine was in desperate need of food, fuel and other necessities to keep the country alive, especially during the months of cold weather. Ukraine and its NATO allies proved up to the challenge so far. European nations are also having problems getting through the cold weather season. Too many European nations thought they could depend on Russian supplies of petroleum and natural gas. Selling this to European nations was profitable to Russia, but also a powerful wartime weapon that the Europeans downplayed. Dealing with this error in judgment has caused political as well as practical problems for Europe. Many Europeans want to deal with their own economic problems at the expense of aid to Ukraine. Once more, they look to the United States to make up for the shortfalls. Even with all their resources, the Americans are unable to cover all needs of European nations and Ukraine. One would think this would prompt European nations to carry out needed reforms. It will, in some cases, but with 30 NATO members in Europe, the degree of reform will vary. All politics is local and this very much applies to the willingness of all NATO nations to do what must be done. Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. An individual who follows the diet or philosophy is known as a vegan. Distinctions may be made between several categories of veganism. Dietary vegans, also known as "strict vegetarians", refrain from consuming meat, eggs, dairy products, and any other animal-derived substances. An ethical vegan is someone who not only follows a plant-based diet but extends the philosophy into other areas of their lives, opposes the use of animals for any purpose, and tries to avoid any cruelty and exploitation of all animals including humans. Another term is "environmental veganism", which refers to the avoidance of animal products on the premise that the industrial farming of animals is environmentally damaging and unsustainable. President Biden told a protester at the end of his rally in support of Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul that there would be no more drilling. Pope Francis said that he did not want "another" Protestant Church in Germany, echoing fears that reforms could split the Catholic Church. Contentious issues include female deacons and blessing same-sex marriages. Eurasia Review 17 Nov 2022 Religion is an important component of the modern life of every human being and plays an important role in the understanding of the.. Manchester United's captain for Aston Villa clash Cristiano Ronaldo got into an ugly on-field brawl with Tyrone Mings, CR7 was yellow-carded later. ODN 12 Oct 2022 The Met Police say protesters blocking main roads in central London have not yet caused major disruption despite "enormous".. Rumble 08 Nov 2022 Barack Obama and Donald Trump have appeared at rallies in the crucial state of Pennsylvania, in the last few days before the.. Mid-Day 06 Nov 2022 Later, he was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury even as the team qualified for the Super 12 stage. The Lankan team.. Kremenchuk is among the worst-hit cities and Ukrainians say Russia's tactics only make them angrier. South Korea's former president is set to give up a pair of dogs given to him by Kim Jong Un, citing a lack of support from his successor. South Africa: Decarbonisation must be in line with development goals President Cyril Ramaphosa says the transition from coal dependent energy sources towards cleaner energy must be in line with South Africas developmental goals. The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter on the eve of the 2022 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) also known as COP27. Although South Africa is playing its part in the global climate change effort, we have been consistent in emphasising our right to development. We must ensure that the transition to a low-carbon, climate change resilient economy does not jeopardise our developmental goals. The move from fossil fuels to greener, cleaner energy sources cannot take place at the expense of economic growth and job creation, he said. The President reflected that COP27 comes at a time when developing countries face increasing pressure to decarbonise. He added that for that to happen, developed economies must fulfil commitments to assist smaller economies to meet their climate change commitments. Seven years since the Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21, countries with developed economies have largely failed to honour their commitments to provide substantial financial support for climate actions in developing economies. One of the issues we will be highlighting at COP27 is that multilateral financial institutions need to lower the cost for developing economies to borrow money to fund their climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, President Ramaphosa said. Climate change impact The President reflected that historically, the continent of Africa bears the least responsibility for climate change, but it is Africa that is feeling its effects most. He cited recent flooding in parts of the country which claimed more than 400 lives and destroyed public and private infrastructure as an indication of the effects of climate change. Many people may think that the discussions taking place in Egypt at COP27 are far removed from their everyday lives. This is far from the case. We all have a clear stake and an abiding interest in the outcomes of COP27. The flooding earlier this year, the wildfires in the Table Mountain range, the locust plague outbreak in parts of the Northern Cape, Western Cape and Eastern Cape, are all associated with climate change. They affect our health and safety, our social and economic infrastructure and our nations food security, he said. President Ramaphosa acknowledged that South Africa itself will need substantial supportto build the resilience that is needed to protect our country and safeguard our economy against the economic and social effects of natural disasters induced by climate change. It is only with significant additional funding that we can ensure that future generations of South Africans live in an environment that is clean, conducive to health and well-being, and that has not been destroyed because of the inaction of todays leaders, he said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2022-11-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Feature: Nigerian village lit up with solar-power light systems donated by Chinese firm 16:26, November 07, 2022 By Guo Jun, Olatunji Saliu ( Xinhua KANO, Nigeria, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Shuaib Ibrahim held tight the light switch in his right hand. Slightly stiff body movements exposed his nervousness in front of cameras and audience. However, as his thumb pressed the switch and the bright light instantly lit up the once-dim room, he seemed to be relaxed a little. After a quick glance at everyone in the room, a reserved smile appeared on his face. "I am very thankful for this gift... I was born here and I grew up here. Before now, we did not have any form of power," said the 48-year-old Ibrahim in an interview Xinhua during a handing-over ceremony, in which PowerChina, a state-owned hydropower and civil engineering construction giant in China, donated on Saturday over 500 set of solar-power light systems to the Lauteye village in Bunkure local government area of Kano state, north Nigeria. The donation will end the long history of relying only on charcoal fires or kerosene lamps for nighttime lighting in the village. Ibrahim and more than 300 other families in the village from now on have a clean, sustainable and almost no cost light for nighttime. Tian Yuan, chief representative of PowerChina in Nigeria, told Xinhua the donation aims to implement the "100 Companies in 1,000 Villages" campaign initiated by the Alliance of Chinese Business in Africa for Social Responsibilities. PowerChina's donation of solar power lighting equipment will, to a great extent, improve the quality of life of the villagers, Tian said. He said the "100 Companies in 1000 Villages" is also a campaign to implement the "Nine programs" announced by China at the 8th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. It will mobilize at least 100 Chinese enterprises in Africa to participate in the implementation of at least 1,000 aid projects to benefit African people in the next few years, promoting sustainable development of economy, society and environment in the continent. AbdulRauf Umar Gadabu, Council Chairman of the Bunkure local government, told Xinhua that a large number of households in the area have no access to grid electricity, and the situation in rural areas is even worse, with many villages like Lauteye having no access to grid electricity for the past scores of years. "This equipment...will go a long way in improving the security of the community, improve the welfare of the community, improve the development of the children because they will be using the light in the night in expanding the education of the children," Gadabu said He expects the community to use the equipment "judiciously" and "take very good care of them so that they can use it for a very long time". Nigeria has huge deficit in power supply due to insufficient power generation capacity and poor transmission and distribution networks. According to data on the World Bank's website, only 55.4 percent of the population in the most populous African country has access to the grid electricity, while only about 34 percent of the population in rural areas has access to the grid. Ibrahim became more relaxed after completing the "task" of demonstrating to the media and villagers how to operate the equipment. He took his mobile phone out of his pocket and told Xinhua that this light system can also charge the mobile phone, and will save him the time and labor of travelling about 4 kilometers to the Bunkure town to find a shop to charge the phone in the future. "I have a mobile phone but when I need to charge it I need to go far for at least 4 kilometers to charge my phone. I pay 30 naira (about six U.S. cents) to charge my phone. Now I am happy that I can do all that from here," he said. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) The COP27 serves as an opportunity for African leaders to voice their unique needs in the climate crisis. But with Africa suffering disproportionately from its effects, calls for more funds to be released are mounting. Fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces near Kherson over the next two to three weeks could determine control of the crucial city. 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. Rumble 03 Nov 2022 Republican Lee Zeldin said he is confident in these final days ahead of the midterm elections that New York will flip to a red.. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota joined her Democratic colleague Sen. Maggie Hassan in New Hampshire two days before Election Day to urge supporters "to turn out the vote." Ken Griffin, a GOP mega-donor, said it is time Republicans move on from former President Donald Trump. He said he likes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for 2024, should be run for president. Voters in Cobb County filed a lawsuit against the county after election officials failed to send absentee ballots. Residents are looking for an emergency solution to still vote. Hispanic voters are crucial to the Senate and gubernatorial races in Arizona. Left-leaning Latino activists have propelled Democrats to power in the former red state of Arizona. President Biden is dedicating his last night on the midterm trail to help elect a Maryland Democrat with a 30-point lead in the polls, continuing a trend of deep-blue state visits. Tim Ryan, a Democrat running for Senate in Ohio, has posted a video on his TikTok page showing himself dancing in hopes of drawing support from young voters. Two people were shot outside the Long Island home of Lee Zeldin, the Republican nominee in the race for governor of New York, on.. Rumble 10 Oct 2022 Paul Davidson warned the man outside his Blantyre home that he would be "done in". Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed the United Kingdom can look forward to an extra bank holiday in May 2023 when King Charles III is crowned at Westminster Abbey. A US leader has picked on Pakistan again. Joe Biden has branded Pakistan as one of the most dangerous nations in the world and a country with nuclear weapons without any cohesion. Donald Trump had accused Pakistan of deceit before cutting off aid. As expected, the US Presidents blunt depiction of a cyclical ally of 75... The military exercises known as "Vigilant Storm" between the United States and South Korea were deemed a clear "provocation" meant to raise tensions by Kim Jong Un's army. Chief of Defence Force Major-General Mark Goina said investigations are underway into a recent incident in Daru, Western Province following the killing of a local man. Photo and article by Henrietta Yama NBC News Locals claimed soldiers on border patrol were allegedly involved in the killing and retaliated by attacking the Forward Operating Base in Kiunga. The CDF says a full investigation will reveal the circumstances surrounding the incident. "I have received the preliminary investigations and I've directed for a full investigation to be conducted by headquarters PNGDF. It will consist of a full Colonel, a Lieutenant Colonel, a Major, a doctor and a lawyer." "So we have a good team that can go down there and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure that we cover all the areas, the concerns that have been raised by the public as well as the immediate families and also from within the PNGDF to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the death of a civilian is thoroughly investigated," Major-General Goina said. NBC News/One PNG News Next: PNG Nambawan Super aims to mitigate economic challenges on its investments Director of Content and Operations Spencer McKee is OutThere Colorado's Director of Content and Operations. In his spare time, Spencer loves to hike, rock climb, and trail run. He's on a mission to summit all 58 of Colorado's fourteeners and has already climbed more than half. Elise-Gayonne Mariliz Vernon was crowned Miss World Belize 2022 on Saturday, October 29 at the Ramada Princess Hotel in Belize City. Elise-Gayonne Mariliz Vernon was crowned Miss World Belize 2022 on Saturday, October 29 at the Ramada Princess Hotel in Belize City. The 21-year-old farmer and beekeeper from the village of Biscayne in Belize District received the national crown from last year's titleholder Markeisha Young. "Thank you to everyone who played a significant part in my pageant journey. I could not have done this without your support," Elise wrote in a statement on social media. The new Miss World Belize will now prepare to represent the Hidden Jewel of the Caribbean and Central America, Belize, at the 71st Miss World pageant whose date and venue are yet to be announced. Business science student Paris Cawich was named Miss Global Belize 2022 and is expected to go to the international Miss Global 2023 pageant in Vietnam. Tori Hazel Chaplin, a business management and environmental science student, was announced as the first runner-up. Meet the new Miss World Belize: Photos: Miles Geban, Andre Shamir Guerrero / Elise Vernon / Instagram RELATED POSTS: Photo: (Photo : NIKOLAY DOYCHINOV/AFP via Getty Images) A mom from Alabama won a massive $21 million verdict against two doctors and a nurse practitioner working at Jackson Hospital in Montgomery after her 14-day-old son died from an undiagnosed bowel disease in 2015. According to court documents, Lakeisha Oliver gave birth on November 4, 2015, to Jaquarius Smith at Jackson Hospital. The infant struggled to pass his first bowel movement, with the newborn showing other signs of Hirschsprung's Disease. That happens to a child when the nerves in the colon do not develop properly. Doctors examined the baby and X-rayed him to find out what was wrong. According to the complaint, doctors still decided to send him home without a diagnosis. They did include a note saying that colonic obstruction should be considered, AL.com reported. Baby developed sepsis after missed Hirschsprung's Disease diagnosis When baby Jaquarius left the hospital, he was not eating well. He also had a swollen stomach and abnormal bloodwork before departing the hospital. According to Oliver, she took her son back to the hospital on November 13 and again on November 15. Nurse practitioner Lester Sutton examined and discharged the infant on November 15, with Dr. Richard Sample signing off on his plan. Oliver and her child returned to the hospital the following day, and Dr. Steve Avezzano admitted Smith for observation. The baby had already developed sepsis, which happens when a person's body develops an extreme reaction to an infection. Shay Samples, the attorney who represented the mom, said the baby's organs started failing before doctors called to transfer Smith to the Children's Hospital in Birmingham. Samples said that a helicopter transported the baby to Children's after staff at Jackson Hospital spent five hours stabilizing Smith. He added that the doctors did emergency surgery on Smith and found that he had a gangrenous bowel. Read Also: Colorado Family Files Wrongful Death Suit After Mom of 5 Dies Due to Ketamine Injection by Paramedic Smith died at 14 days old, with an autopsy revealing a diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease Oliver's son died at 14 days old despite their efforts. An autopsy performed on Smith after his death showed a diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease. The illness affects the colon and is more common in male infants than in females. According to the Mayo Clinic, most babies suffering from Hirschsprung's Disease survive after surgery to remove the affected part of the intestine. The condition is present at Smith's birth due to missing nerve cells in the muscles of his colon. The contents caused blockages in Smith's bowel as they can't go through the colon without the nerve cells stimulating his gut muscles. A newborn baby with this disease usually can't have a bowel movement in the days following birth. Members of the jury ruled against Sample, Sutton, and Avezzano, in the decision. Related Article: Baby Helps Mother Discover Stage 3 Breast Cancer After She Refused To Breastfeed Samsung is desperately trying to bang the drum on their foldable smartphones. During a meeting with suppliers in late October, Samsungs mobile business, called Mobile Experience business, held a strategic meeting wherein they predicted that the foldable smartphone market will have a compound annual growth rate of 80% up to 2025. Yet at present, foldable smartphones only account for a mere 1% of the market. So, climbing to 3%-4% by 2025 still represent nothing more than a niche. The report by The Elec further noted that "Some of these challenges include: making the phones weigh less and thinner, and more durable, reducing the crease on the screen, having a designated slot for the S Pen, and improving the camera." Samsung's Mobile Experience business went on to hype up their foldable smartphones by stating that "iPhone users in their 20s and 30s were changing their devices to Samsungs foldable phones at a rate three to four times higher than before." Whether the nose of the presenter started to grow at that moment is unknown at this time, though to be sure that statistic is unlikely being reproduced outside of South Korea. The one part of the report that did pique my interest was the line "The South Korean tech giant also shared its expectation that Apple will join the foldable space in 2024 but with notebooks and tablets first, not smartphones." Patently Apple covered an IP report in March 2021 titled "Apple Finally Reveals that one of their Foldable Display Patents is now Focused on being a Foldable Laptop." It was the first "foldable" hybrid notebook-tablet patent on record. In April 2022, we posted a supply chain report titled "LG Display to supply HP with 17" Foldable Display Panels for Notebooks while continuing their Foldable Display Project with Apple." Considering that Samsung is a major display partner with Apple, their statement about Apple possibly entering the foldables market with a folding tablet / notebook may be telling. However, did the Samsung group hype up Apple getting into the foldables market to get their suppliers excited about the future for this market segment, or did they reveal their ongoing work with Apple on future foldable displays? That's the million-dollar question. Yesterday we reported on Samsung mocking Apple for not having a foldable smartphone. To keep Samsung Galaxy phone users from flocking to iPhone, Samsung goes out of its way every year to mock some aspect of the latest iPhone. We covered this back in a September post showing both a video and Samsung billboard. Their mocking videos go back for years. Today, Samsung is back at it again pushing the fact that the iPhone still doesn't have a top-notch zoom feature as presented in the tweet below. It's OK to wait, but is it always worth it? pic.twitter.com/ZqBCtNkBUN Samsung Mobile US (@SamsungMobileUS) November 2, 2022 For some reason, after being on the market for several years, Samsung believes that foldable smartphones are a big thing when shipments might hit 13 million this year split amongst serveral smartphone vendors. At present, there's nothing to brag about foldables against an iPhone. As for Apple's delay in delivering a high-end periscope zoom lens, it's been Samsung legally stopping Apple from introducing such a feature via patents. Samsung bought the Israeli company Corephotonics so as to jam Apple up in court to stop or delay Apple from bringing a top zoom camera to market. So that's a disingenuous position Samsung takes if not downright sleazy. Then again, as the adage goes: all is fare in love and war." Side Note. This was originally posted this morning prior to our site going down. : , ... The Member of Parliament for Bantama, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has given some pupils of his constituency a unique of visiting Parliament House in Accra. The pupils, drawn from a number of schools from the Bantama constituency, got the opportunity to sit in the Chamber of Parliament, as well as interact with some of the leadership of the House. Addressing the pupils after a session in parliament, the MP, who is also the Minister of Works and Housing, urged them to make education a priority in their lives. Here, you elect us to come here and debate and discuss issues affecting the whole of the country. Without education, I wouldnt be where I am today, so you have to take your education seriously, he advised them. Some other MPs present also urged the pupils to build good relationships in their lives. Building a good relationship is very, very important. So, learn to build good relationships, one of them said. Expressing their delight at the opportunity, the pupils described it as one of the best. Others also said they had learnt a lot from embarking on the trip to Accra. This is the most interesting excursion Ive ever embarked on. Today is my first time here and Ive had to see a lot of things and heard a lot of advice and stories of life, some of them said. Source: Ghanab.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. Featured Video The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ms. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, participated in the Outreach Session of the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting held from 3rd to 4th November, 2022 in Munster, Germany. The Meeting, which was hosted by Germany under its tenure as President of the G7, had in attendance, all Foreign Ministers from the G7 Group, namely; USA, Italy, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, France and the European Union. Discussions during the outreach segment of the meeting centred on current geopolitical challenges, with particular reference to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and its impact on world trade, supply chains, energy, resilience of democratic institutions in the face the emerging threats to the rule based global order among other pertinent issues of mutual interest. The Minister was invited together with her counterpart from Kenya and the Chair of the African Union (AU) to engage with the G7 Ministers on existential threats posed by the restive Sahel region and the wider security implications it presents. Also on the agenda was the security situation in the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa as well as the recent peace accord brokered over the conflict between Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray Rebels and,how to practically implement the terms of the ceasefire so as to avoid a relapse to the status quo ante. The stakeholders also deliberated on efforts to tackle the climate crisis, as well as food and energy security as a consequence of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and proffered suggestions on how these pertinent issues may be resolved with a concerted effort. The Minister took the opportunity to hold bilateral talks with her counterparts from Japan, the United States, Germany, United Kingdom and Canada on the margins of the meeting . During the said meetings, the Hon. Minister discussed among others, matters of mutual interest, bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the light of Ghanas tenure as Chair of the United Nations (UN) Security Council for the month of November, 2022. The Minister also availed herself of the opportunity to brief her counterparts on the progress of the Accra Initiative and efforts to employ its collaborative security mechanism to prevent infiltration and a spill -over of the activities of terrorist elements from the Sahel into coastal states on the Gulf of Guinea. 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. Featured Video A Tanzanian passenger plane has crashed into Lake Victoria as it attempted to land in the lakeside town of Bukoba, killing at least three people. The Precision Air flight was carrying 43 people, 26 of whom have been rescued and sent to hospital, an official said. Rescue workers and local fishermen are on the scene searching for survivors. The plane is almost completely submerged with only the brown and green tail fin above the water, surrounded by rescue workers and fishing boats. One end of the runway at Bukoba airport lies right next to the shore. Top regional official Albert Chalamila said that three bodies had been recovered so far following the crash, which has been blamed on bad weather. Emergency workers are using ropes to try and pull the ATR-42 aircraft out of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake. "We want to see if the landing gear is stuck so that we can ask for more technical assistance to push it out of the waters," said Mr Chalamila. The two pilots and two crew have not yet been found. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has expressed her condolences to those affected and called for calm as the rescue operation continues. The plane was flying from Tanzania's biggest city, Das es Salaam, to Bukoba via Mwanza. Precision Air is Tanzania's largest private airline and is partly owned by Kenya Airways. It was founded in 1993 and operates domestic and regional flights. Source: BBC 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. Featured Video Journalists and news organisations irrespective of their ideology should not be a fulcrum for spreading untruth, Dr Koryoe Anim-Wright, has said. The Registrar at the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA) said news organisations and journalists must have safeguards to check misinformation often championed by actors, who went beyond ethics of Public Relations and Journalism to mislead the public. Journalists as communicators who work in the service of truth, including inconvenient truth can find themselves becoming target of lies, rumours and hoaxes designed to intimidate and discredit them, she observed. Dr Anim Wright who delivered a lecture on the topic, Ethics in News Reporting: The Post-Truth Era, said the digital spread of hatred, division, and misinformation in the form of fake news was a peril for democracy and a pollutant of channel of information that informed democratic citizens. She, therefore, urged journalists to let ethical codes designed to ensure information gathering and verification in public interest be their compass in fighting misinformation. She said the framework for establishing borders of journalism that favoured trust and accountability in the interest of building meaningful relationships must be used to ensure people took good decision based on having reliable and accurate facts. With clicks becoming the determining factor of advertising revenue, she observed that voices were being obliterated by the proliferation of new media voices on the online space. That situation, she added, had been compounded by the falling standards of Journalism practice due to the proliferation of sub-standard Journalism institutions and low knowledge level among young journalists. Spread of misinformation and disinformation is taking place largely through social media networks and platforms that are accused of blurring the lines of truth and fiction, she said. With fear of governments supressing press freedom in the form of legislations to combat fake news and disinformation, the interconnectivity of social media, she said, made combating disinformation a shared responsibility of every citizen. Source: GNA 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. Featured Video Former CEO of the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors, Senyo Hosi wants Food and Agriculture Minister, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto to be immediately sacked. He also called on the Chief Director of the Ministry to either resign or be relieved of his position. In a statement, Senyo Hosi, a rice investment farmer and producer lambasted the two top officials over data and lack of consultation as well foresight to run the ministry. According to him, Respectfully, the arm-chair analysis the Minister and/or MOFA [Ministry of Food and Agriculture] does with a culture of knowing everything, without adequate consultations and collaborations with industry, will take this country nowhere. Your conduct and management of this matter is suboptimal and, respectfully, proves your unfitness to lead in the policy space for this sector. He continued that I respectfully call on the Minister and his Chief Director to resign with immediate effect to save this industry from total collapse. Mr. Hosi pointed out that he did not find the minister as an honest policy partner. He was responding to remarks from the Ministry about his presentation at the 3Business Agribusiness dialogue. Senyo Hosi stressed that his submission was about the failure to structure the agricultural industry through policy to make it sustainably bankable and attractive for investment. He was of the view that many of the investors in agriculture at the dialogue affirmed his experience, saying, it is true. He noted for example that the ministry was not working with substantial data from farmers. MOFA has at no time assessed our production levels, despite the challenges we face. And same can be said for many other players in the rice sector. The culture of collecting installed mechanical capacity of mills cannot be a proxy for actual production. I find it most unfortunate that despite being led by a PhD Agric-economist, the analytical capacity of the MOFA is one of mediocrity. These calls come amid Ghanas economic crisis, which has been marked by steep increases in the cost of agriculture production. 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. Featured Video The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriye Akoto, has expressed optimism for agriculture growth within the Oti Region. This, according to the minister, indicates a positive sign that commitment to addressing few bottlenecks in the production value chain will upscale. Dr. Afriyie Akoto made the remarks at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC) on Sunday, November 6, 2022. He noted that Oti Region has a number of valleys that could be suitable for rice production, therefore, urged farmers in the region to take advantage of it. He was excited that Oti Region which did not have rice-producing potential now has a different narrative. He could not understand why Ghana should import food items from foreign countries while our soil supports different kinds of crops.s "Going around the country, I see great agricultural potential so why should we continue to import food items? He quizzed. Dr. Afriyie Akoto urged the farmers to save the proceeds from their labour and inject it into their businesses. In that case, he said, they would be able to raise enough funds to buy machinery. He however added that he would table the requests of farmers to the government and get them feedback on the government's decision. The time has come to increase yield and that can happen by mechanising agriculture", he averred. The Regional Agricultural Director for Oti Region, Mr. Oberien Nyarko, was hopeful the region will step up the production of foodstuff to at least feed the region. He maintained that foodstuffs in the region cost less but when transported to the cities, the prizes are inflated to unreasonable levels. For instance, he disclosed during a presentation that a tuber of yam costs GHS10.00 at the farm gates but when transported to the cities, it is sold at GHS24.00. The minister used the chance to vehemently debunk the assertion that there was a food shortage in the country. Source: 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. Featured Video The Police have restored calm at Enchi in the Western North Region after a violent chieftaincy dispute resulted in the death of four people and injury to one other person. This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Chief Superintendent of Police, Grace Ansah-Akrofi. According to her security has since been beefed up in the palace, the Enchi township and surrounding communities. "Investigation is ongoing and crime scen experts and reinforcement teams have been dispatched from the National Headquarters in Accra snd surrounding Police Regions to support the Western North Regional Police Command," a part of the statement said. Background Report from Enchi in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region indicates that four people have been killed while several others have sustained various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Enchi Government hospital. The clash according to UTV's Kwabena Dickson, is in connection with the intense alleged chieftency issue between two factions in Enchi. Some youth wilding guns and matchets have created intense fear and panic among the people in the town especially businessmen and women. Few weeks ago, the same issue led to an attack of some person's which led to the injury of some actors in the chieftency issue. When Kwabena Dickson got in touch with the Paramount Chief of Aowin Traditional Council, Nana Bey33man Tano Kwaw Benbu ll, he confirmed of hearing of some persons dead but couldn't ascertain the cause. "I am currently at the police station writing my statement, I have heard some persons are dead but can't confirm the number of people. I was in my palace when I had a call that some persons want to attack and kill me . . ." Nana Bey33man Tano Kwaw Benbu ll told UTV's Western North Regional Correspondent. 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. Featured Video Angolas flag carrier and state-owned airline, TAAG Angola Airlines, is ready to fly a new regional route to Ghana from November 30 this year in line with the Airlines expansion master plan. The Luanda-Accra-Luanda connection will have three weekly frequencies, with flights leaving Accra on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and will be operated by a Boeing 737-700NG aircraft with 120 passengers as total capacity, 12 in business class and 108 in economy class. This new route suits the corporate segment needs, allowing TAAG to offer a key connection between Ghana and Southern Africa, Europe, and Brazil, via Angola. Speaking, Chief Executive Officer for TAAG Angola Airlines, Eduardo Fairen, said We will continue our growth path by adding new routes, increasing frequencies in existing destinations, and upgrading the fleet. At the same time, we are fostering our enablers to have more and more passengers choosing TAAG as their airline of choice for domestic and international travel TAAG Angola Airlines promises to be a game changer in the Ghanaian aviation industry by virtue of its exciting packages uniquely designed with the customer in mind. Source: 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. Featured Video Vice President, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, says it is wrong to measure the government's performance only by the current post-COVID-19 economic difficulties. He said Ghana's economic outlook before the onset of the pandemic was positive; thus, the government continued to attribute the current crisis to factors emanating from the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. "Judging government by the development in the global space and not including the performance of the economy when we assumed office in 2017 to 2020 is an anti-climax. And we all know that period gave us a strong economy," he said. Dr Bawumia said this in an address at the 60th Anniversary celebration of Hogbetsotsoza at the Anloga park. According to the World Bank, Ghana's GDP growth rate was 8.1 per cent in 2018; 6.5 per cent in 2019: 0.5 per cent in 2020 and 5.4 per cent in 2021. However, the listing of the achievements was not well received by a small section of the celebrants, who protested audibly. Nevertheless, the Vice President said these successes were unequal to successive governments' performance on all fronts. The government, he said, was working assiduously to stem the high food and fuel prices and urged Ghanaians to be patient. He identified with the strong cultural heritage of the Anlo people, which is a panacea for the development of the creative industry, an enabler and a driver for sustainable national development. He said Keta and Anloga continued to harness a chunk of the tourism traffic and urged the residents to maintain the peace at all times. Source: GNA 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. Featured Video Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia received a mixed reaction to his address at the Hogbetsotso Za festival at Anlo in the Volta Region on Saturday, November 5. In his speech, he touted the importance of the Anlo state to the development of the country. However, the crowd became vociferous when he started to list the achievements of the government despite the current economic crisis. Initial jeers were later drowned out by cheers midway through his address especially when he started to list the technological achievements the country had made over the past six years. Achievements The Vice President said President Akufo-Addos administration had constructed more roads, interchanges, airports, railways, classrooms and canoe fishermen landing sites than any other government in the fourth republic. He added that over the past six years, the country had instituted transformational policies such as the issuance of the National Identification Card, a digital property address system, and Mobile Network Interoperability between telecommunications companies and banks. "For the first time in our history, any Ghanaian who has a national ID card can open a bank account, sitting at home and don't have to go to any bank to fill a form. "For the first time in our history, we have drones, medical drones delivering medical supplies to our people in very remote areas whether its blood, vaccines, medicines and so on... and Ghana, our own Ghana is the whole world's largest medical drone delivery, the whole world. "For the first time in our history people can buy electricity units on their own phones (mobile phones), for the first time in our history, we have One District, One Factory and are clearing good paperless at the ports..." "More to do" Despite listing a host of achievements, the Vice President added that the government still had a lot to do to meet the cost of living challenges confronting Ghanaians "This is accomplishment, this is accomplishment. There are many people who don't like to hear good news but it is good news but that doesn't mean we don't have much more to do. "We have more to do, Ghanaians are facing a major increase in the cost of living, the cost of food prices, fuel prices and so on and we have to do more to make sure we can relieve the burden of Ghanaians". Source: graphic.com.gh 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. Featured Video The Deputy Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party, George Krobea Asante, has, in a panel discussion, appealed to the members of the party not to lose hope as things will turn around sooner than later. Appearing on Asempa 94.7 FMs popular afternoon talk show, Ekosii Sen on Friday, November 4, 2022, emphasized that though things are difficult and the struggles of Ghanaians are real, the government is not slumbering as it is scrambling to get the people out of these economic challenges. As a member of the ruling partys communications outfit, I am privileged to be in the know of some of the cogent measures or steps the government is considering to bring in some affordable fuel to enable price reduction. When that becomes successful, prices on general goods and services will come down and thereby offer some economic relief to our people he said. He continued: This initiative coupled with a possibility and anticipated decision by the President to reduce the size of government and also undertake reshuffling of some appointees will help to restore sanity and breath new hope into the system He assured the members of the ruling party that two years are enough to turn the economy around. Fellow Kukrudites, we still have over two years to the next elections and when we all decide to keep doing our best to support the party and government coupled with the right decisions by government, we will be able to change the narratives. Dear party people, I am humbly appealing that we dont throw our hands in despair. Our party, government and mother Ghana need us more now than ever. We have a constitutional duty to protect and defend the party and the country at all times. Lets uphold the spirit and latter of the constitution and do as it prescribes He reiterated the fact that the populace is aware that the NPP is a better party at governance than the opposition party. The good people of this great nation are much aware that, we in the NPP have better records in governance than the NDC in terms of social intervention policies and programs that are benefiting the vulnerable in our society as well as physical infrastructural developments What is most pressing and very important for us to do now is to at all costs, find a way to bring down the untold hardships which have been imposed on our people largely as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia/Ukraine war which are adversely impacting global economies including that of the super powers or what we call the advanced economies on their knees he stated further. He also emphasized the need to empathize with Ghanaians as plans are being rolled out to turn things around. Lets empathize with the ordinary Ghanaian with the assurance that things will get better and that they should keep supporting the President and his government just as they did during the era of Covid The Deputy Communications Director of the NPP had a piece of advice for the appointees of the government, imploring them to promote the good works of the government and to welcome party people with open arms when they call on them. To the appointees, my appeal to you is that promote the positive achievements of this government. Promote the wonderful achievements of our government. Lets welcome party members when they visit us. These would help give them hope and the energy to work assiduously to help us survive these trying times Fellow Ghanaians, lets be optimistic about a number of good policies and programs the President will be introducing in the yet to be read 2023 budget as was promised in his Fellow Ghanaians Speech on the economy recently. Fellow Ghanaians, the NPP and President Akuffo - Addos government is grateful to you for your support in this difficult moment he appealed. Source: 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. Featured Video Founder of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addae Odike has predicted that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will not be Ghana's president by January 2023. Odike blamed the president for the current economic turmoil, adding that power does not lie with Akufo-Addo but the citizens of Ghana. "We will uproot Akufo-Addo like cassava. The sovereignty of this country lies in the people and not the president. Akufo-Addo has degraded the economy. He is the reason our water bodies are in a bad state because of the galamsey menace. He is the reason we lack good governance and education." Speaking at the 'Kume Preko Reloaded' demonstration held in Accra on November 5, the politician reiterated, "I am telling you Akufo-Addo won't be president by January 2023. We will demonstrate until he steps down." This is not the first time Akufo-Addo has been asked to resign. Some known figures, members of the opposition, and citizens have demanded that the president, his vice, and the finance minister step down. Martin Kpebu who addressed the 'Kume Preko Reloaded' demonstrated at Black Stars Square in Accra said; We are calling on the trio, Akufo-Addo, Bawumia, and Ken Ofori-Atta to resign immediately or latest by Wednesday because as we know that for every cedi, for every dollar, that we borrow as a country president Akufo-Addos family gets richer through Ken Ofori-Atta. How can that continue to happen? That is a clear breach of the constitution and Article 204 yet the president has put his cousin Ofori-Atta in charge of the Finance Ministry." But Odike threatened that if by Monday, Akufo-Addo does not heed the calls of Ghanaians, there will be a continuous nationwide demonstration. "Economic activities will come to a halt. No one will work. No matter what he does we will oust him. We are giving him time to prepare to step down as head of state. But if he becomes recalcitrate and stubborn, we will take him down by force." Asked by Kofi TV in an interview how the president will be forced out of office, he explained that the 'Kume Preko Reloaded' protest was an example of what he meant, assuring that there are many more demonstrations to come. Ghanaians showed up in their numbers to demonstrate in demand for better living conditions and also called for the resignation of Akufo-Addo, Bawumia, and Ken Ofori-Atta at the demonstration. The organizers noted that this is to send a "strong message" to the government to act in order to relieve Ghanaians of the challenges they currently face. They also called for the resignation of the leadership of 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. Featured Video Cassiel Ato Forson, Member of Parliament for Ajumako Enyan Essiam Constituency in the Central Region has alleged that government went on a borrowing spree in the lead-up to the 2020 polls. Ato Forson, who is the Ranking Member on Parliaments Finance Committee said a total of GH67 billion was borrowed, an amount which he says the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led government splurged on campaigning. He said the amount was also shared among members of the governing New Patriotic Party, NPP, like 'kelewele' a local snack made of fried chopped plantain with pepper usually accompanied with groundnuts. Because of the elections, they decided to borrow GH67 billion, and shared the money to their party supporters. They shared Ghanas money like kelewele, Ato Forson claimed in an interview with pro-National Democratic Congress channel, Woezor TV. The NPP government has serially been accused of overborrowing and reckless spending leading Ghana into financial difficulties. The government insists that the twin effects of the COVID-19 aftermath and the Russia-Ukraine war are to blame for the headwinds and that measures are being put in place to rectify the challenge. Ghana is hoping for an International Monetary Fund programme to help stabilize the economy amid fears that it could collapse sooner or later. President Akufo-Addo in late October delivered an address on the economy, admitting that Ghana was in a crisis, whiles outlining measures being undertaken to reverse the tide and put the economy on a path of growth and prosperity. 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. Featured Video The Event Vendors Association of Ghana (EVAG), organisers of the annual Ghana Event Industry Conference (GEIC), is set to host their fourth edition of the most anticipated event under the theme Empowerment and Sustainability for 2022. The event will begin with an industry business conference with industry stakeholders who have held the fort for years and are recognised for their dedication in their fields of endeavour, and will interact with the youth as part of efforts to inspire them for greatness. Notable among the keynote speakers include Christine Ogbeh, CEO of The Wedding Guru, Nigeria, and Mr. Richard Abbey Jr., CEO of Xodus Communications Limited Ghana, organisers of the prestigious 40 Under Forty awards. Other seasoned speakers also include Abokuma Ellis, Creative Director of Purple Twirl Events; Madam Sally Mercer Quagraine, CEO of Dream Desserts; Mr. Patrick Asamoah, CEO of P2 Event Ghana; Steven Adusei, Maxwell Owusu, CEO of Goldmaxx Security, and Hilda Quanua Smith Tornye, business strategist. The conference will be held at the Under Bridge event centre at East Legon, Accra between November 8 and 9, at 9am. The climax of the three-day event is a Gala and Awards night scheduled on November 10 at the Da Icon, East Legon at 5pm. There will be performances from highlife legend Kojo Antwi and the VGMA reigning artiste of the year KiDi. President of EVAG, Kate Hassen, in an interview with BEATWAVES indicated that the event will bring together industry experts to share their journey as established brands in Africa, and to inspire the next generation. 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. Featured Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print He cannot help it. Trump believes that the more rich and powerful his entrance is, the more powerful he looks. Perhaps to his crowd, it is true, although it wouldnt matter if it wasnt. It is true for Trump, and that is what matters. Just like the President of the United States lands with the powerful and mighty symbolism of the United States Air Force One lands, Trump now has to do the best he can. It is literally called Trump Force One: This is his new thing from the Ministry of Trumpaganda. Landing Trump Force One (that the rubes paid for) next to the rally and walking into it to the adoring, cheering cultists. pic.twitter.com/aL0JtSUZSp Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) November 6, 2022 Yes, he looks rich and powerful, and the people in the crowd dont know that the rebuild that the plane desperately needed was paid for by their $100 donations to his PAC, which is now a legitimate political expense, I guess. Ted Cruz complains that Trump isnt spending any money helping MAGA candidates (or very little). Ted doesnt understand Trumps priorities. Trump has always been into grand entrances to look wealthy, busy, and powerful. Bill Gates (Someone who actually is rich) told a story in 2018. Details recorded by The Hill back in 2018: Gates can be heard telling an audience about his personal experiences with Trump, whom he said he met only after the real estate mogul won the 2016 election. But Gates recalled that Trump spoke with the Microsoft CEOs daughter Jennifer at an equestrian event in Florida, and was super nice. But then, twenty minutes later, he flew in in a helicopter to the same place, so clearly he had been driven away and he wanted to make a grand entrance in a helicopter, Gates said in the clip. Whatever one thinks of Bill Gates, he has used his money to do more good than Trump can even contemplate: Whats in it for him? Trump might say to Gatess fight against malaria. President Biden occasionally must land and speak in front of Air Force One (And so did Trump). If he is in a hurry, he can save a lot of Secret Service hassle by not blocking traffic to a convention center, and he may need the communications ability in Air Force One. But if you made Joe Biden a regular citizen, like Barack Obama, try to imagine the amount of money that would have to go to charity to get them to do something similar. It is the difference between people that know they dont need to make a fancy entrance to demonstrate who they are and the guy that does. The Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (Apicorp), an energy-focused multilateral financial institution, has signed a $75 million Murabaha agreement in favour of Hartree Partners Power & Gas Company (UK) Limited. The first-of-its-kind facility in the Mena region will fund high-quality voluntary carbon offsets, which will be used to develop environmentally friendly projects worldwide. Each carbon offset represents the ownership of one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) which offsets corresponding emissions by the holder. Financial innovation Khalid Ali Al-Ruwaigh, CEO of Apicorp, said: Financial innovation plays a crucial role in ensuring a sustainable energy ecosystem. This Murabaha facility was created as part of our commitment to provide innovative financial solutions to enable a balanced energy transition, as well as support Arab countries' aspirations to reach net zero carbon emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. The precedent-setting transaction serves as a major milestone for our vision of supporting the Mena region in its journey to sustainability. Every year, it is estimated that more than 50 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere. Robust voluntary carbon markets, where carbon credits are purchased voluntarily, have emerged as a cost-effective asset class enabling governments and corporations to immediately begin decarbonising their footprints in line with the global effort to reach net zero emissions by 2050. This particularly applies to sectors and industries where emissions are not yet fully abatable due to technological or cost feasibility. For investors, carbon offsets can also mitigate risks associated with energy transition by making their investment portfolios more resilient to evolving climate regulations. Regulators and rating agencies Regulators and rating agencies are also increasingly taking interest in climate finance and sustainability reporting disclosures by banks. Banks and other financial institutions play an important role in the efforts to meet the Paris Agreement target because financing remains one of the most crucial challenges in the decarbonisation chain. The facilitys Shariah compliance and syndication features can have major implications because they make it convenient for the regional market to adopt and enable additional banks to join and gain exposure to this asset class, added Al-Ruwaigh. Apicorps facility will fund carbon offsets that are registered with the non-profit platform Verra, the largest global registry for nature-based offsets. Relevant to the region Stephen Hendel, Founding Managing Director of Hartree, said: Robustness, reliability and integrity are at the heart of Hartrees investments in the Carbon markets, and we thank Apicorp for its expertise and leadership in structuring this unique Islamic facility. Voluntary carbon markets are particularly relevant to the Arab region. On a per capita basis, carbon emissions are substantially higher in Mena compared to peer economies. The region is also one of the most affected by climate change impact according to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) as it strains its already scarce water and agricultural resources. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) recently announced the establishment of the Regional Voluntary Carbon Market Company with Saudi Tadawul Group Holding Company to support businesses in the region in their transition to net zero. The company helped facilitate the largest carbon credit auction in the world involving one million tons of carbon credits as regional businesses accelerate their quest for net zero emissions. Norton Rose Fulbrights Dubai office acted as lenders counsel; and Reed Smith LPPs Dubai office acted as borrowers legal counsel. Shape Knowledge Services provided Shariah advisory services, including the issuance of an operating Fatwa. DD&Co Limited will supply London Metals Exchange approved non-ferrous base metals required to enter into each Shariah-compliant Murabaha transaction.-- TradeArabia News Service Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print According to the John Fetterman campaign Oz and Trump are already spreading disinformation and setting the stage for bogus lawsuits challenging the Pennsylvania US Senate election. In a memo provided to PoliticusUSA, Fettermans campaign manager Brendan McPhillips wrote: Election Day is almost here, and Republicans are already laying the groundwork to potentially spread false conspiracy theories about the likely red mirage of ballot processing in Pennsylvania. The reality is Pennsylvania law means in-person votes that skew Republican tend to disproportionately be counted and reported before Democratic-leaning mail-in votes. The election hasnt even happened yet, but Mehmet Ozs top GOP allies are already preparing to question the 2022 results without evidence. On Election Night and soon after, we expect Republicans who embrace the Big Lie could try to double down on spreading disinformation and bogus lawsuits in an effort to illegally stop ballots from being counted. Buckle up for a long week. This race is close, and we should all be prepared for a process that takes several days before all eligible votes are properly counted and the results are clear. Republicans will start spreading misinformation and proclaim victory on election night, but Democrats lead mail-in balloting by a more than 3-1 margin, equaling more than 500,000 Fetterman votes. Oz and Trump will file lawsuits and attempt to get ballots disqualified in Democratic-leaning areas. If it becomes clear that Oz is likely to lose once all of the mail-in ballots are counted, Republicans will launch a full-on attack on Pennsylvania democracy. Because Georgia is likely to go to a runoff and Pennsylvanias ballots will take so long to count, control of the US Senate might not be known for days. Of course, Democrats can make Pennsylvania a non-issue by winning in states like Ohio, North Carolina, or Wisconsin. Voters should be prepared for a long few days after the election and tune out any early Oz claims of victory in Pennsylvania. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Former prosecutor Renato Mariotti explained to CNNs Frederika Whitfield that the FBI surely gave Kash Patel limited-use immunity in order to cut Trump off at the pass and lure him into a trap, where Trump relies upon a defense (I declassified them) that he wont have with Patel having crossed over. But there is probably more going on, too. Whitfield asked what DOJ was doing with Patel, and Mariotti answered, leaving a little to read between the lines. It strongly suggests to me, Fred, that they are building a case against Trump. Kash Patel, in my mind, is somebody the subject of the testimony is supposedly his witnessing of verbal statements by Trump declassifying documents. That is not the sort of thing that the Justice Department would be investigating on its own. Theyre investigating that and theyre trying to lock in his testimony so that they can undercut a potential defense that Donald Trump has that somehow Patel witnessed him declassifying documents just, you know, in a private room verbally somewhere. And so, you know, the fact that they got immunity tells me that theyre willing to gamble away any leverage against Kash Patel in order to make sure that they get his testimony locked in under oath so they can undercut that at a potential trial of Trump. True, and theyll shut off that defense fast, the I declassified which isnt even a defense to an obstruction of justice charge or the espionage case. But Kash Patel saw and heard a lot more than just whether Trump classified or declassified documents. He surely heard tidbits (or the whole story) about what exactly Trump wanted and why he wanted it. If the FBI thinks they have a case for espionage, taking documents on Irans missile capabilities, they need someone like Kash Patel, no better source, to say why Trump might have wanted them, what Patel heard Trump say at given points in time. Patel might even testify about why he seemed to be the point man in running the declassified defense. It must be critically important. Patel is a very, very big fish. To give him immunity is jaw-dropping. They are going after the declassified defense, but theyre also hunting for bigger games. Why did he want those documents, and what did he plan to do with them? I am just guessing guessing, no inside knowledge, just speculation, that Patels attorney went to the FBI with a proffer. Wherein she said, Patel is willing to testify to why Trump what he planned how he was going to. But we want immunity to testify. Just speculating. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Former Capitol Police Officer Michael Fanone endorsed John Fetterman on election eve and called Mehmet Oz a Trump mouthpiece. Video: Dr. Oz stands with the election deniers + insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol in the violent attack that killed police officers Im honored to have the support of Officer Fanone, a true American hero who (unlike Oz) believes in supporting democracy pic.twitter.com/WR5sP7j47k John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) November 7, 2022 Fanone said in the ad, Oz has filled his campaign ranks with election deniers and even participants in the January 6th attack on our Capitol. Oz is not the independent voice he claims to be. He is a mouthpiece for Donald Trump and his hate-filled, violent rhetoric. Pennsylvanians deserve a representative committed to our democratic process and one who respects the rule of law. That is why I support John Fetterman for Senate in Pennsylvania. Fetterman responded to the endorsement, Im honored to have the support of Officer Fanone, a true American hero. In the Senate, Id proudly fight alongside him to hold insurrectionists accountable and deliver justice to the officers who put their lives on the line to protect our Capitol and our democracy on January 6th. We must elect more leaders who will defend democracy. The choice in this election is clear. Oz will back Trump and his attempted destruction of democracy the whole way down the line. John Fetterman will stand with the police, fight the insurrectionists, and stand up for democracy. Oz and Trump are already planning to challenge the Senate election, but Pennsylvanians should listen to Officer Fanone and support the candidate who will put democracy first. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print A Putin-linked businessman bragged about meddling in our elections Carefully, precisely, surgically. The AP reported, Kremlin-connected entrepreneur Yevgeny Prigozhin admitted Monday that he had interfered in U.S. elections and would continue to do so confirming for the first time the accusations that he has rejected for years. We have interfered, are interfering and will continue to interfere. Carefully, precisely, surgically and in our own way.' Oh. So the Mueller report was correct. The one the Right derisively dismissed as Russia hoax. Most people never read the full report. Heres a take on it by Lisa Desjardins and William Brangham for NPR, The 448-page Mueller report contains copious detail about how Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, both by using social media to influence American voters with misinformation and by hacking into the Clinton campaigns computers. Russian operatives also connected with WikiLeaks to release the stolen material. The AP reiterated Prigozhins involvement in interfering with the 2016 election as well (emphasis mine), In 2018, Prigozhin and a dozen other Russian nationals and three Russian companies were charged in the U.S. with operating a covert social media campaign aimed at fomenting discord and dividing American public opinion ahead of the 2016 presidential election won by Republican Donald Trump. They were indicted as part of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian election interference. This comes just days after the New York Times reported Russias meddling in Trump-era politics was more directly connected to the current war than previously understood in The Untold Story of Russiagate and the Road to War in Ukraine. The New York Times piece tied together the connections between Putins bloody invasion of Ukraine and his interference in the 2016 election, The Russia investigation and its offshoots never did prove coordination between the Trump campaign and Moscow, though they did document numerous connections. But to view the record left behind through the blood-filtered lens of Putins war, now in its ninth month, is to discover a trail of underappreciated signals telegraphing the depth of his Ukrainian obsession and the life-or-death stakes that Americas domestic travails would have for some 45 million people nearly 5,000 miles away In the end, Putin would not get out of a Trump presidency what he thought he had paid for, and democracy would bend but not yet break in both the United States and Ukraine. But that, as much as anything, would set the Russian leader on his march to war. Perhaps had our country had listened to Hillary Clintons warnings at the time, Ukraine might not be fighting off genocide and the world on the brink of falling to brutal authoritarians. Our own political culpability in the current fate of Ukraine should serve to remind those in the media that the horserace style coverage can have bloody consequences. Our politics are treated like a sport, but they are not a sport. Heres Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State, calling Trump a Putin puppet: Transcript from an opinion piece in the New York Times: TRUMP: from everything I see, [Putin] has no respect for this person. CLINTON: Well, thats because hed rather have a puppet as president of the United States. TRUMP: No puppet. No puppet. CLINTON: And its pretty clear TRUMP: Youre the puppet! CLINTON: Its pretty clear you wont admit TRUMP: No, youre the puppet. CLINTON: that the Russians have engaged in cyberattacks against the United States of America, that you encouraged espionage against our people, that you are willing to spout the Putin line, sign up for his wish list, break up NATO, do whatever he wants to do, and that you continue to get help from him, because he has a very clear favorite in this race. So I think that this is such an unprecedented situation. Weve never had a foreign government trying to interfere in our election. We have 17 17 intelligence agencies, civilian and military, who have all concluded that these espionage attacks, these cyberattacks, come from the highest levels of the Kremlin and they are designed to influence our election. I find that deeply disturbing. Clinton was right. Putin had a favorite in the 2016 election. He helped Donald Trump get elected. The next question is why and the answer is that Trump was easily manipulated by Putin. That Mueller couldnt prove collusion does not mean Putin didnt work to get Trump elected. He did. The Trump team accepted some of the help. Mueller just couldnt prove they knew it was illegal to do so and that they colluded to do so. Had the shoe been on the other foot, the Democrat would have been branded a traitor, but for some reason, Republicans are still kissing the ring of their party leader, Donald Trump. And they know better. Prigozhin admitted they have interfered, are interfering and will continue to do so Carefully, precisely, surgically. The Russians do this in large part via social media, which makes Elon Musks takeover of Twitter even more problematic given his push to give Putin what he wants in Ukraine (among other tells). This is one reason to be dubious about the extremists on both sides online, and this is perhaps the only time I will use the phrase both sides sans derision. The Russians want us to hate and distrust one another. The Republican Party has gone off the cliff of democracy and their actions are despicable, but many of their supporters are people who have been conditioned through lies and stereotypes to hate and fear Democrats. If we are to fend off the Russian attack on our country, we must stop reacting to the hate amplified by greedy social media billionaires and instead focus on advancing democracy within our local communities and respectfully challenging misconceptions and stereotypes of Democrats and liberals as evil. They really are out to get us, and the Republican Party is helping them attack our democracy. This is a real war, fought in the cyber world, with horrifying real world ramifications. We are all unwittingly participating in this Russian attempt to undermine western democracy when we use social media. We are being manipulated and divided from outside and inside, Fox News et al finish the job. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print A judge in Detroit, MI, has thrown out a lawsuit that would have disqualified tens of thousands of votes in the city. Fox 2 reported: A Detroit judge has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to prevent the citys absentee ballots from being counted in the 2022 midterm election, calling the lawsuit by Kristina Karamo a false flag of election law violations and corruption. In a blistering opinion authored by Judge Timothy Kenny, the chief official said an attorney for Karamo, who is running for secretary of state in Michigan, failed to show any shred of evidence. No exhibits, no testimony from any of the plaintiffs, no evidenceindicates the procedures for the November 9, 2022 election violate Michigan election laws, read an opinion on the lawsuit, which was filed two weeks ago. Just in case you thought that Republicans might wait until after the election to try to throw out Democratic votes, the case in Detroit demonstrates that Republicans are attempting to disqualify Democratic voters before the polls. In 2020, judges stepped up and stopped Republicans from stealing elections, and in 2022 a judge put a halt to Republican plans to disenfranchise tens of thousands of voters in a city that is 80% African-American. Republicans know that they cant win if Detroit shows up to vote, so they are looking for ways to make sure that those votes never get counted. Decades of Republican efforts to make the electorate smaller and whiter have failed, so the GOP is now trying to stop the votes that are cast from being counted. In Michigan, one judge said no. When voters head to the polls next Tuesday, three races local to Aiken County will be contested. Republican incumbent Joe Wilson faces Democrat Judd Larkins to keep the Second Congressional District seat he's held since 2001. The seat represents Aiken County, Barnwell County and most of the Columbia suburbs. Congressman Jeff Duncan, R-S.C., is unopposed in the Third Congressional District that includes Edgefield County and southwestern South Carolina. Republican incumbent Bill Hixon faces Democrat Jerico "J.D." McCoy in the South Carolina House seat representing North Augusta and southern Edgefield County. S.C. Reps. Bart Blackwell, Bill Clyburn, Melissa Oremus and Bill Taylor are unopposed. And incumbent Brian Silas faces Dr. Connie Rendleman and Dr. Leona Guyton in the race to represent the Midland Valley area on the Aiken County Public School District board. Other contested races on the ballot include governor, secretary of state, state superintendent of education and a U.S. Senate seat. The governor and lieutenant governor's race will include Republican incumbents Henry McMaster and Pamela Evette, Democrats Joe Cunningham and Tally Parham Casey and Libertarians Bruce Reeves and Jessica Ethridge. The secretary of state's race features Republican incumbent Mark Hammond and Democrat Rosemounda Peggy Butler. And Republican incumbent Tim Scott faces S.C. Rep. Krystle Matthews, D-Dorchester, in the U.S. Senate race. There are four entries on the ballot for state superintendent of education: Patricia M. Mickel of the Green Party, Ellen Weaver of the Republican Party and Lisa Ellis is listed as both a Democratic and Alliance Party candidate. Two statewide races feature Republican incumbents being challenged by third party candidates. Republican incumbent Curtis Loftis faces Sarah Work of the Alliance Party in the state treasurer race. In the race for agriculture commissioner, Republican incumbent Hugh Weathers faces Chris Nelums of the United Citizens Party and David Edmond of the Green Party. Republican incumbents Alan Wilson and Richard Eckstrom are unopposed in the races for attorney general and comptroller general. There also could be soil and water commission, county council and school board races on the ballot. There will also be two statewide referendum questions on the ballot. Voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at polling precincts located throughout Aiken County. To find a voting precinct, a registered voter can log onto SCVotes.gov and scroll down the page until they locate and click on the "Find My Precinct" option below a gold "MySCVotes" tab. The voter will be asked to enter their county of registration, their first name, last name, date of birth and the last four digits of their Social Security number on the next screen. There is also a robot test that could be required to move forward. The next screen provides the location of the voter's polling precinct and an option to open the location in Google Maps for directions. Polling precinct locations are also provided on a voter's registration card and unless the precinct changes places within days of the election, any changes in location will be mailed to the registered voter. If the precinct changes locations within days of the election, notices will be posted at the previous precinct that provide the new location. Once a voter arrives at the precinct, they will need to provide photo identification to vote. Accepted photo identifications are a South Carolina driver's license, South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles identify card, U.S. Passport or federal military identification. You are the owner of this article. Investcorp, a leading global alternative investment firm with headquarters in Bahrain, is planning a major ramp up of its investments in India, which it aims to take it to $5 billion over the next five years, up from the current $600 million, reported Bloomberg, citing its top official. This is around 1.5% of the $42.7 billion in assets managed by the group, said its Executive Chairman Mohammed Alardhi, as the alternative asset manager joins global firms eyeing opportunities in the worlds second most-populous country. The investor adds to firms including Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board and Apollo Global Management Inc. that are seeking to extend footholds in India. "Investcorps plans for the country include a new credit strategy, stronger emphasis on infrastructure deals and finding a target for its India-focused blank-check company, Investcorp India Acquisition Corp, which raised $259 million in a US initial public offering in May," Alardhi told Bloomberg News in an interview in Mumbai. Currently, the Bahrain-based group is raising another India-focused fund, targeting $500 million, which is more than double its predecessor which wrapped up with $142 million in 2019, according to people familiar with the fundraising efforts. Given its India ambitions, Investcorps latest fund could be even larger than that, they added, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information. A major player in the global alternative investments sector, Investcorp, which has among its shareholders Abu Dhabi sovereign fund Mubadala Investment Company, began its India operations in 2019. The asset manager has been expanding holdings from the US to Asia as it seeks to reach assets of about $100 billion. In a major move, Investcorp today (November 7) acquired a majority stake in Sunrise Produce, a leading specialty distributor of fresh produce and gourmet products in the US. Founded in 1991, and headquartered in Fullerton, California, Sunrise is well-positioned as a critical link between suppliers and customers, sourcing a wide range of the freshest quality produce and gourmet products from over 400 suppliers and distributing to 2,000 customers across a variety of sectors, such as food services, education, healthcare and retail. Studies have shown the disease seems to disproportionally impact members or former members of the armed forces. On Friday, Republican House Judiciary Committee staff released a report titled FBI WHISTLEBLOWERS: WHAT THEIR DISCLOSURES INDICATE ABOUT THE POLITICIZATION OF THE FBI AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT. The report is 50 pages long, but it also includes an appendix of approximately 1,000 pages consisting of letters Judiciary Committee members have written to DOJ and the FBI, requesting information that, I take it, has rarely if ever been forthcoming. The reports contents will not be surprising to anyone who has been paying attention. Its executive summary lays out these points: The FBI is artificially inflating statistics about domestic violent extremism in the nation. Whistleblowers have described how FBI leadership is pressuring line agents to reclassify cases as domestic violent extremism even if the matter does not meet the criteria. They also explained how the FBI is misrepresenting the scale of domestic violent extremism nationwide by categorizing January 6th-related investigations as organic cases stemming from local field offices, instead of all related to one single incident. In both ways, the FBI is fueling the Biden Administrations narrative that domestic violent extremism is the biggest threat to our nation. The FBI is abusing its counterterrorism authorities to investigate parents who spoke at school board meetings. Whistleblowers disclosed how, shortly after the National School Boards Association urged President Biden to use the Patriot Act against American parents, the FBI Counterterrorism Division set up a special threat tag to track school board-related cases. Whistleblowers provided evidence of how the FBI opened investigations into one mom for allegedly telling a local school board we are coming for you and a dad simply because he rails against the government and has a lot of guns. The FBI has abused its foreign intelligence authorities to spy on American citizens, including people associated with the campaign of President Trump in 2016. These facts have been documented in Inspector General reports and Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court opinions, but there is little indication the FBI has changedor is willing to changecourse. The FBI is clearing the Bureau of employees who dissent from its woke, leftist agenda. The FBI is actively seeking to purge FBI employees holding conservative viewsor, in President Bidens view, those who are a threat to American democracy1 because they hold conservative views. The FBI has even taken retaliatory actions against at least one whistleblower who has spoken out. Whistleblowers have explained how the FBIs political meddling is dragging the criminal side [of the Bureau] down as resources are pulled away from real law- enforcement duties. As a prime example, one whistleblower described how he was told that child sexual abuse material investigations were no longer an FBI priority and should be referred to local law enforcement agencies so that he could work a Washington-directed politically charged case instead. Such a mis-prioritization is not only a dereliction of duty, but it is a grave disservice to the victims of crimes that do not advance the FBIs political agenda. The FBIs role in the Russia collusion hoax is, by itself, ground for radical reform of the Bureau. The recent revelation that the FBI offered Christopher Steele a $1 million bribe if he could come up with dirt on Donald Trump is the icing on the cake. A government agency this corrupt cannot be allowed to exist in anything like its present form. I assume that we need a federal investigative agency of some kind. I dont know what the legitimate contours of such an agency would be. But when Republicans take control of the House and the Senate in January, reform of the FBI, and the Department of Justice, should be high on their agenda. It is not news that the Republicans share of black and Hispanic votes is rising, but the latest Wall Street Journal poll has some recent numbers: About 17% of Black voters said they would pick a Republican candidate for Congress over a Democrat in Journal polls both in late October and in August. That is a substantially larger share than the 8% of Black voters who voted for former President Donald Trump in 2020 and the 8% who backed GOP candidates in 2018 House races, as recorded by AP VoteCast, a large survey of voters who participated in those elections. As more blacks come out as Republican voters, that percentage is sure to increase, as Democratic policies offer nothing to voters of any race whose major concerns are the cost of living and crime. Among Latino voters, Democrats held a lead of 5 percentage points over Republicans in the choice of a congressional candidate in the Journals October survey, a narrower advantage than the Democrats 11-point lead in August. That is a sharp drop in Democratic support in a short time, but what is really remarkable is the shift since 2018 and 2020: Latino voters in 2020 favored President Biden over Mr. Trump by 28 percentage points and Democratic candidates in 2018 House races by 31 points, VoteCast found. So, from 28-point and 31-point leads, down to 5. And falling. If those numbers are even remotely close, there are major areas of the country where the Democrats will struggle to win anything. The global movie streaming platform Netflix on Monday released a list of movies and series it would stream this November, and they include numerous titles, including Elesin Oba: The Kings Horseman, Blood & Water: Season 3 and Dinner at My Place. Others are Enola Holmes 2, The Griot, and Elite: season 6 among others. In a statement, Netflix revealed that the highly anticipated Elesin Oba: The Kings Horseman already made its grand entrance to the platform on 4 November. Elesin Oba tells the story of a horseman who must sacrifice himself to serve his ruler in the afterlife, but he faces sudden distractions that lead to unexpected tragedy. Similarly, Enola Holmes, which follows Enola as she takes on her first official case as a detective to solve the mystery of a missing girl with the help of her friends and brother Sherlock premiered on the same day on Netflix. After that, on 11 November, fans can expect to see Dinner at My Place, which tells the story of a young man, whos ready to pop the question to his girlfriend, but finds his plans for a romantic dinner interrupted when his overdramatic ex-girlfriend shows up uninvited. The Griot follows suit on the 18th of November, following the life of a talented but shy storyteller who faces betrayal after his best friend steals his tales to impress the woman they both love. On 23 November, The Chosen: Season 1 makes its grand entrance introducing a fresh take on the Gospels by following Jesus as he gathers his disciples, heals the needy, and sacrifices himself for the sake of humanity. READ ALSO: Fans of The Crown can watch the fifth season when it premieres on the 9th of November, while documentary lovers will enjoy FIFA Uncovered and Pepsi, Wheres My Jet? when it berths on the 14th and 17th of November. If you watched Teletubbies as a child, Netflix wants to help relieve that memory with Teletubbies coming to the streaming platform on the 14th of November. Christmas and more Christmas is also coming a little early with Christmas with You when a pop star in search of inspiration for a holiday song grants a young fans Christmas wish to meet her but finds a shot at true love along the way. Elite: Season 6 makes its way on the 18th of November, and Blood & Water: Season 3 comes soon after, on the 25th of November. If you are a fan of high school drama with a thrilling mix of crime, scheming, money, and plain teenage exuberance, then Netflixs South African teen drama series Blood & Water is a must-see. This months titles include Dwindle, Lockdown, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, and Osuofia in London. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Eight years after Nollywood actress Mbong divorced filmmaker Jeta Amata, she has found love again. The mother-of-one sprung a surprise on her fans and Instagram followers on Sunday morning when she shared photos from her marriage held in Calabar, Cross River State. The actress, who was previously married to Nigerian filmmaker Jeta Amata, broke the news of her marriage over the weekend on Instagram. In 2001 at an audition in Calabar, Mbong met her ex-husband, the son of the famous actor Zack Amata. Two years later, when she was 18, they began dating. They married in 2008, and their daughter Veno was born later that year. In 2013 they separated, and in 2014, they divorced. The actress who got married in Calabar, expressing her newfound joy, said, Being drenched in so much love and surrounded by my closest pals as I celebrated my nuptials this past weekend felt so incredible God has blessed me with the best of everything. READ ALSO: The new bride thanked family and vendors who catered for her wedding ceremony. My husband, family, friends, vendors who worked tirelessly to make my day so special, and of course everyone who made huge sacrifices to witness this day, Im super grateful, she said. Her husbands identity remains unknown. Stunning fashion The mother-of-one shared beautiful pictures from her colourful wedding ceremony, looking happy with her man as she showed him off. The newly wedded bride, the ist runner-up of the 2001 Miss Nigeria, stepped out in three outfits on her big day. Mbong, who produced her first movie, Darimas Dilemma in 2016, shot into prominence when she starred in Jetas 2016 critically acclaimed movie Amazing Grace. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Egypts President Abdel El-sisi on Monday called for an end to the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war. Please allow me to say this in all respect, this war must stop; this war and the suffering it has caused must finish. This is a sincere appeal, he said. Mr El-sisi made this appeal while delivering his welcome speech during the leaders summit at the ongoing 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) taking place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Of course, we must act, we are urged to act and much is expected from us because the crisis shakes the entire world, he noted. He noted that Egypt, which is not one of the strongest economically, suffered greatly from the covid pandemic over two years and is again suffering due to the Russia-Ukraine crisis. This is an unnecessary war. I imagine of course that the entire world is suffering because of the war between Russia and Ukraine and so I would like to appeal to you, Mr El-sisi appealed. He added; it is not that I want to play a particular role in this affair but of course, like many others, Im ready to act to ensure the end of this war and I am sure that many of you share my opinion and I believe that all of us believe that we must put an end to this war. The war Russia and Ukraine have been at war since 24 February when Russia attacked Ukraine, its neighbour with claims of denazification. 257 days later, the war has continued with over 14 million people displaced; children out of school including Nigerian students; Ukraine is currently out of power supply in some regions. 15 per cent of Ukraines territory was annexed by Russia; until August, grain exportation was cut off, plunging most of the developing world into a food crisis. The war has also led to an unprecedented energy crisis in Europe. UN chief, Antonio Guterres, in a passive reaction to Mr El-sis who spoke before him, said indeed the war in Ukraine and other conflicts have caused so much bloodshed, violence and dramatic impacts all over the world, we cannot accept that our attention is not focused on climate change. We must of course work together to support peace efforts and end tremendous suffering but climate change is on a different timeline and a different scale. It is a defining issue of our age, he said. Climate change, Mr Guterres noted, is a central challenge of our century, adding that it is unacceptable, outrageous and self-defeating to put it on the back burner. He said many of todays conflicts are linked with growing climate chaos and the war in Ukraine has exposed the profound risks of our fossil fuel addiction and todays crisis cannot be an excuse for backsliding or greenwashing. If anything, there are reasons for greater urgency, stronger actions and effective accountability, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Ahead of the sentencing of Ramon Abbas, alias Hushpuppi, today, Monday, a United States court has received letters begging for mercy on behalf of the self-confessed international fraudster. Prominent among the letters of passionate appeal for mercy for Hushpuppi are those of his wife, Regina Manneh, and two Imams who wrote separately from Lagos and Borno states in the Nigerias South-west and North-east regions, respectively. The letter by the Imam of Imisi-Oluwa Mosque, Lagos, Rasaq Olopede, described Hushpuppi as a frequent donator to the mosque. In another letter, Hudu Abdulrasak of Madrasatul Ahlul-Bait Islamiya, in Maiduguri, Borno State, also paid glowing tributes to Hushpuppi for his philanthropic gestures to the orphan, the widow and others in need. They said the former Instagram celebrity, described by the US government as a proficient cyber-fraudster, had become remorseful and would be of good character after his release. The addresses of the authors, including Hushpuppis wife, are redacted in the copies of the letters obtained by PREMIUM TIMES on Monday. The letters were filed at the US District Court for the Central District of California on 4 November in support of Huspuppis earlier plea for light sentence. Forty-year-old Hushpuppi had personally sent a hand-written letter to the judge, Otis Wright, giving assurances that he was a changed person, and promising to make full restitution in excess of the benefits he derived from the crimes, to the victims. Charges, guilty plea, appeals for mercy Hushpuppi was arrested in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, and flown to the United States in June 2020 to face charges of multi-million dollars fraudulent schemes including bank cyber-heists. US authorities said Hushpuppi and his conspirators, through an extensive cyber-fraud, targeted multiple victims, including a bank in Malta, a law firm in New York, two companies in the United Kingdom, and a businessperson in Qatar. Hushpuppi, who initially denied the charges, made a turnaround to enter into a plea bargain agreement with the US authorities in July 2021, in the hope of getting a light sentence. He confessed to conspiring with multiple persons within and outside the US to launder the proceeds of the fraudulent scheme perpetrated against persons and businesses in different countries. The offence ordinarily attracts a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, among other punishments including full restitution The US government, in its pre-sentencing filings, pushed for at least 11 years jail term for him. But, in his plea for leniency, Hushpuppi, without suggesting any number of years of jail term to the judge, pleaded for a sentence to a term of imprisonment below the calculated range dictated by statute. The court has since received a flurry of letters addressed to the judge from Hushpuppis family and religious circles, also pleading for mercy on his behalf. Wifes plea for mercy In her undated letter pleading for mercy on behalf of her husband, Regina Manneh, who is the mother of Hushpuppis youngest child, said his absence from home had left a void in the family. Ms Manneh is believed to have lived with Hushpuppi and their son, Raymond, in Dubai. Hushpuppis two older children lives with their separate mothers in the US and the United Kingdom (UK). Ms Manneh said she and her four-year-old son were on a visit to see relatives in Sweden when Hushpuppi was arrested in June 2020. When I heard about his arrest, my son and I were in Sweden visiting family. Unfortunately, there was a lockdown due to Covid and before we got back to Dubai, he was already extradited to the USA so there was no chance for Raymond to see his father, she wrote. In her impassioned letter which is suspected to have been sent to the judge in October, she described Hushpuppi as a very active father with whom his son spent a lot of time going out and doing activities, including watching movies. Hushpuppis incarceration, she said, has had a huge impact on us as a family but mostly on our 4year-old son. Ms Manneh, who said she had been heart-broken by the turn of events, noted that Raymond constantly asks for his fathers whereabouts. As a mother, this breaks my heart for my son because he is at an age where he is aware of things and that his father is not with him physically. She said whenever Raymond had the opportunity to video call his father, he constantly asks his father if he is on the way. Usually after the call ends, Raymond gets emotional and just hugs me. And all I can do is offer emotional support to my son that is struggling to navigate his feelings during these hard times, the mother said. She said her plea for mercy for Hushpuppi was not just for herself, but for my son and his family. She said Hushpuppis whole family depended on him financially and emotionally. Not having Ramon here has left a void in Raymond which saddens me, she said. She said she had had to start working overtime in order to be able to pay for our childs private school fees and his needs which has been a challenging task. Ramon is a man that loves his family and would do anything for them. He is not perfect, but he is a good man that has made mistakes and he has taken responsibility. I beg this court to have mercy on him not only for me but for his children, she wrote. Imams pleas Two Islamic clerics in their separate letters painted a portrait of Hushpuppi as a kind, loving, and generous man, whose criminal conduct alleged in the charges levelled against him, came to them as a rude shock. Mr Olopede of Madrasat Ridwanu LHai-L-Arobiyat Wal Islamiyat, Imisi-Oluwa Mosque, said in his 8 October letter that he had known Hushpuppi for 15 years as a frequent donator to the mosque. In his separate letter dated 4 October, Mr Abdulrasak of the Madrasatul Ahlul-Basit Islamiya, in Maiduguri Borno State, described Hushpuppi as a true philanthropist, although the cleric did not indicate how long he had known him. Hushpuppi, a Muslim, was born and raised in Lagos before his sojourn to Malaysia and then to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirate (UAE), where he was arrested and flown to the US in June 2020. His possible connection to the Lagos mosque is therefore understandable. But his account of his personal history detailed in his court filings gave no hint of how he might have been connected to the Maiduguri community, in Borno State. Yet, Mr Abdulrasak said Hushpuppi was known to his congregation in Maiduguri as a man that had lent hands of assistance to many in our community. Among Hushpuppis philanthropic gestures, according to the cleric, included provision of borehole and water well, payment of school fees, feeding programmes, and rendering assistance to the needy, widows and orphans on several occasions. We hereby plead and pray to your honour to kindly put the above stated into consideration when tempering justice, he wrote. Also attesting to Hushpupis kind-heartedness that he was known for in the Lagos mosque, Mr Olopede said the defendant made himself a willing and available example of hard work and humility for teenagers in his immediate neighbourhood. He said the defendant provided leadership and mentorship to friends and older adults alike, even as he sought direction for his own life. Ramon would usually contribute his part to anything that concerns the mosque, he would offer financial support at every given time when the mosque was holding events, the cleric wrote. He said Hushpuppi had at different times, donated to the mosque and bought a generator for the mosque. He added that Hushpuppis involvement in criminal activities came as a rude shock. It was surprising that a promising young individual with a tremendous attitude towards work could be doing anything shady, he added. The cleric said he understood the enormity of the crime Hushpuppi committed, but called on the judge to evoke the emotional part of you and beg that you temper justice with mercy. He noted that he had been informed of how Hushpuppi had been cooperative and well-behaved during this trial. I hope the remorse he has shown in the last years makes it a worthy recourse to getting a reduced sentence, he added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Edwin Eze sat idly in front of his shop, grimacing slightly. It was in the last week of October and the waters that submerged his shop had receded. He looked around to estimate the level of destruction recorded after floods submerged his shop and ravaged sections of the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State, Nigerias South-east. Regarded as one of the largest markets in West Africa, Onitsha Main Market sits at the bank of River Niger. But in September, the market was submerged in water. It took us by surprise, Mr Eze recalled the flood incident. Before we got here, the flood had entered all our shops and destroyed our goods. Mr Eze said he was not alone, as numerous other traders in the market shared in the ugly experience. Shop owners who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES said that the damaged goods were disposed of while some of the goods slightly destroyed by the flood would be auctioned. In the aftermath of the flood incident, many of the traders were forced to stay at home for over a month as their shops were submerged in waters. We were living from hand to mouth for over one month, said Mr Eze, a father of five. I lost goods worth over N2.1 million to the flood. Mr Eze added, however, that support from the government hadnt been forthcoming. He argued further that the state government ought to compensate the business people in the market for their losses especially because they pay multiple levies to the government. They can compensate in another way by exempting us from paying most of the taxes so that we would make up for our losses here, he said. Ifeanyi Ochomma, another shop owner, could not put the figure of his losses. For nearly one month, he said his shop was submerged in water. Hunger nearly killed us and our children, said Mr Ochomma. In Zone 3, one of the areas worst hit by the flood in the market, shop owners lamented that their goods were completely destroyed. John Ojinnika, a shop owner who sells second-hand clothes, told PREMIUM TIMES in October that most of the goods affected were the ones being stored for the forthcoming Christmas sales season. He added that he lost over N500, 000 to the flood incident. Innocent Ezennia, the Chairman of the market, told PREMIUM TIMES that the flood destroyed goods worth millions of naira in several sections of the market. About 700 shops were affected by the flood, he said. For Kenneth Onyeka, the immediate past chairman of the market, the flood has caused hunger in many families. This years flood is higher than the 2012 flood. It affected us so much, Mr Onyeka said. It displaced many business people from their shops for weeks. It was too disastrous for us. When the flood waters came, major entry points to the market were flooded, forcing those whose shops were in the upper land to bear the brunt of the disaster as buyers stayed away from the market. It brought more hardship on us, because we eat only when we sell goods, said Mr Onyeka, who sells clothes. He explained that although some officials of the state government visited to assess the gravity of the destruction, nothing has been heard from them ever since. Flooded Industrial Hub Apart from the Onitsha Main Market, the Onitsha Industrial Harbour Layout was equally affected by the flood, raising fears of massive job loss. Located at the bank of River Niger in Anambra, the Onitsha Industrial Harbour Layout is a cluster of manufacturing companies. It is believed to be the biggest industrial hub in the South-east and one of the largest in Nigeria. But when the waters submerged the harbor, many of the companies were flooded, forcing them to shut down operations for weeks. We suffered a lot of destruction here because the whole of this place was covered with water, Emmanuel Obi, a director in one of the companies, told PREMIUM TIMES. Although the flood water had receded when this reporter visited in October, the director said the situation forced the industry to shut down operations for about one month. A lot of our machines, worth millions of naira, were destroyed completely, he said. He added that due to the devastating impact of the flood, the company had to lay off some of its staff members. Many (staffers) were dropped, but we are considering taking them back since the flood is receding, Mr Obi said. Chidi Nwafor, an engineer in the company, told PREMIUM TIMES that the staff members had not been paid since the flood impacted the companys operations. Mr Obi blamed the government for its silence since the flood occurred. He also claimed that the Bank of Industry where industrialists would have gone for loans to revive their companies do not respond to loan requests from ordinary Nigerians. At Portico Best International Limited, a company that manufactures lubricants and plastics, staff members lamented how the company was also completely submerged by water for more than one month. Some of our materials inside the store were swallowed by the flood, said Emmanuel Ezejiofor, the production manager at the industry. Although the company quickly moved some machines to safe places when the flood surged, many of the other machineries were left in flooded water. So, the flood also swallowed them, Mr Ezejiofor said, adding that the industry was hoping to repair some of them as soon as the flood completely disappears. We shut down operations for one month at the peak of the flood because the production floor was covered with water, the production manager said. With our operations being stopped, we dropped some of our workers. But we will start calling them back gradually, depending on how fast we resume operations. At Pokobros Group West African Limited, another industry heavily hit by the disaster, frustrated workers lamented how operations have become problematic since the flooding incident. Chuks Ezejelue, the procurement manager of the company, struggled to hold back his tears as he took this reporter around to show the level of destruction in the industry. It came in full force (in early October). Everywhere was flooded, Mr Ezejelue recalled. It affected us seriously. A lot of things were damaged, raw materials were swept away. Our machines too. I just dont know how we are going to cope because a lot of things were damaged. He said officials of the state government have not visited the industrialists to sympathise with them over the massive loss. At the milling section of the company, several bags of rice were left in water, with the foul smell of the damaged rice pervading the atmosphere. Samuel Nnamani, the manager of the rice milling section, told PREMIUM TIMES that the company was disturbed that bags of rice belonging to their customers were also destroyed by the flood. Both rice and machines were completely inside the water before. We are now pushing the water outside with pumping machines, Mr Nnamani said. Flood in Anambra Anambra, like several other states in the country, experienced devastating floods between September and October. The flood incidents affected seven of the 21 local government areas in the state. PREMIUM TIMES observed that the flood that led to the destruction of farmlands in the state was caused by heavy overflow of water from major rivers around the state. Some of the major rivers are River Niger (covering Ogbaru, Onitsha South and Onitsha North LGAs) and Omabala River (covering Anambra West and Anambra East LGAs). The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Paul Odenigbo, told PREMIUM TIMES that 561,000 persons were affected by the flood while a total of 41,000 persons were displaced in Anambra State. Mr Odenigbo said although the flood victims had been in IDP camps for several weeks, some were already returning to their houses following gradual receding of the flood. The affected council areas include Onitsha South, Ayamelum, Ogbaru, Anambra East, Anambra West, Awka North and Onitsha North, he said. During a visit to the state, late October, PREMIUM TIMES observed that many houses, industries, and several farmlands have been destroyed. Also, roads and bridges linking communities have been washed off by the floods. Food Security Like many other farmers in Anambra, Uche Ugwuoke had great plans to expand his farmlands for increased productivity. A resident of Aguleri, a community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mr Ugwuoke had invested his life-time savings in planting yams and cassava on two hectares of land. Beyond expanding his farmland, the father of six said he also planned to build his first house from about N2.8 million he hoped to make from the proceeds of his farm produce. But his hopes were dashed when flood swept off the farmlands in late September, he told PREMIUM TIMES. Mr Ugwuoke, who resided on a farm settlement, said he hurriedly left the place when flood forced its way into the area and destroyed his makeshift home. My yam farmland, about 18 plots, was swept away. Even my cassava farmland, about 15 plots of land, the same fate befell it, he said. Apart from cassava and yam farmlands, Mr Ugwuoke said he also planted tomatoes, maize and okra, among others. But all those things were washed away by the flood, he said. Although other farmers stayed in various camps for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), the 38-year-old resorted to motorcycle business in the area in order to survive. If not that I have a motorcycle, I would have been begging for food, like others, he said, referring to the IDPs. For Mr Ugwuoke, the flood has had an instant impact on food security in the area with signs indicating it could worsen next year. As flood spoiled everything now, prices of food items have increased. A very small tuber of yam I bought yesterday was sold at N600. Before, you could get that size of yam at N150 or N200, he said. In all the camps visited by this reporter, all the IDPs were farmers, indicating that they are the worst hit by the flood across the communities. The farmers said although they have been experiencing flooding in the area, the recent flood ravaged the communities more than ever before. Monumental losses Ifeanyi Nwankwo, the traditional ruler of Anibeze, one of the communities in Ogbaru affected by the flood, told PREMIUM TIMES he had to abandon his palace when it was submerged in early October. The destruction was monumental, he began. It was yesterday night that I came back from where I ran to. At the early state, he said he relied on a canoe to ferry himself in and out of the palace. But when the flood increased and submerged his palace, he took to his heels and sought refuge in another community. The monarch, also a farmer, lamented that his yam farmland had been washed off completely by the flood. The yams that we are supposed to eat next year, all of them have spoiled, he said, adding that the state government was yet to respond to the disaster. Sometimes, the government would warn about the impending flood, but they didnt provide any place for us to stay. Where do we run to? Mr Nwankwo stated. Chidi Nwachukwu was among a group of farmers who fled Obene Atani, another community in the Ogbaru, when flood began to wreak havoc in the area. Known for his expertise in yam and cocoyam farming, Mr Nwachukwu had planted 3,600 tubers of yam on his farm with hope of making huge gains next year, but the flood destroyed it all. I know how much I make from the farm each year. I also do cattle rearing. Last year, I made over N700, 000 from the farmland, he said. My pain is that the farmlands did better this year. We would have had bumper harvests. But everything has been destroyed, even my cattle. My children and I were almost caught by the flood before we escaped. Gertrude Ekwegide, another farmer, said when the flood receded in one of her cassava farmlands, she visited the place, but all the crops had been destroyed. IDP Camps In all the camps visited by this reporter in the state, there are widespread complaints about poor amenities. Although private individuals, churches and government officials provide foodstuff for flood victims in most of the camps, they are grossly inadequate, the victims said. At Chuchu Onyema camp in Ogbaru Council Area as well as Father Joseph Memorial High School, Aguleri, Anambra East Council Area, many flood victims sleep on bare floors due to the inadequacy of mattresses in the camp. In other camps, such as Father Joseph Memorial High School, Aguleri, there were no mattresses for flood victims at all. Apart from mattresses, mosquito nets were also unavailable for many of the victims in several of the camps visited.. ALSO READ: Anambra seeks federal intervention over devastating flood None of the donors has ever given us mosquito nets. There arent enough mattresses here. Many are sleeping on the floor. Some of them are using mat, said Israel Nduka, an official at Chuchu Onyema IDP camp. Some of the flood victims at the camp accused the camp officials of hoarding relief materials brought by government officials and churches. But Mr Nduka, the camp official, denied it, insisting that relief materials brought to the camp were equitably shared to the victims. Since the flood disaster hit the state, many primary and secondary schools have been converted to holding camps for flood victims, thereby disrupting academic activities in the schools. Otumoye Primary School I is one of the schools in Iyi-Owa Odekpe Community, Ogbaru Council Area, where displaced flood victims occupied. The school management offered three classrooms as a temporary camp for the flood victims, but pupils and teachers bear the brunt of the situation. Inside many classrooms, crowds of pupils were seen, apparently beyond the carrying capacity of the classrooms. Our reporter observed that teachers were struggling to teach due to noise from the pupils occasioned by the crowded classrooms. Thank God you have seen things with your own eyes. They (victims) are occupying three classrooms. So, we had to merge pupils in the remaining classes, Anthonia Atunonu, the headmistress of the school, told PREMIUM TIMES. It is a sort of discomfort, we understand, but we are helping humanity, she said. Women, Children Most Affected Across various IDP camps in Anambra State, PREMIUM TIMES observed that women and their children were the most affected by the flood disaster. At Father Joseph Memorial High School, Aguleri, the camp manager, Chuks Kwazu, said that a total of 5,166 displaced persons, from 1,861 households, were taking refuge in the camp in October. Of the number, 1,429, (27.6%) were adult men; 1,731 (33.5%) were adult women; and 2,006 (38.9 %) were children. Of the 1,731 adult women, 174 were pregnant, while 116 of them were nursing mothers. Although the victims battle with inadequate facilities, the IDPs told PREMIUM TIMES that they are regularly being checked and treated by a team of doctors from the state government. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Deputy Governor of Anambra State, told PREMIUM TIMES that the healthcare services at the holding camps were part of the ongoing Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme. He said the flood disaster afforded the government an opportunity to render medical treatments to a larger population at various IDPs camps in the state. Our own first intervention is to make sure that there is healthcare in the camps vis a vis prevention of diseases such as malaria and cholera, he said. Mr Ibezim, a medical doctor, said the initiative was considered necessary after a minor cholera outbreak occurred in the state which was immediately tackled. Beyond the medical services, Mr Ibezim said the state government has ensured provision of foodstuff and other amenities for the flood victims in various camps. In the camps, the governor instructed that these people should be fed three times a day, provided mattresses and mosquito nets and a lot more, he claimed. All sorts of animals snakes and others- came in during the flood. So, we are fumigating the communities that they will be returning to. But PREMIUM TIMES observed that some of the flood victims lack mattresses in the camps visited by this newspaper. Mosquitos nets, though shared, were inadequate in many populated camps. Reacting to the plight of farmers and industrialists who lost their livelihoods in the disaster, the deputy governor stressed that the state government would respond with interventions for those who suffered losses. He said the interventions would come after a post disaster assessment in order to ascertain the number of the victims. This investigation was completed with the support of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development and the Centre for Investigative Journalisms Open Climate Reporting Initiative. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The federal government has rescinded its earlier plans to end the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. The Interim Administrator, PAP, Barry Ndiomu, confirmed the governments new position in a statement on Saturday. Mr Ndiomu, a retired major-general, in the statement issued by PAPs media consultant, Donu Kogbara, expressed gratitude to the government for listening when he made it clear that critical stakeholders across the region were strongly opposed to the winding down of the PAP. He explained that all responsible stakeholders, nevertheless, supported change and shared his view that the programme needed to be refocused and restructured. Mr Ndiomu said the government weighed the arguments presented to them, based on their merits, and decided to suspend the planned shutdown. The federal governments willingness to retrace its steps demonstrated the sensitivity of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to issues affecting the Niger Delta, Mr Ndiomu said. The Federal Government has heard the concerns of Niger Delta people and, with our best interests at heart, has decided to shelve an unwanted termination agenda and transform PAP into a more sanitised, transparent, efficient, robust and sustainable entity. The decision was taken after the feelings of stakeholders and people of the region were communicated to the government and proved that the Buharis administration would not do anything to jeopardise the peace in the Niger Delta. We call on all stakeholders to sustain the peace in the region and help the new administration to reform, refocus and reposition the programme for optimum performance, the statement highlighted. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The UAE, which is assuming the role as Vice Chair in 2023, will be appointed chair of the Kimberley Process in 2024, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has announced. The decision follows the deliberations at the Kimberley Process Plenary meeting in Gaborone, Botswana that concluded on 5 November. The Kimberley Process (KP) is an international group tasked with regulating the global diamond trade. Established in 2003 by the United Nations, 85 participating countries seek to ensure that unregulated rough diamonds do not enter the legitimate diamond market as a means to finance conflict. This mandate has fostered greater transparency in the industry by implementing a rigorous certification scheme. In 2016, the UAE was the first and only Arab country appointed to the annual Chairmanship. Stability and continuity Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said: The Kimberley Process is a global body that strives to enable trade to flourish in a safe and stable environment so that all participants and their dependent societies can benefit to the full. At a time of significant uncertainty and turbulence in the markets, the UAE chairmanship of the Kimberley Process will provide stability and continuity, and we are committed to working with its members to ensure the long-term sustainable growth of the global diamond sector with the highest levels of integrity. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) in the UAE falls under the Ministry of Economy which has, in turn, authorised DMCC to manage the nations import and export procedure for rough diamonds. In 2021 the UAE became the worlds largest rough diamond trade hub, with $22.8 billion traded. In the first half of this year, the UAE recorded $19.8 billion in total diamond trade after a record 25% year-on-year growth. Largest diamond tender The UAE is home to the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) at Almas Tower, Dubai. This building houses the UAEs main KP office, ensuring the legitimate trade of diamonds through the entire country. The DDE is the largest diamond tender facility in the world and home to over 1,150 diamond companies, providing members and industry professionals with state-of-the-art infrastructure, facilities, products, and services to grow and trade with confidence. The Dubai Diamond Exchange is an active member of the World Diamond Council, World Federation of Diamond Bourses, the World Jewellery Confederation, and the Responsible Jewellery Council.-- TradeArabia News Service The Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, has urged the Defence Intelligence Agency, advisers and attaches to develop innovative solutions to the myriad of security challenges confronting Nigeria. Mr Magashi, a retired major general, said this at the opening of the Defence Advisers and Attaches Annual Conference, organised by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), on Monday, in Abuja. The week-long conference has the theme, Sustaining Nigerias Defence and Security: Role of the Defence Attache System. He said the Defence Attaches System had crucial roles to play in forging understanding and cooperation with the security and defence architectures in their respective countries of accreditation. The minister said the myriad of security threats across the country had continued to endanger economic growth and food security. He said food security had also been exacerbated by the recent flooding across the country. This, according to him, makes it imperative for the various security agencies to collaborate more in tackling the issues to create an enabling atmosphere for economic activities to thrive and attract Foreign Direct Investment. He said the conference was a vital mechanism through which the agency would evaluate, formulate and review strategic policies in line with evolving global and domestic security challenges. A cursory look at the security challenges in Nigeria today reveals that the new dimensions in combating insecurity through the kinetic and non-kinetic approach is yielding positive results in the fight against terrorism and banditry particularly, in the North-west and North-central Zones. However, the coastal states in the South-south region are still plagued with illegal oil bunkering, piracy and militancy. While the South-east is challenged with secessionist activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Eastern Security Network. The South-west region is equally faced with secessionist inclination driven by ethnic agitators as well as occasional tension between herders and farmers. Distinguishing the threats Nigeria is currently facing and understanding their socio-geographic context is pivotal for adapting appropriate and lasting counter-measures. Regrettably, the prevalence of these threats has continued to endanger our economic growth and food security. This has been exacerbated by the recent flooding across the country, he said. READ ALSO: Mr Magashi, therefore, said the participants should appraise the shared vision of stemming the tide of insecurity through the integrated efforts of all government entities. He also urged the participants to harness the potential of the defence attache system to effectively contribute to the countrys security efforts. No doubt many countries, including Nigeria, have continued to devise new strategies for improved defence and security systems in order to meet up with ever-evolving security challenges. In our effort to address the myriad of security challenges confronting our nation, we require the cooperation of our allies in the areas of capacity building, procurement as well as provision of spares for our defence equipment. We, therefore, rely heavily on you, the Defence Advisers and Attaches, to foster bilateral and multilateral relations with our allies, he said. The defence minister enjoined the participants to evolve strategies toward enhancing the countrys defence and security. Mr Magashi had earlier inaugurated some projects executed by the agency to boost its operations, as well as the block laying for the expansion of the DIA Headquarters complex. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) kicked off on Sunday in Egypt featuring a formal opening plenary of the conference, the 17th session of the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol and the 4th session of the meeting of the Paris Agreement at the Sharm El-Sheikh International Convention Centre. According to the schedule, the conference will run for 14 days, and on Monday and Tuesday, the first part of the high-level segment for Heads of State and Government during the Conference will take place. This two-day event which is called the Climate Implementation Summit, a gathering to implement and transform key climate-related decisions into concrete actions and credible plans, continue raising ambition, building up from previous Conference of the Parties, including the Glasgow COP 26 outcomes. The summit will keep the high-level commitment on climate change issues, with an aim to fight back against climate emergency and is aimed at promoting coordinated action to tackle climate change. Heads of State and Government from over 100 countries are expected to have arrived in Sharm El-Sheikh on either Sunday evening or Monday morning, after which other negotiations will be done by their representatives, environment ministers, or other high-ranking officials. Sameh Shoukry, Egypts Foreign Minister and COP27 President will act as a neutral arbiter of the 196 nations attending the summit. In his speech on Sunday, while addressing climate envoys and delegates, he said: It comes as no surprise to anyone that the COP is being held this year in a world which is witnessing political turmoil that casts a long shadow on all our nations and has resulted in energy and food crises; however these challenges should be no reason for delaying our collective effort to fight climate change. The Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Implementation Summit will focus on six main issues spread across roundtables to be held in parallel with high-level side events. The issues to discuss include Just Transitions, Food Security, Innovative Finance for Climate and Development, Investing in the Future of Energy, Water Security, and Climate Change, and The Sustainability of Vulnerable Communities. During the Climate Implementation Summit, Heads of State and Government will be invited to deliver national statements. This will form the first part of the high-level segment. World leaders confirmed to attend COP27 include U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Nigerias president will be represented by the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Gunmen attacked a lawyer, Sanni Boladale, and an occupant in his car in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Friday night, abducting the latter in the process. Mr Boladale reportedly escaped abduction. The incident happened at around 7.30 p.m. in front of the lawyers house at Soyoye in Abeokuta-North Local Government area of the state. A resident of the area, who refused to give her name due to the complexity of the matter, said the whereabouts of the abducted victim a woman was still unknown as of the time of filing this report. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the kidnappers were also yet to reach the family of the victim. It was also gathered that Soyoye community, which links Ayetoro to Isaga and Ibara-Orile, has become notorious as kidnappers have turned the area to their operational base. Within the last one year a number of persons including the son of a medical doctor, a retired lecturer, a police woman, a nurse and many other travellers had been kidnapped around the axis. They were released after ransoms were paid. Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident. He added that the command has commenced a rescue mission of victim. We have launched a manhunt for her and I am sure that we will secure her release very soon. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The management of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) has confirmed the death of a student of its International Secondary School who was involved in a motor accident. The student, identified as AbdulRahman Dauda, was allegedly chased to his death by an unnamed class teacher recently in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State. In a video that went viral Saturday, a woman who identified herself as AbdulRahmans mother, staged a lone protest around the school to demand justice for her son. She called out the university which was formerly Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) not to cover it up. She also claimed that the student had spent five years in the school before his death. AbdulRahman is a human being, he has spent five years in this school. LASPOTECH dont cover it up, I need justice for AbdulRahman, the woman cried out in the video. According to reports, the teacher wanted to flog the SS2 student when he ran away and allegedly chased him until he was hit by a car. The student was subsequently rushed to the hospital, where he was reportedly confirmed dead. The universitys Public Relations Officer, Lanre Kunye confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES Sunday that the school actually lost a student through a motor accident and the matter is already in court. However, Mr Kuye refused to explain how the incident happened or whether a teacher was truly involved. l will not be able to comment further on it. May the soul of the deceased rest in peace, he said. School commences investigation In an official statement Sunday, the LASUSTECH International Staff School said the school and Nigerian Police have commenced investigations and that the matter is now in court. The school further disclosed that three of its unidentified staff who were allegedly accused of complicity in the matter have been remanded at the Nigerian Correctional facility in Lagos. The statement reads in part: The International Staff School of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology wishes to commiserate with the family of Abdurahman Dauda, one of our pupils who was involved in an unfortunate incident that led to his untimely death. We want to state that the school and Nigerian Police commenced investigations immediately after the matter was reported. Subsequently, the case was taken to the court of competent jurisdiction, and appearances started on Monday, 31 October 2022. The three affected members of staff who were allegedly accused of complicity in the unfortunate situation are currently remanded at the Nigerian Correctional facilities in Lagos. As the case is already before a competent court, we seek the publics prayers and understanding with the school management and parents of the deceased at this moment of grief and sober reflection. It added that the statement is necessary to state the current situation to the public for record purposes. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has described the non-payment of its members March to September salaries and part of its October salary as illegal. CONUA said its members were only unable to perform their full duties because of the lock-out by the university management and not because it was on strike. The union, therefore, called on the Nigerian Government to pay the withheld salaries of its members, insisting they were never on strike. At the end of October, the Nigerian government paid alleged mutilated salaries to academics in public universities. It said the lecturers were paid for the work done, having suspended its eight months old strike only on 14th October. But the lecturers have kicked against this, describing the decision as insulting. While CONUA said it has submitted a petition against the stoppage of its members salaries, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is set to meet on Monday (today) to decide on the next line of action. Pay our members CONUA In a statement by its National President, Niyi Sunmonu, CONUA said it had at several times clarified that its members were not a party to the strike declared by ASUU. We first made this fact clear in a letter we addressed to the Minister of Labour and Employment in April 2022. And, at a press conference we addressed in Abuja on August 19, 2022, we also stated it categorically that, as a union, we were not on strike, and, this being the case, the issue of no work no pay ought not to apply to our members, the statement reads in part. CONUA said it considers it unfair that its members were not paid the salaries for March to September as well as the cutoff part of the October salaries. It described as illegal the governments decision not to pay its member seven months salaries and part of the October salaries. CONUA said its members could not perform their full function due to the closure of the universities and not because of a strike. It added that the governments actions contradict Section 43 (1b) of the Trade Disputes Act, which clarified that workers are entitled to their wages when locked out by employers. It said: Section 43 (1b) of the Trade Disputes Act CAP. T8, stated, where any employer locks out his workers, the workers shall be entitled to wages and any other applicable remuneration for the period of the lock-out and the period of the lock-out shall not prejudicially affect any rights of the workers being rights dependent on the continuity of the period of employment. We expect the government to act on the demand immediately, it added. CONUA, therefore, asked the government to immediately pay the backlog of our salaries from March to September 2022, in addition to what was cut off from our October 2022 salaries. We expect the government to act on this rightful demand immediately. The government recently granted the registration of CONUA and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA). The government paid members of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of some universities including the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, (UDU) Sokoto, saying they continued working during the period of the strike. But ASUU-UDUS accused the government of sowing disharmony among members of the union for the selective payments to the lecturers. Qosim Suleiman 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 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Rochas Okorocha, a former Imo State governor, has filed a preliminary objection against the N2.9 billion money laundering charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, fixed 22 November for the hearing of the application seeking the quashing of the charges and Mr Okorochas outright acquittal. The trial judge, Inyang Ekwo, adjourned Mondays proceedings to allow EFCCs counsel, G.K. Latona, to respond to the preliminary objection. He directed parties to the case to file and serve necessary processes on each other before the scheduled hearing date. Charges, arraignment EFCC had on 30 May arraigned Mr Okorocha along with his seven co-defendants on 17 charges of money laundering. The anti-graft agency arraigned him along with Anyim Chinenye, and five companies Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited. It accused all seven defendants of diverting stolen funds amounting to about N2.9 billion from the Imo State Government House account and Imo State Joint Local Government Project account between October 2014 and February 2016. Mr Okorocha, the incumbent senator representing Imo West in the Nigerian Senate, was governor of Imo State between May 2011 and May 2019. Objection The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Okorocha, through his lawyer, Ola Olanipekun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, filed his preliminary objection against the charges on 28 October. He prayed for an order quashing all the charges in the application which he anchored on seven grounds. Describing the charges as unlawful, baseless, oppressive and a gross abuse of the process of the court, he contended that they arose from EFCCs investigations into his activities while he was still in office as governor of Imo between 2011 and 2019. READ ALSO: He also sought an order discharging and/or acquitting the 1st defendant/applicant (Okorocha), pursuant to prayer (1) supra. He also argued, among others, that EFCCs investigation leading to the charges instituted against him had been declared unlawful in a court judgement in the suit marked FCH/PH/FHR/165/2021. He noted that the Federal High Court judge, Stephen Pam, also gave an order prohibiting the EFCC from further proceeding. He, therefore, said that the charge against him is an abuse of prosecutorial powers and judicial process, as the said declaratory and prohibitory orders were and are still extant, at all times material, before and after the preferment of the charge. NAN reports that the EFCC said it received an intelligence report about criminal diversion, abuse of office and money laundering against Mr Okorocha while running the affairs of the Imo State government. The commission said the intelligence report was investigated and confirmed to be true. The trial judge, Mr Ekwo, granted bail to Mr Okorocha and his co-defendant, Anyim Chinyere, on 31 May, the day after their arraignment. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A record 150 exhibitors from over 25 countries and global experts are in Riyadh to attend the Saudi Airport Exhibition (SAE), biggest-ever airport industry show for two days from November 7 at Al Faisaliah Hotel. The transformative socio-economic reforms blueprint calls for equipping the largest country on the Arabian Peninsula to handle 330 million air travellers by 2030, and transforming Riyad and Jeddah into mega aviation hubs, along with setting up a new national carrier and developing eight new airports. The Middle Easts largest aviation market with 29 airports under its fold, is set to have the fastest passenger traffic growth until 2040 for which it unveiled $147 billion plans for its expansion. The National Aviation Strategy aims to increase air connectivity to 250 destinations to reach the 330 million passengers mark and double air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tonnes. In the works are plans to launch a new national airline as the aviation sector is slated to deliver SR280 billion ($75 billion) to the oil-rich nations Gross Domestic Product by 2030 and the fastest economic growth of 7.6 per cent in the Arabian Gulf region this year. Being held at the Al Faisaliah Hotel and Niche Ideas, the B2B platform will have a sharp focus on expansion, innovation, and collaboration as one of the worlds Top 5 airport growth markets over the next two decades to help the Kingdom reach its goals. SAE is being held on an exhibition space of over 6,500 gross sq m, whose features include co-located Future Airport Development and Investment Summit, VIP Matchmaking, Hosted Buyers Programme, and regional development airport projects. Among the hosted buyers are top officials from Red Sea Global, Royal Commission of AlUla, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, Oman Airports, Neom, Tibah Airports, DAA International and Al Ula International Airport. Co-located will be the Future Airport Development and Investment Summit with over 500 attendees including Saudi transport and aviation leaders and global experts and suppliers. The Summit will debate Aviation Sustainability; Rebuilding the Aviation Industry post-pandemic; Future Airport Planning; Passenger-Centric Thinking, Preparing the Airports of Tomorrow; Digital Innovation in Aviation; Developing Robust and Sustainable Air Traffic Management Systems; Airport Security in the Age of Digital Disruption, and Building a Local Aviation Talent Pool to Support Growth. As the airport construction market reaches $1.4 trillion globally by 2026, the co-located Future Airport Development and Investment Summit will explore new partnership opportunities as the aviation industry rebuilds after the 21st centurys second pandemic brought it off its growth tracks. The King Abdulaziz International Airport is getting expanded. The Jeddah airports Phase2, slated to increase the capacity to accommodate 43 million passengers a year and 80 million passengers by 2035, is expected to be completed by December 2025. The kingdom has started working in massive ways to expand and upgrade airports to serve 330 million travellers by 2030 through US$147 billion investments that will support $82.3 billion of GDP by 2037. - TradeArabia News Service The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has appointed MTN, Airtel, and commercial banks to withhold Value Added Tax (VAT) charged on all taxable supplies made to them, and remit to the Service. This is contained in a public notice the FIRS issued on November 1, signed by its executive chairman, Muhammad Nami, where the FIRS explained the role of the companies as well as the obligations of their suppliers with regards to the withholding of Value Added Tax. This Notice is given to all persons carrying on trade, profession or business of any kind, tax practitioners and the general public that, with effect from 1st January, 2023; in line with the provisions of Section 14(3) of the Value Added Tax Act Cap. V1 LFN 2004 (as amended), the following companies are appointed to withhold or collect VAT charged on all taxable supplies made to them: MTN; Airtel; and all money deposit banksas defined by the CBN Guidelines, the notice said. The FIRS noted that these companies were expected to remit the tax they would withhold on or before the 21st day of the month immediately following the month the tax was withheld, in the format prescribed by the Service. READ ALSO: The companies shall remit the tax withheld or collected, in the currency of transaction, to the Service on or before the 21st day of the month immediately following the month the tax was withheld or collected, FIRS said. The tax withheld or collected under this notice shall be remitted in the format prescribed by the Service but separately from VAT due on the companies taxable supplies. The notice further explained the options that were available to suppliers of these companies whose output tax is withheld. A supplier whose output tax is withheld, as provided in this notice, may deduct the input tax paid on the goods purchased or imported to make the taxable supply from the output tax collected on other taxable supplies. And where the input tax paid to make the supply is not fully recovered from the output tax on other taxable supplies, the balance is refundable to the supplier; provided that a supplier who is entitled to a refund may utilise the amount refundable to offset future VAT liability or request for a cash pay-out, the notice said. It further noted that the Service has instituted adequate measures to ensure prompt payment of refundable input tax under this arrangement, while also stating that input tax claims, which include refunds, are subject to the limitations imposed by Section 17(2)(a) of the VAT Act. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Director of Strategic Communications of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Dele Momodu, has said the outing of the partys vice presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, during a town hall meeting on Sunday, has shown the party is on course to reclaim Nigeria. Mr Momodu claimed the outing was presidential because Mr Okowa outshone other speakers. Mr Okowa represented the partys presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the town hall meeting to dialogue with citizens. The event was organised by the Centre for Democracy and Development and Arise Television. It is the first in the series of meetings and Sundays event focused on security and the economy. The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, didnt participate neither did he send his running mate, Kashim Shettima, to represent him. Our Presidential Candidate, Alhaji @Atiku Abubakar, and I strongly believe that: Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Helen Keller#MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/76a8teupko Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa (@IAOkowa) November 7, 2022 Mr Momodu said Mr Okowa demonstrated excellent knowledge of the Atiku/Okowa programmes and reeled them out while proffering strategic answers to questions thrown at him by the panellists. READ ALSO: We are lucky to have Governor Okowa as our VP candidate and Nigerians can now see why H.E Atiku Abubakar picked him as his running mate. It was not a fluke. He not only sold our recovery plan, but he also gave practical solutions to issues. You can see how he comported himself to the admiration of Nigerians when some supporters of other parties became virulent. We also saw how he reminded the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, former Governor Peter Obi that up until May, he was a member and presidential aspirant of the PDP. Ours is a campaign to recover Nigeria and at every opportunity, we do not forget to sell this to Nigerians. This was what Dr Okowa did yesterday. We look forward to other engaging sessions like this and we at PDP are ready. We dont shy away from debates unlike others, Mr Momodu said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said interventions to explore the partial payment of salaries to lecturers in public universities are underway. The interventions are being considered by President Muhammadu Buhari, he said in a statement on Monday. He said the executive arm of government insists it is not obligated to pay the lecturers for the period the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was on strike. Mr Gbajajabiamila said the move was premised on the governments desire to prevent future disruptive industrial actions in public universities. Nonetheless, interventions have been made to explore the possibility of partial payments to the lecturers, he said. We look forward to a favourable consideration by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR who has manifested his desire to what is prudent and necessary to resolve all outstanding issues. The highest decision body of ASUU, its National Executive Council (NEC), is meeting on Monday to decide on its next action following the payment of incomplete October salaries to its members. The government said it paid the lecturers salaries only for the period for which they worked beginning from 14th October when the union suspended its eight-month strike. The Congress of University Academics (CONUA), another academic union which has always distanced itself from the strike, said it was illegal for the government to withhold its members eight-month salaries and the partial payment for October. CONUA said its members were never on strike and were only unable to carry out their full responsibilities due to the closure of the universities by the administrators. Promises Meanwhile, in a statement on Monday, Mr Gbajabiamila appealed to the lecturers to exercise patience as meaningful change takes time, especially when appropriations and modifications to systems such as IPPIS are required. He said the house, through the supervision of its Chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Education, Aminu Suleiman, is facilitating the integration of University Transparency and Accountability Solutions (UTAS) into the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS), which ASUU rejected for not accommodating the autonomous nature of the universities. He added that the House is working on the 2023 Budget which has dedicated N170 billion for university workers welfare and N300 billion for revitalisation funds in the universities. The speaker, therefore, called for the prevention of the recurrence of the recently suspended industrial action, as these disruptions risk the promise and potential of our nations youth. He added that his office has called for a conversation on reforms required in Nigerias tertiary institutions, hoping that the conversation would lead to a way forward and prevent the incessant strike being experienced. Three weeks ago, I called for a national conversation on the substantive reforms required to address the underlying issues bedevilling public tertiary education in Nigeria. To that end, the House of Representatives is convening a National Summit on Tertiary Education Reform. We have called for papers and memoranda from members of the public. The submissions we receive and expert presentations at the Summit will inform our policy recommendations and actions. I urge all citizens and stakeholders to participate in this crucial effort to reinvent our public tertiary institutions into respected citadels of learning, he said. Qosim Suleiman 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 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The UK government on Monday updated its travel advisory on Nigeria after about two weeks of advising against travels to most parts of the country including Abuja. The FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to the Federal Capital Territory, including the city of Abuja, but risks remain, it said in its latest advisory. While the amber alert on the FCT is now green, its advice against travelling to other areas of Nigeria remains in place. There continues to be a number of states in Nigeria where we advise British Nationals against all but essential travel. These include: Bauchi, Kano, Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto, Kogi, Abia, Plateau, Taraba, within 20km of the border with Niger in Kebbi State and non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States, it said in the advisory. We also advise against all travel to: Borno State, Yobe State, Adamawa State, Gombe State, Kaduna State, Katsina State, Zamfara state, and the riverine areas of Delta State, Bayelsa State, Rivers State, Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State, it added. It noted that its travel advice exists to inform British nationals so they can make decisions about travelling abroad. The British High Commission in Abuja will on Tuesday, 8 November 2022, resume normal operations and offer its usual services. It offered only essential services since the alert. Security Alert Two weeks ago, the UK and US issued separate security alerts warning of an increased risk of terror attacks in the FCT. Following the alert, the State Security Service (SSS) advised Nigerians to remain calm but cautious. The US Department of State in a further escalation of the threat approved the departure of its citizens willing to leave Nigeria due to the alert. The US embassy also suspended consular services in Abuja. However, the Nigerian government through the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, condemned the US and UK advisories. The government insisted that Nigeria, including the capital Abuja, is safe. Mr Mohammed said all countries including the US have their own challenges. Despite the assurances by the Nigerian government, other foreign missions have continued to inform their citizens of a possible attack on Abuja Following the advisory by the US and UK governments, there was increased security presence in the Nigerian capital, Abuja. Security operatives carried out random checks of homes and cars in some parts of the city including the popular TradeMoore estate in Lugbe. A popular mall, Jabi Lake Mall in Abuja, also shut down temporarily citing security reasons. Julius Berger also advised its expatriates to avoid public gatherings during this period. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Obinze, Owerri, says gunmen on Monday, attacked its officers on patrol at Izombe community, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State. The Brigades spokesperson, Joseph Akubo, confirmed this while speaking with reporters in Owerri on Monday. Mr Akubo, a captain, said the incident happened after soldiers were drafted to the oil-rich community to checkmate youth restiveness and other crimes in the area. He explained that some unidentified persons on Saturday attacked and killed a truck driver, prompting increased patrol by the soldiers. The soldiers were on routine patrol in the area when they came under attack by armed youths. Two days ago, a truck driver was killed; coupled with other criminal activities which had necessitated increased patrol. The soldiers were on normal patrol when they came under attack, he said. Mr Akubo, however, said he had yet to confirm the casualty figure as the youths were still engaging the soldiers in fierce battle. I cannot tell you the casualty figure because the armed youths are still attacking our men who are taking cover in the buildings in the neighbourhood, he said. Imo, like other states in South-east Nigeria, has been grappling with insecurity challenges, especially deadly attacks by gunmen linked to Biafra agitation in the region. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print There is a need for rethinking productivity in Nigeria. The presidential candidates should not only understand the problems of Nigeria and how to solve them, but they should have sharp visions of the destination they are taking Nigeria to. According to Seneca the Younger, If a man knows not to which port he sails no wind is favourable. The February 1887 Magazine of American History teaches that You cannot make much of a wind, but you can choose a wind, trim your sails to it, and attain the haven you select by its push and inspiration. Recently, I was opportuned to listen to a presentation titled Nigerias Economic Prospects by one of Nigerias foremost Economists, Dr Ayo Teriba. He articulated Nigerias current economic woes and situated them within the global context of a post-COVID era, European geopolitical tensions, and the resulting energy and commodity price crises. His overarching arguments and postulations are not only germane for a rethink of Nigerias economic trajectory but also a breath of fresh air in the current discussions on restructuring Nigerias economy for growth and prosperity. This essay and a series of others to follow result from the need to rethink our economic structure for productivity, in line with the global trend and current realities, while not leaving our economy to happenchance and outdated political economy theories, reminiscent of the industrial revolution era, instead of the knowledge economy built more on innovation, than on production. Three of the leading presidential candidates for the 2023 general elections are talking of increasing productivity and export as the critical drivers of economic growth. A review of their economic thinking shows that they all believe Nigeria should engage in more agricultural and manufacturing production for internal consumption, import substitution and export. They emphasise production and the resultant increase in productivity and employment of human and natural resources as the blueprint for Nigerias economic growth. As simplistic and direct as this economic thinking is, the existing economic structure and the ones proposed by the presidential candidates are insufficient to put Nigeria on a growth trajectory. Nigeria must leapfrog industrialisation and connect with global innovation and financialisation trends to succeed. Financialisation is eclipsing industrialisation. Financialisation, according Thomas Polley of the Levy Economics Institue, refers to a process whereby financial markets and institutions gain greater influence over economic policies and outcomes. Productivity in the post-industrial economy goes beyond the income-centric optimisation of production transactions for largest margins from local and foreign sales that was the hallmark of the earlier stages of industrialisation. It is now much more about the wealth-centric optimisation of tangible and intangible asset portfolios for maximum balance sheet values, which is the hallmark of financialisation. The world has moved away from the past in which global commodity prices (crude oil inclusive) dictated the pace of growth of items on income statements into a new reality in which global equity prices plays the bigger role of dictating the pace of wealth growth on balance sheets. Global wealth has been growing much faster than global income since 2000, and this trend is largely expected to continue in the foreseeable future. The mixed outlook of the two global asset prices over the next half-decade underpins those expectations. The IMF projects that commodity prices, including crude oil, currently elevated by geopolitical tensions, will fall steadily back to 2021 levels from 2023 to 2027, while we expect equity prices to continue the solid upward trajectory in the last decade through 2027. If the asset prices follow the projected paths, global exports could rise by about 50% from $22.4 trillion in 2020 to $33.1 trillion by 2027, while FDI stocks could surge twofold from $41 trillion in 2020 to $79 trillion by 2027. Over the medium-term balance sheet gains look set to remain three to four times as large as income statement gains. So, instead of relying solely on products and income from agriculture, industry, and service, we should go after the place-based, space-based, and skill-based assets that are needed to generate output in these production-based sectors. Government should allow the inflow of FDI into the innovation sectors of the economy that the productive sector relies on to thrive. We see this in Nigerias fintech sector, where small and medium industries attract billions of dollars as FDI. It is in this context that it becomes more important for the presidential candidates to say more about what they plan to do about getting a fair share of the growing global pie of global FDI stock into idle public assets in Nigeria that spread across the corporate sector, real estate, and infrastructure. We must now define productivity to include innovations that optimise asset portfolios in addition to those that optimise output transactions. The transaction model of productivity relies on the quantity and quality of goods and services produced and the revenue generated through internal consumption and export. Global trends now transcend this by embracing asset productivity. Optimising assets involves unlocking liquidity from publicly owned place-based, space-based, and skill-based assets littered across the corporate, real estate, and infrastructure sectors. So, instead of relying solely on products and income from agriculture, industry, and service, we should go after the place-based, space-based, and skill-based assets that are needed to generate output in these production-based sectors. Government should allow the inflow of FDI into the innovation sectors of the economy that the productive sector relies on to thrive. We see this in Nigerias fintech sector, where small and medium industries attract billions of dollars as FDI. The government should collaborate with the private sector to open other innovation sectors for FDI. Saudi Arabia exemplifies this trend. The country has historically focused on creating wealth through income-centric optimisation production and exports, not caring much about creating wealth through the optimisation of asset portfolios. But the weakening of global commodity prices since 2014 in the face of strengthening global equity price prompted the country to take steps to financialise its public asset portfolio from 2016. It was in this process that it listed ARAMCO in the market through an initial public offering in 2019. The market value of ARAMCO is more than $2 trillion now, making it one of the biggest companies in the world. Considering that Saudi Arabias GDP is only about US$850 billion presently, it is fair to say that Saudi Arabias balance sheet now contributes more to its national wealth and net worth than its income statement. We can also see this with American technological behemoth, Apple. It takes direct control of the upstream/conception and downstream/distribution phases of its value chain, where its growing stock of tangible and intangible skills-based, and space-based assets (including patents, brands, creative designs, and its closed digital marketing platform) differentiates its offerings. But it outsources the midstream assembling/production stages of its products, where operating procedures are hard to differentiate, to third parties offshore. Apple is worth over $2 trillion. The next is the place-based optimisation. All stakeholders must unlock liquidity by optimising the market value of public spaces, real estate, cities, transit routes, tourist centres, farms, factories, and other physical capital. Government should review its real estate holdings to unlock the liquid value attached to them. It may make sense to commercialise real estate with substantial commercial value due to their locations rather than keeping them as government buildings serving needs that count for less. Presidential candidates need to tell us more about how they plan to incentivise innovation to unlock growth in both income and wealth. Innovation is a crucial enabler of productivity. Innovation and productivity drive living standards. The capacity to generate innovations is the defining factor of productivity, not necessarily the goods you produce. For example, the British government moved prisons from inner cities across the UK to more economic locations and repurposed the old sites for redevelopment into luxury residential or commercial real estate, as part of efforts to get the best value from the public real estate portfolio. Dubai is another example. It developed its real estate market, tourism, and business centres to attract people from around the world to visit, work and live in the Emirate. Optimisation of Dubais portfolio of place-based assets contribute more to its wealth and net worth than the production and exporting of oil. Unlocking the value in place by amenitising leisure and leisure activities is essential. Optimising spaces also fuels productivity. Companies obtain ownership rights, patents, licenses, connectivity, and digital platforms that create significant value for other producers and consumers. Companies like Google, Facebook, Airbnb, Uber are owners of space-based assets that others who wish to produce, sell, or buy cannot do without. They are multi-trillion-dollar companies in equity value and they generate huge revenues from the financialisation of their spaced-based assets. Likewise, optimising skills and knowledge development is an excellent part of productivity. The global skills shortage is fueling an unprecedented wave of talent migration. The Philippines is a leading supplier of seafarers, caregivers, and domestic workers in the world. The culinary skills of the Chinese help to differentiate Chinese restaurants worldwide. We can debate whether diners are paying a premium for the skills or for the products. The need for healthcare workers in developed countries is an opportunity to train and export the skills of Nigerian youths to the rest of the world, so also are ICT skills. Investors worldwide highly value skills, brands, trademarks, recipes, talents, innovations, and knowledge. There is a need for rethinking productivity in Nigeria. The presidential candidates should not only understand the problems of Nigeria and how to solve them, but they should have sharp visions of the destination they are taking Nigeria to. According to Seneca the Younger, If a man knows not to which port he sails no wind is favourable. The February 1887 Magazine of American History teaches that You cannot make much of a wind, but you can choose a wind, trim your sails to it, and attain the haven you select by its push and inspiration. Presidential candidates need to tell us more about how they plan to incentivise innovation to unlock growth in both income and wealth. Innovation is a crucial enabler of productivity. Innovation and productivity drive living standards. The capacity to generate innovations is the defining factor of productivity, not necessarily the goods you produce. Dakuku Peterside is a policy and leadership expert. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Polaris Bank shone brightest over the weekend as its bespoke home-grown digital bank, VULTe capped its string of wins with two more prestigious awards as the Best Digital Bank at both BusinessDAYs Banks And Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards and The Nigerian Fintech Awards 2022 respectively. VULTe, is a digital bank solution designed to enable customers consummate every banking transaction, from account opening, through requesting for certain categories of loans, to generating bank statements. It also connects the customer to discover lifestyle trends and social events. It is an all-in-one solution that is created to offer the most convenience for customers and built to understand the needs of the customer and provide solutions to everyday challenges of accessing financial service solutions. In the last 12 months, VULTe which hitherto caters more to individual customers, now has enhanced capabilities to render seamless self-services to SMEs, High Net worth, and retail customers. The over 40million MSME operators in Nigeria could now access collateral-free loans for personal and business purposes; where eligible entrepreneurs and SME operators could apply and get up to N20million in a space of 5 minutes without visiting the Bank in person. Symbolically, VULTe has made another significant history in the Nigerian banking and financial services sector by emerging the winner of the prestigious BAFI Awards back-to-back having won the same award last year. BusinessDAY is Nigeria and Africas leading and most respected business media group and organisers of numerous respected awards in the financial sector; as well as in other key sectors of the economy. The Nigerian Fintech Awards on other hand is Nigerias biggest and most recognised Fintech award. The awards presentation ceremonies took place on Friday and Saturday in Lagos. In the citation of Polaris Banks VULTe read by the organisers of The Fintech Awards 2022 shortly before the presentation of the award of Best Digital Bank, VULTe was preferred ahead of others in its competitive set on certain key parameters. These include convenience, intuitiveness, trust and efficacious management system. For a digital bank that provides convenient account opening in minutes, intuitive loan application, scheduled payments, personal digital card management, trustworthy security, and personal finance management, VULTe by Polaris Bank is hereby declared the winner of the Best Digital Bank category, the organisers announced. Similarly, while presenting the Best Digital Bank award to the Bank, BAFI Awards organisers disclosed that the awards selection/review committee voted Polaris Banks VULTe the winner having outperformed its industry peers, like ALAT and OneBank across eight metrics for consideration. The metrics include; strength of strategy for attracting and gaining digital customers, accelerated user engagement, success in getting clients to use digital offerings, growth of digital customers, and platform security. Other metrics are the breadth of product offerings for retail and corporate clients, evidence of tangible benefits gained from digital initiatives and web/mobile site design, intuitiveness and functionality. At the same BAFI Awards Polaris Bank was declared MSME Bank of the Year ahead of FCMB and Fidelity Bank in what the organisers described as the Banks expansive impact on MSME operators across Nigeria. Polaris Bank in May this year launched a N1billion fund for MSMEs in partnership with Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) in what the Bank explained was aimed at providing the much-needed funding to create wealth and empower entrepreneurs and players within the MSME space in Nigeria, starting with Lagos. Prior to the launch of the N1billion MSME Fund, Polaris Bank had committed, and indeed, provided multibillion financing to MSME operators across sectors, health inclusive among other incentives, like moratorium on facilities granted to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses. Polaris Bank is a digitally-enabled Bank focused on providing superior financial solutions and products to its customers across sectors with industry-specific and individual needs. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal Government, on Monday, announced that Kaduna-Abuja rail services will resume operations this month. The Minister of Transportation, Muazu Sambo, told journalists while presenting his ministrys scorecard from 2015 to 2022 at a ministerial briefing in Abuja. Train operations along the Kaduna-Abuja route were shut down following a terrorist attack on the train on 28 March. Scores of passengers were abducted and at least 9 passengers were killed during the attack. Many of the abducted passengers spent months in captivity before they were released. The Nigerian government secured the release of the last 23 kidnapped hostages in October and promised to resume services on the route after adequate security measures were put in place. The Abuja Kaduna mishap was very sad. And by the grace of God, we shall not witness anything like that again, Mr Sambo said. Not only because we have committed that to prayer but also deliberately taken steps to avoid future occurrence. Lessons have been learned. And these lessons will be put into place. What are the lessons, safety and security surveillance, constant monitoring 24/7 and 7 days a week, 12 months a year, all around the clock. The Minister should be able to sit in his office and look at the rail corridor and see what is happening there. READ ALSO: The president should be able to do that. The director-general of the State Security Service (SSS) should be able to do that and so on and all other security agencies. These are the measures we have put in place. Nobody will again shave our heads behind our backs. This month of November, we shall resume that service. Remember, I told you for those of you who are reporters from the statehouse, that we will not resume this service until every Nigerian held in captivity is reunited with their families. God has made that possible for security agencies in this country, under the able leadership and support of Mr President have made that possible. And it is now history. Not one of them(the hostages) was injured. Not one of them was hurt. Praise God, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A former president of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Udengs Eradiri, has called for support for the acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua. Commending President Muhammadu Buhari over Mr Audu-Ohwavboruas appointment, Mr Eradiri, in a statement issued on Sunday in Yenagoa, said the acting managing director deserved public support, pending the inauguration of the commissions substantive board. He expressed optimism that the board promised by the president would soon be ready, insisting that the existing management of NDDC must be allowed to implement its vision for the commission. Mr Eradiri said the NDDC acting managing director had already hit the ground running by refocusing and repositioning the commission for optimum performance. He noted that upon assumption of office, the acting managing director had given clear directives on the flood disaster that ravaged the Niger-Delta region. According to him, the commission is in the process of rolling out relief materials and medical interventions to assist the flood victims. READ ALSO: He said that Mr Audu-Ohwavborua had also attended to some internal obligations, including the accumulated salaries of some categories of workers, adding that he had also taken steps to reorganise the commission. Mr Eradiri also pointed out that the acting managing director had begun consultations with critical stakeholders and member-states to get their input and bring them up to speed with the ongoing reforms in the commission. He described the acting managing director as an experienced administrator, who understands the commissions challenges and possessed the capacity to proffer required solutions, having been part of the system. We are happy with the appointment of Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua and we commend President Buhari for his commitment to the wishes of the people of the Niger-Delta region. The acting managing director has been part of the commissions system and knows the needs and challenges of the youths of the region. He is a round peg in a round hole. This is perhaps the first time someone within the NDDC system, who rose to the position of a director, is being appointed to manage the affairs of the commission. We call on all the youth and stakeholders in the Niger- Delta region to support the new acting MD to enable him to carry out his vision and mandate for the commission, pending the inauguration of the substantive board. The acting MD has shown that he understands the challenges of NDDC, following his performance since he assumed office. He has since given clear directives on the flood disaster and NDDC will soon roll out massive relief materials and medical interventions to support the flood victims. Besides, the new MD has refocused and repositioned the commission for optimum performance, Mr Eradiri said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Imo State said they have found the body of a missing 36-year-old woman in the state. The victim, Uchechi Nwachukwu, a staff member of Halim 633 Synergy Cooking Gas Station in Owerri, left home for work on 24 October but did not return home. The police spokesperson in the state, Michael Abattam, disclosed this in a statement on Monday. How the corpse was discovered Mr Abattam, a chief superintendent of police, said police operatives swung into action after the family reported that the victim was missing. He said detectives from the forensic section of the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department were detailed to investigate Ms Nwachukwus mysterious disappearance. The investigation was carried out in conjunction with a team of crime scene investigators led by Fredrick Obele, an inspector, according to the police. The police spokesperson said the operatives suspected foul play when they noticed a blood stain on the wall of the gas stations fence after a careful search of the premises. READ ASO: They (police operatives) carefully and professionally traced the blood stain to an area where dried grasses were packed deceptively with two heavy stones placed on them to create an impression that nothing has been done around the area for a long time. But the operatives were not fooled, he said. They removed the heavy stones, the grasses and gently dug out the earth, alas, an offensive stench oozed out. They dug further only to discover it was a shallow grave and inside was a shovel and a cutlass and the decomposing body of Miss Joy Uchechi Nwachukwu, Mr Abattam stated. The operatives exhumed the body and deposited it at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, for autopsy, he said. Arrests of suspects The police spokesperson said two suspects have been arrested and are undergoing interrogation for alleged murder. He said two other suspects were on the run. The police operatives are not relenting in their search for the fleeing suspects and within the shortest possible time, they will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law, Mr Abattam said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Smalley Appointed as UWs AVP for Research An accomplished researcher, scholar and research administrator with extensive experience in securing research grants has been named associate vice president for research at the University of Wyoming. Bryant Smalley, the Wyoming Excellence Chair in Rural Health in UWs College of Health Sciences, began his new role at the university Nov. 4. He will report to Vice President for Research and Economic Development Parag Chitnis. Were delighted that Dr. Smalley has accepted this key appointment, Chitnis says. Were confident that his passion and expertise will help expand the size and breadth of the universitys research enterprise as we pursue the long-term goal of reaching Carnegie R1 status in service to Wyoming, the nation and the world. Before coming to UW, Smalley was the associate dean for research at the Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, Ga. Before that position, he was the founding executive director of Georgia Southern Universitys Rural Health Research Institute -- a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Center of Excellence for Rural Health. He holds a Ph.D. and Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Georgia Southern University. It is an honor to be named to this important and exciting role, Smalley says. Under President Seidel and VP Chitnis leadership, the University of Wyoming is poised to become one of the most impactful and innovative R1 institutions in the country. I look forward to working with the talented faculty, staff and students across all disciplines at UW to expand research, scholarship and creative endeavors. While associate dean for research at Mercer, Smalley served as the founding director of the School of Medicines Office of Research; developed, coordinated and evaluated research development activities across bench, clinical, translational and population health research; and advanced student involvement in research. In previous roles, he also has created university-wide longitudinal research mentoring experiences; implemented targeted seed-funding programs; formed interdisciplinary research interest groups; and designed award-winning student research mentoring programs. Smalleys research has been supported by more than $20 million from agencies that include NIH, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the federal Corporation for National and Community Service and various foundations. Examples of previous grants include $5.7 million from HRSA for South Georgia Healthy Start, focused on eliminating disparities in maternal and infant mortality in a 10-county region of rural Georgia, and $5.2 million from NIH to establish an NIH Center of Excellence on Health Disparities in Rural Populations. Other grants have focused on overdose prevention, school-based health centers, community-based health promotion and chronic disease self-management intervention development and testing. At UW, Smalley is principal investigator of a newly awarded $3 million HRSA grant to establish a formal training and credentialing program for community health workers in Wyoming. As associate vice president for research, Smalley will be responsible for strategic planning of the UW research enterprise with the vice president for research and economic development; oversee administration of UWs extramural grant activities; lead development of campuswide priorities and initiatives to apply for grant funding; lead the universitys research compliance offices; oversee several research units and service centers under the Office of Research and Economic Development; and collaborate with the associate vice president for economic development in transitioning research to innovation and economic development. Slow train lets farmers promote agricultural products through livestreaming People's Daily Online) 17:24, November 07, 2022 While Jia Mingxuan promoted a specialty product during a livestreaming session on a slow train, he also shared the joy of harvest with viewers by showing ripe rice and corn that were being grown on farmlands along the route. "This corn is a raw material for making Niandoubao, a local snack which is green and pollution-free. In northeast China, Niandoubao is a symbol of prosperity. I wish you all prosperous lives," said Jia during the livestreaming show. Jia Mingxuan promotes steamed buns from Huolonggou village, Hailin city, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, on a train. (Photo/Li Yuxiang) Jia, from Huolonggou village, Hailin city, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, is head of a factory that produces Niandoubao, a kind of steamed bun stuffed with sweetened bean paste. Jia was travelling on train 6288/5, which was running from Changting township of Hailin city to Mudanjiang city, Heilongjiang Province on Oct.18. The train travelled at an average speed of about 40 km per hour, and would stop at three stations during the 74-km journey. Huolonggou village of Changting township, situated along the route, produces large quantities of high-quality corn. Because the water in the village is sweet and clear, the steamed buns made with this water are delicious and highly nutritious. In Huolonggou, almost every household has maintained the tradition of making steamed buns. However, due to its backward transportation system, the specialty product was little known by outsiders in the past. To promote Niaodoubao and turn it into a cash cow for locals, Jia established a steamed bun factory and invited locals to join it. The local villagers would take the products to the city via the slow train so that they could reach more customers. "The train was the only means of transportation available to us on snowy days, and a train ticket cost only 4 yuan. I went to the city five to six times a week by train, which was convenient and cost-effective," Jia recalled. Thanks to several years of efforts made by Jia and his fellow villagers, the steamed buns finally became popular in the market, and brought in more than 100,000 yuan ($13,690) for Jia in a year. In 2017, Jia launched the "Huolonggou" steamed bun brand. Today, the products annual sales have exceeded 1 million yuan. All the employees at Jia's factory are from Huolonggou village. "There are 60 villagers working in my factory, and each of them can earn more than 3,000 yuan a month," Jia said. In recent years, Jia's business has been affected by the COVID pandemic. To boost sales of his products, he began promoting steamed buns via livestreaming on the train. In September 2022, China Railway Harbin Bureau Group upgraded 18 slow trains, including train 6288/5. One cabin was specially established for display and promotion of agricultural products, including steamed buns from Jia's factory. "Not many slow trains have provided us a place to promote agricultural products free of charge. If I could host livestreaming shows to promote agricultural products, product sales would be greatly boosted," Jia said. The trains crew members backed his idea, and reserved a seat for farmers to hold livestreaming shows to promote their products on the train. "In the past, we waited for dealers to buy our products. These days, sales of the products have doubled through livestreaming sessions," said Jia. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) UW College of Business Gains Professor of Entrepreneurship Jeffrey Covin The University of Wyomings College of Business has welcomed world-renowned scholar Jeffrey Covin as the newest faculty member in its Entrepreneurship Program. Covin is an award-winning scholar in the fields of entrepreneurship, strategic management and technology management, with articles published in numerous journals. They include the Strategic Management Journal; Journal of Management; Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal; Journal of Business Venturing; Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice (ET&P); Journal of Management Studies; Journal of Business Ethics; Journal of Operations Management; Sloan Management Review; Journal of Business Research; Small Business Economics; and Journal of Product Innovation Management. The College of Business is excited to welcome Jeff Covin, who is one of the worlds leading experts in management strategy, says Mark Peterson, interim chair of UWs Department of Management and Marketing. Jeff will complement the work of consumer trends expert Linda Price and entrepreneurship scholar Patrick Kreiser, who have joined the department in recent years. We look forward to rich exchanges with practitioners in the region now about marketplace phenomena and how to position Wyoming businesses most favorably in the future. Im excited and grateful to join a great team of faculty and staff here at the University of Wyoming, Covin says. I look forward to working with my colleagues in further developing and then implementing the vision for how entrepreneurship-related programs, knowledge and processes can be transformative influences for our students, the university and the state of Wyoming. Covin earned his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, his MBA from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and his B.S. from the University of Pittsburgh. Most recently, he served as the Samuel and Pauline Glaubinger Professor of Entrepreneurship and professor of strategic management at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University-Bloomington. He also served as chair of the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship in the Kelley School of Business. Covins research has been recognized nationally with awards that include ET&Ps Best Journal Article Award and the U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) Best Journal Article in Corporate Entrepreneurship Award. Additionally, he co-wrote a book called Corporate Entrepreneurship & Innovation. We couldnt be happier than to have Jeff Covin become part of the positive momentum that our entrepreneurship programs have created over the past several years, says Kreiser, UWs Rile Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship and Leadership. Jeff was part of one of the top entrepreneurship programs in the world at Indiana University, and we know that he will bring specialized knowledge and expertise to help further develop our entrepreneurship programs here at the University of Wyoming. More importantly, I have known Jeff for 20 years and, while he is an award-winning teacher and researcher, he is an even better human being, Kreiser adds. I couldnt think of a better person to help educate the citizens of our great state about entrepreneurial practices as well as to help the local business community thrive. Covin co-developed Indiana Universitys Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship Program, which received national acclaim by being named the National Model Ph.D. Program in Entrepreneurship by USASBE. He has been named a 21st Century Entrepreneurship Research Fellow by the National Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers. In 2005, he received the Academy of Managements Entrepreneurship Mentor Award based on his work in developing Ph.D. students and junior-level faculty in the entrepreneurship field. Covin has been a recipient of the Kelley School of Business Doctoral Student Associations Teaching Excellence Award and the Exceptional Inspiration and Guidance Award. In 2008, he received the USASBE Award for Outstanding Research in Corporate Entrepreneurship and Strategy. Before joining the Kelley School of Business, Covin held the Hal and John Smith Chair of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Jeff Covin is one of the worlds leading researchers in the field of entrepreneurship, adds College of Business Dean Scott Beaulier. His long and distinguished career as an internationally renowned researcher and colleague builds on one of our strengths in the College of Business and raises the visibility of our entire college. In addition to being a great researcher, Jeff is a collaborator and makes everyone around him better. We are really fortunate that he has joined us. MALVERN, Pa., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- LifeScan, a world leader in blood glucose monitoring, today announced that the peer-reviewed journal Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics (DTT) has published Real World Evidence of Improved Glycemic Control in People with Diabetes Using a Bluetooth connected Blood Glucose Meter with Mobile Diabetes Management Application, describing results from a retrospective analysis of real-world data from more than 17,000 people with diabetes. A subset of these results was first presented at the 15th International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) in April. Using real-world data, this study aimed to understand if using the OneTouch Reveal mobile app with the OneTouch Verio Reflect meter synced via Bluetooth wireless technology could support improved glycemic control for people with diabetes. Researchers examined anonymized blood glucose readings from over 17,000 people with diabetes from a LifeScan data-lake comprised of 4,154 people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and 13,623 people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). "This new real-world evidence provides further reassurance that the latest app-connected blood glucose monitors offer meaningful clinical benefits for people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes," said Dr. Oliver Schnell, Founder and CEO Sciarc GmbH, Germany. "Along with improved glycemic control, pairing blood glucose monitors with apps also enables people with diabetes to easily and accurately share the data and insights remotely or in-person with their healthcare providers." The retrospective analysis found that using the OneTouch Reveal app with the OneTouch Verio Reflect meter: Improved glucose readings in range (3.9-10.0mmol/L) by +8.1% in T1Ds (37% of T1Ds saw a +10% improvement), and by +11.2% in T2Ds; Reduced hyperglycemic readings (>10.0mmol/L) by -8.5% in T1Ds and -11.3% in T2Ds; and Reduced mean glucose by -0.8mmol/L in T1Ds and -1.0mmol/L in T2Ds. The data also showed that spending as little as 11 to 20 minutes per week in the OneTouch Reveal app led to: Improved glucose readings in range in T1Ds by +8.4% and +11.8% in T2Ds; and Reduced hyperglycemic readings (>10.0mmol/L) in T1Ds by -9.12% and -11.76% in T2Ds. This analysis includes data from people with diabetes who had blood glucose (BG) data available in the data-lake for both the first 14 days using the OneTouch Verio Reflect meter with the OneTouch Reveal app (the baseline) and the 14 days prior to 90 days usage (90 days). A total of 2,069,390 and 4,550,601 BG results were available for the 4,154 T1Ds and 13,623 T2Ds, respectively, over the entire 90 days (See TABLE). "We now know that connecting a mobile health app to a blood glucose meter, both of which are readily accessible, can add clinically significant benefit to people's diabetes management," said study co-author, Dr. Elizabeth Holt, Head of Global Medical, Clinical, and Safety, LifeScan. "These findings are particularly meaningful because over 95% of people with diabetes who monitor their blood glucose rely on blood glucose meters vs. more expensive continuous glucose monitoring devices." Study Methodology Anonymized glucose and app analytics were extracted from a LifeScan data-lake of 4,154 people with T1D and 13,623 people with T2D. Data from their first 14 days was compared to the 14 days prior to the 90-day timepoint using paired within-subject differences. TABLE Time on app (Per Week) 2 minutes 3 to 5 minutes 6 to 10 minutes 11 to 20 minutes 21 to 60 minutes >60 minutes Diabetes Type T1D (n= 355) T2D (n= 849) T1D (n= 514) T2D (n= 1265) T1D (n=655) T2D (n= 1728) T1D (n= 721) T2D (n=2439) T1D (n= 1107) T2D (n= 4701) T1D (n= 802) T2D (n= 2641) Mean Glucose (mmol/L) +0,0 -0,3 -0,1 -0,8 -0,3 -1,0 -0,8 -1,0 -0,5 -1,1 -1,6 -1,2 % Reading s in range (3.9 to 10.0mmol/L) +0,16 +3,00 +2,98 +8,13 +3,45 +10,54 +8,45 +11,87 +11,03 +12,18 +14,13 +13,40 % Hyperglycemic readings (>10.0mmol/L) +0,05 -3,12 -2,78 - 8,43 -3,48 -10,77 -9,12 -11,76 -11,51 -12,35 -15,33 -13,57 Average Test Frequency 3,02 2,15 3,15 1,99 3,19 2,02 3,05 1,97 3,04 2,04 4,08 2,66 About the OneTouch brand made by LifeScan LifeScan is a global leader in blood glucose monitoring and digital health technology and has a vision to create a world without limits for people with diabetes and related conditions. More than 20 million people and their caregivers around the world count on LifeScan's OneTouch brand products to manage their diabetes. Together, LifeScan and OneTouch improve the quality of life for people with diabetes with products and digital platforms defined by simplicity, accuracy, and trust. LifeScan.com and myOneTouch.co.uk. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by LifeScan Scotland Ltd. and its affiliates is under license. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/749088/Lifescan_Logo.jpg SOURCE Lifescan, Inc. 12 Estonian companies extended collaboration opportunities. Estonia's latest innovative technologies and products were highlighted. A number of the companies are nominated for awards at the 2022 Go Global Awards. DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Trade Estonia recently highlighted and showcased the latest future-oriented solutions from 12 Estonian companies during a networking event that took place on 13 October, where Trade Estonia representatives from 12 companies expanded their networks and formed collaborations with a number of stakeholders to further empower the UAE and the businesses operating within it. Trade Estonia broadens horizons of AI and machine learning in UAE during networking event Attending the event were Jaan Reinhold, Ambassador of Estonia to the UAE; Salem AlShamsi, co-chairman of UAE-Estonia Business Council; HE Michael Waechter, International Trade Council Chairperson for UAE; and Anett Numa, cybersecurity advisor Estonian Ministry of Defence. The companies opened doors of collaboration across multiple sectors, emphasising Internet of Things innovations, digital and security solutions, and explorations in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Many of those companies already have a presence or are operating in the UAE, empowering their regional presence, including: 1oT : the only telecom-independent global connectivity provider for IoT with its eSIM infrastructure, which highlighted to visitors and investors its comprehensive know-how on IoT connectivity. : the only telecom-independent global connectivity provider for IoT with its eSIM infrastructure, which highlighted to visitors and investors its comprehensive know-how on IoT connectivity. CompuCash: boasts 30 years' experience in point-of-sale systems and showcased its intuitive and highly functional retail POS & ERP solutions that simplify customers' workflows and increase business revenue. boasts 30 years' experience in point-of-sale systems and showcased its intuitive and highly functional retail POS & ERP solutions that simplify customers' workflows and increase business revenue. Rethink: Helps organisations achieve sustainable business growth and showcased its expertise in strategic design, change management, user-driven innovation, and digitalisation. Helps organisations achieve sustainable business growth and showcased its expertise in strategic design, change management, user-driven innovation, and digitalisation. Nortal: has an office in Dubai and is a trusted strategic partner for healthcare institutions, governments, leading businesses, and Fortune 500 companies that helps shape a better future through digital transformation. has an office in and is a trusted strategic partner for healthcare institutions, governments, leading businesses, and Fortune 500 companies that helps shape a better future through digital transformation. MindTitan: providing turnkey AI solutions to fully develop an ML project without the need to hire an in-house team. A number of the 12 companies are also nominated for awards at the Go Global Awards, an International Trade Council event that celebrates the companies that are driving the economy forward through their innovations, technologies and strategies. The International Trade Council is an internationally-renowned, non-profit organisation that provides support for organisations across a range of sectors and sizes through market research, mediation, new market opening services, peer-to-peer mentoring programs, ongoing education programs, trade missions and the Council's trade and innovation forums. Trade Estonia is a source of smart products and services that sets out to connect the world with leading Estonian companies. Estonia offers highly skilled professionals providing flexible and fast solutions at reasonable prices, employing innovative technologies and clean raw materials and investing in sustainability. Estonia is hailed as the world's most advanced digital society, and the innovative mindset is also evident in the services and solutions that were presented at GITEX. It is the first country to offer e-Residency, a government-issued digital identity and status that provides access to Estonia's transparent business environment: a new digital nation for the world. E-resident entrepreneurs from all over the world can start an EU-based company and manage their businesses from anywhere, entirely online. In 2022, an Estonian e-resident broke the world record for the fastest company incorporation ever in a time of 15 minutes and 33 seconds. Estonia is the world's first country to function as a digital service, outperforming all other countries and scoring highly on cloud usage, remote working, employment of ICT specialists, and more. Contact: Reem Masswadeh M: +971 (05)0 583 9330 E: reem@tpra.me Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1933444/Trade_Estonia_UAE_Event.jpg SOURCE e-Estonia SHANGHAI, Nov. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- During the 5th China International Import Expo (CIIE), Greenland Holding Group, a Shanghai-headquartered large global enterprise group, is taking part in the annual grand trade event as a purchaser, organizer and service provider by giving full play to its resource allocation prowess in commerce and trade. Greenland Global Commodity Trading Hub This year, Greenland has set up a food pavilion in the food and consumer goods exhibition zone, and organized 300 overseas brands from 30 countries and regions to participate in the expo. Over 70 percent of these overseas enterprises come from countries along the Belt and Road or RECP member countries. During the expo, 15 new products including Afghan dried fruits, Japanese oysters, Colombian coffee beans and Uruguayan beef will be released. Purchase orders will also be signed with over 30 companies from Australia, Brazil, France, Uruguay, Vietnam and other countries. Greenland Global Commodity Trading Hub, a perennial trading service platform that stays open throughout the year, is just across the road from the venue of CIIE, which usually runs for six days. The trading hub is home to 61 national pavilions where commodities and cultural elements of various countries are on display and for sale. During the CIIE, more than 30 activities such as new product launch, purchase signing and livestreaming sales will be held in the trading hub to amplify the expo's spillover effects. In addition, the CIIE Market, the first CIIE consumption business format created by Greenland, will pick up pace in opening new stores in Shanghai's main commercial areas. Greenland will continue to play the role of a transit station for overseas resources to enter the Chinese market, said Xue Yingjie, assistant president of Greenland Holding Group. The group will build a commercial and trade industrial chain of imported goods, especially CIIE products, to help overseas enterprises share opportunities in China, serve the Chinese market with global resources, and contribute to improvement of Chinese people's life quality, Xue said. Image Attachments Links: Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=433092 Caption: Greenland Global Commodity Trading Hub SOURCE Greenland Holding Group The first-ever Singapore Pavilion at COP27 profiles Singapore's commitment to global climate action SINGAPORE, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore is organising its inaugural Singapore Pavilion at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27), which will run from 6 to 18 November 2022 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Themed around 'Building a Future of Green Possibilities', the Singapore Pavilion showcases how Singapore is actively planting the seeds of change in our economy, environment, and society to achieve a net zero future by 2050. The pavilion is a partnership with over 100 partners from corporates, media, academia, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). INAUGURAL SINGAPORE PAVILION AT COP27 (PRNewsfoto/COP27 SG Pavilion) At the start of COP27 on 6 November, the Singapore Pavilion will be launched with a welcome address by Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment of Singapore, followed by a keynote speech by Mr Ravi Menon, Managing Director, Monetary Authority of Singapore. The event will close with a panel discussion with representatives from the Singapore Government, businesses, and youth. Throughout the conference period, the Singapore Pavilion will highlight Singapore's enduring commitment to the global effort against climate change through events and programmes in collaboration with various distinguished partners. Hosted in line with the thematic days designated by the Egypt COP27 Presidency, these events include panel discussions and fireside chats from governments, businesses and the community. The exhibits at the Singapore Pavilion will showcase the Singapore Green Plan 2030, innovative climate solutions as well as international collaborations that help the region and beyond adopt sustainable solutions. The full programme, daily agenda and list of partners for the COP27 Singapore Pavilion can be found on https://www.cop-pavilion.gov.sg. The programmes are also available for those in Singapore as they will be live-streamed and available on the Singapore Pavilion website. Please refer to https://go.gov.sg/copsgpavilionlaunch for: The video and transcript of Minister Fu's welcome address The transcript of the keynote speech by Mr Ravi Menon Photos of the Singapore Pavilion For media enquiries, please contact: Hazem Beshr [email protected]asia [email protected] +97150 260 1541 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940097/COP27_Singapore_Pavilion.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940101/COP27_SG_Pavilion_Logo.jpg SOURCE COP27 SG Pavilion INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The State of Indiana is in the midst of a health crisis and one company, Indiana Health Centers, is on a mission to reduce health disparities for marginalized patients within local communities. Individuals without health insurance coverage are skyrocketing, surpassing the state rate of 8.01%, while Indiana's state average for Social Vulnerability is 0.47 with a food insecure population at 726,020. Indiana Health Centers, providing medical, dental and behavioral health care to medically underserved and uninsured populations has partnered with Target Continuum, a national leader in healthcare education and outreach headquartered in Indiana, to expand access to affordable healthcare options throughout the state. The collaboration between the two companies will bolster patient engagement, improve outreach as well as strengthen joint health education initiatives to help communities that have little to no access to healthcare, especially in poor neighborhoods most in need, reaching a wider population. Below is how IHC is assisting: -Offers transportation arrangements, gas vouchers, and even a mobile unit. -Employs staff from the communities that speak fluent Spanish and can explain services to those requiring translation assistance. -IHC is building relationships with local community based partners to provide services and information to assist in overcoming food insecurity (food banks, soup kitchens, shelters and faith based organizations providing meals). "I am thrilled at the opportunity to collaborate with Target Continuum to further enhance digital and community awareness about Indiana Health Centers. Our two organizations have a similar mission of bringing equity to the underserved population while improving awareness of access to patient centered medical home services including oral health. In this age of technology driven resources it is important to concentrate on all population experiences with tailored approaches to make an impact on healthcare access and quality," says Ann Lundy RN BSN MBA, CEO Indiana Health Centers. IHC was awarded a WIC contract in 1978 and has gained FQHC status, expanding to nine health centers in seven counties, employing 300 staff members, including dental, behavioral health and chiropractic services. They also partner with other community organizations to meet the needs of our patients, from behavioral health counselors to basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing. Ann Lundy, CEO continues, "FQHCs are important safety net providers in rural areas and address primary care deserts. For example, we serve children, adults, low income seniors and migrant workers, those experiencing homelessness and low income. We are the backbone of the healthcare system, demonstrated during the height of the pandemic. We serve all regardless of insurance coverage. FQHC is serving 30 million people or approximately 1 in 11 people in the United States." According to the 2021 UDS report, last year IHC was able to provide health care and enabling services to 32,539 patients across the state of Indiana. For more information, please visit the below and for interviews and press inquiries, please visit: www.indianahealthonline.org www.facebook.com/indianahealthcenters More about IHC: Indiana Health Centers, Inc. (IHC) has a longstanding history in Indiana, serving the state's rural, urban, underserved and minority populations since 1981. Founded in 1977, IHS offers medical services to migrant farmworkers in Marion, IN, and medical care to the Kokomo and Marion communities. The organization was originally funded as a HRSA Migrant Health Center, and has grown into a statewide health center, serving various regions and vulnerable populations throughout Indiana. It comprises eight CHC funded sites, one HCH funded site, two integrated WIC programs, five free-standing WIC programs, one mobile health clinic, and a central administrative office in Central Indiana. Media Contact: Kat Fleischman, [email protected] SOURCE Indiana Health Centers Leading retailers and brands are offering metaverse commerce at various stages of the shopping journey. TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Prime real estate has always been an important factor for most retailers before starting a business, but things might be different with the emergence of a new virtual platform. The metaverse is a platform combining multiple technologies to enable social and economic activity in a digital world connected to the physical one. With the effects of metaverse commerce adoption being felt by retail brands at various stages of the shopping journey, global IT research and advisory firm Info-Tech Research Group has published a timely research-backed blueprint, Shopping in the Metaverse. A guide to identify and understand the impacts of metaverse commerce on retail value streams, as covered by Info-Tech Research Group's "Shopping in the Metaverse" blueprint. (CNW Group/Info-Tech Research Group) A guide to identify and understand the impacts of metaverse commerce on retail value streams, as covered by Info-Tech Research Group's "Shopping in the Metaverse" blueprint. (CNW Group/Info-Tech Research Group) Info-Tech's research indicates that retailers often struggle to adapt to the evolving needs of virtual shoppers, which can include the use of cryptocurrencies or NFTs. Shopping in the metaverse works differently than in the real world, which has shifted more online since the onset of the pandemic. Retail in the metaverse requires a new outlook, models, and competencies to become competitive. "The metaverse will fundamentally disrupt the retail ecosystem and take personalization from evolution to a complete revolution," says Rahul Jaiswal, principal research director at Info-Tech Research Group. "Although metaverse commerce is still in its infancy, many retail brands are testing applications like avatar-driven customer services, augmented reality, and 3D interaction to entice shoppers through virtual stores, products, and events." The research shows that metaverse commerce transformation is challenging, requiring superior technology journey mapping and strategies to build cohesive client experiences. Forward-looking retailers working to address the evolving needs of shoppers will need a fully comprehensive approach to complete the transformation and be successful. According to Info-Tech, virtual and augmented customer experiences can drive value in today's market. However, most retailers are unsure where to start and lack a structured approach to executing technologies for each shopping journey. The firm recommends that retailers identify opportunities across the shopping journey, capture key customer insights, and use technologies like blockchain, digital twins, infrastructure, and virtual environments. By harnessing blockchain, the metaverse is expected to advance the shopping experience in the following ways: Smart Contracts to Execute Commercial Transactions and Agreements: Smart contracts use blockchain to enforce the obligations of all parties in a contract without the extra overhead of a middleman. They are computer programs that facilitate, verify, and enforce the negotiation or execution of an agreement. Enhanced Data Portability and Reduced Risk of Storing Customer Information: Know Your Client (KYC) statements can be stored on the blockchain to decrease administration problems and costs while outlining the concerns that still need to be addressed. Deliver Seamless Direct Money Transfers and Payments: Blockchain technology can overcome the current problems of correspondent systems and international money transfers. Fee-intensive, fragmented, cross-border non-cash transactions can be eliminated by excluding third parties and enabling direct money transfers and efficient interbank settlements. Decentralized Ledgers for Trade Settlements: Trade settlement processes usually require two to three days for payments and securities to change hands. Moving this process to a decentralized ledger can have a transformative effect on the markets. Info-Tech suggests retailers validate their strategies, persistently reinforce the enterprise's core capabilities, and capitalize on the value of this new prospect to be prepared for what's potentially around the corner. For more insights, download the Shopping in the Metaverse blueprint. To learn about Info-Tech Research Group or to download the latest research, visit infotech.com About Info-Tech Research Group Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading information technology research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT professionals. The company produces unbiased and highly relevant research to help CIOs and IT leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For 25 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with IT teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations. Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and over 200 IT and Industry analysts through the ITRG Media Insiders Program. To gain access, contact [email protected]. SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group AUBURN HILLS, Mich. , Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ram Truck celebrates the current exhibit, Chris Stapleton : Since 1978 , presented by Ram Trucks at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. , presented by Ram Trucks at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Customized interior and exterior design cues hint to the heritage of the 1970s and 1980s combined with modern elements of today. Latest in a series of long-standing collaborations between Ram and Stapleton. First official release of Stapleton's recording of "I'm a Ram" to take place on Friday, Nov. 11 The Ram Truck brand and Chris Stapleton create one-of-a-kind Ram Traveller truck designed by the eight-time Grammy-winning artist in collaboration with the Ram Truck design team. The Ram Truck brand and Chris Stapleton have collaborated once again to create a one-of-a-kind Ram "Traveller" truck designed specifically by the eight-time Grammy-winning artist in collaboration with the Ram Truck design team. Built on the platform of the 2500 Heavy Duty, creation of the Ram "Traveller" truck honors the deep-rooted collaborations between Ram and Stapleton which includes the 2016 Ram Nation concert and instrument donation for students at Stapleton's former high school in Paintsville, KY, the multi-year campaign anchored by Stapleton's custom rendition of "I'm a Ram," and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's current exhibit, Chris Stapleton: Since 1978, presented by Ram Trucks. "Our relationship with Chris Stapleton is special because he is not just a partner, we consider him to be a friend. He represents our shared values of hard-work, determination, and perseverance," said Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand CEO Stellantis. "Our journey with Chris throughout his career is something we are extremely proud of and to see this Ram Truck collaboration come to fruition is an endeavor we will cherish for a long time." Working with the Ram Truck design team, the "Traveller" truck features custom exterior and interior design cues that nod to the vintage nature of Ram trucks from the late 1970s and 1980s combined with modern cues of today. On the exterior, styling cues stem strongly from a Stapleton favorite, the 1979 Ram Palomino truck, evoking the essence of the iconic vehicle and updated with a contemporary and modernized design. The Palomino-inspired exterior colors Linen Cream, Radar Red, Bison Brown and Cashmere, have been modernized to complement today's finishes. In addition, the iconic striped graphics featured on the Palomino are adapted to fit the more sculptural 2500 Heavy Duty body. Retro-inspired Turbo Fin 18-inch wheels set the aesthetic tone of the truck blending the nostalgic classic 80's appearance and updating the style with a fully painted, deep-dished machined-faced wheel with a bright chrome center cap. Influenced by the classic Ram 1980s badge fonts, the "Traveller" badging merges the past and the present to create a distinct look. Finishing the exterior is a multi-faceted, three-dimensional Ram hood ornament added to achieve a vintage, yet modern day appearance. The interior of the Ram "Traveller" truck features numerous personal design details, unique colors, textures and materials that pay homage to Stapleton's musical career journey while representing his individual style. These details also serve a practical purpose for his everyday lifestyle. A custom, monochromatic Bison Brown color is featured throughout the entire interior palette with a pop of color integrated into the headrests of buffalo plaid flannel material, an identical material as the jacket worn by Stapleton on the cover of his debut album, Traveller. Walnut Burl wood appears throughout the cabin along with tailored cloth wrapped seats, speaker grilles that draw inspiration from guitar amps and a custom front-row bench seat. Completing the design is a customized Chris Stapleton signature inlaid into the wood of the instrument panel as another personal touch. Aligned with the current exhibit Chris Stapleton: Since 1978 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Ram "Traveller" truck reveal is set to take place at the Nashville museum this Monday, Nov. 7. Chris Stapleton: Since 1978, presented by Ram Trucks, highlights Stapleton's contributions to American cultural history. The exhibit runs through May 2023 and chronicles the course of Stapleton's multi-faceted musical career, from his Kentucky roots and success as a Nashville songwriter to his rise to stardom as one of music's most powerful and unique voices. This latest partnership coincides with the official release of Stapleton's recording of "I'm a Ram" next Friday, Nov. 11. In addition to streaming everywhere for the first time, a limited-edition 7-inch featuring the song as well as a special alternate live version of the classic Al Green tune will be available exclusively at Indie retail. Ram Truck Brand In 2009, the Ram Truck brand launched as a stand-alone division, focused on meeting the demands of truck buyers and delivering benchmark-quality vehicles. With a full lineup of trucks, the Ram 1500, 2500/3500 Heavy Duty, 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab and ProMaster, the Ram brand builds trucks that get the hard work done and families where they need to go. Ram continues to outperform the competition and sets the benchmarks for: 1,075 lb.-ft. of torque with Cummins Turbo Diesel Towing capacity of 37,090 lbs. with Ram 3500 Segment first 1,000 lb.-ft of torque with Cummins Turbo Diesel Payload of 7,680 lbs. with Ram 3500 Most luxurious: Ram Limited with real wood, real leather and 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen Best ride and handling with exclusive link coil rear and auto-level air suspensions Most interior space with Ram Mega Cab The most cargo space available in any traditional full size cargo van Most capable full-size off-road pickup Ram Power Wagon Ram 1500 TRX is the quickest, fastest and most powerful mass-produced pickup truck in the world Most awarded light-duty truck in America Highest owner loyalty of any half-ton pickup The latest J.D. Power APEAL study, which rates the emotional bond between customers and their vehicles, named the 2022 Ram 1500 as the best vehicle in the large light-duty pickup category. This marks the third straight year Ram 1500 has received top honors. The Ram 1500 lineup includes the Know & Go mobile app featuring an immersive experience for customers who want to learn more about their vehicles. Ram is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com. Follow Ram and company news and video on: Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com Ram Truck brand: www.ramtrucks.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/RamTrucks Instagram: www.instagram.com/ramtrucks Twitter: www.twitter.com/RamTrucks and @StellantisNA YouTube: www.youtube.com/RamTrucks, https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA SOURCE Stellantis The national wealth advisory firm formerly known as Southwestern Investment Group is now SageSpring Wealth Partners. FRANKLIN, Tenn., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SageSpringformerly Southwestern Investment Group (SWIG)is excited to announce the official launch of their new organization and brand. After seeing tremendous growth for the past decade, SageSpring acquired the equity interests of SWIG in order to continue striving for growth with their clients as an independently-owned, independent registered investment adviser. "Our new name and brand authentically represent who we are and how we plan to grow," says Matt Atchison, Executive VP. of SageSpring and Financial Professional of RJFS. SageSpring is headquartered in Franklin, Tenn. and has offices and advisors across the Nashville area as well as in Knoxville, Tenn.; Birmingham, Ala.; Omaha, Nebr.; Frisco, Tex.; San Antonio, Tex.; and Clarinda, Iowa. SageSpring's leadership spent months carefully planning their rebrand message in order to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to their distinct values. Reiterating their clients' wellbeing as their priority, SageSpring's new name, logo, and website all reflect their desire to offer wise guidance and cultivate long-lasting relationships with clients. SageSpring seeks to uphold their dedication to helping clients build a life of prosperity, as their internal progress will allow them to be better stewards of clients' time and energy. SageSpring's new website is live as of today. Advisors enter this new chapter with a steadfast commitment to clients' financial goals, and a pledge of transparency throughout the brand transition. "We are excited for the future," says Director of Business Development Sarah Esposito, "and know we will continue to serve our clients well!" About SageSpring From its humble beginnings in 2002 to today, SageSpringformerly Southwestern Investment Grouphas continuously taken a holistic approach to financial advice. By prioritizing clients' wellbeing, SageSpring gets to know what matters to clients in order to tailor counsel, helping clients reach their financial goals. SageSpring's comprehensive money-management strategies are designed to help clients build a life of wealth and long-lasting financial independence. For more information or to speak to an advisor, visit sagespring.com. Investment advisory services offered through SageSpring Wealth Partners, an independent registered investment adviser. SageSpring Wealth Partners is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Representatives may not be registered to offer securities and advisory services in all states. Media Contact Sarah Esposito Director of Business Development, SageSpring Branch Associate, RJFS 615.861.6098 801 Crescent Centre Drive, Suite 600 Franklin, TN 37067 SOURCE SageSpring Wealth Partners MUNCHEN, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Elektor, Lenthe, and its partners will broadcast WEEF 2022 live from the electronica trade fair in Munchen, Germany. The program, which is posted on the WEEF website, will feature top engineers, electronics industry CEOs, academics, and a variety of other thought leaders. WEEF World Ethical Electronics Forum 2022 Live at electronica, streamed all over the world (PRNewsfoto/Elektor International Media) Do electrical engineers, makers, and tech companies have an ethical responsibility to use their skills and solutions for good? Should designers prioritize eco-friendly design practices? To what extent should tech execs consider topics like sustainable development, green manufacturing, and social responsibility? These are just a few of the key ethics-related questions we will discuss during the 2022 World Ethical Electronics Forum on November 15, 2022 (10:00 AM Europe/Berlin). Register today to watch the event live online and discuss with us! The WEEF speakers will dive into the following topics and much more: Building an ethical and sustainable supply chain for a better world. What the electronica exhibitors do and think about ethics? Are we cruising for a bruising when Ethics & Economy have to live together? Who should own energy technology in the future? A presentation of the WEEF INDEX and AWARD to the world's most influential person in ethics and electronics. How to bring passion to your ethical strategy. Ethics in Action: What can the industry do in 2023? Finally, the electronic industry has its own platform to discuss ethics and economy the World Ethical Electronics Forum ( WEEF ). For far too long, only lobbyists, activists, NGOs, and politicians dominated the discussion, and they merely emphasized the bad influences that electronics companies have had on people and the planet. Consumers were typically portrayed as the willing victims of the electronics industry's marketing campaigns which allegedly had them stuck in product buying bonanza that never ends. The picture was bleak: consumers were depicted racing to purchase products to satisfy needs that they never knew they had in the first place. Visiting electronica trade fair in Munich? Come by and watch the show live in Hall B3.540, starting 10:00 AM Europe/Berlin. Contact: Shenja Panik [email protected] +49 170 550 53 96 Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1937334/WEEF_2022_Live.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1937335/Logo_Elektor_Logo.jpg SOURCE Elektor International Media Huntsman Mental Health Institute Makes Lead $15 Million Contribution Study Released Today Finds Half of Americans Cite Having a Mental Health Condition and Only About Half are Getting Help or Treatment New effort will unite leading brands, marketers, media companies and non-profits to address unprecedented U.S. mental health crisis NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Half (49%) of American residents ages 16 to 65 say they have a mental health condition, and of those who report a condition, only about half (48%) say they're getting help or treatment, according to a new study conducted in May to June 2022 released today by the Ad Council. Additionally, 43% do not feel comfortable talking to people close to them about their emotions and how they are feeling. To address the mental health crisis throughout the U.S. and encourage people to take steps to support their mental health, the Ad Council announced plans for a wide-reaching and comprehensive communications effort. With a founding gift of $15 million from Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI), the national Mental Health Initiative has set a goal of $65 million over the next seven years. On the heels of the nonprofit's groundbreaking national COVID-19 Vaccine Education campaign which reached more than 75% of those eligible to be vaccinated, the Ad Council is evolving the coalition-based and multi-audience model that made it so successful and mobilizing the advertising, media and marketing industries to address mental health issues facing communities across the country. Due to cascading challenges over the last few years in the U.S., many populations are now experiencing mental health struggles: Four in 10 adults reported anxiety and/or depression symptoms in 2021, a four-fold increase from 2019, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Black adults (48%) and Hispanic adults (46%) were more likely than White adults (41%) to report such symptoms. Youth and young adults across the country are experiencing increasing mental health challenges. According to a 2021 study, 37.1% of U.S. high school students reported poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 19.9% considering and 9% attempting suicide in the preceding year. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The rate of LGBTQ+ teens who experience depressive symptoms is believed to be six times higher than heterosexual teens. (Mental Health America). "We have all been touched by the mental health crisisit's one that we've experienced for many years, but which was greatly exacerbated by COVID-19 and a confluence of other factors including the ongoing fight for racial justice and the challenging economy," said Lisa Sherman, Ad Council President and CEO. "We've seen the incredible progress that can be made when the Ad Council convenes a coalition of partners around a singular issue. Together, we're uniquely poised to reshape the conversations around mental health and help millions of Americans when they need it most." Guided by mental health experts, amplified by partnerships across every sector and rooted in extensive research with key audiences, the initiative aims to change social norms, reduce stigma around mental health and encourage people to take a proactive approach to their mental health issues. With the founding contribution from HMHI, a premier university-wide institute dedicated to psychiatric research, education and treatment at the University of Utah, the Ad Council will bring together a coalition of leading mental health NGOs, including American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychological Association, The Jed Foundation, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Peg's Foundation and the Steinberg Institute; federal agencies and private sector corporations for this collaborative effort. The effort will be rooted in deep cultural insights and informed by a panel of experts from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), The Curtis Center for Health Equity, the Chester M. Pierce MD Division of Global Psychiatry, The Jed Foundation and the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, GLAAD, the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, among others. Funding will support the development of a best-in-class insights and analytics engine to inform and evaluate the impact of relevant content, an extensive trusted messenger program, employer workplace resources, grassroots community activations and a large scale multi-pronged communications effort with discrete campaigns and open-source partner toolkits for populations in need. Established in 2021 following a $150 million gift from the Huntsman Foundation, HMHI is designed to be a convener, collaborator, care giver and problem solver. HMHI's intent is to bring together the best of all fields to develop innovative solutions to complex disorders like substance use and addiction, depression and suicide, and solve mental health challenges like workforce shortages and stigma. "Huntsman Mental Health Institute has a grand vision to truly transform mental health for every persona vision that stretches beyond Utah and the Mountain West," says Mark Hyman Rapaport, MD, CEO, Huntsman Mental Health Institute. "This audacious goal requires us to adopt out-of-the-box solutions and develop bold collaborations inside and outside healthcare to tackle the complex mental health challenges facing our society. We are thrilled with the opportunity to partner with the Ad Council; we believe this is a transformative partnership that will yield real and lasting change." Mental health has long been a priority issue for the Ad Council, with three national campaigns currently running: Teen and Young Adult Mental Health ( Seize the Awkward ) in partnership with The Jed Foundation and AFSP created by Droga5, Middle School Mental Health ( Sound It Out ) in partnership with Pivotal Ventures created by McCann, Cassanova and Egami, and Veterans' Suicide Prevention ( Don't Wait, Reach Out ) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs created by TBWA. A new national campaign will launch in spring 2023 to reach adults, particularly men, as well as Black and Hispanic communities. The new campaign is being created pro bono by ad agency FCB. IPG Mediabrands is the media agency of record, as an extension of IPG's longstanding support of the Ad Council's mental health efforts. The new Mental Health Initiative will encompass current campaigns and new efforts to meet the needs of multiple audiences. Together, the initiative will address the needs of Black, Hispanic, rural, LGBTQ+ and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) populations. Media companies and platforms including Amazon Ads, Audacy, CSMG/EsportsU, Effectv, FOX, Google & YouTube, Meta, NBCUniversal, Paramount, Pinterest, Snap Inc. and TikTok have been supporting the Ad Council's mental health efforts and will continue to support content produced as part of the initiative in donated media time and space. To reach communities of color in a culturally relevant way, the Ad Council is also developing a comprehensive "ground game" strategy in partnership with agencies who have deep expertise in the Black community (JOY Collective), Hispanic community (Latinovations) and the faith community (Values Partnerships). The Ad Council will collaborate with community-based organizations including UnidosUS, culturally relevant programs including How Sweet the Sound, and trusted messengers to provide mental health education programs, conduct events and coordinate town halls. Additionally, a robust employer effort via the Health Action Alliance will be deployed to address mental health among America's workforce. With more than 4,000 participating companies, the Health Action Alliance provides free tools, training, best practices and events to help all employers support the mental health of their workforce. The Health Action Alliance is a joint initiative of the Ad Council, CDC Foundation, de Beaumont Foundation, National Safety Council and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in partnership with Meteorite. The Mental Health Initiative will be similarly structured to the Ad Council's impactful COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative. Launched in February 2021, the COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative produced more than 800 pieces of PSA content, provided vaccine information in over seven languages, hosted more than 150 events, worked with nearly 300 influencers and trusted messengers and garnered more than $305 million in donated media. To learn more or contribute to the Ad Council's Mental Health Initiative, please visit adcouncil.org/mental-health. The Ad Council The Ad Council has a long history of creating life-saving public service communications in times of national crisis, starting in the organization's earliest days during World War II to September 11th and natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy. Its deep relationships with media outlets, the creative community, issue experts and government leaders make the organization uniquely poised to quickly distribute life-saving information to millions of Americans. The Ad Council is where creativity and causes converge. The non-profit organization brings together the most creative minds in advertising, media, technology and marketing to address many of the nation's most important causes. The Ad Council has created many of the most iconic campaigns in advertising history. Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk. Smokey Bear. Love Has No Labels. The Ad Council's innovative social impact campaigns raise awareness, inspire action and save lives. To learn more, visit AdCouncil.org , follow the Ad Council's communities on Facebook and Twitter , and view the creative on YouTube . Huntsman Mental Health Institute Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) was established in 2021 following the Huntsman Foundation's historic gift to the University of Utah of $150 million. HMHI is a university-wide Institute with a reputation throughout the Mountain West as a leader in advanced psychiatric treatment and care, serving a diverse population from young children to geriatric patients. Researchers at HMHI develop and apply the most advanced methods in genetics, imaging, epidemiology, and big data analysis. HMHI is also the regional training center for psychiatry and other mental health disciplines. HMHI's main 170-bed full-service hospital is adjacent to the University of Utah campus, and HMHI's 1,691 faculty, staff, and students provide clinical, research, and training programs in over 20 locations across Utah and Idaho. For more information, visit HMHI.utah.edu and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. SOURCE The Ad Council UW Scientist Joins Colleagues in Warning on Climate Change and Insects A University of Wyoming scholar is among dozens of scientists from around the world warning of serious environmental consequences due to the decline of insects as a result of climate change. Department of Zoology and Physiology Professor Michael Dillon, also a faculty member in UWs Program in Ecology, is one of the co-authors of a manuscript titled Scientists Warning on Climate Change and Insects, which appears today (Monday) in the journal Ecological Monographs. The 70 scientists come from 19 countries. The scientists say that, if no action is taken to better understand and reduce the impact of climate change on insects, the chances of a sustainable future with healthy ecosystems will be drastically limited. Insects are ubiquitous and play important but often underappreciated roles just about everywhere on Earth, from Antarctica to the Sahara Desert, Dillon says. And they often directly affect people, both positively as, for example, pollinators and decomposers, and negatively as crop pests and disease vectors. Climate change aggravates other human-mediated environmental problems, including habitat loss and fragmentation, various forms of pollution, overharvesting and invasive species, says lead author Jeffrey Harvey, of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Insects play critical roles in so many ecosystems, but we are rapidly losing at least part of them. The authors say both longer-term events and short-term extremes are harming insects in several ways, especially in temperate regions. The gradual increase in global surface temperature impacts insects in their physiology, behavior, phenology, distribution and species interactions. But also, more and longer-lasting extreme events leave their traces, Harvey says, mentioning hot and cold spells, fires, drought and floods. The manuscript presents evidence such as how even when fruit flies, butterflies and flour beetles survive heat waves, males or females become sterilized and, thus, unable to reproduce. Bumblebees, in particular, are very sensitive to heat, and climate change is now considered the main factor in the decline of several North American species. Bumblebees are critical pollinators in the wild but also are incredibly important commercially, Dillon says. Many of the vegetables we eat are grown in greenhouses where bumblebees are used as pollinators, so climate-associated declines in bumblebees are particularly alarming. One major concern with insect decline in a warming world is that plants -- on which insects depend for food and shelter -- are similarly affected by climate change. Over time, insects must adjust their seasonal life cycles and distributions as it warms, Harvey says. However, their ability to do this is hindered by other human-caused threats like habitat destruction and fragmentation, and pesticides. Furthermore, short-term heat waves and droughts can drastically harm insect populations, making insects less able to adapt to more gradual warming. Warming over different time scales poses different kinds of threats to insects. The scientists not only describe the problems, but also discuss a range of solutions and management strategies to help buffer insects against climate warming. These include growing a variety of wild plants and providing food and areas where insects can shelter to ride out climate extremes. Reducing the use of pesticides and other chemicals also is recommended. Insects are tough little critters, and we should be relieved that there is still room to correct our mistakes, Harvey says. But time is running out. We really need to enact policies to stabilize global climate. In the meantime, at both government and individual levels, we can all pitch in and make urban and rural landscapes more insect-friendly. NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest market research report published by P&S Intelligence, in 2021, the advanced wound care market was worth around $8.05 billion, and it is predicted to advance at a 5.8% CAGR from 2021 to 2030, to hit $13.4 billion. This is because of the surging count of injuries due to surgery and other reasons and the increasing cases of diabetes. Advanced Wound Dressings Are Most Commonly Used Advanced wound dressing accounts for the largest share, owing to the growing incidence of healthcare-related infections and surging awareness among the population of their effects. Moreover, the growing incidence of pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, and diabetic ulcers is escalating the growth of the category. Growing Demand for Advanced Care for Acute Wounds The acute wounds category holds an over 55% share of the market, owing to the snowballing incidence of road accidents. Additionally, the number of non-fatal injuries requiring appropriate medical care has increased recently around the world. Further, because of the increasing prevalence of venous pressure ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers, the chronic wounds category is projected to grow at a higher CAGR, of around 5.9%, in the coming years. For instance, more than 2 million diabetics have foot ulcers in the U.S. annually. Get the sample pages of this report: https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/advanced-wound-care-market/report-sample Patients Prefer Hospitals due to Their Demand for Comprehensive Care With a market share of over 40%, hospitals led the market in 2021. This was due to the comprehensive care that patients with wounds receive from trained personnel in inpatient hospital facilities. Moreover, due to the trend of home isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and surge in the senior population, the home healthcare category is predicted to register the highest rate of growth, of more than 6%, in the future. North America Had Highest Need for Advanced Wound Care In the past, North America held an over 43% share in the global advanced wound care market, driven by the growing elderly population and rising rates of obesity, diabetes, burns, and motor vehicle accidents. Half way across earth, the aging population, growing diabetes prevalence, and rising burn cases are set to drive the product demand in APAC at the highest CAGR. In addition, the increase in the chronic illness prevalence brought on by the changing lifestyles is driving this growth in the region. Browse detailed report on Advanced Wound Care Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis 2022-2030 Demand for Combination Dressings Is Snowballing The qualities of many dressings are combined to create a combination dressing, which performs better than the separate products. For diabetic foot ulcers, infected injuries, and pressure ulcers, silveralginate, silvercollagen, and collagenhydrochloride combination dressings are frequently utilized. Advanced Wound Care Market Report Coverage By Type Advanced Wound Dressing Foam Dressing Hydrocolloid Dressing Film Dressing Alginate Dressing Hydrogel Dressing Collagen Dressing Wound Therapy Device Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Device Oxygen & Hyperbaric Oxygen Equipment Electrical Stimulation Device Active Wound Care Products Artificial Skin and Skin Substitutes Topical Agents By Application Acute Wounds Surgical & Traumatic Wounds Burns Chronic Wounds Diabetic Foot Ulcers Pressure Ulcers Venous Leg Ulcers By End User Hospitals Clinics Home Healthcare Regional Analysis North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany U.K. France Italy Spain Asia-Pacific China India Japan Australia South Korea Latin America Brazil Mexico Middle East and Africa and Saudi Arabia South Africa Browse More Reports Published by P&S Global Wound Care Market Size, Share, and Growth Analysis, 2030 Colombia Wound Care Market Size, Share, and Growth Analysis, 2030 Hong Kong Wound Care Market Size, Share, and Growth Analysis, 2030 Global Disposable Plastic Blood Bags Market Size, Share, and Growth Analysis, 2030 About P&S Intelligence P&S Intelligence provides market research and consulting services to a vast array of industries across the world. As an enterprising research and consulting company, P&S believes in providing thorough insights on the ever-changing market scenario, to empower companies to make informed decisions and base their business strategies with astuteness. P&S keeps the interest of its clients at heart, which is why the insights we provide are both honest and accurate. Our long list of satisfied clients includes entry-level firms as well as multi-million-dollar businesses and government agencies. Contact: Prajneesh Kumar P&S Intelligence Phone: +1-347-960-6455 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.psmarketresearch.com Follow Us: LinkedIn Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1224988/P_and_S_Intelligence_Logo.jpg SOURCE P&S Intelligence LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Air Products (NYSE: APD) will feature its latest fuel and assist gas technologies that can help lower costs, increase productivity and enhance laser cutting, 3D printing and welding applications at Fabtech 2022 from November 8-10 at the World Congress Center in Atlanta. Application specialists will be on hand at Air Products' booth #B8756 throughout the conference to speak with attendees about solutions to the challenges they face in their day-to-day operations. Air Products offers oxygen and assist gas technologies that enable precise cuts and high cutting speeds for processes from oxy-fuel to the latest high-powered lasers and high-def plasma. For additive manufacturers, Air Products provides inert gases that ensure the proper atmosphere is maintained in high tolerance 3D printing applications. The company also offers shielding gases that deliver better weld quality and faster welding speeds to maximize productivity, reduce rejects and improve the working environment. In addition, the America Welding Society (AWS) Foundation will sponsor a special luncheon in honor of the donors and recipients of welding scholarships awarded through the organization each year. Among those recognized will be the Air Products Women of Gases Scholarship, which was jointly established with AWS to help empower women to develop the skills required to purse technical careers. The 2022 scholarship recipient is Tristan Stein, of Dalles, Oregon, who received a $5,000 scholarship. She is currently enrolled in the manufacturing and fabrication program at Columbia Gorge Community College. For more information about Air Products' full range of high performance and industry standard gases and related technologies for high quality welding and laser cutting production, call 800-654-4567 or visit Air Products' welding and cutting webpage. About Air Products Air Products (NYSE: APD) is a world-leading industrial gases company in operation for over 80 years focused on serving energy, environmental, and emerging markets. The Company has two growth pillars driven by sustainability. Air Products' base business provides essential industrial gases, related equipment and applications expertise to customers in dozens of industries, including refining, chemicals, metals, electronics, manufacturing, and food. The Company also develops, engineers, builds, owns and operates some of the world's largest industrial gas and carbon-capture projects, supplying world-scale clean hydrogen for global transportation, industrial markets, and the broader energy transition. Additionally, Air Products is the world leader in the supply of liquefied natural gas process technology and equipment, and globally provides turbomachinery, membrane systems and cryogenic containers. The Company had fiscal 2022 sales of $12.7 billion from operations in over 50 countries and has a current market capitalization of about $55 billion. More than 21,000 passionate, talented and committed employees from diverse backgrounds are driven by Air Products' higher purpose to create innovative solutions that benefit the environment, enhance sustainability and reimagine what's possible to address the challenges facing customers, communities, and the world. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. SOURCE Air Products Levan Center of Innovation named "Outstanding Emerging Entrepreneurship Center" by premier leadership organization that addresses the importance of academic, entrepreneurship programs. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation (Levan Center of Innovation), an economic and education development engine serving South Florida with local, regional, national, and international impact, is pleased to announce it was named "Outstanding Emerging Entrepreneurship Center" at the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers Conference. Winning in the category of schools with more than 5,000 students, the annual GCEC conference was held in Las Vegas from October 27 - October 29. "We're so very proud to receive the award at this year's GCEC global conference," said John Wensveen, Levan Center. Tweet this John Wensveen, Ph.D., Chief Innovation Officer at Nova Southeastern University and Executive Director of the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation; Alan B. Levan, Chairman, Board of Governors, Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation, Chairman of BBX Capital Corporation, Chairman and CEO of Bluegreen Vacations; Jaap Donath, Assistant Executive Director of Programs of the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation at the GCEC Conference in Las Vegas, NV. "We're so very proud to receive the award at this year's GCEC global conference," said John Wensveen, Ph.D., Chief Innovation Officer, NSU and Executive Director of the Levan Center of Innovation. "It is a wonderful accomplishment being a finalist among prestigious universities including James Madison University, MIT, NSU, Technical University of Denmark, and University of Suffolk (UK). We couldn't be more excited to bring this home to share with our partners in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship." Established in 1997, GCEC is "the" global association representing leading university programs focused on sharing of best practices, developing programs and initiatives, and collaborating and assisting each other advancing, strengthening, and celebrating the role of universities in educating entrepreneurs of tomorrow. ABOUT ALAN B. LEVAN | NSU BROWARD CENTER OF INNOVATION: The Levan Center of Innovation, located in a 54,000 sq. ft. purpose-built facility (3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314), is a public-private partnership between Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and Broward County. It is the world's first "theme park" for entrepreneurs and supporting stakeholders offering customized programs, events, and wraparound services. With a focus on three themes (innovation, technology, entrepreneurship) and four pillars known as the Founder's Journey (Ideate, Incubate, Accelerate, Post-Accelerate), it has resulted in breakthrough ideation, new technologies, job creation, talent skills pipeline, new company formation, philanthropic initiatives and scaling of early-stage and young startup companies. By powering the innovation ecosystem, the Levan Center of Innovation is a major stakeholder in the establishment of an innovation hub for South Florida. Please visit nova.edu/innovation or call 954-262-TECH. SOURCE Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation A world's leading operator that invests in various asset management Invests in WEMIX for node staking Provides blockchain analysis and DeFi designing for the expansion of the ecosystem SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Algorith Capital, a quant hedge fund, joined the 40 WONDERS, WEMIX3.0 mainnet NCP, as WONDER 39. Algorith Capital is the world's leading operator that specializes in investing various assets from traditional markets to cryptocurrency through data analysis. As a NCP, Algorith Capital will help with the global expansion of WEMIX Ecosystem and also provide necessary support such as blockchain analysis, DeFi designing and other aspects. Algorith Capital decided to invest in 1.5M WEMIX to acquire the resources for node staking as a WEMIX3.0 validator. The 40 WONDERS validate the transactions and blocks of the WEMIX and maintain connections of additional nodes for stable operation of the mainnet. More information on WEMIX3.0 can be found on the official website. SOURCE Wemade Co., Ltd AURORA, ON, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Christmas Tree of Kindness Team happily announced the release of their new hardcover family book just in time for the upcoming holiday season. The story introduces a young evergreen tree named Spruce and puppy friend Holly, who both embark on an adventure and start a new North Pole tradition by adding ornaments to Spruce's branches upon completing kind acts. Paired perfectly with the popular kindness-spreading app, the new book can be used to start a whole new family tradition. Christmas Tree of Kindness Christmas Tree of Kindness "The Christmas Tree That Changed the World" storybook is available via the company's website, Christmastreeofkindness.com, with a portion of all profits donated to World Vision. The Christmas Tree of Kindness app is available from the App Store, including app activity, story text, and a printable craft. "The Christmas Tree That Changed the World" A New Story of Joy "There once was a young evergreen tree named Spruce and a spotted puppy named Holly. They were happy and kind and were great friends. They lived in Christmastown at the North Pole. Spruce and Holly's favorite thing to do was to feel the warmth of the sunshine and talk about important things. "'Christmas is coming soon,' said Spruce. 'How can we decorate my branches in a special way?' "Holly thought about special things and replied, 'What if we place an ornament on a branch after one of us does a kind act? "Spruce was very excited about this idea but paused and said, 'That is a lot of kind acts. Do you think we can do it?'" The Christmas Tree of Kindness A New Family Tradition "When our children were little, we began this special activity each Christmas Season with a construction paper tree and balls," said Beth Dessen Duffy, President of Christmas Tree of Kindness, Inc. "Every year, someone would encourage us to share this idea with others. After sixteen years, we decided that was the year to move forward, and this app, craft and illustrated storybook are the results. It has truly been a team effort and we all hope this Christmas activity will be shared and enjoyed and that everyone will decorate their own "CHRISTMAS TREE THAT CHANGED THE WORLD." It is easy to start a memorable tradition for the holiday season with a fun activity that teaches kindness by helping players to practice it earning ornaments along the way. The family activities can include: Reading the Story: Share the tale of Holly and Spruce, learning how the first Christmas Tree of Kindness was created. Share the tale of Holly and Spruce, learning how the first Christmas Tree of Kindness was created. Using the App: Decorate the virtual tree with kind act ornaments and invite friends and family to help. Once the tree is completed, everyone receives a tree topper star and a burst of special Christmas music! Decorate the virtual tree with kind act ornaments and invite friends and family to help. Once the tree is completed, everyone receives a tree topper star and a burst of special Christmas music! Sharing a Craft Activity: Print a fun activity tree and ornaments that the whole family can decorate as each kind act is completed. Print a fun activity tree and ornaments that the whole family can decorate as each kind act is completed. Always Remember: 'Kindness is something we all have to give. You can join Spruce and Holly wherever you live. You can follow this link (Christmastreeofkindness.com) to start your own tree and fill up its branches by acting kindly!' A great countdown-to-Christmas activity, the app was named the top Advent app in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. It has been featured in CatholicMom.com, CatholicApptitude.org, CatholicApps.com, RomeReports.com, and The Catholic Register. Explore the Christmas Tree of Kindness in detail by viewing the demo video. Experience the healing joy of kindness throughout the holiday season by following Christmas Tree of Kindness on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn. Media Contact: Beth Dessen Duffy, President Phone - 905-717-9262 Email [email protected] SOURCE Christmas Tree of Kindness Posts net income from continuing operations of $251.8 million , or $14.21 per diluted share, for the quarter Reports third quarter Adjusted EBITDA of $294.9 million Generates quarterly operating cash flow of $497.0 million Announces 4.5 million tons of 2023 domestic sales commitments at an average price of $192.27 per ton Announces cumulative $452 million in buybacks through share repurchase program as of October 31, 2022 Increases share buyback authorization to $1 billion from prior level of $600 million Announces one-time, special dividend of $5.00 per share Increases quarterly dividend amount to 41.8 cents per share BRISTOL, Tenn., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. (NYSE: AMR), a leading U.S. supplier of metallurgical products for the steel industry, today reported results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2022. (millions, except per share) Three months ended Sept. 30, 2022 June 30, 2022 Sept. 30, 2021 Net income(1) $251.8 $575.4 $83.7 Net income(1) per diluted share $14.21 $30.03 $4.43 Adjusted EBITDA(2) $294.9 $694.5 $148.2 Operating cash flow(3) $497.0 $465.9 $96.0 Capital expenditures ($33.3) ($41.9) ($22.3) Tons of coal sold 4.1 4.3 4.7 __________________________________ 1. From continuing operations. 2. These are non-GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA is included in tables accompanying the financial schedules. 3. Includes discontinued operations. "Alpha's third quarter results represent another solid performance from our team," said David Stetson, Alpha's chair and chief executive officer. "Evident within this quarter's numbers is the natural impact of the coal indices' drop from their early-2022 historic highs. Even still, indices remain at levels that are considered very strong from a historical average perspective, and Alpha's nearly $300 million in Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter is likewise a strong showing for our company." Stetson continued: "To further enhance our already-robust capital return efforts, I am pleased to announce that Alpha's board has approved a 400-million-dollar increase to the existing share repurchase authorization, bringing the total authorization to an impressive $1 billion. In addition, the board has increased the fixed dividend to 41.8 cents per share and approved a one-time, special dividend of five dollars per share in recognition of the extraordinarily positive performance of the Alpha team this year. We remain committed, as always, to prudently returning capital to shareholders." Financial Performance Alpha reported net income from continuing operations of $251.8 million, or $14.21 per diluted share, for the third quarter 2022. In the second quarter of 2022, the company had net income from continuing operations of $575.4 million, or $30.03 per diluted share. For the third quarter, total Adjusted EBITDA was $294.9 million, compared to $694.5 million in the second quarter 2022. Coal Revenues (millions) Three months ended Sept. 30, 2022 June 30, 2022 Met Segment $840.6 $1,318.7 All Other $27.2 $15.6 Met Segment (excl. freight & handling)(1) $718.1 $1,162.1 All Other (excl. freight & handling)(1) $27.2 $15.6 Tons Sold (millions) Three months ended Sept. 30, 2022 June 30, 2022 Met Segment 3.9 4.1 All Other 0.2 0.3 __________________________________ 1. Represents Non-GAAP coal revenues which is defined and reconciled under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Results of Operations." Coal Sales Realization (1) (per ton) Three months ended Sept. 30, 2022 June 30, 2022 Met Segment $184.31 $286.95 All Other $109.27 $61.41 __________________________________ 1. Represents Non-GAAP coal sales realization which is defined and reconciled under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Results of Operations." Third quarter net realized pricing for the Met segment was $184.31 per ton and net realization in the All Other category was $109.27. Met segment realizations for the third quarter, as compared to first half realizations, reflect the downward movement of coal indices off their historic highs in early 2022. The table below provides a breakdown of our Met segment coal sold in the third quarter by pricing mechanism. (in millions, except per ton data) Met Segment Sales Three months ended Sept. 30, 2022 Tons Sold Coal Revenues Realization/ton(1) % of Met Tons Sold Export - Other Pricing Mechanisms 1.4 $299.2 $208.81 41 % Domestic 0.9 $189.2 $200.24 27 % Export - Australian Indexed 1.1 $184.8 $161.58 32 % Total Met Coal Revenues 3.5 $673.3 $191.17 100 % Thermal Coal Revenues 0.4 $44.8 $119.69 Total Met Segment Coal Revenues (excl. freight & handling)(1) 3.9 $718.1 $184.31 __________________________________ 1. Represents Non-GAAP coal sales realization which is defined and reconciled under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Results of Operations." Cost of Coal Sales (in millions, except per ton data) Three months ended Sept. 30, 2022 June 30, 2022 Cost of Coal Sales $555.5 $625.9 Cost of Coal Sales (excl. freight & handling/idle)(1) $425.4 $463.7 (per ton) Met Segment(1) $104.86 $111.36 All Other(1) $67.48 $49.90 __________________________________ 1. Represents Non-GAAP cost of coal sales and Non-GAAP cost of coal sales per ton which is defined and reconciled under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Results of Operations." Alpha's third quarter Met segment cost of coal sales decreased to an average of $104.86 per ton, with reduced sales-related costs from royalties and severance taxes accounting for the drop from the second quarter level of $111.36. Cost of coal sales for the All Other category increased to $67.48 per ton in the third quarter 2022 against an average cost of $49.90 per ton in the second quarter 2022. The higher costs in third quarter are attributable to higher sales-related costs and the impacts of late-stage mining at our Slabcamp mine. Liquidity and Capital Resources Cash provided by operating activities in the third quarter increased to $497.0 million as compared to $465.9 million in the second quarter 2022. Cash provided by operating activities includes discontinued operations. Capital expenditures for the third quarter 2022 were $33.3 million compared to $41.9 million for the second quarter of 2022. As of September 30, 2022, Alpha had $404.4 million in unrestricted cash and $150.8 million in restricted cash, deposits and investments. Total long-term debt, including the current portion of long-term debt as of September 30, 2022, was $4.7 million. At the end of the third quarter, the company had total liquidity of $495.5 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $404.4 million and $91.1 million of unused availability under the ABL. The future available capacity under the ABL is subject to inventory and accounts receivable collateral requirements and the maintenance of certain financial ratios. As of September 30, 2022, the company had no borrowings and $63.9 million in letters of credit outstanding under the ABL. 2023 Domestic Sales Commitments On September 13, 2022, Alpha announced that the company has committed approximately 4.5 million tons of metallurgical coal to domestic customers for shipment in the calendar year 2023. Those 4.5 million tons are committed at an average price of $192.27 per ton. "As we advance through our budgeting process to finalize our expectations for the coming year, we are pleased to have a firm foundation of 4.5 million tons of domestically-committed coal on which we can continue to build," said Andy Eidson, Alpha's president. "Our sales team continues to do an excellent job of working with new and longstanding customers, and we are taking a close look at the full scope of international opportunities available to Alpha in 2023. Together in coordination with our operations teams, we will round out our guidance projections and plans for 2023. We are optimistic about Alpha's outlook for next year and we will provide more detail around our 2023 expectations in the coming weeks." Dividend Program On November 4, 2022, Alpha's board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend payment of $0.418 per share, increased from the prior level of $0.392 per share, which will become payable on January 3, 2023 for holders of record as of December 15, 2022. Alpha's board also declared a one-time, special dividend of $5.00 per share, also payable on January 3, 2023 for holders of record as of December 15, 2022. Any decision to pay future cash dividends will be made by the board and depend on Alpha's future earnings and financial condition and other relevant factors. Share Repurchase Program As previously announced, Alpha's board of directors authorized a share repurchase program allowing for the expenditure of up to $600 million for the repurchase of the company's common stock. On November 4, Alpha's board increased this authorization by $400 million, bringing the total authorization to $1 billion. As of October 31, 2022, the company has acquired 3.1 million shares of common stock at a cost of $452 million, which has reduced the outstanding share count by roughly 14 percent from the time the program began. The number of common stock shares outstanding as of October 31, 2022 is 15,943,649. The timing and amount of share repurchases will continue to be determined by the company's management based on its evaluation of market conditions, the trading price of the stock, applicable legal requirements, compliance with the provisions of the company's debt agreements, and other factors. 2022 Guidance As of October 28, 2022, Alpha has committed and priced approximately 87% of its metallurgical coal within the Met segment at an average price of $243.30 per ton and 100% of thermal coal in the Met segment at an average expected price of $97.43 per ton. In the All Other category the company is 100% committed and priced at an average price of $77.69 per ton. 2022 Guidance in millions of tons Low High Metallurgical 14.0 15.0 Thermal 1.0 1.4 Met Segment 15.0 16.4 All Other 0.6 0.8 Total Shipments 15.6 17.2 Committed/Priced1,2,3 Committed Average Price Metallurgical - Domestic $192.03 Metallurgical - Export $265.02 Metallurgical Total 87 % $243.30 Thermal 100 % $97.43 Met Segment 89 % $228.76 All Other 100 % $77.69 Committed/Unpriced1,3 Committed Metallurgical Total 13 % Thermal % Met Segment 11 % All Other % Costs per ton4 Low High Met Segment $101.00 $107.00 All Other $58.00 $62.00 In millions (except taxes) Low High SG&A5 $55 $59 Idle Operations Expense $30 $40 Cash Interest Expense $18 $22 DD&A $90 $110 Capital Expenditures $160 $190 Tax Rate6 5 % 15 % Notes: 1. Based on committed and priced coal shipments as of October 28, 2022. Committed percentage based on the midpoint of shipment guidance range. 2. Actual average per-ton realizations on committed and priced tons recognized in future periods may vary based on actual freight expense in future periods relative to assumed freight expense embedded in projected average per-ton realizations. 3. Includes estimates of future coal shipments based upon contract terms and anticipated delivery schedules. Actual coal shipments may vary from these estimates. 4. Note: The Company is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of its forward-looking non-GAAP cost of coal sales per ton sold financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures without unreasonable efforts due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying with reasonable accuracy significant items required for the reconciliation. The most directly comparable GAAP measure, GAAP cost of sales, is not accessible without unreasonable efforts on a forward-looking basis. The reconciling items include freight and handling costs, which are a component of GAAP cost of sales. Management is unable to predict without unreasonable efforts freight and handling costs due to uncertainty as to the end market and FOB point for uncommitted sales volumes and the final shipping point for export shipments. These amounts have historically varied and may continue to vary significantly from quarter to quarter and material changes to these items could have a significant effect on our future GAAP results. 5. Excludes expenses related to non-cash stock compensation and non-recurring expenses. 6. Rate assumes no further ownership change limitations on the usage of net operating losses. Conference Call The company plans to hold a conference call regarding its third quarter 2022 results on November 7, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. The conference call will be available live on the investor section of the company's website at https://investors.alphametresources.com/investors . Analysts who would like to participate in the conference call should dial 877-407-0832 (domestic toll-free) or 201-689-8433 (international) approximately 15 minutes prior to start time. About Alpha Metallurgical Resources Alpha Metallurgical Resources (NYSE: AMR) is a Tennessee-based mining company with operations across Virginia and West Virginia. With customers across the globe, high-quality reserves and significant port capacity, Alpha reliably supplies metallurgical products to the steel industry. For more information, visit www.AlphaMetResources.com. Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Alpha's expectations and beliefs concerning future events and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. These factors are difficult to predict accurately and may be beyond Alpha's control. Forward-looking statements in this news release or elsewhere speak only as of the date made. New uncertainties and risks arise from time to time, and it is impossible for Alpha to predict these events or how they may affect Alpha. Except as required by law, Alpha has no duty to, and does not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this news release or elsewhere after the date this release is issued. In light of these risks and uncertainties, investors should keep in mind that results, events or developments discussed in any forward-looking statement made in this news release may not occur. Investor & Media Contact: Emily O'Quinn [email protected] [email protected] (423) 573-0369 FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW Non-GAAP Financial Measures The discussion below contains "non-GAAP financial measures." These are financial measures which either exclude or include amounts that are not excluded or included in the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP" or "GAAP"). Specifically, we make use of the non-GAAP financial measures "Adjusted EBITDA," "non-GAAP coal revenues," "non-GAAP cost of coal sales," "non-GAAP coal margin," and "Adjusted cost of produced coal sold." We use Adjusted EBITDA to measure the operating performance of our segments and allocate resources to the segments. Adjusted EBITDA does not purport to be an alternative to net income (loss) as a measure of operating performance or any other measure of operating results or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. We use non-GAAP coal revenues to present coal revenues generated, excluding freight and handling fulfillment revenues. Non-GAAP coal sales realization per ton for our operations is calculated as non-GAAP coal revenues divided by tons sold. We use non-GAAP cost of coal sales to adjust cost of coal sales to remove freight and handling costs, depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (excluding the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions), accretion on asset retirement obligations, amortization of acquired intangibles, net, and idled and closed mine costs. Non-GAAP cost of coal sales per ton for our operations is calculated as non-GAAP cost of coal sales divided by tons sold. Non-GAAP coal margin per ton for our coal operations is calculated as non-GAAP coal sales realization per ton for our coal operations less non-GAAP cost of coal sales per ton for our coal operations. We also use Adjusted cost of produced coal sold to distinguish the cost of captive produced coal from the effects of purchased coal. The presentation of these measures should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Management uses non-GAAP financial measures to supplement GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting the business than GAAP results alone. The definition of these non-GAAP measures may be changed periodically by management to adjust for significant items important to an understanding of operating trends and to adjust for items that may not reflect the trend of future results by excluding transactions that are not indicative of our core operating performance. Furthermore, analogous measures are used by industry analysts to evaluate the Company's operating performance. Because not all companies use identical calculations, the presentations of these measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies and can differ significantly from company to company depending on long-term strategic decisions regarding capital structure, the tax jurisdictions in which companies operate, and capital investments. Included below are reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures. ALPHA METALLURGICAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Revenues: Coal revenues $ 867,849 $ 647,129 $ 3,271,845 $ 1,426,039 Other revenues 1,919 1,712 6,299 4,330 Total revenues 869,768 648,841 3,278,144 1,430,369 Costs and expenses: Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below) 555,502 488,169 1,736,711 1,182,360 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 27,925 24,519 83,690 80,261 Accretion on asset retirement obligations 5,921 6,674 17,822 19,970 Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 4,543 2,980 16,038 9,402 Asset impairment and restructuring (561) Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortization shown separately above) 15,095 15,264 48,339 44,891 Total other operating loss (income): Mark-to-market adjustment for acquisition-related obligations (2,954) 11,676 10,615 18,009 Other expense (income) 2,713 (457) 569 (5,290) Total costs and expenses 608,745 548,825 1,913,784 1,349,042 Income from operations 261,023 100,016 1,364,360 81,327 Other (expense) income: Interest expense (1,695) (17,338) (19,996) (53,290) Interest income 1,064 54 1,412 322 Equity loss in affiliates (4,821) (643) (8,318) (1,161) Miscellaneous income, net 1,702 1,812 4,884 5,425 Total other expense, net (3,750) (16,115) (22,018) (48,704) Income from continuing operations before income taxes 257,273 83,901 1,342,342 32,623 Income tax expense (5,437) (208) (114,073) (211) Net income from continuing operations 251,836 83,693 1,228,269 32,412 Discontinued operations: Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes 1,273 (429) (525) (1,067) Income tax (expense) benefit from discontinued operations (292) 121 Income (loss) from discontinued operations 981 (429) (404) (1,067) Net income $ 252,817 $ 83,264 $ 1,227,865 $ 31,345 Basic income per common share: Income from continuing operations $ 14.71 $ 4.54 $ 68.16 $ 1.76 Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.06 (0.03) (0.02) (0.06) Net income $ 14.77 $ 4.51 $ 68.14 $ 1.70 Diluted income per common share: Income from continuing operations $ 14.21 $ 4.43 $ 65.33 $ 1.73 Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.06 (0.03) (0.02) (0.06) Net income $ 14.27 $ 4.40 $ 65.31 $ 1.67 Weighted average shares basic 17,119,328 18,445,709 18,019,161 18,426,639 Weighted average shares diluted 17,718,517 18,913,352 18,800,674 18,783,643 ALPHA METALLURGICAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 404,430 $ 81,211 Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $375 and $393 as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively 487,352 489,241 Inventories, net 178,559 129,382 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 76,999 47,690 Current assets - discontinued operations 57 462 Total current assets 1,147,397 747,986 Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $497,149 and $443,856 as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively 404,171 362,218 Owned and leased mineral rights, net of accumulated depletion and amortization of $73,446 and $52,444 as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively 423,763 444,302 Other acquired intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $50,259 and $34,221 as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively 58,561 74,197 Long-term restricted investments 92,384 28,443 Long-term restricted cash 31,724 89,426 Other non-current assets 93,332 102,614 Non-current assets - discontinued operations 8,521 8,526 Total assets $ 2,259,853 $ 1,857,712 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $ 1,711 $ 2,989 Trade accounts payable 101,584 90,090 Acquisition-related obligations current 30,131 22,405 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 203,902 174,607 Current liabilities - discontinued operations 4,014 5,838 Total current liabilities 341,342 295,929 Long-term debt 2,987 445,562 Acquisition-related obligations - long-term 19,000 Workers' compensation and black lung obligations 200,827 208,193 Pension obligations 152,184 159,930 Asset retirement obligations 135,082 132,013 Deferred income taxes 11,723 317 Other non-current liabilities 20,794 26,176 Non-current liabilities - discontinued operations 23,245 23,683 Total liabilities 888,184 1,310,803 Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' Equity Preferred stock - par value $0.01, 5.0 million shares authorized, none issued Common stock - par value $0.01, 50.0 million shares authorized, 21.6 million issued and 16.3 million outstanding at September 30, 2022 and 20.8 million issued and 18.4 million outstanding at December 31, 2021 217 208 Additional paid-in capital 811,012 784,743 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (60,886) (58,503) Treasury stock, at cost: 5.3 million shares at September 30, 2022 and 2.4 million shares at December 31, 2021 (521,094) (107,800) Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) 1,142,420 (71,739) Total stockholders' equity 1,371,669 546,909 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,259,853 $ 1,857,712 ALPHA METALLURGICAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Amounts in thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 Operating activities: Net income $ 1,227,865 $ 31,345 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, depletion and amortization 83,690 80,261 Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 16,038 9,402 Amortization of debt issuance costs and accretion of debt discount 7,757 9,351 Mark-to-market adjustment for acquisition-related obligations 10,615 18,009 Gain on disposal of assets (2,607) (5,342) Accretion on asset retirement obligations 17,822 19,970 Employee benefit plans, net 1,312 6,685 Deferred income taxes 11,406 (1) Stock-based compensation 4,103 4,351 Equity loss in affiliates 8,318 1,161 Other, net 432 (3,938) Changes in operating assets and liabilities (87,714) (100,681) Net cash provided by operating activities 1,299,037 70,573 Investing activities: Capital expenditures (103,351) (60,386) Proceeds on disposal of assets 3,010 7,471 Purchases of investment securities (181,539) (15,474) Maturity of investment securities 117,380 10,508 Capital contributions to equity affiliates (13,832) (4,473) Other, net (4,232) 52 Net cash used in investing activities (182,564) (62,302) Financing activities: Repurchases of long-term debt (18,415) Principal repayments of long-term debt (450,484) (61,869) Dividend and dividend equivalents paid (6,807) Common stock repurchases and related expenses (391,166) (786) Proceeds from exercise of warrants 4,771 Other, net (447) (1,846) Net cash used in financing activities (844,133) (82,916) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 272,340 (74,645) Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 182,614 244,571 Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 454,954 $ 169,926 The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As of September 30, 2022 2021 Cash and cash equivalents $ 404,430 $ 78,283 Short-term restricted cash (included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets) 18,800 7,642 Long-term restricted cash 31,724 84,001 Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ 454,954 $ 169,926 ALPHA METALLURGICAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATION (Amounts in thousands) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, June 30, 2022 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2021 2022 2021 Net income from continuing operations $ 575,429 $ 251,836 $ 83,693 $ 1,228,269 $ 32,412 Interest expense 5,218 1,695 17,338 19,996 53,290 Interest income (164) (1,064) (54) (1,412) (322) Income tax expense 69,012 5,437 208 114,073 211 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 27,730 27,925 24,519 83,690 80,261 Non-cash stock compensation expense 1,401 1,520 1,189 4,103 4,351 Mark-to-market adjustment - acquisition-related obligations 4,208 (2,954) 11,676 10,615 18,009 Accretion on asset retirement obligations 5,947 5,921 6,674 17,822 19,970 Asset impairment and restructuring (561) Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 5,747 4,543 2,980 16,038 9,402 Adjusted EBITDA $ 694,528 $ 294,859 $ 148,223 $ 1,493,194 $ 217,023 ALPHA METALLURGICAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met All Other Consolidated Coal revenues $ 1,318,661 $ 15,597 $ 1,334,258 Less: Freight and handling fulfillment revenues (156,522) (156,522) Non-GAAP Coal revenues $ 1,162,139 $ 15,597 $ 1,177,736 Tons sold 4,050 254 4,304 Non-GAAP Coal sales realization per ton $ 286.95 $ 61.41 $ 273.64 Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below) $ 610,224 $ 15,668 $ 625,892 Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 27,202 250 27,452 Accretion on asset retirement obligations 3,390 2,557 5,947 Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 4,795 952 5,747 Total Cost of coal sales $ 645,611 $ 19,427 $ 665,038 Less: Freight and handling costs (156,522) (156,522) Less: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) (27,202) (250) (27,452) Less: Accretion on asset retirement obligations (3,390) (2,557) (5,947) Less: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net (4,795) (952) (5,747) Less: Idled and closed mine costs (2,708) (2,993) (5,701) Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 450,994 $ 12,675 $ 463,669 Tons sold 4,050 254 4,304 Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales per ton $ 111.36 $ 49.90 $ 107.73 (1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions. Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met All Other Consolidated Coal revenues $ 1,318,661 $ 15,597 $ 1,334,258 Less: Total Cost of coal sales (per table above) (645,611) (19,427) (665,038) GAAP Coal margin $ 673,050 $ (3,830) $ 669,220 Tons sold 4,050 254 4,304 GAAP Coal margin per ton $ 166.19 $ (15.08) $ 155.49 GAAP Coal margin $ 673,050 $ (3,830) $ 669,220 Add: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 27,202 250 27,452 Add: Accretion on asset retirement obligations 3,390 2,557 5,947 Add: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 4,795 952 5,747 Add: Idled and closed mine costs 2,708 2,993 5,701 Non-GAAP Coal margin $ 711,145 $ 2,922 $ 714,067 Tons sold 4,050 254 4,304 Non-GAAP Coal margin per ton $ 175.59 $ 11.50 $ 165.91 (1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions. Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met All Other Consolidated Coal revenues $ 840,638 $ 27,211 $ 867,849 Less: Freight and handling fulfillment revenues (122,585) (3) (122,588) Non-GAAP Coal revenues $ 718,053 $ 27,208 $ 745,261 Tons sold 3,896 249 4,145 Non-GAAP Coal sales realization per ton $ 184.31 $ 109.27 $ 179.80 Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below) $ 534,718 $ 20,784 $ 555,502 Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 26,747 906 27,653 Accretion on asset retirement obligations 3,390 2,531 5,921 Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 3,591 952 4,543 Total Cost of coal sales $ 568,446 $ 25,173 $ 593,619 Less: Freight and handling costs (122,585) (3) (122,588) Less: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) (26,747) (906) (27,653) Less: Accretion on asset retirement obligations (3,390) (2,531) (5,921) Less: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net (3,591) (952) (4,543) Less: Idled and closed mine costs (3,580) (3,978) (7,558) Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 408,553 $ 16,803 $ 425,356 Tons sold 3,896 249 4,145 Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales per ton $ 104.86 $ 67.48 $ 102.62 (1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions. Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met All Other Consolidated Coal revenues $ 840,638 $ 27,211 $ 867,849 Less: Total Cost of coal sales (per table above) (568,446) (25,173) (593,619) GAAP Coal margin $ 272,192 $ 2,038 $ 274,230 Tons sold 3,896 249 4,145 GAAP Coal margin per ton $ 69.86 $ 8.18 $ 66.16 GAAP Coal margin $ 272,192 $ 2,038 $ 274,230 Add: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 26,747 906 27,653 Add: Accretion on asset retirement obligations 3,390 2,531 5,921 Add: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 3,591 952 4,543 Add: Idled and closed mine costs 3,580 3,978 7,558 Non-GAAP Coal margin $ 309,500 $ 10,405 $ 319,905 Tons sold 3,896 249 4,145 Non-GAAP Coal margin per ton $ 79.44 $ 41.79 $ 77.18 (1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions. Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met All Other Consolidated Coal revenues $ 625,387 $ 21,742 $ 647,129 Less: Freight and handling fulfillment revenues (128,192) (18) (128,210) Non-GAAP Coal revenues $ 497,195 $ 21,724 $ 518,919 Tons sold 4,380 348 4,728 Non-GAAP Coal sales realization per ton $ 113.51 $ 62.43 $ 109.75 Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below) $ 468,706 $ 19,463 $ 488,169 Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 23,181 1,160 24,341 Accretion on asset retirement obligations 3,408 3,266 6,674 Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 3,063 (83) 2,980 Total Cost of coal sales $ 498,358 $ 23,806 $ 522,164 Less: Freight and handling costs (128,192) (18) (128,210) Less: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) (23,181) (1,160) (24,341) Less: Accretion on asset retirement obligations (3,408) (3,266) (6,674) Less: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net (3,063) 83 (2,980) Less: Idled and closed mine costs (4,932) (2,927) (7,859) Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 335,582 $ 16,518 $ 352,100 Tons sold 4,380 348 4,728 Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales per ton $ 76.62 $ 47.47 $ 74.47 (1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions. Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met All Other Consolidated Coal revenues $ 625,387 $ 21,742 $ 647,129 Less: Total Cost of coal sales (per table above) (498,358) (23,806) (522,164) GAAP Coal margin $ 127,029 $ (2,064) $ 124,965 Tons sold 4,380 348 4,728 GAAP Coal margin per ton $ 29.00 $ (5.93) $ 26.43 GAAP Coal margin $ 127,029 $ (2,064) $ 124,965 Add: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 23,181 1,160 24,341 Add: Accretion on asset retirement obligations 3,408 3,266 6,674 Add: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 3,063 (83) 2,980 Add: Idled and closed mine costs 4,932 2,927 7,859 Non-GAAP Coal margin $ 161,613 $ 5,206 $ 166,819 Tons sold 4,380 348 4,728 Non-GAAP Coal margin per ton $ 36.90 $ 14.96 $ 35.28 (1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met All Other Consolidated Coal revenues $ 3,213,639 $ 58,206 $ 3,271,845 Less: Freight and handling fulfillment revenues (423,132) (21) (423,153) Non-GAAP Coal revenues $ 2,790,507 $ 58,185 $ 2,848,692 Tons sold 11,726 771 12,497 Non-GAAP Coal sales realization per ton $ 237.98 $ 75.47 $ 227.95 Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below) $ 1,684,224 $ 52,487 $ 1,736,711 Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 81,009 1,953 82,962 Accretion on asset retirement obligations 10,178 7,644 17,822 Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 13,182 2,856 16,038 Total Cost of coal sales $ 1,788,593 $ 64,940 $ 1,853,533 Less: Freight and handling costs (423,132) (21) (423,153) Less: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) (81,009) (1,953) (82,962) Less: Accretion on asset retirement obligations (10,178) (7,644) (17,822) Less: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net (13,182) (2,856) (16,038) Less: Idled and closed mine costs (9,892) (9,617) (19,509) Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 1,251,200 $ 42,849 $ 1,294,049 Tons sold 11,726 771 12,497 Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales per ton $ 106.70 $ 55.58 $ 103.55 (1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met All Other Consolidated Coal revenues $ 3,213,639 $ 58,206 $ 3,271,845 Less: Total Cost of coal sales (per table above) (1,788,593) (64,940) (1,853,533) GAAP Coal margin $ 1,425,046 $ (6,734) $ 1,418,312 Tons sold 11,726 771 12,497 GAAP Coal margin per ton $ 121.53 $ (8.73) $ 113.49 GAAP Coal margin $ 1,425,046 $ (6,734) $ 1,418,312 Add: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 81,009 1,953 82,962 Add: Accretion on asset retirement obligations 10,178 7,644 17,822 Add: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 13,182 2,856 16,038 Add: Idled and closed mine costs 9,892 9,617 19,509 Non-GAAP Coal margin $ 1,539,307 $ 15,336 $ 1,554,643 Tons sold 11,726 771 12,497 Non-GAAP Coal margin per ton $ 131.27 $ 19.89 $ 124.40 (1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met All Other Consolidated Coal revenues $ 1,362,119 $ 63,920 $ 1,426,039 Less: Freight and handling fulfillment revenues (252,532) (504) (253,036) Non-GAAP Coal revenues $ 1,109,587 $ 63,416 $ 1,173,003 Tons sold 11,785 1,030 12,815 Non-GAAP Coal sales realization per ton $ 94.15 $ 61.57 $ 91.53 Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below) $ 1,125,840 $ 56,520 $ 1,182,360 Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 75,403 4,321 79,724 Accretion on asset retirement obligations 10,170 9,800 19,970 Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 9,749 (347) 9,402 Total Cost of coal sales $ 1,221,162 $ 70,294 $ 1,291,456 Less: Freight and handling costs (252,532) (504) (253,036) Less: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) (75,403) (4,321) (79,724) Less: Accretion on asset retirement obligations (10,170) (9,800) (19,970) Less: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net (9,749) 347 (9,402) Less: Idled and closed mine costs (13,325) (10,215) (23,540) Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 859,983 $ 45,801 $ 905,784 Tons sold 11,785 1,030 12,815 Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales per ton $ 72.97 $ 44.47 $ 70.68 (1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met All Other Consolidated Coal revenues $ 1,362,119 $ 63,920 $ 1,426,039 Less: Total Cost of coal sales (per table above) (1,221,162) (70,294) (1,291,456) GAAP Coal margin $ 140,957 $ (6,374) $ 134,583 Tons sold 11,785 1,030 12,815 GAAP Coal margin per ton $ 11.96 $ (6.19) $ 10.50 GAAP Coal margin $ 140,957 $ (6,374) $ 134,583 Add: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 75,403 4,321 79,724 Add: Accretion on asset retirement obligations 10,170 9,800 19,970 Add: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 9,749 (347) 9,402 Add: Idled and closed mine costs 13,325 10,215 23,540 Non-GAAP Coal margin $ 249,604 $ 17,615 $ 267,219 Tons sold 11,785 1,030 12,815 Non-GAAP Coal margin per ton $ 21.18 $ 17.10 $ 20.85 (1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions. Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met All Other Consolidated Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 450,994 $ 12,675 $ 463,669 Less: cost of purchased coal sold (33,171) (33,171) Adjusted cost of produced coal sold $ 417,823 $ 12,675 $ 430,498 Produced tons sold 3,929 254 4,183 Adjusted cost of produced coal sold per ton (1) $ 106.34 $ 49.90 $ 102.92 (1) Cost of produced coal sold per ton for our operations is calculated as non-GAAP cost of produced coal sold divided by produced tons sold. Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met All Other Consolidated Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 408,553 $ 16,803 $ 425,356 Less: cost of purchased coal sold (21,222) (21,222) Adjusted cost of produced coal sold $ 387,331 $ 16,803 $ 404,134 Produced tons sold 3,795 249 4,044 Adjusted cost of produced coal sold per ton (1) $ 102.06 $ 67.48 $ 99.93 (1) Cost of produced coal sold per ton for our operations is calculated as non-GAAP cost of produced coal sold divided by produced tons sold. Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met All Other Consolidated Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 335,582 $ 16,518 $ 352,100 Less: cost of purchased coal sold (32,168) (32,168) Adjusted cost of produced coal sold $ 303,414 $ 16,518 $ 319,932 Produced tons sold 4,107 348 4,455 Adjusted cost of produced coal sold per ton (1) $ 73.88 $ 47.47 $ 71.81 (1) Cost of produced coal sold per ton for our operations is calculated as non-GAAP cost of produced coal sold divided by produced tons sold. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met All Other Consolidated Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 1,251,200 $ 42,849 $ 1,294,049 Less: cost of purchased coal sold (82,235) (37) (82,272) Adjusted cost of produced coal sold $ 1,168,965 $ 42,812 $ 1,211,777 Produced tons sold 11,377 770 12,147 Adjusted cost of produced coal sold per ton (1) $ 102.75 $ 55.60 $ 99.76 (1) Cost of produced coal sold per ton for our operations is calculated as non-GAAP cost of produced coal sold divided by produced tons sold. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met All Other Consolidated Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 859,983 $ 45,801 $ 905,784 Less: cost of purchased coal sold (75,074) (75,074) Adjusted cost of produced coal sold $ 784,909 $ 45,801 $ 830,710 Produced tons sold 11,028 1,030 12,058 Adjusted cost of produced coal sold per ton (1) $ 71.17 $ 44.47 $ 68.89 (1) Cost of produced coal sold per ton for our operations is calculated as non-GAAP cost of produced coal sold divided by produced tons sold. Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Tons Sold Coal Revenues Non-GAAP Coal sales realization per ton % of Met Tons Sold Export - other pricing mechanisms 1,433 $ 299,218 $ 208.81 41 % Domestic 945 189,224 $ 200.24 27 % Export - Australian indexed 1,144 184,848 $ 161.58 32 % Total Met segment - met coal 3,522 $ 673,290 $ 191.17 100 % Met segment - thermal coal 374 44,763 $ 119.69 Total Met segment Coal revenues 3,896 718,053 $ 184.31 All Other Coal revenues 249 27,208 $ 109.27 Non-GAAP Coal revenues 4,145 $ 745,261 $ 179.80 Add: Freight and handling fulfillment revenues 122,588 Coal revenues 4,145 $ 867,849 SOURCE Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. BOSTON, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- APERIO, the category leader in data quality, grew revenue 5x in 2022, allowing the company to expand its team and accelerate product innovation. APERIO also added Jane Arnold, an Industry 4.0 expert with more than 30 years' experience in manufacturing technology, control engineering, and operations, to its Board of Directors. Data quality at scale is now a "must-have" for leading industrials, as they convert to digital operations for Industry 4.0. APERIO's DataWisea product provides industrial leaders with enterprise-wide, cloud-based solutions to deliver data quality at scale and in real-time. The company's latest product innovation, APERIO DataWise for PIa, elevates the OSISoft PI system team to "superhero" status, enabling administrators to monitor, track, and improve the quality of their PI data at its source. APERIO's Data Quality Index (DQI) tracks data quality improvements, enhances asset health, and maintains a corporate data quality score. APERIO achieves 5X growth by expanding category leadership and adds industry veteran Jane Arnold to board Tweet this Many of APERIO's recently released features came at the request of Fortune 500 industrial customers, further demonstrating APERIO's commitment to delivering a customer-driven data quality solution to the market. Some of the world's premier industrial companies in sectors such as oil & gas, mining, power, chemicals, manufacturing, and pulp & paper have turned to APERIO to scale their data quality initiatives globally. APERIO CEO Jonas Hellgren credits the talent and focus of the APERIO team for the timely market achievements. "Our development and customer success teams are exceptionally talented and committed to technical leadership and engaging the customer at the IT and operations levels," he said. "This commitment resonates well with customers, fueling expansion in many accounts." Jonas also welcomed Jane Arnold to the company board. Her career includes roles as Vice President of Manufacturing and Operations Technology at Stanley Black & Decker and Senior Vice President and Head of Global Process Control Technology at Covestro (formerly Bayer MaterialScience). Read more about Jane's bio here. "I am thrilled to be part of this innovative team focused on data quality, a career-long passion of mine," said Jane. "Reliable data improves safety, maintenance, and operations across all industry verticals, which will give APERIO's customers a competitive advantage and drive long-term value creation." To learn more about APERIO, visit https://aperio.ai/. SOURCE APERIO BROOKLYN, N.Y., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Approved Oil Co. of Brooklyn, Inc. (the "Company" or "Approved Oil"), announced today that it has entered an amended and restated asset-based credit facility (the "Credit Facility"), which expires in October 2027 and provides the borrower under the Credit Facility the ability to borrow up to $160 million on a revolving line of credit for working capital purposes, and the issuance of an accordion up to $25 million. This accounts for a total credit facility of $185 million. The bank syndicate supporting the credit facility is comprised of four participants acting in various capacities, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent, Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, Bank United, N.A., and Atlantic Union Bank. About Approved Oil Co. of Brooklyn, Inc. Approved Oil is a 90-year-old family-owned energy distributor and full-service energy provider. They specialize in the sale of heating products and services to residential and commercial clientele, providing energy solutions that drive down costs while promoting efficiency and enhancing comfort. Including its natural gas and power divisions, Approved Energy serves customers in the New York and New Jersey geographic area. The Company also sells and services heating and hot water equipment to its heating oil and energy customers and, to a lesser extent, provides these offerings to customers outside of its heating oil and service customer base. Approved oil is the largest installation company in New York City and a participating contractor with Con Edison and National Grid's rebate programs. Approved has obtained over $850,000 in rebates for our customers in 2022 alone. In the NYC Metropolitan area, the Company provides plumbing services, primarily to its home heating oil and commercial customer base. The Company also operates terminals in New York, New Jersey, and Maryland where they sell wholesale fuel oil products. In addition, Approved Oil sells diesel, and home heating oil on a delivery only basis. We believe Approved Oil is the largest retail, commercial and wholesale distributor of heating oil based upon sales volume. Vincent Theurer, Approved Oil's President/CEO and Majority Owner stated, "The new credit facility will provide the liquidity and capital resources to allow the Company to achieve its financial goals and objectives now and for the foreseeable future." SOURCE Approved Oil Company Significant test time savings and much faster reporting of important measurements are the key features of this exciting upgrade. BEAVERTON, Ore., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Audio Precision , part of Axiometrix Solutions, today released version 8.0 of its highly advanced APx500 Measurement Software. Version 8.0 features software performance optimizations that reduce unnecessary computation and speed up sequence execution. This results in significant test time savings and much faster reporting of important measurements such as THD+N. In the release of APx500 software version 8.0, Audio Precision gives users access to THD+N results using the FastSweep stimulus in Continuous Sweep, Acoustic Response and Loudspeaker production test. "Version 8.0, along with our regular cadence of enhancements to APx500 software, allows users to take advantage of measurement scalability and efficiency, and benefit from as much as a 40% saving in test times," says Daniel Knighten, Audio Precision General Manager. "This upgrade reinforces our philosophy of delivering a continuous program of improvements that not only saves customers time and money but also increases the value of their new and existing analyzers." This latest version incorporates updates to Bose SoneTrac, allowing users to make SoneTrac measurements in the same way as Bose to experience more refined control over signal processing in the detection of rub and buzz defects. Version 8.0 also gives users access to THD+N results using the FastSweep stimulus in Continuous Sweep, Acoustic Response and Loudspeaker production test. As its name implies, this extremely fast stepped frequency signal sweep offers several advantages over a logarithmically swept sine (chirp) signal, including an ability to sweep from low-to-high or high-to-low frequency, a lack of transient ripples at low or high frequencies, support for measuring harmonics above the 20th, and precise control of the number of discrete points used in measurements. "Audio Precision's strength lies in providing elite audio analysis, audio measurement software, and a wide range of modules, options and accessories to support analog and digital audio measurement," Dan Knighten adds. "Our version 8.0 software aims to give engineers the analysis tools they need to support their own innovative product design and manufacturing processes." As part of its upgrade path, Audio Precision's more recent software updates include v7.1 and v7.0. Version 7.1 offers integrated handling of units of measure and improve the presentation of input units, allowing users to scale any input in either the native unit domain of that physical input or in Volts, FS, Pascals, or Amps; while v7.0 enables the use of FastSweep in open loop testing scenarios, such as the testing of smart speakers. To ensure Audio Precision customers never miss out on the latest software upgrades, the company also offers software subscriptions available in one, three or five-year increments. This gives users an all-access pass to optional APx measurements for the duration of their subscription (excluding PESQ & PLQA) at no additional cost. Read more at www.ap.com About Audio Precision Audio Precision is the recognized standard in audio test. For over thirty-five years, AP has offered high-performance audio analyzers, accessories, and applications to help engineers worldwide design, validate, characterize, and manufacture consumer, professional and industrial audio products. Ongoing innovation has been a key theme for the organization since its founding, with market-leading THD+N performance, a wide range of digital interfaces, software that combines power with ease-of-use, and tools for electro-acoustic and perceptual audio testing. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, AP is part of Axiometrix Solutions, a leading test solutions provider comprised of globally recognized measurement brands, including GRAS Sound & Vibration and imc Test & Measurement. Media Contact: Caroline Gabbert [email protected] +49 (0)306293963-22 SOURCE Audio Precision TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Auxly Cannabis Group Inc. (TSX: XLY) (OTCQX: CBWTF) ("Auxly" or the "Company"), a leading consumer packaged goods company in the cannabis products market, announced today that it will report earnings results for its third quarter 2022 ended September 30, 2022, on Monday, November 14, 2022, before the financial markets open. The Company will host a conference call to discuss the results. The teleconference details are listed below: Date: Monday, November 14, 2022 Time: 10:00 a.m. EST. Please dial in at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. North American Toll Free: 1-888-664-6383 Audio Webcast URL: https://app.webinar.net/BobWPaRQpak A replay of the teleconference will be available within 24 hours after the conclusion of the call on the Company's website. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Hugo Alves" CEO About Auxly Cannabis Group Inc. (TSX: XLY) Auxly is a leading Canadian consumer packaged goods company in the cannabis products market, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. The Company's focus is on developing, manufacturing and distributing branded cannabis products that delight wellness and recreational consumers and deliver on its consumer promise of quality, safety and efficacy. Learn more at www.auxly.com and stay up to date at Twitter: @AuxlyGroup; Instagram: @auxlygroup; Facebook: @auxlygroup; LinkedIn: company/auxlygroup/. SOURCE Auxly Cannabis Group Inc. Wyoming State Librarian, Archivist Appointed as Adjunct Faculty With UW Libraries The Wyoming state librarian and state archivist were recently awarded adjunct faculty status by the University of Wyoming. Jamie Markus, state librarian, and Sara Davis, state archivist, will serve as adjunct faculty members with UW Libraries. Adjunct faculty appointments are courtesy appointments that recognize the services of those who have attained recognition in their fields of scholarship, creativity or other distinguished accomplishments relevant to university programs. We are delighted to welcome two library leaders to our UW Libraries team as adjunct faculty, says UW Libraries Dean Ivan Gaetz. Jamie and Sara have often worked with us on various projects in recent years, so formally adding them to our team will help support their involvement with UW Libraries by widening their access to resources and fostering communication. We look forward to strengthening partnerships with the state government. Markus, who has served at the state library since 2005, was appointed as the state librarian in 2016. He has a Master of Library Science from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Science in liberal studies from Montana State University-Billings. Under Markus direction, the Wyoming State Library (WSL) collaborates closely with UW Libraries on several high-impact projects and partnerships. In 2021, UW Libraries and the WSL partnered to create a digital historic Wyoming newspaper collection. The Wyoming Digital Newspaper Collection is managed jointly by UW Libraries, the WSL and the Wyoming State Archives (WSA). Funding for the project comes from UW Libraries, the WSL and National Endowment for the Humanities grant awards for the National Digital Newspaper Project. The digital repository provides access to millions of pages of newspapers for Wyoming residents and researchers worldwide. It is accessible at www.wyomingnewspapers.org UW Libraries and the WSL also collaborate on collection development to share resources. In summer 2021, UW Libraries partnered with the WSL, Wyoming community colleges and county libraries to provide statewide and university-wide access to e-content provider OverDrive and Libby, a one-tap reading app. Through the partnership, UW community members and Wyoming residents have full digital access to e-books, e-audiobooks, magazines, videos, comics and more. Additionally, UW Libraries provides access to academic articles with shared collections from ProQuest, Gale and other publishers. The Wyoming State Library and UW have been collaborative partners on a variety of projects -- from digitized newspapers to statewide library research resources, Markus says. This will increase our ability to cooperate on future grants. Its a great way to further connect our institutions, and Im pleased to be asked to share both my expertise and the support the state library can offer. Davis, who served as the university archivist at UWs American Heritage Center from 2018-2021, was appointed as the state archivist in 2021. She is the recipient of two bachelors degrees from UW: one in English and one in humanities and fine arts. Additionally, she earned a masters degree in library and information science, with a concentration in archives management, from Simmons College. Under Davis leadership, the WSA collaborates closely with UW Libraries and the university on several projects. The WSA and UW Libraries are the two primary repositories for collections of Wyoming print and microfilm newspapers. Master copies of all microfilmed titles are held by the WSA and are made available for UW Libraries to duplicate and digitize for the Wyoming Digital Newspaper Collection. Davis and the WSA are integral partners as UW Libraries continues to develop its archival collections of rare books and special collections. As an alumna of the University of Wyoming, it is an honor to be able to give back to a place that contributed to my learning and growth, Davis says. I am grateful for this opportunity and hopeful this will foster a stronger partnership between the Wyoming State Archives and UW Libraries to further enhance the services we provide to our diverse community. SARK launched in November 2021 as the industry's first-ever US ETF based on a single underlying ETF NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- AXS Investments, a leading asset manager providing access to alternative investments for growth, income and diversification, is pleased to celebrate the first anniversary of the launch of its AXS Short Innovation Daily ETF (SARK). Over the 1-year period ended November 5, 2022, SARK was up 113.77%, while the S&P was down -18.54%. SARK, which was the industry's first-ever US ETF based on a single underlying ETF, provides daily inverse exposure to global companies that may benefit from disruptive innovation for Disruptive Technology "Bear" investors. By contrast, the firm's AXS 2X Innovation ETF (TARK) is for Disruptive Technology "Bulls" looking to express their high conviction positive investment view on Disruptive Technology stocks. SARK and TARK were met with strong investor demand upon their launch, amassing over $500 million in assets collectively in the one year since inception. "We are thrilled to celebrate the first anniversary of SARK, a pioneering ETF in the way it provides inverse exposure to companies that may benefit from disruptive innovation," said Greg Bassuk, Chief Executive Officer of AXS Investments. "We believe investors should be able to easily access unique market exposures, no matter if they are bullish or bearish. Through SARK and TARK, AXS has provided a complete investor toolkit for those wishing to express their strong convictions on the future direction of these companies, complementing the more traditional allocations within their portfolio." AXS also launched the AXS Short China Internet ETF (SWEB) earlier this year to provide the inverse return of China-based Internet companies. Shortly thereafter, AXS cemented its reputation as an industry pioneer with the launch of the first-ever suite of U.S. single-stock ETFs that provide leveraged or inverse exposure to several popular equity names, ushering in a whole new chapter in the evolution of the ETF space. "As the industry's pure-play provider of alternatives to traditional asset classes, we've worked hard to build out a strong lineup of funds that can benefit portfolios across a wide range of market environments," said Bassuk. "We're thrilled to see that our story is resonating with investors, providing diversification and new exposures for their portfolios in a challenging year for the markets." The performance quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by visiting here. About AXS Investments AXS Investments is a leading alternative investment manager providing a diversified family of alternative and sustainable investments for growth, income and diversification. The firm empowers investors to diversify their portfolios with investments previously available only to the largest institutional and high net worth investors. The investor-friendly AXS funds are time-tested, liquid, transparent and managed by high pedigreed portfolio managers with long and strong track records. For more information, visit www.axsinvestments.com. IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION The Fund is not suitable for all investors and should be used by knowledgeable investors, such as traders and active investors employing dynamic strategies, who understand the consequences of seeking daily inverse (-1x) investment results, including the impact of compounding on Fund performance. Investors should intend to actively monitor their investments as frequently as daily. There are risks involved with investing including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of any fund before investing. To obtain a prospectus containing this and other important information, please click here to view or download a prospectus online at www.axsinvestments.com. Read the fund's prospectus carefully before you invest. SARK: Effects of Compounding and Market Volatility Risk: SARK has a daily investment objective and the Fund's performance for periods greater than a trading day will be the result of each day's returns compounded over the period, which is very likely to differ from -100% of the ARK Innovation ETF's performance. The effect of compounding becomes more pronounced as the ARK Innovation ETF's volatility and the holding period increase. Correlation Risk: There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve a high degree of inverse correlation with the ARK Innovation ETF. Counterparty Risk. A counterparty to a transaction with the Fund may be unable or unwilling to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments, or otherwise honor its obligations. Derivatives Risk: Using derivatives exposes the Fund to additional risks, including leverage risk, liquidity risk, valuation risk, market risk, counterparty risk, and credit risk. TARK: Effects of Compounding and Market Volatility Risk: TARK has a daily investment objective and the Fund's performance for periods greater than a trading day will be the result of each day's returns compounded over the period, which is very likely to differ from 2x of the ARK Innovation ETF's performance. The effect of compounding becomes more pronounced as the ARK Innovation ETF's volatility and the holding period increase. Correlation Risk: There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve a high degree of relevant correlation with the ARK Innovation ETF. Counterparty Risk. A counterparty to a transaction with the Fund may be unable or unwilling to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments, or otherwise honor its obligations. Derivatives Risk: Using derivatives exposes the Fund to additional risks, including leverage risk, liquidity risk, valuation risk, market risk, counterparty risk, and credit risk. SWEB: Effects of Compounding and Market Volatility Risk: SWEB has a daily investment objective and the Fund's performance for periods greater than a trading day will be the result of each day's returns compounded over the period, which is very likely to differ from the associated underlying ETF's performance. The effect of compounding becomes more pronounced as the associated underlying ETF's volatility and the holding period increase. Correlation Risk: There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve a high degree of inverse correlation with the associated underlying ETF. Counterparty Risk. A counterparty to a transaction with the Fund may be unable or unwilling to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments, or otherwise honor its obligations. Derivatives Risk: Using derivatives exposes the Fund to additional risks, including leverage risk, liquidity risk, valuation risk, market risk, counterparty risk, and credit risk. Shares are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the ETF. There can be no guarantee that an active trading market for ETF shares will develop or be maintained, or that their listing will continue or remain unchanged. Buying or selling ETF shares on an exchange may require the payment of brokerage commissions and frequent trading may incur brokerage costs that detract significantly from investment returns. Distributed by IMST Distributors, LLC, which is not affiliated with AXS Investments. SOURCE AXS Investments MADRID, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Banco Santander announced a partnership with the companies of Envision Group, a global clean technology leader, to jointly promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, leveraging the strength and expertise of both, to accelerate the global transition to a net zero economy. As part of this agreement, Banco Santander, through the provision of commercial, corporate and investment banking services, will support Envision Group's strategic projects globally, including the development of net zero industrial parks in Spain and worldwide, covering the battery Gigafactory of Envision AESC, renewable generation and storage system, green hydrogen generation plant, and other leading industries. In addition, Banco Santander will collaborate with Envision Digital, the net-zero and Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) Tech unit, to explore the application of its Net Zero technology to Santander's customers to drive energy transition across industries and reduce Santander's overall financed emissions. Envision Digital will also partner with Santander to monitor and further improve the energy efficiency of the Santander Group Headquarter, which is already carbon neutral since 2020. Jose Antonio Alvarez, CEO of Santander Group said: "The partnership with Envision is a great example how cross-industry cooperation could generate synergies that will allow us to further support our clients and communities in the transition towards a net-zero economy and help people and businesses prosper in a sustainable way." "As a global net-zero technology partner, Envision aims to solve the challenges for a sustainable future. "said Lei Zhang, founder and CEO of the Envision Group companies. "Banco Santander's vision for reducing carbon emissions, not only in Spain but throughout its global portfolio, is truly inspiring. Together with Banco Santander, we can help companies across industries move faster towards a net-zero future. " Banco Santander (SAN SM, STD US, BNC LN) is a leading commercial bank, founded in 1857 and headquartered in Spain. It has a meaningful presence in 10 core markets in the Europe, North America and South America regions, and is one of the largest banks in the world by market capitalization. Santander aims to be the best open financial services platform providing services to individuals, SMEs, corporates, financial institutions and governments. The bank's purpose is to help people and businesses prosper in a simple, personal and fair way. Santander is building a more responsible bank and has made a number of commitments to support this objective, including raising 220 billion in green financing between 2019 and 2030, as well as financially empowering more than 10 million people over the same period. At the end of the third quarter of 2022, Banco Santander had 1.2 trillion in total funds, 159 million customers, of which 27 million are loyal and 50 million are digital, 9,100 branches and 203,000 employees. Santander Corporate & Investment Banking (Santander CIB) is Santander's global division that supports corporate and institutional clients, offering tailored services and value-added wholesale products suited to their complexity and sophistication, as well as to responsible banking standards that contribute to the progress of society. Envision Group is an affiliation of world leading green technology companies. With the mission of 'solving the challenges for a sustainable future', Envision Group designs, sells and operates smart wind turbines through Envision Energy, Smart batteries through Envision AESC and the world's largest decarbonization operating system through Envision Digital. It also owns Envision Virgin Racing Formula E team. Envision Group was ranked among the Top 10 of the 2019 'World's 50 Smartest Companies' by the MIT Technology Review. Envision leverages global network of R&D and engineering centers across China, United States, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Singapore and Japan, leading global green technology development. SOURCE Envision Group BBB Scam Tracker online tool saved consumers $31.4 million in 2021 alone, according to BBB Institute estimates ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust (BBB Institute) is partnering with Amazon and Capital One to help people learn about scams, report them, and avoid losing money and/or personal information by enhancing the capabilities of the BBB Scam Tracker online reporting tool. The new features make it easier for consumers to identify scams and report them while arming partners with more robust data on scammers to better protect consumers. "BBB Scam Tracker was launched in 2015 and its impact has been significant," said Melissa Lanning Trumpower, executive director of BBB Institute, the Better Business Bureau's educational foundation. "By our estimates, BBB Scam Tracker saved consumers $31.4 million in 2021 alone. Partnering with Amazon and Capital One enables us to expand the impact of this platform." "Our partnership with the Better Business Bureau and support of the enhanced Scam Tracker tool highlights our focus on helping consumers and earning their trust," said Sarah Strauss, Head of Customer Service and Strategy at Capital One. "Educating consumers on how to better protect themselves from scams and what to do if they think they've been a scam victim is crucial in the fight against bad actors." "Amazon is committed to protecting our customers from scams and helping them protect themselves," said Kathy Sheehan, vice president and associate general counsel at Amazon. "We're grateful to support the work of consumer advocates like the Better Business Bureau. Better data on attempted scamswhether consumers report them directly to us or through tools like Scam Trackerwill help identify the bad actors behind these fraudulent schemes and bring them to justice." The new BBB Scam Tracker provides an improved customer experience and enhanced data capabilities for partners to collaborate on fighting scams. The BBB Scam Tracker makes it easier for consumers to report scams via mobile or desktop. It includes a new guided questionnaire that makes it quick and easy to report a scam. Consumers can now review and edit their reports before submission, and then share the report with friends and family via social media or email. They also have the option to receive updates about the constantly evolving tactics that scammers use. In addition, an upgraded search function enables consumers to search scams in the tool by URL, email address, phone number and more. BBB Scam Tracker reports are also accessible via broader online searches, expanding the reach of the platform and helpful information to others who may be searching for help. Additional features include an API and system-generated report functionality that enables scam data sharing with fraud-fighting partners. Updated back-end technology improves the speed of the tool and allows for future enhancements to be made. BBB Institute will continue to make upgrades to Scam Tracker to meet the growing needs of consumers who lose money to scams, particularly the older demographic groups who are more susceptible to fraud. Amazon and Capital One are both BBB Accredited Businesses. Amazon has been BBB Accredited since 1996. Capital One has been BBB Accredited since 1995. With their support of this project, Amazon and Capital One become members of the BBB Corporate Trust Council, a coalition of select companies that join with BBB Institute to build a trustworthy marketplace by providing their expertise, resources, and funding support. Questions about the project or how to get involved should be directed to the BBB Institute at [email protected] . ABOUT BBB AND BBB INSTITUTE: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. In 2020, people turned to BBB more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 6.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at BBB.org . The BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust (BBB Institute) is the BBB's educational foundation, whose mission is to educate and protect consumers, promote best practices for businesses, and solve complex marketplace problems. BBB Institute's consumer educational programs, which include a wide array of resources on fraud prevention and education, are delivered both digitally and in-person by Better Business Bureaus serving communities across North America. You can find more information about BBB Institute and its programs at BBBMarketplaceTrust.org. SOURCE BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust HANGZHOU, China, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BEST Inc. (NYSE: BEST) ("BEST" or the "Company"), a leading integrated smart supply chain solutions and logistics services provider in China and Southeast Asia, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022, after the U.S. market closes on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. The Company will hold a conference call to discuss the financial results at 8:00pm U.S. Eastern Time on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, or 9:00am Beijing Time on Thursday, November 17, 2022. Participants may access the call by dialling the following numbers: United States: +1-888-317-6003 Hong Kong: 800-963976 or +852-58081995 Mainland China: 4001-206115 International: +1-412-317-6061 Participant Elite Entry Number: 4725664 A replay of the conference call will be accessible through November.23, 2022 by dialling the following numbers: United States: +1-877-344-7529 International: +1-412-317-0088 Replay Access Code : 8040204 Please visit the Company's investor relations website http://ir.best-inc.com/ to view the earnings release prior to the conference call. A live and archived webcast of the conference call and a presentation will also be available at the same site. ABOUT BEST INC. BEST Inc. (NYSE: BEST) is a leading integrated smart supply chain solutions and logistics services provider in China and Southeast Asia. Through its proprietary technology platform and extensive networks, BEST offers a comprehensive set of logistics and value-add services, including freight delivery, supply chain management and global logistics services. BEST's mission is to empower business and enrich life by leveraging technology and business model innovation to create a smarter, more efficient supply chain. For more information, please visit: http://www.best-inc.com/en/. SOURCE BEST Inc. SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bezos Earth Fund today announced $50 million to help accelerate Africa's locally led restoration movement as part of the $1 billion commitment to restoration made last year at COP26 in Glasgow. On the first day of COP27, Bezos Earth Fund President and CEO Andrew Steer made the announcement during remarks at the World Leaders Summit. Steer said, "Local groups are central to achieving Africa's restoration goals. We know that there are thousands of shovel-ready restoration projects across the continent, but insufficient training and funding to help these projects grow. Through its support of the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100), the Bezos Earth Fund is working to remove three critical barriers to locally led restoration. First, we must build capacitydrawing on the expertise that exists within African institutions and beyondto help restoration projects scale. Second, we must ensure that finance is intermediated more effectively to reach frontline groups. Finally, we must ensure that best-in-class monitoring systems are used to track progress on the ground." Funding will help restore two African landscapes: one in the Rusizi Basin, part of the larger Congo Basin ecosystem, and the second in the Great Rift Valley, home to Kenya's most iconic forests and a breadbasket for the region. Funding will support restoration by entrepreneurs, community leaders, and smallholder farmers and training for these groups to grow their operations. It also includes robust monitoring and verification systems. Data from the Land and Carbon Lab will underpin monitoring efforts, providing real-time information on land use changes and associated carbon fluxes. The funding will add to the Earth Fund's prior grant to the AFR100 to accelerate restoration across the continent. This funding was invested in a "Top 100" best-in-class African restoration projects and small businesses. These locally-led efforts are restoring 20,000 hectares, creating 25,000 full and part-time jobs, and adopting geo-referenced project monitoring tools. Together these projects and businesses act as models that can be scaled up across millions of hectares. At COP26, Earth Fund Founder and Chair Jeff Bezos announced a $3 billion commitment to nature to conserve the nature we have left ($1 billion), restore what we have lost ($1 billion), and transform food systems to grow what we need to live without destroying the planet for future generations ($1 billion). "Since COP26 the Earth Fund has invested $300 million for conservation in the Congo Basin, Tropical Andes, and Eastern Tropical Pacific Seascape, as well as $50 million to scale up restoration globally. The Bezos Earth Fund is delighted to announce today another $50 million to accelerate restoration in Africa, the continent where both the need and opportunity for restoration are the greatest," said Steer. "Africa's restoration movement is taking off," said Wanjira Mathai, an advisor to the Bezos Earth Fund. "Thousands of restoration SMEs and community groups are transforming landscapes and livelihoods across the continent. The time to invest in Africa's restoration generation is now!" Sixty-five percent of arable land in Sub-Saharan Africa is too damaged to produce food, even as 70% of its people rely on it for their livelihoods. More than 750 million hectares of land could be restored across the continent. The African Union has set an ambitious target to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 through the AFR100 and Great Green Wall initiatives. Restoration at this scale would sequester 3.0 GtCO2e equivalent to taking 650 million cars off the road for one year and improve food and water security, livelihoods, and climate resilience of an estimated 235 million African people. SOURCE Bezos Earth Fund The Black-owned and curated monthly festival, Black on the Block, has officially partnered with StartupStarter for the 2nd Annual Flagship Conference, 2022 Equity Crowdfunding Week as part of a 3-day hybrid immersive & experiential event. LOS ANGELES, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Entrepreneurs, Issuers and Investors around the globe are coming together for the second annual Equity Crowdfunding Week Conference, in-person, hosted by StartupStarter, an on demand business education platform that launched in 2020. Equity Crowdfunding Week is a three-day experiential event showcasing the most innovative companies raising capital in the private markets from the US, Canada & Beyond. Now, with the addition of Black on the Block (BOTB), this completely immersive experience will have an added focus on providing access and opportunities to the BOTB audience looking to make a stamp in the world of startups and equity crowdfunding. The event is designed to increase investment opportunities for issuers, startups looking to learn more about launching an equity crowdfunding campaign and the future of retail investment through Regulation Crowdfunding. Black on the Block, has partnered with StartupStarter for the 2nd Annual 2022 Equity Crowdfunding Week Conference. Tweet this Black on The Block x Equity Crowdfunding Week The partnership will see Black on the Block Co-Founder, Lanie Edwards, as a panelist in "The Future of Minority Investment: Democratizing Access" panel. Edwards will be joined by panelist Morgan Stanley of Include Ventures, Netcapital and will be moderated by StartupStarter co-founder, Lorel Scott. "This partnership creates an important opportunity to help our community of entrepreneurs and startups raise more capital and expand that reach into our diverse and marginalized communities for further advancement and job creation across the country. The goal is to open up this industry to our minority founders and change the page in a new chapter of raising capital as many in our community are not aware that this type of access exists to them." says Lorel Scott, Co-Founder and COO of StartupStarter. Additionally, some of Black on the Block's most prominent vendors and food trucks will be added to the roster of participants which include, Vurger Guyz, Buns n Tails, Kaylen Home, Astrokid, and L.A. Wings & L.A. Steaks. Equity Crowdfunding Week will take place on November 9th 11th, 2022 at TubeScience Studios 655 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021, powered by WebEx Events and live-streamed in the StartupStarter "ECW2022" App found in the IOS & Google Play Stores. Register at the link HERE & check out the public MEDIA KIT at www.startupstarter.co/ecw-media-kit for sponsorship & speaking opportunities. For Press inquiries, visit the press link located on the conference homepage. SOURCE StartupStarter The limited-edition 150th anniversary book from Bloomingdale's offers a decade-by-decade look back at the legendary store NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloomingdale's today announced the release of its book honoring its 150th anniversary and the mark the iconic retailer has had on fashion and culture. The book, hitting shelves on November 17, is an exploration of the Bloomingdale's brand and how the icon of 59th Street captured the spirit of New York, with a decade-by-decade look back at the legendary store and the birth of American style. This exclusive book explores the Bloomingdale's brand in relation to American fashion and pop culture over the last century and a half, illustrating how the retailer has been a leading institution in retail, designer partnerships, advertising and marketing initiatives, and philanthropic programs. Opening with a forward crafted by Harper's Bazaar Editor-in-Chief, Samira Nasr, the book highlights how Bloomingdale's has evolved from hoop skirts and hats to a landmark for fashion, innovation, and community. The 250 pages of imagery showcase the progression of American fashion through the lens of the Bloomingdale's brand including interviews and quotes from over 100 distinguished designers and notable Bloomingdale's alumni, as well as groundbreaking fashion from the retailer that transformed the industry. "We are so proud to see this labor of love come to life," stated Bloomingdale's Chief Marketing Officer Frank Berman. "The 150th Anniversary Book is an archival journey through images and first-hand accounts from some of the individuals that played such an incredible role in our history. While we celebrate our past, the future has never been brighter, and we are so thrilled to commemorate this tremendous milestone in such a way that will live on for years to come." Bloomingdale's collaborated with Melcher Media to create the limited-edition Bloomingdale's 150th anniversary book. For those looking to own a piece of history, the book will be available in "Standard" and "Deluxe" editions for purchase at Bloomingdale's stores and online at www.bloomingdales.com . The Deluxe edition of the book includes a luxe slipcase stamped with a gold illustration of the 59th Street flagship store. The Standard edition will retail for $75, and the Deluxe edition will retail for $125. About Bloomingdale's Bloomingdale's is America's only nationwide, full-line, upscale department store. A division of Macy's, Inc. (NYSE: M), it currently operates 34 Bloomingdale's stores, and 20 Bloomingdale's The Outlet stores in California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. In addition, Bloomingdale's has an international presence with a location in Dubai and Kuwait. Founded in 1872, the iconic retailer is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Be sure to follow @bloomingdales on social media, become a Loyallist, and for more information, or to shop any time, visit www.bloomingdales.com Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Bloomingdale's Braskem's new Boston metro area innovation center will focus on accelerating early-stage innovations in renewable chemicals and sustainable materials The investment will fuel the discovery of new technologies aligned with Braskem's commitment to a Carbon-Neutral Circular Economy and help drive future business success PHILADELPHIA and LEXINGTON, Mass., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Braskem (B3: BRKM3, BRKM5, and BRKM6; NYSE: BAK; LATIBEX: XBRK) the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas, as well as a market leader and pioneer producer of biopolymers on an industrial scale, today announced the construction of a new Renewable Innovation Center located in Lexington, Massachusetts at the Lexington Labs at 10 Maguire Road in Lexington, MA owned by Greatland Realty Partners. Braskem's new 35,000-square-foot innovation center will focus on accelerating innovation in renewable chemicals and sustainable materials. Capabilities at the new center will expand Braskem's competencies in biotechnology, catalysis, process engineering, and open innovation. A particular focus will be given to early-stage science and engineering related to the conversion of biomass-based feedstocks, including sugars, cellulose, plant oils, and lignin, to sustainable chemicals and materials. This will enhance Braskem's resources focused on the discovery of technologies that will drive new growth-oriented offerings centered around Carbon Circularity. This new innovation center is the latest expansion of Braskem's global Innovation & Technology footprint. The investment will fuel the discovery of new technologies. Tweet this Lexington Labs owned by Greatland Realty Partners Mark Nikolich, CEO of Braskem America, stated "Our new Renewable Innovation Center reflects Braskem's ongoing commitment to a Carbon-Neutral Circular Economy and having a positive impact on the environment. Braskem intends to invest around $20 million to build our Renewable Innovation Center and will continue to invest in developing and retaining a world-class, Boston metro area-based innovation team to create proprietary intellectual property in the areas of sustainable chemicals and materials, all of which will be critical to the future success of Braskem's global business." "The Town of Lexington is a leader in adopting Carbon-Neutral sustainable policies and is committed to driving down its greenhouse gas emissions to meet its climate action goals. Braskem's new Renewable Innovation Center's commitment to a Carbon-Neutral Circular Economy aligns with Lexington's goals and commitment to attracting businesses and development that demonstrate sustainable innovation. This facility will be a great addition to Greater Boston's life sciences ecosystem," shared Sandhya Iyer, Economic Development Director, Town of Lexington. Today's announcement builds upon Braskem's current Boston-based research team led by Daniel MacEachran, Global Head of Biotechnology, who is leading the new Renewable Innovation Center build-out and professional team expansion. With the initial design and construction phase currently underway, Braskem expects the project to be completed in the second half of 2023, following the successful completion of final validation and commissioning. The new center is strategically based in Boston's world-class metro area biotechnology and innovation ecosystem, located within a one-hour drive of more than 60 universities and colleges. Work in the new Lexington center will complement Braskem's global R&D work currently being conducted in Campinas and Triunfo, Brazil as well as in Pittsburgh, Pa. "Braskem is already a worldwide leader in renewable polymers and chemicals and this major new investment in a U.S. built-for-purpose, renewable innovation center further solidifies our position. With clear and ambitious long-term commitments to people, science, and the planet, the early-stage innovations we are exploring today are what will make a more sustainable tomorrow possible," said Daniel MacEachran. From promoting plastic circularity to driving the bio-based materials revolution, Braskem is committed to diminishing the dependency on finite resources and reducing carbon emissions while generating a positive impact for a better society. Antonio Queiroz, Vice President of Innovation, Technology, and Sustainable Development at Braskem stated, "We believe disruptive innovation is the path to sustainability. We want to expand Braskem's ability to take it to a new standard in the industry, increasing investments, dedicating resources, and attracting great minds. We know that to achieve real sustainability, we also need to bet on innovation when creating new materials. The launch of Braskem's new I&T Center will foster the development of new solutions for chemicals and plastics." To learn more visit www.braskem.com/usa/sustainableinnovation. ABOUT BRASKEM With a global vision of the future oriented toward people and sustainability, Braskem is committed to contributing to the value chain for strengthening the Circular Economy. The petrochemical company's almost 8,000 team members dedicate themselves every day to improve people's lives through sustainable chemicals and plastics solutions. Braskem has an innovative DNA and a comprehensive portfolio of plastic resins and chemical products for diverse segments, such as food packaging, construction, manufacturing, automotive, agribusiness, healthcare, and hygiene, among others. With 40 industrial units in Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and Germany, and exports its products to clients in more than 70 countries. Braskem America is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Braskem S.A. headquartered in Philadelphia. The company is the leading producer of polypropylene in the United States, with five production plants located in Texas, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, an Innovation and Technology Center in Pittsburgh, and operations in Boston focused on leveraging groundbreaking developments in biotechnology and advanced materials. For more information, visit www.braskem.com/usa. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT This press release contains projections and other forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) regarding future events. These statements reflect Braskem's current beliefs and expectations with respect to Braskem's business, the economy and other future conditions and are based on assumptions, are subject to risk and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein include, without limitation: (i) the continuation of restrictions related to the COVID -19 Pandemic or the continuing effects of the Pandemic; (ii) the contraction or lack of growth in the market segments in which Braskem competes and in which its products are sold (iii) unexpected delays in commissioning, (iv) increased competition from imports or in the export markets, (v) inability to anticipate future market trends and the future needs of Braskem's customers, (vi) the impact of natural disasters on Braskem's facility and its suppliers and (vii) other factors detailed in documents Braskem files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. SOURCE Braskem Adoptive families needed in every community in Colorado DENVER, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of National Adoption Month in November and to encourage more Coloradans to consider adoption from foster care, the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) recognized five exceptional adoptive families from across the state in an event at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science on Saturday. In celebration of National Adoption Month in November and to encourage more Coloradans to consider adoption from foster care, the Colorado Department of Human Services recognized five exceptional adoptive families from across the state in an event at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science on Saturday, Nov. 5. "The five families we celebrate this month demonstrate the power of unconditional love and support that helps kids thrive," said Michelle Barnes, Executive Director of CDHS. "This year we are celebrating several families who have adopted family members and children they know through kinship care." Since January 2022, 475 Colorado children and youth in foster care have been adopted in Colorado. Currently there are 408 Colorado children and youth who are waiting for a family. Most children and youth who are adopted from foster care are adopted by their foster parents. Every Colorado community needs adoptive and foster parents, especially families who are willing to care for children with complex behavioral and mental health needs, sibling groups and children whose first language is not English. Foster parents must be at least 21 years old and be able to provide a safe, loving and stable family environment. There are no limitations based on income, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. "We know that people are curious about foster care and adoption and want to know more about the process," said Minna Castillo Cohen, director of the CDHS Office of Children, Youth and Families. "By sharing their stories in our public awareness campaign, these five families will help us inspire others to support children and youth who need foster or kinship care." The five families being recognized for National Adoption Month are: Eric and Keshian Holcomb from Campo (certified by Otero County DHS) In 2021, first-time foster parents Eric and Keshian went from having never been parents to being parents to two boys. Soon after meeting Chazwick, now 12, they had a strong bond and wanted to provide the permanency he needed. Shortly after meeting Chazwick, Eric and Keshian received a call about another little boy named Austin, now three years old, who needed a home. The boys moved into the Holcomb's home together in July 2021. Austin and Chazwick quickly developed a close sibling bond. Both boys were adopted by Eric and Keshian on Feb. 22, 2022. The family enjoys spending time together camping, fishing, riding four-wheelers, and being active members of their close-knit community. Elisa and Evan Hopper from Colorado Springs (certified by Kids Crossing) Elisa and Evan first met their daughter through a foster family at their church in 2020. Elisa had briefly provided foster care previously, but Evan had not. They quickly started the process of getting licensed as foster parents and learned everything they could about Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) in order to help them better understand their daughter's unique challenges and create an environment of safety and connection. Elisa and Evan adopted their daughter, now 10 years old, in March 2021 and she has thrived with a community of professionals and extended family who formed a loving community around her. The family also provides respite care to other children and youth in foster care in their community. Joe and Rebecca Humenansky from Littleton (certified by Hope and Home) Joe and Rebecca already had four children when they became foster parents five years ago. They wanted to be a support to biological families and provide a temporary safe place for children and youth to heal. Since 2017, they have provided short- and long-term care for 48 children and youth, and have also adopted four children and youth and continue to provide foster care. They currently have 10 children and youth aged four to 19 in their home. Despite their busy schedules, Joe and Rebecca make time for all of their children to have one-on-one time with them and ensure that the children they have adopted also have regular contact with important, safe people in their lives. Dylan and Taylor Ledford from Del Norte (certified by Weld County) Dylan and Taylor were elementary school teachers in Greeley when Dylan made a connection with three of four siblings at his school who were in foster care. When Dylan and Taylor moved to Del Norte in 2020, they stayed in touch with the kids and opened up their home when a permanent place was needed for the sibling group. The couple quickly got certified as foster parents with Weld County and the sibling group of four moved in with them in October of 2020. Now ages 12 to 16, Dylan and Taylor adopted the sibling group in a virtual ceremony in November of 2021. They enjoy spending time together at home and traveling together as a family. Kimberly and William Murray from Denver (certified with El Paso County Kinship Foster Care) In 2019, when Kimberly and William's granddaughter was only a few months old, she faced severe injuries and needed round-the-clock care and a safe place to go, so they opened their home. Kimberly and William also were granted custody of a second child, her sister, in 2020 when she was only a few days old. Kimberly was transitioning into her career as an Early Childhood educator but decided to dedicate herself to caring for her grandchildren. Kimberly obtained her CNA license and started a non-profit organization, The Shaylee Foundation, which brings awareness to foster kinship care and child maltreatment. Kimberly and William legally adopted their granddaughters into a loving home a day after Williams's birthday in August 2022 after overcoming many challenges. A few weeks later, they were called upon by Arapahoe County to care for their 15 year-old niece, who recently joined the family. The Colorado Department of Human Services CO4Kids campaign encourages all Coloradans to strengthen families and communities. For information about how to become a foster or adoptive parent, visit CO4Kids.org. Contact: Madlynn Ruble, Deputy Director of Communications Colorado Department of Human Services 303-866-3411 [email protected] SOURCE Colorado Department of Human Services LONDON, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CentralNic Group PLC (AIM: CNIC), the company dedicated to building a better global digital economy, is pleased to announce that its CEO Ben Crawford will join the Business 20 ("B20") Summit as part of the G20 Summit 2022 in Bali, Indonesia, on November 13-15. Ben Crawford, Chief Executive Officer, CentralNic Group Ben Crawford will be among a select group of CEOs from the world's leading companies who will join the G20 Summit to discuss the most significant challenges and opportunities of our time, share their experiences and discuss future international policies and initiatives with the participating Heads of State. Prominent attendees will include Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Amazon Executive Chairman Jeff Bezos, Alibaba Chairman Daniel Zhang, Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) Chairman Young Liu, HSBC Group Chairman Mark Tucker, World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab, and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, Anne Hathaway. Ben Crawford, CEO of CentralNic, said: "I am honoured to represent CentralNic Group as an exponent of an improved open internet at the world's foremost intergovernmental forum, and to make our contribution towards creating greater prosperity for the whole world by accelerating sustainable economic growth. The internet is the lifeblood of the global economy and arguably the biggest factor in improving the human condition on our planet. Its importance will only grow in the future, as half of the world's population is already online, and the other half is rapidly becoming connected. CentralNic is dedicated to bringing its 25 years of expertise in internet technology, best practice and innovation to improve the digital economy. We take special pride in supporting the digital transformation of developed and developing countries by partnering with governments to enable millions of people to realise their aspirations online. I believe that our world will become a much better place when the extraordinary potential of the internet is achieved through increased efficiency, safety, privacy and inclusiveness. That's why I look forward to sharing the knowledge accumulated by our global team of experts and exchanging ideas and knowledge with the attending Heads of State and other participants of the G20 Summit." About G20 Summit The G20, or Group of Twenty, is the foremost intergovernmental forum that gathers the leaders of 19 of the world's largest economies and the European Union to address major issues related to the global economy, such as international financial stability, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development. The G20 plays a strategic role in securing future global economic growth and prosperity. Together, the G20 member nations represent more than 80 percent of the world GDP, 75 percent of international trade and 60 percent of the world population. The B20 Summit is the official forum for the dialogue between the leaders of the G20 member states and the global business community. This forum develops policy recommendations for the G20 Presidency on globally significant issues. To learn more about the G20, please visit https://g20.org About CentralNic Group plc CentralNic (AIM: CNIC) is a global tech company listed on the London Stock Exchange, which drives the growth of the global digital economy by providing businesses around the world with tools to build their online presence, win customers and earn revenues online. The Company complements its organic growth with target acquisitions of cash-generative businesses in its industry with annuity revenue streams and exposure to growth markets and migrating them onto the CentralNic software and operating platforms. CentralNic operates globally with customers in almost every country in the world. It earns recurring revenues from the worldwide sales of online presence and online marketing services on a subscription or pay-per-use basis. For more information, please visit www.centralnic.com. For press inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1939693/CentralNic_Group_Ben_Crawford.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1509583/CentralNic__Logo.jpg SOURCE CentralNic Group UW in the News State, national and international media frequently feature the University of Wyoming and members of its community in stories. Here is a summary of some of the recent coverage: The Casper Star-Tribune was among media outlets citing UWs survey of Wyoming voters that shows Republican candidates are expected to dominate statewide races in Tuesdays general election. UWs School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies collaborated with the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center (WYSAC) to conduct the survey. UW political science Professor Jim King commented on the survey. Wyoming Public Radio quoted King about the general election, and Wyoming News Now also interviewed King for a segment on how misinformation is spread among the public during the election process. Another survey conducted by WYSAC at UW found high public confidence in state election integrity. Sheridan Media published UWs release on the survey results. Corporate Knights quoted Jonathan Naughton, co-director of UWs Wind Energy Research Center, for an article that focused on how the clean energy transition is quietly happening in conservative communities, such as in Wyoming, that have historically been dependent on fossil fuels. Peabody Energy executives of the St. Louis-based coal giant -- the biggest private-sector coal company in the world -- discussed a potential merger with Coronado Global Resources, an Australian competitor focused on coal used for steelmaking. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch interviewed UW economist Rob Godby for the article. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle published a Wyoming Business Report article titled Telehealth benefits from Wyoming broadband expansion. Canyon Hardesty, Wyoming Telehealth Network director and associate director of the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND), provided comments for the article. WIND is part of the UW College of Health Sciences. Futurity published a University of California-Irvine (UCI) news release noting that UW researchers worked with UCI scientists to examine the chemical processes involved in converting carbon dioxide gas into a solid that could be buried beneath Earths surface. Nature Reviews Chemistry published the research paper. Aspen Public Radio carried a segment on how a subspecies of the cutthroat trout is thriving in the Snake River in Jackson Hole. UW researchers are assisting Wyoming Game and Fish Department personnel by using genetics to see where exactly the fish originated. Oil City News reported that Sweetwater County is launching a therapy dog program for juvenile offenders. The article noted that a UW Family to Family Health Information Center grant will provide funding for the purchase and training of a dog and its handler. UW has joined seven other universities in the newly awarded National Science Foundation Innovation Corps Great Plains Hub -- a $14 million, five-year effort to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs in rural, economically underserved regions. Sheridan Media published UWs release. Sheridan Media also published UWs release announcing that a new masters degree program in energy and petroleum engineering will be the first to offer graduate courses in blockchain starting in fall 2023 at the university. UW recently created an online database to connect local suppliers with each other to strengthen the local manufacturing supply chain, according to an Entrepreneur article. Laramie Live published UWs release noting that Megan McGuffey Skinner is the new Cent$ible Nutrition Program (CNP) assistant director. CNP is a hands-on cooking, nutrition and physical activity program that serves income-qualifying families across the state. UW held a Spanish Science Cafe recently at the Powell Library, where three UW graduate students presented their biodiversity research in 15-minute talks in Spanish, according to The Powell Tribune. UWs Biodiversity Institute is celebrating its 10-year anniversary by bringing student research to communities around the state. Five finalists have been selected for the Goshen County Start-Up Challenge. Wyoming News Now noted that the challenge is a joint effort between UWs IMPACT 307 program and Eastern Wyoming College. BEIJING, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Gejia village, located in a remote mountainous area of Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, has a history of more than 1,300 years. This place was once a small, underdeveloped village largely devoid of any industry. The collective income of Gejia village was a dismal 120,000 yuan back in 2019, but rose to more than 500,000 yuan in 2021. What made a village change in just three years? How does an ancient Chinese village repaint by art Professor Cong Zhiqiang from Renmin University of China (RUC) is the man behind this tremendous change. In 2019, the local government launched a campaign called "rural revitalization through art," aiming to boost the local economy by developing art-related industries. As a professor at the School of Artsat RUC, Cong Zhiqiang was invited to instruct this campaign. However, the idea of a rural Chinese village embracing the world of art seemed a bit far-fetched. The locals didn't accept the idea at first. They saw art as neither meaningful nor lucrative. So Professor Cong stayed in Gejia village for weeks, working and communicating with the locals. Finally, he found a new way to help the villagers make the best use of art - keeping costs low, developing their own skills, and utilizing local materials. With the support of the local government, Cong not only helped villagers transform abandoned buildings and public spaces, he also exposed locals to business opportunities. To find out how locals' lives are changed by the campaign, Italian host Rachele Longhi travels to Gejia village. "The entire village is filled with breath-taking scenery,"said Longhi. She met with different villagers that found their new goals towards art: the wooden roses workshop owner; Yuan Xiaoxian,a housewife-turned handmade dolls shop owner, and the campaign initiator Professor Cong. "They are more open-minded, inclusive, and more willing to share with others,"Cong said. "This is the power of art." With the encouragement from the local government and Professor Cong, villagers in Gejia have begun to embrace new ideas and changes, and are filled with excitement for what's to come in the future. The artistic village now boasts more than 40 art sharing spaces built by the locals, attracting over 30,000 visitors and generating over five million yuan in tourism income in 2021. What's more, the success of "rural revitalization through art" in Gejia has inspired other Chinese villages and motivated residents to learn from their experiences. Contact: Zhong Lei Tel008610-68996566 E-mail: [email protected] Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRfO1D57O7s Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940428/China_Matters_Logo.jpg SOURCE China Matters HANGZHOU, China, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2022 Chinese Costume Festival, or Hanfu Festival (the "Festival"), has officially opened with the theme of "Style of Han and Jin Dynasties" on November 5 in Hangzhou, China. Family photo of Han Clothing Outing Festival in Paris Hosted by China National Silk Museum, it's also the first time the Festival is joining hands with the Hanfu community in Paris and connecting fans of Hanfu in Hangzhou and Paris through the showcasing of traditional Chinese style and culture, as well as sharing Chinese stories with the world. The activities held in Hangzhou from November 5-6 are streamed live with more than 2.5 millions views. The highlight of this year's Festival is the "Evening of Chinese Costume" hosted on the evening of November 5, the celebration includes a fashion show of Chinese costumes from the Han and Jin Dynasties and several themed anecdotes, such as "Wei Qing" (a notable general in Han Dynasty), "The Ballad of Mulan" and "Tales of Liangzhou." Over in Paris, the first Han Clothing Outing Festival was organized by Mugua Association in Paris and China National Silk Museum jointly to promote Chinese traditional costumes and culture. Starting from November 5, a series of collaboration events will be hosted in Paris, including the tour to a special exhibition of "Ink in Motion: A History of Chinese Paintings in the 20th Century" in Musee Cernuschi/ Le musee des arts de l'Asie, introduction to classic Chinese makeup art seminar, and several sessions to share the Chinese culture and gourmet delicacies. "The Hanfu Festival, especially the collaboration between China National Silk Museum and the Hanfu community in Paris this year, is a fantastic opportunity to tell the stories of Chinese history and culture to global audiences", said Mr. Piaia Nicolas, Director of L'Alliance Francaise of Hangzhou, during the openning ceremony of Hanfu Evening. The Festival was launched in 2018 with the intention to create a bustling cultural hub of knowledge and exchange for young people who have strong interest in traditional Chinese costumes. The museum not only showcases precious archaeological textiles, but also hosts various events and activities for the younger generation of hanfu enthusiasts. A special theme is introduced each year to bring together spectacular exhibitions and cultural exchange events. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940308/photo.jpg SOURCE China National Silk Museum GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 1, the 18th China-Singapore Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) kicked off in Singapore. The meeting resulted in the signing of 19 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and cooperation agreements, including the MOU on Developing a Cooperation Framework to Promote Singapore Companies' Participation in the China-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City (CSGKS)'s Industrial Development and Innovation. The meeting also provided a promising path for the future development of the CSGKS located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. A commission official of CSGKS Cooperation Affairs Office said, the signing of the MOU will contribute the CSGKS to attract more innovative high-tech enterprises from Singapore and other countries, further deepen the cooperation with Singapore in the field of scientific and technological innovation, support Singaporean enterprises in participating fully in the industrial development and innovation of the CSGKS, and polish the CSGKS as the preferred place for Singapore enterprises to invest. The China-Singapore International Joint Research Institute, which aims to build an important platform for China-Singapore cooperation and achievements transformation of scientific and technological innovation, has drawn on the experience and system of Singapore's industry-university-research integration and formulated nine industrialization systems, including the implementation rules of intellectual property support policies and several regulations on encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship. It has attracted a group of international high-level talents represented by Nanyang Technological University of Singapore to set up projects in the institute, and promoted the achievements transformation. The Regulations on CSGKC of Guangdong Province, which came into force on March 1 this year, delegated the authority of national and provincial economic construction management to the Management Committee of CSGKS through legislation, which has made remarkable achievements in China-Singapore state-level bilateral cooperation projects. In June this year, the China-Singapore Smart Park, one of the key projects to deepen cooperation in scientific and technological innovation and the construction of smart cities, was officially opened with a total investment of 1.4 billion yuan. It has introduced more than 60 industrialization projects such as NCS Greater Bay Area Fintech Delivery Center, SP Group, Guangzhou Lion TCR, Star 3D Oral digital Medicine, etc. Meanwhile, as a carrier of industrial innovation jointly built by China and Singapore, Ascendas OneHub GKC's Phase I Industrial Park has housed more than 400 enterprises and employed 3,000 people. The Guangzhou Innovation Institute of National University of Singapore is about to recruit students, commit itself to training nearly 3,000 high-level talents over a 10-year period, and shoot for becoming the largest comprehensive flagship project of the National University of Singapore in China. In recent years, cooperation projects between China and Singapore in key areas such as biomedicine, digital economy and green development have been launched in the CSGKS: In terms of biomedicine, Biosyngen has built the largest commercial production base of immunocellular drugs in South China ; Lion TCR ( Singapore ), the world's leading TCR-T cell therapy company, plans to build a GMP cell production base and serve as the company's headquarters in China . ; Lion TCR ( ), the world's leading TCR-T cell therapy company, plans to build a GMP cell production base and serve as the company's headquarters in . In terms of digital economy, NCS, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore Telecom, selected the CSGKS to set up the Greater Bay Area Fintech Delivery Center and the first phase has started operation, which is expected that 500 IT professionals will be stationed at the end of the year to accelerate the development of 5G, digital twins, blockchain and other technologies and build a cross-border innovation ecosystem. In terms of green development, the agreement was signed with SP Group to implement the investment, construction and operation of regional energy projects (including cooling and heating), starting from the Knowledge Tower project, and gradually promote them to other regions such as the China-Singapore International Scientific and Technological Innovation Cooperation Demonstration Zone. In terms of financial services, the MOU of cooperation was signed with the Singapore Exchange to promote the issuance of green bonds by three state-owned enterprises, with a cumulative issuance scale of US $1.34 billion , and deepen the connectivity with the international financial market. As an important carrier and innovation model of bilateral cooperation between China and Singapore, the CSGKC strives to build an important node in the GBA and become the world's knowledge economy highland. In the future, the CSGKC will further integrate development strategies of the Belt and Road Initiative and RCEP, continue to improve the level of institutional opening up, deepen cooperation in the digital economy and green development with Singapore, tap the potential of ASEAN countries and other markets, and show the world more new international cooperation programs and prospects full of Chinese wisdom. SOURCE CSGKS Cooperation Affairs Office NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Attention Rite Aid Corporation ("Rite Aid") (NYSE: RAD) shareholders: The Law Offices of Vincent Wong announce that a class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of investors who purchased between April 14, 2022 and September 28, 2022. If you suffered a loss on your investment in Rite Aid, contact us about potential recovery by using the link below. There is no cost or obligation to you. https://www.wongesq.com/pslra-1/rite-aid-loss-submission-form?prid=33351&wire=4 ABOUT THE ACTION: The class action against Rite Aid includes allegations that the Company made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) despite representations to the contrary, the number of new members that the Elixir pharmacy benefit management services business was adding during the selling season ending on January 1, 2023 was in material decline; (ii) Rite Aid was likely to recognize a significant charge for the impairment of goodwill related to Elixir due to a decrease in "lives" covered by Elixir's pharmacy benefit management services business; and (iii) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. DEADLINE: December 19, 2022 Aggrieved Rite Aid investors only have until December 19, 2022 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. You are not required to act as a lead plaintiff in order to share in any recovery. Vincent Wong, Esq. is an experienced attorney who has represented investors in securities litigations involving financial fraud and violations of shareholder rights. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Vincent Wong, Esq. 39 East Broadway Suite 304 New York, NY 10002 Tel. 212.425.1140 E-Mail: [email protected] SOURCE The Law Offices of Vincent Wong $50,000 Donation to Support and Grow Black Communities and Black Finance Executives CARMEL, Ind., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CNO Financial Group (NYSE: CNO) announced today a contribution of $50,000 to the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance), a coalition of more than 69 CEOs of Black-led community development financial institutions (CDFIs), committed to social and economic justice for African American communities. "CNO is proud to award The Alliance this donation to support a variety of initiatives that elevate Black leaders and further support the communities they serve," said Matt Zimpfer, general counsel and executive sponsor for CNO's diversity, equity and inclusion program. "Economic and social disparities that always existed have intensified over the last few years. The sense of urgency across organizations to align with and invest in elevating Black leaders and the communities they serve should be the standard. Our organization is honored to support The Alliance CEOs who are leading and empowering both financial services and social impact, all while elevating Black community leaders." The Alliance serves Black-led CDFIs nationwide, supporting and empowering CDFI CEOs to lead and grow their institutional operations, teams and social impact while elevating the voices of Black community leaders. It also serves as a thought leader for CDFI public policy issues and engages in research that is in the best interest of Black CDFIs' sustainability and stakeholders. "Thanks to the CNO Financial Group for selecting the Alliance for an investment in our mission to reduce the racial wealth gap. We are grateful for their commitment to addressing racial equity issues and investing in the work of the Alliance. With their support, we can continue to drive change by increasing the capacity of our members and building a more equitable CDFI industry. Thank you for being such great advocates and helping us empower Black communities!" said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., President & CEO of The Alliance. The Alliance also supports Black and female CEO members, who systemically face racial and gender resource inequities that adversely impact their CDFIs and communities. Funds from CNO's donation will focus on supporting the Alliance's mission, including women's leadership programs, CDFI training initiatives, technology and operations, as well as The Alliance grant-making foundation. CNO's donation is part of its long-standing commitment to support nonprofit organizations that address the health and financial wellness of middle-income Americans. The company is also a signatory of the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge and the Indy Racial Equity pledge, and a supporter of CEO Action for Racial Equity. To learn more about CNO's commitment to the community, DE&I, and corporate social responsibility, visit www.cnoinc.com/corporate-responsibility. About CNO Financial Group CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) secures the future of middle-income America. CNO provides life and health insurance, annuities, financial services, and workforce benefits solutions through our brands, including Bankers Life, Colonial Penn, Optavise, and Washington National. Our customers work hard to save for the future, and we help protect their health, income, and retirement needs with 3.2 million policies and $33 billion in total assets. Our 3,400 associates, 4,400 exclusive agents, and 4,700 independent partner agents guide individuals, families, and businesses through a lifetime of financial decisions. For more information, visit CNOinc.com. About The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) is a coalition of more than 69 CEOs of Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), comprising loan funds, credit unions, venture capital firms, and non-profit developers. Since 2018, The Alliance has represented all 50 states and the District of Columbia. As a result, members are uniquely positioned to address issues related to housing and access to capital for African American populations and communities. Learn more about The Alliance and its programs at http://www.aaacdfi.org. SOURCE CNO Financial Group PITTSBURGH and SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CNX Resources Corporation (NYSE: CNX) and New Frontier Aerospace, Inc. (NFA) today announced the companies have entered into an agreement, facilitated by Anew Climate, LLC (Anew Climate), to utilize abated methane emissions to fuel net carbon neutral ground and flight tests of NFA's hypersonic vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. NFA is developing next generation aircraft that can deliver passengers and cargo anywhere on the planet ten times faster than today's jets, while CNX is a leader in capturing and processing methane that would have otherwise vented into the atmosphere, resulting in ultra-low carbon intensity natural gas. The two companies are working towards a path to next generation air travel that is carbon neutral well before the airline industry's 2050 target date. This vision endeavors to bring the world closer together with cargo and passenger flights to any destination on Earth in less than two hours while significantly improving the environmental impact of today's airliners. CNX President of New Technologies Ravi Srivastava commented, "Like our recently announced partnerships with Pittsburgh International Airport and Newlight Technologies , this collaboration further demonstrates CNX's unique combination of assets, innovative technologies, and proven operational expertise which is helping to lead the sustainable energy revolution." Mr. Srivastava continued, "Through this agreement, we are not only abating methane emissions from being emitted to the atmosphere, but we are also transforming the way people will travel in the future in a faster, more environmentally sustainable manner." CNX's carbon negative methane will be sold to New Frontier Aerospace at a premium to conventional natural gas reflecting its low carbon intensity value. The monetary benefit CNX is receiving from NFA for supplying this methane will be used to expand CNX's methane capture program and create more climate benefit in the future. The methane captured by CNX has a carbon intensity comparable to that of environmental attributes from dairy manure-derived renewable natural gas, one of the lowest negative carbon intensity gas resources available. NFA CEO Bill Bruner said, "This agreement is a first step in moving from slow, subsonic jets that dump a billion tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere annually to a fleet of aircraft that are ten times faster with a net carbon negative fuel source. NFA's advanced propulsion, materials, aerothermal, and autonomous flight technologies will enable safe and affordable high-speed travel for everyone while reducing the airline industry's carbon impact to zero." The agreement between CNX and NFA was enabled by Anew Climate, the leading North American marketer of low carbon intensity renewable fuels and provider of comprehensive climate solutions. About CNX Resources CNX Resources Corporation (NYSE: CNX) is unique. We are a premier, low carbon intensive natural gas development, production, midstream, and technology company centered in Appalachia, one of the most energy abundant regions in the world. With the benefit of a 158-year regional legacy, substantial asset base, leading core operational competencies, technology development and innovation, and astute capital allocation methodologies, we responsibly develop our resources and deploy free cash flow to create long-term per share value for our shareholders, employees, and the communities where we operate. As of December 31, 2021, CNX had 9.63 trillion cubic feet equivalent of proved natural gas reserves. The company is a member of the Standard & Poor's Midcap 400 Index. Additional information is available at www.cnx.com . About New Frontier, Inc. ("NFA") With offices in Seattle, San Francisco, and Dayton, NFA builds renewably fueled hypersonic vertical landing aircraft so people and cargo can travel anywhere on the planet faster and cleaner than jets. NFA is supported by National Security Innovation Capital, a Department of Defense program that provides funding to early-stage hardware startups commercializing dual-use technologies critical to national security and economic competitiveness. Additional information is available at www.nfaero.com. About Anew Climate, LLC ("Anew" or "Anew Climate") Anew is accelerating the fight against climate change by enabling companies and organizations to align their goals for conservation and impact with actionable next steps. With a comprehensive solutions portfolio that includes advisory services, carbon credits, renewable natural gas, renewable energy credits, EV credits, plastic credits, and emission reduction credits, we lower barriers to participation in environmental markets for clients across the private and public sectors. As a leading marketer and originator of environmental products, we bring together strategic finance, regulatory expertise, scientific knowledge, and impact focus to make it possible for businesses to thrive while building a sustainable future. Anew is majority owned by TPG Rise, TPG's global impact investing platform, and emerged from the February 2022 combination of durational industry leaders Element Markets, LLC and Blue Source, LLC. The company has offices in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and an environmental commodities portfolio that extends across five continents. Additional information is available at www.anewclimate.com. Cautionary Statements We are including the following cautionary statement in this press release to make applicable and take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and any other protections afforded under applicable federal securities laws for any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of us. With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements (as defined in 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")) that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. These forward-looking statements may include projections and estimates concerning the timing and success of specific projects and our future production, revenues, income, and capital spending. When we use the words "believe," "intend," "expect," "may," "should," "anticipate," "could," "estimate," "plan," "predict," "project," "will," or their negatives, or other similar expressions, the statements which include those words are usually forward-looking statements. When we describe a strategy that involves risks or uncertainties, we are making forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release; we disclaim any obligation to update these statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While our management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies, and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Specific factors that could cause future actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements are described in detail under the captions "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and any subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Those risk factors discuss, among other matters, pricing volatility or pricing decline for natural gas and NGLs; local, regional and national economic conditions and the impact they may have on our customers; the impact of events beyond our control, including a global or domestic health crisis; dependence on gathering, processing and transportation facilities and other midstream facilities owned by others; conditions in the oil and gas industry; our current long-term debt obligations, and the terms of the agreements that govern that debt; strategic determinations, including the allocation of capital and other resources to strategic opportunities; cyber-incidents targeting our systems, oil and natural gas industry systems and infrastructure, or the systems of our third-party service providers; and changes in safety, health, environmental and other regulations. SOURCE CNX Resources Corporation; New Frontier Aerospace, Inc. NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Creatd, Inc. (OTCQB: CRTD) ("Creatd" or the "Company," a creator-first company, today announced that it has begun the application process to dual-list its shares on Upstream , the premier global exchange and trading app for digital securities and NFTs powered by Horizon Fintex ("Horizon") and MERJ Exchange Limited ("MERJ"). Creatd applies for dual-listing on Upstream. Upstream is the worlds first digital asset securities market built on the Ethereum blockchain and operated under a fully-fledged securities exchange license and regulations. The Company's proposed listing on Upstream is expected to facilitate access to a global, digital-first investor base that can trade using USDC digital currency along with credit, debit, PayPal, and USD, unlocking liquidity and enhancing price discovery while globalizing the opportunity to invest in Creatd ahead of its anticipated application to re-list on a national exchange. Commenting on the dual-listing strategy, Jeremy Frommer, CEO of Creatd, said, "Upholding transparency is what will drive the next stage of evolution in the public markets. Upstream is uniquely leading this charge by combining the best available technology with enforcement practices that together work to protect and empower issuer and investor alike. We are pursuing Creatd's dual-listing as part of a broader effort to realize the true value of our stock. Looking ahead, we are enthusiastic about the other potential opportunities to leverage Upstream, including its potential utility for the proposed spin-off of our OG Collection media library and other monetizable assets." Approval to be listed on Upstream is subject to approval by MERJ. This press release does not constitute a public offer of any securities for sale. Any securities offered privately will not be or have not been registered under the Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. About Upstream Upstream, a MERJ Exchange Market ( MERJ Exchange ), is a fully regulated global stock exchange for digital securities and NFTs. Powered by Horizon's Ethereum-L2 matching engine technology, the platform enables users to trade NFTs, and invest in securities for IPOs, crowdfunded companies, U.S. & international equities, and celebrity ventures using the Upstream app. For more information, please visit https://upstream.exchange . About Creatd Creatd, Inc. (OTCQB CM: CRTD) is a company dedicated to unlocking creativity for creators, brands, and consumers. We accomplish this through Creatd's four business pillars: Creatd Labs, Creatd Partners, Creatd Ventures, and Creatd Studios. Creatd: https://creatd.com ; Creatd IR: https://investors.creatd.com ; Vocal Platform: https://vocal.media ; Investor Relations Contact: [email protected] Forward-Looking Statements Any statements that are not historical facts and that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, indicated through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result," "are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimated," "intends," "plans," "believes" and "projects") may be forward-looking and may involve estimates and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. We caution that the factors described herein could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements we make and that investors should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of such factors. Further, we cannot assess the impact of each such factor on our results of operations or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. This press release is qualified in its entirety by the cautionary statements and risk factor disclosure contained in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings. SOURCE Creatd, Inc. CHINO HILLS, Calif., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 15th, California Regional MLS (CRMLS) will welcome their latest executive appointment, Katie Smithson in the role of Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). Smithson is a long-time veteran in the real estate industry with a history of MLS relation management and product innovation. Smithson has been in the real estate industry for 14 years, most recently as Director of MLS Relations for Bridge Interactive with Zillow. CRMLS appoints Katie Smithson as Chief Revenue Officer In her new role Smithson will be directing revenue operations, ensuring proper communication and collaboration between all the revenue-generating departments at CRMLS. She will be charged with improving customer satisfaction, product strategy, and sales performance. "We're looking forward to welcoming Katie to the CRMLS Executive Team," says CRMLS CEO Art Carter. "Her experience is invaluable, and I am confident that she will be a great addition to the company as the MLS industry evolves and CRMLS moves forward as a company. " "I am excited to join the extremely talented team at CRMLS," says Smithson. "I've worked with them for years and always admired the caliber of leadership, so when this opportunity came along, it only made sense to say yes. I am inspired by the vision CRMLS has and can't wait to help shape the future of our industry." As a vendor in the MLS Industry Smithson has an extensive track record of success in building B2B relationships, increasing returns, and developing product offerings. She has also served as a NAR REACH mentor, board member for the Council of MLS with a CMLX 1 certification, and RESO Board Secretary. About California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS) California Regional MLS is the nation's largest and most recognized subscriber-based MLS, dedicated to servicing more than 110,000 real estate professionals from 41 Associations, Boards, and MLS organizations. CRMLS is the industry powerhouse and thrives on providing the most relevant products and services to its subscribers. For more information on CRMLS, visit www.crmls.org. Contact: Art Carter, [email protected] SOURCE California Regional MLS TORONTO and GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Converge Technology Solutions Corp. ("Converge" or "the Company") (TSX: CTS) (FSE: 0ZB) (OTCQX: CTSDF) a services-led, software-enabled, IT & Cloud Solutions provider, is pleased to announce that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Converge as a 2022 Triple Crown Award winner. The Triple Crown Award is reserved for those select few companies that earn a spot on all three of CRN's prestigious solution provider award lists in the same calendar year. Now in its ninth year, the CRN Triple Crown Award spotlights top North American solution providers for displaying a tireless commitment to achieving high revenue, company growth, and unparalleled technical expertise within the IT channel. Converge placed #18 on this year's list. To qualify for the CRN Triple Crown Award, companies must earn a place on CRN's Solution Provider 500, a ranking of the largest IT solution providers by revenue in North America; the Fast Growth 150, a ranking of high-growth organizations in the channel; and the Tech Elite 250, which recognizes solution providers that have attained top-level certifications from leading technology vendors in the industry. Being chosen for even one of these prestigious lists is an honor worth celebrating, but meriting a spot on all three lists in a single year demonstrates a rare combination of market leadership, sales acumen and technical prowess. "The solution providers that have earned this year's Triple Crown Award have demonstrated an unceasing enthusiasm towards technical mastery, innovative thinking, consistent growth, and high-caliber customer service within the North American IT industry," said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. "This award represents a chosen company's ability to go above and beyond, and we're excited to see where their dedication, their expertise, and their passion will take them as we venture forward into the future of the IT channel industry." "Converge is very proud to be a 2022 CRN Triple Crown Award winner," stated Shaun Maine, CEO of Converge. "After placing on the Solution Provider 500, Fast Growth 150, and Tech Elite 250 lists earlier this year, ranking 18th on the Triple Crown list is a great way to end another year of CRN awards and serves as confirmation of the hard work of the Converge team." This year's Triple Crown Award winners are featured in the latest issue of CRN and online at www.crn.com/triplecrown. About The Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequalled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelcompany.com Follow The Channel Company: Twitter , LinkedIn, and Facebook . The Channel Company Contact: Natalie Lewis The Channel Company [email protected] About Converge Converge Technology Solutions Corp. is a services-led, software-enabled, IT & Cloud Solutions provider focused on delivering industry-leading solutions. Converge's global approach delivers advanced analytics, application modernization, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and digital workplace offerings to clients across various industries. The Company supports these solutions with advisory, implementation, and managed services expertise across all major IT vendors in the marketplace. This multi-faceted approach enables Converge to address the unique business and technology requirements for all clients in the public and private sectors. For more information, visit convergetp.com. Converge Technology Solutions Corp., Email: [email protected], Phone: 416-360-1495 SOURCE Converge Technology Solutions Corp. SHANGHAI, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: DQ) ("Daqo New Energy," the "Company" or "we"), a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon for the global solar PV industry, today announced that its board of directors has approved a US$700 million share repurchase program, effective from November 7, 2022 to December 31, 2023. The board of directors has authorized Daqo New Energy to repurchase up to US$700 million worth of its own issued and outstanding ordinary shares or American depositary shares representing ordinary shares on the open market, in negotiated transactions off the market, in block trades or through other legally permissible means in accordance with applicable United States securities laws. The Company expects to fund the repurchase primarily out of its potentially available cash, as well as its existing cash balance. The repurchase program does not obligate Daqo New Energy to acquire any particular number of ordinary shares or ADSs at any specific time. The board of directors will review the share repurchase program periodically and may authorize adjustment of its terms and size accordingly. About Daqo New Energy Corp. Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: DQ) ("Daqo" or the "Company") is a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon for the global solar PV industry. Founded in 2007, the Company manufactures and sells high-purity polysilicon to photovoltaic product manufactures, who further process the polysilicon into ingots, wafers, cells and modules for solar power solutions. The Company has a total polysilicon nameplate capacity of 105,000 metric tons and is one of the world's lowest cost producers of high-purity polysilicon. Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, Daqo New Energy's share repurchase plans contain forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the demand for photovoltaic products and the development of photovoltaic technologies; global supply and demand for polysilicon; alternative technologies in cell manufacturing; the Company's ability to significantly expand its polysilicon production capacity and output; the reduction in or elimination of government subsidies and economic incentives for solar energy applications; the Company's ability to lower its production costs; changes in the political and regulatory environment; and the impact of COVID-19 outbreaks and any other new pandemic in China and other countries, and the corresponding measures instituted by relevant governments, on economic and market conditions. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the reports or documents the Company has filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Daqo New Energy does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Daqo New Energy undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law For more information, please visit www.dqsolar.com Daqo New Energy Corp. Investor Relations Email: [email protected] Christensen In China Mr. Rene Vanguestaine Phone: +86 178 1749 0483 [email protected] In the U.S. Ms. Linda Bergkamp Phone: +1-480-614-3004 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Daqo New Energy Corp. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. RED BANK, N.J., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Donald W. Cash, CPA, CFP, announced he had been interviewed and recently contributed to an article in The Wall Street Journal, focusing on recent IRA news. The S&P is down almost 25% by September of 2022, some indices are down over 30%. Even so, most retirees 72+ years of age are still forced to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their retirement accounts. Without stopgap legislation to halt that rule, Federal law demands those withdrawals proceed regardless of retirees' concerns about the very real loss to their current IRA values. Mr. Cash is the owner and principal associate of Donald W. Cash & Associates Inc., a firm that specializes in managing exactly these sorts of client investments. Donald W. Cash - CPA, CFP "There are a lot of financial landmines out there for IRA owners and this recent market plunge, paired with federal RMD mandates, is just the latest one," said Mr. Cash. "The main source of concern has to do with IRS rules governing these IRAs, because RMDs are all taxed based on values from the previous year. Since these IRAs have taken a severe hit this year, that means their value is far less now than in 2021. Retirees are literally being taxed on a previous IRA value that is no longer there." "To give an example of what this looks like for a typical retiree: for an 80-year-old taxpayer with a $1 million account at the end of 2021, a 15% dip in value and a $50,000 required distribution would reduce his account balance to approximately $800,000. That's a major loss. As of now, there is no pending legislation to stop this, like the RMD waivers we saw during the financial crises of 2009 and the pandemic relief of 2020. So regrettably, retirees are just going to have to grit-their-teeth and absorb this loss." "But there are some ways of mitigating this, like converting IRA money to a Roth IRA account," said Mr. Cash. "An account owner would essentially be moving shares from her IRA account to the Roth IRA at depressed values, paying an income tax at that value and when the values recover in the Roth IRA. They are tax free and NOT subject to the required minimum distribution at any age." "In addition to this bad news regarding RMDs, retirees also face other pitfalls around their IRAs. The primary one we often hear from new clients at my firm is confusion around the age that people are required to take these RMDs. The rules and proposed changes have shifted multiple times. In addition, the heirs and beneficiaries of IRA accounts face more complex regulations that confuses them and account owners, and rightly so." "It's all a real slog for average investors to understand. Which is why we cannot stress this often and firmly enough: financial markets and retirement planning are extremely complex, often it might seem, by design. So, it is absolutely in your best interest to learn as much as you can, and crucial that you consider securing the services of a qualified financial planner." Learn more about investment markets, IRAs, Medicare news, and other important financial topics by listening to Donald Cash's regular podcast "Your Money and Your Life. About Donald W. Cash & Associates, Inc. Our mission is to help our clients understand how insurance and investment markets work, show clients how to separate fact from fiction, and develop a financial roadmap to and through retirement. This starts with a sound financial education and an understanding of goals, which is why we provide a wealth of information to those preparing for and in retirement: IRA and Roth IRA conversion calculators, articles, flipbooks, newsletters, glossaries, videos, a regular podcast, and much more. We are always committed to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality with all of our clients. Because ultimately, our goals are yours. We want you to live a life of abundance and purpose free from worry. Learn more at: www.DonaldCash.com. Media Contact: Donald W. Cash, CPA, CFP (732) 409-5240 [email protected] SOURCE Donald W. Cash WARSAW, Poland, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The consortium implementing the CCS4CEE project has just published a series of documents entitled CCS Roadmap for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), which crowns the project's next phase. The documents aim to support successful CCS deployment across the Region by presenting a first-of-its-kind policy plan with a range of actions related to CCS that should be taken. The publication includes 3 documents: the summary of national CCS roadmaps for 10 countries (listed below), that were published in June; the roadmap for regional cooperation and links between the roadmap for CEE countries and European-level initiatives. Our analysis confirms that what is particularly important to successfully deploy CCS in CEE is regional cooperation, especially: sharing knowledge, research experience, and infrastructure, especially storage sites with states which possess limited CO 2 storage potential, Kamil Laskowski from WiseEuropa said. The specific solutions outlined in the document as well as in the national roadmaps had been consulted with key CCS actors in partner countries. Without considering stakeholders' perspectives of CCS, it wouldn't be possible to develop concrete and implementable roadmaps, support more accurate and realistic policy recommendations and deployment timelines, Michal Hruby from EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy explained. The final phase of the project Events dedicated to the stakeholders, publishing national CCS roadmaps, and the project conference in Brussels were the main highlights of the project's current stage. Now, it is gaining momentum and entering its final phase. We will continue our engagement with stakeholders while seeking to connect more actors with platforms that are relevant to CCS. We would also like to support project developers in their efforts. This will be done through capacity-building and communication activities, Micha Wendoowski from Bellona Europa announced. About the CCS4CEE Project and the Consortium The CCS4CEE project aims to renew the discussion on the long-term deployment of CCS in the CEE region, leading to new policies and joint projects. It covers Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine. The project is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Regional Cooperation. It is led by WiseEuropa and supported by Bellona Foundation as an expert partner. Other partners include Energy Policy Group, Institute for European Integration, and Civitta Latvija. The project is supported by EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy. #TogetherForImplementation #JustAndAmbitious #COP27 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1937777/WISEEUROPA_Logo.jpg SOURCE WISEEUROPA DISQO's single-source CX intelligence platform enables brands to benchmark full-funnel campaign effectiveness LOS ANGELES, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Customer experience (CX) intelligence platform DISQO today released its " Brand and Outcomes Lift Industry Benchmarks " report, the first industry-wide normative data on the full-funnel effectiveness of ad campaigns. Advertisers can use these new benchmarks to assess relative campaign effectiveness across fourteen unique metrics and four advertising categories. DISQO's new normative benchmarks improve upon legacy measurements in such key areas as: DISQO's single-source CX intelligence platform enables brands to benchmark full-funnel campaign effectiveness Tweet this DISQO RELEASES INDUSTRY-FIRST UNIFIED AD MEASUREMENT BENCHMARKS COMBINING BRAND AND OUTCOMES LIFT Metric depth: DISQO's Brand and Outcomes Lift benchmarks go beyond brand lift metrics to explore full-funnel outcomes like site visitation, search, and e-commerce DISQO's Brand and Outcomes Lift benchmarks go beyond brand lift metrics to explore full-funnel outcomes like site visitation, search, and e-commerce Temporal recency: Only campaigns from first quarter 2021 and beyond are included, maximizing the relevance of comparisons to contemporary competitive ads Only campaigns from first quarter 2021 and beyond are included, maximizing the relevance of comparisons to contemporary competitive ads Cross-platform breadth: Coverage across platforms, devices, and channels - including new formats such as CTV "DISQO's Brand and Outcomes Lift products are fueled by our 100% proprietary audience, who opt in to share both what they think and what they do online. This enables our clients to assess attitudinal shifts and digital behavioral impacts post ad exposure across a wide range of platforms, so they can confidently assign attribution to their campaigns," said Yannis Pavlidis, VP, Data Science and Analytics, DISQO. "As use of our ad measurement capabilities continues to scale, our normative benchmarks will be an indispensable tool for brands and agencies looking to continually improve their ad effectiveness." Other normative datasets in the industry benchmark top-of-funnel brand metrics, such as awareness and favorability. In contrast, DISQO's fully-consented ad measurement lets marketers understand the full customer experience with advertising. It measures both top-of-funnel brand metrics and bottom-of-funnel behavioral outcomes post-ad exposure. These outcomes include site visitation, search activity, and add-to-cart e-commerce actions. DISQO's ad measurement captures lift after ad exposure across mobile, retail, and social platforms. Because of these capabilities, the new normative benchmark report provides the first and only clear view of advertising effectiveness from brand to outcomes across a wide range of platforms. With DISQO's benchmarks, advertisers gain the ability to connect lift for traditional brand metrics with lift in behavioral outcome, improve their understanding of what drives their customers' loyalty and purchase behaviors, and benchmark their campaigns against other advertisers in their category and beyond. DISQO's inaugural normative benchmarks cover: The consumables, goods, services , and vehicles categories, as well as overall benchmarks for brand and outcomes lift, regardless of category; , and categories, as well as benchmarks for brand and outcomes lift, regardless of category; Eight brand lift benchmarks including unaided awareness, aided awareness, familiarity, ad awareness, tagline association, favorability, consideration, and purchase intent; and including unaided awareness, aided awareness, familiarity, ad awareness, tagline association, favorability, consideration, and purchase intent; and Six outcomes lift benchmarks including category search, category site visitation, category e-commerce, branded search, branded site visitation and branded e-commerce. In this first report, goods advertising (high-consideration products like furniture and electronics) drove the greatest brand lift. Consumables advertising (CPG and other low-consideration products) were most effective creating brand lift and raising persuasion metrics. Auto advertising led the way driving consumers to visit category sites, at almost 2 points higher than other categories. The full report, "Brand and Outcomes Lift Industry Benchmarks," is available for download here . Quarterly updates to the benchmarks report will be available on the DISQO site and accessible directly in DISQO's Brand and Outcomes Lift products. Methodology The normative benchmarks presented in this report are based on campaigns measured by DISQO's Brand and Outcomes Lift products. The dataset includes all campaigns that were completed and measured between March 2021 and September 2022 based on the median incremental point lift by overall and by category. About DISQO DISQO is the CX intelligence platform for understanding every customer experience. Businesses trust DISQO to power better decisions for every customer, touchpoint, and outcome. DISQO's insights, agile testing and advertising measurement products are powered by millions of consumers on the industry's largest opt-in consumer data platform. DISQO is recognized in Deloitte's Fast 500 and is a Top 100 Next Gen Workplace. Follow @DISQO on LinkedIn and Twitter . SOURCE DISQO North Shore Animal League America's Mutt-i-grees Curriculum Develops New Online Resource For School Dog Program With Funding From Robert H. Spitz Foundation PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- North Shore Animal League America's Mutt-i-grees Curriculum develops a comprehensive online "playbook" explaining the benefits and implementation of the School Dog Program with a grant from the Scranton, PA based Robert H. Spitz Foundation. The course and other resources of Mutt-i-grees Curriculum help educators support mental health through social emotional learning and humane education. New Mutt-i-grees program helps educators partner with rescue dogs. Photo: North Shore Animal League America The continued support by the Robert H. Spitz Foundation for North Shore Animal League America's rescue and education endeavors is greatly appreciated as they continue to fulfill their no-kill mission to Rescue, Nurture, Adopt, and Educate. A grant funded the development of a second online professional education offering, Mutt-i-grees School Dog Course, available to educators through the program's website - muttigrees.org. Building on the first course, Mutt-i-grees, An Introduction, this course dives into the best practices and protocols for the School Dog Program which integrates rescue dogs into the daily school routines. The Mutt-i-grees Curriculum was developed in collaboration with Yale University School of the 21st Century. The program bridges humane education with social emotional learning. Now in its 13th year, more than 5,000 educational settings across the country, in Canada, and in a few European countries have utilized this innovative resource to build kindness by focusing on the plight of homeless animals. North Shore Animal League America's no-kill mission resonates among educators, parents, and students while the Mutt-i-grees Curriculum cultivates the next generation of animal adopters, advocates, and influencers. According to Jayne Vitale, Director of Education and Youth Programs for North Shore Animal League America, "This grant allowed us to expand our digital offerings bringing our resources to teachers, librarians, and students. We are excited to provide content on the School Dog Program in such an accessible format. Routine webinars with various subject experts, reading sessions for authors to read their books to students, and student-lead rescue discussions were also supported by the grant. We appreciate that the Robert H. Spitz Foundation shares our vision to expand humane education." For more information about North Shore Animal League America's Mutt-i-grees Curriculum, please visit: www.muttigrees.org Contact: [email protected] About North Shore Animal League America Animal League America has saved more than 1.1 million lives. As the world's largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization, we understand that a rescue isn't complete until each animal is placed into a loving home. Our innovative programs provide education to reduce animal cruelty and advance standards in animal welfare. We reach across the country to rescue animals from overcrowded shelters, unwanted litters, puppy mills, natural disasters and other emergencies and find them permanent, loving homes. About the Robert H. Spitz Foundation Scranton Area Community Foundation has served as administrator of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation since 2016. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation is a tax-exempt, private foundation and supports initiatives and programs serving the residents of Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Formed in 2015 through the estate of Mr. Spitz, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation supports an array of projects and programs that improve the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. To date, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation has provided over $2.1 million in funding to the community. SOURCE North Shore Animal League America Operation Deep Dive Seeks to Find Preventative Solutions to Former Service Member Suicide AUGUSTA, Ga., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- America's Warrior Partnership (AWP) announced a new partnership with Duke University as part of their ongoing project Operation Deep Dive, a study encompassing five years of death data from states across the country, corroborated by the Department of Defense, looking into the deaths of former service members. Duke University will act as the academic research partner for the project. Their research, in partnership with AWP, will seek to achieve two goals: First, researchers will seek to identify factors related to suicide and other causes of early mortality among U.S. military service members. Second, they hope to understand the influence of the social environment on death by suicide or other self-injury mortality among former U.S. military service members. "Duke University is a renowned institution known for their quality research and academics," said Jim Lorraine, President and CEO of AWP. "We are excited to partner with an establishment marked by excellence to better understand former service member suicide and find preventive solutions. Our service members deserve nothing but the best." In September, AWP released an interim report from Operation Deep Dive. The research found that the rate of suicide and self-injury mortality is more than twice what the Department of Veterans Affairs had previously reported. As AWP looks to broaden the scope of their research, more state participation is necessary to expand the study and more effectively develop prevention methods. "Investigation of premature mortality among former service members is a challenging undertaking, but, we believe, like America's Warriors Partnership, that this is a very important public health problem." Truls Ostbye, MD, PhD, Vice Chair (Research) in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at Duke University. Researchers in Family Medicine and Community Health at Duke University hold expertise in occupational and community health, epidemiology, qualitative data collection and analysis, and analysis of big data and large health surveysincluding the use of qualitative and quantitative data to inform intervention development focused on health behavior change. An integral part of family medicine and community health is prevention, which is the ultimate goal of the project. About America's Warrior Partnership America's Warrior Partnership is committed to partnering with communities to prevent veteran suicide. At a national level, the AWP Network fills the gaps between veteran service organizations by helping nonprofits connect with veterans, their families, and caregivers via our WarriorServe proprietary technology platform. On a local level, the five community branches utilize AWP's proven Community Integration Model to work with local organizations, leadership and stakeholders to create a collaborative and cohesive structure of engagement and support for veterans, their families and caregivers. The holistic, one size-fits-one Model, is currently used in communities across the country. It has served to date over 58,000 veterans, and many more when including family members and caregivers, resulting in an estimated economic impact of over $302 million. The approach is a Four-Step Plan to connect, educate, advocate, and collaborate with both veterans and their communities. Our programs bolster nonprofit efficacy, improving their results, and empowering their initiatives. Preventing veteran suicide is the singular outcome of America's Warrior Partnership's work. For more information on America's Warrior Partnership visit https://www.americaswarriorpartnership.org . SOURCE Americas Warrior Partnership The Electric Mountain Bike with a 750W Powerful Motor and a Removable Battery SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- DYU which is well-known for its D series electric bike with compact and stylish designs, will be launching a new power assist bike named DYU King 750. Different from previous DYU models, DYU King 750 features a high-performance riding experience with the elevated product hardware. DYU King 750 Electric Bike Firstly, DYU King 750 comes with a spoke wheel 48V/750W high-power motor. With the high-speed motor, high torque and high-efficiency design, the electric bike is able to realize a maximum 28 mile/h high speed. Compared to the speed of the DYU D series, the King 750 speed is increased by nearly 100%. Faster speed and powerful motor also make it an eligible mountain bike for various terrains and needs, carrying you to the next destination in a much quicker and more efficient way. Compared with the most popular ebikes on market nowadays, the speed ranks in the top class without a doubt. Together with the 26*4.0 fat tire for more ground friction, King 750 is not only fast but also safer. Second, DYU King 750 is designed with a removable 48V20AH, 13S4P, 21700/LG/5000mah high-capacity battery. Charging the electric bike battery regularly can be irritating for someone with a busy schedule. Ebikes take 3-7 hours to charge 100%, so you need to keep at least 4 hours at hand. While the King 750 electric bike battery is removable, you can swipe it with a fully charged one. Or, you can take it out and charge it in the bedroom, giving you more freedom. The pure electricity-powered model lasts about 80km per charge, and the manual-assisted model reaches an amazing 100km long distance. Last but not least, DYU King 750 is safe and ergonomic. Left and right double power-off brake levers stop motor output promptly, and the front and rear double hydraulic premium disc brakes are sensitive, stable, and bring more safety for riding. Fitness mode, pure electric mode, and power-assisted riding mode with the support of an advanced Shimano 7-speed transmission system make your riding customizable and in full control under your own preferences. No matter you like doing more fitness yourself or like letting electricity do the job, going uphill or sliding downhill, all the needs can be fulfilled perfectly with the least effort by both the rider and the motor. DYU CEO and founder, Leven Lee, has this to say, "Here at DYU, we are passionate about bringing green technologies to life. Besides the DYU D3F ebikes, launching the high-performance electric mountain bike DYU King 750 is one of our biggest endeavors to date. We are very excited to introduce our e-bike and we believe the DYU King 750 is more than just a bike; it's a change in lifestyle that will save you time, save you money and help save our planet." Learn more about DYU King 750: https://bit.ly/3Uwre14 Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China. Focusing on designing, researching, manufacturing and selling of electric bicycles. DYU has a self-operated production factory located in Huizhou. DYU had an annual electric two-wheeled vehicle production capacity of approximately 600 thousand units, supported by more than 200 employees. DYU's global network covered over 60 countries worldwide and consisted of over 100 distributors. This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE DYU TYLER, Texas, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Education Advanced, Inc. is once again among the top 100 companies from around the world selected for the 18th annual Aggie 100 which honors the fastest-growing companies owned by former students of Texas A&M University. Education Advanced, Inc. was recognized as No. 3 with a compound annual growth rate of 123 percent, moving up from No. 30 in 2021. The Aggie 100 is founded and sponsored by the McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship at Texas A&M University. Dr. Eli Crow, Founder and CEO, Education Advanced, Inc. "We are thrilled to have won this prestigious award for two years in a row," said Education Advanced, Inc. founder and CEO Dr. Eli Crow, Texas A&M University Class of 2001. "It is rewarding to work with a visionary team to provide educators across the nation with unparalleled operational efficiency solutions so they can reclaim time and resources for students. This award inspires us to keep innovating and providing the best possible products and services." The 100 Aggie-owned companies with the highest compound annual revenue growth from 2019 to 2021 were recognized at a formal celebration at the Hall of Champions at Texas A&M University's Kyle Field on Nov. 4, 2022. The honorees were joined in celebration by family, friends, employees, faculty, administrators, current students and fellow entrepreneurs. "Now in its 18th year, the Aggie 100 continues to re-set the standard for recognizing and celebrating the best of our Aggie entrepreneurs across the globe. These 100 companies and their Aggie founders and leaders have proven their determination for success, and we're excited to welcome them to the Aggie 100 family. This year saw our second-highest number of applications ever, indicating just how competitive these rankings have become. This 18th class of the Aggie 100 represents the cream that has truly risen to the top, and we're honored to be a part of their company's story and success," said Blake Petty '98, Executive Director of the McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship. A complete Aggie 100 list can be viewed at www.aggie100.com. About Education Advanced, Inc. Education Advanced, Inc. (EAI) is a provider of operations management and workflow solutions for K-12 school districts that enable educators to be more efficient, allowing them to dedicate more of their time and resources to exceeding student needs. EAI's product offering includes Cardonex, TestHound, Embarc, Pathways, and Evaluation. These award-winning and patented technology solutions advance the efficacy of master scheduling, staff planning, curriculum management, assessment coordination, educator growth, and graduation tracking for K-12 school districts across the country. Learn more educationadvanced.com. SOURCE Education Advanced Learn about crucial advisory and intelligence that can assist buyers in identifying and shortlisting the most suitable suppliers for their dairy product requirements. Some of the leading Electrical Resistor suppliers profiled extensively in this report are ABB Ltd., Schneider Electric SE, and General Electric Co. https://procurement.spendedge.com/report/electrical-resistor-procurement-market-intelligence-report Electrical Resistor Procurement: Pricing Insights It is crucial to keep track of current and future Electrical Resistor price trends to completely optimize the value of the purchase, both from the current cash outflow as well as the overall cost and benefit perspective. Price forecasts are beneficial in purchase planning, especially when supplemented by constant monitoring of price influencing factors described in the report. Pricing insights presented in this report cover pricing benchmarks and the trends and strategies that can help optimize cost savings. Request for a FREE sample to access the definite purchasing guide on Electrical Resistor that answers all your key questions on price trends and analysis: Am I paying/getting the right prices? Is my Electrical Resistor TCO (total cost of ownership) favorable? How is the price forecast expected to change? What is driving the current and future price changes? Which pricing models offer the most rewarding opportunities? Electrical Resistor Sourcing and Procurement Market Report Key Details: Report Specs Details Spend growth (CAGR) 5.58 % Incremental spend USD 1057.29 Million Pricing models Volume-based pricing model, Cost-plus pricing model, and Competitive pricing model Supplier selection scope Quality management system, Staff training and competencies, Logistics capabilities, and Customization of products Market dynamics Regional categories spend in terms of percentage with respect to North America, South America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa and APAC and global category spend and CAGR in terms of percentage over 5 years. https://procurement.spendedge.com/report/electrical-resistor-procurement-market-intelligence-report What are the Key Data Covered in this Electrical Resistor Sourcing and Procurement Market Report? Detailed insights and analysis of the major cost drivers, volume drivers, and innovations of the Electrical Resistor procurement and sourcing market. Precise estimation of procurement strategies deployed by major category end-users across several industries while sourcing for Electrical Resistor requirements. Accurate predictions on upcoming trends and changes in vendor behavior. Analysis of various supplier selection criteria, RFX questions, supplier evaluation metrics, and service level agreements. Insight into the most adopted procurement strategies by buyers across industries and an analysis of these strategies with respect to innovation, regulatory compliance, quality, supply, and cost. Comprehensive details about each pricing model and the pros and cons attached to every pricing model prevalent in the market. Best Selling Report: Printing Ink Sourcing and Procurement Report : This report offers detailed insights and analysis of the major cost drivers, volume drivers, and innovations of the printing ink procurement and sourcing market, which the global suppliers have been leveraging to gain a competitive edge across regions. Read More This report offers detailed insights and analysis of the major cost drivers, volume drivers, and innovations of the printing ink procurement and sourcing market, which the global suppliers have been leveraging to gain a competitive edge across regions. Read More Industrial Gases Market Top Spending Regions and Market Price Trends: Only a few regions will drive the majority of this growth. Moreover, on the supply side, North America , Europe , and APAC will have the maximum influence owing to the supplier base. Know More Table of Content Executive Summary Market Insights Category Pricing Insights Cost-saving Opportunities Best Practices Category Ecosystem Category Management Strategy Category Management Enablers Suppliers Selection Suppliers under Coverage US Market Insights Category scope Appendix About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. Contact SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager Ph No: +1 (872) 206-9340 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us SOURCE SpendEdge CHICAGO, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Elysabeth Alfano, CEO of VegTech Invest and Plant Powered Consulting, will speak on investing for a Sustainable Food Supply System at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change COP 27 summit in Sharm El Sheikh. An invited speaker to the Food4Climate Pavilion, Elysabeth will be attending the second week of the summit discussing the role of finance in helping to solve some of the world's most pressing issues. Plant-based Business Expert and CEO of VegTech Invest, Elysabeth Alfano VegTech Invest A contributor to Fintech TV and ESG Clarity, Elysabeth is a sought-after speaker on the deleterious impact of the factory-animal food industry and the investment opportunities in the innovations and technologies for creating a sustainable food supply system. She is also hosting episodes of her Plantbased Business Hour podcast on location. Addressing Animal Agriculture is Critical to Climate Change "We won't sufficiently impact Climate Change in the time needed if we don't address the methane and deforestation from animal agriculture," states Elysabeth Alfano. According to EPA, almost one-third of all global methane emissions and 37% of US methane emissions come from animal agriculture. In addition, it is responsible for 41% of the tropical deforestation and uses 42% of the world's clean water. "Plant-based Innovation is the most efficient solution to impacting many issues: Climate Change, Food Security, Deforestation, Biodiversity Loss, Antibiotic Resistance, Pandemic Risk, Human Health and Healthcare costs and, obviously, Animal Welfare." A COP First: Discussing Food Supply Systems The Food4Climate Pavilion is hosted by A Well-Fed World, Compassion in World Farming, Food Tank, Four Paws, iPES Food, and ProVeg international. 2022 is the first of the 27 United Nations Climate Change COP summits to address the role of our food supply system in Climate Change and Food Insecurity. Topics will range from Farmers and a Just Transition, Plant-based and Protein Innovation and Diversification, Loss & Food Waste Systems and Food Insecurity. Elysabeth will speak on the role of finance in creating an efficient, cruelty-free, and sustainable food supply system. About Elysabeth Alfano Elysabeth Alfano is the CEO of VegTech Invest, the advisor to the Plant-based Innovation & Climate ETF , EATV . She is a plant-based industry expert and speaks internationally on the intersection of investing, sustainability, and our global food supply system, including recently at the U.N. Global Leaders Compact Summit and the upcoming United Nations Climate Change COP27 summit. A renowned and respected thought leader in the plant-based business sector, Elysabeth consults and advises, through her company Plant Powered Consulting , multinationals and C-Suite Executives on the industry landscape, direction and whitespaces. Elysabeth hosts the Plantbased Business Hour, which features the CEOs and business leaders in the industry. The Plantbased Business Hour is considered "The Gold Standard" for those who want to understand, participate in, and capitalize on this megatrend. She contributes to ESG Clarity and FinTechTV. Linkedin here. About COP 27 COP27 is the annual United Nations Climate Change Summit hosted every year in a different country. 2022 is the first year that food systems will be included in the discussion. Media contact: Gwen Brown 312.391.2883 [email protected] SOURCE Plant Powered Consulting Until September, Embraer delivered 27 commercial and 52 executive jets Firm order backlog reached US$ 17.8 billion at the 3Q22 SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS, Brazil, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3) delivered 33 jets in the third quarter of 2022, of which 10 were commercial and 23 were executive jets (15 light and eight midsize). The volume of deliveries is 10% higher compared to the 30 jets delivered in the same period in 2021, when the company delivered nine commercial and 21 executive jets. In the year, the company has delivered a total of 79 aircraft (27 commercial and 52 executive). The firm order backlog ended 3Q22 at US$17.8 billion, stable compared with the last quarter. Embraer reaffirms its 2022 deliveries guidance. Deliveries by Segment 3Q22 2022 Commercial Aviation 10 27 E175 9 21 E195-E2 1 6 Executive Aviation 23 52 Phenom 100 2 5 Phenom 300 13 28 Light Jets 15 33 Praetor 500 4 9 Praetor 600 4 10 Midsize Jets 8 19 TOTAL 33 79 In September, Embraer celebrated the delivery of the 1,700th E-Jet. An E195-E2, acquired by Aircastle, was delivered to KLM Cityhopper during a ceremony in Sao Jose dos Campos. The program has been a global success since its start, in 2004. E-Jets have been added by more than 150 airlines and leasing companies' fleets in 50 countries. In October, SalamAir, from Oman, and TUI, from Belgium, announced the selection of the E195-E2 to integrate their respective fleets. The Omani airline has signed a firm order for six aircraft, with purchase rights for a further six. Deliveries to SalamAir will be made from the end of 2023. TUI will receive three E195-E2s from AerCap, under a long-term lease agreement. Backlog - Commercial Aviation (September 30, 2022) Aircraft Type Firm Orders Deliveries Firm Order Backlog E170 191 191 - E175 817 714 103 E190 568 565 3 E195 172 172 - E190-E2 20 17 3 E195-E2 227 39 188 Total 1,995 1,698 297 Note: Deliveries and firm order backlog include orders for the Defense segment placed by State-run airlines (Satena and TAME). Follow us on Twitter: @Embraer About Embraer A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer has businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense & Security and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services & Support to customers after-sales. Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year. Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high-value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, and service and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. For more information, visit www.embraer.com. SOURCE Embraer S.A. Enara Bio's unique approach identifying Dark Antigen candidates and cognate T cells in non-small-cell lung cancer and melanoma detailed in two posters to be presented at the 37th Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Annual Meeting OXFORD, England, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Enara Bio, a biotechnology company advancing novel T cell directed immunotherapies against unconventional, shared, cancer-specific antigens, today announces it will present two posters at the 37th Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Annual Meeting, which will be held in Boston, MA and virtually, 8-12 November 2022. The two abstracts describe the pioneering research being conducted by Enara Bio and its partners, leveraging its expertise and unique EDAPT platform. These findings demonstrate Enara Bio's ability to identify Dark Antigens shared across a broad range of cancers enabling the development of novel immunotherapies, such as bispecific T cell engagers, adoptive cell therapies and cancer vaccines. Through this approach, Enara and its partners hope to bring a new generation of cancer treatments to a wide variety of patients across multiple different tumor types, where there remain significant unmet needs. Details of the poster presentations (which will be available on the Company website at the time of the meeting) are as follows: Abstract # 312 Abstract Title: Identification of novel NSC lung cancer Dark Antigens with expression in multiple tumor types, as promising targets for immunotherapies Authors: Rachel J.M. Abbott et al. Presenter: Joseph Dukes , Vice President, Head of Research, Enara Bio , Vice President, Head of Research, Enara Bio Abstract # 312 describes Enara Bio's work, conducted in collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, to identify and characterize novel Dark Antigen candidates as immunotherapy targets in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Abstract # 343 Abstract Title: Identification of tumor-reactive T cells targeting melanoma Dark Antigens validates this novel class of targets for development of immunotherapies Authors: Rachel J.M. Abbott et al. Presenter: Rachel J.M Abbott , Head of TCR Pipeline and Dark Antigen Research, Enara Bio , Head of TCR Pipeline and Dark Antigen Research, Enara Bio Abstract # 343 describes progress made identifying T cells and TCRs reactive against previously reported Dark Antigens shared across melanoma. This work was done by Enara Bio in collaboration with research groups at the Francis Crick Institute ( London, UK ), the National Centre for Cancer Immune Therapy ( Copenhagen Denmark ) and Leiden University Medical Center (Leiden, the Netherlands ). Dark Antigens are a novel class of cancer-specific peptide-HLA antigens derived from aberrant epigenetic activity in the genomic 'dark matter' of the tumor cell, leading to translation of polypeptides from previously thought to be non-coding genomic regions. Dark Antigens represent a vast untapped resource of novel, shared, homogenously expressed cancer-specific targets from a broad range of solid tumor types. Joe Dukes, Vice President, Head of Research at Enara Bio, commented: "The two abstracts we are presenting at SITC highlight our progress not only in identifying and validating novel Dark Antigen candidates for the development of immunotherapies in NSCLC and melanoma, but also in establishing Dark Antigens as a new class of targets with broad potential across tumor types. Furthermore, the findings presented demonstrate the power of our EDAPT platform and the expertise of our team across multiple technology areas that has been put in place over recent years to build a leadership position in 'dark genome' target discovery. We strongly believe that the future of immunotherapy, particularly for solid tumors, lies with the ability to identify and exploit novel targets from untapped and unconventional sources. We are truly excited by the data we are generating across these programs, and the progress we are making in our partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim to advance cancer vaccines against Dark Antigen targets with potential to treat wide patient populations." About Enara Bio Enara Bio's purpose is to shine a light on unconventional T cell targets to develop the next generation of cancer immunotherapies designed to treat broad patient populations. Enara's proprietary EDAPT platform enables the discovery of Dark Antigens, a novel source of shared, tumor-specific T cell targets derived from genomic dark matter. We are pioneering approaches to exploit these Dark Antigen targets with a range of immunotherapeutic modalities, including bispecific T-cell engagers, adoptive cell therapies and cancer vaccines. Based in Oxford, UK, Enara Bio is backed by RA Capital, Samsara Biocapital and SV Health Investors. For more information, please visit: www.enarabio.com FOR MORE INFORMATION Enara Bio Limited Kevin Pojasek, CEO Tel: +44 (0)1865 618 828 Email: [email protected] MEDiSTRAVA Consulting Frazer Hall, Mark Swallow, Eleanor Perkin Tel: +44 (0)203 928 6900 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Enara Bio BANGALORE, India, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Energy Management Systems Market is Segmented by Type (Software, Service, Hardware), By Application (Power and Energy, Telecom and IT, Building, Enterprise, Healthcare, Others): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20222028. It is published in Valuates Reports under the Energy & Utilities Category. Energy Management Systems Market size is projected to reach USD 68730 million by 2027, from USD 33930 million in 2020, at a CAGR of 10.6% during 2021-2027. Major Factors Driving the Growth of Energy Management Systems Market The demand in the Energy Management Systems market has increased as a result of rising government requirements worldwide for installing energy management systems across various industries and growing demand for sustainable and green management of energy resources. Solutions for energy management are more common now than ever before since they give businesses a competitive edge, boost output, and lower energy costs. Get Your Sample Today: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-38A87/Global_Energy_Management_Systems_EMS_Market TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM MARKET Prices for electricity have been steadily rising in recent years. The cost of electricity will continue to rise during the ensuing years. Rising energy prices lower a company's profit margin. Weak points in energy use can be found and eliminated with the use of the proper measures with the help of effective energy management. It improves energy efficiency, which aids in long-term energy cost reduction. As a result, it also lowers production costs, which could give businesses a competitive edge. This factor is expected to drive the growth of the Energy Management Systems market. Furthermore, a certified energy management system is increasingly required in order to be eligible for subsidies and other types of statutory relief. Additionally, ecological standards that also touch on the energy sector are becoming more common in public tenders. This trend will increase the growth of the energy management systems market. A business that has a certified energy management system will help improve its public image as a responsible company. A corporation can show that it consistently and sustainably uses energy by becoming certified. In addition, the corporation demonstrates in its external presentation that it is working hard with the aid of proof. higher credibility in the eyes of the outside world as a result. Additionally, prospective clients are aware that a corporation supports environmental conservation. This in turn is expected to fuel the Energy Management Systems market growth. Browse The Table Of Contents And List Of Figures At: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-38A87/global-energy-management-systems-ems ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS: The largest market is North America, with a share of over 35%, followed by Asia Pacific and Europe, both of which have a share of over 50%. The region has seen a noticeable increase in the need for smart energy, which has prompted stakeholders to fund EMS. The building, residential, and commercial sectors are expected to show the strongest demand for IoT-based solutions. Buy Regional Market Chapter On North America: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-38A87/global-energy-management-systems-ems/6 Buy Regional Market chapter On Asia Pacific: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-38A87/global-energy-management-systems-ems/8 Key Companies: GE Honeywell Johnson Controls Schneider Electric Siemens ABB Group Cisco Systems IBM Eaton Corporation Emerson Electric Rockwell Automation Delta Electronics, Inc. DEXMA Yokogawa Electric Corporation GridPoint Buy Chapter On Company Profiles: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-38A87/global-energy-management-systems-ems/11 Buy Now for Single User + Covid-19 Impact : https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-38A87&lic=single-user SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. 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CONTACT US: Valuates Reports [email protected] For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225 For IST Call +91-8040957137 WhatsApp: +91-9945648335 Website: https://reports.valuates.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/valuatesreports LinkedIn - https://in.linkedin.com/company/valuatesreports Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg SOURCE Valuates Reports Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International Conferred with Doctor of Laws Degree at In-Person Ceremony at Mona Campus MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing his work as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) Executive Chairman Adam Stewart was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree at the 2022 graduation ceremony of The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona Campus, held this past Saturday (Nov. 5). An ardent champion of possibility in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean, Stewart leads a hospitality organization that is the region's largest private employer with more than 15,000 team members spread across 24 resorts and eight islands. Beyond Sandals Resorts, Stewart directs his family's extensive media, automotive and appliance business holdings, and is the force behind international brands AC by Marriott and Starbucks entering the Caribbean market. And while his business enterprises and acumen are highly regarded, his tireless work on the region's most pressing issues from access to healthcare and protection of natural resources to investment in education is where Stewart shines. It is for these reasons that Stewart was awarded the degree. "I am humbled and so proud to be recognized by The UWI for the work I am passionate about. My father, the late Gordon "Butch" Stewart, taught me that opportunity is a gift not to be wasted. His tenacity and drive to make life better not only for himself and his family, but for his employees, community and country gave me the firsthand understanding of what is possible when people are given a chance. I accept this degree with a full heart and the promise to continue to earn the confidence this illustrious body has placed in me," said Stewart. "The University of the West Indies is honoured to have Adam Stewart join our distinguished cadre of recipients of Honorary Doctorates," said Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies. He continued, "Adam is the embodiment of the modern renaissance man leading the charge in the Caribbean in the innovation and creativity critical to achieving high levels of growth. His is the type of acumen and agility that The UWI prides itself on honing to meet the needs of our burgeoning region. Congratulations Dr. The Hon. Adam Stewart. Well deserved!" Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett sent his regards from World Travel Market (WTM) in London, saying that he, "could not let such an important event pass without expressing how profoundly pleased" he was and offering his congratulations to "this young champion of Caribbean Tourism." "Not only has he so ably carried the mantle passed on by his late father, Hon. Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, but he has been taking the leading chain in the Caribbean to even greater heights," said Bartlett. Prior to becoming Executive Chairman of SRI, Stewart spent more than a decade as Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the organization, leading the brand's transition to its now Luxury Included signature and overseeing a period of great expansion that also introduced the region's first over-the-water accommodations. His efforts have been recognized by numerous hospitality industry awards including being named the 2015 Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Hotelier of the Year. An entrepreneur in his own right, Stewart is founder and CEO of leading attraction and tour company Island Routes Adventure Tours, offering more than 500 tours in 12 Caribbean destinations, making it easy for visitors to authentically connect with locals and experience the region. Deeply committed to the region, Stewart is founder and President of the Sandals Foundation, the 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization aimed at making a difference in the Caribbean communities where Sandals Resorts operates. One hundred percent of the monies contributed by the public to the Sandals Foundation go directly to programs benefiting the Caribbean. He is also founder and active Chairman of the local non-profit 'We Care for Cornwall Regional Hospital,' which raises funds to improve hospital facilities and chairs the country's Tourism Linkages Council, which seeks to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of local suppliers, making the strength of tourism work for all. For his outstanding contribution to tourism and the hotel industry, Stewart received the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) in 2016 and later that year, was named the Caribbean American Mover and Shaker Humanitarian of the Year by the Caribbean Media Network. In 2017, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) honoured Stewart with the Jerry Award for outstanding contributions to Caribbean development. Under his leadership in 2020, SRI responded to the Jamaican Government's call for COVID-19 relief, handing over Sandals Carlyle Resort free of charge for 18 months and donating JA$30M for the purchase of care packages. Stewart sits on the Board of Directors of Wysinco Group Limited and is a member of the Executive Committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). A graduate and active alumnus of The Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, Stewart recently orchestrated a partnership between FIU and The UWI, signing an MOU to work together to establish The Gordon Butch Stewart International School of Hospitality and Tourism in honor of Stewarts father and SRI founder, Gordon Butch Stewart. In addition to the degree awarded to Stewart, the University Council approved conferral of honorary degrees to 15 other notable individuals including Sir Richard Benjamin Richardson of Antigua and Barbuda for his contribution to Sport; Alston Becket Cyrus of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for his work as a Soca Artiste/Composer; Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, PhD, LLM of Dominica for her work in International Labour and Maritime Law; Sir Hugh Anthony Rawlins of St. Kitts and Nevis for contributions to the Judicial arena; Dr. Joy St. John of Barbados for her work in Medicine and Public Health leadership; His Excellency Ambassador Gabriel Abed of Barbados/UAE for Entrepreneurship and pioneering Digital Currency; Mr. E. Neville Isdell of Ireland for contributions to Business and Philanthropy; Dr. Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted of Trinidad and Tobago for contributions to Agricultural Science and Nutrition; Ms. Ingrid L-A Lashley of Trinidad and Tobago for her work in Corporate Banking/Finance; Ms. Rosalind Gabriel of Trinidad and Tobago for her work as a Band Leader/Entertainer; Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick of Trinidad and Tobago for contributions to Surgical Science; Lord Robert Nelson of Trinidad and Tobago for contributions to culture and Calypso; Professor The Honourable Orlando Patterson of Jamaica for his work as a Historical and Cultural Sociologist; Senator The Honourable Dr. Rosemary Moodie of Jamaica/Canada for Paediatric Medicine and Philanthropy; and Ms. Diane Jaffee of The USA for her work in Finance. About Sandals Resorts International Family owned and operated Sandals Resorts International (SRI) is the parent company of some of the world's most well-known travel brands including Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, the Caribbean's leading luxury all-inclusive resort brands; private island Fowl Cay Resort; and the private home collection Your Jamaican Villas. Founded in 1981 by the late Gordon "Butch" Stewart, SRI is based in Montego Bay, Jamaica and responsible for resort development, service standards, skills training and day-to-day operations. For more information, visit Sandals Resorts International . About The UWI The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region. From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus , and 10 global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe. The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean's leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world. The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). In the latest World University Rankings 2022, released in September 2021, The UWI moved up an impressive 94 places from last year. In the current global field of some 30,000 universities and elite research institutes, The UWI stands among the top 1.5%. The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean, it is also in the top 20 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old). The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE's Impact Rankings for its response to the world's biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action. For more, visit www.uwi.edu . Contact: The Decker/Royal Agency [email protected] SOURCE Sandals Resorts International Athlete and adventurer to speak on Jan. 26, 2023 GREATER DES MOINES, Iowa, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greater Des Moines Partnership has announced that its 2023 Annual Dinner will feature Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest, as the headline speaker. The Dinner will take place on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. Weihenmayer is the co-founder of No Barriers, which has a mission to help people with challenges to run into the storm of life, face barriers head-on, embrace a pioneering and innovative spirit and team up with great people to live rich in meaning and purpose. In 2001, Weihenmayer became the first blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest. In 2008, he climbed Carstensz Pyramid on the island of Papua New Guinea, completing the Seven Summits, the highest point on every continent. This accomplishment closed the circuit on a 13-year journey that had begun with his 1995 ascent of Denali. He is joined by a select company of only 150 mountaineers to have accomplished the feat. Weihenmayer's triumphs over some of the world's most formidable mountains fueled a growing aspiration to take the lessons he learned in the mountains to help others shatter barriers in their lives, which led to the founding of No Barriers. "We are excited to welcome one of the most extraordinary mountain climbers in history to join us for our Annual Dinner," said Rowena Crosbie, President of Tero International and 2022 Board Chair of The Partnership. "Weihenmayer is an inspiration to many, both as a climber and an activist, and the lessons learned from his journey will challenge us to reach for greater heights as we prepare for 2023 and beyond as a community." The Partnership's Annual Dinner is the Greater Des Moines (DSM) business community's celebration of the past year's economic and community development successes and also provides a look forward into the future of the DSM region. The dinner includes a reception that will begin at 5 p.m., with the keynote and dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. The program includes a presentation of The Partnership's Annual Report, summarizing the accomplishments of the organization's work in 2022. Reservations are accepted online at DSMpartnership.com/annualdinner. Premium seating tables are $2,000, general seating table are $1,600 and individual tickets are $200 per person. A table seats eight people. About the Greater Des Moines Partnership The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com. Contact: Kyle Oppenhuizen [email protected] (515) 286-4972 Learn More About DSM USA SOURCE Greater Des Moines Partnership Industry Compliance Leaders Lisa Mosley and Dagny Young Join Firm to Help Customers Achieve Greater Margins with Lower Compliance Risks Enhanced Capabilities Position Essential Edge to Capture Largest and Most Complex Assignments Across Wealth Management and Insurance Sectors LAMY, N.M., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Essential Edge Compliance Outsourcing Services, LLC ("Essential Edge"), a regulatory and compliance supervision consultancy for financial services firms, today announced the launch of the firm's insurance services practice and expansion of its wealth management expertise with the hiring of industry veterans Lisa Mosley and Dagny Young. Essential Edge's service offerings are geared toward helping heavily regulated financial services firms identify and resolve compliance issues in their sales and operations areas before they escalate into expensive, time-consuming regulatory and legal matters. The firm was founded by industry regulatory and compliance affairs leader Sander J. Ressler, who has more than 30 years of experience with IBDs and RIAs. The firm's team of compliance professionals have on average 20+ years of relevant professional experience and deliver clients comprehensive, cost-efficient and high quality consulting services. The growing team will allow Essential Edge to increase its delivery of fully outsourced compliance branch inspections, problem resolution services and expert consulting to Offices of Supervisory Jurisdiction (OSJs), financial adviser practices affiliated with independent broker-dealers (IBDs), registered investment adviser (RIA) and insurance practices throughout the country. Expansion of Firm to Support Large and Complex Customer Needs Sander Ressler, Founder & Managing Partner of Essential Edge, said, "We are delighted to welcome Lisa Mosley and Dagny Young, who each bring impeccable professional credentials, to the firm. Their addition to our senior team further rounds out our compliance supervision offerings in the insurance space, while augmenting our already robust wealth management capabilities. Our firm's expansion now enables us to take on some of the largest and most complex projects from our customers." "The firms we support look to us to solve problems that would otherwise keep their principals up at night, all while reducing their compliance risks and costs. With their tremendous knowledge and energy, I know Lisa and Dagny will make an immediate contribution to our customers." Containing Regulatory Risk While Reducing Compliance Costs Lisa Mosley began her career with American International Group (AIG) in 1981 and held a variety of positions, including her most recent role as Vice President, Operations. During her tenure with AIG, Ms. Mosley's operational and fiscal management experience spanned both the Property Casualty and Life Insurance sides of the business. Dagny Young, who brings over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, has served in a number of senior compliance and regulatory executive roles across multiple wealth management firms. She has worked across all aspects of the IBD and RIA business, including designing and implementing firm policies and procedures, risk assessment and product analysis and due diligence. "Essential Edge is a different type of consulting firm, and I'm excited to be part of its ongoing growth," said Ms. Young. "IBDs and RIAs often need help with one-off compliance and regulatory issues and don't always know where to turn. Essential Edge has a great business model that lets customers of all sizes tap into seasoned outside resources that can assist them in containing regulatory risk at a fraction of the cost of hiring in-house experts. I can't wait to get started." "I'm thrilled to start the next chapter of my career with Sander and the team at Essential Edge." said Ms. Mosley. "During my tenure with AIG, I've dealt with all types of operational and regulatory issues and believe that my background will be of great value to our insurance customers. I look forward to solving their unique and often complex problems." About Essential Edge Compliance Outsourcing Services LLC Essential Edge Compliance Outsourcing Services, LLC ("Essential Edge") is a strategic consultancy specializing in compliance and regulatory affairs. Headquartered in Lamy, New Mexico and engaging 10+ seasoned compliance supervision professionals across the country, Essential Edge delivers outsourced branch inspections to Offices of Supervisory Jurisdiction (OSJs) and independent financial adviser practices affiliated with broker-dealers throughout the country. Essential Edge's service offerings are designed to rapidly identify and resolve compliance issues in branch office sales and operations for independent broker-dealers before they escalate into expensive and time-consuming issues. For more information, please visit www.eeoutsourcing.com. Media Contacts: Beth Barak, Director Essential Edge Compliance Outsourcing Services, LLC [email protected] SOURCE Essential Edge Compliance Outsourcing Services, LLC DUBLIN, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Europe Online Food Delivery Market, Forecast 2022-2027, Industry Trends, Share, Insight, Growth, Impact of COVID-19, Company Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Europe Online Food Delivery Market is project to reach US$ 66.2 Billion by 2027. With the fast-paced lives in Europe, online food delivery has a priority audience of the millennials for food delivery services. They tend to spend a more significant share of their budgets on prepared food than the other generations. Inevitably with the more considerable spending power and changing lifestyles, consumers' appeal towards online food ordering is growing vastly. Most work is organized online in this digital age, and consumers are too busy to go to restaurants and wait in long lines. Rather, convenience is having the restaurant come to them from their perspective. Online Food Delivery Market of Europe to grow with a double-digit CAGR of 10.7% from 2021 to 2027 On the other hand, online food ordering has increased in Europe. One of the major factors propelling the online food delivery market growth is the rising penetration of internet connections and smart phones, which provide the option to get the food delivered conveniently and quickly. The food delivery market has seen substantial growth over the past few years in Europe. Led by platform-to-consumer services, such as Glovo, Uber Eat, delivery Club, Just Eat, and Deliveroo food delivery has developed from takeaways to anything and everything, adding billions of dollars in potential revenue capture. Europe Online Food Delivery Market Size was USD 36 Billion in 2021 On the basis of platform type, the online food delivery market has been segmented into applications and websites. Food Delivery Mobile Application is a novel platform for restaurants, franchises, and other food-selling proprietors to conveniently provide consumers with a wide range of options through a single online mobile portal. The business of delivering restaurant meals at the consumers' place has improved from a telephone-based ordering system to takeout counters, and now websites and mobile applications. Furthermore, the mobile application also accepts various payment methods, including debit cards, net banking, credit cards, digital wallets, and (COD) cash on delivery. Long lines, labor costs, errors, and waiting times are all reduced when these methods are used. European customers will be more likely to prefer the online payments method as their knowledge of digital money grows. Based on segment, online food delivery service includes restaurant-to-consumer delivery and platform-to-consumer delivery. Restaurant-to-consumer delivery includes orders directly by the concerned restaurant, whereas the platform-to-consumer segment involves online delivery services that deliver orders from partner restaurants. Europe Online Food Delivery Market by Region Compared to Spain, France, Italy, and the UK have a far larger takeaway industry. UK-based platforms Deliveroo and Just Eat are two significant players in the online food delivery industry. Both act as an intermediate between customers and restaurants, delivering an online platform for ordering meals provided to the home. For instance, Just Eat processes over 100 million orders yearly in the UK, representing the company's largest market. In Russia, online food delivery increases by choice and availability, allowing customers to order from various food delivery platforms and restaurants with a single click on their mobile phones. The evolution of the online food delivery business that enables customers to order food from restaurants plays a fundamental role in Russia. Mail.ru Group's Delivery Club was Russia's most popular food delivery mobile application. Segment - Market has been covered from 2 viewpoints 1. Restaurants to Customer Delivery a) User by Segment b) Average Revenue per User by Segment c) Penetration Rate 2. Platform to Customer Delivery a) User by Segment b) Average Revenue per User by Segment c) Penetration Rate Platform Type - Market has been covered from 2 viewpoints 1. Website 2. Application Payment Method - Market has been covered from 2 viewpoints 1. Cash on delivery 2. Online Region - Market has been covered from 5 viewpoints 1. Germany 2. United Kingdom 3. France 4. Italy 5. Russia Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Research & Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Dynamics 5. Europe Online Food Delivery Market 6. Market Share - Europe Online Food Delivery Analysis 7. Segment - Europe Online Food Delivery Market 8. Platform Type - Europe Online Food Delivery Market 9. Payment Method - Europe Online Food Delivery Market 10. Region - Europe Online Food Delivery Market 11. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 12. Key Players Analysis Companies Mentioned Deliveroo Just Eat Delivery Hero Uber Eats Dominos Doordash For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/bwiwee Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets Exadel Expands its EU Delivery Capabilities and Customer Base WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Exadel ( exadel.com ), a software engineering and consulting company delivering digital platforms and products, today announced it had acquired Codete ( codete.com ), a Krakow-based software development and consulting services company. "We're very excited about Codete's presence in the EU market," said Fima Katz, Chairman of the Board at Exadel. "Exadel always had strong engineering capabilities in Europe, and Codete's portfolio of European logos positions us to provide outstanding development for the biggest names in Europe. All current relationships will remain in place, as continuity with the Codete leadership team is a huge priority. We're sure this acquisition will open up new opportunities to become an even more integral part of our client's success." "Codete's strong eCommerce, UX, big data, and cloud capabilities are the perfect complements to our MarTech and Engineering Practices," said Lev Shur, EVP of Digital Experience. "The combination of our expertise allows us to cover a wider spectrum of our client's needs." "Joining Exadel represents the next level of growth for our employees and our company as a whole," said Artur Olechowski, Managing Director at Codete. "We have a lot to offer Exadel in terms of our European vision for expansion, and we're looking forward to benefiting from Exadel's larger engineering and HR practices." "Our strategy of creating a prominent engineering base in Poland is greatly advanced with the acquisition of Codete," said Elizabeth De Saint-Aignan, Managing Director at Sun Capital. "Codete brings the perfect blend of engineering excellence, overlapping corporate culture, and regional presence that we are confident will make a lasting positive impact on Exadel." About Codete Codete is a Poland-based IT consulting and software development company. Since 2010, we've been supporting businesses worldwide in gaining a competitive advantage by means of modern technology. We advise on digitalization, develop and implement high-quality solutions, and augment our clients' teams with skilled IT specialists. We offer a wide variety of IT services from consulting to supporting our clients with the best specialists. For more information on Codete services and areas of expertise, visit codete.com and follow us on LinkedIn . About Exadel Exadel is a software engineering and consulting company that delivers the digital platforms, products, and applications our clients need to run and grow their businesses. For more than 20 years, we have developed solutions that accelerate the speed, quality, and efficiency of our delivery while adding value to our customers. Since the advent of the cloud, Exadel has helped companies get the most out of their data, reducing expenditure and increasing scalability and access. A Forrester-recognized market leader in distributed Agile, we are proud of our long history of partnering with the largest brands across all industries. For more information on Exadel services and areas of expertise, visit exadel.com and follow us on Linkedin and Twitter @exadel . Media Contact: Olivia Heel Catapult PR-IR 303-581-7760 [email protected] SOURCE Exadel Investors continue to recognize the value Exotanium's technology brings in solving a major cloud mobility-pain point ITHACA, N.Y., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Exotanium, an Ithaca-based startup offering a cloud resource optimization and management platform, announced today that the company has secured $12 million in series A funding. The round, led by Cambium Capital and Celesta Capital, provides vital funds needed to support the company's future product roadmap, including the expansion to new platforms and hyperscalers, as well as the development of a self-service marketplace. Funds will also be allocated toward marketing and recruitment efforts to further fuel brand awareness among enterprise customers while supporting necessary organizational growth among Exotanium's engineering team. "Our platform offers a finer level of control over cloud computing resources, helping global enterprises enhance operational security, elevate performance, and drive significant cost savings," said Hakim Weatherspoon, co-founder and CEO of Exotanium. "Many companies spend up to half of their revenue on cloud services and there is significant waste in most systems our unprecedented technology is changing this. Within five years, Exotanium will be the only continuous optimization provider allowing enterprises to manage workloads across all major cloud platforms automatically. We are grateful for the continued support of our investors who truly believe in our team and our innovation." Exotanium offers a platform for users to optimize cloud computing for greater cost efficiencies, leveraging its exclusive license to patent pending technology developed at Cornell University, combined with artificial intelligence and machine learning. The platform helps enterprises increase the amount of computing they use by up to 5x, using the same budget, while also enhancing both operational security and computing performance. With the added layer of software, users can run their application in one cloud environment and live-migrate without disruption of service. This enables users to migrate to the cheapest, most efficient server hardware in real-time. "It is clear that Exotanium's solution could benefit many different vertical markets. From wins in computer-aided design tools, to electronic automated design tools, to high-performance scientific applications, Exotanium has an impressive Customer roster, with room to grow," said Landon Downs, Cambium Capital. "Enterprises and institutions increasingly have a critical reliance upon cloud computing and we need solutions to help these systems run more efficiently," said Celesta Capital Founding Partner and Exotanium Board Member Nic Brathwaite. "Exotanium combines a differentiated technology with a world-class cloud engineering team, and we are delighted to support them with this investment." A growing portfolio of notable customers like the United States Department of Energy National Laboratories, Argonne, and Idaho National Laboratory, have demonstrated validation of Exotanium's value proposition and led to its investor support. With this series A round, Exotanium has generated $19 million to date from investors and grants. This includes $5 million in seed funding in Q2, April 2021, led by Walden International and Nepenthe Capital LLC, previous investment rounds including Red Bear Angels and LaunchNY, and $1.6 million secured through grants from the United States Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation. Lip-Bu Tan, Chairman of Walden International and Exotanium Board Member stated, "We're delighted to see Exotanium's value propositiontheir promise to create a breakthrough technology that delivers up to a 90% reduction in cloud computing costsis now being validated in the marketplace." Exotanium plans to utilize the new funding to recruit top engineering talent and accelerate its product roadmap. With product lines such as X-Spot, Exotanium is creating application agnostic products that provide automatic and continuous optimization. Exotanium's technology is designed to work alongside other popular resource management options like Kubernetes and Slurm, giving engineering and devops teams more options and control over cloud costs. In addition to AWS, Exotanium plans to bring the platform to additional hyperscalers, including Azure, GCP, and IBM. To learn more about Exotanium, visit: www.exotanium.io. Media Contact: Jenny LePore [email protected] 469.552.4039 SOURCE Exotanium WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Border Patrol agents apprehended nearly 210,000 illegal aliens at the southern border last month, according to preliminary numbers obtained by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). The numbers, first reported by The Washington Times, show yet another rise in the level of chaos triggered by Biden administration policies. The numbers obtained by FAIR reveal that Border Patrol agents apprehended approximately 209,664 illegal aliens at our southern border in October. Agents tallied another 86,796 "known gotaways" migrants that they spotted crossing, but were unable to apprehend due to a focus on processing. This is believed to be the highest number of "known gotaways" ever detected and paints an even grimmer picture of a crisis that is a direct result of the Biden administration's deliberate sabotage of our nation's immigration laws. While these numbers are preliminary, 209,664 illegal border crossers amounts to a 30% increase compared to October 2021, when agents tallied 159,113 apprehensions. The numbers also trounce the last few years of the Trump administration, when roughly 69,000 were caught in October 2020, and just 35,000 were nabbed in October 2019. What is even more alarming is the fact that these preliminary numbers do not reveal how many of the nearly 210,000 illegal aliens who were apprehended last month were released into American communities. However, based on past trends, the figure is likely to be more than half. Even worse, the 86,796 "gotaways" are particularly worrisome because agents have reason to believe those who have criminal records or are on the terror watch list are among those sneaking through. "We are quickly approaching the end of a catastrophic two years for border security, and consequently, for the American people. The primary responsibility of the federal government is to protect Americans and our interests. President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas have knowingly, willfully, and consistently violated that responsibility," said Dan Stein, president of FAIR. "We have never seen such numbers in our history, and the Biden administration's open-borders policies are solely to blame." "These are numbers the American people have a right to see within what was once a traditional time window, and we are glad to assist," Stein continued. "The Biden administration cannot continue to cover up what is happening by waiting until after business hours in the second half of the following month to release its data." "Working in partnership with the White House, Secretary Mayorkas continues to purposefully ignore our nation's immigration laws while abandoning policies of the previous administration that were designed to keep our borders secure and the American people safe," charged Stein. "On that basis alone, Mayorkas must be brought up on impeachment charges in the next Congress. The fact is this: Nothing will improve until there is a public servant leading DHS who believes in bordersand secure ones at that." Contact: Ron Kovach, 202-328-7004 or [email protected]. ABOUT FAIR Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With over 3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced. SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) MONTREAL, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Find Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative therapies for autoimmune diseases, today announced the formation of a clinical advisory board to support its lead program, FTX-101, a novel remyelinating agent. The clinical advisory board will guide the company in the development of its autoimmune programs in demyelinating diseases such as optic neuritis, and multiple sclerosis (MS). "We are honored to work with such an esteemed group of highly accomplished clinicians and researchers," said Philippe Douville, Chief Executive Officer of Find Therapeutics. "Their deep knowledge of complex underlying disease processes and their understanding of patient needs will be instrumental as we advance our autoimmune programs. With the formation of our clinical advisory board, we have positioned ourselves to benefit from strategic insights from world leaders in demyelinating diseases." "Similar to other members of Find's Clinical Advisory Board, I have dedicated my career to uncovering new notions of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis. I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the talented Clinical Advisory Board team working with Find to translate these exciting discoveries into new treatments for patients," said Dr. Mark Freedman. The members of the clinical advisory board include: Douglas Arnold , MD Dr. Douglas Arnold is a world leading expert and key opinion leader in neuroimaging. He is a Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill University , Director of the Magnetic Resonance Studies lab in the Brain Imaging Center at the Montreal Neurological Institute, and President of NeuroRx Research, a CNS imaging CRO dedicated to drug development for MS. He has special expertise in myelin-sensitive imaging and other advanced MRI acquisition and analysis techniques, particularly as they relate to understanding the evolution of multiple sclerosis and its response to drug therapy. Dr. is a world leading expert and key opinion leader in neuroimaging. He is a Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at , Director of the Magnetic Resonance Studies lab in the Brain Imaging Center at the Montreal Neurological Institute, and President of NeuroRx Research, a CNS imaging CRO dedicated to drug development for MS. He has special expertise in myelin-sensitive imaging and other advanced MRI acquisition and analysis techniques, particularly as they relate to understanding the evolution of multiple sclerosis and its response to drug therapy. Jeffrey Cohen , MD Dr. Jeffrey Cohen is an internationally recognized expert in multiple sclerosis and is Professor of Neurology in the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and holds the Hazel Prior Hostetler Endowed Chair. He received a BA from Connecticut College in 1976 and MD from the University of Chicago School of Medicine in 1980. He completed a Neurology Residency in 1984 then a Post-doctoral Research Fellowship in Neuroimmunology in 1987, both at the University of Pennsylvania . Dr. Cohen has worked at Cleveland Clinic's Mellen Center for MS since 1994 and was Director 2014-2017. He currently is Director of the Experimental Therapeutics Program and the Clinical Neuroimmunology Fellowship. Dr. Cohen has published extensively on clinical, immunologic, imaging, and therapeutic aspects of MS. He has had a leadership role in a large number of clinical trials of potential therapies for MS, translational studies, studies to validate outcome measures, and observational studies. He recently served as Chair of the International Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials in MS and Co-Chair of the International Panel on Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis which developed the 2017 McDonald Diagnostic Criteria. He was President of ACTRIMS 2019-2022. Dr. is an internationally recognized expert in multiple sclerosis and is Professor of Neurology in the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and holds the Hazel Prior Hostetler Endowed Chair. He received a BA from in 1976 and MD from the School of Medicine in 1980. He completed a Neurology Residency in 1984 then a Post-doctoral Research Fellowship in Neuroimmunology in 1987, both at the . Dr. Cohen has worked at Cleveland Clinic's Mellen Center for MS since 1994 and was Director 2014-2017. He currently is Director of the Experimental Therapeutics Program and the Clinical Neuroimmunology Fellowship. Dr. Cohen has published extensively on clinical, immunologic, imaging, and therapeutic aspects of MS. He has had a leadership role in a large number of clinical trials of potential therapies for MS, translational studies, studies to validate outcome measures, and observational studies. He recently served as Chair of the International Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials in MS and Co-Chair of the International Panel on Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis which developed the 2017 McDonald Diagnostic Criteria. He was President of ACTRIMS 2019-2022. Jerome De Seze, MD, PhD Professor Jerome De Seze is a world leader in neurology and professor in neurology and head of the neuroimmunological department at the University Hospital of Strasbourg, France . He has a PhD in immunology and is a specialist in multiple sclerosis and neuro-ophthalmology as well as head of the clinical investigation centre at the same University where he oversees phase I to III trials predominantly in the field of neurology. Professor de Seze's research interests include biopathology of myelin, imaging of animal models for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system and evaluation of new therapeutic targets in these animal models. In 2007, Professor de Seze founded the "alSacEP", a network to improve the provision of MS care in the French region of Alsace . He is the Past President of the French Multiple Sclerosis society. Professor Jerome De Seze is a world leader in neurology and professor in neurology and head of the neuroimmunological department at the University Hospital of . He has a PhD in immunology and is a specialist in multiple sclerosis and neuro-ophthalmology as well as head of the clinical investigation centre at the same University where he oversees phase I to III trials predominantly in the field of neurology. Professor de Seze's research interests include biopathology of myelin, imaging of animal models for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system and evaluation of new therapeutic targets in these animal models. In 2007, Professor de Seze founded the "alSacEP", a network to improve the provision of MS care in the French region of . He is the Past President of the French Multiple Sclerosis society. Mark S. Freedman , MD Dr. Mark Freedman is an internationally recognized neurologist and key opinion leader. He is Professor of Medicine (Neurology) at the University of Ottawa , Senior Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Research Unit at the Ottawa Hospital-General Campus. Dr. Freedman conducts extensive research in molecular neurochemistry, cellular immunology, and clinical studies in MS. His basic science interest concerns immune mechanisms of damage in MS, with a particular interest in the role of the innate immune system such as gamma-delta T-cells. His main clinical interests are cell-based therapies for MS. He was the lead investigator of the Canadian Bone Marrow Transplant Study in MS and he co-headed an international study of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of MS. He is the current President of ACTRIMS. Dr. is an internationally recognized neurologist and key opinion leader. He is Professor of Medicine (Neurology) at the , Senior Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Research Unit at the Ottawa Hospital-General Campus. Dr. Freedman conducts extensive research in molecular neurochemistry, cellular immunology, and clinical studies in MS. His basic science interest concerns immune mechanisms of damage in MS, with a particular interest in the role of the innate immune system such as gamma-delta T-cells. His main clinical interests are cell-based therapies for MS. He was the lead investigator of the Canadian Bone Marrow Transplant Study in MS and he co-headed an international study of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of MS. He is the current President of ACTRIMS. Maria Pia Sormani , PhD Dr. Sormani is a leading expert in statistics for clinical trials in demyelinating diseases. She is Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Genoa, Italy . She received her Masters in Medical Biostatistics at the University of Milan , her Master in Medical Physics at the University of Pisa , and her PhD degree in Bio-Physics at the University of Genoa in Italy . She has a background in Oncology, but her main field of Research is in Multiple Sclerosis. She collaborated for more than ten years with the Neuroimaging Research Unit at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan , studying the methodological issues related to the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis. She is now faculty member at the University of Genoa , where she teaches Biostatistics and Research Methods to students in medicine. She serves on the US Multiple Sclerosis National Society Clinical Trials Advisory Committee, in the Multiple Sclerosis Outcome Assessment Consortium (MSOAC), is on the Editorial Board of Multiple Sclerosis Journal and has published more than 470 papers in peer reviewed journals, mostly on MS. Find Therapeutics also announced the launch of its new website to reflect the company's dedication to bringing hope to people suffering from autoimmune diseases. Find's website can be found at https://www.findtherapeutics.com/. ABOUT Find Therapeutics ( Montreal, Canada ) Find Therapeutics is dedicated to the development of next generation therapies to treat inflammatory autoimmune diseases. The company was launched in 2020 with investments from CTI Life Sciences, adMare BioInnovations, Domain Therapeutics, and GPCR technology and know-how from Peptimimesis Pharma. https://www.findtherapeutics.com SOURCE Find Therapeutics ORANGEBURG, N.Y., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fisk Industries , the leading innovator, manufacturer, and distributor of high-performing beauty and personal products, has completed its acquisition of bettybeauty, inc. , the creator of award-winning betty - color for the hair down there, featured by Vogue, O - The Oprah Magazine, Forbes, and The Doctors. bettybeauty, inc. founder Nancy Jarecki with betty - color for the hair down there color kits Fisk Industries pursued the highly anticipated acquisition before the pandemic. New York-based bettybeauty, inc. caught the company's attention for breaking barriers in the consumer products and beauty fields and pioneering one of the world's leading hair color dyes. Founded in 2006 by Nancy Jarecki in NYC, bettybeauty inc.'s hair color dyes are safe and specially formulated to cover the pubic and body hair of women and men. The dyes have become increasingly popular for effectively covering gray hair and providing much sought-after color, and the recent acquisition will create the perfect home for bettybeauty, inc. alongside Fisk Industries and its other brands. Financial terms were not disclosed. Jarecki has agreed to continue with Fisk Industries in an advisory capacity. Stephen Adler, President & CEO of Fisk Industries, said, "betty took the world by storm as the only gentle hair dye on the market for hair 'down there,' solving an unmet need for women of a variety of ages. As the creator of Cover Your Gray, Fisk Industries is thrilled to grow the betty brand with Nancy's creativity, business acumen, and finger on the pulse of the beauty industry on our side," he added. As part of the announcement, Fisk Industries has also released plans to launch Cover your gray - betty for men , the first & only hair color dye specially formulated for men's beards, mustaches, and body hair, including pubic hair. This new safe-to-use, no-drip, non-irritating, and conditioning line will exist alongside betty - color for the hair down there color kits, currently available in a range of colors from blonde to hot pink and free of ammonia, allergens and parabens. Dyes are available on bettybeauty.com , on Amazon , and in select stores, salons, and spas internationally. A survey of 800 US men aged 30 and older with gray hair, conducted by bettybeauty, inc. in October 2022, underscores the popularity of anti-aging in the grooming space. 50% of respondents said they're self-conscious about gray hair in their beard because it ages them, 57% of respondents would/currently dye their beard hair to look younger, 39% of respondents are self-conscious about gray hair in their pubic hair because it ages them, and 49% of respondents would/currently dye their pubic hair to boost confidence. Said Jarecki: "On the heels of the widespread popularity of betty, I'm excited to partner with Fisk Industries to help bring this brand to its next phase of growth, as we break more ground in the safe hair dye space with the launch of Cover your gray - betty for men. Men no longer need to be ashamed of grays on their face, body or 'down there'; now they can finally use a product specially made for these sensitive areas, instead of applying harsh hair dyes currently on the market. Plus, they can enjoy betty for men's anti-aging and confidence-boosting benefits." To learn more, please visit bettybeauty.com . About Fisk Industries Founded in 1972, Fisk has enjoyed almost 50 years of continuous operation and consistent growth. Fisk manufactures and markets personal care brands in the U.S., Europe, South and Central America, Asia and Middle East. Fisk's strategic direction is to expand availability and visibility of select brands in traditional and specialty retail outlets in the U.S. and around the globe and build mutually beneficial and lasting partnerships. Its goal remains the same today as it was at the firm's founding: to develop and manufacture great products with tangible consumer benefits, providing value and fair margin to its customers worldwide. Its brands include: Difeel, Cover Your Gray, Barielle, Betty Beauty, Hair Chemist Limited, Dermactin-TS, Daggett & Ramsdell, Hair One, Nature's Spirit, Irene Gari, Excelsior, Zuri, Amica, Lisa Rachel, Steve & Sons, Arlo's, Sunflower, and many more. About bettybeauty, inc. bettybeauty, inc. is a specialty beauty company started by Nancy Jarecki in 2006 in NYC to develop and manufacture innovative beauty products for hair down there. WINNER of CEW's coveted "indie" award. WINNER of 3 Innovation Awards/Best Product Awards - ICMAD (now IBA). WINNER of an Independent Innovation Beauty Award. WINNER of a Business Retail Magazine Retail Product Award. Jarecki saw an opportunity in a non-traditional and neglected category. While sitting in a hair salon in Rome, she noticed women leaving the salon with little paper bags. She was told that these gifts from the colorist were 'per sotto per farli combaciare' (to match down there). It dawned on Jarecki that if women in Rome were finding ways to match their hair, then women all over the world would want to do it. Her hunch was correct, but no safe product existed on the market. Jarecki recruited a toxicologist, manufacturer and gynecologist to begin creating a completely safe formula. Unlike current hair dyes on the market, betty is formulated with non-allergenic and natural ingredients, plus skin conditioners. All betty colors are ammonia and paraben-free, keeping betty safe-to-use. Now men across the globe can use betty for anti-aging and confidence-boosting benefits, with the launch of Cover your gray - betty for men. Media Contact: Jourdann Lubliner of Electrify PR : [email protected] SOURCE Betty Beauty HAMBURG, Germany, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent study report released by Data Bridge Market research with titled "Food Shelf Life Testing Market" (covering USA, Europe, China, Japan, India, South East Asia and etc) that highlighting opportunities, risk analysis, and leveraged with strategic and tactical decision-making support. For in depth understanding of market and competitive landscape, this Food Shelf Life Testing market research report serves a lot of parameters and detailed data about this industry. The report offers you steadfast knowledge and information of revolutionizing market landscape, what already exists in the market, future trends or what the market expects, the competitive environment, and strategies to plan to outshine the competitors. This information and market insights assists with maximizing or minimizing the production of goods depending on the conditions of demand. Various parameters covered in this research report helps businesses for better decision making. Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the food shelf life testing market was valued at 4.49 billion in 2021 is expected to reach the value of USD 8.90 billion by 2029, at aw CAGR of 8.93% during the forecast period. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, geographically represented company-wise production and capacity, network layouts of distributors and partners, detailed and updated price trend analysis and deficit analysis of supply chain and demand. Grab Sample Report with Complete Graphs, Charts and Figures @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/request-a-sample/?dbmr=global-food-shelf-life-testing-market Market Summary: Accurate and reliable food testing reduces the risk of product recalls, and companies are identifying the causes of reduced shelf life, which helps them improve their products and processes, ultimately contributing to their profitability, making the technique popular in the market. A product's shelf-life is the period during which it remains effective and free of deterioration, and thus sellable, without becoming unfit for use, consumption, or sale. Shelf-life testing is done in a laboratory to determine the expected shelf-life of a food product and when it should be consumed. This test ensures that the product is microbiologically safe. Shelf-life testing lowers the likelihood of product recalls. It also identifies the causes of decreased shelf life and contributes to the improvement of products, processes, and, ultimately, profitability. Recent Development In October 2019 , SGS announced the expansion of its new food microbiological testing lab in Fairfield, New Jersey , US. The 2,000-square-foot microbiological testing facility employs an information technology platform to provide a wide range of testing services to food producers, manufacturers, and suppliers across all food categories. of its new food microbiological testing lab in , US. The 2,000-square-foot microbiological testing facility employs an information technology platform to provide a wide range of testing services to food producers, manufacturers, and suppliers across all food categories. In March 2019 , SGS announced the expansion of its new food microbiological testing lab in Carson, California . The microbiological testing facility is 2,400 square feet in size. This expansion aims to broaden the company's geographical coverage as well as its global network of agriculture and food labs. Some of the major players operating in the food shelf life testing market are: SGS SA ( Switzerland ) ) Bureau Veritas ( France ) ) Eurofins Global ( Luxembourg ) ) Intertek Group plc (U.K.) Merieux NutriSciences Corporation (US) ALS ( Australia ) ) Neogen Corporation. (U.S.) AsureQuality ( New Zealand ) ) Charm Sciences (U.S.) Premier Analytical Services (U.K.) Dairyland Laboratories Inc. (U.S.) Bio-Check (U.K.) Ltd. (U.K.) AES Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., ( India ) ) Institute for Environmental Health, Inc. (U.S.) ENVIROLOGIX INC. (U.S.) EMSL Analytical, Inc. (U.S.) Krishgen Biosystems. (U.S.) Access Full PDF Research Report @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/checkout/buy/enterprise/global-food-shelf-life-testing-market Key Market Drivers High demand for packaged foods and growing research and development The global food shelf life testing market is expanding due to rising consumer health concerns and high demand for packaged food. In order to meet regulatory requirements, product manufacturers are investing in research and development. The global food shelf life testing market is being driven by the implementation of stringent food safety regulations, advancements in testing technologies, and international trade of food materials. Technological advancements and convenience offered to the consumers The growing digital convenience in the global market has perfectly aligned with the personalization trend. Along with providing a more convenient shopping experience, technology has made product information much more accessible to consumers, increasing packaged food sales and strengthening the shelf life testing market. Food Shelf Life Testing Market Report Answers the Following Questions: What are the Food Shelf Life Testing market trends, challenges, opportunities, growth drivers, and barriers? How will the Food Shelf Life Testing market be affected in the near future? Which company would generate the highest revenue by surging the sales of lubricants? Which segment is set to dominate the market in terms of share? Which important strategies key players to intensify competition are adopting? Regional Analysis/Insights The food shelf life testing market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, parameter, food tested, method and technology s as referenced above. The countries covered in the food shelf life testing market report are U.S., Canada and Mexico in North America, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Rest of Europe in Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Global (APAC) in the Global (APAC), Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA) as a part of Middle East and Africa (MEA), Brazil, Argentina and Rest of South America as part of South America. European region is expected to dominate the food shelf life testing market. Europe dominated the global market because of numerous incidents of meat adulteration in European countries. Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the fastest growing in the market. China dominates the food shelf life market in the Asia-Pacific region. Food safety procedure compliance is more stringent in Europe (a major importer), and Chinese food producers must adhere to food standards and trade regulations. Key Segmentation: Parameter Microbial Contamination Rancidity Nutrient Stability Organoleptic Properties Food Tested Packaged Food Beverages Bakery Confectionery Products Meat and Meat Products Dairy Products Desserts Processed Fruits and Vegetables Method Real-Time Shelf Life Testing Accelerated Shelf-Life Testing Technology Equipment and Kit-Based Manual Tests To Gain More Insights into the Market, Visit @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-food-shelf-life-testing-market Challenges Faced by Industry: The lack of modernization in technology, as well as a lack of organisation and sophistication in the food systems of developing regions, will be the restraints for the food shelf life testing market during the forecast period. This food shelf life testing market research provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the food shelf life testing market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth. Key Benefits: The report provides a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the current Food Shelf Life Testing market trends, forecasts, and market size to determine the prevailing opportunities. Porter's Five Forces analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders to make strategic business decisions and determine the level of competition in the industry. Top impacting factors & major investment pockets are highlighted in the research. The major countries in each region are analyzed and their revenue contribution is mentioned. The Food Shelf Life Testing market report also provides an understanding of the current position of the market players active in the Food Shelf Life Testing industry. also provides an understanding of the current position of the market players active in the Food Shelf Life Testing industry. Analysts have also highlighted the potential restraints present in the global Food Shelf Life Testing market. With the help of market experts, the report points out what changes companies can make to overcome these hurdles over the forecast years. TABLE OF CONTENTS Part 01: Executive Summary Part 02: Scope Of The Report Part 03: Research Methodology Part 04: Market Landscape Part 05: Pipeline Analysis Part 06: Market Sizing Part 07: Five Forces Analysis Part 08: Market Segmentation Part 09: Customer Landscape Part 10: Regional Landscape Part 11: Decision Framework Part 12: Drivers And Challenges Part 13: Market Trends Part 14: Vendor Landscape Part 15: Vendor Analysis Part 16: Appendix View Detailed Table of Content @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/toc/?dbmr=global-food-shelf-life-testing-market Browse Related Reports: Packaged Food Shelf Life Testing Market, By Parameter (Microbial Contamination, Rancidity, Nutrient Stability, Organoleptic Properties, Others), Food Tested (Packaged Food, Beverages, Bakery and Confectionery Products, Meat and Meat Products, Dairy Products, and Desserts, Processed Fruits and Vegetables, Others), Method (Real-Time Shelf Life Testing, Accelerated Shelf-Life Testing), Technology (Equipment and Kit-Based, Manual Tests) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2029. https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-packaged-food-shelf-life-testing-market China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Japan, and Korea Food Shelf Life Testing Market, By Type (Devices, Reagents & Kits, and Services), Parameter (Micro-organism, Nutrient Stability, Organoleptic Properties, Water Activity, Label Claims, Total Viable Count (TVC), Moisture Content, Acidity Levels, PH, Fat Rancidity, and Others), Method (Real-Time Shelf Life Testing, and Accelerated Shelf Life Testing), Testing Technology (Equipment- & Kit-Based, and Manual Test), Condition (Frozen (-15C to -20C), Refrigerated (2C to 8C), Ambient (25C/60%RH), Intermediate (30C/65%RH), Accelerated (40C/75%RH), Tropical (30C/75%RH), and Others), Food Tested (Food, and Beverages), Industry Trends and Forecast to 2029. https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/china-taiwan-hong-kong-vietnam-japan-and-korea-food-shelf-life-testing-market Packaged Food Shelf Life Testing Market, By Parameter (Microbial Contamination, Rancidity, Nutrient Stability, Organoleptic Properties, Others), Food Tested (Packaged Food, Beverages, Bakery and Confectionery Products, Meat and Meat Products, Dairy Products, and Desserts, Processed Fruits and Vegetables, Others), Method (Real-Time Shelf Life Testing, Accelerated Shelf-Life Testing), Technology (Equipment and Kit-Based, Manual Tests) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2029. https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-packaged-food-shelf-life-testing-market Shelf Life Testing Market, By Parameter (Microbial Contamination, Rancidity, Nutrient Stability, Organoleptic Properties, Others), Food Tested (Packaged Food, Beverages, Bakery and Confectionery Products, Meat and Meat Products, Dairy Products, and Desserts, Processed Fruits and Vegetables, Others), Method (Real-Time Shelf Life Testing, Accelerated Shelf-Life Testing), Technology (Equipment and Kit-Based, Manual Tests) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2029 https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-shelf-life-testing-market Food Testing Kits Market, By Target Tested (Pathogens, Meat Species, GMOS, Allergens, Mycotoxins, Pesticides, Others), Technology (PCR-Based, Immunoassay-Based, Enzyme Substrate-Based), Sample (Meat, Poultry & Seafood, Dairy Products, Cereals, Grains, Pulses, Nuts, Seeds, Spices, Others) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2029 https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-food-testing-kits-market Seafood Testing Market, By Type of Seafood (Fishes, Crustaceans, Molluscs and Others), Product type (Canned, Frozen, Chilled and Fresh and Other Sea Food), Testing (Microbiological Detection, Physical and Chemical Detection, Others), Application (Government, Commercial, Others) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2029 https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-seafood-testing-market Gas Chromatography Food Testing Market, By Product (Systems, Detectors, Auto-Samplers, Fraction Collectors, Accessories and Consumables, Others), End-User (Pharmaceutical and Bio Industries, Academic Research Institutes, Industry Trends and Forecast https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-gas-chromatography-food-testing-market Immunoassay Food Testing Market, By Sample (Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Products; Dairy Products; Packaged Food; Fruits & Vegetables; Cereals, Grains & Pulses; Nuts, Seeds, and Spices; Others), Target Tested (Allergens, Mycotoxins, Pathogens, GMOs, Meat Species, Others) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-immunoassay-food-testing-market Mass Spectrometry Food Testing Market, By Technology (Hybrid Mass Spectrometry, Single Mass Spectrometry, Other Technologies), End-User (Pharmaceutical Industry, Biotechnology Industry, Research and Academic Institutes, Environmental Testing Industry, Food and Beverage Testing Industry, Petrochemical Industry, Other End Users), Industry Trends and Forecast https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-mass-spectrometry-food-testing-market DNA-Based Food Testing Market, By Targets Tested (Pathogen, GMO, Allergen, and Mycotoxin), Technology (HPLC-based, LC-MS/MS-based, Immunoassay-based, Other Technologies), Application (Feed, Pet Food, Food), ) Industry Trends and Forecast https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-dna-based-food-testing-market Food Testing, Inspection and Certification Market, By Type (Outsourcing, In-house), Service Type (Testing, Inspection, Certification), Application (Commercial, Industrial) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-food-testing-inspection-and-certification-market Culture Media Food Testing Market, By Testing Type (Allergen Testing, Pathogens Testing, GMO Testing, Mycotoxins Testing, Nutritional Labelling, Heavy Metals Testing, Pesticides Testing, Organic Contaminants Testing, Others), Contaminant Type (Pathogen Testing, Mycotoxins Testing, Pesticides and Residue Testing, and Others Contaminants Testing), Food Categories (Meat and Meat Products, Egg and Poultry Products, Fish and Seafood, Bakery Products, Cereals, Grains and Pulses, Tea and Coffee, Herbs and Spices, Beverages, Fruits and Vegetables, Milk and Dairy Products, Honey, Nuts and Dried Fruits, Convenience Foods, Baby Food, Tobacco, Others), https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-culture-media-food-testing-market Liquid Chromatography Food Testing Market, By Technique (High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Ultra High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC), Low Pressure Liquid Chromatography (LPLC), Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) and Others), Type (Instruments, Consumables and Services), Industry Trends and Forecast to 2029 https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-liquid-chromatography-food-testing-market Ireland Food Testing Market, By Testing Type (System, Test Kits, Consumables and Others), Type of Tests (Food Safety Testing, Food Shelf Life Testing, Food Authenticity Testing and Others), Site (In-house/Internal Lab, Outsourcing Facility), Application (Food, Cereals and Grains, Oilseeds and Pulses, Nuts and Beverages), Industry Trends and Forecast to 2029 https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/ireland-food-testing-market About Data Bridge Market Research: An absolute way to forecast what future holds is to comprehend the trend today! Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavours to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process. Data Bridge is an aftermath of sheer wisdom and experience which was formulated and framed in the year 2015 in Pune. Data Bridge Market Research has over 500 analysts working in different industries. We have catered more than 40% of the fortune 500 companies globally and have a network of more than 5000+ clientele around the globe. Data Bridge adepts in creating satisfied clients who reckon upon our services and rely on our hard work with certitude. We are content with our glorious 99.9 % client satisfying rate. Contact Us:- Data Bridge Market Research US: +1 888 387 2818 UK: +44 208 089 1725 Hong Kong: +852 8192 7475 Email:- [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1011053/Data_Bridge_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Data Bridge Market Research FAIRFIELD, Iowa and ST JULIEN EN GENEVOIS, France, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- FoodChain ID, a leading provider of technology-enabled food safety, quality, and sustainability solutions, has acquired Lexagri International, a leader in the AgTech industry focused on verifying, harmonizing, structuring, and distributing global agricultural data. FoodChain ID is a portfolio company of Berkshire Partners. "Lexagri's services are focused on data enhancement, and their data harmonization processes transform raw, untreated agricultural data into standardized, validated, and accessible data sets. This expands FoodChain ID's scope of regulatory and compliance content into crop protection and brand registration data, allowing us to serve our food customers even more effectively and to strengthen our reputation as a trusted source of data-driven, actionable insights from farm to fork," explains Brad Riemenapp, Chief Executive Officer of FoodChain ID. Lexagri's services enhance the performance, quality, safety, and traceability of agricultural production. Homologa is the largest pesticide database in the market with over 33 million entries including Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) data, logistics data and Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). The company's mobile app PhytoScan leverages an integrated label scanner for on-farm use that provides immediate access to up-to-date product regulatory and safety information to ensure proper use, ensuring compliance at the farm level ensuring the production of safe foods. Other products include Basagri and Phytodata, which are reference data sources for crop protection information in France that compare and contrast registered and certified data, and Agrowin, a service package for top tier chemical companies allowing them to analyze crop protection and seed market data providing access to harmonized and consolidated global agricultural market data. "Lexagri's aim has always been, and continues to be, to become the global harmonized reference provider of regulatory crop protection data for the industry, digital farming, and the food chain. As part of WEKA Group and with the support of its shareholder, Lexagri was able to pursue this goal and to grow the business over the past years. The upcoming integration of Lexagri with FoodChain ID will be another step in this direction. We will be able to enhance the link between "farm and fork" through an easier data flow and more transparency." notes Fritz Schuster, Chief Executive Officer of Lexagri. Hennepin Partners LLC served as financial advisor, RSM France served as accounting advisor, Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. served as legal advisor in France and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP served as legal advisor in the US to FoodChain ID. Carlsquare GmbH served as financial advisor and Astura served as legal advisor to Lexagri. About Lexagri A leader in the AgTech industry, Lexagri is committed to making global agricultural data accessible. Working closely with expert collaborators located in major markets worldwide enables them access to the latest and most up-to-date data, providing clients quick access to scalable data in a harmonized structure. To learn more about their solutions and services, please visit lexagri.com. Previously, Lexagri was a subsidiary of WEKA Group GmbH, a portfolio company of Paragon Partners GmbH. About FoodChain ID Over 30,000 companies across the global supply chain rely on FoodChain ID as their trusted partner to navigate the increasingly regulated food economy with greater transparency, safety, and sustainability. By providing clients with technology-enabled solutions supported by the industry's most comprehensive data and knowledgeable experts, FoodChain ID is an essential source of timely, accurate information and expertise. Services include the company's innovative regulatory compliance and product development applications, as well as testing, food safety, and product certification solutions. Visit foodchainid.com for more information. About Berkshire Partners Berkshire Partners, a Boston-based firm, has 35 years of investment history. Berkshire Private Equity has made more than 135 private equity investments since its inception and has a strong history of partnering with management teams to grow the companies in which it invests. Stockbridge, the firm's public equity business, was founded in 2007 and seeks to make public equity investments in high-quality companies with strong competitive positions and long-term growth prospects. The firm invests in business services & technology, communications, consumer, healthcare, and industrials companies. For additional information, and to see a full list of the firm's private equity investments, visit www.berkshirepartners.com. About WEKA Group WEKA Group is a diversified group of media companies and a leading provider of specialist information and advanced education with 20 companies across GSA and France. WEKA Group's media-neutral content is offered in all common formats and reaches highly diversified niche markets across all industries. WEKA Group is headquartered in Kissing, Germany, and employs approximately 1,200 employees. SOURCE FoodChain ID Inc FRA announces the establishment of FRA Korea in Seoul SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Forensic Risk Alliance (FRA), the leading forensic accounting, data analytics and eDiscovery consultancy, announces today that it has established its first Asia Pacific office in Seoul, South Korea ("FRA Korea"), in collaboration with local partners who are well respected leaders in their market. The launch of FRA Korea comes as the forensics and advisory market in the country has grown considerably over the past two decades, largely driven by increasing enforcement efforts by the Korean government. This shift in approach can be attributed to the election of a new President, Suk-yeol Yoon, with a strong anti-corruption stance, increasing exposure of Korean corporations to US regulatory standards and a growing demand for alternatives to the Big Four in the forensic space. The firm's decision to establish a physical presence in Korea comes just months after it opened an office in Dubai, further demonstrating its commitment to its international expansion and diversification strategy. At the helm of FRA Korea will be managing partner Ui-sung Kim and partner Hea-sil Chang taking lead on establishing the new office and delivering client service excellence. Young-gak "Ken" Yun will provide strategic direction in his capacity as senior advisor. With the full support of FRA's global team, these partners will be responsible for rolling out the firm's full-service offering and breadth of expertise to corporations, government-related entities, financial institutions and bringing to bear their counsel across a range of areas such as sanctions, bribery and corruption, anti-money laundering, and compliance. Ui-sung Kim FRA Korea's managing partner was previously Founder and CEO at software company Magicsoft Inc. Prior to this, he worked at KPMG Korea for 14 years, where he was latterly Chief Information Officer and Partner leading the tax technology team. Partner Hea-sil Chang brings regulatory experience to the FRA Korea leadership team on the ground. She joins FRA Korea after six years at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office (SPO) of the Republic of Korea, where she served as head of accounting analysis in the Anti-Corruption Coordination & External Affairs Division. Senior Advisor Young-gak "Ken" Yun has more than 20 years of professional services experience, having worked in investment and accounting firms. In 1990, he founded Samjong Corporation, which subsequently became a member firm of KPMG in Korea. He is also founder and Group Chairman of Pavilion Investment Group. Frances McLeod, co-founding Partner at FRA, said: "We are incredibly excited to be launching an office in South Korea. It follows several years of high-profile work in the Asia Pacific region and is an important strategic decision for us as Korea experiences huge economic growth and concurrent regulatory maturation. Young-gak Yun, Ui-sung Kim, and Hea-sil Chang's extensive leadership and combined financial services experience, as well as their deep knowledge of the domestic market, will give our clients invaluable insight when navigating challenging regulatory proceedings. We're thrilled to have them on board and leading this new venture." Toby Duthie, co-founding Partner and Managing Partner at FRA, said: "Establishing a physical footprint in Korea is a fantastic opportunity for the firm to continue to grow its multinational presence, and will not only elevate our client service offering, but also provide opportunities for us to share our organisational culture across several continents." Young-gak "Ken" Yun (), Senior Advisor of FRA Korea, said: "Korea has rapidly become the world's 10th largest economy, but that growth comes with a dark side. I have concerns about recent embezzlement and money laundering cases in Korea, especially their types, frequency and scale. Such corruption is becoming more sophisticated and difficult to detect by traditional accounting audit. I think it's time for us to implement more advanced forensic risk management systems to make our society more transparent and clean. I am sure that FRA's advanced skills and technologies in these areas with help us work with clients to work towards resolving such issues in our society." Ui-sung Kim (), Managing Partner of FRA Korea, said: "I am very pleased to have a chance to introduce FRA's advanced forensic technologies and expertise to Korean businesses. In particular, I am confident that our capabilities with machine learning and high-volume data analysis will help fast-growing and multinational Korean corporations to review millions of documents in a cost effective, secure and efficient manner, while minimizing data privacy and security risks." Hea-sil Chang (), Partner of FRA Korea, said: "Korea has very unique forensic accounting regulations. The 'Act on External Audit of Stock', for example, requires that a company's audit committee, upon being notified by external auditors of a violation of accounting standards, should appoint an external expert to investigate the violation. However, the appointment of accounting firms to investigate these violations has constantly raised questions about independence. I am very excited for FRA Korea to offer a credible alternative to the Big Four accounting firms, assuring Korean companies of quality, independent forensic accounting advice without having to worry about conflicts of interest." About FRA Forensic Risk Alliance (FRA), is a forensic accounting, e-discovery, data governance and compliance consultancy firm, specializing in international corruption, sanctions, AML and all types of financial and accounting fraud investigations for major global corporations and law firms. For more than 20 years, FRA has offered extensive multi-jurisdictional data privacy, transfer, and protection expertise in order to help clients achieve their objectives with compliance, litigation and investigations. With around 200 employees, FRA is headquartered in London and Washington DC, with 10 additional offices across EMEA and the US. FRA has extensive cross-sector and cross-border experience and scalability anywhere in the world with globally integrated teams across both developed economies and emerging markets, having worked in more than 100 countries with the capability to speak over 35 languages. SOURCE Forensic Risk Alliance (FRA) NAPLES, Fla., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fountain Life, a preventative health and longevity company committed to transforming global healthcare from reactive to proactive, today announced the opening of its third precision diagnostic center designed to help members live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives by detecting illnesses at their earliest stages. The company's newest center, located in Dallas, TX, features innovative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to collect and assess data that can aid in diagnosing conditions such as cancer, heart disease and neurodegenerative disease before they can cause harm. "The ability to detect illness early before it advances leads to extraordinarily high survival rates and enables our members to experience a much higher quality of life," said Bill Kapp, M.D., Fountain Life CEO and co-founder. "We are proud to be able to serve a growing number of members. The Dallas center joins our location in Naples, FL and our center in White Plains, NY as a premier healthcare destination for individuals who want to become the CEO of their own health and realize the benefits of early disease detection." The 14,000 sq ft center located in the northern area of Dallas offers precision diagnostic testing including executive blood panels, a full-body and brain MRI, CCTA heart scanning and other assessments such as a blood test that can detect more than 50 cancers as early as stage 0 to 1. These cutting-edge technologies can screen for structural abnormalities and other key indicators of a developing disease, identifying many chronic diseases and life-threatening conditions that may be asymptomatic or have no genetic indicators, which make them difficult to predict using standard medical tests. When diagnosed early, members can avoid or mitigate long-term issues that may require ongoing treatment and reduce longevity and quality of life. Fountain Life centers, now open in Texas, Florida, and New York, are planned for several other U.S. and global locations in the coming years. The expansion also includes partnerships with real estate developers, hospitality management companies, payors and other wellness-oriented businesses, all with the goal of making early screenings for chronic, preventative and potentially lethal conditions available to as many individuals as possible. About Fountain Life Fountain Life brings together the world's most renowned scientists and physicians to boost longevity and performance putting health back in healthcare. Fountain Life does this by using cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) to collect data and gain insights into the human body that have never been possible before. Fountain Life's data-driven approach enables finding illnesses, including cancer, cardiac, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disease, early before they can cause harm. As a result, Fountain Life members operate at peak performance throughout their life with the aim that they will feel as healthy and vibrant at 100 as they were at 60. Learn more at www.fountainlife.com and follow us on LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Note: Photographs of Dallas center available upon request. Fountain Life Media Contacts: Erica Fiorini, Ph.D., or David Schull Russo Partners, LLC [email protected] [email protected] +1 (914) 310-8172 Fountain Life Company Contact: Evan Balter [email protected] SOURCE Fountain Life A Crypto Payment Product for a Seamless Web3 Shopping Experience MAJURO, Marshall Islands, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Gate.io , one of the world's earliest and largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has officially launched Gate Pay , a leading crypto-based payment product. Gate.io believes that, with a larger purpose to bridge the divide between blockchain and everyday life, cryptocurrencies will assume the basic and critical function of currency as a means of payment bringing a wider adoption beyond the limited user group in trading and transactions. Therefore, Gate.io decided to develop and launch Gate Pay to bring the Web 3.0 lifestyle to the public by serving individual users and business partners with its crypto-based payment solution. Gate Pay: Unlock Web3 Crypto Payments Gate Pay is a secure and free-to-use crypto payment technology fully developed by Gate.io. Users gain access to a more user-friendly method of sending crypto payments for goods and services, and merchants benefit from business-friendly tools so they can start accepting cryptocurrency. Currently, Gate Pay supports over 20 cryptocurrencies for payments, with plans to increase to 130 cryptocurrencies in the future. Reach Gate.io 12M+ users globally Support for 21 currencies, later expanded to 130+ Free to use with no additional fees (only network gas fees) Fast integration with dedicated tech and operation support Business-friendly systems to easily monitor and manage transactions Gate Pay Accelerates the Open Ecosystem of Gate.io Business partners can begin accepting crypto by integrating Gate Pay into their online and brick-and-mortar stores or launching on Gate MiniApp, a third-party dApp platform integrated directly into Gate.io's ecosystem. "Gate Pay is our next major commitment to further crypto adoption. It will bridge the gap between Web 3.0 and daily life, reducing the barriers for users and merchants to utilize cryptocurrency fully," said Dr. Lin Han, CEO and Founder of Gate.io Gate.io provides full support to business partners integrating Gate Pay, whether already crypto-friendly or new adopters. In addition, partners will have further access to other components of Gate.io's ecosystem. For example, the Gate MiniApp already hosts some leading Web 3.0 applications, such as online crypto-friendly retailer Uquid and crypto travel booking service Travala.com. Moving forward, Gate.io will continuously evolve Gate Pay, with plans to introduce C2C transfers, promotional handouts, and more. "From release to later evolutions, Gate Pay will become an important step in promoting the use of cryptocurrency. To achieve this, Gate.io will constantly innovate new product concepts to enrich the functions of Gate Pay," said Feng Zhou, Director of Gate Pay, Gate MiniApp. Pay with Gate Pay Now and Enjoy Up to 11% Cashback To celebrate the launch of Gate Pay, Gate.io's business partner Uquid.com, a Web 3.0 e-commerce platform, is launching a promotion campaign with Gate Pay. Starting November 8th, users who make purchases on Uquid will have a chance to win a gift box of $500. Moreover, users can enjoy up to 11% Cashback when they pay with Gate Pay. For more information, please visit the campaign page . About Gate.io Founded in 2013, Gate.io has strived to provide its users with the best trading experience in the last nine years. As a result, in terms of trading volume, Gate.io is one of the top 10 crypto exchanges in the world, listing crypto assets that are high quality and have a high rate of return. Currently, Gate.io has 1500+ cryptocurrencies listed for trading and provides 2800+ trading pairs to over 12 million users worldwide. SOURCE Gate.io GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Beijing on November 3, during which the two heads of state announced the elevation of China-Tanzania relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Humphrey Moshi, a Tanzanian economist of University of Dar es Salaam Humphrey Moshi, a Tanzanian economist of University of Dar es Salaam, spoke highly of the bilateral meeting at a recent interview with GDToday. He believes it will not only facilitate bilateral trade and increase Chinese investments in Tanzania, but also scale-up development aid to Tanzania. "Whatever the western media said, we are the ones who know how we are benefiting from the cooperation with China," said Moshi, "Tanzania has been active in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which contributed so much to our infrastructure and industrialization." Infrastructure is key to economic growth in Africa Moshi considers infrastructure a key focus of many Tanzanians on President Samia's visit to China, saying, "Connectivity is a big problem in Africa and hinders trade activities even within the country. But with the BRI in place, we managed to build railways, bridges and airports, which effectively improved the connectivity and bettered the business environment of Africa," he said. A Xinhua report indicates that China has helped African countries build or upgrade more than 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads, 1,000 bridges, and almost 100 ports, which connected 35 African countries since 2000. As for future cooperation, Moshi highlighted the renovation of the TAZARA Railway which links the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania with Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia's Central Province. "TAZARA marks a milestone in China-Tanzania and China-Africa friendship. Now that the railway is 43 years old, we are looking for Chinese expertise in railway construction to modernize the project," he said. Based on the joint statement issued on November 3, China and Tanzania will deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and actively advance the upgrade and renovation of the TAZARA Railway. The Chinese side will encourage more Chinese companies to invest in Tanzania and participate in infrastructure development. "Infrastructure is fundamental to address challenges of poverty and foster economic growth," said Moshi. In a recent article written by Moshi, he quoted a 2018 study by Jubilee Debt Campaign, which shows that China owns only 20% of the debt owed by 48 African countries. The rest is owned by multilateral financial institutions (35%), private creditors (32%), and Paris Club members (13%), including the US, the UK and France. "The World Bank's 2022 International Debt Statistics has shown a similar result. If China is not the main creditor of Africa, how come the accusation saying that China's lending practices have pushed African countries into 'debt traps'," he wrote. Chinese modernization offers an alternative development paradigm Moshi read the report delivered by President Xi at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. He was impressed by the concept of modernization with common prosperity which stresses prosperity has to be inclusive and benefit all Chinese people. The "Chinese path to modernization is different from what we used to see from the western countries. The western way focuses on profit maximization without taking care of everybody's benefit, which will encourage inequalities and sustain poverty," he elaborated. Moshi considers Chinese path to achieve modernization is inspiring to developing countries which have long considered poverty is their destiny. "China shows us a different development paradigm through which it achieved rapid economic development and earned a lot of credibility. We can learn from Chinese modernization and adapt it to our unique social conditions," he said. In addition, Moshi disagrees with the way western media perceive common prosperity as common poverty because "reality speaks differently". "China has become the second biggest economy, the per capita income has increased to the average of about 12.6 thousand USD, comparing 113 USD in 1970s. The country also successfully lifted almost 800 million people out of poverty in 2021," he added. Future is bright despite of challenges Moshi said the outcome of the visit is visible through the signing of 15 agreements and he believes the elevation of China-Tanzania relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership means that the two countries would, from now on, intensify their consultations and cooperation on a wider list of issues: domestic, regional and global. "We have realized that the cooperation between China and Africa brings good results," said Moshi and he quoted the statistics by Tanzania Commodity Commerce & Investment Co. that 1,098 investments from China were registered by the Tanzanian Investment Center up to October 2022. These projects are worth 9.6 billion USD and have created employment for about 300,000 people. Moshi encourages more African countries to broaden cooperation with China but at the same time, they have to put the right policies in place and seize the opportunities considering their own conditions and challenges. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940403/Humphrey_Moshi_a_Tanzanian_economist_University_Dar_es_Salaam.jpg SOURCE GDToday NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The " Ginger Market by Product type, Application, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026 " report has been added to Technavio's offering. The report expects the market size to grow by USD 3.4 billion, accelerating at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period. Discover market potential and make informed business decisions based on qualitative and quantitative evidence highlighted exclusively in this market study. Download Free PDF Sample Report Ginger Market 2022-2026: Scope Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Ginger Market 2022-2026 Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the ginger market are designed to provide entry support, customer profile & M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support. The report also covers the following areas: Ginger Market 2022-2026: Segmentation Type Fresh Ginger: The fresh ginger segment is expected to witness significant growth in terms of CAGR when compared to dried and other segments in the ginger market during the forecast period. This is due to the rise in demand for ginger due to its wide range of applications in the food and beverages industry, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and others due to its health benefits. The fresh ginger segment is expected to witness significant growth in terms of CAGR when compared to dried and other segments in the ginger market during the forecast period. This is due to the rise in demand for ginger due to its wide range of applications in the food and beverages industry, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and others due to its health benefits. Dried Ginger Others Application Food Industry: The food industry segment is expected to witness significant growth in terms of CAGR when compared to the pharmaceutical industry, cosmetic and other segments in the global ginger market during the forecast period. This is due to an increase in demand for ginger in food industry segments for its application and health benefits. The food industry segment is expected to witness significant growth in terms of CAGR when compared to the pharmaceutical industry, cosmetic and other segments in the global ginger market during the forecast period. This is due to an increase in demand for ginger in food industry segments for its application and health benefits. Pharmaceutical Industry Cosmetic Industry Others Geography APAC: APAC is the fastest-growing region for ginger in the global ginger market. The demand for ginger is increasing in APAC, mainly driven by the increase in the use of ginger in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and cosmetics. The growing popularity of aromatherapy among consumers will also help in the growth of the ginger market in APAC during the forecast period. APAC is the fastest-growing region for ginger in the global ginger market. The demand for ginger is increasing in APAC, mainly driven by the increase in the use of ginger in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and cosmetics. The growing popularity of aromatherapy among consumers will also help in the growth of the ginger market in APAC during the forecast period. Middle East And Africa Europe North America South America Learn more about the factors assisting the growth of the business segments. Download A Free Sample Now Ginger Market 2022-2026: Vendor Analysis To help businesses improve their market position, Technavio's report provides a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the market. To leverage the current opportunities, market vendors must strengthen their foothold in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. Technavio identifies the following as the dominant players in the market. Archer Daniels Midland Co.: The company offers ginger such as jellies and candies. The company offers ginger such as jellies and candies. Buderim Ginger: The company offers ginger such as Australian ginger shots and ginger lemongrass and lemon cordial 750ml. The company offers ginger such as Australian ginger shots and ginger lemongrass and lemon cordial 750ml. Capital Foods Pvt. Ltd.: The company offers ginger such as ginger and garlic paste through Smith and jones brand. The company offers ginger such as ginger and garlic paste through Smith and jones brand. Floracopeia Inc.: The company offers ginger such as ginger essential oil. The company offers ginger such as ginger essential oil. Guangxi Yongjiang Food Industry Co. Ltd.: The company offers ginger such as sushi ginger and ginger powder. The company offers ginger such as sushi ginger and ginger powder. Indian Organic Farmers Producer Co. Ltd.: The company offers ginger through the Jaiva brand. The company offers ginger through the Jaiva brand. AKO GmbH Banyan Botanicals BlissOfEarth BRL Foods Kingsneat Ltd. Gain access to more vendor profiles available with Technavio. Buy Now! Technavio's library includes over 17,000+ reports covering more than 2,000 emerging technologies. Subscribe to our "Basic Plan" at just USD 5,000 and get lifetime access to our Technavio Insights Ginger Market 2022-2026: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2022-2026 Detailed information on factors that will assist ginger market growth during the next five years Estimation of the ginger market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the ginger market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of ginger market vendors Related Reports: The garlic market share is expected to increase by USD 4.05 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 4.04%. The increasing awareness about the health benefits of garlic is notably driving the market growth, although factors such as the risk of diseases in garlic plants may impede the market growth. The yams market share is expected to increase by USD 47.36 million from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 4.53%. The health benefits associated with yams is notably driving the yams market growth, although factors such as the fluctuating price of yams may impede the market growth. Ginger Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 7.3% Market growth 2022-2026 USD 3.4 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 6.76 Regional analysis APAC, Middle East and Africa, Europe, North America, and South America Performing market contribution APAC at 77% Key consumer countries Nigeria, India, Nepal, China, and Indonesia Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled AKO GmbH, Archer Daniels Midland Co., Banyan Botanicalsa, BlissOfEarth, BRL Foods, Buderim Ginger, Capital Foods Pvt. Ltd., Floracopeia Inc., Guangxi Yongjiang Food Industry Co. Ltd., Indian Organic Farmers Producer Co. Ltd., Kingsneat Ltd., McCormick and Co. Inc, Monterey Bay Spice Co., NatureLoc Marketing Pvt. Ltd., Olam Group Ltd., PHU GROTEX ERYK GROTOWSKI, Sino Nature International Co. Ltd., SUN IMPEX INTERNATIONAL FOODS LLC, The Canadian Ginger Co., and The Ginger People Market Dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Table of contents: 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Product Type Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Application Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 09: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 10: Parent market Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2021 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026 Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 4 Five Forces Analysis 4.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 18: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2021 and 2026 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 19: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2021 and 2026 4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 20: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 21: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 22: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 23: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.7 Market condition Exhibit 24: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026 5 Market Segmentation by Product Type 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 25: Chart on Product Type - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 26: Data Table on Product Type - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 5.2 Comparison by Product Type Exhibit 27: Chart on Comparison by Product Type Exhibit 28: Data Table on Comparison by Product Type 5.3 Fresh ginger - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 29: Chart on Fresh ginger - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 30: Data Table on Fresh ginger - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 31: Chart on Fresh ginger - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 32: Data Table on Fresh ginger - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.4 Dried ginger - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 33: Chart on Dried ginger - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 34: Data Table on Dried ginger - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Chart on Dried ginger - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 36: Data Table on Dried ginger - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.5 Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 37: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 38: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 39: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 40: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.6 Market opportunity by Product Type Exhibit 41: Market opportunity by Product Type ($ million) 6 Market Segmentation by Application 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 42: Chart on Application - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 43: Data Table on Application - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Application Exhibit 44: Chart on Comparison by Application Exhibit 45: Data Table on Comparison by Application 6.3 Food industry - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 46: Chart on Food industry - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 47: Data Table on Food industry - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Chart on Food industry - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 49: Data Table on Food industry - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.4 Pharmaceutical industry - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 50: Chart on Pharmaceutical industry - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 51: Data Table on Pharmaceutical industry - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Chart on Pharmaceutical industry - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on Pharmaceutical industry - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.5 Cosmetic industry - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 54: Chart on Cosmetic industry - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 55: Data Table on Cosmetic industry - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Chart on Cosmetic industry - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 57: Data Table on Cosmetic industry - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.6 Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 58: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 59: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 60: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 61: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.7 Market opportunity by Application Exhibit 62: Market opportunity by Application ($ million) 7 Customer Landscape 7.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 63: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 8 Geographic Landscape 8.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 64: Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 65: Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) 8.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 66: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 67: Data Table on Geographic comparison 8.3 APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 68: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 69: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 70: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 71: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.4 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 72: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 73: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 74: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 75: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.5 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 76: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 77: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 79: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.6 North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 80: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 81: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 82: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 83: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.7 South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 84: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 85: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 86: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 87: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.8 India - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 88: Chart on India - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 89: Data Table on India - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 90: Chart on India - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 91: Data Table on India - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.9 Nigeria - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 92: Chart on Nigeria - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 93: Data Table on Nigeria - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 94: Chart on Nigeria - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 95: Data Table on Nigeria - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.10 Nepal - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 96: Chart on Nepal - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 97: Data Table on Nepal - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 98: Chart on Nepal - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 99: Data Table on Nepal - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.11 China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 100: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 101: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 102: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 103: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.12 Indonesia - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 104: Chart on Indonesia - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 105: Data Table on Indonesia - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 106: Chart on Indonesia - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 107: Data Table on Indonesia - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 108: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 9.1 Market drivers 9.2 Market challenges 9.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 109: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026 9.4 Market trends 10 Vendor Landscape 10.1 Overview 10.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 110: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 10.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 111: Overview on factors of disruption 10.4 Industry risks Exhibit 112: Impact of key risks on business 11 Vendor Analysis 11.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 113: Vendors covered 11.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 114: Matrix on vendor position and classification 11.3 Archer Daniels Midland Co. Exhibit 115: Archer Daniels Midland Co. - Overview Exhibit 116: Archer Daniels Midland Co. - Business segments Exhibit 117: Archer Daniels Midland Co. - Key offerings Exhibit 118: Archer Daniels Midland Co. - Segment focus 11.4 Buderim Ginger Exhibit 119: Buderim Ginger - Overview Exhibit 120: Buderim Ginger - Product / Service Exhibit 121: Buderim Ginger - Key offerings 11.5 Capital Foods Pvt. Ltd. Exhibit 122: Capital Foods Pvt. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 123: Capital Foods Pvt. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 124: Capital Foods Pvt. Ltd. - Key offerings 11.6 Floracopeia Inc. Exhibit 125: Floracopeia Inc. - Overview Exhibit 126: Floracopeia Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 127: Floracopeia Inc. - Key offerings 11.7 Guangxi Yongjiang Food Industry Co. Ltd. Exhibit 128: Guangxi Yongjiang Food Industry Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 129: Guangxi Yongjiang Food Industry Co. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 130: Guangxi Yongjiang Food Industry Co. Ltd. - Key offerings 11.8 Indian Organic Farmers Producer Co. Ltd. Exhibit 131: Indian Organic Farmers Producer Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 132: Indian Organic Farmers Producer Co. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 133: Indian Organic Farmers Producer Co. Ltd. - Key offerings 11.9 Monterey Bay Spice Co. Exhibit 134: Monterey Bay Spice Co. - Overview Exhibit 135: Monterey Bay Spice Co. - Product / Service Exhibit 136: Monterey Bay Spice Co. - Key offerings 11.10 Sino Nature International Co. Ltd. Exhibit 137: Sino Nature International Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 138: Sino Nature International Co. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 139: Sino Nature International Co. Ltd. - Key offerings 11.11 SUN IMPEX INTERNATIONAL FOODS LLC Exhibit 140: SUN IMPEX INTERNATIONAL FOODS LLC - Overview Exhibit 141: SUN IMPEX INTERNATIONAL FOODS LLC - Product / Service Exhibit 142: SUN IMPEX INTERNATIONAL FOODS LLC - Key offerings 11.12 The Ginger People Exhibit 143: The Ginger People - Overview Exhibit 144: The Ginger People - Product / Service Exhibit 145: The Ginger People - Key offerings 12 Appendix 12.1 Scope of the report 12.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 146: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 147: Exclusions checklist 12.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 148: Currency conversion rates for US$ 12.4 Research methodology Exhibit 149: Research methodology Exhibit 150: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 151: Information sources 12.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 152: List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio DUBLIN, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing Market By Test Type, By Technology chips, Targeted Analysis, Whole Genome Sequencing, By Sample, By Distribution Channel, By Region Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market stood at USD 1,254.69 million in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.97% during the forecast period. The rising prevalence of rare genetic diseases is expected to drive the market expansion. Rising demand for personalized genetic services, as well as increased public awareness around the world, are expected to aid market growth. The Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) genetic testing industry is fragmented, with a few dominant players and other small start-up companies offering superior quality Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) genetic tests at lower costs, which will address affordability issues and positively impact the market growth. The COVID-19 pandemic boosted the direct-to-consumer genetic testing market. During the pandemic, technological advancements have paved the way for new business opportunities in direct-to-consumer genetic testing. The rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases, as well as the introduction of personalized testing kits for niche therapeutic areas, are assisting in the rapid expansion of direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Such service adoption and change has increased demand for such kits. The availability of these kits on online platforms will also have a positive impact on the market statistics. Rising demand for personalized direct-to-consumer genetic testing services will boost the market expansion The growing popularity of pharmacogenetics will benefit the statistics of the direct-to-consumer genetic testing industry. Pharmacogenetics is a well-known example of gene-based personalization, in which genetic polymorphisms dictate the choice of medicinal treatment that benefits business momentum. Furthermore, consumer comprehension is used to evaluate and regulate personalized tests. The service provider provides descriptive information about the analytical and clinical validity of the tests, which increases the demand in the industry. These personalized tests are also less expensive than traditional genetic tests. Furthermore, personalized direct-to-consumer genetic test results can be obtained quickly using simple and non-invasive methods. These previously mentioned factors will propel the overall market share. Increasing use of Genetic Information across the Healthcare Industry will augment the market progress The ancestry & relationship testing segment will account for approximately 32% of the market in 2021, as costs for genetic ancestry tests have decreased in recent years, thereby increasing demand. In addition, interest in ancestry tests has grown dramatically in developed countries, including the United States, which adds to the segmental momentum. Ancestry testing, also called genetic genealogy, allows people to learn about their family history through historical documentation. It provides clues about an individual's ancestors among people of similar backgrounds by examining DNA variations. FamilyTreeDNA, for example, offers Family Finder DNA tests to find DNA matches and family connections. This also aids in determining ancestry history by comparing DNA to DNA from archaeological dig sites. As a result, ancestry and relationship testing are becoming more popular. North America contributing to the Market Growth North America's industry acquired around 44% of the market in 2021 and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Rising public awareness of direct-to-consumer genetic tests is attributed to high growth in the United States and Canada. Furthermore, increased internet use among residents in densely populated areas of the countries will benefit the market expansion. Similarly, a simplified regulatory process in the region will spur market growth. The US Food and Drug Administration, for example, streamlines regulations and ensures that tests are analytically and clinically valid without the involvement of a healthcare intermediary. All these factors contribute to an increase in demand for direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Rising public awareness and consumer empowerment will support market growth A national survey found that awareness of genetic testing in the United States increased from 31% to 38% between 2007 and 2014, and a social media survey found that 47% of users were familiar with the Direct-To-Consumer (DTC)-GT concept. The shift from passive to empowered customers has created opportunities for businesses to respond in a variety of sectors, including genetic testing. Direct-To-Consumer (DTC)-inherent GT's accessibility is a significant benefit, allowing consumers free access to their own genetic information as well as personalized insights and recommendations. A sense of empowerment is a key driver of Direct-To-Consumer (DTC)-GT adoption; 80% of early adopters of Direct-To-Consumer (DTC)-GT services report a sense of empowerment from their results and "curiosity" as a primary motivation. As a result, 90% of Direct-To-Consumer (DTC)-GT firms use the emotional appeal of 'empowerment' in their marketing strategies. Company Profiles 23andMe, Inc., Ancestry.com, LLC, Color Health, Inc., Helix OpCo LLC, Counsyl., My Heritage., Living DNA, Mapmygenome india Limited, Full Genomes Corporation, Direct Laboratory Services, LLC are among the major market players in the Global Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market. Key Topics Covered: 1. Service Overview 2. Research Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Impact of COVID-19 on Global Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market 5. Voice of Customer 5.1. Prevalence of Genetic Disorders, By Gender 5.2. Prevalence of Genetic Disorders, By Region 5.3. Commonly Observed Genetic Disorders 5.4. Factors Contributing Switch to Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing 5.5. Barriers to Adoption of Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing 6. Global Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market Outlook 6.1. Market Size & Forecast 6.1.1. By Value 6.2. Market Share & Forecast 6.2.1. By Test Type (Ancestry & Relationship Testing, Predictive Testing, Nutrigenomic Testing, Carrier Testing, Skincare Testing, Others) 6.2.2. By Technology (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) chips, Targeted Analysis, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), Others) 6.2.3. By Sample (Saliva, Urine, Blood, Others) 6.2.4. By Distribution Channel (Online v/s Offline) 6.2.5. By Region 6.2.6. By Company (2021) 6.3. Market Map 7. North America Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market Outlook 8. Europe Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market Outlook 9. Asia-Pacific Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market Outlook 10. Middle East and Africa Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market Outlook 11. South America Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market Outlook 12. Market Dynamics 12.1. Drivers 12.2. Challenges 13. Market Trends & Developments 14. Competitive Landscape 14.1. 23andMe, Inc. 14.2. Ancestry.com, LLC 14.3. Color Health, Inc. 14.4. Helix OpCo LLC 14.5. Counsyl 14.6. My Heritage 14.7. Full Genomes Corporation, Inc. 14.8. Living DNA 14.9. Mapmygenome India Limited 14.10. Direct Laboratory Services, LLC 15. Strategic Recommendations 16. About the Publisher & Disclaimer For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ej18wb Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets DUBLIN, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Liquid Carton Market: Analysis By Shelf Life (Fresh and Aseptic), By Type (Brick Liquid Carton, Gable Top Carton And Shaped Liquid Carton), By End Use (Dairy Products, Juice And Others), By Region Size and Trends with Impact of COVID-19 and Forecast up to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global liquid carton market in 2021 was valued at US$14.71 billion. The market value is expected to reach US$17.72 billion by 2027. Liquid packaging cartons are containers, which enable safe transportation and storage of liquid products. These cartons are primarily used for packaging fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). The liquid packaging cartons can be of various sizes, shapes and application types, and are easy to design and model according to the packager's need. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.17% during the forecast period of 2022-2027. Due to in increased consumption of packaged beverages and growing health & wellness spending and rapid urbanization, the market would propel in the forthcoming years. The global liquid carton market volume reached 226.80 billion units in 2021. Market Segmentation Analysis: By Shelf Life: The report provides the bifurcation of the market into two segments based on the shelf life: Aseptic Liquid Carton and Fresh Liquid Carton. In 2021, Aseptic liquid carton segment held a major share of more than 80% in the market. On the other hand, the Fresh liquid carton segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR in the forthcoming years owing to the growing health and fitness trend, convenience and distribution efficiency and growing use of sustainable alternative. By Type: The report provides the bifurcation of the market into three segments based on the type: Brick liquid carton, gable top carton and shaped liquid carton. In 2021, brick liquid carton segment held a major share of more than 53% in the market. This was being followed by gable top carton and shaped liquid carton segment. By End Use: The report provides the bifurcation of the market into three segments based on the end use: Dairy products, juice and others. In 2021, dairy products segment held a major share of more than 78% in the fresh liquid carton liquid carton market, whereas the same segment held around 60% share in the aseptic liquid carton market. By Region: The report provides insight into the liquid carton market based on the geographical operations, namely North America , Europe , Asia Pacific , Middle East & North Africa and Latin America . Asia Pacific held the major share of above 39% in the market, owing to rising demand for packaged milk and increasing consumer awareness regarding highly sustainable packaging in this region. , , , & and . held the major share of above 39% in the market, owing to rising demand for packaged milk and increasing consumer awareness regarding highly sustainable packaging in this region. Within Europe , Germany is leading the market, due to increasing demand of plant based beverages. Whereas, in the North America region, the US is dominating the market due to increase in disposable income and change in lifestyles. Market Dynamics: Growth Drivers Rapid Urbanization Rise in Disposable Income Increased Consumption of Packaged Beverages Growing Health & Wellness Spending Convenience and Distribution Efficiency Longer Shelf Life Sustainable Alternative Challenges Surge in Usage of Alternative Packaging Material Reduced Milk Consumption Market Trends Increased Consumption of Milk Alternatives Surge in Consumption of Ready to Drink Beverages Innovative and Attractive Packaging Expansion of Different Industries The key players in the global liquid carton market are: Tetra Laval Group Mondi plc SIG Combibloc Group AG BillerudKorsnas Refresco Group B.V. Pactiv Evergreen Inc. Greatview Aseptic Packaging Company Ferd Group Adam Pack S.A . . Smurfit Kappa Group plc Liqui Box Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. Uflex Limited Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Introduction 3. Global Market Analysis 4. Regional Market Analysis 5. Impact of COVID-19 6. Market Dynamics 7. Competitive Landscape 8. Company Profiles For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/hpq0op Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets DUBLIN, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Palliative Care Market: Analysis By Type, By Age Group, By Application, By End-User, By Region Size and Trends with Impact of COVID-19 and Forecast up to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global palliative care market in 2021 was valued at US$12.95 billion. The market is expected to reach US$21.39 billion by 2027. Palliative care is a specialized medical care given to people living with a serious or life-threatening disease such as cancer to improve the quality of life of patients and to help them feel more comfortable with their treatment. Palliative care is provided to patients suffering from diseases such as cancer, congestive heart failure (CHF), CNS disorders, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD) and others, providing symptomatic relief for nausea & vomiting, diarrhea, pain & anxiety, loss of appetite and many more. Therefore, surging prevalence of chronic diseases is one of the main factors that would drive the demand for palliative care in the forthcoming years. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of approx. 8.7% during the forecasted period of 2022-2027. Market Segmentation Analysis: By Type: The report provides the bifurcation of the market into five segments based on the type: Hospital Inpatient Care, Hospice Inpatient Care, Nursing Home, Residential Facility Center, and Others. In 2021, hospital inpatient care held one fourth share of the market and the segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the forthcoming years on account of growing availability of specialist palliative care services in various hospitals, creating lucrative opportunities for the market. By Age Group: The report further provides the segmentation based on the age group: Adult, and Pediatric. The adult segment held the highest share of around 90% in the market. The market's expansion is aided by the increasing geriatric population along with rising incidences of multiple chronic health conditions, such as Alzheimer's, dementia, cancer, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, etc. By Application: The report further provides the segmentation based on the application: Cancer, Cardiovascular Diseases, Chronic Respiratory Diseases, and Others. The cancer segment held the highest share of more than 35% in the market. The market is expected to expand on account of increasing preference for palliative and end-of-life care for cancer patients. In addition, palliative care also provides support to caregivers and children of cancer patients and help them balance care for the patients and their own health. By End-User: The report further provides the segmentation based on the end-user: Hospitals & Clinics, Home Care Settings, Palliative Care Centers, and Others. The supermarket/hypermarkets held the highest share of more than 36% in the market. The market's expansion was aided by the rising need for palliative care worldwide as hospitals & clinics are the preferred choice of treatment for palliative care, rapid establishment of palliative care centers in hospitals and expansion of clinic-based specialized application of palliative care. By Region: The report provides insight into the palliative care market based on the regions namely North America , Europe , Asia Pacific , and the Rest of the World. North America held the major share of above 40% in the market owing to increasing integration of palliative care into health care management plans, the implementation of preferential policies and reimbursement plans covering palliative care and hospice care, advances in palliative care, and the presence of major players in the region. , , , and the Rest of the World. held the major share of above 40% in the market owing to increasing integration of palliative care into health care management plans, the implementation of preferential policies and reimbursement plans covering palliative care and hospice care, advances in palliative care, and the presence of major players in the region. In Europe , Germany is expected to be the fastest growing region in the forecasted period. Whereas, in the Asia Pacific region, China held almost 55% share in the market owing to the rapid rise in aging population and an increasing number of patients with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer. Market Dynamics: Growth Drivers Increasing Geriatric Population Surging Prevalence of Chronic Diseases Upsurge in Healthcare Expenditure Rising Affordability Rapid Urbanization Growing Awareness about Palliative Care Challenges Limited Palliative Care Workforce and Training Opportunities Lack of Access to Palliative Care Services in Underdeveloped Countries Late Referrals Market Trends Escalating Incidence of Dementia Accelerating Number of Palliative Care Centers Worldwide Surging Application of Palliative Care for Homecare Technological Advancements Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Introduction 3. Global Market Analysis 4. Regional Market Analysis 5. Impact of COVID-19 6. Market Dynamics 7. Competitive Landscape 8. Company Profiling Companies Mentioned Brookdale Senior Living Inc. LHC Group, Inc. Amedisys, Inc. Chemed Corporation (Vitas Healthcare Corporation) Genesis Healthcare, Inc. (Skilled Healthcare Group Inc.) Home Instead, Inc., Kindred Healthcare, Inc. Revera Inc. UCLA Health National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) Seymour Health Senior Care Centers of America, Inc. Sunrise Senior Living, LLC For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/dvnxmm Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gold Fields Board has convened to consider the Joint Offer of Pan American Silver and Agnico Eagle Mines to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Yamana Gold Inc, based on the information included in the joint press release issued by Pan American and Agnico on 4 November 2022, and the press release issued by Yamana the same day. Full media release is available on the company website: www.goldfields.com About Gold Fields Gold Fields is a globally diversified gold producer with nine operating mines in Australia, Chile, Ghana, Peru and South Africa, including the Asanko Joint Venture in Ghana, with total attributable annual gold-equivalent production of approximately 2.3Moz, attributable gold-equivalent Mineral Reserves of 48.6Moz and gold Mineral Resources of 111.8Moz. Gold Fields' shares are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and its American depositary shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). For more information, please contact: Gold Fields Investors Avishkar Nagaser, EVP, Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs Tel: +27 11 562 9775; Mobile: +27 82 312 8692 Email: [email protected] Thomas Mengel, Manager, Investor Relations Tel: +27 11 562 9849; Mobile: +27 72 493 5170 Email: [email protected] Gold Fields Media Sven Lunsche, Vice President Corporate Affairs Tel: +27 11 562 9763; Mobile: +27 83 2609279 Email: [email protected] Investors BofA Securities (Financial advisor to Gold Fields) Ben Davies / Peter Surr / Christos Tomaras / Anthony Knox Tel: +44 20 7628 1000 Media Brunswick Group (Communications advisor to Gold Fields) Johannesburg: Timothy Schultz Tel: +27 82 309 2497 London: Pip Green / Tom Pigott Tel: +44 20 7404 5959 North America: Emily Levin / Nikki Ritchie Tel: +1 202 617 8582 / Tel: +1 845 682 9850 SOURCE Gold Fields Limited VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Gold Royalty Corp. ("Gold Royalty" of the "Company") (NYSE American: GROY) is pleased to announce that it will host an Investor Webcast on Tuesday, November 22 at 8:00 AM PST. David Garofalo, Gold Royalty CEO, President and Chairman; Samuel Mah, Vice President, Evaluations; and Alastair Still, Director of Technical Services, will be providing an update to interested stakeholders on the Company's royalty portfolio including key recent catalysts that have been announced on the assets underlying the Company's royalties. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session where participants will be able to ask any questions they may have of management. To register for the Town Hall Meeting, please click the link below: https://www.bigmarker.com/vid-conferences/GoldRoyalty-Oct-2022-Portfolio-Update About Gold Royalty Corp. Gold Royalty Corp. is a gold-focused royalty company offering creative financing solutions to the metals and mining industry. Its mission is to acquire royalties, streams and similar interests at varying stages of the mine life cycle to build a balanced portfolio offering near, medium and longer-term attractive returns for its investors. Gold Royalty's diversified portfolio currently consists primarily of net smelter return royalties on gold properties located in the Americas. SOURCE Gold Royalty Corp. PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Grovara, the exports and imports wholesale Marketplace for consumer brands, has assembled an expert-filled lineup of export/import leaders and industry innovators for Grovara Food Week at Dubai Global Connect (DGC) on Nov. 9 - 11 in Dubai, helping participating North American brands to expand their international sales capacity across the Middle East. Grovara The trade mission is a partnership between Grovara and DGC, a permanent wholesale market that facilitates business between international buyers and sellers and is a key pillar of Dubai's efforts to return to its roots as a regional and global trading hub. Luis Alfonso de Alba, Mexico's ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, will deliver opening remarks. "We've established a framework for brands to learn about and begin building overseas distribution in Dubai at Grovara Food Week through Grovara's many partnerships and our own expertise here and across the Middle East," says Grovara Co-founder and CEO Abu Kamara. Fifteen export-ready brands, representing a diverse product mix of promising, innovative, or well-established better-for-you food and beverage makers and spanning many trending categories, are looking to establish distribution partnerships in the region and supercharge their international sales channel. Grovara's lineup of panelists include leaders from government, data, logistics, technology, and manufacturing. "Grovara Food Week is a perfect opportunity for North American natural products brands to gain exposure to and learn from Middle East retail trade," says Peter Guyer, President and Founder of Athena Marketing International, a leading marketing, business development, and export sales management firm that has helped hundreds of North American brands grow overseas. "All participants will also share resources to facilitate trade and growth in their respective businesses." Guyer will be part of a session focused on what companies and exporters need to know about business in the Middle East/North African region along with panelists Makram Malaaeb , CEO of Kuwait Agro ; Feda Saimua , Partner at Emirate Snacks; and Manish Keshwani , Director of Growth & Alliances at TLM International . "Our panel will share some of our learnings, both successes and failures, and what to do and not to do when exporting your brands to foreign markets," says Guyer. "We will also share our deep expertise in the Middle East markets and understanding of the intricate regulatory and import requirements needed to enter these new markets. Other sessions include: For more information on Grovara Food Week, visit Grovara.com. ABOUT GROVARA Grovara enables an easy global wholesale experience as the only B2B online marketplace for export/import. With just 1 in 10 brands selling overseas, Grovara facilitates global trade with a lightweight tech-driven platform that provides automation and intelligence-based tools. Grovara leverages visibility, discovery, and an intuitive user experience to deliver easy transacting and management, creating a streamlined pathway to dynamic global growth potential. With headquarters in Philadelphia and offices in Mexico and Dubai, Govara supports thousands of CPG products and thousands of buyers in more than 50 countries. For more information or to join the curated ecosystem, please visit Grovara.com . MEDIA CONTACT Alyssia Portee, Marketing Director 407-403-1958 [email protected] SOURCE Grovara Financial release accessible online BOSTON, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Haemonetics Corporation (NYSE: HAE) announced that financial results for its second quarter fiscal 2023, which ended October 1, 2022, are available on its Investor Relations website. The Company will host a conference call and webcast with investors and analysts to discuss and answer questions about the results at 8:00 a.m. ET on November 7, 2022. The conference call and webcast can be accessed with the following information: Teleconference link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI40288651d4b2472199bac5fd76e59174 Once registration is completed, participants will receive a dial-in number along with a personalized PIN to access the call. While not required, it is recommended that participants join 10 minutes prior to the event start. A live webcast of the call can be accessed on Haemonetics' investor relations website or via the following link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/jmqoyvd8 In addition, the Company has posted to its Investor Relations website the earnings release and analytical tables and supplemental information that will be referenced on its conference call and webcast, direct links to which are available below. Direct link to 2Q FY23 Earnings Release: https://haemonetics.gcs-web.com/static-files/f7bd49f3-53f3-412d-9e2f-a8793baa052b Direct link to 2Q FY23 Analytical Tables and Supplemental Information: https://haemonetics.gcs-web.com/static-files/f02bd23c-d80b-491e-ab3a-f299118c93f3 A replay of the conference call and webcast will be available for one year beginning on November 7, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. ET using the conference call webcast link provided in this press release. About Haemonetics Haemonetics (NYSE: HAE) is a global healthcare company dedicated to providing a suite of innovative medical products and solutions for customers, to help them improve patient care and reduce the cost of healthcare. Our technology addresses important medical markets: blood and plasma component collection, the surgical suite and hospital transfusion services. To learn more about Haemonetics, visit www.haemonetics.com. SOURCE Haemonetics Corporation HOUSTON, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday November 4, a Harris County jury awarded $10.5M to plaintiffs Melissa Garcia, individually and as representative of the Estate of Oberlin Garcia, Deceased, and Amy Garcia Morales, Conrado Garcia, and Oberlin Garcia, Jr.. Attorneys Alex Hilliard, Michael Richardson and Jessi Pritchett of Hilliard Martinez Gonzales LLP, along with Scott West of the West Law Firm, represented the family. This case arises from the tragic death of Oberlin Garcia, a Service Transport commercial truck driver, who sustained catastrophic injuries from a fall while making a delivery at BASF's chemical facility in Livonia, Michigan. Mr. Garcia arrived at the facility on May 16, 2016, to deliver a load of hazardous chemicals. Upon arrival, BASF personnel instructed Mr. Garcia to climb to the top of the tanker and open the "crash box" in the parking lot area of the facility. Following BASF's order, Mr. Garcia ascended the ladder on the side of the tanker. Once at the top, Mr. Garcia reached toward the "crash box" lid while holding onto an extension of the ladder. As he was transitioning from the ladder to the top of the tanker, Mr. Garcia's right foot suddenly slipped, causing him to fall over ten (10) feet before crashing onto the parking lot pavement. As a result, Mr. Garcia sustained severe and catastrophic injuries which ultimately led to his tragic and untimely death. Attorneys for the family asserted that BASF was negligent in creating an unsafe work environment that created an unreasonable risk of harm, and that BASF was negligent in failing to provide adequate safety policies and procedures. Further, based on previous similar incidents, BASF knew or should have known of the danger, attorneys alleged. The jury agreed, finding BASF 100% at fault for Mr. Garcia's tragic accident. Attorney Hilliard stated, "This accident could have been prevented. BASF was aware of similar accidents occurring at this facility but continued to allow dangerous conditions to exist. They failed to take the necessary steps to protect Mr. Garcia, and as a result, the family lost a beloved father and husband." The case is Melissa Garcia, Individually and as Representative of the Estate of Oberlin Garcia, Deceased, and Amy Garcia Morales and Conrado Garcia, Oberlin Garcia Jr., Individually v. BASF Corporation, Cause No. 201823951, in the 189th Judicial District, Harris County, Texas. About HMG Since 1986 Hilliard Martinez Gonzales LLP (HMG) has been successfully representing clients in the United States and Mexico. Our experienced, tenacious legal team has earned a national and international reputation for going head-to-head with large, powerful companies, bringing them to justice for causing personal injury or wrongful death. Our reputation is so well known that often a corporation will agree to a fair settlement rather than go to court against us. We believe that Justice does not fight for itself. It demands the strength and commitment and power of strong advocates to protect the unprotected. If a just settlement cannot be obtained, our Trial Attorneys are prepared to go to trial to ensure those injured by negligence obtain rightful compensation. At trial, we will focus on you and your story, explaining your experience to the jury in a way that makes it clear to them what you have suffered and how the responsible party wronged you. We apply this simple, powerful approach when advocating for you. By standing strong in our fierce pursuit of economic and social justice for our clients, we have achieved significant results and secured us a position in the Texas Verdicts Hall of Fame. We have won numerous multi-million dollar settlements, including recently obtaining $90M in 5 months. Our dedicated advocacy, experience, drive and grit have helped our clients obtain justice and secure a better future. HMG attorneys have received numerous awards and accolades, including12 attorneys named as Super Lawyers/Rising Stars, and the firm is recognized as a US News Best Law Firm. Founding partner Robert C. Hilliard was named Corpus Christi's 2021 Lawyer of the Year, as well as the 2017 Elite Trial Attorney of the Year (Public Justice) and the 2016 Elite Trial Attorney of the Year (Product Liability) by the National Law Journal. He is also double certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys are double certified. We stand with you. We fight to win. More about the firm can be found at www.hmglawfirm.com. Contact: Jennifer Dolan Phone: 321-519-0568 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Hilliard Martinez Gonzales LLP SHANGHAI, Nov. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Asieris Pharmaceuticals, a global biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery and development of innovative drugs for the treatment of genitourinary tumors and other major diseases, announced that Hexvix, a drug used for the diagnosis for bladder cancer, completed the first patient dose in Phase III bridging trial. The study is a prospective, self-controlled, multicenter Phase trial aimed at investigating the additional detection rate and safety of Hexvix and blue light cystoscopy (BLC) versus white light cystoscopy in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) (CIS, Ta, T1). This study will be led by Peking Union Medical College Hospital and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Professor Li Hanzhong, head of the Department of Surgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, will serve as the Principal Investigator to lead a team of top experts in the field of bladder cancer in China to carry out this study. The company plans to file a new drug application with the NMPA in the future pending clinical trial progress and meaningful data. In January 2021, Asieris entered into a license agreement with Photocure ASA (Photocure, OSE:PHO), a bladder cancer specialty company based in Oslo, Norway, to obtain the exclusive registration and commercialization rights of Hexvix in mainland China and Taiwan. In December 2021, Hexvix was put into pilot use in the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in Hainan Province and the first prescription in China was issued at Hainan General Hospital, with the first patient operated successfully. It received approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for phase III clinical trials in the first quarter of 2022 and was included in the real-world clinical data pilot program. About Asieris Asieris Pharmaceuticals(688176.SH), founded in March 2010, is a global biopharma company specializing in discovering, developing and commercializing innovative drugs for the treatment of genitourinary tumors and other related diseases. We strive to improve human health and help people live a more dignified life. We aim to become a global pharma leader that integrates R&D, manufacturing and commercialization in our areas of focus, as we provide best-in-class integrated diagnosis and treatment solutions for patients in China and worldwide. The company has been developing its proprietary R&D platform and core technologies, exploring new mechanisms of action, and efficiently screening and evaluating drug candidates. With a well-established in-house R&D system and expertise in global drug development, Asieris is committed to launching first-in-class drugs and other innovative products to address huge unmet needs in its areas of focus. Asieris is also enhancing its pipeline for genitourinary diseases via proprietary R&D and strategic partnerships, while closely following cutting-edge technologies and therapeutics. The company strives to discover and identify unmet clinical needs, and adopts a forward-looking approach in product planning and life-cycle management. We aim to establish an outstanding portfolio that covers diagnosis and treatment in a bid to benefit more patients in China and globally. SOURCE Asieris Cynthia Hundorfean Assumes New Role as Organization's Chief Living Health Development Officer; Bruce Meyer, MD, MBA, Named EVP, Western PA Market President PITTSBURGH, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Highmark Health today announced leadership changes impacting the organization's western Pennsylvania market operations, including its insurance arm Highmark Inc. and its anchor provider system Allegheny Health Network (AHN). The moves, intended to further strengthen and advance Highmark Health's transformative Living Health model, include the transition of Cynthia Hundorfean, AHN's President and CEO, into a new enterprise role as Chief Living Health Development Officer and the appointment of Bruce A. Meyer, MD, MBA, to serve in a newly created position as Executive Vice President and Western PA Market President for Highmark Health. Cynthia Hundorfean and Bruce A. Meyer, MD, MBA Hundorfean joined Highmark Health as AHN's president in 2016 and has been the chief architect of the Network's considerable growth and success over the past five years. Under her leadership, the network has executed a nearly $2 billion capital investment and transformation strategy that has dramatically expanded its facility and programmatic footprint across the greater western Pennsylvania region, while also bringing leading-edge technologies, key academic and clinical partnerships, and other innovative solutions to the market. She has also been instrumental in establishing AHN's role as the anchor provider and pacesetter for Highmark Health's Living Health strategy to build a more holistic, blended payer-provider health ecosystem that leverages shared data, analytics and clinical innovation to better achieve the quadruple aim of improving the patient and clinician experience, improving health outcomes and reducing costs. "One of the great things about being part of a large, innovative and integrated health enterprise like Highmark Health, with its broad geographic footprint and influence, is the ability that we have to share and export everything we have learned, developed and accomplished in the pursuit of our Living Health model to other providers and potential partners," said Hundorfean, whose new position takes effect on January 1, 2023. "That's why I am so excited to assume this new role that will enable me to have a much broader impact on the transformation of health care regionally and nationally beyond all the amazing things we are doing at AHN." In her new enterprise role, Hundorfean will continue to report to Highmark Health President and Chief Executive Officer David Holmberg and will focus on advocating for the Living Health model and its advantages with provider systems, clinical leaders and other key stakeholders across the region and nation. Dr. Meyer joins Highmark Health after serving as President of Jefferson Health in Philadelphia and Senior Executive Vice President of Thomas Jefferson University. He also is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Population Health at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College. At Jefferson, Dr. Meyer had responsibility for overseeing the health system's multitude of clinical services offered across Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia, Montgomery and Bucks counties, including 18 hospitals and more than 50 outpatient and urgent care centers. Jefferson Health is also home to the NCI-designated Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, and one of the largest faculty-based telehealth networks in the country. The network employees approximately 37,000 people, including nearly 3,500 physicians and 9,600 nurses. Under Dr. Meyer's direction, in 2021, Jefferson Health also became the sole owner of HealthPartners Plan (HPP), a not-for-profit health maintenance organization in Southeastern Pennsylvania that serves more than 345,000 people. The venture marked the first blended payer-provider partnership in the Philadelphia region and Dr. Meyer served as chair of the HPP Board of Trustees. Prior to his role as President of Jefferson Health, Dr. Meyer was Executive VP for Health System Affairs, Executive Director of the Faculty Practice Plan and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Southwestern (UTSW) Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He has authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications and has won multiple teaching awards while serving as a residency and fellowship program director, and Academic Chair. In his new capacity at Highmark Health, Dr. Meyer will report to Chief Operating Officer Karen Hanlon and have responsibility for overseeing Highmark Health's blended payer-provider strategy in the western Pennsylvania market, including the operations of both Highmark Insurance and AHN. James Benedict, AHN's Chief Operating Officer, will report to Dr. Meyer and serve as point for the health system's daily operations and growth strategy. "Highmark Health is on the forefront of the transformation in health care that is so essential to the future of our industry and the very health of our nation, as we transition from a fee for service, reactionary delivery model to a value-driven, health and wellness model that provides better overall health experiences and outcomes for everyone," said Dr. Meyer. "This is a tremendous opportunity to join an innovative, visionary leadership team and culture that is setting the standard in value-based care that others will be measured by." Dr. Meyer will officially join Highmark Health on December 5, 2022. Hanlon said Highmark Health's ability to retain and attract exceptionally talented, forward-thinking executives like Hundorfean, Benedict and Dr. Meyer, and leaders at every level, is a testament to the organization's growing reputation as a trailblazer in the quest to reinvent health care. "Every day we are approached by the best and brightest health care executives and clinicians from around the country who want to be part of the transformation that our Living Health model represents," said Hanlon. "To succeed, we must have the right leaders in the right places, and today's news is another great step forward for our organization in that regard." Holmberg further underscored the importance of these changes. "The work we are embarking on is critical to our success. This is a pivotal moment in the execution of our strategy a milestone which will further enable our objective to reinvent health care and that provides another opportunity for us to do what no one else has done before." About Highmark Health Highmark Health, a Pittsburgh, PA-based enterprise that employs more than 37,000 people who serve millions of Americans across the country, is the parent company of Highmark Inc., Allegheny Health Network, enGen, Helion, and Lumevity. Highmark Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates provide health insurance to more than 6 million members in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, and New York, as well as dental insurance, and related health products through a national network of diversified businesses. Allegheny Health Network is an integrated delivery network in western Pennsylvania comprised of 14 hospitals, more than 2,600 affiliated physicians, ambulatory surgery centers, an employed physician organization, home and community-based health services, a research institute, a group purchasing organization, and health and wellness pavilions. enGen is focused on meeting the information technology platform and other business needs of the Highmark Health enterprise as well as unaffiliated health insurance plans by providing proven business processes, expert knowledge, and integrated cloud-based platforms. Helion works with payers to cultivate high-performing networks while empowering providers to operate at their best. Lumevity helps companies transform in ways that drive direct financial benefits while improving quality and increasing employee engagement. To learn more, visit www.highmarkhealth.org. About AHN Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org), a Highmark Health company, is an integrated health care delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region. The network is composed of 14 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health + Wellness Pavilions, an employed physician organization, home- and community-based health services, a research institute, and a group purchasing organization. AHN provides patients with access to a complete spectrum of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, cardiovascular disease, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, women's health, diabetes and more. AHN employs approximately 21,000 people, has more than 2,600 physicians on its medical staff, and serves as a clinical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Contact: Dan Laurent, VP Corporate Communications, Highmark Health 412-807-8103 [email protected] SOURCE Highmark Health Offers Are Due December 6, 2022; Auction to Be Held December 8, 2022 NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilco Streambank (www.HilcoStreambank.com) announced that it is seeking offers to acquire a proprietary software platform featuring a diamond cut score calculator and jewelry configurator utilized by a jewelry e-commerce retailer. The available assets include software code for the unique "Cut Score Calculator," Jewelry Configurator, Web Inventory Scraper, e-commerce applications, and administrator dashboards; documentation cataloguing the development of the software; and additional assets. Offers to acquire the software platform and related assets are due by December 6, 2022, and an auction will be held on December 8, 2022. "This software puts gem selection and jewelry design in the hands of the customers," commented Hilco Streambank CEO, Gabe Fried. He continued, "More and more people are buying their diamonds and luxury jewelry online. These tools make the experience user friendly so that customers can get all the advantages of the in-store experience online. The Cut Score Calculator allows customers to compare diamonds with varying attributes, and the Jewelry Configurator allows them to design their own product in 3D. The software platform is sure to attract attention from jewelry ecommerce retailers and those seeking to enhance the customer experience of purchasing jewelry online." The software supported the business of Enchanted Diamonds which, at its peak, generated more than $12 million in annual sales. For more information, click here or contact Hilco Streambank. The sale is being conducted by Salvatore LaMonica, Esq., solely in his capacity as the Chapter 7 Trustee of the bankruptcy estate of Online Diamonds International Corp. (d/b/a Enchanted Diamonds) and is subject to approval of the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. About Hilco Streambank: Hilco Streambank is a market leading advisory firm specializing in intellectual property disposition and valuation. Having completed numerous transactions including sales in publicly reported Chapter 7 and 11 bankruptcy cases, private transactions, and online sales through IPv4.Global, Hilco Streambank has established itself as the premier intermediary in the consumer brand, internet, and telecom communities. Hilco Streambank is part of Northbrook, Illinois based Hilco Global, the world's leading authority on maximizing the value of business assets by delivering valuation, monetization and advisory solutions to an international marketplace. Hilco Global operates more than twenty specialized business units offering services that include asset valuation and appraisal, retail and industrial inventory acquisition and disposition, real estate and strategic capital equity investments. SOURCE Hilco Streambank HOUSTON, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Even as Americans batten down the hatches in preparation for the winter heating season, the last thing they'll want to deal with is a dreaded water heater breakdown. Especially considering the rise in energy costs. Who needs the added expense? Warm up to the Essency EXR, a water heater built to last - for 30 years of everyday service. Its industry-leading hot water capacity rating means lasting hot water performance on a day-to-day basis too - the EXR can handle all the multitasking hot water demands of virtually any sized household. The Essency EXR, jam-packed with innovation to give homeowners what they want in hot water comfort, convenience and performance from their home hot water system. When conventional water heaters go bad, it's a total loss. Rusted out storage tanks and tankless heat exchangers simply can't be repaired cost-effectively. Faced with installing a new water heater, most homeowners have found their options boil down to choosing between a quick "like for like" replacement of their old tank unit, or converting to a tankless or heat pump unit, often requiring cost-prohibitive infrastructure upgrade and installation costs. Now there's a more durable and versatile mainstream option for home hot water systems a "new and innovative option," emerging from the engineering minds at Essency Water Heaters. This breakthrough in home hot water systems, powered by the EXR water heater, is built to last while delivering the most reliable supply of hot water in the residential water heating industry! Homeowners can expect 30 years or more of service from their EXR-based system, with its all-polymer storage tank and stainless-steel heat exchanger, says Scott Isaksen, National Sales Director for Texas-based Essency. People have been conditioned to expect water heaters to break down after a few years 10 years is a long lifetime for most traditional water heaters (rather unfortunately)! Tankless and heat-pump-style water heaters can be impractical for many homeowners to install and can't always keep pace with hot water demand in larger households. The Essency system is a drop-in replacement for a tankor tankless-style water heater, easily installed with conventional fittings and connections by licensed plumbers in an hour or less in many instances. With water heater replacement costs continually on the rise, it pays to invest in a system such as the EXR, whether as a replacement or as a first-in water heater in a new home. "The Essency more than pays for itself, due to its long-lasting reliability," says Isaksen. "It will deliver decades of reliable, best-in-class performance. For many people, it might be the only water heating system they'll ever need in their homes." Of course, the true test of a water heater is how effective it is at meeting homeowner needs. Essency passes this test with flying colors. It has a first-hour rating of 80 gallons and can produce enough hot water for nine consecutive showers without losing steam. "Who hasn't experienced a teeth-chattering shudder as the shower water suddenly runs cold? That's a very unlikely scenario with the Essency system, with its hallmark emphasis on long-term temperature stability," says Isaksen. For people looking to get the best, most versatile, and capable hot water system, capable of meeting the needs of virtually any sized household for many years to come and the peace of mind that comes from unsurpassed durability now there's the Essency EXR. The EXR is available for sale and installation by professional plumbing and home services contractors; Ferguson plumbing supply centers handle distribution in select metro areas in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, and Arizona (and other states to come, as Essency completes its national rollout). For more information visit the Essency home page, www.essencyhome.com . About Essency Water Heaters Essency Water Heaters U.S./North America operations are located at 27351 Spectrum Way, Oak Ridge N., Texas 77385-2101 office telephone number is 888-229-6285. Contact: Doug Hovelson Falls Agency 612-998-0789 [email protected] SOURCE Essency Water Heaters The WCO Technical Experts Group on Non-Intrusive Inspection (TEG-NII) held its 9th Meeting on 3 and 4 November 2022 in a hybrid format. The Meeting gathered, both online and at the WCO headquarters in Brussels, more than 230 participants from 66 Member Customs administrations and 6 NII vendors, thus setting a new record for the Group in terms of number of participants. In his opening remarks, the WCO Director for Compliance and Facilitation, Mr. Pranab Kumar Das, highlighted the pertinence of the TEG-NII in supporting Members in the Technology and Innovation area of work, which is also one of the three focus areas of the WCO for financial year 2022-2023. The work of the TEG-NII is of relevance also in the context of the efforts undertaken by the WCO and its Members under the theme of the year: Scaling up Customs digital transformation by embracing a data culture and building a data ecosystem. While noting certain delays, the Director expressed his hope that the TEG-NII can regain momentum in the implementation of Phase 3 of the UFF Development Programme and implement in full the mandate of the Group in view of enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations in the NII domain. The TEG-NII discussions centered around two main topics the Unified File Format (UFF) Development Programme and other NII-related matters. To kick-start its work, the TEG-NII had an open discussion on various aspects related to the deployment of UFF 2.0 and provided guidance in that regard. Then the Group discussed and endorsed a UFF Maintenance Procedure that is largely based on the WCO Data Model Maintenance Procedure. This new UFF governance document describes the procedures for processing UFF maintenance requests and specifies three types of UFF releases: i) major releases; ii) medium releases that are expected every two years; and iii) minor releases to reflect minor changes to the UFF standard. The UFF Maintenance Procedure has already been published on the WCO website. Furthermore, the TEG-NII endorsed the proposal to establish a UFF Maintenance Virtual Steering Group to implement the UFF Maintenance Procedure. The virtual steering group will consist of six standing members from WCO Member Customs administrations and one representative of each NII industry member that is a member of the TEG-NII. The UFF Maintenance Virtual Steering Group will be chaired by the two co-chairpersons of the TEG-NII. Following this decision of the TEG-NII, the Secretariat will write to the six vice-chairpersons of the Council to invite them to nominate the six standing members of the UFF Maintenance Virtual Steering Group. The TEG-NII took note of the intersessional developments under Phase 3 of the UFF Development Programme and discussed the possible expansion of the UFF Development Team with new NII industry members. In line with the WCO Data Strategy timetable, the TEG-NII discussed various practical aspects of the sharing of X-ray/CT images, shared relevant information on national circumstances and experiences, and provided guidance on the way forward. An oral report on these discussions will be delivered to the 1st Meeting of the WCO Working Group on Data and Statistics on 10 November 2022. Based on presentations by Brazil, China, Rapiscan Systems AS&E, the European Union and the Netherlands, the TEG-NII discussed various NII-related matters such as the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the NII domain, approaches to funding NII capabilities, as well as cyber security for NII systems and the challenges of connecting equipment. When discussing the various aspects of developing AI algorithms, the TEG-NII once again underscored the importance of data sharing. Last, the TEG-NII endorsed its Work Programme for the period 1 July 2022 30 June 2025. AUSTIN, Minn., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) a Fortune 500 global branded food company today announced it has been ranked No. 39 on Military Times' 2022 Best for Vets: Employers list. This is the 10th consecutive year the company has made the list, which evaluates many factors including an in-depth analysis of a company's efforts to recruit, retain, and support current and former service members, military spouses, and military caregivers. "Hormel Foods has a long and proud history of supporting the military, both as an active recruiter for former service members and as a leading food supplier to our troops. "We are incredibly proud to be recognized as a Best for Vets employer for 10 years in a row," said Jeff Baker, group vice president of marketing for value added foods, Retail at Hormel Foods and military veteran. "We are so thankful for our veterans and service members who are a vital part of our incredible team." Military Times collaborated with Fors Marsh Group (FMG) to update the research methodology and analysis from previous years to provide a streamlined, user-friendly survey experience for participants. The survey was made based on subject matter expert reviews of the survey and rigorous qualitative research, including focus groups and in-depth interviews with Military Times subscribers. FMG designed, deployed, analyzed, and wrote the report for this year's survey. "Military Times continues to set the standard for employer rankings for transitioning service members and veterans. Although often imitated, there is no other list that comes close to Best for Vets: Employers," says Mort Greenberg, SVP of media solutions at Military Times. "We stand by the rigor and soundness of this survey, which spotlights companies' employment programs that help transitioning service members excel in their post-military careers." In addition, to the company's recruitment efforts, Hormel Foods has an employee resource group that provides assistance to current and former military members and their families as they integrate into the company, while providing a platform for continued camaraderie throughout their career. To view the complete Best for Vets: Employers list, visit https://employers.militarytimes.com/2022/ ABOUT HORMEL FOODS Inspired People. Inspired Food. Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $11 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters, SKIPPY, SPAM, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, WHOLLY, Hormel Black Label, Columbus, Jennie-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named on the "Global 2000 World's Best Employers" list by Forbes magazine for three years, is one of Fortune magazine's most admired companies, has appeared on the "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list by 3BL Media 13 times, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement Inspired People. Inspired Food. to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and http://csr.hormelfoods.com/. Contact: media 507-434-6352 [email protected] SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation RENO, Nev., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - i-80 GOLD CORP. (TSX: IAU) (NYSE: IAUX) ("i-80", or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of a Scoping Study completed by DRA Americas Inc. ("DRA") that was commission by the Company to provide preliminary capital and operating cost estimates for the potential restart of the existing Ruby Hill mill and leach circuits to operating status. Table 1 Capital Cost for the Restart of the Oxide Plant (CNW Group/i-80 Gold Corp) Table 2 Operating Cost Estimate for the Oxide Plant Combined Low and High Grade Circuit (CNW Group/i-80 Gold Corp) Table 3 Capital Cost for the Conversion to a Floatation Plant (CNW Group/i-80 Gold Corp) Table 4 Operating Cost Estimate for the Floatation Plant (CNW Group/i-80 Gold Corp) The study was completed in two Parts to consider processing of oxide gold and/or base metal mineralization. Part 1 was to provide a preliminary estimate of capital and operating cost required for the potential restart of the existing process facilities at Ruby Hill for the processing of oxide mineralized material. Part 2 was to provide a preliminary estimate of the capital and operating cost required for converting the process plant from a mill/leach facility processing oxide gold mineralized material to a base metal flotation plant producing two concentrates (lead/silver and zinc concentrates). Capital estimates for the possible restart and conversion of the mill facility were developed at AACE Class 5 (Order of Magnitude) level, consistent with industry best practices for scoping studies. The Study was not specifically based on mineralized material from the Company's projects. Highlight of the Study include: A preliminary estimate of US$8.9 Million in capital, including contingency, indirects and EPCM costs for the restart to process oxide material in capital, including contingency, indirects and EPCM costs for the restart to process oxide material A preliminary estimate of US$65.7 Million in capital, including contingency, indirects and EPCM costs for the conversion to a floatation plant producing two concentrates (Part 2) Drilling programs completed at Granite Creek and Ruby Hill have identified more high-grade oxide mineralized material than anticipated. At Granite Creek, drilling and mining of the Ogee Zone has encountered a significant amount of oxide mineralization including high-grade material that is currently being stockpiled on-site. Drilling in the upper portion of the "426 Zone" within the Ruby Deeps deposit has also encountered significant oxide mineralization and the recently discovered "007 Zone" appears to also be oxide. The 426 Zone is being modeled in the ongoing work for an updated resource estimate and is expected be included in the planned Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Ruby Deeps deposit. "With appreciable oxide mineralization having been identified at both Ruby Hill and Granite Creek, we felt it was prudent to assess the possible restart of the Ruby Hill CIL Plant as a second Company operated processing facility.", stated Matt Gili, President and Chief Operating Officer of i-80. "Owing to the anticipated low capital cost, and accelerated timeline for restart, this plant has the potential to enhance our proposed stand-alone operating capabilities in Nevada. We plan to incorporate the results of this work in our planned upcoming economic studies being completed for Granite Creek and Ruby Hill." Part 1 Summary of estimates for the restart of the existing process facilities at Ruby Hill for the processing of oxide material The Study contemplates that Run-of-Mine (ROM) mineralized material would be fed to the existing primary and secondary crushing circuits. A radial stacker conveyor would feed a high-grade stockpile from where slot/tube feeders and a reclaim conveyor located in a reclaim tunnel would feed a tertiary crushing and screening circuit followed by a fine ore silo. The material would then be fed from the fine ore silo to the ball mill and classification circuit located in the mill building. The cyclone overflow would feed a new trash screen installed prior to the thickener. The thickener underflow would feed the leach tank, with leach tailings reporting to belt filters. The filter cake produced will deposit onto a conveyor feeding a new Agglomerator (Part of the Low-Grade Oxide circuit) for placement on the existing leach pad. The thickener overflow and filtrate would be fed to the carbon absorption columns (CIC circuit). Nameplate feed rates for the high grade and low-grade circuits are 298,297 and 867,107 tons per year respectively. According to the study, the preliminary estimate for the capital cost and associated Operating Cost estimates are provided in Tables 1 & 2 below. Part 2 Summary of estimates for c onversion to a floatation plant yielding two concentrates The Study contemplates that ROM material would be fed to the existing primary and secondary crushing circuit. A radial stacker conveyor would feed a stockpile in the same location as the High-Grade Oxide Stockpile in the Oxide Circuit. A reclaim tunnel conveyor would feed a tertiary crushing and screening circuit followed by a fine ore silo. The material would then flow from the fine ore silo to the ball mill and classification circuit located in the mill building. It is contemplated that the flotation area would include sequential lead/silver and zinc flotation circuits, each consisting of a rougher followed by concentrate regrinding and three stages of cleaning. Lead concentrate, zinc concentrate and flotation tailings would each be dewatered and deposited in stockpiles. The tailings would be transported to a filtered tailings storage area (Lined Area) and would have a return pump feeding back captured solution to the flotation process water tank. Nameplate feed rates through the plant is 268,640 tons per annum. According to the study, the preliminary estimate for the capital cost for the conversion to a floatation plant and associated Operating Cost estimates are provided in Tables 3 & 4 below. Qualified Person Tim George, PE, Mine Operations Manager, reviewed the technical and scientific information contained in this press release and is a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101. About i-80 Gold Corp. i-80 Gold Corp. is a well-financed, Nevada-focused, mining company with a goal of achieving mid-tier gold producer status through the development of multiple deposits within the Company's advanced-stage property portfolio with processing at i-80's centralized milling facility that includes an autoclave. www.i80gold.com Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including but not limited to, the expansion or mineral resources at Ruby Hill and the potential of the Ruby Hill project. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements and information involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or information, including, but not limited to: material adverse changes, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations. The Scoping Study is not definitive and subject to further study by the Company and not specifically based on material from the Company's Projects but generic in nature. SOURCE i-80 Gold Corp LONDON, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ICIS, a global source of commodity intelligence, today announced that the independent assurance review of its price reporting business has been successfully completed for the tenth consecutive year. The Price Reporting Agency (PRA) principles are set out by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) to ensure that commodity benchmark price reporting meets the highest standards. "The war in Ukraine, the energy transition and other geopolitical factors mean commodity markets remain volatile and our customers need to be able to trust our data. IOSCO's PRA principles are an essential ingredient in our benchmarks, assuring our commitment to transparency and objectivity. In a year when our purpose has never been more needed or more challenging to deliver against, I am delighted that we have met the IOSCO standards once again," said Stephen Burns, Editorial Director at ICIS. The 2022 audit includes new assessments for Propylene CFR in NE and SE Asia and Ethylene FD NWE month, along with two German assessments under the EU benchmark regulation that merged to THE last year. A full report detailing how ICIS has met the IOSCO PRA Principles can be found here. This external audit, carried out by BDO LLP, complies with the requirements of the Benchmarks Regulation (BMR) for commodity benchmarks (paragraph 18 of Annex II) as outlined by European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). The areas assured include governance structures, controls, maintenance of Editorial integrity, and conflict management processes in relation to the creation of commodity benchmark price assessments. This report is accompanied by BDO's findings following an independent review of ICIS processes and policies to provide Reasonable and Limited Assurance conclusions. "The audit supports the confidence our customers have in the vital, trusted ICIS data they need more than ever to manage risk," Burns said. About ICIS ICIS is a trusted source of global commodity intelligence for the energy, chemical and fertilizer industry. We are a division of RELX, a FTSE 15 company with a market cap of 43.4 billion and an employee base of over 30,000 experts across 40 countries. At ICIS, we help businesses make strategic decisions, mitigate risk, improve productivity, and capitalise on new opportunities. We make some of the world's most important markets more trusted and predictable by providing data services, thought leadership and decision tools. As a result of our unmatched global presence, we can deliver targeted connected intelligence to influence thousands of decisions across supply chains every single day. We shape the world by connecting markets to optimise the world's valuable resources. With a global team of more than 600 experts, ICIS has employees based in London, New York, Houston, Karlsruhe, Milan, Mumbai, Singapore, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Dubai, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Tokyo and Perth. About RELX RELX is a global provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers across industries. The Group serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs approximately 30,000 people of whom almost half are in North America. RELX PLC is a London listed holding company which owns 52.9% of RELX Group. RELX NV is an Amsterdam listed holding company which owns 47.1% of RELX Group. The shares are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX and RENX. Total market capitalisation is approximately 44.5bn | 50.8bn | $50.4bn. Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/619935/ICIS_Logo.jpg SOURCE ICIS NOIDA, India, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new report published by UnivDatos Markets Insights, the Identity Verification Market was valued at USD 8 billion in 2020 and is expected to witness a robust CAGR of around 16% from 2021-2027. The analysis has been segmented into Component (Solutions and Services); Type (Biometric and Non-Biometric); Deployment (On-premises and Cloud); Organization Size (Large Enterprises and SMEs); Industry (Information and Communication Technology, Banking and Financial Services, Retail, Healthcare, and Others); Region/Country. Click here to view the Report Description & TOC https://univdatos.com/report/identity-verification-market/ The Identity Verification market report has been aggregated by collecting informative data on various dynamics such as market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. This innovative report makes use of several analyses to get a closer outlook on the Identity Verification market. The Identity Verification market report offers a detailed analysis of the latest industry developments and trending factors in the market that are influencing the market growth. Furthermore, this statistical market research repository examines and estimates the Identity Verification market at the global and regional levels. Request for Sample Pages https://univdatos.com/get-a-free-sample-form-php/?product_id=24265 Market Overview The global identity verification market is expected to register a CAGR of around 16% over the period of 2021-2027. The global identity verification market is rising on account of the growing digitalization, growing uses of digital identities among industries, and the increasing frequency of identity theft and cyberattacks. Increasing regulation and mandatory compliance with standards in all industries, especially in the financial sector, is expected to create many opportunities for market participants. Moreover, the increasing frequency of identity theft and cyberattacks are one of the most prominent factors driving the adoption of identity verification. For instance, according to the FBI's 2021 Internet Crime Report, record 847,376 cybercrime complaints were reported to the FBI by the general public, up 7% from 2020. Identity verification is used by businesses to ensure that a user or customer provides information related to the identity of a real person. Verifying an individual's identity is essential to prove that there is a real person behind the transaction or process. Scammers create fake profiles before misusing their business, such as defaulting online loans, creating multiple accounts to exploit promotion systems, or triggering affiliate rewards. Some of the major players operating in the market include Experian Information Solutions Inc., GB Group plc, Equifax Inc., Mitek Systems Inc., LexisNexis Risk Solutions Group, Trulioo Information Services Inc., Acuant Inc., TransUnion LLC, Innovatrics s.r.o., and Applied Recognition Corp. COVID-19 Impact Following the outbreak of COVID-19, trends such as work-from-home (WFH) are forcing industries around the world to adapt to the new digital world. Provide employees and customers with stronger and more reliable authentication as all businesses operate in a digital world where cyber attackers will do anything to carry out attacks such as identity theft and identity theft. There is a growing need for and importance of stronger methods of identity verification to provide access to them. The global Identity Verification market report is studied thoroughly with several aspects that would help stakeholders in making their decisions more curated. By organization size, the market is bifurcated into large enterprises and SMEs. Among these two, the large enterprises have a sizeable share of the global identity verification market, and this segment is expected to witness strong growth during the forecast period owing to the factors such as protection against increased cases of money laundering, data breach, identity theft, secured processing of high-risk transactions, mandatory compliance with different regulations, and protected digital payments Based on industry, the identity verification market is segmented into information and communication technology, banking and financial services, government, healthcare, and others. The banking and financial services industry held a remarkable share of the global identity verification market. With the increasing digitization of banking processes such as digital onboarding and digital payments to improve the customer experience, the need for identity verification is increasing in this industry. Have a Look at the Chapters- https://univdatos.com/report/identity-verification-market/ Identity Verification Market Geographical Segmentation Includes: North America (US, Canada , Rest of North America ) (US, , Rest of ) Europe ( Germany , France , Spain , the UK, Rest of Europe ) ( , , , the UK, Rest of ) Asia-Pacific ( China , Japan , India , South Korea , Rest of Asia-Pacific ) ( , , , , Rest of ) Rest of the World North America is expected to grow at a steady growth rate as it is a technologically advanced region with the presence of many early adopters and major market players. In addition, factors such as the development of government initiatives such as smart infrastructure, smart cities, and digital identity-based driver's licenses, as well as increasing integration of various technologies such as AI, ML, and blockchain to secure digital identities are further contributing to the identity verification market. The major players targeting the market include Experian Information Solutions Inc. GB Group plc Equifax Inc. Mitek Systems Inc. LexisNexis Risk Solutions Group Trulioo Information Services Inc. Acuant Inc. TransUnion LLC Innovatrics s.r.o. Applied Recognition Corp Competitive Landscape The degree of competition among prominent global companies has been elaborated by analyzing several leading key players operating worldwide. The specialist team of research analysts sheds light on various traits such as global market competition, market share, most recent industry advancements, innovative product launches, partnerships, mergers, or acquisitions by leading companies in the Identity Verification Market. The major players have been analyzed by using research methodologies for getting insight views on global competition. Key questions resolved through this analytical market research report include: What are the latest trends, new patterns, and technological advancements in the Identity Verification market? Which factors are influencing the Identity Verification market over the forecast period? What are the global challenges, threats, and risks in the Identity Verification market? Which factors are propelling and restraining the Identity Verification market? What are the demanding global regions of the Identity Verification market? What will be the global market size in the upcoming years? What are the crucial market acquisition strategies and policies applied by global companies? We understand the requirement of different businesses, regions, and countries, we offer customized reports as per your requirements of business nature and geography. Please let us know If you have any custom needs. About UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) Browse Other Related Research Reports from UnivDatos Market Insights Identity Verification Market Report Coverage Report Attribute Details Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2027 Growth momentum Accelerate at a CAGR of 16% Market size 2020 USD 8 billion Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Rest of World Major contributing region North America to Dominate the Global Identity Verification Market Key countries covered United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, France, China, Japan, India, South Korea Companies profiled Experian Information Solutions Inc., GB Group plc, Equifax Inc., Mitek Systems Inc., LexisNexis Risk Solutions Group, Trulioo Information Services Inc., Acuant Inc., TransUnion LLC, Innovatrics s.r.o., and Applied Recognition Corp.. Report Scope Market Trends, Drivers, and Restraints; Revenue Estimation and Forecast; Segmentation Analysis; Impact of COVID-19; Demand and Supply Side Analysis; Competitive Landscape; Company Profiling Segments Covered By Component; By Type; By Deployment; By Organization Size; By Industry; By Region/Country About UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) is a passionate market research firm and a subsidiary of Universal Data Solutions. We believe in delivering insights through Market Intelligence Reports, Customized Business Research, and Primary Research. Our research studies are spread across topics across the world, we cover markets in over 100 countries using smart research techniques and agile methodologies. We offer in-depth studies, detailed analysis, and customized reports that help shape winning business strategies for our clients. Contact UnivDatos Market Insights Ankita Gupta Director Operations Ph: +91-7838604911 Email: [email protected] Website: https://univdatos.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1225049/UnivDatos_Logo.jpg SOURCE UnivDatos Market Insights Pvt. Ltd. BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Andrew Barbar, Real Estate Broker, is proud to announce that Illana A. Cohen has joined the luxury brand and highly successful group of realtors at Keller Williams Realty Services East Boca Raton, taking her business to the next level with the largest real estate company in the United States. Cohen's world wide connections and fluency in several foreign languages is a perfect match with Keller Williams Realty, as one of the world's largest international real estate franchises. Illana Cohen Keller Williams Realty Services Originally from Geneva, Switzerland, Cohen has moved to the United States a little over 10 years ago bringing Swiss precision, focus on quality and white glove approach to her real estate customers. Her unique approach and insight is what customers look for and the service they have come to expect. She has continuously demonstrated comprehension of high-net-worth segment when it comes to listing and selling luxury estates. In October 2022, Illana Cohen was featured in The Top Agent Magazine, where she was chosen for her invaluable skills in all areas of a real estate acquisition including listing, negotiation, selection and closing. Cohen stands out in the crowded Real Estate Industry with her numerous designations such as the REALTOR, Broker-Associate, a Certified Seller Representative Specialist (SRS), a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) and Certified Luxury Homes Marketing Specialist (CLHMS GUILD) just to name a few. When she isn't assisting homeowners find their perfect property, Cohen is a loving wife and mother, enjoys going to art exhibitions, zumba and drawing. She is actively involved in helping her community with Ruth and Norman Rales Jewish Family Services, Boys Town Jerusalem and Habitat for Humanity. Until recently she sat on the Board of Signature Gives Back, Inc, the charitable arm of her former brokerage Signature Real Estate Companies. Illana Cohen can be found at FindMyHouseFlorida.com SOURCE Keller Williams Realty Services Infinix teams up with Discovery to launch the #DiscoverYourOwnStoryfromZERO Global Vlog Challenge 2022, Inspiring users to showcase their best content creations from mobile videography. SHANGHAI, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Infinix today announced the launch of the Infinix & Discovery Global Vlog Challenge, which aims to build an ecosystem of mobile videography created by users of infinix. The campaign aims to inspire users' creativity and passion for mobile photography and express their creativity in short-form videos designed for social media. Infinix & Discovery Vlog Challenge 2022 Key Visual The Key Visual of ZERO 20 With mobile technology more powerful, affordable and accessible than ever before, users all around the world are looking to short-form video and vlogging as a way of expressing themselves and sharing their lives on social media. With this key trend at the center of strategy, Infinix released the exciting, new ZERO 20, featuring an impressive world-first 60MP+OIS front camera, an excellent Auto-Focus function, and a 108MP high-definition three-lens camera for a cutting-edge photographic experience. Ultra-high resolution paired with OIS lets the user shoot photos and video footage with ultra-realistic clarity at all hours of the day. When it comes to videography, capturing high-quality footage with the OIS and EIS is now easier than ever with the Steady Shot feature. Infinix Senior Product Director, Manfred Hong explained that: 'the Infinix & Discovery Global Mobile Vlog Challenge will create a community and shared platform for global users to interpret themselves through mobile Videography, share their lives and story as content creator, and interact with the greater community. The strategy effectively delivers the brand philosophy to inspire users to express themselves, document their lives, and explore the intricacies of their cultures.' A Passion for Content Creation Sharing a deep passion for exploration, the core values of both Discovery and Infinix are remarkably similar. While the ZERO 20 explores itself using mobile content creation, Discovery leads human exploration in the natural world, showcasing the very best of Mother Nature. Infinix & Discovery will initiate the Global Mobile Vlog Challenge 2022 'DiscoverYourOwnStoryfromZERO' which will encourage users to pick up their smartphones and explore the world around them. The video taken on smartphones will display stunning content from all around the world from the individual perspective of the user. The Awards will be evaluated by the Infinix expert jury, who will assess the photography entries based on the strength of creativity, quality and professional expertise. In addition, the campaign will introduce six distinct categories including, Exploration, Outdoor Sports, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, and Food. Each category will select the top three submissions and the works of the award-winning content creator will be displayed on Infinix's global landing page. The final collection of artistic works will display multiple perspectives examining diversity and the beauty of life. This exciting campaign is open to multiple platform engagements, including Meta, TikTok and Xclub from 8 Nov 2022. All users participating in the campaign are requested to post the creative content to their social media and @infinixmobile account, with the handles, #DiscoverYourOwnStoryfromZERO and #INFINIX. Vlogging With The ZERO 20 The newly launched ZERO 20 encapsulates the spirit of the Infinix & Discovery Global Vlog Challenge. Adopting a world-first 60MP OIS Front Camera and crisp 108MP Rear Camera, the ZERO 20 reflects an era when anyone can access the technology needed to become a mobile photographer & vlogger. The ZERO 20 gives users exactly what they need to capture the world around them, and themselves in stunning detail at a moment's notice. Showcasing impressive technology packaged in a stylish body, the world-class 60MP front camera, OIS+EIS anti-shake and stability features powerful auto focusing capabilities, and Super Night Selfie Mode, which provides consumers with a sublime selfie and videography experience. The powerful front camera is complimented by a robust 108MP rear camera supporting a multi-style creation mode, offering creators more exciting possibilities for content creation. Additionally, the ZERO 20 is powered by MediaTek's Helio G99 6nm processor offering a silky-smooth shooting experience to content creators that use multiple apps and put their device under a heavy load. Committed To The User According to App Annie's 2022 Mobile Market Report, the data for 2021 indicates that, for every 10 minutes of mobile device use time, 7 minutes were spent on social media applications such as YouTube and Tiktok. An increase of time spent on photo and video applications demonstrates that social communication is still the dominant type of smartphone use. From this study, it would be a fair conclusion to state that mobile photography and video have become an important way for people to share their lives, express their feelings and interact with others. Due to their inherent portability, ease of use and simple recording capabilities, smartphones are giving more people the power to record their daily lives in crystal clear quality. A central theme of this trend is technological innovation for the human spirit, a theme which is also integral to the #DiscoverYourOwnStoryfromZERO campaign. Infinix's design philosophy is user-centered and embraces mobile photography and videography at the core of every smartphone. Infinix is a pioneer and innovator of mobile photography technology, committed to providing the best possible user experience at an attainable price point. The ZERO series is deeply focused on mobile photography and has made great strides in the development of night scene photography, motion imaging, telephoto lens, video camera and other user centered mobile photography functions, enhancing the technical capabilities, and improving the standards of global mobile photography. Through the continuous development of technology, Infinix will enable users to capture their lives in new, fun and unique ways by proving the tools they need and the inspiration they require to push the boundaries of their creativity. About Infinix: Innix Mobility is a rapidly emerging technology brand that designs, manufactures and markets an expanding portfolio of smart devices worldwide under the Innix brand, which was founded in 2013. Targeting today's youth with rst in class technology, Innix creates trendy, powerful and attainably priced smart devices that bring the latest technology on the market to users around the world at a time when they need it at a price that they want it. For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/ SOURCE Infinix DUBLIN, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Inhalation Anesthesia Global Market Report 2022" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global inhalation anesthesia market is expected to grow from $1.26 billion in 2021 to $1.35 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. The inhalation anesthesia market is expected to reach $1.68 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 5.8%. The main product of inhalation anesthesia includes sevoflurane, desflurane, isoflurane, and nitrous oxide. Isoflurane is a general anesthetic that is inhaled and used to induce and maintain general anesthesia. It relaxes muscles and reduces pain sensitivity by modifying tissue excitability. The applications of inhalation anesthesia include induction and maintenance. The end-users of inhalation anesthesia include hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. North America was the largest region in the inhalation anesthesia market in 2021. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the inhalation anesthesia market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The increasing geriatric population is anticipated to propel the growth of inhaled anesthetic drugs during the forecast period. The increasing geriatric population is boosting the inhalation anesthesia market as they are highly prone to degenerative diseases and chronic illnesses, which eventually leads to a rise in surgeries and therapeutics. Moreover, the increasing geriatric population, which is more susceptible to ailments, such as cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory, and degenerative disorders, is boosting the market growth. It is usually inconvenient to administer anesthesia through an intravenous route to geriatric patients due to punctured blood vessels and issues with patient compliance. For instance, in 2020, according to a United Nations report, the share of the population aged 65 years or over is expected to increase from 9.3% in 2020 to around 16.0% in 2050. Therefore, the increasing geriatric population is expected to boost demand for inhalation anesthesia during the forecast period. Technological advancements are a key trend gaining popularity in the inhalation anesthesia market. Many companies operating in inhalation anesthesia are developing new products or new technologies to meet industry demands and strengthen the market position across the globe. For instance, in April 2020, Hikma Pharmaceuticals plc, a UK-based manufacturer of non-branded generic and in-licensed pharmaceutical products launched Vecuronium Bromide for Injection, 10mg. Vecuronium Bromide for Injection is used as an adjunct to general anesthesia to help with endotracheal intubation and to relax skeletal muscles during surgery or mechanical ventilation. In January 2022, Dechra Pharmaceuticals UK-based specialist veterinary pharmaceuticals and related products business acquired Isoflurane USP Inhalant Anesthetic and Sevoflurane USP Inhalant Anesthetic from Halocarbon Life Sciences for an undisclosed amount. With this acquisition, Isoflurane and Sevoflurane come as an addition to Dechra's pharmaceutical companion animal portfolio Dechra's companion animal portfolio, focusing on endocrinology, anesthesia, fluid therapy, dermatology, ophthalmology, pain management, joint health support, and dental care. Halocarbon Life Sciences is a US-based leader in the supply of isoflurane and sevoflurane inhalation anesthetic products for human and veterinary applications. Scope Markets Covered: 1) By Product: Sevoflurane; Desflurane; Isoflurane; Nitrous Oxide 2) By Application: Induction; Maintenance 3) By End User: Hospitals; Ambulatory Surgical Centers Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Inhalation Anesthesia Market Characteristics 3. Inhalation Anesthesia Market Trends And Strategies 4. Impact Of COVID-19 On Inhalation Anesthesia 5. Inhalation Anesthesia Market Size And Growth 6. Inhalation Anesthesia Market Segmentation 7. Inhalation Anesthesia Market Regional And Country Analysis 8. Asia-Pacific Inhalation Anesthesia Market 9. China Inhalation Anesthesia Market 10. India Inhalation Anesthesia Market 11. Japan Inhalation Anesthesia Market 12. Australia Inhalation Anesthesia Market 13. Indonesia Inhalation Anesthesia Market 14. South Korea Inhalation Anesthesia Market 15. Western Europe Inhalation Anesthesia Market 16. UK Inhalation Anesthesia Market 17. Germany Inhalation Anesthesia Market 18. France Inhalation Anesthesia Market 19. Eastern Europe Inhalation Anesthesia Market 20. Russia Inhalation Anesthesia Market 21. North America Inhalation Anesthesia Market 22. USA Inhalation Anesthesia Market 23. South America Inhalation Anesthesia Market 24. Brazil Inhalation Anesthesia Market 25. Middle East Inhalation Anesthesia Market 26. Africa Inhalation Anesthesia Market 27. Inhalation Anesthesia Market Competitive Landscape And Company Profiles 28. Key Mergers And Acquisitions In The Inhalation Anesthesia Market 29. Inhalation Anesthesia Market Future Outlook and Potential Analysis 30. Appendix Companies Mentioned Abbvie Inc. Baxter International Inc Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA Halocarbon Products Corporation Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/vb9ahj Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets BEIJING, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The past week during which four foreign leaders from countries with different political systems and economic development paths visited Beijing attracted the world's attention, as it was a diplomacy-themed week after the Chinese top leadership laid out major strategies and blueprints for the future at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). With fruitful results, the face-to-face interactions between Chinese top leader and leaders from Vietnam, Pakistan, Tanzania and Germany signal that the China-proposed concept of building a human community with a shared future is welcomed by more countries, experts said. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrapped up his short but meaningful visit to Beijing on Friday, agreeing on enhanced dialogue and cooperation and rejecting decoupling and bloc confrontation. As the first European leader to visit China after the 20th CPC National Congress and the first G7 leader to visit the country since the outbreak of COVID-19, Scholz had faced mounting pressure from some German and European politicians, and from Washington especially. After returning from Beijing, the German leader once again defended his visit, which, in the eyes of Chinese experts, underscored the importance and indispensable role of China as major country with great influence in international affairs. During an event held by Scholz's Social Democratic party, the German leader said on Saturday that "his and Chinese President Xi Jinping's joint statement opposing the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine had been reason enough for the visit," Reuters reported. "Because the Chinese government, the president and I were able to declare that no nuclear weapons should be used in this war, that alone made the whole trip worthwhile," Scholz was quoted as saying in the media report. While Scholz has his own interpretation of China's position, there should be absolutely no use of nuclear weapons, not only in the Ukraine crisis but also in other scenarios, Li Haidong, a professor from the Institute of International Relations at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Sunday. In addition to China's role in handling international affairs, its alternative path to modernization incorporating high-quality opening-up and the idea of building a human community with a shared future are welcomed by countries with different political systems and at different development stage, experts said. With China's epidemic control being further adjusted in a scientific way, more countries will be attracted to enhance communication and cooperation with China, and its major foreign policy principles elaborated in a report to the Party's congress with the focus on common interests is now winning more respect and recognition around the world, experts noted. A sharp contrast China and Vietnam agreed on November 1 to strengthen strategic communication, enhance political mutual trust, properly manage differences in a bid to bring their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era to a new level as Chinese top leader met Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee in Beijing. The two countries released a joint statement on further strengthening and deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, setting the key tone for China-Vietnam relations amid a complex global situation and historic changes unseen in a century. Following Trong's visit, Xi held talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, saying that China is ready to work with Pakistan to elevate the level of all-round strategic cooperation. The next day, Xi met Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Beijing, and the two leaders agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The visit also shows the closeness of China-Tanzania relations and the important status of China-Africa ties in China's overall diplomacy. Although G7 foreign ministers are discussing how to align their approach on China, Scholz's visit to Beijing is widely believed to inject new momentum not only into China-Germany ties but also into overall China-Europe relations, setting an example for other European countries to balance their China policies. Those four countries are highly representative. Vietnam and Pakistan are neighboring countries with important cooperation with China, and Tanzania is one of the African countries with whom China had close ties, and provided help decades ago, reflecting China's responsibilities as a major power, Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Sunday. "Germany and China rejecting decoupling is actually boosting confidence in globalization, reshaping relations with China as a partner," he said. "For our old friends, China will continue offering help. For developing countries, the Chinese modernization path could serve as an example. For some countries such as Germany and Vietnam with which we have divergences on certain issues, the cooperation has surpassed the differences now," Wang said. As China offers the world a predictable perspective, showing willingness to contribute its wisdom and experiences, it plays a constructive role in the global order restructuring that will win more recognition from the international community, some experts noted. SOURCE Global Times ALHAMBRA, Calif., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Taiwan-based Orbitel International Corp., a leading manufacturer of instant foods, has announced plans to release boba-inspired non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The food giant plans to use its O's Bubble mascot, Boba Man, to be the face of the collection. Through his bubbly persona, Orbitel hopes Boba Man will inspire individuals to live in the moment, enjoy life, and show self-worth. Orbitel Launches Limited Boba Man NFTs for Free. Orbitel Launches Limited Boba Man NFTs for Free. In order to echo the growing bubble tea megatrend, the design elements of Boba Man will combine trend segments from young people and will also accommodate the elements of characteristic culture (attractions, cultural appearance, etc.), which are all linked to the company's Taiwanese roots. The unique tokens will be housed on the Polygon blockchain and displayed on the OpenSea NFT marketplace. However, initially they will not be available for purchase directly. Interested parties must join Orbitel's NFT event to obtain one of the exclusive boba NFTs. After the NFTs initial release, owners will be able to trade the tokens freely on the secondary market. The company's NFT event will begin on November 7 and run through November 30, 2022. All participants will have a chance to win their own unique Boba Man NFT. Interested parties are invited to visit Orbitel's NFT Event Page and fill in their contact information. From there, participants will be automatically entered to win. Winners will be announced on December 5, 2022. After landing on the event page, users will notice that some of the boba NFTs will be linked to the four flavors of Gummy Boba Soy Milk (black tea, brown sugar, banana, and strawberry) or the company's Instant Marbling Boba Party Kit. After obtaining one of the Boba Man NFTs, users are required to post the image they received on their personal Instagram page and @osbubbletea with hashtags #bobaman #bobamannft, and #bobaverse. From there, users will be contacted directly by a member of the O's Bubble team. A new player in the land of NFTs As a new face in the NFT realm, the brand hopes to ultimately spread its love for bubble tea across the Web2 and Web3 spaces through connections with its GenZ audience, who happen to be some of the biggest fans supporting bubble tea. The company ultimately hopes to catch the eye of more GenZ'ers through the unique characteristics of its Boba Man mascot. The brand cites inspiration from big brands that have already succeeded in the NFT space, such as retail giants Gucci and Louis Vuitton (LV). Both have great track records of success in the NFT space. Last year, Gucci auctioned off a collection with prices beginning at $20,000. However, the boba collection will be more affordable for the average individual. Per the O's Bubble Event Page , prices are currently equivalent to around $150 USD. About Orbitel International Corp. Orbitel International Corporation is a Taiwan-based company that was founded by Gary Tsai at the turn of the century. Orbitel is a global leader in instant foods and is particularly known for instant boba tea innovation and production. The company's mission is to "spread Bobaness to every corner of the world" through its ready-to-drink boba pack. Its release of instant boba in the United States is part of the company's recent worldwide expansion efforts. Orbitel's innovations aren't limited to boba tea, however. The food giant has also launched an O'scallion series, which features veggie rice burgers. All products offered by the company are well-known staples of Taiwan. For more information about Orbitel, visit the company's website and follow the brand on Instagram . Media Contact Contact name: Nina Jen Email address: [email protected] Phone Number: +1 626-989-3213 SOURCE Orbitel International Corp. NOIDA, India, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new report published by UnivDatos Markets Insights, the IoT Middleware Market was valued at USD 10.5 billion in 2020 and is expected to witness an exponential CAGR of around 19% during 2022-2028. The analysis has been segmented into Platform Type (Device Management, Application Management, and Connectivity Management); Organization Size (Large Enterprises and SMEs); Industry (Manufacturing, Government, Transportation, Healthcare, and Others); Region/Country; Region/Country. Click here to view the Report Description & TOC https://univdatos.com/report/iot-middleware-market/ The IoT Middleware market report has been aggregated by collecting informative data on various dynamics such as market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. This innovative report makes use of several analyses to get a closer outlook on the IoT Middleware market. The IoT Middleware market report offers a detailed analysis of the latest industry developments and trending factors in the market that are influencing the market growth. Furthermore, this statistical market research repository examines and estimates the IoT Middleware market at the global and regional levels. Request for Sample Pages https://univdatos.com/get-a-free-sample-form-php/?product_id=24277 Market Overview The global IoT middleware market is anticipated to witness an uptick with the increasing development of high-speed network technologies and the rising government investments and initiatives in projects like smart cities & automation are also fueling the market growth. IoT middleware is defined as software that acts as an interface between IoT components. It helps establish communication between IoT components. By establishing communication between IoT middleware and machine programs, machines, components, and hardware can be connected to IoT networks using IoT middleware. Furthermore, according to the GSM Association, IoT connections will reach almost 25 billion globally by 2025, up from 10.3 billion in 2018, which is further contributing to the growth of this market. Moreover, the absence of uniform IoT standards and concerns over data security and privacy are the major factors among others restraining the market growth. Some of the major players operating in the market include Microsoft Corporation, International Business Machines Corporation, Amazon.com Inc., SAP SE, PTC Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., Google LLC, Hewlett Packard Enterprises, Robert Bosch GmbH, and Oracle Corporation. COVID-19 Impact The outbreak of Covid-19 significantly impacted the market size of IoT middleware in 2020. It intensified the need to invest in IoT infrastructure and solutions to boost the productivity and efficiency of various industries. The demand for improving processes, enhancing production efficiency and quality, and helping to introduce greater flexibility into the business are further impacting the IoT middleware market. The global IoT Middleware market report is studied thoroughly with several aspects that would help stakeholders in making their decisions more curated. Based on organization size, the market is classified into large enterprises and SMEs. Large enterprises are expected to witness influential growth. This is mainly because large enterprises are keen to utilize the advantages of IoT platforms to increase the scalability and efficiency of their businesses. The multiple benefits of IoT, such as reduced costs, increased agility, and scalability, increased revenue, and improved performance, have led small businesses to adopt IoT solutions. This will positively impact the growth of the IoT middleware market On the basis of industry, the market is segmented on the basis of manufacturing, government, transportation, healthcare, and others. The manufacturing industry caters significant share of the market and is expected to witness considerable growth in the forecasted period as well. Factors such as the increasing adoption of IoT in the manufacturing industry and the growing manufacturing sector all around the globe are accelerating the market outlook. For instance, according to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), global manufacturing production increased by 9.4 percent in 2021, after the pandemic-related drop of 4.2 percent in 2020. Have a Look at the Chapters- https://univdatos.com/report/iot-middleware-market/ IoT Middleware Market Geographical Segmentation Includes: North America ( United States , Canada , and Rest of North America ) ( , , and Rest of ) Europe ( Germany , United Kingdom , Spain , Italy , France , and the Rest of Europe ) ( , , , , , and the Rest of ) Asia-Pacific ( China , Japan , India , and the Rest of Asia-Pacific ) ( , , , and the Rest of ) Rest of the World APAC held a prominent share of the market and is further expected to grow at an influential growth rate. This is mainly due to growing awareness of increasing business productivity, complemented by well-designed IoT middleware platforms offered by vendors based in the region. Moreover, the presence of rapidly growing economies such as China and India is another factor contributing to the growth of the IoT middleware market in the region. The major players targeting the market include Microsoft Corporation International Business Machines Corporation Amazon.com Inc. SAP SE PTC Inc. Cisco Systems Inc. Google LLC Hewlett Packard Enterprises Robert Bosch GmbH Oracle Corporation Competitive Landscape The degree of competition among prominent global companies has been elaborated by analyzing several leading key players operating worldwide. The specialist team of research analysts sheds light on various traits such as global market competition, market share, most recent industry advancements, innovative product launches, partnerships, mergers, or acquisitions by leading companies in the IoT Middleware Market. The major players have been analyzed by using research methodologies for getting insight views on global competition. Key questions resolved through this analytical market research report include: What are the latest trends, new patterns, and technological advancements in the IoT Middleware market? Which factors are influencing the IoT Middleware market over the forecast period? What are the global challenges, threats, and risks in the IoT Middleware market? Which factors are propelling and restraining the IoT Middleware market? What are the demanding global regions of the IoT Middleware market? What will be the global market size in the upcoming years? What are the crucial market acquisition strategies and policies applied by global companies? We understand the requirement of different businesses, regions, and countries, we offer customized reports as per your requirements of business nature and geography. Please let us know If you have any custom needs. About UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) Browse Other Related Research Reports from UnivDatos Market Insights IoT Middleware Market Report Coverage Report Attribute Details Base year 2020 Forecast period 2022-2028 Growth momentum Accelerate at a CAGR of 19% Market size 2028 USD 10.5 billion Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Rest of World Major contributing region APAC to Dominate the Global IoT Middleware Market Key countries covered United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France, China, Japan, and India Companies profiled Microsoft Corporation, International Business Machines Corporation, Amazon.com Inc., SAP SE, PTC Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., Google LLC, Hewlett Packard Enterprises, Robert Bosch GmbH, and Oracle Corporation Report Scope Market Trends, Drivers, and Restraints; Revenue Estimation and Forecast; Segmentation Analysis; Impact of COVID-19; Demand and Supply Side Analysis; Competitive Landscape; Company Profiling Segments Covered By Platform Type; By Organization Size; By Industry; By Region/Country About UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) is a passionate market research firm and a subsidiary of Universal Data Solutions. We believe in delivering insights through Market Intelligence Reports, Customized Business Research, and Primary Research. Our research studies are spread across topics across the world, we cover markets in over 100 countries using smart research techniques and agile methodologies. We offer in-depth studies, detailed analysis, and customized reports that help shape winning business strategies for our clients. Contact UnivDatos Market Insights Ankita Gupta Director Operations Ph: +91-7838604911 Email: [email protected] Website: https://univdatos.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1225049/UnivDatos_Logo.jpg SOURCE UnivDatos Market Insights Pvt. Ltd. On 2 November 2022, at the invitation of the Global Development Network (GDN), a worldwide network of research and policy institutes related to the contemporary development challenges, the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, spoke on Customs research agenda at the 2022 Global Development Conference: Tax Policy for Sustainable Development, held from 2 to 4 November at Clermont-Ferrand, France. At the opening session, Dr. Mikuriya mentioned three areas of Customs research: digital transformation, border management in fragile and conflict-affected situations (fragile borders) and environmental issues. He announced that in terms of digital transformation, the WCO has developed a Data Strategy to assist Customs at becoming trusted government advisers. Customs can provide data for government agencies, including tax authorities, and business, for evidence-based decision-making. Secretary General Mikuriya called upon researchers to join the Customs Data Innovation Hub to create proof of concepts, together with Customs and the private sector. He highlighted the role of Customs in fragile borders areas, particularly in protecting trade and taxation in fragile and conflict-affected situations. He explained the importance of Customs presence in fragile areas to collect revenue, thus ensuring a lifeline for borderlands while defending the legitimacy of states against insurgents. Finally, he invited researchers to reflect on how to tackle the problem of lack of data and traceability on recycled goods in order to promote circular economy. Dr. Mikuriya had a series of discussions with international organizations and academic institutions specialized in taxation about the role and relevance of Customs in sustainable development. They expressed their interest in collaborating with the WCO in the area of research by providing data and statistics. New officers, international directors, and council representatives take office in January 2023 ATLANTA, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SME, the professional association committed to advancing manufacturing and developing a skilled workforce, has elected James W. Schlusemann as its 2023 board of directors' president. The non-profit organization, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary, announced its 2022 election results and installed its new officers, directors, and council representatives during a ceremony at its SME Fall Gala conducted Nov. 6 in Atlanta. Their terms begin in January 2023. James W. Schlusemann, 2023 SME Board of Directors President Robert Willig is executive director and CEO of SME (PRNewsfoto/SME) "The tremendous knowledge and technological experience, issues management, and business understanding that SME stakeholders possess and wield will create a huge boon in advanced manufacturing over the next 90 years," said James W. Schlusemann, newly elected president of SME's Board of Directors. "I am looking forward to our future working with new industry, academic, and regulatory representatives to advance diversity, innovation, and talent in manufacturing. Together, we will position SME as the preeminent thought leader that inspires and educates a prosperous manufacturing community." 2023 Officers of the SME Board of Directors The officers and international directors of the SME Board of Directors act as the governing body of SME with budget authority and oversight responsibility. Officers of the board serve two-year terms. They include: 2023 SME President James W. Schlusemann , MSMIS, LSME, Navistar ( retired ), Batavia, Illinois , MSMIS, LSME, Navistar ( ), 2023 SME President-Elect Winston F. Erevelles, PhD, St. Mary's University, San Antonio 2023 SME Vice President Vincent W. Howell Sr. , FSME, CMfgE, Corning Inc. ( retired ), Clemons, North Carolina , FSME, CMfgE, Corning Inc. ( ), Clemons, 2023 SME Treasurer Rebecca R. Taylor , The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, Washington, D.C. , The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, 2023 SME Secretary Jeffrey A. Abell , PhD, FSME, CMfgE, PE, General Motors, Warren, Michigan 2023-24 International Directors of the SME Board of Directors: Bryan D. Albrecht , EdD, Gateway Technical College, Kenosha, Wisconsin , EdD, Edye S. Buchanan , CMfgT, BriskHeat Corp., Columbus, Ohio , CMfgT, BriskHeat Corp., Bryan G. Dods, FSME, Oerlikon AM ( retired ), Greenville, South Carolina ), Jacqueline A. El Sayed , PhD, American Society for Engineering Education, Washington, D.C. , PhD, American Society for Engineering Education, Dean S. Phillips , LSME, Link Systems, Nashville , LSME, Link Systems, Albert J. Wavering, FSME, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 2023-24 SME Member Council and Representatives: The SME Member Council, with the SME board, is responsible for strengthening local chapters around the world and formulating recommendations surrounding SME member recruitment, retention, and engagement. 2023 Member Council Chair Gregory A. Harris , PhD, PE, Auburn University , Auburn, Alabama , PhD, PE, , 2023 Member Council Chair-Elect Gabriela Darras , Microsoft Corp., Peoria, Illinois , Microsoft Corp., 2023 Member Council Immediate Past Chair Jennifer Fielding , PhD, Air Force Research Laboratory, Liberty Township, Ohio , PhD, Air Force Research Laboratory, Gicell Aleman, Valmet, Worcester, Massachusetts Matthew Clegg , Dassault Systemes Solidworks, Toledo, Ohio , Dassault Systemes Solidworks, Farhad Ghadamli, CAM-F, Dm3d Technology LLC, Auburn Hills, Michigan Jacob Rahdarian, CMfgE, Rahdarian Consulting Services, Hempstead, Texas Tara Thomasson , Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas , Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Krishna Vuppala , John Deere Foundry, Waterloo, Iowa "The thought leadership imbued in this group of industry veterans can produce great accomplishments to advance North American manufacturing," said Bob Willig, executive director and CEO of SME. "We're excited to have them on board, and from experience know they are ready to position SME for its next 90 years making the unimaginable real, saving lives, creating diverse and thriving communities, and inspiring generations of makers that solve the world's most pressing problems." To learn more about the SME Board of Directors, visit sme.org/board-of-directors and the SME Member Council at sme.org/member-council . Applications for 2023-24 SME Board of Directors and Member Council are being accepted through Feb. 15, 2023. Candidates are elected by the voting membership of SME. Click here to apply. About SME We believe in the power of technology and the innovation of people to advance our nation and solve some of the world's greatest problems. For 90 years, SME has been leading the manufacturing ecosystem to elevate manufacturers, academia, professionals, and the communities in which they operate. We build the bridge from today to the future by developing the next generation of manufacturing talent and informing industry on technology advances that can propel their operations into excellence. Learn more at sme.org , follow @SME_MFG on Twitter, or facebook.com/SMEmfg . SOURCE SME Transactions Increase JARS Cannabis' Retail Footprint to Service 290,000+ Cannabis Customers across 25+ Locations in the U.S. DETROIT, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- JARS Cannabis, a privately held, multi-state operating cannabis brand and retailer, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Euflora LLC, a premier collective of boutique recreational marijuana dispensaries in Colorado. Adding one cultivation center and greenhouse, along with 6 recreational storefronts to its portfolio, the completion of the transaction will increase JARS' retail operations to include a total of 26 storefronts across three states and solidify its positioning as a leading purveyor of affordable and accessible cannabis products in the nation's second and third largest cannabis markets. "Since the inception of JARS Cannabis, it has been our mission to deliver only the highest quality of products and service to our community and customers," said JARS Cannabis COO, Raymond Abro. "In this evolving industry, the move to acquire Euflora demonstrates a strategic opportunity for JARS to service new customers as we continue to expand our retail footprint across the nation, while aiming to create new jobs and increase access to affordable and accessible recreational cannabis products for all," added Abro. The timely announcement comes one day after cannabis advocates and industry leaders commemorated the 10th anniversary of Legalization Day, a groundbreaking day in US history when voters in Colorado moved to pass Proposition 64, legalizing the sale, possession, and consumption of recreational cannabis under the state's constitution. "We are pleased to join forces with JARS Cannabis to pursue a shared vision for the future of cannabis retail through sustainable expansion in core recreational markets," said Euflora COO, Scott Rybicki. "Today marks a transformative moment in the evolution of Euflora, and we anticipate this acquisition will drive significant leadership, operational, and retail opportunities amongst both parties to better meet the varying needs of our combined staff and loyal customer base." Transaction Highlights and Benefits A combined workforce of 670 employees employees A combined loyalty base of 290,000+ customers customers Addition of 6 recreational storefronts, increasing retail portfolio to 26 storefronts nationwide recreational storefronts, increasing retail portfolio to storefronts nationwide One 7,200-square-foot cultivation center and greenhouse facility cultivation center and greenhouse facility Expanded product availability and offerings to feature a combination of 250+ brands and over 6,000 product SKUs across various categories and price points The acquisition and rebranding of Euflora retail stores are expected to be completed by the end of Q4, subject to the satisfaction of closing conditions. John Kenny from Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP acted as legal counsel to both JARS Cannabis and Euflora LLC on the transaction. ABOUT JARS CANNABIS JARS Cannabis is a privately held, multi-state operating cannabis brand and retailer with a portfolio of recreational storefronts in Arizona, Colorado, and Michigan. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, JARS established operations in 2020 and has grown to collectively operate one greenhouse, one indoor cultivation center, and 26 retail storefronts across the US, while offering approximately 6,000 product SKUs from more than 250 emerging and established cannabis brands of various categories and price points. As a culturally inspired organization, JARS is on a mission to rewrite the existing narratives that surround cannabis and seeks to empower the future leaders of our industry while creating an inclusive environment that is fueled by celebrating the intersection of cannabis with creativity, community, and collaboration. Employing a community-focused approach, JARS Cannabis is committed to providing the highest quality of products, with the widest variety of options, at prices people can afford, ensuring the integration of cannabis into any lifestyle is both easy and approachable. For more information, visit www.jarscannabis.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains certain forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions of [JARS/Other Companies Associated With Press Release] ("Company") that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to the company as of the date hereof. Use of the words "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "projects," "plans," "potentially" and similar expressions contained herein are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievement to be materially and adversely different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to the cannabis industry, general and local economic conditions, competition, natural disasters, market, and other risks commonly associated with the cannabis industry. All of these forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by the company which, although believed to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain. Therefore, no assurance or warranty can be given that any of such estimates or statements will be realized, and actual results may differ materially and adversely from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. The company assumes no obligation to update the information included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise. PRESS CONTACT: Ally Galanty [email protected] 313.575.0361 SOURCE JARS Cannabis DALLAS, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazars, a leading audit, tax and advisory firm in the US, today announced that Katherine Sharp has joined the Dallas office as a Partner in the Tax Practice. "With experience providing tax advisory and compliance services for a broad array of clients including closely held businesses and companies with multinational operations across a range of industries, Katherine is an accomplished leader who has the right skill set to succeed in this role with Mazars," said Principal and National Tax Practice Leader Tifphani White-King. "Her expertise and work ethic in delivering quality services are the perfect fit to help grow our tax practice in the Dallas market and the firm more broadly. We're looking forward to welcoming Katherine and her wealth of knowledge to our team." Katherine has led advisory teams serving the needs of high net-worth individuals, family offices and closely held businesses, with an emphasis on succession and wealth transfer planning. Additionally, she has assisted multi-state compliance on various income and franchise tax initiatives as well as cross-border tax planning. "I am excited to bring my extensive tax experience to Mazars," said Katherine. "I look forward to supporting the growth of the Dallas office by ensuring our clients have the knowledge and insight to thrive and prosper." Katherine received a Master of taxation and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Economics from Southern Methodist University. Katherine is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants. Media Contact Beth More, Marketing Director, Mazars USA LLP, [email protected] About Mazars in the US Mazars USA LLP is an independent member firm of Mazars Group, an international audit, tax and advisory organization with operations in over 90 countries. With roots going back to 1921 in the US, the firm has a significant national presence in strategic geographies, providing seamless access to 26,000+ professionals around the world. Our industry specialists deliver tailored services to a wide range of clients across sectors, including individuals, high-growth emerging companies, privately-owned businesses and large enterprises. SOURCE Mazars USA LLP Kinecta wins Social Impact Award for serving local communities MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kinecta Federal Credit Union, a leading financial services provider, was honored with the Social Impact Award. Kinecta won this honor through The California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, and was presented with the award at the 48th annual League Awards during the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues' REACH Conference. Kinecta Federal Credit Union This award recognizes individuals and credit unions that demonstrate an unyielding dedication to building stronger communities and improving members' lives through actions such as financial education, wellness, social responsibility, mentorship, and/or diversity, equity and inclusion practices. "We are dedicated to supporting our employees, members and communities with the mission of making a difference in the lives of those in need," said President and Chief Executive Officer of Kinecta, Keith Sultemeier. "It's an honor to be recognized for our efforts. Kinecta is proud of our devoted employees without whom none of this would be possible." Kinecta's kindness and dedication to fostering growth in their communities is a continuous commitment to supporting initiatives such as providing scholarships for students and teachers; donating backpacks and school supplies to less fortunate youth; hosting annual holiday food drives; and donating over $880,000 to nonprofit organizations. Kinecta team members also frequently volunteer and donate to important charitable causes. Kinecta is America's 35th largest credit union with $6.6 billion in assets guiding more than 270,000 member-owners to financial security through banking, lending, insurance and wealth services. From free online financial workshops to financial recommendations tailored for individual life events, Kinecta invests heavily in helping members live their best lives. About Kinecta Federal Credit Union Banking the Southern California area for more than 80 years, with additional branches in New York, New Jersey, Northern California and Florida. Kinecta has been recognized by the Mortgage Bankers Association as a recipient of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Residential Leadership Award, and received the Best of Show award granted by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Technology Council. Forbes awarded Kinecta as a top-ranked credit union in California on its America's Best Credit Unions in Each State 2022 List. Kinecta was honored by The California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, receiving the Social Impact Award. With 31 locations, its members can use a network of more than 5,800 shared branches and access over 85,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. For more information, visit the website and LinkedIn . MEDIA CONTACT: Ryann Checchi, Interdependence PR 708-420-4776 [email protected] SOURCE Kinecta Federal Credit Union WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Social impact advisory firm KM Strategies Group (KMSG) today announced Thensted Center as the inaugural winner of the KMSG Social Impact Award, which includes $30,000 in unrestricted grant funding and $15,000 in pro bono consulting. Thensted Center, a Louisiana nonprofit organization, provides critical community care to thousands in the heart of Creole and Cajun Country, many of whom live dozens of miles from basic social services. The center offers food, transportation, and childcare programming along with mental health and substance use counseling, veteran support, and senior care. "We are grateful to receive the KMSG Social Impact Award, and have a big vision to reinvest in our community," said Julia Richard, executive director of Thensted Center. "Thensted Center is a trusted anchor in our rural community, and we're excited to use this investment to expand support services for our neighbors who need them most." Announced in May, the KMSG Social Impact Award received more than 120 applications from organizations doing critical work across the Deep South and Appalachia. In a region where philanthropic foundations nationwide invested just 56 cents per person in the South for every dollar per person they invested nationally KMSG felt it was time to approach philanthropic grantmaking, and the entire idea of an award 'winner,' differently. "Many, if not most, nonprofits applying for philanthropic grants never hear back which makes them feel like they're wasting their precious time," said Kindred Motes, founder and managing director of KMSG. "The KMSG Social Impact Award reflects a new kind of relationship between funders and prospective grantees one of transparent communication and support that doesn't stop once the application cycle ends. That new relationship now includes even more opportunities through our new partners." To recognize and support all applicant organizations, KMSG also announced partnerships with two leaders in journalism and philanthropy. The first is with Reckon, an award-winning news organization started in the South and home to Emmy, Edward R. Murrow Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning storytellers who report for people erased from mainstream media. Through this partnership, KMSG founder and managing director Kindred Motes will serve as a contributor to Reckon, identifying and interviewing movement leaders to share visions of change that position them for future funders, partners, and support. "There are so many rich stories in the South and in Appalachia that haven't reached a national platform." said John Hammontree, executive producer of Reckon Radio and host of the Reckon Interview podcast. "We look forward to working with KSMG to share them." "This partnership aligns perfectly with Reckon's mission to produce journalism that respectfully covers underrepresented and intentionally erased voices and equips people to create change in their communities," said R.L. Nave, Reckon editor-in-chief. The second partnership, with Candid, will offer all 120+ KMSG Social Impact Award applicants a series of free training webinars in support of various development, fundraising, and communications goals, including helping them: Obtain a Gold Seal of Transparency on Candid's GuideStar, which unlocks eligible donor funding from Amazon Smile, Facebook/Instagram Fundraisers and GivingTuesday (courtesy of KMSG's partnership with Candid); on Candid's GuideStar, which unlocks eligible donor funding from Amazon Smile, Facebook/Instagram Fundraisers and GivingTuesday (courtesy of KMSG's partnership with Candid); Build a communications/external relations strategic plan (KMSG Training); and, (KMSG Training); and, Unlock $10,000 per month in free Google Ads through Google for Nonprofits (KMSG Training). About KM Strategies Group (KMSG), Reckon, and Candid KMSG is an advisory consulting firm that has reached more than 360M people globally through campaigns for clients including USAID, NYC Health, Global Citizen, New America, Columbia University Justice Lab, and Girl Rising. Reckon is an award-winning news and multimedia company that is part of Advance Local and owned by Advance, owners of Conde Nast alongside shareholders in Reddit, Warner Bros. Discovery and Charter Communications. Candid is a nonprofit organization that provides the most comprehensive data and insights about the social sector. Candid was formed in 2019 when GuideStar and Foundation Center merged. SOURCE KM Strategies Group BOSTON, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NOVIGO and Krypt with their global expertise in SAP Transportation Management and Global Trade, are merging to form a global powerhouse, ArchLynk, providing customers with end-to-end SAP Digital Supply Chain solutions. BV Investment Partners, a Boston based Private Equity firm, is the financial sponsor supporting the merger. By bringing together the unparalleled expertise of Krypt and Novigo, ArchLynk is disrupting the global trade and supply chain consulting industries by providing customers with the world's leading experts and efficiency-driving AI/ML technology under one roof. Customers can now access expertise across these capabilities seamlessly. "This merger is the next step in our roadmap to being the partner of choice for our customers when it comes to their end-to-end supply chain challenges. Novigo has always been one of our most respected partners and now with this joining of forces, we fully expect to add exponentially more value to our customers. BV has been an amazing catalyst for bringing the vision of ArchLynk to reality and we are all extremely excited about the future this enables," states Jigish Shah, CEO of Krypt, who will assume the role of President and lead integration efforts for ArchLynk. "This merger offers outstanding growth potential, to the benefit of our customers. Combining Novigo's and Krypt's leading capabilities and global organizations, powered by BV's excellent growth support, elevates us to a whole new level in SAP's Service Partner Ecosystem," states Joerg Rohde, CEO of Novigo, who will become ArchLynk's Chief Strategy Officer. "Solving our customers' nagging Supply Chain Problems with innovative Digital Supply Chain Solutions has never been more important than today. We are very enthusiastic about supporting our global customers here on the combined ArchLynk Platform, with a significantly extended end-to-end services and solutions portfolio at the best-in-class expert levels customers have come to expect from us. We look forward to the exciting journey ahead as one team," Joerg Rohde adds. ArchLynk will be led by a seasoned Tech Entrepreneur and Executive Sekhar Puli, co-founder of REAN Cloud, a former BV portfolio company sold to Hitachi Vantara. Mr. Puli, as their Global CEO, will oversee the future vision of the company, supported by Krypt and Novigo senior management teams, who will continue to lead their respective areas of responsibility. "Every disruption is led by innovation and the supply chain is no exception. This merger provides the best Digital Supply Chain solutions for our customers under one roof. Krypt and Novigo share many similarities, including their delivery excellence and penchant for innovation in their respective fields. We are excited to lead these combined teams and continue to grow, innovate and meet the needs of the evolving Global Trade and Supply Chain industry," states Sekhar Puli, Global CEO, ArchLynk. Eric Ahlgren, Managing Director of BV Investment Partners, commented, "Use of technology in the global transportation and supply chain improves sales and profitability and we want to be at the forefront of this expanding opportunity. The combination of these two strong founder-owned companies creates a strong platform for growth and we are excited to partner with Sekhar and his teams to realize the full potential of their transformative technology." About Krypt Krypt is a global leader in the SAP Global Trade and Supply Chain consulting space. With headquarters in San Jose and teams spread across North America, Europe, and India, Krypt has over the past decade delivered many complex solutions leveraging SAP products for their Fortune 1000 customers. Visit www.kryptinc.com About Novigo Novigo is a global leader and SAP Gold Partner in Supply Chain execution consulting services for SAP's Digital Supply Chain (TM, EWM, YL, GTT, EM, LBN) platforms. Through their 10 global offices in North America, EMEA, India, and Australia, Novigo has successfully delivered the most SAP Supply Chain Execution/TM Implementation projects among all SAP service partners. Visit www.novigo.com About BV Investment Partners BV Investment Partners is one of the oldest and most experienced sector-focused private equity firms in North America. Since its founding in 1983, the firm has invested approximately $4.6 billion, actively targeting investments in the tech-enabled business services, software, and IT services industries. Visit www.bvlp.com Contact: Chris Tofalli Chris Tofalli Public Relations, LLC 914-834-4334 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/458352/BV_Investment_Partners_Logo.jpg SOURCE BV Investment Partners The approval represents an important milestone in establishing the reimbursement pathway for this novel technology in the U.S. PORTSMOUTH, N.H., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Laborie Medical Technologies Corp (Laborie), a specialist medical technology company, announced today that the American Medical Association (AMA) has issued the new Category 1 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 5X000 to report cystourethroscopy with mechanical urethral dilation and therapeutic drug delivery via coated balloon. The new code is applicable to services that physicians perform with the company's Optilume Urethral Drug Coated Balloon, a first-of-its-kind technology for the treatment of patients with urethral stricture. Optilume's paclitaxel-coated balloon technology combines mechanical dilation for immediate symptomatic relief with local drug delivery to maintain urethral patency. The technology was developed in response to patient and physician dissatisfaction with current endoscopic solutions for urethral strictures. It provides a durable, cost effective, minimally invasive treatment option for millions of patients suffering from these conditions globally. "We are pleased to hear the AMA Editorial Panel's decision. The new code will expand Optilume's presence at patient sites of care, creating a pathway for widespread adoption and reimbursement," said Michael Frazzette, President & CEO of Laborie. "Importantly, it will provide patients with greater access to this treatment." Beginning January 1, 2024, providers will be able to report the new CPT code for Optilume. Created and maintained by the AMA, CPT codes are widely recognized by public and private health insurance payers in the United States to describe healthcare services and procedures to facilitate reimbursement. About Laborie Medical Technologies Headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Laborie is a global medical technology company focused on Urology, Urogynecology, Gastroenterology, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Neonatal Health. We manufacture and deliver high-quality, high-impact diagnostic and therapeutic products that help clinicians and hospitals preserve and restore patient dignity. Clinicians and hospitals look to us as the market-leading experts in our business segments, and we support our products with a world-class Clinical Education & Information program. Laborie is a portfolio company of Patricia Industries. For more information visit www.laborie.com. About Patricia Industries Patricia Industries, a part of Investor AB, invests in best-in-class companies with strong market positions, brands and corporate cultures within industries positioned for secular growth. We invest with an indefinite holding period and partner with great management teams to create value for people and society by building strong and sustainable businesses. About Investor AB Investor, founded by the Wallenberg family in 1916, is an engaged owner of high-quality, global companies. We have a long-term investment perspective. Through our board participation, industrial experience, global network and financial strength, we work continuously to support our companies to remain or become best-in-class. SOURCE Laborie Medical Technologies "ESG activism" is definitively here in Canada . The global say-on-climate initiative may be stalling. Issuers must navigate "greenwashing" concerns and other E&S skepticism and challenges. Board and transactional activism levels this year are moderately lower than in 2021, yet increasingly, larger companies and larger transactions are being targeted. The new CBCA majority voting rules will expose non-TSX CBCA issuers to increased board activism going forward. There is continued progress in gender diversity and developing expectations related to diversity beyond gender. There was moderate improvement in support for say-on-pay advisory votes this year. Institutional shareholders are placing more scrutiny on auditor tenure. Issuers must carefully consider a range of costs, benefits, and risks associated with virtual meetings going forward. NEW YORK and TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Laurel Hill Advisory Group is pleased to share Laurel Hill's 8th annual Trends in Corporate Governance Report, Canada's most comprehensive and longest-running annual guide to the trends, risks, and challenges affecting the Canadian corporate governance landscape. The report focuses on shareholder activism, shareholder proposals, environmental, social and governance (ESG), executive compensation, diversity, and several other related areas. Click here to download the report. As always, Laurel Hill strives to provide boards and management teams with thoughtful guidance and insights to prepare them for navigating the best path forward. David Salmon, President of Laurel Hill (Canada), notes: "As we progress into a post-pandemic environment, the corporate world continues to adapt to understand stakeholder views and expectations and then translate them into meaningful sector- and business-specific actions and disclosures. We continue to see environmental and social (E&S) considerations dominate the shareholder and other stakeholder agenda. Issuers that fail to keep pace with the demands of this new landscape risk access to capital, risk greater opposition to what were once "routine" annual meeting business items, and risk shareholder activism campaigns for board and management change." Highlights of our 2022 report include: "ESG activism" is definitively here in Canada. Building on last year's ESG activism at Exxon Mobil Corporation, E&S concerns have factored into the Canadian activism landscape this year, namely at Suncor Energy Inc. and Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc. The predominance of ESG activism is also evident in this year's shareholder proposals: A noteworthy 88% of all shareholder proposals in 2022 concerned E&S matters, up from an already strong 62% in 2021. Notwithstanding the above, the global say-on-climate initiative may be stalling. While the management of climate-related risks and opportunities is of clear importance to investors, our review of the global record on "say-on-climate" votes to date suggests that the initiative may be stalling. There remains considerable skepticism about the value of say-on-climate and the potential for unintended consequences. While stakeholders are demanding greater E&S action and accountability, issuers must be mindful of concerns related to "greenwashing" disclosures that overstate or misrepresent a company's commitments, actions, or progress on E&S matters. We also continue to see debate over who is best positioned to oversee these matters business or government and frustration around the broad variance in E&S scoring metrics. While the number of public board activism campaigns in 2022 is on pace to fall short of 2021 levels, i) increasingly larger companies have been targeted, ii) most situations involved proxy fights, demonstrating that activists have had strong conviction in their cases for change, and iii) virtually every proxy fight resulted in a partial or complete dissident win. Like board activism, transactional activism is also moderately lower this year as compared to 2021 but we have also seen increasingly larger companies and larger transactions targeted. We anticipate that the new Canadian Business Corporations Act majority voting rules will expose non-TSX CBCA issuers to increased board activism going forward. There continues to be progress in gender diversity at the board and senior management levels, while there are developing expectations related to diversity beyond gender. There was moderate improvement this year in shareholder support for say-on-pay advisory votes as compared to a very challenging 2021, yet boards must continue to make executive compensation decisions that demonstrate pay-for-performance alignment. There is heightened institutional shareholder scrutiny of long-tenured auditors, with shareholder support levels for this historically high-support "routine" resolution trending downward. Issuers must carefully weigh all the costs, benefits, and risks related to the shareholder meeting format virtual-only, hybrid, or in-person only in 2023 and beyond. 2023 will mark Laurel Hill's 16th year of business. Laurel Hill is proud of our deep, stable, and seasoned team of capital markets professionals and our reputation as a trusted advisor. We take great pride in our culture that is rooted in acting with integrity, in an unwavering focus on our clients, and in a commitment to providing unequalled strategic solutions, shareholder results, and client satisfaction. This culture drives our team and is the foundation for our track record of results. Please enjoy our report. We welcome your feedback and look forward to speaking with you as you prepare for 2023. About Laurel Hill Laurel Hill Advisory Group is North America's leading independent, cross-border shareholder communications and advisory firm. We provide industry-leading governance advisory, compensation advisory, strategic advisory, proxy solicitation, information agent, depositary, escrow, and asset recovery services. Our customized solutions, delivered by the industry's most experienced, multidisciplinary, and collaborative team, help our clients develop and maintain market-leading governance, shareholder engagement, and activism preparedness. We are regularly engaged on the most high-profile, complex, and contentious governance, M&A, and activism situations. Our cross-border operations allow us to effectively reach shareholders regardless of their location Canada, U.S. and globally. We deliver results. Follow us on Twitter and on LinkedIn. SOURCE Laurel Hill Advisory Group NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Technavio categorizes the Global Learning Management System Market as a part of the parent education services market, covering products, services, and solutions that are offered to educational institutions, students, parents, individuals, corporate institutions, and teachers. The Global Learning Management System Market share is set to increase by USD 44978.02 million from 2022 to 2027. Moreover, the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 20.85%, as per the latest market forecast report by Technavio. The market will also record a 19.21% Y-O-Y growth rate during the forecast period. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Learning Management System Market 2023-2027 To know more about the historic market size Request a Free Sample Report! Global Learning Management System Market - Customer Landscape We analyze the life cycle of the global learning management system market from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. The report illustrates the lifecycle of the global learning management system market, focusing on the adoption rates of the major countries such as the US, Canada, China, the UK, and Germany. To help companies evaluate and develop growth strategies for 2022-2027. Our researchers have included Key purchase criteria Adoption rates Adoption lifecycles Drivers of price sensitivity To unlock the detailed information on the customer landscape -Request a FREE Sample Now! Global Learning Management System Market Vendor Analysis Vendor Landscape - The global learning management system market is fragmented, with the presence of many local and international players. Most vendors are based in North America and Europe. They have a strong geographical presence, cater to multiple end-user segments, and provide differentiated features in their product offerings. Vendors operating at a global or regional level are developing software solutions that can be accessed on-premises or on-cloud. Many international vendors have diversified their portfolios. These companies have well-established economies of scale and financial strength. However, learning management system vendors in the higher education sector are facing stiff competition from open-source learning management system solutions such as Moodle. In addition, the advent of alternative solutions such as Nextgen LMS and AI has compelled vendors to provide additional features. Hence, the competition among the vendors is expected to be moderate during the forecast period. Vendors covered in this report are Blackboard Inc, Clearlake Capital Group L.P., Docebo Inc., D2L Corp., Instructure Holdings Inc., Oracle Corp., Pearson Plc, SAP SE, PowerSchool Holdings Inc., Workday Inc., Skillsoft Corp., Degreed Inc., Adrenalin eSystems Ltd., Violet InfoSystems Pvt. Ltd, Classe365, among others. Vendor Offerings - myadrenalin.com - The company offers learning management systems such as Adrenalin Learning Management System. The company offers learning management systems such as Adrenalin Learning Management System. blackboard.com - The company offers learning management systems such as Blackboard Learn. - The company offers learning management systems such as Blackboard Learn. classe365.com - The company offers learning management systems such as Classe365 LMS. The company offers learning management systems such as Classe365 LMS. To know about all 15 major vendor offerings Download a FREE sample Now! Global Learning Management System Market - Segmentation Assessment Geography Segment Overview Technavio's market research report entails detailed information on regional opportunities in store for vendors, which will assist in generating sales revenues. The Global Learning Management System Market as per geography is categorized into North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. The report provides an accurate prediction of the contribution of all regions to the growth of the Global Learning Management System Market size and actionable market understandings. Regional Highlights - North America is the fastest-growing region in the global learning management system market compared to other regions. 34% of the growth will originate from North America . The growth of the learning management system market in North America is expected to be steady during the forecast period owing to the rising demand for learning management systems from corporate organizations. In addition, the increasing need for effective and high-quality education is fueling the growth of the regional market. is the fastest-growing region in the global learning management system market compared to other regions. of the growth will originate from . The growth of the learning management system market in is expected to be steady during the forecast period owing to the rising demand for learning management systems from corporate organizations. In addition, the increasing need for effective and high-quality education is fueling the growth of the regional market. Revenue Generating Segment Highlights - The Global Learning Management System Market as per end-user segmentation is categorized into Academic and Corporate. The learning management system market share growth by the academic segment will be significant during the forecast period. The increasing popularity of online learning and the rise in the number of universities that provide online learning are fueling the growth of this segment. Furthermore, the rising prominence of m-learning has compelled learning management system vendors to provide solutions compatible with mobile devices. Download a FREE Sample Report that can help you to strategize your sales revenue - Get it now! Global Learning Management System Market Market Dynamics Major Driver - The adoption of NGDLE in the academic sector is driving the growth of the learning management system market. NGDLE helps organizations develop learning programs that are effective and lead to high efficiency. The adoption of learning management systems is increasing in the higher education and K-12 sectors. The adoption of NGDLE in the academic sector is driving the growth of the learning management system market. NGDLE helps organizations develop learning programs that are effective and lead to high efficiency. The adoption of learning management systems is increasing in the higher education and K-12 sectors. Major Trend - The increasing popularity of cloud-based learning management systems is a trend in the market. The advent of advanced technologies has led to a high emphasis on the adoption of cloud-based learning management systems, which reduces the need for deploying servers at organizations' premises. Moreover, the implementation costs related to cloud-based learning management systems is lower when compared to the traditional learning management system. The increasing popularity of cloud-based learning management systems is a trend in the market. The advent of advanced technologies has led to a high emphasis on the adoption of cloud-based learning management systems, which reduces the need for deploying servers at organizations' premises. Moreover, the implementation costs related to cloud-based learning management systems is lower when compared to the traditional learning management system. Major Challenges - A rise in the number of open-source learning management systems may hamper market growth. The adoption of open-source learning management systems has increased in the academic sector, especially in higher education. Open-source learning management system offers several advantages, such as cost reduction in terms of obtaining licenses. To know about other factors of market dynamics Request a Free Sample! Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Learning Management System Market 2023-2027: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2023-2027 Detailed information on factors that will assist the learning management system market growth during the next five years Estimation of the learning management system market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the learning management system market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of learning management system market vendors Related Reports The e-learning courses market is projected to grow by USD 109.05 billion with a CAGR of 16.75% during the forecast period 2021 to 2026. The market is segmented by end-user (higher education, corporate, and K-12) and geography ( North America , APAC, Europe , South America , and the Middle East and Africa ). is projected to grow by with a CAGR of 16.75% during the forecast period 2021 to 2026. The market is segmented by end-user (higher education, corporate, and K-12) and geography ( , APAC, , , and the and ). The self-paced e-learning market is projected to grow by USD 7.20 billion with a CAGR of 2.61% during the forecast period 2021 to 2026. The market is segmented by product (packaged content and services) and geography ( North America , APAC, Europe , South America , and Middle East and Africa ). Learning Management System Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2022 Historical year 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 20.85% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 44978.02 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 19.21 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 34% Key consumer countries US, Canada, China, UK, and Germany Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Key companies profiled Adrenalin eSystems Ltd., Blackboard Inc., Classe365, Clearlake Capital Group L.P., D2L Corp., Degreed Inc., Docebo Inc., Epignosis, GENTLAB S.R.L, Instructure Holdings Inc., Looop Online Ltd., Oracle Corp., Pearson Plc, PowerSchool Holdings Inc., SAP SE, Skillsoft Corp., Tovuti Inc., Violet InfoSystems Pvt. Ltd, Workday Inc., and Xperiencify LLC Market dynamics Parent market analysis, market growth inducers and obstacles, fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Browse Consumer Discretionary Market Reports Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by End-user Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Deployment Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 09: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 10: Parent market Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2022 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027 Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 4 Historic Market Size 4.1 Global learning management system market 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size Data Table on Global learning management system market 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.2 End-user Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size End-user Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.3 Deployment Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size Deployment Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 5 Five Forces Analysis 5.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between2022 and 2027 5.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027 5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.7 Market condition Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027 6 Market Segmentation by End-user 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 30: Chart on End-user - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on End-user - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by End-user Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by End-user Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by End-user 6.3 Academic - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 34: Chart on Academic - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Academic - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 36: Chart on Academic - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Academic - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Corporate - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 38: Chart on Corporate - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Corporate - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 40: Chart on Corporate - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 41: Data Table on Corporate - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Market opportunity by End-user Exhibit 42: Market opportunity by End-user ($ million) 7 Market Segmentation by Deployment 7.1 Market segments Exhibit 43: Chart on Deployment - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 44: Data Table on Deployment - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Deployment Exhibit 45: Chart on Comparison by Deployment Exhibit 46: Data Table on Comparison by Deployment 7.3 On-premise - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 47: Chart on On-premise - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Data Table on On-premise - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 49: Chart on On-premise - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 50: Data Table on On-premise - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 On-cloud - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 51: Chart on On-cloud - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Data Table on On-cloud - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 53: Chart on On-cloud - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 54: Data Table on On-cloud - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Market opportunity by Deployment Exhibit 55: Market opportunity by Deployment ($ million) 8 Customer Landscape 8.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 56: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 9 Geographic Landscape 9.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 57: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 58: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) 9.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 59: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 60: Data Table on Geographic comparison 9.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 61: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 62: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 63: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 64: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 65: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 66: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 68: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 69: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 70: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 72: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 73: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 74: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 76: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 80: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.8 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 81: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 82: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 83: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 84: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.9 China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 85: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 86: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 87: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 88: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.10 UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 90: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 91: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 92: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 93: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 94: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 95: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 96: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 98: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 99: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 100: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 101: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10.1 Market drivers 10.2 Market challenges 10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 102: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027 10.4 Market trends 11 Vendor Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 103: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 11.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 104: Overview on factors of disruption 11.4 Industry risks Exhibit 105: Impact of key risks on business 12 Vendor Analysis 12.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 106: Vendors covered 12.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 107: Matrix on vendor position and classification 12.3 Adrenalin eSystems Ltd. Exhibit 108: Adrenalin eSystems Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 109: Adrenalin eSystems Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 110: Adrenalin eSystems Ltd. - Key offerings 12.4 Blackboard Inc. Exhibit 111: Blackboard Inc. - Overview Exhibit 112: Blackboard Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 113: Blackboard Inc. - Key offerings 12.5 Classe365 Exhibit 114: Classe365 - Overview Exhibit 115: Classe365 - Product / Service Exhibit 116: Classe365 - Key offerings 12.6 Clearlake Capital Group L.P. Exhibit 117: Clearlake Capital Group L.P. - Overview Exhibit 118: Clearlake Capital Group L.P. - Product / Service Exhibit 119: Clearlake Capital Group L.P. - Key offerings 12.7 D2L Corp. Exhibit 120: D2L Corp. - Overview Exhibit 121: D2L Corp. - Product / Service Exhibit 122: D2L Corp. - Key news Exhibit 123: D2L Corp. - Key offerings 12.8 Degreed Inc. Exhibit 124: Degreed Inc. - Overview Exhibit 125: Degreed Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 126: Degreed Inc. - Key offerings 12.9 Docebo Inc. Exhibit 127: Docebo Inc. - Overview Exhibit 128: Docebo Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 129: Docebo Inc. - Key offerings 12.10 Instructure Holdings Inc. Exhibit 130: Instructure Holdings Inc. - Overview Exhibit 131: Instructure Holdings Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 132: Instructure Holdings Inc. - Key offerings 12.11 Oracle Corp. Exhibit 133: Oracle Corp. - Overview Exhibit 134: Oracle Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 135: Oracle Corp. - Key news Exhibit 136: Oracle Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 137: Oracle Corp. - Segment focus 12.12 Pearson Plc Exhibit 138: Pearson Plc - Overview Exhibit 139: Pearson Plc - Business segments Exhibit 140: Pearson Plc - Key offerings Exhibit 141: Pearson Plc - Segment focus 12.13 PowerSchool Holdings Inc. Exhibit 142: PowerSchool Holdings Inc. - Overview Exhibit 143: PowerSchool Holdings Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 144: PowerSchool Holdings Inc. - Key offerings 12.14 SAP SE Exhibit 145: SAP SE - Overview Exhibit 146: SAP SE - Business segments Exhibit 147: SAP SE - Key news Exhibit 148: SAP SE - Key offerings Exhibit 149: SAP SE - Segment focus 12.15 Skillsoft Corp. Exhibit 150: Skillsoft Corp. - Overview Exhibit 151: Skillsoft Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 152: Skillsoft Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 153: Skillsoft Corp. - Segment focus 12.16 Violet InfoSystems Pvt. Ltd Exhibit 154: Violet InfoSystems Pvt. Ltd - Overview Exhibit 155: Violet InfoSystems Pvt. Ltd - Product / Service Exhibit 156: Violet InfoSystems Pvt. Ltd - Key offerings 12.17 Workday Inc. Exhibit 157: Workday Inc. - Overview Exhibit 158: Workday Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 159: Workday Inc. - Key offerings 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 160: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 161: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 162: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology Exhibit 163: Research methodology Exhibit 164: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 165: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 166: List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio Global renewable energy company expands its team and stake in North America's energy sector LONDON, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Low Carbon, the global renewable energy company, today announced the appointment of Ed Shelton as Managing Director for Investments in North America. The appointment marks the company's latest step forward in its expansion into North America, following the appointment of Silicon Valley veteran Ed Colligan as Head of Americas in March, and its landmark partnership with life insurance giant MassMutual last year. Low Carbon, founded in the UK in 2011, has set itself the ambitious target of creating 20GW of renewable capacity by 2030. With a decade of experience in renewable energy development, Mr. Shelton will lead Low Carbon's efforts to scale renewable energy generation in the attractive US and Canadian markets, with a specific focus on wind, solar and storage. The Stanford and Princeton graduate joins Low Carbon from RWE Renewables (formally E.ON Climate and Renewables in the US), where he held the position of Executive Vice President for Solar and Storage Development in North America. At RWE, Mr. Shelton led a team of 27, managed a solar and storage portfolio of ~15GW, and oversaw the development and financial investment decisions for a further ~1.5 GW of projects that are now operational or under construction. Prior to RWE, Mr. Shelton was a Director at Recurrent Energy, one of the US's largest utility-scale solar and storage developers. While at the latter, Low Carbon's new MD led development in the Western United States and held responsibility for ~500 MW of projects that are currently operational and providing Americans with clean energy. Earlier in his career, Mr. Shelton worked as an Investment Banking Associate at Goldman Sachs, where he provided strategic financial advice to energy companies among others. His experience on both sides of renewable energy investment decisions will be invaluable at Low Carbon. Commenting on his appointment, Ed Shelton said: "I am honored and excited that Low Carbon has provided the opportunity to lead its efforts to build out a platform, team and pipeline of wind, solar and storage projects in North America. Low Carbon is deeply rooted in its mission to help decarbonize the globe and have a positive impact on climate change. I am looking forward to doing my part to support this mission". Ed Colligan, Head of Americas at Low Carbon, commented: "I am delighted to welcome someone of Ed's experience and caliber to Low Carbon. Ed has a proven track record of helping international energy companies like ours scale up and extend clean, affordable energy to millions around the globe. Ed is joining Low Carbon at an exciting time for our company, as we look to expand into North America and other new markets. I look forward to working with him to reach Low Carbon's ambitious operational goals, and to accelerate the global energy transition". Low Carbon is a global renewable energy company committed to the development and operation of renewable energy at scale. Low Carbon invests into both renewable energy developers and projects across a range of renewable energy technologies including solar PV, wind, energy storage, waste-to-energy and energy efficiency. Low Carbon, a certified B Corp, has a proven track record in the development, construction, financing and management of renewable energy assets and remains involved in the projects for the long term with a dedicated asset management team that manages assets on balance sheet and for third parties. With a significant international renewable energy pipeline in development, Low Carbon is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities as the need for renewable energy and energy security increases. www.lowcarbon.com Contact: Georgina Edwards [email protected] +44 (0) 7986 841908 SOURCE Low Carbon Workers make clothes for export at a company in Taihe County, east China's Anhui Province, May 26, 2022. (Photo by Liang Xiaopeng/Xinhua) HEFEI, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- East China's Anhui Province recorded robust foreign trade growth in the first three quarters of 2022, according to the local customs authority. The province's goods trade value hit 566.29 billion yuan (about 78.14 billion U.S. dollars) from January to September, up 13.5 percent year on year. Exports rose 20.3 percent year on year to 350 billion yuan, while imports increased 4.1 percent to 216.29 billion yuan, data from Hefei customs showed. Trade between Anhui and the countries and regions along the Belt and Road soared to 153.54 billion yuan, up 20 percent compared with the same period in 2021. The volume of trade between the province and other members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership hit 150.91 billion yuan, up 14.2 percent year on year. During the period, exports of Anhui's mechanical and electrical products expanded by 20.6 percent year on year to account for 62.1 percent of the province's total export volume. Its exports of high-tech products also registered growth. LINCOLN, Neb., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The stabilizing patterns seen in August and September, where inventory levels decreased and auction values remained steady for used heavy-duty truck and semi-trailers in Sandhills Global marketplaces, appear to be short-lived shifts. According to the newest Sandhills market reports, asking and auction values resumed the downward trends that initially began in Q2 2022. The Sandhills EVI shows used heavy-duty truck inventory, which includes sleeper and day cab trucks, increased in October, up 2.6% month-over-month, reversing course after back-to-back months of inventory decreases. Inventory levels were up 50.1% year-over-year from October 2021. Used semi-trailer inventory declined for the fourth consecutive month in October, down 1.9% M/M, and has been trending sideways in recent months. Semi-trailer inventory levels were up 51.7% YOY. The Sandhills EVI shows that used medium-duty truck inventory levels decreased 3.1% M/M, the third consecutive month of inventory declines. This category includes box flatbed, and cab and chassis trucks. Its important to note that inventory levels were still well above October 2021, up 66.3% YOY. Inventory levels for heavy-duty construction equipment were flat in October, showing more signs of stability after two years of nearly continuous declines. Inventory levels were 30.3% lower than in October 2021. Mirroring trends in heavy-duty construction equipment, inventory levels for used medium-duty construction equipment have rebounded in recent months, increasing 1.6% M/M and were down just 15% YOY. Although used farm equipment inventory levels were mostly flat in October, increasing 1.5% M/M, inventory quantity continued to pull even with last year and was down 6.7% YOY. Inventory levels for used compact and utility tractors reached pre-pandemic levels in October, increasing 8.9% M/M and 61% YOY. Asking EVI for this category decreased 0.8% M/M, continuing the horizontal value pattern seen in recent months. Asking values increased 6.3% YOY. "Volatility remains apparent in the truck and trailer markets with inventory fluctuations and values trending downward," says Truck Paper Sales Manager Scott Lubischer. "Economic forces, such as freight market rates and demand, along with challenging fuel prices and general market uncertainty, are all playing significant roles in the value of trucks and trailers today." The key metric used in all of Sandhills' market reports is the Sandhills Equipment Value Index (EVI). Buyers and sellers can use the information in the Sandhills EVI to monitor equipment markets and maximize returns on acquisition, liquidation, and related business decisions. The Sandhills EVI data include equipment available in auction and retail markets, as well as model year equipment actively in use. Regional EVI data is available for the United States (and key geographic regions within) and Canada, allowing Sandhills to reflect machine values by location. Takeaways Sandhills Market Reports highlight the most significant changes in Sandhills' used truck and trailer, construction equipment, and farm machinery markets. Each report includes detailed analysis and charts that help readers visualize the data. In this month's reports, Sandhills dives into the current trends across all the markets it monitors, including dropping value trends in medium-duty trucks, heavy-duty construction equipment, and medium-duty construction equipment. U.S. Used Heavy-Duty Trucks The Sandhills EVI shows used heavy-duty truck inventory, which includes sleeper and day cab trucks, increased in October, up 2.6% month-over-month, reversing course after back-to-back months of inventory decreases. Inventory levels were up 50.1% year-over-year from October 2021 . . Heavy-duty truck asking values declined for the fifth consecutive month with a 1.8% month-to-month drop. Asking values were up 17.4% YOY. Auction values decreased 2.3% from September to October, following a 0.7% decline from August to September. Compared to October 2021 , auction values were up 3.1% YOY. U.S. Used Semi-Trailers Used semi-trailer inventory declined for the fourth consecutive month in October, down 1.9% M/M, and has been trending sideways in recent months. Semi-trailer inventory levels were up 51.7% YOY. Similar to heavy-duty truck trends, asking values for semi-trailers dropped for the fifth consecutive month, down 1.5% M/M, but were up 20.5% YOY. Although auction values were still up 5.4% YOY, the semi-trailer category displayed consecutive months of decreasing auction values. U.S. Used Medium-Duty Trucks The Sandhills EVI shows that used medium-duty truck inventory levels decreased 3.1% M/M, the third consecutive month of inventory declines. This category includes box flatbed, and cab and chassis trucks. It's important to note that inventory levels were still well above October 2021 , up 66.3% YOY. , up 66.3% YOY. Medium-duty truck asking values held steady in October and were up 12.6% YOY. For the first time in two years, medium-duty truck YOY auction values decreased in October, down 2.9%. U.S. Used Heavy-Duty Construction Equipment Inventory levels for heavy-duty construction equipment were flat in October, showing more signs of stability after two years of nearly continuous declines. Inventory levels were 30.3% lower than in October 2021 . . The Sandhills EVI shows that asking values remain elevated from last year, up 6.4% YOY. Compared to September, asking values displayed a sideways trend, decreasing 1.7% M/M. Heavy-duty construction equipment auction values are trending downward, decreasing 2.5% M/M, and were up 4.8% YOY. U.S. Used Medium-Duty Construction Equipment Mirroring trends in heavy-duty construction equipment, inventory levels for used medium-duty construction equipment have rebounded in recent months, increasing 1.6% M/M and were down just 15% YOY. October marked the fifth consecutive month of asking value declines in this category; the 0.5% M/M drop continues a pattern of slow descent. Asking values were up 9.6% YOY. Auction values held steady in October and increased 3.3% YOY. U.S. Used Farm Equipment Although used farm equipment inventory levels were mostly flat in October, increasing 1.5% M/M, inventory quantity continued to pull even with last year and was down 6.7% YOY. Asking EVI increased 2.2% M/M, and compared to October 2021 , asking values were up 8.8%. , asking values were up 8.8%. Auction EVI also trended upward in October, increasing 2.7% M/M and 6.4% YOY. U.S. Used Compact & Utility Tractors Inventory levels for used compact and utility tractors reached pre-pandemic levels in October, increasing 8.9% M/M and 61% YOY. Asking EVI for this category decreased 0.8% M/M, continuing the horizontal value pattern seen in recent months. Asking values increased 6.3% YOY. Since recording new highs in Q2 2022, auction values have eased in recent months. Auction EVI decreased 0.5% M/M and was flat compared to October 2021 . Obtain the Full Report For more information, or to receive detailed analysis from Sandhills Global, contact us at [email protected] . About Sandhills Global Sandhills Global is an information processing company headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska. Our products and services gather, process, and distribute information in the form of trade publications, websites, and online services that connect buyers and sellers across the construction, agriculture, forestry, oil and gas, heavy equipment, commercial trucking, and aviation industries. Our integrated, industry-specific approach to hosted technologies and services offers solutions that help businesses large and small operate efficiently and grow securely, cost-effectively, and successfully. Sandhills Globalwe are the cloud. About the Sandhills Equipment Value Index The Sandhills Equipment Value Index (EVI) is a principal gauge of the estimated market values of used assetsboth currently and over timeacross the construction, agricultural, and commercial trucking industries represented by Sandhills Global marketplaces, including AuctionTime.com , TractorHouse.com , MachineryTrader.com , TruckPaper.com , and other industry-specific equipment platforms. Powered by FleetEvaluator , Sandhills' proprietary asset valuation tool, Sandhills EVI provides useful insights into the ever-changing supply-and-demand conditions for each industry. Contact Sandhills www.sandhills.com/contact-us 402-479-2181 SOURCE Sandhills Global High demand for single-family houses in the U.S. and Canada is projected to accelerate sales of ready-mix concrete in North America. Asia Pacific is projected to remain at the forefront by generating the largest ready-mix concrete market share in the forthcoming years. NEWARK, Del., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The global ready-mix concrete market stands at US$ 46.9 Bn as of now and is expected to reach US$ 61.7 Bn by the year 2032 at a stellar CAGR of 13.2% between 2022 and 2032. The developing economies are subject to rising urbanization, which is, in turn, asking for constructive expansion of the building & construction vertical. The United Nations 2030 estimates say that urban population all across India would grow by an astonishing 165 Mn by the year 2030. Also, IMF Global Housing Watch states that residential real estate all across did generate almost US$ 221.6 Bn in the year 2019, thereby witnessing a Y-o-Y rate of 12%. Overall, multi-billion-dollar infrastructure schemes are turning out to be the norm as governments are striving to keep up with the growth, raising standards of living, and facilitating financial development. The projects like Asia Belt and Road Initiative in China, Sydney Metro in Australia, Africa Lagos-Kano Railway in Nigeria, South America 4G Roads and Highway Program in Columbia, and North America California High-Speed Rail in the US could be referred to as mega infrastructural projects that could direct the ready-mix concrete market towards exponential growth in the upcoming period. Request a Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8592 At the same time, the fact that initial investments pertaining to ready-mix concrete plants are high cannot be ignored. This could be credited to marked difference in prices of land and raw materials' availability. Plus, effective transportation is needed to the site, which adds to the overheads. As such, those handling small projects may have to give a second thought in this regard. Future Market Insights has walked through these facts with insights in its latest market study entitled 'Ready-Mix Concrete Market'. Key Takeaways from Ready-Mix Concrete Market North America contributes for more than 60% of the overall market share. This could be attributed to increasing frequency of renovations in Canada and the US. The US Commerce Department says that spending on construction increased by 1.8% in March 2020 alone. Plus, modernization of infrastructure is on the anvil. contributes for more than 60% of the overall market share. This could be attributed to increasing frequency of renovations in and the US. The US Commerce Department says that spending on construction increased by 1.8% in alone. Plus, modernization of infrastructure is on the anvil. Europe is expected to stand second on this count on the grounds mentioned above. is expected to stand second on this count on the grounds mentioned above. The Asia-Pacific is expected to witness a robust CAGR of ~8% in the forecast period. This could be reasoned with development in infrastructure in Thailand , China , India , and Singapore . Get More Information on this Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/ready-mix-concrete-market Competitive Landscape UltraTech, in May 2020 , did develop the in-house technology for collecting the concrete left behind at construction sites and converting them into slurry to recycle in the ready-mix concrete. This plant technology comes across as an automated thing and is environmentally-friendly in entirety, as it does away with water or solid waste. , did develop the in-house technology for collecting the concrete left behind at construction sites and converting them into slurry to recycle in the ready-mix concrete. This plant technology comes across as an automated thing and is environmentally-friendly in entirety, as it does away with water or solid waste. Hanson Group, in April 2020 , did supply ready-mix concrete for converting it into an NHS filed hospital to treat and care for patients contracting coronavirus. , did supply ready-mix concrete for converting it into an NHS filed hospital to treat and care for patients contracting coronavirus. Heidelberg Cement, in March 2021 , entered into partnership with Thoma Bravo to invest in Command Alkon for building digital ecosystem for 'heavy building materials' vertical. , entered into partnership with to invest in Command Alkon for building digital ecosystem for 'heavy building materials' vertical. ACC, in March 2021 , put forth Global green concrete 'ECOPact' in Kolkata, India . , put forth Global green concrete 'ECOPact' in . CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V., in February 2021 , did announce its expansion of the US operations to strengthen the network in Texas by acquiring ready-mix business. "Delivery of ready-mix concrete via transit mixer does facilitate implementing accurate concrete in building and construction, thereby rendering it strong and long-lasting. This factor is expected to keep the cash registers ringing for ready-mix concrete market in the near future", says an analyst from Future Market Insights. Report for Customization @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-8592 What encompasses the Ready-Mix Concrete Market? Future Market Insights offers an exclusive perspective and various real-time insights on the ready-mix concrete market in its latest study, presenting historical demand assessment of 2016 2021 and projections for 2022 2032. The research study is based on production (onsite and off-site), and by product type (residential, non-residential, infrastructural, commercial, and industrial). Advantages like curtailed cost on the part of sight supervision and labor along with simplistic pouring methods are expected to draw more end-customers to the ready-mix concrete market going forward. Key Segments Profiled in the Ready-mix Concrete Industry Survey By Production: On-Site Off Site By Product Type: Residential Non-Residential Infrastructural Commercial Industrial By Region: North America Latin America Western Europe Eastern Europe APEJ Japan Middle East and Africa Request for Methodology @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/request-report-methodology/rep-gb-8592 Table of Content 1. Executive Summary 1.1. Global Market Outlook 1.2. Demand-side Trends 1.3. Supply-side Trends 1.4. Technology Roadmap Analysis 1.5. Analysis and Recommendations 2. Market Overview 2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy 2.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations 3. Market Background 3.1. Market Dynamics 3.2. Scenario Forecast 3.3. Opportunity Map Analysis 3.4. Product Life Cycle Analysis 3.5. Supply Chain Analysis 4. Global Ready-mix Concrete Market Analysis 2017-2021 and Forecast, 2022-2032 4.1. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Tons) Analysis, 2017-2021 4.2. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Tons) Projections, 2022-2032 5. Global Ready-mix Concrete Market Analysis 2017-2021 and Forecast 2022-2032, By Production 5.1. Introduction / Key Findings 5.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Tons) Analysis By Production, 2017-2021 TOC continued..! Top Reports Related To Chemicals & Materials Market Insights Antimicrobial Nanocoatings Market Size - The global antimicrobial nanocoatings market is projected to reach a valuation of US$ 930.5 Mn in 2022. The antimicrobial nanocoatings market is expected to witness steady growth at a CAGR of 20.3% from 2022 to 2032. Polymer Concrete Market Share - The global polymer concrete market size is set to be valued at around US$ 465.0 Mn in 2022 and is anticipated to progress at a healthy CAGR of 7.7% from 2022 to 2032. The market is likely to reach US$ 979.2 Mn by 2032. Pre-Stressed Concrete Market Trends - Pre-stressed concrete is used widely in multistoried buildings, civic infrastructure and bridges owing to the inherent weakness of concrete in tension which can be removed via the product. Shotcrete/Sprayed Concrete Market Growth - Shotcrete/sprayed concrete is a high performance concrete/mortar that is spread at high velocity on the backing surface of a construction through a hose. Concrete Floor Coatings Market Value - In concrete floor coatings, various types of products and systems are used to cover the surface of concrete to protect it and improve its aesthetic look. It also helps in reduction of cracking of concrete and thereby maintenance cost. About Future Market Insights, Inc. Future Market Insights, Inc. is an ESOMAR-certified business consulting & market research firm, a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and is headquartered in Delaware, USA. A recipient of Clutch Leaders Award 2022 on account of high client score (4.9/5), we have been collaborating with global enterprises in their business transformation journey and helping them deliver on their business ambitions. 80% of the largest Forbes 1000 enterprises are our clients. We serve global clients across all leading & niche market segments across all major industries. Contact Us: Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-845-579-5705 For Sales Enquiries: [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1197648/FMI_Logo.jpg SOURCE Future Market Insights GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On Oct 28 Beijing Time, as an enterprise representative, Midea Residential Air Conditioner Division ("Midea RAC") participated in an online certification observation meeting as part of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Mutual Recognition Action Plan between the customs of China and Thailand ("the Plan"). The purpose of the virtual meeting, as part of the protocols of the Plan, was to allow Thai Customs to better understand the field certification process carried out by China Customs and conduct face-to-face communication between the customs authorities of the two countries. In addition, it helped Thai Customs to gain comprehensive knowledge of China's benchmark enterprises and contributed to the optimization of the AEO mutual recognition process between the two countries. During the meeting, Midea RAC demonstrated to Thai Customs its compliance and standardized management capabilities as a Chinese AEO benchmark enterprise in enterprise management, IT-based control, trade security control and other aspects. Midea RAC has met pre-determined standards under the AEO program and has been certified by China Customs as an "Advanced Certified Enterprise" (ACE) in 2016. In April this year, it was selected by China Customs as one of the first batches of AEO international mutual recognition enterprises for observation purposes, to serve as a benchmark for other companies on how to conduct themselves regarding the AEO mutual recognition process. Liu Quanfa, Head of Global Customs Affairs, Midea Group, said, "As a leading large-scale Chinese foreign trade firm, Midea RAC exports products to Thailand, Malaysia, and many other Southeast Asian countries. Thanks to the AEO system, the customs clearance process has been vastly simplified and accelerated and enables us to expand our business in Southeast Asia without the obstacle of bureaucratic red tape." The AEO system is supported by the World Customs Organization, in which customs authorities of member countries certify manufacturers that have demonstrated higher levels of compliance, credit status, and security, and provides prioritized and accelerated customs clearance for those who pass the certification. An AEO can enjoy reduced customs inspection and prioritized customs clearance when shipping goods between the two countries who reached mutual recognition agreements. Specializing in the R&D, production, and sales of household air conditioners, Midea RAC has in place a complete industrial chain. In line with the group's mission of creating a digital and intelligence-driven firm that provides technology leadership and direct access to users in addition to being a technology innovator, Midea is committed to becoming a global leader in the home air conditioning sector, exporting products to nearly 400 million users in 200 countries and regions worldwide. As Customs of both China and Thailand have pledged to accelerate talks on AEO mutual recognition under the Plan, Midea RAC is expected to reduce trade-related expenses such as port, insurance, and logistics costs, boost production at its factory in Thailand, enhance international competitiveness, and streamline its development roadmap which includes participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). SOURCE Midea RAC NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Near-infrared Spectroscopy Market Research Report by Product, Type, Application, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19 Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06340090/?utm_source=PRN The Global Near-infrared Spectroscopy Market size was estimated at USD 621.23 million in 2021 and expected to reach USD 670.69 million in 2022, and is projected to grow at a CAGR 8.21% to reach USD 997.75 million by 2027. Market Statistics: The report provides market sizing and forecast across 7 major currencies - USD, EUR, JPY, GBP, AUD, CAD, and CHF. It helps organization leaders make better decisions when currency exchange data is readily available. In this report, the years 2018 and 2020 are considered as historical years, 2021 as the base year, 2022 as the estimated year, and years from 2023 to 2027 are considered as the forecast period. Market Segmentation & Coverage: This research report categorizes the Near-infrared Spectroscopy to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Product, the market was studied across Dispersive Infrared Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform-based (FT-NIR) Spectrometers. Based on Type, the market was studied across Benchtop and Portable. Based on Application, the market was studied across Agriculture, Astronomical Spectroscopy, Industrial Use, Material Science, Medical Applications, Particle Measurement, and Remote Monitoring. Based on Region, the market was studied across Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East & Africa. The Americas is further studied across Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and United States. The United States is further studied across California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The Asia-Pacific is further studied across Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Europe, Middle East & Africa is further studied across Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom. Cumulative Impact of COVID-19: COVID-19 is an incomparable global public health emergency that has affected almost every industry, and the long-term effects are projected to impact the industry growth during the forecast period. Our ongoing research amplifies our research framework to ensure the inclusion of underlying COVID-19 issues and potential paths forward. The report delivers insights on COVID-19 considering the changes in consumer behavior and demand, purchasing patterns, re-routing of the supply chain, dynamics of current market forces, and the significant interventions of governments. The updated study provides insights, analysis, estimations, and forecasts, considering the COVID-19 impact on the market. Cumulative Impact of 2022 Russia Ukraine Conflict: We continuously monitor and update reports on political and economic uncertainty due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Negative impacts are significantly foreseen globally, especially across Eastern Europe, European Union, Eastern & Central Asia, and the United States. This contention has severely affected lives and livelihoods and represents far-reaching disruptions in trade dynamics. The potential effects of ongoing war and uncertainty in Eastern Europe are expected to have an adverse impact on the world economy, with especially long-term harsh effects on Russia.This report uncovers the impact of demand & supply, pricing variants, strategic uptake of vendors, and recommendations for Near-infrared Spectroscopy market considering the current update on the conflict and its global response. Competitive Strategic Window: The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies to help the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. It describes the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisition strategies, geography expansion, research & development, and new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth during a forecast period. FPNV Positioning Matrix: The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Near-infrared Spectroscopy Market based on Business Strategy (Business Growth, Industry Coverage, Financial Viability, and Channel Support) and Product Satisfaction (Value for Money, Ease of Use, Product Features, and Customer Support) that aids businesses in better decision making and understanding the competitive landscape. Market Share Analysis: The Market Share Analysis offers the analysis of vendors considering their contribution to the overall market. It provides the idea of its revenue generation into the overall market compared to other vendors in the space. It provides insights into how vendors are performing in terms of revenue generation and customer base compared to others. Knowing market share offers an idea of the size and competitiveness of the vendors for the base year. It reveals the market characteristics in terms of accumulation, fragmentation, dominance, and amalgamation traits. Competitive Scenario: The Competitive Scenario provides an outlook analysis of the various business growth strategies adopted by the vendors. The news covered in this section deliver valuable thoughts at the different stage while keeping up-to-date with the business and engage stakeholders in the economic debate. The competitive scenario represents press releases or news of the companies categorized into Merger & Acquisition, Agreement, Collaboration, & Partnership, New Product Launch & Enhancement, Investment & Funding, and Award, Recognition, & Expansion. All the news collected help vendor to understand the gaps in the marketplace and competitoras strength and weakness thereby, providing insights to enhance product and service. Company Usability Profiles: The report profoundly explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global Near-infrared Spectroscopy Market, including ABB Ltd., Agilent Technologies Inc., Brainbox Ltd., Bruker Corporation, BAchi Labortechnik AG, Carl Zeiss AG, Edinburgh Instruments Ltd., Foss A/S, Galaxy Scientific, Hitachi Ltd., Horiba Ltd., JASCO International Co., Ltd., KPM Analytics, Inc., Lumex Instruments, Malvern Panalytical Ltd., Metrohm AG, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH, Oxford Instruments PLC, PerkinElmer, Inc., Shimadzu Corporation, and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.. The report provides insights on the following pointers: 1. Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on the market offered by the key players 2. Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyze penetration across mature segments of the markets 3. Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments 4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, certification, regulatory approvals, patent landscape, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players 5. Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and breakthrough product developments The report answers questions such as: 1. What is the market size and forecast of the Global Near-infrared Spectroscopy Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Near-infrared Spectroscopy Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Near-infrared Spectroscopy Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Near-infrared Spectroscopy Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Near-infrared Spectroscopy Market? 6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Near-infrared Spectroscopy Market? 7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Near-infrared Spectroscopy Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06340090/?utm_source=PRN 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. Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker SINGAPORE, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NFTGo.io , the leading NFT data analytics and trading aggregation platform, has announced a major brand upgrade. A new front end look has been unveiled to align with its mission of empowering NFT users via a seamless interactive experience. NFTGo aims to guide users at every phase of their journey from discovery, analytics and trade to portfolio management. It is now primely positioned as the only independent NFT data analytics and trading aggregator platform after the other major aggregators, Gem and Genie, have been acquired by OpenSea and Uniswap respectively. Unlike a conventional marketplace like OpenSea, buying NFTs through a trading aggregator is akin to purchasing flight tickets via booking.com. The user gets the best offer across all NFT marketplaces and saves up to 70% of the gas fee. The NFT Data Guru In addition to its best-in-class trading aggregation services, NFTGo.io has been a professional data analytics platform since 2021. Along the way, it has helped over 1 million global users research NFT collections, track whale behaviors, filter out wash trading, discover top mints, and make smarter decisions through the suite of data metrics. NFTGo's data API is currently serving over 500 organizations including major marketplaces such as X2Y2 and Looksrare to support their product development. NFTGo.io has also been actively engaged with renowned universities worldwide to provide data for their research purposes, including Tecnologico de Monterrey, as well as blockchain communities at Oregon State University and Cambridge University. "Our marketplace serves hundreds of thousands of users per month and delivering the best service is the key," said TP, founder and CEO of X2Y2. "We are very selective with our partners to provide the most reliable and accurate data in the market. NFTGo.io is our go-to partner for data integration as they are renowned for their rich and advanced NFT metrics." Redefining the New User Journey Lowes, Founder and CEO of NFTGo.io, said: "The current NFT user experience is fragmented. Information is dispersed and users are jumping between different platforms. They may be sourcing for trending NFT topics and new collections on social media, switch over to an Analytics platform to conduct research with analytical tools, and eventually trade on a separate marketplace. There is no platform in the market that provides a holistic and seamless experience to users, allowing them to discover, analyze, trade, track their holdings and portfolio profit and losses in one place. Our brand upgrade is more than a website redesign, but a showcase of how NFTGo.io is redefining the NFT experience through user-centric design, to help them make better decisions." NFTGo.io also has a resourceful ecosystem of investors to support its growth. "We are proud to invest in NFTGo.io as their team aims to be the future gateway of the NFT ecosystem," said Wyatt Lonergan, Principal at Circle Ventures. "The NFTGo.io team are showing their ambitions for changing the current NFT landscape and improving the user experience with their new product features." Lowes also revealed NFTGo's upcoming plan to value-add to its community: "Community is always our priority. We will be inviting our users to the new homepage beta test around mid November and launching a loyalty program to reward our supporters. Details about the program can be expected soon." To date, NFTGo has launched over 20 innovative and handy NFT features including Watchlist, Top Mints, and Top Collections to capture evolving NFT trends driven by a strong community. NFTGo has also brought about a novel Rarity Model, helping users to better gauge the rarity, and thus, the potential value of the individual NFTs. During this upgrade, NFTGo will be launching a Twitter extension to allow users to access and analyze NFT Project's performance directly on Twitter, providing a frictionless transition from web2 to web3. About NFTGo.io NFTGo.io is a leading NFT aggregation platform that enables its community to analyze NFT market data and transact all in one place. NFTGo offers a wide range of powerful tools and features including NFT market analytics, real-time listings, rarity, whale tracking, watchlist, drops calendar, and trading aggregator. It empowers its users to discover, trade, and manage NFT assets, serving 500+ institutional customers, 1,000+ communities, and 1M+ retail users worldwide. Learn more: http://nftgo.io/ SOURCE NFTGo Following up on its successful B10 and B15 from the all-new B-series last year, NUU unveils its first ever 5G flagship, designed to bring the 5G experience to the wider US market. DALLAS, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Texas-based smart device company, NUU, is proud to announce the launch of its first 5G smartphone, the NUU B20 5G, with an industrial design and feature set matching that of many flagship models on the market, at an unbeatable price point. The all new B20 5G from NUU. With access to the super-fast 5G networks rolling out across the United States, and the powerful performance of its next-generation Dimensity processor, the B20 5G invites its owners to enhance their lifestyle with the performance, convenience, and aesthetics of a modern smartphone flagship. The B20 5G features a vivid 6.5" high-resolution FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, coupled with expandable storage of up to 512GB, and a plentiful 5,000mAh battery with fast charging. The B20 5G is now available exclusively on nuumobile.com for $219.90, and in partnership with payment gateway Klarna, the NUU B20 5G can be purchased for four small spread-out payments. Even better, customers who purchase the NUU B20 5G during the limited-time early-bird period will enjoy a bonus in the form of NUU's recently-released Buds A active noise-canceling wireless earbuds for only $19.90 (valued at $49.90), while supplies last. To purchase the NUU B20 5G, visit the following link: nuumobile.com "Our all-new flagship represents a key milestone for NUU, in the form of a breakthrough 5G phone for under $220 - there's really nothing like it out there, and it puts blazing-speed connectivity in everyone's hands," said Danny Sit, CEO of NUU, Inc. "It has always been important to us at NUU to democratize technology by multiplying the affordability of premium features normally found in $1,000 phones." It's 5G Fast The heart of the B20 5G, enabling its remarkable 5G abilities, is a MediaTek Dimensity 700 octa-core processor. 5G isn't its only boast, however, as its rapid 90Hz display refresh rate goes hand-in-hand with its powerful processor to deliver a buttery-smooth user experience, on an expansive, high-resolution 6.5" FHD+ display. Making sure the B20 5G's multitasking abilities are also in order are its 8GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage, with expandable 512GB external storage. With its near-professional-grade camera setup, the B20 5G's triple-camera arrangement starts with a Samsung-made 48 megapixel ultra-resolution main camera, for capturing every last detail in your photos. That's followed by an ultrawide-angle 16 megapixel sensor, and a 2 megapixel macro lens for super-close photography. On the flipside, the 8 megapixel front camera captures every best selfie moment ever. In terms of good looks and comfort, the B20 5G shines there, too, with an ergonomically-curved back, designed precisely to fit your palm and feel comfortable for hours, unlike many other large flagships. The subtle, yet elegant finish gives the B20 5G its unique look, which changes with the reflection of light and produces a sparkling effect with both of the Stardust Blue and Daydream Purple colors. Given the substantial performance of the B20 5G, it's sensibly supported by a capable 5000mAh battery with 18W quick charge capabilities, allowing users to take their day head-on without charging concerns. It's all secured through a sleek, side-mounted fingerprint reader, on a pure, stock version of modern Android 12. Carrier-wise, the B20 5G works exceptionally well on T-Mobile and its MVNO's 5G network, along with support for all of their 4G-LTE frequencies. Owners will also be pleased to know they're supported by NUU's easy-to-use financing and extended warranties options, and their exceptional after-sales team, via phone & live chat support throughout most hours of the day and evening. To learn more about the NUU B20 5G, please visit: nuumobile.com B20 5G Specifications System Android 12 Camera Rear: 48MP AF (Main) + 16MP (Wide angle) + 2MP (Macro) with LED Flash Front: 8MP Display 6.5" FHD+ 1080x2400 90Hz Refresh Rate Battery 5,000mAh with 18W fast charge Memory RAM: 8GB Storage: 128GB External Storage: microSD (up to 512GB) Dimensions 161 x 75.1 x 9.9mm Network 5G N2/N5/N25/N41/N66/N71 4G B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/18/19/20/25/26/ 28AB/38/39/40/41/66/71 3G B1/2/4/5/6/8/19 2G 850/900/1800/1900 Processor Dimensity 700 2.2GHz Octa-core Connectivity WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz) Bluetooth 5.1 NFC GPS with A-GPS support USB Type-C 2.0 On-The-Go (OTG) Dual Sim Dual Standby 3.5mm Headphone Jack VoLTE & VoWiFi About NUU NUU is an advanced mobility brand founded in 2010, with the goal of democratizing smartphone technology and empowering consumers. Since our inception, we've been steadily growing our capabilities in product development and distribution to produce beautiful, reliable, premium-quality products that offer similar functionality to much more expensive brands. We are headquartered in Dallas, Texas and Hong Kong. Disclaimer: Android and Google are registered trademarks of Google Inc. SOURCE NUU BRUSSELS, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- OpenWay, a leading global developer of digital payment software platforms, today announced that its CEO Pavel Gubin will join the G20 Summit 2022 in Bali, Indonesia, on November 13-16. The G20 Summit will include an official forum for the dialogue between the leaders of the G20 member states and the global business community. Pavel Gubin will be among a select group of CEOs from the world's leading companies who will join the G20 Summit to discuss the most significant challenges and opportunities of our time, share their insights and discuss future international policies and initiatives with the participating Heads of State. This year's summit program includes sessions, conversations and discussions with U.S. President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and other Heads of G20 member nations. The G20 is the foremost intergovernmental forum that gathers the leaders of 19 of the world's largest economies and the European Union to address major issues related to the global economy, such as international financial stability, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development. The G20 plays a strategic role in securing future global economic growth and prosperity. Together, the G20 member nations represent more than 80 percent of the world's GDP and 75 percent of international trade. Pavel Gubin, CEO of OpenWay, said: "I am honored to represent OpenWay at the world's most important intergovernmental forum that brings together the leaders of the world's largest economies. G20 helps create greater prosperity for the whole world by accelerating global economic growth and integration. Digital payments have become the lifeblood of the global economy and are considered critical infrastructure by all nations today. Over the years, our global team of world-class professionals has amassed a wealth of expertise in digital payments and other areas of the digital economy, while powering and enabling some of the largest and most advanced payment systems all over the world. That's why OpenWay is regularly asked to advise and consult policymakers, state leaders and governmental organizations on matters of national economic security and financial resilience. I look forward to sharing the knowledge accumulated by our global team of experts and exchanging ideas and best practices with the attending Heads of State and other participants of the G20 Summit later this month." About OpenWay OpenWay is the top-ranked global developer and vendor of the Way4 digital payments software platform. We help our clients top financial and non-financial organizations in 83 countries to make payments more convenient and efficient for people around the globe. Over 500 payment players worldwide run their digital payments businesses on Way4. With multiple centers of competence in Europe, Americas, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, our team has extensive and holistic understanding of cultures and skills. www.openwaygroup.com SOURCE OpenWay DUBLIN, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Opportunities in Quantum Networks: 2022 to 2031" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report analyzes business opportunities in the quantum networking market as it makes its transition from QKD testbeds to full-service repeater-based quantum internets. The report identifies quantum networking market opportunities in a number of areas including the following: 1. Opportunities prior to the quantum internet: For now, quantum networks and QKD networks are taken as more or less the same. This report analyzes the potential for both QKD chips and next generation of QKD boxes; pre-quantum internet networking. We show how QKD will be integrated into boxes along with other kinds of/additional functionalities. Another part of this story that we discuss is the use of distributed quantum computers to scale up quantum computing to handle "industrial scale" problems, perhaps beyond what can be handled in the current NISQ era. This part of the report draws on research and analysis that the analyst has been doing in the QKD area for six years. 2. Quantum sensor networks: A new type of quantum network is covered in the report - quantum sensor networks. Until recently, quantum sensors were used in a limited way and were mostly non-networked research devices. In the recent past year, however, researchers and startups are finding ways to deploy sensors in networks. We are, for example, seeing networked quantum sensors used for distributed clocking systems, seismic monitoring and weather networks and interferometry used in space exploration. Quantum sensor networks are also of growing interest to the defense industry since they provide mechanisms for targeting that is theoretically secure against jamming. This part of our quantum networking report considers both classical networks of quantum sensors and future end-to-end quantum sensors networks. 3. Current business potential from the quantum internet: There are already quantum networks integrated with the existing Internet that has been demonstrated in China, the U.S. and the Netherlands. We discuss in this report, how the speed of innovation in this area, in collaboration with commercial equipment vendors, suggests significant commercial opportunities in the near term. For example, we are now seeing quantum networks with prototype quantum repeaters in both the U.S. and Europe. In this report, we chronicle how the quantum internet will be born and how revenues will be generated from early products and networks during its early years. 4. Satellites vs. fiber in quantum networks: Until commercial repeaters become widely available, satellites will play an important role in long-haul quantum networks. There are already impressive examples of satellite quantum communications in Canada (QEYSSat) and China (Micius). This report discusses how quantum satellite networks can prepare the way for tomorrow's long-haul quantum networks. The effectiveness of satellite quantum is illustrated by the fact that in China, 150 industrial users have already been connected to the Micius network in China, Also, satellites provide the opportunity to deploy novel value-added quantum services such as QKD-on-demand or entanglement on demand. 5 The Geopolitics of quantum Networks: Coverage in this report comprises North America, the EU, non-EU Europe, China, Asia other than China, Australasia, and Russia. And as we discuss this report, policy and geopolitical issues are also creating new opportunities. Questions that we examine include whether the antipathy to QKD by the NSA and other intelligence services will hurt the QKD market as a whole and whether the war in the Ukraine, stimulates the quantum technology business as a whole. For example, recently the Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and Australian, U.K. and U.S. (AUKUS) agreements were announced to further strengthen quantum-related collaborations between western nations in response to both the Russian-Ukraine war and the growing threat of Chinese quantum related advances. This report also discusses how major networking and electronics companies around the world are building product and marketing strategies for quantum networks. Some of the large commercial companies that we discuss include Airbus, AWS, BT, Cisco, Deutsche Telekom, Huawei, Juniper, Korea Telecom, LG, Mitsubishi, NEC, Nomura, NTT, Quantum Xchange, Raytheon, Thales, Toshiba, Verizon, and ID Quantique, to name just a few In addition, we examine the start-ups in the quantum networking space and their prospects for financing. Finally, the report contains ten-year revenue forecasts of the quantum networking business, based on current and expected funding. The primary breakouts are quantum networked security/QKD, quantum repeater networks and quantum sensor networks. Some of the segments that are forecast beyond include QKD chips, repeater hardware and wireless networks of quantum sensors. Key Topics Covered: Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Quantum Networks in North America Chapter Three: Quantum Networks in China Chapter Four: Other Quantum Networking Projects in Asia Chapter Five: Quantum Networks in Australasia Chapter Six: Quantum Networks in the EU Chapter Seven: Quantum Networks in Europe Outside the EU Chapter Eight: Quantum Networks in Russia Companies Mentioned Airbus AWS BT Cisco Deutsche Telekom Huawei ID Quantique Juniper Korea Telecom LG Mitsubishi NEC Nomura NTT Quantum Xchange Raytheon Thales Toshiba Verizon For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3xsyxf Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets BEIJING, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- During September 28-29, 2022 (Beijing time), the 13th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, sponsored by the China International Contractors Association, was successfully held in Macao. Ho Iat Seng, Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Zheng Xinlian, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, and Fang Qiuchen, President of the China International Contractors Association, attended the Forum. Political leaders, entrepreneurs, and scholars gathered here to discuss on the green development trends of the infrastructure industry chain. Kou Jianan, the person in charge of international engineering projects of Oriental Yuhong, exchanged with the audience on how enterprises deal with adversity as a guest of this parallel forum. Oriental Yuhong Appeared at the 13th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum Under the theme of "building high standard sustainable infrastructure for people's livelihoods", in combination with the Belt and Road Initiative, the Forum aimed at expanding a new space for international cooperation and promoting more green and healthy global development. On the morning of September 28, Ho Iat Seng, the Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, visited the Oriental Yuhong booth to learn more about the current status of Oriental Yuhong, as well as the development trends and prospects of the construction materials industry. Kou Jianan said that Oriental Yuhong had been deeply engaged in the Macao market for many years, tapping the market potential, expanding marketing channels, and providing high-quality product guarantee and technical support for numerous projects. Win Preemptive Opportunities with Innovative R&D + High Quality In recent years, with a new round of scientific and technological revolutions and the advancement of the digital economy, new concepts and new technologies rose in response to the proper time and conditions, giving birth to a variety of new business forms and new models. Due to the increasingly intense competition in the construction materials industry, it is of great significance to take the preemptive opportunities and seize the core momentum in the changing situation. "For small and medium-sized enterprises, it's wise to take product and service quality and innovative R&D as the top priority to win preemptive opportunities in the complex situation", On the afternoon of September 29, Kou Jianan was invited as a guest to attend the China-Portugal parallel forum and share his views on related issues. He stressed that, Oriental Yuhong always takes customer needs as the center, and provides all customers with undifferentiated high-quality products. In order to improve the quality of services, a pre-sale, in-sale, and after-sale marketing service system was created in efficient response to customer needs. Enabling Infrastructure with High-quality Products and Services Benefiting from its excellent products and dedicated services, Oriental Yuhong has provided professional and systematic solutions for multiple infrastructure construction projects in Macao, such as the MGM Hotel and the Travel Inspection Building on the Macao Port of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. In view of the difficulty in the construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Oriental Yuhong had made detailed field investigation and analysis of the Project, and customized waterproofing system solutions including self-adhesive polymer modified asphalt waterproofing membrane, elastomer (SBS) modified asphalt waterproofing membrane and other materials, and contributing its power to China's infrastructure projects. Infrastructure construction matters a lot to people's well-being and serves as an important symbol of social progress. Oriental Yuhong has been contributing to infrastructure projects with high-quality products and professional services. In the future, Oriental Yuhong will persevere in empowering infrastructure construction in a quicker response with better products and more systematic and professional services. Meanwhile, we also welcome outstanding colleagues to jointly protect infrastructure construction and strive for the original mission of "creating a lasting and safe environment for mankind and society" with practical actions. Founded in 1995, Oriental Yuhong, over the past 20 plus years, has been devoted to providing high-quality waterproofing system solutions for tens of thousands of major infrastructures and industrial, civil and commercial buildings. Having grown into a leading service provider in the construction and building materials industry, the company went public in 2008 and its revenue exceeded CNY 21.7 billion in 2020, 30 times that of 2008. In the meantime, some of its products have been awarded the CE Mark of EU, EC1 Mark of Germany, and other marks at home and abroad. It has also won numerous titles including the 17th China Quality Award, National Quality Benchmark (2017) and National Technological Innovation Demonstration Enterprise and been included in the list of Fortune China 500. SOURCE Oriental Yuhong NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Peloton launched its 2022 holiday campaign entitled, "The Peloton Effect." Produced in partnership with Mother LA, the campaign showcases how the motivation provided by Peloton's world-class content and Instructors stay with you long after the workout is over motivation that keeps you moving forward in life, towards your goals, even through the busyness of the holiday season. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9105951-the-peloton-effect-holiday-2022-creative-campaign/ Peloton's holiday campaign titled The Peloton Effect showcases how the inspiration and encouragement of Peloton's content and instructors stays with Members long after the workout is over - motivation that keeps you moving forward, even through the busyness of the holiday season. The hero TV ad shows a mother and father in the middle of their workouts on the Peloton Bike+ and Tread. Suddenly, they are reminded that they have family coming over for a holiday dinner and need to shift gears to prepare for their guests. In the throes of completing their holiday to-do lists, the couple is able to draw inspiration from their earlier classes with Peloton Instructors Robin Arzon and Alex Toussaint calling upon mantras that struck a chord with each of them as they race against the clock to prepare for their family gathering. With the help and motivation of Arzon and Toussaint, the couple powers through their tasks and are ready to enjoy their holiday. "We wanted to capture the unique effect that our Instructors' words have on our Members, both in and out of the class experience," said Peloton's SVP of Global Creative Bryant Brennan. "We know our Instructors' words inspire and motivate, as we've heard countless stories of how Members apply what they hear in class to their everyday lives it's one of the things that makes the connection between Instructor and Member so special. Our 2022 holiday campaign brings to life how the kind of motivation you find at Peloton is there for you, wherever and whenever you need it." The hero :30 spot featuring Arzon and Toussaint will air in the US and Canada across various channels including television, digital and social. A localized :30 spot featuring Peloton Instructors Hannah Frankson and Jon Hosking will air in the UK and Australia. Simon Bruyn, Executive Creative Director at Mother LA, summarizes the inspiration behind this year's holiday campaign stating, "Peloton has a very special connection with its Members. They don't just work out with Peloton, they find motivation with Peloton. In this work we wanted to show how the motivation you find with Peloton can help you get through one of the busiest, most stressful times of the year." Peloton Credits Bryant Brennan - SVP, Global Creative Oliver Snoddy - VP, Consumer Marketing Sade Balogun - Director, Consumer Marketing Jo Soulas - Creative Director Kyra Hurwitz - Senior Manager, Consumer Marketing Agency Credits Mother LA Press Contact [email protected] About Peloton Peloton (NASDAQ: PTON) is the leading connected fitness platform with a loyal community of nearly 7 million Members worldwide. A category innovator at the nexus of fitness, technology, and media, Peloton's first-of-its-kind subscription platform seamlessly combines innovative hardware, distinctive software, and exclusive content. Its world-renowned instructors, coach and motivate Members to be the best version of themselves anytime, anywhere. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in New York City, Peloton continues to scale across the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia. For more information, visit www.onepeloton.com. SOURCE Peloton Interactive TOLEDO, Ohio, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ProMedica announced today that it has entered into definitive agreements under which ProMedica will transfer, as of December 19, 2022, the real estate and management of all of its skilled nursing facilities currently part of a joint venture and master lease, respectively, between ProMedica and Welltower. Under the terms of the agreement, a new Welltower venture will own the real estate interests for the skilled nursing facilities. Operations for the skilled nursing facilities will also transition to new operators. This transaction resolves ProMedica's ongoing operating losses within its Senior Care Division. Importantly, this action represents a cornerstone element of ProMedica's ongoing comprehensive financial performance improvement plan. "By engaging in this transaction, we will be able to increase focus and resources on the other areas of our health system as we continue to provide high-quality, compassionate care and invest in our communities and dedicated caregivers," said Arturo Polizzi, president and CEO of ProMedica. Mr. Polizzi added that "This was a complex transaction, and I would like to personally thank Welltower's executive team particularly Shankh Mitra, CEO for their efforts." The definitive agreements do not include ProMedica's non-Welltower leased senior care centers located in Adrian and Monroe, Michigan, the skilled nursing and memory care facilities located on the ProMedica Flower Hospital campus in Sylvania, Ohio, and ProMedica's Home Health and Hospice agencies. ProMedica will continue operating those centers and agencies, as well as its 58 Arden Courts memory care communities within its real estate joint venture with Welltower. Advisors Jones Day and Baker Hostetler are serving as legal counsel to ProMedica. Ankura and Houlihan Lokey are serving as ProMedica's financial advisor and investment banker, respectively. About ProMedica ProMedica is a mission-based, not-for-profit health and well-being organization headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. It serves communities in 28 states. The organization offers acute and ambulatory care, an insurance company with a dental plan, and post-acute and academic business lines. The organization has 12 hospitals, 2,500+ physicians and advanced practice providers with privileges, 1,000+ health care providers employed by ProMedica Physicians, a health plan, and assisted living memory care facilities, skilled nursing centers, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and hospice, home health and palliative care agencies. Driven by its Mission to improve your health and well-being, ProMedica has been nationally recognized for its advocacy programs and efforts to address social determinants of health. For more information about ProMedica, please visit promedica.org/aboutus. About Welltower Welltower Inc. (NYSE: WELL), an S&P 500 company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is driving the transformation of health care infrastructure. The Company invests with leading seniors housing operators, post-acute providers and health systems to fund the real estate infrastructure needed to scale innovative care delivery models and improve people's wellness and overall health care experience. Welltower, a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), owns interests in properties concentrated in major, high-growth markets in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, consisting of seniors housing and post-acute communities and outpatient medical properties. More information is available at www.welltower.com. Forward-Looking Statement By accepting this press release, recipients acknowledge that they have read, understood and accepted the terms of this disclaimer. This press release is being provided for informational purposes only and is intended solely to facilitate a discussion with the recipient. This press release contains forward-looking statements subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors. All statements other than statements of historical fact or relating to present facts or current conditions included in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give ProMedica Health System's current expectations and projections relating to ProMedica Health System ("ProMedica"or the "Organization",) and its affiliates' financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "seek," "plan," "intend," "believe," "contemplate," "assume," "will," "may," "could," "would," "continue," "likely," "should," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events but not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause future results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements and potentially adversely from the historical results contained herein. Any references to any future or proposed transaction are for illustrative purposes only, and the terms of any such transaction should it occur may be materially different than the terms in this press release. SOURCE PROMEDICA Company to host conference call and webcast at 8:30 a.m. EST CARMIEL, Israel, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NYSE American: PLX) (TASE: PLX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, production and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins produced by its proprietary ProCellEx plant cell-based protein expression system, today announced that it will release its financial results for the third quarter 2022 and provide a business update on Monday, November 14, 2022. Management will host a conference call with investors to discuss the financial results and provide an update on recent corporate and regulatory developments. Conference Call Details: Date: Monday, November 14, 2022 Time: 8:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) Toll Free (U.S.): 1-877-423-9813 International: 1-201-689-8573 Conference ID: 13734038 Webcast Details: The conference will be webcast live from the Company's website and will be available via the following links: Company Link: https://protalixbiotherapeutics.gcs-web.com/events0 Webcast Link: Registration https://tinyurl.com/2s6sdx5e Conference ID: 13734038 Please access the websites at least 15 minutes ahead of the conference to register, download and install any necessary audio software. The conference call will be available for replay for two weeks on the Events Calendar of the Investors section of the Company's website, at the above link. About Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. Protalix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins expressed through its proprietary plant cell-based expression system, ProCellEx. Protalix was the first company to gain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a protein produced through plant cell-based in suspension expression system. Protalix's unique expression system represents a new method for developing recombinant proteins in an industrial-scale manner. Protalix's first product manufactured by ProCellEx, taliglucerase alfa, was approved by the FDA in May 2012 and, subsequently, by the regulatory authorities of other countries. Protalix has licensed to Pfizer Inc. the worldwide development and commercialization rights for taliglucerase alfa, excluding Brazil, where Protalix retains full rights. Protalix's development pipeline consists of proprietary versions of recombinant therapeutic proteins that target established pharmaceutical markets, including the following product candidates: pegunigalsidase alfa, a modified stabilized version of the recombinant human GalactosidaseA protein for the treatment of Fabry disease; alidornase alfa or PRX110, for the treatment of various human respiratory diseases or conditions; PRX115, a plant cell-expressed recombinant PEGylated uricase for the treatment of severe gout; PRX119, a plant cell-expressed long action DNase I for the treatment of NETs-related diseases; and others. Protalix has partnered with Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., both in the United States and outside the United States, for the development and commercialization of pegunigalsidase alfa. Investor Contact Chuck Padala, Managing Director LifeSci Advisors +1-646-627-8390 [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/999479/Protalix_Biotherapeutics_Logo.jpg SOURCE Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. SHANGHAI , Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pulnovo Medical Limited, a globally recognized OTM (From Operating Table to Market) innovative platform, today announced the successful close of its latest financing round. The financing was led by YuanBio Venture Capital, other investors includes Orbimed Healthcare Fund Management, Cenova Capital, Lilly Asia Ventures (LAV), GaoRong Capital, Huihe Capital and GC&H Investments. The funding, an undisclosed amount totaling millions of dollars, will enable Pulnovo to accelerate its Pulmonary Artery Denervation (PADN) FDA-Global Trial, expand the research and development capability in the cardiopulmonary disease treatment and execute marketing and commercialization strategy. PADN is expected to receive approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatment in the first quarter of 2023. Cynthia Chen, the Chief Strategy Officer in charge of Pulnovo's capital market and business development "Since the company completed the previous round of financing in August last year, Pulnovo Medical developed rapidly. In the future, with strong support from all investors, we will continue to focus on solving more unmet clinical needs, and bringing more innovative product lines to doctors, patients and the market." "The COVID-19 pandemic had a varied impact on medical device industry, we has achieved remarkable milestones this year." said Jessie Lian, CEO. "As a truly innovative company, it is a great honor for gaining the trust by our investors. We also look forward to greater growth in the future with the support of all parties." About Pulnovo Medical Limited Pulnovo Medical Limited, a Global OTM Innovative Platform, is a globally recognized device pioneer in the treatment for cardiopulmonary diseases. Established in 2013 and rooted in innovation, Pulnovo Medical upholds evidenced-based research and translational medicine, and starts our research and development efforts alongside physicians at the operating table with the goal to market our innovative therapeutic solutions and benefit patients around the world. SOURCE Pulnovomed Collaboration with Leading Pulmonologists to Support Early Diagnosis of Chronic Chest Conditions PARSIPPANY, N.J., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, commonly referred to as COPD, affects 16 million adults nationwide, with another 16 million or more remaining undiagnosed*. A progressive disease with a poor prognosis, COPD diminishes quality of life, causes chronic respiratory symptoms and increases mortality. November is National COPD Awareness Month, and Reckitt the leading hygiene, health and nutrition company behind household brands Mucinex, Delsym, and Lysol is launching a nationwide education program to help raise awareness of the importance of early diagnoses of COPD and the vital role primary care physicians can play. In collaboration with two leading pulmonologists Dr. Byron Thomashow, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of the COPD Foundation; and Dr. Robert Sussman, a community pulmonologist and former Medical Director of the Atlantic Respiratory Institute Clinical Research Center in Summit, NJ Reckitt is providing primary care physicians with an approach to help them identify patients at risk for chronic lung disorder. "There are an alarming number of Americans with undiagnosed chronic lung conditions, including stable chronic bronchitis and emphysema two common conditions that contribute to COPD; millions, in fact," says Dr. Sussman "If we can identify and diagnose these patients early on, they have the potential to benefit from management strategies that could lead to improvement in both short and long-term health outcomes." This program includes a toolkit with an overview of the rationale for screening, a video featuring Dr. Thomashow and Dr. Sussman, a five-question case finding tool and a flow chart to help identify and score at-risk patients. "Our purpose at Reckitt is to protect, heal and nurture; and everything we do and make helps advance that purpose," said Tina Terraciano, Associate Director, Medical Marketing at Reckitt. "It's only natural for Reckitt to launch and support a program that not only aligns with our purpose, but also provides primary care physicians with the helpful tools to facilitate early diagnosis of COPD and help in the fight for better respiratory health in America. Media Contact: Kelly Monaco and Amanda Pisano at [email protected] About Reckitt Reckitt* exists to protect, heal and nurture in a relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. We believe that access to the highest-quality hygiene, wellness and nourishment is a right, not a privilege. Reckitt is the company behind some of the world's most recognizable and trusted consumer brands in hygiene, health and nutrition, including Air Wick, Calgon, Cillit Bang, Clearasil, Dettol, Durex, Finish, Gaviscon, Harpic, Lysol, Mortein, Mucinex, Nurofen, Strepsils, Vanish, Veet, Woolite and more. Every day, more than 20 million Reckitt products are bought globally. We always put consumers and people first, seek out new opportunities, strive for excellence in all that we do and build shared success with all our partners. We aim to do the right thing, always. We are a diverse global team of c. 40,000 colleagues. We draw on our collective energy to meet our ambitions of purpose-led brands, a healthier planet and a fairer society. Find out more, or get in touch with us at www.reckitt.com/us. *Reckitt is the trading name of the Reckitt Benckiser group of companies. About Mucinex Mucinex is America's #1 doctor-recommended adult cough and cold brand, and contains the active ingredient guaifenesin, which helps thin and loosen mucus. Guaifenesin has a professional indication for thinning and loosening mucus in patients with stable chronic bronchitis, one of the common conditions that contribute to COPD. Sources: Radius, 2017 Survey of 1155 past 12-month chest congestion and/or cough sufferers ages 18 and over, proprietary Reckitt research IQVIA Pro Voice Survey of Physicians, 52 weeks ending December 31, 2021 For more information about Dr. Byron Thomashow, visit https://www.vagelos.columbia.edu/profile/byron-m-thomashow-md and https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w27dutIK7pWe4vkd4gBLD2MKU_EsL7xd/view?usp=sharing for a brief bio. For more information about Dr. Sussman, visit: https://findadoctor.atlantichealth.org/provider/Robert+Sussman/642248#provider-details-experience SOURCE Reckitt NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The reishi mushroom market size is expected to grow by USD 1.66 billion from 2021 to 2026. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will accelerate at a CAGR of 7.87% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. The report provides an up-to-date analysis of the market, and to know the exact growth variance and the Y-O-Y growth rate, Request a FREE Sample Report. Reishi Mushroom Market 2022-2026: Scope Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Reishi Mushroom Market 2022-2026 The reishi mushroom market report covers the following areas: This study identifies the growing health consciousness among consumers as one of the prime reasons driving the reishi mushroom market growth during the next few years. Subscribe to our "Basic Plan" billed annually at USD 5000 that enables you to download 5 reports and view 100 reports per month Reishi Mushroom Market 2022-2026: Segmentation End-user PND: The PND segment will be a significant contributor to market growth during the forecast period. Reishi mushrooms are used widely in various countries as traditional medicine for rash, itchiness, stomach upset, headaches, nosebleeds, and bloody stools. The consumption of reishi mushrooms is believed to enhance immunity, promote liver and heart health, and have sedative effects on the central nervous system. These factors are expected to increase the popularity of reishi mushrooms. Food and Beverages Cosmetics and Personal Care Type Powder Liquid Geography APAC North America Europe South America Middle East And Africa Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View a FREE PDF Sample Report Reishi Mushroom Market 2022-2026: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the reishi mushroom market, including Aloha Medicinals, Alphay International Inc., Bio Botanica Inc., Bristol Botanicals Ltd., Fungi Perfecti LLC, Hokkaido Reishi Co. Ltd., Mountain Rose Herbs, Mushroom Science, Naturalin Bio Resources Co. Ltd., Nature's Way Products LLC, North American Medicinal Mushroom Extracts, Qingdao Dacon Trading Co. Ltd., Ron Teeguarden Enterprises Inc., Solaray Inc., Swanson Health Products Inc., Terrasoul Superfoods, Xian Greena Biotech Co. Ltd., Xian Yuensun Biological Technology Co. Ltd., Zhejiang NetSun Co. Ltd., and DXN Holdings Bhd. The key offerings of some of these vendors are listed below: Alphay International Inc. - The company offers reishi mushrooms, which contain rich polysaccharides, adenosine, triterpenoids, Ganoderic acid, proteins, and vitamins that promote healthy cellular growth, vitality, and overall immunity. The company offers reishi mushrooms, which contain rich polysaccharides, adenosine, triterpenoids, Ganoderic acid, proteins, and vitamins that promote healthy cellular growth, vitality, and overall immunity. Bio Botanica Inc. - The company offers reishi mushrooms that are reddish brown in color. The company offers reishi mushrooms that are reddish brown in color. Bristol Botanicals Ltd. - The company offers reishi mushrooms that boost the immune system, as some of the molecules found in the mushroom can increase the activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells. The company offers reishi mushrooms that boost the immune system, as some of the molecules found in the mushroom can increase the activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells. Fungi Perfecti LLC - The company offers reishi mushrooms that support healthy cardiovascular function, soothe the nerves, and improve sleep quality. The company offers reishi mushrooms that support healthy cardiovascular function, soothe the nerves, and improve sleep quality. Mountain Rose Herbs - The company offers reishi mushrooms that are used in many food products, including meal replacement and energy bars, snack bars, fruit and vegetable-based drinks, and milk and creamer-based beverages. This report provides a full list of key vendors, their strategies, and the latest developments. Buy Now for detailed vendor information Reishi Mushroom Market 2022-2026: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2022-2026 Detailed information on factors that will assist reishi mushroom market growth during the next five years Estimation of the reishi mushroom market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the reishi mushroom market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of reishi mushroom market vendors Related Reports Canned Mushroom Market by Product and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The growing need for convenience foods is driving market growth. The hectic lifestyle of millennials has increased the demand for convenient, nutritious food offerings and canned foods such as canned mushrooms. The airtight, sealed metal containers increase the shelf life and help retain the nutrition of food products. Mushroom Market by Product and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2021-2025: The medicinal values associated with mushrooms are driving market growth. Mushrooms are considered a superfood, are high in antioxidants, and contain selenium. Medicinal mushrooms are a type of mushrooms that have medicinal, functional, and nutritional features. Reishi Mushroom Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 7.87% Market growth 2022-2026 USD 1.66 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 6.4 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 38% Key consumer countries US, Mexico, China, Japan, India, and Germany Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled Aloha Medicinals, Alphay International Inc., Bio Botanica Inc., Bristol Botanicals Ltd., Fungi Perfecti LLC, Hokkaido Reishi Co. Ltd., Mountain Rose Herbs, Mushroom Science, Naturalin Bio Resources Co. Ltd., Nature's Way Products LLC, North American Medicinal Mushroom Extracts, Qingdao Dacon Trading Co. Ltd., Ron Teeguarden Enterprises Inc., Solaray Inc., Swanson Health Products Inc., Terrasoul Superfoods, Xian Greena Biotech Co. Ltd., Xian Yuensun Biological Technology Co. Ltd., Zhejiang NetSun Co. Ltd., and DXN Holdings Bhd Market Dynamics Parent market analysis, market growth inducers and obstacles, fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Browse Consumer Staples Market Reports Table Of Contents 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by End-user Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Type Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 09: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 10: Parent market Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2021 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026 Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 4 Five Forces Analysis 4.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 18: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2021 and 2026 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 19: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2021 and 2026 4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 20: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 21: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 22: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 23: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.7 Market condition Exhibit 24: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026 5 Market Segmentation by End-user 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 25: Chart on End-user - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 26: Data Table on End-user - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 5.2 Comparison by End-user Exhibit 27: Chart on Comparison by End-user Exhibit 28: Data Table on Comparison by End-user 5.3 PND - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 29: Chart on PND - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 30: Data Table on PND - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 31: Chart on PND - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 32: Data Table on PND - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.4 Food and beverages - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 33: Chart on Food and beverages - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 34: Data Table on Food and beverages - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Chart on Food and beverages - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 36: Data Table on Food and beverages - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.5 Cosmetics and personal care - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 37: Chart on Cosmetics and personal care - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 38: Data Table on Cosmetics and personal care - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 39: Chart on Cosmetics and personal care - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 40: Data Table on Cosmetics and personal care - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.6 Market opportunity by End-user Exhibit 41: Market opportunity by End-user ($ million) 6 Market Segmentation by Type 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 42: Chart on Type - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 43: Data Table on Type - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Type Exhibit 44: Chart on Comparison by Type Exhibit 45: Data Table on Comparison by Type 6.3 Powder - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 46: Chart on Powder - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 47: Data Table on Powder - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Chart on Powder - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 49: Data Table on Powder - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.4 Liquid - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 50: Chart on Liquid - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 51: Data Table on Liquid - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Chart on Liquid - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on Liquid - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.5 Market opportunity by Type Exhibit 54: Market opportunity by Type ($ million) 7 Customer Landscape 7.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 55: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 8 Geographic Landscape 8.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 56: Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 57: Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) 8.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 58: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 59: Data Table on Geographic comparison 8.3 APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 60: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 61: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 62: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 63: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.4 North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 64: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 65: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 66: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 67: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.5 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 68: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 69: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 70: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 71: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 72: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 73: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 74: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 75: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 76: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 77: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 79: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.8 China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 80: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 81: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 82: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 83: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.9 US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 84: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 85: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 86: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 87: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.10 Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 88: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 89: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 90: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 91: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.11 Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 92: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 93: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 94: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 95: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.12 India - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 96: Chart on India - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 97: Data Table on India - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 98: Chart on India - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 99: Data Table on India - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.13 Mexico - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 100: Chart on Mexico - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 101: Data Table on Mexico - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 102: Chart on Mexico - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 103: Data Table on Mexico - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.14 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 104: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 9.1 Market drivers 9.2 Market challenges 9.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 105: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026 9.4 Market trends 10 Vendor Landscape 10.1 Overview 10.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 106: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 10.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 107: Overview on factors of disruption 10.4 Industry risks Exhibit 108: Impact of key risks on business 11 Vendor Analysis 11.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 109: Vendors covered 11.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 110: Matrix on vendor position and classification 11.3 Alphay International Inc. Exhibit 111: Alphay International Inc. - Overview Exhibit 112: Alphay International Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 113: Alphay International Inc. - Key offerings 11.4 Bio Botanica Inc. Exhibit 114: Bio Botanica Inc. - Overview Exhibit 115: Bio Botanica Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 116: Bio Botanica Inc. - Key offerings 11.5 Bristol Botanicals Ltd. Exhibit 117: Bristol Botanicals Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 118: Bristol Botanicals Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 119: Bristol Botanicals Ltd. - Key offerings 11.6 DXN Holdings Bhd Exhibit 120: DXN Holdings Bhd - Overview Exhibit 121: DXN Holdings Bhd - Product / Service Exhibit 122: DXN Holdings Bhd - Key offerings 11.7 Hokkaido Reishi Co. Ltd. Exhibit 123: Hokkaido Reishi Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 124: Hokkaido Reishi Co. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 125: Hokkaido Reishi Co. Ltd. - Key offerings 11.8 Naturalin Bio Resources Co. Ltd. Exhibit 126: Naturalin Bio Resources Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 127: Naturalin Bio Resources Co. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 128: Naturalin Bio Resources Co. Ltd. - Key offerings 11.9 North American Medicinal Mushroom Extracts Exhibit 129: North American Medicinal Mushroom Extracts - Overview Exhibit 130: North American Medicinal Mushroom Extracts - Product / Service Exhibit 131: North American Medicinal Mushroom Extracts - Key offerings 11.10 Qingdao Dacon Trading Co. Ltd. Exhibit 132: Qingdao Dacon Trading Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 133: Qingdao Dacon Trading Co. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 134: Qingdao Dacon Trading Co. Ltd. - Key offerings 11.11 Ron Teeguarden Enterprises Inc. Exhibit 135: Ron Teeguarden Enterprises Inc. - Overview Exhibit 136: Ron Teeguarden Enterprises Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 137: Ron Teeguarden Enterprises Inc. - Key offerings 11.12 Xian Yuensun Biological Technology Co. Ltd. Exhibit 138: Xian Yuensun Biological Technology Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 139: Xian Yuensun Biological Technology Co. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 140: Xian Yuensun Biological Technology Co. Ltd. - Key offerings 12 Appendix 12.1 Scope of the report 12.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 141: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 142: Exclusions checklist 12.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 143: Currency conversion rates for US$ 12.4 Research methodology Exhibit 144: Research methodology Exhibit 145: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 146: Information sources 12.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 147: List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio NEW YORK and CHICAGO, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP, a preeminent national consumer rights law firm, is investigating claims on behalf of customers of Dollar General involving deceptive pricing on store shelves. The Attorney General of Ohio recently announced that Dollar General has repeatedly overcharged customers for products on store shelves. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has also recently fined Dollar General, Walmart, Advanced Auto Parts and others tens of thousands of dollars for deceptive pricing practices. Customers who believe they are paying the price on the shelf have, in many instances, discovered that they are being charged more at checkout. Wolf Haldenstein is committed to helping customers hurt by these sorts of practices. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT CONTACT FORM If you have recently discovered that the price you paid at a Dollar General or other big box store does not match the price on the shelf, we encourage you to call us to discuss a possible claim. Please immediately contact Wolf Haldenstein by telephone at (800) 575-0735, via e-mail at [email protected], or visit our website at www.whafh.com. Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP has extensive experience in the prosecution of consumer rights litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts across the country. The firm has attorneys in various practice areas and offices in New York, Chicago and San Diego. Courts have repeatedly recognized the reputation and expertise of this firm and have appointed it to major positions in complex consolidated litigation. Contact: Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP Gregory Stone, Director of Case and Financial Analysis Carl Malmstrom, Esq., Partner Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Tel: (800) 575-0735 or (619) 239-4599 Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome. SOURCE Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Revolve Renewable Power Corp. (TSXV: REVV) ("Revolve" or the "Company") is pleased to invite you to register for an institutional level discussion and Q&A. Revolve's CEO, Steve Dalton and President, Omar Bojorquez will join Martin Gagel of Market Radius Research for a deep dive webinar. Market Radius provides individual investors with in-depth CEO interviews. Martin Gagel was a top ranked sell-side technology and special situations analyst and a financial services professional with a deep understanding of capital markets. Martin has excellent ability to find and evaluate investment opportunities with small growth companies. Date: Wednesday, November 9 Time: 12PM ET / 9AM PT To Register for the webinar, click on the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2016674250611/WN_MkxzdrO9Rh2ssKPX6Tmp-g About Revolve Revolve was formed in 2012 to capitalize on the growing global demand for renewable power. Revolve develops utility-scale wind, solar and battery storage projects in the US and Mexico with a portfolio of c.3,600MW under development. The Company has a second division, Revolve Renewable Business Solutions which installs and operates sub 20MW "behind the meter" distributed generation (or "DG") assets. Revolve Renewable Business Solutions currently has an operating portfolio of 2.85MW with an additional 6.2MW under construction phase. Revolve has an accomplished management team with a demonstrated track record of taking projects from "greenfield" through to "ready to build" (or "RTB") status and successfully concluding project sales to large operators of utility-scale renewable energy projects. To-date, Revolve has developed and sold over 300MW of projects. Going forward, Revolve is targeting 5,000MW of utility-scale projects under development in the US and Mexico, and in parallel is rapidly growing its portfolio of revenue-generating distributed generation assets. Forward Looking Information Although Revolve believes, considering the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Revolve can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release include information relating to the business plans of Revolve and Revolve's management's expectation on the growth and performance of its business in the United States and Mexico, including the planned MW capacity of its projects; its expansion into the distributed generation market; potential opportunities in the distributed generation market; the completion and timing of the development of its planned portfolio of distributed generation projects; the completion of the Transaction, including final approval of the transaction by the TSXV; potential revenues and cashflows generated from its DG division; and the Company's plans to develop, construct and finance rooftop solar, battery storage and energy efficiency projects of up to 5MW and enter into long term power purchase agreements for the sale of electricity from the projects with the underlying customers. Such statements and information reflect the current view of Revolve and/or Revolve, respectively. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions, having regard to the Company's experience and its perception of historical trends, and includes, but is not limited to, expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions relating to the extent of regulations pertaining to the Company's projects and Revolve's ability to continue as going concern. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information, including but not limited to: the effects of weather, catastrophes and public health crises, including COVID-19; labour availability; disruptions to the Company's supply chains; changes to regulatory environment, including interpretation of production tax credits; armed hostilities and geopolitical conflicts; failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals in a timely fashion, or at all; risks related to the development and potential development of the Company's projects; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; the availability of tax incentives in connection with the development of renewable energy projects and the sale of electrical energy; as well as those factors discussed in the sections relating to risk factors discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure filings on SEDAR. Such statements and information reflect the current view of Revolve. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Revolve as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. Revolve does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE ReVolve Renewable Power Corp NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Robotic-assisted Surgery Systems Market Research Report by Product, Application, End-users, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19 Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06341190/?utm_source=PRN The Global Robotic-assisted Surgery Systems Market size was estimated at USD 5,891.22 million in 2021 and expected to reach USD 6,933.03 million in 2022, and is projected to grow at a CAGR 17.93% to reach USD 15,854.40 million by 2027. Market Statistics: The report provides market sizing and forecast across 7 major currencies - USD, EUR, JPY, GBP, AUD, CAD, and CHF. It helps organization leaders make better decisions when currency exchange data is readily available. In this report, the years 2018 and 2020 are considered as historical years, 2021 as the base year, 2022 as the estimated year, and years from 2023 to 2027 are considered as the forecast period. Market Segmentation & Coverage: This research report categorizes the Robotic-assisted Surgery Systems to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Product, the market was studied across Emergency Response Robotic Systems, Hospital & Pharmacy Robots, Non-invasive Radiosurgery Robots, Rehabilitation Robots, and Surgical Robots. The Surgical Robots is further studied across Laparoscopy Robotic Systems, Orthopedic Surgical Robots, and Robotic Neurosurgical Systems. Based on Application, the market was studied across Laparoscopy, Neurology, Orthopedics Robotic Systems, and Special Education. Based on End-users, the market was studied across Ambulatory Surgery Centers and Hospitals. Based on Region, the market was studied across Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East & Africa. The Americas is further studied across Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and United States. The United States is further studied across California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The Asia-Pacific is further studied across Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Europe, Middle East & Africa is further studied across Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom. Cumulative Impact of COVID-19: COVID-19 is an incomparable global public health emergency that has affected almost every industry, and the long-term effects are projected to impact the industry growth during the forecast period. Our ongoing research amplifies our research framework to ensure the inclusion of underlying COVID-19 issues and potential paths forward. The report delivers insights on COVID-19 considering the changes in consumer behavior and demand, purchasing patterns, re-routing of the supply chain, dynamics of current market forces, and the significant interventions of governments. The updated study provides insights, analysis, estimations, and forecasts, considering the COVID-19 impact on the market. Cumulative Impact of 2022 Russia Ukraine Conflict: We continuously monitor and update reports on political and economic uncertainty due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Negative impacts are significantly foreseen globally, especially across Eastern Europe, European Union, Eastern & Central Asia, and the United States. This contention has severely affected lives and livelihoods and represents far-reaching disruptions in trade dynamics. The potential effects of ongoing war and uncertainty in Eastern Europe are expected to have an adverse impact on the world economy, with especially long-term harsh effects on Russia.This report uncovers the impact of demand & supply, pricing variants, strategic uptake of vendors, and recommendations for Robotic-assisted Surgery Systems market considering the current update on the conflict and its global response. Competitive Strategic Window: The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies to help the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. It describes the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisition strategies, geography expansion, research & development, and new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth during a forecast period. FPNV Positioning Matrix: The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Robotic-assisted Surgery Systems Market based on Business Strategy (Business Growth, Industry Coverage, Financial Viability, and Channel Support) and Product Satisfaction (Value for Money, Ease of Use, Product Features, and Customer Support) that aids businesses in better decision making and understanding the competitive landscape. Market Share Analysis: The Market Share Analysis offers the analysis of vendors considering their contribution to the overall market. It provides the idea of its revenue generation into the overall market compared to other vendors in the space. It provides insights into how vendors are performing in terms of revenue generation and customer base compared to others. Knowing market share offers an idea of the size and competitiveness of the vendors for the base year. It reveals the market characteristics in terms of accumulation, fragmentation, dominance, and amalgamation traits. Competitive Scenario: The Competitive Scenario provides an outlook analysis of the various business growth strategies adopted by the vendors. The news covered in this section deliver valuable thoughts at the different stage while keeping up-to-date with the business and engage stakeholders in the economic debate. The competitive scenario represents press releases or news of the companies categorized into Merger & Acquisition, Agreement, Collaboration, & Partnership, New Product Launch & Enhancement, Investment & Funding, and Award, Recognition, & Expansion. All the news collected help vendor to understand the gaps in the marketplace and competitoras strength and weakness thereby, providing insights to enhance product and service. Company Usability Profiles: The report profoundly explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global Robotic-assisted Surgery Systems Market, including Asensus Surgical, Inc., Auris Health, Inc., Avateramedical Gmbh, China National Scientific Instruments and Materials Corporation (CSIMC), CMR Surgical Ltd., Corindus Vascular Robotics, Inc., Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Medicaroid Corporation, Medtronic PLC, Microsure B.V., OMNI Life Science, Inc., Preceyes B.V., Renishaw PLC, Smith & Nephew PLC, Stryker Corporation, Think Surgical, Inc., Titan Medical, Inc., Verb Surgical, Inc., and Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.. The report provides insights on the following pointers: 1. Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on the market offered by the key players 2. Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyze penetration across mature segments of the markets 3. Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments 4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, certification, regulatory approvals, patent landscape, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players 5. Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and breakthrough product developments The report answers questions such as: 1. What is the market size and forecast of the Global Robotic-assisted Surgery Systems Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Robotic-assisted Surgery Systems Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Robotic-assisted Surgery Systems Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Robotic-assisted Surgery Systems Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Robotic-assisted Surgery Systems Market? 6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Robotic-assisted Surgery Systems Market? 7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Robotic-assisted Surgery Systems Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06341190/?utm_source=PRN 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. __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker ATLANTA, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Safe-Guard Products International, LLC, the leading provider of branded protection products for the automotive, RV, powersports and marine industries is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The company is focused on closing out a strong year with plans for additional growth in 2023. From its founding in 1992, Safe-Guard has dramatically grown and adapted each decade in business. The company continues to lead the industry with relevant and timely products to match customer and consumer demand, while also keeping an eye on the future and what may be needed as the industry evolves. A small team of 22 agents administering 19,000 Theft Protection contracts in 1992 has matured into a workforce of over 700 and more than 5 million contracts annually throughout the US and Canada. From its founding in 1992, Safe-Guard has dramatically grown and adapted each decade in business. Tweet this "After joining the company in 2008, I think many of us had an idea of where this company could go," said Safe-Guard CEO Randy Barkowitz. "However, it is a testament to our employees, management team and customers that we have continued to realize the sustained growth and level of success we have achieved over the last 30 years. I'm proud to work alongside our talented team of professionals." Between inception and 2008, many of Safe-Guard's core products were launched and partnerships with key OEMs, agents, and financial service companies were critical to the company's maturation. Over the course of the subsequent 15 years, key hires, additional partnerships with clients and industry giants like GM Financial, Hyundai Capital, Nissan Canada, and AutoNation have propelled Safe-Guard's growth. Executive leadership has been instrumental in exceeding growth goals while advancements in technology and innovation remain a driving force behind the company's product offerings. "As we expand our footprint with new clients and dealers, our focus will remain on providing innovative business solutions that help those most important to us sell efficiently and provide desired and valuable training and coverage that will strengthen the relationships our customers have with their stakeholders," added Barkowitz. Today over 130,000 claims are processed each month for more than 65 brands powered by Safe-Guard Products, protecting over 40 million consumers throughout North America. About Safe-Guard Products International Founded in 1992 and based in Atlanta, Safe-Guard Products International, LLC is the leading provider of vehicle protection products in the finance and insurance space to the automotive, RV, marine and motorcycle/powersports industries. The company develops, markets, and administers the highest-quality programs and matches them with unparalleled customer service, advanced technology solutions, and industry-leading sales and marketing. Safe-Guard is a proud partner to top retailers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and independent agents across the United States and Canada. Visit safe-guardproducts.com for more information. SOURCE Safe-Guard Products International Samsara Luggage celebrates the start of the holiday season with a surge of press coverage after the launch of the Un-carrier On, the smart suitcase packed with innovative technology made in collaboration with T-Mobile NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The press has put a spotlight on Samsara Luggage (OTCQB: SAML) as the brand known for its innovative travel products unveils the Un-carrier On with T-Mobile. A few of the many notable outlets include Forbes, Fox News and 9to5google.com, who shared outstanding reviews of Samsara's latest smart suitcase equipped with standout tech features including Tag Smart luggage tracker, wireless charging, and USB-C port for corded charging. Forbes said "The Un-carrier On retails all the design elements that make Samsara bags some of the best in the business," and called the Un-carrier On "the best bag I've seen from Samsara." Slashgear said the Un-carrier On "made in collaboration with luggage expert Samsara," is "undoubtedly among the most feature-loaded carry-on bags money can buy." Samsara Luggage collaborates with T-Mobile to launch the magenta Un-carrier On suitcase, the only suitcase with Tag Smart tracking, wireless charging, and other tech and design features (PRNewsfoto/Samsara Luggage Inc.) "We're delighted with the positive press that the Un-carrier On has received since its launch," said Atara Dzikowski, Co-founder and CEO of Samsara Luggage. "Continuing to create innovative products is a priority for us. We appreciate the positive feedback from the press and look forward to hearing feedback from our travel community as they put the Un-carrier On to the test as we enter the busiest season for travel." With Samsara's iconic design, travelers can use their Un-carrier On as a portable desk equipped with its own charging station. An 8-bag packing set and removable Power Bank is included with purchase of the magenta carry-on. The limited-edition Un-carrier On is now available for pre-order. About Samsara Luggage: Samsara Luggage, Inc. (OTCQB: SAML) is a smart luggage brand with a deep belief in creating a world where travel isn't a hassle, but rather an effortless, smart experience. By combining smart features, including Internet of Things (IoT) technology, innovative design and high-quality materials, Samsara is transforming the travel industry with its products. The company launched its first smart carry-on in 2017 and has since expanded its product offering with travel accessories and the Tag Smart collection, equipped with unmatched tracking capabilities. Samsara was named "Best of" by notable press outlets including Forbes, Tom's Guide and Tech Republic. In the fall of 2022, the Tag Smart collection made its retail debut in select Tommy Bahama brick and mortar stores. Samsara Luggage also collaborated with T-Mobile to create the Un-carrier On magenta smart suitcase, a limited-edition suitcase with Tag Smart tracking, wireless charging, USB-C corded charging and much more. To discover Samsara Luggage please visit www.samsaraluggage.com. Connect with Samsara Luggage on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or visit www.samsaraluggage.com Forward-Looking Statements: All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are "forward-looking statements," which may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "plans," "potential," "possible," "probable," "believes," "seeks," "may," "will," "should," "could" or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These factors include uncertainties as to the Company's international manufacturing and supply chain, market acceptance of the Company's smart luggage, successfully implementing the Company's growth strategy, dependence on key Company personnel, changes in economic conditions, competition and other risks including, but not limited to, those described from in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 11, 2022 (the "SEC"), and other filings and submissions with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligations to update these statements except as may be required by law. The Company intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940392/Samsara_Luggage_Suitcase.jpg SOURCE Samsara Luggage Inc. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SEMI, the industry association serving the global electronics manufacturing and design supply chain, today announced that members of the new Semiconductor Climate Consortium (SCC) will discuss key aspects of the group's vision, goals and membership at two sessions during COP27 in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt. On Nov. 10 from 8:30am to 10:00am at Hotel Steigenberger Alcazar, the panel discussion SCC Collaboration for Solutions on Climate, with opening remarks by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, will feature SCC founding members including ASM, ASMPT, Samsung Electronics and Schneider Electric discussing the importance of collaboration, transparency and reporting across the semiconductor value chain. Dr. Mousumi Bhat, Vice President of Sustainability Programs at SEMI, and Mark Patel, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, will also speak at the gathering. Representatives from ASM, ASMPT, Samsung Electronics and Schneider Electric will also participate in the panel discussion Semiconductor Climate Consortium Ambition to 1.5 in the COP27 Blue Zone on Nov. 9 from 3:00pm to 4:00pm. Additionally, Dr. Bhat will participate in the panel discussion Impacted Communities, Tech and the 21st Century Workforce, hosted by the Climate Equity Collaborative, on Nov. 10 from 4:45pm to 5:45pm at the Climate Justice Pavilion in the Blue Zone. The panel will also include representatives from Accenture, GM, Microsoft, the National Wildlife Federation and the White House Environmental Justice Council. The Climate Equity Collaborative is a joint effort between GM and the National Wildlife Federation to address the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities and youth. Requests to attend an SCC informational session in Sharm El-Sheikh and for more information on the Consortium can be sent to [email protected]. Press requests for interviews with Dr. Bhat during COP27 can be sent to Michael Hall ([email protected]) and Samer Bahou ([email protected]) at SEMI. Semiconductor Climate Consortium Mission SEMI and the SCC, formed by companies across the semiconductor value chain to accelerate the ecosystem's reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, announced 65 founding members last week. Founding members have affirmed their support of the Paris Agreement and related accords driving the 1.5C pathway and are aligned on the need to drive climate progress within the semiconductor value chain. The SCC was conceptualized by companies meeting under the SEMI Sustainability Initiative, which will continue to focus on non-climate related Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) issues. The SCC is the first global collaborative of semiconductor ecosystem companies focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain. The consortium's members are committed to working toward the following pillars and objectives: Collaboration Align on common approaches, technology innovations and communications channels to continuously reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Align on common approaches, technology innovations and communications channels to continuously reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Transparency Publicly report progress and Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions annually. Publicly report progress and Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions annually. Ambition Set near- and long-term decarbonization targets with the aim of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. About SEMI SEMI connects more than 2,500 member companies and 1.3 million professionals worldwide to advance the technology and business of electronics design and manufacturing. SEMI members are responsible for the innovations in materials, design, equipment, software, devices, and services that enable smarter, faster, more powerful, and more affordable electronic products. Electronic System Design Alliance (ESD Alliance), FlexTech, the Fab Owners Alliance (FOA), the MEMS & Sensors Industry Group (MSIG) and SOI Consortium are SEMI Strategic Technology Communities. Visit www.semi.org, contact one of our worldwide offices, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and Twitter to learn more. Association Contact Michael Hall/SEMI US Phone: 1.408.943.7988 Email: [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/469944/Semi_Logo.jpg SOURCE SEMI NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Technavio categorizes the Global Service Robotics Market as a part of the parent industrial machinery market, covering companies engaged in manufacturing industrial machinery and components covering presses, compressors, machine tools, elevators, escalators, pollution control equipment, pumps, insulators, roller bearings, and other metal fabrications. The Global Service Robotics Market share is set to increase by USD 48788.55 million from 2022 to 2027. Moreover, the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 22.75% as per the latest market forecast report by Technavio. The market will also record a 20.48% Y-O-Y growth rate during the forecast period. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Service Robotics Market 2023-2027 To know more about the historic market size Request a Free Sample Report! Global Service Robotics Market - Customer Landscape Our report analyzes the Life Cycle of the Global Service Robotics Market from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. The report illustrates the lifecycle of the global service robotics market, focusing on the adoption rates of the major countries such as the US, China, Japan, South Korea, and Germany. To help companies evaluate and develop growth strategies for 2022-2027. Our researchers have included Key purchase criteria Adoption rates Adoption lifecycles Drivers of price sensitivity To unlock the detailed information on the customer landscape -Request a FREE Sample Now! Global Service Robotics Market Vendor Analysis Vendor Landscape - The global service robotics market is characterized by the presence of vendors such as iRobot Corp., SoftBank Robotics Group Corp., Intuitive Surgical, Inc., DeLaval, Daifuku Co., Ltd., and others. The competition among market players is intense in terms of customized solutions, prices, product features, and services offered. Established vendors focus on increasing production capacities, geographical expansion, and upselling products. In addition, vendors are expected to improve their market presence and attract new customers through media promotions, trade shows, and public demonstrations. Companies are taking steps to reinvent their customer service, support, and training to gain a competitive advantage. The competitive environment in the market is expected to intensify with the rise in innovations. Vendor Offerings - electroluxgroup.com - The company offers service robotics such as robotic vacuum cleaners. The company offers service robotics such as robotic vacuum cleaners. amprobotics.com - The company offers service robotics such as AMP Cortex robotic sorting system. - The company offers service robotics such as AMP Cortex robotic sorting system. blue-ocean-robotics.com - The company offers service robotics such as UVD mobile robots. The company offers service robotics such as UVD mobile robots. To know about all 15 major vendor offerings Download a FREE sample Now! Global Service Robotics Market - Segmentation Assessment Geography Segment Overview Technavio's market research report entails detailed information on regional opportunities in store for vendors, which will assist in generating sales revenues. The Global Service Robotics Market as per geography is categorized into North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. The report provides an accurate prediction of the contribution of all regions to the growth of the Global Service Robotics Market size and actionable market understandings. Regional Highlights - APAC is the fastest-growing region in the global service robotics market compared to other regions. 40% of the market's growth will originate from APAC. The demand for long-term care is expected to increase the use of service robots in geriatric care. Service robotics is also becoming popular in the education sector in APAC. Such factors are projected to drive the growth of the service robotics market in the region during the forecast period. is the fastest-growing region in the global service robotics market compared to other regions. of the market's growth will originate from APAC. The demand for long-term care is expected to increase the use of service robots in geriatric care. Service robotics is also becoming popular in the education sector in APAC. Such factors are projected to drive the growth of the service robotics market in the region during the forecast period. Revenue Generating Segment Highlights - The Global Service Robotics Market as per application segmentation is categorized into Professional Robots and Personal Robots. The service robotics market share growth by the professional robots segment will be significant during the forecast period. Professional service robots are semi or fully autonomous robots that are designed to perform commercial tasks. The emergence of the Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) ownership model increases the professional use of robots. Breakthroughs in 5G telecom services and AI processors are also increasing the demand for professional service robots. Download a FREE Sample Report that can help you to strategize your sales revenue - Get it now! Global Service Robotics Market Market Dynamics Major Driver - The increasing adoption of robotics in diverse application fields is driving the growth of the service robotics market. Robots are being adopted in numerous fields today, including the healthcare, automotive, agriculture, and food and beverage industries. The automotive sector is the largest end-user of robotics. They are deployed in manufacturing lines to help with operations such as welding, vehicle assembly, and painting. The increasing adoption of robotics in diverse application fields is driving the growth of the service robotics market. Robots are being adopted in numerous fields today, including the healthcare, automotive, agriculture, and food and beverage industries. The automotive sector is the largest end-user of robotics. They are deployed in manufacturing lines to help with operations such as welding, vehicle assembly, and painting. Major Trend - Strategic collaborations, partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are a trend in the market. Manufacturers are focusing on improving their relationships through collaborations and partnerships to attain a competitive advantage. They are also focusing on mergers or acquisitions for better visibility and recognition. Strategic collaborations, partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are a trend in the market. Manufacturers are focusing on improving their relationships through collaborations and partnerships to attain a competitive advantage. They are also focusing on mergers or acquisitions for better visibility and recognition. Major Challenges - The high costs associated with robotic systems may challenge the service robotics market growth. Several new models are expected to be launched in the market during the forecast period, which will further increase the costs. In addition, vendors are expected to follow certain regulations and standards regarding the use of wireless technologies, safety-critical components, and batteries. To know about other factors of market dynamics Request a Free Sample! Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Service Robotics Market 2023-2027: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2023-2027 Detailed information on factors that will assist service robotics market growth during the next five years Estimation of the service robotics market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the service robotics market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of service robotics market vendors Related Reports The professional service automation (PSA) software market is projected to grow by USD 6.79 billion with a CAGR of 12.08% during the forecast period 2021 to 2026. The market is segmented by deployment (on-premise and cloud) and geography ( North America , Europe , APAC, South America , and the Middle East and Africa ). is projected to grow by with a CAGR of 12.08% during the forecast period 2021 to 2026. The market is segmented by deployment (on-premise and cloud) and geography ( , , APAC, , and the and ). The robotics as a service (RaaS) market is projected to grow by USD 1.23 billion with a CAGR of 18.12 % during the forecast period 2021 to 2026. The market is segmented by application (intralogistics, medical applications, surveillance and security, field robotics, and others) and geography ( North America , APAC, Europe , South America , and the Middle East and Africa ). Service Robotics Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2022 Historical year 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 22.75% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 48788.55 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 20.48 Regional analysis APAC, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution APAC at 40% Key consumer countries US, China, Japan, South Korea, and Germany Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Key companies profiled AB Electrolux, AMP Robotics Corp., Blue Ocean Robotics, Cyberdyne Inc., Daifuku Co. Ltd., Diligent Robotics Inc., Exyn Technologies, Guangzhou XAG Co. Ltd., Harvest CROO Robotics LLC, Intuitive Surgical Inc., Irobot Corp., Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd., SoftBank Group Corp., Starship Technologies Inc., SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd., Tetra Laval S.A., YUJIN ROBOT Co. Ltd., and Northrop Grumman Corp. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, market growth inducers and obstacles, fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Browse Consumer Discretionary Market Reports Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Application Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Environment Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 09: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 10: Parent market Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2022 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027 Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 4 Historic Market Size 4.1 Global service robotics market 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size Data Table on Global service robotics market 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.2 Application Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size Application Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.3 Environment Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size Environment Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 5 Five Forces Analysis 5.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between2022 and 2027 5.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027 5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.7 Market condition Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027 6 Market Segmentation by Application 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 30: Chart on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Application Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Application Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Application 6.3 Professional robots - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 34: Chart on Professional robots - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Professional robots - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 36: Chart on Professional robots - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Professional robots - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Personal robots - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 38: Chart on Personal robots - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Personal robots - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 40: Chart on Personal robots - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 41: Data Table on Personal robots - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Market opportunity by Application Exhibit 42: Market opportunity by Application ($ million) 7 Market Segmentation by Environment 7.1 Market segments Exhibit 43: Chart on Environment - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 44: Data Table on Environment - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Environment Exhibit 45: Chart on Comparison by Environment Exhibit 46: Data Table on Comparison by Environment 7.3 Ground - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 47: Chart on Ground - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Data Table on Ground - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 49: Chart on Ground - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 50: Data Table on Ground - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 Aerial - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 51: Chart on Aerial - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Data Table on Aerial - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 53: Chart on Aerial - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 54: Data Table on Aerial - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Marine - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 55: Chart on Marine - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Data Table on Marine - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 57: Chart on Marine - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 58: Data Table on Marine - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.6 Market opportunity by Environment Exhibit 59: Market opportunity by Environment ($ million) 8 Customer Landscape 8.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 60: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 9 Geographic Landscape 9.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 61: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 62: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) 9.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 63: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 64: Data Table on Geographic comparison 9.3 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 65: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 66: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 68: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 69: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 70: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 72: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.5 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 73: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 74: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 76: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.6 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 80: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.7 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 81: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 82: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 83: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 84: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.8 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 85: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 86: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 87: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 88: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.9 China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 90: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 91: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 92: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.10 Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 93: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 94: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 95: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 96: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 98: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 99: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 100: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 South Korea - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 101: Chart on South Korea - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 102: Data Table on South Korea - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 103: Chart on South Korea - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 104: Data Table on South Korea - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 105: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10.1 Market drivers 10.2 Market challenges 10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 106: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027 10.4 Market trends 11 Vendor Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 107: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 11.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 108: Overview on factors of disruption 11.4 Industry risks Exhibit 109: Impact of key risks on business 12 Vendor Analysis 12.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 110: Vendors covered 12.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 111: Matrix on vendor position and classification 12.3 AB Electrolux Exhibit 112: AB Electrolux - Overview Exhibit 113: AB Electrolux - Business segments Exhibit 114: AB Electrolux - Key news Exhibit 115: AB Electrolux - Key offerings Exhibit 116: AB Electrolux - Segment focus 12.4 AMP Robotics Corp. Exhibit 117: AMP Robotics Corp. - Overview Exhibit 118: AMP Robotics Corp. - Product / Service Exhibit 119: AMP Robotics Corp. - Key offerings 12.5 Blue Ocean Robotics Exhibit 120: Blue Ocean Robotics - Overview Exhibit 121: Blue Ocean Robotics - Product / Service Exhibit 122: Blue Ocean Robotics - Key offerings 12.6 Cyberdyne Inc. Exhibit 123: Cyberdyne Inc. - Overview Exhibit 124: Cyberdyne Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 125: Cyberdyne Inc. - Key offerings 12.7 Daifuku Co. Ltd. Exhibit 126: Daifuku Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 127: Daifuku Co. Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 128: Daifuku Co. Ltd. - Key news Exhibit 129: Daifuku Co. Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 130: Daifuku Co. Ltd. - Segment focus 12.8 Diligent Robotics Inc. Exhibit 131: Diligent Robotics Inc. - Overview Exhibit 132: Diligent Robotics Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 133: Diligent Robotics Inc. - Key offerings 12.9 Exyn Technologies Exhibit 134: Exyn Technologies - Overview Exhibit 135: Exyn Technologies - Product / Service Exhibit 136: Exyn Technologies - Key offerings 12.10 Intuitive Surgical Inc. Exhibit 137: Intuitive Surgical Inc. - Overview Exhibit 138: Intuitive Surgical Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 139: Intuitive Surgical Inc. - Key offerings 12.11 Irobot Corp. Exhibit 140: Irobot Corp. - Overview Exhibit 141: Irobot Corp. - Product / Service Exhibit 142: Irobot Corp. - Key offerings 12.12 Kongsberg Gruppen ASA Exhibit 143: Kongsberg Gruppen ASA - Overview Exhibit 144: Kongsberg Gruppen ASA - Business segments Exhibit 145: Kongsberg Gruppen ASA - Key news Exhibit 146: Kongsberg Gruppen ASA - Key offerings Exhibit 147: Kongsberg Gruppen ASA - Segment focus 12.13 Northrop Grumman Corp. Exhibit 148: Northrop Grumman Corp. - Overview Exhibit 149: Northrop Grumman Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 150: Northrop Grumman Corp. - Key news Exhibit 151: Northrop Grumman Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 152: Northrop Grumman Corp. - Segment focus 12.14 Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Exhibit 153: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 154: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 155: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Key news Exhibit 156: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 157: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Segment focus 12.15 Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd. Exhibit 158: Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 159: Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 160: Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 161: Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd. - Segment focus 12.16 Tetra Laval S.A. Exhibit 162: Tetra Laval S.A. - Overview Exhibit 163: Tetra Laval S.A. - Business segments Exhibit 164: Tetra Laval S.A. - Key offerings Exhibit 165: Tetra Laval S.A. - Segment focus 12.17 YUJIN ROBOT Co. Ltd. Exhibit 166: YUJIN ROBOT Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 167: YUJIN ROBOT Co. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 168: YUJIN ROBOT Co. Ltd. - Key offerings 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 169: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 170: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 171: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology Exhibit 172: Research methodology Exhibit 173: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 174: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 175: List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio Josh Jenkins Named Songwriter of the Year "Fancy Like" Named Song of the Year SMACK Named Publisher of the Year NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SESAC celebrated its songwriters and music publishers behind the year's most-performed country and Americana songs at the company's annual Nashville Music Awards held in person for the first time in three years tonight at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Josh Jenkins was named SESAC's Songwriter of the Year after his hugely successful year penning chart-topping hits such as "Buy Dirt," recorded by Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan, and "Fancy Like," recorded by Walker Hayes. "Buy Dirt" was recently awarded NSAI's Song of the Year honor and is nominated for the same award at the 56th Annual CMA Awards. "Fancy Like," published by SMACK, was also awarded SESAC's Song of the Year. SMACK took home the title of Publisher of the Year, after previously being awarded the trophy in 2020. SESAC affiliates Lee Brice and Blanco Brown teamed up to kick off the night with a performance of Brice's latest single "Soul," which was recently certified gold by the RIAA. Jordan Davis was on hand to perform "Buy Dirt" alongside his brother Jacob Davis and their co-writers and brother duo Josh and Matt Jenkins. Megan Moroney serenaded the group with her latest viral hit "Tennessee Orange" which has garnered over 45 million streams in just over two months. Additionally, affiliate Derek Wells received the Spirt of SESAC Award in recognition of his musical contributions playing on over 100 number one songs. The song that clinched this impressive milestone, "Like I Love Country Music" recorded by Kane Brown and co-written by SESAC affiliate Matt McGinn was honored with a performance activity award at the ceremony. Honoring Derek by performing a medley of a few of those hits was Brinley Addington, Joey Hyde, Mike Walker, Aaron Eshuis, Phil Lawson, and Allison Veltz Cruz. The celebration was hosted by SESAC's Vice President of Creative Services Shannan Hatch. More than 400 songwriters, publishers, and industry professionals attended the awards celebration, sponsored in part by Barre3 Nashville, British M, Dr. Bronner's, Essentia, Ettitude, Flying Embers, Garnier, Havaianas, I'm With The Band, Justin's, Karma, Lano, Opopop, Poppi, Rise Brewing, Simply Gum, Sio Beauty, Soapy Faith, Sound Royalties, Still Standing, The Spa Dr., and The Electric Jane. Additional photos: https://bit.ly/3T5qY7W Honorees: "FANCY LIKE" Written by: Josh Jenkins Published by: Follow Me Where I Go, SMACK Songs, Kobalt Group Publishing Recorded by: Walker Hayes "BUY DIRT" Written by: Josh Jenkins Published by: Follow Me Where I Go, SMACK Songs, Kobalt Group Publishing Recorded by: Jordan Davis ft. Luke Bryan "SAME BOAT" Written by: Zac Brown, Ben Simonetti Published by: Day For The Dead Publishing, Kobalt Group Publishing Recorded by: Zac Brown Band "FREEDOM WAS A HIGHWAY" Written by: Jimmie Allen Published by: Endurance Juliet, Sony Music Publishing Recorded by: Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley "WILD HEARTS" Written by: Jennifer Wayne Published by: Wild Wild Wild West Songs, BMG Silver Songs Recorded by: Keith Urban "7500 OBO" Written by: Matt McGinn Published by: McGinndependence Day, SMACK Songs, Kobalt Group Publishing Recorded by: Tim McGraw "LAST NIGHT LONELY" Written by: Joe Fox Published by: Liz Rose Music, Warner Chappell Music Recorded by: Jon Pardi "TRUTH ABOUT YOU" Written by: Matt Alderman Published by: Good Vibes Good Times Music, Curb Congregation Songs Recorded by: Mitchell Tenpenny "LIKE I LOVE COUNTRY MUSIC" Written by: Matt McGinn Published by: McGinndependence Day, SMACK Songs, Kobalt Group Publishing Recorded by: Kane Brown "UP" Written by: Jeremy Bussey Published by: Hit By The Buss Music, Songs of Fluid, Spirit Music Nashville Recorded by: Luke Bryan "HOME SWEET" Written by: Casey Brown Published by: Blue Corolla Oklahoma, Feel Your Creative Pulse Music Recorded by: Russell Dickerson "23" Written by: Chris LaCorte Published by: Card Tables Music, Concord Tunes, Hang Your Hat Hits Recorded by: Sam Hunt "HELLBENT FOR LEATHER" Written by: Ray Wylie Hubbard Published by: Snake Farm Publishing, BMG Silver Songs Recorded by: Ray Wylie Hubbard "NICE THINGS" Written by: Hayes Carll Published by: Highway 87 Publishing, BMG Silver Songs Recorded by: Hayes Carll "MODERN WOMAN" Written by: Erin Rae Published by: Good Memory, Confidentially Canadian Publishing Recorded by: Erin Rae "IN DREAMS" Written by: Sierra Ferrell Published by: Abel Elba, Pulse Music Publishing Recorded by: Sierra Ferrell "THE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP SOMEBODY THROUGH IT" Written by: Jim Lauderdale Published by: Wudang Mountain Songs, BMG Silver Songs Recorded by: Jim Lauderdale About SESAC PRO: SESAC Performing Rights Organization is the second oldest PRO in the U.S. It drives efficiency in licensing for music users and enhances value for its affiliated writers, publishers, and composers by providing timely, efficient royalty collection and distribution. SESAC PRO represents over 30,000 songwriters and film composers from a broad range of genres including artists such as Adele, Burna Boy, Christophe Beck, Rosanne Cash, David Crosby, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Lalah Hathaway, Kesha, Gabriel Mann, R.E.M., and many more. SESAC Music Group is a leader and innovator in music licensing that administers public performance, mechanical, and other rights through SESAC PRO and its affiliates including The Harry Fox Agency, Rumblefish, and Mint Digital Services. SESAC Music Group has offices in New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, London and Munich. Media Contact: Jenna Smith SESAC Inc. [email protected] 615.932.7905 SOURCE SESAC Music Group NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP, a class action law firm dedicated to representing shareholders nationwide, is investigating a potential breach of fiduciary duty claim involving the board of directors of Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: DNA). If you are a shareholder of Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. and are interested in obtaining additional information regarding this investigation, free of charge, please visit us at: https://pjlfirm.com/ginkgo-bioworks-holdings-inc/ You may also contact Robert H. Lefkowitz, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at 212-725-1000. One of our attorneys will personally speak with you about the case at no cost or obligation. Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP is a law firm exclusively committed to representing shareholders nationwide who are victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty and other types of corporate misconduct. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit http://pjlfirm.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. SOURCE Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP SINGAPORE, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthcare & Wellness, Education and Social Impact are the top three areas of focus for this year's She Loves Tech Global Startup Competition, now in its 8th year. Femtech made a debut on 2022 Top Ten industries, reflecting a growing trend that bodes well for women and tech. Startups & Judges at She Loves Tech 2022 Grand Finals She Loves Tech Startup finalists from around the world will coming together in Singapore at the She Loves Tech Global Conference this week. This marks the first time She Loves Tech is gathering ALL the finalists together since the pandemic, and what has become the largest startup competition for women and technology was launched in a single country eight years ago. After competition rounds in 70+ countries, the world's largest startup competition for women and technology's Grand Finals was held on November 5, with 28 pitching finalists, out of 5000 startups. The top three winners are: 1st place: Lios (Nordics finalist) Vertical: Manufacturing/Industrial Lios is game-changing startup eradicating noise pollution and avoidable hearing damage with a novel acoustic material and a sound therapy app. Founder: Rhona Togher 2nd place: Algbio (Turkiye finalist) Vertical: CleanTech/Environment ALGBIO treats industrial wastewater and CO2 by microalgae to produce biofuels and bioenergy with a circular economy model. Founder: Selen Senal 3rd Place: GOBEBA (Africa finalist) Vertical: E-commerce, Retail GoBEBA is a quick-commerce retail platform distributing household essentials conveniently and affordably via a network of micro-warehouses. Founder: Lesley Mbogo ADBV Impact Award: Mimicrete (UK Finalist) Vertical: 3D Printing, CleanTech/Environment, Manufacturing/Industrial, Sustainability MIMICRETE is a biomimetic self-healing concrete helping improve the sustainability and durability of concrete structures. Insights from She Loves Tech Competition 2022 Social Impact made a comeback in the Top 3 verticals with a 44.3% increase in number compared to 2021, after Healthcare & Wellness [17.4%] and Education [14.8%]. Startups which are categorised under Social Impact make up 13.1% of the total number of entries. All three verticals have a significant proportion of female end-users, and are solving problems disproportionately affecting women. To further corroborate this trend, femtech which made up 8.9% of all the entries received, entered the Top Ten list for the first time. Finally, we saw greater diversity in solutions across multiple industries and a jump in femtech, sustainability and assistive tech across the board with an increase of 57.1%, 47.3% and 65.2% respectively year-on-year. Founders Insight: 55% come from tech backgrounds, up 7%, crossing the 50% mark for the first time 66% are first time founders 80 % have diverse founding teams Come meet the winners and the finalists at She Loves Tech Conference on November 10 (Equarius Hotel) and 11 (W Singapore on Sentosa Cove). The theme of this year's Conference is #daringtobe. Ms. Sim Ann, Singapore's Senior Minister of State from the Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be opening the Conference on Nov 10. She will be joined by Ms. Aslaug Arna Sigurbjornsdottir, Iceland's Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation in the opening keynote dialogue, "From the Arctic to the Equator: Great Strides in Women Empowerment and Technology." This year's Conference will also feature a wellness festival and a Girl Track for the first time. The two-day agenda will address femtech, climate change, women and money, future of work, early-stage investing, building resilience, impact and Web 3.0 and the metaverse. There is a series of personal development workshops (purpose/value-finding, negotiation, mindful leadership) that will be held in parallel with roundtables and panel discussions on tech careers, gender designs in a more sustainable future, web 3.0 for good, angel investing, social media & body positivity The following sponsors who are instrumental in "daring (us) to be: Microsoft Procter & Gamble UBS IMDA SWIRE Group MTR Corporation Limited Stripe ADB Ventures (Official Impact Partner) McDermott Will & Emery (Official Legal Advisor) Citigate Dewe Rogerson (PR Partner) Potato Production (Ecosystem Partner) Branded (Production Partner) Shareable Apps (Official Platform Partner) Soldout (Official Ticketing Partner) About She Loves Tech Launched in 2015, She Loves Tech is a global platform that is committed to closing the funding gap for women entrepreneurs. It is a globally recognised institution that runs the world's largest startup competition for female entrepreneurs which has attracted over 10,000 startups from around the world and operates in over 70 countries. The platform also seeks out and accelerates the best entrepreneurs and technology for transformative impact, aiming to unlock over US$1 billion in capital by 2030 for women-led businesses. Learn more via https://shelovestech.org SOURCE She Loves Tech TOKYO, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SignTime, today announced the appointment of four senior executives to its International Advisory Board. The company's advisory board provides strategic and technical advice to help support the growth of SignTime's business activities in Japan and the development of its overseas markets. SignTime was founded in 2020 as a SaaS and web-based application that provides e-signature and digital contracting services. This includes well-known e-signature capabilities, along with contract drafting and templating functions, a database sending capability, and a secure digital contract repository with a unique tagging system that allows businesses to quickly access their documents from anywhere, in a highly secure fashion. SignTime's International Advisory Board now comprises: Yoshimasa Aikawa , former President and CEO of Fujitsu Cloud Technologies , former President and CEO of Fujitsu Cloud Technologies Kanichi Sanpei , former Regional Vice President of DocuSign Japan, Inc. and former roles at Cisco, Polycom , former Regional Vice President of DocuSign Japan, Inc. and former roles at Cisco, Polycom Douglas Hymas , Entrepreneur/Investor, former senior executive with The Bank of New York Mellon, Tokyo Branch , Entrepreneur/Investor, former senior executive with The Bank of New York Mellon, Branch Koichi Komoda , International Investment Banking advisor, former executive roles at Deutsche Bank (via Bankers Trust) and JP Morgan Chase Bank (via Jardine Fleming ) SignTime, headquartered in Tokyo, first focused on the local Japanese market, with digital 'hanko' support (Japanese business stamps used instead of handwritten signatures) and approval process features designed with Japanese businesses in mind, but has since gained clients globally. The company also recently announced the successful completion of a Series B funding round, raising 2,600,000,000 at a USD 20,000,000 valuation. "As we scale up our team to further drive our momentum in the Japan market, and accelerate our international expansion, now is an ideal time to announce our advisory board. We have assembled an outstanding team of senior leaders in technology and finance to share their experiences and guide the company over the next phase of our growth," said Jim Weisser, CEO and Founder of SignTime. "We are very grateful to them for their contribution and support of the company and welcome them to their advisor roles." About SignTime: SignTime, based in Tokyo, is a leader in digital contracting and electronic signatures for documents of all kinds. Highly secure, legally compliant, easy to use, and scalable for businesses of any size, SignTime makes it simple to move away from paper based contracts and signatures for good. Since its founding in 2020, SignTime has grown rapidly, serving clients in its home Japanese market, as well as the Asia Pacific region, and among multinational clients. Media Contact: Terry Alberstein, Navigate Communication, [email protected], +61-458-484-921 SOURCE SignTime TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - SilverCrest Metals Inc. ("SilverCrest" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the declaration of commercial production at the Company's Las Chispas Mine ("Las Chispas") located in Sonora, Mexico, effective November 1, 2022. Declaration of commercial production is based on achieving a continuous two month period operating the processing plant at a minimum of 80% capacity for its name plate design of 1,250 tonnes per day ("tpd") or 1,000 tpd and showing a combined gold ("Au") and silver ("Ag") recovery or silver equivalent ("AgEq"**) recovery of greater than 85%. The commissioning period was from September 1, 2022, through October 31, 2022, where the plant processed 62,146 tonnes of ore for an average of 1,019 tpd. For the same period, the metallurgical recovery averaged 96.7% gold and 96.8% silver, or 96.7% AgEq. Pierre Beaudoin, COO stated, "We would like to congratulate our Las Chispas site team and contractors who have played an instrumental role in achieving this milestone on the planned schedule. We have been impressed by the early performance of the Las Chispas processing plant and continue to work to fine tune and complete the ramp up. Our underground mining team also continues to ramp up the operation with a focus on refinement of mining methods and implementation of grade control procedures." N. Eric Fier, CEO commented, "Moving Las Chispas from discovery to production in less than seven years is a monumental achievement. We are extremely proud of the dedication and execution from all involved. We now look forward to finishing our ramp-up to designed levels, generating revenue with subsequent free cash flow, and releasing an updated Technical Report in H1, 2023". Construction of the processing plant at Las Chispas was initiated in February 2021 and was completed on time and on budget in May, 2022 with a target of declaring commercial production in Q4, 2022. Throughout commissioning, the processing plant performed in line or ahead of all Feasibility Study* metrics while processing ore primarily sourced from stockpiles including recently mined underground ore. The underground mine is also progressing its ramp-up with a target to exit 2022 at a rate of 600 to 700 tpd, as previously disclosed. In the month of October, 2022 the Company exceeded the lower end of this mining tonnage target. The Company will provide further details on plant commissioning, underground mining, ramp-up production for Q3, 2022 and year to date in its Q3, 2022 Financials and MD&A and financials. * NI 43-101 Technical Report & Feasibility Study on The Las Chispas Project dated January 4, 2021 ("Feasibility Study") ** AgEq is based on the 2021 Feasibility Study Mineral Resource and Reserve gold to silver ratio of 86.9:1 calculated using US$1,410/oz Au and US$16.60/oz Ag The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng, and CEO for SilverCrest, who has reviewed and approved its contents. ABOUT SILVERCREST METALS INC. SilverCrest is a Canadian precious metals exploration and production company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, that is focused on new discoveries, value-added acquisitions and production assets in Mexico's historic precious metal districts. The Company's principal focus is operating its Las Chispas Mine, in Sonora, Mexico. SilverCrest's ongoing initiative is to increase its asset base by expanding current resources and reserves, acquiring and developing high value precious metals projects and ultimately operating multiple silver-gold mines in the Americas. The Company is led by a proven management team in all aspects of the precious metal mining sector, including taking projects through discovery, finance, on time and on budget construction, and production. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These include, without limitation, statements with respect to: the timing and expectations of the Company's production ramp up of the Las Chispas processing plant, productivity and ramp up of the Las Chispas underground mine and generating free cash flow in 2023 and the timing and completion of an updated technical report in H1, 2023. Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the reliability of mineralization estimates, mining and development costs, the conditions in general economic and financial markets; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of expenditures related to rehabilitation and drilling programs; and effects of regulation by governmental agencies. The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of risk factors including: uncertainty as to the impact and the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; and general market and industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law. N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng Chief Executive Officer SilverCrest Metals Inc. SOURCE SilverCrest Metals Inc. Awards for productivity, vision, leadership presented; eight SME Fellows recognized ATLANTA, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SME, the professional association committed to advancing manufacturing and developing a skilled workforce, awarded two manufacturing professionals for their productivity, vision, and leadership, named eight SME Fellows, and presented two Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineers (OYMEs) at its SME Fall Gala in Atlanta on November 6. Dianne Chong, 2022 SME President Robert Willig is executive director and CEO of SME (PRNewsfoto/SME) "Our 2022 award winners are hard-driving leaders whose knack for finding creative solutions to technical and business issues has made them extremely successful throughout their careers," said Dianne Chong, 2022 SME president. "These tireless ambassadors of manufacturing have helped us realize many of the achievements in additive manufacturing and other disciplines in aerospace, biomedical and automotive." ASME / SME M. Eugene Merchant Manufacturing Medal Award Brian Papke, CEO (retired), Mazak Corporation, Florence, Kentucky, was awarded the M. Eugene Merchant Manufacturing Medal, which recognizes influencers who improve productivity and efficiency in the industry. David Dornfeld Manufacturing Vision Award Dr. Michael Sealy, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, received the David Dornfeld Manufacturing Vision Award, which recognizes outstanding vision and leadership within the manufacturing community. Eight SME Fellows Named Since 1986, the SME College of Fellows has honored those members who have made outstanding contributions to the social, technological, and educational aspects of the manufacturing profession. These eight industry professionals have earned this highly prestigious honor through 20 years or more of dedication and service to manufacturing. Prasad Akella , PhD, FSME, Founder and Chairman, Drishti Technologies Inc., Mountain View, California , PhD, FSME, Founder and Chairman, Drishti Technologies Inc., Daniel J. Braley , FSME, CAM-T, Associate Technical Fellow Additive Manufacturing & BGS Additive Manufacturing Technical Focal, Boeing Global Services, St. Louis, Missouri , FSME, CAM-T, Associate Technical Fellow Additive Manufacturing & BGS Additive Manufacturing Technical Focal, Boeing Global Services, Matthew A. Davies , PhD, FSME, Director of Global Applications, Engineering and Training, Moore Nanotechnology, Charlotte, North Carolina , PhD, FSME, Director of Global Applications, Engineering and Training, Moore Nanotechnology, Jeffrey DeGrange , FSME, Chief Commercial Officer, Impossible Objects Inc., Eden Prairie, Minnesota , FSME, Chief Commercial Officer, Impossible Objects Inc., Sunderesh S. Heragu , PhD, FSME, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater , Oklahoma , PhD, FSME, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, , Mingwang Fu , PhD, FSME, Chair Professor of Advanced Manufacturing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom , Kowloon, Hong Kong , PhD, FSME, Chair Professor of Advanced Manufacturing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, , William P. King , PhD, FSME, Professor and Andersen Endowed Chair, Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign , Urbana , Illinois , PhD, FSME, Professor and Andersen Endowed Chair, Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, , , Robert G. Landers , PhD, FSME, Advanced Manufacturing Collegiate Professor, Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame , Notre Dame, Indiana "These distinguished awardees epitomize professional achievement in advancing manufacturing to solve some of the world's greatest challenges," said Bob Willig, executive director and CEO of SME. "Their contributions to industry and SME have propelled us forward and elevated manufacturers, academia, professionals, and the communities in which they operate." Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Awards The Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award recognizes manufacturing engineers, age 35 or younger, who have made exceptional contributions and accomplishments in the manufacturing industry. Recipients at the SME Fall Gala included: Geoff Karpa , Team Lead, Manufacturing Technology, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Fort Worth , Team Lead, Manufacturing Technology, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Vipin Kumar , PhD, Associate Staff Member, Research & Development, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee About SME We believe in the power of technology and the innovation of people to advance our nation and solve some of the world's greatest problems. For 90 years, SME has been leading the manufacturing ecosystem to elevate manufacturers, academia, professionals, and the communities in which they operate. We build the bridge from today to the future by developing the next generation of manufacturing talent and informing industry on technology advances that can propel their operations into excellence. Learn more at sme.org , follow @SME_MFG on Twitter, or facebook.com/SMEmfg . SOURCE SME Fast-Growing Children's Franchise Continues to Raise the Bar in STEM/STEAM Education DALLAS, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Snapology, the No. 1 children's STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) franchise and part of the world's first Youth Enrichment franchise platform company Unleashed Brands, is celebrating National STEM Day (Nov. 8) after making tremendous strides in STEAM educational enrichment opportunities, franchise offerings, and helping millions of kids across the country develop foundational STEAM skills. The company is consistently seeing significant growth through franchise signings that will continue into 2023 as demand increases for STEAM-based learning programs nationwide. Since its acquisition and joining Unleashed Brands in July of 2021, the brand has been able to elevate its franchise offerings by launching a reimagined Discovery Center, developing a new business model with "Snapology-in-Urban Air," as well as continuing to offer mobile Snapology programs that allow franchisees to reach more families in the community. For franchisees, these redesigned business models offer a variety of revenue opportunities and the freedom to operate year-round. Year to date, the brand has opened 11 classrooms inside Urban Air Adventure Parks, seven community-based locations and two Discovery Center with one of the revamped Discovery Centers being the first-of-its-kind joint location with sister brand The Little Gym International. Snapology has also invested in perfecting the customer experience by offering new membership programs and gamifying education through their "Passport" program, which aims to encourage children to take classes to earn stamps and degrees to win swag and other prizes. This program entices children to continue their Snapology classes by creating incentives for children to learn fundamental STEAM skills, develop critical social skills and create recurring revenue for franchisees. Since the Unleashed Brands acquisition, Snapology has doubled franchise signings over the past year. In 2023, there are plans to open 15 new Discovery Center locations throughout the country, including debuts in New Braunfels and Cedar Park, TX, Lexington, SC, North Tampa, FL, Rogers, AR, Harrisonburg, VA, Troy, MI, San Diego, CA, and Lehi, UT. "We're incredibly grateful for our company's growth and success which reflects on the progress being made to revolutionize the way kids learn about STEAM," said Laura Coe, Brand President & CEO for Snapology. "This year, National STEM Day is extra special to our team as we reflect on our success but more importantly, the impact Snapology has made to inspire the next generation of STEAM leaders." The key to success has been the brand's understanding and commitment to play an active role in inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians through excitement in STEAM concepts at an early age. Snapology encourages social skills and teamwork by teaching science, technology, engineering, art, math, and literacy concepts in a fun way. The brand uses a research-based curriculum, designed to be inclusive to all learning abilities with a hands-on teaching approach that uses LEGO Bricks and other building toys, along with coding, video game design and robotics that encourage the perfect mix of play, academic enrichment, and social development. For more information on franchise opportunities please visit, www.snapologyfranchising.com. About Snapology Founded in 2010, Snapology is the #1 children's enrichment franchise in the country, giving children the opportunity to learn through play with more than 80 enriching, interactive STEAM and STEM programs. With over 180 locations in the U.S. and Internationally, Snapology is quickly growing and impacting children throughout the world with its balance of educational enrichment, social development, and fun. For more information about Snapology including franchise opportunities, visit www.Snapology.com . About Unleashed Brands Unleashed Brands, currently includes portfolio brands Urban Air, Snapology, The Little Gym, XP League, Class 101 and Premier Martial Arts and was founded to curate and grow a portfolio of the most innovative and profitable brands that help kids learn, play, and grow. Over the last 10 years, the team at Unleashed Brands has built a proven platform and know-how for scaling businesses focused on serving families. Its mission is to impact the lives of every kid by providing fun, engaging, and inspiring experiences that help them become who they are destined to be. For more information, please visit www.UnleashedBrands.com. Media Contact: Taylor Saltijeral, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected] or 847-945-1300 SOURCE Snapology Company releases 2021 Corporate Responsibility Executive Summary, demonstrates alignment with key ESG reporting frameworks, publishes Trade Association and Climate Engagement Report ATLANTA, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Consistent with its commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement, Southern Company has published its 2021 Corporate Responsibility Executive Summary, refreshed key environmental, social and governance (ESG) data and published a new Trade Association and Climate Engagement Report. These materials can be found in the Data, Downloads and Reports section of the Company's website. "Southern Company and its operating companies have remained focused on producing clear and comprehensive disclosures that help investors better understand our company and strategic initiatives," said Tom Fanning, chairman, president and CEO for Southern Company. "Members of Southern Company's Board of Directors, our management team and subject matter experts across the company dedicate their time to routinely engaging with a broad range of stakeholders to understand their priorities and concerns. By marrying the information and perspectives gathered through these important conversations with our objective to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, we are able to achieve optimal outcomes for our customers." 2021 Corporate Responsibility Executive Summary Southern Company has long believed corporate responsibility and corporate strategy are inextricably linked. Effectively aligning the company's corporate strategy with its commitments to stakeholders requires the attention of the entire leadership team, as well as the Board of Directors. This report describes Southern Company's endeavors and serves as a roadmap for stakeholders wishing to learn more. The report highlights: Southern Company's six corporate sustainability priorities: Net Zero and Environment; Reliability, Resilience and Affordability; Innovation; Workforce Sustainability; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Community Relationships Southern Company's core sustainability goals and progress against those goals New and notable items such as updated timelines for proposed coal-fired generation retirements/repowerings and renewable generation additions; discussion of emissions reporting and third-party verification/assurance; commitment to undertake a racial equity audit in 2023; UN Sustainable Development Goals alignment; and a description of the Company's priority sustainability assessment. Complementary to the 2021 Corporate Responsibility Executive Summary, Southern Company has updated its ESG Data Table to include 2021 metrics, refreshed its TCFD and SASB indexes and published a new, comprehensive GRI Index. 2021 Trade Association and Climate Engagement Report Southern Company also published its 2021 Trade Association and Climate Engagement Report, highlighting its continued constructive engagement with policymakers. The report, which brings together existing disclosures and provides analysis and insight into Southern Company's net zero advocacy positions and memberships in trade associations, provides transparency for investors and other stakeholders into how the company's engagement with policymakers allows the company to deliver clean, safe, reliable, affordable energy to customers. "We believe it is important to participate in the public policy process and advocate for enduring policies that are in the interests of Southern Company and our operating companies, as well as customers, employees, stakeholders and the communities that we serve," said Jim Kerr, executive vice president, chief legal officer and chief compliance officer for Southern Company. "We are pleased to provide the 2021 Trade Association and Climate Engagement Report to our stakeholders who have expressed an interest in our advocacy efforts." Key elements of the report include: An overview of Southern Company's foundational principles and net zero advocacy positions A description of the company's approach to assessing trade association membership and alignment with the company's business objectives, including its net zero goal An assessment of climate-related positions of trade associations to which Southern Company or a subsidiary pays dues of $50,000 or more and that lobby on federal energy policy issues as of December 2021 or more and that lobby on federal energy policy issues as of A discussion of Board and management oversight of political engagement activities The report will be updated over time consistent with Southern Company's long-standing commitment to transparency. Recognition by CPA-Zicklin as Trendsetter In addition, Southern Company has been recognized for political disclosure and accountability in the 2022 CPA-Zicklin Index. Companies that score 90 points or higher on the index are considered Trendsetters. Southern Company received a score of 91, the highest mark it has received on the Index since it was first published in 2011. The CPA-Zicklin Index is produced annually by the Center for Political Accountability in conjunction with the Zicklin Center for Business Ethics Research at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. The index measures political disclosure and accountability policies and practices for election-related spending by S&P 500 companies, including political spending policies and board oversight. About Southern Company Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy company serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices below the national average. For more than a century, we have been building the future of energy and developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, advanced carbon capture technologies, natural gas, renewables, energy efficiency and storage technology. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation and a low-carbon future, Southern Company and its subsidiaries develop the customized energy solutions our customers and communities require to drive growth and prosperity. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and govern our business to the benefit of our world. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have been recognized nationally by the U.S. Department of Defense, G.I. Jobs magazine, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, Forbes and the Women's Choice Award. To learn more, visit southerncompany.com/. SOURCE Southern Company LONDON and NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Global Commodity Insights today announced the successful review of four more oil terminals for inclusion it its Platts Dated Brent and Cash BFOE* Market-on-Close price assessment processes for June 2023 deliveries. These reviews bring to 11 the number of terminals accepted by Platts to deliver WTI Midland crude oil into the Brent benchmark complex. The latest terminals passing the Platts review process for inclusion in this key benchmark are: EPIC Crude Terminal; Enterprise Houston Ship Channel; Buckeye Texas Hub; and Enbridge Ingleside Energy Center. Each terminal applied in recent weeks to be considered for inclusion as a supply location of WTI Midland, as the US grade becomes a deliverable cargo into the Dated Brent and cash BFOE benchmarks, as assessed by Platts. Platts announced June 8 it will reflect cargoes of WTI Midland crude oil into its Dated Brent, Cash BFOE and all related price assessments across the Brent complex with effect from June 2023 cargo deliveries. This will be the first time that a crude grade from outside of the North Sea will be reflected in the Brent complex, and the inclusion will help ensure a stronger and more robust Brent complex for the decades ahead. After a public and transparent feedback period, the four additional terminals have been added to the list of facilities approved since the September 6 inclusion of NuStar at Corpus Christi, the first terminal accepted in the process. "The addition of these four terminals further shows the interest and commitment of US logistics companies to be involved in delivering oil into the world's leading crude benchmark. The number of terminals we have approved will give a greater diversity of supply into Dated Brent, allowing more oil to underpin the benchmark for a robust benchmark into the future," said Joel Hanley, Global Director, Crude & Fuel Oil Markets, S&P Global Commodity Insights. The full list of terminals reviewed and accepted into the Brent benchmark price assessment process from June 2023 is as follows: Visit the website for detailed information about the Platts price assessment process methodology and specifications. *BFOE (grades of oil)- Brent, Forties, Oseberg & Ekofisk Media Contacts Global/EMEA: Paul Sandell, + 44 (0)7816 180039, [email protected] Americas: Kathleen Tanzy, +1 917-331-4607, [email protected] Asia/EMEA: Melissa Tan, +65-6597-6241, [email protected] About S&P Global Commodity Insights At S&P Global Commodity Insights, our complete view of global energy and commodities markets enables our customers to make decisions with conviction and create long-term, sustainable value. We're a trusted connector that brings together thought leaders, market participants, governments, and regulators and we create solutions that lead to progress. Vital to navigating commodity markets, our coverage includes oil and gas, power, chemicals, metals, agriculture, shipping and energy transition. Platts products and services, including the most signicant benchmark price assessments in the physical commodity markets, are offered through S&P Global Commodity Insights. S&P Global Commodity Insights is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global is the world's foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help many of the world's leading organizations navigate the economic landscape so they can plan for tomorrow, today. For more information visit https://www.spglobal.com/commodityinsights. SOURCE S&P Global Commodity Insights Union Expands Footprint at Company to Southern California SAN DIEGO, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Operations Specialists, Maintenance Specialists, Shift Leads and Team Leads working for Spin electric scooters in San Diego voted unanimously to join Teamsters Local 542. It is the third city where Spin workers have unionized and the first outside of the Bay Area. "These workers spoke loud and clear with their unanimous vote to join the Teamsters," said Jaime Vasquez, Local 542 Secretary-Treasurer. "With the cost of living increasing throughout not just California, but the entire country, it is critical now more than ever that tech workers join forces with our union to ensure that they can have the security, dignity and prosperity that they deserve." Spin workers in Berkeley and San Francisco both joined Local 665 within the past two years, and the local union played an active role with the organizing drive in San Diego. "Locals 542 and 665 worked tirelessly together to make sure that the workers' voices were heard," said Tony Delorio, Local 665 Secretary-Treasurer. "This is a successful milestone of our long-term project to unionize not just Spin, but every e-scooter operator throughout the state." "We're so happy to be a part of the Teamsters," said Shift Lead Christopher Clark. "If Spin workers can get a good contract in the San Francisco Bay, there's no reason we can't do the same thing down here. We look forward to bargaining." Teamsters Local 542 represents workers throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties, Calif. and Yuma, Ariz. For more information, go to https://www.teamsters542.org/. Contact: Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877 [email protected] SOURCE Teamsters Local 542 DUBLIN and CHICAGO, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced the six-month results from the full cohort of the SPYRAL HTN-ON MED clinical trial. The data were presented today as Late-Breaking Clinical Science at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2022. With this news, Medtronic has submitted the final module of the Symplicity Spyral Premarket Approval (PMA) package to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for review and approval. Subjects who were prescribed antihypertensive medications and were treated with the Medtronic Symplicity Spyral Renal Denervation (RDN) System had a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in office-based systolic blood pressure (OSBP), a key secondary endpoint, compared to subjects in the sham control group. However, in the primary endpoint, RDN did not demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure (ABPM) due to increased medications in the sham control group and the potential impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the clinical trial environment. The study also included Win Ratio, a pre-specified secondary endpoint that combines reduction in blood pressure with reduction in medication burden, which enables assessment of the overall beneficial effect of RDN. The Win Ratio demonstrated significance in favor of RDN versus a sham procedure. Finally, the study met its primary safety endpoint, with a low incidence of procedure-related and clinical adverse events. "The ON MED study demonstrated significant reductions in office-based blood pressure, the most commonly used measure in clinical practice. Additionally, we saw reductions in absolute blood pressure that were consistent with earlier RDN studies," said David Kandzari, M.D., chief, Piedmont Heart Institute and Cardiovascular Services and SPYRAL HTN-ON MED lead principal investigator. "Surprisingly, 24-hour ABPM declined with RDN but did not differ from the sham group, and the primary endpoint was not met. More than 80% of patients in the ON MED expansion group experienced follow up during the Covid-19 pandemic. Compared with patients enrolled before the pandemic, significant differences in baseline 24-hour ABPM were observed that may reflect changes in patient behavior and lifestyle during the pandemic.1,2,3 Additionally, patients treated with the sham procedure increased the amount of medication they were taking compared to those treated with RDN. These factors likely contributed to the smaller than expected differences in ABPM." SPYRAL HTN-ON MED is a global, randomized, sham-controlled trial investigating the blood pressure lowering effect and safety of RDN with the radiofrequency (RF)-based Symplicity Spyral RDN system in hypertensive patients who have been prescribed up to three anti-hypertensive medications, including diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE/ARB inhibitors or beta blockers. A total of 337 patients with uncontrolled hypertension were enrolled at 42 sites across the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia, and Canada, and were randomized 2:1 to RDN (n=205) versus sham control (n=132). Results were as follows: The primary Bayesian efficacy endpoint of 24-hr systolic ABPM reduction was not met, with a 51% probability of superiority for the RDN group versus those who received a sham control procedure. However, nighttime systolic ABPM reduction was statistically significant. 6.5 mmHg 24-hr systolic ABPM reduction in the RDN group versus 4.5 mmHg in the control group (treatment difference of -1.9 mmHg, p=0.119) 6.7 mmHg nighttime systolic ABPM reduction in the RDN group versus 3.0 mmHg in the control group (treatment difference of -3.7 mmHg, p=0.01) The study met the prespecified secondary endpoint, which was the change in OSBP from baseline to six-month follow-up between the RDN group (n=199) and the sham control group (n=126). Statistically significant 9.9 mmHg OSBP reductions in the RDN group versus a 4.9 mmHg reduction in the sham control group (treatment difference of -4.9 mmHg, p=0.001) The study met the primary safety endpoint, evaluating major adverse events at one-month post-procedure, and renal artery stenosis at six-months, pooled across the SPYRAL HTN-ON and OFF MED studies (p<0.001) RDN demonstrated a low incidence of procedure-related and clinical adverse events at six-months in the SPYRAL HTN-ON MED study specifically. The Win Ratio demonstrated significance in favor of RDN versus a sham procedure (p=0.005). Overall burden of medications was higher in the sham control group at six-months (p=0.04). "Renal denervation lowers blood pressure and requires less medication for patients with hypertension," said Laura Mauri, M.D., chief scientific, medical, and regulatory officer at Medtronic. "It is also a safe procedure. In this study specifically, RDN met both the safety endpoint for this trial, as well as the overall safety endpoint across the SPYRAL HTN ON and OFF MED studies." The SPYRAL HTN-ON MED Trial4 is a part of the Medtronic SPYRAL HTN Global Clinical Program the most comprehensive clinical program studying RDN - including the SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED Pivotal Trial5 and the currently-enrolling SPYRAL AFFIRM Study. Along with the real-world data from the Global SYMPLICITY Registry (GSR)6, the Medtronic RDN program is backed by experience in more than 20,000 patients treated globally, studied in the presence and absence of medication, and in patients with high baseline cardiovascular risk. "In addition to the consistent absolute blood pressure drops that we have demonstrated across trials, long-term data from key Medtronic studies which were highlighted in two important publications this year in The Lancet7,8 have also demonstrated the durability and 'always on' effect of RDN," said Jason Weidman, senior vice president and president of the Coronary and Renal Denervation business, which is part of the Cardiovascular Portfolio at Medtronic. "The ON MED results presented today serve as an additional piece of our extensive compendium of safety and efficacy evidence on this procedure. With these results in hand, we submitted our PMA package to the FDA, which includes the totality of available evidence from the SPYRAL HTN clinical program. We are excited about the potential to bring this important procedure to millions of U.S. patients in need." Approved for commercial use in more than 60 countries around the world, the Symplicity Spyral RDN system is limited to investigational use in the United States, Japan, and Canada. Investor and Analyst Briefing Medtronic will host a webcast of its Renal Denervation Investors and Analyst Briefing on Monday, November 7, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST. The webcast will feature remarks from Medtronic Coronary and Renal Denervation management, including comments on Medtronic's clinical data for the six-month primary results from the SPYRAL HTN-ON MED Randomized Trial. The live audio webcast can be accessed by clicking on the Investor Events link at investorrelations.medtronic.com on November 7. Within 24 hours of the webcast, a replay will be available on the same webpage. This event is not part of the official AHA 2022 program. About Medtronic Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic (NYSE:MDT), visit www.Medtronic.com and follow @Medtronic on Twitter and LinkedIn. Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results. Contacts: Krystin Hayward Leong Ryan Weispfenning Public Relations Investor Relations +1-508-261-6512 +1-763-505-4626 ____________________________________ 1 Kreutz et al. Journal of Hypertension 2021 2 Azzouzzi et al. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022 3 Laffin et al. Circulation 2021 4 Kandzari D, Bhm M, Mahfoud F, et al. Effect of renal denervation on blood pressure in the presence of antihypertensive drugs: 6-month efficacy and safety results from the SPYRAL HTN-ON MED proof-of-concept randomised trial. Lancet 2018 ; 391: 2346-55. 5 Bhm M, Kario K, Kandzari D et al. Efficacy of catheter-based renal denervation in the absence of antihypertensive medications (SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED Pivotal): a multicentre, randomised, sham-controlled trial. Lancet 2020; 395:144451. 6 Mahfoud F, Mancia G, Schmieder R, et al. Renal denervation in high-risk patients with hypertension. J Am Coll Cardiol 2020; 75: 2879-88. 7 Mahfoud, F, Kandzari, D, Weber, M et al. Long-term efficacy and safety of renal denervation in the presence of antihypertensive drugs (SPYRAL HTN-ON MED): a randomised, sham-controlled trial. Lancet. 2022; 399: 1401-1410. 8 Bhatt DL, Vaduganathan M, Kandzari DE, Long-term outcomes after catheter-based renal artery denervation for resistant hypertension: final follow-up of the randomised SYMPLICITY HTN-3 Trial. Lancet. 2022; (published online Sept 18.). SOURCE Medtronic plc BURLINGAME, Calif., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SquareFairy, a Burlingame-based startup announced that they have helped divorcing couples split $111 million in assets and debts in less than a year. SquareFairy's cloud-based platform encourages amicable divorces by allowing users to prepare free California divorce papers, estimate child-support payments, and provide fair & square property division using its magical SplitFairy calculator. Candice Saadian Costa, family law attorney with Golden Gate Mediators, said, "SquareFairy is needed because it provides an easy, simple solution to a typically stressful process." Nicole Lewis, who has helped divorcing couples for over 20 years added, "SplitFairy is a tool that provides a simple way for couples in a divorce proceeding to divide their assets and debts in a fair and equitable manner." Suraj "Raj" Vasanth, CEO of SquareFairy, said, "Achieving the $100 million target is a major milestone for us as this proves the need for our solution and the value of our technology. In the past year, we helped hundreds of Americans save money and move forward in their lives. Our next step is to provide our powerful FinTech platform in the hands of professionals who support divorcing couples like Attorneys, Financial Planners, and Paralegals". About SquareFairy SquareFairy Inc. ( https://SquareFairy.com ), a FinTech start-up headquartered in Burlingame, California, was founded in 2019 with the mission of helping struggling couples move forward in their lives, whether by helping them find couples therapy, financial help, or a path to an amicable divorce. Co-founders Suraj "Raj" Vasanth and Mark Streich saw the emotional and financial toll that divorce extracts on friends, and wanted to provide ways for each person in the divorce to be treated fair and square. SquareFairy is an online service available in all counties of California. SOURCE SquareFairy Inc November's Tourism Awareness Month brings an abundance of wellness events to St. Kitts BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In honour of Tourism Awareness Month, St. Kitts Tourism Authority is embracing this year's theme, "Immerse, Indulge, Renew, Rethinking Tourism 2022," to spotlight the island's wellness experiences. Throughout the month, the Tourism Authority will host a multitude of events and workshops focused on physical, environmental, and spiritual wellness. St. Kitts Celebrates Island Wellness for Tourism Awareness Month "This Tourism Awareness Month, St. Kitts is proud to recommit to and reiterate the importance of tourism within our community," said Honourable Marsha Henderson, Minister of Tourism. "St. Kitts is no stranger to wellness. With sustainability at the core of our approach to tourism, the theme of 'Immerse, Indulge, and Renew' provided the perfect opportunity to continue to showcase our island in a meaningful and on-brand way with the mission of Tourism Awareness Month." Reflecting the theme, the tourism authority launched the calendar of events starting on 1 November 2022, and concluding on 27 November 2022. Locals and visitors are invited to partake in the festivities across the island. Experiences range from a beach clean-up at Major's Bay, which emphasises the importance of environmental well-being in supporting St. Kitts' tourism efforts, to participating in a heritage and fitness hike, focusing on physical wellness. As part of Tourism Awareness Month, the Tourism Authority is hosting a Tourism Festival to promote and celebrate community pride. The launch of the Tourism Fest will be on Friday, 11 November, and will include family-inclusive activities, a feast of local cuisine, storytelling and local steel bands. The Tourism Authority is also hosting enrichment workshops, such as the Marketing and Energy Conservation Workshop, which will offer rich information-sharing opportunities for stakeholders regarding global marketing practices, trends, and energy management. "St. Kitts has spent the past few years revamping our approach to tourism and offerings, which can be seen through our Venture Deeper campaign and our continued focus on highlighting the island's unique qualities," said Ellison "Tommy" Thompson, CEO of St. Kitts Tourism Authority. "We are thrilled about this year's Tourism Awareness Month as it provides a great platform for our stakeholders and partners to partake in innovative workshops. It is also another opportunity to immerse our travellers in the culture and history that makes St. Kitts unique." The full calendar of events can be found here. Hotels and resorts across the island, including Royal St. Kitts Hotel, Belle Mont Farm, Park Hyatt St. Kitts, Timothy Beach, and Ramada, are contributing to the celebration through farm-to-table dinners, cocktails and pizza at sunset, painting classes, a fashion show and more. About St. Kitts St. Kitts is the larger of two islands that make up the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Eighteen miles of green mountain ranges stretch from Mount Liamuiga in the north to the southern peninsulaeach end, an entirely different and equally fulfilling experience. The island's serendipitous location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea gives its coast distinctively varied hues. Our beaches range from golden tones to salt-and-pepper and alluring black volcanic sand. Venture Deeper into the magic of St. Kitts and discover what the destination holds while simultaneously venturing introspectively into a journey of self-discovery. Peel back the many layers of our beautiful island to discover the culture, history, adventure, and culinary delights around every corner. *If you are travelling to St. Kitts, it is required that you complete the online Immigration and Customs ED Form before arrival. Upon completion, you will receive a receipt with a QR code that you must present upon arrival in St. Kitts. Your QR code can be printed out or scanned directly from your phone. For more information about St. Kitts, visit www.visitstkitts.com . Contact: Taylor McDonald [email protected] SOURCE St. Kitts Tourism Authority CINCINNATI, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Earlier this fall, Staffmark Group launched a three-month campaign to attract and retain their workforce with a substantial incentive: $100,000! They announced their first grand prize winner this week: Bryan Ladd of Kansas City, MO. This year's prizes are the largest that Staffmark Group has ever offered during their annual Job Fest event: three (3) $25,000 prizes and twenty-five (25) $1,000 prizes, for a total of $100,000. They have already given away dozens of $1,000 prizes, and Ladd is the first of three $25,000 winners. "When I learned that Bryan had won, I couldn't believe it. I started tearing up," said Alexandria Foulk, on-site manager with Staffmark Group. "Bryan is a great employee. He is dependable and needs very little guidance when doing his job. He is a self-starter, and he takes pride in his work ethic. I'm so happy he won!" "I was in shock when the announcement was made. Even when it sank in, I was still in disbelief," said Ladd. "I'd like to thank Staffmark Group for doing this giveaway. I usually never win anything, but this has been such a blessing." Job Fest is hosted by Staffmark Group's commercial staffing companies Advantage Resourcing, Pro Staff, and Staffmark and it includes special events and giveaways. The festivities will continue through early December, so there is still time for new employees to join in the fun. Ladd encourages others to join the team and be in the running for the Job Fest cash prizes: "Go ahead and apply! We need good workers here!" To learn more about Job Fest 2022 and to apply to work with Staffmark Group, visit www.worknowandwin.com. To learn more about the Staffmark Group family of brands, visit www.staffmarkgroup.com. About Staffmark Group Staffmark Group is one of the largest staffing companies in the United States and has been providing outstanding service for over 40 years. A proud member of RGF Staffing, Staffmark Group operates in over 400 locations, providing staffing solutions across a comprehensive range of disciplines, including contingent staffing, direct/permanent hire, on-site staffing management services, recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) and master service provider (MSP). To learn more about Staffmark Group, visit www.staffmarkgroup.com. About RGF Staffing RGF Staffing is a leading global HR services provider with activities in Asia Pacific, Europe, Japan and North America. Every day more than 300,000 people work for businesses and institutions via the RGF Staffing network. RGF Staffing is part of Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. For further information please visit www.rgfstaffing.com. SOURCE Staffmark Group Reduced fouling in water-cooled chiller plants at 3 major universities leads to an average of 12% improvement in energy efficiency. CORALVILLE, Iowa, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovas Technologies, a U.S. based manufacturer of energy efficiency solutions, today released data from a comparative study that combines sustainability impacts from three major US Universities resulting from the introduction of the Helios Automatic Tube Cleaning System (Helios TCS) technology. The data highlights how the Helios provided an annual reduction of over 7,000 tons GHG emissions resulting from the introduction of the automation technology. The groundbreaking success of the Helios automation technology is empowering these Universities toward the successful implementation of their Net Zero strategies. The study shows the potential of the Helios to contribute to the nations' carbon reduction goals by providing the capability to eliminate over 3,000,000 tons of GHG emissions annually in the commercial HVAC sector alone. Results in the HVAC sector are applicable to other industrial segments of the Global economy. The Helios Automatic Tube Cleaning System is playing a transformational role in modernizing operations in the commercial, industrial, and institutional cooling environment. Data highlights annual reduction of over 7,000 tons GHG emissions resulting from introduction of automation technology. Tweet this In all three cases, the Helios TCS improved chiller energy efficiency by maintaining stable approach temperatures at or below design parameters. Where high quality source water is unobtainable even greater results were encountered. Data shows that lower approach temperatures have reduced energy consumption and increased chiller efficiency by an average of 12%. The financial and environmental savings are significant. About the Helios TCS The Helios Automatic Tube Cleaning System from Innovas Technologies eliminates tube fouling contributing to chilled water plant optimization. The system is proven, reliable and the install base has run millions of cycles without any process interruptions. It works by injecting cleaning balls into the entry point of heat exchanger tubes and collecting them in a trap on the exit part of the heat exchanger. The cleaning balls gently "wipe" the insides of the tubes clean, eliminating bio scale and preventing deposits from accumulating. About Innovas Technologies Headquartered in Coralville, Iowa Innovas Technologies is a leading U.S. based manufacturer of energy efficiency solutions tailored to the university, hospital, industrial, and refining sectors. At Innovas Technologies, we believe energy conservation is the largest opportunity for a sustainable future, and our products are designed to provide highly measurable environmental and financial impacts. Visit innovastechnologies.com . SOURCE Innovas Technologies Majority of SYNERGY HomeCare Locations are Contracted with the VA; New 'Serving Those who Served' Initiative Focuses on Navigating VA Home Care Benefits and Support Resources GILBERT, Ariz., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In conjunction with Veterans Day this November, SYNERGY HomeCare , the nation's fastest growing home care franchise, an Entrepreneur 500 ranked enterprise and a Top 200 Franchise according to Franchise Business Review, has launched a new education and outreach campaign to raise veteran awareness about home care benefits for which they may be eligible. SYNERGY HomeCare has more than 400 agencies nationwide. Following a concerted credentialing effort, the majority of these locations are contracted with the VA to provide home care services to eligible veterans and their families. There are 18 million military veterans in U.S. who may be unaware of VA home care benefits Tweet this "Our new veterans initiative extends SYNERGY HomeCare's long-standing commitment to providing personalized and compassionate care to veterans and their families," said Rich Paul, Chief Partnership Officer for SYNERGY HomeCare. "With the vast majority of our agencies contracted with the VA, we are uniquely positioned to serve those who served. We're honored to be a trusted partner in helping our veterans access the quality home care support they deserve." The cornerstone of SYNERGY HomeCare's awareness efforts is a new webpage that outlines VA benefits that cover home care services for eligible veterans, including information on the VA Aid and Attendance, Housebound Pension, and Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care benefits. The site provides educational content to help veterans and their surviving spouses determine eligibility and access care, as well as a complement of free family caregiver support resources, all in a simple and easy-to-navigate user experience. Among the resources available is a special edition of SYNERGY HomeCare Magazine honoring veterans, featuring an introduction from retired Army Infantry officer Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Steve Scroggs, Ph.D., president of the HighThrive Foundation. "Currently, there are more than 18 million military veterans living in the U.S. Because many servicemen and women leave the military and pursue civilian careers, they may forget about their VA benefits," Dr. Scroggs said. "They may not realize that there are a number of VA programs that cover the cost of home care to help them with things that may have become more challenging as they have gotten older. Some VA benefits also cover the cost of respite care for family caregivers, who may be juggling a job and a family with caregiving." From a few hours a day to around-the-clock care, SYNERGY HomeCare proudly serves veterans in many ways, including: Companion care Personal care / assistance with daily activities Disability assistance Recovery support for illness, stroke or surgery Memory care Light housekeeping, errands and transportation Respite care for family caregivers To learn more about SYNERGY HomeCare's Veteran Home Care Services, visit https://synergyhomecare.com/veterans . ABOUT SYNERGY HOMECARE SYNERGY HomeCare is the fastest-growing national franchisor in the home care industry with nearly 200 franchisees operating in more than 400 territories across the U.S. The company provides a broad range of non-medical home care services including personal care, companion care, memory care and specialized care for individuals who are living with a physical or developmental disability, a chronic health condition, or who are recovering from illness or surgery. No matter what each person's circumstances are, SYNERGY HomeCare steps in with effective, comforting, life-affirming care that moves people emotionally and physically forward. For more information, visit SYNERGY HomeCare.com. Media Contact : David Siroty Imagine Productions [email protected] (908) 337-5865 Melanie O'Brien SYNERGY HomeCare melanieo'[email protected] (571) 307-2440 SOURCE SYNERGY HomeCare Anomaly Berlin Enjoys Continued Growth and Evolution BERLIN, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Five years since its launch, Anomaly Berlin has enjoyed extraordinary momentum and is now firmly established as a major player in the market. Well-known for its longstanding, award-winning work with Zalando and Rimowa globally, culture-forward domestic work for Google and TikTok, as well as upstream innovation for Nespresso, the office has continued to grow with recent wins including Gaggenau and Hinge. As the office continues to expand its unique model, there are some talent moves happening across the agency. After 12 months of living in Berlin, Azsa West (Executive Creative Director) is leaving. Her family's desire to return home has led to a big decision to return to Portland in the US. Simon Owen, Partner & CEO Anomaly Berlin, says "Azsa is incredible talent and a simply exceptional person, so we're very sad to see her go. But family is always supremely important and no-one can deny the pull back home, so we totally respect her decision. It's been a short yet very sweet time with us, and we wish her the very best of luck in what we're sure will be nothing but an amazing future. Given our unique model and the strength of our existing team, we have the luxury of taking our time with any kind of succession plan." Creative leadership is further evolving with the hire of Nadine Nedrebo as a Group Creative Director, complementing the agency's existing GCD structure designed to oversee all client output. Nedrebo brings a wealth of international experience, having worked across agencies such as DDB, Jung von Matt and Heimat, in-house as Creative Director at Zalando and then running her own agency, Gunther, for a number of years. Longtime Anomaly veteran, David Barton is promoted to Managing Director from Head of Account Management. Barton joined as a Business Director in 2018 as the tenth employee. Since then he has grown to be Head of Account Management, running the department and key clients such as Google, Zalando, L'Occitane en Provence and Sony. Barton's appointment as Managing Director further bolsters the management line-up given the office's ongoing growth and momentum. Clara Mulligan, Head of Design at Anomaly London, is promoted to Head of Design Europe. Under her leadership, the discipline has rapidly expanded across innovation and communications in London. Mulligan was instrumental to Anomaly Berlin's appointment by Gaggenau last month and is now tasked with growing the design practice in Berlin and further dimensionalising the Anomaly offering to clients. Further, Eduardo Bernado is promoted to Business Development Director and Lennart Fleschhut to Innovation Strategy Director. Both internal promotions signal a clear commitment to continue to diversify Anomaly's model in Berlin. Owen continues "One thing we've all learned over the past few years is that change is constant. Thankfully our model is designed to be ever-evolving, and with yet another year of record performance we're always looking at ways to invest in and celebrate great talent - even in the rare cases it means celebrating great talent like Azsa but having to say goodbye." ABOUT ANOMALY Founded in 2004, Anomaly is a difficult to define, but exciting to work at, 'new model' agency. Driven by a passionate and entrepreneurial culture encompassing a diverse, elastic set of skills - Anomaly has offices in Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, London, Berlin and Shanghai. Clients include: Ancestry.com, Ally Financial, Anheuser-Busch InBev, The Coca-Cola Company, Diageo, Gaggenau, General Mills, Google, MINI, LVMH, L'Occitane en Provence, Nespresso, Rimowa, Sony, TikTok, Uber, Unilever & Zalando. Anomaly has been recognised for a very wide range of work and IP, covering both effectiveness and craft excellence including: Ad Age's Agency of the Year, Cannes Lions, Effies, Fast Company's Most Innovative, Jay Chiat, Digiday Awards and the Mashies - among the usual suspects. Anomaly has also been honoured with a few less conventional accolades as well, such as being named one of Time Magazine's Best Inventions for dosist (a medicinal cannabis brand the agency created), Toy of The Year for Mighty Jaxx, plus multiple Emmys for a television series called Avec Eric, all of which the agency created and co-owns. anomaly.com SOURCE Anomaly DURBAN, South Africa, Nov. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 28, 2022 local time, the 325MW PV module facility jointly built by Talesun Solar and ARTsolar was formally put into operation in South Africa. Representatives from the local government, industry associations and banks were present at the ceremony. Talesun Solar president Dong Shuguang was honored to be invited as a guest. Mr. Dong, on behalf of Talesun Solar, sent the most sincere wishes to ARTsolar and its employees via a video, and expressed the deepest respect to leaders who care about and support localized manufacturing in South Africa. He said that Talesun Solar has been dedicated to customer-centric services, constant innovation and value creation over the past decade. Talesun Solar is a world-leading photovoltaic manufacturer with an annual capacity of 16GW of high-efficiency, single-crystal PV cells and 20GW of high-efficiency PV modules. The firm is a preeminent provider of innovative technology for complete renewable energy power solutions. The inauguration of the 325MW PV module facility in South Africa represents a new beginning and milestone for the collaboration between Talesun Solar and ARTsolar, and serves as a catalyst and model for the quality-focused development of not only the local PV industry but also the whole of the local economy. The global drive to reach carbon peak and carbon neutrality heralds a great opportunity for the rapid development of the PV industry. Talesun Solar looks forward to enhancing its cooperation with ARTsolar, to delivering top-quality, high-performance PV modules to South Africa as well as the broader US and European markets, and to accelerating the rate at which the world as a whole will attain carbon neutrality. SOURCE Talesun Solar Inspired by Televerde's social mission, McGugan brings a wealth of leadership and hands-on experience to lead Phoenix-based Televerde PHOENIX, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Televerde, a global sales and marketing company that provides inside sales, demand generation, and customer experience solutions to B2B businesses around the world, announced today that it has selected Chris McGugan as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). McGugan assumes the CEO role from Morag Lucey who retired earlier this year after serving three years leading Televerde. "I'm excited to announce the appointment of Chris McGugan as our CEO following a rigorous selection process in which we considered both internal and external candidates. Chris is known for his considerable operational expertise and brings with him a unique set of skills, perspectives, and relationships to take our business forward at a time when Televerde has strong momentum," said Vince Barsolo, chief strategy and growth officer at Televerde. "Chris is a passionate and proven leader with the vision to expand on the success Televerde has built over the past 27 years. I am confident in his ability to continue guiding our organization to maximize results for our clients, drive innovation, influence our collaborative and inclusive culture, and change lives." In his role as CEO, McGugan will oversee all Televerde's global operations. He joins the company with more than 30 years of experience in technology development and leadership, with an emphasis on contact center management and innovation, customer service, operations, and software architecture and design. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President & General Manager of Oracle CX Service where he led the development of the next generation of customer service tools. Prior to Oracle, McGugan held various leadership roles at industry-leading companies including Avaya, Sears, Saffron, Symbol, and Cisco. "It is a privilege to be part of a company that puts the customer first, delivering high-quality services and innovative solutions to clients that also have societal impact," said McGugan. "As CEO, I will do everything in my power to enable our leaders and people to accelerate the delivery of great experiences for our customers and to fulfill our mission to provide 10,000 life-changing opportunities to disempowered communities over the next decade." McGugan holds board advisory positions with Clearfly Communications and Orium. He graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. McGugan is actively involved in his community. He is the president-elect of the Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council, Boy Scouts of America, and an advisor to Parents Helping Parents, a non-profit organization that helps special needs children and adults receive the support and services they need to reach their full potential. About Televerde Phoenix-based Televerde is the first and only fully integrated sales, marketing, and customer care solutions organization that delivers revenue as a service and customer experience expertise with a human touch, best-in-class technology, and an operating model that is resilient to shifting market conditions. Since 1995, Televerde has generated more than $12B in revenue for the world's leading B2B companies including SAP, GE, Adobe-Marketo, and Securus Technologies. A purpose-built company, Televerde believes in second-chance employment and strives to help disempowered people find their voice and reach their human potential. Incarcerated women staff seven of Televerde's 10 engagement centers, representing 70 percent of the company's 600+ global workforce. The Arizona State University Seidman Research Institute recently documented the model's success in a study. The results reveal that participants of Televerde's program go on to attain employment, earnings, and education at higher rates and re-offend at significantly lower rates than other formerly incarcerated females in the United States. The full study can be accessed here. Visit https://televerde.com/. Kellie Walenciak [email protected] 908-377-9968 SOURCE Televerde Summary of Study Outcomes ZIRCON Phase III study of Telix's investigational imaging agent TLX250-CDx in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has met all of its primary and secondary endpoints The study delivered co-primary endpoints of 86% sensitivity and 87% specificity and 93% positive predictive value (secondary endpoint) considerably exceeding sensitivity and specificity targets These ground-breaking results indicate that TLX250-CDx has the potential to become a new clinical standard in the diagnosis of ccRCC and deliver an unmet medical need for a non-invasive diagnostic tool in this disease setting Based on these positive results, Telix will progress towards a Biologics License Application (BLA) filing with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and worldwide regulatory filings in key commercial jurisdictions MELBOURNE, Australia, Nov. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: TLX, Telix, the Company) today announces highly positive top-line results from the pivotal Phase III ZIRCON study ( Zi rconium in R enal C ancer On cology, NCT03849118) of its investigational renal (kidney) cancer positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent, TLX250-CDx (89Zr-DFO-girentuximab). The study has met its co-primary and secondary endpoints. The study results delivered 86% sensitivity and 87% specificity, exceeding the pre-determined threshold required to demonstrate the ability of TLX250-CDx to reliably detect the clear cell phenotype and provide a non-invasive method of diagnosing the presence and spread of ccRCC. The study has also met the key secondary endpoint, achieving 85% sensitivity and 89% specificity in detecting ccRCC in tumours <4cm ("T1a" classification), currently a significant clinical challenge in the diagnosis of ccRCC. A total of 300 patients were dosed with TLX250-CDx resulting in 284 evaluable patients. Each patient received a single dose of TLX250-CDx and a histological tumour sample from surgical resection was used as the truth comparator. The results mean that, for the first time, urologists and urologic oncologists may have a non-invasive way to determine if small renal masses are the clear cell phenotype, the most aggressive and common form of renal malignancy. TLX250-CDx has received "Breakthrough Designation" from the FDA.1 Investigators in the ZIRCON study commented:2 A/Prof Brian Shuch, MD, Director, Kidney Cancer Program, UCLA Institute of Urologic Oncology (Los Angeles, California) said, "The positive result from the study is a critical step in better diagnosing clear cell renal cancer. Having an imaging product like TLX250-CDx will be so important in managing the continued increase in incidence of small renal masses and reducing the need for unnecessary invasive surgery for lesions that in the prior era were often found to be benign at the time of surgery." Mr Gregory Jack, F.R.A.C.S., General Urological Surgeon Austin Health and Olivia Newton John Cancer Centre (Melbourne, Australia) added, "Kidney cancer is a diagnostic dilemma for the majority of our patients. Without biopsy or surgery, we can't currently give them the information they need. Based on this result from the ZIRCON Phase III study, TLX250-CDx may help us to be more accurate in who we treat, whilst also providing reassurance for those patients who don't need treatment." Professor Francoise Kraeber-Bodere, MD, PhD, Nuclear Medicine Department - CHU Nantes (Nantes, France), said, "Results from the Phase III ZIRCON study of TLX250-CDx should represent a major milestone in the management of small renal lesions and the diagnosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. There is so much potential in optimal targeting of CAIX, paving the way for better staging of this neoplasia and a theranostic approach." Based on these outstanding results Telix intends to file a BLA for regulatory approval with the FDA and global regulatory agencies as a positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging agent for use in the characterisation of indeterminate renal masses previously identified on CT or MRI as ccRCC or non-ccRCC. Potential future utility may include active surveillance, surgical staging and treatment response assessment and the Company is actively engaged in clinical research at leading cancer centres to demonstrate the potential of these indications. Dr Colin Hayward, Chief Medical Officer at Telix said: "The excellent sensitivity and specificity demonstrated in the ZIRCON study, validates that the CAIX target could be just as ground-breaking in ccRCC as PSMA3 and its application in PSMA-PET imaging has been for prostate cancer. It could optimise surgical intervention particularly in the incidence of very small renal masses. These results provide confidence that TLX250-CDx is an important tool not only for initial diagnosis but potentially also for active surveillance and disease staging." About Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited Telix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialisation of diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. Telix is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia with international operations in the United States, Europe (Belgium and Switzerland), and Japan. Telix is developing a portfolio of clinical-stage products that aims to address significant unmet medical need in oncology and rare diseases. Telix is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: TLX). For more information visit www.telixpharma.com and follow Telix on Twitter (@TelixPharma) and LinkedIn. TLX250-CDx has not received a marketing authorisation in any jurisdiction. Telix's lead product, gallium-68 (68Ga) gozetotide (also known as 68Ga PSMA-11) injection, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),4 the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)5 and by Health Canada.6 Telix Investor Relations Ms. Kyahn Williamson Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited SVP Corporate Communications and Investor Relations Email: [email protected] This announcement has been authorised for release by the disclosure committee of Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited. Legal Notices This announcement is not intended as promotion or advertising directed to any healthcare professional or other audience in any country worldwide (including Australia, United States and the United Kingdom). This announcement may include forward-looking statements that relate to anticipated future events, financial performance, plans, strategies or business developments. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as "may", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "outlook", "forecast" and "guidance", or other similar words. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's good-faith assumptions as to the financial, market, regulatory and other risks and considerations that exist and affect the Company's business and operations in the future and there can be no assurance that any of the assumptions will prove to be correct. In the context of Telix's business, forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about: the initiation, timing, progress and results of Telix's preclinical and clinical studies, and Telix's research and development programs; Telix's ability to advance product candidates into, enrol and successfully complete, clinical studies, including multi-national clinical trials; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals, manufacturing activities and product marketing activities; the commercialisation of Telix's product candidates, if or when they have been approved; estimates of Telix's expenses, future revenues and capital requirements; Telix's financial performance; developments relating to Telix's competitors and industry; and the pricing and reimbursement of Telix's product candidates, if and after they have been approved. Telix's actual results, performance or achievements may be materially different from those which may be expressed or implied by such statements, and the differences may be adverse. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. You should read this announcement together with our risk factors, as disclosed in our most recently filed reports with the ASX or on our website. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Telix disclaims any obligation or undertaking to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or a change in expectations or assumptions. The Telix Pharmaceuticals and the Illuccix name and logo are trademarks of Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited and its affiliates all rights reserved. 1 Telix ASX disclosure 1 July 2020. 2 Independent study investigator views and opinions. 3 Prostate specific membrane antigen, positron emission tomography. 4 ASX disclosure 20 December 2021. 5 ASX disclosure 2 November 2021. 6 ASX disclosure 14 October 2022. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1920208/Telix_Main_Logo_Logo.jpg SOURCE Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Angiographic Catheters Market 2022-2026 The analyst has been monitoring the angiographic catheters market and it is poised to grow by $ 584.14 mn during 2022-2026, accelerating at a CAGR of 7.26% during the forecast period. Our report on the angiographic catheters market provides a holistic analysis, market size and forecast, trends, growth drivers, and challenges, as well as vendor analysis covering around 25 vendors. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06360167/?utm_source=PRN The report offers an up-to-date analysis of the current global market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. The market is driven by rapidly increasing CVD cases, high investment in production innovation, and rapid technological advancements. The angiographic catheters market analysis includes the end-user segment and geographic landscape. The angiographic catheters market is segmented as below: By End-user a Hospitals a Clinics a ASCs By Geographical Landscape a North America a Europe a Asia a Rest of World (ROW) This study identifies the rising market penetration in emerging nations as one of the prime reasons driving the angiographic catheters market growth during the next few years. Also, new product development and launches and increased preference for minimally invasive procedures will lead to sizable demand in the market. The analyst presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources by an analysis of key parameters. Our report on the angiographic catheters market covers the following areas: a Angiographic catheters market sizing a Angiographic catheters market forecast a Angiographic catheters market industry analysis This robust vendor analysis is designed to help clients improve their market position, and in line with this, this report provides a detailed analysis of several leading angiographic catheters market vendors that include Alvimedica, AngioDynamics Inc., B. Braun SE, Becton Dickinson and Co., Boston Scientific Corp., BVM Medical Ltd., Cardinal Health Inc, Cook Medical LLC, Haemonetics Corp., InSitu Technologies Inc., McKesson Corp., Medtronic Plc, Merit Medical Systems Inc., OSCOR Inc., Siemens AG, Teleflex Inc., and Terumo Corp. Also, the angiographic catheters market analysis report includes information on upcoming trends and challenges that will influence market growth. This is to help companies strategize and leverage all forthcoming growth opportunities. The study was conducted using an objective combination of primary and secondary information including inputs from key participants in the industry. The report contains a comprehensive market and vendor landscape in addition to an analysis of the key vendors. The analyst presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources by an analysis of key parameters such as profit, pricing, competition, and promotions. It presents various market facets by identifying the key industry influencers. The data presented is comprehensive, reliable, and a result of extensive research - both primary and secondary. Technavioas market research reports provide a complete competitive landscape and an in-depth vendor selection methodology and analysis using qualitative and quantitative research to forecast accurate market growth. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06360167/?utm_source=PRN 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. __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker LOS ANGELES, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Environmental and land use law firm The Sohagi Law Group announced its inclusion on the 2023 U.S. News Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" list. The firm's Land Use & Zoning Law practice is ranked as Tier 1, the highest ranking available, both nationally and regionally. The list is compiled annually by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers. "We are honored to be acknowledged by Best Lawyers, particularly as this recognition is based on feedback from clients and peers," said Managing Partner Margaret Sohagi. "This honor is a testament to the diligence and hard work of all of the attorneys and the support team at the firm." Law firms included in the 2023 "Best Law Firms" list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers, according to the publication. The 2023 Edition of "Best Law Firms" includes rankings in 75 national practice areas and 127 metropolitan-based practice areas. The Sohagi Law Group's practice has focused on assisting cities, counties, and other public agencies navigate the legal complexities of land use, climate change, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and housing and infrastructure development. The Sohagi Law Group provides constructive, practical legal advice, working directly with lead agency counsel, staff, appointed elected officials. When necessary, they zealously defends lead agencies' land use approvals and environmental determinations in judicial proceedings, and frequently heads mediation teams in settlement discussions. Best Lawyers and U.S. News and World Report have issued their "Best Law Firm" rankings for the past thirteen years. About The Sohagi Law Group The Sohagi Law Group handles complex transactional and litigation matters for public agencies, including cities, counties, townships, state agencies, special districts, commissions and authorities. Its attorneys draw upon their extensive expertise in all areas of environmental and land use law to advise clients navigate existing laws and regulations and keep them up to date on emerging environmental issues such as climate change and greenhouse gas regulation. SOURCE The Sohagi Law Group TEL AVIV, Israel, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Ltd (TASE: TASE) is pleased to announce that its financial statements for the period ended September 30, 2022 will be published on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, after market close. In addition, the Company is pleased to announce that at 8:00 PM (Israeli time) on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, a conference call will take place, in English, in which the Company's financial statements for the Third Quarter of 2022 will be reviewed before the Company's investors. The Company's CEO, Mr. Ittai Ben-Zeev, and its CFO, Mr. Yehuda Ben Ezra, will host the call followed by Q&A. Conference Call Dial-in Details (on passcode required): Israel: 03-9180609 US: 1-888-744-5399 (toll free) Canada: 1-888-604-5839 (toll free) UK: 0-800-917-5108 (toll free) All other Locations: + 972-3-9180609 The conference call will be held in English and will be accompanied by a presentation, which will be reported, in both Hebrew and English, on the Israeli Securities Authority website (MAGNA) and on the TASE MAYA website, shortly before the conference call and, subsequently, also on the Company's website, under Investor Relations, whose address is: https://ir.tase.co.il/en A day after the call, a recording of the English conference call will be uploaded to the Company's website, under Investor Relations. The conference call is not a substitute for perusing the Company's interim financial statements for the period ended September 30, 2022 in which full and precise information is presented. Contact: Orna Goren Head of Communication and Public Relations Unit Tel: +972 76 8160405 [email protected] SOURCE The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Ltd. DUBLIN, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Firefighting Foam Market Share, Size, Trends By Type, By End-Use Industry, By Region, Segment Forecast, 2022 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global firefighting foam market size is expected to reach USD 1,065.3 million by 2030, according to a new study. The report gives a detailed insight into current market dynamics and provides analysis on future market growth. The increasing application of firefighting products in the oil and gas sector, growth in industrialization and urbanization, and rising instances of fire accidents drive the growth of the market. However, the COVID-19 outbreak has restricted the growth of the industry. The aviation, mining, and oil and gas industries have been adversely affected by the pandemic resulting in reduced demand, disruption of the supply chain, halt in manufacturing and construction activities, and workforce impairment. The demand for firefighting products is expected to increase in Asia-Pacific during the forecast period. Greater industrialization and rising demand from the aviation and mining sectors support market growth in this region. The introduction of fire safety and protection regulations further increases the demand for firefighting products in Asia-Pacific. Several global players are entering into partnerships to strengthen their presence in the developing nations of China, Japan, India, and South Korea. The oil and gas segment dominated the market in 2021. Stringent protocols to be followed by oil & gas companies for fire safety, high exposure to flammable gases, chemicals, and materials, and greater demand for oil and gas to address growing energy demand across the globe are factors expected to offer growth opportunities for the firefighting products during the forecast period. Alcohol-resistant aqueous film-forming foam is a viscous concentrate developed especially for fires caused by flammable and water-soluble liquids. They form a gel-like appearance. The foam blanket forms a polymeric membrane on a polar solvent fire. During fire suppression, the polymer from the foam precipitates and forms a barrier or membrane between the fuel surface and foam blanket to avoid loss and damage caused by alcohol fuel. Firefighting Foam Market Report Highlights Aqueous film forming (AFF) segment accounted for a significant share owing to greater use in class A and class B fire cases. Oil and gas segment contributed to major revenue share in 2021 owing to greater need to follow safety regulations and protocols while handling flammable gases and chemicals during exploration, drilling, refining activities. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period on account of increasing economic growth, strengthening oil and gas sector, and greater application in mining and aviation industries. is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period on account of increasing economic growth, strengthening oil and gas sector, and greater application in mining and aviation industries. The firefighting foam industry is highly competitive owing to the existence of large market players with global presence including Angus Fire Limited, Buckeye Fire Equipment Company, Chemguard, Johnson Controls International PLC., and Perimeter Solutions among others. Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Executive Summary 3. Research Methodology 4. Global Firefighting Foam Market Insights 4.1. Firefighting Foam Market - Industry Snapshot 4.2. Firefighting Foam Market Dynamics 4.2.1. Drivers and Opportunities 4.2.1.1. Increased fire-related accidents leading to casualties and loss of property 4.2.1.2. Stringent rules & regulations regarding fire safety 4.2.2. Restraints and Challenges 4.2.2.1. Absence of a standardized regulatory body globally for approval of firefighting foam 4.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 4.4. PESTLE Analysis 4.5. Firefighting Foam Industry trends 4.6. Value Chain Analysis 4.7. COVID-19 Impact Analysis 5. Global Firefighting Foam Market, by Type 5.1. Key Findings 5.2. Introduction 5.2.1. Global Firefighting Foam, by Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) 5.3. Alcohol Resistant Aqueous Film Forming (AR-AFF) 5.3.1. Global Firefighting Foam Market, by Alcohol Resistant Aqueous Film Forming (AR-AFF), by Region, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) 5.4. Aqueous Film Forming (AFF) 5.4.1. Global Firefighting Foam Market, by Aqueous Film Forming (AFF), by Region, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) 5.5. Synthetic Detergent 5.5.1. Global Firefighting Foam Market, by Synthetic Detergent, by Region, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) 5.6. Protein 5.6.1. Global Firefighting Foam Market, by Protein, by Region, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) 5.7. Others 5.7.1. Global Firefighting Foam Market, by Others, by Region, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) 6. Global Firefighting Foam Market, by End-Use Industry 6.1. Key Findings 6.2. Introduction 6.2.1. Global Firefighting Foam Market, by End-Use Industry, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) 6.3. Mining 6.3.1. Global Firefighting Foam Market, by Mining, by Region, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) 6.4. Oil & Gas 6.4.1. Global Firefighting Foam Market, by Oil & Gas, by Region, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) 6.5. Marine 6.5.1. Global Firefighting Foam Market, by Marine, by Region, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) 6.6. Aviation 6.6.1. Global Firefighting Foam Market, by Aviation, by Region, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) 6.7. Others 6.7.1. Global Firefighting Foam Market, by Others, by Region, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) 7. Global Firefighting Foam Market, by Geography 8. Competitive Landscape 8.1. Expansion and Acquisition Analysis 8.1.1. Expansion 8.1.2. Acquisitions 8.2. Partnerships/Collaborations/Agreements/Exhibitions 9. Company Profiles 9.1. Angus Fire Limited 9.1.1. Company Overview 9.1.2. Financial Performance 9.1.3. Product Benchmarking 9.1.4. Recent Development 9.2. Auxquimia 9.2.1. Company Overview 9.2.2. Financial Performance 9.2.3. Product Benchmarking 9.2.4. Recent Development 9.3. Bavaria Egypt S.A.E 9.3.1. Company Overview 9.3.2. Financial Performance 9.3.3. Product Benchmarking 9.3.4. Recent Development 9.4. Buckeye Fire Equipment Company 9.4.1. Company Overview 9.4.2. Financial Performance 9.4.3. Product Benchmarking 9.4.4. Recent Development 9.5. Chemguard 9.5.1. Company Overview 9.5.2. Financial Performance 9.5.3. Product Benchmarking 9.5.4. Recent Development 9.6. Dafo Fomtec AB 9.6.1. Company Overview 9.6.2. Financial Performance 9.6.3. Product Benchmarking 9.6.4. Recent Development 9.7. Fireade Inc 9.7.1. Company Overview 9.7.2. Financial Performance 9.7.3. Product Benchmarking 9.7.4. Recent Development 9.8. Johnson Controls International PLC 9.8.1. Company Overview 9.8.2. Financial Performance 9.8.3. Product Benchmarking 9.8.4. Recent Development 9.9. KV Fire Chemicals Pvt. Ltd 9.9.1. Company Overview 9.9.2. Financial Performance 9.9.3. Product Benchmarking 9.9.4. Recent Development 9.10. Orchidee 9.10.1. Company Overview 9.10.2. Financial Performance 9.10.3. Product Benchmarking 9.10.4. Recent Development 9.11. Oil Technics (Fire Fighting Foam Products) Limited 9.11.1. Company Overview 9.11.2. Financial Performance 9.11.3. Product Benchmarking 9.11.4. Recent Development 9.12. Perimeter Solutions 9.12.1. Company Overview 9.12.2. Financial Performance 9.12.3. Product Benchmarking 9.12.4. Recent Development 9.13. Profoam srl 9.13.1. Company Overview 9.13.2. Financial Performance 9.13.3. Product Benchmarking 9.13.4. Recent Development 9.14. SEPPIC 9.14.1. Company Overview 9.14.2. Financial Performance 9.14.3. Product Benchmarking 9.14.4. Recent Development 9.15. VimalFire 9.15.1. Company Overview 9.15.2. Financial Performance 9.15.3. Product Benchmarking 9.15.4. Recent Development 9.16. Vintex Fire Protection Pvt Ltd. 9.16.1. Company Overview 9.16.2. Financial Performance 9.16.3. Product Benchmarking 9.16.4. Recent Development For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/5000ya Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets Seasoned Cancer Research Fellow with specialized interest in Reverse Phase Protein Array Technology to bolster Theralink's management team GOLDEN, Colo., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Theralink Technologies, Inc. (OTC: THER) ("Theralink" or the "Company"), a precision oncology company with a novel phosphoprotein-based assay for breast cancer, today announced that it has appointed Dr. Mattia Cremona as its Director of its Biopharma Laboratory effective November 7, 2022. Dr. Cremona is a molecular biologist, with a specialty in translation oncology research. During his career, he has worked in several research hospitals in Europe and the US, most recently as a Research Fellow at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), where he established the first Reverse Phase Protein Array (RPPA) Platform. Dr. Cremona's research involves using proteomic high-throughput approaches to study the status of the proteins inside cancer cells and to highlight changes with normal cells that could explain why patients do not respond to therapy or develop resistance after an initial response. He has contributed articles to several leading peer-reviewed journals, including Cancer and The British Journal of Cancer. He has presented at many international conferences and his published research has been frequently cited. Dr. Cremona completed his PhD in Molecular Medicine at Universita' degli Studi di Milano in 2009. Mick Ruxin, M.D., President & CEO of Theralink, commented, "Mattia is a world-renowned cancer researcher, with a track record of not only advancing proteome analysis, but also contributing significantly to leading peer-reviewed journals. He possesses highly specialized knowledge in Reverse Phase Protein Array Technology, which Theralink has licensed along with 9 patents from George Mason University and the NIH, making him especially valuable and critical to the Theralink team. Theralink has developed game-changing assays that help predict which FDA-approved or investigational drug is most effective in each cancer, and we look forward to welcoming Dr. Cremona's insights and expertise in this area." Dr. Mattia Cremona stated, "Theralink is a pioneer in precision oncology, providing molecular insights for each unique patient on the likelihood that they will respond (or not respond) to a particular therapy. In this manner, the patient gets the right drug earlier in their cancer care journey- which of course may improve their quality of life and may reduce overall morbidity and mortality rates." Dr. Cremona continued, "I am very pleased to have the ability to contribute to this important work in an area I am so passionate about." About Theralink Technologies, Inc. Theralink Technologies is a proteomics-based, precision medicine company with a CLIA-certified laboratory located in Golden, Colorado. Through its unique and patented phosphoprotein and protein biomarker platform and LDTs, Theralink's technology targets multiple areas of oncology and drug development. In addition to the Company's first assay for advanced breast cancer, Theralink is actively working on a second assay that is planned to be pan-tumor for solid tumors across multiple tumor types such as ovarian, endometrial, pancreatic, liver, head and neck, colorectal, lung, prostate, among others. Theralink provides precision oncology data through its powerful Theralink Reverse Phase Protein Array assays to assist the biopharmaceutical industry and clinical oncologists in identifying likely responders and non-responders to both FDA-approved and investigational drug treatments. Theralink intends to help improve cancer outcomes for patients, help reveal therapeutic options for oncologists, and support biopharmaceutical drug development by using a beyond-genomics approach to molecular profiling that directly measures drug target levels and activity. For more information, please visit www.theralink.com. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, anything relating or referring to future financial results, patient enrollment and plans for future business development activities, and are thus prospective. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties some of which cannot be predicted or quantified based on current expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in reports filed by Theralink Technologies with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting the financial condition of our business and although the company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Consequently, future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly release statements made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. SOURCE Theralink Technologies Four high school seniors will receive $5,000 for writing about solutions to social injustice JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- To help support the fight against racism, social injustice and discrimination, TIAA Bank will award four scholarships to four high school students who write about how they would address those problems. The 3rd annual scholarship program is part of TIAA's "Be the Change" campaign, an award-winning initiative. High school seniors at 13 participating Jacksonville schools are eligible for the $5,000 scholarships. The essays must be submitted by Dec. 31. "Our core values focus on improving the communities where we live and work," said Eric Loller, the Community Reinvestment Act Officer for TIAA Bank. "What these students share is inspiring." Winners will be honored at Jacksonville's 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast. "TIAA Bank's Be the Change scholarship program gives students a voice to express the problems and the challenges our community faces," said Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. "More importantly, it gives students a chance to suggest how we can work together to find solutions." A committee of TIAA Bank associates with expertise in diversity and inclusion will choose the winners based on factors, such as creativity, message content and writing quality. Last year, for example, one scholarship winner explained how the nation's public schools are more segregated than they have been in 50 years. While Jacksonville students can increase diversity by attending schools outside their neighborhoods, many lower-income families don't have the resources to do that. The scholarship winner suggested that Jacksonville officials offer city transit passes to help. Be the Change was launched in 2020 by TIAA, the parent company of TIAA Bank. The program has included educational opportunities and a "Race Against Isms" 5K run that spurred donations of books featuring broadly diverse characters. To learn more about the scholarship program, visit https://www.tiaabank.com/scholarship. To learn more about Be the Change, visit https://www.tiaa.org/public/about-tiaa/news-press/press-releases/2020/06-30. To learn more about TIAA's social justice initiatives, visit https://www.tiaabank.com/about/social-justice. About TIAA Bank TIAA Bank, a division of TIAA, FSB, provides full-service, nationwide banking services to consumer, commercial and institutional clients through a variety of channels, including online and mobile applications, and Florida-based financial centers. Contact: Peter Smolowitz, [email protected] SOURCE TIAA Bank Set to host leading leading investors, innovators and industry enthusiasts, Europe's leading crypto conference will see full capacity LONDON, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TOKEN2049 London , Europe's premier crypto event, has hit full attendee capacity, and is set to welcome thousands during the two day event on 9th and 10th of November at Magazine London . Bringing together the most influential executives, founders, and thought leaders in Web3, the conference has published a comprehensive agenda which includes a stellar line up of speakers. Keynote speeches and panels will explore NFTs, the Metaverse, DeFi, global macro environments, Web3, DAOs, and many more, providing unparalleled networking opportunities. Coinciding with London Crypto Week and situated by the heart of London's financial district, TOKEN2049 London will serve as the capital's meeting point for entrepreneurs, crypto enthusiasts, and industry insiders alike. Recent speaker announcements include Aptos Co-Founder and CEO Mo Shaikh, Outlier Venture's Founder and CEO Jamie Burke, and Blockchain.com CEO and Co-Founder Peter Smith, transporting audiences to the frontline of the latest Web3 developments. In anticipation of the event, Raphael Strauch commented, "We are delighted to share that TOKEN2049 London has hit full capacity. On the back of our record-breaking event in Singapore which hosted over 7,000 attendees, we believe more strongly than ever in the value that Web3 continues to contribute to established enterprise and social landscapes." For more information and continued updates on TOKEN2049 London, please visit: https://www.europe.token2049.com/ Raphael Strauch, Founder of TOKEN2049 is available for interview. About TOKEN2049: TOKEN2049 is a premier Web3 event, organised annually in Singapore and London, where decision-makers in the global crypto ecosystem connect to exchange ideas, network, and shape the industry. TOKEN2049 is a global meeting place for entrepreneurs, institutions, industry insiders, investors, and those with a strong interest in the crypto and blockchain industry. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1876762/TOKEN2049_Logo.jp SOURCE TOKEN2049 The second annual partnership aims to raise $2.5 million globally for World Bicycle Relief with Trek matching all donations up to $500,000 For the second year in a row, World Bicycle Relief's purpose-built Buffalo Bicycle is named as Trek's "Bike of the Year" and the gift to give back this holiday season WATERLOO, Wis., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Trek Bicycle and World Bicycle Relief announced their second annual holiday fundraising campaign to provide a reliable means of transportation to rural and underserved communities. Following a successful partnership in 2021 with $1.8 million raised globally, Trek has named World Bicycle Relief's purpose-built Buffalo Bicycle as their "Bike of the Year" for the second year in a row. Designed specifically to meet the needs of people in rural areas, the Buffalo Bicycle is strong, simply designed, and easy to maintain with the capacity to carry people and heavy cargo over long distances and rugged terrain. Through the end of the year, customers can donate to World Bicycle Relief in-person at a Trek store in the U.S. or Canada or globally on Trek's website. Trek will be matching donations up to $500,000 with an end goal of $2.5 million for the non-profit. Trek Bicycle and World Bicycle Relief announce second annual holiday partnership to raise $2.5 million for World Bicycle Relief, which delivers specially designed, locally assembled, rugged bicycles for people in rural and underserved communities. "In partnership with World Bicycle Relief, we were able to surpass our fundraising goal in 2021 and provided 11,000 Buffalo Bicycles to communities across Africa and South America," said Trek Bicycle Vice President of Advocacy, Bob Burns. "We are setting our goals even higher this year to get more Buffalo Bicycles into communities in order to help additional recipients conquer the challenge of distance and achieve independence." Trek Bicycle has been a World Bicycle Relief partner since the organization was founded in 2005 and worked hand in hand with the World Bicycle Relief team to design the first Buffalo Bicycle prototype. These bicycles are delivered to African, southeast Asian, and south American countries and help students, health workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs mobilize their communities. The bikes are locally assembled and distributed with trained program representatives to provide quality maintenance and assistance and help create a more sustainable infrastructure. "Women and girls who were once hassled, exhausted, late to school and worse - can now cut their transportation time in more than half, build their confidence and stay in school," Johanna Vega, World Bicycle Relief's Program Manager in Colombia, describes the impact World Bicycle Relief and the Buffalo Bicycle has had on communities near her. "The Buffalo Bicycle has been a game changer for them and their communities." To make a donation to the holiday campaign, consumers can go to trekbikes.com/wbr-donate or visit one of Trek's in-store locations in the U.S. or Canada to donate in person. The holiday campaign will run from November 7 December 31, 2022. To learn more about World Bicycle Relief's efforts, visit worldbicyclerelief.org. About Trek Bicycle Trek Bicycle is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of bicycles and related products. Trek believes the bicycle can be a simple solution to many of the world's most complex problems and is committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent people from using bicycles more often for transportation, recreation, and inspiration. About World Bicycle Relief Founded in 2005, World Bicycle Relief mobilizes people through The Power of Bicycles. World Bicycle Relief accomplishes its mission by distributing specially designed, high-quality bicycles through philanthropic and social enterprise programs. These purpose-designed bicycles are built to withstand the challenging terrain and conditions in rural, developing areas. Entrepreneurs use bicycles to increase productivity and profits. Students attend class more regularly and their academic performances improve. And health workers visit more patients in less time, providing better, more consistent care. World Bicycle Relief also promotes local economies and long-term sustainability by assembling bicycles locally and training field mechanics to service the bicycles. To date, World Bicycle Relief has delivered more than 675,000 bicycles and trained more than 2,700 field mechanics in Africa, Southeast Asia and South America. World Bicycle Relief is a registered nonprofit in the USA, Canada, U.K., Germany, Switzerland and Australia, and has assembly facilities in Colombia, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. SOURCE Trek Bicycle Corporation DUBLIN, Calif., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TriNet Group, Inc. (NYSE: TNET) (" TriNet " or the " Company ") announced today that it has commenced a modified "Dutch auction" tender offer (the " Tender Offer ") to purchase for cash up to $250 million in value of its common stock (the " Common Stock ") at a price per share not less than $63.00 and not greater than $72.00, less any applicable withholding taxes and without interest, using available cash on hand. On November 4, 2022, the closing price of the Common Stock was $61.75 per share. The Tender Offer will expire at 12 midnight, New York City time, at the end of the day on December 6, 2022, unless extended or terminated. Assuming that the conditions to the Tender Offer are satisfied or waived and the Tender Offer is fully subscribed, if the purchase price per share is $63.00, the Company would purchase 3,968,253 shares and if the purchase price per share is $72.00, the Company would purchase 3,472,222 shares, representing approximately 6.4% and 5.6%, respectively, of the Company's outstanding Common Stock as of November 3, 2022. If shares having an aggregate purchase price of more than $250 million are tendered in the tender offer and not properly withdrawn, the Company reserves the right to accept for purchase pursuant to the tender offer up to an additional 2% of its outstanding shares without extending the expiration date. The Company also expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase additional shares or to change the per share purchase price range subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Any shares tendered may be withdrawn prior to expiration of the Tender Offer. Stockholders that do not wish to participate in the Tender Offer do not need to take any action. A modified "Dutch auction" tender offer allows stockholders to indicate how many shares of Common Stock and at what price within the range described above they wish to tender their shares. Based on the number of shares tendered and the prices specified by the tendering stockholders, the Company will determine the lowest per-share price that will enable it to acquire up to $250 million in value of Common Stock. All shares accepted in the Tender Offer will be purchased at the same price even if tendered at a lower price. To tender shares of Common Stock, stockholders must follow the instructions described in the "Offer to Purchase" and the "Letter of Transmittal" that the Company is filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the " SEC "). These documents contain important information about the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer will not be contingent upon any minimum number of shares being tendered or any financing conditions. The Tender Offer will, however, be subject to other conditions, which are disclosed in the Offer to Purchase. The Company's Board of Directors (the " Board ") believes the modified "Dutch auction" tender offer is a mechanism that affords all stockholders with the opportunity to tender all or a portion of their shares, and also affords stockholders the option not to participate and, thereby, to increase their relative percentage interest in the Company. In addition, our Board believes the Tender Offer provides stockholders with an opportunity to obtain liquidity with respect to all or a portion of their shares, with less potential disruption to the share price and the usual transaction costs inherent in open market purchases and sales. The Board has authorized the Tender Offer. However, none of the Company, the Board, the dealer managers, the information agent, the depositary or any of their respective affiliates are making any recommendation to stockholders as to whether to tender or refrain from tendering their shares in the Tender Offer or as to the price at which stockholders may choose to tender their shares. No person is authorized to make any such recommendation. Stockholders must decide how many shares they will tender, if any, and the price within the stated range at which they will offer their shares for purchase. In doing so, stockholders should carefully read the information in, or incorporated by reference in, the Offer to Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal (as they may be amended or supplemented), including the purposes and effects of the Tender Offer. Stockholders are urged to discuss their decisions with their own tax advisors, financial advisors and/or brokers. BofA Securities, Inc. and Truist Securities, Inc. are acting as dealer managers for the Tender Offer. The information agent for the Tender Offer is D.F. King & Co., Inc., and the depositary is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.. The Offer to Purchase, the Letter of Transmittal and related documents will be mailed to registered holders. Beneficial holders will receive the Offer to Purchase and a communication from their bank, broker or custodian. For questions and information, please call the information agent toll-free at (888) 542-7446. Certain Information Regarding the Tender Offer The information in this press release describing the Tender Offer is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell shares of Common Stock in the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer is being made only pursuant to the Offer to Purchase and the related materials that the Company is filing with the SEC, and will distribute to its stockholders, as they may be amended or supplemented. Stockholders should read the Offer to Purchase and related materials carefully and in their entirety because they contain important information, including the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer. Stockholders of the Company may obtain a free copy of the Tender Offer statement on Schedule TO, the Offer to Purchase and other documents that the Company is filing with the SEC from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Stockholders also will be able to obtain a copy of these documents, without charge, from D.F. King & Co., Inc., the information agent for the Tender Offer, toll free at (888) 542-7446 or BofA Securities, Inc. toll free at (888) 803-9655, or Truist Securities, Inc. toll free at (855) 382-6151. Stockholders are urged to carefully read all of these materials prior to making any decision with respect to the Tender Offer. Stockholders and investors who have questions or need assistance may call D.F. King & Co., Inc. About TriNet TriNet provides small and medium-size businesses (SMBs) with full-service HR solutions tailored by industry. To free SMBs from HR complexities, TriNet offers access to human capital expertise, benefits, risk mitigation and compliance, payroll, all enabled by industry leading technology capabilities. TriNet's suite of products also includes services and software-based solutions to help streamline workflows by connecting HR, Benefits, Employee Engagement, Payroll and Time & Attendance. From Main Street to Wall Street, TriNet empowers SMBs to focus on what matters mostgrowing their business and enabling their people. TriNet, incredible starts here. TriNet's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TNET." FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains statements that are not historical in nature, are predictive in nature, or that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions or otherwise contain forward-looking statements, including statements concerning such things as TriNet's ability to complete the Tender Offer. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as, but not limited to, "ability," "anticipate," "believe," "can," "continue," "could," "design," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "guidance," "hope," "impact," "intend," "may," "outlook," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "seek," "should," "strategy," "target," "value," "will," "would" and similar expressions or variations intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, but are based on management's expectations as of the date hereof and assumptions that are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from our current expectations and any past or future results, performance or achievements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements. Further information on risks that could affect our results is included in our filings with the SEC, including under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhere in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are available on our investor relations website at http://investor.trinet.com and on the SEC website at www.sec.gov . Copies of these filings are also available by contacting TriNet's Investor Relations Department at (510) 875-7201. Except as required by law, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements in this press release, and any forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. In addition, we do not assume any obligation, and do not intend, to update any of our forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Media: Renee Brotherton/Josh Gross TriNet [email protected] [email protected] (408) 646-5103 / (347) 432-8300 Investors: Alex Bauer TriNet [email protected] (510) 875-7201 SOURCE TriNet FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Behold the Power of the Amazon! With a reputation for growing and supplying the most authentic Acai, a newly developed product has been launched today by Tropical Acai. From this family- owned, wholesale distributor and bulk supplier of 100% organic, non-GMO Acai and Pitaya, comes the launching its Acai Bowl in a Bag, liquid organic acai pulp. This premium-grade organic product is available exclusively from Tropical Acai. Shelf-stable solution for organic acai pulp. Ready to use organic acai for blenders and soft-service and batch freezers Tweet this Shelf-stable Organic Acai Bowl in a bag for soft-serve Shelf-stable Organic liquid acai pulp The Acai berry is a well established superfood grown in Brazil and Tropical Acai is proud of the fact they own the entire process. As a uniquely vertically integrated company, they maintain control over growing, harvesting, processing and packaging to sales and distribution. "Our whole business model is from the farm to the table, and this is how we are able to guarantee the quality of our product, ensuring it has all of the powerful combination of antioxidants and omega oils" says Tropical Acai's chief executive officer, Renata Prates. "We have the fewest and cleanest ingredients with more than 80% Acai pulp in each bag. Moreover, there are only 130 calories per serving, and it is low in sugar with only 15g". "Save your precious freezer space with our exclusive Organic Acai Bowl in a Bag, shelf-stable liquid Acai pulp!" Says Marc Middleberg, President. "Each aseptically sealed Acai soft serve bag has approximately 20 servings. So finally, here is the long awaited Acai bowl solution for soft serve machines, just open and pour!" The impact of this highly innovative product on business operations to juice bars and cafes is nothing short of significant where the preparation time is considerably shortened, allowing bowls to be prepared at a far quicker pace. Shipping and storage costs reduce significantly. No freezer storage and the ability to ship via ground transport makes it very attractive. "We're very excited to offer this unique, delicious, healthy product to the market today," added Renata Prates. "Our focus is always on how to provide the best quality Acai to the market and this product is the result of our continued investment in new product development." Acai Bowl in a Bag comes with the following features: 100% Organic certified Non-GMO verified Kosher certified Stores at room temperature All-natural ingredients Rich in preserving antioxidants No artificial colors or preservatives Omega 3, 6 & 9 oils Tropical Acai offers a range of exciting options for Acai. In addition to their market leading frozen sorbets and pulp, this liquid has a 12-month shelf-stable life (1). As part of controlling the whole process, Tropical Acai also offers the option to supply the soft serve machines along with the soft serve bags as an all-inclusive package. Tropical Acai is able to ship Acai in a Bowl directly via UPS, FedEx and USPS. Foodservice bags are 2kg (70oz) and equate to 20 frozen (3.5oz) packs. Foodservice cases comprise 4 (70oz) bags. About Tropical Acai. Tropical Acai, LLC is a leading provider to the frozen fruit and beverage industry. Tropical Acai is dedicated to developing and supplying the highest quality, unadulterated Acai and Pitaya products. With offices in New Jersey and Florida, USA and in Brazil, it is now a major global supplier. Please visit www.tropicalacai.com for more information. (1) Currently development is on going to further extend shelf-life past 12 months up to 36 months Contact Data Contact Info Marc Middleberg Tropical Acai LLC +1.855.550.2225 [email protected] SOURCE tropical acai SYDNEY, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Associate Professor Melissa Edwards of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Business School has been selected by the Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) to help business schools around Australia take action on climate change. In her new position as inaugural Climate Action Fellow, Professor Edwards will coordinate the transformation of Australia's business education in line with the organisation's Declaration on Climate Action. The ABDC is the collective voice of all Australian business schools. The organisation established the Declaration on Climate Action in April 2022, committing to develop education and research standards focusing on business responses to climate change. According to ABDC president Professor Keryn Chalmers, the position of Climate Action Fellow was created to coordinate the ABDC's approach to climate action. "This involves identifying opportunities to collaborate on educating the next generation of business leaders on the importance of a net zero future, policy research and business responses to ensure sustainable development," she says. As the director of the Executive Master of Business Administration programs at UTS, Professor Edwards has worked extensively to co-develop and manage innovative higher education programs focusing on sustainable business models. "Climate action should be business as usual for business schools and their students who want to understand and be able to use their professions to reverse, mitigate and adapt to climate change," she says. Professor Carl Rhodes, Dean of UTS Business School, praises Edwards' appointment. "She has taken a leading role in bringing together colleagues to collaboratively develop the UTS Business School's climate action plan, our statement on climate action, and working across UTS to further our commitment to sustainability," he says. UTS Business School is committed to acting on climate change and acknowledges its responsibility to prevent further climate crises. This includes implementing climate-positive strategies, frameworks for physical transition climate risk analytics and nature-based and innovative technological solutions for adaptive challenges. The University of Technology Sydney is a leading university of technology, ranked 15th in the world and 2nd in Australia in the 2022 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which assesses universities against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discover UTS Business School, a socially committed business school focused on developing and sharing knowledge for an innovative, sustainable and prosperous economy. SOURCE University of Technology Sydney MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- US Biologic, a leading global entity in the development, commercialization, and distribution of orally delivered vaccines, announced today that Dr. Jolieke G. van Oosterwijk, US Biologic Chief Scientific Officer, will present key findings on a chewable flu vaccine that US Biologic is developing in partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) Division of Research, Innovation, and Ventures (DRIVe) as part of its Beyond the Needle program. The presentation will be held at the 7th International Conference on Vaccines Research & Development taking place at the Boston Marriott Newton on November 8, 2022, beginning approximately at 1:30 p.m. ET. Dr. van Oosterwijk also will chair the bacterial and viral vaccines conference sections. "... [A] chewable vaccine that can be stored at room temperature and shipped more easily than traditional flu vaccines." Tweet this Dr. van Oosterwijk will present pre-clinical findings on the vaccine, including thermostability, targeted delivery, and immune response. The talk, titled "Oral Vaccination Strategies and Pandemic Prevention," also will highlight the need for oral vaccines in the context of rapid response platforms to prevent pandemics before they arise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu pandemics can result in up to 41M annual infections in the U.S., alone, and up to 710K hospitalizations. Vaccines are considered the most important means to limit infections and hospitalizations, and, according to the CDC, 80% of children who die from the flu are not vaccinated. However, not everyone has access to traditional flu vaccines, and some may refuse to take a vaccine because of needles. "A key challenge in vaccines is accessibility," says Dr. van Oosterwijk. "It's our goal to offer a chewable vaccine that can be stored at room temperature and shipped more easily than traditional flu vaccines." Dr. van Oosterwijk also notes that these vaccines ultimately could be shipped to homes, eliminating visits to doctors' offices or pharmacies to receive vaccines. "And of course," she adds, "Not everyone will take a needle, so this chewable flu vaccine could be a great alternative." David Sanders, Executive Director of Securing America's Medicines and Supply, suggests the chewable flu vaccine can become a key tool to limit the spread of pandemics. "Influenza is a historic and current healthcare challenge," he says. "This chewable flu vaccine has the potential to help limit a potentially deadly disease in the U.S. and globally." "The chewable flu vaccine is an important expansion of our OrisBio oral-delivery biotechnology platform," notes US Biologic CEO Mason Kauffman. "It's a 'plug-and-play' technology, where we can integrate a range of antigens and address different diseases in humans and animals." About US Biologic US Biologic envisions a world without pandemics, partly achieved through oral vaccines and therapeutics. The company's proprietary oral-delivery platform is changing global disease prevention, allowing safe, effective, and cost-efficient delivery of vaccines and therapeutics. SOURCE US Biologic Sole American Manufacturer of Life-Saving Drug Awaits Orders BRISTOL, Tenn., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, USAntibiotics, the sole licensed American manufacturer of penicillin-based Amoxicillin and Amoxil Clavulanate, the popular antibiotics commonly known as Amoxil and Augmentin, released the following statement from Patrick Cashman, President of USAntibiotics, regarding reported shortages of this life-saving drug: "As the only remaining American manufacturer of the prescribed medication known as Amoxicillin, we have repeatedly expressed our concern about the offshoring of pharmaceutical production. The fact that there is no American manufacturer of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) required to produce this critical medication is nearsighted and misguided. A shortage should have been foreseen given the disturbing trend of moving these production capabilities overseas and China's monopoly in this arena. Unfortunately, an early and severe outbreak of RSV and secondary infections is also contributing to this shortage. Parents should never be forced to visit multiple pharmacies to find the medicine needed to cure their children's infections, nor should hospitals have to choose which patients get full doses of prescribed antibiotics, particularly when there is a trusted solution here at home. USAntibiotics has reached out, repeatedly, to the Biden Administration to inform them that our unique capabilities align seamlessly with the Administration's supply chain security and resilienceas well as Buy Americanpriorities. In fact, every dose of Amoxicillin that will be needed in the US over the next five years can be manufactured and stored at our facility in Tennessee. We stand ready, with sufficient materials on hand, to partner with the federal government should they ask for assistance." About USAntibiotics USAntibiotics is the only U.S. manufacturer of Amoxicillin and Amoxicillin Clavulanate, commonly known as Amoxil and Augmentin. Based in Bristol, Tenn., it operates a world-class, 360,000-square-foot antibiotic production facility with the sole focus of making quality, life-saving antibiotics widely available for the benefit of all Americans. USAntibiotics is part of the Jackson Healthcare family of companies. For more information, visit www.us-antibiotics.com . About Jackson Healthcare Jackson Healthcare is a family of highly specialized healthcare staffing, search, and technology companies. With a mission to improve the delivery of patient care and the lives of everyone it touches, it helps healthcare facilities across the country serve more than 10 million patients each year. Backed by more than 1,500 associates and with over $1.4 billion in annual revenue, Jackson Healthcare is a top three U.S. healthcare staffing firm. In addition to being Great Place to Work certified, it is consistently named an employer of choice, having been nationally recognized as a best workplace in healthcare, a best workplace for women and a best workplace for millennials, as well as being named one of 2020's Healthiest Employers. Learn more at www.jacksonhealthcare.com . SOURCE USAntibiotics Vantage Surgical Solutions also adds new Nashville office EFFINGHAM, Ill., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage Outsourcing announced today that it has completed a major rebranding of the company and will now be known as Vantage Surgical Solutions. The brand evolution was in response to the company's focus on delivering more expansive capabilities across specialty surgical services and to better position the organization for growth into new specialty markets. Since 1991, Vantage has delivered specialty surgical services to the ophthalmic/ cataract specialty area. By partnering with Vantage, hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers are able fully outfit operating rooms to offer specialty surgical services as needed without the capital outlay and internal logistical expertise required. Vantage CEO, Bradley Hill discusses the vision for the organization and the company's focus on expansion. "Our vision for Vantage is to serve as an industry leader with best-in-class capabilities across the surgical spectrum," noted Hill. "Our goal is to be on a constant quest to deliver great experiences for patients, providers, and their communities by serving as an active member of their surgical team. In order to support the anticipated growth, we have secured additional office space in Nashville." Vantage makes specialty procedures like cataract surgery services accessible and convenient and enables surgical facilities and physicians to deliver complete care in a location their patients trust. Unlike traditional outsourcing resources that manage equipment and supplies, Vantage equips their clients with state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and resources to deliver great experiences for their patients. The rebranding efforts include the introduction of the new name, Vantage Surgical Solutions, as well as a fresh new logo and website, now located at www.vantage.healthcare. President and Chief Operating Officer, Christopher Swing, who joined the organization in 2012, added, "At Vantage, we believe great patient experiences are the foundation for creating lifetime relationships between patients, providers, and the institutions who serve them. With the evolution of our brand, we are well poised for growth within our Ophthalmology Division, as well as the desire to expand into other clinical adjacencies." Chief Growth Officer, Sean O'Donnell shares how Vantage Surgical Solutions addresses the unique demands of rural healthcare. "Rural communities often don't have all of the essential resources required to deliver complete ophthalmic surgical services, including equipment, product, disposables, lenses, and surgeon identified to stand up this new clinical offering to their population," shared O'Donnell. "Vantage Surgical Solutions enables providers in those communities to deliver exceptional experiences to their patients and prevents the need for people to leave the area for specialty surgical care." In addition to the rebranding, the company has announced the addition of a second headquarters location to complement its Effingham, Illinois flagship. The company's new headquarters is opening in the Nashville suburb of Brentwood, Tennessee in early November and will house some of the company's executive team including finance, sales, and development. The Effingham location will remain the operational headquarters. In addition, the company has nine regional distribution facilities located across the US. Vantage is a portfolio company of Pharos Capital Group, LLC ("Pharos"), a private equity firm based in Dallas and Nashville. About Vantage Surgical Solutions Vantage has been equipping facilities for specialty surgical services since 1991, with customers in 23 states. The company currently delivers state-of-the-art cataract surgery equipment, IOLs, instrumentation, disposables, expert staff, and supplies, that enable hospitals, surgery centers, and physicians to provide local communities with the highest quality cataract surgery experience. A portfolio company within Pharos Capital Group, Vantage is focused on client success which has resulted in a customer retention rate of 99.8%. It's focus is expanding the business to offer reliable, expert surgical solutions that reduce the cost and improve access for rural healthcare. For more information about Vantage Surgical Solutions, visit www.vantage.healthcare. About Pharos Capital Group Based in Dallas and Nashville, Pharos Capital Group (www.pharosfunds.com) is physician-founded investment firm focused on growing healthcare companies that aim to lower the total cost of care, improve patient outcomes and expand access to care in underserved communities. Since inception, Pharos has invested in 58 companies and has over $1.1 billion of private equity assets under management as of September 30, 2022. Pharos typically invests $25-$50 million in rapidly growing middle market companies seeking later stage funding for internal growth, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, management buyouts, or recapitalizations predominantly across healthcare sectors. CONTACT: Sean O'Donnell, Chief Growth Officer [email protected] SOURCE Vantage Surgical Solutions SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On Nov. 6, the 10th Tencent Science WE Summit was held and live streamed to a global audience. Seven scientists from China and abroad have graced the event as speakers. Among them are two Nobel laureates, including senior project scientist of the James Webb Space Telescope John Mather and the "Father of DNA Repair" Tomas Lindahl, four key figures in the technological development and operations of China's world-leading scientific equipment, including academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and head of China's "Artificial Sun" Program Li Jian'gang, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, professor at the China Academy of Space Technology, CASC and chief designer of China Space Station System Yang Hong, chief engineer of China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope Jiang Peng and chief designer of China's "Fendouzhe" deep-sea manned submersible Ye Cong, and also paleoichthyologist and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Zhu Min who has made groundbreaking findings concerning the evolution "from fish to human". Viewers have a chance to immerse themselves in the latest scientific breakthroughs and discoveries in the fields of future energy, space and ocean exploration, life science and more. Leon Guo, Senior Vice President of Tencent, announces the Human Tech Tree David Wallerstein, Chief eXploration Officer of Tencent "At the very first WE Summit ten years ago, Pony Ma planted a 'seed' in the hope of growing the public's interest in basic science. The annual WE Summit is committed to sharing the greatest scientific achievements of humankind and over the past decade, we've witnessed China's unprecedented development of science and technology." Leon Guo, Senior Vice President of Tencent (0700.HK), announced that in its new headquarters in Qianhai, Shenzhen, Tencent is building a public science and technology museum where a "Human Tech Tree" is being built in partnership with leading scientific research institutions and technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Immersive Convergence will be applied. With basic science as its roots and various disciplines as its branches, the "Human Tech Tree" will exhibit systematically great history and achievements of human science and technology over the past centuries. This will be a place where visitors can enjoy an immersive experience while they embrace science. With its open mechanism, Tencent will engage scientists and related experts in building this "Human Tech Tree" together, making it a "recorder" of scientific and technological developments. "By building this 'Human Tech Tree', we've also deepened our understanding of 'Tech for Good', a philosophy that Tencent firmly adheres to. Just like plants growing towards the shining sun, science and technology should always serve the welfare of our society. This 'Human Tech Tree' should grow towards a brighter future of human civilization," he added. Powered by graphic engine rendering and virtual production solution of Tencent CDD (Content Development Department) which are both derived from gaming technology, this year's WE Summit has created a cinematic-level visual effect, presenting the scientific speeches and the "Human Tech Tree" as a "fiction movie". Audience can take a close look at the great scientific equipment in a 360, panoramic view, such as the "Artificial Sun" and China Space Station, or start a virtual journey to "complete an extravehicular task on China Space Station" or "dive to 10,000 meters under the sea" alongside speaker's introduction. Plus, it is the first time that a "Hyper Reality Studio" is set up on QQ instant messenger. Here, young people can engage themselves via the features of "Super QQ Show", traveling in the virtual studio and watching the event in this digital, interactive and social environment. Supported by Tencent Cloud's audio and video live-streaming technology, the WE Summit is broadcasted to more than 70 online media outlets, such as WeChat Channels and Tencent Video. Also on QQ Browser, users can visit the official zone or the official website of the WE Summit via the search bar's default keyword or just by typing "WE Summit", to access historic videos of the event over the past decade. In the meantime, China Science Daily has engaged as academic advisor on communication of the scientific content, helping the public better understand those great breakthroughs. Tackling Earth Resource Challenge "From horrendous floods to punishing heat waves, tropical cyclones and droughts, there's almost nowhere on the planet now that isn't witnessing the affects of climate change unfolding before their eyes," pointed out David Wallerstein, Chief eXploration Officer of Tencent, in his opening speech, "More than ever, we are going to need smart science to guide human responses to protect our planet and make our ecosystems more resilient." We need to improve resource efficiencies to secure the fundamental buildings blocks on modern civilization. Can we build a "sun" on Earth which can continuously provide clean energy as an alternative to fossil fuels being exhausted? Li Jian'gang, plasma physicist and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, shared China's cutting-edge breakthroughs in terms of "controllable magnetic confinement fusion" research. China's Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak, or EAST, a so-called "artificial sun", is the world's first fully superconducting Tokamak for nuclear fusion reaction. Last year, EAST set a new world record twice that it has achieved repeatable plasma operations for 101 seconds at 120 million degrees centigrade and for 1,056 seconds at 70 million degrees centigrade. "Our next goal is to realize nuclear fusion reaction for more than 1,000 seconds at over 100 million degrees centigrade and even indefinitely, in order to lay a solid foundation for power generation in the future. Besides, we're also facilitating the construction of the China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR). Together, we'll work with global peers to make our dream of 'ultimate energy' come true." "The enormous space is a huge treasure for us and manned spaceflight is a bridge connecting to this treasure." Yang Hong, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, professor at the China Academy of Space Technology, CASC and chief designer of China Space Station System, shared the story of key technology developments of China Space Station over the past 10 years. Upon its successful repositioning maneuver, Mengtian, a space lab module and a component of China Space Station, finally docked with the combination of the Tianhe core module, Wentian lab module, Shenzhou-14 manned spacecraft and Tianzhou-4 cargo spacecraft, marking the completion of the assembly of the T-shaped China Space Station. "The unique three-module fixture can integrate and restructure multiple modules and space vehicles, greatly improving the reliability of general operations while allowing future expansions," said Yang Hong. "China Space Station is an open space laboratory. We welcome proposals from scientists around the world to carry out scientific experiments in the fields of biology, basic physics and more. Let's join hands in developing space resources to benefit all mankind." Two Most Advanced Telescopes What happened after the Big Bang? The most powerful and the costliest infrared space telescope ever, the James Webb Space Telescope, or JWST, is now out there at the "Lagrange Point 2" 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth looking for the answer. It is designed to help uncover the secrets of the early universe. John Mather, co-winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2006 and senior project scientist of JWST, introduced some of the significant discoveries by JWST. About exploring the most distant universe, he said, "It is similar to the concept that the 'Human Tech Tree' conveys, 'Root in the Past and Grow into the Future'. JWST will help us further understand how the universe was born and how it has evolved, and thus, better tell what its future would look like." Also known as "China's Sky Eye", the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope, or FAST, is now the world's largest and most powerful single aperture radio telescope. It explores the origin and evolution of the universe mainly by receiving electromagnetic signals and detecting interstellar molecules as well as interstellar communication signals. "Realizing both the super-large size and the millimeter-level dynamic control precision had been the major technical challenge during the construction phase," said Jiang Peng, chief engineer of FAST, when talking about their key technological breakthroughs. In his introduction of some of the major discoveries by FAST, such as the largest atomic gas system and more than 660 new pulsars, he shared his outlook about future development, "There's a lot of uncertainties, but nothing will better hurdle the birth of a next-generation radio telescope to further expand and extend human sight." Recently, John Mather was joined by professor at the National Astronomical Observatories under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC) and project scientist of the optical facility of China Space Station Telescope (CSST) Zhan Hu, professor at NAOC Gou Lijun and game AI expert & Tencent's principal for the Chasing All Transients Constellation Hunters (CATCH) program Deng Dafu in a dialogue on future possibilities of space exploration. This included the engineering breakthroughs and work plans of JWST, CSST and CATCH as well as how to apply game AI technology to empower space telescopes in observation and data processing. Uncovering the Secrets of Life In 2015, Tomas Lindahl shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for "mechanistic studies of DNA repair". The "base-excision repair" he discovered has opened a new window for understanding the causes of cancer as well as developing cancer prevention and treatment methods. In his speech, he introduced his latest work on cancer treatment research, "We try to switch off 'DNA repair' for perhaps a few hours and expose DNA to damaging agents that usually wouldn't do very much to have better treatment results." He also reviewed the milestones of the origin and evolution of life and called for scientists to explore the earliest signs of life on Earth, "There're still too many secrets about life and nature for us to uncover. We need to think and seek if there're other forms of life. This will be huge for life science studies." "We are able to understand today and explore into the future only if we know about the past," Zhu Min, paleoichthyologist and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, expressed a similar idea to Tomas Lindahl when he explained his latest findings about the evolution "from fish to human". "Based on fossil records dating back hundreds of millions of years as well as interdisciplinary studies, we've rebuilt the world of life in primitive times, allowing us to deepen our understanding of the evolution of key organs and body structure of jawed vertebrates and possibly identify, in addition to environmental factors, the impact of the interactions of creatures on the rises and extinctions of major species. This is an essential way to understand the rules of coordinative evolution of today's creatures and the environment." At the end of September, the Nature magazine released four papers by Zhu Min and his colleagues and their findings also appeared on the cover. What they have found about the origin and early evolution of jawed vertebrates has disrupted existing knowledge of the rise of jawed vertebrates and provided concrete evidence that traces the origin of some parts of human body structure back to fossil fish 436 million years ago. Today, over 80% of the new species discovered every year come from the sea. Ye Cong, chief designer of "Fendouzhe" deep-sea manned submersible, showed China's independent development of deep-sea submersibles as well as significant scientific discoveries. Beginning with "Jiaolong" manned submersible, China has developed a complete set of manned submersibles. "Last year, 'Fendouzhe' collected water, sediments, rocks and creature samples from the bottom of the sea. The participating scientists had proposed the Mariana Trench Consensus and embarked on the 'Mariana Trench Ecological Environmental Research Plan' which aims to engage global scientists to carry out scientific investigations down the Mariana Trench of more than 10,000 meters deep, such as the formation and evolution of deep-sea geological system, origin and environmental adaptation of life, diversity of life and climate change etc." According to him, "Now, we've provided scientists with more than 1,000 pieces of data regarding ocean environment and life, likely being the largest abyssopelagic database in the world." Over the past decade, WE Summit has been committed to communicating the most significant scientific findings and the latest scientific thoughts to the general public. 87 leading lights from global science community had spoken at this event, such as Stephen Hawking, Sir Roger Penrose, Pan Jianwei and Andrew Chi-Chih Yao, with topics ranging from cosmology and theoretical physics to life science and information technology, and many more. In total, the annual WE Summit has engaged the public almost 100 million times online and offline. SOURCE Tencent SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- West Edge Partners ("WEP"), a lower middle market private equity firm, announced today the acquisition of Dakotaland Autoglass ("DAG" or "the Company"), a regional distributor and service provider to the aftermarket automotive replacement glass and paint, body & equipment ("PBE") industries. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. DAG distributes aftermarket automotive glass and PBE in the Midwest and self performs glass repair and installation in select markets. The Company has 12 locations across the Midwest and has long-term relationships with the largest suppliers in the industry. WEP will partner with DAG management, led by Stan Biondi who has served as CEO for the last 12 years, to facilitate the continued success of the business and invest in new growth initiatives. "We're excited to partner with Stan Biondi and the DAG team to support the continued success of the Company," said Cole Kirby, Partner at WEP. "DAG is well positioned to support its customers in the rapidly evolving auto glass and PBE sectors. DAG has been a leading supplier to autobody shops and glass installation businesses in the Midwest for over 40 years, and will continue to be the top distribution and service partner of choice in its region. WEP and the DAG management team look forward to investing together in the Company to pursue exciting new growth opportunities." "We are thrilled to partner with WEP to continue to build on the market leading position of DAG and to provide an even better experience to our customers. We look forward to leveraging WEP's financial and operational capabilities to facilitate organic growth and strategic investment initiatives to expand our customer base and drive operational performance," said Biondi. First Capital Partners and O2 Sponsor Finance, a division of Old Second National Bank, provided financing to support the transaction. McGuireWoods served as legal advisor to West Edge. About West Edge Partners WEP is a private equity firm focused on investing in business and consumer services, distribution and light manufacturing businesses in the lower middle market. The firm supports its partners through a value-added approach and looks to invest in both organic and inorganic growth initiatives. West Edge is Southern California based with offices in both Los Angeles, CA and Philadelphia, PA. For more information, please visit www.westedgepartners.com. About Dakotaland Autoglass DAG is a regional distributor and service provider to the aftermarket automotive replacement glass and paint, body & equipment industries. The Company also self performs glass repair and installation in select markets. DAG is headquartered in Sioux Falls, SD and has 12 locations across the Midwest. For more information, please visit www.dakotalandautoglass.com. Contact: [email protected] SOURCE West Edge Partners CALGARY, AB AND MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Willow Biosciences Inc. ("Willow" or the "Company") (TSX: WLLW) (OTCQB: CANSF), a leading biotechnology company focused on revolutionizing industrial manufacturing of pure, consistent, and sustainable functional ingredients, today announced that it will host a webcast investor presentation on Thursday, November 10th at 2:00 PM EST. During the webcast, Dr. Peter Seufer-Wasserthal, Willow's President and Chief Executive Officer and Troy Talkkari, Vice President of Corporate Development will provide a presentation that will cover key areas of Willow's business. After the formal presentation, investors will have an opportunity to ask relevant questions through an interactive Q&A portal. To listen to the webcast or to ask questions during the live event, please pre-register at the following link: https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1576448&tp_key=c06ce0c9af An archived version of the webcast and presentation will be available on the Company's website, www.willowbio.com/#investors. About Willow Biosciences Inc. Willow develops and produces precision fermented functional ingredients for the health and wellness, food and beverage and personal care markets. Willow's FutureGrown biotechnology platform allows large-scale production with sustainability at its core. Willow's R&D team has a proven track record of developing and commercializing bio-based manufacturing processes and products to benefit our B2B partners and their customers. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may include forward-looking statements including opinions, assumptions, estimates and the Company's assessment of future plans and operations, and, more particularly, statements concerning: development and commercial production of FutureGrownTM Astaxanthin; potential demand and market size in respect of Astaxanthin; the continued development of Willow's FutureGrown products, including the ability to obtain all requisite approvals or certifications; intellectual property protection; changing consumer sentiments; and the business plan of the Company generally, including commercial production of FutureGrownTM Astaxanthin. The company is also making forward looking statements with respect to the webcast, including the date and time, speakers and agenda, ability of participants to utilize the interactive Q&A portal, and the period of time during which an archived version of the webcast will be available on the Company's website. When used in this news release, the words "will," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intent," "may," "project," "should," and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are founded on the basis of expectations and assumptions made by the Company which include, but are not limited to: the success of Willow's strategic partnerships, including the development of future strategic partnerships; the financial strength of the Company; the ability of the Company to fund its business plan using cash on hand and existing resources; changes in the market and consumer demand for Willow's products, including FutureGrownTM Astaxanthin; the ability of the Company to obtain and retain applicable licences; the ability of the Company to obtain suitable manufacturing partners and other strategic relationships; and the successful implementation of Willow's commercialization and production strategy generally. Forward-looking statements are subject to a wide range of risks and uncertainties, and although the Company believes that the expectations represented by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will be realized. Any number of important factors could cause actual results to differ from the Company's expectations, including but not limited to: changes in the biotechnology industry generally; the success of the Company's research and development strategies; risks related to intellectual property, including infringement; failure to benefit from partnerships or successfully integrate acquisitions; actions and initiatives of federal and provincial governments and changes to laws, regulations, and government policies and the execution and impacts of these actions, initiatives and policies; import/export and research restrictions for cannabinoid-based operations; competition from other industry participants; adverse U.S., Canadian and global economic conditions; adverse global events and public-health crises, including the current COVID-19 outbreak; failure to comply with certain regulations; departure of key management personnel or inability to attract and retain talent; and other factors more fully described from time to time in the reports and filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities. Please refer to the Company's most recent annual information form and management's discussion and analysis for additional risk factors relating to Willow, which can be accessed either on Willow's website at www.willowbio.com or under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release reflect management's expectations only as of the date hereof and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. SOURCE Willow Biosciences Inc. Amanda Conner, Vice President at American Electric Power, Named WIRES President WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- WIRES, the transmission trade association that promotes investment in all aspects of the high-voltage grid, announced today its 2023 leadership team, with Amanda Conner, Vice President, FERC and RTO Strategy and Policy, at American Electric Power (AEP) elected as the new WIRES President. WIRES' 2023 Officers: President: Amanda Conner , Vice President, FERC and RTO Strategy and Policy, AEP , Vice President, FERC and RTO Strategy and Policy, AEP Vice President: Jodi Moskowitz , Deputy General Counsel & RTO Strategy Officer, PSEG Deputy General Counsel & RTO Strategy Officer, PSEG Secretary: David Burnham , Director, Transmission Policy, Eversource , Director, Transmission Policy, Eversource Treasurer: Amanda Rumsey , Manager, PJM and Federal Regulatory Policy, PPL Electric Utilities "Grid resilience, electrification and clean energy adoption are key drivers that continue to highlight the essential value that transmission delivers U.S. consumers and businesses, and have prompted keen attention from regulators and lawmakers on how to advance more of this critical grid infrastructure," said Larry Gasteiger, Executive Director of WIRES. "FERC's ambitious transmission reform effort has been a central focus this year and WIRES has been a leading voice in informing those deliberations. I am grateful for the input and efforts of the WIRES 2022 Officers and Board of Directors, and I look forward to working closely with the incoming WIRES president, Amanda Conner, the entire 2023 leadership team, and our rapidly expanding WIRES membership." WIRES' current president, Will Sauer, will join the WIRES Board of Directors. Nina Plaushin and Tom Hestermann were both elected to a second, two-year board term. Priti Patel, Vice President & Chief Transmission Officer at Great River Energy, will step down from the board upon completing her term. WIRES' 2023 Board of Directors: Will Sauer , Managing Director, Federal Regulatory Affairs, Duke Energy , Managing Director, Federal Regulatory Affairs, Duke Energy Brian Gemmell , Chief Operating Officer, NY Electric at National Grid , Chief Operating Officer, NY Electric at National Grid Tom Hestermann , Manager, Transmission Policy, Sunflower Electric Power Corp , Manager, Transmission Policy, Sunflower Electric Power Corp Nina Plaushin , Vice President, ITC Holdings , Vice President, ITC Holdings Dave Weaver , Vice President, Transmission Strategy, Exelon "The role of high-voltage transmission in our journey to a clean energy economy cannot be overstated," said Amanda Conner, Vice President, FERC and RTO Strategy and Policy, AEP and WIRES' incoming 2023 president. "The industry simply has to get transmission infrastructure right in order to create access to cost-effective, cleaner generation and make the grid more resilient. With Larry Gasteiger at the helm, WIRES has done an outstanding job of both educating the public and regulators on the value of transmission and advocating for advancements in continued transmission development. I look forward to working closely with Larry and the WIRES leadership as we continue this mission." WIRES Reports WIRES disseminates research and reports that help educate regulators, legislators, and the industry on a variety of transmission issues. The most recent study, the Value of Local Transmission Planning , prepared by Charles River Associates (CRA), highlights how local transmission planning helps to support a resilient and clean transmission grid. The report finds that local transmission planning is foundational to the success of the regional planning process and to achieving public policy goals, and that local project needs are often unique and distinct from regional system issues and solutions. Visit our WIRES Reports page for these and other transmission industry resources. About WIRES WIRES is a non-profit trade association of investor-, publicly-, and cooperatively owned transmission providers, transmission customers, regional grid managers, and equipment and service companies. WIRES promotes investment in electric transmission and progressive state and federal policies that advance energy markets, economic efficiency, and consumer and environmental benefits through development of electric power infrastructure. For more information, visit www.wiresgroup.com. SOURCE WIRES VERO BEACH, Fla., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Watercrest Senior Living Group proudly celebrates Joan Williams as an honored female spotlight of the Women in Leadership (WIL) Initiative. The WIL Initiative recognizes Williams, Watercrest's principal and chief financial officer, as a successful female business owner as Watercrest achieves their ranking in the Top 100 Largest Senior Living Providers in the nation. Women in Leadership Initiative recognizes Joan Williams, Principal and CFO of Watercrest Senior Living Group as Watercrest ranks in the top 100 largest senior living providers in the nation. The 2022 Argentum & Lument Report of Largest Senior Living Providers ranked Watercrest Senior Living Group as number 88 in the country. Watercrest has risen 12 spots on the list, after a ranking of number 99 in the 2021 report. The Women in Leadership Initiative celebrates women in leadership positions and their impact on the future of women working in the senior living industry. Watercrest principals, Joan Williams, CFO, and Marc Vorkapich, CEO recently celebrated the ten year anniversary of Watercrest Senior Living Group's inception as a senior living provider developing, owning and operating independent, assisted living and memory care communities throughout the Southeastern United States. Watercrest opened their first senior living community in 2015 and rapidly expanded to today's total of sixteen communities in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia. The 2022 Argentum & Lument Largest Providers Report gives data and information from one of the most turbulent years ever experienced in the senior living industry. The report highlights changes among providers, survey results, and upcoming provider growth. Watercrest Senior Living Group was reported as one of only 19 providers in the top 100 to improve their position by 10 or more positions this year. Watercrest achieved its position as one of the largest senior providers in the nation offering 1,669 senior living units with 1,018 employees in 16 communities encompassing independent, assisted living and memory care. "I am honored to receive this recognition on behalf of Watercrest, but this is truly a testament to our associates and the culture of our organization," says Joan Williams, Principal and Chief Financial Officer of Watercrest Senior Living Group. About Watercrest Senior Living Group Watercrest Senior Living Group was founded to honor our mothers and fathers, aspiring to become a beacon for quality in senior living by surpassing standards of care, service and associate training. Watercrest senior living communities are recognized for their luxury aesthetic, exceptional amenities, world-class care, and innovative memory care programming offering unparalleled service to seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia. A five-time certified Great Place to Work, Watercrest specializes in the development and operations of assisted living and memory care communities and the growth of servant leaders. For information, visit www.watercrestseniorliving.com. About Women in Leadership Initiative The Women in Leadership (WIL) initiative is about stepping up to accelerate change and celebrate those organizations working to fuel the drive towards gender parity in c-suites, boardrooms, and communities across America. The goals of WIL are to provide a platform to showcase top talent, help women leaders create and strengthen a network of allies to champion their work and provide opportunities for professional growth and development. For more information, contact [email protected] SOURCE Watercrest Senior Living Group WUHAN, China, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating its 70th anniversary on November 6, 2022, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) held International University Presidents' Forum, themed "Habitable Earth: Mission and Challenges for Research Intensive Universities". China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) held International University Presidents' Forum, themed "Habitable Earth: Mission and Challenges for Research Intensive Universities". Wuhan Consensus: An Initiative for a New Geoscience Education was released. Representatives from world-renowned research universities in Earth Science, principals of primary and secondary schools, and distinguished scholars from all over the world gathered in-person or online. The participants engaged in discussions on major challenges to the habitability of the Earth, and exchange of ideas on the mission, responsibilities and pathways of promoting the habitability of the Earth through education. The forum jointly released the Wuhan Consensus: An Initiative for a New Geoscience Education. (Full text of the Consensus: https://en.cug.edu.cn/Wuhan_Consensus.htm) The Consensus emphasizes that a shared future of mankind hinges on the habitability of the Earth. A shared future for mankind is determined by the habitability of the Earth. Due to the combined effects of the Earth's own evolution and anthropogenic changes, a global shortage of energy resources, environmental pollution, climate change, frequent disasters and ecological damage become increasingly serious, threatening the livability of the Earth at unprecedented rates. Modern Earth Science has made significant progresses and entered into the era of Earth System Science, with a focus on studying the past, present and future of a habitable Earth by looking into the deep Earth, deep sea, deep space and deep time. In response to the advancement of science and the call of the times, the Consensus advocates a renewed perception and definition of the role of mankind and its position and living style in the world under the multiverse outlook. The Consensus informs that all mankind should adjust and optimize the value system, knowledge system and dissemination system of geoscience education. To form a more diversified, comprehensive and inclusive paradigm, under which theories, technologies and methods could be generated, contributing to green and low-carbon production and life styles. The habitability of the Earth has long been wrecked in the "Anthropocene". It is high time to initiate, facilitate and practice a brand-new geoscience education that helps to reposition humanity as one of the multitudinous participants and builders of a habitable Earth. The Consensus calls on global universities, research institutions, primary and secondary schools, as well as all sectors of society for concerted actions to implement the new geoscience education and promote harmonious co-existence between man and nature in a timely manner. Image Attachments Links: Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=433183 Caption: China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) held International University Presidents' Forum, themed "Habitable Earth: Mission and Challenges for Research Intensive Universities". Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=433190 Caption: Wuhan Consensus: An Initiative for a New Geoscience Education was released. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940106/1_Wuhan_Consensus.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940105/2_Wuhan_Consensus.jpg SOURCE China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) Jerusalem, Nov 7 : The number of tourists who arrived in Israel since the beginning of 2022 surpassed 2 million, according to data published by the country's Central Bureau of Statistics. Between January and October of this year, the number of tourists visiting Israel reached 2.078 million, a seven-times increase from the number over the same period last year, Xinhua news agency reported. In October alone, 333,500 tourists visited Israel, the highest monthly figure since the country's outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020. After morbidity decreased in the country, Israel permitted the entry of vaccinated and recovered tourists in January 2022, and then allowed the visit of unvaccinated tourists in March. Meerut/Baghpat, Nov 7 : The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested seven people, including five petrol pump owners, in Meerut and Baghpat for allegedly duping consumers by selling adulterated fuel at five filling stations. The arrests were made in a joint operation by officials of STF, district administration, measurement department and supply department. ASP, STF, Brijesh Kumar Singh, said in a statement, "After a tip-off that a few fuel outlets in Meerut and Baghpat were selling adulterated diesel and petrol, our teams conducted raids at five petrol pumps - four in Meerut and one in Baghpat - and found that they were selling solvent mixed fuel at those outlets. The dispensing machines were rigged as they installed separate motherboards and display machines to deliver less fuel to consumers." The petrol pumps are owned by Nayara Company. The raids were conducted at Royal filling station in Saini, Partapur filling station on Delhi road, Siddhabali petrol station in Mawana, Dilli road filling station in Madhavpuram - all in Meerut - and Shiv service station in Meerut-Baghpat road in Baghpat. A senior officer of the supply department has filed a complaint following which five cases were registered against 10 people under section 3/7 of the Essential Commodities Act at four police stations, including Partapur, Brahmapuri, Inchauli and Hastinapur in Meerut; one at Singhawali Aheer police station in Baghpat. The ASP said, "Devendra Kumar a.k.a Satyendra, the mastermind behind the scam who rigged the display machines, has also been arrested along with Nayara company's sales manager Virendra Tripathi". New Delhi, Nov 7 : Organisations representing more than 350 million family farmers and producers published an open letter to world leaders on Monday, warning that global food security is at risk unless governments boost adaptation finance for small-scale production and promote a shift to more diverse, low-input agriculture. The UN Climate Summit (COP27) began in Egypt with 90 heads of state meeting to discuss food security and climate finance. Over 70 networks and organisations representing farmers, fishers, pastoralists, and forest producers have signed the letter including the World Rural Forum which represents 35 million family farmers across five continents, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa which represents 200 million small-scale producers on the continent, the Asian Farmers' Association for Sustainable Development with 13 million members, and Coordinadora de Mujeres Lideres Territoriales de Mesoamerica in Latin America. National organisations from Jordan to the UK and India have also signed. The letter warns that the "global food system is ill-equipped to deal with the impacts of climate change, even if we limit global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius" and says, "building a food system that can feed the world on a hot planet" must be a priority for COP27. Small-scale producers are critical for global food security, producing as much as 80 per cent of the food consumed in regions such as Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Yet they accounted for only 1.7 per cent of climate finance flows in 2018 -- just $10 billion compared to the estimated $240 billion a year needed to help them adapt to climate change. Progress on finance is key to success at COP27. At the Glasgow climate summit in 2021 wealthy nations agreed to double overall funding for adaptation to $40 billion a year by 2025 -- still only a fraction of what is required. Elizabeth Nsimadala, President of Eastern Africa Farmers Federation, which represents 25 million food producers and is a signatory to the letter, said: "The producers in our networks feed millions of people and support hundreds of thousands of jobs but they have reached a breaking point. "There needs to be a massive boost in climate finance to ensure small-scale producers have the information, resources and training necessary to continue feeding the world for generations to come." COP27 is taking place in the middle of a global food price crisis. While there is not yet a global food shortage, extreme drought, floods and heat has damaged harvests across the globe and scientists have warned of an increased risk of simultaneous crop failures in the world's major breadbaskets. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has said a shift to more diverse, low-input food systems is key to maintaining food security in a changing climate. Ma Estrella Penunia, Secretary General of the Asian Farmers' Association for Sustainable Rural Development which represents 13 million farmers across Asia, said: "$611 billion is spent subsidising food production every year -- much of it on industrial, chemical-intensive agriculture that is harmful to people and the environment. This can't continue. "Leaders must listen to farmers and put their political weight and financial muscle behind a shift to more diverse, sustainable and empowering food production, especially agroecological farming, fishing, forestry, herding and pastoralism." Food and agriculture are largely overlooked in climate negotiations despite being responsible for 34 per cent of emissions, the majority of which come from industrial agriculture. The signatories call on governments to work with them to build a stronger, more sustainable, and fairer food system. Laura Lorenzo, Director of the World Rural Forum, said: "Food and agriculture have been sidelined in climate negotiations and the concerns of small-holder producers ignored. Small-scale family farmers need a seat at the table and a say in the decisions that affect us -- from secure access to land and tenure, to accessing finance -- if we are to rebuild our broken food system." Beirut, Nov 7 : German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht has announced new support from her country to the Lebanese army in maritime surveillance and training. Lambrecht's remarks came during her visit to Lebanon on Sunday to follow up on her country's maritime force operating with the United Nations Interim force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Xinhua news agency reported, citing the National News Agency. "We are committed to strengthening the maritime radar system by providing specialized radar equipment and training to operate the machine, which is equally important to securing patrol boats," she said. UNIFIL Maritime Force is the first of its kind within the framework of the UN peacekeeping force. It was first deployed in 2006 at the request of Lebanon to assist its navy in securing maritime borders and effective security control in Lebanese waters, which comprises six ships from Germany, Bangladesh, Greece, Indonesia, Turkey, and Brazil. UNIFIL was established in 1978 under UN Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426 to confirm the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and restore international peace and security in the region. UNIFIL currently has over 9,000 peacekeepers from 48 countries and about 800 local and international civilian staff. Lucknow, Nov 7 : Lucknow has reported 42 new dengue cases in the past 24 hours even as health teams inspected 2,547 houses to prevent mosquito breeding. The fresh cases were reported from Indira Nagar (4), Aishbagh (4), Chandarnagar (4), N K Road (5), Chinhat (4), Tudiyaganj (4) and Malihabad (3). Notices were issued to seven houses where mosquito larva or stagnated water was spotted by the teams. Lucknow has been reporting a steady number of dengue cases lately. It saw 40 cases on November 5 and 3, and 39 on November 4. Experts said though there may not be a rising trend in the new dengue cases, but the threat remained. Dr Abhishek Shukla, secretary general of the Association of International Doctors, said: "If you have dengue, avoid getting further mosquito bites. Virus may be circulating in the blood during this time, and therefore you may transmit the virus to new uninfected mosquitoes, who may in turn infect others." Meanwhile, the District Magistrate took stock of the facilities provided to patients at Civil Hospital. Dr R.P. Singh, chief medical superintendent of the hospital, briefed the district magistrate about the facilities, medicine stocks and beds reserved for dengue patients. Divisional Commissioner Roshan Jacob has formed three-level teams to effectively stop the spread of dengue and other communicable diseases in the state capital. Officials of the health department and municipal corporation will work together to prevent the diseases from spreading. The first-level team, which comprises additional commissioner (Lucknow division), municipal commissioner, chief medical officer and city health officer, will supervise all the works done for the prevention of vector-borne diseases in city. The second-level team has additional chief medical officer, additional municipal commissioner, and doctors of Urban CHC. Each of them will oversee two zones under the municipal corporation. The second team will cooperate with and supervise the third-tier team, in which eight groups of sanitation officers, malaria inspectors and PHC doctors of their respective zones will work. Also, all sanitation inspectors, safai inspectors, safai nayaks, safai karamcharis and asha bahus are being roped in. Washington, Nov 7 : US President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump have held duelling rallies to fire up voters as campaigning for Tuesday's midterm elections is slated to end on Monday. On Sunday, while Biden spoke at a rally in New York to support Governor Kathy Hochul, Trump made his last-minute plea to voters in Miami, reports the BBC. Addressing voters at the Sarah Lawrence College, the President called the upcoming election "an inflection point" that will determine the next 20 years, adding that the people were choosing between two "fundamentally different visions of America". In his address that lasted for over an hour, Trump slammed the Democrats for leading the country towards "communism". "Democrats want to turn America into communist Cuba or socialist Venezuela... To every Hispanic American in Florida and across the land, we welcome you with open open open arms to our (Republican) party," the BBC quoted the former President as saying. He again hinted on his possible run for the White House, telling the crowd to "stay tuned" for his rally on Monday in Ohio. Also on Monday, Biden will appear at a rally in Maryland, a state normally considered a Democratic stronghold, while First lady Jill Biden will be in Virginia to support incumbent Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. In Tuesday's elections, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate will be contested. Thirty-nine state and territorial gubernatorial elections, as well as numerous other state and local elections, are also up for grabs. The results will determine the 118th US Congress. In the Senate, the Democrats and Republicans split 50:50 with Vice President Kamala Harris holding the edge for the Democrats with her tie breaking vote. In the House, Democrats have a wafer-thin majority of 220 seats and Republicans 212, with three seats vacant. Recent polls have suggested that Democrats are however, likely to lose their majority in the House of Representatives, while control of the Senate will probably rely on the results of extremely tight races in Pennsylvania, Georgia and Nevada, reports the BBC. Over 40 million ballots have already been cast during the early-voting period so far. New Delhi, Nov 7 : Delhi Police have arrested four people, including the alleged mastermind of Jahangirpuri violence, who was recently released on bail. Ansar, Zakir, Arbaaj and Junail were arrested for attempting to jeopardise peace in Jahangirpuri area as part of preventive action, police said. While Ansar Shiekh is the prime accused, Zakir's name had also cropped up during police investigation into the violence that took place on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti this year. According to sources, Ansar, who was recently released on bail, had taken out a procession after coming out of jail. Furthermore, he, along with Zakir and others, also tried to instigate the people in the area on Sunday. On November 4, Ansar was granted bail as the court observed that the investigation is complete and a charge-sheet has been filed. He had been in custody since April 17. He had been granted bail on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 25,000 with one surety of the like amount. Police opposed the bail saying he was held on the basis of CCTV footage in a case where eight police personnel were attacked and he was one of the prime accused. The court, however, said that no purposes would be served by keeping him in jail and granted bail. The Crime Branch has charge-sheeted 37 persons in connection with the riot including Ansar. "Ansar, Tarbez and Irshfil are the main accused among 37. Irshfil is on the run in the matter. The charge sheet was filed under sections 147, 148, 149, 186, 353, 332, 323,427, 436,307,120B IPC read with 27 Arms Act," an official said. On April 16, clashes broke out between two groups of different communities during a procession on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti in Jahangirpuri area. As many as eight police personnel and a civilian sustained injuries in the violence. New Delhi, Nov 7 : The Income Tax department has summoned retired IAS officer Deepak Singhal, former chief secretary of Uttar Pradesh, to join the investigation in connection with an alleged tax evasion case. Singhal is said to be very close to former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, and was the chief secretary during the Samajwadi Party government. Sources have claimed that the I-T department has also started investigations in old cases in which Singhal had been named as an accused. "We launched operation 'Babu Saheb' in which the name of Singhal emerged. We have found that he allegedly invested Rs 50 crore in Delhi, Agra and Noida. This was allegedly laundered money which was invested into real estate," the source said. Sources also said that recently the department questioned a Kolkata-based businessman and during his questioning they found a link of Singhal. Singhal is 1982 batch IAS officer. According to sources, he has been asked to join the probe within a week. The Income Tax Department has not given any official statement in this respect as of now. New York, Nov 7 : One in five people who survive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after cardiac arrest may describe lucid experiences of death that occurred while they were seemingly unconscious and on the brink of death, a first-of-its-kind study has revealed. Led by researchers at the New York University's Grossman School of Medicine and elsewhere, the study involved 567 men and women whose hearts stopped beating while hospitalised and who received CPR between May 2017 and March 2020 in the US and the UK. Despite immediate treatment, fewer than 10 per cent recovered sufficiently to be discharged from hospital. Survivors reported having unique lucid experiences, including a perception of separation from the body, observing events without pain or distress, and a meaningful evaluation of life, including of their actions, intentions and thoughts toward others. The researchers found these experiences of death to be different from hallucinations, delusions, illusions, dreams or CPR-induced consciousness. "These recalled experiences and brain wave changes may be the first signs of the so-called near-death experience, and we have captured them for the first time in a large study," said Sam Parnia, lead study investigator and associate professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Langone Health. "Our results offer evidence that while on the brink of death and in a coma, people undergo a unique inner conscious experience, including awareness without distress," Parnia noted in the study published in the journal Circulation. The work also included tests for hidden brain activity. A key finding was the discovery of spikes of brain activity, including so-called gamma, delta, theta, alpha and beta waves up to an hour into CPR. Some of these brain waves normally occur when people are conscious and performing higher mental functions, including thinking, memory retrieval, and conscious perception. The findings suggest that human sense of self and consciousness, much like other biological body functions, may not stop completely around the time of death. "These lucid experiences cannot be considered a trick of a disordered or dying brain, but rather a unique human experience that emerges on the brink of death," said Parnia. While no one knows the evolutionary purpose of this phenomenon, it clearly reveals "intriguing questions about human consciousness, even at death," Parnia added. The researchers said that further research is needed to more precisely define biomarkers of what is considered to be clinical consciousness, the human recalled experience of death. New York, Nov 7 : Singapore-based Sikh researcher and documentary filmmaker Amardeep Singh has been honoured with the 'The Guru Nanak Interfaith Prize' for the year 2022. Administered by Hofstra University, New York, the $50,000 prize, which is bestowed every two years, recognises significant works to increase interfaith understanding. Established in 2006 by Ishar Bindra and family in Brookville, New York, the award is meant to encourage understanding of various religions and encourage cooperation between faith communities. Born in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, Amardeep Singh runs Lost Heritage Productions -- a Singapore-based visual media production house -- along with wife Vininder Kaur. The production house is focused on research and documentation of forgotten legacies.Singh has authored two books, entitled, 'Lost Heritage, The Sikh Legacy in Pakistan' and 'The Quest Continues: Lost Heritage, The Sikh Legacy in Pakistan'. He has also made a few documentary films on the remnants of the Sikh legacy remnants in Pakistan, and led a team from India and Pakistan to create a docuseries, 'Allegory, A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels'. A formal award presentation has been planned on November 14 at the Woodbury in New York, The Indian Panorama reported. Educated at The Doon School, Dehradun, Singh did his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Chicago. Having worked in the financial services sector for 25 years, he led the Asia Pacific Region at American Express for Revenue Management of the Credit Card business. Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama was named the first winner of the Guru Nanak Prize in 2008 in recognition of his many years of promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding around the world. The apparent bonhomie between Iran and Russia, two ideologically opposed powers, seems rather surprising. But the reality of wider strategic gains can make one eschew ideology. International politics, internal compulsions and various other external and internal threats and dynamics sometimes bring antagonist forces together. The wider compulsions force countries to forego ideological differences and stances and instead work unitedly for greater gains in the geo-political and regional level besides influencing global politics. The latest example in such a scenario is that of Iran and Russia working together in the backdrop of the continuing Russia-Ukraine war and the US's cautious approach to tackle the emerging scenario. It would have been unfathomable to think a Communist regime and an Islamic regime -- to which Communism is a complete anathema, to come together, but strange indeed are the ways of economic and security compulsions. Iranian armaments for Russia It has been reported that Russia is buying Iranian-made missiles and drones in huge quantity and using them against Ukraine. This makes us ponder what is the real Russian intention to buy arms from not an ally but an ideological opponent and why not use its own stockpile of missiles and drones. Recently, it has been reported that Iran is poised to send approximately 1,000 additional weapons to Russia, including short-range ballistic missiles and additional attack drones, the last shipment of weapons from Iran to Russia included about 450 drones. Reports quote presence of Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, two senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard officials and an official from Iran's Supreme National Security Council in Moscow, last month and apparently during their presence a deal was struck between the two countries, under which Iran would provide Russia with surface-to-surface ballistic missiles while The Russians had asked for the Fateh and Zolfaghar surface-to-surface family missiles, according to sources. In response to this development Ukrainian officials have been quoted as saying that Ukraine currently has "no effective defence against these missiles. It is theoretically possible to shoot them down, but it is very difficult to do it with the means we currently have." In reality, Anti-ballistic Missiles (ABMs) can shoot down the Fateh and Zolfaghar missiles. However, Ukraine doesn't have any effective ABM defences and it has asked the US to supply it with ABMs, delivery of which has been withheld so far by the Washington. Why Russia is buying from Iran? This makes us ponder what is the real reason for Russia buying these armaments from Iran. In fact Iranian missiles present a perfect cost-effective option to strike at Ukrainian infrastructure, and in addition though they are crude yet they are rather accurate in reaching and destroying their target effectively. In addition Iran has a huge stockpile of these indigenously manufactured missiles and UAVs or drones. In absence if it being currently not engaged in any big campaign apart from the proxy-war in Syria, it has a huge inventory of missiles, which could practically mean early use in effective numbers by Russia. Further, procuring Iranian missiles allows Russia to conserve its more advanced and deadly tactical ballistic missiles, such as the Iskander, for a possible future clash with NATO. The Russian plan it seems is intended to use these missiles procured at a lesser cost to damage Ukraine's power generation, command and control, and logistic infrastructure to the maximum extent possible before the onset of winter. The Russian goal is to destroy the signals receiving stations from reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft of the US and NATO. These stations are equipped with radars that can track 600 ground targets simultaneously, and thus they effectively observe Russian troop movements and transmit them to the Ukrainian military. In fact, the Ukrainian power generation infrastructure has been damaged significantly by Russian air strikes. Official Ukrainian estimates speak of the lost power generation capability from 30 to 40 per cent. The damage was primarily achieved over three days of these attacks on October 10, 11, and 31, with cruise missiles, kamikaze drones, and air-to-surface missiles. American quandary Now this leads us to another important question, what should be the response of the US, NATO and other Western countries to the Russian strategy? The US could try to prevent delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles by pre-emptively attacking Iranian missile storage and transhipment facilities. This could be a reasonably effective option, but with the added danger of US being actively involved in the Russian-Ukraine war and further, most importantly, opening up a new front against its old foe Iran. This could further translate into a bigger regional conflict, from which the US would be unable to extricate itself successfully. Further, the US could also work to get a no-fly zone established over Ukraine. But this may entail parleys with other regional players and NATO countries and may also be seen as a direct US involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war and the present Biden administration may not be ready to take such a big risk. On the other hand through NATO, US could start supplying Ukraine with missiles with a range similar to the missiles provided by Iran, including the 300-km range variant of HIMARS rockets, delivery of which the US has withheld so far. Though in reality, longer-range weapons in the hands of Ukrainians may cause more pain to Russia but it would not prevent Russia using Iranian ballistic missiles from degrading Ukrainian infrastructure. Meanwhile, last week the US Department of Defence announced that it will provide a new $400 million package of security assistance to Ukraine that includes refurbished T-72 tanks, Phoenix Ghost unmanned drones, and armoured boats. In the given scenario, the US and other Western countries seem to be caught in catch 22 situation and seemingly unable to stop the supply of missiles and drones from Iran to Russia. (Asad Mirza is a political commentator based in New Delhi. He writes on Indian Muslims, educational, international affairs, interfaith and current affairs. He can be contacted on www.asadmirza.in) Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War New Delhi, Nov 7 : Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has criticised the decision by Elon Musk-run Twitter to sack its employees in India, saying that they should have been given a "fair time for transition". Vaishnaw's reaction, first reported by Business Standard, came as Musk fired about half of Twitter's workforce globally, including nearly 150-180 employees in India. "We condemn the way Twitter has sacked employees in India," said Vaishnaw, adding that the employees "should have given the employees a fair time for transition". The layoffs in India were done across departments, from sales to marketing, from content curation to corporate communications. Twitter employees in India last week lost access to their official emails and internal Slack and group chats. Those who are still with Twitter India are living in constant fear about losing their jobs in the next round, which they think will happen sooner keeping Musk's intentions in mind. According to the company, the employee badge access to Twitter's offices was shut off "temporarily". Musk said there was no choice other than brutally firing half of Twitter's workforce as the company was losing over $4 million a day. "Regarding Twitter's reduction in force, unfortunately there is no choice when the company is losing over $4M/day," Musk tweeted. "Everyone exited was offered 3 months of severance, which is 50 per cent more than legally required," he added. He also said that Twitter has seen a massive drop in revenue as activist groups are putting undue pressure on its advertisers. Pharmacists dispense medicines according to Qingfei Paidu Soup prescriptions at Anhui University of Chinese Medicine on Feb 21, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua] While hailing traditional Chinese medicines' unique advantages in helping tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, senior officials have called for the accelerating modernization and innovation of TCM to better contribute to global health, on Saturday. Chen Zhu, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and chairman of the Central Committee of the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, said that the integration of TCM and western medicine is a highlight in China's combat against the COVID-19 disease. He said that while the western medicine approach plays an essential role in developing rapid diagnostic kits, detecting viral mutations and treating serious cases, TCM treatment is effective in improving the overall health condition of patients and can be tailored to tackle different symptoms, thus receiving widespread recognition. Chen spoke on Saturday during the opening ceremony of the 8th Traditional Chinese Medicine Science Conference held in Beijing and Huizhou, Guangdong province. The event, running over the weekend, is jointly held by the Central Committee of the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Chen said that the report, released in March by the World Health Organization, evaluates the role of TCM in COVID-19 treatment and gives a clear nod to the safety and efficacy of TCM, signifying the irreplaceable role of TCM in public health systems. He added that innovation should be the "fundamental engine" to advance the development of TCM, and it is discouraged to isolate TCM from modern technologies. "It is important to keep in mind that TCM needs modernization and can be modernized," he said. Chen said advanced tools such as big data and artificial intelligence can provide strong support for researching TCM and multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral cooperation are encouraged to expedite modernization of TCM. Yu Wenming, director of the administration, said during the event that modern science has already played an increasingly important role in TCM development. He said that 23 national-level science awards have been awarded to research projects in the TCM sector since 2016. Meanwhile, China has set up the world's first TCM evidence-based medical center, 40 TCM clinical research bases, and two national-level TCM clinical research centers. The country is also planning to set up 46 national TCM inheritance and innovation centers, he added. Patna, Nov 7 : A BJP leader was shot dead by two bike borne assailants in Bihar's Katihar district on Monday, police said. The victim has been identified as Sanjiv Mishra, a native of Telta village who was a former district president of the BJP He was sitting outside his house in Telta when the assailants arrived and opened fire on him. He sustained two gunshot injuries and died on the spot. The police said that the reason for the attack is old enmity and property dispute. Citizens residing near Shyamal Square in Rajkot on Sunday night carried out Janata raid on country liquor den. Image Source: IANS News Citizens residing near Shyamal Square in Rajkot on Sunday night carried out Janata raid on country liquor den. Image Source: IANS News Citizens residing near Shyamal Square in Rajkot on Sunday night carried out Janata raid on country liquor den. Image Source: IANS News Citizens residing near Shyamal Square in Rajkot on Sunday night carried out Janata raid on country liquor den. Image Source: IANS News Rajkot, Nov 7 : Locals attacked a bootlegger's den in Gujarat's Rajkot following cases of harassment and nuisance by drunken men in the area. The den was attacked on Sunday night. The people living around the area had been complaining for a long time against the nuisance, and when no action followed, they decided to act on their own. On Sunday night, the people gathered at the Shyamal crossroads and decided to raid the den. When the Rajkot city police control room was informed about the large gathering of agitated people they alerted the Aji Dam police station team. The team rushed to the spot and found that the crowd had attacked the liquor den. The police officer tried to pacify the agitated people and promised them of action against the bootlegger following which the mob dispersed. The FIR lodged by head constable Nikunj Maraviya against the bootlegger Jagdish Mathasuriya and others, however, stated that during police patrolling they suspected a movement of the accused and on search found six kg of country liquor worth Rs 120 only. Chennai, Nov 7 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan joined scores of people from across the country in wishing actor and politician Kamal Haasan 'a very happy birthday' on Monday. Taking to Twitter, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, in Tamil, expressed his heartiest birthday wishes to the Chief of the Maiam political party and his dear friend, Kamal Haasan, who he said, continued to keep evolving and improvising through his unquenchable thirst for art. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan too took to Twitter to express his birthday wishes to Kamal Haasan. He wrote, "Happy birthday dear Kamal Haasan. As an unparalleled artist, you continue to amaze us. Your unwavering adherence to democratic and secular values inspire us. Wish you many more years of happiness and health." Several actors, directors, producers, production houses and fans too wished the actor, who turned 68 on Monday. On the eve of his birthday, the actor's production house, Raaj Kamal Films International along with director Mani Ratnam's Madras Talkies and Udhayanidhi Stalin's Red Giant Movies announced that Kamal Haasan would be playing the lead in a film that was to be directed by Mani Ratnam. Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan will be working together again on a film, 35 years after they made the cult classic 'Nayagan'. The film, which will be Kamal Haasan's 234th film, is to hit screens in 2024. Manila, Nov 7 : The Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Monday announced that it has approved a $70 million loan to Cambodia to support government efforts to deepen reforms in upper secondary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education across the country. In a statement, the lender said that Science and Technology Project in Upper Secondary Education will help Cambodia develop high-quality human resources, especially in the STEM field, as the country aspires to transform its economy to a technology-driven and knowledge-based economy, reports Xinhua news agency. "Given the significant STEM skills gap, the project will help to strengthen Cambodia's education system by upgrading its traditional STEM education to keep up with the growing demand for a highly qualified labour force," said Lynnette Perez, the ADB's principal education specialist for Southeast Asia. "This will be instrumental for Cambodia to integrate 21st-century skills, knowledge, and competencies into its STEM education. This would improve student proficiency in critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration, all of which are needed for a knowledge-based economy," she added. The project will put in place standards for quality education for all upper secondary schools, upgrade facilities, and provide essential education technology and STEM equipment in Cambodia, the statement said. Among the project's plans will be to upgrade the facilities of 14 upper secondary network schools and 103 general upper secondary schools, by converting three classrooms in each into two science classrooms and one library with equipment, teaching materials, books, furnishing, and needed education technology resources, it added. Wellington, Nov 7 : The New Zealand government is strengthening its efforts to clamp down on money laundering and terrorism financing, making it easier for small businesses and consumers to comply, Justice Minister Kiri Allan said on Monday. "Our country is a safe place to do business, but we want to do as much as possible to disrupt the criminal economy, and improve how we detect, deter and eliminate money laundering," Xinhua news agency quoted Allan as saying. New Zealand is one of the least corrupt countries in the world, which also makes it more attractive for international money-launderers, the Minister said, adding money laundering can threaten the country's international reputation. She cited an evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force last year which found New Zealand was a highly effective international partner contributing to foreign investigations and tenaciously pursuing money laundering globally. The government is now introducing changes aimed at improving the regime, following a review of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act, she said. The review also forms part of the government's response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry in response to the March 15 attacks in 2019 in which a gunman killed 51 people in two mosques in the city of Christchurch. "The act disrupts serious and organized crime, as well as terrorism, by imposing obligations on businesses that provide specific financial and non-financial services, known as reporting entities," Allan said. These obligations require reporting entities to assess their money laundering and terrorism financing risks, identify and know their customers, report suspicious activities and transactions, and maintain various records, the Minister added. New Delhi, Nov 7 : IPO-Bound car search platform CarDekho Group on Monday said it aims to infuse $100 million in its Fintech entity called Rupyy in a mix of debt and equity. Rupyy crossed Rs 500 crore of monthly disbursal volume of car loans in September. The brand plans to hit Rs 10,000 crore annualised disbursals by March 2023. As part of its initial rollout plan, the company will focus on EV Financing, and is in the process of setting up pan India tie-ups with OEMs in the space. "This infusion from our parent company will amplify the processes manifolds. As we continue to expand in different verticals and enter new regional markets, we aim to represent 35-40 per cent of the segment's market share," said Namit Jain, Co-Founder and CEO, Rupyy. The infusion has been planned to scale up the NBFC Business, and technology and launch new product categories, said CarDekho which raised $250 million in October last year, taking its valuation to $1.2 billion and becoming the 31st unicorn of 2021 in the country. Rupyy recently unveiled India's largest QR code-based loan platform, which is available to more than 2,200 vehicle dealerships and distributors nationwide. The brand also launched the new car loan category and scaled it up to a Rs 50 crore monthly disbursals rate in a matter of few months. "Rupyy is already on a strong growth trajectory and with this infusion, it's ready to disrupt the entire used car finance business of our country and take it to a whole new level," said Amit Jain, Co-Founder and CEO, CarDekho Group. Islamabad, Nov 7 : The Pakistan Supreme Court on Monday directed Inspector General (IG) of the Punjab Police, Faisal Shahkar to register an FIR on the assassination attempt on former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The order was issued by the apex court while hearing a contempt of court plea filed against the PTI Chiarman by the government over his long march to Islamabad, reports Geo News. At the outset of the hearing, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial condemned the assassination attempt and asked Khan's lawyer Salman Akram Raja whether an FIR was registered as of yet. "I am not aware about the FIR. An attempt was made to register an FIR but I don't think it has been registered as of yet," said Raja. At this, CJP Bandial lamented that it had been more than 90 hours since the attack took place and the FIR was yet to be registered. The delay in the registration of the FIR means that the police investigation has not begun as of yet, he added. "If the police did not investigate, the evidence may have been destroyed from the crime scene. This way the evidence of the case will be controversial and will be unacceptable in court," Geo News quoted the CJP as saying. At this point, IG Shahkar appeared before the bench once the CJP inquired about who was presenting the Punjab Police. "I have heard about your achievements at the international level, register the FIR and inform us about it," remarked the CJP. He also directed the province's top cop to keep on working, and if someone would intervene the court would look into it. The top judge of the country also directed the Punjab Police chief to assign an honest officer to investigate the attack . Justice Bandial further directed the Punjab Police chief to keep working as per the law. He added that if there is a delay in the registration of the FIR then they will take up the case as problem in the criminal justice system. "Chief minister's objections cannot to stop the police from registering the case. For now, we are not taking suo motu notice but if an FIR is not registered within 24 hours then we will take suo motu notice," the CJP added. Kabul, Nov 7 : The Taliban has disclosed the burial site of Mullah Omar, the elusive and reclusive one-eyed founder of the terror group, in Afghansitan's Zabul province, chief spokesman of the government in Kabul Zabihullah Mujahid said on Monday. "The burial site of late Amirul Mominen (Supreme leader) Mullah Mohammad Omar Mujahid was revealed to public at a ceremony attended by ranking officials in Omarzo area of Suri district, Zabul province, on Sunday," Mujahid tweeted. Acting Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund and other members of the Taliban-led government attended the ceremony, Xinhua news agency quoted the spokesman as saying. After he was dethroned from power following the US-led military invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, Omar went underground and according to media reports died of illness in 2013 in Pakistan. However, his supporters have denied the report, claiming Omar passed away nine years ago inside Afghanistan and was buried secretly. Born in 1960 in Kandahar province, Mullah Omar fought with the Afghan fighters against the Soviet army in the 1980s and lost his right eye in battle. Some reports suggest the Taliban leader had himself cut out his wounded eye, while others suggest he was treated at a hospital in one of the neighbouring countries. After the Soviets pulled out in 1989, Omar was said to have returned to his native area as a prayer leader and teacher. He gathered a band of students which was later said to have become the Taliban. The Taliban took power in Kabul under Omar's leadership in 1996. Bhopal, Nov 7 : In a case of honour killing, a 23-year-old man was murdered by the family members of his wife allegedly for marrying her without their consent in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district, police said. The incident took place on Sunday when the victim, who was living in Gujarat, had come to his village in Madhya Pradesh to celebrate Diwali. According to the Shivpuri district police, the victim, who has been identified as Dheeru Jathav was killed by the family members of his wife Chhaya Jatav, both of whom hail from the same village and community. The couple had a court marriage without the consent of the woman's family in 2020. Fearing that they may face trouble from the woman's family, the couple had shifted to Ahmedabad soon after getting married in a district court. Dheeru along with his wife had come to his village to celebrate Diwali after two years, and on Sunday, he was spotted by his in-laws. "They cornered and killed him using an axe. The accused hit the axe on his neck and he died on the spot. A police team rushed to the spot soon. The body was taken for post-mortem and a case under section 302 of the IPC was registered on the basis of a complaint filed by the victim's family," said a police officer in Shivpuri district, investigating the case. The police said that as many as seven people have been accused in the case, including the father-in-law of the victim. One of the accused has been arrested while search for the remaining was underway. The police also added that the houses of the accused will be bulldozed. Chennai, Nov 7 : Actress Swarnamalya, who is best known for her roles in Tamil superhit films like director Mani Ratnam's 'Alaipayuthey' and director Radha Mohan's 'Mozhi', says she is looking to be kind to herself. Taking to Instagram to pen her thoughts, Swarnamalya, who is also a seasoned classical dancer, wrote, "Being kind to one's own self. I was born in an era where self love was not appreciated. But I grew into an era where 'the self' is at the centre of life." She also spoke about battling an injury that has taken a toll on her, "Old habits die hard. So for me, showing self love is always an effort. But, as I'm battling an injury that has emotionally and physically drained me- I am taking a renewed look at my ability for self love." She further mentioned, "I still don't know how, quite frankly, but I have lovely people around me to show me how. As they say, happiness doubles when shared and pain halves. I will start there." "I hope those of you out there who also struggle with self love can find a small way to smile for yourself today," she concluded. Chikkamagalur : , Nov 7 (IANS) The Karnataka Police, which are investigating the mysterious death of BJP MLA M.P. Renukacharya's nephew, visited the ashram of godman Vinay Guruji in the Gowri Gadde village in Chikkamagalur district on Monday. Renukacharya's nephew, Chandrashekar's body was found in the Tunga canal. Renukacharya had lashed out at the police alleging slack investigation. He had stated that the police did nothing in the case even as his supporters had searched for the body through drones and done leg work. The police department was under pressure to crack the case as the statements by Renukacharya worried the ruling BJP government. Chandrashekar had visited Vinay Guruji's ashram before he went missing with his friend Kiran. The Channagiri police later visited the ashram and gathered information in connection with the case. Vinay Guruji was questioned on the matter that he discussed with Chandrashekar; whether there was any crisis or problem that Chandrashekar might have shared. Guruji had reacted that Chandrashekar was a devotee, had visited the ashram, but he (Guruji) could not talk to him (Chandrashekar) much as he came late, police said. Guruji also told the police that he had asked Chandrashekar about the timing of visits to the ashram and sent them back asking them to be careful in future. He also said that he was pained at the turn of events. The police were also questioning the staff of the ashram. Chandrashekar, 24, had gone missing on last Sunday. It was suspected that he was kidnapped. The police had found deceased Chandrashekar's car inside the canal on October 3. After lifting the car with a crane, the decomposed body of the man was found inside. Jammu, Nov 7 : An operative of the Al Qaeda terror group was arrested from Ramban district of Jammu division, the J&K Police said on Monday. A police spokesman said that the operative was identified as Amiruddin Khan, son of Mostafa Khan, a resident of West Bengal. Amiruddin Khan was arrested with a Chinese grenade in Ramban. "An FIR under relevant sections of law has been registered against him," the police said, adding that further investigation was going on. Mumbai, Nov 7 : A political storm erupted in Maharashtra on Monday as ruling Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena (BSS) Minister Abdul Sattar allegedly used foul words against Nationalist Congress Party MP Supriya Sule, the daughter of veteran leader Sharad Pawar. While attacking the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for its ongoing shrill 'Khokha' (slang for Rs 1 crore), Sattar seemingly lost control over his speech and used certain disrespectful words against Sule. Sattar's utterances enraged NCP activists and scores of them rushed to the Minister's home in Mumbai, shouted slogans and pelted stones, and impromptu protests erupted in Mumbai, Thane, Aurangabad, Pune and other places. NCP Women's Wing leader Vidya Chavan demanded that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde must sack Sattar or seek his resignation within 24 hours failing which they would block his entry to Mantralaya. NCP chief spokesperson Mahesh Tapase went to lodge a complaint against Sattar at MRA Marg Police. In other parts of the state, NCP workers blackened or stoned pictures of Sattar, beat up his portraits with shoes, burnt his effigies, and demanded his dismissal from the ministry. Senior NCP leader Dr. Jitendra Awhad said Sattar is a follower of Islam which propounds respect for women and others asked that by using such derogatory language, the arrogant minister even deserved to be called a Muslim. As the political heat turned up, Sattar went on the defensive and denied that he made any such utterances against Sule while claiming that he was only replying to those defaming the BSS with the '50 Khokha' allegations. "However, if any woman feels that I have offended them in any manner, I hereby withdraw my words and also apologisea I am sorry," Sattar airily told media persons. Shiv Sena-UBT leaders like Aditya Thackeray, Sushma Andhare, Kishore Tiwari and Congress' leaders also slammed the BSS for Sattar's disrespectful language and demanded stringent action against him. They also attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders who regularly target women politicians in Maharashtra and other states, and Andhare asked why the BJP's women leaders are not keeping mum. Chavan and other women leaders rejected the apology and said they would not settle for anything less than Sattar's dismissal from the state cabinet. Sattar retorted that though he said nothing objectionable, attempts were being made to defame and target him, and he would not be scared by demands for his sacking/resignation. New Delhi, Nov 7 : Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday lauded all 12 public sector banks for recording combined net profits worth Rs 25,685 crore in the second quarter of the current fiscal. In a series of tweets, she said, "The continuous efforts of our government for reducing the NPAs and further strengthening the health of PSBs are now showing tangible results. All 12 PSBs declared net profit of Rs 25,685 cr in Q2FY23". She said that the combined net profits of public sector banks recorded a year-on-year growth of 50 per cent. Similarly, in the first half of the current fiscal, the 12 state-owned banks recorded a total profits of Rs 40,991 crore, which were 31.6 per cent higher year-on-year. Country's largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) reported a 74 per cent jump in profit to Rs 13,265 crore. Canara Bank reported 89 per cent jump in profit to Rs 2,525 crore, UCO Bank reported a huge 145 per cent jump in profit to Rs 504 crore, while the Bank of Baroda reported 58.70 per cent profit of Rs 3,312.42 crore in the September quarter of 2022-23. Lucknow, Nov 7 : Actor Priyanka Chopra stepped out in Lucknow for a field trip to see the work being done by UNICEF and its partners to end violence and discrimination against girls in Uttar Pradesh. In her social media account, she shared a video of herself from inside a car as she visited various UNICEF centres. She also posted a clip of a traditional Chikankari garment during her trip. In the video, Priyanka said that gender inequality in India leads to unequal opportunities, especially for girls. She also recalled studying in Lucknow during her childhood, and having family and friends, who still live in the city. She added she wanted to see what changes had come about in the city and in state, since her time here. "Right now, I am in Lucknow, India, with UNICEF. I am really looking forward to this field visit. I have spent a few of my childhood years at school in Lucknow, I have family and friends here. And I am keen to understand how the needle has shifted for women and children in Uttar Pradesh. I want to see first-hand how technology and innovation is making that shift at a larger scale. Across India gender inequality results in unequal opportunities, and it is the girls that are most disadvantaged," Priyanka said. The actor also spoke about finding solutions to end violence and discrimination against girls in Uttar Pradesh. Priyanka said in the video, "We are visiting various UNICEF partners to see that work that is being done with the aim to end violence and discrimination against girls. I will hear about the challenges they face in everyday life, and see the solutions on hand, because what is needed is solutions at scale. As I have said often enough, women and girls are the key in building better future not just for themselves but for their communities." Earlier, the actor visited the UNICEF office in Lucknow. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Chennai, Nov 7 : Actress Mrunal Thakur, whose portrayal of Sita in 'Sita Ramam' has been received quite well by the audience, says she was floored by the love showered by fans on both Dulquer and her in the US where they had gone to the North American country on an invitation from the Telugu Cultural Sangam. Ever since 'Sita Ramam' released, Mrunal has been receiving accolades from all corners for her performance in the film. The film has South heartthrob Dulquer Salmaan opposite Mrunal complimenting each other on screen. Recently, the duo, along with the makers of 'Sita Ramam', were invited to Washington DC in the US to be a part of the Telugu Cultural Sangam after the Diwali celebrations. During the trip, Dulquer Salmaan, Mrunal Thakur, director Hanu Ragavapudi and producer Swapna Dutt interacted with a packed house that kept cheering for the onscreen couple in 'Sita Ramam'. Giving details of the trip and the experience, Mrunal says, "It was a surreal experience. Seeing the kind of love and affection everyone had to share with us was overwhelming." "After almost three years, this was the first time I went internationally to be among audiences from another country, and it felt so nice to have this immense love being given to us and our body of work." "Dulquer and I felt gratitude and felt humbled seeing this immense love from the fans who saw us together on screen. Meeting them was very satisfying. To be among thousands of fans cheering for my character, 'Sita Mahalaxmi' felt so surreal." "I got emotional, seeing people remember you with the characters you play on screen. This reminds you that you are on the right track." Mrunal will next be seen with Huma Qureshi in 'Pooja Meri Jaan'. She will be following it up with 'Pippa', a war drama biopic with Ishan Khatter and Priyanshu Painyuli. She will also be seen in a family comedy drama 'Aankh Micholi' with Abhimanyu Dasani and Paresh Rawal. Chandigarh, Nov 7 : The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Monday expelled Bibi Jagir Kaur from the primary membership of the party for indulging in anti-party activities, including becoming party to a conspiracy to break the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Announcing this, SAD Disciplinary Committee Chairman Sikander Singh Maluka said disciplinary action had been taken against Bibi Jagir Kaur after exhausting all options, including giving her an opportunity to present her point of view through a personal hearing on Monday. "SAD has always sought to present panthic unity by putting forward a single candidate for the post of President of the SGPC after the party President takes the views of all members individually. We fail to understand why Bibi Jagir Kaur wanted to change this norm and create confusion in the Sikh community as it only helps forces inimical to the panth." Detailing the case, Maluka said Bibi Jagir Kaur had started preparing to contest the SGPC elections three months back by approaching members. He said with the aim of maintaining unity in the party, senior SAD leaders Daljit Singh Cheema and Surjit Singh Rakhra, had approached her and urged her to abide by party discipline. "Even SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal apprised her about the view point of SGPC members and counselled her not to insist on contesting the polls." Asserting that Bibi Jagir Kaur remained insistent, Maluka said that she started calling up and meeting members to solicit their support. "Things got out of hand when there were complaints from SGPC members that senior BJP leader and Minority Commission Chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura was ringing up members to solicit support for Bibi Jagir Kaur." --IANS vg/vd Mr Maluka said taking into consideration the complaint of the members as well as the report submitted by the two member SAD team which met her, Bibi Jagir Kaur was suspended from the party. "Following this two repeated extensions were given to her to explain her view point and today she was given time to explain her case in person". However instead of doing this, she is questioning the very formation of the disciplinary committee which has been formed by the SAD President after the party Working Committee, of which she is a member, gave Mr Sukhbir Badal the requisite rights". Meanwhile disciplinary committee member Virsa Singh Valtoha released a sting done on Amritsar based BJP leader Prof Sarchand Singh in which the latter is heard telling SGPC member Surjit Singh Bhittewad that he will arrange the latteraAs meeting with the National Minority Commission Chairman. He said that in the sting Prof Sarchand also offered to bribe SGPC members to secure their votes. Mr Valtoha asserted the sting had proved that the BJP and Iqbal Singh Lalpura were not only interfering in the elections to the President of the SGPC but were also approaching the members to secure votes for Bibi Jagir Kaur. He demanded that the phone call records of both Prof Sarchand and Lalpura should be probed to ascertain the extent of the conspiracy to break the SGPC. Other disciplinary committee members who attended the press conference included Sharanjit Singh Dhillon and Dr Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi. EOM Jangveer Singh Islamabad, Nov 7 : The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has changed its plans and will now be resuming its long march from Wednesday instead of Tuesday following a brief pause due to party chief Imran Khan's injury in an attempt on his life last week, the media reported. Islamabad Capital City Police has warned of legal action against protests without permission in the federal capital ahead of the resumption, while the Supreme Court has ordered the Punjab IG to register the FIR of the assassination attempt on Khan, The News reported. PTI Chairman Imran Khan has deferred the resumption of the party's long march for another day. The march will now resume from Wednesday instead of Tuesday, party leader Fawad Chaudhry confirmed. "My long march will achieve the target under any circumstances," Geo News reported Imran Khan as saying. He added that they will return only after getting the date for general elections. Khan said that no compromise can be made with Asif Ali Zardari, and Nawaz Sharif. He said that the march will be led by PTI leaders Asad Umar and Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have reportedly decided to launch a crackdown against key PTI leaders, sources privy to the matter said. The sources said a decision to arrest PTI leaders, including Pervez Khattak, Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, Amir Kayani, Ali Amin Gandapur and Aamir Dogar and others has been taken. Moreover, action against individuals involved in blocking ways leading to the Islamabad airport will also be taken, The News reported. Bengaluru, Nov 7 : The right-wing organisation -- Hindu Janjagruti Samiti -- has filed a complaint with the Karnataka Police against comedian Vir Das and demanded cancellation of his comedy show to be organised in Bengaluru on November 10. Following the complaint, Vyalikaval police in Bengaluru have booked an FIR against Das for allegedly hurting religious sentiments of Hindus. The complaint said that the stand-up comedian's show hurts the religious sentiments of Hindus and shows India in bad light to the world. Mohan Gowda, State Hindu Janjagruti Samiti Spokesperson, said in his complaint, "It has been noticed that the controversial comedian Vir Das is holding a comedy show on November 10 at Chowdiah Memorial hall in Malleswaram, Bengaluru." "Earlier, Das had made derogatory statements against women, our Prime Minister and India at the John F. Kennedy Centre in Washington DC, US, and denigrated the country." The stand-up comedian had said that in India, we worship women in the day and rape them at night during one of his stand-up comedy performance. The case was registered by the Mumbai Police and Delhi Police in this regard. "It is a serious offence under the Indian Penal Code. In this context, it is not right to allow such a controversial person to hold such a programme in a communally sensitive city like Bengaluru," the state Hindu Janjagruti Samiti Spokesperson added. "When Karnataka is already facing many problems due to communal incidents, such events which could vitiate the law and order problems should not be allowed. We demand that this programme should be cancelled immediately." The police have taken up the investigation in the case. New Delhi, Nov 7 : Various doctors association on Monday observed a "Black Day" to express solidarity with MBBS students of PGIMS Rohtak, protesting against the Haryana government's bond policy for MBBS admissions. Members of the Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) wore black ribbons to show their protest, while the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) also expressed support for the protesting students and their demands. The doctors body also denounced the alleged brutality of the Haryana Police against medical students. The FORDA have also written a letter to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya against police brutality on the peacefully protesting students. "The recent incident of police action on the doctors carrying out a peaceful protest against fee hike in government medical colleges in Haryana, is barbaric and highly condemnable, it said, terming the use of water cannons and forcefully dragging and manhandling the protesting doctors as "yet another blot on the face of medical education system in the state of Haryana and this country". "An unwarranted fee hike in the form of a despicable bond policy followed by police action on innocent doctors who have given their best in all circumstances including the Covid pandemic, shows the apathy and weak memory the government has," the letter added. Talking to IANS, Dr Sarvesh Pandey, Vice President RDA RML and FORDA General Secretary, said: "We on behalf of RDA RML would like to condemn the act of atrocity done by Haryana Police towards the doctors who were on silent protest against the inhumane bond which has been forcibly applied by the Health Ministry of Haryana. The act of violence towards doctors is completely unacceptable and unethical." Meanwhile, a delegation led by FAIMA chief Advisor Dr Manish Jangra has reached the PGIMS Rohtak to join the protest. Dr Jangra told IANS that they are extremely against the Rs 40 lakh bond policy imposed by the state government. "We are standing firmly with the students and have joined the protest of young medicos. "We condemn act of bruatllity by Rohtak police on MBBS Students. Water Canons must not be used for the MBBS students. They are our future... they were protesting silently," he said. Kolkata, Nov 7 : The Calcutta High Court on Monday dismissed a contempt of court petition against West Bengal's Director General of Police Manoj Malviya, filed by the Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, Suvendu Adhikari. While Adhikari was on his way to Netai in Jhargram district of West Bengal on January 7 this year, he was stopped by the police from visiting there. Following that, he filed a contempt of court petition at the Calcutta High Court against the state police DGP on grounds that there was an earlier order of the same court as the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, he had the right to move freely anywhere within the state and the police had to ensure that. Accordingly, a contempt of court rule was issued against the state DGP, Jhargram's district police superintendent and additional superintendent. The state police DGP was also summoned at the court to present his explanations in the matter and he abided by that. On Monday, the Calcutta High Court dismissed the petition. Adhikari, reacting to the development, said he has decided to challenge the dismissal order before the Supreme Court. "In am in the process of consultation with my legal team in the meanwhile and waiting to receive a copy of the order," Adhikari said. Mumbai, Nov 7 : Pop icon Britney Spears seems to have suffered an irreparable nerve damage on the right side of her body. Dancing in front of the camera all the time for social media is her way of battling the pain as dancing really helps soothe her pain receptors. She took to her Instagram on Monday to share a video clip of her dancing and twirling to the beats of a song. In the video, she can be seen wearing a red top, black hotpants and a glove on one hand. She penned a long note along with the dancing clip making her followers aware of her condition. She wrote, "I'm dancing in time now Victoria... yes... nerve damage on the right side of my body... there's no cure except God I guess... nerve damage is caused sometimes when you don't get enough oxygen to your brain... your brain literally shuts down blah blah blah old story... in that place I didn't breathe when I was there... nerve damage causes parts of your body to go numb. I wake up like 3 times a week in bed and my hands are completely numb (sic)." Talking about how excruciating it is for her at times, she mentioned in her note, "Nerves are tiny and it feels like pins and needles from the right side of my body it shoots up to my neck and the part that hurts the worst is my temple on my head... it stings and it's scary... the last 3 years since I got out of that place I've been in a mild unconscious state... I couldn't face it. It was like it was too scary to be here... although my Instagram has not been up to par to most (sic)." She then added how the act of dancing acts as a pain reliever for her, "Hey hey hey it gave me existence and got me here... it's funny though when I dance I don't feel the pain... it's like my mind literally goes to a place of my inner child. And although I don't move like I use to... I truly believe my faith in it gave me strength... by the grace of God I finally found a medication where I actually feel oxygen going to my brain and through my neck, my eyes are more open now and I can hold my head up correctly." "I've done a good job trying to pull it off. Either way I'm getting a lot better, I can breathe... I feel smarter because well, Jesus I can breathe now... either way, I'm breathing now and I can dance in time, Victoria... I send all my love to every single one of you... this is me this morning. I'm gonna vacuum now," she concluded her note. Chandigarh, Nov 7 : To review the preparations being made for the G-20 Summit, a meeting of the Sub-Cabinet Committee under the chairmanship of the Punjab Local Government Minister was held here on Monday. The members of sub-committee are Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Harjot Singh Bains, and Harbhajan Singh. Local Government Minister Inderbir Singh Nijjar said the G-20 summit is going to be held in the holy city of Amritsar, possibly from March 15 to 17, 2023, and will have participation of the heads of state of G-20 countries and other international delegates. Terming it is a matter of great pride that this international event is going to be held in Punjab, he said that approximately Rs 100 crore will be spent on development works for the beautification of Amritsar for the summit. Extensive arrangements will be made for the success of this global event, he said, adding that with this international event, the state will emerge on the global tourism map, and it would also give boost to the investment in the state. On this occasion, he gave the details of the works to be done to strengthen the beauty and basic infrastructure of the city and said whatever work will be done will be not only for the programme, but will be strong and sustainable works according to the needs of the city residents. He said the works to be done include repairing roads, streetlights, making green belts, painting the Golden Gate, improving solid waste management, signage boards, and electricity. Guwahati, Nov 7 : The Assam government has issued a dress code for all its employees working in the state Secretariat premises in Dispur, officials said on Monday. According to an office order, the new dress code has put a bar on wearing jeans, t-shirts and leggings by employees working in the Secretariat. From now on, they will have to mandatorily wear formal attire during office hours. Men should wear formal shirts and trousers while the female staff can wear sarees, salwar-kameez and mekhela-chador. Every Wednesday, the employees have been directed to wear traditional dresses. During the Assembly sessions, a uniform will also be provided to the employees. Even mediapersons covering Assembly proceedings will have to wear dresses as per government guidelines. The order was passed on the directives of Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimari and will be applicable to the staff working on daily wage and fixed pay as well. The order said, "All employees should attend office on all working days in formal attire only (salwar suit/saree/mekhela chador, formal shirt-pant and not casual attires such as T-shirts, jeans, leggings etc.) A traditional dress of any community of Assam should be worn every Wednesday as desired by the employee." The order strictly mentions that action will be initiated against any state Assembly employee who fails to abide by the instructions. Mumbai, Nov 7 : The cutest contestant of 'Bigg Boss 16' Abdu Rozik will be seen suggesting his friend Tina Datta about a perfect guy whom she can date. While Tina, Abdu and Shalin are having a fun filled conversation, Abdu teases Tina that she should date his brother. She gets curious to know his name and he replies: "Shalin Rozik". The love chemistry between Gautam Singh Vig and Soundarya Sharma has already made the headlines. Few of the 'Bigg Boss' fans and ex-contestants are calling it 'fake' too. However, Abdu and Shiv Thakare find another way of making that angle more interesting for the audience by enacting them on the show and creating the same chemistry. Abdu sits on the lap of Shiv and acts like Soundarya and both of them call each other 'baby'. While Abdu laughs at Gautam and Soundarya, he also asks Shiv to watch their intimate moments when they were hugging and kissing each other. Later, Abdu and Shiv imitate them in a hilarious way. 'Bigg Boss 16' airs on Colors. Latest updates on Bigg Boss Season 16 Washington, Nov 7 : More governments in Europe and America have launched their own investigations into alleged Chinese secret police stations identified by a human rights group, with Germany and Chile looking into the reports and France "monitoring" the issue, according to a media report. Madrid-based non-governmental organisation, Safeguard Defenders, reported in September that China is carrying out "illegal, transnational policing operations" across five continents via 54 so-called police service stations in 30 countries, RFA reported. Beijing said the stations were set up to provide essential services to Chinese citizens overseas. But Safeguard Defenders said they are actually used to coerce emigrants into returning home to face criminal charges and to silence dissent abroad, the report said. So far, the Dutch and Irish governments have ordered China to shut down its overseas police service stations in their countries. Some other European governments, including the Czech Republic, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, are probing the allegations levelled by Safeguard Defenders. "The German government does not tolerate the exercise of foreign state power, and accordingly, Chinese agencies do not have any executive authority on the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany," the German Interior Ministry said, RFA reported. German authorities are currently having to deal with another case of foreign extraterritoriality, after Hanoi's secret agents were accused of abducting a Vietnamese fugitive in Berlin "in broad daylight" and forcing him to return to Hanoi to face criminal charges. Vietnam and China are among a handful of countries ruled by Communist parties and their public security apparatuses operate similarly, although on a different scale. In the United States, where an investigation into the reported overseas police service station in New York is ongoing, the government is taking a broader approach and looking at China's alleged transnational repression and policing efforts in the whole of the country, rather than looking into a single case, RFA reported. Moscow, Nov 7 : Iran expects to sign a $40 billion agreement with Russian energy major Gazprom in December, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mahdi Safari said, according to a media report. "We have closed a $6.5 billion deal with Gazprom. We hope that the remaining agreements totaling $40 billion will be signed next month," Safari told ISNA news agency, adding that negotiations are underway, RT reported. The National Iranian Oil Company and Gazprom had agreed in July to cooperate in the development of two gas deposits and six oilfields in Iran. The document also includes swaps in natural gas and oil products, the implementation of LNG projects, and construction of gas pipelines. In early October, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak had announced that Moscow and Tehran may agree to a swap of 5 million tonnes of oil and 10 billion cubic metres of gas, to be completed by the end of the year, RT reported. Novak said that Russia and Iran have already started swap deliveries of energy resources, in particular petroleum products, and agreed to expand the list of traded goods. He also noted that "the amount of Russian investment in Iran's oil fields will increase". The development comes as Russia and Iran rapidly expand their energy and trade ties amid the Western sanctions imposed on both nations. Barter deals help the countries avoid settlement issues presented by the Western financial system. They also enjoy direct trade links via the Caspian Sea, RT reported. Iranian Petroleum Minister Javad Owji said at the bilateral forum that public and private sectors in both countries are looking to "neutralise the sanctions." Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Mumbai, Nov 7 : A political storm erupted in Maharashtra on Monday as a ruling Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena (BSS) Minister Abdul Sattar allegedly used foul words against Nationalist Congress Party MP Supriya Sule, the daughter of veteran leader Sharad Pawar. The NCP workers and leaders mounted massive protests in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Aurangabad, Solapur and other places demanding the sacking of the Minister and the resignation of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Rattled by the possible fallout of the agitation, with Shiv Sena-UBT, Congress leaders as also Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) slamming the government, Shinde is understood to have called up Sattar and given him an earful. Political sources said that the CM even ordered Sattar to call up and personally apologise to Sule and end the matter, as some BJP leaders also commented on the issue. Earlier, while attacking the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for its ongoing shrill 'Khokha' (slang for Rs 1 crore), Sattar seemingly lost control and used certain disrespectful words against Sule. He was apparently responding to Sule's allegations hinting at how the Shiv Sena rebels had allegedly taken '50 Khokhas' to bring down the erstwhile MVA government in June. Sattar's utterances enraged the NCP activists and many rushed to his ministerial home in Mumbai and his private residence in Aurangabad, staged protests, shouted slogans and pelted stones, smashing several window-panes. NCP Women's Wing leader Vidya Chavan demanded that Shinde must sack Sattar or seek his resignation within 24 hours failing which they would block his entry to Mantralaya. The NCP has also written to the Director General of Police and the Maharashtra State Commission for Women demanding stringent action against Sattar. NCP chief spokesperson Mahesh Tapase lodged a complaint against Sattar MRA Marg police, and other activists filed complaints in various police stations in different parts of the state. Elsewhere, NCP workers blackened or stoned pictures of Sattar, beat up his portraits with shoes, burnt his effigies, and demanded his dismissal from the ministry. Senior NCP leader Dr. Jitendra Awhad said Sattar is a follower of Islam which always propounds respect for women and other women activists asked that by using such derogatory language, does the arrogant minister even deserve to be called a Muslim. As the political heat turned up, Sattar went on the defensive, denying that he made any such utterances against Sule while claiming that he was only replying to those who are defaming the BSS with the "50 Khokha" allegations. "However, if any woman feels that I have offended them in any manner, I hereby withdraw my words and also apologise. I am sorry," Sattar airily told media persons, urging them not to stoke the flames any more. Sena-UBT leaders like Aditya Thackeray called Sattar 'Abdul Gaddaar' (traitor), Sushma Andhare, Kishore Tiwari, NCP's Clyde Crasto, MNS' Sandeep Deshpande and Congress leaders attacked the BSS for his disrespectful language and demanded stringent action against the errant minister. Chavan and other women leaders rejected the minister's apology and said they would not settle for anything less than Sattar's dismissal from the state cabinet. Sattar retorted that though he said nothing objectionable, attempts were being made to defame and target him, and he would not be scared by demands for his sacking/ resignation. Dhaulpur : , Nov 7 (IANS/ 101Reporters) Roasted bajra (pearl millet) will go well with buffalo milk tea, said Baby Devi (35), her red bangles glinting under the blazing sun. Bajra is cultivated predominantly in her village Shankarpur in Rajasthan, located at walking distance from River Chambal. A farmer and mother of four, Devi grows bajra and arhar (pigeon pea) in her uneven plot located near the river. She dug a borewell in another piece of land adjoining her house in 2016 for cultivating wheat in winter. But prolonged power cuts and a sinking groundwater table hit her hard. Though Devi cultivated wheat in 2017 by drawing water from a neighbour's borewell, it was not sustainable due to water charges and power cuts. She finally found a solution by installing a solar submersible motor pump and three solar panels to power them. The plot now has a few guava saplings in it, but will be readied for wheat in the rabi season. Why the allure of wheat when a normal monsoon is enough to grow nutritious bajra in semi-arid Shankarpur? Though both have Minimum Support Prices, bajra is a kharif crop, which means the land lies fallow in the rabi season. Cultivating wheat at this time will bring in extra money for farmers. However, the most apt answer lies with eating habits. As Baby Rajput of Gopalpura put it, they cannot eat bajra during summer and the relatively humid rainy months as it heats up the body. So, bajra is consumed in the winter (from November to January) and wheat almost throughout the year (February to October). "When I could not grow wheat, I had to buy it for Rs 20,000 annually. That explains the preference for wheat," she said. A pricey choice Shankarpur, the last village of Dhaulpur district near the Chambal, has 110 households. Though the Chambal region receives monsoon rains, much of the water runs off causing soil erosion. In many places, farmers have to dig up to 600 ft to get water from the borewell. "The land remains fallow or has only mustard crop in the rabi season. Installation of solar panels has provided farmers with an extra source of income in winters," said Satyendra Sengar, the team leader of Manjari Foundation in Sarmathura block, under which Shankarpur falls. Both Devi and Rajput installed solar-powered pumps in their borewells in 2020, under the foundation's Parivartan project. With an ample supply of water, Devi now grows wheat, which needs irrigation six times until harvest. Last year, she harvested seven quintals. She no longer needs to spend Rs 15,000 each every year to buy green fodder for buffaloes and wheat for personal consumption. Okra (ladies finger) and kakri (cucumber) have already found a spot in her list of summer crops. "Vegetable cultivation in summers was near impossible due to power crisis and low water levels in borewells. For us, solar is a godsend," said Rajput, who got 20 quintals each of bajra, mustard and wheat last year. She is fond of growing bitter gourd, potato and ladies finger. Farmers like her also save around Rs 1,000 that they spend each month on electricity. Though the project has touched only two farmers so far, about 30 more are getting the benefits by paying money. In Devi's case, nine acres belonging to seven farmers get water, for which she charges Rs 700 per bigha and earns Rs 25,000 yearly. On average, Rajput charges Rs 350 per hour for water discharge to the nearby fields spread over 32 acres. She earned Rs 80,000 through water supply last year, with the motor working from 9 am to 4 pm. However, Depinder Kapur, Director of Water Programme, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), warns about over-extraction. "Normally, farmers irrigate either early in the morning or evening. Solar pumps are used more during the day as panels get charged at that time. Solar power is free, so over-extraction is bound to happen. When we are promoting solar, we are not looking at water," he said. CSE's Deputy Programme Manager for Renewable Energy, Binit Das cautioned about the need to monitor water use to keep the groundwater table intact. "Generally, people in rural areas tend to keep the pump switched on even when it is not in use." When asked about this, Sengar said even though farmers are now interested in adopting solar for irrigation, the NGO has not thought of adopting the project on a large scale. "It is not like we want to install 50 to 60 solar pumps. Also, we have already been working on improving groundwater in these areas by building ponds and anicuts, and by adopting other rainwater harvesting methods," he claimed. A positive spin Most farmers in Rajasthan do not prefer solar installation due to its high cost. Besides, many are not aware of the government subsidy under the Centre's PM-KUSUM Scheme, aimed at providing energy security to farmers. As of September 2022, Rajasthan has 1,58,884 standalone solar pumps sanctioned and 49,616 installed under the scheme. However, according to Das, the subsidy is often not released on time and sometimes there is a long wait. In Devi and Rajput's case, no government scheme was utilised. When asked about it, Senger said, "It is a long-drawn-out process. Also, we have not made use of any such scheme yet." The total installation cost of the 10-horsepower pump and three solar panels was Rs 5 lakh. Devi and Rajput contributed Rs 50,000 each, while the rest was borne by Manjari Foundation. The pump has a one-year warranty, while solar panels have up to 15 years. "Winters (October to February) were particularly difficult due to frequent power disruptions. Most often, we had to stay out in the cold to irrigate fields. Now I irrigate throughout the day and sleep well at night. Solar has made life easy," Rajput beamed. Puja Devi takes water from Baby Devi for her wheat and mustard crops. "As I have a small plot, there is no need to install solar panels. I can get water whenever I want." Premvati, who has 0.25 acres of land, echoed Puja. Last year, she bought water five times for irrigating her wheat crop and managed to harvest six quintals of the grain. Another neighbour, Rekha has a borewell on her 0.75-acre plot. She is thinking of solar installation as her yearly power bills amount to Rs 10,000! In line with her thoughts, clean energy expert Manu Maudgal from the Delhi-based Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation said economic benefits were the immediate impact of a solar installation. (Deepanwita Gita Niyogi is a Delhi-based journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of freelance reporters) New Delhi, Nov 7 : Union Minister of Housing and Urban Development Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday that the Central government has so far sanctioned houses to more than 3 crore underprivileged people while 1.22 crore houses have been approved in several urban areas, including Delhi. He also said the BJP would start allotting flats to the poor in the 'Jahan Jhuggi, Wahan Makan' scheme after registering win in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) polls scheduled to be held on December 4. The Minister said this while speaking after flagging-off 30 campaign chariots of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from the office of the saffron party's Delhi unit, in view of the MCD elections. The chariot flagging event was also attended by BJP leaders, office bearers and party workers. Meanwhile, Puri claimed that much work towards allocating flats could have been done earlier but it did not happen to some "inept policies". Puri said all states under the BJP's 'double-engine' government, saw that all work by the authorities were being done actively. He said that India has become the fifth largest economy in the world and would soon reach the third position, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi dreamed of India becoming a developed country by 2047. BJP's Delhi unit president Adesh Gupta, speaking on the occasion, mentioned several policies and work of the Narendra Modi-led Central government, saying "the BJP works with a sense of service". He added that the government provided free ration to 74 lakh people in Delhi to deal with the food crisis during pandemic. Lahore, Nov 7 : PTI Chairman Imran Khan said on Monday that the party's long march would achieve its target "no matter what the circumstances", as the former Prime Minister puts pressure on the government in his quest for snap polls, according to media report. Khan is currently recovering in Lahore from the bullet injuries he sustained in an assassination attempt on him in Wazirabad last week. He was discharged from the Shaukat Khanum Hospital in Lahore on Sunday, Geo News reported. The ex-PM during an interaction with representatives from different media bodies said that the party would back down only after getting the date for general elections. Khan said that no compromise can be made with the leaders of the ruling coalition, including PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, Geo News reported. In a change of plan, Khan said the march would resume on Wednesday instead of Tuesday, though he did not give a reason for the delay. He said the march would be led by PTI Secretary-General Asad Umar and the party's vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi. The long march had come to a halt last week after the attack on Khan. The PTI chief - who has been critical of the armed forces since his ouster in April - said that the army personnel standing guard on the borders are like his "children". Khan also said that going against the institution is not an option for the party. Srinagar, Nov 7 : Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), infamous for being a "conflict zone", has become a symbol of good governance in the country after the abrogation of Article 370, a temporary provision in the Indian Constitution. After August 5, 2019 -- when the Centre announced its decision to scrap J&K's special status and bifurcated it into two Union Territories -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led regime without creating any hype, developed roads, health, tourism and other infrastructure to make the lives easy for people in the Himalayan region. Very importantly, the government was able to create safe and secure environment without any fear of terrorists and stone-pelters, who used to take people hostage by disrupting their normal lives. As peace has returned, the Centre has decided to hold Assembly elections in the Union Territory. Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent visit to J&K announced that polls in the Himalayan region would be held soon. There is every possibility that elections in J&K will be held early next year. What would parties sell? Political parties, including National Conference (NC) and People's Democratic Party (PDP), have started making preparations to jump in the poll fray. But the big question is what would these parties sell? Their slogans of autonomy and self-rule have become obsolete in "Naya Jammu and Kashmir" as people have realised that for 70 years they were just fed with slogans. They are least interested in rhetoric as they have experienced what good governance means. As on date, J&K is moving on the path of peace, prosperity and development. Pakistan stooges who used to compel them to give up their daily chores and hit the streets to run after an illusion called "azadi" are nowhere to be seen. Mainstream politicians, who used to claim that J&K's accession with India was not permanent, have become irrelevant. These politicians are making yet another attempt to mislead the people by telling them that they would reverse the clock to August 4, 2019, and bring everything back. But someone needs to tell them that no one in J&K is interested in getting anything back. People of J&K have endorsed the bold move of Prime Minister Modi-led dispensation to end the 70-year-old long status-quo and merge the Himalayan region into the Union of India completely. Omar, Mehbooba to stay away from polls Elections in J&K are on cards and without raising slogans politicians can't lure the voters. Former J&K Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has announced that he won't contest the polls till J&K's statehood is restored, another former Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, too, has dropped enough hints about her staying away from the elections. This means that NC and PDP want their second-rung leaders to become a part of the electoral process as they have realised that winning won't be a cakewalk as it used to be in the past. Seeking restoration of J&K seems to be a face-saving measure as top leaders losing the elections could be a big setback for both the traditional parties in Kashmir. Emergence of political formations like Altaf Bukhari-led Apni Party, Ghulam Nabi Azad-led Democratic Azad Party, Sajad Lone-led People's Conference and others in Kashmir, too, have made things difficult for the NC and PDP. Both these parties are facing a daunting task. Traditional parties which ruled J&K for 70 years couldn't do much for the people as their leaders used to claim that Articles 370 and 35-A were shields which protected the identity and rights of people. Their narrative and politics revolved around safeguarding these articles. However, time has proven them wrong. After the abrogation of these contentious articles one thing has become very clear that these provisions were nothing but big impediments in the path of progress and prosperity of J&K. Poll preparations commence Preparations for holding elections have commenced in J&K as the revision of electoral roll is in its final stages. The officials who will be a part of the exercise are being briefed about the duties they would be expected to perform. Deputy Commissioners are meeting the representatives of the political parties to give a final shape to the preparations. Political parties are also holding rallies and are making an attempt to reach out to the people. But the common residents are not responding in a way they should have. They seem to have their own reasons. For them J&K's transition into a Union Territory and the Centre managing the affairs directly has proven to be a blessing. The projects which were in limbo for the past 70 years have either been completed or are nearing completion. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is all set to become four-lane within next two years, the train to Kashmir is not that far away. The 500-bed children hospital in Srinagar which remained caught in different wrangles for nearly a decade has been thrown open for people. The electricity woes have ended. Unemployment issue stands addressed, and many other problems that were a part of lives for seven decades have been addressed. Political parties face uphill task Common people are asking political parties a simple question: what new they have to offer and even if they vote for them what's the guarantee that they would continue the good work that the Centre has started? Elections are an important part of any democratic setup and sooner or later these are going to be held in J&K. The ball is in the court of the political parties which have to contest the polls and become a part of the governance system. These political formations face an uphill task to convince the electorate that they would serve them and won't give them a reason to complain. In the Jammu region the political scenario is different. The Congress is struggling to regain its foothold as the veteran leader and former J&K Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has said goodbye to the grand old party of the country. He has floated his own party. Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party is not finding any takers in Jammu region. Bharatiya Janata Party, which won 27 seats in 2014 Assembly elections in Jammu, seems to be better placed than other political formations. Elections in Jammu region will be contested between the national parties as regional parties are non-existent. The redrawing of Assembly constituencies has brought Jammu region at par with Kashmir vis-a-vis distribution of the Assembly seats and people of Jammu are seeing the forthcoming polls as a golden opportunity to see a leader from their region becoming a J&K Chief Minister for the first time since 1947. The maiden Assembly elections in the Union Territory of J&K are a litmus test for the political leaders of all parties as the administration led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has set new benchmark. People are expecting that whenever the politicians assume the office they should be able to live upto their expectations and build on the foundation laid by LG Sinha. Kolkata, Nov 7 : F-16 fighter jets are skimming across the skies over West Bengal yet again after a break of nearly two years. These F-16s are of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) that have arrived at the Air Force Station Kalaikunda in the state for the 11th edition of Joint Military Training (JMT) with the Indian Air Force (IAF). While RSAF has sent its F-16 jets, IAF is participating with Su-30 MKIs, Jaguars, Mig-29s and LCA Tejas. For now, both air forces are operating separately. The bilateral phase will commence from Wednesday when aircraft from both sides will engage in advanced air combat simulations. The bilateral phase will continue till November 18. "This edition of JMT will last for six weeks. It will be yet another opportunity for authorities from Singapore to see the Tejas close up. Singapore is one of the countries that has expressed interest in the Tejas. The RSAF pilots are taking full opportunity of the firing and bombing ranges near Kalaikunda. The bilateral phase will be more interesting when the aircraft will operate together, both in mock combat and joint operations," a senior official said. An air base like Kalaikunda is extremely crucial for a country like Singapore that lacks space for exercises. AFS Kalaikunda offers an air-to-air firing range over the Bay of Bengal and a ground range at Dudhkundi. Both IAF and RSAF aircraft will fire air-to-air missiles, rockets and cannons at mock targets over the sea. At Dudhkundi (a few km from Kalaikunda), they will be dropping bombs and firing air-to-ground missiles. There are facilities at Dudhkundi to check for accuracy. Apart from the RSAF, AFS Kalaikunda has hosted the United States Air Force, Royal Air Force and French Air Force. Joint exercises with the air forces of friendly countries were not possible at Kalaikunda for two years due to the pandemic. Such exercises also do a lot for the local economy as the supply of commodities like foodstuff goes up and additional temporary manpower is required for non-core activities. Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 7 : Kerala BJP President K. Surendran has slammed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for "recklessly" spending lakhs of rupees as legal fees to defend his and the Left government's corruption. "While Kerala is having a hand-to-mouth existence with the treasury practically empty and finding it hard to pay monthly salaries and pension, Vijayan is recklessly spending money as legal fees to defend his and his government's wrong ways," said Surendran. The Chief Minister, according to the Kerala BJP President, has employed legal experts and is paying Rs 50 lakh as fees to advocate Nariman and Rs 15.5 lakh to Kapil Sibal for taking on Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who is putting roadblocks against the state government wherever it has been involved in corruption. "With all that's happening in the state, people have realised that the Governor is right in bringing out one by one what this government is doing," Surendran said. The state BJP will now ask the people to explain the various corrupt deals of the Pinarayi Vijayan government and there will be a series of public protests also, Surendran said. New Delhi, Nov 7 : Three members of the notorious 'Zeher Khurani' gang, who used to target and rob people after offering them sweets mixed with sleeping tablets, were arrested by the police in the national capital, police said on Monday. The accused have been identified as Kamal Singh alias Langda, a resident of Ghonda in Seelampur area; Pawan alias Tedha, a resident of Usmanpur; and Gourav alias Haddi, a resident of Dayalpur. According to Sagar Singh Kalsi, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), on October 23, a 43-year-old man, Chnagi Dutt Mishra, who plies a rickshaw approached Gulabi Bagh police station. "He told police that he was carrying 23 ceiling fans and some copper wires on his rickshaw and was on his way to Najafgarh through Gulabi Bagh. On the way he started to feel dizzy when he crossed Gulabi Bagh, a red light towards Shastri Nagar Metro station and later lost his senses," said the DCP. "The accused took a rickshaw along with the ceiling fans. A case under relevant sections of Indian Penal Code and investigation was taken up," the police added. "During investigation, the CCTV footages of the route were checked. On October 24, the CCTV footage of Zakhira Underpass was checked and it came to notice that two men were following the complainant on a scooty and one man was pushing the complainant's rickshaw," the DCP added. "The owner of the scooty identified as Kamal was nabbed after a raid and upon questioning he confessed to the crime. On his instance, Pawan was also apprehended. Thereafter, at the instance of Pawan, Gourav was also arrested on November 2," he said. "During questioning, the accused revealed that they noticed the complainant plying a rickshaw loaded with valuable goods near Pul Bangash area. Consequently, they made him a target and started to follow him," he added. "Immediately, they purchased a pack of ladoos (sweets) from the nearby sweet shop and instantly mixed powder of insomnia tablets (N-10/Valium) in one of the ladoos kept in the packet. They started distributing ladoos and they even gave a ladoo with the tablet to the victim," said the police officer. "After that they started following the victim and when the rickshaw puller reached near Zakhira Underpass, Inderlok area, he felt dizzy, after which Gaurav got down from the scooty, pretending to help him. They dropped the rickshaw near a shop and drove the rickshaw towards Roop Nagar side with his associates," the DCP added. "The accused persons further disclosed that they sold the stolen goods to Raju, a resident of Seelampur for Rs 45,000 and spent the amount for their fun and frolic during Deepawali," said the DCP, adding that Raju is absconding. IANS ssh/khz/ New Delhi, Nov 7 : Taking note of encroachment on national highways, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has written to the concerned authorities to sensitise the field units and launch periodical drives to remove all sorts of encroachment from the National Highway (NH) land. Referring to encroachment on highways in Chhattisgarh, the Ministry said: "It has been brought to the notice of Ministry that National Highways are being encroached upon by dhabas, vegetable sellers, etc., in approaches to major bridges in Chhattisgarh, which seriously affects free flow of traffic and cause road accidents." Encroachment of NH land whether of permanent nature or of a temporary nature is a matter of grave concern for traffic management and operations and future up-gradation projects. The Control of National Highways (Land & Traffic) Act, 2002 has empowered the NH officers to take action against encroachments but still there are a lot of encroachments on NH land, noted the Ministry in its letter which has been addressed to the chief secretaries of states and other concerned authorities. "It is therefore requested that field units may be adequately sensitised to prevent encroachments on National Highways and launch periodical drives to remove all sorts of encroachments from NH land," it said. Earlier, a Parliamentary standing committee in its report 'Issues relating to Road Sector' had noted that often there is encroachment of National Highways by vegetable/fruit markets etc. which leads to accidents and opined that the height of National Highways should be raised for controlled access. The Committee recommended that the Ministry/NHAI may take a serious look into the issue of encroachment of service roads by local markets and create an effective policy in order to curb the same, which may be implemented in coordination with concerned agencies. The Committee further recommended that provisions may be included in the NHAI's Sukhad Yatra app to allow highway users to post complaints about encroachment and stray cattles/animals on national highways. Seventy-five years ago on this day, the newly-Independent India's army fought its first big, combined arms battle, aided by air power, which not only thwarted for good the Pakistan-backed tribal invaders' threat to Srinagar, but secured almost the entire Kashmir Valley from their danger. Behind this victory was not only a canny commander, who braved his superiors' ire in taking a major gamble, but feats of many other intrepid soldiers too. A fortnight after the tribal invasion of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, the situation was still fluid. The brave rearguard action of the state forces' Chief of Staff, Brig Rajinder Singh Jamwal, and his small band had delayed the raiders' advance and bought time for the long-delayed accession, and Lt Col Dewan Rajit Rai, who led the first Indian Army formation into the Valley, not only secured the Badgam airstrip but by an intrepid advance, spooked the enemy and stopped his advance for the time being. Then, as more Indian soldiers began pouring in, Major Somnath Sharma on November 3 showed exemplary courage in beating back a bigger enemy force, seeking to take control over the airstrip. All the three soldiers made the supreme sacrifice in their endeavours - but the enemy was still present in strength in the Kashmir Valley, while areas in Jammu region and Ladakh were also under threat. It was early in November, when (then) Brig Lionel Protip 'Bogey' Sen, who had taken over control of the 161 Brigade, that small skirmishes against the dispersed raiders would only dissipate his limited strength and they had to be brought to a decisive battle. What he wanted to do was to bring them together and his hunch was that this would only happen once a tempting lure was dangled in front of them - an open road to Srinagar so they could roll in as a motorised convoy, which was all the better for the loot they sought. For this, he had to withdraw the redoubtable 1 Sikh - the late Lt Col Rai's battalion - which was ensconced at Patan on the Srinagar-Baramula road. However, this decision created a storm, as Brig Sen recalled in his memoirs ("Slender Was the Thread"). Not only did his commanding officer, the capable and irascible Maj Gen Kulwant Singh (Datta), storm in the very next day (November 5) and raised hell - ordering him to furnish three copies of a statement that he had taken the decision on his own authority, D.P. Dhar of the National Conference was also sent to Delhi to convince Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to replace him. However, Home Minister Vallabhbhai Patel, who had gone to Srinagar, was briefed by Brig Sen, and given him a clear order to save Srinagar at all costs, stood against this and ensured he stayed in command. Brig Sen noted that his plan seemed to be working. Following the withdrawal of 1 Sikh to the outskirts of Srinagar, the penny packets of the raiders started to head back to Baramulla to regroup and mount a concerted attack. Meanwhile, fortune smiled on the Indian commander. As he was planning the disposition of his meagre forces, basically three battalions (1 Sikh, 1 Punjab and 1 Kumaon, out of which 1 Punjab could not be removed from its defensive position), augmented by some National Conference workers, who carried out intelligence and reconnaissance operations at the risk of their lives, an Armoured Corps officer suddenly walked into his operation room. Maj Inderjit Rikhye said that he had been leading the reinforcement convoy coming by road from Jammu with his squadron of armoured cars from 7 Cavalry but as the condition of the bridge at Ramban was tricky, he had left his force to reinforce it, while he made haste to come to Srinagar with just one troop (four armoured cars) and one rifle troop. This was a godsend - and though just two of the armoured cars were working, with the other two needing refurbishment, they and the rifle troop were planned to be sent behind the enemy lines - as the battle planned for November 10 too had to be advanced due to the tribals' regathering and movement. This step was not easy - Lt Noel David, who was commanding the detachment, reported that at one place the only way to cross a stream was by means of a narrow wooden bridge, which didn't appear to be able to support the cars' weight. However, in five minutes, he reported that they could cross if the side railings were knocked off, and he would take the chance. His men proceeded to do so, and even after this it was found that the bridge had just a leeway of two inches either side for the armoured cars - which needed skillful and precise driving. The dogged Lt David persevered and slowly manoeuvered both the cars across and after an anxious 20 minutes, reported that he had succeeded "but would never like to try doing it again". By November 7 morning, the cars and the rifle troop (fortunately the Jat squadron, not the Sikh squadron) were among the enemy in the village of Shalateng, and taken to be reinforcements from Pakistan. As soon as they were in position, Brig Sen ordered 1 Sikh to advance and hit the enemy hard. As they did, 1 Kumaon made a flank attack, Lt David's men opened fire from their rear, and a company of 4 Kumaon on the other attack. The Air Force also carried out some effective strafing. Attacked from three sides and above, it was a total debacle for the tribals. "The Battle of Shalateng had been won in twenty minutes from the word GO. It was a major disaster for the tribesmen. Apart from leaving 472 dead on the battlefield and a further 146 in-between Shalateng and Baramula, they had to abandon 138 civilian buses and load carriers which had transported them from the NWFP almost to the gates of Srinagar. Scattered all over the Shalateng area were a large number of weapons..." Brig Sen wrote in his memoirs. The Indian Army did not rest on its laurels but pursued the enemy through the night, and by the next morning (November 8), had retaken an abandoned and devastated Baramula, and then pushed forward to Uri. While some surviving tribesmen in heights above Uri would remain an irritant for sometime, and desperate struggles would rage in the high areas of Jammu region and the icy wastes of Ladakh for the rest of the year and the following year, and Pakistan would formally join the conflict next year, there would be no threat to the Kashmir Valley. (Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in) We live in strange times -- technology has brought the world as close as it can get, physically and virtually. At the same time, the concept of globalisation is getting discredited and replaced by a rather hyper variant of nationalism -- which even seeks to own and fence off universal human endeavours such as art and science behind borders, force a trade-off between prosperity and liberty, and foist a sense of conformity. And when we have almost all that we may want (cool technological devices, fast vehicles and creature comforts beyond the imagination of our ancestors, to say the least), but are still not content, what can be done? One recourse for the latter would be to turn inward to religion or philosophy -- but all of the first and a lot of the second are based on some variety of divine design and control over humans, maybe for their benefit -- "the universe conspiring to help you attain something you want," as Paulo Coelho says in 'The Alchemist'. But, we may also find that the universe could be hostile, or worse, absolutely indifferent. At such a time, it may be useful to retrace the thought of a charismatic French philosopher with movie star looks (he bore an uncanny resemblance to Hollywood star Humphrey Bogart) -- the man who identified the "absurd" existence we find ourselves in, or rather, told us clearly that our life is a meaningless struggle and what we can do about it. Albert Camus, who was born on this day in 1907, is usually considered an existentialist or a nihilist -- but rejected both labels, to instead fashion 'Absurdism', not in its literal meaning of being illogical, but to stress the futility of man's inclination to seek meaning in life given his incapability to find any. Hence the "absurd", denoting the quest for an impossibility -- not logical, but arising from the limitations of human ability -- and not caused by either the universe or human thought, but from their simultaneous, contradictory presence. Camus was not the progenitor of Absurdism, which can be traced to the writings of the 19th-century Danish theologian, author, social critic and "first existentialist' philosopher Soren Kierkegaard (1813-55). He can be credited, though, with making it a distinctive system of thought, separate from both existentialism and nihilism, and suggesting the more credible way to face up to it -- at variance with his Danish predecessor. Considered to be one of the brightest sparks in the City of Lights (though not born in the city or in even France) as post-war Paris entered its last glorious spell as a cultural hub before being overtaken by London and New York in the 1960s, Camus did all this by a particular French expedient -- the medium of fiction rather than a theoretical presentation. Setting out his philosophical outlook better are his novels -- "L'Etranger" ("The Outsider" rather than the literal "The Stranger"; 1942) about the murderous but strangely indifferent Mersault; "La Peste", 1947 ("The Plague"), on pestilence sweeping an Algerian town and the responses of the residents; the posthumously published incomplete fictionalised autobiography "Le Premier Homme" ("The First Man"), 1995 -- and plays such as "Caligula", about the homicidal and insane Roman emperor and his peculiar logic (1938; first performed 1945). Camus did also write non-fiction as a vehicle, though these were long (even book-length) essays, than any structured accounts, and notebooks containing his thoughts. His early thought appeared in his essay collections "L'Envers et l'endroit" ("Betwixt and Between"), 1937, and "Noces" ("Nuptials"), 1938. It would fructify, however, in "The Myth of Sisyphus", where he uses the example of the Greek mythological character condemned to roll uphill a heavy stone, which slipped back as soon he reached the top, to depict human existence. What is the solution, asks Camus in this immortal piece, but like Kierkegaard, he rules out suicide. The Dane suggested a "leap of faith" -- an irrational but necessary religious acceptance, but Camus would not have this, suggesting instead embracing the absurd condition while defiantly continuing to explore and search for meaning. Thus he is firmly for humans taking the purpose of a meaning to their lives on themselves. Beyond the individual problems, Camus, a passionate votary of political tolerance, dialogue, and civil rights, staunchly stood for human freedom beyond constraints of ideology, and opposed totalitarianism in politics and thought, dealt with these issues in the last two decades of his tragically short life -- not only in his writings but also in public gatherings. He dealt with the responsibility and the right of artists to their opinion against the backdrop of changing social and political dynamics and pressure -- a discourse that may strike a chord among Indians. Speaking at Sweden's ancient and prestigious Uppsala University in December 1957, a few days after he became the second youngest recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Camus, noting that writers attract criticism whether they speak or not, stressed that they cannot -- and should not -- remain aloof, due to the purpose of art, the artist's freedom and, especially, despite the attitude of the state. Little wonder then, his Nobel citation noted that he was being honoured "for his important literary production, which with clear-sighted earnestness illuminates the problems of the human conscience in our times." In an address, famous as "Defence of Intelligence", delivered in March 1945 at a meeting of a group seeking accord and amity in a just-liberated France -- even as the Second World War still raged, Camus made an eloquent plea against violence and hatred and the divisiveness they engendered. Mincing no words at the barbarity they had just endured -- which he noted had also left its mark on the victims, some of whom retaliated in kind at the first chance -- he advocated curing "poisoned hearts" by "saving one's intelligence". And intelligence here is a sense of reason, discernment and objectivity, not mere mental capability. And then, in an address delivered at a labour exchange in May 1953 (later published as "Bread and Freedom"), Camus, who was a leftist but never condoned Stalinist excesses, made a blazing attack on totalitarianism and majoritarianism. Saying that if some trends continued, one could foresee "a Europe of concentration camps", where "the only people at liberty will be prison guards who will then have to lock up one another", he sought to dismiss the disingenuous stand that if citizens have their basic economic needs met, they do not require political liberty. Given the absurdity all around in our personal and public lives, Camus is a thinker who definitely needs to a re-read -- more than six decades after his untimely death. (Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in) Dhanbad, Nov 7 : Around a dozen people were injured in a bloody clash on Monday that involved firing, bombing and arson between two groups allegedly over supremacy in illegal coal mining and smuggling in Dhanbad's Kharkhari, Sinidih and Narayan Dhoda areas. The injured are being treated at a local hospital. Two shops and six bikes were also set ablaze by the miscreants during the clash. An attempt was also made to give a communal colour to the entire incident. Cops from 3-4 police stations of the area are camping at the scene of the clash, said sources. According to sources, a group of locals were protesting against illegal mining by a gang for the past few days in the Madhuban police station area. On Monday, about 50 gang members entered the area and started firing at the locals. Bombs were also thrown targeting several houses. The locals also retaliated by firing at the gang. The owner of one of the burnt shops alleged that Rs 50 thousand was looted from him. Passerby were also assaulted, said sources. The conflict continued for about half an hour. Sub-divisonal police officer Nisha Murmu said that strict action would be taken against the miscreants who are being identified. The locals blocked the four-lane road near Kharkhari village in protest against the incident. The villagers alleged that the police were involved in illegal coal mining in the area and received money for the same. In April too, a conflict between two groups for illegal coal mining took place in the city's Madhuban colliery. When the villagers protested, the smugglers fired indiscriminately and detonated bombs in the area. Patna, Nov 7 : Yoga guru Ramdev visited Sasaram district in Bihar on Monday and said that 'Ghazwa-e-Hind' would not be allowed to flourish in Bihar as the duo of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are good enough to deal with such an ideology. He made this statement while inaugurating a 111-feet tall statue of Lord Shiva at the ashram of revered spiritual guru -- 'Pilot Baba'. The height of the Trishul in the statue is 60-feet. "Ghazwa-e-Hind will be not allowed to flourish in Bihar by those who believe in "Sar Tan Se Juda" ideology. The duo of Amit Shah and Narendra Modi are good enough to deal with them," Ramdev added. He also said, "The magic of Yoga will rule the world. It will be adopted by everyone in the next 10 to 15 years." The ashram of Pilot Baba is one of the religious places in Rohtas district. The construction of the Shiva statue is such that it will not be affected even if events like earthquakes and lightning falls. A lightning conductor is also installed on the top of the statue as well. Recently, Patna Police busted a unit of the Popular Front of India in the Phulwari Sharif area and arrested a large number of its members. The arrested PFI members were also running a Whatsapp group called 'Ghazwa-e-Hind' allegedly to brainwash Muslim youths for jihad. During the occasion, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, local MP Chhedi Paswan, Bihar Cabinet Minister Murari Prasad Gautam, former MP Gopal Narayan Singh and other leaders were also present there. Jaipur, Nov 7 : The by-election to the Sardarshahar Assembly constituency in Rajasthan's Churu district will be held on December 5, an electoral officer said on Monday. With the announcement of bypolls, the model code of conduct has come into force in Churu, said Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Gupta. After the model code of conduct comes into effect, no advertisement must be published or broadcast in the said Assembly constituencies and district without the approval of the Rajasthan Election Department. The Election Commission has announced by-elections in five Assembly constituencies and one parliamentary constituency of the country, including Sardarshahar constituency, on Saturday. With the announcement of the by-elections, the model code of conduct has come into force in the entire district. Gupta informed that as per the announcement of the Commission, a gazette notification regarding the by-election will be issued on November 10. The last date for nominations will be November 17 and scrutiny of nominations received will be done on November 18. He informed that the last date for withdrawal of nominations is November 21. The Chief Electoral Officer informed that voting will be held on December 5. The counting of votes will take place on December 8 and by December 10, all the polling-related work will be completed. In the by-election, 2,89,579 voters of Sardarshahar Assembly constituency would be able to cast their votes and the total polling stations are 295. Gupta informed that the by-elections are being held on the seat that fell vacant after the death of Bhanwarlal Sharma, a Congress MLA from Sardar city. New Delhi, Nov 7 : The Supreme Court on Monday acquitted three men on death row in the 2012 murder and gangrape of a 19-year-old woman in Delhi's Chhawla area. A bench, headed by Chief Justice U U Lalit set aside the Delhi High Court judgment, which upheld the convictionof the three men for rape and murder of the victim. The trial court, in 2014, while sentencing the accused to death had termed the case rarest-of-rare and the high court upheld this judgment. The judgment in the matter has not been uploaded on the apex court website so far. The autopsy of the victim revealed that she was attacked with car tools, glass bottles, metal objects, and other weapons. Police said one of the accused allegedly took revenge after the woman turned down his proposal. The prosecution had submitted that the woman, who belonged to Uttarakhand and worked in Gurugram's Cyber City area, was abducted by the three accused from near her home while she was returning from her workplace. According to the prosecution, the woman's mutilated and decomposing body was found in a village in Haryana's RTewari. The woman's parents filed a missing person report when she did not return home. Hong Kong, Nov 7 : As Sikhs world over gear up to celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti on Tuesday, the only Gurdwara in Hong Kong has reopened its doors after a HK$230 million (Rs 2.4 billion) makeover. The 553rd birth anniversary of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev falls on November 8, and will be celebrated with fanfare at the Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple in Wan Chai district, which reopened after five years. With a larger three-storey building to accommodate the growing Sikh population in Hong Kong, the renovated temple is now equipped with a medical centre, bigger congregation hall and a kitchen to serve around 3,000 people, the South China Morning Post reported. "The temple is not just a religious facility, it's very much a part of the social life for Hong Jong's 15,000-odd Sikhs," Gurdev Singh Ghalib, the building committee convenor, told RTHK News. Sikhs are one of many religious minority groups living in Hong Kong. The city's Sikh community, now 15,000-strong, traces its roots to the beginning of the 20th century. The temple, designed in India, was renovated with the help of donations by Hong Kong's Sikh community. It will also provide Punjabi and Cantonese language classes to help Indian immigrants adjust to the city, and foster a sense of cultural belonging. The gurdwara was built in 1901 by the Sikh members of the British Army Regiment stationed in Hong Kong. The temple "sustained significant damage when it was bombed in the 1940s during the Asia-Pacific War", the South China Morning Post reported. During the war, both Sikhs and non-Sikhs sought refuge in the temple, and after the war came to an end, these groups came together to rebuild the temple, the report said. Belagavi : Nov 7 (IANS) The Secretary of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), Satish Jarkiholi, stoked a controversy on Monday by stating that 'Hindu' is not an Indian word, but Persian. Addressing a gathering at Nippani town, Jarkiholi said, "Hindu is not an Indian word at all. It is Persian. How the word Hindu went on to become ours needs to be debated." "From where the word Hindu came? Is it ours? The word is Persian belonging to Iran, Iraq and Kazakhstan. How did it become Indian? Look up in Wikipedia, the word has arrived from Persia, it is not ours," he said. "Why did the word get glorified? It is not your word. If you know the meaning of this wor, you will be ashamed. It is dirty. I am not telling this, a swamiji is telling this and it is on a website. A word from a different region is being imposed upon us forcefully. It should be debated," Jarkiholi said. He also said that equality should be ensured for all people in temples. "If a Dalit touches water, people claim the water is polluted. A buffalo stays in the water from morning till evening, but no one says a word. Our agitation is against such practices. "We build temples by making donations. When the temple is ready, we prohibit Dalits from entering it. Education and knowledge are the only things which will ensure our survival," Jarkiholi stressed. "The history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would not have come out if not for Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. The history was burried but research has brought the facts out. Shivaji looked at everyone equally. There is only one painting of Shivaji in the world. It was not painted by some Kulkarni or Deshapande, but a painter named Mohammad Madari made it," he added. The BJP and Hindu activists have reacted sharply to the comments made by Jarkiholi. BJP leader Prakash Shesharaghavachar said that Congress always takes pleasure in attacking the majority community, as he demanded action against Jarkiholi by the party. New Delhi, Nov 7: External Affairs Minister : S. Jaishankar begins a significant two-day trip to Moscow at a time when there is no let-up in the war in Ukraine and New Delhi's independent foreign policy is being questioned by the West. Even though the EAM has stayed in constant touch with his counterpart Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, holding discussions with him on the sidelines of various international forums over the past few months, this will be his first visit to Russia after it launched its 'Special Military Operation' in neighbouring Ukraine in February, earlier this year. With India batting for peace in the region and repeatedly stating that it remains deeply concerned at the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, the "international problems" besides the state of bilateral relations will dominate the discussions when Jaishankar meets Lavrov in Moscow on Tuesday. During his visit, Jaishankar will also meet Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Minister of Trade and Industry, Denis Manturov who co-chairs the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC). Jaishankar's trip takes place at a time when India-Russia relations have been on an upswing with Russian President Vladimir Putin showering praise on "patriot" Prime Minister Narendra Modi and "talented" Indians in the last few days. Both countries continue to take their 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' to a new high in spite of the current volatile global geo-strategic situation. On Friday, Putin told historians and representatives of traditional religions of Russia gathered in Saint Petersburg on the occasion of the National Unity Day, about the potential of India and its citizens. "Let's take a look at India. A very talented people, purposeful, with such a drive for internal development, they will, of course, achieve outstanding results. India will achieve outstanding results in its development -- there is no doubt about it," he said. On October 28, while addressing the final plenary session of the Moscow-based international framework Valdai International Discussion Club, Putin called PM Modi "a patriot", and appreciated his 'Make in India' initiative and India's "independent" foreign policy. The Russian President told experts, politicians, diplomats, and economists from Russia and 40 foreign countries that he believes that countries like India have not only a great future but also a growing role in international affairs. He stated that India has come a long way from being an English colony to its current state and that its nearly 1.5 billion people, the "remarkable results of development", inspire both universal admiration and respect from around the world. "Prime Minister Modi is the man, one of those people in the world, who is able to pursue an independent foreign policy in the interests of his people. Despite any attempts to restrain something, to limit something, he, you know, as an icebreaker, is moving calmly in the direction necessary for the Indian state," he said. The Russian President mentioned that India has made "great strides" in its development, has a "great future" and has the right to not only be proud of being the largest democracy "in the best sense of the word" but also at the pace of its development. He mentioned that Moscow shares a "special relationship" with New Delhi that has been created or built on the foundation of a very close allied relationship over many, many decades. "India and I have never had any, I want to emphasize this, never any difficult issues, we have always only supported each other. This is what is happening now, and I am sure it will continue to be so in the future," he said. Putin listed that the pace of military-technical and economic cooperation along with the trade turnover as a whole continues to grow between India and Russia. "As an example, Prime Minister Modi asked me to increase the supply of fertilizer, which is very important for Indian agriculture, and we did it. How much do you think? Deliveries of fertilizers to India have been increased by 7.6 times -- not by some percentage, but by 7.6 times. The trade turnover in the sphere of purchase and sale of agricultural products has almost doubled," said the Russian head of state. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Agartala, Nov 7 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday that the BJP and its allies would retain power in Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya, which go to the polls next year. Addressing the 'Booth Vijay Abhiyan' here, senior BJP leader Sarma said that after the BJP-led government came to power at the Centre and in various states in the northeastern region, actual development of the area began. "Since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the northeastern region 60 times. No other Prime Minister of India had any vision for the northeast. There are five Central ministers from the northeastern region in the Modi cabinet now," he said. The Assam Chief Minister said that in 2018, BJP-IPFT (Indigenous People's Front of Tripura) secured 44 seats in the 60-member Tripura Assembly, and in the upcoming polls, the alliance would get at least 55 seats. He said that massive development of information technology took place in Tripura, as he pointed at the Forensic University campus, the National Law University, huge expansion of railway networks, one of the biggest airports in Agartala etc. Sarma also said that CPI-M and Congress may join hands before the elections, but the BJP is not afraid of that possibility. Even if all the other parties come together ahead of the polls, nobody would be able to defeat the BJP, he said. Ridiculing the Left parties, Sarma said: "The Tripura BJP has so many leaders to lead the party. But people do not know who the CPI-M leader in Tripura is. The party governed the state for so many years, but did nothing for Tripura." Later, Sarma tweeted: "Overwhelmed with the huge turnout of BJP Tripura karyakartas at launch of 'Booth Vijay Abhiyan' at Agartala. Spirited, they bring rare energy. It's an opportunity for all of us to build a new Tripura through Jan Bhagidari as envisioned by Adarniya PM Shri Narendra Modi ji." Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, state BJP President Rajib Bhattacharjee, the party's northeast coordinator Sambit Patra, Central minister from Tripura Pratima Bhowmik and several central party observers attended the event. The ruling BJP has kicked off its electoral activities much ahead of the Assembly polls, expected to be held in less than four months' time. BJP President J.P. Nadda had visited Tripura in August and during his two-day tour, he held a series of meetings with the leaders at all levels besides addressing a public rally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was supposed to visit Tripura on October 27 to "rejuvenate" the BJP, but his tour was cancelled due to "unknown reasons". New Delhi, Nov 7: From climate change to conflict resolution, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) has drawn up a 10-year plan to energetically address global problems by making its voice heard in the United Nations and other international forums. The India based IBC had already intervened in drafting a declaration on Buddhism and climate change during the 21st Session of the Conference of Parties (COP21) in Paris, says Khensur Rinpoche Janfchup, Deputy Secretary General of IBC. But now, the organisation wants to intervene in shaping the international debate on poverty alleviation, conflict resolution and universal harmony. Besides, it wants to address Science and technology and Artificial intelligence from a Buddhist perspective, says Rinpoche Jangchup who was speaking on Saturday at the 10th anniversary of the formation of the IBC at a New Delhi hotel. IBC founder Lama Lobzang also took part in the celebrations virtually along with Secretary General Dr. Dhammapiya, apart a bevy of guests ranging from Russia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Taiwan. Analysts say that the geo-cultural initiative can also help correct China's attempt to "hijack" the legacy of Buddhism by attempting to undermine the importance of its roots in India and Nepal. Over the next decade, IBC will focus on a two-fold initiative -- of building a strong knowledge base on Buddhism, and then sharing it with the larger global community through robust institutions. In the next 10 years, IBC hopes to establish a network of universities, academic institutions, monastic and Sangha bodies focusing on Buddhist countries. "Workshops, debates and discussions would also be held on these issues with relevant stakeholders. In the long run, we would also look into the possibility of setting up academic chairs in various Buddhist universities in different countries," said Rinpoche Jangchup. He added that the IBC will focus on reviving the Pali language and support and fund scholarships for Pali studies and Mahayana Buddhist studies at various universities in India and abroad. In an era of information war, the IBC visualises a strong media and communication arm to spread Buddha's message of peace, harmony and welfare of humanity. Riding on the success of the first Asian Buddhist Media Conclave held in 2018, held in collaboration with the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), IBC hopes once again to team up with VIF and Indian Institute of Mass Communication organise such an event and institutionalise it. With social media emerging as a popular channel of communication, IBC intends to develop a Buddhist social media networking platform in Asia as a joint collaboration between IBC and a number of media networks in Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Taiwan and a few South East Asian countries. Plans are also afoot to look into the possibility of setting up a Buddhist news wire agency which would string together news on happenings in the Buddhist world on a single platform. "Eventually, it is our aim to groom a generation of media savvy youth through a regional Buddhist social media training programme in partnership with various universities and media organisations. This would help in spreading knowledge and awareness among the youth. IBC also intends to facilitate the production of films on different aspects of Buddhism which would be produced in different languages for better dissemination. The IBC has drawn an ambitious plan to preserve Buddhist heritage sites, coordinating with state governments especially Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to highlight ways and means of preserving the Buddhist sites and improving the infrastructure to ensure ease of flow of foreign Buddhist tourists to these locations. With pilgrim tourism as a focal area, IBC is working on conceiving several unique and rare pilgrimage trails covering various Buddhist sites to suit the requirements of the wide range of Buddhist pilgrims who visit India. The concept of cross border Buddhist tourism/pilgrimage is also being considered involving an integrated tour plan covering countries like Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam among others. The Ashokan trail marking the path adopted by Asoka the great to spread Buddhism would also be developed in the coming years and some ardent Buddhism experts have been working on this topic. For a variety of reasons, the Himalayan Buddhist trail has remained detached from the regular Buddhist tour circuit, and the IBC intends developing the Himalayan Buddhist monasteries circuit In collaboration with India's Ministry of External Affairs, IBC will showcase Buddhist art and photographs of sacred Buddhist sites and heritage in India by renowned photographers and personalities as well as commissioned work. This would be a travelling exhibition mainly reaching out to important Buddhist nations. The relics of the Buddha have a special relevance for Buddhists, IBC has plans to take the relics available in India to different Buddhist countries over the next few years. Besides the holy relic of the Buddha those of his two disciples -- Sariputta and Moggalyan would also be carried to different countries for short display. During the coming decade, the IBC also plans to organise visits of select groups of young monks from different countries to the sacred Buddhist sites in India and also showcase the uniqueness of Indian culture and tradition wherein advanced technology and modern values go hand in hand with the richness of teachings of the Buddha. As part of this programme the first group of 25 Buddhist monks from Bhutan will be arriving in Delhi by the end of this month. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative New Delhi, Nov 7 : The Supreme Court, in its minority verdict, striking down the 103rd Constitution amendment, on Monday said reservation for economically weaker sections in admissions and government jobs is permissible but excluding SCs, STs and OBCs as they enjoy pre-existing benefits is to heap fresh injustice. While Justices Dinesh Maheshwari, Bela M. Trivedi, and J.B. Pardiwala upheld the EWS quota, Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, along with Chief Justice U.U. Lalit, dissented in their minority view. The judges, part of a five-judge constitution bench, read four separate judgments. Justice Bhat, who authored the judgment for himself and on behalf of Chief Justice Lalit, said: "I regret my inability to concur with the views expressed by the majority opinion on the validity of the 103rd Amendment... since I feel - for reasons set out elaborately in the following opinion - that this court has for the first time, in the seven decades of the republic, sanctioned an avowedly exclusionary and discriminatory principle. Our Constitution does not speak the language of exclusion." In 101-page judgment, Justice Bhat said a universally acknowledged truth is that reservations have been conceived and quotas created, through provision in the Constitution, only to offset fundamental, deep-rooted generations of wrongs perpetrated on entire communities and castes. He added that reservation is designed as a powerful tool to enable equal access and equal opportunity and introducing the economic basis for reservation - as a new criterion, is permissible. Justice Bhat said: "Yet, the 'othering' of socially and educationally disadvantaged classes - including SCs/ STs/OBCs by excluding them from this new reservation on the ground that they enjoy pre-existing benefits, is to heap fresh injustice based on past disability. The exclusionary clause operates in an utterly arbitrary manner." He added firstly, it "others" those subjected to socially questionable, and outlawed practices - though they are amongst the poorest sections of society. Justice Bhat further added secondly, for the purpose of the new reservations, the exclusion operates against the socially disadvantaged classes and castes, absolutely, by confining them within their allocated reservation quotas (15 per cent for SCs, 7.5 per cent for STs, etc.). He said thirdly, it denies the chance of mobility from the reserved quota (based on past discrimination) to a reservation benefit based only on economic deprivation. Justice Bhat said: "The net effect of the entire exclusionary principle is Orwellian, (so to say) which is that all the poorest are entitled to be considered, regardless of their caste or class, yet only those who belong to forward classes or castes, would be considered, and those from socially disadvantaged classes for SC/STs would be ineligible." He further added that in his considered opinion, the amendment, by the language of exclusion, undermines the fabric of social justice, and thereby, the basic structure. "The Union and other respondents had submitted that the newly-introduced provisions, through the impugned amendment, are merely enabling, and confer power upon the state, to make special provisions and reservations, based on the economic criterion - thus, cannot violate the basic structure. This view has also been accepted in the opinion authored by Justice J.B. Pardiwala. I am of the considered opinion that the argument that the provisions are enabling and therefore, do not violate the basic structure (of the Constitution) is not substantial," he said. Justice Bhat said it is therefore inaccurate to say that provisions that enable, exercise of power, would not violate the basic structure of the Constitution. He further added that an individual who is a target of the new 10 per cent reservation may be a member of any community or class. "The state does not - and perhaps justly so - will not look into her background. Yet in the same breath, the state is saying that members of certain communities who may be equally or desperately poor (for the purposes of classification identification) but will otherwise be beneficiaries of reservation of a different kind, would not be able to access this new benefit, since they belong to those communities. This dichotomy of on the one hand, using a neutral identifier entirely based on economic status and at the same time, for the purpose of exclusion, using social status, i.e., the castes or socially deprived members, on the ground that they are beneficiaries of reservations (under Article 15(4) and 16(4)) is entirely offensive to the Equality Code," he said. He added that the allusion to over-classification and under classification, as the bases for exclusion in the context of the doctrine of classification governing Article 14, cannot be denied as a matter of law. "However, to say that the non-inclusion of SC/ST and OBC communities - though the largest segments of the poor are from amongst them, is mere reasonable under-inclusion, cannot be accepted - especially in the context of a constitutional amendment." New Delhi, Nov 7 : The filling up of more than 30,000 government vacancies, mainly in the education and health departments of Delhi government, is expected to be expedited with the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) getting additional manpower for performing its duties more effectively and speedily. According to a source in the DSSSB, Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has recently directed the officials to immediately fill up 117 additional posts of various categories in DSSSB. An official in DSSSB said that the process of filling up of these posts is in its final stages and will be completed within two weeks. The posts created through an L-G decision in May this year include deputy secretaries, section officers, assistant section officers, senior assistants, junior assistants, legal assistants and peons/MTS, he said. Once these 117 posts are filled, the fully-staffed DSSSB is expected to work in full capacity and expedite the hitherto lagging process of efficiently conducting examinations and interviews etc. for filling up of thousands of posts that include teachers, nurses, paramedical Staff, physical training instructors and technicians, among others, the official said, adding that these posts have been lying vacant since as long as 2013, due to the lackadaisical attitude of the government, which preferred to appoint contractual employees against permanent government vacancies. After taking over, the L-G had expressed serious concern and displeasure over unduly and inordinately delayed vacancies in several government departments of critical importance to the people of Delhi. He had also flagged the issue of filling up of such permanent vacancies on a contractual basis, which often led to favouritism in appointments, misappropriation of government funds in the name of ghost employees and ultimately an unconstitutional deterrent to the equal right to employment. The DSSSB was mandated to select candidates for Group 'B' (non-gazetted) and Group 'C' for appointment to various departments of GNCTD, MCD, NDMC and other government undertakings through a government decision in 1996. Kolkata, Nov 7 : The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be implemented in West Bengal at any cost, Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs & Culture, Arjun Ram Meghwal, said during this short visit to the state on Monday. His comments came at a time when controversies are brewing in West Bengal over the fate of the Matua community in the state, a Scheduled Caste designated refugee community from Bangladesh, following the Union Home Ministry's recent announcement that Indian citizenship would be granted to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis and Christians coming from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and currently living in Mehsana and Anand districts of Gujarat. Significantly, Meghwal said this at a religious function -- 'Rash Mela' -- organised by the people from the Matua community at Thakurnagar in the Bangaon sub-subdivision of North 24 Parganas district, which is predominantly a Matua-dominated pocket in the state. The minister also said that he will speak to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in this matter. "The Centre is extremely serious about granting citizenship status to the people from the Matua community. That is why the CAA has been passed in the Parliament. There are some technical problems in framing the rules, and attempts are being made to get over them. The process is taking some time. If there is any problem on this count which is exclusive to West Bengal, it will also be solved," Meghwal said. Soon after the Home Ministry's notification on granting citizenship status of the to the refugees in the two districts of Gujarat was announced, the leader of opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, said that the development in Gujarat is an indication of the beginning of implementation of CAA, which has been passed in both the Houses of the Parliament. "West Bengal is part of India. It will ultimately benefit the Matuas and the other scheduled tribe refugees, who will no longer be asked to furnish old documents before 1971," Adhikari said. However, a note of apprehension was reflected in the statement of Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and BJP Lok Sabha member from Bangaon constituency, as he said that in a federal system of democracy, if the state government does not support the Union government in implementing anything, the implementation process becomes difficult in a particular state. "This is a negative point for implementing CAA in West Bengal as the state government is opposing it. But the declaration of the Home Ministry about the refugees in Gujarat is the first step in the right direction. At least what we promised to the Matuas begins with Gujarat," he said. Jaipur, Nov 7 : A woman from Madhya Pradesh who came to Rajasthan's Nagaur to "marry" a woman she had befriended over social media, has been arrested for allegedly putting pressure on her for a homosexual relationship, and refusal, demanding Rs 10 lakh by threatening to defame her, police said on Monday. When this woman reached the house of the woman from Rajasthan and tried to forcibly take her to marry her, the matter reached the Ladnu police station and the accused was arrested. Superintendent of Police, Ramamurthy Joshi said that on Sunday, the victim reached Ladnu police station along with her family members and complained that around 10 pm on Saturday night, a woman forcibly entered their house and tried to take her forcibly along with her. When the victim refused to come along, the accused threatened to beat and defame her. The report lodged in the police station said that she got acquainted with the woman on social media and both had become good friends. Now the woman from Madhya Pradesh was put pressure on her to marry her and is asking for Rs 10 lakh in lieu of not getting married. After registering a case on the report, an investigation was started, said officials. A medical examination of the victim was done and the accused was arrested after interrogation, officials said. San Francisco, Nov 7 : Elon Musk on Monday showed his true political colour despite vouching for Twitter to be "politically neutral", saying that Americans should vote for Republicans in the midterm elections on November 8. Triggering a political debate, Musk told independent-minded voters that shared power curbs the worst excesses of both parties. "Therefore, I recommend voting for a Republican Congress, given that the Presidency is Democratic," the Twitter CEO posted to his nearly 115 million followers. "Hardcore Democrats or Republicans never vote for the other side, so independent voters are the ones who actually decide who's in charge," Musk added. His tweets were slammed by many of his followers. "That's it. That seals the deal. I've been an American citizen for 60 years and in all my time of being one, I've never seen a CEO this bad. I got my passport last week. I'll be moving to Australia if Trump comes back," a user posted. "A rich billionaire telling people how to vote, unbelievable," another posted. In April, in a bid to silence people who have slammed his 'free speech' idea amid fears of growing polarisation and hatred on the micro-blogging platform, Musk had said that Twitter must remain politically neutral if it wants to keep enjoying public trust. "For Twitter to deserve public trust, it must be politically neutral, which effectively means upsetting the far right and the far left equally," he had posted. Musk had long been advocating free speech on the platform, creating apprehensions for many as they fear the site will be left without regulations. The US will go to polls for the midterms to the Senate and the House of Congress on November 8 in one of the most fiercest electoral battles ever. Srinagar, Nov 7 : A charge sheet was filed in a court in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam against five LeT terrorists accused of abducting and murdering an Indian Army soldier who had come home on leave, police said on Monday. "The accused terrorists include Athar Illahi Sheikh, OGW of LeT (presently lodged in Kot Bilawal Jail), son of Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, resident of Lokipora Khag, Mohammad Yousuf Dar alias Kantroo (LeT commander, now killed), Faisal Hafeez Dar (LeT terrorist, now killed), Hilal Ahmad Sheikh alias Hanzullah (LeT terrorist, now Killed) and foreign terrorist Ghazi Bhai alias Pathan Bhai alias Usman Bhai (LeT terrorist, at large)," a police official said. On March 10 this year, body of army jawan Mohammad Sameer Malla, who was missing since March 7, was recovered from village Labran Khag. During investigation of the case, Sheikh was apprehended and upon questioning, admitted that he, along with other four accused terrorists of terror outfit LeT, abducted Malla, tortured him to death in an orchard at Labran village and later on, buried the body of the victim in a ditch in a nearby field, the official said. Police said among the four accused terrorists involved in the terror crime, three terrorists have been already neutralized in anti-terrorist operation in Malwa Kunzar, while as foreign terrorist Ghazi Bhai is still at large. "The investigation thus conducted established the offences under section 364, 302, 392, 201, 149 IPC, 16, 18, 19, 20, 38, 39 ULA(P) Act against the above five accused and therefore the charge sheet was accordingly produced before competent court of law after obtaining the sanction from the competent authority," police said. Kolkata, Nov 7 : Although unhappy with the functioning of some members of the special investigation team (SIT) of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probing the multi-crore West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) scam, Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay of Calcutta High Court is still expecting some "magic" on part of the central agency sleuths in the matter. On Monday morning, Justice Gangopadhyay expressed displeasure over the functioning of some members of the SIT, and observed that for sake of a speedy investigation, some of them might be replaced. However, on Monday afternoon, he said that he is eagerly waiting for some "magic" from CBI on the matter. "I have faith on CBI... (however) sometimes, I do make some comments. I ordered for a CBI probe in the matter so that corruption in the recruitment process is revealed. Today, I talked to their officers and after that I feel that the central agency officers are investigating through lots of obstacles. So, I express my confidence in CBI and I wait for the 'CBI magic'," Justice Gangopadhyay said. His comments within the court were preceded by a long discussion with the central agency sleuths investigating the matter. Commenting on the irregularities in the recruitment process, Justice Gangopadhyay observed that it is extremely necessary to reveal why the genuine and eligible candidates did not get the appointment letter. "Unless it is revealed, there will be a negative impact on society. The candidates will lose faith in the entire system which also includes the judiciary. The judicial system is concerned about the future of the state and hence it is standing by the genuine candidates," Gangopadhyay observed. On June 17 this year, Justice Gangopadhyay ordered the CBI to form a special investigation team to probe the WBSSC scam. He also ordered that the SIT will function under the monitoring of the Calcutta High Court and also directed that none of the members of the SIT can be transferred before the investigation is over without the permission of the court. Recently, Justice Gangopadhyay observed in the court that at times he wondered whether the real masterminds behind the teacher recruitment scam will be nabbed during their lifetime. After that, his observations on Monday about the functioning of some members of the SIT has created further ripples. New Delhi, Nov 7 : A 13 year-old boy reportedly died by suicide in the Najafgarh area of the national capital, the police said on Monday. The police said that they are probing the incident, which took place on Sunday, from all possible angles. According to a senior police officer, an information regarding a boy being brought dead at a hospital was received on Sunday following which a police team reached the hospital. "During initial inquiry, it was revealed that the boy had allegedly died by suicide by hanging. He was found wearing the clothes of his mother. His parents had gone to the market at the time of the incident," said the officer. "The autopsy of the deceased was conducted on Monday and electronic gadgets have been seized for analysis. Inquest proceedings are going on," the officer added. Guwahati, Nov 7 : The Gauhati High Court has dismissed the petition filed by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in connection with a defamation suit lodged against him by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, an official said on Monday. The Aam Aadmi Party leader had approached the High Court for quashing the proceedings of the defamation case which is pending for disposal before a lower court in Guwahati. Assam Advocate General Debojit Saikia on Monday said that following the High Court order, Sisodia will have to appear in person before the lower court on November 19 according to the summons issued earlier. Sisodia had alleged that Sarma awarded a contract of PPE kits to a company linked to his wife and grossly overpaid for the same during the first wave of the Covid pandemic in March 2020. On June 4, he said: "Himanta Biswa Sarma awarded the contract to his wife's company. He paid Rs 990 for the PPE kits while others were purchased at Rs 600 per piece from another company on the same day. This is a huge crime." Sisodia at that time also claimed he had the documents to prove so. In reply to these allegations, Assam CM Sarma lodged a defamation case against Sisodia at the Chief Judicial Magistrate court at Kamrup (M) district in Guwahati. The lower court had summoned Sisodia to appear in person while Delhi Deputy Chief Minister approached the Gauhati High Court against the summon. Advocate General Saikia said that after three days of hearing, the High Court could not find merit in Sisodia's petition. The order reads that "the Court is of the considered opinion that the petitioner (Sisodia) has not been able to make out any case for quashing of the proceedings the case (the one filed against him) which is pending for disposal before CJM court, Kamrup (M) at Guwahati. Thus, this petition fails and the same is dismissed". New Delhi, Nov 7 : Former Lok Sabha Speakers and chairpersons of state Assemblies and state Councils on Monday held a roundtable discussion here to lay down the framework of the National Legislators' Conference (NLC) to be held in Mumbai in June 2023. Former Lok Sabha Speakers Sumitra Mahajan, Meira Kumar and Shivraj Patil participated in the discussion. The National Legislators' Conference (NLC) is a historic effort to create a first-of-its-kind multi-partisan forum where legislators will gather to create a cohesive ecosystem among leaders of all ideologies. Patil underlined the need to have stability in democracy and said that those who have been elected for five years should be allowed to complete their tenure. On a question on foul language, Mahajan said the dictionary of foul languages is expanding. "Elected representatives need to show some constraint in expressing their views. All the Speakers have been impartial in running the Parliament. We need to have constructive opposition and healthy debates," she said. The roundtable was attended by Speakers and Chairpersons of Vidhan Sabhas and Vidhan Parishads, including from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Bihar and Haryana, apart from former Secretary Generals of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and several senior bureaucrats. New Delhi, Nov 7 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday said it has attached immovable and movable properties worth Rs 3.12 crore belonging to one Y. Ningthem Singh and his associates in connection with an investigation into a money laundering case related to massive fund embezzlement of the Manipur Development Society (MDS). The ED initiated investigation on the basis of the FIR lodged by Imphal West Police under various sections of IPC, and section 13(2) of Prevention of Corruption against officials of MDS and other individuals in 2017. There were allegations of misappropriation of MDS funds to the tune of more than Rs 169 Crore. The ED learned during the investigation that huge amount of funds were embezzled and misappropriated from the MDS account by Singh, the then Project Director of MDS, in criminal connivance with his associates. Later on, these diverted funds were transferred and laundered into various shell firms' accounts and other associates accounts. Singh and his accomplices acquired several properties at different locations. In this connection, six immovable properties worth Rs 3.04 crore and an amount of Rs 8,20,000 available in various bank accounts have been attached by the ED. In this case, "ED has earlier frozen eleven different bank accounts on November 2021 related to the accused persons with a balance amount of Rs 41,53,489", an official said. New Delhi, Nov 7 : Indian students, who had joined the clinical medicine programme in China after November 2021 but had failed to secure license to practice as a medical doctor there, won't be eligible to appear in the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination, conducted by National Medical Commission, the Indian Embassy in Beijing said on Monday. "The embassy has apprised the Chinese authorities concerned and medical colleges with a request that they should ensure that all Indian students coming to China for clinical medicine programme are educated, trained and facilitated, so that they can fulfill the requirements of the NMC," an embassy statement said. The clarification from the embassy came after queries raised by students and parents regarding eligibility of those Indian students who are pursuing clinical medicine programme in China, for appearing in the qualifying examination in India. "In this regard, the students and their parents are requested to see the Gazette Notification dated November 18, 2021, by the NMC. It has unambiguously stated in Clause 4(b) that foreign medical students must be 'registered with the respective professional regulatory body or otherwise, competent to grant license to practice medicine in their respective jurisdiction of the country in which the medical degree is awarded and at par with the license to practice medicine given to citizen of that country'," the embassy said. Queries had also been received by the Indian Embassy on whether Indian students could work in Chinese hospitals as "assistant doctor" after completing their medical education in China but fail to obtain medical practitioner license in China. This would help them to earn a living and pay back education loans. On this, the embassy said that it "has formally approached relevant Chinese authorities to confirm existence of such an option. The embassy will share any information, when received from the Chinese side, in its social media handles". Prospective students and parents are advised to directly re-confirm all terms of reference of admission directly from the relevant universities in China, before accepting such admission, the statement added. Dubai, Nov 7 : A Kerala-native residing here caught attention of many during the 'Dubai Ride 2022' for his attempt to recreate an iconic historical moment related to India's first rocket launch. Ajmal Poyakkara Mahamood, who hails from Kasargod in Kerala, on Sunday wore clothes similar to the scientist in the famous photograph -- a white shirt and grey pant, while carrying a cone-shaped object in his cycle, in an attempt to recreate the moments of the 1963 photograph which showed India's first space rocket being transported for its launch from Thumba in Kerala. "I wanted to pay homage to my land and its people. It was in November 1963 that the rocket was launched from Thumba. In this cycle rally, I wanted to highlight that how bicycles have always been an integral part of people's lives, either daily activities or historical events like the rocket launch," he said. Mahamood, 31, rode across the 12 km route for Dubai Ride. He designed the "rocket model" with a road hazard cone that was spray painted to make it look like a representation of the space rocket. His wife, Saba Firdose and brother Abdul Rahman Poyakkara helped him with collecting the materials, and clothes to match the old-style dressing. However, the challenge was to get a cycle model similar to the ones being ridden in 1963 which they eventually found few hours before the cycle rally. Ajmal said that public response was amazing, and "it was an opportunity for me to educate the people of other country about India's first rocket launch and space programmes". He said that the effort was dedicated to the villagers of Thumba, who donated their land and buildings for India's space programme. India's spaceward odyssey began on November 21, 1963, with the launch of the US Nike Apache sounding rocket from Thumba, near Thiruvananthapuram. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Patna, Nov 8 : BJP's Rajya Sabha member Sushil Kumar Modi on Monday slammed the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government for the rising cases of crime in the state. "The crime graph took a huge spike in Bihar ever since Nitish Kumar joined hands with the RJD and formed the government... RJD is a party where criminals were given shelter in the past. Leaders like Raj Ballabh Yadav of Nawada, former MLA of Bhojpur district Arun Yadav, former minister Kartikeya Singh and others are involved in various criminal cases," Modi said. He visited Arrah on Monday to meet the family members of Hari Ji Gupta, a prominent jeweller of the city. Gupta was kidnapped and killed in Arrah district a few days ago and the accused later dumped the body on under construction Patna-Buxar four lane road at Rani Sagar-Kanheli village. "I firmly believe that it was the handiwork of criminals of an organised gang. He was a big jeweller of the city and the criminals realised that this matter must become a big issue if kidnapping would be proven," Modi said. Raj Ballabh Yadav is lodged in jail allegedly for raping a minor girl. "Arun Yadav was also absconding for the last one and a half years in a criminal case and he recently surrendered at a court Now, he is doing Janata Darbar in Arrah Sadar hospital everyday. Kartikeya Singh is facing the charge of kidnapping and not getting bail in it. Still, he was seen campaigning for RJD candidate Neelam Devi," Modi said. Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH is intensifying its business activities in Thuringia, Germany. The Hamburg-based project developer has acquired a 47,000 square metre plot of land ready for construction in Schmolln (Altenburger Land district), about 20 kilometres north of Zwickau. A multiuser property is planned there, which can be used Photos: Garbe Industrial Real Estate [] MoPho Studios Logo SCANable's success is built on being flexible and available for our film and television clients when and where they need us. SCANable, a leading Visual Effects 3D scanning studio in North America, announces a new division of the company, MoPho Studios, a fleet of Mobile Photogrammetry Studios that provide on-location 3D scanning services for the film, gaming, and television industry. MoPho Studios consist of self-contained, state-of-the-art, fully customized trailers that instantly capture photoreal 3D digital doubles. Each MoPho Studio trailer unit is equipped with 150+ high-resolution DSLR cameras, with 60 of the cameras dedicated to capturing pore-level detail and photoreal textures of the head which generates a realistic digital character. "We've had several MoPho trailers for quite some time and since we've put them in service, the demand has been quite high. We felt it was the right time to get the word out that we are expanding with our most recent MoPho Studio unit landing in Los Angeles earlier this year." Travis Reinke, founder and CEO states. Each MoPho Studio trailer is equipped to be a turnkey, on-location solution that is capable of capturing everything from full-body 3D scans to the smallest of props. MoPho Studio trailers are also equipped with the latest ground-based LiDAR and photogrammetry equipment to capture sets, locations, and environments while on location or on the lot as well. The 3D scanning industry is by no means slow-paced; with forecasts expected to surpass the $16.6 billion mark by 2030 (Businesswire), the industry is growing rapidly and shows no signs of slowing down. "SCANable's success is built on being flexible and available for our clients when and where they need us. MoPho Studios allows us to set up right next to the stage or location allowing talent to simply walk into our mobile studio where we capture a complete 3D high-resolution head and body composition in minutes so they are back on set in no time. Reinke adds. SCANable has played a role in numerous award-winning, blockbuster film and television productions, such as Marvel Studios' "Loki" and "WandaVision"; HBO's "Westworld"; and the upcoming anticipated sequel, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" among hundreds of other productions. MoPho Studios, a division of SCANable, is headquartered at Trilith Studios, just outside of Atlanta, Georgia with offices in Los Angeles, California, New Orleans, Lousiana, and New York, New York. We are honored to be recognized and we sincerely appreciate the dedication of all of our attorneys and staff and their continuous hard work on behalf of our clients. - Barry Szaferman For the tenth consecutive year Szaferman, Lakind, Blumstein and Blader, P.C. has been included in the 2023 Edition of U.S. News Best Lawyers Best Law Firms* list. For 2023, the firm was recognized as a New Jersey - Metropolitan Tier-1 law firm in the following practice areas: According to U.S. News Best Lawyers, The U.S. News Best Lawyers Best Law Firms rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. This data is combined into an overall score and firms are then compared by metropolitan area and ranked using a tiering system. Thank you to U.S. News Best Lawyers for including the firm in the Best Law Firms list for the tenth consecutive year. commented Co-Founder Barry Szaferman. We are honored to be recognized and we sincerely appreciate the dedication of all of our attorneys and staff and their continuous hard work on behalf of our clients. In order to be included on the Best Law Firms list each firm, must have at least one attorney who is recognized in the current edition of The Best Lawyers in a Best Law Firms ranked practice area/metro area. In the 2023 edition of Best Lawyers*, five (5) Szaferman Lakind attorneys were recognized in five (5) practice areas including: Furthermore, Brian Paul and Jeffrey Hall were each recognized as Lawyer of the Year for Family Law and Real Estate Law respectively, in the Princeton-Metro Area. To learn more about the selection methodology of the Best Law Firms list please visit their website. Founded in 1977, Szaferman Lakind is a full-service, Martindale-Hubbell AV-Preeminent law firm that was listed among U.S. News Best Lawyers Best Law Firms from 2014 through 2023. Based in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Szaferman Lakind has 25+ attorneys who provide legal representation to businesses, investors, professionals, families and individuals in several areas, among them family law, general and commercial litigation, personal injury, estate planning, business law, workers compensation law and commercial real estate and land use. To contact Szaferman Lakind please call 609.275.0400 or visit http://www.szaferman.com. *The Best Lawyers in America list is issued by BL Rankings, LLC. A description of the selection methodologies can be found at bestlawyers.com/methodology. Szaferman Lakind was selected to U.S. News Best Lawyers Best Law Firms list. The Best Law Firms list is issued by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers. A description of the selection methodologies can be found at bestlawfirms.usnews.com/methodology. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. While this position is new, I approach it with the same passion Ive always had to provide compassionate and comprehensive care to and advocate for under-resourced and under-represented groups in healthcare.Steven Barnett, MDChief Medical OfficerCAN Community Health CAN Community Health (CAN) has appointed Steven Barnett, MD as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Barnett joined the healthcare nonprofit in 2017 at its Columbia, South Carolina clinic. His role was later expanded to serve as Medical Director of CAN clinics in South Carolina, Virginia, and New Jersey. He has served as Interim Chief Medical Officer since August 2022. Dr. Barnett will step into his permanent role immediately, and beginning January 1, 2023, Dr. Barnett will also oversee all dental services provided by CAN. Dr. Barnett said, I accept this position with humility and gratitude. I appreciate all the patients and colleagues Ive had the pleasure of working with and allowing me to participate in their lives over the years. While this position is new, I approach it with the same passion Ive always had to provide compassionate and comprehensive care to and advocate for under-resourced and under-represented groups in healthcare. Dr. Barnett brings more than 20 years of clinical and management leadership experience to this role. After earning his undergraduate degree in Microbiology at Clemson University and a three-year program as a Biological Research Assistant at Yale University and the West Haven VA Medical Center, Dr. Barnett attended the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, followed by a residency in Family Medicine at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Hartford, Connecticut. Dr. Barnett has exceptional focus and experience in patient care and medical services, as well as collaborating with the leadership team on solving enterprise-wide problems. We are thrilled to have him as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and look forward to a successful path forward for all of CANs medical departments, states Dr. Deborah Hawkes, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. ABOUT CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH CAN Community Health (CAN) is a not-for-profit, community-based organization with clinics in Florida, Arizona, New Jersey, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. CAN provides medical, pharmacy, dental, case management, mental health, and comprehensive prevention and services such as nPEP, PrEP, and education. CAN also provides screening and treatment for Hepatitis C and STDs, as well as transgender health services. Information at cancommunityhealth.org. RAIN Wins U.S. State Department Grant to Advance Gender Equity at University Incubation Centers in Pakistan Fatima Jinnah Women University is very excited to be part of this collaboration with RAIN in developing an all-women incubation center at the university. This initiative will promote entrepreneurial culture and will empower female entrepreneur students to realize their full potential. The Regional Accelerator & Innovation Network (RAIN) is pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with three Pakistani universities Bahria University (Islamabad) Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South University (Islamabad), and Fatima Jinnah Women University (Rawalpindi) to support gender equity at their incubation centers. The project, which began in September 2022, is funded over a two-year period by the Department of State Embassy of the U.S. in Islamabad. It aims to build a regional inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports Pakistani women entrepreneurs, boosts capacity at existing incubators to serve more women, and develops the first all-women business incubator at Pakistans first all-women university, Fatima Jinnah Women University. I want to thank our Pakistani university partners for inviting RAINfrom across the globeto help accelerate women entrepreneurship in Pakistan. I also want to thank our funders for recognizing the potential for this partnership to build a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable regional entrepreneurial ecosystem that aims to reduce barriers to starting a business, accelerate women entrepreneurship in Pakistan, build a more diverse Pakistani workforce, and connect Pakistani women entrepreneurs and university faculty to U.S. entrepreneurial experts and resources, said RAINs CEO, Caroline Cummings. Fatima Jinnah Women University is very excited to be part of this collaboration with RAIN in developing an all women incubation center at the university. This initiative will promote entrepreneurial culture in the university and will empower female entrepreneur students to realize their full potential. FJWU is at the forefront of providing not only quality education but also enhancing opportunities for employability, whether self or otherwise, stated Dr. Saima Hamid, Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Women University. In collaboration with its university partners in Pakistan, RAIN designed an innovative program to address the particular needs of Pakistani women entrepreneurs through its proven model for building best practices for inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems and community-informed programming (not only for incubator spaces, but also for mentor networks), access to capital, and educational opportunities that are designed based on the needs of the entrepreneurs in a given territory. RAIN will train Pakistani university partners on its investigative-not-prescriptive model and how to embrace inclusive entrepreneur-led programming. RAINs proposal stood out for its competitive activities and the opportunities it offers to connect emerging Pakistani women entrepreneurs with American mentors and investors, while linking relevant Pakistani faculty with their counterparts in the U.S. stated Public Diplomacy Officer, U.S. Embassy, Islamabad, Juan German. Since 2012, the U.S. Mission in Pakistan has continued to support the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, and recently many Pakistani entrepreneurs have attracted international investors, explained Juan. Last year, Pakistani startups raised more than $300 million in investments, more than the prior five years combined. However, according to the World Bank, just one percent of entrepreneurs in Pakistan are women. Through this project, we hope to address the vast gender imbalance in the Pakistani entrepreneurship sector and foster an inclusive environment for Pakistani women-owned businesses. Part of this project includes an exchange program, where 30 Pakistani women entrepreneurs and 4 University faculty will travel to Oregon over the next two summers to meet with University of Oregon faculty, women entrepreneurs and investors from around the state, and tour accelerator programs hosted by RAINs ecosystem partners. While this is RAINs first international project, the organization is well suited to support the advancement of women entrepreneurs and incubators in Pakistan: RAIN has found great success implementing its entrepreneurial development program to support underserved and underrepresented entrepreneurs in 30 rural cities across five Oregon counties since 2014. Through these initiatives, RAIN has assisted close to 2,000 entrepreneurs (64% women) and incubated nearly 400 entrepreneurs (68% women and 22% BIPOC). RAIN raised $5.4M from the State of Oregon to help create and scale two regional incubator/accelerator spaces and programs one at the University of Oregon in Eugene, OR called The Innovation Hub and one at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR called The Advantage Accelerator. Those programs have incubated hundreds of startups. RAIN does not maintain an office, so its distributed team has always collaborated remotely. The organization has excelled at building and maintaining strong public-private partnerships with economic development organizations, academic institutions, governments, foundations, and other stakeholders from throughout the U.S. As part of a previous federal grant, RAINs CEO, Caroline Cummings, was invited by the University of Oregon to travel to Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan in September 2019 to mentor women entrepreneurs at Karakoram International Universitys (KIU) Incubation Center, women MBA students from various universities in Islamabad, and women entrepreneurs from the Swat Valley. RAIN has maintained its connection and support of these efforts to advance women entrepreneurship in Pakistan ever since. While visiting Pakistan, Caroline met and began mentoring a Pakistani woman entrepreneur named Aqsa Khan, who since moved to the U.S., received her Masters Degree in City/Urban Community & Regional Planning from the University of Oregon, and was hired by RAIN to serve as a Venture Catalyst (Entrepreneurial Ecosystem-Builder) for Rural Lane County. Aqsa will serve as RAINs Pakistan Project Manager and she is excited to return to Islamabad to help share the knowledge and experience she has gained as an entrepreneur and member of RAINs team and ecosystem of partners. To receive the latest news and updates on the RAIN Pakistan Project, sign up for the RAIN newsletter at: https://raincatalysts.org/newsletter Contact: Matt Hollander, PR Lead for RAIN - matt@oregonrain.org About RAIN: RAIN (Regional Accelerator & Innovation Network) is a 501(c)(3) global non-profit organization that is run by experienced entrepreneurs and exists to reduce barriers to entrepreneurship and innovation. Since 2014, RAIN has been invited to serve 30 cities across five counties in Oregon to help them build inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems and innovation economies. As of September 2022, RAIN has been invited to serve Skagit County, Washingtons rural entrepreneurial communities, as well as help advance women entrepreneurship in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Pakistan. RAINs Mission: To partner with communities to catalyze inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems, connect entrepreneurs to resourcesincluding overlooked entrepreneursand contribute to the creation of prosperous economies. RAINs Vision: Communities support, value, and celebrate entrepreneurs; regional leaders recognize entrepreneurs are a primary creator of net new jobs; small and rural communities have thriving economies; and a culture of possibilities is embraced. Visit http://www.oregonrain.org to learn more. Sourcing the finest ingredients on Earth, Corsica Scents all-natural Lotion Bars, Soaps, Lip Balms, Deodorants, GLOW and Sport lines enhance natural beauty and support physical health. Their sustainable products are multi-functional and simplify self-care, while eliminating the need for multiple bulky products. Their signature GLOW Bars moisturize, while leaving skin with an instantaneous glow. Jane Bready, owner of Corsica Scents, grew up in Australia with limited access to effective skin protection, and over the course of her career in motorsports, continued to subject her skin to extreme sun exposure. This, in addition to her travels to Corsica, inspired the creation of Corsica Scents, an all-natural line of luxury self-care products for men and women of all ages. I wanted to design something that delivers to enhance natural beauty, rather than cover it up like most products on the market, said Bready. As a rapidly growing brand, were very excited to partner with Shark Discoveries and drive awareness about our all-natural, sustainably-sourced, clean beauty products that simplify your self-care routine. "Corsica Scents offers luxurious products that will leave your skin more radiant and beautifully hydrated," says Lisa Vrancken, Executive Vice President of Shark Discoveries. "Were thrilled to be part of this brands tremendous growth." The BRTV campaign will include 60 and 30 second spots set to air nationwide, as well a targeted social media campaign. Shark Discoveries is comprised of an award-winning team of producers, writers, videographers, and editors, as well as industry veterans dedicated to finding the latest, most innovative products and ideas, and putting them on the BRTV map. About Shark Discoveries: Headquartered in South Florida, Shark Discoveries is a full-service production, branding, and marketing company that specializes in brand response television, including Celebrity Influencer Videos, and brand building. Based out of a 25,000+ sq ft, state-of-the-art studio, the companys creative team handles every aspect of production from script to screen to airing. About Kevin Harrington: As the inventor of the infomercial, founder of As Seen on TV, and one of the original Sharks on Shark Tank, Kevin Harrington has worked with some of the worlds biggest celebrities and launched some of the best-selling DRTV campaigns in history. Since producing his first 30-minute infomercial in 1984, Harrington has been involved in over 500 product launches that have resulted in over $5 billion in sales. Now, in his latest venture with Shark Discoveries, Harrington is on the hunt for the best new products and ideas, bringing them to homes everywhere through personalized BRTV campaigns featuring the Shark. For more information on Corsica Scents, please visit http://www.CorsicaScents.com. Evoke Consulting (Evoke), a leading management consultant to the federal government, was awarded a task order in support of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the Chief Information Officer, to support the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) and Integrated Multi-Domain Enterprise (IMDE) Program Management Offices. The task order was awarded against the Veterans Technology Services (VETS) 2 Government Wide Contract Vehicle for up to three years. Evoke will collaborate with DHS stakeholders to realize strategic mission goals to include integrating the homeland security information-sharing platform, improving the HSIN users experience, implementing effective and transparent governance and knowledge management strategies, and improving program performance. DHS HSIN is the primary nation-wide information sharing and collaboration network, with users across federal agencies, the 50 states, US Territories, tribal areas, local governmental jurisdictions, the private sector, and some foreign countries. The Integrated Multi-Domain Enterprise (IMDE) is the connection and distribution method for multi-agency and Federal, Local, Tribal, Territorial, International, and Private sectors information sharing. Evoke Managing Partner, Jim Loreto, said Evoke is proud to be selected as DHSs partner for these critical national security information sharing and collaboration systems. The user community will benefit from Evokes partnership in applying our honed Agile Program Management, Capital Planning, Strategic Communications and Information Security processes. In supporting the HSIN-IMDE programs on behalf of DHS and its business owners, Evokes agile approach will provide real-time visualization of the task orders performance progression enabling effective operational risk management, investment compliance and continuous improvement initiatives across each systems lifecycle. Greg Blaisdell, Evokes Managing Partner, added, Applying our expertise managing the IT security lifecycle will be paramount to successfully preserving the HSIN-IMDE security posture and enabling continued mission success. About Evoke Evoke Consulting, LLC provides professional services and technology support in management, organizational improvement, and technology and engineering services. Evoke is a PMI Authorized Training Partner and an ISO 9001, ISO 20000-1, ISO 27001, CMMI SVC/3 and CMMI DEV/3 certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. http://www.evokeconsulting.com. "Our brokerage expansion to North Carolina is a fulfillment of one of our goals to grow into new markets," said Will Miller, Chief Strategy Officer of Northrop Realty. "We have built a top-notch team of hyper-local real estate agents in Oak Island." Northrop Realty, a real estate industry leader in the mid-Atlantic, today announces its expansion into North Carolina. "Our decision to expand our brand's reach is driven by where we see our clients going," said Creig Northrop, Founder and CEO of Northrop Realty. "We are so proud to bring our custom full-service brokerage experience to Oak Island, North Carolina, as many of our clients are moving here for incredible values and its new community developments." Northrop Realtys expansion to the coastal North Carolina market is timed perfectly with their clients demand for a quiet, classic vacation home or a forever home in a relaxed beach community. Oak Island is located on the southern shores of North Carolina, between Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina. As part of the Brunswick Island chain, it boasts scenic and serene white sandy beaches, blue-green water, and dunes covered with tall beach grass swaying in the breeze idyllic for a quiet beach home away from the hustle and bustle of more touristy beaches and towns. "Our brokerage expansion to North Carolina is a fulfillment of one of our goals to grow into new markets," said Will Miller, Chief Strategy Officer of Northrop Realty. "We have built a top-notch team of hyper-local real estate agents in Oak Island. They live in and are a part of the surrounding communities, offering their expertise to serve our clients and exceed their expectations. Led by CEOs Creig and Carla Northrop, Northrop Realty offers a custom full-service real estate experience for buyers and sellers. The brokerage provides its clients with home marketing and staging consultants, client care coordinators, and an in-house marketing agency, Studio7, to promote their properties and help them get the optimal price. In addition, their agents offer valuable market insight and a 5-star experience for residential and commercial buyers and sellers at no extra cost. "Northrop Realty provides our agents with amazing support, guidance, marketing, and access to our exclusive career-building educational programs, said Melissa Volkmann, Director of Talent Acquisition at Northrop Realty. So, if you are a full-time agent looking to grow your real estate business and want to be an integral part of our iconic brand, don't hesitate to contact Northrop Realty at 910-250-9677 or visit our career page." About Northrop Realty Northrop Realty is a full-service brokerage representing buyers and sellers of residential real estate in Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. As one of the mid-Atlantic premier brokerages, Northrop Realty is comprised of more than 325+ licensed real estate professionals and over 75 employees, operating 17 brick-and-mortar office locations in Annapolis, Baltimore, Clarksville, Columbia, Ellicott City, Fallston, Frederick, Lutherville-Timonium, Phoenix, Sykesville, and West Ocean City, Maryland, and Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Millsboro, Lewes-Rehoboth, and Newark, Delaware. Since 2000, Northrop Realty's iconic brand and continued success are a result of its best-in-class technology, training, leadership, marketing, and robust network. As a subsidiary of Home Services of America, and Forbes Global Properties, Northrop Realty is proud to rank as the No. 1 specialty brokerage in the nation by RealTrends for 2019 based on closed sales volume. (http://www.northroprealty.com) Point-of-Sale Software In The Cannabis Industry: 2022 Report "The top five vendors account for 60% of 2022 U.S. market share." Cannabiz Media, the company behind the leading License Database of cannabis and hemp license holder data, has released the fifth annual report providing critical data and insights about point-of-sale (POS) software market share in the cannabis industry. The Point-of-Sale Software in the Cannabis Industry 2022 Report marks the first year that Canadian POS vendors and POS station data have been included in the report. The Cannabiz Media research team made approximately 34,000 outbound phone calls to survey U.S. and Canadian stores about their current POS software use. The data included in the final report represents 38% of the U.S. market and 37% of the Canadian market. The U.S. point-of-sale software market in the cannabis industry stayed stable from 2021 to 2022 in terms of the number of providers in use at 79, says Ed Keating, Cannabiz Medias co-founder and Chief Data Officer. However, there were changes. Some providers dropped off the list while others entered. The top five vendors, which account for 60% of 2022 U.S. market share, changed slightly with Leaflogix moving to the third spot. In 2022, the top five POS software vendors in the U.S. cannabis industry are 1) Greenbits, 2) BioTrack, 3) Leaflogix, 4) Flowhub, and 5) MJ Freeway. Keating explains, Leaflogix had the biggest market share increase this year among the leading POS vendors. The provider almost doubled its market share from 6.3% to 11.9%. The data gets even more interesting when you roll up the POS software vendor providers to their parent companies and look at combined market share. Dutchie, which owns Greenbits and Leaflogix, is up 41% over last year more than double the growth of Akerna, which saw the second highest growth among parent companies from its combined MJ Freeway, Viridian, and Dynamics 365 brands. The POS software market in Canada includes 53 providers, but the leaderboard is dominated by COVA and Greenline, which hold nearly 74% market share combined (47% and 26%, respectively. Across North America, fewer retailers and dispensaries switched to a different POS software in 2022 compared to 2021. In our 2021 report, we found 298 U.S. license holders switched POS software vendors, which was up significantly from the 120 switches we tracked in 2020, shares Keating. In 2022, the number of switches dropped closer to 2020 levels at 176 U.S. switches. Drilling down to the state level, the states with the most brand switching in 2022 have been Oklahoma, Colorado, and Washington. Cannabiz Media also tracked switches in Canada for the first time in 2022 and found 46 switches among Canadian license holders. A new addition to the report is the inclusion of data related to the number of point-of-sale stations dispensaries and retailers have at their stores. Based on the stores that shared this data with Cannabiz Medias research team, the median number of POS stations is three. Subscribers to the Cannabiz Media License Database can dig deeper into this data by activating premium point-of-sale dashboards on their accounts. Using the POS dashboards, subscribers can analyze POS provider market share by state, market, timeframe, and more. Download the free report here: https://www.cannabiz.media/2022-pos-report About Cannabiz Media Cannabiz Media manages the leading License Database of cannabis and hemp license holder data containing verified information on over 40,000 licensed cannabis and 30,000 licensed hemp operations across the United States, Canada, and numerous international markets. Subscribers can access this data through an easy-to-use platform in multiple ways. Sales and marketing teams can find contact information for license holders, segment their target audiences, and then tap into a powerful email marketing tool. And financial analysts, investors, and legal advisors can leverage Cannabiz Intelligence to conduct comprehensive financial analysis, target mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and research valuations. Cannabiz Media was established in 2015. Siempre Spirits Limited, an independent spirits brand that relies on hard work and a highly rated authentic product, rather than celebrities, today announced its most exclusive and artisanal tequila to date, Siempre Exclusivo-Vivo, of which only 9000 bottles have been produced. Siempre Exclusivo-Vivo is a unique expression that references an old Hispanic-Peruvian production method of distilling the fermenting mosto vivo while the yeast is still living. This marvelous technique was mostly forgotten until now. Siempre Exclusivo-Vivo was created in partnership with Sergio Cruz, one of Mexicos most renowned Master Tequileros, and International Tequila Academy founder Adam Fodor. "The Fermenting mosto vivo" What makes Vivo so special is that Sergio and Adam allowed the fermentation to continue during the distillation - so they distilled the "mosto," while the yeast was still alive, hence the name "vivo" for this tequila. The product will lose alcohol and efficiency, but one bottle will contain more essence of the agave, offering a unique depth and flavor complexity. "Wild fermentation" (Siempre Exclusivo-Vivo) vs. "normal fermentation" (normal) Only a handful of producers use the "wild" or "natural" fermentation process. Simply put, there is no yeast added to the fermentation and as a result it takes a lot longer and is a lot less efficient. It is open air, so some alcohol would be lost through evaporation, and it is easier for local bacteria to get into the tank competing with the yeast for food and nutrients, hence it naturally has a lower yield but added complexity. Exclusivo is a project designed to bring liquid works of art to life, said Alex Lacroix, Co-Founder, Siempre. While many are putting simple tequila into intricate, beautiful bottles, Vivo is the exact opposite. It is a harmony of carefully selected agave and lost distilling techniques, absolutely never seen in the tequila world, created by one the worlds most respected Maestro Tequileros placed in an overly simple glass bottle. Were extremely proud of this release and reviews from top aficionados are proving it to be one of the top tequilas made in history. Siempre Exclusivo-Vivo has an MSRP of $129.99. It is currently distributed through RNDC and its other independent wholesale partners, allocated in select States as it slowly makes its way across the US, Canada, and Mexico. About Siempre Tequila "No celebrity required" are words this brand stands by. With features in Rolling Stone Magazine, TMZ, Forbes Magazine, and other major media appearances, our Award-winning, 100% agave tequila is handcrafted using mineral-rich volcanic spring water. High-quality ingredients and distillation methods produce complex aromas and flavors, with a finishing technique that makes Siempre exceptionally smooth, naturally sweet, and perfect for sipping. Siempre's structure is feminine meets masculine with a bright, optimistic colorway, and joyful blending that is almost aggressively different from most other tequila brands that tend towards the serious and austere. The illustration style is a blend of traditional Mexican patterns and contemporary tattoo culture. Overall, the effect is one of joyful rule-breaking and rebellion. Grown from 150 cases of tequila to over 70,000 cases sold since 2016, the products are now distributed in 42 States and Provinces across North America and are rapidly becoming a household name. About Alex Lacroix & Monica Sanita Following Alex Lacroix's (Co-Founder & CEO, Siempre Spirits Limited) checkered past. The journey started when he and Monica Sanita (Co-Founder & COO, Siempre Spirits Limited) met in college. A few years later, they were both working jobs at Advertising Agencies and working crazy hours. To make a long story short, they fell in love, quit their jobs, took the only $9000.00 they could scrounge between the two of them, and started making tequila. It's said that tequila runs in Monica's blood because of her Mexican heritage and that tequila runs through Alex's bloodstream because he was a tequila fan for a long time before co-founding Siempre Tequila. The inspiration behind the brand comes from Monica's grandmother and great-grandmother, who used to make Mezcal for the family to sip during family gatherings and belief that no matter how dark your past is, it is never too late to look at the bright side and bring something incredible to life. To quote Alex & Monica; ''we risked it all, and it was worth it!'' Media Contact for Siempre Spirits Limited: Jason Geller JMediaHouse, LLC jason@jmediahouse.com 212-920-0398 To win this award is an honor. To win this award during a global pandemic is a testament to our people, our work ethic, and our amazing clients. We are proud to be standing here stronger than ever and as an industry and business leader in North Texas.- Managing Partner Arnold Shokouhi The law firm McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans, Grinke ("McCathern") was named the 80th fastest-growing privately held business in the North Texas region for 2022 by the SMU Cox Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship. The Institute revealed the order of the 2022 Dallas 100 list at the Dallas 100 Awards Gala held at the Hyatt Regency Dallas hotel on the night of Wednesday, November 2nd. A group of McCathern Partners were in attendance at the Gala to celebrate the achievement, including Founding Partner Levi McCathern, Managing Partner Arnold Shokouhi, Partner Brett Chisum, Partner Jesse Cromwell and Partner Stephanie Almeter. The Caruth Institute tabulates the annual list by analyzing company revenues over the prior three-year period. To qualify, companies must have revenue of $500,000 to $100 million dollars. This year, over 4,000 area companies were nominated. McCathern was the sole law firm to make the 2022 Dallas 100 list. The 2022 list is particularly notable, as the period analyzed covers the entirety of the Covid-19 pandemic. Dubbed Covid Busters by the Institute, the businesses that made this year's list successfully persevered through a unique challenge. As the sole law firm on the list, McCathern's leadership is especially grateful to the attorneys, staff and clients who made the firm's place on the list possible. To win this award is an honor. To win this award during a global pandemic is a testament to our people, our work ethic, and our amazing clients, Arnold Shokouhi said. We are proud to be standing here stronger than ever and as an industry and business leader in North Texas. As McCathern looks forward to the end of 2022 and into 2023, the firm is excited about the future and continued opportunities for growth. As always, McCathern's focus will be on its clients and providing them the best possible legal counsel, regardless of the situation they face. The law firm's mission will remain Improving People's Lives. Andy Flink of Flink ADR announced today that The Honorable Christopher S. Brasher will be joining the firm effective December 5, 2022. Chief Judge Brasher, well known in the Atlanta legal community, has been in practice for more than 31 years, serving first as Assistant District Attorney and then as a Senior Assistant Attorney General before joining the Superior Court Bench in 2006. As a veteran trial and appellate lawyer, as well as a trial court judge, Brasher has conducted more than 200 jury trials in his career and has resolved over 20,000 cases as a judge. It has been my honor to serve by doing all there is to do in this job, said Brasher. "I am proud of the work I have done, and the lives impacted by my work on the bench. Having resolved so many cases during my years on the bench, it is now time for me to use those skills to move in a new direction: helping people resolve conflicts within the sphere of ADR. By joining forces with Andy Flink, I can bring my experience on the bench to the world of ADR where disputes can be resolved in a collaborative and efficient manner. Judge Brasher is excited to begin his new role at Flink ADR, where he will offer a myriad of alternative dispute resolution services. In addition to mediations and arbitrations, Brasher will also conduct case evaluations, private trials, and judicially hosted settlement conferences. He can also be engaged as a special master. Our expanding business model is unlike anything currently offered in the Atlanta area, states Andy Flink. Working directly with Judge Brasher while he was on the family bench in Fulton County spoke to me. Seeing him bring cases to a conclusion while being authoritative and empathetic at the same time showed me unmatched experience. To offer this knowledge and expertise is what our community demands. Cases can be resolved much more quickly, saving everyone time, stress and of course, substantial legal fees. Judge Brasher will also serve as Senior Judge continuing to serve from the bench from time to time. He can be booked online at http://www.andyflink.com and can be reached directly at judgebrasher@andyflink.com. I feel its important we recognize our heroes in uniform. The Franklin recliners being given away are American made, and made tough, just like our Veterans! During our Veterans Day Salute, we want to celebrate them and the impact they all have had on our safety and security. Bob Mills Furniture is excited to offer San Antonio Veterans the opportunity to win a new Franklin recliner during this Veterans Day weekend. Bob Mills, President of Bob Mills Furniture, says, I feel its important we recognize our heroes in uniform, past and present. The Franklin recliners being given away are American made, and made tough, just like our Veterans! During the Bob Mills Veterans Day Salute, we want to celebrate them and the impact they all have had on our safety and security. Its my way of saying thank you for all they have given. The Bob Mills Veterans Day Salute runs November 7 through November 13, 2022. Customers can nominate a Veteran inside the San Antonio Bob Mills Furniture throughout the week with no purchase necessary. Winners will be announced at a later date. Additionally, all Veterans will receive 20% in additional furniture free throughout the celebration. Bob Mills will also be present at the store located at, 12621 W I-10 and De Zavala, San Antonio, TX for a special meet and greet on Saturday, November 11, 2022, from 10am to 2pm. Bob Mills Sleep Spa, located inside Bob Mills Furniture, offers the exclusive bedMATCH system, which takes 18 statistical body measurements along with thousands of calculations to find the proper support level you need while you sleep. Why guess when you can know the right mattress for you. Simply go to http://www.BobMillsFurniture.com for more information about bedMATCH. Bob Mills Furniture Co., L.L.C is a 52-year-old company and has remained under the same single ownership since Bob Mills started his store at just 23 years old in Oklahoma City, OK. Currently, Bob Mills Furniture has 10 locations: Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, Temple, Waco, San Antonio and Wichita. The corporate headquarters are located in Oklahoma City with a large distribution center in Fort Worth, Texas. Crime reports show that pockets of Kansas City have some of the highest crime statistics in the country. Fortunately, if you call the Midwest home, there are steps you can take to stay safe and help your city shine. The local home security company, Alert 360, reminds home and business owners that just focusing on crime prevention can help increase overall neighborhood security. Being aware, locking up valuables, securing your home or business, considering automated lighting, or installing security cameras are easy security measures anyone can take. These options have become both popular and affordable as crime prevention tools over the years. Almost everyone is familiar with basic security systems, and security cameras have especially become the norm for thousands of households and businesses across KC. When looking around your neighborhood, the more homes or businesses with security systems or cameras, the safer the area will most likely be. Most larger Kansas City security companies now offer versatile security video surveillance options. Some of the best rated security companies also offer live or remote video monitoring. Its clear that security systems provide an extra eye or alert to potential crime. Business and home security cameras help keep a closer eye on indoor and outdoor areas to prevent crime or capture criminals. Any social media search will result in multiple examples of brazen thieves attempting break-ins in broad daylight. Porch pirates, who steal delivery packages from homes are on the rise. Sadly, issues surrounding drug use and homelessness are negatively impacting both local commercial and residential areas. Advancing security camera options offer welcome assistance for police officers and home or business owners during or after an emergency. Recent events captured by alarm and security video dispatchers provide insight into the crime-prevention solutions available in the Kansas City area. Kansas City home security systems provider Alert 360 shares several recently monitored security system events where a threat was prevented. In one instance, Alert 360 received a panic alarm from a commercial client and immediately dispatched police to the scene. During a follow-up call, the customer shared that someone had broken into the business and tried to tunnel through the wall into the business next door. The suspect got stuck in the wall, and the police arrived and arrested him. Following the criminal activity, business owners also find security camera footage helpful when working with police and insurance providers. In addition, video surveillance goes a long way in protecting both staff and customers. In another example, Kansas City security systems company Alert 360 received a video monitoring alarm from a business. The alarm monitoring agent was able to use the surveillance cameras to confirm an unauthorized person was on the property. Police were dispatched, quickly arrived, and arrested the suspect within minutes. While security systems are a proven deterrent to crime, the sad fact is criminals often identify or target homes and businesses without alarm systems. Fortunately, the cost of alarm monitoring systems is not prohibitive, especially when you consider a potential discount on insurance premiums and the protection of valuable assets. In addition, the presence of multiple homes and businesses with alarm systems in a neighborhood sends a sign to criminals to move along. Alarm monitoring and security system companies across Kansas City have countless examples of crimes deterred and lives saved daily. Every hour, companies like Alert 360, respond to emergencies such as these. One final example from Alert 360 involves a residential panic alarm that the companys 24/7 monitoring center received. Alert 360 was able to dispatch local police in less than 20 seconds. A follow-up call with the customer confirmed that they activated the panic alarm because someone was trying to break into the home. Fortunately, police were able to apprehend the intruder before he made it inside the home. If a security system isnt in your budget yet, Alert 360 shares additional steps you can take to prioritize overall neighborhood security. Participating in local National Night Out events, organizing a Neighborhood Watch, increasing home and business security when adding exterior lights or landscaping, and using automated locks, lights, and appliances can all help prevent crime. Easy steps like installing deadbolt locks and making sure all windows and doors are secure when you leave home are smart security measures. Finding a local security expert for more tips and solutions is a good idea. A simple Google search of alarm companies near me can help find a security provider thats right for you. Most security companies offer free consultations and can design a system that meets your individual security needs and budget. Crime statistics and studies are clear. Including professional alarm monitoring as part of your home security or business security planning is invaluable and provides peace of mind. Stopping loss before it happens prevents a lot of headaches. Alarm monitoring dispatchers also help save lives. To lend a hand, Alert 360s local Kansas City security team provides free security evaluations and some of the best-rated alarm monitoring services. The company also encourages families and business owners to follow its security blog for low- or no-cost security and safety tips throughout the year. About Alert 360 Founded in 1973, Alert 360 is one of the nations oldest licensed alarm monitoring providers. Today, the company is one of the largest providers of monitored home security and home automation solutions to homes in the United States. Alert 360 serves nearly 350,000 residential and commercial customers, primarily in the Sunbelt region of the United States. The company monitors over two million security sensors and has an active base of over 80,000 CCTV cameras installed. For more information, visit http://www.Alert360.com. We are honored to be short-listed for this award. Our success and rapid growth are due to the hard work put in by Pegasus employees, and the support of the PEI and Canadian biotech ecosystem over the past two years of operation - Dr. Yimy Mena, PhD Pegasus Biotech is excited to announce that the company has been selected as a finalist for the 2023 Greater Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce Presidents Excellence Awards in the category of Emerging Business Excellence. We are honored to be short-listed for this award. Our success and rapid growth are due to the hard work put in by Pegasus employees, and the support of the PEI and Canadian biotech ecosystem over the past two years of operation, said Dr. Yimy Mena, CEO of Pegasus Biotech. Over the past 24 months, Pegasus Biotech has experienced a 10-fold growth in revenue and size, signing contracts with clients in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. This has established the company as a global player in the biotechnology CRO industry and the CRO of choice for DNA vaccine development services. The mission of Pegasus Biotech is to enable their clients to bring cutting edge innovation to the global human and animal health markets. Their area of expertise is ensuring that client biopharmaceutical and vaccine development activities result in commercially viable products that are compliant with global regulations. To learn more about Pegasus services, click here http://www.pegasusbio.com. About Pegasus Biotech Inc: Pegasus Biotech Inc. is a full-service biotechnology contract research organization. They offer both process and analytical development services to the global pharma industry. They specialize in vaccine and biopharmaceutical development and are global leaders in DNA vaccine development. "My partners, Robbin Mooney, and Michael Beard thought a night at the Happiest Place on Earth would be a great way to thank healthcare professionals for their endless hours of care and support to families combating substance use disorder and other mental health conditions." Mental Healthcare giant J. Flowers Health Institute shut down Walt Disney's Animal Kingdom Park for healthcare professionals to enjoy a night of magic amid a global mental health crisis. Dr. James Flowers, Ph.D., LPC-S, CSAT, is a celebrity psychotherapist and the founder of J. Flowers Health Institute. He covered the cost for attendees, explaining that the last few years have been challenging for healthcare professionals. Post Covid, the industry has been slammed with treating droves of complicated and complex mental health cases, there's been an opioid epidemic, and the workload has been immense, said Flowers. "My partners, Robbin Mooney, and Michael Beard thought a night at the Happiest Place on Earth would be a great way to thank healthcare professionals for their endless hours of care and support to families combating substance use disorder and other mental health conditions. With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, Flowers has been sharing his professional insight with thousands of attendees at the largest mental health event of the year, the Global Exchange Conference, held at Walt Disney World Resort from Nov. 1 - Nov. 4. Thousands from across the globe signed up to hear from renowned wellness experts like Deepak Chopra, Gabor Mate, and Marianne Williamson. Celebrity keynote speakers included Whoopi Goldberg and Rob Lowe. The event brings together professionals and organizations from Mental Health, Addiction Treatment, and Holistic Wellness. The Global Exchange Conference is a four-day event of continuing educational presentations, workshops, and experiences. Next year's event is slated for Nov 12-15. Chad Eikhoff The Jolliest Elf is full of love, wonder, silliness and fun I am so excited to help Santa transport these wonderful kids up to The North Pole to experience some of the magic! -Chad Eikhoff Chad Eikhoff and his 3D animation studio, TRICK 3D, are delivering jolly, holiday cheer to kids and families this holiday season with "The Jolliest Elf - Elves on Tour, an immersive 3D animated Virtual Reality (VR) short, featuring music from The Jolliest Elf Original Soundtrack and characters from the The Jolliest Elf (available on Amazon Prime Video). The Jolliest Elf - Elves on Tour special will be broadcast this December inside of Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta locations that house Seacrest Studios, a broadcasting media center for patients to explore the creative realms of radio, television and new media. In select locations, the VR version will be screened using virtual reality headsets from Pico Immersive. TRICK 3D, partnering with Seacrest Studios, will host two special events - one at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta - Egleston Hospital and the other at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta - Scottish Rite Hospital. Santa Claus jolliest helpers will welcome kids and families to special showings in Atlanta on December 8th and 9th 2022. Magical VR glasses will bring kids up to the North Pole on a sleigh ride that glides right up to the Jolliest Elf talent show stage where they will meet the zany host of The Jolliest Elf, Mr. Jingles, and all of the North Poles most talented elves! Eikhoff was inspired to create The Jolliest Elf - Elves on Tour after creating the shows opening season and first album last year, and after granting the first-ever VR wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Jolliest Elf is full of love, wonder, silliness and fun I am so excited to help Santa transport these wonderful kids up to The North Pole to experience some of the magic, remarked Eikhoff. My goal with The Jolliest Elf, the show, the VR experience, and the music, is to bring some joy and beauty to those who experience it Santa and I are eager to do just that, with the help of Seacrest Studios, this Christmas!" At home, families everywhere can enjoy the songs and the fun of The Jolliest Elf by streaming the music anywhere or viewing the first season and this years new special on Amazon Prime or Kidoodle.TV. About TRICK 3D TRICK 3D is a 3D animation and innovation studio. TRICK 3Ds roots are in commercial and original 3D content production, most notably as the production studio that brought the holiday special-turned-classic The Elf on the Shelf: An Elfs Story to families everywhere. The studios client roster includes Turner Broadcasting System, Cartoon Network, The Coca-Cola Company, CNN, Delta Air Lines, Sprout, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, and many more. For more information, visit TRICK 3D and The Jolliest Elf. ### Atlanta, Georgia Event Information Media is invited to partake/cover in the following VR events; according to hospital policies, up to two (2) media persons may attend each session. Please book your session by emailing valerie@viafailla.com. Virtual Reality/Broadcast at Seacrest Studio Event Dates: Claire Zangerle, Chief Nurse Executive, Allegheny Health Network (AHN) We recognize giving up time on the weekends after a busy week at a nurses regular job is difficult, so we are recognizing that sacrifice and commitment with this new program." Claire Zangerle, Chief Nurse Executive, AHN Allegheny Health Network(AHN) has launched a unique Weekend Nurse Program as part of its continuing efforts to address the labor shortages impacting the health care industry nationwide. Open to nurses across the region, regardless of where they work, the new AHN program is designed to provide flexible work-life solutions. Unlike the traditional weekend programs nurses are accustomed to, the new AHN Weekend Nurse Program provides nurses the opportunity to make extra money on their terms and schedules. Without disrupting their current work schedule during the week, they can pick up shifts on the weekend at any AHN hospital. The commitment can be as little as one eight-hour shift a month, or as many as six 12-hour shifts a month on the weekends of their choosing. The program is open to nurses who currently work at hospitals outside of AHN, with rates of $85 per hour, as well as AHN exempt non-bedside nurses, who will earn time and a half plus $48 per hour. The program will be in place through the first quarter of 2023. The nursing shortage continues to impact hospitals and healthcare systems across the country, said AHN Chief Nurse Executive Claire Zangerle, DNP, RN, FAAN. We must continually develop creative solutions to ease the burden on our current staff while providing others with the opportunity to join our community of AHN nurses in unique ways. We are building the workforce of the future while supporting the workforce of the present. Continuing, Zangerle said nurses in the new program can pick up a shift or two on any given weekend and essentially be compensated about as much as they would make in a week of wages. We recognize giving up time on the weekends after a busy week at a nurses regular job is difficult, so we are recognizing that sacrifice and commitment with this new program, Zangerle said. We urge anyone interested to visit ahn.org/weekend-nurse for more information and to learn more about the various nursing opportunities available at AHN. Our Work Your Way nurse lifestyle program provides nurses with the freedom and flexibility to work in a way that suits their individual needs. Qualified nurse applicants are needed at the following AHN hospitals: Allegheny General, West Penn, Forbes, Jefferson, Wexford, Canonsburg, Allegheny Valley, and Saint Vincent. Nurses will be quickly on-boarded to units where the need is greatest, including medical-surgical and telemetry. Other innovative offerings in the AHN Work Your Way program include a mobile internal staffing team model in which nurses are deployed to different AHN hospitals based on the needs of patients; and the traditional weekend warrior and night owl programs for AHN nurses who prefer to make those their primary jobs. Zangerle said nurses at AHN are empowered to practice at their highest level in all settings, putting the patient at the center of their work by embracing evidence-based practices and collaborating across clinical disciplines. About the Allegheny Health Network: Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org) is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region. The Network is composed of 14 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health + Wellness Pavilions, an employed physician organization, home and community-based health services, a research institute, and a group purchasing organization. The Network provides patients with access to a complete spectrum of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, trauma care, cardiovascular disease, organ transplantation, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, womens health, diabetes, autoimmune disease and more. AHN employs approximately 21,000 people, has more than 2,600 physicians on its medical staff and serves as a clinical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. My desire is to share real-life themes that youngsters face as they grow up, Hahn said. Readers will follow as a kitten grows from a toddler into an adolescent facing challenges just like a young girl transitioning into womanhood. Written as a gift to a daughter he never had, author Ross Alan Hahn hopes his newest publication, The Adventures of Angel, will leave a positive and lasting impact on girls of all ages. In this short novel, readers will meet a newborn kitten named Angel. During each chapter as she grows older, Angel learns many life lessons. Her adventures teach her the importance of friendship, self-confidence, and bravery. My desire is to share real-life themes that youngsters face as they grow up, Hahn said. Readers will follow as a kitten grows from a toddler into an adolescent facing challenges just like a young girl transitioning into womanhood. Paired with 12 vibrant illustrations of Angel and her friends, readers are encouraged to embrace the deeper meaning of Hahns story: the story of a young girl as told by a kitten exploring the amazing world around her. The book features many strong female characters. I encourage readers to reflect on Angels story as their own, Hahn said. When reflecting, they too may feel inspired to follow their path while growing up with courage, building loving relationships, and nurturing their self-confidence. The Adventures of Angel By Ross Alan Hahn ISBN: 978-1665723152 (softcover); 978-1665723169 (hardcover); 978-1665723152 (electronic) Available at: Archway Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the author Ross Alan Hahn graduated from Bridgewater State University and UMASS Lowell. He is an author, performing guitarist, composer, music instructor, and most of all, a lifelong cat lover. He resides in mainland Gloucester, Mass. on Cape Ann. To learn more, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Angel-Kittens-Story-ebook/dp/B0B497Q8WT General Inquiries: LAVIDGE Phoenix Taylor Moralez 480-306-6597 tmoralez@lavidge.com Revelation to Restoration: a potent reminder of ones connection with their spiritual needs. Revelation to Restoration is the creation of published author Deana Elliott, a dedicated wife and mother who received an undergraduate degree in social sciences and a Master of Arts degree in guidance and counseling from Louisiana Tech University. Most of her career has been spent in the field of social services and education. Elliott shares, Revelation to Restoration is an invitation to search out the deeper things of God as you walk through this courageous journey toward healing and deliverance. At some level, we have all experienced pain, emotional distress, fear, or trauma. This book will shatter the lies believed about God that have prevented His people from developing an intimate relationship with Him. It will reveal how walking in bitterness, anxiety, and unforgiveness can make you physically ill. Revelation to Restoration is based on Scripture, powerful revelation, and life experiences that will provide practical ways to grow in truth and walk out your salvation with fear and trembling. It will give you the keys to unlock your identity in Christ, learn how much you are loved by the Father, and give you the understanding that you are highly favored in His kingdom. This transformational book will not only help you walk through healing and deliverance; it will prepare you to trek through wilderness seasons with joy, become refined, overcome continuous cycles, and embrace forgiveness and repentance. Let this book encourage you, inspire you, and bring forth a passion inside of you to yearn for the greater things of God as the Holy Spirit guides you through each day. The revelation shared will teach you to walk through trials and tribulations unscathed and give you a desire to walk in holiness and right standing before God. This book will give you the tools to understand what power and authority are, how to walk in it properly, and how to decree Gods Word into the earth. He needs you. He wants you restored. You are His vessel, and He wants to partner with you to accomplish His will. This book will take you on one of the greatest adventures of your life and strip away the pain of your past and thrust you into a future of walking in the fullness of God. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Deana Elliotts new book balances relevant scripture with thoughtful lessons to aid readers in their spiritual journey. Elliott shares in hopes of bringing readers closer to God so they can fully feel His comfort and grace. Consumers can purchase Revelation to Restoration at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Revelation to Restoration, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Estrella Media's 2022 midterm election News Team Estrella Medias news department will broadcast a series of Election 2022 special reports starting with two one-hour special reports today, Sunday, November 6 at 6 p.m./5 p.m. CT and Monday, November 7 at 5:30 p.m./4:30 p.m. CT. Estrella Medias news department will broadcast a series of Election 2022 special reports starting with two one-hour special reports today, Sunday, November 6 at 6 p.m./5 p.m. CT and Monday, November 7 at 5:30 p.m./4:30 p.m. CT. The ongoing election coverage can be viewed on the EstrellaTV and Estrella News networks, as well as on the EstrellaTV and Estrella News FAST channels and the EstrellaTV app. On election day, Tuesday, November 8, Estrella Media will offer multiple election results updates and analysis from across the U.S. and Mexico. Live coverage of the election will be on EstrellaTV, the EstrellaTV FAST channel and the EstrellaTV app on EstrellaTVs national news programs Noticiero EstrellaTV (5:30 p.m./4:30 p.m. CT) and Cierre de Edicion (10:30 p.m./9:30 p.m. CT). Jose Armando Ronstadt will anchor the Cierre de Edicion broadcasts with Abel Alvarez, and Palmira Perez will anchor Noticiero EstrellaTV. There will also be ongoing coverage on Noticias 24 Horas on Estrella News and the Estrella News FAST channel starting at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT. Noticias 24 Horas will be anchored by Nour Milla, Wendy Castillo, and Gabriela Rosales. The 2022 elections across the U.S. come at a pivotal moment for the country. Our news teams have been dedicated to researching and tracking the election cycle and are poised to present thorough coverage and analysis on what the results mean on a local, national and international level. The Latino vote is an important one, and we will be covering the races that are important for our community, said Carlos Diaz, SVP, News for Estrella Media. Estrella Media will have correspondents reporting from Austin, Miami, Tampa, Washington DC, Las Vegas, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Raleigh/Durham, Tijuana, and Los Angeles, in addition to expert analysis from Emilio Viano (Washington DC), Hernan Molina (Los Angeles) and Maria Luisa Arredondo (Los Angeles). EstrellaTV and Estrella News can be seen on numerous streaming platforms, including Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio WatchFree, LG Channels, FuboTV, PlutoTV, Tubi, Amazon FireTV News and the EstrellaTV App. About Estrella Media, Inc. Estrella Media is a leading Spanish-language media company and one of the largest U.S. producers of Spanish-language video and audio content for multiplatform distribution worldwide, with a library of over 20,000 hours of original video content. Estrella Media's content studio feeds all its digital and linear media platforms, including EstrellaTV, its national broadcast television network that is seen in over 60 million U.S. households on 16 owned or operated stations and 33 affiliated stations, as well as through cable and satellite providers and digital streaming platforms; Estrella News, the first 24/7 Spanish-language multiplatform digital news network in the U.S.; and Estrella Games, the first 24/7 curated Spanish-language game show channel in the U.S. In 2021, Estrella Media's digital content surpassed one billion viewership minutes. Estrella Media also owns and operates 14 radio stations and the Don Cheto Radio Network, airing on 33 affiliated stations throughout the U.S., featuring one of the nation's most popular radio talents, Don Cheto. Estrella Media also produces large-scale music festivals, concerts, and special events throughout the U.S. To learn more about Estrella Media and see company updates, please visit Estrella Media at estrellamedia.com, and follow us on Twitter @Estrellamedia_, Facebook @Estrellamediainc, and LinkedIn @Estrella Media, Inc. Contacts for Estrella Media: Hanna Bolte, HBolte@EstrellaMedia.com, 310-497-5586 Dina White, DWhite@EstrellaMedia.com, 917-226-8366 We are reaching people we never would have otherwise, and were doing it in a way that benefits these donors and the University of Wyoming. After years of flat revenue from its in-house student caller program, University of Wyoming Foundation leadership decided in 2021 to retire its phone program and partner with EverTrue to establish a Donor Experience Program. The results were significant. In the first year alone, the UW Foundation brought in more than six times the gift revenue from donors managed by the Donor Experience Program supporters who had previously been solicited mainly through the phone program. Im pleased at the results, but Im not surprised, said John Stark, president and CEO of the UW Foundation. When we started this partnership, this is exactly what we were trying to achieve. We are reaching people we never would have otherwise, and were doing it in a way that benefits these donors and the University of Wyoming. EverTrues Donor Experience Programs equip fundraisers (called Donor Experience Officers or DXOs) with technology and training to manage a portfolio of 1,000 people eight times larger than that of a typical gift officer. Using the EverTrue platforms continually updated donor insights and fundraising enablement tools, DXOs reach out one-on-one to 24 or more prospects a day. By following EverTrues proprietary touchpoint plans, DXOs thoughtfully connect with prospects, book meetings to discuss the donors philanthropic interests, make timely asks for support, and provide personal stewardship throughout the entire donor journey. On average, Wyoming raised $145,000 from a little more than 1,000 donations each year the phone program was in operation. When the foundation shifted to an EverTrue Donor Experience Program, Wyoming tripled its managed prospects by assigning 3,000 people to three DXOs. Most of these newly assigned donors had previously received only mass solicitations and phone calls. In the first year of the program, 3,081 of those donors gave a total of $1.1 million, representing a more than sixfold increase in revenue through guided, personal outreach from UW Foundation fundraisers. These DXOs also partnered with UW Foundation development officers to secure an additional $700,000 in leadership and major gifts in FY22. This giving increase is remarkable but also expected. Across the organizations with a Donor Experience Program in fiscal year 2022, EverTrue partners raised an average of 47% more from prospects assigned to a DXO than they did the previous year. Top-performing organizations raised an average of 83% more year-over-year. And donors assigned to DXOs received 4.65 times more interactions with the institution than the year before. Increasingly we see colleges and universities moving away from outdated, traditional fundraising strategies in favor of high-volume, personal outreach at scale, said Brent Grinna, founder and CEO of EverTrue. These Donor Experience Programs allow institutions to treat donors as they want to be treated, prioritize overlooked prospects with the highest potential, and ultimately raise more philanthropic support. Weve seen the first-year results and its been nothing short of amazing, said Mary Shafer-Maliki, chair of the University of Wyoming Foundation Board of Directors. Its gratifying that were seeing results this quickly and I cant say that I was surprised. Weve seen improvements in fundraiser productivity and relationships with prospects, and were bringing more alumni and donors into the fold. This was the right approach to take and the best is yet to come. About the University of Wyoming Foundation The University of Wyoming Foundation, established in 1962, is appointed by the University Board of Trustees to raise, receive, and manage private gifts to maximize support for the University of Wyoming. It is an independent, nonprofit corporation with a Board of Directors comprised of up to 20 members. Through the generosity of UWs many alumni and friends, the UW Foundation raises an average of nearly $50 million a year in private support funding that goes to students and the faculty, staff, and programs that support them. Visit http://www.uwyo.edu/foundation to learn more about philanthropys impact on Wyomings university. About EverTrue EverTrues data, software, and outreach platforms empower higher ed and independent school advancement teams to create personal experiences for donors. More than 1,900 nonprofits use EverTrues data sources and modern, mobile-first software and outreach tools to drive fundraising results and build donor pipeline. EverTrue is a remote-first company thats backed by Rubicon Technology Partners. Visit http://www.evertrue.com for more information. New Series of Amplifiers Useful for Variety of Broadband Applications. Designers will find these broadband high-power amplifiers extremely useful for test and measurement applications, as well as transmitting RF signals for radar, military radio, and telecommunications systems, said Tim Galla, Senior Product Manager Fairview Microwave, an Infinite Electronics brand and a leading provider of RF, microwave and millimeter-wave products, has broadened its line of high-power amplifiers designed for multiple market applications in VHF, UHF, L, S, C, X and Ku bands. This innovative line of broadband high-power amplifiers includes mainly GaN and some LDMOS semiconductor designs with detailed datasheets. GaN performance benefits are the most desirable for broadband applications and exhibit high efficiency in a smaller package size. These high-power amplifiers provide saturated output power levels ranging from 10 watts to 200 watts. Amplifier designs are available in compact coaxial packages covering broadband frequencies ranging from 1.5 MHz to 18 GHz. Fairviews high-power amplifiers are available in rugged, military-grade coaxial packages with operational temperatures from -40 to +85 degrees Celsius. The highly efficient Class AB designs feature 50-ohm input and output matched ports, built-in control and protection circuits, and D-sub connectors for DC bias, command control, and monitoring functions. Designers will find these broadband high-power amplifiers extremely useful for test and measurement applications, as well as transmitting RF signals for radar, military radio, and telecommunications systems, said Tim Galla, Senior Product Manager. Fairviews new high-power amplifiers are in-stock and ready for immediate shipment with no minimum order quantity. For inquiries, contact Fairview Microwave at +1-972-649-6678. About Fairview Microwave: A leading supplier of on-demand RF and microwave products since 1992, Fairview Microwave offers immediate delivery of RF components including attenuators, adapters, coaxial cable assemblies, connectors, terminations and much more. All products are shipped same-day from the companys ISO 9001:2015-certified production facilities in Lewisville, Texas. Fairview is an Infinite Electronics brand. About Infinite Electronics: Based in Irvine, Calif., Infinite Electronics offers a broad range of components, assemblies and wired/wireless connectivity solutions, serving the aerospace/defense, industrial, government, consumer electronics, instrumentation, medical and telecommunications markets. Its brands are Pasternack, Fairview Microwave, L-com, MilesTek, ShowMeCables, NavePoint, INC Installs, Integra Optics, PolyPhaser, Transtector, KP Performance Antennas, RadioWaves and Aiconics. Infinite serves its customers with deep technical expertise and support, with a broad inventory available for immediate shipment, fulfilling unplanned demand for engineers and technical buyers. It is a Warburg Pincus portfolio company. Through our work with past presidents and foreign policy, we both understand that diplomacy is key, Busch said. Without it, a third world war is certainly imminent. The United States and China face war after a computer error causes a battle in the new book by Jeffrey Busch and Dominic Man-Kit Lam. In Accidental Diplomacy, readers get a glimpse of the importance of diplomacy, even when political strength is warranted. Through detailed accounts of political protocol and military responsibilities, readers get a first-hand look at the complexity of international relations in the modern-day world. The authors hope to convey that hypothetical accidents and poor diplomacy could lead to World War III. Before becoming an author, Busch served in the administrations of two U.S. presidents, and was a delegate to the United Nations. Dr. Lam has been an advisor to several Chinese presidents. Through our work with past presidents and foreign policy, we both understand that diplomacy is key, Busch said. Without it, a third world war is certainly imminent. As readers follow the discussions between U.S. Secretary of State, Bill Bryers, and Chinas Foreign Minister, Yao Sheng, diplomacy takes the stage, even as both men battle against a need to show the other their countrys power. Tensions grow while military pressure increases between two superpowers, each striving to be the victor. The typical response, to engage in war, weighs heavily on both men as they remember their roots and reflect on the duty they vowed to uphold. Accidental Diplomacy By Jeffrey Busch and Dominic Man-Kit Lam ISBN: 9781665729970 (softcover); 9781665729987 (hardcover); 9781665729994 (electronic) Available at Archway Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the author Jeffrey Busch is a graduate of New York University. Busch previously served in the administrations of two United States presidents. He also served as United States Delegate to the United Nations, in Geneva, Switzerland. Dr. Dominic Lam was a highly distinguished professor at Harvard University and has been an advisor to several Chinese presidents. "I'm glad we are in a business and a community that gives us a chance to give back in this meaningful way. We are so grateful to the Frederick community for their support," said Patty Hurwitz, co-owner of Colonial Jewelers Colonial Jewelers, a fourth generation provider of fine jewelry and jewelry services to the local downtown retail industry, will be hosting The Pink Ribbon Gala on November 11, 2022 at 7 OClock in the evening at Dutchs Daughter. Tickets are available online at pinkribbonfrederick.org. Join us for this years celebration of life and hope at Dutchs Daughter in Frederick, MD. Dance and sing along to the high-energy performance of Flying Ivories Dueling Pianos. Take a chance to win a beautiful diamond in Fredericks only Diamonds in Champagne Contest, bid on unique and exciting silent auction items and enjoy a Surf and Turf cocktail buffet and open bar provided by Dutchs Daughter. Tickets are limited and all proceeds benefit the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund for the early detection and treatment of breast cancer in our community. Patty and Jeff Hurwitz, co-owners of Colonial Jewelers, started the Fund in 1999 after Pattys diagnosis with breast cancer. Patty says, After my diagnosis and treatment in Baltimore, I wanted to provide the very best technology and services for treating breast cancer patients right here in Frederick, so they didnt have to go down the road like I did. I realized that our jewelry business could afford a unique opportunity to raise money for the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund; our original effort was a black tie Silent Auction event held at Colonial Jewelers each year. Those events were very successful, but over the years, the effort has grown to include a Pink Ribbon 5K and Pink Ribbon Gala along with other community efforts. To date we have raised over $2.6 million and all the money raised stays local for the benefit of breast cancer patients right here at home. Im glad we are in a business and a community that gives us a chance to give back in this meaningful way. We are so grateful to the Frederick community for their support. Colonial Jewelers is a fourth generation jeweler offering fine jewelry, custom design and jewelry repair to the local retail industry. Colonial Jewelers offers up the finest offerings in diamond engagement rings, wedding bands, diamond jewelry and everything in between. Offering up a variety of in-house services such as jewelry and watch repair by our Master Jeweler, custom design, jewelry cleaning, appraisals, gold buying and more. Colonial Jewelers has served the Frederick community since 1948 and has a newly renovated showroom in Downtown Frederick, Maryland. For more information, visit http://www.ColonialJewelers.com The Asian American Center of Frederick (AACF) and AmeriCorps Seniors will host Grateful for Seniors on Thursday, November 17, 2022, from Noon 2:00 PM. It will be held at the Hillcrest Community Center, 1150 Orchard Terrace, Frederick, MD 21703. The event is free to the public and will focus on services for Frederick County senior citizens. Entitled Grateful for Seniors, the pop-up event will feature exhibitors serving those 55+, including AARP, AmeriCorps Seniors, Frederick County Department of Health, Frederick County Senior Recreation Council, Hospice, Maryland Legal Aid and others. In addition, the event will feature brief presentations on pertinent subjects such as finances, the arts, volunteerism, elder law, and more. In preparation for the holiday season, this AACF pop-up includes a coat drive / distribution and a Thanksgiving canned goods drop-off and distribution. AmeriCorps Seniors is administered locally by the Asian American Center of Frederick (AACF; http://www.AACFMD.org). AACF offers different assistance programs for all races, religions, and age groups, including translation services, veteran support, and health literacy and wellness. AmeriCorps Seniors provides two programs in Frederick County, the Senior Companion Program (SCP) and the Retired Seniors and Volunteers Program (RSVP). AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program (SCP) provides low-income volunteers, age 55+, the opportunity to earn a modest, tax-free stipend by providing care and companionship to another senior in need of assistance. Some of our volunteers have been providing care to a loved one for some time. The chance to earn a stipend for their help is welcome, explains SCPs Project Manager Stephen Norris. Other volunteers are recently retired and looking for a rewarding experience acting as companions to other seniors in the community. One goal of the SCP grant is to improve aging in place. Volunteers help their companions with simple chores, such as cleaning the kitchen, mowing the lawn, or assistance grocery shopping. Another SCP goal is to improve the lives of local seniors by acting as companions. The pandemic was difficult for seniors. Statistics show that 93% of the Covid deaths in the United States were seniors over the age of 50, Mr. Norris points out, Seniors were locked away. Loneliness can turn to depression and that can lead to mental health issues. One of SCPs goals is to mend this with companionship. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP facilitates volunteerism between those 55+ and the local community. Marc Miller, AmeriCorps RSVP Project Manager, states: As a new member of the 55+ demographic, I am excited to work with volunteers pursuing their passions in support of the Frederick County non-profit community. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP of Frederick County (MD) is 5th largest such program in the United States and gives the 55+ generation varied opportunities to contribute in interesting and rewarding ways. The Asian American Center of Frederick is a Frederick-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that, for over 15 years, has been serving all races, religions and ethnicities. AACF has expanded to five offices in Frederick and Washington Counties. Along with Frederick Health, AACF recently hosted the annual Frederick Community Health Fair, assisting over 800 with healthcare needs. AACF strives to enhance, empower and enrich the community, especially the underserved and those in need. Greenberg Traurig, P.A. Shareholders Jaret L. Davis and Fred E. Karlinsky are recognized in Florida Trends fifth-annual Florida 500 issue, which highlights the most influential business leaders throughout the state. Davis, co-managing shareholder of the Miami office, oversees approximately 170 attorneys and 200 business staff members based in the firms founding office. A shareholder in the Corporate Practice, he focuses his work on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions, and large financings. For over a decade, Davis has led the efforts of the Miami office and played a key role in the firms global efforts to be a dominant player in the technology industry. The vast majority of his clients are technology players, including information technology companies, life sciences and biotech companies, and companies focused on renewable energy sources. Under his leadership, the Miami office has been a thought leader in representing angel investors, venture capital firms, and growth equity funds, as well as technology companies at all life stages, from inception to initial public offerings. Led by Davis, the firms Miami Venture Capital and Emerging Technology Practice has received a metropolitan first-tier ranking in the 2023 U.S. News Best Lawyers Best Law Firms report. Davis also serves in civic capacities that allow him to leverage his professional interests to assist the South Florida community, including positioning it as a major technology and entrepreneurial hub. He is a co-founder and general counsel of eMerge Americas and a former chair of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, in which capacity he led Miamis bid to obtain Amazons HQ2 headquarters, resulting in Miami being named a finalist. In addition, Davis serves as a board member and innovation committee chair for City National Bank. Karlinsky, a shareholder in the firms Fort Lauderdale and Tallahassee offices, co-chairs the global Insurance Regulatory and Transactions Practice Group Greenberg Traurig. Karlinsky has 30+ years of experience representing insurers, reinsurers, and other insurance-related entities. He is a recognized authority on insurance regulatory and compliance issues and regularly leads insurers corporate and mergers and acquisitions transactions. Selected to serve in civic leadership posts, he has been a member of the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission since 2014 and currently serves as chair. He also has served on the Florida Constitution Revision Commission and the 17th Judicial Circuit Nominating Commission and has been an adjunct professor at the Florida State University College of Law since 2008. Karlinsky recently was named to City & State Floridas inaugural Florida Power 100 list, which recognizes Floridians who play key roles in state government and politics, and to Florida Politics Influence 150 list of the most influential figures in Florida politics. Florida Trends Florida 500 seeks to identify the states 500 most influential executives across more than 60 business categories. The publication also recognizes Greenberg Traurigs Cesar L. Alvarez and Matthew B. Gorson, both senior chairmen at the firm, on its list of Living Legends from 2018-2021. The full issue is available here. About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP has more than 2500 attorneys in 43 locations in the United States, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. The firm reported gross revenue of over $2 Billion for FY 2021 and is consistently among the top firms on the Am Law 100, Am Law Global 100, and NLJ 250. On the debut 2022 Law360 Pulse Leaderboard, it is a Top 15 firm. Greenberg Traurig is Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certified Plus by The Diversity Lab and the Center for Resource Solutions Green-e Energy program certifies that the firms U.S. offices are 100% powered by renewable energy. The firm is often recognized for its focus on philanthropic giving, innovation, diversity, and pro bono. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com. I love helping patients achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they deserve, and am excited to be partnering with Smile Brands to open this state-of-the-art facility and serve the community of Bentonville. Smile Brands Inc., one of the nations leading providers of business support services to dental groups in the United States, today announced the grand opening of another affiliated Monarch Dental office, serving the community of Bentonville, AR. Patients will enjoy convenient hours, a comfortable office, and full-service care at the new Bentonville location. The newest Monarch Dental office provides full-service general dentistry, plus specialty care services, such as orthodontics (braces and clear aligners), oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, and implants. Located at 2805 SW 14th Street, Suite 7, in Bentonville, the office will be open on weekdays with convenient hours and same-day appointments. Monarch Dental accepts most major insurance plans and offers flexible financing options so patients can access the care they need. To celebrate the grand opening, the new Bentonville office will offer a special $59 new patient package, including an exam and digital x-rays, and $100 off dental services over $300. Opening this new location helps Smile Brands and its affiliated dental groups achieve their mission to provide Smiles for Everyone by bringing affordable dental care to local neighborhoods. Leading the clinical team in the new Monarch Dental office is Dr. Brittany Irons. Dr. Irons has advanced training in General Dentistry, Endodontics, Dentures, and Clear Aligners, and is committed to providing a friendly and knowledgeable approach to patients so they are happy with their smiles. I know most people have some level of dental anxiety, and I strive to make all my patients feel comfortable, explains Dr. Irons. I love helping patients achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they deserve, and am excited to be partnering with Smile Brands to open this state-of-the-art facility and serve the community of Bentonville. Prospective patients can call the new Bentonville Monarch Dental office at 479.259.9130 or toll-free at 1-800-MONARCH (1-800-666-2724). People can also visit us online to schedule an appointment. About Smile Brands Inc. Smile Brands, based in Irvine, California, is one of the largest providers of dental support services in the United States. The company supports nearly 700 affiliated practices, with more than 7,500 dedicated team members across 30 states. Smile Brands supports a portfolio of over 75 brands including well-known regional brands: Bright Now! Dental, Castle Dental, Merit Dental, Midwest Dental, Monarch Dental, and Mondovi Dental. The company provides comprehensive business support services through exclusive long-term agreements with affiliate dental groups, allowing affiliated practices to spend more time caring for patients and less time on the administrative, marketing, and financial aspects of operating a dental office. The organization receives frequent recognition for its award-winning culture and has been recognized as a Best Place to Work by Glassdoor, Comparably, Stevie Awards, and more. Smile Brands is a portfolio company of Gryphon Investors, a leading middle-market private equity firm based in San Francisco, California. Visit smilebrands.com for more information. The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) and its regional affiliates have scheduled upcoming annual meetings to discuss new developments in weed science including technology tools to support precision weed management. First up are the annual meetings of the Canadian and the North Central weed science societies. Details for those two events are below. Save the date information is included for the annual meetings of WSSA and the Northeastern, Southern and Western societies, which are scheduled for the first quarter of 2023. Canadian Weed Science Society (CWSS), November 14-17 The CWSS and the Canadian Society of Agronomy will host a joint annual meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The theme of this years meeting is precision crop and pest management from promise to almost reality. A special plenary session on the topic will be led by six prominent scientists, including: Athyna Cambouris, Ph.D., a researcher with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada specializing in precision agriculture from remote sensing to geomatics. Travis Esau, Ph.D., associate professor at Dalhousie University and a mechanical engineer focused on precision agriculture and automation of agricultural operations. Aitazaz Farooque, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Center of Excellence in Food Security and Sustainability at the University of Prince Edward Island. Steve Fennimore, Ph.D., professor and weed scientist at the University of California who focuses on weed management in vegetables, flowers and strawberries. Louis Longchamps, Ph.D., assistant professor at Cornell University and chair of the On-Farm Experimentation Community of the International Society of Precision Agriculture. Arnold Schumann, Ph.D., professor at the University of Florida and adjunct professor at both Dalhousie University and the University of Prince Edward Island. The three-day, information-packed meeting will include a wide range of learning opportunities, including a workshop on statistical analysis, a workshop on publishing scientific papers, a symposium on biomass crops, graduate student presentations, and both oral and poster presentations on weed management and agronomy. Early arrivers can take advantage of preconference tours showcasing Nova Scotias rich natural biodiversity, agricultural systems and history. Additional information is available online. North Central Weed Science Society (NCWSS), December 5-8 The NCWSS annual meeting will be held in St. Louis, Missouri. The information-packed agenda includes more than 80 oral presentations and more than 80 poster presentations on a wide range of weed science topics. Two special symposia are planned. The first will focus on the impact of the U.S. Endangered Species Act on herbicide registration and regulation. The second will focus on new frontiers in application technology, including the handling of big data. General sessions will include an address by NCWSS President David Simpson, as well as a keynote delivered by Alan Walters of Southern Illinois University on horseradish crops. Lee Van Wychen, executive director of science policy for WSSA and its regional affiliates, will provide insights on weed science policy initiatives under discussion in Washington. Several activities are planned for weed science students, including a preconference tour of Bayers nearby lab, growth chamber and greenhouse spaces. The tour will include presentations and a panel discussion on how to make the transition from a student to industry professional. Additional information is available online. - Meetings Scheduled for Early Next Year The annual meetings below have been scheduled for the first quarter of 2023. Further details will be publicized and posted online as they become available. About the Weed Science Society of America The Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit scientific society, was founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment. The Society promotes research, education and extension outreach activities related to weeds, provides science-based information to the public and policy makers, fosters awareness of weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems, and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and around the world. For more information, visit http://www.wssa.net. Jim McGrann, CEO of Professional Eyecare Associates of America (PECAA), named Chair of the Prevent Blindness Board of Directors. Im looking forward to working closely with Jim McGrann in his new leadership role at Prevent Blindness, said Jeff Todd, president and CEO. Prevent Blindness, the nations leading volunteer eye health and safety nonprofit organization, has announced that Jim McGrann, CEO of Professional Eyecare Associates of America (PECAA), has been appointed Chair of the Prevent Blindness Board of Directors. PECAA was recently acquired by VSP Vision. Susan A. Primo, OD, MPH, FAAO, Director, Optometry and Vision Rehabilitation Services, Emory Eye Center, and Professor of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, and Susan L. Stone, Founder of SLStone Consulting, LLC, have been elected as members of Prevent Blindness Board of Directors. The vote was held on Nov. 4, at the 2022 Prevent Blindness Annual Board Meeting in Chicago. Stephanie Marioneaux, MD, cornea and external disease specialist, was elected as Board Secretary, and Cadmus Rich, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Research and Development at Aura Biosciences, was re-elected as Board Treasurer. Marcus Molea, long-time Prevent Blindness, Ohio Affiliate volunteer, retired from the Ohio Department of Aging, was named the Chief Volunteer Officer liaison to the Board. Jim McGrann was named the Prevent Blindness Board of Directors Chair-elect in 2021 and takes over duties from Board of Directors Chair, Dr. M. Kathleen Murphy, Associate Dean, Inclusivity, Global Health & Community Engagement, University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing, at the completion of her term. Mr. McGrann has decades of executive experience in the vision and optical industry. At PECAA, McGrann manages business strategy development, customer experience management, and information technology strategy development. He was previously the President & CEO of VSP Global, the former President of VSP Vision, and CIO of Marchon Eyewear. He has a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from Columbia University. McGrann has served on various Prevent Blindness event committees over the years, including co-chairing the 2021 Person of Vision Award committee, honoring Marc Ferrara of Jobson Medical Information. In addition to her public health work, Dr. Susan Primo specializes in vision rehabilitation to assist patients who become visually impaired through the evaluation and prescription of low vision devices. Her research interests are in strategic public health approaches to address visual impairment and loss (especially due to glaucoma) and to reduce racial disparities in vision healthcare. She is a known expert in low vision/vision rehabilitation research as well as visual health disparities. Dr. Primo is involved in multiple global ophthalmology projects including Georgia Vision 2020 and Standing Voice service visits to Tanzania. Additionally, she is a member of National Eye Health and Education Planning Group from the National Eye Institute, and she is the Co-chair of the Center for Vision and Population Health at Prevent Blindness Advisory Committee. She also serves on the Prevent Blindness Vision Health Equity Committee, and on the Advisory Council to the Living Well with Low Vision Resource. She has also served on the Prevent Blindness Scientific Committee and as a volunteer for Prevent Blindness Georgia. At SLStone Consulting, Susan Stone creates connections between for-profit clients and patient, provider and policymaker coalitions and nonprofit organizations, that amplify all stakeholder voices to ensure patient access to appropriate healthcare treatments and services. She develops communications strategies and campaigns that influence activations across a diversity of willing and able advocates. Prior to her consulting work, Ms. Stone has decades of experience in the vision health and biopharmaceutical industries, including Associate Vice President, Global Alliance Advocacy & Patient Affairs at Allergan, plc, (now AbbVie), and as a Board Member for The Allergan Foundation, and Trustee for the Allergan International Foundation. Prior to Allergan, she held numerous leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson across their Medical Device, Biopharma, and Consumer sectors. Ms. Stone has a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from San Jose State University, and Master of Business Administration in Management from Golden Gate University. In addition to joining the Board of Directors, Susan Stone, currently a member of the Prevent Blindness Development Committee, will now serve as the committees Chair. She is also a board member of the National Headache Foundation and a consulting advisor for the Aimed Alliance. Im looking forward to working closely with Jim McGrann in his new leadership role at Prevent Blindness, said Jeff Todd, president and CEO. And I thank Dr. Susan Primo, Susan Stone, and Marc Molea for their years of dedicated commitment to Prevent Blindness, and enthusiastically welcome them to our Board. For a full listing of members of the Prevent Blindness Board of Directors, please visit https://www.preventblindness.org/prevent-blindness-board-directors. For more information about Prevent Blindness or general eye health information, visit preventblindness.org. About Prevent Blindness Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, Prevent Blindness is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, visit us at preventblindness.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. ### Red Banyan CEO Evan Nierman with SMU students. It was really energizing to spend time interacting with students at this excellent university, said Red Banyan CEO Evan Nierman. I loved the opportunity to learn from the people who are going to be picking up the mantle of leadership and shaping the future of this industry." Red Banyan CEO and Founder Evan Nierman traveled to Dallas last week for a discussion of crisis public relations with communications students at Southern Methodist University. The undergraduate students were enrolled in a crisis management course in the schools Division of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs. Nierman, the author of Amazon bestseller Crisis Averted and a go-to crisis PR source for the media, was invited to the university as a top practitioner in communications to share real-time experiences with students who are studying public relations and strategic communication. Nierman was invited as a guest of Kim Commerato Lance, a professor of practice with the Meadows School of the Arts, Division of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs. During a fireside chat with Professor Lance, Nierman covered a wide range of subjects related to strategic communications, marketing, messaging, and public relations. Discussion focused on topics from Niermans book, Crisis Averted, Strategies to Protect Your Reputation and the Bottom Line, which many students read as part of their coursework. The conversation included several questions focused on the cancel culture phenomenon, the focus of Niermans forthcoming book with Skyhorse Publishing due out next year. It was really energizing to spend time interacting with students at this excellent university, Nierman said afterwards. I loved the opportunity to learn from the people who are going to be picking up the mantle of leadership and shaping the future of this industry in the decades to come. The students were earnest, well-prepared and have clearly learned a lot from Professor Lance. The conversation with Professor Lance was followed by in-depth question-and-answer session with the students. It was such an honor to have a globally-known crisis expert join our class. I firmly believe that crisis management is best learned in the fire, and Evan Nierman was able to bring this perspective to the class, Commerato Lance said. The discussion was genuine, and the class came away much better equipped to lead crisis planning and response efforts for future clients. In addition to appearing at SMU, Nierman has spoken numerous times at his alma mater The George Washington University, guest lecturing in GWs School of Media and Public Affairs. About Red Banyan Red Banyan is a specialized communications and crisis management firm focused on solving complex, highly sensitive and mission-critical communications challenges. Specializing in crisis communications, corporate public relations, government relations, and legal PR, Red Banyan provides an integrated approach to communications rooted in strategy. Learn more at http://www.redbanyan.com, become a fan on the Red Banyan Facebook page and follow the firm on Twitter and LinkedIn. SGFs Center for Male Fertility is comprised of reproductive urologists Paul Shin, M.D., Cori Tanrikut, M.D., and Russel Hayden, M.D. "Dealing with infertility can be a stressful experience for all involved and SGFs Center for Male Fertility seeks to break the stigma around mens fertility health, so men can find the support resources they may need. Shady Grove Fertilitys Center for Male Fertility supports Mens Health Awareness month by providing free patient resources for men facing infertility. Mens Health Awareness Month occurs every November to heighten awareness and provide education about cancers specific to men as well as mens mental health. Separate from Mens Health Month recognized in June, Novembers Mens Health Awareness Month raises awareness of, and support for, men coping with prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health issues. SGFs Center for Male Fertility, comprised of reproductive urologists Paul Shin, M.D., Cori Tanrikut, M.D., and Russel Hayden, M.D., encourages male fertility preservation prior to cancer treatment in order to secure future family-building options. Similar to egg and embryo freezing, men can freeze their sperm to preserve fertility when faced with testicular tumors or other cancers. Cryopreservation of sperm is a viable option for men to safeguard their fertility prior to undergoing cancer treatments. While fertility issues are often directly associated with women, that just isnt reality, shares Dr. Shin. Between 40 and 50 percent of infertility cases are due to male-factor infertility. Dealing with infertility can be a stressful experience for all involved and SGFs Center for Male Fertility seeks to break the stigma around mens fertility health, so men can find the support resources they may need. In addition to male fertility preservation, SGFs Center for Male Fertility offers a range of male services from basic fertility evaluation and testing to surgical interventions and state-of-the-art microsurgical techniques, including: varicocele repair vasectomy reversal percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) testicular sperm extraction (TESE) no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy testicular microdissection Nearly one in eight couples will face infertility, understandably resulting in possible medical, emotional, physical, and financial stress. SGF offers a wide array of free resources for men seeking more knowledge on reproductive health, such as: The Lifecycle of Sperm: Sperm Development Overcoming Male Factor Infertility Improve Sperm Count: Sperm Quality Checklist Male Fertility On-Demand Webinar Patient Stories Professional counseling and support groups To schedule an appointment with one of our reproductive urologists, or any of SGFs reproductive endocrinologists, call 1-888-761-1967 or complete this brief online request form. About Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) SGF is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence with more than 100,000 babies born from 30+ years of continuous innovation and patient-centered fertility care. With over 50 locations throughout the U.S. and in Santiago, Chile, SGF accepts most insurance plans and makes fertility treatment accessible and affordable through innovative financial solutions, including 100% refund guarantees. SGF is among the founding partner practices of US Fertility, the largest physician-owned and physician-led partnership of top-tier fertility practices nationally. Call 1-888-761-1967 to schedule a new patient appointment or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com for more information. TaKorean, the fast casual Korean-Mexican fusion concept, is now offering veterans a 50% discount on the initial franchise fee, decreasing the amount by $20,000. There are skills and character traits associated with veterans that inherently make them a good fit for the franchise model, said Mike Lenard, CEO of TaKorean. They have experience following protocol, perfecting processes and working as part of a true team all things TaKorean owners, leaders, and staff do each day. Eric Lenard, director of development, and Lukas Umana, president of TaKorean, both have personal connections to the military. Eric Lenards grandfather was a career Army officer who served in the last regiment of the horseback cavalry in the Black Hills of South Dakota, commanded a tank in the Battle of the Bulge and received a Purple Heart for wounds sustained in that battle, and Umana worked closely with service members during his decade as a Financial Analyst for the CIO office at Defense Logistics Agency. We wanted to do something really meaningful for the veteran community, Eric Lenard explained. We want to open doors for veterans and provide a sort of thank you for their service. Were able to separate ourselves from other franchise opportunities by doing something so tangible. The discount will launch on November 7th in honor of Veterans Day 2022 and will be an ongoing feature of the franchise in the following year. Low patient numbers, an incomplete understanding of the disease pathology, phenotypic heterogeneity and a lack of established endpoints are barriers to efficient and effective clinical trials. Co-creation with patients is vital for effective clinical trial design. A study by Skovlund, PC, Nielsen, BK, Thaysen, HV et al. shows that, in clinical trials, patient involvement can lead to improvements in design, selection of relevant outcome measures and effective recruitment of trial participants. For a medicine to be authorised, clinical efficacy and safety need to be established, usually through robust and relevant clinical trial data. There are several unique challenges in the development of orphan disease treatments. Low patient numbers, an incomplete understanding of the disease pathology, phenotypic heterogeneity and a lack of established endpoints are barriers to efficient and effective clinical trials. A key aspect is the choice and selection of the primary and key secondary efficacy endpoints: a reliable, valid, sensitive, interpretable and meaningful endpoint is vital to a well-designed study. This is necessary both as the basis to demonstrate the clinical impact of any therapeutic intervention and to stand up to regulatory scrutiny. In this webinar, attendees will learn how Aparitos Patient Group Accelerator Programme enables patients to co-create alongside sponsors & CROs. The Accelerator is designed to understand and fulfil patients needs by working closely with patient organisations and finding new endpoints that are relevant to their specific conditions. The featured speakers speak to a young patient to gain their perspective on being involved with clinical trial design and they demonstrate how this feedback can be taken into study design as they close out the session with a real-life example from Aparitos Accelerator programme. Register to learn the value of patient co-creation in clinical trial design and how patient involvement can improve trial design and clinical outcome measures. Join Begonya Nafria, Patients Engagement in Research Coordinator, Sant Joan de Deu Children's Hospital Barcelona; Nora Navarro, Patient, Kids Barcelona; Lucy Dixon, Chair, PCD Support UK; and Elisa Ferrer Mallol, Patient Advocacy Manager, Aparito, for the live webinar on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at 10am EST (4pm CET/EU-Central). For more information, or to register for this event, visit The Value of Patient Co-Creation in Clinical Trial Design. ABOUT XTALKS Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars to the global life science, food and medical device community. Every year, thousands of industry practitioners (from life science, food and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps Life Science professionals stay current with industry developments, trends and regulations. Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers. To learn more about Xtalks visit http://xtalks.com For information about hosting a webinar visit http://xtalks.com/why-host-a-webinar/ Contact: Vera Kovacevic Tel: +1 (416) 977-6555 x371 Email: vkovacevic@xtalks.com From our hybrid workplace to the transparent nature of our leadership team, our culture is a top priority at Walker Sands, and drives the overall success of our growing business," said CEO Mike Santoro. Walker Sands, a full-service marketing agency focused on accelerating the growth of B2B brands, has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2022 honor by the Chicago Tribune for its strong company culture. This is the second year in a row Walker Sands has been named to the Chicago Tribune Top Workplaces list. The list is based on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey that measures 15 culture drivers critical to the success of any organization including alignment, execution, connection and more. Since opening its doors in Chicago in 2001, Walker Sands has grown its team to over 180 talented marketers. Thanks to a commitment to providing flexibility, transparency and growth opportunities to its employees, Walker Sands has built a strong culture not only in Chicago, but also across its offices in Seattle, San Francisco, Boston and Atlanta. Im both honored and humbled for our company to be named to the Chicago Tribunes Top Workplaces list for the second year in a row, said Mike Santoro, CEO at Walker Sands. From our hybrid workplace to the transparent nature of our leadership team, our culture is a top priority at Walker Sands, and drives the overall success of our growing business. This is just the latest recognition of the firms award-winning culture and continuous growth. This past year, Walker Sands also made the Built In 2022 Best Place to Work lists in both Chicago and Seattle, ranked on the Inc. 5000 for the tenth consecutive year and ranked on the Crains Chicago Fast 50 for the third consecutive year. To learn more about Walker Sands and find opportunities to join its growing team, visit https://www.walkersands.com/about/careers/. About Walker Sands Walker Sands is a full-service B2B marketing agency with core capabilities in public relations, demand generation, branding, creative, marketing strategy and web. The firms integrated approach to marketing drives awareness, credibility and conversions for 100+ clients around the world. A 10-time Inc. 5000 honoree, Walker Sands is one of the fastest-growing B2B marketing agencies in the world, with offices in Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston and Atlanta. Learn more at https://www.walkersands.com, and for career opportunities visit https://www.walkersands.com/about/careers/. ### Chinese Premier Li Keqiang holds a ceremony to welcome German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is on an official visit to China, prior to their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday held talks with visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Beijing. Noting that China attaches great importance to ties with Germany, Li said China is ready to work with the German side to promote the stable and sound development of China-Germany relations on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit, so as to add more impetus to the global economy and better safeguard regional and global peace and stability. Li said that economic and trade cooperation is the bedrock of bilateral relations, and that China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Germany in areas such as trade and investment, manufacturing and COVID-19 response, and work toward a cooperation mechanism to act on climate change. For his part, Scholz said Germany does not advocate decoupling, and that Germany is ready to work with China to overcome the impact of COVID-19, deepen cooperation and facilitate personnel exchanges to further promote the development of bilateral ties. The two sides exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern, including the Ukraine crisis, pledging efforts to maintain world peace and regional stability. When meeting with the press, Li said that under the current circumstances, China and Germany should enhance strategic mutual trust, adhere to two-way opening up, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, promote bilateral relations, and use the stability of China-Germany relations to promote the stability of international relations and the world economy. "China and Germany have far more common interests than differences," Li stressed, noting that the two sides have agreed to increase exchanges and communication in various fields, and promote cooperation on key projects. Li said China will continue to foster a market-oriented and law-based international business environment to develop China into a high ground for opening up and a hot destination for foreign investment. He said that companies from all over the world are welcome to invest in China. For his part, Scholz said Germany is ready to have candid dialogues with China, enhance mutual trust, expand cooperation in key areas, promote the establishment of a cooperation mechanism to tackle climate change, jointly address challenges in food security, energy security and the ecological environment, and make positive efforts to safeguard world peace and stability. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is on an official visit to China, jointly meet the press after their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) Chinese Premier Li Keqiang holds a ceremony to welcome German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is on an official visit to China, prior to their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese Premier Li Keqiang holds talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) The Sharjah Publishers Conference, which preceded the ongoing Sharjah International Book Fair, wrapped up last week, having attracted 971 publishing houses, literary agents, and rights professionals from 92 countries. It is the second year we have reached nearly 1,000 people, and this now makes us the biggest rights fair in the publishing world, Ahmed Al Ameri, chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority, said. Of course, the Frankfurt Book Fair can easily contest Al Ameri's claim, particularly as hundreds, if not thousands, of publishers and rights professionals in Frankfurt dont register for tables at Frankfurts LitAg, and the number that matters most to the majority of peoplethe total financial value of rights deals madeis in the tens of millions of dollars, well beyond anything transacted in Sharjah. That said, Al Ameri has every right to be proud of his fair and the vast array of talent it has attracted. Part of the appeal for traveling to Sharjah is the ability to network with a wide range of professionals that who might attend Frankfurt or London book fairs. Attendees come from countries bigthe U.S., Canada, U.K., Germanyand small, such as Georgia, Lebanon, New Zealand, and Senegal. The fair facilitates matchmaking among publishers with three days of an on-site rights center with several hundred tables. It is not uncommon to find a Palestinian meeting with an Indian publisher, next to a table with a Ukrainian meeting with a Mexican. Sulaiman Adebowale, publisher of Amalion Editions in Dakkar, Senegal, was attending the SIBF for the first time. "I like the atmosphere here, as opposed to a place like Frankfurt," he said. "The interactions are more relaxedit's less American or European, where you get five minutes in a meeting and you must immediately get to the point. Things here are more leisurely." He described it as "less of a rights center, than a rights souk." Aoife Lennon-Ritchie traveled from South Africa, where she is the foreign rights agent for Penguin Random House South Africa and Macmillan. "The first time I came was in 2020 and there were not that many people here, and we did a lot of rights deals. Then I returned last year and did a few more. And now, this year, I have existing relationships that I have been able to do business with," she said. The result is that her entire catalog was sold out of Arab-language rights. It's also not always about selling rights exclusively. Jorge Gutierrez Brianza, commercial and operations director, for the Buenos Aires Book Fair attended the fair on behalf of Argentine publishers. "My job is to set the table so my publishers later can eat," he explained. Fatimah Abbas, a literary agent from Egypt, relocated to Abu Dhabi to work in the artificial intelligence industry and sees opportunities for tech and publishing to collaborate. Like many agents, Benas Berantas of the Book Smugglers Literary Agency in Vilnius, Lithuania, was at the Frankfurt Book Fair in mid-October and used his attendance in Sharjah as an opportunity to follow up on meetings he had in Germany. Its a good opportunity to turn around and close a deal that was started just a little while ago, he said. Inaugural Sharjah Rights Connection Awards Both Berantas and Lennon-Ritchie were both finalists for the inaugural Sharjah Rights Connection Award in the category for independent literary agents. The award, established this year, also gave an award for rights professionals working in a publishing house. Each prize offered a cash award of $2,500. The winner of the award for independent agents went to Mauro Spagnol of U.K. literary agency Books-Everywhere. On winning the award, he told Gulf News, I have been an agent for 20-plus years, mainly in the UK, and still after so many years I am passionate about selling rights. The secret isalways be curious curious about what the new trends are, but most importantly, curious about people, cultures and the publisher you work with. The curiosity to know, understand and discover more will take you very far in this business. Finalists in the category for rights professionals working in a company included Elle Brenton-Rounding of Bonnier Books UK LTD and Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Rashad from Al Dar Al Masriah Al Lubnaniah, Egypt. The winner was Gabriel Nieto from Editorial Planeta in Mexico. I am deeply grateful for this recognition as it is very valuable for my regionLatin America. The award has opened new borders and new opportunities to learn from the Arabic world," he said. "The award gives visibility to the authors we represent and highlights the challenges they face, some of which are quite similar to those faced by this region. DEAL OF THE WEEK Scribner Traps Birds Scoundrel Scribner v-p and executive editor Rick Horgan bought world rights to Kai Birds American Scoundrel: Roy Cohn and the World He Made for mid-six figures in a five-house auction. Bird is a coauthor of American Prometheus, the Pulitzer Prizewinning 2005 biography of Robert J. Oppenheimer. Scribner described American Scoundrel as a portrait of the titular super-lawyer, fixer, and gossip-fixated social networker who was a mentor to Donald Trump. The book will be especially intriguing in what it lays bare about the lessons Trump learned watching Cohn intimidate others, but, implicitly, it will also ask important questions about a dark vein in the American character that Cohn was the embodiment of and that has only become more prominent in the years since his death. Bird was represented in the deal by Gail Ross at Ross Yoon Literary, and American Scoundrel is slated for 2025. Blackstone Backs Mathers Breakup Daniel Ehrenhaft at Blackstone took North American rights to Adriana Mathers YA rom-com The Breakup Artists. Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio, who sold the novel, said it follows two teens secretly hired by parents to break up their childrens bad high school relationships. The title is set for spring 2025. Pick-Goslar Sells Posthumous Memoir Tracy Behar at Little, Brown Spark acquired U.S., Canadian, and open market rights to Hannah Pick- Goslars memoir My Friend Anne Frank. LB did the deal directly with the books U.K. publisher, Ebury (which bought the title from the author, who died recently at age 94). Set for June 2023 and ghostwritten by journalist Dina Kraft, the book will, LB said, depict the authors unwavering grit and resilience during the Nazi occupation of Europe, the Frank familys disappearance, and Hannahs eventual deportation to Bergen-Belsen. Crown Gets Lucky Madhulika Sikka at Crown bought world English rights to The Lucky Ones by Zara Chowdhary in a preempt. Chowdhary is a finalist for the AWP Prize for Creative Nonfiction and was represented by Anjali Singh at Ayesha Pande Literary. The publisher said that the memoir depicts the 2002 anti-Muslim riots in western India through the eyes of a Muslim teenager, exploring the once proudly secular nations descent into hypernationalism while mapping the legacies of Indian Muslims. The Lucky Ones is set for fall 2024. St. Martins Goes Porcelain Charles Spicer at St. Martins Press bought U.S., Canadian, and open market rights to Sarah Freethys The Porcelain Maker. The publisher said the debut novel drew notable buzz at the Frankfurt Book Fair and has, to date, sold in six other territories. It follows German artist Bettina and Jewish architect Max, who meet in Germany in 1929, as well as Bettinas adult daughter, Clara, who goes in search of the identity of her father in 21st-century America. The Porcelain Maker is set for fall 2023 and was purchased from Amy Fletcher at Simon & Schuster UK. Taslim Travels to Griffin In a two-book, North American rights agreement, Sara Goodman at St. Martins Griffin bought Priyanka Taslims adult debut, From Mumbai, with Love. Simon Lipskar at Writers House handled the sale on behalf of Temple Hill Publishing, with Quressa Robinson at Folio Literary Management representing Taslim. The title, Griffin said, follows a young woman who, after the death of her mother, attends the Mumbai wedding of a long-lost family member and gets thrown into a succession war for the most powerful company in India, while also navigating conflicting feelings for two handsome men with agendas of their own. From Mumbai, with Love is slated for 2024. Music to His Ears The Song of the Cell by Pulitzer winner Siddhartha Mukherjee lands at #14 on our hardcover nonfiction list. The authors ideas about the near future of medicine, according to our starred review, are both convincing and inspiring, and woven throughout his narrative are accessible explanations of cell biology and immunology. In a prepub interview with PW, Mukherjee offered thoughts on what constitutes science writing at its best. It dispels distortion and restores accuracy, but it does so in a way thats not polemical, he said. Its about following the data, understanding the data, describing its limitations. All of this through storytelling. Along for the Ride Cormac McCarthy has the #8 book in the country with The Passenger, a rich story of an underachieving salvage diver in 1980 New Orleans, the first in a two-volume work, per our review. Though the books philosophical discussions dont feel quite as thematically grounded as they do in his masterworks, the novels many pleasures will leave readers aching for the final installment. Those readers are in luck: Stella Maris is due out in December, a much shorter wait than the 16 years since The Road. Food Network Stars A pair of cookbooks by Food Network personalities, each of which received a starred PW review, debut on our lists. With Go-to Dinners, the #3 book in the country, Ina Garten serves up a delicious, no-nonsense collection of weeknight recipes that are simple to follow and work every time, per our review. Practical and practically faultless, this is a real treat. Garten has hosted Barefoot Contessa since 2002, and earlier this year launched a new show, Be My Guest with Ina Garten. Kardea Browns The Way Home, #6 on our hardcover nonfiction list, marks what our review called the exceptional debut of the host of Delicious Miss Brown. The author, who is of Gullah Geechee descent, writes that Gullah food traditions are the foundation of southern cooking, and the tantalizing offerings, the review noted, pay homage to her heritage and add a delicious twist to traditional dishes. NEW & NOTABLE NO PLAN B Lee Child and Andrew Child #2 Hardcover Fiction, #6 overall The 27th Jack Reacher novel and third collaboration between the Child brothers is relentlessly paced, according to our review, and though the authors sacrifice some narrative momentum with a pair of subplots, they also provide all the familiar elements Reacher fans expect, leading up to a thrilling denouement. THE REVOLUTIONARY Stacy Schiff #16 Hardcover Nonfiction Pulitzer winner Schiff (The Witches) delivers a revelatory and frequently riveting account of the life of founding father Samuel Adams, per our starred review. This is a must-read for colonial history buffs. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 11/07/2022 ADVERTISEMENT [ Spoilers: The remainder of this report contains spoilers on Victoria and Johnny's Paradise fate, what happened between them after filming the show, and how Greg comes into play.] ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. star Victoria Fuller and Greg Grippo were filmed kissing during a Bachelor Nation outing with friends.On Sunday, November 6, The Bachelor alum Nick Viall posted a TikTok video of Victoria kissing Greg at the dinner table."Game night had all the drama," Nick, 42, captioned the video.The video featured newlyweds Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt , who were all smiles, before the camera panned over to Victoria, who had her arm around Greg at a dinner table in someone's house.Victoria, who smiled at the camera, then gave Greg -- who competed on Katie Thurston 's season of The Bachelorette in 2021 -- a sweet little kiss on the cheek.Fans are currently watching Victoria pursue a relationship with Johnny DePhillipo on 's eighth season. The pair have actually professed that they're "falling in love" with each other.But for those fans who have been following recent spoilers, Greg and Victoria's display of public affection isn't a surprise.According to Reality Steve spoiler blogger Steve Carbone, Victoria and Johnny continued dating for the rest of Paradise.After enjoying a Fantasy Suite, Victoria and Johnny made it all the way to the finale and got engaged.But Carbone revealed in an October 25 blog posting that Victoria and Johnny split in early September and called off their engagement.Rumors have recently been swirling that Victoria cheated on Johnny, and two Bachelor Nation sources told YouTuber Dave Neal last month that Victoria had cheated on Johnny TWICE!One of the men Victoria had allegedly cheated on Johnny with is Greg, who was slammed for how he dumped Katie on The Bachelorette 17 and was accused of gaslighting and being an aspiring actor.Johnny added to the rumor mill by posting on his Instagram Stories how he's "unwell," but Victoria's BIP pal Sierra Jackson recently tweeted, "My girl doesn't cheat! None of my ladies do."Victoria is reportedly dating Greg now, and the couple were spotted in Italy together on multiple occasions -- and by different fans -- late last month.After BachelorNation.Scoop uploaded a video of Victoria and Greg in Italy on October 28, Victoria commented, "Mind ya damn business."Reality Steve spoiler blogger Steve Carbone was also able to confirm Victoria and Greg were on a European adventure together, which included stops in Capri and Rome.Shortly after the video surfaced, Greg posted a flirtatious "good girl" comment -- which he quickly deleted -- on one of Victoria's Instagram posts, which showed the brunette beauty posing in a sexy black dress with cut outs.Carbone tweeted on November 5 that Victoria and Greg were talking pre-Paradise but it was nothing serious. Victoria allegedly claimed at 's reunion taping that she told Johnny about this.But Johnny allegedly caught Greg texting Victoria post-finale, after Johnny and Victoria got engaged and had their phones returned."She assured him she & Greg were just friends. Johnny found out [through] social media about the Italy trip," Carbone tweeted.According to Carbone, Greg will appear on the reunion special with Victoria to confirm their new relationship.Greg and Victoria also reportedly got a matching tattoo -- the word "hot" in Italian -- on their arms while they were in Italy.'s two night finale is set to air on Monday, November 21 and Tuesday, November 22 at 8PM ET/PT on ABC.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group Pitch Perfect actress Rebel Wilson took to Instagram over the weekend to shoot down speculation that she and her girlfriend Ramona Agruma are engaged to marry. ADVERTISEMENT "Thanks for the well-wishes, but we are NOT engaged," Wilson captioned a photo of her and Agruma at Disneyland in California in an Instagram Story. Last week, Wilson teased that she and her partner "took the next step in our relationship... and created a capsule collection of hoodies and sweatpants!" She then shared a photo of her modeling the luxe loungewear. Wilson and the Lemon Ve Limon clothing brand founder have been dating since early last year. Wilson confirmed the romance in June with an Instagram post that read: "I thought I was searching for a Disney Prince... but maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess #loveislove." Kremlin-connected businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin has admitted that he interfered in U.S. elections and would continue to do so The University of Georgias Department of Dance and Young Choreographers Series will present its showcase, Endure, in the New Dance Theatre in the Dance Building from Nov. 10-12 at 7:30 p.m. each night. Endure is a Senior Exit and Emerging Choreographers Showcase themed around perseverance and the dedication that goes into creating a performance. Members of All Souls Church in Brattleboro make wreaths and other holiday decorations on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, for the annual Holiday Bazaar that will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The bazaar has been going on since the late '70s and people can also buy handmade g Photographer / Multimedia Editor 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. Reverence for revolutionary ideals paves the way for Xi to isolate China from the rest of the world, analysts say. Chinese leader Xi Jinping kicks off his third term in office with official visits to several of the Communist Party's "holy places," sparking a slew of copycat visits from lower-ranking officials. Xi's tour took in the former communist base of Yan'an, home to Mao Zedong and the communist leadership in the 1930s, as will as the Red Flag Canal, a 44-mile-long irrigation dug by hand through mountainous terrain near the central city of Anyang. "Yan'an was Xi's first destination for his inspection tour after the conclusion of the 20th [party congress]," the ideological journal Qiushi said of the visits. "The Red Flag Canal is a monument inscribing the heroic spirit of the unyielding and valiant local people who dare to fight to change their fate," the journal said. "China's socialism is won by hard work, struggles and even through the sacrifice of lives. This was not only true in the past but also true in the new era," it said. In an indication that Xi's preference for traditional Chinese culture over Western values is still setting the political agenda, the journal also reported on Xi's visit to an archaeological site near Anyang, "where he observed ... samples of animal-driven carts and remains of a Shang Dynasty road [as well as] oracle bone inscriptions." "I came here for a deeper study and understanding of Chinese civilization so that we can make the past serve the present," Xi said. "Chinese characters [the written language] are extraordinary and serve as a tie in the forming and development of the Chinese nation." "We should stay confident in our culture and be more confident and prouder to be Chinese," Xi was quoted as saying. Reviving reverence Hu Ping, U.S-based former editor-in-chief of Beijing Spring magazine, said Xi's tour appears to be a way of reviving reverence for Communist Party history, through the performance of unnecessarily hard labor or other sacrifices, that is later used as a model in government propaganda. He said it was unnecessary to focus on sheer brute force and heroic physical effort, or "model" villages like Dazhai, rather than through the development of new technology. "It's ridiculous to ask people to learn from Dazhai again," Hu said. "China shouldn't be learning its agricultural water conservation practices from Mao." "It should use science, technology, and mechanized production instead of physical strength," he said. "It's absurd." Hu said Xi's pilgrimages are a bid to boost the cult of personality around himself as "core" party leader. Taiwan-based Chinese dissident Gong Yujian said successful Chinese leaders -- even in imperial times -- are typically seen as able to contend with vast forces of nature, find solutions and protect people from the elements. "There are so many spirits in the Chinese Communist Party lexicon," Gong told RFA. "In terms of place-names, there's the spirit of [the] Daqing [oilfield], and the Dazhai spirit. When it comes to people, there's also the spirit of [former soldier and model worker] Lei Feng." "There are far too many of these figures, which are impossible to emulate," he said. Decoupling from the rest of the world Gong said Xi's visit to the Red Flag Canal came at a time when many Chinese officials are under sanction by the U.S. government over the country's human rights record, with import bans imposed on high-tech components that might have a military use. "Xi Jinping is preparing the ground for decoupling from the rest of the world," Gong said. "Back when we were isolated from the world during the Mao era, there was also a lot of talk about this or that 'spirit'." He added: "The Chinese government should try to develop China's high-tech and automation sector, instead of going back to the cumbersome and utterly exhausting practices of the Mao era." Xi's "pilgrimage" to the iconic sites of Chinese communism has set off a wave of copycat visits from regional leaders, with Anhui provincial party chief Zheng Shajie and Shanghai party secretary Chen Jining turning up at the Red Canal museum near Anyang along with their entire leadership teams last week, the Anhui Daily newspaper reported. In the southern city of Guangzhou, municipal party chief Huang Kunming turned out with his leadership team in a pilgrimage to the city's Mao-era monuments to revolutionary heroes, the Nanfang Daily newspaper reported. Hunan-based journalist Gao Cun said the rush is now on to demonstrate loyalty to Xi, who begins a third and indefinite term as general secretary of the party and "core" leader. "The fact that senior party officials are doing this shows that there is no room for any change of direction from within the party," Gao told RFA. "Chinese society is regressing." Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Safeguard Defenders says secret police use them as bases for forcing overseas Chinese back home. Human Rights group Safeguard Defenders alleged that Chinese police run 54 service stations in 30 countries across five continents. More governments in Europe and the Americas have launched their own investigations into alleged Chinese secret police stations identified by a human rights group, with Germany and Chile looking into the reports and France monitoring. The Madrid-based non-governmental organization, Safeguard Defenders, reported in September that China is carrying out "illegal, transnational policing operations" across five continents via 54 so-called police service stations in 30 countries. Beijing said the stations were set up to provide essential services to Chinese citizens overseas. Safeguard Defenders says they are actually used to coerce emigrants into returning home to face criminal charges and to silence dissent abroad. So far the Dutch and Irish governments have ordered China to shut down its overseas police service stations in their countries. Some other European governments including the Czech Republic, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, are probing the allegations made by Safeguard Defenders. "The German government does not tolerate the exercise of foreign state power, and accordingly, Chinese agencies do not have any executive authority on the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany," the German Interior Ministry said. German authorities are currently also having to deal with another case of foreign extraterritoriality, after Hanois secret agents were accused of abducting a Vietnamese fugitive in Berlin in broad daylight and forcing him to return to Hanoi to face criminal charges. Vietnam and China are among a handful of countries ruled by Communist Parties and their public security apparatuses operate similarly, although on a different scale. The French Interior Ministry told Le Monde newspaper that its General Directorate for Internal Security deploys substantial (and increasing) resources on monitoring activities of foreign services or state entities likely to come into conflict with our own sovereignty. In Chile, Interior Minister Carolina Toha said an investigation is being carried out in the city of Vina del Mar, following a cabinet meeting during which the issue was raised. Chinese state media reported on the opening of Fuzhou Polices Overseas Service Station in Argentina, Feb. 18, 2022 CREDIT: Safeguard Defenders A bigger picture In the United States, where an investigation into the reported overseas police service station in New York is ongoing, the government is taking a broader approach and looking at Chinas alleged transnational repression and policing efforts in the whole of the country, rather than looking into a single case. Thats how wed like foreign governments to respond to our report, said Jing-jie Chen, one of the main investigators contributing to the Safeguard Defenders report 110 Overseas - Chinese Transnational Policing Gone Wild. 110 is the police emergency number in China and some of the alleged police stations call themselves 110 Overseas Service Stations. We would like the governments to look at a bigger picture, where the Chinese overseas policing should be seen as a method of Chinas transnational repression, Chen told RFA. It enables the Chinese state to reach out and silence dissidents, to spread fear and distrust among Chinese communities, and dissidents despite having fled China will not be able to continue their activism. Foreign governments should take this issue seriously as this is not only protecting Chinese citizens but also defending democracy, the researcher said. Safeguard Defenders urged foreign governments to investigate Chinas transnational repression tactics and underlying networks, including in countries where no police service station appears to have been set up. We call on them to set up adequate reporting and protection mechanisms for communities at risk, and coordinate information-sharing and adequate responses with like minded countries, said Chen. Jing-jie Chen is one of the authors of Safeguard Defenders' report on Chinas overseas policing CREDIT: RFA Network of police stations The 54 police stations identified in the Safeguard Defenders report were set up mostly by two Chinese Public Security Bureaus, from Qingtian County in Zhejiang province and Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian province. Government documents obtained via open sources however indicated that at least ten provinces in China were given mandates to set up similar operations, and the number of such police stations may be much higher. We found indications that other local police departments and public security bureaus [are] starting replicating this kind of overseas service station, like Wenzhou and Wuhai, said Chen. The Chinese government insisted that the purpose of the service centers is to help overseas Chinese nationals, who have not been able to return home because of the COVID-19 pandemic, to have their driving licenses renewed and receive physical examinations. This has been rejected by Safeguard Defenders researchers, who pointed out that first reports of Chinas police stations abroad were recorded in 2018, before any signs of COVID. Between April 2021 and July 2022, Chinese police persuaded 230,000 alleged fugitives to return to China voluntarily while admitting not all their targets had committed any crimes, they quoted Chinese state media as saying. While recognizing swift responses by European governments, the researchers said authorities in many other countries, including Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Cambodia, Greece, Hungary, Japan, and Slovakia, to name a few, have yet to respond. In Nigeria, some journalists told us they have tried to cover the story but have been warned against it, even threatened, Chen told RFA. Government agencies kept telling them the reports findings are nonsense, he added. Bao Choy warned that the ruling would hinder access to free information in the city. Hong Kong journalist Bao Choy Yuk-Ling speaks to the media after losing an appeal of her conviction for using a car registration database while making a documentary on 2019 protests in Hong Kong, China, Nov. 7, 2022. A court in Hong Kong on Monday rejected an appeal by journalist Bao Choy of her conviction for making false statements to obtain information for a report about a mob attack on pro-democracy protesters during city-wide unrest in 2019. The award-winning reporter, also known as Choy Yuk-ling, was found guilty in April 2021 of lying to the government to gain access to vehicle ownership records for her investigation, instead of for transportation-related purposes, as stated in her application for the documents. Choy had been looking into the identities of the perpetrators of the subway attack for a documentary she co-produced for government broadcaster RTHK. Her conviction, which carried a fine of 6,000 Hong Kong Dollars (U.S.$765), prompted widespread criticism from media watchdogs who called it a blow to Hong Kongs increasing restrictions on press freedom since the U.K.s July 1997 handover of the citys sovereignty to China. In a statement delivered following Mondays proceedings, Choy warned that High Court Justice Alex Lees rejection of her appeal would hinder access to free information in Hong Kong. [It] will create obstacles for the press to act as a brake on the abuse of power, and to monitor and hold the powerful accountable," she added. Journalism is not a crime Choy also expressed thanks to those who had offered their encouragement during her legal battles. I understand this incident is no longer a personal matter, but a matter related to public interest and press freedom in Hong Kong, she told supporters, who held placards aloft reading, Journalism is not a crime. There has been a very strong social understanding, a social norm, that journalists are free to obtain public information for the sake of public interest, she said. There [have] been a lot of scholars, unions, and lawyers, [who] have expressed their concerns and worries on whether the police [are] trying to use the law to suppress press freedom." Choys documentary, 7.21 Who Owns the Truth," won the Chinese-language documentary award at the Human Rights Press Awards last year for what the judging panel said had uncovered "the smallest clues, interrogating the powerful without fear or favor." While press freedom has been gradually curtailed in Hong Kong since the handover, restrictions have increased significantly in recent years. In the months after Choys conviction, and amid a crackdown on dissent following the 2019 pro-democracy protests, authorities charged Jimmy Lai, the founder of the Apple Daily, with violating Chinas National Security Act and two former editors for Stand News with sedition. Both media outlets were forced to close. Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders ranked Hong Kong 148th out of 180 countries and territories in its 2021 World Press Freedom index, released in May. The deaths come on the 5th day of fierce fighting around Myanmars Monywa township. Smoke rises from Monywa townships Htan Lay Pin village, which was torched by junta troops on Nov. 6, 2022. Junta troops killed four villagers and four members of a local Peoples Defense Force (PDF), in a five-day onslaught, during which the junta set fire to villages in the south of Sagaing regions Monywa township forcing more than 3,000 villagers to flee their homes. A local told RFA the eight people killed on Sunday were not all PDF members as claimed on pro-junta Telegram channels. The military channels posted pictures of eight dead PDF members, but actually only four PDF people died and the other four are civilians, said a spokesperson for the Monywa-AMyint (sic) Road Information Group, which reports on events in Monywa and Amyint townships. It can be seen in the picture, the people who were shot and killed in Paso [traditional male clothing] without weapons were civilians. One hand-made gun and four new guns were taken, the spokesperson said. Locals said it was difficult to confirm which villages the dead came from because junta troops are still stationed around Htan Lay Pin village making it difficult for them to return home and check with other residents. They told RFA the column of troops came from battalions based in Monywa, adding up to around 150 fighters when combined with the military-affiliated Pyu Saw Htee group in Taw Pu village, Sagaing region has seen some of the fiercest fighting between junta troops and PDFs since the coup in February 2021. Soldiers have also targeted villages in the region that are thought to be harboring anti-junta fighters. Earlier this month the army shelled a village in Sagaings Kanbalu township killing two members of the same family and injuring two others. More than 1500 civilians died in Sagaing between the start of the junta-regime and the end of October this year, according to the Institute for Strategy and Policy - Myanmar, an independent think tank. Le Anh Tu is accused of spying on Thanh and helping to drive him to Slovakia. UPDATED AT 02:24 A.M. ET ON 11-7-2022 Germany has started the trial of the second suspect in the kidnapping case of Vietnamese oil executive and former provincial official Trinh Xuan Thanh. Proceedings got underway last Wednesday in Berlin. Le Anh Tu, 32, was living in the Czech capital Prague before the kidnapping in 2017. He is accused of "spying and assisting in the deprivation of liberty," in connection with the abduction of Thanh in a Berlin park in July, 2017. Tus trial comes five years after the case happened because he returned to Vietnam straight after the kidnapping. When he arrived in Prague again, in June this year, Tu was arrested and extradited to Germany. Le Trung Khoa, a journalist covering the trial, said the proceedings are likely to last until the end of the month. The indictment says that two weeks before Thanhs abduction Tu, along with a number of other suspects, invited Thanh's cousin, who lives in Poland, to come to Prague in order to find out Thanh's whereabouts and living habits. In the days that followed Tu is accused of tailing Thanh, the journalist said. Tu is also accused of being in the van that was used to kidnap Thanh and his girlfriend (believed to be Do Minh Phuong) on July 23, 2017, taking them to the Vietnamese Embassy in Berlin, Khoa said. The indictment makes it very clear that this man had previously gone to Germany to spy on people like Ms. Phuong or Trinh Xuan Thanh. Finally, on July 23, at around 10 am, he drove the van carrying the Vietnamese secret service agents who kidnapped Trinh Xuan Thanh in Berlin," said Khoa. He added that Tu also played a role in transporting Thanh out of the Schengen Area of 26 European nations that have abolished border controls. According to the prosecution, Tu and eight other people then drove Thanh from Brno in the Czech Republic to Bratislava. From the Slovakian capital Thanh was allegedly drugged and put on a Slovak government plane and flown back to Vietnam a few days later. Khoa said Tu also had a history of possessing illegal weapons. Le Anh Tu was searched in 2016 by German police in the Munich area who caught him carrying an undocumented weapon. He was fined for the crime of using and possessing an illegal weapon without papers. Marina Mai, a German journalist who closely follows the case, told RFA she believed the evidence presented by the Federal Prosecutor's Office was overwhelming and convincing. For that reason, the court told Tu that if he pleaded guilty his sentence would be reduced and there would be no further trials. Tu is expected to be sentenced to between four and a half and five years in prison. Tu and his lawyer will decide whether to plead guilty or not at the next trial. During the current trial, Tu insisted that he was not involved in the kidnapping of Thanh and his girlfriend, Mai said. In the event that the confession deviates from the indictment, the Federal Prosecutor's Office will not accept this agreement. So it may take weeks or months to review the evidence, she said On July 17, 2018, another defendant, Nguyen Hai Long, pleaded guilty in court to assisting the Vietnamese secret service in kidnapping Thanh. He previously insisted he did not know anything about the kidnapping. Long was sentenced eight days later to three years and ten months in prison by a German court. He was charged with two counts of assisting in the kidnapping of Thanh and spying in Germany. The German police said Long had a shop in Prague specializing in money exchange and transfer services. They said Long hired a car for the Vietnamese secret service to transport Thanh from Berlin to Slovakia. Trinh Xuan Thanh being taken to court in Hanoi in Jan., 2018. CREDIT: AFP Is Trinh Xuan Thanh about to return to Germany? After returning to Vietnam a Hanoi court charged Thanh with causing loss of state assets and mismanagement at his former company, PetroVietnam Construction Joint Stock Corporation. He was sentenced to two life terms on corruption charges. Thanh has now spent more than five years in prison but was finally allowed to meet representatives of the German Embassy in Vietnam, according to the German newspaper Die Tageszeitung (TAZ). In the past five years Germanys Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs repeatedly tried to visit Thanh, but the Vietnamese side always refused. The newspaper said it was not clear whether the visit means Thanh will soon be able to return to Germany, where he has been granted refugee status. However, it is German practice for embassy staff to visit an inmate before they are released from prison abroad. Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son's meeting with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock in September could also be an indication that Thanh's release has been discussed by both sides, Taz newspaper said. Thanh held the position of Vice Chairman of Hau Giang province, before being prosecuted for the crime of "deliberately violating State regulations, causing serious consequences" in 2016. He fled to Germany and applied for asylum before being sentenced. In August 2017, Thanh appeared on Vietnam National Television, saying that he had returned to Vietnam to turn himself in and "accept shortcomings and apologize", hoping to "enjoy the leniency of the Party, State and the law." The Vietnamese authorities have never said how Thanh returned to Vietnam from Germany to turn himself in. This story was updated to correct the name of Die Tageszeitung (TAZ) newspaper. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has praised Armenia and Azerbaijan for taking "courageous steps" toward peace as the foreign ministers from the two countries met in Washington. Blinken met with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov on November 7 at Blair House, a state guest house across from the White House. "What we are seeing now are real steps and courageous steps by both countries to put the past behind and to work toward a durable peace," Blinken said in public comments at the opening of the meeting. The talks come just weeks after the worst fighting between the two countries since a 2020 war over control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Blinken said the talks would build on earlier discussions at the UN General Assembly in New York and other conversations between officials from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the United States. "The United States as a friend to both Armenia and Azerbaijan is committed to doing everything that we can to support you in this effort," he added. The rest of the meeting was being held behind closed doors. As Moscow finds itself facing growing international isolation for its invasion of Ukraine, the United States and the European Union have stepped up efforts to mediate talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on November 7 called on both parties to "refrain from actions and steps that could lead to an escalation of tensions." Before the talks opened, Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other of violating a truce along their tense border. Azerbaijani forces opened fire on Armenian positions "in the eastern sector of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border," the Armenian Defense Ministry said in a statement. The statement said there were "no casualties, and the situation on the front line was relatively stable" early on November 7. Armenia and Azerbaijan have been locked in a conflict over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh for years. Armenian-backed separatists seized the mainly Armenian-populated region from Azerbaijan during a war in the early 1990s that killed some 30,000 people. The two sides fought another war in 2020 that lasted six weeks and killed thousands of people on both sides before a Russia-brokered cease-fire, resulting in Armenia losing control over parts of the region, which is part of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent districts. Under the cease-fire Moscow deployed about 2,000 troops to the region to serve as peacekeepers. Davit Babayan, a de facto foreign minister of Nagorno-Karabakh, dismissed reports that appeared in Azerbaijan over the weekend about Russian peacekeepers carrying out arms deliveries to the region. Babayan described as "information terrorism" reports about the transfer of military equipment to Nagorno-Karabakh through the Lachin corridor, which connects the region to Armenia and is controlled by Russian peacekeepers. He claimed Azerbaijan may use the reports as a pretext for another provocation against the region's ethnic Armenians in order "to undermine the agreement" regarding the Lachin corridor. "Naturally, no military equipment has been transported because there are cameras. Everything is under surveillance," Babayan said. The Russian peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh said on Telegram on November 5 that 12 tons of humanitarian cargo had been delivered to Nagorno-Karabakh. The Russian side said the peacekeepers had already handed over basic necessities and food packages to 324 families in the Martuni area of Nagorno-Karabakh. Suspicions about shipments were raised by a video posted on the Internet on the same day purporting to show several trucks with the inscription Russian Army on them driving out of a cargo plane at a Yerevan airport and then traveling to Nagorno-Karabakh. Telegram channels in Azerbaijan also alleged that authorities in Baku prohibited a Russian Air Force plane from flying into Armenia through Azerbaijani airspace and that the aircraft, which allegedly carried weapons, had to make a detour to reach Armenia via Iran. There has been no comment on the matter from officials in Baku, Moscow, or Yerevan. With reporting by Reuters Russian troops shelled Kherson and 30 settlements in the Kherson region 258 times in the past week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on November 28 in his evening address after calling on Ukrainians to be prepared to endure more electricity shortages amid dropping temperatures. Russian forces retreated from the west bank of the Dnieper River earlier this month but have been shelling towns, villages, and the city of Kherson, from their new locations on the opposite bank. 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, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. The Ukrainian government last week called on residents of Kherson to evacuate the city for the winter to avoid the bombardments, which Zelenskiy said damaged a pumping station supplying water to Mykolayiv, a city northwest of Kherson. "This is the true essence of those random 'comrades' who took over Russia," Zelenskiy said. "They are capable of nothing but destruction," he added. "This is all they leave behind. And what they are doing now against Ukraine is their attempt to take revenge...for the fact that Ukrainians have repeatedly defended themselves from them." He said Ukraine will never be a place for destruction and will never accept orders from these "comrades" from Moscow. He again pledged to do "everything to restore every object, every house, every enterprise destroyed by the occupiers." The British Ministry of Defense said earlier in its daily intelligence update on November 28 that Kherson continues to suffer daily bombardment by Russian artillery. "The city is vulnerable because it remains in range of most of Russias artillery systems, now firing from the east bank of the Dnieper River, from the rear of newly consolidated defensive lines," British intelligence said. Zelenskiy said earlier that Russia was "planning new strikes" on the country's power grid. As long as they have missiles, Russian forces "unfortunately, will not calm down," he said. The head of the joint coordination press center of the Defense Forces of Southern Ukraine, Natalya Humenyuk, said a Russian warship capable of firing cruise missiles had recently deployed to the Black Sea with Kalibr-type missiles on board. "This indicates that preparations were under way," Humenyuk said. "It's quite likely that the beginning of the week will be marked by such an attack." Zelenskiy also reflected on a visit on November 28 from the foreign ministers of Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland. He said he spoke with them about Ukraine's needs for protection and reconstruction and told them their support and solidarity is very important right now. "We have agreements on further cooperation in the defense and energy spheres as well as in the reconstruction projects of our state and in the sanctions sphere," Zelenskiy said. A joint statement issued by the foreign ministers after their meeting condemned Russias aggressive war against Ukraine, which they said had caused enormous suffering in Ukraine, undermined stability in Europe, and attacked the rules-based international order. We are in complete solidarity with Ukraine. We will never recognize the illegal attempt to annex the territories of Ukraine, including Crimea, the joint statement said. Ukraine has an inalienable right to self-defense to ensure its independence and sovereignty and restore its territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. Russia must stop its aggression and withdraw its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said earlier on November 28 that Russian forces continued to shell civilian areas across the country, hitting a dozen settlements in Donetsk, including the main targets of Bakhmut and Avdiyivka, and several villages in the Nikopol district of the central Dnipropetrovsk region. The General Staff accused Russian troops of shelling civilian areas and then attempting to shift responsibility to Kyiv's military. On the battlefield in the east, Ukrainian forces fought pitched battles, repelling 10 Russian attacks in the Donetsk region, Ukraine's General Staff of the Armed Forces said on November 28. Russian forces had launched several failed attacks on the town of Soledar, near Bakhmut, and had taken heavy losses in a separate push toward Avdiyivka, Ukrainian military analyst Oleh Zhdanov told Reuters. The claim could not be independently verified. With reporting by Reuters and AP A Bulgarian government official revealed on November 7 that remains found in Bulgaria in September belonged to a prominent Ukrainian military pilot who had been missing for months, and the body has been returned to Ukraine for burial. The remains of Ukrainian Air Force Colonel Mykhaylo Matyushenko, 61, were identified using DNA after the body was found in a lake after several months in the water, according to Hristo Ilchev, head of the search division of the regional directorate of the Internal Affairs Ministry. 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, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. Matyushenko, who went by the call name Grandfather and was head of the Ghost of Kyiv brigade, disappeared from the skies over Snake Island in the Black Sea in June, according to the Ukrainian military. His fate had been unknown until Bulgarian authorities were able to positively identify the body after it was found attached to a parachute in the lake near the Bulgarian Black Sea coastal port of Tsarevo. Officials in the Bulgarian Internal Affairs Ministry suspected the body was that of a Ukrainian Air Force pilot and contacted representatives of the Ukrainian Embassy and the Ukrainian Army, both of which provided additional data to reveal the identity of the pilot. Ilchev said Matyushenko's military aircraft, an SU-124, was shot down in the area of Snake Island near Odesa. Matyushenko and the other pilot of the aircraft ejected. The pilot we found had his limbs severed from a faulty catapult. He most likely died of blood loss, as no other signs of injury were found on the body," Ilchev said. Ilchev made the comments on November 7 during a ceremony to present the police chief of Tsarevo with an award for his handling of the case. No information is available about the fate of the other pilot. Matyushenko had experience as a fighter jet pilot and civil aviation pilot. Before the war he was in management at one of Ukraine's commercial airlines. He was buried in his hometown, Bucha, on October 3, according to RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. The mayor of Bucha, Anatoly Feroryuk, said Matyushenko had volunteered to reinforce his colleagues on the southern and eastern fronts. Russian forces withdrew from Snake Island on June 30 after coming under heavy bombardment from Ukrainian artillery. Ukrainian troops claimed to have raised their flag on the strategic Black Sea outpost a few days later. "For Matyushenko, this was the last mission. They couldn't find him for a long time," Feroryuk said. The headquarters of the Ukrainian Air Force announced in April that the legend of the Ghost of Kyiv was created by the Ukrainians. The military made it the collective name of the members of the 40th Air Force Tactical Brigade, which defends Kyiv and "appears suddenly in places where no one expects it." The coaches of the U.S. and Iranian soccer teams have said that they do not want to get caught up in a game of political football when their sides clash for a chance to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup. "I envision the game being hotly contested for the fact that both teams want to advance to the next round -- not because of politics or because of relations between our countries," U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter said ahead of the November 29 showdown at Al-Thumama Stadium in Qatar. "Our preparation starts with a good rest, refresh the minds, and put all the complementary and garbage things outside of our minds," said Carlos Queiroz, the Portuguese head coach of Iran's national team. But as the two coaches attempt to keep the focus on the playing field with either team assured of advancing to the next round with an outright victory, a political fever pitch looms over the game pitting two countries that severed relations more than 40 years ago and are open rivals on the world stage. The World Cup has been a showcase of discord in Iran since the tournament kicked off on November 20, with Tehran's deadly crackdown on ongoing anti-government demonstrations leading to fresh U.S. sanctions against Iranian officials and dividing the country's fan base. The Iranian team has faced immense pressure from the authorities and protesters alike to take sides amid the demonstrations, which are seen as one of the greatest threats to Iran's clerical establishment since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The nationwide demonstrations erupted following the September 16 death of Mahsa Amini, an Iranian-Kurdish woman who died shortly after she was arrested for allegedly violating the state-mandated requirement that women wear the hijab, or head scarf. According to rights watchdogs, at least 450 people have been killed and more than 15,000 detained in the government crackdown. Some fans have honored Amini's memory by wearing "Mahsa Amini-22" shirts in a nod to her age when she died. In an apparent sign of solidarity with demonstrators, members of the Iranian team did not sing the country's national anthem ahead of their first game, a 6-2 loss to England that was blamed partly on outside distractions. But the players did join in singing what anti-government demonstrators have called the "blood anthem" ahead of the second game, a 2-0 win against Wales on November 25. While that result was cause for mass celebration, RFE/RL's Radio Farda reported from Qatar that a group of pro-government fans who waved the flag of the Islamic republic harassed and intimidated a group of Iranian supporters who aired their grievances against the clerical regime. Following the Wales match, a former coach of the U.S. team, Jurgen Klinsmann, came under fire for his postgame comments. Speaking as a pundit on the BBC, Klinsmann said the Iranian team "worked the referee." "They work the linesman and fourth official, they are constantly in their ear," he said. "There were a lot of incidents we didn't see. This is their culture, they take you off your game." Queiroz -- who coached Iran during two stints from 2011 to 2019 and was once hired by U.S. Soccer to develop a road map for the United States to win a World Cup by 2010 -- responded with a torrent of tweets defending Iranian culture and his team. He said Klinsmann's comments were a "disgrace to football." Just days before the decisive group match, the U.S. Soccer Federation triggered a row when it temporarily displayed Iran's green, white, and red flag without the emblem of the Islamic republic in a social-media post. The Iranian government responded angrily, with Iran's hard-line Tasnim news agency calling for the U.S. team to be kicked out of the World Cup and suspended for 10 games. The post was eventually removed, with U.S. Soccer explaining that the intention had been to show "support for the women in Iran fighting for basic human rights" by displaying the Iranian tricolor without the emblem for 24 hours. Back in Iran, former members of the Iranian national soccer team have apparently been punished for supporting the ongoing demonstrations. Voria Ghafouri, who has been an outspoken critic of the Iranian establishment and was surprisingly left out of this year's World Cup squad, was reportedly arrested on November 24, just days after expressing sympathy for Amini's family and calling for an end to the violent crackdown on protesters in his and Amini's native western Kurdistan region. Iranian state media reported that the 35-year-old Ghafouri had been arrested for "insulting the national soccer team and propagandizing against the government." Ghafouri earlier this month tweeted that "it is better to die standing than to live kneeling." In June, he was accused by an Iranian official of being a Kurdish separatist after the player tweeted the word "Kurdistan" twice. Iranian media reported that Ghafouri has been released on bail. But rights groups said he had been transferred from western Iran to a prison in the capital, Tehran. Pressure has also been placed on an Iranian soccer legend, Ali Daei, who said he chose not to travel to Qatar due to the government's crackdown and said on social media on November 28 he had received "numerous threats against myself and my family in recent months and days." The Black Reward hacktivist group, which has targeted Iranian government institutions and infrastructure, added to fears that Tehran was targeting fans by leaking recordings this week purporting to reveal an Iranian pro-government militia commander saying that Qatar had provided a list of Iranians who had purchased tickets to the World Cup, allowing the Iranian authorities to identify 500 individuals known for anti-government activities. While Iran could progress with a draw on November 29, it cannot afford to lose if it wants to advance to the last 16. The United States has no option but to win. The U.S. players have said they were unaware that U.S. Soccer had planned to publish its controversial flag post, while also publicly declaring their support for women's rights. The day before the big match, U.S. coach Berhalter was apologetic for the flag post but also insistent that he was not focusing on the controversies leading up to it. "Of course, our thoughts are with the Iranian people, the whole country, the whole team, everyone, but our focus is on this match," he said on November 28. The Kremlin has refused to comment on a U.S. news report that Washington has held undisclosed talks with top Russian officials amid fears Moscow could further escalate its military aggression in Ukraine and perhaps even use nuclear weapons. 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, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on November 7 that, while Russia remains "open" to talks, it was unable to negotiate with Kyiv due to its refusal to hold talks with Moscow. His comments come after The Wall Street Journal reported on November 6 that U.S. national-security adviser Jake Sullivan held undisclosed talks with top Russian officials in the hope of reducing the risk of Russia's invasion of Ukraine spilling over or escalating into a nuclear conflict. That report came a day after The Washington Post reported that the United States was privately encouraging Ukraine to signal an openness to negotiate with Russia, as the State Department said Moscow was escalating the war and did not seriously wish to engage in peace talks. The Washington Post cited unnamed sources as saying that the request by U.S. officials was not aimed at pushing Ukraine to the negotiating table, but a calculated attempt to ensure that Kyiv maintains the support of other nations. Washington has not commented publicly on either of the U.S. media reports. "We've said it before and will say it again: Actions speak louder than words. If Russia is ready for negotiation, it should stop its bombs and missiles and withdraw its forces from Ukraine, a State Department spokesperson was quoted as saying by Reuters. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a decree on October 4 formally declaring the prospect of any Ukrainian talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin "impossible" but leaving the door open to talks with Russia. According to the report in The Wall Street Journal, Sullivan held confidential conversations in recent months with Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov and Russian Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev that were not disclosed publicly. Sullivan travelled to Kyiv on November 4 and pledged Washington's "unwavering and unflinching" support for Ukraine. His unannounced visit coincided with an announcement the same day by the U.S. Defense Department of another shipment of weapons to Ukraine worth $400 million. At a news conference in Kyiv, Sullivan sought again to calm Ukrainian jitters about whether U.S. weapons would continue after the upcoming midterm U.S. congressional elections. Polls show that Republicans are poised to take control of one, or possibly both chambers of Congress, and a small but vocal number of Republicans have voiced misgivings about the amount and duration of U.S. aid for Ukraine. There will be no wavering, Sullivan said at a news conference. Im confident U.S. support for Ukraine will be unwavering and unflinching. Asked about the prospect of peace talks with Russia, Sullivan repeated what U.S. officials have said in the past: "nothing is discussed about Ukraine without Ukraine." "For me, the main question about these negotiations is what a just peace looks like and how it can be achieved, Sullivan said. If you look at Russian accusations, Russian actions, in particular regarding the annexation of [Ukrainian] territories, it does not really encourage negotiations. With reporting by Reuters KYIV -- As the weather turns colder, and the nights grow longer, the streets of the Ukrainian capital are filled with the rumbling hum of power generators. For some, it's a constant irritation. For others, it's reassurance that food or coffee might still be available to buy in groceries, cafes, or bars. Inside one convenience store in a northern district of Kyiv, storekeeper Yuriy Filimonov recently tried to persuade the owner to buy a car battery. That way, he can keep one or two light bulbs burning into the dusk of the lengthening evenings. "This is totally screwed up," Filimonov, 34, said, using a stronger expletive. "I'm literally speechless about these attacks...I only hope it doesn't get worse." Such is life not only in Kyiv, but in many cities these days in Ukraine, whose electricity grid has been pummeled by multiple barrages of Russian missiles and drone strikes in recent weeks. The attacks, which have targeted power plants and substations, as well as water supply stations, have left at least 4.5 million Ukrainians without power across the country, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said. About 40 percent of the country's energy infrastructure has also been damaged. Ukrainian officials are warning people -- in Kyiv and elsewhere -- to brace for a tough winter. "Whatever the terrorists want, we must survive this winter and become even stronger in the spring," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address on November 6. "Terrorists" is how many Ukrainian officials refer to Russia. In Kyiv alone, with a population of around 3 million, about 450,000 households have been cut off, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on November 4. "Save electricity as much as possible, because the situation is getting worse," he wrote in a Telegram post. The national government is also urging Ukrainians who fled the country not to return until after winter, said Iryna Vereshchuk, the minister for the reintegration of the Russian-occupied territories. "Let's be honest, our enemies are doing everything for the city to be without heat, without electricity, without water supply, in general, so we all die," Klitschko told Ukrainian media over the weekend. "The future of the country and the future of each of us depends on how prepared we are." Coping in Kyiv The power outages have already begun to transform life in the Ukrainian capital, whose streets are normally clogged with traffic and whose central districts typically glitter with flashy billboards and illuminated high-rises. In some parts of the city, lines of people wait at outdoor wells with plastic jugs to bring home for when the water shuts off. As the sun goes down, streetlights remain dark; when air-raid sirens blare, employees of shopping malls and grocery stores are forced to go outside, or hurry down into bomb shelters, until the warning is cleared. Kyiv residents navigate darkened city streets, or blackened building stairwells, with cell-phone flashlights, or head lamps. Drivers cautiously poke their way through intersections where traffic lights no longer work, and where pedestrians try to cross. Antonyna Bondarenko, a 69-year-old retired schoolteacher, lives on the fifth floor of a 16-story building. She recently resorted to buying candles at a local church after her usual store ran out when people bought out the stock in anticipation of the outages. The rolling blackouts that Ukraine's national grid operator, Ukrenerho, announced on November 6 means that she'll have to take the stairs up to her apartment more frequently. "I can still walk up and down the five flights of stairs, but now I have to schedule food preparation and laundry cycles during the blackouts," Bondarenko said. The scheduled blackouts last for four-hour increments in northern and other districts of the city. Some neighborhoods closer to hospitals see outages less frequently. So far, the outages are on a schedule, so people can try to plan their lives around them. Olena Kolomoyets, 41, who evacuated to Kyiv from the Russian-occupied region of Kherson in April, is making ends meet tending bar -- sometimes by candlelight -- while also caring for her 5-year-old son. She says that for the moment, she's working 12-hour shifts seven days a week on alternating weeks. "I have candles, flashlights...and having gas helps to make food during the blackouts, but it's difficult to call someone when the power goes off," Kolomoyets said. "That feeling of insecurity is not good." While Western countries have poured money and weaponry into Ukraine to bolster its fight against Russia and steady its economy, replacing things like transformers or substations is more painstaking and problematic. A dozen countries have said they would supply equipment to help rebuild the energy system, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said earlier this month. The Group of Seven major industrial nations are also slated to meet to come up with a wider plan to help Ukraine survive the winter. Nearly $350 billion is needed for reconstruction across the country, including for the ongoing damage to the electricity grid. That amount is expected to grow, according to a report in September by Ukraine's government, the European Commission, and the World Bank. "Once all this is over, I want to return to my farmstead and help rebuild the country," Kolomoyets said. With reporting by AP Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has told Ukrainians to brace for potentially more Russian military strikes on the countrys already damaged energy infrastructure as the mayor of Kyiv told residents of the Ukrainian capital to consider leaving temporarily if the city lost power and water. 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, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. Speaking in his regular nightly address on November 6, Zelenskiy said Russia was "concentrating forces and means for a possible repetition of mass attacks on our infrastructure. First of all, energy." More than 4.5 million consumers were already without power, he added, amid concerns that support for Ukraine could waver as the war's impact on energy and food prices persists into winter. Earlier, the mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, said he cant rule out that the Ukrainian capital could be left without water and power as a result of Russia's devastating strikes on energy infrastructure. We are doing everything to avoid this. But lets be frank, our enemies are doing everything for the city to be without heat, without electricity, without water supply, in general, so we all die. And the future of the country and the future of each of us depends on how prepared we are for different situations," Klitschko told state media. Russias military has targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure over the last month, triggering power shortages and rolling outages across the country. On November 6, Kyiv experienced hourly rotating blackouts in parts of the city and the surrounding region. Kyiv plans to deploy about 1,000 heating points, but it's unclear if that would be enough for a city of 3 million people. Rolling blackouts were also planned in the Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Kharkiv and Poltava regions, Ukraines state-owned energy operator, Ukrenerho, said. Presidential adviser Mykhaylo Podolyak said earlier on Twitter that Ukraine would "stand" despite Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, by marshalling air defense, protecting infrastructure, and optimizing consumption to do so. As Russia steps up its attacks on civilian infrastructure, Ukrainian forces are reported to be advancing in the south. Residents of Ukraine's Russian-occupied city of Kherson received warning messages on their phones urging them to evacuate as soon as possible, Ukraine's military said on November 6. Russian forces are preparing for a Ukrainian counteroffensive to seize back Kherson, which was captured during the early days of the invasion. In September, Russia illegally annexed Kherson as well as three other regions and subsequently declared martial law in the four provinces. The Kremlin-installed administration in Kherson has already moved tens of thousands of civilians out of the city. Russia has been occupying and evacuating Kherson simultaneously, trying to convince Ukrainians that they're leaving when in fact they're digging in, Natalya Humenyuk, a spokeswoman for Ukraine's Southern Forces, told state television. There are defense units that have dug in there quite powerfully, a certain amount of equipment has been left, firing positions have been set up, she said. On November 6, Russian news agencies said shelling by Ukrainian forces damaged Ukraine's vast Russian-held Nova Kakhovka dam, upstream of Kherson on the Dnieper River. They gave no supporting evidence. With reporting by AP and Reuters ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- Uzbekistan used force "unjustifiably" during fatal unrest in its autonomous Karakalpakstan region, Human Rights Watch (HRW) says in a report that demands accountability for the July crackdown. Citing independent medical analysis of video and photo evidence, the report is the first by a major rights organization since more than 20 people were killed amid protests over proposed changes to the Uzbek Constitution that would have undermined the region's special status. HRW concludes that despite documented incidents of violence by protesters, the unprecedented demonstrations in the region of 2 million people were "largely peaceful" -- an assessment that contrasts starkly with an official narrative of "riots" backed by "external forces." The crisis in Karakalpakstan began with the publication in June of a draft constitution that would have shorn the sprawling autonomous republic of its right to hold a vote on secession from Uzbekistan, quickly evolving into the biggest challenge thus far for President Shavkat Mirziyoev, who has credited his six years in office with ushering in a "new Uzbekistan." Mindful of comparisons with the bloody massacre of hundreds of protesters in the Ferghana Valley city of Andijon in 2005 -- an event that permanently stained the long authoritarian reign of Mirziyoev's predecessor, Islam Karimov -- the authorities walked back all the amendments affecting Karakalpakstan in the wake of the violence. Tashkent also appointed a commission, largely consisting of government officials and headed by state human rights ombudswoman Feruza Eshmatova, to investigate the protests that saw more than 200 people injured and hundreds arrested. But HRW cast doubt over the commission's purpose, noting in its report that it was "unrealistic to expect the commission to present genuinely independent findings, especially with respect to the actions of police and security forces." No date for the hitherto planned referendum on the constitutional changes has been set, despite the period for public discussion of the draft -- twice extended in the wake of the crisis -- ending on August 1. With Tashkent's reform drive faltering in recent years, HRW Director Hugh Williamson said the government's response to the demonstrations "is a test of whether Uzbekistan has turned a page and truly intends to respect human rights and rule of law" in a statement issued with the group's report. "It should not shy away from bringing to account security force personnel responsible for the deaths and injuries of so many people," Williamson added. Deadly Stun-Grenade Usage With the Internet in Karakalpakstan restricted during the July 1-2 protests and effectively severed for the next two weeks, there are still many unanswered questions about how unrest there escalated to result in 21 deaths, including four security officers, according to an official toll. But the findings of HRW's report undermine the authorities' contention that the response was proportional, condemning "inappropriate use of small arms and various types of grenades, weapons that can cause severe injuries and death when used recklessly." Grenades are a key focus of the report. In 10 instances where verified videos and images appeared to show protesters either dead or at risk of death, HRW identified seven as showing damage to their bodies from explosives. Analyzing one manifestation of explosive trauma filmed some 60 kilometers northwest of Karakalpakstan's administrative center, Nukus, and posted to Telegram in early July, Rohini Haar, an emergency physician consulted by HRW, gave a pessimistic opinion of the victim's chances to survive. "There is a bone out, a huge cavity, bleeding, spinal cord damage, and that is just on the face of it," the report quoted Haar as saying. "He is alive in the video and the doctor is trying to find all the bleeding vessels and clamp them off. But I can see he is bleeding out; it is not clear if he will survive this. If he does, he will not walk again." Beyond the human damage rendered by the explosives, the HRW report also points to the circumstances in which force was used, pointing out that "in none of the scenes identified by Human Rights Watch where grenades or small arms ammunition were used did it appear that the lives of security force personnel or of others were under threat." In one video recorded in Nukus, where the protests were the largest, a member of the security forces "throws a concussion grenade toward a group of protesters who are carrying a man who appears to have a severely damaged right foot. The grenade detonates next to the protesters, forcing them to drop the wounded man and flee." The Uzbek Interior Ministry released a video in July purporting to show the anti-riot weaponry used by security forces during the protests and stressing its nonlethal nature in the video's voiceover. HRW identified the use of Israeli-manufactured gear but also stressed the apparent use of "significantly heavier projected grenades...that can cause significant injury or death." HRW said that "at least one protester" may have been killed by grenades manufactured by Arsenal AD of Bulgaria, which weigh between five and 10 times more than standard stun grenades and were not shown in the ministry's video. The Bulgarian company did not respond to a request for comment, the group said. A Path Forward? Karakalpakstan takes its name from the Karakalpak minority, whose language is very similar to Kazakh and which has official status inside the republic. The ethnic group does not form a majority of the region's overall population, but is predominant in Nukus, where more than 300,000 people live and where the protests began. The western region makes up nearly 40 percent of Uzbekistan's total area but only about 5 percent of the country's 36 million people. Although Karakalpakstan has been formally entitled to hold a referendum on secession for nearly three decades -- a concession secured in the early years of Uzbekistan's post-Soviet independence -- this prospect never seemed likely. One major obstacle would be Tashkent's general attitude toward competitive elections, since the country has never staged a vote deemed free or fair by international monitors. Indeed, it was the undynamic nature of Uzbekistan's political system, rather than any urgency regarding Karakalpakstan's status, that appeared to prompt the constitutional reform drive. Speaking in June, Senate deputy speaker Sadyk Safaev said that the very fact of adopting a new constitution would be enough to "reset" Mirziyoev's term count and allow him to run for a third consecutive term -- an argument that was also used to prolong Karimov's reign before his death in 2016 after 27 years in power. A return to a seven-year rather than the five-year presidential terms was another perceived advantage for the incumbent. Tashkent has all but admitted that the proposals affecting Karakalpakstan were made in error. Mirziyoev dismissed his chief of staff, Zainilobiddin Nizomiddinov, just days after the crisis, and publicly reprimanded lawmakers from Karakalpakstan's legislature for what he said was their failure to communicate. Yet it is Karakalpakstan residents that participated in the protests who have been punished the most. The ombudswoman's office on November 1 reported that 35 residents had recently been released from prison, bringing the total to more than 100 set free, with unknown numbers still jailed. The ombudswoman's special commission has released a stream of footage showing tearful admissions of guilt from former detainees and even more emotional reunions with their family members. More than a dozen people have also been charged with anti-constitutional crimes and face potentially lengthy spells in prison. There is "limited transparency about the scope of [the Eshmatova] commission's work and its mandate, and the intended outcome of the investigation," HRW noted. The group said it was not even clear if the commission would produce a report. The United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom have all called for a fair investigation into events. In an interview with Voice of America in July, Uzbek Ambassador to the United States Javlon Vakhabov said Tashkent was "talking with leading human rights organizations and hearing their concerns and advice." While Tashkent has claimed foreign involvement in the protests, no official has yet articulated how this alleged involvement took place or by whom. Last month, HRW raised alarm about the detention of four Karakalpak diaspora members in neighboring Kazakhstan -- two of whom were women -- seemingly in response to requests from Tashkent. The four activists detained in mid-September and early October have all applied for asylum in Kazakhstan and would be protected from immediate deportation to Uzbekistan under Kazakh law if officials in Astana agree to review their cases, a lawyer told HRW. The rights group called on Kazakh authorities not to deport them to Uzbekistan, where they "face a serious risk of politically motivated prosecution and torture." The World Gold Council launched a report titled Jewellery market structure recently, as part of a series of in-depth analyses on the Indian gold market. According to the report, supported by the changes in consumer behaviour and government regulations, a paradigm shift has occurred in Indias gold jewellery market over the past few years. While small independent retailers still dominate the landscape, chain stores, both national and regional, have increased steadily over the last decade thereby increasing their market share. However, compared to the retail jewellery trade, changes at the manufacturing level have been relatively slower. Somasundaram PR, Regional CEO, India, World Gold Council, commented: The Indian retail jewellery market has seen several structural changes over the last decade, some driven by regulations and some by a shift in consumer behaviour. While mandatory hallmarking, implemented in its final shape as defined, should provide a level playing field, national and regional chain stores are nevertheless set to gain market share in the current trend because of their access to credit and the large inventory they carry. Small players need to become more transparent and adopt technology faster if they have to gain similar access to credit and protect market share. On the other hand, the manufacturing sector is only at the beginning of its much-needed transformational journey. Jewellery parks, some of which have already been established, will help address concerns about ethical standards and working conditions. The same can help eliminate barriers impeding the growth of the manufacturing industry, further supporting demand positively. Bottom line is - the sector has grown but the wave of change facing the industry due to tech adoption and broader tax compliance in the economy can be a boon for those who are willing to transform and a significant risk for others whose business models continue to rest on legacy practices. About the retail market structure of India, the Report says that over the last few years demonetisation and the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) have helped the industry to become more organised and therefore more transparent. Moreover, shifting consumer preferences have aided industry organisations as customers seek better shopping experiences, transparent pricing, buyback policies, and increasingly purchase via bills and online transactions. Due to the above, chain stores have grown over the last 10-15 years, gaining 35% market share as of 2021. Also, the demand for better designs and consumer experience, a growing awareness about hallmarking, better pricing structures and competitive return policies, have all accelerated the shift towards chain stores. Chain stores, with national operations, focus on daily wear and fast-moving jewellery items (such as chains and rings) and these items account for 50-60% of their business. The report estimates that over the next five years, chain stores will continue to expand, and their market share will surpass 40%. The top five retailers alone are likely to open 800-1,000 stores during this timeframe. The report also points out that the Indian online jewellery market has grown rapidly in the last few years as millennials demand increased. Most sales are driven by consumers aged between 18 and 45. The report projects that the market share of online jewellery could increase to 7 to 10% in the next five years. The challenge that the Report sees is that the Indian gem and jewellery industry still struggles with securing bank credit. More than 20% of loans given to this sector have become non-performing assets (NPAs), resulting in the gem and jewellery industry gaining just 2.7% of India's total credit issuance. Financing is even more troublesome for smaller independent jewellers who tend to rely on the monthly gold scheme for funding or act as money lenders. The report surmises that national and regional chain stores will continue to gain market share because of their access to credit and the large inventory they can carry. Conversely, if smaller players are not able to meet accepted standards of transparency their access to credit will be limited, as banks and financial institutions remain wary of lending to the gem and jewellery sector. A valid observation in the report is that despite being one of the worlds largest fabricators of gold jewellery, Indias manufacturing industry is still highly fragmented and unorganised. The report states that only 15-20% of manufacturing units operate as organised and large-scale facilities which were less than 10% about five years ago. The report attributes this growth to three distinct factors: the expansion of organised retailing; growth in exports; and a clampdown by authorities. The manufacturing industry is still dominated by small jewellery workshops and artisans. While there is no official estimate on the number of manufacturers in India, and many operate independently as freelancers, industry estimates suggest there are 20,000-30,000 manufacturing units across the country. While the artisans form the backbone of the Indian gem and jewellery industry, many still work in extremely poor conditions and are underpaid as compared to other industries. However, the government and industry are focusing on shifting manufacturing from congested centres to jewellery parks and this will aid organisations within the trade. These integrated industrial parks will provide access to facilities for artisans under one roof, including manufacturing units, commercial areas, residences for industrial workers, commercial support services and an exhibition centre. The Indian government, through the introduction of mandatory hallmarking, has attempted to create a level playing field in terms of purity and enable retailers to focus on differentiation. These moves by the government will support demand and eliminate barriers in the manufacturing industry. Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough&Polished Maxim Selikhov is the founder of the SelikhoV Diamonds brand launched in 2006, and the company manufactures unique handmade jewellery with rare high-quality gemstones. He is also known as a collector of unique and large-size jewellery stones who considers them a reliable investment tool, among other things. Maxim Selikhov told R&P about the stones he purchased, recent fine jewellery collections, his participation in auctions and exhibitions, and shared his plans for the future. Is your romancing the stone a romantic hobby? Or it has nothing to do with you personally, as they say, its strictly business, whats your comment? In 2006, due to the unstable global economic situation I decided to invest in precious stones and precious metals. At that time, one-carat diamonds could be bought in Moscow stores for about ten thousand roubles each; four years later, their price increased up to 65,000 roubles. I liked such investments. A similar situation was with gold bars: their cost in Sberbank was 800 roubles per gramme, and the price per one gramme increased to 1,200 roubles in three years. In 2008, I set up my own jewellery brand Selikhov Diamonds taking into account all these factors. From the very beginning, I started buying rare gemstones. Also in 2008, I purchased some natural green polished diamonds. I bought my first small-size 0.60-carat polished diamond in Moscow, and a year later, I was lucky to purchase an 18-carat vivid green colour diamond mined in Yakutia. Before cutting and polishing, it weighed 61.18 carats - such large-size rough diamonds of this colour have not been recovered in the last hundred years. In 2017, the GIAs laboratory confirmed the natural colour and no signs of the gemstone treatment. In 2008-2012, I invested most of my money in polished diamonds. Later, in 2016-2019, I got interested in emeralds, mostly of the Colombian origin, and almost all the best emeralds that appeared in Moscow passed through my hands thanks to my acquaintance who often visited Colombia and was an expert in emeralds, he became my consultant. Later on, the price for emeralds rose by three to four times just within four years. And a few years ago, I bought an auction lot of 17 Paraiba blue tourmalines; these stones had been collected from several mines in Africa for four years. One of the tourmalines was wonderful, it was very large and its weight was 93 carats. After cutting and polishing, it was a 21.42-carat stone of amazing purity and beauty. The stones I collect are mainly bought at world auctions and I have to chase after them, sometimes for several years, because they are very rare. The jewellery pieces made from these stones are also a very good investment. What does the passion for acquiring rare stones is like? Perhaps, this can be compared to a hunting passion. In my previous interview with R&P, I told how I managed to purchase a rare 46.31-carat spinel of a rare purple-red colour. It was mined back in the 1990s at the Kukhilal (Ruby Mountain) spinel deposit in the Pamirs and initially weighed 174 carats. I had chased after it for about three years, then it was cut and polished in Dubai by the best Russian cutters. Two years after this purchase, a beautiful ring was created. Creating all this must require an incredibly meticulous and thorough work? Of course. The designer cutting and polishing required three months and the spinel gemstone got a pear shape and looked like a sakura tree with a bird on it; the colour of the stone was used very correctly and looked beautiful. The Sakura ring with this spinel is adorned with additional 276 pink diamonds, 107 white diamonds and 36 emeralds. It takes more than ten years to make some jewellery pieces like the Temptation ring with the very dark green diamond mined in Yakutia. This year, my brand won the first place in the Russia is My Soul nomination within the framework of the XXI international exhibition InterYuvelir-2022 (InterJeweller 2020) thanks to this jewellery item. How are jewellery pieces usually made? It all starts with stones - it is they that give impetus, determine the image and embodiment - in a word, they rule. In December 2021, the Selikhov Diamonds company participated in a closed auction where it purchased four lots of yellow diamonds, about 190 stones, with a total weight of over 100 carats. And immediately we began working on designing their new jewellery pieces with yellow and pink diamonds. So, by March 8, 18 jewelly pieces were manufactured in just two months. The collection was called the Golden Autumn. When you buy a beautiful stone, you start to think about what can be made out of it, then intensive work begins with our designers, and later on, with our jewellers to manufacture a jewellery item. Sometimes, creating a new piece of jewellery takes up to six months or longer. Your company often takes part in jewellery exhibitions and competitions. What does this participation give? Lets put it this way: my drivers are both commercial aspirations and aesthetic ones. In addition to the PR, I want some recognition, of course. But our participation in various competitions also gives impetus to creativity, achieving new goals, and creating the beauty in various forms. In the Russian Diamond Line competition where our jewellery works became winners, we presented two rings, the Temptation and the Secret of the Empress with a rare Paraiba tourmaline weighing 21.42 carats. Both of our rings were finalists and won the honorary prizes thanks to large-size stones of rare beauty, we mainly focused on them. The Secret of the Empress ring was created for the Modern Heritage of Russia competition, its theme was The Empresss Favourite Flowers. We had a choice several designs offered by our jewellers, and manufacturing the ring took about three months. The Secret of the Empress ring made of 18-karat white gold is decorated with 354 natural diamonds, 16 natural untreated sapphires, with a tourmaline as a central stone. The jewellery piece looks like a lake surrounded by small primroses, the favourite flowers of Catherine the Great. After the exhibition in St. Petersburg, this ring was also displayed at the Jewellery Arabia exhibition held in November 2019 in Manama, the capital of Bahrain. Was a collection with pink diamonds also displayed at that exhibition? Yes, it was our first pink diamond collection and it was a great success. The jewellery pieces were in great demand as they were rare stones. Before the discovery of the Australian Argyle mine, pink diamonds were extremely rare and jewellers almost never used them. In 2021, another dream of mine came true as I purchased pink diamonds at world auctions (since 2020, after the closure of the Rio Tintos Argyle mines, pink diamond prices have increased by 5-10 times within two years). Now, the Selikhov Diamonds brand has the largest collection of pink diamonds in Russia, there are about 70 carats of different sizes and colour intensities. What is your company working on now, what are your plans for the near and long-term future? This spring, we displayed our collection of pink, yellow and green diamonds, the largest in Russia, at the international jewellery exhibition in Sochi. We demonstrated our exclusive handmade jewellery with the rarest stones at that show. The exhibition was such a success that now, at the invitation of the Moscow Export Center, the Selikhov Diamonds company is preparing a collection for our participation in the Jewellery Salon exhibition Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The new collection will include the jewellery items with pink and yellow diamonds, necklaces with pink diamonds, jewellery pieces with rare emeralds, as well as demantoids and alexandrites of the Russian origin. What was the impact of the Western sanctions on the manufacture, purchase of stones and their certification? All stones purchased by our company must be graded at foreign and (or) Russian laboratories. In 2022, the sanctions brought about changes and adversely impacted the Russias jewellery industry. This is mainly due to the refuse of the laboratories in the United States and the European Union to certify the Russian manufacturers gemstones. But the positive dynamics overshadowed the negative one, I mean that the world jewellery brands left Russia, and a large niche became vacant, which is gradually being occupied by our Russian jewellers and Russian brands. Galina Semyonova for Rough&Polished Mali: Council Vote to Renew the Mandate of MINUSMA* This afternoon (29 June), the Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution extending the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) for one year, until 30 June 2023. France, the penholder on Mali, circulated an initial draft text to Council members on 13 June. It convened two expert-level negotiations on 15 and 21 June, before placing the text under silence procedure on 23 June. Multiple delegations subsequently broke silence: the A3 (Gabon, Ghana and Kenya), Brazil, China, India, Russia and the UK. Yesterday (28 June), the A3, Brazil, China, Russia and the US announced that they were breaking a second silence procedure on a revised version of the text, and several other members submitted comments on the draft. Following only a few amendments to the text, France placed the draft resolution in blue yesterday afternoon. During the negotiations, Council members were in agreement on the need to renew MINUSMAs mandate in its current form, as most recently outlined in resolution 2584 of 29 June 2021. The draft resolution in blue maintains the missions force level, its strategic priorities (to support the implementation of the 2015 Peace and Reconciliation Agreement, Malis political transition and efforts to stabilize central Mali), as well as the missions priority and other mandated tasks. The draft text in blue expresses support for the Secretary-Generals plan to conduct an internal review of MINUSMA, which he has proposed in light of recent significant security and political developments in the country. The draft resolution requests that the review be submitted no later than 13 January 2023, and include analysis of the political and security challenges affecting the missions ability to implement its mandate; an assessment of cooperation with the host country authorities and movement restrictions; recommendations on the necessary conditions for MINUSMA to continue operating; and options on MINUSMAs future configuration, force levels and ceiling of uniformed personnel. One of the main issues of disagreement among members during the negotiation was over how to address the reported increase in human rights violations committed by the Malian Defense and Security Forces (MDSF) and restrictions that Malis transitional authorities have been placing on MINUSMAs freedom of movement. The penholder updated this years text to reflect these reported human rights abuses and restrictions. It seems that the European members and the US emphasised the importance of the resolutions text addressing these developments. Several other members, however, raised concerns that highlighting such issues in the text could be perceived as hostile towards the host country and would complicate MINUSMAs efforts to improve relations with the authorities. The A3 members concerns apparently focused on the text having an excessive focus on human rights abuses by the Malian security forces. These members broke silence twice over their preference to streamline the human rights language and to avoid singling out the government forces for human rights violations. It seems that Russia, in addition to objecting to much of the language on human rights violations, also pushed back against highlighting the restrictions the authorities have imposed on MINUSMAs movements. Russia apparently contended that the draft resolution was too critical of the transitional authorities and of their counter-terrorism efforts. China apparently called for greater recognition of the efforts that Malian authorities have made to address the challenges facing the country. On the opposite end, the UK and the US broke silence on 24 June and 28 June, respectively, in part over their view that the text did not go far enough in stressing that UN support to the MDSF should comply with the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP). This may have also reflected concerns that several members share about MINUSMA support to the Malian armed forces potentially being channeled to the private Russian security company, the Wagner Group, that has reportedly been present in Mali since late December 2021 and has been supporting MDSF counter-terrorism operations. The draft resolution in blue appears to reflect compromises in tone and the extent of its coverage of these issues. It includes provisions urging the timely entry and rotation of MINUSMAs international military and police peacekeepersa reference to the Malian authorities having blocked for several months the rotations of peacekeepers of several West African countries because of the sanctions that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed in January against Mali. It further calls for a cessation of all restrictions on freedom of movement, disinformation campaigns and other destabilising activities. The draft text in blue urges the authorities to fight impunity by investigating alleged human rights abuses and ensuring freedom of movement for MINUSMA to implement is current human rights mandate. It also expresses serious concerns about repeated and increased allegations of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law by the MDSF, as documented by MINUSMA in its human rights reporting. A subtle change in the text now requests MINUSMA to report quarterly to the Council on human rights violations, instead of regularly, which appears intended to prompt a more systematic release of its Human Rights Division reports. The draft resolution in blue also reinforces calls for compliance with the HRDDP, although not to the extent that the UK and the US preferred. Another issue was over referring to the presence of the Wagner Group in the country. The draft resolution in blue condemns the use of mercenaries and violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses perpetrated by them. This formulation was used by the Council in resolution 2605 of 12 November 2021 on the Central African Republic (CAR), where the Wagner Group has been present for several years. The US and the UK wanted to identify the Wagner Group by name or replace the term mercenaries with formulations such as foreign security personnel, since they view the group as an extension of the Russian state, and not as a private contractor, as the term mercenary would suggest. These formulations were apparently unacceptable to Russia, leading the penholder to retain the language drawn from the CAR resolution. When breaking silence yesterday, the A3 also objected to a change that had been made to the text regarding the political transition. At Russias request, the draft resolution was amended during the negotiations to call for the transition government to restore constitutional order and hand over power to elected civilian authorities in cooperation with ECOWAS, replacing in agreement with ECOWAS. The A3 opposed the revision, apparently contending that it placed Mali at an equal level to ECOWAS, when Mali is one of several countries that form the sub-regional bloc. They maintained that the Council should respect the language that ECOWAS and the AU Peace and Security Council have used in their communiques and statements on the transition. The penholder merged the two positions, updating the final version of the draft resolution to read in cooperation with ECOWAS in order to reach an agreement. Among the concerns expressed by India and Brazil in breaking silence was a paragraph linking climate change to the security and stability of Mali. These members apparently sought to have security deleted from the text in this context. On the other hand, the A3 reportedly broke silence seeking to strengthen language in this paragraph. The paragraph, which emphasises the need for risk assessment and risk management strategies of climate change, among other issues, remains unchanged in the draft resolution in blue. Another issue during the negotiation was over proposals made by the penholder regarding the Secretary-Generals six-monthly reports on the Group of Five for the Sahel (G5 Sahel) Joint Force (FC-G5S), which he provides separately from his reports on Mali. The proposals included a request that the Secretary-General provide updates on the FC-G5S and also on other existing or potential African counter-terrorist forces in the region. The request was apparently prompted by Malis decision in May to withdraw from the FC-G5S, which has raised concerns about the future of the force. The UK and the US pushed back against making such changes through the MINUSMA resolution and expressed concerns about the UN reporting on issues in areas where it is not present, which led to the removal of the request for information on other security initiatives. However, the draft resolution in blue includes new requests that the Secretary-Generals next report on the FC-G5S provide updates, as appropriate, on the Independent High-Level Panels strategic assessment on Security and Development in the Sahel, which the UN, the AU, ECOWAS and the G5 Sahel recently launched. It should also contain a section assessing how Malis decision to withdraw from the G5-Sahel affects MINUSMAs support to the FC-G5S, which the peacekeeping mission has been authorised to provide since December 2017. The draft resolution in blue updates some of the information that the Secretary-Generals quarterly reports on Mali should convey. This includes information on instances in which MINUSMA was unable to reach civilians to carry out is mandated activities and respond to potential protection threats and all instances of interference with MINUSMAs activities by all actors, including violations of the [Status of Forces Agreement], denied flight authorisations, attacks, provocations and incitement to hatred and violence and disinformation and misinformation campaigns against MINUSMA. ______________________________________________________________ *Post-script: On 29 June, the Security Council adopted resolution 2640, extending the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) for one year, until 30 June 2023. For the first time since MINUSMAs creation in 2013, the Council did so without unanimity, as China and Russia abstained on the vote. Speaking at the adoption, Malis Permanent Representative reiterated Malis firm opposition to the freedom of movement of MINUSMA in the execution of its human rights mandate and said that it does not intend to implement those provisions of the resolution (S/PV.9082). Afrique du Sud : le president accuse d'avoir "achete" sa place au pouvoir par Zuma L'ex-president sud-africain Jacob Zuma, dans une nouvelle attaque contre son successeur Cyril Ramaphosa a un peu plus d'un mois d'une echeance cruciale en vue de la presidentielle, a accuse dimanche ce dernier d'avoir "achete" son poste de president du parti au pouvoir, l'ANC. Le Congres national africain (ANC) doit se reunir mi-decembre pour choisir ou non d'investir M. Ramaphosa candidat a un second mandat lors de l'election presidentielle de 2024, en le reelisant president du parti. "Cyril Ramaphosa a ete clairement accuse d'avoir depense beaucoup d'argent pour acheter son poste de president de l'ANC", a lance M. Zuma devant de nombreux soutiens a Durban (sud-est). Dansant sur scene et scandant "Amandla!" ("Pouvoir!"), il a accuse l'actuel chef d'Etat d'avoir "manipule le processus democratique". Le financement de la campagne de M. Ramaphosa pour la direction de l'ANC en 2017 avait suscite la controverse. Il avait notamment ete accuse d'avoir menti au Parlement sur une donation de 500.000 rands (environ 28.000 euros) d'un groupe industriel. M. Ramaphosa, 69 ans, avait finalement ete blanchi par la Cour constitutionnelle et avait pris les renes du pays apres la demission en 2018 de Jacob Zuma, englue dans les scandales. Condamne a quinze mois de prison ferme pour avoir obstinement refuse de repondre a une commission anti-corruption, M. Zuma, 80 ans, a fini de purger sa peine le mois dernier. Il etait en liberte conditionnelle pour raison de sante. Son incarceration en juillet 2021 avait declenche une vague de violences meurtrieres et des pillages dans un contexte socio-economique difficile. L'ancien president, qui reste le plus grand rival politique de Cyril Ramaphosa, avait deja porte une violente charge contre lui le mois dernier, l'accusant de "trahison" et d'etre "corrompu". Elu sur la promesse d'eradiquer la corruption, M. Ramaphosa est dans la tourmente depuis plusieurs mois. Il est vise par une enquete autour de mysterieuses sommes en liquide decouvertes au cours d'un cambriolage dans l'une de ses proprietes. Une commission independante designee par le Parlement doit rendre ses conclusions la semaine prochaine. Les resultats de cette enquete pourraient conduire a un eventuel vote au Parlement pour la destitution de M. Ramaphosa, qui a denonce une manuvre politique. SHANGHAI, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 5th World Laureates Forum kicked off Sunday in Shanghai, gathering 60 decorated scientists, including 27 Nobel Prize winners, at the two-day event online and offline. Themed "Science Forward: Create a Bright Future," the forum would host over 20 activities, focusing on topics such as sustainable development, food security, and gender equality in the scientific field. At the opening ceremony, the World Laureates Association (WLA) Prize was awarded to two scientists. The 2022 WLA Prize in Computer Science or Mathematics went to American computer scientist Michael I. Jordan, and German biochemist Dirk Gorlich won the 2022 WLA Prize in Life Science or Medicine. Apart from a medal and certificate, each received a reward of 10 million yuan (about 1.38 million U.S. dollars). Established in Shanghai, the WLA Prize aims to recognize and support eminent researchers and technologists worldwide for their contributions to science. It was the first time the awards took place. Co-organized by the WLA and the China Association for Science and Technology, the forum aims to build a platform for high-level dialogue in the international scientific community. Google has been busy, on Friday morning, November 4th, I began to see new signals of another Google search ranking algorithm update. Over the next 24 hours, those signals escalated and while Google has not confirmed there was an update, there are for sure signs that there was a Google search update. The update also seems pretty significant, with a nice amount of chatter and the tracking tools, at least most of them, showing big spikes on the 4th and 5th of November. SEO Chatter Here is some of the chatter I picked up on in the WebmasterWorld forums: Anyone else seeing some movement today? (UK manufacturing/soft furnishings) I'm seeing a noticeable shift to e-commerce results in lieu of informational results. Someone searching for something like "elephant buses in Thailand" (okay, I made that one up) now has to wade through three ads and three organic e-commerce results before reaching an informational result (whether the latter is a Wikipedia article or an article from elephant-travel-in-thailand.com). Yes. Only way to describe it is a major crash in traffic early this morning. I'm down about 80%. Ecom/USA I've noticed Wikipedia dropping from pretty much the top of most searches in favor of more video. My miraculous October 28th recovery is still going. As of today, I have almost completely reversed Spam Update, Product Reviews Update, September Core Update and Helpful Content Update. Another big drop since Friday. We are down to 40%. And we are now replaced with websites that are not even related to our niche, like Hardware Stores. It would be like we would sell sausages in your tech. related shop and would rank for it. All our competitors are down, too. it seems that google has to compensate for the lost revenue from last quarter. Interestingly my global site's first weekday of November average was completely normal, my weekends are usually 50-75% but this weekend it was 76.3% and 81.7%. My most popular widget pages are still the same with only minor movements +/-1 positions. However Realworld business inquiries have dropped dramatically this past couple of weeks or so, especially from the West. I do expect "Western" inquiries to drop at this time of year since, basically, retail Xmas demand needs to have been shipped by now I usually do get inquiries for Jan-Mar despatch but these have not, as yet, started happening. International shipping rates are nearly back to normal therefore that is not the issue, I am suspecting recession/stock not moving is the cause, the next few weeks running up to Xmas will be much more telling since Easter sales for many Western retailers are their busiest time of year. I would not say for sure there were any reversals, more like Google tweaks and adjusts these algorithms after they go out. Glenn Gabe also posted an example: Another example of a site pummeled by the Helpful Content Update, then hit hard by the September broad core update, & now seeing *more* of a drop starting on 11/3. Is the latest drop another unconfirmed update or the HCU continuing to do its thing? Only Google knows. Muahahaha :) pic.twitter.com/45iCOkZchU Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) November 6, 2022 Google Tracking Tools Here are what the tracking tool are showing: Semrush: RankRanger: Accuranker: Cognitive SEO: SERPmetrics: Mozcast: Advanced Web Rankings: Algoroo: Are you noticing any big ranking swings from the weekend? Let us know. Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld. Collectives and individuals honoured for contributions to the Vietnam-Cambodia friendship promotion. (Photo: VNA) The official was addressing a November 6 conference to review the implementation of the program in southern Binh Phuoc province which borders Cambodia. The event, part of the sixth edition of the Vietnam - Cambodia people's friendship meeting and cooperation program, drew Vice President of the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP), Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia and Chairwoman of the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Association Men Sam An, and Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam Chay Navuth. Khanh said that over the past decade, numerous activities have been organized to assist thousands of Cambodian students, including providing rewards, gifts, and scholarships to the students; organizing meetings, friendship exchanges, field trips, and fact-finding tours for them; and supporting them with essential supplies in their study and stay in Vietnam. Participants agreed that through the activities, the relationship between the sponsors and Cambodian students has been strengthened. As a result, the majority of the students have become more confident and shown strong academic performance. After their study in Vietnam, they found stable jobs and kept regular contact with their Vietnamese sponsors. Nguyen Thi Thanh, President of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association, said that the program has helped strengthen the political trust, solidarity, friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia, while educating the youth of the two countries on the bilateral friendship, enhancing their sense of responsibility in preserving and reinforcing the long-lasting traditional solidarity and friendship between the two nations. Associate Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Tien, Chairman of the Thai Binh Medical University, said during 40 years of training Cambodian students, the university has provided great support to them, especially in Vietnamese language learning. At the event, the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association presented the For Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship insignia to 75 individuals in recognition of their contributions to the promotion of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, and certificates of merit to six collectives and individuals for their active involvement in the sowing the seeds of friendship program in the 2012-2022 period. A central bank digital currency (CBDC) can play a key role in providing access to digital payments without the requirement of a bank account and the access would be facilitated by a central bank-issued digital wallet, said industry stakeholders. The rollout of the e-rupee has been one of the most sought-after developments, since its announcement in the FY23 Union budget. Jaya Vaidhyanathan, CEO of BCT Digital, said that the RBI's commencement of the pilot of the digital rupee marks appreciable progress in the journey toward digital payments. "The initiative has started in the low volume, high-value wholesale (interbank) segment from where learnings would be used to roll out reliable, built-to-scale retail payments," said Vaidhyanathan. The pilot announcement involves nine banks, including the SBI, the Bank of Baroda, the HDFC Bank, the Yes Bank, the Kotak Mahindra Bank, and the ICICI Bank, settling secondary market transactions in government securities, thereby reducing settlement risk and transaction costs. "A successful pilot and by extension, a full rollout of the digital rupee is expected to boost the reach of payment and financial needs of a wider category of users while ensuring transparency and low operational cost, and in this regard, it is encouraging to witness the RBI's support for innovation in creating a world-class, future-ready digital ecosystem," Vaidhyanathan stressed. India has one of the most technologically-evolved currencies in the world, and the e-rupee will put it in the forefront of true digital payments and improve financial inclusion. "The popularity of a digital rupee backed by the RBI will help bring legitimacy to other private digital currency like crypto. While we wait for clarity on how it is implemented, it is a positive step towards the acceptance of digital currency," said Prashant Kumar, Founder and CEO at weTrade. According to Arjun Khazanchi, Co-Founder and Chief Legal and Strategy Officer at Rooba.Finance, the CBDC is an ambitious project where the government has been silently working to disrupt the financial system which has traditionally been opaque, cash dependent, and highly-inefficient. "The first use case is going to be for the secondary market transactions in government securities. This move may even boost liquidity, remove inefficient and redundant processes while reducing transaction costs. This would also enable increased transparency between the participants," Khazanchi contended. Through this, the government expects to also be able to reduce settlement risk which is one of the biggest use cases for Blockchain in financial markets. There are some fears regarding the privacy and overt control that the government may possess over the CBDCs. "However, some commentary may be over exaggerated with intent being presumed. Retail CBDC is still far away and would require a lot of education and technical training before being imposed," said Khazanchi. The CBDCs could help preserve the role of public fiat in monetary policy, securing central banks' role in protecting financial stability in their markets. It provides a public, digital alternative to cash and private digital money. According to Manish Sharma, Founding Partner of Centricity Wealth Tech, the CBDCs can play a key role in providing access to digital payments without the requirement of a bank account. "Public-private partnerships will be essential to the success of a CBDC launch, enabling central banks to leverage established infrastructure and client relationships. Such alliances will help central banks implement use cases aligned with end-user needs, complementing their gaps in capabilities and knowledge of consumption habits, particularly in a retail scenario," Sharma said. By engaging commercial banks and other private stakeholders (technology enablers, merchants, users) in the launch process, central banks will also foster a broader sense of ownership, manage fears of displacement, and increase the probability of successful adoption. Mahesh Shukla, CEO and Founder, PayMe India, said the RBI is further looking forward to focus on other wholesale transactions and cross-border payment, which can be projected as steps to ease the ways of financing for the general public. Thank you for visiting the Daily Journal. Please purchase an Enhanced Subscription to continue reading. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! There are only a few sights capable of outshining the Sydney Harbour Bridge on a sparkling day, and 108-year-old Australian dancer Eileen Kramer is one of them. Emerging from a black Mercedes in a flowing white dress and golden ballet slippers, she greets her friends by name and notes their own beauty: What a lovely looking group of people. Kramer and a dozen or so of her closest friends and fellow dancers gathered at the Bangarra Dance studios at Dawes Point on Monday to celebrate the 108th birthday of one of Australias living treasures. Eileen Kramer celebrates her 108th birthday with her closest friends and fellow dancers at Walsh Bay on Monday. Credit:Edwina Pickles Born in Mosman Bay on November 8, 1914, Kramer was here before our famous bridge spanned Sydney Harbour, before the Luna Park face looked out onto the water, and before the sails of the Opera House were raised into the citys blue sky. Australia Uncovered: The Cleaning Company & Kids Raising Kids This weeks instalment of the SBS documentary series is a film by Lachlan McLeod delving into the world of trauma cleaning and the story of the late Sandra Pankhurst, whose company Specialised Trauma Cleaning services (STC) cleans crime scenes, suicide sites and the houses of hoarders. Theres blood, theres viscera, there are rats and used syringes, but also a stunning amount of compassion. Pankhurst was the subject of Sarah Krasnosteins acclaimed 2017 book The Trauma Cleaner, and this is a sequel of sorts, following Pankhursts final few years (she died in 2021) and giving greater insight into her companys employees. The late Sandra Pankhurst, founder of forensic cleaning service STC. Credit:Walking Fish Productions It also re-tells her remarkable life story: Pankhurst suffered abuse at the hands of her adoptive parents, and came out as a transgender woman after a failed marriage in the 1970s. She then worked as a drag performer, a sex worker and a funeral director before starting her own business doing the shittiest jobs that nobody else wants in the 1990s. Beginning on her own with one van, she grew the business into Victorias largest crime-scene cleaning company. Hundreds of elderly hip fracture patients are suffering from undiagnosed delirium every year in Australian hospitals, leaving them vulnerable to serious complications and death. One in every four hip fracture patients is not being assessed for delirium before surgery, the latest analysis of the Australian and New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry reveals. One in every four hip fracture patients is not being assessed for delirium before surgery, new data shows. Credit:Getty Images Among Australian patients who did undergo cognitive assessment, more than one-third (39 per cent) were diagnosed with delirium, the report found. It is based on 15,300 hip fractures across 93 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand in 2021 and compiled by Neuroscience Research Australia. The registrys co-chair and principal research fellow at Neuroscience Research Australia, Professor Jacqueline Close, said the findings confirmed delirium was woefully underreported. Nobody ought to be surprised by reports in this masthead that the teal independents who swept Liberals from their heartland seats were bankrolled by money from the big end of town, with Atlassian founders Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar donating a collective $2.5 million to their Climate 200 backers, and eastern suburbs share trader Rob Keldoulis spending $1.85 million. But whats clearer, thanks to fuller data published by the Australian Electoral Commission on Monday, is just how hard Australias wealthiest people turned against the Liberal Party with both their votes and wallets, firing up the unstoppable Climate 200 machine. Teals Sophie Scamps, Zoe Daniel, Monique Ryan, Allegra Spender and Kylea Tink all ousted Liberals at the federal election. Credit:Jessica Hromas, Penny Stephens, Luis Enrique Ascui, James Alcock, Getty Images Take Polka Dot Ventures, which gave $325,000 to Climate 200 plus a separate $50,000 to Wentworth MP Allegra Spender (who raked in the most donations). Its sole director is Andrew Killion, co-founder of trading firm Akuna Capital, who returned to Australia from Chicago in 2011 and promptly purchased a $30 million Vaucluse trophy home. And hes no outlier. For all the teal schtick about grassroots activism, the one thing the movements big donors have in common is very expensive real estate in some of Australias wealthiest suburbs. Take William Taylor Nominees, for example. It gave $500,000 to Climate 200, $100,000 to Spender and $70,000 to Sophie Scamps, is run by investor James Taylor, and registered to a $15 million Bondi home. While these late works came together over many months, it took incredible determination to bring them to a conclusion the same determination Harding displayed throughout his career. He was up for every challenge, including the challenge of cancer, which he fought fiercely, refusing to give up hope. Harding looked so thin and frail when he accepted the prize it seemed inconceivable he had summoned up the energy to paint such a monumental work. It was, however, the second huge landscape he had completed in successive years, the first, Wilpena Pound and Eucalyptus (Sliding Rock), being the stand-out painting in the exhibition Tree of Life, held at the S. H. Ervin Gallery in May last year. When Nicholas Harding was awarded the 2022 Wynne Prize for landscape, one sensed it wasnt simply a vote for a single painting but for a lifetimes achievement. This is not to detract from his winning canvas, Eora a vast bushland scene, almost two by four metres, a scale that might have intimidated most artists, let alone one who was battling a deadly illness. Nicholas Harding was born in Shooters Hill, in south-east London, in 1956. His father, Colin, worked for the Bank of NSW, and now lives in retirement in the Southern Highlands. Nicholas deceased mother, Vi, was a secretary. The Hardings migrated to Australia in 1965, living first in Balmain before moving to Normanhurst, where Nicholas attended high school. He began a Bachelor of Arts at Macquarie University but dropped out after six months. His ambition was to be an artist, and perhaps the only classes he really enjoyed were in life drawing. Throughout his career Harding was a prolific and compulsive draughtsman. Having never gone to art school, Harding suffered all the frustrations and insecurities of the self-taught. His drawing skills secured him work as an animator with Hanna-Barbera, a job he began in 1977 and pursued for more than two decades. By the time he gave up the business he was directing animated commercials. While working in animation Harding taught himself to paint, but by 1986 and age 30 he had still not made the slightest impression. He considered giving up, but instead discovered the work of British painter Frank Auerbach. What made Auerbach unique was the way he trowelled on the oil paint, creating canvases that resembled relief sculptures. Yet the subject matter never strayed far from everyday life mostly pictures of the streets where he lived, and portraits of friends. Artist Nicholas Harding. Credit:Sahlan Hayes Harding had discovered a visual language and an attitude that suited his own temperament. He began painting pictures of suburban Newtown and Redfern, or the streets around Central Station, in thick impasto. Oils were applied in great slabs, with lines gouged out of a clay-like surface, although his palette was restrained, as he tentatively explored the possibilities of colour. At the same time he was making large, heavily worked ink drawings on paper that had been roughed up in advance. The NSW government has given taxi plate owners just 24 hours to accept an improved compensation deal paid for by increasing a passenger levy by 20 cents a trip and keeping it in place until 2030. Describing the package as final, Transport Minister David Elliott said the NSW Taxi Council had until Tuesday to accept the offer, which had been increased by $260 million to $905 million, making it the most generous compensation in the country if not the world. Transport Minister David Elliott has called on the Taxi Council to accept the improved offer. Credit:Edwina Pickles My appeal to the Taxi Council today is overturn your rejection of this compensation package. Please embrace it today. Because tomorrow will be too late, he said. The package is aimed at compensating taxi licence holders for the slump in the value of their plates following the governments decision in late 2015 to legalise ride-sharing services such as Uber. We walk this path that nobody wants to be on it is the most excruciating pain, made worse by having to fight our way through this broken system. In a report released in April, a NSW parliamentary inquiry recommended root-and-branch reform of the coronial system including establishment of the Coroners Court as an autonomous and specialist court, similar to the Childrens Court. NSW does not have a stand-alone, specialist Coroners Court but uses a hybrid model, administered by the Local Court, where six full-time coroners are employed in Sydney, and country and regional magistrates act as part-time coroners across the rest of the state. An inquest on an incident like this should have been a no-brainer. Jacqueline Quinlivan, whose husband Lyndon died in a workplace accident in 2018. The state was the only jurisdiction in Australia in which country magistrates and court registrars continue to undertake coronial responsibilities, the NSW Bar Association said, and the court was significantly under-resourced, with just six specialist coroner positions compared with 14 in Victoria. The parliamentary committee also called for additional dedicated coroners, including at least one full-time coroner for each region. Regional magistrates should no longer be required to perform any coronial duties, the report said. In a response last week, the government noted, but did not commit to, the plan. It said it would continue to assess opportunities to strengthen the structure and operations of the coronial jurisdiction in NSW. Christina, left, and Caroline Coulston with their father Tony Coulston, who died from falling out of bed at Port Macquarie Base Hospital in 2021. In a separate incident on the NSW Mid North Coast, Tony Coulston was left vomiting blood and died after he fell out of his hospital bed in 2021. His family were denied an inquest even though an internal investigation by Port Macquarie Base Hospital exposed multiple shortcomings in Coulstons care. Tonys daughter, Christina Coulston, said the government needed to state for the record why it would not implement all of the inquirys recommendations. Is it budgetary or that a huge number of system failings that they dont want to address would be exposed? she said. Loading Our family sees the NSW government response to the parliamentary inquiry as more of the same more inequity for rural and regional communities, forced to accept the appalling standard of healthcare, preventable deaths and cover-ups. George Newhouse, chief executive and principal solicitor of the National Justice Project, said the governments response was disappointing and grieving families deserve better. They deserve a coronial system that can deliver justice through truth, accountability and prevention, he said. The government did not commit to further funding for the court, beyond an existing 2021-22 budget commitment for one additional magistrate to be assigned exclusively to the coronial jurisdiction and funding for a case management unit. Our family sees the NSW government response to the ... inquiry as more of the same more inequity for rural and regional communities. Christina Coulston, whose father Tony died after he fell out of his hospital bed in 2021. Former deputy NSW coroner Hugh Dillon, who has long called for a shake-up of the states antiquated coronial system, said, Nearly half the deaths reported occur in rural and regional NSW. Health statistics show that premature and preventable death rates are higher in the country than in Sydney. Yet country magistrates conduct few inquests and make death preventive recommendations on average only three times per annum. They are expected to carry heavy criminal workloads and manage coronial cases. They cant do both. Bar Association president Gabrielle Bashir, SC, called on the government to reconsider its position. The Aboriginal Legal Service described the governments response to the inquiry as extremely disappointing, including its failure to support a recommendation to require coroners to examine whether systemic issues played a role in any death. To note a recommendation is essentially to put it on the backburner, principal legal officer Nadine Miles said. Upper house Labor MP Adam Searle, who chaired the parliamentary inquiry, said the jurisdiction needed additional resources as a matter of urgency. The crisis in the jurisdiction is more pronounced in rural and regional NSW. The need for all communities in NSW to have full-time coroners attending to their matters is pressing and should be attended to as a matter of urgency, he said. Attorney-General Mark Speakman said that resourcing and structural matters concerning the coronial jurisdiction remain under review. The NSW government recognises the trauma and grief experienced by families and communities affected by an unexpected or unexplained death and remains committed to strengthening our coronial jurisdiction, he said. He said the government had considered the report carefully and was pleased to support, or support in principle, 15 of 35 recommendations. It had already established a taskforce before the inquiry aimed at reducing delays and improving families experiences. Loading A range of reforms was already under way, such as changes to make the coronial pathway easier to navigate for grieving families and friends, including those in regional locations, and supporting the courts efforts to reduce preventable deaths and make our community safer. Alannah MacTiernan has announced her retirement from politics, saying its time for her to pass the baton. She will step down from cabinet before Christmas and leave politics in January. Regional Development minister Alannah MacTiernan announces her retirement alongside WA Premier Mark McGowan. Credit:Hamish Hastie MacTiernan is one of WA Labors best-known political figures and is currently its longest-serving parliamentarian, including her time as a state politician and a three-year stint as a member for Perth in federal parliament from 2013 to 2016. She will perhaps be best remembered for her role as planning and infrastructure minister in the Gallop and Carpenter governments where she oversaw the construction of the hugely successful Mandurah rail line and Forrest Highway. It is in Russian President Vladimir Putins interests to prolong the Ukraine conflict as long as possible to stave off a reckoning by his citizens over the invasion, one of the worlds leading war experts says. Sir Lawrence Freedman, emeritus professor of war studies at Kings College London, said the eight-month campaign had shown Putin was far from the master strategist many assumed. If [Vladimir Putin] can keep this a draw and keep the war ticking over, thats the best he can hope for, Sir Lawrence Freedman says. Credit:Edwina Pickles Freedman said Chinese President Xi Jinping was clearly unimpressed with Putin and that Russias failure to subdue Ukraine offered China important lessons about the potential difficulty of invading Taiwan. He said he did not believe Putin could negotiate his way out of the war, even though the Russian military had suffered heavy casualties and recently lost control of vast swaths of territory. A global human trafficking syndicate has exploited flaws in Australian border security and the immigration system. See all 15 stories . Suspected visa scams have brought thousands of workers into Australia using false claims that have choked the system, fuelling fears about illicit labour as the government launches a sweeping review of the migration regime. The schemes have left Australia with a growing underclass of workers who are waiting on a legal system that takes 812 days on average to decide each case, according to a new warning about labour trafficking. Former head of the Treasury Martin Parkinson will lead a review of the visa system, with another review to look at migration scams. Credit:Louie Douvis The federal government has cleared the way for an overhaul of the visa rules by naming former Treasury secretary Martin Parkinson to review the system, but a second inquiry is being prepared to investigate the migration scams. Parkinson said it was indisputable the migration system was not working. Two key state accountability bodies have warned laws proposed by the government to tackle public sector integrity could have a chilling effect on their work and pose a threat to the publics trust in them. Queensland Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen (left) and Human Rights Commissioner Scott McDougall (right) have raised concerns about elements of the state governments first tranche of laws to address the Coaldrake review. The public sector bill is one of two sprawling pieces of legislation introduced by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in her governments first moves to act on the recent Coaldrake review of public sector accountability. Under the proposed laws, a new power would allow a minister to order a review into the agencies with powers including the ability to enter offices, request documents and interview staff. The Queensland Human Rights Commission warned in a submission the potential for such powers to be misused and the chilling effect of their existence would seriously undermine its independence in handling complaints often relating to government or ministers. Three years after the process began, the Western Australian government has abandoned the sale of state-owned bookmaker TAB. In a statement released late Monday Premier Mark McGowan and Racing and Gaming Minister Tony Buti announced the sale process would be terminated and the state would retain ownership. WA Premier Mark McGowan. Credit:Hamish Hastie They said despite prudent and exhaustive efforts the government could not reach an agreement that ensured the sale would be in the best long term interest of the state and local racing industry. Significant time and effort have been committed in an attempt to deliver an outcome that balances the long-term interests of both the State and local racing industry despite exhaustive efforts a balanced outcome cannot be achieved, McGowan said. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size With the recent upheaval at Twitter since entrepreneur Elon Musk took over, some users have been leaving the platform, and one name keeps coming up as their new social media stomping ground Mastodon. Its not an extinct animal, nor a heavy metal band, but rather software that pulls together different servers operated by thousands of people and organisations. It also has a language of its own including toots rather than tweets. As Mastodon snatches 230,000 more users in the week following Musks Twitter takeover to bring its total number of active users to 655,000 the influx in traffic is causing growing pains for the platform and confusion for some new users. But it has also thrown a different model of social media into the spotlight. How does Mastodon work and where did it come from? Credit:Artwork: Stephen Kiprillis What is Mastodon? European software developer Eugen Rochko created Mastodon in 2016 as an alternative to Twitter. As well as being the founder, Rochko is the chief executive and operates the software not-for-profit. The platform says its social networking thats not for sale. Advertisement Mastodon also describes itself as decentralised social media. Rather than a central corporation offering and managing the platform, Mastodon is made up of thousands of independently run servers, also known as instances, which each have their own rules and moderation policies. A big fleet of spaceships floating around in space with some way to communicate with each other, is how digital media professor Jean Burgess, from Queensland University of Technology, describes Mastodon. There is a person who has been the main driver of Mastodons software project, Burgess says. But that person doesnt control what happens on any instance on Mastodon. Thats up to the users of that instance and the admin of that server. What are the main differences between Mastodon and Twitter? For users, Mastodon is similar to Twitter at a basic level they are both microblogging platforms with a feed of posts, users follow each other and there are hashtags. Posts on Mastodon can be 500 characters, labelled toots rather than tweets, which Twitter caps at 280 characters. The main difference for users of the newer platform, though, is no algorithm dictates what they see or when they see it. When users like a post, this does not appear to other users, reducing the pile-on that can occur with popular posts on Twitter. Mastodon also does not have the capacity for users to quote other peoples posts. Burgess, who joined Mastodon earlier this year, says its so far very friendly and a lot less shouty than Twitter. Advertisement Newcomers must join a server to participate rather than sign up through a centralised interface as Twitter users do. The servers that users can join range from general use such as mastodon.social, which currently has about 145,000 users, to regional servers such as aus.social. There are also interest groups, including those for heavy-metal music lovers and gaming communities. Many Twitter users making the switch report trouble making sense of how Mastodon works. Well Ive already had to google how to join Mastodon so this is off to a good start, one Brisbane social media user tweeted. Loading What are the pros and cons of Mastodon? Users who have embraced Mastodon say they are excited the platform offers a way of connecting with communities without the polarisation that has come to haunt Twitter. This shows that the design of a social media platform can influence user behaviour, says Australian National Universitys Professor Seth Lazar, who leads research projects through the Machine Intelligence and Normative Theory Lab. Twitter kind of nudges you towards a certain type of kind of performative outrage, Lazar says. Mastodon tries to encourage people not to do that. And the main way it does that is it encourages people to make liberal use of content warnings. The decentralised model comes with challenges too, such as servers that each have different rules and content moderation policies to limit and filter harmful content. The popular mastodon.social server lists six rules for users, including warnings for sexually explicit and violent content; bans on racism, sexism and homophobia; and bans on incitement of violence, harassment and sharing intentionally false information. Advertisement Lazar says the decentralised model does not necessarily mean content moderation should be more difficult than on Twitter. If you find that there are other online communities that are not meeting the standards of toleration that you have in your community, well, then, you as a community can look at that whole instance [server]. So far, mastodon.social has either limited or suspended its users from interacting with more than 150 other servers deemed inappropriate. But Lazar has not abandoned Twitter, and finds value in both platforms. I like Twitter because ... [as an academic] people feel it is sort of bypassing publication time people will post about new papers and new models, he says. But you have to wade through so much drama in order to get to the stuff you actually want. And the idea is, with Mastodon, it should make that a lot easier to avoid ... [I]f you want, you can just opt out of virality entirely. How fast can Mastodon grow? As a non-profit run by volunteers, Mastodon has very different goals to Twitter, and is not built to grow as fast as a Silicon Valley start-up, whereas Twitter reported 238 million daily active users in the second quarter of this year. Mastodon is free to use but donation service Patreon has membership options for it and states that the platform is raising more than $23,000 a month. The Mastodon website also lists more than two dozen supporters of the platform, including several online casinos. The influx of users has caused growing pains for the platform. Rochko posted on the platform last week, While its nice to see your work finally taken seriously in the mainstream, the 12-14 hour workdays Ive had to pull to handle everything is anything but. He said in another post, I rarely talk about how tough this job can be, since I feel responsibility to only associate positive things with the project. But it is a lot of responsibilities, and a lot of stress, for what can sometimes feel like inadequate pay. The platform does not have paid advertising, but there is nothing stopping a user from writing a post that advertises a product. Advertisement Seoul: North Koreas military said its recent barrage of missile tests were practice runs to mercilessly strike key South Korean and US targets, such as air bases and operation command systems with a variety of missiles that likely included nuclear-capable weapons. The announcement on Monday (Seoul time) underscored leader Kim Jong-uns determination not to back down in the face of his rivals push to expand their military exercises. But some experts say Kim also used their drills as an excuse to modernise his nuclear arsenal and increase his leverage in future dealings with Washington and Seoul. A TV at Seoul Railway Station shows North Koreas missile launches. Credit:AP North Korea fired dozens of missiles and flew warplanes towards the sea last week triggering evacuation alerts in some South Korean and Japanese areas in protest of massive US-South Korean air force drills that the North views as an invasion rehearsal. US and South Korean officials responded they would further enhance their joint training events and warned North Korea that the use of nuclear weapons would result in the end of Kims regime. ~Government seeks to improve safety measures~ PHILIPSBURG:--- A delegation from the Ministry of Justice and Security, Department National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCSC) recently paid a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs Ms. Silveria Jacobs. The delegation visited St. Maarten for stakeholder sessions regarding the development of a Security Strategy for the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Coordinated by the NCSC in the Netherlands, this Security Strategy is currently being developed with the involvement of all countries in the Kingdom. A strategy is an important tool because it outlines the long-term approach to secure the Kingdom of the Netherlands against threats to our national security. This is extremely important as there are currently conflicts happening worldwide that can have an effect on St. Maarten notwithstanding threats such as cyber security, the effects of climate change, and pandemics. The objective of having a Security Strategy is to enhance the resilience and safety of the Kingdom. The delegation met with several stakeholders, internal as well as external. Topics discussed were climate- and natural disasters, disaster risk management, threat to critical infrastructure, infectious diseases, cyber-attacks, and organized crime. During the various stakeholder sessions, the attendees were able to give relevant input to the Security Strategy from the perspective of Sint Maarten, highlighting the risks and threats unique to our island. It is essential for us to develop plans that are not just reactive, but those that will anticipate potential limitations to the Kingdoms security protocols. As a Small Island Developing State, it is imperative that we secure ourselves by lending our voice and exposing weaknesses, so they can be secured, said Prime Minister Jacobs. The outcome from the stakeholder sessions will be provided to the stakeholders for review and further comments. In addition to this, a project group has been formed consisting of members from the various countries within the Kingdom to further gather the necessary information and data as well as to guide the development of the Security Strategy. The first draft of the Security Strategy is expected at the end of the first quarter of 2023. PHILIPSBURG:--- The presentation on the Unity Flag was scheduled for 10 am. I am told your Honorable Members of Parliament were present but a number of them did not SIGN INTO the meeting (lack of quorum) resulting in the meeting not going ahead publicly. Do remember your favorite MPs that decide to play politics with the topic of the UNITY FLAG, days before St. Martin Day. It seems the presenters will give the presentation to the MPs present but it will not be broadcasted to the public. MPs that boycott Unity Flag meeting Grisha Heyliger, Ludmilla Duncan, Melissa Gumbs, Emmanuel, and Wescot Williams. Bear in mind they were in the parliament building. Angelique Roumou is off the island while Brownbill reported being sick... Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities is the best horror anthology Ive seen in years! It delivers on all fronts, and I love that del Toro who introduces every episode a la Hitchcock or Rod Serling is particularly interested in showcasing his directors. I loved the use of the cabinet in the intro and the opening credits. In addition, the cast of the series is also nothing to sneeze at nor are the writers! Definitely the complete package. If you havent yet watched, what are you waiting for?!? Rather than do an extensive review of each episode, Im going to do a quick summary and list each episode from my least favorite to my most favorite. To be clear, #8 for me was pretty bad, but really, the rest of the episodes are really good and #7-#3 are actually all pretty close in order for me Each episode slots pretty neatly into either monster, ghost, supernatural, or alien horror story or a combination of them. Overall, the effects are what you would expect (excellent) from a high-profile streaming anthology. At number 8 is The Viewing. The episode was written by Panos Cosmatos and Aaron Stewart-Ahn () and was directed by Panos Cosmatos ( writer and director). The episode had plenty of star power: Peter Weller (Lionel Lassiter), Charlyne Yi (Charlotte Xie), Eric Andre (Randall Roth), Steve Agee (Guy Landon), Sofia Boutella (Dr Zahra), and Michael Therriault (Targ Reinhhard). Wealthy weirdo Lassiter invites extraterrestrial scientist Xie, musician Roth, author Landon, and psychic Reinhhard) to his home to view what turns out to be a monster but only after sitting around in a painfully 70s setting the orange pretty much gave me a headache taking drugs and drinking. The entire thing was a 70s fever dream and I hated 70s cinema music in the 70s and have never gained an appreciation for it. I found this episode badly paced and even fell asleep. The fast-paced action and gore at the end wasnt enough to save this one for me. Next for me was The Outside which was based on a webcomic by Emily Carroll with a teleplay by Haley Z Boston. I adore Emily Carrolls work, but it often plays with negative space and thus can feel like theres something missing. The episode was directed by Ana Lily Amirpour (). The story plays on the pressure to conform to societys definition of beautiful. Stacey (Kate Micucci) does taxidermy as a hobby yep, thats super creepy and works at a bank where she isnt very popular with the in crowd lead by Gina (Kylee Evans). Her husband Keith (Martin Starr) is a police officer and seems reasonably supportive and really undeserving of her murdering him! Gina invites Stacey to a Christmas party at which she gives everyone Alo Glo a skin lotion that Stacey is allergic to. However, the Alo Glo Man (Dan Stevens!) convinces her to buy more of it and smother herself in it by talking to her through the tv Eventually the lotion completely overtakes her and transforms her into the most popular person at the bank! Meanwhile, she has stuffed Keith (of course, who didnt see that coming!) and propped him in front of the tv In the end, this was a morality tale about peer pressure. I would actually put Graveyard Rats in a tie with The Outside. Graveyard Rats was directed by Vincenzo Natali () who also wrote the teleplay based on a short story by Henry Kuttner. The story centres on Masson (David Hewlett) the custodian of the local cemetery who also has a gambling problem and must resort to grave robbing. He visits his friend Dooley (played by the always wonderful Julian Richings) who it the coroner/undertaker to try to get some corpses that havent been stolen by rats. There is a wealthy man who is having a lot of gold buried with him. By the time Masson can get to the grave the rats are in the process of stealing the body. Masson gives chase and ends up awakening an eldritch god and a giant mother rat. This one rather lost me with the over-the-top moments and the rather poorly done giant rat. Still, the sting in the tail of Masson ending up in the rich guys coffin at the end was pretty good! Numbers 5, 4, and 3 are really pretty much also tied. Dreams in the Witch House was based on a short story by HP Lovecraft with the teleplay by Mika Watkins () and was directed by Catherine Hardwicke (). One of the big draws for me was that this episode stars Rupert Grint as Walter Gilman. Gilman lost his twin sister when they were both still children and has been searching for her ever since after seeing her dragged into the Forest of Lost Souls. He eventually takes an indigenous drug to enter the forest and goes to stay at the former home of an executed witch Keziah Mason (Lize Johnston). Walter is able to eventually bring Epperley (Daphne Hoskins) back with him, but they also bring Mason. The witch effects in this episode were really good. Epperley kills Keziah, but her familiar, Jenkins Brown (DJ Qualls) manages to kill and then possess Walter. The episode also features Ismael Cruz Cordova (Frank Elwood) who we last saw in The Rings of Power! Grint is really good in the episode, and it was a fun shoutout to hisdays that he was fighting a witch. Pickmans Model was also based on a short story by HP Lovecraft with a teleplay by Lee Patterson () and was directed by Keith Thomas ((2022),). Like the previous episode also based on a Lovecraft story, the action takes place early in the twentieth century, lending that old world ambiance. The cast is also superb in this episode as talented and outgoing art student William Thurber (Ben Barnes) befriends new, odd, and older art student Richard Upton Pickman (Crispin Glover). Glover, of course, has made a career out of quirky, outsider characters and delivers here. There are monsters, supernatural goings on, and gore galore in this one! Lot 36 is based on a short story by Guillermo del Toro who also wrote the teleplay with Regina Corrado (), and the episode was directed by Guillermo Navarro, whose directing credits includeand. Navarro was also the cinematographer on del Torosand. The episode is beautifully atmospheric, but also totally reminded me of! The episode features down-on-his luck ie into loan sharks Nick Appleton (Tim Blake Nelson) who buys storage units when they are put up for auction after being abandoned by their owners in hopes of a windfall. Eddie (Demetrius Grosse) runs the storage facility. Nick is a vet and clearly a racist given his treatment of Emilia (Elpidia Carrillo) a woman who owned a unit that Nick bought because she was late with her payment. She begs him to let her look for personal items of no value to him in the unit and he refuses her which is a nice parallel to her later refusing to listen to his pleas! Naturally, there is something evil in the unit he buys and he enlists the help of Roland (Sebastian Roche) to help him discover its worth. Things end badly with a terrific monster The Murmuring is also based on a short story by Guillermo del Toro with the teleplay by Jennifer Kent () who also directed. This one is definitely a cut above the others, and Ive seen it as a lot of peoples number 1. The entire episode is a real shoutout to Hitchcocks. However, this one is a psychological/supernatural thriller. Once again, this episode features a killer cast Andrew Lincoln plays Edgar Bradley and Essie Davis plays Nancy Bradley. The two are married and ornithologists who study bird mumurations. The two go on a research trip to try to reconnect and escape their grief after losing their daughter. Lincoln delivers some fantastically emotional and comedic scenes as he tries to reconnect with his wife and get her to confront her grief. Davis is fantastic as Nancy who is almost paralyzed emotionally by her grief. She finds release in her obsession over the house on a remote Cape Breton island that is haunted. Like all good ghost stories, she is the only one to see the ghosts, but manages to release the tortured ghosts, thus releasing her own tortured ghost. Finally, my number one choice is The Autopsy. This episode was based on a short story by Michael Shea (the novelette won a Hugo award in 1981) with the teleplay by David S Goyer () and was directed by David Prior (). Having F. Murray Abraham playing the lead as Dr Carl Winters definitely helped this episode shoot to the top of my list. Hes joined by Glynn Turman as Sheriff Nate Craven and Luke Roberts as Joe Allen. The writing, acting, directing and effects all combine to make this alien story terrific. Winters is called in by the Sherriff Craven to perform a number of autopsies after there is an incident at the local mine. It turns out that Winters is dying of cancer. Because being surrounded by dead bodies in an old warehouse, set up as a morgue isnt creepy enough, Craven leaves Winters alone over night to get to work. Winters records his work only for Craven as hell write up the official report. I loved how the details are all significant here. It turns out that Joe Allen who reanimates in a particularly creepy sequence didnt set off a bomb in the mine but exploded his alien spaceship The alien complete with Lovecraftian tentacles is going to body swap and take over Winters. However, the alien needs to use Winters senses to do so, so Winters blinds himself and deafens himself putting out his eyes and eardrums with a scalpel also delightfully gruesome! Craven returns in the morning to find Winters on the ground and scrawled in blood on his chest: listen to the tape. Burn the body. This was a fantastic anthology series, taking up the mantle of classic Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Every episode was just so much better than any episode of Creepshow or Two Sentence Horror Stories. I really hope well see del Toro carve out some more time to do another series, and hopefully, hell be able to direct one himself next time. For this series, the pandemic played havoc with his schedule and he wasnt able to. Its easy to see why actors want to be involved in the project and the quality of these episodes should ensure that there is another great slate of actors lining up for more! What did you think of the series? Want more? What was your favorite episode? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Welcome To SpoilerTV We bring you a comprehensive and up to date spoiler service on all the major US TV shows and Movies. You can find specific show content by clicking the menu system at the top of the screen. We scour the Internet for spoilers as well as posting our own exclusive spoilers (Scripts, Casting Calls, Set Photos etc) as well as recaps and other fun articles and polls. We hope you enjoy your stay. Barcelona (Spain), 6 November 2022 (SPS) - Minister of Public Health, Member of the National Secretariat of the Polisario Front, Mrs. Khira Bulahi, started Saturday a working visit to Barcelona, Spain. The Minister met several associations in solidarity with the Sahrawi people and conducted field visits to some hospitals and met with doctors, nurses and midwives in the region. During the meetings, the Minister gave a comprehensive presentation on the work of reproductive health in the Sahrawi refugee camps. A photo exhibition was organized on the sidelines of the meetings and visits on the work of the Reproductive Health Section and the preventive and care role it plays in protecting the health of Sahrawi women. The Minister was accompanied by the officer in charge of Reproductive Health Section and the local director of the clinic in the Daira of Mahbas in the wilaya of Smara. 062/T Dublin (Ireland), 7 November 2022 (SPS) - The Irish Sinn Fein party adopted a recommendation supporting the struggle of the Sahrawi people and its right to self-determination, during its annual Conference, which concluded Saturday in the Irish capital Dublin. The recommendation was unanimously approved by the Conference, where the representative of the Polisario Front in Ireland, Mr. Nafei Rais, participated in its work at an official invitation of the party. The recommendation highlights that the Conference expresses its solidarity with the people of Western Sahara and considers that the recognition of the Sahrawi Republic by many member states of the United Nations and the African Union was a positive step. The recommendation adds that the Conference recognizes the aspirations of the Sahrawi Republic for independence and reaffirms Sinn Fein's recognition of the right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination and future determination. On the sidelines of the Conference, the representative of the Polisario Front in Ireland, Mr. Nafei Rais, met with the leader of Sinn Fein party, Member of Parliament, Ms. Mary Lou MacDonald. The meeting was an opportunity for the Sahrawi diplomat to express thanks of the Polisario Front for the invitation to attend the party's annual congress, appreciating the positions expressed by several party officials during the sessions. 062/T Arad border police discovered 46 migrants from Syria, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh attempting to illegally cross the border into Hungary, hidden in two trucks loaded with detergents and metal bars, told Agerpres. 38 of the clandestine travelers were found in the trailer of a truck checked at the Nadlac II border crossing point. The driver is a Turkish citizen and, according to the documents accompanying the goods, he was transporting metal bars on the Turkey-Poland route, the Arad Border Police informs on Monday. Following the checks, the border police established that they were citizens of Syria, who intended to fraudulently cross the border to reach a state in Western Europe. At the same time, at the Varsand border crossing point, in a truck driven by a Romanian transporting detergents, the police found eight foreign citizens hidden in the side compartments of the semi-trailer. Following the checks, it was established that they are people from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, aged between 22 and 41, the information sent by the Arad Border Police also mentions. The Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) announces the authorization of Romania's first crowdfunding platform, called SeedBlink, according to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Monday. Thus, the Seedblink Crowd SA company, which administers the mentioned platform, is the first company authorized by the ASF as a provider of participatory financing services, shortly after the entry into force, in August 2022, of Law No. 244/2022 which regulates this area, told Agerpres. The company is authorized to offer the following crowdfunding services, namely: placement without firm commitment of securities and instruments admitted for crowdfunding purposes and the reception and transmission of orders in connection with those securities and admitted instruments, use of special purpose vehicles for the provision of participatory financing services, as well as the operation of a bulletin board. The Minister of National Defense, Angel Tilvar, participated, on Monday, in the opening of the works of the annual convention of the Romanian Defense Attaches, which will take place at the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defence (MApN), until Friday. During the convention, the priorities of the Romanian ministry's relations with the military structures of the allied and partner countries for the period 2023-2024 were addressed, especially in terms of ensuring the implementation of the provisions of the NATO Strategic Concept regarding Russia, the materialization of the recognition of the Black Sea as an area of strategic importance, as well as the consolidation of national resilience and the continuation of the connection to the efforts in the field at the level of the Alliance, according to a press release from MApN. "Your work and effort contribute, now more than ever, to the promotion of Romania's national defense and military objectives. I say now, more than ever because, unfortunately, a war of aggression launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine is taking place on our borders. The new decade began as it could not be worse, first with the COVID-19 pandemic and now with a military conflict. However, in the face of all these challenges that, we must admit, we thought impossible to repeat, there is a solution that was put into practice from the first day - that solution refers to cooperation and unity," the Defence Minister said.AGERPRES The Day of Distinguished Visitors of the multinational joint exercise Justice Sword 22.2 will be organized on Wednesday, at the Getica Joint National Training Center in Cincu (CNII), Brasov county, the Ministry of National Defense (MApN) informs. Justice Sword 22.2, which takes place in the CNII between October 27 and November 11, is the largest training event executed by the 282nd Armored Brigade of the Unirea Principatelor this year and involves the participation of approximately 1,200 soldiers and over 400 technical and fight means belonging to the maneuver, fire support and logistics structures of the large unit, but also to the military forces of the US Army deployed on the national territory. Based on a fictitious scenario in which various situations were created so that the military could conduct defensive and offensive military actions, the exercise also provides the necessary framework for evaluating the level of training achieved by the Military Police, CBRN Defense and Logistics structures, belonging to the 2nd Getica Infantry Division, MApN states.AGERPRES Director of the Institute of Political Sciences and International Affairs (ISPRI) of the Romanian Academy Dan Dungaciu told AGERPRES on Monday that the findings of the November 2022 edition of Romania's Security Barometer, to be released today at the Library of the Romanian Academy, highlighted a return of the Romanians to a "by ourselves" paradigm, although they remain pro-Euro-Atlantic. "The security barometer reveals a series of extremely important aspects. The first is the return to a 'by ourselves' paradigm, namely a pragmatic attitude towards regional and global developments. The process of 'dispelling' the West, its institutions, which started in Central Europe almost a decade ago and also by many of the countries in the West, is starting to be noticed in the perception of the Romanians. For them, the European or global arena is a place of national, particular interests, in which Bucharest must play the same way," says Dungaciu, told Agerpres. He added that "Romanians want a Romania more focused on their own agenda, a Romania that also demands, instead of just giving." "As an aside, the current so-called debates about welcoming Romania in the Schengen area only confirm their fears. Does joining it depend on treaties, documents, laws, etc. or on the national/local interests of some? Obviously, the latter answer seems the correct one and the Romanians see it. This tendency of national re-centering was sharpened by the war," adds Dungaciu. Regarding the concrete attitude towards the war in Ukraine, Dungaciu said that "the Romanians join the camp identified by the European Council for Foreign Relations as the 'pragmatist' camp, as opposed to the 'moralist' camp (total victory against Russia, at any cost), i.e. those who want peace including through concessions from Ukraine." He added that Romanians have not become pro-Russian or pro-Chinese, whom the trust the least, but have remained pro-European and pro-NATO. "It should be noted that, at the European level, the so-called camp of pragmatists was more numerous even in May 2022 at the European level! It should be noted, however, that all this change in attitude is not done in other frameworks than the Euro-Atlantic ones. The Romanians have not became either pro-Russian or pro-Chinese, whom they trust the least. Romanians have remained pro-European and pro-NATO - more pro-European than pro-American - but they have also become more... pro - Romanians," Dungaciu said. The November 2022 edition of Romania's Security Barometer, a nationally representative survey carried out by computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI), was conducted by the Laboratory for the Analysis of Information War and Strategic Communication (LARICS), in partnership with the Institute of Political Sciences and International Affairs (ISPRI) of the Romanian Academy, September 29 - October 10, on a sample of 1,001 people, with a maximum allowed error: +/- 3.1%, at a confidence level of 95%. Her Majesty Margareta and Prince Consort Radu talked on Monday, in Rome, with students at the Centro Alti Studi per la Difesa, a prestigious military higher education institution in Italy. The two distinguished guests were welcomed by the president of the military institution, Admiral Giacinto Ottaviani. The event was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania in Rome, Gabriela Dancau, Major General Corneliu Postu and Andrew Popper, the president of the Royal Council. Prince Radu delivered, in front of a large audience, the lecture entitled "Romania in NATO and the EU. A perspective of the Romanian Royal Family". "Our experience is unique. We represent an institution, the Royal Family, which is 156 years old in our country. If we compare ourselves with other important countries in Europe, especially with former empires, the history of the Royal Family of Romania is a very short one. (...) And maybe for this reason in Romania, the Royal House and the Royal Family play such a unique and difficult to understand role in public life", stated Prince Radu. His Royal Highness spoke about the important role that Carol I or Ferdinand played in the history of Romania, as leaders of the state in a period of extensive transformations, but also about the involvement of King Mihai, after 1997, in promoting integration European and Euro-Atlantic of our country. "For our part, we, our generation (...), are trying to do exactly the same thing (...), we are trying to put Romania on the world map, to talk about our commitment to the values of the Euro-Atlantic family, of the European Union", Prince Radu also said. Her Majesty Margareta and Prince Consort Radu then had a dialogue with the participants of the highest course organized by the military university, on topics related to Romania's contribution to NATO and the European Union. Earlier, Prince Radu met with representatives of Invictus Italia, the event also being hosted by Centro Alti Studi per la Difesa. Her Majesty Margareta, the Custodian of the Romanian Crown, together with His Royal Highness Prince Consort Radu, is visiting Rome and the Vatican. The program of the visit to Rome also includes visits to the Sovereign Order of Malta, the Italian Red Cross, the Italian Paralympic Committee and the Italian Olympic Committee, as well as viewing some exhibits about the Royal Family of Romania at the Pietro Canonica Museum. Also, a meeting with the community of Romanians in Italy and the launch of Queen Maria's Diary, the Italian edition, edited and printed by Rediviva Milano Publishing House, are scheduled. An important point in the program will be the private audience with the Sovereign Pontiff, followed by visits to the Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital of the Holy See, to a center for receiving refugee women from Ukraine and to the headquarters of the Sant'Egidio Community. AGERPRES The Mayor of Bucharest district 1, Clotilde Armand, says she will provide all the documents requested by the Prosecutor's Office and the prefect, but adds that the relevant authorities would have confirmed that her appointment as manager of a project with EU funds was correct, told Agerpres. The clarifications come after the National Integrity Agency established that mayor Armand was in a conflict of interests and incompatibility, and the General Prosecutor's Office was notified in connection with her committing the crime of using the position she has to favour certain persons. "That's it! They caught me... I'm joking. They had nothing. I've read the ANI statement today and I can tell you that we complied with the law in the case of the project 'Improving local administrative capacity regarding the development, implementation and promotion of anti-corruption measures.' We have a confirmation from the officials from the Ministry of Investments and European Projects who tell us that we are eligible. Before the appointments in the project were made, there was a check and the relevant authorities told us that everything is correct. You know, we don't do anything on our own," Armand wrote on Facebook on Monday. She mentioned that, as part of the work that is the subject of the ANI press release, she responded each time to ANI's requests and submitted a point of view accompanied by supporting documents "showing the legality of the activities" carried out as mayor of district 1. "I didn't receive any answer and I was denied access to the file several times," added Armand. The mayor invokes the provisions of art. 94 paragraph 22 of Law no. 161/2003, according to which "one is not in a situation of incompatibility, in the sense of the provisions of paragraph (2), the public official who is designated by administrative act to be part of the project team financed from non-refundable community post-accession funds, as well as from external loans contracted or guaranteed by the state, reimbursable or non-reimbursable [...]." Also, Clotilde Armand refers to art. 16 of Law no. 153/2017, according to which "the monthly allowances of the presidents and vice-presidents of county councils and the mayors and deputy mayors of administrative-territorial units that implement projects financed from non-reimbursable European funds are increased by up to 25pct." She claims that one of the members of PNL (National Liberal Party) in district 1 filed the complaint to ANI, in a "desperate attempt to harass" her. According to a press release from ANI, Clotilde Armand was in a conflict of interest, because in exercising her duties as mayor she signed the provisions by which she named herself manager of the project "Improving local administrative capacity regarding the development, implementation and promotion of anti-corruption measures," financed from European funds and who produced a material benefit for herself in the amount of 18,720 lei, thus violating the provisions of art. 70, art. 71 and art. 76 of Law no. 161/2003. The five provisions signed represent her appointment as a project manager, as well as an increase of her monthly allowance, by up to 30pct. Also, Clotilde Armand was in a state of incompatibility starting with February 18, 2022, the date of the provision regarding her appointment of the project manager of the project "Improving the local administrative capacity regarding the development, implementation and promotion of anti-corruption measures," as she simultaneously held the position of mayor of district 1 and the remunerated position of project manager, thus not complying with the provisions of art. 87, para. (1), lit. k) from Law no. 161/2003. In this case, the National Integrity Agency notified the Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice regarding the fact that Clotilde Armand's committed the crime of using her position to favour certain persons, provided for by art. 301 of the Criminal Code because, in exercising her mayor's duties, respectively between February and August 2022, she signed five provisions that led to the creation of additional income for herself. As many as 77,191 people, including 7,636 Ukrainian citizens, entered Romania on Sunday, November 6, the General Border Police Inspectorate (IGPF) reported on Monday, told Agerpres. According to IGPF, at the border points nationwide on Tuesday, 176,150 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, were checked both on the way in and on the way out of Romania, as well as more than 47,000 means of transport. Starting February 10, 2022 (pre-conflict time) 2,770,477 Ukrainian citizens entered Romania. The border police detected 98 illegal acts (30 crimes and 16 misdemeanors) in the areas under their jurisdiction - the crossing points and the green border - committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens, levying RON 57,000 in fines in the process. Assets of an estimated value of RON 87,000 were impounded. Twenty-one foreign citizens who did not meet the conditions provided by the law were denied entry. Also on Sunday, 14 Romanian citizens were not allowed to leave for various legal reasons. The improvement of the living conditions at the Cincu military base - Brasov County, where the NATO Battle Group is stationed, will be completed by the end of this year, Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca declared on Monday at the end of the meeting of the National Liberal Party's National Political Bureau. "We discussed certain subjects with the French side, there is a commitment in place to complete the accommodation facilities at the Cincu base by the end of the year. I am convinced that this way conditions will improve; from the briefing by the National Defence Ministry I understand that initially not all the troops could be accommodated in containers, so that some of them stayed in tents. As soon as the containers are installed they will move there into," Ciuca said. The French side undertook all the responsibilities related to the NATO Battle Group's camping at the Cincu base, the troops' food supply and the provision of related services, specifically water supply, energy, waste management, the Defence Ministry said in a statement on Friday. The Defence Ministry reiterates that the Collective Defence Battle Group (CDBG) is operationalized in Romania by France, as a framework nation, and integrates, on a rotating basis, forces from Belgium and the Netherlands. It was established starting in May, by transforming the allied multinational elements within the NATO Response Force deployed to Romania. The main CDBG forces are stationed at the Cincu National Joint Training Center, in a camp built gradually by the CDBG forces starting in May. "As the host nation, the Romanian side has provided all the elements requested so far by the representatives of the French military and the other allied contingents and will promptly act in the future as well in order to provide assistance and support, according to the requests, and in line with the national legislative framework and with the commitments pledged under the technical agreement to be concluded between the Romanian and the French side," the Defence Ministry also said, after information emerged in mass media according to which troops stationed at the Cincu military base complained about of the living conditions at the facility. The Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) prosecutors closed the case in which the former Minister of Forestry, Doina Pana, claimed that she was poisoned, after the investigation carried out by the Forensic Medical Investigation Institute (INML) established that she was not poisoned with mercury, but possibly only "exposed" to mercury with reduced values, following the ingestion of some foods. "Her life was not put in danger", is another conclusion of a doctor from INML. In January 2018, Doina Pana resigned from the position of Minister of Forestry, citing that she had health problems and complained that she had been poisoned with mercury, pointing to the "wood industry mafia" as possible culprits. However, the evidence collected by the DIICOT did not confirm the claims of the former minister. At the same time, the INML considers that, probably, Doina Pana was exposed to low levels of mercury, possibly as a result of "modern food". According to the INML, the foods on the market that contain mercury and that can cause the symptoms complained of by Doina Pana are: fish, seafood, cereals, fruits, meat from animals that were fed with mercury-contaminated cereals. The DIICOT says that there is no evidence regarding the existence of an organized criminal group, made up of members of ASFOR - the Association of Foresters in Romania, to have planned the murder of the former minister of forestry.AGERPRES The Polytechnic University of Timisoara (UPT) will host between November 10-11 the 15th edition of the International Symposium on Electronics and Telecommunications ISETC 2022, which will bring together members from academia and industry, to present their achievements in the field, shows a UPT press release sent to AGERPRES on Monday. The symposium is organized by the Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technologies of UPT, in collaboration with the Military Technical Academy, the Association of Electronic Engineers in Timisoara, with the support of the IEEE and the Romanian Academy of Technical Sciences. The festive opening of the event will be followed by a workshop, Industry 4.0, during which there will be presentations of technical innovations and applied research solutions from important players in the industry, on various topics. The representatives of the partner companies will contribute to the workshop sessions with presentations focused mainly on the status of the latest technologies in electronics and telecommunications, applied research and innovative industrial and production solutions, key areas of development and future trends. Also during the festivities, the ceremony of awarding the title of Doctor Honoris Causa of UPT to Professor Pavol Bauer, from Technical University DELFT, Holland, will take place. Next, during the two days of the symposium, participants from academia and industry will present contributions in the fields of: Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision; Instrumentation and Measurement; Open Education, Open Science and Emerging Technologies; Power Electronics; Signal Processing; Telecommunications.AGERPRES President Klaus Iohannis will participate, November 7-8, in the Climate Implementation Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, as part of the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27), the Presidential Administration reported on Friday, told Agerpres. "President Klaus Iohannis supports the global effort to combat the causes and effects of climate change, a perspective that will be emphasised in the debates at this event taking place at the highest level, in the presence of over 100 chiefs of state or government," the Presidential Administration says. Numerous representatives of international organisations, civil society, academia and business communities are expected at COP27. During the summit, President Iohannis will deliver a national declaration and participate in multilateral and bilateral meetings aimed at promoting research and innovation in support of climate action, food security, vulnerable communities, adaptation to climate change and an effective response to emergencies generated by it. Iohannis will also co-chair, together with the prime minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala, a high-level event on promoting climate change education, which will be attended by chiefs of state or government from the European Union and partner states, as well as representatives of European institutions and international organisations. The debate, organised at Iohannis's initiative, is largely based on the steps taken at the level of the Presidential Administration, which materialised in June 2022 with a report on climate change and the environmental education in sustainable schools. Featuring on the COP27 agenda in Sharm El-Sheikh are adaptation to climate change, the international mechanism for loss and damage associated with climate change impacts, financing climate action and the development and transfer of technologies, and also the promotion of gender equality, including in the context of climate change. According to the Presidential Administration, building on the results of COP26 in 2021, which ended with the Glasgow Climate Pact, a convention that reaffirmed the objective of the 2015 Paris Agreement limiting global temperature increase to well below 2 degrees Celsius, the vision of the Egyptian Presidency of COP27 is to move on from negotiations and planning to implementation. Romania, as a member state of the European Union, supports the EU's climate neutrality commitment to achieve the Paris Agreement, with the intermediate objective of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 by at least 55% of their 1990 levels. The 'Renovation Wave' program is a concrete example of the implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) which should benefit as many territorial and administrative units as possible, Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca declared on Monday at the Victoria Palace of Government, as he participated in the signing ceremony for 12 contracts worth over 1.4 bln RON financed under this NRRP component, told Agerpres. The Prime Minister specified that prior to the signing ceremony of the NRRP financing contracts, a meeting was held at the Victoria Palace in the presence of EC representatives, that looked at the quarterly stages of the NRRP implementation. Ciuca brought to mind that up until now, Romania managed to receive approval and financing for the first NRRP payment request. "As such, alongside the pre-financing amount and the money from the first financing request, 6.35 billion euros have already been disbursed to Romania and we are in full process of preparing the next payment application, we are discussing the second request and this way we have the opportunity to talk directly to the Commission members who are present these days in Bucharest, so that we can align everything related to the reforms and investments component in this plan," Ciuca said. Alongside Prime Minister Ciuca, Minister of Development Cseke Attila, and general director of the European Commission's Recovery and Resilience Task Force (SG RECOVER) Celine Gauer were also present at the signing of the 'Renovation Wave' contracts. On behalf of the beneficiaries, the contracts were signed by the Bucharest Mayor, Bucharest Sector 4 mayor, the mayors of the municipalities of Buzau, Bistrita, Cluj Napoca, Oravita, Caracal, Sovata, Podul Iloaiei, Piatra Neamt, the deputy mayor of Craiova and the president of the Olt County Council. As many as 258 new cases of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 were recorded in the last 24 hours in Romania, up 78 from the previous day, with almost 7,000 RT-PCR and rapid antigenic tests performed, the Health Ministry informed on Monday, told Agerpres. Of the new cases, 56 were in re-infected patients, who tested positive more than 90 days after the first time they recovered from the disease. Most of the newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in Romania since the previous reporting were recorded in Bucharest City - 82, Cluj County - 34, and Giurgiu County - 10. The highest 14-day notification rate is in Bucharest City - 0.77, followed by Cluj County - 0.5, and Timis County- 0.43. As of Monday, 3,289,442 cases of people infected with the novel coronavirus were confirmed in Romania. - Hospitalisations - As many as 648 people with COVID-19, up 13 from the previous reporting, including 46 minors, are hospitalised in Romania at specialist care facilities. Out of the total number of hospitalised patients, 92, up two, are in intensive care. Of the 92 patients admitted to ICU, 83 are unvaccinated against COVID-19. - Deaths - According to the ministry, no COVID-19 death was reported in the last 24 hours. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 67,213 people diagnosed with the SARS-CoV-2 infection have died in Romania. The Israeli writer Avi Jorisch launched, on Monday, in the foyer of the Senate plenary hall, his volume Vei Inova/You Will Innovate! The way Israeli Ingenuity Improves the World, an event organized by the president of the Committee for Foreign Policy, Titus Corlatean, a volume that shows the ability to "extraordinary" technological innovation of the State of Israel, in various fields, to guarantee peace and save human lives in an "extremely complicated" regional context. "This volume reproduces the extraordinary technological innovation capacity of the State of Israel, in various civil and military fields. On the other hand, it is a volume that represents and reproduces a paradoxical reality, the innovation capacity to build, to guarantee peace, to save human lives in an extremely complicated regional context in the Middle East, in a country like Israel, which lives in an extremely complicated region for the nation of the State of Israel, but which, there, it is able to produce solutions to save lives, to produce scientific, technological - economic innovation. This event would not have taken place without the special contribution of the Embassy of the State of Israel in Bucharest, and I am referring here both to the current ambassador Reuven Azar, and to the ambassador of the State of Israel in the previous mandate, I mean David Saranga," Titus Corlatean said, at the opening of the event. He added that the volume is also a book of love, because a state is capable of producing "extraordinary" solutions aimed at human nature, saving human lives and progress. When I came to Romania, I noticed that there are many similarities between the history of the Jewish people and the history of the Romanian people, because this territory, like the territory inhabited by Israel today, was invaded by many other great powers. But both the people of Israel, the Jewish people, as well as the Romanian people, managed to maintain their identity, although they did not always have effective control of the territory. We have something else in common, besides this, it is a sentence (...): Love your neighbour as you love yourself, this is the essence of Judaism and the essence of Judeo-Christian values. Therefore, in everything we do, we must not think about what we can do for our own benefit, but also how we can help others and how we could fix the world. This is what this book is about," said the ambassador of the State of Israel in Bucharest, Reuven Azar. The author of the volume, Avi Jorich, told the audience that the basis of his book is the investigation of the secret of Israeli innovation, a success from which Romania can also get inspired. The secret of the book is that the secret of Israeli innovation is investigated. And if you wonder what Romania can do with an Israeli innovation, I tell you to read the book and see how you can borrow to let yourselves inspired by the Israeli success (...). I discovered that the executives of the companies I approached for the book didn't just want to make money, they wanted to make the world a better place. And I discovered that the innovations in this book, numbering 15, help heal the sick, help feed the hungry, seek to support the poor and even uplift the world and make it a better place. This is a country that invites you to be stronger with it, as the ambassador often tells us, we can be stronger together ( ...). I invite you, in a moment of imagination, to close your eyes and try to imagine the year 2030, because the world will fundamentally change in the next eight years (...). The major diseases that affect the neurological systems will be gone, most cancers will be cured, by 2030 we will reach renewable energy and we will have autonomous vehicles, we will have people on the moon and on the way to Mars in 2030. And at that moment, a computer will work faster than the human mind, for the first time in history. I will tell you one more statistics (...). Recorded history is approximately 5,000 years old, in 78 years, respectively in 2100, we will cumulatively experience 20,000 changes in humanity (...). We have both the challenge and the opportunity to manage, to face the greatest challenges that humanity will be confronted with, and we truly live in a time when these very great challenges, the greatest, will be able to be solved, Jorich said. Mihaela Moza, from the Elpis publishing house in northwestern Oradea, said that the title of the volume is very direct, a book that not only proposes an idea, but also has solutions to life's problems. The event was attended by members of the Government, ambassadors, members of the Parliament, people from civil society, from cultural circles, as well as representatives of the Jewish community in Romania.AGERPRES The Standing Bureau of the Senate passed the amendment of the Regulation regarding the lifting of parliamentary immunity, in accordance with the recommendations of the European Commission, Interim President of the Senate Alina Gorghiu announced on Monday, told Agerpres. "We received a request from Justice Minister Catalin Predoiu, with a plea which we unanimously decided in the Standing Bureau to implement very quickly. This request refers to the assessments which the European Commission made of over time regarding Romania, in respect to the situation of the Chamber's Regulations, that of the Senate," Alina Gorghiu stated at the end of the Senate leadership meeting. The Senate Acting President argued that it is an assessment included both in the 2021 Co-operation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) and in the one regarding the 2022 rule of law and, in this context, she praised the Chamber of Deputies for bringing its Rules of Procedure in line with the provisions of the Venice Commission from 2019, namely the fact that the provisions have been changed to provide, as requested by the Venice Commission, the reasons based on which Parliament's decisions are adopted in respect to the lifting of immunity. The State Secretary for European Affairs, Daniela Gitman, participated, on Monday, in Sofia, in the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs from the member states of the Central European Initiative (CEI), organized by the annual Presidency exercised by Bulgaria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs in a release for AGERPRES. State Secretary Daniela Gitman reiterated Romania's firm position regarding the continuation of support for Ukraine, both from the perspective of covering the urgent needs of the population to face the winter season, given that, just in the last week, a third of the critical infrastructure energy of Ukraine was partially destroyed or damaged by the military attacks of the Russian Federation, as well as regarding the reconstruction process, when developments on the ground permit. The Romanian official presented the multidimensional and comprehensive nature of the assistance provided by Romania to the neighboring state, including the humanitarian assistance offered to refugees and the essential role that Romania plays in facilitating the transport of grain from Ukraine to third destinations, through the infrastructure on its territory. In terms of regional sectoral cooperation, State Secretary Daniela Gitman emphasized the importance of completing the integrated transport and energy networks, a priority that Romania consistently promotes, for the direct contribution to combating the negative effects of the energy crisis, which currently affects the entire continent, but especially the CEI affiliated states from the South-Eastern European region. In this sense, she proposed the more ambitious development of cooperation at the CEI level, by updating the 2020-2023 Action Plan, in correlation with the European financial instruments intended for the region, including those aimed at the extended Black Sea and Danube regions. The Romanian official reaffirmed Romania's strong support for the European path of the eight non-EU partners in CEI and welcomed the publication by the European Union, on October 12, 2022, of the Enlargement Package, underlining Romania's support for policy advancement in the field, based on the principle of the candidates' own merits. At the same time, she reiterated that our country shares the current findings of the Commission through the Enlargement Package, in line with the conclusions of the European Council of June 2022 regarding the importance of reforms, especially in the field of the rule of law, the independence and functioning of the judicial system and the fight against corruption. Whether you are looking for a whole turkey, a full meal or maybe just a pie or two, St. Louis-area restaurants have you covered this Thanksgiving. Here you will find offerings from more than 80 establishments. The deadline for inclusion in the print version of this list has passed. However, this online list will be updated through Nov. 23. Restaurants, please email new listings and updates to ifroeb@post-dispatch.com with "Thanksgiving" as the subject. Note: Please contact the restaurants and other establishments for the latest information. As a general rule, reservations are strongly advised for dine-in meals. 612 North Where 612 North Second Street More info 314-899-0612; 612north.com Takeout Turkey dinner with sides and dessert for two ($58.85), four ($98.95) or eight ($187.95); order online by Nov. 18 for pickup Nov. 22-23 at 612 North, Kimchi Guys (282 Skinker Boulevard) or Central West End location of Drunken Fish (1 Maryland Plaza) Adams Smokehouse Where 2819 Watson Road More info 314-875-9890; adamssmokehouse.com Takeout Whole smoked chicken, sliced turkey breast by the pound and ribs by the slab; meal packages and a-la-carte smoked meats by the pound and sides also available; order online for pickup 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 23 Aris Restaurant Where 3101 Hampton Avenue More info 314-644-4264 Dine-in Thanksgiving meal, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; $28.95 for adults, $13.95 for children; reservations requested The Art of Entertaining Where 8796 Big Bend Boulevard, Webster Groves More info 314-963-9899; theaofe.com Takeout Turkey dinner with sides and dessert for three to four ($135), six to seven ($200) or 10 to 12 ($350); a-la-carte turkey, sides and dessert also available; call to order for pickup Nov. 23 (dinner packages) or Nov. 21-22 (a-la-carte items) Beast Butcher & Block Where 4156 Manchester Avenue More info 314-944-6003; beast-stl-holiday-store.square.site Takeout A-la-carte whole smoked turkey, whole brisket, bone-in ham, sliced brisket and family-sized sides and desserts; order online for pickup 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 24 Beast Craft BBQ Co. Where 20 South Belt West, Belleville More info 618-257-9000; beast-blv-holiday-store.square.site Takeout A-la-carte whole smoked turkey, whole brisket, bone-in ham, sliced brisket and family-sized sides and desserts; order online for pickup 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 24 Big Sky Cafe Where 47 South Old Orchard Avenue, Webster Groves More info 314-962-5757; bigskycafe.net Takeout A-la-carte turkey, salads, sides and desserts for four to six; order by Nov. 19 for pickup Nov. 23 Big Vs Craft BBQ More info bigvscraftbbq.com Takeout Smoked turkey breast dinner with sides for eight to 10, $165; a-la-carte smoked turkey breast, smoked ham, side dishes and dessert also available; order online by Nov. 20 for pickup or delivery Nov. 23 Bishops Post Where 16125 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield More info 636-536-9404; bishopspost.com Dine-in Brunch buffet, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; $48 for adults, $15 for children; reservations recommended The Blue Duck Where 2661 Sutton Boulevard, Maplewood More info 314-769-9940; blueduckstl.com Takeout Smoked-turkey pot pie dinner with sides for six to eight, $150; a-la-carte pot pie and desserts also available; order online or by phone by Nov. 16 for pickup Nov. 23 Bricktops Where 10342 Clayton Road, Frontenac More info 314-567-6300; bricktops.com/st-louis Dine-in Thanksgiving and regular menu available Takeout Order by 5 p.m. Nov. 17 for takeout Nov. 24 Bristol Seafood Grill Where 11801 Olive Boulevard, Creve Coeur More info 314-567-0272 Dine-in Roasted turkey dinner, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $45 for adults, $21 for children 12 and under; limited regular menu also available Where 2314 Technology Drive, OFallon, Missouri More info 636-625-6350 Dine-in Roasted turkey dinner, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $45 for adults, $21 for children 12 and under; limited regular menu also available Bob Evans Where Multiple locations More info bobevans.com Dine-in Open; hours may vary by location Takeout Roasted turkey or smoked ham dinner with sides for four (turkey $74.99, ham $69.99) or eight (turkey $109.99, ham $99.99); roasted turkey and smoked ham dinner with sides for 10, $144.99; pot roast dinner with sides for 10, $149.99; a-la-carte family-style sides and whole pies also available; order online Bolyards Meat & Provisions Where 2733 Sutton Boulevard, Maplewood More info 314-647-2567; bolyardsmeat.com Takeout Fresh, unbrined Buttonwood Farm turkeys, $7 per pound; DIY brine kits available, $20; order online for pickup Nov. 21-23 Brick House Tavern + Tap Where 2 McBride & Son Center Drive, Chesterfield More info 636-536-6291 Dine-in Open at 4 p.m. Butlers Pantry Where 1414 Park Avenue More info 314-664-7680; butlerspantry.com Takeout Thanksgiving buffet dinner for 10-12 ($700); additional a-la-carte side dishes and desserts available; call or email to order by 9 a.m. Nov. 21 Cafe La Vie Where Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton, 7730 Bonhomme Avenue, Clayton More info 314-864-0400; cafelaviestlouis.com Dine-in Thanksgiving buffet, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; $45 for adults, $25 for children three and older; reservations required Candiccis Where 100 Holloway Road, Ballwin More info 636-220-8989; candiccis.net Dine-in Thanksgiving buffet, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; $29.99 for adults, $10.99 children 10 and under, free for children 4 and under; reservations recommended Takeout Roasted turkey or glazed ham dinner with sides for four ($100) or eight ($200); a-la-carte sides and desserts also available; order by Nov. 21 for pickup or delivery The Capital Grille Where 101 South Hanley Road, Clayton More info 314-725-0930; thecapitalgrille.com Dine-in Thanksgiving meal, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; $47 for adults, $17 for children; regular menu also available; reservations recommended Takeout Sides for four, $135; order online for pickup Nov. 23-24 Casa Don Alfonso Where The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, 100 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton More info 314-719-1496; casadonalfonsostlouis.com Dine-in Breakfast, 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m.; brunch buffet, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; $75 for adults, $40 for children; Thanksgiving dinner, 5-9 p.m.; $70 per person; regular menu also available CCs Vegan Spot Where 4993 Loughborough Avenue More info 314-899-9400; ccsveganspot.com Takeout Vegan Thanksgiving dinner, $38.50; order online by Nov. 18 for pickup noon-4 p.m. Nov. 23 Chandler Hill Vineyards Where 596 Defiance Road, Defiance More info 636-798-2675; chandlerhillvineyards.com Dine-in Family-style Thanksgiving dinner, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; $42 for adults, $24 for children 12 and under, free for children 5 and under; reservations required Chicken Scratch Where The Food Hall at City Foundry, 3730 Foundry Way More info chxscratchstl.com Takeout Whole rotisserie-cooked turkeys and chickens and family-style sides; order online for pickup 3-6 p.m. Nov. 23 Cinder House Where Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, 999 North Second Street More info 314-881-5759; cinderhousestl.com Dine-in wood-fired heritage turkey plate, noon-8 p.m., $65 per person; additional side dishes and desserts, $12 each; reservations required Clara Bs Kitchen Table Where 106 East Main Street, Belleville More info 618-416-1812; clarabs.com Takeout Cheesecakes, pies, cookies and other baked goods; a-la-carte savory dips and other dishes also available; order online Cooper's Hawk Restaurant & Winery Where 1146 Town and Country Crossing Drive, Town and Country More info 636-489-0059; chwinery.com Dine-in Thanksgiving meal special, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; $33.99 for adults, $14.99 for children 12 and under; regular menu also available Takeout Thanksgiving dinner for 6, $199.99; order by Nov. 18 for pickup Nov. 22-23 Where 5300 North Service Road, St. Peters More info 636-534-0088; chwinery.com Dine-in Thanksgiving meal special, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; $33.99 for adults, $14.99 for children 12 and under; regular menu also available Takeout Thanksgiving dinner for 6, $199.99; order by Nov. 18 for pickup Nov. 22-23 Cracker Barrel Where Multiple locations More info crackerbarrel.com Dine-in Call specific location for hours Takeout Heat-and-serve roasted turkey breast dinners for four to six ($99.99) or eight to 10 ($149.99), sugar-cured ham dinners for four to six ($109.99) or eight to 10 ($159.99) or prime rib dinners for four to six ($124.99); a-la-carte meats, sides and desserts also available; order online for pickup Nov. 21-22 The Crooked Boot Where 2012 Campus Drive, St. Charles More info 636-219-1210; thecrookedboot.com Takeout A-la carte smoked or Cajun-fried turkey breast and other main courses and family-style sides and desserts; order by phone or via email thecrookedboot@gmail.com Culture Food Group More info culturefoodgroup.com Takeout Whole jerk duck with flash-fried Brussels sprouts, $65; a-la-carte duck, sides and desserts also available; order online by 5 p.m. Nov. 18 for pickup Nov. 23 Dalies Smokehouse Where 2951 Dougherty Ferry Road, Valley Park More info 636-529-1898; daliessmokehouse.com Takeout Whole smoked turkey or bacon-wrapped ham dinner with sides for eight to 10, $95; a-la-carte meats and sides also available; order by Nov. 18 for pickup 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 22-23 Diamond Mineral Springs Where 1 West Pocahontas Road, Highland/Grantfork More info 618-675-2655; diamondmineralsprings.com Details Family-style dinner, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; cash or check payment only; reservations recommended Eckerts Country Restaurant Where 951 South Green Mount Road, Belleville More info 618-233-0513; eckerts.com/country-restaurant Takeout A-la-carte pies; order online by Nov. 21 Eclipse Restaurant Where Moonrise Hotel, 6177 Delmar Boulevard More info 314-721-1111; moonrisehotel.com.com Dine-in Thanksgiving buffet, noon-8 p.m.; $60 for adults, $20 for children Farmhaus Where 3257 Ivanhoe Avenue More info 314-647-3800; farmhausrestaurant.com Takeout Whole smoked turkey ($150, premium $200), smoked half turkey ($80) and smoked quarter turkey ($50); order online for pickup 10-11 a.m. Nov. 25 Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Where 1855 South Lindbergh Boulevard, Frontenac More info 314-567-7610; flemingssteakhouse.com Dine-in Three-course turkey breast ($53), filet mignon ($68) or rib-eye ($78) dinner, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; menu for children 12 and under, $25; regular menu also available; reservations recommended Flight Deck Pub Where 6921 South Lindbergh Boulevard, south St. Louis County More info 314-892-3600; flightdeckpub.com Takeout Thanksgiving feast for two ($79) or five to seven ($189); order online by Nov. 19 for pickup 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 24 Golden Corral Where Multiple locations More info goldencorral.com Dine-in Call specific location for dine-in availability and hours Takeout Whole roasted turkey, glazed ham or beef roast dinner with sides and dessert, $99.99; a-la-carte dishes also available; order online or by phone at least 72 hours before desired pickup time Gourmet to Go Where 9828 Clayton Road, Ladue, and 1865 Craig Road, Maryland Heights More info 314-205-1151; gourmettogo.com Takeout Whole, ready-to-roast turkey dinner with sides and desserts for 12, $382; a-la-carte turkey, sides and desserts also available; call to order for pickup or delivery Nov. 23 The Gramophone Where 4243 Manchester Avenue More info 314-531-5700; gramophonestl.com Takeout Family-style, take-and-bake sides; order online for pickup Nov. 23 Hilton St. Louis Frontenac Where 1335 South Lindbergh Boulevard, Frontenac More info 314-824-6016; stlouisfrontenac.hilton.com Dine-in Thanksgiving brunch buffet; seatings at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.; $69 for adults, $34 for children age 3-12; reservations required Hofbrauhaus Where 123 St. Eugene Drive, Belleville More info 618-800-2337; hbbelleville.com Dine-in Thanksgiving buffet, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; $38.13 for adults, $15.25 for children 12 and under (price includes tax and gratuity); reservations required Innsbrook Resort Where 596 Aspen Way Drive, Innsbrook More info 636-928-3366; innsbrook-resort.com Dine-in Thanksgiving buffet, seatings at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; $38 for adults, $16 for children 12 and under, free for children 4 and under; reservations with credit card required J. Gilberts Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood Where West County Center, 80 West County Center Drive, Des Peres More info 314-965-4600; jgilberts.com/stlouis Dine-in Thanksgiving dinner, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; $45 for adults, $21 for children; limited regular menu also available Juniper Where 4101 Laclede Avenue More info 314-329-7696; juniperholidayorders.square.site Takeout Roasted chicken or ham dinner for two to four, $75; a-la-carte side dishes and desserts also available; order online for pickup morning Nov. 24 Kenricks Meat & Catering Where 4324 Weber Road, south St. Louis County More info 314-631-2440; kenricks.com Takeout Whole roasted turkey or boneless turkey breast dinner with sides for 12-14 ($194.99); bone-in turkey breast available at additional cost; a-la-carte turkey, turkey breast, sides and desserts also available; order online or by phone Knead Bakehouse + Provisions Where 3467 Hampton Avenue More info 314-376-4361; kneadbakehouse.com Takeout Pies, bread and retail items; order online for pickup Nov. 18-19 and Nov. 22-23 Landrys Seafood House Where Union Station, 1820 Market Street More info 314-231-4040 Dine-in Open with regular menu, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. LeGrand's Market & Catering Where 4414 Donovan Avenue More info 314-353-6128; legrandsmarket.com Takeout Turkey dinner with sides for four $49.99; individual dinner, $12.99; a-la-carte raw or baked turkey and family-style sides also available The Lemp Mansion Where 3322 DeMenil Place More info 314-664-8024; lempmansion.com Dine-in Family-style, all-you-care-to-eat" turkey dinner with sides and dessert, $41.95 per person; call for reservations Lilianas Italian Kitchen Where 11836 Tesson Ferry Road, south St. Louis County More info 314-729-1800; lilianasitaliankitchen.com Takeout Roasted turkey dinner with sides, $22.95 per person (minimum four orders); a-la-carte whole pumpkin pie also available; call to order by Nov. 22 for pickup Nov. 23-24 The Lucky Accomplice Where 2501 South Jefferson Avenue More info 314-354-6100; theluckyaccomplice.com Takeout A-la-carte main courses and sides; order online by 11 a.m. Nov. 21 for pickup 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 23 Maggie's Lunchbox Where 867 Horan Drive, Fenton More info 636-326-4411; maggiespies.square.site Takeout A-la-carte pies; order online for pickup 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 22-23 Maggianos Little Italy Where 2 The Boulevard, Richmond Heights More info 314-824-2420 Dine-in Family-style Thanksgiving dinner; $41.99 per person Takeout Thanksgiving dinner for 4-5, $189.99 McArthur's Bakery Where 3055 Lemay Ferry Road, south St. Louis County More info 314-894-0900; mcarthurs.com Takeout A-la-carte pies and other baked goods; order online or by phone; delivery available Mimis Cafe Where 17240 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield More info 636-530-4510 Dine-in Three-course turkey meal, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; $28.99 for adults, $12.99 for children; regular breakfast menu available 8-11 a.m. Takeout Turkey or ham dinner with sides and dessert for eight to 10, $179.99; a-la-carte family-style sides and desserts also available; order online for pickup Nov. 19-23 Mortons the Steakhouse Where Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, 999 North Second Street More info 314-725-4008; mortons.com/location/mortons-the-steakhouse-st-louis-mo Dine-in Open with Thanksgiving dinner; regular menu also available; call for additional details Nathaniel Reid Bakery Where 11243 Manchester Road, Kirkwood More info 314-858-1019; nrbakery.com/thanksgiving Takeout Desserts and other baked goods; order online by Nov. 16 for pickup by Nov. 23 Pattys Cheesecakes Where The Food Hall at City Foundry, 3730 Foundry Way More info pattyscheesecakes.com/cheesecake-shop Takeout Full-size (7-inch or 9-inch) cheesecakes in seasonal flavors; order online before Nov. 15 for pickup Nov. 23-24 Pietros Where 3801 Watson Road More info 314-645-9263; pietrosdining.com Dine-in Turkey dinner with sides and dessert, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $31.95 for adults, $15.95 for children 10 and under; limited regular menu also available; reservations required Pint Size Bakery Where 3133 Watson Road More info 314-645-7142; pintsizebakery-holidays.square.site Takeout Pies and other baked goods; order by Nov. 17 for pickup 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 23 Porters Steakhouse Where 1000 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville More info 618-345-2400 Details Open, 3:30-8 p.m. The Regency Conference Center Where 400 Regency Park, OFallon, Illinois More info 618-624-9999; theregencyofallon.com Takeout Turkey dinner (roasted or uncooked) with sides for eight-10, $145; a-la-carte additional turkey entree and sides also available; order online or by phone by noon Nov. 21 for pickup 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 23 (uncooked turkey) or Nov. 24 (cooked turkey) Riverside Diner Where 8129 Reilly Avenue More info (314) 240-5566 Takeout A-la-carte pies and cakes; call to order Royally Baked Where 1211 Jungermann Road, St. Peters More info 636-284-7064; royallybaked.net Dine-in Limited seating available Nov. 25, order online for takeout Takeout Vegan Plenty of Thanks plate ($25), family meal ($95) or sampler ($65); a-la-carte vegan main dishes, sides and desserts also available; order for pickup 3-6 p.m. Nov. 23 or noon-2 p.m. Nov. 24 Russells Cafe & Bakery Where 5400 Murdoch Avenue More info 314-553-9994; russells-cafe-bakery.myshopify.com Takeout A-la-carte pies, cakes and other desserts; order online or by phone for pickup Nov. 23 Where 952 Brookwood Center, Fenton More info 636-343-8900; russells-cafe-bakery.myshopify.com Takeout A-la-carte pies, cakes and other desserts; order online or by phone for pickup Nov. 23 Russos Gourmet Express Where 9904 Page Avenue, Overland More info 314-427-4955; russosgourmetexpress.com Takeout Thanksgiving buffet, $17.95 per person (minimum 20 people); a-la-carte large-serving turkey, sides and desserts also available; order online Ruths Chris Steak House Where Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, 315 Chestnut Street More info 314-259-3200; ruthschrisphg.com/st-louis Dine-in Turkey dinner, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $47.95 for adults, $16.95 for children 12 and under; regular menu also available Takeout Side dish and dessert packages for six to eight or 12-16; order online Where 16493 Wild Horse Creek Road, Chesterfield More info 636-730-2200; ruthschrisphg.com/chesterfield Dine-in Turkey dinner, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $47.95 for adults, $16.95 for children 12 and under; regular menu also available Takeout Side dish and dessert packages for six to eight or 12-16; order online St. Louis Rotisserie Restaurant & Catering Co. Where 12414 Olive Boulevard, Creve Coeur More info 314-505-9098; stlouisrotisserie.com Takeout Whole turkey with sides for eight to 10, $249.99; a-la-carte whole turkeys, turkey breasts and ham also available; order by phone Salt + Smoke Where 6525 Delmar Boulevard, University City More info 314-727-0200; saltandsmokebbq.com Takeout Whole smoked turkey and whole smoked brisket; a-la-carte family-style side dishes and pie also available; order online for pickup at Delmar Loop location 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 25 Sameem Afghan Restaurant Where 4341 Manchester Avenue More info 314-534-9500; sameems.com Dine-in Open regular hours Sams Steakhouse Where 10205 Gravois Road More info 314-849-3033; samssteakhouse.com Dine-in Family-style Thanksgiving dinner, noon-8 p.m.; $42 per person; limited menu of steaks also available; reservations strongly recommended Sharpshooter Pit and Grill Where 8135 Gravois Road, south St. Louis County More info 314-353-4745; sharpshooterstl.com Takeout Smoked turkey dinner with sides for two ($52.50), four to six ($102), eight to 10 ($180) or 20 ($295); call to order The Shaved Duck Where 2900 Virginia Avenue More info 314-776-1407; theshavedduck.com Takeout A-la-carte whole smoked turkey, turkey by the pound and family-size sides and desserts; order online by Nov. 19 (whole turkey) or Nov. 21 (rest of menu) for pickup or delivery Smokee Mos BBQ Where 606 Jeffco Boulevard, Arnold More info 636-296-2111; smokeemosarnoldbbq.com Takeout A-la-carte smoked whole turkey, boneless turkey breast and beef brisket, family-style sides and Blue Owl Bakery desserts; call to order Where 110 Old Meramec Station Road, Manchester More info 636-220-1227; smokeemosstlouisbbq.com Takeout A-la-carte smoked whole turkey, boneless turkey breast and beef brisket, family-style sides and Blue Owl Bakery desserts; vegan options also available (this location only); call to order SqWires Restaurant Where 1415 South 18th Street More info 314-865-3522; sqwires.com Takeout Thanksgiving dinner, $35 per person; a-la-carte whole roasted turkey and family-style sides and desserts also available; order online or by phone by 5 p.m. Nov. 16 for pickup noon-7 p.m. Nov. 23 or 8:30-11:30 a.m. Nov. 24 Station No. 3 Where 1956 Utah Street More info 314-925-8883; station3stl.com Takeout Vegan feast for one, $26; a-la-carte items also available; order online by noon Nov. 19 for pickup Nov. 23 at Station No. 3 or Diego's Cantina (630 North and South Road, University City) Sugaree Baking Co. Where 1242 Tamm Avenue More info 314-645-5496; sugareebakingholidays.square.site Takeout Pies and other baked goods; order online for pickup 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 23 Sugarfire Pie Where 9200 Olive Boulevard, Olivette More info 314-736-6300; sugarfirepie.com Takeout Pumpkin gooey butter cake, sweet potato cheesecake pie with toasted marshmallow and other baked goods; call to order by Nov. 21 Sugarfire Smoke House Where Multiple locations More info sugarfiresmokehouse.com Takeout Smoked turkey breast dinner with sides and dessert, $25.99 per person; whole smoked turkey and smoked turkey breasts (priced per pound) and a-la-carte side dishes and desserts also available; call specific location to order by Nov. 20 for pickup Nov. 24 Sunset 44 Bistro Where 118 West Adams Avenue, Kirkwood More info 314-965-6644 Dine-in Roasted turkey plate and other a-la-carte dishes, noon-7 p.m. Takeout Family-style roasted turkey dinner with sides for one ($36), two ($68), four ($128), eight ($224) or 12 ($366); a-la-carte pie whole or by the slice also available; order by phone for pickup 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Nov. 24 SweetArt Where 2203 South 39th Street More info 314-771-4278; sweetartstl.com Takeout Plant-based Thanksgiving dinner plate, $25 per person; a-la-carte whole pies also available; order online for pickup noon-4 p.m. Nov. 23 Tucanos Brazilian Grill Where 1520 South Fifth Street, Suite 100, St. Charles More info 636-724-4499; tucanos.com Dine-in Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, sides and dessert and regular churrascaria menu, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; $34.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 12 and under, free for children 6 and under; reservations strongly recommended Takeout Whole roasted or deep-fried turkey ($139.99), roasted turkey breast ($154.99) or deep-fried turkey breast and garlic-Parmesan beef ($169.99) dinner with sides and dessert; call to order by 6 p.m. Nov. 23 Union 30 Where Hotel St. Louis, 705 Olive Street More info 314-241-4300; hotelsaintlouis.com/union30 Dine-in Smoked turkey breast or honey-bourbon baked ham dinner with sides and dessert; $35 for adults, $19 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and under Union Loafers Where 1629 Tower Grove Avenue More info 314-833-6111; unionloafers.com Takeout Holiday bread; order online for pickup Nov. 23 Vegan Natured Where Soulard Farmers Market, Booth No. 112, 730 Carroll Street More info 314-833-3606; vegannatured.com Takeout Vegan Thanksgiving meal for 8-10, $300; a-la-carte side dishes and dessert also available; order online by Nov. 15 for pickup Nov. 22 Walnut Grill Where Multiple locations More info eatwalnut.com Dine-in Thanksgiving buffet, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $29.95 for adults, $14.95 for children Takeout Takeout Thanksgiving plate, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $29.95 for adults, $14.95 for children; turkey dinner with sides for four, $89.95; a-la-carte turkey and sides also available; order online for pickup Nov. 23-24 Whisk: A Sustainable Bakeshop Where 2201 Cherokee Street More info 314-932-5166; whiskstl.square.site Takeout A-la-carte baked goods; order online by Nov. 14 for pickup by noon Nov. 23 White Box Catering Where 1250 Strassner Drive, Brentwood More info 314-420-5977; whiteboxcatering.com Takeout Turkey dinner with sides and dessert, $20 per person; family-style brunch ($14 per person) and a-la-carte whole pies also available; order by Nov. 20 for pickup or delivery 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 23 Winslows Table Where 7213 Delmar Boulevard, University City More info 314-725-7559; winslowstable.com Takeout A-la-carte family-style sides, desserts and breakfast items; order online for pickup 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 23 Yolklore Where 8958 Watson Road, Crestwood More info 314-270-8538; yolklore.com Takeout Whole pies, gooey butter cake and other desserts; order online by Nov. 19 for pickup Nov. 23 Its hard to go wrong with a big dish of melty cheese. Fondue, baked Brie, and queso fundido are all prime examples provoleta is yet another. The bubbling Argentinian cheese is a dish I deeply fell for on a trip to Buenos Aires years ago. I was a vegetarian at the time, which proved a bit difficult, given how meat-heavy Argentinian food can be. Provoleta is typically served with vibrant chimichurri and grilled bread before a feast of grilled meats, but its so gooey and satisfying that it was an entire meal for me while my husband awaited his steak. Even though I eat meat now, I am still quite content making provoleta the star. Whether you enjoy it as a starter or the main event, you really cant go wrong. What is provoleta? Provoleta is both the name of the dish and the cheese. Traditionally, the dish is made of a thick slice of provolone-style cheese cooked over hot coals (often directly on grill grates) until its melty and browned. Herby, garlicky chimichurri sauce is often spooned over the warm cheese and the whole thing is served immediately with grilled bread. Is provoleta the same as provolone? Provoleta is the now-trademarked name of a provolone style of cheese invented around 1940 for grilling purposes. While its similar to Italian provolone, its not exactly the same in terms of texture and flavor. Provoleta can be hard to find outside of South America, which is why many recipes, including this one, call for provolone instead. Sharp, aged provolone is your best bet, as it is firm enough to be grilled and also delivers a salty, nutty, flavor. Ask the folks at the deli counter to cut a thick slice off the long cylinder of aged provolone in the deli case. How to make this Argentine-inspired provoleta It requires some skill to cook provoleta on the grill grates, so I like to flip the cheese into a cast iron skillet after grilling it directly on grill grates on one side. This allows the cheese to continue to melt without fear of it falling through the grates. For this reason, you wont get much browning on the cheese, but dont sweat it: It will still be perfectly melted and gooey. The skillet also doubles as a handy serving vessel. If youd rather not bother with the grill, you can make provoleta under the broiler. Skipping the grill does have a benefit for home cooks: Its a bit less nerve-wrecking than cooking over grill grates and youll get a little more browning on the top. You dont need to serve provoleta with much else but good crusty bread. Grill the bread, if you like, because the grill is already on, or if youre going the broiler route, toast the bread in a skillet or in the toaster. Argentine-Inspired Provoleta Serves 4 to 6 1 (8-ounce, about 1-inch-thick) piece sharp provolone cheese 1 clove garlic 1 small bunch fresh parsley 3 sprigs fresh oregano 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for brushing 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Crusty bread, for serving 1. Heat half of a gas grill for direct, medium-high heat (about 400 F), or heat a charcoal grill for two-zone cooking. Place a small cast iron skillet, oven-safe frying pan, or grill-safe baking dish thats about the same size as 1 (8-ounce) piece sharp provolone cheese on the grates of the unlit side of the grill while it is heating. Meanwhile, make the chimichurri. 2. Prepare the following, adding each to a mini or regular food processor fitted with the blade attachment as you complete it: Smash and peel 1 garlic clove. Pick the leaves from 1 small bunch fresh parsley until you have 1 packed cup. Pick the leaves from 3 fresh oregano sprigs until you have 1/4 packed cup. 3. Add 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the food processor. Pulse, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally, until blended but still a little chunky, 25 to 30 pulses. 4. Lightly brush one side of the cheese with olive oil. Place, oil-side down, on the direct-heat side of the grill. Grill uncovered until the edges start to melt and soften, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Use a thin metal spatula to lift and flip the provolone over into the skillet, oil-side up. 5. Cover and grill, until the cheese is very soft and melty, 6 to 8 minutes more. Carefully transfer the skillet to a heat-proof plate or surface. Spoon some of the chimichurri over the provoleta and serve immediately with crusty bread and the remaining chimichurri. Recipe notes Make ahead: The chimichurri can be made up to one day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container with some plastic wrap pressed onto the surface to keep it from browning. Broiler method: Arrange an oven rack 6 to 8 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler to high. Heat a small cast-iron skillet or oven-safe frying pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Place the provolone directly into the skillet and cook until the bottom edges start to melt and bubble, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Immediately transfer to the oven and broil until the top has browned in spots and the cheese is very soft and melty, 3 to 5 minutes more. (Sheela Prakash is a senior contributing food editor for TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to editorial@thekitchn.com.) ST. LOUIS A man was injured Sunday night while driving on Highway 40 (Interstate 64) near Tower Grove Avenue in what police believe was a road rage shooting. The 35-year-old man told police he was driving east on the highway just before 6 p.m. when he took the Tower Grove Avenue exit and noticed a red sedan driving behind him, according to a police report. He turned right onto Chouteau Avenue and shortly after he heard gunshots near Chouteau and Newstead avenues, police said. He then realized he had been shot in the shoulder. The man drove himself to the hospital and is stable, police said. JEFFERSON CITY Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is supporting a local election officials decision to block the U.S. Department of Justice from monitoring Tuesdays election in Cole County. As part of its duties to enforce federal voting rights laws, the Justice Department announced Monday it would be in the field in 64 jurisdictions spread across 24 states for the midterm election. Missouri Voters Guide for today's elections The Post-Dispatch and the League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis present this guide to the candidates and races on the Nov. 8 ballot. The lone site in Missouri is Cole County, home to Jefferson City and the state Capitol. But Cole County Clerk Steve Korsmeyer has said no to the on-site visits to polling places. Ashcroft, a Republican who plans to run for governor in 2024, is backing him up, accusing the federal government of trying to bully local election workers. While the U.S. DOJ could clearly learn a lot from Missouri about non-partisanship and how to administer accessible, secure and credible elections, it would be highly inappropriate for federal agents to violate the law by intimidating Missouri voters at the polls on Election Day, Ashcroft said in a tweet Monday. Korsmeyer told The Associated Press, The DOJ wont be allowed into our polling locations, citing a state statute that gives him power in deciding who, other than election workers, is allowed to enter polling places. He said federal agents he spoke with were very respectful and said they wouldnt enter our polling locations on Election Day. A spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys office confirmed the statement. We will have monitors outside the polling locations in Cole County to monitor compliance with federal civil rights laws. But the monitors wont go inside the buildings, the DOJ spokesman said. Ashcroft spokesman JoDonn Chaney said DOJ officials met with Secretary of State attorneys Monday. But he said Justice Department officials didnt tell Ashcroft why they want to visit the polling places. They are telling us weve got complaints about you, but they arent telling us what they are, Chaney said. Whatever the issue is, tell us what it is. But they arent doing that. How can we fix it if we dont know what the problem is? Korsmeyer received a letter from the department in October saying it had received complaints alleging that the clerks office failed to provide an accessible voting machine at each polling place during past elections. The letter said the Justice Department is opening an investigation into the allegations. It is not the first time the Justice Department has assigned monitors during an election. In 2001, for example, Ashcrofts father, then-Attorney General John Ashcroft, also a Republican, oversaw a voting integrity initiative in the wake of the disputed 2000 presidential election. Along with the Oct. 27 letter, Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Thomas asked for a meeting with Korsmeyer on Thursday to outline a plan for attorneys working with the Justice Departments disability rights section to visit and observe polling places in and around Jefferson City on Tuesday. Rest assured that we understand that you will be administering the election and we will try to minimize the time we spend at each site, Thomas wrote in an email. The nationwide monitoring plan is not a surprise. Two weeks ago, U.S. attorneys throughout the nation outlined their goals to keep the 2022 general election from being marred by the same false claims of voter fraud that roiled the 2020 election and have been repeatedly pushed by former President Donald Trump and other Republicans in the run-up to this years contests. Teresa Moore, the U.S. attorney for Missouris western district, issued a statement in October that said voting is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice, Moore said. Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. Federal law also contains protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. But Ashcroft said under Missouri law, the local election authority is empowered to decide who, other than voters and poll workers, may be at polling locations. At the same time, the U.S. Attorneys Office is authorized under federal law to determine if a clerk is complying with the American with Disabilities Act and can determine whether it can be fixed voluntarily or if legal action must be taken. Updated at 6:40 p.m. OLIVETTE The Olivette City Council could vote Tuesday to bar medical pot cultivation facilities within 750 feet of homes and require any odors be minimally detectable outside the doors. The proposed ordinance comes months after dozens of residents successfully stopped plans by Proper Cannabis to grow pot in a warehouse near homes, complaining the farm would fill their air with funky odors that would tank their property values and threaten residents health. The proposed buffer would keep pot farms within two corners zoned for light industry in the 2.77-square-mile city of about 8,450 residents. But some residents like Nina Miller want city to take one more step: force pot farms to prevent any odor at all from leaking. If they cant guarantee that there will be no odor escaping the building, then they cant have a facility, said Miller, who lives near the light industrial zone where pot farms would have to locate. If the odor escapes the building, then its escaped ... and on a windy day it will be in my backyard and I dont want it. Proper Cannabis CEO John Pennington, who has since suspended a search for a second farm location, said a zero-odor law sets an impossible standard. It would be like requiring a barbecue restaurant not to omit barbecue smells, period, he said. The key is making sure that whatever air is omitted is safe, compliant and not hazardous to anybody. And thats how we run our business. The debate over how much odor is too much comes as Missouri voters consider Amendment 3 to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, a change that could lead to more demand for weed, more pot farms to grow it and more decisions for residents and city planners should pot growers want to move in. Cities would have the added option to ban retail pot businesses through a public vote every four years, though its unclear whether any cities would take that option. But if the bill in Olivette is adopted, it would make the city the third local government in the region to set a residential buffer for pot farms, ordinances that would likely stay in place if recreational marijuana becomes legal. University City has a 1,000-foot residential buffer. In St. Charles County, Lake Saint Louis has a 500-foot residential buffer. John Payne, campaign manager for Legal Missouri 2022, the primary group campaigning for passage of Amendment 3, said residential buffers and zero-odor regulations could violate state law by qualifying as unduly burdensome restrictions. The ballot initiative that legalized medical pot in 2018 precluded local governments from banning it outright but allowed cities to set some conditions on where and when business could operate. The state forbade odors from rising to the level of a nuisance and set a default, maximum 1,000-foot buffer for schools, child care facilities and places of worship but barred cities from being more restrictive. You have to strike a balance, Payne said, that respects the rights of people to not have an overwhelming odor but also that a business has the right to locate in an area that is properly zoned for it. Olivette Mayor Maxine Weil declined to comment on whether the city would adopt a stricter odor regulation at Tuesdays meeting. In an emailed statement, Weil said the ordinance before the council serves to provide for and protect the health, safety, welfare, and property values of the City and its residents and businesses, while simultaneously following both the letter and intent of Article XIV Section 1 of the Missouri Constitution. For now, local governments dont see any zoning headaches coming if marijuana is legalized, said Pat Kelly, a former Brentwood mayor who now runs the Municipal League of Metropolitan St. Louis, which represents the 88 municipalities in St. Louis County. Just like any other business, sometimes you have an issue, like with zoning for a new gas station, Kelly said. But I think generally cities are prepared for it. Olivette is at least the second suburb where residents and existing business opposed a new pot business wanting to locate there, raising concerns about odor and public safety. People in Des Peres, for example, spent weeks unsuccessfully trying to fight a new dispensary. But by and large, medical marijuana businesses have cropped up across the St. Louis area without heavy opposition since Missouri voters legalized medical marijuana in 2018. If there was any chief concern, it was odor from pot farms, Kelly said. But most commercial growers servicing St. Louis-area dispensaries are in rural or industrial areas, far enough from neighborhoods to avoid any problems. There are at least 16 commercial pot farms within St. Louis, St. Louis County and St. Charles County. The exact locations arent clear because most commercial growers conceal their exact addresses out of safety concerns. Several pot farms are in north and south St. Louis, in industrial areas along the riverfront. Earth City, a part of unincorporated St. Louis County, is home to BeLeaf, which turned a former CBD plant in a business park into a medical pot farm. OFallon and St. Ann each have one pot farm. Maryland Heights will soon: The city council in September unanimously approved a permit for an indoor medical cannabis farm in a building formerly used by an Anheuser-Busch distributor. Two St. Ann aldermen reached this week said they havent heard any concerns about odor from the plant in the city. A spokesman for OFallon said the city hasnt heard complaints about its facility either. But Olivette residents like Kate Pichon-Hellmann say a Proper Cannabis plant in Rock Hill emits odor that can be smelled hundreds of feet away on Manchester Road and South McKnight Road, despite an ordinance "that the odors of marijuana cannot be detected from outside the structure." Rock Hill Mayor Edward Mahan did not respond to several recent requests for comment. Pennington said the plant uses air and carbon filtration systems, conducts regular testing on the air quality and follows federal and state standards, just like any other manufacturing business. Pichon-Hellmann said Olivette residents want to make clear that no odor is allowed to make it easier to enforce. And the bill could be amended to fit retail pot. If it's minimal odor, what does minimal odor mean? she said. No odor is pretty clear. But for now, shes happy with the bill, which could be amended if recreational marijuana is legalized. All you would have to do is take out the word medical, she said. Payne said the marijuana industry ultimately isnt too concerned. Other cities are more open for business. One upside to having 80-plus municipalities is that if one doesnt like it, one probably does, and you can try to figure that out and find one that will work with you, he said. Editor's Note: This report has been updated to correct a description of a marijuana farm in Rock Hill. ST. LOUIS Races for the U.S. Senate, St. Louis County executive and St. Louis aldermanic president are among the highlights in Tuesdays election, the first statewide balloting under a new law requiring voters to show a government-issued photo ID. In another change, Missourians since Oct. 25 have been allowed to cast in-person absentee ballots without having to give a reason for not voting on Election Day. The new two-week, no-excuse early voting period ends at 5 p.m. Monday. Missouri Voters Guide for today's elections The Post-Dispatch and the League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis present this guide to the candidates and races on the Nov. 8 ballot. Secretary of State Jay Ashcrofts office predicts an overall statewide turnout of about 56% of registered voters, with metro-area election officials offering estimates ranging from about 40% in St. Louis to 65% in St. Charles County. The states high-profile U.S. Senate race, marked by months of big-dollar TV commercials, pits Republican Eric Schmitt of Glendale, the state attorney general, against Democrat Trudy Busch Valentine, of Ladue. Polls have shown Schmitt with a lead in what has become a strong GOP state in recent years. The two are vying to succeed retiring Republican incumbent Roy Blunt. Also running are nominees of the Libertarian and Constitution parties, Jonathan Dine of Kansas City and Paul Venable of Warsaw in western Missouri. In St. Louis County, Democratic County Executive Sam Page of Creve Coeur seeks another term against Republican challenger Mark Mantovani of Ladue, a retired business executive who twice ran unsuccessfully for the job as a Democrat. Mantovani was chosen by the county GOP committee to run only after the surprise Aug. 2 Republican primary winner, Katherine Pinner, dropped out of the race. Also on the ballot is the Green Partys Randall Holmes of South County. In St. Louis, two aldermen Megan Green and Jack Coatar are running to succeed Lewis Reed, who resigned as aldermanic president in June after his indictment on federal corruption charges. While Green and Coatar are both Democrats, theyll be listed without a party label under a nonpartisan ballot system adopted by St. Louis voters in 2020 for key city offices. Another quirk in the Green-Coatar race: Tuesdays winner is guaranteed to serve only the final five months in Reeds last four-year term. Voters at another election next April will fill the next full term; candidates can begin signing up for that race in less than three weeks, on Nov. 28. Also on Tuesdays ballot will be a long list of candidates for state and local offices and several ballot issues, with a statewide measure to legalize recreational marijuana getting the most attention. The only other statewide office up for election is state auditor. That race features Republican nominee Scott Fitzpatrick of Shell Knob in southwest Missouri, the current state treasurer; Democrat Alan Green, a former state representative from north St. Louis County and Libertarian nominee John Hartwig Jr. of Clayton. There will be no-tax increase bond issues voted on in the Hazelwood and Parkway school districts and the Central County Fire and Rescue district in St. Charles County. The St. Charles County Ambulance District and the Metro North Fire Protection District in north St. Louis County are seeking property tax hikes. A proposition in the Rock Township Ambulance District in Jefferson County would impose a new district sales tax and reduce the districts property tax rate. Voters in the Robertson Fire Protection District will decide whether to recall three board members as part of a long-running dispute over district finances. Five Missouri U.S. House members whose districts include parts of the metro area will be seeking reelection. Among them are Republican Rep. Ann Wagner of Town and Country in the 2nd Congressional District and Democratic Rep. Cori Bush of St. Louis in the 1st. Wagner is opposed by Democratic state Rep. Trish Gunby of West County and Bill Slantz of St. Charles County, the Libertarian nominee. Bush is running against Republican nominee Andrew Jones of St. Louis, a utility executive who ran unsuccessfully for mayor last year, and Libertarian nominee George Zsidisin of Creve Coeur. There are several contested races for seats in the Missouri House and Senate. Among those getting the most attention is a high-spending fight for an open seat in the 24th Senate district in St. Louis County between Democratic state Rep. Tracy McCreery of Olivette and Republican George Hruza, a dermatologist from Huntleigh. Also running is Libertarian nominee Ladonna Higgins of West County. Photo ID rule Missouris new photo ID requirement, passed by the GOP-led Missouri Legislature in May, is the third attempt by state lawmakers to put in place such a measure. The state Supreme Court declared a 2006 photo ID law unconstitutional and struck down part of a 2016 law. Republicans say such measures reduce the potential for fraud. The American Civil Liberties Union and other critics say photo ID restrictions create unnecessary obstacles, particularly for people of color, with disabilities and other groups. A judge last month upheld the photo ID provision but on Friday blocked some other parts of the new election law. The no-excuse early voting period also remains in effect. The photo ID rule requires voters to show a Missouri drivers license or nondrivers license, military or veterans ID, U.S. passport or another photo ID issued by Missouri or the federal government. Any such document must not have expired before the last state general election in November 2020. Voters without proper photo IDs can cast a provisional ballot, which will be counted if they return later in the day with one or if election officials verify the voters signature with the signature in voter registration records. The new law, however, doesnt allow provisional ballots to be cast by people who show up to vote absentee without a required photo ID. In such cases, election officials say, theyre told to return on Election Day. Eric Fey, Democratic director of elections for St. Louis County, said that had happened about a dozen times in the county so far. The most common scenario has been someone with an out-of-state drivers license who has moved to Missouri but had yet to get a Missouri license, he said. Early voting Meanwhile, Fey and officials at other metro-area election agencies said the overall number of people voting absentee has picked up significantly since the no-excuse period kicked off. In St. Louis County, Fey said, more than 66,000 people had voted absentee through Saturday, including more than 46,000 who used the no-excuse option. That already exceeds the 58,117 absentee votes cast in the county in the last nonpresidential November election, in 2018. People have been able to vote absentee at county election headquarters in St. Ann and at six satellite centers. The biggest numbers, he said, have been at Daniel Boone Branch Library in Ellisville, where at times there have been lines of 50 to 100 people waiting to vote. The turnout there was much more than we bargained for, he said. To deal with that, he said, the election board has added staffers and voting booths. Traditional Missouri absentee voting, in which voters have to cite one of several preauthorized excuses such as absence from their home county on Election Day, was allowed beginning six weeks before the election in person and by mail. No-excuse early voting will continue Monday at the seven St. Louis County sites from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. St. Louis will allow early voting at city Election Board headquarters downtown from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at three city libraries from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early voting will be allowed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday at St. Charles County Election Authoritys office in St. Peters and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jefferson County elections office in Hillsboro. Illinois Voters in Metro East areas and the rest of Illinois also will decide a wide range of races. Various congressional races also are on the ballot. Among them is in the 13th District, where Democrat Nikki Budzinski faces Republican Regan Deering. The district stretches from East St. Louis to Springfield, Decatur and Champaign-Urbana. Ballot issues include a proposed constitutional amendment to guarantee the right to collective bargaining. Proponents say it would prevent enactment of a so-called right-to-work law that bars forcing the payment of union dues. Critics say it would drive up taxes and give unions too much power. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Missouri Voters Guide for today's elections The Post-Dispatch and the League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis present this guide to the candidates and races on the Nov. 8 ballot. The Latest on COP27, this year's annual UN summit on climate change. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt French President Emmanuel Macron said he discussed human rights with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and hoped to soon get results in the form of a release of political prisoners, on the sidelines of COP27. Macron said he wouldnt disclose details of the discussion because in his experience, that's more efficient for obtaining the release of activists imprisoned in some authoritarian countries. Speaking in a news conference, Macron said he specifically discussed the case of one of the countrys leading rights activists, jailed dissident Alaa Abdel-Fattah, who is also a U.K. citizen. Abdel-Fattah escalated his hunger strike this week, refusing even water, to coincide with the first day of the COP27, according to his family. Amnesty International said he could die in prison if Egyptian authorities do not release him within days. Macron said that al-Sissi committed to ensure that his health be preserved. Im telling it with much caution, I hope that the coming weeks and months will bring results. I wont speak more publicly, but the issue has been very precisely discussed, he added. Abdel-Fattah hails from a family of well-known Egyptian activists and rose to prominence with the 2011 pro-democracy uprisings that swept the Middle East and in Egypt toppled longtime President Hosni Mubarak. The 40-year old activist spent most of the past decade behind bars and his detention has become a symbol of Egypts return to autocratic rule. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt Italys new far-right leader says her new government will stick to the countrys existing climate goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century. Georgia Meloni said Monday at the U.N. climate meeting in Egypt that despite a very complex international scenario already affected by the pandemic and further disrupted by the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Italy remains strongly committed to its climate goals. Meloni, who took power last month, took a swipe at major polluters she suggested were freeloading on more ambitious countries. Countries that are most committed to cutting emissions risk paying the price to the advantage of those that today are mostly responsible for carbon dioxide emissions on the planet, she said, without naming specific countries. While China is now the worlds biggest emitter, the United States has pumped significantly more CO2 into the atmosphere since industrial times and Europes emissions per capita are still higher than Chinas. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his governments deep concern about the case of a jailed Egyptian-British activist. Sunak raised the case of Alaa Abdel-Fattah in his meeting Monday with President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi on the sidelines of the U.N. climate summit in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. According to a Downing Street statement, the British premier said he would continue to press for progress in the case of Abdel-Fattah. Earlier Monday, Sunak avoided journalists questions about Abdel-Fattah after he addressed the COP27 high-level summit. The jailed activist escalated his hunger strike this week, refusing also water, to coincide with the first day of the summit according to his family. His family is now concerned that he could die from hunger, urging the British government to pressure for his release. Alaa Abdel-Fattah hails from a family of well-known Egyptian activists and rose to prominence with the 2011 pro-democracy uprisings that swept the Middle East and in Egypt toppled long-time President Hosni Mubarak. He spent most of the past decade behind bars and his detention has become a symbol of Egypts return to autocratic rule. KEY DEVELOPMENTS: World leaders gather to talk climate amid many distractions Loss and damage: Fight over human harm, huge climate costs Amnesty: Egypt has days to save jailed activists life SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says Russias attack on Ukraine has made the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy a security policy imperative. In a speech Monday to the U.N. climate conference in Egypt, Scholz acknowledged that Germany was reactivating coal-fired power plants as a matter of necessity, for a short time because of the drop in energy supplies from Russia. But he insisted that Europes biggest economy remains committed to phasing out coal, telling fellow leaders that there must not be a global renaissance of fossil fuels. Scholz said his government believes the future belongs to wind power, solar and green hydrogen, and is willing to assist other countries in rolling out renewable energy too. Germany is also prepared to give more financial support to poor countries to tackle climate change, last year providing 5.3 billion euros, he said. It is also putting 170 million euros into a global shield program that will offer a kind of insurance scheme for poor nations hit by climate-related disasters. Scholz urged countries to agree new steps for cutting greenhouse gas emissions during the talks in Egypt, and reiterated his invitation to join a climate club for raising climate ambition he launched during Germanys presidency of the Group of Seven leading economies this year. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt The vice-president of the Maldives, Faisal Naseem, said climate change is remaking the oceans that his island nation depends on. Naseem told leaders at this years U.N. climate talks on Monday that fishermen in the Maldives have to travel further each year to find fish, while monsoon patterns have shifted and become more violent. This is causing storm surges and flooding that have had irreparable damage to property and livelihoods, he said. Coral reefs a big draw for tourists from around the world are on life support, while all freshwater supplies have been lost, Naseem said. Climate change is remaking the world, he said, urging fellow leaders to do more to tackle the threat of global warming and adapt to its impacts. Its our responsibility, and why we have gathered here, to ensure that the remade world is equitable, just and allows all of us to live well. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has pledged 5 million euros ($5 million) to finance the launch of an International Drought Resilience Alliance, a joint initiative presented together with Senegal. Over thirty countries, including the U.S., China and France, have already joined the new alliance that aims to speed up actions against water shortages and help countries prepare better for future droughts. It is essential that we awake from the lethargy and act with the determination that young people around the world are demanding, said the Spanish leader. Spain, Sanchez recalled, is one of the countries suffering firsthand the consequences of drought and heatwaves. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt The head of the United Nations food agency called on world leaders to mobilize resources and funds to save millions of people who are in serious trouble because of climate-related disasters and market-related shocks. David Beasley, executive director of the U.N. World Food Program, said on Monday that there are at least 345 million people at risk of starvation because of conflicts and climatic shocks. We are in a time of turbulence, he declared, adding that solutions and funds are urgently needed to avoid mass migration and limit damage to countries vulnerable to climate change. He said the Russia-Ukraine war has aggravated the humanitarian crisis since both countries are considered the worlds breadbasket, producing much of the worlds grain and fertilizers. The war has created a food pricing problem across the globe, he said. I dont care whether you love or hate Russia, you need these grains and fertilizers to move. Otherwise, people all over the world are going to starve to death, he said. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt The United States and Germany welcomed the recent victory of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brazils presidential election as a boost for international efforts to prevent global deforestation. Da Silva, who is often referred to as Lula, has pledged to halt the destruction of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil seen under his far-right predecessor President Jair Bolsonaro. Clearly the election in Brazil now offers a major opportunity, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said Monday. We know what President Lula did when he was there before, he said on the sidelines of the U.N. climate talks in Egypt. We know what I think he is prepared to build on. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed that sentiment. It is good that our Brazilian friends are part of our joint efforts again, he told delegates. The clear commitment we heard from president-elect Lula right after his election are very encouraging, Scholz said, adding that Germany was open to the idea of reactivating an Amazon protection fund his country froze due to differences with the Bolsonaro government. Scholz also announced that Germany will be doubling its five-year contribution to a global fund against deforestation to 2 billion euros (dollars), pending parliamentary approval. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who initially decided not to come to the climate summit, bragged over the United Kingdoms efforts to decarbonize its economy and its spending of 11.6 billion pounds to help poorer nations deal with global warming. Sunak struck a much more optimistic tone than other leaders. We can turn our struggle against climate change into a global mission for new jobs and new growth and we can bequeath our children a greener planet, Sunak said. There really is room for hope. Let us fulfill it. Seconds after Sunak addressed the summit he was swarmed by a dozen journalists, pressing him continuously about the fate of Alaa Abdel Fattah, the British national and rights activist detained in an Egyptian prison. He said nothing but continued walking, avoiding questions. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt Kenyas new president sought to hurry delegates along Monday, describing the wildlife carcasses that litter drought-hit parks back home and saying the climate gatherings stalling, delaying tactics and procrastination that have hampered implementation and delivery is simply cruel and unjust. President William Ruto, also speaking on behalf of the African group, reminded the gathering that over 90% of his countrys energy grid is based on green energy in spite of its tremendous hydrocarbon and coal deposits which would go a long way in fueling the engines of development. It was a reminder of the choices many African nations face as they seek to grow their economies but see the consequences of richer countries actions. Time for those countries to step up and help, Ruto said. Loss and damage is not an abstract topic of endless dialogue: It is our daily experience and the living nightmare of millions of Kenyans and hundreds of millions of Africans, he said. He also announced an ambitious plan to increase Kenyas tree cover from the current 12.13% to 30% over the next decade, at an estimated cost of $5 billion. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt Egypt said it aims to bridge the gap between north and south on the negotiating table at the United Nations climate summit currently underway in the Egyptian seaside resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Veteran diplomat Wael Aboulmagd, who heads the Egyptian delegation, told The Associated Press Monday that his government aims to make progress on multiple fronts in the negotiations at the climate summit, COP27. We dont have the luxury of prioritizing one area over the other, he said. The Egyptian diplomat said they should also address the climate change-related challenges developing countries have been facing, including finance for climate harms, known as loss and damage. We need to address the fundamentals of the climate finance landscape. It needs to be more equitable, he said. Aboulmagd declined to address criticism his government have faced over the past weeks over its human rights record, particularly the case of a jailed prominent activist, Alaa Abdel Fattah, who went on hunger strike for months before he stopped drinking water to coincide with the start of COP27. I cant speak to those particular specific issues, he said. He said the world leaders are gathering for two weeks to address an existential threat to humanity, and this is the priority of the presidency. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pledged $2.5 billion to fund regional efforts to combat climate change that his country is spearheading, in an event on COP27s sidelines. The crown prince said the money would support initial projects and the budget for the Middle East Green Initiative, which Saudi Arabia launched a year ago. Salman also said the kingdoms Public Investment Fund would target net zero carbon emissions by 2050, through a circular carbon economy approach. The kingdoms circular carbon strategy has been unpopular with climate change activists, who say it focuses on unreliable carbon capture and storage technologies rather than phasing out fossil fuels. At the same event, Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Sharif said, The earth has been calling for action but we, it seems, have decided to learn the hard way. Pakistan was hit by devastating floods this summer that covered half the country, displacing millions and causing tens of billions of dollars in damage. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt U.N. chief Antonio Guterres said Monday that the international community has a duty to massively support Pakistan in coping with the effects of devastating floods which hit the country in recent months. The U.N. Secretary-General said the floods should considered as an example of the kind of disaster that deserves financial aid from funds being discussed for the effects of climate change. There is loss and there is damage, Guterres said, adding that this should be recognized at the current U.N. climate talks in Egypt. Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, Guterres said one of the ways to help Pakistan would be to change existing rules and allow it to invest money which the country would otherwise spend on debt repayments for recovery and reconstruction from a natural disaster such as the floods. ___ SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt French President Emmanuel Macron has stressed the need to support developing nations to transition away from dirty fuels and provide funding for current and future climate-related damage on Monday. We must transition our economies away from coal. We must also help emerging countries to do so as quickly as possible, Macron told leaders at the U.N. climate summit in Egypt, adding that more partnerships need to be made with developing nations to help them transition to cleaner energy. We need a huge shock on concessional financing, Macron said, voicing his support for funding for countries that can no longer do business as usual as they are too impacted by climate-related damage. Macron also addressed the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on climate commitments. He said: We will not be sacrificing our climate commitments to Russias energy threat. The war in Ukraine prompted energy and food insecurity across the world, especially in Africa and in the Mediterranean region, he said. He warned against thinking that we have other priorities, climate can wait because the climate emergency is here. We only have one obligation: to continue to take action, he said. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt The Netherlands and Oman have signed a declaration of intent to cooperate on hydrogen as a way of speeding up the sultanates energy transition. The Dutch government says the two nations signed the agreement Monday at the United Nations climate summit in Egypt. Dutch Climate and Energy Minister Rob Jetten says that developing hydrogen infrastructure and increasing the share of clean hydrogen in the energy mix is a priority for both the Netherlands and Oman. Clean or green hydrogen is so called because it is made without any carbon emissions. Hydrogen is used in the production of fertilizer. Jetten says the agreement means that ultimately the Netherlands can start importing green hydrogen from Oman to meet the increasing demand here. The Dutch government says the agreement with Oman aims to set up import and export facilities and exchanging knowledge and calls it a starting point for collaboration between the Dutch port of Rotterdam and the Omani port of Sohar. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt Some 25 countries led by the U.S. and Ghana launched a partnership on Monday to eliminate deforestation by 2030. The group of nations are home to more than a third of the worlds remaining forests. Its expected $3.6 billion in private capital will be committed to the pledge during this years climate conference, taking total funds earmarked for forest conservation projects to $23.8 billion. None of the three most rainforested nations Brazil, Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have signed up, although discussions are said to be underway. Environmentalists warn its funding is dwarfed by investment in companies accused of destroying rainforests. In one of his first appearances on the international stage since become British prime minister last month, Rishi Sunak said his country would live up to pledges on protecting the worlds forests made at the 2021 U.N. climate meeting in Glasgow. For too long the worlds forests have been undervalued and underestimated, he said, noting the ecological and economic benefits they provide, from fostering biodiversity to providing flood protection, homes for indigenous people and sources of new medicines. With the loss of our forests accounting for more than 10% of global emissions, protecting them is one of the best ways of getting us back on track to 1.5 degrees, he said, referring to the 2015 Paris accords most ambitious goal on capping global warming. Sunak announced that Britain would contribute a further 90 million pounds to protecting the Congo basin, on top of 1.5 billion pounds pledged last year in Glasgow. He called for further billions to be raised from public and private sources, and philanthropies, to help address the economic drivers of deforestation. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledged $1.4 billion to support agricultural projects across Africa and South Asia that it said will help small farmers adapt to climate change. The foundations CEO Mark Suzman announced the commitment Monday, saying it was in response to calls from African leaders to increase financing for climate adaptation. Some of the funds will expand initiatives run by the International Fund for Agricultural Development that support women farmers, who Melinda French Gates called the backbone of African food systems in a a statement. Funds will also go to major agricultural research institutions. The foundation has one of the largest endowments of any philanthropic foundation. It has supported agricultural research, information systems and the piloting of new kinds of seeds and livestock interventions in Africa since at least 2006. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley warned on Monday that leaders lacked the simple political will to make a definable difference in the lives of the people who we have a responsibility to serve as she called for new funding mechanisms that would allow nations to address climate change. Mottley called for $5 trillion of private sector savings to be unlocked to stop the emissions of planet-warming gases, but added it would require a change in the attitude of developed countries. She urged that nations should look at other innovative ways to expand the lending that is available from billions to trillions. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt Former U.S. Vice-President Al Gore made an impassioned call Monday for leaders to choose life over death by ending the use of fossil fuels that are stoking climate change. Gore, a long-time environmental campaigner who was among the first to raise the alarm about climate change, told leaders at this years U.N. climate summit in Egypt that they should turn away from destructive behavior, insisting that we have other choices in the form of renewable energy. We need to obey the first law of holes, he said. When youre in one, stop digging. Gore called for massive amounts of private capital to be unlocked in order to fund the transition to clean energy, saying this would provide the trillions, not billions, needed. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt Egyptian authorities closed off several roads on Monday around the venue where the U.N. climate summit is taking place in the seaside resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh. Nearly 50 heads of states or governments on Monday have taken the stage the first day of high-level international climate talks. As the leaders headed to the conference, police closed off some roads and redirected some routes. Delegates and journalists arrived late to their events. Michael Bloomberg, U.N. Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions, arrived late at Bloomberg/Sustainable Energy for All event which was held at a luxury hotel in Sharm. I apologize for being late, he told the event participants. They closed all the roads and youve never seen as many empty roads in your life. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt Environmental campaigners warned Monday that the fossil fuel industry has been emboldened by the current global energy crunch and efforts by some countries to invest in new gas projects, particularly in Africa. Tasneem Essop of the Climate Action Network claimed fossil fuel companies were attending the current U.N. climate talks in Egypt in numbers to influence negotiations. She urged the United Nations to put in place policies that prevent those companies from taking part in the annual meeting in future, alleging that they are engaged in a massive greenwashing exercise. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt Nigerias Environment Minister Mohammed Abdullahi called for wealthy nations to show positive and affirmative commitments to help those developing countries that are the hardest hit by climate change. He said Monday that even though nations are strongly divided, there must be urgent and decisive action from the countries most responsible for the emissions and, of course, climate change, he said. The blame game should stop, he said, adding that the country would be aggressive during negotiations about financing and reparations for vulnerable countries. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt The head of the United Nations warned Monday that the world is on a highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator unless drastic action is taken to curb global warming. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told world leaders gathered for this years climate summit in Egypt said humanity must cooperate or perish, saying rich industrial nations must lead the way. But Guterres said emerging economies must also do their bit to bend the global emissions curve, calling out the worlds two biggest emitters, the United States and China, have a particular responsibility. The U.N. urged countries to forge a climate solidarity pact that includes giving poor countries sufficient financial support to cope with the effects of global warming, and reiterated his call for a tax on the windfall profits of fossil fuel companies. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi warned that the planet has become a world of suffering in his opening remarks to leaders at the summit. Climate change will never stop without our intervention ... Our time here is limited and we must use every second that we have, he said. El-Sissi also called for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt Ghanas President Nana Akufo-Addo called for wealthy nations who are more responsible for climate change to pay and compensate African nations that are among the hardest hit by the impacts of climate change. The damage is obvious, he told The Associated Press on Monday. Those who are responsible should be very, very much aware of the need to compensate others. He said his government needs around $561 billion to implement the countrys transition plan to clean energy, and at the same time avoid job losses in the oil and gas sector. GENEVA The World Trade Organization chief is acknowledging that trade contributes to carbon emissions but says a new WTO report estimates that lifting tariffs and other barriers to trade in environmentally friendly energy products could both boost exports and reduce emissions. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala says the Geneva-based trade bodys latest World Trade Report, whose release was timed for Mondays opening of the U.N. climate conference, found that trade has helped prices of solar electricity to plunge 97 percent since 1990. However, trade, like most economic activities, emits greenhouse gases and CO2 emissions linked to international goods and services exports accounted for 30% of global carbon emissions as of 2018, the report said. The WTO chief acknowledged the perception that trade contributes to global emissions. Thats exactly what we want to tackle here: That trade is seen as contributing to the carbon emissions. And this is true, she told reporters at the conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. But on the other hand, you couldnt solve the climate crisis without trade. And thats the part of the equation that has not been looked at. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt More than 100 world leaders are preparing to discuss a worsening problem that scientists call Earths biggest challenge greenhouse gas emissions, which leads to global warming. However, observers say it will be hard to make progress given all the other things happening in the world. Dozens of heads of states or governments Monday take the stage in the first day of high-level international climate talks in Egypt with more to come in following days. Much of the focus will be on national leaders telling their stories of being devastated by climate disasters. Follow APs climate and environment coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about APs climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. China has alarmed Western governments by quietly hiring retired military pilots to help train Chinese pilots. The Chinese did this discreetly, using a South African firm that recruits retired pilots to work for the growing number of firms that provide various levels of training for military pilots. Many countries cannot afford the extensive training major nations, like the U.S. and larger NATO nations have long provided. Even those countries are now using some of these contractor-pilot operations to ease the load on their military pilot-training operations. China used the South African recruiting firm to find Western military pilots China could approach with lucrative offers to work directly with the Chinese air force to improve pilot abilities. China offered attractive pay, often over a quarter million dollars a year for the most experienced candidates. Many potential candidates turned down the offer and some mentioned it to pilots who were still on active duty and soon details of the Chinese recruiting reached senior air force leaders. This recruiting is not illegal, but when it was discovered that China was particularly interested in retired pilots with experience with the latest warplanes, especially the F-35, the legal Chinese recruiting morphed into another Chinese intelligence operation. China often tries, with some success, to convince Western contractors to engage in espionage. Large cash payments are often used but in some cases the candidates are entrapped, usually with an attractive Chinese female operative, and blackmailed into cooperating. The British, or at least the British media, turned this around by pointing out that British intelligence could debrief (question extensively) the officers hired to obtain a better idea of what capabilities Chinese pilots already had and exactly what they were seeking to learn. This debrief procedure is not unusual but the suggestion that it was also a search for men willing to be double agents while pretending to spy for the Chinese, was a more serious matter for the Chinese. The current situation only involves about 30 pilots who were recruited and none of them had any F-35 experience. Now that this Chinese operation is blown, there will be more of it. The Chinese learn from their mistakes, as well as history. The history angle is interesting because China adopted a practice Japan used successfully over a century ago to improve its armed forces. In the case of Japan, Western nations, especially Britain, did not see this as aiding the enemy but rather assisting a major customer and potential military ally. This all began unexpectedly in 1868 when Japan, after centuries of isolationist and technologically backward policies, decided that it must modernize and deal with the outside world to survive. At the time Japan had a medieval economy and their plan was to rush through the industrial revolution to reform their economy and armed forces. China underwent a similar process a century later. The difference was that until the 1920 modernized Japan was seen as an ally of the West. In the 1920s Japanese attitudes towards the West changed. Paranoia towards the West and armed aggression towards neighbors as well as the West led to Japanese to starting the East Asian/Pacific portion of World War II. That did not end well for Japan and China seems headed in the same direction in the early 21st Century. While China has not purchased as many weapons from the West as Japan did over a century ago, China used a lot of successful espionage to steal valuable IP (Intellectual Property) from the West and is now trying to hire Western military advisors to improve their air forces. This is something the Japanese also did for decades until about a century ag0 when Japan was recognized as increasingly hostile towards the West and no longer an ally. The main cause of this switch was the Japanese perception that the Western powers, especially the ones Japan assisted in fighting the Germans during World War I, did not sufficiently recognize or appreciate Japanese assistance. Japanese saw this as racist behavior and very insulting. At the same time Japanese, like most East Asians, always perceived Europeans as barbarians who developed and misused some interesting new technology. The Japanese were, and still, are especially fond of this attitude, which they also apply to their East Asian neighbors. Most, but not all, Europeans were shocked and surprised at this Japanese change in attitude. So were some Japanese who had more experience in the West. Such individuals in Japan and the West were too few to change minds in their own homelands. History does repeat, or at least paraphrase, itself. Berenberg analyst Fulvio Cazzol downgraded shares of Estee Lauder (NYSE: EL) to Hold from Buy with a price target of $220 per share, down from $323, citing limited visibility and pace of a recovery. The downgrade call comes after the company reported its FQ1 results last week, noting that organic sales fell 5% year-over-year. Estee Lauder blamed the weak sales performance on the ongoing Covid restrictions in China. The lowered rating and price target at Berenberg reflects the headwinds the business is currently facing, in particular retailer destocking in the US and Hainan, the ongoing headwinds from COVID-19 restrictions in China and increased investments on distribution (supporting increased consumer reach and new market entry) as well as a higher tax rate of 25%, analyst Cazzol told clients in a note. Moreover, the analyst is cautious on the timing of an eventual recovery, which may not arrive before 2025. Ultimately, the shape of the recovery will depend on consumer mobility in China, such as the easing of the zero-COVID-19 policy, and to a lesser extent the consumer backdrop in North America. Our 12-month price target falls to USD220 (from USD323) reflecting our earnings revisions and higher WACC of 7.9% (previously 7.4%) on the back of rising bond yields, Cazzol added. Net-net, the analyst concludes that Estee Lauders business is simply too susceptible to disruption and shifts in consumer shopping habits. This, alongside other challenges that the business is facing, could yield more volatility going forward. By Senad Karaahmetovic Partnership will accelerate the New York-based rural health systems strategic goals by connecting it with entrepreneurs and venture investors to empower its tech-enabled transformation SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) Bio + Health fund today announced a strategic partnership with Bassett Healthcare Network, an integrated health care system in central New York state. The collaboration aims to leverage digital healthcare technologies from a16zs portfolio companies to address the inequities and systemic challenges of delivering high quality health care to rural patient populations through Bassett Healthcare Network. The two organizations share a common vision of broadly reimagining how digital health solutions and processes at scale may transform these valued, yet significantly under-resourced healthcare delivery networks. Health systems serving rural communities face challenges distinct from those in more densely populated areas, including less access to innovative tools and services that could help us better serve our patients and support our practitioners and care teams, said Tommy Ibrahim, MD, MHA, President and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network. Partnering with a16z will significantly improve our access to the most innovative digital health technologies and, more broadly, allow us to together truly understand how rural health systems can implement effective, scalable tech-enabled solutions to improve patient health. The COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences continue to exacerbate the health disparities present in rural communities. While these systems struggle to address systemic issues, including the intensifying health care worker shortage and the needs of an aging population, investment and interest in digital health innovation have increased markedly as a potential solution. Next generation digital health tools and technologies present a potential lifeline for health care organizations with fewer resources than their urban and suburban counterparts. Bassett Healthcare Network, whose history dates back more than a century, today provides care to thousands of people annually across five hospitals, more than two dozen community health centers, and over twenty school-based health centers across a 5,600 square mile service area. Through this partnership, Bassett Healthcare Network will have access to the companies a16z Bio + Health has backed as well as the broader a16z ecosystem, which comprises innovative companies in relevant fields including enterprise tech, fintech and consumer services. The a16z and Bassett teams will also collaborate to identify emerging areas of unmet need that could benefit from technology-enabled solutions. The partnership between the two organizations is an element of Bassett Healthcare Networks vision to leverage digital health to advance the patient experience, assure financial sustainability and position the organization for long-term growth. Already, several collaborations are underway with a16zs portfolio of companies specifically in the areas of automation, clinical AI and home health; the a16z Bio + Health portfolio can be viewed here. The firm backs bold entrepreneurs who are engineering biology and reimagining healthcare, investing in founding teams from seed through growth stage. Bassett Healthcare Network is doing transformative work at the intersection of digital and rural health, says Paul Uhrig, Chief Legal and Digital Health Officer for Bassett Healthcare Network. This partnership with a16z and their portfolio companies opens the door for Bassett to not just better serve our patients but also create a framework and infrastructure that help build healthy rural communities across the country. Bassett Healthcare and a16z have formed an executive committee for the partnership to explore innovative technologies and platforms, align priorities and oversee implementation of the related tech-enabled transformation. Our mission at a16z Bio + Health is to partner with entrepreneurs dedicated to improving the sustainability of the healthcare ecosystem. Rural health care systems stand to gain more than perhaps all others in the ongoing transition to the tech-enabled future we are committed to bringing to fruition, said Julie Yoo, General Partner at a16z. The entrepreneurs we support are pursuing solutions that will push ahead that evolution to an improved and more accessible health care system regardless of where that care is provided. The a16z team shares with the forward-thinking leadership at Bassett Healthcare Network a deep-seated optimism about the healthcare innovation that will result from infusing digital health solutions into rural care networks. The tech-enabled future of health requires alignment and partnership from stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem, said Marina Kusserow, Partner, Business Development for a16z Bio + Health. a16z is proud to be both a catalyst and a convener as we help shape a better future of healthcare that we know is attainable. About Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) Founded in Silicon Valley in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, Andreessen Horowitz (known as "a16z") is a venture capital firm that backs bold entrepreneurs building the future through technology. We are stage agnostic: We invest in seed to venture to late-stage technology companies, across bio + healthcare, consumer, crypto, enterprise, fintech, games, and companies building toward American dynamism. a16z has $33.3B in assets under management across multiple funds. About Bassett Healthcare Network Bassett Healthcare Network is an integrated health care system improving the health of our patients and wellbeing of our communities for over a century. We provide care & services to people living in a rural eight-county region covering 5,600 square miles in upstate New York. Our health system is made up of five hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, community and school-based health centers, a multispecialty employed medical group, home care services, a durable medical equipment company, and a population health services organization. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005388/en/ a16z Bio + Health Brenna Sweeney [email protected] Bassett Healthcare Network Gabrielle Argo Director, Public Relations [email protected] 607-431-5009 Source: Andreessen Horowitz Bio + Health PEMBROKE, Bermuda--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (AXIS Capital or "AXIS" or the Company) (NYSE: AXS) today announced the appointment of Miranda Hunter as Head of Investor Relations. In this role, Ms. Hunter will be responsible for leading AXIS Capitals engagement with the investment community and proactively communicating the Companys vision, strategy, and financial approach. Ms. Hunter, who is based in Bermuda, will report to AXIS Chief Financial Officer, Peter Vogt, and will serve as a member of the Companys Global Finance leadership team. Miranda brings distinctive experience in the (re)insurance and financial industries, including strong relationships with the analyst community and expertise in leading investor relations functions, said Mr. Vogt. As we continue our strategic evolution to focus our portfolio on specialty, Miranda will be critical in sharing the AXIS strategy and story with the investment community. Ms. Hunter brings more than 15 years of (re)insurance and financial industry experience. Prior to joining AXIS, she was Vice President of Operations and Strategic Development at Aeolus Capital Management Ltd. Previously, Ms. Hunter held a progression of leadership roles at Validus Holding, Ltd., most recently as Vice President, Head of Investor Relations. Prior to joining Validus, Ms. Hunter held positions with PwC and KPMG. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce, with an Honours distinction, from the University of Manitoba, Asper School of Business and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Bermuda and Manitoba. About AXIS Capital AXIS Capital, through its operating subsidiaries, is a global specialty underwriter and provider of insurance and reinsurance solutions. The Company has shareholders' equity of $4.3 billion at September 30, 2022, and locations in Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Singapore and Canada. Its operating subsidiaries have been assigned a financial strength rating of "A+" ("Strong") by Standard & Poor's and "A" ("Excellent") by A.M. Best. For more information about AXIS Capital, visit our website at www.axiscapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005205/en/ Investor Miranda Hunter AXIS Capital Holdings Limited [email protected] +1 441-405-2635 Media Anna Kukowski AXIS Capital Holdings Limited [email protected] +1 212-715-3574 Source: AXIS Capital Holdings Limited TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Heritage Cannabis Holdings Corp. (CSE: CANN) (OTCQX: HERTF) (Heritage or the Company), is pleased to provide an update on recent activities including sales, new products, growing distribution, and the Companys expansion into the United States. During recent months, the Heritage team focused on further product innovation and the rationalization of stock keeping units (SKUs) in order to maximize distribution of high performing SKUs in the coming quarters. In the third quarter, Heritage saw quarter-over-quarter sales of $10.7 million representing growth of 3.3%, which in light of the market turbulence was its 8th quarter of successive growth, and from Q3 to Q4 Heritage saw growth between 2-3%. This growth, had been driven by the result of increased SKUs being offered as well as broader distribution of Heritage products across the provinces while our recent focus has been to drive longer term sustainable growth. Heritage has launched many new products across the country including 19 in Ontario, seven in BC, eight in Saskatchewan, 18 in Manitoba, three in Nova Scotia, and four new products in Newfoundland. Heritage has also focused on growing provincial portfolios with existing products and recently added 31 SKUs in Manitoba and 24 in Saskatchewan. In the recent Ontario call for products, Heritage had 17 new SKUs accepted 6 of which are from the newly launched brand Thrifty that will be focusing on the high volume categories of vapes and prerolls. Heritage will also be providing nine new SKUs to Aurora for sale on their online medical sales platform, all of which will ship in the first quarter. Now that we have the in-house expertise in a large part of the supply chain, Heritage is focused on furthering distribution in Canada with new and innovative SKUs, scaling up on our best performing products, and expanding our reach in the U.S. and globally, said David Schwede, CEO of Heritage. We spent the past quarter working on our product portfolio and we are hitting our stride in the Canadian market. With the upcoming launch of our new brands and our U.S. strategy in Missouri and West Virginia we have added a few new revenue streams to contribute to our future growth. New Products and Developments The Heritage innovation team continues to deliver new products and with recently completed upgrades to our Cannacure facility that enable the manufacturing of gummies we are entering the edibles category with the launch of RAD Razzlers, Mad Hatter and White Rabbit. RAD Razzlers will be launching through a relationship with White Rabbit, a well known gummy brand, that expedites Heritages launch into the edible vertical. Recently, Heritage executed a letter of intent with Golden Triangle Health (GTH) and its publicly traded parent company NRF Instant, for the distribution of Heritages branded dried Cannabis flower products in Thailand. This is the first partnership of its kind to support the recent legalization of cannabis in Thailand. GTH holds a distribution license in Thailand and will distribute Heritages RAD and Pura Vida branded flower products. Heritage has filed all necessary documentation to be granted an export license by Health Canada, and upon approval will sign a definitive agreement and start exporting product to GTH in Thailand. Under the terms of the agreement, net revenue from the sale of dried cannabis flower products will be split between Heritage and GTH. GTH has strong brand equity in Thailand and across Asia and will market and distribute Heritage products through over 500 outlets as well as its extensive online presence and its seven medical cannabis clinics. The joint venture includes an option to renew at the end of the three-year period. US Expansion Update Heritage has made significant progress on the licensed manufacturing facility build-out in support of the relationship with 3Fifteen Primo Cannabis in the state of Missouri. 3Fifteen recently received a license to operate, and production has started on vapes and concentrates. 3Fifteenexpects to ship product to the dispensaries in the coming weeks. This is timely as earlier in 2022, Missouris secretary of state confirmed that constituents of the state will vote on the approval of the legalization of adult-use cannabis in November, a move that is expected to significantly expand the market once passed. Heritage also entered a relationship with Harvest Care Medical, LLC, (Harvest Care), a leading grower, processor, and provider of top-quality medical cannabis products in the state of West Virginia, with ten dispensary licenses of which two are currently in operation. Heritage recently oversaw the first production run and Harvest Care shipped products to dispensaries in West Virginia, which are now available for purchase. First products to ship include RAD flavoured distillate vapes, with RAD live resin and live rosin now in production and shipping within the coming weeks. This milestone marks Heritages first U.S. product shipment, and with further expansion into additional states in our U.S. strategic plan, we are poised to capture market share with our established brands and formulations, and add a high gross margin revenue streams to the business. Distribution Heritage has transitioned over the last 18 months to a true product and brand company, creating forever SKUs that have seen solid uptake in the Canadian cannabis market. Now with in-house expertise in production, manufacturing, white labelling, pick and pack, and distribution, Heritage has developed several relationships to leverage this expertise. The Company has entered distribution relationships with a number of well known companies and brands including Aurora Medical, Canopy Growth Corp, Violet Tourist, OMG, White Rabbit, Panacea, North 40, and Mad Hatter. To extend Heritages capabilities in the cannabis market, the Company will consider opportunities to extend in other areas of the supply chain that will provide vertical integration and positively impact margins. Recent Sales Activities and Market Performance1 Heritage ranks #17 out of 267 Canadian cannabis companies for recreational revenue Heritages top performing brand is RAD which ranks #23 out of over 500 brands across the country, this is without any significant focus in flower which holds the largest category share. This is a notable achievement as the RAD brand only came to market in late 2020 RAD has increased to a 1.1% share of Canadian recreational market sales National Product Rankings Heritage remains #1 in Canadian recreational sales of concentrates Recreational vape sales with 2% of market share #3 (up from #4 in Q2 2022) in the oils category Prerolls #19 (up from #26 in Q2 2022) with 2% of market share Medical Additional medical sales are additive with Heritage having products listed on Canadas two largest medical platforms About Heritage Cannabis Holdings Corp. Heritage Cannabis is a leading cannabis company offering innovative products to both the medical and recreational legal cannabis markets in Canada and the U.S., operating under two licensed manufacturing facilities in Canada. The company has an extensive portfolio of high-quality cannabis products under the brands Purefarma, Pura Vida, RAD, Thrifty, Premium 5, feelgood., the CB4 suite of medical products in Canada and ArthroCBD in the U.S. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF HERITAGE CANNABIS HOLDINGS CORP. David Schwede David Schwede CEO The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information contained herein may include, but is not limited to, assumptions related to cash flow and capital resources, and expectations related to the supply and manufacturing agreements, the intended expansion of the Company, and partnerships and Joint Venture Partnerships. By identifying such information and statements in this manner, the Company is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. An investment in securities of the Company is speculative and subject to several risks including, without limitation, the risks discussed under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's annual management discussion and analysis for the year ended October 31, 2021, and dated May 10, 2022. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. In connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Company has made certain assumptions. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information and statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. ____________________ 1 National Headset Data View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107006105/en/ Kelly Castledine Tel: 647-660-2560 [email protected] Source: Heritage Cannabis Holdings Corp. PG&E and The PG&E Corporation Foundation, UC Berkeley, and Mills College at Northeastern University Team Up to Support 25 African American Oakland and Bay Area Students OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In an effort to address wealth inequality and the racial wealth gap affecting African Americans, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and The PG&E Corporation Foundation (The Foundation) are partnering with the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley and Berkeley Executive Education, Mills College at Northeastern University, and Amenti Capital Group to prepare African American Oakland and Greater Bay Area high school students for future financial success and academic leadership. The Economic Equity and Financial Education Pilot Program is a two-semester course on advanced financial education taught at the Haas School of Business. The 25 students who successfully complete this rigorous academic program will be awarded college scholarships of at least $7,000. High school senior Otis Ward is looking forward to taking part in the program and qualifying for a scholarship. Opportunities such as the PG&E scholarship are essential, especially for Black Oakland students that are underserved within our community. Im really excited for this program as it can be a stepping stone for fellow young Black youth from my West Oakland community who are striving for post-secondary education, just like myself, said Ward, who attends McClymonds High School in Oakland. PG&E created the program, and together with The Foundation is providing $500,000 in funding through its community charitable Better Together Giving Program. Students will take courses taught by Haas School of Business professors and financial industry professionals on topics including personal finance, capital markets and wealth creation, financial data analysis and investments. African American Haas undergraduates also will offer mentorship opportunities to the students. Mills College at Northeastern University TRIO Programs recruited the 25 student participants as part of the Upward Bound program which helps underserved high school students and first in their families attending college to succeed and the Mills Educational Talent Search which supports high school students so that they can achieve their higher education goals. The curriculum was developed in collaboration with professor Panos N. Patatoukas from Haas School of Business and Jason Miles, an African American venture capitalist with more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry and founder of Amenti Capital Group. Both Patatoukas and Miles note the unique opportunity of this program for participating students. While technology has been transforming education in profound ways, access to financial education remains within the reach of only a few. Mitigating the problem of access inequality and addressing the wealth gap in the African American community has been the driving force of our joint efforts with PG&E, Patatoukas said. We are excited to make financial education more accessible, and we are committed to continue to foster diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environments. I am looking forward to welcoming the first group of Oakland and Bay Area students as part of this impactful program. There is a tremendous pool of talented students who represent shining examples of future African American leaders. They must be empowered with practical investing tools and knowledge about risk-return trade-offs early in their lives. We are energized by this unique opportunity to catalyze generational wealth creation alongside like-minded partners, said Miles. According to Disparities in Wealth by Race and Ethnicity 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances, the typical white family has eight times the wealth of a typical Black family. The survey cites a number of complex societal factors across generations, including how individual savings and investment decisions contribute to wealth accumulation. PG&E developed the new program after two years of planning as a racial justice initiative following the George Floyd tragedy to help address economic challenges faced by African Americans. At PG&E, we are focused on our Triple Bottom Line of serving people, planet and Californias prosperity. However, we know that our African American customers and communities face significant challenges achieving economic parity in society, and the racial wealth gap contributes to inequality. This pilot program is a meaningful step to change that and help more African Americans achieve prosperity and generational wealth, said Jimi Harris, PG&E Community Relations Chief and program creator. While the program is designed to provide wealth creation tools through an advanced financial education curriculum for high school students, it is also designed to support post-secondary education achievement through scholarships for program participants, funded by PG&E. Additionally, if the program proves successful, it could serve as a model for other programs to be created including in high school education. About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and http://www.pge.com/about/newsroom/. About UC Berkeley Haas School of Business As the second-oldest business school in the United States, Berkeley Haas has been questioning the status quo since its founding in 1898. Berkeley Haas offers outstanding management education to about 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students from around the world to attend one of its six degree-granting programs and join the schools network of 41,000 alumni worldwide. About Berkeley Executive Education UC Berkeley Executive Education serves leaders and organizations who aspire to redefine the future of business, delivering over 150 programs annually, to a global audience. Its immersive learning experiences, led by renowned UC Berkeley faculty, equip global executives and their organizations with the vision and capabilities to thrive in an evolving world. About Northeastern University Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experience-driven lifelong learning. Our world-renowned experiential approach empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create impact far beyond the confines of discipline, degree, and campus. Northeasterns comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programson-campus, online, and in hybrid formatslead to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools. Among these, we offer more than 140 multi-discipline majors and degrees designed to prepare students for purposeful lives and careers. About Amenti Capital Group Amenti Capital Group is an emerging merchant bank that provides independent advisory services and venture capital to early-stage technology companies in high growth ecosystems. We leverage deep industry knowledge, operational expertise, and longstanding relationships to deliver attractive returns through our end-to-end model. We serve entrepreneurs and sophisticated investors while following our core principles of innovation, integrity and inclusion. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221101006119/en/ PG&E Marketing & Communications | 415.973.5930 | www.pge.com Berkeley Executive Education Marketing & Communications 510.642.1304 | https://executive.berkeley.edu/ Northeastern University | [email protected] Source: Pacific Gas and Electric Company ***11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 8, 1412 Centre Court Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana 71301*** ALEXANDRIA, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Red River Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) will award $16,000 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP) funding to the Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority Revitalization Corp. (GAEDA) GAEDA, which promotes urban renewal in Rapides Parish, renovates, restores and develops properties to reverse blight. It will use PGP funds to help cover the cost of social services for elderly adults. It will also sponsor seminars and workshops for low-income families. PGP funds help nonprofits fund a variety of operational and administrative activities. FHLB Dallas matches member institution contributions of $500 to $4,000 by a 3:1 ratio. The funds will be awarded at a ceremonial check presentation on Tuesday, November 8. Media is encouraged to attend. WHAT: Check presentations for GAEDA WHEN: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 8, 2022 WHO: Jannease Seastrunk, Senior Vice President, Community Relations and CRA Officer, Red River Bank Blake Chatelain, President and CEO, Red River Bank Tammi Salazar, Executive Vice President, Red River Bank Bri Victor, Mortgage Loan Originator, Red River Bank Willie Spears, Executive Director, GAEDA Dianne Bolen, Board of Directors, FHLB Dallas Melanie Dill, Community and Economic Development Product Manager, FHLB Dallas WHERE: Red River Bank, 1412 Centre Court Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana, 71301 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107006156/en/ Corporate Communications Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas fhlb.com, (214) 441-8445 Source: Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The fifteenth edition of the World Branding Awards saw over 3,500 brands from more than 45 countries named as Brand of the Year. Of these, less than 250 were declared Winners. The awards ceremony welcomed over 100 guests from around the world to celebrate the success and achievements of some of the Worlds Best Brands, at the home of the awards, Kensington Palace. Lurpak, Club Med, Yakult, Spotify, CoCo, Ikea, Amazon, Netflix, Neutrogena, Lego, Cadbury, Johnnie Walker, Ferrari, and Hennessy were announced as Global Winners at the prestigious awards ceremony. Winners from Hong Kong include Airland, Hang Seng Bank, Chow Tai Fook, Optical 88, City Chain, Cathay Pacific, Tsui Wah. Other National Tier winners include Beijing Tong Ren Tang (China), Nippon Rent-A-Car (Japan), Pertamina (Indonesia), Safaricom (Kenya), 7-Eleven (Singapore), Aqua Gulf (Kuwait) to name a few. Just 17 brands were selected to receive the Regional Tier award this year; Bosch, Media Markt, Sennheiser, SoundCloud, Al Abraaj Restaurants, Huawei, Carrefour, Optical 88, MR. D.I.Y., Elkjp, Aramax, BreadTalk, Naturgy, H&M, Walrus Pump, Gems Pavilion, and CBRE. These brands were voted as the consumers favourite brand in 4 or more countries across 3 or more areas in a specific geographic region. The ceremony is a celebration of some of the best brands from across the globe. The Awards acknowledge the tireless effort put in by the brand's teams that build and maintain presence in an ever-evolving market, said Mr Danny Pek, Executive Director, World Branding Forum. This year over 150,000 consumers participated in the nomination process globally. On average there are only 5 winning brands in each country, further proving that winning a World Branding Award is indeed, a remarkable achievement, said Mr Richard Rowles, Chairman of the World Branding Forum. The event was hosted by renowned television presenter, Jemma Forte and featured an exclusive insight into the future consumer provided by Chris Sanderson, Co-Founder of 'The Future Laboratory' the renowned consumer insights and trend forecasting consultancy. For more information and the full list of winners, visit awards.brandingforum.org. About the World Branding Awards The World Branding Awards is the premier awards of the World Branding Forum, a registered non-profit organisation. The Awards recognises the achievements of some of the worlds best brands. For more information, visit https://awards.brandingforum.org View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005356/en/ Media Team [email protected] +44(0)2037439880 Source: World Branding Awards LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The fifteenth edition of the World Branding Awards saw over 3,500 brands from more than 45 countries named as Brand of the Year. Of these, less than 250 were declared Winners. The awards ceremony welcomed over 100 guests from around the world to celebrate the success and achievements of some of the Worlds Best Brands, at the home of the awards, Kensington Palace. Yakult, Spotify, CoCo Ikea, Cadbury, Amazon, Lego, Netflix, Neutrogena, Hennessy, Lurpak, and Club Med were amongst some of the Worlds best brands announced as Global Winners at the prestigious ceremony. Winners from Japan include BOSS Coffee, Yamato Transport, Creap, Natural Aqua Gel Cure, Nippon Rent-A-Car, Sukiya. Other National Tier winners include Alibaba (China), Dior (France), Haribo (Germany), Toyota (Indonesia), GIG (Kuwait), 7-Eleven (Singapore), Sparco (Italy), Just Eat (UK) just to name a few. Just 17 brands were selected to receive the Regional Tier award this year; Bosch, Media Markt, Sennheiser, SoundCloud, Al Abraaj Restaurants, Huawei, Optical 88, MR. D.I.Y., Elkjp, Aramax, BreadTalk, Naturgy, H&M, Walrus Pump, Gems Pavilion, and CBRE. These brands were voted as the consumers favourite brand in 4 or more countries across 3 or more areas in a specific geographic region. The ceremony is a celebration of some of the best brands from across the globe. The Awards acknowledge the tireless effort put in by the brand's teams that build and maintain presence in an ever-evolving market, said Mr Danny Pek, Executive Director, World Branding Forum. This year over 150,000 consumers participated in the nomination process globally. On average there are only 5 winning brands in each country, further proving that winning a World Branding Award is indeed, a remarkable achievement, said Mr Richard Rowles, Chairman of the World Branding Forum. The event was hosted by renowned television presenter, Jemma Forte and featured an exclusive insight into the future consumer provided by Chris Sanderson, Co-Founder of 'The Future Laboratory' the renowned consumer insights and trend forecasting consultancy. For more information and the full list of winners, visit awards.brandingforum.org. About the World Branding Awards The World Branding Awards is the premier awards of the World Branding Forum, a registered non-profit organisation. The Awards recognises the achievements of some of the worlds best brands. For more information, visit https://awards.brandingforum.org View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005359/en/ Media Team [email protected] +44(0)2037439880 Source: World Branding Awards Empowering local economies and their respective communities is core to the ethos of DoorDash (NYSE: DASH). In continuation of this mission, the local fulfillment platform today announced Merchant Benefits, an industry-first program designed to give merchants access to discounted products and services based on evolving needs within the industry, in addition to a new research report about "The Impact of Benefits on Recruitment and Retention in the Restaurant Industry." The National Restaurant Association's "State of the Industry Report" indicates that recruitment and retention is the top challenge for 50% of restaurateurs this year, signaling staffing is a primary focus to improve business growth. To support merchants in overcoming attracting, retaining, and developing employees, the first cohort of businesses within Merchant Benefits focuses squarely on these issues. "The economic fluctuations that come with running a small to medium sized business challenge employers in many ways, including being able to provide affordable benefits to staff," said Christopher Payne, President and Chief Operating Officer at DoorDash. "Given our vast network of merchant partners, we've negotiated these benefits on their behalf who would otherwise face a steep surcharge, eliminating a barrier to growing teams to their full potential." In the first iteration of the program, DoorDash is proud to partner with six innovative partners who are working to address key issues within the industry, including access to healthcare, mental health benefits, and continued career development. Emphasizing the importance of these topics, 38% of surveyed restaurant employees indicated they would take less pay for better health benefits and 24% would take less pay for better training opportunities (Impact of Benefits). Here's more on what DoorDash partners can take advantage of, starting today: Healthcare Benefits Plans beginning at $5 per month with Sesame, one of the largest cash-pay health care marketplaces in the United States, which connects employees directly to high quality physicians at affordable prices without the headache of dealing with insurance. Offerings include in-person and virtual primary care, mental health services, and specialty care. Available in the US. Personal and Mental Health Benefits Discounted subscriptions to Breathwrk, a personal health app, which provides breathing exercises designed to reduce stress and improve focus for employees inside and out of the workplace. Available globally in English. Educational Benefits 40% or more off EdApp by SafetyCulture , an all-in-one mobile-first training platform that assists businesses to deliver every step of their training program. Bespoke courses created specifically for the hospitality and retail industry, business owners can upskill their staff in a matter of days not weeks. Available in the US, Canada, and Australia. , an all-in-one mobile-first training platform that assists businesses to deliver every step of their training program. Bespoke courses created specifically for the hospitality and retail industry, business owners can upskill their staff in a matter of days not weeks. 15% off StateFoodSafety, an online food safety education company, which offers the most expansive assortment of ANSI-approved, state-mandated hospitality training certifications including Food Handler, Food Manager, Allergen Awareness, and Alcohol Server. Available in the US. Hiring and Staff Management One month free of LANDED , the first end-to-end recruiting platform helping employers hire hourly candidates quickly, saving time and money by automating candidate engagement, screening, and interview scheduling. Available in the US. , the first end-to-end recruiting platform helping employers hire hourly candidates quickly, saving time and money by automating candidate engagement, screening, and interview scheduling. Four months free of 7shifts, the complete team management platform for restaurants. 7shifts provides tools that help restaurateurs make more profitable decisions, improve team retention, and get operations in order. Available in the US and Canada. DoorDash will not administer the benefits, rather working with reputable partners who will administer the benefits directly to interested merchant partners. As the needs of businesses evolve, DoorDash will continue to partner with additional companies as part of Merchant Benefits. "Staffing shortages hinder a restaurant's ability to run efficiently, which has direct effects on overall customer experience and staff morale. Many dining rooms across the nation are struggling to fully reopen due to them being unable to staff appropriately," said Jordan Boesch, Founder and CEO of 7shifts. "We're proud to partner with DoorDash to help operators improve efficiency and expand access to our team management platform, including enabling restaurants to hire, train, schedule, pay, and retain their employees long-term." "While the restaurant industry and individual dining preferences have shifted, the importance of food safety has remained paramount to the success of a business," said Nick DeAngelo, Director of Sales at StateFoodSafety. "Expanding access to a variety of food safety courses through DoorDash's Merchant Benefits program benefits all involved customers, operators, and employees." Through providing discounted access to these products and services, DoorDash is enabling restaurants to more effectively attract, retain, and develop staff especially as 86% of surveyed restaurant employees who are not satisfied with their job benefits indicate they are more likely to stay at their current job if benefits were improved (Impact of Benefits). As a result, restaurant partners may be able to increase their sales by operating their business at full capacity driving both on-premises and off-premises growth. "Our restaurant is committed to fostering a productive workplace environment, accomplished by hiring happy people, providing great pay and benefits, plus simply being a company that cares," said Elizabeth Nicholson, Chief Operating Officer at Chook. "As the restaurant industry continues to struggle with staffing shortages, it's inspiring to see DoorDash taking direct action to support owners and operators in overcoming barriers to growth all while looking out for their respective staff." Eligible merchants in the United States, Canada, and Australia looking to partner with DoorDash and grow their business to its full potential with Merchant Benefits can learn more here. Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) delivered 33 jets in the third quarter of 2022, of which 10 were commercial and 23 were executive jets (15 light and eight midsize). The volume of deliveries is 10% higher compared to the 30 jets delivered in the same period in 2021, when the company delivered nine commercial and 21 executive jets. In the year, the company has delivered a total of 79 aircraft (27 commercial and 52 executive). The firm order backlog ended 3Q22 at US$17.8 billion, stable compared with the last quarter. Embraer reaffirms its 2022 deliveries guidance. Deliveries by Segment 3Q22 2022 Commercial Aviation 10 27 E175 9 21 E195-E2 1 6 Executive Aviation 23 52 Phenom 100 2 5 Phenom 300 13 28 Light Jets 15 33 Praetor 500 4 9 Praetor 600 4 10 Midsize Jets 8 19 TOTAL 33 79 In September, Embraer celebrated the delivery of the 1,700th E-Jet. An E195-E2, acquired by Aircastle, was delivered to KLM Cityhopper during a ceremony in Sao Jose dos Campos. The program has been a global success since its start, in 2004. E-Jets have been added by more than 150 airlines and leasing companies' fleets in 50 countries. In October, SalamAir, from Oman, and TUI, from Belgium, announced the selection of the E195-E2 to integrate their respective fleets. The Omani airline has signed a firm order for six aircraft, with purchase rights for a further six. Deliveries to SalamAir will be made from the end of 2023. TUI will receive three E195-E2s from AerCap, under a long-term lease agreement. Backlog - Commercial Aviation (September 30, 2022) Aircraft Type Firm Orders Deliveries Firm Order Backlog E170 191 191 - E175 817 714 103 E190 568 565 3 E195 172 172 - E190-E2 20 17 3 E195-E2 227 39 188 Total 1,995 1,698 297 Note: Deliveries and firm order backlog include orders for the Defense segment placed by State-run airlines (Satena and TAME). Follow us on Twitter: @Embraer FILE PHOTO: The logo of Exxon Mobil Corporation is shown on a monitor above the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York, December 30, 2015. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo ATHENS (Reuters) -Exxon Mobil will start conducting seismic surveys in two blocks southwest of Greece's Peloponnese peninsula and the island of Crete in the coming days, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Monday. Greece, an entry point for natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean, aspires to become a gas producer and a hub for the storage and transfer of gas to the rest of Europe, given its location and investments on related infrastructure. "Our country, regardless of its focus on a fast green transition, is obliged to explore if it has the potential to mine natural gas, which will contribute to our country's energy security and Europe's," Mitsotakis said. "These surveys will begin by ExxonMobil in the coming days," the conservative premier said during an interview with Greece's Ant1 TV. In July, ExxonMobil and Greece's biggest oil refiner HelleniQ Energy agreed to take over TotalEnergies' share in two contracts for gas and oil exploration off Crete, after the latter pulled out. ExxonMobil is the operator, owning 70% of the rights for looking for hydrocarbons off Crete. HelleniQ Energy holds the rest. Mitsotakis said in April the country plans to speed up exploration for gas reserves to replace Russian gas with indigenous resources. The country aims to have a clear idea by 2023 on whether it has gas reserves it could tap. (Reporting by Renee Maltezou; Editing by Josie Kao) *China unveiled new ambitions for wetlands conservation during the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14), including incorporating 11 million hectares of wetlands in the national park system. * For many Chinese, wetland is a new concept, but it gets an increasing spotlight as the country is advancing the progress of "ecological civilization." Many Chinese cities have learned to integrate wetland protection into their economic and social development. * Experts say China's progress in wetland conservation against the backdrop of rapid economic expansion and urbanization is a source of inspiration for the rest of the world, especially other developing countries. by Xinhua Writers Yao Yuan, Yu Pei, Yue Wenwan, Wan Pengqi and Tian Zhongquan WUHAN/GENEVA, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- On a mid-lake island in central China's metropolis of Wuhan, over 100 cormorants crowded on 10 fir trees. In a month, they will give a snow-white look to the isle even on a sunny, snowless day. "There are so many migratory birds that their droppings will dye the trees as if covered in snow," said Shi Chenglu, a guide at the East Lake Scenic Area in downtown Wuhan. "Many bird watchers and ordinary residents will come to appreciate the view from the lakeside (without landing on the isle)." Such a sight was unimaginable around the turn of the century when fish in the lake "smelt of kerosene" due to rampant industrial pollution and sewage discharge. But just like other water bodies in the capital city of Hubei Province, the East Lake has benefited from decade-long efforts to restore the wetlands ecology, drawing back both migratory birds and human visitors. "Many new birds are spotted, including greater flamingos that we have never seen before and Dalmatian pelicans that have not visited us for six years," said Wei Bin, vice head of Wuhan's bird-watching society. It testifies to the increasing number of migratory birds at Chenhu Lake, a "wetland of international importance" in Wuhan. As China highlights the harmony between humanity and nature on its path to modernization, many rivers and lakes across the world's most populous nation have received government investments and legislative support that help them regain vitality and even expand in areas. This aerial photo taken on July 19, 2020 shows a view of Buh River wetland at Qinghai Lake in northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Photo by Yang Tao/Xinhua) China, in 1992, became a party to the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental agreement dedicated to the conservation and rational use of wetland ecosystems. Since then, China has established a legal framework for wetlands conservation and issued a series of policies to increase protection. Over the past decade, China has added or restored more than 800,000 hectares of wetlands, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. The country unveiled new ambitions for wetlands conservation during the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14), held in Wuhan and Switzerland's Geneva. Addressing the opening ceremony via video, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China would promote high-quality development in the wetlands conservation cause. China will designate a number of national parks, covering about 10 percent of the country's land area, and incorporate 11 million hectares of wetlands in the national park system. The country will promote international cooperation to protect the four bird migration routes passing China and to build an international mangrove center in Shenzhen, said Xi. Calling for scaling up global action on wetlands conservation, Xi said: "It is important that we advance the global process on wetlands conservation, redouble efforts to preserve authenticity and integrity, include more important wetlands in nature reserves, improve cooperation mechanisms and platforms, and increase the coverage of wetlands of international importance." Local residents enjoy their leisure time at OCT Eco Wetland Park in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Cheng Min) Wetlands include natural and artificial water bodies on land, like rivers, lakes, swamps, rice paddies, as well as some coastal areas. Known as the "kidneys of the Earth" and a reservoir of biodiversity, they can purify water and provide food and shelter to migratory birds. They are among the Earth's top stores of carbon, whose existence contributes to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. For many Chinese, wetland is a relatively new concept. But it gets an increasing spotlight as the country is advancing the progress of "ecological civilization." In 1995, the Chinese government launched a thorough survey of the country's wetland resources, which provided the basis for urgent protection plans. The past decade was characterized by a more comprehensive approach toward wetlands conservation in China. According to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the central government allocated 16.9 billion yuan (about 2.5 billion U.S. dollars) for wetland conservation and undertook over 3,400 protection projects in that period. The country's first specialized law on wetland protection took effect in June. China will continue to attach great importance to wetland protection at the national level and it will filter down to enforcement by local authorities and actions of every citizen, said Wang Xiangchun with the China Urban Construction Design & Research Institute. "This is of particular significance as China's urbanization rate surpasses 60 percent," Wang said. This photo taken on Oct. 31, 2022 shows the view of Qingshan Park in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province. (Xinhua/Cheng Min) INTEGRATING WETLANDS INTO MODERNIZATION Despite the challenges, many Chinese cities have told success stories of integrating wetlands into economic and social development. Wuhan, a megacity of more than 13 million permanent residents, is a prime example. Dubbed "the city of lakes," Wuhan is home to 166 lakes, a remarkable number for a provincial capital in China. But researchers said the city's lake areas had shrunk considerably last century, encroached first by drought and land reclamation for farming and then by real estate development. The trend reversed after the city government passed a slew of legislation and policies to protect wetlands in the 2000s, eventually stabilizing the city's lake area even amid rapid economic growth. Pollution bans and ecological restoration projects restored the water quality. In the 3,367-hectare East Lake, authorities sealed all sewage inlets and planted pollutant-purifying aquatic plants to create 220 hectares of "underwater forest." Boasting clear water and flocks of waterfowl, the lake (also a national wetland park) is now a popular jogging and sightseeing site among residents. "The focus is on restoration, not reconstruction. We tried to reverse the degradation caused by human activities with minimum disruption to the original natural environment. That required a lot of preliminary research," said Chu Yunhong, general manager of Wuhan OCT., Ltd, which conducted the underwater afforestation in parts of the East Lake. Some other Chinese cities developed strategies to coexist with smaller wetlands. In Liangping District of Chongqing in southwest China, farmers grew rice, vegetables, lotus, fish, and shrimps in small and micro wetlands, including the district's many ponds and rice paddies. Organic agriculture in such mini wetlands helped reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides while boosting agricultural output. The scenic views also boosted ecological tourism to raise farmers' incomes. People ride bikes at a wetland park in Liangping District, southwest China's Chongqing, March 13, 2021. (Photo by Liu Hui/Xinhua) Experts say China's progress in wetland conservation against the backdrop of rapid economic expansion and urbanization is a source of inspiration for the rest of the world, especially other developing countries. "As a densely populated country undergoing fast economic development, China has faced many complicated environmental problems and come up with many innovative solutions," said Lei Gang, a senior advisor with the World Wide Fund for Nature. "Other developing countries can learn from China's experience and lessons." Vincent Cohen Barugahare, an official with Uganda's Ministry of Water and Environment, suggested that wetland conservation could be a promising area of cooperation between China and other countries. Barugahare visited wetlands in Qinghai Province, from which China's biggest rivers originate, during a cooperation program on wetlands conservation. He said the Chinese initiative of moving residents out of the conservation areas for better protection also applied in Uganda. "Apart from cooperating in other development areas, like industries, we should cooperate in conservation. I think that's a good direction," Barugahare said at the Geneva session of COP14. (Ren Ke and Chen Junxia from Geneva also contributed to the story) (Video reporters: Zhao Yuchao, Wu You, Fang Yadong, Pan Zhiwei, Wang He, Meng Fanyu, Li Guangzheng, Liu Hai, Jiang Liang, Sun Min, Shang Kunlun; video editors: Zhu Jianhui, Jia Xiaotong, Zhao Yuchao, Zhang Yuhong, Mu Xuyao) Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. [NYSE: SPR] (the Company) is announcing today that Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. (Spirit), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is offering $800 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029 (the New Notes) in a private offering. Spirit plans to use the net proceeds from the offering (i) to fund a tender offer for any and all of the $500 million outstanding principal amount of its 5.500% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2025 (CUSIP No. 85205T AM2) (the 2025 First Lien Notes) and to solicit consents to amend certain provisions of the indenture relating to the 2025 First Lien Notes to eliminate certain restrictive covenants and certain events of default and to release all of the collateral, (ii) to redeem Spirits outstanding 3.950% Senior Notes due 2023 (the 2023 Notes) and (iii) to pay related premiums, fees and expenses incurred in connection with the foregoing. Any remaining proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include the redemption or repurchase of indebtedness. This press release shall not constitute a notice of redemption with respect to the 2023 Notes. The New Notes will be guaranteed on a senior secured basis by the Company and Spirit AeroSystems North Carolina, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Spirit (collectively, the Guarantors), and secured by certain real property and personal property, including certain equity interests, owned by Spirit, as issuer, and the Guarantors. The New Notes and guarantees will be Spirits and the Guarantors senior secured obligations and will rank equally in right of payment with all of their existing and future senior indebtedness, effectively equal with their existing and future indebtedness secured on a pari passu basis by the collateral for the New Notes to the extent of the value of the collateral (including Spirits senior secured term loan B credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $594 million, the 2025 First Lien Notes and Spirits Senior Notes due 2026), effectively senior to all of their existing and future indebtedness that is not secured by a lien, or is secured by a junior-priority lien, on the collateral for the New Notes to the extent of the value of the collateral, effectively junior to any of their other existing and future indebtedness that is secured by assets that do not constitute collateral for the New Notes to the extent of the value of such assets, and senior in right of payment to any of their existing and future subordinated indebtedness. Spirit is offering the New Notes pursuant to an exemption under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). The initial purchasers of the New Notes will offer the New Notes only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act or outside the United States to certain persons in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act. The New Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities or under any state securities laws. Therefore, the New Notes may not be offered or sold within the United States to, or for the account or benefit of, any United States person unless the offer or sale would qualify for a registration exemption from the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the New Notes described in this press release, nor shall there be any sale of the New Notes in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, sale or solicitation would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. BERLIN (Reuters) - German tyre and automotive parts maker Continental said on Monday that a cyberattack it reported in August had resulted in some data being stolen from the company. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing, said a spokesperson for the company in a statement. German daily Handelsblatt earlier on Monday reported that 40 terabyte of data had been stolen during the attack, and that the cyberattackers had demanded ransom. (Reporting by Jan C. Schwartz, Writing by Miranda Murray, Editing by Maria Sheahan) FILE PHOTO: A Walgreens store is seen in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. February 11, 2021. REUTERS/Eileen T. Meslar By Leroy Leo (Reuters) - Primary care provider VillageMD, which is backed by Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc, is buying urgent care provider Summit Health in a deal valued at $9 billion, as the second-largest U.S. pharmacy chain expands its healthcare footprint. The deal adds to the rising trend of big U.S. companies expanding into the healthcare business this year. Amazon in July announced a $3.5 billion acquisition of primary care operator 1Life Healthcare Inc, while CVS Health Corp said it would buy Signify Health for $8 billion. Private equity firm Warburg Pincus-backed Summit Health runs a physician-run medical group and operates CityMD, an alternative to hospital emergency department visits. "For Summit, it is to accelerate their path towards value-based care and for Village to enjoy the benefit of more integrated multi-specialty care," VillageMD Chief Executive Officer Tim Barry told Reuters in an interview. The sector is seeing a shift towards value-based care - where healthcare providers are reimbursed based on patient outcomes instead of each test or procedure - as it helps reduce costs. Together, VillageMD and Summit Health will operate in more than 680 locations. The deal has an equity value of $7 billion and VillageMD will take on $1.9 billion in net debt from Summit Health. Walgreens said on Monday it will invest $3.5 billion through an even mix of debt and equity to support the acquisition, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023. It will be the largest shareholder in the combined company, with an about 53% stake. The deal will also feature investment from health insurer Cigna Corp's healthcare unit Evernorth, in exchange for a minority stake in the entity.Walgreens raised its fiscal 2025 sales goal for the U.S. healthcare business to between $14.5 billion and $16 billion, from $11 billion to $12 billion previously, to account for the deal. The company had invested $5.2 billion last year to raise its stake in VillageMD to 63% from 30%. (Reporting by Leroy Leo in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath and Sriraj Kalluvila) Harvia Plc Inside information November 7, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. EET Harvia divests its ownership in EOS Groups Russian operations Harvia Plc has today signed an agreement to sell its 80.0% shareholding of EOS Russia to Mr. Vasilij Sosenkov. At present, Mr. Sosenkov, Managing Director of EOS Russia, holds 20.0% of the shares in OOO EOS Premium SPA Technologies, the company operating EOS Groups Russian operations. After the transaction has been completed, Mr. Sosenkov will own 100.0% of EOS Russia. The transaction price is at maximum EUR 600,000, of which EUR 400,000 will be paid during 2022. Harvia suspended its operations in Russia at the beginning of March 2022 due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We have discontinued Harvia branded business in Russia completely and will now exit the Russian market altogether as Harvias ownership in EOS Russia is sold, says Tapio Pajuharju, CEO of Harvia Plc. According to the agreement, all references to EOS or Harvia will be removed from the Russian companys name, brand names or similar. EOS-related intellectual property rights will stay in Harvias ownership. Additionally, the company has not and will not have any distribution or similar agreements with Harvia Group companies. The employees of the company will continue in the service of the company. Closing of the transaction is subject to official approvals in Russia. Sales in Russia accounted for 6.4% (EUR 11.5 million) of Harvia Groups revenue in 2021. Harvia does not have a production facility in Russia. For more information, please contact: Tapio Pajuharju, CEO, tel. +358 50 5774 200 Ari Vesterinen, CFO, tel. +358 40 5050 440 Harvia is one of the leading companies operating in the sauna and spa market globally, as measured by revenue. Harvias brands and product portfolio are well known in the market, and the companys comprehensive product portfolio strives to meet the needs of the international sauna and spa market of both private and professional customers. Harvias revenue totaled EUR 179.1 million in 2021, of which 79% came from outside Finland. Harvia Group employs more than 700 professionals in Finland, China and Hong Kong, Romania, Austria, United States, Germany, Estonia and Russia. The company is headquartered in Muurame, Finland, adjacent to its largest sauna and sauna component manufacturing facility. Read more: https://harviagroup.com Cognetivity's CognICATM Tool Has Been Selected by Biotech Giant Roche for Presentation to Roche Staff Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 7, 2022) - Cognetivity Neurosciences Ltd. (CSE: CGN) (OTCQB: CGNSF) (FSE: 1UB) (the "Company" or "Cognetivity"), a technology company that has created a unique brain health screening platform for use in medical, commercial and consumer environments, is pleased to announce that it has been selected by the multinational health company Roche to present at Roche Digital Innovation Week 2022. Roche Digital Innovation Week is a global one-week event dedicated to finding innovative digital solutions for the world's biggest healthcare challenges. This year's event is taking place from 7 to 11 November at Roche's global headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, focusing on challenges in three main focus areas: Alzheimer's disease, ophthalmology and women's health. Cognetivity has been specially selected, along with four other companies whose diverse technologies complement Roche's growth strategy, to present its proprietary brain health screening technology, CognICA", to thousands of Roche employees working in Alzheimer's disease and across the organization. The company will also be taking a deep dive into its capability with key personnel within Roche's Alzheimer's disease program. Hence, the Digital Innovation Week represents a fantastic business development opportunity for Cognetivity, whose CognICATM product is ideally suited to detect and monitor potential patients for therapeutics in this and other disease areas. Cognetivity's CognICATM tool is approved for clinical use in the USA and EU and is already commercially deployed in the UAE, North America and in the UK's National Health Service (NHS). The technology uses artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to help detect the earliest signs of cognitive impairment by providing a fast, sensitive and objective measure of brain function. This enables CognICA" to facilitate the early identification of individuals with brain health issues, at a time when interventions are most effective, as well as supporting their long-term treatment management and monitoring. Innovative digital solutions are increasingly understood to offer pharmaceutical companies the means to significantly enhance many aspects of the drug development and commercialization process. CognICATM is well placed in this regard - as a five-minute computerized test of cognitive function, it offers numerous advantages over traditional pen-and-paper examinations. Key among these are its sensitivity to early-stage cognitive impairment, short testing duration, absence of learning effect, language-agnostic testing method and enablement of remote testing on standard touchscreen devices. Commenting on the announcement, Dr Sina Habibi, CEO of Cognetivity, said: "We are delighted to have chosen to travel to Roche's global headquarters, to present to and meet with its Alzheimer's team. As always, we are hugely excited to have the chance to speak passionately about the disease area, the importance of digital innovation in driving change within this space, and specifically the powerful role CognICA" can play in supporting the early identification, monitoring and management of patients with brain health issues." 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 CognICATM 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. CognICATM is currently available for clinical use in the USA, UK and Europe, with regulatory approval for other regions planned for 2022. For more information, please visit: www.cognetivity.com or contact: [email protected] For media enquiries, please contact: Josh Stanbury | [email protected] | 416-628-7441 ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Sina Habibi" Sina Habibi Chief Executive Officer and Director FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and, except as required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. By its very nature, such forward-looking information requires the Company to make assumptions that may not materialize or that may not be accurate. This forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, levels of activity and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such information. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Cognetivity Neurosciences Ltd. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143267 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 7, 2022) - Foremost Lithium Resource & Technology Ltd. (CSE: FAT) (OTCQB: FRRSF) (FSE: F0R0) (WKN: A3DCC8) ("Foremost" or the "Company") (www.foremostlithium.com) is pleased to announce that it has signed a binding term sheet with respect to the sale of its 60% interest in the Hidden Lake Project in Yellowknife, NWT for C$3.5 million to an arm's length party. The Company has received a C$100,000 non-refundable deposit in connection with signing the term sheet. The closing of the transaction and receipt of the remaining C$3.4 million of the purchase price is expected to occur within 30 days, subject to the parties entering into and approving definitive binding documentation, final due diligence by the purchaser, receipt of applicable third-party consents and other customary conditions for a transaction of this nature. As disclosed in the Company's June 29, 2022 news release, Foremost's Hidden Lake Lithium Project consists of five contiguous mineral claims, with at least 10 lithium-bearing spodumene pegmatite dykes across 4,100 acres/1,659 hectares situated in the prolific Yellowknife Pegmatite District NWT. Jason Barnard, Director of Foremost Lithium, adds, "I'm looking forward to the completion of the sale of one of our non-core assets which will allow us to inject working capital and continue our focus on our Lithium Lane Properties in Snow Lake, Manitoba. It's been a pleasure working this deal for our Company." QP Statement - The technical content of this news release has been reviewed by Dr. Mark Fedikow, P.Geo. who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Jason Barnard, Director About Foremost Lithium Resource & Technology Ltd. Foremost Lithium is a hard-rock exploration company strategically located to capitalize on the world's growing EV appetite and is committed to being a premier supplier of North America's lithium feedstock. As the world transitions towards decarbonization, the company is focused on exploration and growth on its 5 Lithium Lane Projects in Snow Lake Manitoba. Foremost Lithium also has the Winston Gold/Silver Property in New Mexico USA and the Hidden Lake Lithium Project in the Northwest Territories. Foremost Lithium Resource &Technology Ltd. Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 (604) 330-8067 Follow us or contact us on social media: Twitter: @foremostlithium Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foremost-lithium-resourcetechnology/mycompany Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForemostLithium Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" (as defined under applicable securities laws), based on management's best estimates, assumptions, and current expectations. Such statements include but are not limited to, statements with respect to the plans for future exploration and development of the Company's properties and the acquisition of additional exploration projects. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "expected", "budgeted", "forecasts", "anticipates" "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "aims", "potential", "goal", "objective", "prospective", and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "can", "could" or "should" occur. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the Company's the completion of the transaction on the terms and within the time disclosed herein, or at all. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are made as of the date hereof and are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as require by law. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. Please refer to the Company's most recent filings under its profile at www.sedar.com for further information respecting the risks affecting the Company and its business. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143262 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 7, 2022) - Goldshore Resources Inc (TSXV: GSHR) will be participating in the Deutsche Goldmesse, which will take place on November 18th and 19th at The Westin Grand Frankfurt. Members of the Goldshore Resources Inc management will be taking meetings throughout the day, and also present at 01:45pm CET on November 19th to an audience of European investors. An online registration form is available, and investors can register to attend at: https://deutschegoldmesse.online/investor-registration/. Kai Hoffmann, Managing Director of Soar Financial Partners, remarked, "We are excited to host our 3rd in-person premier mining investment event, bringing together carefully selected mining and exploration companies with the European investment community over the course of two days. We anticipate this to be our largest conference yet, and we are pleased to welcome again an astute line-up of keynote speakers." The Deutsche Goldmesse website is continuously being updated concerning attending companies, keynote speakers, agenda, etc.:www.deutschegoldmesse.com About Goldshore Resources Inc Goldshore Resources Inc. (TSXV: GSHR) (OTCQB: GSHRF) (FSE: 8X00F)Goldshore is an emerging well-financed junior gold developer, who acquired the Moss Lake Gold Project (Ontario, Canada) from Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. In January 2021. The Moss Lake Project has a historical resource of c.1.5M oz Indicated and c.2.5M oz. Inferred and is conducting an extensive exploration strategy, including a 100,000m drilling program. As well, The Moss Lake Project has a historical copper mine (North Coldstream Mine) on its land package (operated by Noranda/Xstrata 1954-1992), and significant other copper/gold targets to be tested going forward. Goldshores Moss Lake Project holds a large land package in North-western Ontario. The project displays significant resource potential, as Goldshore takes the project through its next stages of exploration and development, towards an updated mineral resource estimation (MRE) in Q4 2022; followed by updated preliminary economic assessment (PEA) in Q1 2023 and visibility towards feasibility study (FS) thereafter. About Deutsche Goldmesse Deutsche Goldmesse is Germany's premier mining investment conference, based out of Frankfurt - one of Europe's most important financial capitals. We bring together leading minds in the industry to foster new business opportunities and facilitate valuable relationships. The exclusive two-day event showcases industry-leading keynote speakers and up to 35 carefully considered companies in a range of commodities and stages from explorers to producers. Hosted by Soar Financial Partners, we provide a platform where top company management can connect with a vast network of European institutional and HNW investors, retail investors, analysts, influencers, newsletter writers, media, and other local partners. For further information: Goldshore Resources Inc Brett A Richards Chief Executive Officer 19054491500 [email protected] www.goldshoreresources.com The Canadian-based engineering staffing agency officially opens its doors to bring high-quality Canadian software engineers to companies worldwide San Francisco, California--(Newsfile Corp. - November 7, 2022) - Light Consulting, a Canadian-based engineering recruiting and staffing agency, announced its formal launch earlier this month. The quick-growing software consulting firm connects high-quality engineers throughout Canada to businesses worldwide for both contract and direct-hire work. Zain Lakhani The company was founded by Zain Lakhani and offers services ranging from product development to market research. Fintech, climate tech, and e-commerce companies are some of the industries covered by the firm. Light Consulting aims to bring businesses a team of software engineers from Canada to help scale their businesses. As part of their consulting work, the team at Light sources talent, hires the team, trains them on the product, and manages them in conjunction with the partner before turning the engineering team over to the business. Team members are able to be hired in-house by the company at any time. "We see ourselves as connectors between the business and the engineer," said Lakhani. "Our ideal scenario is that we lose our business partners as clients because they've hired the team we put together and turned them into their in-house engineering team. We want businesses to hire our engineers directly." "Finding engineering talent within North America has always been a struggle," says Lakhani. "On top of that, the desire to grow your team quickly at a startup leads companies to search for talent offshore." Light Consulting aims to end that recurring issue by matching startup leaders to highly skilled employees domestically. "We're offering a solution for scaling companies to hire in Canada," says Lakhani. "This enables startups to find better skillset matches the first time around." Light Consulting was founded due to the daily issues teams face at fast-growing companies. The inspiration came from Lakhanis prior roles as a leader in the engineering industry. "After scaling several startups, I saw how important it is to pick the right people and build the right teams at the growth stage," he says. "This is where I found I can add value. I've been building up these world-class teams, bringing engineers together to focus on a common goal, and I realized I can replicate that and do it for other companies as well at scale," Zain added. To learn more about Light Consulting, or to hire software engineers, visit lightci.com. Contact: Zain Lakhani Light Consulting [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143317 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 7, 2022) - Midnight Sun Mining Corp. (TSXV: MMA) (OTCQB: MDNGF) (the "Company" or "Midnight Sun") is pleased to release the initial results from drilling conducted on its Solwezi Licences during 2022. The Solwezi Licences are located immediately southwest of First Quantum's Kansanshi Copper Mine, the largest copper mining complex in Zambia. Exploration Highlights 12 diamond drill holes, totalling 2,639 metres ("m"), completed to date during 2022 A new mineralization style intercepted, which is comparable to that at the Kansanshi Mine Assay results received for five drill holes. Results include: 4.15m @ 2.28% Cu eq (1.29% Cu & 0.13% Co & 0.09% Ni) from 113.5m 5.80m @ 2.41% Cu eq (1.86% Cu & 0.07% Co & 0.02% Ni) from 119.2m 7.3m @ 0.79% Cu eq (0.58% Cu and 0.02% Co & 0.02% Ni) from 149.0m Overview Midnight Sun's 2022 exploration program was designed to validate and confirm new structural control models for upgraded stratabound copper mineralization in different areas of known mineralization on the Solwezi Licences. The new structural control models were developed in-house following a review and re-interpretation of past exploration work and new high-resolution geophysical data over the project area. During the 2022 Solwezi field season, Midnight Sun has completed 12 drill holes totaling 2,639 metres of core with two additional drill holes currently in progress. Drilling has been on the Mitu Trend and on the Crunch Zone Prospect. The Company intends to continue field work as long as weather conditions permit. For the balance of the 2022 field season, the Company's work will focus on gaining a better understanding of the newly identified Kansanshi-style mineralization on the Mitu Trend. Al Fabbro, President and CEO of Midnight Sun, stated, "The start of our 2022 program has accomplished precisely what we hoped for, which is proof of concept. The work completed has revealed a new, prolific style of mineralization at Mitu which is a very exciting find and adds to the already known mineralized potential in the area." Targets Tested and Results Mitu Trend The Mitu Trend targets were developed based on the interpretation of airborne magnetic data which highlighted a corridor of intense deformation, about 8 - 10 kilometres wide, that includes numerous northeast-trending structures which are also key to mineralization at the Kansanshi Mine. Five widely spaced diamond drill holes were completed on the Mitu Trend targeting northeast-trending mineralization settings at two localities within the wider Mitu Trend (Figure 1). Drill holes MTDD-044 and MTDD-045 are located approximately 500 metres apart and intersected structurally controlled Cu-Co mineralization (Figure 1 & 2) including: 4.15m @ 2.28% Cu eq (1.29% Cu & 0.13% Co & 0.09% Ni) from 113.5m, in MTDD-044 (1.29% Cu & 0.13% Co & 0.09% Ni) from 113.5m, in MTDD-044 5.80m @ 2.41% Cu eq (1.86% Cu & 0.07% Co & 0.02% Ni) from 119.2m, in MTDD-044 (1.86% Cu & 0.07% Co & 0.02% Ni) from 119.2m, in MTDD-044 7.30m @ 0.79% Cu eq (0.58% Cu & 0.02% Co & 0.02% Ni) from 149.0m, in MTDD-045 Holes drilled to test the continuity of the historic intercept in hole MDD-17-15 which measured 4.23% CuEq over 11.6m (see the Company's news release dated July 4, 2017) achieved a technical success, encountering sulphide minerals in fault breccia and the associated alteration zones broadly within the target depth interval. A detailed assessment is underway to assess the complexity of the setting in which this discovery was made. Crunch Zone The Crunch Zone exploration target is situated between the Kazhiba Dome in the northwest and the Solwezi Dome in the southeast (Figure 1). Based on geophysical data, it appears a northeast trending wedge of Copperbelt strata is 'crunched' between the domes showing interference fold patterns that abruptly terminate against the domal structures. An analysis of the VTEM electromagnetic survey suggest mineralized fluids may have migrated along major faults or thrusts which occurred where the Copperbelt strata encountered the dome structures. An initial drill program consisting of several drill traverses to test for mineralization as well as determining the rock succession in the contact zones is underway at the Crunch Zone with seven holes completed. No assays from these holes have been received yet. Figure 1: Geology of Midnight Sun's Solwezi Licences showing the locations of drill holes completed. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2553/143247_59a37415a4169bab_001full.jpg Figure 2: Drill cores from MTDD-044 (above) and MTDD-045 (below) illustrating the style, setting and alteration associated with copper mineralization at Mitu. To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2553/143247_midnightsunfigure2.jpg Mitu Trend Drilling - Significant Downhole Intercepts Hole From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Cu (%) Co (%) Nickel (%) Cu Eq (%) MTDD043 32.00 34.80 2.80 0.12 0.01 0.20 0.77 MTDD044 9.00 12.00 3.00 0.10 0.00 0.01 0.16 MTDD044 13.15 16.00 2.85 0.12 0.01 0.02 0.24 MTDD044 18.95 31.00 12.05 0.14 0.00 0.02 0.23 MTDD044 51.00 55.00 4.00 0.19 0.02 0.01 0.35 MTDD044 60.00 64.85 4.85 0.46 0.02 0.02 0.69 MTDD044 98.00 110.00 12.00 0.18 0.01 0.02 0.29 MTDD044 113.50 117.65 4.15 1.29 0.13 0.05 2.28 MTDD044 119.20 125.00 5.80 1.86 0.07 0.02 2.41 MTDD045 52.00 57.00 5.00 0.18 0.01 0.09 0.49 MTDD045 146.30 149.00 2.70 0.14 0.01 0.01 0.27 MTDD045 149.00 156.30 7.30 0.58 0.02 0.02 0.79 MTDD045 157.00 168.00 11.00 0.23 0.01 0.01 0.36 MTDD045 171.30 174.00 2.70 0.18 0.05 0.01 0.53 Notes: Reported intervals are the downhole widths. More structural and orientation data is required to determine true widths. Reported intervals are calculated for zones assaying > 0.1% copper or 0.01% cobalt and containing less than 2 meters of internal waste. Copper equivalent values are estimated using current metal prices of $3.50/lb copper, $23.50/lb cobalt, and $10.00/lb nickel and are presented for ease of interval comparison only. Metallurgical recovery factors are assumed to be 100% although the recovery factors for various metals may vary significantly. Location of Reported Drill Holes Hole East North RL Dip Azimuth EOH CRZDD_001 424175 8647400 1376 -55 100 238.1 CRZDD_002 424257 8647385 1376 -55 100 160.5 CRZDD_003 424077 8647417 1367 -55 110 205 CRZDD_004 423892 8652334 1392 -60 330 168.6 CRZDD_005 423996 8647432 1359 -60 100 281.5 CRZDD_006 423955 8652167 1398 -60 330 211 CRZDD_007 418120 8648817 1352 -60 315 276.55 MTDD_042 431035 8636307 1372 -60 315 242 MTDD_043 431105 8636378 1372 -60 315 215.7 MTDD_044 428016 8638405 1373 -60 315 217 MTDD_045 427611 8638095 1357 -60 315 224.5 MTDD_046 428322 8638090 1370 -60 315 245.1 Quality Control/Quality Assurance Core samples obtained from diamond drilling were transported directly to SGS Inspection Services in Kalulushi, Zambia by Midnight Sun personnel for sample preparation. There the samples were sorted, dried, crushed, and pulped before final chemical analysis using ICP42S method which encompasses a 3 or 4 acid digest followed by an AAS multi-element scan. All samples returning >10,000 ppm Cu were automatically re-assayed for higher level concentrations by SGS, which is a fully accredited laboratory. Standards and blanks were inserted regularly in the sample stream and checks were done for Cu. Qualified Person : Richard Mazur, P.Geo., a Director of the Company and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical data and contents of this release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF MIDNIGHT SUN MINING CORP. Al Fabbro President & CEO For Further Information Contact: Al Fabbro President & CEO Tel: +1 604 351 8850 NEITHER THE 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 NEW RELEASE. This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements." All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, changes in market conditions, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in commodity prices, unanticipated changes in key management personnel and general economic conditions. Mining exploration and development is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143247 Vancouver, BC--(Newsfile Corp. - November 7, 2022) - Snowline Gold Corp. (CSE: SGD) will be participating in the Deutsche Goldmesse, which will take place on November 18th and 19th at The Westin Grand Frankfurt. Members of the Snowline Gold Corp. management will be taking meetings throughout the day, and also present at 13:45 CET on November 18th to an audience of European investors. An online registration form is available, and investors can register to attend at: https://deutschegoldmesse.online/investor-registration/. Kai Hoffmann, Managing Director of Soar Financial Partners, remarked, "We are excited to host our 3rd in-person premier mining investment event, bringing together carefully selected mining and exploration companies with the European investment community over the course of two days. We anticipate this to be our largest conference yet, and we are pleased to welcome again an astute line-up of keynote speakers." The Deutsche Goldmesse website is continuously being updated concerning attending companies, keynote speakers, agenda, etc. &:www.deutschegoldmesse.com About Snowline Gold Corp. Snowline Gold Corp. is an exploration company focused on its district-scale, discovery stage gold assets in Canadas Yukon Territory. Drilling in 2022 on its Valley discovery yielded compelling evidence for a tier one gold asset at surface and with favourable characteristics for mining. Several early drill holes at Valley carry grades of multiple grams per tonne gold over hundreds of metres, defining a broad zone of prospective groundand most of the assays for this discovery are yet to come. The Companys first-mover land position of >254,000 ha and its extensive database provide a unique opportunity for investors to be part of multiple discoveries and the creation of a new gold district. About Deutsche Goldmesse Deutsche Goldmesse is Germany's premier mining investment conference, based out of Frankfurt- one of Europe's most important financial capitals. We bring together leading minds in the industry to foster new business opportunities and facilitate valuable relationships. The exclusive two-day event showcases industry-leading keynote speakers and up to 35 carefully considered companies in a range of commodities and stages from explorers to producers. Hosted by Soar Financial Partners, we provide a platform where top company management can connect with a vast network of European institutional and HNW investors, retail investors, analysts, influencers, newsletter writers, media, and other local partners. For further information: Snowline Gold Corp. Stephanie Hansen Marketing & IR Manager +1 778 650 5485 [email protected] snowlinegold.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 7, 2022) - Summa Silver (TSXV: SSVR) will be participating in the Deutsche Goldmesse, which will take place on November 18th and 19th at The Westin Grand Frankfurt. Members of the Summa Silver management will be taking meetings throughout the day, and also present at 10:00 CET on November 19th to an audience of European investors. An online registration form is available, and investors can register to attend at: https://deutschegoldmesse.online/investor-registration/ Kai Hoffmann, Managing Director of Soar Financial Partners, remarked, "We are excited to host our 3rd in-person premier mining investment event, bringing together carefully selected mining and exploration companies with the European investment community over the course of two days. We anticipate this to be our largest conference yet, and we are pleased to welcome again an astute line-up of keynote speakers." The Deutsche Goldmesse website is continuously being updated concerning attending companies, keynote speakers, agenda, etc.:www.deutschegoldmesse.com About Summa Silver Summa Silver Corp is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company. The Company owns a 100% interest in the Hughes Project located in central Nevada and has an option to earn 100% interest in the Mogollon Project located in southwestern New Mexico. The Hughes Project is host to the high-grade past-producing Belmont Mine, one of the most prolific silver producers in the United States between 1903 and 1929. The Mogollon Project is the largest historic silver producer in New Mexico. Both properties have remained inactive since commercial production ceased and neither have seen modern exploration prior to the Companys involvement. About Deutsche Goldmesse Deutsche Goldmesse is Germany's premier mining investment conference, based out of Frankfurt- one of Europe's most important financial capitals. We bring together leading minds in the industry to foster new business opportunities and facilitate valuable relationships. The exclusive two-day event showcases industry-leading keynote speakers and up to 35 carefully considered companies in a range of commodities and stages from explorers to producers. Hosted by Soar Financial Partners, we provide a platform where top company management can connect with a vast network of European institutional and HNW investors, retail investors, analysts, influencers, newsletter writers, media, and other local partners. For further information: Summa Silver Giordy Belfiore Corporate Development Manager 7789941365 [email protected] summasilver.com Revenue has grown 68% quarter over quarter, with a gross margin of 30% Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 7, 2022) - Volatus Aerospace Corp. (TSXV: VOL) (OTCQB: VLTTF) ("Volatus" or "the Company"), a global leader in the drone industry, is pleased to announce its financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2022 ("Q3 2022"). The Company generated revenue of $22,558,010 in the first nine months of 2022. The third quarter of drone services, also known as data as a service, witnessed a growth of 16%. Revenue for Q3 2022 was $11,120,589 an increase of 68% over the previous quarter and a 238% increase over the same quarter in the prior year. The revenue increase in Q3 2022 was driven by organic growth, scale in drone services activities, and increased aviation revenue. Gross profit for Q3 2022 was $3,329,444 an increase of $2,597,024 over the same period in 2021. The increase in gross profit was due to the scale of drone services and aviation revenue. The Company has experienced a gross margin of 30%, representing an increase of 127 basis points over the second quarter of 2022. Volatus recorded a comprehensive loss of ($352,206). This was due to increased investment in human resources in the defense and integrated solutions segments, expansion in the UK, increased share-based payments, and increased advertisement and marketing expenses. The cash on hand as of Sept 30, 2022, was $6,021,163. In a subsequent event, the Company raised additional cash of $4,226,772 from the oversubscribed prospectus and private placement offering that closed on Oct 6, 2022. Notable Operational Accomplishments During the Quarter: Continued delivery of ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) Drones to Ukraine. Introduced a subsidized Customer Financing Program for rapid drone adoption in the commercial segment in partnership with Mitsubishi HC Capital Canada. Secured remote BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) approval to operate a drone, using an optical technology for detection and avoidance of aircraft without a visual observer, inside the airspace of an active airport. Demonstrated remote flight operation of two drones located in Las Vegas by a pilot located in the company's remote operations center more than 3,000 km away in Canada. Entered into a strategic partnership with a radar company - Accipiter Radar Technologies Inc. - to scale BVLOS operations. Continued delivery on our "Profit with Purpose" initiative by completing RPAS technical skills training program with the Moose Cree First Nation. Launched our Environment Social and Governance (ESG) initiative to assist various industries achieve their ESG goals by reducing Scope 3 emissions. "Q3 was an important quarter for Volatus as we continued to scale our investment in the defense sector and higher margin Engineered Solutions," said Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus. "The quarter also marked the beginning of a transition for our Aviation division as we moved away from passenger activities towards cargo and long linear inspections where drones and eVTOLS's (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles) have a much larger role to play." Webinar In conjunction with this release, Volatus investor relations will host a webinar on Monday, November 7th at 4:30 PM EST at which time Glen Lynch, Chief Executive Officer, and Abhinav Singhvi, Chief Financial Officer, will review the quarterly results and major milestones with Danielle Gagne, Head of Corporate Communications as moderator. Investors are invited to register for the webinar here. https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uAeXAvY2SySzMEJf8FIi5g Audio Replay Options An audio replay of the event will be archived on the Investor Relations page of the company's website here. About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace Corp. is a leading provider of integrated drone solutions throughout North America and growing into Latin America and globally. Volatus serves civil, public safety, and defense markets with imaging and inspection, security and surveillance, equipment sales and support, training, as well as R&D, design, and manufacturing. Through our subsidiary, Volatus Aviation, we are introducing green and innovative drone solutions to supplement and replace traditional aircraft and helicopters for long-linear inspections such as pipeline, energy, rail, and cargo services. Volatus is committed to carbon neutrality; the fostering of a safe, equitable and inclusive workplace; and responsible governance. Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Corporation with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" (or other variations of the foregoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes information regarding (i) the business plans and expectations of the Corporation; and (ii) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Corporation, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management's current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information reflects the Corporation's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances.. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Corporation disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. 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. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Source: Volatus Aerospace Corp. (TSXV: VOL) (OTCQB: VLTTF) CONTACT DETAILS Abhinav Singhvi +1 833-865-2887 [email protected] COMPANY WEBSITE https://volatusaerospace.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143269 File Photo: Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a rally ahead of the midterm elections, in Miami, Florida, U.S., November 6, 2022. REUTERS/Marco Bello By Shreyashi Sanyal and Anisha Sircar (Reuters) -Shares of Digital World Acquisition Corp, the blank-check company looking to take Donald Trump's social media venture public, rallied on Monday over the former president's possible run for the 2024 presidential election. Trump is considering launching a third bid for the White House this month, three of his advisers said last week, while media reports over the weekend pointed to a campaign starting before the end of November. Shares in Digital World Acquisition Corp jumped more than 24% to $21.55, and were set for their best day in nearly a year, bringing down year-to-date losses to 58%. "The prospect of Donald Trump seizing the political spotlight again appears to have put a rocket under the share price of DWAC amid expectation there could be a sharp increase in users on the former President's highly controversial social media platform," said Susannah Streeter, senior investment and markets analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. The rally in DWAC, which was also the fifth most trending ticker on retail investor focused social media forum Stocktwits, helped lift shares of other Trump-linked companies. DWAC on Thursday extended the deadline to Nov. 22. for investors' approval to complete its merger deal with Trump Media and Technology Group. This move comes as Americans prepare to vote in the U.S. midterm elections, with analysts expecting Republicans to win control of Congress. Software developer Phunware Inc, which was hired by Trump's 2020 presidential reelection campaign to build a phone app, jumped 18.3%. Rumble Inc, a Canadian video platform popular with conservatives, however, slipped 3.5%. Trump's social media venture Truth Social announced in August it would join Rumble's new ad platform as its first publisher in August. Artificial intelligence solutions company Remark Holdings, which has been linked to the former president on social media sites, gained 8.6%. Reuters could not independently verify the link between Trump and Remark. (Reporting by Shreyashi Sanyal, Akash Sriram and Anisha Sircar in Bengaluru; Editing by Vinay Dwivedi) FILE PHOTO: SpaceX Chief Engineer Elon Musk gestures during a joint news conference with T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert at the SpaceX Starbase, in Brownsville, Texas, U.S., August 25, 2022. REUTERS/Adrees Latif/File Photo By Susan Heavey and Rami Ayyub WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Elon Musk, Twitter's new owner, urged Americans to elect a Republican Congress in U.S. midterms on Tuesday to counterbalance President Joe Biden's Democrats, the first time a major social media CEO explicitly took a side. "Shared power curbs the worst excesses of both parties, therefore I recommend voting for a Republican Congress, given that the Presidency is Democratic," Musk said in a tweet on Monday to his more than 110 million followers. Republicans are favored to win a majority in the House of Representatives in Tuesday's elections, with the Senate rated a toss-up by nonpartisan election forecasters. Democrats currently control both houses. Musk, the world's richest person and CEO of Tesla, took over Twitter in a $44 billion deal last month and has engaged in drastic measures including sacking half the staff and a plan to charge for blue check verification marks. His absolutist stance on free speech has led some groups to warn against a rise in misinformation and some advertisers to pull their spending. A crackdown on users impersonating Musk prompted Twitter to suspend comedian Kathy Griffin. Later, he added, "I'm open to the idea of voting Democrat again in the future" and said he had historically been an independent who had voted for Democrats. Musk has been critical of the Biden administration and Democrats for their proposals to tax billionaires and give more tax incentives to union-made electric vehicles. Tesla does not have unions at its U.S. factories. Republicans could use a majority in either chamber to bring Biden's agenda to a halt and launch potentially politically damaging investigations into Biden's administration and family. Kyle Kondik, from the University of Virginia' Center for Politics, said it was unlikely Musk's words would influence the election's outcome. "It's hard to expect any sort of celebrity 'endorsement,' as this basically is, to have much if any effect on voter behavior," Kondik said. Asked about Musk's comments, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said: "The president has often spoken about the importance of voting, and I'm just going to leave it there as to not get involved in any kind of election conversation." Former Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich described Musk's comments as "very encouraging." NEW LINE FOR SOCIAL MEDIA EXECS Musk is not alone among social media executives in taking open political stances. Sheryl Sandberg, former operating officer of Facebook owner Meta Platforms Inc, for instance, has donated heavily to progressive candidates and endorsed Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton in 2016. Like other executives, however, Sandberg stopped short of explicitly telling her followers how to vote and took pains to keep a distance between her personal leanings and her work. Former Twitter Chief Executive Jack Dorsey has voiced a sense of alienation from both Republican and Democratic politics, while Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg and his wife donated to two nonprofits that distributed grants to state and local governments to help them conduct elections. In a statement to Reuters, Jessica Gonzalez, co-CEO of Free Press, an advocacy group, said Musk's comment showed he "is not showing himself to be an even-keeled CEO that advertisers can trust." Last year Tesla moved its headquarters from California - its biggest market - to the more conservative state Texas. Musk also moved his personal residence from California to Texas, where there is no state income tax. In April, Musk said on Twitter he believes that for the platform "to deserve public trust, it must be politically neutral." Federal authorities are investigating Musk over his conduct in acquiring Twitter, the company said in a court filing last month. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Trade Commission have not commented on any potential probes. (Reporting by Susan Heavey, Steve Holland, Kenneth Li, Kanishka Singh, Sheila Dang, Chris Gallagher and Hyunjoo Jin; Writing by Rami Ayyub and Costas Pitas; Editing by Scott Malone and Howard Goller) 23-year veteran of the airline to lead 3,500-strong pilot group SEATTLE , Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines' board of directors has elected Captain Dave Mets as vice president of flight operations. In this role, Mets will oversee the day-to-day operations and financial performance of Alaska's flight operations division, which includes Alaska's 3,500 pilots. "Anyone who knows Dave knows that he is a thoughtful, hard-working and caring leader," said Constance von Muehlen, chief operating officer for Alaska Airlines. "Dave's impeccable track record in flight operations demonstrates his commitment to safety, transparent leadership and focus on operational excellence. Alaska will benefit from the highest standards to which he holds himself and his team." A 23-year veteran of Alaska Airlines, Mets started his career at Alaska in 1999 as a first officer on the Boeing 737-200, and took on roles of increasing responsibility over the years, including serving as base chief pilot in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, and as a flight operations duty officer. Mets was appointed to this new role after serving as interim vice president since April 2022. Most recently Mets has been a key part of securing a new collective bargaining agreement with Alaska Airlines pilots and is leading his division in Alaska's transition to an all-Boeing fleet. As a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Mets spent 25 years both on active-duty and in the Air Force Reserve. His military experience includes flying the Lockheed C-141B Starlifter as an instructor pilot, an aircraft commander in the Boeing C-17 Globemaster and a satellite launch countdown controller in the NAVSTAR GPS program at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. His service includes time in Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq and resupplying McMurdo Station, Antarctica in the C-17. Connect with Mets on LinkedIn. About Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines and our regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. We emphasize low fares and award-winning customer service. Alaska is a member of the oneworld global alliance. With the alliance and our additional airline partners, our guests can travel to more than 900 destinations on more than 20 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at news.alaskaair.com and follow @alaskaairnews for latest news. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alaska-airlines-names-new-vice-president-of-flight-operations-301670011.html SOURCE Alaska Airlines HANGZHOU and SHAOXING, China, Nov. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascletis Pharma Inc. (HKEX:1672, "Ascletis") announces today that the abstract of a Phase I, Single-Dose Study of ASC43F for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has been reported at The Liver Meeting 2022 of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) as poster presentation. The summary of the abstract is shown as below: Title: A Phase I, Single-Dose Study to Evaluate The Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of ASC43F, A Fixed-Dose Combination Oral Tablet of ASC41, A Thyroid Hormone Receptor Beta Agonist, and ASC42, A Farnesoid X Receptor Agonist in Healthy Subjects Abstract/Poster number: 2314 Category: NAFLD therapy Study Design: ASC43F-101 (NCT05118516) is an open-label, single-dose, Phase I study in healthy subjects. Eight subjects aged 18 to 65 years who weighed at least 50 kg for men, and at least 45 kg for women and had body mass index (BMI) within the range of 18.5-32 kilogram per meter square (kg/m2) were planned to be enrolled in this study. Two eligible subjects would be enrolled first. After the 7-day safety assessment of the first two sentinel subjects and no stopping rule was met, the remaining 6 subjects would be enrolled. Conclusion This Phase I study demonstrated that ASC43F showed good tolerability and safety profiles, and pharmacokinetics (PK) parameters of ASC41/ASC41A and ASC42 from ASC43F were similar to those of ASC41 and ASC42 as monotherapy. ASC43F is a one-pill, once-a-day fixed-dose combination (FDC) for NASH treatment, thus will improve patient compliance. About Ascletis Ascletis is an innovative R&D driven biotech listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (1672.HK), covering the entire value chain from discovery and development to manufacturing and commercialization. Led by a management team with deep expertise and a proven track record, Ascletis focuses on three therapeutic areas with unmet medical needs from a global perspective: viral diseases, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and oncology. Through excellent execution, Ascletis rapidly advances its drug pipeline with an aim of leading in global competition. To date, Ascletis has three marketed products, i.e. ritonavir tablets, GANOVO and ASCLEVIR, and 22 drug candidates in its R&D pipeline. The most advanced drug candidates include ASC22 (HBV functional cure), ASC10 and ASC11(oral small molecules for COVID-19 treatment), ASC40 (recurrent glioblastoma), ASC42 (PBC, primary biliary cholangitis), and ASC40 (acne). For more information, please visit www.ascletis.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ascletis-announces-poster-presentation-of-phase-i-single-dose-study-of-asc43f-for-nash-at-aasld-annual-meeting-2022-301669637.html SOURCE Ascletis Pharma Inc. SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Frost & Sullivan Institute is dedicated to utilizing business practices to address key global challenges by 'innovating to zero'. Through its robust research methodology, the Institute has identified Companies that are moving the world in the right direction and awarded them with this year's Enlightened Growth Leadership Awards. "Focusing on the environment, on sustainability, and on inclusiveness has become indispensable for companies to survive and thrive in today's world. We at the Institute believe that the award will not only highlight the best-in-class companies but also motivates others to become a part of the answer to some of the challenges the planet faces today," said Aroop Zutshi, Director, Frost & Sullivan Institute. Frost & Sullivan Institute follows its proprietary, 8-step, measurement-based methodology, combined with extensive research, in-depth analyses, and benchmarking, to shortlist recipients. Our Global think tank does a detailed review of all perspectives on where and how companies are improving the future of the planet. By combining business sense with a moral imperative, these companies demonstrate aspirational ideas beyond the simple goal of generating profits. In this context, this recognition holds an even greater significance in reaffirming an organization's commitment to responsible consumerism. Frost & Sullivan Institute congratulates all recipients of the Enlightened Growth Leadership Best Practices Recognition. As we did last year, we will recognize and celebrate the 2022 recipients at our Virtual Awards Banquet in November. Recipients: Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) ACWA Power Company Aksa Energy Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) Anglo American plc Arabian Internet and Communications Services Company ASBISC Enterprises PLC Aselsan Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret AS AVer Information Inc., Dr. Sulaiman Habib Medical Services Group (HMG) Elbit Systems Ltd. GB Auto S.A.E. Gold Fields Limited Harmony Gold Mining Company Ibnsina Pharma Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. Independent Petroleum Group Industries Qatar Jordan Phosphate Mines Company Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe Ltd Mannai Corporation QPSC Mobile Telecommunications Company KSCP MTN Nigeria Communications Plc Northam Platinum Holdings Limited Oman Telecommunications Company PETKIM PETROKIMYA HOLDING Royal Bafokeng Platinum SABIC Agri-Nutrients Company Sahara International Petrochemical Company Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma'aden) The Saudi Arabian Oil Company Scancom PLC Sibanye-Stillwater SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. About Frost & Sullivan Institute The Frost & Sullivan Institute (FSI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to utilizing business practices to address global priorities. The genesis of the institute goes back to the vision of either creating, or becoming part of, a solution that addresses threats to humanity. The Institute has identified strategic imperatives for transformation and believes that we can truly accelerate innovation to zero. To learn more about FSI, visit www.frostandsullivaninstitute.org About Frost & Sullivan For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Media Contact: Prerna MohanEmail: [email protected] Related Linkswww.frost.com www.frostandsullivaninstitute.org View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/frost-and-sullivan-institutes-enlightened-growth-leadership-awards-2022-recognizes-companies-dedicated-to-sustainability-and-growth-excellence-301670220.html SOURCE Frost & Sullivan President Scott Martin is to present "Gold Card: A Brief History, Potential Impacts, and Solutions" Tuesday, November 8th. DENVER, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Catalyst Solutions announces Scott Martin, President, will discuss the history and potential impact of Gold Card at the Texas Covered Health Conference in Austin, TX on November 8th. President Scott Martin is to present "Gold Card: A Brief History, Potential Impacts, and Solutions" Tuesday, November 8th Beginning Oct. 1, 2022, certain provisions of Texas House Bill 3459, as known as the "Texas gold card bill," took effect. Gold Card is a process under which a payer exempts physicians who consistently order or prescribe treatments and drugs in accordance with evidence-based guidelines or have high approval rates from Prior Authorization requirements. Scott Martin will review the history and present solutions during his presentation on Tuesday, November 8th at 10 am in the Austin Grand Ballroom at the Hilton Austin. Catalyst Solutions will be exhibiting at Texas Covered Health Care Conference at the Hilton Austin hotel Monday, Nov. 7th through Wednesday, Nov. 9th, 2022, as a Diamond Sponsor. Come by and visit us at booth 205. About Catalyst Solutions: Catalyst Solution's mission is to help payers drive down costs, optimize revenue, and most importantly, improve member healthcare outcomes. We are passionate about making positive and measurable change on behalf of the clients we serve and the communities in which we live. We exclusively serve the payer industry bringing highly specialized experts with 20+ years of deep expertise in outsourced BPO, IT, and consulting services. Catalyst delivers comprehensive and flexible solutions that meet the unique needs of payers, and we are COMMITTED to exceeding customer expectations by providing unmatched, white-glove service. As a diversity-certified, woman-owned company based in the U.S., they offer agility and flexibility to provide comprehensive solutions to meet the unique needs of health plans. www.CatalystSolutions.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/health-care-insurance-solution-company-catalyst-solutions-to-participate-at-texas-covered-health-conference-monday-november-7th-2022-through-wednesday-november-9th-301670681.html SOURCE Catalyst Solutions Raises $18 Million in New Equity Financing Appoints Healthcare Luminary Dr. Ismail Kola to Board of Directors, Adding Clinical Development Expertise Progresses European Commercial Launch with Rollout to Key Distributors and Leading Hospitals and Blood Centers LEXINGTON, Mass., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hemanext Inc., a leading innovator in blood processing, storage, and transfusion technology, today announced the successful first close of its Series B fundraising round. Taken together with the exercise of outstanding warrants, this close brings an additional $18 million of equity capital from noted global private investors with deep finance and healthcare expertise. To date, the company has raised approximately $130mm (inclusive of $8mm in grant funding from the National Institutes of Health). The Company also announced the appointment of Dr. Ismail Kola to its Board of Directors. Dr. Kola was formerly Executive Vice President of UCB S.A. and President and Chief Scientific Officer of UCB New Medicines. He previously served as Chief Scientific Officer at Schering-Plough Corporation and held various senior positions at Merck. Dr. Kola holds a Ph.D. in Medicine from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and has held several professorships at leading universities worldwide, including Cambridge University. This announcement of Dr. Kola's appointment follows that of Dr. Paul Ness, formerly Senior Director of the Division of Transfusion Medicine at Johns Hopkins University, earlier this year. Martin Cannon, CEO of Hemanext, said: "As Hemanext advances on all fronts, we are fortunate and gratified to be supported by an exceptional group of successful and respected new investors who have joined our core investment community in this B round. Among them is Dr. Kola, who also joins our Board of Directors and strengthens our expanding community of world-class medical thought leaders. Dr. Kola has built an extraordinarily successful career in the development and commercialization of therapeutic solutions to some of the most challenging clinical problems. With his broad drug development expertise, and his global scientific stature as a trusted strategic resource to many pioneering biotechnology and life science companies, Hemanext will benefit greatly from his passion for patient welfare and recognized expertise in areas vital for the realization of the enormous potential of our company." Dr. Ismail Kola said: "I believe there is a significant unmet need in transfusion medicine that makes Hemanext's technology and mission absolutely essential to the global healthcare ecosystem. I have spent my career bringing life-changing new therapies to fruition, with the ultimate goal of making patients' lives better. That is what excites me most about Hemanext its patient-centric approach. I look forward to supporting the company as it continues to expand its presence and bring its new technology to the market." Commercial Launch in Europe In August, Hemanext entered into distribution agreements with two leading medical device distributors in the Nordics and Italy, bolstering its sales capabilities across key European markets and strengthening its relationships with top blood centers and clinicians in each region. Hemanext has now received initial commercial orders in Europe, with implementation planned in several blood establishments by the end of the year. This milestone comes after the Company received CE Mark certification for the Hemanext ONE Red Blood Cell (RBC) Processing and Storage System in 2021 and commenced targeted post CE-mark certification clinical studies in 2022. The Company looks forward to expanding its presence into additional markets in Europe in 2023. Series B and C Equity Rounds The Company will be keeping the current Series B available to investors for the next few weeks. Hemanext expects to begin a Series C round with institutional investors in 2023. Sonenshine Fulford Group, a collaboration between Sonenshine Partners in the U.S. and The Fulford Group in the U.K., is advising Hemanext in its fundraising. About HemanextHemanext is a privately held medical technology company based in Lexington, MA that is dedicated to improving the quality, safety, efficacy, and cost of transfusion therapy. The company's research and development efforts center on the study of hypoxically stored red blood cells (RBCs). The company's aim is to significantly improve the quality of stored RBCs. About Hemanext ONEIn Europe, the system is CE Marked for the processing and storage CPD/PAGGSM Red Blood Cells, Leukocytes Reduced (LR RBC) that have been prepared and processed with the HEMANEXT ONE system within 24 hours of collection. The HEMANEXT ONE system limits the O2 and CO2 levels in the storage environment. Red Blood Cells Leukocytes Reduced, O2 /CO2 Reduced may be stored for up to 42 days at 1-6C. HEMANEXT ONE is used for volumes no greater than 350 ml of LR RBC.1 In the United States, the product remains available for investigational use only, pending marketing authorization from the FDA. Preclinical data show that the medical device can maintain RBCs at or below 20% oxygen saturation for up to 42 days2, thereby creating hypoxic RBCs. Clinical studies are underway to measure the impact of hypoxic RBCs on patient outcomes and the potential cost savings.3,4 Visit Hemanext.com to learn more about the Company. Hemanext Media Contact: Nathan Riggs / Hallie Wolff[email protected] / [email protected] 1 Hemanext ONE, Instructions for Use for the European Union (April 2021), DOF2 Brouard, D et al. Vox Sang 2018; 113: 153.2018.3 Frank, S et al. Anesthesiology 2017;127(5):754-764. 4 DOF. Document.Calculation.2021 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hemanext-announces-close-of-series-b-equity-funding-round-301670496.html SOURCE Hemanext Inc. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT RELATES TO THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION RELATING TO THE NOTES REFERRED TO HEREIN THAT QUALIFIED AS INSIDE INFORMATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 7(1) OF THE REGULATION (EU) NO 596/2014 AS IT FORMS PART OF THE DOMESTIC LAW OF THE UNITED KINGDOM BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DISTRIBUTE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. LONDON, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- HSBC Bank plc (the "Issuer") has today launched an invitation to the holders of: (a) the GBP 300,000,000 6.500 per cent. subordinated notes due July 2023 (ISIN: XS0088317853); (b) the USD 300,000,000 7.650 per cent. subordinated notes due May 2025 (ISIN: US597433AC57); (c) the GBP 350,000,000 5.375 per cent. subordinated notes due November 2030 (ISIN: XS0204377310); (d) the GBP 500,000,000 5.375 per cent. subordinated notes due August 2033 (ISIN: XS0174470764); (e) the GBP 225,000,000 6.250 per cent. subordinated notes due January 2041 (ISIN: XS0120514335); and (f) the GBP 600,000,000 4.750 per cent. subordinated notes due March 2046 (ISIN: XS0247840969) (each a "Series" and together, the "Notes") to tender any and all such Notes for purchase by the Issuer for cash. The Offers are being made on the terms and subject to the conditions set out in a tender offer memorandum dated 7 November 2022 (the "Tender Offer Memorandum") including the offer and distribution restrictions set out below and more fully described in the Tender Offer Memorandum and, where applicable, the related notice of guaranteed delivery. Copies of the Tender Offer Memorandum are (subject to offer and distribution restrictions) available from the Tender Agent as set out below. Capitalised terms used and not otherwise defined in this announcement have the meanings given in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Description of Notes ISIN CUSIP Call Date Maturity Date Aggregate Principal Amount Outstanding Benchmark Reference Security Fixed Spread GBP 300,000,000 6.500 per cent. subordinated notes due July 2023 (the "July 2023 Notes")1 XS0088317853 N/A N/A 7 July 2023 GBP 300,000,000 UKT 0.75 per cent. due July 2023 (GB00BF0HZ991) 95 bps USD 300,000,000 7.650 per cent. subordinated notes due May 2025 (the "May 2025 Notes")2 US597433AC57 597433AC5 N/A 1 May 2025 USD 300,000,000 UST 4.250 per cent. due October 2025 (US91282CFP14) 195 bps GBP 350,000,000 5.375 per cent. subordinated notes due November 2030 (the "November 2030 Notes") XS0204377310 N/A 4 November 2025 4 November 2030 GBP 350,000,000 UKT 2.00 per cent. due September 2025 (GB00BTHH2R79) 235 bps GBP 500,000,000 5.375 per cent. subordinated notes due August 2033 (the "August 2033 Notes") XS0174470764 N/A N/A 22 August 2033 GBP 500,000,000 UKT 0.875 per cent. due July 2033 (GB00BM8Z2S21) 235 bps GBP 225,000,000 6.250 per cent. subordinated notes due January 2041 (the "January 2041 Notes") XS0120514335 N/A N/A 30 January 2041 GBP 225,000,000 UKT 1.25 per cent. due October 2041 (GB00BJQWYH73) 210 bps GBP 600,000,000 4.750 per cent. subordinated notes due March 2046 (the "March 2046 Notes") XS0247840969 N/A N/A 24 March 2046 GBP 600,000,000 UKT 0.875 per cent. due January 2046 (GB00BNNGP775) 205 bps On the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the Tender Offer Memorandum (including the offer and distribution restrictions contained herein and more fully described in the Tender Offer Memorandum and, where applicable, the related notice of guaranteed delivery), the Issuer invites Noteholders to tender any and all such Notes for purchase by the Issuer for cash at the relevant Purchase Price together with the relevant Accrued Interest Payment. The Issuer reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, not to accept any Tender Instructions, not to purchase Notes or to extend, re-open, withdraw or terminate the Offers and to amend or waive any of the terms and conditions of the Offers in any manner, subject to applicable laws and regulations. Tenders of Notes for purchase must be made to the Issuer in accordance with the procedures set out in the Tender Offer Memorandum. The Issuer intends to announce, inter alia, its decision of whether to accept valid tenders of Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offers in an announcement expected to be made on 15 November 2022. Notes purchased by the Issuer pursuant to the Offers will be cancelled and will not be re-issued or resold. Notes which have not been validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offers will remain outstanding after the Settlement Date. Rationale for the Offers The primary purpose of the Offers is to manage the Issuer's subordinated liabilities in respect of the Notes. The Issuer will continue to meet all of its capital requirements irrespective of the outcome of the Offers. Purchase Price and Accrued Interest Payment The price payable per GBP 1,000 or per USD 1,000, as applicable, in principal amount of the Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offers (and subject to the applicable Minimum Authorised Denomination) (the "Purchase Price") will be determined as provided in the Tender Offer Memorandum by reference to the Fixed Spread in respect of that Series over the relevant Benchmark Reference Security Yield at the Pricing Time on the Pricing Date expressed as a percentage and rounded to the third decimal place (with 0.0005 being rounded upwards) and, in respect of the GBP Notes, with appropriate annualisation applied to the applicable Offer Yield. In respect of any Notes accepted for purchase, the Issuer will also pay an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid interest on the relevant Notes from (and including) the interest payment date for such Notes immediately preceding the Settlement Date to (but excluding) the Settlement Date (such amount in respect of a Series, the "Accrued Interest Payment"). Purchase Consideration Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Tender Offer Memorandum, Noteholders who validly tender and whose Notes are accepted for purchase by the Issuer, will receive the relevant Purchase Price for each GBP 1,000 or USD 1,000, as applicable, in principal amount of such Notes (subject to the Minimum Authorised Denomination as applicable), which will be payable in cash by the Issuer on the Settlement Date. Priority in allocation of New Notes Concurrently with the launch of the Offers made pursuant to the Tender Offer Memorandum, HSBC Holdings plc ("HSBC Holdings") expects to launch a proposed new issuance of GBP and Euro-denominated subordinated unsecured debt securities in one or more series. In connection with the allocation of such GBP-denominated subordinated unsecured debt securities (the "New Notes"), HSBC Holdings will consider, amongst other factors, whether or not the relevant investor seeking an allocation of the New Notes has, prior to such allocation, validly tendered, or indicated its firm intention to the Issuer or the Dealer Manager to tender, its GBP Notes pursuant to the Offers and, if so, the aggregate principal amount of GBP Notes tendered by such investor. For the avoidance of doubt, any such priority in allocation of the New Notes will only be available to Noteholders who have tendered or indicated their firm intention to the Issuer or the Dealer Manager to tender their GBP Notes pursuant to the Offers, and will not be available to Noteholders who have tendered USD Notes pursuant to the Offers. In accordance with the standard new issue allocation processes and procedures of the Dealer Manager (in its capacity as lead manager of the issue of the New Notes), the allocation of the New Notes is expected to take place on the day the announcement to issue the New Notes is made and the pricing of the New Notes occurs. See the section titled "Terms and Conditions of the Offers Allocation of New Notes in the Proposed Issuance" in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Amendment and Termination The Issuer reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to extend, re-open, withdraw or terminate the Offers and to amend or waive any of the terms and conditions of the Offers at any time following the announcement of the Offers, as described in the Tender Offer Memorandum under the heading "Amendment and Termination". Details of any such extension, re-opening, withdrawal, termination, amendment or waiver will be notified to the Noteholders as soon as possible after such decision. Indicative Timetable of Events This is an indicative timetable showing one possible outcome for the timing of the Offers based on the dates in the Tender Offer Memorandum. This timetable is subject to change and dates and times may be extended or amended by the Issuer in accordance with the terms of the Offers as described in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Accordingly, the actual timetable may differ significantly from the timetable below. Date Action 7 November 2022 Commencement of the Offers At or prior to 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) Offers announced by way of announcements on the relevant Notifying News Service(s), through the Clearing Systems and via RNS. Tender Offer Memorandum available from the Tender Agent. 14 November 2022 Pricing Time At or around 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) unless extended in respect of any Offer by the Issuer in its sole discretion Determination of the Benchmark Reference Security Yield and the Purchase Price in respect of each Series by the Dealer Manager. The Issuer will announce the Purchase Price for each Series as soon as reasonably practicable after the determination thereof. 14 November 2022 Expiration Deadline 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) unless extended in respect of any Offer by the Issuer in its sole discretion The deadline by which Noteholders (except for Noteholders tendering Notes at or prior to the Guaranteed Delivery Date pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures) must validly tender Notes in order to be eligible to receive the relevant Purchase Consideration and Accrued Interest Payment for such Notes on the Settlement Date, and the date and time by which Eligible Institutions must comply with certain procedures applicable to guaranteed delivery pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures. After such time, Noteholders will not be able to withdraw previously tendered Notes, except in certain limited circumstances as set out in the section titled "Procedures for Participating in the Offers Withdrawal" in the Tender Offer Memorandum. The Issuer will announce the results of the Offers by way of a press release on the relevant Notifying News Service(s), through the relevant Clearing Systems and via RNS on the following Business Day. 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the second Business Day after the Expiration Deadline, unless extended in respect of any Offer by the Issuer in its sole discretion Guaranteed Delivery Date The date and time by which Noteholders who tender their Notes pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures must validly tender Notes in order to be eligible to receive the relevant Purchase Consideration and Accrued Interest Payment for such Notes on the Settlement Date. 17 November 2022 Settlement Date Expected Settlement Date for the Offers. Payment of Purchase Consideration and Accrued Interest Payment in respect of the Offers. Unless stated otherwise, announcements in connection with the Offers will be made (i) via RNS and (ii) for launch announcements and announcements related to material change to the Offers, via the relevant Notifying News Service(s). Such announcements may also be made by (i) the issue of a press release to a Notifying News Service and (ii) the delivery of notices to the relevant Clearing Systems for communication to Noteholders. Copies of all such announcements, press releases and notices can also be obtained from the Tender Agent, the contact details for whom are on the last page of the Tender Offer Memorandum. Significant delays may be experienced where notices are delivered to the relevant Clearing Systems and Noteholders are urged to contact the Tender Agent for the relevant announcements relating to the Offers. Noteholders are advised to check with any intermediary through which they hold Notes when such intermediary would require to receive Tender Instructions from a Noteholder in order for that Noteholder to be able to participate in, or withdraw their Tender Instruction to participate in, the Offers before the deadlines specified above. The deadlines set by any such intermediary and each Clearing System for the submission of Tender Instructions will be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified above. See the section titled "Procedures for Participating in the Offers" in the Tender Offer Memorandum. For Further Information: A complete description of the terms and conditions of the Offers is set out in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Further details about the transaction can be obtained from: The Dealer Manager HSBC Bank plc8 Canada SquareLondon E14 5HQUnited KingdomTelephone (London): +44 (0) 20 7992 6237Telephone (US Collect): +1 (212) 525-5552Telephone (US Toll Free): +1 (888) HSBC-4LMAttention: Liability ManagementEmail: [email protected] The Tender Agent Global Bondholder Services Corporation65 Broadway Suite 404New York, New York 10006 Telephone:Banks and Brokers call: + (212) 430 3774All others call toll free: + (855) 654 2014Attention: Corporate ActionsEmail: [email protected]Website: https://www.gbsc-usa.com/hsbctender/ A copy of the Tender Offer Memorandum is available to eligible persons upon request from the Tender Agent. This announcement is released by HSBC Bank plc and contains information that qualified as inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 as it forms part of the domestic law of the United Kingdom by virtue of the EUWA ("UK MAR"), encompassing information relating to the Offers described above. For the purposes of UK MAR, this announcement is made by Greg Case, Head of Fixed Income Investor Relations, on behalf of HSBC Bank plc. DISCLAIMER This announcement must be read in conjunction with the Tender Offer Memorandum. No offer or invitation to acquire or exchange any securities is being made pursuant to this announcement. This announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum contain important information, which must be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the Offers. If any Noteholder is in any doubt as to the action it should take, it is recommended to seek its own legal, tax, accounting and financial advice, including as to any tax consequences, immediately from its broker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or other independent financial or legal adviser. Any individual or company whose Notes are held on its behalf by a broker, dealer, bank, custodian, trust company or other nominee or intermediary must contact such entity if it wishes to participate in the Offers. None of the Issuer, the Dealer Manager, the Tender Agent or their respective directors, employees or affiliates makes any recommendation as to whether Noteholders should tender Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offers or refrain from doing so. Offer and Distribution Restrictions None of this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum or any other materials relating to the Offers constitutes an invitation to participate in the Offers in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to or from whom, it is unlawful to make such invitation or for there to be such participation under applicable securities laws. The distribution of the Tender Offer Memorandum in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum or any other materials relating to the Offers comes are required by each of the Issuer, the Dealer Manager and the Tender Agent to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions. General. Neither this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum nor the electronic transmission thereof constitutes an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell Notes (and tenders of Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offers will not be accepted from Noteholders) in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. In those jurisdictions where the securities, blue sky or other laws require an Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer and the Dealer Manager or any of its affiliates is such a licensed broker or dealer in any such jurisdiction, such Offer shall be deemed to be made by the Dealer Manager or such affiliate, as the case may be, on behalf of the Issuer in such jurisdiction. Each Noteholder participating in an Offer will be deemed to give certain representations as set out in the section titled "Procedures for Participating in the Offers" in the Tender Offer Memorandum in respect of the United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium, France and generally. Any tender of Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offers from a Noteholder that is unable to make these representations will not be accepted. Each of the Issuer, the Dealer Manager and the Tender Agent reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to investigate, in relation to any tender of Notes for purchase pursuant to an Offer, whether any such representation given by a Noteholder is correct and, if such investigation is undertaken and as a result the Issuer determines (for any reason) that such representation is not correct, such tender or submission may be rejected. United Kingdom. The communication of this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers is not being made, and such documents and/or materials have not been approved, by an authorised person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended. Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials as a financial promotion is only being made to those persons in the United Kingdom falling within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Financial Promotion Order")) or persons who are within Article 43(2) of the Financial Promotion Order or any other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be made under the Financial Promotion Order. France. The Offers are not being made, directly or indirectly, in the Republic of France ("France") other than to qualified investors (investisseurs qualifies) as referred to in Article L.411-2 1 of the French Code monetaire et financier and defined in Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended) (the "EU Prospectus Regulation"). Neither this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum nor any other documents or materials relating to the Offers have been or shall be distributed in France other than to qualified investors (investisseurs qualifies) and only qualified investors (investisseurs qualifies) are eligible to participate in the Offers. This announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other document or material relating to the Offers have not been and will not be submitted for clearance to nor approved by the Autorite des marches financiers. Belgium. None of this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum nor any other documents or materials relating to the Offers have been submitted to or will be submitted for approval or recognition to the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (Autorite des services et marches financiers / Autoriteit financiele diensten en markten) and, accordingly, the Offers may not be made in Belgium by way of a public offering, as defined in Articles 3 and 6 of the Belgian Law of 1 April 2007 on public takeover bids (the "Belgian Takeover Law") as amended or replaced from time to time. Accordingly, the Offers may not be advertised and the Offers will not be extended, and none of this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum nor any other documents or materials relating to the Offers (including any memorandum, information circular, brochure or any similar documents) has been or shall be distributed or made available, directly or indirectly, to any person in Belgium other than (i) to "qualified investors" within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the EU Prospectus Regulation and (ii) in any circumstances set out in Article 6, 4 of the Belgian Takeover Law. This announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum have been issued only for the personal use of the above qualified investors and exclusively for the purpose of the Offers. Accordingly, the information contained in this announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum may not be used for any other purpose or disclosed to any other person in Belgium. Italy. None of the Offers, the Tender Offer Memorandum or any other documents or materials relating to the Offers have been or will be submitted to the clearance procedure of the Commissione Nazionale per le Societa e la Borsa ("CONSOB"). The Offers are being carried out in the Republic of Italy as exempted offers pursuant to article 101-bis, paragraph 3-bis of the Legislative Decree No. 58 of 24 February 1998, as amended (the "Financial Services Act") and article 35-bis, paragraph 4 of CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of 14 May 1999, as amended. Noteholders, or beneficial owners of the Notes that are located in the Republic of Italy, can tender some or all of their Notes pursuant to the Offers through authorised persons (such as investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in Italy in accordance with the Financial Services Act, CONSOB Regulation No. 20307 of 15 February 2018, as amended from time to time, and Legislative Decree No. 385 of 1 September 1993, as amended) and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or with requirements imposed by CONSOB or any other Italian authority. Each intermediary must comply with the applicable laws and regulations concerning information duties vis-a-vis its clients in connection with the Notes or the Offers. 1 For the avoidance of doubt, the July 2023 Notes were issued by HSBC Bank plc under its previous name, Midland Bank plc. 2 For the avoidance of doubt, the May 2025 Notes were issued by HSBC Bank plc under its previous name, Midland Bank plc. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hsbc-bank-plc-announces-an-invitation-to-purchase-notes-for-cash-301669952.html SOURCE HSBC Bank Plc. The first-ever Singapore Pavilion at COP27 profiles Singapore's commitment to global climate action SINGAPORE, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore is organising its inaugural Singapore Pavilion at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27), which will run from 6 to 18 November 2022 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Themed around 'Building a Future of Green Possibilities', the Singapore Pavilion showcases how Singapore is actively planting the seeds of change in our economy, environment, and society to achieve a net zero future by 2050. The pavilion is a partnership with over 100 partners from corporates, media, academia, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). At the start of COP27 on 6 November, the Singapore Pavilion will be launched with a welcome address by Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment of Singapore, followed by a keynote speech by Mr Ravi Menon, Managing Director, Monetary Authority of Singapore. The event will close with a panel discussion with representatives from the Singapore Government, businesses, and youth. Throughout the conference period, the Singapore Pavilion will highlight Singapore's enduring commitment to the global effort against climate change through events and programmes in collaboration with various distinguished partners. Hosted in line with the thematic days designated by the Egypt COP27 Presidency, these events include panel discussions and fireside chats from governments, businesses and the community. The exhibits at the Singapore Pavilion will showcase the Singapore Green Plan 2030, innovative climate solutions as well as international collaborations that help the region and beyond adopt sustainable solutions. The full programme, daily agenda and list of partners for the COP27 Singapore Pavilion can be found on https://www.cop-pavilion.gov.sg. The programmes are also available for those in Singapore as they will be live-streamed and available on the Singapore Pavilion website. Please refer to https://go.gov.sg/copsgpavilionlaunch for: The video and transcript of Minister Fu's welcome address The transcript of the keynote speech by Mr Ravi Menon Photos of the Singapore Pavilion For media enquiries, please contact:Hazem Beshr [email protected]asia[email protected]+97150 260 1541 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940097/COP27_Singapore_Pavilion.jpgLogo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940101/COP27_SG_Pavilion_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inaugural-singapore-pavilion-at-cop27-301670028.html SOURCE COP27 SG Pavilion Awards Bestowed for Nemours Children's Campaign "The Journey," a Reflection of a New Bold Vision to Redefine Children's Health JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Nemours Children's Health has won a trifecta of awards from Modern Healthcare. The 2022 Modern Healthcare Marketing Impact Awards recognize outstanding marketing, advertising and communications campaigns that advance the goals of healthcare organizations and promote individual and community health. Nemours Children's Health received the Gold Award for Video Campaign of the Year in the Provider/Insurer category for its "The Journey" campaign. Nemours Children's Health also received the Silver Award for "Raising Resilient Kids" in the Provider/Insurer category for Digital Campaign of the Year as well as a Bronze Award for "The Journey" in the Provider/Insurer category for Print Campaign of the Year. Each was executed by Nemours Children's brand agency, TILT, which was named Agency of the Year. Winners are featured in the November 7 print issue of Modern Healthcare magazine and online at ModernHealthcare.com/ImpactWinners. "Our bold vision for creating the healthiest generations of children by going well beyond medicine was brought to life across multiple channels and audiences through this campaign," said R. Lawrence Moss, MD, FACS, FAAP, President and CEO of Nemours Children's Health. "Nemours Children's is honored to be recognized among the best in healthcare marketing for igniting interest among many audiences who can join us in this journey to change children's health for good." Nemours "Well Beyond Medicine" philosophy expands on the scientific evidence that a child's environment, from nutrition to education to transportation, is a critical determinant of the quality of their life-long health. The campaign creative engages and educates audiences about the importance of transforming children's health by going well beyond medicine to address the 80 percent of children's health determined by factors beyond medical care. "Nemours Children's Health believes that by working together providers, educators, parents and thought leaders we can and will transform the health of children by going beyond medicine and improving the health of the world in which every child lives," said Gina Altieri, Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer. "The ideas put forth in this campaign came from the translation of our strategic plan and how we engaged our associates at all levels in its creation. It is heartening to see these ideas being distinguished in these awards." A suite of creative communications including a comprehensive print campaign designed by TILT demonstrated how children's health is affected by everything in the child's world. Visual elements that are uplifting and positive were included as a snapshot of life from a child's perspective. A new tagline "Well Beyond Medicine" represents the brand's positioning. The print campaign was part of a broader, omni-channel integrated campaign that also included TV, radio, out-of-home and social media. The print ads ran in both parenting and thought-leadership publications throughout Delaware Valley and Central Florida, where the multistate pediatric system has freestanding children's hospitals. "Great creative and strategic work requires great partnerships, and we're incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to partner with visionary leaders like Dr. Larry Moss and Gina Altieri at Nemours Children's Health," said Lawrence James, CEO and Managing Partner, TILT, a brand and creative consulting company. "Their commitment to transformation, their courage to promote bold ideas and their trust in our process resulted in a powerful brand platform and identity evolution. The work truly speaks to the essence and vision of the organization from the inside out and has the longevity to be brought to life in actions and communications for years to come. We are proud to be recognized as a part of their amazing story." 'The Journey' Gold Award for Video Campaign of the Year "The Journey" campaign ran both 15-second and 30-second advertisements on television in the Delaware Valley and Central Florida markets. These and other versions were also used through programmatic video and social media channels. For programmatic video, this campaign garnered over 10 million impressions and over 6,000 interactions in the Florida market. In the Delaware Valley market, there were over 20 million impressions and over 8,500 interactions. These same videos had advertising placements on Facebook and Instagram as promoted posts, reels, and stories and created over 10 million impressions. Print Campaign of the Year wins Bronze Award The print campaign launched in mid-September 2021 with the roll out of out of home, audio, video, digital, and social media placements. In the advertisements, the call to action was to drive the targeted audience to the Nemours Children's website, Nemours Children's Health. Direct traffic to the site increased by roughly 55 percent over the first two months of the campaign's run. Digital Campaign of the Year wins Silver The "Raising Resilient Kids" video series was inspired by gold medalist Michel Phelps and his wife Nicole, mental health advocates and parents of three young children, who noticed that their children needed extra support to navigate the overwhelming feelings they experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of a longstanding partnership, the Michael Phelps Foundation collaborated with Nemours Children's Health to create short, conversational videos designed to share practical advice to help parents and families tackle common concerns around children and their social-emotional health. "We have our own experiences with mental health and the challenges that have arisen during the pandemic, which not only has affected us but also our children," shared Michael and Nicole Phelps. "As parents to three young boys, we know how important it is to help our children learn and manage their emotions in a healthy and resilient way. We are proud to have offered these videos which are helping families grow more resilient." The Phelps sat down with Nemours Children's psychologists Dr. Roger Harrison and Dr. Meghan Walls to address some of the most pressing questions and common experiences parents face. Questions include, "How can we help kids handle disappointment in a healthy way?" and "What's the best way to help them cope during tough times?" Answers and advice are shared throughout the four-part video series topics: Handling Disappointment, Helping Kids Calm Down, Preparing Kids for Change, and Building Empathy in Kids. Each five-minute video offers expert-approved advice and actionable tips families can practice at home. The Raising Resilient Kids video series launches in tandem with Michael Phelps' appearance at the HIMSS Global Health Conference in March 2022 in Orlando. The Phelps Foundation and Nemours Children's Health promoted the video series though owned and earned media channels from March through May 2022. The video series is live on Nemours.org/MichaelPhelpsFoundation. "Marketing has become so much more than a billboard, a few well-placed flyers and key sponsorships of community events," said Mary Ellen Podmolik, editor of Modern Healthcare. "This year's winners of Modern Healthcare's Marketing Impact Awards excelled at finding creative ways to cut through the noise with messaging that was personal, educational and frequently, a call to action. As the industry's focus expands to improve the overall health of communities as well as clinical care, these are some of the organizations and campaigns to emulate." For more information, visit: Nemours - News Releases from Nemours (mediaroom.com). About Nemours Children's Health Nemours Children's Health is one of the nation's largest multistate pediatric health systems, which includes two free-standing children's hospitals and a network of more than 70 primary and specialty care practices. Nemours Children's seeks to transform the health of children by adopting a holistic health model that utilizes innovative, safe, and high-quality care, while also caring for the health of the whole child beyond medicine. Nemours Children's also powers the world's most-visited website for information on the health of children and teens, Nemours KidsHealth - the Web's most visited site about children's health. The Nemours Foundation, established through the legacy and philanthropy of Alfred I. duPont, provides pediatric clinical care, research, education, advocacy, and prevention programs to the children, families and communities it serves. For more information, visit Nemours.org. About Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare is the most trusted business news and information brand in the healthcare industry. Modern Healthcare empowers healthcare leaders and influencers to make timely and informed business decisions. To learn more or subscribe, go to www.modernhealthcare.com/subscriptions. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nemours-childrens-health-a-top-winner-of-modern-healthcares-2022-healthcare-marketing-impact-awards-301670674.html SOURCE Nemours Children's Health This story was updated Nov. 9, 2022 at 12:47 p.m. ET. KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany A soldier told her family she had been assaulted by three soldiers in her squad and was then dissuaded by her first sergeant from filing an official report. Two weeks later, she was found dead in her barracks. Spc. Denisha Montgomery, 27, was found unresponsive at Lucius Clay Barracks in Wiesbaden on Aug. 9 and was pronounced dead at the scene. Family members were told during preliminary findings that the death was likely a suicide. Soon afterward, family members who believe she was murdered by her fellow military police soldiers publicly shared a July 19 video call in which Montgomery detailed the allegations of assault. Now, text messages exchanged with her uncle that a family lawyer released to Stars and Stripes show a soldier fearful of reprisal and worried that she would be punished for fighting back, despite years of Army initiatives directed at preventing such violence and providing pathways to report incidents. Although the Army said recently that the investigation into the circumstances that led to her death remains ongoing, her death now has been officially ruled a suicide. The suicide determination was made by Air Force Col. Alice Briones, the director of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, who also conducted Montgomerys autopsy, Army officials told Stars and Stripes Nov. 9 in a statement. Montgomerys family members say they are frustrated by the pace of the investigation and remain unconvinced that she took her own life. During the video call, part of which was first shared on Newsnationnow.com in September, Montgomery tells members of her family that she was assaulted in a vehicle after visiting a water park with soldiers. They choked me out I kept telling them I cant breathe, Montgomery said in the shaky cell phone video. Ive never been so scared in my life. Showing her family a series of bruises and wounds on her body, Montgomery said, I just want to come home. Look what they did to me. Copies of phone transcripts provided to Stars and Stripes show that Montgomerys father reached out to the Red Cross the day of the video call to request assistance for his daughter. In a follow-up call, the Red Cross advised his daughter to contact her chain of command and report to a hospital. Its unclear whether she went to the hospital before her death. Transcripts provided to Stars and Stripes show she texted her uncle two days later, telling him that a first sergeant in her command had dissuaded her from filing a report. They told me if I report an assault, Ill be charged with assault too because I mushed (sic) the female and bit the male that was choking me 1SG here told me self defense in the military isnt a thing smh, Montgomery wrote July 21, using the acronym for shaking my head. Defense Department policy would require a first sergeant to report the allegations of a crime made by a soldier. After several days of discussion and a couple of days of silence, Montgomery continued the conversation with her uncle. Im sorry Ive just been depressed and didnt want to talk about it anymore I decided not to say anything I didnt wanna end up getting in trouble too she wrote July 27. Im okay my bruises are starting to go away Ive just been keeping my head down staying in my room n going to work when I get back to Stewart I have another NCO who is going to get me in his squad so I dont have to directly deal with those people. But Im okay I love you so much n I appreciate all of your help. A spokesman for the Armys Criminal Investigation Division said the agency has no record of Montgomery talking to its investigators. There have been no indications of criminal activity, but the Army CID law enforcement investigation will continue until all leads have been investigated, a spokesman wrote by email. Army investigators say they hope to complete the case soon and will provide Montgomerys family with a comprehensive update of their findings. The Army has not stated whether any soldiers were suspended, disarmed or placed on alternate duty pending the investigation. She told us Please record this. We might need this in case something happens, recalled Sgt. Brooklyn Price, Montgomerys sister and a logistics specialist with 5th Special Forces Group at Fort Campbell, Ky. Montgomerys body arrived in Elizabethtown, Ky., her hometown, on Aug. 26, and she received a burial with military honors. Were not doing great, Price said of the family. There is a lot of emotion right now. Were not only sad, were broken-hearted, confused and upset because we dont have answers. A lawyer for the family said some of the confusion was created by the limited communication with the military early on. During the initial casualty notification process, the family was told Montgomerys death was a suicide before autopsy results and other steps were complete, said Lindsey Knapp, who is also the executive director of Combat Sexual Assault, an advocacy organization. The Army insists that it was German authorities, not their investigators, who initially ruled the case a suicide. The service says Montgomerys family should have been told the assessment was tentative. They essentially blamed the Germans, Knapp said. Wiesbaden police officers responded to Clay Kaserne along with a doctor, which is standard procedure in these cases, police chief superintendent Andreas Hemmes told Stars and Stripes by email Wednesday. The German doctor and investigators did not find any evidence of third-party involvement, Hemmes said, adding that German officials did not perform an autopsy. Local police then handed their findings to the Wiesbaden public prosecutor's office, which did not assert jurisdiction and sent the case back to the Army for investigation. It is unclear whether Army casualty assistance officers were cleared to share the early assessment with members of the family. Price doesnt believe her sister would have harmed herself without leaving a trace of her intentions. Denisha would not have killed herself suddenly, her sister said. She was always so thought-out and planned. Its just not like her to just to act on impulse. Price said she delayed her own wedding when Montgomerys military training conflicted with plans. After the death, Denishas mother handed Price a letter from Montgomery, which she wrote for her sister to open on her wedding day. If she wrote me a letter to open on my wedding day, really just in case she couldnt make it because of military training, then I know for a fact she wouldve written something to her kids, to her family. At least something to say I love you. Montgomery joined the military two years ago, following other family members into the service. She was determined to provide for her three young boys. She deployed from Fort Stewart, Ga., to Germany with the 139th Military Police Company as part of an influx of troops following Russias Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine. We come from a military family, Price said. I think she wanted that and wanted to be able to take care of her family and give them a better life than we had growing up. Montgomery was scheduled to return home at the end of September. She even sent pictures of her packed rucksack, Price said. Price said she wants to keep awareness on her sisters case. She has posted more than 40 TikTok videos with clips of Montgomery and calls for justice. She had so much life to live for, Price said. All she wanted to do was be an MP and serve her country. Just how she was willing to fight for us. The least we can do is fight for her. Japan and Australia signed an updated security pact in October, agreeing to engage in greater cooperation on a range of security and economic issues. Despite being a landmark bilateral agreement between two U.S. allies to counter Chinas growing military power in the West Pacific, it received little attention in the American press. Throughout the post-World War II era, the U.S. has preferred to build its alliances on a hub-and-spoke model, with the U.S. at the center. This is particularly true of the U.S. bilateral security treaties in Asia, but the U.S. European allies have also been content to simply lean on a U.S. security guarantee, despite NATOs lip service toward multilateralism. These alliance structures were all but guaranteed immediately after WWII, when the U.S. accounted for half of gross world output and industrial Europe and Asia had been decimated. But over the subsequent decades, as Japan and Germany rebuilt themselves into economic juggernauts, as Western European and East Asian economies flourished, and as the common threat from the Soviet Union vanished, Americas unbalanced alliances remained. Shorn of their central purpose after the Cold War, many experts believed that the U.S.-led alliances would either close up shop or be dramatically circumscribed. Instead, the U.S. expanded its security commitments all the way to Russias doorstep, a decision whose consequences are now manifesting themselves in Ukraine. States enter into alliances to counter an emerging common threat, and yet often do so hesitantly, generally seeking to have as few strings attached as possible for fear of entanglement or to keep their options open for a future strategic realignment. But the U.S. peculiarly long-lasting and asymmetric alliances have had a dual function in the postwar period: to deter adversaries, and also to suppress the independent capabilities of the U.S. allies. Lord Ismay, the first secretary-general of NATO, once famously said that the alliances purpose was to keep the Soviet Union out, the Americans in, and the Germans down. Zbigniew Brzezinski made a similar point with outstanding candor in his book The Grand Chessboard: To put it in a terminology that hearkens back to the more brutal age of ancient empires, the three grand imperatives of imperial geostrategy are to prevent collusion and maintain security dependence among the vassals, to keep tributaries pliant and protected, and to keep the barbarians from coming together. Only slightly more subtly, a leaked draft of the 1992 Defense Planning Guidance stated that in the aftermath of the Cold War the U.S. must sufficiently account for the interests of the advanced industrial nations to discourage them from challenging our leadership or seeking to overturn the established political and economic order. As long as America maintained its primacy on the flanks of Eurasia and the Middle East, the alliances continued to grant the U.S. unparalleled access to far-flung regions. Outsourcing their security also yielded domestic benefits for the U.S. allies, keeping defense spending low and avoiding charged historical and political tensions that might be exacerbated by rearmament. Under the umbrella of the American pacifier, these countries have enjoyed the benefits of greater economic integration and regional stability, without fearing that a faraway hegemon will unduly interfere in their domestic affairs. But the rise of China now reveals the U.S. resources and capabilities to be severely overstretched. The security architecture that the U.S. constructed after WWII has become alarmingly fragile, and the U.S. can no longer avoid the trade-off between deterring potential threats and suppressing its own allies. The U.S. foreign policy establishment has recognized this reality at some level. But since their main goal is still to maintain American primacy, they have tried to have it both ways by imploring allies to spend more on defense while also doubling down on their commitments in order to keep the allies firmly under Washingtons strategic direction. This is a self-defeating endeavor that for years has produced predictably underwhelming results. However, some allies have in fact recently started to increase defense spending, notably Japan and Germany. This has not been due to American entreaties, but to emerging threats from China and Russia. This affirms a point long made by realists and restrainers, that states tend to balance out of their own security interests when presented with the incentive of a proximate threat. The American foreign policy establishment has long insisted that in order for the allies to do more, the U.S. must do more; in fact, in order for the allies to do more, the U.S. should be prepared to do less. Just as important as defense spending is the question of strategic autonomy. European members of NATO already spend many times more than Russia on defense, but lack the strategic integration needed not only for independent warfighting preparedness, but also for their defense purchases to be coordinated effectively. By making itself the indispensable manager of NATO, the U.S. discourages the European allies from independent security cooperation. This is why the recent Japanese-Australian agreement is noteworthy. Encouraging independent security ties between allies in East Asia is far more important in the long run than augmenting the capabilities that the U.S. can drag to the region across thousands of miles of ocean. The U.S. should increasingly let its capable regional allies take the lead in their own backyard, and instead play the supportive role of a broker and a backstop, using its geographic depth and economic weight to the fullest advantage. The result will be both a more durable security architecture in the region, and an arrangement entailing fewer costs and risks for the United States. The recent agreement between Tokyo and Canberra is a welcome step in that direction. Christopher McCallion is a fellow at Defense Priorities. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued an apology to the nation over a deadly pre-Halloween crowd crush, with members of his government facing criticism over management of the incident that killed at least 156 people. "I am sorry and apologetic to the bereaved families, who are facing tragedy that cannot be expressed in words, and to the people who share the pain and sorrow," Yoon said Monday in a meeting with his cabinet and outside experts to review national safety systems. Yoon has called for large-scale police reform as well as a thorough investigation into the incident in the Itaewon nightlife district of Seoul, saying he wants to disclose to the public what happened "without a speck of doubt" and hold those responsible to account. Yoon, who took office in May, is seeking to avoid the mistakes of his predecessors, who had sometimes been seen as too slow to respond to disasters. So far, it appears he hasn't taken a major political hit from the Itaewon tragedy, with a weekly tracking poll from Gallup Korea on Friday showing his support dropping one percentage point to 29%. A Realmeter weekly tracking poll on Monday said support was at 34.2%, down 1.5 percentage points from a week before. The cabinet meeting comes after top South Korean officials acknowledged last week that a lack of proper crowd management probably contributed to a surge of people that caused the country's deadliest civilian crowd crush. Yoon's government has also faulted police for not doing enough to heed warnings that masses were growing to dangerous levels in the Itaewon district, where about 100,000 people gathered for Halloween festivities. While Yoon is being tested at home over the crowd crush, he's also facing an international crisis. North Korea has unleashed major provocations in the past week, such as firing off its biggest barrage of missiles in a single day. That included its first rocket to ever cross the nautical border with South Korea established after the 1950-1953 Korean War. Yoon, a 61-year-old conservative, has brought back large-scale joint military drills with the U.S. that were scaled back under the previous administration in order to facilitate talks with North Korea which produced no concrete agreements to rein in Kim Jong Un's nuclear program. Pyongyang has said its military actions were a show of resolve against the joint exercises. South Koreans, who have lived for decades with their mercurial neighbor, often take such moves from Pyongyang in stride. But the deaths from the crowd crush are stirring frustrations with the new government. Over the weekend, a crowd estimated by police of at least 9,000 people held candles at a mass rally in Seoul to mourn those who lost their lives. Many held placards reading "Resigning is an act of condolence," with crowds chanting for Yoon's government to step down. Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, called for reforms larger in scale than those proposed by Yoon and for the president's premier to be sacked. The pressure from Lee comes as his party already has Yoon on the back foot with a majority in parliament large enough to vote down the president's initiatives and override any veto. Yang Seung-ham, a professor emeritus of political science at Yonsei University in Seoul, said he expects the candlelight vigils to continue and to be used by Yoon's political opponents against his government. "Too much politicization of the matter is inappropriate and causes disorder," Yang said, adding there's a need for the government to take responsibility at some level. "I would still say calls for Yoon's resignation are excessive and it is appropriate to allow the chance for a proper investigation and countermeasures." Some of the officials facing pressure over the incident include the interior minister and the commissioner general of the South Korean National Police Agency both of whom were appointed by Yoon. The Seoul Metropolitan police chief and the police chief of the Yongsan ward where the incident took place have also faced criticism in local media. Last week, a team of special investigators raided the headquarters of the Seoul police force, shortly after authorities released records of frantic emergency calls, one coming about four hours before the incident, warning that crowds of partygoers were growing dangerously large. Those killed in the crush were trapped in an alley 11 feet wide that linked a main street in the Itaewon neighborhood to an area filled with restaurants, bars and nightclubs. There were at least 26 foreigners among those killed. Witnesses told local media that as people squeezed into the tiny space, some began to fall, causing others to tumble and pile into one another. Most of the victims died from asphyxiation. "The government should not only handle this disaster responsibly, but also put all-out efforts into making South Korea safe to never repeat such tragedy like this again," Yoon said Monday. CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa A service members spouse was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving following a crash Friday that injured another driver, according to Japanese police. Okinawa police alleged that Kishalyn Livingston, 38, rear-ended a vehicle stopped for a red light around 1:15 a.m. Friday on Route 58 in the Kuwae area of Chatan, a police spokesman told Stars and Stripes by phone on Monday. Police officers nearby heard the crash and rushed to the scene, the spokesman said. They reported that Livingston was shouting and clearly drunk. She was still in police custody Monday, the spokesman said. The other driver was taken to a local hospital and treated for backaches, the spokesman said. Livingston refused to take a Breathalyzer test at the time of her arrest, the spokesman said. Police took a blood sample eight hours later and, using a formula, determined her blood-alcohol level at the time of the incident was 0.24%, eight times Japans legal limit of 0.03%. Police said Livingston admits striking the vehicle but denies driving drunk. Police have not yet decided whether to refer the case for prosecution. Police did not know the branch with which Livingstons spouse serves. news@stripes.com PRISTINA, Kosovo Kosovo on Monday accused neighboring Serbia of trying to destabilize the country by pressuring members of the ethnic Serb community to resign from their posts for not accepting Pristina's decision to change illegal vehicle license plates. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said Serbia's president, Aleksandar Vucic, has been in close coordination with Russia and China and is trying to "sabotage" the European Union-mediated dialogue. Ten Serb parliamentarians, 10 prosecutors and 576 police officers in the northern Mitrovica region handed in their resignations following their political leaders' decision on Saturday. The government's decision to gradually ban Serbia-issued license plates has angered Kosovo Serbs, most of whom don't recognize Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence. Members of the ethnic Serb minority left their government jobs on Saturday in a protest over the directive. "Serbia is obviously interested in sabotaging dialogue and any agreement," Kurti said. In the first three weeks in November, about 6,300 ethnic Serbs owning cars with illegal number plates will be warned, according to Kurti. For the next two months they will be fined, and for three other months until April 21, they will drive only with temporary local plates. The Serbian government, with support from China and Russia, has refused to acknowledge Kosovo's statehood. The United States and its allies recognize Kosovo as an independent country. Serbia's foreign minister, Ivica Dacic, said Sunday the country's leadership has rejected the latest proposal offering Serbia a faster track to EU membership in exchange for Kosovo's membership in the United Nations. Dacic told pro-government broadcaster Prva that the proposal submitted by France and Germany "starts from the position that the independence of Kosovo is already a foregone conclusion." "Serbia can't accept that," he said. Trouble brewed this summer over Serbia's and Kosovo's refusal to recognize each other's identity documents and vehicle license plates. Kosovo Serbs in the north put up roadblocks, sounded air raid sirens and fired guns into the air. In August, EU and U.S. envoys negotiated a solution to the travel documents problem, allowing the situation to calm down. The government in Pristina also decided to postpone to Nov. 1 the decision to require vehicles holding old or Serbian number plates to replace them with Kosovar ones. That also meant that vehicles entering from Serbia had to replace Serbian license plates with Kosovo ones. For the past 11 years, the reverse was required by Serbia for vehicles coming in from Kosovo. The EU has told Kosovo and Serbia that they must normalize ties if they want to advance toward membership in the 27-nation bloc. Brussels and Washington recently have stepped up mediation efforts, fearing uncertainties over Russia's war in Ukraine and Serbia's close ties with Moscow could aggravate matters. Belgrade lost control over Kosovo in 1999 after NATO bombed the country to stop its brutal crackdown against ethnic Albanian separatist rebels. NATO peacekeepers say they are ready to keep the country's situation calm, especially in northern Kosovo where most ethnic Serbs live. MOSCHUN, Ukraine Standing amid the wreckage of his home, Vadym Zherdetsky shows photos on his phone of how it once looked: handsome rooms, a hand-carved wooden bed and a chest of drawers he intended to leave to his grandchildren. When Russia invaded Ukraine in February, two missiles struck the house in the tiny village of Moschun on the outskirts of Kyiv, the capital, ripping off the roof and nearly killing four family members. The town was recaptured from Russian forces in April, but Zherdetsky's house, like many others in the Kyiv region, remains in ruins. "Everything changed. Our lives changed," the 51-year-old said, wiping away tears. "Thank God it was only property, and we are alive and healthy. ... I don't know where our kids and grandkids will live. I don't know anything." More than six months after Russian forces retreated from the towns around Kyiv, residents of those communities are still struggling to rebuild their lives. An estimated 1 million people half the number who fled the region have returned, according to local authorities. But many no longer have jobs, cannot afford to fix their houses and say they need more assistance. Nearly $350 billion is needed for reconstruction across the war-ravaged country, and that amount is expected to grow, according to a report in September by Ukraine's government, the European Commission and the World Bank. Burdened with the fighting and frequent Russian attacks on the country's power system, the Ukrainian government is straining to carry out the most urgent repairs to civilian residences. This month it plans to send 1,000 crews to do as much work as possible before winter, including fixing 117 high-rise buildings in the Kyiv region, the area's military administration said. People submit photos of their destroyed homes to a government app to receive compensation. However, large-scale reconstruction such as the $300,000 that Zherdetsky estimates is needed to repair his house has yet to begin. Moschun, with a population of about 1,000, was hit hard at the start of the war. Approximately 37 people were killed and 160 homes destroyed, residents say. The town was occupied by Russian troops for nearly six weeks. Walking through the debris, Zherdetsky nostalgically points to the carefully constructed archways he designed to allow two of his grandchildren to ride through on their scooters at the same time. He and his wife have moved to a cramped space above a convenience store they own on the edge of town. He's now earning about 10 times less than he did before Russia's invasion, because prices have spiked and people don't have money to spend. The drop in income has prevented him from buying building materials and warm clothes ahead of winter, he said. Reconstruction is challenging, especially since 60% of the country's budget is allocated for the war, Oleksiy Kuleba, head of the Kyiv region military administration, told The Associated Press. "The Kyiv region is bombarded with missiles and drones ... We understand that everything is not happening as quickly as we would like, but 28,000 objects were damaged in the region. We will rebuild them all," said Kuleba, who said housing is a priority. Moscow is targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure to drive the nation into the cold of the impending winter. Since early October, it has destroyed approximately 40% of the country's energy system, forcing Ukraine to impose rolling blackouts while racing to stabilize the grid. The strikes drew a warning from the mayor of Kyiv, who said that residents should be prepared for the worst this winter, including the threat of having no electricity, water or heat. Worried that the energy system will not hold, the government is urging Ukrainians who fled the country not to return until after winter, said Iryna Vereshchuk, the minister for the reintegration of the Russian-occupied territories. Analysts warn that displaced people should be cautious about going back to areas around Kyiv that have been regained by Ukraine because some are not yet fully secure, especially with Russia's military buildup in neighboring Belarus, which poses a risk of a renewed invasion from the north. In the quest for assistance, Ukraine "still struggles to mobilize donors for rapid rebuilding and necessary security measures," said Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine forum at Chatham House, a London-based think tank. Some aid groups are trying to help those who have returned. The International Committee of the Red Cross gave two generators to help Moschun cope with power cuts, as well as insulation to help prepare buildings for the fast-approaching cold, said Achille Despres, committee spokesman in Ukraine. In July, other organizations provided some 60 prefabricated houses for those without shelter. Yet Moschun locals worry that even with heaters, those temporary houses won't be warm enough come winter. Many say they feel abandoned. "It's like a dead city," said Nataliya Perekhrestenko, the deputy administrator of Moschun. "We feel like no one cares about us." Ukraines recent attack in Crimea on Russias Black Sea Fleet in port reveals glimpses of how the war with Moscow could develop if Kyiv makes a concerted push to retake the peninsula, naval analysts said. The early morning drone offensive Oct. 29 also provides lessons for the U.S. Navy and its allies as they build future strategies for bases and shipyards, where billion-dollar assets will need protection from such attacks. Details about the effectiveness of the aerial and surface strikes on ships in Sevastopol Bay remain under wraps, as do the defenses Russia employed against them. But the frigate Admiral Makarov, which replaced the sunken Moskva as Black Sea Fleet flagship, and at least one other vessel may have been significantly damaged, CNN reported Oct. 31, citing unidentified U.S. and Russian sources. The Ukrainians appear to be testing what works against the Russians, and success here could mean greater willingness to go on offense at sea, said Alessio Patalano, a senior lecturer in war studies at Kings College London. The recent attack may come to represent a fundamental shift in sea denial intended as a purely defensive measure into a more active, attacking strategy of denying Russia effective use of the seas, Patalano said. Sea denial wouldnt give Ukraine maritime control but would hinder Russian reinforcement of the Crimean Peninsula, which was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014. For Crimea to go, the Russians cannot be feeling like they can move troops and assets around using the (backside) of that theater, Patalano said. Early on Oct. 29, the chief executive of the Crimean city of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, posted on the social media site Telegram that the city was under siege by several aerial and surface drones, the Russian news agency Tass reported the same day. Razvozhayev later said that no city facilities were hit and that all was calm. Ukraine has not publicly talked about the operation. However, Russia called the action a terrorist attack and suspended its participation in an agreement allowing export of Ukrainian grain in the Black Sea. The Russians said Wednesday, however, that they will return to the agreement, The New York Times reported the same day. Observers point out that the technique of attacking ships in port, along the coast or at a chokepoint such as a strait with a manned or unmanned boat filled with explosives is a well-worn maritime strategy. For example, an attack on a Saudi frigate in the Red Sea in 2017 by Houthi rebels was carried out by an unmanned, remote-controlled boat, the U.S. Navy told Defense News at the time. Ukraines attack on Russian military assets and facilities in Crimea follows a strike on an airfield north of Sevastopol in August and the bombing of a bridge in early October that connects the peninsula to mainland Russia, noted Bryan Clark, director of the Hudson Institutes Center for Defense Concepts and Technology. Those efforts force the Russians to collapse their lines or fortify their defenses in Crimea, taking troops and units away from other fronts, he said. The other part of it, though, is to start softening up the Russian defenses on Crimea in preparation for some later operation, Clark said. There are a couple of things at play here in terms of Ukraines actions against Crimea itself. Its likely that Ukraine would launch a similar destabilizing attack if the opportunity arose, but its unclear how Russia would respond, he said. Having been burned already, the Russians likely will fortify the port. The attacks also serve to bolster the image of Ukraines battlefield prowess and ability to maintain the fight as the war moves into the winter months, when international support may falter, Clark and other analysts say. (The drone attack also) drives home the point to the West that there is a maritime component of this conflict and one where naval drones play a significant role, said Sebastian Bruns, a 2022 Fulbright scholar in residence at the U.S. Naval Academy and maritime expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The takeaway for the U.S. Navy and its NATO allies may be to rethink defense where they believe they are the safest, particularly in the North Atlantic or the Mediterranean Sea, Patalano said. There also is the need for the U.S. and the West to better explore how aerial, surface and underwater drones can enhance existing assets, Patalano and Bruns said. Ukraines use of surface drones demonstrates that to fight a war at sea, cruisers, aircraft carriers or small and large surface combatants arent always needed, Bruns said. All you need in this scenario is an armed vehicle that looks very much like its commercial off the shelf thats paired with innovation and maybe ingenuity to create some real problems for a fleet, Bruns said. (Tribune News Service) The war in Ukraine is creating financial stress for two aircraft leasing companies in South Florida whose planes are being held hostage in Russia. The firms are seeking an estimated $850 million combined from more than 30 insurance carriers over their alleged refusal to pay claims resulting from the Russian governments seizure of jetliners and engines at the start of the invasion of Ukraine, according to separate complaints filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court. The planes, according to the lawsuits, have been impossible to recover as a result of economic sanctions against the Russian government by the U.S., United Kingdom and members of the European Union. The sanctions triggered the terminations of aircraft leases with multiple Russian airlines, according to the lawsuits. Russia, in turn, refused to allow the planes to be returned to their rightful owners. And to this day, jetliners including relatively new Boeings and Airbuses continue to fly in the service of several Russian airlines. There are on the order of 500 western-leased aircraft under sanction, and considering how long this process has continued, I suspect many have been and will be cannibalized to provide spare and repair parts for aircraft still being operated, said industry consultant Robert Mann of RW Mann Associates of Port Washington, N.Y. He is not involved in any of the litigation. The estimated value of the seized aircraft in Russia is around $10 billion, according to industry reports. The lawsuits, brought by Carlyle Aviation Partners of Miami and Aviator Capital Management of Aventura, collectively involve nearly 30 jetliners they leased to Russian airlines before Vladimir Putins troops stormed into Ukraine on Feb. 24. Carlyle, one of the worlds biggest leasing operators, is seeking $700 million from multiple U.S. and European insurers and reinsurers including the American firms AIG and Axis. Neither company responded to emailed requests for comment. In blatant breach of their contractual obligations, and months after the Carlyle plaintiffs first notified defendants of their covered losses, defendants have failed to provide coverage for these losses, the Carlyle lawsuit alleges. Aviator Capital Managements suit is aimed at insurers including Chubb European Corp. and various underwriters at Lloyds London. It seeks $147 million for the carriers failure to pay claims on four planes and three engines that are on lease to airlines in Russia and Ukraine. Both leasing companies are represented by the Miami law firm of Podhurst Orseck, which specializes in U.S. and international aviation disputes. Carlyle Aviation Partners is bringing this lawsuit for the benefit of its investors, given it has exhausted all avenues for recovering the affected aircraft, and has not been compensated as required by its insurance policy, the company said in a statement to the South Florida Sun Sentinel. We have complied with all obligations under the insurance policy, designed precisely for this type of risk in this situation. Aviator Capital Management declined comment. The companies planes arent the only ones held hostage in Russia. AerCap Ireland Ltd., the worlds largest leasing firm, has filed a lawsuit against AIG Europe S.A. and Lloyds Insurance Co. S.A. in the High Court of Justice in London. The lawsuit states that AerCap tried and failed to reclaim 116 aircraft and 23 engines. Meanwhile, the airlines re-registered the planes in Russia and continue to fly them. AIG reportedly insured the planes against all risks, except for those involving military action. Lloyds underwrote policies for war-related risks, for a total coverage of $3.48 billion. But in written defenses filed with the court, AIG argues that the Russian airlines actions were a function of political purposes, thereby nullifying the need for any payments. Lloyds asserts its policies are enforceable only if the planes were destroyed. In the European litigation, several aviation insurersincluding several of those Carlyle named in the Miami complainthave formally represented to courts that the Russian Government took steps amounting to confiscation, seizure, restraint and/or detention of foreign-leased aircraft during or before the first week of March, 2022, according to the Carlyle suit. The insurers have yet to pay any money for the claims. Unsuccessful repossessions In their lawsuits, the South Florida leasing companies assert they did all they could to retrieve their planes either before or shortly after the breakout of hostilities. They say they were unable to retrieve their planes after the Kremlin ordered the Russian airlines not to turn them back to their owners. In Aviator Capitals case, the company tried to retrieve three Airbus jetliners from the Russian carrier Red Wings. Those efforts were unsuccessful. The company also had leased or subleased planes with engines to the Ukrainian carriers UIA and Azur Air Ukraine. A month before the invasion, Aviator Capital tried to retrieve its planes and engines but the impending outbreak of hostilities and the resignations of the companys contacts at both airlines made any recovery impossible. After the invasion, the companys aircraft and engines operating in Ukraine were grounded due to the close of Ukrainian airspace, its suit says. Carlyle, meanwhile, had the bigger task of trying to extract 16 Boeings and seven Airbuses leased to 12 airlines in Russia, according to its court filing. Five of the Boeings were leased to Utair, a regional carrier operating out of western Siberia. The company even went to the extent of securing storage facilities for the planes in Spain and the United Kingdom. Three days after the invasion, the company sent letters to the airlines requesting the return of all 23 planes in their possession. Elusive planes But on the same day, the Russian government restricted flights through its airspace from the neighboring nations of Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia and Estonia. And all of the airlines advised Carlyle that it would not be possible to return the planes due to Russian government restrictions. On Feb. 28, the lawsuit says, Russian officials met with top executives of several carriers including Aeroflot, S7 Airlines, Ural 15 Airlines and Utair. Their tacit message: that aircraft leased from foreign lessors must not be returned. Moreover, air carriers from 36 countries including the U.S., United Kingdom and all of the European Union states would need special government permits to fly in and out of Russia. Throughout early March, Carlyle said it made a series of repossession efforts, even hiring crews to fly the planes out of Russia. But Russia intensified its restrictions to keep the planes in a bid to prevent the collapse of its civil aviation system. According to Russian media, the Russian government moved to re-register Russian-operated foreign registered leased aircraft, the Carlyle suit says. Starting in April, the suit says, the Russian Government additionally instructed Russian airlines to operate flights using foreign-owned aircraft, even if doing so would contravene the wishes of the aircrafts owners and lessors and violate the terms of any leases. Most of the Carlyle planes are still in Russia, the suit says, although one was flown to the nearby nations of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, while another was flown to Kyrgyzstan. Efforts to retrieve the planes were unsuccessful. Another plane ended up in Egypt and has remained there for months, the suit says. But the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority was uncooperative and did not recognize Carlyles ownership. 2022 South Florida Sun Sentinel. Visit at sun-sentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. She suffered a laceration near her left eye area after she fell forward and struck her head on the chair which was propping open a door. A girl who fell as she was coming in from her school playground and hit her head on a chair has settled a High Court action for 30,000. Lara Higgins was five when she suffered a laceration near her left eye area after she fell forward and struck her head on the chair which was propping open a door. Lara (now 9) of Clonmethan Green, Oldtown, Co Dublin, through her mother Leanne Higgins, sued Drumnigh Montessori Primary School Company who operate a Montessori school at Newbrook Road, Donaghmede, Dublin, over the accident on January 25, 2018. The claim was denied and the settlement was without an admission of liability. Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Garrett Simons noted the girl said another child had accidentally bumped into her as they lined up to go inside and she fell forward into the chair. The judge said it was part of the rough and tumble of life. It did not seem to the judge that the use of the chair was negligent. In the action, it was claimed she struck her head against a wooden and metal class chair which had been placed to prop a door open. She suffered a laceration around her left eye area and a year later had to have revision surgery. She has been left with a 3cm scar. It was claimed the chair was placed in an alleged inappropriate location and an alleged obstruction had been created at the door area. All the claims were denied. It was contended by the school that what happened was an unfortunate accident which was not caused or contributed to by any alleged default or neglect on its part. It was further contended that the child simply tripped and fell . Kevin DArcy BL instructed by Niall Corr Solicitors, for Lara, told the court the girl said she was pushed by another child and fell forward as they came in from the playground. Counsel said at issue in the case was a chair which was propping a door open as the children came back in from the playground. Counsel said there were 26 students and five supervisors in the area at the time. Mr Justice Simons said a full defence had been entered and there was a significant risk liability would go against the little girl in the case. The judge, who examined the scar, said while it was noticeable it was not particularly obvious or significant. He said it was a very good and generous settlement. Dean Fitzsimons and his father Kenneth (42) were caught with loaded pistols in 2019 A young man who was jailed for possession of a gun has been given a one-month sentence after he was caught with a mobile phone in prison. Dean Fitzsimons (22) was serving the sentence when officers found the phone in Wheatfield Prison, a court heard. His mother had died after Fitzsimons went into custody, his defence said. Judge David McHugh imposed a one-month sentence, consecutive to a sentence he is already serving. The defendant, with a previous address at Corduff Place in Blanchardstown, admitted possession of a mobile phone in Wheatfield Prison on June 9, 2022. Defence solicitor Simon Fleming told Blanchardstown District Court Fitzsimons was serving a lengthy sentence and was not due for release until November 2024. Mr Fleming said Fitzsimons had co-operated with prison officials and had not caused any trouble. He also said the defendant had been punished for his behaviour in the prison. The solicitor asked Judge McHugh to be as lenient as possible, saying Fitzsimons mother had died after he went into custody. Fitzsimons, then aged 19, was jailed for seven years in 2019 for a range of offences, including possessing firearms. His father, Kenneth Fitzsimons (42), was also jailed for possession of weapons and dangerous driving. The father and son were caught with loaded pistols before Kenneth Fitzsimons led gardai on a high-speed chase in west Dublin on June 23, 2019. Eoin Daly (37), who fled with the stolen dolls, also stole sunglasses worth 400 and a coat in separate thefts A shoplifter became aggressive when toy shop staff caught him stealing four Barbie dolls, a court has heard. Eoin Daly (37), who fled with the stolen dolls, also stole designer sunglasses and a coat from a department store in other separate thefts. The case against him at Dublin District Court was adjourned for the production of a pre-sentence probation report. Daly, of Stay City Apartments, St Augustine Street, Dublin 8, pleaded guilty to theft charges, including the theft of the four Barbie dolls worth 85. A garda sergeant said in evidence that gardai were called to Toymaster in Mary Street, Dublin, on April 12 this year. Staff told them the accused had selected the dolls and was stopped as he left the shop without paying. He became aggressive toward security before fleeing. Separately, Daly went to Arnotts in Henry Street, Dublin, on March 25 and picked a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses worth 400. He concealed them in his pocket and left the store. On April 3, Daly stole a coat worth 230 from Arnotts, and another 400 pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses from the same store on April 9. He again took the sunglasses by concealing them in his pocket. None of the stolen property was recovered, the court heard. Daly had 77 previous convictions, for offences including theft, and had been given a 10-month sentence, with three months suspended. When Daly appeared in court on the latest charges he was already in custody serving that sentence, imposed in September. It was due to expire next year. Dalys lawyer asked the judge to consider adjourning the case for a pre-sentence probation report, saying it would give the court a good insight into his circumstances and how he plans to move forward. The judge put the case back to a date later this month. Dalys lawyer applied for free legal aid and when asked about his means, replied hes a serving prisoner. Some serving prisoners can be very wealthy, the judge said, asking if Daly had any assets. His lawyer replied that he did not and he was not a man of means. The judge granted legal aid before adjourning the case. Joanne Downey, a 50-year-old care assistant died two days after she was hit by a truck bearing the Healy-Rae name The civil engineering firm owned by Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae is facing a series of compensation claims from the family of a mother-of-six who died after being knocked down by one of the companys trucks. Joanne Downey, a 50-year-old care assistant and member of Killarney Legion GAA club, died in Cork University Hospital on July 19, 2020, two days after she was hit by a truck bearing the Healy-Rae name. Last week Katrina Horan, one of Ms Downeys children, filed a personal injury action against Healy-Rae Plant Hire Ltd in the High Court, seeking damages for the emotional distress caused by her mothers death. Ms Horan is represented by OConnor ODonoghue solicitors. It is understood it is the first in a series of claims Ms Downeys family will take against the Healy-Rae company. The family were forced to have a restricted-attendance funeral in Killarney, due to the Covid rules that applied at the time. Following Ms Downeys death, Fergal Moynihan of Killarney Legion GAA said she had volunteered and helped out in the club by cooking meals for the teams, even after her children stopped playing. She did that from the start of the year to the end of the year, he said. Theres just so many examples like that. She is a huge loss to her family and to our club, he said. The players were mad about her, she was like a second mother to most of them. Joanne was so well thought of within the club. Her kids played and even after they stopped playing, she stayed involved. Joanne was such a valued member of the club and had the kind of loyalty that cant ever be replaced. "It hit home hard. Joanne will be missed. Sean Tangney, the 71-year-old driver of the truck who has an address of 124 Pinewood Estate in Killarney, was charged with careless driving causing the death of Ms Downey last September. His case is listed for trial in Tralee Circuit Court in January. Healy-Rae Plant Hire is owned by Danny Healy-Rae and his wife Eileen. Its managing director is Johnny Healy-Rae, their son, who is a director of the company. He is also a county councillor and part of the formidable Healy-Rae political team in Kerry. Financial records show Healy-Rae Plant Hire made a record 743,244 profit in 2020, bringing its accumulated profits to 2.58m. Among its clients are Kerry County Council which paid it 341,347 for plant hire in 2020. In a statement, Johnny Healy-Rae said: The case to which you refer is still going through the legal process and for that reason as a company we cannot comment any further at this time. In 2008, an inquest heard how Timothy Morley, a Kerry County Council worker, was crushed to death when a Healy-Rae Plant Hire employee drove over him in an earth-moving machine. The driver, who was found to be over the drink-drive limit, moved to Australia before the inquest. He was not prosecuted. Healy-Rae Plant Hire has also been sued by Tim Cox, a former worker, who claimed the company was negligent in failing to ensure a small road he used to deliver a load of stone to a wind farm would not give way. Mr Cox injured his back, arms and legs when the trucks seatbelt allegedly failed as the vehicle rolled down the embankment. Asked about both cases, Johnny Healy-Rae said: The other case has also been dealt with by the relevant authorities many years ago, and I have nothing further to add. "Healy-Rae Plant Hire has been operation for almost 70 years and has always endeavoured to ensure best safety practices and legal responsibility are maintained. "Healy-Rae Plant Hire has several safety procedures, audits and training for all employees above and beyond what is statutory required. Healy-Rae Plant Hire is also an accredited company in safety, environmental and quality. The ex-wrestler was jailed here in 2018, after he admitted to conspiring with others to murder James 'Mago' Gately Notorious international hitman Imre Arakas, who is alleged to have supplied guns to an organised gang in the murder of a Lithuanian pop star's lover, is to be surrendered to that country to face trial, the High Court ruled today. Arakas (63), whose last address was in Sopruse, Tallinn, Estonia, is wanted to face charges which include a count of murder as well as firearms and conspiracy-related charges in relation to the shooting of Deimantas Bugavicius in November 2015. At the High Court on Monday, Mr Justice Paul Burns said there was no ambiguity in the warrant received from Lithuania for Arakas' surrender. Additional information had been supplied to Irish authorities stating that Arakas was to be tried with murder, possession of weapons and criminal damage when participating in preparatory acts before the murder. Bugavicius and pop star Vita Jakutiene Mr Justice Burns said the detail, time and location of the alleged offences had been supplied and that there was no issue with those offences not corresponding with Irish law. The judge said the respondent had not rebutted the presumption that Arakas was to be tried and that the decision had been made to try Arakas in Lithuania for the alleged offences. Arakas, who was present in court for today's hearing, spoke only to confirm to his barrister, Aoife O'Leary BL, that he had no issue with flying nor had any outstanding Covid-related issues. Lawyers for the Estonian native had opposed his extradition to Lithuania as they argued the authorities there had "changed the narrative" in their description of the charges he faces. Arakas (63) is wanted for murder but had challenged his surrender on the grounds that no charge had been "formalised" against him. The State had written to authorities in Lithuania to clarify what exactly Arakas was wanted for in their bid to extradite him over the murder of Mr Bugavicius. An eyewitness to the murder of the pop star's lover has said that the hitman, who has also been jailed here for his role in a Kinahan cartel murder plot, was not present at the scene. Arakas told gardai that he was in Spain on the relevant dates. However, Lithuanian authorities allege that Arakas was part of a three-man gang that conspired to murder Mr Bugavicius, who was alleged to have had an affair with pop star Vita Jakutiene. James 'Mago' Gately The ex-wrestler was jailed by the Special Criminal Court here for six years in December 2018, after he admitted to conspiring with others to murder James 'Mago' Gately in Northern Ireland between April 3 and 4, 2017. The court heard that Arakas was a member of the Estonian Defence League in the 1990s and was involved in the separatist movement from the USSR. The married father of two had been "scarred and marked deeply" by imprisonment in Russia, the court also heard. He has previous convictions which include causing deliberate bodily harm, escaping from prison and unlawful handling of firearms. Mr Justice Brian OMoore said Mr Burke had made scurrilous allegations against members of the bench during a High Court hearing today. A judge has hit out at Enoch Burkes use of strident language after the schoolteacher likened the Irish courts to those in the former Soviet Union and suggested Irish judges had been involved in a stitch up in his case. Mr Justice Brian OMoore said Mr Burke had made scurrilous allegations against members of the bench during a High Court hearing today. The judge said one of the great elements of the Christian code was to do unto others as you would have them do unto you, but Mr Burke had come into court using terms such as stitch up and cover up and claimed that a trial of the action against him would be an abomination. The language used by Mr Burke was entirely inappropriate, Mr Justice OMoore said. Enoch Burke (left) arrives at the High Court in Dublin last month where he was committed to Mountjoy Prison for breaching a temporary court order. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA The judges comments came following an application from Mr Burke for a stay on the legal action being taken against him by his employer, Wilsons Hospital School, pending the outcome of his appeal against various High Court orders to the Court of Appeal. The schoolteacher has been in jail since September 5 for breaching temporary court orders restraining him from attending or attempting to teach students at the boarding school in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath. The orders were secured after he kept turning up for work despite being suspended after publicly clashing with management over a request to address a transgender child by a new name and to use the pronoun they instead of he. File photo of Enoch Burke being brought into the Bridewell garda station Mr Burke, who is an evangelical Christian, claims that he could not comply with the request due to his religious beliefs. Since being jailed, he has refused on a number of occasions to purge his contempt. The case returned to the High Court today where Mr Burke made an application aimed at staying the proceedings - a lawsuit against him by the board of management of the school and his counterclaim against the school - until after the Court of Appeal rules on his appeal. The appeal is not due to be heard until next February and at a previous hearing Mr Justice OMoore had raised the prospect of the High Court action being heard before Christmas, although the judge said today that is now unlikely. Mr Burke is not appealing the order committing him to prison for contempt. Instead he wants the Court of Appeal to set aside other orders made by four judges, including the temporary injunction restraining him from attending for work, and a subsequent High Court decision to keep the injunction in place pending a final hearing of the matter. He is also appealing against the High Courts dismissal of an application brought by him aimed at setting aside his suspension. Setting out his grounds for a stay, he claimed it was important the appeal, or a trial of the judges as he called it, proceed first. One of those judges, Mr Justice Max Barrett, had said his case was not about transgenderism but the breach of an interlocutory injunction requiring Mr Burke to stay away from the school. Mr Burke said another judge, Ms Justice Eileen Roberts, had found that his suspension was not an attack on his religious beliefs. But the schoolteacher said the judges were wrong and claimed his case was indeed about transgenderism and the freedom of people to express their religious beliefs. Mr Burke claimed the four judges had opened the gates and let religious liberty be lost. He claimed their decisions had set about dismantling religious freedom, which is the cornerstone of our laws, and described their rulings as shameful and manifestly unlawful. Mr Burke said prejudice against religious beliefs was being normalised. He said the tragedy of this is we now have a stitch up where the school would be able to rely on manifestly false comments of High Court judges during the trial. Mr Burke said Ireland was not supposed to be a country like North Korea, China or the former Soviet Union, which he said had a very different view on religious liberty. We have a constitution which puts religious liberty at the heart of our law, he said. His application for a stay was opposed by Rosemary Mallon BL, counsel for the schools board of management. She said the school wanted the High Court action to proceed as expeditiously as possible. Ms Mallon said that regardless of whether the Court of Appeal sided with Mr Burke or not, there would still need to be a hearing of the action in the High Court as there were reliefs being sought which could not be granted by the Court of Appeal. She also took issue with Mr Burkes characterisation of the case. This case is not about transgenderism. It simply isnt. It is about Mr Burkes decision to refuse to comply with a direction of the board of management, she said. Mr Burke is in jail because he refused to comply with orders of this court, counsel added. In response, Mr Burke claimed that were he to prevail in the Court of Appeal, the schools case against him would be shot through and a trial of the action may not be necessary. Mr Justice OMoore reserved judgment on the motion. However, before rising, he said he wished to make a number of points. The judge said a sure sign that any comparison between the Irish courts and those in countries named by Mr Burke was utterly without merit was the fact the schoolteacher had been given the best part of an hour to make submissions, which included scurrilous allegations against members of the judiciary. Mr Justice OMoore also hit out at what he described as Mr Burkes use of strident language, saying it was not to the credit of anyone to use that sort of language in court. Rafal Wlodkowski (35) was initially bailed but was arrested hours after his release for returning to the couple's home A man accused of harassing a terrified married couple who fled their Dublin home after he allegedly became fixated" on them has been refused bail. Gardai arrested Rafal Wlodkowski (35), of no fixed abode, and initially charged him with trespassing twice at a house in a manner that caused or was likely to cause fear in another person at Dollymount Park, Clontarf, Dublin, on Thursday. Dublin District Court heard the accused was "fixated on the injured party and his wife, causing them to flee the property" and that "they live in fear". He wrongly believed another woman lived there. The Polish national had been granted bail on Friday pending the possibility of further charges. He signed a bail bond in court with a condition emphasising he had to stay away from the couple and their home. He was ordered to provide an address to gardai within 48 hours and be contactable. Mr Wlodkowski was also warned that breaking the terms could result in him being held in custody. However, hours after his release, gardai arrested him again that evening for returning to the couple's home. He was held overnight and appeared before Judge John Hughes at Dublin District Court over the weekend. He faced an application to rescind his bail on the existing charges, as well as two new charges - one count of trespassing and another for harassment of the couple for the past two months. Garda Kevin O'Boyle told Judge Hughes the DPP directed trial on indictment, meaning his case will be transferred to Circuit Court, which has greater sentencing powers. A bail hearing was told he was allegedly "fixated" and mistakenly believed another woman lived at the couple's home. The court heard, "she does exist but does not live at that address", yet he continually turned up with presents and flowers for her. Objecting to bail due to witness intimidation fears, Gda O'Boyle said the residents were afraid of the accused and went on a holiday because they had been "traumatised" and suffered stress. But their alarm got an activation which alerted them that he had come back to their home again on Friday. The defence submitted the accused would live in Citywest, on the other side of the city and not return. Barrister Kevin McCrave said his client would also sign on at a garda station. Gda O'Boyle told the judge there was no proof of address, and the court had already ordered the accused to stay away from the couple's home. Judge Hughes refused to release him on bail and remanded Mr Wlodkowski in custody pending the preparation of a book of evidence. It is understood that Ian Gillen (60) retired from the force within the last five years. A 60-year-old-man who is accused of a serious assault and holding a woman against her will at a house in south County Dublin is a former member of An Garda Siochana, we can reveal. Ex-garda Ian Gillen appeared before Dublin District Court at the weekend where he was granted bail. The former garda served most of his career in south Dublin and is next due to appear at Dun Laoghaire District Court on December 2 to be served with a book of evidence. It is understood that Mr Gillen retired from the force within the last five years. Mr Gillen of Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin, was charged with false imprisonment, assault causing harm and making a threat to kill or cause the woman serious harm. The incident allegedly happened at a residential address in Monkstown on December 23, 2021. The accused made no reply when Detective Sergeant Rachel Kilpatrick charged him at Blackrock Garda station on Saturday morning. He was then brought before Dublin District Court. Judge John Hughes noted the DPP had directed trial on indictment in the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers. Det Sgt Kilpatrick objected to bail due to flight risk concerns. She said the accused had booked a one-way flight to Australia later this month. The officer voiced concerns he was going to start a "new life" there. However, she agreed with defence counsel Maeve MacCabe that the accused was cooperative on arrest. Counsel put it to her that her client was going to Australia for a sporting event later this month, in which his son, now deceased, had previously taken part. She also told the court that Mr Gillen had a one-way ticket to Australia because he also intended to visit friends in New Zealand. The barrister submitted that her client has strong ties to this jurisdiction, and she pointed out that he had family and property here. The court heard he recently retired on a large gratuity but now has an ad hoc consultancy job with a video production firm. He was also getting treatment for a medical issue. Judge Hughes was told the accused also volunteered the information he intended to travel to Australia. The court also heard his son's inquest is in the new year. The accused did not address the court and has not yet indicated a plea. Judge Hughes noted the objections outlined in court and the circumstances of the accused. He stressed that this is an allegation and he had the presumption of innocence. Refusing bail, he held, would lead to "immense and prolonged hardship" for the accused and his family. He released Mr Gillen on a 500 bond, but ordered him to surrender his passport to gardai within 24 hours and not apply for duplicate travel documents. He also instructed him to sign once a week at a Garda station, reside at his current address or notify gardai of any change of residence. He said the accused is to have no contact with witnesses and must remain contactable by mobile phone at all times. Malvern Dobbin (54) was arrested in the early hours of Friday after armed response officers stopped his car in Belfast city centre A serial road traffic offender who rammed police cars has admitted driving a car on the wrong side of the road while drunk, a court has heard. Malvern Dobbin, who has 424 previous convictions including 281 for driving offences, was arrested in the early hours of Friday after armed response officers managed to stop his car in Belfast city centre. The 54-year-old appeared before the citys magistrates court today on five charges including dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, drunk and without insurance and failing to stop. Objecting to the Omagh man being released on bail a police officer told the court Dobbin is banned from driving until February 2027. The officer described him as a prolific road traffic offender who admitted during interview to driving on the wrong side of the road and going through three red lights on the Lisburn Road. She also said he confessed that his driving was poor and he was going far too fast for that particular road. Dobbins barrister said he had been given a lift from Omagh to Belfast on Friday to sell a puppy and was given the silver Audi car in lieu of cash payment which he had only reluctantly accepted. He said Dobbin was driving the vehicle to a location to sell it for cash and when he was approached by police, he only made off because he mistook them for men who viciously attacked him earlier this year. The barrister said Dobbin had served a four month prison sentence earlier this year and found jail life very hard. He said Dobbin could be facing a lengthy period on remand if the case were to be dealt with by the Crown court. Despite Dobbins lengthy alcohol-fuelled criminal record, bail conditions could be put in place to manage his behaviour, he said. District Judge George Conner refused to release Dobbin, of Golan Villas in Omagh, stating he posed a serious risk to the public. He is due to appear in court again via video-link on December 2. A 30-year-old man arrested in relation to the incident was issued with a Community Resolution Notice. Geoffrey Keating (44) claims gardai beat, kicked and hit him with the butt of a gun A former bodyguard for pop star Rihanna has taken a legal action against An Garda Siochana, alleging an assault at his home during which he claims gardai beat, kicked and hit him with the butt of a gun. Geoffrey Keating (44), of Woodbank Drive, Finglas West, Dublin, has taken the action against the Garda Commissioner, the Minister for Justice and the Attorney General over an alleged attack that he claims took place while he was sleeping at home on April 29, 2020. Keating, who has a 2018 conviction for harassing a garda, was Rihannas head of security in 2012 and 2013. In his civil action Keating says he was asleep when members of the armed support unit and other gardai entered his bedroom. He claims he was then hit with the butt of a gun. Keating alleges he was then flipped onto his stomach and restrained, during which gardai beat him with their fists and kicked him. He also states he was not criminally charged with any offence following his arrest that day. The legal action is being handed by David Harrington of Harringtons LLP, a legal firm in Dublin which specialises in personal injuries cases. The solicitor confirmed his office issued the court proceedings on behalf of his client Keating avoided jail in 2018 after being found guilty of harassing a garda by sending a string of abusive text messages, calling him a bitch and threatening: Ill slap you around. He sent nine messages to the officers private phone in the space of 90 minutes, saying: You and your bully pals you are not fit to wear that uniform. He was spared jail when Judge Ann Ryan handed down a suspended six-month sentence at Dublin District Court, and ordered him to stay away from the garda sergeant indefinitely. The former bodyguard had pleaded not guilty to harassing Garda Sergeant Brendan Carey in 2016. While Keating admitted sending the texts, he claimed these were not directed personally at Sgt Carey but referred to allegations that another named garda had strip-searched two youths. Keating said Sgt Careys was the only number he had and he sent the text in the hope that his complaint would go up the chain. Det Sgt Gavin Ross told the court Sgt Carey received messages through the Viber app to his personal phone on August 21, 2016. Det Sgt Ross went to the accuseds home in Finglas, took possession of his phone and arrested him. In interview, when asked if he knew why he had been arrested, Keating said: I do indeed, yeah. It took youse long enough though. Keating told gardai in interview he texted Sgt Carey because he already had his number and wanted to get arrested, so he could get his case across. Im not going to stop at anything until I get this stopped, and stop gardai abusing young kids, he said. He said he knew there would be a knee-jerk reaction and he would be arrested. After the messages were read back to him, he said hed been on a lot of pain medication at the time and was smoking weed to calm me down. Gda Carey told the court he gave Keating his phone number two years earlier when the accused had helped gardai change the wheel of a garda patrol car. At the time, Keating said he had concerns about anti-social behaviour and Sgt Carey passed him on his personal number. The man (61), who cannot be named to protect the identity of his victim, raped his younger cousin maybe 50 times a year A serial child abuser who subjected his younger cousin to relentless and constant abuse for four years has received an eleven-year prison sentence. The 61-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his victim, was convicted after a trial at the Central Criminal Court last May of seven counts of rape and six counts of indecent assault at his flat in Dublin city in the nineties. The boy was aged ten in 1991 when the abuse began and his abuser was 20 years older. The attacks involved oral and anal rapes and continued until 1997 when the victim told the man to stop. Sentencing the man on Monday morning, Justice Eileen Creedon said that the abuse was an egregious breach of trust and dereliction of the man's duty of care to the child. She suspended the final six months of an eleven-year prison term and imposed a five year period of post release supervision during which the man should engage with assessments for sex offender treatment programmes. At a sentence hearing last July, Eileen O'Leary SC, prosecuting, told the court that the victim went to gardai as an adult and told them that his older cousin had carried out relentless and constant sexual assaults on him between 1991 and 1997, with a break of three years when the victim lived away from the defendant. He was raped anally maybe 50 times a year, counsel said. She said the victim's parents were alcoholics and he had a fractured home life which was characterised by neglect with all of the man's siblings going into care at one stage. The victims cousin would give the victim money and tell him he was his best friend and that the abuse was our secret and to tell nobody. The victim later told gardai that he didn't know any better and just went along with it. The man denies the offending. He is already serving a seven-year prison term, imposed in June 2020, for the multiple sexual assaults on four girls at his flat in Dublin on dates beginning in May 1994 and ending in February 2001. Justice Creedon noted the fact that the man does not accept the jury verdict and has shown no remorse or offered no apology to the victim. Ms OLeary told the court that the victim, who is now in his 40s, still found it difficult to talk about the abuse. He did not complete a victim impact statement but the trial heard that he found recalling the abuse disturbing and upsetting. Counsel said that the position of the Director of Public Prosecutions was that the case lay in the more serious range of rape cases, given the youth of the victim, the familial relationship and breach of trust, and the multiple offending. She also told the court that the defendant has shown no remorse for his offending. Lawyers defending the man told the court that the man had a troubled childhood featuring domestic violence and sexual abuse at the hands of his father. The court heard the man later spent time in State institutions where he suffered further sexual abuse. Justice Creedon said she took these mitigating factors into consideration. She noted as aggravating factors the relentless nature of the abuse and its duration over four years, the victim's young age and the disparity in age between him and the abuser. The married man pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual assault against the young woman who was on his staff part-time Excessive drinking was behind the sex pest behaviour of a County Wexford businessman in his 50s towards a teenaged employee, the Circuit Court learned. The married man pleaded guilty in response to two charges of sexual assault committed against a young woman who was on his staff part-time. Evidence was provided by Enniscorthy-based Garda Peter Bergin who investigated the matter, dating back to 2017 and 2018. The case went close to full trial, with a jury sworn in at a previous court sitting in May to consider the matter. However, the accused then indicated that he was prepared to change his plea and the case was adjourned for five months to allow preparation of a probation report. Back in court before Judge James McCourt, the accused listened impassively to the gardas summary of what he discovered. The court learned how the defendant used to touch the teenagers hips and engage in inappropriate conversation about her sexual experience. On one occasion, she complained that he embraced her in a storeroom and tried to kiss her. On another, he took her into a bedroom and locked the door, again trying to kiss her. While driving to Dublin, with her as passenger, he put his hand on her leg and briefly touched the clothing over her vagina. Sickened by his behaviour, she pushed his hand away. While she was working in a small space, he once put a hand on her hips and rubbed his groin against her backside. The accused mans inappropriate talk and actions were supplemented by a series of text messages he sent to the injured party. One read I am serious about you. It was clear that any such feeling was not reciprocated as the young woman, aged 18 at the time, left his employment. The circumstances in which she left the job were considered at a workplace commission hearing which awarded her 4,500. Defending counsel Michael Durack accepted that his client made a pest of himself but suggested that the offences detailed were at the lower end of the scale. The crimes occurred at a time that the defendant was drinking excessively as his enterprise was in difficulty. Judge McCourt pointed out that the offender had abused a dominant position at the expense of a vulnerable person. For a while you inhabited a parallel universe, observed the judge, noting that the man in the dock had deluded himself into believing that his advances were welcome. An 18 month jail sentence was suspended in full with the condition that the defendant must stay away from the person he assaulted. He was also bound to the peace for two years. Dubliner Bryan Kennedy hired a man he knew to murder Canadian couple Stephanie Poirier and Clara Houde-Brunette after they became friends with his wife online and supported her decision to leave him. Bryan Kennedy hired a hitman to murder his wifes friends, but fled the country when the would-be killer started demanding payment A couple who had a 10,000 contract put on their heads by a jealous husband who blamed them for his wife leaving him have told how they woke up each day wondering if it would their last. In one of the most bizarre criminal conspiracies of recent times, Dubliner Bryan Kennedy hired a man he knew to murder Canadian couple Stephanie Poirier and Clara Houde-Brunette after they became friends with his wife online and supported her decision to leave him. When approached by the Sunday World this week, Kennedy admitted what he did was bizarre and said he went crazy when he found out his wife was leaving him. It is an unusual case. Its so unusual. You see stuff like that in other countries, not here, he told our reporter. At the end of the day it was just heartbreak. You get the worst news possible and you just start thinking crazy. Kennedy, who is living in Shanliss Avenue in Santry, Dublin, will be sentenced in January after he pleaded guilty to soliciting a man who by court order can only be referred to as AL to murder Stephanie and Clara on a date unknown between October 1, 2019, and January 11, 2020, both dates inclusive, within the State. Bryan Kennedy hired a hitman to murder his wifes friends, but fled the country when the would-be killer started demanding payment In an exclusive interview with the Sunday World, Stephanie has revealed the sequence of events that led to Kennedy hiring a hitman to murder her and wife Clara. The couple, who live in Quebec, Canada, were very unlikely targets for assassination. They werent witnesses due to give evidence against a mob boss or criminals feuding with a rival gang they were two women who played Dungeons and Dragons online with an Irish friend. All I did was make a friend and then someone tried to kill me, said Stephanie from her home in Quebec. You dont expect when you talk to someone new and become friends that something so terrible is going to happen as to cause an international crime incident. My wife said it best, she said shes an accountant in a small town and this kind of thing isnt supposed to happen to her. Stephanie said she and Clara got to know Kennedys wife on social media in 2019 and they became good friends. They would chat online and play games of Dungeons and Dragons together. During their conversations, Kennedys wife revealed how her relationship wasnt working and she wanted to end it. I did whatever any good friend would do and said if youre not happy in your relationship you should leave, Stephanie said. Stephanies friendship with Kennedys wife continued and the pair would have intimate conversations. We kept talking and as things developed, you get really good friends and you start talking about intimate things, like girls talking about boys and all that stuff. We thought everything was private but it turned out Bryan had kept log-in information on his phone for his wifes accounts. He had been reading all her messages as it happened in real time. Bryan Kennedy on the street He saw intimate pictures I shared between me and a good friend. The feeling of privacy and safety on the internet is something all three of us me, my wife and his ex will never get back. Im so afraid when I send people pictures nowadays. Kennedy was becoming increasingly angry as he secretly read the conversations. This infuriated Bryan and the closer me and my friend got and the more we exchanged messages we sent each other messages like do I look cute in this outfit and stuff like that he got insanely upset. While it was claimed in court that Kennedys wife told him she was moving to Canada to live with the couple, Stephanie said that wasnt true. We said do you want to visit Canada and get away for a week? We have an extra spare room. Bryan got really cold and angry with her, and that made it a very sour household. Things escalated in January 2020. Unbeknownst to the women, Kennedy had months earlier agreed to pay AL 10,000 for the double murder and had already coughed-up 8,000 to the wannabe hitman, who was pressuring him for the rest of the money. On January 6, 2020, Bryan ran away he fled, recalls Stephanie. At that point we didnt know why he did it. As far as we were concerned, he left with some money and some things and left his ex-wife to pick up the pieces. He didnt even pick up the kids from school. He just messaged his ex-wife and said go get the kids and he was gone. He was in the wind and we didnt know why. He just ran away one day. Kennedy had fled to the UK and while he was away AL called to his home and threatened his wife. It came out bit by bit that he ran away because there was a man threatening him and the man started threatening [Kennedys wife] saying awful things. At that point things started to piece together, mostly through AL. He would yell things at the door and during one of the confrontations he yelled something about how Bryan had tried to hire him to kill us. That was the first we heard of the plot. AL had pictures of the Canadian couple as well as their address and an image of their house. My friend [Kennedys wife] started getting pictures of the front door of our address and pictures of us that Bryan had sent AL, saying these are the people I want dead, this is their address, this is their front door. The day I found out I hugged my wife. We said I love you and we hugged for 10 minutes because she had to go to work that day. Its a habit we kept up since, because we didnt know if any day would be our last. When he went missing, Kennedys sister handed items including phones and laptops to gardai. One of the items was a CD which gardai later found contained child pornography. Kennedy later returned to Ireland and was charged with possession of child pornography and questioned about the murder plot. He made full admissions that he had paid over 8,000 to AL to have the Canadian couple killed but came under pressure for the rest of the money and started receiving threats himself. Back in Canada, Stephanie and Clara were terrified they were going to be murdered. I still physically jump and hide when there is a knock on the door, says Stephanie. She said Kennedys ex-wife went a full week without sleep in 2020 after she found out about the plot. She was so terrified of a man pounding down their door and all that stuff. Bryan brought that down on his own family. He tried to hire a hitman and it blew up in his face so spectacularly. While Kennedy has now split from his ex-wife, he still visits her daily and is her carer as she suffers from a degenerative bone condition. He is the primary carer. Its a bit of a cruel joke of the universe. Kennedy said he is writing letters of apology to his victims and didnt want to say too much more before his sentencing hearing. I wish I could give a full interview but Ill save that for the judge if she asks for my personal feelings. Thats when its most needed, when I talk to the judge. Stephanie says his apology means little to her and Clara. Having seen a lot of his actions for the past three years, I dont trust his apologies as far as I could throw the man. In court this week, defending barrister Dominic McGinn SC said Kennedy had no previous convictions save for possession of child pornography at the lower end of the scale, to which he had pleaded guilty at District Court level and was awaiting sentencing. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs said she would read a probation report line by line before sentencing. Meta directly employs 3,000 staff in Ireland with up to 6,000 working for its third-party contractors Fears are growing for more Irish tech jobs with reports that Facebooks parent company, Meta, is planning to embark on a major round of job cuts in the coming days. Meta directly employs 3,000 staff in Ireland with up to 6,000 working for its third-party contractors. However, speaking at the Cop27 climate summit in Egypt on Monday, Taoiseach Micheal Martin urged: Dont panic. After thousands of Twitter staff were informed last Friday that their jobs were gone and locked them out of their systems, the US-based multinational today told Irish staff it would comply with local laws on redundancies, RTE reported. Twitter told Irish staff whose jobs are at risk of redundancy it intends to comply with its statutory requirements to inform the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment about matters to do with its plans to reduce its workforce, the broadcaster said. The company has also told employees they do not have to work during the 30-day consultation period required by law but has asked that they do not come into the office. Staff have been told no decisions will be made on redundancies until the end of the statutory consultation period and that they will continue to be paid during that time. The latest worrying job news follows Twitters decision last Friday to axe half its global workforce. Meanwhile payments firm Stripe considered Irelands most important ever tech export to Silicon Valley is letting go 14pc, or 1,000 workers, across its company. However, it is feared that the move by Meta could be the largest in the recent spate of tech job cuts. Irish Meta workers were said in recent days to have been braced for an announcement. The Wall Street Journal last night reported that Meta is planning to begin the large-scale layoffs as early as Wednesday. It said the layoffs are expected to affect many thousands of the companys 87,000-strong global workforce. Sources said company officials had already told employees to cancel non-essential travel beginning this week. A spokesperson for Meta in Ireland would not comment on the Wall Street Journalreport last night but pointed to comments made last month by CEO Mark Zuckerberg. At that time he said: In 2023, we're going to focus our investments on a small number of high-priority growth areas. So that means some teams will grow meaningfully, but most other teams will stay flat or shrink over the next year. "In aggregate, we expect to end 2023 as either roughly the same size, or even a slightly smaller organisation than we are today. The companys Irish operations include its international headquarters, its Clonee data centre, both in Dublin, and its Reality Lab in Cork. It has already moved hundreds of staff into its new larger headquarters in Ballsbridge in Dublin 4. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is considered to be one of the four most important, large-scale tech multinationals in Ireland, alongside Google, Apple and Intel. There is currently a wave of layoffs under way in tech multinationals here. Last weeks announcements by Twitter and Stripe are set to affect hundreds of employees here. PayPal, with 2,000 staff, is laying off hundreds of people while Docusign, with 1,000 employees, has also signalled a shrinking workforce. Coinbase has also let people go, while Apple is reportedly set to freeze new recruitment. Indigenous tech unicorn firms companies with a valuation of over 1bn have also announced job cuts in recent months, with Intercom, FlipDish and LetsGetChecked slimming down. Mr Zuckerberg had previously warned that the company might downsize, telling staff during the summer: Realistically, there are probably a bunch of people at the company who shouldnt be here. If I had to bet, Id say that this might be one of the worst downturns weve seen in recent history. Having lost significant market share to TikTok, the company is currently trying to build products and services for the Metaverse, a virtual reality platform that Mr Zuckerberg claims will have over one billion people visiting regularly within a few years. The jobs news comes exactly one year since Facebook changed its name to Meta. In that time, the companys market value has declined by 624bn, or three quarters. Speaking at the Cop27 conference in Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said job losses in the tech sector should not spark panic. The Taoiseach said the Government would be talking to all of the companies and to IDA Ireland, the stage agency tasked with attracting foreign companies. Ive been concerned for some time in terms of the global economic situation because of the war in Ukraine and the implications across the board, across Europe and the world, he said. We do export everything we produce so what happens globally has an impact on Ireland so our challenge is to make sure that we will engage with the IDA and with the companies. Mr Martin was speaking as he arrived at Sharm El-Sheikh for the Cop27 climate summit. He said Ireland had been in this situation before and would respond positively. There are issues clearly in the digital area, he said. We are always concerned where the is potential job losses but we always tend to look at with a view that, OK, there are realities out there that we cant change globally, so how do we deal with this domestically and how do we regroup to look at what new opportunities are out there. "Weve done this before so we shouldnt panic about this. We should understand the realities that are driving this and see what we can do first of all to help employees who could be laid off. We have other sectors growing. FDI last year was at record levels and it looks like this year will be a record year again for FDI into Ireland. The IDA is now expected to appear before TDs and senators to answer questions on job losses and volatility in the tech sector. The so-called Tech wreck comes as Mary Buckley takes over as interim chair of the industrial development body, with long-time leader Martin Shanahan lost to the corporate sector. Sinn Fein spokeswoman on Enterprise Louise OReilly has written to the chair of the Oireachtas committee on the same subject asking for an urgent hearing. Her party colleague, Maurice Quinlivan, is chair of the Enterprise committee, and is thus likely to grant the request. Ms OReilly said there had been significant volatility in the tech sector over the past number of days, with numerous reports of mass layoffs in some of the biggest tech companies worldwide. As one of the most significant technology sectors in Europe, these reports are a worrying development for tech workers in Ireland, she said. Twitter, Stripe, and Meta/Facebook are just some of the companies who have signalled mass layoffs and workforce reductions. She said she was requesting that IDA Ireland be called before the Enterprise committee. The treatment of workers at Twitter has been nothing short of abhorrent. Workers at the company in Dublin have been emailed that job losses will be occurring, but they are no clearer as to who, or when, these will take place. It also looks increasingly likely that developments around mass redundancies at the company may not be complying with Irish employment law which requires the company to contact the Minister for Employment 30 days before any dismissals take place. Referring to Elon Musk, she said an understanding of the new Twitter CEOs previous dealings with workers means the manner of these moves comes as no surprise. In the case of Stripe, of which the Irish state is a primary investor through the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, there must be significant discussions with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (Leo Varadkar) regarding the situation at the company. She added: The volatility in the tech sector over the past number of days and weeks further reinforces the need for all workers to join, and be active, in their trade union. Workers need a strong voice in the workplace and the only way to achieve through trade unionism. Meanwhile it remains uncertain when the Tanaiste, who has been leading a trade mission in Singapore, will be briefed on the tech situation by the IDA, although it is expected to be this week. Emergency services were alerted to the blaze in a shed at the back of the Kill Equestrian Centre, Kill shortly after 8pm on Sunday Gardai are investigating after a fire broke out at a premises intended to be used as accommodation for Ukrainian refugees in Co Kildare on Sunday evening. Emergency services were alerted to the blaze in a shed at the back of the Kill Equestrian Centre, Kill shortly after 8pm on Sunday, November 6. Personnel from Naas Fire Station were dispatched, while assistance was required from Newbridge Fire Brigade to bring the fire under control. It is understood that no one was injured in the fire and the scene remains reserved for examination as investigations continue. The premises had been the sight of a protest earlier that day. A garda spokesperson said: Gardai and local fire services were alerted to fire in a shed at the rear of premises in Kill, Co Kildare, shortly after 8pm on Sunday 6th November 2022. A protest / demonstration held by group of people outside the same premises earlier in the day, passed off without incident. There were no reports of any injuries and the fire was quickly brought under control by fire service personnel. The scene is preserved for examination. Enquiries are ongoing. On Friday night, a crowd of locals gathered for a meeting to discuss proposals to turn the equestrian centre into temporary accommodation for around 350 Ukrainian refugees. Residents have raised concerns over the proposals in recent weeks, citing a lack of sufficient local resources in the small village as a recipe for disaster. Fine Gael councillor Fintan Brett, who is also the mayor of Kildare, said the premises was being prepared for housing refugees but locals have been kept in the dark about plans. About a month ago, the Department of Equality and Integration contacted Kildare County Council about using the equestrian centre a step down centre for refugees, Brett told The Journal. Kildare County Council told them the site was totally unsuitable, do not use it, it is not fit for purpose. But it seems that the department decided to go ahead on it. Three weeks ago, I told the department that if they were going to go ahead, please keep me and the community leaders in the village informed so that theres nothing being done in secret. However, Brett claims that locals last week discovered that a huge amount of work was done in it. Its absolutely unforgivable that people werent told and that an attempt wasnt made to bring them along with the proposal for the village and this is the consequence of that. There is a whole fear-factor that should have been dealt with, local people should have been informed about it and the community leaders in the village should have been involved in this. He added: This would have allowed them to take the lead in ensuring that Kill did its piece to help the Ukrainian refugees, which an awful lot of people want to do in the village, and yet here we are with the village name blackened forever with this fire. "The IRA were up to their eyes in murder and carnage, my view will never change," she told BBC Radio Ulster's The Nolan Show. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has been criticised for her stance on IRA violence. Photo: Steve Humphreys Ann McCabe, widow of Jerry McCabe, during a service in Dubhlinn Gardens at Dublin Castle where a new memorial garden was unveiled in honour of fallen gardai. PA The widow of a garda shot dead by the IRA in 1996 has criticised comments by Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald that there was "no comparison" between the IRA and gangland violence. Garda Jerry McCabe was killed, and his colleague was injured, during an armed raid on a post office van in Adare, Co Limerick. Four Provisional IRA members were convicted of the manslaughter of Mr McCabe. Ms McDonald has been criticised by families of IRA victims for her comments that there is no comparison between IRA and gangland violence. Mr McCabe's widow Ann criticised Ms McDonald's remarks. "The IRA were up to their eyes in murder and carnage, my view will never change," she told BBC Radio Ulster's The Nolan Show. "They are trying to get the new generation round to their way of thinking. My husband wasn't part of the Troubles at all. He was escorting money, as was his partner Ben O'Sullivan, who has sadly since passed away." Mrs McCabe said the Provisional IRA changed her life and her family's life forever. "Life will never be the same again. I have wonderful friends and family and grandkids - they keep me going but Jerry will never leave my mind, she said. "Not a day goes by that I don't think of him." Ann McCabe, widow of Garda Jerry McCabe who was murdered by the IRA in 1996. Thursday 2 February 2006. Photo: Niall Carson / PA PA Una Heaton, the sister-in-law of Garda McCabe, said on Sunday there is no difference between evil crimes whether they come from the IRA or gangland violence. Violence and murder is violence and murder no matter if its perpetrated by ordinary criminals or IRA criminals, they are both evil crimes, Ms Heaton told Independent.ie. The problem with Sinn Fein/IRA is that they feel they have the right to create carnage, murder, mayhem and enormous damage by the slaughter of innocent men, women and children. Her comments were echoed by former senator and IRA abuse victim Mairia Cahill, who said IRA crimes were worse. The IRA was worse both in its intensity and in its scale of harm caused to people than any gang in the modern Western world, said Ms Cahill. If she cant see that, this country has a serious problem if they ever put her anywhere near the Taoiseachs chair. Fine Gael also strongly criticised Ms McDonalds remarks, with TD Jennifer Carroll MacNeill calling them deeply disturbing. All violence, no matter who committed it or why, is wrong. That was the view of John Hume and it is not going to be retrospectively painted out of Irish history no matter how hard Sinn Fein try to justify and legitimise the actions of murderers and terrorists. It was never justified, said Ms Carroll MacNeill. The Sinn Fein leader made the comments on Newstalks On The Record with Gavan Reilly. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has been criticised for her stance on IRA violence. Photo: Steve Humphreys Ms McDonald said former UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher coined the phrase crime is crime. Margaret Thatcher coined that phrase so if youre of that mind, youre of that mind, Ms McDonald said. The things that happened in the course of a very long political conflict which thank God is now long over, weve had 25 years of peace there is no comparison between that and the kind of challenge, and it is an ongoing challenge, to our society between this and the so-called gangland crime epidemic poses. I say that as somebody who represents fine communities, the best of people, for whom this is a daily scourge. The Dublin TD, whose party Ard Fheis took place this weekend, said she first found out about former Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdalls links to criminality in 2016 when he was arrested after he waterboarded a man. Ms McDonald said she wouldnt have had him in her party if she was aware of his links to criminality. Had I had even an inkling that he was involved in any form of criminality, much less than what he was now accused of, he wouldnt have been within a roar of me or within Sinn Fein, she said. The ex-councillor is now a State witness in the Regency Hotel murder trial after pleading guilty to helping facilitate the murder of David Byrne. The first I knew of any of this was when he had been arrested for a different offence. And I was very, very shocked by that, Ms McDonald said. Prior to that he had been a person running a very successful business, with very high-level contracts, employing a lot of people. And certainly there wouldnt have been any indication for me or for anybody else that he would be involved in this type of activity. Ms McDonald also said a 1,000 donation Mr Dowdall made to the party was most likely used for election purposes. She said the donation was made to the Dublin Central constituency. Sipo records show he gave Ms McDonald a cheque for 1,000 in 2011. When contacted by the Sunday World Fr McCafferty said his clerical colleague was only saying what the church teaches An outspoken Belfast cleric is on collision course with church hierarchy after backing a fellow priests pulpit rant on abortion and transgender rights. Fr Paddy McCafferty last night told the Sunday World he had been left speechless over the Bishop of Kerrys apology over comments delivered in a sermon at the weekend in Listowel. The parish priest at Corpus Christi, in Ballymurphy, West Belfast, described as utter nonsense the decision by Bishop Ray Browne to apologise for remarks made by Sr Sean Sheehy. He was standing in for Sunday morning mass last weekend when he told parishioners of the mortal sins of abortion, promotion of same gender sex and the lunatic approach of transgenderism. When contacted by the Sunday World Fr McCafferty said his clerical colleague was only saying what the church teaches. It is utter nonsense (to apologise), he said, shock horror priest teaches what the church stands for. Fr Sean Sheehy In footage shared on social media Fr Sheehy 80, told the congregation: You rarely hear about sin, but its rampant, its rampant. We see it for example, in legislation. We see it in the promotion of abortion, we see it and in the example of this lunatic approach of transgenderism and in the promotion of sex between two men and two women. That is sinful. That is a mortal sin. His remarks prompted an estimated 30 members of the congregation to get up and leave and which resulted in Bishop Brownes apology. He said Fr Sheehys remarks do not represent the Christian position. He added the homily at a regular weekend mass was not appropriate for such issues to be raised and that the gospel ever proclaims the dignity of every human person. It cut little ice with Fr McCafferty who said the issue was such nonsense its not worth talking about. He took to Twitter to proclaim shame on the Bishop of Kerry adding that Fr Sheehy was preaching the Catholic and Christian faith before referencing First Corinthians chapter 6 verses 9-11 which rails against idolators and same gender sex. Its not the first time the controversial cleric has rubbed Church bosses up the wrong way. In April Church authorities distanced themselves from his endorsement of an anti-abortion candidate in last Mays Assembly elections. He urged his congregation to vote for Aontu. During Mass on Easter Monday, he accused Sinn Fein, the SDLP, Alliance and all that other crew of promoting abortion. Sinn Fein supports a policy of allowing terminations within the 12 weeks of pregnancy, while the SDLP and Alliance permit elected representatives to vote on matters relating to abortion on the basis of conscience. Fr McCafferty said he had always voted for the SDLP but not any more never again, never. I dont like to talk about politics from the pulpit but I have a responsibility as a priest to ask the faithful to vote in accordance with what the Church teaches and what our faith believes, he said. The evil of abortion is irreconcilable with being a Catholic, and the evil of abortion is promoted by parties like Sinn Fein and the SDLP and the rest of them... the Alliance...and all that other crew. He urged his congregation to Vote pro-life... and pray for Aontu. He went on to proclaim he would give the DUP his second preference solely on the basis of their anti-abortion stance. A statement from the Diocese of Down and Connor said Fr McCafferty had spoken in a personal capacity. The statement said the Catholic Church does not endorse any political party. The Church encourages every citizen to exercise their right to freely vote with an informed conscience, the statement said. The views and opinions expressed by Fr Patrick McCafferty were communicated in a personal capacity. Meanwhile Tanaiste Leo Varadkar and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney weighed in to the controversy. Speaking during his visit to Belfast on Wednesday Mr Coveney described Fr Sheehys remarks as disgraceful. I think they are a reflection on the person that made those comments rather than anything else, and they should be withdrawn and there should be an apology, he said. A spokesperson for Mr Varadkar, who will take over the office of Taoiseach at the end of the month, said the Minister did not believe that gay people will go to hell for being who they are, nor does he believe that any man or woman can make such a judgment. And Bishop Browne came under pressure from the Association of Catholic Priests to sanction Fr Sheehy and ban him from celebrating Mass. Fr Tim Hazelwood of the Association said the majority of priests had been left appalled by the remarks from the pulpit and also his further comment that politicians who support same sex marriage, including Mr Varadkar are going to hell if they dont repent their sin. He puts himself in the position of God to make judgments, Fr Hazelwood said. The lack of any bit of remorse on his part shows he is going to do more damage to the church. He also criticised Fr Sheehy for showing no consideration for the families of gay people and people who are transitioning. Using the pulpit on a Sunday, with children and families present, ignoring the gospel of the day, which was the story of Zacchaeus a beautiful story of Jesus forgiving a sinner, and instead getting on his high horse to say what he said that is very disturbing. He said our understanding of sexuality has changed. Science and psychology has taught us a lot more. His language is archaic and of the past. He represents a group in the church and society who like things black and white. The Normal People star, who hails from Maynooth, appeared on The Graham Norton Show this Friday alongside guests Winston Duke, Michaela Coel, Loyle Carner, Emma Corrin, and Richard Ayoade. Paul Mescal, and Emma Corrin during the filming for the Graham Norton Show at BBC Studioworks 6 Television Centre, Wood Lane, London, to be aired on BBC One on Friday evening. Picture date: Thursday November 3, 2022. PA Irish fans have rushed to defend Paul Mescal after he refrained from wearing a Remembrance Day poppy on a UK talk show over the weekend. The Normal People star, who hails from Maynooth, appeared on The Graham Norton Show this Friday alongside guests Winston Duke, Michaela Coel, Loyle Carner, Emma Corrin, and Richard Ayoade. After the show, Paul received a heap of online backlash for not wearing a red poppy pin, a symbol typically worn by people in Commonwealth states from the last Friday in October to November 11 to commemorate those who died in their military services. However, the 26-year-old was not the only celebrity who opted not to wear a poppy on the night. In fact, Graham and Richard were the only people who could be clearly seen wearing the pin. Despite this, viewers singled out the Irishman to quiz him on why he wasnt wearing the poppy. "@TheGNShow why is Paul Mescal not wearing a poppy?" One viewer asked. Addressing the actor directly, another commented: "@mescal_paul wheres your poppy?!" While a third added: "Its expected that the poppy is worn on TV in the UK at this time of year. No reason not to. Many fans rushed to Pauls defence and explained why he, as an Irish person, may feel uncomfortable wearing the starkly British symbol. One Twitter user said: Its not our thing really... not overly keen on the old poppy over here... British soldiers committing atrocities in Ireland sort of turned us off it, but hey, each to their own. Another fan chimed in: "He is Irish... we don't wear them or celebrate British atrocities on our island." And someone else penned: Why on earth would he wear a poppy, he's not British and it's a personal choice. "Graham Norton chose to wear one, that's his choice and he's entitled to do so if he wishes, but that doesn't mean that all his guests have to stick one in their lapel." A new advisory group will ensure the Matapihi community has direct input into the future performance of the Southern Pipeline. The pipeline carries wastewater from the city across the Tauranga Harbour to the Te Maunga treatment plant. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Ngati Tapu, Ngai Tukairangi and Tauranga City Council on the future operation of the pipeline, which will be overseen by the newly established Southern Pipeline Advisory Group. A major wastewater spill from the pipeline in 2021 contaminated the harbour and local odour discharges have affected the nearby Te Kura O Matapihi. The advisory group, which consists of representatives from both hapu and Council, will seek to address the issues that led to the spill and look to improve future pipeline operations. Commission chair Anne Tolley says the MOU and establishment of the advisory group is a significant step forward in the relationship with Ngati Tapu and Ngai Tukairangi. The spill that occurred in 2021 was unacceptable and should never have happened, says Anne. The formation of this advisory group will provide a better understanding of the impact of this infrastructure on the community and seek options to improve the pipelines performance. The Southern Pipeline is a vital piece of infrastructure which has enabled Tauranga Moana to manage unprecedented population growth over recent decades growth that is expected to continue. Commissioner Shad Rolleston says the pipeline is important to the health of our environment and that more needs to be done to protect and honour the whenua and the moana. The intent of the MOU is to achieve positive outcomes for the hapu, for the community and for Council, says Shad. We appreciate the willingness Ngati Tapu and Ngai Tukairangi have shown to engage in that process and help us improve our kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of Tauranga Moana. Anthony Fisher, new chair of the Tangata Whenua and Tauranga City Council Standing Committee and chair of the advisory group, says hes looking forward to working with Council on implementing the MOU. A lot of mahi has taken place up to this point, and theres still a lot more to come. I look forward to the ongoing korero well be having and Im confident good outcomes will be achieved. The advisory group will oversee the MOU's implementation, with meetings to be held at both Waikari Marae and Council premises. MetService is forecasting a ridge of high pressure will bring settled weather for most of New Zealand this week. However, a low pressure system approaching from the north briefly shoulders its way in on Tuesday, bringing rain to the upper North Island before sliding away to the east on Wednesday. Benign weather returns as the ridge re-establishes, but as it tracks eastwards on Thursday and Friday, it opens the door for a front to approach the country from the north. The front sweeps over New Zealand from Friday, delivering a burst of potentially severe wind and rain for some this weekend. High pressure is usually associated with clear skies and dry weather, but if a system hangs around for too long that can change. "Moisture evaporating from the ground and bodies of water can get trapped under a high if theres no change of airmass, forming clouds and even triggering showers," says MetService meteorologist Alwyn Bakker. "However, with temperatures forecast to be around average for this time of year, the showers that do pop up arent likely to be spectacular." With conditions set to be broadly dry, it would be wise to be careful when setting off any fireworks left over from Guy Fawkes celebrations. "Keep a bucket of water on hand to drop any spent fireworks into, as they can still be hot enough to start fires in dry grass after use." Image: MetService. John Scrimgeour has been named the Western Bay of Plentys deputy mayor at the inaugural meeting of the triennium. The Western Bay of Plenty District Council meeting began with a powhiri on Monday as mana whenua Ngai Tamarawaho welcomed councillors to their roles. New mayor James Denyer was given the Mayoral Korowai to wear, and after being sworn in donned the mayoral chains for the first time. It is the first time the korowai was passed from one mayor to another; it was gifted to the council by previous mayor Garry Webber. Denyer said it was an honour and privilege to be elected mayor and he acknowledged and congratulated the new and returning councillors. He also paid tribute to the outgoing councillors Monique Gray, Kevin Marsh and Mark Dean, and retiring mayor Garry Webber. Denyer, a previous Katikati Waihi Beach councillor, said he had big shoes to fill and that Webber had left a fine legacy for the district. This triennium will be defined by change. Change because I am a new mayor, change because we shall have major legislative reforms to deal with. The reforms included the Three Water reform and repealing of Resource Management Act. The council would be creating a new district plan, the next long-term plan and progressing a representation review, said Denyer. The review looks at what form the wards and community boards should take and how many elected members there should be to best represent the districts population I intend to lead council in terms of navigating these changes to get the best outcomes for all of us. Addressing his councillors, Denyer said: We shall be required on occasion to make difficult and courageous decisions and we must not be misled into making the easy or expedient choice. But know this, making such decisions is much easier when you know what you are doing what is right. I wish my mayoralty to be marked by collaboration, communication, and delivery. John Scrimgeour will serve his second term as deputy mayor. Photo: John Borren/SunLive. He named John Scrimgeour as his deputy mayor, who served as deputy in the last triennium. New councillors Andy Wichers, Richard Crawford, Tracey Coxhead, and Rodney Joyce were sworn in, alongside returning councillors John Scrimgeour and Grant Dally Anne Henry and Allan Sole and Murray Grainger, Margaret Murray-Benge and Don Thwaites. Council chief executive John Holyoake said he was very excited to be working with James, our new mayor, and the rest of our councillors. Denyer also appointed councillors to the districts five community boards. The community board members were sworn in and held their inaugural meetings, where a chair and deputy chairperson were chosen. The councillors appointed to the community boards are: Katikati Community Board - Councillors Rodney Joyce and Anne Henry. Omokoroa Community Board - Councillors Don Thwaites and Murray Grainger. Maketu Community Board - Councillors John Scrimgeour and Richard Crawford. Te Puke Community Board - Councillors Grant Dally and Andy Wichers Waihi Beach Community Board- Councillors Allan Sole and Anne Henry. The councils next meeting was set for December 8, 2022. Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air. A fisherman who captured a video of a huge shark leapt out of the water on to the front of his boat, coming face to face with those on board, described it as a crazy moment. Skipper Ryan Churches, owner of Churchys Charters in Whitianga in the Coromandel, recorded a mako shark propelling itself on to the front of his fishing vessel which he uses to take up to five people on fishing trips from Whitianga wharf to catch kingfish, snapper and blue nose. Those on board got a bigger catch than they were expecting when the mako shark caught them by surprise and jumped right in front of their eyes on to the front of the boat, thrashing around on the front hood. Mako sharks are world renowned jumpers, are nicknamed blue dynamite, and have been known to leap up to six metres out of the water. The sharks, which are abundant in New Zealand coastal waters, can grow up to 4m long. Video: Churchy Charters NZ/Facebook. The 2.5m shark remained on the Whitianga boat for several minutes before returning to its home in the ocean. While they reacted with shouts of whoa... and holy, one shouted to get a picture. When Church posted the video, hundreds reacted, saying it must have been scary. One poster noted in the video that the crew had the toilet roll at the ready. Lucky that they have the toilet paper handy on the dash! The 7.7m boat, called Church, is equipped with safety glass windows, and 5 square metres of deck. The fishing is done from the back of the boat. An influx of sharks is expected in the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel waters, predicted experts who have launched a study into why there has been an increase of great white sharks in the region in the last two summers. Phil Ross, University of Waikato marine ecologist, says theres likely to be more shark sightings this summer. Photo: Supplied. The University of Waikatos marine ecologist Phil Ross is spearheading the new research team in collaboration with local iwi, and according to the marine biologist, more sharks encounters are highly likely this summer. The study will attempt to address community concern about growing shark numbers after members of the regions surfing and fishing communities became increasingly fearful for their safety on the water. Waihi Beach in the Western Bay of Plenty was the scene of the last fatal shark attack in New Zealand in January 2021, when Hamilton woman Kaelah Marlow died after being mauled in the ocean by a great white shark. This was the first fatal shark attack in the region since 1976, when a spear fisherman was killed by a bronze whaler shark at Te Kaha a small beach town near Opotiki in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Since the attack at Waihi Beach, there have been a number of great white shark sightings over the past year, with videos posted online of sharks circling fishing boats and chasing fish. In December 2021, two great white sharks washed up on Bowentown beach in the Coromandel, near the scene of the fatal attack a month later. Since then, encounters have increased in the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty waters. Vaughan Wilson, 52, a Mount Maunganui surfer known as Willow, had an encounter with a 3.5m great white shark in March, which narrowly missed attacking a 14-year-old boy. Photo: Maree Wilson/Stuff. Earlier this year, Mount surfer Vaughan Wilson had a near miss with a 3.5-metre monster just off Matakana Island. Wilson told Stuff that the shark was in hunting mode and out to kill as it leapt out of the water with jaws wide open, narrowly missing a 14-year-old boy who was surfing with his father and Wilson nearby. - Annemarie Quill/Stuff. Yogi..Reeturaj Newbie Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Guwahati Posts: 20 Thanked: 48 Times Re: Pics: The East Himalaya Vintage Car Rally enters Assam Thank you for sharing Sir. I would just like to add a few words for the man himself, Mr.Picklo Deka. Picklo da has single handedly collected an enviable collection of not only vintage vehicles but also antiques ranging from clocks to showcases and what not. His Treasured Wheels is undoubtedly a treasure and a mecca for automotive lovers. He has painstakingly done and is doing all he can to revive and restore these heritage for the future generations to come. He has not had the support he deserves and yet has done so much. Treasured Wheels is relocating to Kaziranga and needs all out support, no matter in which way we can. Wish him the very best in building TREASURED WHEELS to the heritage museum its destined to be. Sorry for digressing from the topic of the East Himalayan Rally. It was indeed a treat to us and i saw some of the most iconic vehicles I've only seen in photos or tv till now. A hot potato: From the time before he took over Twitter, Elon Musk has said that he's a proponent of free speech. But that commitment is being called into question after several high-profile verified accounts were suspended, possibly permanently, seemingly for impersonating the world's richest person. Musk yesterday tweeted one of the rules he's implementing as Twitter's new overlord: "any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying 'parody' will be permanently suspended," he wrote. Musk added that Twitter currently issues warnings before suspensions, but now that it is rolling out widespread verification, there will be no warning before it takes action. Previously, we issued a warning before suspension, but now that we are rolling out widespread verification, there will be no warning. This will be clearly identified as a condition for signing up to Twitter Blue. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 6, 2022 The billionaire recently confirmed that the optional Twitter Blue service is increasing in price to $8 per month, as opposed to $20, and those who subscribe will be verified. This has brought questions about verified users impersonating well-known people. Musk said this is addressed by including a secondary tag below the name of someone who is a public figure, which is already the case for politicians. It was confirmed yesterday that the new verification system won't roll out until after the US midterm elections. Some current verified users have been mocking Musk by impersonating him. Kathy Griffin changed her display name to Elon Musk and made a profile pic similar to the Twitter owner's. She then tweeted, "After much spirited discussion with the females in my life, I've decided that voting blue for their choice is only right (They're also sexy females, btw.)." The comedian was suspended on Sunday. lol pic.twitter.com/GJX06GwdcV Elon Musk Fondles Dogs (@chaser) November 7, 2022 Actor Rich Sommer, known for his portrayal of Harry Crane on Mad Men, was also suspended for impersonating Musk, so was the Australian satire website The Chaser, even though it marked the account as a parody and chose the username 'Elon Musk Fondles Dogs.' Kotaku notes that Ethan Klein and Chipzel have also been suspended/restricted despite following the parody-label rules. Sarah Silverman's account was temporarily locked for her impersonation. 1) 9 days ago, 2) yesterday 3) today. We have fun pic.twitter.com/eTKAp8PBuK Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) November 7, 2022 It's speculated that some, but definitely not all, of the suspensions are related to another rule Musk announced that sees the temporary loss of the verified checkmark after any name change. Many are pointing to the irony of a Musk tweet from October 28 that read, "Comedy is now legal on Twitter." He's also said nobody should be given lifetime bans and promised to allow Donald Trump back onto the platform, even though the former president says he doesn't want to come back. Part of Musk's restructuring of Twitter involves laying off around half its staff, or about 3,700 people. The company is now facing a lawsuit over claims that the action was illegal due to the insufficient notice. It's a situation Musk is familiar with: the same thing happened at Tesla a few months ago. In context: Ask Zuckerberg and apparently we are now living on the verge of the Metaverse. Over the past year, the idea that we will all be living in virtual worlds become a foregone conclusion among the investing universe. With the stock market no longer in the mood for Story Stocks, the heated rhetoric about the metaverse has died down considerably, but we know many still feel that the metaverse story resonates strongly. How many people remember the last time the idea of a second world was the hot topic of the moment? It was not that long ago. In fact, the last time this idea was in vogue it was in the final stages of the 1990's dot com boom. People have been speculating about this for a long time. These days, author Neal Stephenson's Snowcrash is cited as the originator of the concept, but even he will concede he was not the first (note: Snowcrash is still a great book, worth a read). Editor's Note: Guest author Jonathan Goldberg is the founder of D2D Advisory, a multi-functional consulting firm. Jonathan has developed growth strategies and alliances for companies in the mobile, networking, gaming, and software industries. The best visual portrayal of this virtual world can be seen in the 1994 Michael Douglas/Michael Crichton film "Disclosure". (note: Disclosure is not a good movie, and not worth a view.) For those who suffered through it, the virtual reality world at the heart of the movie's "plot" is painfully cumbersome. And of course, there is the classic website Second Life, which did a lot of what today's metaverse proponents talk about (albeit in lower-res). All of this is a long way of saying that the idea of the metaverse has been around for a long time, and that we have not gotten there yet can be laid down to two chief reasons. First, replicating the real world in some form of digital simulation may not be the best way to organize digital activity. At the peak of last year's metaverse frenzy, Walmart garnered a lot of online shade for their VR shopping demo. We do not want to pile on, credit to them for being creative, but that video highlights the problems with virtual worlds being too skeuomorphic, resembling the real world too much. No one wants to go shopping by walking down virtual aisles when they can just point and click on an Amazon app in regular reality. At the very least, all this talk effort towards virtual reality needs to do a lot more work on the user interface. As artist/musician Laurie Anderson put it VR will not leak real until they learn to put some dirt in it. "VR will not leak real until they learn to put some dirt in it" - Laurie Anderson A second problem is that the technology is just not there yet. We wrote about this years ago in 2016 (and later in 2019). And while the industry has made some advancements since then, they still have a ways to go. There are really two flavors of metaverse the fully immerse world of virtual reality (VR) where the user wears headgear and all images are digitally generated; and the world of Augmented Reality (AR) where users where a pair of glasses that present a digital overlay on top of the real world. Admittedly, the industry has made considerable progress with VR. Most people find that Facebook/Meta's Oculus is a great product. There is a fair amount of software available for it, and uses cases have broadened beyond gaming to include remote work desktops. And while most people who spend the day working behind VR goggles need a day to re-adjust to reality, it does seem that VR has made real advances. By contrast, AR is still a work in progress as it presents serious technical challenges. For instance, the compute and battery for AR glasses still need a great amount of miniaturization. Most implementations we have seen are either unwieldy or limited in functionality. Placing a digital overlay on top of a real world image is incredibly difficult. The graphics have to refresh quickly enough to allow for free movement of the head, otherwise the lag creates nausea as users see two out-of-sync worlds simultaneously. This requires immense graphics processing for which see above regarding miniaturization. It also requires very high bandwidth, low latency data connections. This last part is probably why we hear so much about the metaverse personally. From our position entrenched deep in the telecom networking world, the solution to this bandwidth/latency problem is 5G! The telecom operators and especially their equipment vendors are grasping at any opportunity they can to extol the virtues of 5G (which are otherwise fairly limited), and many of them have grasped AR fiercely. Unfortunately for them 5G is only part of the solution, the other technical challenges and the required software and content are just not ready yet. We still think all these things will come some day, but the metaverse is many years away. Also read: The Metaverse: What Is It, and Why Should You Care? Editor's take: So far, Musk's dream of supersonic capsules that convey a driver and vehicle at 800 miles per hour has been somewhat disappointing. As Musk transitions to head honcho of Twitter, the decommissioning of the Hyperloop tube sitting outside his Los Angeles Space X facility indicates an abandonment of Musk's enthusiasm for the technology at least for now. The Hyperloop tube running along Jack Northrop Avenue in Hawthorne, Los Angeles, is no more. The Orange County Register reports that the mile-long above-ground tunnel that has sat adjacent to the Space X campus since 2017 was dismantled and hauled away last week. Construction on a Space X employee parking lot is already underway. The Space X tube was a boon for the local contractors that helped build it. Erik Wright, owner of Precision Construction Services in San Luis Obispo, said he was excited when his company won the bid on the project. "The Hyperloop is quite a badge of honor for us," Wright said. Wright admitted that the job helped his company land several other contracts. His clients expressed their confidence by saying, "If you built the Hyperloop, you can definitely build my project." The little-known company went on to complete high-profile jobs, including a 3D-printing lab for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and several launch sites for the Vandenberg Space Force Base. Precision Construction was not alone on the project. International infrastructure builder Aecom, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with offices in Los Angeles, built the tunnel's foundation and steel tube. Wright's company handled everything inside the tunnel, including the concrete subtrack and joints, aluminum track, and interior lighting. Wright says it was challenging work since all the components that made up the tube expanded and contracted at different rates. The Hawthorne Hyperloop test track was one of the first completed tunnels Elon Musk envisioned would allow people and their vehicles to travel long distances at up to 800 miles per hour. So far, testing has not come anywhere close to those speeds. Much work is still needed before capsules in tunnels can reach the sci-fi velocities that Musk imagines. So far, the fastest record achieved in unmanned tests is 288mph. Part of the problem is developing an airtight vacuum tube that can propel capsules without the worry of the friction caused by air resistance. In typical Musk fashion, the billionaire's interest has flitted away from Hyperloop for the time being as he devotes more energy and resources to Space X, Tesla, and his newest pet project Twitter. That is not to say Hyperloop is dead. Fellow billionaire Richard Branson is heavily invested in Hyperloop even splintering off a portion of the company calling it "Virgin Hyperloop." The Nevada test track completed its first "manned" mission in 2020, sending two people hurtling down the 500m tube at 107mph. Additionally, several projects are still on the table, including tunnels in North Carolina, Abu Dhabi, France, China, and Germany. In a nutshell: On November 9, 2021, law enforcement seized 50,676.17851897 Bitcoins from the Gainesville, Georgia, home of James Zhong. The haul was valued at around $3.36 billion at time of the seizure (which just happened to be right around Bitcoin's all-time high). At the time, it was the largest cryptocurrency seizure in the history of the DOJ and remains the department's second largest financial seizure ever. The US Department of Justice on Monday announced a conviction in a case involving the seizure of $3.36 billion worth of Bitcoin. According to authorities, Zhong unlawfully obtained the Bitcoins from former dark web marketplace Silk Road way back in 2012. He allegedly created nine Silk Road accounts ("fraud accounts") designed to conceal his identity then triggered over 140 transactions in rapid succession to trick the site's withdrawal-processing system into releasing the Bitcoins from its payment system into his accounts. Zhong then reportedly transferred the coins to other accounts in an effort to obfuscate the source and conceal his identity. The Justice Department noted Zhong didn't list any item or service for sale on Silk Road, nor did he purchase any item or service. Instead, he would fund his fraud accounts with an initial deposit of between 200 and 2,000 Bitcoins then quickly execute a series of withdrawals. This allowed him to withdraw many times more Bitcoins than he initially deposited. In one transaction that took place on September 19, 2012, Zhong allegedly deposited 500 Bitcoins into a Silk Road wallet and then executed five withdrawals of 500 coins each all within one second which resulted in a net gain of 2,000 Bitcoins. In another cited example, Zhong made a single deposit and over 50 Bitcoin withdrawals. During the November 9 seizure, authorities found Bitcoins in an underground floor safe and on a single-board computer hidden under blankets in a popcorn tin stored in a bathroom closet at Zhong's home. More than half a million in cash was also recovered in addition to various amounts of precious metals. Zhong later surrendered more than 1,000 additional Bitcoins to the government. Zhong pled guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2023. Image credit: Ekaterina Bolovtsova, Alesia Kozik As players enjoy gaming titles like "The Last of Us," "Fallout," "Mad Max," and other games of the post-apocalyptic genre, the possibility of Earth sharing the same fate may prove more likely than you think. Amidst the alarming rate of waste contributing to climate change, many tech companies like Apple, Dell, Intel, and more have started embracing environmentalism by taking on sustainable initiatives. Tech companies may be stepping up their game to do their part to stop climate change, but one way to connect with the younger generation regarding the issue is to tap a playing field they're familiar with: the gaming industry. Read Also: Gaming Health Benefits: 3 Ways Gamers Are HEALTHIER Than Non-Gamers Gaming Companies as One of the Biggest Contributors to Carbon Emission Gaming may serve as a gateway for humans to escape the horrors of real life, but what happens when an apocalyptic world becomes a reality? The technology sector is undoubtedly one of the dominating sources of pollutants on the planet, according to the World Economic Forum. Gaming manufacturers produce a mass of built-in carbon costs from consoles and chips, which require refined materials and minerals that may contribute to a scarcity of resources in the environment. Additionally, the gaming industry is also a big source of accumulating carbon footprint from electronic waste and technology production. According to Earth, netizens have already generated an estimated 57.4 million tonnes of electronic waste from the year 2021 alone, weighing more than the Great wall of China. Microsoft, Sony Among Gaming Companies Taking a Stand Against Climate Change Fortunately, big gaming companies have been doing their part to acknowledge and take action on the issues of our environment. According to Forbes, Microsoft has already taken its early initiative since 2012 to become "carbon net zero". However, after recognizing that fighting to protect the environment has been growing "critical", Microsoft pledged that they will start working towards becoming "carbon net negative" by 2030. Microsoft also alleges that it will remove all the carbon that its tech empire has emitted since its founding in 1975 when the Earth reaches 2050. However, in 2019, the tech company decided to go further and address their consumers' concerns by producing 825,000 carbon-neutral Xbox consoles, which were built using renewable electricity. Similarly, Sony joined in the environmental initiative by announcing that their factories will become carbon neutral by 2030, according to EuroGamer, a decade early from their original goal, 2040. Since 2020, 78% of the electricity used to stream PlayStation games with the "PS Now" has directly come from renewable sources. Sony has also been walking the talk by transitioning its data centers to renewable energy where possible, with their Europe and US head office already using 100% renewable energy, according to Push Square. Among other gaming companies that have vowed to take the initiative to reduce their carbon footprint include Supercell, Wild Works, Ubisoft, and more. Related Article: Sony to Debut Olfactory Device, Tests Sense of Smell to Determine Early Signs of Dementia This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Andi C. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Spain temporarily shut the airspace on Friday, Nov. 4, amid concerns about potential dangers presented by the debris from the recent operation of a Chinese Long March 5B spacecraft. Engadget reported that hundreds of flights had to be rescheduled because of this. Friday Incident According to the report by The New York Times, the United States Space Command verified on Friday that components of a rocket had re-entered the atmosphere over the south-central Pacific Ocean. These parts had reportedly been used to launch the third and final component of China's Tiangong space station. Eventually, the debris fell into the body of water, and luckily, nobody was hurt in the process. See Also: Germany and Japan Follow the US in Abandoning Destructive Anti-Satellite Tests Uncontrolled Re-entry Uncontrolled pieces of a Chinese Long March 5B spacecraft have already crashed on the surface of the Earth twice this year. After its debut in 2020, China's most powerful heavy-lift rocket had its fourth uncontrolled re-entry during this incident. The Long March 5B cannot re-light its engine for a controlled return to Earth like its current competitors, such as the SpaceX Falcon 9. The rocket has not yet caused anybody any damage, and it is very unlikely that it ever will. Nevertheless, every time China has launched a Long March 5B into orbit, astronomers and observers have nervously monitored its course down to the Earth, worried that it would fall in an area where people live. Avoiding Major Damage NASA Administrator Bill Nelson reprimanded the government for not taking the required safeguards to avoid an out-of-control re-entry. He did this earlier this year after China's Wentian mission, and this time, the criticism was directed against China's Tiangong-1 spacecraft. He stated that it is crucial that all spacefaring nations are willing to be responsible and truthful in their space activities. They must follow established best practices, particularly for the uncontrolled re-entry of body debris from a large rocket. Debris that could very well result in major damage or loss of life should be avoided at all costs, according to Nelson. Next year, when China tries to send its Xuntian space observatory into orbit, it will use another Long March 5B rocket as its means of transport. Space Debris Crashing Down Engadget reported that the issue of space debris crashing down to Earth did not only happen to China. For instance, in July, a farmer in the countryside of Australia discovered a piece of a SpaceX Crew Dragon spaceship that had landed on his field. However, some industry professionals are certain that the Friday event is not comparable to the other occurrences that have recently taken place. Ted Muelhaupt, a consultant with Aerospace's Corporate Chief Engineer's Office, was quoted in The Times as saying, "The thing I want to point out about this is that we, the world, don't deliberately launch things this big intending them to fall wherever." He said it was the first time we had done that in half a century. Also Read: SpaceX and ULA Will Deploy Four Robots Into Space to Fix Satellites and Collect Space Junk This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Trisha Kae Andrada 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Two concepts will be on display at the upcoming EICMA motorcycle show in Milan by Horwin, a motorbike company manufactured in China and designed in Austria. The two 'super scooters' will be the company's take as they transfer the traditional chassis design. (Photo : ROMAIN LAFABREGUE/AFP via Getty Images) This picture taken on July 13, 2019 shows Harley-Davidson motorbikes displayed during the seventh edition of the annual "Morzine Harley Days" festival, in Morzine. - Some 25.000 motorcycles and 40.000 bikers from across Europe are gathering in Morzine from July 11 to July 14, to participate in the event. Horwin in EIMAC Horwin will be launching two fresh concepts of super scooters that are filled up with new technology. This will be the company's take as they transform from the chassis traditional design for motorcycles. The concepts will be revealed at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. According to The Pack, Horwin took six years of research and development as they ditched the traditional layouts of a fuel vehicle and split-type battery for SENMENTI 0 and SENMENTI X, which will be showcased in the mentioned show above. The company will be displaying the two vehicles along with the IM integrated intelligent chassis, self-balancing technology, and will also be launching Stand A70, a mobile life laboratory. SENMENTI 0 & SENMENTI X For its performance, both vehicles will be a having a huge performance figures for a maxi-scooter. As per Interesting Engineering's report, the Senmenti will ba having a top speed of 200 kilometers per hour or 124 miles per hour. The speed will be matched by an extreme battery pack of 16.2 kilowat per hour, which can be fully charged in just 30 minutes as it is powered by a super charger. The report added that the SENMENTIs will be having 30 cameras, sensors, and deep learning processors as Horwin introduce a powerhouse concept to its consumers. A key fob will be its trigger point as Horwin transitions to a keyless ignition system, which can be used through a Bluetooth link or a phone application. Aside from these specs, the features that will be available to the scooters are real-time pressure monitoring, front and rear mm-wave radars for collision and blind spot warnings, hill-start assistance, descent control, and auto-hold. Horwin's Sentry Mode Sentry mode will be the vehicle's key for security as it tends to keep the bike safe in case it is stolen or damaged. Sentry mode will be enabled through its cameras and sensors around the bike. These are also used to monitor the rider and other road conditions that make the vehicle adjust depending on the situation that will occur. Also Read: Kawasaki: All Electric Motorcycles by 2035, But No Releases for Now; EICMA 2021 Milan Reveal? The difference between the two vehicles is exiguous since New Atlas reported that Horwin designed SENMENTI X to match SENMENTI 0's performance except it uses a new architecture that will fundamentally solve the triangle paradox of performance, range, and weight. Related Article: Ducati Motors Debuts its First Electric Motorcycle Entirely Built for the Race Track This article is owned by TechTimes Written by Inno Flores 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Apple iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max customers will have to wait a little longer before their orders arrive. The renowned tech giant says buyers will experience "longer wait times" than before. The phone maker disclosed that its iPhone 14 series factories in China are to blame. (Photo : HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images) People visit an Apple store in Shanghai on October 24, 2022. So if you are itching to get your hands on the iPhone 14 models that sport the Dynamic Island, you might have to be more patient this time. Apple iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max Longer Delivery Wait Time As per the latest news story by The Verge, Apple warned its customers that the high-end iPhone models, the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max, should expect "longer wait times." The Cupertino-based tech firm revealed that the shipments for its more expensive iPhones are getting lower. And in turn, customers who order the Pro variant will have to wait a little longer before the high-end mobile devices reach them. The renowned firm says "we now expect lower iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max shipments than we previously anticipated." (Photo : George Frey/Getty Images) An Apple iPhone 6 phones are taken out of a shipping box at a Verizon store on September 18, 2014 in Orem, Utah. Apple's new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus go on sale September 20. And as such, Apple confirmed that "customers will experience longer wait times to receive their new products." But despite that, the tech behemoth clarified that the Dynamic Island-ready phones are still seeing "strong demand." Given that these phones are seeing demand, why are the shipments of these iPhone 14 Pro models getting lower? Read Also: Apple iPhone 14 Plus Sales Concern Enthusiasts; Lower Consumer Interest Than iPhone 13 Mini? Apple Blames China COVID-19 Lockdown for Lower iPhone 14 Shipments According to a recent report by CNBC, the iPhone maker had no choice but to temporarily lessen its production of the higher-end iPhone models. It comes as its factory in China is currently grappling with some COVID-19 restrictions. The giant phone maker disclosed that the Foxconn factory in Zhengzhou has been forced to operate at "significantly reduced capacity." (Photo : Getty Images) WUHAN, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 16: (CHINA OUT) Customers line up at an Apple Store to pick up their orders of the new iPhone 14 on September 16, 2022 in Wuhan. Hubei, China. CNBC notes in its report that the government of China decided to put Zhengzhou under lockdown due to the spread of the coronavirus. Coincidentally, the Yellow River metropolis also turns out to be the location where iPhones are made. So its factory had to operate with some limits these days. The Verge notes that roughly 200,000 Foxconn employees have been required to stay in their dorms within the facilities of the factory. However, the food and other essential supplies were reportedly limited for a couple of days. In turn, some of them decided to leave, leading to fewer workers. Related Article: Apple Manufacturer Pegatron Starts Producing iPhone 14 in India Amidst China's Production Drop This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Teejay Boris 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Twitter is now asking some of its employees who have been laid off to come back to the now Elon Musk-owned social network, a recent report says. The report cited sources familiar with the matter, saying that Twitter now wants some of its workers back. (Photo : Twitter account of Elon Musk/AFP via Getty Images) TOPSHOT - This video grab taken from a video posted on the Twitter account of billionaire Tesla chief Elon Musk on October 26, 2022 shows himself carrying a sink as he enters the Twitter headquarters in San Francisco. But why is Musk-led social media asking some of them to return? Twitter Now Wants Some Fired Employees to Come Back As per the latest news story by Bloomberg, Twitter is asking its former employees, who lost their jobs after Musk acquired the social media giant, to return. The news outlet notes that the Tesla and SpaceX CEO, who now sits as the Chief Twit, has swiftly purged around half of the workforce of Twitter. The massive layoff comes shortly after Musk bought the microblogging platform for a staggering $44 billion. (Photo : CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images) In this illustration photo taken on July 18, 2022 Elon Musk's reply Tweet to Parag Agrawal, the CEO of Twitter, showing a poop emoji is displayed on the screen of a smartphone with Musk Twitter page in the background in Los Angeles. And this time, after Twitter bid farewell to roughly half of its total workforce, the social media giant is reportedly reaching out to its displaced employees to come back. Bloomberg says that two sources close to the situation claim that the top brass of the platform has decided to ask its fired employees to return after their realization. Read Also: No More Fair Twitter Algorithm? Elon Musk Fires Twitter's ML Ethics, Transparency, and Accountability Team Director Why is Twitter Asking Laid-Off Workers to Return After Getting Fired? According to a recent report by Engadget, the two sources say that the execs of the social media giant realized that some of the fired employees turned out to be essential in the plans of the new Chief Twit. Given that, it looks like the firing of some employees was merely an accident after all. Engadget notes in its report that Casey Newton of the Platformer broke the news regarding the plan of the social network to ask their employees to return. He even shared some messages from the internal Twitter Slack channels. Newton reports that the Twitter Slack contains a message that says "sorry to @-everbody on the weekend but I wanted to pass along that we have the opportunity to ask folks that were left off if they will come back." However, it is worth noting that Musk-owned social media has yet to confirm that it is actually reaching out to its fired employees. A news story by Tech Crunch reports that upon the Twitter acquisition of Musk, the tech giant has laid off thousands of employees. It reportedly includes folks from the Human Rights Team and the Accessibility Experience. Related Article: Elon Musk Twitter Takeover: Someone Remembers His Tweet Three Years Ago; Is He Driving Away Customers? This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Teejay Boris 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. After Elon Musk recently acquired Twitter for a whopping $44 billion, the CEO has taken different measures to improve the platform. One of these decisions includes permanently suspending impersonator accounts. Elon Musk Announced that Twitter Will be Taking Action Against Impersonation Accounts According to the story by AP News, Elon Musk recently announced that impersonation accounts would be permanently suspended from the platform. The CEO also warned celebrities that change their Twitter display names, not account names, and tried to tweet as "Elon Musk." The celebrities changed their Twitter display name to "Elon Musk" in reaction after he decided to change the structure of verified accounts. Twitter will charge $8 per month for those who want to verify their accounts. Impersonator Accounts that Do Not Specify as a 'Parody' Will be Permanently Suspended from Twitter Elon Musk's tweet noted that Twitter will permanently suspend impersonating accounts that do not specify "parody." He also had a follow-up tweet saying in the past, they issued a warning before they would suspend an account. Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying parody will be permanently suspended Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 6, 2022 A Warning was Given Saying that Those that Change Their Name will Temporarily Lose Their Verified Checkmark Status However, since they will be rolling out widespread verification, they will no longer be able to give a warning. The new condition will be identified for signing up to Twitter Blue, and any name change will temporarily cause the account to lose its verified checkmark status. Previously, we issued a warning before suspension, but now that we are rolling out widespread verification, there will be no warning. This will be clearly identified as a condition for signing up to Twitter Blue. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 6, 2022 Valerie Bertinelli Reminds About the Original Purpose of the Twitter Verification Checkmark The comedian Kathy Griffin's account was recently suspended for switching her screen name to "Musk." The same happened to actress Valerie Bertinelli, but she switched back to her original Twitter name before explaining. Bertinelli noted that the blue verification checkmark was free for certain individuals that Twitter employees identified as their true identities before the switch. Journalists account for a large portion of the recipients. No News Regarding When the Upcoming Service is Expected to Launch Bertinelli noted that having the blue verification checkmark meant that the account's identity was verified, making it harder for scammers to impersonate the person. She added that since it no longer applies, "Good luck out there!" The service would be initially available in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. There was no additional information regarding when the new rules would go live. Read Also: Twitter Employees Blame Former CEO Jack Dorsey After Multiple Layoffs Under Elon's New Management Musk Explained that the Reason for the Mass Layoffs is due to Twitter Losing a Massive $4 Million a Day Esther Crawford, a Twitter employee, told the Associated Press that the new rules are coming soon, but it has yet to launch officially. When recently asked about his mass layoff decisions, Musk said that they had no choice since the company was actually losing $4 million a day. Related Article: Twitter Content Moderation Policy Unchanged Says Elon Musk, Justifies Employee Layoffs This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Urian B. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Elon Musk is sticking with his free speech goals for Twitter, centering on the company's focus to provide "power to the people," and allowing the public to maximize the use of the platform. However, it seems like Musk's free speech will focus on the extreme side of things, as he declared that freedom will be absolute for all users. This freedom even extends to the famed account which tracks Elon Musk's private airplane, saying that he will not ban the account despite the "personal safety risk." Elon Musk's Free Speech for Twitter is Extreme Freedom? (Photo : SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images) Chief Twit expressed his goals for Twitter, and it is his commitment to giving its users the "free speech" which he promised for several months since he announced his plans to buy the social media. Moreover, it seems like he is taking this free speech campaign to the extreme, by allowing all sides to deliver their sentiments on the many topics discussed on the platform. Still, there will be content moderation and Musk also aims to make Twitter's available information the most accurate, making it their mission to uphold in his time as its leader. Twitter needs to become by far the most accurate source of information about the world. Thats our mission. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2022 Twitter founder and former CEO, Jack Dorsey, asked Musk to who is he making the information accurate, with the Chief Twit saying that it is for all-as judged by the people of Community Notes, the former Birdwatch moderators. Read Also: Elon Musk Slaps $8 Subscription to All Verified Users Complaining, Including NY Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez As judged by the people of Twitter via Community Notes (formerly Birdwatch) Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2022 Twitter to NOT Ban Account Tracking Musk's Plane In his tweet about free speech, the most extreme thing that Musk mentioned is to allow people to express their freedom to speak their voices online. He also said that Twitter will not ban the account that provides an update and tracking to his plane, a former account that went viral, claiming that they can track Elon Musk's private aircraft. Chief Twit said that he is putting Twitter's free speech over his "personal safety risk." My commitment to free speech extends even to not banning the account following my plane, even though that is a direct personal safety risk Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2022 Twitter and Elon Musk's Future Plans Twitter's acquisition was finalized on Friday, October 28, and it was a buzzer-beater sale for Elon Musk to purchase the company, or an impending court proceeding will take place. One of the company's first actions under Chief Twit was to remove its CEO, Parag Agrawal, and Chief Financial Officer from social media. It is known that Musk is now the absolute owner and ruler of Twitter, with his plans to take the company private, back to its roots, to center and "fix" its algorithm. The new Twitter is centering on free speech for all, having the "left and right" have a platform to explain their side, with different opinions and sentiments allowed on the online discussion. Twitter's future has one absolute goal among the many claims from the new owner, and it is to return free speech to the public at no cost. Musk is centering on Twitter to be the internet's hub for every opinion and side, aiming to deliver free speech available for all users, without the price. However, he faces a massive roadblock against the public who are torn on his takeover and latest policies, as well as those looking into the $8 monthly subscription for the verification. Related Article: Twitter Content Moderation Policy Unchanged Says Elon Musk, Justifies Employee Layoffs This article is owned by TechTimes Written by Isaiah Richard 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Laying the foundation of employee belonging (Guest blog by Accenture) Guest blog by Mark Whitehead, Managed Services Lead, Health & Public Service UK & Ireland and Ian Lithgow, Talent & Organisation Lead, Health & Public Service UK & Ireland at Accenture For many, the word bureaucracy creates images of red tape and opaque processes that make sense only to those who created them. However, most people working in the public sector just want to do one thing: have a positive impact on peoples lives. The role of HR should, therefore, be to support people in realising this ambition. Not only might this improve citizen experience, it could also help motivate and retain existing employees and encourage new ones to join. In a recent blog, our colleague Katie Gillett discussed how creating a sense of belonging could be key to building and maintaining the Civil Service of the future. In it, she highlighted how enabling people to transition between roles more seamlessly could be a major driver in creating this feeling of belonging. We now want to explore how leaders might actually make that a reality. Getting it right where it matters In simple terms, its all about enabling people to focus less on process and more on a shared purpose to create a greater sense of belonging. Streamlining and personalising key HR processes to transform the employee experience in those moments that matter could play a major role in achieving this goal. These big, decisive career occasions include onboarding, compensation changes, exits, role changes, promotions, transfers to a new department, parental leave and bereavements. Currently, our Better to Belong research shows that about 25% of government workers dont feel supported by their employers at these moments. Obviously, any solutions will need to be built with specific organisations and their employees in mind. But, broadly there are two key steps to consider: Move away from one-size-fits-all processes. Make HR services and the way theyre accessed simple, personalised and seamless. This means designing them for people based on their specific needs and then enabling them to self-serve as much as possible when they need support. Doing this will require a deeper understanding of employee needs and behaviours than many organisations currently have, and expertise in answering those needs strategically and digitally. Increase the speed and responsiveness of services. Reduce manual admin and form-filling by automating the processes and the support provided. This should have the added benefit of enabling HR experts to focus on more complex tasks. Doing this effectively will first require operational experts, who understand how to balance speed and efficiency with accessible, sensitive, customer-centric support. Then it will demand technical expertise to build the systems that will give users a single interface with core HR services and platforms. The secret ingredients: Skills and scale These changes will mean bringing together a wide range of skills and capabilities. Creating more responsive systems requires experts who can get to grips with peoples needs at each moment and user experience designers who can plan services that meet them. Improving the speed and responsiveness of services will need tech and operations teams to be totally aligned and working closely with one another. And finally, delivering at the scale required by government departments will demand experts who have achieved similar results in comparably-sized organisations. Acquiring these skills will probably depend on a mix of partnering with the right organisations to support the change and transition, while also developing and/or acquiring experts who can continue to run and improve these new services continuously once theyre operational. Done right, this could help create an environment where people feel like there are no barriers to exploring new opportunities. A place where they belong irrespective of their skills or aspirations. This sort of diversity could be key to attracting and retaining the Civil Service workforce of the future. Of course, this isnt the end of the journey. Its the foundation to build on as you continue to create employee experiences that help your people thrive. You can find out why creating the right working environment matters in Accentures latest research. Or please feel free to get in touch for a more detailed discussion. He was carrying the flag of Palestine.. In the video - the family of the Brazil coach is looking for an Arab young man who helped her grandson In July 2022, the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) were released, causing a sensation. Infrared photos showed planets, stars and galaxies in unprecedented detail, going viral online and still making headlines around the world. With interest in science and astronomy at a high, we hosted an International Deep Space Dialogue at the Tencent WE Summit 2022. Now in its 10th year, the Summit serves to highlight the most ambitious scientific work being done around the world. Distinguished speakers for this dialogue included Nobel Prize laureate Dr. John C. Mather, Senior Project Scientist at the JWST; Dr. Zhan Hu, Project Scientist for the Optical Facility of the Chinese Space Station Telescope (CSST), Chinese Academy of Sciences; and Dr. Deng Dafu, Deputy General Manager of Tencent IEG Cros and AI expert for the CATCH program. In the spirit of collaboration that underpins the Summit, this is the first dialogue among the three programs. Joining them was a student and amateur astronomer Zhou Zezhen, winner of the young category of Astronomical Photographer of the Year by the Royal Observatory Greenwich. The dialogue was moderated by Prof. Gou Lijun, a research fellow at NAOC. Diverse Space Programs, Complementary Missions The JWST, with a diameter of 6.5m, is the largest optical telescope in space. Launched on December 25, 2021, the telescope is a joint project involving 20 countries, and uses infrared photography to study light from distant universes. Dr. Mather says that it is observing everything, from the first stars and galaxies and black holes to planets in the solar system. Scheduled for launch in the next year or two will be the CSST a two-meter aperture-wide field space telescope into the same low earth orbit as that of the Space Station. Dr. Zhan explains that the CSSTs primary mission is to carry out high-resolution, large area multiband imaging and spectral surveys using a camera that will be the largest one in space. Meanwhile, CATCH will launch a fleet of smart satellites outfitted with X-ray telescopes to observe multiple space phenomena such as black holes, neutron stars, gamma ray bursts and supernovas. The satellites use AI calculations to make observations, and notify other satellites in the fleet to watch a target around the clock if something of interest is picked up. Frontier Technology Brings Complex Challenges Building the JWST presented unique challenges that took years to overcome. Dr. Mather describes it as an origami telescope because of the way it had to be folded for launch. The engineering was extremely ambitious and required the development of 10 new technologies to focus the telescope after launch, piece the telescope together out of 18 hexagons, ensure the sunshades worked, and invent new kinds of infrared detectors. We had to design it, build it and test it, and when it didnt work, had to start all over again. Finally, after four tests, it worked, says Dr. Mather. For the yet-to-launch CSST, the project team is working to finalize mission parameters. They have not yet determined which celestial objects will be observed and how to disseminate the vast quantity of data that will be collected. According to Dr. Zhan, CSST is mainly a survey telescope. It can be used for observing nearby galaxies such as M31, a very beautiful and large galaxy, and nearby dwarf galaxies as well as galaxy clusters. Similar to the JWST, the CSST can use galaxy clusters to study strong lensing effects, and Zhans team expects to get more solid observations next year. CATCH uses reinforcement learning to help AI solve longstanding conundrums. However, it must first conduct intensive testing to overcome high training and deployment costs, limited interpretability and the lack of learning, historical experience and data that is the foundation of algorithms. Going Where No Human Has Gone Before Each project solves problems and uses technology that allows astronomers to see and do things for the first time and learn about things that have long puzzled humanity. The JWST uses infrared so it can see the most distant universes, or objects that are too cool to emit visible light, and inside clouds of glowing gas and dust where stars are born. This allowed the JWST team to observe planets around other stars, and learn that some planets have water vapor in their atmosphere. They have observed black holes and star-forming regions, including the spectacular Carina Nebula. Compared to ground telescopes, the CSST will have the advantage of high angular resolution and wavelength coverage, along with a large area of sky coverage of one square degree. It may not sound like much, but gives CSST a high-resolution field of vision that is 10,000 times greater than an optical ground telescope. We know that game technology has real world applications. Now we can see how it can help deep space exploration. The CATCH project uses game AI developed by Tencent Games to help satellites estimate the space environment and carry out observations in an intelligent, coordinated manner. It does so by treating celestial objects as agents, and applies corresponding algorithms to find an optimal solution. A Platform For the Next Generation of Scientists and Astronomers Zhou Zezhen, a Chinese middle school student, displayed a sound grasp of astronomy and asked probing questions of the senior panel. He directed a question to Dr. Mather about how the JWST studies black holes, dark matter and dark energy, given they are effectively invisible. Dr. Mather replied that the JWST can detect their presence through gravitational effects. The gravity of galaxies bends light, indicating the presence of dark matter, which is deduced rather than observed, allowing us to know about faraway galaxies. Astute questions were also directed at Dr. Zhan about the advantages of the CSST compared to existing ground telescopes, and to Dr. Deng about how he came up with the idea to apply game AI to a space mission and how to train the AI for such a mission. Making an Impact and Helping Scientific Development Through Ideas Exchange With the launch of CSST on the horizon, Dr. Zhan and other scientists were keen to hear insights from Dr. Mather about how to maximize the impact of the project and the huge investment into getting it off the ground. Dr. Mathers response was clear and simple: share the data and ask for help. He went on to elaborate that the more you can publish your data and have other people analyze it, the more interesting it will be. He outlined how the effort and skills required to build a telescope or observatory are different from those needed to analyze the data and make interesting discoveries, and the JWST is open to proposals and partnerships from any astronomer or scientist around the world. Dr. Mather also had a message for young people such as Zhou, saying that astronomers have a wide understanding of physics and engineering, making them highly qualified for scientific and technical fields, especially in data analysis. He concluded on an optimistic note, reflecting the current enthusiasm for science and astronomy. Its a very exciting time to be an astronomer because we have new equipment, which means new discoveries. With them, many, many things are possible. In addition to this dialogue, the WE Summit 2022 also hosted several dialogues between Chinese teenagers and Thomas Lindahl, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, and considered the father of DNA repair; Jiang Peng, a researcher at the NAOC and chief designer of China Sky Eye, the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST); and other scientists. Such discussions have inspired the next generation of students to seek out, think about, and pursue science. More than 80 of the worlds top scientists have attended the WE Summit over its 10-year history. They have shared cutting-edge scientific and technological information with the public, including theoretical physics, astronomical exploration, brain-computer interface, quantum computing, life science and other fields. Australia is in a housing crisis and every reform to ease the pressure big or small is welcome. Five months out from the state election, NSW Labor has unveiled a new policy to help renters directly transfer their bond to a new property. It will also tighten eviction rules if it wins control of Macquarie Street. The Herald supports Labors proposals as sensible measures to ease the cost-of-living pressure for the 30 per cent of NSW residents who rent their properties. As Domain chief of research and economics Dr Nicola Powell has explained, a national rental crisis will worsen next year as international students and migrant workers return to Australia in larger numbers. Not only will more housing be needed for new arrivals, pressure will also build on the limited stock of social and more affordable housing for our most vulnerable people. Tenants are already facing a tough rental market in Australia. The national vacancy rate has nearly halved, falling from 1.5 per cent in October 2021, to 0.8 per cent last month. According to the latest figures from Domain, the rate fell to a record 1 per cent in Sydney, which is below the 3 per cent rate required for a balanced market. The average rent for a house in Sydney has also jumped from $570 to $650 since September last year. Rents for units have also increased from $480 to $550 in the same period. The first thing that hits you when you step into Southbanks unusual new playground is that the bluestone pavers are, in fact, squishy rubber mats. While this aspect might be immediately reassuring, the $2.4 million play space on Southbank Boulevard has opened to mixed feedback from locals, with some voicing concerns about safety. Six-year-old Pearl says the park kind of looks like its all going to fall apart, but its not. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui Melbourne City Council commissioned award-winning installation artist Mike Hewson to design the playground his first in Melbourne after creating three in Sydney, one of which has been mired in similar controversy. The Southbank site, which took nine months to construct, is decked out with huge bluestone boulders perched on mover dollies that look like they might slip away at any moment. Crown Resorts will pay a record $120 million in fines for failing to encourage responsible gambling at its Melbourne casino, in particular for letting customers gamble for more than 24 hours straight. The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission announced the record fine on Monday, saying it sent a powerful message that misconduct would not be tolerated. Melbournes Crown casino has been fined $120 million for breaking gambling laws. Credit:Scott McNaughton The fine was for two separate issues and based on the findings of a royal commission into Crowns suitability to hold a casino. It means the gaming giant has now been slugged $200 million in fines since the regulator had its enforcement powers strengthened. The commissions chairwoman, Fran Thorn, said: These were not isolated breaches. They were part of a pattern of extensive, sustained and systemic failures by Crown that spanned roughly 12 years. The Navy has the movement of shipping under complete control, and as far as is possible shipping is being allowed to move. Rumours that other ships had been sunk and that a pocket battleship was operating in the vicinity were categorically denied by the Navy department yesterday. The Minister of the Navy made the announcement on Saturday morning that the City of Rayville, owned by the American Pioneer Line, had been sunk apparently by a mine while on a passage from Adelaide to Melbourne with general cargo. An image of the remains of the City of Rayville. Credit:Deakin University CITY OF RAYVILLE SINKS IN 35 MINUTES Thirty-five minutes after an explosion, presumably caused by a mine, had wrecked the forepart of the American freighter, City of Rayville, and put the wireless equipment out of commission, 10 miles off Cape Otway on Friday evening, the vessel had plunged to the bottom. With one exception, all of the 38 members of the crew are safe, having entered the lifeboats as they left the doomed ship or been rescued from the water by them. The lifeboats were subsequently taken in tow by fishermen and the crew landed at Apollo Bay. The missing man is: MAC BRYAN, 58 years, of Norfolk, Virginia (U.S.A.), third engineer. He was a married man with a family. Members of the crew, most of whom were suffering from some degree of shock, told dramatic stories of the tense few seconds that followed the explosion. All agreed that its effect was to render them momentarily inactive as if they had been stunned by a direct blow. It only lasts a split second. You want to do something but cant. Then you recover and go about your business, one of them said. Once we started it was only a matter of seconds before we were at the boats. It was almost dark when the explosion, apparently on the starboard side, shattered the forepart of the vessel and hurled water, hatch covers and other debris high into the air. One of the covers struck the gunwale of a steel life boat, and although damaged it was not made unseaworthy. Within five seconds all cabins and passage ways were filled with heavy acrid smoke, said the ships electrician, R. Stensaker. I knew the smell: I smelt it in the last war and I dont want to smell it again. It was T.N.T. The SS Cambridge sunk off the coast of Victoria after hitting a mine. Great columns of water surged upward after the explosion, and decks amidships were flooded, and the fore top mast brought down. Members of the crew, who were below decks raced up and made for the boats, and the master (Captain Arthur P. Cronin), who supervised the launching of life boats, paid tribute to their behaviour in the disaster. Boats Get Away Twenty or more men got away first in the starboard lifeboat in charge of the first officer, Mr Walter Hart. Because the ship was listing sharply to starboard, Captain Cronin feared it would be impossible to launch it. Seconds were valuable and we had no time to waste, the captain said. We got the boat into the water safely and when I could see no men left in the ship I joined the boat. Five minutes after the explosion, by which time the lifeboats were clear, the vessel was awash from amidships to the bow and was settling into the water with amazing speed. It was standing almost on its nose at an angle of 45 deg., with the propeller clear of the water, and was listing sharply to starboard. Several men, including the second officer, Mr James Green, who was on the watch; the radio operator, Mr Fred A. Gritzer; the electrician, the mess man, Glen Phillips, and the second engineer dived into the water and swam round in the icy-cold water for 15 or 20 minutes before they were picked up by the lifeboats. Meanwhile watchers on shore, near Cape Otway, had heard the explosion and seen the flares and rockets sent up from the lifeboats. A telephone message was sent from Cape Otway to Apollo Bay asking for all available fishing boats to go to the rescue. Within 20 minutes the first, of three boats had put out, and in intense cold and drenching showers, and with visibility reduced to practically nil because of the darkness, were heading to the scene of the disaster. The other boats followed almost immediately. The sea was smooth but choppy at times, and there was a strong tide running. Loading At 9.15 p.m. we sighted the flares from the lifeboats, said Harry Blyth, who was in one of the rescue boats. We came up with one of the boats containing 25 men about 10.10 p.m. and took it in tow. Then we saw another flare, and made for that, but sailed for an hour before we picked up the second, containing twelve men. Rescue Was Act of God Because of the state of the weather it was almost an act of God that we could rescue them, Blyth said. We had our cray pots at the spot near where the boats were picked up for three weeks, and had been unable to get out to them. Jock Muir, another member of the rescue party, said that near the Otway lighthouse they signalled with an electric torch, and the lighthouse in turn signalled the ship boats. They met the first boat about eight miles east-south-east of the cape. Most of the crew was clad only in singlets, trousers and life jackets, and, although cold and wet, remained cheerful throughout their ordeal. When the boats reached Apollo Bay at 3 a.m. on Saturday after a 20-mile trip, they were met by anxious townspeople, who had been waiting on the jetty. The men were taken to the Hotel Ballarat, where the proprietor (Mr Rowling) and his wife provided them with hot soup, dry clothing and bedding. The bush nurse (Sister Faul) and another nurse who was staying at the hotel, attended to several men who had received minor injuries when leaving the ship. SHIPS PAPERS AND CREWS EFFECTS LOST The radio operator, perhaps more than any other member of the crew, experienced the sense of frustration which his companions had felt immediately after the explosion. When he attempted to summon aid for the stricken vessel he found that all his wireless apparatus had been put out of commission. Gritzer said he was carrying out routine duties in his cabin when the explosion occurred and pieces of wreckage and lumber crashed through the roof. Loading I got no ring from the bridge, and when I looked out I saw the captain directing the launching of the lifeboats, he said. Captain Cronin told me to send an SOS with the position of the ship, 10 miles off Cape Otway. I went back to the radio room, and found that the main transmitter was out of commission because of broken cables. I tried the emergency apparatus, but that was also flat, he continued. Then I looked out and saw that the top foremast was down, I went out and saw what was going on, and decided to take the advice of my mates and leave. A lifeboat was pulling out, so I jumped overboard, swum to it, and was pulled aboard. Cadet William Dawe, aged 20 years, who was on his first voyage, having signed on at New York in August, said he was in his cabin talking to a fellow cadet when the explosion occurred. It was not particularly loud and at first they thought an auxiliary boiler was exploding. They ran out, and found passages filled with dense smoke. Windows were shattered and broken glass ley everywhere. Dawe said he just managed to clamber into a lifeboat. They left the ship at 9.32 p.m., and half an hour later heard it go under. Engineer Thomas, who was aboard a Ship torpedoed in the last war, said he was in his cabin when he heard the explosion. He ran on deck, clad only in coat and trousers, having had no time to dress. He was one of those picked up in the water. They did not know where they were, but saw the lighthouse and headed for it. Second Officer Green, who was on the bridge, said the ship was travelling normally in a moderate sea, when she explosion shook it violently. Splintered glass from the bridge was hurled everywhere, and although he sheltered hurriedly behind the automatic steering apparatus, he was cut on the face. Almost immediately afterward the ship was enveloped in a cloud of dense smoke which for a few minutes left those on board in a complete blackout. When he reached the deck the vessel had taken a big list, and a few minutes later began to settle by the head. Loading Metal Found in Boats At least two pieces of metal, painted on one side only, which are stated not to have come from the ship itself, were found in the lifeboats, and it is believed they may throw some light on the source of the explosion. The survivors were unanimous in their appreciation of the splendid efforts of the fishermen who rescued them, and towed their boats to safety. One officer, expressing the gratitude of himself and his colleagues at the gesture and magnificent seamanship of the fishermen, asked, Do they do this sort of thing for nothing? When told they would resent the offer of any reward, the officer remarked, They did a job of work, and I will see they are mentioned for it. Terry McCabe directs the first play in Mark Pracht's comic book trilogy at Chicago's City Lit Theater. The Mark of Kane has a fascinating story and colorful characters exploring an iconic piece of American popular culture, Batman. Without question, there's a lot of theatrical red meat here, but it's not particularly well-cooked in this world premiere by Mark Pracht, staged by City Lit artistic director Terry McCabe. It's vital enough to hold audience attention, but it's not as good as it might be, or needs to be, if it's going to have a future. The title character, based on the real-life Bob Kane, claimed he was the sole creator of Batman, the comic book franchise that made him rich and famous. In fact, he wasn't the only creator, although by contract he received sole credit in perpetuity. A mediocre artist, he drew relatively little of Batman and wrote none of it, relying instead on a team of "ghosts," chief among them writer Milton "Bill" Finger, the real creative genius behind the character. The Mark of Kane deals with the Batman-comic backstory, centering on the fraught Kane-Finger relationship, and offering a glimpse into the slightly shady early comic book industry. The play is written and presented like a comic book, which is good and bad. It's a highly episodic story told in two acts and 18 brief scenes, each akin to a few comic-book panels. The scenes sketch emotions, actions, and characters in bold, bald strokes with little subtlety, just like a comic book. From the moment we meet Kane and Finger, we know that Kane (Josh Zagoren) is a sometimes-charming, self-aggrandizing four-flusher and that the less-assured, unaggressive Finger (Todd Wojcik) will be his foil. Projected photo-murals created by scenic and lighting designer G. "Max" Maxin IV provide large-scale comic book style backgrounds for each scene. That's all fine to a point a bigger commercial production certainly would take advantage of the opportunities thus created but Kane and Finger deserve more depth and nuance, and The Mark of Kane robs itself of its own best opportunities to provide it. It's an epic, spanning 1939-2006 (years after Kane and Finger died), introducing many secondary figures who mostly are undeveloped as characters and appear in only one or two scenes. It takes 13 actors to portray the play's 24 characters, all of them based on actual people. This isn't efficient, tidy, or cost-effective playwriting, so it would behoove Pracht to condense and trim. The Mark of Kane doesn't need four characters to narrate the story, looking back from the 2006 Comic Con International convention in San Diego. It doesn't need two scenes that briefly introduce Kane's and Finger's parents to contrast the emotional environments they provided Bob and Bill. There are better ways to do that, especially with regard to the alcoholic Finger who actually is the protagonist. The narrative needs more time/date stamps, too. At one point, it jumps from the 1940s to the 1960s without a hint. The play really leaps to life midway through Act 1, when Kane and Finger work out the details of the first Batman story, published in 1939 when they were in their mid-20s. Their creative juices are exciting, and more such scenes would add value. Soon after, Kane cuts his exclusive credit deal with a thug publisher, and tells Finger, "I'm going to make sure you're taken care of, but you work for me." Presumably, he told all his ghosts the same thing, but we never see him working with his ghosts, we don't know how well he paid them, we don't see him as the boss actually working in the studio. The entire early comic-book industry was sketchy, with artists and writers often working for multiple titles and publishers at the same time. Audiences would be totally absorbed by this, if more of it were portrayed. The Mark of Kane is part of a Pracht comic-book trilogy, with part two next year at City Lit and part three in 2024, so all the more reason to lay deeper groundwork with The Mark of Kane. Part two will be about Frederic Wertham's notorious muckraking book, Seduction of the Innocent, which nearly shut down the comic-book industry in the mid-1950s, while part three will chronicle the stupendous rise of Marvel Comics, with Stan Lee as a character. This is an exciting, ambitious project for a smaller Off-Loop theater such as City Lit. It's already been blessed with a good deal of local media attention, and it's likely to draw a large and enthusiastic audience. One hopes that close collaborators Pracht and McCabe will not stop with popular success alone, but will hunker in the Batcave to strengthen the entire trilogy. Yilong Liu's new play makes its world premiere with Audible Theater. In fashionable racial discourse, one of the many privileges attributed to whiteness is the ability to forget to lose all connection to the old country from which one's ancestors fled and embrace "American" as a national identity. The jury is still out on whether this is something that can only ever be unique to white people (an elastic census category), but one Chinese American man is trying very hard in Yilong Liu's Good Enemy, now making its world premiere with Audible at the Minetta Lane Theatre. It's the story of Howard (Francis Jue), a widowed Chinese immigrant who decides to drive from his home in the San Gabriel Valley to make a surprise visit to his daughter, Momo (Geena Quintos), who is attending college in New York. He enlists her weed-dealing ex-boyfriend Dave (Alec Silver marinating in SoCal shadiness) to play chauffeur. Tim Liu and Ron Domingo appear in Yilong Liu's GOOD ENEMY, directed by Chay Yew, for Audible at the Minetta Lane Theatre. ( Joan Marcus) None of this is likely to please Momo, who is living in Williamsburg with her white boyfriend (Ryan Spahn) and has limited her communication with Dad during the pandemic. He mostly keeps up by watching her TikTok videos, which he finds far too sexual. Even worse, she has posted video of herself at a protest, putting her skin and politics out there for all the world to see. (In truth, both should be wary of freely offering data to a firm whose Beijing-based parent company is almost certainly under the sway of the Chinese Communist Party.) Howard's fears are well-founded, as we see when the story flashes back to China in 1984 (that's pointed) and a young policeman named Hao (Tim Liu). His superior officer (Ron Domingo) has assigned him to monitor a group of young people indulging in Western music (Joy Division plays an important role). Hao ends up falling in love with one of them, Jiahua (Jeena Yi). The ensuing tale of flirtation, surveillance, betrayal, and bravery makes for edge-of-your-seat viewing. We also understand why Howard might want to keep this thriller to himself. "Im sick of feeling like a book whose first chapter is missing," Momo whines. Both of her parents have purposefully kept her in the dark about their lives in China. Only Dad is left now, and he's not talking, threatening to make Momo yet another American unmoored from history. Francis Jue plays Howard, Ryan Spahn plays White Boyfriend, and Geena Quintos plays Momo in Yilong Liu's GOOD ENEMY, directed by Chay Yew, for Audible at the Minetta Lane Theatre. ( Joan Marcus) Jue and Quintos have a genuine father-daughter vibe, with Jue serving a healthy dose of snark that is unexpected from a Chinese patriarch (at least, among those of us who don't speak Chinese). We feel his lonely agony as he mentally replays his memories, a ghostly visitor to his own past. Liu and Yi turn these memories into flesh-and-blood reality, depicting a budding romance that is completely enchanting in its idiosyncrasy. It's enough to make us forget that we're witnessing an undercover operation. Maybe it's enough to make Officer Hao forget too. Director Chay Yew expertly bleeds past into present with a staging that works best when he keeps things simple. Junghyun Georgia Lee's set multiple blocks and frames in off-white seems to promise a mise-en-scene that sacrifices nothing in terms of clarity while inviting the audience to fill in the blanks with our imaginations. However, in a testament to the resources Audible (a subsidiary of Amazon) can marshal: Yew and Lee have installed a small pool of water in the stage to depict the river in which Hao and Jiahua swam during their secret dates. The realistic splish-splash of the water makes for some arresting moments the price being that a large portion of the audience seated in the orchestra can barely see the actors as they fall in love with their heads peeking up from the trap door. Jeena Yi plays Jiahua, and Tim Liu plays Hao in Yilong Liu's GOOD ENEMY, directed by Chay Yew, for Audible at the Minetta Lane Theatre. ( Joan Marcus) Far more effective are Reza Behjat's lighting and Mikhail Fiksel's sound: They conjure the river with just a couple of cues, returning it to the realm of suppressed memory just as quickly. Mel Ng's costumes are similarly thoughtful, with the '80s characters wearing generic versions of the clothes American kids might have worn a few years before (which, of course, would have been the best that Westward-facing kids who were not Communist princelings could have done in Deng's China). Sightline quibbles aside, Good Enemy is a handsomely produced world premiere of a play that is gripping, heartbreaking, and undeniably important. History is an onerous burden, but its obliteration is a luxury that we may not be able to afford. News Updates Would you like to receive our newsletter? Get local, Wyoming, and national news, the weather forecast, and more, delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Batavia, NY (14020) Today Mostly cloudy. High 46F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy this evening then becoming windy with rain developing after midnight. Low 39F. Winds SSE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Higher wind gusts possible. Philadelphia police process part of a crime scene where multiple people were injured in a shooting in Philadelphia late on Nov. 5, 2022. (Elizabeth Robertson/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) 4 Critical, 5 Stable After Shooting on Philadelphia Street PHILADELPHIAFour people remain in critical condition following a shooting that wounded nine people on a busy northeast Philadelphia street over the weekend, police said. Police said several people emerged from a vehicle and opened fire on a crowd at Kensington and Allegheny avenues in the Kensington neighborhood at about 10:45 p.m. Saturday. Police said a 23-year-old man, a 27-year-old man and two 24-year-old men were critically wounded. Two other 24-year-old men and two 40-year-old men were listed in stable condition, as was a 23-year-old woman. Police said at least 40 shots were fired. No arrests were immediately announced. Philadelphia police process part of a crime scene where multiple people were injured in a shooting in Philadelphia late on Nov. 5, 2022. (Elizabeth Robertson/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) Deputy Police Commissioner John Stanford said police could not immediately determine a reason for the shooting. At this point in time, it just looks like these individuals may have spotted someone they wanted to shoot at, exited the vehicle and began firing at the group of individuals that were there. We dont have much more than that in terms of motive, Stanford said. There were officers in the area who heard the gunshots, Stanford told WCAU-TV. Our men and women are where theyre supposed to be in the sense of being out here patrolling, but we have some brazen individuals in this city that dont care, he said. They dont care how many police officers are out here, and some of them dont care in terms of how many people are out here. Ad Agency Contracted by Feds Says Dont Buy Twitter Ads: Report Cosette, a Quebec-based marketing agency that officially purchases advertising for the federal government, has reportedly advised the feds to pause media buying on Twitter, citing mass layoffs and public relations concerns, after the social media platform was purchased by Elon Musk. According to an internal document sent from Cosette and reported on by CBC News, the firm advised on Nov. 4 that the feds should pause activity immediately and monitor the situation over the weekend, citing unknown continuity plans for moderation, and heightened risk of brand safety. The Government of Canada spent more than $3 million in advertising with the agency on Twitter from 2020 to 2021, according to its annual report on media expenditures. According to CBC, Cossettes internal documents advise the federal government there is reason to be concerned about ongoing moderation and brand safety on Twitter, and said that the U.S. midterm elections on Nov. 8 could mean a lot of focus on the platform for abuse. On Nov. 5, Twitter announced it would be moving ahead with a plan for a paid, monthly subscription for its blue checkmarks verification system. Screenshots of the plan were tweeted by users who received messages about Twitter Blue with verification, but is not in operation yet. Esther Crawford, a Twitter employee, tweeted that the new Blue isnt live yet the sprint to our launch continues but some folks may see us making updates because we are testing and pushing changes in real-time. Given the fluidity of the situation with respect to Twitters policy, the government is assessing next steps on verification, the Prime Ministers Office said. In the past, Twitter has provided blue checkmarks to news organizations, law enforcement, and governments, as well as to large well-known brands and celebrities. We are still working to understand the impact of Twitters new verification rules for advertisers and will update our guidance once we receive more clarity from Twitter, stated Brian Cuddy, Cossettes SVP for responsible media solutions. Twitter Layoffs About 50 percent of the Twitter workforce have been laid off company-wide since Musk purchased Twitter and took possession on Oct 27. Everyone exited was offered 3 months of severance, which is 50% more than legally required, Musk tweeted on Nov. 4. He said that the company had no choice because Twitter was losing over $4 million dollars per day. Musk has attributed some of that drop in revenue to activists. Twitter has had a massive drop in revenue, due to activist groups pressuring advertisers, even though nothing has changed with content moderation and we did everything we could to appease the activists, he tweeted on Nov. 4. Theyre trying to destroy free speech in America, he added. On Nov. 1, a number of U.S.-based advocacy organizations, such as Friends of the Earth, GLAAD, National Center for Transgender Equality, Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, The United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry, DemCast USA, and the Center on Race and Digital Justice, among dozens of others, wrote an open letter to what they said was Twitters 20 largest US advertisers, urging these companies to boycott Twitter. Some of the major companies addressed include Amazon, Apple Inc., CBS, Coca-Cola Company, IBM, Disney, Google, Merck & Co., and Procter & Gamble. The letter alleges Musk plans to undermine brand safety and community standards. On Nov. 7, the President of Judicial Watch, Tom Fitton, tweeted that he wondered if Elon Musk and Twitter had tortious interference claims against the Left activist groups which are causing damaging advertiser boycotts of the platform?meaning a legal claim for damages against his business. We do, Musk replied the same day. Cossette Cossette officially became the firm contracted to provide media planning and strategy, media buying, and advertising services to the Government of Canada in August 2019. In 2014, Chinas BlueFocus Communications acquired a majority stake in the parent company of Cossette. BlueFocus Communications, described as Chinas leading advertising, PR, digital marketing and communications company, was listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2010 and reportedly represents over 1,500 brands globally. In May 2020, the Quebec government announced it would award Cossette a three-year contract worth $15 million per year to develop campaigns and media relations during the pandemic. The deal came with some controversy amid criticism from Quebec-based advertising agencies. Cossette CEO Brett Marchand told The Message, an online marketing blog, that people felt government work should be given to a Canadian firm instead of a Chinese-owned company, while saying these concerns are unfounded. In May 2021, a majority stake in Cossette was acquired by two Quebec companies, Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ), and private equity firm CVC Capital Partners, headquartered in Quebec City. The Epoch Times contacted Cossette, the Prime Ministers Office, and Twitter for comments, but didnt hear back by publication time. The Canadian Press contributed to this report. A trail camera captures illegal aliens walking on a rancher's property at night in Kinney County, Texas, in September 2022. (Courtesy of a rancher) Almost 87,000 Unknown Illegal Aliens Got Past Border Patrol in October: Provisional Data Border Patrol agents apprehended 209,664 illegal aliens along the southern border during October, according to provisional Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data obtained by The Epoch Times. However, its the gotaways that make up the most notable increase. Each month, Border Patrol agents record the number of illegal aliens that they detect but dont catch, which they call gotaways. However, that number isnt publicly available and the number that go undetected is impossible to estimate. Gotaways are generally described as illegal aliens who would have no legal pathway to enter the United States, and they include previously deported aliens and criminals. During the month of October, agents recorded almost 87,000 gotaways along the southern border, double the number recorded in August. For the first time, the agency has split the gotaway numbers into two separate categories: Border Zone (68,393 in October) and Interior Zone (18,403). The numbers reflect a marked shift in illegal border traffic, with the El Paso sector recording 20,460 gotaways, almost triple the number in April. The El Paso sector includes New Mexico, and aside from the city itself, most of that border region is remote ranchland. Tucson still leads the nation in the number of gotaways; in that sector, agents recorded almost exactly the same number of gotaways (23,699) as the number of illegal aliens they apprehended (23,723). Del Rio dropped to third behind El Paso for gotaways, but only by 100. In general, illegal border-crossers are now being funneled through El Paso in greater numbers. The numbers of illegal aliens that agents apprehended and of those they didnt have both spiked in the past two months in the region. In October, El Paso agents apprehended more than 53,200 illegal aliens, the highest number among the nine southern border sectors for the month and only 10,000 fewer arrests than in the entire 2020 fiscal year for the region. The city of El Paso is receiving millions of dollars from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to feed, house, and transport illegal aliens once theyre released by Border Patrol. Since May, when the city issued an emergency ordinance, it has set up a mammoth operation in conjunction with local NGOs to provide thousands of illegal immigrants with meals, hotel rooms, and help with bus or plane tickets to their chosen destination. More than 100 city employees are working full time to assist with the operation, and several council members have expressed concern that local projects are being delayed because of the shift in resources. El Paso Deputy City Manager Mario DAgostino said during a Sept. 27 council meeting that CBP had increased its flights of illegal aliens out of the city to up to six per day. In addition, the city council approved the use of up to $6 million from the citys general fund to pay for charter buses to transport illegal aliens to cities around the United States, with the expectation that the federal government will reimburse the funds. Currently, the city is sending busloads to New York, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. The National Border Patrol Council, which represents about 18,000 border agents, said on Nov. 7 that the border is in the sorriest condition its ever been in since the agency was formed in 1924. Bidens the worst of the worst. His records tell you all you need to knowdeaths/escapes/cartel profits. Then theres the fentanyl pouring in, the union posted on its Twitter page. Hes an unmitigated disaster of epic proportions. The iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max at the Apple Fifth Avenue store in Manhattan, New York, on Sept. 16, 2022. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters) Apple Warns Ongoing COVID-19 Lockdowns in China Significantly Impacting iPhone Production Apple has warned that COVID-19 lockdowns in China are significantly impacting its iPhone supply chain. COVID-19 restrictions have temporarily impacted the primary iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max assembly facility located in Zhengzhou, China, the company said in a Nov. 6 statement. The facility is currently operating at significantly reduced capacity. The factory makes Apples most expensive, high-end iPhone models. But as the lives and livelihoods of Apples China-based assembly line employees are thrown into disarray by the zero-COVID policies of Chinas ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Apple is feeling the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. We now expect lower iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max shipments than we previously anticipated and customers will experience longer wait times to receive their new products, the company warned its consumers. According to the statement, the company is prioritizing the health and safety of the workers in our supply chain. The Apple supplier impacted in Zhengzhou is Foxconn. Its Zhengzhou factory is Apples largest iPhone assembly plant in the world and the main source of Apples global supply. Foxconn said on Nov. 7 in response to Apples statement that it is now working with the government in [a] concerted effort to stamp out the pandemic and resume production to its full capacity as quickly as possible. It added that new measures would be implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19 at the factory through a system that restricts factory workers movements. Under the CCPs policies, many workers at the plant in the capital of Henan Province have been forced into mandatory quarantine after a cluster of positive COVID-19 cases were detected late last month. According to notices viewed by The Epoch Times, tens of thousands of workers were quarantined during the initial outbreak, although some have since been released after returning consecutive negative tests for multiple days. The Financial Times described the number leaving as a mass exodus in an Oct. 30 report. Authorities ordered a seven-day lockdown for the industrial park where the iPhone factory is located on Nov. 2. Those who tested positive remain trapped in quarantine, with workers complaining of a lack of basic food, medicines, and living supplies. Foxconns Zhengzhou plant has about 300,000 employees. Supply Chains in China Apples supply chain in China has been suffering under the CCPs COVID restrictions since at least April, with Taiwanese supplier Pegatron, which has factories in Shanghai, reporting impacts to operations under the citys infamous mass lockdowns at the time. Pegatron predicted the disruptions would cost the company up to $8 billion in revenue that quarter. A number of Foxconn plants in southern China have also been impacted by lockdowns. In August, the company signed a $300 million memorandum of understanding with a developer to expand its facilities in north Vietnam, indicating considerations to expand operations outside of China, as businesses there still face uncertainty over the CCPs seemingly indefinite economy-busting zero-COVID policies. In 2021, Foxconn invested $1.5 billion in Vietnam, according to the government of the southeast Asian country. The Apple supplier also has smaller production sites in India. Foxconn said on Nov. 7 that it has revised down its fourth-quarter outlook for the year. It will release its third-quarter earnings on Nov. 10. Apple and Foxconn didnt respond to a request from The Epoch Times for comment by press time. Jessica Mao and Reuters contributed to this report. Illustration picture shows a mobile phone and laptop with the Google website, on Dec. 14, 2020. (Laurie Dieffembacq/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images) Australians to Lose $4 Billion to Scams in 2022: Aussie Minister The Australian government has warned that scammers could rob Australians of $4 billion (US$2.57 billion) in 2022, which is nearly twice the amount of losses reported in the previous year. On Nov. 7, Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones announced that the Labor government would establish a new anti-scam centre inside the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) to fulfil its election promise. In addition, The minister said the government would introduce new industry codes as well as changes to outdated privacy laws. He also acknowledged the impacts of scams on peoples daily lives and said more would be done to tackle the issue. We anticipate that itll hit four billion dollars this year, at a time when Australians are already struggling with cost of living increases. This is going to hit them out of the park, Jones told Nine Network on the first day of Australias Scams Awareness Week. When you look at those numbers moving from $2 billion to $4 billion, we cant afford to have another year where there is no action on this. Increases in Financial Losses Reported to Government Agency According to Scamwatch, an anti-scam website run by the ACCC, it received over 166,000 scam reports between January and September 2022, with the total amount of financial losses increasing by 90 percent to $424.8 million compared to the same period last year. However, it noted that the real number was much higher, as only 13 percent of the victims reported to the website. Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones at a press conference in Canberra, Australia, on Oct. 31, 2022. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said her agencys research showed that 96 percent of the Australian population was exposed to a scam in the five years to 2021, while half of those surveyed were targeted weekly or daily by scammers. Scammers evolve quickly, and their tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated and unscrupulous, she said in a statement. While there is a great deal of work underway to disrupt scammers, our best defence against these types of scams is education. During the Scams Awareness Week, the ACCC encourages Australians to learn about and watch out for common scam clues as well as reach out for help when needed. More Australians Fall Victim to SMS and Phone Scams Meanwhile, a study by the comparison website Finder showed that an increasing number of Australians were falling victim to fake text and phone calls. The website surveyed 1,058 respondents and found that three in four had received a fraudulent text message or phone call in 2022. However, only 21 percent of them reported the scam. Sarah Megginson, a money expert at Finder, advised Australians to ignore contact from unknown numbers. Let the caller go to voicemail. If they leave a number, you can check if it matches a real business online, she said in a statement. Dont ever reply to or click on links in text messages. These could link to viruses and other nasties, or fake sites looking to steal your personal data. She also noted that people should read text messages carefully as one indicator of a fraudulent SMS was bad spelling or grammar. President Joe Biden speaks at a rally for New York incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul and other state Democrats in Yonkers, New York, on Nov. 6, 2022. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) Biden Says No More Drilling at New York Rally Ahead of Midterms President Joe Biden made an unexpected comment against oil drilling on Sunday while speaking at a rally to support New Yorks Democrat governor in her bid to remain in office. Biden blurted out that there would be no more drilling during his presidency, after an exchange with a climate protester during a rally to support Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York. The president was speaking at Sarah Lawrence College in New York on Nov. 6, boasting about his administrations achievements and attacking Republicans like Hochuls rival, Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.). Bidens unscripted remarks came after he was heckled by a climate protester toward the end of his speech. The protester was holding up a sign that read 5 more years of drilling is a lose lose! and was shouting at Biden about offshore drilling leases. As the heckler persisted, Biden shot back, there is no more drilling. I havent formed any new drilling. The protester again shouted her objections to offshore drilling in the Antarctic and the Gulf of Mexico. That was before I was president. Were trying to work on that to get that done, Biden responded. Republicans and other critics immediately shot back at the presidents comments. Two days before the midterm elections, Joe Biden clearly states he is for no more [oil] drilling,' the Republican National Committee (RNC) posted on Twitter. Bidens staff immediately walked back the presidents comments, after much pushback from the public and even members of his own party, such as Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded by explaining that the presidents comments have been twisted to suggest a meaning that was not intended, and that he regrets it if anyone was offended. The President was commenting on a fact of economics and technology: as it has been from the earliest days as an energy superpower, America is once against in the midst of an energy transition, Jean-Pierre stated. Bidens War on Domestic Fuel Production Bidens candid admission amounted to a doubling down of his administrations controversial war against domestic energy production just before the midterms, which have in part led to a rise in gas and diesel prices. He previously announced on Nov. 4 that coal plants all across the United States would be shut down and replaced with wind and solar. Were going to be shutting these plants down all across America, said Biden, adding that it is cheaper to generate electricity from wind and solar than it is from coal and oil. Literally cheaper, the president continued, saying it was not a joke. The RNC responded in a tweet, saying Joe Biden celebrates coal plant workers losing their jobs. The president has been repeatedly blaming skyrocketing energy prices on Russias invasion of Ukraine, OPEC production cuts, and alleged price gouging by the U.S. oil and natural gas industry. However, the average price of gas was $2.37 per gallon when Biden took office in January 2021, well before the Ukraine war, according to the Energy Information Administration. As of Nov. 7, the average price of gas was $3.80 per gallon, according to AAA. Democrats Energy Policies Ahead of Midterms Bidens remarks at the rally may hurt Democrats in the midterms, as gas prices continue to go up, with many Americans blaming his green energy and anti-fossil fuel crusade as a major contributing factor to the surge. Biden has long insisted hes no obstacle to expanded oil drilling, environmentalist and author Michael Shellenberger wrote in a tweet with a video of Biden in June saying the United States needs to increase refining capacity and that it was not true that his administration had been limiting oil production. In fact, Biden killed a refinery on May 14 and killed a 1M acre oil & gas lease in Alaska in May 12, Shellenberger noted. By shouting No More Drilling. There is no more drilling! at a New York rally, Biden has effectively admitted that he & his administration have been lying for months, Shellenberger said in a tweet. Biden Attempts to Pass the Blame Biden has tapped into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to increase the supply of oil, depleting the reserve in the process, in an effort to bring down gas prices ahead of the midterm elections. Biden also attempted to convince Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the summer to increase oil production, but it backfired when the kingdom sided with OPEC to cut oil output by a few million barrels, greatly embarrassing the administration. Recent key petroleum refinery shutdowns and federal and state policies discouraging increasing U.S. fossil fuel production and refinery capacity have all contributed to the price increases, Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, told FOX Business. Meanwhile, Hochuls poll number have been dropping in an increasingly tight race, as she hopes to keep her governorship just two days before the election against Zeldin. A former lieutenant governor, Hochul became governor of New York after her predecessor, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, was forced to resign due to multiple scandals. Her administration has since been mired in political controversy, skyrocketing crime rates, and flagging poll numbers. The Epoch Times reached out to the White House for comment. President Joe Biden walks to board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Md. on Nov. 3, 2022. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Bidens New National Defense Strategy Already Failed Commentary The Biden administration released its 2022 National Defense Strategy (NDS) on Oct. 27 (pdf). This followed the National Security Strategy by two weeks. The NDS rightly calls the upcoming decade decisive for the United States. It reveals a suitable sense of urgency. Its integrated deterrence combines both conventional and nuclear military force against U.S. enemies. The NDS rightly notes Americas unique mix of strengths, including our democratic values, our open society, our diversity, our base of innovation, our culture of ingenuity, our combat experience, our globe-spanning network of Alliances and partnerships, and above all our extraordinary All Volunteer Force. But then weakness and failure begins to leak through the verbiage. While Russian aggression and threats from Iran, North Korea, and terrorists are rightly called out, China is downplayed as a challenge or competitor. Totalitarian China is not just Americas longest-term challenge. It is our longest-term enemy, stretching back to the Korean War and now again revealing itself through support of Moscows bloodthirsty drive for power in Ukraine. It should go without saying that China, the state, has become an enemy of democracy and human rights not because of Chinas civilizational strengths or wonderful Chinese people, who are repressed more than almost anyone on the planet. China, the civilization and people, have resisted the perpetrator, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). But nowhere is this ultimate cause of global instability, this transnational terrorist organization that parades itself as a legitimate state, called out by the NDS. Through the CCPs exploitation of 1.4 billion people in China, its power is growing to the point of threatening the U.S.-led world order that emerged after the Second World War. That order undergirded most of the peace between nations, along with a growth in human rights and democracy, that the world enjoyed over the past 75 years. But with Chinas rise as a global economic power, so has democracys star fallen among an increasing number of nations. Rejecting democracy and its rule of law for the chaos of international war and civil conflict that would result from Beijing in the lead should not be an option for any country in an era of nuclear weapons. Tourists look on as a Chinese military helicopter flies past Pingtan Island, one of mainland Chinas closest points to Taiwan, in Fujian province on Aug. 4, 2022. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images) The Biden strategy gives too much leeway to countries and companies to join democracys enemies, including through trade, and still enjoy the support of the United States. Given the rising threat, all must now be expected to explicitly choose the side of democracy. The administration fails at its top four defense priorities in the NDS. It fails to effectively defend the homeland against cyberattacks and the theft of up to $600 billion annually in intellectual property. It fails to deter strategic attacks against partners such as Ukraine and Taiwan, whose existence is threatened by ongoing weaknesses in American defense strategy. It fails to deter aggression against allies like the Philippines, some of whose territoriesfor example at Subi Reefare now Chinese military bases. Subi, in the South China Sea, was captured by Beijing in 1988 and nobody raised a finger in its defense. These military failures are a failure to ensure Americas military advantage and resilience, given that our advantage lies in part with the integrity of our alliance structure, the faith our partners have in that structure, and the freedom of the seas for the American and allied commerce that supports our military spending. China is beginning the process of shutting down free commerce through its militarized artificial islands in the South China Sea and its increasing pugnacity over the Taiwan Strait. If the U.S. military were really so advantaged and resilient, as the NDS promises, we would already have prevailed against all the threats above. The reality is the opposite. The Biden administration, and many administrations before, stretching back to the 1970s, presided over the relative decline of American military power in preference for short-term benefits that result from trading with the enemy. China and Russia sell us and our allies things we do not need, and in exchange we deliver the economic, technological, and thus military means to destroy ourselves. The loss of American military power relative to our top two adversaries could not be more dangerous given their aggressive development of hypersonic missiles, artificial intelligence, and nuclear weapons, all in service to an offensive strategy that seeks to use nuclear threats for not only deterrence, but compellence. The CCP has links to terrorists and rogue states who could act for them in our destruction through nuclear terrorism. Their links to terrorists go unmentioned in the NDS. While purporting to rely on our alliance structures and nuclear extended deterrence to protect allies and partners from the conventional wars that can escalate to nuclear conflict, we have clearly failed in that aim. Russia invaded Ukraine twice in eight years, and is now threatening to use nuclear weapons against our NATO allies in Europe. China is threatening to invade Taiwan and has signaled a willingness to use nuclear weapons there, and more generally against Australia and the Philippines in its regional expansion. Soldiers in Chinas Peoples Liberation Army at the Shek Kong barrackspart of the Hong Kong garrisonon June 30, 2017. (Dale De La Rey/AFP via Getty Images) If China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea attacked their neighbors simultaneously, our ability to defend our partners abroad would be overwhelmed. The risk from this concatenation of dictators cannot be overstated, yet the NDS does not fully clarify the threat. America cannot rely on weak allies who lack the necessary means to deter aggression from Beijing and Moscow. Ukraine, which relinquished its nuclear deterrent, is proof. Partners such as Ukraine, Georgia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia, all on the frontlines defending democracy against the territorial expansion of China and Russia, need their own independent nuclear deterrence. Instead, the NDS repeats the old and failed strategy of nuclear nonproliferation. The Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT) opened for signature in 1968. Since then, India, Pakistan, and North Korea became enduring nuclear weapon states. Iran is well on its way. Meanwhile, all nuclear dictatorships are threatening their neighbors and demanding existential territorial concessions. The NPT is an abject failure, but we have not admitted as much because it would require a complete revision of our military strategy. Ukraine has shown us that unless we do more, our relatively unarmed allies will be vulnerable to debilitating wars, casualties, and refugee flows. Since February, over 16,000 Ukrainian civilians were killed or injured. Over 6 million are refugees. Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers are dead. War is strengthening Ukraines nationalism, but destroying the resources it could have brought to NATO if allowed in as a nuclear-weapons state in 1994. That year, Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons. Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom promised to respect Ukraines territorial integrity in exchange. Russia broke that promise in 2014. Kiev was duped by not only Moscow, but by Washington and Londons faulty strategy. So goes the U.S. mutual defense treaty of 1951 with the Philippines. That country is now having its reefs taken as Chinese military bases. Its fishermen are turned back from their ancient fishing grounds in their own exclusive economic zone. The country is barred by China from drilling in its own offshore oil blocks and gas fields. American military strategy has repeatedly failed. Vietnam was followed by Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. We look weak to the worlds dictators, who as a result become more aggressive. The latest NDS feeds this weakness by continuing to back away from full-strength nuclear deterrence. Rather than rearm, the NDS continues the Obama-era policy of removing all but one nuclear warhead per intercontinental ballistic missile under the false claim that this reduces adversary incentives for a nuclear first strike. In fact the opposite is true. The weaker our nuclear deterrence, the more incentive our enemies have to strike first, not only with nuclear weapons against our homeland (admittedly unlikely) but with conventional strikes on allies and partners (which risks geographic expansion and escalation to nuclear war). By its own metrics, the Biden administrations NDS is a failure. The world needs real strategy, straight talk, and tougher leadership from Washington. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Can I Carry Gold on an International Flight? Carrying gold via public transportation can be tricky. And if youre planning to transport gold, you might wonder whether you can carry gold on an international flight. The answer is, yes, you can. Overview of Flying Internationally With Gold Thousands of investors see gold as the safest way to store value and maintain financial stability, no matter which country they live in. Given that, occasions arise when they find it necessary to transport gold across national borders. While you can carry gold when flying internationally, safety and security are high priorities when doing so. Youll then want to know everything you can to protect your precious metals, including: Gold coins Gold medals Gold jewelry Gold bullion Where Should You Keep Your Gold During International Flights? You might think its better to keep precious metals in your checked-in baggage, but we strongly recommend not doing this. For one thing, you risk losing your checked bags, and for another, you could lose your gold or silver jewelry if anything should happen to the luggage. Storing your gold in a secure carry-on bag is the best way. You can keep it close to you while flying and never worry about who might be handling it or where it is. Just ensure that your bags maximum weight capacity can hold the gold. How Should You Handle Security Checkpoints? Its usually not a problem to bring gold into other countries, but dont assume everything will go smoothly. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) must keep travelers safe and may stop you to double-check for suspicious materials or counterfeit coins. This could cause delays, missed flights, ruined schedules, and concerns about losing your precious metal. Dont try to sneak your precious metals through security checkpoints to avoid this fiasco. The recommended method is to declare your gold to TSA agents or the appropriate customs authorities beforehand and maintain complete transparency. If you declare your gold upfront, it makes you automatically less suspicious. Does the Airline Need to Know That Youre Transporting Gold? Informing the airline about your gold transportation isnt a requirement. However, it could help your flight go more smoothly and prevent complications with customs. Airlines might be able to accommodate you better when carrying gold if they know how much gold youre carrying and what form its in (gold bars, coins, jewelry, etc.). Airlines can sometimes offer advice on how to transport your silver or gold items. Female travelers often carry silver or gold earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry and may worry about getting robbed. Letting the airline know about this can provide peace of mind. What to Do If a TSA Agent Wants to Inspect Your Baggage Importing gold coins, cash, and other currencies to the United States or any other country can be nerve-racking. You may feel targeted and constantly concerned that someone will try to steal your luggage. The situation might become even more stressful when a TSA agent feels they must inspect your bags. If you get stopped for inspection, dont panic. Heres what you should do: Be polite. Complaining or refusing to open your bags will only draw more attention to yourself and potentially lead to a fine. Explain yourself. If you didnt declare your gold, now is the time to do it. Please explain what youre transporting, its value, and its purpose (for example, a gift). Request a private screening. Inspecting your bags in a private room can ensure other travelers dont learn youre carrying gold. How Much Gold Can You Carry on International Flights? The amount of gold allowed on international flights depends on several factors. These may include the customs duty of the country youre leaving, the customs duty of the government youre flying to, and the airline or airline alliance. Youll want to do some independent research to learn about things such as the following: Import duty on gold coins Duty-free allowance Gold transportation fines Past performance of the airline US Customs and Border Protection When traveling to and from the United States, you must adhere to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidelines. Here are some critical CBP rules and restrictions regarding precious metals importation and exportation: You may import copies of gold coins only if properly marked. You dont have to worry about customs duty on gold medals, coins, or bullion declared to a customs official. You must complete a FinCEN 105 form to transport monetary instruments (cash, coin, or other currency) exceeding $10,000. (FinCEN stands for Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, regarding currency or monetary instruments.) How to Avoid Legal Problems When Traveling Internationally With Gold Coins If youre traveling abroad with a suitcase full of gold coins, the last thing you want is to risk violating rules and restrictions. Before you leave for the airport, confirm that you have all the proper documentation for yourself and your baggage. In addition to a valid passport and visa, youll want to bring other documents to help cover your gold. Bringing along a gold sales receipt or invoice can prevent major setbacks if customs officials decide to check your baggage. A receipt can quickly prove that the gold belongs to you as well as corroborating its value. Keeping Track of Your Gold While Traveling Internationally Even with the gold in a personal bag, it can be challenging to pay attention to it. You wont always have it slung over your shoulder or rolling behind you. Here are some typical times when you might lose track of your gold-carrying luggage: When your bag passes through a security checkpoint; When you stop for a bite to eat at the airport; While you wait in an airport lounge or at the gate; When you use the restroom in the airport or on the airplane; or After you place your bag in an overhead compartment. You can pay close attention to your gold and prevent theft simply by being aware of these vulnerable situations. If youre traveling alone, try to keep your bags within arms length as much as possible. The Oxford Gold Group helps investors protect and grow their wealth by purchasing physical gold and silver for their IRAs and for home delivery as effortlessly and securely as buying bonds or stocks. Thats why investors have turned to the security of gold and silver and the Oxford Gold Group. Call 833-600-GOLD or visit OxfordGoldGroup.com to receive a complimentary copy of Your Precious Metals Investment Guide. Third-party advertisements and links to other sites where goods or services are advertised arent endorsements or recommendations by The Epoch Times of the third-party sites, goods, or services. The Epoch Times takes no responsibility for the content of the ads, promises made, or the quality/reliability of the products or services offered in all advertisements. Members of the Canadian Armed Forces march at a parade in Calgary on July 8, 2016. (The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh) Military Now Accepting Permanent Residents, Drops Citizenship Requirement The military is now accepting permanent residents and has dropped its requirement that enlistees must be Canadian citizens. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) made the announcement on Nov. 5 amid ongoing reports of the militarys recruitment crisis. In October, Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Wayne Eyre called attention to the staffing shortage, saying there needs to be a whole-of-society effort to help us bring the Armed Forces back to where it needs to be for the dangerous world ahead. The CAFs new basic recruitment requirements are that either Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 18 years and older can apply so long as they have completed schooling at least up to grade 10. Eyre recently told the Armed Forces Council in a leaked briefing note that the militarys attrition rate is at its highest point in over 15 years, the Ottawa Citizen reported. Although attrition was forecast to be higher than average for two years post-pandemic, we are realizing likely 1000 higher than forecast, the highest in 15 years, Eyre said in the note. National Defence told The Epoch Times in a previous email that the militarys total attrition rate for the 2021-2022 fiscal year was 9.3 percent. In his briefing note, Eyre also said the CAF is going through a workforce crisis and said the military needs a reconstitution to bring recruitment numbers back up. Eyre ordered a halt to all non-essential military activities in early October, in order to focus more CAF resources on recruitment and retention. In the same order, Eyre wrote that personnel and staffing issues, combined with a changing demographic and expectations of our existing and potential work force, continue to challenge both the strength and the readiness of the CAF. He said there has been significant loss of experience and expertise within the military recently, and added that the problem needs to be quickly resolved to ensure Canada is a relevant and trusted partner in the future. The Canadian Press contributed to this report. Childrens Hospitals Across Canada Report Being Overwhelmed by Kids With Respiratory Infections Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases surge What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the virus currently being blamed for a surge in pediatric emergency room visits across Canada? RSV infection is a common, highly contagious childhood illness that causes symptoms similar to colds. Cases usually take a week or two to resolve. Symptoms include coughing, fever, runny nose, and a loss of appetite and energy, says the Canadian Paediatric Society. In more severe cases, hospitalization is required where supplementary oxygen or intravenous fluids can be given if needed. Babies are most at risk of serious complications. Secondary bacterial infections like pneumonia and bronchiolitis can result from RSV. There is no drug that prevents RSV infection; treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and addressing secondary infections. RSV activity, which typically peaks in the winter, is rising and is above expected levels for this time of year, according to Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) data. Some 1,045 cases were detected among 14,938 tests conducted for the week ending Oct. 29, the latest week for which surveillance data is available. This is a test positivity rate of 7 percent, nearly double the rate of 3.57 percent from two weeks earlier, when just over 500 cases were detected out of 14,114 tests. There is not a dedicated RSV or pneumonia floor, says Dr. Robert Barnes from the Montreal Childrens Hospital, CTV News reported in a Nov. 5 article. We are so overwhelmed that it would not surprise me if just about every patient on a particular floor might have that problem. Emily Gruenwold, president and CEO of Childrens Healthcare Canada, a national association of hospitals and health authorities, said in the same article that nearly all childrens hospitals across Canada, almost without exception, are running at 100 percent occupancy or more. Influenza A is another respiratory virus currently with cases above expected levels, according to PHAC. The latest test positivity rate for influenza A is 6.44 percent, for the week ending Oct. 29, with 1,077 positive cases, compared with 1.53 percent for the week ending Oct. 15. Long Wait Times On Nov. 7 at 10:08 a.m. local time, Alberta Childrens Hospital in Calgary was reporting an Emergency Department estimated wait time of nearly 4 hours, while Stollery Childrens Hospital in Edmonton reported a nearly 5-hour wait. In Vancouver, BC Childrens Hospital predicted a wait of over 8 hours at 9:09 a.m. local time on Nov. 7. Saskatchewan emergency wait times were offline. The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority reported a wait time of 5.25 hours at the Childrens Health Sciences Centre on the same day at 11:10 a.m. local time. Barnes from the Montreal Childrens Hospital noted that public health restrictions over the past two years have caused a reduction in childrens immunity. We have a huge amount of our very young children in the community who did not get so much of a turn with these viruses last winter or even the winter before that, Barnes said. So the virus is spreading much more, and much faster among our young people. Barnes said his hospitals emergency room was at 193 percent occupancy on the night of Nov. 1, much higher than the average occupancy rate of 113 percent around the same period in 2019. Emergency wait times for the least critical patients are between 18 and 24 hours. Sicker Kids Than Usual In Edmonton, more than 14,000 children were home sick from school during the week ending Nov. 4, reported Global News. One pediatric doctor says she has never seen so many children sick. Ive never seen this many viruses in children so frequently and so severe, said Dr. Tehseen Ladha, a pediatric specialist from the University of Alberta. All my clinics are children with respiratory viruses, with stomach flus, and many of them are children that have virus after virus. Theyve been sick since school has started, she said. Dr. Eddy Lang, clinical department head for emergency medicine for the Calgary zone with Alberta Health Services, told Global News that respiratory infections are more severe than usual. I have never seen this much RSV affecting so many young children with such high oxygen requirements in so many of them, said Lang. Dr. Sam Wong, president of pediatrics at the Alberta Medical Association, in the same article said emergency rooms and hospital units are pretty full and that it isnt clear why RSV infections are higher. Is it because we havent had RSV and influenza for a couple of years so theres a cohort of kids for a couple of years who have not really been exposed to any viruses and thus are more susceptible? Has COVID changed things and made us more susceptible to viruses or made the viruses more potent? Dr. Wong said. China Is Engaging in Unrestricted Warfare to Supplant US: Spalding Chinas communist regime is pursuing a doctrine of unrestricted warfare against the United States in an effort to undermine and eventually displace it, according to an upcoming documentary featuring retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert Spalding. The Epoch Times investigative film titled The Final War: The 100-Year Plot to Defeat America follows Spalding and Epoch Times journalist Joshua Philipp in examining efforts by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to topple America. Key to this effort, Spalding said, is the CCPs doctrine of unrestricted warfare, through which the regime weaponizes academia, economics, diplomacy, media, and technology to achieve military ends without more conventional military means. Unrestricted warfare is a doctrine for how the Chinese Communist Party wages war which is in many ways fundamentally different from the ways that Western societies wage war, Spalding, also an Epoch Times contributor, said. Whereas Western nations typically consider military force to be a means of achieving political goals, Spalding said, the CCP was using political and other means to achieve military victory over the United States without firing a shot. Our infrastructure, particularly our digital infrastructure is highly insecure and not resilient which makes it a very dangerous vulnerability vis-a-vis China, Spalding said. Theyve been able to leverage the connectedness [between nations] to then achieve their ends without having to resort to violence. This presents a unique challenge to the United States and like-minded democratic states, Spalding said. The open nature of such societies renders their economic, political, and media systems innately vulnerable to CCP propaganda, IP theft, and coercion. In such a scenario, Spalding said, the only path the United States could follow toward victory was to decouple and cut off the regimes access to U.S. markets, media, and even academia. Theres no way to counter unrestricted warfare or win unrestricted warfare when you have a Chinese Communist Party that has access to any part of U.S. society, whether that be political, academic, corporate, trade, [or] financial, Spalding said. If they have any access to American society, then theyll use that access to undermine American society. The only way to be successful is to eliminate their access to American society. Spalding, who formerly served as senior director for the White House National Security Council, said that the CCP could not peaceably coexist with the United States because the latters values of liberty, free speech, and multi-party governance were necessarily antithetical to communist domination. Final War received its first screening on Oct. 13 at an event sponsored by The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. An official release date has not yet been announced. Spalding said that he hoped the Chinese people would one day have access to such films, and that after decoupling from the CCP the United States might be able to get such information into the mainland. Once weve established some safe boundaries with China then I do think it is incumbent on the United States and its allies to begin to look at ways to get an alternative narrative into the Chinese people as a way of helping them understand that the truth they are given is not necessarily the whole truth or even truth at all, Spalding said. Lane Murray, 11, helps his father Brett Murray to halter a Red Angus show cow at Murray Hay & Cattle in Lebanon, Ore., on April 13, 2022. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images) Congressman: GOP to Rein in War on Farmers, a Formula for Famine News Analysis If Republicans take back Congress after the midterm elections, lawmakers intend to aggressively probe and rein in the federal regulatory overreach targeting farmers and ranchers in the United States, according to farmer and U.S. Congressman John Rose (R-Tenn.). Blasting controversial federal policies aimed at the agriculture community and similar programs around the world as a formula for famine, Rose said lawmakers on both sides of the aisle understand that food production must be protected. We have to take stock of the fact that we cant implement policies that will lead to shortages of something as important as food, Rose told The Epoch Times. Food shortages are already a very real threatwe should not be making it worse. The congressman, who served as secretary of agriculture for Tennessee and owns a farm that has been in his family for well over two centuries, said lawmakers were already planning efforts to provide oversight of the Biden administrations actions when Republicans take charge. In a wide-ranging interview with The Epoch Times, Rose pointed to a number of environmental policies that he said were deeply disruptive to agricultural production and were wreaking havoc on the food supply. He said they must be stopped to ensure food security. We will gain a majority in both houses and, beginning on Jan. 3, we will see a decidedly focused effort to conduct appropriate oversight of the Biden administration and various regulators, including in financial services, Rose said. We will have strident, forceful oversight. President Joe Biden speaks to guests gathered at the OConnor Grain Farm in Kankakee, Ill., on May 11, 2022. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Among the key focuses, he said, will be shining a light on what they are doing and how they are overstepping their authorization and going beyond what Congress intended. Next will be taking steps to rein them back in and get these agencies back in their lanes, he added. To do that, the GOP Congress will pursue legislation in hopes of being able to persuade and pressure the president to stop these agencies from intentionally harming the American economy, Rose said. Well also have leverage around government funding where we might be able to bring pressure to bear to limit these regulatory agencies to whats appropriate, he added. You will see aggressive moves on all these fronts, Rose said. Ultimately, tremendous pressure will be brought to bear. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who is expected to become House Speaker if and when the GOP retakes control of the House of Representatives, has also indicated that Republican lawmakers are preparing to unleash wide-ranging oversight investigations into the Biden administrations activities. Numerous GOP leaders have said that regulatory attacks on key industries such as energy will be a major priority for the new Congress, assuming Republicans retake one or both Houses of Congress. Rep. John Rose (R-Tenn.) on NTDs Capitol Report on March 25, 2022. (NTD) Ending Efforts to Undermine Agriculture and Energy Rose has been a leading critic in Congress of policies he views as harmful to agriculturea sector that, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation, provides over $1 trillion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product and employs 20 million people, in addition to feeding America and beyond. This summer, Rose led a bipartisan group of more than 115 lawmakers in urging Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler not to continue pursuing a regulation that would force farmers and ranchers to track emissions of greenhouse gases. The regulation, known as Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors, would require publicly traded companies to report a broad range of emissions data. That means farmers and ranchers who supply those companies would have to track the data, too. Lawmakers and agricultural groups warned that the proposed rule would decimate small and medium-sized farmsand especially family farmsthat do not have the resources of large agri-businesses to comply. When I became aware of this proposed rule by the SEC and understood what it was going to force on our nations farmers, I realized this was a tremendous overreach that had to be stopped, Rose said. The SEC, Rose added, has an important congressional mandate for what it is supposed to do. But regulating the environment is not one of those duties that Congress has assigned to the SEC, he explained, calling the proposed regulation unconstitutional as well as a gross overreach and a distraction from the work the SEC is supposed to be doing. Its the Securities and Exchange Commission, not the Securities and Environment Commission, Rose continued, adding that the SEC does not have and should not have the resources or power to create environmental or climate policy. If the SEC is tilting at windmills, so to speak, they will not get the work done that theyre supposed to be doing, he said. Aside from being a bad idea in the opinion of Rose and other lawmakers, it is also a usurpation of power, the coalition in Congress argued. In a follow-up letter to SEC Chair Gensler, Rose and almost all Republicans on the House Financial Services Committee highlighted the recent Supreme Court opinion in West Virginia v Environmental Protection Agency. Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler listens during a meeting at the U.S. Treasury Department in Washington on Oct. 3, 2022. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) In that case, the high court slapped down EPA schemes to impose CO2 emissions caps on power plants, ruling that Congress never authorized such expansive power by the agency. The letter, signed by almost two dozen lawmakers on the House Financial Services Committee, warned that the SEC also lacked any congressional authorization to require emissions disclosures from companies or engage in policymaking on climate. Slamming the SEC effort as dangerous and unwise, Rose said it was an attempt to transform our entire economy by administrative action from an unelected body. The effect of these policies could be catastrophic. According to The Farm Bureau, which represents farmers and ranchers nationwide, the SEC rule could push small and medium-sized farmers out of business and force companies to look for food products outside of the United States, adding additional costs to food and limiting food availability. Rose also highlighted his concerns about the impact on producers and the food supply, warning that it would exacerbate food shortages. The SEC responded to the letters with a brief note acknowledging receipt of the lawmakers concerns. But at least one SEC commissioner, Hester Pierce, has publicly argued that the SEC proposal steps outside statutory limits and seeks to achieve objectives that are not [the SECs] to pursue. The SEC did not respond to a request for comment from The Epoch Times by press time. Keith Mann works at a cranberry sifter at Mann Farms in Buzzards Bay, Mass., on Oct. 9, 2022. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images) Other Attacks on Farmers It is not just the SEC. Another federal agency that has been undermining agriculture without proper authority to do so is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), said Rose. We see the Biden administration using regulatory muscle to effectuate this green agenda through overreach, Rose explained, pointing to the EPA as one of the culprits. For decades, the agency created by President Richard Nixon via executive order has been seeking to expand federal jurisdiction over water across the nation. The effort involves redefining Waters of the United States to be far more extensive than originally understood. Under the Biden administration, that effort has been resurrected. And if not stopped, farmers would be severely impacted, Rose and others say. Under federal statutes, the EPA has the statutory authority to regulate pollution discharge in the navigable waters of the nation. Traditionally, that was understood as waters that were actually navigable. But following in the Obama administrations footsteps, the EPA is once again trying to expand the definition far beyond navigable waters, critics say, to include virtually any body of water that might somehow be merely connected to navigable waterseven if only seasonally. Cattle gather around a pond on a ranch in Snelling, Calif., on May 26, 2021. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) The administration has re-introduced a lot of uncertainty around waters of the United States, and this really deters agricultural production and creates a lot of insecurity in the agricultural community, Rose explained. Rose said he had dealt with numerous farmers who were being harassed by federal authorities based on regulatory overreach from the EPA on Waters of the United States during the Obama years. In a statement provided to The Epoch Times by the EPA in response to questions involving allegations by lawmakers of overreach and undermining agriculture, the agency defended its regulations. The rulemaking is based on the familiar regulations in place prior to the 2015 waters of the United States rule, with amendments to reflect the agencies determination of the statutory limits on the scope of the waters of the United States informed by Supreme Court precedent, the best available science, and the agencies experience and technical expertise, the statement said. The agencies plan to issue the final rule by the end of the year. Crop Protection Tools There are other concerns, too. For instance, Rose said the Biden EPA has also been taking aggressive steps to limit crop protection tools, even suspending access after farmers have purchased supplies. Thats not helpful, he said. Other lawmakers have also spoken out on the issue. In a letter to the EPA in July, U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.), ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, as well as the Republican leader of the House Agriculture Committee, U.S. Representative Glenn GT Thompson (R-Penn.), blasted the agencys move. Pointing to the developing food crisis caused by the conflict in Ukraine and the associated shortages, the two lawmakers said U.S. agricultural policy should be focused on supporting American production instead of creating further burden and ambiguity for our farmers and ranchers. Cattle graze amid drought conditions near Ojai, Calif., on June 21, 2022. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) Among other requests, they asked the administration and EPA cease the politicization of critical crop protection tools and adhere to a science-based and transparent regulatory process. Rose said this was harming agricultural producers and the food supply. What you see are farmers having to idle land that should be still in production, but they cant farm it because theyre being harassed or economically disadvantaged with all these overreaching regulations, Rose said, noting that many of the bureaucrats writing the rules had never stepped foot on a farm. You know, if this was one farmer, it would not be a huge impact, he continued. But when were dealing with tens of thousands of farms, that has a major impact on food production and our food supply. The EPA did not respond to concerns about restrictions on crop protection tools. Similar tactics are being used by the administration in the energy sector, Rose said. He pointed to regulatory efforts that restrict energy exploration and development. And all of that impacts food production, too. We now have a diesel fuel problem that could impact the whole country broadly, and because diesel powers agriculture, this could become a nightmare for food production as well, Rose added. Brett Murray (L) and Kambrie Murray, 17, walk through their family ranch at Murray Hay & Cattle in Lebanon, Ore., on April 13, 2022. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images) Consequences and Global View Policies undermining agriculture are not limited to the Biden administration. All over the worldfrom Holland and Canada to Sri Lanka and Africasimilar trends are emerging. Rose said there is definitely a link to advocacy by the United Nations. Many of the international folks interested in green initiatives, he said, are working to tie a hand behind our back when it comes to farming and ranching. The Epoch Times has done extensive reporting on the relationship between UN sustainable development programs such as the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and governmental policies undermining food production. Especially in this time of escalating food and energy shortages, Rose said it was critical that policymakers use a balanced approach that does not undermine critical industries such as agriculture. It doesnt make sense to have our head in the sand on these issues, he said. People have to eat. Everybodys concerned about the environment, but this religious zeal where theyve turned green concerns into a mantra to live by is a big mistake, Rose added. According to the congressman and other experts, the end result of these types of policies against farmers will be continuing shortages and deterred production around the world. Maybe thats what they want, suggested Rose. One of the most common questions I get from voters is, Whats the hidden agenda? he said. People understand that if you dont produce oil and dont have a substitute, what happens? You get brownouts, blackouts, and like California, requests to not charge your car. Shelves displaying meat are partially empty as shoppers makes their way through a supermarket on in Miami, Fla., on Jan. 11, 2022. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Thats not practical, Rose concluded. The economic ripples that creates leads to things like shortages, including in food. We cant have that. Food shortages are a real threat that is becoming more pronounced, and the source at the present time of that threat is misguided government policies, said Rose. Some of these policiesif left uncheckedcould even produce famine, he added. Just like baby formula shortages, these are self-induced problems, he said. When you shut down a plant that makes much of the baby formula and show no sense of urgency on getting it reopened, you have to know there will be a significant shortage. It should not be a surprise when suddenly theres a shortage. Blasting the Biden administrations policies, he said Americans should expect better from a man who has spent almost his entire career in government. These kinds of mistakes from a guy whose been in office 46 years are just not acceptable, Rose said. However, he vowed that if or when Republicans win the mid-terms, change is coming. True the Vote founder and president Catherine Engelbrecht makes a point during a presentation on ballot trafficking at the Arizona statehouse on May 31, 2022. Seated next to her is True the Vote data investigator Gregg Phillips. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times) Court Orders Release of True the Vote Leaders From Jail Two leaders of the election integrity group True the Vote were released from jail after an appeals court overruled a judges order that they be detained for contempt of court. Catherine Engelbrecht and Gregg Phillips were ordered released by a panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit late on Nov. 6. IT IS ORDERED that Petitioners opposed motion for release from detention is GRANTED pending further order of this court, the panel said in the order, which was obtained by The Epoch Times. The panel consisted of Circuit Judges Catharina Haynes, a George W. Bush appointee; Kurt Engelhardt, a Donald Trump appointee; and Andrew Oldham, a Trump appointee. Engelbrecht and Phillips were released on Nov. 7. Engelbrecht and Phillips were sent to jail on Oct. 31 by U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt, a Reagan appointee, who found them in contempt of court for not revealing the identities of people who allegedly accessed information from Konnech, a Michigan-based election management software company whose founder was recently arrested for allegedly stealing poll worker data and hosting the information on servers in China. The order for confinement was to be in place until the defendants fully comply with an order that they reveal certain information, including the identities, Hoyt said. Phillips has said he viewed data a confidential FBI informant, Mike Hasson, obtained by servers in China and that the information may be from Konnech. Phillips and Engelbrecht say they did not and do not possess the data. Hasson showed the data to Phillips and another person in 2021 in a hotel room, Phillips testified. He declined to share the name of the second person, who he said was another confidential FBI informant. Engelbrecht has said she was not at the meeting. Those who thought that imprisoning Gregg and I would weaken our resolve have gravely miscalculated. It is stronger than ever, Engelbrecht said in a statement. The right to free and fair elections without interference is more important than our own discomforts and even this detention, now reversed by a higher court. We are profoundly grateful for that. We will continue to protect and defend those who do the vital work of election integrity, and we will make sure that their findings become a matter of public record. The contempt order came after Konnech sued True the Vote and its founders for defamation. Hoyt entered a temporary restraining order against the defendants, ordering them to return all property and data to Konnech and identify people who were involved in accessing the companys computers. In their filing for release, Engelbrecht and Phillips said that Hoyts confinement order represents a clear abuse of discretion and a manifest miscarriage of justice. Petitioners pray that this Court enter an Order releasing them from the district courts draconian order of detention for refusing to identify a federal confidential informant in open court whose identity in any event has no bearing on the merits of this defamation case hinging on competing accounts of alleged historical events, they added. The pair also said that they never possessed or controlled the information in question. Phillips said Engelbrecht doesnt know the name that he is withholding and that, if the name were revealed, the persons life would be jeopardized by border drug and smuggling cartels. In its opposition to the petition, Konnech said that the True the Vote founders were trying to strip the District Court of its contempt power and that they have no one but themselves to blame for their confinement after defying Hoyts order. Lawyers for the firm said, Petitioners imprisonment is not an emergency especially in this case where the Petitioners are contemnors and recalcitrant witnesses who hold the keys to the jailhouse, and can free themselves immediately upon purging their contempt. DOJ to Monitor Voting in 24 States, Rejected By at Least One County U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) workers plan to monitor voting on Nov. 8 in 24 states, the agency announced on Monday. Workers will watch voters in Alaska, Florida, Pennsylvania, and 21 other states to ensure compliance with federal laws, the DOJ said. The monitoring will comply with federal voting rights laws, including the Voting Rights Act, according to the agency. Since that law passed in 1965 the Civil Rights Division has regularly monitored elections in the field in jurisdictions around the country to protect the rights of voters, the department said in a statement. The Civil Rights Division will also take complaints from the public nationwide regarding possible violations of the federal voting rights laws through its call center. The Civil Rights Division enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot, it added. Other laws the workers want to enforce are the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act, the Civil Rights Acts, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Workers will also be watching to make sure criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter suppression are not being violated. At least one county has rejected the efforts. Cole County Clerk Steve Korsmeyer rejected the DOJs attempt to insert four staffers into polling locations in the county. The DOJ wont be allowed into our polling locations per Missouri Statute, Korsmeyer told The Epoch Times via email. He cited state law 115.409, which lists categories of people who are allowed into polling places. Korsmeyer has rightfully declined to allow this over-reach and the secretary of states office fully supports him, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, a Republican, said in a statement. While the U.S. DOJ could clearly learn a lot from Missouri about non-partisanship and how to administer accessible, secure and credible elections, it would be highly inappropriate for federal agents to violate the law by intimidating Missouri voters at the polls on Election Day, he also said. Cole County was one of the jurisdictions listed by the DOJ. The DOJ said the monitors would include personnel from its Civil Rights Division and from U.S. attorneys offices. There would also be workers from the Office of Personnel Management, the deployment of which will be authorized by federal court order, according to the DOJ. The others include cities or other areas in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Michigan. DOJ workers also plan on going to polls in Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Sylvia Jones, deputy premier and minister of health, shakes hands with Premier Doug Ford as she takes her oath at the swearing-in ceremony at Queens Park in Toronto on June 24, 2022. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press) Doug Ford Can Claim Privilege to Avoid Testimony at Emergencies Act Inquiry: Judge A federal court judge has ruled that Doug Ford, premier of Ontario, and Sylvia Jones, former solicitor general and now minister of health and deputy premier of Ontario, have parliamentary privilege and can refuse to testify at the Public Order Emergency Commission. Ford and Jones were issued summonses on Oct. 24 to testify at the hearings into the federal governments invocation of the Emergencies Act to end the Freedom Convoy protest in Ottawa earlier this year. They refused to attend voluntarily, and the matter ended up in court. Both government officials were scheduled to testify this week, on Nov. 10, but instead asked the federal court to declare that the summonses were issued without jurisdiction. Justice Simon Fothergill, in issuing his written ruling, said the summonses were validly issued. He stated, The Commission cannot be faulted for seeking to marshal and present all relevant evidence within its statutory mandate. The judge said, The Courts role when examining a claim of parliamentary privilege is limited to confirming whether the privilege exists and applies in the circumstances. He added that both witnesses may have valuable evidence to offer. Parliamentary Privilege Invoked However, Fothergill ruled that as long as the Ontario Legislative Assembly remains in session, Ford and Jones can resist the summonses by asserting parliamentary privilege and the Commission cannot take steps to enforce their attendance and compel them to give evidence. The premier and the top minister, stated the judge, have a lawful excuse for not complying with the summonses issued by the Commission. The Commission cannot take steps to enforce their attendance and compel them to give evidence. Both government officials invoked their parliamentary privilege to avoid testifying. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Attorney General David Lametti have waived their privilege and are scheduled to give evidence sometime before the commission wraps up hearings. Fothergill noted in his decision that two provincial officials are scheduled to testify before the CommissionMario Di Tommaso, deputy solicitor general, and Ian Freeman, a former deputy ministerbut neither is part of the legislature. Lawyers for the Commission argued it was in the public interest to gain insight into the political choices that were made when faced with the events of early 2022. The Ottawa Coalition of Residents and Businesses, the Canadian Constitution Foundation, and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association also supported the summonses for Ford and Jones to testify. At a news conference on Nov. 7, after the decision in his favour, Ford said, This is a federal inquiry based on the federal government calling for the Emergencies Act. This is a federal issue. The Canadian Press contributed to this report. Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) education workers strike on the picket line in Kingston, Ont., on Nov. 4, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Lars Hagberg) As CUPE Calls for Escalated Strikes Across Ontario, Ford Says Government Will Rescind Notwithstanding Clause if Strikes Halt The union representing thousands of education workers striking across Ontario for higher compensation says it will be calling for general strike action from other unions, both public and private, across the province on Monday. Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reporters Monday morning that his government is willing to rescind the notwithstanding clause if the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) halts its strike. As a gesture of good faith our government is willing to rescind the legislation. Were willing to rescind Section 33, but only if CUPE agrees to show a similar gesture of good faith by stopping their strike and letting our kids back into their classrooms, he said. They have to go into the classroom. Thats the deal. Ford said CUPE walked away from the negotiating table and said the Ontario government is very flexible in negotiating wage raises, and urged the union to come back to the bargaining table. Were willing to make a fair deal, one that offers more help for lower income workers. We want a deal thats fair for students, fair for workers, fair for parents, and fair for taxpayers, he said. I feel we can strike a deal, but [CUPE] needs to come back. Theyre the only ones that have the ability to have the kids back in the classroom. CUPE, which represents over 55,000 education workers, said it will be holding a press conference in Toronto on Monday to speak to reporters about escalating the strike protests, which began Nov. 4 after the Ontario government passed legislation forcing new contracts on the workers. CUPE Ontario president Fred Hahn also said during a protest in downtown Toronto on Nov. 5 that they met with other heads of unions and are looking to build resistance. We will bring others to this resistance, said Hahn. CityNews Toronto reported on Nov. 6 that two separate union sources confirmed that CUPE will call for a general strike on Monday across Ontario. A day before the protests began, the Ontario government passed Bill 28, also known as the Keeping Students in Class Act, to set a 2.5 percent annual wage increase for individual workers making under 43,000 per year and a 1.5 raise for all other employees. The legislation also declares the province-wide strikes illegal. The government also enacted the notwithstanding clause, which overrides the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and allows Bill 28 to stay in effect regardless of any constitutional challenges against it. Seeking Raises The 55,000 education workers represented by CUPE make, on average, $39,000 a year. The union was originally seeking an annual salary raise of 11.7 percent for the workers in addition to overtime compensation at twice the regular pay rate. CUPE said its latest wage-increase offer to the Ontario government, made on Nov. 3, was for a decreased six percent annual payment increase, but was rejected. This is a call to arms for union members, workers, and anyone who believes in Charter rights across Canada. This isnt just about education workers, this is about the rights of all working people across the country, said CUPE national president Mark Hancock in a news release on Nov. 3. Our members are united, and they intend to fightand they have Canadas largest union in their corner and we are going to fight alongside them. The federal government weighed into the provincial matter last week, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calling the Ontario governments legislative actions wrong and saying his government is looking into possible options it could use. Justice Minister David Lametti refused to discuss what types of actions the federal government might use, but told reporters on Nov. 2 that there are a number of different things one might do. Andrew Chen contributed to this report. The Grenfell Tower high-rise building in west London engulfed in smoke on the morning of June 14, 2017. (Matt Dunham, File/AP Photo) Families Lawyer Calls for Grenfell Fire Inquiry Not to Be Box-Ticking Exercise Fire Brigade's lawyer promises to 'embrace criticism and learn from it' A lawyer representing 25 survivors and bereaved relatives of those who died in the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London has told a public inquiry they hoped it would not be just another box-ticking exercise. The fire broke out on the fourth floor of the tower block in North Kensington, west London, on June 14, 2017, and rapidly spread up the side of the building because of flammable cladding which had been put on as part of a renovation programme in 2016. Residents were advised by the London Fire Brigade to stay put and were only advised to evacuate when, for many, it was too late. The youngest of the 72 victims was Leena Belkadi, who was 6 months old, and a pregnant survivor later suffered a stillbirth. The inquiry was set up by the then-Prime Minister Theresa May and is being conducted in parallel with an investigation by the Metropolitan Police, which could lead to criminal charges of manslaughter or corporate manslaughter. Imran Khan, making his closing statement at the end of the second and final phase of the inquiry which began in 2019, said a report by the Institute for Government in 2017 had found 638 million ($731 million) had been spent on 68 public inquiries since 1990 which had resulted in 2,625 recommendations, many of which had been quietly ignored by successive governments. He said, One of the most disturbing aspects of this is perhaps the lack of meaningful action by institutions. Khan listed a string of fires, dating back to the Summerland disaster in the Isle of Man in 1973when 50 people died in a blaze at a holiday resortthe lessons of which, he claimed, had been quickly forgotten by the authorities. Those in Power Simply Dither and Dawdle He said, Those in power simply dither and dawdle, waiting for these events to dissolve from the public consciousness today those in power can evade taking any remedial action to prevent the future loss of life. Khan said, Our clients truly, truly hope that this inquiry does not prove to be another administrative formality, a box-ticking exercise. Relatives, survivors, and friends of victims of the Grenfell Tower fire walk to the tower to hold a vigil, one year after the fire in London, UK, on June 13, 2018. (Peter Nicholls/Reuters) He said 50 people had died at Summerland, one at Garnock Court in Ayrshire in 1999, three at Harrow Court in Stevenage in 2005, six at Lakanal House in Camberwell in 2009, and 72 at Grenfell. As it stands its not a question of if, its a question of when the next fire will be, Khan said. He said he hoped the report produced by the inquirys chair, Sir Martin Moore-Bick, would be a genuine attempt to put an end to this fatal line of history. Khan also urged lawyers representing various parties who the victims believe share responsibility for the deaths at Grenfell, to produce an unequivocal, unambiguous, and forthright apology. Adrian Williamson, KC, a lawyer who represented other Grenfell victims, told the inquiry: This is not just a story of incompetence or worse on the past of individuals and companies. They were all operating within a culture which did not encourage either competence or honesty, and a market and a system in which there was a headlong race to the bottom. And that culture had flourished because governments and regulators had not put in place adequate procedures to root out the fraudulent and the unskilled. The fire, therefore, was the result of catastrophic failures on a personal, corporate, regulatory and governmental scale. And we urge the inquiry to so find in the strongest possible terms, he concluded. Stephen Walsh, KC, a lawyer representing the Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, said the inquiry had conducted an extensive and forensic examination of the events surrounding the fire and he said, That much at least is owed to those who lost their lives and to those who survived and have suffered so much, as well as to the wider public. He added: The London Fire Commissioner reiterates the strong commitment of the brigade as a whole to use this terrible tragedy as an opportunity to honour the bereaved and those who lost their lives by creating a legacy of positive change in the future. This is not only a time, in his view, to reframe the brigades relationships in London, but also to embrace criticism and learn from it. A Metropolitan Police spokesman told The Epoch Times: The investigation into the tragic events at Grenfell Tower continues. We have made one arrest for perverting the course of justice and carried out a number of interviews under caution for gross negligence manslaughter, corporate manslaughter, fraud, and health and safety offences. He added: The police and the Crown Prosecution Service agree that the criminal investigation must take into account any findings or reports produced by the inquiry, including its final reports for both Phase 1 and Phase 2. If the police investigation concludes there is sufficient evidence to consider criminal charges in relation to the fire, a file will be submitted to the CPS for a decision. A medical worker takes swab sample from a residents during a door-to-door COVID-19 screening in Zhengzhou in central China's Henan Province on Nov. 1, 2022. (Chinatopix Via AP) Families Plead for Help as Chinas Henan Province Isolates Thousands of High School Students Thousands of high school students in Chinas central Henan Province have been isolated since early October in makeshift quarantine facilities, such as schools, amid a recent wave of COVID-19 in the province. Multiple counties in Henan, including Boai county, Yucheng county, and Yanling county, have locked down their residents and high school students, although they havent disclosed how many have tested positive for COVID-19, according to residents. Students share rooms with fellow students who test positive for COVID-19, and there is a lack of water, proper food, medicines, clothing, and bedding during dropping temperatures. The local authorities havent informed worried parents of the whereabouts of students, and some adults have also been locked down. In despair, some parents pleaded for help online. Authorities Risking Childrens Lives: Mother Li Mei (a pseudonym), whose son is a student at the No. 1 Senior Middle School of Yanling county, Xuchang city, Henan Province, said that the pandemic was more serious than the local authorities had disclosed. Chinese middle schooling consists of three years of junior middle school and three years of senior middle school, and middle school students are aged between 12 and 18. When speaking with the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times on Nov. 2, Li said that the county authorities launched isolation measures more than half a month ago, although they kept reporting zero positive COVID-19 cases. We dont know if the county government covered up the pandemic numbers, or if the higher level authorities altered them, Li said. Medical workers in protective suits collect swabs from residents during a citywide nucleic acid testing following cases of COVID-19 in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, on Jan. 5, 2022. (cnsphoto via Reuters) According to Li, more than 1,000 students at the middle school tested positive for COVID-19, and more than 10,000 residents in the county tested positive for the disease. Lis son was among those locked down on the campus. Li said that her son developed a high fever twice and felt dizzy, but he wasnt informed of his testing results. The students had to drink tap water, which isnt potable in some regions of China, although there were piles of bottled water at the entrance of the school. There were no medical staff at the isolated school, although the government issued notices that a medical team was sent to the school. But the children there didnt see any medical professional, Li said, adding that only one student had a mobile phone, which was the only communication channel for the students locked down in the school. We volunteered to go to the school to take care of the students, but the county government didnt allow us to go. Maybe they are afraid that we adults will disclose the true situation in the school, Li said angrily. They are risking childrens lives [for their political career]! Yanling has a population of 547,411 and is a comparatively small county in China. Li said that the county didnt have enough medical professionals to deal with the outbreak. A woman who claimed to be the mother of a student of the middle school uploaded a video online at 4:30 a.m. on Nov. 1, speaking up for her child and all the other students locked down by Yanling No. 1 Senior Middle School. The anonymous mother said she was locked down in a warehouse in Zhengzhou city, in the heart of Henan Province. She said that she was on the brink of collapsing when she watched heart-wrenching videos and posts online about the poor conditions of the students locked down in the school. She asked everyone who saw her video to repost it and let more people see it, to help those poor and helpless children. Xuchang, the city that oversees Yanling, reported a total of 46 COVID-19 patients from Nov. 1 to 6, with only one being symptomatic and the remaining being asymptomatic. A user of Weibo, a Twitter-like Chinese social media platform, wrote that there were many isolation facilities in the small county and that many students in the No. 1 Senior Middle School had a fever. My sister called me and told me she had a high fever. The only thing I could do was to tell her to drink more water. But she said that there was only one bottle of water left for the eight students in her dorm, the Weibo user wrote. Another user said that many residences were locked with iron bars by the local authorities from the outside. Please help repost and make the topic [of the Yanling pandemic] trend to get more attention! the user wrote. It is true that the pandemic is serious in Yanling because our county leaders just cover it up for their political careers! a Weibo user wrote. Thousands of Students Locked Down in Other Counties Liu Fang (a pseudonym) is a resident of Boai county, Jiaozuo city, Henan Province. Her two children are students at the No. 1 Middle School of Boai. The school management told us that there were only two positive cases on Oct. 30, but my children said what their teachers said was not true and that half of the students were infected [by COVID-19], Liu told the Chinese-language edition of The Epoch Times on Nov. 2. The middle school has more than 6,000 students, and there was a COVID-19 outbreak at the school on Oct. 23, according to Liu. But the local authorities transferred students to different isolation facilities without notifying the parents, Liu said. Our children only brought some light clothes when they went back to school on Oct. 2, but we are not allowed to deliver warm clothing for them, Liu said, adding that she wasnt able to get in touch with her children. Let us take our children home; we are willing to be quarantined together with them, Liu said. Liu told The Epoch Times that her residence had been sealed with thick iron wires. We have been locked down since Oct. 7, Liu said. Yucheng county of Shangqiu city, Henan Province, also experienced an outbreak in October, according to Wang Yan (a pseudonym), a resident of the county. Wangs daughter is a student at a local senior middle school, which has over 4,000 students, Wang said in a phone interview with the Chinese-language edition of The Epoch Times on Nov. 2. Wang said that her daughter and two other students in the same dorm had a fever. The school didnt give the students PCR tests, so we dont know whether its just the flu or COVID, Wang said. The school didnt tell us anything about the outbreak. The county government only reported one positive case, which was a teacher, Wang said. The Epoch Times viewed the pandemic reports on the website of the Henan provincial health committee from Oct. 22 to 31 and found only Jiaozuo city reported three asymptomatic cases on Oct. 30, while the other two cities didnt report any cases during the period. The Epoch Times has reached out to the Henan provincial health committee for comment. Xia Song, Gu Xiaohua, and Hong Ning contributed to this report. TV-14 | 1h 47min | Comedy, Satire, Parody, Biography | 4 November 2022 (USA) Arriving in tandem with the advent of MTV, Weird Al Yankovic was a custom glove-fit for the burgeoning audio-visual music revolution, yet he was unlike anyone else making music or videos at the time. Accompanying himself on accordion with a traditional guitar-bass-drums backing band, Yankovics stock-in-trade was in parodying other peoples songs. Not covers or novelties, just parodies. For those born after, say, 1960, Yankovic was regarded as a trailblazing rebel; a guy willing to mock the self-serious nature of musical artistes while making himself part of the joke was something far more difficult to pull off than it might seem on the surface. Truth be told, musical parody has been around since the late 16th century, some 200 years before Mozart was even born. Al Yankovic (Daniel Radcliffe) waits for inspiration, in Weird The Al Yankovic Story. (The Roku Channel) Based on a 2010 Funny or Die fake-movie trailer of the same name by Yankovic and first-time feature director Eric Appel, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (WTAYS) is the feature film version of a Yankovic song. It kinda-sorta looks and sounds like the genuine article, is loaded to the gills with parody, andbest of allit takes nothing (especially itself) seriously. Do not make the mistake of considering this to be lazy or unimaginative filmmaking; in fact, it is the exact opposite. Yankovic (who co-wrote the screenplay and has an extended cameo as a smarmy record executive) based his entire career on skewering the status quo, so a movie based on his life logically follows suit. Anyone who accuses this movie of straying too far from the truth doesnt understand the most basic points of satire and parody. Lunchmeat and Madonna After a primo opening salvo depicting Yankovic as a child and preteen, WTAYS shifts into fifth gear and never lets up. Living the life of a frat boy without actually being in college, Yankovic (Daniel Radcliffe) is waiting for inspiration. When the 1979 song My Sharona by the Knack plays on the radio, Yankovic looks at a package of processed luncheon meat and comes up with the lyrics for My Bologna. Madonna (Evan Rachel Wood), an unabashed slave to self-promotion, in Wierd: The Al Yankovic Story. (The Roku Channel) From this point forward, WTAYS slips into highly questionable historical accuracy, and it matters little in the greater scheme of things. Ive always believed that all lies are lined with a thread of truth, which makes WTAYS irresistible. In the mostly true department, Rainn Wilson co-stars as Dr. Demento (real name: Barret Hansen), the host of a nationally syndicated radio show who championed esoteric, bizarre, and offbeat musical acts such as Homer & Jethro, Frank Zappa, and the fake band Spinal Tap. A lifelong idol of Yankovic, Demento introduced him to a wide audience and became his mentor and creative advisor. Yankovics (real) relationship with Madonna (Evan Rachel Wood) is raised to extravagantly false levels, yet works within the context of the story. Madonna was (is) an unabashed slave to self-promotion and sees Yankovic as a logical extension to her ultimate goal: more (if as she needed it) fame. Wood gets dangerously close to cartoonish impersonation of her subject but never goes over the (border) line. Unlike Prince, who denied Yankovics multiple requests to parody his songs, Madonna recognized the value of being satirized and actively campaigned for it. Yankovics Like a Surgeon became one of his most successful parodies. The Non-Potter None of the success of WTAYS would have been remotely possible without Radcliffes thorough and complete immersion in the role. If there ever was anyone who could have been limited and stereotyped by a past juvenile role, it would be Radcliffe, and who will forever be remembered as the title character in the Harry Potter franchise. Before the Potter series even ended, Radcliffe set about separating himself from the Potter role by playing the lead in both the West End and Broadway revivals of Equus. Since then, Radcliffe has (in an almost purposeful manner) starred in many high-brow, low-visibility art-house productions such as Kill Your Darlings, Swiss Army Man (where he played a corpse), and as a drug runner in Beast of Burden. In one of his very few mainstream productions (The Lost City), Radcliffe appeared as the villain, further distancing himself from the Potter persona. One thing that could prevent WTAYS from garnering blockbuster-level audience numbers is that its only available on Roku, an upstart streaming service with just a fraction of users when compared to those of heavyweights such as Netflix, Apple TV+, and HBO. Be sure to stick around for one of the best end-credit sequences ever conceived, which, go figure, features the new (non-parody) Yankovic song Now You Know. Promotional ad for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story about Al Yankovic, who based his entire career on skewering the status quo. (The Roku Channel) Weird: The Al Yankovic Story Director: Eric Appel Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Evan Rachel Wood, Rainn Wilson, Julianne Nicholson, Toby Huss Running Time: 1 hour, 47 minutes TV Rating: TV-14 Release Date: Nov. 4, 2022 Rating: 4 out of 5 Hundreds of flood-hit homes and businesses in Forbes will be assessed for damage as the focus extends to other downstream towns in central western New South Wales (NSW). Some 103 flood warnings were in place across the state on Monday afternoon, including six evacuation orders around the city of Forbes. There, the Lachlan River peaked about midday on Saturday at 10.67 metres slightly below the 10.8m record set in 1952. Some 48 hours on, major flooding was continuing as the SES planned to begin rapid damage assessments of homes in the citys north and east. An earlier aerial assessment indicated hundreds of homes and businesses had been impacted by flooding, the SES said. Its unclear how long it will be until the 1000 people advised to evacuate can begin returning to their homes. Forbes mayor Phyllis Miller told AAP on Monday the town has been cut in two by flooding. Weve got a ferry service going across with RFS vehicles for essential workers and service people, she said. Were hoping maybe tomorrow well be able to have a look at the road surface. Miller expects further damage from the most recent flooding. Some (roads) were washed away completely; we already know that, she said. Restoring roads is a top priority for local governments around NSW but will require funding from state and federal government, as well as people to do the work, Ms Miller said. However, the roads need to be built back in a better way than they have been before. Weve done it every time we have a flood, and it just washes away and isolates us its stupidity, she said. Closures on the Newell Highway between Melbourne and Brisbane were also hurting productivity for the regions farmers. Ms Miller wants mitigation work done on Wyangala Dam beyond the consultations being conducted by the NSW government. We need to raise the dam wall; thats the facts of the matter, she said. The flood peak that has passed Forbes will reach Jemalong by Monday night, while Condobolin, a town of around 3500 people already experiencing major flooding, could be faced with river levels exceeding records set in 1952. Meanwhile, a search for two men in Prestons Creek in the Southern Tablelands has ended with the discovery of the second mans body. Police recovered the first body on Thursday, three days after the pair were flung out of a ute tray as the vehicle crossed a flooded causeway. The SES has issued return-with-caution notices to those told to evacuate in North Wagga as the clean-up there continues after the Murrumbidgee River peaked on Friday at its highest level in a decade. Downstream, the town of Hay is preparing for major flooding to increase from mid-November as the peak moves west of Wagga Wagga. Meanwhile, the gas supply is resuming in Bathurst after the flooding of the Macquarie River damaged a gas pipeline to 20,000 peoples homes. About half of Bathurst has had its connections restored. NSW Police, assisting gas distributor Jemena, estimates all Bathurst residents will have supply restored within about a week. Those in nearby Lithgow, Oberon and Wallerawang will begin receiving trucked-in LNG from Friday, with a temporary pipe to be in place early next week, supplier APA said. A tanker is bound for Lithgow Hospital, attempting to restore its gas supply on Monday night. Deputy Premier Paul Toole said on Sunday that APA Group the owner of the gas pipeline was working on solutions to restore the gas supply as quickly as possible. Florida Woman Arrested for Allegedly Voting in 2 States 'This makes a total of 22 arrests for election crimes since August to date, with an active arrest warrant out for a 23rd' A Palm Beach woman has been arrested for allegedly voting in two states. According to the Palm Beach County Sherriffs Office, 55-year-old Cheryl Ann Leslie of Loxahatchee, Florida, was arrested and booked into Palm Beach County jail on Nov. 4 for allegedly casting more than one ballot during an election. Both charges are third-degree felonies. The Florida Secretary of States Office of Election Crimes and Security (OECS) assisted the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in the investigation. At a press conference in Spring Hill, Florida, on April 25, DeSantis signed Senate Bill 524 into law, strengthening voting rules in the state and establishing the OECS, the nations first office specifically formed to investigate and prosecute voter fraud. According to a statement issued by the governors office, Leslie, a physician assistant at a senior care facility in Loxahatchee, voted in both the 2020 federal and state primary elections in Florida and Alaska. Leslies Alaska votes were submitted by absentee ballot, and her Florida votes were submitted in person during early voting in Palm Beach County. Leslie told investigators that her job required extensive travel between multiple states. The investigation revealed a pattern of double-voting as Leslie also voted in both states in 2014, 2016, and 2018. Currently, Leslie is only facing charges for the 2020 votes. Information on Leslies multi-state voting originated from the Secretary of States Office of Election Crimes and Security and was forwarded to FDLEs Election Crime Unit for further investigation. In October, Floridas OECS recommended that the FDLE open an investigation into the complaint of a Democrat whistleblower regarding a long-running, widespread ballot harvesting operation targeting African American communities in Orange County. The FDLE is also reviewing another ballot harvesting complaint in Fort Myers. On Oct. 20, the FDLE announced the arrest of Alfred Samuels on two counts of voting as an unqualified elector. Samuelsa registered Democratvoted in the 2022 elections. Samuels is an illegal immigrant from Jamaica living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In March 2021, Samuels became a registered voter in Broward County voter by using a counterfeit birth certificate from New York City. We have arrested more than just 19 individuals for election crimes since August, FDLE spokesperson Jeremy Burns told The Epoch Times, saying that 17 of those arrests were announced in an Aug. 18 press release. We have arrested two more on active warrants from that operation. David Dana was arrested in Broward County, and Michael Anderson was arrested in Hillsborough County. Burns said there is also an active arrest warrant out for the 20th individual from that same case, who currently remains at large. Burns added that 50-year-old Travis Wallace of Miami was arrested on Nov. 3 on the same charges as those in the Aug. 18 press release. This makes a total of 22 arrests for election crimes since August to date, with an active arrest warrant out for a 23rd, Burns said. Leslie is being held on $1,000 bail. Former CCP Intelligence Chief Promoted to Head of Chinas Political and Legal Affairs Chen Wenqing, a member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has recently become Secretary (head) of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission. The Politburo is the CCPs executive decision-making body, with Xi Jinping at the helm. Members of the Politburo often assume other executive positions. Collectively, they make decisions on laws and policies and are the most powerful group in Communist China. The CCPs National Peoples Congress serves as a rubber stamp legislature. The Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission is Chinas chief law enforcement authority. The appointment of Chen as its head seems extraordinary since he previously served as head of the Ministry of State Security (MSS), which is the agency in charge of surveillance, intelligence, and the secret police. The MSS is also notorious for cyberespionage, surveillance of dissidents in China and abroad, and the persecution of dissidents in China. From the concentration camps for Uyghurs, to the crackdowns in Tibet and the persecution of Falun Gong, the MSS is behind the operations that oppress anyone who disagrees with or is openly critical of the CCP. The term state security in China simply means maintaining the CCPs authoritarian rule and has nothing to do with national defense. For many years, China had a domestic security budget higher than its military budget, meaning the CCP is willing to spend whatever it costs to oppress the people and to stay in power. Many believe that Chens appointment marks an era of secret police rule in China, further expanding the scale of Chinas domestic security operations and with the only goal of keeping the CCP in power. On Oct. 28, the CCPs state media reported that Chen had assumed the post of Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission. He has worked in the fields of public security, state security, and prosecution. Chens public resume shows that he graduated from Chinas Southwest University of Political Science and Law with a law degree. After graduating in 1984 at the age of 24, Chen became a junior police officer in Leshan City, Sichuan Province. In 1994, Chen moved to the CCPs State Security system and became deputy director of the State Security Department of Sichuan Province, in charge of intelligence and external liaison. In 2002, Chen moved from working in State Security to the Procuratorate in China and became the youngest provincial procurator in the CCP at that time. In Chinas civil law system, a procurator represents the state and is in charge of both investigation and prosecution of a crime. Chen worked in provincial disciplinary committees in Chinas legal system from 2006 until his promotion to head of the MSS in 2016. Beginning of the Rule by Secret Police Chinese American current affairs commentator Chen Jinsong was surprised that Chen Wenqing became Secretary of the CCPs Central Committee of Political and Legal Affairs as he was relatively low profile and had to jump through several ranks in his promotion. Chen said that the appointment of the CCPs Minister of State Security as the head of the Central Committee of Political and Legal Affairs signifies the beginning of the CCPs rule by the secret police. Chen Jinsong expressed these views during his YouTube program on Nov. 2. He also likened the CCPs direction today to the Soviet Union during the Stalin era. After the Bolsheviks came to power in Russia in 1917, Stalin was one of the seven members of the Politburo. After the establishment of the Soviet Union, Stalin became the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Chen Jinsong said that Stalin established the Committee for State Security, or KGB, in order to maintain his dictatorial rule. As a result, a large number of senior officials in the Soviet Communist Party were subsequently purged and executed. Chen Wenqings former position as the Minister of State Security meant that he controls the intelligence and secret service system, which is a powerful weapon in the CCP hierarchy. He would have the ability to purge those within the CCP cadres who might be dissatisfied with Xi Jinping. In the past, Chen was involved in the so-called rectification of the CCPs political and legal system that cleansed the system of potential threats to Xis rule. Essentially, Xi now has his own version of the KGB, gaining near-absolute control over the Party and the entire country. An undated family photo of Tommy Valva before he was murdered by his father. (Justice for Tommy Valva Facebook Group) Former New York Cop Found Guilty in Murder of 8-Year-Old Son A New York jury delivered a guilty verdict on Nov. 4 against former New York police officer Michael Valva for killing his 8-year-old son after a family court judge had stripped his ex-wifethe boys motherof custody for raising allegations of abuse against his father. The verdict followed a four-week trial in which details of Tommy Valvas death included severe punishments exacted by Valva against his autistic young son, including the fatal night he made Tommy and his 10-year old brother sleep on the cement floor of an unheated garage at the home where Valva lived with his then fiancee, Angela Polina. Polina has also been charged with Tommys murder and will face her own trial. Tommys older brother survived the ordeal. Michael Valva faces 25-years to life at sentencing. No child should ever have to endure such evil acts, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, who prosecuted the case, stated in closing arguments. A civil trial is next in the death of Tommy Valva, who died of hypothermia after being locked up in freezing temperatures for some 16 hours in January 2020. A federal court judge recently approved they boys mother Justyna Zubko-Valvas wrongful death lawsuit against state social workers for allegedly conspiring with the court to cover up the abuse and switching custody from Zubko-Valva to Michael Valva. Tommys death was the end of what started as Zubko-Valvas attempts to protect him. Court records show that Family Court Judge Hope Schwartz Zimmerman took the decision to strip Zubko-Valva of custody after hearing complaints from the fathers lawyer that she was alienating Tommy from his father by attempting to introduce evidence to support her concerns about her sons safety. When Zubko-Valva tried to have the custody decision overturned and was describing how the boys would come back from their fathers house with bruises and their clothes soaked in urine, records show that Family Court Judge Joseph Lorintz told her to stop talking. Ms. Valva, move along. I cant remember everything you are saying because youre saying so much, he said. Similar to Other Cases The tragic death of Tommy is similar to many other cases that stem from acrimonious divorce proceedings or ongoing domestic violence problems. In another such case, 7-year-old Kayden Mancuso was bludgeoned to death with dumbbells by her father. The family maintains in a lawsuit that a Pennsylvania Family Court judge granted unsupervised visits, despite warnings from Kaydens mother that her daughter would not be safe if left alone with her father. The Michael Valva verdict comes just days after reports that a Colorado child custody evaluator appointed by family court judges admitted he doesnt believe 90 percent of abuse allegations made in custody disputes. An investigation revealed that the evaluator Mark Kilmer had himself been convicted of domestic violence along with three other court-appointed custody evaluators used by the courts. In March, New Jersey father Chris Gregor was indicted in the murder of his 6-year old son, Corey, shortly after a New Jersey family court judge refused to consider evidence that he was a danger to him, while discrediting the mothers pleas to, at the very least, order that visits between her son and his father be supervised. There is the also the case of 14-year-old Mikaela Haynes, who committed suicide after a family court judge ordered her to live full-time with her father, who had already admitted to molesting the girls older sister. As records in the case show, Charles Haynes was serving jail time for the sexual assault when a Family Court judge approved the custody switch. That case is also now heading to a civil court in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Mikaelas mother, Cynthia Haynes, against Jennifer Williams, an attorney and court-appointed guardian ad litem in the case. Like Zubko-Valva, Haynes was accused of parental alienation for raising concerns about the safety of her children. Similar cases have been filed, though none against judges since they have judicial immunity from most of their actions. While the media who reported on the Tommy Valva case has cast it as a failure of the court system, other points of view have emerged. The real problem is a transparent and chronic pattern of family courts across America specifically discrediting mothers who raise abuse allegations as part of a Family Court Playbook of promoting patriarchal privilege, says Cynthia Dumas, executive director of The Womens Coalition. The organizations stated aim is to strive for a future in which women have the power to maintain custody and protect our children after divorce or separation. Dumas agrees there are certainly cases of abusive mothers, but there is no indication of numerous cases of family court judges switching children over to their custody. There is an epidemic of judges falsely accusing mothers of alienating to justify switching custody to an abusive father, Dumas wrote in an analysis of the problem. There is no epidemic of judges falsely accusing fathers of alienating to justify switching custody to an abusive mother. According to a compilation by the U.S. Department of Justice, mothers account for only one percent of the more than 800 children killed in private custody matters in which judges have stripped them of custody and awarded full custody to the fathers. On Nov. 1, the United Nations Human Rights Council put out a call for input for a report it is preparing on violence against women and girls. It specifically asks for stories about custody switches in cases where mothers are accused of parental alienation for raising abuse allegations. The aim of this report is to examine the ways in which family courts in different world regions refer to parental alienation, or similar concepts, in custody cases & how this may lead to double victimization of victims of domestic violence abuse, the U.N. Council said in a statement. The submission deadline is Dec. 15. Some legislative efforts have been born out of the tragedies. Kaydens Law, named after Kayden Mancuso, is a resolution passed by U.S. Congress calling on states to make childrens safety a priority in custody awards. In California, legislators recently passed a similar measure called Piquis Law named after 5- year-old Piqui Andressian, who was smothered to death by his father just hours after he won custody despite warnings from Piquis mother that her son would not be safe if left alone with his father. The trend of awarding custody to fathers is turning some mothers into felons. According to a story posted on The Womens Coalition website, a California mother was held at gunpoint by U.S. Marshals after a family court judge awarded full custody of her children to her husband in spite of court records showing he admitted to abusing the children. The mother took the children rather than turn them over. Court records show the mother said Marshalls held a shotgun to her forehead as her children cried in the backseat. Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey addresses students during a town hall at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in New Delhi, India, on Nov. 12, 2018. (Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters) Former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey Says He Owns Responsibility for Companys Mass Layoffs Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey said on Saturday that he was responsible for the companys situation that has resulted in the layoff of 50 percent of the workforce under new owner Elon Musk. Dorsey posted an apology on Twitter for growing the company size too quickly, which he claimed was the cause of the companys massive layoffs following Musks official takeover last month. I realize many are angry with me. I own the responsibility for why everyone is in this situation: I grew the company size too quickly. I apologize for that, he said in the post. I am grateful for, and love, everyone who has ever worked on Twitter. I dont expect that to be mutual in this moment or ever and I understand, Dorsey added. Dorsey made the statement after the New York Post reported on Saturday that everyone at Twitter hates him now, citing anonymous sources who claimed that employees blamed Dorsey for Twitters situation. Twitter had 7,500 employees when Musk officially acquired the company on Oct. 28. Its employees filed a class-action lawsuit on Nov. 3, alleging Twitter violated federal law by failing to provide enough notice of planned layoffs. Twitter Suffers Massive Losses Musk said Saturday that all terminated staff will get three months of severance pay, which he said is 50 percent more than legally required. He claimed that layoffs were the only viable option as the company has been suffering massive losses. Regarding Twitters reduction in force, unfortunately, there is no choice when the company is losing over [$4 million per] day, the Tesla CEO said on Twitter. Dorsey, who stepped down from Twitters Board of Directors in May this year, has been outspoken in his support for Musk taking over the company, writing in April that Musk was the singular solution he trusts. Elons goal of creating a platform that is maximally trusted and broadly inclusive is the right one, Dorsey said at the time. This is also paragas [former Twitter CEO Parag Agrawals] goal, and why I chose him. Dorsey retained his 2.4 percent stake in the social media platform after Musks $44 billion acquisition of the company. He rolled over his more than 18 million shares in Twitter, valued at about $1 billion when the company became private. This means that Dorsey will remain one of Twitters largest shareholders, second only to Musk himself and Saudi Arabias Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Al Saud, who rolled over his 34.948 million shares of Twitter, valued at roughly $1.9 billion, in October. Katabella Roberts contributed to this report. Freedom Convoy Witnesses, Lawyer Say Antifa Posed Risk to Convoy Protesters in Ottawa At the Public Order Emergency Commission hearings last week, a number of Freedom Convoy participants and the lawyer representing several of them testified that the far-left, anti-fascist group Antifa posed a risk to peaceful protesters while they were in Ottawa. Tamara Lich, one of the convoys main spokespersons, said on the stand on Nov. 3 that safety at the protest was the number one priority, in particular safety for the drivers, safety for the participants, safety for the public and things like keeping the emergency lanes open. The first weekend we got there, we had some problems with, I heard, Antifa, that were spray painting vehicles and breaking windows and putting nails under ties, she testified. It prompted the convoy to designate individuals as block captains that could monitor throughout the evening to ensure that people were going to be safe from, I guess, anti-protesters or whatever they are, Lich said. Strange People Showed Up Wilson, who was in Ottawa during the protest from Feb. 2 to 21, testified on Nov. 2 that he was told Antifa was threatening violence and that it ultimately did vandalize convoy vehicles. He described strange people who descended on the protest, often in the evening and on the weekends, as being constantly a challenge for the convoy organizers. Everybody had a block captain, and if Antifa was going to show up, the rule was, you phone the police, you call 911, he said. Wilson testified that the Freedom Convoy feared that potentially violent protesters may cause trouble and that authorities would then try to blame convoy participants for violent behaviour. Describing the scenario where three people from Antifa may come and vandalize trucks, Wilson said the police chief potentially would hold a press conference and say last night, we had three charges for property damage in the downtown core, leaving the public to assume this was violence perpetrated by convoy participants. I was impressed continually by the [convoys] repeated message of peacefulness, of not engaging with the police, and not engaging with Antifa when they would come and vandalize the trucks, but instead turn those people over to the police for arrest, Wilson told reporters following his testimony at the public hearing. Lawyer Said Antifa Stabbed Tires The convoy had regularly issued assessment reports during the protest in Ottawa. At the Nov. 2 public hearing, Wilson was questioned by a lawyer representing the federal government regarding the Feb. 3 report, which read in part: Freedom Convoy 2020 assesses that potentially violent protesters may arrive in Ottawa to vandalize property. Following that, they will then attempt to blame convoy members for the violent actions. The protesters are likely to arrive in Ottawa either late Wednesday or Thursday. Violent actions are likely intended for Thursday and Friday. The actions from the protesters are likely to consist of harassment of citizens and damage to vehicles and properties. The assessment report also described how the counter protesters would be dressed. Wilson testified that the convoy had received a separate briefing on this issue, which he said was raised by GoFundMe executives and their legal team and it was Antifa. Wilson said Antifa had previously come in on occasion and knifed trucks, cut the air lines, stabbed [or] knifed tires. He testified that he was told the Antifa group was going to be coming in a larger numbered force and trying to do more damage to the trucks. Speaking to reporters following his testimony, Wilson elaborated that suspects caught vandalizing vehicles had the hallmarks of Antifa, describing them as dressed in all black skinny jeans, a hoodie, and wearing black backpacks. He added that Antifa made braggadocious comments on social media and said there was spray painting of graffiti, on vehicles with Antifa-style messaging. On Nov. 4, Danny Bulford, a former RCMP officer who had served as a sniper on Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus private security team, took the stand and testified that Antifa could be dangerous to protesters and police. In an affidavit, Bulford said, My primary concern is individuals or groups with potential to deliberately instigate conflict with the Freedom Convoy movement and to discredit the Freedom Convoy. He told the commission that a lone wolf or small cell could potentially try and leverage the large crowd for their own agenda. He said that based on his law enforcement experience at protests in Ottawa, he saw firsthand how aggressive groups related to the Antifa can be when they are much larger in numbers than the group that theyre counter protesting against, and how aggressive they can be over-running the police line as well. Deliberately Provoking People Bulford was asked whom he was referring to when he used the word instigators. People who would deliberately try to initiate a violent interaction with a Freedom Convoy protester, or maybe even someone who would try to infiltrate the crowd with a racist-type flag to try and bring discredit to the protest, Bulford answered. He also testified that he had expressed displeasure to the Ontario Provincial Police about what he described as a psychological operation being conducted against convoy participants by various parties. There was a lot of rhetoric, he said, referring to a council meeting or a Police Services Board meeting where this occurred. He said allegations were made that the convoy had extremists, insurrectionists. I believe even the term domestic terrorism may have been thrown around. That also coincided with a lot of that same rhetoric from the legacy media, he said, adding, Wed already heard and seen the Prime Minister using similar language. He said it was definitely heightening the anxiety of the overall crowd, [causing] fear that they were going to be labelled such and dealt with as such by law enforcement, because they were under so much pressure from the different levels of government. Bulford added that information was also starting to circulate about the involvement of the Childrens Aid Society, insinuating that authorities could take away the protesters children. That was a clear red flag to me that if you are deliberately trying to provoke people to take action, if you make them believe that youre going to take their kids away, thats going to elicit a very strong emotional response, and I believe that that was deliberately done in order to bully the Freedom Convoy protesters, he said. On Feb. 4 during the protests, Pat King, one of the participants, had also alleged that Ottawa police encouraged a counter-protest by Antifa members who will try to stir up violence. He said then that police were putting a lot of peaceful protesters at risk. Georgia Officials Sued Over Unsent Absentee Ballots Georgia voters on Nov. 6 sued officials over absentee ballots that a county acknowledged were never sent. Madison Cook, Tessa Parker, Margaret Wolfe, and Linda Walton sued the Cobb County Board of Elections & Registration, Cobb County officials, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, and members of the Georgia State Election Board. The case was filed in Cobb County Superior Court. The voters want the court to require election officials to send the unsent absentee ballots via overnight mail, to extend the receipt deadline for absentee ballots from affected voters, and to let the affected voters use federal write-in absentee ballots at the polls on Election Day. Absent such relief, Plaintiff voters, and all those similarly situated, will be disenfranchisedan injury that money cannot compensate. Public interest will be served by ensuring voters have the opportunity to vote and have their votes counted, the lawsuit says. The Cobb County Board of Elections and a spokesperson for Raffensperger didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. Cobb County officials said on Nov. 5 that an investigation revealed more than 1,000 absentee ballots were never sent out. I am sorry that this office let these voters down, Elections and Registrations Director Janine Eveler said in a message to the board. Many of the absentee staff have been averaging 80 or more hours per week, and they are exhausted. Still, that is no excuse for such a critical error. The situation was attributed to human error. The office said it was sending unsent ballots overnight to voters with out-of-state addresses and that some of the remaining voters canceled their ballot requests. The remaining voters were urged to vote in person on Nov. 8. Attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union and the Southern Poverty Law Center, who are representing the plaintiffs, said further action was necessary. To ensure the affected voters can vote, the deadline for receiving the absentee ballots should be moved to Nov. 14, the lawyers said. And all voters who didnt receive ballots should be allowed to use a federal write-in absentee ballot, typically used for members of the military and relatives of those members, the suit says. Hundreds of eligible Cobb County voters did everything right and yet find themselves on the brink of total disenfranchisement because they were never mailed their absentee ballots, as is required under Georgia law. Even Cobb County has acknowledged they made a critical error and let these voters down,' Jonathan Topaz, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Unions Voting Rights Project, said in a statement. Only this court can right the wrong done to these hundreds of voters and ensure that they are able to exercise their fundamental right to vote in this November election. Dr. Robert Epstein, senior research psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology, in California on March 28, 2022. (York Du/The Epoch Times) Google Is Impacting Elections by Influencing Votes on Massive Scale: Researcher A psychologist is accusing Google of manipulating American citizens to influence the outcome of the November midterm elections. According to Maryville university, social medias influence on elections was evident in the early 2000s. Robert Epstein and his research team from the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology have been monitoring online political content being sent to voters in swing states. How Does Social Media Affect Voting? Social media platforms collect their users personal information, including age, gender, location, and interests. They can also gather even more data via likes, clicks, or time spent on pages. This way they suggest posts to users that engage with them. The same process happens with ads. As part of the research, the team is looking into search engine results on Google and Bing, messages displayed on Googles homepage, tweets sent by Twitter, email suppression on Gmail, auto-play videos suggested on Google-owned YouTube, and so on. The study found over 1.9 million ephemeral experiences that Google and other firms were using to shift opinions and voting preferences, Epstein wrote in a Nov. 6 article for the Daily Caller. Ephemeral experiences are short-lived content that immediately disappears without leaving a trace after user consumption. The team expects such ephemeral experiences to number over 2.5 million by Election Day. Epstein has identified roughly a dozen new forms of online manipulation using ephemeral experiences which are almost exclusively controlled by Google and a few other tech firms. Can Media Influence Voters and Public Opinions? The impact created by the experiences is stunning, Epstein says. Search engine results that favor one political candidate were found to influence undecided voters so much that up to 80 percent of such people in some demographic groups shifted their voting preferences after only a single search. Carefully crafted search suggestions that flash at you while you are typing a search term can turn a 50/50 split among undecided voters into a 90/10 split with no one knowing they have been manipulated, Epstein writes. A single question-and-answer interaction on a digital personal assistant can shift the voting preferences of undecided voters by more than 40 percent. Ahead of the 2022 election, a high level of liberal bias is being seen in Google search results in swing states like Arizona, Florida, and Wisconsin, Epstein wrote. Search results from Bing did not indicate such bias. For the November midterm elections, in multiple swing states, liberal news sources make up 92 percent of auto-play videos being sent to YouTube users, which can potentially shift hundreds of thousands of votes on Election Day, Epstein warned. Manufacturing Bias Back in 2020, Epstein and his team collected 1.5 million ephemeral experiences from 1,735 field agents which were sufficient, in theory, to shift over 6 million votes to Joe Bidens favor. Epstein had supported Biden at the time, he said. He found that Google sent more voting reminders to moderates and liberals than conservatives, which Epstein calls a brazen and powerful manipulation. Google also turned off all manipulations in the 2020 Georgia Senate races after three Republican senators sent a letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai which discussed Epsteins findings on manipulation (pdf). Political bias in Google search results dropped to zero after the letter, he pointed out. In an April interview with EpochTVs American Thought Leaders, Epstein also talked about online platforms using surveys to help users decide whom to vote for. In such surveys, users are given a quiz and the platforms tell them how good a match they are for specific candidates. In an experiment, Epsteins team found that they were able to shift a significant number of peoples voting preferences to the candidate that was presented as being their best match. Opinion matching is a fantastic way to manipulate people because you can shift people very, very, very dramatically, and they have no clue. They do not suspect any kind of bias or manipulation. Opinion matching in testing refers to presenting short texts to examinees to test their ability to read and understand them as fast as possible. When media uses opinion matching, it exposes the users to pictures, videos, and short texts for a short time. About 96 percent of donations from Silicon Valley firms, including Google, go toward the Democratic Party, he added. The Epoch Times has reached out to Google for comment. Source https://www.aptistutor.com/aptis-reading-test-part-3-opinion-matching https://journalism.uoregon.edu/news/six-ways-media-influences-elections https://dailycaller.com/2022/11/06/robert-epstein-2022-midterm-elections-google-bing/ The U.S. House of Representatives chamber is seen in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 8, 2008. (Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images) GOP Leader Reveals First Priority If Republicans Retake House During Midterms House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said that the first thing Republicans will propose is more border security if his party retakes the House during the 2022 midterm elections on Tuesday. Numerous analysts and forecasters have predicted that Republicans will be able to secure a majority in the House, where Democrats currently hold a slim lead. The GOP needs to gain a net five seats, while historically the party of the president tends to lose seats in midterms. McCarthy, the minority leader, is in line to become speaker again if Republicans take control of the lower chamber. Its not clear if any Republican House lawmakers will challenge his bid. The first thing youll see is a bill to control the border first, McCarthy told CNN in an interview published Monday. Youve got to get control over the border. Youve had almost 2 million people just this year alone coming across. Since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, more than 5.5 million illegal immigrants have crossed into the United States, according to the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) in an update this month. Whats more, more than 2.8 million who have illegally crossed were stopped in the fiscal year that ends in September. Noting that Republicans have a number of different ways to tackle the illegal immigration crisis, the House GOP leader said party lawmakers would present a bill to secure the border and vastly reduce the flow of the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl into the country. I think Stay in Mexico you have to have right off the bat, said McCarthy, referring to the Trump administrations Remain in Mexico policy. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) answers questions during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on July 29, 2022. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) In order to keep fentanyl from coming into the United States, McCarthy said there will need to be a very frontal attack on China to stop the poison from coming, adding that Congress will need to provide the resources that the border agents need, and make sure that anytime anybody who wants to move [fentanyl], you can prosecute him for the death penalty. McCarthy, who in 2015 had to drop out of the speakers race, told the network that he believes he will get enough support to be speaker. That includes backing from former President Donald Trump, he said. I believe well have the votes for speaker, yes, said McCarthy. I think Trump will be very supportive. McCarthy also said he intends to restore Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes (R-Ga.) committee assignments after they were stripped by a House vote last year. He also plans to remove from the House Intelligence Committee Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), who has faced allegations that he had a close relationship with a Chinese Communist Party spy. Two weeks ago, the DC council passed a new bill, allowing non-citizens, including illegal aliens, to vote in local elections. Not federal elections, mind you, but local elections. These are things like mayor, council member, attorney general, school board member, as well as any initiative, referendum, or recall election that happens to come up. Now, this particular bill passed the council, but it still has to be signed by the mayor to go into effect. However, even if the current mayor of DC chooses to veto the billthe district council has enough votes to override the veto. Meaning, that barring any unforeseen circumstances, non-citizens (including illegal aliens) will be voting in our nations capital starting in 2024. And Washington DC isnt alone in doing this. In fact, with the passage of this new law, it joined 15 other municipalities which allows non-citizens to vote including 2 in Vermont, 11 in Maryland, New York City, as well as San Francisco. However, what is really behind this push? Well, you might remember that four years ago, just like today, this country was experiencing a massive wave of illegal immigration through the US Southern Border. And it was at that time that President Trump was attempting to get a $5 billion appropriation to build the border wall which he promised while on the campaign trail. However, back then, Congressional Democrats blocked that $5 billion appropriation with everything they had. And the big question was always: why? Well, around that time, I watched an interview conducted by our southern border reporter with a man named Trevor Loudon, an expert on communist subversion. And during the interview, he explained what was in this opinion the deeper reasons for the Democrats attempt to block the building of the wall. His main argument was that these migrants, once in the US, would invariably (and overwhelmingly vote for the Democratic Party) and therefore, it would cement for them a perpetual margin of victory that would last for generations. This is the interview. This video is brought to you by Sekur: https://ept.ms/3yW0Wul Stay tuned for our newsletter so you wont miss out on our exclusive videos and private events. 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Thanks to new legal pathways, people around the world could sue plastics manufacturers for damages totalling more than $20 billion by 2030, with most lawsuits originating in the U.S., according to a new study. The report, published by the Australian Minderoo Foundation, estimates that the plastics industry is costing society around $100 billion annually in environmental clean-ups, ecosystem degradation, shorter life expectancy and medical treatments. Minderoo is a philanthropic organization focused on the environment and climate, among other causes. We found that the negative impacts of plastic on human health are at least as consequential as the environmental risks about plastics that tend to dominate the story, Dominic Charles, director of finance and transparency at the Minderoo Foundation and one of the studys coauthors, told EHN. Working to actually put a number on these social costs was a real eye opener. To estimate these costs the researchers reviewed more than 5,000 academic papers to determine where there was scientific consensus on health harms associated with plastic ingredients. Then they estimated the global rates of disease and mortality associated with exposures to those ingredients to put a dollar amount on the public health costs. Finally, they worked with a group of attorneys who specialize in modeling risk for investors and insurers to estimate the legal liability plastics manufacturers are likely to face. The challenge is that plastics are completely ubiquitous, so its very hard to pinpoint the source of a harmful exposure, Charles explained. Eventually that leads you to the somewhat absurd conclusion that it doesnt matter how toxic your product is as long as lots of companies are producing as much of it as possible, in as many different ways as possible, nobody has any liability. But thats something were seeing change. Theres an evolution being made in the legal doctrine to deal with that. Lawsuits unfolding related to other ubiquitous chemicals like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), glyphosate, and even opioids are forging new legal pathways, the report points out. In the case of PFAS, the chemicals are pervasive, with many companies selling products that contain them, but only a handful of companies manufacture them and those are the companies being sued. The story is similar, Charles said, when it comes to the most harmful additives in plastic products. The plaintiffs in these cases are using innovative legal arguments, particularly related to public nuisance theories of harm, to successfully bring these cases forward, Charles said. We think these kinds of new legal strategies will also open the door to plastic litigation. How Is Plastic Harming Us? While the research is still unfolding, the report concluded that theres robust scientific consensus on human health harms resulting from some of the performance-enhancing chemical additives used in plastics. These include certain phthalates, bisphenols (like BPA and its replacements) and flame retardants. All three classes of chemicals contain endocrine-disrupting compounds, which cause problems in the bodys hormonal systems and are linked to significant health issues including infertility, early puberty, developmental issues like ADHD and autism, and metabolic disorders like type II diabetes and obesity. Theres also evidence that they increase cancer risk. The study estimates that manufacturers of these chemical additives are most likely to be exposed to litigation stemming from these health harms. Manufacturers of these types of chemicals include companies like BASF, Dow Chemical Company, Eastman Chemical Company and ExxonMobil Corporation. The researchers also examined emerging research on the health harms associated with micro or nano plastics microscopic plastic pieces that humans ingest through tap and bottled water, seafood, salts, milk, fruit and vegetables. Exposure has been linked to respiratory, immune, reproductive and digestive system problems and increased cancer risk. Micro or nano plastics have the same kind of persistence in the environment as PFAS chemicals, Charles said. Those legal proceedings are going to be highly relevant to the future of plastics litigation. Charles added that although these lawsuits could total billions of dollars, they wont keep pace with the social costs, especially in the near term. These hazards enter the stream of commerce and its many years later that scientists start piecing together how harmful they are, he said. Then, it takes years to reach a scientific consensus, and it still takes years before lawyers take action after that. Thats why the threat of liability isnt working as a sufficiently preventative measure right now, he said. We also need to change the way were regulating these chemicals. The American Chemistry Council, a trade and lobbying group for chemical manufacturers, issued a statement saying the report is detached from reality and emphasizing that plastics are important to modern medicine and innovation. A spokesperson for the group declined to answer questions about what specific aspects of the report the Council disagrees with, and whether the group has ever conducted its own risk assessments or addressed potential litigation related to health and environmental damages from plastics. What Does This Mean for Petrochemical Development? Members of the 182d Infantry Regiment load their weapons with live ammunition before heading into the field to train, firing on targets out in the field and working in concert with other squads, for deployment to the Middle East during live fire weapons training at US Fort Dix in New Jersey on May 16, 2022. (Joseph Prezioso /AFP via Getty Images) US Military at Risk of Not Being Able to Meet Demands of Americas National Interests: Report The United States military is declining despite it facing more dangers than ever before, according to a recent report from the Heritage Foundation. As currently postured, the U.S. military is at growing risk of not being able to meet the demands of defending Americas vital national interests. It is rated as weak relative to the force needed to defend national interests on a global stage against actual challenges in the world as it is rather than as we wish it were, said The Heritage Foundation in its executive summary of 2023 Index of U.S. Military Strength published on Oct. 18. The Heritage Foundation describes its annually published Index of U.S. Military Strength as the only non-governmental and only annual assessment of U.S. Military Strength. Its done by a group of experts with decades of experience in the U.S. military. The Index of U.S. Military Strength assesses the ease or difficulty of operating in key regions based on existing alliances, regional political stability, the presence of U.S. military forces, and the condition of key infrastructure, it said in the summary. Dakota L. Wood, senior research fellow for Defense Programs at the Heritage Foundation said in his commentary titled, Yes, the US military is weak that the American military faces unprecedented challenges. During the Cold War, the U.S. military competed against a single massive opponent (the Soviet Union) on a global scale, while still managing to handle crises in various parts of the world, said Wood. Today, the U.S. faces four opponentsChina, Russia, Iran, and North Koreayet has little more than half the force it did just three decades ago. The U.S. military has conducted many operations since 9/11 that have gobbled platforms, ammunition, and equipment procured to fight the Soviet Union, leaving the military left with aged platforms and diminished inventories. Americas support to Ukraine has exacerbated the problem, as the Pentagon digs deep into existing inventories of weapons and munitions to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia. Inventories are nearing war-reserve levels, and it will take years to replenish them, said Wood. Rick Fisher, a senior fellow, at the International Assessment and Strategy Center, told The Epoch Timess sister media NTD News that unfortunately for the United States, numbers matter. There are areas where the United States still has a numerical superiority over China, for example, in the very important count of vertical missile launchers on major combat ships, the United States has a margin of about 1,000 of these more than China has at this point, said Fisher, adding that China will be able to catch up soon because its making chips far more rapidly than the United States. A U.S .soldier walks in front of military tanks at the United States Army military training base in Grafenwoehr, southern Germany, on July 13, 2022. (Christof Stache/AFP via Getty Images) Citizens Need to Know The Heritage report said that U.S. citizens need to know about the condition of the military vis-a-vis threats to national security interests. Because changes can have substantial implications for defense policies and investment, knowing how these three areas change over time is likewise important, said its executive summary. Of the three, the condition of the military is the most important to understand because it is the only one over which the U.S. has complete control, and it underwrites the ability of all other aspects of national power to flourish or fail. Wood alleged that the Pentagon is in denial of the situation and its own gullibility. Honestly assessing U.S. military power is not dangerous. What is dangerous is to be weak and to not let the American people know it. Even more dangerous: a Pentagon in denial of the threats it faces and its own vulnerabilities, he said. Fisher said the situation boils down to the leadership and the Biden administration should inform the U.S. citizens that the nation is moving into a war condition. People need to know that our enemies could initiate combat operations against our forces or those of our allies and friends very quickly. And by surprise, unless we have the means to deter them that we have the strength that convinces them not to start that war tomorrow, said Fisher, adding that the situation requires a leadership that prioritizes the buildup of military strength. If Congress decides to pay for student loans of the last two generations of U.S. citizens, itll cost $500 billion and with money that could be used to deter China by building enough missiles, submarines, and aircraft, Fisher said. A war that might cause us to have to draft the very students who are having their loans forgiven. But would they rather not pay for their loans, or be drafted and possibly go off to war? I would think they would want to avoid the ladder more than the former, he said in response to why the United States isnt catching up with the military numbers it needs. He however affirmed that in the current situation the United States will be able to militarily defend Taiwan if a war breaks out and reiterated the assurance of the commander of the U.S. naval forces in the Pacific who expressed high confidence about the United States defending Taiwan from China, in a recent interview to the Washington Times. The question though, is for how long? How long before American military stocks [of] ammunition missiles begin to run out? And also how long before Taiwans military stocks of ammunition artillery shells, air to air missiles begins to expire? he said. The situation demands an assurance of adequately increased military production of key weapons and weapon systems. This would give a message to the Chinese that the U.S. military is strong enough and can wage a long-enough war for China to not win, according to Fisher. Venus Upadhayaya Reporter Follow Venus Upadhayaya reports on wide range of issues. Her area of expertise is in Indian and South Asian geopolitics. She has reported from the very volatile India-Pakistan border and has contributed to mainstream print media in India for about a decade. Community media, sustainable development, and leadership remain her key areas of interest. Hong Kong Education Going Through a Rough Spell Commnentary Weeks ago, my Education Bureau friend told me there would be a very interesting Hong Kong Legislative Council report about support measures for national security education. The report was finally released on Oct. 25, and I could not wait to see what it said. The 20-page report was exhaustive on what was accomplished last year and the way ahead for the coming academic year. My first impression was that the national security law in Hong Kong has turned out something like the backyard furnace campaign in which scrap iron was used to make unusable steel in mainland China in the 1950s, and in which everyone had to participate. The report stresses that all Hong Kong residents are obligated to abide by the law, which aims to prevent, suppress, and punish acts and activities that endanger national security. The role of school education focuses on prevention so that it helps reduce the need for suppression and punishment in the future. As a result, national security education becomes the top priority at all levels of education, from kindergarten to university. The report covers a wide range of areas, namely, school administration, school-based management, guidelines, school sponsoring bodies, school manager training, accountability mechanism, joint-school activities, home-school cooperation, teaching resources, teachers professional conduct (professional in this context meaning, of course, politically correct), induction training, in-service training, pre-service training, professional exchanges, and exchanges with schools in mainland China. I list all of them so that the reader can easily see that efforts on national security education are conspicuous and ubiquitous. The goal is for students to understand China, enhance national pride, and consciously protect national security. Two tables are attached to the document, with the National Education Activities Planning Calendar for the school year 2022/23 being the most notable. In addition to the weekly national flag-raising ceremony, 18 days are specifically assigned for national education learning activities that must be arranged. On the list are National Day, National Constitution Day, National Security Education Day, and remembrance days for the Mukden Incident, Marco-Polo Bridge Incident, and Nanjing Massacre. All are political in nature (as a remembrance for victims in Japan-related historical events that have been politicized). More astonishing is the anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party and the Peoples Liberation Army Day, implying that party-oriented education has started to penetrate the Hong Kong education curricula. Some may still say that it is only natural for Hong Kong residents, most of whom are Chinese, to receive national education and national security education. However, judging from cases in the past few years where teachers were disqualified on the grounds of professional misconductfor minor teaching problems, national security education is just a euphemism for being high-handed in reinforcing one-sided views and promoting better left than right in school. Under this new culture, it is not difficult to understand why a secondary school in Hong Kong accused 14 students of disrespecting the national flag weeks ago. Blaming students is a proactive means of clearing schools of national security complications. Making a clean break is an inevitable result. For example, a poetry writing competition organized by the Hong Kong government includes a clause this year that the organizer will not assume any legal responsibility for any violation of the terms and conditions of the competition, and makes it clear that all legal responsibility for national security lies with the participants. Self-protection always comes first, therefore some government schools reportedly took photos of their flag-raising ceremonies and submitted them to the Education Bureau to prove that they had duly done as prescribed. Classroom teaching has been seriously affected. Besides Liberal Studies, a subject that emphasizes critical thinking, being replaced by patriotic Citizenship and Social Development, the Chinese Language is also hugely challenged. A story goes that a teacher taught the famous prose The Chronicle of Mr. Close Enough by Dr. Hu Shih, a well-known modern Chinese essayist, and scholar. As the prose is a satire on Chinese nationality, a student shouted in class, Isnt this prose a violation of the national security law? A secured nation only creates an insecure classroom. Just as the Cultural Revolution did in mainland China, national security education in Hong Kong is now carrying out revolution deep in the soul. No wonder Ming Pao reported in early November that we could have more than 1,200 education-related vacancies two months after the new school term starts. The education sector is going through a rough spell. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Dr. Monique Ryan poses with her family after victory speech at the Auburn Hotel in Melbourne, Australia, on May 21, 2022. (Sam Tabone/Getty Images) Independent Climate MPs Raised $10 Million at Last Election Six Australian Independent MPs that campaigned heavily on a climate change platform managed to raise $10 million (US$6.4 million) at the last federal election, according to figures from the countrys electoral oversight body. The so-called teal independents played a key role in dislodging the incumbent centre-right Liberal Party government in May after winning over inner-city voters (many Liberal heartland seats) concerned with the need for more action on climate change. In inner-city seats where teal candidates did not run, voters selected left-wing Greens or Labor Party candidates. According to figures from the Australian Electoral Commission, the MP for North Sydney, Kylea Tink, raised around $1.83 million, while Allegra Spender, who ran in the affluent Wentworth electorate, received the most donations at $1.93 million from 661 donors. Federal Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the media during a press conference following the Fuel Security Summit in Sydney, Australia, on April 21, 2022. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi) One notable donor was Alex Turnbull, the son of former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who gave $25,000. Sophie Scamps, who succeeded in winning the seat of Mackellar, which covers Sydneys Northern Beaches region, raised $1.56 million. Meanwhile, in Melbourne, Monique Ryan, who unseated former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, raised $1.84 million, while former journalist Zoe Daniel raised $1.75 million. Daniel also managed to unseat the Liberal Partys, Tim Wilson. Lastly, Kate Chaney in the Western Australian seat of Curtinformerly the seat of Liberal Foreign Minister Julie Bishopmanaged to raise $1.3 million. The largest single donor to the teals was the Climate 200 group headed by Simon Holmes a Court, son of Australias first billionaire Robert Holmes a Court. Capitalising on Climate Change Momentum The teal movement and the Greens and Labor Party were able to capitalise on growing support for greater climate change action by governments around the world. In fact, the May election saw the Liberal Party lose several heartland electorates across Australias main capital cities, leaving now-opposition leader Peter Dutton the job of consolidating the party and setting its future course. Meanwhile, the now-governing Labor Party, which won due to the flow of preference votes, has embarked on a more aggressive climate change agenda by legislating net-zero targets into law and upping investment in renewable energy generators. According to the latest budget update, released on Oct. 25, the government will spend $20 billion to help finance the construction of new transmission links for renewable energy and $1.9 billion to support jobs and emissions cuts in the regions. It also allocates $800 million towards reducing taxes for electric vehicles, the construction of a national charging network, and support for solar battery storage to 100,000 homes. Read More Record Spend on Renewables as Electricity Prices to Soar by 50 Percent in Australia Staff work in a busy Lygon Street cafe in Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 22, 2021. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) Independent Senators Put Brake on IR Bill Changes to workplace laws that would give more power to employees requesting flexible hours and negotiating leverage have hit a major hurdle. Key senator crossbenchers Jacqui Lambie and David Pocock are putting on a united front against the government, trying to push the legislation through by Christmas. The bill includes multi-employer bargaining and the ability to force businesses to cater for requests for more flexible work hours. Senator Lambie says shes waiting for a guarantee the changes will push up wages, which is the governments main justification for the bill despite opposition from businesses. Because the only one that seems to be selling that point is (Workplace Relations Minister) Tony Burke and the unions, she told reporters on Monday. Business groups have brokered an agreement with the government to amend the bill so that businesses and workforces arent roped into industrial action against their will. But they want the government to go further, as does Senator Lambie. If they dont want to multi-bargain, they shouldnt be made to, regardless of size, she said. The independent Tasmanian senator said keeping the building and construction watchdog which the government has committed to abolishingwas also a sticking point. Absolutely ridiculous, she said. Somebody needs to be policing (the industry). I thought it was working quite well, to be honest with you. Senator David Pocock says the secured amendments were a good start, but theres still work to be done. Hes proposed splitting the bill and solely voting on the non-controversial aspects, such as measures to improve gender pay equity, before Christmas. The government has said it wont negotiate on the key aspects of the bill. But it needs the vote of at least one crossbencher on top of the Greens for the legislation to pass the Senate. Senator Lambie said it would be a miracle if the full suite of changes passed by Christmas. Australian Council of Trade Unions president Michele ONeil said workers couldnt wait any longer for a pay rise, with wages stagnant for a decade and real wages going backwards for more than a year. ONeil also said business groups were trying to stop wages from rising by opposing the multi-employer bargain components of the bill. Nobody should be fooled by the business lobby, she wrote on Twitter. They oppose bargaining changes because they dont want workers to get higher wages by bargaining together. Parliament is scheduled to rise for the year on December 1. Inside the Blogs Allegedly Authored by Paul Pelosis Attacker Two blogs that appear to belong to David DePape, the man who allegedly attacked the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), show he held a wide range of divergent beliefs, many of which appear uprooted from reality. The beliefs range from mainstream subjects such as gun rights and climate change to a host of anti-Christian and antisemitic views. The blogs suggest that DePape wasnt strictly partisan, but rather developed his own peculiar beliefs. The recent overturning of Roe V Wade has Republicans cheering. and democrats up in arms. Your BOTH wrong. Your BOTH [expletives], one part of the blog that allegedly belongs to him reads. Quotes from the blogs in this article are unedited and include all the grammar errors and misspellings of the original text. On Oct. 28, the media reported DePape as the man who allegedly hit Paul Pelosi in the head with a hammer earlier that day. Social media users then started to post links to the two blogs online and shortly after, the blogs were taken down. By that time, most of the blog pages had been saved in online archives. The majority of the content was posted to only one of the blogs, with the address Frenlyfrens.com, but viewing almost all of the posts required a subscription, and internet archives only contain the headlines, images, and sometimes short snippets of text. It appears the earliest posts were dated Aug. 23, 2022. All were authored by a user named David DePape. The domain frenlyfrens.com was registered on Sept. 8under DePapes name and with an address where hes lived for the past year or two. The state listed was Alabama instead of California, but that may have been a simple mistake since Alabama is the first option in alphabetically ordered lists. Its possible some of the posts were backdatedonline blogging platforms allow that. Or it may be that the blog was set up earlier under a different domain. The platform he used, Wix, allows users to set up pages on the Wix domain and move them to ones own domain later. Each post was accompanied by a visually striking, often disturbing image. The pictures appear to be a form of artificial intelligence-generated art created by combining multiple images. It appears to have been an interest of the authors. For these ones I used multiple humanoid prompts so it would pull towards human features more, the author commented in a snippet of a post containing a picture of a fairy. Fairies seem to have been of particular interest to the author. Multiple posts were accompanied by such images. The snippets of text available indicate that much of the blogs content was written before August. One post headlined Feb 13 2022but dated Oct. 24reads: Okay so as far as the fairy. Im writing this a couple days later. So the next day after it attacked my boss. I was walking to work and The snippet cuts off at this point. Its not clear who was the one supposedly attacking the authors boss. DePapes acquaintances from years ago told media outlets that he talks to angles and used hard drugs. Another post dated Oct. 24 reads: Email to Gypsy Sun, Jul 10, 2016 at 3:29 PM Hi Gypsy [Expletive] you I have no interest in being friends with you Gypsy. You think Ive been The snippet cuts off at this point. The post may be referring to Oxane Taub, better known as Gypsy, who used to be DePapes life partner and with whom he had two children. Shes currently in prison for more than a dozen crimes, including attempted kidnapping of a 14-year-old. This post appears to be the only one revealing personal information that could be linked to DePape, save for the user name. Taub told local media that they raised their children together until about seven years ago and that DePape was mentally ill. He once disappeared for a year, she said, and came back in very bad shape. He thought he was Jesus. He was constantly paranoid, thinking people were after him, Taub said. And it took a good year or two to get back to, you know, being halfway normal. Back then, she said, DePapes political views were very much in alignment with hers, i.e., very progressive. There are some indications that the author underwent a reevaluation of his political views several years ago. I was so [expletive] shocked the first time I heard that communism had a death toll. My whole life I heard about the evils of fascism, one snippet read. Some of the blog posts were tagged with keywords such as Climate Hysteria, Corruption, Guns, Voter Fraud, and Great Reset. DePapes acquaintances from years before have described him as one of the Castro nudist activists. In 2013, he officiated a nudist wedding, which was covered by the media. One of the more recent snippets says: How did I get into all this. Gamer gate it was gamer gate, referring to the controversy around gaming journalism in 2014 and 2015 accompanied by a wave of online trolling and harassment. Other posts seem to have drawn on the often offensive parlance on the social media platform 4chan. Posts discussing black people, Jewish people, and women were tagged Bleck, Da Jewbs, and wAmEn, mimicking the intentional misspellings common on 4chan. The author apparently harbored particular antipathy for Jewish people and their religion. The authors anti-Semitic sentiments appeared to be related to his beliefs, particularly references to Gnosticism, which, among other things, rejects the God in Judaism as a false god. It appears that in the authors view, followers of Judaism were de facto Satan-worshippers. It also appears this belief of his predated his possible political transformation. The other blog, hosted at the address godisloving.wordpress.com, contained several posts dated June 24, 2007, and another few dozen dated Aug. 2528, 2022, which seem to be a subset of the posts also posted on the Frenlyfrens.com blog. The 2007 posts mostly discuss the meaning of love and ones relationship with God. In his spiritual musings, the author dismissed the existence of hell and professed that people should live in a constant state of euphoria. He also claimed that the God mentioned in the Old Testament is satan in what appeared to be a direct reference to Gnosticism. Two posts on the other blog were directly headlined Gnosticism. Another read What you look like to a Gnostic. Several others read Belief Creates Reality, Primacy of Consciousness, and Secret Teachings. Besides his objections to Judaism, the author apparently didnt see eye-to-eye with Christians either, headlining one post Jesus is the Anti Christ. The posts snippet argues that the church founding and the INTERPRETATION of Jesus that they choose to codify is all wrong and equal to the Anti Christ. The San Francisco Public Defenders Office, which represents DePape, declined to comment. In a previous statement, Adam Lipson, San Francisco Deputy Public Defender, said the office will look into DePapes potential vulnerability to propaganda and extreme political views. There are a lot of rumors and speculation about this incident that will need to be sorted out in court once we review the evidence, he said. I would ask the public to keep that in mind and try not to pass judgment on a complicated situation. Update: The article has been updated with a response form the San Francisco Public Defenders Office. Irvine Unified Removes Antiracist Language from Website The Irvine Unified School District recently removed a paragraph from its website describing the creation of a committee to develop a curriculum that is antiracist and links to a website that makes controversial claims about race after a parent brought the language to the boards attention last month. During an Oct. 25 board meeting, several parents expressed concern that critical race theoryan ideology that divides society into oppressors and oppressed based on raceis being taught in the districts schools. At the meeting, Debra Kamm, an Irvine Unified parent who is also running for the districts Trustee Area 2 in the Nov. 8 election, read aloud the paragraphwhich is a part of an article written by the district to introduce a June 2020 board resolution proclaiming that black lives matter and calling for a commitment to creating an unbiased and inclusive society through education. The now-deleted paragraph read as follows: Additionally, [Irvine Unified School District] recently formed Educators for Social Justice in which teachers will participate in the examination of resources and facilitation of conversations on how to develop a curriculum that is antiracist and gives time and space in the classroom to address past and present ways in which racism exists. It is a critical examination of individual and systemic racism and empowers students through historical and civic exploration and engagement to take action in ending racial inequities in our daily lives. On the districts website, the word antiracist is hyperlinked to a page on the National Museum of African-American Cultures website which at that time stated, Race does not biologically exist in a society that privileges white people and whiteness, racist ideas are considered normal It further stated different forms of racism, such as structural racismreferring to racial bias in institutions and societygive privileges to white people resulting in disadvantages to people of color. Kamm said at the board meeting the pages language was racist and did not belong in Irvine Unified. [Not] every single white child in the district is privileged, and that statement itself is racist. We have children with disabilities who are white and many who are struggling. They are not privileged, she said. Kamm told The Epoch Times she did not receive a response from the district regarding her comments. However, by Oct. 26the day after the board meetingshe said, the paragraph she singled out was deleted from the webpage. [Irvine Unified] staff and board members keep insisting that tenets of [critical race theory] are not being taught, Kamm said. Then why did they delete this part of the website immediately after getting caught? In response, a district spokesperson told The Epoch Times in an email that the paragraph was removed because the content that was linked to on the National Museum of African American History and Culture website has changed since we originally posted the article more than two years ago. We appreciate that this year-old link, to an external website, was brought to our attention and in the spirit of continuous improvement we have updated the article, the spokesperson said. They also said no such curriculum has been created and the district does not have an Educators for Social Justice Committee, and that the district facilitated conversations on how to develop a curriculum that is antiracist in August 2020. In Irvine Unified, community members may request to have an item placed on the agenda for the school boards consideration. Prior to the October board meeting, Kamm said she had requested earlier that month that an item be placed on the agenda banning the tenets of critical race theory from being taught in the district. Board members denied Kamms request, however, saying they would consider the resolution after the Nov. 8 general election. At the time, Kamm referred to the postponing of her resolution as political games, noting that all five board candidates have endorsed her opponent, Katie McEwen. Naval vessels from the U.S., Japan, India, and the Philippines conduct formation exercises and communication drills in the South China Sea in May 2019. (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force/U.S. Navy) Japan Hosts Multilateral Naval Parade Amid Rising Tensions With China, North Korea, Russia South Korea participates for first time since 2015 alongside 11 other nations Japans prime minister vowed on Nov. 6 to bolster Japans defenses alongside the United States and its allies as the country hosted another international fleet review to mark the birth of its naval forces. The review was held in Sagami Bay near Tokyo with the participation of 18 vessels from 12 nations, including the United States, South Korea, the UK, Australia, Singapore, India, and Thailand, as the region faces increasing tensions from North Koreas missile and nuclear threats, Russias invasion of Ukraine, and aggression by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) toward Taiwan. Speaking at the review, Japans centrist prime minister, Fumio Kishida, pledged to bolster the deterrence and response capabilities of the JapanU.S. alliance amid the severe security situation in the East and South China Seas. Kishida said North Koreas repeated missile launches, including one that flew over Japan last month, and Russias invasion of Ukraine were absolutely unacceptable and must not be tolerated. We must [be] prepared for the emergence of those who would violate the rules and use force to trample on the peace and security of other countries, he said during a speech aboard the Japanese helicopter carrier Izumo. Japan will formulate a new national security strategy by the end of the year and drastically strengthen its defense capabilities within five years. We are accelerating realistic consideration of what is necessary to protect the public without excluding all options. Kishidas Liberal Democratic Party has pledged to double Japans defense budget to roughly 2 percent of the countrys gross domestic product within five years. He said Japan will maintain its post-war peace-loving stance even as it seeks to strengthen defense capabilities and provide the international community with a transparent explanation of its security initiatives. I would like to ask the participants of each country in this forum to strive to explain their security policies in a transparent manner, Kishida said. He also inspected the USS Ronald Reagan, a U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, where he met with U.S. ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel and senior navy commanders. Emanuel reaffirmed the U.S.Japan alliances commitment to defending the region against North Koreas nuclear threats and the CCPs aggression, according to the U.S. Embassy in Japan. What upsets China most is we have allies; they are expansive and extensive, he said after accompanying Kishida on a tour of the Ronald Reagan. Japan devoted significant space of this years annual defense report to Taiwan, stating that Taiwans stability is critical for its security. The CCP claims Taiwan as its own and has ramped up military pressure against the self-ruled island. China declined Japans invitation to participate in its international fleet review. It had planned to participate in the last parade in 2019 before it was canceled. South Korea joined for the first time since 2015 in a sign of thawing relations between the two nations over wartime forced labor disputes. Japan refused to join South Koreas fleet review in 2018 after it was asked to not fly its rising sun ensign, which South Korea views as a symbol of Japanese wartime aggression. Japan didnt invite South Korea to a planned 2019 review. Both countries have drawn closer as North Korea ratchets up its missile launches. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said on Aug. 15 that the improved relations between the two nations are vital as they face common threats that challenge the freedom of global citizens. Reuters contributed to this report. Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel speak onstage during the 71st Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California on Sept. 22, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) Jimmy Kimmel: I Have Lost Half of My Fans Since Targeting Trump With Jokes Popular television host Jimmy Kimmel has revealed that he has lost at least half of his fanbase after cracking jokes against former president Donald Trump. I have lost half of my fansmaybe more than that, Kimmel said in an interview with Stitchers Naked Lunch podcast. Ten years ago, among Republicans, I was the most popular talk show host, at least according to the research that they did. The Jimmy Kimmel Live! show has been airing on ABC since 2003. When Trump was first running for office, executives at ABC had hinted that Kimmel would be better off backing away from anti-Trump jokes. However, the comedian insisted that he is not going to stop joking about Trump despite agreeing that more neutral comedy would help the ratings of his show. Kimmel told executives that they can hire someone else to host the show if they want but according to Kimmel, they backed off when they knew he was serious. Claiming that he was proud to speak against Trump, Kimmel went on to joke about still airing shows when the former president goes to jail. The comedian also defended current president Joe Biden, saying that he is a decent human being no matter what anyone thinks about him. Biden is certainly not evil and those who believe so have got some real problems, Kimmel said. Kimmels show has struggled to get viewers in recent times, with ratings significantly dropping during the past few years. In 2016, Jimmy Kimmel Live garnered 2.2 million viewers on average, a number that has declined by over a third to 1.5 million in 2022. Talk Show Audience Drop, Bias Against Trump Kimmel isnt the only talk show host who has seen audience numbers fall in the past years. Other liberal hosts have also seen a decline in viewership. NBCs Late Night with Seth Meyers, which attracted around 1.5 million viewers in 2016 now only has a viewership of 786,000, according to Fox. CBS The Late Late Show has lost 36 percent of viewers during this period. Jimmy Fallon, the host of Tonight Show has seen viewership decline by almost 60 percent. In 2018, Fallon apologized for ruffling Trumps hair during a cordial interview weeks before the 2016 presidential race. Anti-trump critics claimed that the action had humanized Trump and helped him in the elections. Sketch comedy program Saturday Night Live, which has been very biased in how it treats Trump as against Biden, has also suffered a drop in audience numbers. According to an analysis by Fox News, the show only satirized Biden three times during his first year in office. In contrast, Trump was satirized at least 11 times in his first year. In 2017, the show used to average 7.4 million viewers, which has now fallen to 4.7 million. A screen grab taken from video shows damage to the home of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after her husband Paul Pelosi was violently assaulted during a break-in at their house in San Francisco, Calif., on Oct. 28, 2022. (KGO TV via ABC via Reuters) Judge in Paul Pelosi Attacker Case Worked With House Speakers Daughter The judge overseeing the case against alleged Paul Pelosi attack suspect David DePape revealed last week that she worked with Christine Pelosi, the daughter of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Paul Pelosi. Judge Loretta Lori Giorgi said she and the younger Pelosi, who has worked as a Democrat activist and has never held elected office, worked together in the San Francisco City Attorneys office in the 1990s. The pair have not interacted with one another in years, Giorgi said. Christine Pelosi is one of Nancy and Paul Pelosis five children. I do want to make a disclosure on the record that the daughter of Mr. Pelosi, Christine Pelosi, and I were in the city attorneys office together in the 90s, Giorgi told the court, according to local media affiliate ABC7. And I have disclosed to counsel the interactions that I had when she and I were together. I havent seen or heard or talked to Ms. Pelosi after she left the office. I do see her here today. No one objected to Giorgies ties with the Pelosi family during the hearing on Nov. 4. ABC7 reporters in the courtroom also said that Christine Pelosi, who some analysts say might attempt to seek election in her mothers congressional district when she retires, attended the hearing but later left through a back door. The Epoch Times has contacted the city attorneys office for comment. According to public records, Giorgi worked in the San Francisco city attorneys office from 1985 until 2006; she was elected as a judge of the Superior Court of San Francisco in 2006. Christine Pelosi (L) and Amy Holmes speak onstage during Politicon 2018 at Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, on Oct. 21, 2018. (Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Politicon) Giorgi worked in the city attorneys office from 1985 to 2006, when she was appointed to the bench. She rose to the rank of deputy city attorney and was the offices public integrity chief. At this point we will be determining what witnesses we need to call. Whether we call a victim or the 911 dispatcher. Whether we present certain evidence, said Brooke Jenkins, San Franciscos District Attorney, to the court, adding that her office has significant evidence against DePape, 42, to take him to trial. That includes body camera footage of the alleged attack and the 911 call from the Pelosi home. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), meanwhile, confirmed to The Epoch Times that DePape was an illegal immigrant from Canada. After entering the United States on a visa in the year 2000, DePape was able to leave the United States and returned multiple times, officials told media outlets last week. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged an immigration detainer on Canadian national David DePape with San Francisco County Jail, Nov. 1, following his Oct. 28 arrest, DHS told The Epoch Times. A Canadian government spokesperson told The Epoch Times that officials are engaging with local authorities in the United States and declined to provide more information. Prosecutors allege DePape broke into the Pelosi San Francisco home in late October before he approached Paul Pelosi, asking him where he was. Pelosi then called police from a phone in his bathroom, and when officers arrived, they saw Pelosi and DePape with their hand on the same hammer before DePape allegedly hit the elderly man in the head. In a CNN interview last week, Jenkins said that she will work to limit access to the body camera footage, 911 calls, and other evidence in the case. For us, revealing that evidence through the media is just not what we think is appropriate, Jenkins told the network. We want to make sure that this individual is held accountable for these egregious acts, she also said. For us, were going to make sure that we limit the evidence as much as possible in order to get that done. While Democrat officials say the attack was politically motivated, neighbors revealed that DePape has long been associated with left-wing individuals and had several children with a local nudist activist known as Oxane Gypsy Taub. Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. Kristina Karamo speaks at a rally hosted by former President Donald Trump near Washington, Mich., on April 2, 2022. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Judge Rejects Michigan GOP Candidates Request to Disqualify Mail-In Ballots in Detroit A judge has rejected a request by Michigan secretary of state candidate Kristina Karamo to reject mail-in ballots from Detroit for the midterm elections. Karamo, a Republican, filed a lawsuit several weeks ago seeking to disqualify absentee ballots in only Detroit, which overwhelmingly votes for Democrats, and require them to show up in person on Nov. 8. She said the mail-in ballot counting system in Detroit violates election law. But a judge in Wayne County, Timothy Kenny, dismissed her lawsuit (pdf) and claimed she raised a false flag of election law violations and corruption concerning Detroits procedures for the November 8th election, adding: This Courts ruling takes down that flag. Plaintiffs failure to produce any evidence that the procedures for this November 8th election violate state or federal election law demonizes the Detroit City Clerk, her office staff, and the 1,200 volunteers working this election. These claims are unjustified, devoid of any evidentiary basis and cannot be allowed to stand, the ruling said. In her lawsuit, Karamo asserted the city of Detroit has been plagued with election corruption for years and noted that her goal is designed to protect the rights of Detroit residents casting legal ballots. After the 2020 election, Republicans and former President Donald Trumps team claimed there was fraudulent activity at vote-counting sites in Detroit. Alexandria Taylor, an attorney for Karamo, denied that the lawsuit seeks to undermine black voters. Detroit, which has been steadily losing population for decades due to a loss of manufacturing jobs and high violent crime rates, is about 77 percent black. What we filed is not a racist filing, and I take offense to that as a black attorney with deep roots in the city of Detroit, Taylor said, according to local media reports. We just want full and fair elections. Thats what our plaintiffs here want, and we want that done in the best way possible. Both Taylor and Karamo are black. For Michigan, top midterm races include Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer running against GOP challenger Tudor Dixon, Attorney General Dana Nessel running against Kalamazoo lawyer Matthew DePerno, and Democrat Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson running against Karamo, a former community college professor. The state lost a U.S. House seat coming out of the Census but still has three of its 13 districts drawing national attention. Michigans polls close at 8 p.m. ET. Most of the state is in the Eastern Time Zone and closes at 8 p.m. ET. Four counties are in the Central Time Zone and do not close until 9 p.m. ET. The counties to watch are the four most populous ones: Wayne, which includes Detroit; the suburban counties of Oakland and Macomb; and Kent in western Michigan where Grand Rapids, the states second-largest city is located. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting via teleconference call in Moscow on Aug. 22, 2022. (Pavel Byrkin/Sputnik/Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Kremlin, White House Tight-Lipped Following Report of Secret Talks The Kremlin declined to comment on a recent Wall Street Journal report that a top U.S. security official has held a number of secret phone conversations with high-ranking Russian officials. We have nothing to say about this publication, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Nov. 7. A day earlier, the WSJ reported that U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan has held a series of undisclosed talks in recent months with his Russian counterparts. According to the report, the discussions were held with the aim of preventing the war in Ukraine from escalating into a nuclear conflict, amid steadily escalating rhetoric by Moscow and Washington. The White House also declined to comment on the report; a spokeswoman for the U.S. National Security Council said, People claim a lot of things. Washingtons official stance on the issue is that any talks aimed at ending the conflict should be held directly between Kyiv and Moscow. On Nov. 4, Sullivan visited Kyiv, where he said Washingtons support for the Ukrainian war effort would remain unwavering and unflinching following the Nov. 8 U.S. midterm elections. His comments reflect widespread speculation that U.S. financial and military support for Ukraine might be drastically reduced if Republicans capture a majority in Congress in the elections. We fully intend to ensure that the resources are there as necessary and that well get votes from both sides of the aisle to make that happen, Sullivan said at a press conference in Kyiv. Rhetoric between Moscow and Kyivs Western allies has steadily escalated in recent weeks. Last week, the Russian Foreign Ministry warned that the worlds five declared nuclear powerswhich include the United States and Russiawere sitting on the brink of a direct armed conflict. The ministry urged Western powers to refrain from encouraging provocations with weapons of mass destruction, which can lead to catastrophic consequences. U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan speaks in Washington on March 22, 2022. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Quietly Urging Diplomacy Speaking to reporters on Nov. 7, Peskov also declined to comment on a recent report in The Washington Post that claimed U.S. officials were privately urging Kyiv to show a willingness to hold talks with Moscow. We dont know if thats the case, the Kremlin spokesman said. On Nov. 5, the paper reported that Washington was quietly asking the Ukrainian leadership to drop its stated refusal to hold peace talks with Moscow as long as Russian President Vladimir Putin remains in power. The U.S. National Security Council likewise declined to comment on the report. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said, If Russia is ready for negotiation, it should stop its bombs and missiles and withdraw its forces from Ukraine. The Kremlin has demonstrated its unwillingness to seriously engage in negotiations since even before it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Nov. 4, We are ready for peace, for a fair and just peace, the formula of which we have voiced many times. Peskov voiced skepticism regarding the claims made in The Washington Post report. Once again, I repeat that there are some truthful reports, but for the most part, there are reports that are pure speculation, he said. While Russia remains open to talks, its currently unable to do so because of the stated refusal of the government in Kyiv to open negotiations with Moscow, he said. Reuters contributed to this report. Supporters of New Hampshire Libertarian candidate Jeremy Kauffman who is running against Republican Don Bolduc and Democrat Maggie Hassan Libertarian Candidate Could Influence Outcome of US Senate Race in New Hampshire As the U.S. Senate race in New Hampshire remains under heavy watch in the final days before the midterms, a third candidate in the race who has received relatively little attention may very well decide the outcome of the high-profile race. Jeremy Kauffman, CEO of a blockchain-based digital sharing network and a top advocate of New Hampshires Free State Project, is running as a Libertarian against Democrat incumbent Maggie Hassan and newcomer Don Bolduc, who has quickly risen to national prominence within the Republican Party. Depending on which poll you believe, the retired Army Brigadier General is either marginally leading Hassan or closely trailing her. The biggest margin projected came Thursday when the University of Massachusetts Lowell Center for Public Opinion released results of a random polling of 600 New Hampshire residents showing Bolduc behind Hassan by 10 points. Just days earlier, St. Anselm Colleges latest poll put Bolduc one percentage point ahead of Hassan while a recent Emerson College poll put Hassan 10 points ahead of Bolduc. The week prior, Bolduc released his own poll conducted by GOP pollster Fabrizio, Less and Associates, which had him two points ahead of Hassan. In an analysis of all polling results, Real Clear Politics concluded Hassan had an overall one percent edge over Bolduc. Enter Kauffman, who is forecast by some of New Hampshires most influential Republicans to garner as much as 6 percent of the electorate vote. I suspect Jeremy is going to, by the very least, cross the four percent range, J.R. Hoell, a founder of New Hampshires largest Republican organization told The Epoch Times. I predict he could get as high as 6 percent. Hoell said its hard to say which candidateBolduc or Hassanwill be the most impacted by votes drawn by Kauffman. While Hoell, who now serves as secretary-treasurer of his group RebuildNH, is a staunch Republican, he is not fully convinced that Bolduc is the right candidate to represent New Hampshire, citing what he sees as Bolducs overplay of his military background and underplay of issues specific to New Hampshire. Aaron Day, a past chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus who ran as an Independent in the 2016 race for New Hampshire governor, recently wrote on Twitter that he hopes the 17,000 New Hampshire residents who voted for him in 2016 vote for Kauffman instead of Bolduc. In a state with a little over one million registered voters, those numbers have proven significant. When Hassan ran in 2016, she won by only 1,014 votes, which translates to a winning margin of a little over 0.14 percent. Currently, there are 1,154 registered voters identified as third-party voters. Adding to the significance is the 41 percent of Granite State voters who remain undeclared prior to Septembers primaries. Both Day and Hoell say they are especially concerned that Bolducs first response to the Ukraine invasion by Russia was to send U.S. troops into combat there and has also called for arms against China. We have been doing military actions without that authorization since World War II. We need someone who is going to be careful about jumping into wars, said Hoell, who noted he has a son who is a second lieutenant in the Army. Bolducs campaign has repeatedly ignored requests for an interview with The Epoch Times. Kauffman has drawn some quiet criticism from Republicans for serving as a potential spoiler in the Bolduc race, which recently garnered $1 million worth of TV ad campaign support from the National Republican Senatorial Committee and endorsements from big-name Republicans including former President Donald Trump. In a Nov. 6 interview with The Epoch Times, Kauffman said he definitely does not see himself as a spoiler in the U.S. Senate race, but more as an option to New Hampshire voters, especially Republicans. No one owes their vote to bad Republicans, said Kauffman who believes Bolducs biggest appeal of being anti-establishment has already faded with him flipping on his once staunch position the 2016 presidential election was stolen, partnering with establishment Republicans and their money, and making television appearances that seem limited to Fox News. The 38-year-old Manchester father of three young boys, with another child on the way, said he also wants to appeal to Democrats who are libertarian-leaning, which is the basis of the Free State Project. Started in 2001, the grassroots movement endeavors to draw at least 20,000 freedom lovers to New Hampshire to preserve its Live Free or Die motto. Kauffman said he would never have in fact considered running if either party fielded a libertarian-leaning candidate. He said he was asked to run when it appeared the U.S. Senate race had been taken over by people outside of New Hampshireand away from the reality that Granite staters, not national politicians or the media, should be shaping the right candidate. Kauffman himself sees Bolduc as overly authoritarian with his tough stances on immigration, drugs, and foreign conflict. He has a militaristic solution for everything, said Kauffman. With little mention of Hassan in any of the state libertarian campaigning, it appears their main target is potential Bolduc votes in the U.S. Senate race. On another military-related front, state libertarians have been sharply criticized for partnering with former Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who publicly stated support for Russian President Vladmir Putins rationale for attacking Ukraine. Immediately following her departure from the Democratic Party, Gabbard announced her support for Bolduc. Reed Coverdale, host of the podcast The Naturalist Capitalist Free America, claimed that Bolduc, who he called a war pig, backed out of an early promise to appear on his show, saying his campaign told him Bolduc was just too busy. I guess Ill have to go to one of these campaign event and ask Tulsi why shes endorsing a war pig and ask Don why the hell I should vote for someone who wants to put America last, wrote Coverdale on Facebook. Democrats also took aim at Bolduc over the partnership. By campaigning with a pro-Putin, extreme conspiracy theorist like Gabbard, Don Bolduc is making only more clear how out-of-step he is with New Hampshire, Ray Buckley, chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, said in a written statement. Kauffmans company, LBRY, combines the complexities of such new contemporary monetization like bitcoin and the intricacies of digital technology into a user-friendly platform. Hoell said one thing hes sure of is that New Hampshire voters are not voting Democrat. The father of three, who was in the news earlier this year after state child protection workers tried to take his teenage son months after he gave him Ivermectin, is campaigning for a return to the New Hampshire House where he served for 8-years before taking hiatus. Reactions from passersby to a recent sign-waving campaign he and other Republican candidates held told him everything he needs to know, he said. We had Amazon truck drivers and U.S. Postal workers honking horns and giving us thumbs, he said, this is not typical people voting Republican. Mainstream doctors and scientists who expressed dissenting COVID-19-related views reported censorship and suppression by media and medical authorities in a recent study. The study found significant involvement of the media and the medical establishment in censorship and suppression of dissenters. The qualitative study, published by four Israelis and an Australian on Nov. 1 in the academic journal Minerva by Springer, included the subjective perceptions of 13 doctors and scientists from 7 countries: the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, Germany, Israel, and the Czech Republic. Nine participants hold an MD or a Ph.D. degree, and four hold both. Most of them are well-known in their fields, with proven research backgrounds and many academic publications. The participants remained anonymous. The study found that COVID-19 censoring of doctors and researchers with flawless resumes and even senior academic or medical positions has become a regular phenomenon. The message is that no one is exempt from censorship and no academic or medical status, senior as it may be, is a guaranteed shield against it, according to the study. The study, called Censorship and Suppression of Covid-19 Heterodoxy: Tactics and Counter-Tactics found that both the media and medical authorities used a wide variety of censorship and suppressive tactics against the participants. Derogatory Comments and Labels The media companies included both mainstream media and social media companies. Tactics used by the media included derogatory comments and labels, often using ostensibly independent third-party sources such as anonymous fact-checkers or other doctors, and online censorship involving the removal of their social media and internet contents and accounts, according to the study. Tactics used by medical authorities included defamation and intimidation; retraction of scientific papers after publication; dismissal or adverse changes to employment contracts; aggressive actions aimed at sabotaging other significant roles of the individual, such as participating in important committees or serving as editors of scientific journals, the study said. Some of the participants reported being subjected to investigations and attempts to revoke their medical license in formal proceedings. The participants believed that these tactics aimed to distract public attention from their message and deflect the discussion from their criticism or the allegations they raised. The authors identified that the main limitation of the study is that the findings are based on subjective perspectives. Dr. Robert Malone, one of the original inventors of the messenger RNA vaccine technology platform, called it a stunning paper. Having personally lived through what may be among the most intensive slander, defamation, and derision campaigns of the COVID crisis, none of what was described in this article surprised me, wrote Malone on his Substack page. McCullough The lead author, Yaffa Shir-Raz is a health journalist and risk communication researcher. Shir-Raz obtained a leaked video from a source and publicly released clips from it beginning in mid-August. The video, a recording of an internal meeting in June of researchers commissioned by the Israeli Ministry of Health to analyze adverse event reports, revealed new information about side effects following COVID-19 vaccination. Shir-Raz also highlighted on Twitter the case of Dr. Peter McCullough, a cardiologist in the United States. A top medical board recently moved to strip McCullough, who has raised questions about the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines, of his certification. McCullough, a former vice chief of internal medicine at Baylor University Medical Center in Texas and now the chief medical adviser for the Truth for Health Foundation, was previously banned by Twitter in early October. Twitter claimed that I violated the community rules after thousands of consistent posts on scientific abstracts, and manuscripts, he told NTDs Capitol Report. McCullough said that hes been providing updates on COVID-19 vaccines and related pandemic issues due to a feeling of responsibility. I felt I had the medical authority and professional responsibility to lead the nation. Ive testified twice now in the U.S. Senate, multiple state Senates, he said. Ive messaged the best I can through the peer-reviewed literature as well as with podcasts and now Substack formats. The Epoch Times confirmed that as of Nov. 7 McCullough remains banned on Twitter. McCullough wrote on Gettr, a Twitter competitor, that the new study is an unprecedented peer reviewed paper calling out censorship and reprisal by governments against clinical and academic physicians bringing the pandemic truth forward. Zachary Stieber and Steve Lance contributed to this report. Republican nominee for Arizona governor Kari Lake speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas on . Aug. 6, 2022. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Midterm Elections Updates: Security Threat Prompts Shutdown of Kari Lake Campaign HQ in Phoenix The latest on the midterm elections. _____ Security Threat Prompts Shutdown of Kari Lake Campaign Headquarters in Phoenix The delivery of an envelope containing a suspicious white powder prompted the Arizona gubernatorial campaign of Republican nominee Kari Lake to shut down its Phoenix headquarters two days before the election, the campaign said in a statement on Sunday. The envelope, opened by a member of Lakes staff, was one of two confiscated by law enforcement for analysis in Quantico, Virginia, site of an FBI forensics laboratory, after the incident was reported, according to the statement. The staff member is currently under medical supervision, the statement said, adding that the campaign was awaiting results of the analysis. ___ Trump Tells Florida Supporters to Vote for DeSantis After calling Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Ron DeSanctimonious on Saturday night, former President Donald Trump called on his Miami supporters to vote for the Florida GOP governor during the 2022 midterms. With thousands of proud, hard-working American patriots, incredible peoplejust two days from now, the people of Florida are going to reelect the wonderful, the great, a friend of mine, Marco Rubio to the United States Senate, and youre going to reelect Ron DeSantis as your governor of the state, he said at an event while stumping for Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). And youre going to elect an incredible slate of true MAGA warriors to Congress. Trump drew headlines when he made the quip about DeSantis at a rally for Dr. Mehmet Oz and Doug Mastriano, Republicans who are campaigning for Pennsylvanias Senate and gubernatorial seats, respectively. DeSantis and his campaign have not responded to Trumps comment on Saturday. DeSantis is facing off against former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, a Democrat, and Rubio, meanwhile, faces Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.). Recent polls have shown DeSantis is ahead of Crist and have shown that Rubio leads Demings. Read the full article here ___ Trump Says US In Decline; Biden Has His Own Dire Warning Former President Donald Trump is predicting Americas decline if his fellow Republicans dont deliver a massive electoral wave on Tuesday. Democrats, led by President Joe Biden and two other former presidents, are warning that abortion rights, Social Security, and even democracy itself are at stake. Three of the six living presidents delivered dire closing messages Saturday in battleground Pennsylvania entering the final weekend of the 2022 midterm elections, but their words echoed across the country as millions of Americans cast ballots to decide the balance of power in Washington and in key state capitals. Polls across America will close on Tuesday, but more than 39 million people have already voted. On Sunday, Biden was set to campaign in suburban New York, while Trump was headed to Florida. _____ Cheney Endorses Virginia Democrat Abigail Spanberger Republican Rep. Liz Cheney crossed the political aisle again this election year and endorsed a Democrat colleague in a competitive House race, backing former CIA officer Abigail Spanberger on Saturday as she seeks a third term in a newly redrawn district in northern Virginia. Cheney, vice chair of the House committee investigating the Capitol breach and a critic of former President Donald Trump who lost to a Trump-backed challenger in her Wyoming primary in August, said in a statement that Spanberger was focused on finding solutions and dedicated to serving this country and her constituents and defending our Constitution. The GOP nominee in Virginias 7th Congressional District, which is centered around the Interstate 95 corridor in exurban Washington and rural communities to the east and west, is Yesli Vega, a county official, and former police officer recently endorsed by Trump. In October, Cheney endorsed former CIA analyst Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), the first time that Cheney had formally supported a Democrat. She also recently visited Michigan to campaign with Slotkin. _____ The Associated Press contributed to this report. Midterms Will Set the Zeitgeist for the Rest of the World Commentary American power is such that elections are keenly watched no matter where in the world one lives. While only U.S. citizens get to vote, non-Americans still have a team for whom they barrack. The reason for this type of behaviour is because of the major political, cultural, and social influence the United States has on the world. Perhaps the most curious aspect of this influence is something called tone. Its hard to pin down, but the tone is the vibe or zeitgeist we all feel in our lives. Of course, what matters most for non-Americans is the U.S. presidential elections where the commander-in-chief and de facto leader of the free world is elected. What is noticeable after the president is elected is how world leaders pay keen attention to the White Houses position on global mattersthis is a physical manifestation of tone. Another after-effect of tone, for example, is that the election of a Republican president will generally inspire conservative or right-wing political parties around the world. On the other hand, a Democrat president tends to inspire liberal-progressive or left-wing parties. Thus, when former U.S. President Donald Trump came to power, the left across the world was visibly shaken. Whereas when President Joe Biden came to power, the opposite happened. Hence, we saw how a Trump White House inspired the emergence of right-leaning governments globally. Whereas a Biden White House has had the opposite effect as seen in the defeat of leaders such as Australias Scott Morrison, the UKs Liz Truss, Germanys Armin Laschet, Chiles Sebastian Pinera, Argentinas Rodolfo Suarez, and most recently, Brazils Jair Bolsonaro. There is no science to explain this phenomenon. But theres also no mistaking how the outcome of the U.S. presidential elections impacts the global zeitgeist. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro speaks to the press in Brasilia, on Oct. 2, 2022. (Evaristo Sa/AFP via Getty Images) Change Is Brewing in American Politics But it is not only presidential elections that matter. The midterms for the Congress seats also matter because they set the parameters and limitations on how much the U.S. president can operate. Currently, the Biden administration struggles to get his plans legislated because of the precarious balanced Senate. But, as we have seen, it is still not impossible for the Biden team to negotiate deals in Senate. So right now, the administration is not (yet) a lame duck. However, the upcoming midterms bode well for the Republicans with potential victories in both the Senate and Congress. Such a victory will have many upsides and downsides. The main upside is that a Republican victory will place more limitations on the president, and even the possible reversal of a range of initiatives including the Green New Deal. Another upside of a Republican victory is possible cutbacks to the Washington swamp by refusing to pass budgets to pay for an increasingly bloated bureaucracy. Former President Donald Trump arrives for a Save America rally ahead of the midterm elections at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, Pa., on Nov. 5, 2022. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images) But most importantly, a victory would be an affirmation of a Republican Party remade by Trumps conservative policies. This would send a powerful message about the likelihood of a victory for Trump or a Trump-approved candidate in the next presidential election. And the return of a Trump would have implications way beyond Americare-energising conservatives and the right across the globe. We should also consider the possible downside, and that is how the fear of Trumpian conservative politics mobilised an alliance of anti-Trump forces. We saw an example of this when political strategist Mike Podhorzer brought together the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and American Federation of Labor, and the Congress of Industrial Organizations. Or the informal alliance of left-wing activists, business titans, mainstream media, and Silicon Valley. A Republican midterm victory could almost certainly stir these same fears. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. A Brazilian protester holds a flag in Curitiba, Brazil, on November 4, 2022. The country, Latin Americas largest economy, has many taking to the streets, after historical elections spark controversy. (Frederico Vidovix/The Epoch Times) My Son Will Not Live in a Communist CountryInside the Brazil Election Protests CURITIBA, BrazilA family sits around a small makeshift fireplace. They have been camping there on shifts for days, nearly a week. That was the scene for Luiz Henrique and his relatives on Friday, as they, in their own words, reject the prospect of the country going back to what it was under the Workers Party, which now has led Lula da Silva to a new term. The left-wing candidate was Brazils president from 2003 to 2010, and won a run-off vote by a razor-thin margin on Oct. 30, over a decade after leaving office. His inauguration is scheduled for January. Henriques family is not an isolated case. Hundreds of families have set up tents around the Pinheirinho fortress, in the city of Curitiba. More are protesting around army headquarters throughout the country. Most there call for aid, or intervention, from the military, many cast doubt on whether the elections were free and fair, and some just say theyre hoping for a last chance not to have Brazil go the way of neighboring socialist governments in Venezuela, Argentina, and beyond. Henrique and his family drink mate, also known as chimarrao, a traditional drink of Latin Americas southern cone. What we want I have children. I have grandchildren. We dont want them to suffer what countries around us are suffering, and what were seeing every single day. We dont want Brazil to go through that as well, Henrique said. He explained: Were here 24 hours, every day, since this movement started on Monday. We have been taking turns, me and my relatives. Some of us have businesses to run, some have day jobs. Some stay in the morning, some in the afternoon. We [right now] are on the night shift. We coordinate among our family. At least our family were playing our part, like most Brazilians are. Da Silva has befriended, and eventually supported, a number of Latin American socialist dictators. Among them are Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro, and Nicaraguas Daniel Ortega, whose persecution of Christianity and the press was a talking point of the presidential debates in the run-up to the October elections. Da Silva was elected in an alliance with the Communist Party of Brazil, and the possibility of him leaning into authoritarianism or stifling free enterprise has been a cause for concern. Were in a situation where you either do [something now], or you wont do it ever again, another protester told The Epoch Times. The hard part is: what if you dont do [something] and then our country becomes like Venezuela? Not to say anything bad about Venezuela, but they are now facing poverty due to letting [the hard-left] take over. On Nov. 2, during the Finados national holiday, hundreds of thousands of people came out to protest throughout Brazil. Interviewees quoted police data saying up to 170,000 more joined them in the city of Curitiba alone. More were there during the weekenda trend unlikely to end soon, with strikes starting on Nov. 7. Some called it a struggle for freedom. My son will not live in a communist country. My son was born to be free, said Fernanda, as she hugged her son, school-aged Joaquim. Our country was born to be free! And thats why I brought him here. Thats why Im here. My country will not have a red flag. It is not possible to live in that type of country. Thats why Im here fighting for my homeland, and for his freedom. The boy accompanied his mother to the protests, calmly observing the concerned adults around him. Not a Single Case of Vandalism Protesters say they are lawfully exercising their constitutional right to protest and are financially supporting themselves and are also receiving donations from others who support their cause. We havent had a single case of theft, not a single case of vandalism, not even in a single car, no fights on record here. Nothing, said Ivo, one of the early organizers of the 24/7 protests in Curitiba. This is a pretty democratic action. Children, the elderly, and families are here. And nothing goes on. Businessmen are helping us, and ordinary people are as well. Legal experts, local left-wing politicians, activists, and others have called the protests illegal and anti-democratic, and said that an intervention by the armed forces that could overturn election results would violate Brazils Constitution and institutions. The claims were denied and dismissed by the protesters, who said they were orderly and peaceful and hadnt committed any crime. Claims of Illegitimacy on the Electoral Dispute Protesters told The Epoch Times they feel this was not a fair electoral process. A shared concern was da Silvas past. After being convicted on corruption and money laundering charges, penalties against him were voided by Supreme Court Justice Edson Fachinnot by proof of his innocence, but on procedural grounds. Fachin was nominated by Lulas presidential successor, former communist guerrilla Dilma Rousseff, and campaigned for the Workers Party before taking on his duties. We want to show to the powers of the republic were not in agreement with the way this electoral process was run, and with the way the winner achieved victory, said Eiko, one of the protesters, as he held a Brazilian flag along with his wife in front of a military building. At many points we noticed one of the candidates had more access to free speech than the other did, this is what we are questioning, he added. Its not about the result. Theres always a loser and a winner. But the point is the way this played out. After Lulas release, conservatives claim a level playing field is hardly what was seen in Brazil. Leading news outlets faced pressureat bestand, as the targeted media companies themselves put it, censorship, to specifically not report on da Silva as a convicted criminal or on his historical and well-documented ties with Latin American dictatorships. This pressure from Brazils Electoral Court contributed to a feeling of distrust in the local justice system among the crowds gathered. The countrys Electoral Court oversees elections and shares many of its members with the Supreme Court that got da Silva back to politics. Contributing to the tension in Brazil, on Friday a press conference was broadcast from Argentina explaining an independent audit showed there were statistical anomalies that could point to fraud in the October vote. Electoral Court president and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has threatened to consider challenges to the election results as criminal. Those broadcasting the press conference said this was part of the reason for broadcasting from Argentina. Protesters told The Epoch Times they are concerned about voter fraud. Reports about the audit sparked controversy in Brazil, with experts and supporters of da Silva dismissing them as baseless or misleading. Suppression and censorship, along with unwillingness among Brazilian institutions to broach the topic have increased dissent, according to the protesters. Concerns About Press Coverage As The Epoch Times reporters moved through the crowds they were asked by locals to have the truth be told about the protests. Distrust in the press, local and foreign, was widespread. Slogans were displayed in English for the international press. Where are we heading, if this becomes a communist [country]? said one protester. Where are my grandchildren headed? What is gonna happen to everyone? Were already under communism, actually. Were being silenced. We cant say anything. We depend on foreigners to be able to express what is happening here. Newport-Mesa School Board Candidate: I Cant Turn the Other Way When Someone Needs Help Longtime Costa Mesa resident and community advocate Vicky Rodriguez is running for a seat on the Newport-Mesa Unified School Board in the Nov. 8 election as another way, she said, to support her community. I cant turn the other way when someone needs help, Rodriguez told The Epoch Times. Newport-Mesa Unified School District Area 7 candidate Vicky Rodriguez in Irvine, Calif., on Nov. 3, 2022. (Jack Bradley/The Epoch Times) She is a certified immigration consultant and owns a tax and notary business in Costa Mesa. Prior to the pandemic, she offered free notary services at the senior center in Costa Mesa. She provided free classes there to prepare immigrants to become citizens. She is running against incumbent trustee Ashely Anderson and candidate Kristen Seaburn for the districts Area 7, which includes Pomona, Rea, Victoria, Whittier, and Wilson elementary schools, and Estancia High School. Rodriguez said she would be a good representative of the area because she speaks Spanish, as does much of the community she would serve, already knows many residents, and has lived in the area since 1995. She said school board members should be more involved at the school level. We should get together with schools and check out which kids are doing really bad, she said. There must be something going on at the house. That means kids cant concentrate. Rodriguez, who ran unsuccessfully for school board in 2018, said she would work to allocate more tutoring funding for failing students, if elected. Some of these parents are barely making it by. Theyre not worried about tutoring. Theyre worried about having a place to live and food to eat, she said. The district has an after-school tutoring program, she said, but there are too many students and too few teachers. Thats not going to cut it, she said. The needs on this part of town are so different, and we need to focus on that. As a tax consultant, Rodriguez said she has seen that many children who grow up in poor families receiving food stamps and other public assistance tend to stay in that situation as they grow up. We need to change that, she said. We need to help the parents, not just the kids. If we dont get to the bottom of the problem, it isnt going to change. She said drugs, high school gangs, and fighting are issues plaguing Costa Mesas portion of the school district. These are among the most immediate problems she intends to address, if elected, she said. When you take care of this, the kids will be concentrating better. Theyll be safer, and theyll be doing better in school, she said. Rodriguez, who has three childrentwo grown and one in high schoolis an ambassador at the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, a voluntary position encouraging member participation, and has been involved in her childrens schools PTA. In 2018, while her son was attending Paularino Elementary School, she said she helped spearhead a renovation of the schools library by securing furniture donations from IKEA. The library was remodeled with new bookcases, couches, tables, chairs, and rugs, she said. The Gift of Giving Rodriguez was born in Guadalajara, Mexico before immigrating to Orange County as a child. She said her grandparents used to host large gatherings in her hometown in December for the Christian holiday Latin Americans call Los Posadas. Festivities included parades and donations of food for those in need. In her nearly 28 years of living in Costa Mesa, she said she has followed in their footsteps and has held multiple toy, clothing, and food drives. One of which was for Paulorino Elementary School students in 2017, when she organized a toy drive with donations provided by TJ Maxx. Rodriguez is also active in her local Lions Club, which provides community service for the citys youth, such as raising funds for school supplies. She also makes monthly trips to Tijuana to bring clothes, blankets, and groceriesdonated from her and Orange County localsto poor families in the Mexican border city. For the last five years, Rodriguez said she has filled up the flatbed of her white Toyota Tundra with the donations and hands them out one by one. A model showing the location of Subtropical Storm Nicole as of Nov. 7, 2022. (NHC) NHC Warns Hurricane Could Hit Florida After 2022 Midterm Elections The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued watches for Subtropical Storm Nicole, which is on track to approach Floridas eastern coast later this week. Nicole, which is forecast to turn into at least a Category 1 hurricane later this week, is predicted to affect Florida beginning the night of Nov. 8 or the following morning, according to an NHC model. The system, located in the western Atlantic Ocean, is currently hundreds of miles northeast of the Bahamas. The storm, currently with maximum sustained winds of about 45 miles per hour, is moving northwest at 9 miles per hour. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for the east coast of Florida from the Volusia/Brevard County Line to Hallandale Beach and for Lake Okeechobee, the NHC stated on Nov. 7. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area within about 48 hours. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican whos up for reelection during the 2022 midterms on Nov. 8, issued a warning to Floridians on Nov. 6. I encourage all Floridians to be prepared and make a plan in the event a storm impacts Florida, he said in a statement. We will continue to monitor the path and trajectory of [the storm] and we remain in constant contact with all state and local government partners. The state is still recovering from Hurricane Ian, which hit Floridas western coast as a Category 4 storm several weeks ago. Most of the damage from the storm occurred south of Tampa Bay, located on the other side of the state. DeSantis called on residents to review disaster plans and keep their gas tanks at least half-full in the meantime. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks in a neighborhood affected by Hurricane Ian at Fishermans Wharf in Fort Myers, Fla., on Oct. 5, 2022. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images) As the Division continues to support communities in their recovery from Hurricane Ian, we are now closely monitoring 98L, Florida Department of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said in a Nov. 7 statement. It is critical for Floridians to review their disaster preparedness plans and follow all directions from local officials in anticipation of potential impacts. After Ian made landfall, DeSantis issued an order extending early voting days in three hard-hit counties and authorizing election supervisors to designate additional early voting locations. Voters there can cast ballots at any polling place in their registered county through Election Day. Election supervisors are also permitted to relocate or consolidate polling places if necessary. It isnt clear if DeSantis is readying any election-related plans ahead of Nicoles potential landfall. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Editors note: A previous headline for this article erroneously stated that the NHC issued a hurricane warning for Florida. The Epoch Times regrets this error. A man's belongings are placed on the street to be moved to storage after his tent was cleared from the sidewalk at a sprawling homeless encampment on East Hastings Street in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, on Aug. 9, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck) Vancouver Is Dying: New Film Lays Bare Vancouvers Ballooning Crime and Addiction Problem Vancouver Is Dying, a documentary released by independent journalist and city resident Aaron Gunn, has garnered over 2 million views since it premiered on Oct. 7. The one-hour film highlights the overdose crisis, increasing crime, public disorder, and homeless situation in Vancouver, and in particular criticizes what Gunn calls government failed policies that have ravaged our downtown cores, especially Vancouver, over the past 20 years. In an interview with The Epoch Times, Gunn, a conservative social media commentator who had been rejected as a BC Liberal party leadership candidate, says he made the documentary out of frustration with the deterioration of his city. Vancouver is leading the way in ill-advised policy, says Gunn, noting that the city has the highest overdose death rate in Canada and is seeing dramatic increases in crime, especially violent attacks, despite the most progressive drug policy in North America. Gunn interviewed residents, business owners, law enforcement, mental health and addiction experts, victims of violent crime, and recovered addicts for the documentary. He says originally the film was going to be 20 to 30 minutes long, but it soon expanded in scale and scope. What is happening in Vancouver todaythe crime, the degeneracy, the deaths from overdosesis not normal. The policies of the past 20 years have failed and its time to try something new, he says. Decriminalizing Hard Drugs B.C. announced in May that it will become the first province in Canada to decriminalize possession of small amounts of otherwise illicit drugs for personal use. Beginning Jan. 31, 2023, adults can possess up to 2.5 grams of substances such as opioids, cocaine, or methamphetamine without facing arrest or drug seizure, although these substances remain illegal. Decriminalizing the simple possession of drugs is a historic, brave, and groundbreaking step in the fight to save lives. It marks a fundamental rethinking of drug policy that favours health care over handcuffs, said Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart at the time. Gunn disagrees. He told CTV news on Nov. 6, When it comes to things like heroin, fentanyl, and crystal meth, I think there should be a societal stigma around those substances. He said that, as a society, we need to remove the stigma about seeking treatment, get people into recovery, and help them recover from addictions so that they can be productive citizens. At some points during filming, which began in April, Gunn said he had a police escort for the seedier parts of the city. Theres zero chance I would have felt safe or comfortable without the police there, he said. Executive producer of the documentary, Angelo Isidorou, director of the Free Speech Club at the University of British Columbia, tweeted on Oct. 10 that the film is now the most consumed piece of content in the Vancouver municipal election, which took place Oct. 15 and saw Stewart defeated as mayor. New mayor Ken Sim, who campaigned on a platform of immediately hiring 100 more police officers and 100 mental health nurses to tackle Vancouvers drug and crime crisis, officially takes office Nov. 7 with an overwhelming majority vote. Hard drugs like heroin are stigmatized for a reason. They destroy lives, wreak havoc on families, and place a tremendous burden on communities and taxpayers, says Gunn. He wants his documentary to send the message that recovery from addiction is possible, and treatment is available. Successful Public Servant Was Once an Addict Alberta Premier Danielle Smiths chief of staff, Marshall Smith (no relation to the premier), is prominently featured in the documentary. Formerly chief of staff for Albertas associate minister of mental health and addictions, with considerable experience in the private drug treatment industry, Smith has advocated for an abstinence approach to drug recovery. He speaks from experience. Falling into alcoholism, his battle with addiction cost him his career in B.C. provincial politics in the early 2000s, and left him homeless. I ended up hanging up my suit and tie, leaving my office at the legislature, and found myself a new resident of the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, where I lived as a homeless addict for five years on the streets of Vancouver until I found treatment, until I found recovery, he told CBC News in May 2017. For a time after he got clean, Smith was the director of a private drug addiction treatment centre in Prince George, B.C., and then brought his views on an abstinence-based treatment model to the Alberta government. He says in the documentary that the government needs to understand that drug use is the root cause of homelessness, crime, and overdose. He said focusing on harm reductionwhich is basically less stigma, more drugsand safe consumption sites has changed what was years ago a high of 150 overdose deaths a year, to now routinely over 2,000 overdose deaths a year. I dont know how you reach a conclusion that [harm reduction] has been a success, said Smith. He said the province has failed by focusing on reducing stigma. If his children ended up addicted to drugs, he said in the film, the last thing I would want is for someone to give them more drugs, watch them overdose, give them Narcan, give them more drugs. Eventually they just successfully overdose one day. There is nothing safe about handing out opioids, Smith said. When you supply somebody with a drug like fentanyl, or heroin, or cocaine, or methamphetamine, theres nothing safe about that. You are perpetuating an illness. You are perpetuating addiction, and its essentially state-sponsored addiction. Threat of a New Trend The documentary maintains that Vancouver residents are living under threat of a new and terrifying trend of random assaults and stranger attacks. The film provides a list. Delivery service employees stabbed, a woman casually walking down the street struck in the head with a hammer, racially motivated assaults, and even a woman who was literally set on fire, and these are only a few of the many stranger attacks that occurred on the streets of Vancouver this year alone. Its gotten so bad that according to the Vancouver Police Department, unprovoked attacks on strangers have jumped 35 percent, according to the film, referring to statistics on those attacks during the first three months (Q1) of 2022 compared with the three-year Q1 average between 2017 and 2019. This statistic is based on the Vancouver Police Departments April 5 Public Safety Indicator Report covering Q1 2022. Such a comparison to the pre-pandemic three-year average is among the various comparisons made in that report. Other alarming statistics from that report cited in the documentary include a 12 percent increase in violent crime and a 36.1 percent increase in serious assaults when comparing Q1 2022 to the three-year average before the pandemic. Compared to Q1 2021, violent crime was down 0.8 percent, falling from 1,408 to 1,397, and serious assaults were down 5 percent, falling from 442 to 420. There were 46 assaults against peace officers in 2021 and 31 in 2022, but compared to the three-year average, these assaults have increased by 20.8 percent. Recovery Is Possible For the documentary, Gunn interviewed Ralph Kaisers, president of the Vancouver Police Union, who attributed a revolving door justice system to eroding public trust in police. Regarding that issue, Arezo Zarrabian, a crime analyst with the Vancouver Police Department, says in the film: Its not uncommon for an offender to be arrested in the morning, lets say in the early hours of the morning, and within that same 24-hour period be rearrested. Gunn says the most powerful part of the documentary is an interview with Cody Hall, a recovered addict who, less than two years ago, was addicted to opioids and living in Vancouvers Downtown Eastside. He is living proof that recovery is possible, and sentencing those suffering from addiction to a life sentence of drug use is not a compassionate solution, he says. For Gunn, the solution is clear. [We have] to get people into treatment and recovery programs and return them to being productive, taxpaying members of society once again, he says. We also have to be clear that living on the streets, injecting yourself with drugs in plain sight, is not a socially acceptable outcome for us as a society. These individuals need help and we have to be prepared to give it to them. File photo:US Air Force's B-52 strategic bombers (Source:huanqiu.com) The US Department of Defense confirmed on November 1 that the country will deploy six nuclear-capable B-52 strategic bombers at Australias Tyndall AFB. It is reported that US DoD has budgeted US$14.4 million for building dedicated parking aprons at Tyndall AFB so that its B-52s can rotate and carry out exercises there every year. Military observer Liang Yongchun listed three reasons why the US military decides to deploy strategic bombers in Australia. First, building a military base in Australia, which is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, would connect America's Guam base on the former with the Diego Garcia base on the latter. The B-52 bombers will be able to cruise among the bases in peacetime and perform missions in wartime. Second, Australia is farther away from China compared with Guam on the second island chain. The US thinks it would be safer to deploy strategic forces there and its military operations would be stealthier. Third, the cooperative Australian government is renovating several military bases in the north of the country to meet the American military's needs for large-scale operations. The Australian government said America's deployment of strategic bombers won't increase risks in the region. In another related development, Australia has been catering to Americas tendency to increase military deployments in its north since the Morrison administration by reinforcing the military infrastructure there. According to Liang Yongchun, Australia is quickly becoming an important military pivot for the US in the Indo-Pacific, which poses security threats to the entire region. With a range of more than 16,000km, B-52 bombers are capable of performing strategic deterrence patrol and precise nuclear attacks from a long distance at a much lower cost than stealthy bombers. They are the perfect choice for the Americans to showcase their so-called strategic deterrence. Deploying B-52 strategic bombers in northern Australia will increase the risk of nuclear proliferation, release a dangerous signal, and exacerbate regional tension. Australias neighboring countries feeling threatened are sure to take commensurate military countermeasures, which will expose regional peace and stability to a grave risk of damage. As a contracting party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the US, for the selfish goal of maintaining its global hegemony, is bent on turning Australia into a cat's paw for realizing its geopolitical interests regardless of the risk of nuclear proliferation. What it's doing is not only against the NPT but is contrary to what a responsible country should do in every possible way. In the meantime, Australia, as a major economy in the South Pacific, has shown no respect or consideration for the concerns of surrounding countries or for regional peace in trying to introduce America's nuclear weapons. It is reducing itself to be a "source of war and chaos" in the Asia Pacific. Editor's note: Originally published on military.cnr.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. The Q&A panel at the Nurses Summit on Combatting and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting on Nov. 1, 2022. (LR, top to bottom) Jennifer Johnson, president of AFN; Geraldine Monti of DAFOH-France; Kathleen Thimsen, co-founder of AFN; Rose Eva Constantino of the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing; Deborah Collins-Perrica, director of Nursing Affairs at DAFOH; Ethan Gutmann, investigative journalist; Ecoee Rooney, founding chair of the Ethics Committee for AFN; Debra Holbrook, director of Forensic Nursing at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Md. (Courtesy of DAFOH) Nursing Professionals Spotlight CCPs Forced Organ Harvesting Inaugural Nurses Summit on Combatting and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting informs and invigorates nursing professionals The very first summit of nursing professionals countering the crime of forced organ harvesting was held online on Nov. 1. The Nurses Summit on Combatting and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting was jointly organized by the Academy of Forensic Nursing (AFN) and Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH). DAFOH is an international NGO founded by medical doctors dedicated to informing the public about forced organ harvesting since 2006. AFN is a professional nursing organization whose mission is to advance care to those whose lives have been impacted by violence. [AFN] has partnered with [DAFOH] because we share a united vision to protect and promote ethical, medical, and nursing practices worldwide, AFN President Jennifer Johnson, who holds a doctorate in nursing practice, said at the Nurses Summit. It is critical for all health care professionals to be aware of forced organ harvesting. Co-founder of AFN Kathleen Thimsen, who is an associate professor of nursing at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas and has a doctorate in nursing practice, served as the moderator of a panel of ten leading experts in nursing, forensics, ethics, human rights, law, and journalism. Kathleen Thimsen, co-founder of AFN and moderator of the Nurses Summit on Combatting and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting, speaks to the panel of experts on Nov. 1, 2022. (Courtesy of DAFOH) The panel also included two witnesses from China, one of whom survived inhumane torture in a Chinese labor camp and the other who lost her father presumably due to forced organ harvesting. Deborah Collins-Perrica, director of nursing affairs at DAFOH and host of the Nurses Summit, told The Epoch Times: Through the summit, we aim to inform and inspire nurses and the public. The seemingly far away problem of the Chinese regimes forced organ harvesting is very much close to home, and we as nurses have the knowledge and responsibility to stand up against it. A Billion Dollar Industry Collins-Perrica provided a comprehensive background for understanding forced organ harvesting, a human rights violation that obtains organs from living people without consent. In China, the practice [of forced organ harvesting] is approved and sponsored by the government managed by the police and with military oversight. Collins-Perrica said that with organ tourism, Chinas organ transplant trade has become one of the worlds most profitable industries, generating a billion dollars a year for the regime. Deborah Collins-Perrica, director of nursing affairs at DAFOH and host of the Nurses Summit on Combatting and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting, on Nov. 1, 2022. (Courtesy of DAFOH) Furthermore, Collins-Perrica quoted the China Tribunal, an independent London-based tribunal, whose investigation confirmed that persecuted Falun Gong practitioners have been a primary organ source. I am a psychiatric nurse of 30 years, said Collins-Perrica. When it comes to forced organ harvesting, after hearing about this, meeting victims, and hearing their stories, I am an activist I cannot be silent. She encourages her colleagues to do what they can to inform, educate, and stop this crime against humanity. Nurses Are A Critical Linchpin of Medical Ethics Ethan Gutmann, an investigative journalist who spent years traveling the world interviewing survivors of Chinese labor camps and prisons, writes extensively about Chinas decades-long practice of forced organ harvesting. Investigative journalist Ethan Gutmann at the Nurses Summit on Combatting and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting on Nov. 1, 2022. (Courtesy of DAFOH) In his speech, Gutmann outlined the history of the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) organ harvesting, which has expanded to the Uyghurs in Chinas northwestern Xinjiang Province and possibly other victim groups. Talking about the CCPs recent transplant and donation system reform, which has been touted by some Western doctors, Gutmann said it includes semantic tricks and it had voluntary donation numbers based on an equation. Gutmann referred to a peer-reviewed paper published in BMC Medical Ethics that showed Chinas official organ donation numbers were based on a single equation that produces a parabolic curve. This was and is a human rights catastrophe. It was created by Beijing, said Gutmann, but it was continuously enabled by a handful of western surgeons who thought they could ride the Chinese dragon and come back home as if everything was okay. Nursing is clearly the heart of western medical culture The live organ harvesting of political and religious dissidents goes against every aspect of [the nursing] oath and that code of ethics, he said. By your presence here, by considering what I and so many other researchers have established, by considering collective action in any form, you become a critical linchpin. Gutmann offered some suggestions for what nurses can do: You dont have to invent anything new here, the precedent is clear: abolish all western contact with the mainland Chinese transplant industry; no Chinese transplant surgeons or nurses, for that matter, in our medical journals, our universities, our conferences, and our hospitals; and a freeze on all sales of surgical equipment, pharmaceutical development, and testing in China. Major Issues in China With Ethics Arthur Caplan, who holds a doctorate in the history and philosophy of science, is the Mitty Professor of Bioethics and founding head of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City. Prior to NYU, Caplan founded the Center for Bioethics and the Department of Medical Ethics at the University of Pennsylvania. He also served as a co-chair of a major United Nations and European Union task force on organ trafficking. Head of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Arthur Caplan speaks at the Nurses Summit on Combatting and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting on Nov. 1, 2022. (Courtesy of DAFOH) Caplan started his speech by defining the three pillars of the moral framework of organ transplant, namely the dead donor rule, altruistic donation, and fair distribution of the organs. Sad to say, I still believe that there are major issues in China, Caplan said. There is a huge gap between how many transplants China says it does every year and what they report for figures for organ donation. Caplan said that to get organs, the Chinese regime turns to its prisoners, who could range from political prisoners to Falun Gong practitioners, or those in a certain ethnic grouppeople who may be inappropriately imprisoned. I think nurses have a special obligation to be wary of whats going on in China right now in transplants, still, to try and bring pressure on the government to improve and modify practices that especially involve prisoners, to try and also protest if information is put into journals that comes from China about transplantion, unless it is clear what the providence is of the organs that are being reported on, he said. And we should not be recommending to patients that they go to China in order to get a transplant. Keeping Patients Fully Informed On the topic of ethics, Ecoee Rooney, president of the Louisiana State Nurses Association and the chair of the ethics committee of AFN, talked about the ethical considerations of organ procurement. President of the Louisiana State Nurses Association Ecoee Rooney speaks at the Nurses Summit on Combatting and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting on Nov. 1, 2022. (Courtesy of DAFOH) Rooney, who holds a doctorate in nursing practice, iterated the importance of keeping patients informed. As health care providers, it is our obligation to help [our patients] understand the potential risks and benefits of any decision they make as it relates to health care. So along the lines of what weve been talking about today, keeping patients fully informed about the realities that happen in China currently as it relates to transplantation would be enough to provide some clarity around that decision. Certainly, that is one of the things that, as nurses, we are bound to do is to ensure that the people that we serve are clear and informed on the decisions that they are making, she said. A Great Way to Educate Our Students Rose Constantino, who holds a doctorate and a law degree, has been teaching at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing since 1971, with rich experiences in ethical and legal issues in nursing practice. She talked about international organ trafficking and forced organ harvesting. She urges the scientific community to reject publications from countries with practices of organ trafficking and harvesting. Rose Constantino from the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing speaks at the Nurses Summit on Combatting and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting on Nov. 1, 2022. (Courtesy of DAFOH) In addition, Constantino thinks that the summit could be a good way to educate the students. The four-hour seminar is the best way to really understand the problem, she said. If there could be this kind of seminar directed to all students, that would be a very big way, of educating students in this way. Because no one has really heard or even seen what we have seen today. Global Legislative Campaign Theresa Chu, a human rights lawyer based in Taiwan, talked about the Universal Declaration on Combating and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting (UDCPFOH), of which Chu serves as the chair of the steering committee. The UDCPFOH was jointly launched in 2021 by five NGOs, including DAFOH in the United States and others in Europe, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. Universal Declaration on Combatting and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting (UDCPFOH) was initiated by 5 NGOs in 2021. Theresa Chu, an international human rights lawyer and chair of the steering committee of UDCPFOH, spoke at the Nurses Summit on Combatting and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting on Nov. 1, 2022. (Courtesy of DAFOH) The Universal Declaration urges the world to safeguard humankinds inalienable rights, to maintain the highest values of justice, and to end one of the most egregious atrocities of this century: forced organ harvesting from living personswithout consent and for profit. We are currently promoting a Combating and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting legislative campaign across Europe, America, and Asia to severely punish and prevent the atrocities of forced organ harvesting through the criminal laws of various countries, said Chu, who has worked to defend Falun Gong victims for 20 years. Through legislation, Taiwan has led the world in protecting its citizens from becoming complicit in the crime of forced organ harvesting. Since 2015, Taiwan has made it mandatory for patients going abroad for transplant to register the country, hospital, and doctor involved, or be stripped of insurance coverage for anti-rejection drugs. Taiwan also maintains a blacklist of mainland Chinese surgeons involved in organ harvesting to bar them from entering Taiwan. Chu welcomes nursing professionals to sign the Declaration. [AFN] is committed to support the Universal Declaration, said AFN president Johnson. We know that forced organ harvesting is a human rights violation, and the elements at work are force, fraud, coercion, and even abduction. Jennifer Johnson, the president of AFN, speaks at the Nurses Summit on Combatting and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting on Nov. 1, 2022. (Courtesy of DAFOH) Debra Holbrook, president-elect of AFN and director of forensic nursing at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, said, The practice of forced organ harvesting is a form of human trafficking in its most egregious form, and we as forensic nurses have not only the responsibility, but also the obligation, to support all efforts to abolish these acts, no matter where theyre being performed. President-elect of AFN and director of forensic nursing at Mercy Medical Center Debra Holbrook speaks at the Nurses Summit on Combatting and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting on Nov. 1, 2022. (Courtesy of DAFOH) Holbrook said that she would like to challenge AFN to make a task force of peoplenurses, doctors, ethicistswho really want to address [forced organ harvesting] in the legal arena. And we bring our voices together, and we bring all the education that [DAFOH] has done in awareness. We come together to maybe draft or to recruit some legislators in the United States, and they will help us work on drafting that legislation. So I would love to be part of that group, she said, encouraging viewers and others to go to AFN. Personal Experiences Shared Two Falun Gong practitioners from China also spoke about their experiences in Chinese labor camps and prisons, including about the torture, frequent blood tests, and medical exams targeting practitioners. The father of one of the practitioners died in prison due to the persecution. She talked about how her family was not allowed to have a full examination of her fathers body and how they had suspected that his organs were harvested. Falun Gong is a mind-body practice with moral teachings centered on truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. The practice became very popular in China, with over 70 million adherents in 1999, according to official Chinese data. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), however, considered Falun Gongs popularity a threat and launched a brutal persecution that is still going on today. Millions of Falun Gong adherents have likely been incarcerated. While subjected to torture and forced labor, they have unwillingly become the donor bank that has fueled Chinas billion-dollar transplant industry. A Road Map of Actions The summit concluded after a Q&A session, where questions related to forced organ harvesting were discussed. The summit gave us a road map of actions we can now take, especially in the areas of education and law, Collins-Perrica told The Epoch Times. This is the first time nurses and doctors have publicly collaborated on the issue of forced organ harvesting. We have a unified vision to see it promptly end, and we look forward to working together. After attending the summit, a nurse from Virginia wrote, The Nurse Summit to CPFOH [Combatting and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting] was very good, the speakers were great. Seeing the survivors of persecution in China speak really made this personal for me. Another audience member wrote, thank you to all the speakers for bringing awareness to the crimes of FOH. We appreciate your courage and perseverance. Republican volunteers listen to a slate of speakers at an "Arizona Freedom Fest" rally in Chandler, Ariz., on Nov. 7, before they went knocking on doors to get out the vote in the midterm election. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times) Parties Launch Door-Knocking Volunteers in Final Pushes for Votes in Arizona CHANDLER, Ariz.Arizona Republicans and Democrats staged last-minute door-knocking campaigns hoping to sway undecided voters in the midterm election now less than 24 hours away. On Nov. 7, the Arizona Democratic Party held multiple canvas events to mobilize volunteers to get out the vote. Last week, former President Barack Obama was in Phoenix to stump for Democratic candidate for Arizona governor Katie Hobbs against Republican frontrunner Kari Lake. And on Nov. 5, Scandal star Kerry Washington was in Phoenix to support Democrat incumbent U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly against Republican Trump-supported challenger Blake Masters. U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D) appears just minutes before a rally to get out the vote in Phoenix on Nov. 4, 2022. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times) This is the funeral day of the old way of doing things, said conservative activist Tyler Boyer at an Arizona Freedom Fest rally sponsored by Turning Point USA in Chandler, Ariz., on Nov. 7. The rallys goal was to knock on 3,000 doors in the final hours before the election, requiring face-to-face politicking, Boyer said. Describing Chandler as electoral ground zero, Boyer said the elections outcome in Maricopa County would serve as a bellwether for the rest of the country. He said Democrats are literally shaking in their boots right now based on early ballot returns. Republican candidate for Arizona governor Kari Lake speaks to voters at a campaign rally in Phoenix on Nov. 3, 2022. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times) Everything depends on the next 24 hours. Can you get enthusiastic? Thats what today is all about, he said. Arizona state Sen. J.D. Mesnard, one of several guest speakers, said the Democratic Party is no longer the party of tolerance. If you disagree with them, they are there to shut you down, crush dissentto cancel you, he said. They used to be a party that talked about womens rights. And yet now they want to erase women as a category. Conservative activist Lindsey Graham said America is in a spiritual and cultural war. U.S. House of Representatives candidate Kelly Cooper (R-Ariz.) addresses volunteers at an Arizona Freedom Fest rally in Chandler, Ariz., on Nov. 7, 2022. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times) Some people either have no idea about the cultural and spiritual war we are fighting or dont care. I think blissful ignorance has never hurt our society as it has now, Graham said. Kelly Cooper, a candidate for U.S. representative in Arizonas District 4, said the metamorphosis of the Republican Party into a force for America First conservative values is almost complete. They spent eight years trying to bury this movement America First. They didnt realize they were planting seedsand the blooms are coming up. Tomorrow, the flower will come into full growth. Youre going to have full representation across the board in Arizona. A Republican volunteer gets ready to hand out clipboards to other volunteers at an Arizona Freedom Fest rally in Chandler, Ariz., on Nov. 7, 2022. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times) In Maricopa County, which includes Chandler, Democrats currently lead Republicans in early mail-in ballot voting, indicating Republicans will vote in mass on election day due to widespread mistrust of mail-in voting. The county has set up 223 voting centers and deployed thousands of election workers to handle the large volume. On Nov. 7, Maricopa County election officials scheduled a press conference to address anticipated false election narratives. They will also update election security measures against potential voter intimidation at the polls and ballot boxes. Rescuers attempt to recover the Precision Air passenger plane that crashed into Lake Victoria in Bukoba, Tanzania, on Nov. 6, 2022. (Stringer/Reuters) Passenger Plane Crashes Into Lake Victoria in Tanzania, 19 Dead DAR ES SALAAMAt least 19 people died when a passenger plane crashed into Lake Victoria in Tanzania on Sunday morning while trying to land at a nearby airport, the prime minister said. Flight PW494, operated by Precision Air, hit the water during storms and heavy rain, the state Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) reported. Rescuers in boats rushed to the wreckage, which was almost fully submerged, to pull out trapped passengers, local authorities said. All Tanzanians join you in mourning these 19 people who have lost their lives, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa told reporters in the lakeside city of Bukoba, close to the scene of the crash. Investigators were still looking into what happened, he added. The plane left the commercial capital Dar es Salaam and crash-landed at 8:53 a.m. (0553 GMT) as it was approaching Bukoba airport, Precision AirTanzanias largest privately owned airlinesaid in a statement. The plane was carrying 39 passengers, including an infant, as well as four crew members, the airline added. It said 26 of the 43 people on board had been rescued. Airline officials did not answer calls seeking further details, and the discrepancy in the figures could not immediately be reconciled. A witness told TBC he saw the plane flying unsteadily as it approached the airport in poor visibility conditions, saying it took a turn for the airport but missed and went into the lake. Video and pictures on social media showed the plane almost fully submerged, with only its green and brown-colored tail visible above the waterline of Lake Victoria, Africas largest lake. Footage from the broadcaster and onlookers showed scores of residents standing along the shoreline and others wading into the shallow waters to try to help pull the aircraft closer to the shore with ropes. Rescue workers were initially in touch with the pilots in the cockpit, Albert Chalamila, chief administrator of Tanzanias Kagera region, told reporters. The prime minister later said the pilots may have died. Precision Air identified the aircraft as an ATR42-500. The Franco-Italian manufacturer ATR did not immediately respond to a request for comment. First introduced almost 40 years ago, the ATR42 is the smaller of two series of short-haul turboprops made by ATR, a joint-venture of Airbus and Leonardo. The last fatal accident was in 2017, according to aviation-safety.net, a safety database. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan called for calm as the rescue operation continued. I have received with sadness the news of the accident involving Precision Airs plane, she wrote on Twitter. Lets be calm at this moment when rescuers are continuing with the rescue mission while praying to God to help us. By Nuzulack Dausen A British hobby photographer with a penchant for picturesque country cottages is touring the United Kingdom in his free time to compile an amazing catalog. His photos show some of Englands most idyllic homes in all their glory, bathed in the romantic light of dawn and dusk, when the streets are clear and the magic is magnified. Chris Hayward, 40, lives in Hampshire, England, and has been interested in photography for the last 15 years. In May 2021 he visited Cornwall with his family and bought a cheap second-hand camera to record the trip. Awe-inspiring country cottages fast became his favorite subject, and the Cotswolds his favorite location. I was hooked, Chris told The Epoch Times. Everyone reads books when theyre children and sees these fairytale cottages with thatched roofs for me, its just so charming and picturesque. It takes you back two, three hundred years when there were horses and carts going down the roads, no cars, less people, and less problems in the world. Chris shares his work on Instagram and has begun selling prints through his website. Amid the chaos of global events and heavy news headlines, he hopes his photos give people the chance to interpret a world where everythings peaceful and nice, even for five minutes; at least that gives them a sense not everythings bad in the world. Canterbury, Kent, U.K., photo taken in April 2022. (Courtesy of Chris Hayward) Chris compiles as much research as possible on his chosen destination before heading out. He has already visited his favorite photo spots more than once but likes to return to capture views and angles that have eluded him before crossing that location off the map and picking another. Fall is his favorite season and Chris prefers to head out with his camera at dawn before tourists show up. Its nice and peaceful. I can capture the scene, the property, and the views as they should be, just natural, he explained. Sometimes, Chris will encounter the owners of the houses he photographs. Many show interest in his work. Some homes are owned by the National Trust, a governing body of protected sites, so Chris has a membership; some sites even seek out his work to share on their own websites. Theyre quite interested. Theyll ask me what Im doing and why Im doing it, he said. (Courtesy of Chris Hayward) Bibury, Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, U.K., photo taken in October 2021. (Courtesy of Chris Hayward) Highgate, London, in October 2022. (Courtesy of Chris Hayward) Chriss favorite cottage to date, a privately-owned home within Longleat Safari Park, was a little hard to locate. I saw it on Pinterest. Unfortunately, they didnt give their location, he explained. Luckily, after a lot of work and a lot of searching, I managed to find it it took me three months, but that cottage is probably my favorite. Its just on its own in the middle of the forest. Its so peaceful. Luckily, I caught it with some smoke coming out. So added to the effect. Longleat forest, Wiltshire, U.K., in October 2021. (Courtesy of Chris Hayward) Gold Hill, Shaftesbury, Dorset, U.K., in March 2022. (Courtesy of Chris Hayward) Today, Chris has upgraded his second-hand camera to a Sony Alpha 7 III camera, 24 to 105mm lens, a drone for aerial shots, and a Gimbal for taking videos on his phone. He shoots video as well as photos to give his viewers the sense that theyre by his side. I like people to be able to follow with me and feel like theyre there, he explained. Chris uses the manual settings on his camera to manage light input during the changeable hours of dawn and dusk. It can be quite tricky to convey the feeling of being in a village, he says, because it has to be warm, colorful, and cozy. As soon as the light changes, you have to adjust, but I find just using manual settings you can get such a clearer picture. That really helps with the depth and the character of the views, he said. I use Lightroom for my editing, but I try not to use too much, because [people] want to see authenticity in the pictures. A lot of the comments I get from around the world are, Please can you show us inside the house? But unfortunately its not mine. It might look a little bit weird if I start knocking, asking if I can come in! Chris is a planner for a medical device manufacturer by day, but he dreams of making photography his full-time profession. I would love to travel the whole world and take pictures for companies that want to show off their destinations, their villages, their towns. Thats what Id love to do, he said. Check out more of his work below: Honington, Cotswolds, Warwickshire, U.K., photo taken in April 2022. (Courtesy of Chris Hayward) Mill Dale Village, Derbyshire, U.K., in May 2022. (Courtesy of Chris Hayward) Vicars Close, Wells, U.K., in January 2022. (Courtesy of Chris Hayward) Castleton, Derbyshire, in June 2022. (Courtesy of Chris Hayward) Hook Norton, Cotswolds, Oxfordshire, U.K., in June 2022. (Courtesy of Chris Hayward) Rye, East Sussex, U.K., in May 2021. (Courtesy of Chris Hayward) Mill Dale Village, Derbyshire, U.K., in May 2022. (Courtesy of Chris Hayward) Snowshill, Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, U.K., photo taken in October 2022. Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks as he addresses a forest and climate leaders event during the Cop27 summit at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Picture date: Nov. 7, 2022. (PA/Stefan Rousseau) PM Pledges Millions for Green Tech in Developing Countries Amid Calls to Pay Environmental Damage Reparations The UK PM said he was already helping countries deal with climate change as he faced calls to pay reparations for the environmental damage inflicted on the planet. New announcements include 65.5 million for green tech innovation and significant clean energy investments with Kenya and Egypt as PM Rishi Sunak attended the UN COP27 climate change summit in Egypt. Ed Miliband, Labours shadow climate change secretary, told BBC Ones Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, said a Labour government would pay reparations to developing countries for climate change. Loss and Damage funds, a plan to get rich nations that benefited from fossil fuels via the Industrial Revolution to pay compensation to developing states, have been part of negotiations in Egypt. This is about global solidarity, yes we have some historical responsibility, but this is about global solidarity and its absolutely part of our aid commitment, said Miliband. In a statement on Monday, the prime ministers official spokesman said: We are already helping countries across the world deal with the impacts of climate change. We recognise the existential threat it poses to countries around the world, from flooding to drought, and thats why we have made a commitment to these countries to support them on that front. The projects include new and expanded solar and geothermal power plants in Kenya backed by British International Investment, UK export financing for Nairobis ground-breaking Railway City, and a major public-private partnership on the $3 billion Grand High Falls Dam hydropower project led by UK firm GBM Engineering. The UKs funding includes 11.6 billion for spending on international climate finance. It is also tripling funding for climate adaptation from 500 million to 1.5 billion in 2025. Net Zero Watchs Head of Policy Harry Wilkinson told The Epoch Times that the idea that the Industrial Revolution is something that the UK should be paying reparations for is quite absurd. Net Zero Watch, which was founded by the former Chancellor Lord Nigel Lawson, scrutinises climate and decarbonisation policies. Wilkinson said that fossil fuels may be an important part of developing countries future development. Talking about restricting their use in those countries, we may in many cases be making them less able to respond to these climate-related events, he said. There is a desire within net zero agenda to decide which technology people are going to use, he said. Traditionally capitalism has worked through consumer choice. People werent banned from riding on horses when the motor car came in. People chose products that they wanted and made their lives better whereas now we are facing the prospect of petrol and diesel cars being banned, gas boilers being banned, and higher taxes on air travel. All of these things are about restricting consumer choice, he added. We have to be careful about forcing consumers to buy some products and banning alternatives because that kind of approach will lead to people being much poorer, he added. PA media contributed to this report. Police Provide No Feedback on Coercive Control Laws There are concerns Queensland police havent given any feedback on proposed domestic violence laws amid widespread doubts about their ability to enforce them. A bill to change laws to allow for the later criminalisation of coercive control is being examined by a parliamentary committee on Nov. 7. Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers says he supports coercive control laws as an extra tool to make the world a better place. Leavers said domestic violence cases take up almost half of the policing workload and that Queensland police received 140,000 domestic violence calls 2021. However, hes concerned the Queensland Police Service isnt taking part in the inquiry into the laws. It is concerning the Queensland Police Service is not playing a larger role in the formulation of legislation to combat it, the union president told the committee on Monday. I would further suggest that the police service has not been part of this inquiry, and I think it would be incumbent on them as one of the leading agencies in Queensland that they should be before this inquiry to provide a submission. Leavers said he had concerns about the ability of police to enforce any coercive control laws without proper training and resourcing, given the QPS fixed budget. Specialist investigators with expert knowledge and experience in coercive control are needed to enforce those laws. Ill say this from working with child protection; youve actually got to have a passion for that sort of work, he said. Leavers said investigating coercive control takes time, and police cant just sit down with vulnerable witnesses and take statements for three hours. It could take days, he said, and trying to build a relationship to gather evidence is challenging for police. Me turning up as a middle-aged man youve gotta develop a relationship with a person whos been a victim for many years for them to open up to you. Its not easy, the union boss said. The proposed laws include penalties for offenders who breach domestic violence orders, protection notices or release conditions when the breach involves physical violence. Evidence of a history of domestic violence will be admissible in court proceedings under the bill, and domestic violence will be considered an aggravating factor in sentencing. The proposed laws will also allow non-criminal victims of domestic violence to access assistance from the victims of crime schemes. Biden Pollster Warns of Paradigm Shift After Survey Shows GOP Gains Among Black, Hispanic Voters A poll released Monday morning shows that the Republican Party is continuing to make inroads among black and Hispanic voters with just one day to go before the 2022 midterms. Some 17 percent of black voters told a Wall Street Journal poll that they would pick a Republican candidate for Congress over a Democrat, which is larger than the 8 percent of black voters who voted in favor of President Donald Trump, a Republican, in 2020. During the 2018 midterm elections, 8 percent of black voters backed GOP candidates in House races. For decades, black Americans have voted in favor of Democrats over Republicans by large margins. Among Hispanic voters, Democrats have a mere 5 percent lead over Republicans overall, according to the WSJ poll. During the 2018 midterms, Democrats had a 31 percent lead over Republicans and a 28 percent lead in 2020, it noted. When the WSJ carried out a similar poll in August, Democrats had an 11-point lead over Republicans in the choice of a congressional candidate. I think that this could be a paradigm-shift election, where Republicans are not only making inroads with the Latino vote, but theyre now making inroads with the African-American vote, John Anzalone, who served as President Joe Bidens top pollster in 2020, told the WSJ on Monday. Anzalone helped conduct the WSJ poll that was published Monday. And Tony Fabrizio, former President Donald Trumps lead pollster in 2020 who assisted in the WSJ Poll, told the paper acknowledged it is wholly possible that Republicans reach a new high water mark among both African-Americans and Hispanic voters in this election. For most of 2022, Democrat candidates have said that black voters are not turning to Republicans in spite of polls saying otherwise. Its a bit of a misconception that black men are shifting away, Stacey Abrams, the Democratic nominee for Georgias gubernatorial seat, said in August. However, in a weekend MSNBC interview, Abrams said that black men have been a very targeted population for misinformation, adding that it is not misinformation about what they want but about why they want what they deserve. Abrams was referring to a recent Marist College poll that found 82 percent of black voters are planning to vote for Abrams, which would represent a decline in support. Abrams did not provide any evidence for her claims. Lets be clear, the false narrative that voter turnout has felled the idea of voter suppression misunderstands the effectiveness of suppression, Abrams alleged before she blamed white supremacist groups and hard-right groups. It has never been about stopping all voters. It is about clogging the arteries of the process and stopping certain voters. There is a precision to voter suppression. But Republicans said that they are able to make inroads at the Democrats edge with blacks and Hispanic voters due to a variety of reasons. One of them, said Republican congressional candidate Wesley Hunt to the WSJ, is due to the GOPs success in organizing. The poll surveyed 1,500 people between Oct. 22 and Oct. 26. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks during a post cabinet press conference at Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, on May 23, 2022. (Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images) Popularity of Arderns Labour Party Plummets According to New Poll The New Zealand Labour Partys popularity has fallen to the lowest level since it came into government, according to a new Newshub-Reid research poll. Labour dropped 5.9 percentage points to 32.3 percent, while its opposition, the National party, had edged up 0.2 points to 40 percent. For the minor parties, the right-leaning ACT hit 10 percent, and the left-leaning Greens reached 9.5 percent. If these results eventuate in the next general election, a National and ACT coalition would successfully be able to form a government, while a Labour-Greens alliance would not. However, NZ First, the party that Labour formed a coalition government with in 2017 but later voted out of parliament in 2020, is also back on the map at 3.3 percent. A separate poll by Horizon research found that support for NZ First was over five percent, meaning it may potentially again find itself in a position to choose whether to form government with either National-ACT or Labour-Greens. A coalition government is extremely common in New Zealand due to its Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) voting system, where each voter gets two votesone party and one electorate vote. As such, Prime Minister Jacinda Arderns landslide victory in the 2020 election that allowed Labour to hold government without forming a coalition was a historical event. Ardern Not Fussed In response to the poll numbers, Ardern said she was taking the results with a grain of salt as internal party polling showed Labours numbers were equal with National. In our polling, which is regular, National and Labour are neck-in-neck. And so, I think that feels like a fairly accurate representation right now, she told TVNZs Breakfast. But, we are roughly a year or so out from an election. The internal polling numbers for October, obtained by the NZ Herald, placed both Labour and National at 35 percent, ACT at 11 percent, and Greens at 9 percent. Ardern said Labour had won elections despite even worse polling numbers through policies that focused on the people. Were in a global economic crisis; the focus has to be on what we are doing for our people, she said. And yes, of course, then youve got the politics of it and making sure people know that if they are seeing that decreased price at the pump that thats been because the government has made those decisions to put those supports in place. She added that it was harder to do this because people accessed information from a variety of sources, making it a very noisy environment. The Newshub-Reid poll has a margin of error of 3.1 percent. Pro-Life Group Launches Legal Action Over Birmingham Abortion Clinic Buffer Zone A pro-life group has launched legal action against Birmingham City Council over the implementation of a buffer zone they say makes it illegal to peacefully pray outside an abortion clinic in the city. Supported by the Christian Legal Centre, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, 45, who is the leader of the group 40 Days for Life Birmingham, will pursue a statutory review of the councils decision to put in place a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in September 2022 near the Robert Clinic in Kings Norton, Birmingham. Normally used for substance abuse and criminality issues, PSPOs create buffer zones, a tool that enables local authorities to prevent certain anti-social activities from taking place in an area. A buffer zone means an area within a boundary of 150 metres from any part of an abortion clinic or any access point to any building or site that contains an abortion clinic. Breaking a PSPO can lead to a fixed penalty notice or prosecution. The Robert Clinic is run by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), the leading provider of abortion services in the UK with over 40 abortion clinics and sexual health centres in England, Wales, and Scotland. Undated file photo of the map of the buffer zone around the Robert Clinic abortion clinic in Kings Norton, Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Courtesy of the Christian Legal Centre) The legal team is challenging the validity of the PSPO, with lawyers arguing that the council has exceeded its powers. They will argue that the council did not have the power to draw up the PSPO because officials wrongly sought to prohibit peaceful and lawful behaviour which cannot properly be characterised as anti-social, and for which there is no evidence. Lawyers will also argue that the PSPO is disproportionate and interferes with Vaughan-Spruces human rights under articles 9 (freedom of thought, conscience, and religion) 10 (freedom of expression) and 11 (freedom of assembly and association) of the European Convention on Human Rights. They will also ask the High Court to declare the PSPO unlawful, unjustified and an interference with Vaughan-Spruces and other pro-lifers rights. Twisted Vaughan-Spruce told The Epoch Times that what her group does has been twisted. She said that over 100 women have accepted their help. Their campaigns last for 40 consecutive days and are held twice a year, once in the spring and once in the autumn. Volunteers are present during these times in groups of two to four at a time. The group claims that volunteers hold no posters, banners, or placards and never use megaphones. She added that the council has never shown them evidence that they have been anti-social or criminal. Theres a real need to highlight whats happening, she said. The definition of words has been twisted so that the offer of a leaflet is now harassment, prayer is protest, presence is intimidation. There has to be some objective measure of what really is offence, harassment, and intimidation. Or we just end up silencing anyone who has a conflicting ideology to our own, she said. Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said in a statement, The effect of the PSPO is to criminalise 40 Days activities in Birmingham and to create an area where no discussion of abortion or even prayer relating to abortion, is permitted. A Birmingham City Council spokeswoman told The Epoch Times by email: We have received a legal challenge to the Public Space Protection Order introduced in a defined area around Robert Clinic in Station Road, Kings Norton. As this is currently being reviewed, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage, she added. Buffer Zones Law In October, UK MPs supported proposals to make anti-abortion protests and vigils around clinics a criminal offence in England and Wales, going beyond PSPOs. An amendment to the Public Order Bill to introduce buffer zones around abortion clinics has been backed by a cross-party group of MPs. The amendment contains a ban on influencing, advising, persuading, and expressing opinion. The Conservative governments bill was designed to strengthen police powers against disruptive tactics by climate activists such as Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop Oil, and Insulate Britain. If passed, anyone within the buffer zone seeking to influence a womans decision could face criminal charges and up to six months in jail for a first offence, or two years for further offences. At the time, Katherine OBrien, associate director of communications and campaigns at BPAS, told The Epoch Times by email that the existing laws do not deal with anti-abortion clinic protests effectively, unfortunately. OBrien said that PSPOs are not a permanent solution. They create a postcode lottery where many other women are unable to access care without harassment. They are expensive to introduce and uphold in court, making councils less likely to risk their introduction, she said. The moon is partially covered by buildings in Brasilia, Brazil, at the start of a total lunar eclipse early Wednesday, on May 26, 2021. (Eraldo Peres/AP Photo) Rare Blood Moon to Excite Skygazers Aussie skygazers will have the rare treat of seeing a total lunar eclipse where the moon turns into a blood-red astronomical body. Avid watchers armed with binoculars or a telescope for a better viewing experience should circle on Tuesday as the night for a phenomenon that will not be seen for another three years. A blood moon occurs when the sun, earth and the moon align in such a way the moon passes into the earths shadow. Australian National University (ANU) astrophysicist Brad Tucker explained that when looking at the moon during the total lunar eclipse, You are seeing the sunrise and sunset of the earth lighting up the moon. Just as sunrise and sunset are an orange or reddish colour, so is this light that skims through the earths atmosphere and out into space, he said. A blood moon is seen during a full lunar eclipse in the southern Bavarian village of Raisting, near Munich, Germany on July 27, 2018. (REUTERS/Michael Dalder) According to NASA, the more dust or clouds in the earths atmosphere during the total lunar eclipse, the redder the moon will appear. The blood moon will last for almost three hours and be visible in New Zealand, the Americas and parts of Asia. BLOOD MOON VIEWING TIMES ACROSS AUSTRALIA ON TUESDAY (all times PM) ACT/NSW/VIC/TAS Starts at 8:09, ends at 11:49. Total eclipse (when fully red) will last from 9:16 10:41. QLD Starts at 7:09, ends at 10:49. Total eclipse (when fully red) will last from 8:16 9:41. SA Starts at 7:43, ends at 11:19. Total eclipse (when fully red) will last from 8:46 10:11. NT Starts at 6:42, ends at 10:19. Total eclipse (when fully red) will last from 7:46 9:11. WA Starts at 6:43, ends at 8:49. Total eclipse (when fully red) will last from 6:43 7:41. Australian Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen speaks to media following an energy ministers meeting in Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 28, 2022. (AAP Image/Diego Fedele) Recklessly Charging Towards Net Zero Could Be Disastrous Commentary Australia Energy Minister Chris Bowen left the country on the weekend to attend COP27 at the luxurious location of Sharm-el-Sheik on the Red Sea, Egypt. Leaving aside the huge carbon emissions just for getting himself there, one would have thought that presiding over the steepest rise in energy prices since records began should be headache enough for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to ensure Bowen stays home to deal with the crisis. Remember, Albanese was elected on a promise to cut power bills by $275 (US$176) a year. Even Greta Thunberg is giving COP27 a wide berth this year. As Nick Cater wrote in The Australian, Labor should be looking for plan B. However, the governments insistence on sticking to a path determined before the exposure of the renewable energy sham in Europe is reckless in the extreme. Cater tellingly notes that the Putin-ate-my-homework excuse wont work for long; neither will Bowens promise to bring prices down by installing 22,000 solar panels a day and 40 wind turbines a month for the next eight years. Cater adds: Presumably he hasnt factored in the $20 billion the government is about to spend upgrading the grid to facilitate the development of mega wind and solar generators. Nor has he taken note of the soaring price of steel, copper, lithium and other minerals necessary to produce and connect solar, wind and batteries. This wouldnt be the first time. For example, lets go back to 2008. Then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had the best poll numbers of all time. His assistant treasurer was Chris Bowen, and his brilliant scheme for keeping a lid on cost of living pressures was Grocery Watch. It was an unmitigated disaster at all levels and was shelved within months. For many, that was the beginning of the end of Rudd. Everyday Australians Suffer From Rising Energy Costs Now Bowen, as energy minister, is either misguided or displaying ignorance on policy regarding nuclear energy and electric cars that will have devastating effects on Australians. With regard to nuclear energy, Bowen insists that it would push up power prices and crowd out cheaper and cleaner technologies, adding that people who seek to argue for it perpetuate the climate wars. Theres nothing like emotive language to make an argument when the facts are not on your side. Just ask anyone in the United Kingdom and Europe how renewable energy has worked out for them. Power prices have increased at least five times over the last year. Energy rations loom across the continent just in time for winter. Wind power stations of German utility RWE, one of Europes biggest electricity companies, in front of RWEs brown coal fired power plants of Neurath near Jackerath, north-west of Cologne, Germany, on March 18, 2022. (Wolfgang Rattay/Reuters) Germany, which once held itself out as the leader in renewable energy, is scrambling to reopen coal fired and nuclear power plant just to limit the damage. Japan is reversing its moratorium on nuclear power plants, instituted after the Fukushima disaster. What is more, as Australian businessman Maurice Newman pointed out in the Daily Telegraph recently, according to the International Energy Agency, nuclear power plants present one of the most cost-effective investment opportunities for low-carbon generation. Indeed, there is increasing evidence to suggest that Australia could have competitively priced electricity generated by nuclear power well before 2030 with the building of small modular reactors, which, importantly, lend themselves to use particularly in remote communities. Bowens other venture, electric vehicles, was recently shown up in California, where sales of all new petrol-powered cars will be banned by 2035. A few days after that announcement, Californians were told to avoid using large appliances and charging electric vehicles due to electricity shortages. What is more, the manufacture of EV batteries produces more CO2 when compared with conventional cars. For everyday Australians struggling to put food on the table, the Albanese governments energy policies are no laughing matter. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) speaks during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 25, 2021. (Andrew Harnik/Pool/Getty Images) Republican Senator Announces He Wont Run for President in 2024 Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) will not be running for president, the senator has announced. Cotton confirmed reports that he decided against a 2024 presidential bid, after earlier reports that he was considering a run. This is not the right time for our family for me to commit to a six-to-seven day a week campaign for the next two years, Cotton told Fox News. Cotton, 45, and his wife, Anna, have a 7-year-old boy and a 5-year-old boy. Theyre old enough to know that dads gone and be sad about it but not old enough to understand the purpose and why it all matters and why the sacrifice is worth it, Cotton said. I am pretty sure Republican voters can find another nominee, but I know that my sons cant find another dad for the next two years. Cotton said his decision only pertains to 2024. Well make a decision about future races in the future, especially as my boys get older and understand more about why I do the work I do and what it means for them and for our country, he said. Cotton grew up in Arkansas and graduated from Harvard University and Harvard Law School. He has worked in private practice and as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army before becoming a congressman. Politico first reported that Cotton will not run, saying the senator had been reaching out to donors and other supporters in recent days to inform them of his decision. Cotton toppled incumbent Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) in 2014, winning 56 percent of the vote. Cotton won reelection in 2020 with 66 percent of the vote. Many potential Republican presidential candidates have not ruled out runs in 2024, including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested he will launch a third bid, though he has said he will hold off on an announcement until after the Nov. 8 midterm elections. Trump remains the most popular Republican candidate in many states if he were to run, according to polls and surveys, with DeSantis on top in some states and in second in many others. Other possible GOP candidates have said they will not run, including Fox host Tucker Carlson, Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.). Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has said she will not run if Trump does. Correction: A previous version of this article inaccurately stated Sen. Hawleys party affiliation. He is a Republican. The Epoch Times regrets the error. Hungarian-born U.S. investor and philanthropist George Soros looks on after having delivered a speech on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 23, 2020. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images) Soros Tops List of Biggest Donors This Midterm Season, Gave $128 Million to Help Elect Democrats Wealthy citizens whove donated heavily to political campaigns this year include supporters of both of the major political parties, although none of the others comes close to billionaire philanthropist George Soros, who has given more than $128 million to help elect Democrats, according to a new tally released by OpenSecrets, a Washington-based research organization. The recipients of donations arent limited solely to individual candidates but also include parties, political action committees (PACs), the hybrid PACs known as Carey Committees, and tax-exempt 527 organizations. Soros, operating under the aegis of Soros Fund Management, leads the pack of donors, with all of his donations going to Democratic candidates and causes. The next three slots on OpenSecrets list are occupied by individuals whove spent lavishly to support Republicans. Richard Uihlein, CEO of shipping firm Uline, donated $80.7 million; Kenneth C. Griffin, CEO of the Citadel hedge fund, gave $68.6 million; and Jeffrey S. Yass, cofounder of technology firm Susquehanna International Group, and his spouse, Janine Yass, gave almost $47.3 million. Some of the names on the list, such as entrepreneur Timothy Mellon, who occupies the fifth slot, donated to both Democratic and Republican candidates and causes. Of Mellons total of about $40 million, the vast majority went to Republicans, with $10,700 going to Democrats. In all, 40 of the donors on the OpenSecrets list supported only Democrats, 32 helped only Republicans, and 28 contributed to both categories. The strength of the financial support that Republican-affiliated candidates and causes have received represents a factor not always conveyed in polls of prospective voters, one expert acknowledged. I am not sure people should put significant trust in the polls. The trend over the past few cycles has been to underestimate Republican support. If that is the case this time, we should expect some surprises on election night, Mark C. Smith, chair of the department of political science, history, and government at Cedarville University in Ohio, told The Epoch Times. But in a field where donors of many different sizes and profiles come into play, the impressive number of megadonors sympathetic to Republican candidates doesnt mean that the latter have had the edge in fundraising in 2021 and 2022. In its survey of spending for all candidates in House of Representatives races in 202122, OpenSecrets found that 1,316 Democrat candidates raised a total of $921.5 million. Although there were more Republican candidates altogether at 1,695, they raised a smaller total than their Democrat rivals, amounting to almost $889.9 million. Surveying Senate races in 202122, OpenSecrets found that here, too, Republicans fell short of Democrats. All told, 220 Democrat candidates raised $819.3 million, while 303 Republican candidates raised only $660.3 million. Supreme Court Receptive to Pitch to Allow Court Challenges to Administrative State Powers Litigants say they should be able to challenge Federal Trade Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission tribunals A security technology company and an accountant claiming unfair treatment at the hands of federal agencies in-house administrative tribunals urged a seemingly receptive Supreme Court on Nov. 7 to make it easier to challenge their structure. The Supreme Court could use the opportunity to rein in the so-called administrative state and reaffirm the separation of powers doctrine that prevents any specific branch of the government from exercising the core functions of another. The idea behind the doctrine is to discourage the concentration of power and make sure there are checks and balances. Critics of the administrative state claim that in-house adjudications are unfair because the tribunals, unlike regular courts, lack fixed evidentiary rules, allowing the agencies to function as prosecutor, judge, and jury. They argue that the tribunals are unconstitutional because they arent politically accountable. The cases are Axon Enterprise Inc. v. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), court file 21-86, and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) v. Cochran, court file 21-1239. The challenging parties say they should be able to contest in federal courts the way the tribunals are constituted without first having to launch a lengthy, expensive challenge within the administrative system. But the Biden administration says challengers may only proceed to court after losing in agency proceedings. Even then, when the cases go to court, judges are required by legal precedent to defer to most agency decisions. Scottsdale, Arizona-based Axon makes body cameras and digital evidence management systems for law enforcement. The firm purchased an insolvent competitor, Vievu LLC, for about $13 million in May 2018. A month later, the FTC sent Axon a letter indicating the acquisition raised antitrust concerns, according to the companys petition. Axon stated that it was subjected to extensive and expensive investigatory proceedings, and after 18 months of this, with no end in sight, Axon offered to walk away from its acquisition entirely, but this wasnt satisfactory in the FTCs eyes. Axon even offered to unload its Vievu assets and provide millions of dollars in working capital to a divestiture buyer, but instead, the FTC demanded that Axon transform Vievu into a clone of Axon using Axons intellectual property, and threatened Axon with an administrative proceeding if it failed to do so. In April 2016, the SEC brought an enforcement action against Michelle Cochran, a certified public accountant in Texas, claiming that she violated the Exchange Act by failing to comply with auditing standards issued by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board when performing quarterly reviews and annual audits between 2010 and 2013, according to the SECs petition. An SEC administrative law judge, or ALJ, fined Cochran $22,500 and banned her from practicing before the SEC for 5 years. Cochran objected, but before the agency could rule on her objection, the Supreme Court held in Lucia v. SEC (2018) that SEC ALJs are officers of the United States, under the Constitutions appointments clause, who must be appointed by the president, a court of law, or a department head. Cochrans case was reassigned to a new ALJ. Cochran sued in federal court to halt the SECs administrative enforcement proceedings against her, arguing that because the agencys ALJs enjoy multiple layers of for-cause removal protection, theyre unconstitutionally insulated from the presidents power to fire federal officials. She also argued that the SEC violated her due process rights by failing to follow its own rules and procedures. During oral arguments on Nov. 7, Axon attorney Paul Clement told the justices that federal courts should be able to entertain legal challenges against administrative tribunals. Congress has expressly granted district courts original jurisdiction over all civil actions arising under the Constitution, and it is common ground that Congress has never expressly withdrawn or restricted that jurisdiction with respect to the constitutional claims at issue here, Clement said. Justice Samuel Alito asked Deputy U.S. Solicitor General Malcolm Stewart, What sense does it make for a claim that goes to the very structure of the agency having to go through the administrative process? Stewart replied that FTC commissioners have expertise in the way that the adjudications are conducted. Even though the agency couldnt declare the statute unconstitutional it could still provide something that could be useful to a reviewing court. Chief Justice John Roberts noted that the government has lost challenges to agency actions. Doesnt that underscore the need for a direct proceeding to raise the constitutional claim rather than waiting however many years before the agency? he asked. There are many challenges related to some fairly basic propositions and to have it go over and over and over again, it does make the case about the need for direct resolution of a related claim pretty strong, the chief justice said. In the Axon hearing, Justice Elena Kagan told Stewart that the governments case seemed weak. Of three factors in a relevant precedent, two factors are pretty darn bad for you. Justice Sonia Sotomayor seemed skeptical of Cochrans arguments. I dont know why we should be permitting district court interference in the process that Congress has given to the agency to conclude that matter, she said. Associate justices of the Supreme Court Neil Gorsuch (L) and Brett Kavanaugh (R) in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Feb. 5, 2019. (Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images) Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Challenge to 8-Person Juries in Criminal Trials Conservative Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh say they would have heard the Arizona case Over the dissent of two conservative justices, the Supreme Court refused on Nov. 7 to take up the case of a man who claimed that it was unconstitutional for Arizona to convict him using a jury made up of just eight people instead of the usual 12. The ruling means that a handful of states may continue to use six- or eight-person juries in felony trials. Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, and Utah permit the practice, according to an NBC summary. The ruling comes after the high court held 63 in Ramos v. Louisiana in April 2020 that convicting an accused person of a serious offense with a less-than-unanimous jury verdict, as Louisiana and Oregon had allowed, runs afoul of the U.S. Constitutions guarantee of a right to a jury trial, as The Epoch Times reported. Before the Ramos decision, in 48 states and in federal court, a single jurors vote to acquit was enough to prevent a conviction. But Louisiana and Oregon had long punished people convicted with 102 verdicts. In the case at hand, Khorrami v. Arizona, court file 21-1553, Amin Khorrami was convicted by an eight-member jury in May 2019 of two felonies in a blackmail scheme arising out of a failed romantic relationship. Khorrami argued in court papers (pdf) that an Arizona law that provides that juries in criminal cases in which the maximum possible sentence is less than 30 years shall consist of eight jurors violated his Sixth Amendment and 14th Amendment rights. The Arizona Court of Appeals disagreed. That court stated that it was bound by the Supreme Courts 1970 precedent in Williams v. Florida, which determined that a 12-person jury is not a necessary ingredient of [the Sixth Amendments] trial by jury requirement. The appeals court noted that the Ramos ruling two years ago didnt upend this analysis, as it involved unanimous verdicts in criminal trials and the Supreme Court does not normally overturn earlier authority without being asked to do so. The Supreme Courts majority didnt explain why it decided against hearing Khorramis appeal. Justice Neil Gorsuch filed a strongly worded dissent (pdf) against the high courts refusal to hear the case that was joined by Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The Williams case was wrongly decided 52 years ago, Gorsuch wrote. For almost all of this Nations history and centuries before that, the right to trial by jury for serious criminal offenses meant the right to a trial before 12 members of the community, the justice wrote. In 1970, this Court abandoned that ancient promise and enshrined in its place bad social science parading as law. That mistake continues to undermine the integrity of the Nations judicial proceedings and deny the American people a liberty their predecessors long and justly considered inviolable. The Epoch Times reached out for comment to lawyers for Khorrami and the state of Arizona but didnt receive a reply from either by press time. Proud of his brave grandson, a grandfather has honored the little boys open heart surgery by tattooing the surgical scar on his arm. The tattoo and the precious bond they share have gone viral. Rebekah Van Scoy and her husband, Taylor, have three kids together: Sawyer, 5, Adalyn, 3, and Hudson, 1. Sawyer was born with a congenital heart defect Tetralogy of Fallot. His parents didnt find out about it until the day after Sawyers birth when doctors told them their baby had a heart murmur and rushed him to the NICU where he was monitored for a few days. Sawyer with his grandfather when he got the tattoo. (Courtesy of Rebekah Van Scoy) He had his first procedure at five weeks old, a valvoplasty that opened his arteries to get more oxygen, Rebekah told The Epoch Times. That procedure bought Sawyer eight months before he had to go in for open heart surgery in December 2017 to repair a hole in his heart. Their family leaned on faith for strength, but Sawyer was strong. He was in the hospital for about a week after surgery, Rebekah said. He recovered fast, and doctors were very impressed! Sawyer with both his parents. (Courtesy of Rebekah Van Scoy) After the surgery, Rebekah was shocked to learn that her father wanted to get an exact replica tattoo of Sawyers surgery scar to commemorate the little boys brave journey. Ironically, my dad was always very against tattoos, Rebekah said. But he had thought about it for a long time and he was very proud of his grandson for what he had gone through, loved the idea of supporting him, and having a conversation starter for anyone who sees his tattoo. He loves to share the miracle that his grandson is, and telling people how God has worked in our lives. The tattoo shop also made an exception and let toddler Sawyer inside to watch his grandpa go under the needle. His family has since talked about the tattoo to help Sawyer understand its significance. Rebekah said, Although he still doesnt fully grasp it, you can tell that my son feels genuine love and support from my dads tattoo, and its adorable when he lifts up his shirt and they compare his actual scar with the tattoo of his scar! The mom of three describes her father as the most involved and active grandparent that she has ever known. The doting grandad goes out of his way to drive by his grandkids house, just for a hug, shares love and laughter at every opportunity, and hosts the kids for overnight camping at his house. My dad is always creating fun moments out of simple life; he teaches them and encourages them, Rebekah said. Sawyer with his grandfather. (Courtesy of Rebekah Van Scoy) Rebekah has long shared clips of her father and her kids special moments on Instagram and has gained a following from people who love their bond. Thus, when she posted the story of the tattoo, she wasnt too surprised that it went viral, since it was an intimate and real moment that shows the deepest love. Rebekah Van Scoy, her husband Taylor, and the three children. (Courtesy of Rebekah Van Scoy) However, Sawyer isnt the only child in the family to have needed heart surgery; baby Hudson also had to undergo the same procedure. Rebekahs father is in the planning process for getting Hudsons open heart surgery scar tattooed as well, Rebekah wrote on Instagram. Touched by her fathers gesture, Rebekah has also been working on a tattoo design to honor all three of her children and both of her heart warriors, who are not just living, but thriving. She told The Epoch Times: Getting a diagnosis of any kind is terrifying, and if youre like me, its easy to wander to worst-case scenarios. But I have watched God perform several miracles within my family alone, and with so many others they have a long health road ahead of them, but we believe God is always with us and taking care of us, even when His plan is not the same as ours. We look to God for peace and strength and He is always there. Do not be discouraged, and lean on Him in all circumstances, Rebekah said. Watch the video: (Courtesy of Rebekah Van Scoy) Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter Abbot Suger and the Abbey of Saint-Denis On June 11, 1144, King Louis VII of France and Queen Eleanor led dozens of bishops and abbots in procession to the newly renovated church of the ancient Abbey of Saint-Denis. Their numbers were dwarfed by hundreds of clergymen and monksand a much vaster congregation. After three years of construction, the church was ready for consecration. Located near Paris, the original monastery was among the oldest and most important in France. St. Denis was an early Christian martyr who had been killed in the vicinity and was a patron saint of France. Strong links existed between the monastery and the French royal family. Both the saint and Frances kings were buried in the abbey. But the monarchys devotion to Catholicism was just one of the things that the church of Saint-Denis symbolized. The rebuilding of the abbey coincided with an intensification of religious practice throughout France and with the growing strength of the royal government over quasi-independent and sometimes lawlessly violent nobles. The rebuilding of a magnificent new church demonstrated the monks spiritual commitment while signaling the monarchys wealth and power. The Abbey of Saint-Denis before the north tower (left) was demolished after a lightning strike in 1837. Engraving by Julien Hippolyte Devicque. (Public Domain) The mastermind behind the churchs architectural originality was the monasterys superior, Abbot Suger. His Book of the Consecration of the Church of Saint Denis (direct translation from the Latin) reveals his understanding of and commitment to the project and is the most important medieval work on architectural principles. Redesigning an Era Architecturally significant, the Abbey of Saint-Denis reveals the first use of all of the elements of Gothic architecture and set the standard for cathedrals and churches of medieval Europe. (Petr Kovalenkov/Shutterstock) At Saint-Denis, Suger carefully combined architectural elements from the styles of different French regions to create a dramatically new oneGothic. The use of pointed arches, typical of Burgundys architecture, allowed for higher ceilings. Norman architecture (Romanesque) generally used rib vaulting: crisscrossing arches that support the weight of a ceiling, concentrating it and transferring pressure to a smaller number of stress points. The ribs also reduce the total weight of a ceiling, allowing most of it to be made of thin stone. With fewer and smaller columns needed for support, larger windows were able to be used. By combining ribbed vaulting and pointed arches, Suger revolutionized the interior structure of buildings, creating an aesthetic that appeared to soar higher while letting in more light. Opening up the interior space allowed for a brighter and more colorful atmosphere. Light and color were central to Sugers conception. They also stand at the center of an important architectural debate: Was Gothic an evolution of Romanesque or Romanesques antithesis? In fact, it was a bit of both. The shapes used by Gothic architecture did indeed take those of Romanesque and Burgundy architecture as their foundation. But the way they combined elements of regional Romanesque traditions with the vibrant use of color seen in the architecture of the Mediterranean region created an anti-Romanesque aesthetic. (Despite its name, Romanesque architecture was only partially influenced by Roman tradition.) The fact that Saint-Denis was Sugers creation increased his contemporaries interest in it. While today his name is little known, he was the greatest European polymath of his generation and one of Europes most famous men. Much of the symbolism of Saint-Denis reflects Sugers own life and accomplishments. A Serendipitous Scholar Abbot Suger was the mastermind behind the architectural originality of the Abbey of Saint-Denis. Engraving of Abbot Suger by Zacharie Heinse and Francois Bignon, 1690. (Public Domain) Born into a family of humble status, Suger became an oblate of the Abbey of Saint-Denis at the age of 10. Oblates were preteens entrusted to the care of Benedictine monasteries. Once in their teens, they would be given the opportunity to choose between taking monastic vows or returning to ordinary life. Until then, they were in preliminary preparation to become monks. For financially struggling parents, it was an appealing choice. As oblates, their children would be assured all the essentials of life: greater security than many had in an agrarian economy and educational opportunities otherwise beyond their reach. Monastery and cathedral schools were Europes centers of learning. Monks and canons (cathedral clergy) dominated advanced scholarship. They hand-copied books in an age before the printing press. They ran and taught in the most important schools, laying the foundation for the first universities. Kings and nobles as well as popes and bishops also frequently chose monks and canons as legal, political, and religious advisers and officials. Suger Is Made Abbot of Saint-Denis, 1630s, by Justus van Egmont. Oil on panel. Nantes Museum of Art, France. (Public Domain) Suger excelled academically and made an important friend among his fellow students: the future King Louis VI. Kings and princes were always on the lookout for talented individuals to advise and assist them. Even more than that, they needed advisers and assistants whose friendship was sincere. Serving as friend and counselor to both King Louis VI and King Louis VII, Suger was catapulted to the highest echelons of cultural, intellectual, political, and religious life. The Abbot, the Architect, and the Historian Light and color were central to Sugers conception. The use of rib vaulting and pointed arches opened up the interior space, allowing for a brighter and more colorful atmosphere. Pictured here is the stained glass rose window of the north transept. (Diliff/CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons) The sheer breadth of Sugers accomplishments testifies to a rare individual. He was the greatest historian of his generation. As a statesman, he improved the administration of justice, advanced agriculture and commerce, rallied his country against invasion, and brought rebellious and tumultuous nobles under control. As abbot, he reinvigorated the life of his monks. His allies and admirers included St. Bernard of Clairvaux, who was one of the greatest monks, thinkers, and preachers in Catholic history. During the First Lateran Council (a meeting of senior Catholic clergy from throughout the world), Suger became a confidante of Pope Callistus II. As an architect, Suger had his most lasting influence. The Abbey of Saint-Denis soon set the standard that inspired most of the great cathedrals and churches of medieval France and England. Sugers written account of its construction became a leading influence on medieval architectural theory. The Notre Dame Cathedral brought to perfection what the Abbey of Saint-Denis had brilliantly begun. Damaged by the French Revolution, the abbey was later restored during the 19th-century Gothic Revival. By now, it has survived for almost nine centurieslittle altered from Sugers own day. In 1966, it joined the ranks of the cathedrals it so strongly influenced when Pope Paul VI created the new Diocese of St. Denis, a fitting tribute to one of historys most important architectural masterpieces. Trudeau Responds to Allegations That 11 Canadian Federal Candidates Received Chinese Funding in 2019 Election Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has responded to questions about a recent news report alleging that at least 11 federal candidates, whose party affiliations werent revealed, received funding from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the 2019 federal election. State actors from around the world, whether its China or others, are continuing to play aggressive games with our institutions, with our democracies, Trudeau said at a press conference in Laval, Quebec, on Nov. 7. We have taken significant measures to strengthen the integrity of our elections processes and our systems, he said. We will continue to invest in the fight against election interferenceagainst foreign interferenceof our democracies and institutions. The questions were related to a Global News report published earlier that day alleging that intelligence officials had warned Trudeau and several cabinet ministers, in a series of briefings and memos beginning in January, about CCP interference in Canada that can include covert funding to influence election outcomes, and also that at least 11 candidates in the 2019 federal election received CCP funding during their campaigns. The report adds that according to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), the Chinese Consulate in Toronto covertly directed a large transfer of funds to a clandestine network of those candidates as well as many Beijing operatives working as their campaign staffers. Global News said the funds were allegedly transferred through an Ontario provincial MPP and a federal election candidate staffer. Some, but not all, members of the network are witting affiliates of the CCP, the report said, based on the intelligence briefings. The report also says the briefings alleged that a Torontos Chinese Consulate official directed a campaign staffer to control and monitor the meetings of the candidate the staffer was working for. The world is changing and sometimes in quite scary ways, Trudeau said on Nov. 7. And we need to make sure that those who are tasked with keeping us safe every single day are able to do that. In 2010, then-director of CSIS Richard Fadden told CBC News in an interview that there were several municipal politicians in British Columbia and ministers of the Crown in at least two provinces who we think are under at least the general influence of a foreign government. Were in fact a bit worried in a couple of provinces that we have an indication that theres some political figures who have developed quite an attachment to foreign countries, Fadden said. David Mulroney, a former Canadian ambassador to China, says in recent years there has been an exponential expansion of Chinese operations directly targeted at undermining Canadian democracy. PM [Trudeau] was briefed about this vast campaign in January but remained silent, Mulroney said in a Twitter post on Nov. 8. Then in June he expanded the team devising his China strategy to include people as stubbornly naive about the PRC [Peoples Republic of China] as he is. No doubt many promotions, bonuses at Chinas consulate in Toronto. Chinese Interference In his interview in 2010, Fadden also said Chinese authorities had organized demonstrations to protest Canadian government policies deemed harmful to the CCP. They have organized demonstrations against the Canadian government in respect to some of our policies concerning China. Theyve organized demonstrations to deal with what are called the five poisons: Taiwan, Falun Gong, and others, he said. Trudeau said during his Nov. 7 press conference that the federal government is creating new tools to support CSIS and other Canadian intelligence agencies in preventing foreign election interference. There are already significant laws and measures that our intelligence and security officials have to go against foreign actors operating on Canadian soil, he said. Experts have long warned about Chinas interference efforts in Canadian elections. This issue was one of the main subjects explored in a recent House of Commons committee meeting. Marcus Kolga, director of DisinfoWatch, told the House Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs on Nov. 3 that in the weeks before the September 2021 election, we were alerted to Chinese state media narratives that directly targeted the Conservative Party and its leader Erin OToole. Simultaneously, members of the Chinese-Canadian community brought to our attention similar narratives appearing on local Canadian Chinese-language media platforms and Chinese local media channel WeChat, Kolga said. He said the CCP-owned tabloid Global Times attacked OTooles foreign policy platform in an article published Sept. 9, 2021. The Global Times article threatened Canadians that if they elected a Conservative government, Canadians should expect a strong counter strike and Canada will be the one to suffer.' Australian scholar Clive Hamilton has said that Beijings election interference operations are most advanced in Canada. The 2020 book he co-wrote, Hidden Hand, says the CCPs United Front organizations, which are mandated by the Party to curb potential opposition groups inside China as well as increase the CCPs influence abroad, are increasingly following the advice laid out in 2010 by a CCP strategistbuild ethnic Chinese-based political organizations, make political donations, support ethnic Chinese politicians, and deploy votes to swing close-run elections. Hamilton told The Epoch Times in a previous interview that Beijings United Front organizations seem to be more entrenched in Canada compared to peer countries. Isaac Teo contributed to this report. Trump Group CEO Backs Musks Twitter Takeover Devin Nunes, the CEO of Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), has expressed support for billionaire Elon Musks acquisition of Twitter while highlighting the need to protect freedom of speech on the internet. Here at Truth Social (a social media platform founded by Donald Trump), both [former] President [Donald] Trump and myself were very supportive of it, because our mission and goal here is to reopen the internet, Nunes said in an interview with NTDs Newsmakers. So whether that is I think, as President Trump said, one billionaire owning Twitter is probably better than all the insane lunatics that were running Twitter as of until a few days ago. And I think thats kind of where this stands. In the interview, Nunes, a member of the Republican Party, was asked about ongoing leftist narratives that free speech is somehow dangerous, and that it threatens the safety of democracy and public officials. Nunes pointed out that such arguments are very common throughout history. When dictatorships emerge, they tend to take control over news media and intelligence agencies while pushing out propaganda, he said. The TMTG CEO was also asked about leaked documents showing that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) monitored Twitter and other social media platforms after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Nunes said that while he was heading the House Intelligence Committee from 2015 to 2019, there was always the rule that powers of the state were to be only used for military and overseas purposes to track down bad actors like terrorists and cyber criminals. Such powers were not to be turned against our own citizens. If the Republicans are to gain control in the next Congress, theyre going to have to get to the bottom of what the hell happened here, because this is not something that should have been done. Protecting Free Speech During the program, concerns were raised about the DHS allegedly using misinformation and disinformation claims to influence content being posted on social media platforms. While misinformation refers to misleading information that is shared without an intent to deceive, disinformation carries malicious intent. Nunes said that at Truth Social, they are looking to create a family-friendly atmosphere without any illegal activity on the platform. However, they draw the line when it comes to expressing religious or political beliefs. The TMTG CEO affirmed that the platform will not censor anyone or ban their accounts for their opinions. Such a stance is something that has degraded over the past year-and-a-half at a very rapid pace on social media, he said. Nunes pointed to the Hunter Biden laptop scandal as the starting point of this degradation when Big Tech companies went full crash course into the censorship. In an Oct. 27 message on Twitter, Musk said that the reason why he acquired the platform is to ensure that human civilization has a common digital town square where a wide range of beliefs can be debated in a healthy manner. He raised concerns about social media splintering into far-left wing and far-right wing echo chambers that will generate more division and hate within society. In a Nov. 2 post, Musk blamed activist groups for attempting to curtail free speech. Twitter has had a massive drop in revenue, due to activist groups pressuring advertisers, even though nothing has changed with content moderation and we did everything we could to appease the activists. Extremely messed up! Theyre trying to destroy free speech in America, he said. Joshua Philipp Follow Joshua Philipp is an award-winning investigative reporter with The Epoch Times and host of EpochTV's "Crossroads" program. He is a recognized expert on unrestricted warfare, asymmetrical hybrid warfare, subversion, and historical perspectives on todays issues. His 10-plus years of research and investigations on the Chinese Communist Party, subversion, and related topics give him unique insight into the global threat and political landscape. Tiffany Meier Follow Tiffany Meier is a New York-based reporter and host of NTD's "China in Focus." Former president Donald Trump (L) listens as J.D. Vance, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Ohio, speaks during a rally hosted by the former president at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Ohio on April 23, 2022. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Trump Heads to Ohio For Election Day Eve Rally With Vance, Other MAGA Candidates Two days after a weekend event in Pennsylvania to stump for Senate candidate Mehmet Oz and GOP gubernatorial nominee Doug Mastriano, former President Donald Trump will host a rally for Ohio Senate candidate J.D. Vance and a field of other Republicans on Election Day Eve. Trump and Vance will be among the speakers who will take the stage at the Wright Bros. Aero hangar at Dayton International Airport in southwest Ohio. A venture capitalist and author of The New York Times best-seller Hillbilly Elegy, Vance is opposed by Democrat U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan and vying to replace retiring Republican Sen. Rob Portman. For several months, the race was tightly contested, but Vance gained momentum after the two October debates with Ryan. J.D. Vance, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Ohio, and his wife Usha Vance wave to supporters after winning the Ohio Republican Senate primary election at an election night event at Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 3, 2022. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) As of Nov. 5, the Real Clear Politics average of polls shows Vance with a 7.5-point lead. The most recent poll, conducted by The Trafalgar Group and released on Nov. 5, indicated that Vance has coasted to a 10-point advantage over Ryan, who is in his 10th term as a congressman in the Youngstown, Ohio area. Catapulted by a mid-April endorsement from Trump, Vance prevailed in a contentious Republican primary in early May that featured seven candidates. Ryan decisively won the Democrat primary and immediately peppered the airwaves with ads that portrayed him as a moderate who appeals to Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. Congressional voting records tell a different story as Ryan has voted with President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi 100 percent of the time. Still, some Ohio-based and national Republican organizations expressed concern about the race over the summer when Ryan was highly visible with his advertising and public appearances while Vance took a more measured approach. Ad spending from GOP-aligned groups, and Vances performances in the two debates, gradually shifted the races outlook. Ryan last held a lead in a poll on Sept. 22 when Spectrum News/Siena College had the former Democrat presidential candidate with a 3-point edge. Congressman Tim Ryan speaks during Mindfulness in America on the Inspire Stage during the third day of Wellness Your Way Festival at the Duke Energy Convention Center on Oct. 13, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Duane Prokop/Getty Images for Wellness Your Way Festival) Consistently criticized by his opponents for comments he made about Donald Trump in 2016, Vance on April 15 received the stamp of approval they all soughtan endorsement from the former president for the Ohio GOP U.S. Senate primary. Ive studied this race closely and I think J.D. is the most likely to take out the weak, but dangerous, Democrat opponentdangerous because they will have so much money to spend. However, J.D. will destroy him in the debates and will fight for the MAGA Movement in the Senate, Trump wrote in a statement. Vance and Trump are scheduled to be joined by Ohio U.S. House members Jim Jordan, Mike Turner, Warren Davidson, and Mike Carey. Trump-endorsed House candidates J.R. Majewski, who is running against longtime Democrat Rep. Marcy Kaptur in Ohios 9th Congressional District; and Max Miller, who served in the Trump administration and is the Republican nominee in Ohios 7th Congressional District candidate, are also slated to speak. Trump won Ohio by eight points in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. There is widespread speculation that Trump will announce his candidacy to run for president in 2024 this month. No one in the world gets Ohioans fired up for Election Day like President Trump, Vance said in a statement. It will be great to host him in Ohio again. Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, who is endorsed by Trump, plans to attend the Trump rally after holding an event in Yellow Springs, Ohio, according to his campaign communications director Tricia McLaughlin. DeWine has avoided previous Trump visits to Ohio and was loudly booed by audience members in late October 2020 when the president mentioned his name. Ryan is making a last-second push to reach moderates and Independents. While Tim spends the final days of this election barnstorming Ohio and talking to voters in every corner of the state, J.D. Vance is ending his campaign the same way he began itleaning entirely on out-of-state allies to come in and prop him up because Ohioans know hes an out-of-state fraud who has only ever been out for himself, Izzi Levy, communications director for Ryans campaign, said in a statement. Thats why next week Ohioans are going to send Tim to the Senate and J.D. back to Silicon Valley where he belongs. U.S. President Donald Trump and Florida's Gov. Ron DeSantis hold a COVID-19 and storm preparedness roundtable in Belleair, Fla., on July 31, 2020. (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) Trump Tells Florida Supporters to Vote for DeSantis After calling Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Ron DeSanctimonious on Saturday night, former President Donald Trump called on his Miami supporters to vote for the Florida GOP governor during the 2022 midterms. With thousands of proud, hard-working American patriots, incredible peoplejust two days from now, the people of Florida are going to reelect the wonderful, the great, a friend of mine, Marco Rubio to the United States Senate, and youre going to reelect Ron DeSantis as your governor of the state, he said at an event while stumping for Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). And youre going to elect an incredible slate of true MAGA warriors to Congress. Trump drew headlines when he made the quip about DeSantis at a rally for Dr. Mehmet Oz and Doug Mastriano, Republicans who are campaigning for Pennsylvanias Senate and gubernatorial seats, respectively. DeSantis and his campaign have not responded to Trumps comment on Saturday. DeSantis is facing off against former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, a Democrat, and Rubio, meanwhile, faces Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.). Recent polls have shown DeSantis is ahead of Crist and have shown that Rubio leads Demings. Trump and DeSantis are both widely considered to be the top contenders for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, although DeSantis has not made any indication on whether he intends to run during the 2024 contest. When asked about running for president, DeSantis has consistently said hes campaigning to keep his position as Floridas governor. His comments Saturday came as he was talking about polling for possible 2024 GOP candidates, which have shown Trump with a significant lead. Were winning big in the Republican Party for the nomination like nobodys ever seen before. There it is, Trump at 71 percent, Ron DeSanctimonious at 10 percent, Trump said in Pennsylvania. Mike Pence at seven, oh, Mike is doing better than I thought. Liz Cheney theres no way shes at 4 percent. Theres no way. Theres no way. But were at 71 to 10 to 7 to 4. As for Trump running for president again, he has not made any official announcements due to campaign finance laws around donations. In Pennsylvania, he again hinted that he would. In order to make our country successful and safe and glorious, I will very, very, very probably do it again, the former commander-in-chief said of another White House run. Get readythats all Im telling you. Very soon. He hinted at a rally on Thursday night in Iowatwo days after the midterm electionsin which he could make a 2024 announcement. Just Stop Oil protesters are arrested after they blocked the road at the junction of Cannon St. and Queen Victoria St. in London on Oct. 27, 2022. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) UK Court Issues New Injunction Banning Climate Protesters Blocking Motorway Britains National Highways has secured a High Court injunction to prevent climate protesters disrupting Englands busiest motorway. Climate group Just Stop Oil, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, has been staging disruptive protests in an attempt to highlight its call for the UK government to begin the process of winding down fossil fuel production in the country. Transport secretary Mark Harper said he had instructed National Highways to apply for the injunction to tackle a reckless minority of protesters. The injunction is aimed at ending disruption by the environmental group on the M25, a busy motorway which encircles Greater London. It means that anyone entering the motorway and fixing themselves to any object or structure on it, and anyone assisting in such an act, can be held in contempt of court and subjected to imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and the seizure of assets. The injunction was secured in addition to a court order obtained by National Highways earlier this year that targeted protesters including those from Insulate Britain, another climate group. Extremely Dangerous In a statement, Harper said that blocking busy motorways or climbing overhead structures is extremely dangerous and disruptive. He said the new injunction will make it easier to take action against this reckless minority of protesters. Duncan Smith, executive director for operations at National Highways, added: Millions of people rely on the strategic road network every day and they have a right to expect it to operate as it should. We already have an injunction covering hundreds of miles of our network. This further court order will make it easier to take action against those reckless individuals who choose to unlawfully protest on the M25. Disruptions Just Stop Oil began blockading fuel terminals across the country on April 1, leading to more than 1,000 arrests. The group was also filmed blockading petrol stations and damaging petrol pumps. On Aug. 26, Just Stop Oil stated on Twitter that they decommissioned pumps at 7 stations in central London. Since the beginning of October, the group has caused disruptions in central London by blocking key roads, including The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. On Oct. 26, activists from the group sprayed orange paint onto Ferrari and Bentley car showrooms in Mayfair and set up a roadblock in Piccadilly. On Oct. 28, two members were arrested after they sprayed paint on the Rolex jewellery shop in Knightsbridge in central London. Members of the group have also splashed tinned soup onto artworks and thrown a cake on a waxwork of King Charles at Madame Tussauds. PA Media contributed to this report. UK Minister Visits Taiwan to Future-Proof British Economy UK trade policy minister Greg Hands arrived in Taiwan on Nov. 7 on a mission to boost trade between the two partners, which he said would help the UK to future-proof the British economy. Hands called Taiwan a vital [trade] partner for the UK as the former European Union nation tilts toward the Indo-Pacific. The UKs Department for International Trade said Handss visit is a clear signal of the UKs commitment to boosting UKTaiwan trade ties. Like the UK, Taiwan is a champion of free and fair trade underpinned by a rules-based global trading system, the department stated. The visit follows after the Chinese regimes London charge daffaires issued a trade threat to the UK after Chinese diplomats allegedly beat a Hong Kong protester in Manchester. The resumption of in-person trade talks following a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic predictably irked Beijing, which doesnt recognise Taiwans sovereignty. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian accused the UK of sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces and urged the UK to stop official contact with Taiwan. But Downing Street has defended the visit, stating that the UK has a long-established trade relationship with Taiwan. During Handss two-day visit, the minister is expected to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen and co-host the 25th annual UKTaiwan trade talks. The Department for International Trade stated that Taiwan is a key player in global supply chains as a leading manufacturer of semiconductors. Hands will use his meetings to promote diversified, resilient supply chains and greater economic cooperation, according to the department. He will also visit the Formosa 2 offshore wind site, a project involving more than 10 British companies. Innovate UK, a British government body, will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan, including a 5 million ($5.7 million) funding commitment through 2025 and support to UK businesses via a bespoke innovation programme between the UK and Taiwan. Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen speaks at a ceremony to mark the islands National Day in front of the Presidential Office in Taipei on Oct. 10, 2022. (Sam Yeh / AFP via Getty Images) In 2021, bilateral trade between the UK and Taiwan reached a record high of 8.34 billion ($9.56 billion). According to an official survey published on Nov. 3, 78 percent of UK businesses operating in Taiwan stated that theyre optimistic about the outlook for the next 12 months, while 88 percent were optimistic about the next three years. Speaking in Beijing, Zhao said the UK should earnestly respect Chinas sovereignty, uphold the one-China principle, stop any forms of official contacts with Taiwan, and stop sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces. A spokesman for Downing Street told reporters that the UK has a long-established trade relationship with Taiwan thats worth 8 billion a year. These are annual talks between the UK and the ministry of economic affairs in Taiwan, we have a vibrant, long-standing relationship on areas like trade and culture, and this will form part of that engagement, he said. Beijing insists Taiwan is part of the Peoples Republic of China, while Taiwan operates as a sovereign country with its own government, legislature, and judicial systems independent of the communist regime in the mainland. Like dozens of other countries, the UK doesnt have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but the two jurisdictions have de facto embassies in London and Taipei. UKChina Tensions The relationship between the UK and communist China has come under increased strain since Beijings rubber-stamp legislature imposed a national security law on Hong Kong, damaging freedom, democracy, and the rule of law in the former British colony. Beijing last year counter-sanctioned nine British individuals and four entities after the UK joined coordinated sanctions against Chinese officials over human rights abuses in Xinjiang. The tension heightened further last month after Chinese Consul General Zheng Xiyuan and a group of people who appeared to work at the Chinese Consulate in Manchester dragged Hong Kong protester Bob Chan onto consulate grounds and beat him. After a UK minister said those responsible will face prosecution or diplomatic consequences if police find they have committed crimes, Charge dAffaires Yang Xiaoguan said protecting shelter to the Hong Kong independent elements will only, in the end, bring disaster to Britain, citing trade relations between the UK and China. British Army personnel teach members of the Ukrainian armed forces how to operate a multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS), on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, England, on June 25, 2022. (PA Media) Ukraine War: Russia Warning That Britain Is Too Deep in This Conflict Russian ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin has warned that Britain is drawing too close to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We perfectly know about participation of British specialists in training, preparation, and execution of plans against the Russian infrastructure and the Russian fleet in the Black Sea. We know that it has been done, Kelin said in an interview with Sky News. It is dangerous It can bring us to the line ofI would sayno return. Return is always possible, but we should avoid escalation. And this is a warning actually that Britain is too deep in this conflict. It means the situation is becoming more and more dangerous. When asked to provide evidence to support his accusations against the UK, Kelin said that Moscow has handed over its proof to the British ambassador and that it will be made public pretty soon. A drone attack on the Russian Black Sea Fleet, which took place last weekend, reportedly ended up damaging three ships, including the flagship HMS Makarov. British ambassador to Moscow Deborah Bronnert was summoned by the Russian foreign ministry, which claimed the involvement of UK forces. According to the UK government, the allegations made by Russia are aimed at distracting attention from Moscows illegal invasion of Ukraine as well as its losses on the battlefield. UK Aid The UK has so far supplied Ukraine with several weapons in its war against Russia. In June, London confirmed sending M270 multiple-launch rocket systems with M31A1 precision munitions to Ukraine. Britain sent more than 5,000 next-generation light anti-tank weapons (Nlaw) that are capable of destroying tanks at short ranges with only a single shot. Nlaw was absolutely critical to the defeat of Russian ground thrusts in the early stages of the war, Justin Bronk, a senior research fellow at Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies, told the BBC. In addition, London has also supplied Kyiv with hundreds of Brimstone short-range missiles, at least 120 armored vehicles, Malloy T150 heavy-lift drones, and more than 200 Javelin anti-tank missiles. The UK is the second-largest military donor to Ukraine, committing 2.3 billion pounds ($2.62 billion) in 2022. The British government has confirmed it will meet or exceed the amount of military aid given to Ukraine this year in 2023. Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier accused the UK of planning to destroy his country to lay hands on its natural resources. In April, the Kremlin had accused London of provoking Ukraine to attack Russian territory. A bus driver disembarks a GO Transit bus at the new Union Station Bus Terminal in Toronto on Nov. 2, 2021. (The Canadian Press/Evan Buhler) Union Says About 2,200 GO Transit Workers on Strike Today After Failed Contract Talks Members of the union representing GO Transit bus operators, station attendants and other employees are on strike. The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1587 issued a statement Sunday evening saying it was unable to secure a new contract with Metrolinx. The strike began at 12:01 a.m. Monday and Metrolinx says bus service is suspended in light of the walkout, though train service remains and stations are open. ATU Local 1587 president Rob Cormier said Sunday bargaining talks broke down over safety concerns related to hiring contract workers from outside companies. Metrolinx issued a statement saying the union walked away from weekend negotiations and declined a request to return to the table on Monday. The union, which represents about 2,200 GO Transit workers, has said key issues include job security and job safety relating to hiring contract workers from outside companies. Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth at a U.S. Army Los Angeles Community Partners Meeting on Nov. 2, 2022. (Linda Jiang/The Epoch Times) US Army Secretary Expanding Recruitment to Meet Military Challenges From China and Russia LOS ANGELES, Calif.On Nov. 2, U.S. Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth emphasized at a U.S. Army Los Angeles Community Partners meeting that the U.S. military is currently focused on expanding recruitment and strengthening its combative power to meet military challenges from China and Russia. The Epoch Times has permission to publish part of her speech. For the last 20 years, we have been deeply engaged in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism. You know, we spent most of our time in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other places in the Middle East, she said. But now we are shifting much more to focus on nation state challenges. Wormuth further identified China as the pacing challenge and Russia as an acute threat. The Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) attempt to modernize its military is concerning, she said. We have got to find a way to improve our recruiting results because it is very, very important that were able to fill that army of a sufficient size to do what it needs to do as part of the joint force to fight and win the nations wars, she stressed. The Pentagon released the U.S. National Defense Strategy report (pdf) on Oct. 27, saying that the CCP is working to undermine U.S. alliances in the Indo-Pacific region and use its growing military to coerce and threaten neighbors. The report concludes that China has become the greatest security challenge for the United States despite the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine, and the threat from Beijing will determine how the U.S. military is equipped and shaped for the future. Armys Huge Demand for STEM Talents Wormuth said the U.S. Army is currently implementing a modernization strategy, focusing on six modernization portfolios, including future vertical lift, next-generation armored vehicles, network, long-range precision fires, missile defense, and soldier lethality. A lot of the new systems that we are developing are very high tech, she said. We now have a huge need for STEM skills in our army. She hopes the public will change its stereotypes about the U.S. Army, which needs infantrymen, helicopter pilots, and tankers, as well as data scientists, programmers, cyber specialists, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and paralegals. The Army offers more than 178 career specialties. Young people who want to join the Army can pursue almost any of these fields and receive specialized training. I think one of the things that we got to do is, helping Americans understand that the Army has huge opportunities for our young people, she added. Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth (R) and LTC Johann W. Hindert (L), commander, U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Los Angeles, speaking at a U.S. Army Los Angeles Community Partners meeting in Los Angeles on Nov. 2, 2022. (Linda Jiang/The Epoch Times) Enhancing the Protection of Military Personnel Army recruiting hit a bottleneck during the COVID-19 pandemic after the Department of Defense implemented a vaccine mandate for all members of the military. Wormuth said the current situation is probably the most profound recruiting challenge she has seen since she began working in the field of national security back in the mid-1990s. She believes there are three main reasons: young peoples willingness to join the military is low and their physical fitness is not up to standard; the booming job market in the United States has weakened the Armys competitive advantage; and public misconceptions about the military. She further explained that in the midst of the pandemic, the risk of anxiety disorders and depression among young people has increased dramatically. Because of these mental ailments, as well as childhood obesity, many young Americans fail to meet the criteria for military service. As for the publics misconceptions about the military, Wormuth believes that much of the media coverage of the army, such as suicide and sexual harassment, has also had a subtle impact on the public. As a result, many parents worry that their children will be unsafe if they join the Army. Fundamentally what I think we really need to do is reintroduce the Army to the American public, she said. These issues reported by the media are not unique to the military; instead, the Army is continually developing programs to address them with remarkable results, she continued. We have seen suicides in the Army declined by 20 percent Compared to last year. The U.S. Army also invests more than $1 billion annually to strengthen the barracks environment. After 9/11, we increased security dramatically at all of our installations, Wormuth said. She hopes that the public can reshape their understanding of the U.S. Army. Veterans Parade Returns to National Remembrance Day After Two-Year Hiatus The Royal Canadian Legion is welcoming back one of the most iconic aspects of Canadas national Remembrance Day ceremony following a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic: the veterans parade. Involving veterans of all ages and backgrounds, the parade is one of the most tangible ways for those who have served in uniform to honour fallen comradesand for Canadians to express appreciation for their service. Those participating gather about an hour before the ceremony begins, then march through the streets of Ottawa to the National War Memorial for its start. They then march off with the rest of the official delegation after the ceremony. This allows people to see in person or by television, our veterans, see their faces, thank them, and remember them for their service and their sacrifices, Legion spokeswoman Nujma Bond said. It is really an important element of the national Remembrance Day ceremony. The parade was officially cancelled the past two years due to health concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those affecting older veterans. The veterans absence was noticeable during the official ceremony. With most provincial and federal pandemic-related restrictions now lifted, however, the Legion is bringing the parade back. We will be able to have a full, grand veterans parade, Bond said. And that means we will have veterans gathering and marching in at the beginning of the Remembrance Day ceremony. And they will also be part of a march off at the end of the ceremony. Retired chief petty officer first class Jake McDavid will be leading the parade this year, and says it is an important and poignant event for veterans such as himself to reflect on his military service while honouring those who fell while in uniform. I think about all of the persons that Ive served with, he said. I think about the experiences that I had while serving in the Canadian Forces. I think about the hardship that my family endured while I was away. I think about the ones that didnt come back. Many of those who march in the parade each year come from different parts of the country, said McDavid. He said it hurts to learn when one of the usual participants has died, especially older veterans who served in the Second World War and Korea. Its heartbreaking, he said. Its hard because you do form some relationships with the persons that are on parade. The return of the veterans parade wont be the only noticeable difference between this years national Remembrance Day ceremony and recent iterations. The Legion also plans to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth and the 80th anniversary of the raid on Dieppe. A special wreath dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II, who died in September at the age of 96 after 70 years on the throne, will be laid at the foot of the National War Memorial before the ceremony begins on Remembrance Day. It is a way to remember her and her service because as we know, she also was a veteran, Bond said. She served in the Second World War as an Army mechanic and driver. And we also wish to pay her special respects on that day. The ceremony will also feature a special Red Ensign flag that was reportedly carried by one of the nearly 5,000 Canadian soldiers who participated in the ill-fated raid on the French port of Dieppe on Aug. 19, 1942 and later donated to the Legion. This years ceremony also follows several demonstrations and rallies at the National War Memorial since the Freedom Convoy in February, when thousands of protesters opposed to vaccines, pandemic restrictions and the Liberal government congregated in Ottawa. Bond said there will be security at the site on Remembrance Day for the ceremony, but referred questions about additional measures to police. We are preparing for the ceremony, as we always do, for a special and respectful ceremony, she said. Anything pertaining to dissent or any other activity will be handled by security forces on site. The Ottawa Police Service, which is responsible for co-ordinating security on Remembrance Day, said it would not comment on operational details. Passengers walk past planes at Calgary International Airport in Calgary in a file photo. (The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh) WestJet Says Its Back Online After Global Outage, but More Disruptions Expected Travellers found themselves facing long lineups and cancelled flights on Sunday after a system-wide outage at WestJet airlines over the weekend. The Calgary-based airline said it has resolved Saturdays outage, which affected its entire network, but cautioned further disruptions are expected in the days ahead. Chief Operating Officer Diederik Pen released a statement on Sunday saying the outage was caused by a cooling issue in its primary data centre, and more than 200 flights had to be cancelled. Unfortunately, due to the scope of yesterdays network impact, we continue to see residual disruptions. Further delays and cancellations in the coming days will be required, as we work diligently to recover our operations, Pen said in the statement. He said all systems were back online, but noted the airline is still experiencing some instability. Passengers, however, faced hours-long lineups to re-book cancelled flights, and some had already been through the process more than once. I dont know what youre hearing from WestJet but if theyre saying things are going back to normal, its just an absolute lie, said Andrew Moreau, a WestJet passenger speaking by phone from the Calgary International Airport. Moreau, from Winnipeg, said he and two others were flying through Calgary on their way to Las Vegas on Saturday when they were told at the gate their flight was cancelled. After six hours in the terminal trying to book another flight, they were told nothing was available for Las Vegas, so the trio agreed theyd fly to San Francisco and drive the rest of the way. But Moreau said as they sat at the gate on Sunday, the same thing happened the flight was abruptly cancelled. They decided to abandon their trip and rebooked a flight back home to Winnipeg. This is what weve seen happen to just about everyone and were starting to see the same people over and over again, being recycled through, Moreau said. WestJet said the outage prevented its contact centre from accessing guest reservations. It also apologized to customers for the inconvenience. Pen asked passengers whose travel plans werent imminent to refrain from attempting to contact the airline until 72 hours in advance of their flights to ensure staff are able to prioritize calls. We are undertaking a full review on this incident, and it is my sincere promise that we will find areas of opportunity to improve, Pen said. Many passengers expressed frustration on social media about their difficulty obtaining information from WestJet, the long hours in lines, and their inability to reach airline staff by phone. Moreau said the airline provided food vouchers and accommodations on Saturday night. At one point, he said his group considered driving to Las Vegas from Calgary. There were no cars available to do that type of a trip, he said. Military aircraft including F/A-18 fighter jets are seen parked on the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson, the U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, anchored off the coast in Danang on March 5, 2018. (Linh Pham/AFP via Getty Images) Why Is the US Military Getting Weaker, and What Can Be Done? Commentary According to a new report by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank that has been in operation for half a century, the U.S. military is headed in the wrong direction. With each passing year, the military appears to be getting weaker. At the same time, Russia and China are behaving more aggressively; the latter, according to the report, possesses formidable capabilities. In short, things dont look good for the United States. The Heritage Foundations findings echo those of a recent Army Times report outlining the many ways in which recruiters are struggling to find enough young Americans capable of serving their country. Authored by Todd South, the report shows that the service has witnessed a 13 percent drop in aptitude scores. To make matters worse, 70 percent of potential recruits interested in Army service are disqualified in the first 48 hours. Why? There are three reasons: poor test scores, obesity, and drug use. The importance of having an Army of strong, healthy individuals really cant be emphasized enough. The security and stability of the United States rely on the recruitment of qualified individuals. In July, Epoch Times writer Mimi Nguyen Ly reported that the U.S. Army is facing a number of unprecedented challenges, which include struggling to recruit new members, as well as training and retaining them. Because of these rather significant struggles, the Army is likely to significantly fall short of its target number of troops, Ly wrote. How short? Seven thousand short, to be exact. In 2023, the Army is projecting a considerably higher shortfall, Ly reported. To understand why, lets discuss the aforementioned poor test scores, obesity, and drug use. If youre in the market for a sobering read, why not take a look at the United States most recent national test results? That should hit the desired spot. Scores for elementary school students in basic reading skills are at their lowest point since the 1980s. Math scores, meanwhile, are at their lowest point in five decades. The United States prides itself on having some of the finest educational establishments in the worldand rightly so. Nevertheless, it now finds itself being overtaken by a number of its first-world peers. The writing is on the wall; sadly, fewer Americans can actually read it. Then, theres the matter of obesity. To join the Army, an individual must be at least 17 years old and in reasonable shape. As you are no doubt aware, millions of American teens are desperately out of shape. Since the early 1990s, the prevalence of childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents, according to an interesting paper published in Global Pediatric Health. Researchers at Harvards School of Public Health estimate that 40 percent of U.S. adults and 20 percent of adolescents are clinically obese. By the end of the decade, 51 percent of the U.S. population will be obese. Not only are more Americans struggling to read and write; theyre struggling to breathe and engage in basic movements. Finally, lets focus on the increase in drug use. The Addiction Center, a site that helps those struggling with addiction, argues rather convincingly that members of Generation Z, otherwise referred to as zoomers, run a higher risk of developing substance abuse issues than members of previous generations. Its easy to see why. Born between 1997 and 2012, millions of zoomers enjoy nothing more than smoking cannabis. To be clear, this isnt the cannabis of the 1960s and 70s. As I have written before, todays weed is incredibly potent. Members of Gen Z are the first generations to choose a powerful blunt over an alcoholic beverage. What, if anything, can be done to put things right? Some authors believe that the decline in recruits could be remedied by changing both our expectations and our standards. In other words, lower the bar and allow less healthy, less intelligent people to join. Desperate times, some will say, call for desperate measures. Perhaps. However, there is something wholly unpalatable about the idea of the U.S. Army lowering the bar just because a growing number of Americans are incapable of getting a leg over it, never mind clearing it. The United States deserves to be defended by the brightest and the fittest, not by panting potheads. Lowering the bar isnt the answer. Its not a solution worth entertaining. The recruitment crisis isnt just a matter of quantity, its also a matter of quality. Would you prefer to have an Army of 500,000 thoroughly mediocre individuals, or one consisting of 380,000 exceptionally skilled men and women? Hopefully, the latter. Maybe offering better incentives, including improved salaries, to competent recruits is a better option, an actual path worth pursuing. In truth, its probably the only one worth pursuing. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Police arrest protesters near the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Canada on Feb. 13, 2022. (Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images) Windsor Mayor Says Ambassador Bridge Blockade Was a National Security Issue The mayor of the city of Windsor told the Emergencies Act inquiry on Monday that the several days blockade of the Ambassador Bridge last winter represented a national security issue. This was in my mind, and will remain until Im long gone, a national economic emergency, said Mayor Drew Dilkens. There is a direct correlation to a national economic emergency, and I would submit to a national security issue, and this is exactly what this was. The Freedom Convoy trucker-led protest demanding the lifting of COVID-19 mandates started in January and many actions sprung up across the country in solidarity and echoing similar grievances. Protesters started blocking the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor on Feb. 7, hence shutting down part of the most important cross-border trade corridor between Canada and the U.S. Dilkens said the bridge handles between $300 and $450 million in trade between the countries daily. Windsor police, with support from other forces such as the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the RCMP, cleared the protesters on the night of Feb. 13. The Liberal government went on to invoke the Emergencies Act hours later on Feb. 14. Before the act was invoked, Dilkens sent a text message to federal Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino asking if his government was considering using that measure. To the extent you can be supportive of any additional authorities that gets Windsor the resources you need to keep the bridge open, people safe, that would be great, replied Mendicino. Dilkens was asked by the commission counsel what he understood this meant. I think hes saying if you could express what was happening on the ground that would help justify this, that would be helpful to us, said Dilkens. Windsor police interim deputy chief Jason Crowley, who also testified on Nov. 7, said no powers from the Emergencies Act were used for the enforcement in Windsor. He said there had been concerns that protesters would return and that the act served as a deterrent. Legal Background Dilkens stance that the blockade constituted a national security situation was challenged by Freedom Corp counsel Brendan Miller, who represents some of the Freedom Convoy organizers. Dilkens is a lawyer and Miller asked him whether he had ever worked on national security law or if he has a background on what constitutes a national security emergency. I would say that Ive never practiced national security law, but there are some things on the face of it that present themselves and I think would be obvious to everyone could be related to national security, said Dilkens. Dilkens was asked if hes familiar with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and what they do. Miller has read section 2 of the CSIS act with several previous witnesses to try to determine whether the events of last winter met the definition of threats to national security under that act. Dilkens saw it coming and said if Miller brought the act up we could go through it. Miller didnt go there and instead presented a CSIS document saying that the organization on Feb. 3 assessed there were no indicators that known IMVE [Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremism] actors were planning to engage in violence in relation to the protests. Superintendent Pat Morris, head of the OPPs Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau (POIB), testified on Oct. 19 that CSIS and the RCMP didnt view the protests as a national security threat. The POIB itself had assessed on Feb. 7 that the events had the potential to become a national security threat, which Morris said he was uncomfortable with given the CSIS and RCMP stance. That release could not be found. There is a common saying among the military, which states that the artillery shapes the battle space for the infantry to follow. I and I will borrow shamelessly from this military proverb to assert that runoff especially floods, shape the earths surface for future floods to follow. You see, each flood event leaves its signature on the ground, upon which future runoffs or flood events will build upon, if left unchallenged.Each flood signs an open cheque for its successor flood to cash out upon. To be totally honest here, I and I have been very reluctant to compose this piece because, Nigerians the intended audience, are very hard of hearing, not to mention comprehension. This is not intended as a rebuke. It is a statement of fact. After the great 2022 floods in Nigeria recede, Nigerians will move on with their lives, doing things exactly as before, learning nothing, doing nothing in terms of remediation, prevention, or mitigation. They will continue like this until the next major flood event strikes and claims more lives as well as causes greater destruction. To be perfectly honest, I and I pity the next President of Nigeria. He will be fighting multiple wars simultaneously. He will have to fight Boko Haram Islamic terrorists and Fulani bandit-terrorists. He will have to fight poverty and low productivity among Nigerians. He will also have to fight natural forces like flood and erosion, which are totally merciless to the unprepared. Nigeria stands the risk of losing all infrastructural development made since independence in flood and erosion prone areas. As Nigerians themselves are wont to say, fowl weh nor hear shhh, go hear stone. So why am I taking the pains to articulate this free advice to my people about how to combat flood and erosion insecurity in Nigeria? I can point to three or four core reasons. The first reason is that I and I dont want to be another Jonah, who ran away instead of warning the Ninevites about impending doom. The second reason is of what use is knowledge, if it is not shared to put your people on the right path? The third reason is for I and I own conscience, to be able to sleep well at night, knowing that I and I warned the people, but they chose not to listen. The fourth reason is to educate the masses, to enable them to recognize when they are being deceived by wicked people in Government. Let us start by dispelling two common fallacies swirling around currently in Nigeria. After each major flood event in Nigeria, people are quick to point accusing fingers in the direction of Cameroun and their precipitous release of water from the Lagdo dam. This is likely a fallacy. I and I tend to agree with the Nigerian Minister of Water Resources Suleiman Adamu who in a recent interview asserted that Cameroun is not to blame for the 2022 Great Nigeria Flood. Like the Minister, I and I suspect that high inter- and intra-regional runoff, both local and non-local excessive rainfall, contributed to the flooding. What was surprising however is that to the best of my knowledge the Minister did not supply any hard data to prove his point. Is it because as I strongly suspect, Nigeria does not still have comprehensive local rainfall data to meet global standards of coverage? As to why there are ever higher intensity and longer duration rainfall events these days, well informed scientists and researchers point the blame at climate change caused by global warming. The second fallacy is the widespread belief, shared by many, including some presidential candidates that the solution to flooding in Nigeria is dredging. Dredging or river desilting as it is technically known is not a sufficient defense against flooding. It is often necessary,but it is insufficient. So, what is the way forward? To answer this question, it is necessary to distinguish between three distinct theaters of flooding in Nigeria. The first is local catchment basin flooding. The second is regional flooding. The third is tidal basin flooding. Local catchment basin flooding is often accompanied by gully or channel erosion. They are technically inseparable and must be treated as one in Nigeria, hence the title of this piece. Most, but not all catchment basins in Nigeria, ultimately empty into the regional River Niger cum River Benue regional basin complex. The Niger River regional basin complex empties into the Niger Delta tidal basin complex. To protect Nigerians against local catchment basin flooding, engineered flood control channels as well as runoff retention or detention facilities must be designed and built on a catchment-by-catchment basis. The scope of work should of necessity include channel or gully erosion remediation, otherwise it will be a total waste of time. The only way to protect Nigerians from regional flooding from both Rivers Niger and Benue is by building engineered levees, also called dikes or high embankments. The millions of cubic meters of soil required for building the engineered levees can only come from dredging or desilting the Rivers Niger and Benue. The heights of the flood protection levees at each station will be established by hydrological and hydraulic engineering considerations to avoid breeching. Their foundations, construction, and hydraulic stability must be determined by sound geotechnical engineering considerations to avoid progressive or sudden collapse. To protect Nigerians in the Niger Delta tidal basin complex, coastal revetments, seawalls,and bulkheads are needed. It is a different kettle of fish entirely where sea tidal wave action is involved. If like I and I, after reading this, you are thinking where will Nigeria find the money for all of this? then welcome to the club. You can now see what I and I saw many years ago that made me realize that corruption, tribalism, and maladministration, are grave maladies Nigerians can ill-afford. If after reading this, you are still inclined to cast your votes in the next presidential elections for the APC or PDP who brought Nigeria to its knees and ripped off the country so mercilessly, then good luck to you. Even a Peter Obi presidency will not find rescuing Nigeria an easy task, but it is the most credible option at this time. I and I have done my bit by knowledgeably and sincerely educating you about how to contend with flooding and erosion insecurity in Nigeria. I also advise you to find and read my 2012 opinion piece titled The Great Nigeran 2012 Flood A Stream gauge in Time Saves Lives and Property published exactly 10 years ago. Also please listen to Junior Delgados 12 roots track titled Storm is Coming. For the rest, it is over to you, what you do moving forwards. We are watching . Anthony Chuka Konwea, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, MNSE, FNIStructE, MNICE. LOT Airlines returns to Phuket PHUKET: LOT Polish Airlines Flight LO6193 from Warsaw Chopin Airport landed in Phuket today (Nov 7), bringing 252 more visitors to Phuket. tourismtransporteconomics By The Phuket News Monday 7 November 2022, 06:40PM The flight, operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, touched down at 12:03pm, reported Airports of Thailand Phuket branch (AoT Phuket) this afternoon. Monchai Tanod, General manager of Phuket International Airport was joined by Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office, and a host of airport staff to welcome the arrivals at Gate 11 of the International Terminal. The arrivals were all smiles, and received a souvenir from the welcoming party, AoT Phuket reported. The flight was reported to be an inaugural flight of LOT Polish Airlines, but a schedule of subsequent continuing flights was not announced. LOT Airlines previously flew direct flights from Warsaw to Phuket before the COVID-19 pandemic. The arrival from the Polish capital today marked the continuing resumption of direct international flights to Phuket. The inaugural flight by Qanot Sharq Airlines from the Uzbekistan capital Tashkent landed in Phuket last Thursday (Nov 3), bringing a total of 238 passengers onboard. This followed the inaugural flight of IKAR Airlines from Moscow landing in Phuket on Oct 30, marking the resumption of direct charter flights from the Russian capital. Russias largest airline and flag carrier Aeroflot resumed its services into Phuket direct from Moscow later that same day, with its first flight since March touching down at 9:20pm. Thailand is on track to surpass its 2022 target of attracting 10 million foreign visitors, with tourist arrivals totalling 7.56mn as of Oct 30, reported Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri. At least 1.5mn visitors are expected each month during the remainder of the year, he said. New Zealand man arrested over firearms cache in Phuket PHUKET: A 62-year-old New Zealand man has been arrested after officers raided his home in Kathu and found him in possession of a hoard of firearms, including war weapons, and explosives. policecrime By Eakkapop Thongtub Monday 7 November 2022, 06:56PM UPDATE: See Arrest of New Zealand man for guns overblown The man, Gareth Alan Davies, was taken into custody after officers raided his home in Moo 1, Kathu, this morning (Nov 7). Officers found seven long-barreled firearms, including an AK and an M16, both described as weapons of war. A further 19 handguns were discovered along with what police described as 11 explosives and a large number of bullets of various sizes. Davies was taken to Kathu Police Station for further questioning and to be charged with illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives, police said. Present immediately after the raid was Region 8 Police Commander Pol Lt Gen Surapong Thanomjit along with Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew. Lt Gen Surapong explained that the arrest followed a tip-off to police, obtained through a complaint filed with Phuket Provincial Court. Davies, a retired mechanical engineer, sold the firearms and devices online, Lt Gen Surapong said. The person arrested was an engineer with knowledge of mechanics and could make certain devices, such as components of firearms and firearms that registrars will not issue a licence for, he said. Seven of the rifles, the 19 handguns and some parts were made by the arrested himself, and there were five to six bombs that he [Davies] said they were just for his collection, but the accumulation of this many firearms is forbidden by law, Lt Gen Surapong said. Davies operated as an intermediary in weapons trade, often buying and selling items online, Lt Gen Surapong said. A team of forensic investigations will inspect the house for evidence of whether the modification or production of any weapons was conducted on site, he said. It is believed to be because there is a silencer among the items found, he said. Davies had been living in Thailand for 23 years. Born in November 1959, he is to turn 63 years old on Wednesday, officers told The Phuket News. He last entered Thailand through Suvarnabhumi Airport on Feb 11, 2010, and his most recent permit to stay was issued through the Phitsanulok Immigration Office, which allowed him to stay in Thailand until Nov 24, 2023. Davies was not on any entry blacklist or watchIist, officers said. He lived with his Thai wife, Pannee Chanbamrung for 20 years. Ms Pannee passed away when she was 60. Davies had been left unable to walk without a brace following a motorcycle accident when he was young, officers explained. Before his retirement about 10 years ago, he worked as a drilling rig engineer in Southern Thailand. The work, which involved scuba diving, had exacerbated his condition. He received regular treatment at Bangkok Hospital Phuket, which had an ambulance pick him up and drop him off at his house, officers said. Singapore Navy visits Phuket PHUKET: Two warships from the Republic of Singapore Navy made port in Phuket for a friendly visit on the weekend. By The Phuket News Monday 7 November 2022, 04:10PM The stealth frigate RSS Stalwart and the Victory-class corvette RSS Vigilance docked at the Phuket Deep Sea Port at Cape Panwa on Saturday (Nov 5). Leading the welcoming party to greet the guests was Capt Pongmit Narongkun, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Navys Third Area Command, also based at Cape Panwa. The visit was in order to strengthen international relations and connect the relationship between the navies of both countries. It is also a study of the culture, traditions and activities of Thai people in Phuket, the Third Area Command explained in its report of the visit. At 62 metres long, the RSS has a top speed of 37 knots and carries a complement of 49 sailors with eight officers. The RSS Stalwart, at 114m long is the he fifth ship of the Formidable-class stealth frigate of the Republic of Singapore Navy. Launched in 2005, the ship has a top speed of 27 knots and a range of 4,200 nautical miles (7,800km), and carries a complement of 71 sailors, excluding air crew detachment of about 19 personnel. The two warships are expected to depart Phuket today (Nov 7). Tourist numbers predicted to beat expectations BUSINESS: Thailand is on course to surpass its 2022 target of attracting 10 million foreign visitors, with tourist arrivals totalling 7.56mn as of Oct 30. tourismIndian By National News Bureau of Thailand Monday 7 November 2022, 09:15AM Photo: NNT According to Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri, at least 1.5mn monthly visitors are expected during the remainder of the year. He noted that flight bookings from India and Malaysia to Thailand showed a load-factor of 85% and 68%, respectively, in November and December. More than 1mn Malaysians have toured Thailand this year, making them the single-largest group of travelers to the kingdom famous for its beaches, modern malls, developed transportation networks, national parks, healthcare infrastructure and Buddhist temples. Almost 600,000 Indians visited Thailand in the first nine months of the year, compared with less than 1,000 a year earlier, reports NNT. Southeast Asias second-largest economy is counting on tourism revival to offset the hit from high global energy prices and volatile financial markets. Thailand scrapped all travel curbs in July and most businesses have returned to normal operations, helping bring back tourists who were mostly absent in the previous two years. Citing a forecast by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Anucha said the number of visitors may surge to 18mn next year and generate about B970 billion in tourism revenue. The TAT forecasts that domestic travel will generate B760bn in revenue in 2023, according to the tourism authority. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha has ordered relevant agencies to deploy more personnel to handle the surge in tourist arrivals, especially at immigration counters at the airports. World population set to hit 8 billion NEW YORK: The United Nations (UN) estimates that the global human population will reach eight billion by November 15, and will continue to grow, albeit at a slower pace and with regional disparities, in the decades to come. IndianChineseenvironmentnatural-resources By AFP Monday 7 November 2022, 01:24PM A crowded street is seen in the city of Changsha in Chinas Hunan province in September 2020. Photo: AFP That means the number of humans on Earth will be more than three times higher than the 2.5bn global headcount in 1950. However, after a peak in the early 1960s, the worlds population growth rate has decelerated dramatically, Rachel Snow of the UN Population Fund told AFP. Annual growth has fallen from a high of 2.1% between 1962 and 1965 to below 1% in 2020. That figure could potentially fall to around 0.5% by 2050 due to a continued decline in fertility rates, the United Nations projects. When will we peak? Given the increase in life expectancy as well as the number of people of childbearing age, the UN projects the population to continue growing to about 8.5bn in 2030, 9.7bn in 2050, and a peak of about 10.4bn in the 2080s. Other groups have, however, calculated different figures. The US-based Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) estimated in a 2020 study that the global population would max out by 2064, without ever reaching 10bn, and decline to 8.8bn by 2100. We are lower than them (the UN) and I think we have a good reason, lead author of the IHME study, Stein Emil Vollset, told AFP. The University of Washington professor says that under their quite different fertility model, the human population will only reach somewhere between nine and 10bn. Fertility rate drop In 2021, the average fertility rate was 2.3 children per woman over her lifetime, down from about five in 1950, according to the UN, which projects that number to fall to 2.1 by 2050. Weve reached a stage in the world where the majority of countries and the majority of people in this world are living in a country that is below replacement fertility, or roughly 2.1 children per woman, says Snow. Graying globally A key factor driving global population growth is that average life expectancy continues to increase: 72.8 years in 2019, nine years more than in 1990. And the UN predicts an average life expectancy of 77.2 years by 2050. The result, combined with the decline in fertility, is that the proportion of people over 65 is expected to rise from 10% in 2022 to 16% in 2050. This global graying will have an impact on labor markets and national pension systems, while requiring much more elderly care. Snow says that a growing number of countries are reaching out to her organization, asking how can UNFPA help us better understand what we might do to boost our population. Unprecedented diversity Beneath the global averages are some major regional disparities. For example, the UN projects that more than half of the population growth by 2050 will come from just eight countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and Tanzania. The average age in different regions is also meaningful, currently at 41.7 years in Europe versus 17.6 years in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to Snow, who says the gap has never been as large as it is today. Those numbers could even out, but unlike in the past when countries average ages were mostly young, says Snow, in the future, we may be closer in age, mostly old. Some experts believe these regional demographic differences may play a significant role in geopolitics going forward. India to surpass China In another illustration of changing trends, the two most populous countries, China and India, will trade places on the podium as early as 2023, according to the UN. Chinas 1.4n population will eventually begin to decline, falling to 1.3bn by 2050, the UN projects. By the end of the century, the Chinese population could fall to only 800 million. Indias population, currently just below that of China, is expected to surpass its northern neighbour in 2023, and grow to 1.7bn by 2050 - though its fertility rate has already fallen below replacement level. The United States will remain the third most populous country in 2050, the UN projects, but it will be tied with Nigeria at 375mn. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Archbishop Chrysostomos II, the outspoken leader of Cyprus Greek Orthodox Christian Church whose forays into the countrys complex politics and finances fired up supporters and detractors alike, has died FILE - Activists in Poland pull down a statue of a prominent deceased priest, Father Henryk Jankowski, who allegedly abused minors sexually, in Gdansk, Poland, Feb. 21, 2019. The Gdansk district court on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, acquitted three men who in 2019 toppled a statue of a late priest suspected of sexually abusing minors, a symbolically dramatic moment in the traditionally Catholic country's reckoning with clerical abuse. MADI ALLARD, Stonington, Field Hockey, Senior; Allard made four saves in a penalty shootout, helping Stonington defeat Canton in the Class S semifinals. Most of the game was played in a steady snow. Stonington later lost in the title game to North Branford. DREW DENONCOUR, Chariho, Boys Soccer, Senior; DeNoncour made a save in the final 30 seconds to preserve a 2-1 win for the Chargers in the Division II championship game. DeNoncour was named the games MVP as Chariho won the D-II title for the second straight year. Vote View Results I was recently a victim of cyber crime. I am a retiree with a large pension pot amassed from personal investments, and a financially savvy person. I am very aware of phishing and telephone fraud schemes and can usually spot them. However on this occasion I didn't spot the scam until it was too late. My son is studying in the USA and I am supporting him financially, so he will often ask for a little extra help. We communicate exclusively by WhatsApp. I recently received a WhatsApp from him saying that he had lost his phone and that he was borrowing a phone from a friend. He said that he was in trouble because he needed to repay a loan and his banking app was on his lost phone. After many back and forth WhatsApp messages he assured me he would explain everything when he gets his new phone. The 'borrowed' phone was a UK number so I didn't call it as I knew roaming charges could add up. Action Fraud recently reported that family WhatsApp scams cost victims across the whole banking sector more than 1.5 million between February and June this year. My son will often use my credit card for purchases with my permission, so on this occasion when he asked for the one-time password I gave it to him. About four hours later my son sent me a WhatsApp from his usual US number and it became apparent that I had been talking to someone who was impersonating him. This is a very clever scheme because it was a Sunday and as the bank offices were closed it took some time to contact their fraud line. I locked my card online so no further payments were taken. It was also clever because most parents will drop their guard due to a desire to help if their offspring are in trouble. If it had been anyone else I would have questioned the request. I am hoping that the bank will reimburse me after the case is investigated by their fraud department but I am not confident that I will get the money back because I authorised the transaction believing it to be genuine. I have read of cases where victims give passwords or security details to a third party and I think, how could they be so stupid. This case shows that anybody can fall victim to these criminals. If you would like to publish this as a warning to others I would have no objection. I am very embarrassed about it so perhaps it would be advisable to not use my real name. Via email. Ed Magnus of This is Money replies: This is not the first time we have been contacted by a reader about this dreaded 'Mum and Dad' scam. It is a particularly nasty trick in which fraudsters pose as the victim's son or daughter, asking for money urgently, typically via WhatsApp. Our reader joins an ever growing number of victims that have already been deceived by these manipulative fraudsters. WhatsApp is becoming a hotbed for scammers, according to recent analysis by Lloyds Bank. Last year it reported that the number of WhatsApp scams had surged more than 20-fold compared to 2020. On the rise: The number of scams starting on WhatsApp has doubled so far this year, according to the bank, with victims losing 1,610 on average However, this worrying trend has shown little sign of easing, with twice the number of cases being reported each month so far this year compared to 2021, with victims losing 1,610 on average. Lloyds noted a shift in how scammers are predominately operating, turning away from impersonating organisations in favour of more emotional connections such as family members. Action Fraud recently reported that family WhatsApp scams cost victims more than 1.5million between February and June this year. When we contacted our reader he said he had transferred 950 to the scammers posing as his son, all in one payment. Although he concedes the amount his son requested should have been a red flag, he said it was not unusual for him to help his son out from time to time. Loved ones: Lloyds Bank has found that fraudsters are turning away from impersonating organisations in favour of more emotional connections such as family members He said: 'My son is having a bit of a bad time out in the US and he's struggling with the university work. 'He has asked me for a little extra cash before so I'm quite used to it. But I was a bit shocked with the amount this time. I asked him: "What's this all about? We need to talk as soon as you can.''' After a bit of back and forth over WhatsApp the scammer then asked for our reader's card details. 'He just said, "Hey Dad, can you remind me of your credit card details?'" 'I said, "You have them," to which he replied, "Yes, but they're on my phone and my phone is broken". So stupidly I then just sent him a photo of the card.' When we spoke to our reader he was waiting to hear from his bank, Starling, to find out whether his money would be reimbursed. However, more than the financial loss, he wanted to stress the mental toll the whole experience had taken on him. 'Another aspect of the incident is the fact that it has knocked my confidence and trust in people,' he added. 'I know it's wrong but I question everything now. Even in relationships. Every text I receive, whether from someone I know or from the bank, I questioning whether they are they genuine or just out to scam me.' Was our reader reimbursed? Unfortunately for our reader, Starling Bank decided it would not reimburse him for the scam, citing the following reasons. First, the bank said it had no valid chargeback rights to reclaim the funds through Mastercard, as the 950 payment was successful. Second, it felt there was a lack of due diligence to check the legitimacy of the individual and little consideration for the risk involved. Finally, Starling said that the transaction was arranged by the individual and then authenticated via their device and app. A warning message was provided but not acknowledged. A spokesperson for Starling Bank told This is Money: 'We are really sorry that he and his son had such a bad experience. 'These scams rely on parents' willingness to do anything for a child in need, and their belief despite signs to the contrary, that it really is a loved one contacting them. 'In this case, the customer authorised the payment without checking that the request, which came from an unknown phone number, was actually from their son. 'Starling prompted the customer with an in-app message, asking them to be sure that the card purchase they were authenticating in the app was legitimate and that they trusted the recipient. The customer acknowledged this warning before continuing. 'Starling's customer service and fraud investigation team are available 24/7. In this case, it would not have made a difference that the investigation was made the following morning as the funds were successfully processed via Mastercard to the recipient. 'We published a blog on precisely this type of scam in August of this year and shared it with our customers on social media, as part of a wider range of security content for our customers.' The scammer returns Much to our reader's disbelief, they were contacted again by the scammer barely a week later. This time our reader decided to string them along so that he could share with others just how convincing they were. The scammer will likely have been hoping that our reader would not have yet discovered they had been scammed. After all, with his son studying in the US it would be a possibility that the son had not yet contacted the father. The scammer begin with a charm offensive, using emojis to lighten the mood, whilst explaining they had lost their phone and that they were using their friend's. Before requesting money, they even ask: 'What are you doing today any plans?' They sometimes take time to respond to messages and don't go straight to requesting money, attempting to lull their victim into fully believing he is messaging his son. The scammer says they have something to get off their mind, but when pressed for what this is exactly, they say they don't want to stress their 'Dad' so they'll ask later. The dad demands that they ask now. So the scammer explains that they need money to pay for the new phone and to 'pay off various stuff.' They ask for 2,224. Fortunately, their victim wasn't about to fall for the same scam. But the WhatsApp conversation proves just how convincing some scammers can be. How the WhatsApp scam typically works? Although it may seem like a very personal and targeted scam, typically fraudsters will send the same initial message to lots of different phone numbers at the same time, in the hope that they get a few replies. Once someone has responded, they will use the pretence of being a family member, usually a son or daughter, who has lost their phone and got a replacement. Scam Watch Purchase scams where people buy goods that never arrive or aren't as advertised are on the rise. They soared 70 per cent between July and September this year, according to Barclays. As we head towards the festive season and major shopping days such as Black Friday on November 25, the bank urges people to take a moment before buying anything online. Ross Martin, head of digital safety at Barclays, says: 'Too often people ignore their gut feeling when making important decisions, which can make them more vulnerable to scams. If something doesn't feel right, speak to someone you trust a family member, friend or your bank for a second opinion.' This gives them an excuse for having a different phone number, and means they don't need to know someone's name, just 'Mum' or 'Dad' can be enough. The story they tell can vary, but most often they will claim that because it is a new phone, they don't have access to their internet or mobile banking account, and therefore they need urgent help to pay a bill. Victims will then be tricked into sending money by bank transfer to an account controlled by the fraudster. It's worth noting that this type of scam is not limited to WhatsApp, it can also happen via other social media channels and text message. Liz Ziegler, fraud prevention director at Lloyds Bank, said: 'Fraudsters will stop at nothing to deceive victims and steal their hard-earned cash. 'The emergence of the WhatsApp scam over the last year shows just how quickly these ruthless organised crime gangs will adapt their tactics if they think they can make more money doing something different. 'It's important that people are aware of the warning signs and how to stay safe. Never trust a message from an unknown number even if someone tells you they've lost their phone, call the original number you have stored to check.' How can people stay safe? Providing tips for how to respond when confronted with a potential scam can sometimes seem rather rudimental. However, scams that target the right person at the right time, providing the perfect narrative, can fool even the most savvy of individuals. After all, sometimes our emotions blind us from our common sense. That said, if there are any lessons to take away from our reader's story, they are as follows. What to do if you've become a victim of a scam Contact your bank immediately if you think you've fallen for a scam, they will advise you what you need to do. Report the scam to the police. If you've been defrauded or experienced cybercrime report it to Action Fraud either online or by calling 0300 123 2040. First, be wary of any messages you receive from numbers which aren't already stored in your contacts, even if it appears to be from someone you know. Second, don't be rushed into anything first of all contact the person on the number you already have stored in your contacts to check if the story is true. Third, if you can't get hold of them, you can verify the identity of the person sending the message by insisting you speak to them before transferring any money. And finally, remember if it is a genuine family member or friend, they won't mind you taking these steps to stay safe. A spokesperson from Starling Bank added: 'To avoid scams like this, we advise people to set up a "safe" word with their loved ones that only a family member would know, so that in the event a scammer targets them, they can ask for it to determine whether they really are who they say they are. 'Or they could simply ask a question, such as "What did we have for dinner last time we ate together?"' 'People can also call the number to ensure it really is their relative at the end of the unknown number, as well as their actual number to see if their phone really has been lost. 'If they're not able to speak, it's a good idea to reflect on why that is, and try to assess whether their messaging mannerisms seem legitimate.' I have savings in an old easy access Isa with a poor interest rate: What's the best account I can transfer it to and would I have to top up the fund? GlaxoSmithKline was the top faller on the FTSE 100 on Monday after the pharma company said a late-stage trial of its blood cancer drug failed to meet its goal. Blenrep, a type of antibody drug used in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, turned out not to be better than an existing treatment on the market. The group told investors that drug did not meet the goal of 'progression-free survival' - or the period of time that a person lives with the disease without it getting worse after treatment. GSK shares fell amid concerns that the cancer drug could see some of its approvals revoked GSK shares were down 4.5 per cent to 13.8 towards market close on Monday, as oncology is a key area of focus for the company. There are concerns that the drug, which was given the green light by watchdogs in Europe and the US in 2020, could see some of its approvals revoked. Analysts at JP Morgan said: 'Overall, with this data calling into question Blenrep's approvability in the existing setting and the chances of success in earlier treatment lines, we therefore expect the market to price in a risk that Blenrep approval is rescinded.' Glaxo said data from the trial will be shared with health authorities and discussions are currently ongoing, with additional trials of Blenrep continuing as planned. The drug belongs to a promising category of treatments called antibody drug conjugates, which are engineered antibodies that bind to tumour cells and then release cell-killing chemicals. The setback comes as last week Glaxo upped its sales and profit forecasts for the second time this year thanks to soaring demand for its shingles vaccine and treatment for Covid-19. The drugs giant said sales hit 7.8billion in the three months to the end of September up 18 per cent on a year earlier while profits jumped 18 per cent to 2.6billion. Al Shabaab militants attacked a Somali military base in the central Galgaduud region on Monday, the defence ministry and the Islamist group said, days after the area was captured by government forces. The army repulsed the attack on the base housing national and local troops in Qayib, a village captured from al Shabaab last week, defence ministry spokesperson Abdullahi Ali Anod told the state news agency SONNA. The attack began with two suicide car bombs at around 5 a.m. (0200 GMT), followed by hours of heavy fighting, Ahmed Hassan, a military officer in the nearby town of Bahdo, told Reuters. Al Shabaab torched the telecommunication station of the town, and so it is off the air now. We know we killed five al Shabaab fighters, Hassan said. One car bomb hit a military truck guarding the base entrance, while the other was blown up outside, he said. It wasnt immediately clear how many people had been killed in total, but at least nine soldiers were injured, he said. In a statement, al Shabaab spokesperson Abdiasis Abu Musab said the group launched the assault in Qayib using suicide car bombs before its fighters attacked from different directions. The fighters killed several soldiers and stole weapons and military vehicles, Abu Musab said. Government forces, supported by clan militias, have made a number of battlefield gains against al Shabaab in the last three months, regaining territory long held by the group. In response, al Shabaab killed at least 120 people in twin car bombs at the education ministry in the capital Mogadishu on Oct. 29, the deadliest blasts in five years. The al Qaeda-linked group has killed tens of thousands of people since 2006 in its fight to overthrow Somalias Western-backed central government and implement its interpretation of Islamic law. SOURCE: REUTERS Maros Sefcovic has suggested that UK-EU agreement on checks between Great Britain and Northern Ireland could happen within weeks, with the right political will. It comes as Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen agreed to work together to end the row over the Northern Ireland Protocol, when they met for the first time at Cop27 in Egypt. Mr Sefcovic, the European Commission vice-president and Brexit negotiator, made the comments in Westminster during a meeting of British and European parliamentarians. He said: This is the area where we do not seek any political victory. We just want to solve the problem. Discussing EU proposals to reduce checks, he said: Is it too much to do this? Can we not find pragmatic, technical solutions to make this thing work? I believe it could be done, if there is political will, Im sure that we can sort it out really within a couple of weeks because really both sides of our negotiating teams we know these topics from all angles. Earlier, Mr Sefcovic told parliamentarians that he did not believe the EU and the UK were worlds apart on the protocol, as he warned that unilateral action by the Government would have serious consequences. In Egypt, the new prime minister met the European Commission president as both attended the Cop27 climate conference on Monday, with Mr Sunak stressing the need to find solutions to the very real problems caused by the post-Brexit arrangements in the region. Mr Sunak inherits from his predecessors Liz Truss and Boris Johnson the problem of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which is vocally opposed by unionists who claim it cuts off the region from the rest of the UK. Good first meeting with Prime Minister @RishiSunak in the margins of #COP27 We face many common challenges, from tackling climate change and the energy transition to Russias war against Ukraine. I look forward to a constructive cooperation based on our agreements. pic.twitter.com/TeInbLKVSn Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 7, 2022 The post-Brexit solution, designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, is cited as the Democratic Unionist Partys main reason for refusing to return to powersharing. The instability in Northern Ireland has raised concerns in Dublin, Brussels and Washington, and the row between the UK and the EU shows few signs of coming to a rapid conclusion, despite indications of a more positive tone from the British side in recent weeks. Ms von der Leyen called it a good first meeting. We face many common challenges, from tackling climate change and the energy transition to Russias war against Ukraine, she tweeted. She said she looked forward to constructive co-operation between the two countries. In London, Europe Minister Leo Docherty spoke for the Government at a meeting of the UK-EU parliamentary partnership assembly and told a roomful of European and British politicians that it remained the UKs preference to resolve this through talks. We are engaging in constructive dialogue to find solutions, he said. There, he hit out at the EUs decision to deny British access to research programmes such as Horizon, accusing the bloc of failing to fulfil its part of the agreement. It brings no conceivable disadvantage to the EU or its member states, but the EU has politicised scientific co-operation by linking it with the Northern Ireland Protocol, he said. Putting politics in the way of scientific collaboration constrains human potential and hurts everybody. On the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, which would tear up the Northern Ireland Protocol and is currently in the House of Lords, Mr Docherty said: We are not expediting the progress of that Bill. Many of you will know that laws, like sausages, take time to be made and they are quite slow. It is going through its normal course through the legislative procedure. Were not expediting it, but were not halting it. Were just letting it go forward as it would. Mr Sefcovic did offer warm words for the progress made in recent weeks with Foreign Secretary James Cleverly as EU-UK talks restarted. But he had a stark warning about the consequences of the UK pushing ahead with plans to rip up the protocol, saying the proposals put forward between the two sides to solve the issues in Northern Ireland are not fundamentally different. He said: This is surely the moment to abandon recourse to unilateral action, such as the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill. Unilaterally disapplying core parts of the protocol would also have serious consequences for our trade relationship under the Trade and Co-operation Agreement. He said that any additional or persistent uncertainty would not help amid a cost-of-living crisis, as he urged progress ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement next year. Pointing to UKs idea of a green lane, he contrasted it with EU proposals. He said: The issue here boils down to no checks versus minimum checks, stemming from Brexit itself. Because we must acknowledge that Brexit did fundamentally alter trade on the island of Ireland. I believe that our respective positions are not worlds apart if we genuinely explore the EUs robust proposals. Downing Street on Monday said it was not pursuing any specific timeline on talks over the Northern Ireland Protocol, in response to Mr Sefcovics comments. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: Were not working to a set timeline on those sorts of discussions. Obviously we do want to come up with a negotiated solution, we do think the issue is urgent and needs resolving, and obviously we would welcome any progress made. [November 07, 2022] Windstream Wholesale Partners With Colt and Aqua Comms to Deliver Wave Connectivity From U.S. to Europe Windstream Wholesale, a leading provider of advanced optical solutions, today announced the delivery of low latency, ultra-high bandwidth wave connectivity from the United States to Europe through a strategic partnership with Colt and Aqua Comms-yielding roundtrip latency of less than 100ms with no frame loss. Originating in Chicago on Windstream's Intelligent Converged Optical Network (ICON), the 100G Waves test traveled to New York and across the Atlantic to London, England, utilizing Aqua Comms' subsea fiber optic network. The service connected Windstream's U.S. network to Colt's European wavelength network and terminated in Frankfurt, Germany. "Windstream Wholesale is pleased to announce our first trans-Atlantic 100G Wave in cooperation with Colt and Aqua Comms," said Joe Scattareggia, chief revenue officer for Windstream Wholesale. "We are committed to best-in-class customer experience, and this three-way strategic partnership not only expands the reach of our low-latency, ultra-high Wave network, it also provides our customers with streamlined access with end-to-end connectivity from the U.S. to Europe for faster deployment." Jaya Deshmukh, executive vice president of Strategy and Transformation, Colt Technology Services, said, "Businesses, across industries, need access to powerful digital infrastructure to execute on their digital imperatives. From robotic surgery, seamless supply chains to immersive learning, the entire gamut of digital capabilities rely on ultra-fast connectivity across geographies. This requires a strong commitment to partnerships, working together to help customers succeed and fulfil their potential. I am excited by this unique collaboration between Windstream, Aqua Comms and Colt and the potential it delivers for connecting global businesses." This successful partnership expands Windstream Wholesale's available connectivity offerings for global, government, hyper-scale, content, and other large-scale customer providers outside of the company's nationwide North American network to more than 1,000 data centers and POPs within Europe across various Wave connectivity options, ranging from 10G and 100G currently, and up to 400G in the near future. Chris Bayly, CCO at Aqua Comms, said, "At Aqua Comms we are pleased to be part of a partnership which is setting the standard for delivering unique end-to-end connectivity solutions between the U.S. and Europe with industy leading deployment times and a strong focus on exceptional customer experience. Windstream's Intelligent Converged Optical Network (ICON) provides open and disaggregated networking infrastructure, enabling wholesale and enterprise technology customers to select unique custom routes, maintain operational insights with Windstream's Network Intelligence functions, and place their networks closer to the edge to better serve end-users. About Windstream Windstream Holdings is a privately held communications and software company. Windstream Wholesale is an innovative optical technology leader that creates deep partnerships with carriers, content and media providers, federal government agencies and Fortune 100 companies to deliver fast and flexible, customized wave and transport solutions. Additional information is available at windstream.com or windstreamwholesale.com. Follow us on Twitter at @Windstream. To view the Windstream Wholesale network map, visit https://www.windstreamwholesale.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Windstream-Wholesale-National-Network.pdf About Colt Technology Services Colt Technology Services (Colt) is a global digital infrastructure company which creates extraordinary connections to help businesses succeed. Powered by amazing people and like-minded partners, Colt is driven by its purpose: to put the power of the digital universe in the hands of its customers wherever, whenever and however they want. Since 1992, Colt has set itself apart through its deep commitment to its customers, growing from its heritage in the City of London to more than 60 offices around the world. The powerful Colt IQ Network connects 222 cities and 32 countries with more than 1000 data centres, 51 Metropolitan Area Networks and over 31,000 buildings across Europe, Asia and North America's largest business hubs. Privately owned, Colt is one of the most financially sound companies in the sector. Obsessed with delivering industry-leading customer experience, Colt is guided by its dedication to customer innovation, by its values and its responsibility to its customers, partners, people and planet. For more information, please visit www.colt.net. About Aqua Comms Aqua Comms is a leading provider of global subsea connectivity services delivered through an extensive portfolio of owned and operated subsea systems. Aqua Comms offers connectivity networking solutions including managed capacity services, spectrum and dark fibre to the global content, cloud and carrier markets. In April 2021, Aqua Comms DAC was acquired by Digital 9 Infrastructure plc (D9), a London Stock Exchange listed fund with ticker DGI9, which is managed by Triple Point Investment Management's Digital Infrastructure team. To learn more about Aqua Comms and its portfolio of connectivity networking solutions, visit www.aquacomms.com. Category: Wholesale View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005614/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 06, 2022] CGS-CIMB Securities Welcomes Chinese Fund Houses with Assets Under Management of approximately RMB 8.1 Trillion to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand THAILAND, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CGS-CIMB Securities International Pte. Ltd. ("CGS-CIMB") recently hosted five Chinese fund houses with total Assets Under Management ("AUM") of approximately RMB 8.1 trillion to our Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand offices. The twelve delegates included representatives from Fullgoal Asset Management (HK) Limited., Bosera Asset Management (International) Co., China Universal Asset Management (Hong Kong) Company Limited., and CSOP Asset Management Limited. The Chinese delegation promoted China ASEAN relations and connectivity. It also provided the Chinese fund houses with a plethora of diverse investment options in multiple asset classes, as we build CGS-CIMB's vision to become Asia's leading and trusted financial services group. Parties from CGS-CIMB, China Galaxy International, and Chinese fund managers congregating at SET for collaborative discussions. About CGS-CIMB Securities International Pte. Ltd. CGS-CIMB Securities International Pte. Ltd. ("CGS-CIMB") is one of the leading integrated financial service providers in Asia. It is a joint venture between China Galaxy International Financial Holdings Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Galaxy Securities Co. Ltd., and CIMB Group Sdn Bhd. Through a network of local offices, branches and strategic partners, we have a global presence in over 20 countries, providing a truly Asian perspective. We are well-positioned as Asia's leading financial gateway with a core focus on well researched and in-depth analysis on financial products. We are a customer-centric firm and focus on value creation for clients, offering a suite of investment and financial solutions for retail and institutional clients. Our businesses include retail broking, institutional equities, derivatives, prime services, equities research, wealth management and online broking. Backed by an award-winning research team, we have one of the most comprehensive research coverage of over 800 stocks in the region. Our strong research capabilities form the backbone of our product and service offerings, connecting clients to opportunities. SOURCE CGS-CIMB SECURITIES (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD. [November 06, 2022] Wemade's DAO & NFT Platform NILE, signs MOU with Print Bakery SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Wemade's DAO & NFT platform NILE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) with Seoul Auction's popularized art brand, Print Bakery. NILE is planning to show various NFT projects through the partnership, popularizing art in the fields of blockchain, and widening NFT art expandability by NFT marketplace which is to be released by NILE. Other than that, NILE will take another step into he NFT art market by combining an experience of Print Bakery's production and distribution with high level NFT technology of NILE. Henry Chang, CEO of Wemade mentioned, "If we are able to guarantee the safety of NFT and true meaning of art, it will allow creators and artists to open up a new chapter not only in the market of art but also in the fields of an entirely new genre." NILE, the platform of DAO & NFT, is placing all the efforts with various partners to expand the ecosystem of NILE. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wemades-dao--nft-platform-nile-signs-mou-with-print-bakery-301669806.html SOURCE Wemade Co., Ltd [November 07, 2022] ORBCOMM's Groundbreaking Dry Container Solution Makes Supply Chains More Transparent and Efficient ROCHELLE PARK, N.J., Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ORBCOMM Inc., a global provider of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, today announced that it is leveraging its latest telematics technology to provide end-to-end monitoring for dry marine containers moving through complex supply chains around the world. ORBCOMMs new CT 1000 solution, which is expected to be commercially available in early 2023, digitalizes global container shipping, providing visibility and traceability for shipping lines and their customers so they can turn real-time data into decisions about their maritime operations. ORBCOMM will be showcasing its latest container telematics solutions in Booth D32 at Intermodal Europe in Amsterdam from November 8-10, 2022. ORBCOMMs unique solution allows shippers and operators to track the location and status of their dry marine containers at every point in the assets journey, with both real-time and historical reporting, whether they are in a warehouse or moving on a truck, rail or vessel. Customers can estimate arrival times, identify issues and quickly deploy corrective measures to mitigate delays in the supply chain. With temperature monitoring and shock detection as standard features, customers will be able to monitor the status of cargo at all times and be notified of tampering, unauthorized access or unscheduled loading or unloading for maximum security. The increase in real-time data enables customers to optimize their business, reduce operating costs and create more sustainable supply chains by filling critical information gaps. ORBCOMMs solution utilizes future-proofing technology that is designed for reporting longevity, update flexibility and compliance with certified-safe maritime industry sandards. The state-of-the-art device features an impressive battery life and intelligent solar power management and is expected to provide up to three months of operation at 75% capacity without sun exposure for reliable and uninterrupted reporting even in the harshest conditions. ORBCOMMs Global SIM provides unmatched, cost-effective LTE coverage to meet shippers unique requirements for intercontinental coverage. Additional wireless BLE sensors will also be supported to integrate other safety and productivity applications that will enhance the solutions capabilities. In addition, ORBCOMMs device is certified to the ATEX Zone 2 explosion-proof standard, ensuring safety for vessel crews and cargo. The unit can be installed in as little as one minute and is built to require no manual attention after installation. ORBCOMM is continuing to drive innovation and lead the container shipping industry in delivering best-in-class telematics solutions that digitalize complex supply chains and improve visibility, sustainability and customer satisfaction, said Christian Allred, ORBCOMMs Executive Vice President of Global Sales. Our new dry container monitoring solution integrates the latest energy-harvesting technology and low-power consumption to meet the industrys need for longevity, reliability and durability as shipping lines continue to make their operations more transparent, secure and profitable. Hapag-Lloyd, one of the worlds leading global shipping lines, is the first in the industry to leverage ORBCOMMs latest dry container IoT technology to gain increased transparency and improve the management of strained supply chains for the benefit of their customers. ORBCOMM has developed a unique CT 1000 device purpose-built for Hapag-Lloyd, which is expected to begin installing on their dry containers in December 2022. To schedule an appointment to meet with the ORBCOMM team on-site at Intermodal Europe in Booth D32, please click here. Please also join ORBCOMMs Al Tama, Vice President of Container and Port Solutions, at the Intermodal Europe breakout session, The Modern Face of Container Technology, on November 8 at 12:20 pm in the Technology Theatre to learn more about how dry container telematics solutions can change the way container lines do business. About ORBCOMM Inc. ORBCOMM is a pioneer in IoT technology, empowering customers with insight to make data-driven decisions that help them optimize their operations, maximize profitability and build a more sustainable future. With 30 years of experience and the most comprehensive solution portfolio in the industry, ORBCOMM enables the management of over a million assets worldwide for a diverse customer base spanning transportation, supply chain, heavy equipment, maritime, natural resources and government. For more information about how ORBCOMM is driving the evolution of industry through the power of data, visit our website. ORBCOMM Contacts For Corporate Relations: For Trade Media: Michelle Ferris Lina Paerez VP, Corporate Communications VP, Marketing +1 703.462.3894 +1 613.875.1485 [email protected] [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8e83d9b4-67cd-4099-8216-5d5068197363 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Bridge Alliance wins world's best awards for its Multi-domestic Regional IoT Connectivity Solution SINGAPORE, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridge Alliance's managed Regional IoT Connectivity Solution, an Asia-Pacific multi-domestic connectivity solution for automotive and other industrial use-cases, has taken top honours at this year's World Communication Awards (WCA) and Global Carrier Awards (GCA). The joint entry with Bridge member operator Singtel and platform partner Ericsson clinched "The IoT Innovation Award" at the WCA and the "Best IoT Initiative" award at the GCA. APAC is a challenging region for the business of connected cars due to differences in levels of market maturity, regulations and technological capabilities across its markets. Automakers seeking to roll out connected cars also face difficulty in sourcing connectivity services across multiple countries and experience challenges in managing the project implementation across multiple service providers. Bridge Alliance's unique lead-operator model enables them to ink a contract with the lead operator such as Singtel, supported by Bridge Alliance's tight-knit community of tier-one mobile operators across the region. This approach removes the complexity of multi-market deployment while allowing the automaker to enjoy best-in-market network quality and local market expertise. Bridge Alliance partners with Ericsson for the solution, leveraging Ericsson's cloud based IoT Accelerator platform, which deploys services seamlessly and efficiently across Bridge's footprint. Through a single embedded SIM (eSIM), the solution enables the automakers to deliver connectivity services over an access point name (APN) to manage car drive functions, real-time traffic services, over-the-air (OTA) serices and remote services like car information and controls. They can also manage Internet access over an Internet APN to deliver services like digital concierge, navigation maps and infotainment. Dr Ong Geok Chwee, CEO of Bridge Alliance, said, "We are absolutely thrilled to be recognised by the industry internationally and win global accolades for our IoT solution. Our APAC multi-domestic connectivity for automotives enables vehicle manufacturer customers to manage their IoT connectivity across our footprint through a single plane of glass and enjoy the ease of doing business through a lead Bridge member operator, supported by in-market expertise from other operators. We are delighted to have charted a course with this winning formula for more automakers to realise their connected car vision and offer more exciting in-vehicle services in Asia." Established in 1999, the World Communication Awards are organised by London-based publisher Total Telecom and recognise innovation and excellence in the global telecoms industry. The awards feature categories that are revised every year to ensure its ongoing relevance to the rapidly evolving communications ecosystem. The Global Carrier Awards are among the most prestigious awards programme in wholesale telecoms and connectivity, held alongside the Capacity Europe conference. Now in its 18th year, this year's edition saw more than 280 entries vying for 33 awards. About Bridge Alliance Bridge Alliance is the leading mobile alliance for premier operators and their customers in the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. Our alliance covers 34 members who serve over 1 billion customers collectively across these regions. Our goal is to build group capabilities and create value for our members by enabling compelling roaming services and experience, offering multi-market enterprise and IoT solutions, and delivering savings and benefits through leveraging group economies. Bridge Alliance's members and partners include: Airtel (India, Sri Lanka and the Airtel subsidiaries in Africa: Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Malawi, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia), AIS (Thailand), China Telecom (China), China Unicom (China), CSL Mobile (Hong Kong), CTM (Macau), Globe Telecom (Philippines), Maxis (Malaysia), Metfone (Cambodia), MobiFone (Vietnam), Optus (Australia), Singtel (Singapore), SK Telecom (South Korea), stc (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait), SoftBank Corp. (Japan), Taiwan Mobile (Taiwan), and Telkomsel (Indonesia). For more information, visit www.bridgealliance.com. SOURCE Bridge Alliance [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Digital freight brokerage market to grow by USD 5.7 Bn, Evolving Opportunities with ArcBest Corp. and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. - Technavio NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The digital freight brokerage market is expected to grow by USD 5.7 billion during 2021-2026, accelerating at a CAGR of 31.62% during the forecast period. Read the 120-page report with TOC on "Digital Freight Brokerage Market Analysis Report by Application (retail and e-commerce, food and beverages, healthcare, automotive, and others) and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa), and the Segment Forecasts,2021-2026". The increased use of IT-enabled solutions drives the market. In addition, the growing global e-commerce market is anticipated to boost the growth of the digital freight brokerage market. Request Free Sample Report. Digital Freight Brokerage Driver One of the major factors fueling the expansion of the worldwide digital freight brokerage industry is the rising adoption of IT-enabled solutions. Vendors participating in the market face difficulty due to the presence of a large number of domestic and foreign companies present in the global digital freight brokerage industry. Therefore, in order to compete in the market, companies are using cutting-edge IT solutions and technology. In order to improve the traceability of shipments in supply chain operations, vendors like Accenture and KUEHNE+ NAGEL are creating sophisticated mobile applications for the automation of field service activities. Digital freight brokers will employ these cutting-edge solutions to streamline their commercial operations more frequently during the forecasted time. This is anticipated to improve their operational effectiveness, which will reinforce the rise of the global digital freight brokerage market during the forecast period. Download Free Sample Report. Digital Freight Brokerage Vendor Analysis Many global and regional vendors are operating in the global digital freight brokerage market, and the market is dominated by global players. To strengthen their position in the market and to enlarge their profit share, global vendors, especially non-asset-based freight brokers, are focusing on establishing long-term agreements with transportation companies. Several asset-based freight brokers are integrating their transportation equipment with advanced technologies, such as connected technologies, that ensure the safety of freight being transported. Considering this, customers prefer these service providers. Global vendors operating in the global digital freight brokerage market are anticipated to invest more in technology adoption during the forecast period. ArcBest Corp. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. Cargocentric Cargomatic Inc. CMA CGM S.A. Convoy Inc Deutsche Post AG Echo Global Logistics Inc. Hub Group Inc. Kintetsu Group Holdings Co. Ltd. Kuehne Nagel Management AG Loadsmart Inc. Nippon Express Holdings Inc. Redwood Logistics Renren Inc. Roper Technologies Inc. Transfix Inc. Truckstop Group LLC United Parcel Service Inc. uShip Inc. Find additional highlights on the growth strategies adopted by vendors and their product offerings, Buy Sample Report. Digital Freight Brokerage Market Application Outlook (Revenue, USD bn, 2021-2026) Retail and e-commerce - size and forecast 2021-2026 Food and beverages - size and forecast 2021-2026 Healthcare - size, and forecast 2021-2026 Automotive - size and forecast 2021-2026 Others - size and forecast 2021-2026 Digital Freight Brokerage Market Geography Outlook (Revenue, USD bn, 2021-2026) North America will account for 34% of market growth. North America's largest market for digital freight brokerage is the US. The market in this region will expand more slowly than markets in other regions. The growth of the North American digital freight brokerage market would be facilitated by the rising usage of IT-enabled solutions. North America - size and forecast 2021-2026 - size and forecast 2021-2026 Europe - size and forecast 2021-2026 - size and forecast 2021-2026 APAC - size and forecast 2021-2026 South America - size and forecast 2021-2026 - size and forecast 2021-2026 Middle East and Africa - size and forecast 2021-2026 Start for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Reports: Same-Day Delivery Market by End-user, Service and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The report extensively covers the same-day delivery market segmentation by end-user (B2C, B2B, and C2C), service (regular service, priority service, and rush service), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and the Middle East and Africa). Air Freight Services Market by End-users and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The report extensively covers air freight services market segmentation by end-user (manufacturing, retail, and others) and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America). Digital Freight Brokerage Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 31.62% Market growth 2022-2026 $5.7 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 31.18 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 34% Key consumer countries US, China, Japan, Germany, and UK Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled ArcBest Corp., Berkshire Hathaway Inc., C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc., Cargocentric, Cargomatic Inc., CMA CGM S.A., Convoy Inc, Deutsche Post AG, Echo Global Logistics Inc., Hub Group Inc., Kintetsu Group Holdings Co. Ltd., Kuehne Nagel Management AG, Loadsmart Inc., Nippon Express Holdings Inc., Redwood Logistics, Renren Inc., Roper Technologies Inc., Transfix Inc., Truckstop Group LLC, United Parcel Service Inc., and uShip Inc. Market Dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Mode of Transportation Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Application Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 09: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 10: Parent market Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2021 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026 Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 4 Five Forces Analysis 4.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 18: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2021 and 2026 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 19: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2021 and 2026 4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 20: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 21: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 22: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 23: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.7 Market condition Exhibit 24: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026 5 Market Segmentation by Mode of Transportation 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 25: Chart on Mode of Transportation - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 26: Data Table on Mode of Transportation - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 5.2 Comparison by Mode of Transportation Exhibit 27: Chart on Comparison by Mode of Transportation Exhibit 28: Data Table on Comparison by Mode of Transportation 5.3 Roadway - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 29: Chart on Roadway - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 30: Data Table on Roadway - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 31: Chart on Roadway - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 32: Data Table on Roadway - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.4 Seaway - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 33: Chart on Seaway - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 34: Data Table on Seaway - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Chart on Seaway - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 36: Data Table on Seaway - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.5 Airway - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 37: Chart on Airway - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 38: Data Table on Airway - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 39: Chart on Airway - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 40: Data Table on Airway - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.6 Railway - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 41: Chart on Railway - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 42: Data Table on Railway - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 43: Chart on Railway - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 44: Data Table on Railway - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.7 Market opportunity by Mode of Transportation Exhibit 45: Market opportunity by Mode of Transportation ($ million) 6 Market Segmentation by Application 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 46: Chart on Application - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 47: Data Table on Application - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Application Exhibit 48: Chart on Comparison by Application Exhibit 49: Data Table on Comparison by Application 6.3 Retail and e-commerce - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 50: Chart on Retail and e-commerce - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 51: Data Table on Retail and e-commerce - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Chart on Retail and e-commerce - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on Retail and e-commerce - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.4 Food and beverages - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 54: Chart on Food and beverages - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 55: Data Table on Food and beverages - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Chart on Food and beverages - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 57: Data Table on Food and beverages - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.5 Healthcare - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 58: Chart on Healthcare - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 59: Data Table on Healthcare - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 60: Chart on Healthcare - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 61: Data Table on Healthcare - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.6 Automotive - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 62: Chart on Automotive - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 63: Data Table on Automotive - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 64: Chart on Automotive - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 65: Data Table on Automotive - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.7 Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 66: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 68: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 69: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.8 Market opportunity by Application Exhibit 70: Market opportunity by Application ($ million) 7 Customer Landscape 7.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 71: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 8 Geographic Landscape 8.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 72: Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 73: Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) 8.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 74: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 75: Data Table on Geographic comparison 8.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 76: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 77: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 79: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 80: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 81: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 82: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 83: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 84: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 85: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 86: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 87: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 88: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 89: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 90: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 91: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 92: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 93: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 94: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 95: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.8 US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 96: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 97: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 98: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 99: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.9 China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 100: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 101: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 102: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 103: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.10 Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 104: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 105: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 106: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 107: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.11 UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 108: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 109: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 110: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 111: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.12 Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 112: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 113: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 114: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 115: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 116: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 9.1 Market drivers 9.2 Market challenges 9.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 117: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026 9.4 Market trends 10 Vendor Landscape 10.1 Overview 10.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 118: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 10.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 119: Overview on factors of disruption 10.4 Industry risks Exhibit 120: Impact of key risks on business 11 Vendor Analysis 11.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 121: Vendors covered 11.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 122: Matrix on vendor position and classification 11.3 C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. Exhibit 123: C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. - Overview Exhibit 124: C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 125: C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. - Key news Exhibit 126: C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 127: C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. - Segment focus 11.4 Cargocentric Exhibit 128: Cargocentric - Overview Exhibit 129: Cargocentric - Product / Service Exhibit 130: Cargocentric - Key offerings 11.5 Cargomatic Inc. Exhibit 131: Cargomatic Inc. - Overview Exhibit 132: Cargomatic Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 133: Cargomatic Inc. - Key offerings 11.6 CMA CGM S.A. Exhibit 134: CMA CGM S.A. - Overview Exhibit 135: CMA CGM S.A. - Business segments Exhibit 136: CMA CGM S.A. - Key news Exhibit 137: CMA CGM S.A. - Key offerings Exhibit 138: CMA CGM S.A. - Segment focus 11.7 Convoy Inc Exhibit 139: Convoy Inc - Overview Exhibit 140: Convoy Inc - Product / Service Exhibit 141: Convoy Inc - Key offerings 11.8 Deutsche Post AG Exhibit 142: Deutsche Post AG - Overview Exhibit 143: Deutsche Post AG - Business segments Exhibit 144: Deutsche Post AG - Key news Exhibit 145: Deutsche Post AG - Key offerings Exhibit 146: Deutsche Post AG - Segment focus 11.9 Echo Global Logistics Inc. Exhibit 147: Echo Global Logistics Inc. - Overview Exhibit 148: Echo Global Logistics Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 149: Echo Global Logistics Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 150: Echo Global Logistics Inc. - Segment focus 11.10 Kintetsu Group Holdings Co. Ltd. Exhibit 151: Kintetsu Group Holdings Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 152: Kintetsu Group Holdings Co. Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 153: Kintetsu Group Holdings Co. Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 154: Kintetsu Group Holdings Co. Ltd. - Segment focus 11.11 Kuehne Nagel Management AG Exhibit 155: Kuehne Nagel Management AG - Overview Exhibit 156: Kuehne Nagel Management AG - Business segments Exhibit 157: Kuehne Nagel Management AG - Key offerings Exhibit 158: Kuehne Nagel Management AG - Segment focus 11.12 United Parcel Service Inc. Exhibit 159: United Parcel Service Inc. - Overview Exhibit 160: United Parcel Service Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 161: United Parcel Service Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 162: United Parcel Service Inc. - Segment focus 12 Appendix 12.1 Scope of the report 12.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 163: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 164: Exclusions checklist 12.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 165: Currency conversion rates for US$ 12.4 Research methodology Exhibit 166: Research methodology Exhibit 167: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 168: Information sources 12.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 169: List of abbreviations About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/digital-freight-brokerage-market-to-grow-by-usd-5-7-bn-evolving-opportunities-with-arcbest-corp-and-berkshire-hathaway-inc---technavio-301667971.html SOURCE Technavio [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] BEST Inc. to Announce Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results on November 16, 2022 HANGZHOU, China, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BEST Inc. (NYSE: BEST) ("BEST" or the "Company"), a leading integrated smart supply chain solutions and logistics services provider in China and Southeast Asia, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022, after the U.S. market closes on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. The Company will hold a conference call to discuss the financial results at 8:00pm U.S. Eastern Time on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, or 9:00am Beijing Time on Thursday, November 17, 2022. Participants may access the call by dialling the following numbers: United States: +1-888-317-6003 Hong Kong: 800-963976 or +852-58081995 Mainland China: 4001-206115 International: +1-412-317-6061 Participant Elite Entry Number: 4725664 A replay of the conference call will be accessible through November.23, 2022 by dialling the following numbers: United States: +1-877-344-7529 International: +1-412-317-0088 Replay Access Code : 8040204 Please visit the Company's investor relations website http://ir.best-inc.com/ to view the earnings release prior to the conference call. A live and archived webcast of the conference call and a presentation will also be available at the same site. ABOUT BEST INC. BEST Inc. (NYSE: BEST) is a leading integrated smart supply chain solutions and logistics services provider in China and Southeast Asia. Through its proprietary technology platform and extensive networks, BEST offers a comprehensive set of logistics and value-add services, including freight delivery, supply chain management and global logistics services. BEST's mission is to empower business and enrich life by leveraging technology and business model innovation to create a smarter, more efficient supply chain. For more information, please visit: http://www.best-inc.com/en/. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/best-inc-to-announce-third-quarter-2022-financial-results-on-november-16-2022-301669926.html SOURCE BEST Inc. [November 07, 2022] Taiwan Innotech Forum 2022: The actions from Taiwan to pursue sustainability and net zero TAIPEI, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Organized by the Industrial Development Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan (IDB), Taiwan Innotech Forum 2022 for "Maximizing net-zero IP value in Taiwan" has brought forth the global issues of carbon neutrality to the table and to discuss how to integrate the strategies of green tech intellectual property management and applications. IDB Secretary General Chung-Pin Chou pointed out in the opening remarks, Taiwan government has proposed the "Taiwan's Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050" with 4 aspects for transitions, including the energy transition, industrial transition, lifestyle transition and social transition, and 12 key strategies, to cooperate with the world and to strive for a net-zero future together. Executive Vice President of Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) Alex Y.M. Peng talked about the global trends in net zero sustainability and the opportunities for Taiwan's industrial development. He mentioned the importance of innovative technologies, which will play an essential role in assisting in decreasing 40% of the carbon emission in most countries before 2030. He also suggested that Taiwan industries should engage in the ESG trends, in terms of the balance between profit, investment and environment, which could be achieved from 3 aspects, including innovative technologies, business models and resources investment. Malcolm Omond , APAC sustainability committee lead of Google, has shared the conclusion of a Google survey, which pointed out that 80% people have paid more attention to sustainability issues than the pandemic. Therefore, Google has taken positive net-zero actions to build efficient supply chains to combat climate change. Dr. Brett Alten, Deputy General Counsel, intellectual property of HPE, indicated that the Low Carbon Patent Pledge, launched on Earth Day 2021 by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Microsoft, and Meta (formerly Facebook) to promote low-carbon technologies and foster collaborative innovation. By making patents with low carbon technology applications freely available to all, this is to encourage and accelerate the innovation humanity needs to avert a climate disaster. Dr. Brett Alten hoped to see more Taiwan enterprises could get involved in it. Richard, Tsu-Chin Lee, Chairman of Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (TEEMA) indicated that for the 7 years after The Paris Agreement of the UN set a goal of carbon neutralization in 2015, the ICT industry in Taiwan has accelerated their transition. In TEEMA, the major members are giant international enterprises and they have been responding to the strategies of Taiwan's Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050. In the future, these giant members can lead the small and medium businesses to build the net-zero supply chains in the ICT industry. Yancey Hai, Chairman of Delta Electronics mentioned that Delta has partnered with TSMC, AUO, Microsoft Taiwan, LiteOn, Acer, Pegatron, Asus to form Taiwan Climate Partnership, to foster more collaborations to achieve net-zero goals. Shyi-Chin Wang, President of China Steel Corporation (CSC), shared that CSC has finished the planning of their pathway toward carbon neutrality by 2050, with 5G strategies, including green manufacturing, green partnership, green investment and green life of their employees. CSC is expecting to reduce 22,000 tons of carbon emissions every year. Peng-Yu Wang, Chairman of Intellectual Property Innovation Corporation (IPIC), mentioned that ITRI, MediaTek and Winbond have confounded IPIC to build a hub of green technology patents. With global strategies, the Patent Pool gathers the patents from academia and industries to work together to innovate faster. By opening up these patents, they hope to help accelerate and encourage green innovations and business opportunities by enabling others to build upon each other. The world needs radical collaboration to meet this critical moment in the climate crisis. Taiwan Innotech Forum 2022 served as an opportunity to explore the pathway for the industry players to achieve net-zero goals. SOURCE Business Next Media Group [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] GSMA Intelligence: Building on 10 Years of VoLTE BANGKOK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, 5G Core Summit 2022, hosted by Informa Tech and co-hosted by Huawei, was successfully held in Bangkok, Thailand. At the summit, Emanuel Kolta, Senior Analyst of Network Sustainability and Innovation, GSMA Intelligence, delivered a keynote speech titled Building on 10 Years of VoLTE. The speech elaborated on the present VoLTE development and analyzed both its driving forces and challenges. Emanuel Kolta stated that operators should embark on VoLTE deployment as early as possible to improve voice quality and develop new calling services, thereby maximizing network efficiency and creating more revenue. Over the past decade, some operators have deployed all-IP VoLTE networks, upgraded the voice service quality, and improved network efficiency and cost-effectiveness. As 5G continues to command the telecommunications market and legacy 2G and 3G networks are gradually wound down, VoLTE has become a must-have for operators to provide standard calling services and is imperative to the commercialization of 5G SA. Over the past ten years, operators deployed VoLTE to improve network efficiency;in the following decade, they will need to leverage VoLTE to commercialize 5G. With the ramp-up of 5G and phasing-out of 2G and 3G, calling services need to be migrated from the outdated CS devices to the IMS. The IMS is still the core network for implementing calling services in 5G because VoNR is also based on it. Considering this, operators should deploy VoLTE as early as possible to pave the way for the future network transition, in addition to protecting the voice service quality. Just this month, GSMA Intelligence released a research report on VoLTE development - Building on 10 Years of VoLTE. This report provided a detailed analysis of the current status of global VoLTE construction and introduced successful practices. It also proposed to use VoLTE penetration to measure the development level of VoLTE. Operators in China, the Philippines, and Australia take the lead in terms of VoLTE penetration. According to GSMA Intelligence, by the end of 2022, global VoLTE penetration will reach 46%, and the number of VoLTE-capable terminals will increase significantly. By 2025, the number of global VoLTE and Vo5G connections will reach up to five billion, and VoLTE penetration will climb to 75%. This report introduced the global VoLTE development process as a curve. According to the curve, the first batch of VoLTE networks were built from 2012 to 2015, which were mainly distributed in mature markets such as North America, Western Europe, and East Asia. The second wave of VoLTE construction occurred between 2015 and 2019. 2019 marked a significant turning point in the development of VoLTE, with most terminals, including iPhones, supporting VoLTE, and the network coverage and performance reaching a new level. By the end of 2022, all mainstream operators will use VoLTE to provide calling services. After summarizing the successful experiences of global VoLTE deployment, this report pointed out that operators should commence VoLTE construction three years before the commercial use of 5G so that VoLTE penetration can be increased as high as possible to ensure service continuity and quality. In addition, VoLTE can help develop new enterprise calling services, such as HD video calling, video RBTs, and interactive calling, which will bring considerable revenue to operators. This report noted that the network coverage, terminal, service quality, and roaming issues are the main constraints affecting VoLTE development. Although VoLTE is a mature technology, many terminals in developing regions do not originally support VoLTE, or VoLTE-capable terminals are costly, hindering the growth of the VoLTE user base. In the post-pandemic era, secure and high-quality calling services are more important than ever. According to GSMA Intelligence, 37% of operators do not sign any VoLTE roaming agreements. There is still a long way to go before a world-wide VoLTE network is built. For more information about the Building on 10 Years of VoLTE, visit https://data.gsmaintelligence.com/research/research/research-2022/building-on-10-years-of-volte. SOURCE Huawei [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] From Voice to Video and Content, 5.5G Core Unleashes the Vast Potential of Calling BANGKOK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 5G Core Summit 2022 held by Informa Tech and co-hosted by Huawei in Bangkok, Thailand, George Gao, President of Huawei CS&IMS Domain, delivered a speech titled From Voice to Video and Content, 5.5G Core Unleashes the Vast Potential of Calling. He elaborated on the strategies and evolution involving the 5.5G-oriented voice network, from voice to video and then to content, which further consisted of minute-level operation to content operation. He emphasized the values and profits on mobile phone screen content, not just the call duration. George said that the 5.5G-oriented voice network further unleashes the vast potential of calling, and helps operators achieve commercial success. The VoLTE penetration rate is greater than 80% and suitable for the withdrawal of 2G and 3G networks. VoLTE is fundamental in the 5G era, and all current 5G operators have already constructed VoLTE networks. To avoid multi-network operation, improve spectral efficiency, and gain more business benefits, hundreds of operators plan to shut down the 2G and 3G networks from 2022 to 2025. In this process, VoLTE is indispensable. According to this process, both 2G and 3G traffic will be migrated to VoLTE networks, preventing any potential fallbacks on such antiquated networks. According to the estimation of operator M in Asia Pacific, 50% of its traffic is carried on 3G networks. However, if the 3G networks are disabled and VoLTE is not deployed, more than 6000 2G sites need to be added to carry the traffic. This is unacceptable. Therefore, this operator plans to increase the VoLTE penetration rate from 30% to 80% within two years, laying a solid foundation for exiting the 3G network. Calling is developing from voice to video and content. Calling services form the most importnt and basic core services for operators, with indispensable and unique business and social values. A seamless calling experience is critical to the reputation and user loyalty of operators. Voice calling is gradually evolving to video calling, delivering a greater variety of content during calls. More and more users are willing to pay for personalized content. The VoLTE-based video RBT service has been developed to enable users to express themselves and deliver enterprise content, which has achieved a positive business cycle within the China markets. At present, some leading operators are vigorously developing VoLTE/VoNR-based video calling. With higher quality, faster connections, data-free, and ease of use, video calling becomes more and more popular and can be quickly developed as a basic service. Leading operators are building calling-based platform products to maintain user loyalty. Based on voice and video calling, leading operators are launching more innovative services such as New Calling. Lighting up screen Before, when users placed a voice call, their phone screens were completely black. However, with the popularity of Bluetooth headsets, the method in which users are answering calls is changing. This is a good opportunity for operators to light up users' phone screens during voice calls so that they can present their virtual images, share content, and show their personalized information without turning on the camera. This creates added value. Fun video calling Image recognition and media rendering are implemented through intelligence techniques to make calls fun and efficient. For example, users can use functions such as background replacement, AR virtual avatar, and voice or gesture-controlled emoticons to express their emotions. Intelligent translation Intelligent translation is introduced into the calling network. Whether the users are hard of hearing, elderly, or business, voice-to-text conversion and real-time cross-language translation can be utilized to achieve barrier-free communications. This is of great social value. Interactive video calling Interactive video calling is developed by adding a data channel to enable services, such as visual menus, screen sharing, file signing, and remote assistance. Each enterprise number can be bound to a mini app. When a user dials such a number, the app automatically displays a screen and completes the transaction during the call. New Calling with "1+3+N" redefines calling services. To help operators build calling-based platform products, Huawei has launched New Calling with a "1 platform + 3 capabilities + N services" architecture. This allows operators to build a platform with UHD, intelligent, and interactive capabilities. The platform brings services such as UHD video calling, lighting up screen, intelligent translation, fun video calling, and remote assistance into reality, accelerating service innovation and unleashing the value of communications across multiple industries. Promoting the maturity of New Calling standards and industry ecosystems has become a widely accepted investment consensus among operators, equipment suppliers, terminal providers, and chip providers. Data Channel, the key technology for New Calling, was introduced to us in 3GPP R16. In 2021, GSMA released the IMS Data Channel white paper, and recently, they set up a New Calling terminal work group to promote the construction of the ecosystem. With the system architecture and more usage cases being defined in 3GPP R18, the industry is becoming increasingly mature. It is estimated that test DC-capable terminals will be available in Q4 this year, and commercial DC-capable terminals will be available in 2023. Operators in China have taken the lead. In Q2 this year, they officially launched New Calling and defined it as a strategic product. They have been piloted on live networks in multiple provinces in China. In Q3, the first call has been made. In Q4 this year, terminal-agnostic intelligent video calling, such as full video calling, intelligent translation, and lighting up screen, will be put into trial commercial use. In the next phase, DC-based interactive video calling such as visual menus and remote assistance will be introduced. George Gao emphasized that calling is developing from voice to video and then to content, from minute-level operation to content operation, which creates values and profits on mobile phone screen content, not just the call duration. This will further unleash the vast potential of calling. SOURCE Huawei [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] ZEDRA Confirms Acquisition of Curacao and US Based Atlas Fund Services ZEDRA, the fast-growing global specialist in Corporate and Global Expansion, Active Wealth, Pensions and Incentives, as well as Fund solutions today announces that following receipt of regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten (CBCS), it has completed its acquisition of Curacao and US based Atlas Fund Services, a privately held, fully licensed, and industry-recognized investment fund administrator. Founded in 2006, Atlas Fund Services provides long-term, tailored, and reliable alternative investment fund services to US-based investment managers from its offices in Charlotte, North Carolina as well as Curacao. Atlas Fund Services also services clients located in Europe and throughout Latin America from its office in Curacao. Its client base includes emerging and seasoned funds, spanning across private equity and hedge funds. ZEDRA has an established presence in the fund services industry, with dedicated teams in the Cayman Islands, Luxembourg, Channel Islands and Singapore. The acquisition marks a milestone for the firm as it adds fund services in the US but also enhances its existing focus on the Latin American market through a new office in Curacao, complementing the firm's available fund services capabilities in the region through its Cayman Islands office. The deal follows the acquisition of US based Axelia Partners, a provider of global expansion services with offices in Boston and New York earlier this year, as well as BFCS, previously the fund and corporate services arm of Banque Internationale a Luxembourg. Wim Ritz, ZEDRA Global Head of Funds, said: "This acquisition propels ZEDRA forward in becoming an international leader in the funds services industry. We expect to grow our presence in the US exponentially over the near future, leveraging Atlas' know-how and resources. The prominence of the US market for the funds industry is unrivalled, representing nearly half of the global altenative investment market share. It has always been a core market for us, notably for our global expansion services. We are excited to push ahead into the US funds markets with the Atlas team on our side." Maarten Robberts, Atlas Fund Services, Managing Director, said: "We are very excited to join ZEDRA. Since we announced the transaction, the collaboration and discussions with ZEDRA have been very fruitful with no service disruption for our clients. This marriage of our growing and entrepreneurial firms is characterised by our shared expertise and passion to service clients and we look forward to achieving greater efficiency and added value for our clients through smart automation. We believe that becoming ZEDRA is an excellent step forward." ENDS Notes to Editors About ZEDRA ZEDRA is a global provider of Corporate and Global Expansion, Active Wealth and Fund services as well as Pension and Incentive solutions. The firm's highly experienced teams deliver tailored high-quality solutions to clients who include high net worth individuals and their families seeking diversified active wealth solutions, as well as, medium to large sized companies, pension funds and trustees, asset managers and their investors. The firm prides itself on getting to know its clients so that it can anticipate their continually evolving needs and allow them to focus on their core business and broader interests. ZEDRA's global footprint enables it to deliver bespoke solutions that meet the local and international requirements of the increasingly demanding regulatory environment. ZEDRA inherited a wealth of knowledge and experience following its acquisition of trust businesses of a renowned bank in 2016. This solid foundation combined with innovative thinking has allowed ZEDRA to grow rapidly in a competitive marketplace to a team of 900+ industry experts across 16 countries spanning Asia, Oceania, the Americas and Europe. www.zedra.com Earlier this year, ZEDRA reached an agreement to receive a strategic minority investment* from British Columbia Investment Management Corporation ("BCI"), one of Canada's largest institutional investors, investing in trustworthy businesses for a long-term horizon. * The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals. About Atlas Fund Services Since Atlas Fund Services' establishment in 2006, the team of professionals has been dedicated to providing long-term, tailored, and reliable alternative investment fund services. As a fully licensed, and industry-recognized investment fund administrator, we understand the desire for flexible fund administration solutions. Atlas Fund Services provides personalized service with utmost professionalism and commitment to full client satisfaction. With offices in Charlotte (North Carolina), the company delivers a full suite of alternative fund service solutions to its US-based investment managers. Atlas also has offices in Willemstad, Curacao, catering to family offices and investment managers located in Europe, Brazil, and throughout Latin America. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005111/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Page Removed Due to administrative reasons, the content of this page has been removed and is no longer available. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] The Fastest Residential Fiber Optic Network in Canada is Expanding - and Changing the Lives of Rural Western Canadians Canadian Fiber Optics Corp (CFOC), Alberta-based rural internet service provider has been privately funding and building some of rural Canada's fastest fiber optic networks. CFOC's investments support local families, businesses and community organizations, which results in local job creation, local economic growth, and encourages local economic diversification. HIGH PRAIRIE, AB, Nov. 7, 2022 /CNW/ - CFOC announced that they are expanding their network to High Prairie, Alberta, through their Northern Lights Fiber (NLF) brand. This multi-gig expansion means that High Prairie will be the next community to benefit from CFOC's fiber network, the fastest residential internet offered in rural Canada. This infrastructure project in High Prairie will support residents, business owners and ultimately future proof the community with a fast, reliable and secure network. Communities greatly benefit from CFOC's fiber network, the fastest residential internet offered in rural Canada Mayor Brian Panasiuk shared, "The Town is excited to be working with Canadian Fiber Optics to have fiber installed to businesses and residents in High Prairie. This is a huge milestone as it will serve our community today and for generations to come with the high-speed connectivity needed to stay relevant in today's world. Having the speeds and bandwidth that fiber optic cable offers will close the digital divide that exists between our town and the cities, plus open the door for future economic growth." Co-founder and CEO of CFOC and NLF Arjen Kaput stated, "The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for everyone to have access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet. In High Prairie, it has become apparent that good internet is not simply a want - but a need. We are thrilled and humbled to expand our network to High Prairie." CFOC has received an overwhelming amount of support from the communities they provide service to and are proud of the digital changes that are taking place in them. In these communities, CFOC has proven that having a reliable connection is essential for communities to grow and flourish. As a result, CFOC is excited for their explosive growth in rural Canada that will take place over the next few years. Co-Founder and President Jodi Bloomer stated, "The impact we are making on communities inspires us and only makes us more eager to continue this mission until everyone in rural Canada has a network that they can confidently rely on." SOURCE Canadian Fiber Optics Corp. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Forcefield Therapeutics presents positive preclinical data at the 2022 Scientific Sessions of American Heart Association Forcefield Therapeutics presents positive preclinical data at the 2022 Scientific Sessions of American Heart Association Preclinical data outlining the mechanisms of three proteins shown to restore heart function following acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) presented at AHA Proteins were identified by FunSel technology and developed by Forcefield London UK, 7 November 2022 Forcefield Therapeutics (Forcefield) Ltd, a pioneer of best-in-class therapeutics to protect heart function by arresting the loss of cardiomyocytes following myocardial infarction, has presented positive preclinical data on three proteins identified by the FunSel platform which have potential to preserve heart function following a heart attack. The paper, Novel Recombinant Cardioprotective Factors Against Myocardial Infarction Selected in vivo from an AAV Secretome Library, was presented on Sunday November 6th at the 2022 Scientific Sessions of American Heart Association (AHA) in Chicago by Dr Mateusz Tomczyk, Research Associate at Kings College London. The paper presented preclinical data outlining the mechanisms of three proteins identified by FunSel, Forcefields protein search engine. FunSel is gene agnostic: unconstrained by genetics and does not rely on knowledge of which factor is causing a disease. It allows functional selection of therapeutic factors for disease phenotype correction. FunSel contains a library of thousands of AAV vectors encoding secreted proteins. Results presented at AHA show that, after two rounds of iterative selection in mice, the three proteins identified by FunSel preserved cardiomyocyte viability, sustained cardiac function and prevented pathological remodelling. In both neonatal cardiomyocytes and adult hearts, all three factors reduced apoptosis and induced protective macro-autophagy. In particular, Chrdl1 exerted its protective activity by binding and inhibiting extracellular bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), which resulted in protection against cardiomyocyte death and induction of autophagy in cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarction. In addition, it was found that two variants optimised for clinical development demonstrate preliminary efficacy when dministered using the anticipated clinical route and time of administration in a myocardial infarction model. The work developing FunSel originated at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biology (ICGEB) and the University of Trieste, Italy. It has been further developed by Mauro Giacca, Professor of Cardiovascular Sciences at Kings College London and co-founder of Forcefield Therapeutics and supported by the British Heart Foundation. Forcefield Therapeutics, a pioneer of best-in-class therapeutics to retain heart function via protection of cardiomyocytes was launched in 2022 backed by leading healthcare investor Syncona and is undertaking the development work to enable clinical trials in patients in the future. Professor Mauro Giacca commented: While early stage, these data support our conviction in the importance of the three proteins we have identified. These can be administered immediately after a heart attack to minimise cardiac damage and therefore have the potential to revolutionise treatments for patients at risk of heart failure. These findings reveal a method for the systematic, in vivo selection of tissue protective factors and disclose novel potential cardiac therapeutics, and were very excited about their potential. - ENDS - Notes to Editors About Forcefield Therapeutics Ltd. Forcefield Therapeutics Ltd (Forcefield Tx) is a pioneer of best-in-class therapeutics to retain heart function via protection of cardiomyocytes. Forcefield Tx was founded by scientists, industry experts and investors with a shared purpose to revolutionise treatment following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Forcefields unique approach can both retain and protect heart cells, minimising the impact of AMI and preventing the cascade of events that may lead to subsequent heart failure. Forcefield Tx is led by a proven team with a record of success from discovery to commercialisation. It launched in April 2022, backed by leading FTSE 250 healthcare company, Syncona with an initial investment of 5.5 million. For more information please visit: forcefieldtx.com. About FunSel FunSel is a proprietary in vivo gene therapy search engine developed by Purespring Therapeutics co-founder Professor Mauro Giacca, Professor of Cardiovascular Sciences at Kings College, London. FunSel is gene agnostic: unconstrained by genetics and therefore does not rely on knowledge of which gene is causing a disease. It allows functional selection of therapeutic factors for disease phenotype correction. FunSel contains a library of thousands of AAV vectors encoding secreted proteins. Because it is gene agnostic, FunSel offers potential to allow the application of gene therapy to non-monogenic disorders and treat much broader patient populations. The platform has already been instrumental in the creation of Purespring Therapeutics and sister company Forcefield Therapeutics, a pioneer of best-in-class therapeutics to protect heart function and has broad potential for researchers developing gene therapy in many disease areas. It provides Purespring with opportunities to support industry peers through partnering and potential collaborations. About the British Heart Foundation It is only with donations from the public that the BHF can keep its life saving research going. Help us turn science fiction into reality. With donations from the public, the BHF funds ground-breaking research that will get us closer than ever to a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases. A world where broken hearts are mended, where millions more people survive a heart attack, where the number of people dying from or disabled by a stroke is slashed in half. A world where people affected by heart and circulatory diseases get the support they need. And a world of cures and treatments we cant even imagine today. Find out more at bhf.org.uk. Contacts: Forcefield Therapeutics Richard Francis, CEO [email protected] +44 (0)20 3855 6324 Consilium Strategic Communications Amber Fennell, Jessica Hodgson, Genevieve Wilson [email protected] +44 (0)203 709 5700 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] The French Tech Tour 2022 - Accelerating French innovation in India MUMBAI, India, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Business France, the Trade & Investment Commission of France in India, is organizing, the 6th edition of the 'French Tech Tour to India', from the 14th 18th November 2022. This tech tour consists of an immersion program for 4-innovative 'French Tech' startups and SMEs seeking to develop business in India. The objective of this French Tech Tour to India is to develop synergies with both Indian and French ecosystems. The two countries are known as top 5 tech startup powers in the world, with over 10,000 startups in each of the ecosystems, and many large corporates involved in Open Innovation and Acceleration programs. As a part of this tech tour in India, Business France has organized the following: Virtual bootcamp: 2 nd and 3 rd Nov 2022 to discover key decision leaders and the ecosystems before coming to India for the program. Topics of discussion include - market entry strategy, collaboration with a Global System Integrator, how to set up in India with the knowledge partner UDYEN JAIN & Associates (UJA) and more Topics of discussion include - market entry strategy, collaboration with a Global System Integrator, how to set up in with knowledge partner and more Turnkey individual B2B meeting: Delhi , Bangalore , Mumbai / Chennai - for each participating French company. , , / - for each participating French company. Networking sessions: to be organized in Delhi and Bangalore with the French tech Bangalore members and delegation. to be organized in and with the French tech members and delegation. Discovery and visit of Asia's largest technology event the 'Bengaluru Tech Summit 2022 (BTS) ', the trade show showcasing cutting-edge technologies in IT, Biotechnology, Deeptech, Startups and other future-defining spaces. France wil also mark its strong presence at the BTS through the country seminar panel discussion on 16th Nov (2pm IST) about 'Digital Sovereignty from data localization to digital upskilling' with Mr. Rajesh Desai, CEO, Lyra Network from the French Tech Tour delegation and other prominent panelists from Schneider Electric, Dassault Systemes to name just a few. Growth of French tech Ecosystem The French Tech ecosystem has enjoyed a steady and strong development, driven by a new generation of entrepreneurs, investors, engineers, designers and many more. Like India, France has emerged as a leading Startup nation, home to vibrant Tech Hubs and talents, that exhibits a strong entrepreneurial culture. Delegation of the 4 participating 'French Tech' enterprises, as below: LYRA NETWORK: Founded in 2001, Lyra secures payments in e-commerce and retail and develops value added services to manage transactions and equipment daily. The group has more than 450 employees for a turnover of 66 million euros in 2021. Present in India since 2007, recently chosen by the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) as partner for acceptance of UPI and RuPay cards in France . Founded in 2001, Lyra secures payments in e-commerce and retail and develops value added services to manage transactions and equipment daily. The group has more than 450 employees for a turnover of in 2021. Present in since 2007, recently chosen by the National Payment Corporation of (NPCI) as partner for acceptance of UPI and RuPay cards in . LUDO-VIC : Ludo-vic is an edtech company with a universal search engine. The application currently helps one acquire basic knowledge of a language (without reading/writing, communicate orally). It is an e-Learning approach based on animations in the learner's mother tongue, featuring characters who do not stigmatize any population and promoting gender equality. Ludo-vic is an edtech company with a universal search engine. The application currently helps one acquire basic knowledge of a language (without reading/writing, communicate orally). It is an e-Learning approach based on animations in the learner's mother tongue, featuring characters who do not stigmatize any population and promoting gender equality. UBICENTREX : Founded in 2009, the brand aims to create simple and accessible solutions for switchboards, tele secretariats, call centres and tele prospecting. They offer the possibility to work more efficiently and more intuitively with the help of their CRM solution. : Founded in 2009, the brand aims to create simple and accessible solutions for switchboards, tele secretariats, call centres and tele prospecting. They offer the possibility to work more efficiently and more intuitively with the help of their CRM solution. BOOSTMYSHOP : Boostmyshop has been involved in e-commerce for more than 15 years and develops optimization software that facilitates online sales. These solutions are shared with e-retailers worldwide. They offer a SAAS price intelligence software and a complete supply chain management system. Official Knowledge partner for the event: UDYEN JAIN & ASSOCIATES (UJA) UJA is an advisory firm specialized in supporting foreign companies to set up a subsidiary, securing a Joint-Venture or a Merger & Acquisition to facilitate market entry in India, UJA provides all-around business and corporate advisory services that ensure companies' success. UJA is a referenced partner of Business France India to help French companies with special advisory requirements as they launch in the Indian market. About Business France Business France is the national agency supporting the international development of the French economy. Responsible for fostering export growth by French businesses, as well as promoting and facilitating international investment in France. It promotes France's companies, business image and nationwide attractiveness as an investment location, and runs the VIE international internship program. Business France has 1,500 personnel, both in France and in 55 countries throughout the world, who work with a network of partners. For further information, please visit: www.businessfrance.fr Press contact: Nivedita Agarwal Business France - Trade & Investment Commission of France in India [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] UBQ Materials Returns to COP27 with Solar Impulse Foundation and Israeli Delegation, Highlighting Start-Up Nations' Strength in Climate Innovation UBQ Materials' Waste-Based Thermoplastic is an Available and Scalable Material Solution Supporting the Global Methane Pledge and Circular Manufacturing TEL AVIV, Israel, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- UBQ Materials, climate tech developer of advanced materials made from organic and unrecyclable waste, announced today its planned agenda for the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP27, taking place November 6-18 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. UBQ Materials was one of ten Israeli companies selected at PLANETech World to attend the global climate event, where the targets have shifted from pledging to implementation. As part of The Israeli Climate Tech Delegation to COP27, UBQ Materials VP of Sustainability Rachel Barr will present at the COP27 Climate Innovation Summit, to be attended by Israel's leading Ministers and government officials. Barr will also join the Solar Impulse Foundation (SIF) delegation in the Building Pavilion, presenting UBQ Materials as a SIF Efficient Solution for clean and profitable solutions for the environment. SIF founder and environmentalist Bertrand Piccard will include UBQ Materials as an available solution in his address to the general assembly. UBQ is a novel thermoplastic material upcycled entirely from unsorted organic and unrecyclable waste, replacing oil-based plastics, wood, cement and other finite resources in endless durable products. The most climate-positive thermoplastic on the market, UBQ prevents up to 11.7 times its weight in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. "Our return to the COP provides an incomparable opportunity to build on progress made at COP26 in relation to the Global Methane Pledge," said Barr. "UBQ prevents significant methane emissions directly associated with landfills and provides the industry with an easy material swap for petroleum-based plastics, closing the loop between the ecosystems of waste and materials." UBQ Materials is expanding globally, with its first large-scale facility in the Netherlands to be operational in Q2 2023. COP27 will enable the company to connect with decision-makers from around the world to discuss UBQ's solution and incentivize local waste-to-material production. Clients like Mercedes Benz, PepsiCo, McDonald's and Anheuser Busch InBev, are currently implementing UBQ throughout their supply chains to advance sustainability and net zero goals. "COP is a crucial time for world leaders to map the next steps required to reach Paris Agreement goals. Efficient breakthrough technologies can bridge the time required for structural changes towards a circular economy," said Jack 'Tato' Bigio, co-founder and co-CEO of UBQ Materials. "Our novel raw material tackles the global waste crisis and its associated methane emissions, bringing an endless new resource that is sustainable and climate positive. COP offers us the opportunity to empower governments and industry with circular solutions to a previously resource-depleting, unsustainable system." Nine additional startups will represent the Israeli climate tech ecosystem, selected by the Israeli Innovation Authority and PLANETech to showcase how Israel's startup community has adapted itself to tackle the world's most pressing climate challenges. The other startups include: H2Pro, Gencell, Wiliot, HomeBiogas, Groundwork BioAg, Aleph Farms, Remilk, Beewise and Tomorrow.io. About UBQ Materials UBQ Materials Ltd. has developed an advanced conversion technology, patenting the world's first bio-based thermoplastic (UBQ) made entirely of unsorted household waste, including all the organics a revolutionary way to divert municipal solid waste from landfills and convert it into a sustainable alternative to oil-based plastics. A certified B Corp, UBQ is a globally awarded climate tech company with customers including Mercedes-Benz, PepsiCo, and Arcos Dorados, the world's largest franchisee of McDonald's restaurants across Latin America. With a climate-positive impact and cost-competitive price, UBQ empowers manufacturers with a simple transition to greater sustainability. Learn more by visiting www.ubqmaterials.com. Media Contact Nicole Kaufman Grubner 929-588-2011 [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ubq-materials-returns-to-cop27-with-solar-impulse-foundation-and-israeli-delegation-highlighting-start-up-nations-strength-in-climate-innovation-301670081.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Worldwide IoT Industry to 2028 - IoT BFSI Segment is Anticipated to Grow Significantly Due to its Ease of Access Services DUBLIN, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global IoT Market Research and Forecast, 2022-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global IoT Market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 25.2% during the forecast period. The increasing development of wireless networking technologies, rise in cloud platform adoption, miniaturization, and the emergence of advanced data analytics are the factors that are driving the global IoT market. The other factors that are propelling the growth of the market including advancement in data analytics, computing economies, and demand from varied domains including manufacturing, automotive, energy, and others. IoT brings different physical objects to be linked by a common network. The IoT market is split into various major segments such as analytics, security, cloud, mobile technologies, and platforms. integration, automation, and cloud computing are major driving forces behind the IoT market. The issues such as Security and Privacy are restraining the market growth. Further, the IoT technology also assists in connecting various devices to provide ease in the operation and sharing of data amongst themselves. The IoT market caters to every sector from retail, energy, healthcare, infrastructure, and so on. smart homes, wearable's, and smart cities are the most effective and high-growth applications in the IoT market. Apart from it, due to the recent outbreak of COVID-19, IoT investments and deployments are certainly slowing down. The major disruption in the global healthcare and supply chains, hospitals, insurers, governments, and logistics providers are reacting quickly for a more connected world that could support better address the current crisis and mitigate future ones. Segmental Outlook The global IoT market is segmented based on infrastructure and end-user. Based on the infrastructure, the market is segmented into the platform, mobile networks and access technologies, cloud solutions/storage and processing, analytics, and security. Based on the end-user, the market is segmented into BFSI, manufacturing, transportation, retail, healthcare, energy & utilities, government & defense, residential, and others. The healthcare segment held the significant market share in 2019. IoT healthcare allows augented asset monitoring and tracking. Several enterprise grade technologies including distributed computing and big data analytics, asset management beside M2M communication and cloud platforms possess capabilities to provide drastically efficient and cost-effective results by IoT applications. IoT BFSI segment is anticipated to grow significantly due to its ease of access services BFSI industry is showing fast digital transformation and mobilization. For reducing the security risk and leveraging the high amount of generated data, the banking and services businesses are exploring its opportunities in the financial sector. The key factors that are growing the market include an increase in the benefit of the technology in BFSI such as easy access of debit and credit cardholders. For instance, Banks can track the ATMs in specific areas and accordingly install the machines based on the usage volume provided with the support of solutions. Regional Outlooks The global IoT market is further segmented based on geography including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America is the largest market in the IoT market followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. The growth of the market can be mainly attributed to the increasing role of IoT among the significant revenue-generating companies of the region, additionally driven by the deployment of connected cars, home automation, smart energy projects, and a focus on smart manufacturing. Further, increasing digitalization and technology development across industry verticals is also propelling the growth of the market in the region. The region also has strong IoT Vendors such as IBM Corp., Microsoft Corp, Cisco Systems Inc, which are contributing to the growth of the market. Asia-Pacific is Projected to Have Considerable Growth in the Global IoT Market Asia-Pacific region is projected to grow significantly during the forecast period. The key factors that are propelling the growth of the market including rapid urbanization, increasing smartphone users, increasing crime rates, illegal immigration, and others. The other factors that are boosting the market growth including increasing internet penetration, government support, significant private investments, and others. For instance, the Indian government 'Make in India' program has established the center of excellence of the technology program for the industries and start-ups. Additionally, the government's plan to make 100 smart cities in the country will also expand the market in the region. Market Players Outlook The key players in the global IoT market include Amazon Web Services, Cisco Systems Inc., ARM Holding PLC, Honeywell International Inc, Robert Bosch GmbH, Microsoft Corp., Google Inc., and others. The market players are considerably contributing to the market growth by the adoption of various strategies including mergers, and acquisitions, collaborations, and new product launches, to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in January 2020, Cisco Systems Inc. launched security architecture for the Internet of Things (IoT). This security architecture will improve visibility around IT and operational technology. The Report Covers Market value data analysis of 2020 and forecast to 2027. Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment. Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions. Key companies operating in the global Internet of Things (IoT) market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report. Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future. Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies. Competitive strategies by identifying 'who-stands-where' in the market. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xo6z1s Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/worldwide-iot-industry-to-2028---iot-bfsi-segment-is-anticipated-to-grow-significantly-due-to-its-ease-of-access-services-301670091.html SOURCE Research and Markets [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Ursa Major to Present at Deutsche Bank Global Space Summit November 9 DENVER, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ursa Major , America's only privately funded company that focuses solely on rocket propulsion, will participate in the Deutsche Bank Global Space Summit. Ursa Major Founder and CEO, Joe Laurienti, will speak on a virtual panel on November 9 at 10 am Eastern time, along with three other prominent industry CEOs. The panel, "FedEx of Space," will be available to replay at the following link after the event: https://www.veracast.com/webcasts/db/events/4tS4o7.cfm About Ursa Major Ursa Major is America's only privately funded company focusing solely on rocket propulsion, bringing high-performance, staged combustion engines to market for space launch and hypersonic applications. Ursa Major customers, ranging from "New Space" startups to enterprise-level aerospace leaders and the U.S. government, get to flight faster, more reliably, and cost-effectively. The company employs the most sought-after engineers from top space programs and universities and is backed by world-class investors, including XN and Explorer 1 Fund. Headquartered in Berthoud, Colorado, Ursa Major was named one of the best places to work by Built in Colorado two years in a row. Media Contact: Perch Partners for Ursa Major [email protected] 310.289.3515 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ursa-major-to-present-at-deutsche-bank-global-space-summit-november-9-301669691.html SOURCE Ursa Major [November 07, 2022] Vicarious Surgical Announces Memorandum of Understanding Agreement with Pittsburgh CREATES to Advance System Design Vicarious Surgical Inc. ("Vicarious Surgical'' or the "Company"), a next-generation robotics company seeking to improve the cost, efficiency, and outcomes of surgical procedures, today announced it has signed a collaborative Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") agreement with Pittsburgh CREATES, an innovation center that fosters collaborations between surgeons and healthcare professionals, with the academic and clinical resources of parent institutions, the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center). Through this collaboration, Vicarious Surgical will further augment its development efforts with a world-renowned university. Expansion beyond the previously announced Center of Excellence partnerships provides Vicarious Surgical additional and diverse exposure to clinical and operational robotic experts, as well as access to the advanced Center for Pre-Clinical Studies within the University of Pittsburgh. Further expertise in surgeon testing, training and regulatory trials will help to provide deeper academic and clinical insight and support as the Company continues to advance through development and finalization efforts of its Vicarious Surgical robotic solution with a focus on helping to address the needs of major US hospital systems holistically. "We are thrilled to partner with Pittsburgh CREATES and have access to the academic expertise at the University of Pittsburgh and the medical expertise at UPMC, a leader in healthcare delivery and one of the top medical centers in the country," said Adam Sachs, CEO and co-founder of Vicarious Surgical. "By formalizing our joint efforts, we establish additional critical strategic partners who can provide distinct insights into shaping our clinical strategy and the implementation of our system in a clinical research setting. We look forward to the work ahead as we seek to transform the standard in surgical robotics." "At Pittsburgh CREATES we strive to be on the forefront of innovation, always looking for opportunities to enable our providers and better serve our patients," said Dr. Umamaheswar Duvvuri, Founding Medical Director and Director of Robotic Surgery, Division of Head and Neck Surgery at UPMC. "We are excited to establish this partnership with Vicarious, providing us the unique opportunity to help direct the potential next generation in surgical robotics, effectively broadening our impact on patient care." About Pittsburgh CREATES Pittsburgh CREATES is an industry-facing, medical innovation center that fosters collaborations between surgeons, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators to deliver value-driven healthcare technology advances in the Pittsburgh region. The organization leverages the academic and clinical resources of its parent institutions, the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, to drive development in surgical innovation, robotics, and adjacent technologies. The center seeks out unmet needs in this space by continually evolving and delivering high-value projects driven by physician leadership to stakeholders in three key areas: research, education, and technological enhancements in surgery. Learn more at www.pittsburghcreates.pitt.edu. About the University of Pittsburgh Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is an internationally renowned leader in health sciences learning and research. A top 10 recipient of NIH funding since 1998, Pitt has repeatedly been ranked as the best public university in the Northeast, per The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education. Pitt consists of a campus in Pittsburgh-home to 16 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools - and four regional campuses located throughout Western Pennsylvania. Pitt offers nearly 500 distinct degree programs; serves more than 33,000 students; employs more than 13,000 faculty and staff; and awards 9,000 degrees systemwide. About Vicarious Surgical Founded in 2014, Vicarious Surgical is a next generation robotics company developing a disruptive technology with the goals of increasing the efficiency of surgical procedures, improving patient outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs. The Company's novel surgical approach uses proprietary human-like surgical robots to transport surgeons inside the patient to perform minimally invasive surgery. The Company is led by an experienced team of technologists, medical device professionals and physicians, and is backed by technology luminaries including Bill Gates, Vinod Khosla's Khosla Ventures, Innovation Endeavors, Jerry Yang's AME Cloud Ventures, Sun Hung Kai & Co. Ltd and Philip Liang's E15 VC. The Company is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Learn more at www.vicarioussurgical.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005384/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Structured Data Management Drives Most Spending on Compute and Enterprise Storage Systems in the First Half of 2022, According to IDC The workload driving the largest share of enterprise IT infrastructure spending in the first half of 2022 (1H22) was Structured Databases/Data Management, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Semiannual Enterprise Infrastructure Tracker: Workloads. Organizations spent $6.3 billion on compute and storage infrastructure to support this workload in 1H22, which represents 8.5% of the market total. This is also one of the most mature enterprise workloads with 2.2% growth year over year. Unstructured Databases and AI Lifecycle were two workloads experiencing the highest growth in hardware infrastructure demand with spending growing at 52.9% and 40.2% respectively from 1H21. Unstructured Databases are still one of the smallest consumers of compute and storage infrastructure at $2.3 billion, while AI Lifecycle workload, which includes platforms mostly related to AI training tasks, accounted for $4.4 billion. IDC estimates spending on compute and storage systems across 19 mutually exclusive workloads, defined as applications and their datasets. The full taxonomy including definitions of the workloads can be found in IDC's Worldwide Semiannual Enterprise Infrastructure Tracker: Workloads Taxonomy, 2021 (IDC #US48332521). The majority of workloads map to secondary or functional software markets while several, including Content Delivery and Digital Services, have no equivalent in the software market structure. Workloads are further consolidated into seven workload categories, which include: Application Development & Testing, Business Applications, Data Management, Digital Services, Email/Collaborative & Content Applications, Infrastructure, and Technical Applications. In 2022, the Data Management workload category, which includes five workloads - AI Lifecycle, Business Intelligence and Analytics, Structured Database/Data Management, Text and Media Analytics, and Unstructured Database - will be the largest with $41.1 billion in spending on compute and storage infrastructure products. It will remain the largest throughout the forecast period with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% and reaching $56.3 billion in infrastructure spending in 2026. Most of the growth in this category will come from the fastest growing workloads related to unstructured data and artificial intelligence. Data Management will also be the fastest growing category of infrastructure spending in shared cloud and one of the fastest in dedicated environments at 15.9% CAGR and $23.5 billion spending in 2026 in shared, and 5.3% CAGR and $32.8 billio in 2026 in dedicated environments (this includes dedicated cloud and non-cloud infrastructure deployments). Technical Applications will be the fastest growing workload category for compute and storage infrastructure consumption in dedicated environments at 6.2% CAGR and second fastest in the shared cloud at 14.8%% CAGR. Cumulative spending on infrastructure for the Technical workload category will reach $11.1 billion in 2026. A graphic illustrating IDC's 2021-2026 enterprise infrastructure workloads forecast by workload category is available by viewing this press release on IDC.com. Taxonomy Notes The full taxonomy including definitions of the workloads can be found in IDC's Worldwide Semiannual Enterprise Infrastructure Tracker: Workloads Taxonomy, 2021 (IDC #US48332521). IDC's Worldwide Semiannual Enterprise Infrastructure Tracker: Workloads provides insight into how enterprise workloads are deployed and consumed in different areas of the enterprise infrastructure hardware market and what the projections are for future deployments. Workload trends are presented by region and infrastructure platform and shared for the enterprise infrastructure hardware market with a five-year forecast. This Tracker is part of the Worldwide Quarterly Enterprise Infrastructure Tracker, which provides a holistic total addressable market view of the four key enabling infrastructure technologies for the datacenter (servers, external enterprise storage systems, and purpose-built appliances: HCI and PBBA). For more information about IDC's Semiannual Enterprise Infrastructure Tracker: Workloads, please contact Lidice Fernandez at [email protected]. About IDC Trackers IDC Tracker products provide accurate and timely market size, vendor share, and forecasts for hundreds of technology markets from more than 100 countries around the globe. Using proprietary tools and research processes, IDC's Trackers are updated on a semiannual, quarterly, and monthly basis. Tracker results are delivered to clients in user-friendly Excel deliverables and on-line query tools. Click here to learn about IDC's full suite of data products and how you can leverage them to grow your business. About IDC International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,300 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology, IT benchmarking and sourcing, and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading tech media, data, and marketing services company. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter at @IDC and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the IDC Blog for industry news and insights. All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005266/en/ [November 07, 2022] Guerrilla RF To Present at the Sidoti Micro-Cap Virtual Investor Conference on November 9 Guerrilla RF, Inc. (OTCQX: GUER), the innovative fabless semiconductor company, will present at the Sidoti Micro-Cap Virtual Investor Conference, taking place on November 9, 2022. The presenter will be the VP of Investor Relations, Sam Funchess. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005382/en/ Guerrilla RF to present at the Sidoti Micro-Cap Conference on November 9. (Graphic: Business Wire) "We always look forward to the opportunity to tell our story to the investor community," says Funchess. "We will demonstrate what makes Guerrilla RF appealing as a fabless designer of high-performance MMICs by sharing with the conference recent developments for the company. An example is the announcement of recent design wins for our Rapid FireTM capable digital step attenuator (DSA), the GRF6402. Additionally, we announced surpassing the 150 million milestone for products shipped, which is a testament to the commercial appeal of our portfolio." Guerrilla RF's investor presentation will cover how the company leverages its strengths as a fabless designer of high-performance MMICs to address the needs of its strategic customers within the automotive, 5G infrastructure, and cellular repeater industries. The presentation will begin at 10:45 a.m. (ET) on November 9 and can be accessed live. To register for the presentation or one-on-ones, visit www.sidoti.com/events. To watch the event live, visit https://sidoti.zoom.us/webinar/. About Guerrilla RF, Inc. Founded in 2013 and based in Greensboro, NC, Guerrilla RF develops and manufactures high-performance microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) for wireless OEMs in multiple market segments - including 5G/4G macro and small cell base stations, cellular repeaters/DAS, automotive telematics such as SDARS/V2X/GPS/DAB, military communications, navigation, and high-fidelity wireless audio. Guerrilla RF has an extensive portfolio of over 100 high-performance radio frequency (RF) and microwave semiconductor devices. The existing product line includes ultra-low noise amplifiers, gain blocks, driver amplifiers, mixers, RF switches, digital step attenuators (DSAs), and linear power amplifiers (PAs) - the critical building blocks for mission-critical, performance-driven wireless applications. To date, the company has shipped over 100 million devices and has repeatedly been included in Inc. Magazine's annual "Inc. 5000" list. Guerrilla RF recently made the top "Inc. 500" list for the second year in a row, coming in at No. 421 and 489 for the 2020 and 2021 rankings, respectively. For more information, please visit https://guerrilla-rf.com or follow the company on Twitter and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include projections, predictions, expectations, or beliefs about future events or results or otherwise are not statements of historical fact. Such statements are often characterized by the use of qualifying words (and their derivatives) such as "expect," "believe," "estimate," "plan," "project," "anticipate," or other statements concerning opinions or judgments of the company and its management about future events. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult or impossible to predict and, in some cases, beyond the company's control. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of several factors, including those described in the company's filings with the SEC available at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The company undertakes no obligation to revise or update information in this release to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005382/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] EV GROUP ADVANCES LEADERSHIP IN OPTICAL LITHOGRAPHY WITH NEXT-GENERATION EVG150 RESIST PROCESSING PLATFORM Redesigned 200-mm platform increases module capacity for higher throughput, improves architecture for reduced tool footprint all while maintaining industry-leading capabilities of previous-generation platform ST. FLORIAN, Austria, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- EV Group (EVG), a leading provider of wafer bonding and lithography equipment for the MEMS, nanotechnology and semiconductor markets, today announced that it has strengthened its portfolio of optical lithography solutions with the unveiling of the next-generation 200-mm version of its EVG150 automated resist processing system. The redesigned EVG150 platform includes advanced features and enhancements that provide even greater throughput (by up to 80 percent) and versatility, as well as smaller tool footprint (by nearly 50 percent), compared to the previous-generation platform. The EVG150 provides reliable and high-quality coating and developing processes in a universal platform that supports a variety of devices and applications, including advanced packaging, MEMS, radio frequency (RF), 3D sensing, power electronics, and photonics. Its high throughput, flexibility and repeatability support the most demanding needs for both high-volume production and industrial development. Company executives will be available to discuss the next-generation EVG150 resist processing system at SEMICON Europa, taking place next week at the Messe Munchen in Munich, Germany, from November 15-18 (co-located with Electronica). Event attendees can visit EVG at Booth #C1211 to learn more. Silicon Austria Labs, a leading research center for Electronic Based Systems (EBS), is the first customer to receive the next-generation EVG150 system. "Through our cooperative research with leading manufacturers, we develop key technologies that build the foundation for Industry 4.0, IoT, autonomous driving, cyber-physical systems (CPS), AI, smart cities, smart energy, and smart health long before they reach the market," stated Dr. Mohssen Moridi, Head of Reearch Division Microsystems of Silicon Austria Labs. "The high flexibility of EVG's next-generation EVG150 resist processing system helps pave the way for high-volume implementation of new processes and products with our development customers that fuel EBS innovation." Universal platform provides unprecedented flexibility The next-generation EVG150 for 200-mm substrates maintains the industry-leading capabilities of the previous-generation platform, including: fully automated platform with customizable module configurations for spin and spray coating, developing, bake and chill; EVG's proprietary OmniSpray technology for conformal coating of extreme topographies; sophisticated and field-proven robot handling with dual end effector capability to ensure continuous high throughput; and wafer-edge, bowed, warped and thin-wafer handling. New features on the next-generation EVG150 200-mm platform include: Up to four wet processing module spaces and up to 20 bake/chill units, enabling the processing of many more wafers simultaneously Singulated coat chambers, providing complete isolation of modules and virtual elimination of cross-contamination between modules Further redesign of modules to enable easy access to individual chambers from outside of the tool, minimizing downtime and allowing for continued tool operation when conducting chamber maintenance Repositioning of chambers within the platform to enable easy access to robotic handling unit to facilitate maintenance Image-based pre-aligner to enable on-the-fly wafer centering for faster processing Integration of resist and chemistry lines inside the system, reducing external cabinet space for chemistry storage and reducing tool footprint Integration of user interface inside the system, further reducing tool footprint "Resist processing and patterning are the most repeated process steps in semiconductor manufacturing. EVG has built up many years of experience with these processes, including optical lithography and spin and spray coating, to address the needs of the most demanding customer requirements," stated Dr. Thomas Glinsner, corporate technology director at EV Group. "We've incorporated these learnings into our next-generation EVG150 system, which has been redesigned from the ground up to provide breakthrough throughput and cost-of-ownership benefits in a universal platform that offers unsurpassed flexibility to meet the widest variety of resist processing needs." Product Availability EVG is now accepting orders for the next-generation EVG150 automated resist processing system, and is offering product demonstrations at EVG's headquarters. For more information, please visit https://www.evgroup.com/products/lithography/resist-processing-systems/evg150/. About EV Group (EVG) EV Group (EVG) is a leading supplier of equipment and process solutions for the manufacture of semiconductors, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), compound semiconductors, power devices and nanotechnology devices. Key products include wafer bonding, thin-wafer processing, lithography/nanoimprint lithography (NIL) and metrology equipment, as well as photoresist coaters, cleaners and inspection systems. Founded in 1980, EV Group services and supports an elaborate network of global customers and partners all over the world. More information about EVG is available at www.EVGroup.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ev-group-advances-leadership-in-optical-lithography-with-next-generation-evg150-resist-processing-platform-301669956.html SOURCE EV Group [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Sonar Systems Global Market Report 2022 DUBLIN, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Sonar Systems Global Market Report 2022" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the global sonar systems market market. The global sonar systems market is expected to grow from $3.37 billion in 2021 to $3.52 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.52%. The growth is mainly due to the companies rearranging their operations and recovering from the COVID-19 impact, which had earlier led to restrictive containment measures involving social distancing, remote working, and the closure of commercial activities that resulted in operational challenges. The market is expected to reach $4.46 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 6.05%. Reasons to Purchase Gain a truly global perspective with the most comprehensive report available on this market covering 12+ geographies Understand how the market is being affected by the coronavirus and how it is likely to emerge and grow as the impact of the virus abates Create regional and country strategies on the basis of local data and analysis Identify growth segments for investment Outperform competitors using forecast data and the drivers and trends shaping the market Understand customers based on the latest market research findings Benchmark performance against key competitors Utilize the relationships between key data sets for superior strategizing Suitable for supporting your internal and external presentations with reliable high quality data and analysis Major players in the sonar systems market market are Ultra Electronics, Thales Group, NAVICO, L3Harris Technologies Inc., ATLAS ELEKTRONIK, Kongsberg Gruppen, Lockheed Martin, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, Sonardyne, Aselsan, FURUNO ELECTRIC CO. LTD, Japan Radio Co., DSIT Solutions Ltd, Northrop Grumman., and General Dynamics Mission Systems Inc. The sonar systems market consists of sales of sonar systems by entities (organizations, sole traders, and partnerships) that refer to the systems based on the SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging) technology. Sonar is a technique in which sound waves are propagated at a certain frequency for mapping distance and objects especially in marine navigation since sound waves can travel a longer distance in the water than radar and light waves. Sound waves emitted or reflected by a object are detected by sonar apparatus and analyze information to develop nautical charts, locate underwater hazards, map objects on the seafloor such as shipwrecks, and map the seafloor itself. North America was the largest region in the sonar systems market in 2021. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in this report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The sonar systems market is segmented by product into hull-mounted sonar, stern-mounted sonar, dipping sonar, and sonobuoy. Hull-mounted sonar refers to sound navigation and ranging systems used in naval platforms as senor to detect submarines, underwater objects, unmanned underwater vehicles, seafloors, and others to create navigation charts to enhance naval security. By Installation, the market is segmented into fixed, and deployable. By acoustic frequency, the market is segmented into ultrasonic and infrasonic. The major applications of sonar systems are anti-submarine warfare, port security, mine detection and countermeasure systems, search and rescue, navigation, diver detection, seabed terrain investigation, and scientific applications. The rising number of terrorist attacks is significantly contributing to the growth of the sonar systems market. Terrorism is defined as the violence in an asymmetrical conflict that is designed to induce terror and psychic fear. Sonar systems can be used to find and tackle terror plans such as bombing, underground bomb fixing, unknown submarines in oceans, and others. Technological advancement in sonar systems is a key trend in the sonar systems market. Companies are increasingly innovating to produce technologically-advanced sonar systems for military and warfare. For instance, in 2021, Thales Group, a France-based multinational company for aerospace and defense security, received the contract to develop, test, and manufacture the SonoFlash air-droppable sonobuoy from French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) to strengthen its anti-submarine warfare systems in the French Naval force. This advanced technology provides a complex sonar system, which can be used in open-ocean environments. In addition, SonoFlash offers long endurance and is suitable for a wide array of deployment scenarios. The countries covered in the Sonar Systems Market market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Sonar Systems Market Characteristics 3. Sonar Systems Market Trends And Strategies 4. Impact Of COVID-19 On Sonar Systems 5. Sonar Systems Market Size And Growth 5.1. Global Sonar Systems Historic Market, 2016-2021, $ Billion 5.1.1. Drivers Of The Market 5.1.2. Restraints On The Market 5.2. Global Sonar Systems Forecast Market, 2021-2026F, 2031F, $ Billion 5.2.1. Drivers Of The Market 5.2.2. Restraints On the Market 6. Sonar Systems Market Segmentation 6.1. Global Sonar Systems Market, Segmentation By Product, Historic and Forecast, 2016-2021, 2021-2026F, 2031F, $ Billion Hull-Mounted Sonar Stern-Mounted Sonar Dipping Sonar Sonobuoy 6.2. Global Sonar Systems Market, Segmentation By Installation, Historic and Forecast, 2016-2021, 2021-2026F, 2031F, $ Billion Fixed Deployable 6.3. Global Sonar Systems Market, Segmentation By Acoustic Frequency, Historic and Forecast, 2016-2021, 2021-2026F, 2031F, $ Billion Ultrasonic Infrasonic 6.4. Global Sonar Systems Market, Segmentation By Application, Historic and Forecast, 2016-2021, 2021-2026F, 2031F, $ Billion Anti-Submarine Warfare Port Security Mine Detection and Countermeasure Systems Search and Rescue Navigation Diver Detection Seabed Terrain Investigation Scientific 7. Sonar Systems Market Regional And Country Analysis 7.1. Global Sonar Systems Market, Split By Region, Historic and Forecast, 2016-2021, 2021-2026F, 2031F, $ Billion 7.2. Global Sonar Systems Market, Split By Country, Historic and Forecast, 2016-2021, 2021-2026F, 2031F, $ Billion For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1cbpun Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sonar-systems-global-market-report-2022-301670200.html SOURCE Research and Markets [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] DoorDash Delivers More With Industry-First Merchant Benefits Program The new program provides partners across the globe with transformational access to discounts from leading companies aiding operators in attaining, retaining, and developing staff SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Empowering local economies and their respective communities is core to the ethos of DoorDash (NYSE: DASH). In continuation of this mission, the local fulfillment platform today announced Merchant Benefits, an industry-first program designed to give merchants access to discounted products and services based on evolving needs within the industry, in addition to a new research report about " The Impact of Benefits on Recruitment and Retention in the Restaurant Industry ." The National Restaurant Association's "State of the Industry Report" indicates that recruitment and retention is the top challenge for 50% of restaurateurs this year, signaling staffing is a primary focus to improve business growth. To support merchants in overcoming attracting, retaining, and developing employees, the first cohort of businesses within Merchant Benefits focuses squarely on these issues. "The economic fluctuations that come with running a small to medium sized business challenge employers in many ways, including being able to provide affordable benefits to staff," said Christopher Payne, President and Chief Operating Officer at DoorDash. "Given our vast network of merchant partners, we've negotiated these benefits on their behalf who would otherwise face a steep surcharge, eliminating a barrier to growing teams to their full potential." In the first iteration of the program, DoorDash is proud to partner with six innovative partners who are working to address key issues within the industry, including access to healthcare, mental health benefits, and continued career development. Emphasizing the importance of these topics, 38% of surveyed restaurant employees indicated they would take less pay for better health benefits and 24% would take less pay for better training opportunities ( Impact of Benefits ). Here's more on what DoorDash partners can take advantage of, starting tday: Healthcare Benefits Plans beginning at $5 per month with Sesame, one of the largest cash-pay health care marketplaces in the United States , which connects employees directly to high quality physicians at affordable prices without the headache of dealing with insurance. Offerings include in-person and virtual primary care, mental health services, and specialty care. Available in the US. Personal and Mental Health Benefits Discounted subscriptions to Breathwrk, a personal health app, which provides breathing exercises designed to reduce stress and improve focus for employees inside and out of the workplace. Available globally in English. Educational Benefits 40% or more off EdApp by SafetyCulture , an all-in-one mobile-first training platform that assists businesses to deliver every step of their training program. Bespoke courses created specifically for the hospitality and retail industry, business owners can upskill their staff in a matter of days not weeks. Available in the US, Canada , and Australia . , an all-in-one mobile-first training platform that assists businesses to deliver every step of their training program. Bespoke courses created specifically for the hospitality and retail industry, business owners can upskill their staff in a matter of days not weeks. 15% off StateFoodSafety, an online food safety education company, which offers the most expansive assortment of ANSI-approved, state-mandated hospitality training certifications including Food Handler, Food Manager, Allergen Awareness, and Alcohol Server. Available in the US. Hiring and Staff Management One month free of LANDED , the first end-to-end recruiting platform helping employers hire hourly candidates quickly, saving time and money by automating candidate engagement, screening, and interview scheduling. Available in the US. , the first end-to-end recruiting platform helping employers hire hourly candidates quickly, saving time and money by automating candidate engagement, screening, and interview scheduling. Four months free of 7shifts, the complete team management platform for restaurants. 7shifts provides tools that help restaurateurs make more profitable decisions, improve team retention, and get operations in order. Available in the US and Canada . DoorDash will not administer the benefits, rather working with reputable partners who will administer the benefits directly to interested merchant partners. As the needs of businesses evolve, DoorDash will continue to partner with additional companies as part of Merchant Benefits. "Staffing shortages hinder a restaurant's ability to run efficiently, which has direct effects on overall customer experience and staff morale. Many dining rooms across the nation are struggling to fully reopen due to them being unable to staff appropriately," said Jordan Boesch, Founder and CEO of 7shifts. "We're proud to partner with DoorDash to help operators improve efficiency and expand access to our team management platform, including enabling restaurants to hire, train, schedule, pay, and retain their employees long-term." "While the restaurant industry and individual dining preferences have shifted, the importance of food safety has remained paramount to the success of a business," said Nick DeAngelo, Director of Sales at StateFoodSafety. "Expanding access to a variety of food safety courses through DoorDash's Merchant Benefits program benefits all involved customers, operators, and employees." Through providing discounted access to these products and services, DoorDash is enabling restaurants to more effectively attract, retain, and develop staff especially as 86% of surveyed restaurant employees who are not satisfied with their job benefits indicate they are more likely to stay at their current job if benefits were improved ( Impact of Benefits ). As a result, restaurant partners may be able to increase their sales by operating their business at full capacity driving both on-premises and off-premises growth. "Our restaurant is committed to fostering a productive workplace environment, accomplished by hiring happy people, providing great pay and benefits, plus simply being a company that cares," said Elizabeth Nicholson, Chief Operating Officer at Chook. "As the restaurant industry continues to struggle with staffing shortages, it's inspiring to see DoorDash taking direct action to support owners and operators in overcoming barriers to growth all while looking out for their respective staff." Eligible merchants in the United States, Canada, and Australia looking to partner with DoorDash and grow their business to its full potential with Merchant Benefits can learn more here . About DoorDash DoorDash (NYSE: DASH) is a technology company that connects consumers with their favorite local businesses in 27 countries across the globe. Founded in 2013, DoorDash builds products and services to help businesses innovate, grow, and reach more customers. DoorDash is building infrastructure for local commerce, enabling merchants to thrive in the convenience economy, giving consumers access to more of their communities, and providing work that empowers. With DoorDash, there is a neighborhood of good in every order. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/doordash-delivers-more-with-industry-first-merchant-benefits-program-301669932.html SOURCE DoorDash [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] She Loves Tech Global Startup Competition Winners Revealed SINGAPORE, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthcare & Wellness, Education and Social impact are the top three areas of focus for this year's She Loves Tech Global Competition, now in its 8th year. Femtech made a debut on 2022 Top Ten industries, reflecting a growing trend that bodes well for women and tech. She Loves TechWorld's largest startup competition for women and technology's 2022 Grand Finals was held on November 5 with 28 pitching finalists (out of 5000 from 90+ countries) with Lios (representing Nordics), a game-changing startup with a novel acoustic material and sound-therapy app eradicating avoidable hearing damage, emerging as Global Champion. Turkiye's Algbio (algae-based biofuel) and Africa's GoBEBAMimicrete (biomimetic self-healing concrete) won ADBV's Impact Award. This year's competition saw social impact [13.1%] make a comeback in the Top 3 verticals with 44.3% increase compared to 2021, after healthcare & wellness [17.4%] and education [14.8%]. All three also have a significant proportion of female end-users and are solving problems disproportionately affecting women. To further corroborate this trend, femtech [8.9%], entered the Top 10 list for the first-time. We saw greater diversity in solutions across multiple industries and a jump in femtech, sustainability and assistive technology globally. We also saw a positive trend in founders66% are first-time founders, 55% have tech backgrounds, 80% have diverse founding teams. She Loves Tech Startup finalists from around the world will be coming together in Singapore at She Loves Tech Global Conference this week, November 10-11. The theme of this year's Conference is #daringtobe. Ms. Sim Ann, Singapore Senior Minister of State from the Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be opening the Conference with Iceland Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Aslaug Arna Sigurbjornsdottir on a dialogue "From the Arctic to the Equator: Great Strides in Women Empowerment and Technology." This year's Conference will feature for the first-time, a Girls Track, Wellness Festival and Personal Development Workshops (purpose/value-finding, negotiation, mindful leadership). Topics like femtech, sustainability, angel and early-stage future of work, money, building resilience, impact and web3/metaverse will also be covered over two days. The conference is supported by Microsoft, P&G, UBS, IMDA, SWIRE Group, MTR Corporation Limited, Stripe, ADB Ventures, McDermott Will & Emery, Citigate Dewe Rogerson, Potato Production, Branded, Shareable Apps and Soldout. Enquiries: Sharon Lim [email protected] +65-9479-0511 SOURCE She Loves Tech [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Payara Launches Payara Cloud - Serverless Approach for Jakarta EE MALVERN, United Kingdom and MADEIRA, Portugal, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Payara launches a new product Payara Cloud , designed to run Jakarta EE apps easily and quickly on the cloud. Developers simply upload any web application following the Jakarta Web Profile specification and run it in a containerized Payara Micro instance. Payara Cloud deals with infrastructure allowing them to build the code and concentrate on business logic. Developer experience is crucial to us, and with Payara Cloud we are responding to the growing popularity of platform engineering and its integrated products to deal with operational necessities. Payara Cloud caters to this growing demand for tools that automate infrastructural tasks; improving efficiency and shortening development cycles, said Steve Millidge, Payara Founder and CEO. Payara Cloud is serverless, taking care of server issues on the behalf of users. It utilizes the key Jakarta EE (previously J2EE, and Java EE) concept of a deployable application, isolated from infrastructure. It runs on Microsoft Azure, building a runtime on Azure Kubernetes Service. The software takes the users WAR file, packages it into a Docker image with Payara Micro Payaras microservices runtime and completes all YAML, builds container images, creates a pod, deploys it on Kubernetes, updates the API server to manage ingress on Microsoft Azure and creates an SSL certificate for the application. It successfully manages all the infrastructural tasks related to the cloud. The developer selects their WAR, clicks deploy, and watches the apps run in the cloud. This isan exciting step for both Payara and Jakarta EE, providing a flexible and powerful route to serverless for the enterprise Java community. Jakarta EE is primed to support the development of modern cloud-native applications. Payara Cloud will facilitate this mission, helping many enterprises leverage existing Jakarta EE skills to simplify their cloud infrastructure management. By playing a key role in Jakarta EE as a Strategic Member of the Working Group, Payara is able to exchange best practices with other leaders in the industry, collaborate and promote new ideas we empower members to innovate with potentially game-changing products like Payara Cloud, said Mike Milinkovich , Executive Director of the Eclipse Foundation. Usually, app developers perform everything from writing the code to deploying the application and many face challenges when moving and managing their application on an external infrastructure. Payaras innovative serverless runtime solution is unique in the market. Unlike Function As a Service, automated cloud provisioning services or raw Kubernetes, Payara Cloud takes care of the installation, configuration, deployment and scaling of Jakarta EE applications. "What I really like about this approach is, for example, we have Helidon and Quarkus, they try to shift the deployment to the build time. Payara Cloud is completely different. It uses what application servers do the best: the separation of the infrastructure from the business logic, emphasized Adam Bien , Java Champion and Java/Jakarta EE consultant, podcaster, and blogger, giving his verdict after testing Payara Cloud. Jakarta EE developers can use the Payara Cloud user interface and/or integrate it in continuous deployment pipelines using a GitHub Action Workflow and Payara Cloud Command Line (PCL). They will also in future be able to integrate Payara Cloud with their external Kubernetes platform Kubernetes itself, OpenShift, or Rancher for example. Quotes on Payara Cloud: Ivar Grimstad is a Java Champion & Developer Advocate at the Eclipse Foundation: There arent many comparable products like Payara Cloud out there today. Payara Cloud is simpler. Its easier. And, its just straightforward to use for developers! David Heffelfinger, Principal Consultant at Ensode Technology, Java Champion: I deployed a simple WAR file using MicroProfile APIs and Payara Cloud. It worked as a charm. For more information on Payara products, please contact [email protected]. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1577f415-04a3-48af-a31a-3abddc6b0257 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] ECU Worldwide boosts trade connectivity between USA and the Caribbean with new routes Giving businesses in and around USA seamless access to the Caribbean, ECU Worldwide, the global leader in LCL consolidation, has launched a new export direct trade lane from Atlanta, USA to Kingston, Jamaica. The weekly direct service with a transit time of 5 days, is one of many new direct routes launched by the logistics giant in 2022, giving shippers and freight forwarders the advantage of safe and reliable global cargo movements in the face of global congestions and disruptions. "We are among the only ones in the market to offer this unique direct service that completely bypasses the need to move transport cargo through overloaded hubs like Miami. Not only do customers save on time and resources that would have been spent on trucking and inland services, but also benefit from specialized and expert cargo handling and last mile deliveries offered by our office at the destination end. We have received a very positive response to our end-to-end services enhancing efficiencies and reach across Caribbean and the entire region to the southeast of USA," says Niels Nielsen, Regional Head - USA & Canada, ECU Worldwide. With USA being its main trading partner and accounting for more than 50% of Jamaica's total trade, businesses across varied sectos have been contributing to the steady rise in demand for safe, convenient shipping to and from the two regions. Consequently, backed by its digital-first approach, ECU Worldwide continues to enhance, and upgrade its proprietary, state-of-the-art digital logistics platform, ECU360, which offers shippers and freight forwarders key features like quick quotes, instant bookings for door-to-door deliveries in over 50 markets, advanced track and trace, and access to a network operating in 180 countries. Having launched multiple new direct services and endeavouring to keep adding to them in the coming months, ECU Worldwide USA is likely to enable faster transit times and reduce double handling, while helping shippers navigate congestion and ship with a click, digitally, using ECU360. ABOUT ECU WORLDWIDE Founded in 1987, ECU Worldwide is Allcargo Logistics' wholly-owned global subsidiary. It is one of the major players in multi-modal transport and global leaders in LCL consolidation assuring smooth, safe and end to end coordination for its customer's cargo. As one of the leaders in the Cargo logistics industry, ECU Worldwide leverages its synergies with in-depth knowledge of local markets and vast experience in global logistics to deliver the best through its services. The company boasts of 300+ offices in 160+ countries at 530+ destinations with 2400+ trade lanes converging their international standard expertise with over 3500+ dedicated employees from across continents. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005616/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Adya's BPO Brand Refresh to Help Reposition as a Future Market Leader Adya Inc. ("Adya" or the "Company") (TSX: ADYA.V; OTCQB: ADYIF) announced today their strategic investment in its brand refresh for their Business Process Outsourcing business unit (BPO). At the heart of this brand refresh is a new website (ellorabpo.com), a new commercial strategy with expanded offerings to help businesses grow and a fresh update to the corporate logo for Ellora BPO This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005716/en/ What is Outsourcing? #Ellora #BPO #Costsavings (Photo: Business Wire) Company CEO Samer Bishay @SBishayIRIS states: "We're excited to take our next step in the evolution of Ellora. Our refreshed brand and evolving positioning perfectly positions us for our growing ambition in the outsourcing market. It's an exciting market with big opportunities!" Ellora is a staffing solutions company providing quality and cost-effective contact center support, sales, marketing and technology solutions to our clients. ExperiencedEllora agents can help with Customer Support, Sales, Retention, Virtual assistants, Collection, Technical support, Lead generation, social media services, Graphic design, Data Entry, Encoding, Research & Survey and so much more. Adya Inc. a publicly traded holding company and strategic shareholder in telecommunications and technology companies. With offices located in Toronto, Canada, has focus on the acquisition of accretive businesses. The team and resources specialize in operational, network, engineering, and administrational efficiencies allowing for reducing operating costs and increasing revenue. Adya Inc. ( https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/ADYIF/overview ) Adya Inc. (OTCQB: ADYIF) trades on the OTCQB Venture Market for early stage and developing U.S. and international companies. Companies are current in their reporting and undergo an annual verification and management certification process. Investors can find Real-Time quotes and market information for the company on www.otcmarkets.com About Adya Adya is a publicly traded holding company, with offices located in Toronto, Canada, and currently a strategic shareholder in telecommunications and technology companies. Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements herein may be "forward looking" statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Adya or the industry to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. Several factors could cause actual results to vary significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect current assumptions and expectations regarding future events and operating performance and are made as of the date hereof and Adya assumes no obligation, except as required by law, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances. Neither the 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005716/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] EAD Opened a New Regional Office in Cary, North Carolina EAD continues to expand its footprint across the US OMAHA, Neb., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- EAD Services, P.C. (EAD), a leading engineering consulting and project management services organization, opened its newest office location in Cary, NC with the intent to offer EAD's complete list of services, announced Stephen Lichter, EAD's CEO. "We're committed to our clients in all areas of our business and saw this as a perfect opportunity to locate our full suite of services in a key area for our current and future clients," Lichter said. The expansion aligns with EAD's plan to expand its footprint and increase operational efficiencies, providing clients with a more local experience that drives down their costs. The company plans to onboard additional professionals immediately in Cary, NC. Jeff Kious is the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) and managing director of EAD's new Cary, NC office. He has over 25 years of experience as a project manager and engineer providing mechanical and electrical systems consulting for the food processing industry. Througout his career at EAD, Jeff has overseen the design and engineering of multiple multi-million-dollar projects in the food processing, pharmaceutical, and parcel / logistics industries. He is responsible for providing executive level oversight of strategic technical initiatives and ensuring client satisfaction in every project. Jeff has earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, and an Associate of Applied Science in Solar Technologies and Energy Management. He is a licensed professional mechanical engineer in 29 US States and Puerto Rico. EAD conducted extensive research, which included evaluating several other cities within the United States, prior to selecting Cary as the site of their new office. The organization weighted the selection criteria for their investment with a focus on what the prospective cities offered in terms of opportunity to scale, local talent, proximity to educational institutions, opportunity for future client investments, and quality of life for EAD employees. EAD plans to add multiple regional offices before the end of 2023. About EAD Services, P.C. EAD is a US headquartered engineering consulting and services firm with over 20 years of experience advising global clients in the pharmaceutical, bio-processing, chemical manufacturing, food, and parcel / logistics industries. EAD specializes in working with clients that operate 24/7/365 and demand a high level of quality, performance, and validation in every project. Learn more about EAD by visiting our website at www.eadcorporate.com. Contact info: [email protected] Contact Person: Debra Lammel Company: EAD Services, P.C. Address 3635 South 149th Street, Omaha, NE 68144 Phone: +1.402.884.8650 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ead-opened-a-new-regional-office-in-cary-north-carolina-301670342.html SOURCE EAD Services, P.C. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] iGan Partners Pitch to Heal Competition awarding $600k to leading Canadian healthcare start-up TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2022 /CNW/ - iGan Partners is hosting their leading MedTech showcase Pitch to Heal contest this week. The Firm announced in August that they were seeking early-stage medical device and digital health companies from across Canada to apply for a chance to win up to $600k seed investment alongside partners Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization and the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation. We were inundated with applications from startups which speaks to the amount of innovation happening here in healthcare. iGan narrowed the over 100 applications received down to three companies. They will pitch to a panel of high-profile judges on Nov 10th including Canadian medical doctor and journlist Dr. Marla Shapiro and Kim Furlong, CEO of the CVCA. The three companies that have been selected are: Medly Therapeutics: Empowers patients to take an active role in their self-management of heart failure, and supports clinicians by providing them with real-time, relevant and contextualized data on their patients' clinical status. Rehabtronics: Using neuroscience innovations to improve the lives of people with mobility impairment. Their new product Prelivia, helps protect patients from pressure injuries. FirstHX: A cloud-based system that can be quickly and easily deployed in 30 mins. It helps patients tell their medical history effectively to the healthcare team. Each of these companies leverage novel technology to improve quality of care and patient outcomes, while reducing the cost of care. Bestselling author, host of CBC's Radio's White Coat, Black Art and veteran emergency room physician Dr. Brian Goldman will be the MC for the evening. His latest book The Power of Teamwork reflects on the high-pressure and complex setting of healthcare, and how a new approach to teamwork is leading to healthier patients, happier staff and more efficient operations. iGan have also selected Movember as their charity of choice this year with all donations made on the night going to the leading cause changing the face of men's health. A growing number of men around 10.8M globally are facing life with a prostate cancer diagnosis, and across the world males account for 69% of all suicides. "It's been 3 years since our last Pitch to Heal event and we are excited to be back. This year is even bigger than previous years with close to 250 guests from all across the healthcare community in Canada. We were inundated with applications from startups which speaks to the amount of innovation happening here in the healthcare ecosystem. The winner on Nov 10th will receive a $600,000 cheque!" said Sam Ifergan, Managing Partner at iGan. This year's event is being held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto and is by invitation only. About iGan Partners: iGan Partners is the largest medtech VC investor in Canadian companies. We partner with entrepreneurs to commercialize and scale their disruptive innovations. We empower visionary founders with capital and true resources required to grow extraordinary, high-impact companies in Healthcare Technology, Medical Devices, and Digital Health. SOURCE iGan Partners [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Atlanta University Center Consortium Launches New Institute to Increase Black Engineers IDEA aims to build the number of Black engineers creating an institute focused on dual-degree engineering. ATLANTA, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Historically Black Colleges and Universities have produced 40 percent of all Black engineers in America. The Atlanta University Center Consortium (www.aucenter.edu), with an established Dual Degree Engineering Program, has contributed to this number for over five decades with a mission to increase the number of Black engineers. Atlanta University Center Consortium expands efforts to increase the number of Black engineers in the nation. Now with a $1.5 million investment from the A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation, the Atlanta University Center Consortium aims to expand its efforts to increase the number of minority engineers by creating the Institute for Dual Degree Engineering Advancemnt (IDEA). IDEA will be a national hub for collaboration between 250 DDEP programs across the nation, providing models for best practices for dual degree engineering students. IDEA will create the first institute in the nation at a consortium of historically black, private, liberal arts higher education institutions focused on dual-degree engineering. Graduates of dual-degree engineering earn a liberal arts degree at an AUC institution and an engineering degree at one of nine engineering partner schools. Because of the emphasis on leadership, communication, and service in liberal arts education, the AUC has produced a unique brand of engineers with valuable soft skills. The current AUC DDEP program strengthens the engineering field, supporting the matriculation of over 5,000 alumni and over 400 current students across three campuses, Clark Atlanta University , Morehouse College , and Spelman College . "Like the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation's mission to focus on today's challenges, the Atlanta University Center Consortium's Dual Degree Engineering Program answered the clarion call of America to increase the number of students graduating in STEM,"said Dr. Said Sewell, Director of Academics, Research and Student Success. Leaders will announce the program and gift to faculty, staff, students and special guests on Wednesday, November 9, at 11:30a.m. at the AUC Robert Woodruff Library in the Atlanta University Center. Learn more about the program here: https://aucenter.edu/ddep/ About the AUCC The Atlanta University Center Consortium, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Georgia, formed in 1929 to operate on behalf of its member institutionsClark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman Collegeis the world's oldest and largest association of historically Black colleges and universities. Contact: Teresa D. Southern Manager of Communications, Marketing & Events [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/atlanta-university-center-consortium-launches-new-institute-to-increase-black-engineers-301670377.html SOURCE Atlanta University Center Consortium [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] CRS Data's Leading MLS Tax Suite Welcomes Five New Customers CRS Data, a leading provider of property tax data in the U.S., has welcomed five new customers over the past six months. The innovative property data provider is committed to showcasing their investment into innovative growth and differentiating the MLS Tax Suite with personalized service. Over the last six months, CRS Data's MLS Tax Suite has expanded its national reach with five new MLS and association customers, including several alliances and regionals representing multiple groups. The company's customer-first approach continues to serve as a differentiator and the intuitive MLS Tax Suite inspires ease of use, empowering users to ambitiously service clients. CRS Data's newest customers include: Black Hills Association of Realtors, SmartMLS, MIBOR REALTOR Association, REALTOR ssociation of Sioux Empire and Greater Pocatello Association of REALTORS. "We are thrilled to welcome these five new customers to CRS Data's MLS Tax Suite," said Sara Cooper, executive vice president of the MLS Market. "In everything we do, we strive to give our customers the best in digital property data and robust, intuitive tools that will help them succeed. We are excited about this opportunity to build new relationships and discover fresh ways to elevate the experience for our users." The CRS Data team is committed to growing and nurturing the company's innovative data solutions to best serve customers' needs. "Our customer-first philosophy drives every part of our business, from customer service and user support to product enhancements and customized solutions," shared Cooper. "The talent we retain and attract within our company provides unparalleled expertise to ensure that we are constantly refreshing our platform with intuitive elements and intelligent data that enriches the lives of real estate agents across the U.S. and Canada." Throughout the MLS Tax Suite, all product features are accompanied by written and video tutorials. The team's help desk is also available by phone or email, and CRS Data hosts in-person meetings and live webinars to provide real-time support to customers. This integrated approach to customer support helps users get the most out of their property data, map tools and more, demonstrating CRS Data's dedication to personable customer support, ease of use and a multifaceted, user-driven approach to product development. The CRS Data team is reaching new MLSs and associations across the U.S. and Canada to offer their flexible, robust MLS Tax Suite. Agents and executives can learn more by visiting https://www.crsdata.com/mls-tax-suite/. About CRS Data: Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., CRS Data is a leading provider of public property record information servicing bankers, MLSs, appraisers, investors, and other specialty financial customers across the U.S. CRS Data is focused on providing accurate and timely property data, quality products and unparalleled customer satisfaction. Visit www.crsdata.com to learn more. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005827/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] UKG Launches Startup Ecosystem and Virtual Laboratory: UKG Labs UKG, a leading provider of HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions for all people, today announced the launch of UKG Labs, a startup ecosystem and virtual laboratory of early-stage companies from around the world with products and ideas poised to help transform the HCM landscape by tackling some of the most important challenges facing people now and in the near future. Startups selected to join UKG Labs collaborate closely with UKG to benefit from the company's HCM, workforce management, and overall technical domain expertise; drive growth with counsel from a diverse group of UKG leaders to address identified challenges; and engage with UKG customers to conduct market discovery, gather feedback, and prove validity of concepts. The program also provides UKG customers with an opportunity to explore new and emerging technologies and test leading edge products during formative stages to shape the future of the HCM and HR technology market. "Our mission for UKG Labs is to accelerate innovation in the workplace to help organizations support and guide people along their individual life-work journeys," said Hugo Sarrazin, chief product and technology officer at UKG. "We do this by investing our most valuable resource - our people - with innovators who have great products and visions for how technology can create truly remarkable experiences that foster autonomy, meaning, and purpose at work for all people." From a pool of 1,000 early-stage startups, UKG selected six inaugural participating companies. Each completed a rigorous three-month engagement - at no cost and without diluting equity - and were invited to exhibit at UKG Aspire 2022 to showcase their innovations and share their experience. They include: AdeptID, based in Boston, is on a mission to identify hidden talents of employees based in Boston, is on a mission to identify hidden talents of employees Beamible, based in Sydney, is addressing burnout and turnover via role design based in Sydney, is addressing burnout and turnover via role design Growthspace, based in Telaviv, is adding intention to professional development based in Telaviv, is adding intention to professional development Teamforce AI, based in San Francisco, is tackling deskless and frontline workforce communication based in San Francisco, is tackling deskless and frontline workforce communication Teamraderie, based in Los Altos, Calif., is bringing connection and trust to hybrid work environments based in Los Altos, Calif., is bringing connection and trust to hybrid work environments Roleshare, based in London, is facilitating the future of shared jobs About UKG At UKG, our purpose is people. As strong believers in the power of culture and belonging as the secret to success, we champion great workplaces and build lifelong partnerships with our customers to show what's possible when businesses invest in their people. Born from a historic merger that created one of the world's leading HCM cloud companies, our Life-work Technology approach to HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions for all people helps more than 70,000 organizations around the globe and across every industry anticipate and adapt to their employees' needs beyond just work. To learn more, visit ukg.com. Copyright 2022 UKG Inc. All rights reserved. For a full list of UKG trademarks, please visit ukg.com/trademarks. All other trademarks, if any, are property of their respective owners. All specifications are subject to change. Follow UKG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005781/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Medidata Gathers Life Sciences Leaders to 'Solve Their Impossible' at NEXT New York Conference Medidata, a Dassault Systemes company, will gather hundreds of the best and brightest members of the life sciences industry to explore the latest innovations-from the next generation of clinical data management to scaling decentralized trials through advanced analytics and patient insights. NEXT New York, November 15-16, will feature interactive experiences along with provocative discussions of the leading issues in clinical trial research. Life sciences' most innovative thinkers have been invited to "Come Solve Your Impossible" and enable tomorrow's breakthroughs. A limited number of seats are available. To register please click here. "NEXT New York will be an experience like no other event in life sciences. We've worked to curate a mix of speakers and attendees to generate a unique perspective on solving the most pressing industry challenges," said Sastry Chilukuri, Medidata co-CEO. "Our leading, unified clinical trial platform is uniquely positioned to help the industry run tomorrow's trials today and accelerate the development of drugs, vaccines, and medical devices, benefiting patients worldwide." Following opening remarks from Tarek Sherif, Life Sciences and Healthcare Sector Board Chairman at Dassault Systemes, Chilukuri, Medidata co-CEO Rama Kondru, and its Patient Cloud CEO Anthony Costello will take the stage for the opening keynote focused on the future of the industry, including the critical elements to consider in building and launching the clinical trials of the future. The agenda sessions organized by industrytracks includes: DCT and the Patient Experience Become a DCT Master: Understanding the Lifecycle of Decentralized Clinical Trials (pre-event session) - Attendees will learn some of the foundational elements of designing decentralized/hybrid clinical trials, and how these advancements in study design impact patients, sponsors, and sites - Attendees will learn some of the foundational elements of designing decentralized/hybrid clinical trials, and how these advancements in study design impact patients, sponsors, and sites Bristol Myers Squibb, Emerson Clinical Research Institute, Meridian Clinical Research - Two Truths and a Lie: What Do Sites REALLY Think About eConsent? - Two Truths and a Lie: What Do Sites REALLY Think About eConsent? Circuit Clinical, Merck, Moderna, ICON, Seagen - The DCT Power Hour - The DCT Power Hour Medidata - Unveiling the new myMedidata App for eCOA: Designer-powered to Expedite Build Times & Study Start Up Clinical Operations Moderna - Moderna's Success with End-to-End Risk Detection and Quality Oversight - Moderna's Success with End-to-End Risk Detection and Quality Oversight ACRO (Association of Clinical Research Organizations) - Keeping Up with Quality: Insights on How the Industry is Adopting Risk-Based Quality Management - Keeping Up with Quality: Insights on How the Industry is Adopting Risk-Based Quality Management Moffitt Cancer Center & PTC Therapeutics - Don't Become a Financial Burden! The Power of Collaboration for Financial Success - Don't Become a Financial Burden! The Power of Collaboration for Financial Success PROMETRIKA - Lost in Translation: How to Get Clinical Operations and Data Management to Speak the Same Language Medical Device Abbott, Conformal Medical - Accelerating Technology Adoption and Patient-centricity in Medical Device Trials - Accelerating Technology Adoption and Patient-centricity in Medical Device Trials ICON Medical Imaging - The Future of Medical Imaging: How Artificial Intelligence can Transform the Medical Device Industry - The Future of Medical Imaging: How Artificial Intelligence can Transform the Medical Device Industry Stryker - Tomorrow's Trials Today: Digital Innovation in Medical Device Data Management Moderna, Merck, ICON - The Evolution of eSource and the Revolution in Clinical Data Management - The Evolution of eSource and the Revolution in Clinical Data Management Syneos Health - Solving the EHR to EDC Challenge: A New Perspective, Approach, and Technology - Solving the EHR to EDC Challenge: A New Perspective, Approach, and Technology Seagen - Testing, Testing, 123...456: Experiences with the Rave Coder+ Beta Program Evidence Generation PPD - Integrated Diversity Data to Drive More Representative Trials - Integrated Diversity Data to Drive More Representative Trials Johnson & Johnson - Is Data Linkage the Next Big Thing in Real World Evidence? - Is Data Linkage the Next Big Thing in Real World Evidence? Parexel, Emerson Clinical Research Institute, Edwards Lifesciences - Diversity by Design: Making Clinical Trials Equitable - Diversity by Design: Making Clinical Trials Equitable Medidata - Deciding When an External Control Arm is Right for Your Trial From Ideation to Commercialization BIOVIA - Bedside to Bench: Model-based Design and Development for Precision Medicine and Novel Therapeutics Industry Roundtables PPD - Diversity in Clinical Trials - Diversity in Clinical Trials Blue Spark Technologies - In a Digital World-What's Your Digital Strategy? The Benefits of Wearable Sensors in Clinical Trials - In a Digital World-What's Your Digital Strategy? The Benefits of Wearable Sensors in Clinical Trials International Indirect Tax - Reducing Global Tax Risk Within Clinical Trials: Be in the Know NEXT New York will be capped off by recognizing the winner of the inaugural Glen de Vries Epic Award, a new honor in memory of Medidata's co-founder, who tragically passed away in November 2021. NEXT New York is sponsored by some of the top organizations in life sciences, including: PPD, Syneos Health, eClinical, ICON, Labcorp, TempTraq, Caidya, Circuit Clinical, CTI, Everest Clinical Research, Parexel, and PROMETRIKA. Medidata is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dassault Systemes, which with its 3DEXPERIENCE platform is positioned to lead the digital transformation of life sciences in the age of personalized medicine with the first end-to-end scientific and business platform, from research to commercialization. About Medidata Medidata is leading the digital transformation of life sciences, creating hope for millions of patients. Medidata helps generate the evidence and insights to help pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and diagnostics companies, and academic researchers accelerate value, 2,000+ customers and partners access the world's most trusted platform for clinical development, commercial, and real-world data. Medidata, a Dassault Systemes company (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA), is headquartered in New York City and has offices around the world to meet the needs of its customers. Discover more at www.medidata.com and follow us @Medidata. About Dassault Systemes Dassault Systemes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, is a catalyst for human progress. We provide business and people with collaborative 3D virtual environments to imagine sustainable innovations. By creating virtual twin experiences of the real world with our 3DEXPERIENCE platform and applications, our customers push the boundaries of innovation, learning and production to achieve a more sustainable world for patients, citizens, and consumers. Dassault Systemes brings value to more than 300,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 140 countries. For more information, visit www.3ds.com. 3DEXPERIENCE, the Compass icon, the 3DS logo, CATIA, BIOVIA, GEOVIA, SOLIDWORKS, 3DVIA, ENOVIA, NETVIBES, MEDIDATA, CENTRIC PLM, 3DEXCITE, SIMULIA, DELMIA, and IFWE are commercial trademarks or registered trademarks of Dassault Systemes, a French "societe europeenne" (Versailles Commercial Register # B 322 306 440), or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005794/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] By Xiang Haoyu British Financial Times reported that the Japanese Defense Ministry has recently announced its official admission to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE), which proclaims to be the most authoritative cybersecurity agency in the whole world. In recent years, Japan has had frequent interactions with the UK in military security and maintained a close relationship with NATO as well. Against such a background, joining NATOs cyber defense center is the Japanese Liberal Democratic Partys latest move to seek to break away from military restrictions. The Ukraine crisis has shown a major feature of modern warfare is operations in the cognitive domain, mainly cyber war and information war, which lends an unprecedented importance to reinforcing cybersecurity and cyber offensive/defensive capability. The CCDCOE has shot up as a rising star in such a context, whose acceptance of two heavyweight Asian countries Japan and ROK this year marks a breakthrough in NATOs efforts at globalization. From the perspective of the US-led military bloc, incorporating Japan and ROK in the US-dominated multilateral cybersecurity cooperation framework will further intensify the Wests domination over international cyberspace while fostering pivots of cyber confrontation in Northeast Asia to better serve their strategic needs of containing China. Although joining the cyber defense center doesnt mean Japans accession to NATO, the move nevertheless released messages that consisted with Tokyos persistent pursuit for relaxation of the military restrictions on it. At the end of this year, the Fumio Kishida administration will release the latest edition of three key defense policy documents National Security Strategy, National Defense Program Guidelines, and Mid-Term Defense Program. As the LDP government has been constantly hyping external threats and stoking a public sense of crisis through media manipulation, it is generally believed that the upcoming documents will further exaggerate the severe external security environment and specifically demand a massive increase in defense expenditure and development of aggressive combat capabilities. That will further shallow out the Pacifist Constitution and the defense only policy, leading Japan one step closer to its goal of becoming a military power. In its latest Defense White Paper released in July 2022, the Japanese government made enhancing combat capabilities in cyberspace and outer space a key direction of its defense policy adjustment, planning to increase human and fiscal input comprehensively and trying to secure a vantage point in the cutting-edge domain of international security. The Japan Self-defense Forces formed a 540-member cyber defense unit in March that is responsible for cyber defense and combat operations, and plans to swell the ranks to 5,000 people. JSDF has participated in several multinational cyberwar exercises this year, including CCDCOEs Locked Shields in April. Japans Yomiuri Shinbun reported recently that the Japanese government will write establishing a proactive cyber defense system in the National Security Strategy to be issued at year end. Sources said policies will be adjusted to give JSDF more power to enable it to not only regularly monitor cyberspace, detect signs of incoming attacks, and lock the source of attack, but also to take preemptive countermeasures. Cyberspace, a virtual existence, is stealthier as a domain of warfare than the land, sea and airspace where conventional combats take place. Japans attempt to break the Pacifist Constitutions restriction on its development of aggressive military forces and to exercise aggressive combat subjects will also be more secretive when shielded by the pretext of strengthening cyber warfare capability and defense capacity. However, playing the old trick of hyping external threats in the field of cybersecurity will only stretch the geopolitical tension in Northeast Asia to cyberspace, aggravate the risk of militarizing cyberspace, and add new uncertainties to the region and the world at large. NATO, a military security bloc with a deep-seated Cold War mentality, is an important tool for the US to maintain its global hegemony, and its CCDCOE just exposes Americas strategic intention of continuously pushing forward the frontline of the New Cold War. Whether its NATOs infiltration into the Asia Pacific or the latter becoming a mini-version of NATO, the military bloc stretching its antenna to the region will take a serious toll on regional peace, stability and cooperation. In face of the mounting risk of military confrontation in cyberspace, China must take precautions and countries in the region must stay fully alert against the trend of cyber militarization. (The author is a special researcher at the Department for Asia-Pacific Studies, China Institute of International Studies) Editor's note: Originally published on huanqiu.com, 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. [November 07, 2022] Learning is Made More Enticing through the Linkage of Earning Opportunities Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Men are driven by the desire to achieve. A simple chore that holds no reward is often completed in a longer time duration by an individual as compared to a chore that holds rewards. The world is rapidly shifting to web 3.0 from web 2.0 and benefiting greatly from it. Almost all the leading sectors of the world are in some way, or another amalgamated with web 3.0 and cryptocurrency. Up till now, the only sector lagging in this regard was the education sector. This sector has made it to the internet but its amalgamation with web 3.0 is still awaited. Reach is an ultimate firm that has introduced the education sector to web 3.0 and ameliorated the practice of e-learning by offering certain benefits and incentives to the people. E-learning Imagine students sitting in front of electronic gadgets like computers, laptops, and tablets and learning through digital courses instead of a traditional classroom setting where they get a chance to interact with other students and the teacher. This is the simplest way that E-learning can be defined. Although E-learning might be convenient and flexible for students, its effectiveness is dampened by the lack of interpersonal communication between students and teachers. The limited interaction with fellow students also turns learning into sessions of boredom. Reach has dived into the very depth of this problem and has figured out a great solution for it. The firm introduces the concept of rewarding students for every accomplishment that they attain along the path of these digital courses. Learn 2 Earn Learn 2 Earn is a concept of rewarding users for tasks that they perform and is widely being used in the world of crypto. The concept has proved to be of utmost benefit and is considered the driving force behind most of the activities being performed on web 3.0. L2E Courses Platform Reach houses a platform that consists of a digital library where individuals can access courses on personal development and business education. After going through videos of these courses users can attempt quizzes and tests. These tests not only prepare one for the courses that they intend to learn but also help them earn rewards in the form of $READ (the governing token ofthe platform). Thus, Reach is the ultimate platform for individuals who wish to learn and earn simultaneously. The Board A community governing a firm is considered much better than a biased centralized government. In todays world, companies on web 3.0 are adopting the concept of a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization). In simple words, it can be defined as an organization within a firm that forms the governing body and is influenced by the community members itself. The Board is a DAO. Voting pertaining to crucial matters of the firm is conducted in this organization. Decisions regarding the courses being offered, the tutors being hired, and other governing decisions are made here. Individuals wishing to participate in decision-making must hold a specific amount of $READ tokens in their wallets for a specific time. Leap (Acceleration Program) Reach believes in lending a helping hand and support to new business ideas. To achieve this end, it allocates a portion of the tax collected for funding new ideas and projects. Again, the decision regarding which project to fund is made by The Board where holders of $READ vote for the project they deem best. Tokenomics $READ has a total supply of 200 million coins. 30% of the supply is reserved for presale, 18% for liquidity, 15% for protocol rewards, 15% for CEX listing, 10% for the team, 7% for advisors, and the remaining 5% for marketing. Reach imposes a 2% tax on each transaction half of which is deposited in the treasury and the other half used for student rewards. Conclusion To sum things up, Reach is a top-notch firm in web 3.0 that is not only revolutionizing E-learning and making it more exhilarating but also helping to uplift the business sector through its supporting programs. It aspires to create the most colossal and renowned digital library accessible throughout the globe. To get more information about Reach, visit the projects official website or read their lite paper to know more about the community. Website | Telegram | Twitter | Medium | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok PinkSale: https://www.pinksale.finance/launchpad/0xd8298d0bF0bA9a41AA14b81BeE5204A440A82437?chain=BSC Disclaimer: The information provided in this release is not investment advice, financial advice or trading advice. It is recommended that you practice due diligence (including consultation with a professional financial advisor before investing or trading securities and cryptocurrency. Wade Spencer Reach DAO support (at) reachdao.io [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Safe-Guard Celebrates Three Decades of Service Excellence and Remains Bullish on North American Growth for 2023 ATLANTA, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Safe-Guard Products International, LLC, the leading provider of branded protection products for the automotive, RV, powersports and marine industries is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The company is focused on closing out a strong year with plans for additional growth in 2023. From its founding in 1992, Safe-Guard has dramatically grown and adapted each decade in business. From its founding in 1992, Safe-Guard has dramatically grown and adapted each decade in business. The company continues to lead the industry with relevant and timely products to match customer and consumer demand, while also keeping an eye on the future and what may be needed as the industry evolves. A small team of 22 agents administering 19,000 Theft Protection contracts in 1992 has matured into a workforce of over 700 and more than 5 million contracts annually throughout the U and Canada. "After joining the company in 2008, I think many of us had an idea of where this company could go," said Safe-Guard CEO Randy Barkowitz. "However, it is a testament to our employees, management team and customers that we have continued to realize the sustained growth and level of success we have achieved over the last 30 years. I'm proud to work alongside our talented team of professionals." Between inception and 2008, many of Safe-Guard's core products were launched and partnerships with key OEMs, agents, and financial service companies were critical to the company's maturation. Over the course of the subsequent 15 years, key hires, additional partnerships with clients and industry giants like GM Financial, Hyundai Capital, Nissan Canada, and AutoNation have propelled Safe-Guard's growth. Executive leadership has been instrumental in exceeding growth goals while advancements in technology and innovation remain a driving force behind the company's product offerings. "As we expand our footprint with new clients and dealers, our focus will remain on providing innovative business solutions that help those most important to us sell efficiently and provide desired and valuable training and coverage that will strengthen the relationships our customers have with their stakeholders," added Barkowitz. Today over 130,000 claims are processed each month for more than 65 brands powered by Safe-Guard Products, protecting over 40 million consumers throughout North America. About Safe-Guard Products International Founded in 1992 and based in Atlanta, Safe-Guard Products International, LLC is the leading provider of vehicle protection products in the finance and insurance space to the automotive, RV, marine and motorcycle/powersports industries. The company develops, markets, and administers the highest-quality programs and matches them with unparalleled customer service, advanced technology solutions, and industry-leading sales and marketing. Safe-Guard is a proud partner to top retailers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and independent agents across the United States and Canada. Visit safe-guardproducts.com for more information. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/safe-guard-celebrates-three-decades-of-service-excellence-and-remains-bullish-on-north-american-growth-for-2023-301670482.html SOURCE Safe-Guard Products International [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] EQUITY ALERT: Rosen Law Firm Encourages Eve Holding, Inc. Investors to Inquire About Securities Class Action Investigation - EVEX, EVEXW WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Eve Holding, Inc. (NYSE: EVEX, EVEXW) resulting from allegations that Eve may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. SO WHAT: If you purchased Eve securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=9607 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: In May 2022, Eve UAM, LLC and Zanite Acquisition Corp. completed a SPAC merger which resulted in Eve Holding, Inc. and the Company's securities trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols EVEX and EVEXW. Then, on September 29, 2022, after trading hours, Eve announced that "[o]n September 23, 2022, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Audit Committee") concluded that the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Form 10-Q fo the quarter ended June 30, 2022[] should not be relied upon." Further, Eve announced that it "currently estimates that the adjustments will have the effect of increasing net loss by approximately $87 million as a result of a non-cash expense, and increasing additional paid-in capital by the same amount, for the three months ended June 30, 2022." Eve stated that it "reviewed its accounting for certain warrants to acquire an aggregate of 24,200,000 shares of common stock, that were issued and became exercisable at the closing on May 9, 2022 of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement and taking into account the technical accounting rules and interpretations regarding the accounting treatment of similar warrants, the Company expects to recognize certain non-cash expenses associated with the issuance of such warrants for the three months ended June 30, 2022." On this news, Eve's stock fell $2.05 per share, or 20%, over the next two trading days to close at $7.89 per share on October 3, 2022. 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 litigate securities class actions. 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. 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005911/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Apollo GraphQL Welcomes Smruti Patel to Company's Leadership Team Today, Apollo GraphQL, the supergraph company, announced that it has expanded its leadership team, welcoming Smruti Patel as Vice President of engineering. Patel brings more than 15 years of engineering leadership experience to Apollo, having previously led infrastructure teams at Stripe and VMWare. "We're so excited to have Smruti on board," said Matt DeBergalis, Apollo co-founder and CTO. "Apollo's entire mission revolves around delivering world-class developer experiences, whether that's through our products, or as part of our team. Adding a leader of Smruti's caliber shows that we've been successful in doing that so far, and that we're investing in getting even better as we grow." Patel joined Stripe in early 2018, leading a cloud efficiency team, to optimize their overall infrastructure spend. She envisioned a "shift left" engineering culture to design highly performant and efficient Stripe products with economies of scale, and built the Latency, Efficiency, Attribution and Performance group. She moved on to lead the Data Platform engineering organization which hosts the underlying big data, async and stream processing infrastructure for Stripe's mission-critical business, while ensuringits security, compliance, reliability, and efficiency. Under Patel's leadership, the Data Platform brought dozens of discrete products under its umbrella and scaled the team from 30 people to nearly 180. The Data Platform organization now also maintains Stripe's public search API, operates key internal data solutions, and supports core data quality tooling and abstractions. Before Stripe, Patel spent 11 years at VMWare building the company's enterprise disaster recovery solution, and led a cloud-based data protection initiative. "I'm excited to work with a phenomenal set of people across all disciplines at Apollo on a mission that deeply resonates with me," said Patel. "After being in tech for two decades, it all comes down to people. Apollo is filled with great people who are consistently focused on its values of stewardship, caring, and a constant growth mindset. When the opportunity to build great things with this team arose, I couldn't pass it up. Apollo has incredible opportunities in the app development space, and I can't wait to help realize the company's mission to help developers help the world." About Apollo GraphQL Apollo GraphQL, the supergraph company, is the leader in open source and commercial GraphQL technologies. Apollo helps engineering teams build supergraphs that accelerate application development and deliver better, more cohesive experiences. Apollo's open-source GraphQL client, server, and gateway are downloaded more than 17M times per month and used in production by over 30 percent of the Fortune 500. Customers like Walmart, Expedia, Glassdoor, Audi, and PayPal, use the Apollo Graph Platform to unify their GraphQL efforts, collaborate on graph development, and safely iterate on their graphs. Based in San Francisco, Apollo is backed by Insight Partners, Andreessen Horowitz, Matrix Partners, and Trinity Ventures. Learn more at: https://www.apollographql.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005931/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Alliance Memory to Highlight Latest SRAM, DRAM, eMMC, and Flash Memory ICs at electronica 2022 KIRKLAND, Wash., Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alliance Memory today announced its technology lineup for electronica 2022, taking place Nov. 15-18 at the Trade Fair Center in Munich, Germany. Exhibiting in Hall C3, Stand 328, the company will be highlighting its latest SRAM, DRAM, eMMC, and flash memory ICs for the communications, computing, embedded, IoT, industrial, and consumer markets. Its hard to believe its been four years since electronica was last held, said David Bagby, president and CEO of Alliance Memory. In that time, weve been extremely busy expanding our portfolio of memory solutions, whether its bolstering our lineup of DDR3 SDRAMs or adding new products like DDR4 SDRAMs and eMMCs. We cant wait to meet up with our valued distributors and customers to show them what weve been up to and how we continue to be their trusted source for a growing range of must-have memory ICs. At electronica 2022, Alliance Memory will showcase eMMC solutions that integrate NAND flash memory with an eMMC controller and flash transition layer (FTL) management software in a single package for solid-state storage in consumer, industrial, and networking applications. The devices simplify designs for fast and easy system integration speeding up product development and time to market while saving space by eliminating the need for an external controller. The solutions are compliant with the JEDEC eMMC v5.1 industry standard and available with densities of 4GB and 8GB. A 16GB device will be released in December 2022. Built on a finer process that results in a smaller chip than Alliance Memorys original 4GB DDR4 SDRAMs, new A die versions will be on display at electronica 2022 that deliver improved performance with lower power consumption own to +1.2V (0.06V), faster clock speeds to 1600MHz, and higher transfer rates to 3200Mbps at a lower cost. The devices are ideal for the industrial, networking, telecommunications, gaming, and consumer markets, for which Alliance Memory is utilizing a dual sourcing strategy to ensure supply longevity. In addition, the company is offering a 16GB Micron Technology DDR4 SDRAM for a wide range of applications. Alliance Memory will highlight 3V and 1.8V multiple input/output serial NOR Flash memory products, which are designed to provide supply continuity to Micron Technology customers utilizing discontinued devices. The NOR Flash products combine fast read performance up to 133MHz with fast program and erase times. Available in 8-pin SOP wide body (208mils) and 8L WSON (6x5mm) packages with densities of 64Mb and 128Mb, the devices provide reliable, long-term performance with high program/erase cycles and long data retention. In addition, Alliance Memory will highlight its lineup of DDR3 (1.5V) and DDR3L (1.35V) SDRAMs, which includes 512Mb, 1Gb, 2Gb, 4Gb, and 8Gb devices in x8/x16 bus widths, offered in 78-ball and 96-ball FBGA packages across commercial, industrial, and automotive temperature ranges. Offering a double data rate architecture for extremely fast transfer rates of up to 2133Mbps/pin and clock rates of 1066MHz, the devices provide reliable drop-in, pin-for-pin compatible replacements for a number of similar solutions used in conjunction with newer-generation microprocessors for industrial, medical, networking, consumer, telecom, aerospace, and automotive applications. electronica is the worlds leading trade fair for components, systems, and applications. More information on the event is available at http://www.electronica.de/. About Alliance Memory Inc. Alliance Memory is a worldwide provider of critical and hard-to-find memory ICs for the communications, computing, consumer electronics, medical, automotive, and industrial markets. The companys product range includes flash, DRAM, and SRAM memory ICs with commercial, industrial, and automotive operating temperature ranges and densities from 64Kb to 8GB. Privately held, Alliance Memory maintains headquarters in Kirkland, Washington, and regional offices in Europe, Asia, Canada, and South America. More information about Alliance Memory is available online at www.alliancememory.com. Editor resources: Link to detailed product info: https://www.alliancememory.com/alliance-memory-at-electronica-2022/ Agency Contact: Bob Decker Redpines +1 415 409 0233 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] ComEd and Digital Realty Cut Ribbon on New Substation Serving Franklin Park Data Center Campus ComEd today joined Digital Realty, the largest global provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions, and community members to cut the ribbon on a new electrical substation that provides more power capacity to support future growth and operation of data centers in the region. The 4-acre substation is located on Digital Realty's data center campus and delivers new transformer technology and electrical upgrades that are essential to meeting growing demand. The new substation marks another milestone in ComEd's work to support the growth of the data center industry in northern Illinois, which has seen meteoric growth in recent years. ComEd has supported the launch of 16 new data center projects in the past two years, including six projects in 2021 alone which are bringing more than $2 billion in local capital investment to the region. "Through our continued investments to modernize grid infrastructure, ComEd is delivering reliable, clean and affordable power that 9 million people count on, while making our region more attractive for new investment and the jobs that come with it," said Gil Quiniones, CEO of ComEd. "We know that data centers have many location options, but companies like Digital Realty continue to choose northern Illinois thanks to the state's incentives as well as the investments we're making to deliver industry-leading reliability, with access to infrastructure and clean energy needed to meet the demands of today's customers. We thank Digital Realty for their continued confidence in northern Illinois and look forward to supporting their continued growth in the area." Digital Realty has over 300 facilities in 27 countries across six continents. The Franklin Park facility is one of seven sites the company owns in northern Illinois, and plans are underway to expand an existing site in Chicago's South Loop. The commissioning of the new substation in Franklin Park will help Digital Realty meet growing customer demand as the company expands its footprint to serve additional customers. "Northern Illinois and Franklin Park, in particular, are critical to Digital Realty's and our customer's businesses," said Bill Stein, CEO of Digital Realty. "We look forward to continued partnership with ComEd and others throughout the region to ensure our data center facilities deliver on the needs of our global customers while continuing to drive economic benefits for those in the region." Hundreds of ComEd employees and its contractors logged a total of over 60,000 hours designing and building the substation. Construction was led by general contractor, MJ Electric, with participation by several diverse-owned, local suppliers, including Heels and Hard Hats, Stevenson Energy and Sonoma Underground Services. New transmission system improvements, including delivery of new transformers, will support Digital Realty's campus and customers through enhanced regional reliability. "We are grateful that ComEd has provided our community with the infrastructure to power new growth industries in Franklin Park. Your support has allowed us to foster valuable partnerships with companies like Digital Realty," said Franklin Park Mayor Barrett Pedersen. "Together, we have kickstarted the revitalization of the eastern stretch of Grand Avenue with the removal of dated utility poles and the introduction of a state-of-the-art, high technology campus that Digital Realty calls home. We look forward to continuing this partnership and creating new opportunities for quality employment, redevelopment, and beautification in Franklin Park." This project marks the latest in a series of new substations created to establish the infrastructure needed to accommodate rapid growth of data centers and other industries in northern Illinois. Investments in infrastructure are helping yield the highest levels of reliability in ComEd's history - with ComEd delivering record-high reliability performance for first nine months of 2022, and customers today seeing fewer outages than ever before as a result. Overall, investments to strengthen the grid over the past decade have helped customers to avoid 18.8 million outages, contributing to $3 billion in savings due to avoided outages. Data centers continue to thrive in the region, thanks to relatively few natural disasters, competitive costs that fall lower than other metropolitan areas, and a new state data center incentive enacted in 2019. ComEd currently powers over 70 data centers in the region, and thanks to trending growth, the Chicago metro area is ranked in the top five for global data center markets. ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC), a Fortune 200 energy company with approximately 10 million electricity and natural gas customers - the largest number of customers in the U.S. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state's population. For more information visit ComEd.com, and connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005870/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Vicarious Surgical Reports Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results Vicarious Surgical Inc. ("Vicarious Surgical" or the "Company") (NYSE: RBOT, RBOT WS), a next-generation robotics technology company seeking to improve patient outcomes as well as both the cost and efficiency of surgical procedures, today announced financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2022. Management will host a corresponding conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET today, November 7, 2022. "During the third quarter, our team completed the integration phase of the Beta 2 system build, and I'm incredibly encouraged by the results of our cadaveric testing. We look forward to showcasing the finalized system at our upcoming investor and analyst event in December," said Adam Sachs, Chief Executive Officer of Vicarious Surgical. "We continue to focus our efforts on delivering an innovative system designed to address the specific needs of surgeons and hospital systems, with invaluable input from UPMC, our newest collaboration, and existing Center of Excellence partners UH and HCA." Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results Operating expenses were $22.2 million for the third quarter of 2022, compared to $8.6 million in the corresponding prior year period, an increase of 159%. R&D expenses for the third quarter of 2022 were $12.1 million, compared to $5.2 million in the third quarter of 2021. General and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2022 were $8.1 million, compared to $2.5 million in the third quarter of 2021. Sales and marketing expenses for the third quarter of 2022 were $1.9 million, compared to $0.8 million in the third quarter of 2021. Adjusted net loss for the third quarter was $21.7 million, equating to a loss of $0.18 per share, as compared to an adjusted net loss of $8.6 million, or a loss of $0.09 per share, for the same period of the prior year. GAAP Net loss for the third quarter was $24.7 million, equating to a basic and diluted net loss per share of $0.20, as compared to a net loss of $45.1 million or a basic and diluted net loss per share of $0.49 for the same period of the prior year. Cash burn rate for the third quarter of 2022 was $14.5 million. The company had $126.8 million cash and equivalents as of September 30, 2022. Conference Call Vicarious Surgical will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET on Monday, November 7, 2022, to discuss its third quarter 2022 financial results. The call may be accessed through an operator by dialing + 1 (646) 904 5544 for domestic callers or + 1 (929) 526 1599 for international callers, using access code: 084542. A live and archived webcast of the event will be available at https://investor.vicarioussurgical.com. About Vicarious Surgical Founded in 2014, Vicarious Surgical is a next generation robotics company developing a disruptive technology with the goals of increasing the efficiency of surgical procedures, improving patient outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs. The Company's novel surgical approach uses proprietary human-like surgical robots to transport surgeons inside the patient to perform minimally invasive surgery. The Company is led by an experienced team of technologists, medical device professionals and physicians, and is backed by technology luminaries including Bill Gates, Vinod Khosla's Khosla Ventures, Innovation Endeavors, Jerry Yang's AME Cloud Ventures, Sun Hung Kai & Co. Ltd and Philip Liang's E15 VC. The Company is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Learn more at www.vicarioussurgical.com. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures In addition to providing financial measurements that have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"), Vicarious Surgical provides additional financial metrics that are not prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP ("non-GAAP"). The non-GAAP financial measures included in this press release are Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Net Loss Per Share ("Adjusted EPS", and together with Adjusted Net Loss, "Non-GAAP Financial Measures"). The Company presents Non-GAAP Financial Measures in order to assist readers of its consolidated financial statements in understanding the core operating results that its management uses to evaluate the business and for financial planning purposes. Vicarious Surgical's Non-GAAP financial measures provide an additional tool for investors to use in comparing its financial performance over multiple periods. Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted EPS are key performance measures that Vicarious Surgical's management uses to assess its operating performance. These Non-GAAP Financial Measures facilitate internal comparisons of Vicarious Surgical's operating performance on a more consistent basis. Vicarious Surgical uses these performance measures for business planning purposes and forecasting. Vicarious Surgical believes that the Non-GAAP Financial Measures enhance an investor's understanding of Vicarious Surgical's financial performance as it is useful in assessing its operating performance from period-to-period by excluding certain items that Vicarious Surgical believes are not representative of its core business. The Non-GAAP Financials Measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies because they may not calculate this measure in the same manner. Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted EPS are not prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should not be considered in isolation of, or as an alternative to, measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. When evaluating Vicarious Surgical's performance, you should consider the Non-GAAP Financial Measures alongside other financial performance measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, including net loss. The Non-GAAP Financial Measures do not replace the presentation of Vicarious Surgical's U.S. GAAP financial results and should only be used as a supplement to, not as a substitute for, Vicarious Surgical's financial results presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In this press release, Vicarious Surgical has provided a reconciliation of Adjusted Net Loss to net loss, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, and the calculation for Adjusted EPS. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The company's actual results may differ from its expectations, estimates, and projections and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained herein, including without limitation the quotations of our Chief Executive Officer regarding Vicarious Surgical's opportunity, among other things, are forward-looking statements that reflect the current beliefs and expectations of management. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Most of these factors are outside Vicarious Surgical's control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact of COVID-19 on Vicarious Surgical's business; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the ability of Vicarious Surgical to raise financing in the future; the success, cost and timing of Vicarious Surgical's product and service development activities; the potential attributes and benefits of Vicarious Surgical's products and services; Vicarious Surgical's ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval for the Vicarious System, and any related restrictions and limitations of any approved product; the size and duration of human clinical trials for the Vicarious Surgical; Vicarious Surgical's ability to identify, in-license or acquire additional technology; Vicarious Surgical's ability to maintain its existing license, manufacture, supply and distribution agreements; Vicarious Surgical's ability to compete with other companies currently marketing or engaged in the development of products and services that Vicarious Surgical is currently marketing or developing; the size and growth potential of the markets for Vicarious Surgical's products and services, and its ability to serve those markets, either alone or in partnership with others; the pricing of Vicarious Surgical's products and services and reimbursement for medical procedures conducted using its products and services; the company's estimates regarding expenses, revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; Vicarious Surgical's financial performance; economic downturns, political and market conditions and their potential to adversely affect Vicarious Surgical's business, financial condition and results of operations; and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in Vicarious Surgical's filings with the SEC. Vicarious Surgical cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. The company cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Vicarious Surgical does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. VICARIOUS SURGICAL INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Operating expenses: Research and development $ 12,120 $ 5,189 $ 32,023 $ 12,804 Sales and marketing 1,912 842 4,625 1,393 General and administrative 8,130 2,530 22,820 6,206 Total operating expenses 22,162 8,561 59,468 20,403 Loss from operations (22,162 ) (8,561 ) (59,468 ) (20,403 ) Other income (expense): Change in fair value of warrant liabilities (3,038 ) (36,532 ) 75,291 (36,532 ) Interest income 494 - 603 1 Interest expense (31 ) (31 ) (89 ) (59 ) Income/(loss) before income taxes (24,737 ) (45,124 ) 16,337 (56,993 ) Provision for income taxes - - - - Net income/(loss) and comprehensive gain/(loss) $ (24,737 ) $ (45,124 ) $ 16,337 $ (56,993 ) Net income/(loss) per share of Class A and Class B common stock, basic $ (0.20 ) $ (0.49 ) $ 0.14 $ (0.64 ) Net income/(loss) per share of Class A and Class B common stock, diluted $ (0.20 ) $ (0.49 ) $ 0.12 $ (0.64 ) Weighted average shares, basic 121,965,277 92,233,000 121,201,693 89,211,046 Weighted average shares, diluted 121,965,277 92,233,000 131,102,132 89,211,046 VICARIOUS SURGICAL INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (in thousands, except share and per share data) September 30, December 31, 2022 2021 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 126,797 $ 173,507 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,535 4,867 Total current assets 131,332 178,374 Restricted cash 936 1,055 Property and equipment, net 5,941 2,250 Right-of-use assets 12,466 - Total assets $ 150,675 $ 181,679 Liabilities, Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 4,933 $ 1,500 Accrued expenses 5,367 4,098 Lease liabilities, current portion 750 - Current portion of equipment loans 28 47 Current portion of term loan 600 600 Total current liabilities 11,678 6,245 Lease liabilities, net of current portion 15,066 - Deferred rent - 1,631 Equipment loans, net of current portion - 16 Term loan, net of current portion and issuance costs 250 675 Warrant liabilities 14,729 90,021 Total liabilities 41,723 98,588 Stockholders' equity: Class A Common stock 10 10 Class B Common stock 2 2 Additional paid-in capital 159,401 149,877 Accumulated deficit (50,461 ) (66,798 ) Total stockholders' equity 108,952 83,091 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 150,675 $ 181,679 VICARIOUS SURGICAL INC. RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (in thousands, except share and per share data) Adjusted net loss and Adjusted EPS Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Net income/(loss) $ (24,737 ) $ (45,124 ) $ 16,337 $ (56,993 ) Change in fair value of warrant liabilities (3,038 ) (36,532 ) 75,291 (36,532 ) Adjusted net loss (21,699 ) (8,592 ) (58,954 ) (20,461 ) Adjusted EPS, basic $ (0.18 ) $ (0.09 ) $ (0.49 ) $ (0.23 ) Adjusted EPS, diluted $ (0.18 ) $ (0.09 ) $ (0.45 ) $ (0.23 ) Weighted average shares, basic 121,965,277 92,233,000 121,201,693 89,211,046 Weighted average shares, diluted 121,965,277 92,233,000 131,102,132 89,211,046 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107006071/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Advisors with $264 Million Join Ameriprise Financial for the Firm's Client-First Culture and Cutting-Edge Technology Today, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP) announced that financial advisors Laura Burback, AAMS and Kari Brown, AAMS, APMA joined the firm for its client-first culture and technology. The advisors operated separate practices in Casper, Wyoming at Edward Jones - Burback managed $212 million in client assets and Brown managed $52 million - and both chose to join Alliance Financial Partners, a well-established team within Ameriprise's independent channel led by financial advisor Larry Hubbard, CEPA, APMA. Advisor with 40 years of experience says Ameriprise is the right fit After 40 years in the industry, Burback evaluated broker-dealers and determined that Ameriprise was the best fit after being introduced to the firm's technology, including industry-leading financial planning capabilities, extensive investment research, and client-first culture. Ameriprise also provided the opportunity for Burback and her longtime business partner Andra Gentry to be part of a broader team. "Client service is my number one priority, and I quickly learned that the same is true for Larry, his team, and the Ameriprise teams supporting us," said Burback. "There's great communication from the corporate office to advisors on insights to help us serve clients, and the firm's cutting-edge technology is impressive because of the efficiency and power it provides." Reflecting on her experience building her business, she said, "In the early years of my career, back in the early 1980s, I had a manager tell me I wouldn't be successful as a financial advisor because I was a young woman. Thankfully, I believed in myself and was passionate about the opportunity to help my friends and family make financial decisions with confidence. It's gratifying to start accounts for the fourth generation of my first clients, and to mentor the next generation of women advisors. It's also gratifying to see how much the industry has evolved in the time since. Financial services today offers wonderful and supportive career opportunities for women and men of all backgrounds." Both advisors join Ameriprise team focused on growth Brown, who became an advisor two years ago, was also looking for more resources to serve her clients. She found that aligning with Alliance Financial Partners provided her with mentorship opportunities as well as efficiencies that create capacity for future growth. Brown joined Ameriprise and Alliance with her financial planning assistant Jessica Wilkinson. "Laura, Andra, Kari, and Jessica are wonderful additions to our team because of their steadfast commitment to clients and strong reputations in their community," said Hubbard. "We wanted to expand our footprint further into Wyoming and align with advisors who want to help their clients reach their financial goals." Alliance Financial Partners manages $405 million in client assets and is headquartered in Greeley, Colorado. The team also includes financial advisors Craig Conner, CFP, APMA, ChFC, Jade Maasch, APMA, Ben Waite, APMA and Jim Glover, CFP, AAMS and support staff Carolyn Gattis, Robert Timme, and Karen Mannina. Ameriprise has continued to attract experienced, productive financial advisors, with approximately 1,600 joining the firm in the last 5 years.1 Nine out of ten advisors who joined Ameriprise say the firm's technology, financial planning capabilities and ability to acquire clients is better than their previous firm.2 To find out why experienced financial advisors are joining Ameriprise, visit ameriprise.com/why. About Alliance Financial Partners Larry Hubbard, CEPA, APMA is the Franchise Owner of Alliance Financial Partners, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial, headquartered in Greeley, Colorado that employs seven financial advisors and five staff members who manage $405 million in client assets. The team received Ameriprise's Client Experience Award in 2021 recognizing the way they consistently deliver personalized, goal-based advice and exceptional client service. About Ameriprise Financial At Ameriprise Financial, we have been helping people feel confident about their financial future for more than 125 years. With extensive investment advice, asset management and insurance capabilities and a nationwide network of approximately 10,000 financial advisors, we have the strength and expertise to serve the full range of individual and institutional investors' financial needs. Not FDIC or NCUA Insured No Financial Institution Guarantee May Lose Value Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. 1 Ameriprise Financial 2021 10-K. 2 Ameriprise asked experienced advisors who moved their book of business to the firm in the last one-to-five years to compare its support, resources, and capabilities to their previous firm and state their satisfaction with their experience. The survey results identified the top ways Ameriprise stands out compared to competitors. 294 advisors responded to the "Ultimate Advisor Partnership" survey, which was conducted in November 2021. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107006136/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Given that, as of this writing, he's the only dude to challenge Mayor Q . . . We thought his perspective on voting was important. After reading . . . We were surprised to find a bit of progressive nuance . . . Check-it . . . Elected leaders, even potential ones like Mayoral Candidate Clay Chastain, should take a position on major local ballot issues. Thus, Chastain asks voters to join him Tuesday in voting No on Amendment #4, No on the City's Go Bonds and not to support the renewal of the City's Earnings Tax when it comes up for a future vote. No on Amendment #4: Local control is always best because not only is local control more efficient and there's more accountability, but also because KC knows better than the State what its policing needs are. Though well meaning, and though I support fully funding the KCPD, the State has no business trying to dictate to KC what % of our budget should go toward funding our police force. Furthermore, I support local control of Kansas City's police department for the same above reasons. No on Go Bonds: Bonds are a disguised tax increase because it is borrowing that must be repaid. And with KC already straddled with $5 billion in deferred maintenance (alone), does anyone think the City will have the money to ever retire these bonds without another tax increase? KC is already ranked 7th highest in taxes in America. And furthermore, I do not support further taxing local residents to subsidize housing. Not only is there a federal program for that, Chastain will soon unveil a far better way to provide affordable housing (via the free market place) that does require a direct subsidy from (overly tax-burdened) local taxpayers. No on (future) City Earnings Tax: We must ax this sorry tax rapido. The E Tax not only hurts the working poor the most, but also discourages residential and business growth in Kansas City, and perhaps even tourism. Clay Chastain has a plan to grow the City, its economy and its tax base to more than make up for the revenues now produced by an oppressive regressive form of taxation. As Mayor I will pledge No New Taxes, No New Bonds and the elimination of the City's E Tax. A NEW KIND OF MAYOR... FOR... A NEW KIND OF CITY Clay Chastain ############### Repurposing vacant urban lots for food production seems like a great idea for people who completely forget about worsening RAT PROBLEMS IN KANSAS CITY. Still we admire the ingenuity of this bit of local journalism nevertheless . . . "Urban farmers are trying to buy vacant lots for their farms to bring fresh, healthy food and green space to their neighborhoods, but they face challenges in acquiring that land." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Just a bit of nice news to start the work week and something upbeat that should stand out beyond the mobile phone doom scroll. Deets . . . "Officer Richard DuChaine and his partner Charles Owen responded to reports of a 1-month-old girl who wasn't breathing, and arrived to the scene before emergency medical services, according to KCPD.The pair ran inside the home, and the father of the baby handed her to DuChaine. DuChaine performed infant chest compressions on the girl, and she began breathing again, a tweet from KCPD says." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Metro Patrol Officer Saves Baby's Life On Thursday, Nov. 3, DuChaine and his partner, Officer Charles Owen, responded to a call for a 1-month-old girl who wasnt breathing. Arriving before EMS, they sprinted into the house, where the father handed the baby over to DuChaine. Kansas City, Missouri, police officer helps save life of infant struggling to breathe KANSAS CITY, Mo. - An officer with the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department helped save an infant struggling to breathe on Thursday. Officer Richard DuChaine and his partner Charles Owen responded to reports of a 1-month-old girl who wasn't breathing, and arrived to the scene before emergency medical services, according to KCPD. KCPD officers save 1-month-old baby girl's life KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Two Kansas City Police Department officers saved the life of a 1-month-old child after responding to calls that she wasn't breathing. Officers Richard DuChaine and Charles Owen responded to the call and immediately ran into the house upon arrival. Developing . . . First let's define terms . . . A red herring is something that misleads or distracts from a relevant or important question. It may be either a logical fallacy or a literary device that leads readers or audiences toward a false conclusion. A red herring may be used intentionally, as in mystery fiction or as part of rhetorical strategies (e.g., in politics), or may be used in argumentation inadvertently. Just a quickie . . . Over the past week I've been sent this old news at least a dozen times . . . Gender-Affirmation Project at Kansas City's Center for Inclusion: The project is intended to help trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming and gender-diverse people in need by providing a $1,000 grant to help pay for gender-affirming surgery. Consider . . . As long as whatever happens is between two consenting adults . . . Most Americans don't care where grownups stick it or what they do with their junk. As for how this issue might impact youngsters . . . The only thing we know for sure is that families looking for compassion, understanding and guidance aren't going to find ANY OF THAT ON THE INTERNETS OR FROM POLITICOS. And again, most people don't want to get involved in anyone else's family drama. And so . . . We remain skeptical of ANYONE making trans issues or drag shows the cornerstone of their campaign. Except, of course, Rupaul . . . A pop culture diva who can do whatever she wants. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . How much does it cost to fuel up in Toronto? Toronto police report break-in to home and sexual assault in Little Italy neighbourhood Police allege a woman was asleep in her bed when a man broke into her home near College Street and Ossington Avenue From November 5 to 11, the City of Toronto is commemorating Remembrance Week and honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to Canada, and those who continue to serve in the Canadian Forces and as part of the Royal Canadian Legion, through several programs and events. - Metroland file photo School back Tuesday as Doug Ford says government willing to rescind legislation, return to bargaining now that CUPE called off strike Ford said the government is willing to repeal Bill 28 and CUPE has called off the strike by 55,000 school support staff. Shamin Mohamed Jr. founded LetsStopAIDS when he was 15. Since then, he's worked as co-founder of cult beauty brand The Ordinary. - LetsStopAIDS photo Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus invited the media to a secret workshop to see all the work being done on the floats for this years 118th Original Toronto Santa Claus Parade. - Dan Pearce/Metroland Chelsea Manning on being gay and trans in the military, and how the WikiLeaks expose almost didnt happen We are announcing the Everest Base Camp Trek Date for 2023 Spring. (TRAVPR.COM) NEPAL - November 7th, 2022 - Trip Highlights The world's highest peak Mt. Everest (8,848m above mean sea level) Can see two other peaks Lhotse, and Makalu higher than 8,000m from Trail. Mt. Everest Base Camp and Kala Pathar. Khumbu glaciers. Khumjung and Namche village. Monastery ( Tangbuche and Khumjung) Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Red Panda, and Himalayan Monal Get a chance to Explore Sherpa culture and village Lukla Airport Total walking days is 10 Days Price: - 1299 USD/ 65000 INR Everest Base Camp Trek for 2023 17 March -30 March 2 April to 15 April 17 April to 30 April 5 May to 18 May 20 May to 3 June Outline Itinerary Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel (1,350m). Day 2 : Fly to Lukla (2,804m) & trek to Phakding (2,640m) Duration: 4-5 hours. Day 3 : Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11283) Walking Distance - 10 to 12 km, Duration: 6 hours Day 4 : Acclimatization Day Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,962m/12995ft) Walking Distance - 3 to 4 km, Duration: 3 to 4 hours Day 5 : Namche to Tengboche (3860m/12660ft) Walking Distance - 10 to 11 km, Duration: 5 hours Day 6 : Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m/14464ft) Walking Distance - 11 to 12 km, Duration: 5 hours Day 7 : Acclimatization Day- Hike to Nagarjun hill and return: Walking Distance - 5 to 6 km, Duration: 4 to 5 hours Day 8 : Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m/16105ft) Walking Distance - 11 to 12 km, Duration: 5 hours Day 9 : Trek to Gorak shep (5,180m) trek to EBC & overnight stay at Gorekshep Duration: 7-8 hours. Day 10 : Hike to Kalapatthar (5,550m) at sunrise & trek to Pheriche (4200 m) Duration: 7-9 hours. Day 11 : Trek Back to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) Duration: 5-6 hours Day 12 : Trek to Lukla (2,804 m) Duration: 6-7 hours Day 13 : Fly back to Kathmandu; flight Duration: 30 minutes. If possible sightseeing Day 14: Final Departure to international Airport Included in the Cost Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle Domestic Flight From Kathmandu/ Ramechap to Lukla and back to Kathmandu Welcome Dinner Hotel accommodation; 3 night in Kathmandu with breakfast All Teahouse accommodation with meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek guide Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter, if have min two pax) Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation All necessary paperwork and trekking permits All government and local taxes Sleeping bag ( returnable after trek) & achievement Certificate Excluded in the Cost International airfare to and from Kathmandu Excess baggage charges Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary Travel and rescue insurance Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.) Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s) Details Itinerary Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel (1,350m). Welcome to Kathmandu, a city full of vibrant markets, bustling streets, colorful temples, and grand pagodas. Our guide will meet you at the airport and take you to our hotel. The remainder of the day you will have an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the shopping areas closest to your hotel and catch up on shopping for equipment. In the evening, our tour guide will give you a brief introduction and provide valuable information about the trek. In the evening you will meet the rest of the group at a welcome dinner at a local Nepali restaurant. Day 2 : Fly to Lukla (2,804m) & trek to Phakding (2,640m) Duration: 4-5 hours. After an early morning start, you will be picked up at the hotel by our guide who will take you to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes around 35 minutes, time enough to take in the spectacular views of the Himalayas. After landing at Tenzing-Hilary airport you will meet your porter who will carry your luggage. You then begin your journey with a relatively easy trek passing a Kani (ceremonial gatehouse) before the trail descends then leads above Kyangma village with its large gompa (monastery) and school. We then continue to Cheplung village where the trail passes through community forest within sight of the Dudh Koshi River. After crossing the suspension bridge you climb across the ridge to Ghat and then passes a school and complex of Mani walls, Chortens and prayer wheels. After a short walk from Ghat, we reach Phakding. Day 3 : Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11283) Walking Distance - 10 to 12 km, Duration: 6 hours Leaving Phakding behind, youll trek north on a path leading to Monjo. This small town serves as the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park, a formally protected area which takes its name from Mt. Everest (called Sagarmatha in Nepali). The park is home to a staggering variety of Himalayan flora and fauna, and youre sure to enjoy trekking through sweetly scented evergreen forests comprised of blue pine, deodar, and rhododendron. As it doubles back and forth across the Dudh Koshi River, your trail winds its way past tiny settlements called Tok Tok and Jorsale. After crossing a final suspension bridge at the junction of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers, youll hike uphill for about two hours before reaching whats regarded as the unofficial capital of the Khumbu region: Namche Bazaar. Youll overnight in one of the towns many popular guesthouses. Day 4 : Acclimatization Day Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,962m/12995ft) Walking Distance - 3 to 4 km, Duration: 3 to 4 hours Today is reserved for acclimatization: as you ascend to higher elevations, its important to let your body adapt to the smaller amount of available oxygen in the atmosphere. Fortunately, theres a lot to see and do in the colorful commercial hub of Namche Bazaar. For one, youll get to enjoy your first unobstructed view of Everest itself. Many neighboring peaks are also visible from town, including the mighty Thamserku, the sprawling massif of Kongde RI, and the distinctive summit of Ama Dablam. Consider paying a visit to the Sherpa Culture Museum to learn more about their vibrant traditions; this will help you to understand some of the cultural sights youll encounter along the trail in the days to come. Visiting the nearby Everest Photo Gallery may also provide some inspiration for your own photographs. After perusing these displays, take a short hike to the Syangboche Airport just above town. From here, you can capture stunning photographs of Namche Bazaar from abovenot to mention the wall of Himalayan peaks surrounding the town. Finally, make sure to visit the Hotel Everest View. Its regarded as the highest hotel in the world and offers great vistas of its namesake mountain from each window. Overnight at a guesthouse in Namche Bazaar. Overnight at Comfort inn Namche with attached bathroom. Day 5 : Namche to Tengboche (3860m/12660ft) Walking Distance - 10 to 11 km, Duration: 5 hours Todays hike begins at a leisurely pace. Leaving Namche Bazaar, your path winds uphill through fragrant rhododendron woodlands and passes alongside quiet Himalayan villages. Many trekkers regard this route as the most scenic section of the entire Everest Base Camp Trek. Youre really in the mountains now: Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse are just a few of the stunning peaks that tower over the trail. Youll continue hiking past the Imja Khola; this river drains the slopes of Everest and is actually a tributary of the Dudh Koshi. Your destination for today lies where the two rivers converge at the spiritual center of the Khumbu: Tengboche. This village is best known as the site of the important Tengboche Monastery. This is the largest gompa youll visit during your hike, and its a sublime sight to behold: flanked by pines and azaleas and set against the backdrop of Ama Dablam, its hard to imagine a more striking setting. Make sure to step inside to check out the monasterys exquisite murals and statuary. Youll spend thenight at a guesthouse in Tengboche. Overnight at Common bathroom Day 6 : Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m/14464ft) Walking Distance - 11 to 12 km, Duration: 5 hours After savoring a tasty breakfast in Tengboche, youll begin your morning hike by descending through forest-clad hillsides towards the tiny hamlet of Deboche. Youll cross a handful of suspension bridges over the Imja Khola before approaching the next notable settlement on todays route: Pangboche. This is a good place to rest and enjoy a snack while taking in tremendous views of Ama Dablam. When youre ready to continue, youll start climbing along a trail lined with prayer flags and bordered by mani walls. Mani walls are comprised of many stone tablets, each of which is inscribed with a Buddhist mantra, and should always be passed on the left. Continuing past the village of Orsho, youll finally arrive at the small Sherpa village called Dingboche. Known as the summer valley of the region, Dingboche experiences summer rains from the monsoon, contributing to its farming livelihood. Check in at an internet cafe or enjoy a bite to eat from one of the local bakeries before turning in at your guesthouse, where youll spend the night. Todays breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Day 7 : Acclimatization Day- Hike to Nagarjun hill and return: Walking Distance - 5 to 6 km, Duration: 4 to 5 hours Now that youve reached altitudes greater than 4,000 meters, youll need more time to adjust to the rarified air. Today is therefore reserved for acclimatizationbut that doesnt mean you have to sit still. Just south of Dingboche is a steep hike to the top of Nagarjun Hill, from which you can obtain gobsmacking views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Lobuche, and Taboche. Trekking to this rewarding vantage point also offers a panoramic vista of the entire Imja Khola valley. When youve had your fill of sightseeing, return to Dingboche to explore its many guesthouses, restaurants, bakeries, and shops. Dingboche is also noted for hosting one of the worlds highest billiards parlors. For our money, theres nothing more relaxing than kicking back with a mug of butter tea while enjoying the solitary splendor of Imja Tse, the 6,189-meter mountain better known as Island Peak, which rises above town. Day 8 : Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m/16105ft) Walking Distance - 11 to 12 km, Duration: 5 hours After leaving Dingboche, todays hike takes you through windswept pastures and past the lonely huts of yak herders. As you trek towards the tiny settlement of Lobuche, youll notice changes in the local terrain. The woodlands of the past few days have now thinned out, replaced with scattered shrubs and rocky, snow-dusted grasslands. Your route will afford you with a good look at the now-familiar peaks of Lhotse and Ama Dablam, but there are even more mountains to be identified from here. Ask your guide to point out Lingtren, Pumori, and Khumbutse. Todays trek ends at Lobuche, a small village nestled in the shadow of the mountain which shares its name. Lobuche is comprised almost entirely of guesthouses, so its the ideal spot to spend the night. Make sure to get plenty of rest so youre ready for the hike to Everest Base Camp in the morning. Day 9 : Trek to Gorak shep (5,180m) trek to EBC & overnight stay at Gorekshep Duration: 7-8 hours. We commence our trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp through the vast Gorak-Shep. Along the trail, we pass the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. At this point the path can be confusing, so following your guide is important. The thin air at this high altitude can be exhausting. We traverse rocky dunes, moraine, and streams before reaching the Mt. Everest Base Camp. From Everest Base Camp you will see some of the worlds highest peaks, in stark contrast to the gray surroundings - especially in the spring. Before we are Khumbuste, Nuptse, and Pumori. We will then head back to Gorak Shep. Day 10 : Hike to Kalapatthar (5,550m) at sunrise & trek to Pheriche (4200 m) Duration: 7-8 hours. At around 4 a.m. in the pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C) we begin our trek. It is common for there to be cold winds at this altitude. Towering peaks, such as Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Changtse loom before us to the east as Everest comes into view. Not until we reach Kala Patthar (5550m) do we get a 360 degree up-close and birds eye view of Mount Everest. After taking in the panoramic views and madly clicking cameras we will return back to Lobuche and then to Pheriche for a good night's rest. Day 11 : Trek Back to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) Duration: 8-9 hours From Pheriche we retrace our steps descending to the Imja Khola and then up through the rhododendron forest to Tengboche monasteries. For some, this will be an opportunity to see the nuns perform their religious ceremonies at the Tengboche Monastery. After lunch at Tengboche, we continue our trek across the hillside blanketed by colorful rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge over the (milky river) Dudh Koshi River our trail continues through the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests before reaching Sansa. Along the way we keep our eyes peeled for wildlife, such as (Himalaya Thar) mountain goats, snow leopards, and colorful pheasants while passing through the forest. After passing a Chorten we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar where we stay overnight. Day 12 : Trek to Lukla (2,804 m) Duration: 6-7 hours This is our final day of trekking before returning to our starting point at Lukla. This is a time to reflect on the unforgettable memories of our trek as a group and our achieving our individual goals. A free afternoon allows you time to relax and enjoy a hot shower! In the evening we will celebrate with a few drinks and dance. Day 13 : Fly back to Kathmandu; flight Duration: 30 minutes. After our 13 day trek, we take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. After arriving at Kathmandu, you can take a rest or do some shopping. This is also a time to catch up on visiting places you missed on arrival in Kathmandu. Our guides will continue to assist you with b souvenir shopping or sightseeing. Everest Base Camp Trek Preparation A medium-level fitness is perfect for EBC trek. If you are a regular gym guy or regular runner then you are completely fit for this trek. if you are not doing any kind of physical activities and want to go for the Everest Base Camp Trek, then you need to do at least 4 to 5 kilometers of walking daily for about 60 days before your trek starts. The key here is to practice and walk for a longer duration on a jogging track on a regular basis. Check list Recommended Gear Lists: 01.) Good wind/rain jacket 02.) Warm fleece jacket or jersey 03.) Good boots, either light-weight trekking boots or light full leather boots 04.) Good -20 Sleeping bag (which can be rented or buy in Kathmandu) 05.) A comfortable day pack, preferably with a waistband. 06.) Fleece jacket or pullover 07.) Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional) 08.) Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket 09.) Down vest and/or jacket (optional) 10.) Lightweight gloves 11.) Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer 12.) Sun hat or scarf 13.) Light balaclava or warm fleece hat 14.) Sunglasses with UV protection 15.) T-shirts 16.) Underwear 17.) Hiking shorts 18.) Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms 19.) Fleece or wool pants 20.) Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants 21.) Thin, lightweight inner socks 22.) Thick, warm wool hiking socks 23.) Hiking boots with spare laces 24.) Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals) Other optional necessary equipment: 1.) Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries 2.) Small pad or combination lock-to-lock trek bag 3.) Basic First Aid Kit (We also provide a comprehensive first aid medical kit and Oximeter) 4.) Large plastic bags - for keeping items dry inside trek bag 5.) Day pack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches) 6.) Water bottles (2 bottles recommended) 7.) Toiletries 8.) Small wash towel 1. Booking Booking your trek prior to your arrival in Nepal will allow time for permits to be issued, questions to be answered, and will make the process a lot easier for you. 2. Payment When booking one of our tours, you must provide 30% of the cost up front in order to reserve your trip date. The remainder of the cost can be paid later, upon arrival in Kathmandu. All details of Everest Base Camp Visit this link: -https://www.missionsummittreks.com/trip/everest-base-camp-trek/ ### The Tv6 Fan Zone touched down at the All Out Sports bar again on Monday at the Queens park O Russia is trying to destabilize the situation in Moldova, while the contingent of Russian troops in Transnistria does not currently pose a critical threat to Ukraine. As the Operational Command "South" posted on Facebook, supporters of the pro-Russian party "Shor" organize anti-government protests in Moldova, neighboring Ukraines Odesa and Vinnytsia regions. In this way, Russia uses hidden agents of special services to destabilize the situation in the country. "Fearing Moldovan residents sympathy for the Ukrainians, Moscow wants to make the most of people's social discontent: to persuade the Moldovan government to cooperate because of economic issues," the report reads. The Ukrainian military emphasizes that these socio-political adventures are not successful. "The contingent of ruscist troops in Transnistria currently does not pose a critical threat. But the Defense Forces of Ukraine are closely monitoring the situation," the Operational Command "South" added. ol Russian aggressors started shelling the village of Kushchove in Zaporizhzhia district from 7 o'clock in the morning. Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the Presidents Office, wrote this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports. "The Russians fought with a cultural center, farmers' warehouses and private houses. An army of unprincipled nonhumans," he wrote, According to Tymoshenko, yesterday "they did not stop and terrorized Zaporizhzhia region again. 52 strikes were recorded. One person died. My condolences to the relatives and friends." "Terrorists also destroyed 16 civil infrastructure objects," the deputy head of the Presidents Office added. As reported by Ukrinform, the Russian troops fired missiles at the Vilniansk district of Zaporizhzhia region on November 6. iy Russian forces keep on combat duty in the Black Sea off the occupied Crimea coast four warships, one of which is a Kalibr cruise missile carrier. Thats according to the press service of Operational Command South, Ukrinform reports. "In the Black Sea, the enemy strengthened the grouping of three warships with an additional missile carrier with eight Kalibrs on board. But in the stormy sea, all four vessels remain near the southern Crimean coast: away from Ukrainian weapons, closer to their base points," the statement says. The press service also reported that the mine threat is increased by stormy weather, but this is more related to the mines floating to the water cut. The grain corridors continue to operate according to the schedule coordinated by the Istanbul Center. In addition, according to the press service, the situation in Moldova and Transnistria remains stable, despite the attempts of pro-Russian forces to stir up public moods. There were no signs of any offensive groupings being formed in the area. As Ukrinform reported earlier, seven Russian warships were on combat duty in the Black Sea the day before, among which there was not a single Kalibr carrier. Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Oleksii Reznikov, says the NASAMS air defense systems and the Aspide anti-aircraft missile complex have arrived in Ukraine. Thats according to a tweet posted by Ukraines Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov on Monday, November 7, Ukrinform reports. Look whos here! NASAMS and Aspide air defence systems arrived in Ukraine! These weapons will significantly strengthen Ukraines Army and will make our skies safer, Reznikov tweeted. He added that Ukraine would continue to shoot down the enemy targets attacking the country. Thank you to our partners: Norway, Spain and the US, the tweet concludes. As Ukrinform reported earlier, last week the Pentagon announced that the U.S. government would hand over to Ukraine eight NASAMS air defense systems, with two of them expected to arrive in the near future. Also last week, at a joint briefing in Kyiv with Spains Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Jose Manuel Albarez Bueno, Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba announced a new package of military aid coming from Spain, which includes an Aspide anti-aircraft missile defense battery and missiles to it, as well as four Hawk anti-aircraft systems, anti-tank missile systems, artillery guns and munitions to them. According to available intelligence, Russia has ordered Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar ballistic missiles from Iran as it has about 120 of its own Iskander missiles left. This was stated by a spokesman for the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraines Defense Ministry, Vadym Skibitskyi, in a comment to The Economist, reports Ukrinform. According to Skibitskyi, Ukraine still has no effective defense against ballistic missiles. In particular, in October, air defense forces shot down three out of 25 Iskander ballistic missiles launched by Russia, while about 80% of cruise missiles and drones were shot down during the latest massive attack on critical infrastructure facilities on October 31. Skibitskyi says the only thing that limits Russia in the use of ballistic missiles is their actual shortage. For his part, the spokesman for the Air Force Command Yuriy Ihnat emphasized that Ukraine now needs advanced Western missile defense systems capable of shooting down ballistic missiles, such as the U.S.-made Patriot systems. In addition, longer-range missiles such as ATACMS are required. The first batch of 13 generators has already arrived in Ukraine from Lithuania, the Embassy of Ukraine in Lithuania has said in a post on Facebook. "The first batch of 13 generators is already in Ukraine! Thank you, Lithuania!" the embassy wrote. According to the report, the generators were purchased thanks to the support of the embassy's fundraising initiative "As esu Ukraina." "Thanks to the incredible help of our Lithuanian friends, we are already preparing to send the second shipment to restore the energy system so that Ukrainians have light, heat and water in their homes. Every contribution is truly a warm hug for Ukrainians," the diplomatic mission added. The embassy also expressed its sincere gratitude to the Lithuanian people and partners who responded to its urgent request. "Ukraine will always remember those who have been and remain with us in the difficult hour of trials. Together we will ensure the defeat of the terrorist state and its punishment for terror. Together we will withstand all the tests and become even stronger," the embassy said. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal earlier said that Ukraine had already received 700 generators from foreign partners, with a further 900 to be delivered to the country in the near future. The decision on Ukraine's accession to NATO is related to the institutional reform of defense mechanisms, while the requirement for the Armed Forces compatibility with the Allied armies had been fulfilled even before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This was stated by British Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine, Ukrinform reports. "I think there's an element of political decision in all of it. There always has been and always will be. I don't think that's discounted. But I also think that there's a close relationship between the need for essential reforms and the political decision because if you don't make progress on those essential reforms, you provide a very convenient reason for those who may be less interested in expanding membership not to continue," Simmons said. According to her, the war proved that the level of training of the Armed Forces meets the standards of NATO Allies. "Frankly, the one thing that nobody wanted - this war to happen - has shown how capable the Ukrainian Armed Forces can be of operating with NATO standard equipment. But we actually did know that before the war. I'm sorry to say they had to be tested on it. But we did already know the interoperability was not the issue, in the sense that was already being met. The issue was institutional reform of defense mechanisms, defense procurement, defense human resources, etc., where we all know there's quite a lot of work still to be done," the ambassador noted. She emphasized that, despite the fact that it is difficult to think about such reforms as the Russians are bombing Ukrainian facilities, it remains important, not in the terms of joining or not joining NATO, but also in order to have a strong Armed Forces in the future. The British ambassador noted that her embassy continues this work in Ukraine jointly with the Ministry of Defense. As reported, on September 30, President Volodymyr Zelensky, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk, and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal signed Ukraine's application to join NATO under the streamlined procedure. The presidents of Central and Eastern European nations, which are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, in a joint statement on October 2 strongly condemned Russian aggression against Ukraine and supported Ukraine's intention to join the Alliance. In particular, Ukraine's accession was supported by the presidents of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Montenegro, and Slovakia. Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova and Director-General of the European Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Masashi Nakagome have discussed further support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's full-scale aggression and priorities during Japan's presidency of the Group of Seven. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's press service said this in a statement following a meeting held between the two diplomats on November 7, Ukrinform reports. Dzhaparova emphasized the importance of further support for Ukraine ahead of the difficult winter period. She noted that by launching missile strikes on energy infrastructure, Russia seeks to deepen the humanitarian crisis and cause a new wave of refugees fleeing Ukraine. She thanked the Japanese side for consistent financial and humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people, as well as for efforts to increase sanctions pressure on Russia. "Today, Ukraine and Japan maintain a very intensive political dialogue. I hope that our relations will soon reach the level of strategic partnership," she said. Nakagome confirmed Tokyo's unchanging policy regarding comprehensive support for Ukraine. In particular, Japan will continue to provide strong humanitarian support and demining assistance. He also promised that Ukraine would be a priority during Japan's chairmanship of the Group of Seven in 2023. "We will continue to unite the G7 for further strong support for Ukraine and keep a tough sanctions policy," he said. Dzhaparova also praised Japan's active participation in the activities of the International Crimea Platform. Photo: Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Ukraine's Ambassador to Romania Ihor Prokopchuk and Romania's Prime Minister Nicolae Ionel Ciuca have discussed the security situation in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression. That's according to the press service of the Embassy of Ukraine in Romania, Ukrinform reports. Prokopchuk thanked the Romanian side for the humanitarian and other assistance provided, the reception of Ukrainian citizens who were forced to leave their homes due to the war, emphasizing the large-scale consequences of Russian aggression for both Ukraine and the whole of Europe. "During the meeting, [both parties] had an in-depth exchange of views regarding the development of the security situation against the background of ongoing Russian armed aggression. The areas of assistance that Ukraine needs to overcome the winter period of the year in view of Russia's massive terrorist attacks on energy infrastructure facilities and civilian targets have been specified," the embassy said. The parties discussed European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine, a plan for the rapid recovery of the country, as well as security guarantees for Ukraine that can be used before the country joins NATO. Prokopchuk also raised the issue of recognition by Romania of the Holodomor of 1932-1933 as an act of genocide against the Ukrainian people. Earlier, at a meeting with Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhenii Perebyinis, the Ambassador of Romania to Ukraine, Alexandru Victor Micula, said that Bucharest would continue to fully support Kyiv in countering Russia's armed aggression. The Romanian Foreign Ministry also denied Russian President Vladimir Putin's statements about Bucharest's "territorial claims" to Ukraine. On November 6, almost 39,000 people arrived in Ukraine, of whom 35,000 are Ukrainian citizens. The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine said this in a statement, Ukrinform reports. In total, almost 77,000 people and 19,000 vehicles crossed Ukraines western borders with the EU and Moldova on November 6. Read also: Lithuanian border guards deny entry to Russian rail cars military symbols Over the past day, 38,000 people have left Ukraine. Of whom, 23,000 crossed the border with Poland, the rest traveled to EU countries and Moldova. Over the past day, 39,000 people have arrived in Ukraine, of whom 35,000 are Ukrainian citizens, the report says. In addition, 80 trucks with humanitarian aid entered the territory of Ukraine. iy Stepan, a cat-blogger who has over a million Instagram followers, became the third ambassador of the Save Ukrainian Culture project. According to Ukrinform, the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy announced this on Facebook. "Cat Stepan from Kharkiv, who has 1.3 million followers on Instagram, became an ambassador of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policys project Save Ukrainian Culture. This is already the third star to join the project aimed at restoring Ukraines cultural heritage objects destroyed by Russians," the ministry said. As reported by Ukrinform, the Save Ukrainian Culture project, presented in late August, is aimed at raising charitable funds for the restoration of cultural heritage in Ukraine. Earlier, the Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra and Ukrainian rap artist Volodymyr Samoliuk (Skofka) became ambassadors of the Save Ukrainian Culture project. iy | By Lou Cortina If youve walked through the Pearl Street underpass on the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) campus over the past two years, youve surely noticed the artwork displayed along one side from the inaugural edition of 1807, UMBs annual art and literary journal. At the Pearl Street Gallery, Oksana Mishler, clinical assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, stands in front of a photo of her acrylic painting Cherry Blossoms, which was featured in the second edition of 1807, UMB's art and literary journal. Walk through it today, and you might do a double-take. In fact, the artwork on display has nearly doubled, with the west-side wall adorned with exhibits from the second edition of 1807, which was released in August 2020. Its lovely to walk through here and see all this beautiful art, said Marianne Cloeren, MD, MPH, associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and UMBs Public Health Officer. Its also fun to see another side of people here on campus, many of whom you work with. Some of the art is really inspirational. (View a photo gallery below.) Cloeren was speaking near a photo of her handmade, asymmetric necklace she called Cornucopia during a Nov. 2 get-together to mark completion of the Pearl Street Gallerys second phase. UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, attended the celebration along with about 40 staffers, 1807 artists, and members of the UMB Council for the Arts & Culture, including its founder and chair, Jennifer B. Litchman, MA. Litchman and Jarrell both noted that 1807 and the Pearl Street Gallery highlight the artistic talents of health sciences and human services professionals that otherwise might be overlooked. We want people to realize that UMB is more than just the sum of its schools, said Litchman, who also is editor-in-chief of 1807 and UMBs senior vice president for external relations. We have scientists, physicians, social workers, dentists, lawyers, and nurses, but we also have artists people who are more than just their occupations. And we know the importance of the relationship between the arts and health, between the arts and well-being. Thats also what were showcasing here. Jarrell, an accomplished blacksmith whose various metalworks have been featured in the first three editions of 1807, called the Pearl Street Gallery phenomenal. To be able to walk through here anytime of the year and see all this terrific art is really great, he said. UMB doesnt have a fine arts program, yet the artists here are fabulous. I know that everybody here today presumably has an interest in art. I do, of course, and I enjoy doing it. I would urge all of you to develop your skills and get something up on the wall. The expansion of the gallery along Pearl Street was coordinated by Adam Weidenhammer, project manager, Office of Design and Construction, with support from Anthony Consoli, MArch, University Architect, and Dana Rampolla, director of integrated marketing and special projects, Office of Communications and Public Affairs. The new exhibit features 27 pieces from among the journals four categories (writing, visual arts, photography, and varied media) and, similar to the east side of the underpass, LED spotlights are mounted above for illumination. As an added touch, HVAC vents and units near the ceiling were painted in the 1807 category color schemes of orange, blue, green, or purple. Pieces from the third edition of 1807, released in 2021, will be showcased at a site to be determined, Litchman said. The fourth edition of the journal will be published this month. For the new gallery space, I chose artwork that would be representative of each category of art reflected in the journal, said Rampolla, who also is the creative director and managing editor of 1807 and a member of the arts council. When doing this, I took into consideration color, composition, file size, and the type of artwork, so that the pieces aligned artistically. As a photographic creative, I am so happy that UMB is prioritizing the beautification of campus spaces, she added. Being a part of the metamorphosis of this dim walkway into a vibrant, well-lit art immersion experience has been fulfilling. Oksana Mishler, RDH, MS, DHSc, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, will have art featured in the fourth edition. Her art also was displayed in the second and third editions. At the Nov. 2 celebration, she stood proudly near the display of her acrylic painting Cherry Blossoms, which was inspired by a visit to see the famed Japanese cherry trees in Washington, D.C. This Pearl gallery is great. Its absolutely wonderful, said Mishler, a former Faculty Senate representative of the UMB arts council. Its fabulous that we at UMB can get together on a different level, not just with teaching and engaging with the students, but to see what we do outside of our work. By having this gallery, more people are exposed to 1807, and thats a great thing, too. Mishler added that she was thrilled to be an 1807 artist and included in the gallery, a sentiment shared by Cloeren and another artist, Melissa Bresnahan, associate director of corporate and foundation relations in the Office of Philanthropy. Bresnahan, whose iPhone photo, Milo McIver State Park, Oregon, is featured in the new exhibit, said, I walk past this space about three times a week now, and its just lovely to see all the color. I feel like I see something new each time I pass by. The arts journal is awesome Im really thankful to be a part of it. There was a poem on the wall that really pulled me in, Cloeren said, referring to Imperfections in Spade, a drawing created from a poem by Melia Jannotta, MSW, a University of Maryland School of Social Work alumnus. Its nice to see the creative side of people, and seeing this makes me want to do more of my art. Im honored to be a part of 1807. MISSOULA For a researcher who studies wildfire, University of Montana graduate student Kyra Clark-Wolf couldnt have had better timing. Clark-Wolf arrived in Missoula to start her graduate studies on the impacts of wildfires on forests at the W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation on July 4, 2017. Eleven days later, a lightning strike sparked the Lolo Peak Fire just south of the city, burning nearly 54,000 acres and leaving lasting and indelible images among Missoulians of dense smoke and flames visible from town. UM graduate student Kyra Clark-Wolf has published two research papers on tree regeneration following wildfires. The impacts of that fire on the forest, as well as the Sunrise Fire burning at the same time west of Missoula, would go on to be central to Clark-Wolfs doctoral work. Her findings are shared in two papers, the second recently published in Forest Ecology and Management, a leading journal in her field. I was curious once the smoke cleared up what was going on in the forest and what the fires left behind, she said, and how the effects of ongoing climate change could change forest recovery. With support from her adviser, Philip Higuera, professor and director of UMs PaleoEcology and Fire Ecology Lab, and Kim Davis, a UM research scientist, Clark-Wolf applied for $25,000 in research funding from the federal Joint Fire Science Program and proposed to study how burned landscapes find life again. She chose the Lolo Peak and Sunrise fires for the very practical reason that both were close by, and for the next three years her research would require endless road trips, arduous hikes and hours spent counting tiny tree seedlings and measuring their growth. Her laboratories were 69 field plots staked out at mountain locations far from roads and recreational sites. Her subjects were the thousands of tiny tree seedlings she marked and followed over the years. She also tracked the micro-site conditions where those seedlings grew. We wanted to see how warm and dry it gets right at the ground surface, and what was happening with the soils, she said of her research, which included help from a number of undergraduate students. Soil conditions are important because thats where plants get moisture and nutrients like nitrogen. Her studies found thousands of seedlings growing after the fires, especially at sites with cooler, damper conditions often found in the shade of the dead trees and upper canopy, as well as on the north side of mountains with higher elevations and more undergrowth. She found fewer seedlings at sites with less shade and drier, hotter conditions. In the case of the Lolo Peak and Sunrise fires, moderate temperatures and ample rain in the years since the fires helped seedlings get started and survive in the burned areas, but as climate change continues, Clark-Wolf said, weather conditions might not be so favorable for young seedlings in the future. This study offers a bit of good news, said Higuera. It wasnt a given to find so many seedlings after these wildfires. Across the West, there is a trend toward fewer seedlings growing after wildfires, in part because of warmer and drier summers. Fortunately, these forests seem to be regenerating much like they have in the past, at least for now. The results from Clark-Wolfs study suggest steps forest managers might take to promote regrowth, such as leaving burned trees standing. Her findings can also help replanting efforts to focus on areas where its most needed, including those locations far from potential seed sources. Burnt trees all over the place look ugly to many people, she said, but they serve important functions. One is providing shading; another is attracting wood boring beetles, which bring in birds like woodpeckers. Burnt trees can also be a source for seeds. Lodgepole pine cones stay up in the canopy, sealed up with resin, and when fire comes through it melts that resin and releases seeds. So even if the tree dies, its seeds are released for the next generation, she said. Its just a sea of seedlings up there now. Its a nice reminder that while severe fires are impactful for people, Clark-Wolf said, these forests have been experiencing fires for thousands of years and at least for now they are pretty good at coming back. ### Contact: Kyra Clark-Wolf, wildfire research graduate, 413-687-1363, kyra.clark-wolf@umconnect.umt.edu; Philip Higuera, professor of fire ecology, philip.higuera@umontana.edu. When he thinks back to his life back before he arrived in Guatemala, Joshua* struggles to reconcile the person he was then with who he is now. For him, the symbol of that radical personal transformation is the snake. It used to be that if I saw a snake, my instinctual reaction was to kill it, recalled Joshua, who was just a teenager when gang threats forced him to flee his home in a neighbouring Central American nation to seek safety in Guatemala. Now, he says handling snakes is one of the highlights of a job which he credits with giving him an entirely new outlook on life. Since early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Joshua has been working as a forest ranger at a natural preserve in southeastern Guatemala. Thanks to a partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, FUNDAECO the NGO that runs the preserve, as well as more than a dozen other sites throughout Guatemala prioritizes the hiring of people like Joshua, who have been forced to leave their homes due to violence, targeted threats or persecution. When he started at FUNDAECO, Joshua had little interest in the great outdoors and took the job largely because it represented a welcome alternative to sporadic work as a day labourer. Like most of his fellow refugee and asylum-seeking co-workers, almost all of them Central Americans, Joshua hailed from a densely populated city. "I was a nature beginner, a rooky in relation to the natural world." Growing up, he had only sporadic contact with nature, and on the rare occasions he did cross paths with animals, it generally did not end well for the critters. But working in the FUNDAECO preserve, a lush 7,436-hectare enclave of towering tropical trees and crystalline streams, has given Joshua a new appreciation for the outdoors and the creatures that populate it including his unexpected newfound passion: snakes. I was a nature beginner, a rooky in relation to the natural world, said Joshua, 21, who now gets visibly flustered if he fails to come up with both the common and Latin names of any of the plethora of species he comes into contact with at the preserve. They include the endangered and translucent glass frog, and the venomous Mano-de-piedra snake, also known as the jumping viper. When youre in contact with nature, it becomes so exciting to be able to take care of it. Nature appreciates it. Joshua was just 17 when he fled his native country with his mother and siblings, after gang members informed the family that they would be taking over their home. Knowing that any resistance could prove fatal, the family left the next morning, slipping over the border into Guatemala, where the father of Joshuas half-siblings lives. They arrived with nothing more than the few changes of clothes they managed to throw into backpacks before fleeing. More than 1.3 million people have been forced to flee Central America due to violence and persecution. While most have sought protection outside of their country, national profiling studies in El Salvador and Honduras suggest both countries also face large-scale internal displacement. Joshua has nursed dozens of injured animals back to health and released them back into the wild. UNHCR/Victor Augusto Sanchez Mejia Handling snakes is one of the highlights of Joshua's job at the preserve. UNHCR/Victor Augusto Sanchez Mejia "I love nature," says Joshua. "And I know that what I do is important not only for me personally, but that it's actually benefitting everyone." UNHCR/Victor Augusto Sanchez Mejia Joshua enjoys a quiet moment in the FUNDAECO preserve, a lush enclave of tropical trees and crystalline streams. UNHCR/Victor Augusto Sanchez Mejia Before starting at FUNDAECO, Joshua only had sporadic work as a day labourer. He is among more than 1.3 million people who have been forced to flee Central America due to violence and persecution. UNHCR/Victor Augusto Sanchez Mejia Finding steady work can be among the most daunting hurdles for displaced people like Joshua and his family. Without papers, many are forced to work as day labourers or street vendors to make ends meet in their host countries. FUNDAECOs programme is providing dozens of refugees and asylum seekers with steady jobs and the training they need to do them. Since the programme started in 2020, the organization has brought on 113 refugees and asylum seekers, most of them from Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Cuba. While Joshuas title at the preserve is, officially maintenance worker, his duties are manifold and go well beyond repairing trails and facilities. He has become one of the preserves unofficial snake wranglers, caring for the animals on display in the guest centre and responding to calls when snakes in the wild come into too close contact with visitors. He has nursed dozens of injured animals back to health and released them back into the wild. And, because his knack with people has not gone unnoticed, Joshua has also been assigned to help lead expeditions, accompanying visiting researchers and nature photographers from all over the world. Robin Scholte, who was part of a group of amateur bird photographers from northern Europe recently at the preserve to shoot hummingbirds, praised Joshuas dedication. We dont have a common language, said Robin, who is Dutch. But despite the language barrier, Joshuas passion for nature really comes through. For Azucena Mejia, the director of the preserve, seeing Joshua blossom into a passionate environmental crusader is proof of the value of the programme with UNHCR, which she describes as a win-win-win, for forcibly displaced people, for plants and animals, and for society at large. Were not just taking care of this particular forest. Were really making a very important contribution to all humanity, she said. Guatemala is what the environmental organization Rainforest Alliance calls a biodiversity hotspot. Its relatively modest territory is packed with different terrains and microclimates, including mountainous highlands, warm coastal regions and tropical forests that are home to an astonishing array of flora and fauna. But climate change, forest fires, land degradation linked to narcotrafficking, and poor land management have led to what the group deems devastating levels of deforestation. Even protected forests like the one where Joshua works are under threat. A 2020 study relying on satellite data suggested that more than 854,000 hectares were deforested within Guatemalan nature preserves from 2000 to 2017 alone. For Joshua, his work at FUNDAECO is about much more than bringing home a paycheck, however crucial his salary is for him and his family. He is keenly aware that he is playing a role in something much bigger than himself the fight to protect a dwindling resource which, as climate change makes itself increasingly felt, has never been more crucial for the future of the planet. I love nature, he said. And I know that what I do is important not only for me personally, but that its actually benefitting everyone. *Name changed and country of origin omitted for protection reasons. Afghan refugee Bahadur, 60, stands amid the wreckage of his home after monsoon flooding in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. UNHCR/Usman Ghani UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi is urging global leaders to curb the most devastating humanitarian consequences of the climate crisis and avert a catastrophic future for millions of displaced people. COP27 must equip countries and communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis to prepare for extreme weather, to adapt, and minimize the impact of the climate emergency, said Grandi. We cannot leave millions of displaced people and their hosts to face the consequences of a changing climate alone. Climate shocks are combining with conflict, acute food insecurity, rising prices, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to impact people across the globe, but those least responsible for the climate crisis and least able to adapt to its shocks are being hit hardest. This years UN Climate Conference takes place against a backdrop of climate catastrophes from historic floods in Pakistan to the worst drought in decades across the Horn of Africa. Inside Somalia, nearly one million people have been displaced by drought and the threat of famine. Devastating cyclones in Mozambique have affected tens of thousands of people previously displaced by violence, while South Sudan and Sudan are battling record floods for a fourth consecutive year. More than 3.4 million displaced people and their hosts are facing the consequences of recent destructive flooding in Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and the Central Sahel countries of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali a region already experiencing one of the worlds worst displacement crises. In Cameroons Far North, intercommunal violence has erupted between herders, fishers and farmers over dwindling water resources as Lake Chad and its tributaries have dried up from drought. Over 100 people were killed or injured late last year, and tens of thousands fled their homes. Meanwhile, drought in Central Americas Dry Corridor has forced farmers to flee to nearby cities where they are vulnerable to violence from street gangs. And in other parts of the region such as Honduras, climate change is one more factor sparking displacement as hurricanes become ever more powerful and frequent. Over 70 per cent of the worlds refugees and displaced people come from the most climate-vulnerable countries including Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria, and Yemen. They have an enormous stake in discussions about the climate crisis, but they are too often excluded. Only bold action and a massive boost in financing for climate mitigation and adaptation can alleviate the current and future humanitarian consequences of the climate crisis on displaced populations and host communities. Investments must be collaborative, inclusive and seek solutions for the most vulnerable. World leaders must look to transformational, lasting, and integrated action that involves local communities, governments, and partners already battling climate extremes. In some contexts, adaptation will not be enough and additional financing will be needed for inevitable loss and damage, a stark example of which is being forced from home. The concerns and solutions for displaced people must be given a place not only in discussions like at COP 27, but also must receive much more support in the climate hotspots. Note to Editors: UNHCR will be represented at COP27 by Andrew Harper, UNHCRs Special Advisor on Climate Action, and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Emtithal (Emi) Mahmoud, a world champion slam poet, and former Sudanese refugee whose family continue to be deeply affected by the climate crisis. Both will be at COP27 to explain how the climate crisis is driving displacement and making life harder for refugees and people already uprooted from home. They will also be reminding global leaders that climate action is needed now, not least because those least responsible for global warming are being hit hardest. For more information, including an interview with Andrew or Emi, please contact the following spokespeople: In Sharm El Sheikh, Maria Rubi, [email protected] , +20 128 20 37298 , +20 128 20 37298 In Geneva, Boris Cheshirkov, [email protected] , +41 79 433 7682 , +41 79 433 7682 In New York City, Kathryn Mahoney, [email protected] , +1 347 574 6552 More Background: UNHCR COP27 Key Messages and Calls to Action: https://www.unhcr.org/climate-change-and-disasters.html Visual Assets: https://media.unhcr.org/Share/cmebsh646sqa21s6m25ytr832ess81mx Link to B-ROLL: https://media.unhcr.org/Share/a15488k1j0kxmgx3krhs3i3jh865p256 Factsheet on Gender, Displacement and Climate Change: https://www.unhcr.org/protection/environment/5f21565b4/gender-displacement-and-climate-change.html Emi Mahmouds climate poem and visual assets of her work with UNHCR: https://media.unhcr.org/Share/kou378n3n04x4400674528etm7e86621 UNHCR GENEVA - UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), continue to urge European governments to swiftly offer a place of safety and allow the immediate disembarkation of nearly 600 people who remain on NGO vessels after being rescued in Maltese and Libyan search and rescue (SAR) zones on the Central Mediterranean. Italys efforts in the disembarkation of some 400 people, the most vulnerable on-board Humanity 1 and Geo Barents, including children travelling alone and others requiring urgent medical attention, are welcomed. However, a solution is urgently needed for all remaining survivors, on all four vessels at sea. Despite continuous advocacy efforts, the survivors, some of whom have been at sea for up to two weeks, remain stranded on board the four NGO SAR vessels. 234 people remain on the Ocean Viking boat, 217 on Geo Barents, 35 people are on Humanity 1 and another 88 on the Rise Above. Those stranded need to be disembarked swiftly without any further delay. We call on states in the region to protect the lives of those rescued by ending the current impasse and offering a place of safety for disembarkation. Safe disembarkation should be followed by meaningful responsibility-sharing between all concerned states through regional, cooperative arrangements so that all coastal states can discharge their search, rescue and disembarkation responsibilities. A piecemeal and ad-hoc approach from the high seas which continues to leave coastal states alone cannot be so pursued and is not sustainable. Above all, the priority must be on saving lives and respecting human dignity. Those arriving from Libya have in many cases suffered severe abuse and human rights violations. The vulnerabilities of all migrants and refugees who cross the Mediterranean including accompanied and unaccompanied children, victims of trafficking, survivors of torture should therefore be identified to activate national and international protection and reception mechanisms. Rescue at sea is a humanitarian imperative, firmly rooted in international law and the Law of the Sea. The obligation to coordinate and respond to signals of distress, is incumbent on all concerned states. Lifesaving EU state-led SAR mechanisms are urgently needed and UNHCR and IOM continue to call on states to boost resources and capacities to effectively meet their responsibilities. At least 1,337 people have gone missing on the Central Mediterranean migration route this year according to IOMs Missing Migrants Project. Most of the 88,000 people who arrived by sea to Italy in 2022 have been rescued by the Italian Coast Guard and other Italian state-led rescue ships or arrived autonomously. Fifteen per cent have been rescued by NGO vessels. Existing regional solidarity mechanisms can support the early identification and relocation of people in need of international protection, while enabling them to seek asylum or to receive other forms of protection, as well as the safe and dignified return of those not eligible to stay. In 2022, some 164 people have been relocated from Italy, under the voluntary solidarity mechanism, to France, Germany and Luxembourg. While these efforts are critical, they must be expanded. Regional efforts are also required on both sides of the Mediterranean as prevailing conditions in Libya and in countries of origin continue to deteriorate, prompting desperate and vulnerable people to resort to perilous sea crossings. ENDS For more information on this topic, please contact: UNHCR: In Geneva, Shabia Mantoo, [email protected] , +41 79 337 7650 , +41 79 337 7650 In New York, Kathryn Mahoney, [email protected] , +1 347 574 6552 , +1 347 574 6552 In Rome: Federico Fossi, [email protected] +39 349 084 3461 IOM: Wellington, Nov 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Nov, 2022 ) :New Zealand's trade minister accused Canada on Monday of having "locked out" his nation's farmers in a dispute over dairy exports destined to be settled by an independent panel. Damien O'Connor said the Canadians are "not living up" to promises made under a 2018 trans-Pacific free trade agreement to allow dairy products into Canada. "This is impacting New Zealand exporters, who remain effectively locked out of the Canadian market," O'Connor said in a statement. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership was signed in 2018 by Canada, New Zealand and nine other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. New Zealand first said in May it had beef with Canada's administration of tariff rate quotas to allow dairy products to be imported with lower import taxes. New Zealand started dispute settlement proceedings against the Canadians over lost dairy market access -- worth about $40 million over two years -- which "did not resolve matters", O'Connor said. "New Zealand has therefore made the decision to request the establishment of a panel to hear and decide the dispute," he said. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern revealed Monday that she had already told her Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau "to his face" that her nation would escalate the trade dispute. "I think it would be unusual that given the amount of contact we have for me not to raise the issue. Our relationship with Canada means I can be very forthright," Ardern told reporters in Wellington. She said she had told Trudeau "we were at an impasse" and that Ardern didn't "see any reason why we should have officials continue a back and forth" which would only "waste time". "If we can speak frankly as leaders and know we are between ourselves not going to be able to resolve it, it was time to escalate. That's what we've done," Ardern added. There has been no official response from Canadian representatives. Diplomatic officials in Wellington said a response would have to come from Ottawa. The government in Wellington wants three experts on the neutral panel, to be chosen by Canada and New Zealand, to settle the row. Global dairy exports contributed $10.96 billion to New Zealand's economy in 2021 which was around 23 percent of total exports. Awami National Party (ANP) Secretary General Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Monday said that PTI leader Imran Khan made the incident of firing during PTI's march controversial as he intended to push the country to civil war, chaos, and unrest PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Nov, 2022 ) :Awami National Party (ANP) Secretary General Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Monday said that PTI leader Imran Khan made the incident of firing during PTI's march controversial as he intended to push the country to civil war, chaos, and unrest. Addressing a press conference here, he condemned the incident of firing in the PTI gathering in Wazirabad and demanded a transparent investigation into the incident, adding that though they have political differences with Imran and his party but ANP never supported violence against anyone. He said that the use of force for political motives was not acceptable but the language used by Imran Khan was also not appropriate but rather tantamount to pushing the country towards unrest and political turmoil. The ANP leader demanded a high-level investigation into the incident of firing and making the facts public, adding leveling accusations and putting forward demands before the investigation was unjustified. Iftikhar said Imran Khan should realize that he could not become prime minister again by staging a protest and making the institutions controversial for his political motives. "How is it possible that when Imran was the prime minister everything was right but all of a sudden every institution including the Election Commission becomes controversial after he was de-thrown by the parliament," he questioned. He said all the political parties of the country demanded transparent re-election before the no-confidence move against Imran Khan but the PTI government was mocking the just demand of PDM. He said that Imran Khan defamed democracy and disrespected the sanctity of the parliament during his government while also victimizing political rivals. Now when Imran Khan has been ousted through a democratic process he was now claiming himself to be a supporter of democracy and made the state institutions controversial for political gains. Commenting on registering of FIR in the firing incident, the ANP leader said despite remaining three years in power, Imran Khan was still not aware of the law and constitution, adding PTI was in power in Punjab and still, the FIR into the incident was not lodged. He said how could it be possible that without registration of FIR the investigation into the incident could be initiated and culprits arrested. Referring to the leaked video of Azam Swati, the ANP central leader condemned the scam and said that the privacy of a person should not be breached for political motives, adding FIA in its forensic report has declared the video fake however an investigation should be conducted for the satisfaction of the affected person and his family. Regarding the assassination of renowned journalist Arshad Sharif, he said the investigation report should be made public. Mian Iftikhar further said ANP believes that every institution should work in its own constitutional ambit and Parliament should be allowed to take political decisions. Referring to unrest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he said the re-emergence of Taliban in different areas of the province was alarming as the people were being kidnapped for ransom while extortionists were openly demanding money from traders and the business community. He said ANP fully endorses holding dialogue with all forces but it should not be done without taking the parliament into confidence and keeping those who lost their loved ones in the war against terror in dark about the dialogue process. He said ANP demands the terms and conditions related to dialogue with the Taliban should be made public and people should be informed that in which capacity did the KP government spokesman attend the dialogue?Mian Iftikhar said huge public participation in the November 4 peace march of ANP proved that the people of KP wanted peace and prosperity in the province. (@Abdulla99267510) Both sides have discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest and agreed on strong cooperation to prevent the devastating effects of climate change. CAIRO (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Nov 7th, 2022) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Secretary General of Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit on the sidelines of Climate Implementation Summit in Sharm Al Sheikh. They discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest and agreed on strong cooperation to prevent the devastating effects of climate change. The Prime Minister appreciated the Arab League Charter and Secretary General's determination to achieve it. Earlier, on arrival at Sharm El-Sheikh International Convention Center, Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. (@FahadShabbir) PARIS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 06th November, 2022) A French soldier was found dead in a hotel in the Romanian capital of Bucharest, where the French military contingent arrived as part of a NATO mission, French media reported on Sunday. According to French broadcaster TF1, cleaning personnel found a 41-year-old man with scissors stuck in his neck in his hotel room with no signs of forced entry visible. The media reported that along with other French soldiers, he checked into the hotel on Thursday and was supposed to stay there until January 3. The police have launched an investigation into the case. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu visited Bucharest last week to open a new military base with 750 French soldiers in the Romanian town of Cincu, designed to strengthen NATO's eastern flank. On Friday, French newspaper Le Monde reported that France has faced some difficulties in setting the base up. Some of the 750 French soldiers deployed in Cincu still live in tents, while difficulties also occurred during the transportation of military equipment to Romania. France is also responsible for commanding NATO's Mission Aigle in Romania, launched shortly after the start of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine. Under the mission, 500 French soldiers and 300 Belgian soldiers were sent to a military base near the city of Constanta on the Black Sea coast. Later they were joined by the military from the Netherlands. In addition, the French anti-missile complex MAMBA is deployed in Romania. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th November, 2022) Russia's Ministry of Industry and Trade (Minpromtorg) has banned parallel imports of Lancome, Redken, Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani and Kerastase perfumes and cosmetics, since the brands are ready to resume supplies to Russia, a ministry spokesperson told Sputnik. "Yes, these brands are included in the exceptions and, accordingly, parallel imports are not possible for them. This became possible due to the readiness of these companies to resume deliveries of their products to Russia," the spokesperson said on Monday. The Minpromtorg spokesperson emphasized that the ministry's exceptions come into force in three months, which will allow those who have already purchased Lancome, Redken, Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani and Kerastase products to import them into Russia within that period. The brands were included in the Minpromtorg parallel imports list at the start of August. In March, the Russian government legalized so-called parallel imports (imports of goods from distributors for sale without the permission of the intellectual property owner) to satisfy the demand for foreign products which arose amid Western sanctions introduced over Russia's special operation in Ukraine. The Republican Party has seen an increase of nine percentage points in its share of Black voters right ahead of US midterm elections, according to a Wall Street Journal poll released Monday WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th November, 2022) The Republican Party has seen an increase of nine percentage points in its share of Black voters right ahead of US midterm elections, according to a Wall Street Journal poll released Monday. About 17% of Black voters said they would vote for a Republican congressional candidate during polls taken in late October and in August. In comparison, according to AP Votecast surveys, 8% of Black voters voted for a Republican candidate during the 2018 midterms. With Latino voters, while the Democratic Party had a five-percentage-point lead over Republicans in the October poll, the gap shrank by six percentage points from August. In comparison, the Democratic Party had a 31-percentage-point lead with Latino voters during the 2018 midterms. The poll surveyed 1,500 US voters from October 22-26, including 180 Black voters. Additional Latino voters were added to create a sample size of 400 respondents. (@FahadShabbir) MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th November, 2022) The Syrian air force, in response to an attack by militants of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group (banned in Russia) on positions of government forces in Latakia, destroyed a militant training camp and underground shelters, killing 93 militants and injuring 135 more, Maj. Gen. Oleg Yegorov, deputy head of the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria, said on Sunday. "As a result of the attack, a training camp for militants and underground shelters of illegal armed groups in the area of the settlement of Ashkhani-Takhtani were destroyed. Ninety-three militants were liquidated, including field commanders ... 135 members of the terrorist group were seriously injured," Yegorov told a briefing. Yegorov added that the air force destroyed a drone assembly workshop, and up to 40 strike drones, preventing terrorist attacks against the Russian armed forces and Syrian government forces. US Acting Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau will travel to South Africa, Tanzania, Liberia, and Belgium from November 7-17, according to a release WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th November, 2022) US Acting Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau will travel to South Africa, Tanzania, Liberia, and Belgium from November 7-17, according to a release. "Her 10-day trip will prioritize working with US diplomatic missions on policy and messaging priorities, including the importance of press freedom and countering disinformation, media empowerment and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and government corruption and accountability," the release stated. In South Africa, Trudeau will meet with media contacts to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic, climate, and conflict have impacted the US-Africa relationship. She will also meet with US exchange alumni. In Tanzania, she will also meet with media contacts and exchange alumni, and speak at the University of Dar es Salaam Journalism school on press freedom. She will attend the "Heroes of COVID" event in honor of frontline healthcare workers and vaccine advocates. She will also participate in the opening ceremony of the American Corner in Unguja as well as visit the M&M products facility in Kwarara. In Liberia, she will meet with government officials, civil society actors, US exchange alumni, and local media. She will also hold an embassy press roundtable and tour the historic Providence Island, a beneficiary of the Ambassador Fund for Cultural Preservation. In Belgium, she will attend the NATO Senior Communicators Conference and participate in a panel on Transatlantic Approaches to Public Diplomacy. She will also meet with government officials and media outlets to discuss her trip. (@FahadShabbir) US diplomats will travel to Cuba this week to discuss with host government officials the full resumption of immigrant visa processing in early 2023 after a more than five-year break in operations, the State Department announced on Monday WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th November, 2022) US diplomats will travel to Cuba this week to discuss with host government officials the full resumption of immigrant visa processing in early 2023 after a more than five-year break in operations, the State Department announced on Monday. "Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter will travel to Georgetown, Guyana; Miami, Florida; and Havana, Cuba from November 6-10," the State Department said in a press release. "In Havana, Assistant Secretary Bitter will be joined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Ur Mendoza Jaddou to discuss the full resumption of immigrant visa processing in early 2023 and the recent resumption of Cuban Family Reunification Parole processing at U. S. Embassy Havana with host government officials." While in Guyana, Bitter will discuss the facilitation of US immigrant visa processing for Cuban nationals which has been carried out at the US embassy in Georgetown since 2018, the release said. In Miami, the assistant secretary will check US passport facility operations and meet staff, the release added. In September, the US Embassy in Havana announced that the United States will resume full immigrant visa processing services in Cuba in early 2023. The World Trade Organization (WTO) may facilitate the elimination of trade barriers, which contain the spread of low-carbon technologies, Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said on Monday MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th November, 2022) The World Trade Organization (WTO) may facilitate the elimination of trade barriers, which contain the spread of low-carbon technologies, Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said on Monday. "Looking ahead, the WTO has an opportunity to use the present moment to strengthen its role as a forum for coordination on trade and climate change, to address trade policy barriers holding back the dissemination and use of low-carbon technologies, and to support structural changes needed to decarbonize the global economy. I hope we will make the most of this opportunity," Okonjo-Iweala said in the report. The report said that trade may reduce the cost of mitigation and "speed up the low-carbon transition," as well as the generation of green jobs. "To the extent trade helps speed up the low-carbon transition, it would contribute to job creation: one estimate suggests the global shift to clean energy will generate as many as 30 million new jobs in clean energy and related sectors by 2030," it added. The world community is extremely concerned about environmental problems and is trying in every possible way to switch to clean energy. Despite the fact that the 2015 Paris Agreement spawned the carbon neutrality movement, carbon dioxide emissions are still at an all-time high level. According to the UN ReliefWeb information service, the last eight years have been the warmest in the entire history of observations, which is worsened by ever-increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases and accumulated heat. In 2022 alone, extreme heat, drought and devastating floods affected millions of people and cost the budgets of countries billions of Dollars. More than a month since Hurricane Ian made landfall, the need for help continues in southwest Florida. Ammon Bradford, president of the USF Student Veterans Association, just returned from his second trip to Lee County to bring relief supplies to the ravaged region. The Marine Corp veteran and graduate student studying digital journalism and design was joined by three USF student veterans. They volunteered in homes that had black mold creeping in removing cabinets, tables and damaged furniture, sweeping up broken glass and cutting through twisted metal to access other parts of the house. They worked alongside student veterans from Florida Gulf Coast University and the University of St. Augustine in cleanup efforts on Pine Island, a barrier island hit hard by 150 mph winds and storm surge that reached up to 15 feet high. It was a somber experience for Bradford to witness the storms immense destruction. He said he also felt some hope seeing so many others still helping people from Florida helping their own, student veterans from different schools collaborating all with a shared purpose. To be able to help out in that way was rewarding, Bradford said. It didnt feel like work, felt more like an opportunity to create some kind of change. Bradford previously traveled to Cape Coral a week after Ian made landfall with several USF students to drop off supplies that were collected through a relief drive in partnership with the local Student Veterans of America chapter. They drove boxes full of food, water, clothes and other essential supplies to the Veterans of Foreign Wars post and volunteered at the City First Church. The students are just several members of the USF veteran and military-connected community to step up to serve after the disaster. Prior to Hurricane Ian making landfall, a federal state of emergency was declared. That meant Army National Guard soldiers, such as Rianna McDonald, immediately packed up and deployed to prepare for extensive recovery efforts. This was the USF St. Petersburg campus students third deployment, with prior experiences at the Texas border and during the pandemic, where she helped start the first COVID-19 testing site in the south Florida town of Miramar. McDonald spent several days in Lakeland as the storm passed, planning logistics and gathering supplies. She then deployed to Sebring. Though inland flooding in the central Florida town wasnt as extensive as what overtook interior communities such as Arcadia, nearly 90 percent of residents lost power and many had no running water. Roads were littered with downed trees and power lines. We were prepared to conduct search and rescue efforts, but luckily it didnt hit as badly as it could have in Sebring, so our mission changed to distributing supplies, with side deployments in nearby areas for search and rescue, McDonald explained. The National Guard set up a distribution site where residents of Sebring and nearby communities that experienced greater flooding, could pick up essentials to get through the trying days and weeks ahead. McDonald and her unit created an assembly line of relief, passing out water, food and ice to residents who walked or drove up many still dazed from the experience. The community was just really strong. People were coming together and thankful for the help from us and other first responders, McDonald said. To be in a situation like the many people we encountered were in is awful, but their spirits were up. While some members of the USF veteran community distributed food to those without power or in temporary shelters, others cooked it for them, such as USF alum Bryan Jacobs, a Marine Corps veteran and owner of the Liberty Smokehouse. In the Marine Corps, were the first to fight. Theres something so powerful about those words. Youre the first to create the opportunities for others to thrive, Jacobs said, who drove from Tampa to provide hot, whole, fresh meals to those hit the hardest by the Category 4 hurricane. Years before as a student, Jacobs founded the Vets-2-Chefs program while at the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, which helps struggling veterans find purpose by becoming chefs. Seeing how food and the culinary arts can change lives, including his, Jacobs envisioned the Liberty Smokehouse as a food truck that could provide disaster relief in the aftermath of storms like Hurricane Ian. USF alum and Marine Corp veteran Bryan Jacobs founded Vets-2-Chefs. He spent four days in Fort Myers Beach providing hot meals from his wood fire mobile restaurant, Liberty Smokehouse. Jacobs served nearly 1,000 meals each day. There's a real gap in those first five to seven days right after a storm, where theres no fresh food, no water, no community, no hope. Youre walking around like a zombie. And the big organizations dont have the ability to move as fast as we do, Jacobs said. Our mission is and was to come in and bring people together at a strategic point and create hope one plate at a time. By coming together over food, it creates an opportunity to rebuild not just physically, but emotionally as well. ### There are many ways the USF community can continue to support those impacted by Hurricane Ian and help in future emergency responses. Learn more and volunteer with USFs Community Emergency Response Team. You can assist students negatively impacted by Hurricane Ian through the USF United Support Fund. USF Health is also collecting donations to support on-site relief efforts. Also, please join us in celebrating USF's Veterans on November 7-11, 2022. Check out the week's activities here. Vietnams digital economy has seen significant growth over the last decade and is expected to be valued at US$57 billion by 2025. The countrys digital... The death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman who was detained by the countrys morality police for breaking a rule that mandates females wear hijabs, has sparked nearly two months of protests in every province across Iran. Videos on social media have shown Iranian women lighting their headscarves on fire, cutting their hair in public and yelling, Death to the dictator. But its not only in Iran where waves of protests have exploded. There are thousands of Americans in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and around the country shouting the same chants and holding the same signs as the oppressed people of Iran, said Majid Sadeghpour, political director at the Organization of Iranian American Communities. America is paying attention. International focus is being drawn to the people of Iran as their government further intensifies its crackdown. Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based group, reported that as of last week, 234 people including 29 children had been killed by security forces. Additionally, Iranian authorities have announced they will hold public trials for 1,000 detained protesters in the countrys capital, Tehran. Shooka Scharm, a California-based lawyer of Iranian descent whose parents escaped the country shortly after the 1979 revolution, believes that after decades of associating Iran (and Iranians) with high-profile atrocities, Americans' views are finally shifting. When we traditionally think of Iranians, we think of how they took hostages at the U.S. embassy [in Tehran], or how they shot down a [Ukrainian] passenger plane [in 2020], she told VOA. But what America is finally seeing is that this is a regime that commits those same atrocities against its own people a regime that attacks its own universities and shoots its own women in the streets. As human beings, that should pain us, Scharm continued. But also as Americans, we should support a movement attempting to replace a regime that created the slogan, Death to America! with a democracy that will support our priorities such as freedom and nuclear safety. Joining the cause Americans with familial or professional ties to Iran are not the only ones who are paying attention to the protests. According to an Economist/YouGov survey in October, two-thirds of Americans (67%) say they have heard about the recent uprising in Iran. Matthew Linkhart has lived in the United States all his life. Residing in Virginia and having a few Iranian friends, he said he almost immediately felt a desire to show his support for Iranian protesters. When I saw young people being killed because they were protesting, I knew I couldnt ignore it, he told VOA. Teenage girls, who ... you can find videos of them on social media laughing, singing and playing with their friends ... these are little girls now on the front line of this revolution being arrested, beaten, shot and killed. It brings me to tears. How can I not get involved? Linkhart said he attended three protests in Washington last month, with plans to continue in November and beyond. He estimated he was one of 5,000 protesters on the National Mall recently. The demonstrators, he told VOA, chanted Zan, Zendegi, Azadi (Women, Life, Freedom), Democracy for Iran, and Say her name, Mahsa Amini many of the same chants shouted by protesters in Iran. The Iranian Americans seemed happy to have our support, Linkhart said. The movements flag is being waved, and Im just going to keep attending protests and being a voice for Iranians until they have the free country they deserve. Building additional support Not only are most Americans paying attention to whats happening in Iran, but they are also overwhelmingly in support of the protesters. Octobers Economist/YouGov poll found that nearly three-quarters of Americans (73%) strongly or somewhat approve of the countrys recent protests, while only 7% disapprove. Still, there is a feeling by some that the U.S. media arent giving the uprising as much attention as it deserves. While there has been some media coverage on Iran, Morad Ghorban, director of government relations and public policy at Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans, told VOA, I think more can be done to cover and analyze whats happening. Maryann Martelli, a communications professional from Miami, Florida, agrees. She said her job requires her to pay attention to international news, but she hasnt seen much regarding Iran. I follow a lot of media publications on social media, which is an easy way to get news, Martelli said, but I havent seen a single post about it. Maybe the situation in Iran is somehow deprioritized in my feed? Even among those who have seen news about the protests, some say they dont have the time to pay attention. People have so much going on in their lives, Joseph Frisard, a cook from New Orleans, Louisiana, told VOA. I dont think everyone has the time and resources to pay attention to everything going on in the world. I support the cause Iranians are fighting for, I just dont know that me marching or tweeting is actually going to help. But Sadeghpour disagrees. He believes Americans have a specific role to play in supporting the people of Iran. Throughout history, Americans have understood what it means to protect liberty and to defend oneself from aggression. America proved it during its own revolution, and they proved it again during the civil rights movement. The United States is best served when it stands with people who seek self-determination, Sadeghpour continued. Thats what the people of Iran want. So, rather than trying to negotiate a nuclear treaty, which only gives legitimacy to this brutal regime, Americans should be pressuring its political leaders to support the Iranians who want to replace it. The captain of Humanity 1, a German charity rescue ship, was ordered to leave the port of Catania Sunday after 144 rescued migrants were allowed to disembark, but 35 people remained on board. The captain refused to leave. Italy allowed the ship carrying 179 migrants to enter the Sicilian port early Sunday, while rejecting safe harbor for three other ships in the vicinity carrying 900 people, The Associated Press reported. Amnesty Internationals deputy director at Europes regional office, Julia Hall said, the law of the sea is clear, in a statement. A rescue ends with all those rescued, are disembarked in a place of safety. There is no room for creative interpretations of the law when people are suffering and traumatized after risking their lives at sea. Hall said 144 people were allowed to disembark following a brief physical exam. But she added, All the people rescued by Humanity 1 departed from Libya, were refugees and migrants are at constant risk of torture and other ill-treatment, arbitrary detention and other abuses. By forcing 35 people to remain on board the Humanity 1, Italy is not only violating its international obligations to disembark and protect them under both human rights and maritime law, but also creating a risky situation which endangers the rescued people and the crew of Humanity 1, Hall said. We urge the Italian authorities to allow all those still on board to disembark as soon as possible. Also Sunday, another migrant rescue ship, the Geo Barents, operated by Doctors Without Borders, a charity commonly known by its French acronym MSF, arrived in Catania. This time 357 of the 572 were allowed off the vessel. Italy legitimately expects other EU Member States to share responsibility for people seeking asylum, Amnestys Hall said, but this does not justify imposing measures that only increase the suffering of already traumatized people. It is disgraceful that the Italian government continues to assist Libyan authorities in violating their peoples human rights, said Hall. It adds insult to injury that the Italian government also refuses disembarkation to those who managed to leave that country. Some information in this report came from The Associated Press. Cameroonian President Paul Biya marked 40 years in power Sunday but stayed out of the spotlight as questions swirled about the 89-year-old who is the only leader most of the Central African country's people have ever known. Thousands of his supporters gathered in the capital, Yaounde, to celebrate the anniversary but there were only giant portraits of the absent president. Biya has not appeared in public since French President Emmanuel Macron visited in July. Decrees and photos of Biya receiving various diplomats are regularly posted on the president's social media accounts. "Since our father took power we live in peace he protects us well," said Biya supporter Paul Ambassa on Sunday. "May God keep him." However, critics of the Biya regime were wearing black Sunday amid the celebrations. "Nov. 6 is considered a day of national mourning because Mr. Biya inherited a rich, prosperous and growing country," said critic Darling Nguevo. "And he set about unraveling every sector of life and society." "Corruption has made its bed in the country. So has bad governance. Paul Biya is old and his public appearances are rare, and this is happening against the backdrop of the succession battle," he added. Biya is Africa's second-longest serving leader: The president of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has been in power since 1979. Biya was Cameroon's prime minister and became president in 1982 after his predecessor, Cameroon's first president following the country's independence from France, stepped down due to health reasons. The majority of appointments Biya made in the ensuing years were members of his own southern Beti ethnic group, which quickly grew to dominate senior prefect positions and the prime minister's office. He survived a 1984 coup attempt. When the country's first multi-party election was finally held in 1992, Biya bested his opposition rival by just four percentage points. In the decades since, Biya's party has used everything from fraud to redistricting to expand his victories and the ruling party's legislative majorities, according to political analysts. Human rights groups have accused him of brazen strongman tactics, including torture and intimidation of his opponents. Biya has faced challenges in recent years that range from a secessionist movement in Cameroon's English-speaking provinces to the threat in the north posed by Islamic extremists aligned with the Nigeria-based Boko Haram group. Critics point to the role that corruption has played in entrenching Biya's regime, with the spoils allegedly going to his allies in government, the security forces and the president's family. Political analyst Aristide Mono said the celebrations around Biya's 40th anniversary in power were "part of a tradition of sanctification." "The people in charge of these various mobilizations are very much driven by the logic of clientelism, as each tries to show his allegiance, to show a lot of fidelity and loyalty," Mono said. Displays of loyalty have become particularly important as Biya gets older. The president's son, Franck Biya, has been more visible at his father's side. Some think he is positioning himself as a possible successor. There are fears chaos could break out in a country with more than 200 different ethnic groups once the president's long tenure ends. "Biya hasn't taken the time to prepare a successor, someone who could amply inherit his power," Mono said. Several thousand ethnic Serbs rallied in Kosovo Sunday as a dispute over vehicle license plates heightened ongoing tensions between Serbia and its former province. The government's decision to gradually ban Serbia-issued license plates has angered Kosovo Serbs, most of whom do not recognize Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence. Members of the ethnic Serb minority left their government jobs Saturday in a protest over the directive. The Serbian government, with support from China and Russia, also has refused to acknowledge Kosovo's statehood. The United States and its allies recognize Kosovo as an independent country. During Sunday's protest in the northern Kosovo town of Mitrovica, Serb political leaders said the police officers, judges and other public employees would not return to their jobs unless Kosovo's government reversed its license plate policy. We are on our land, and we will not give up, Serb politician Goran Rakic said. There is no withdrawal. Long live Serbia. The issue of Kosovo's independence sparked a 1998-99 war in which some 13,000 people died. Serbia launched a brutal crackdown to curb a separatist rebellion by ethnic Albanians. NATO bombed Serbia in 1999 to end the war. Both Serbia and Kosovo have been told they must normalize relations in order to advance in their effort to join the European Union. However, EU-mediated talks have stalled, triggering concerns of instability more than two decades after the conflict. Further dashing hopes of a quick resolution, Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said Sunday that the countrys leadership has rejected the latest proposal. It reportedly offered Serbia a faster track to EU membership in exchange for Kosovos membership in the United Nations. Dacic told pro-government broadcast Prva TV that proposals submitted by France and Germany starts from the position that the independence of Kosovo is already a foregone conclusion." Serbia cannot accept that," he said. Watch related video by Leonat Shehu and Artan Haraqija: Kosovo's government previously postponed until November 1 a requirement for vehicles holding old or Serbian license plates to replace them with Kosovar ones. Serbia has required the reverse for vehicles coming in from Kosovo for 11 years. European Union and U.S. officials have stepped up efforts to bring Serbia and Kosovo closer to an agreement on fully normalizing their relations. The West fears Russia could try to destabilize the Balkans to avert at least some attention from its invasion of Ukraine. Some former members of Afghanistans special forces who fled to Iran after the Talibans takeover in Afghanistan are now being recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine and for Iran in Yemen, two former senior Afghan security officials told VOA. The former Afghan army chief, General Haibatullah Alizai, said Tehran is using the vulnerability of former Afghan forces now living in the country to recruit them to strengthen the ranks of Houthi rebels in Yemen. When former Afghan military members go to immigration bureaus in Iran to extend their visas, they are told to go to Yemen to fight in support of the Houthis, Alizai told VOA. Mohammad Farid Ahmadi, the former commander of Afghanistan's elite National Army Commando Corps, told VOA that former Afghan special forces now are engaged in six critical areas of the world: Nagorno-Karabakh, Ukraine, Yemen, Iran, Syria and Russia, but in small groups. Afghan commandos who were trained by the U.S. and NATO are considered the most experienced former military personnel in Afghanistan. Before the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban, the commandos were led most of the complex combat operations throughout the country. The Associated Press reported that Russia is now also seeking to recruit former Afghan special forces in Iran to fight alongside their military in Ukraine by offering them $1,500-a-month payments and promises of safe havens for themselves and their families. Officials with the Russian embassy in Washington and Irans United Nations representatives have not responded to emailed questions about whether their governments are recruiting former Afghan armed forces and commandos. The Associated Press reported that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group, dismissed claims of recruiting former Afghan soldiers as crazy nonsense. But pressuring Afghans to fight is not a new tactic. In 2016, Human Rights Watch said Iran was using Afghan refugees as soldiers to fight in Syria. Taliban threat Former Army Commando Corps leader Ahmadi said there were about 30,000 commandos serving in Afghanistan before the Taliban took control of Kabul. "Now a big majority of Afghan former commandos are inside Afghanistan, disguising and living in hiding, said Ahmadi, adding that a number of them were detained and tortured by the Taliban." According to a report published a few months ago by the U.S. Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), former Afghan commandos who have stayed in the country have "almost certainly" joined the fledgling opposition group known as the National Resistance Front or are living in hiding out of fear of being killed or imprisoned by the Taliban. Ahmadi said some of the former soldiers were held and tortured in Taliban prisons. But he said after tribal elders intervened, many were released after they paid money and vowed never to speak of their treatment in prison. Ahmadi says Afghan special forces feel betrayed by the countrys former political leaders and he describes many now as "desperate, hopeless and vulnerable." He also urged officials in Washington to try to help those Afghans who fought shoulder to shoulder with the U.S. forces for the past 20 years. "The U.S. should fulfill its promises and not let these forces be hired as mercenaries," Ahmadi said. Washington in a difficult position At a Washington news briefing on October 31, State Department spokesperson Edward Price responded to questions about the recruitment of Afghan commandos by saying, Im aware of those reports. Im not aware, though, that we have been in a position to confirm that such Afghan commandos have actually been enlisted into President Putins war. Rand Corporation policy researcher Jason Campbell said that limited U.S. reach in parts of Iran and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan where former Afghan commandos live puts Washington, logistically speaking, in a difficult position. Its certainly a hard decision for the U.S. to make in terms of trying to take steps to ensure the safety of all these thousands of commandos, particularly in light of recent developments, where, as we said, certainly Russia but [also] other states might see an opportunity here to recruit some of these ... seasoned and well-trained fighters who find themselves living in desperate conditions, Campbell said. Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, told VOA that the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan created this problem. This is one of the unforeseen consequences of the U.S. disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. We left behind tens of thousands of highly trained Afghan soldiers. These are the commandos who are quite capable. They were on the frontlines in the fight against the Taliban, he said. Roggio added, Some [former Afghan commandos] have gone into Iran, but by Russia opening up the opportunity for them to possibly get Russian citizenship and telling them that you fight for us in Ukraine, we will help you and help your family. That is quite appealing. Lina Rozbih contributed to this report. This story originated in VOAs Afghan service. Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is visiting Moscow for talks expected to focus on economic and political issues. The two-day visit during which the Indian minister will meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry, Denis Manturov, will be the first by a senior Indian official to Russia since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February. Analysts say while most attention has been focused on the softer stance India has taken on Russia's invasion and its continued purchase of cheap Russian oil and coal despite Western sanctions, New Delhi has also been using its leverage based on longstanding ties with Moscow to underline the need to end hostilities. Ahead of the visit that starts Monday, Indian foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi told reporters that India has always emphasized the need to return to diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the conflict. "I am sure that the external affairs minister would certainly be reiterating it," he said on Thursday. The minister will be "looking at the economic elements" as well as exchange of views on "regional and international developments," Bagchi said. India has not publicly called out Russia for the conflict and has abstained from United Nations resolutions critical of Moscow's aggression, but it has repeatedly said that it opposes the conflict and expressed concern about the violence. "We believe that the conflict does not serve the interests of anybody, neither the participants nor indeed of the international community," foreign minister Jaishankar said at a press conference during a visit to Australia last month. In September, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a regional summit in Samarkand that "today's era is not an era of war, and I have spoken to you on the phone about this that democracy, diplomacy and dialogue are such things that touch the world." Modi said that the world was grappling with major challenges, including food and energy crises that were hitting developing countries especially hard. "India would be reiterating the need for some kind of a resolution, some kind of a political settlement during the visit because it cannot be an open-ended conflict," said Harsh Pant, head of the strategic studies program at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi. "Because India does not want to call Russia out publicly, private conversations will certainly allow [for] that to happen." The war on Ukraine has posed a huge challenge for India in trying to balance its decades-long relations with Russia and its growing ties with the West. It does not want to antagonize either side Russia is a huge arms supplier, while concerns about an aggressive China have prompted India to enhance strategic ties with the United States and embrace the Quad a grouping of Japan, Australia U.S., and India. But standing apart from its Quad partners, New Delhi has refused to support existing sanctions or impose their own on Moscow. It also has strongly defended its growing purchases of crude from Moscow at discounted prices India has repeatedly said that it takes decisions based on its national interests and as a major oil and coal importer, its people need access to cheaper oil. Russia became India's largest supplier of crude oil in October surpassing traditional suppliers, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, according to local reports. However, as the war in Ukraine continues, the pressure on India to ensure that it does not alienate Western countries is growing. "While New Delhi has been able to make its point to its Western partners for the moment, this window of opportunity will not be forever and there are worries that the longer the war drags out, the space for India in doing so will become narrower," Pant said. But at the same time, New Delhi's good ties with Moscow also offer leverage, observers say. "There is a sense that India remains one of the few countries that enjoys some level of confidence of both sides, so there is a possibility that India can play a more proactive role than in the past in any potential efforts to resolve the conflict. All of these assumptions will be tested during this visit," he said. New Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued her first Supreme Court opinion Monday, a short dissent in support of a death row inmate from Ohio. Jackson wrote that she would have thrown out lower court rulings in the case of Ohio inmate Davel Chinn, whose lawyers argued that the state suppressed evidence that might have altered the outcome of his trial. The two-page opinion came on the same day the high court was hearing cases that are part of a wider dispute over the power of the federal government. In her dissent, Jackson wrote that she would have ordered a new look at Chinn's case "because his life is on the line and given the substantial likelihood that the suppressed records would have changed the outcome at trial." The evidence at issue indicated that a key witness against Chinn has an intellectual disability that might have affected his memory and ability to testify accurately, she wrote. Prosecutors are required to turn over potentially exculpatory evidence to the defense. In this case, lower courts determined that the outcome would not have been affected if the witness' records had been provided to Chinn's lawyers. Chinn's lawyers said in a statement after his case was rejected that: "Ohio must not exacerbate the mistakes of the past by pursuing Mr. Chinn's execution." The only other member of the court to join Jackson's opinion was fellow liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Jackson joined the high court on June 30, following the retirement of Justice Stephen Breyer. The court has yet to decide any of the cases argued in October or the first few days of this month. Jackson almost certainly will be writing a majority opinion in one of those cases. Every justice typically writes at least one opinion each time the court sits for a two-week session of hearing arguments. Also on Monday: The court heard arguments in two cases, involving the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission, that are part of a sustained attack by business and conservative interests on what they say is government overreach. The two cases before the court have to do with whether challengers can quickly get into federal court or must endure a sometimes-yearslong agency process first. In both cases it seemed that the court dominated 6-3 by conservatives would opt for the shorter route, with Justice Samuel Alito at one point questioning a lawyer for the government on his argument for the more-lengthy process: "Isn't it in your interest to get this decided?" Fellow conservative Chief Justice John Roberts, meanwhile, noted the string of Supreme Court decisions against the government in recent years saying: "Doesn't that underscore the need for ... a direct proceeding to raise the constitutional claim rather than waiting however many years before the agency?" The justices declined to hear a case out of Arizona in which a man, Ramin Khorrami, challenged his conviction by an eight-member jury. Two conservative justices said the court should have heard Khorrami's case. Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote that the high court should have done so and overturned a 1970 Supreme Court precedent in which the justices said a 12-member jury is not required. Gorsuch wrote that six states allow smaller jury panels, a practice he said is "difficult to reconcile" with the Constitution. Justice Brett Kavanaugh agreed the court should have heard the case. Khorrami was convicted after demanding money from a woman he had an affair with, threatening to reveal the affair to her husband if she didn't comply. The justices also declined to hear the case of a Louisiana man who was convicted of sex trafficking and argued there was serious prosecutorial misconduct in his case. Jackson and Sotomayor were also allies in dissent on that case. Its not just people and pets that have become victims in the war in Ukraine. In some cases, wild animals have been forced to evacuate as well. Oleksii Kovalenko looks at some lions that were rescued from the Odesa Biopark Zoo and flown to safety. Anna Rice narrates the story. Voting machine manufacturers are likely to be targeted by a new wave of disinformation intended to discredit election results as American voters head to the polls Tuesday. U.S. officials including those at the lead agency for election security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), have been pushing back against a steady drumbeat of allegations, noting many of them echo similar, debunked allegations from the 2020 presidential election. It is a message that has even been echoed by the White House. We believe that Americans can and should go to the polls feeling comfortable that that everything is being done to make sure that this is a free and fair and secure election, John Kirby, the National Security Councils coordinator for strategic communications, told reporters this past Friday. But new research from the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future finds there are indications disinformation efforts surrounding voting machines and voting systems, are likely to surge on election day and the days that follow, though the efforts are unlikely to match the intensity of two years ago. Recorded Future has already identified claims across numerous facets of the mainstream and alternative social media landscape suggesting that technologies will be used to rig the results of the midterms, the company said in a report released Monday. It is likely that mis- and disinformation surrounding voting technologies will be most prominent in jurisdictions that are facing particularly contentious races, such as the gubernatorial election in Arizona, the gubernatorial election in Pennsylvania, and the Senate seat race in Georgia, the report added. Other states likely to face intense scrutiny from disinformation campaigns targeting the reliability of voting systems include Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada and Florida, the report said. So far, according to Recorded Future, most of the disinformation efforts have originated in the United States, and most have targeted just three companies: Dominion Voting Systems, Smartmatic and Election Systems & Software (ES&S). According to the nonprofit organization, Verified Voting, which promotes the use of secure election technologies, Dominion systems will be used in 21 states and 1,200 voting jurisdictions for the 2022 midterms. ES&S is being used in 39 states and in Washington, D.C. Smartmatic is being used only in Los Angeles County in California. All three companies have pushed back against previous allegations of wrongdoing, with Dominion going as far as to file defamation suits against Fox News, One America News Network (OAN) and Newsmax, charging them with spreading false claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump and his allies following the 2020 presidential election. Baseless claims about Dominion Voting Systems and the November 2020 election have been fully debunked by election authorities, subject matter experts, and third-party fact-checkers, the company wrote on its website on a page updated Sunday. Dominions efforts, however, have not stopped new disinformation campaigns from taking root. Recorded Future has surfaced false claims that Dominion technologies will be purposefully rigged for the 2022 midterms across most major facets of mainstream and alternative media, the cybersecurity firm said in its report Monday, citing allegations on Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, Gab, Patriots[.]win and 4chan. The researchers further found some allegations being promoted by two Russian-linked propaganda outlets -- Red Spring Information Agency and the Centre for Research on Globalization. ES&S, widely used in a number of election battleground states such as Arizona, Pennsylvania and Florida, has not been subjected to the same level of scrutiny as Dominion, but has drawn the ire of far-right and ultraconservative alternative social media platforms and news blogs, according to the Recorded Future report. Despite its small footprint in the U.S., Smartmatic has garnered considerable attention. Recorded Future discovered multiple instances of mis- and disinformation targeting Smartmatic with corruption and rigging claims, the report said, pointing to posts on Gab, Patriots[.]win and SouthFront, a propaganda outlet linked to Russias security services. A fourth voting machine and voting systems company, Scytl, has also been subjected to rumors even though it is not being used in any U.S. jurisdiction for Tuesdays vote, Recorded Future said. At times, all four companies have been targeted together. These pieces of garbage collectively have been stealing our elections, Joe Oltmann, conservative activist and co-host of the Conservative Daily Podcast, wrote on his Telegram channel last month. They have recycled code, manipulated votes and destroyed our voices while stealing elections at every level. Recorded Future is not alone in its warnings. The Election Integrity Partnership (EIP), which describes itself as a nonpartisan research coalition, said in a report released Saturday that online influencers pushing election fraud conspiracy theories continue to thrive on mainstream and alternative platforms, building up sizable audiences. Many use a combination of platforms, often in complementary ways, EIP said. Even when a specific account is not present on a particular platform, its audiences may cross-post content there from other platforms. For now, U.S. officials are doing what they can to draw attention from the disinformation efforts, pushing CISAs Rumor Control website, as well as similar fact-checking websites run by individual states. Cybersecurity experts from a number of high-profile private sector companies have also sought to allay concerns. I don't see any indications that any sort of technology is compromised, or we should lose confidence in the election system, Pat Flynn, head of the Advanced Programs Group at Trellix, told VOA. There is a continued focus on state election officials, he said, pointing to recent phishing campaigns in Arizona, Pennsylvania and elsewhere. But Flynn said such attempts have been pretty basic very much focused on the user itself, phishing and trying to bait them into surrendering their credentials. Predominantly the election process is secure, he said. Hong Kong: Legal clarity set for emerging tech Secretary for Justice Paul Lam It is a great honour for me to be here today to speak at the closing of the inaugural Asia-Pacific Private International Law Summit (APPILS), jointly launched by UNIDROIT (International Institute for the Unification of Private Law) and the Department of Justice (DoJ) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which marks the opening of Hong Kong Legal Week 2022. APPILS The Asia-Pacific Private International Law Summit was conceived pursuant to the mutual aspiration of UNIDROIT and the DoJ to promote and further develop the understanding of private international law and international commercial law in the Asia-Pacific region. This summit is a particularly meaningful occasion because it denotes another milestone of our close partnership with UNIDROIT after the signing of our memorandum of understanding (MOU) in May this year regarding our mutual collaboration on private international law and international commercial law. (Note 1) This summit is also particularly momentous as it has brought together in one arena the three sister organisations of private international law - UNIDROIT, UNCITRAL (United Nations Commission on International Trade Law) and HCCH (Hague Conference on Private International Law) - all of which the DoJ has been working very closely with in the recent years, with support from the central government. We thank each organisation for their trust in Hong Kong and we look forward to even closer co-operation among us as we pursue our common goals to promote the development of private international law and rule of law in general. Review of topics discussed during APPILS We have heard many insightful and excellent presentations today covering a very wide range of important private international law topics. The topics explored by our expert panelists today are timely and relevant to Hong Kong as a leading international financial and legal hub, as well as the greater Asia-Pacific region. First session: Facilitating Access to Credit in the Asia-Pacific Region: International Instruments Supporting Asset-based Financing, Supply Chain Finance & Leasing As a leading international financial hub with a robust legal system, Hong Kong continues to attract a multitude of financial institutions and organisations to conduct their businesses here. Asset-based financing and supply chain finance transactions are therefore an integral part of such businesses to access more credit and working capital. In this respect, we have heard from the expert panel in session one on the important international instruments available in support of these secured transactions. International instruments such as the Cape Town Convention (Note 2) and its protocols are fine examples of efforts to harmonise international security registration requirements and legal remedies, giving more confidence to financiers to extend credit to businesses. It is also encouraging to see the continued efforts by UNIDROIT, HCCH and UNCITRAL to further enhance harmonisation in this area, for example, through the Model Law on Factoring project and other relevant instruments by all these organisations. Second session: Providing Legal Clarity for Emerging Technologies: Digital Assets & Private Law In recent years, in line with the global trend, the Hong Kong SAR Government has been actively seeking to strengthen and develop our digital economy (Note 3). The local fintech and virtual asset industries have grown substantially, bringing with them numerous opportunities for financial innovation. Indeed, the Hong Kong SAR Government is also actively striving for new measures for the virtual asset sector (Note 4). The Government has been working to put in place a comprehensive system for the regulation of these emerging markets to ensure their orderly and sustainable development (Note 5). In this connection, UNIDROIT's Digital Assets & Private Law project (Note 6), which embodies best practices and international standards on the transfer and use of digital assets, is closely relevant. Today's discussion has given us much food for thought on how private international law principles may interact with the laws of our jurisdiction to regulate digital assets especially in light of their special characteristics. Third session: Bridging the Gap in the Insolvency Legal Architecture (eg UNIDROIT's Project on Guidance for Bank Insolvency Proceedings) In addition to our efforts made on the technological development to promote business growth, we are also fully aware of the need to practise good risk management and even debt restructuring during the business life cycle. This is particularly important in light of recent market volatilities, and the complex issues that would commonly arise in international transactions. In session three, we have heard about the meaningful efforts being made to improve cross-boundary insolvency proceedings. An example of this is UNIDROIT's on-going project on Bank Insolvency (Note 7), which is working towards an international soft law instrument to provide legal guidance for smoother cross-boundary co-ordination on bank liquidation proceedings. There is one good domestic example - it is the record of meeting on Mutual Recognition of & Assistance to Bankruptcy (Insolvency) Proceedings between the Courts of the Mainland and the Hong Kong SAR signed between the DoJ and the Supreme People's Court in May 2021, which provides for the mutual recognition of and assistance to insolvency proceedings between these two jurisdictions (Note 8). The insights shared by the panelists on recent cases in this respect that have successfully utilised this arrangement are both enlightening and reassuring (Note 9). The continued effective implementation of this unique arrangement would go a long way to facilitate and encourage the rescue of financially troubled businesses which have commercial presence in both Hong Kong and the Mainland, which may also shed light for development of a co-operative mechanism for other jurisdictions and internationally. Fourth session: Into the Future: Strengthening Engagement in the Asia-Pacific Region The arrangement between the Mainland the Hong Kong SAR has also showed the importance of cross-boundary co-operation, which is indeed important for this region with very diverse legal systems. Session four, the last session, has highlighted the importance of co-operation and the need to strengthen engagement in the region as well as the very close ties that Hong Kong has formed over the years with renowned international organisations in this regard. As mentioned during the panel discussion, the DoJ has secured invaluable opportunities to second our local legal talents to the offices of UNIDROIT, HCCH and UNCITRAL. Not only does this allow our lawyers to expand their knowledge of the operation of international organisations; it also allows us to inject some of our own perspective into the development of these international organisations and international law during such exchange (Note 10). Another aspect of our collaborated efforts in strengthening engagement within Asia-Pacific can also be witnessed through participation in the capacity-building activities as a member economy of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) organisation. With a view to promoting strong, balanced, inclusive, innovative and sustainable growth in the region, we have been actively involved in the affairs of the Economic Committee (EC), which is tasked to promote structural reform and strengthen APEC economies' capability in both macro- and microeconomic issues. UNIDROIT, UNCITRAL and HCCH have all acquired the accredited guest status to participate in the meetings and activities of the EC. Lastly, we are very proud that Hong Kong is host to offices for various international organisations, with which we work in close association. The HCCH Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific was established back in 2012, while the DoJ Project Office for Collaboration with UNCITRAL was set up in 2020. It is also worthwhile to mention that most recently, the AALCO (Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization) Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre was opened in Hong Kong in May this year. They are all housed in the Hong Kong Legal Hub, in the very prime location on Hong Kong Island. These collaborations signify these organisations' unfailing faith in Hong Kong's rule of law, legal and dispute resolution services. It also cements Hong Kong's status as an international centre for legal, dealmaking and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region. We continue to welcome international organisations which are committed to the betterment of international law to join our legal hub and explore opportunities for further collaboration and for capacity-building work in the region. It is our sincere hope that our close synergy may create more opportunities and better prospects for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Concluding remarks Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to announce that the inaugural Asia-Pacific Private International Law Summit has come to a successful conclusion. The success of this summit is the culmination of the collective efforts and dedication of UNIDROIT and my colleagues at the DoJ, as well as the distinguished participants from different organisations. My heartfelt thanks goes to everyone who have contributed to the organisation of this summit. Last but not least, this summit and other events of Hong Kong Legal Week 2022 would not have been possible without the steadfast and continuous strong support of the central government and other international organisations including HCCH and UNCITRAL, for which we are deeply grateful. Note 1: This is the second MOU with UNIDROIT relating to administrative arrangements for collaboration relating to private international law and international commercial law, while the first MOU signed between UNIDROIT and the Government of the Hong Kong SAR in 2021 was in relation to the secondment arrangement. Note 2: Please find linked UNIDROIT's webpage on the Cape Town Convention: www.unidroit.org/instruments/security-interests/cape-town-convention/overview/ Note 3: www.ogcio.gov.hk/en/news/press_releases/2022/05/pr_20220511.html Note 4: www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/news-and-media/press-releases/2022/09/20220920-4/ Note 5: Article by Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui on "New measures for virtual asset sector" (March 17, 2022), see: www.news.gov.hk/eng/2022/03/20220317/20220317_112137_332.html Note 6: See www.unidroit.org/work-in-progress/digital-assets-and-private-law/. For the latest status of the working group on this topic, please see: www.unidroit.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/W.G.6-Doc.-3-Tracked-Principles-and-Issues-Paper.pdf Note 7: See: www.unidroit.org/work-in-progress/bank-insolvency/ Note 8: Please see the press release (May 14, 2021) on the signing of the record of meeting: www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/14/P2021051400219.htm. Note 9: Relevant cases include (but are not limited to): Re Joint & Several Liquidators of Ozner Water International Holding Ltd (In Liquidation) [2022] HKCFI 363; Re Samson Paper Co Ltd (in Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation) [2021] HKCFI 2151) Note 10: www.doj.gov.hk/en/miscellaneous/secondment_programmes_to_international_organisations.html Note 11: Schedule of Days 2 to 5 of Legal Week 2022: Day 2 - (i) HCCH Conventions Supporting Transnational Litigation in Civil or Commercial Matters: A Workshop to celebrate the Tenth Anniversary of the Regional Office for Asia & the Pacific; (ii) Generations in Arbitration Conference. Day 3 - (i) Workshop on ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Online Dispute Resolution: ODR in Facilitating Cross-Boundary Trade & Investment for ASEAN & Hong Kong Businesses; (ii) Hong Kong Mediation Lecture. Day 4 - The Law Society of Hong Kong's Fifth Belt & Road Conference. Day 5 - Rule of Law Congress: Rule of Law & Justice for All. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam gave these closing remarks at the Asia-Pacific Private International Law Summit under Hong Kong Legal Week 2022 on November 7. This story has been published on: 2022-11-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. By Fang Leilei and Li Jianwen ZHUHAI, Nov. 7-- International Military Flight Training Conference 2022 was held in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province, on November 7. Twenty eight Chinese and foreign representatives delivered speeches, either onsite or via video link, on the theme of talent, innovation, collaboration and development, exchanging ideas, approaches, and methods of leveraging scientific and technological innovation to foster air force defense construction, training reform and personnel training. Discussions were focused on two topics, "Air Force Military Exchanges and Cooperation" and "Talent Training and College Construction". Representatives of the Chinese Air Force made keynote speeches on "Military Exchanges and Cooperation of Chinese Air Force", "Rapid Development of Chinese Air Force Flight Education and Training", and "Technology Enabling New Command Talent Training". All participants believed that talents are the foundation for the construction and development of the air forces of all countries, and innovation constitutes the driving force for development and progress. It is necessary to actively seek changes and adapt to changes, and firmly grasp the fundamentals of improving core military capabilities. It is indispensable to promote the construction of a scientific, efficient, and more open military flight education and training system focusing on cultivating high-caliber professional military flight talents. Relevant leaders of the PLA Air Force introduced that in the great cause of strengthening and rejuvenating the Chinese military, the PLA Air Force has always adhered to reform and innovation, openness and cooperation, and is willing to further expand exchanges and strengthen cooperation with air forces of all countries and make greater contributions to promoting the building of a mutually beneficial, win-win, safe and harmonious aerospace environment. It is reported that the PLA Air Force has successfully held six international military flight training conferences since 2010 and has provided a platform of exchanges and mutual learning in flight education and training for air forces of all countries. Philippine authorities filed murder complaints on Monday against the top prisons official and an aide, accusing them of masterminding the killing of a radio commentator in an elaborate crime they said showed that the country's prisons system had been turned into a "criminal organization." The complaints were filed against Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag, who has been suspended from his post, prisons security official Ricardo Zulueta and other key suspects in the October 3 fatal shooting of Percival Mabasa. The journalist had fiercely criticized Bantag and other officials for alleged corruption and other anomalies. Mabasa, who used the broadcast name Percy Lapid, is among the latest media workers killed in a Southeast Asian country regarded as among the most dangerous for journalists in the world. A joint statement read at a news conference by top justice, interior and police officials said three gang leaders locked up in the country's largest prison under Bantag's control were tapped to look for a gunman to kill Mabasa for a 550,000-peso ($9,300) contract. After the killing, however, the gunman, who was identified by police as Joel Escorial, surrendered in fear after government officials raised a reward for his capture. He then publicly identified an inmate, Jun Villamor, who he said was assigned by detained gang leaders to call him and arrange Mabasa's killing. The gang leaders later killed Villamor inside the prison by suffocating him with a plastic bag allegedly on orders of Bantag and Zulueta, officials said. "Bantag had a clear motive to effect the murders," officials said in the statement. Mabasa was shot to death for his critical exposes against the prisons chief, and Villamor was killed by gang leaders as a cover-up after he was publicly identified by the gunman as the inmate who arranged the killing behind bars, they said. Bantag has denied any involvement in the killings. He and Zulueta have also been charged for the killing of Villamor. No warrants have been issued yet for their arrests, officials said. The investigation of the killings bared "the unfortunate transformation of a pillar of justice the correction pillar into a deep, large-scale and systematic criminal organization," officials said in their statement. "This will be the cause of many reforms in government and the strengthening of current mechanisms to ensure that nothing of this nature will happen again," they said. As suspicions grew over Bantag's involvement in the two killings, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered him suspended indefinitely and replaced with a former military chief of staff, Gregorio Catapang Jr. A recent search of the maximum-security prison complex under Bantag's control yielded more than 7,000 cans of extra-strong beer, bladed weapons, cellphones, laptop computers and suspected drugs in a discovery that deepened long-held suspicions of prison anomalies involving officials and guards, Catapang said. "There are many crimes that we have to look into," Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told a news conference. He cited the beer, drugs and other contrabands smuggled into prison and the deaths of 18 detained drug lords supposedly of coronavirus infection followed by their cremation in a span of 75 days. Aside from Bantag, Mabasa had also strongly criticized former President Rodrigo Duterte, who oversaw a deadly crackdown on illegal drugs. Duterte ended his turbulent six-year term in June. Duterte appointed Bantag as Bureau of Corrections chief in 2019 despite pending criminal complaints. Bantag had faced charges for a 2016 clash that killed 10 inmates when he was the warden in another detention center. A court later cleared him. Media watchdogs have condemned Mabasa's killing, saying the attack underscores how deadly the Philippines remains for journalists. Nearly 200 journalists have been killed in the country since 1986, when dictator Ferdinand Marcos was overthrown, according to the journalists' union. The group led a protest Tuesday night and called on the government to do more to stop the killings. In 2009, members of a powerful political clan and their associates killed 58 people, including 32 media workers, in an execution-style attack in southern Maguindanao province that horrified the world. The mass killing, linked to a political rivalry, demonstrated the dangers journalists face in the Philippines, which has many unlicensed guns, private armies controlled by powerful clans and weak law enforcement, especially in rural regions. The captain of a charity-run migrant rescue ship refused Italian orders to leave a Sicilian port Sunday after authorities refused to let 35 of the migrants on his ship disembark part of directives by Italy's new far-right-led government targeting foreign-flagged rescue ships. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni's two-week-old government is refusing safe port to four ships operating in the central Mediterranean that have rescued migrants at sea in distress, some as many as 16 days ago, and is allowing only those identified as vulnerable to disembark. On Sunday, Italy ordered the Humanity 1 to vacate the port of Catania after disembarking 144 rescued migrants, including children, more than 100 unaccompanied minors, and people with medical emergencies. But its captain refused to comply "until all survivors rescued from distress at sea have been disembarked," said SOS Humanity, the German charity that operates the ship. The vessel remained moored at the port with 35 migrants on board. Later Sunday, a second charity ship arrived in Catania, and the vetting process was being repeated with the 572 migrants aboard the Geo Barents ship operated by Doctors Without Borders. The selection was completed by late evening, with 357 allowed off but 215 people blocked on board. Families were the first to leave the ship. One man cradling a baby expressed his gratitude, saying "Thank you, Geo Barents, thank you," as he left. Another man in a wheelchair was carried down by Red Cross workers. Yet two other boats run by nongovernmental organizations did not find a port willing to accept the people they rescued. Humanitarian groups, human rights activists and two Italian lawmakers who traveled to Sicily protested the selection process as illegal and inhumane. Italy's new Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi is targeting nongovernmental organizations, which Italy has long accused of encouraging people trafficking in the central Mediterranean Sea. The groups deny the claim. "Free all the people, free them,'' Italian lawmaker Aboubakar Soumahoro said in an emotional appeal directed at Meloni from the Humanity 1 rescue ship. The passengers have faced "trauma, they have faced everything that we can define as prolonged suffering," said Soumahoro, who spent the night on the ship. Later at the port, he accused Meloni of playing politics at the expense of "newborns, of women, of people who have suffered traumas of all kinds," including torture in Libyan prisons. He said neither translators nor psychologists were on hand during Italy's selection process and many of the migrants were from Gambia, unable to speak French, English or Italian. "Their fault is to speak another language. Their fault is to have another color," Soumahoro said, accusing the Italian government of using the migrants to distract from other issues, including high energy prices. Aboard the Humanity 1, doctors in Italy identified people needing urgent medical care after the ship's doctor refused to make a selection, said SOS Humanity spokesman Wasil Schauseil. Thirty-six people were declared non-vulnerable and were not permitted to disembark, prompting one to collapse and be taken away by an ambulance. "You can imagine the condition of the people. It is very devastating," he said. Both SOS Humanity and Doctors Without Borders issued statements declaring that all their passengers were vulnerable after being rescued at sea and deserving of a safe port under international law. SOS Humanity said it plans to file a civil case in Catania to ensure that all 35 survivors on board have access to formal asylum procedures on land. Doctors Without Borders emphasized that "a rescue operation is considered complete only when all of the survivors have been disembarked in a safe place." Two other charity ships carrying rescued migrants remained stuck at sea, with people sleeping on floors and decks and spreading respiratory infections and scabies as food and medical supplies drew low. The German-run Rise Above, carrying 93 rescued at sea, sought a more protected position in the waters east of Sicily due to the weather, but spokesperson Hermine Poschmann said Sunday that the crew had not received any communications from Italian authorities. Poschmann described cramped conditions on the relatively small 25-meter (82-foot) ship. The Ocean Viking, operated by the European charity SOS Mediterranee, with 234 migrants on board, remained in international waters, south of the Strait of Messina, and got no instructions to proceed to an Italian port, a spokesperson said Sunday. Its first rescue was 16 days ago. "Agitation is evident among the survivors," a charity worker named Morgane told The Associated Press Sunday. Cases of seasickness were soaring after high waves tossed the ship through the night. "Today, the weather considerably deteriorated, bringing strong winds, rough seas and rain on deck. ... these extreme conditions added [to their] suffering," she said. The confrontational stance taken by Melonis government is reminiscent of the standoffs orchestrated by Matteo Salvini, now Melonis infrastructure minister in charge of ports, during his brief 2018-2019 stint as interior minister. Italys new government is insisting the countries whose flags the charity-run ships fly must take in the migrants. In a Facebook video, Salvini repeated his allegations that the presence of the humanitarian boats encourages smugglers. Nongovernmental organizations rejected that claim, saying they are obligated by the law of the sea to rescue people in distress and that coastal nations are obligated to provide a safe port as soon as feasible. Amnesty International called Italy's stance "disgraceful." "Italy legitimately expects other EU member states to share responsibility for people seeking asylum, but this does not justify imposing measures that only increase the suffering of already traumatized people," the group said. A soldier shot to death three policemen and a fellow soldier at a roadside police station in southern Iran on Sunday, the semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported. The violence took place near the town of Bampour, about 1,260 kilometers (780 miles) southeast of the capital Tehran in the restive Sistan and Baluchistan province. The southeastern province was gripped by unrest on Friday, drawing a lethal response from security forces and an activist group claimed they killed at least 16 people. It came in the seventh week of anti-government protests sparked by the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was detained after allegedly violating the country's strict dress code for women. Tasnim cited a local police commander to report that the soldier opened fire after a dispute with another soldier over personal issues. The soldier was detained immediately. There were no additional details. Such shootings are rare in Iran. In 2016 a soldier killed himself after shooting to death three of his comrades. Military service of up to 24 months is mandatory for men aged 19 and above in Iran. Separately on Sunday, Tasnim reported that a "terrorist" was killed during an attack by two assailants on a station staffed by the elite paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in the city of Mahshahr in southwestern Khuzestan province. There were no other details. Protests embroiling the country that began after Amini's death first focused on the state-mandated headscarf, or hijab. But they swiftly morphed into one of the biggest challenges to the government since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Protesters chant for overthrowing the clerical rule and the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Security forces, including paramilitary volunteers with the Revolutionary Guard, have violently cracked down on the demonstrations, killing over 300 people, including 41 children, according to the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights. Somalia's military says it has repulsed an attack by al-Shabab militants on a military base in the countrys central Galgaduud region. The attack on the military base took place in the village of Qayib in Somalias central state of Galmudug on Monday. Local officials in the state told VOA over the phone that the attack started with a car bombing, followed by two hours of fierce fighting between the army and al-Shabab militants. Speaking to Somali government-run radio, military Colonel Hassan Jamici said the army inflicted heavy casualties on them. He says the militants attacked during the morning prayer and the village is now under army control. He says this was no skirmish and that the militants attacked with all their power. The attack comes a day after Somalia said it killed 200 al-Shabab militants over a four-day period. Residents who spoke to VOA said that they heard loud explosions and reported casualties on both sides. Somali local media reported that at least 15 people were killed in the attack on the army camp in Galmudug state. The camp is located 90 kilometers east of the state administrative capital of Dhusamareb. The militants have increased their attacks since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took office in May and vowed an "all-out war" against al-Shabab. Experts believe that the group has increased its attacks because it feels its existence has been threatened. Mohamed Husein Gaas, director of the Mogadishu-based Raad Peace Research Institute, told VOA via WhatsApp that al-Shabab is now facing the biggest resistance ever by the public. Whenever al-Shabab feels its existence is threatened it intensifies its attacks, said Gaas. This time, it is facing its biggest threat of public uprising and offensive as the country and its population are determined to end the al-Shabab once and for all. He said, however, that a multifaceted strategy by the army for liberating the country from al-Shabab needs calibration and must be implemented in a way that does not hurt the struggling economy. Al-Shabab has been fighting in the Horn of Africa nation, targeting Somali government officials and African Union peacekeepers since 2007. Late last month, twin car bombings by al-Shabab in the capital took the lives of more than 100 people and wounded more than 300 others. The Taliban on Sunday revealed the final resting place of the movement's founder, Mullah Omar, whose death and burial they kept secret for years. Rumors surrounding Omar's health and whereabouts abounded after the Taliban were kicked out of power in 2001 by a U.S.-led invasion, and they only admitted in April 2015 that he had died two years earlier. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told Agence France-Presse Sunday that senior leaders of the movement attended a ceremony at his gravesite earlier in the day near Omarzo, in Suri district of Zabul province. The Taliban returned to power in August last year, routing government forces as the U.S.-led military that propped up the regime ended a 20-year occupation. "Since a lot of enemies were around and the country was occupied, to avoid damage to the tomb it was kept secret," Mujahid said. "Only the close family members were aware of the place." Pictures released by officials showed Taliban leaders gathered around a simple white brick tomb, covered with what appears to be gravel and enclosed in a green metal cage. "Now the decision has been made... there are no issues for the people to visit the tomb," Mujahid said. Omar, who was around 55 years old when he died, founded the Taliban in 1993 as an antidote to the internecine civil war that erupted following the decade-long Soviet occupation. Under his leadership, the Taliban introduced an extremely austere version of Islamic rule, barring women from public life and introducing harsh public punishments including executions and floggings. Omar's ceremony comes a day after provincial Taliban officials denied reports that the Panjshir Valley tomb of resistance hero Ahmad Shah Massoud had been vandalized, an act Mujahid said would be "punished" if true. Massoud has a mixed legacy in the country, where he is hailed by ordinary Afghans for leading the resistance against the Soviet occupation but loathed by the Taliban he also fought until his 2001 assassination by al-Qaida. His tomb is in an imposing granite and marble mausoleum overlooking the picturesque Panjshir Valley and guarded by Taliban fighters since their takeover of the country in August last year. Local residents said a newly arrived contingent of fighters smashed the tombstone, and video of the desecrated grave which could not be verified was published by local media and circulating widely on social channels. "It happened when the new forces entered Panjshir. The new forces from Helmand and Kandahar destroyed the tombstone of the national hero," one resident told AFP. Nasrullah Malakzada, head of information and culture of Panjshir province, denied the tomb had been damaged and issued a video purporting to show it intact. The clip, however, pointedly did not display the entire structure particularly the part seen damaged in the original video. Malakzada refused requests by journalists to visit or photograph the tomb for themselves. Mujahid told reporters that nobody had the right to insult the dead. "Previously we had punished those who committed such acts," he said, adding "this will be investigated as well and necessary action will be taken." Traders in the Cameroon town of Kiossi, on the border with Equatorial Guinea, say business is suffering after the land border was closed last week ahead of November 20 elections. Equatorial Guinea says it closed the border to prevent what it calls infiltration of mercenaries who want to destabilize the elections. Political analysts say President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who came to power in a 1979 coup and is Africa's longest still-serving leader, is sure to win. Several hundred citizens from Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, most of them merchants, say they have not been able to cross the border from Kiossi, a Cameroonian border town, to Equatorial Guinea since November 3. Dozens of heavily armed Equatorial Guinea government troops can be seen on the central African states side of the border. Building material importer Dominique Essono says the troops are preventing him and many other Equatorial Guinea citizens from returning to their country to vote on November 20. Essono said scores of businesspersons are stranded and cannot move to Cameroon from Ebebiyin, a town in Equatorial Guinea. Cameroon imports vegetable oil, wine, canned food and body lotions from Equatorial Guinea and exports building material, vegetables, tomatoes, rice and potato to Equatorial Guinea. On October 25, Equatorial Guinea's Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue said the border was sealed to prevent from the infiltration of groups that may want to destabilize Equatorial Guinea's elections. Obiang, 80, is Africa's longest serving leader. The former military officer serving as the 2nd president of Equatorial Guinea took power in an August 1979 coup. He will be facing two candidates in the November 20 elections. Esono Ondo is running for the first time while Monsuy Asumu is running for the third time. Obiang told the Pan African TV Channel Afrique Media on Monday that he will continue to develop his country and reduce poverty in rural communities if reelected. Obiang says it is by no error that continuity is the slogan of his election campaign. He says his exceptional program is to open Equatorial Guinea businesses to the rest of the world so that by 2035, the central African state can become an economically independent emerging economy. Owona Wolfgang, a political analyst at the University of Yaoundes political science research center in Cameroon, says Obiang is poised for another victory, as in the past six elections when he never got less than 90% of the vote. Wolfgang says it will not be surprising if after the elections, the aging Obiang hands over leadership of Equatorial Guinea to his son, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue. He says Obiang's son is Equatorial Guinea's vice president and a very influential member of the Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea, the country's ruling party. The opposition says Obiangs rule is marked by persecution and torture of political opponents, corruption and sham elections, charges Obiangs party denies. The ruling party holds 99 of the 100 seats in the outgoing National Assembly and all 55 seats in the Senate. Equatorial Guinea's presidential poll was initially scheduled for April 2023. President Obiang brought it forward to November 20 to coincide with legislative, senate, and local elections. Equatorial Guinea has an annual oil revenue of more than $3 billion, but most of its 1.5 million people live in poverty according to the United Nations. Tuesday is Election Day in the United States, with millions of Americans casting ballots in congressional elections that will determine the philosophical shape of Congress and set the tone for the Washington political debate during the second half of Democratic President Joe Biden's four-year term. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are at stake, and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate. More than 42 million people have already cast ballots in early in-person or mail-in voting. Some analysts suggest the total vote in contests across the country could top the 115 million tally in the 2018 midterm elections. Democrats now narrowly hold control of both chambers, but preelection polling shows Republicans are likely to take hold of the House and possibly the Senate, an outcome that in the past has led to protracted political gridlock when one political party controls Congress, or at least one chamber, and the other party holds the White House. One prominent U.S. political polling site, FiveThirtyEight.com, now gives Republicans a 55% chance of winning the Senate and an 83% likelihood of overcoming Democratic control in the House. It projects Republicans will pick up 13 seats in the House to gain a 225-210 edge and one seat in the Senate to hold a 51-49 advantage come January 2023. Another polling site, RealClearPolitics.com, is more bullish on Republican chances, predicting the party will gain three Senate seats and 14 to 48 House seats. In a recent Pew Research Center poll, more than three-quarters of U.S. voters surveyed said the economy was their top concern this election. "The interest rates, the housing market, the price of gas, you know, you're noticing in the grocery stores food is very, very expensive, and there's items that you can't even find anymore. It's a huge, huge concern," Amanda Douglas, a voter in the southeastern state of Georgia, told VOA. After the U.S. Supreme Court decision in June ending the federal right to abortion, social issues have also motivated some voters. "I think everybody should have access to health care whether what your personal views are on Roe v. Wade or abortion," Georgia voter Theresa Allmend told VOA. Senator Raphael Warnock, a Democrat from Georgia running for reelection in the heavily contested state, stressed the importance of Tuesday's vote. "Democracy itself is on the ballot," he said. His Republican challenger, Herschel Walker, was equally certain about the significance of the vote. "If we don't get it right, we won't recognize this country tomorrow," he said. Walker's supporters expressed frustration with Biden. "After all that Democrats have done, I just can't sit back and allow the country to just fall behind. The border crisis is out of control and [it] doesn't appear that Joe Biden is going to do anything about it," Georgia voter Emmett Shead told VOA. Predicting a Republican victory in the House, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, the odds-on favorite to become House speaker if Republicans hold a majority, has promised to look for spending cuts in government programs favored by Biden. He told CNN that Republican lawmakers would also more closely scrutinize continued U.S. arms and financial aid for Ukraine to combat Russia's invasion, now in its ninth month. Since the war started, Biden, with little congressional debate, has sent more than $27 billion in munitions and humanitarian assistance to the Kyiv government. But McCarthy said Republicans are unwilling to fund a continuing "blank check" without more analysis of what Ukraine specifically needs most. Other Republican lawmakers have promised to launch investigations of the Biden administration's performance during the first two years of his term, especially the ongoing influx of thousands of undocumented migrants across the southern border with Mexico that Biden, like former President Donald Trump, has been unable to halt. Some Republican legislators are calling for hearings on business activities conducted by the president's son, Hunter Biden, in Ukraine and China. U.S. prosecutors have already been conducting an investigation of the younger Biden's business operations but have not brought any charges. Meanwhile, Democrats, desperate to maintain their control of Congress, have accused Republicans of planning to cut popular health care and pension benefits for older Americans if they take control of Congress, or subject them to regular five-year funding reviews. Both Biden and Trump have campaigned respectively in recent weeks for Democratic and Republican candidates. Trump, who was ousted from office in 2020, still falsely claims he was cheated out of reelection by vote count irregularities. Trump has strongly hinted at rallies that he is about to launch a new 2024 bid for the White House within days of the Tuesday voting, even as the U.S. Department of Justice and a Georgia state prosecutor are conducting wide-ranging criminal investigations of his election-related actions before leaving office and during the aftermath of his presidency. Biden also said he plans to run for reelection in two years but has made no final decision. Biden is calling Tuesday's election an "inflection point" in U.S. democracy, attacking Republican "election denier" candidates who, adopting Trump's refrain, have refused to accept the legitimacy of Biden's victory two years ago. Meanwhile, Trump told a rally in Florida on Sunday, "We need a landslide so big the radical left can't steal it." Both Republican and Democratic operatives are planning widespread poll monitoring to watch for any perceived irregularities, although actual evidence of fraud in U.S. elections is minuscule. The Justice Department said Monday it plans to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in 64 jurisdictions in 24 states Tuesday. But in the Republican-controlled Midwestern state of Missouri, officials said they would not allow such monitoring, although it was not immediately clear how the federal officials could be blocked. Republican officials and candidates in at least three battleground states also said they are trying to disqualify thousands of mail-in ballots which often heavily favor Democrats from being counted. Democratic critics are calling this an attempt at partisan voter suppression. The disputes over the ballots are in the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, which Biden narrowly won in the 2020 presidential contest. VOA congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson who is reporting in Atlanta contributed to this report. Ukraine is boosting its ties with Southeast Asian nations, signing a key foreign relations pact with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) later this week in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba is expected to sign, in person, the so-called Instrument of Accession to the Treaty on Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) and attend some ASEAN events. TAC is a peace treaty established in 1976 by ASEANs founding members that enshrines fundamental principles such as mutual respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and national identity of treaty nations. It is a measured diplomatic move by 10 ASEAN member states to agree on the accession of Ukraine, a non-Southeast Asian country, to the pact. The bloc will not be required to provide material or financial aid to the embattled country. [Acceding] to TAC does not incur any obligation for ASEAN to provide any assistance to Ukraine, a senior Cambodian official told VOA. The treaty is the code of conduct in implementing foreign relations, not an agreement to provide any assistance to anyone. As of August 2022, there are 49 signatories to the peace pact, including Russia, China, the United States and the European Union. Im happy to say that we have invited [the] Ukraine foreign minister to sign the TAC in Phnom Penh in the next course of two weeks time on the sideline of the [ASEAN] meetings, Cambodias Ambassador to the U.S. Keo Chhea said at an October 26 seminar hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Cambodia chairs this years ASEAN summit and East Asia Summit. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will be in Phnom Penh representing Russian President Vladimir Putin for the East Asia Summit. In March, Cambodia formally condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and echoed ASEAN-backed calls for an immediate ceasefire. Regional news outlets reported last week that Cambodia's foreign ministry offered to host Russian-Ukrainian talks at the upcoming summit, but neither side has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue. Ukraine's presence at the East Asia Summit would demonstrate ASEAN's conflict resolution and peacekeeping leadership in the international community, as well as ASEAN's long-standing support for respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Daniel Kritenbrink, the U.S. State Departments top official on Asia during the same event. Cambodia and Ukraine had agreed to establish a diplomatic relationship after a call between Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Sen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on November 1. The two countries will appoint ambassadors to advance diplomatic ties. Cambodia's prime minister also agreed to send demining teams, in cooperation with Japan, to help Ukraine remove land mines planted by Russian forces during the invasion. Cambodia became one of the worlds most mined countries during almost 30 years of civil war that ended in 1998. In exchange, Ukraine plans to increase grain exports to Cambodia amid the global food crisis. ASEAN does not have a unified position on Russias invasion in Ukraine. Except for Singapore, ASEAN was largely muted in the early months after Russias invasion in Ukraine in late February. While expressing concern over Russias war on Ukraine, ASEAN members that rely on Russian weapons have refrained from an outright condemnation of Putin. Three ASEAN members (Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos) abstained from an October United Nations General Assembly vote condemning Russias attempts to annex additional regions of Ukraine. U.N. agencies in Malawi say an influx of hundreds of refugees escaping fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo is straining already scarce resources at Malawis largest refugee camp. The U.N.'s World Food Program (WFP) has warned it is quickly running out of food aid for the camp's more than 50,000 refugees and asylum-seekers. The U.N.'s World Food Program says the influx of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo is putting pressure on resources. The WFP has long provided monthly food ration assistance to more than 50,000 refugees in Malawi. Since 2021, WFP has been providing food to refugees through cash transfers," said Badre Bahaji, the head of communications for WFP in Malawi. "Refugees receive ATM cards and get entitlement in the bank account, while the values are adjusted based on market prices. WFP has been providing reduced rations to about 75 percent of daily caloric needs because we dont have sufficient resources. Bahaji says currently the WFP has sufficient resources to provide food assistance to refugees until February 2023. Throughout 2022 food prices have been on the rise, eroding the limited purchasing power of Malawis poor and refugees alike. The situation is alarming because as the 2022/2023 lean period approaches, prices would likely shoot upwards, he said. Conflict in the DRC has resulted in a continued flow of refugees into Malawi for more than two decades. Tens of thousands of people in the DRC were displaced recently after rebels captured new territory there. The U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) says in September alone the Dzaleka camp, about 40 kilometers north of the capital, Lilongwe, received 423 refugees, many from the DRC. This is slightly above an average of between 300 and 400 refugees per month. Kenyi Emanuel, the reporting officer for UNHCR in Malawi, says the camp that can hold some 10,000 people is already overcrowded. That is one big challenge. Secondly, the funding has been severely cut really, really down compared to previous years. Meaning that providing basic services to the new arrivals and to those already in the camp is becoming a big challenge, he said. Emanuel says efforts to ask for more assistance from donors have not been successful. Last Wednesday, some refugees at the Dzaleka camp protested the loss of food rations after the WFP cut them off from the food ration list as part of its targeted assistance program which seeks to help those in need. As of Monday, demonstrators were still holding onto a WFP vehicle, saying they will not release it until the U.N. agency meets their demands. The WFP says it plans to retrieve the vehicle through peaceful negotiations. The global climate summit is under way in Sharm el-Shekih, Egypt, with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning Monday that the worlds nations, especially the wealthiest countries, must act quickly to avert ecological ruin. We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator, Guterres declared at the annual U.N.-led international talks. We are in the fight of our lives, and we are losing. Key to the discussions this year is how and to what extent the worlds richest, industrialized countries that account for the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions, including the United States, need to assist impoverished nations that often bear the brunt of climate change. The conference officially opened Sunday as the World Meteorological Organization said that the Earth had likely witnessed its warmest eight years on record, which includes the period since the worlds nations approved the landmark Paris climate change agreement in 2015. The agreement called for a sharp reduction in greenhouse gas emissions with a transformation toward clean energy sources and diminishing use of fossil fuels to slow down global warming. In the past year alone, there have been devastating heat waves across the northern hemisphere, catastrophic flooding in Pakistan and Nigeria, a punishing drought in China and a destructive hurricane in the southern U.S. state of Florida. The summit is officially called COP27, because it is the 27th U.N.-sponsored meeting of the conference of parties dealing with climate change. In his opening remarks, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi called on leaders to act with urgency to implement their previous commitments to combat climate change. For the sake of future generations, here and now we are facing a unique historical moment, a last chance to meet our responsibilities, he said. The U.N. said that 110 heads of state and government plan to address the conference, a larger number than at many previous climate conferences. U.S. President Joe Biden is planning to attend the conference on Friday. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden would speak on the significant work the United States has undertaken to advance the global climate fight and help the most vulnerable build resilience to climate impacts, and he will highlight the need for the world to act in this decisive decade. In her remarks Monday, the prime minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, said the inability of vulnerable countries to cope with climate hazards is linked to history. She said that countries in the northern part of the world still control the money that those of the global south need in order to move away from the use of fossil fuels. She restated her call for an overhaul of international development institutions like the World Bank. This world looks too much like it did when it was part of an imperialistic empire, she said. The incoming chair of the talks, Sameh Shoukry, said, The inclusion of this agenda reflects a sense of solidarity and empathy with the suffering of the victims of climate-induced disasters and to this end we all owe a debt of gratitude to activists and civil society organizations who have persistently demanded a space to discuss funding for loss and damage. And thats provided the impetus needed to bring this matter forward. John Podesta, a senior adviser to Biden on climate change, told The Washington Post that government funding alone cannot cover what vulnerable countries need. According to one estimate, about $3.8 trillion in annual investment is needed in the next three years to meet the worlds climate goals, but a new report by the Rockefeller Foundation and BCG Research says that only 16% of that money is now flowing. Private-sector capital flows thats where the real money is, Podesta said. Were talking billions when the need is trillions. Weve got to unlock that [private-sector] capacity for people to make investments in building a clean-energy future or else well miss both the development goals and the climate goals. The U.N. Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel, began a weeklong series of public hearings Monday by focusing on closure orders and terrorism designation by Israel of several Palestinian organizations. In opening the proceedings, the chair of the three-member Commission of Inquiry, Navi Pillay, said the hearings were being held to investigate all alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law leading up to and since April 13, 2021. This was when the recent bout of violent clashes involving Palestinians, Israeli settlers and Israeli forces came to a head. Pillay said the commission aimed to investigate the underlying causes of recurrent tensions and instability, including systematic discrimination and repression based on national, ethnic, racial or religious identity. She said a limited number of victims, witnesses, civil society organizations, and legal representatives will testify during the week. "The hearings are not judicial. The commission is not a court, nor a truth and reconciliation commission. During the hearings, questions may be put by all three commissioners to the witnesses. The aim is to allow victims and survivors on all sides to speak for themselves to the international community in a formal, but comfortable setting," Pillay said. At Monday's hearings, three of six non-governmental organizations designated by Israel as terrorist groups testified. In his testimony, Shawan Jabarin, general director of Al-Haq, said since it was founded in 1979, the group's mission has been to respect and defend human rights and the rule of law in the Palestinian territories. Over the years, he said, Al-Haq has documented many human rights violations and other crimes allegedly committed by Israeli forces. He accused the Israelis of starting a smear campaign to undermine and silence Al-Haq because they did not like the nature of its work. "When they failed to silence us, when they failed to dry our resources, they failed to close us. When they failed to disseminate the fear, I think they came to the last thing, the political decision. I look at it as a political decision to declare Al-Haq and other organizations as terrorist organizations," Jabarin said. Israel branded Al-Haq, together with five other non-governmental organizations, as terrorist groups in October 2021. Two of these groups, Defense for Children International Palestine along with Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, testified Monday. The Israeli mission in Geneva issued a statement likening the proceedings to that of a "kangaroo court." It accused the U.N. Commission of Inquiry of choosing to focus on its anti-Israel agendas by playing judge, jury and executioner. The Israeli mission said no public hearing can be taken seriously when it is evidently based on predetermined conclusions. The mission called these sham trials and said they shamed and undermined the Human Rights Council. The mission also said the council should not be used to convene unofficial courts. DENVER (AP) A Colorado man who is a registered Democratic voter has been arrested on suspicion of tampering with voting equipment by allegedly inserting a USB thumb drive into a voting machine at a polling station during the primary election in June, authorities said. No elections data were accessed, and the June 28 incident didn't cause any major disruption to voting, authorities said. But it heightened concerns among election officials and security experts that conspiracy theories related to the 2020 presidential election could inspire some voters to meddle with or even attempt to sabotage election equipment. Experts say even unsuccessful breaches could become major problems in the days leading up to and on Tuesdays midterm election, causing delays at polling places or sowing the seeds of misinformation campaigns. Richard Patton, 31, of Pueblo was arrested on Thursday by members of the Pueblo Police Department High-Tech Crime Unit for investigation of tampering with voting equipment, a felony, and cybercrime-unauthorized access, a misdemeanor, the department said in a statement. Court records indicate Patton was being held without bond at the Pueblo County Judicial Center pending an advisement hearing later Friday in which he will hear the pending charges against him. Patton was being represented by an attorney from the public defender's office, which does not comment on pending cases. Gilbert Ortiz, Pueblo County's clerk and recorder, confirmed Friday that Patton has been a registered Democratic voter since 2019, when he switched his affiliation from the Green Party. Election officials in Colorado use locks and tamper-evident seals on voting equipment, so it becomes apparent if someone has tried to access it. Trigger alerts make machines inoperable if someone tries to tamper with them, which is what happened in Pueblo, according to Ortiz and the Colorado Secretary of State's office. On the afternoon of June 28, poll workers heard noises coming from a voting booth. When a poll worker went to investigate and clean the machine, they saw an error message and notified a supervisor. Tamper-evident seals on the machine appeared to be disturbed, the secretary's office said. The machine was immediately taken out of service for investigation. Activists who promote the false claim that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from former President Donald Trump have been traveling the country peddling a narrative that electronic voting machines are being manipulated. Secretary of State Jena Griswold said Friday that this is the first arrest and potential prosecution under a new law broadening the definition of tampering with election equipment and strengthening the penalty for it. It is now a felony punishable by up to three years in prison. The continued spread of election conspiracies and the Big Lie is fueling threats to American elections, including efforts to interfere with election equipment," Griswold, a Democrat seeking reelection Tuesday, said in a statement. "It is vital that anyone who breaks the law in attempts of subverting the will of the people or undermining elections be held responsible. Citing an ongoing investigation, Pueblo police spokesperson Officer Meagan Chapman said the department could not release further information, including a warrant for Patton's arrest that could potentially suggest a possible motive for the alleged tampering. Ortiz said Patton was identified as a suspect because he presented a driver's license to poll workers as proof he was eligible to vote and that he did vote before the alleged tampering was discovered. The atmosphere we have around elections is so rumor-generated these days, and I feel like a lot of the public feel like were the enemy when our staff and judges are the ones protecting democracy, Ortiz said. This just proves to me that Colorados system has so many checks and balances it's just impossible for anybody to tamper with our elections. ___ Learn more about the issues and factors at play in the midterms at https://apnews.com/hub/explaining-the-elections. And follow the APs election coverage of the 2022 elections at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections President Paul Biya of Cameroon marked 40 years in power Sunday but stayed out of the spotlight as questions swirled about the 89-year-old who is the only leader most of the country's people have ever known. Biya has not appeared in public since French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Central African nation in July. Decrees and photos of Biya receiving various diplomats are regularly posted on the president's social media accounts. An event was scheduled at City Hall in Cameroon's capital, Yaounde, to commemorate the anniversary of his presidency, but Biya was not expected to attend. Nearly 100 young adults marched through the streets of the country's largest city, Douala, days earlier carrying banners with photos of the president and messages that included Paul Biya: 40 years of stability, freedom and democracy. Darling Nguevo, a critic of the Biya regime, alleged the government paid the marchers to show such support. He and other opposition sympathizers said they planned to wear black on Sunday. November 6 is considered a day of national mourning because Mr. Biya inherited a rich, prosperous and growing country," Nguevo said. And he set about unraveling every sector of life and society. Corruption has made its bed in the country. So has bad governance. Paul Biya is old and his public appearances are rare, and this is happening against the backdrop of the succession battle, he added. Biya is Africa's second-longest serving leader: The president of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has been in power since 1979. Biya was Cameroon's prime minister and became president in 1982 after his predecessor, Cameroon's first president following the country's independence from France, stepped down due to health reasons. The majority of appointments Biya made in the ensuing years were members of his own southern Beti ethnic group, which quickly grew to dominate senior prefect positions and the prime ministers office. He survived a 1984 coup attempt. When the first multi-party elections were finally held in 1992, Biya bested his opposition rival by just 4 percentage points. In the decades since, Biyas party has used everything from fraud to redistricting to expand his victories and the ruling partys legislative majorities, according to political analysts. Human rights groups have accused him of brazen strongman tactics, including torture and intimidation of his opponents. Biya has faced challenges in recent years that range from a secessionist movement in Cameroons English-speaking provinces to the threat in the north posed by Islamic extremists aligned with the Nigeria-based Boko Haram group. Critics point to the role corruption has played in entrenching Biyas regime, with the spoils allegedly going to his allies in government, the security forces and the president's family. Political analyst Aristide Mono said the celebrations around Biya's 40th anniversary in power were part of a tradition of sanctification." The people in charge of these various mobilizations are very much driven by the logic of clientelism, as each tries to show his allegiance, to show a lot of fidelity and loyalty, Mono said. Displays of loyalty have become particularly important the older Biya gets. The president's son, Franck Biya, has been more visible at his fathers side. Some think he is positioning himself as a possible successor. There are fears chaos could break out in a country with more than 200 different ethnic groups once the president's long tenure ends. Biya hasn't taken the time to prepare a successor, someone who could amply inherit his power, Mono said. A Zanu PF councilor last Friday hacked a member of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change with a machete after he asked for free state-funded presidential agricultural inputs. According to an online publication, NewZimbabwe.com, Mashonaland West CCC member, Wonder Matashu of Kapfunde communal lands, was sustained serious head injuries when he was attacked by Ward 12 councillor Christ Mudengezerwa. Matashu, a well-known CCC activist, said he reported the matter to the local police but Mudengezerwa has not yet been arrested. Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, was unreachable for comment as he was not responding to calls on his mobile phone. The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum and Zimbabwe Peace Project report that there have been a marked rise in cases of political violence ahead of the 2023 general elections. The Northrop Grumman (NG-18- Cygnus) rocket was on Monday launched from Virginia, USA, with Zimbabwes first satellite ZimSat 1 on board, according to the National Aeronautics and Scientific Administration. The satellite is expected to supply critical data on farming, mining, climate change, disaster management, border security and other activities. ZimSat 1 is part of the Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds Satellite Project, a Japanese program designed to train scientists from various nations on using CubeSats. In a statement, NASA said, NASA commercial cargo provider Northrop Grummans Antares rocket with Cygnus cargo spacecraft aboard lifted off from Pad-0A at NASAs Wallops Flight Facility on Virginias Eastern Shore at 5:32:42 a.m. EST this morning. This is Northrop Grummans 18th contracted resupply mission to the International Space Station. This Cygnus, dubbed the S.S. Sally Ride, is scheduled to arrive at the space station on Wednesday, Nov. 9. The Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency, which was established in 2018, is running the program in Zimbabwe in conjunction with the University of Zimbabwe. According to internet expert, Robert Ndlovu, My only excitement is that any company can now launch a CubeSAT just like Elon Musk And that will give POTRAZ , Econet , Liquid , Telone , NetOne and Utande a good run for their money. One very cold one to this new development to some of us are tech disruptors. It (ZimSat) cost from $ 20,000 to $ 1,000,000 Brace for ByoSAT. NASA said Monday afternoon, After launching earlier today, Nov. 7, Northrop Grummans Cygnus cargo spacecraft has successfully deployed one of its two solar arrays. Northrop Grumman is gathering data on the second array deployment and is working closely with NASA. Northrop Grumman has reported to NASA that Cygnus has sufficient power to rendezvous with the International Space Station on Wednesday, Nov. 9, to complete its primary mission, and NASA is assessing this and the configuration required for capture and berthing. It will deliver more than 8,000 pounds of science and research, crew supplies, and vehicle hardware to the orbital laboratory and its crew. The CRS-18 Cygnus spacecraft is named after the first American woman in space, Sally Ride. KYIV, UKRAINE The mayor of Ukraine's capital of Kyiv is warning residents that they must prepare for the worst this winter if Russia keeps striking the country's energy infrastructure that means there might not be any electricity, water or heat when temperatures fall below freezing. "We are doing everything to avoid this. But let's be frank, our enemies are doing everything for the city to be without heat, without electricity, without water supply, in general, so we all die. And the future of the country and the future of each of us depends on how prepared we are for different situations," Mayor Vitali Klitschko told state media. Russia has focused on striking Ukraine's energy infrastructure over the last month, causing power shortages and rolling outages across the country. Kyiv was scheduled to have hourly rotating blackouts Sunday in parts of the city and the surrounding region. SEE ALSO: 'Wide-Scale' Russian Attacks Target Ukraines Energy Grid Rolling blackouts also were planned in the nearby Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Kharkiv and Poltava regions, Ukraine's state-owned energy operator, Ukrenergo, said. Kyiv plans to deploy about 1,000 heating points but noted that this may not be enough for a city of 3 million people. Russian forces 'occupying and evacuating' Kherson As Russia intensifies its attacks on the capital, Ukrainian forces are pushing forward in the south. Residents of Ukraine's Russian-occupied city of Kherson received warning messages on their phones urging them to evacuate as soon as possible, Ukraine's military said Sunday. Russian soldiers warned civilians that Ukraine's army was preparing for a massive attack and told people to leave for the city's right bank immediately. Russian forces are preparing for a Ukrainian counteroffensive to seize back the southern city of Kherson, which was captured during the early days of the invasion. In September, Russia illegally annexed Kherson as well as three other regions of Ukraine and subsequently declared martial law in the four provinces. SEE ALSO: Ukrainian Forces Brace for Bloody Fight for Kherson The Kremlin-installed administration in Kherson already has moved tens of thousands of civilians out of the city. Russia has been "occupying and evacuating" Kherson simultaneously, trying to convince Ukrainians that they're leaving when in fact they're digging in, Nataliya Humenyuk, a spokeswoman for Ukraine's Southern Forces, told state television. "There are defense units that have dug in there quite powerfully, a certain amount of equipment has been left, firing positions have been set up," she said. Russian forces are also digging in in a fiercely contested region in the east, worsening the already tough conditions for residents and the defending Ukrainian army following Moscow's illegal annexation and declaration of martial law in Donetsk province. 'Destruction is daily, if not hourly' The attacks have almost completely destroyed the power plants that serve the city of Bakhmut and the nearby town of Soledar, said Pavlo Kyrylenko, the region's Ukrainian governor, said. Shelling killed one civilian and wounded three, he reported late Saturday. "The destruction is daily, if not hourly," Kyrylenko told state television. Moscow-backed separatists have controlled part of Donetsk for nearly eight years before Russia invaded Ukraine in late February. Protecting the separatists' self-proclaimed republic there was one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's justifications for the invasion, and his troops have spent months trying to capture the entire province. While Russia's "greatest brutality" was focused in the Donetsk region, "constant fighting" continued elsewhere along the front line that stretches more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address. Between Saturday and Sunday, Russia launched four missiles and 19 airstrikes hitting more than 35 villages in nine regions from Chernihiv and Kharkiv in the northeast to Kherson and Mykolaiv in the south, according to the president's office. The strikes killed two people and wounded six, the office said. In the Donetsk city of Bakhmut, 15,000 remaining residents were living under daily shelling and without water or power, according to local media. The city has been under attack for months, but the bombardment picked up after Russian forces experienced setbacks during Ukrainian counteroffensives in the Kharkiv and Kherson regions. The front line is now on Bakhmut's outskirts, where mercenaries from the Wagner Group, a shadowy Russian military company, are reported to be leading the charge. Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the group who has typically remained under the radar, is taking a more visible role in the war. In a statement Sunday he announced the funding and creation of "militia training centers" in Russia's Belgorod and Kursk regions in the southwest, saying that locals were best placed to "fight against sabotage" on Russian soil. The training centers are in addition to a military technology center the group said it was opening in St. Petersburg. In Kharkiv, officials were working to identify bodies found in mass graves after the Russians withdrew, Dmytro Chubenko, a spokesperson for the regional prosecutor's office, told local media. DNA samples have been collected from 450 bodies discovered in a mass grave in the city of Izium, but the samples need to be matched with relatives and so far only 80 people have participated, he said. In one sliver of good news, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was reconnected to Ukraine's power grid, local media reported Sunday. Europe's largest nuclear plant needs electricity to maintain vital cooling systems, but it had been running on emergency diesel generators since Russian shelling severed its outside connections. Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens. (The Center Square) U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, blasted a recently uncovered research program after reporting showed more than a million dollars in taxpayer funds were appropriated to find evidence that racism is to blame for poor sleep in minority communities. Critical Race Theory is a Marxist ideology based on bigotry and lies, Cruz said. Cruz comments come after The Center Square reported on the funding, which totaled nearly $1.2 million over three years. Cruz argued these health research funds would be better used finding medical cures. The National Institutes of Health should use taxpayer dollars to conduct actual scientific and health research in an effort to find real solutions and real cures, Cruz said. Its outrageous that Democrats are sullying those efforts and funding the radical lefts poisonous agenda. The funding was allocated to Dr. Alexander Tsai, an associate professor at Harvard University who is carrying out the study through Massachusetts General Hospital, where he works as a psychiatrist. According to grant documents in the federal database, the researchers hypothesis is that the disparity in sleep health in the Black community is thought to be explained partially by experiences of interpersonal racial discrimination. This application focuses on police use of deadly force on unarmed black Americans as a cardinal manifestation of structural racism, the grant summary in the NIH database reads. The central hypothesis is that police use of deadly force on unarmed black Americans leads to unhealthy sleep among other black Americans in the general U.S. population. This hypothesis has been formulated on the basis of strong preliminary data showing that police use of deadly force on unarmed black Americans leads to poor mental health among other black Americans in the general U.S. population. As the Center Square previously reported, NIH awarded $460,656 to Tsai in 2020, $439,970 in 2021, and $273,625 in 2022 for the research effort, which is titled Racial disparities in police use of deadly force as a cause of racial disparities in sleep health across the life course. Other critics told The Center Square that the study is based on a false premise that doesnt account for a myriad of other factors. It assumes that there is structural racism, said Mike Gonzalez, an expert on critical race theory and diversity issues at the Heritage Foundation. It assumes that the disparities are caused by structural racism and not a panoply of other reasons. There could be many, many hundreds of reasons why these disparities exist. That is the main problem with critical race theory the disparities are real, but then it says well, the disparities are prima facie evidence that structural racism exists. Its not binary. There are decisions that people make. There are bad schools. There are problems with family formation. There are many, many things that could cause the disparities and by focusing on the ghost of structural racism, none of the other more practical reasons are explored and the problem never gets fixed, he added. Tsai has defended the program, saying the study seems neither unsubstantiated nor grounded in racial ideology. He also said the public health significance of the research justifies the taxpayer funding. When asked whether lifestyle choices could be to blame for the sleep issues in his research, Tsai pointed out his study doesnt address that but that it could be difficult to take that into account because those lifestyle choices could also be caused by racism. I think it would be a reasonable scientific undertaking to attempt to quantify and compare the magnitudes of the impacts of structural racism on sleep health vs. the impacts of certain health behaviors or health risk behaviors on sleep health, Tsai said. From an epidemiological perspective, one of the potential problems you might encounter is that both sleep health and these behaviors could have a common cause in structural racism (or, alternatively, these health behaviors or health risk behaviors could lie in the causal pathway between structural racism and sleep health). For example, if structural racism has a causal influence on alcohol consumption, and some threshold level of alcohol consumption is thought to have an adverse causal influence on sleep health, then it would be a difficult undertaking to make a direct comparison between the racism-sleep association vs. the alcohol-sleep association. Humanity 1 refuses to leave until Italy allows everyone to disembark. Italy's new right-wing government is in a standoff with a German-registered migrant rescue ship, Humanity 1, after refusing to allow 35 passengers to disembark in Sicily on Sunday. Following a medical inspection on board, Italian authorities let 144 people off the ship, including children, pregnant women and those deemed "vulnerable". However 35 others - all adult males - were barred from disembarking into the port of Catania and the ship was ordered to leave Italian waters. Italian interior minister Matteo Piantedosi said those who did not qualify as vulnerable should be taken care of by the "flag state". However the captain of the ship, Joachim Ebeling, is refusing to leave Catania port "until all survivors rescued from distress at sea" are given safe harbour. The Berlin-based charity SOS Humanity on Monday announced that it would take legal action against the Italian government whose "selective and partial disembarkation" policies are "illegal and unacceptable" and "violate European law & the Geneva Refugee Convention". On Sunday a second charity ship arrived in Catania - the Geo Barents operated by Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF) - with Italian authorities allowing 357 to disembark but blocking 215 on board. Two other boats run by non-governmental organisations are still waiting for permission to enter Italian waters: the German Rise Above, carrying 90 people, and the Norwegian Ocean Viking, with 234 people. Italy's deputy premier and former interior minister Matteo Salvini hit out at the perilous sea crossings by migrants, describing them as "organised trips". "Those aboard those ships pay around $3,000, which become weapons and drugs for the traffickers", he told Radio RTL 102.5. Italian-Ivorian trade unionist and newly-lected parliamentarian Aboubakar Soumahoro, who boarded Humanity 1 at the weekend, urged Meloni's government to allow those still on board to disembark, describing their rejection as "illegal and inhumane". Soumahoro accused the government of using the migrants to distract from other issues including energy bills, saying: "The fault of the migrants is to speak another language, to have another colour." News of migrants being turned away was welcomed however by Hungary's far-right prime minister Viktor Orban who wrote on Twitter: "Finally! We owe a big thank you to Giorgia Meloni and the new Italian government for protecting the borders of Europe." Italy's prime minister slams stunt as "vandalism, pure and simple". Italian climate activists who threw vegetable soup over a Van Gogh painting at an exhibition in Rome on Friday risk hefty fines and up to five years in prison, according to news reports in Italy. The Rome prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the blitz by four members of the Ultima Generazione (Last Generation) movement who hurled pea soup at Van Gogh's The Sower on 4 November. There was no damage caused to the 1888 painting which was protected by glass and was returned to the exhibition at Palazzo Bonaparte on Sunday after being assessed by experts from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam who flew to Rome. The moment climate activists in Rome throw vegetable soup over a Van Gogh masterpiece.pic.twitter.com/WKoKlNbwPJ Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) November 4, 2022 The activists now face charges of "damaging, despoiling, vandalising, and the illicit use of cultural property", with penalties including jail sentences of between two and five years and fines of between 2,500 and 15,000. The soup attack occurred at around lunchtime last Friday when four women in their twenties entered the museum separately, after buying entrance tickets, but without being permitted to bring backpacks or bags due to the security measures in place. The activists - one from Rome and the other three from northern Italy - mingled with a group on a guided tour of the exhibition, reports state broadcaster RAI. Once in front of the painting, they pulled out containers of vegetable soup hidden under their clothes and launched the contents onto the painting. Rome motorists react furiously to the latest roadblock protest by climate activists today.pic.twitter.com/Z3JsnlDH6I Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) November 2, 2022 The incident was harshly condemned by Italy's new culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano as well as by the nation's far-right prime minister Giorgia Meloni who described it as "vandalism, pure and simple". Ultima Generazione responded to Meloni's post on social media, reports RAI News: "We learn from Facebook that the Premier Giorgia Meloni is strongly outraged by a dirty glass in a museum and not by the effects of the climate collapse", adding: "Ours is not vandalism but the cry of alarm of desperate citizens." The Van Gogh soup attack comes amid ongoing road blocks by climate activists during morning rush-hour traffic in locations around the Italian capital. In August climate activists glued their hands to the base of the Laocoon sculpture at the Vatican Museums and in July they glued themselves to the protective glass covering Botticelli's Primavera painting at the Uffizi Galleries in Florence. There was no damage caused to either masterpiece. Where does tiramisu come from and what is the original recipe? Sugar, marscapone cheese, coffee, ladyfingers, eggs and cocoa. The recipe for this dessert might be based on a few simple ingredients, but its origins are more mysterious. There are claims that tiramisu was created in the mid- 19th century in a pleasure house in the centre of the town of Treviso. According to some, this dessert was regarded as an aphrodisiac, the viagra of the 1800s. Another version of the tiramisu origin story says that it is an iteration of a poor dessert made for its calorie- rich ingredients. This narrative, which is decidedly more recent, explains that the dessert made of whipped egg yolk and sugar was combined with a Venetian customary dish made with zabaglione cream and dry cookies. Tiramisu was included on the dessert menu of a restaurant in the Veneto called Le Baccherie in the 1970s. But, the Veneto region is not the only part of Italy to lay claim to the birth of tiramisu. A handwritten recipe from 1959 locates the origins of the dessert to Friuli Venezia Giulia, where the historic chef Norma Pielli was working in a hotel. According to locals, the slice of marscapone was served to hungry hikers passing through the mountains. No matter which version of tiramisus history you believe, we can all agree that it is among the most delicious things to come out of Italy. Here we have curated a list of the best places to try tiramisu in Rome. Cafe Portofino Prati Craving tiramisu for breakfast or as a midnight snack? Head to the heart of Prati where you can taste the specialty from 06:30 in the morning to 01:30 at night. They use the best quality mascarpone, and soak the cake with their special coffee. Where: Piazza Cola di Rienzo 116 When: Open every day from 6:30am to 1:30am Settimio All Arancio Although the most pricey on this list, the tiramisu at this famous restaurant never disappoints. In fact, they have perfected the recipe over the last fifty years to create a perfectly balanced dessert, down to the last shake of cacao powder. Where: Via dellArancio 50 When: Open Monday through Saturday from 12:30 pm to 2:30PM, 7:00pm12:00am. Closed Sunday. Tiramisu Trastevere Owner Angelo and his wife Orietta prepare traditional tiramisu according to a special recipe, without the use of raw egg. In addition to gluten- free versions of the classic Italian dessert, you will also find original flavors: Pan di stelle with dark chocolate, Birramisu with peanuts, caramel and craft beer, Bronte pistachio, Oreo and Nutella, and many more. Where: Via di S. Francesco a Ripa 29 When: Open every day from 10:00am to 12:00am Mr 100 Tiramisu If you happen to be around the Church of Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, try thislittle wine bar. A hospitable atmosphere makes it the perfect place to enjoy its carefully curated Italian tiramisu. Featured on the Food Network, here every step of the tiramisu- making is done by hand, even the whipping of the cream, which is a secret recipe obviously. Where: Via dei Sediari 11/12 When: Open every day from 12:00pm to 11:00pm. Ristorante Archimede Around the corner from the Pantheon, Archimede is an elegant and classic Italian eatery loved by locals. While the menu is full of tasty dishes, leave room for dessert because the fresh, homemade tiramisu served in a cappuccino mug is entertainingly boozy and unforgettable. Where: Piazza dei Caprettari 63 When: Open Monday through Saturday 12:00am to 3:00pm, 7:30am to 11:00pm. Closed Sunday. Dolce Dolce is not only a restaurant but also a cake making factory in the Trieste area of Rome. In the afternoon, the beautiful restaurant transforms into a cozy tea room with exclusive tea selections, coffee and tasty desserts. Their showstopper, however, is that they will compose a fresh tiramisu right at the table, according to your exact tastes. Where: Via Tripolitania 4 When: Open Wednesday through Saturday from 5:00pm to 12.00am. Sunday from 10:30am to 11:30pm. Come il latte With locations sprinkled around Rome, Come il Latte looks like a fancy gelateria. It is, of course, but it also offers fresh cups of tiramisu made with the finest natural ingredients. We highly suggest popping in for a pick me up, especially since its a great solution for satisfying both tiramisu and gelato lovers alike. Where: Via Silvio Spaventa 24/26 When: Open every day from 12:00pm to 10:00pm POMPI They call themselves The Kingdom of Tiramisu, and if you read the comments online you will find an almost unanimous opinion: Pompis tiramisu, in Rome, is "supreme goodness," "number one," "a triumph," "the best tiramisu in the world." Taste it and judge for yourself. The one on Via della Croce is just a few hundred meters from Piazza di Spagna. Whre: Via della Croce 88 When: Open every day from 11:00am to 9:00pm. How do you recognise a perfect tiramisu? The fundamental rule of a great tiramisu is that the mascarpone is not whipped excessively. It must have a creamy appearance, otherwise the fat granules will tend to compact and be noticeable when you eat it. It is also important that the layers of cream and the layers of ladyfingers have the same thickness to secure a balanced dessert. As for the coffee, it should always be made with a moka and cooled first before pouring over the ladyfingers. Whether it's correct with a splash of rum or marsala is up to the chef. Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Only three months after it emerged that Estee Lauder Cos. was in talks to buy Tom Ford for $3 billion, its now being reported that Gucci-owner Kering SA is in advanced discussions to acquire the American designers eponymous brand. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Kerings challenge with the label, known for its pricey fragrances and mini-dresses, would be almost the inverse of Estee Lauders. While Estee has buckets of beauty know-how, it lacks credibility in fashion. In contrast, Kering, which declined to comment on Friday, is a master of high-end clothing and accessories but would need to take control of the cosmetics arm to make the acquisition work. Tom Fords top-end apparel line would certainly be a good fit with Kerings portfolio, which is led by Gucci but also includes Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga. Advertisement Kering has the magic touch with fashion, luxury adviser Mario Ortelli told me, with the ability to inject and sustain the right creative vision, alongside impeccable marketing, distribution and merchandising. Tom Ford, estimated by UBS to have sales of 1.5 billion ($1.49 billion) in 2021, is strongest in menswear and Kering could use its Brioni brand to supply some of the Tom Ford garments currently produced by Ermenegildo Zegna NV. The French conglomerate could also draw on its expertise in fashion to develop Tom Fords womenswear, footwear and leather goods. The latter are the real profit drivers of the industry. Plus, the two houses have a history. The designer Tom Ford was behind Guccis first reinvention in the 1990s. And Kering is currently attempting a third revamp of the close to 10 billion revenue brand, while keeping it under the direction of designer Alessandro Michele. Analysts at Jefferies point out that if Ford could collaborate with Michele, this could ignite interest in Gucci once more. Micheles granny chic with Tom Fords sexy silhouettes, anyone? Advertisement Kering also has a strong balance sheet, with Bloomberg Intelligence estimating a net cash position in the year ahead, so it could easily afford the mooted $3 billion price tag. But to get the best value from the deal, Kering must take control of Tom Fords lucrative beauty license, which is currently with Estee Lauder. That wont be cheap or easy. Kering has made no secret of its desire to develop Guccis beauty business, which is currently licensed to Coty Inc. It has set up an internal team to evaluate its options in the sector. If Tom Ford were a stepping stone to building critical mass in cosmetics and fragrance, then the complexities and expense of acquiring the license would be worth it. Perhaps the two companies could reach some kind of agreement, whereby Kering takes Tom Fords fashion while Estee Lauder takes the cosmetics and fragrance business. Or they could partner on beauty. Cosmetics houses are used to working with brands and celebrities on a licensed basis, and there might be scope for Kering to eventually buy out its partner. Advertisement Yet even if the exact details could be hammered out to both parties satisfaction, there are other obstacles to be navigated. Kering has been successfully building its eyewear business, so Tom Fords sales here would be helpful too. But again, its eyewear is licensed to Marcolin SpA, although this is due to expire shortly, according to UBS. And lets not forget the personalities involved. Tom Ford put Gucci on the map with his horsebit high heels, silk shirts and velvet flares. But he and then CEO Domenico De Sole, now chairman of Tom Ford, parted ways with Kering in 2004, when the French conglomerate completed its $8 billion acquisition of the minority interests in Gucci. Its also not clear whether Ford himself will be part of the deal, or how long he will stick around. So Kering once more potentially faces paying up for a brand only to have to find a new designer. At least transitioning to fresh creative talent is one of its core competences. Advertisement If these points can be resolved and investors seemed optimistic on Friday then creating a new force in beauty, expanding eyewear and bringing some luster back to Gucci would make taking another risk on Tom Ford worth it. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Andrea Felsted is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering consumer goods and the retail industry. Previously, she was a reporter for the Financial Times. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Armin Steinbach is a man on a mission. The 44-year-old German economist and lawyer believes OPEC is operating an illegal cartel, inflating the price of the gasoline and heating oil he buys. So he has decided to sue for damages: 50 euros, plus interest. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight The lawsuit, filed in regional court in Berlin against OPEC and several state-owned oil companies, isnt a legal joke and hasnt been laughed out of court. For now, it has been allowed to proceed, and the judge has asked OPEC and several state-owned oil companies to name their lawyers. The case is unusual because despite running what looks, sounds, and smells like an oil cartel for 60-plus years, OPEC has yet to face a serious legal challenge. But if a court were to rule against it, the consequences could be far reaching. In the short term, at least, consumers would enjoy lower prices while everyone from Saudi Arabia to Big Oil would make less money. But the crude market would be at risk of turning into the free-for-all that natural gas has become. Advertisement Western governments have shied away from using the courts against OPEC for two reasons: They thought it was shielded by sovereign immunity and the act-of-state doctrines, and they were fearful of retaliation. A few lawmakers considered innovative ways to try to break the impasse. Joe Biden, then a US senator, wrote in 2000 to then-President Bill Clinton suggesting the White House had a case against OPEC at the International Court of Justice in the Hague. Private plaintiffs dont need to fear retaliation, but surprisingly only two tried over the last 50 years in the US, the land of quick-and-easy litigation. And they failed due, precisely, to sovereign immunity and state actor principles. The International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers, a US and Canadian trade union, sued OPEC in 1978, but the case was dismissed. Another plaintiff, Prewitt Enterprises Inc., which ran gas stations, sued in 2000 but failed largely on technical grounds. Im not aware of any lawsuit in recent years in Europe or Asia against OPEC. Vienna-based OPEC has felt so sure about its legal position that, typically, its default attitude when a court summons arrives has been simply to ignore it. OPEC declined to comment for this column. Advertisement Can Steinbach succeed where the few who attempted in the past failed? The lawsuit has three elements in its favor. Over the last few years, European courts have ruled against the oil industry in landmark cases few thought were remotely possible only a few years ago. The 2021 ruling forcing Shell Plc to cut its carbon emissions now being appealed in Dutch courts is one example. The case against OPEC is very different, but it could benefit from the same sympathetic legal ears. The legal world of 2022 is very different from 1978 and 2000 when US private plaintiffs tried. For example, European law now permits antitrust challenges by private citizens. Plus, German law provides a narrower interpretation of sovereign immunity than US law. Steinbach, who teaches economics and law at the prestigious HEC Paris business school and previously was a senior civil servant at the German ministry of finance, believes he has a shot. OPEC is a cartel he told me last week. Its an organization that offers a platform for states to agree on their oil-production quotas. It gets rid of the competitive pressures that would exist otherwise, and by doing so, they indirectly influence prices. Advertisement It isnt the first time hes tried. A decade ago he filed a similar lawsuit. OPEC complained via the German Foreign Ministry, and Steinbach, who at the time was a civil servant, withdrew it. OPECs legal bills have tended to go with the flow of oil markets. With Brent crude flirting with the $100-a-barrel mark, it could be about to be open season on the cartel. As happened to Big Oil with climate change in recent years, OPEC could face an onslaught of private lawsuits. Certainly many, perhaps most, will fail, but it takes only one plaintiff to pierce the sovereign immunity shield to cause serious trouble. In the US, lawmakers are debating the No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels (NOPEC) Act, a bill that proposes subjecting the group to the Sherman antitrust law that was used more than a century ago to break up the oil empire of John Rockefeller. If enacted a big if, as it faces considerable opposition the White House would be able to sue Saudi Arabia and its allies for manipulating the global oil market. Advertisement Saudi Arabia is leading the OPEC cartel into policies that will keep oil prices close to $100 a barrel. Its a Saudi First approach. For Riyadh, it may be good business to keep prices high, but it risks more legal not just political hassles. Consumers and governments should think twice also about a free market. Oil prices are high, yes, but the market looks tame compared to cartel-free markets like natural gas and coal. Be careful what you wish for. More From Bloomberg Opinion: OPEC Sings the Same Old Song Just With New Lyrics: Julian Lee How US and Saudis Can Get Past Latest OPEC+ Spat: Hussein Ibish Vladimir Putins Guide to Alienating Allies: Clara F. Marques This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Javier Blas is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy and commodities. A former reporter for Bloomberg News and commodities editor at the Financial Times, he is coauthor of The World for Sale: Money, Power and the Traders Who Barter the Earths Resources. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Once you win over Elliott Management Corp. in your attempt to buy a company, your work is pretty much done. Philip Morris International Inc.s $16 billion bid for nicotine-pouch maker Swedish Match AB didnt clear the 90% shareholder acceptance threshold the tobacco giant initially set. But it secured the support of the US hedge fund and thats unlocked the deal. Sure, Philip Morris had to raise its offer, first launched in May, by 9% to seduce Elliott and other potential holdouts. Thats a relatively big sweetener. But the target company generates most of its revenue in dollars and the buyer is paying in Swedish kronor. The strengthening greenback helped pay for the uplift. The US tobacco firm has gotten 83% acceptances and, on Monday, said it was happy to proceed on that basis. Shareholders who snubbed the offer may now change their mind, getting Philip Morris past its original target. Its a critical level, given thats where the US company says it will move to de-list Swedish Match stock. With the bidder so close to 90%, the incentives for naysayers to cave in are strong. Advertisement It could have played out differently. Suppose Elliott and others had sat on their hands. Philip Morris might only just have scraped past 50%. It would then have had to decide whether to abandon its quest, or take the simple majority holding with a view to buying out minority shareholders later. The holdouts could have held Philip Morris to ransom by threatening to disrupt the integration of Swedish Match. Elliott, as the biggest shareholder with 11%, would be been well placed to lead negotiations in this second round of fighting. But this would have meant playing a long game in the still emerging industry of smokeless tobacco and vaping products, where it remains unclear quite how tough US health regulators are going to be, and at a time when the equity market backdrop is fragile. Moreover, Philip Morris ability to fund a super-generous buyout bid for minorities may have been constrained. Last month, it agreed to pay $2.7 billion to Altria Group Inc. for exclusive rights to sell its IQOS heated-tobacco products in the US, ending an existing distribution accord with its former parent. While the combined value of Philip Morris and Swedish Match rose $11 billion when the transaction was first agreed upon a good proxy for the anticipated value creation the Altria settlement gobbles up a good chunk of what the buyer can afford to pay away in a takeover premium. As is, the offer is worth nearly $6 billion more than Swedish Matchs undisturbed market value. Advertisement Philip Morris has played a good tactical game. But its also gotten lucky. A strengthening dollar and weakening equity market have helped its hand. Swedish Match is of huge strategic value, giving the buyer its own US distribution platform and accelerating its journey to having the majority of its revenue come from smoke-free businesses. Investors may have gotten a price bump, but its hard to believe that in different times, they wouldnt have dug in for even more. More From Bloomberg Opinion: Merger Arbs Play Chicken With a Smoking Giant: Chris Hughes Tom Ford Would Fit Right Back In With Gucci: Andrea Felsted Microsofts AI Art Tool Could Be a Good Thing: Parmy Olson This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Chris Hughes is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering deals. Previously, he worked for Reuters Breakingviews, the Financial Times and the Independent newspaper. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share How worried should we be about the fate of US democracy? The party that might gain control of Congress after this weeks election has nominated hundreds of candidates in state, local and national races who falsely claim the 2020 election was fraudulent; uses extreme rhetoric that inspires violence; and has a de facto leader who doesnt hesitate to undermine the rule of law. The threat to the republic from the Republican Party is very real. Political scientists say the US is confronting events abnormal in a democracy While the Jan. 6 siege on the Capitol was an especially prominent and terrifying example, there are myriad disturbing gestures every day. Consider, for example, statements such as those made last week by Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels, who asserted that if he wins, the party will never lose another election. That kind of rhetoric is especially alarming coming from a candidate who has pledged to change how elections are run. It is also not the way candidates in healthy democracies talk. Indeed, a definition of democracy is that there is occasional rotation of parties in office. Too often, it appears that Republicans consider any election won by a Democrat to be inherently fraudulent. Advertisement So what will determine whether democracy withstands these assaults, both small and large? If the rule of law is to survive, it will almost certainly take action from Republicans themselves. The group with the most leverage are Republicans who are largely committed to the values in the Constitution and who have at times stood up to others in their party. That includes everyone from former Vice President Mike Pence to about half the Republicans currently in the Senate to quite a few Republican judges. After this weeks election and in 2024 and beyond, they will need to strongly oppose any efforts to undermine elections in which Republicans fall short and cry fraud. The more Republicans unify around supporting democracy, the more likely they are to succeed in defeating attempts to undermine it. Advertisement And then there are the candidates currently running under the false banner of election fraud. It might turn out that while they were willing to push things very far, they, too, have lines they wont cross. That was the case when former President Donald Trump attempted to overturn the 2020 election and discovered that Republicans such as Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger as well as US Attorney General William Barr and a host of state legislators and Republican judges werent willing to go along. Many of them werent exactly friends of a robust democracy before November 2020, but when push came to shove they werent going to support a coup. Their decisions left Trump with mostly a collection of oddballs and outcasts to help him pursue his quest to remain in office despite the election results. Unfortunately, some of Trumps enablers are members of Congress and federal judges, and more will be in elective office next year. Its possible that they will seek to subvert elections and undermine the rule of law. On the other hand, some new officials may find it less appealing to label as fraudulent elections that they themselves administered. We dont know. Some of them may not know. Advertisement Not all the signals are grim. Political scientist Sean Westwood observes that both Democrats and Republicans dramatically overestimate the extent to which the other side support[s] democratic norms violations. A report by Bright Line Watch, a group that monitors democratic practices, found that political scientists who are experts on democracy actually had more confidence in the future of US democracy than did ordinary voters of either party. While no one should take the threats to the republic lightly, panic is the wrong response.(1) Indeed, while a more successful version of Trumps attempted coup cant be ruled out, another possibility is democratic erosion that never progresses to full-on authoritarianism. Instead, democratic principles get chipped away at: Barriers to voting grow in certain places; political violence and the threat of violence dissuade more people from participating in politics or civic life; more states experience extreme gerrymanders; a Supreme Court majority that isnt reflective of the electorate becomes even more willing to exercise partisan preferences. Republicans would have nothing close to absolute rule, but they might acquire substantial, enduring advantages not at all compatible with a robust republic. For real democracy to survive more Republicans will have to go beyond just drawing a line short of an armed coup. If they do, there is every possibility that they and the nation will succeed. Advertisement For additional reading, here are some of the best recent items from political scientists: Matthew Shugart on coordination failures in the Israeli election. Richard Hasen on the courts and election subversion. Julia Azari on voting and voters. Kristin Kanthak on voter intimidation in the 19th and 21st centuries. Natalie Jackson on voters and the economy. Lee Drutman and Charlotte Hill on swing voters. (1) Political scientist Julia Azari makes the shrewd point that scare talk focused only on the importance of midterm elections - though understandable for Democrats looking to increase participation right now - may have the perverse effect of convincing democrats from both parties that if Trump allies win the elections, theres nothing that can be done - when in fact political action can be important between elections as well as during them. Advertisement This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Jonathan Bernstein is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering politics and policy. A former professor of political science at the University of Texas at San Antonio and DePauw University, he wrote A Plain Blog About Politics. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Its never been easier for Americans to learn about the policy positions and personal character of the men and women seeking their vote. And never have these attributes mattered less: For most voters, the most important fact about a candidate is which party they belong to. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight When the Information Age coincides with the Age of Polarization, such paradoxes are inevitable. The proliferation of coverage on cable television, the explosion of campaign advertising and the easy access to content provided by social media and other digital sources have revolutionized the political information universe. Candidates biographies and policy stances are a quick Google search away. Even people who dont make a special effort to inform themselves are still exposed to news headlines and advertising from candidates, parties and super PACs on both sides, some of which are informed by aggressive opposition research that is often unflattering or unreliable. Advertisement Americans are also becoming increasingly aware of candidates beyond their local jurisdictions. As recently as the 1980s and 1990s, it was rare for a challenger to a member of Congress or state-level office-seeker to become a national political figure. Now gubernatorial candidates can gain national visibility, such as Kari Lake of Arizona and Stacey Abrams of Georgia. Attentive citizens can easily inform themselves about candidates and races in faraway places. They can even send financial donations across state lines to their favorite contenders through fundraising websites like ActBlue or WinRed. But the rising power of partisanship in the US electorate, fueled largely by increasingly negative views of the partisan opposition, has left a shrinking pool of voters who are willing to deviate from their customary electoral habits to support an individual candidate with especially attractive personal traits or to reject a particularly unappealing option at the ballot box. The share of House districts that delivered a split outcome, simultaneously supporting candidates of opposite parties in presidential and congressional voting, declined from 33% in 1980, to 20% in 2000, to just 4% in 2020. With Americans now very likely to prefer a single partys nominees up and down the ballot, the influence of individual candidates on electoral outcomes has never been lower. Advertisement Because both congressional chambers are narrowly divided between the parties, its only natural and even logical for voters to treat individual House and Senate races as proxy battles for majority control of the institution, reasoning that their own representatives should be treated as votes for or against polarizing national party leaders such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. But party-line voting is on the rise even in state and local elections, where these considerations dont apply. At every level of government, politicians are marking territories as red or blue. This year, many Democrats took comfort in the belief that the normal disadvantage they faced as the presidents party in a congressional midterm election could be effectively blunted by a countervailing mismatch in candidate quality. They hoped that the flawed or untested candidates that emerged as Republican nominees in a number of Senate races including Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania, Blake Masters in Arizona, Don Bolduc in New Hampshire and Herschel Walker in Georgia would self-destruct under the bright lights of national politics. Democratic-aligned groups even intervened in Republican primaries on behalf of candidates judged to be weak general-election opponents, assuming that voters in swing districts would punish these candidates perceived ideological extremism or lack of qualification. Many of the candidates Democrats scorned have indeed encountered rocky terrain on the campaign trail. Oz has been criticized for moving into Pennsylvania simply to run for office. Masters and Bolduc have been attacked for their willingness to consider the privatization of Social Security and Medicare, respectively. Walker has faced a series of challenges, including accusations from two women that he funded their abortions. Advertisement These developments have received extensive media coverage and served as fodder for volleys of Democratic attack ads. But as the Republican Partys position in the polls remains highly competitive in the final days of the campaign, Democrats are learning to their dismay that most Americans today vote for the party label no matter who happens to be wearing it. More From Bloomberg Opinion: Maybe Partisanship Isnt Everything in US Politics: Jonathan Bernstein Conspiracy Theories Are Not a Partisan Phenomenon: Matthew Yglesias Brett Kavanaugh and Partisanship on the Supreme Court: The Editors This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. David A. Hopkins is an associate professor of political science at Boston College and the author of Red Fighting Blue: How Geography and Electoral Rules Polarize American Politics. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Newsletter WEEKDAYS The 7 DMV Catch up weekday mornings with a briefing of the seven most important and interesting stories from D.C., Maryland and Virginia. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . You may also receive promotional emails from The Washington Post. You can opt out at any time. Westpac chief executive Peter King says sharply higher interest rates and rising energy and food costs will force some customers to seek help with their mortgages. As the lender delivered a 1 per cent fall in full-year cash profits, to $5.3 billion, King said the bank had not yet seen increases in customer hardship in its loan portfolio, and consumer spending remained healthy across the economy. However, he stressed that higher rates would inevitably have an impact, as the Reserve Bank tries to rein in inflation by tightening policy, and banks pass through a series of rate rises to mortgage customers. We recognise that with borrowing costs, with energy costs, with food costs all going up, that some people will need time, and there might be some write-offs, King said on Monday ONTELAUNEE TWP., Pa. Berks County-based Essig Plumbing & Heating is now part of a service group that is backed by private equity funds. That means two big-city investors see opportunity in the 84-year-old business, which is headquartered near Leesport. Terms of the transaction with P1 Service Group were not disclosed in a joint statement. P1 said on its website under a tab marked "acquisitions" that it looks for businesses that have $10 million to $100 million in annual revenue. The Essig deal extends P1's reach from the midwestern U.S. into the mid-Atlantic. The agreement with Essig means the third-generation family run business will continue to serve Berks and Lehigh counties, according to the statement. Essig's office is at 448 Snyder Rd. in Ontelaunee Township. P1 is backed by two investment groups: River Sea Network in New York City and The Edgewater Funds of Chicago. River Sea invests in, among other things, the residential heating and air conditioning industry. It provides capital and advice. Edgewater has made more than $3 billion in capital commitments since 2001. It works with management to help businesses expand, using its money and experience. "Edgewater's investment approach focuses on funding high-quality middle-market companies where we can add substantial value through our capital, our experience and our broad network," according to the fund's website. Steve Essig, president of the plumbing and heating company, said he was looking for an organization that would help his company grow and support his team. "I was not looking to be acquired, I was looking for a true partner and I found that in P1 Service Group," Essig said in the joint statement. Private equity is a source of investment capital that is provided by wealthy individuals and firms that buy stakes or controlling interests in companies. In some cases, private equity funds buy publicly traded companies, take them private and restructure them for future sale. READING, Pa. Students and staff at Reading High School and the Red Knight Accelerated Academy are learning from home Monday as the police investigate threats of violence. The district said the city police department recommended RHS and the RKAA campuses move to virtual learning for the day. The school is following an asynchronous schedule, where teachers post assignments online for students to complete at home. Police said they are continuing to "investigate threats of violence in the surrounding community," according to the district's website, but authorities did not elaborate. The move comes several days after a reported shooting near the high school prompted a brief lockdown. Police later said the incident actually ended up being a large fight that did not involve a shooting. BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- The Bethlehem Area School District school board president tells 69 News the district is investigating an "alleged incident" involving the superintendent and a district employee. WFMZ reached out to district officials after receiving information that Superintendent Joseph Roy was involved in an alleged altercation with an employee. Sunday afternoon, a statement from school board president Michael Faccinetto confirmed to us that "the board is aware of the alleged incident and is investigating." The board president said there's "no further comment at this time." Superintendent Joseph Roy made the following statement: "Im aware of a specific unfounded allegation that has churned through the rumor mill for a few weeks. Im working with the district solicitor to address this unfounded allegation, while keeping the board president informed. "As with the allegation, rumors of me resigning are unfounded as well. The first rumor was I was resigning this past Thursday. The second rumor was I was resigning Friday. And apparently the third rumor is I resigned today. All completely false. The source of these rumors is unknown, but obviously someone with ill intent is spreading them." NORRISTOWN, Pa. - The third man charged in connection with a deadly shooting in Pottstown last October has learned his fate. Daijon Harrison, now 23, was sentenced last week to 7-20 years in prison on charges of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery, said the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office. Murder charges were dropped when Harrison pleaded guilty to robbery in September, nearly a year after the Oct. 23, 2021 shooting, court records show. Harrison and two others drove a stolen minivan from Philadelphia to Pottstown to to rob the victim, 27-year-old Robert Stiles, of marijuana, authorities say. Surveillance video shows one of the men grab Stiles in the 400 block of High Street, then Harrison hands a gun to the third man, who shoots Stiles three times, the district attorney said. The co-defendants, Samir Bentley and Ahmed Mohammed, were arrested in North Carolina in February. Mohammed was sentenced in October to 23-46 years in prison after pleading guilty to third-degree murder. Bentley, the triggerman, was convicted of second-degree murder and got life in prison. State Representative Jim Struzzi is running for a third term in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. He is a Republican and is running against the Democratic nominee, IUP student Brian Doyle (senior, history). Struzzi is from Westmoreland County, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1996, worked for PennDOT in public relations and was the president of the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce. 2018 was the year he ran for and won his seat in the general assembly which he has held since 2019. In the lead up to the midterm election tomorrow, Blessing Mansallay (freshman, political science) asked Struzzi questions he received from the IUP community. Mansallay works for Struzzi on his campaign, so he was not able to come up with his own questions. Q: Is there anything throughout your personal or your professional life that impacts what issues you focus on as a representative? Struzzi: Everything I do is personal in some way. I want my wife and my children to have opportunities here. I want my family to be safe just as I want everybody else to be safe in our communities. I want people to come here and have a good quality of life I want my kids to have a good education here and that applies to everyone that I represent. So, focusing on the economy, focusing on education, focusing on public safety, focusing on opportunities for children and families. I lost my brother, unfortunately, to an overdose in 2014 and obviously something like that changes your life in a way that can never be corrected. There's a hole in my heart. My family and my parents will never be the same. When I took office, knowing the epidemic that we have with overdoses and now with fentanyl, became one of my focus areas, so that's why I continue to serve on the House Human Services Committee. I serve on the Children and Youth Committee because those committees directly impact people's lives and we pass meaningful legislation that really does make a difference. Q:What are the key points that you're focusing on for your campaign? Struzzi: I'm working, so it's not like I'm campaigning. I'm the state representative and so we just finished the session last week. I'm on the House Appropriations Committee so we are working on the budget. I still have legislation that I would like to see passed this year. Passed some key legislation last week that's on its way to the Governor, related to addiction overdoses to allow people to use federal test strips. A bill on its way to the governor would help more local businesses be eligible for well-plug-in contracts through the DEP. The focus that we have to have right now within this Commonwealth has to be on making people's lives better, and that's the economy Essentially, we have to find a way to reduce costs for working families, as I said earlier, create more opportunities here, and the continuation of broadband expansion in the county to allow more people to move here and work remotely. Taxes and property taxes are a big concern for a lot of people still, properly funding education at all levels. I think early childhood education needs to be a priority because we are losing a lot of young people too early to poor learning habits. I think it's fundamental that the focus needs to be on helping families, keeping our streets safe, and making sure that we have what we need here to be successful in Indiana County. Q: Can you talk about a bill that was important or that you spent a lot of time on? Struzzi: Well, they're the ones that are going through now. As I said, that fentanyl tester bill is going to save lives. The work we did to help our volunteer fire companies and EMS, included a bill that I sponsored to create a tuition assistance program for volunteer firefighters. That's all moving through right now. That was a lot of work, years of work to get bills over the finish line. It takes a lot of effort. You don't just pen a bill and it flies right through. It's an extensive process of working with stakeholders, trying to create legislation that doesn't have any unintended consequences, and that actually meets the goal or the intent of the legislation. It's a lot of work to get bills over the finish line. I've had a number of bills that in many cases get worked into policy through the budget process. You have a bill that you propose, some sort of an idea, for example, the Zucker bucks. I sponsored a bill with Rep Nelson from Westmoreland County and Rep Olive from Tioga County. Basically, when we learned that that money was coming into the state, the bill said that no private money could be used to run our elections. That bill, while it didn't pass into law, was put into the budget. The state does not allow those Zucker bucks to come into Pennsylvania anymore. We allocated money in the budget to help counties run the elections. In the budget process, because, as I said, I've been on the Appropriations Committee for four years now. That really is the backbone of the state. When we do the budget we're providing the funds for education, we're providing the funds for the state police, we're providing the funds for our communities. The Appropriations Committee is one of the most important in Harrisburg and in the United States. So, I have been blessed to be on that committee for the past four years that I've been in the state House because that really does make a difference in being a part of the Appropriations Committee. You have the opportunity to help make those decisions on what gets funded and how much. I've been a very vocal advocate for the state system of higher education, IUP In particular the past four years, and I'm really happy we were able to get that historic funding increase for the state system in this past budget. I allocated or advocated for additional funding for conservation districts that help our local farmers. The conservation districts help to make sure that our streams are clean. You have proper sedimentation and erosion controls in place. I advocated for more funding for libraries and the list goes on. That's one of the most important functions of state government is to create a budget, that's what we do as the Appropriations Committee. Q: Is there anything you are working on that could assist students? Struzzi: Well, again, we had historic funding for education this year in the budget and that applies to higher ed as well, so continuing to work with the state system chancellor, working with the state-related schools like Pitt, Penn State, Temple, and Lincoln trying to find ways to keep tuition costs down while providing all those essential programs and services. IUP was able to hold the line on tuition this year, and actually reduced tuition, as you probably are aware. That's what we need to do. The state system was created to be an affordable education, unfortunately, the way it's been funded and the way it's been structured for the past, I don't know, 15 or 20 years that hasn't happened. I think we're getting IUP and the state system moving in the right direction now. Q: Is anything being proposed or supported in the areas of skill training for jobs as well as trade? Struzzi:The state offers all sorts of grant programs. We have a really good tech school at ICTC. The River Valley School District just opened their STEAM academy down in Saltsburg and that's going to be open to adult re-learning opportunities. I sponsored legislation this session actually to create a grant funding program for people who want to enter the trades, for adult education, which would have allocated about $12 million in the form of grants that people could apply for through a specific educational facility, not just for trades. It could be even for schools like IUP. It would allow people the opportunity to, especially at the end of the pandemic when a lot of people have changed careers, retrain themselves for a new career path. Q: Is there anything that someone in your position could do about gas prices? Struzzi:I think the first thing that caused this is the reduction in domestic oil production. Shutting down the pipelines caused sort of this chain reaction effect of us relying on foreign oil. When Russia invaded Ukraine, we were relying on other countries for our fuel supplies. We can get back to domestic oil production. We can get back to domestic energy production. That would do a lot to not only help with gas prices but with home heating costs. It's really going to be difficult for people to handle this year. That has a lot to do with the policies, both here at the state level and policies at the federal level that the current administrations have put into place. Governor Wolf's constant barrage on fossil fuels has caused capital investment in fossil fuels to leave Pennsylvania. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative that I have been fighting for three years now that has shut down our electric generation plants right here in Indiana County has forced these entities to go elsewhere. They're going into states that welcome energy production. That's causing and that will cause all of our costs to increase: the cost of working families to heat your home this winter, the cost of fueling your vehicles, everything Energy fuels everything, so you need the energy to make products. You need the energy to get products to markets. When your energy costs go up, that's transferred to the consumer. So, it all starts with basic energy production and we can fix that. We have the energy here in Pennsylvania and in this country. We just have to change our approach from a policy perspective. Q:Could you talk about the campus police bill? Struzzi:Well, a lot of times at least from my perspective, I listen and a lot of people come through this door with an issue or a concern. If I can help legislatively, I have sponsored so many bills because I'm not afraid to roll up my sleeves and do the hard work. Some of the members of the IUP campus police came to us with this issue. Representative Oberlander and Representative Oliver, because they also have state system schools in their districts, I believe Mansfield and Clarion. Basically, this streamlines the hiring process. It's very simple, previously they had to be approved by the governor's office before they could be hired, this simply takes that component out of it and allows them to be hired like any other police officer. Q: Can you please give a statement to the Indiana and IUP communities? Struzzi: I would think that my work speaks for itself. I have worked as hard as I could to try and pass meaningful legislation to make a difference for our communities to fight for what we need here in Indiana County. We've done a lot of good, but we still have a lot of work ahead of us related to the subjects that we cover here today. I have a lot of unfinished business that I would like to complete in Harrisburg and here in Indiana County. We have a great team here right now with myself, Senator Pittman, the county commissioners, with the county planning department. We're moving this county in the right direction. It's been a lot of hard work getting through the pandemic, but we are making a difference. Hopefully, people will see that. Monday is the last day voters may drop off mail-in ballots at three of the four ballot drop boxes in Luzerne County. Also, voters who requested a mail-in ballot for the Nov. 8 general election but did not receive one are urged to visit the county election bureau on Monday. Meanwhile, election officials continue to investigate how 937 county voters received duplicate mail-in ballots last week a problem initially blamed on a data-export error. Those were among voting-related issues for which acting Election Director Beth Gilbert McBride provided updates on Sunday. Drop boxes The ballot drop box in the lobby of the county-owned Penn Place Building in Wilkes-Barre will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday. It will also stay open until the polls close at 8 p.m. Tuesday. The other three drop boxes will only be available Monday. The drop box at Pittston Memorial Library will close at 4 p.m. Monday. The drop boxes at Misericordia Universitys Passan Hall and the Wright Twp. Volunteer Fire Department will close at 5 p.m. Monday. Voters may only deposit their own ballot in a drop box, unless they have a signed authorization form from a disabled voter. Ballot not received Voters who requested a mail-in ballot by the Nov. 1 deadline but have not yet received it have two options, McBride said. It is too late for those voters to request a ballot via overnight delivery. However, voters who have not received a requested mail-in ballot may visit the election bureau in Suite 207 of the Penn Place Building at 20 N. Pennsylvania Ave. in Wilkes-Barre from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to pick up a ballot, according to a message posted to the countys Facebook page. Voters who did not receive a mail-in ballot also have the option of casting a provisional ballot at their designated polling site on Tuesday, McBride said. She said she is not pleased with the number of voters who reported they requested but have not received a mail-in ballot. I am actively working with our vendor and the USPS to determine the reason for this issue, McBride wrote in an email. I want to do my best to mitigate the number of voters who do not receive a mail-in ballot in future elections. Deficient ballots Also, the election bureau on Monday will contact voters who returned ballots that include deficiencies on the outer envelopes, such as missing signatures or dates, McBride said. Those ballots were canceled in the state ballot-tracking system. However, on Friday acting Pennsylvania Secretary of State Leigh M. Chapman urged counties to contact voters whose ballots were canceled due to an error on the outside envelope so that voters may have the opportunity to have their vote count. Election bureau staffers will call impacted voters and set up a table in the lobby of Penn Place, at which voters may fill out new ballots in a safe and secure setting, McBride said. There are typically two sheriffs deputies in the lobby of Penn Place along with a security system, so this is a secure, accessible place for voters to correct their ballots, she said. Duplicate ballots Also, the election bureau is trying to figure out what caused the duplicate ballot issue discovered last week, McBride said. On Wednesday, McBride said it appeared a data export error on Oct. 26 caused the bureau to inadvertently provide duplicate files of voter information to the vendor that sends out mail-in ballots to county voters. However, McBride said Sunday the bureau is actively researching what happened. The state said that we did not send anything duplicate, so we are still looking into it, she said. When everything was unfolding last week, we were still unsure of what happened. Last week, McBride said voters who receive two mail-in ballots should fill out and return one ballot, then shred and discard the second extra ballot. For information on county elections, visit https://www.luzernecounty.org/1436/2022-General-Election. WASHINGTON (AP) Federal aid to Florida for recovery from Hurricane Ian has topped the $2 billion mark, Biden administration officials announced Monday, one day before the midterm elections. Most of the money was provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. About $710 million went directly to households, and another $322 million went to the state. The U.S. Small Business Administration furnished $631 million in disaster loans, and the National Flood Insurance Program has paid out $351 million in claims. When I visited Florida in the wake of Hurricane Ian, I said we would be there as long as it takes to rebuild, President Joe Biden said in a statement. That is what were doing. Biden toured the damage from the hurricane with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis last month, a rare moment of detente for the two politicians. The hurricane killed more than 100 people and caused billions of dollars in damage. The president has also campaigned for DeSantis' Democratic opponent, Charlie Crist, who is trying to return to the governor's office. DeSantis has a solid lead in public polls. Sam Thomas' new song cycle No Limits will open in London next February. The piece, which is directed by Dean Johnson (BKLYN), is set to be led by Natalie May Paris (Six), playing the role of #DREAMER. Further casting is to be revealed. Paris said today: "I am so looking forward to being a part of No Limits, and to have the pleasure of singing the beautiful Every girl needs a mother' again will be an absolute joy!" The new cycle, telling the stories of a varietyy of characters determined to let go of anxieties and fight for their identities, will run at the Turbine Theatre from 15 to 26 February 2023. with the creative team also set to include musical director Ella Ingram (Curtain Up) and movement director Rhys Wilkinson (currently performing in & Juliet). Johnson added: "No Limits is a contemporary song cycle which opens up a box of stories through a series of sung vignettes, each describing that universal feeling of breaking through barriers in our lives. Sam Thomas's compositions feel somehow both innovative and familiar, which is very exciting, so we can't wait to explore a fresh approach to the format and share it with everyone at the Turbine in February." Tickets are on sale now via the Turbine website. Several members of the Beaver Dam Fire Department were honored on Friday night during a badge pinning and promotion ceremony at the fire station. The guests of honor were those who completed their probation as paid-on-call firefighters Sophie Willihnganz and Joey Mays and those who completed one year of probationary training as a fulltime firefighter/paramedic Bryce Hicken, Emily Seifert, Mike Weinke and Justin Woldt. Promotions were achieved by Nick Smith to lieutenant, Kyle Nehr to lieutenant, Matt Weidler to lieutenant and Wesley Jahnke to captain. Beaver Dam Fire Chief Michael Wesle thanked the family members who attended and said their commitment to their loved ones made it possible for the fire department to provide essential emergency services to those in the Beaver Dam area. These 10 individuals are essential components to our team working to the common good for the Beaver Dam community, Wesle said. As a department and as a community, we are grateful and privileged to have the 10 individuals serving on this fire department. Willihnganz started on Feb. 1, 2020. COVID and Willihnganzs education postponed her recognition earlier. Willihnganz recently returned from the United Kingdom, where she received a masters degree in trauma sciences. She always brings a positive attitude to the fire station which is always on exhibit, Willihnganz said. Her attitude is always extremely refreshing and a great display of her passion for fire service. Mays became interested in the fire department when firefighters visited while he was attending Beaver Dam High School. From the visits, he learned about the cadet program and eventually put in his application to join the fire department. Joey joined the department in August of 2021, Wesle said. To me, Joey seems to be a rarity in todays age, and that is because he is quiet, he is hardworking, hes honest, and he is dependable. His interest in learning the ways of the fire service is always evident, and he can always be trusted. Hickens father is a lieutenant/paramedic in Fond du Lac. His mother is a former paramedic and dispatcher. He joined the department in February 2021. I believe Bryces strongest attribute is his passion for the fire service, Wesle said, citing Hickens seemingly endless interest in training opportunities and his contributions as an instructor. Seifert is the first member of her family to enter the occupation of fire service. She also joined in February 2021. Her contagious positivity has made her a recognizable face not only in the department but in the community, Wesle said. Weinkes father was a firefighter in Baraboo and several other family members have worked as firefighters or paramedics. His fiance is a firefighter with the Madison Fire Department. He joined in April 2021. Mike brings a great sense of humor along with a strong work ethic to the firehouse and is proven to be a great team member, Wesle said. Woldts father was a volunteer firefighter. He joined the Beaver Dam Fire Department in April 2021. Justin is an individual who is extremely goal orientated, and he is one of the hardest working members of the department, Wesle said. Additionally, he regularly takes time out of his day to mentor other members of the department. Smith is the son of Beaver Dam Deputy Fire Chief Lee Smith. He also has a cousin who is a firefighter/EMT at the Truax Fire Department. He joined the fire department in 2007. He is a dedicated member and takes pride in his work and the department, Wesle said. Nick can often be found taking on extra projects and attending extra training. He always represents the department in a positive light. Nehr began his career in fire service right out of high school. He joined the department in 2013. Kyle is extremely dedicated, which is extremely evident by his attendance, Wesle said. It is rare that Kyle misses a training or meeting, and he consistently turns in one of the highest response rates of all our paid on-call members. Additionally, Kyle is passionate about training and mentors many members of the fire department. Weidler is the third generation of his family who served with a fire department. He was hired as paid on call in 2013 and as a career firefighter/paramedic in 2016. Matt is what I will call a bit of a renaissance man, Wesle said. He has a wide array of interests and talents. He is a great resource for the department and he often knows the answer to a question even before I ask it. Jahnkes father is still active with the Juneau Fire Department and both his grandfathers also served with the Juneau department. He joined the fire department in 2015 and was promoted to lieutenant in 2020. As a captain, Wes is tasked with leading our special operation programs, Wesle said. He leads by example. You will never hear him ask a member of the department to do something he will not do. A downtown Beaver Dam business is set for a makeover after being one of the winners of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporations annual Main Street Makeover contest. Art on the Town, 127 Front St., was one of the three businesses that will receive the funding and assistance to upgrade the stores next year. Market Street Boutique, De Pere and Minocqua Popcorn & Puffs, Eagle River are the other two businesses. Art on the Town is owned by Kris Schumacher-Rasmussen who opened the Front Street store in 2019. The studio is thrilled to be selected for the WEDC Main Street Makeover grant, Schumacher-Rasmussen said. We are ready to transform our space to provide an enhanced experience and greater visibility for our community. Schumacher-Rasmussen said that the WEDC team will provide expertise and guidance from their design team. We will be planning with them over the next several months and working on 127 Front Street this spring, Schumacher-Rassmussen said. Based on the reality show concept, established businesses located in any of the states 34 Wisconsin Main Street and 82 Connect Communities were able to nominate themselves for a makeover that will take place next spring. The winning businesses will receive personalized technical assistance and up to $10,000 for interior and exterior design improvements or personalized assistance to boost the businesss image and operations. Finalists were selected based on their business track record, the vision for their business, and the potential for the makeover to have a positive impact on their downtown district. The businesses will spend several months working with Main Street staff and consultants from RetailWorks, Inc., a Milwaukee-based interior design firm, on a renovation plan, followed by a 24- or 48-hour transformation event in the spring. The new-and-improved business spaces will be formally unveiled during a public celebration featuring state and local officials. Past winners The inaugural 2018 Main Street Makeover winner was Annies Fountain City Cafe in downtown Fond du Lac. The 2019 Makeover winner was Anthonys 511 Barbershop in downtown Watertown. In 2020 Teds Pizza Palace in downtown Menomonie received a makeover for the restaurants 50th anniversary, and the 2021 winner was mainstay retailer Moores on Main in Ashland. The most recent winner of the full makeover was Freds Beds and More in Mayville. Wisconsin's 2022 midterm election is finally arriving on Tuesday. While nearly 813,000 absentee ballots have been requested in the state, of which more than 715,000 had been returned as of Monday, many more voters will cast ballots on Tuesday. Here's what you need to know heading into Tuesday's midterm election. How do I vote? First, you need to be registered. You can check the status of your voter registration and register to vote at myvote.wi.gov/RegisterToVote. Wisconsin residents looking to vote must first register, which can be done online and requires a valid state drivers license or ID card that matches a name, date of birth and address on file with the Division of Motor Vehicles. Registering in person or by mail requires an acceptable ID or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Those without a photo ID can still vote by casting a provisional ballot. Such voters will need to provide a photo ID to their municipal clerk by 4 p.m. the Friday after the election in order to have their ballot counted. Where do I vote? You can find your polling location on MyVote Wisconsin. Just enter your address at: myvote.wi.gov/FindMyPollingPlace. What time are polls open? Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. If you're in line by 8 p.m. Tuesday, you'll still be able to vote. What do I need to vote? An acceptable photo ID such as a Wisconsin Department of Transportation-issued driver license or identification card, a U.S. military ID card, a U.S. passport, an identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in the state, or a photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college that includes the date of issuance, signature of student and expiration date no later than two years after the date of issuance. Those with an expired university or college ID must also provide a separate document proving current enrollment. Find more information at bringit.wi.gov. What if I already voted? You can track the status of your absentee ballot at myvote.wi.gov/TrackMyBallot. Can I vote in person if I mailed my absentee ballot too late? No. You cannot vote at the polls on Election Day if you have already mailed or returned your absentee ballot. To count, your ballot must be received by your local clerk by the close of polls Tuesday. What are the rules around polling places? Electioneering is not allowed within 100 feet of the entrance to a polling place. That includes political signs, clothing, stickers or buttons all of which are prohibited at the polling place. Officials ask anyone who witnesses something suspicious at a polling location to speak to the chief election inspector. If anyone is prohibiting you from entering a polling location, call local law enforcement. When can we expect election results? By law, local clerks in Wisconsin cannot begin processing absentee ballots until Election Day. That means election officials in about three dozen Wisconsin cities, including Milwaukee, will not begin counting absentee ballots until polls close. So expect the vote totals to change throughout the night and even into the next day. Election night declarations are based on predictions and incomplete results, with winners not official until the results are certified. Obstetric violence recognised at Presidential Summit on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide CALS, Embrace, Women's Legal Centre and SECTION27 welcome the inclusion of obstetric violence at the Presidential Summit on GBVF Feminists have long been lobbying for obstetric violence to be recognised as a form of gender-based violence (GBV). We welcome the 2022 Presidential Summit on GBV and Femicide's conclusion that obstetric violence is gender-based violence. Obstetric violence is perpetrated by health systems, and includes denial of care, assault and neglect during childbirth, as well as forced or coerced medical procedures such as sterilisation and c-sections when women seek health services during pregnancy and birth. This form of GBV results in the constraint of individuals decision to reproduce and capability to have children safely and with dignity. Obstetric violence perpetrated by health systems can result in preventable maternal death, neonatal disability, serious debilitating complications, economic consequences and newborn death. The 2022 Summit held last week on 1 and 2 November featured a number of breakaway sessions or Action Caucuses run by representatives of civil society organisations. Representatives from the Centre for Applied Legal Studies, Embrace, Womens Legal Centre and SECTION27 facilitated the Action Caucus on Pregnancy and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. Dr Jess Rucell, gender expert at the Centre for Applied Legal Studies, notes: That issues of GBV facing pregnant and birthing people have been included in both days of the President's Second Summit is our success. Obstetric violence was omitted from the first National Summit on GBVF, its Declaration, and as a result the National Strategic Plan on GBVF. The state can no longer ignore the abuse of pregnant women and must take meaningful steps to stop harming persons seeking health services. The recognition of obstetric violence as a form of GBV necessitates action from the Department of Health. We call on the Minister of Health to serve on the Inter-Ministerial Committee on GBVF, says Khuliso Managa, attorney at the Womens Legal Centre. A response from the Health Ministry to the epidemic of GBVF is critical and must include redress for victims of forced/coerced sterilisation. Sibusisiwe Ndlela, attorney at SECTION27, further notes, Delegates repeated throughout the Summit that lack of access to abortion, after it has been legal for over twenty-years, is a sign of governments failure to respect, protect and promote women and girls sexual and reproductive rights; and such a failure must be addressed through the National Strategic Plan on GBVF. We need rigorous dialogues about obstetric violence and womens sexual and reproductive health rights and this recognition is an important first step, says Julie Mentor, movement leader at Embrace. The Action Caucus on Pregnancy convened at the Summit brought together health care workers, survivors, legal experts and community leaders from across the country. We defined obstetric violence and how it impacts women and families across South Africa and will advocate for this to be included in the Summit Declaration, and final report to be published later this month. For inquiries, please contact: From the Centre for Applied Legal Studies: Basetsana Koitsioe at basetsana.koitsioe@wits.ac.za From Embrace: The Movement for Mothers: Nonkululeko Mbuli at nonkululeko@embrace.org.za From Womens Legal Centre: Khuliso Managa at khuliso@wlce.co.za From SECTION27: Pearl Nicodemus at nicodemus@section27.org.za BEIJING, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday exchanged congratulatory messages with President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties five decades ago, China-Madagascar relations have been developing in a sound and steady way, no matter how the international landscape evolves, Xi said in his message. In recent years, he said, the two countries have set up a comprehensive cooperative partnership, with increasing political mutual trust and fruitful exchanges and cooperation in various fields. Xi said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Madagascar relations, and that he is willing to work with Rajoelina to take the anniversary as an opportunity to continuously promote the friendly cooperation between the two countries, so as to benefit both countries and their people. Rajoelina said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago, Madagascar and China have deepened friendly cooperation in various fields, which has yielded fruitful results. Noting that the comprehensive cooperative partnership is marked by sincerity, friendship, mutual respect, mutual trust and support, Rajoelina said Madagascar is willing to work with China to build an even closer community with a shared future. (Source: Xinhua) Rescuers in boats and standing in the water are seen around the tail fin of a crashed Precision Air passenger aircraft on the shores of Lake Victoria in Bukoba, in western Tanzania on Nov. 6. The small passenger plane crashed Sunday morning into Lake Victoria near Bukoba airport and the company Precision Air said the flight was coming from the coastal city of Dar es Salaam, though it was not immediately clear how many people were on board. Weather Alert ...Gusty South Winds Today And Tonight... Winds will increase from the south this morning to between 15 and 25 mph. Wind gusts in the 30 to 40 mph range are likely from midday today through tonight. Locally higher gusts are possible in thunderstorms this evening. Drive with caution today and tonight. Handling of high profile vehicles could become more difficult. Loose objects such as trash cans and holiday ornaments may be blown into roadways. Wholesaler feeding Wrexham pupils and championing Welsh produce at same time A North Wales food wholesaler is feeding 150,000 school pupils across the region each week and championing Welsh produce at the same time. According to Harlech Foodservice, which has bases in Criccieth, in Gwynedd and Chester, theyre keen to reduce food miles and make the most of the Welsh pound to boost the economy. Since April 1 this year, they have provided over three million nutritious school dinners to primary and secondary schools in Wrexham and across North Wales and into Merseyside. Among the Welsh brands they carry are Jones Village Bakery, Edwards the Welsh Butcher, South Caernarfon Creameries, Llaeth y Llan Village Dairy, their own Bwydlyn Butchery and Radnor Hills still, sparkling and flavoured spring water. It comes at a time when the Welsh Government have announced they are rolling out free school meals to all of Wales approximately 272,000 primary school pupils by 2024. The initiative has come about thanks to a deal between Plaid Cymru and the Labour Welsh government. They say the policy will be extended to around 6,000 nursery-age children Harlech Commercial Director Mark Lawton said: Its very encouraging for us and for our policy of trying to use Welsh food producers whenever possible. We do this because we believe in the high quality and reputation of Welsh produce which is recognised on both sides of the border and because we make every effort to reduce food miles. Harlechs expansion now sees them deliver to customers across Wales and their commitment to using Welsh producers has been an important factor in winning new contracts. Nick Beadman, Head of Commercial at South Caernarfon Creameries, said: Were proud to be one of many Welsh producers supplying schools and their pupils across North Wales. Our award-winning cheese is a testament to itself, produced here on the Llyn Peninsula and made using only Welsh milk from our farmer co-operative members. Owain Roberts, Managing Director of Llaeth y Llan Village Dairy, said: It is vitally important for children to be offered North Wales-produced food at our local primary and secondary schools. Harlech Foodservice have been really progressive. Theyve secured a number of long-term contracts which have provided new markets for Welsh producers like us and showcased the quality of the food we produce here. At the same time as parents we want to know that our children are being provided with high quality food made from fresh ingredients which is travelling the shortest possible distance from field to school canteen. Harlech, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, is also a supplier to care homes across North and Mid Wales and has seen growth in that sector too with their customer base increasing by 55 per cent and their deliveries by 56 per cent. Mark Lawton added: In these days when it is important for customers to make their supply chains as sustainable as possible ensuring that products are locally produced and reducing food miles makes even more sense. We can help them reduce their carbon footprint by supplying them with more sustainably-sourced products and by our own efforts to be greener where we are looking at options for switching our delivery fleet to electric or hydrogen power. At the same time the work we are doing to cut carbon use is impressing customers and convincing them we are a company that can help them achieve their own renewable goals. Harlech Foodservice employs around 200 staff at Criccieth, in Gwynedd, and Chester and runs a fleet of vehicles to deliver up to 5,000 product lines to cafes, restaurants, pubs and public sector customers across North and Mid-Wales, Shropshire, the Midlands and the North West. A YY-20 aerial tanker rehearses for performance in Airshow China 2022 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, on November 5, 2022. (Photo from Xinhua) ZHUHAI, Nov. 7 -- The 14th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China 2022, is to be held from November 8 to 13 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province. Senior Colonel Shen Jinke, spokesperson for the PLA Air Force, introduced on November 6 that about 50 types of weapons and equipment including J-20, Y-20, and KJ-500, H-6K and HQ-9B will be displayed, among which YY-20, J-16 and GJ-2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) will make their first public flights in the airshow. All of them will show the historical achievements of the PLA Air Force in the past decade of the new era and the phased results of the modernized strategic air force construction. Aircraft J-20 is the new generation of stealth fighter jet independently developed by China, which made a public flight for the first time in the Airshow China 2016. In recent years, it has played an increasingly important role in military training for combat readiness in the new era. Aircraft YY-20 is China's new-generation aerial refueling equipment, which has carried out aerial refueling training with multiple types of fighter jets including J-20, J-16 and J-10C for many times, effectively enhancing the PLA Air Forces capability of long-range maneuverability. The PLA Air Force's new combat forces in new domain will also be displayed. The GJ-2 UAV, which will perform its first flight demonstration, is a medium-to-high-altitude, long-endurance reconnaissance and combat UAV system developed by China. It is an important weapon for border patrol and anti-terrorism operations. Other UAVs including the WZ-7, WZ-8, and WZ-10 will be on static display on the ground. The Bayi Aerobatic Team of the PLA Air Force and the Red Eagle Aerobatic Team of the PLA Air Force Aviation University will also perform at the air show, the 10th time and third time respectively of their participation in such event. In addition, the PLA Air Force will also set up an exhibition hall of aviation administration for the first time to introduce the knowledge of air traffic regulation to the public. A GJ-2 UAV rehearses for a flight performance in Airshow China 2022 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, on November 5, 2022. (Photo from Xinhua) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Beijing on Friday, accompanied by a large business delegation, where he met with President Xi Jinping and head of government Li Keqiang. It was the first trip of a G7 leader to China since the coronavirus pandemic broke out three years ago and since Xi cemented his power at the October Party Congress. It was met with fierce criticism both internationally and in Germany. The chancellor even came under attack from within the ranks of his own traffic light coalition, especially from the Greens. Scholz is greeted by China's President Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People. [Photo by Bundesregierung/Imo] For Scholzs predecessor Angela Merkel, such journeys were routine. During her 16 years in office, the German chancellor visited China a total of 12 times, Germany and China held joint intergovernmental conferences, and high-ranking Chinese representatives regularly came to Germany. In 2014, Xi Jinping traveled personally to Duisburg to commission a regular freight train connection between China and Germany as part of the New Silk Road Initiative. But China has now become the target of the US and its European allies. The US is increasing economic and military pressure on the nuclear-armed power and preparing for war. The Biden administrations National Security Strategy describes the 2020s as the decisive decade in which the US will win the conflict with Russia and China. The European Union also describes China as a strategic rival. The war against Russia in Ukraine, which NATO is systematically escalating and intends to continue until it achieves Russias military defeat, serves not least to deprive China of a potential ally. The fact that China is backing Russia in the Ukraine conflict with non-military support has provoked outrage in Washington and the European capitals. This is the context of the criticism of Scholzs journey. Some allies are concerned that the trip plays to a longstanding divide-and-conquer argument by Beijing that Berlin should distance itself from the US, writes the Wall Street Journal. The French daily Le Monde complained: While the US plans to economically decouple itself from China and the European Union tries to distance itself from a regime whose development is worrying, Berlin still seems to be setting itself up as business as usual. European Commissioner for Industry and the Internal Market Thierry Breton, a Frenchman, warned Scholz: The time for naivety is over. We must be on guard. The behaviour of the individual EU members towards China must be coordinated and not decided alone, as China apparently prefers. French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that he and Scholz should fly to China together at a later date to demonstrate European unity, a suggestion which Scholz ignored. Christian Democratic Union (CDU) foreign policy expert Norbert Rottgen also attacked Scholz sharply. He accused him of damaging Germanys foreign policy during his trip, because it costs us our partners trust. It does not even strengthen our reputation with the Chinese, because they only react to strength and despise weakness. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) warned the chancellor that he had to make it clear to Beijing that the question of fair conditions of competition, the question of human rights and the question of the recognition of international law is our basis for international cooperation. One must no longer be so fundamentally dependent on a country that does not share our values that we can be blackmailed in the end. The falsity of this human rights propaganda is shown by the fact that Baerbock expressed it during a trip through Central Asia, where she courted the governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Both have this year bloodily crushed protests and abused and imprisoned opposition members, which apparently did not bother Baerbock much. She pursued the stated goal of breaking the two successor states of the Soviet Union, which have large deposits of raw materials, from the influence of Russia and China, and binding them more closely to Germany. With his trip to China, Scholz represents the same imperialist interests as Baerbock. Unlike the Greens, however, he believes that Germany must not become completely dependent on the US and allow itself to be driven to an abrupt breakdown of economic relations with China. The sums of money involved are enormous. The halt to gas imports from Russia, which Merkel and then Scholz had long resisted, has already had devastating consequences. Germany is now dependent on the import of expensive liquefied natural gas, including from the US. High energy prices are ruining many companies and exacerbating social tensions. The federal government has earmarked 200 billion to mitigate the consequences. But this is only a temporary measure, which will also exacerbate the financial crisis and lead to further social spending cuts. A break with China would have even more serious consequences for the German economy, which is at the beginning of a recession. With 12.4 percent of imports and 7.4 percent of exports, China is Germanys largest trading partner. More than a million jobs are directly and many more indirectly dependent on Chinas trade. In addition, China is a supplier of important raw materials such as rare earths, intermediate products and goods for the energy transition, such as solar modules and car batteries. The economic delegation accompanying Scholz to Beijing reflects the close economic interdependence of the two countries. The head of the Volkswagen and BMW car companies, which sold 40 percent and 33 percent of their cars in China last year, respectively, and maintain numerous plants there, were in the chancellors delegation. The chemical group BASF, which plans to invest 10 billion in China by 2030, the pharmaceutical company Bayer, the vaccine manufacturer Biontech and the electrical group Siemens were also represented. In the third quarter of 2022, Siemens generated an eighth of its worldwide turnover of 18 billion in China. However, Germany cannot afford an open conflict with the US, which is bullying China with increasingly stringent sanctions. This would not only have similarly devastating economic consequences as a break with China, but would also result in the US using its influence and military power to isolate Germany in Europe. Scholz therefore performed a careful balancing act. He tried to use German influence over the Chinese leadership to put pressure on Russia. After the meeting with Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang, he said, I told President Xi that it is important for China to use its influence over Russia. Both governments agreed that Russian nuclear threats were unacceptable. Xi also warned of nuclear threats and called for peace talks. As influential states, China and Germany must work together in times of change and chaos to promote peace and development, he said. Li distanced himself more clearly than before from the Russian policy. We cant afford another escalation, he said. We do not want regional stability to be shaken, international production and supply chains to be destabilised. At the same time, Scholz is trying to ease Germanys economic dependence on China without any abrupt break. Before his departure to China, he explained the purpose of his visit in a guest article for the FAZ. He flattered China by saying it would play an important role on the world stage in the future and remain an important economic and trade partner for Germany and Europe. At the same time, he accused China of unfair economic practices and threatened: We will therefore reduce unilateral dependencies, in the sense of wise diversification. It is necessary to examine Chinese investments in Germany to determine whether such a business creates or strengthens risky dependencies, Scholz continued. Scholz has never left any doubt that Germany will side with the US and its allies in a further escalation of the conflict with China. The German government already supported the right-wing coup in Ukraine in 2014, which ultimately led to the current war. At the same time, Berlin tried to maintain economic relations with Russia. When this was no longer possible, Germany became the most aggressive warmonger. It used the war as an excuse to triple military spending and to massively upgrade it in order to become Europes strongest military power again. The German government has also indicated to China which side it is on if the war should take place. The German military (Bundeswehr) participates with warships and aircraft in military manoeuvres directed against China. During his visit, Scholz delivered the usual accusations and threats. He warned China against a military intervention in Taiwan, which is being massively upgraded by the US in a similar policy to that previously pursued in Ukraine. He called for the universal validity of human rights and accused the Chinese government of persecuting Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. This was not interference in internal affairs, Scholz claimed. US imperialism is sharply escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula as part of its military build-up throughout the Indo-Pacific in preparation for war against China. Last week, the US and South Korea conducted large-scale joint air force drills, code-named Vigilant Storm, involving more than 240 military aircraft. This was the latest large-scale joint war games between Washington and Seoul this year, ending the previous de facto agreement between North Korea and the Trump administration to scale down such exercises in exchange for a moratorium on Pyongyangs nuclear and long-range ballistic missile tests. An Air Force B-1B Lancer prepares to land after a Bomber Task Force mission at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 29, 2022. [Photo: US Department of Defense/Air Force Staff Sgt. Hannah Malone] Pyongyang responded to the war games with a spate of missile tests, included a suspected intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch last Thursday. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop responded and announced plans at a joint press conference in Washington, also on Thursday, for the de facto permanent stationing of US nuclear-capable assets in South Korea for the first time since 1991. While Austin described those deployments as rotations, Lee stated the US would send strategic assets to the level equivalent to constant deployment through increasing the frequency and intensity of strategic asset deployment in and around the Korean peninsula [emphasis added]. Washington and Seoul also extended last weeks exercises for an extra day to Saturday and underscored their decision by flying two B-1B strategic bombers, accompanied by South Korean and US fighters, over the Korean peninsula for the first time since 2017. While the US Air Force claims these bombers are no longer capable of carrying nuclear armaments, there is no reason to take the Pentagon at its word. The US previously flew a nuclear-capable B-52 bomber over the Osan Air Base, 50 km south of Seoul, in January 2016 following North Koreas fourth nuclear test. Washington bears primary responsibility for these tensions in the region. North Korea has been a target of US imperialism since before the 1950-1953 Korean War. Years of brutal US-led sanctions have strangled the North Korean economy and left it isolated internationally, turning the Korean peninsula into a powder keg. Far from seeking to ease tensions, Washington is intent on escalating them. The Biden administration stated in April 2021 that its policy on North Korea would not focus on achieving a grand bargain, nor will it rely on strategic patience. In other words, talks would only be held if Pyongyang effectively capitulates. Last Thursday, Secretary Austin pointed to the US deployment of nuclear-capable F-35A fighter jets to South Korea in July for 10 days, the first such visit since December 2017. He also highlighted the visit of the nuclear-powered USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier to South Korea at the end of September, also for the first time in five years. The vessel and its strike group took part in joint exercises with South Korea and Japan. At their summit in May, Biden and newly elected South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol agreed to deploy US strategic assets to the region. They also agreed to restart the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group for the first time since January 2018. The group provides Washington and Seoul with the opportunity to discuss strategic and policy issues regarding so-called extended deterrence, including the use of nuclear weapons. Whether nuclear-capable US military assets deployed to South Korea will be armed with nuclear weapons or not is deliberately shrouded in secrecy. Under Washingtons Neither Confirm nor Deny policy drawn up in 1958, the US does not comment on the locations of its nuclear weapons at any given time, which will only add to uncertainty and instability in the region. The US permanently based nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula from 1958 to 1991, targeting the Soviet Union and China. In 1967, there were some 950 warheads in South Korea and both South Korea and Japan are still covered under the so-called US nuclear umbrella, which includes strategic bombers, intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarines. South Korea also had nuclear ambitions. In late 1971, South Korean military dictator Park Chung-hee first instructed his staff to draw up plans to develop nuclear weapons. Despite treaties with the US to the contrary, the Park government worked in secret to develop a nuclear bomb and a ballistic missile delivery system. Only in 1976 did Park bow to US pressure to give up the program, though Seouls research into nuclear power continued. The sheer scale of the US planned nuclear-capable deployments demonstrates that the target is not tiny, impoverished North Korea, but China. Each step Pyongyang takes provides the US with the pretext to flex its muscles while deepening trilateral cooperation with South Korea and Japan. As a result, the US bases in South Korea and the country itself are the frontline of any conflict with China. The US Kunsan Air Base is just 198 kilometres from the North Korean border and 950 kilometres from Beijing. Osan Air Base is just 80 kilometres from the border and 976 kilometres to Beijing. Moreover, the headquarters of Russias Pacific Fleet near Vladivostok and nuclear facilities of both Russia and China are in easy range. Significantly in time of war, Washington would take operational control (OPCON) of South Koreas huge military, despite drawn-out negotiations to end the policy. By 2020 figures, the South Korean military has 550,000 active-duty personnel, the seventh largest in the world, 2,750,000 reservists, and is heavily armed with the latest armour, military aircraft and naval vessels. Washington is also expanding its anti-ballistic missile system throughout the region including in South Korea. Far from being defensive, it is designed to protect US bases from counterattack in any war the US instigates. This includes a recently upgraded Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in South Korea, which covers US military bases, but not densely populated cities like Seoul. A second THAAD battery is stationed in Guam. THAAD operates with the AN/TPY2 X-Band radar, with two additional X-band radars stationed in northern and southern Japan. The re-stationing of nuclear-capable assets in South Korea makes clear that the US is rapidly preparing for nuclear war in conjunction with its military allies in the region. Even as it prepares to send such assets to South Korea, the US recently announced that it will station nuclear-capable B-52 bombers at Tindal air force base in northern Australia. It is also carrying out upgrades to airfields in northern Australia and on Guam, which is already home to nuclear-capable bombers. Washington clearly wants to put US nuclear-capable assets in Japan as well but the government confronts broad public opposition, stemming from the criminal US dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Nevertheless, in February, former prime minister Shinzo Abe initiated a debate in Tokyo over Japan openly hosting US nuclear weapons. Even as the US and its NATO allies wage war against Russia in Ukraine, the Biden administration is in the advanced stages of preparing for, and provoking, conflict with China. Under the fraudulent banner of defending democracy, US imperialism is seeking to subordinate the Eurasian landmass and its huge human and natural resources, halt its historic decline and consolidate its global hegemony. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) has launched an international campaign calling on young people to build a unified anti-war movement of the international working class to halt the war in Ukraine and prevent a nuclear holocaust by fighting for a socialist future for humanity. The IYSSE will be holding an international online meeting on December 10 to launch this campaign. Registered nurse Bryan Hofilena attaches a COVID Patient sticker on a body bag of a patient who died of coronavirus at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021. [AP Photo/Jae C. Hong] Orange County health officials declared a health emergency on November 1 because of a rapid spread of viral infections, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), leading to record hospitalizations of pediatric patients. It follows a similar declaration made by San Diegos public health agency the week before. Orange County is Americas sixth-most populous county, with over 3.1 million residents. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), RSV is a seasonal virus that almost all children get by the time they are two years old. Most cases of RSV will cause mild, cold-like symptoms, but it can also cause severe illness such as bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) or pneumonia (infection of the lungs). The CDC estimates that each year RSV leads to the hospitalizations of 58,000-80,000 children younger than five years old and 100-300 deaths. Infants are especially vulnerable to RSV. The respiratory virus causes the body to produce excess mucus which can block the tiny airways of babies, who may need extra help to breathe. RSV poses the greatest risk to premature infants, infants less than six months old, children younger than two years old with chronic lung disease or congenital (present at birth) heart disease, immunocompromised children and children who have neuromuscular disorders. At Childrens Hospital of Orange County, (CHOC) a record number of pediatric admissions were already being seen prior to the emergency declaration. According to Emergency Medical Director Dr. Theodore Heyming, CHOC is as full as it has ever been. He believes its similar to what is happening in other childrens hospitals across the nation. A similar situation is unfolding nearby at Providence St. Josephs Hospital in Orange and its sister hospital Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo at the end of October. According to Dr. Brian Lee, Medical Director of the Emergency Care Center at Providence St. Josephs Hospital, their Emergency Department is at 80 to 90 percent capacity. Meanwhile, hospital staff and resources are being stretched to their breaking point and will only worsen with the impending COVID and flu surges. To make matters worse, there is only one pediatric hospital in Orange County that could accept overflow patients from other emergency departments of nearby hospitals. The risk of death and other serious health outcomes will increase for infants, children and adults due to lack of beds and staff. Shortages are already plaguing emergency departments around the country. Nurses and healthcare workers are posting about the dire situation on social media. An Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse named Sara in Washington wrote on Twitter, A patient died in our ED [Emergency Department] lobby because there arent enough nurses to open admit beds, the ED is clogged w/boarders, & there is no way to see critically ill patients in a timely manner. In response, hospital leadership decides to stop boarding & send [patients] to floors with 7:1 [patient to nurse] ratio, she said. Linda Aiken, a leading researcher, has found that lower nurse-to-patient ratios are associated with lower mortality rates, shorter length of stay, fewer falls with injuries and pressure ulcers, greater nurse job satisfaction, less burnout and greater nurse retention. Despite this research, hospital CEOs and administrators continue to seek to lower costs through understaffing at the expense of workers and patients. Research has already demonstrated how overcrowding in emergency departments can lead to worse outcomes for patients receiving emergency treatment. The report indicates that such overcrowding can impact patients in other areas of the hospital as well. In an article published last month in the journal Health Services Research, researchers from Penn State and the University of California, San Francisco examined five million discharge records from hospitals across California between October 2015 and the end of 2017. They found that patients throughout a hospital were 5.4 percent more likely to die of any cause on days when that hospitals emergency department was the most crowded. The researchers say that since the causes of death havent yet been explored, it is too early to say whether people are dying because of emergency room crowding. Still, the results show that more people at the hospitals die when the emergency rooms fill up. This data was also collected prior to the pandemic, meaning the impact of ED overcrowding now may be even greater. The overlapping surge of multiple viruses circulating in the population could have been prevented. There were numerous warnings by experts of the coming surges of RSV, influenza and COVID-19 but nothing was done to prepare. The unfolding tragedy is a consequence of the forever COVID policy now being pursued by the Biden administration and every state government, which over the past year have systematically dismantled all anti-COVID protection measures based on science. Unlike 2020 and 2021, nearly all school districts had dropped their mask mandates by the start of this school year. All public health measures during the pandemic have been subordinated to the profit interests of corporations, resulting in the unnecessary loss of millions of lives. The overcrowding of pediatric hospitals and childrens health care providers during the present surge of respiratory viruses is a direct consequence of these criminal policies. It stands as an indictment of the capitalist system and its brutal treatment of societys youngest and most vulnerable members. The decision by Creative NZ (CNZ) to cut its funding for the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand (SGCNZ)which runs the popular annual Shakespeare Festival for young performersprovoked widespread outrage last month, forcing the Labour Party-led government to intervene and restore the funding via the Ministry of Education. William Shakespeare The outpouring of support for SGCNZ and the Festival reflects both the enduring popularity of Shakespeares works, as well as anger over the ignorant and reactionary claims made by CNZs funding assessors, who wrote that Shakespeare was located within a canon of imperialism and was not relevant to a decolonising Aotearoa [New Zealand] in the 2020s. The WSWS condemned CNZs positions here. CNZs decision was supported by some commentators on the Spinoff, Stuff, Radio NZ and Re: News, which variously denounced Shakespeare as boring, outdated, too difficult, and for being a white guy and not born in New Zealand. Significant sections of the upper middle classin media and academic circles and in the state bureaucracyhave embraced the deeply reactionary notion, based on racial identity politics, that Shakespeare-related projects should be de-emphasised or de-funded, because of his ethnicity and nationality. Among the broader population, however, Shakespeares plays are viewed as some of the greatest works of literature in history, with enduring relevance to people in every country and of every ethnicity. The Shakespeare Festival has attracted 140,000 participants over the last three decades, from schools across the country. Former participant Cherie-rose summed up the sentiments of many on the Otago Daily Times (ODT) Facebook page, writing: I loved being a part of [the festival]! Shakespeare will always be relevant, his themes touch every part of the world and nothing good would come out of getting rid of it. Hundreds of similar comments have appeared on social media. The writer Vincent OSullivan stated in a letter to the ODT that CNZs decision was a breathtaking absurdity from a body whose brief is to promote excellence in the arts. It is an attempt to discourage a new generation from reading the worlds most significant playwright, and by implication, most of English literature as well. Well-known actors also spoke out in support of SGCNZ, including Sam Neill, Robyn Malcolm and Michael Hurst. The WSWS spoke with Dawn Sanders, the founder and chief executive of the SGCNZ, who said she was absolutely gobsmacked when her funding application was declined. She pointed out that Stephen Wainwright, chief executive of Creative NZ, had never attended the Shakespeare Festivals annual performances, despite receiving free tickets, and questioned how he could make an informed decision about SGCNZs relevance. Dawn Sanders, chief executive of Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand. (SGCNZ Facebook, December 3, 2019) [Photo: SGCNZ Facebook] Contrary to CNZs claimmade without any attempt to justify itthat SGCNZ seems quite paternalistic, Sanders explained that the Festival allows high school students to adapt, direct and perform their own scenes from Shakespeares plays. The event is inclusive of all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and participants can perform scenes in the language and costume of their choosing. Asked why young people in particular are drawn to the plays, Sanders said: For one thing, its damn good writing. She added that it was easy nowadays to find explanations of unfamiliar language, and theres a lot more knowledge about the insults, the bawdiness and double entendres, which young people delight in getting to know. They can use words that are quite naughty, and have fun doing it, no doubt in a way that Shakespeare and his actors would have done. Students were encouraged to embrace the irreverent spirit of the plays and to play around with them. Sanders said: Shakespeare has lasted for over 425 years because his writing is about human nature, human psyche, human relationships, parents being forceful, misogynistic males, coping with deaths, coping with suicidetheres so many examples, and they end up being trigger topics for class discussions. The claim that Shakespeare remains part of an imperialist canon showed total ignorance, Sanders said. For one thing, the Empire only comprised Ireland in [Shakespeares time]; it wasnt even an Empire. She was baffled by the statement that Shakespeare was not relevant to decolonising Aotearoa, pointing out that if CNZs criteria was applied consistently it would mean de-funding a large number of European writers, composers and artists, not just Shakespeare: Do we stop doing Sleeping Beauty by Tchaikovsky? Sanders was particularly hurt by the insinuation made by CNZ and some media pundits, that funding SGCNZ would somehow detract from supporting Maori and Pacific island artists. She pointed out that SGCNZ had helped to instil a love of acting and supported the careers of actors and directors from many different backgrounds. Mahanga Mitchell, a young Maori actor who participated in the Shakespeare Festival, and was supported by SGCNZ to travel to The Globe theatre in London, told Newshub that CNZs funding cut was criminal. The program, he said, had taken a young Maori boy from a small rural community in Northland, from a village with less than 50 people, to London and the other side of the world performing Shakespeare in the most famous theatre stage You could look at really any movie in like modern day times and you could relate some of the themes and concepts back to Shakespeares original ideas. The WSWS also spoke with actor Waihoroi Shortland, who played Shylock in the 2002 film, The Maori Merchant of Venice (Te Tangata Whai Rawa o Weniti)the first film entirely in Maori language. He was named New Zealander of the Year in 2003 on the basis of his performance. In 2012 Shortland was part of a Maori adaptation of Troilus and Cressida, which was performed in London to rave reviews. Waihoroi Shortland [Photo: Image supplied] Shortland said he felt insulted by the implication from CNZs decision that Shakespeare had colonised my mind. He described Shakespeare as work of high literature, both in Maori and in English. Shortland and many other Maori actors had been inspired by the work of scholar Pei Te Hurinui Jones (18981976), who translated The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, and Othello. Hearing the plays in Maori, he said, I suddenly understood [Shakespeare], when I couldnt understand it going through secondary school. He explained that the use of metaphor and the oratorical nature of Maori language and Shakespearean language are so alike, and he had come to view the plays as part of Maori culture. As an actor, he said, you cant get a better base to the craft of acting, unless part of that craft is moulded on the traditions of acting. There is no better base to the traditions of acting than that provided to us by the Bard. So to have a group of creative New Zealanders now say: lets deny another generation of people the capacity to explore the writings its too outrageous to think about. Shakespeare, he said, had stood the test of time because of the way he paints the world. Heres a man with a global understanding, who didnt need modern technology, didnt need our early morning news broadcasts about Ukraine and the inhumanity of man towards man. We can feast on this stuff on a daily basis from any corner of the world. But heres a man who was able to capture all of that, just sitting with a quill pen and transcribing his thoughts of how he envisaged the world around him. Auckland University emeritus professor Michael Neill, who edited the Oxford Worlds Classics edition of Othello, is another expert who spoke out publicly against CNZs decision. He told the WSWS that the decision was part of a trend thats become conspicuous in the United States, for example, with that business of disruptingculture. Its part of a process whereby any work of literature that comes out of a past whose values dont appear to be precisely those of the present day, whatever they might be, is liable to censorship of some sort. He referred to the case of Bright Sheng, a composer and University of Michigan academic who was persecuted for showing a scene from a film version of Othello starring Laurence Olivier, based on the ludicrous accusation that this was somehow harmful to students. Neill was one of many people who wrote to the university demanding Shengs reinstatement with an apology for how he was treated. Michael Neill, Professor Emeritus, University of Auckland. (Folger Library YouTube video Shakespeare: From the Globe to the Global) I always believed that a university could exist as a place where ideas could be debated, where young people learned to think, and work out their own position about things, Neill said. That happens to be one of the great values of Shakespeares plays, among other things. They are instruments for thinking about the world. Responding to the claims made by CNZs assessors, Neill said it was true that Shakespeare was invented, really in the eighteenth century, as the Bard of England and was made part of imperialist projects. Shakespeare was taken to every country that was colonised and presented as proof of a superior civilisation and so on. That doesnt mean that that was Shakespeares project. It doesnt mean that thats what you will find in his plays. In an open letter to CNZ, Neill pointed out that Shakespeares work had become a weapon of decolonisation in many parts of the world. In addition to the Maori adaptations of Shakespeare, he pointed to Kenyan writer Ngugi Wa Thiongo, who wrote a novel based loosely on The Tempest. Neill, who has lectured on postcolonial interpretations of Shakespeare, told the WSWS: The Tempest draws upon all sorts of texts about voyaging, exploration, the imminence of a colonial world The island has been colonised by Prospero. Its hard to see it as a play that is advocating the expansion of empire. The figure of Caliban is extraordinarily interesting in this context. Caliban says to Prospero: You taught me language, and my profit ont / Is I know how to curse. Its a play that, from the very beginning, was asking people to think about what it meant to enter so-called new worlds. Othello, Neill said, was unusual in placing at its centre a black character sympathetic to the audienceeven though we see him as a murdererand unusual in that it delves into the humanity of this character, just as it does into the humanity of Iago. One of the marvellous things is that Shakespeare never adopts a doctrinal position. Thats why the plays come alive in all sorts of different cultural contexts and political contexts. Even when Shakespeares dealing with obvious villains like Richard III, or with feeble incompetents like Henry VI, hes always interested in the humanity of these characters. A good friend of mine whos a professor of theatre in Israel and a director there has been in trouble for being interested in staging plays by Arab and Palestinian writers, and using Palestinian actors alongside Jewish actors and so on. One of the things that got him into trouble at university is that he said, in one of his lectures: Each one of us should recognise that we have a potential Eichmann inside of us. I think thats, in a way, what Shakespeares plays can do. Neill viewed the attacks on Shakespeare internationally as bound up with an attack on the humanities, which is driven by various forces, and English departments have suffered particularly badly from this. My own department used to have 30 full time staff, at its peak. Its now down to seven, even as the university has continued to grow. One aspect was the advent of postmodernist critical theory, which destabilised the whole idea of a canon and was very destructive to the teaching of English literature. It made it harder for English departments to justify what they were teaching and why. At the same time, during the 19841990 Labour Party government of David Lange in New Zealand it was announced that education is a business like any other. And so, people were encouraged to think of university education as being all about getting qualifications that would earn you money. So now you see that it is departments and faculties that are seen as leading to profitable careers that flourish, and the humanities are seen as a sorry waste of time. Neill concluded that whatever one thinks about Shakespeare and other writers of the past, I think its extraordinarily dangerous for any society to begin erasing history, and the history of literature is a really important part of the larger history of society: how we came to make the kind of world that weve made, how we came to think about the world. There are all those cliches about how those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it, but I think some of that is true. And like it or not, Shakespeare is one of the things that have made us all, and thats come to be true of many Maori as well. Last week, emails written by Trump coup lawyers John Eastman and Kenneth Chesebro were inadvertently made public after a federal judge ruled that the emails had to be turned over to the January 6 House Select Committee because they showed evidence of a crime. The emails, first reported by Politico, were uploaded to a publicly accessible server by associates of the lawyers. While they were quickly taken down, the contents of the emails were reported by major news networks and the World Socialist Web Site. The emails showed that Eastman, Chesebro and other lawyers discussed crafting legal arguments based on factual assertions they knew to be false. The lawyers made clear, moreover, that they were counting on far-right Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to back their brief and facilitate the blocking of congressional certification of Joe Bidens election victory. The lawyers deemed it paramount that they file their legal brief in Georgia so that it would be adjudicated in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, which is overseen by Justice Thomas. Several of the emails ordered turned over to the January 6 Committee were written on December 31, 2020. In the emails, Chesebro, Eastman and other Trump lawyers discussed legal strategies to give Republican members of Congress the pretext they needed to vote against certifying the election on January 6, 2021. The emails showed that Eastman, a former clerk of Justice Thomas, and Chesebro agreed that Thomas was the key to overturning the 2020 election. Realistically, our only chance to get a favorable judicial opinion by Jan. 6, which might hold up the Georgia count in Congress, is from Thomasdo you agree, Prof. Eastman? Chesebro wrote to Eastman on December 31. Chesebro followed up several hours later with another email saying that the best shot at holding up the count of a state in Congress would be to get a case pending before the Supreme Court by Jan. 5, ideally with something positive written by a judge or justice, hopefully Thomas. Chesebro argued that they needed to frame things so that Thomas could be the one to issue some sort of stay or other circuit justice opinion saying Georgia is in legitimate doubt. Eastman, who spoke at the Ellipse with fellow coup lawyer Rudy Giuliani in support of Trumps coup on January 6, 2021, replied the same day: I think I agree that may be enough to kick the Georgia legislature into gear. Eastmans comment about the Georgia legislature is significant because it shows that the coup plot was not a one man show, but a coordinated effort involving Trumps lawyers, elected Republican officials, the Trump White House and a section of the Supreme Court. The wide-ranging plot involved putting pressure on all levels of government, including state legislatures and election officials. Notably, the emails written by Eastman and Chesebro were sent at the same time Eastman was in communication with the lifelong Republican operative and wife of Justice Thomas, Virginia Ginni Thomas. In this Sept. 20, 2019, file photo, Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, right, and wife Virginia Ginni Thomas arrive for a State Dinner with President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington. Lawyers who aided former President Donald Trump's coup regarded an appeal to Justice Thomas as a key to their success. [AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File] At least one email turned over to the January 6 Committee shows that Virginia Thomas invited Eastman to provide an update on pending election litigation before a gathering of Republican operatives on December 8, 2020. Virginia Thomas was in regular communication not only with Eastman, but also with Trumps White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, throughout the coup planning. She was interviewed by the January 6 Committee at the end of September. The contents of her four-hour-plus closed-door meeting with the Committee have yet to be revealed more than a month after the fact. One leak that did emerge from the meeting, which Thomas confirmed to be true, was her affirmation of the conspiracy theory that the 2020 election was fraudulent and the Biden administration was illegitimate. Trumps big lie animated the attack on Congress that ended with at least five deaths and continues to be peddled by Trump and at least 308 Republicans on the ballot this Tuesday. In his closed-door interview with the January 6 Committee earlier this year, Eastman pleaded the Fifth Amendment against self-incrimination over 100 times. Since the initial reporting on the damning emails last week, no major Democratic politicians have spoken of their content or noted their release in their campaign speeches. Nor were the explosive emails mentioned on the Sunday morning talk shows over the weekend. One reason for the silence is the fact that the emails refute Bidens claim that Trumps MAGA Republicans constitute only a small minority of the Republican Party. This falsehood has been promoted as well by the January 6 Committee, in keeping with the efforts of Biden and the Democratic Party to work with a least a section of the GOP in prosecuting the war against Russia in Ukraine, as well as diplomatic, economic and military preparations for conflict with China, in both cases increasing the danger of nuclear war. Another reason is concern that exposing the role of Justice Thomas in the coup conspiracy will further erode the legitimacy of the top court, already damaged by the overturn of the constitutional right to abortion, in the eyes of most Americans. In their December emails, Eastman, Chesebro and other lawyers discussed issues arising from Trump attesting to factual claims that he knew to be untrue. These statements, which they brought before a federal court hoping Thomas would intervene, dealt with the alleged number of felons, unregistered voters and dead people who voted for Biden in 2020. The emails were first turned over to the January 6 Committee following an opinion issued on October 19 by US District Court Judge David Carter. In his October ruling, Carter wrote that some of the emails were subject to the crime fraud exception and included evidence that Trump knowingly lied to the courts. President Trump knew that the specific numbers on voter fraud were wrong but continued to tout those numbers, both in court and to the public, wrote Carter. This is the second time judge Carter has ruled that emails Eastman tried to shield from the January 6 Committee showed evidence of a crime. Workers at the Glenugie Estate at Upcot, in Sri Lankas central plantation district, have been on indefinite strike since October 27 against speed ups and wage cuts. Around 500 workers from both the Glenugie and Deeside divisions of the estate have joined the strike. The estate management has increased the daily quota of tea leaves plucked from 16 to 18 kilograms and doubled the area to be cleaned from 75 to 150 square metres. It is very difficult to complete the increased work targets leading to pay deductions. SEP member Thevarajah addressing striking Deeside estate workers on November 6, 2022 [Photo: WSWS] The workers are demanding the targets be lowered to the previous levels, that wages not be cut when the targets cannot be met and that they be paid the 1,000-rupee daily wage. They are also protesting against the reduction of the advance paid for the Deepawali festival (a Hindu religious event) from 15,000 rupees ($US42) to 10,000 rupees. The plantation workers have launched this struggle under conditions where it is impossible to make ends meet because of skyrocketing prices, food shortages and meagre wages. They have taken this action because the trade unions have betrayed several protests and strikes since early last year, when the company introduced increased workloads. The unions involved, the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) and the National Union of Workers (NUW), are desperately trying to end the strike. The CWCs Hatton local leader, Pichchamuttu, phoned to demand the workers call off the strike. He said they could resolve the issues by discussing them with the states assistant labour commissioner at Hatton. But the discussion, held on October 31, failed because the plantation managers refused to agree to the workers demands. Deeside Estate workers on strike in November 2022 [Photo: WSWS] Having failed to end the strike, CWC general secretary Jeevan Thondaman then told workers he would discuss and resolve the issues with the plantation managers tomorrow and advised workers to continue the strike in the meantime. Local trade union leaders are seeking to take several workers to the promised discussion. The CWC local leaders have erected a tent in front of the estate office, feigning sympathy for the striking employees. These are ploys to sabotage and betray the workers struggle, when all the plantation companies are increasing work targets to unbearably high levels and cutting the wages of those who cannot meet them. To head off growing workers struggles and protests, the previous Sri Lankan president, Gotabhaya Rajapakse, ordered plantation companies to pay a daily wage of 1,000 rupees in April last year. The estate companies refused and went to court to challenge the governments order. Amid simmering anger among workers, the court rejected the challenge. Nevertheless, the estate companies are not paying the 1,000-rupee wage, instead implementing a wage cut by increasing the daily workloads. For over a year, workers in the Glenugie, Alton, Talawakelle, Katukelle, Hatton Welioya and other estates have engaged in strikes and protests over this issue. In September, the CWC called a protest campaign to block the transport of tea in 14 plantations controlled by the Maskeliya Plantation Company. The action lasted from September 14 to 23, while the CWC leaders prevented workers from engaging in any other action, promising to compel the companies to accede to their demands. After stopping the protest campaign, the CWC claimed a victory, telling the media that the estate managers had given a written promise to pay the 1,000-rupee wage and meet other demands. That was a sheer lie. The union had simply held this so-called protest to dissipate workers anger. The Glenugie workers action committee vigorously campaigned to expose this latest betrayal, appealing to workers in other estates to support the strike and join a common struggle against plantation companies onslaught, which is backed by the government and the trade unions. Glenugie Estate workers protest on 12 September 2022, to demand higher wages and lower daily work targets. [Photo: WSWS] Speaking to the WSWS, striking workers explained their extremely harsh conditions, given the soaring cost of living. You cannot eat even one meal a day with the salary you get, one said. It is very difficult to provide a packet of milk for children. We cannot send the children to school because the bus fares have increased, but the estate managers are cutting our salaries. They are doing this with the support of the trade unions. Plantation workers are being made to bear the brunt of the severe global crisis that has faced the tea plantation industry since 2014, deepened by the coronavirus pandemic and the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine. The attack on estate workers wages and conditions is part of the broader onslaught by the Colombo government and the capitalist class to unload the burden of the economic crisis onto the working class. President Ranil Wickremesinghes government is unleashing the savage austerity program dictated by the International Monetary Fund. According to the Tea Exporters Association, tea exports fell to 192.62 million kilograms in the first nine months of this year, down from 211.11 million kilograms in the corresponding period last year. The plantation companies are seeking to offset this by imposing intensified methods of exploitation that increase productivity, including by reducing production costs through wage cuts and work speedups. The companies insist they need a revenue-sharing scheme to overcome the crisis. Under this system, a worker would be assigned about 1,000 tea bushes. Tending the tea bushes, with the help of family members, would be the responsibility of the worker. The company would provide inputs, take the harvest, and give the worker a certain amount of income after deducting its expenses and profits. Successive governments have supported this new exploitative scheme, proposed several years ago, and all the plantation trade unions are campaigning for it. But workers are resisting and have forced some estate managements to abandon the plan. The repeated experience is that workers cannot win their rights through the trade unions in the estates or any other workplace. If the unions cannot prevent strikes and protests, they occasionally call them, but only to let off steam and sabotage the opposition. They act as an industrial police force for the companies and government. That is why the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) calls for the organization of workers action committees in every workplace, estate and major economic centre, independent of the trade unions, and for a united struggle. The SEP proposes that the plantation action committees should fight for the following essential and urgently needed demands: No to wage cuts and workload increases! No to the revenue-sharing scheme! A monthly wage of 75,000 rupees for all, full pension rights, fully-paid medical leave! Decent houses, health and medical facilities! The Glenugie and Alton estates workers action committees, initiated by the SEP, are fighting for these demands. We urge workers to form such action committees in every estate. Companies will say they cannot afford these demands and workers must toil to supply their profits. That demonstrates that workers legitimate and long-needed rights cannot be won under the capitalist system. The SEP explains that estate workers can defend their rights only in the broader struggle for socialist policiesincluding nationalising the large plantations, big companies and banks under the democratic control of the working class. All foreign debts must be repudiated. The SEP is campaigning for a Democratic and Socialist Congress of Workers and Rural Masses, based on delegates elected from action committees, to organize a unified struggle to fight for the class interests of working people. The congress provides the basis for a fight to establish a workers and peasants government to implement socialist policies. 25 years ago: Historians criticize Goldhagen book On November 8, 1997, a forum was held at the University of Michigan of an international panel of historians who concurred that the bestselling book by Daniel Jonah Goldhagen, Hitlers Willing Executioners, was a travesty of historiography. Goldhagens 1996 volume, published by Random House, became a bestseller in the United States and Germany with its claims that the Holocaust was the outcome of the German national character. Goldhagen argued that anti-Semitism was universal in Germany and that Hitlers slaughter of the Jews was only the logical conclusion of the prejudices of ordinary Germans. The panel discussion, sponsored by the Center for European studies, attracted a standing-room-only audience at the Michigan League, an indication of growing interest in a serious discussion of the major historical issues of the 20th century. Hungarian Jews arriving at the Auschwitz extermination camp [Photo: Anonymous Auschwitz photographer] The forum brought together five university professors to discuss the impact of Hitlers Willing Executioners on public opinion in the United States, Germany, France and Austria. The speakers dealt with the content of the book only in passingmaking clear their scorn for its method and argumentwhile concentrating their remarks on the political and cultural significance of the books reception by popular audiences. Omer Bartov of Rutgers University noted that Goldhagens thesis that all Germans were guilty of the Holocaust was based on a study of those Germans who served as policemen during World War II, a much narrower cross section of the population than the Wermacht, the German Army, which enlisted more than 10 million men. Laura Downs of the University of Michigan described Goldhagens argument as a version of identity politics, in which anti-Semitism was presented as the essence of Germanity, and all the explanations of a structural characterrooting the rise of Nazism in the social structure of Germany, including its economic structurewere rejected. Atina Gossman of Cooper Union and Columbia University said she had been appalled by the positive response of her German friends to the book. She referred to Goldhagens breathtakingly ill-informed comments on the history of anti-Semitism in Germany. Another scathing critique of the book came from Pieter Judson of Swarthmore College, who examined the impact of the book in Austria; and from Professor Geoff Eley of the University of Michigan, one of the organizers of the forum, who summed up professional opinion as a very bad book, not just on the Third Reich, but on German history as a whole. Many students and teachers continued the discussion after the forum at a literature table set up by the Socialist Equality Party, which included the pamphlet version of a lecture by David North, leader of the SEP, which made a devastating critique of Goldhagens thesis and his distortion of the history of Germany, and particularly, his deliberate suppression of the long struggle of the mass socialist movement in Germany against anti-Semitism. 50 years ago: Nixon reelected in landslide Richard M. Nixon On November 7, 1972, Richard Nixon was reelected US president in one of the most one-sided victories in US electoral history. Nixon won with over 60 percent of the popular vote and carried every state in the electoral college except Massachusetts. His Democratic opponent, Sen. George McGovern of South Dakota, won about 37 percent. Participation fell sharply. Only 55 percent of eligible voters cast ballots, reflecting the disillusionment of millions of workers and youth toward the official political system. One of Nixons chief priorities in his first term was to break up the mass antiwar movement and other radical groups through a combination of covert operations and political maneuvering. Nixon used police-state measures, including the COINTELPRO infiltration program, to sabotage antiwar organizations and political opponents. He paired this with highly publicized troop withdrawals and peace negotiations in Paris. Just weeks before the election, Nixon announced that an initial peace agreement had been reached with North Vietnam. The details of Nixons abuse of presidential powers in the Watergate scandal had not fully come to light. These dictatorial methods were aimed, in the final analysis, at crushing opposition not only to his own administration, but to the Vietnam War, which he had expanded throughout Indochina through his bloody Vietnamization policy. Nixons posture as a candidate who would end the war was a fraud. Far more than a positive endorsement of Nixon, the election results marked a massive repudiation of the Democratic Party, which under presidents Kennedy and Johnson had led the US into Vietnam and thereby paved the way for the destruction of the social reformism associated with the New Deal, the New Frontier, and the Great Society. McGoverns campaign was the first in American history to embrace identity and lifestyle politics. It simultaneously distanced the Democratic Party from its pretense to be the party of the common man. This move won the ardor of middle-class radicals, who flocked into the Democratic Party just as workers were being driven out. 75 years ago: US and allies step up Cold War against Soviet Union George Marshall On November 11, 1947, US Secretary of State George C. Marshall delivered a speech to Congress outlining the need for a vast expenditure of resources to ensure the domination of US imperialism over Europe. The speech detailed the costs of the eponymous Marshall Plan, which had first been announced in June 1947. Under it, the US would oversee the economic reconstruction of war-ravaged Europe. In his November address, Marshall declared that the cost would be $597 million in immediate aid and another $16$20 billion over the following four years. While the Marshall Plan was presented as being motivated by concern over the social crisis afflicting working people in Europe, Marshalls address to Congress spelled out its geopolitical motivations. [T]he Congress in the coming session will be called upon to make decisions which, although less spectacular and dramatic, will be no less important for the future of our country and the world than those of the war years, he declared. Marshall continued: The war ended with the armies of the major allies meeting in the heart of this community. The policies of three of them have been directed to the restoration of that European community. It is now clear that only one power, the Soviet Union, does not for its own reasons share this aim. The present line of division in Europe is roughly the line upon which the Anglo-American armies coming from the west met those of the Soviet Union coming from the east. Marshall was outlining the program of the Cold War: ever-greater US confrontation with the Soviet Union, including the sphere of influence it established following World War II in Eastern Europe. Developments in the European countries to the east of that line bear the unmistakable imprint of an alien hand, he stated. The aid figures Marshall then outlined were thus essentially connected to the geopolitical strategy of American imperialism. The attempt to rebuild Europe under the aegis of the American government and big business was also aimed at ensuring a market for US products. The same week as Marshalls speech, the French army chief and former head of the bourgeois opposition to the collaborationist Vichy regime, Charles de Gaulle, called for an alliance of the US, France and Britain against the Soviet Union. Asked if this conflict could lead to World War III, he replied: It would be crazy not to look facts in the face and not to keep our eyes open to realities. A new war is a possibility. It is only a possibility, but we must face that possibility and prepare for it. 100 years ago: Soviet power enters its fifth year Soviet poster marking fifth anniversary of the October Revolution and Fourth Congress of the Communist International On November 7, 1922, the Russian Revolution celebrated its fifth anniversary, dating from October 26 (old style, November 7 new style) 1917, that overthrew the capitalist Provisional Government and put power into the hands of a workers and peasants government for the first time in history. The Russian Revolution had immediately stopped Russian participation in the slaughter of World War I, had declared the rights of the national minorities, including Ukraine, to self-determination, had given the land to the peasants and turned over control of the factories and workshops to the working class. By 1918 the major industries, banks, energy, and communications companies had been nationalized and by 1921 a central economic planning agency had been created. The first workers state survived only by the determination of the working class and the leadership of the Communist Party against seemingly impossible odds. The imperialist powers immediately occupied Soviet territory, and the Soviet republic was forced to relinquish large areas to German imperialism in the 1918 Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. Counterrevolution raised its head everywhere, led not only by former tsarist officers and officials, but by the populist and Menshevik parties. The Allied imperialist navies imposed a blockade and imperialist governments sent armies from 14 countries to occupy Soviet territory. By 1919 a brutal civil war began in earnest on six fronts, with the reactionary forces led by former tsarist generals. By 1922 these had been defeated by the Red Army, founded and led by Leon Trotsky. The revolution had inspired the founding of the Third, Communist, International, which had developed Communist parties around the world to lead the working class everywhere to power. Official celebrations took place in Moscow and Petrograd, not only commemorating the revolution but also welcoming international delegates to the opening session of the Fourth Congress of the Communist International. James P. Cannon, a delegate of the American Communist Party to the Congress and future leader of the Trotskyist movement, described the scene: I never saw before such an outpouring of people, nor such enthusiasm. The parade commenced at 11 oclock in the morning. Hour after hour we saw them come in wide streams across the square. The afternoon wore away and turned to dusk. It was six oclock and we grew tired of standing and had to leave, and still the workers of Petrograd were coming by the thousands, carrying their revolutionary banners and singing the Internationale. All the workers of Petrograd marched that day to show their solidarity with the international proletariat and to prove to us that they still believe in the revolution they made five years before. EXCLUSIVE: French film actress Judith Godreche is making her debut as a TV director debut with an A24-backed comedy series inspired by her life. A24 is co-producing Icon of French Cinema with Franco-German channel ARTE and CPB Films on the English- and French-language project, which stars and is inspired by arthouse icon Godreches life and career. Production is set to begin later this year. More from Deadline Godreche will play her fictional alter ego, and will be joined by Liz Kingsman (Borderline, Parlement), Angela Molina (Etreintes Brisees), her daughter Tess Barthelemy (Under the Eiffel Tower), Laurent Stocker (Jeux dinfluence, Caprice), Thomas Scimeca (Azuro, Notre Dame), Loic Corbery (Dom Juan, Pas son genre) and Jean-Christophe Folly (Triangle of Sadness), with the special participation of Carole Bouquet. Icon of French Cinema will follow Judith as she returns to Paris after exile from Hollywood, intent of making a comeback with a new movie. However, her 16-year-old daughter (Barthelemy) falls in love with her much older dance teacher and Judith is forced to deal with personal ambition, maternal anxiety and the demons of her past with humor and disillusion. Producers say it offers a personal and unique take on patriarchy and sorority in the post-#Metoo era, in a tone that blends lightness and gravity. ARTE has rights to air the series in France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria and Luxembourg, with A24 handling sales in the rest of the world. Godreche has been appearing in French films since she was 14 and is known for roles in films such as Ridicule and The Overnight. She has also appeared in U.S. features such as The Man in the Iron Mask. Story continues Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. A resident shovels back floodwater as monsoon rains fell on the Museum Fire burn area causing flooding from the Paradise Wash in east Flagstaff, Ariz., on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. The threat of flash flooding will remain through next week, Arizona residents arent strangers to the effects of monsoon and wildfire seasons. At least 1,500 homes were at risk of flooding in 2022 and about 32 homes were burned in the Contreras and Tunnel fires, some of the biggest wildfires this season. Here are some tips residents can follow after wildfires and floods hit. What to do after a flood in Arizona After a flood, if someones home was affected, the National Flood Insurance Program suggests you: Contact your insurance agent or insurer as soon as possible to file your claim. Before entering, check around your home carefully for signs of structural damage like eroded soil around the foundation, displaced foundation, or gaps around doors or windows. Look through your windows to make sure its safeolder homes may be particularly unstable. Make sure the electricity and gas are shut off to avoid fire or injury. Have an electrician check the house before turning the power back on. Your home may be contaminated with mold, sewage, or other hazards. Enter with caution and wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup. Photograph and make a list of flood-damaged items for insurance purposes before discarding them. Then throw flooded items that pose a health risk such as perishable food items, clothing, cushions and pillows. People are also advised to begin cleanup and documentation as soon as possible to prevent the spread of mold. The website has tips on how people can salvage family valuables and heirlooms such as art or photographs. What to do after a fire in Arizona A brochure from the Arizona Department of Health Services advises following these steps after a fire: Call your insurance carrier immediately: Dont settle claims or sign releases too quickly. Ensure the insurance will take care of security matters such as boarding up the property and take time to know the losses. Temporary housing: If your house is uninhabitable and you have no place to go, contact your county's American Red Cross. The contact information for Central and Northern Arizona can be found at https://www.redcross.org/local/az-nm/about-us/locations/central-and-northern-arizona.html and the contact information for Southern Arizona can be found at https://www.redcross.org/local/az-nm/about-us/locations/southern-arizona.html. Residual fire retardant: If you notice residual red fire retardant, use a mild detergent and brushes to scrub the dried residue and rinse with clean water. Lost power and utilities: Dont attempt to turn on the gas yourself and dont run wet appliances until a professional has checked them. Food and water safety: Discard food if it may have been sitting above 41 degrees for more than four hours. If you are on a public water system, boil your water unless your water company announces that the water is safe to drink. If you have a well, check the quality of the water. Water damage: Check for water beneath vinyl floors and allow rugs and carpets to dry thoroughly. Also, assess damage to wood furniture and fixtures since some can be saved. Fire and ash damage: Ash from a burned home or garage may be harmful. West the ash before removing it to avoid harmful dust. Also, wash cooking utensils. Propane and household chemicals: Ensure that propane tanks are secure and not leaking. If they may have been damaged, dont use it and call your propane service provider. If the original containers or labels of household chemicals are damaged, properly dispose of them. Money replacement : Damaged paper money or coins may be redeemable. You can mail the money via registered mail, return receipt requested to the Department of Treasury, Bureau of Engraving and Printing Office of Currency Standards. Documents and records: Check what documents you may need to replace. For documented related to social services and welfare, notify your caseworker. For birth or death-related records, contact the Arizona Department of Health Services Office of Vital Records. Story continues Coconino County offers the following guidance for re-entering an area that was impacted by a flood or wildfire: Use protective equipment like a hard hat, safety glasses, mask gloves and boots with steel toes. Clean all open wounds and cuts with soap and clean water. A tetanus vaccination is recommended for people who have not had a documented dose in the past ten years. Be careful with wildlife that may have been displaced. Be aware that buildings may have structural damage that is not visible. The structures should be inspected. Avoid potential electrical hazards and be careful with debris. Be aware of respiratory hazards that may be caused by fire or bacteria growing. Reach breaking news reporter Angela Cordoba Perez at Angela.CordobaPerez@Gannett.com or on Twitter @AngelaCordobaP. Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona floods and wildfires: What to do if your home is affected Getty Images; Insider Connecticut Question 1 allowed early voting for Connecticut voters. Proponents said the measure would allow the state to join 44 other states that allow for early voting. According to Ballotpedia, there was not an organized movement opposing the measure. An overwhelming majority of Connecticut voters said "yes" on Connecticut's Question 1, which added an early voting amendment to the state's constitution. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Ballot measure details Prior to the passage of Question 1, Connecticut did not allow in-person early voting. Support and opposition The campaign for the measure was spearheaded by Yes for Freedom to Vote Early. Supporters argued that Connecticut voters should have the option to vote early like the voters in the majority of other states. "On Election Day 2022, Connecticut voters will get to decide if they want the option of voting in person before Election day just like the voters in 44 other states. As Florida, Texas, Georgia, and other states are moving to restrict voting rights, I'm proud that Connecticut is doing the opposite, addressing our burdensome and restrictive laws, and making voting more accessible to every eligible Connecticut citizen," Secretary of the State Denise W. Merrill said in a statement. According to Ballotpedia, there was not an organized movement opposing the measure, but Republican state Rep. Gale Mastrofrancesco argued against the question. "It must be done in the right way, there must be protections in place and there must be checks and balances in there. Until we do that or at least make a step in the right direction to do that, I could not support this," she said, according to the Connecticut News Junkie. The money race The measure saw $433,500 in support contributions and $0 in opposition contributions, according to Ballotpedia. Read the original article on Business Insider Manchester United will face Barcelona in a blockbuster Europa League knockout round play-off tie. Erik ten Hags side finished second in their group, narrowly missing out on top spot to Real Sociedad despite a 1-0 win in Spain on the final matchday, and promptly drew the Catalan giants in what promises to be a mouth-watering tie for a place in the last 16. Another big-name side to drop down from the Champions League, Juventus, drew French side Nantes, while Bayer Leverkusen take on Monaco in another intriguing tie. The Europa League play-offs will be held over two legs, with matches played on 16 and 23 February. United will play the second leg against Barca at home at Old Trafford. Follow all the updates from the Europa League play-off draw: Europa League draw Manchester United draw Barcelona in Europa League knockout round play-off Juventus to take on French side Nantes Europa League play-off draw 12:18 , Michael Jones The Europa League specialists, Sevilla, who have won this competition six times are drawn against PSV Eindhoven. Europa League play-off draw 12:17 , Michael Jones Bayer Leverkusen are drawn against Monaco. Europa League play-off draw 12:16 , Michael Jones Ajax face Union Berlin in the fifth fixture of the round. Three to go. Europa League play-off draw 12:15 , Michael Jones Shakhtar Donetsk are the next team drawn out and they go up against Rennes. Europa League play-off draw 12:14 , Michael Jones Sporting CP will face on FC Midtjylland who are unbeaten in their last eight Europa League home games. Europa League play-off draw 12:13 , Michael Jones Juventus are out next and they will take on French side Nantes! Europa League play-off draw 12:12 , Michael Jones Barcelona are the first name out of the pot. They face Manchester United! Good luck beating that clash. What a tie to come out first. Europa League play-off draw 12:10 , Michael Jones The Europa League runners-up will play the first legs away from the home and the second legs at home. No side can face another one from the same country. Story continues Europa League play-off draw 12:06 , Michael Jones And of course Giorgio Marchetti is back to oversee the draw. He introduces former Hungarian international Zoltan Gera to draw out the balls. Europa League play-off draw 12:02 , Michael Jones Here we go then. The knockout round play-off legs will take place on the 16th and 23rd February. Who will Manchester United be facing? Liverpool to face Real Madrid in Champions League 11:58 , Michael Jones Liverpool can feel slightly aggrieved at their last-16 draw. Yes they finished second in their group behind Napoli but to compare them to the other English sides the Reds amassed 15 points in their group, Man City got 14, Chelsea 13 and Spurs topped their group with just 11. So, the highest points scorers in the group stages from the Premier League are rewarded with a fixture against the reigning European champions. Thats the luck of the draw and just shows the importance of finishing top during the group stages. Europa League play-off draw 11:53 , Michael Jones Heres a look at which teams make up the two pots: Europa League runners-up PSV Eindhoven, Rennes, Roma, Union Berlin, Manchester United, Midtjylland, Nantes, Monaco Champions League third-placed finishers Ajax, Bayer Leverkusen, Barcelona, Sporting CP, RB Salzburg, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sevilla, Juventus Europa League play-off draw 11:49 , Michael Jones Coming up at 12pm is the draw for the Europa League play-off round where the runners-up in the group stages take on the third place finishers from the Champions League for a spot in the Europa League last-16. This draw could emulate the previous one and provide some cracking fixtures as Manchester United, Barcelona, Juventus and Sevilla are all in the mix. Man City draw RB Leipzig in Champions League last 16 11:44 , Michael Jones Manchester City will face RB Leipzig in the Champions League last 16. Pep Guardiolas side are once again hoping to end their search for an elusive Champions League title, with the arrival of Erling Haaland helping to establish City as firm favourites for this seasons crown. Haaland scored five times in just four group stage appearances as City topped their group ahead of Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla and FC Copenhagen. The Premier League champions were knocked out by eventual winners Real Madrid in last seasons semi-finals, following a dramatic comeback at the Bernabeu. City will travel to the Red Bull Arena for the first leg before returning to the Etihad for the second leg. Man City draw RB Leipzig in Champions League last 16 Tottenham draw AC Milan in Champions League last 16 11:40 , Michael Jones Tottenham Hotspur will face AC Milan in the Champions League last 16. Spurs edged Marseille in a dramatic group-stage decider to qualify for the knockout stages as one of the seeded teams, as Antonio Contes side also finished ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt and Sporting Lisbon. Meanwhile, Milan came second in their group, finishing behind Chelsea but ahead of RB Salzburg and Dinamo Zagreb. Stefano Piolis team thrashed Salzburg 4-0 in their final group game to qualify at the expense of the Austrian club. Tottenham are back in the Champions League knockout stages for the first time in three seasons, when the 2019 finalists were knocked out by RB Leipzig. Milan, who are seven-time European champions, were absent from the Champions League between 2014 and last season, when they bowed out in the group stage. The Italian giants last trophy in the competition came in 2007, when they saw off Liverpool to avenge a 2005 final loss to the Premier League side. Tottenham draw AC Milan in Champions League last 16 Chelsea draw Borussia Dortmund in Champions League last 16 11:36 , Michael Jones Chelsea will face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last 16. Graham Potters side topped their group following impressive wins over Italian champions AC Milan, but the Blues are winless in their last four following Sundays 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. The two-time European champions were knocked out at the last 16 stage by Real Madrid last season, who went on to win the Champions League for the 14th time. The last-16 first legs will take place across 14-15 and 21-22 February, with the second legs set to be played over 7-8 and 14-15 March. Chelsea will travel to Dortmund for the first leg before returning to Stamford Bridge for the return fixture. Chelsea draw Borussia Dortmund in Champions League last 16 Liverpool draw Real Madrid in Champions League last 16 11:32 , Michael Jones Liverpool will face Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16, in a repeat of last seasons final. Real Madrid beat Liverpool 1-0 in Paris in June to win their 14th title, as Vinicius Juniors winner ended Jurgen Klopps hopes of lifting the Champions League for the second time as manager. Real Madrid also defeated Klopps Liverpool in the 2018 final, while the Spanish side knocked out Liverpool in the 2020/21 season at the quarter-final stage. The Reds were the only Premier League team to come second in their group this season, as Klopps side finished behind Napoli, meaning they would play a seeded opponent. Liverpool draw Real Madrid in Champions League last 16 Champions League draw 11:28 , Michael Jones What a great stat for Tottenham fans. 10 Tottenhams Antonio Conte has won more matches in all competitions against Milan than he has versus any other side in his managerial career. Edge. #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/KQjnODzpLu OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 7, 2022 Champions League draw 11:25 , Michael Jones There are some juicy clashes to come when the Champions League returns in 2023. Liverpool vs Real Madrid has to be the stand out as Jurgen Klopps underperforming Reds welcome the European champions to Anfield for the first leg. PSG vs Bayern Munich is another barnstorming contest that should provide some fireworks. Elsewhere, Benfica have been rewarded for topping their group and got drawn against the lowest ranked side in the competition Club Brugge whilst Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City will all be satisfied with their opponents. Champions League last 16 draw in full 11:20 , Michael Jones RB Leipzig vs Manchester City Club Brugge vs Benfica Liverpool vs Real Madrid AC Milan vs Tottenham Eintracht Frankfurt vs Napoli Borussia Dortmund vs Chelsea Inter Milan vs Porto PSG vs Bayern Munich Champions League draw 11:19 , Michael Jones Paris Saint-Germain take on Bayern Munich! Champions League draw 11:19 , Michael Jones Inter Milan have to face Porto in the second to last fixture which leaves a blockbuster final clash... Champions League draw 11:18 , Michael Jones Borussia Dortmund will face Chelsea! The German club faced Manchester City in the group stages and are heading to London this time. Champions League draw 11:17 , Michael Jones The current Europa League champions Eintracht Frankfurt will face Napoli! That will be an interesting contest and Napoli will be the favourites to progress. Champions League draw 11:16 , Michael Jones Serie A side AC Milan are drawn against Tottenham Hotspur! Not the easiest draw for Antonio Contes men but also not the worst. Champions League draw 11:15 , Michael Jones Liverpool come out with three possible opponents Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Porto. Jurgen Klopps men are drawn against... Real Madrid! Thats a tough tie. Champions League draw 11:14 , Michael Jones Club Brugge are the next runners-up team to be drawn. Porto are ineligible to play them. Who will get the Belgian team? Its Benfica! Club Brugge vs Benfica is the second tie. Champions League draw 11:13 , Michael Jones RB Leipzig are the first team out of the pot. Only Bayern Munich and Real Madrid cannot be drawn against them. Leipzig will play... Manchester City! Champions League draw 11:11 , Michael Jones The group runners-up will play the first legs of the round of 16 at home so theyll be drawn out first followed by the eligible group winners. Champions League draw 11:09 , Michael Jones Of course one of Marchettis other roles is to introduce the former players who will be helping to draw the balls. Former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid midfielder Hamit Altintop is introduced onto the stage. Champions League draw 11:06 , Michael Jones Heres Giorgio Marchetti! Uefas Deputy General Secretary is the face of these draws and he comes out onto the stage to recap the group stages after a video showing a recap of the group stages. Champions League draw 11:00 , Michael Jones The draw ceremony is about to get going in Switzerland. Heres a reminder of the two pots: Seeded: Bayern Munich, Benfica, Chelsea, Manchester City, Napoli, Porto, Real Madrid, Tottenham. Unseeded: AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Club Bruges, Eintracht Frankfurt, Inter Milan, Leipzig, Liverpool, Paris St-Germain. Teams cannot face a side they played in the group stages nor another team from their home country. Who will it be? 10:57 , Michael Jones It was Real Madrid in 2022... Who will it be in 2023?#UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/NxYJCNXPtv UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 7, 2022 Antonio Conte admits Spurs are far from winning trophies and need time 10:52 , Michael Jones Antonio Conte reiterated his calls for time and patience at Tottenham after admitting they were far off from winning a trophy following Sundays home defeat to Liverpool. The Italian celebrated a year in charge at Spurs last week and has made big progress during his 12 months, taking over a club in the Europa Conference League and guiding them in the knock-out stage of the Champions League. Tottenhams style of play still draws detractors but they remain fourth in the table despite three losses from their last four Premier League fixtures. Conte has repeatedly talked down their chances of competing for the title and called on fans to trust the process after they booed the team off at half-time of the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool. Antonio Conte admits Spurs are far from winning trophies and need time Chelseas attacking impotence is a familiar riddle for Graham Potter to solve 10:47 , Michael Jones The soundtrack is blander, biting criticisms replaced by forgettable musings, the sense of a self-destructive manager blowing his empire up has gone, with quiet, vague notions of progress in vogue instead, but in a sense Chelsea have not been transformed by regime change. At least one problem remains the same. They do not score enough goals. Not under Thomas Tuchel and not under Graham Potter either. Compile a league table over the last four rounds of fixtures and Chelsea are the lowest scorers: two goals in four games leaves them behind even Wolves. A meagre haul of two points in four games is why they will not spend the World Cup in the top four. A derby defeat to Arsenal was an exercise in attacking impotence: just five shots, with only one on target, a mere eight touches for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, an expected goals total of 0.28, their lowest in the top flight for over a year. There was a bland bluntness to Chelsea. A beguiling trait of Chelsea over the last two decades is how the characteristics could remain as the manager changed. Potter got the new-manager bump that Tuchel experienced; that most of their predecessors did, too. For years, Chelsea were resourceful, redoubtable winners, no matter who was in charge. They were a byword for pragmatism. Now, whoever is in the dugout, they struggle to be prolific enough. Chelseas attacking impotence is a familiar riddle for Graham Potter to solve Bayern not worried about drawing Liverpool 10:42 , Michael Jones Bayern Munich head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, was asked about his thoughts on drawing Liverpool in the last-16 after Jurgen Klopps men finished second in Group A and the German was pretty nonplussed about the prospect. There are easier draws [than getting Liverpool], but theres always a chance that you can turn the tables. he said, There are not too many teams that finished second in their groups who would want to play against us. PSG boss relaxed about last-16 opponent 10:37 , Michael Jones Paris Saint-Germain head coach, Christophe Galtier, says his side are relaxed about the draw for the last-16 despite finishing second in Group H and facing the prospect of a group winner in the first knockout round. We know that to lift the trophy means well have to take the best teams and well find out the first one well play at this draw. said the PSG boss, Were calm and relaxed. Who can the English teams get? 10:33 , Michael Jones Given the restrictions meaning you cant play a team who were in your group or are from the same country, there are a limited number of sides each English team could face. Chelsea can only draw: Borussia Dortmund, Club Brugge, Eintracht Frankfurt, Inter Milan, PSG, RB Leipzig Liverpool can only draw: Bayern Munich, Benfica, Porto, Real Madrid Man City can only draw: AC Milan, Club Brugge, Eintracht Frankfurt, Inter Milan, PSG, RB Leipzig Tottenham can only draw: AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Club Brugge, Inter Milan, PSG, RB Leipzig Potential trip ups 10:28 , Michael Jones There are a few surprises in the seeded pot this year after both Liverpool and PSG missed out. Benfica are one. They have yet to lose a competitive game all season and clinched the top spot in Group H by the narrowest margin in Champions League history. The Portuguese side scored a sixth goal at Maccabi Haifa in stoppage time to take them level on points, head-to-head record, goals scored and goals conceded with Paris St-Germain. Meaning they won the group due to scoring more away goals than the French side. Napoli have also been a clear force throughout the group stages and their loss to Liverpool on the final matchday is the only time theyve been defeated this season. Thankfully for the Reds, Napoli cannot be drawn against them but the Serie A side may be a testing prospect for PSG. From the unseeded pot, the English sides will be hoping to avoid the French champions who have Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe to call on. The big surprise of the group stages though was Club Brugge, who were in the bottom seeds when the group draw was made, yet reached the knockout stage for the first time. The Belgian side qualified after just four games but failed to score in their final three group matches. What are the other Champions League key dates? 10:22 , Michael Jones Quarter-final and semi-final draw: 17 March 2023 Quarter-finals: 11th/12th & 18th/19th April 2023 Semi-finals: 9th/10th & 16th/17th May 2023 Final: 10th June 2023 When are the round of 16 matches played? 10:16 , Michael Jones The first legs will be played on 14th/15th and 21st/22nd February 2023 with the second legs on 7th/8th and 14th/15th March. Kick-offs for all games are at 8pm GMT and the seeded teams in the draw will play the second legs at home. Who can Liverpool get in the Champions League draw? 10:10 , Michael Jones Liverpool racked up 15 points in their Champions League group to reach the last 16 and now they will find out their opponents for the first knockout round in todays draw. Despite that impressive haul, Jurgen Klopps troops could only finish as runners-up in Group A, as Napoli similarly only lost one game to finish on 15 points but had a better record in the head to head matches between the sides and topped the pool. It means a couple of European heavyweights, in the form of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, are among Liverpools potential last-16 opponents but a bounceback performance to beat Napoli 2-0 on the final matchday - having suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to Leeds the previous weekend - will have restored Klopps confidence in his troops. Restrictions on playing teams who were in your group or are from the same country, mean there are only four possible opponents in the round of 16. The Reds will face either Bayern Munich, Benfica, Porto or Real Madrid - all of whom won their respective groups. Who can Liverpool get in the Champions League draw? Who can Manchester City get in the Champions League draw? 10:04 , Michael Jones Manchester City cruised through their Champions League group unbeaten to reach the last 16 and now they will find out their opponents for the first knockout round in todays draw. City rarely broke sweat as they began Group G with a 4-0 win over Sevilla, a 2-1 triumph against Borussia Dortmund and a 5-0 thumping of FC Copenhagen. With qualification all but secured, Pep Guardiolas side took their foot off the gas slightly as back-to-back goalless away draws with Copenhagen and Dortmund ruined their perfect record but they finished with a flourish as a goal from teenager Rico Lewis helped them down Sevilla 3-1. Restrictions on playing teams who were in your group or are from the same country, mean there are only six possible opponents in the round of 16. City will face either AC Milan, Club Brugge, Eintracht Frankfurt, Inter Milan, PSG or RB Leipzig - all of whom finished as runners-up in their respective groups. Who can Man City get in the Champions League draw? Who can Tottenham get in the Champions League draw? 09:58 , Michael Jones Tottenham Hotspur dramatically won their Champions League group on the final matchday to reach the last 16 and now they will find out their opponents for the first knockout round in todays draw. An up-and-down set of performances throughout the group stage culminated in a helter-skelter conclusion last Tuesday that, at various points, saw Tottenham topping the group, finishing as runners-up and missing out on qualification altogether. Eventually, Pierre-Emile Hojbjergs 95th-minute strike secured a 2-1 win over Marseille and meant they narrowly won Group D ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt, with Sporting CP coming third and dropping into the Europa League. Taking four points off Frankfurt home and away proved pivotal for Antonio Contes men, as did an opening 2-0 home victory over Marseille, which ensured they ultimately werent punished for a return of just one point from the two games against Sporting. Restrictions on playing teams who were in your group or are from the same country, mean there are only six possible opponents in the round of 16. Spurs will face either AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Club Brugge, Inter Milan, PSG or RB Leipzig - all of whom finished as runners-up in their respective groups. Who can Tottenham get in the Champions League draw? Who can Chelsea get in the Champions League draw? 09:52 , Michael Jones Chelsea overcame a slow start to their Champions League campaign to reach the last 16 and now they will find out their opponents for the first knockout round in todays draw. A dispiriting 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb on the opening matchday gave Chelsea the worst possible start on Group E, as well as helping spell the end of Thomas Tuchel, and a 1-1 home draw with Red Bull Salzburg put them further behind the 8-ball. But with Graham Potter in charge, they were perfect after that as they beat AC Milan home and away before exacting revenge on Salzburg and Zagreb thanks to 2-1 victories - enabling them to top the group and earn a place in the seeded pot for Mondays draw. Restrictions on playing teams who were in your group or are from the same country, mean there are only six possible opponents in the round of 16. The Blues will face either Borussia Dortmund, Club Brugge, Eintracht Frankfurt, Inter Milan, PSG or RB Leipzig - all of whom finished as runners-up in their respective groups. Who can Chelsea get in the Champions League draw? Who is in the draw? 09:46 , Michael Jones The eight group winners and eight runners-up from the group stage comprise the teams in the last 16. The group winners are in the seeded pot, with the runners-up in the unseeded pot. Teams cannot be drawn against a side from their own country or from their group. Group winners (seeded) Bayern Munich (GER, Group C) Benfica (POR, Group H) Chelsea (ENG, Group E) Manchester City (ENG, Group G) Napoli (ITA, Group A) Porto (POR, Group B) Real Madrid (ESP, Group F) Tottenham (ENG, Group D) Group runners-up (unseeded) AC Milan (ITA, Group E) Borussia Dortmund (GER, Group G) Club Brugge (BEL, Group B) Eintracht Frankfurt (GER, Group D) Inter Milan (ITA, Group C) Liverpool (ENG, Group A) Paris Saint-Germain (FRA, Group H) RB Leipzig (GER, Group F) When is the Champions League round of 16 draw? 09:40 , Michael Jones The draw will take place at 11am GMT on Monday 7 November at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland. It will be followed by the Europa League and Europa Conference League draws. Champions League draw 08:45 , Michael Jones Good morning and welcome to The Independents coverage of todays Champions League draw. All four Premier League sides qualified out of the group stages - though it was a nervous finish for Tottenham - and will find out who their round of 16 opponents will be this morning. Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester City all finished top of their respective groups so go in the seeded pot which, in theory, should leave them with an easier opponent to face in the first round of the knockout stages. Liverpool finished second in Group A behind Napoli so are unseeded and potentially at risk of drawing a European heavyweight like Bayern Munich or Real Madrid. Their are still restrictions in place on which teams can be drawn out to face one another. Teams cannot play a side they faced in the group stages and they will not play another team from their home country until at least the quarter-final stage so their will be no all English ties drawn today. Follow along for all the live updates from the Champions League draw. Kathryn Schweitzer worked recently in the yard in front of her small, yellow house in a North Port neighborhood where midewing furniture, drywall and other personal belongings line the streets, the remains of destruction left behind by Hurricane Ian. Schweitzer tries to shrug off the $8,000 she's paid so far "just to get the walls back" in her flood-damaged home, because "if you can't cry, you get to laugh." She had been putting repair costs on credit cards, but said she's been approved for $20,000 in federal relief money. That's the good news. The bad news is, the aid won't go far given the extent of damage and rising repair costs. What's more, Schweitzer, her neighbors and a host of other Gulf Coast homeowners are now potential targets for unscrupulous contractors, fraud artists and scammers looking to cash in on people desperate to get their lives back on track and the billions of dollars in insurance money and government aid flowing in to Florida. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $45.4 million in assistance to Sarasota County alone. Another $55.5 million is approved in Charlotte County and $11 million in Manatee. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation estimates the value of insured losses in the state from the Hurricane Ian at $8.4 billion as of Nov. 2. Chris Maki, a detective with the North Port Police Department for the past 18 years, knows what's coming. Maki worked at the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office when Hurricane Charley made landfall there in 2004 and has been patrolling Schweitzer's neighborhood, where four feet of water flooded destroyed what had taken some decades to build. He knows that the last thing these people need is to fall victim to hurricane related fraud. All their walls, all their drywall, all their belongings are more than likely right there out at the curb, he said. "These people lost everything." Focused on recovery, vulnerable to fraud Experts say that with so much work to be done on so many properties in the area, some people are likely to believe a stranger promising impossible timelines at impossible prices who will then disappear right after accepting payment. Story continues Yet because of the lag time between when a homeowner pays money up front for work and when it becomes clear fraud has been committed, it could take up to five months before the wave of hurricane complaints reach police, Maki said. Often, by that point, it's too late to recover the stolen funds as many fraudsters will be long gone by the time police start their investigation. Initially, potential victims are often assessing damage or gutting homes that need to be rebuilt. Schweitzer house is surrounded by downed tree limbs. She has ripped out wet drywall and tossed her ruined possessions. She wore gardening gloves and carried a shovel, trying to dent a mountain of work to do before she had to be at her job at Cracker Barrel later that day. It's been more than a month since her shed "did a Mary Poppins and flew three doors down the street." "God knows how that happened, but that's where I found it," she said. Right after the storm, Schweitzer said the neighborhood was flooded with people in work trucks soliciting work from her and her neighbors, offering help but often at exorbitant prices. "I heard one neighbor paid $3,500 for somebody to tarp their roof," she said. The U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers offered tarping service for free to hurricane victims through a federal program called Operation Blue Roof. Yet, the desperation in the neighborhood will likely grow in the coming weeks as this North Port neighborhood competes with the rest of Southwest Florida for available contractors to do the needed work. Most people that spoke with a Herald-Tribune reporter last week were still in the process of mold remediation and had no clear timeframe on when their homes would be fully repaired. Home after home was flooded in North Port's Country Club Ridge located off of S Sumter Blvd near Tamiami Trail (US-41). Thomas Lynch, 83, said he won't fall victim to any scam. The retired accountant has lived in his North Port home near McKibben Park for the past 18 years with Janet Lynch, his wife of 56 years. He is one of the few who had flood insurance in the neighborhood. Fourteen inches of water flooded their home. Despite having several layers of insurance, he's still having a hard time getting his claim resolved. "We ask them and we get no answers," he said of the insurance companies. Lynch said to safeguard against fraud, he knows not to sign away his policy's benefits to a company and to only use a licensed contractor for repair work. Thomas Lynch had more than a foot of water in his home after flood waters spilled into his North Port home after Hurricane Ian. Lynch, 83, was in the process of mold remediation on Nov. 3, 2022, before he seeks out a licensed contractor to rebuild he and his wife Janet Lynch's home of 18 years. The Lynches said they don't know when they'll be able to move back into their home, but they have rented a place in Punta Gorda while rebuilding. Catch-22 Jason Konte lives on the east side of North Port, said he's worried about hurricane fraud. His roof sustained some damage, but to get a contractor to check it out, he said he would be required to assign the insurance benefits to them or have the money on hand to repair the damage before even getting an estimate. "It's a Catch-22," he said. "You do your homework and you still get screwed." Anna and Bill Kopfhamer have lived in their North Port home since 1996. Ever since Charley and the insurance headaches that resulted after that storm, Anna Kopfhamer has carried flood insurance on her property. It turns out it was worth it when a foot of water flooded the home. She feels confident she won't fall victim to a scam, but isn't so sure about all of her neighbors. Any contractor who comes by and there have been several she tells them they're welcome to leave an estimate, but that she's not going to be rushed to get the work done. They've parked a RV in their front yard to give them the room to be patient on repairs and to find qualified contractors. Yet some people in the neighborhood don't have flood insurance and have yet to be approved for assistance from FEMA. Courtney, a woman who declined to giver her last name to a reporter, said she's been to a FEMA disaster assistance center four times and has not been approved for help. She and her wife bought their property in March. They had insurance on the property required for their mortgage, but not flood insurance, as the property was not in a federally identified flood zone. During the hurricane, flood waters came their home, causing them to seek refuge on the kitchen island. They lost all their furniture and had to rip out the floors and drywall. But because Courtney doesn't have insurance, she's done the work herself, taking time from her job as a manager at a retail business to repair her property. She turned to YouTube to learn how to hang drywall, she said. "'I'm trying to be back by Thanksgiving," she said, then assessed how much still needs to be done. "By Christmas by the latest. You got to get your family home." Unlicensed contractors, unpermitted work North Port officials have made it a priority to try to prevent the expected wave of fraud by putting two veteran detectives on a hurricane-fraud task force. Maki said he's driven more than 150 miles a day for the past two weeks that the task force has actively been operating in the Sarasota County municipality. Maki spends a good portion of his day responding to hurricane fraud related calls, but also driving around looking for potential problems, like unlicensed contractors or unpermitted work. Currently, the biggest issue he's seeing is unpermitted work, which can lead to other problems relating to insurance coverage. Josh Taylor, spokesman for the North Port Police Department, said permits allow the city to track contractors' work from one project to the next. A contractor must be licensed in both the state of Florida and the city of North Port to do work inside city limits. Home after home was flooded in North Port's Country Club Ridge located off of S Sumter Blvd near Tamiami Trail (US-41). At least theres some recourse if they do substandard work," he said of customers using a licensed contractor. "You know how to find them. They have a license on the line and thats their whole livelihood. If they commit some type of fraud theres the potential they could lose that license. He and Maki said that residents should only use licensed contractors to repair any structural damage to property. He also warned that any company doing repair work should not ask property owners to apply for the building permits. "That's a huge red flag," he said. North Port has several tips on avoiding scams on its website. City officials stressed the importance of not acting immediately. "Scammers pressure you to provide information immediately, they want you to act before you have time to think," the North Port website reads. "Stop and talk to someone you trust. Before you do anything else, tell someone a friend, a family member, a neighbor what happened. Talking about it could help you realize its a scam." Taylor said residents should ask for the license number of contractors before signing a contract or sending funds. A North Port resident can also check the city's business tax registration database on the city's website to see if a contractor is licensed to do work in North Port. Derek Applegate, North Port's building official, said the city's building department was already on track for a record-breaking year in regard to number of permits issued. We were already on pace to out do what we did last year, he said. We did about 15,600 permits last year; we are going to crush that again this year. He said that licensed Florida contractors can register with the city at no cost, although it can take a couple days for that registration at this time as the city has a backlog. Right now, permits for hurricane related damage are not flooding the North Port building department, he said. But as with anticipated fraud cases, Applegate knows those are coming. Recently, he's noticed an increase in calls to the building department with questions about how to apply for permits to repair the hurricane damage. "The work is going to begin now for us," he said. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Hurricane fraud wave expected as homeowners try to rebuild from Ian cat sitting in cockpit; cats born in plane cockpit Courtesy of Hickory Aviation Museum The Hickory Aviation Museum sits outdoors, so its members have long dealt with Mother Nature's full repertoire: rain, snow, wind, and tornados. Even some bees have occupied its aircraft. But what the North Carolina museum found inside a Cold War-era T-33 Shooting Star late last month was a bit of a shock. "Being outside, we get everything, but this is the first time we've had a cat give birth in an airplane," Buford Barnett, the museum's general manager, tells Daily Paws. A feral cat, who the museum named Phantom (after the aircraft), was living in the decommissioned two-seat Shooting Star with her five newborn kittens. Thankfully, she led them out of the plane, and the little ones are preparing for lives in loving homes. RELATED: Watch This Cordial Pup Befriend a Stranger at the Dog Park With Some 'Extra Love' The museum discovered its new residents a couple weeks ago. One of its members, a pilot and volunteer named William Falls, kept hearing a "strange rustling noise" coming from the Shooting Star, Barnett says. He took a photo inside the jet's air intake and could make out Phantom and two of her kittens. Days later, Falls clearly saw one of the kittens sitting in the cockpit, seemingly looking for permission to taxi to a runway. The photo is priceless. In the small, inclosed plane, the kittens were impossible to catch. Thankfully, Phantom soon led them out. The Humane Society of Catawba County arrived at the museumat Hickory Regional Airportto trap them. Barnett was glad to see the traps. He was worried the little ones might become snacks for coyotes or some other animal. (Remember, cats who live outside have a much shorter lifespan than ones who live indoors.) The humane society trapped the five kittens in a couple days. Meanwhile, the wiley Phantom lived up to her name, outsmarting the traps for several more days before she was caught. "She was very hard to catch," Barnett says. "She would go into the trap and eat the gourmet tuna or chicken we had and not set it off." Story continues Because they were rescued so early in their lives, the kittens will likely be able to join forever homes in a month or so. Last week, the humane society put out a call for foster homes so the little ones could get a taste of domestic life before adoption. When they're ready, cat lovers in central North Carolina will have the chance to welcome some truly unique new family members into their homes. "I'm sure they're probably the only T-33 kittens in the world," Barnett says. Ukraines capital city is preparing for a total electricity blackout as Russia continues to pound the countrys infrastructure in an apparent attempt to leave Ukrainians without power as winter approaches, officials said Sunday. And Kyivs mayor said city residents should be prepared to evacuate if such a scenario comes to pass. We understand that if Russia continues such attacks, we may lose our entire electricity system, the director of security for Kyivs municipal government, Roman Tkachuk, told the New York Times. Tkachuk and other Ukrainian officials told the Times that plans are in place to try and battle a blackout that would require a full evacuation of the capital. A few days ago, journalists asked me: does the capital have a blackout plan? Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, said in a Telegram post Sunday. I will answer again. In the war situation in which we live, it is necessary to have plans in case of various scenarios of development of events and emergency situations. And be ready to act. Klitschko said theres no imminent need for Ukrainians to panic or evacuate Kyiv, but he underscored the countrys need for robust preparations as Moscow attempts to collapse Ukraines energy sector. If you have relatives or friends in the suburbs of Kyiv who have a separate water supply, a stove and heating, plan to stay there temporarily, Klitschko told local media on Saturday, according to the Telegraph. Ukraine is also conducting stabilization blackouts in Kyiv and elsewhere to conserve power and keep the grid from total failure. As of this evening, stabilization blackouts continue in Kyiv and six regions. More than 4.5 million consumers are without electricity. Most of them are now in Kyiv and the Kyiv region. Its really difficult, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Sunday address. Zelensky said hes had several special meetings with government officials, regional administrators and energy company representatives regarding probably scenarios in the energy sector. Story continues We consider each scenario in detail and prepare appropriate actions, Zelensky said. Kyiv is also prepping 1,000 heating shelters in the event of power loss come winter. Electric generators were purchased, water supplies and everything necessary for these heating points to receive people were made. You will be able to warm up, drink tea, recharge your phones, and get the necessary help, Klitschko said in a Telegram post, per translations. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. In this photo illustration the Lyft logo is seen displayed on a smartphone. Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Ride-hailing companies Lyft and Uber are going the extra mile to make it easier for Americans to vote on Election Day. Lyft will give voters 50% off rides, bikes and scooters to get to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Riders will be able to access discount codes in every time zone, specifically during voting hours, for a discount of up to $10 by using VOTE22, which can be activated in the Lyft app. "We believe that everyone's voice and vote deserves to be heard, and transportation should never be a barrier," the San Francisco-based company wrote on its blog. Lyft created its Voting Access program in part due to an alarming amount of roughly 15 million registered voters in 2016 who cited transportation as the main issue of not getting out to the polls. RELATED: 2022 Midterms: Every Senate, House and State Race Americans Should Follow A 2020 study determined lack of car ownership was an enormous issue for Americans. Even more worrisome, Lyft found that "young people of color are 30% more likely to cite transportation as a barrier to voting than young white people," according to a Harvard Dataverse survey. In further efforts to assist historically underserved communities, Lyft is also working League of Women Voters, NAACP and other nonprofit organizations to distribute free ride codes. Uber Reportedly Loses Over $1 Billion In First Half Of 2016 SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 26: The logo of the ride sharing service Uber is seen in front of its headquarters on August 26, 2016 in San Francisco, California. Uber's head of finance Gautam Gupta is reported to have told investors in a conference call that the company had lost $1.27 billion in the first half of 2016. The ride sharing company lost an estimated $520 million in the first quarter and $720 million in the second quarter. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories Fellow ride-hailing company Uber tells PEOPLE it is focusing its efforts this year on supporting free rides for poll workers. Story continues "Uber is proud to partner with Power the Polls to support our nation's poll workers with rides to and from the polls," said CR Wooters, head of federal affairs at Uber, in a press release. RELATED: Billie Eilish, Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys Among Stars Recruiting Poll Workers to Ensure Accessible Elections "Signing up to be a poll worker is a great way for eligible Americans to engage in civic responsibility and contribute to their communities," Wooters continued in the Oct. 31 statement, "and we are excited to help make it as easy as possible for them to get to their assigned polling location this midterm election." Per the release, ride vouchers will cover the full cost of rides (up to $200) to and from a poll worker's assigned polling location for those who signed up via Power the Polls, and will be available from Monday, Nov. 7, to Wednesday, Nov. 9. One look at Emma Lovewells Instagram account and its clear to see that the Peloton instructor travels nearly as much as she exercises. Hiking in St. Lucia, riding a motorcycle in Nicaragua, canoeing in Patagonia, wielding a samurai sword in Japan (yes, a sword)the 35-year-old has seemingly been everywhere and done it all. But for her, traveling the world and having these experiences is about so much more than just the photo opp. I didnt travel internationally until I was 18, but once I started I was hooked. My mom is an immigrant, and theres something about traveling that helped me understand herand myselfbetter, she says. Growing up in a multicultural environment and comparing myself to my other friends, I always felt other. But once I started seeing the world and realizing that there are so many different ways of living, I felt more resolve within myself. Lovewells social media posts also make it abundantly clear that her travels almost always involve some type of physical activity. Snowboarding, surfing, horseback ridingyou name it, shes done it. Yet despite her career as a fitness instructor (if you havent yet taken one of her Intervals & Arms rides, youre missing out), Lovewells attitude towards staying fit while traveling is surprisingly relaxed for someone with a killer six-pack. The goal: Doing things that allow her to move her body, without having to spend time in a hotel gym. More from StyleCaster Here, Lovewell talks to STYLECASTER about some of her all-time favorite vacation destinations, how she stays active while traveling, and how to squeeze in a 10-minute workout anytime, anywhere. SC: Based on your Instagram, it looks like youve been all over the world. What have been some of your favorite destinations and travel experiences? Click here to read the full article. Story continues EL: I recently went to Japan and that was the trip of a lifetime. It was incredible. The culture there is so strong and the people are so nice. We were there for 11 days and spent a few days in Tokyo, then the rest in Northern Japan, which isnt really a common spot for people to go. We went to Niigata, where theyre known for their knives and went to these Japanese knife factories and saw incredible craftsmanship and metalwork. We saw a Maiko performance of apprentice geisha. We stayed in a Buddhist temple and took a cooking class. It sounds like you really immersed yourself in the local culture. Is that something you prioritize when you travel? I feel like its so important for people to travel and get away from their homes in order to get a better perspective on life. When we can experience another environment and culture it really helps us understand ourselves, and the world, better. So seeking out authentic, cultural experiences when Im traveling internationally is incredibly important. Im from Marthas Vineyard, a super popular tourist destination, and so I know that the locals always know whats best. Whenever I travel somewhere, I always like to talk to locals and ask what they suggest I do, so that I can really get that local perspective. Lets talk about how youre staying fit during all of these travels. Are you making it a conscious priority to carve out time to exercise? My boyfriend Dave, whom I travel with a lot, and I are both generally active people. We love to move our bodies. So when were traveling, Im totally a proponent of adding in that movement and physical activity and fitness into things were doing and experiences we can have. Id rather do that than spend an hour in a basement hotel gym. Like in Japan we did this samurai class, where we got to learn martial arts moves and hold a samurai sword. When something like that is a part of my vacation, then I consider that my workout. Im up and moving. What kinds of physical experiences have you had at other places youve traveled? We recently went to San Sebastian, Spain and there we rented electric bikes. Everyone was making fun of the fact that Im a spin instructor and was riding an electric bike, but its an amazing way to see a city. Id also go for runs there. Id be stopping every five minutes to take pictures so it wasnt my most intense workout, but I was moving my body and seeing the city at the same time. On beach vacations, Im always swimming or wake surfing and staying active in that way. Weve been to the Galapagos twice, Daves sister used to live there, so we really got the local experience. The scuba diving there is incredible, I got to dive with hammerheads all around me. Weve also done surfing trips to Nicaragua and Mexico. Those were trips planned specifically around the destinations being good surf spots, and surfing is the hardest workout ever. One of my favorite US trips was Alaska. I went in the middle of winter and had pretty low expectations, but was completely blown away. It completely surpassed my expectations. You see mountains coming straight out of the ocean into the sky and the most incredible sunsets. There I was hiking and snowboarding every day. So, what happens when youre on a trip and there isnt a lot of physical activity built in? Do you still work out? There have definitely been some vacations where I wasnt moving that much. And I do start to feel kind of stuck and like I need to do something. So thats when Ill literally take just 10 minutes to do something in the hotel room that gets my body moving. Even just some planks, squats or lunges, and push-upsthats abs, legs, and upper body. I have to plug the Peloton app, because there are great 10-minute core classes on there. Ill do those, even if its my own. All of the Peloton body weight classes, even the five, 10, or 15-minute ones, are great. You can also put on some music and have a dance party in your room. Most songs are about three minutes long, so cue up three of your favorites, and that totally counts as a 10-minute workout right there. Photo: Weston Wells. Design: Sasha Purdy/STYLECASTER. Best of StyleCaster Possums can be the subject of cute fascination, morbid curiosity (quite literally, these creatures play dead as a defense mechanism) or a nuisance to homeowners. Perhaps your knowledge of possums comes from the 2006 DreamWorks film Over the Hedge, where William Shatner and Avril Lavigne portrayed a father-daughter possum pair who play dead whenever danger looms. Perhaps youre a fan of accounts like Possum Every Hour, which tweets automated cute photos of possums around the clock. Whether youre a possum fanatic or looking to learn more about these creatures, heres the information you need to know if you encounter one. Are possums dangerous? Possums are generally not dangerous to people. The common stereotype about this species playing dead is true their main defense is either laying motionless on the ground or hissing. This open-mouth hissing is simply a front, the Humane Society writes, and theyre not aggressive animals. The danger with possums comes in the form of transmitted diseases. North American opossums are known to carry leptospirosis, tuberculosis, coccidiosis, spotted fever and tularemia, according to Critter Control. Its advisable not to touch these critters. Are coyotes dangerous?: Attacks against adults are rare, but kids and pets face risks. The most dangerous animal in the world: The surprising animal you've already met. What is the difference between possums and opossums? Are these backyard creatures possums or opossums? Do they mean the same thing? Is it wrong to use one name or the other? If youve been using the name possums for North American creatures, youre scientifically incorrect. Still, for all intents and purposes, the shortened name gets the job done. The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial found north of Mexico, according to Merriam-Webster. Possums, as the animal is typically called, are a different type of marsupial native to Australia. The North American marsupials are called possums colloquially the Merriam-Webster dictionary even acknowledges both words are used interchangeably for both creatures. Story continues Here are some of the common differences between possums and opossums: Opossums are the size of a house cat, while possums are rather small Opossums live up to their reputation and play dead in the face of predators, but possums vocalize to scare them away Opossums have flat, coarse fur and a naked tail, while possums have soft fur with a furry tail Are possums good to have around your house? Possums are a good ally to have in your yard they kill an estimated 5,000 ticks a season and catch and eat cockroaches, rats and mice. They are also resistant to snake venom, the National Wildlife Federation writes, and prey on them. They can be pesky critters when they decide to make a home under your deck or in your trash can, however. The Humane Society recommends preventing this by keeping holes in outdoor patios filled. If a family of opossums has already claimed their territory, wait until the mother and her offspring leave the den about two hours after dark, and then close the opening with netting or straw. Can you have a possum as a pet? Like all exotic and wild animals, possums are dangerous and potentially illegal to own as a pet. Exotic animal laws vary state to state. For example, the state of Arizona permits short-tailed possums as pets, but prohibits American opossums. In Indiana, you need a Class II permit to possess a Virginia opossum. Aside from potentially infecting their owners with the illnesses they carry, possums are nocturnal and will not get the attention or handling they need while their owners are asleep, Pet Keen writes. Keep your pets safe: What human foods are safe for dogs to eat? Can cats really see in the dark?: They can, but don't call it 'night vision.' This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Are possums dangerous? The difference between possum and opossum. National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) Courtesy of Raytheon Technologies Ukraine's defense minister said Monday that National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems have arrived. The NASAMS provided by the US offer short- to medium-range protection against drones and missiles. The US itself has used this system to protect Washington, DC for nearly two decades. Long-awaited air defense systems have arrived in Ukraine from the US and others, the country's defense minister said on Monday as Russian forces continue to attack cities with missiles and suicide drones. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said on social media that the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) arrived with Italian-made Aspide medium-range systems. "These weapons will significantly strengthen #UAarmy and will make our skies safer," Reznikov said. "We will continue to shoot down the enemy targets attacking us. Thank you to our partners: Norway, Spain and the US." NASAMS are ground-based air defense systems that provide short- to medium-range protection and can be used to defend against drones, missiles, and some aircraft. According to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, a Norwegian company that worked with Raytheon Technologies to develop the weapons, these systems are used in multiple countries around the world, including several in Europe, and have been used to protect Washington, DC 24 hours a day, seven days a week, since 2005. NASAMS Courtesy of Raytheon Technologies Kyiv have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of much-needed air defense systems for months, but the need for NASAMS and other similar defense systems was made even more urgent in recent weeks as Russian forces have used missiles and Iranian-made suicide drones packed with explosives to batter Ukrainian cities in continuous waves of attacks targeting civilian infrastructure. In response to these attacks,Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said air defense was the number one priority for his country, prompting the US and its NATO allies to begin rushing to deliver critical air defense systems to Ukraine. Among the first to arrive was the German IRIS-T Surface-Launched-Missile (SLM) system. Story continues Though the US announced plans to send NASAMS to Ukraine along with other weaponry, it was unclear exactly when these systems would arrive on the battlefield. At a press briefing last week, a reporter asked Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder about Russia's stockpile of long-range munitions, and if there's urgency in getting NASAMS into Ukrainian hands. "In terms of air defense capabilities, this continues to be a priority for the US government, for the Department of Defense to work closely with the Ukrainians, with our allies and our partners to try to get them additional air defense capability," Ryder responded. "As you highlighted with the NASAMS, we expect those to be delivered very soon. Again, we'll allow the Ukrainians to announce when those arrive in country," he continued. "But we're going to continue to look at other ways that we can support them." Ukraine's announcement on the arrival of the NASAMS in Ukraine comes just days after the US announced a new $400 million security package for Ukraine, which includes, among other weapons and systems, American-made HAWK air defense missiles, which are medium-range surface-to-air missiles made by Raytheon. Read the original article on Business Insider EXCLUSIVE: AMC Networks streaming service Shudder has acquired rights for the U.S., Canada and other English-language territories on Malaysian filmmaker Dain Saids horror film Blood Flower (Harum Malam), which premiered at this years Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas. The film, which also played in official section at Sitges Film Festival, is produced by Malaysias Apparat in collaboration with Skop Productions and DAyu Pictures. Idan Aedan, Bront Palarae and Remy Ishak head the cast. More from Deadline Shudder also acquired rights for the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand through a deal with XYZ Films and plans to stream the film on an exclusive basis in 2023. Paris-based Reel Suspects is handling rights for the rest of the world. Written by Said, Nandita Solomon and Ben Omar, the film tells the story of a 16-year-old apprentice faith healer and exorcist, who is tormented by visions of the dead and spirits from other dimensions. When a malicious spirit begins to wreak havoc around him, the teenaged exorcist is forced to harness his supernatural gifts to save his family and friends. The film was also produced with backing from Malaysias National Film Development Corporation (FINAS), which runs several programmes to support local films. The Shudder deal was negotiated by XYZ Films Pip Ngo on behalf of the filmmakers, and Emily Gotto, VP, Global Acquisitions & Co-Productions on behalf of Shudder. One of next years most frightening films, Blood Flower (Harum Malam) is a special kind of haunter. Were thrilled to bring the bold voice of director Dain Said to the service, and to make Blood Flower (Harum Malam) our first Shudder Original from Malaysia, said Gotto. Story continues Said first came to international attention with arty action drama Bunohan in 2011, and also has credits including fantasy thriller Interchange (2016) and crime drama Dukun (2018), based on a real-life story of a Malaysian pop star turned witch doctor. He commented on the Shudder deal: My ghost in Blood Flower (Harum Malam) needs a place to haunt, and in Shudder it has found a home to spill blood and do its evil deeds. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan is running for the U.S. Senate in Ohio by welcoming moderate Republicans into the fold. (Photo: Paul Vernon/Associated Press) Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan is running for the U.S. Senate in Ohio by welcoming moderate Republicans into the fold. (Photo: Paul Vernon/Associated Press) COLUMBUS, Ohio Republicans have a pretty standard closing message in Ohio a day out from the midterm elections: a focus on the economy, family values and an unpopular Democratic president. But there is one aspect of their message that stands out, and thats reminding undecided voters that the Democrat running for U.S. Senate in Ohio is actually a Democrat and not a Republican. If it sounds a little weird, thats because it kind of is. Ohios Senate race pits Republican J.D. Vance, an author and venture capitalist who won his primary with Donald Trumps backing, against Democrat Tim Ryan, a congressman whom some outside the state might know better for his blip of a 2020 presidential campaign. Or, if youre a right-leaning voter who doesnt follow Ohio politics especially closely, you might still know Ryan from Fox News, where hes been running ads highlighting moderate stances on economic issues. Republicans in at least one deep red Ohio county are taking notice, Ryan told a rally audience outside the Cleveland headquarters of an ironworkers union Sunday night. People are calling the Republican county office and theyre asking for Tim Ryan yard signs. Were gonna win this race, he said. Ryan has subtly positioned himself as welcoming to Republicans who dont share what he calls Vances extremist sensibilities. We have to fight the extremist movement in this country, Ryan said, a message hes hammered relentlessly throughout this contentious race. The exhausted majority has to step up. Democrats, Republicans and independents against the extremists. Its the extremists that are preventing us from rebuilding the middle class. Its the extremists that are preventing us from getting good trade deals. Its the extremists that are preventing us from protecting Social Security. Story continues Given the political shifts in white America that accelerated under Trump, Democrats are becoming outnumbered by Republicans in the nations former presidential bellwether. So Ryan has adapted: praising Trump when it makes sense to like conceding that he had some good ideas on trade and manufacturing and running ads on Fox News in a naked attempt to siphon GOP votes from Vance. Its all tactical, to a degree: The math just doesnt work for Ryan unless he picks up some crossover votes. (And even then it may be a stretch: A poll released Sunday found Vance leading Ryan by 10 percentage points, while earlier polls forecast the race as much tighter). Republican J.D. Vance enters Tuesday's election with a small polling lead in a competitive race. (Photo: Phil Long/Associated Press) Republican J.D. Vance enters Tuesday's election with a small polling lead in a competitive race. (Photo: Phil Long/Associated Press) Ryan doesnt go as far as to fully embrace Trump or the rights social posturing. But in one commercial, Ryans camp mashed together clips of Fox News personalities like Bret Baier, Maria Bartiromo and Peter Doocy praising the Democratic congressman as acceptably moderate on kitchen table issues and immigration. Youre very moderate. Youre hanging out in the middle like most of us are, Bartiromo is seen telling Ryan in one of the clips. Ryan described this to reporters as creating an environment thats a soft landing for Republicans. Last month, Ryan participated in a Fox News town hall. J.D. Vance would never go on an MSBNC town hall, he said. He only goes on conservative talk shows. I go on conservative radio. I go on Fox. Its about whos ready to have this broader conversation to pull the country together. Vances response has been to remind GOP voters that, despite what Ryan says, the congressmans voting record still aligns seamlessly with the Democratic Party. Im running against a guy, of course, who pretends to be a Republican, even though on every single issue he votes with Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden, Vance told an audience Saturday in Columbus, where he was joined by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.). At an earlier stop in Circleville, a small city in central Ohio known for its annual pumpkin festival, Vance quipped about Ryan being absent from the Ohio Republican Partys bus tour since, you know, hes a Republican now. I thought to myself, You know, were missing Tim Ryan, because hes running as a Republican, it turns out, Vance said, eliciting laughter from the room. Naturally, Vance supporters arent buying Ryans attempt at meeting in the middle. Several who spoke to HuffPost were skeptical or just plain angry about what they see as Ryans attempt to downplay the fact that hes a card-carrying, Nancy Pelosi-loving Democrat even though Ryan once launched an unsuccessful challenge against Pelosi for her leadership role. If there was an award called the Pinocchio award, Tim Ryan would get it, said Lisa Chaffee, a local GOP official who supports Vance and worries that Ryans commercials might actually do what theyre designed to and sway undecided voters. Ill be honest with you, if I didnt know what I know, and I saw his ads, I would vote for [Ryan]. Geoff Hatcher, a 56-year-old real estate appraiser who waited in line to meet Vance and Hawley after an event, said its clear to him Ryan is a career Democrat. He brought up that Ryan began working for the late Mahoning Valley Rep. Jim Traficant who was later expelled from the U.S. House following his conviction on corruption charges when he was barely out of college. Ryan followed in Traficants footsteps, quite literally: running for and winning his seat after Traficant was forced to leave Congress. Hes not fooling anyone, Hatcher said of Ryan. Maybe apathetic voters in the state who might not be paying attention. Thats what it comes down to, unaffiliated voters. Vances supporters, who have varying degrees of familiarity with the popular memoir and movie adaptation chronicling his tumultuous Ohio upbringing, said they were impressed with his character, values and life story. Hes from this area. Hes had struggles. He grew up in an impoverished family and he knows what its like, said Jane Lynch, a retired 70-year-old. Lynch said her son works in an emergency room where the vast majority of cases result from the chronic opioid abuse that Vance describes in his book. Sometimes its the same person, multiple times a day, said Lynch, who similar to Vances own grandmother is raising a great-grandchild due to addiction in the family. Ryans supporters have a more positive view of his strategy to woo Republicans. They see Ryan as the real deal, a populist with personality like Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, who made a surprise appearance at Ryans rally Sunday in Browns own figurative backyard. Brown, whos up for reelection in 2024, told the audience that its important to recognize the differences between Ryan, who has always stood up for workers and Vance, who has made a lot of money from workers, but never stood up for workers. To Democrats, at least, Ryan is the perfect candidate for this moment, said Anthony Fossaceca, a 52-year-old from Chagrin Falls, Ohio, who works in communications. Fossaceca told me hes confident Ryans message is strong enough to pick up those storied Ohio swing voters who voted for both Barack Obama and Donald Trump. I think Tim Ryan appeals to a lot of those same voters for the same reason, he said. They want someone who is going to fight for them. I dont think Trump was that guy, but they did. I think a lot of those folks think that Tim Ryan will fill that mold. I dont think J.D. Vance is even close to anything that represents them. Brian Poindexter, a 43-year-old union ironworker, said that under normal circumstances Ryan should run away with this election, but he might not get the support he needs because Republicans are more concerned about rejecting so-called woke culture and being able to say racially insensitive things in public. Thats what people want. Thats what Ohio seems to want, Poindexter huffed from the back of Ryans loud rally. In a brief gaggle with reporters, Vance again emphasized that he thinks Ryan is playing fast and loose with the truth. Tim Ryan has run a campaign where he pretends to believe things that his own record clearly shows he doesnt believe, Vance said, standing beside Hawley, the second-youngest member of the U.S. Senate. Vance and Ryan have at least one thing in common: Either will be among the youngest lawmakers in the chamber. After his speech in Cleveland, Ryan expanded on the story about the Republicans in one very red Ohio county in his conversation with reporters outside a Workers First tour bus emblazoned with his name, which rolled up to the union hall alongside a procession of noisy motorcycles as the sun set over an industrial stretch of the city. Everywhere we go, our grassroots people have lots of stories of Republicans who are taking yard signs, Republicans who are voting for us, who have already voted for us, said Ryan, who was visibly a little worn out at the end of a long day of campaigning on the eve of election eve. I meet them every single day, Republicans who have already voted for me. I think our positions on trade and workers issues appeal to the working-class union worker who probably voted for Trump a few times and who are coming back home to vote for me. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Beachside swimmer Haylee Hite is the Times-Union's Athlete of the Week for October 24-29, 2022. [Provided by Beachside Athletics] The results are in. Beachside swimmer Haylee Hite is the Florida Times-Union's 10th Northeast Florida Athlete of the Week for the 2022-23 high school sports season, covering the week of Oct. 24-29. The freshman won two events at the District 3-2A girls swimming meet, leading the Barracudas to second place in their first-ever district competition. She placed first in a vote that also included top performers Kasey Casiple (Ridgeview volleyball), Symeon Cobham-Portorreal (Jackson football), Danielle Fendenheim (Mandarin bowling), Joey Hage (Tocoi Creek boys golf), T.J. Lane (Middleburg football), Violet Robbins (Bolles girls golf), Matt Ryan (Nease boys cross country), Brody Singley (West Nassau boys swimming) and Lindy White (Ponte Vedra girls cross country). First Coast Varsity Weekly: Caleb Williams ready to energize Ribault basketball tradition Princess with a helmet: From kicker to homecoming princess, Gaby Rourke blazing trails for Atlantic Coast football '1 percent attitude': Sharif Denson receives All-American jersey, still locked in with Gators This week's vote It's time to vote for Florida Times-Union's Athlete of the Week for the week of October 31-November 5, 2022. The Times-Union gathers nominees from scores, stats and nominations e-mailed to the sports desk during the week by coaches across Northeast Florida. Coaches can e-mail these stats and scores to preps@jacksonville.com. This week's voting begins Monday morning and closes at 10 a.m. Thursday. Votes are restricted to once per device per hour. To see the poll, click here. Here are the nominees for Oct. 31-Nov. 5: Ava Brinkman, Fleming Island swimming The Golden Eagles sophomore scored 448.85 points to win the Class 3A state championship in girls diving. Jillian Candelino, Bolles girls cross country The senior ran 17:43 to lead Bolles to the Class 2A team championship and repeat as 2A individual champion, Jacksonville's first back-to-back individual state girls winner since 1983. Story continues Nancy Cox, Ponte Vedra girls golf Shot a 67, including three consecutive birdies, to win medalist honors and lead the Sharks to the Region 1-2A championship at Quail Heights. Mehdi Elaoufir, Stanton boys swimming The senior won the Region 1-2A championship in the boys 200-yard individual medley as well as the 100 freestyle. Rylan Hale, Yulee football The junior athlete blocked a punt, returned a fumble for a touchdown and added rushing and receiving scores as the Hornets beat Menendez 35-7. Sydney Kambach, Christ's Church volleyball The junior setter recorded 40 assists and 19 digs as the Eagles defeated Gainesville Oak Hall to win the Region 1-2A title. T.J. Lane, Middleburg football The senior rushed 38 times for 321 yards and all four touchdowns as the Broncos defeated Fernandina Beach 28-14. Henry Robards, Episcopal boys golf Shot a 70 in the Region 1-1A tournament at Marsh Landing, leading the Eagles to the boys team title. Matt Ryan, Nease boys cross country The Panthers' junior raced to the Class 4A boys individual championship, running 15:35.4 at Apalachee Regional Park. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Northeast Florida Athlete of the Week poll: October 31-November 5 Matt Hancock has arrived in Australia ahead of his appearance on Im a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, but hes not expected to be going in on day one with the initial batch of 10 stars. The former health secretary will take part in the forthcoming series of the ITV reality show as a bombshell contestant, arriving once the show has already started and the original line-up of contestants have settled into jungle life. It is not yet known which day he is joining the other campmates, but this article will be updated with that information as soon as it is available. His decision to join the show has been met with widespread criticism, with the MP immediately having the Tory whip revoked and prime minister Rishi Sunak sharing his disapproval. Im a Celebritys season one winner Tony Blackburn joked that Hancock was probably appearing on the show to pay for the soaring cost of his electricity bill, while adding that it was clear his political career at the moment isnt going any further. Radio DJ Nick Grimshaw and last years winner Danny Miller both predicted the public will vote for Hancock to do most of the grisly Bushtucker Trials. Hancock resigned as health secretary last year after violating his own Covid regulations by having an affair with aide Gina Coladangelo. The pair were caught embracing on camera. Matt Hancock (Getty Images) During a recent episode of Good Morning Britain, Susanna Reid was forced to apologise after Daily Mail journalist Andrew Pierce called Hancock a d***head. Former Im a Celebrity star Georgia Toffolo also called Hancock disgraceful for going on the show. Im a Celebrity returns Sunday 6 November at 9pm on ITV. Institute for Justice Law enforcement investigations take time and cost money. So code enforcers skipped the hassle in 2018 when they came after restaurant owner Blu Graham in Northern California. Satellite images showed greenhouses on Grahams property in the Emerald Triangle, a region known for cannabis cultivation, and the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department just assumed he was growing marijuana without paying the county its cut. Based on nothing else, the government declared Graham guilty of cultivating cannabis without a permita civil offense in a state with legalized marijuana. Code enforcers obtained no search warrant and made no site visit. They jumped straight to the penalty phase with an abatement order that gave Graham 10 days to tear down the greenhouses and fill in a nearby rainwater-catchment pond. Graham asked for a hearing on the charges, but the county ignored the request and started assessing $10,000 fines per day until the tab reached $900,000. Cops Love ImmunityUntil Theyre the Ones Abused by Police To turn up the pressure even more, the county published its untrue charges in the local newspaper, smearing Graham just weeks after he opened his restaurant. He was shell-shocked, but he had a strong defense: innocence. Graham did not have cannabis in his greenhouses, which code enforcers would have seen if they had looked inside. Rather, he was growing vegetables for his restaurant, and the pond is for wildfire control. As a captain and former chief of the Whale Gulch Volunteer Fire Company, he uses part of his land for public service. A judge might have listened, but Graham never made it that far. After waiting more than four years for a hearing, he finally received permission to appear before a private attorney on the countys payrollnot a real judge. Unfortunately, the appointment came with a threat. Blu Graham on his property in Humboldt County. Institute for Justice If Graham insisted on his day in court, the county would drop its cannabis allegations but still seek $90,000 in fines for a missing permit for the pond, which the county had refused to issue because of the cannabis allegations. If Graham settled out of court, he could pay a few thousand to end the ordeal. Story continues Rather than risk financial ruin in a rigged system, Graham took the offer. But he did not give up his fight. On Oct. 5, 2022, he joined other Humboldt County landowners in a class-action lawsuit to end the abuse. The public-interest law firm we work for, the Institute for Justice, represents them. The case highlights a nationwide risk for property owners as the War on Drugs transitions to a new phase, with marijuana now legal in many states and recent White House pardons at the federal level. Officers confiscate more than drugs when they conduct searches. Theyve seized more than $68.8 billion in cash during the 20-year span from 2000 to 2019. Many jurisdictions allow law enforcement agencies to keep up to 100 percent of the proceeds for themselves. Why the Hell Isnt Biden Ending the Federal War on Cannabis? The perverse incentive invites factory-like efficiency in law enforcement. Police and prosecutors cut corners to maximize profitoften with the help of compliant lawmakers and judges who assist the abuse rather than check it. As a result, the War on Drugs remains a War on Due Process. Aggressive officers excel at finding cash, but fail at constitutional law. They conduct warrantless surveillance, make pretextual traffic stops, bend the definition of probable cause to fit any situation, and forfeit assets without arresting or charging anyone with wrongdoingoften without finding narcotics. Then, prosecutors force property owners to prove their innocence, flipping upside down the standard that we are supposed to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Legalizing marijuana has not fixed these problems. Drug enforcement has been big business for too long, and agencies have grown dependent on the revenue. They are not about to let it go. They are simply changing tactics instead. Humboldt County serves as a model for the latest iteration of the War on Due Process. The California State Association of Counties even gave an award for the countys quick pivot after voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2016. By the time legalization took effect in 2018, code enforcers were ready. Their business model is simple: They charge a premium for cannabis land use and turbocharge penalties for anything that might constitute evasion. Simply owning a greenhouse or graded patch of land without a permit is enough to trigger unfounded and uninvestigated declarations of guilt. When code officials do show up, they come with officers in tactical gear and long rifles. Inspectors also patrol permitted farms in military helicopters. Massive penalties for minor violations force many landowners to settle baseless charges. County resident Rhonda Olson got hit with more than $7 million in fines, and Corrine and Doug Thomas faced more than $1 million in finesdespite never cultivating cannabissimply because prior owners had grown the crop without a permit. The county also ordered them to destroy any structures or grading that the prior owners might have used for cannabis. The Supreme Court Put Politics Above Law and Surrendered Its Legitimacy Other government money-making schemes abound nationwide. Law enforcement agencies in Kansas and Southern California laid in wait for armored vehicles carrying cash from state-legal cannabis businesses. Overall, the agencies seized and attempted to forfeit more than $1 million in 2021 and early 2022. Even when agencies use civil and administrative rules to police legalized marijuana, they still treat growers like dangerous criminals. Dozens of officers in tactical gear raided the business of a longtime medical caregiver in Michigan and burned his plants in October 2022 because he cultivated medicinal hemp and CBD without a license. The government even initiated forfeiture proceedings to take the mans tractor. Graham got the reverse treatment in California: a demand letter with no police presence. Either way, the War on Due Process continues. Police and prosecutors are too invested to make meaningful reform, so lawmakers and judges must step up. A good starting point would be to stop persecuting restaurant owners for growing vegetables. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Among our most cherished founding stories is George Washingtons response, Father, I cannot tell a lie, when asked if he had been the one who axed a prize cherry tree. The irony is that this story itself is a lie, concocted by a propagandist in 1806. But that aside, honesty has been a fundamental pillar of our government, our culture, our religious and social institutions, our business and industry and our public and private relationships from the days of our first president right up to our 43rd. That isnt to say lies didnt exist prior to 2016, of course they did. Political golden boy Jack Kennedy was helped into office by his lies about a missile gap between the Americans and Soviets that didnt exist. Tim Rowland But Kennedy eventually backed off that claim, because lies were career killers. In most areas of life they still are, as Elizabeth Holmes found out, as did Trevor Milton, convicted last month of rolling a hydrogen powered tractor-trailer downhill to make it appear to investors that it was moving on its own. Big Tobacco lied about cancer and paid a sizable financial price. Rafael Palmeiro lied about steroids and lost his reputation and a chance at the Hall of Fame. Nixon lied, of course, a deception that paved the way for Jimmy Carter, elected in no small part by his promise never to lie (in retrospect, some of his re-election campaign managers probably wish he had). Local news:Proposal could ban truck stop construction, require more review for large warehouses Bill Clinton aptly demonstrated that the lies could get you into more trouble than what it was you were lying about. But he survived, and came out the stronger for it. Somewhere, Donald Trump was watching. We call Trumps claims of election fraud the Big Lie, but the big lie that touched off an avalanche of falsehoods was his repeated contention, years earlier, that President Obama had been born overseas. From there, the lies never stopped. But even before Trump, the lies had become more political, the liars more unapologetic. We now know that Supreme Court Justice Sam Alito lied to then-Sen. Ted Kennedy about Roe v. Wade. We know that Bush-Cheney lied about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. We know that Big Oil lied about climate change. Story continues These lies were monstrously bigger than Nixons denials about his knowledge of Watergate, but by 2000, fewer politicians were paying a price for lying. It was, looking back, a transitional time. Everyone, even The New York Times, believed George W. Bush, because we just couldnt imagine a president of the United States would ever engage in such an aggressive act of deceit. Twenty years later, the script has flipped. We believe nothing our leaders say now, whether theyre telling the truth or not. Nor, apparently, does it matter. The last politician to be taken down by lies might have been Michele Bachmann, who claimed that vaccines led to mental retardation. Even Rush Limbaugh was aghast, saying Bachmann might have blown it. Theres no evidence that the vaccine causes mental retardation. Evidence, schmedivence. We now know Bachmann was simply nine years ahead of her time. Dracula Lives:After 125 years, Bram Stokers horror classic is still terrifying Trumps genius was in the sheer volume of lies, told with utter shamelessness. Like a bevy of quail, there was no way to shoot them all down. But he also, oddly enough, benefited from our Internet-fed, knowledge-based society, in which everything could be looked up, and getting even the tiniest detail wrong was a full-fledged, finger-pointing, gotcha-fest. Instead of getting tired of Trumps lies, we got tired of the people who were constantly calling them out. As it seems now, we needed a little elasticity in the truth. If we were going to take issue with every little thing, then why bother to get it right? The system had become so rigid it could be shattered by one decisive hammer blow. The question, for the future of America, is whether, once lost, we can ever regain the sanctity of the truth. Democracy depends on free, full and accurate information; when people willingly unharness themselves from the truth, the line between an informed and uninformed decision is inexorably crossed. And world history is littered with the tombstones of nations that relied on uninformed decisions. There is some thought that the MAGA movement, most of it, understands Trump is lying, but considers it all part of a grand plan by the Messiah to set things right in the world. So if that basic understanding between right and wrong still exists, there is hope. MAGA, also, still has enough awareness to revert to the truth when under oath in court and facing potential perjury charges. Still, a generation of children is growing up watching members of Congress, the Supreme Court and a president all lie without consequence. So how might a young George Washington have answered his father today? Tim Rowland is a Herald-Mail columnist. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: A generation is watching government leaders lie without consequence If you're traveling solo, or with a group of book lovers, consider adding a stop at a library to your next travel destination. What's not to love about popping into a library? You can check out the latest books on the stacks, and admire the beautiful buildings that the libraries are housed in. But of course, libraries aren't just for book lovers. Many of them also serve as museums, galleries, places where you can learn new skills like cooking or coding, and many of them are also beautiful works of art themselves. Libraries are beautiful for a whole host of reasonswhile some are visually stunning because they are so modern and technologically advanced, others are seemingly ancient and filled with history, wowing visitors who are mesmerized by the architecture and details. Read on to discover the most awe-inspiring libraries the U.S. has to offer. READ THIS NEXT: The 10 Best U.S. Cities to Visit If You Love Old Houses. The Best Libraries in the U.S. 1. Los Angeles Central Library The city of Los Angeles is well-known and well-visited because of its film industry, but it's also quite a popular literary city, filled with many book lovers who are patrons of the city's main public library, the Los Angeles Central Library. The library building, located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, is designed in the Art Deco style, and stands out among many of the neighborhood's more modern skyscrapers. The building's exteriors are a marvel of architecture, but the interior of the library is also filled with works of art, including four major murals by Dean Cornwell which display the history of California. "Its real stand-out attraction is the artwork, with painted walls and ceilings, you won't have time to look at any books when you're staring at the fascinating works around you," says Jim Campbell, the CEO and founder of travel website Honeymoon Goals. 2. Providence Athenaeum The Providence Athenaeum may be named after Athena, the goddess of war and reason, but upon designing the building, architect William Strickland may have been more influenced by the gods of beauty, as the Rhode Island library is one of the country's most stunning. The library, one of Edgar Allen Poe's former haunts, is an independent, member-supported subscription library, and the building that it's housed in was constructed in 1836. The interiors are a book-lovers dream, and the library itself is also filled with interesting artifacts. Story continues "The library has interesting statues and an exceptional rare books collection, including a study of Egypt that Napoleon commissioned and an original copy of John Audubon's 'Birds of America,'" says Steve Prohaska, a travel expert and the founder of See the Best Places. "A special exhibit here also contains some of the belongings, photos, and signed letters of Walt Whitman." Visitors can take self-guided tours of the museum with the help of their brochure and information displays. For more travel advice delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. 3. Boston Public Library Boston is one of the most historic cities in the country, so it makes sense that the city's public library would also be one of the country's oldest and most beloved. Serving more than four million patrons a year, the Boston Public Library is also one of the largest public libraries in the country. The Boston library system was first founded in 1848, but its main branch, located in the city's Copley Square opened in 1895. The building was designed in a Beaux-Arts architectural style, and its Bates Hall, one of the most striking areas of the library, features a tall, coffered ceiling that's reminiscent of Renaissance buildings. "The McKim building is the historic part of the library, first founded in 1848," says Amanda Ghanbarpour, a travel writer at My Vintage Map. "The architecture in this part of the library is stunning, with its ornate ceilings, staircase, paintings and statues. But the best part is the Bates Reading Room, with its vaulted ceiling and rows of tables with reading lamps, surrounded by shelves of books on all sides. It is truly a work of art." 4. Library of Congress Perhaps the most well-known of all of the country's libraries, the Library of Congress is a research library that is used by members of the U.S. Congress, and it's also the de facto national library of the United States. The library, housed on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States, established in 1800. Its oldest building, the Thomas Jefferson Building, which was built in the late 19th century, is arguably its most visually-striking. Its beautiful, open Great Hall is home to a mosaic of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom. The library is open for visitors Tuesday through Saturday, but you must reserve a timed-entry pass online before entering. Visitors can stop by one of the library's reading rooms to do research, although only high-ranking government officials and library employees may check out materials, or attend one of the library's many events, like concerts or historical lectures. 5. Armstrong-Browning Library Many libraries pride themselves on the large number of authors whose works are housed within their walls. The Armstrong-Browning Library, on the campus of Baylor University in Waco, Texas, is a little different. It's home to the largest collections of works by English Victorian-era poets Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. As the University's collection of the Browning's work continued to grow, the school needed a dedicated space for it, building the Armstrong-Browning Library in the mid-20th century. In addition to the literary works found in the library, it's also home to the largest collection of secular stained glass in the world, so it's a dream for art lovers as well. "The Armstrong-Browning Library is without a doubt one of the most stunning libraries in the United States," says Jenny Ly, the founder of Go Wanderly. "European influences are evident in the design. But it's the finer pointsstained-glass representations of Robert and Elizabeth's poems, literary interpretations of their words, and quotes painted on the wallsthat transform a chaotic collection of thoughts into a carefully manicured paradise for book lovers." As well as allowing visitors to tour the library and museum, the beautiful building is also popular as a wedding venue. 6. Nashville Public Library The Nashville Public Library is a resource for anyone interested in the Music City's history, but the building that it's housed in, located in the city's downtown, is also an impressive, historic building in its own right. The library building was first constructed in 1901, and has such stunning architecture that you might forget that you're in there looking for books and not just to admire the building itself. "Robert A.M. Stern Architects of New York designed the three-story, 300 thousand square foot building in a modern classical style with columns and pillars," says Jill Kilgore, a public relations media manager at the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. "Inside is a grand staircase in the lobby, skylights and large windows with a view of the State Capitol, and original artwork commissioned especially for the library." READ THIS NEXT: The 10 Best U.S. Cities to Visit for History Buffs. 7. Hearst Castle Library It only makes sense that the library of one of the most beautiful mansions in the country, the Hearst Castle, would also contain one of the most beautiful libraries as well. The gigantic home was built in the early 20th century for newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst, and its massive library wasn't just for books, although it holds plenty of those. It also houses art like antique Greek vases, and a 16th century Spanish ceiling. "The Hearst Castle Library, on the central coast of California, is one of the most gorgeous libraries in the country," says Larry Snider, VP of Operations of Casago Vacation Rentals. "Built to reflect the European styles of architecture admired by Hearst, it holds approximately 4,000 books as well as his collection of medieval texts, paintings, statues, and textiles." 8. Louisville Free Public Library The Louisville Free Public Library looks more like a building at a private university than a free, public library in the center of Kentucky's largest city. The main branch was constructed in 1906 by the New York architectural film Pilcher and Tachau, which also designed buildings at private universities, so it makes sense that the library's exteriors look so refined. "The Louisville Free Public Library Main Branch is considered one of the finest examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in Kentucky, complete with stained glass, a barrel-vaulted ceiling, white marble columns and two staircases with bronze and iron railings," says Jordan Skora, a marketing communications manager at Louisville Tourism. "On the property stands a 13-foot bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln, Kentucky's only native U.S. President." Although the library is a beloved historic institution in the city, it wasn't always certain that the building would stand the test of time, because it was severely damaged during a flood in 1937. "During the great 1937 flood, much of the library was damaged as the Ohio River rose 30 feet above flood stage, covering 60 percent of the city," Skora says. "Nonetheless, the library prevailed, becoming the first U.S. library with its own FM radio station in 1950." 9. Morgan Library and Museum When you picture a beautiful library, you're probably imagining the Morgan Library and Museum, a research library and museum in Manhattan. While the small library's name might not ring a bell, it's safe to say that one of its owner's, J.P. Morgan's, might. The library is a collection of the financier and investment banker's private library, which contained manuscripts books, prints, and drawings. "The Morgan Library and Museum is one of the most gorgeous libraries in the United States," says Nick Mueller, director of operations at Hawaiianislands.com. "Financier JP Morgan possessed a comprehensive collection of art, from rare books and prints to ancient artifacts. In 1924, his son donated the library to the public and it's been open ever since. The structure was built between 1902 and 1906 and occupies half a city block." The library stands out for its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, lined with aged manuscripts and books, and its richly decorated interiors, including its muraled ceilings and dramatic Rotunda room with a domed ceiling. 10. Suzzallo and Allen Libraries You wouldn't expect the Suzzallo and Allen Libraries, the main libraries for the University of Washington in Seattle, to only have been constructed in the past 100 years. The library looks as if it's been around for several centuries, and instead of belonging at an urban college campus, it should be in a castle in the countryside somewhere. It's a beautiful building that reflects the modern needs of the college campus that it serves. "Seattle has a library that's known as the Harry Potter library," says Sarah Simon, a travel blogger at Mukikapup's Travels. "The Suzzallo and Allen Libraries are in the University of Washington's campus and are considered the 'soul' of the school. The architecture is in the Collegiate Gothic style and includes a batwing vaulted ceiling, outdoor facade with buttresses and statues, and coats-of-arms from around the globe. There are also art installations, one of the world's biggest books, hand-painted globes and stained glass to see." In addition to students doing research, visitors are welcome to tour the libraries Sunday through Friday. 11. Kansas City Public Library Libraries are beloved institutions for the books and resources that they have inside of their walls. But the Kansas City Public Library is a treasured part of the city, and one of the most beautiful libraries in the country, for the books that they have outside of the library. The central branch of the city's public library, which formerly housed the First National Bank, has a facade that's designed to look like a gigantic bookshelf, designed with 25 foot by 9 foot book spines showing titles of classic novels like Charlotte's Web and To Kill a Mockingbird. "Its parking garage, which is designed like an enormous bookshelf, is one of the major attractions," says Martin Betch, the cofounder of travel website Hi-van. READ THIS NEXT: The 10 Prettiest Small Towns in the U.S. 12. Parkway Central Library The main branch of Philadelphia's public library system is the Parkway Central Library. It was opened in 1927, and serves as the largest branch of the library system's 54 branches. It's also, arguably, the most beautiful. The building that the library is housed in is seven stories, with four of them open to the public. "The library is so stunning that many choose it as a wedding venue," says Melanie Musson, a travel expert with Clearsurance. "But, despite its grandeur, the intricate architectural details give an intimate feel to the space. So it's ideal for both large and small gatherings." But weddings and other elaborate affairs aren't the only reason that people visit the library. In addition to checking out books, movies and other items, the library offers a series of opportunities to learn, including cooking lessons. "One of the unique offerings of this library is that they have a full commercial kitchen on the fourth floor," Musson says. "It was designed and used as an educational hub for the culinary arts." Kari Lake Campaigns Across Arizona Ahead Of Arizona Governor's Election A campaign bus for Arizona Republican candidates is seen parked in front of a campaign rally at Dream City Church on November 05, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Credit - Justin SullivanGetty Images SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.Call it a tale of two campaign strategies. In the final days and weeks of Arizonas midterm elections, the major Republican and Democratic hopefuls have embarked on strikingly different approaches. Whereas Republicans are running as a unified slate, branding themselves as a single ticket, Democrats are running more of an every-candidate-for-themselves playbook. The notably divergent game plans were on full display this weekend. In Scottsdale, north of Phoenix, all of the GOP candidates for statewide officeKari Lake for governor, Blake Masters for Senate, Abe Hamadeh for attorney general, and Mark Finchem for secretary of stateheld a campaign rally together on Saturday, with a massive charter bus that has their faces plastered on its side outside the venue. A day later, more than 100 miles southeast, both Katie Hobbs, Arizonas secretary of state and Democratic nominee for governor, and Sen. Mark Kelly, whos running for reelection, held events at the same time in the same city, but in different locations. Kelly rallied students at the University of Arizona in Tucson, while Hobbs worked to mobilize voters at a nearby senior center, where she warned the audience that her bid against Lake was perhaps the most important election for governor in Arizonas history. The Republicans united front began to coalesce over the summer, after a spate of candidates endorsed by former President Donald Trump won their primaries, but really picked up steam in the fall. The four statewide candidates have rallied together virtually every day over the last month. At each stop, their backers write encouraging messages in Sharpie on their Arizona First get-out-the-vote bus. According to multiple Arizona Republican sources, the candidates are hoping to capitalize on the intense enthusiasm for Lake, the former television journalist who entered politics last year and who has taken Arizona by storm. Story continues Lake, who insists that Joe Biden didnt win the 2020 election and has been coy about whether she would accept Tuesdays election results if she loses, has become a MAGA sensation who regularly attracts huge crowds and has cultivated a fervent emotional connection with the states GOP base, drawing on her longtime presence in their lives as one of the top news anchors in Arizonas largest market. I told Finchem, I told Blake: Just show up with Kari, Steve Bannon, Trumps former chief strategist and a conservative firebrand, tells TIME. Thats all you need to do. Shes getting all the media. Shes getting crowds. It would be foolish to do anything else. Read more: How Kari Lake Went From Local Anchor to New Face of the MAGA Right Theyve taken his advice. In Scottsdale, before a packed crowd, they each took the stage one after the other. Signs on the wall read, Vote for Lake, Blake, Mark & Abe. As is usual for the headliner, Lake came on last and emphasized the importance of electing the other Republicans on the ticket to help enact her agenda. More from TIME She said she needed Masters in the Senate to push back against the overreach of the federal government. She cast Hamadeh as a core partner who could help her secure the border and combat violent crime. Ive got to have an attorney general fighting along with me. And she extolled Finchem, who rose to prominence as an outspoken voice denying Bidens victory: I need that cowboy. Republicans are betting that the strategy will pay off. While Lake remains in a tight raceshe is polling 2.5 percentage points ahead of Hobbs in FiveThirtyEights polling averageshe appears to be a galvanizing force. Shes got coattails, Bannon adds. Its not just Lakes fan base that recognizes the trendline. When you look at the numbers, especially when we polled the top four races, Kari Lake is unequivocally the anchor, Mike Noble, chief researcher at the independent Arizona-based polling group OH Predictive Insights, tells TIME. She is Arizonas Donald Trump reincarnate. One hundred percent. Shes got that star power. Lakes campaign says she is sharing the stageand thus her avid followerswith the other Republicans to help elevate like-minded insurgent candidates who share her political goals. She does it because electing outsiders up and down the ballot who will relentlessly fight to put Arizona First is the most important thing we can do to save our state, a campaign spokesperson tells TIME. Career politicians Mark Kelly or Katie Hobbs dont campaign together because they care more about their careers than the future of Arizona. The polls tell them the only thing more toxic than one leftist Democrat is two. Bannon pointed to a recent immigration roundtable event that Lake orchestrated in the border town of Sierra Vista with the rest of the Republican slate. She was reaching out and bringing them into it, not trying to hog the spotlight like most others would, he says. She was doing the exact opposite. The Democrats, on the other hand, are mainly doing their own thing. They have campaigned together on a few occasions, such as when former President Barack Obama came to Arizona last week to energize the partys base. Otherwise, Kelly, Hobbs, secretary of state candidate Adrian Fontes, and attorney general candidate Kris Mayes have largely run separate races. We have been campaigning all over the state, meeting voters directly in their communities and talking about my plans to take Arizona forward, Hobbs tells TIME. Sarah Guggenheimer, a spokeswoman for Kelly, frames the Senators approach to campaigning as a sign of his approach to governing. Following in the footsteps of his predecessor Senator John McCain, Senator Kelly has been the independent senator that Arizona deserves, putting the needs of the state ahead of partisan politics, she says. Yet some Arizona Democrats have acknowledged that the problem may lie in the partys lack of cohesion. Theres something to be said for message coordination and message discipline, Ron Ober, a veteran Phoenix-based Democratic strategist, tells TIME. The Democrats, he goes on, havent been as coordinated and as crisp as the Republicans have been by running as a team. Right-wing activists have also noted the discrepancy between the two parties, and see it as an advantage with trying to win over the states independent voters. Were able to work together because everyones getting along, Tyler Bower, the chief operating officer of the conservative group Turning Point Action, tells TIME. Were able to go out and evangelize to the independent space on a unified message. Wheres Sinema? Along with the Democrats go-it-alone approach, the absence from the trail of an Arizona Democrat not even on the ballot this year hasnt gone unnoticed. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema has rarely been seen stumping with Kelly or Hobbs. She was conspicuously missing last week when Obama came to rally for them at a high school gymnasium in Laveen Village. Sinema, who joined the Senate in 2019, has been a thorn in the side of her fellow Democrats in the evenly split chamber, where she and Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia have repeatedly stymied Bidens agenda on taxes, changing the filibuster, and other issues. While Sinema is now loathed by many liberals, she polls well with the up-for-grabs voters Hobbs needs, as 34% of the states electorate is independent. Sinema has publicly spoken of her support for Kelly and has donated $10,000 to his campaign through her leadership PAC. She also recently said that she voted for Hobbs, but has stopped short of lending her credibility with Arizonas independent voters to Hobbs by campaigning with her. Hobbs campaign confirmed that Sinema has not donated to her campaign. Sinemas absenteeism this cycle has been notable to Arizona political analysts, given that she and Hobbs have a history. Sinema helped to recruit Hobbs in 2010 to replace her seat in the Arizona House when Sinema ran for the state Senate. Youd think that Kysten Sinema would come to campaign for Katie, Dave Wells, an Arizona State University politics professor, tells TIME. Shes up for reelection in 2024. And it would help her with the Democratic base to see her campaigning for Democrats cause she never seems to do that here. In response to a question from TIME about why Sinema hasnt been on the trail with Kelly or Hobbs, Hannah Hurley, a spokeswoman for Sinema, responded: Kyrsten is working closely with Senator Kelly and is supporting him however he needs and however his campaign thinks is most helpful. She did not mention Hobbs. Some local insiders suspect that Democrats are distancing themselves from Hobbs, who has been seen as running a weaker campaign than Lake. Along with refusing to debate Lake, Hobbs has struggled to explain away a former employees lawsuit over racial and sexual discrimination, or a recent registration error in the secretary of states office that could affect up to 6,000 voters. I think that the way it played out certainly is that Hobbs has been a drag on everybody, a veteran Arizona Democratic consultant, who spoke on condition of anonymity to speak more freely, tells TIME. But the lack of coordination is not just from Sinema. Neither Hobbs nor Kelly speak about each others campaigns much on the stump, or that of Fontes and Mayes. Lake, in contrast, seems to relish the opportunity to boost her fellow Republicans. All of them, like her, have Trumps stamp of approval and share many of the same core policy positions, including support for remaking Arizona election laws, enacting more stringent border policies, and castigating the way gender and racial issues are taught in public schools. Weve got a great ticket, Lake told her supporters on Saturday evening. The media has been attacking us. Ill tell you, vote for whoever the media has been attacking. Khadija Horton/Pexels "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below." Content warning: This story contains descriptions of murder, assault, and sexual violence. Khadija Horton/Pexels The sun has set on another scorching day in Albuquerque, and here in the high desert, the temperature is dropping fast. Dilia* walks up to a gray minivan parked in an otherwise vacant lot, where volunteers have set out bins of free clothing and other essentialstampons, condoms, cleansing wipes. Currently unhoused, Dilia is desperate for warm layers: City police razed her campsite that morning, she says, leaving her with only the shorts and crop top shes wearing. And yet, even amid this hardship, Dilia has arrived with something to share: an urgent safety warning for the girls in the neighborhood. Khadija Horton/Pexels As someone hands her a cozy sweater and hygiene kit, Dilia turns toward Cynthia Vigil Jaramillo, the head organizer of tonights outreach, and launches into a harrowing story: A few weeks ago, Dilia was on nearby Central Avenue doing datesa common term for selling sexwhen a new client rolled up in a red truck. She and the man negotiated the terms of their encounter, and Dilia climbed in beside him. Except it was a trap: She had barely settled into the passenger seat when the man pulled out a gun and demanded her cash. He seemed nervous, she saysmaybe a first-time assailant. Dilia handed over the 72 cents she had in her pocket and was able to escape without further harm. Tonight, though, she wants everyone to know: The red truck is back, cruising the neighborhood again. The man behind the wheel might be bolder now, more dangerous. His next victim might not get away. Hearst Owned Jaramillo listens closely, mentally compiling the details of Dilias account: white man, brown hair, 30something. Later on, after she and the other volunteers pack up the van, Jaramillo will write up a full incident reportnot for the police but for the Bad Guy List. Its scrappy and low-tech, just a photocopied sheet of paper filled with crowdsourced reports like Dilias. Jaramillo produces the Bad Guy List through Street Safe New Mexico , a guerrilla nonprofit she cofounded in 2010 when a series of murders in this communityher communitywent unsolved. Part neighborhood watch, part resource hub, Street Safe exists to empower sex workers and other people on the street, anyone living at the intersection of criminalization, social stigma, and an ever-present possibility of violence. Story continues The Bad Guy List has since emerged as a primary index of that danger, a running bulletin of mens brutality against an oft targeted cohort, mostly women. It comes out every week, and Street Safes small volunteer crew passes it out by hand. In addition to Dilias account, the next installment will include alerts about an older bald man who tried to yank a woman into his Nissan after following her down the street as well as a violent serial rapist with dark, slicked-back hair who broke a womens nose. Another entry describes a man with feathered blonde hair, driving a Hyundai, who lunged for a weapon as he steered. His victim fled the car while it was still in motion. Khadija Horton/Pexels This spring and summer, I embedded with Street Safes volunteers during a series of outreach sessions to witness this model of harm reduction in action: reports coming in, copies going out. The accounts are shattering, in person and on the page. At the same time, the Bad Guy List reflects a gesture of profound community caring, the survivor in each case speaking out so that others might be spared. One after another, women told me how crucial this simple sheet has been to their sense of safetyand moreover, their sense of belonging in a world that all too often ignores their humanity. Im attending another outreach session when Jaramillo beckons me to join her behind Street Safes van. The neon motel signs are flickering to life one by one along Central Avenue. Shes reflecting on her own life in this community, as both a descendant and a survivor of the violence men have unleashed upon it. Her mother, Elizabeth Molina, was kidnapped and murdered in 1992 while doing dates on Central, possibly by serial killer Samuel Little . Jaramillo, around 15 years old at the time, began doing dates to survive. The neighborhood was known as the War Zone back then, and Jaramillo did her best to get byuntil a violent man came for her too, pulling over his mobile home for what she thought was a routine date. Unbeknownst to Jaramillo, the man was David Parker Ray, a serial rapist and torturer who later came to be known as the Toy-Box Killer. With an accomplice named Cynthia Hendy, he handcuffed Jaramillo in his trailerrigged into a torture chamberand abducted her 150 miles south. She managed to fight her way out after three days in captivity, stripped naked except for a dog collar and chains. Khadija Horton/Pexels Jaramillos eventual testimony helped put Ray and Hendy behind bars. (Ray died in prison in 2002; Hendy, sentenced to 36 years, was released in 2019 after serving almost 20). But all along, women who did dates in the neighborhood continued to vanish: In 2009, investigators uncovered a mass grave in Albuquerques West Mesa containing the remains of nine young women and two teenage girls who had disappeared between 2003 and 2005. A lot of the girls were friends of mine that I was out here with on the streets, Jaramillo tells me. I remember seeing them going missing. Few outsiders seemed to care. Hearst Owned Christine Barber, then a local news reporter and acquaintance, approached Jaramillo about developing a memoir of her abduction and survival. Jaramillo suggested they team up on another project instead: an organization that would help stop these horrors from happening to anyone else. Street Safes mission statement reveals the pragmatic rage at its core: We fight for the women we serve. And we are not tactful, classy, or levelheaded. Because we see the injustice they face every day and it pisses us off. No one was coming to save them. Time to organize and take care of their own. Im pitching in at outreach one night, sorting through bins of bras and underwear to help women find their sizes, when another volunteer says theres someone here I should meet. Across the parking lot, she points out a woman sitting on a cement barricade, introduces her to me as Jess*, and leaves us to talk. I take in Jesss shiny blue ponytail, her glittery eyeshadow, and the fading tattoos she says she DIYed years ago with a mascara mix. Jess recently moved in with her boyfriend and stepped away from sex work after a long stretch of being unhoused, she tells me. Shes been a Bad Guy List believer since 2015, when a client raped her on a date. Sex workers face high rates of violence around the world. While this pattern is grossly under-researched, a 2014 analysis of 28 studies found that people who exchange sex for money have a 45 percent to 75 percent chance of experiencing sexual violence at some point in the course of that work. Today, Street Safe says only 15 percent of incidents that appear on the Bad Guy List are reported to police, a pattern stemming from decades of criminalization, not to mention a more generalized national problem of police failing to support victims of sexual violence and committing sexual assaults themselves . Khadija Horton/Pexels Jess did go to the police first, an experience she describes as a nightmare. She remembers officers laughing and high-fiving around her, ignoring her trauma like it was all some kind of a joke. Jess ended up texting Street Safe. Barber showed up at the station and drove her to a rape crisis center. There, Jesss rape kit was added to a backlog of untested sexual-assault evidence dating back to the 1980s. Cosmopolitan contacted the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) for comment on Jesss experience as well as for comment on the more recent incident reported by Diliathat of police leveling her campsite and discarding all her possessions. Responding by email, APD spokesperson Rebecca Atkins did not answer questions about the departments past practices regarding survivors of sexual assault. As for encampments, Atkins stated that police may clear any that trespass on private property as well as those situated in close proximity to kids programs within public parks. Hearst Owned Jess says that in her case, Street Safes whisper networkunlike the criminal justice systemmade the community safer overnight. Every single girl knew what had happened to me by the next morning because we passed that information along, she says. Meanwhile, it took until 2021 for the city of Albuquerque to clear its backlog of 4,742 untested rape kits and for Jesss evidence to come up as a match for a man already on trial for another crime. She agreed to testify against him, resulting in a rape conviction and 28-year prison sentence. By then, six long years had passed since the man first appeared on the Bad Guy List. Khadija Horton/Pexels Thats not to say the Bad Guy List is a stand-alone solution or a replacement for due process. Its very existence means that bad guys are still causing harm when the goal is to stop them entirely. Jaramillo and Barber say Street Safe is working to build more constructive relationships with law enforcement on the communitys termsfor example, by educating officers on their challenges and needs and advocating for ways sex workers can report assaults to someone other than a cop (such as a specially trained victim advocate). According to Atkins, APD now has an analyst who reviews the Bad Guy List every week. In 2021, APD arrested seven accused rapists who initially appeared on the list. Sex Crimes detectives currently have a great working relationship with Street Safe and earned their respect for the new practices APD has, Atkins wrote in her email. But theres still work for law enforcement to do, including reckoning with a harmful legacy of community crackdowns. Back in 2010, for example, APD made 549 arrests of sex workers for engaging in the trade. Atkins tells Cosmopolitan that APD officers no longer arrest people for performing sex work, but Barber says the mere presence of police on the streets can still have an effect of heightening dangers for sex workers. Those deciding whether to enter a clients car must assess the risk the client posessay, by visually scanning the vehicles interior for weapons or for modifications that might rig a passenger door to lock on the inside, she explains. But when a cop is close by? Sex workers might rush through the safety check just to get away from the officer. And that means they could end up with a dangerous man they would have otherwise avoided. Also important to note: Thirteen years after the gruesome discovery on the West Mesa, authorities still havent charged anyone in the deaths of the 11 young women and girls. This year, an investigator on the case pleaded with the public for new tips , offering $100,000 for any clues leading to an arrest. Khadija Horton/Pexels When I arrive at outreach one week in late June, the high school volunteer who usually distributes the Bad Guy List is gone, off to college for the coming semester. Another volunteer hands me a red messenger bag filled with a stack of lists and an assortment of candy. I approach people as they arrive, asking if theyd like a copy and offering handfuls of Starbursts and Hersheys Miniatures. Most say yes and peer over the double-sided sheet as soon as it passes between our hands. Some hesitate and say they dont do that kind of workbut then decide it doesnt hurt to be informed. Im not necessarily a working girl myself, but I will watch out for all my sisters, says Danae*. After experiencing being unhoused throughout much of the pandemic, she recently managed to secure housing and still views Street Safe as a vital community touchpoint. I have to come here and get the list every week, she says. Hearst Owned This edition contains 16 reports with headings like Silver four-door Nissan and MAN FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD. Six of the listings are marked with an X, which means the person was attacked at random, just going about their day. There are self-defense tips on fighting off an attacker from the passenger seat of a car plus suggestions on where to call for help if youve been raped or trafficked. On nights like this, Street Safe posts up in one location. Other daysparticularly during Albuquerques state fair, when Jaramillo and Barber say women are frequently trafficked into townvolunteers roam the area, offering the Bad Guy List to all they pass and making a special point to connect with women they havent seen before. Although the Bad Guy List has a digital presence on Street Safes Instagram and in a partial web archive of reports, print copies are most accessible and remain the soul of Street Safes distribution network. Jaramillo wants to expand the lists scope and reachto encompass the areas strip clubs and truck stops, for instancebut its challenging with a small volunteer team. Nevertheless, shes optimistic about spreading the model. Shes been teaching organizers in other states how to maintain similar lists within their own communities. Khadija Horton/Pexels This coming year, Street Safe hopes to open a real office (theyre currently renting a small space near the parking lot where I met Dilia). And if the city doesnt rescind the initiative first , the organization may sponsor a Safe Outdoor Spacea supervised, designated zone for unhoused people to set up campspecifically for sex workers and survivors of trafficking. In the parking lot, Dilia huddles over her legs for warmth as we sit on adjoining camp chairs in the twilight. She views the Bad Guy List as not just a safety mechanism but as a signal to all who read it that no one out here is alone. Ive even left it in guys cars like, Dont mess around with the girls, she says. All of us, we watch out for each other. We stick together when we work. *Name has been changed. You Might Also Like Photo: KGAN Updated 11/9/22 at 12:20 p.m E.T: It was reported by The Associated Press on Wednesday that Pieper Lewis is back in custody and is currently being held in an Iowa jail: Pieper Lewis was booked into the Polk County Jail on Tuesday, said Polk County Sheriff Lt. Ryan Evans. Iowa Department of Corrections officers located her in Des Moines and took her into custody. We would like to thank law enforcement and members of Iowas 5th Judicial District for their efforts to safely bring Ms. Lewis back into custody, corrections spokesman Nick Crawford said. She will be taken before Judge David Porter for a probation revocation hearing. A date had not yet been set as of Wednesday. Lewis left her Des Moines womens shelter last week where she was serving probation. If her probation is revoked, she could face time in prison. Read more According to authorities in Iowa, 18-year-old sex trafficking victim Pieper Lewis escaped from a womens facility where she was serving her probation sentence. Last year, she pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and willful injury in the June 2020 killing of 37-year-old Zachary Brooks. Lewis was sentenced to five years of supervised probation and ordered to pay $150,000 restitution to Brooks family. A GoFundMe fund ultimately raised over $560,000 to cover the restitution and other needs Lewis may have had. She was seen leaving Fresh Start Womens Center in Des Moines a little after 6:15 a.m. Friday. A probation violation report mentioned that Lewis GPS monitor was also cut off some time during the day. A warrant has been issued for her arrest. It addition, the report reveals that Lewis received citations in the past for not always taking the direct bus route home or for receiving an unapproved private ride. KCCI shared that her probation report request that the original sentence be reinstated which means she could face a maximum of 20 years in prison. Story continues Lewis has stated that she was trafficked against her will to Brooks for sex multiple times and stabbed him to death. Before the violent altercation, she ran away from her mother in early 2020 in what the teen claimed was an abusive relationship. Lewis wound up living with a 28-year-old Des Moines musician that she referred to as her boyfriend. She also claimed that he made her have sex with older menincluding Brooksin exchange for money. Lewiss accused trafficker has not been charged. The Polk County Sheriffs Office and the Des Moines Police Department were alerted to Lewiss escape. Additionally, the Brooks family was made aware that a warrant is out for her arrest. More from The Root Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. A Colorado election official believes that the threats of violence that have bubbled up in the weeks leading up to the midterms has given him no other choice but to don a bulletproof vest. I wear one pretty much every single day, said Josh Zygielbaum, the County Clerk and Recorder in Adams County, Colorado, in an interview with Terry Moran which aired on ABC News on Sunday night. The Colorado election worker, who is on the ballot for his own re-election as County Clerk, explained during the Sunday night episode of The Week how hed been taking precautionary measures to proof the office for weeks. Panic buttons, for instance, are now installed under each desk in the County Clerks office. Really trying to harden the office as a target as much as we could, the Democratic County Clerk explained to the ABC journalist, while providing a tour of the facilities and the security measures that have been put in place to protect him and his poll workers. Mr Zygielbaum acknowledged that part of what prompted these security measures were incidents in the past that have made him feel unsafe. I have had some incidents in the past where people have followed me back to my neighbourhood, he said. After flagging these concerns to the local sheriff, he recommended that I wear a ballistic vest whenever I feel necessary. Now, that amounts to just about every day, Mr Zygielbaum admitted. Josh Zygielbaum, the County Clerk and Recorder in Adams County, Colorado, told ABC News that he wears body armour pretty much every day (ABC News/YouTube video screengrab) While Mr Zygielbaums precautions may seem to the unobservant eye as overzealous, for a person in his public position it seems, unfortunately, proportionate. Following former President Donald Trumps unsubstantiated claims that widespread voter fraud cost him his re-election in 2020, there has been a wave of threats launched against election workers, which later prompted the Justice Department to set up a task force in the summer of 2021. That task force, as of July 2022, had already reviewed more than 1,000 threatening and harassing messages, Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Polite Jr told the Senate Judiciary Committee last summer. Story continues Most of the people who say elections can't be trusted don't actually know, at the granular level, what happens to ballots and how they work.@TerryMoran speaks with election workers who suddenly find themselves the subject of threats and intimidation. https://t.co/DECxyAAQ36 pic.twitter.com/5glBusWoSp This Week (@ThisWeekABC) November 6, 2022 And those threats of violence against local poll workers have only seemed to become more intensified in the waning weeks of the midterm campaign season. Election workers have expressed on a regular basis their concerns. Theyve seen what the potential for violence is across our nation. And now theyve seen just a few folks act in a manner that is intimidating or bullying on the ground here in Arizona, said Paul Penzone, sheriff of Maricopa County in Arizona, in an interview with Politico. In recent weeks, its been reported by the secretary of state that there have been 18 instances of camo clad men and vigilante watchers hiding in bushes to surveil ballot boxes in what authorities have characterised as a case of voter intimidation. People are fearful because theyre not sure what to expect, said Mr Penzone. In other areas of the US, where pro-Trump supporters blasted lies about election tampering after the results of the 2020 election had been read, the increasing anxiety for poll workers has been tamping up for weeks. The Detroit Free Press reported about a group called the America Project in Michigan, who provide training to volunteers to monitor ballot boxes via a camera set up outside and to encourage them to bring along guns in case they have a brush with a supposed criminal. Fears of potential violence have also intensified in recent weeks in light of the politically motivated attack on House Speaker Nancy Pelosis husband, Paul Pelosi, who had his skull fractured last month by a hammer-wielding intruder beset on kidnapping the Democratic leader after he broke into the couples San Francisco home. For his part, Mr Zygielbaum thinks that the fact that he feels he must don body armour daily in the leadup to a democratic election speaks volumes about the state of the countrys political atmosphere. It says that you know, that our democracy isnt as probably healthy as it should be right now, he told ABC reporter Mr Moran. The Justice Department has previously weighed in on lawsuits against one of the groups monitoring ballot boxes in Arizona after the group claimed that it was protected by the First Amendment and were simply attending to the boxes to prevent so-called voter fraud. Gregor Halenda - Hearst Owned "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below." Jainaba Jeng wants to take you on a culinary journey to Africaand youll never have to leave the comfort of your own home. Originally from the Gambia, Jeng created Kitchens of Africa, a collection of easy-to-use, all-natural sauces and marinades that allow home chefs to explore the bold, delectable flavors of that diverse continent. I would like to think of myself as an ambassador of my cultural food, bridging the gap between what most people perceive African food to be, and exposing them to the sophistication, depth, and range of the cuisine, says Jeng, who originally left the Gambia to obtain a college degree in Canada. After a coup back home made it unsafe for her to return after graduation, she moved near relatives in Raleigh, North Carolina. As she settled in, Jeng began exploring the range of global foods available thereThai, Mexican, Indianand tried her hand at replicating dishes at home with shortcut sauces she found in specialty markets. All the while she longed for the comforting foods of Africaof home. With a full-time job working for the U.S. Department of Justice, Jeng found it hard to make the time to source the elusive ingredients (or the hours for simmering) needed to cook the dishes from her childhood. She thought: If people from other countries can package their cultural cuisines in a jar and share them with the world, why cant I? And with that, Kitchens of Africa was born. Oprah was drawn to beautifully designed labels of Kitchens of Africa. Once she tasted the spicy blends and seasoned sauces, it was a done deal. Above, watch as Oprah surprises Jeng with the news that a Kitchens of Africa set is one of her Favorite Things. Read on to see Jengs take on experience, and how she developed her beloved sauces. Africa is a big place with many countries and cultures. How did you choose these specific sauces? This collection is a curation of my favorite dishes that I frequently cook in my home kitchen for myself, family, and friends. Not every one of my favorites can be reimagined as a shelf-stable product, so I focused on replicating iconic, classic regional dishes that I can do justice to, taking special care not to tame the flavors just to appeal to unfamiliar palates. The point is for the masses here in America to learn what tastes Africa can offer. The litmus test is always this: If my family and I dont lick our plates clean, then the sauce or condiment does not make the cut. Story continues Has cooking always been a passion? Yes. My entire family is passionate about cooking and food. We live and breathe food, so it comes pretty natural to meand I really, really love to eat. I learned to cook by watching my mom and sisters cook in their Gambian kitchens. This is a rite of passage for most young women growing up on the continent. Nobody uses a cookbook. All the recipes are memorized. So thats also been part of the process for me, turning these memorized recipes into something concrete and written down. What do you hope happens when someone tries one of your creations? I want people who have never had a chance to try the cuisine or have never visited Africa to taste the unadulterated flavors via our sauce and spice range. And with that, I hope to elevate African foods status from relatively unknown to mainstream consciousness. For those who have never been to Africa or had the chance to try its flavors, how would you describe them? Theres nothing bland about African cooking. We like to heap on the flavor, and in our cuisine, slow food equals good food. Thats how we create layers of earthy, bold flavors with hints of fiery undertones. This is the essence of African cooking. At Kitchens of Africa, all of our cooking sauces are generously seasoned to create different flavor profiles: spicy, tangy, sweet, pungent and bitter. Sometimes it takes years of tinkering a recipe to get it right. As a perfectionist, Im always looking for tiny ways to elevate and improve each individual flavor profile. We are featuring your East Meets West collection. Can you describe the various flavors and how one might use them? Our East Meets West gift box takes you on a gastronomic food crawl starting off in Zanzibar and ending in Senegal, in West Africa. The Zanzibar simmer sauce is a coconut curry spiced with cinnamon and chilesit goes great in a chickpea stew. Mombasa is a tamarind sauce that works wonderfully as a stir-fry sauce for noodles. Maffe, our bestseller, is the national dish of Gambia, and is made from peanut butter and habanero chiles. We typically cook it over chicken breast. And then Yassa is an onion sauce that pairs perfectly with seafood. My Yassa is very much a mix of Senegalese and Gambian flavors, and if I do say so myself, its irresistible. Do you have a favorite product? I really love all of them, but if I had to choose, Id say Yassa. Actually, my family teases me and calls me Yassa Queen. I just think the flavors are explosive and complement pretty much anything. Its also part of one of the most beloved and iconic dishes from West Africa. What has surprised you since you started this journey? Meeting Oprah! I got goosebumps when she popped into the video call that I was having with Gayle and Adam. And then I saw she was holding the product I had created from my heart! Im still chuffed. I had worked really hard to create a luxurious and beautiful gift box, hoping that it would get Oprahs attention. My hard work paid off. It was like winning an Oscar. Im still in awe. When not eating something infused with African flavors, what do you choose? Well, Ive recently been making a lot of Mexican-inspired steak tacosbut seasoned with my African jerk-paste marinade! Hearst Owned You Might Also Like Italys storied Titanus studio, producers of myriad golden era Cinema Italiano works, is getting a reboot and reviving its production side with several projects in development, including a contemporary sequel of Dario Argentos supernatural chiller Phenomena. Established in 1904 by Gustavo Lombardo, Titanus was a true Italian major, which during the 1960s forged a partnership with MGM. They slowed down considerably from the mid-1960s onwards after Luchino Viscontis lavish Sicily-set costumer The Leopard (1963), starring Burt Lancaster, Claudia Cardinale and Alain Delon, went way over budget. Since the mid-1980s the studios output has been on a much smaller scale, and primarily for TV. More from Variety Now led by former Disney Italy marketing chief Stefano Bethlen, who is Titanus general manager, the company which has a 400-title library comprising early works by Italian masters such as Federico Fellini, and Visconti classics, alongside plenty of genre fare is ramping up production activity in two separate strands: legacy, which is based on our library IPs and other vintage properties that we acquire, and originals, said Bethlen. On the legacy side, Titanus has teamed up with Los Angeles-based company The Exchange, founded and headed by veteran sales executive Brian OShea, to co-develop a U.S. film loosely based on Phenomena, the cult Argento chiller, which starred Jennifer Connelly as the daughter of a movie star who arrives in a country called Swiss Transylvania to attend an exclusive girls school where pupils are being targeted by a vicious killer. Bethlen, speaking at Romes MIA market, where the rebooted Titanus was unveiled to the international industry, said Titanus has teamed up with The Exchange to co-develop an adaptation of the Phenomena IP into an American film with a U.S. director and U.S. and international talents, the idea being to make a present-day sequel rather than a remake. The Exchange will be the Phenomena projects lead, with Titanus holding an equity stake. Story continues The rebooted Titanus legacy project in the most advanced state is a TV series that mines a 1970s Italian IP titled Piedone, which is a series of hit films starring Bud Spencer, the burly Italian actor who starred in dozens of hit genre movies, as a police inspector Rizzo nicknamed Flatfoot. Titanus has teamed up with Fremantle-owned Wildside and Sky Studios on the Piedone series, which is being penned by Peppe Fiore (The King, The Young Pope) and Gomorrah star Salvatore Esposito, who is in advanced talks to star as the shows lead. Bethlen said that the Piedone skein is not a remake but rather a present-day sequel in which the new protagonist knew inspector Rizzo, and will in some way personify him. On the originals side, Titanus is developing a crime series titled Ludwig, co-written by Titanus creative producer Jacopo Sonnino. The dark Ludwig show is based on the real story of serial killers Wolfgang Abel and Marco Furlan, who operated a neo-Nazi group called Ludwig that during the 1980s perpetrated a dozen murders, targeting homosexuals, substance abusers, a prostitute and two friars, among other victims. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. HBO The White Lotus season two just premiered, with a sprawling ensemble descending on Sicily for the newest installment of the buzzy HBO drama. Creator Mike White, however, is already looking ahead to the possibility of future seasons. "We just turned in our last episode to the network yesterday, so its hard to think about the next race," White told Deadline during the red carpet premiere for The White Lotus season two. "But if we did, I think itd be fun to maybe go to a whole different continent. You know, we did Europe, and maybe Asia, something crazy like that, that would be fun." He continued, "Jennifer is my friend and everybody loved her in the first season, and I was like, I cant go to Italy without Jennifer. And maybe thats still the case. Like, maybe you cant go to Japan without Jennifer, either. There are so many fun actors weve worked with so far, so its just kind of like whos available." Jennifer Coolidge, and Jon Gries, who played her on-screen husband Greg Hunt, were the only actors to return from the first season of The White Lotus. Earlier this year, White shared an idea for Connie Britton's character, Nicole, to return. "He wanted me to be in the second season, and there was an idea that I loved for the character," Britton told Deadline. "Our intention is to do it in the third season. A piece of casting didnt work in the second season and were hoping to [do] that in the third season. I would love to see a spinoff on every character in that show." So while there's no official plans yet for season three of The White Lotus, we would not be surprised to find that some familiar faces will be checking in at a White Lotus in Japan in the future. You Might Also Like Getty Images; Insider Missouri's Constitutional Convention Question asks voters whether they want a state constitutional convention. Supporters argue the convention would allow for adjustments to the state constitution. An opponent argues the effort is ill-timed, citing political divisions throughout the state and nation. A "yes" on the Missouri Constitutional Convention Question would establish a state constitutional convention. Ballot measure details The question is an automatic ballot referral, which means it reappears on Missouri's ballot every 20 years. In 2002, 65.45% of voters rejected the amendment and 34.55% supported it. Support and opposition Say Yes to Democracy is leading the campaign in support of the measure. Supporters argue the convention would allow for the removal or adjustment of many new amendments in the constitution. "In the last 20 years, there has been a lot of stuff added to the constitution that shouldn't be there," Bob Priddy, former news director for Missourinet and former president of the State Historical Society Board of Trustees, said, according to the Missouri Independent. There is not an organized campaign against the measure, according to Ballotpedia. But Ken Winn, former state archivist, argued that the timing for the convention would be off. "A constitutional convention right in the middle of a culture war would bring out ideologues of all stripes, and you would have the fiercest political strife. Everybody with an agenda would be trying to write their ideas into the constitution," Winn said, according to the Missouri Independent. The money race The measure has not attracted organized fundraising either for or against the state constitutional question, according to Ballotpedia. Read the original article on Business Insider North Korea said Monday that its recent firing of more than 20 missiles was a test meant to practice striking South Korean and U.S. air bases, command systems and aircraft. The General Staff of North Koreas military said in a statement carried by state media that the ballistic missiles were tested for targeting enemy air bases, while ground-to-air missiles were meant to strike enemy aircraft. Another ballistic missile with a special function warhead was tested to strike a command post. The recent corresponding military operations by the Korean Peoples Army are a clear answer of [North Korea] that the more persistently the enemies provocative military moves continue, the more thoroughly and mercilessly the KPA will counter them, the statement read. North Korea fired the barrage of missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, last week after the U.S. and South Korea conducted the fall Vigilant Storm air force drills, which North Korea has called a practice for an invasion. The White House condemned the missile tests last week, calling it a flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region. The U.S. has also recently accused North Korea of shipping munitions to Russia to aid its war in Ukraine. On top of the spate of tests last week, North Korea has fired more than 23 missiles since January, a record for the country. The Associated Press contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below." Sam Heughan can now call himself a New York Times bestselling author ... again. Just a week after the Outlander star released his memoir Waypoints: My Scottish Journey, Sam took to Instagram to share a career milestone with his followers. Sharing a photo of the book cover and a screenshot from The New York Times, he announced he had made the outlet's iconic Bestseller List for the third time. Wow!!! @nytimes Bestseller! (X3!?! )," he captioned the post on November 3. "Huge thank you to you all and hope you have enjoyed the journey as much as I did. It was a really wonderful experience, sharing each step with you." As Sam's big news quickly made its way around the internet, fans immediately went to congratulate him on the major success of his latest book. "Congrats Sam well deserved! It's an open book of your life, your heart and soul ," one fan wrote on Instagram. "A wonderful read from the first page to the last. Thanks for sharing this journey with us," another person replied in the comments. "You poured your heart and soul into that book! We are all richer for it!! Enjoy this moment - you deserve it!! ," a different follower responded. You may not know this, but Waypoints is just one of three books Sam has written in the last few years. His first two books with Outlander co-star Graham McTavish, Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other and The Clanlands Almanac: Seasonal Stories from Scotland, both hit the New York Times Bestseller List within weeks of their release dates. Along with filming season 7 of Outlander, Sam has also gained recognition for his successful alcohol brand, Sassenach Spirits. The company has received multiple accolades, including earning gold at the 2022 International Spirit Challenge back in July. This is all before he is set to reunite with Graham for season 2 of their travel series called Men in Kilts. Story continues Needless to say, Sam knows how to make any career venture successful. We may just need to get his number on speed dial for exclusive business tips. You Might Also Like Aerial of Trianon in Old Naples, which recently sold. The upscale Trianon hotel in Old Naples has sold, fetching nearly $24.5 million. Property records show the deal closed Nov. 1. The exact price tag: $24,451,850. The new owner is Ocean Properties, one of the largest hotel owners and operators in Florida. Most of its properties are owned and run by descendants of the brands patriarch Tom Walsh. Earlier this year, the Camalier family, longtime Neapolitans, announced a partnership with Ocean Properties to build and operate the Old Naples Hotel on Third Street South in Naples. In case you missed it: Camalier family, Ocean Properties announce partnership to build Old Naples Hotel It's official: Iconic Naples Beach Hotel property changes hands, redevelopment to begin A rendering of the Old Naples Hotel planned for Third Street South. The Trianon isn't far from the planned hotel. It's at 955 Seventh Ave. S., steps from Fifth Avenue South, Naples' unofficial main street. The more intimate property has 58 guest rooms. Built in 1997, the three-story hotel saw its last major renovation in 2011. It sits on a little more than an acre in a historic residential setting. The Trianon saw little damage from Ian and it's open for business as usual. The property went up for sale before the hurricane. Hunter Hotel Advisors handled the transaction for the sellers. Despite the damage wrought by Hurricane Ian in Naples, Ocean Properties remains bullish on the area, said Sophia Pittaluga, with Hunter's Miami office, who brokered the sale with partner Robert Taylor. Hunter marketed the property to "a short list" of qualified buyers who it knew had the wherewithal to close a deal of this magnitude, she said. Property records show the sellers as Olde Naples Grand Hotel Inc. The company's president Thomas Longe couldn't immediately be reached for comment about the sale. Asked about any potential changes at the hotel, Pittaluga said she didn't know of any. "They haven't disclosed their business plan yet," she said. Story continues Year-to-date, Hunter has sold 30 hotel properties in Florida, worth more than $662 million. That includes the iconic Inn on Fifth in downtown Naples, which went for $156 million in May. "Ocean is looking to continue to grow their presence in Southwest Florida, and in Florida as a whole," Pittaluga said. Hunter continues to seek out business in Southwest Florida, too, she said. From its perspective, Naples remains "one of the most dynamic hotel markets in the country," Pittaluga said. "We are very optimistic about the future of Southwest Florida and look forward to continuing to work with owners and buyers in this market going forward," she said. Hurricane Ian: Ritz-Carlton latest resort to announce hundreds of layoffs in Southwest Florida Related: Naples Grande Beach Resort sells for $248 million, 'seamless' transition touted Hurricane Ian caused widespread flooding near the beaches in old Naples and heavily damaged the Naples Pier. In the past few years, the Naples area has seen some eye-popping hotel transactions. Other transactions, not handled by Hunter, include the sale of the landmark 125-acre Naples Beach Hotel property for redevelopment at a record price of more than $362 million and the Naples Grande for $248 million with a seamless transition to new ownership. Trianon is the brainchild of Joseph Freni Jr., a former Ritz-Carlton executive. In creating the hotel chain, with two locations, he strived to offer the infamous Ritz-Carlton service, without all the pomp and circumstance and at a lower price. With the new brand, he skipped the marble and chandeliers and aimed for a "less stuffy and robotic staff," according to an article published in Travel Weekly before the hotel's debut. The article noted the preservation of a "Cracker-style" cottage on the property to be used for small meetings. Bob Vila's "This Old House" television show restored it in 1991. The Trianon in Bonita Bay isn't part of the sale. It's also open for business, unlike many other hotels and resorts in Lee County, which took a direct hit from Ian a little over a month ago. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Unharmed by Ian, Trianon Old Naples has sold for nearly $24.5 million The "Searching for Italy" stars Taste of Tucci recipe kit with S.Pellegrino features his recipe for gnochetti con salsiccia e broccolini. Courtesy of S.Pellegrino The next best thing to sitting at Stanley Tuccis holiday table is probably this meal kit. In collaboration with S.Pellegrino, the Searching for Italy host and Italian American icon is dropping a recipe kit that features one of his favorite pasta dishes of all time gnochetti con salsiccia e broccolini. Available for purchase starting November 7, each recipe kit includes products sourced from Italy and fresh, seasonal ingredients, including gnochetti sardi (a small Sardinian dry pasta), crumbled salsiccia, fresh broccolini and fennel, Pecorino Romano and extra virgin olive oil. Of course, there's also a bottle of S.Pellegrino. : Evan Kalman for S.Pellegrino I love this recipe. Its kind of a classic Italian dish, Tucci told Food & Wine. Its quick to make, its inexpensive, and if youre a vegetarian, you can leave out the sausage. Its really rustic, but its celebratory." The actor ate the classic Southern Italian pasta dish growing up, though there are so many different iterations of it, he explained. Its a really nice thing visually. I love to look at the broccolini and the sausage all together. Theres something so satisfying about it, then grating the cheese on it. Its really rustic, but its celebratory. : Evan Kalman for S.Pellegrino Each four-serving Taste of Tucci recipe kit is available from World Chef for $120, plus shipping, and it includes instructions and all the ingredients needed. Earlier this year, the actor unveiled another collaboration with S.Pellegrino: "Stan Pellegrino" bottle sets engraved with Tucci's signature. The actor also appeared in an ad campaign shot in San Pellegrino Terme, the idyllic Lombardian town where the company sources its water. Cami and Addie Nelson; dog adopted after 3 years Courtesy of Saint Frances Animal Center Bafflingly, Cami, an oh-so-loving and playful 4-year-old pit bull mix, lived as a Saint Frances Animal Center shelter dog for most of her life. Even Ashley S. Miller, the South Carolina center's lead adoptions coordinator, says she and the staffers aren't sure why Cami was overlooked for so long. "She is a super sweet girl who loves getting belly rubs," Miller tells Daily Paws. "She spent most of her days here at the shelter sunning on a play yard, going for long walks, and giving kisses to staff." Even with her affectionate demeanor, Cami spent 1,248 days at SFAC, the longest any resident has stayed at the shelter. That is, until Addie Nelson stopped by Oct. 15initially, to meet other dogs. Thankfully fate stepped in, and Nelson crossed paths with Cami during her visit. "As soon as Ms. Nelson saw Cami, she instantly fell in love with her," says Kalanie Player, an adoptions counselor who was working the day Cami was adopted. "We did a meet and greet with her and Cami, and not even five minutes later, Ms. Nelson told me she was the one." Since adopting Cami, Nelson has connected with many of the staffers on social media and is constantly posting new photos of her for them to see. "[Cami] has settled right in and is enjoying her new life!" Miller says. RELATED: Sweet Opie Finds a Loving Home After Somehow Spending Over 800 Days in Florida Shelter Animal control officers brought Cami to the shelter in May 2019. Center staff member Shallon McConnell was at SFAC when Cami first came in and recalls her being a "reserved and nervous girl." But as time went on, her true personality shined through. "She enjoyed long walks, comfy blankets, and all the belly rubs," McConnell says. "At the peak of our enrichment program, she also enjoyed playtime in our yards." At first, Cami didn't trust easily, but she eventually won over the hearts of all the staff with her "goofy" and "fun-loving personality," McConnell says. Story continues SFAC constantly featured Cami on social media throughout her stay in hopes of getting her adopted. It would take nearly three and a half years for her to meet her perfect match. RELATED: Coco Is a Silly Dog Who Loves His People, So Why Has He Spent More Than 1,000 Days in a Shelter? According to Miller, Cami was typically more reserved from new people at firstwith one life-changing exception. "When she met Ms. Nelson, she ran over and rolled on her back for a belly rub," she says. Player says everyone was ecstatic when Cami was adopted. "Everyone cried happy tears when she finally found her fur-ever home," she says. "We could all tell that Cami and Ms. Nelson had a very special bond, and they chose each other." After living the majority of her life as a shelter dog, Cami now knows what it's like to be in a real home filled with unconditional love and companionship. "[Cami and her stay] taught us that there is a family out there for every dog; it just takes time for them to meet and fall in love with each other," Player says. A dispute between two men in downtown Athens early Saturday resulted in gunfire that hit one man in the face and wounded a bystander identified as a female University of Georgia student, according to Athens-Clarke police. The shooting occurred at about 2 a.m. on the 200 block of West Clayton Street, according to the report. There was an altercation between a 24-year-old Lawrenceville man and a 30-year-old Athens man. They apparently did not know each other, police Lt. Shaun Barnett said Tuesday. More: Teen shot in downtown Athens and another teen was arrested on gun charges And: Fight in downtown Athens leads to gunfire by unknown shooter A firearm was discharged and the Athens man was hit in the face with the bullet passing through the mans face and striking the hand of a 22-year-old University of Georgia student from Dacula, who was standing nearby and not involved in the dispute, according to police. Police arrived to find the victim lying on the sidewalk with blood coming from his head, while witnesses pointed to a man leaving the scene, whom they identified as the shooter. An officer arriving on scene arrested the suspect and another officer located a handgun on the back of a car, according to the report. Both victims of the shooting were transported to a local hospital. The UGA student reported on her Facebook page that her wound will require two surgeries. The condition of the Athens man wasn't immediately available on Tuesday. The Lawrenceville man, who remained in jail Tuesday without bond, was charged with two counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Athens shooting: UGA student, man shot during dispute downtown Masoud Soheili The Blind Bike Mechanic premiered at the 2022 Bicycle Film Festival in New York City and Amsterdam. You know a bike mechanics hands when you see them: grease-lined nail beds, calloused palms, and quick dexterous movements. While mechanic Reza Alizadeh is blind, his hands look just the same as any other bike repairman. He repairs bicycles in a small, dusty shop that serves Meidan e Baar, a poor neighborhood in the Iranian city of Mashhad where the streets are filled with adults and kids on bicycles. Alizadeh relies on his hands and ears to help take care of these people. When Im working and a customer comes into the shop, I can hear what he is saying, and where he put the bicycle, he said. I feel the bicycle to get a sense of its size, and this helps me diagnose the problem. Masoud Soheili His kind, unfocused eyes gaze from point to point into the distance while he runs his hands over the small bike, registering that it's a childs. He examines each moving part individually, stopping at the flat rear tire. He sits himself on a low stool with the bike in front of him, and he reaches down beside his hip for a wrenchright where he left itto begin his work. As a baby, Alizadeh immigrated to Iran with his parents, who walked for three months to escape Soviet attacks on their home in Afghanistan. Thirty eight years later, he now has a wife, two daughters, and three sons. Hes done odd jobs like selling computer parts to provide for them over the years, until one day he picked up the tools to try to fix his sons bicycle, and could make his place in the world with a wrench in his hands. Masoud Soheili Wherever I go in this world, it doesnt matter, said Alizadeh. I have this art. He slides his hands around the wheel until he locates the culprit of the flat, a small shard of glass worn into the tire, and gently works it out of the rubber. As he reassembles the wheel with a new tube, his hands move smoothly and methodically, the choreography of it worn into his fingers over years of tune ups and fixes. He bends the bead back onto the rim until it gives a satisfying pop. He checks his work by tapping around the edge of the tire. With a subtle smile, he holds his finished work in both handsthe hands of an artist. You Might Also Like Canned jellied cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving table As Americans everywhere mull over what to include on their Thanksgiving table (and when), some will find themselves staring a quandary straight in the face. Of course cranberry sauce will be included. But should it be freshly made, or should it squirm out of a can? What cranberry sauce adds to the Thanksgiving meal For a discussion of cranberry sauces benefits, we turn to Samin Nosrat, chef and author of the Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat cookbook and star of the Netflix show it inspired. In 2018 Vox noted that Nosrat had diagnosed the single biggest problem with most Thanksgiving menus: a lack of acid. Read more Everything on the Thanksgiving table tends toward the salty, the starchy, or the rich, or sometimes even the bland, Nosrat said on the Vox podcast I Think Youre Interesting. Often, the only acidic thing on the entire table is cranberry sauce, which is why most people just keep spooning cranberry sauce onto their plates. Where cranberry sauce comes from To get more information about the cranberry sauce habits of my fellow Americans, I went to the source: Ocean Spray. While plenty of other brands make canned cranberry sauce in 2022, Ocean Spray was the OG. Cranberry sauce is celebrating its 110th birthday this year, Dan Hamilton, Head of Marketing Center of Excellence at Ocean Spray, tells The Takeout. Its actually the first product ever marketed under the Ocean Spray brand, dating back to the three maverick farmers who started it all. Bonded by bitter cranberry love, Elizabeth Lee, Marcus Urann, and John Makepeace joined forces to form the agricultural cranberry cooperative. The company is still a cooperative today, and its owned by more than 700 cranberry farmers, who contribute to the brands range of cranberry products. That first product wasnt can-shaped. Jellied cranberry sauce, which is the official name for what most of us refer to as canned cranberry sauce, was introduced in 1941. Hamilton told me it takes hundreds of berries to make each can. Story continues Though Ocean Spray is headquartered in Massachusetts, its jellied cranberry sauce operation is housed in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where a very specific recipe is followed. Quality testing includes making sure the taste and jiggle of the cranberry sauce stay true to the product fans know and love. As for the fresh stuff, Ocean Sprays fresh cranberries, which have a limited harvest season, make their way to the produce section of Americas grocery stores from October to December. A simple recipe for making cranberry sauce can be found on the back of the bag. That recipe is so ironclad I once asked my aunt for my great-grandmothers cranberry sauce recipe, thinking it was a special family concoction, and when my aunt opened up the old recipe book and turned to the page for cranberry sauce, she found a plastic Ocean Spray bag taped to the page. This is why Ill never try any recipe that tries to be more creative than the one on the back of the package. Which is more popular: canned or fresh cranberry sauce? Declaring a definitive winner might not be possible, but looking at Ocean Sprays numbers might give us a little insight. According to Hamilton, approximately 77 million cans of jellied cranberry sauce are sold each year. Meanwhile, 20 million bags of cranberries are sold. Of course, Ocean Spray doesnt exactly have a monopoly on cranberries in jellied or fresh form, and its possible people are buying their fresh cranberries from other sources. But based on Ocean Sprays numbers alone, were safe to declare canned/jellied the winner, which I found surprising. I like fresh cranberry sauce, and I have my great grandmothers age-old recipe at my fingertips. But theres just something about the rungs formed by the can along the surface of the jelly, and how you can use these lines as a guide to cut a perfectly thick slice that wiggles a little as it hits your plate. Who doesnt find that delightful? Well, maybe you. Do you opt for fresh cranberry sauce? Does your family have an actual passed-down recipe thats not the one on the back of the bag? More from The Takeout Sign up for The Takeout's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Days after an Arizona federal judge barred a far-right group from taking photos, confronting voters dropping off ballots or wearing body armor and brandishing weapons, reports of voter intimidation continued to persist at drop boxes and be referred to law enforcement by the Arizona Secretary of State's Office. That's despite the hope by election watchdog groups that the judge's Nov. 1 order would lessen tensions and concerns as voters submit ballots in the battleground state. "I have never been more intimidated in my life trying to vote and standing only three feet from the box," one voter wrote to officials on Thursday, according to records of referrals and reports provided by the Arizona Secretary of State's Office and reviewed by USA TODAY, after two men a couple feet from the drop box allegedly filmed the names on their own and their mom's and son's ballots as well as the voter's license plate. "Im very worried now for my safety." Arizona has quickly become the nation's epicenter of ballot drop box watching and voter intimidation reports in the lead up to the 2022 midterm election, especially in Maricopa County, where the vast majority of voter complaints have originated since Oct. 16. A USA TODAY analysis of state data found voter or election worker intimidation incident reports have occurred at a near-daily rate since then. Stay in the conversation on politics: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter Voting in Arizona: What to know about recent controversies and ballot access in 2022 Such alleged intimidation efforts have led Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone to dedicate additional resources, including a team of plain-clothed detectives to cover as much ground as possible at election-related sites across the county. "Their job is to continuously monitor those areas to see if there are any individuals out there trying to intimidate voters," Penzone told USA TODAY. "If so, they'll activate, educate everybody on the law, and if they have to, they'll enforce it." Story continues A group watches and records a ballot drop box in Mesa, Ariz.. Several voting rights groups are asking federal judges to stop ballot box observers from staking out Arizona voting locations. The detectives will be in street clothes to try to prevent people from feeling uncomfortable or creating a more militant situation by having armed and uniformed deputies on scene, Penzone said. But, if necessary, he added, uniformed resources would be sent out. "This has to be priority," Penzone said. "If people don't have trust in their freedom to vote, then our nation is broken. And if people dont have trust in law enforcement to protect that freedom, then we fail them." But a lawyer for the group subject to the federal judge's order said it raised questions about limiting the First Amendment rights of the organization and those associated with it. He also said monitoring ballot drop boxes helped contribute to election security. 14 reports flagged for law enforcement State data analyzed by USA TODAY shows: Over the roughly two-and-a-half weeks from Oct. 16 through Nov. 3, there have been at least 17 incidents reported to the Secretary of State's Office primarily involving alleged intimidation of voters accessing ballot drop boxes or an average of nearly one a day. Thirteen drop box incidents and an additional emailed threat to election workers were flagged by election officials and referred to the state attorney general, the U.S. Department of Justice or the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The bulk of the referred reports occurred at three sites in Phoenix and one in neighboring Mesa, Arizona. "Voters should be able to cast their ballot without fear of intimidation," Katie Hobbs, Arizona's secretary of state, said in a statement to USA TODAY. "We encourage anyone who experiences intimidation at a voting location to contact their county recorder, Secretary of States Office, or law enforcement." A restraining order and a debate over the First Amendment A handful of the referred incidents were also included in a lawsuit filed by the League of Women Voters of Arizona, which alleged that the defendants Clean Elections USA , a grassroots organization founded by co-defendant Melody Jennings, organized the Dropbox Initiative 2022 to "surveil, harass, and intimidate voters" during the 2022 election in Arizona and to spread disinformation about the legality of drop box voting, according to court documents filed by the pro-voter organization. A Trump-appointed federal judge barred the defendants and any affiliates from carrying firearms or wearing body armor within 250 feet of a ballot drop box; intentionally following individuals delivering ballots to a drop box or getting within 75 feet of a ballot drop box or the entrance to where one is located; and speaking to or yelling at someone returning ballots or within 75 feet of the drop box unless they are spoken to first. The temporary restraining order was issued Nov. 1 and remains in effect for 14 days, including for nearly a week after Election Day and into the tabulation period. But because it restrains specific entities, it doesn't prevent others unrelated to the defendants from engaging in similar behavior. Alexander Kolodin, co-counsel representing Clean Elections USA, said that the order prohibiting his client and those affiliated with the group from talking to voters about election law struck him as a First Amendment problem. So too, Kolodin said, was the part of the order prohibiting his client from filming within 75 feet of drop boxes. "So USA TODAY can go film somebody at a drop box, but not our clients," said Kolodin, who separately also serves as co-counsel for the Arizona Republican Party, which has no connection to the case. A poll worker handles ballots for the midterm election, in the presence of observers from both Democrat and Republican parties, at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Elections Center (MCTEC) in Phoenix, Arizona, on October 25, 2022. But the Justice Department disagreed in a statement of interest filed in the Arizona case in which it argued that the First Amendment doesn't protect alleged "threats of harm directed at voters'" or enable "unlawful intimidation, threats, and coercion." As an Arizona Republican, Kolodin said he believes "drop box monitors are fulfilling a useful function, theyre increasing the security of our elections... Its almost impossible to catch election fraud after the fact, so the state has an interest in preventing it from occurring in the first place." But Ben Ginsberg, a Washington, D.C.-based attorney who served as national counsel to the Bush-Cheney presidential campaigns in 2000 and 2004 and other Republican campaigns, noted that the type of drop box surveillance taking place in Arizona was very problematic. "It's wrong, it's wrong, it's wrong, and it's bad," Ginsberg said. "It's also worth pointing out, that despite the heavy-handed theatrical tactics, it hasn't produced any evidence of fraudulent votes." The monitoring efforts have largely grown out of the debunked conspiracy theory that so-called "ballot mules" illegally deposited, or "stuffed" ballots in drop boxes during the 2020 election. The 2022 film "2000 Mules" falsely claims to show evidence like surveillance footage, but it has been thoroughly discredited by experts for its use of innocent images and flawed analysis to peddle the conspiracy theory. In one of the reported incidents referred to law enforcement that USA TODAY reviewed, a couple dropping off their ballots in the evening in Mesa, Ariz. on Oct. 17 were accused of being mules by a group of eight to 10 people in camp chairs waiting for voters near a ballot drop box. Intent to intimidate not needed under federal law On Thursday at 11:50 a.m., a voter visiting the ballot drop box at the Maricopa County Recorders Office saw a man photographing all vehicles, their license plates and the voters depositing their ballots. "Their presence and actions made a normally safe and uninstructed area uncomfortable and uncertain to navigate," the voter wrote to state election officials, according to records of referrals and reports provided by the Secretary of State's Office and reviewed by USA TODAY. "I feel his action was none other than intentional intimidation of voters." The complaint was referred to law enforcement. Voter intimidation is illegal under federal law and is assessed based on how a "reasonable" voter feels in a given situation. It doesn't matter whether the individual accused of intimidation actually intends it, noted Katie Friel, a lawyer and fellow in the Brennan Center's Democracy Program. "If an action is having the effect that a reasonable voter would find it intimidating, that's illegal in all 50 states any time, before Election Day, on Election Day or after," Friel said. "Voter intimidation is illegal wherever it is happening, if in a car, right next to a drop box, a mile from a drop box, that is illegal." Voter intimidation that prevents the casting of a vote is also a felony in seven states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Wisconsin, according to the Brennan Center. "One sign of a mature democracy is that you have stable, safe, voting as a process," said Robert Spitzer, an emeritus professor of political science for SUNY Cortland. Voter: 'It is intimidating' For some residents of Arizona, the fear of what may happen at the ballot drop box has made them decide to return their ballots in the mail. That's what 76-year-old Barbara Loving, who lives with her husband in Tucson, Ariz., did this year after hearing about everything going on in the Phoenix area and seeing community members ride around in their pickups with large political flags and guns. "You dont have a choice when you go drop off your ballot, and if somebody is standing there with a gun, it is intimidating," Loving said. "There are too many wackos with guns. You don't know what's going to happen." A voting location for Arizonas midterm primary election at David Crockett Elementary School in Phoenix on August 2, 2022. Rachel Homer, a counsel for Protect Democracy, who represented the League of Women Voters of Arizona in the case, said the hope is the judge's order helps "calm things down and stops some of the most egregious voter intimidation happening." She said the nonprofit, nonpartisan voter rights organization is continuing to monitor the situation in Arizona but hopes there will be no more need for action. "Everyone of all political persuasion should be able to vote without fear when dropping off their ballot," Homer said. Maricopa County Sheriff Penzone also noted that he has a team working with other law enforcement agencies and the FBI to monitor and track any incoming intelligence that might prevent violence. Once the votes are cast, Penzone said, a significant amount of staff will be dedicated to securing the tabulation location and its staff "beyond any level ever seen before." The Maricopa County drop boxes are monitored by video, Penzone said, noting that interested individuals could go online and see all the voting locations and watch them from a distance, rather than doing so and potentially intimidating voters in person. "The vast majority of voters are going to have a totally normal experience casting their vote in this election," Friel, with the Brennan Center, said. "But its important to know that there are broad state and federal laws to protect them in this election. If you experience any intimidation contact poll worker, election officials, or contact the election protection hotline." Are you experiencing voter intimidation or having trouble voting in Arizona? Contact Tami Abdollah via Twitter @latams or email tami(at)usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2022 midterms: Arizona election officials focus on voter intimidation A Northrop Grumman Antares rocket successfully boosted a space station cargo ship into orbit early Monday and while one of two solar arrays failed to properly deploy, officials said the spacecraft will have enough power to complete its two-day rendezvous. The condition of the array and what might have caused the problem were not immediately clear. Dina Contella, operations integration manager of the space station, said a final decision on whether to proceed with the Cygnus spacecraft's capture and berthing Wednesday will not be made until after an engineering analysis. A Northrop Grumman Antares rocket, using a first stage built in Ukraine and powered by two Russian-built rocket engines, climbs away from Wallops Island, Virginia, kicking off a space station cargo flight. Northrop Grumman and Firefly Aerospace are developing a new, all-American rocket to replace the Antares after a final flight next March. / Credit: Alex Polimeni/Spaceflight Now But engineers will get a good look at the array during the cargo ship's final approach, and Contella said she was optimistic Northrop Grumman eventually will get the circular panel deployed and locked in place. "Right now, the array is not deployed," she said. "And so the team is trying to assess the data (and) figure out their next step. ... I'm very hopeful, actually, that Northrop is going to find a way to deploy the array fully. I think that we have a really good chance at getting there." Running a day late because of a fire alarm that forced Northrop Grumman engineers to evacuate their control center Sunday, the Antares 230+ rocket's two Russian-built RD-181 engines ignited at 5:32 a.m. EST, pushing the booster away from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. Arcing away to the southeast, the rocket smoothly accelerated as its Ukraine-built first stage consumed propellant and lost weight, climbing directly into the plane of the space station's orbit. Nine minutes after liftoff, the Cygnus cargo ship was released to fly on its own. "It was a spectacular launch," said Jeff Arend, manager of space station systems engineering and integration. "We're happy that Cygnus is on its way to the ISS." If all goes well, the cargo ship will catch up with the space station early Wednesday, pulling up to within about 30 feet and holding position while Nicole Mann, operating the lab's robot arm, locks onto a grapple fixture. Story continues A file photo showing a Cygnus cargo ship moments before capture by the space station's robot arm. One of the two circular solar arrays on the Cygnus launched Monday failed to properly deploy. / Credit: NASA At that point, flight controllers at the Johnson Space Center in Houston will take over arm operations, pulling the Cygnus in for berthing at the Earth-facing port of the station's central Unity module. But that assumes clearance to proceed with a possibly stowed or partially deployed solar array. On board the cargo ship: 3,608 pounds of crew supplies, 1,873 pounds of research gear, 2,375 pounds of space station hardware and 317 pounds of computer components and spacewalk equipment, including hardware needed for upcoming excursions to upgrade the lab's solar power system. The manifest also includes some "much-deserved treats for the crew," Arend said. "They will have their usual menu, but also some special requests like peanut butter, olives, several cheeses and even pumpkin spice cappuccino," he said. "And the team has loaded some fresh fruit as well apples, blueberries, oranges and some ice cream in the freezers." The launching marked the next-to-last Antares 230+ flight as Northrop Grumman and Firefly Aerospace develop a new rocket in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the imposition of U.S. sanctions and the subsequent termination of RD-181 deliveries for use in the Ukraine-built first stage. The first stages used for Monday's launch and one more Antares flight, planned for next March, were already on hand when hardware deliveries were cut off following the Russian invasion. In the transition to a new rocket, Northrop Grumman plans to launch three Cygnus flights using SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets before the all-American Antares 330 debuts in late 2024. Concern about cybersecurity threats ahead of Election Day Candidates make final push ahead of Election Day Record $1.9B Powerball jackpot a hazard for those with gambling addiction Interconnecting reservoirs drive power generation at Cwm Rheidol Hidden away in a remote valley you'll find one of the UK's oldest renewable power stations. For 60 years, Rheidol Hydropower Plant, near Aberystwyth, has been generating clean electricity from abundant rain. Operators say Wales has the key ingredients to be a "strong player" in producing green energy, but the Institute of Welsh Affairs has warned progress has been too slow. The Welsh government said it had bold ambitions to meet energy needs. It is set to talk later about its plans to tackle climate change, while world leaders are meeting in Egypt for the COP27 summit. Renewable sources like wind, solar and hydro meet 56% of Wales' electricity demand, but the Welsh government hopes this will reach 70% by 2030, although this is currently under review. People are "always surprised" when they stumble across the vast hydro power plant in Ceredigion's scenic Cwm Rheidol valley, according to boss Dennis Geyermann. "But this is the story of renewable energy - it brings interesting, high tech jobs into rural areas," he said. Made up of a series of interconnecting reservoirs, dams, underground tunnels and power stations, it is the largest project of its kind in Wales and England. It covers a total area of 62 sq miles (162 sq km), and supplies enough electricity to power up to 15,000 homes. Since 2008, it has been owned by Statkraft, an offshoot of the Norwegian government, and Europe's largest producer of renewable power. Dennis Geyermann: "We have the right landscape, we have enough rain and wind and there's a great coastline" From here the firm's other renewable energy schemes - as far afield as the Scottish Highlands - are also monitored 24 hours a day. "This is kind of like the brains of the operation," explained Mr Geyermann, vice president for operations and maintenance. He said the company - which recently announced it hopes to develop a new green hydrogen plant in Pembrokeshire - had a "large project pipeline for the UK". Story continues And Wales, in particular, could be "a strong player when it comes to renewable energy", he added. "We have the right landscape, we have enough rain and wind and there's a great coastline," he said. "The Welsh people are up for it too." Sarah South advised young people to gain skills to take advantage of the "big push" towards green energy Sarah South, who is responsible for health and safety at Statkraft UK, grew up nearby and recalled fishing with her father in the scheme's reservoirs, as well as countless school trips to the site. She said she would encourage young people to gain the skills needed to take advantage of the "big push" towards green energy. "Your English, sciences, maths, geography - you might think they're boring subjects in school - but they'll be really important," she said. "It's such a big industry that's coming through now, and so important to the future of the world." What has changed? Built in 1962, long before concern about climate change filled the headlines, Rheidol's hydropower scheme has lived through an energy revolution in the UK. At the time, virtually all our power came from burning coal. Fast forward to 2020 and, for the first time in more than 200 years, the official energy statistics showed coal had played no part in Wales' energy generation mix. And 56% of the country's electricity demand is now met from renewable sources like wind, solar and hydro. Officially, the Welsh government's target is to reach 70% by 2030, though that is currently under review. 'Progress is too slow' Auriol Miller, director of the Institute of Welsh Affairs think-thank, said progress had, so far, been too slow. "We've got to look higher, further and faster in terms of those targets," she argued. The think-tank has urged Welsh ministers to aim for 100% by 2035 in a series of reports in recent years. Scotland, by comparison, is virtually already there. The dam at Nant-y-Moch reservoir helps to generate enough electricity to power up to 15,000 homes Neil Lewis, founder of Carmarthenshire Energy which has helped develop wind, solar and electric vehicle projects across the county, said it took too long to get schemes off the drawing board. "We have colleagues who've built community-owned windfarms which have taken 10 to 20 years to get permission to build them," he said. "It's really important that we speed up our efforts." Meanwhile, the Senedd's climate change committee has also expressed concern over a slowdown in renewable energy development since 2015. The Welsh government, which this year carried out what it described as a deep dive investigation into the barriers facing renewable energy, has pledged new targets by next summer and a national energy plan by 2024. It also announced earlier this month that it was setting up a state-owned renewable energy developer for Wales - in a UK first. 'Wealth and value' In a statement, the Welsh government said it had "bold ambitions for renewable generation to at least fully meet our energy needs in Wales - while receiving a fair share of its wealth and value". It said it was "making progress towards our targets but we need to go further and faster". "We are supporting local organisations to tackle climate change and we will support businesses to develop their staff for the clean energy future," it added. "In this cost of living crisis, we must focus on finding the most affordable, least impactful solution as the decisions we make today will have a massive impact on generations to come." Melissa Nunez In what has now become the 34th LGBTQIA+ homicide this year in Honduras, activist Melissa Nunez was shot dead in the Tomas Moncada neighborhood by several hooded individuals on a motorcycle, as reported in the Los Angeles Blades Honduran media partner, Reportar sin Miedo, Report Without Fear. Nunez had been in the United States, living in Miami for over 20 years, where she developed a strong interest in activism, as well as developing a following on TikTok of over 20,000 followers. Although it is unknown what grounds she had asked for asylum under, she had only been back in Honduras for a few months, and friends say she had just dropped some friends off and was talking on her cell phone when hooded men on a motorcycle gunned her down. Honduran activist groups say this is another example of just how dangerous life is for LGBTQIA+ people in the country, where discrimination and violence based on gender identity and expression are commonplace. United States officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, acknowledge that it is this violence that is among factors that contribute to Hondurans as well as people from next-door El Salvador to emigrate. Indyra Mendoza, the coordinator of the Honduran LGBTQIA+ group Cattrachas, reported that the primary cause of death was bullet wounds to Nunez's head. Nunez's friend Catrina said on Facebook, She was a person so full of life and energy that nothing was complicated...Fly high, Melissa, a very talented woman. Unfortunately, there are evil people. Nunez's sister, Glenda de Jesus Nunez, spoke with Beaumont Entertprise and said, I will remember her as a happy, charismatic, helpful person, always with her mother and family. She never had disagreements with us and always supported us throughout her entire life. Donald Trump. Illustrated | Getty Images In February 2021, Fani Willis, the district attorney of Georgia's Fulton County, announced her office was launching an investigation into alleged attempts by former President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. Since then, a special grand jury has been seated and several high-profile names have been called to testify, including Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Here's everything you need to know: What prompted the investigation into election interference in Georgia? Following President Biden's victory, Trump and his allies began focusing on ways to challenge the results in states narrowly won by Biden. On Jan. 2, 2021, Trump called Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) and asked him to "find 11,780 votes" to overturn Biden's win. The Washington Post reported on the hour-long call, and also revealed that Raffensperger's deputy said Trump tried to reach the secretary of state 18 times before he got through to him; his calls had been sent to interns because the office thought it was being pranked. On Feb. 10, 2021, Willis announced her office was launching a criminal investigation into the efforts to overturn the election loss, with the probe including but not limited to "potential violations of Georgia law prohibiting the solicitation of election fraud, the making of false statements to state and local government bodies, conspiracy, racketeering, violation of oath of office, and any involvement in violence or threats related to the election's administration." What has happened since then? During an interview with The Associated Press in January, Willis confirmed that the investigation's scope includes the Jan. 2, 2021, phone call between Trump and Raffensperger; a November 2020 call between Graham and Raffensperger; Rudy Giuliani's three appearances before Georgia state legislative panels in December 2020, during which he made false claims about the election and voting machines; and the Jan. 4, 2021, resignation of the U.S. attorney in Atlanta. The investigation is also focused on a slate of fake Republican electors who signed a certificate falsely stating that Trump won the election. Story continues In late January, Willis asked for a special grand jury in the investigation, writing in a letter to Fulton County Superior Court Chief Judge Christopher Brasher that her office has "received information indicating a reasonable probability that the state of Georgia's administration of elections in 2020, including the state's election of the president of the United States, was subject to possible criminal disruptions." Her request was granted, and the special grand jury was impaneled in May. What is the job of the special grand jury? This special grand jury is focused solely on the investigation into Trump and his allies and can meet for up to a year. It does not have the power to indict, but "what it can do is issue a final report that would effectively be a roadmap as to all of the evidence it reviewed and make recommendations as to which charges, if any, would be appropriate based on that evidence," Gwen Fleming, a former district attorney in Georgia, told WABE. It will then be up to Willis to decide which individuals, if any, to charge. There are 23 Fulton County residents on the special grand jury, plus three alternates. What specific crimes might the special grand jury be looking at? In Georgia, there are several state laws against interfering in the voting process and elections, and WABE legal analyst Page Pate said "there's a good argument that Trump's phone calls to Raffensperger could qualify as solicitation to interfere in the election and the phone call itself could be a crime." Under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, it is illegal to make false statements, and Page said in Giuliani's case, making two or more false claims in front of Georgia state legislative panels could show enough of a pattern to lead to a racketeering charge. "And then you have to have this group, an enterprise they call it under RICO, which would be the Trump campaign," Page continued. "RICO violations carry a mandatory minimum of five years in prison. So it's a serious crime." Who has been called to testify before the special grand jury so far? The first two witnesses to testify before the special grand jury were Raffensperger and his wife, Tricia. Several people close to Trump have been subpoenaed, including Graham, Giuliani, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, and lawyers L. Lin Wood and John Eastman, who pushed a last-ditch effort to overturn the election, putting forward the theory that former Vice President Mike Pence could reject the electors on Jan. 6 and declare Trump president. Giuliani and Eastman both testified before the special grand jury in August, with Eastman citing attorney-client privilege and invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Have all the witnesses cooperated? No. Meadows, who was on Trump's call to Raffensperger and made an unannounced visit to Cobb County in December 2020 to try to watch the audit of absentee ballots, fought against having to testify. His attorney argued before a South Carolina court that the special grand jury is not criminal in nature, so lacked the standing to compel Meadows' appearance, but Circuit Court Judge Edward W. Miller noted that the Fulton County judge overseeing the special grand jury ruled that it was criminal in nature, and ordered Meadows to testify. As for Graham, Willis wants to question him on why he called Raffensperger to ask about Georgia's procedures for handling and discarding absentee ballots. Graham argued that his role in Congress protects him from having to testify before the special grand jury. Two federal courts ruled that under the speech or debate clause of the Constitution, Graham is only shielded from having to answer certain types of questions that have to do with his duties as a federal lawmaker. Graham brought his battle to the Supreme Court, and on Tuesday, the justices rejected his request to block the subpoena. His testimony could happen as soon as Nov. 17. You may also like Russia's 'catastrophic' missing men problem 7 scathing cartoons about Elon Musk's Twitter takeover How the Justice Department might respond to a Trump 2024 bid TONKA BAY, Minn. (AP) As Andrew Myers knocked on doors in a neighborhood with stunning views across Lake Minnetonka, the Republican state House hopeful got an earful from residents worried about crime in their far west Minneapolis suburb: a woman's body had washed up on shore a few doors down earlier in the week, and authorities hadn't said if it was foul play. Another family recently had their car stolen something else that never happens in Tonka Bay. Public safety for sure. Taxes, resident Scott Musjerd said, as he promised Myers his support in a district that has swung between Republicans and Democrats in recent elections. Control of state government hangs in the balance in Minnesota one of only three states, in addition to Alaska and Virginia, where legislative control is divided. It's also one of the few Midwest states where Democrats have had the upper hand in recent years. Buoyed by such issues as crime, and a midterm election that typically favors the party out of the White House, the GOP has hopes of capturing both chambers of the Legislature and knocking off Democratic Gov. Tim Walz. A red wave here could mean rapid change in major policy areas such as abortion, taxes and the environment after years of shared party control and could raise Minnesota's importance as the western edge of northern presidential battleground states that include Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Its one of those elections where its going to be very close, and a small margin of victory in the election could produce enormous policy changes depending on the outcome, University of Minnesota political scientist Larry Jacobs said. The parties have dramatically different agendas, and theres surprisingly little overlap. Republican rule in Minnesota would likely mean permanent tax cuts and less spending on education and health and human services. Lawmakers whove built their careers on opposition to abortion are bound to test how far they can go in seeking new restrictions despite a Minnesota Supreme Court ruling that the state constitution protects abortion rights. Story continues Requiring citizens to show photo ID at the polls - which voters rejected in 2012 - and other moves to make voting harder could be back on the agenda. GOP lawmakers likely would seek to remove obstacles to copper and nickel mining that environmentalists say threatens pristine watersheds in northern Minnesota. They may propose restrictions on bathrooms and athletics for transgender students. Vouchers to subsidize private school tuition could be on the agenda. And penalties for crime could ratchet up. The split control in the Legislature Democrats controlling the House and Republicans the Senate has been a recipe for gridlock on major policy, including this year, when the parties adjourned the legislative session without agreeing on how to use most of a $9.25 billion budget surplus. The only time Minnesota saw single-party control in the past 30 years is when Democrats held full power in 2013-14. Republicans need to hold their narrow Senate majority and pick up four seats to take the House. Millions of dollars have been pouring into the roughly two dozen seats considered competitive, with GOP candidates focusing on crime and inflation. Democrats, meanwhile, see protecting abortion rights as the key to victory in the crucial suburbs. David Schultz, a political scientist at Hamline University, said a GOP takeover would include many new conservative members eager to see state government take a sharp turn to the right. I think its going to be impossible to contain the pressure, Schultz said. The two parties have typically vied in the Minneapolis and St. Paul suburbs. But House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt said the GOP might find its majority by flipping six seats in northern Minnesota, mostly on the Iron Range, which has slipped away from Democrats in recent years mostly due to fights over mining. Approval of one copper-nickel mine has long been stalled in the legal and regulatory process, while the Obama and Biden administrations have tried to kill another project altogether. Blue-collar workers on the Range blame liberal environmentalists in the cities. Once we win those seats, they wont flip back, Daudt said. Andrea Zupancich, mayor of the Iron Range mining town of Babbitt, is a prime example of the region's rightward drift. Zupancich was one of six Democratic mayors on the Range who endorsed Donald Trump in 2020, saying their party had moved too far left. Now shes a Republican candidate for the Senate hoping to replace a retiring independent who was a longtime Democrat until he left the party in 2020 for the same reason. House Speaker Melissa Hortman said Democrats will keep their majority on the strength of redistricting that put more seats in the party's urban and suburban strongholds. She's also counting on anger over the Supreme Court's abortion decision. The evidence is overwhelmingly clear that women would lose their right to the reproductive health care they need, including abortion care, if Republicans take control, Hortman said. The rest of us are not fooled. In Tonka Bay, Myers is making his second attempt to break through in one of Minnesota's most affluent districts, which mixes luxury homes on the shores of Lake Minnetonka with middle-class homes set back from the big lake. The Democrat who beat him by just 313 votes in 2020 is now running for state Senate, and it remains a competitive district. As he went through a lakeside neighborhood last week, Myers who chairs the city's parks and docks commission and has served on other local government bodies played up that experience. Joe Galler told Myers that his property taxes had gone up 41% in the last year, and that not only could Myers count on his vote, but the votes of at least two close neighbors. But when Myers came across five people pulling a boat out of the water for the season, he heard skepticism that the state can do much against big national problems like inflation, and he heard dismay with current trends in politics. The extremist stuff, it has to stop, Bill Scheurer said. On that point, Myers concurred: 100% agree with you, he said. In the northern suburb of Blaine, Democrat Matt Norris has been door-knocking for over a year to unseat GOP Rep. Donald Raleigh in a district that became friendly for Democrats after redistricting. Norris was out last week for a repeat visit to an upper middle-class, diverse neighborhood where nearly all the houses had video doorbells and few voters answered. Norris won commitments from most who did. One resident, Howard Bureau, was a tougher sell. Bureau peppered him with questions on education and public safety that suggested he was conservative, though he never said so. But like several voters, his big question was about what Norris would do to fix a congested and often dangerous stretch of a main highway through Blaine. That gave Norris a chance to talk about bills he already helped pass as a private citizen. His work with youth development nonprofits often overlaps into the public policy sphere. I dont know if were going to win him, but we at least left him thinking, Norris said. ___ Check out https://apnews.com/hub/explaining-the-elections to learn more about the issues and factors at play in the 2022 midterm elections. Follow APs coverage of the elections at: https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections Russian state media on Sunday claimed Ukraine struck a dam near the strategic city of Kherson with U.S.-made missiles, citing officials in the region. Ukraine has not yet commented on the reports, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously accused Moscow of planting mines at the dam for a potential false flag attack that Moscow would blame on Ukraine. RIA Novosti and other state media said Ukrainian troops in the purported attack used six high-mobility artillery rocket systems, a key system the U.S. has supplied to Kyiv as they fight against Russias invasion, including one rocket that damaged the dam lock. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are not abandoning their attempts to destroy the dam of the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power station and create the prerequisites for a humanitarian catastrophe, regional authorities told RIA Novosti. Zelensky and Russian officials have previously suggested an explosion at the dam, which is located on the Dnieper River, could cause flooding downstream, including in Kherson. The dam of this hydroelectric power plant holds about 18 million cubic meters of water, Zelensky said last month. If Russian terrorists blow up this dam, more than 80 settlements, including Kherson, will be in the zone of rapid flooding. Hundreds, hundreds of thousands of people may be affected. In the early days of its invasion, Russia quickly captured Kherson, which is crucial to Moscows aspirations of advancing further west toward the major port in Odesa. It remains the only regional capital Russia has controlled. Ukrainian forces have been making piecemeal gains in the region as part of a sweeping autumn counteroffensive that included major territorial advances in the northeast. Russian forces in recent days have moved some troops and equipment across the Dnieper River and out of Kherson, but Ukrainian officials suspect Russia may be setting a trap, creating the illusion of surrender while simultaneously ramping up reinforcements for a major battle to come. Ukraines defense ministry over the weekend accused Russia of destroying en masse private boats located on the banks of the Dnieper River in the region. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Getty Images; Insider Tennessee Amendment 3 would change language in the state constitution to expressly ban slavery. Proponents argue that the amendment is necessary to reflect the state's current values. There is no organized campaign against the proposal, according to Ballotpedia. A "yes" on Tennessee Amendment 3 would expressly ban slavery in Tennessee including in prisons. Ballot measure details Known as the Remove Slavery as Punishment for Crime from Constitution Amendment, Tennessee Amendment 3 would eliminate text in the state Constitution that says "slavery and involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, are forever prohibited in this state." The amendment would replace the previous language with: "Slavery and involuntary servitude are forever prohibited. Nothing in this section shall prohibit an inmate from working when the inmate has been duly convicted of a crime." Support and opposition United Tennessee Yes on 3 is leading the campaign in support of the measure. Supporters argue that Tennessee needs to make the change to reflect the state's current values. "Our constitution should reflect our values, and it's important that we not have any loopholes that will say in any circumstance slavery is permissible. I think it's an ugly part of our history that needs to be completely put to bed," state Sen. Raumesh Akbari, a Democrat, said to Fox 17. There is no organized campaign against the proposal, according to Ballotpedia, but opponents of the measure argue that slavery has never been allowed. "Tennessee's Constitution has expressly prohibited slavery since it was first adopted in 1870, so it's unnecessary to add this amendment to the state constitution. It will only confuse Tennessee voters by leading them to believe slavery is allowed under the current constitution, which it is not," state Sen. Joey Hensley, a Republican, said to Fox 17. The money race The proposal has seen about $107,000 in support contributions and $0 in opposition contributions, according to Ballotpedia. Read the original article on Business Insider Arabic-language ballots printed in Dearborn for the November election were issued with an error, and all voters who have the translated ballots or requested them are being notified, City Clerk George Darany said. The mistake appears in the portion of the ballot listing candidates for Michigan Supreme Court, Darany said in a news release. The error affected 34 Dearborn voters who requested Arabic-language ballots as of last Thursday, Darany said. The Arabic-language ballots read mistakenly that voters should choose "not more than one" candidate. It should have instructed that voters choose "not more than two." There are two open seats on the state's Supreme Court. In an email to city council members obtained by the Free Press, Darany said a language access commission appointed by Mayor Abdullah Hammoud and the city council was responsible for the mistake, adding they were under tremendous pressure to finish the translation in time for the November election. Darany also complained that his previous warnings about the city needing more time to implement Arabic-language ballots went unheeded. The city's release, issued Thursday, did not say who made the error or who conducted the translation for the ballots. City spokesman Bilal Baydoun did not respond to emails asking who made the error on the ballots. Osama Siblani, publisher of the Arab American News, said Monday night he and others at his Dearborn newspaper completed the translations, and he also reviewed the final ballot before it was printed by Dominion. Siblani was part of a three-member volunteer commission appointed by Mayor Hammoud and council earlier this year; Siblani said the other two members, Kassem Doghman and Ali Ajami, were not involved with this translation. The Arab American News did the translation and review at no cost to the city, he said. "We made a mistake," Siblani told the Free Press. "We did not have enough time to review the ballot." Siblani said it's unclear whether the Arab American News made the mistake when they initially translated it, or if the printer or a government agency made the error by not using the right column on the spreadsheet. Regardless, he said he made a mistake when reviewing the ballot by failing to catch the error. Story continues "There is no excuse for the mistake," Siblani said. "And nobody is blaming it on anybody else. But the system itself is very complicated." The process starts with Wayne County giving the city clerk an Excel spreadsheet with various sections of the ballot, Siblani said. The clerk then gave it to the Arab American News for translation. "They don't give us the ballot to translate, they give us a spreadsheet on Excel," Siblani said. Dearborn City Clerk George Darany is shown at a city council meeting at Dearborn City Hall on July 13, 2021. Darany announced Nov. 3 that there was an error in Arabic-language ballots printed for Nov. 8, 2022 elections. The Arab American News then translated the various parts of the ballots and sent it back to the clerk. The clerk then sent it to the county and the county gave it to Dominion for printing, Siblani said. It was sent back to Siblani to proofread and confirm it was accurate. He said they only had about two days to proof the ballots. Siblani said he was notified of the error on the ballot when someone contacted him. He said he promptly alerted the clerk and worked with them to alert the voters affected. "Upon learning of the error, our office immediately notified the State of Michigan Election Bureau and determined the number of absentee voters who needed to be notified," Darany said in a statement. Darany said his office conducted "a thorough and accurate accounting of Arabic absentee ballots," determining 34 Arabic absentee ballots were sent out and, of those, 11 were completed and returned to the clerk's office as of Thursday night. There are 23 outstanding Arabic absentee ballots not yet returned, Darany said. The city has contacted all 34 voters, Darany said. "The error occurred from an oversight on the part of the Language Access Commission appointed by the Mayor and Council," Darany wrote the email to City Council. "They were under a tremendous amount of pressure to get the translations completed in a very short time period between when the ballots were available for review and when the Wayne County printer needed them in order to print them in time for all cities in Wayne County." The city of Dearborn said this image shows a mistake made on Arabic-language ballots issued for the Nov. 8, 2022, election. Dearborn City Clerk George Darany said the error appears in the nonpartisan section under Justice of Supreme Court. The section mistakenly reads vote for not more than one. It should have read not more than two candidates. In contrast to other states, Michigan does not have many municipalities offering non-English language ballots. The U.S. government has certain guidelines that need to be met before such ballots can be used. The move to have Arabic-language ballots initially received pushback from Wayne County Clerk Cathy Garrett and others. Dearborn is 47% Arab American, the highest percentage among cities in the U.S., according to census data. Earlier this year, Dearborn City Council approved three resolutions calling for Arabic-language ballots. Councilman Mustapha Hammoud initially introduced the resolution. At the time, Darany had expressed concern about getting it done in time for elections in 2022, saying it would require time and manpower the city may not have. Garrett also initially expressed concern about the ballots, questioning whether there was a legal basis to have them. She later supported the ballots. More:Push for non-English language ballots in Michigan finds obstacles, challenges Darany reiterated his earlier concerns in his email to city council members last week, telling them of the ballot error. "The State, County and my office warned, from day one, that to insure a smooth and accurate process, at least one year was needed to add another language ballot to an election," Darany wrote in his email. "The time is needed for coordination between the State, County, local Clerk's office and the tabulator vendor. We insisted that if proper time was not allowed, errors could happen. That warning proved to be accurate." Darany added the city has contacted everyone affected. "All 34 voters who requested an Arabic Ballot have been contacted by phone or email and a letter was hand-delivered to everyone of those voters' homes," Darany wrote. He said the mayor's office helped them with providing interpreters when contacting the voters. "They were also informed that they could, if they so choose, make changes to the affected section on their ballots by visiting the Dearborn City Clerks Office," Darany said in the news release from the city. It's unclear whether the city found additional voters affected since Thursday. Darany did not respond to an email from the Free Press asking for updated numbers. Earlier this year, the city of Dearborn had a contract with Global Interpreting Services of Clinton Township to translate Arabic-language ballots in the August primary. That translation was reviewed and proofed by the three-member commission Siblani was part of. But Global did not have a contract for the November election and was not involved in the latest translations, Global President Dawn Flanigan told the Free Press on Sunday. Related:Volunteers help with accuracy of Arabic ballots in Dearborn Darany said the city has been seeking guidance form the state's Election Bureau. "Moving forward, all Dearborn election officials have been instructed to provide voters a written statement explaining the error on the Arabic ballots, in accordance with guidance from the State of Michigan Election Bureau," Darany said in the city's statement. "This statement will be provided only to those who elect to use an Arabic ballot, whether in early or absentee voting or on Election Day. It is important to note that the Arabic ballots have been tested in accordance with election protocols, and the ballots can accurately register up to two selections in the affected section." Aneta Kiersnowski Crisp, press secretary for Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, said Monday to the Free Press: The Bureau of Elections provided guidance to the clerks office to ensure that all Dearborn voters are informed and able to vote for their preferred candidates. Arabic-language ballot in a Dearborn precinct for the August 2, 2022, primary. In July, a few weeks before the August primary, Benson touted the ballots as the first time Michigan would have them in the Arabic language. "In a moment where there are so many efforts to divide and deter citizen engagement, it's inspiring to see Dearborn, Hamtramck and Wayne County leadership come together to show government can be responsive to citizens' needs and deliver results," Benson said in a July statement. Darany said "these ballots were subject to a thorough review by a highly selective translation committee. However, errors can still happen." Darany added city officials regret the error, but "are committed to working closely with all county and state election officials to ensure a fair and transparent resolution." "We need to learn from this," Siblani said. "In the future, we need more time not only to translate, but to proof the ballots." Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com or Twitter @nwarikoo. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Arabic-language ballots in Dearborn have error, City Clerk says By Kate Abnett and Virginia Furness SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (Reuters) -Germany and Belgium on Monday joined a small number of wealthy countries to commit funding to help developing nations facing damage and losses caused by climate change, committing 170 million euros and 2.5 million euros respectively. While relatively small in size, the funds were symbolically significant in being announced as over 100 leaders gather in Egypt for the U.N.'s COP27 climate summit - where the urgent need for funding to support developing countries facing climate change-fuelled disasters is set to dominate the talks. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Germany would provide 170 million euros for a "Global Shield" from the Group of Seven rich countries for the V20 group of 58 vulnerable nations, aimed at strengthening insurance and disaster protection finance. "We will also support those countries hit hardest by climate change in a targeted way in dealing with loss and damage," Scholz told the COP27 summit in the Egyptian seaside resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh. Belgium pledged to allocate 2.5 million euros to combat climate change "loss and damage" out of a new 25-million-euro package of climate-related support for the southern African country of Mozambique from 2023 to 2028. The Belgian government said its funding would focus on preventing and limiting loss and damage, for example by mapping areas vulnerable to storm surges, and rolling out early warning systems. Loss-and-damage funding is less politically contentious than explicit offers of compensation for climate-linked losses after disasters have struck - which can be perceived as rich nations paying reparations for causing climate change. "There is, I think, a moral imperative to call it what it is," Matthew Samuda, a minister in Jamaica's economic growth ministry, said of the link between loss and damage funding and historical responsibility. "But beyond that, there is also the practical need of being able to access funds," Samuda said. Story continues Previously only Scotland and Denmark had pledged funding for climate-linked loss and damage, as well as the Belgian region of Wallonia. The United States and European Union have blocked poorer countries' past attempts to secure loss and damage funding, fearing acknowledging liability for their historic contribution to the greenhouse gas emissions heating the planet. Daniel Ribeiro of Mozambican environmental advocacy group Justica Ambiental said Belgium's pledge was "a single act floating in a sea of inaction by the global north". "Mozambique is just one of many countries facing this reality. This time we were the chosen, hand-picked recipients, but what about the broader systemic solution?" he said. Scholz did not specify what the German funding would cover. Dozens of developing countries have called for a deal at COP27 on a funding facility where rich nations would provide loss and damage cash to vulnerable states. Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world and among the most vulnerable to extreme weather events. Cyclone Idai, which struck Mozambique in 2019, caused about $1.4 billion in total damage and $1.39 billion in losses, according to an International Labour Organization assessment. ($1 = 0.9977 euros) (Reporting by Kate Abnett and Virginia Furness; editing by Janet Lawrence and Mark Heinrich) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has held undisclosed talks with top Russian officials in hopes of reducing the risk the war in Ukraine spills over or escalates into a nuclear conflict, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. The newspaper cited U.S. and allied officials as saying that Sullivan, President Joe Biden's top aide on national security, held confidential conversations in recent months with Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov and Russian Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev, Sullivan's counterpart, that were not disclosed publicly. The White House declined to comment on the report, responding to questions about the story only with a statement attributed to National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson: "People claim a lot of things." The Wall Street Journal said the officials did not provide the dates or the number of calls. Few high-level contacts between U.S. and Russian officials have been made public in recent months as Washington has insisted that any talks on ending the war in Ukraine be held between Moscow and Kyiv. The reported conversations took place as the West has accused Moscow of ramping up nuclear rhetoric, most recently by repeatedly accusing Kyiv of planning to use a radioactive "dirty bomb," without offering evidence. Kyiv has denied having such a plan and the United States and other Western nations have said Russia could be planning to orchestrate such an attack itself and use it as a pretext to escalate the conflict. Russia in turn has accused the West of "encouraging provocations." Sullivan traveled to Kyiv on Friday and pledged Washington's "unwavering and unflinching" support for Ukraine. (Reporting by Simon Lewis; Editing by Daniel Wallis) President Biden spoke by phone on Monday with former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is set to return to power in Israel, and congratulated him on his countrys elections, the White House confirmed. Biden spoke with Netanyahu to congratulate him on his partys victory and commend Israels free and fair elections, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. The president reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral partnership and underscored his unwavering support for Israels security, Jean-Pierre said, adding that the White House will be monitoring the government formation process. We look forward to continuing to work with the Israeli government on our shared interests and values, Jean-Pierre said. Netanyahu teamed up with far-right parties to form a conservative coalition and win the election last week. He beat his main opponent, Prime Minister Yair Lapid, a centrist who conceded on Thursday. Netanyahu, a Trump ally, backed the former presidents move to withdraw from the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal. The Biden administration supports the agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which it says is the best opportunity to box in Irans nuclear program. Biden achieved a key victory in May 2021 with Netanyahu following a temporary cease-fire after 11 days of conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Bidens messaging, which involved holding back overt criticism of Israeli actions, was credited as smoothing the relationship between Washington and Jerusalem. Netanyahu is the longest-serving prime minister in Israels history, having served from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2009 until 2021. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Carrie-Anne Moss is escaping The Matrix for a galaxy far, far away, as the actor has joined the cast for The Acolyte, a new Star Wars series for Disney+. Moss is one of four newly announced cast members to join the upcoming series, which will be led by Bodied Bodies Bodies star Amandla Stenberg. His Dark Materials star Dafne Keen, Inventing Anna cast member Rebecca Henderson, and Dean-Charles Chapman of Game of Thrones and 1917 have also been added to the cast. In addition, previously reported cast members like Emmy-winning Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae, The Good Places Manny Jacinto, After Yangs Jodie Turner-Smith, and Russian Doll star Charlie Barnett have been officially confirmed to star in the series. Character details for whos who in the ensemble remain under wraps. More from IndieWire The cast announcement came with the news that the series, which was first announced in 2020, has begun production in the United Kingdom. Plot details for the show are slim, but Disney+ describes it as a mystery-thriller focusing on a former Padawan, or trainee in the fictional Jedi order, as she reunites with her master to investigate a bizarre series of crimes. The show is set in the final days of the High Republic era, decades before the prequel films took place in the Star Wars canon. The High Republic era was a period of peace for the franchises fictional galaxy and a time when the mystical order of the Jedi was at its most powerful. At the same time, the period saw the rise of the Sith, enemies of the Jedi dedicated to the dark side of the Force. The Acolyte was developed by Leslye Headland, best known as one of the co-creators behind the critically acclaimed Netflix series Russian Doll, which premiered in 2019 and aired its second season this spring. In addition to showrunning the series, Headland will executive produce and direct the series pilot. Additional executive producers include Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy, Simon Emanuel, Jeff F. King, and Jason Micallef, while Rayne Roberts and Damian Anderson serve as producers. Story continues The Acolyte is just one of many upcoming Star Wars series set to hit Disney+. February will see the streamer debut Season 3 of The Mandalorian, while its spinoff Ahsoka is expected to premiere later in 2023. Also expected to release next year is the series Skeleton Crew, with Jude Law leading the cast. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Cher used her social media prowess over the weekend to encourage her four million Twitter followers to vote in the upcoming 2022 midterm election. Related Dua Lipa and Cher Here's What Cher Had to Say About Dua Lipa Being Called 'the Cher of Our Generation' 11/07/2022 11/07/2022 In a pair of videos, the pop icon focused in on supporting two female candidates: Governor Kathy Hochul of New York and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada. New Yorkers, its election season. Right now you have a Trump supporter trying to oust your Democratic governor, Kathy Hochul, she said in one. This man, Lee Zeldin, has riled up the MAGA base to support him and the polls show it could be a close race. More from Billboard New York, I love you with all my heart, Cher continued. I have spent half of my life there and I would hate to see a guy who wants to ban abortion, frack the state and have Dont Say Gay policies in schools become the governor of your great state. In the second video about Sen. Cortez Masto, the Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! star reminds Nevada voters that, In this election, what happens in Vegas wont stay in Vegas, as the results from the purple swing state will inevitably affect the balance of the Senate, and thereby the entire country. Both of Chers posts directed followers to iwillvote.com, a website with state-by-state voting resources put together by the Democratic National Committee. Back in September, Cher also hit the catwalk during Paris Fashion Week by walking in the Balmain finale hand-in-hand with designer Olivier Rousteing. Watch Chers political PSAs for New York and Nevada below. Click here to read the full article. Clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces near the southern city of Kherson over the next two to three weeks could determine control of the only regional capital Russia has seized since its invasion in February, according to a Defense Department official. Kherson lost power and water service Sunday after an attack that Russian-appointed authorities blamed on Ukrainian forces without providing evidence. Tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated to Russian-held territory in anticipation of a fierce battle for control of the crucial city, the largest in the province of the same name. Elsewhere, battle lines appear to have stabilized in the north near Kharkiv and in central Ukraine as winter nears, according to the official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity. Both sides continue to fire enormous amounts of artillery rounds, the official said. Russians fire about 20,000 shells a day, and Ukraine counters with as many as 7,000. Ukraine will need the U.S. and its Western allies to continue supplying artillery cannons and ammunition, the official said. The Russians have been unable to destroy any of about 20 rocket-assisted artillery systems known as HIMARS. The Pentagon and U.S. allies began providing Ukraine with the truck-mounted weapons over the summer. Ukrainians have used the artillery system, which can strike targets more than 40 miles away with accuracy, to destroy supply depots and command posts. Latest developments: Russia has endured more than 76,000 casualties and lost nearly 2,800 tanks in the war, according to the Kyiv Independent, which cited figures from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Turkey, which helped broker the grain agreement that lifted a Russian blockade and allowed Ukraine to ship agricultural goods, will propose a one-year extension, Turkish media reported. The deal expires Nov. 19. Ukraines presidential office said Russian strikes in the Zaporizhzhia region targeted a cultural center, farmers warehouses and private residences. Three people died and seven were wounded. Story continues A Ukrainian flag with messages of support for cities of eastern Ukraine hangs from a destroyed Russian tank displayed in downtown Kyiv on Nov. 7, 2022. Much-needed air defense weapons arrive in Ukraine Ukraine has been pleading for air-defense help ever since the Kremlin started focusing on destroying the country's energy infrastructure nearly a month ago. That aid has finally arrived. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov on Monday acknowledged receiving NASAMS and Aspide missile systems from the U.S. and its allies, the Kyiv Independent reported. "These weapons will significantly strengthen the Ukrainian army and will make our skies safer," Reznikov said. Ukrainian cities have been subjected to an onslaught of Russian drones and missiles that have damaged 40% of the energy system and left more than 4.5 million people without power, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said the Kyiv province has been particularly impacted. Seven provinces, including Kyiv and Kharkiv, are enduring rolling blackouts and sometimes emergency outages, at a time when nighttime temperatures are dipping into the 30s. Ground 'littered with bodies' of new Russian draftees who were killed Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that 80,000 civilians from his Sept. 21 mobilization have been sent to Ukraine, and 50,000 of them have joined combat units. Increasing accounts indicate a large number of them are getting killed, often after getting little training for battle. One such report, by the Russian online news outlet Vyorstka, said hundreds of newly called-up fighters were recently killed in the Luhansk province by Ukrainian shelling. Survivors and their relatives told the outlet that officers abandoned them on the front line, and that an entire battalion was only equipped with three shovels to dig trenches. After Russian war correspondents reported about 300 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing in four days in the heavily contested Donetsk region, Primorye Gov. Oleg Kozhemyako said an investigations confirmed losses, but not nearly as (many). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy questioned that assertion Monday in his nightly video address, saying Kozhemyako was probably ordered to lie. "The Donetsk region remains the epicenter of the greatest madness of the occupiers -- they die by the hundreds every day,'' Zelenskyy said. "The ground in front of the Ukrainian positions is literally littered with the bodies of the occupiers.'' Putin ally who sent mercenaries to Ukraine admits US election meddling One of the closest allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a man running a mercenary outfit bolstering the Kremlin's flailing war effort in Ukraine, said Monday that he and Russia have meddled in U.S. elections and will do it again. Russian entrepreneur Yevgeny Prigozhin actually boasted of the intrusion into American politics after years of denials. Responding to a journalists question about such a possibility a day ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections, Prigozhin said in a Telegram post: Gentlemen, we have interfered, are interfering and will interfere. Carefully, precisely, surgically and in our own way, as we know how to do. It's not clear whether Prigozhin, known as "Putin's chef'' because his company hosted dinners for the Russian leader, was being sarcastic. Prigozhin, 61, has long avoided the spotlight but is raising his profile. In September he acknowledged founding the Wagner Group, a private militia that sent forces to Syria and Africa before Ukraine. That same month, someone who looks like Prigozhin was captured on video recruiting prisoners at a Russian penal colony to fight in Ukraine. Prigozhin was one of 13 Russians indicted in 2018 by the U.S. government for election meddling as a result of the Mueller investigation. White House, Kremlin reportedly have had talks aimed at easing tensions A top Biden administration official has held secret talks with influential aides to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a push to ease the rising tensions between Washington and Moscow, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday. The Journal, citing U.S. officials and authorities in other Western nations, said White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan sought to derail escalation of the war amid concerns that Russia might resort to nuclear weapons if its battlefield struggles using conventional warfare continue. Sullivan reportedly has had an unknown number of discussions with Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy adviser to Putin, and Nikolai Patrushev, head of the Russian leader's security council. The Kremlin has walked back its nuclear rhetoric in recent days. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said in its most recent assessment that Putins alarming nuclear references last month "failed to generate the degree of fear within the Ukrainian government" that the Kremlin likely intended. "Key Kremlin officials began collectively de-escalating their rhetoric regarding the use of nuclear weapons in early November," after Putin said Russian leaders have never discussed the possibility of using nuclear weapons in Ukraine, the assessment said. Warren Buffett's son meets with Zelenskyy in Kyiv Howard Buffett, son of iconic billionaire philanthropist Warren Buffett, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Monday. Zelenskyy, in a Telegram post, said he thanked Buffett for supporting a "kitchen factory" project initiated by Ukraine first lady Olena Zelenska to provide hot meals at schools. The possibility of Buffett's participation in the Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine was also considered, Zelenskyy said. He also presented Buffett with the Order of Yaroslav the Wise "for his support of the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine" and his contributions toward drawing support for Ukrainians around the world. Britain says Russia is losing planes faster than it can replace them Russia appears to be losing planes and helicopters faster than it can build them, the British Defense Ministry said in its most recent assessment of the war. The assessment cites a Ukrainian claim that Russia had lost almost 280 aircraft during the war, more than twice the number lost in the decade-long Soviet-Afghan War although the ministry notes that British authorities cannot independently verify the figures. The time required for training pilots further reduces Russias ability to regenerate combat air capability, the assessment says, adding that both situations are not likely to change in the next several months. "Russias continued lack of air superiority is likely exacerbated by poor training, loss of experienced crews, and heightened risks of conducting close air support in dense air defense zones," the ministry says. 4.5 million Ukrainians have no power, millions more face rolling blackouts More than 4.5 million people in Ukraine are without power and millions more face rolling blackouts this week as the nation races to patch an energy infrastructure being relentlessly pounded by Russian missile and drone strikes. Rolling blackouts in Kyiv, a city of 3 million people now facing some of Ukraine's most dire power challenges, are starting at 6 a.m. Temperatures in Kyiv are forecast to dip below freezing next week. The intentional outages are also underway in Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Kharkiv and Poltava regions, the state-owned Ukrenergo said Monday. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Ukrainians not to expect the Russian attacks on energy to ease. "The terrorist state is concentrating forces and means for a possible repetition of mass attacks on our infrastructure," Zelenskyy said in an address to his nation. "First of all, energy. Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine updates: Crucial battle for Kherson could be settled soon David DePape, the man accused of attacking Paul Pelosi, is a Canadian who entered the United States nearly two decades ago on a tourist visa and simply remained. That fact emerged only because he was charged with a serious crime the most common way for U.S. immigration officials to catch up with people who have been in the country without authorization, according to analysts. So-called visa overstays make up about half of the unauthorized population in the United States, and Canadian overstays make up a significant portion of them, analysts said. Paul Pelosi, the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a file photograph from March 2022. He was attacked by a man with a hammer in his home in late October. A San Francisco judge on Friday kept DePape, charged with attacking the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in jail without bail while he awaits trial. Prosecutors say he knocked Paul Pelosi unconscious with a hammer in his home Oct. 28 during an early morning break-in at the couple's San Francisco home. DePape has pleaded not guilty. How DePape, who is white, was able to stay for so long in the U.S. without being arrested and deported by U.S. immigration officials while Latino and Black migrants are routinely deported underscores inherent biases in the country's immigration system, said Muzaffar Chishti, senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington-based nonpartisan think tank. "There are large numbers of Canadians, large numbers of Irish, large numbers of Poles who arent in the country legally, but they dont think of them as illegal because they dont fit the profile," Chishti said. "It's only when there are high profile cases like this that you realize there are people in this country illegally from predominately white countries." More on immigration: Inside the dire situation facing migrants bused across U.S. What country is David DePape from? U.S. officials said DePape is Canadian. Federal records show that he entered the U.S. at the San Ysidro bridge crossing between Tijuana, Mexico, and San Diego on March 8, 2008, on a B2 tourist visa, which is usually valid for up to six months but can be renewed. Story continues Officials did not indicate why DePape would have entered from Mexico or whether he had been in the U.S. before that crossing. How did DePape stay for so long? Even if immigration officials had been alerted that DePape had overstayed his visa, they lack the manpower to locate, arrest and deport him, Chishti said. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency charged with removing undocumented migrants in the interior of the U.S., has 20,000 law enforcement and support personnel in more than 400 offices across the country. David DePape is shown in Berkeley, California, in 2013. Police say DePape attacked the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. But that's not nearly enough agents to go after the 11 million undocumented people estimated to be living in the U.S, Chishti said. Migrants entering the United States on temporary visas are not given tracking devices, he said. By the time DePape's visa had expired, he probably had changed residences, which would have made it it nearly impossible for ICE agents to locate him, Chishti said. "We dont have an enforcement mechanism robust enough to remove people who have just overstayed visas or come illegally and stayed on," he said. For subscribers: DACA was meant to be temporary. 10 years later, immigrants want relief How do officials locate and remove undocumented immigrants? ICE agents tend to focus on what are considered "high yield" targets migrants who have committed serious crimes or are considered national security risks. They do this largely by relying on local law enforcement agencies who arrest a migrant on a criminal charge. That person's name then enters national criminal databases that alert ICE and other agencies to their arrest. A family is deported to Central America in 2016 on ICE Air. ICE then requests a "detainer" on the person or a request to hold the immigrant until the federal agency can assume custody. ICE lodged an immigration detainer on DePape with San Francisco County Jail on Tuesday, four days after his arrest, according to a spokesman with Homeland Security, which oversees ICE. How did deportations change under Trump? Before taking office, former President Donald Trump pledged to increase deportations of unauthorized immigrants. After his election, his administration directed ICE to go after all unauthorized people, not just those who have committed crimes. Though interior removals under Trump did nudge up, averaging at or under 100,000 a year, they were still well below levels seen in President Barack Obama's first term, which averaged more than 200,000 ICE removals a year, according to a Migration Policy Institute report. President Joe Biden toned down the enforcement policy after taking office, bringing deportation numbers down. Even under Trump's aggressive removal policy, it would take the United States about 46 years to deport everyone who is now in the country without authorization assuming no new undocumented migrants enter the U.S., said Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council, a Washington-based immigrant advocacy group. "With 11 million undocumented immigrants, the United States government simply does not know who those people are, where the majority live, or even have the resources to go after them," he said. More on immigration: Cubans, Haitians are fleeing to US in historic numbers. These crises are fueling migration U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrest a person during a raid in Brooklyn in April 2018. Experts say there are far more people present in the U.S. than will ever be located by immigration officers. Who makes up the majority of undocumented people in the US? Over the past two decades, on average, about half of undocumented people entered the country by crossing the border without authorization and half entered legally and overstayed temporary visas, like DePape, Chishti said. A 2019 analysis by the Center for Migration Studies showed that of the 515,000 unauthorized migrants who entered the U.S. in 2016, 62% overstayed temporary visas, compared with 36% who illegally crossed the border. A 2021 Homeland Security report to Congress showed that the country with the highest number of people overstaying visas in the U.S. in 2020 was Mexico, with 77,494 overstays. Second place: Canada with 57,592. Visa overstayers tend to be white and educated, Reichlin-Melnick said. "There are tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of people who have violated their visa but are not on the radar of the U.S. government," he said. Follow Jervis on Twitter: @MrRJervis. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How Pelosi attack suspect David DePape lived in US with expired visa David Moyes hailed history maker Jarrod Bowen after he equalled West Hams all-time European goalscoring record in the 2-1 win over Anderlecht. Bowens latest strike took him level with club greats Johnny Byrne and David Cross on six European goals. The 25-year-old should get plenty of chances to move ahead on his own after West Ham guaranteed qualification for the knockout stages of the Europa Conference League with two games to spare. It certainly is a feather in his cap, said Hammers boss Moyes. Maybe there are more European games these days with the group stages, but its still a good thing to have and hopefully hell score a lot more. Hes much closer to what he was last year and he looks a threat every time he plays. West Ham now need just a point from their last two games, against Danish side Silkeborg and Romanias FCSB, to ensure they finish top of the group and move straight into the round of 16, avoiding a play-off in February. Im really pleased weve done it and qualified, added Moyes. The big thing is to be in there after Christmas, and we still need a point to be group winners, and hopefully we can do that. They took the lead in the 13th minute when Said Benrahma whipped a free-kick over the wall and inside the near post. After half an hour the Hammers had their second, Emerson Palmieri galloping down the left before pulling the ball back for Bowen to finish from 15 yards. However, some of the gloss was taken off their achievement by crowd trouble which required riot police to separate the two sets of fans, with flares and seats being thrown. Moyes added: I saw some movement but I didnt have any interest in it to be honest. Why would we want to draw attention to it? The players job was to get on with it and I thought they did. Its not what any clubs want connected to them and I certainly dont want it at West Ham. The Belgian fans were clearly the instigators of the trouble and an Anderlecht spokesman said: We do not tolerate that behaviour in our stadium or away and we will take it up with the fans and UEFA. We apologise to West Ham. Pennsylvania Democratic Senate nominee John Fetterman (L) and Donald Trump Jr. (R). Melissa Sue Gerrits/Mark Makela/Getty Images Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Mehmet Oz are facing off for US Senate in Pennsylvania. Fetterman's health has become a focal point of the race after he suffered a stroke in May. Donald Trump Jr. mocked Fetterman on Sunday, saying he doesn't have "a working brain." Donald Trump Jr. mocked senate candidate John Fetterman over his stroke, saying he doesn't have "a working brain," deepening Republican attacks on Fetterman's health in a tight race. The eldest son of former President Donald Trump made the comments at his father's "Save America" rally in Miami, Florida, on Sunday night in the lead-up to the mid-term elections. "I believe that if you're going to be in the United States senator, you should have basic cognitive function," he told the crowd. "It doesn't seem that unreasonable to have a working brain." "We're up against a Democrat party today that doesn't believe that a United States senator should not have mush for brain." Trump's attack was one of the most aggressive and demeaning in a campaign where Fetterman's health has proved a major issue. A spokesperson for Fetterman did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Fetterman, currently the lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, is running against Republican rival and celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz. You can read Insider's full preview of their race here. He suffered a stroke in May and developed an auditory-processing disorder. A physician's note he released last month said that Fetterman was recovering well and could carry out public office. In a heated debate with Oz last month, Fetterman struggled with some of his sentences, which he then acknowledged, telling the crowd: "Let's also talk about the elephant in the room: I had a stroke." "He'll never let me forget that," he added of his opponent. Fetterman's health has been a major focal point during the race and many GOP figures, including Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, have mocked him for it. Story continues The Oz campaign has also repeatedly questioned Fetterman's ability to serve and insisted he provides a regular update on his health. "If John Fetterman had ever eaten a vegetable in his life, then maybe he wouldn't have had a major stroke and wouldn't be in the position of having to lie about it constantly," a senior communications advisor to Oz's campaign said earlier this year, to wide condemnation. Oz has been closing in on Fetterman in recent weeks, according to polls aggregated by the data website FiveThirtyEight, with a negligible difference between the two. Pennsylvania is a swing state that backed Trump in the 2016 presidential election before flipping to support Biden by 1.2 points in the 2020 election. Read the original article on Business Insider By Hyonhee Shin SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's former President Moon Jae-in said on Monday he plans to give up a pair of dogs sent by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a gift following their 2018 summit, citing a lack of support from his successor. Moon has raised the white Pungsan dogs named "Gomi" and "Songgang" since their arrival in the South and took them to his personal residence after his term ended in May. The dogs are legally categorised as state property belonging to the presidential archives, but Moon's office said he was entrusted as their caretaker under consultations with the archives and the interior ministry, an unprecedented decision. The agencies had sought a legislative amendment to facilitate the move including financial support. But that effort fell apart due to "unexplained opposition" from the administration of incumbent President Yoon Suk-yeol, Moon's office said. "The presidential office seems to be negative toward entrusting the management of the Pungsan dogs to former President Moon," Moon's office said on Facebook. "If that's the case, we can be cool about it, as such an entrustment is based on the goodwill of both sides ... though ending it is regretful given they are companion animals he grew attached to." Yoon's office denied foiling the move, saying the agencies are still discussing and it has not played any role. The Chosun Ilbo daily reported earlier on Monday, citing unnamed government and parliamentary officials, that there was debate over whether to provide Moon with monthly subsidies totalling some 2.5 million won ($1,800). The interior ministry, which oversees the presidential archives, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. An official at the Ministry of Government Legislation said it has not opposed the idea and the discussions are ongoing. ($1 = 1,401.8300 won) (Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Lincoln Feast) Northeast Ohio Medical University has formally stepped up to help meet the growing need for dental care in Ohio. More:Doctors donate $10 million toward new NEOMED dental school, university's largest gift ever Toothbrushes were both centerpiece decorations and gifts for guests to take home during a celebration announcing the name for Northeast Ohio Medical University's new dental school, the Bitonte College of Dentistry. When NEOMED opens the Bitonte College of Dentistry in 2025, it will be the third dental college in Ohio, eventually graduating about 50 dentists annually. Drs. Gary and David Bitonte gave the gift in memory of their parents, Dominic Bitonte, who was a dentist, and Helen Bitonte, who worked to educate school children about proper dental care. David Bitonte said the two colleges of dentistry in Ohio a public program at Ohio State University and a private program at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland graduate about 200 dentists each year. "You can bet that at least 200 dentists retire every year," he said. NEOMED hosted a ceremony last week to announce the name of the dental college and thank the Bitonte for the gift, the largest in the university's history. It is the first time that a college at NEOMED has been named for a donor, according to Dr. John Langell, president of NEOMED. Frank Beck was named interim dean of the new college. Langell and other speakers at the dedication spoke about oral health being a major unmet health need among Ohioans, Previously, Langell said Kaiser Family Foundation data and an Ohio Department of Health map show that oral health is the top unmet health care need of Ohioans, and 77 of Ohio's 88 counties are Health Professional Shortage Areas for oral health. The donors, both retired physicians, are familiar with how dental care can impact overall health. "The mouth is the gateway to general health," said David Bitonte, an anesthesiologist, explaining that everything that comes into the mouth, including bacteria, ends up in the gastrointestinal tract. His brother, a urologist, added that bacteria in the mouth also can get into the bloodstream and affect the valves of the heart. Many people in Ohio, especially those who live in rural areas, don't have good access to oral care, the men said. Story continues Langell's predecessor, Jay Gershen, a dentist, first explored the idea of a dental college at NEOMED in 2014. But Langell said when he joined NEOMED, the college was not on his radar.Two of NEOMED's partners approached him immediately, explaining that oral health was Ohio's biggest unmet health care need. Officials then began studying the feasibility of the dental college, and the answer came back "a resounding yes," he said.. "It's critical, especially in Northeast Ohio," he said. Phil Trueblood, chairman of the board of trustees at NEOMED, said dental care is more important than most people realize. "There's a huge shortage of dentist in Ohio," he said. One dentist, he said, sees an average of 7.5 patients daily Gina Bitonte, daughter of Gary Bitonte and a dentist in the Cleveland area, said she sees eight to 12 patients daily at Neighborhood Family Practice in Cleveland, as does the other dentist who works there. The practice is a community health care center, she said, and works with the refugee population. "Definitely, for sure, it's an unmet need, especially in the rural areas," she said. Langell thanked State Sen. Jerry Cirino and State Rep. Gail Pavliga for securing $1 million in state funding and said he is working with Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman to obtain federal funds towards the college. The college needs $25 million to meet start-up expenses. Dr. Frank Beck, interim dean, said the college cannot begin classes until fall 2025 because of the long process to seek accreditation through the Council on Dental Accreditation. In the interim, other steps can be taken, including renovating the space on campus that will host classrooms, laboratories and a dental clinic. Brothers Gary and David Bitonte look on as Debbie Okey, chair NEOMED Foundation board of directors and Phil Trueblood, chair NEOMED board of trustees, unveil the official name, The Bitonte College of Dentistry , for the new NEOMED college. Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com. This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: College at NEOMED will help meet need for dentists in Ohio (Evening Standard) Chinas commitment to its zero-Covid policy means stock markets have cooled after Fridays bounce. As well as there being no signs of a change in Covid policy, the countrys latest disappointing trade figures have highlighted the impact of the curbs on consumption and business activity. In the UK, figures from mortgage lender Halifax point to a further cooling in the house market after the average price fell 0.4% in October. FTSE 100 Live Monday Average house price at five-month low Ryanair upbeat after record half-year profit China weakness slows FTSE 100 momentum Thats all folks. Tomorrow: ABF and Aveva results. Monday 7 November 2022 17:30 , Simon Hunt Thats it from the Evening Standards City desk for today, on the day on which world leaders gathered in Egypt to mark the beginning of the COP 27 conference. Average house prices fell at the fastest monthly rate for more than 18 months in October as the chaotic fallout from the mini-Budget shook the property market. The team will be back at 7am tomorrow, where well be covering final results from the worlds second largest sugar producer, Associated British Foods, as well as interim results from 9.5 billion market cap IT company Aveva. FTSE 100 closes down 32 points: Evening wrap Monday 7 November 2022 16:46 , Simon Hunt The FTSE 100 closed down 32points to 7,303 at the end of todays trading session. Retail stocks made the biggest gains. Grocery warehouse technology stock Ocado was todays biggest winner, after it surged over 6% or 51.2p to 685.2p as sentiment continues to improve following its recent partnership with South Korean retailer Lotte. Healthcare stocks fell the most, down an average of 1.5%, while utilities firms dropped 1%. Susannah Streeter, senior investment and markets analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown As COP 27 opens with a warning that the planet is sending a distress signal, financial markets are set to stay on edge as concerns that the global economy is heading for a painful downturn prove hard to shake off. Story continues Worries about recession and an energy crisis, which are causing financial pain for millions of companies and consumers, risk taking the spotlight off the urgent need for global co-operation on limiting the effects of climate change. The chronicle of climate chaos in the form of the report detailing how the last 8 years are among the warmest on record, amid the emerging pattern of catastrophic floods following disastrous droughts, will be casting a shadow on global markets at the start of the week. London tech firm Worldr raises 10 million to help bankers text securely over WhatsApp Monday 7 November 2022 16:08 , Simon Hunt A London tech company has raised almost 10 million in funding to help develop software to bolster security for messaging apps amid intense scrutiny of how bankers and City financiers use Whatsapp to handle sensitive data. Worldrs software helps organisations to retain data sovereignty over information shared on communication and collaboration platforms, such as Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Outlook and Slack and comes just weeks after the US finance regulator slapped a number of major global banks with fines totalling $1.8bn for the improper use of private messaging apps by employees. The new funding round was led by Molten Ventures, with continued support from IQ Capital and Playfair Capital. read more here New York stocks tick higher as attention turns to mid-term elections and more inflation data Monday 7 November 2022 15:13 , Michael Hunter Wall Streets S&P 500 ticked higher, with a cautious feel to early trade at the start of a week that includes mid-term elections and more inflation data. The broad New York index was up 10 points at 3781.38, a rise of 0.3%. Elections tomorrow will determine who controls Congress and later in the week the next reading of the Consumer Price Index will feed into market expectations for the next move on rates from the Federal Reserve. Hopes for smaller rises of 0.50% eased last week after the central bank hiked by 0.75% again, while strong jobs data looks to give policymakers leeway for aggressive moves against inflation. FTSE 100 biggest movers: Ocado leads the way Monday 7 November 2022 14:07 , Simon Hunt Six hours into todays trading session, heres a look at some of the biggest moves on the FTSE 100 in London. The biggest rise in the top flight came from grocery warehouse technology stock Ocado, which surged over 8% or 51.2p to 685.2p as sentiment continues to improve following its recent partnership with South Korean retailer Lotte. Paypoint seals 83m takeover of Christmas savings club firm Monday 7 November 2022 12:21 , Simon Hunt Gift card and Christmas savings club firm Appreciate Group has been taken over by payments firm PayPoint in a deal worth around 83 million. PayPoint which offers bill payments at more than 28,000 retail locations across the UK is offering cash and shares valuing Appreciate Group shares at 44p each, which is 69% higher than the closing price of 26.05% on Friday. Appreciate group shareholders will take a stake of about 5% in PayPoint after the deal. PayPoint wants to tap further into the consumer and corporate gift market, worth around 8 billion a year, while also boosting Appreciate Groups Christmas savings club offering at a time when households are under severe financial pressure in the cost-of-living crisis. Nick Wiles, chief executive of PayPoint, said: The proposed acquisition of Appreciate Group provides a compelling opportunity to acquire a highly complementary business with well established offerings in prepayment savings and the corporate and consumer gift card and voucher sector. House prices dive at fastest rate for 18 months after mini-Budget Monday 7 November 2022 11:41 , Simon Hunt Average house prices fell at the fastest monthly rate for more than 18 months in October as the chaotic fallout from the mini-Budget shook the property market, new figures reveal today. Britains biggest mortgage lender Halifax said the average price of a home in the UK fell 0.4% to a five-month low of 292,598, the biggest drop since February 2021. The annual rate of growth eased from 9.8% to 8.3%. Property prices for first-time buyers fell more sharply, from 10.1% in September to 7.5% in October. Kim Kinnaird, director, Halifax Mortgages, said: While a post-pandemic slowdown was expected, theres no doubt the housing market received a significant shock as a result of the mini-Budget which saw a sudden acceleration in mortgage rate increases. While it is likely that those rates have peaked for now following the reversal of previously announced fiscal measures it appears that recent events have encouraged those with existing mortgages to look at their options, and some would-be home-buyers to take a pause. Understandably we have also seen consumer caution grow, as industry data shows mortgage approvals and demand for borrowing declining. Prices in London were, once again, the slowest climbing of any region in the country on an annual basis with a 6.8% rise to a new record average of 551,320. Flutter shares boosted by FanDuel ruling, FTSE 250 surges Monday 7 November 2022 10:16 , Graeme Evans A favourable court ruling today helped to boost the FTSE 100-listed shares of gambling giant Flutter Entertainment. The Paddy Power and Betfair owner jumped 5% or 545p to 12,055p as it emerged that an arbitration hearing had indicated a current valuation of $22 billion (19.3 billion) for Flutters US-based FanDuel sports betting business. Fox Corporation initiated the proceedings in April 2021, having argued that its 10-year option to acquire an 18.6% stake in FanDuel should be at the same price that Flutter picked up a 37% holding from Fastball Holdings in December 2020. That deal implied a valuation of $11.2 billion (9.8 billion), but the US tribunal determined a fair market value of $20 billion (17.5 billion) plus a 5% annual carrying value adjustment. London-listed gaming company Entain, which operates BetMGM as a US joint-venture with MGM Resorts, also cheered 33p to 1317p but the wider market failed to move forward as the FTSE 100 drifted 6.37 points to 7328.47. Chinas insistence at the weekend that it will stick to its zero-Covid policy meant there was no repeat of Fridays strong session, when the top flight rallied on rumours over a move to ease restrictions. Figures showing the first contraction in both Chinas exports and imports since May 2020 did little for the mood as Asia-focused stocks HSBC and Prudential fell by around 1%. The biggest rise in the top flight came from grocery warehouse technology stock Ocado, which surged 8% or 51.2p to 685.2p as sentiment continues to improve following its recent partnership with South Korean retailer Lotte. A stronger pound helped the FTSE 250 index to climb 1% or 186.47 points to 18,528.04, with cyber security firm Darktrace among the beneficiaries after a gain of 12.1p to 361p. Aston Martin Lagonda led the second tier, rallying 11% or 12.3p to 124.5p as the luxury car firm recovers the losses seen after last weeks third quarter trading update. Apple slashes iPhone production amid slump in consumer demand Monday 7 November 2022 09:11 , Simon Hunt Apple has slashed its target for iPhone production amid a slump in consumer demand and prolonged supply chain woes in China. The California-based tech giant aims to make 87 million handsets this year, down from its previous target of 90 million, according to Bloomberg, after cancelling plans to ramp up production when hopes for a surge in sales faded. It comes as the firm faced having to cut iPhone output in November by as much as 30% after manufacturing facilities at Zhengzhou, China were put under further stringent Covid restrictions. An Apple spokesperson said: "We continue to see strong demand for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models. However, we now expect lower iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max shipments than we previously anticipated. FTSE 100 falls on China frustration, Aston Martin recovers Monday 7 November 2022 08:50 , Graeme Evans Chinas insistence that it will stick to its zero-Covid policy means the FTSE 100 index is 14.74 points lower at 7320.10. Top flight fallers included Prudential, which eased 10.4p to 903.2p. Housebuilders Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon are also more than 1% lower after the latest Halifax house price release showed a 0.4% drop in Octobers headline figure. Other widely-held stocks on the fallers board included GSK, which dipped 39.2p to 1406.4p, and HSBC after retreating 3.5p to 486.5p. Gaming firm Flutter Entertainment rose 425p to 11,935p after an US arbitration hearing placed a current valuation of $22 billion (19.3 billion) on its FanDuel business should media giant Fox wish to take up an option to buy an 18.6% stake. The FTSE 250 index rose 31.37 points to 18,372.94, with Aston Martin Lagonda up 6% or 7p to 118.95p as it recovered more of the losses seen after last weeks trading update. Ryanair soars back to health with record half-year profits Monday 7 November 2022 08:11 , Rhiannon Curry Ryanair has posted its largest ever after-tax profit for the first half of its financial year after a recovery in traffic and profitability. The airline said it had made 1.37 billion in profits in the six months to the end of September, well ahead of its previous first-half record of 1.29 billion in the same period in 2017. Concerns about the impact of recession and rising consumer price inflation on Ryanairs business model have been greatly exaggerated in recent months, boss Michael OLeary said in a statement. We expect these strong fundamentals will continue to underpin robust traffic and average fare growth for the next 18-months at least. Average house price at five-month low Monday 7 November 2022 07:47 , Graeme Evans Average house prices fell 0.4% in October, the third decrease in the past four months and the biggest recorded by mortgage lender Halifax since February 2021. It takes the typical property price to a five-month low of 292,598, while the pace of annual growth also continued to ease to 8.3% from 9.8% in September. The slowdown follows the governments mini-budget at the end of September, which caused a sudden acceleration in mortgage rates. Halifax Mortgages director Kim Kinnaird said: The rising cost of living coupled with already stretched mortgage affordability is expected to continue to weigh on activity levels. With tax rises and spending cuts expected in the Autumn Statement, economic headwinds point to a much slower period for house prices. China trade figures disappoint, FTSE 100 seen lower Monday 7 November 2022 07:35 , Graeme Evans Chinas exports and imports have contracted simultaneously for the first time since May 2020, reflecting the impact of the countrys zero-Covid policy and falling demand for Chinese goods as the global economy slows. Exports declined 0.3% in October, well below forecasts for growth of 4.3%, and imports dipped by 0.7% following growth of 0.3% the previous month. The figures came as the Chinese government reiterated at the weekend that it would stick to its zero Covid strategy, dashing Fridays stock market speculation that it is preparing to relax restrictions. The impact of these curbs is being felt by Apple as it warned of longer wait times for its iPhone 14 models due to disruption at an assembly plant in Zhengzhou. As well as developments in China, the market will this week be looking for any further signs that headline inflation in the United States is continuing to slip back. The FTSE 100 index rallied by 2% on Friday, but CMC Markets expects the top flight to open 18 points lower at 7316. Sterling is just above $1.13 this morning. Joules blames good weather on bad sales Monday 7 November 2022 07:27 , Simon Hunt Luxury British designer Joules has blamed better-than-expected autumn weather on its downturn in sales. The brand, which is a firm favourite of Prince William and the Princess of Wales, said trading had fallen behind expectations in recent weeks amid a downturn in consumer confidence. Joules said in a statement: Whilst dresses, menswear and more formal product categories have performed well, larger core categories such as outerwear, wellies and knitwear have been impacted, in part, by the milder than expected weather. ReportLinker The growth in the global solid-state transformer market is expected to be driven by an increase in investment toward the building and construction of power transmission and distribution networks, renewable power generation, and EV charging station infrastructure across the globe. New York, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Solid-State Transformer Market - A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Product, Application, and Country-Wise Analysis - Analysis and Forecast, 2025-2031" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06361115/?utm_source=GNW Market Lifecycle Stage The solid-state transformer market is in the research and development phase. Solid-state transformers are expected to be the replacement for conventional transformers in the coming years. Impact Solid-state transformers are the primary building blocks of the smart grid infrastructure. Such a transformer can transfer power bidirectionally and scale down and scale up voltages as per the application. The companies that manufacture conventional transformers are taking an interest in the R&D of solid-state transformers to fulfill the future demand from smart grid infrastructure. Solid-state transformers, with the inclusion of communication capability among components used in the power system infrastructure, can be referred to as the smart transformer in the coming years. It will help power utilities in the measurement of demand and supply of electricity use. A solid-state transformer has various advantages over conventional transformers, including power factor correction, fault isolation, harmonic reduction, voltage sag and swell compensation, bidirectional power transfer, and others. Impact of COVID-19 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, research and development slowed down across many industries owing to the lack of funding, halted manufacturing activities, and components or raw material supply chain disruptions. In addition, a halt in the building and construction of renewable power infrastructure and smart grid projects has also been induced by COVID-19, which is resulted in a decrease in demand for transformer products and further affected R&D projects worldwide. Market Segmentation: Segmentation 1: by Application Smart Grid Renewable Power Integration Traction Locomotive EV Charging Station Others Based on applications, the global solid-state transformer market is expected to be dominated by renewable power integration applications. This is followed by the EV charging stations segment, which is expected to account for the second-largest share in the solid-state transformer market due to increasing demand for electric vehicles and the building and construction of EV charging stations across the globe. Segmentation 2: by Product Type Power Transformer Distribution Transformer Traction Transformer Based on product types, the distribution transformer segment is estimated to capture the highest market share during the period 2026 to 2031.This type of transformer is increasingly used in power distribution networks and in renewable power integration. In addition, the replacement of aged power distribution systems in the countries such as Germany, India, the U.S., the U.K., and other countries is further expected to fuel the demand for distribution transformers during the forecast period. Segmentation 3: by Region North America - U.S., Canada, and Mexico Europe - Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Rest-of-Europe China U.K. Asia-Pacific - India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Rest-of-Asia-Pacific Middle East and Africa - Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Rest-of-Middle East & Africa South America - Brazil, Rest-of-South America Asia-Pacific is anticipated to generate the highest revenue of $61.0 million in 2025. The region is experiencing an increase in renewable power generation, distributed generation, and sales of electric vehicles. Therefore, conventional transformer technology will be challenged by solid-state transformer (SST) alternatives in renewable power transmission and distribution infrastructures. The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to grow at a faster rate compared to any other region. Recent Developments in the Global Solid-State Transformer Market In January 2022, Eaton Corporation acquired Royal Power Solutions (EV component producer) for $600 million. Under the agreement between the Department of Energy (DOE) and Eaton Corporation, Eaton would develop and demonstrate electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI). To support this charging infrastructure, Eaton would develop a solid-state transformer. This acquisition strengthened the position of eMobility company in the EV sector. In March 2021, Hitachi Energy (formerly Hitachi ABB Power Grids) collaborated with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore. This collaboration aimed at advancing developments in solid-state transformer (SST) technology. This project is supported by the National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF). This would enhance the product portfolio of the company and its presence in the solid-state transformer market. In December 2019, ERMCO, Inc partnered with SP Energy Networks (a U.K. electricity network operator). Through this partnership, ERMCO would provide smart transformer solutions to LV Engine project. This project would monitor or demonstrate how smart transformers can efficiently manage energy, and then they would deliver smarter grids with lower carbon emissions. In December 2021, Eaton Corporation signed an agreement with the Department of Energy (DOE). This agreement or award was aimed at developing low-cost fast-charging infrastructure, solid-state transformers, and modular chargers in a three-year timeframe (2022-2025). This would strengthen the position of the company in the solid-state transformer market globally. Demand - Drivers and Limitations The following are the demand drivers for the solid-state transformer market: Increase in Renewable Power Generation Rise in Number of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Electrification of Rail Locomotives across the Globe High Voltage DC (HVDC) Integration The market is expected to face the following challenges: High Initial Cost of Solid-State Transformer Technical Challenges Lack of Basic Power Infrastructure in Underdeveloped Countries How can this report add value to end users? Product/Innovation Strategy: The product type segment helps the reader understand the different types of transformers that are expected to be available for deployment in the power infrastructures.Moreover, the study provides the reader with a detailed understanding of the different product types by applications (smart grid, renewable power integration, electric vehicle charging stations, traction locomotives, and others). A solid-state transformer is expected to be a highly efficient power transformer when compared to conventional transformers. Therefore, the solid-state transformer market is expected to be a moderate investment and high revenue generating product in the coming years owing to the rise in investment toward smart grid, renewable power expansion, and others. Growth/Marketing Strategy: The global solid-state transformer market has seen major development by key players operating in the market, such as acquisitions, partnerships, agreements, and product launches. The favored strategy for the companies has been collaborations, agreements, and acquisitions to strengthen their positions in the solid-state transformer market. For instance, in March 2021, Hitachi Energy (formerly Hitachi ABB Power Grids) collaborated with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore.This collaboration was aimed at advancing developments in solid-state transformer (SST) technology. This project is supported by the National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF). This would enhance the product portfolio of the company and improve developments in solid-state transformers. Competitive Strategy: Key players in the global solid-state transformer (SST) market analyzed and profiled in the study involve transformer manufacturers that are engaged in the R&D of solid-state transformers and raw component suppliers in the manufacturing of SST.Moreover, a detailed competitive benchmarking of the players operating in the global solid-state transformer market has been done to help the reader understand how players stack against each other, presenting a clear market landscape. Additionally, comprehensive competitive strategies such as partnerships, agreements, acquisitions, and collaborations will aid the reader in understanding the untapped revenue pockets in the market. Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis The companies that are profiled have been selected based on inputs gathered from primary experts and analyzing the companys coverage, product portfolio, its market penetration. The top segment players leading the market include key power, distribution, and traction transformer manufacturers in the market and the ones engaged in the research and development of solid-state transformers across the globe. Some of the prominent names in this market are: Siemens Energy Alstom SA Eaton Corporation Hitachi Energy Ltd. Schneider Electric Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative (ERMCO), Inc. Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Standex International Corporation Wilson Transformers General Electric American Superconductor CG Power & Industrial Solutions Ltd. IONATE Limited Raychem RPG Private Limited Shree Abirami Engineering Works Southwest Electric Co. Unimag Power Transformer Bicron Electronics Company PowerUC SVM Private Limited Countries Covered North America U.S. Canada Mexico South America Brazil Rest-of-South America Europe France Germany Italy Spain Rest-of-Europe U.K. Middle East and Africa South Africa Saudi Arabia Rest-of-Middle East and Africa China Asia-Pacific Japan India South Korea Australia Rest-of-Asia-Pacific Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06361115/?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. __________________________ Story continues CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 Republican senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas has become the first top Republican to pull out of the 2024 presidential race, according to reports. The reports have emerged after Donald Trump recently suggested he is likelier than ever to run for the White House for the third time. The far-right senator and rising GOP star was considered a top contender for the race if Mr Trump decided not to run. Mr Cotton had appeared to follow the presidential candidate playbook by releasing a book on American power, but will now become the first high-profile candidate to forgo the 2024 bid. One-time president Mr Trump had said at a rally in Iowa last week that he would very, very, very probably run for the top job again and asked the crowd to get ready for an official announcement, in the clearest signal yet of his intentions to announce a re-election campaign. A formal announcement may be made as soon as 14 November. Sources familiar with the development told Politico that Mr Cotton had reached out to his donors, supporters and Republican allies to inform them that he would not run for president, citing family reasons. The senator said a national campaign would have kept him away from his two young sons, aged five and seven, the report said. Mr Cotton was rumoured to be a likely GOP contender as he had made recent trips to Iowa and New Hampshire, two of the first states that will vote in the GOP primary. The Afghanistan and Iraq War veteran released a book on military history to bolster his national profile. But Mr Cotton has made clear that he is open to serving in the future Republican cabinet. Mr Trumps declarations that stop just short of officially announcing himself as a presidential candidate have been met with elation from his supporters amid crucial midterm elections that will reveal how much influence he still wields in the grand old party. In order to make our country successful and safe and glorious, I will very, very, very probably do it again... Get ready thats all Im telling you very soon. Get ready, he said at a rally in Sioux City, Iowa last week. Story continues The most high-profile candidate pitted against Mr Trump so far has been Florida governor Ron DeSantis, whose rise within the Republican party is also being closely watched. Mr Trump mocked Mr DeSantis at another rally in Pennsylvania by calling him Ron DeSanctimonious, but had later reigned in his attack during another rally appearance, this time on Mr DeSantiss home state. Youre going to re-elect the wonderful Marco Rubio to the United States senate and youre going to re-elect Ron DeSantis as your governor, he said. Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP via Getty Images Minutes into the opening ceremony for the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, a speaker greeted the audience of world leaders as they filtered into the plenary session, a speaker: We welcome you to COP27, meeting for the first time in Sharm el-Sheikh, the first green city. This honorific has already shaped the way attending delegations are talking about the conference, including, bizarrely, by prompting ostentatious photoshoots of some of the most powerful people in the world posing with bicycles. Notably absent was climate activist Greta Thunberg, who last week called COP27 an opportunity for leaders to engage in greenwashing, lying and cheating. And never mind the dubious title of first green city, when the Egyptian government had bestowed the designation upon another city mere months ago. The entire spectacle raises the question: Just what exactly is a green city? According to Egypts Ministry of Environment, Sharm was set to be turned into an environmentally friendly tourist city at a cost of nearly seven million dollars by transitioning all the citys transportation to a fully electric model and powering Sharms hotels with solar energy. But experts were wary of being too impressed by the designation, which they say leaves much to be desired. For me, whats most concerning is this is not a green city, this is a green enclave, Mohammed Rafi Arefin, a geography and climate researcher at the University of British Columbia, told The Daily Beast. Cementing Sharms status as an isolated PR stunt, Egypt has directed attention toward its environmentally friendly practices in the resort town, such as building a solar power plant in Sharm capable of offsetting over 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually (or about 500 homes energy use for a year according to the EPAs greenhouse gas calculator). Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Amine Niam / EyeEm via Getty But all the while, Egypts government has quietly continued destroying and paving over public green spaces in much larger cities around the countrynot to mention bulldozing a UNESCO Heritage Site an hours drive from the conference. That these construction projects are targeting trees and parks may not simply be due to carelessness or ignorance, but rather a concerted effort to quash democratic practices. The really important thing here is that these green public spaces are not just environmentally good, they're also sites that can be used for public organizing and dissent, Arefin added. Story continues Diving deeper into the recent changes to Sharm, theres even more reason to be skeptical. Switching public and private transportation to fully electric vehicles is undoubtedly better than doing nothing to curb the emissions of a major contributor to pollution. But Egypt still relies on nonrenewable sources like oil and gas to generate about 80 percent of its electricity. Outside of transportation and hotel management, is food production and procurement being practiced sustainably? How are city officials handling the growing problem of water scarcity in Egypta threat that could cause the country to run out of water by 2025? Asking difficult questions may bring us closer to understanding Egypts motives in naming Sharm a green city. Tourists stroll and segway along the main street of Nama Bay in Sharm El-Sheikh. David Degner / Getty Images I think that the designation of green city throughout the world is often used by governments to to greenwash, Arefin said. Policymakers will institute incremental technical changes to a citys functioning to cut some emissions and qualify for a title that looks good on paper, and neglect the structural and economic transformations necessary to mitigate the disastrous and deadly effects of climate change, he added. The UNs Latest Climate Report Is a Final Warning for Action Critically, theres a question of whether a tourist destination like Sharm can ever truly be a green city. After all, a city that promotes travel from Asia, Europe, and the U.S. is at least partially responsible for the carbon emissions produced by their air travel before and after their stay. In that sense, an environmentally friendly tourist city is a lot like COP27 itself: a waddling turducken of hypocrisy, lying to our faces and expecting us to take it seriously. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. A grieving mother is demanding answers after two white firefighters were accused of lying about their response to a house fire that killed her two Black sons. Brothers Zyaire Mitchell, 12, and Lamar Mitchell, nine, died after faulty electrical wiring sparked a huge fire in their home in Flint, Michigan, on 28 May. As the fire raged, two Flint firefighters Daniel Sniegocki and Michael Zlotek were responsible for carrying out a search for survivors on the second floor of the home. The firefighters gave the all-clear that there was no one in the rooms. Almost seven minutes later, a second team of firefighters then found the two boys who had been sleeping inside one of the rooms. The brothers were rushed to hospital where they died days later. As questions mounted over whether those crucial minutes could have made the difference between life and death, the two firefighters initially claimed in incident reports that they had properly swept the room. But, weeks later, an internal investigation revealed this to be false. Seven months on from their deaths, the boys mother Crystal Cooper is now pushing for an independent investigation as officials appear to have backpedaled in their handling of the matter. At an emotional press conference on Friday, Ms Cooper spoke of the knowledge that those six minutes may have made the difference as she called for justice for her sons. Only if I could just give six minutes, my babies would still be here with me. I just want justice for them. They didnt deserve this, she said. Every day is a struggle knowing that I wont see them anymore. Calls for a new probe are also coming from Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton who has asked for Michigan State Police to launch its own investigation into the matter. Brothers Zyaire Mitchell, 12, and Lamar Mitchell, nine, died after a fire broke out in their home in Flint, Michigan (GoFundMe) In July, when the findings of the internal probe were first released revealing the discrepancies in the firefighters stories, Flint Fire Department Chief Raymond Barton called for the pair to be fired, citing their actions or lack of action possibly contributing to the loss of life of two victims. Story continues But, just weeks later, he appeared to walk back his stance with one of the firefighters allowed to remain with the department after simply being disciplined. The second resigned of his own accord. Ms Coopers attorney Robert Kenner has branded the handling of the matter a cover up and claimed that racial bias may have played a part in the investigation. No parent should ever have to go through this. No parent. So, what were calling for, were calling for a thorough investigation, an earnest investigation, no cover-ups, no change in documents. Were calling for the truth, he said on Friday. I cant say in good faith that these firemen intentionally failed at their responsibility because these boys were African Americans, I would never say that. I think the way it was handled subsequent to the boys being found was a disparity in how others have been treated. The attorney also claimed to CNN that the inaction is politically-driven, with Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley declining to terminate the firefighters because she doesnt want to upset the fire union ahead of her reelection race. The mayors office told the outlet there is absolutely no truth to the allegation that there is a cover up. SEOUL, South Korea Ushered by guides donning black ribbons, Ahn Soon Yi, 86, and her husband walked the semicircular path around Seoul Plaza. Then they placed white chrysanthemums on a memorial altar for the 156 mostly young victims of the Halloween crowd crush, and wrote condolences for scores of people who had departed this life decades too soon. Afterward, Ahn sobbed into a handkerchief and fell to the ground: Her own granddaughter was the same age as many who had died. How can this keep happening in this country? she said on Friday, referring to a 1999 fire at a Hwasong youth camp in which 23 children died. Older generations, she said, failed them like they failed the costumed partygoers on Oct. 29. Why couldnt the police have gotten there sooner? South Koreans across the country are asking the same questions. This years Halloween celebration in Seouls nightlife district of Itaewon drew a crowd of 100,000 revelers yet only 137 police officers, resulting in one of the worst peacetime disasters in the countrys history. People pray for victims of a deadly accident during Halloween festivities in Seoul, South Korea, on Nov. 2, 2022. (Ahn Young-joon / AP) Soon after the disaster, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared a one-week period of national mourning as authorities scrambled to explain what happened. Throughout South Korea, thousands of people paid their respects at designated memorial sites in 17 cities. Many expressed similar reasons for attending. Millennials and Generation Zers cited the sense that it could have been me or my friends. Those a generation older empathized with the victims parents. Across ages, people shared disappointment that adults could not protect the children. South Korea has been wrestling with shock, grief and, as the days progress, anger. The release of transcripts of calls to police asking for help and warning of peril hours before the crush, and the Yoon governments use of the word accident instead of disaster and decedent instead of victim added to frustrations with the government. On Friday, a bereaved mother whose son died in Itaewon visited the altar at Seouls City Hall, tearing down the flowers sent by Yoon and yelling, Why did you send flowers without protecting them? as she was pulled away by police. Story continues One week after the Itaewon disaster, as the official mourning period drew to a close, tens of thousands of Koreans gathered at an evening vigil at City Hall to memorialize the victims and protest the Yoon government, holding signs saying, The citizens are dead. Is this me? and Yoon Suk Yeol step down. Earlier in the day, hundreds of young people had organized a protest in Itaewon, carrying signs saying, At 6:34 the country was not there [for the victims], referring to the time the first panicked call was made to the police before the fatalities occurred. On Monday, Yoon apologized for the crowd crush, vowing to improve police and safety management systems and hold accountable anyone found responsible. The anti-Yoon protests have been going on for weeks with a heavy police presence, including the night of the Halloween crush, which has also angered critics, as has Yoons move out of the official presidential residence into a luxury apartment building. The move has increased his Itaewon-based security detail to about 700 officers. People take part in a candlelight vigil to commemorate the 156 people killed in the October 29 Halloween crowd crush in Seoul, South Korea, on Nov. 5, 2022. (Jung Yeon-je / AFP - Getty Images) Yoons new home is the site of the former Sampoong Department Store, which collapsed in 1995, killing more than 500 people and injuring more than 900. There is no major public memorial at the site. The Korean government has a long history of censoring, erasing and misremembering any event that might be considered shameful, said Areum Jeong, author of an upcoming book on the aftermath of the Sewol ferry disaster. Creating a memorial would be admitting that there is something to document. More than 100 of those killed in the Halloween crush were in their 20s, a generation marked by the sinking of the Sewol ferry in 2014, which killed more than 300 high school students. The tragedy marked the beginning of the end for the last right-wing president, Park Geun-hye. At the time, Busan resident Park Yun Eun, 20, was in sixth grade. I saw this horrible [Sewol] accident happen, and it was also under a conservative administration. To grow up watching that, and seeing this, it reaffirms my belief that no matter what we do, no matter how much we call the police theyre not going to take care of us, theyre not going to save our lives, she said. People take part in a candlelight vigil to commemorate the 156 people killed in the October 29 Halloween crowd crush in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2022. (Jung Yeon-je / AFP - Getty Images) Within the last century, Korea has emerged from Japanese colonialism, the Korean War, military dictatorships and a struggle for democracy, transforming itself into the worlds 10th-largest economy. As a result, the whiplash-inducing pace of change can wallpaper over generational trauma, experts say, which resurfaces when an event that seems preventable occurs. Koreans tend to force themselves to go on with their lives, Jeong said. People deal with such trauma by attending memorials or protests, posting condolences on social media and creating and viewing art that commemorates the victims. Some worried that the government seemed to have forced the country into mourning before the incident had been fully investigated. Kang Hye-Won, a Seoul-based cultural critic, said that declaring a memorial week the day after the disaster, as the bodies were still being recovered and identified, seemed too soon. People are afraid the government will not properly figure out why it happened and what to improve after the disaster, Kang said. People are in deep sorrow, but at the same time theyre afraid that maybe things wont change. A woman prays near a makeshift memorial for the 156 people killed in a Halloween crowd crush in Seoul's Itaewon district on Nov. 5, 2022. (Kang Jin-kyu / AFP - Getty Images) Jean Kim, a Korean American psychiatrist who has treated post-traumatic stress disorder, said that collective trauma can occur after long-term events, like a war or occupation, as well as after acute, short-term ones like the Itaewon tragedy, layering levels of grief. In addition, the barrage of images and videos on social media can aggravate the PTSD symptom of abnormal memory processing in which an event gets replayed over and over and sets off panic, flashbacks and nightmares, Kim said. While it is important to look at what could be done differently for future safety, trauma also may set off unhealthy rumination, self-berating (such as survivor guilt) and anger, she said. Mental health services and counseling sessions are being offered at some universities, but many arent sure that Koreans would use them, since mental health treatments still carry some stigma. Asked what would help her generation heal, Park said, We grew up realizing that Sewol was dealt with in a terrible way. I dont even know how to deal with that trauma, which was eight years ago. Now 156 deaths of people my age, I do not know how to deal with that. I dont know how to be angry. I dont know how to speak out against whats happening. Thats the biggest problem with our generation right now, we dont know how to think. Its really sad. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Carolina Pena-Alarcon the day she became a US citizen. Courtesy of Carolina Pena-Alarcon Carolina Pena-Alarcon is a program manager at EcoMadres, part of Moms Clean Air Force. She says Latinos bear a disproportionate impact of climate change. This is Pena-Alarcon's story, as told to Kelly Burch. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Carolina Pena-Alarcon. It has been edited for length and clarity. No matter where you are in the country, you're likely hearing a lot about the upcoming midterm elections. There are so many issues at play right now, but for me, one is particularly close to my heart: sustainability and climate change. I was already working to register more voters, especially Latinos. But I wasn't expecting to be able to vote in this election. I was a green-card holder, but not yet a citizen. Then my citizenship was approved and I had my oath ceremony at the end of September. Suddenly, this is not just a campaign I was working on. It will be my story, too. I became interested in climate change after immigrating Back in 2001, I immigrated to the United States with my mom and brother. I had already completed college in my native Bolivia, and I was excited to see what opportunities were available in the US. I dreamed of getting my master's degree in finance. Instead, I started working in the department of sustainable development at the Organization of American States, or OAS, which promotes cooperation among countries in North and South America. As I learned more about the impact of climate change, particularly on Latin American and Caribbean countries, a passion ignited inside of me. Rather than studying finance, I got my master's degree in environmental and energy management. At the same time, I was promoted within OAS. I moved to the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. It was stunningly beautiful until Hurricane Thomas hit in 2010. The area where I lived was without electricity and water only briefly. But I saw firsthand the impact of climate change on the locals. Not only did it take longer to get their utilities back, but they had longer commutes after bridges and roads collapsed. Story continues I knew then that as global citizens, we have a moral responsibility to act to stop climate change. Latinos are particularly impacted Climate change has a huge impact on Latin American and Caribbean countries. And as I settled into life in the US, I realized that climate change disproportionately impacts Latinos here, too. The Environmental Protection Agency has found that American Latinos are more likely than non-Hispanic whites to be affected by rising seas, extreme heat, and hurricanes. Some American Latinos have immigrated here to escape the climate crisis in their home countries. Now, they face some of the same challenges in their new homeland. Knowing that drove me to join EcoMadres, a community of parents and caregivers dedicated to protecting the Latino community from the impact of climate change. I'm not a mother, but I'm mothering through climate activism Latino culture recognizes the importance of mothers, as well as people who care for others but don't have biological children. That describes me. I was never able to have my own children, although I have godchildren and my partner's children in my life. Through EcoMadres, I'm helping protect children and teach others how sustainability can become part of everyone's lives. Together, small choices can make a significant difference. Like a mother, I also encourage people. Many of us feel frustrated with our leaders. People who are discouraged by the system might want to opt out of voting. But that's the greatest power we have. We can't leave that on the table because we're overwhelmed by the way the system has failed us. I'm eager to harness that power when I cast my first vote as an American citizen this November. Read the original article on Insider Motley Fool Not only did our home include a builder's warranty (which didn't end up being worth much since our builders didn't make good on it, but that's another story), but because all of our appliances were brand new, we were protected from things like having to fix our air conditioning system, fridge, and so forth for a number of years. Although my husband and I have only been in our home for about 13 years, our property tax bill is now about $8,000 higher than it was when we first signed our mortgage. Now you may be thinking, "How on earth is that even possible?" Well, welcome to the great state of New Jersey, which boasts the highest property tax bills in the nation. By Tim Reid PHOENIX (Reuters) - The campaign headquarters of Kari Lake, the Republican candidate for Arizona governor, reopened on Monday, a day after authorities began investigating a suspicious white powder that was delivered by mail to the Phoenix office over the weekend. The office shut down on Sunday after a staff member reported discovering the powder in an envelope at a time when security agencies are warning of a heightened risk of threats and violence ahead of Tuesday's U.S. midterm elections. The campaign said in a statement on Sunday that two envelopes were taken for analysis in Quantico, Virginia, home of the FBI's forensics laboratory. Lake, a former television news anchor, is in a tight race for governor with Democratic nominee Katie Hobbs, Arizona's secretary of state. Hobbs condemned the suspicious mail that was sent to her opponent's campaign, calling it "incredibly concerning." Hobbs' campaign headquarters was burglarized in late October. Phoenix police arrested a suspect days later. Lake told reporters on Sunday that "a couple" of staff members were exposed and that the mail in question was taken for examination at "a closer lab." The Lake campaign and Phoenix police did not immediately respond to a request for more details. Lake was not at the Phoenix office when the mail was received, she said. The Phoenix police and fire departments said on Sunday in separate statements that no one was reported injured. Neither the FBI statement, nor those from the Phoenix police of fire departments, referred to Lake or her campaign by name. (Reporting by Tim Reid in Phoenix; Writing by Tyler Clifford in New York; Editing by Howard Goller) Election Day comes on Tuesday, Nov. 8 as local, state and federal offices are up for grabs when voters head to the polls. When to vote on Election Day Voting on Nov. 8 runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., though anyone in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote no matter how long it takes them to cast their ballot. Where to vote in Spartanburg County Spartanburg County will have 98 precincts open for voting Tuesday. Visit scvotes.sc.gov for a full list of polling places, or call the election office at 864-596-2549. To find your individual polling place using your name and birthday, visit scvotes.sc.gov. Who's on the ballot in SC Every registered voter in the nation can vote in races like presidential elections. Anyone in South Carolina can vote in races for governor and the state's U.S. Senate election. For local races, however, where elected officials represent residents of distinct areas within the bounds of the state, voting eligibility is determined by location of residence. Some races cross county and city lines. To know the races and candidates on your specific ballot ahead of time, visit scvotes.gov, where you can type in your name, birthday and county to see a sample ballot. Races on the ballot in Spartanburg County for 2022 election SC Governor's Debate:McMaster, Cunningham debate focuses on abortion, gun safety, marijuana Governor and Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina Joe Cunningham and Tally Parham Casey, Democratic Party Henry McMaster and Pamela Evette, Republican Party, incumbent Bruce Reeves and Jessica Ethridge, Libertarian Party Secretary of State Rosemounda Peggy Butler, Democratic Party Mark Hammond, Republican Party, incumbent State Treasurer Curtis Loftis, Republican Party, incumbent Sarah E. Work, Alliance Party Attorney General of South Carolina Alan Wilson, Republican Party, incumbent Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom, Republican Party, incumbent SC Superintendent Debate:Key takeaways from the South Carolina Superintendent of Education debate Story continues State Superintendent of Education Lisa Ellis, Democratic and Alliance parties Patricia M. Mickel, Green Party Ellen Weaver, Republican Party Commissioner of Agriculture David Edmond, Green Party Chris Nelums, United Citizens Party Hugh Weathers, Republican Party, incumbent U.S. Senate Krystle Matthews, Democratic Party Tim Scott, Republican Party, incumbent U.S. House of Representatives, District 4 William Timmons, Republican Party, incumbent U.S. House of Representatives, District 5 Larry Gaither, Green Party, Evangeline Hundley, Democratic Party Ralph Norman, Republican Party, incumbent South Carolina House of Representatives, District 29 Dennis Moss, Republican Party, incumbent South Carolina House of Representatives, District 30 Brian Lawson, Republican Party South Carolina House of Representatives, District 31 Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, Democratic Party, incumbent South Carolina House of Representatives, District 32 Max Hyde, Republican Party, incumbent South Carolina House of Representatives, District 33 Travis A. Moore, Republican Party, incumbent South Carolina House of Representatives, District 34 Roger A. Nutt, Republican Party, incumbent South Carolina House of Representatives, District 35 Bill Chumley, Republican Party, incumbent South Carolina House of Representatives, District 36 Rob Harris, Republican Party South Carolina House of Representatives, District 37 Steven Long, Republican Party, incumbent South Carolina House of Representatives, District 38 Josiah Magnuson, Republican Party, incumbent Probate Judge Ponda A. Caldwell, Republican Party, incumbent Auditor Sharon H. West, Republican Party, incumbent Spartanburg County Treasurer Oren L. Brady III, Republican Party, incumbent Spartanburg County Council, Chair Manning Lynch, Republican Party, incumbent Spartanburg County Council, District 2 Jack A. Mabry, Republican Party, incumbent Spartanburg County Council, District 5 Bob Walker, Republican Party, incumbent Spartanburg County Council, District 6 Jessica Coker, Republican Party, incumbent Soil and Water District Commission William R. Heatley Jr., incumbent Watershed Conservation, District Thicketty Creek Deborah Perry David Wheeler Commissioner of Public Works, District Sanitary Sewer Barbara J. Barnes, incumbent Louie W. Blanton Woody Willard Fire District Commissioner, Cherokee Springs Wesley Burcham, incumbent Fire District Commissioner, Hilltop Fire Luther R. Black James L. Longshore Fire District Commissioner, Holly Springs Fire District Robby Golightly Jerry Hugh Jackson Lee Jeffcoat Fire District Commissioner, Mayo Fire District Ronnie Evans Jessie Tucker, incumbent Commissioner of Public Works, Woodruff Roebuck Water Area A Mark A. West, incumbent This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: What to know about Tuesday's midterm elections in Spartanburg SC Summit unpacks latest consumer trends and innovation in China, Japan and Korea Leading experts shed light on how co-creation on technology development and innovation can empower the future of beauty SHANGHAI, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- L'Oreal hosts the first-ever North Asia Beauty Industry Innovation Summit focusing on the future of beauty powered by technology and innovation through co-creation in China, Japan and Korea. Mr. Fabrice Megarbane, President L'Oreal North Asia & CEO LOreal China, delivering opening speech Expert Panel Discussion (From left to right: Ms. Linda Yan, Corporate Affairs & Engagement Director LOreal North Asia (Host); Dr. Sokju Kim, Director Clinic 10, Korea /Phinskin Clinic, Shanghai; Ms. Katia Lan, Consumer Centricity Project Director LOreal China; Mr. Alexander Wu, Founder & CEO of DeepWisdom) (PRNewsfoto/L'Oreal North Asia) The Summit took place during the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and was attended by key stakeholders from different industries and markets. Speakers included experts from beauty, green sciences, AI, digital and medical sectors as well as institutions including Business France and Shanghai Institutes for International Studies. The Summit is open to industry players and the public in China, Japan and Korea simultaneously in real time. Mr. Fabrice Megarbane, President of L'Oreal North Asia & CEO of L'Oreal China, said: "L'Oreal is delighted to host the North Asia Beauty Industry Innovation Summit at this year's CIIE. The North Asia region represents more than one third of the world's total beauty market. It has a unique eco-system of what we call the Beauty Triangle of C-beauty, J-beauty and K-beauty. There are a lot of cultural relevance and commonalities in beauty needs in the region while each market brings unique strengths. This dynamic is what makes the North Asia region special, not only as a growth engine but also an inspiration for technology advancement and innovation empowering beauty. The purpose of this event is to bring together the different wisdoms and accelerate technology and innovation through co-creation in the region." L'Oreal established the North Asia Zone in 2021, covering five markets of Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea. Its vision is to strategize, create and activate the powerful Beauty Triangle ecosystem for sustainable growth. Story continues During the Summit, L'Oreal decoded the lates t consumer trends in the Beauty Triangle around four key themes including "self-expressive beauty", "supercharged efficacy", "skinification" and "sensorial matters". The company also illustrated key innovation breakthroughs echoing these trends, such as 3CE's New Color Effects, Lancome's Dual LED Youth Treatment, YSL's Touche Eclat Glow-Pact, Prada's Paradoxe Fragrance, and Shu Cleansing Oil's "Shu Purifying Ritual". Talking about leveraging the best science and technology to bring breakthrough innovations, Mr. Maxime De Boni, Vice President, L'Oreal R&I North Asia and China, said: "We have the open R&I strategy to lead us into the world of "Co", a world of co-llaboration, co-creation and co-operation to shape the future of beauty. Internally, we maximize the synergies across our local R&I centres in Shanghai, Tokyo and Seoul in North Asia. Externally, we detect, select and transform with the best academics, suppliers, start-ups and vendors in the region, from upstream to downstream, to invent breakthrough and superior innovations. This summit is exactly about our belief in the power of 'Co' and accelerating our 'Open'." The event featured a panel discussion that included leading experts from beauty, AI & digital, and R&D specialties in different markets. A recent example of cross-industry co-creation was showcased where L'Oreal Japan partnered with Morishita Jintan to develop its first capsule made of plant-derived active cosmetic ingredient through cutting edge "active delivery capsule" technology. During the discussion, all experts called for more cross-industry, cross-market collaboration to bring new technologies and new innovations to consumers. On AI & digital, experts raised the pressing need to strengthen AI infrastructure to facilitate collaboration. On medical beauty, panelists pointed out the importance of bringing together start-ups with new ideas, companies with resources and medical professionals with expertise to bolster the innovation journey. "At L'Oreal, our sense of purpose is to create the beauty that moves the world. We believe that together with our partners and stakeholders, we can co-create the future of beauty with game-changing technologies and innovation that truly inspire our consumers in North Asia and beyond", continued Mr. Megarbane. About L'Oreal Group For over 110 years, L'Oreal, the world's leading beauty player, has devoted itself to one thing only: fulfilling the beauty aspirations of consumers around the world. Our purpose, to create the beauty that moves the world, defines our approach to beauty as inclusive, ethical, generous and committed to social and environmental sustainability. With our broad portfolio of 35 international brands and ambitious sustainability commitments in our 'L'Oreal for the Future' programme, we offer each and every person around the world the best in terms of quality, efficacy, safety, sincerity and responsibility, while celebrating beauty in its infinite plurality. With 85,400 committed employees, a balanced geographical footprint and sales across all distribution networks (e-commerce, mass market, department stores, pharmacies, hair salons, branded and travel retail), in 2021 the Group generated sales amounting to 32.28 billion euros. With 20 research centers across 11 countries around the world and a dedicated Research and Innovation team of over 4,000 scientists and 3,000 tech professionals, L'Oreal is focused on inventing the future of beauty and becoming a Beauty Tech powerhouse. More information on https://www.loreal.com/en/mediaroom About L'Oreal North Asia Zone L'Oreal North Asia Zone was established in 2021 as L'Oreal Groupe regrouped the geographical scope of its zones to give greater coherence to consumer behaviour and to create synergy within the region. The North Asia Zone comprises of five geographically and culturally connected markets of Mainland China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan. L'Oreal North Asia Zone is the second largest region within the Group, accounting for 30.5% of the Group's global sales in 2021. Situated in the most beauty intense region with more than one-third of the world's total beauty consumers, L'Oreal North Asia shapes the future of beauty with its innovation centers in Shanghai, Tokyo and Seoul, while investing in beauty tech transformation as one of the three beauty tech hubs globally. Here, our mission is to strategize, create and activate a powerful ecosystem around the North Asia Beauty Triangle as a competitive edge to unleash sustainable growth for all and inspire the world. SOURCE L'Oreal North Asia MANILA, Philippines (AP) The Philippines lifted a ban on the deployment of workers, including maids and construction workers, to Saudi Arabia on Monday after steps were taken to reduce frequent abuses, officials said. Labor officials stopped sending workers to the oil-rich kingdom a year ago due to the abuses, including the non-payment of wages to thousands of Filipino construction workers, and the coronavirus threat. Susan Ople, who heads the countrys newly established Department of Migrant Workers, said months of negotiations with Saudi Arabian officials have led to an agreement on additional safeguards, including the adoption of a standard employment contract that provides insurance coverage for workers for non-payment of salaries and allows workers to change employers in the case of abuse. Under a new employment contract that ensures greater workers protection, our workers would now be able to find gainful employment in one of the worlds biggest labor markets, Ople said in a statement. More than 189,000 Filipino workers were deployed to Saudi Arabia in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic hit. Other top destinations of Filipino workers include the United States, Singapore, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. A more transparent and fair arrangement for settling disputes between workers and employers will be adopted in Saudi Arabia and human trafficking complaints will be handled directly by Saudi officials who focus on the problem for a better response, Filipino officials said. Ople said Saudi Arabian officials will visit the Philippines this month for a joint review of salaries of Filipino workers and resume discussions on complaints over the unpaid salaries of thousands of Filipino construction workers dating back to 2016. About a tenth of the Philippines 109 million people work and live overseas and the large amounts of money they send home have helped keep the country's consumption-driven economy afloat for decades. Last year, a record $31 billion was sent home, bolstering the recovery of the Philippine economy, which slumped in its worst post-World War II recession in 2020 due to prolonged coronavirus lockdowns. The downside of the largely poverty-driven diaspora has been continuing reports of abuses and exploitation, especially of maids, that have sometimes led to serious injuries or deaths and sparked uproars in the Philippines. Philippine officials are under increasing pressure to do more to monitor the safety of Filipino workers worldwide. There have also been calls for the government to boost employment and living standards at home, where millions live in poverty, so that fewer people need to abandon their families and find work abroad. On the eve of midterm elections in America as Jan. 6 insurrectionists remain on trial, as candidates nationwide deny the results from 2020, as the president warns of a path to chaos experts on voting and extremism want to make two things clear. First, voting in the United States remains extraordinarily safe. Second, as millions of Americans still seethe over the 2020 election and cast doubt on the fairness of the electoral process, spurred on by lies and disinformation, the possibility remains of tense confrontations or even violence at polling places this week. Election workers are stepping down in droves after being harassed and threatened, misinformation has ramped up, and volunteer groups are stepping in with de-escalation training to be used at polling places. A group of people watch a woman deposit a ballot at an early-ballot drop box in Mesa, Arizona, on Oct. 24, 2022. Organizations pushing spurious claims of voter fraud now call for volunteers to patrol polling stations and election infrastructure in some states. That raises the likelihood of tense interactions between election critics and election officials and voters. Meanwhile, observers worry increased tensions could also come in the days and weeks after the elections, especially in communities where election deniers are on the ballot or where election results are especially close or delayed. More: Arizona becomes epicenter of concerns about voter intimidation Its a new normal for everyone election officials, law enforcement officers and individual voters who should be on alert, but not panicked, as they cast their votes, said Jared Holt, a senior researcher at the think tank the Institute for Strategic Dialogue and an expert on domestic extremism. When it comes to risks at the polls, I keep telling people to be vigilant, but not paranoid, Holt said. Vigilance means being aware of some of the different things that you might see at polling locations and how to respond to those, whereas paranoia looks like believing armed goons are waiting outside your polling station now and maybe you just don't want to go vote at all, because you're worried about it. Story continues More: Biden's closing argument before midterms More: The week in extremism, from USA TODAY The extremist threat Several experts on extremism told USA TODAY the same thing: Domestic extremist groups and organizations seeking to sow doubt in the electoral process thrive on spreading the message theyre going to show up in force on election day and confront and harass voters. But in reality, that seldom actually happens, said Marcia Johnson-Blanco, co-director of the Voting Rights Project at the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. I am suspicious about a lot of these reports of plans to observe polling places, and to make sure the wrong voters arent voting, Johnson-Blanco said. All of that serves as a chilling effect you don't necessarily need to show, but just the fact that it's being reported may keep voters away. Marcia Johnson-Blanco, co-director of the Lawyers' Committee's Voting Rights Project, at a press conference in June 2021. Johnson-Blanco said election-related harassment has historically been disproportionately focused on communities of color, particularly in neighborhoods where there is a high proportion of people who do not speak English as their first language. In past years, extremist groups, particularly the armed anti-government organization the Oath Keepers, have been on the front line of election harassment. In 2018 and 2020, Oath Keepers pledged to patrol voting places in large numbers. But there were ultimately few reports of harassment from Oath Keepers or other extremists. In 2022, extremist groups have focused their hatred on other targets, particularly LGBTQ-friendly events like family-friendly drag shows, Holt said. A lot of Proud Boys chapters and other extremist movements are busy at the moment harassing gay people for existing, Holt said. We're seeing way more calls for Proud Boys chapters to go protest drag events than we are seeing the Proud Boys trying to encourage their people to be poll workers or something like that. Our View: Regardless of your political leanings, our democracy needs you to vote Spreading misinformation A man takes photos of people exiting and entering the Maricopa County Tabulation and Elections Center on Oct. 19, 2022, in Phoenix. Johnson-Blanco and other experts said that this year they are most concerned that groups who specialize in spreading misinformation about elections have been steadily ramping up their presence at the polls on election days. Like extremist groups in years past, the organizations driving these misinformation campaigns say they are efforts to document voter fraud even though such cases almost never really occur. These groups are openly encouraging volunteers to monitor polling places, film the electoral process and even set up hidden cameras at locations where votes are dropped off. Compounding the issue, several states have loosened their restrictions on what so-called election observers can and cannot do, legally, said Sophia Lin Lakin, interim co-director of the Voting Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union. So while such monitors may not hassle voters in person, their false claims lead to more harassment of election officials, Lakin said. All of that is making the situation worse, she said. In some states, harassment from those quarters, often from people who falsely claim Joe Biden did not win the 2020 election, has already had a negative impact on the democratic process. Ten of Nevadas 17 counties have seen their top election official resign, retire or decline to seek reelection since the 2020 vote, which the state government calls a drastic exodus, according to Reuters. Arizona has seen some of the most divisive debates over election security since the 2020 presidential election, and several candidates on the ballot have campaigned in part on the lies that the last election was corrupt. In Maricopa County, Arizona, a federal judge on Nov. 1 ordered a group of self-appointed election monitors to dial back their presence at ballot drop-off locations, ordering them to stop wearing body armor or carry visible firearms within 250 feet of the box. The judge also banned them from yelling at or otherwise confronting people dropping off ballots, and ordered their leader to post a statement about the legality of ballot drops to her Trump-backed Truth Social network account. Destroying the system from within Looming over this years elections is the specter of the Jan. 6 insurrection. Inspired by lies and disinformation, the Capitol riot was, at its core, aimed at stopping the certification of the 2020 election. It remains a stark example of electoral interference that experts worry inspires would-be wrongdoers as much as it troubles election workers. That idea that those who dislike an elections outcome can use violence to shut it down has spread from the Capitol riot to the ballot, with dozens of election deniers running for office across the country. What worries Olivia Troye, a former homeland security and counterterrorism adviser to Vice President Mike Pence, is that candidates who undermine the election process are learning that their conspiracy theories earn them votes. She warned that even if voting is peaceful and she worries it won't be some candidates will put themselves in a position to destroy the system from within. "Things have gotten worse because of this monitoring, this intimidation. The seed has been planted since 2020 and it's gotten worse," she said. "And the threats to election officials are getting worse." Troye, a lifelong Republican, quit the White House in August 2020 over the administration's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. She endorsed Biden in the 2020 presidential election. "We have an entire anti-democracy operation happening before our very eyes," Troye said. "There has been an ongoing effort focused on changing the rules of elections, and changing the referees who oversee elections, so that they can change the results and overrule the will of the people. All of this is correlated to the long term effect of the lies theyve been told by the political leaders they embrace. We saw what it led to on Jan. 6th, and that sentiment hasnt dissipated." Law enforcement standing by In Arizona, despite the recent judges order, Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone said his deputies were prepared to intervene swiftly if they see any evidence of intimidation or violence. Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone addresses the media on matters relating to election security in the media room in the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office headquarters in Phoenix on Monday, Oct. 24, 2022. "We're staffing and preparing for a worst-case scenario. We're not going to tolerate anything," Penzone told USA TODAY. "We want to make it abundantly clear that there's zero tolerance for anyone whose intentions are to interfere with, undermine or adversely affect the electoral process." Penzone said he recognizes most observers are doing nothing more than exercising their constitutional rights to gather or bear arms, and promised deputies would respect and protect those rights. But Penzone, a Democrat who defeated the Trump-aligned Joe Arpaio in 2016, said he'd draw a hard line at anything intended to be intimidating. It's not partisan. It's not emotional. It's not subjective," he said. The Department of Justice is working with U.S. attorneys and specially trained FBI agents at 56 field offices to handle Election Day complaints about election fraud and voter intimidation, a standard practice. Those DOJ teams will be stationed around the country while the polls are open. People who need to report voter intimidation should first call 911 for their local law enforcement agency, and then contact the Justice Department, officials said in a news release. And concerns about voting-related civil rights violations should be directed to the DOJ's Civil Rights Division. In New York state, where Democrats have held the governor's mansion since 2006, but where this years race has become unexpectedly close, sheriffs statewide are prepared if needed. In addition to providing security at polling places, sheriffs in New York can be ordered to impound and secure ballots during disputes. Were standing by," said Peter Kehoe, executive director of the New York Sheriffs Association. Hopefully all goes smoothly in New York. And if it doesnt, well be ready. Election workers trained and prepared Even in states where intimidation and violence haven't yet been major factors this election cycle, the mood surrounding elections is much more tense than it was just a few years ago, election experts say. A television news crew interviews people watching, photographing, and recording people as they exit and enter the Maricopa County Tabulation and Elections Center on Oct. 19, 2022, in Phoenix. State and local voting officials, mediation experts and peacekeepers are focusing on de-escalation training, increased security and rapid-response measures strategies added in just the past few years out of a sense of preparation and precaution. Some of the longtime clerks tell me that 10 or 20 years ago, they were greeted on Election Day with pies and hugs," Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows told USA TODAY. "They tell me that it's a very different environment sometimes now. Rising political tensions parallel the increases in election misinformation and outright falsehoods, especially those that followed former President Donald Trumps false claims of a stolen 2020 presidential election and the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. I think the biggest trend that we are seeing is the epidemic of misinformation, disinformation and mal-information, when people believe lies about the 2020 election or think (it) was stolen, Bellows said. That, as we saw at the events of Jan. 6th, can motivate some individuals to take violent action. After two threats against local elections clerks in Maine one online and one in-person the state Legislature passed bipartisan legislation last year making threats against elections officials a crime to be investigated by the state attorney general. The legislature also instituted de-escalation training for local election clerks overseen by Bellows office and security assessments for polling places and municipal offices conducted in concert with the national Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Bellows said. Election peacemakers A group of faith leaders and social workers, operating as part of the religious political group Faith in Public Life, began responding to polling-place conflicts in 2021. The group, which uses de-escalation strategies to try to defuse potential clashes, began its election work in 2020 and is ready to respond in 2022, said the Rev. Dan Clark, Ohio director for Faith in Public Life. A lot of times, an election peacekeeper won't necessarily square up with the intimidator and try to solve whatever problem they're creating," he said. "Instead, an election peacekeeper often shows up in solidarity with the voters and brings that calming presence so that they can stay in line confidently and vote." Clark warns against overstating the severity of the problem. His groups peacekeepers responded to just five polling-place conflicts in the 22 Ohio counties that the group covered during the 2020 campaign all on Election Day and the weekend preceding it. It hasnt been called in yet this year during early voting. But the mood at voting sites has changed in recent years, raising the prospects for potential intimidation and violence, Clark said. And ominously, in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 insurrection and other instances of political violence, this years peacekeeper training included a new element, lessons in how to respond to an active-shooter situation, he said. Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills traditionally focused on confrontation and violence in high-pressure situations like contested divorces and workplace rage are now being tailored to the increasingly stressful world of elections. For four decades, the Mediation Center, a nonprofit serving Savannah, Georgia, and the surrounding area, has offered mediation and conflict-resolution services to government agencies and other groups, often dealing with workplace and domestic conflicts that can become violent. Only this year did it start getting deeply involved in training election workers, at the request of government workers, said Dan Rowe, the Mediation Centers senior manager of community programs. Training consists of lessons on situational awareness; finding ways to use language to avoid increasing agitation; and planning ahead for different conflict situations to avoid making mistakes under the pressure of a threatening situation, Rowe said. Even if not all the training and security is needed now, it can help de-escalation experts and election workers get ready for the future. 2022 isn't the last election that ever gets held, Rowe said. We've got races coming up in 2023. We've got the big one in 2024. I don't want to say 'prepare for the worst,' because that sounds very pessimistic. But 'be prepared' is the goal. Rowe doesnt expect polling-place peace to be achieved by 2024, either. I haven't heard any indicators that the temperature is going down, he said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Poll monitoring raises specter of election violence. Is it real? Indiana Democrats, shut out of statewide offices for a decade in the solidly red state, could change that on Tuesday thanks to an unexpectedly competitive secretary of state race. Republican nominee Diego Morales, a former gubernatorial aide to Mike Pence who has called the 2020 election a scam, has been dogged by controversy in recent months, including allegations of sexual improprieties, voter fraud and misuse of campaign funds. That has created an opening for his Democratic opponent, Destiny Wells. The race remains close, according to public polling: Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball, a nonpartisan political analysis and handicapping newsletter run by the University of Virginia Center for Politics, ranks the race as a tossup. Morales is part of the America First Secretary of States coalition, a group that promotes candidates who believe the 2020 presidential election was marred by significant voter fraud to run for their states top election-management position. Pence, his former boss, held a fundraiser for Morales here on Oct. 12. It does feel like an opening, said Pete Buttigieg, the former South Bend mayor and presidential candidate. His former political action committee, Win the Era, endorsed Wells last month. (Buttigieg stepped down from involvement in the PAC when Biden nominated him to the Cabinet.) The truth is in Indiana, for a statewide candidate to win, you have to not only have a great candidate on our side, but also see some big mistakes on the other side. The spate of damaging news about Morales has been accumulating for weeks. They include reports that he was twice-ousted over performance-related issues in 2009 and 2011 in the same office he seeks to lead; exaggerating his military service that included just three months and 18 days of basic training; a pair of sexual assault claims; reports he spent $43,000 of campaign funds on a vehicle; and, most recently, accusations of voter fraud in 2018 when he was running for Congress and voted in a different county. POLITICO has not independently verified the allegations. Story continues According to a report by The Indianapolis Star, the sexual assault allegations against Morales allegedly occurred more than a decade ago. In a statement sent to media outlets, Morales has denied them unequivocally. Morales' campaign has said he was proud of his volunteer military service; that a reliable car was necessary to run a "successful campaign," and he told the Fox 59 TV station that when it came to the matter of his residency, he followed all applicable state and federal election and property tax laws. Morales campaign declined a request for an interview through a spokeswoman. Kyle Hupfer, the Indiana Republican Party chair and the Republican National Committee general counsel, told The Indianapolis Star in a statement that he learned of at least one of the sexual assault allegations from one of the women, a Republican, in August. Hupfer initially accepted a request for an interview with POLITICO on the secretary of states race but canceled it shortly before it was scheduled to take place. In a statement, an Indiana GOP spokesperson said the party is confident that Election Day will be a good day for our statewide ticket. Wells, a lawyer and Army Reserve lieutenant colonel who served in Afghanistan, has tried to capitalize on the controversy surrounding her opponent. There are a lot of unforced errors by our opposition, she said in an interview. Every time that happens, we try to make the most of the opportunity. Weve had to be pretty resourceful. Wells has outraised her opponent by nearly $116,000 this year as of last week, according to her campaign, a substantial sum for a down-ballot race, with Wells raising $739,494 to Morales $622,805. Morales won his nomination at the Republican convention in June by beating Republican Gov. Eric Holcombs handpicked candidate, incumbent Holli Sullivan. His candidacy was largely fueled by delegates furor over the governors pandemic-era public health restrictions. Mike OBrien, an Indiana Republican operative and former legislative director for former Gov. Mitch Daniels, said Republicans made a mistake in choosing Morales over Sullivan. None of these revelations is a surprise, OBrien said. They were discussed around the [state GOP] convention and it was concluded that the establishment was trying to take him down with false claims. Theres still that sense among the party faithful. And it's hard to learn tough lessons as a party when we dont stop winning. So well probably just keep making the same mistakes. The close race, in part, is a byproduct of a monthslong effort to rebuild the states Democratic Party under new state chair Mike Schmuhl, a South Bend operative who was appointed to the bodys executive committee earlier this year by DNC chair Jaime Harrison. I was very clear when I ran that our fortunes aren't going to change overnight, or necessarily with one election, said Schmuhl. But I do think it's a process. And I think that we put in place a long-term plan to help build up our party. Wells, who has sought to leverage anger over the Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade and Indianas status as the first state to hold a special session to restrict abortion, made her closing pitch to a few dozen gathered outside a suburban Indianapolis office park on a recent Friday night. If I know anything from my years of service in Afghanistan, womens rights is a barometer of a healthy democracy, she said. And right now, we dont have a healthy democracy. The Duke of York is said to be completely lost and very depressed after he was told by King Charles III that he would never return to public duties. Prince Andrew was reportedly told that he had been permanently banished from public life as a working royal during a private meeting with his eldest brother, days before the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Sources close to Andrew were quoted as saying that he emerged from the meeting emotional and fraught as his hopes to resume his former roles were dashed. Andrew stepped back from royal duties in 2019 amid scrutiny of his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The late Queen stripped the duke of his military titles and royal patronages over the civil sexual abuse case brought against him by Virginia Giuffre. Giuffre accused Andrew of sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager, and claimed she was trafficked by Epstein. The duke strenuously denied the allegations and has repeatedly claimed he does not remember ever meeting Giuffre. In February this year, he reached a multi-million-pound settlement to stop the case from proceeding to a civil trial. According to The Mail on Sunday, the meeting between Andrew and the King was held at the latters Birkhall estate in Aberdeenshire. The duke had believed he could still be of value as a working royal in spite of his links with Epstein, a source said. Andrew had previously lobbied the Queen when she was still alive to bring him back into the fold of the royal family. Members of the royal family, including the Duke of York, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and King Charles III, stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in 2018 (AFP via Getty Images) The source told the newspaper that the Queen would say mildly conciliatory things but often changed the subject immediately to avoid talking about it. However, he was totally blindsided and left utterly bereft by the outcome of the meeting with King Charles. At the meeting, Charles told him that he can go off and have a good life, a nice life, but that his public life as a royal is at an end. He was told, You have to accept this, the source was quoted as saying. Story continues Andrew was said to have come out of the meeting shaken and is still in shock. He is completely lost and depressed, the source added. The duke was not allowed to wear a military uniform at most ceremonial events during the period of mourning for the Queen after she died on 8 September. As non-working members of the royal family, both he and the Duke of Sussex wore morning suits during the funeral procession that took the Queens coffin to Westminster Abbey on 19 September. The Mail on Sunday reported that Andrew was reduced to tears after being told he was barred from wearing a military uniform at the funeral. The source added that the duke has become a virtual recluse and has no idea what the future holds and has no real plans. He is struggling to accept this is the end of the road for him as a royal. It is all he has ever known, they said. Buckingham Palace and a spokesperson for Andrew declined to comment. LAS CRUCES Much loved comedian and actor George Lopez welcomed the Las Cruces community for a night of laughs Sunday at the Pan American Center. Lopez stopped in Las Cruces as part of his OMG Hi! comedy tour. The actor is known for his George Lopez TV show, The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, Beverly Hills Chihuahua and now his latest television comedy Lopez vs. Lopez, in which he works with his real-life daughter, Mayan Lopez. Las Crucens are familiar with the Mexican American actor in particular because of his time spent filming Walking With Herb in and around town several years ago. Lopez said Sunday nights comedy show was his first time performing live for a Las Cruces audience. Comedian George Lopez performs during his "OMG Hi!" Comedy Tour on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, at Pan American Center. Mariachi Estrella de El Paso performed as audience members found their seats. Comedians Bryan Kellen and Ruben Paul further warmed up the audience before Lopez took to the stage. Cheers erupted from the stands as the theme song from Lopez's early 2000s sitcom played before Lopez himself walked out. Much of Lopezs material was about Latino culture and growing up Mexican American, which is a staple of his comedy. Different, he would say about the tough love, no nonsense upbringing many Hispanic people can relate to. Toward the end of his show he pushed the importance of voting Tuesday on Election Day. Lopez said he likes Gabe Vasquez a former Las Cruces city council who is the Democratic challenger to incumbent Republican Yvette Herrell for New Mexicos 2nd congressional district. But Lopez encouraged everyone to vote, no matter who it is for. Go vote, because in order to see people who look like us in politics, you got to get out there and vote, he said. The comedy tour shares the same name as Lopezs podcast which started earlier this year. Lopez invites celebrity guests and listener call-ins onto the podcast to join him for hot takes and more. Episodes can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify and anywhere else podcasts are available. Story continues Lopez vs. Lopez premiered Friday, Nov. 4 on NBC and can be streamed on Peacock. Others are reading: Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, LRomero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: George Lopez returns to Las Cruces with comedy tour The fourteenth International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition will kick off in Zhuhai on Tuesday in south China's Guangdong Province. More than 740 companies from 43 countries and regions will take part in the exhibition, and more than one hundred aircraft will be on display. Modern weaponry and military equipment are returning to the Airshow China for another year. The VT4 tanks have been a frequent visitor to the airshow. And a brand new model is making its public debut at Airshow China 2022. Xu Xinchen takes a closer look. XU XINCHEN Zhuhai, Guangdong "This is China's best-selling main battle tank to overseas customers." "The VT4 is a China-made battle tank with a 125mm main fire cannon. Development of the 50 plus ton tank can be traced back to 2007. The latest model VT4A1 is being made public at the AirShow China." It has its predecessor's power plus modern technologies an onboard drone that can be shot up to the sky for surveillance and an active defense system. CHENG ZIHENG Weaponry specialist China North Industries Group Corporation "We can see that this is an unmanned aerial vehicle carriage. The UAV is stored in the loading box. If we have to send it to the sky, the drone will be pushed out, open its wings and take off. "The tanks' reconnaissance range is about 4-5 kilometers. But if we encounter an enemy attack 10 kilometers away, we cannot detect it. Or people in tanks cannot tell if there is any special terrain 10 kilometers away nor do we know if there is a better path. Now, we have this UAV. When it flies, we have the view from the sky, just like another eye in the sky. Then the tank can see a wider range." The next generation technology makes this China-made battle tank a strong contender to compete in advanced warfare. TAUNTON A Raynham man was killed in a Taunton shooting early Sunday morning, the Bristol County District Attorney's Office said. At approximately 1:38 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, Taunton police received a 911 call reporting a man severely injured and in need of an ambulance at the corner of Mason and Myrtle streets, according to a written statement from the office of Bristol County District Attorney Tom Quinn. The man, identified as Ross Copeland, 38, of Raynham, was bleeding from an apparent gunshot wound. Copeland was taken to Morton Hospital where he was later pronounced dead, according to the DA's office. This is the first homicide of 2022 in Taunton, the district attorney's office said. The shooting is under investigation by Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the district attorney's office, Taunton Police and homicide unit prosecutors. The DA's office said no further information is being released at this time. This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Taunton murder: Ross Copeland of Raynham killed in shooting Russia's Sberbank sues Glencore for $116 million over oil supplies FILE PHOTO: Offices of Russian lender Sberbank in Moscow MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia's largest lender, Sberbank, is suing global commodities trader Glencore for around 117 million euros ($116 million) over unpaid oil supplies, the bank said on Monday and court records from the database of Moscow's Arbitration Court showed. The court's database showed Sberbank was seeking to recover debt and penalties from Glencore Energy UK Ltd over two agreements, worth roughly 58 million euros each. One related to oil blend supplies to the border of Ukraine and Hungary in March, and the other to supplies to the border of Ukraine and Slovakia in the same month. In an emailed statement to Reuters, Sberbank confirmed it had filed the lawsuit against Glencore. "This is a forced measure, since the bank's repeated attempts to settle the matter out of court have been unsuccessful," the bank's press service said. Glencore declined to comment. The database gave no further details on the agreements or the lawsuit. Russia sent its troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24 for what it calls a "special military operation". It's not clear if that affected these deals. Hearings are scheduled to start in Moscow on Dec. 6. ($1 = 1.0073 euros) (Reporting by Oksana Kobzeva; Additional reporting by Dmitry Zhdannikov in London. Writing by Vladimir SoldatkinEditing by Mark Potter and David Evans) (Reuters) - Air raid sirens wailed across Ukraine for the first time this week, as the United States and NATO allies unveiled new pledges of money and equipment to help restore power and heat knocked out by Moscow's missile and drone strikes. DIPLOMACY * Moscow said it had "no other choice" but to cancel talks with the United States over inspections under the "New START" nuclear weapons control treaty, Russian state-run news agencies reported. * A communications line created between the militaries of the United States and Russia at the beginning of Russia's war against Ukraine has been used only once, a U.S. official told Reuters. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the United States initiated a call through the "deconfliction" line to communicate its concerns about Russian military operations near critical infrastructure in Ukraine. * NATO allies will ramp up aid for Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin was using winter as a weapon of war because his forces are failing on the battlefield, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. * Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said before a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Bucharest that NATO was not running low on tanks it could send to Ukraine. POWER SUPPLY * Ukraine was still struggling to restore full power nearly a week after a wave of Russian missile strikes that damaged energy facilities across the country. * President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned Ukrainians to expect another brutal week of cold and darkness, predicting that Russia's attacks on infrastructure would not stop until it runs out of missiles. * Kyiv plans to put up Christmas trees, without lights, throughout the battered city in a defiant display of holiday spirit as the area's millions of residents suffer through blackouts, officials said. BATTLEFIELD * Russian forces shelled 30 settlements in Ukraine's southern Kherson region 258 times in the past week, Zelenskiy said. Story continues * In an evening update on Monday, Ukraine's military said Russia kept up heavy shelling of key targets Bakhmut and Avdiivka in Donetsk province, and to the north bombarded Kupiansk and Lyman, both recaptured recently by Kyiv. * The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine is still under Russian control and will remain so, the Kremlin said, after a Ukrainian official suggested Russian forces were preparing to leave. * Reuters could not verify the battlefield reports. * The Pentagon is considering a Boeing proposal to supply Ukraine with cheap, small precision bombs fitted onto abundantly available rockets, allowing Kyiv to strike far behind Russian lines as the West struggles to meet demand for more arms. (Compiled by Simon Cameron-Moore; Editing by Alex Richardson) The Roys are heading to Norway. The new season of HBOs Succession will find Alexander Skarsgards slick tech mogul Lukas Matsson luring the Roy dynasty to the Norwegian mountains. More from Variety Overseeing the Norway shoot is producer Scott Ferguson (The Night Of, Brokeback Mountain), who confirms that production and stars including Skarsgard, Nicholas Braun and Sarah Snook have been shooting the new season across a number of locations in western Norway, such as the Atlantic Ocean Road (recently seen in the latest Bond film No Time to Die), the Romsdalen Gondola and the luxury Juvet Landscape Hotel (used in sci-fi thriller Ex Machina), located near fjord Geiranger, a UNESCO world heritage site. Ferguson reveals that the upcoming season will delve further into the world of Matsson, who was first introduced in Season 3. As the sale of media conglomerate Waystar Royco to Matsson moves ever closer and the Roys question what their future will look like the family is invited to visit the GoJo founders homeland. Last season we had an important new character and a new storyline, a potential merger with Alexander Skarsgards tech company, Ferguson tells Variety on location in Norway. We were really excited when Alexander came onboard hes a wonderful actor. And from the beginning, [showrunner Jesse Armstrongs] idea was that the tech company was going to be led by someone from a Scandinavian country. In the writers room, around February, Jesse had an idea for an episode they wanted to be in [Matssons] part of the world. Succession producer Scott Ferguson in Norway. Ferguson is one of the industrys most experienced producers, having filmed all over the globe. Though hes been working in television in recent years, his previous film credits include collaborations with directors such as Jim Jarmusch, Steven Zaillian, James Mangold, Milos Forman, Sydney Pollack and Ang Lee. Ferguson has worked on the Emmy-winning Succession over the last four years. Story continues He confirms dramatic scenes set against equally dramatic landscapes in Norway lie ahead for the new season, which will air next year. When we saw images of the remarkable architecture and setting of Juvet we got really excited, says Ferguson. Norway is a glorious, natural setting. It immediately seemed like a perfect place for a family gathering in the series. We studied different countries, but we realized Norway just has this exceptional landscape like nowhere else in the world. The production team got excited about the powerful combination of alluring architecture and natural elements within the landscape. Mark and I travelled over in May, had a look in the region around Andalsnes, looked at the gondola with the restaurant on top of the mountains. They also had an airport in the area which we were looking for in the story. Norway had everything we were looking for in just utterly gorgeous settings. Then we had to figure out how to do the shooting in these locations, practically. We got great support from HBO, and weve spent the last several months figuring out a plan and then putting it into place. Ferguson explains hes involved in the writers room from the earliest development stages in order to get a sense of the flavor of the planned storylines. I talk with them after they have spent [some time] in the writers room so that I get a sense of where theyre going. Then Ill come over to London a couple of times and spend some time with them during the course of development, and start to hear whats on their minds and what kinds of locations were looking for what the storylines are. Ferguson, who worked with Lee on Brokeback Mountain, also observes the benefits of working with local crews on the ground. People are good at filming where they live, and I always want to take advantage of that great local expertise, he says. Thats how we approached Norway and the other distant travel episodes on Succession. Looking ahead to Season 4, the producer promises that what audiences like about Succession, theyre going to get more of. This starts with HBOs support, backing us and creating an environment where Jesse and the writing team have the ability to take risks creatively, Ferguson explains. We use the production side to help them, everyone is given freedom to do their best work. And I think thats part of why the show works on so many levels the writing, the directing, the crew. No one is afraid to try something they havent tried before. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Sylvester Stallone's 2008 Rambo sequel, the fourth in the franchise, was a critical dud, but the action star still believes it to be the "best" and "most truthful" action film of his career. Set in Burma, also known as Myanmar, the film is set against the country's long-raging civil war. This piece of the film's narrative felt so controversial, Stallone didn't think it would even make its way to theaters. "One film I'm truly proud of it's the best action film I've ever done because it's the most truthful is Rambo IV, dealing with Burma, where they've had a civil war for 67 years," he told The Hollywood Reporter. "But I got excoriated because the movie's so violent. And it is violent. It's horrifying. It's children being burnt alive. That's what makes Civil War worse than anything. It's your neighbor, all of a sudden, killing you. I was really happy with that film and I never thought it would ever reach the theater. I thought, 'They're never going to show this.'" EW was kinder than many critics at the time, giving it a B- despite it being "up to its boot tops in numbing violence." (We also called it "the best movie 1986 never gave us.") Rambo 2008 Everett Collection The star recounted how he and the filmmakers approached a particularly gruesome scene, in which Stallone aimed to show the true horrors of wartime violence. "On Rambo IV, I wanted to show what a .50-caliber could do to a human being. We took a dummy and filled it with 200 pounds of beef," he recalled. "I thought, 'When I fire, it will knock the dummy over.' There were no bullets in the gun. It was just the force of the compression in the shell. But it turned the dummy into mist. It blew it apart. Then I turned the .50-caliber to a row of bamboo trees and it literally cut them in half. This is without bullets!" The Oscar winner also touched on the way political viewpoints explored in the franchise have been misinterpreted since the first installment, Rambo: First Blood, was released in 1982. Story continues "[E]veryone assumed Rambo is a conservative," he said. "President Reagan posted a picture going, 'Rambo's a Republican.' I went, 'Uh-oh.' Rambo is totally neutral." Reagan's fascination with the character is well-documented. In 1985, he was caught on a hot mic joking about handling hostage negotiations like the character. Since then, the concept of "Rambo politics" has come to articulate an aggressive and hyper-masculine brand of politics. But the 76-year-old insists the character, a Vietnam veteran who's fought off American bureaucrats as much as he has Soviets and warlords, is actually critical of America. Furthermore, he himself rests in the middle of the aisle. "He doesn't even live in this country. He feels scorned by it. And my politics are: 'May the best man win.' I voted on both [sides], but I'm definitely in the middle," Stallone insists. "People assume I'm the same as my character and I do talk to everybody I think it's crazy not to. Actually, I avoid some people because it sends out the wrong [message]. You're asking yourself, 'Do I really need this controversy?'" Stallone will soon be seen in the mob drama The Tulsa King, which premieres on Paramount+ on November 13. Want more movie news? Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free newsletter to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more. Related content: Millions of us across the U.S. rely on Walmart's stores for our shopping needs. That makes it extra frustrating to arrive at your local Walmart only to be met with closed doors. This mega-retailer has shuttered stores throughout the countryboth permanently, as shoppers in several states saw this last spring, and temporarily, like when hundreds of locations in the southeast were closed during Hurricane Ian. Now, Walmart is closing one store after a fireand it's not the only location to have been hit. Read on to find out more about the fires impacting Walmart. READ THIS NEXT: Walmart Is Banning Shoppers From Doing This in 4 States, as of Next Year. Walmart says that fire safety is one of its top priorities. Walmart has long touted safety as a "top priority" in its stores, especially amid recent dangers like the COVID pandemic and increased gun violence in the U.S. The company has a Health&Safety compliance group whose main objective is to assist in in its "commitment to provide a comfortable and safe shopping experience for its customers and members and a healthy, safe workplace for associates and suppliers." Walmart has specifically recognized that fire safety is one of its "top health and safety priorities." In the mid-2010s, the retailer led fire safety reviews in various retail markets after a deadly 2012 blaze killed 112 workers in a Bangladesh factory making and supplying clothes for Walmart. These reviews helped to "establish new processes and controls, improve store infrastructure, and evaluate future fire monitoring plans," according to Walmart. "The company also initiated fire safety reviews in other markets to check the status of the company's fire safety compliance and response readiness," Walmart noted. But now, the retailer is dealing with a surprising fire threat, including the closure of another store thanks to a recent blaze. The retailer is now closing a location after a fire. A Walmart in Alabama has closed its doors to the public following a recent fire, The Selma Sun reported on Nov. 6. Story continues According to the newspaper, the Selma Fire Department was called to the retailer's store on Highland Avenue that evening due to a fire that was apparently started in the craft section of the store. No injuries were reported, but Walmart has temporarily shuttered the location due to smoke and water from the store's fire sprinklers. As of midday Nov. 7, the Selma Walmart is still listed as "currently closed" on the company's Store Status tracker. RELATED: For more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter. This is not the only Walmart to be recovering from a fire. The Selma Sun reports that this is actually the second time this Walmart location has been shuttered in six weeks because of a fire. According to a previous report from the newspaper, Selma's Walmart was temporarily closed in early October after a small fire broke out in the back section of the store on Sept. 30. The location remained unopened to the public for two days, but as with the most recent fire, a Walmart representative told The Selma Sun that "there were no injuries" as a result of the first blaze. While the Selma location has been hit twice, it's not the only Walmart store to have experienced a fire this year. According to the company's Store Status tracker, its store in Peachtree City, Georgia, is still closed as of Nov. 7. This Walmart location was initially shuttered on Aug. 24 after a fire erupted, causing significant damage to the store's interior and roof, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. Other local news reports indicate that recent fires have taken place at Walmart stores in Webster, New York; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Barnwell, South Carolina. Some of these fires may be connected to a social media challenge. There may be a concerning trend connecting these Walmart fires. Selma police believe the first fire at the store in September was the result of teenagers carrying out a TikTok challenge, Dallas County Commissioner Vivian Rogers told The Selma Sun. According to the newspaper, a deputy with the Dallas County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the first blaze was put out in the paper goods aisle, speculating that it was set to fulfill a trend for the social media app. The most recent Selma Walmart fire was started in the craft section of the store, which is near the paper goods aisle. Officials have not yet given insight into the potential cause of the latest fire. There have been rumors that other Walmart fires in various cities, including Peachtree City, were connected to a TikTok challenge. According to The Citizen, most include a concerning similarity: The fires were set in the paper goods section of the stores. However, while Peachtree City police said they are aware of a recent TikTok trend involving Walmart fires, there is no information to suggest that this fire was part of a challenge, CBS46 reported. A 14-year-old girl was sentenced after admitting to starting the fire in the paper goods aisle, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. Best Life reached out to Walmart about the recent fires and potential social media connection, but has not yet heard back. LONDON, November 07, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The fifteenth edition of the World Branding Awards saw over 3,500 brands from more than 45 countries named as "Brand of the Year". Of these, less than 250 were declared Winners. The awards ceremony welcomed over 100 guests from around the world to celebrate the success and achievements of some of the Worlds Best Brands, at the home of the awards, Kensington Palace. Yakult, Spotify, CoCo Ikea, Cadbury, Amazon, Lego, Netflix, Neutrogena, Hennessy, Lurpak, and Club Med were amongst some of the Worlds best brands announced as Global Winners at the prestigious ceremony. Winners from Japan include BOSS Coffee, Yamato Transport, Creap, Natural Aqua Gel Cure, Nippon Rent-A-Car, Sukiya. Other National Tier winners include Alibaba (China), Dior (France), Haribo (Germany), Toyota (Indonesia), GIG (Kuwait), 7-Eleven (Singapore), Sparco (Italy), Just Eat (UK) just to name a few. Just 17 brands were selected to receive the Regional Tier award this year; Bosch, Media Markt, Sennheiser, SoundCloud, Al Abraaj Restaurants, Huawei, Optical 88, MR. D.I.Y., Elkjp, Aramax, BreadTalk, Naturgy, H&M, Walrus Pump, Gems Pavilion, and CBRE. These brands were voted as the consumers favourite brand in 4 or more countries across 3 or more areas in a specific geographic region. "The ceremony is a celebration of some of the best brands from across the globe. The Awards acknowledge the tireless effort put in by the brand's teams that build and maintain presence in an ever-evolving market," said Mr Danny Pek, Executive Director, World Branding Forum. "This year over 150,000 consumers participated in the nomination process globally. On average there are only 5 winning brands in each country, further proving that winning a World Branding Award is indeed, a remarkable achievement," said Mr Richard Rowles, Chairman of the World Branding Forum. The event was hosted by renowned television presenter, Jemma Forte and featured an exclusive insight into the future consumer provided by Chris Sanderson, Co-Founder of 'The Future Laboratory' the renowned consumer insights and trend forecasting consultancy. Story continues For more information and the full list of winners, visit awards.brandingforum.org. About the World Branding Awards The World Branding Awards is the premier awards of the World Branding Forum, a registered non-profit organisation. The Awards recognises the achievements of some of the worlds best brands. For more information, visit https://awards.brandingforum.org View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005359/en/ Contacts Media Team media@brandingforum.org +44(0)2037439880 Truth doesn't matter to the politicians and media who've tried to dismiss the attack at the home of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and her husband, Paul Pelosi, by spinning still more conspiracies and vile jokes. Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. Geely, one of the largest Chinese car manufacturers, and Israeli-owned Grand Automotive Central Europe (GACE) signed a distribution agreement for Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia in Budapest on Friday. At the signing ceremony, Geely presented its compact, fully electric model Geometry C, which will be the first model introduced in Hungary, probably from next spring. GACE estimated the price of the vehicle at Ft 15-20 million. The distributor is planning to sell 1,000 Geometry C models in Hungary in 2024, in the first full year of sales. Delivery will take four to six months. Geely, founded in 1986, has been producing cars since 1997. It sold more than 2.2 million cars last year, and is expected to sell 2.5 million this year. The company, which employs 80,000 workers worldwide, bought the Swedish car maker Volvo from Ford in 2010. A demonstration organised by independent lawmaker Akos Hadhazy was held in front of the public media headquarters in Budapest on Friday evening. The demonstration began with a minute of silence in honour of the revolutionaries of 1956. Addressing the event, historian Krisztian Ungvary said: Lies are not only told by spewing severe untruths [but also through] fake national consultations, fake parties, a fake parliament and a thousand other means. Orsolya Varga, a teacher, said teachers had been deprived of their security, peace and freedom, which have been replaced by lies, hate and intimidation. She said it was now doubtful whether teachers could continue making a living, adding that there was no future without teachers. Hadhazy said that since were living in a hybrid regime rather than a democracy, a hybrid revolution was needed for there to be a chance of ousting the government in an election. Propaganda serves to divert the anger of our compatriots [from those in power], and success depends on how many people join in on putting pressure on propaganda, he said. Hadhazy called for protests and demonstrations aimed at causing a disturbance so that the government would take notice of the strength of the protests. A lot of people must peacefully create the conditions for fair elections, he said, calling on the demonstrators to form a blockade around the public media headquarters, vowing the protests would continue until the head of public media provider MTVA stepped down. Krisztina Baranyi, the mayor of Budapests 9th district, said Hungary had not been in such a desperate situation as it was today since the crushing of the 1956 revolution. She said that while Hungarys neighbouring nation was fighting for its homeland, Hungary again finds itself on the dark pages of history because of the Putinist Hungarian government. Baranyi insisted that Prime Minister Viktor Orbans policies reflect the interests of Russian President Vladimir Putin. She said Orban was isolated in Europe, but was taking the Hungarian nation down with him as well. The mayor said it could not be ruled out that the government was setting the stage to take Hungary out of the European Union and NATO. This is what we must prevent, she added. Edina Hajnal, of the action group Hungarian Mothers creative resistance, protested at what she called lies pouring on people, [produced] from their own taxpayer monies. Gabor Polyak, a communications expert, said MTVA had been set up to dilute editors responsibility. The institution served one party rather than the public interest, he said. The opposition, he added, still have tools in their hands. It is time to use local media to inform people of reality, he said. Demonstrators chanted Come out!, Wake up!, Free country!, Free education, Russkies go home! and lit torches around MTVA headquarters. The stage sported banners saying 1848, we demand the freedom of the press and the abolition of censorship, and 1956, free Kossuth Radio, referring to two Hungarian revolutions against tyranny. MTI Photo: Szilard Koszticsak The government aims to make Hungary central Europes top defence industry hub for production and R&D, according to a defence ministry statement. On Saturday, Defence Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky visited the state-of-the-art vehicle test track in Zalaegerszeg alongside the minister of technology and industry, Laszlo Palkovics, and the minister of culture and innovation, Janos Csak. Palkovics called the test track one of the worlds fastest developing innovation ecosystems. As well as providing a research backbone for Hungarys car industry, the test track is now being used by universities, too, while two multinationals are building their own research centres at the site. Further, German defence contractor Rheinmetall is building its new factory here, the minister noted. Speaking in front of the site where Rheinmetall is building its factory, Szalay-Bobrovniczky said the knowledge and technology at the Zalazone were central to the development of Hungarys armed forces. Csak said the Zalaegerszeg site had become a hub where universities, private companies, state developers and research institutes can work together. The results of innovation and research provide a springboard for the creation and development of Hungarian companies that can then enter the international market and also grow their role in supplying the domestic car industry and other industries, he added. Hungarians can only count on themselves, as demonstrated by the events of November 4, 1956, a government official said on Friday, marking the national day of mourning in remembrance of the crushing of the anti-Communist uprising in 1956. Arpad Janos Potapi, the state secretary for policies for Hungarians across the borders, said in Dombovar, in southern Hungary, that although the United Nations had then condemned the Russian intervention into the Hungarian revolution, Hungary received no meaningful help. We could learn then that we are only entitled to what we fight for ourselves, he said. The victims of the uprising included some 3,000 dead, 20,000 injured, hundreds of executed revolutionaries, tens of thousands of ruined people and some 200,000 exiles, he said. Referring to the Fidesz rule since 2010, Potapi said the past 12 years had shown that if we stand together, we can do anything. National cohesion was strengthened, but was now threatened by the war on our doorstep, he said. That is why we need peace. Peace is what will curb the crisis caused by wartime sanctions, he said. MTI Photo: Zsolt Szigetvary Jeep Grand Cherokee will be the companys flagship offering in the Indian market. It is slated to launch on November 17, and the brand has officially started accepting pre-orders for the SUV. The company also announced the start of production of the 5th generation Grand Cherokee at its manufacturing facility in Ranjangaon, Pune making it the brands fourth nameplate to be made in India. The Jeep Grand Cherokee will rival the likes of the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Range Rover Sport and more. Expect the pricing to start from Rs 75 lakh, onwards. There will be multiple trims of the SUV on offer. Speaking at the start of the production ceremony, Nipun J Mahajan, Head of Jeep Brand India, said, "The all-new Grand Cherokee promises an exceptional experience for the driver as well as the passengers. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been developed and engineered to deliver legendary capabilities, class-leading spaciousness, and excellent safety, making the 5th-gen model a global icon in the luxury SUV segment. The generous mix of content and features blended to a legendary offering compliments the premium and exemplary lifestyle of our customers. Also read - Upcoming Royal Enfield 650 motorcycle to be called 'Constellation'? Teased ahead of unveiling at EICMA 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Safety The new Jeep Grand Cherokee will come with Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) with features like Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus Pedestrian Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection, Passive Pedestrian Protection, Drowsy Driver Detection, Active Lane Management System, and Intersection Collision Assist System. Besides, the SUV will also feature an active noise control system, along with 3-point seat belts and reminders for all occupants. Jeep Grand Cherokee: Features On the inside, the Grand Cherokee gets slim HVAC vents, a re-aligned centre stack with a comfort entry feature for greater driver accessibility and 10 Heads up display, a 10.1-inch (25.6-cm) touchscreen infotainment unit, a 10.25-inch (26-cm) instrument cluster panel as well as segment-first available 10.25-inch (26-cm) front passenger interactive display. Also read - Honda Cars India rolls out 2 millionth vehicle from its Tapukara-based production plant Jeep Grand Cherokee: Design The exterior of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee is also lucrative. It gets boxy styling with a 7-slat radiator grille. A lowered, tapered roof improves its aerodynamic performance and efficiency without sacrificing cargo spaciousness and utility, and an impressive road presence. Moreover, the beltline is low-set making room for a massive glass area, which along with a large panoramic sunroof lets a lot of light enter the cabin. Jeep Grand Cherokee: Specs Another one of the 5th generation Jeep Grand Cherokees notable features is the Quadra-Trac I 4x4 System coupled with the Selec-Terrain traction management system offers the choice between on- and off-road settings to ensure optimum 4x4 performance. Under the hood, there will be a 2.0L turbo-petrol motor coupled to an 8-speed AT. As Delhi is observing improvement in the Air Quality Index (AQI), the government has made some much-needed changes in the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) that was invoked last week. The Delhi government has now revoked the GRAP and has allowed the entry of non-BS6 diesel vehicles, which was earlier restricted under the new strategy to curb pollution. The GRAP also invoked a ban on private BS4 and BS4 diesel cars. Before the ban was lifted, Delhi Traffic Police were stopped from entering Delhi, while over 1,200 diesel light motor vehicles were impounded under the GRAP. Sub-Committee revokes the order, issued on 3rd November 2022, for actions under Stage-IV of the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi-NCR) with immediate effect. Actions under Stages-I to Stage-III of GRAP shall however remain invoked & be implemented, monitored & reviewed. pic.twitter.com/uUP81U2WDi ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2022 Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai will chair a high-level meeting Monday to discuss the new directions by the Centre's air quality panel about revoking curbs imposed under the final stage of the Graded Response Action Plan, officials said. A decision on reopening primary schools and revocation of the order asking 50 per cent of the government staff to work from home is likely to be taken at the meeting. The Centre's air quality panel on Sunday had directed authorities to lift the ban on plying non-BS VI diesel-run light motor vehicles in Delhi-NCR and entry of trucks into the capital imposed under the final stage of the Graded Response Action Plan. The restrictions were imposed three days ago. As Delhi's air quality index spiralled to 450, just a notch short of the "severe plus" category, on Thursday, the Commission of Air Quality Management directed authorities to ban the plying of non-BS VI diesel light motor vehicles in the city and adjoining NCR districts and the entry of trucks into the national capital as part of anti-pollution measures under stage IV of GRAP. Also read - Guru Nanak Jayanti 2022: Delhi Traffic Police issues advisory, asks commuters to avoid THESE roads The high pollution levels prompted the Delhi government to announce additional measures on Friday, including the closure of primary schools from Saturday and work from home for 50 per cent of its staff. As the air pollution in the capital ameliorated marginally to the lower end of the "very poor" category on Sunday, the CAQM directed authorities to lift the curbs. The decision regarding revoking the work-from-home order and reopening primary schools has to be taken by the Delhi government. With inputs from agencies NEW DELHI: Om Raut's upcoming directorial 'Adipurush' starring Prabhas, Kriti Sanon and Saif Ali Khan is one of the most awaited films of Bollywood. Makers had released the film teaser only recently and was severely criticised by both audience and the critics for its poor VFX. The team had also drawn flak from the public for hurting religious sentiments with its alleged incorrect portrayal of several mythological characters. In the latest development, the makers have announced that 'Adipurush', which was initially scheduled for release in January 2023, has got a new release date. The film will now hit the screen on June 16, 2023. The statement from Om Raut read, "Adipurush is not a film, but a representation of our devotion to Prabhu Sri Ram and commitment towards our Sanskriti and history. In order to give a complete visual experience to the viewers, we need to give more time to the teams working on the film. Adipurush will now release on June 16, 2023. We are committed to make a film that India is proud of. Your support, love and blessings is what keeps us going." 'Adipurush' is an upcoming epic mythological film based on Ramayan. It features Prabhas as Lord Ram, Kriti Sanon as Sita and Saif Ali Khan as Ravana. Adipurush is said to be based on a huge budget. Shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu languages, Adipurush has been budgeted at over Rs 400 crore, making it one of the most expensive films in India ever made. Guru Nanak Jayanti 2022: Guru Nanak Jayanti, also called to as Gurpurab, Prakash Parv, and Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsab, will be celebrated on 8th November 2022. It is one of the most significant days in the Sikh calendar and marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first of the ten Sikh gurus and the religion's founder. Every year, on the full moon day of Kartik month, also known as Kartik Purnima, this day is celebrated. Sikhs all around the world celebrate the day with the utmost love and devotion. Guru Nanak Jayanti 2022: Date The date for Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab in 2022 is November 8. It will be observed as the 553rd birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Nanak Jayanti 2022: History Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 at Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, now known as Nanaka Sahib, near Lahore (in Pakistan). Guru Nanak Dev Ji is worshipped for establishing the Sikh religion and bringing forth enlightenment in this world. The festival celebrates his legacy, contributions, and life. Guru Nanak Jayanti 2022: Significance All ten Sikh Gurus have birthdays that are observed by the Sikh community, but this one is especially significant because Baba Nanak Ji is both the first guru and the father of the religion. Celebrations are conducted across the world, not just in India, where the Sikh community is predominant. In India, Guru Nanak Jayanti is recognised as a gazetted holiday. On this day, a 48-hour non-stop recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, called Akhand Path, is held in the Gurudwaras. Bharat Jodo Yatra of Rahul Gandhi will come to Maharashtra today. Aaditya Thackeray of Shiv Sena will participate in Bharat Jodo Yatra for this Yatra. Thackeray group MLA Sachin Ahir has given this information. On the other hand, Uddhav Thackeray has said that the possibility of participating in the Bharat Jodo Yatra is less. Everyone was curious whether the Thackeray family would participate in Bharat Jodo Yatra or not. After that, Sachin Ahir informed that Aaditya Thackeray would participate in this rally. Aaditya Thackeray is also eager to go for Bharat Jodo Yatra. Preparations have also been made in that regard. In the press conference held yesterday, Uddhav Thackeray also informed us that Shiv Sena would participate in this. Maha Vikas Aghadi needs to be strong to face the BJP, the Shinde group and MNS in the state. Sources have informed us that this decision has been taken from this perspective. It is also known that other MLAs or MPs will also participate. A few days ago, the Congress informed this by holding a press conference that the prominent leaders of the NCP and Shiv Sena, which are allies of the Congress, would be present. It has been reported that due to meetings and busy schedules, participation in the Yatra has not yet been decided. The work of connecting society through Bharat Jodo is going on and many party leaders are participating in it. The Yatra will cover a distance of 384 kilometers for 14 days through five districts of the state, namely Nanded, Hingoli, Washim, Akola and Buldhana. Rahul Gandhi will travel by car on Yatra routes in Akola district. Many social organizations have participated in this Yatra of Congress. DMK leaders from Tamil Nadu were present. What about Mahavikas Aghadi in Maharashtra? This will be evident from this trip. To share and discuss the nuances of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery and the latest refinements in their procedures, a five-day 56th Annual Conference of Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSICON 2022) is all set to begin in Amritsar from November 9th to 13th. Organising Chairman of APSICON 2022 Dr. Ravi Kumar Mhajan informed Zee News that this would be for the first time that the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) symposium would be part of APSICON 2022 with renowned international and national Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons teaching the nuances of aesthetic surgery as part of APSI CME programme. In addition, there would be renowned international and national faculty catering to all the subspecialties of plastic surgery. Dr. Avtar Singh, Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon, Amandeep Hospital informed that APSICON 2022 was being organized by the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Amandeep Hospital with the theme Scaling New Heights. APSICON 2022 is being held in Punjab after a gap of 40 years, earlier the APSICON was held in 1982 at Patiala besides it is being held in physical form after a gap of 3 years said Dr. Avtar Singh. Addressing myths regarding plastic surgery Dr. Ravi Kumar Mahajan who is also the president of Association of Plastic Surgeons of India informed, We would like to show selected movies to the policymakers, opinion makers, media people and the general public to bridge the gap between myth and reality regarding plastic and reconstructive surgery. He said APSICON 2022 was going to be held after a period of three years as they had not been able to hold a physical conference for the last two years due to the Covid pandemic. APSICON 2022 would witness discussions on various subjects including supers-medial based flap breast reduction, difficult cases in breast aesthetic surgery, breast augmentation, nasal dorsal refinements, tips and tricks in centrofacial rejuvenation, deep plain facelift, non-surgical facial rejuvenation, hybrid reconstruction for complex head and neck defects, gender-affirming surgery for transmen etc. Dr. Avtar Singh said that they were working hard to put together an educational and scientific programme which would be an academic extravaganza of APSICON 2022. New Delhi: Two men who went missing a few months ago in Arunachal Pradesh are still nowhere to be found. The youths identified as Bateilum Tikro and Bayingso Manyuhad went missing from the India-China boundary in August. Speaking to ANI about missing people, one of the person's elder brother said, "We're doubting that they crossed the Indian boundary & were abducted by China. We appeal to the central govt to help trace them." A case has been filed regarding the missing individuals. The two men were residents of Goilang town. BJP MLA Dasanglu Pul informed that an FIR has been filed and talks are on with Arunachal Pradesh's East MP Tapir Gao, CM & Dy CM & Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Anjaw, Arunachal Pradesh | 2 youths missing from India-China boundary for 2.5 months, case filed "We're doubting that they crossed the Indian boundary & were abducted by China. We appeal to the central govt to help trace them," says the elder brother of one of the missing youths pic.twitter.com/btGeUNvXyI ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2022 Pul said, "They're missing since Aug 20. They went to get local medicine in the forest. FIR filed. We've spoken to Arunachal Pradesh's East MP Tapir Gao, CM & Dy CM & Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Rescue operations are being conducted by the administration & Army." In January, a 17-year-old youth Miram Taron had gone missing near the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh. He has later 'handed' over to the Indian Army by the Chinese PLA. New Delhi: In yet another huge setback for Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, the Supreme Court on Monday rejected the appeal filed by his son Abdullah Azam Khan challenging the Allahabad High Court order which annulled his election as Uttar Pradesh legislator on grounds that he was underage and not qualified to contest the poll in 2017. SC rejects appeal filed by Abdullah Azam Khan, son of SP leader Azam Khan, challenging Allahabad HC order which set aside his election from UP's Suar Assembly constituency observing that he was less than 25y/o & wasn't qualified to fill the seat in legislature of the State. pic.twitter.com/nKz149vxDh ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2022 The Allahabad High Court had declared the election of Abdullah Khan from the Suar Assembly segment from Rampur district null and void as he was less than 25 years of age. Abdullah Khan was elected as MLA on a Samajwadi Party ticket on March 11, 2017. The Supreme Court had earlier junked a plea filed by him challenging an order of the Allahabad High Court refusing to quash the chargesheet in the fake birth certificate case of his MLA son, saying it does not find any reason to interfere with the HC order. The petition was rejected by a division bench comprising Justices Hemant Gupta and Vikram Nath. "However, any observation and discussion passed by the high court will not prejudice the trial which the appellant is required to face," the bench said. Azam Khan, his wife Tazeen Fatima and son Abdullah Azam Khan had been in jail in a criminal case registered against them over two allegedly fake birth certificates issued to Abdullah, the sitting MLA from Suar in Uttar Pradesh, through fraudulent means from two different places. The FIR lodged by BJP leader Akash Saxena at the Ganj police station in Rampur on January 3, 2019, alleged that Azam Khan and his wife helped their son obtain two fake date of birth certificates-- one from Lucknow and another from Rampur. Abdullah Azam was elected to the state assembly in the previous polls, too, but the Allahabad High Court had cancelled the election on the ground that he was less than the required 25 years of age at the time of filing his nomination. Azam Khan is a 10-term MLA from the Rampur Assembly constituency. Azam Khan, the foremost Muslim politician from the state, was lodged in jail for 27 months in connection with several cases, including that of land grabbing, before being granted interim bail by the Supreme Court in a cheating case in May this year. Shimla (Himachal Pradesh): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled its manifesto or `Sankalp Patra` for Himachal Pradesh Assembly polls. The manifesto, which was unveiled by national party president JP Nadda in the presence of Chief Minister Jayaram Thakur, promised 33 per cent reservation for women in government jobs while reserving its silence on restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) in the state. The `Sankalp Patra` also pledged to conduct a survey to check for illegal activities, if any, in all Waqf properties across the state and promised to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which is part of the BJP`s national agenda. Notably, the BJP has also vowed to implement the UCC in poll-bound Gujarat also. In the media interaction after releasing the party`s manifesto, Nadda said, "We also promise 33 per cent reservation for women in government jobs and an increase in allocation for girls for marriage from the earlier Rs 31,000 to Rs 51,000. We will also provide school girls, between classes 6 and 12, with bicycles as well as interest-free loans for women entrepreneurs. Three free LPG cylinders will be provided per year to poor women. Poor families will be enrolled in Atal Pension Yojana. We will also develop a mechanism to provide cheap fodder facilities for animals." The BJP president said, "All Himachali villages will be connected through pucca and all-weather roads. We will also implement the `CM Anna Datta Scheme` as part of which Rs 3,000 each will be transferred directly to the farmers` accounts. Over 9 lakh farmers will benefit from the scheme. The BJP will launch an initiative called `Shakti` to develop infrastructure, transportation and religious places. Remote places will be connected by roads. To boost the local market and small-scale industries, the BJP government would also levy 12 per cent tax for apple packaging and additional GST will be paid by the state government. Five new medical colleges will be established and mobile clinic vans will be doubled." BJP's 11 commitments to retain govt in Himachal Pradesh The BJP chief also detailed the party's 11 commitments to retain the government in Himachal Pradesh. The First commitment is that the BJP government will bring Uniform Civil Code here. A committee of experts will be set up and according to their report, UCC will be implemented in Himachal. "The second commitment is that the Rs 3,000 per year will be added to the Mukhya Mantri Annadata Samman Nidhi, besides the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. Nearly 10 lakh farmers will be connected with this," Nadda said, adding that the party will increase the job opportunities in the state in a phased manner. Also read: Himachal polls: Congress victory will lay foundation of Oppn unity in 2024 LS elections: JDU leader Nadda said, "Our third commitment is that our government will increase the job opportunities of over 8 lakh in a phased manner. This will include govt jobs and works underway in the economic zone. Our fourth commitment is that the BJP government will ensure that all the roads are connected with the pucca roads under the PM Gramin Sadak Yojana in the next five years." The BJP chief informed that the government will launch programme `Shakti` to develop infrastructure and transportation nearby religious places. Our fifth commitment is that the BJP will launch a programme named `Shakti` under which Rs 12,000 crore will be spent in 10 years to develop infrastructure and transportation around religious places and temples. They`ll be connected to the `Himteerth` circuit`.' Our sixth commitment is that the government will the GST on the material used by the farmers for the packaging of apples will be 12 per cent and the additional GST of the material will be borne by the state government, the BJP chief said while promising to open five new medical colleges in the next five years and doubling of the mobile clinic vans aiming to provide regular health checkups to far-off places. He further said that "Our seventh commitment is that the government will open 5 new medical colleges in the state. The mobile clinic vans will be doubled in every constituency so that health could reach the doorsteps of the people. Facilities of regular health check-ups will be provided." Also read: From Free Electricity to 1 lakh jobs - 5 BIG PROMISES in Congress manifesto for Himachal Elections "Our eighth commitment is that the government will introduce startup Yojana to promote startups for youth. A corpus of Rs 900 will be brought to include the youth in the startups," the BJP chief said, adding that the government will increase the ex-gratia given to the soldiers killed in the line of duty, as the ninth commitment. "Our tenth commitment is that the government will conduct a survey and the Waqf properties will be investigated under the judicial commission as per the law. We will work to stop the illegal usage of Waqf properties," he said, adding "Our eleventh commitment is that the government will remove the discrepancies in the remunerations of government employees." Govt committed to implementing UCC, says Himachal CM Himachal Chief Minister Jairam Thakur said that the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in the state is the commitment of his government and it will be done. Calling the UCC a "necessity", reiterating the party`s commitment to its implementation. Thakur told ANI, "It`s very important. BJP is a national party and we feel it is a necessity. There are technical aspects but a committee will be constituted. We`ll go ahead on the path that will come out. Implementing UCC is our commitment and we`ll do it," The Chief Minister said, "We have delivered on all the promises made in the manifesto of 2017 and given many benefits to the people of the state over and above the manifesto. If voted back, we will deliver on all our promises, unlike Congress. We will mobilise resources to fulfill all our commitments made in the manifesto." About the Old Pension Scheme, ANI quoted the Chief Minister as saying, "OPS (Old Pension Scheme) is a matter under consideration. We`ve not announced it but we`re not shutting it down. The manner in which they`re (Congress) trying to do it, similar announcements were made by Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh 10 months ago. The papers have not even moved forward." Notably, Himachal Pradesh will go to the polls on November 12, while the counting of the votes will take place on December 8. (With ANI Inputs) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that Congress had imposed Article 370 in the country to create the root of terrorism. Deliberately imposed 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the country suffered the brunt of terrorism. Both terrorism and terrorists were at their peak during Congress' rule. Addressing an election rally in Himachal Pradesh's Una on Monday, UP CM Yogi said, "PM Narendra Modi removed Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir as soon as he got the opportunity. Now Jammu and Kashmir is also like other states of the country. Now people of Himachal Pradesh and other states can go to Jammu and Kashmir and buy land and build their own house." Yogi further added, "Congress did not remove Article 370 because of its selfishness, and only does vote bank politics. Congress can neither ensure the internal security of the country, nor can it start welfare schemes for the countrymen." Addressing the people, Yogi asked, "whether Congress could have removed Article 370?" On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were also attacked fiercely by UP CM Yogi Adityanath. Taking a dig at both of them, Yogi said, "whenever there is any crisis in the country, both the brother-sister leave the country and run away abroad. Even during the Corona crisis, both of them were absent." UP CM Yogi Adityanath once again played the Ayodhya Ram Mandir card. Addressing the election rally, he said, "the construction of Ayodhya Ram temple had started only during the BJP rule." Calling Himachal Pradesh as Dev Bhoomi, Yogi said that everyone comes here and feels peace. Pune: A doctor from Pune is on a mission to save the girl child as part of his "Beti Bachao Janandolan". As part of the mission and in a bid to encourage parents to bring more girls into this world, he waives the hospital fees for the birth of female children born at his hospital and also gives a rousing welcome to the little ones. Dr Ganesh Rakh, who runs a maternity-cum-multispeciality hospital in the Hadapsar area of Pune City in Maharashtra, started the "Beti Bachao mission" 11 years ago. Since then, Dr Rakh claims to have delivered more than 2,400 girl children without charging fees from their parents to create awareness about eliminating gender discrimination. Hospital celebration when girl child is born The hospital organizes a grand celebration every time a mother delivers a girl child at his hospital by cutting cakes and showering petals on the parents. He also holds a felicitation for the parents."I started this Beti Bachao mission almost 11 years back. In this mission, we waive the entire hospital fee of a patient whenever a girl child is born. We also celebrate the birth of a girl child by cutting cakes, distributing sweets and we also felicitate the parents of girls. In 11 years we have almost delivered 2,430 baby girls in our hospital and we celebrate the birth of each girl in our hospital," he said. Pune, Maharashtra | Doctor waives off hospital charges for birth of female children born at their hospital I started this Beti Bachao mission almost 11 years back. When a girl child is born in a hospital, we waive the entire bill. We celebrate by cutting a cake: Dr Ganesh Rakh pic.twitter.com/mKeRzmD4wa ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2022 The doctor also arranges a ride home for the mothers and their infant daughters in a decked-up auto-rickshaw upon their discharge from the hospital."We have also received tremendous support from the public, our doctors and social organizations. Free vaccinations for girls born in our Medicare Hospital ... Social Revolution BETI BACHHAO JANANDOLAN pic.twitter.com/7xJxHgTtog November 2, 2022 Till date, more than 4 lakh doctors, 13000 social organizations and 25 lakh volunteers are working with us. They are also giving their own contributions in their own fields, which means they are also doing the same thing in their own clinics and hospitals by celebrating the birth of girl child and by giving concessions in fees," Dr Rakh added. The noble mission is his way of raising public awareness on gender disparity and eliminating the gender gap. Ahmedabad: Ahead of the Gujarat Assembly elections, Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar has claimed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are the same team with one following the other. In an interview with PTI, Kumar also said the BJP is an ideological and cadre-based party and the Congress is its only natural opponent which can provide an alternate ideology in the country. The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP has been trying to project itself as the BJP's main contender in the Gujarat Assembly elections. The state polls will be held in two phases on December 1 and 5 and the counting of votes will be taken up on December 8. Kumar said the perception in the country is "what Gujarat thinks today, India thinks tomorrow." "Many new things start from here (Gujarat). We hope there will be political messaging from here. If people are happy with the BJP, let them choose it, but if people want a change then they will give a chance to the Congress, I hope so," the former JNU student leader said. Gujarat can give a "milestone" result in the 2022 Assembly elections Gujarat can give a "milestone" result in the 2022 Assembly elections, added Kumar, who was in the BJP-ruled state last week to participate in the Congress's 'Parivartan Sankalp Yatra'. "The BJP realised in 2017 that it would not win the next Gujarat elections, so it has brought the AAP here. There is no question of A and B team, the BJP and AAP are the same team. One is following the other," he claimed. "When (Prime Minister) Modi and Kejriwal have the same dreams, what is the ideological difference between them? Amidst the politics of hate, violence and polarisation, you want to do your politics by remaining mum on it, so where is the ideological difference?" said Kumar, who was in the Communist Party of India (CPI) before joining the Congress last year. Present surge in favour of the BJP will subside soon Kumar is of the firm opinion that Congress need not budge an inch from its core ideology as the present surge in favour of the BJP will subside soon and people will realise that to go on the path of religious division is not the right way for the nation. The Congress leader also said that with the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', in which he is also participating, the negative perception about Rahul Gandhi created by the opponents is going away. "The BJP is an ideological and cadre-based party. We have to understand that if a party is not ideological or cadre- based it cannot challenge the BJP in India, it cannot be an alternative to the BJP," Kumar said. "The Congress is the natural opponent of the BJP in the country. The Congress is the only party which has taken power back from the BJP in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh," he said to a question on the likelihood of the AAP eating into the Congress votes in a three-cornered contest in Gujarat. What happened in the recent elections in Goa and Uttarakhand? The BJP benefitted due to the division of votes, he said. In Goa, anti-incumbency against the chief minister was very high, but they (BJP) won, he said. "In Uttarakhand, we managed to defeat the chief minister but even then we lost," Kumar noted. "One idea of India is the Congress's idea where it wants to take every section of society forward. The spirit of the Constitution says the vote of Ambani and his driver has the same value. But, the idea of India of the BJP is to loot the driver's wealth and bring it to the safe deposit vault of Ambani," he claimed. Only Congress can give an alternate ideology in the country Kumar said that only Congress can give an alternate ideology in the country. "The Congress need not budge a bit from its core ideology, even though the party may face challenges. The BJP's surge is temporary and when people will realise that we cannot live on Hindu-Muslim politics forever, they will soon return to the basic issues of unemployment, price rise, and will shun that party," he said. Kumar said he is part of the ongoing 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', led by senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, from day one and that they walk for 20 to 25 kms in a day. "This is a unique experience, what impact the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' will have on elections is a thing of the future, but it does have an impact on your emotions," he said. There are three aspects of this yatra - one is the internal impact, then there is the social impact and the third impact will be on the party, he said. Asked if he is happy about choosing politics as a career, Kumar said, "Nobody will be totally happy with the situation they are in, except a true sadhu. 'Sabko mukammal jahan nahi milta' (nobody gets all that they want). But when I have come into this profession, I would like to justify my presence here." Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday slammed microblogging platform Twitter over its sudden layoffs of employees in India. Vaishnaw said that the employees should have been given a "fair time for transition". Vaishnaw`s reaction, first reported by Business Standard, came as Musk fired about half of Twitter`s workforce globally, including nearly 150-180 employees in India. "We condemn the way Twitter has sacked employees in India," said Vaishnaw, adding that the employees "should have given the employees a fair time for transition". The layoffs, largest-ever in Twitter history, are being done as a part of big management changes post company's takeover by entrepreneur Elon Musk. The layoffs in India were done across departments, from sales to marketing, from content curation to corporate communications. Twitter employees in India last week lost access to their official emails and internal Slack and group chats. Those still with Twitter India are living in constant fear about losing their jobs in the next round, which they think will happen sooner keeping Musk`s intentions in mind. According to the company, the employee badge access to Twitter`s offices was shut off "temporarily". Musk said there was no choice other than brutally firing half of Twitter`s workforce as the company was losing over $4 million a day. "Regarding Twitter`s reduction in force, unfortunately, there is no choice when the company is losing over $4M/day," Musk tweeted. "Everyone exited was offered 3 months of severance, which is 50 per cent more than legally required," he added. He also said that Twitter has seen a massive drop in revenue as activist groups are putting undue pressure on its advertisers. J&K: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Monday ordered the closure of primary and middle schools in Ramban and Kishtwar districts in view of harsh weather conditions, officials said. Snowfall in the upper reaches and heavy rains in lower areas have triggered cold conditions in the districts. In view of heavy rains, all primary and middle schools in Ramban district shall remain closed, they said, adding that students are advised to remain indoors. Similarly, all primary and middle schools of Kishtwar district will remain closed due to bad weather as directed by the district administration. However, all high schools and higher secondary schools in the districts will function normally, they added. Ranchi: Amid a deepening political crisis in Jharkhand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren Sunday said he has sought a copy from the Election Commission of Governor Ramesh Bais's request for a "second opinion" in a office-of-profit case through his counsel. The request comes in the wake of Bais saying on October 27 that he has sought a "second opinion" in the case and claiming that an "atom bomb could explode any time in Jharkhand", apparently indicating towards his pending decision in the matter. "I have sought a copy from EC of Governor Ramesh Bais's request for second opinion in office-of-profit case through my counsel," Soren told PTI. "The counsel has placed on my behalf that the EC will provide an opportunity for fair and effective hearing before giving any opinion pursuant to the second request made by the governor," he said. Also Read: 'ATOM BOMB may explode..': Jharkhand Governor's remark in Hemant Soren case sparks row Following a petition by the BJP seeking Soren's disqualification from the Assembly in the office-of-profit case, the EC had sent its decision to the Jharkhand governor on August 25, triggering a political crisis in the state. The issue was referred to the governor and by him to the Election Commission, as Article 192 of the Constitution states that on rulings regarding an MLA's disqualification, the question shall be referred to the governor who in turn "shall obtain the opinion of the Election Commission and shall act according to such opinion". Though the EC's decision has not yet been made official, there is a buzz that the poll panel has recommended the chief minister's disqualification as an MLA in connection with a mining lease. Mumbai: Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Abdul Sattar on Monday stoked a controversy with his alleged objectionable remarks against Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule, which evoked strong reactions including protests from party workers in various cities. Stones were hurled at Sattar's residences in Aurangabad city and Mumbai while demonstrations were held against him in his home town Sillod, Pune, Thane, Aurangabad, Jalna, Nagpur, and Pandharpur, officials said. Facing flak, Sattar has expressed regret if his comment hurt anyone, but maintained that he did not make any remark against Sule, the daughter of NCP chief Sharad Pawar. Sattar, who belongs to 'Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena' led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, said he did not make any remarks against women. The Sillod MLA had allegedly used a derogatory word referring to Sule when reporters asked him about "khoke" (boxes of money) jibe. Leaders of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) often taunt the MLAs loyal to Eknath Shinde with the "40 khoke" jibe implying a purported exchange of money when they revolted against Shiv Sena leadership As the controversy raged, Maharashtra minister and spokesperson for the Eknath Shinde camp of Shiv Sena, Deepak Kesarkar, apologised for Sattar's comments. He said Sattar should also tender an apology and give an explanation. Kesarkar said the chief minister will speak to Sattar and instruct him. In the afternoon, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) workers staged a protest outside the residence of Sattar in south Mumbai, following which 20 supporters of the party were detained by the Mumbai Police, an official said. In the evening, stones were held at Sattar's residence located in the Roza Baugh area of Aurangabad city, following which 10 persons were detained, DCP Aparna Geete told reporters. Sattar was not present at his home in Aurangabad when the incident occurred. "Some windowpanes were damaged due to the hurling of stones," an official said. In Mumbai, NCP workers staged a protest in front of Sattar's bungalow located near Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, following which security at the bungalow was increased, a police official said. Angry protesters threw stones at the minister's bungalow in which a window glass pane was damaged. They also raised slogans against Sattar and asked Sattar, who was not present, to immediately withdraw his remarks against Sule, the official said, adding that police personnel were deployed outside the minister's bungalow. At least 20 workers of NCP, including women, were taken into custody by the police, he said. A First Information Report was registered at Cuffe Parade police station, the official said. Earlier in the day, NCP leader Vidya Chavan demanded the resignation of Sattar or else he will not be able to roam freely in the state. Another NCP leader Eknath Khadse also condemned the comments made by Sattar and said the chief minister should teach some manners to the agriculture minister. New Delhi: Gujarat High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the Morbi bridge collapse incident on Monday. It also issued notice to state government officials from Home Dept, Urban Housing, Morbi Municipality, State Human Rights Commission and sought a report on the incident within a week. Suo moto is when courts take up cases on their own authority without any prior petition being filed. Gujarat HC takes suo motu cognizance of #MorbiBridgeCollapse incident; issues notice to state govt officials including Home Dept, Urban Housing, Morbi Municipality, State Human Rights Commission Seeks a report on entire incident from state, within a week. Next hearing on Nov 14. pic.twitter.com/gDdxKv3NJM ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2022 Morbi bridge tragedy On October 30, the Morbi bridge collapsed above the Machchhu River, killing over 130 people. People were seen falling into the river in disturbing videos and photos. When the bridge collapsed over 500 people drowned in the Machchhu River. Residents and government officials began rescue efforts immediately. The Morbi bridge is a popular local picnic spot that draws large crowds on weekends and other holidays. Lawyers in Gujarat's Morbi staged a protest march, expressing their refusal to fight the case for all nine accused in the Morbi bridge collapse case, in which 135 people were killed on October 30. Two of the nine accused are members of the Oreva group (a Gujarat-based electrical appliance manufacturer), which is being investigated for allegedly opening the Morbi suspension bridge without informing the local municipality on Gujarati New Year's Day. Company responsible for bridge's maintenance The Oreva group was awarded the contract to maintain the century-old suspension bridge. Four of the accused in the case have been placed in police custody until Saturday, while the other five have been placed in judicial custody. Two of the four people in police custody are Oreva company managers, and the other two are fabrication work contractors. Morbi's lawyers have refused to fight the case on behalf of all nine defendants. (With agency inputs) Vadodara: Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Monday said the Morbi bridge tragedy which claimed 135 lives has exposed the "misgovernance" of the BJP's 27-year rule in Gujarat. The senior Congress Observer for the next month's Gujarat Assembly elections also cautioned people against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which he said is misleading the people of the state. He also claimed the Congress' committed vote bank in rural parts is intact. "The BJP has been ruling Gujarat for the last 27 years. But, this bridge collapse incident in Morbi has exposed their misgovernance. Before this incident, deaths due to the hooch tragedy (in Botad) and handling of the coronavirus pandemic had exposed the BJP government," Gehlot told reporters. He demanded that an inquiry commission be set up under a retired or sitting High Court judge to investigate the bridge collapse. The British-era suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Morbi collapsed on October 30, claiming 135 lives, four days after it was thrown open to the public following renovation done by a private firm. "It is surprising that no such inquiry has been set by the state government yet. As a result, the High Court has taken a suo motu cognizance today. I demand that an inquiry commission under a sitting or retired HC judge be set up so that the victims get justice," said Gehlot. Earlier in the day, the high court took suo motu (on its own) cognisance of the bridge collapse tragedy and issued notices to the state government and local authorities and also sought a status report in the matter by November 14. Arvind Kejriwal's AAP is losing steam in Gujarat Commenting on Arvind Kejriwal and AAP's campaign in Gujarat, Gehlot said the AAP is losing steam, especially after the declaration of candidates. "The situation in AAP-ruled Delhi is serious because of pollution while the AAP government in Punjab has completely failed. The AAP is now misleading people in Gujarat. People should remain cautious," he said. On BJP's latest poll slogan "I have made Gujarat" which implies that the people of Gujarat have built this state, the Congress leader said the state was strong even before Independence. Launching the BJP's campaign for polls in his home state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday came up with a new slogan in Gujarati - "Aa Gujarat, mai banavyu chhe" (I have made this Gujarat). "Gujarat is made by Gujaratis (not by BJP). The state was strong even before Independence because of industries. But now, BJP's misgovernance is getting exposed," said Gehlot. Congress is 'very much' on ground in Gujarat On Congress' preparedness for the polls, scheduled in two phases on December 1 and 5, Gehlot said, "It is being deliberately spread by some people that Congress is not in the picture. We are very much on the ground and our campaign is also going strong. I can say with confidence that our support base in villages is still intact". During his poll speeches in Gujarat, Kejriwal often tells people that voting for Congress makes no sense "as party leaders eventually defect to ruling BJP". In the 2017 Gujarat assembly elections, the Congress won 77 seats while BJP 99 in the 182-member House. NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal has been admitted to the hospital. Chhagan Bhujbal has been admitted to Bombay Hospital. According to the information, he has been admitted to the hospital due to a viral infection. He will be discharged from the hospital this evening itself. A few days ago, NCP President Sharad Pawar was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital for health reasons. He was discharged today (Monday). According to information received, Bhujbal was treated at home after a viral infection. After that, he also attended the party's camp in Shirdi. But on Monday morning, he was admitted to the Bombay hospital due to increased complications. He is likely to be discharged this evening. Sharad Pawar was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on October 31 due to his unwell condition. After three days of treatment, Sharad Pawar was to be discharged from the hospital. However, the hospital stay was extended as the condition did not improve. He has been discharged from the hospital today. Meanwhile, even while undergoing treatment in the hospital, Sharad Pawar attended the NCP camp in Shirdi. Sharad Pawar along with a team of doctors had reached Shirdi in a special helicopter for the party camp. New Delhi: Russia and India stand for the formation of a "more just" and "polycentric" world order and both sides demonstrated the proximity of positions on the most pressing issues, Moscow said on Monday, a day ahead of talks between the foreign ministers of the two countries. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar begins a two-day visit to Russia this evening amid growing global concerns over increasing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. In a statement, the Russian foreign ministry said Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in their talks, will focus on trade and investment, use of national currencies for trade, "promising projects" in the energy sector and the formation of a security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region. "Russia and India stand for the active formation of a more just and equal polycentric world order, and proceed from the inadmissibility of promoting the imperialist diktat on the global arena," it said. "Both countries demonstrate the proximity of positions on the most pressing issues and stand for the adherence to the universally recognised norms of international law, enshrined in the UN Charter," the ministry said. It further added: "We are aimed at promoting a unifying agenda and building a constructive dialogue in the field of interstate relations." The Russian foreign ministry said Jaishankar and Lavrov will also discuss ways to further "advance joint work" in the key areas and compare notes on upcoming contacts. "The talks will focus on trade and investments, transport and logistics, the use of national currencies in mutual settlements, as well as promising projects in the energy sector, especially in the Arctic shelf and the Russian Far East," it said. The ministry said the two ministers will exchange assessments of the current international issues with an emphasis on interaction within the UN, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), G20 and the Russia-India-China trilateral. "The ministers will also discuss India's presidency in the SCO, efforts to fight terrorism, as well as a number of the regional issues, including the formation of a security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, the situation around the Iranian nuclear problem, state of affairs in Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine," it said. Announcing Jaishankar's visit to Moscow last week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said issues pertaining to bilateral economic cooperation in various domains will be discussed. Jaishankar will also hold talks with Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry Denis Manturov. In the last few months, India has increased the import of discounted crude oil from Russia notwithstanding increasing disquiet over it by several Western powers. Jaishankar and Lavrov have already met four times after the Ukraine conflict began in February. Since the Ukraine conflict began, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a number of times. In a phone conversation with Zelenskyy on October 4, Modi said that there can be "no military solution" and that India is ready to contribute to any peace efforts. At a bilateral meeting with Putin in the Uzbek city of Samarkand on September 16, Modi told him that "today's era is not of war". India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and it has been maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. SAMS Odisha Plus 3 Admissions 2022: Student Academic Management System, SAMS Odisha is scheduled to release the second merit list for phase two of Plus 3 admissions today. The SAMS Odisha Plus 3 Admissions Phase 2 Second Merit List will be made public at 2 PM in the second half. Students can view the results after they are announced on the official website, samsodisha.gov.in. According to the schedule provided by SAMS Odisha, candidates must report to the colleges and institutions assigned to them based on the merit list that was published today. The reporting date to the college under the first merit list was October 31, 2022. Candidates will be able to view the merit list after it is made public today. SAMS Odisha Merit List 2022: Heres how to check Go to the official website -samsodisha.gov.in On the homepage, click on the relevant link provided for Plus 3 Degree admissions Candidates will be redirected to another page where they will have to click on the link for the Phase II Merit list. Candidates will have to enter their college type, stream, college name, district, and subject Post submitting the details, the SAMS Odisha Merit list 2022 will be displayed on the screen Download the same and take its printout for future references The Student Academic Management System (SAMS) is a comprehensive gateway that offers a single location for electronic course admissions across the State as well as a number of e-Services to students at the institution level. SSC JE 2022: Staff Selection Commission, SSC JE Admit Card 2022 is released! SSC will be conducting the Junior Engineer exam from November 14 to 16, 2022. Candidates who are going to appear for the exam can check and download the admit from the official website-- ssc.nic.in. To access the SSC recruitment portal, candidates will be required to key in their registration number and date of birth. Refer to the direct link and steps mentioned below to check and download the JE Admit Card from the official website. SSC JE 2022 will conduct the recruitment examination for the three different branches of engineering which are as follows: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Quantity Surveying & Contracts. The examination will be conducted from 14 November 2022 to 16 November 2022. A total of 1150 vacancies are made available by SSC for the post of Junior Engineer. SSC JE Admit Card 2022: Steps to download Go to the official website--ssc.nic.in On the appeared homepage, click on the link to the regional websites Now click on the SSC CR website A new webpage would appear on the screen Click on the JE Admit Card link A new login page would open Key in your Registration ID and Date of birth Submit details Delhi police, SSC SI exam application status will appear on the screen Check and download the admit card Take a print out for future references SSC JE 2022 Exam Pattern SSC JE 2022 exam will be conducted in two phases. Paper 1 will be of 200 marks and paper 2 will be of 300 marks. Both paper 1 and paper 2 are Multiple Choice Questions. 0.25 marks will be deducted for every question attempted wrong by a candidate in both papers. CHENNAI: Directorate of Government Examination has announced the Tamil Nadu exams 2023 dates for Class 10, 11 and 12. The board has released the Tamil Nadu board time table 2023 on the official website, dge.tn.gov.in. Tamil Nadu board exams will commence from March 13, 2023 and will end on April 20, 2023. As per the TN exam schedule, TN 10th exams will be held from April 6 to April 20, 2023. TN 11th exams will be conducted from March 14 to April 5, 2023. While TN 12th exams will be held from March 13, 2022 to April 3, 2022. The Tamil Nadu exams will be held from 10:15 am to 1:15 pm. Students will be given 10 minutes to read the question paper and 5 minutes will be given to verify the particulars of the students. Tamil Nadu Board class 10, 12 Data Sheet- Steps to download here Check the following steps to download Tamil nadu date sheet 2023 below Go the official website: dge.tn.gov.in Click on the Notification and it will lead to a new page. Click on Circular option and open the link of Time Table A PDF containing TN public exam time table 2023 will be displayed on the screen. Download this PDF in the device for further reference. The practical exams for Classes 10, 11, and 12 were held from April 25, 2022. It may be noted that public exams were not held for the academic years 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The state board declared the Higher Secondary School Certificate Plus 2 (Class 12) and Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) or Class 10th results on June 20, 2022. Around 93.76 per cent of students declared pass in Plus Two while 90.07 per cleared in SSLC. More than 25 lakh students appeared for these examinations across the state. CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu school education department to announce the Class 10 and 12 board exams schedule today. School education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi will release the schedule. The Directorate of Government Examinations, Tamil Nadu will release the Classes 10th, 12th timetable 2023 online on their official website - dge.tn.gov.in. The Tamil Nadu SSLC, HSC exam 2023 are likely to be conducted in March 2023. The Directorate of Government Examinations, Tamil Nadu will release the Classes 10th, 12th timetable 2023 online on their official website - dge.tn.gov.in. The Tamil Nadu SSLC, HSC exam 2023 are likely to be conducted in March 2023. Last year, the Tamil Nadu Board conducted the exams for Class 12 students from May 5 while Class 11 exams began on May 9. The Class 10 exams were conducted from May 6, 2022. The public exams for Class 12 students were held from May 5 to May 28 and Class 11 examinations were conducted from May 9 to May 31 while for Class 10 students the exams were held from May 6 to May 30, 2022. The practical exams for Classes 10, 11, and 12 were held from April 25, 2022. It may be noted that public exams were not held for the academic years 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The state board declared the Higher Secondary School Certificate Plus 2 (Class 12) and Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) or Class 10th results on June 20, 2022. Around 93.76 per cent of students declared pass in Plus Two while 90.07 per cleared in SSLC. More than 25 lakh students appeared for these examinations across the state. New Delhi: Prime minister Narendra Modi on Monday (November 7) offered prayers at the residence of Iqbal Singh Lalpura, chairperson of National Commission for Minorities to mark the 553rd birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev that will be celebrated on Tuesday (November 8). Addressing a gathering on the eve of Guru Nanak Jayanti PM Modi said the teachings of Sikh Gurus and the life of Guru Nanak are like a beacon of light showing the way to the world which is passing through a difficult phase. The Prime Minister said, "I convey my hearty greetings and good wishes to the people of our country and those living abroad, on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji." ALSO READ- 'Thrash BJP workers if required', says Congress leader; saffron party reacts "Our country has been blessed to have received spiritual and moral guidance from great teachers like Guru Nanak Dev ji, who evoked the inherent unity of mankind that is bound by the universal virtues of truth, kindness and righteousness," he said. On the eve of Guru Purab, addressing a programme in Delhi recalling Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. https://t.co/x4hCgNhVb4 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 7, 2022 PM Modi said, " and the guidance received from Guruvani is a tradition, a belief and a vision of a developed India for us today." Inspired by Guru Nanak Dev Ji's thoughts, the country is moving ahead with the spirit of welfare of 130 crore Indians. The guidance that the country received from Guruvani centuries ago is also a tradition, a belief and a vision of a developed India for us today: PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/n4so7Sq06z ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2022 ALSO READ- Close aide of Manish Sisodia to turn approver in Delhi excise policy case The Prime Minister said, "India earned the esteemed stature of Vishwaguru with the sage wisdom of preceptors and masters like Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He showed us the path of a compassionate virtuous life and an inclusive society. The pantheon of his Shabads and Sakhis is the timeless spiritual heritage of entire humanity. May Guru Nanak Dev`s eternal message guide us on the path of creating a kind, compassionate and peaceful world." The RJD lost by less than two thousand votes to the BJP in the by-election for the Gopalganj assembly seat of Bihar. An AIMIM candidate got 12214 votes for this seat. After this, once again, AIMIM has been accused of being the 'B' team of BJP. Asaduddin Owaisi has responded to these allegations and has also targeted the Aam Aadmi Party. He said, "nothing is being said to Arvind Kejriwal in Gujarat because his name is Arvind, while mine is Owaisi. That's why I was attacked." Furious over such allegations, Asaduddin Owaisi said, "seven by-elections were held, in which BJP got victory. Why are SP in UP and Congress and AAP not called 'B' team in Haryana? As soon as Owaisi's name comes, Muslims, Congress and AAP all become silent, which is wrong." He further said that the parties want to intimidate the minority society. He said, "Want to tell them that you should not talk about political leaders, stay as a slave. In Bihar we contested elections, out of which four were bought by the RJD. Nobody talks about it.Whatever you guys do, that strategy, but if we fight elections, then the question arises about why you are fighting. We have faith in democracy, that's why we are contesting elections." On the question asked about Arvind Kejriwal in Gujarat, Owaisi said, "nothing is being said to him, because his name is Arvind and my name is Owaisi. That's what we want to tell. We are asked questions about how we will defeat the BJP? Congress has not been in Gujarat for 27 years, but nothing is asked of it." He further said, "Arvind Kejriwal does not even take the name of Bilkis Bano.They do not even name the families of the victims of Delhi riots, be it Hindu or Muslim. Do not even name the houses that were demolished. There is a competition between BJP, Congress and AAP about who will follow the ideology of Hindutva bigger than PM Modi. Voting for Congress and AAP is equivalent to voting for the BJP." Ranchi: Jharkhand Congress working president Bandhu Tirkey created controversy on Monday (November 7) by asking party workers to "thrash" BJP activists "if required". Tirkey was speaking at a sit-in of the ruling UPA near the Raj Bhavan here against the saffron party and the ED summons to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Income Tax search against two Congress MLAs. BJP reacted sharply to Tirkey and its national vice-president Raghubar Das cautioned the UPA supporters not to touch a BJP worker "even by mistake". The Enforcement Directorate had summoned Soren for questioning on November 3 in a money laundering case linked to alleged illegal mining in the state. Soren had skipped the summons and went to Chhattisgarh to attend a pre-scheduled programme and is stated to have sought three weeks' time to appear before the central probe agency. On November 4, the Income Tax department conducted searches at properties linked to Jharkhand Congress MLAs Kumar Jaimangal and Pradip Yadav. The MLAs had alleged that the searches were carried out under BJP's pressure. JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya addressing the gathering said the BJP will never be successful in its agenda to topple the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand as the people of the state are with him in the development of the state. Tirkey created controversy by saying, "We are not against any investigation. But if it is done with political vendetta, a proper reply will be given." He then went on to say, "I urge party workers to expose the BJP and if required thrash the BJP workers." Several JMM and Congress senior leaders and legislators including Badal Patralekh, Mathura Mahto, Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Majhi also took part in the protest. Reacting to Tirkey's comments, Das tweeted, "First (UPA) involved in corruption and if caught, incite violence. BJP workers do not get thrashed, they give the befitting reply." "(UPA) Don't touch them (BJP workers) even by mistake," he cautioned. The saffron party launched a weeklong block-level agitation on Monday. BJP senior leader Babulal Marandi, who led the agitation at Gandey block in Giridih district said "The entire state is in trouble due to the anti-people policies of the Hemant Soren government," he said. BJP state president, Deepak Prakash led the protest at Baharagora block in East Singhbhum district. New Delhi: A 14-year-old girl was allegedly strangled to death by her neighbour whose marriage proposal she had rejected, police said here on Monday. The accused was identified as Sonu Banjara, they said. Priyanshi, who was missing from home since Saturday, was found dead in a sugar cane field in Hajipur village on Sunday, they said. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Vinit Jaiswal said a case has been registered against the accused, who has been arrested. Also Read: 16-year-old UP girl commits suicide after mother scold her for chatting The girl's father in a complaint alleged that the accused was pressurising his daughter for marriage and had also threatened his family. The body has been sent for the post-mortem, he said. New Delhi: The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi will review Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 4 measures imposed in the capital city on Monday as air quality improved slightly in the national capital region on Sunday. The air quality in Delhi improved to the very poor category from severe, which has raised the possibility of the Delhi government lifting the curbs imposed in the city including the closure of primary schools and Work From Home for 50% government employees. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai will chair a high-level meeting to discuss the new directions by the Centres air quality panel about revoking curbs imposed under the final stage of the Graded Response Action Plan, officials said. Delhi's Air Quality Improves According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the overall AQI of the city improved further on 331, however in the very poor category. The concentration of both PM 2.5 and PM 10 was recorded at 331 under the very poor category and 211 under the poor category respectively this morning. Delhi`s AQI returned to the `very poor` category after a change in wind direction due to southeasterly, while local wind speeds also picked up. "The AQI will start improving faster now as surface wind will pick up to enhance dispersion and the direction of stubble transport wind also is changing. The AQI will be very low to mid part of very poor by the 6th of November," said Prof. Gufran Beig, Founder Project Director, SAFAR. However, Prof Beig also added that the relief is short-lived. "The AQI will start deteriorating from the 8th evening as the stubble wind will again turn from the burning side," he said. Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR, is likely to hold a review meeting on Sunday in the light of improving air condition. The CAQM had imposed Stage IV measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) on Thursday evening that bans the entry of diesel vehicles that were not BS VI in Delhi. The Delhi government on Friday banned the entry of trucks other than essential services in the national capital following the introduction of GRAP IV. The government has also constituted a six-member committee to monitor truck entry in the national capital city. "Only CNG, petrol and electric vehicles will be allowed to enter Delhi. There will also be a ban on medium and heavy vehicles of diesel registered in Delhi, which are not connected to essential services. Small vehicles with diesel engines which are not BS6 compliant will also be banned," Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Friday. New Delhi: Kaynes Technology India Limited (KTIL) on Monday fixed the price band at Rs 559-587 per share for its Rs 530 crore-initial public offering that will open on November 10. The Initial Public Offering (IPO) will conclude on November 14. The bidding for anchor investors will open on November 9, according to the Red Herring Prospectus (RHP). The company has cut the fresh issue size to Rs 530 crore from Rs 650 crore planned earlier. Besides, there would be an Offer For Sale (OFS) of up to 55.85 lakh equity shares by a promoter and an existing shareholder. (Also Read: THESE Wipro employees to get 100 per cent variable pay; check payment date) The OFS comprises the sale of 20.84 lakh equity shares by promoter Ramesh Kunhikannan and 35 lakh equity shares by existing shareholder Freny Firoze Irani. Proceeds from the fresh issue will be used to repay debt, fund capital expenditure for its manufacturing facilities at Mysore and Manesar and fund working capital requirements. (Also Read: Amidst massive Twitter layoffs, an employee does THIS to prevent his coworkers from getting FIRED, details inside) Also, the company plans to invest in its arm Kaynes Electronics Manufacturing Pvt Ltd for setting up a new facility at Chamarajanagar in Karnataka. Mysore-based Kaynes Technology is a leading end-to-end and IoT (Internet of Things) solutions-enabled integrated electronics manufacturing player, having capabilities across the entire spectrum of electronics system design and manufacturing services. The company has eight production plants in Karnataka, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand. DAM Capital Advisors and IIFL Securities are the book-running lead managers to the issue. New Delhi: Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt welcomed their first child, a daughter on Sunday. Kamaal R Khan, also known as KRK, congratulated the couple via Twitter and netizens are not very happy about it. Alia took the happy news of the baby announcement on Instagram and many celebrities like Karan Johar, Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif, among others, congratulated the couple. Actor and film critic KRK also congratulated the new parents on their baby news but also took a dig at them. On Sunday, KRK tweeted, "Congratulations to Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt for becoming proud parents of a beautiful daughter within 7 months." Alia and Ranbir Kapoor married in April this year, and Alia announced her pregnancy in June. Congratulations to #RanbirKapoor and #AliaBhatt for becoming proud parents of a beautiful daughter within 7months. November 6, 2022 This tweet insinuating Alia was pregnant at the time of her wedding with Ranbir was criticised by the couple's fans. One wrote, 'They really don't need congratulation and wishes from people like you. And yes, they are proud, your parents can't even relate. Disgusting people.' Another one wrote, 'It's sad seeing people commenting like this! That baby was just born and is getting this amount of hate. People really dont have anything to do, all they can do is just talk s*** about other people's personal matters. I mean go get a life...' Later, KRK defended himself as he spoke about children being born 'prematurely.' He tweeted, 'I cant understand why some idiots are giving lecture here. There are millions of children, who are born premature. It's normal.' I cant understand why some idiots are giving lecture here. There are millions of children, who are born premature. Its normal. KRK (@kamaalrkhan) November 6, 2022 Taking the announcement on Instagram, Alia wrote, "And in the best news of our lives, our baby is here, and what a magical girl she is. We are officially bursting with love - blessed and obsessed parents!!! Love love love Alia and Ranbir." Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt welcomed their little bundle of joy, a baby girl at Mumbai's RN Hospital on Sunday (Nov 6). The couple tied the knot in April in an intimate close-knit affair in April this year, in the presence of their close people and relatives. New Delhi: Pop icon Britney Spears seems to have suffered irreparable nerve damage on the right side of her body. Dancing in front of the camera all the time for social media is her way of battling the pain as dancing really helps soothe her pain receptors. She took to her Instagram on Monday to share a video clip of her dancing and twirling to the beats of a song. In the video, she can be seen wearing a red top, black hotpants and a glove on one hand. She penned a long note along with the dancing clip making her followers aware of her condition. She wrote, "I'm dancing in time now Victoria... yes... nerve damage on the right side of my body... there's no cure except God I guess... nerve damage is caused sometimes when you don't get enough oxygen to your brain... your brain literally shuts down blah blah blah old story... in that place I didn't breathe when I was there... nerve damage causes parts of your body to go numb. I wake up like 3 times a week in bed and my hands are completely numb (sic)." Talking about how excruciating it is for her at times, she mentioned in her note, "Nerves are tiny and it feels like pins and needles from the right side of my body it shoots up to my neck and the part that hurts the worst is my temple on my head... it stings and it's scary... the last 3 years since I got out of that place I've been in a mild unconscious state... I couldn't face it. It was like it was too scary to be here... although my Instagram has not been up to par to most (sic)." She then added how the act of dancing acts as a pain reliever for her, "Hey hey hey it gave me existence and got me here... it's funny though when I dance I don't feel the pain... it's like my mind literally goes to a place of my inner child. And although I don't move like I use to... I truly believe my faith in it gave me strength... by the grace of God I finally found a medication where I actually feel oxygen going to my brain and through my neck, my eyes are more open now and I can hold my head up correctly." "I've done a good job trying to pull it off. Either way I'm getting a lot better, I can breathe... I feel smarter because well, Jesus I can breathe now... either way, I'm breathing now and I can dance in time, Victoria... I send all my love to every single one of you... this is me this morning. I'm gonna vacuum now," she concluded her note. New Delhi: One of the most loved couples in Bollywood, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor were blessed with a baby girl on November 6, 2022. The couple had tied the knot on April 14 this year in an intimate ceremony and took the internet by storm when they announced pregnancy in June. Right after her delivery, Alia Bhatt officially announced the birth of their baby girl via an Instagram post. And in the best news of our lives, our baby is here, and what a magical girl she is. We are officially bursting with love - blessed and obsessed parents!!! Love love love Alia and Ranbir, she penned the post. Several celebrities from the industry flooded the comments section, congratulating and wishing the best to the couple. Alia Bhatt who is all set to make her Hollywood debut also received wishes from her Heart of Stone co-star Gal Gadot. Taking to the comments section in her post, Gal Gadot wrote, Congratulations with confetti and heart emojis. Heart of Stone is an upcoming American action thriller which stars Gal Gadot, Jamie Dornan, Sophie Okonedo, Jing Lusi, Matthias Schweighofer, and Alia Bhatt in prominent roles. The film is scheduled to be released on Netflix in the year 2023. Several other Bollywood celebrities also commented the couple on the birth of the baby girl. Anushka Sharma, Katrina Kaif, Akshay Kumar, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Sonam Kapoor and others wished them on this big day. Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor fell in love while working together in Ayan Mukerjis Brahmastra. Their love story began during their flight to Tel Aviv when the two were going for a workshop for the film. We congratulate the couple on being blessed with a baby girl! New Delhi: In the latest scenario of Sherlyn Chopra and Rakhi Sawant`s ongoing controversy, the former has shared a tweet saying nudity is not equal to consent. Taking to the microblogging site Sherlyn writing in Hindi, "Hamari ladai yaun shoshan/ yaun shoshan krne waalon ke khilaaf hai. Nyay ki guhar lagaane ka hmaara samvaidhanik (constitutional) haq (right) hai. Ye haq humse koi nahi cheen sakta hai. Ye baat hamaare aaropiyon ki behnein sun lein aur samajh lein. Nudity is not equal to consent. Vastraheen hona razamandi nahi."This post of Sherlyn came after Rakhi filed a police complaint against her at Mumbai`s Oshiwara Police station for making derogatory remarks. Rakhi spoke to the media and said that because of Sherlyn`s remarks, her personal life has been affected a lot as her boyfriend has started questioning her. "I am really sad to say that due to the comments made by her about me there has been turmoil in my life. Because of her, my recent boyfriend has asked me `whether there is any truth in what Sherlyn is saying`, do I really have 10 boyfriends`. She just came and said whatever she wanted to in the media and now I have to pay for it," she said. Sherlyn, who earlier filed a police complaint against #MeToo accused filmmaker Sajid Khan, had recently engaged in a war of words with Rakhi for coming out in support of Sajid and Raj Kundra. Along with the tweet, she also attached a video from Lehren in which she said, "What will you do? You will expose me? If you want to expose, then go and first expose your brother Raj Kundra who is the king of pornography, and expose Sajid Khan the #MeToo accused. What kind of a cheap woman is she? She is a blot on the cast. We all are fighting for justice, I don`t know what`s her problem. Who is your brother? Your brother is the king of pornography. I was saying from the beginning this fight is not yours, get aside but no." Rakhi and her lawyer stated that they have filed a case against Sherlyn and that Rakhi is talking "on the basis of evidence". While interacting with the media they even played alleged videos of Sherlyn Chopra. Rakhi also alleged that Sherlyn "blackmails powerful men for money". Sajid was mired in the #MeToo controversy in 2018 after nine women from the industry - who worked with him on his various projects - had accused the filmmaker of sexually harassing them. Along with Sherlyn, actresses including Saloni Chopra, Aahana Kumra and Mandana Karimi, levelled the allegations against him. Washington: In the weeks before Queen Elizabeth`s death, the late monarch had found a new pal in Hollywood star Tom Cruise, suggests a new report. According to Page Six, she and the `Top Gun` actor "really hit it off" over the summer, a source told a British media outlet. The Queen`s Platinum Jubilee celebrations that marked her 70th anniversary on the throne had been attended by Cruise; however, the ailing royal was unable to meet the `Mission Impossible` star as she suffering from mobility issues. "The Queen let it be known that she was really disappointed not to have met Tom at the pageant, so he was invited to have a special tour of Windsor Castle with everything laid on for him. Afterwards, just the two of them had tea together," the source said, reported Page Six. The visit was a success, with Cruise given the chance to fire a ceremonial gun. "She loved seeing him and they really hit it off, so much so that she invited him back for lunch. He was even allowed to fly in by helicopter," the source added. This newly-formed friendship could have continued with a lunch date, but it could not as Elizabeth died on September 8 at the age of 96, before they could reunite. Cruise had spoken of his admiration for the Queen during a television interview that happened before the Platinum Jubilee`s Gallop Through History equine pageant in May. "She`s just a woman that I greatly admire. I think she is someone who has tremendous dignity and I admire her devotion. What she has accomplished has been historic," he said at the time, as per Page Six. New Delhi: Eligible employees who had not opted for enhanced pension coverage prior to 2014 can jointly do so with their employers within the next four months after the Supreme Court upheld the Employees' Pension (Amendment) Scheme, 2014. Employees who were existing EPS members as on September 1, 2014 can contribute up to 8.33 per cent of their 'actual' salaries -- as against 8.33 per cent of the pensionable salary capped at Rs 15,000 a month -- towards pension. (Also read: PF alert: Want to opt for increased pension? SC opens 4-month window for eligible employees under EPS) The court on Friday struck down the requirement in the 2014 amendments mandating employee contribution of 1.16 per cent of the salary exceeding Rs 15,000 per month. This will facilitate the subscribers to contribute higher to the scheme and get enhanced benefits accordingly. Trade unions have demanded that the government call an extraordinary meeting of the central board of trustees of the retirement fund body EPFO for quick implementation of the apex court order. The Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 originally did not provide for any pension scheme. In 1995, through an amendment, a scheme was formulated for employees' pension, wherein the pension fund was to comprise a deposit of 8.33 per cent of the employers' contribution towards provident fund corpus. At that point of time, maximum pensionable salary was Rs 5,000 per month which was later raised to Rs 6,500. The EPS amendment of August 22, 2014 had raised the pensionable salary cap to Rs 15,000 a month from Rs 6,500 a month, and allowed members along with their employers to contribute 8.33 per cent on their actual salaries (if it exceeded the cap) towards the EPS. It gave all EPS members, as on September 1, 2014, six months to opt for the amended scheme. The amendment, however, required such members to contribute an additional 1.16 per cent of their salary exceeding Rs 15,000 a month towards the pension fund. While not too many employees had opted to contribute based on their actual salaries, the Supreme Court order means that EPFO members and employers now have four months to opt for a pension scheme linked to actual salaries. This would essentially imply higher annuity after retirement. Talking to PTI, General Secretary, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, Harbhajan Singh Sidhu said, "The apex court has given relief to subscribers of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to opt for pension on higher earnings. Now we demand from the government to immediately call a special meeting of Central Board of Trustees (CBT) headed by the Union Labour Minister to discuss the order in detail and implement the relief given to members." The apex court also held that the EPFO cannot ask subscribers for an additional 1.16 per cent of contribution of salary for opting pension on higher earnings without amending the existing law. The court has given the option of pension on higher earnings to subscribers of exempted provident fund trusts also. Another EPFO trustee and All India Vice-President of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) Sunkari Mallesham also demanded an extraordinary meeting of the CBT. "There is a need to call an extraordinarily meeting of the CBT to discuss the order thoroughly and provide relief given to members," Mallesham told PTI. The apex court stated: "Time to exercise option under paragraph 11(4) of the scheme, under these circumstances, shall stand extended by a further period of four months. We are giving this direction in exercise of our jurisdiction under Article 142 of the Constitution of India." Paragraph 11 (4) of EPS-95 provides for members to opt for pension on higher earnings. The window to opt for contribution on higher earning was open to subscribers for six months from September 1, 2014. The amendment in 2014 had also provided that these members have to contribute at the rate of 1.16 per cent on salary exceeding Rs 15,000 per month. For the amount up to Rs 15,000 basic wages, the contribution of 1.16 per cent towards EPS is provided by the central government. "The requirement of the members to contribute at the rate of 1.16 per cent of their salary to the extent such salary exceeds Rs 15,000 per month as an additional contribution under the amended scheme is held to be ultra vires the provisions of the 1952 Act," the Supreme Court held. However, the apex court suspended operation of this part of its order for six months to enable the authorities to make adjustments in the scheme so that the additional contribution can be generated from some other legitimate source within the scope of the Act, which could include enhancing the rate of contribution of the employers. For the six months or till such time any amendment is made, whichever is earlier, the employees' contribution shall be as a stop gap measure and the said sum shall be adjustable on the basis of alteration to the scheme that may be made, it stated. BMS activist and an EPFO trustee Prabhakar Banasure also opined that there should be a meeting of CBT. "My demand is that minimum pension should be Rs 5,000 per month. Also, pensioners should be covered by Aayushaman Bharat scheme," he said. The judgement, however, does not appear to be affecting employers or the industry at present as per the employers' representatives. K E Raghunathan, a CBT member representing employers, told PTI: "Supreme Court suggests that employers' contribution to pension can be increased as a possible solution. This could be a cause of concern as employers' burden may increase. This, anyway, would require amendment to the Act, if the government so decides. Even then there will be no additional liability on employer. Only inter-se allocation of contribution between PF and pension will change." Senior advocate Jayanth Muthuraj, who argued in favour of employees, said, "We can say this judgement broadly deals with three major points -- all the employees who did not exercise the option for 2014 scheme but were entitled to do so were given a chance to opt for the scheme in four months' time. Secondly, the court struck down a requirement for the employee to contribute 1.16 per cent of the salary, if their salary exceeds Rs 15,000 per month, and thirdly, employees who were not in service as on September 1, 2014 and had not opted for the scheme would not be entitled for the benefit of the judgement." Muthuraj said that in his view and reading of the verdict the direction (v) of the judgement which disentitles the employees who retired prior to September 1, 2014 without exercising the option is contrary to RC Gupta verdict (2016 judgement) which has been approved by the top court. Advocate Varinder Kumar Sharma, who argued on behalf of Pradeshik Cooperative Dairy Federation of Lucknow, said that the verdict is a mixed bag. "In RC Gupta case of 2016, the top court has said that if the employee who has retired prior to September 1, 2014 without exercising the option then he is eligible for 2014 scheme as there is no cut-off date and if he returns all such amounts that he may have taken or withdrawn from the provident fund account. This was a big problem as a person who has retired in 2010 or 2012 and has taken all his retiral benefits was also seeking pension as per RC Gupta verdict," he said. Advocate P S Sudheer, who also appeared for the employers, said: "Employers will be benefited with the direction that people who have retired prior to September 1, 2014 without exercising the option under the 1995 scheme will not be entitled for 2014 scheme," he said. New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had, last week, announced that it will commence a pilot project of digital rupee (eRs) for specific use cases in the wholesale segment from November 1. The pilot project is for settlement of secondary market transactions in government securities. Use of eRs-W is expected to make the inter-bank market more efficient. Settlement in central bank money would reduce transaction costs by pre-empting the need for settlement guarantee infrastructure or for collateral to mitigate settlement risk. Going forward, other wholesale transactions, and cross-border payments will be the focus of future pilots, based on the learnings from this pilot project. (Also read: Want to opt for increased pension? SC opens 4-month window for eligible employees under EPS) The RBI had further announced that within a month of this pilot project, a similar project for the retail segment would also be launched in closed user groups comprising customers and merchants. Details regarding this would be made public soon, it had added. (Also read: Brainly fires nearly all employees from India team as not able to maintain some of roles) All these preparations are in line with the announcement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech that the RBI will launch the central bank digital currency (CBDC) during the current financial year. Let us therefore try and understand what exactly the CBDC or the digital rupee is. The RBI defines the CBDC as the legal tender issued by a central bank in a digital form. It is the same as a sovereign currency and is exchangeable one-to-one at par with the fiat currency. While money in digital form is predominant in India -- for example in bank accounts recorded as book entries on commercial bank ledgers, the CBDC would differ from existing digital money available to the public because it would be a liability of the Reserve Bank, and not of a commercial bank. Some of the key features of the CBDC would be that it will be a sovereign currency issued by central banks in alignment with their monetary policy, it will appear as a liability on the central bank's balance sheet, it would be accepted as a medium of payment, legal tender, and a safe store of value by all citizens, enterprises, and government agencies. In addition to this, the CBDC would be freely convertible against commercial bank money and cash. It would be a fungible legal tender for which holders need not have a bank account. Also it would be expected to lower the cost of issuance of money and transactions. Some of the main motivations behind adoption of the CBDC are that central banks, faced with dwindling usage of paper currency, seek to popularise a more acceptable electronic form of currency like in the case of Sweden. Also jurisdictions with significant physical cash usage seek to make issuance more efficient. Countries with geographical barriers restricting the physical movement of cash also had the motivation to go for the CBDC - for example, The Bahamas and the other Caribbean nations with small and large numbers of islands spread out. Last but not the least, central banks seek to meet the public's need for digital currencies, manifested in the increasing use of private virtual currencies, and thereby, avoid the more damaging consequences of such private currencies. In addition to this, the CBDCs have some clear advantages over other digital payments systems, as it being a sovereign currency, ensures settlement finality and thus reduces settlement risk in the financial system. The CBDCs could also potentially enable a more real-time, cost-effective seamless integration of cross border payment systems. India has made impressive progress in innovation in digital payments. The payment systems are available 24x7, 365 days a year to both retail and wholesale customers, they are largely real-time, the cost of transaction is perhaps the lowest in the world, users have a wide array of options for doing transactions, and digital payments have grown at an impressive CAGR of 55 per cent over the last five years, a concept note by the RBI said. Supported by the state-of-the-art payment systems of India that are affordable, accessible, convenient, efficient, safe and secure, the eRs system will bolster India's digital economy, enhance financial inclusion, and make the monetary and payment systems more efficient. There are a large and diverse number of motivations for India to consider the CBDC, it said. New Delhi: The daily app quiz from Amazon is back in action. The quiz will be found in the Funzone section of the e-commerce app. The winner will get a Rs 500 Amazon Pay Balance. If you are interested to play the quiz, you can play it in the Funzone section of the app. Questions type Five questions, usually based on general knowledge and current events, make up Amazon's daily quiz. How can you win? For a contestant to be eligible for the quiz reward, they must properly answer each question. There are four options for each quiz question. Participants in the quiz must select one accurate response from these choices. Once all questions have been correctly answered, participants will enter a drawing to determine the quiz's winners. Here are today's, November 7, 2022, questions of the Amazon quiz and its answer: 1. Robert Lewandowski, who scooped the 2021 Best FIFA Men's Player award, belongs to which country? Answer: Poland 2. SilverLine, a semi-high-speed railway project that envisages trains running at 200 km/h, has been proposed in which state? Answer: Kerala 3. Which of these comets was discovered in January 2021? Answer: Comet Leonard 4. This footwear company acquired exclusive rights to which foam resin in 2004? Answer: Croslite 5. Name the residence in which this gate is located, which served as the residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Answer: Topkapi Palace How to play the quiz? - Open the Amazon app. - Go to the search bar. - Search Funzone. - Click on the Amazon daily quiz at the bottom of the interface. New Delhi: Realme is all set to launch its flagship device Realme 10 4G soon. The company just disclosed that the phone will be available in Clash White. The Chinese smartphone manufacturer has since provided some additional information on the device. The smartphone will also be available in Rush black. The manufacturer released a teaser photograph of the gadget, showing off a twin camera arrangement on the back of the smartphone. The Realme 10 will appear on November 9, according to Realme. The industry leader in smartphone technology has also announced that this device includes a Super AMOLED display and a MediaTek Dimensity G99 CPU. (Also Read: Amidst massive Twitter layoffs, an employee does THIS to prevent his coworkers from getting FIRED, details inside) The Realme 10 4G in Clash Black colour was revealed in a tweet posted on Friday by the Chinese smartphone manufacturer. According to this image, the device will have volume rockers and a power button on the right side. Additionally, it discloses that the gadget has a dual-rear camera system with an LED flash. (Also Read: IT firm Accenture fires thousands of employees for...) Prior to its debut, this phone is advertised on the Realme Indonesia website. Notably, this listing has displayed the entire list of this future smartphone's characteristics. The smartphone may debut in the company's domicile country China first before making its way to other country's marketplaces, including India, within a few weeks. According to rumours, it will have a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 SoC, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Customers may also have the option of an 8GB RAM/128GB storage model. Additionally, a 4890mAh battery with 65W rapid charging capability may be included in the smartphone. The next Realme 10 Pro+ is expected to have an OIS-enabled main rear camera, similar to the Realme 9 Pro+ of last year. On the other hand, the Realme 10 is said to have a MediaTek Helio G92 processor and 33W fast charging. A 120Hz LCD could be used in place of the AMOLED panel. There is still a lack of clarity around pricing, but shortly further specifics are anticipated. Islamabad: Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan has called on President Arif Alvi to "act now" and stop the massive "abuse" of citizens at the hands of "rogue elements" in the government. In a letter to the president on Sunday, Khan stated that since the removal of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, the country has been 'confronted with an ever-increasing scale of false allegations, harassment, arrests, and custodial torture'. Khan, 70, has alleged that Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has 'repeatedly issued death threats' to him and that he was informed of an assassination plot 'hatched by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah' and a senior military official, the Express Tribune newspaper reported. "The plot was operationalised earlier this week during our long march, but Allah saved me and the assassination attempt failed," he said. Imran requested that as the head of the State of Pakistan and "also as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces" of the Constitution, President Alvi take note of the "following serious wrongdoings that undermine Pakistan's national security". ALSO READ | 'I will resign if...': Shehbaz Sharif on Imran Khan's assassination bid allegation He further asked Alvi, who also hails from Khan's PTI, to lead an inquiry to identify the guilty and "hold them accountable". The deposed premier reiterated that the country was observing a "massive abuse of citizens at the hands of rogue elements within state organisations, including custodial torture and abductions", all of which he claimed was "carried out with impunity". "You hold the highest Office of State and I am requesting you to act now to stop the abuse of power and violations of our laws and of the Constitution, which ensures the fundamental rights of every citizen," he further added. During his long march on Thursday, Khan nearly escaped an assassination attempt after being shot. He sustained bullet injuries in the right leg and underwent a surgery. He was discharged from the hospital on Sunday and has been moved to a private residence in Lahore. On Saturday President Alvi and first lady Begum Samina Arif Alvi visited the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Lahore to inquire about the health of Khan and thereafter stayed with him for almost three hours. The president and the first lady expressed their best wishes and prayed for his (Khan's) speedy recovery. During the meeting, Alvi, and Khan also exchanged views on the dire political and economic situation of the country. New Delhi: Ahead of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar`s visit to Moscow this week, several diplomats and foreign-policy experts are keeping a close eye on India`s possible role in pressing for peace between Russia and Ukraine. As per the New York Times, officials within the Indian government have already been discussing what role India might play in peacemaking efforts when the time is right. The main issue pertaining to the matter is the unwillingness to talk between Russia and Ukraine. While Ukraine is feeling it has momentum on the battlefield. On the other hand, Russia too seems in no mood to talk. However, experts believe that if owing to the war, the rising energy prices make life really miserable in Ukraine, a settlement or a ceasefire may be possibly reached, NYT reported. Earlier this year, French President Emmanuel Macron brought up the idea of holding peace talks along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, NYT reported citing two Indian officials. Although the idea didn`t materialise, India is increasingly viewed as a potential peacemaker with access to both sides. "Were Russia and Ukraine to express interest in having a neutral third party mediate, India would be a strong candidate with credibility on both sides," NYT quoted Jeff M Smith as saying, who is the director of the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation, a Washington research institute. Also read: The destruction is daily: Ukraine warns of Russian brutality in eastern region PM Modi enjoys a good rapport with President Putin, reported NYT saying that he can speak to Russia directly. However, India continuing to buy Russian oil and refusing to support resolutions against Russia has angered Ukraine and US. But, India has believed that calling out Russia would achieve little while staying neutral, at least in public could come in handy in efforts to end the war, reported NYT. Earlier in September, during a regional summit in Uzbekistan, PM Modi said the whole world was paying the price and told Putin, "Today`s era is not of war." He said he wanted "to discuss how we can move forward on the path of peace," reported NYT, calling PM Modi "India`s most powerful prime minister in decades." It said that he is trying to refashion India`s tradition of nonalignment into a more commanding strategy "all alignment" of sorts. Also, trying to solve the world`s biggest crisis seems to appeal to PM Modi`s ambition to go down as one of India`s greatest leaders in history. Also read: 'Weaponisation of everything...': EAM S Jaishankar flags change in world affairs amid Russia-Ukraine war If the peacemaking efforts succeed, it can bring a more prominent place for India in the global order and bring it closer to the long-sought prize, a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, NYT reported. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, at a conference last month in New Zealand, asked, "How do you get to facilitate at least the ability for the participants in the conflict to sit down and talk? Whatever we can do, we will be willing to do."Another possibility floated by the diplomats is a joint mediation effort led by India, Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)." The fact that these issues are being discussed and that some officials are contemplating an India, Israel, UAE mediation effort is a significant development," NYT quoted Former Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster as saying. "That these three countries could be working together and possibly approaching Russia to mediate its dispute with Ukraine, illustrates the fluidity of the international system and the changes that have occurred in it," he said. Kenneth Juster further said that the Indian foreign service has "very skilful diplomats," and that if they offered to help with talks when Russia and Ukraine were ready for them, "that would be good". Jaishankar will begin his two-day visit to Russia on Monday. He will be holding talks with the country`s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in continuation of the regular high-level dialogue between the two sides. Talks between the two sides are expected to cover the entire range of bilateral issues and exchange views on various regional and international developments. Jaishankar is scheduled to meet Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Minister of Trade and Industry, Denis Manturov, his counterpart for the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC)." Issues pertaining to bilateral economic cooperation in various domains will be discussed," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release said in an earlier release. Jaishankar`s visit follows Russian President Vladimir Putin`s praise of Indians. Marking the occasion of Russia`s Unity Day on November 4, Putin said India has much potential with no doubts that it will achieve outstanding results in terms of development. "India will achieve outstanding results in terms of its development - there are no doubts - and almost one-and-a-half billion people: now that`s potential," the Russian President said, according to a Reuters translation of the speech originally delivered in Russian. The Z-20 helicopter performs a flight rehearsal in Zhuhai City, south Chinas Guangdong Province, November 7, 2022. /CFP The Zhi-20 (Z-20) helicopter, one of China's "20 series" military aircraft, arrived at the Zhuhai Jinwan Airport in south China's Guangdong Province on Monday, according to China Media Group (CMG). A total of nine People's Liberation Army (PLA) ground force helicopters, including the Z-20, Z-8L and Z-10, will make demonstration flights at the 14th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition. The domestically developed Z-20 is a medium-lift multifunctional helicopter that can work in all conditions, according to CMG. With the capability of carrying all-terrain vehicles, the Z-8L transport helicopter improves the aerial assault brigades in fast long-range delivery and air-to-ground cooperative operation capability, said the CMG. The three helicopters will perform a variety of flight performances, such as hovering and vertical ascent during the airshow. The "20 series," which includes J-20 stealth fighter jets, Y-20 large transport aircraft and YY-20 aerial refueling aircraft, will be displayed together. The exhibition, also known as Airshow China, will be held from November 8 to 13. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Armenia's Ambassador at-Large Edmon Marukyan responded to the article of Ambassador at-large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Parvin Mirzazade, in which the latter referred to Marukyan and a number of his posts on Twitter. In his response Marukyan expressed confidence that there is a path to long-term and stable peace in the region, and that is the withdrawal of Azerbaijani servicemen from Armenias sovereign territory, the return of all Armenian prisoners of war and persons held, the implementation of delimitation in accordance with the 1991 Alma-Ata declaration and protocol, the opening of communications based on the sovereignty of the sides, as well as the guarantee of the security, rights and freedom of Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh. At the same time threats and violence cannot be a path to peace. Although the threats directed against the Armenian people are passing through a red line in your entire article, which is especially highlighted by an attractive headline. I would like to remind that quite recently President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the Sochi trilateral statement, within the frames of which he agreed to refrain from the use of force and threat of force. I am deeply disappointed that already today your statements have gone beyond the scope of the agreements which your government has reached. I also regret that despite the 33 years of work in the ministry of foreign affairs, you tend to make contradictory conclusions. On the one hand, you speak about respect to older people, which is accepted in the Caucasus, on the other hand, you reserve the right to make personal insults. As the classic said if you want respect, do not start from insults. Lying, which is sometimes beyond any imagination, is often one of the tools you use in your judgments. Under the guise of revanchism, lack of pacifism and other fabricated accusations you are hiding your hunger to justify the new military aggression of your leadership. Under the same guise you are trying to hide the massacres of tens of thousands of Armenians in Sumgait and Baku which were accompanied by mass killings, looting and arson. You are also trying to make forgotten the constant violence against the peaceful population of Nagorno Karabakh, as it happened during the aggressions registered during the escalations of the conflict in 2016 and 2020. You are trying to hide the killing of civilians, the holding and shooting of prisoners of war, mocking of the corpses of fallen servicemen and civilians, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, the appropriation and desecration of cultural and historical heritage under the words about international law. It seems, in such atmosphere your constant attempts to distort history and completely rewrite it have developed, with the special aim of appropriating the Armenian cities and territories. I also would like to emphasize the complete dissonance of your article when you make judgments about the term sovereignty. On the one hand, for you, the borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan are clearly recognized and clear when it comes to the rights of the people of Artsakh, on the other hand there is a need for delimitation and demarcation of that borders when it comes to the military aggression of Azerbaijan against Armenias sovereign territories. Does it happen like that? Marukyan said in his response letter. He repeated that there is a border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which, as it has been repeatedly confirmed, must be delimited and demarcated in accordance with the 1991 Alma-Ata declaration and protocols. He reminded that the border delimitation joint commission is working actively on this direction. As for the Nagorno Karabakh issue, Marukyan said its obvious this issue has never had a nature of a territorial dispute. In conclusion, I would like to state once again that the path to peace is difficult, but that path exists. Hatred, violence, lie and threats are opposed to peace, life, truth and bright future. The Armenian nation has carried the cross of peacekeeping and justice for centuries and is not going to give up its path today. I believe in peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan if there is a clear political will to implement all agreements and sign a peace treaty. I can surely state that the Armenian side has a firm political will to implement all agreements and sign a peace treaty in the near future. Lets see if Azerbaijan has that political will, Marukyan said. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is planning to conduct an agricultural census next year, Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan said during the debate of the 2023 state budget draft in the joint session of the parliamentary standing committees. The primary production of agriculture ensures around 11-13% of the GDP. And the agro-food system makes up of around 25% of the GDP in general. Its worth nothing that around 22% of the employed people in Armenia are involved in agriculture, the minister said. In 2023 it is planned to increase the gross agricultural production volume up to 1.2 trillion drams, he said. Last year it was 933 billion drams. But according to the governments 2021-2026 action plan, it is envisaged to reach this figure up to 1.4 trillion drams. As a result of enlargement of farmer economies, it is expected to lower the number of general agricultures up to 280,000, instead of the previous 317,000, at the same time contributing to the increase in productivity of the value created by one farm. The minister added that legislative amendments are also expected. In particular, the differentiated VAT use for several agricultural products is still at a discussion stage. The Statistical Committee is planning to conduct an agricultural census next year, during which the number of farms, property, and the general agricultural situation will be clarified, he said. The 2023 state budget envisages implementing 6 programs in agriculture sector, worth 37,9 billion drams, as well as 3 other programs, worth 2,4 billion drams, which will be implemented by loan and grant funds received from foreign sources. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Prior to the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27), President Vahagn Khachaturyan gave an interview to the Middle East state news agency, his Office said. In the interview, President mainly spoke of Egypts chairmanship within the framework of the Conference, solutions to climate problems, priorities set by Armenia in that context, expectations from the Conference and Armenian-Egyptian relations. As a country holding the chairmanship of the Conference, Egypt has the opportunity to unite the developed and developing countries around common interests, creating a more favourable atmosphere for solving the main challenges, said President Khachaturyan. The Conference is an opportunity for the entire world to evaluate the climatic events of the past years and closely cooperate to overcome the climate crisis, taking into consideration the different national conditions and capacities of the countries. The Conference is also a platform for encouraging climate financing for the transition to a green economic system and adaptation to climate change, raising the awareness of developing countries about climate technologies, as well as increasing global climate ambitions. The President also emphasized the importance of the 27th Conference, for it can make progress related to climate financing, particularly, the adequacy and predictability of climate financing is key for meeting the Paris Agreement objectives. Speaking of the impact of climate change on migration flows, the President noted, that the hydro-meteorological dangerous phenomena that have become more frequent and lasting, such as hail, early frost, spring floods, mudslides, landslides and droughts leave their negative footprint on agriculture every year, and the sum of all this also affects migration flows, which take place not only between neighbouring settlements, but also between continents. According to the President, those who live in regions with more favourable climatic conditions, especially in northern regions, must accommodate millions of migrants, in the meantime adapting to the requirements of the climatic crisis. The President also highlighted that military clashes and hostilities have a direct impact on soil and air pollution and affect agricultural pastures, green areas and forests. The clearest and brightest example of this are the large-scale forest fires caused by military operations, increased soil and air pollution from shell explosions and so on. President Vahagn Khachaturyan urged the international community to unite their efforts to combat such issues, for the consequences of different conflicts and military clashes in particular, have extremely negative impact on the environment and the climatic conditions, which affects large geographical areas exceeding the conflict zones and, surely, civilian population. As the President puts it, global massive migration takes place not only at a time of unprecedented climate change, but also at a time of human demographic change. World population is expected to continue growing during the coming decades, reaching around 10 billion in 2060, and most of population growth is seen in tropical regions, which suffer the most from climate change. Vahagn Khachaturyan noted that climate change adaptation policies and measures are crucial for Armenias capacity to reach its social and economic development goals. The National Action Program of Adaptation to Climate Change approved by the Government in 2021, as well as 2021-2030 Nationally Determined Contributions of the Republic of Armenia under the Paris Agreement, direct efforts for integrating adaptation in sectorial and regional development programs. The Government of Armenia has set a new target for mitigating climate change at the level of the whole economy reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 compared to 1990. The long-term low-emission development strategy of Armenia is in the elaboration process, with the aim to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, conditioned by corresponding international financial, technological and capacity-building support. Touching upon Armenian-Egyptian relations, President Khachaturyan noted that the relations between Armenia and Egypt are based on centuries-old friendship of the two peoples, and this is a solid basis for maintaining and further strengthening the close and warm relations between the two countries. The President expressed confidence that the relations between Armenia and Egypt will continue to develop and deepen. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Russia calls on Azerbaijan and Armenia to refrain from steps that may raise tensions on the line of contact, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday, reports TASS. Indeed, a statement adopted at a trilateral meeting in Sochi highlighted the determination of the parties, Azerbaijan and Armenia, to resolve the issue solely through peaceful political and diplomatic means. This is why we continue to urge the parties to refrain from dangerous actions and steps that may raise tensions on the line of contact, he said, commenting on reports of shelling attacks. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Gnel Sanosyan says the possible signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan is the right path to solve the issues. But it has been regularly stated that the peace treaty supposes also restoration of our sovereign territory, he told reporters at a briefing in the Parliament, adding that the peace treaty will be signed when the Azerbaijani units withdraw from the sovereign territory of Armenia. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. The Election Commission of India organized an international conference on Role, Framework and Capacity of Election Management Bodies in New Delhi from October 31 to November 2. Members of the Central Electoral Commission of Armenia Arusyak Terchanyan and Silva Markosyan were invited to attend the conference, the CEC said. The conference aimed at organizing exchange of experience between election organizing agencies, understanding the main challenges and the capacities of election agencies of the countries. During the summit Armenia was presented as an honorary guest. The CEC members assessed their participation in the conference productive as they said there was an opportunity to hold a professional discussion about various electoral tools and observe the election innovations of different countries. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. In October 2022, the number of tourist visits to Armenia was 154,847, ARMENPRESS reports Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan wrote on his official Facebook page on November 7. He noted that during the first 10 months of the current year, the number of tourists who came to Armenia was 1,400,000. "In the period of January-October 2022, the five countries that registered an increase in tourist visits to Armenia are Russia (around 46%), Georgia (8%), Iran (7%), the USA (4%) and Germany (2%). 49% of this year's visitors were tourists aged 36-63, and in October, mostly men visited Armenia," the minister informed. On the night of November 6-7, the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire, from rifle weapons of various calibers, in the direction of the Armenian positions located in the eastern part of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. November 7, 2022, 09:02 Azerbaijan army units open fire in direction of Armenia positions STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 7, ARTSAKHPRESS: The Ministry of Defense of Armenia informs that the Armenian side has no losses. As of 8am Monday, the situation on the frontline is relatively stable. Russia calls on Azerbaijan and Armenia to refrain from steps that may raise tensions on the line of contact, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday, reports TASS. November 7, 2022, 15:23 Russia calls on Azerbaijan and Armenia to refrain from raising tensions - Kremlin spox STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 7, ARTSAKHPRESS: Indeed, a statement adopted at a trilateral meeting in Sochi highlighted the determination of the parties, Azerbaijan and Armenia, to resolve the issue solely through peaceful political and diplomatic means. This is why we continue to urge the parties to refrain from dangerous actions and steps that may raise tensions on the line of contact, he said, commenting on reports of shelling attacks. Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahians three-day visit to Armenia and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) three-day exercise on the Aras River signal a shift in Irans strategy toward its northwest region, Alexander Nachman said in an article on The National Interest on Sunday. November 7, 2022, 15:28 Analysis: Iran turns attention to the Caucasus STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 7, ARTSAKHPRESS: While significant in their own right, Irans recent diplomatic and military initiatives in the Caucasus reflect not only its approach to its northwest region after the Nagorno-Karabakh War but also efforts to resist foreign interference and what it defines as separatist movements inside its borders and among its neighbors, the author wrote. "While Iran has maintained an official policy of neutrality vis-a-vis Armenia and Azerbaijan since the fall of the Soviet Union, Turkeys interference on the side of Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh War, which ended in 2020, has since prompted Iran to provide greater support to Armenia. Irans interest here is twofold. On the one hand, Iran has an existential interest in maintaining the integrity of its neighboring borders, which have shifted at various times in the countrys history, particularly in the north, as both Armenia and Azerbaijan were once part of Iran. On the other hand, maintaining border security mitigates foreign interference and separatist resistance. But a resurgence of violence between Armenia and Azerbaijan in September and October of this year overlaps with widespread protests in Iran, as well as armed conflicts in Kurdistan, both of which it blames on foreign meddling and separatist rebellion. "On October 22, the IRGC and Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian completed a military training exercise on the Aras River and a diplomatic trip in Armenia, culminating in the consulate opening in Kapan. During his trip, Amir-Abdollahian discussed with Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan the need to maintain and develop the North-South corridor, which would function as a transit route between the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea through Armenia and Georgia; he also emphasized that Tehran is against any changes to the borders of the region. Amir-Abdollahians statement on border changes refers directly to the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh regionacquired by Azerbaijan in 2020and parallel efforts by Turkey and Azerbaijan to develop the Zangezur corridor, which would run through Armenias southern border and provide Turkey with direct access to Central Asia, minimizing Iranian influence. "In late October, Prime Minister Pashinyan also met with Russian president Vladimir Putin and President Raisi to resolve these issues diplomatically, with Raisi expressing intolerance for the Zangezur corridor. At present, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Zangezur corridor would provide a much-needed East-West alternative. Yet, Iran has supported the North-South corridor because it would benefit more from a Persian Gulf-Black Sea transit route than an East-West route in the Caucasus. The Zangezur corridor would also involve Russian and Turkish interests. "The IRGCs simultaneous military exercises on the Aras River reflect two of Irans immediate concerns. The first concern stems from the Zangezur corridor, which would potentially interfere with the Iran-Armenia border. An additional problem is one expressed by some Iranian lawmakers regarding Israels presence in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Mohammad Safaei, a representative from Rezavi Khorasan Province, stated, The Zionists are seeking to undermine the Islamic Republics influence in Central Asia through this [presence]. But they will never succeed. And Hasan Hemmati, a member of the Parliaments National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, added, This exercise was a show of force whose message is peace and friendship for the neighboring countries and a decisive response to any threat for the enemies It should also be noted that on October 24, after the above statements, Iran claimed to have arrested ten agents working for Israel. "Using various strategies, Iran is attempting to secure its northwest borders and generally dominate the northwest region. Whether the threat is Israeli, Turkish, Kurdish, or Azerbaijani, real or imagined, it is essential to understand these policies and their consequences in their broader domestic and international context. It should also be noted that foreign interference, while not always the cause of turmoil and sometimes overstated, has been a historical reality. Irans conflicts in the northwest are hardly recent. However, its increased security measures in the region are directly related to domestic events, which, in turn, have consequences for regional politics for the Caucasus and Kurdistan and global commerce regarding North-South and East-West trade. The human toll of these policies is, of course, the actual cost of security, trade, and stabilitya price which has only increased in recent weeks," reads the article. ReportLinker The Global Used & Refurbished Smartphone Market size was estimated at USD 12. 91 billion in 2021 and expected to reach USD 13. 57 billion in 2022, and is projected to grow at a CAGR 5. 33% to reach USD 17. New York, Oct. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Used & Refurbished Smartphone Market Research Report by Type, Pricing Range, Sales Channel, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06342205/?utm_source=GNW 64 billion by 2027. Market Statistics: The report provides market sizing and forecast across 7 major currencies - USD, EUR, JPY, GBP, AUD, CAD, and CHF. It helps organization leaders make better decisions when currency exchange data is readily available. In this report, the years 2018 and 2020 are considered as historical years, 2021 as the base year, 2022 as the estimated year, and years from 2023 to 2027 are considered as the forecast period. Market Segmentation & Coverage: This research report categorizes the Used & Refurbished Smartphone to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Type, the market was studied across Refurbished Phones and Used Phones. The Refurbished Phones is further studied across Company-owned and Consumer-owned. The Used Phones is further studied across Buybacks and Trade-ins. Based on Pricing Range, the market was studied across Low-priced, Mid-Priced, and Premium. Based on Sales Channel, the market was studied across Offline and Online/ e-Commerce. Based on Region, the market was studied across Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East & Africa. The Americas is further studied across Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and United States. The United States is further studied across California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The Asia-Pacific is further studied across Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Europe, Middle East & Africa is further studied across Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom. Cumulative Impact of COVID-19: COVID-19 is an incomparable global public health emergency that has affected almost every industry, and the long-term effects are projected to impact the industry growth during the forecast period. Our ongoing research amplifies our research framework to ensure the inclusion of underlying COVID-19 issues and potential paths forward. The report delivers insights on COVID-19 considering the changes in consumer behavior and demand, purchasing patterns, re-routing of the supply chain, dynamics of current market forces, and the significant interventions of governments. The updated study provides insights, analysis, estimations, and forecasts, considering the COVID-19 impact on the market. Cumulative Impact of 2022 Russia Ukraine Conflict: We continuously monitor and update reports on political and economic uncertainty due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Negative impacts are significantly foreseen globally, especially across Eastern Europe, European Union, Eastern & Central Asia, and the United States. This contention has severely affected lives and livelihoods and represents far-reaching disruptions in trade dynamics. The potential effects of ongoing war and uncertainty in Eastern Europe are expected to have an adverse impact on the world economy, with especially long-term harsh effects on Russia.This report uncovers the impact of demand & supply, pricing variants, strategic uptake of vendors, and recommendations for Used & Refurbished Smartphone market considering the current update on the conflict and its global response. Competitive Strategic Window: The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies to help the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. It describes the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisition strategies, geography expansion, research & development, and new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth during a forecast period. FPNV Positioning Matrix: The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Used & Refurbished Smartphone Market based on Business Strategy (Business Growth, Industry Coverage, Financial Viability, and Channel Support) and Product Satisfaction (Value for Money, Ease of Use, Product Features, and Customer Support) that aids businesses in better decision making and understanding the competitive landscape. Market Share Analysis: The Market Share Analysis offers the analysis of vendors considering their contribution to the overall market. It provides the idea of its revenue generation into the overall market compared to other vendors in the space. It provides insights into how vendors are performing in terms of revenue generation and customer base compared to others. Knowing market share offers an idea of the size and competitiveness of the vendors for the base year. It reveals the market characteristics in terms of accumulation, fragmentation, dominance, and amalgamation traits. Competitive Scenario: The Competitive Scenario provides an outlook analysis of the various business growth strategies adopted by the vendors. The news covered in this section deliver valuable thoughts at the different stage while keeping up-to-date with the business and engage stakeholders in the economic debate. The competitive scenario represents press releases or news of the companies categorized into Merger & Acquisition, Agreement, Collaboration, & Partnership, New Product Launch & Enhancement, Investment & Funding, and Award, Recognition, & Expansion. All the news collected help vendor to understand the gaps in the marketplace and competitors strength and weakness thereby, providing insights to enhance product and service. Company Usability Profiles: The report profoundly explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global Used & Refurbished Smartphone Market, including Alibaba, Amazon, Apple Inc., AT&T Inc., Back Market, Cashify, Chinarephone.com, eBay, Huawei, Lenovo, Mobiru India Private Limited, NIPPON TELEPHONE INC.,, One97 Communications Ltd., Paytm, Qarmatek Services Private Ltd., Quikr India Pvt. Ltd, Reboxed Ltd.,, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Smart Cellular, Verizon Communications, Inc., Walmart, Xiaomi, and Yaantra. The report provides insights on the following pointers: 1. Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on the market offered by the key players 2. Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyze penetration across mature segments of the markets 3. Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments 4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, certification, regulatory approvals, patent landscape, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players 5. Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and breakthrough product developments The report answers questions such as: 1. What is the market size and forecast of the Global Used & Refurbished Smartphone Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Used & Refurbished Smartphone Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Used & Refurbished Smartphone Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Used & Refurbished Smartphone Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Used & Refurbished Smartphone Market? 6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Used & Refurbished Smartphone Market? 7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Used & Refurbished Smartphone Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06342205/?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. __________________________ Story continues CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 Future Market Insights Global and Consulting Pvt. Ltd. The Global Cultures Market represents a fragmented landscape. The top companies hold a market share of up to 25% in the global cultures market. The brisk adoption of starter cultures for alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages production is contributing significantly to the cultures market growth. NEWARK, Del: , Oct. 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global cultures market is anticipated to reach a valuation of US$ 2.1 Bn by 2032, with sales growing at an average CAGR of 4.3% from 2022 to 2032. Scaling up from an estimated US$ 1.3 Bn, the cultures market is fueled by rapid adoption of starter cultures for alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages production. The growth witnessed in the freeze-dried culture also supplements the cultures market growth during the forecast period. In the recent past, fermented foods are quickly gaining popularity and creating growth opportunities for the market of food cultures. Functional dairy products, too, are generating a competitive environment among microbial culture enterprises. As the most popular prevailing food trends, probiotics and functional foods are dominating the food & beverages industry all over the world resulting in the creation of profitable prospects for the target market. Furthermore, microbial culture is also exhibiting lucrative opportunities owing to the growing acceptance of the bio-preservation process, which is a superb substitute for chemical and physical preservation. Request a Sample PDF @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6133 Heightened Demand in the beverages sector also contributes to the growth of the cultures market. It is predicted that the starter culture will undergo substantial traction in the cultures market throughout the forecast period. Production of wine, beer, buttermilk, kefir, and other popular beverages require the induction of unique and intense flavors, which is primarily achieved by adding starter cultures. Due to the rapid technological development in the fermentation process, the starter cultures segment is bound to experience an abundance of market opportunities. This bodes well for the overall target market growth. Story continues Apart from the starter cultures, the freeze-dried cultures, too are gaining momentum in the cultures market, particularly in fermented beverages and functional dairy products category. While freeze-dried cultures demonstrate exceptional quality and permit long-term storage due to their improved shelf life, they also help maintain the original culture structure intact. The increasing popularity of free-dried cultures is likely to induce numerous innovation in this competitive market. Again, barring food processing companies, freeze-dried cultures will gain popularity among consumers for preparing products such as sourdough bread and homemade yogurts. Moreover, the exponential growth of probiotics will also fuel the demand for freeze-dried cultures in the immediate future. All of these considerations will foster growth for the cultures market during the projected period. Heightened adoption of starter cultures for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages across the globe will augment the growth of the cultures market over the forecast period, says an FMI analyst. Key Takeaways: Popularity of starter cultures and freeze-dried cultures to fuel market growth. Strong presence of food manufacturing and processing units drive the market growth in China. Dairy segment will propel the market in India during 2022-2032. Sauces, condiments, and dressing segment will lead the market growth in APEJ. Bakery and confectionery will significantly contribute to the target market growth in APEJ. Access Full Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/cultures-market Competitive Landscape Cargill, BASF, DuPont, Ingredion, Chr. Hansen, Kerry Group, Koninklijke, Tate & Lyle Plc., and others are some of the major players in the cultures market profiled in the full version of the report. Leading market players are influenced by the implementation of strict government regulations. These businesses are focusing on improving product quality, better promotions, and strengthening distribution networks to increase their consumer base. Some of the major enterprises are concentrating on product development as per the taste and preferences of the consumers as well as including some specialty ingredients into their products. More Insights into Cultures Market Report In its latest report, FMI offers an unbiased analysis of the global cultures market, providing historical data from 2017 to 2021 and forecast statistics for 2022 to 2032. To understand the global market potential, growth, and scope, the market is segmented on the basis of product type (starter, adjunct, probiotic, other types), application (beverages, sauces, dressings, and condiments, bakery and confectionery, dried processed food, sweet and savoury snacks, frozen and chilled processed food, other applications), and region. According to the latest FMI reports, based on segmentation, the starter segment is leading the market growth. The probiotic segment, too, is expected to strengthen the market prospects over the forecast period. In terms of application, the sauces, dressings, and condiments segment will likely contribute the most to the market growth, followed quickly by the bakery and confectionery over the assessment period. Based on region, then cultures market in the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to experience constant and substantial growth owing to development of the food & beverages sector in China and India. While China leads the market in terms of food manufacturing and processing units, Indias food & beverages sector will be driven by the dairy segment. The Asia Pacific Except Japan (APEJ) region will particularly driven by the significant growth of the sauces, dressings, and condiments segment during the projected period. Talk with our expert @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-6133 Key Market Segments Region-wise the market is segmented into Japan, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Latin America, the Middle East and Africa (MEA), North America, and Europe. Region: North America Latin America Europe Japan APEJ MEA Product Type: Starter Adjunct Probiotic Other types Application: Beverages Sauces, dressings, and condiments Bakery & Confectionery Dried Processed Food Sweet & Savoury Snacks Frozen and Chilled processed food Other Applications Use Promo Code ->> "FMITODAY" to Get Flat 20% Discount Table of Content 1. Market Overview 1.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy 1.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations 2. The Massive Impact of the Crisis 2.1. Global Cultures Market Forecast Scenario Comparison of Annual Growth Rates for short Term (2022-2026) and Long Term (2027-2032) 2.2. Key Factors Impacting the Market Note: Market Assessment shall be Provided for Likely Scenario 3. Market Dynamics 3.1. Drivers 3.2. Restraints 3.3. Opportunity 3.4. Market trends By Region 3.5. Product Launches 3.6. Product Claims & Nutritional Information Scan by Buyers 3.7. Macro-Economic Factors 3.8. Forecast Factors - Relevance & Impact 3.9. Consumers Survey Analysis 4. Key Regulations 4.1. Packaging & Labelling Regulations 4.2. Certifications and Certifying Agency Overview 4.3. Import/Export Policies Read Full TOC. Explore wide-ranging Coverage of FMIs Food and Beverage Market Insights Landscape: Food and Beverage Protective Cultures Market: The global food and beverage protective cultures market is expected to secure US$ 1,980.6 Million in 2032 while expanding at a CAGR of 4.3%. The market is likely to hold a value of US$ 1,300 Million in 2022. Ripening Cultures Market: The ripening cultures added to the milk for making cheese differs on the variety of cheese being made. There are different microbial ripening cultures for the different variety of cheese made. Cultured Wheat Market: The global cultured wheat market value is anticipated to rise to US$ 625.5 Million by 2032. During the forecast period ranging from 2022-2032 Cultured Dairy Blends Market: Cultured dairy blends market is likely to record a strong CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period. The market is currently valued at US$ 3.56 Bn and is likely to reach US$ 6.94 Bn by 2032. Specialty Cultures Market: Specialty cultures include starter and bio-preservation cultures. The specialty cultures are developed and produced for food applications. The specialty cultures are mainly used in dairy application along with meat surface and ripening cultures. About Future Market Insights, Inc. Future Market Insights, Inc. is an ESOMAR-certified business consulting & market research firm, a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and is headquartered in Delaware, USA. A recipient of Clutch Leaders Award 2022 on account of high client score (4.9/5), we have been collaborating with global enterprises in their business transformation journey and helping them deliver on their business ambitions. 80% of the largest Forbes 1000 enterprises are our clients. We serve global clients across all leading & niche market segments across all major industries. Contact: Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-845-579-5705 For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com KONA GOLD BEVERAGE INC. The Company has added a new store locator on its Ooh La Lemin website Melbourne, FL, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. (OTCQB: KGKG), a holding company focused on product development in the better-for-you and functional beverage sector is pleased to announce the roll out of its Ooh La Lemin Lemonades in over 250 Walmart Supercenters across 12 states. The roll out has already begun and shelves will continue to be filled by the Company's distribution partners throughout the month of November. The states included in the initial rollout are Alaska, California, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin. The roll out is for designated space in Walmart Supercenters for non-sparkling Ooh La Lemin's Lemonades. The Company's 6 SKU's of Sparkling Lemonades are also authorized to be sold in all Walmart stores in the U.S., but are not included in these sets. In order to better serve Ooh La Lemin customers, the Company has added a Store Locator on its Ooh La Lemin website that will provide customers with a comprehensive list of locations where the Company's lemonades are sold. The Store Locator will be updated on a weekly basis to ensure accuracy and to provide customers with the new retail locations in their area as they become available. "I'm excited to share with our stockholders that our popular Ooh La Lemin Lemonades are now rolling out to Walmart Supercenters around the country, stated Robert Clark, CEO of Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. "Our team has been laying the distribution groundwork in order to launch in more states than we originally planned for. I'm excited that we will be able to service customers in more states now with our market presence growing on a monthly basis." Clark added, "Due to the signing of new distribution partners, the Walmart rollout, and the demand for our Ooh La Lemonades, we have sold out of 3 flavors of our non-sparkling Lemonades. We have production starting this month to fulfill distributor orders in the queue. We still have limited product to fulfill orders for our online customers." Story continues Kona Gold Beverage recently announced it signed a distribution agreement with Hayden Beverage Company. Hayden Beverage Company, based in the great state of Idaho, is the state's largest and most professional distributor of beer, wine, and premium non-alcoholic beverages and has a distribution footprint that covers all of Idaho and all of Montana. The Company also recently announced it has signed agreements with new distribution partners in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. Kona Gold has been focused on bringing its beverage portfolio to the West Coast of the United States and with the addition of Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, the Company will be making a big market push in the remainder of 2022 and into 2023 with its Ooh La Lemin Lemonades. For more information regarding Kona Gold Beverage, please visit: https://konagoldbeverage.com/ About Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. Kona Gold Beverage, Inc., a Delaware corporation, has created wholly-owned subsidiaries, Kona Gold LLC, HighDrate, LLC, and Gold Leaf Distribution, LLC. Kona Gold, LLC has developed a premium Hemp-Infused Energy Drink line; please visit its website at www.konagoldhemp.com. HighDrate, LLC has developed the beverage industry's first CBD-Infused Energy Water, available in 6 delicious flavors; please visit its website at www.highdrateme.com. Gold Leaf Distribution, LLC was created to fill the Company's distribution needs in markets that it wants to enter quickly; please visit its website at www.goldleafdist.com. Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. recently rebranded its Lemin Lemonade to Ooh La Lemin Lemonade; please visit its website at www.oohlalemin.com. Kona Gold and its family of companies are located on the east coast of Florida in Melbourne and in Greer and Conway South Carolina. Safe Harbor Statement: The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Investor Relations Contact: Robert Clark 844-714-2224 investorrelations@konagoldbeverage.com An Auburn woman who authorities said went on a summer crime spree that escalated to armed robbery is now expected to spend time in state prison. Ariel Bowman, 24, pleaded guilty in Cayuga County Court last week to first-degree robbery and third-degree burglary, felonies that stemmed from incidents on Aug. 4 and Aug. 20, the Cayuga County District Attorney's Office said. Bowman admitted in court before Judge Thomas Leone that she held up a victim at knifepoint on Aug. 20 and stole about $230 in cash, a debit card, cell phone and sunglasses. After the incident, Auburn police and state police found Bowman in the city, and she had the victims stolen property and several knives. Bowman also pleaded guilty to the burglary charge, which stemmed from an incident Aug. 4 in which she stole $123 in merchandise from a Kinney Drugs store in Auburn from which she had previously been banned. The burglary charge was applied because she unlawfully entered the store and committed a crime. The Aug. 4 and and Aug. 20 book-ended several other arrests police made of Bowman that month, including an Aug. 6 arrest for criminal solicitation and grand larceny, an Aug. 7 arrest for fourth-degree criminal mischief, an Aug. 8 arrest for second-degree menacing and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and an Aug. 9 arrest for petit larceny. She was also arrested on July 11 for falsely reporting an incident. Prior to the incidents, Bowman did not have a criminal history. She was not eligible to be held in custody on bail for any of the charged crimes, all misdemeanors except for the burglary charge, through the Aug. 9 arrest. Bowman was then arrested on Aug. 16 for criminal contempt, a felony that was bail eligible, but the arraignment court denied the district attorney office's request for her to be held on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. At arraignment on the robbery charge days later, though, Bowman was remanded to the Cayuga County Jail and has remained in custody there since that time. The guilty plea entered last week satisfied all of the misdemeanor charges, and Bowman must pay restitution and abide by protection orders for multiple victims. At her sentencing set for Feb. 9, she's expected to be sentenced to seven years in prison with five years of post-release supervision on the robbery conviction, with a concurrent sentence of 2 1/3 to 7 years in prison for the burglary conviction. The criminal contempt case remains pending. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Great Wall Motor ("GWM") sold 100,208 new vehicles in Oct. 2022, representing a 10.58% year-on-year decrease, while reflecting a 7.01% month-on-month increase, according to the company's latest monthly sales results. About 15.12% of the vehicles sold in October were priced above 200,000 yuan ($27,695), said the company. For the first ten months of the year, GWM saw its auto sales fell 9.4% from the previous year to 902,521 vehicles, 14.62% of which were contributed by those priced over 200,000 yuan, 4.93 percentage points higher than that of the year-ago period. GWM claimed the monthly sales in overseas markets hit a new high of 21,052 units in Oct. 2022, leaping 49.58% over a year earlier. The automaker sold a total of 132,796 vehicles abroad through the first ten months of the year. 3rd-generation HAVAL H6 PHEV; photo credit: HAVAL As for the sales performance of each brand, HAVAL recorded a 1.86% year-over-year rise in its Oct. sales, which stood at 63,759 units. Thanks to the impetus by the third-generation H6 DHT-PHEV, the sales of the HAVAL H6 jumped 28.48% over a year earlier to 35,217 units last month. WEY brand sold 2,427 vehicles in Oct. 2022, resulting in a year-to-date sales volume of 32,891 units. The new energy vehicle (NEV)-dedicated ORA logged a 57.9% year-over-year plunge with only 5,572 vehicles sold last month. Notably, the brands fire new electric sedan, the ORA Lightning Cat, hit the market on Oct. 31 and recorded an order volume of over 15,300 units within 24 hours. TANK scored a double-digit jump of 28.17% year-over-year. The brand's cumulative sales have already exceeded 200,000 units since its foundation. GWM Pickup faced a two-digit year-over-year decline in both Oct. sales and Jan.-Oct. sales. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Honda Motor recently announced its monthly China retail sales reached 106,101 units in Oct. 2022, dropping 28.5% from a year earlier, while climbing 4.98% from the previous month. As for the sales of the two joint ventures, GAC Honda saw its Oct. sales slide 28.2% over a year ago to 55,804 units, while Dongfeng Honda also posted a two-digit year-on-year drop of 28.8% by selling 50,297 vehicles last month. For the first ten months of 2022, Honda Motor sold 1,156,484 vehicles across China, reflecting a 7.9% decrease over the year-ago period, versus the 5.2% year-on-year decline in the Jan.-Sept. sales. The year-to-date sales of vehicles armed with the hybrid powertrain system "Sport Hybrid" added up to 168,644 units, dipping 11.6% compared to the same span of 2021. With 604,834 vehicles sold in total, GAC Honda clocked a 2.2% decline over a year ago in its Jan.-Oct. sales. Nevertheless, a year-on-year dip of 13.5% confronted Dongfeng Honda's year-to-date sales, which stood at 551,650 units. On Nov. 5, Honda brand orchestrated the world premiere of the e:N2 Concept, the concept of the second e:N series model to be mass produced, at the 5th China International Import Expo (CIIE). With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information. President of BAICs premium electric vehicle brand ARCFOX resigns Wang Qiufeng, deputy general manager of BAIC BJEV and president of ARCFOX, resigned for personal reasons, BAIC BluePark confirmed. BAIC BluePark, the holding company of BAIC BJEV, has seen annual losses for two consecutive years, with net losses attributable to shareholders of 6.476 billion yuan in 2020 and 5.244 billion yuan in 2021. Photo credit: ARCFOX Gotion High-Tech to start mass delivery of semi-solid-state battery in 2023 Chinese battery player Gotion High-Tech said via its investor interaction platform that the companys highly-safe semi-solid-state battery achieves an energy density of 360Wh/kg, and offers up to 160kWh of energy in in-vehicle battery packs, and over 1,000km in range. The battery can be installed onto vehicles by the end of the year and start mass delivery in 2023. CATL sets up supply chain management company Guangdong Brunp Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd. was established with a registered capital of 100 million yuan recently, according to Chinese corporate database Qichacha. The company is authorized to operate in such areas including supply chain management services, electronic special materials sales, high-performance non-ferrous metal and alloy material sales. The company is indirectly jointly owned by CATL and other companies. Geely makes foray into European Union via cooperation with Grand Automotive Central Europe Chinese automaker Geely Auto Group officially announced its foray into the European Union market via a strategic cooperation with Hungarian car importer, Grand Automotive Central Europe, on November 5 in Budapest. Pony.ai, Toyota showcase Sienna Autono-MaaS Robotaxi at CIIE Pony.ai and Toyota Motor showcased their jointly developed Sienna Autono-MaaS vehicle powerd by Pony.ais sixth-generation L4 autonomous driving suite at the 5th China International Import Expo (CIIE). Honda Motors China auto sales decline 7.9% year on year in Jan.-Oct. 2022 Honda Motor recently announced its monthly China retail sales reached 106,101 units in Oct. 2022, dropping 28.5% from a year earlier, while climbing 4.98% from the previous month. Two highway sections opened up for autonomous driving road test in Shanghai Shanghai officially opened up 303 public above-ground roads and two expressway sections for the first time for autonomous driving road test, at an industrial forum on November 7. NIO so far deploys 1,200 battery swapping stations in China On Nov. 6, NIO put a new battery swapping station into operation in Suzhou city, Jiangsu province, signifying that the cumulative volume of the EV manufacturer's battery swapping facilities has amounted to 1,200 stations across China. Nissan Motor faces 11.5% YoY drop in October China sales In October, Nissan Motor encountered a year-on-year drop in its China monthly sales. Nissan Motor to offer Robotaxi service in Suzhou with help from WeRide Major Japanese automaker, Nissan Motor, inaugurated Nissan Mobility Service Co., Ltd. (Nissan Mobility), a firm dedicated to providing ride-sharing service in China, at the 5th China International Import Expo (CIIE) on November 6. Great Wall Motor achieves highest-ever overseas market sales in Oct. 2022 Great Wall Motor ("GWM") sold 100,208 new vehicles in Oct. 2022, representing a 10.58% year-on-year decrease, while reflecting a 7.01% month-on-month increase, according to the company's latest monthly sales results. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Major Japanese automaker, Nissan Motor, inaugurated Nissan Mobility Service Co., Ltd. (Nissan Mobility), a firm dedicated to providing ride-sharing service in China, at the 5th China International Import Expo (CIIE) on November 6. Photo credit: Nissan Motor Headquartered in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, the new mobility company sets out to offer ride-hailing service and fully autonomous driving taxi service (Robotaxi) in China. Nissan Mobility will cooperate with Suzhou High-Speed Rail New Town to support the construction of the local intelligent transportation system. Specifically, Nissan Mobility plans to kick off demonstration operation of intelligent connected Robotaxis near Suzhou North Railway Station in 2023. Aside from the railway station, the service, dubbed e23, will cover other major sites in the area, including hotels, office buildings, shopping centers, residential areas, as well as Nissan dealerships. Nissan Mobilitys Robotaxi service in Suzhou will be supported by leading autonomous driving and Robotaxi service provider, WeRide. Notably, before Nissans own mobility service, in 2019, WeRide launched the first public Robotaxi commercial service in China with vehicles provided by Nissan Motor. In June 2021, the duo deepened their cooperation in the development of autonomous driving technology in the Chinese market. Meanwhile, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance Fund officially became an investor in a WeRides financing round then. Beijing (Gasgoo)- Shanghai officially opened up 303 public above-ground roads and two expressway sections for the first time for autonomous driving road test, at an industrial forum on November 7. Baidu Robotaxi in Shanghai; photo credit: Baidu The open roads in Shanghais Jiading District reached 500.6 kilometers in distance, including 459.6 kilometers of urban roads, 21.5 kilometers of the G1503 Ring Expressway, and 19.5 kilometers of the G2 Beijing-Shanghai Expressway. The move signifies that the entire Jiading District is now open for autonomous driving tests, and also represents a major breakthrough in the autonomous driving field under heavy-flow, highly-dynamic, high-complexity highway scenarios. Up to now, Shanghai has opened a total of 926 test roads spanning 1,800 kilometers and 15,000 autonomous driving test-use scenarios. By 2025, Shanghai aims to have more than 800 kilometers of smart highways and smart city roads (including expressways), as well as more than 500 smart intersections citywide. Moreover, the city plans to build more than 100 demonstrative smart public parking lots (garages), including large lots with more than 300 registered spots and super-large lots with more than 1,000 registered spots. Especially, Shanghai also has plans to build Chinas first G3 level intelligent parking garage, and the first holographic road supporting L4 autonomous driving truck operations. (People's Daily) On the evening of November 4, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) held in Shanghai via video link and delivered a speech. He said China will work with all countries and all parties to share the opportunities in its vast market, from its institutional opening-up and from deepened international cooperation. China is willing to work with all countries for a bright future of openness and prosperity. The world today is confronted with accelerated changes unseen in a century as well as a sluggish economic recovery. At the critical moment, the international community should see the underlining trend to create opportunities in opening up and tackle difficult problems through cooperation. Openness is a key driving force behind the progress of human civilizations and an intrinsic path toward global prosperity and development, Xi said, expounding on the significance of opening up for human progress. He called on all countries to commit themselves to openness to meet development challenges, foster synergy for cooperation, build the momentum of innovation, and deliver benefits to all. He also called on all countries to steadily advance economic globalization, enhance every country's dynamism of growth, and provide all nations with greater and fairer access to the fruits of development. China is a beneficiary of open development, as well as an important force building an open global economy. Xi, also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, stressed that China is committed to its fundamental national policy of opening to the outside world and pursues a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up in the report he delivered to the 20th CPC National Congress. China strives to create new opportunities for the world with its own development and to contribute its share to building an open global economy that delivers greater benefits to all peoples, the report said. As the first important international exhibition held by China after the 20th CPC National Congress, the fifth CIIE welcomes visitors from across the globe and benefits the whole world. It presents to the world China's determination to expand opening up and share development opportunities in the new era. Five years ago, Xi announced the decision to hold the CIIE for the very purpose of expanding China's opening-up and turning its enormous market into enormous opportunities for the world. China's door has been opening wider and wider over the past five years. The country constantly stimulated the potential for increased imports, broadened market access, fostered a world-class business environment, explored new horizons of opening-up and promoted international cooperation at multilateral and bilateral levels. It has fulfilled its commitment to opening up with concrete actions. China will steadily expand institutional opening-up with regard to rules, regulations, management and standards, to support an open economy of higher standards. It will definitely make more contributions to building an open world economy. The CIIE creates opportunities for the whole world. As the world's first import-themed national-level expo, it is a great platform for international procurement, investment promotion, cultural exchange and open cooperation. The exhibition has won high recognition from the international community. Many executives of transnational corporations attending the CIIE expressed their strong confidence in keeping developing in the Chinese market. They said the CIIE is a comprehensive platform sharing development opportunities, and it gathers new products, technologies, services and schemes from all over the world, demonstrates the huge potential of the Chinese market, and builds a bridge through which the world shares Chinas market dividends. China will step up efforts to cultivate a robust domestic market, upgrade trade in goods, develop new mechanisms for trade in services, and import more quality products. It will establish pilot zones for Silk Road e-commerce cooperation and build national demonstration zones for innovative development of trade in services, so as to encourage innovation in trade and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. China will engage fully and deeply in WTO's reform negotiations, promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and enhance international macro-economic policy coordination, with a view to jointly fostering new drivers for global growth. It will endeavor actively to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) to expand the globally-oriented network of high-standard free trade areas. It will firmly support other developing countries and assist them in growing faster, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. The path is unfolding before us, and a brighter future beckons beyond. The CIIE is a showcase of China's new development paradigm, a platform for high-standard opening-up, and a public good for the whole world. It will keep connecting China and the wider world and strive for win-win results through open cooperation. Embarking on a new journey, China will always move forward by following the logic of historical progress and develop by riding the tide of development of the times. China is ready to work with all countries to practice true multilateralism, build more consensus for openness, jointly overcome the difficulties and challenges confronting global economic growth, and make sure that its commitment to openness will bring about broad prospects for global development. OMAHA Omaha police announced Friday that two teenage boys, a 15-year-old and a 13-year-old, had been arrested and charged in connection with the August slaying of 19-year-old Alon Reed. Carmello Wells, 15, will be tried as an adult on three felony charges: first-degree murder, criminal conspiracy and use of a firearm to commit a felony. He is being held without bail. Officer Chris Gordon, an Omaha police spokesman, said Wells had been arrested Oct. 18 in Dallas on a separate offense. After an extradition hearing, Omaha police picked him up Wednesday and he was brought back to Omaha. The 13-year-old already was in the Douglas County Youth Center in a separate case, Gordon said, and he was charged after Wells' arrest. Reed, a recent graduate of Omaha Burke High School, was found dead inside a home near 52nd Street and Curtis Avenue on Aug. 30. He had been shot multiple times. Wells is set to appear in court next month for a preliminary hearing. GRAND ISLAND Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer has started interior renovations of its historic Taylor House. The house of Robert Taylor was gifted to Stuhr Museum in 1985, said Stuhr Executive Director Chris Hochstetler. This particular house is probably one of the most historic places in this part of Nebraska, he said. Robert Taylor was at one point in time the worlds largest sheep rancher. His property, this house, would have been only about seven miles to the north and west of what is now the old veterans administration home, here in town. President Theodore Roosevelt was a guest at the home during a visit to Grand Island. For this phase of the houses restoration, Taylors personal office will be returned to its early 20th-century glory. We will try to recreate what that personal office would have looked like, or could have looked like, back in those days when Teddy Roosevelt visited, Hochstetler said. Despite its vintage appearance, it will not be an exhibition or interpretation space, but serve as an education space, noted Hochstetler. The rest of the house, we will have it turned into classroom space, meeting space, and it will provide a place where we can bring full modern amenities to it. It will have power, internet and HVAC, he said. Work has started on the electrical and plumbing for the house, and installing the HVAC, which was donated to the project. Stuhr has been planning for the houses restoration since it was gifted to the museum, said Hochstetler. It sat out on the far west part of the property, out by Highway 281, and through the years the resources just werent there to restore the house, he said. Additionally, environmental changes caused the water table to shift in the Wood River, and we had that flood. He added, Weve done a lot of fundraising to get the donations needed to do this project. The house was moved to the east side of the campus in September 2020. The house had water standing in the basement for many years, and it was beginning to deteriorate that historic property, Hochstetler said. Since then, it has been set on a foundation and its interior basically gutted. Weve actually had some floors redone, some windows redone and installed. The house has been fully painted and encapsulated so its safe from deterioration now, he said. The interior will be completely redone. Weve been researching the colors it would have been and what the interior of the house would have looked like, circa 1902. That was when Teddy Roosevelt had a very historic visit to our community and spent quite a bit of time in Robert Taylors home, that very house, Hochstetler said. Hochstetler expects it to be ready for use as a facility in November 2023. Were hammering away at it, so to speak, he said. Its going to add a significant footprint to our ability to serve students in the wintertime, as well as the dead of summer, when its so hot. Hochstetler applauded the generosity of the Grand Island community. Its been off the chart, he said. This is a very storied property. It comes from a very storied family. Being able to have it here, on our grounds, the public has been very generous. The existing family was very generous. And foundations from around the state have been really generous in supporting this restoration at high levels. If you do not have health insurance, the federal Health Insurance Marketplace can help you find coverage. Open enrollment for 2023 coverage begins Nov. 1 and ends on Jan. 15. You must enroll by Dec. 15 to start coverage on Jan. 1. Even if you have explored the Health Insurance Marketplace options before, it is important to review plans again. The latest change affects how affordable is defined for employer insurance policies. The new test of affordability is whether the cost of employer health insurance coverage for the family is more than 9.12% of the family income. The old definition was based on whether coverage cost for the employee alone was more than 9.12% of family income. Many employers offer health insurance that is affordable if only the worker is covered, but too expensive to cover a spouse and children. The fix for the family glitch will make insurance affordable for more families. It takes effect with on Jan. 1, 2023. About 17,000 Montanans will become eligible for premium tax credits because of that change, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Enrolled tribal members may apply for Marketplace coverage anytime throughout the year not just during open enrollment periods. Depending on income, members of federally recognized tribes may have no out-of-pocket costs other than, possibly, a monthly premium. Enrolled tribal members (both enrolled members and descendants) who are eligible for Montana Medicaid will not have premiums or copays and will have access to a full set of health coverage. Outside of the open enrollment period, non-tribal members can only get coverage during a special enrollment period after loss of their health insurance coverage due to a job change, or a change in income, household size or marital status. The official site for the Marketplace is HealthCare.gov. This is the only website where you may be able to get premium tax credits. These credits reduce monthly premium costs. How to get help RiverStone Health Clinic Certified Application Counselors are available to assist you with Marketplace enrollment. Please call 406-651-6540 with questions or to schedule an in-person appointment. RiverStone Health counselors can also help you apply for Medicaid. Montana Medicaid is encouraging all participants to ensure their contact information is correct to prevent loss of coverage. You can verify your information online at apply.mt.gov or call the Office of Public Assistance at 888-706-1535. People receiving Medicare benefits would not qualify for assistance from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Local Medicare SHIP Counselors can help you. In Yellowstone County, contact the Adult Resource Alliance at 406-259-5212. A landfill north of Williston is one step closer to being the states first to accept radioactive oilfield waste after North Dakota regulators issued a final permit and radioactive materials license. Secure Energy Services, a Calgary, Alberta-based company, has obtained a $1.125 million bond that enables it to dispose of up to 25,000 tons of radioactive oilfield waste each year at its 13-mile Corner landfill following final approval from the state Department of Environmental Quality. If something did go awry for any reason, the state would have the funds to initiate cleanup of the site ... thats backstop protection for the state and the community, Kurt Rhea, radiation safety officer for Secure Energy Services, told the Tribune. The radiation level of the waste -- which is known as technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material or TENORM -- can't exceed 50 picocuries per gram. The facility is limited to accepting no more than 3,000 tons of radioactive waste per month. "For context, theres a landfill in Colorado that will accept 12,200 picocuries per gram in the landfill," Rhea said. "North Dakota, the highest threshold that can be accepted is 50 picocuries per gram. So its a fraction of what other landfills are allowed to take, and that just gives the regulators and the public assurance that were not putting nuclear waste in the ground and endangering people." The company has completed ground monitoring but still needs to conduct some baseline monitoring before it can accept the radioactive waste, according to Rhea. Baseline monitoring is establishing what the existing air quality is at the site before the landfill accepts TENORM, Rhea said, adding that it's a "frame of reference" for landfill personnel to monitor the air quality when they begin operations. There will be some other preliminary work that will happen before any loads would actually come into the landfill, Rhea said. ... Because we have not accepted TENORM at the landfill up until now, it will help verify that theres no impact to the environment, no impact to groundwater and no impact to the air. The radioactive material will be placed at least 10 feet below ground and covered with a 5-foot cover made of clay and other soils capable of sustaining vegetation. Equipment will be installed at all four sides of the landfill to monitor air quality, Rhea said. Its going to be a great operation, but they are still taking some of these due diligence steps to make sure that theyre fully ready to accept that and make sure that theyre in full compliance with all of the regulatory requirements, he said. Rhea did not give a specific date for when Secure Energy Services will begin accepting waste. Training for landfill staff will be required, he said. The facility would be the second location in North Dakota to accept radioactive oilfield waste, but the first landfill. A well in McKenzie County began operating last year. There, the waste is combined with saltwater from the oilfield and injected deep underground for permanent storage. Nearly 100,000 tons of radioactive material is produced each year in North Dakota, and before the well near Watford City launched operations, most of that waste was trucked from the oilfields to disposal facilities in other states -- mainly to a landfill near Glendive, Montana. Rhea said that like the well, the landfill will help reduce truck traffic. The Williams County Commission approved permit amendments last year to advance the plans of Secure Energy Services and WISCO, another landfill operator. DEQ is waiting for WISCO to submit revised applications for a landfill permit modification and radioactive materials license, according to David Stradinger, manager of the states radiation control program. The weather in North Dakota on Tuesday as voters head to the Election Day polls promises to be seasonal, but the rest of the week is likely to be a different story. A system bearing down on the Plains is forecast to bring a winter storm to the state late Wednesday into Friday. The National Weather Service has posted a storm watch for southwestern and south central North Dakota -- from the Montana border to the Jamestown area, and from the South Dakota border as far north as Harvey and New Town. "It's still uncertain where the heavy snow is going to be, but models show some places across North Dakota could see significant snowfall ... in excess of 6 inches; some places might see a foot of snow," weather service Meteorologist Nathan Heinert said Monday. Winds gusting 45-55 mph could create blizzard conditions in some areas. "It's going to be a significant storm," Heinert said. The state forecast for Election Day calls for high temperatures in the 30s west to the lower 50s in the southeast; Bismarck-Mandan should see the mid-40s, with light winds. No major precipitation is in the forecast, following Monday's light snowfall; 1.4 inches was reported in Bismarck. But what's known in meteorological circles as a "Colorado low" is forecast to move into the region late Wednesday, Heinert said. That's a system that develops in southeastern Colorado or northeastern New Mexico and tracks northeast across the Plains, producing big storms. "Where it's going to set up is still a little uncertain," Heinert said, but he added that Tuesday will be "a good day for people to prepare for this storm system -- get snowblowers ready to go and all that." Wind with the storm is forecast to be close to but not quite on the level of Sunday's winds, which accompanied a cold front that blew through and gusted to 67 mph in Bismarck and to a similar level in many other parts of the state. The winds contributed to a fatal crash in LaMoure County in southeastern North Dakota, when a gust flipped an empty enclosed trailer being towed by a pickup truck. That sent the truck into the path of a semitrailer on U.S. Highway 281, killing a passenger in the pickup -- 64-year-old Renee Woehl, of Kulm -- and seriously injuring the driver, John Woehl, 69, of Kulm. Frigid air from Canada will move into the state on the backside of the storm system later this week, dropping temperatures about 20 degrees below normal. Highs in Bismarck-Mandan are expected to be only around 15 degrees on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with overnight lows around zero, possibly even on the negative side. It would be easy to pass Double J Manufacturing and Repair without giving it so much as a second thought. The welding, truck repair and fencing business sits at the top of a rise on a dusty rural highway that could be just about anywhere on any stretch of lonesome road around the state. Sparks fly in the welding shop and wrenches crank in the garage as workers go about their day. What few would realize if they happened to poke their head into the shop is that some of the workers are not only rebuilding engines and battered fencing, but reconstructing their lives. Owner James Owen almost always has difficulty attracting workers to this small hamlet where his shop sits, just a short drive north of Gackle, a town itself struggling to retain a population just below 300. At a high point he had 26 workers, he says. Most of the time staff hovers around 18. At one time, at least five of those workers were felons. Currently, both his foreman and assistant foreman are convicted felons who have served their sentences. Through the years, Owen said, hes become devoted to helping those emerging from the criminal justice system reenter society and regain the trust of those around them -- and in themselves -- through good, hard, skill-building labor. I'm a Christian man and I feel that it's good to give people a second chance in life, Owen said. We have been very successful with employing individuals with criminal backgrounds. With the unemployment rate at 2.3% in the state and labor shortages nearly everywhere, employers like Owen are increasingly contemplating hiring those with criminal records who may not have gotten a second look in previous years, and that appears likely to continue for some time. A normalized situation On average, the U.S. prison population hovers around 2 million incarcerated per year, with over 4 million out on probation or parole at any given time. In North Dakota, the number of prisoners released each year ranges between 1,200 and 1,700, with roughly half of those being nonviolent offenders. That includes people convicted of drunken driving, drug charges and property crimes. Including prison and jail, around 3,000 people are incarcerated each year in the state and 7,000 are on probation and parole. Most dont find much welcome or opportunity after theyve done their time, relying on menial but dead-end labor that may pay some of the bills but doesnt really lead anywhere. Transportation often is a challenge. Housing, another. With a war on drugs stretching decades now and incarceration rates remaining high, the number of people with criminal records has grown so much and has become so normalized that nearly everyone is touched by it in some way, said Adam Martin, leader of the nonprofit F5 Project out of Fargo. Everybody knows somebody whos either got a criminal record, or theyve been identified as an addict or alcoholic, or someones got an uncle or a son, or whatever, with past issues, Martin said. So I think its moved North Dakota, for the most part, into an empathetic stage, not so much because people relate to them, but theyre connected to people who would probably relate to them. Martin, a convicted felon who got back on his feet, found meaningful employment and got sober six years ago, now helps the formerly incarcerated and those suffering from addiction get a second, sustainable chance. A criminal justice system focusing much of its attention on drug convictions in the past, instead of addiction treatment and mental health care, has essentially robbed and starved rural areas of assets and people, Martin said. When people are released from jail or prison, even if they had been from a rural area, they tend to end up in larger cities where there are more opportunities for work and treatment, both of which are lacking in most rural parts of the state, he said. Rick Gardner, Bismarck-based director of Rough Rider Industries -- the job-training arm of the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation -- said if those released from jail and prison can tackle the big three challenges of finding a job, transportation and housing, they have a good chance of success. On the employment side, finding something meaningful that develops a marketable skill set is possibly most important. After discharge from prison, A lot of guys when they leave focus on the fast-food industry, and you know, most of these guys have young families and its not really enough to sustain a family on those wages, Gardner said. Here over the last couple of years weve actually had a lot more employers coming to us and asking, What guys are you releasing? and actually recruiting guys when they get out, which is a total change in how it used to be here just a few years back. Of course a big draw, Gardner said, is the need for workers, but he also sees more companies that understand how offering former inmates a second chance can be good for business by attracting loyal employees. Theyre actually seeing that these people are good people, you get them cleaned up off the drugs and alcohol and where theyre able to address their addiction issues, and there really are good people there that want to change their lives, he said. F5 Project will host a jobs fair and housing summit in Moorhead, Minnesota, on Nov. 16, focused on employers and rental companies offering second-chance opportunities to those exiting incarceration. Good management is key For Owen, of Double J Manufacturing, it isnt always easy and theres some hand-holding involved. For the most part hes had minimal issues with any workers hes employed who have criminal records -- records that include murder, attempted murder, grand theft auto and the like. Hes strict, sets boundaries and has probation officers on speed dial if issues arise. It's been a rough road, but we've been able to work with them and train them to overcome some of the challenges of their past and to be productive citizens of our community, Owen said. It is nice to see when they turn their life around because you know, we've all made stupid mistakes in our life, he said. And when they see that, hey, look, I can get back on track, you know, there's a lot of reward just seeing that happen. Owens foreman, Derek Martin, is an incredible success story, he said, even though there have been headaches at times. It took multiple efforts for Martin to get straight and on the right path, but Owen said hes ecstatic with how everything has turned out for his employee. Asked what advice he would give others trying to get their lives back on track after incarceration, Derek Martin said, Dont give up because it can, it will get better . . . As long as youre motivated and make a step in the right direction, then it will get better. You cant expect people to help you unless youre ready to help yourself. Assistant foreman Leo Osborne, who put down his blowtorch and pulled back his welding mask to unfurl a massive red beard, said anyone in his situation needs to be able to put in the work, both on themselves and the job, to make it successful. It has meant a lot for me, Osborne said, to gain news skills from his boss, who teaches you how to do a lot of this stuff, so people are getting a chance to learn to do things they otherwise wouldnt get a chance to learn. Those skills will serve him well anywhere. Welding is a profession used around the world, so its a good thing to learn, he said. Tom McDougal, president and CEO of technology company High Point Networks in Fargo, who gave Adam Martin a chance after he cleaned up, said companies have to be willing to work with people who are willing to try. Each company would have to understand its own capacities for managing people with criminal backgrounds in order to succeed, and for some it might not work, he said. Companies of course cant hire people with active addictions, McDougal said, but effective leadership can go a long way in mitigating potential problems. People just have to recognize what they are getting and recognize that there may be times, and maybe not opportune times, but times where theyre just going to have to work through something, McDougal said. It may not be spelled out in a handbook, but it's a bit more human approach than a handbook says. Owen, who is working on a book about how he tackled his own challenges with alcohol in his 20s and how hes been able to help transform the lives of those hes hired, believes more business operators should be open to giving the formerly incarcerated another chance. Theyre real people with real hearts and real problems, Owen said. Their problems got them tied up in jail, and my and your problems may not have landed us in jail, but were still dealing with people that need compassion and a second chance in life. This is Up and Down, where we give a brief thumbs up or thumbs down on the issues from the past week. Down "Flash drought" is having a dramatic impact on North Dakota as autumn progresses. The term refers to a drought that develops or intensifies quickly. That's been the case in the state in recent weeks. Severe drought is in the middle of the five-scale range of the U.S. Drought Monitor. In one week it went from covering 19% of the state to 40%. And all of North Dakota is now in some category of drought. The saving grace is that this didn't happen early in the summer, when it could have devastated crops. But it could hamper next year's crops, if the state goes into freeze-up with little moisture in the ground. Up The federal government is investing $10.5 million in meat processing in North Dakota. The money will help South 40 Beef in Mott double its plant capacity and add workers, and more than double the number of cattle it can process. It also will enable the Mandan-based Lewis and Clark Regional Development Council to help finance the startup or expansion of meat and poultry operations. North Dakota officials have talked at length through the years about diversifying the farm economy through value-added agriculture ventures. Hopefully this infusion of federal money will further those efforts. Down Two sets of similar names are causing some confusion this election season. The North Dakota Republican Party issued a statement Friday to differentiate itself from the social media group called North Dakota Republicans. The two groups are not affiliated, but the party said there has been some confusion, including for some donors. Meanwhile, the nonprofit ND Strong, a film resource for the state, issued a statement last week to clarify that it is different from North Dakota Strong, which has paid for political ads for U.S. Senate candidate Rick Becker. Up The North Dakota Attorney General's Office announced last week it has launched a statewide missing persons database. The site is available to the public and provides law enforcement and concerned citizens with information about people who have been reported missing in the state. The site includes a variety of jurisdictions, including city, county and federal law enforcement. The site contained 117 missing persons as of Sunday. Native Americans are overrepresented on the site, with 59 people listed under missing Indigenous persons. The site is a good step toward helping families who are missing loved ones. Over the weekend an inebriated University of Kentucky student showed up to a residence hall on campus after 1 am, and began verbally assaulting the residence hall workers, calling them the "n" word over and over. The drunk student also began physically assaulting the workers and attempted to run them over with a grocery cart. It was all caught on video, which you can watch it here. The student in question has since apologized, stating on her Instagram: I was under the influence I'm sorry please don't judge me I lost everything I understand a apology may not help but I am not a racist I was under the influence I lost everything literally & now have to fear for my life god forgives please understand Ah yes, the old "I was drunk, I'm not really racist" non-apology apology. She has since been fired from her job at Dillard's and has been arrested and charged with public intoxication, disorderly conduct, assault, and assault on a police officer. When Trumpist Tom Fitton wondered on Twitter whether "@ElonMusk's @Twitter has tortious interference claims against the Left activist groups which are causing damaging advertiser boycotts of the platform?" Musk replied, "We do." Wikipedia says tortious interference occurs "when one person intentionally damages someone else's contractual or business relationships with a third party, causing economic harm." The Wikipedia entry describes several examples of tortious interference, none of which include the word "boycott." The activist groups that have asked Twitter to stop advertising on Twitter include the ADL and the NAACP. If Twitter files a lawsuit against either of these organizations it will go very badly for Musk. Further, many global-brand advertisers dropped Twitter not because activists asked them to, but because they have seen Musk's out-of-control political trolling for themselves, like linking to the false story claiming Paul Pelosi wasn't attacked by a MAGA cultist but by a gay lover. The fact that Musk is paying attention to what Fitton, a far-right troll who has filed lawsuits against climate scientists, has to say is all you need to know about Musk's promises to make Twitter "the most accurate source of information about the world." In June, Just Security released a study that revealed Fitton to the third most "repeat spreader" of false 2020 election claims among "far-right media entities and influencers, QAnon personalities, campaign advisors such as Rudy Giuliani, and the former president and his sons." We do Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2022 Hundreds of high school students in El Paso, Texas must now retake the SAT after their tests somehow flew out the back of a UPS truck. Students are naturally stressed about having to retake the test without even knowing how well they did before. And while the high school district is working with the College Board on solutions, the delay apparently impacts the ability for some students to hit early admission deadlines. UPS shared the following with KFOX14: We have apologized to the school and extend our apologies to the students. Our employees are working to recover as many tests as possible, and we will work with the school to resolve the situation. The driver's actions in this case are not representative of UPS protocols and methods, and we are addressing this with him. Safely meeting our service commitments is UPS's first priority. "It turns out that around 250 of them were completely destroyed and unusable, but all the tests became invalid because they could have been tampered with," said student Ezra Ponzio. "That is still time and effort that went into studying and trying to do good on this test." Oh, how I wish this were a joke. But, sadly, from everything I can determine, this is real. The boys (and yes, of course, they seem to be all male) behind the cryptocurrency Elon GOAT Token ($EGT) have been hard at work funding a "monument" featuring a giant goat with the head of their hero, Elon Musk, riding a rocket. I repeat: this is real. Promotional collage at the $EGT website On the $EGT website a quote from "DRIVE TESLA CANADA" describes the monument, which was created by Chilliwack, BC metal sculptor Kevin Stone: "Kevin Stone is creating a massive 6-foot tall head of Elon Musk. If that isn't strange enough, he is also building a 30-foot long body of a goat for the head to sit on. It won't just be a goat with the head of Musk, but will feature real rocket fire, smoke, lasers, concert lighting and music. It will be a global spectacle that is sure to go viral beyond crypto and into mainstream media." The statue was completed in July, 2022 and has been touring the country during the last few months. The $EGT website explains: Elon GOAT Token has really stepped outside the box and did something no other Crypto project has dared to do. We built Elon Musk a $600,000 monument on the back of a semi trailer in honor of his many accomplishments and commitment to Cryptocurrency! Since completion, $EGT has toured several states in the US and has now decided to deliver this gift to Elon at Tesla's Giga factory in Austin! Confused yet? It gets even weirder. The $EGT website explains that the culmination of this project is on November 26, 2022, when the monument will be delivered to Elon himself, in Austin, Texas: $EGT will be making history as we are finally delivering the Elon GOAT Monument to Elon Musk in Austin, Texas on Saturday, November 26. We invite you to attend and join us in asking Elon to claim this historical gift. But why? Again, the website explains: We believe that Elon's potential acceptance of this biblical sized gift could catapult $EGT into the limelight and accelerate its various initiatives. I don't really have many words. I'm sure the Elon fanboys at $EGT think this is hilarious, and I'm sure Elon will, too. It's not, though. It's a dumb waste of a shitload of money to further stroke an ego that doesn't need any more attention, all for a joke, and to promote a stupid currency that wreaks havoc on the environment. Good job, boys. If you have the fortitude to witness this monstrosity in action, here's a video of the it rolling through Beverly Hills. Chick-fil-A will cut the ribbon on its Hamburg location Nov. 17. The latest restaurant is franchised by Drake Rabon, a University of Georgia graduate. It's located at 3464 McKinley Parkway. It is the chicken franchise's third restaurant in Western New York and its first in the Southtowns. It joins one on Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga and one on Transit Road in Depew. Another Chick-fil-A is proposed for North Buffalo in Delaware Consumer Square, better known as the Target Plaza. Chick-fil-A's opening ceremonies have gone private since Covid. Since the pandemic, the company has also stopped handing out free chicken certificates to the first 100 customers in line. Instead it chooses 100 community members to honor and awards them free Chick-fil-A meals for a year. That may end the early morning lineups of customers that mob a new store on its opening day. What to know about the week ahead Buffalo's hospitality sector continues to rebound after two years of being battered by Covid restrictions. The Buffalo Planning Board on Monday will review a series of special-use permit applications for: Brandon Markant's B&D Rock Enterprises of Cheektowaga to open and operate Rock Burger as a tavern in a vacant one-story masonry building at 502 Elmwood Ave., south of West Utica Street, with 65 to 70 seats. Adnan Saeed, to open a vaping and hookah business called Smoke & Toke Smoke Shop at 982 Broadway, using an existing front lower space, with a capacity of 25. Jennifer Mariani's Abbott Road Enterprises, to reopen a 35-seat tavern serving beer and wine at 382 Abbott Road, called The Front Porch, in an existing two-story building. Kendra Smith's Kenzpedia of Cheektowaga, for assembly, to operate a 60-person event center for parties and meetings, using vacant space in a two-story mixed-use building at 1100 Kenmore Ave. Joseph Vidal of Derby, to sell alcohol at 830 Abbott through his Abbott Wines and Spirits, in a change of use from a vacant human service facility to a retail store with four employees. Catholic Health Home & Community Based Care will hold a hiring event from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Classics V Banquet & Conference Center, 2425 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst. It is looking for home care registered nurses, graduate nurses and licensed practical nurses. Catholic Health managers will be on hand to accept applications, conduct interviews and make job offers. Niagara County Community College's Office of Workforce Development will launch a series of community education classes starting Wednesday. The classes take place on the NCCC Sanborn campus, the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute and remotely. Presentations are $10 per ticket, and tickets are available for purchase online at niagaracc.suny.edu/wd/community-academy/ or by calling 716-614-6472. Group pricing is available. The first class on Wednesday is a cooking demonstration at the Culinary Institute from 6 to 8 p.m. Chef Emily Lonigan will present "Eating Healthy: Sheet Pan Meals for Your Family," demonstrating how to maximize flavor and nutrients while reducing dishwashing and cleanup. The next two sessions on Nov. 16 and 30 will be on healthy lifestyle habits and cryptocurrency, respectively. The Buffalo Niagara Partnership will present its annual report to members from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Thursday at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo. The event is free but open only to Partnership members. This newsletter from The Buffalo News will bring you the latest coverage on the changing Buffalo Niagara economy from real estate to health care to startups. Read more at BuffaloNext.com. THE LATEST Catch up on the latest news from the Buffalo Niagara economy: Moog Inc. has plans to make significant investments in its local facilities over the next few years. Soaring natural gas prices have pushed National Fuel Gas Co.'s profits way up, but the boom may be coming to an end. With Edwards Vacuum heading to Genesee County's STAMP site, officials are hoping it will help lure other companies there. A Niagara Falls manufacturer is planning a $6 million expansion that will add 45 jobs. Ellicott Development is moving forward on a project to build a six-story apartment building on Main Street, near Best Street. Electric battery systems maker Viridi Parente is planning to expand its Buffalo operations. Edwards Vacuum plans to build a $319 million factory with 600 jobs at the STAMP site in Genesee County. The Buffalo Niagara Marriott hotel in Amherst is going up for auction next month. Gasoline prices are rising again across the Buffalo Niagara region, ending a steady decline that had been going on since mid-June. A Cheektowaga highway maintenance company is planning to move to a bigger facility in Alden. In the weeks leading up to SUNY Erie Community College President David Balkin's suspension last week, he had explored moving the library at ECC's City Campus into space at the main downtown library. Nearly a year after the first Starbucks stores in Buffalo voted to unionize, talks on a first contract agreement are moving slowly. The three Fucillo auto dealerships on Grand Island have been sold to an Ithaca dealer. A federal judge in Buffalo has granted Starbucks' request that the Starbucks Workers United union turn over all of its messages with reporters, raising questions about free speech issues. Uniland is seeking tax breaks for the second warehouse it plans to build in Lackawanna. Young Development is moving ahead with a $17 million apartment project in Lancaster, with 50 units. The Town of Tonawanda nursing home where a resident fell from a window to her death has been fined by the state. The long-delayed Sawyer's Landing development in Amherst is poised to move forward but at a much higher cost. ICYMI Four reads from Buffalo Next: 1. Made in WNY: Honeywell. Workers at Honeywell's research laboratory in Buffalo are looking for good ideas that could become commercial products five or 10 years from now. 2. After a crippling pandemic, can one of Western New York's last independent hospitals stay on its own? Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center has been independent since it was founded in 1895, but top officials there are now weighing whether that model will be financially sustainable moving forward. 3. For kids with autism, a different way of learning: Canisius College's Institute for Autism Research offers a unique social skills intervention that starts with young children, but could improve the quality of life for all autistic people. 4. Will there be enough snowplow drivers this year? Some municipalities say they are short-staffed, and others say they are ready for the winter months. Buffalo Next reporters Jonathan D. Epstein, Jon Harris, Natalie Brophy, Matt Glynn, Janet Gramza, Samantha Christmann and Mike Petro contributed to this roundup. The Buffalo Next team gives you the big picture on the regions economic revitalization. Email tips to buffalonext@buffnews.com or reach Buffalo Next Editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435. Does the new Netflix series "Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities" bode well for a return to Buffalo from the Oscar-winning director? Perhaps not, but it is, at least, an indication that the filmmaker, who was here in 2020 to shoot some scenes for "Nightmare Alley," seems to still have Buffalo on his mind, judging from the first episode of his new horror anthology. Del Toro created the series and wrote the original story and teleplay for "Lot 36," which is set during the Iraq War. Tim Blake Nelson stars as a bitter, broke and racist former soldier trying to make ends meet by bidding on storage units in a dilapidated 24-hour storage warehouse. Although the episode was filmed in Toronto, there are multiple references to Buffalo. At least two exterior warehouse signs read "Buffalo's oldest and best." Four have a standing Buffalo alongside the logo that reads "Campbell Brothers." Fred from Williamsville is a caller on the radio. Inside the office, you'll notice a streaking Buffalo Bills sticker on a file cabinet. Newspaper clippings from the Courier Express dated 1946 have the headlines "Missing Buffalo Socialite" and "Mystery of Missing Socialite Continues," important because that mystery is a key to the horror within the storage locker that ultimately involves the Nazis and the summoning of a demon. Del Toro was in Buffalo in late February and early March of 2020, along with actors Bradley Cooper and Rooney Mara, among others, filming "Nightmare Alley." Buffalo City Hall, the Walter J. Mahoney State Office Building, Karpeles Manuscript Museum and the Howard Street Bridge are all in the movie. The filmmaker was drawn to Buffalo for its period architecture and has been quoted as saying he wants to return. When asked at a Buffalo press conference for "Nightmare Alley" whether he would return here to make another film, del Toro's response was a quick "100%." "The great thing about it is, unprompted, Ive always been fascinated by the city," del Toro said about Buffalo. "It is true that every day that Im here, I fall more and more in love with it." Two of his previous films also had a Buffalo connection. His Oscar-winning "The Shape of Water" had sets from local collector Michael Meriso and his CooCooU27 supplied vintage pieces for the film. The opening of his 2015 Gothic horror romance "Crimson Peak" was set in Buffalo, N.Y., as the screen reads, during the Pan-Am Exposition, although the scenes were shot in Kingston, Ont. DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) An 18-year-old sex trafficking victim who killed her rapist could be sent to prison after she walked away from an Iowa womens shelter where she was serving probation following her conviction for manslaughter. An arrest warrant was issued for Pieper Lewis, who was seen walking out of the Fresh Start Womens Center in Des Moines shortly after 6:15 a.m. Friday, according to a report filed with the court by a probation officer and the shelter's residential supervisor. The report said Lewis cut off the GPS monitor she was ordered to wear as part of her sentence and then left the facility. Iowa Department of Corrections spokesman Nick Crawford said Lewis had not been located as of Monday afternoon. Des Moines Police spokesman Paul Parizek said police were notified by state corrections officials that Lewis had walked away from the shelter, and information was broadcast to officers to watch for her. He said she will be taken into custody if found and turned over to corrections officials. Lewis public defense attorney did not immediately respond Monday to messages. Polk County Judge David Porter sentenced Lewis in September to probation for five years to be served at the women's shelter. He also gave her a deferred judgement, which meant her conviction would be expunged from her record if she completed the requirements of her probation. Porter warned Lewis at her sentencing hearing that by affording her an opportunity to avoid prison he was giving her a second chance. "You dont get a third, he said. Lewis had faced a 20-year prison sentence after pleading guilty last year to involuntary manslaughter and willful injury in the June 2020 killing of 37-year-old Zachary Brooks, a married father of two. Lewis was 15 when she stabbed Brooks more than 30 times in a Des Moines apartment. Corrections officials have asked the court to hold a hearing on their request to revoke her probation and deferred judgment and send her to prison. Lewis has said that she was trafficked against her will to Brooks for sex multiple times and stabbed him in a fit of rage after he forced her to have sex with him again. Police and prosecutors did not dispute that Lewis was sexually assaulted and trafficked. The man she accused of forcing her to have sex with men, including Brooks, has never been charged. Court documents indicate Lewis was allowed to leave the women's shelter to work at a local pizza restaurant. However, the documents showed, since Oct. 13 seven incidents were noted in which she did not promptly return to the shelter from work, a violation of shelter rules. The filings indicate authorities were keeping a close eye on her movements through the GPS monitor. Other violations also were noted, including an unauthorized meeting with someone she had dated in high school. The 48-bed shelter is in a neighborhood northwest of downtown Des Moines. It is operated by the Department of Corrections for women on parole, work release or on pretrial release. Porter also had ordered Lewis to pay $150,000 restitution to Brooks' estate, a move many people found to be outrageous. Porter said Iowa law required the restitution. Court records show Lewis' lawyer has asked the judge to reconsider and Porter ordered lawyers to file briefs on the issue by Nov. 10. He indicated he would release a decision within 30 days. Lewis' public defense lawyer Matthew Sheeley wrote in a document filed in September after Lewis' sentencing hearing that her 28-year-old sex-trafficker put a knife to her neck and forced her to go with Zachary Brooks "to turn a trick for $50 worth of weed. He said the seriousness of her offense should be diminished by the fact that Brooks raped her before she stabbed him. Sheeley asked Porter to amend his judgment and find that the restitution order is excessive and violates her constitutional rights. A GoFundMe campaign started by a high school teacher who taught Lewis has raised over $560,000. No new donations were being accepted, according to the site. The teacher, Leland Schipper, told The Des Moines Register that he has not been in contact with Lewis since her sentencing in September and that he is heartbroken that she has left the shelter and is concerned about her safety. He said the money remains with the GoFundMe organization and he and Lewis do not have access to it. Court records indicate the restitution has not yet been paid. The Associated Press does not typically name victims of sexual assault, but Lewis agreed to have her name used previously in stories about her case. Teresa King recently asked if there was anything much to the saying What happens in November, the winter will remember. My first thought on that would be most dominant winter weather trends are not tied to the weather occurring in early November. It may be a matter of there being a better tie-in between late November weather and winter. In general, I havent found any November tie-in to be consistent. November of 1976 was, indeed, unusually cold, and we know what happened in January 1977. But November of 1984 was exceptionally mild, followed by the brutal period in mid-winter, including the Blizzard of '85. Ill just say its been my experience that the November-winter pattern connection is weak, at best. As for this November, it wasnt too many days ago that the warm ridging in the east seemed almost immovable in the next week, as forecast by the Climate Prediction Center/CPC, and I agreed. Don Paul: Saturday's near-record warmth will fade, but mild trend hangs tough Friday will be fairly breezy, but Saturday afternoon and evening will be quite gusty, and leaves will be on the move, toward the north. As I wrote here on Friday: The colder air that has been dominant in the West will begin edging toward the East. In examining the upper air pattern ensemble means in the extended range, this cool trend still does not yet look all that impressive in our region. In dealing with the extended range, meteorologists now use what is known as ensemble forecasting because it can reduce some aspects of uncertainty inherent in weather models. Ensembles are made up of multiple runs of a model, each run having slightly different initial conditions. The reasoning behind the multiple member ensemble is centered around our inability to know the precise initial conditions of the atmosphere at the start of a model run. As I have written many times, the atmosphere is not made up of neat LEGO blocks, so what statisticians, physicists and meteorologists have constructed is a grouping of 21 individual model members in the American GFS ensemble (called the GEFS), and 51 members in the European/ECMWF ensemble (called the EPS). Each of these ensembles also produces a mean average of all the members, which can smooth some of the inconsistencies between the members, although the mean is no guarantee to be the correct solution. These global models, including the Canadian GEM, run every 6 or 12 hours, each atop a massive mountain of real time data from satellites, buoys, weather balloons, Doppler radars, aircraft instrumentation and surface observations, digested by many equations. As a rule, the further out in time you go in models and ensembles, the more uncertainty develops. The reasons for this can be illustrated in this 16 day ensemble from the American GEFS. In this spaghetti plot, you will see how the 21 members of the upper air flow are in tight agreement early on, and then spread into more disarray as we head toward the last few days of the ensemble. The spaghetti spreads out, and with that spread, the mean tends to flatten with time, if you can imagine the mean of those spaghetti plots around 2 weeks out. Over the weekend, CPC staffing is slim, and the 6-10 day and 8-14 day outlooks are produced with no direct human intervention, based on ensemble input. As of Sunday evening, the CPC outlooks have undergone a fairly radical transformation from a few days ago. While these weekend outlooks are automated, there is solid backing for the pattern shift showing up in the upper air ensembles. That is because there is good agreement on amplitude and placement of a cold trough reaching the Great Lakes by next weekend. You can see this in the EPS (European), the GEFS (American) and the Canadian. When all 3 primary ensembles have such good agreement, it makes for higher confidence by next weekend for temperatures, which will be the coldest weve experienced this autumn. Again, this high amplitude pattern flattens out somewhat by days 14-16. However, a large part of that reduced amplitude in the mean reflects the spreading out of the ensemble members in the spaghetti plots. Isnt it really late for hurricanes? Trouble is brewing in the Atlantic tropics again, with the development of Subtropical Storm Nicole. Robin Hittle asked me if this was unusually late for hurricanes. First, here is the latest from the National Hurricane Center. While this system may or may not reach hurricane intensity, it appears to have the makings of a major threat for the Bahamas and the east coast of Florida in the way of coastal flooding, erosion and storm surge. November hurricanes are uncommon, with an average of one every three years. This is due to seasonal cooling of sea surface temperatures and the atmosphere. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, so there is nothing unprecedented in this newest development. The week ahead After a sunny, windy and cooler-feeling Monday, temps will dip to the low-mid 30s by Tuesday morning. Tuesday will be coolest day of the workweek, with a large ridge of Canadian high pressure to our north. The 10-15 mph northeast breeze will put an extra bite in the mid 40s high temps. Under clear skies, Tuesday night lows will drop to the 20s inland and 30-32 near the lakes. By Wednesday, well be moving into the warming southerly return flow behind the ridge, getting our highs back above average, from the upper 50s-low 60s. East Floridas impacts from Nicole will begin to worsen as the system draws closer to the coast, with high uncertainty in the storm track thereafter as the storm runs into the high pressure ridge to its north. Our readings will be back to the mid 60s Thursday and the upper 60s Friday. A developing strong storm system over the upper Midwest will probably bring some scattered showers Friday afternoon and night. By Saturday, well be behind that systems cold front with a cold, gusty northwest flow and some more scattered showers, with readings falling through the 40s. The pattern change will be underway. A similar west-northwest flow with a gusty breeze will keep Sunday temps in the upper 30s (colder on the hills) with scattered lake rain and snow showers, mainly snow on the hills where limited accumulation will be possible. While game day conditions wont be truly brutal, it will be the coldest game, by far, weve played this year. Yes, the Vikings hail from the northlands, but they play in a glass-covered stadium, so, just maybe, the harsh conditions will offer us some slight advantage. The European model projects early afternoon temps in the upper 30s, with some raw peak gusts (the American model isnt as gusty). With limited sunshine, some occasional rain and snow showers will be showing up. In the ensembles, the cold pattern is looking likely to persist through the following week. A woman alleges in a recently filed lawsuit that she was molested by an Erie County jail deputy while detained in the Holding Center in 2019. The woman, identified in the court papers as Jane Doe, says then-jail Sgt. Robert M. Dee fondled her breasts, ground himself against her and groped her. The Buffalo News reported in 2020 that the Erie County Sheriffs Office internal investigators had examined the womans story but then cleared Dee, who denied sexual contact occurred. This year, however, after a new sheriff took office, a grand jury indicted Dee on criminal counts related to sexual contact with a different female inmate earlier in 2019. He has since been fired from the Sheriffs Office. Dee, who once married a woman he met behind bars, pleaded not guilty to the counts of forcible touching and other misconduct. The case is pending. Prison regulators take sexual contact between a jails staff and inmates seriously because of the power that guards wield over prisoners. There is never consent under those circumstances, a spokeswoman for the State Commission of Correction told The Buffalo News in 2020. The commission found problems with the way the Sheriffs Office investigated reports of sexual misconduct between inmates and uniformed personnel, not just Dee. The commission also found Erie County jail officials failed to report all such cases to Albany. State Attorney General Letitia James took then-Sheriff Timothy B. Howard to court on the commission's behalf. To settle the case, Howard signed a consent order in June 2021 admitting fault and agreeing to do better. Howard's final term as sheriff ended Dec. 31. But he is named as a defendant in the federal lawsuit filed days ago. Also named is Thomas Diina, who served as Howards Jail Management superintendent, Dee and Erie County. County Attorney Jeremy C. Toth told The News he had no comment on the new case. The woman says that in October and November of 2019 Dee would grind his genitals up against her backside on numerous occasions. This followed episodes where he would forcibly kiss her and touch her breasts, the lawsuit says. It says he once touched her in a private place, at her invitation, and he twice told her to masturbate in front of him. He once placed extra money in her commissary account for the you and me stuff, he told her, according to the suit. The sheriffs internal investigators confirmed in 2020 that Dee had authorized an unusually large sum, $34, for the work details she completed during which the sexual contact allegedly occurred. Though Dee was cleared internally, jail supervisors were told to avoid assigning him to womens units, Diina told The News in 2020. The lawsuit says victims of sexual abuse are generally unlikely to come forward with complaints of sexual misconduct due to embarrassment, humiliation, and a fear that their complaints will be met with cynicism. The woman told internal investigators in 2020 that she was coming forward about acts that occurred months earlier because she felt taken advantage of during a vulnerable time in her life; she didnt want other women to go through what she experienced; and she feared seeing Dee while behind bars again. In the lawsuit, she says she suffers from anxiety, flashbacks, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. She and her lawyer assert that her constitutional protection from cruel and unusual punishment was violated and are seeking damages. In the court papers, attorney Melissa D. Wischerath blames Howard and Diina for failing to create rules and policies to prevent such misconduct. Further, the lawyer says the two failed to monitor warning signs: staff members talking for odd amounts of time with a particular prisoner, repeatedly requesting a particular prisoner for a specific assignment, discussing personal life with a prisoner and, in a reference to Dee, marrying a former prisoner. It was known to guards and staff that they would not get into trouble for failing to report an inappropriate staff-inmate relationship, encouraging a culture of silence, the court papers say. The lawsuit notes the consent order Howard signed, in which he admitted his office failed to consistently investigate serious incidents and report them to the Commission of Correction. He vowed the Sheriff's Office would improve its efforts by, among other things, ensuring the staff are trained in how to effectively respond to allegations of sex offenses. Eleven local military veterans were collectively awarded 73 lost or delayed service medals and ribbons during a ceremony at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park. Those who who were honored included veterans of World II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well the wars in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. "These brave men and women dutifully served our country and returned home to serve their communities with little fanfare or formal recognition of their service," said U.S. Rep Brian Higgins, who presented the medals and ribbons. "We are proud to present these local heroes with the military honors they rightfully earned." The medal and ribbon recipients were accompanied by family and friends. Some, such as Louis Harrison, a U.S. Army Specialist Four who served from 1969 to 1971, received their awards posthumously. In addition to the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious heroic achievements and National Defense Service Medal, among others, his widower, Clementina, was presented with the Deceased Vietnam Veteran's Surviving Spouse Pin. Higgins also noted that November marks National Veterans and Military Families Month, which, he said, is "a time to recognize the great sacrifices made by those who serve this nation and the people who love them. Marine Corps Cpl. Monica Lynch of Buffalo attended the ceremony in full uniform, wearing several medals and the Combat Action Ribbon for active participation in ground training during Operation Desert Storm. Lynch served from Aug. 14, 1990, to April 16, 1991. She was a pioneer for Black women in the Marines. She noted that when she joined just 4% of all active U.S. military personnel were women. "This ribbon here is for combat action," Lynch said, pointing to her military ribbon. "Women didn't go into combat until 2013, but I received it in 1991. So, for Western New York, I am the first woman to have a combat action ribbon." Ninety-two-year-old Wade Lewis of Cheektowaga served in the Navy from 1949 to 1953, and for his actions and commitment as a radio operator during the Korean War, he was awarded the Navy Occupation Service Medal with Europe Clasp, the National Service Medal, and the Honorable Discharge Button. Lewis said they are among many other medals he was previously awarded for his military service while he was stationed aboard a destroyer escorting the USS Greenwood. Other service medal and ribbon recipients included: Seaman First Class Richard Cohen, who served aboard the SS Robert Eden just off the coast of Omaha Beach in France during the invasion of Normandy during World War II; U.S. Technical Sgt. Donald Cohen, who was a member of the U.S. Army 97th Infantry during World War II; U.S. Army Specialist Rose Hyman, who served in the U.S. Army from February 1984 to October 1989; U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Richard Reisch, who arrived on the battlefield in Vietnam in December 1970 and fought in combat until 1971; U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tommie Wagstaff, who enlisted in the Army in 1992 and served for over 20 years; U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Renee Wiley, who enlisted in November 1978; and U.S. Army Sgt. Edward A. Ziarnowski, who served in the European-African Theater during World War II from July 1943 to June 1945 as an auto equipment operator and a pistol/rifle marksman. Helen Duryea first voted in 1952 when Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected president. And she was back voting at Moose Lodge 992 in Hamburg on Sunday afternoon, this time in the governor's race. "I didn't know if I wanted to stand in a long line on voting day, so I thought I'd come early," the 96-year-old Hamburg resident said, as a slow trickle of voters pulled in and out of the parking lot. While Duryea was casting her ballot on the last day of early voting, politicians were making their last pitches for votes and voter turnout. Republican gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin was in West Seneca on Sunday morning, the first of four get-out-the-vote rallies he held in upstate New York. Meanwhile, Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul campaigned in New York City, ahead of a campaign appearance Sunday evening with President Joe Biden. In Erie County, 70,077 residents voted during the nine days of early voting, including 8,616 on Sunday. The Erie County Board of Elections reported that it also has received nearly 18,000 absentee ballots. In all, about 14% of the county's eligible voters already have cast their ballots. "We thought about going on Election Day, but she can't stand in long lines, and there's usually nowhere to sit down. And what if the weather was bad, and she doesn't like to drive in bad weather, so this gives you lots of options," Duryea's daughter, Joanne Yoviene, said. "It's nice to see people of all ages voting, isn't it?" Duryea said she voted a straight Democratic ticket. "I really like the things that they're for. I do not like the things that I read in the paper about some of the Republican ideals," she said. Sheri Green of Hamburg also voted for Democrats, 100%, she said. She voted early at the Moose Lodge for the convenience. "I just like having the option," she said. "You know how there are some days when the voting day is just like a crazy day for some of us, so fitting it in can sometimes be difficult. So I love having the accessibility of different days, different locations. It was convenient for Joette Tronolone of West Seneca to vote at the the town Community Center, right after Zeldin's rally ended outside the center. The Erie County Board of Elections supplied an extra voting machine, expecting an influx of voters from the rally. "I was here and I did it today to support Lee, because it's time for a change," she said, adding she is very confident Zeldin will come out on top. "Usually I vote on election night, but I was here and I thought I might as well because on election night I'm going to be at the Republican campaign headquarters." Tronolone was one of hundreds who showed up to support Zeldin in his final campaign push. She held up a blue "Back the Blue" flag on the back of a truck during the rally, which featured a number of GOP candidates, including Nick Langworthy, the state Republican chairman who is running for Congress in the 23rd District. Langworthy's Democratic opponent, Max Della Pia, a retired Air Force colonel, was campaigning in Steuben County. Zeldin urged the hundreds of supporters behind the community center and West Seneca Town Hall to continue supporting candidates through Election Day. "We do everything that we can, understanding the stakes, knowing that the rest of the country is watching New York this year," He said. And when supporters started yelling "Lock her up," he favored a different, less inflammatory, line about his opponent: "Pack her up." Not everyone voted early this year. Mike Weixlmann of Clarence voted early once, but he wasn't in West Seneca to vote, just to see Zeldin. "I enjoy voting on Tuesday," he said. "Why? It feels more patriotic. It's Election Day. It just feels like that's the day we should vote." HONG KONG (AP) An award-winning Hong Kong journalist lost her appeal Monday against her conviction over making false statements in obtaining information for her investigation of a violent attack during widespread pro-democracy protests in 2019. Bao Choy was found guilty in April 2021 of deceiving the government by getting vehicle ownership records for journalistic purposes after she had declared in her online application that she would use the information for other traffic and transport related issues. She was trying to track down perpetrators of a mob attack on protesters and commuters inside a train station for her documentary for public broadcaster RTHK. That ruling sparked outrage among local media professionals over the city's shrinking press freedoms. Choy who was fined 6,000 Hong Kong Dollars ($765) for two counts of making false statements called it a very dark day for all journalists in Hong Kong." High Court Justice Alex Lee upheld the verdict in a written judgment, saying there are only three options available in the application form for conducting such searches: transport or traffic-related matters, legal matters, or vehicle purchases or sales. Journalism is not an option. I don't deny that the appellant was trying to obtain the information with good intentions. But as the magistrate had pointed out, in terms of conviction, having good intentions is not a justification," Lee said. Flanked by veteran journalists who held up placards printed with Fearless, Selfless," Choy said she was disappointed with the judgement. It's a decision that really hinders the access to free information in the city, which means that will create obstacles for the press to act as a brake on the abuse of power, and to monitor and hold the powerful accountable, she said. The judgement also called into question whether other activities such as some due diligence searches would be considered illegal, she said, and the ruling's implication should be discussed by the wider society. Choy added she would make a decision on whether to take the case to the Final Court of Appeal within a month. The story Choy co-produced, titled 7.21 Who Owns the Truth, won the Chinese-language documentary award at the Human Rights Press Awards in 2021. The judging panel hailed it as an investigative reporting classic that had chased the smallest clues, interrogating the powerful without fear or favor." In the months after the journalist was convicted, two media outlets Apple Daily and Stand News were forced to shut down during an ongoing crackdown on dissents following the 2019 protests in the semi-autonomous Chinese city. Hong Kong, a former British colony, returned to Chinas rule in 1997 with the promise by Beijing that it would keep the city's freedoms, but critics say that's no longer the case. Some of the top management of the two outlets also have been prosecuted. Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai faces collusion charges under a sweeping National Security Law enacted in 2020. A trial of two former Stand News editors charged under a colonial-era sedition law that has been used increasingly to snuff out critical voices is underway. One of them, acting editor-in-chief Patrick Lam, has been granted bail on Monday after being detained for more than 10 months. Hong Kong fell more than 60 places to 148th place in Reporters Without Borders latest World Press Freedom Index released in May. The the E195-E2 commercial jet's first prototype is pictured in Sao Jose dos Campos By Gabriel Araujo SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazilian planemaker Embraer SA on Monday reported a 10% increase in third-quarter aircraft deliveries from a year earlier and reaffirmed its full-year forecast, but the deliveries came below some projections, pushing its shares down. Embraer delivered 33 jets in the three months to September, up from 30 in the year-ago period. That, however, fell below some projections. JPMorgan analysts, who were expecting a delivery of 51 aircraft, said Embraer had "another weak quarter." Santander had a more conservative forecast of 36 aircraft and noted some improvement in volumes, though it said supply chain constraints might still pose a challenge ahead. Embraer's Sao Paulo-traded sharer dropped more than 3.5% in early trade, making it one of the top losers on Brazil's Bovespa stock index, which was down 1.7%. Embraer said in a securities filing that quarterly deliveries included 10 commercial aircraft and 23 executive jets, up from nine and 21, respectively, in the same period of 2021. At the end of the quarter, the company's firm order backlog stood at $17.8 billion, up 6% on the year and unchanged from the previous quarter, which was its highest in four years. The latest backlog data included a firm order for six E195-E2 jets signed with Oman's low-cost carrier SalamAir in October. Embraer had also agreed on a deal with Canada's Porter Airlines for 20 aircraft earlier this year. The Brazilian company reaffirmed its full-year deliveries forecast of 100 to 110 executive jets and 60 to 70 commercial jets. Some investors and analysts said Embraer risked missing its guidance given supply chain strains, but chief executive Francisco Gomes Neto said last quarter the company was "cautiously optimistic" the disruptions wouldn't derail its outlook. Santander noted though that investors remained skeptical on the normalization of the supply chain and said Embraer needed to deliver 33-43 commercial aircraft and 48-58 business jets in the fourth quarter to meet its 2022 outlook. "Comparing to historical deliveries, the low of the guidance range seems achievable for both divisions," Santander said. "However, the main challenge will be delivering those volumes with a supply chain that is not fully normalized yet." (Reporting by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Louise Heavens and Tomasz Janowski) Fortune Business Insights Key companies covered in grain fumigants market are UPL Limited (India), Corteva Agriscience (U.S.), Solvay (Belgium), Detia Degesch GmbH (Germany), Douglas Products (U.S.), ECOTEC Fumigation (Argentina), Noble Crop Science (India), Rollins, Inc. (U.S.), Royal Group (India), BASF SE (Germany) and many more Pune, India, Oct. 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global grain fumigants market size was valued at USD 1.50 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 1.57 billion in 2022 to USD 2.22 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.11% during the forecast period. This information is published by Fortune Business Insights, in its report titled, Grain Fumigants Market, 2022-2029. List of Key Players Mentioned in the Report: UPL Limited (India) Corteva Agriscience (U.S.) Solvay (Belgium) Detia Degesch GmbH (Germany) Douglas Products (U.S.) ECOTEC Fumigation (Argentina) Noble Crop Science (India) Rollins, Inc. (U.S.) Royal Group (India) BASF SE (Germany) COVID-19 Impacts: Need to Safeguard Stored Food Grains Sustained Fumigant Demand During Pandemic The demand for food grain products among customers elevated during the pandemic, and the supply chain interruption triggered by the pandemic influenced the cost of grains in the market. This produced a considerable requirement to store and safeguard the food grains to guarantee constant supply to consumers amid the pandemic. Therefore, the demand for pest control products comprising grain fumigants surged considerably during the period. Get a Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/grain-fumigation-market-103187 Segments: Phosphine Holds Prime Market Share Owing its Great Obtainability and Utilization On the basis of product type, the market is divided into phosphine, sulfuryl fluoride, methyl bromide, and others. Phosphine is a normal fumigant that is utilized to regulate stored product insects. Solid Segment to Register Sturdy Sales owing to Expansive Obtainability The market on the basis of form is divided into solid, liquid, and gas. A few active ingredients in fumigants are liquid in their packaged form but turn into gas when released while others continue to remain gaseous. Story continues Commercial Segment to Note Higher Sales owing to Augmented Demand from Ports and Additional Commercial Establishments On the basis of application, the market is divided into commercial and residential. Residential segment encompasses fumigation at domestic levels by residential users or small scale farmers themselves before they take their yield to the market. Geographically, the market is segregated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. Report Coverage: The report offers valuable insights obtained by thorough study done by our researchers. An extensive research was conducted to provide the estimated size of the market. The data used to project the shares for multiple segments at the country, regional, and global levels is obtained from in-depth interviews with numerous stakeholders. Furthermore, we have gained access to several global and regional paid databases to deliver precise information to make business investment decisions easy. Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/grain-fumigation-market-103187 Drivers and Restraints: Rising Demand for Well-resourced Grain Storage Units to Fuel Grain Fumigants Market Growth Specific nations across the globe grow greater quantities of grains and surpass the present demand. Equally, some nations have a huge demand, but grain generation is deteriorated. This discrepancy between the production and ingestion of food grains dictates economies to involve in trade activities to satisfy the food demand of the population. Regional Insights: Asia Pacific to Dominate Backed by Demand for Soil Fumigants Asia Pacific holds the largest grain fumigants market share. The requirement for soil fumigants is surging promptly in agriculture-specific nations such as China, India, and other Southeast Asian countries. Grain is among the prime commodities grown in the European region. France has one of the biggest grain storage capabilities, trailed by Germany and Spain. The U.S. is the biggest market for grain fumigants in North America followed by Canada and Mexico. In the U.S., the development of the market is principally navigated by surge in demand for fumigation products from agriculture-based states. Competitive Landscape: Inventive Product Launch Declarations by Key Players to Bolster Market Growth The prominent players adopt several strategies to bolster their position in the market as leading companies. One such key strategy is acquiring companies to bolster the brand value among users. Another essential strategy is periodically launching innovative products with a detailed study of the market and its target audience. Key Industry Development: January 2022: Detia Degesch Group unveiled a novel fumigant Ultraphos in the U.S. market. It is a great purity phosphine fumigant in a gaseous form packed in refillable steel cylinders. Such innovative product presentations not only aid the company diversify its product portfolio but also assist in producing higher revenue yields. Speak to Analyst: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/grain-fumigation-market-103187 Detailed Table of Content: Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Market Trends Key Insights Overview of the Parent/Related Markets Regulatory Analysis Supply Chain Analysis Recent Industry Developments - Policies, Partnerships, New Product Launches, and Mergers & Acquisitions Qualitative Analysis Related to COVID-19 Impact of COVID-19 on the Market Supply Chain Challenges amidst Pandemic Potential Opportunities due to this Global Crisis Global Grain Fumigants Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2018-2029 Key Findings / Summary Market Size Estimates and Forecast By Product Type Phosphine Sulfuryl Fluoride Methyl Bromide Others By Form Solid Gas Liquid By Application Commercial Residential By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa North America Grain Fumigants Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2018-2029 Key Findings / Summary Market Size Estimates and Forecast By Product Type Phosphine Sulfuryl Fluoride Methyl Bromide Others By Form Solid Gas Liquid By Application Commercial Residential By Country U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Grain Fumigants Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2018-2029 Key Findings / Summary Market Size Estimates and Forecast By Product Type Phosphine Sulfuryl Fluoride Methyl Bromide Others By Form Solid Gas Liquid By Application Commercial Residential TOC Continued! Get Customized PDF: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/customization/grain-fumigation-market-103187 Have a Look at Related Market Insights: Crop Protection Chemicals Market Size, Share and Forecast to 2029 Pest Control Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2029 Nematicides Market Size, Share & Analysis Forecast to 2029 About Us: Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Our reports contain a unique mix of tangible insights and qualitative analysis to help companies achieve sustainable growth. Our team of experienced analysts and consultants use industry-leading research tools and techniques to compile comprehensive market studies, interspersed with relevant data. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. 9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner - Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune-411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: US :+1 424 253 0390 UK : +44 2071 939123 APAC : +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com You can also contact us/follow us on: https://www.facebook.com/FortuneBusinessInsightsPvtLtd https://twitter.com/FBInsightPvtLtd?s=20 https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-business-insights/ Generations of nursing students will benefit from generous support TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2022 /CNW/ - Fifty years ago, the Nanji family arrived in Canada, expelled from Uganda when dictator Idi Amin ordered all Asians to leave the country. Signing the Nanji Foundation gift agreement (l to r): David Agnew, Seneca President, Azim Nanji, Pyarali G. Nanji and Ashif Somani, Chair, Seneca Board of Governors. (CNW Group/Seneca College) After re-establishing themselves in Canada and building a thriving business, the Nanjis have become one of the most generous donors to Toronto-area hospitals as a way of saying thank you to the country that embraced them and many thousands of fellow Asian-Ugandans. Now, with the largest gift in Seneca's history, the Nanji Foundation has made a multi-million-dollar contribution to Seneca's School of Nursing to support financial aid, simulation technology and community engagement. To celebrate the Nanji Foundation's generosity, Seneca has renamed the School of Nursing to the Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing. It is the first Seneca school to be named in honour of a donor, reflecting the exceptional support the gift will provide to students and the impact it will have on healthcare for all Canadians. "Seneca is enormously grateful to the Nanji family for this transformational gift," said President David Agnew. "The positive impact of the family's generosity will be felt by thousands of Seneca nursing students for generations to come. "Not only will this gift help address the nursing shortage we are experiencing in Ontario's health-care system by financially assisting our students and ensuring they have the best possible facilities, it also affirms the high value of the nursing profession." The importance of the 50th anniversary of the expulsion to the Asian-Ugandan diaspora is reflected in the endowment established by the Nanjis' generosity. Each year, 50 students in Seneca's new Honours Bachelor of Science - Nursing degree program and 50 students in the Practical Nursing diploma program will each receive a bursary. "Our family has chosen to support nursing students at Seneca because of the importance of nurses to every aspect of the health-care system," said Pyarali G. Nanji. "No matter what procedure or treatment you have, a nurse is always involved. Helping to educate nurses is something we truly believe will make an impact on health care in Ontario and Canada." Story continues Portions of the Nanji Foundation's gift will be used to fund state-of-the-art simulation technology, the annual Nanji Scholarship For Nursing Excellence for outstanding students in Seneca's nursing degree program and a community challenge fund, encouraging other donors to support Seneca's nursing students. About Seneca: Seneca is taking on the great challenges of our time rebuilding the economy, equity and sustainability while navigating through the pandemic safely. We're delivering great polytechnic education that combines rigorous academics with practical training. From health care to technology, business to creative arts, community services to arts and sciences, we help students get ready to make their mark in the world. We're #SenecaProud of our expert faculty, excellent staff and outstanding facilities. We have deep connections with industry and offer thousands of co-op and work placements to get our graduates job-ready. Full-time or part-time, in-person or online, students choose the option that suits them. Learn more: senecacollege.ca Seneca College Logo (CNW Group/Seneca College) SOURCE Seneca College Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2022/07/c3771.html WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. on Monday imposed its second round of sanctions in less than a week on people and firms in Africa who it says have provided financial or material support to the Islamic State group. The latest financial penalties target South African entities, including one cell leader, Farhad Hoomer, accused of expressing the will and intent to attack the interests of the United States," the Treasury Department said in a statement. Last week, the U.S. sanctioned what it said was a Somali Islamic State weapons trafficking cell. Government reports outline how the Islamic State group is expanding its presence in Africa, after the group faced defeats in Iraq and Syria. The State Department has designated nine groups worldwide as IS affiliates and foreign terrorist organizations. In the latest action, Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control designated four people and eight companies controlled by individuals that it said were in the South African Islamic State cell including Nufael Akbar, Yunus Mohamad Akbar, Mohamad Akbar, and Umar Akbar. Their gold trading, construction and other firms are targeted for sanctions. The move freezes and blocks any potential transactions with U.S. entities and prevents Americans from doing business with them. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement that as part of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, the United States will continue to partner with South Africa to deny ISIS the ability to exploit the countrys economy to raise and transfer funds in support of ISIS terrorist activities. The Islamic State group sometimes is known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS. The Treasury Department last week issued financial and diplomatic sanctions against a weapons trafficking network affiliated with the Islamic State group in Somalia and the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab extremist group, which are accused of carrying out deadly terrorist acts on civilians including car bombings. Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said the sanctions target key individuals in ISISs network in South Africa, as well as their business assets, who have played pivotal roles in enabling terrorism and other criminal activities in the region. Fatima Hussein, The Associated Press SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, November 07, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cameco (TSX: CCO; NYSE: CCJ) announced that it has signed a uranium supply agreement with the China Nuclear International Corporation, a subsidiary of the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), one of the countrys largest nuclear power operators. The contract, finalized earlier this year, was marked as part of the China International Import Expo 2022. "China is counting on nuclear energy to play a major role in its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions, and CNNC is a large and growing part of that effort," said Cameco president and CEO Tim Gitzel. "Cameco is very pleased to continue increasing our contribution towards the attainment of Chinas important climate goals." Terms and details of the supply agreement are commercially confidential and will not be disclosed publicly. The contract volumes comprise part of the 50 million pounds that Cameco has added to our long-term uranium contract portfolio so far in 2022. Profile Cameco is one of the largest global providers of the uranium fuel needed to energize a clean-air world. Our competitive position is based on our controlling ownership of the worlds largest high-grade reserves and low-cost operations. Utilities around the world rely on our nuclear fuel products to generate safe, reliable, carbon-free nuclear power. Our shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. Our head office is in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221104005625/en/ Contacts Investor inquiries: Rachelle Girard 306-956-6403 rachelle_girard@cameco.com Media inquiries: Veronica Baker 306-385-5541 veronica_baker@cameco.com By Ludwig Burger (Reuters) -Sandoz, the generic drugs business that will be spun off its parent Novartis, will boost investment in its European antibiotics production network by 50 million euros ($50 million) on strong global demand for bacteria-fighting medicines. The construction of a penicillin production site in Kundl, Austria, takes the company's total European investment budget for antibiotics to more than 250 million euros, Sandoz said in a statement on Monday. It had previously announced plans to invest more than 150 million euros in Kundl, including about 50 million in Austrian state support, as well as 50 million euros to make injectable antibiotics in Palafolls, Spain. The renewed commitment to antibiotics comes even after the generic drugmakers' association in Europe last month warned that production of some medicines may have to be stopped because health systems are not raising reimbursement prices even as costs surge. "We are seeing rapidly increasing demand following the unprecedented market swings of the past few years," said Sandoz Chief Executive Richard Saynor, adding that a new production technology would allow the company to cut energy costs. Antibiotics, made through fermentation of sugars, are a particularly energy-intensive class of drugs. Speaking at a groundbreaking event in Kundl, Saynor reiterated the industry's call on European health systems to allow for price mark-ups when energy costs soar, "to ensure the long-term sustainability of European-based antibiotic manufacturing and supply". "While industry as a whole has to be able to deal with some short-term energy price hikes, the sheer scale of the current increase directly threatens the viability of generic drug supply across a number of product groups in Europe," said Saynor. The chief executive of parent Novartis, Vas Narasimhan, last month said Sandoz would continue to provide medicines in European markets because a surge in energy costs can be offset by efficiency measures, adding that some smaller peers may struggle. (Reporting by Ludwig Burger, Editing by Miranda Murray and Bernadette Baum) Health system to expand local partnership to help combat nationwide nursing shortages NASHVILLE, Tenn., October 11, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA), one of the nations leading healthcare providers, today announced that it will give $1.5 million to Fisk University to support scholarships for students pursuing a degree in nursing. This gift is part of the organizations larger commitment to give $10 million over three years to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). HCA Healthcare has now announced approximately $6.75 million to multiple colleges and universities towards that commitment. "We are proud to partner with Fisk University as we work to build a diverse pipeline of healthcare professionals," said Sam Hazen, chief executive officer for HCA Healthcare. "It is our hope that this latest investment provides more students with the opportunity to find fulfilling careers in nursing." This gift will provide scholarships over four years for Fisk health science and nursing students interested in pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Galen College of Nursing. In 2021, Galen College of Nursing, a subsidiary of HCA Healthcare, announced an agreement to create a new pathway in nursing for Fisk students. The agreement allows for Fisk degree coursework credits to transfer to Galen College of Nursing so that students may go directly into Galens BSN program, allowing them to complete the program in as little as two years. This new investment from HCA Healthcare is designed to help support students in the nursing pathway by providing hands-on shadowing opportunities, mentors, seminars, leadership sessions and career guidance to scholars. The gift will also help support the implementation of the program by funding additional faculty support at Fisk. "We are excited to announce our expanded partnership with Fisk University to support more students pursuing nursing careers," said Sherri Neal, chief diversity officer of HCA Healthcare. "The commitment to advancing diversity in healthcare is a top priority for HCA Healthcare, and we are proud to work closely with Fisk University to help develop the next generation of nurses." Story continues In 2019, HCA Healthcare partnered with Fisk to create the HCA Healthcare Scholars at Fisk University program to provide scholarships, career planning support and internship opportunities for high-achieving undergraduates. Through the program, HCA Healthcare committed $1 million in scholarship funding to support students studying in a variety of academic areas, including business, computer science, biology and psychology. To date, HCA Healthcare has supported many Fisk University students through the program, including a few who are current HCA Healthcare colleagues. "This partnership between Fisk University and HCA Healthcare marks the latest stage in our long-term relationship around students pursuing exciting careers in the healthcare industry," said Frank Sims, acting president of Fisk University. "HCA Healthcare remains Fisks largest Nashville partner, and many students are eager to begin their professional lives right here in Nashville." HCA Healthcare has a history of strategically partnering with organizations to build a diverse healthcare workforce. Earlier this month, HCA Healthcare gave $1.5 million to Tennessee State University to create scholarship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate school students pursuing careers in healthcare and computer science. The company also recently gave $750,000 to The University of Texas at El Paso to create multiple graduate-degree opportunities for students interested in healthcare careers. $1.5 million was given to Florida International Universitys (FIU) Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences (NWCNHS) to expand its faculty, offer scholarships to increase enrollment and help address the national nursing shortage. In 2021, HCA Healthcare announced a $1.5 million investment in Florida A&M Universitys (FAMU) School of Allied Health Sciences to strengthen students pathways from undergraduate to graduate to management careers in the healthcare industry. These partnerships and others with industry- and school-based associations, are part of HCA Healthcares continued efforts to strengthen the diversity of the organizations talent pipeline. About HCA Healthcare Nashville-based HCA Healthcare is one of the nations leading providers of healthcare services comprising 182 hospitals and approximately 2,300 ambulatory sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding ERs, urgent care centers, and physician clinics, in 20 states and the United Kingdom. With its founding in 1968, HCA Healthcare created a new model for hospital care in the United States, using combined resources to strengthen hospitals, deliver patient-focused care and improve the practice of medicine. HCA Healthcare has conducted a number of clinical studies, including one that demonstrated that full-term delivery is healthier than early elective delivery of babies and another that identified a clinical protocol that can reduce bloodstream infections in ICU patients by 44%. HCA Healthcare is a learning health system that uses its more than 35 million annual patient encounters to advance science, improve patient care and save lives. Please click here to connect with HCA Healthcare on social media. About Fisk University Fisk University is a highly-ranked historically Black university, according to U.S. News and World Report, and is the oldest institution of higher learning in Nashville, Tennessee. Fisks outstanding faculty and students continue to enhance the Universitys international reputation for academic excellence. Fisks scholars continue to make strides in all areas of the industry from Social Justice to the sciences. A Fisk education prepares students to become beacons in servicing the community and well-rounded leaders and scholars in their respective fields. Fisk offers more than 20+ undergraduate and graduate programs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Clinical Psychology with a bridge Masters to Ph.D. program through a partnership with Vanderbilt University. For more information, visit Fisk.edu. All references to "Company," "HCA" and "HCA Healthcare" as used throughout this document refer to HCA Healthcare, Inc. and its affiliates. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221011005417/en/ Contacts INVESTOR CONTACT: Frank Morgan 615-344-2688 MEDIA CONTACT: Harlow Sumerford 615-344-1851 As a result of the new allegations, the Racine County GOP on Monday suspended Steens membership in the county party, The Journal Times has learned. The leader of the Langlade County GOP denies any wrongdoing. I have no idea what RPW (Republican Party of Wisconsin) is doing. Theyve never called us. Theyve never questioned what were doing, Langlade County GOP Chairman Terry Brand said in a phone interview. Everything were doing is absolutely legal. Election Day is Tuesday in Steens write-in challenge of incumbent Assembly Speaker Robin Vos in District 63. The race includes a second write-in candidate, Joel Jacobsen, a Democrat. District 63 includes the southern half of Racine County west of Highway 31. The allegations Trumps Save America Political Action Committee, among others, donated to the Langlade County GOP and then the Langlade County GOP allegedly either donated that money directly to the Steen campaign or spent the money to support Steens efforts. Among those whose donations WisconsinRightNow is alleging were improper were MyPillow Guy Mike Lindell, a confidant of Trumps who has been among the nations biggest spreaders of baseless claims the 2020 presidential election was stolen. While it is legal for both individuals and PACs to give money to party organizations, and it is legal for party organizations to give candidates money, it is not legal for individuals or PACs to earmark donations in order to channel money specifically to a candidate through a party organization. Brand said that no earmarking was occurring. Rather, he said, donors on a national scale believe that the Langlade County GOP will donate money to good conservative causes in Wisconsin and thus are donating to the party organization. Its completely legal for us to do that, Brand said. They cant prove that anyone who gave us money did anything wrong. Musical money Brand, in leaked recordings of phone calls, referred to the donations going to Steen as an attempt to wash that money, according to reporting published Sunday by the conservative online news outlet WisconsinRightNow.com, which received hours of recorded phone calls from a former member of Steens campaign. Were playing musical money, Steen allegedly told Brand in one of the recorded calls. WisconsinRightNow reported that Brand later told a reporter wash was a poor choice of words. PACs and individuals are limited to give only $1,000 to an Assembly candidate in Wisconsin, according to state campaign finance laws, but can give more to other organizations such as parties themselves. The top donor to Steens campaign, according to tracking from the watchdog TransparencyUSA.org, has been the Republican Party of Langlade County, with a total of $22,727. The second highest donor to Steens campaign besides Steen himself was the Chippewa County Republican Party, with a total of $4,000. The Save America PAC, a super PAC created by Trump following his election loss in November 2020, has raised $107,131,831 in the 2021-22 election cycle, according to tracking from the watchdog OpenSecrets.org; as of Oct. 19, the PAC had spent less than $69 million. PACs are organizations that raise money and make contributions to politicians campaigns and/or parties. Super PACs as well as PACs are overseen by the Federal Election Commission, although super PACs can raise unlimited funds and are much less regulated than traditional PACs. Intraparty issues In a Facebook post late Sunday sharing WisconsinRightNows report, the Racine County Republican Party asked, Was there a coordinated effort to circumvent campaign finance laws by the Steen campaign, county and state officials and those involved with the Trump PAC? The chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, Paul Farrow, told WisconsinRightNow that the party is going to investigate the funding tied to the Trump PAC, the Langlade County GOP and the Steen campaign. Steens membership in the Racine County GOP has also been suspended. Ken Brown, chairman of the Racine County GOP, said in a text to a reporter Monday morning: In light of the most recent information that came out this morning from WisconsinRightNow, which alleges serious campaign finance violations, the Racine County Republican Party Executive Board met in emergency session this morning. We have unanimously decided that we should suspend Adam Steens membership in our county party pending a full investigation. Its another example of how fractured the Wisconsin GOP is, with those loyal to Trump now being investigated by the party itself for money received from a Trump organization, while Trump gears up for a likely 2024 presidential run as a Republican. Trump has been campaigning against Vos in favor of Steen because Vos has refused to support Trumps unconstitutional attempts to have the results of the 2020 presidential election overturned, while Steen has supported Trumps efforts. Steen, Vos and the Wisconsin GOP have not replied to requests for comment on this story as of the time of publication Monday. UNITYVILLE, Pa. Authorities say a domestic dispute in central Pennsylvania over the weekend led to a triple homicide and a shootout with state police that ended with the death of the suspect. Officials in Lycoming County said troopers responding at about 9:30 a.m. Saturday to a report of a female shooting victim in Jordan Township were told that a man was shooting at vehicles with a rifle. State police said Sunday that troopers found Brian Taylor "actively firing with a rifle" while standing on Route 239. He was killed in an exchange of gunfire with troopers, who weren't injured. Police said a domestic altercation between Taylor and his wife, Linda, ended with him shooting and killing her. After that, he fled from his residence on Route 118 toward the intersection with Route 239, shooting a passing truck, before arriving at his sister's house, police said. He then shot and killed his sister, Andrea Meek, and left on an all-terrain vehicle, heading north on Route 239 where he encountered an acquaintance, Jerry Zehring, who he also shot and killed, police said. Taylor had "shot at multiple houses and moving vehicles" along the two roads, hitting three vehicles and damaging some homes, police said. No injuries were reported from the victims in the passing vehicles. The troopers involved in the exchange of gunfire were placed on administrative leave, as is standard procedure, police said. The Pennsylvania State Troopers Association earlier praised the "training and quick thinking" of the troopers, saying they prevented "more senseless loss of life." Pennsylvania State Police on Monday warned owners of Asian restaurants that burglars have been targeting their homes across the state. Police said nearly a million dollars in cash and personal property have been stolen from the homes of Asian Americans who own Chinese food restaurants across the state. While many of these crimes occurred in the northeastern part of the state, similar burglaries have been reported across the commonwealth, said Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. We want business owners to be aware of this trend and take preventive measures. Police said the perpetrators act as a team, with one person acting as a lookout while one or two people enter the home, primarily taking cash and jewelry. Another person waits in a getaway vehicle. Police said they believe the burglars watch the houses they target, observing the patterns of the residents to determine when the home will be unoccupied. The burglars usually disguise themselves, sometimes by wearing yellow safety vests or posing as landscapers, according to police. Police said the burglaries are carried out within 30 minutes. Police said federal prosecutors indicted eight people last year who are accused of running a residential burglary ring targeting business owners, typically of Asian family-owned restaurants. That group is accused of carrying out multiple home burglaries in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware. Police said the men determined where the business owners lived by either following them home, entering their vehicles to find the registration cards or installing makeshift tracking devices on their vehicle. Police said residents can be aware of individuals and vehicles in their area that arent usually there, install motion sensors or alarm systems, keep vehicles locked at work, be aware of anyone who may be following you home and report suspicious activity to police. Whats behind some of the notable nomenclature facing voters trying to decipher the who/what/why/when/where of casting their ballots this year? Here are some key terms to know ahead of the midterm elections: Advance voting The term advance voting is preferred in states where voters have several options to vote before Election Day. It can mean a few different things: mail-in ballots, absentee ballots and early, in-person voting. Absentee ballots Voters who cant go to the polls on Election Day itself often vote absentee, getting a ballot either by mail or in-person and casting it ahead of time. Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia offer no-excuse absentee voting. This means that any voter can request and cast an absentee or mail ballot without providing a reason. AP VoteCast First used in 2018, AP VoteCast is a survey of the American electorate conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago for Fox News and The Associated Press. VoteCast is not an exit poll. Canvassing the vote After votes are cast, officials check lists of voters against the number of ballots cast and research any discrepancies, which often are due to clerical errors or mistakes. Certification Votes also have to go through the certification process at the local and then state levels, either involving a board composed of statewide officials such as the secretary of state and governor, or solely the secretary of state. Hawaii is the only state where certification is overseen by a nonpartisan chief election official appointed by a bipartisan commission. In 45 states, the local boards that handle election certification are either party-controlled or commissions where the members are elected on a partisan basis, according to research by the advocacy group Election Reformers Network. Early returns As votes are cast and counted across the country, they are tabulated and reported, before races themselves are called. Early returns often do not provide an accurate reflection of the ultimate outcome, especially in states that take days or weeks to count votes cast in advance and provisional ballots. Exit polls In the U.S., exit polling is a survey of voters conducted by the National Election Pool a network of broadcasters using a methodology based on in-person interviews at polling places. Late earlies Some advance ballots dont get turned in or received until Election Day. These late earlies, as theyre known in states like Arizona, can often lead to vote counts taking several days to complete in some places, although the state does permit both ballot processing and counting prior to poll close. Mail voting Eight of the states that offer no-excuse absentee voting automatically mail a ballot to every eligible voter, without necessitating a request or application. That doesnt mean that there arent in-person polling locations, too, but most people in these places vote by mail. Majority and plurality A majority is more than half the votes cast; a plurality is the largest number of votes, but less than a majority. In states like Georgia, where a candidate needs a majority to win, runoff elections may be necessary to determine who ultimately wins a contest. Overvote and undervote An overvote is when a voter selects too many candidates in a given race. Conversely, an undervote means that a voter hasnt made a selection for each office on the ballot, leaving some blank. Poll monitors, watchers and citizen observers The terms poll monitors, poll watchers and citizen observers are interchangeable, and they can be partisan or nonpartisan. Nonpartisan poll watchers are trained to monitor polling places and local elections offices that tally the votes, looking for irregularities or ways to improve the system. Partisan poll watchers are those who favor particular parties, candidates or ballot propositions and monitor voting places and local election offices to ensure fairness to their candidates or causes. Since the 2020 election, a handful of states passed laws limiting the restrictions that local election officials can place on poll watchers, giving them greater access to ballot counting and processing. Poll workers Distinct from poll monitors or observers, poll workers are the people many times volunteers manning voting locations on Election Day. Provisional ballots Called challenge or affidavit ballots in some states, provisional ballots are required by the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters choices arent discounted due to administrative error. Voters are given a provisional ballot when there is some uncertainty about their eligibility, like a name not appearing on voter rolls. In most places, provisional ballots are kept separate from other ballots until after the election, when an election board decides if the voter was indeed eligible, and therefore whether the vote should be counted. Race call AP calls winners of elections in the United States based on an analysis of the vote count, polling research and other data. An AP race call is not a projection; AP only makes race calls when it is determined that a trailing candidate has no path to overtake a leading candidate. Ranked choice voting In this electoral system, voters rank their choice of candidate by ordered preference, with those rankings used to determine a winner in the event no candidate wins a majority of ballots on which they appear as voters first preference. If a candidate wins over 50% in the first round, its over. If not, round two starts with the candidate who got the fewest votes in the first round being eliminated. If the eliminated candidate was your vote then your next choice gets your vote in this round. Only a handful of states use ranked-choice voting now, but its use is being debated in other places. Spoilt ballot/ballot spoiling A ballot is considered spoiled when officials have deemed it invalid, for reasons deliberate or not, and therefore not to be included in vote totals. In some places, like Wisconsin, the rarely used practice of ballot spoiling has been challenged in court, in circumstances when a voter submits an absentee ballot, then voids the original ballot and votes again. Supermajority A requirement that a proposal or candidate gain a level of support that exceeds the threshold of a standard 50% plus 1 majority. Too early to call Races in which the vote count is active and ongoing and a winner is not yet clear are too early to call. That includes races in which the vote count may take several days. Too close to call HARRISBURG Some of Pennsylvanias largest counties were among those working Monday to help voters fix mail-in ballots that have fatal flaws such as incorrect dates or missing signatures on the envelopes used to send them in. Elections officials in Philadelphia and Allegheny, which includes Pittsburgh, announced measures they were taking in response to state Supreme Court orders in recent days that said mail-in ballots may not be counted if they lack accurate handwritten dates on the exterior envelopes. The Department of State said it was unclear just how many ballots are at issue across the state. The agency on Sunday asked counties to provide the numbers, broken down by political party. Officials said some counties were not letting voters fix their mistakes. Cumberland County on Monday said its Bureau of Elections is telling voters that if they did not date or believe they dated their mail-in ballot incorrectly, they can go to their polling place on Tuesday and vote with a provisional ballot. The bureau staff will then make sure only the provisional ballot is counted. Provisional ballots are required by the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters choices arent discounted due to administrative error. Voters are given a provisional ballot when there is some uncertainty about their eligibility, like a name not appearing on voter rolls. In most places, provisional ballots are kept separate from other ballots until after the election, when an election board decides if the voter was indeed eligible, and therefore whether the vote should be counted. Ahead of Tuesdays midterms, more than a million mail-in and absentee ballots have already been returned in Pennsylvania, with Democrats far more likely than Republicans to vote by mail. The numbers are large enough that they might matter in a close race, such as the contest between Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Mehmet Oz that could determine majority control of the U.S. Senate. The Pennsylvania litigation was filed by Republican groups and is among legal efforts by both parties in multiple states to have courts sort out disputes over voting rules and procedures ahead of the midterm election. In Wisconsin, the Republican chair of the state Assemblys elections committee, along with a veterans group and other voters, filed a lawsuit Friday seeking a court order requiring the sequestering of military absentee ballots in the state. The lawsuit seeks a temporary injunction requiring elections officials in Wisconsin to set aside military ballots so their authenticity can be verified. The court had taken no action by Monday morning. Litigation is pending in Cochise County, Arizona, challenging a Republican effort to count all ballots by hand. Pennsylvanias acting secretary of state, Leigh Chapman, on Monday urged mail-in voters who think they may have made technical errors to contact their county elections offices. If the county wont let them fix the problem, they should go to their local polling place on Tuesday and request a provisional ballot, she said. In Allentown, Lehigh County officials reached out to all the voters they could locate whose ballots have problems, election director Tim Benyo said Monday. He said there are a few hundred ballots at issue. People have been very interested in curing their ballots, Benyo said. Weve been busy. Allegheny County elections officials posted online the names and birth years of voters who have sent in ballots in envelopes that either lack any date or are dated outside the permissible range of Sept. 19-Nov. 8 for mail-in ballots and Aug. 30-Nov. 8 for absentee ballots. Those voters can fix their ballots in person at the elections office Monday or Tuesday or vote provisionally at their regular polling places. Allegheny reported that, as of Sunday, more than 600 incorrectly and nearly 400 undated ballots had arrived to be counted. Philadelphia said it has received about 2,000 undated ballots and several hundred more that appear to have been incorrectly dated. Philadelphia Deputy Commissioner Nick Custodio said the court decision last week and the tide of ballots rolling in ahead of Election Day has made it difficult to issue direct notifications. So far we have only been able to put out a list on our website, but we are exploring whatever other options are available given the short time-period, Custodio said. Dozens of voters seeking to fix their ballots showed up at City Hall over the weekend, and Custodio said more visited city offices Monday. Volunteers from several groups are contacting those voters to see if they need help getting to the elections office. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that mail-in votes do not count if they are contained in undated or incorrectly dated outer envelopes, then supplemented that with a follow-up order on Saturday that specified the allowable date range for mail-in and absentee ballots. Ballots without properly dated envelopes have been the topic of litigation since mail-in voting was expanded in Pennsylvania under a state law passed in 2019. Mail-in ballots must be received by 8 a.m. Tuesday, so at this point officials are urging people who have not done so to deliver them to elections offices or drop boxes by hand. "I was shocked to tell you the truth," Sandy Morrison said of her reaction to receiving the wheelchair. "It was just a shock, thats all, to see it and actually touch it and know it was mine." While crowds of adults and kids donned costumes to celebrate Halloween in the vicinity of Bonne Terre City Hall on Saturday evening, a small crowd of Freemasons on Church Street were donning ceremonial pieces, solemnly observing the 150th anniversary of Samaritan Lodge #424 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (A.F. & A.M.), with a charter rededication ceremony overseen by Most Worshipful Brother Rick Kaeser. Rededication ceremony The evening began at 5 p.m., when members and their family began to arrive at the lodge on 7 Church St., located across from Shepard House and Bonne Terre Memorial Library. Grand Lodge officers opened Samaritan Lodge #424 on the 3rd Degree of Freemasonry and practiced the evenings ceremony, while members of Jobs Daughters International (girls youth appendant body) entertained guests. Guests made their way upstairs for the charter rededication program and Mineral Area Chapter Order of DeMolay (boys youth appendant body) presented the flags and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Kaeser, Grand Master of Missouri, led the charter rededication ceremony, and remaining ceremonies were conducted. Jake McMullin welcomed everyone and introduced special guests, Masonic Widows, Grand Lodge of Missouri Officers, Order of the Eastern Star, Jobs Daughters International Bethel #36 and Mineral Area Chapter Order of DeMolay. McMullin was then presented with the Missouri House and Senate Resolutions passed by each chamber, as well as a proclamation from the city of Bonne Terre acknowledging Samaritan Lodge Charters sesquicentennial milestone. Kaeser told the crowd he was honored to not only be at the Bonne Terre event, but to be the Grand Master of the State leading the nights ceremony. He talked about how his father-in-law, Eddie Nebel, who was a member of Samaritan Lodge, and his wife Carolyn, a member of Jobs Daughters at Samaritan Lodge, played an instrumental role in his successes, for which he is eternally grateful. The evening ended with refreshments and fellowship. Andrew Young, a member since 2021, said the evening was amazing. It was much different than I had anticipated. I loved seeing the number of Master Masons in the lodge during the opening meeting at the beginning, he said. I was told the number I saw there used to be the norm for the regular Bonne Terre lodge meetings. I hope we can get back to that soon. Young said he appreciated the fellowship that night and loved how everyone came together. The current members, widows, Order of the Eastern Star, Demolay, Job's Daughters, and members of the Grand Lodge were all present, he said. Some of the old members shared stories about the lodge from years ago. Also, it was an honor to receive a proclamation from the City of Bonne Terre, the Missouri House of Representatives, and the Missouri Senate. Dan Ward, a member since 1998, said, Freemasonry has influenced my life in such a positive manner and helped develop my character as a husband, father, grandfather and overall individual. My hope is that every young man can be part of this great organization and help themselves to become better men. Secretary Scott Smith, a member since 2014, said he was honored to be part of history. One hundred fifty years is such a great milestone, to be a small part of that is something special. My parents raised us kids to always give back to our community. Freemasonry not only helps make me a better person, but really does help change the lives of people in our community, he said. Whether it be helping raise money to buy winter clothes for kids at North County, or bringing in kids from the domestic violence shelter to eat dinner with Santa Claus and get a present at Christmas time, it can easily be missed by the general public, but to those kids, it means the world. I hope the younger generation will see what a great fraternity this is and how it can help not only them, but will likely have a positive impact on our community. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the lodge can call 573-705-5015, follow them on Facebook or go to https://momason.org/ to find out more information. The lodge at 100 The Samaritan Lodge in Bonne Terre celebrated its 100th anniversary Oct. 21, 1972, beginning with a breakfast at the lodge and a walk to Bonne Terre Cemetery to lay a floral emblem on the grave of its 1872 founder, first Worshipful Master Dr. Abraham Wendell Keith. Lunch, with the public invited to attend, was prepared and served by the officers of the lodge, and at 2 p.m., the Fellow Craft (second) Degree was conferred upon one candidate, Ardith Lee Price. "Artie had the honor of being our 'Centennial' candidate and no doubt it was an event which will long remember," reported the Oct. 26, 1972, Daily Journal. One of the centennial's highlights was a display of the lodge's artifacts correspondence dating back to the 1880s, paid bills indicating the lodge had paid for members' funeral expenses and nursing care, old pictures of the lodge and city. Included among the mementos was a book written by Dr. Keith, covering the biography of local Civil War outlaw Sam Hildebrand and containing Keith's sworn affidavit Hildebrand had personally shared his history. The dinner was served that evening by members of Vincil Chapter No. 43, Order of Eastern Star, "the ladies wearing long Centennial dresses, no doubt saved from Bonne Terre's Centennial Celebration of 1964." The rest of that evening in 1972 included presentations by the highest officials in Missouri masonry, music by the local band, and a summary of the lodges history. 150 years of history As adapted from the Oct. 29 sesquicentennial program: On a chilly fall evening in 1871, a number of men from Big River Mills gathered at Dr. Abraham W. Keith's office. Winter was near, and the miserable chore of crossing Big River to attend the lodge at Farmington. Keith suggested, since enough men of the surrounding community had joined the Masonic fraternity, it might be time petition the Grand Lodge to authorize a lodge at Big River Mills. The petition was signed by Dr. Keith, Richard L. Sutherland, Allen C. McHenry, William Vandiver, J. Clark Johnson, Samuel B. Herod, Henry Skews, Arthur Cunningham and William S. Conway, and presented to the Grand Lodge's Oct. 13, 1871 session. The Grand Lodge granted dispensation to start it under the name Samaritan Lodge. Nov. 25, 1871, the new lodge held an election. Elected were Worshipful Master Keith; Senior Warden Richard L. Sutherland; Junior Warden Allen C. McHenry; Treasurer Samuel B. Herod; and Secretary William S. Conway. Frederich Tellam and Samuel C. Orten petitioned for affiliation. They also received petitions for the degrees from C.L. Tate, Richard C Poston, John Marshall and Marshall Rongea. Tellam, Orten and Marshall were elected that evening and on Dec. 23, 1871, the first degree of Entered Apprentice was conferred on Tate and Poston. On Dec. 26, the Entered Apprentice degree was conferred on Marshall. Examining the progress of Samaritan Lodge U.D., a committee on Oct. 16, 1872, recommended to the Grand Lodge that a charter be granted, and Samaritan Lodge be given the number 424. Many of the new Lodge's members were skilled workmen and, given the abundance of available lumber, a modest lodge hall was soon erected. "It was the most enthusiastic group of dedicated men and there is a surprising lot of work detailed in 1872 and 1873 and even into 1874," reads the official history. St. Joe Lead Mines were rapidly developing. Many of the Big River Mills men worked there, and built new homes to avoid the long walk over the hill to their work. Inevitably, the lodge in the Nov. 21, 1874, minutes asked the Grand Lodge if it could move to the new town, and on Dec. 11, 1874, the Grand Lodge agreed. St. Joe Lead Company officials, many of whom were also masons, permitted the Lodge to hold meetings in the St. Joe School Building, located on the site of what is now New Era Bank. The first meeting in Bonne Terre was held Jan. 6, 1875. On May 15, 1875, Keith was reelected as Worshipful Master, the position he had held since the lodge's beginning. James Cook was elected senior warden; C. Wyman Jones, junior warden; Emile Peterson, treasurer and Samuel C. Orten, secretary. Soon, St. Joe completed a two-story building on the site of the present Post Office and the upper floor was made available to the Samaritan Lodge for meetings. For years, many meetings were held and degrees conferred in that building, and when a new, modern Post Office was proposed, the old wooden-framed building was moved north to the present location and the lodge continued to meet there until the modern Lodge Hall was built. St. Joe let it be used rent-free. Much discussion was held about building a new Temple, whether it should be relocated uptown with a ground floor for rent on which the Lodge would have to pay taxes, or whether it should be built on the wedge between the library and First Congregational Church. The building committee chose the latter. Before work was started, a Temple Association was organized and a pro formative degree of incorporation was issued and dated Nov. 28, 1924. The officers elected for the first year were President Lewis A. Delano; Vice President William B. Massey; Secretary Clifford Hill and Treasurer Peter A. Benham. These men, and Samaritan Lodge Senior Warden Albert E. Lindquist, constituted the first Board of Directors, elected July 17, 1924. Work toward the present building was started. In 1927, that Most Worshipful Grand Master Anthony F. Itner placed the cornerstone of the present lodge, and returned Sept. 13, 1928, still Grand Master, to dedicate the hall. Nobody predicted the gigantic recession that would follow the 1929 stock market crash. While the devastating effects did not reach the Lead Belt until the 1930s, when it did, it almost wiped out the Samaritans ambitions for a lovely Temple. The Samaritans suddenly needed $3,000 they did not have. "It sounds simple, but it was heartbreaking when the Samaritans feared they would lose the $30,000 dollars already invested," the official history reads. "Many members could not pay dues or borrow money to help the Lodge out, but by probable good luck, the brotherhood was able to weather the storm." Samaritans chipped in with their own money, sweat and care, mixing and spreading the cement for the lower floor, painting the walls of the upper rooms, and so forth. In the early 1950s, a fire burned out much of the stage area in the hall, but by that time the brotherhood had sufficient insurance to cover the loss. Due to extensive water damage to the Lodge in 2017, the next several years saw many upgrades to the building thanks to RWB Dale W. Newcomer, RWB Daniel J. Ward, WB Charles W. Winslow, WB Jason S. Hackworth, WB Scott L. Smith, WB Phillip D. Mosier, WB Robert H Nugent, WB Jacob C. McMullin, WB Vernon D. Halter, WB S. Wayne Gibson, WB Mike Stevens and countless family and friends of the lodge. Other notable members of the lodge include WB Lewis L. Akins who carved the gavels and wooden working tools and columns of the Lodge; WB James E. Joyce who carved each new incoming Master his own personal gavel; WB Mark W. Willette and WB Billy J. Thaxton who were key to spearheading renovations to the middle floor banquet hall in the late 1990s; and WB Marvin F. Bess who faithfully executed his duties as secretary for many years. The brethren have also expressed appreciation for Jobs Daughters Bethel #36, Mineral Area Chapter Order of DeMolay and the many appendant bodies who have called Samaritan Lodge #424 home over the years and for helping make their many fundraisers and activities a success. Current Officers of Samaritan Lodge #424, AF&AM are: Worshipful Master WB Jacob C. McMullin; Senior Warden WB Garry L. Dalton; Junior Warden Kevin D. Sansoucie; Treasurer WB S. Wayne Gibson; Secretary WB Scott L. Smith; Chaplain WB Robert H. Nugent; Senior Deacon WB Jason S. Hackworth; Junior Steward Jerod R. Broten; Marshal WB Lester F. Flieg; Tiler WB Vernon D. Halter. The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) responded to multiple accidents with injuries involving area residents, including a Bonne Terre resident involved in a five-vehicle accident in Jefferson County. According to MSHP crash reports, at 11:30 a.m. Sunday on Interstate 55, in the left, northbound lane north of Highway A, four vehicles including a 2014 Jeep Cherokee driven by Savannah L. Hassemeier, 18, of Bonne Terre were braking due to traffic congestion ahead. The right front portion of a fifth vehicle, a 2017 GMC Sierra driven by Michael T. Smith, 52, of De Soto, struck the right rear of the Jeep Cherokee, starting a chain-reaction collision. A passenger in the Jeep Cherokee, Andrew J. Hasemeier, 44, of Bonne Terre, reportedly suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Joachim Plattin Ambulance to Mercy Hospital South. The report states each occupant was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. On Saturday at 11:09 p.m. in Butler County, Fred L. Leeper Jr., 50, of Farmington, was traveling east on Highway 60, four miles east of Poplar Bluff, when the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado he was driving ran off the road and struck a tree, the patrol reports. Leeper was transported by ambulance to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. The report states he was not wearing a seat belt during the accident. On Friday at 9:10 p.m. in Washington County, James S. Butler, 26, of Richwoods was reportedly driving a 2006 Yamaha motorcycle south on Highway 47 near Roderick Road when the rear tire blew out and the motorcycle began to skid. The vehicle traveled off the right side of the road, returned to the road and turned on its right side, according to MSHP. Butler was said to have been thrown from the motorcycle and he was transported by Washington County Ambulance to Washington County Memorial Hospital with moderate injuries. A passenger, Corrina L. Berry, 26, of Mineral Point, was also thrown from the motorcycle and transported by Washington County Ambulance to Mercy Hospital South with serious injuries. The report states both occupants were not wearing helmets when the accident occurred. Also on Friday at 3:55 p.m. in St. Francois County, a 2007 Harley Davidson operated by Glenn Traughber, 51, of Portageville was reportedly traveling west on Highway NN when he failed to stop at a posted stop sign. As a result, Traughber drove into the right side of a 2014 Ford Taurus driven north on Highway N by Jody Montgomery, 63, of Bismarck, the patrol crash report states. Traughber was flown by Air Evac Helicopter to Mercy St. Louis Hospital with serious injuries, and the patrol report lists him as not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. After the October board meeting, the Bismarck Board of Education is looking to fill two vacancies among its members. Member Terry Skinner resigned at the October board meeting due to accepting a new job. The new position will be more demanding of Skinners time. Member Matt Dunn resigned in August due to moving out of the district, and therefore would not be able to serve. The spots, once filled, will be serving for the board until the April 2023 election. Anyone interested in serving on the board would need to submit a letter of interest, phone number and email address, and qualifications to the Bismarck School District Administration Office, located at 165 Campus Dr., by Friday at noon. A resume is recommended. To be considered, a person must be a citizen of the United States, a registered taxpayer in the district, a Missouri resident for at least one year, and be at least 24 years old. Anyone delinquent in the payment of any taxes, including state income tax, personal property tax, municipal tax, or real property taxes on their residence will be disqualified. Disqualification of interested candidates can also happen if the person is a registered sex offender, or is required to be registered as a sex offender under state law; or if the person has been found guilty of, or has pled guilty to a felony or misdemeanor under federal law, or to a felony under Missouri law, or has been found guilty of an offense in another state, which would be considered a felony in the state of Missouri. Following a review of the submitted materials, the board will schedule interviews with selected candidates. Not all who apply are guaranteed an interview, nor is it guaranteed the two spots will be appointed immediately. Interviews are planned to be held the same day as the Board of Education meeting, Nov. 17, with a time to be decided. Any questions or concerns regarding the role and responsibilities of a board member can be directed to Superintendent Dr. Michael Silvy at 573-734-6111, ext. 3. "Both of these men have invested time and efforts making Bismarck a great school, using various talents and life experiences to serve the school. They will be missed," said Silvy of departing members Skinner and Dunn. In other business, the board: Accepted the resignation of Pete Jones from the custodian position, and hired Levi Lincoln for a custodian position. Hired Shawn Burbank as a substitute teacher for the district. Discussed the ending of TylerSIS, and started discussed the transition to a different Student Information System. Set the November board meeting date for Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. JEFFERSON CITY Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is supporting an attempt to block the U.S. Department of Justice from monitoring Tuesdays election in Cole County. As part of its duties to enforce federal voting rights laws, the Justice Department announced Monday it would be in the field in 64 jurisdictions spread across 24 states for the midterm election. The lone site in Missouri is Cole County, home to Jefferson City and the state Capitol. But Cole County Clerk Steve Korsmeyer has said no to the on-site visits to polling places. Ashcroft, a Republican who plans to run for governor in 2024, is backing him up, accusing the federal government of trying to bully local election workers. While the U.S. DOJ could clearly learn a lot from Missouri about non-partisanship and how to administer accessible, secure and credible elections, it would be highly inappropriate for federal agents to violate the law by intimidating Missouri voters at the polls on Election Day, Ashcroft said in a Tweet Monday. Ashcroft spokesman JoDonn Chaney said DOJ officials met with Secretary of State attorneys Monday, but he did not say if a resolution had been reached. He said Justice Department officials have not told Ashcroft why they want to visit the polling places. They are telling us weve got complaints about you but they arent telling us what they are, Chaney said. Whatever the issue is, tell us what it is. But they arent doing that. How can we fix it if we dont know what the problem is? Korsmeyer, who did not respond to a request for comment, received a letter from the department in October saying it had received complaints alleging that the clerks office failed to provide an accessible voting machine at each polling place during past elections. The letter said the Justice Department is opening an investigation into the allegations. It is not the first time the Justice Department has assigned monitors during an election. In 2001, for example, Ashcrofts father, then-Attorney General John Ashcroft, also a Republican, oversaw a voting integrity initiative in the wake of the disputed 2000 presidential election. Along with the Oct. 27 letter, Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Thomas asked for a meeting with Korsmeyer on Thursday to outline a plan for attorneys working with the Justice Departments disability rights section to visit and observe polling places in and around Jefferson City on Tuesday. Rest assured that we understand that you will be administering the election and we will try to minimize the time we spend at each site, Thomas wrote in an email. On Monday, a spokesman for the department said he had nothing to add to a Justice Department press release outlining the nationwide monitoring effort, which it describes as a regular, election-time activity of the agency. The plan comes two weeks after U.S. attorneys throughout the nation outlined their goals to keep the 2022 general election from being marred by the same false claims of voter fraud that roiled the 2020 election and have been repeatedly pushed by former President Donald Trump and other Republicans in the run-up to this years contests. Teresa Moore, the U.S. attorney for Missouris western district, issued a statement in October that said voting is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice, Moore said. Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. Federal law also contains protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. But, Ashcroft said under Missouri law, the local election authority is empowered to decide who, other than voters and poll workers, may be at polling locations. At the same time, the U.S. Attorneys Office is authorized under federal law to determine if a clerk is complying with the American with Disabilities Act and can determine whether it can be fixed voluntarily or if legal action must be taken. In an email to the Missouri Independent Monday, Korsmeyer said hes not backing down. The DOJ wont be allowed into our polling locations, Korsmeyer wrote. Missouri hunters in need of hunter education certification now have a new interactive online offering in addition to existing hunter education courses. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has expanded its partnership with the hunter safety course provider Kalkomey Enterprises LLC to offer a new fun and engaging, game-style learning option through the online site ilearntohunt.com/. This new immersive, scenario-based offering allows hunter education participants to have game-like experiences by creating avatars and selecting their preferred game species and geographies, explained MDC Hunter Education and Shooting Range Coordinator Justin McGuire. Preview the new online offering at player.vimeo.com/video/706253380?h=0a9f3bc413. McGuire added that the new online option provides immediate quality feedback on real-time decision making for more than 50 in-course exercises. Theyre really fun and engaging, and they still cover all of our hunter education standards, he said. The new online offering will place participants based on their age at the time of registration. Participants 11-15 years of age will complete the knowledge portion online but will still be required to take an in-person skills session. Participants 16 years of age and older can complete the entire certification requirement through the online course. The cost for the new online Interactive Knowledge Course is $39.95 paid to the online course provider. The price of the online Traditional Knowledge Course is $24.95. The self-study guide and classroom sessions are free, along with the in-person skill session and final exam. Missouri's hunter education course is required for any hunter born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, unless exempt. MDC offers a two-step format for hunters 11 to 15 years of age that consists of a knowledge portion taken online, through a self-study guide, or in a classroom setting followed by a four-hour skills session and final exam. Missouri residents 16 years of age and older can complete the entire program online without the need for a skill session. Learn more about MDCs Hunter Education program at mdc.mo.gov/huntereducation. MDC has a proud history of providing hunter education going back to 1957 when it began as a voluntary course in Missouri, said McGuire. Since then, MDC has provided hunter education training and certification to about 1.4 million Missourians. He added that MDCs hunter education offerings have changed over the years to meet the changing needs of the public. The new offerings are a perfect example, McGuire said. Participants of all ages will find these interactive courses engaging and fun with just the right amount of challenge. Get started on the new online Missouri hunter safety course at ilearntohunt.com/missouri/. CHRISTIANSBURG Roy McGlothlin said hes always been current on rent in the time hes lived at the Massies Mobile Home Park located in Montgomery County on Peppers Ferry Road between the town and the Radford arsenal. But following a recent change of ownership at the sizable park, hes been told he still owes at least hundreds of dollars in rent. McGlothlin is one of many residents at Massies that have over the past several weeks say they are confused over the issuance of numerous notices regarding their statuses, including some of the claims made in the forms. Now, many of them are voicing doubt about their future at the park and even fear evictions soon. Were all going to be homeless, said Siera Brammer, another park resident. Several residents interviewed by The Roanoke Times lamented long-standing maintenance issues that have yet to be resolved by management, but each said their concerns with the park began worsening a few months ago following the sale of the property to a firm with ties to a hedge fund that has gained notoriety in recent years over its purchase and attempted purchases of a number of newspapers across the country. Massies is just one of a number of parks in the country that has been taken over by Homes of America, the firm that shares an address with the company Alden Global Capital. News outlets in states such as North Dakota and Florida reported concerns among residents of rent hikes and evictions. Mike Bullard, a spokesman for nonprofit ROC USA, said the parks have proven to be very lucrative investment properties. Certainly, there has been an upward trend in the last five to 10 years in the purchasing of manufactured home communities all across the country, said Bullard, whose organization is known for helping local communities buy their mobile home parks. What we hear from homeowners is that they think local ownership and control is best. That local ownership has shown to help control rents, Bullard said. The organization has seen that local ownership has frequently led to less than 1% increases in rent, he said. On the other hand, properties owned by an outside commercial entity or investor often sees rents go up by 4% to 6% a year, he said. The change in ownershipIn August, long-time park owner Billy Massie sold it to Massie MHP LLC for $10 million, according to Montgomery County property records. The entire property, both land and buildings, is valued at approximately $2.6 million for tax purposes, county records show. Massie, however, told tenants in a notice sent out in April that he had received an offer from a third party to buy the property for $16.8 million, a deal he said he intended to accept. The parks ownership profile provided online by the county shows another firm, Homes of America LLC, which also has taken over other parks across the country via other limited liability companies. The countys ownership information lists an address in Englewood, New Jersey, for Massie MHP and Homes of America. The same address is listed for firm Smith Management LLC, according to information found via the New York Department of States Division of Corporations. Alden Global Capital, the hedge fund that has received much attention and scrutiny in recent years over its buyouts and gutting of newspapers, is described as a division of Smith Management LLC in a 2008 form filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Additionally, Tom Del Bosco is named in the ownership section of Montgomery Countys property records file on Massies. Del Bosco was shown to be an executive at Smith Management on LinkedIn, but that profile had disappeared as of Friday. Del Bosco was listed as an executive officer at Alden in another form filed with the SEC years ago. A Roanoke-based attorney who represents Massies new owners couldnt be reached for comment on the situation at the park. Rachel Muse, who heads Massies management and who several tenants specifically took issue with, was unavailable for comment. A staff person who answered the phone Friday said management is making no comment on the matter. Attorneys with Southwest Virginia Legal Aid in Christiansburg said this week that it doesnt appear the parks new owners are planning any changes with Massies park use any time soon. Legal Aid regularly represents low-income tenants, including ones who receive assistance through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The organization was at a Massies tenant meeting Saturday to give an overview of tenant rights. Residents wonder what is happeningMcGlothlin, the mobile home park resident and a former construction worker whos currently on disability, said he was confused when in late September he found a notice attached to his porch claiming an account delinquency of $743.49. The notice informed the tenants that they would be required to vacate the property within 30 days for the incurable lease violation. Some short time later, McGlothlin said he paid $750 to cover the rent for October. He said the rent on the trailer he shares with his partner Annetta Wilkins is actually $700, and the additional $50 was for utilities. He said the utilities, which had been billed separately by the previous management, usually cost them about $50 a month. But ever since they learned about the formal change of ownership at Massies in August, the couple have been provided with little to no clarity on their monthly utility costs, McGlothlin said during a recent interview. The amount intended for utilities in the October rent payment was really just based off of guess work, he said. The couple then received another notice on Oct. 18, this time claiming a delinquency of $713.49 for the period of Aug. 1 to that day. I thought we was paid up, McGlothlin said. McGlothlin said the purchase price for the park has led him to suspect the owners are planning something different in the future, which has left him unsettled. Regarding his own billing problems, McGlothlin said he tried to address the questionable amounts with park management but was rudely rebuffed. He said he then realized he would have to settle the matter in court. McGlothlin said the issue over the claimed delinquency is just one of several problems he and Wilkins have experienced with the new management. We dont have the money to just pick up and move out, McGlothlin said. Brammer is a HUD recipient and another resident who has run into issues with her exact amount owed. Im on HUD. I receive a housing voucher for each month, she said. Brammer, whose lease ends on Dec. 31, said the first notice in September demanded just over $1,100. She said she was current on her payments until August, when it was no longer clear to who or where rent should be paid. She said she was responsible for just under $300 of the $1,100, while HUD covers the rest. Brammer recalled going to the main office in October in hopes of working out her outstanding bills. She then learned the amount she was said to owe had jumped to nearly $1,900. Brammer said she pointed out she was doing that before Oct. 15 because thats when she was told by HUD that its share of the rent had been processed. She, however, said management didnt seem to have worked out that detail and still claims roughly $1,900 from her. On Oct. 17, the day before the second notice to quit went out, she said she learned she would face eviction even if she paid her portion of rent. Its been a roller coaster ride. Mr. Massie wouldnt have let this happen, said Brammer, whos looking forward to the end of her lease. Im getting out of here. Im not dealing with this anymore. Brammer, a mother of two with another child on the way, acknowledges she was probably less responsible earlier on in her life. But she said she has a family to take care of now. There was a part of my life where I didnt pay my rent and didnt care, but Im not that person anymore, said Brammer, who hopes to land a job with an insurance agency soon. Americans expecting resolution or even just relief on Wednesday after Election Day stand to be bitterly disappointed. The toxicity of the 2022 campaign will almost certainly linger for weeks and probably months after we have cast our votes. Tuesdays ballot collection portends more anger and accusations because several critical races look to be nail biters. The 7th District congressional race between Democratic incumbent Abigail Spanberger and Republican Yesli Vega should be close in a district that includes Charlottesville exurbs Greene, Madison, Orange and Culpeper Counties. The margin of victory should be closer in the 2nd District that covers Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and the Eastern Shore. There, Democratic incumbent Elaine Luria is locked in tight competition with Republican State Sen. Jen Kiggans. Both races could end up in recounts. They may also end up in court. Other House and Senate races across the country will attract similar scrutiny. Americas normal election system has always offered appeal rights to losing candidates. This year seems likely to generate more protests than usual. Many of those complaints were filed long before election officials were set to tally the vote. A well-organized network of Republican election denies trying to undermine the voting process and limit access to the ballot have gotten laws passed in several states. These laws make voting more difficult. These same election deniers also have already filed dozens of lawsuit. Much of the mayhem has to do with technicalities and nothing to do with the candidates visions for the country or what voters actually want. These challenges concern such things as disqualifying mail-in ballots unless the people mailing them in correctly prepare the outer envelopes that carry internal envelopes which contain the actual marked ballots. Lawyers opposed to the new laws and tactics have also already registered their challenges in court. Election deniers attempts to disqualify votes en masse will likely turn the 2022 midterms into a long-running adjudication of minutiae rather than a simple ballot count. The old-fashioned notion of one-person-one-vote lies dead beneath the smoking gun of voter suppression. That suppression aims to address a lie about widespread election fraud in the United States. Former President Donald Trump started this lie after he lost the 2020 presidential election. It has now become the mantra of Republicans generally, spurred on by a hard core of election deniers. What bothers us is how these folks seem hell bent on making it harder, not easier to vote with no evidence of the broad corruption and voter fraud it takes to change the outcome of a presidential, congressional or state election. Limiting the franchise without proof is a principle as antithetical to a democratic republic as stuffing a ballot box with the votes of dead people. Having planted seeds of doubt about the reliability of the American electoral process because Trump lost in 2020, the GOP now hopes to harvest chaos in 2022. The only way that scenario changes is if a Republican wins. Then the race will be deemed legitimate, and Democrats will cry foul. As a result, this country faces a scenario in which judges, not voters, determine who runs the nation. Legitimately tight elections will become flash points of cheating allegations and criminal accusations rather than what they actually are: hotly contested referenda on public policies. When this happens, the idea of pluralism and the need for both sides to compromise in the interest of moving the country forward disappears. A 55% to 45% victory never constituted a mandate except in the minds of politicians. We believe the best examples of democracy feature a vigorous examination of law and behavior in close elections. No candidate should be forced to give up until they have availed themselves of the legal mechanisms available to them. But at some point there needs to be closure. Trust erodes when losers steadfastly refuse to accept defeat, no matter how much proof exists that they were defeated. Gridlock ensues. A threat of such gridlock swells like a tsunami in 2022. If this tidal wave hits, it could wash away democracy as we know it. TUESDAY, NOV. 8 WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9 THURSDAY, NOV. 10 Willamette Valley Concert Band Veterans Day concert, 7 p.m., Lebanon High School, 1700 S. Fifth St. The 90-minute program is free and open to the public; donations will be accepted. The money will be used to defray costs of presenting the program, and a portion will go to the high schools music program. The band will present a wide selection of music appropriate for marking the annual Veterans Day commemoration. The Lebanon High School Choir, directed by Eric Zittel, will join the band and sing The Star-Spangled Banner, Our America and Pride of America: Armed Forces, featuring the official songs of the U.S. Armed Forces. The choir will also sing Irving Berlins America, incorporating patriotic songs written by Berlin, accompanied by the band. Other selections will include An American Spectacular, a medley of American patriotic songs from the time of the American Revolutionary War through World War II; Band of Brothers, featuring music from the soundtrack of the TV miniseries Band of Brothers, directed by Steven Spielberg and featuring Tom Hanks, plus traditional marches Americans We by Henry Fillmore and The Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa, among other pieces. The band, a community ensemble based in Albany, was formed in 1970. Its membership includes some 50 musicians ranging from teens to senior citizens from Benton, Linn, Marion and Polk counties. The band director and assistant director are, respectively, John Russell, a professional trombonist who has recently moved to Oregon, and Julie Buchert, a longtime band member and retired middle school band and choir director. The program announcer will be Terry Deacon, a Lebanon resident and Vietnam veteran who was a Gunners Mate aboard a fleet oiler in the Tonkin Gulf. The concert is part of the Linn County Veterans Day Celebration. Information: www.wvcband.org or Facebook. Recent days have brought some cause for celebration for Mexican telecommunication company Altan Redes as it finally emerged from bankruptcy. Altan Redes has since 2016 been developing the so-called Red Compartida (shared network), part of a sector reform aimed at curbing the market dominance of America Movil and improving low levels of penetration and coverage. As regular readers will know, Altan Redes filed for bankruptcy in July 2021 aiming to use protection under Mexican law to renegotiate its debts. In June this year the government signed an agreement to become the majority stakeholder in Altan Redes. It also agreed to bail it out. Now the company has emerged from bankruptcy with this government assistance, according to a statement published by the firm on Thursday. The First District Court for Bankruptcy Matters in Mexico City apparently agreed on 28 October to approve the bankruptcy agreement as an enforceable judgment. The courts decision was published late last week. The court also mentioned that the agreement was approved by 94% of the creditors. The conclusion of the commercial bankruptcy process means that investment in Red Compartida can go ahead, bringing some continuity to the business and holding out the opportunity for future revenue generation. Currently, Altan Redes says it offers the widest national coverage, both directly, through its own 4.5G infrastructure, to more than 70.73% of the population, and indirectly, through associations with other operators. to all of Mexico. It can boast a number of partnerships already, though they are not necessarily exclusive. For example, carrier-as-a-service platform Oxio recently announced a connectivity agreement with Telcel to add to its agreement with Altan Redes. Hong Kong: Comirnaty bivalent jab use supported Experts today issued their recommendations on the authorisation application for the Comirnaty bivalent vaccine. In accordance with the Prevention & Control of Disease (Use of Vaccines) Regulation, Fosun Pharma submitted to the Secretary for Health an application for the authorisation of Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5 bivalent vaccine by Fosun Pharma for emergency use. It also submitted the overseas authorisation obtained, and information related to the safety, efficacy and quality of the vaccine. At a meeting today, the Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines examined the information and reports submitted by Fosun Pharma. The advisory panel considered that, under the current epidemic situation, the benefits of authorising the use of the Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5 bivalent vaccine as a booster for protecting against COVID-19 outweigh the risks. To ensure that the relevant vaccine continues to fulfil the requirements of safety, efficacy and quality, the advisory panel suggested adding conditions to require the applicant to continue providing the latest clinical data, safety update reports, and quality certification documents by the drug manufacturer for each batch of vaccines. The advisory panel will submit the advice to the Secretary for Health for consideration. The Government welcomed the submission of recommendation by the advisory panel on the authorisation application for the vaccine. The Secretary for Health will consider the relevant recommendation and come to a decision on the authorisation of the vaccine for emergency use as soon as possible, it added. The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging & Zoonotic Diseases, joined by the Chief Executive's expert advisory panel had earlier recommended that the Comirnaty Omicron BA.4-5 bivalent vaccine can be used as an alternative to the fourth dose of the current ancestral strain vaccines for eligible people aged 12 years or above following the current vaccination schedule. This story has been published on: 2022-11-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Pan-African data centre developer and operator the Raxio Group has held a ground-breaking ceremony marking the start of construction of its fifth and Cote dIvoires first Tier III carrier-neutral colocation data centre. The event, at the Village of Innovation and Technology (VITIB), a special economic zone in Grand-Bassam approximately 30 kilometres from the city centre of Abidjan, was attended by members of government, Raxio executives, partners, customers, and representatives from the media. It marks the first of multiple phases of construction, leading to a ready-for-service date of the second half of 2023. This facility, plans for which we reported in October 2021, marks the Groups anticipated entry into West Africa, in an area that is a regional hub for the West African Economic Monetary and Economic Union (WAEMU), which includes Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. Raxio says the Cote dIvoire facility is strategically located to serve this economic bloc, with regulation allowing storage and movement of data by banks and other financial institutions within the territory. Raxio adds that digital transformation in Cote dIvoire has accelerated in recent years and digital infrastructure like the new facility is needed to support this. Raxio Abidjan will scale as customer needs grow, with capacity to accommodate approximately 800 racks and deliver 3MW of IT power. Its size will meet local needs and be able to scale further to capture future demand. It will be fully furnished with technology solutions that not only ensure full redundancy and maximized uptime, but also optimize power consumption and energy efficiency. Raxio says it has assembled experienced technical partners specializing in design, engineering, and construction to complement its internal team. The Jackson County Sheriffs Office issued the press release Sunday regarding the alleged kidnapping of a minor on Saturday, Nov. 5, and the arrest of two people in connection with the incident. On Saturday, Nov. 5, around 6:15 a.m., deputies responded to a call regarding a possible kidnapping/abduction, the release states. Upon arrival, deputies found a minor with her hands bound behind her back. After further investigation, it was determined that the minor was picked up by Coby Jerome Jordan on Friday evening. Later, they met up with two other females, one being Molly Michele Jarrett, the release continues. Around 1 a.m. Saturday, the victim was taken to an abandoned building, where Jordan beat her and bound her hands and feet. A short time later, the victim was dropped off and left alone under a tree, where she eventually escaped, the release states. Jordan was arrested and is being charged with Robbery, False Imprisonment, Tampering with a Victim and Battery. Jarrett is being charged with Principal in the First Degree to Robbery, Principal in the First Degree to False Imprisonment, Principal in the First Degree to Tampering with a Victim and Principal in the First Degree to Battery, it continues. Sheriff (Donald) Edenfield thanks Sheriff Valenza and the Houston County Sheriffs Office for their assistance on this case. He is also proud of his deputies for their quick work in catching these suspects and bringing them to justice, the release concludes. Five foreigners in road crash out of danger Foreign victims in a road accident in northern Hoa Binh Province receive treatment at Mai Chau District Hospital, November 2022. Photo courtesy of the hospital Five foreigners reported critically injured in a road accident in northern Hoa Binh Province last Friday are out of danger and in stable condition, doctors say. The foreigners who had sustained significant injuries including shattered forearm bones, broken cervical vertebrae, broken pelvis and broken ribs are no longer in critical condition, Dr Luong Thuy Hoa, deputy director of the province's Mai Chau District Hospital, said Monday. The crash left 20 people injured - 15 foreigners and two Vietnamese who were in a bus and three people on the car. The injured were rushed to hospitals in Hoa Binh and Hanoi. The others, who had sustained minor injuries such as skin abrasions, have received due treatment and medicines. Hoa said it was the highest number of injured people the hospital has received at the same time, so they had to push employees into service. The staff faced many challenges including language barriers, because the majority of the patients were foreigners from various countries including France, Italy, Laos, the Philippines, and Ukraine. The accident happened on National Highway 6 as bus carrying 42 foreigners and two Vietnamese crashed into a seven-seat car and a motorbike before flipping at around 6 p.m. All three vehicles were damaged and accident debris was scattered across a road area. Police and local residents had to break the bus's windows to rescue the passengers one by one. Initial investigations indicate that the bus driver had failed to slow down when driving down a slope and turning. A street near Hanoi's Noi Bai airport is covered in smoke as farmers burn straw and stubble in a rice field nearby, October 31, 2022. Photo by vnExpress/Ngoc Thanh "Unhealthy" air pollution levels were recorded in Hanoi on Monday and will continue over the next several days, driven by emissions, agriculture and industrial practices. The air quality index (AQI) in Hanoi stayed at an average level of 154 on Monday, according to the Switzerland-based air quality monitoring facility, IQAir AirVisual. An AQI reading of above 100 is considered unhealthy for humans as it could cause respiratory diseases like pneumonia, bronchitis, and respiratory failure, especially among young children and the elderly. On the three days of Nov. 4, 5 and 6, the index measured 157, 155 and 161 in the capital. On Monday, Hanoi's neighbor Thai Nguyen Province is the most polluted locality in Vietnam, with an AQI of 176, followed by the capital and Ho Chi Minh City with an index of 137. The air quality for both Hanoi and Thai Nguyen is expected to remain at "unhealthy" levels on Tuesday and Wednesday. As recommended by AirVisual, people living in areas with "unhealthy" air quality should wear masks outdoors and avoid outdoor exercise. Vietnamese environment monitoring app PAM Air also measured the AQI of Hanoi at hazardous levels, ranging between 150 to over 200 in different areas on Monday. AirViusal said the main pollutant in Hanoi is fine dust PM2.5. It said the city's PM 2.5 concentration as measured on Monday stood at 60.4g/m, which is 12.1 times the air quality guideline value recommended by the World Health Organization. PM2.5 is defined as ambient airborne particulate that measures up to 2.5 microns in size, just a fraction of the width of a human hair. Their microscopic size allows these particles to be absorbed deep into the bloodstream upon inhalation, potentially causing health effects like asthma, lung cancer, and heart disease. Exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to negative health effects like cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and premature mortality. Hoang Duong Tung, chairman of Vietnam Clean Air Network, said the practice of rice field burning after harvest season in Hanoi is the main driver worsening air pollution in the capital. Among other reasons for the situation is vehicle emissions, construction activities, and operation of industrial areas, he said. A study published last year said life expectancy among Hanoians is reduced by 2.49 years on average due to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). "Research on the impact of air pollution caused by PM2.5 dust on public health in Hanoi in 2019" by the Hanoi-based non-profit organization Live and Learn for Environment and Community (Live&Learn), Hanoi University of Public Health (HUPH), and Vietnam National University's University of Engineering and Technology is the first study to use data provided by local authorities to evaluate the burden of disease caused by impacts of PM2.5 dust pollution on public health in Hanoi. The study said the number of premature deaths due to exposure to PM2.5 dust hit 2,855 cases, equivalent to about 35.5 premature deaths per 100,000 people while the life expectancy lost from exposure to PM2.5 dust totaled 908 days, or 2.49 years for Hanoians. Three months ago, the tenants of Tran Ngan's apartment block in HCMC's Thu Duc City met to discuss whether dog and cat ownership should be allowed. Results show that 76% of tenants agreed to keeping dogs and cats according to rules set by the property management board. For example, each home can only have two pets maximum, pets must wear collars with name tags and use a muzzle when going outside, and owners must deposit VND5 million ($201.09) per each pet, which will be deducted for each violation. "This is the solution we came up with after hearing the residents argue over and over again. When this subject was brought up in the apartment complex's social networking group, dwellers got into heated debates and even said negative things about each other," said a member of the management board. Tran Ngan and her corgi are living in an apartment complex in HCMC's Thu Duc City. Photo courtesy of Ngan Ngan said most dogs with short noses already have trouble breathing with the muzzle on. It's even harder for her dog since its nose is longer than others. "Putting a muzzle on is the same as torturing them." Unlike Ngan, Ngo Tinh is glad and says that these rules should have been put in place sooner. Tinhs neighbor has a dog. He and his wife had a hard time getting their baby to sleep since the dog would bark it awake. The 38-year-old was also worried that his child would get bitten and get rabies if no one was around and the dog had no muzzle on. The argument about keeping cats and dogs in Ngan's neighborhood is something that happens a lot in big urban apartment complexes. A VnExpress study of about 30 people who live in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City apartments found that 90% said that even though there are rules banning dogs and cats , people still keep them. This recurring concern has caused tensions between many animal lovers, dwellers and building management boards. Dr. Truong Hoang Truong, dean of the Department of Urban Studies at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in HCMC, says that the disagreement about keeping dogs and cats in flats is small compared to other problems that people living in apartments face. But if the management board doesn't handle this concern well, it could turn into a big problem. He says that these problems are caused by irresponsible pet owners not being aware of how their actions affect other people. The member of Ngan's apartment management board who agreed with this idea also said that not all homes know how to keep common areas clean when raising pets. Dog and cat excreta are often left in elevators and on the community campus, which bothers other people who live there. Even though it is not their job, the apartment manager and security guard have to clean up pet excreta. Huynh Huu Phuong, a member of the management board of an apartment building in Nha Be District, said: "Having a pet in an apartment is annoying because of the smell, the barking, the risk of disease, and the fact that some big dogs are dangerous." Aside from the story of consciousness, Truong says that there isn't much public space in Vietnam and that there are a lot of people living in apartment buildings. Few investors pay attention to how space is set up for dogs and cats, so owners often take their pets to the street early in the morning or late in the afternoon to go to the bathroom, or they walk to the park. "Sometimes neighbors like pets, but they won't be happy if they have an effect on the environment," he said. A member of the management board of the building where Ngan lives said that the investor did not build any public space or infrastructure for pet households. "Because there weren't any restrictions put in place in the beginning, pet owners are feeling angry now that they are suddenly being told what they can and can't do," this person said. Truong doesn't think it's a good idea to raise dogs and cats in apartment complexes because it affects the overall cleanliness of the building, where people of all ages live together. Pets that are left unattended can spread disease, bite people if they are not muzzled, and make people feel uncomfortable, especially families with young children. VnExpress polled 400 people and found that 63% agreed with Truong that pets should not be allowed in flats. Only 2% think it's important to let pets live in apartments because it's a personal right while 35% think it's fine to have pets, but they must not hurt other people. Truong said that if pets are allowed, the flats must have a safe management plan and a place for dogs and cats to hang out where they can go to the toilet. Apartment management boards should put limits on where pets can go so they don't hurt the environment or put people in danger. Of course, most tenants must agree with these rules. A man walks his dog in Hang Dau Park, Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy The management board member where Ngan lives suggested that there should be rules about how to keep dogs and cats. He thinks that people would be upset at first, but once they got used to it, they would find it effective and efficient. As for Phuong in Nha Be District, he says that after the heated debate at the apartment complex, the management board will meet and vote on whether residents can have dogs, etc. "One of my neighbors told me that she's old and she only has a dog as a friend. So, she would be sad if she couldnt keep her dog,'" he said. If 51% of homeowners agree to letting dogs and cats live there, Phuong and the management board would come up with the appropriate rules to keep everyone happy and safe. Ngan and her husband will also move out of their current apartment because they don't like the rules that people with pets have to follow. "I left the previous apartment that I bought a year ago to rent here because I was allowed to keep pets, but that comfort is gone now," she lamented. In 2017, reports emerged of severe restrictions on the freedoms of religion or belief, movement, association and expression in Xinjiang, China, according to the United Nations. These reports were later corroborated by numerous open-source reports, including testimony from victims and their families. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights conducted its own investigation and issued a report in late August, which concluded that The extent of arbitrary and discriminatory detention of members of the Uighur and predominantly Muslim groups... may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity and notes that serious human rights violations have been committed in Xinjiang through the use of severe and undue restrictions. Other predominantly Muslim groups in Xinjiang include Hui, and ethnic Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Mongol, and Tajik peoples. On October 26, a side event at the United Nations discussed the current human rights situation of these minority groups in Xinjiang. The long-awaited United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights report on Xinjiang laid out the [Peoples Republic of Chinas] human rights violations in horrifying detail, said U.S. Representative to the United Nations Linda Thomas Greenfield. Forced confessions and stringent sentences for baseless charges; discriminatory detainment based on ethnic, religious, cultural identity and expression; cruel, inhumane, degrading punishment. These and other findings leave no room for doubt, said Ambassador Thomas Greenfield. The PRC has committed gross violations of human rights. Their actions are, without question, crimes against humanity. The question before us is how will we respond? The United States will continue to shine a light on the PRCs genocide and crimes against humanity, against Uighurs and members of other religious and ethnic minority groups in Xinjiang. We will continue to push the PRC to fully implement the UN High Commissioners recommendations. And we will continue to stand with Uighurs and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups, and hold perpetrators accountable." On October 31, 50 countries signed a joint statement at the UN General Assembly expressing grave concern about the human rights situation in the Peoples Republic of China, especially the ongoing human violations of Uighurs and other predominantly Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang and urged the PRC to promptly release those arbitrarily detained and clarify the fate and whereabouts of those missing. No country is immune from scrutiny of its abuses against its own citizens. SPRING CREEK Sage Elementary students rocked their way through the school day at Rock Your School on Oct. 21. Classrooms were transformed into various settings, including campgrounds, Jurassic Park, pirate ships and more for the day that incorporated learning with a theme. Its a whole school movement where we come together and do something different that the kids dont expect, to see what learning is like, said Principal Jessica Harris. Harris explained Rock Your School was designed to heighten student engagement within a fun setting. Everything the kids are learning is centered on the theme the teacher is doing, Harris said. The purpose is that you have every kid engaged when you do something like this. If its just a regular, old school day, the kids that arent into school and dont love learning, are less in tune to what the teacher is doing and less likely to learn, she continued. But when you ramp up the environment, the kids are 100% engaged in the learning. The day began with rock music, a bubble machine and introduction by Harris. Lunch included a placemat coloring activity. Today your teachers are going to have a lot of fun teaching you, and youre going to have a lot of fun learning, she told them. Students in one fourth-grade class had their room transformed into a campground with camp-themed lessons applied. Some classrooms were themed Scooby Doo, pirates took over the first grade classes, and Kindergarten classes had oceans, Hawaiian luaus and Pete the Cat. They got to choose the transformation and the content they chose should be super-rich, Harris explained. Harris said her goal in education is to bring a love of learning to the students, and they learn forever and ever. I want to instill that and it starts here, she continued. If kids come to school and they see that learning can be fun and they learn, then my goal has been accomplished. Rock Your School is a day for kids to see what learning can be like and for teachers to have fun teaching, she said. LAS VEGAS Two Elko residents have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan for conspiring to paint graffiti at the sacred White River Narrows site in Lincoln County. White River Narrows is known for its prehistoric petroglyphs dating over one hundred years old, and is a sacred site for the Paiute and Shoshone tribes. According to court documents, from Sept. 14, 2019, to Oct. 8, 2019, Jonathan Pavon, aka Cluer, 28, conspired with Daniel Plata, aka Velor, 28, to spray paint Cluer and Velor in multiple locations at White River Narrows, including an approximately 20-foot-long graffiti image on a rock face containing petroglyphs. Pavon pleaded guilty in June 2022 to misdemeanor conspiracy and a felony violation of the Archeological Resources Protection Act. He was sentenced Nov. 4 to six months for the misdemeanor conviction, and a year and a day of imprisonment for the felony conviction. The sentences will be served concurrently. Plata pleaded guilty in July 2022 to a misdemeanor damage of archeological resources. He was sentenced to four months of imprisonment followed by eight months of home confinement. No restitution or repair can undo the damage done by those who would vandalize such a sacred and historical site as White River Narrows, but this ruling demonstrates that such crimes will not be met with a slap on the wrist, said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. Our Office will continue to work to ensure that anyone who desecrates sacred tribal lands and artifacts are held accountable. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Land Management and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Nevada. To report natural resources crimes on BLM-managed public lands, please call the BLM tip line at 833-660-5771 or email TRFOtipline@blm.gov. President highlights China's readiness to share development opportunities The speech delivered by President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the fifth China International Import Expo strongly expressed the nation's unwavering pledge to further expand its opening-up and its sincerity to share development opportunities with the rest of the world, a top publicity official said. China stands ready to strengthen communication with various countries and jointly enrich the paths toward modernization, said Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, at a sub-forum of the fifth Hongqiao International Economic Forum on Saturday. China will firmly improve people's well-being, promote high-quality development, advance high-standard opening-up, take the path of peaceful development, and inject more vitality into common development of all countries, Li said at the sub-forum on new prospects for China and new opportunities for the world. More than 200 Chinese and foreign representatives from nearly 60 countries and regions attended the sub-forum online and offline. Djoomart Otorbaev, former prime minister of Kyrgyzstan, said the 20th CPC National Congress gave concrete directions for China's new development paradigm for the coming five years and the strategic development of the country for the near future. "What we know is that China intends to increase significantly research and development spending between now and the near future with a focus on cutting-edge technologies," Otorbaev said. "Central Asian populations are highly educated, and we, together with China, in this digital age, want to be involved in high technology research and development," he said. The 20th CPC National Congress made clear that China puts economic development as a top priority, said Zhu Min, vice-chairman of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges. China is moving away from the model of growth driven by traditional investments, the real estate sector and exports, to a new growth model, which focuses more on the digital economy, carbon neutrality and domestic consumption, Zhu said. If China pushes forward on digitalization, State-owned enterprise reforms, urbanization and further opening-up, particularly in the services sector, the country will still have potential GDP growth of around 5.5 to 6.5 percent, he said. "When China has strong growth, it will create huge markets and opportunities for the whole world," he said. Bert Hofman, former World Bank country director for China and director of the East Asian Institute at National University of Singapore, said, "The new development philosophy is China's way to promote development in a balanced and environmentally sound manner that benefits all." If well designed, China's goal to achieve common prosperity, a plank of the new development philosophy, can lead to a more balanced growth and more consumption-driven demands, and create more import demand. It would provide more opportunities for partners in China's trade, Hofman said. Illustrative image (Photo: baochinhphu.vn) Accordingly, 14 types of key fruit trees have been chosen for intense cultivation. These include dragon fruit, mango, banana, lychee, longan fruit, orange, pomelo, pineapple, rambutan, durian, jackfruit, passion fruit, avocado and custard apple. By 2025, the total fruit farming area nationwide will reach 1.2 million ha with an output of 14 million tonnes. Of which, the 14 kinds of fruits will be grown on 960,000 ha with an output of around 11-12 million tonnes. By 2030, the country will have 1.3 million ha for fruit cultivation which will yield more than 16 million tonnes. There will be 1 million ha for growing the above fruits with some 13-14 million tonnes. Vietnamese durians are exported to China (Photo: VNA) The MARD assigned the Plant Protection Department to work with localities to control fruit diseases, and instruct growers to build farming area codes. This helps to provide trace origin codes for products, making it easier to expand exports. This is especially important for markets in Japan, the US, Canada, the Republic of Korea, Russia, ASEAN, EU, Middle East and North Africa, apart from the traditional market of China. The General Department of Customs reported that in eight months of this year, dragon fruit was the top currency earner among other fruits with nearly 463 million USD, followed by banana with 237 million USD and durian 158 million USD. Dung Quat Oil Refinery reports VND13 trillion profit after 9 months Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical JSc (BSR) that owns Dung Quat Oil Refinery made a profit after tax of VND12,899 billion, more than 3 times higher than the same period in 2021, reported VOV News. Dung Quat OIl Refinery meets approximately one third of the country's demand for petroleum products. (Photo: BRS) The company earned revenue of VND126,720 billion, up 90% over the same period last year, BSR said in its financial report for the third quarter. Its total sales volume reached more than 5 million tonnes of products of all kinds, meeting 106% of the nine-month plan and 78% of the yearly plan. The past 10 months saw the company sell nearly 6.6 million m3 of petroleum, an increase of more than 450,000 m3 compared to its commitment. Inventories of Dung Quat Oil Refinery are often maintained at low levels. As of November 5, the oil refinery increased its operation capacity to 112% to help ease pressure on domestic petroleum supply. Dung Quat Oil Refinery has a refining capacity of 148,000 barrels per day (6.5 million tonnes crude oil annually) and can process 67 types of crude oil from various parts of the world. Its major products include Mogas A92/A95 and E5/10, jet fuels, kerosene, diesel, fuel oil, and liquefied petroleum gas. Nestle, Vietnam Womens Union partner to empower women At the signing ceremony (Photo: tienphong.vn) Based on the fruitful results of their cooperation in past years, the Vietnam Women's Union and Nestle Vietnam signed a strategic cooperation agreement for the period of 2022 - 2027 to continue to implement a nationwide programme named "Nestle accompanies women" in Hanoi on November 4, reported Vietnam News Agency. The partnership aims to promote gender equality and womens empowerment, contributing to supporting womens comprehensive development, especially those in rural areas. The content of cooperation focuses on three key areas, including improving the competency of women and Womens Union staff at all levels; assisting women in building a family with a safe house, a sustainable livelihood, good health, knowledge, and meeting certain sanitation criteria; and carrying out charity and social security activities. The close cooperation between the union and Nestle in the 2020-2022 period delivered many positive outcomes in empowering women and contributing to gender equality. As of October 2022, a total of 20 provinces and cities across the country have coordinated to implement the "Nestle accompanies women" programme, providing training on nutrition and on building a happy and healthy lifestyle to 8,000 women, helping 1.2 million households to access knowledge about nutrition and assisting 3,000 members in starting and retaining a business. These achievements are setting a firm foundation upon which the cooperative relationship between the two sides can be further promoted in the next five years. Ton Ngo Hanh, vice president of Vietnam Womens Union, said in order to promote the results achieved in the past period, the Vietnam Women's Union and Nestle Vietnam agreed to continue implementing the Nestle accompanies women" programme. I believe that the strategic cooperation between the two sides will contribute to empower women and improve the professionalism and the effectiveness of the organisation," Hanh said. From the very first days of our presence in Vietnam, in parallel with promoting sustainable development, women's empowerment and gender equality is one of Nestle's top priorities, Binu Jacob, managing director of Nestle Vietnam, said. The strategic cooperation agreement with the Vietnam Women's Union for the next five years once again affirms Nestle Vietnam's long-term commitment in joining hands to promote gender equality and empower women, and take care of health, nutrition, and safety for women and children in Vietnam. Tien Giang pushes granting of planting area codes to boost fruit export The Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang is working to accelerate the granting of planting area codes to more than 80,000 hectares of fruit trees which yield over 1.5 million tonnes of fruits each year, reported Vietnam News Agency. Vietnamese dragon fruit sold in th UK (Photo: VNA) The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reported that as of October 26, 187 codes had been granted to 17,396 hectares of fruit trees in Tien Giang. Of them, 95 codes are designated for 16,305 hectares of jackfruit, dragon fruit, mango, watermelon, rambutan, longan and durian that are eligible for export to China. The others are given to areas of dragon fruit, mango, rambuatan, longan and star apple to serve export to the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), Australia and New Zealand. Nguyen Van Man, Director of the Department, noted that his agency will continue to maintain and expand the area that receives codes, while stepping up the transfer of advanced farming techniques to farmers. The department will also coordinate with competent agencies and localities to expand safe durian production, meeting VietGAP standards, and intensify communication work to raise public awareness on plant quarantine for durian export to China./. At the MoU signing ceremony (Photo: NDO) The 7-article MoU confirmed the two localities determination to continue to closely cooperate to ensure security, social order and safety in each province, contribute to the construction of the Vietnam-Laos border line crossing the two provinces, for peace, stability, cooperation and comprehensive development; strengthen the expansion and diversification of trade and investment promotion activities, and encourage provincial investors to seek investment opportunities and deploy projects in the two provinces. Kon Tum province will offer 10 scholarships for officials and students of Sekong province to study at training institutions in Kon Tum under the University Program for the period 2024-2029. Meanwhile, Sekong province will provide 2 scholarships to study Lao language for the period 2024-2025 for officials and students of Kon Tum province under the short-term training program; promoting the organization of connecting tours and tourist routes to exploit tourism potential on the East-West Economic Corridor. Previously, in April 2018, these two provinces also signed an official memorandum of understanding to establish a cooperative relationship for socio-economic development. On the basis, the two sides have actively implemented cooperation and achieved positive results, making an important contribution to socio-economic development, bringing practical benefits to the people of each province. Prominently is the in-depth political and diplomatic cooperation, which plays a pivotal and directional role in the relationship between the two provinces. Coordination in management and protection of border security has been strengthened, while the agreement between the Governments of Vietnam and Laos on the settlement of the issue of free migrants and unmarried people in the Vietnam-Laos border area has been completed. In addition, cooperation in economic-commercial development, health care, education-training, and twinning between the two sides of the border has been strengthened, contributing to the emotional connection between the two provinces. Specifically, Kon Tum supported the training of 20 international students in Sekong province, and sent 3 teachers to teach Vietnamese to provincial officials and civil servants. Sekong province supported and coordinated the search, gathering and repatriation of the remains of 10 Vietnamese volunteers and experts who died in wars in Laos./. Vietnamese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dang Xuan Dung (first on the left) introduces Vietnamese products at Lulu Supermarket in the Middle East country. (Photo: VNA) The embassy has also connected businesses of the two countries to know each others demands. Samples have been displayed in seven out of the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia, namely Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Tabuk, Al Jouf, Al Kharj, Qassim. According to the ambassador, to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese aquatic products to access the Saudi Arabian market, the embassy has actively lobbied the Saudi Food and Drug Administration to lift the ban on the import of this type of product. As a result, 38 Vietnamese aquatic enterprises have been licensed to export to Saudi Arabia since August 2020. The export turnover of Vietnams aquatic products to the Middle East country in the first nine months of this year increased by more than 200% compared to the same period last year. The embassy has also proactively updated and provided information to domestic businesses about the economic situation as well as tax and trade policies of the host and the neighbouring countries. Investment forums and seminars have been held in localities, thereby creating favourable conditions for the two countries' business communities to learn about the market as well as explore business cooperation opportunities, he said. The embassy in collaboration with Lulu supermarket chain and embassies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries organised the annual week "Amazing ASEAN: Discover the Flavour of Asia" to popularise food and consumer goods of Vietnam and other ASEAN countries in Saudi Arabia market, Dung said. The ambassador said it is necessary for Vietnam to push up the export of agricultural and aquatic products including rice, cashew nuts, tea, pepper, coffee and canned fish to the Middle East country as many Saudi Arabian enterprises are interested in. In the coming time, the embassy will continue to promote Vietnamese products and strengthen the connection between the business communities of the two countries and encourage potential Saudi Arabian investors to participate in Vietnamese projects, he said./. Illustrative photo (Source: VNA) The second and third places went to ST24 rice of Ho Quang Tri private company, and Loc Troi 28 of Loc Troi group. Thai Binh Seeds A Sao rice also won the top place in the competitions sticky rice category. The second and third prizes were presented to OM38 and RBR78 products of Cuu Long Delta Rice Research Institute and Thai Binh Seed, respectively. The contest was co-organised by the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), the Department of Crop Production under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), and the Nong thon Ngay nay (Agriculture Today) newspaper. It saw the competition of 12 fragrant rice and sticky rice products from 12 renowned players in the sector such as the Loc Troi Group, Thai Binh Seed, the HK Trading Co. Ltd., and the Cuu Long Delta Rice Research Institute. VFA President Nguyen Ngoc Nam said the contest has been held since 2019 to promote and introduce prominent products domestically and to select contestants for international rice contests./. This photo taken on Nov. 2, 2022 shows former Israeli Prime Minister and leader of the Likud party Benjamin Netanyahu (C) at the party headquarters in Jerusalem. (JINI via Xinhua) The victory of the right-wing in the Israeli elections is a result of growing extremism in Israeli society, and will have a negative effect on resolving Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, say Palestinian analysts. RAMALLAH, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian analysts have ruled out any serious or real breakthrough in resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict after former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing bloc secured a clear majority in the parliamentary elections held on Nov. 1. They said in separate interviews with Xinhua that the victory of the right-wing in the Israeli general elections is a result of the growing extremism in Israeli society, and will have a negative effect on resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Israeli soldiers aim their weapons at Palestinian protesters during clashes in the West Bank city of Hebron, on Oct. 25, 2022. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua) On Thursday, the Israeli Central Elections Committee announced in an official statement that the Netanyahu bloc consisting of the Likud and other right-wing and religious parties obtained 64 seats in the 120-seat parliament while the bloc of outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid won 51 seats. Hani Al-Masri, director of the Ramallah-based Palestinian Center for Policy Research and Strategic Studies, warned that the return of Netanyahu's right-wing forces to rule in partnership with "extremist symbols" is "worse than all expectations." "Forming a government by Netanyahu with the participation of religious right-wing parties is dangerous and will lead to the displacement of the Palestinians from inside Israel to the West Bank and from the West Bank to abroad," he said. A Palestinian protester uses a slingshot to hurl a stone at Israeli soldiers during clashes after a protest against the expanding of Jewish settlements in Kufr Qadoom village near the West Bank city of Nablus, on June 10, 2022. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) Al-Masri expected a rise in "Israeli aggression against the Palestinians," including "the Judaization of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque at greater and faster rates and the imposition of Israeli laws on the West Bank." In the first official Palestinian comment on the election results, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye said the Palestinian leadership and people have no illusions that the ballot boxes could produce a partner for peace (with the Palestinians). "The results confirmed what we were certain that we have no partner in Israel for peace amid the aggressive Israeli policies and practices our people are suffering from, which violate all international decisions and laws," he said in a statement on Wednesday. A boy mourns during a funeral of Palestinians killed by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank city of Nablus, on Oct. 28, 2022. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua) Sadeq Al-Shafi'ee, a political analyst from the West Bank city of Ramallah, expected the new Israeli government to "use the most extreme degree of excessive violence to deal with the Palestinians trying to confront occupation." "The Israeli voters' choice of the right is evidence of rejecting any peace agreement with the Palestinians, or negotiation over the establishment of a Palestinian national entity on any part," he explained. Abdulmajid Sweilem, a Ramallah-based political analyst, suggested the Palestinians "get rid of the signed agreements," because "the next Israeli government is not only a non-partner but hostile to peace." "What the elections in Israel resulted in is an opportunity for Fatah Movement led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and (Gaza's ruling movement) Hamas to rise up against reality, end their internal division and make real unity to confront the coming future," Sweilem said. Editor: WXL * China unveiled new ambitions for wetlands conservation during the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14), including incorporating 11 million hectares of wetlands in the national park system. * For many Chinese, wetland is a new concept, but it gets an increasing spotlight as the country is advancing the progress of "ecological civilization." Many Chinese cities have learned to integrate wetland protection into their economic and social development. * Experts say China's progress in wetland conservation against the backdrop of rapid economic expansion and urbanization is a source of inspiration for the rest of the world, especially other developing countries. by Xinhua Writers Yao Yuan, Yu Pei, Yue Wenwan, Wan Pengqi and Tian Zhongquan WUHAN/GENEVA, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- On a mid-lake island in central China's metropolis of Wuhan, over 100 cormorants crowded on 10 fir trees. In a month, they will give a snow-white look to the isle even on a sunny, snowless day. "There are so many migratory birds that their droppings will dye the trees as if covered in snow," said Shi Chenglu, a guide at the East Lake Scenic Area in downtown Wuhan. "Many bird watchers and ordinary residents will come to appreciate the view from the lakeside (without landing on the isle)." Such a sight was unimaginable around the turn of the century when fish in the lake "smelt of kerosene" due to rampant industrial pollution and sewage discharge. But just like other water bodies in the capital city of Hubei Province, the East Lake has benefited from decade-long efforts to restore the wetlands ecology, drawing back both migratory birds and human visitors. "Many new birds are spotted, including greater flamingos that we have never seen before and Dalmatian pelicans that have not visited us for six years," said Wei Bin, vice head of Wuhan's bird-watching society. It testifies to the increasing number of migratory birds at Chenhu Lake, a "wetland of international importance" in Wuhan. As China highlights the harmony between humanity and nature on its path to modernization, many rivers and lakes across the world's most populous nation have received government investments and legislative support that help them regain vitality and even expand in areas. This aerial photo taken on July 19, 2020 shows a view of Buh River wetland at Qinghai Lake in northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Photo by Yang Tao/Xinhua) China, in 1992, became a party to the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental agreement dedicated to the conservation and rational use of wetland ecosystems. Since then, China has established a legal framework for wetlands conservation and issued a series of policies to increase protection. Over the past decade, China has added or restored more than 800,000 hectares of wetlands, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. The country unveiled new ambitions for wetlands conservation during the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14), held in Wuhan and Switzerland's Geneva. Addressing the opening ceremony via video, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China would promote high-quality development in the wetlands conservation cause. China will designate a number of national parks, covering about 10 percent of the country's land area, and incorporate 11 million hectares of wetlands in the national park system. The country will promote international cooperation to protect the four bird migration routes passing China and to build an international mangrove center in Shenzhen, said Xi. Calling for scaling up global action on wetlands conservation, Xi said: "It is important that we advance the global process on wetlands conservation, redouble efforts to preserve authenticity and integrity, include more important wetlands in nature reserves, improve cooperation mechanisms and platforms, and increase the coverage of wetlands of international importance." Local residents enjoy their leisure time at OCT Eco Wetland Park in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Cheng Min) Wetlands include natural and artificial water bodies on land, like rivers, lakes, swamps, rice paddies, as well as some coastal areas. Known as the "kidneys of the Earth" and a reservoir of biodiversity, they can purify water and provide food and shelter to migratory birds. They are among the Earth's top stores of carbon, whose existence contributes to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. For many Chinese, wetland is a relatively new concept. But it gets an increasing spotlight as the country is advancing the progress of "ecological civilization." In 1995, the Chinese government launched a thorough survey of the country's wetland resources, which provided the basis for urgent protection plans. The past decade was characterized by a more comprehensive approach toward wetlands conservation in China. According to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the central government allocated 16.9 billion yuan (about 2.5 billion U.S. dollars) for wetland conservation and undertook over 3,400 protection projects in that period. The country's first specialized law on wetland protection took effect in June. China will continue to attach great importance to wetland protection at the national level and it will filter down to enforcement by local authorities and actions of every citizen, said Wang Xiangchun with the China Urban Construction Design &Research Institute. "This is of particular significance as China's urbanization rate surpasses 60 percent," Wang said. This photo taken on Oct. 31, 2022 shows the view of Qingshan Park in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province. (Xinhua/Cheng Min) INTEGRATING WETLANDS INTO MODERNIZATION Despite the challenges, many Chinese cities have told success stories of integrating wetlands into economic and social development. Wuhan, a megacity of more than 13 million permanent residents, is a prime example. Dubbed "the city of lakes," Wuhan is home to 166 lakes, a remarkable number for a provincial capital in China. But researchers said the city's lake areas had shrunk considerably last century, encroached first by drought and land reclamation for farming and then by real estate development. The trend reversed after the city government passed a slew of legislation and policies to protect wetlands in the 2000s, eventually stabilizing the city's lake area even amid rapid economic growth. Pollution bans and ecological restoration projects restored the water quality. In the 3,367-hectare East Lake, authorities sealed all sewage inlets and planted pollutant-purifying aquatic plants to create 220 hectares of "underwater forest." Boasting clear water and flocks of waterfowl, the lake (also a national wetland park) is now a popular jogging and sightseeing site among residents. "The focus is on restoration, not reconstruction. We tried to reverse the degradation caused by human activities with minimum disruption to the original natural environment. That required a lot of preliminary research," said Chu Yunhong, general manager of Wuhan OCT., Ltd, which conducted the underwater afforestation in parts of the East Lake. Some other Chinese cities developed strategies to coexist with smaller wetlands. In Liangping District of Chongqing in southwest China, farmers grew rice, vegetables, lotus, fish, and shrimps in small and micro wetlands, including the district's many ponds and rice paddies. Organic agriculture in such mini wetlands helped reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides while boosting agricultural output. The scenic views also boosted ecological tourism to raise farmers' incomes. People ride bikes at a wetland park in Liangping District, southwest China's Chongqing, March 13, 2021. (Photo by Liu Hui/Xinhua) Experts say China's progress in wetland conservation against the backdrop of rapid economic expansion and urbanization is a source of inspiration for the rest of the world, especially other developing countries. "As a densely populated country undergoing fast economic development, China has faced many complicated environmental problems and come up with many innovative solutions," said Lei Gang, a senior advisor with the World Wide Fund for Nature. "Other developing countries can learn from China's experience and lessons." Vincent Cohen Barugahare, an official with Uganda's Ministry of Water and Environment, suggested that wetland conservation could be a promising area of cooperation between China and other countries. Barugahare visited wetlands in Qinghai Province, from which China's biggest rivers originate, during a cooperation program on wetlands conservation. He said the Chinese initiative of moving residents out of the conservation areas for better protection also applied in Uganda. "Apart from cooperating in other development areas, like industries, we should cooperate in conservation. I think that's a good direction," Barugahare said at the Geneva session of COP14. Editor: WXL Roger Kornberg, chairman of the World Laureates Association (WLA) and winner of the 2006 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, addresses the opening ceremony of the 5th World Laureates Forum in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 6, 2022. The 5th World Laureates Forum kicked off Sunday in Shanghai, gathering 60 decorated scientists, including 27 Nobel Prize winners, at the two-day event online and offline. (Xinhua) SHANGHAI, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 5th World Laureates Forum kicked off Sunday in Shanghai, gathering 60 decorated scientists, including 27 Nobel Prize winners, at the two-day event online and offline. Themed "Science Forward: Create a Bright Future," the forum would host over 20 activities, focusing on topics such as sustainable development, food security, and gender equality in the scientific field. At the opening ceremony, the World Laureates Association (WLA) Prize was awarded to two scientists. The 2022 WLA Prize in Computer Science or Mathematics went to American computer scientist Michael I. Jordan, and German biochemist Dirk Grlich won the 2022 WLA Prize in Life Science or Medicine. Apart from a medal and certificate, each received a reward of 10 million yuan (about 1.38 million U.S. dollars). Established in Shanghai, the WLA Prize aims to recognize and support eminent researchers and technologists worldwide for their contributions to science. It was the first time the awards took place. Co-organized by the WLA and the China Association for Science and Technology, the forum aims to build a platform for high-level dialogue in the international scientific community. American computer scientist Michael I. Jordan, winner of the 2022 World Laureates Association (WLA) Prize in Computer Science or Mathematics, addresses the opening ceremony at the 5th World Laureates Forum in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 6, 2022. The 5th World Laureates Forum kicked off Sunday in Shanghai, gathering 60 decorated scientists, including 27 Nobel Prize winners, at the two-day event online and offline. (Xinhua) This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2022 shows the scene of the 5th World Laureates Forum in Shanghai, east China. The 5th World Laureates Forum kicked off Sunday in Shanghai, gathering 60 decorated scientists, including 27 Nobel Prize winners, at the two-day event online and offline. (Xinhua) American computer scientist Michael I. Jordan, winner of the 2022 World Laureates Association (WLA) Prize in Computer Science or Mathematics, addresses the awarding ceremony at the 5th World Laureates Forum in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 6, 2022. The 5th World Laureates Forum kicked off Sunday in Shanghai, gathering 60 decorated scientists, including 27 Nobel Prize winners, at the two-day event online and offline. (Xinhua) German biochemist Dirk Gorlich, winner of the 2022 World Laureates Association (WLA) Prize in Life Science or Medicine, addresses the opening ceremony at the 5th World Laureates Forum in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 6, 2022. The 5th World Laureates Forum kicked off Sunday in Shanghai, gathering 60 decorated scientists, including 27 Nobel Prize winners, at the two-day event online and offline. (Xinhua) German biochemist Dirk Gorlich, winner of the 2022 World Laureates Association (WLA) Prize in Life Science or Medicine, addresses the awarding ceremony at the 5th World Laureates Forum in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 6, 2022. The 5th World Laureates Forum kicked off Sunday in Shanghai, gathering 60 decorated scientists, including 27 Nobel Prize winners, at the two-day event online and offline. (Xinhua) Editor: WXL Aircrafts of the Bayi Aerobatic Team conduct training for the upcoming 14th Airshow China in south China's Guangdong Province Nov. 6, 2022. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force will showcase an array of aircraft at the upcoming 14th Airshow China to be held from Nov. 8 to 13 in Zhuhai of Guangdong Province, a PLA Air Force spokesperson said on Sunday. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongjin) GUANGZHOU, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force will showcase an array of aircraft at the upcoming 14th Airshow China to be held from Nov. 8 to 13 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, a PLA Air Force spokesperson said on Sunday. The YU-20 tanker aircraft, the J-16 multirole fighter jet, and the high-altitude long-endurance Attack-2 drone will be among them. They will make their first appearance at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, said Shen Jinke, a PLA Air Force spokesperson. A new-generation equipment of the PLA Air Force, the YU-20 has conducted several aerial refueling exercises for warplanes, including the J-20, the J-16, and the J-10C, displaying the PLA Air Force's long-range maneuvering capabilities, Shen said. The J-20 is China's indigenous fourth-generation medium and long-range fighter jet. It was first publicly displayed at the 11th Airshow China in November 2016. An Attack-2 drone flies during a training for the upcoming 14th Airshow China in south China's Guangdong Province Nov. 5, 2022. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force will showcase an array of aircraft at the upcoming 14th Airshow China to be held from Nov. 8 to 13 in Zhuhai of Guangdong Province, a PLA Air Force spokesperson said on Sunday. (Photo by Yu Hongchun/Xinhua) J-20 stealth fighter jets fly during a training for the upcoming 14th Airshow China in south China's Guangdong Province Nov. 5, 2022. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force will showcase an array of aircraft at the upcoming 14th Airshow China to be held from Nov. 8 to 13 in Zhuhai of Guangdong Province, a PLA Air Force spokesperson said on Sunday. (Photo by Yu Hongchun/Xinhua) A J-16 multirole fighter jet flies during a training for the upcoming 14th Airshow China in south China's Guangdong Province Nov. 5, 2022. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force will showcase an array of aircraft at the upcoming 14th Airshow China to be held from Nov. 8 to 13 in Zhuhai of Guangdong Province, a PLA Air Force spokesperson said on Sunday. (Photo by Yu Hongchun/Xinhua) A J-20 stealth fighter jet flies during a training for the upcoming 14th Airshow China in south China's Guangdong Province Nov. 5, 2022. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force will showcase an array of aircraft at the upcoming 14th Airshow China to be held from Nov. 8 to 13 in Zhuhai of Guangdong Province, a PLA Air Force spokesperson said on Sunday. (Photo by Yu Hongchun/Xinhua) A J-20 stealth fighter jet flies during a training for the upcoming 14th Airshow China in south China's Guangdong Province Nov. 5, 2022. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force will showcase an array of aircraft at the upcoming 14th Airshow China to be held from Nov. 8 to 13 in Zhuhai of Guangdong Province, a PLA Air Force spokesperson said on Sunday. (Photo by Yu Hongchun/Xinhua) A J-20 stealth fighter jet touches down after a training for the upcoming 14th Airshow China in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province Nov. 5, 2022. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force will showcase an array of aircraft at the upcoming 14th Airshow China to be held from Nov. 8 to 13 in Zhuhai of Guangdong Province, a PLA Air Force spokesperson said on Sunday. (Photo by Yu Hongchun/Xinhua) A J-20 stealth fighter jet (front) taxies by a YU-20 tanker aircraft while conducting a training for the upcoming 14th Airshow China in south China's Guangdong Province Nov. 5, 2022. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force will showcase an array of aircraft at the upcoming 14th Airshow China to be held from Nov. 8 to 13 in Zhuhai of Guangdong Province, a PLA Air Force spokesperson said on Sunday. (Photo by Yu Hongchun/Xinhua) A YU-20 tanker aircraft flies during a training for the upcoming 14th Airshow China in south China's Guangdong Province Nov. 5, 2022. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force will showcase an array of aircraft at the upcoming 14th Airshow China to be held from Nov. 8 to 13 in Zhuhai of Guangdong Province, a PLA Air Force spokesperson said on Sunday. (Photo by Yu Hongchun/Xinhua) Aircrafts of the Bayi Aerobatic Team conduct training for the upcoming 14th Airshow China in south China's Guangdong Province Nov. 6, 2022. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force will showcase an array of aircraft at the upcoming 14th Airshow China to be held from Nov. 8 to 13 in Zhuhai of Guangdong Province, a PLA Air Force spokesperson said on Sunday. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongjin) Editor: WXL China's State Council Information Office issued a white paper titled "Jointly Build a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace" on Nov. 7, 2022. The white paper introduced Chinas vision of internet development and governance in the new era and its actions, shares its achievements in promoting the building of a community with a shared future in cyberspace, and outlines the prospects for international cooperation. Here are the highlights. -- It is the responsibility of all of humanity to develop, use, and manage the internet well and make it more beneficial to mankind. -- Hundreds of millions of Chinese people have a greater sense of gain from sharing the achievements of internet development, and have contributed to building a peaceful, secure, open, cooperative and orderly cyberspace. -- General Secretary Xi Jinping has proposed the important concept of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace, and elaborated a series of major principles and proposals for global internet development and governance. -- His (General Secretary Xi Jinping's) proposal conforms to the development trends of the information age and of human society. It responds to the risks and challenges facing cyberspace, demonstrates the CPCs commitment to contributing to human progress and world harmony, and reinforces Chinas sincere desire to strengthen internet development and governance cooperation with other countries. -- In the new era, Chinas international cooperation in cyberspace, under the vision of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace, has continued to achieve new progress, new breakthroughs, and new prospects. Editor: WXY President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky discussed macro-financial assistance to Ukraine for the current and next years with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. "We also stressed the importance of continuing the grain initiative for world food security. Touched upon the issue of strengthening sanctions and opposing the actions of Iran, which supports aggression against our country," Zelensky said on his Telegram channel on Sunday. More than ten countries have already supported the training program for Ukrainian servicemen launched by the UK, British Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Kyiv Melinda Simmons said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine. "The other result which I think is really significant is the number of countries who have supported the training programme. It's up to eight countries at the moment, which is a fantastic alliance from Europe but New Zealand, Australia, the US, and Canada are also all part of it," she said. "Everyone can see the efficacy of it, everyone can see how responsive the Ukrainian troops are, who come and do that training. They soak it up in a way which is really quite inspiring. But also, they can see how quickly they can go through it," the ambassador said. "Training will continue until we reach that goal. And then there is already a conversation about how it can develop, including where else it can take place, and also more sophisticated levels of training. But for nailing that basic training for people who have not had that before, it's really doing a good job," Simmons said. She said 6,000 people have already completed training for the Ukrainian military in the UK. The British Ambassador drew attention to the fact that the United Kingdom is the second largest donor of support for Ukraine after the United States. "We have provided air defence systems about 4 weeks ago. Weve provided more artillery. We are looking all the time to see how existing stock can be adapted so that Ukrainians can use it to defend themselves against the latest wave of attacks. Mr. Wallace is very conscious about what's needed," she said. Simmons said British military assistance to Ukraine is GBP 2.3 billion. "We provided NLAWs right from the beginning, which everyone saw, of course, arriving in Ukraine, and which the Armed Forces use so effectively. Since then we have provided anti-tank weapons etc. We've helped safeguard the Black Sea coast, provided underwater mine detectors etc. So, we just keep going in a way that it's not just about the amount we give, but that what we give continues to be responsive," she said. In addition, Simmons drew attention to the fact that Britain is satisfied with the control it has over the range of assistance it provides to Ukraine. "Yeah, I'm aware of the US concerns. I don't have those concerns. We are happy with the controls that we have over the range of aid that we give. I don't think we need anything else," she said. The diplomat said the British-Ukrainian projects for the construction of warships for the Ukrainian Navy and two bases of the Ukrainian Navy, launched before the full-scale war of Russia, are still under development. "But of course, the bigger priority right now is the work we're doing to help keep the Black Sea open for the Grain Deal and help the Navy to defend itself right now. The provision of the right kit that helps do that is the higher priority. But the deal is still there," Simmons said. There is a close relationship between the need for significant defense reforms and the political decision to join Ukraine in NATO, said British Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons. "I think there's an element of political decision in all of it. There always has been and always will be. I don't think that's discounted. But I also think that there's a close relationship between the need for essential reforms and the political decision because if you don't make progress on those essential reforms, you provide a very convenient reason for those who may be less interested in expanding membership not to continue," Simmons told Interfax-Ukraine. The ambassador said the requirement for the interoperability of the Ukrainian army with NATO armies was met even before the start of a full-scale war, but there is a need for institutional reform of defense mechanisms in Ukraine. "Because it's really clear, and, frankly, the one thing that nobody wanted - this war to happen - has shown how capable the Ukrainian Armed Forces can be of operating with NATO standard equipment. But we actually did know that before the war. I'm sorry to say they had to be tested on it. But we did already know the interoperability was not the issue, in the sense that was already being met. The issue was institutional reform of defence mechanisms, defence procurement, defence human resources, etc., where we all know there's quite a lot of work still to be done," Simmons said. The ambassador said this reform is necessary not only for the issue of Ukraine's accession or non-accession to NATO, it is important in order to have a strong Armed Forces in the future. "Those people don't just need to be paid, they need transparent career opportunities, they need corruption to be weeded out in terms of defence procurement, so they can trust that these things are being procured and tracked in the right way. That makes the institution stronger, which in turn means it can support its army better," she said. Simmons said this work is still ongoing with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. "And I continue to think it is really important work. And my sense from Defence Minister [Oleksiy] Reznikov is that he thinks it's important too. It's just hard to prioritise it right now," she said. The British Ambassador said that NATO is in principle open to countries that can collectively play their role in European security. "I think it's right to have the discussion about security guarantees. I also think it's right that we will all collectively need to work out what that looks like. I can absolutely see why the Ukrainian authorities have done it [applied to join NATO]. I think it's really good to have the conversation about steps towards it. I suspect that the majority of countries are going to continue to want to focus on what they need to do right now," she said. However, Simmons said she felt it was right to have a discussion about security guarantees for Ukraine. According to her, it will be necessary to determine how they will look. "It's really great that the Office of the President has been promoting the conversation about it. I still think we have some way to go in working out what it looks like, whether it is about weaponry and making sure that Ukraine just looks too difficult to invade in the future in terms of its own capability, or whether it needs security guarantees that look political. The formal part of it is still a conversation that we're having. But there's no question that we support the conversation in principle right now," the diplomat said. The Ministry of Defense has formed new supervisory boards of JSC Motor Sich, Zaporizhtransformator (ZTR), AvtoKrAZ, Ukrnafta, and Ukrtatnafta(in the last two cases, jointly with NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy), alienated during martial law into state ownership, Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov says. "General meetings [of shareholders] have taken place. Supervisory boards have been approved, and already in accordance with the laws, corporate governance standards, these supervisory boards will appoint current management, that is, executive heads, and so on, so that the work of enterprises does not stop," he said at a briefing in Kyiv on Monday. Reznikov added that the task is also set to resume the work of those five enterprises that are now suspended. As reported, the National Securities and Stock Market Commission, by a decision of November 6, settled the issue of depository accounting of depositary transactions for the forced alienation of shares in the ownership of the state, the issuers of which are PJSC Ukrnafta, PJSC Ukrtatnafta, JSC Motor Sich, PrJSC AvtoKrAZ and PrJSC Zaporizhtransformator. In addition, on the same day, the National Securities and Stock Market Commission allowed the prompt holding of meetings of joint-stock companies during martial law, if there are no more than five shareholders and if they own 100% of the shares, while until recently it allowed only remote meetings. In Ukrnafta, the controlling stake is owned by NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy, while a minority stake of about 42% belongs to the so-called Privat group of Ihor Kolomoisky and Hennadiy Boholiubov, while in Ukrtatnafta (Kremenchuk Oil Refinery), the situation is reversed. The circulation of all shares of Motor Sich, the largest owner of which is president of the company Viacheslav Bohuslayev who was the recently arrested, has been blocked since April 2018 after the sale of a controlling stake to Chinese Skyrizon and related persons a year earlier. AvtoKrAZ and Zaporizhtransformator, controlled respectively by Kostiantyn Zhevaho and Konstantin Grigorishin, have been in bankruptcy proceedings in recent years. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with American businessman and philanthropist Howard Buffett on Monday in Kyiv. "I thanked for supporting the project to create a kitchen factory, which was launched by First Lady Olena Zelenska. This project is of great importance," he wrote on his Telegram channel. "The possibility of Mr. Buffett's participation in the Ukraine Recovery Fund was also considered," Zelensky said. The President awarded Buffett the Order of Yaroslav the Wise, fifth class, "for supporting the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and a significant contribution to the popularization of the Ukrainian state in the world." Exclusive interview of the British Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons to the Interfax-Ukraine agency Text: Oleksandr Martynenko, Nataliia Pushkaruk Madam Ambassador, Russia has significantly intensified rocket strikes on Ukraine, and its critical infrastructure, ruining our power plants and killing civilians. What can you tell about the participation of the United Kingdom in building a new Ukrainian air defence system? The United Kingdom has been giving military support to Ukraine right from the beginning. Were the second largest donor of support to Ukraine behind the US. Our Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who is still in his job, has done so well. He maintains close contact with the Ukrainian government to hear what they need, because of course, the invasion takes its twists and turns. And then, he is in contact with colleague defence ministers, who set up the Ramstein format. We have provided air defence systems about 4 weeks ago. Weve provided more artillery. We are looking all the time to see how existing stock can be adapted so that Ukrainians can use it to defend themselves against the latest wave of attacks. Mr. Wallace is very conscious about what's needed. We know that British military aid to Ukraine is very significant. What can you tell us about the current amount of military aid Ukraine is getting from Great Britain? Its about 2.3 billion. We provided NLAWs right from the beginning, which everyone saw, of course, arriving in Ukraine, and which the Armed Forces use so effectively. Since then we have provided anti-tank weapons etc. Weve helped safeguard the Black Sea coast, provided underwater mine detectors etc. So, we just keep going in a way that it's not just about the amount we give, but that what we give continues to be responsive. Everybody knows about the military training of Ukrainian soldiers in the UK. What are the real results of this training? Because all we know is that there are 10 thousand soldiers going to be trained. There are two results since we started. One is the numbers of trainees who've been through it. That is the six thousand, so we are making good progress. The other result which I think is really significant is the number of countries who have supported the training programme. Its up to eight countries at the moment, which is a fantastic alliance from Europe but New Zealand, Australia, the US, and Canada are also all part of it. Everyone can see the efficacy of it, everyone can see how responsive the Ukrainian troops are, who come and do that training. They soak it up in a way which is really quite inspiring. But also, they can see how quickly they can go through it. So, that training will continue until we reach that goal. And then there is already a conversation about how it can develop, including where else it can take place, and also more sophisticated levels of training. But for nailing that basic training for people who have not had that before, it's really doing a good job. What response did you get from the Ukrainian side, in particular, what do the Ukrainian military commanders say about that training and its efficacy? Actually, what are the skills that our soldiers gain as a result? It's the basic skills. Because when you're looking at defending your country in wartime, then you're also looking at mobilizing numbers of people who may or may not have served in the recent past. But if they havent or whether or not they have, going back over basics is the difference between being able to survive on the frontline and not. So, you're just talking about being able to perform the basics if you're called up tomorrow. It means the Ukrainian army doesn't have to think about that initial training, you can immediately deploy. And it also prepares the same people psychologically to be ready to deploy. So, it makes a huge difference in terms of the Ukrainian army's readiness. The Ukrainian army needs to arrive, for example, at the frontline during winter with the right kit. We already see that the Russian army is not particularly well supplied over the winter. These may look like small differences compared to air defence systems or drone jammers but they can actually be the difference between being able to succeed or fail in key parts of the country. The training provides a really important bolster. That means that Ukrainian troops deploy in a state of readiness that they may otherwise just struggle to do. As you know, Ukraine has recently applied for NATO membership. How do you assess this step taken by Ukrainian authorities? How important is this initiative? And what are the real perspectives on Ukraine joining NATO? We know that NATO is in principle open to countries that can play their part collectively in European security. I don't think it's any surprise that Ukraine has aspirations to join NATO. But it needs consensus of all participating countries, and all participating countries at the moment are focused on the thing that's right in front of us, which is Ukraine's existential security. I can absolutely see why the Ukrainian authorities have done it. I think it's really good to have the conversation about steps towards it. I suspect that the majority of countries are going to continue to want to focus on what they need to do right now. Two or three years ago, when there were conversations about NATO membership for Ukraine we mostly talked about reforms, for example, in its military system, its democratic system. But now there is a war in Ukraine. Is the main issue in terms of the NATO membership for Ukraine a political one? Or is it the issue of reforms in Ukraine? I think there's an element of political decision in all of it. There always has been and always will be. I don't think that's discounted. But I also think that there's a close relationship between the need for essential reforms and the political decision because if you don't make progress on those essential reforms, you provide a very convenient reason for those who may be less interested in expanding membership not to continue. I have had my fair share of interesting debates with the Ukrainian government at various times about the need to keep their eye on institutional defence reform, not interoperability. Because it's really clear, and, frankly, the one thing that nobody wanted - this war to happen - has shown how capable the Ukrainian Armed Forces can be of operating with NATO standard equipment. But we actually did know that before the war. I'm sorry to say they had to be tested on it. But we did already know the interoperability was not the issue, in the sense that was already being met. The issue was institutional reform of defence mechanisms, defence procurement, defence human resources, etc., where we all know there's quite a lot of work still to be done. I think it can be very hard for anybody who works in defence in Ukraine to be thinking about that kind of thing right now, when your water stations are being bombed by the Russians. It's really hard to think about that as still being important. But it is important. And it's not just important for this question of whether or not you join NATO, it's really important for having a strong Armed Forces going forward. Those people don't just need to be paid, they need transparent career opportunities, they need corruption to be weeded out in terms of defence procurement, so they can trust that these things are being procured and tracked in the right way. That makes the institution stronger, which in turn means it can support its army better. For me, these things are interlinked, and we are continuing this work. I have a reduced team working here on it, obviously, because we have fewer people here for just reasons. But that work is still ongoing with the Ministry of Defence. And I continue to think it is really important work. And my sense from Defence Minister Reznikov is that he thinks it's important too. It's just hard to prioritise it right now. And what do you think about security guarantees for Ukraine before it joins NATO? Do you think this idea can be fulfilled? What is the position of the UK government on it? Did you get an explanation from the Ukrainian authorities on this initiative? I think it's right to have the discussion about security guarantees. I also think it's right that we will all collectively need to work out what that looks like. It's really great that the Office of the President has been promoting the conversation about it. I still think we have some way to go in working out what it looks like, whether it is about weaponry and making sure that Ukraine just looks too difficult to invade in the future in terms of its own capability, or whether it needs security guarantees that look political. The formal part of it is still a conversation that we're having. But there's no question that we support the conversation in principle right now. What is the current state of projects in military cooperation between the UK and Ukraine which started before the beginning of the fully-fledged war by Russia? I mean the construction of warships for the Ukrainian Navy and of two Ukrainian naval bases. Is this work still going on? Those projects are still under development. But what's happened is that we've had to turn our attention to more pressing things. Those of our colleagues who were working on that project are still progressing it commercially, although, of course, its for the Ukrainians to run the commercial process. They're still working alongside. But of course, the bigger priority right now is the work we're doing to help keep the Black Sea open for the Grain Deal and help the Navy to defend itself right now. The provision of the right kit that helps do that is the higher priority. But the deal is still there. What are your expectations from a new UK Prime Minister regarding relations with Ukraine? How does the changed political situation in the UK influence relations with Ukraine, and the amount of aid that we are getting? I can't comment on domestic politics in the UK. I think it's really important to remember that Rishi Sunak was our chancellor all the way through this invasion and before the invasion, and it is the Treasury that led the way in imposing sanctions, its Treasury-led. They work very closely with the Foreign Office on it, but it is their lead, and the UK has sanctioned more individuals and entities than anyone else in the world. We're up to 1200 individuals, about 120 entities. That also includes Iranian individuals and entities associated with the drone programme. So that's the Treasury. I don't think anyone could accuse Rishi Sunak of not prioritising the invasion or not thinking that it's important. He has quite important domestic economic issues that he must pay attention to, which he's doing. But I have no sense that he's taking this invasion any less seriously, than either Liz Truss or Boris Johnson. We know that he called President Zelenskyy on his first day in office, and that was the first foreign leader that he called. That was his own choice to do that. I think it sent a very important message of continuity. I don't have any concern about Rishi Sunaks commitment. I don't think that will change at all in terms of our policy for the future. Can we expect the first visit of the British Prime Minister to Ukraine before the end of the year? Well, I'm not going to comment on timings for a Prime Minister visit for security reasons, frankly. But I imagine that he will want to be ready to come as soon as he's able to do so. What is the dominant attitude in British society to the war started by Russia, providing aid to Ukraine by the UK government and to rising prices? Do British people connect it with sanctions against Russia and providing support to Ukraine? It's a really good question, because I think what's so interesting in the UK is that public support for the defence of Ukraine against this invasion has not changed at all - all year. Regular public opinion polling shows over 70% of the public thinks that the government policy is the right policy. At the same time, people are perfectly capable of worrying about the cost of living and the cost of their energy bills, which are really high in the UK and likely stay that way for some time. Whether they associate that directly with Ukraine and think of it as the fault of the invasion? I can't give you precise figures. I can tell you that Ukraine forms part of the conversation about what needs to be done. But I have no sense at all that people connect the hardship with the invasion. They want something done about it, and they totally get that this is having an impact on it. But nobody thinks this isn't Russia's fault. You're right to suggest, as I think you are, that there will always be a tension in terms of the public support for something happening, and the financial impact across society. Right now, there's no sense that that creates a pressure for the UK to do less, or indeed to try to make Ukraine do something they don't want to do. That's not there at all. But the situation in the UK is different from other countries and in the European Union, isnt it? Yeah, it's different, actually. I'm not sure I can explain it. I've asked my own ministers this question when they travel in actually. I think there are a couple of things, and I can only really talk for my own country. It's absolutely the case that the UK does not like a bully. That might not sound like a policy position. But it's true. There are even ministers in government who say that they're doing this because they do not like a bully. And when they say they don't like, they mean globally they don't like that this is not what one country should be doing to another country, that we all prosper when we observe the rules, that we have set ourselves up for a prosperous and stable existence, and Russia is completely flouting them. That's just a no. And that's a visceral thing about British identity actually that drives an awful lot in public support. Not everybody here is thinking in geopolitical terms about what Russia is doing to Ukraine. So, there is part of that. But there is too this sense that the counterfactual: if you don't give this support, many people understand what that can look like, and that goes well beyond Ukraine. What happens to your neighbours? What happens to Russia's role in Europe? What happens to the proliferation of really dangerous weapons? It's the combination of those. I think the UK has got real clarity on, maybe in terms of its own historical experience of, being alone for a little while. Maybe that's partly what sets it apart. But I think we've just always been clearer-eyed about what Russias invasion in Ukraine represents that keeps us going at the same pace, as we have since we started. What are the perspectives of the expropriation of frozen Russian assets and providing them for Ukraine's reconstruction? I think no one's against the principle that makes obvious sense for reasons of justice. Liz Truss, when she was Foreign Secretary, speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, mentioned that this was something that in an ideal world you wanted to see happen. And it's also the case that we've started our conversations with the Treasury and with the Home Office, about how we can do this, so the desire is there. The problem is that it's such an easy thing to say. It trips off the tongue really easily; it makes emotional sense. Legally, it is really difficult. You've frozen them - that's the easy bit. Then the difficult bit is extracting that in a transparent legal process that you know is going to be disputed by those who think that money is theirs, in a way that could take years. The question is: how can you find a process that doesn't end up with you running court process and court process after process for years? And that is the conversation that we're having with both the Treasury and Home Office. How are the preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference that will take place in Britain in 2023 going? Its quite an early stage, obviously, because it's not till next June. But we have started our conversations with both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here, the Office of the President, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the aligned ministers that will be involved. What we know about the conference, which will be jointly hosted, of course, by the UK and Ukraine, is that the most important thing it needs to do is to keep up the momentum for longer-term support and investment. We're keen that, at that conference, we don't just think about government grants or what the IFIs do. We must also think about how we integrate private sector investment in Ukraine. It brings me back to your reform question earlier on. Businesses, too, will need to know that they're able to do business. One of the interesting longer-term questions about what Ukraine looks like after this invasion is that the country will have all kinds of challenges. But it might also have the opportunity in the sense that you already see quite a few of the sorts of historical, quite Soviet, practices falling away. Partly because Ukraine has just had to be agile, but partly too because in the same way, as I hear fewer people speaking Russian in the street, and far more people speak Ukrainian, I also see evidence that Ukrainians at every level are shedding Soviet ways of doing things, and innovation blossoms as a result. That's going to send a really positive signal to businesses who will absolutely see all this fantastic talent and opportunity, as well as the job that needs to be done to be rebuilt. If the Ukraine recovery conference can help in opening up some of that, I think it could really unleash potential. It's important to have really ambitious aims for the conference. And that's where we're at to try to produce some momentum in the round. You have a lot of meetings with Ukrainian authorities on the issue of recovery. What do you think about the current work of the Ukrainian government in this field? Is it effective? I mean creating of a recovery fund, for example, and other institutional things. I see that we have a lot of problems now with different countries, because we have different sources of financing, and lots of very different structures. Do talk to them about this. The truth is that I'm a little bit more relaxed than it sounds you are about it. For sure, it looks like a bit of a mess. But the truth is that Ukraine's requirements for recovery and reconstruction to keep the economy going, frankly, which is an existential issue, every bit as much as fighting on the battlefield, are so huge that no one single effort is going to be able to deliver on it. It's good that the government has the Ukraine recovery fund. And it has its law that is going through Parliament, and there'll be questions about transparency and governance, and all those questions will be right. But the truth is, not everybody is going to invest in that fund. Actually, some may choose not to: they may choose to go for trust funds in the IFIs, or they may choose to set up their own. I can see the US doing something like that, for example. And there is the question of how the private sector gets involved. The way I prefer to see it is that there will be several initiatives, and some of them are going to tread on each other's toes, and there's going to be a little bit of chaos. But in the end, the job of all of us will be to try to organise this as much as possible. So that what you have is a jigsaw puzzle. I personally think that's the most realistic thing. We can talk Marshall plan, and Marshall plan will be a really great thing when we all are able finally to step back and look at what's happened to this country. But the fact is no one wants to wait for that moment. For now you're going to have several initiatives. And as long as we can more or less organise them, that's great because they will cover different themes over different time periods. Whichever choices we make about how we support Ukraine, we can see how to do that. I don't think [having several initiatives] matters. It matters mostly that the funds are rolling, that we can see where they're going, and that however it is we decide it's best to help, the help gets to where it's needed. When President of Germany Mr. Steinmeier came to Ukraine a few days ago he discussed with the President of Ukraine Mr. Zelenskyy a partnership at a local level, with local authorities. Also, as we know, Denmark closely works with Mykolayv. Is it possible to establish the same ties between Ukrainian and British cities and local authorities? It's perfectly possible. And of course, when Boris Johnson was here, he discussed with President Zelenskyy the idea that the UK would lead on Kyiv Oblast, for example. I can see the merit in doing it, as a way for a city creating a channel for themselves for the projects that they need. In reality, there is a big difference for example, in getting involved in Chernihiv, or Kyiv, or Mykolayv, given the scale of damage there. I think the reality is going to look slightly different. A country can play a role for a city in galvanising support for it. In the case of Kyiv Oblast, they really need to do that, because it includes Kyiv City: it's the most visible. And it can help channel the requests. But the reality is that the UK won't have the comparative advantage for everything that needs to be done in Kyiv Oblast. Some countries are really good at roads, and some are really good at bridges, and some are really good at buildings. And in the end, surely what every mayor or governor wants is to be able to take wherever the best support comes from, where it can come, the most quickly. So, that's another area where I think in the end, you'll find a combination of the two. There will be towns and cities where that bilateral leadership really works. And the way others work, frankly, will all just pile up. For example, Chernihiv is not our lead, but we are doing some work in Chernihiv, because we have a Partnership Fund for a resilient Ukraine that is really, really good at moving very fast to repair partially damaged schools. In partially damaged schools, if you can build those quickly you are doing so much more even than just getting kids back into school. You're also enabling families to function, people to go out to work, and so on. We have an advantage there, we can play a role. Why would you confine that to one oblast? You would go where it's needed. It's just going to be another example of a slightly messy but it's all right, it will work. A combination of leadership of cities, and then plugging yourself wherever you can make the most difference. For example, it would be interesting if Coventry, which was destroyed during World War II, had ties with some Ukrainian cities that were also destroyed in this war. Yes, it would. Those partnerships are growing. They were too, before the invasion, but it was happening at a much slower rate. So that's really galloping. But also twins between educational institutions, between universities, there is a new Universities UK initiative, which I think is brilliant: these two will both bolster partnerships. It comes up thematically underneath the city-to-city partnership. More of those will be really helpful. What is your perspective on the UK terming Russia a country that sponsors terrorism? What are the obstacles, and to your mind what is the significance of it? The question I've always asked all the way through since this began to be a thing is: what happens as a result of doing that? And that varies from country to country, because different countries have different toolkits for addressing terrorism for example. The UK has got pretty robust set of tools for designating terrorists and terrorism, and it most usually finds its way through the sanction system. We've just talked about sanctions, we have a really good and robust sanction system here, which is working well with regards to Russia. Within that terrorist toolkit, we don't actually have one for designating a country as a state sponsor of terrorism; that is something that's under discussion. It's not that we're not saying we'll do it, and it's something that, maybe unlike some other countries, we don't currently provide for. We have to work out how we do that. But actually, we also want to work out whether we want to do it. If we can answer the question, what difference does it make? If it makes no difference at the national level, in other words, all roads just lead you back to sanctions, we already have that covered. So, then the debate, which I think is important that we're having at the moment, is what difference does it make at the international level? And that is an ongoing conversation. With regards to the reforms in Ukraine, Madam Ambassador, what is your assessment of SAP and NABU current activity in circumstances of war? They've never been more important. We've long been huge supporters of NABU investigators and SAP prosecutors. Their job is as important as ever. There is corruption in wartime justice as there is in peacetime, and that needs tackling in wartime just as it does in peacetime. It's dangerous to suspend that kind of work. The thing that concerns me right now about NABU and SAP is that they both have specialists who have gone off to fight. And of course, some of them have lost their lives, which is like all loss of life incredibly sad. This is one of those really difficult moments where I am not going to argue that anyone should not go off and fight. I completely understand the impulse for your country you want to go and defend it. But the truth is the country needs defence in more ways than one. And it's going to be really important that NABU investigators are enabled to do the important work that they do, and that there are enough SAP prosecutors to be able to proceed with the caseload, because it's an important thing in wartime to keep governance strong. I have that concern. But it's not a concern I'm going to be lobbying hard about because I really understand the delicacy of that balance. It's not for me to be telling the country who goes to fight and who doesn't. Its more generally about making sure that the two organisations are properly resourced to be able to do their job. That hasn't changed for me at all. That continues for me to be a really important part of Ukraine's future. What is your opinion on the controls of the international community over the aid that is provided to Ukraine? Are you satisfied with the current situation, and is there a need in more instruments of control? This issue was much discussed during US elections. Yeah, I'm aware of the US concerns. I don't have those concerns. We are happy with the controls that we have over the range of aid that we give. I don't think we need anything else. Are there any plans to evacuate the British Embassy Kyivs staff from Kyiv again? When would it be likely, and under what circumstances? No, there are no plans to evacuate. We're here with security that enables us to be here. I've now been here for months, Im living in this war, just like you're living in this war. It's certainly true to say that the circumstances for taking us out are already different from the circumstances under which we first left back in February. That's not just because we think the threat is less serious: its still serious. We have a better idea now of both Ukrainian capability and also Russias. I would say it's a daily conversation as it must be for any Ukrainian, frankly, to look at the circumstances. But we are prepared to live with quite a lot to do the work that we do. For now, there aren't any plans to leave Kyiv. And I think it's probably quite important for many people that we stay. I went to a Turkish National Day event on Friday, and the Turkish ambassador gave a speech that I was deeply moved by. I've not heard anyone talk this way about diplomats who had elected to stay in Kyiv because, of course, many missions are here, it's not just the UK. He said he was very proud to be among a group of, as he called us, lionhearted diplomats who have shown bravery to stay here and stick with Ukraine. I might just have not thought about it. My eyes are on the work, just like most Ukrainians eyes are on making sure their daily life keeps going. For all of us here, I think in terms of what I have to do, I don't often stand back, look at myself and think: why are you here? But that's what he did. I was really very moved to be in a room of all these other ambassadors and their colleagues, who were still here, sometimes without electricity, and sometimes without water, and sometimes in shelters. We just know that it's important. It's a signal for Ukrainians. Yeah, this is what I am told. I go into shops to buy something and someone gives me my change and says: You're not leaving, are you? So, I know that it's important for many regular Ukrainians and certainly for some countries, in particular. I do notice. It can create a pressure, in the sense that, maybe you can't leave because then it sends a signal. We all have to look after people, and the Foreign Office in the UK has a duty to care for us all [British Nationals]. But we are being very pragmatic about the appetite to be here that I and my colleagues have. And I can tell you that our commitments are pretty strong it turns out we're quite brave. And we're very ready to be here. Some sceptics draw attention to the fact that Ukraine is much smaller in size than Russia, that it has less recourse, and support from Western countries can be reduced as a result of their internal politics. What makes you believe that Ukraine will fully win Russia and will take back its territories? Because Ive watched them. Russia does have more weapons but they havent used them very well. Now, here we are in November, this has been going for longer than six months, and Putin hasnt achieved one of his strategic objectives. He doesn't have Kyiv, he doesn't have Odesa, he hasn't been able to take all of these. Crimea is looking a little bit uncertain; Crimea is actually less certain than it was before this started. None of those sounds to me like a win. Of course, appalling things are still happening and Ukrainians are still losing their lives, and people are without water, and people are without electricity. But none of that actually makes much difference to Putin in terms of what he wants to happen inside Ukraine. Then they tell me that this might be a smaller country. Although I tend to laugh when people who have never been to Ukraine talk about Ukraine being a smaller country. Please, it's the second largest country in Europe, it's enormous! I think there are some people who need a bit of perspective about Ukraine. There is Ukraine relative to Europe - huge. And then there is Ukraine relative to Russia - a smaller country than Russia. But the Ukrainian Armed Forces have shown themselves not just to be determined, not just to be resilient, but also to be incredibly agile. And the Russian Armed Forces are literally the opposite of agile. Ukrainians know their terrain and have made a study of their enemy. Russians know this terrain a lot less well and are refusing to make a study of their enemy. All I'm saying is this is not just a question of size and capability. It's also a question of wile and brains. And then, of course, there is the question for every Ukrainian I ever ask, who say they don't have a choice. Russians have a choice, they can stop tomorrow and go back home. Ukrainians if they stop, that's it, that's the country gone. Some journalists and bloggers compare the situation in Ukraine with the situation in Great Britain during World War II, especially regarding civil population, bombings and so on. Do you see something in common with Ukrainians now and Britons at that time? Actually, I think it goes more widely than that. I can see why Ukrainians compare it to UK experience, the Blitz. I was reading about this in the last week and I'm thinking about it myself. I'm not Ukrainian, I don't get the option to say, you know: How dare you come after my country? It's not my country. I'm being hosted in this country. Still, when there is a hit on Kyiv I'm incredibly angry, I'm much angrier than scared. And of course, the first thought I think is, well, I'm not leaving, keep going with my work. That's been my reaction every single time. When you read not just about the Blitz, but about Dresden, Vietnam, Syriaevery time there is evidence to show that the population gets more stiff-necked, gets more determined to just do what it needs to do. I can't explain the psychology behind it. I can say, though, that it brings me back to maybe Russia should do some studying. Because they're not shifting Ukrainians any more than Hitler shifted Brits. It appears to just make us all more determined to live with what we have. But not just in terms of existence, but in terms of staking our right to be here. In conflict-ravaged nations like Yemen and Somalia, devastating floods and droughts kill hundreds of people and uproot tens of thousands from their homes. Egypts presidency of COP27 submitted on Saturday three draft documents to the countries participating in the conference in order to accelerate the pace of negotiation and reach a unanimous agreement in the final statement of the conference. Ahram Online is providing daily live update coverage of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP27) taking place in the Egyptian Red Sea city of Sharm El-Sheikh from 6-18 November. 21:00 For the first time since the adoption of the UN climate convention, Parties agreed to introduce the loss and damage funding as an agenda item. For the first time since the adoption of the UN climate convention, Parties agreed to introduce #LossAndDamage funding as an agenda item at the climate conference. (1/2) #COP27 pic.twitter.com/Ct8Q6WVnd0 COP27 (@COP27P) November 6, 2022 19:20 In TV remarks, Shoukry urged countries of the world to honour their climate commitments, warning against backsliding on climate action amid economic crises. He stressed that the efforts aiming to end reliance on fossil fuel and expand the use of clean and renewable energy sources have suffered a major setback as a result of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. 18:35 French President Emmanuel Macron and Rishi Sunak will hold their first meeting since the British prime minister took office, talking on the sidelines of the UN climate summit on Monday, Macron's office said Sunday. 17:35 Yeb Sano, Greenpeaces COP27 head of delegation, says: It is a significant moment that loss and damage finance has been agreed as an agenda item for the first time since the most vulnerable countries raised the clarion call decades ago, emphasising that the fight is far from over because the rich countries, who are most responsible, may practice more delay and diversion tactics in the future. Sano called on developing countries to stand firm in their demand that the conference reach a dedicated loss and damage finance facility that defines the collection and distribution of money needed to compensate the worst-hit countries coping with the unavoidable impacts of the climate crisis. Developed countries should act on these demands and make sure fossil fuel polluters are made to pay for the damages they have caused, he said. 17:00 The 57th session of the subsidiary body for scientific and technological Advice (SBSTA) and subsidiary body for implementation (SBI) kicks off with comments from participating delegations on each countrys vision on the implementation stage. 16:20: Egypts Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly inaugurated the Green Zone of COP27, a platform that aims to promote dialogue and awareness through various events in which young people, members of the business community and civil society, academics, and artists will participate. In a presser, Madbouly said the COP27 Green Zone is larger than that of earlier COPs so as to accommodate local and regional organisations. 15:40 Over 41,000 people are participating in COP27, including heads of state and government and media professionals, Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, said in a presser on the sidelines of the event. 14:30 Ethiopias Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrives in Sharm El-Sheikh to take part in the leaders' summit set to be held on Monday and Tuesday, local media reported. 14:00 In a post on his official Facebook page, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi expressed pride and honour over the start of COP27 in Egypt. The president said that the conference is being held at a very sensitive and crucial time when the world is "facing existential and unprecedented crises that impact our planet's survival and [humanitys] ability to live in it." 27 . "#COP27 / Abdelfattah Elsisi (@AlsisiOfficial) November 6, 2022 13:42 The plenary of CMP17 concludes. The next plenary is set to start at 3:00pm. 13:15 The opening plenary of CMP17 kicks off; conference president Shoukry reviews the event agenda. (Check full statements) 13:10 Shoukry announces the conclusion of the opening plenary of COP27. 12:50 Shoukry reviews conference agenda. The conference will discuss for the first time funding arrangements to deal with climate change-related losses and damages, according to the agenda announced by the COP27 president. Poor and vulnerable countries, who are little responsible for global warming but very exposed to its devastating consequences, have been insisting for months that this issue of "loss and damage" be officially placed on the COP agenda, which rich nations had been reluctant to do. Negotiations and informal discussions (huddles) across the conferences blue and green zones stretched for 20 hours until 4am on Sunday morning, as developed countries stressed that financing loss and damage would take the form of support, rather than liability or compensation. Read more here. 12:25 The implementation of climate commitments rests with everyone, everywhere in the world, Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, said in his address at the opening of the climate gathering. Stiell called for focusing on three tracks during the two-week summit: the transition from the negotiations stage to that of tangible action, the provision of climate finance to achieve the Paris Accord goals, and reinforcing the principle of transparency and environmental reliability. 12:20 COP27 president Shoukry highlighted several obstacles in the way of climate change efforts, saying climate change-related efforts over the past decades were remarkably polarised, which has slowed down progress of the negotiations and the current mobilisation efforts have raised many concerns, that the $100 billion a year pledge has not yet been honoured. Also, the currently available financing focuses on curbing emissions, not adaptation efforts. Also, most of the financing is based on loans, he pointed out. We have to change our approach to this existential threat. We have to work diligently and honestly and listen to one another and to the concerns of other parties and understand them, and we also have to work to reach consensual solutions that can be implemented, Shoukry said. The opening plenary of #COP27 has commenced with the election of HE Sameh Shoukry as COP27 President by the Parties.#TogetherForImplementation pic.twitter.com/QdwM5oQzkS COP27 (@COP27P) November 6, 2022 12:10 Sameh Shoukry, COP27 president, started his speech highlighting the climate incidents that have impacted several areas worldwide, most recently in the floods in Pakistan as well as African and European countries. We have witnessed during this year painful events in Pakistan, the African continent and various parts of Europe and America. All these events and the destruction and impact represent a lesson to be learned and alarm all over the planet to invite us to more precaution, and to act quickly to take all necessary measures as per our commitments and pledges," he said. Shoukry underscored the necessity of the participation of non-state actors, including private sector, banks, international finance institutions, civil society, youth associations, indigenous associations, and others -- for the sake of an efficient implementation of pledges and commitments. 11:50 In his speech, Alok Sharma, president of COP26, called for unity moving forward to keep the 1.5-degree goal within reach, emphasizing the important role that finance will play in this COP. We know that we have reached a point where finance makes or breaks the progress of the program ahead of us, he said. This summit must be about concrete actions and I hope when the world leaders join us today, they will explain what their countries achieved during the last year and how they will go further, he added. 11:38 The opening ceremony of the 27th session of the UN Conference on Climate Change Conference (COP27) kicks off. The conference started with a speech by Alok Sharma, president of COP26, CMP16 and CMA3 that was held in Glasgow last year. Sharma will hand over the presidency of the annual climate gathering to Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry who is president designate of COP27, CMP17 and CMA4. 10:30 Egyptian Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad tells Al-Ahram Weekly that the COP27 presidency will present 14 initiatives addressing equitable energy transition, agriculture, food security, water security, climate adaptation, and sustainable cities. Six of the 14 initiatives to be proposed by the presidency have a clear focus on Africa, and two more include Africa in their aims. Read the full interview here. Today is the launch of the annual climate gathering with a somehow quiet schedule that includes a few side meetings, as the formal opening of the summit itself is due to start on Monday. The first day of the climate implementation summit as host Egypt dubbed includes meetings of groups of Convention (COP27), Kyoto Protocol (CMP17), and Paris Agreement bodies (CMA4). Several heads of states and governments are expected to arrive in Sharm El-Sheikh on Sunday, but no national statements is expected for today. Day 1, 6 November agenda: From 10am to 1pm: Opening plenaries of COP 27 - CMP 17 - CMA 4 From 3am to 5pm: Opening plenaries of SBSTA 57 - SBI 57 From 5pm to 6pm: Joint plenary to hear statements To know COP stands for Conference of the Parties, and the COP summit is attended by the countries that signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) a treaty that came into force in 1994. COP is a supreme decision-making body of the UNFCCC. All the parties participate and review the implementation of the UNFCCC and make decisions. CMP is the conference of the parties serving as the meeting of the parties to the Kyoto Protocol. All the parties of the Kyoto Protocol participate and review the implementation of the Protocol and make decisions. CMP is held once a year and kicked off during the COP11 conference in Canada in 2005. CMA is the conference of the parties serving as the meeting of the parties to the Paris Agreement. All the parties of the Paris Agreement participate and review the implementation of the Agreement and make decisions. CMA is held once a year and kicked off during the COP22 conference in Morocco in 2016. SB is a subsidiary body for scientific and technological advice (SBSTA) and subsidiary body for implementation (SBI). SBSTA provides scientific and technological information and advice regarding the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement. SBI evaluates and reviews the effective implementation of the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement. SB meetings are held twice a year and kicked off in 1995. Search Keywords: Short link: Human Rights Watch Monday accused the government in Damascus and Turkey of exacerbating Syria's deadly cholera outbreak by restricting aid and water-flow to the country's Kurdish-held northeast. Syria has recorded 81 deaths and more than 24,000 suspected cases of the extremely virulent disease since September, according to the World Health Organization, in the country's first outbreak for more than a decade. Ankara has "failed to ensure" adequate water flow down the Euphrates river and supply from the strategic Turkish-controlled Alouk water station, HRW said. The rights group also slammed the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for its "discriminatory diversion of aid and essential services" away from Kurdish-held areas in the northeast. Residents of this area are facing waning river flow from the Euphrates, where water testing in September proved the presence of bacteria responsible for cholera, a Kurdish health official told reporters at the time. Syrian Kurdish authorities have also accused neighbour and archfoe Turkey of weaponising water by tightening the tap upstream -- claims Ankara has denied. "Turkey can and should immediately stop aggravating Syria's water crisis," said Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East director at HRW. "This devastating cholera outbreak will not be the last waterborne disease to impact Syrians if the country's severe water problems are not immediately addressed." Cholera is generally contracted from contaminated food or water and spreads in residential areas that lack proper sewerage networks or mains drinking water. "Longstanding restrictions on aid reaching Kurdish-held areas... have left healthcare facilities and humanitarian groups operating in northeast Syria scrambling to respond to a disease that can spread rapidly," HRW said, elaborating on the Syrian government's alleged culpability. Inside Syria, the Euphrates flows mostly along territory controlled by semi-autonomous Kurdish authorities, whose US-backed fighters dislodged the Islamic State group from the jihadists' last scrap of Syrian territory in 2019. Turkey regards these Kurdish fighters as terrorists. "All parties to the conflict need to ensure the right to clean water and health for everyone in Syria," HRW said. Search Keywords: Short link: A Sharqiya criminal court issued on Monday a death sentence to a university student for stabbing fellow female student Salma Bahgat to death, after the approval of the countrys grand mufti. Last month, the court found Islam Mohamed guilty of stabbing and murdering Salma Bahgat. Premeditated murder is punishable by the death penalty in Egypt. As per the Egyptian penal code, the court sought the non-binding opinion of Egypts Grand Mufti Shawki Allam. Salma Bahgat, a 20-year-old student who was studying mass communication at Shorouk Academy, was stabbed multiple times on 12 August by 22-year-old Islam Mohamed, according to a prosecution statement. The incident took place in the lobby of a building in Zagazig, the capital of Sharqiya governorate in the Nile Delta. Following the attack, bystanders rushed to the scene of the crime and detained the attacker by closing the gates of the building until police arrived. The prosecution said Mohamed decided to murder Bahgat after she and her relatives had turned down his marriage proposal due to his bizarre mindset [and] bad behaviour. The defendant found out the victims location by deceiving one of her friends, whom she had set to meet in the building where the crime took place, the prosecution noted. The defendant confessed to killing Bahgat in detail during the prosecutions investigation and before a specialised court. Today's verdict can be appealed before the Court of Cassation. The incident, which stirred public uproar, took place less than two months after 21-year-old student Mohamed Adel killed fellow student Nayera Ashraf at Mansoura University in broad daylight, also after she had rejected his advances. In July, a criminal court issued a death penalty against Adel who appealed the ruling before the Court of Cassation. Search Keywords: Short link: President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi discussed on Monday with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni ways of fostering relations between the two countries in various fields, including investment, trade and economy, as well as promoting cooperation in the fields of security and industry. El-Sisi's meeting with Meloni came on the sidelines of the UN Climate Conference COP27, Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said. El-Sisi welcomed Meloni's visit to Egypt and her participation in COP27. He said he hoped that her visit give strong impetus to bilateral ties in the political, economic, cultural, and security fields. The two leaders discussed the possibility of electricity interconnection between the two countries, which would enable Egypt to employ its capabilities to help European countries deal with their energy crisis, the spokesman added. The meeting also discussed security in the Mediterranean, particularly the situation in Libya. Both sides asserted the importance of maintaining Libya's sovereignty and supporting its efforts to hold presidential and parliamentary elections. Furthermore, both leaders discussed cooperation between the two countries to reach a just conclusion to the case of Italian student Giulio Regeni., according to Rady. The Italian premier asserted Italy's keenness on promoting cooperation with Egypt in ways that serve the interests of both countries and peoples. She described Egypt as a strong pillar of security and stability in the Middle East and the Mediterranean Basin. During the meeting, the Egyptian president stressed that Egypt is ready and willing to cooperate with Italian bodies concerned with combating irregular migration. He said that Egypt's efforts in that respect reflect its commitment to eliminate this phenomenon, said the spokesman. The two leaders exchanged views on coordinating efforts between Italy and Egypt. They stressed Egypt's importance as a leading partner of the European Union in the fight against irregular migration. Meloni, on her side, praised Egypts efforts in combating irregular migration. She emphasised that Egypt has succeeded since 2016 in preventing the boats that bear irregular migrants from using Egyptian coasts as a base for their operations, according to Rady. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypts president Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi appealed on Monday in his address at the opening session of world leaders summit at the COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh for an end the Russian-Ukrainian war, saying the whole world is suffering from the repercussions of the crisis. "We are ready to work to stop the war, not in search for a role, but I imagine that all leaders share the same opinion of the need to stop the war," the Egyptian president said. "We as countries without a strong economy have suffered a lot from the ramifications of the coronavirus crisis for two years and we have endured it." "And now we suffer because of the Russia-Ukraine war. The whole world is suffering, El-Sisi added. I call in my name, and, if you allow me, in your names: Let this war end and. This is a call from our conference. Let this destruction and killing end, the president added. The nine-month-old conflict has led to huge disruptions in Black Seas supply chain of fertilisers, wheat, natural gas and other commodities, sending global prices of many basic commodities soaring and precipitating an energy crisis in Europe and elsewhere. Egypt has repeatedly called on Russia and Ukraine and all international players to reach a negotiated solution that takes into consideration the concerns of all parties and brings a halt to fighting and violence in order to ensure international stability and security. In April, the Arab League Russia-Ukraine Crisis Liaison Group held separate talk with Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Warsaw in an attempt to reach a diplomatic solution to the crisis. The liaison group includes representatives from Egypt, Jordan, Algeria, Iraq, Sudan and the UAE a current member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Search Keywords: Short link: Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi urged the rapid, effective, and equitable implementation of climate commitments and pledges to overcome the current crisis in his address at the opening session of the world leaders summit at the COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh. Inaugurating the two-day high-level gathering, El-Sisi said the world needs to overcome the current climate crisis by taking real steps not by adopting slogans. Our peoples expect us to take real and concrete steps towards reducing emissions, enhancing adaptation with the consequences of climate change, and providing the necessary financing for developing countries that suffer the most from the current climate crisis, he added. All the efforts should focus on implementing measures that curb climate change, El-Sisi asserted, adding that the coming generations must not bear the consequences of mistakes they did not make. There is hope for a better future, El-Sisi said, despite the global challenges that are affecting the world's ability to realise the Paris Agreement goals and protect the planet from temperature increases of 2.5C and 3C. He said hope rests on peoples who have become more aware and knowledgeable of the scale of the challenges and the requirements to address them, and the high price of inaction, and also on governments that know what they need to do and seek to do that according to their capabilities. Hope also hinges on a global business sector and civil society that own the tools that qualify them to play important roles within this framework, he added. El-Sisi highlighted Egypt's efforts to counter climate change, including the launch of the National Strategy to Address Climate Change, He added that the country is pressing ahead with efforts to accelerate the pace of green transformation by relying more on renewable energy and clean transport. Egypt has taken concrete steps towards the structural transformation of bills, legislation, and government working mechanisms to contribute to the promotion of green investments, he noted. The Egyptian president said the recently launched national programmes for investing in water, energy, and food projects (NWFE) is an embodiment of this ambition and trend. Egypts transition towards a low-emission green economy in all fields is a practical demonstration of the need for effective implementation on the ground, he said, adding it is also a good example that hope still exists to overcome the challenges imposed by climate change, if there is a will. Mutual trust, Africa's priorities The worlds ability to move ahead in a unified and coordinated manner to implement climate commitments and pledges is contingent on the level of trust among all parties, that is if we truly want a future where temperature remains below 2C and if we are truly determined to create a future for all by all, he pointed out. Developing countries, especially in Africa, should feel that their priorities are addressed and taken into consideration, he reiterated. These countries bear their responsibilities to the best of their abilities and the amount of appropriate support and finance, in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, grants them some satisfaction with their position on global efforts to combat climate change, he added. More steps needed by developed countries The president called on developed countries to take additional, serious steps to fulfil the pledges they have taken upon themselves to finance and support adaptation efforts and address the losses and damages resulting from climate change in developing and least developed countries. He urged practical tracks to achieve a balanced transition towards a green economy and to take into account the special circumstances and conditions of these countries. El-Sisi called on world leaders to deliver clear messages, including specific steps to implement commitments and pledges. He called for setting more nationally determined contributions, raising national strategies' ambitions to reduce emissions, and launching ambitious and effective initiatives that gather proactive actors around clear goals with regard to adaptation and financing. The president also invited world leaders to join initiatives Egypt intends to launch during the conference. El-Sisi also called on all parties to advise their negotiators, who will start two weeks of important negotiations, to be flexible and to work on building trust and consensus in order to reach positive outcomes. The leaders summit is set to run through Tuesday, with some 110 heads of state and government expected to deliver their national statements on climate issues. Other meetings on the sidelines of COP27 are set to be held over the coming two weeks in Sharm El-Sheikh. Search Keywords: Short link: Senegalese President and President of the African Union Macky Sall called for fulfiling all climate change commitments, saying the $100-billion pledge is no longer enough and should be raised to $200 billion. In a speech delivered during the high-level segment proceedings of the UN Climate Summit Conference (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Sall said COP27 is an opportunity for bringing about a historical transformation. He noted that African countries support just green transition despite their low contribution to CO2 emissions. Sall thanked President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for the warm reception. Africa, he said, was keen on collaborating with all its partners to ensure that COP27 marks a significant turning point in the efforts aiming to reduce the impact of climate change. He pointed out that Africa was committed to the Paris Agreement and to creating the Great Green Wall, a project currently being implemented in 11 countries in the Sahel and Sahara regions. The leaders summit of COP27 kicked off on Monday and runs through Tuesday. Almost 110 heads of state and government are expected to deliver their national statements on climate issues. Other meetings are set to be held on the sidelines of COP27 over the coming two weeks. Search Keywords: Short link: DR Congo's military has deployed two war planes against M23 rebels in the conflict-torn east, provoking a rebuke Monday from neighboring Rwanda after one jet entered the country's airspace. Rwanda's government stated that a Sukhoi-25 aircraft from the Democratic Republic of Congo had violated its airspace on Monday morning, allegedly briefly touching down in the small central African nation. "No military action was taken by Rwanda in response, and the jet returned to DRC," the statement added, explaining that the government had formally protested the move. The DRC's government admitted one of its jets had "unfortunately" entered Rwandan airspace. It added that just as it is committed to its own territorial integrity, Congo has "never harboured the intention of violating that of its neighbour's". The incident comes as tensions between the DRC and Rwanda are at their highest in years, with Kinshasa accusing Kigali of backing the resurgent M23 rebels. A mostly Congolese Tutsi group, the M23 first leapt to prominence in 2012 when it briefly captured the main city in eastern DRC, Goma, before being driven out, and then lying dormant for years. But the group resumed fighting in late 2021, claiming the DRC had failed to honour a pledge to integrate them into the army, among other grievances. The rebels have won a string of victories against the Congolese army in North Kivu province in recent weeks, dramatically increasing the territory under their control. The DRC expelled the Rwandan ambassador in response to escalating violence. But details about the Congolese government's deployments of jets -- a new twist in the conflict -- remain unclear. AFP journalists saw two fighter jets take off from Goma airport on Monday morning. A resident of the settlement of Kiwanja in North Kivu, which recently fell into M23 hands, also told AFP a jet had flown overhead that morning. The current frontlines are thought to be situated near the town of Rugari, 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Goma, and an important commercial hub of about one million people. - Vigilance groups - A Congolese military spokesman in Goma, Colonel Guillaume Ndjike Kaiko, the DRC will continue to fight so long as rebels occupy a "single centimetre" of its territory. "We are being attacked and the DRC has the right to put all means at its disposal," Kaiko said. In a national address on Thursday, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi accused Rwanda of seeking to destabilise eastern Congo to appropriate the region's mineral wealth. He also urged youngsters to enlist in the army as well as form "vigilance groups" against the M23. Kaiko said 3,000 people had already responded to the call in Goma. -'Beat the rebels'- Near a military base in the city on Monday morning, hundreds of recruits lined up in formation, with some holding dummy wooden guns. A general told them they would undergo training before the army decides their role. "Real Congolese must join the army, to beat the rebels," said Daniel, a 28-year-old recruit, before singing songs advocating national unity with his comrades. A 25-year-old woman named Solange echoed a similar martial spirit. "I want to fight against Rwanda," she said. "I give my life to the nation". Search Keywords: Short link: Armenia and Azerbaijan on Monday traded accusations of provoking a shootout along their troubled border, just hours before the arch-foes were to hold US-mediated peace talks. The incident came ahead of a meeting of Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov for a fresh round of peace talks in Washington hosted by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. With Moscow increasingly isolated on the world stage following its February invasion of Ukraine, the US and the EU have taken a leading role in mediating the Armenia-Azerbaijan talks. The escalation at the border came a week after Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for talks, as Moscow seeks to maintain its role as a powerbroker between the ex-Soviet republics. In the early hours of Monday, Azerbaijani forces opened fire on Armenian positions "in the eastern sector of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border," the defence ministry in Erevan said in a statement. The statement said there were "no casualties, and the situation on the frontline was relatively stable" on Monday morning. Azerbaijan's defence ministry for its part accused Armenian forces of shooting at the positions of Azerbaijani troops stationed at several locations on the frontier. Erevan and Baku fought two wars over Karabakh -- in autumn 2020 and in the 1990s. Six weeks of fighting in 2020 have claimed more than 6,500 lives before a Russian-brokered truce ended the hostilities. Under the 2020 deal, Armenia ceded swathes of territory it had controlled for decades and Russia stationed peacekeepers to oversee the fragile ceasefire. There have been frequent exchanges of fire at the Caucasus neighbours' border since the 2020 war. In September, more than 280 people from both sides were killed in new clashes. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, ethnic Armenian separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh broke away from Azerbaijan. The ensuing conflict claimed around 30,000 lives. Search Keywords: Short link: Britain announced Monday that a trade minister was heading to Taiwan for the first in-person talks since the coronavirus in a bid to strengthen ties with the island, a trip that sparked a rebuke from Beijing. Trade Policy Minister Greg Hands will co-host annual talks and meet with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen during his two-day visit, the Department for International Trade said. The visit "is a clear signal of the UK's commitment to boosting UK-Taiwan trade ties. Like the UK, Taiwan is a champion of free and fair trade underpinned by a rules-based global trading system," the department said in its statement. A spokesperson for Britain's de facto embassy in Taiwan told AFP that Hands' official programme would start on Tuesday. Hands said boosting trade with a "vital partner" like Taiwan was "part of the UK's post-Brexit tilt towards the Indo-Pacific and closer collaboration will help us future-proof our economy in the decades to come". Taiwan has seen a flurry of visits by foreign officials and lawmakers in recent months, the most high-profile of which was US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose trip infuriated Beijing. China claims the self-ruled island democracy as part of its territory to be seized one day, by force if necessary, and opposes any move that might lend Taiwan international legitimacy. China staged unprecedented military drills in retaliation for Pelosi's visit in August, sending tensions to their highest level in decades. Beijing's foreign ministry criticised the visit by Hands using rhetoric it often employs for such trips. "China firmly rejects any form of official exchanges with the Taiwan region by any countries having diplomatic ties with China," spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a daily press conference. Zhao said Beijing urged Britain to "stop any form of official exchanges with Taiwan and stop sending wrong signals to Taiwan separatist forces". Like many countries, Britain diplomatically recognises Beijing over Taipei but it maintains unofficial relations with the island through a representative office. The last time a British minister travelled to Taiwan was in 2018. Britain said this week's talks would try to address barriers in some sectors including "fintech, food and drink and pharma" and that trade between the two had risen 14 percent the last two years to 8 billion ($9 billion). Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt's Ministry of Culture celebrates the rich intangible cultural heritage of Egypt including its traditional environmentally-friendly handicrafts through a number of cultural and musical events that highlight at the COP27. "Egypt is holding daily performances at the COP27 of a variety of dances, including Egyptian Folk Sufi dance, Tannoura , Ancient stick dance of Tahteeb, enlisted on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as well as performances of Semsemya songs and music and songs by Sinai folk troupe and by Harp players," explained professor Nahla Imam Heritage Consultant at the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and country representative of Egypt at the 2003 Convention of Safeguarding the Intangible Heritage of UNESCO. Photo Courtesy of Ministry of Culture "Our environmentally friendly handicraft exhibition showcases Pottery of Fayoum by Rawya, the renowned indigenous woman pottery artist, authentic products of Akhmim and Hegaza villages by The Association of Upper Egypt for development, Red sea handicrafts by Bagaweed Egypt, Tent Makers, or Khayamia arts, blown glass, Siwa and Sinai handicrafts, as well as the Senet ancient Egyptian board game by Karama association," Imam told Ahram online. The events include two seminars. In the first, professor Heba Safi El-Din discusses the inspiring eco-friendly housing projects of both renowned Egyptian architects Ramsis Wissa Wassef and Hassan Fathi. In the second, professor Mohamed Abdel-Dayem discusses cultural industries. The idea is to highlight environmentally friendly crafts that are modern, useful, and deeply rooted in our intangible cultural heritage, Imam explained. Photo Courtesy of Ministry of Culture Search Keywords: Short link: Africa is the continent that contributes least to the causes of climate change it is responsible for less than four per cent of global emissions yet it remains one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to the impacts. Its exposure is driven mainly by low levels of socioeconomic growth, poverty, and the absence of resources to mitigate the repercussions of climate change and recover from the worst of its effects. Since the start of 2022, natural disasters have left at least 4,000 Africans dead and affected the livelihood of a further 19 million, according to Carbon Brief, a UK-based website covering the latest developments in climate science, climate policy, and energy policy. Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri, president-designate of COP27, has repeatedly underlined that COP27 will address African concerns on climate, including the implementation of climate pledges, most recently at a meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) held in September on the sidelines of this years UN General Assembly in New York. A major focus will also be on the integration of mitigation and adaptation strategies, loss and damage and climate finance, with a special emphasis on enhancing implementation. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also repeatedly raised the issue of loss and damage, underlining the need for action. Failure to act on loss and damage will lead to more loss of trust and more climate damage. This is a moral imperative that cannot be ignored, he told the media at the UN headquarters in New York last month, adding that COP27 must be the place for action on loss and damage. Though the G77+1 had proposed that loss and damage mechanisms be agreed at COP26 in Glasgow the proposal was blocked by wealthy countries. Instead, the Glasgow Climate Pact the document issued at the end of the COP26 opted for a set of dialogues to be held over the next two years to discuss financing to address loss and damage. The issue was raised again by the G77+1 during the UNGA meeting in New York when the group requested it be added to the agenda of COP27, a move that will require a consensus of all countries on the first day of the talks. Shoukri underlined that the goal of limiting global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is more fragile than ever because of the impact of the current global situation, in an interview published in The Guardian on 29 October. Stressing that the circumstances in which COP27 is being held are more challenging than those that existed in Paris in 2015 or in Glasgow last year, he insisted we have to remain hopeful and focused and try to isolate and insulate the negotiating process from some of the external circumstances. He warned that any backtracking or deviation from prior commitments will place the world on track to warming that could reach 3.6 degrees Celsius. During COP26, countries committed to handing updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) highlighting their climate actions to the UN by September. Yet only 24 out of 193 countries have submitted their plans. NDCs were part and parcel of the Paris Agreement. Nearly 70 per cent of the signatories of the agreement submitted their initial NDCs, including 53 out of Africas 54 states, though it was clear before COP26 that the submitted NDCs were doing little to help meet the target of 1.5 degrees Celsius warming set in the Paris Agreement. Indeed, one of COP26s successes was to convince states to present updated NDCs, though any optimism on this front has now dissipated. The UN report [on NDCs] is a testimony to the fact that we are off-track on achieving the Paris Climate Goal and keeping 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach. Several of those expected to do more are far from doing enough and the consequences are affecting lives and livelihoods across the globe, Shoukri said in comments on the report. I am conscious that there should be a continuum of action until 2030 and then onto 2050 but this requires a transformative response at COP27. Shoukri has also asserted that there needs to be greater equity between finance for mitigation and adaptation. For mitigation there are economic benefits, whereas the return for adaptation is more impactful in terms of lives and livelihoods, he said. Though the fact remains that Africa still doesnt have access to the financing it needs to adapt to climate change which it is estimated by 2030 will have reached between $1.3 to $1.6 trillion, the continent has nonetheless seen some progress in adaptation initiatives, with a number of regional-level actors making progress. Advances include the development and adoption of regional climate change adaptation strategies, and the African Development Bank (AfDB) is devoting 67 per cent of its climate financing to adaptation. The AfDB, together with the Global Centre on Adaptation, has developed the African Adaptation Acceleration Programme which has targeted $25 billion in climate adaptation finance for Africa. An important point that will be highlighted during COP27 is that financing adaptation should come through grants, not loans, so as not to burden the continent with debt. Climate finance is once again expected to be a dominant theme at COP27. Developing countries are expected to repeat their calls for developed countries to furnish adequate financial support and there will inevitably be a lot of discussion about the $100 billion promised annually by developed nations, an amount that has yet to be delivered. Rich countries committed to the amount in 2009 in Copenhagen but the target has yet to be hit. African states will continue to call on developed countries to meet their obligations and work with other parties to ensure the swift implementation of climate finance delivery plans, and hopes are high that work at COP27 will see progress that pledges made will actually materialise during COP28, to be held in the UAE. Clear climate action decisions will constitute success at COP27. We must have tangible, implementable outcomes. We must have decisions that people can point to and say this is being implemented, the current Chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) on climate change, Ephraim Mwepya Shitima of Zambia, told the media. Natural disasters in Africa - Drought and famine killed 2,500 people in Uganda and affected eight million in Ethiopia this year. - More than 600 people died in Nigerias worst floods in a decade. This includes 76 people who were killed when a boat carrying flood victims capsized. - Southern African countries, including Madagascar and Mozambique, were battered by six severe storms this year, killing at least 890 people. - Temperatures reached 48 degrees Celsius in Tunisia in July, fanning the flames of extreme wildfires. - Nearly two million people in Chad were affected by floods in August and October. *A version of this article appears in print in the 3 November, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: Is Egypts Northern Coast, including the iconic city of Alexandria and the Nile Delta, which brings food to most Egyptian tables, all at risk of submerging due to climate change? Al-Gihan Shahine visits the sea for answers. It was a few weeks ago when I decided to grab a long weekend trip to Alexandria, to relish its exquisite autumn breeze and indulge in its unique cosmopolitan aura. The strong smell of iodine that characterises the Mediterranean was thick in the air, conjuring up childhood memories of the good old days. But those recollections did not include the now many cement blocks aligning the shores that seemed to gaze from afar, standing in solemnity, as if in preparation for shielding any looming danger coming from the high seas. The large blocks, I was told, were typically built to protect the beaches against rising waves. But is that the whole story? The question kept ringing a bell all along my trip on a two-storey bus to the Qaitbay Citadel that treated me to a panoramic view of the azure Mediterranean from atop. Touring the ancient fortress I peeped through one of its ancient small windows to have a look at the sea stretching into the horizon. The window was historically designed to spot any looming danger of occupying forces lurking by the sea but, again, I wondered if yet another different menace is right around the corner. Is the cosmopolitan city of Alexandria, where more than five million people live, facing a climate change crisis in the near future? Many environmental experts in Egypt and abroad would answer in the affirmative. Like many other coastal cities and sand beaches around the world, Alexandria is at risk of sinking. Or at least that was the red flag raised last year during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, when then British prime minister Boris Johnson put it flatly that Alexandria is four degrees away from being the long lost city of, then provoking public anxiety and a heated debate among experts and officials alike in Egypt. When the temperature rises only four degrees, we will say goodbye to entire cities, which are Miami, Alexandria and Shanghai. They will all sink underwater, Johnson warned. Experts at the conference predicted two scenarios for climate disasters. Firstly, the erosion of beaches, which has already started (and measures have been taken to deal with it). Secondly is the more controversial risk of sinking under the sea. Such speculation, albeit not new, reignited controversy about previous studies with similar findings. Officials, for their part, were all over the place telling the Egyptian press that Egypt has been taking serious measures, many of which are already on the ground, to avert all possible scenarios and protect coastal areas. A GLOBAL PERIL Johnsons statements were definitely not new. Previous studies have recurrently warned that many sand beaches and coastal cities are due to gradually sink underwater over the years. Environmentalists worldwide have been reiterating their concerns that rising global temperatures would cause ice sheets and glaciers on the North and South Poles to melt at an increasing rate, resulting in a hazardous sea level rise. Moreover, increased greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere would also ultimately result in the corrosion of many beaches worldwide due to climate change. A 2020 study by the European Commissions Joint Research Centre (ECJR), which was published in the Nature climate change journal, for instance, had warned that climate change puts half of the worlds beaches at risk of erosion by the end of the century. The study expects that erosion would destroy 36,097 km (13.6 per cent) of sandy coast around the world, including those of Egypt, within 30 years. That is not the end of the story, though. Researchers at the commission speculate that the second half of the century will see the erosion of another 9.561 km of coastlines. The study based its calculations on the ration of greenhouse gases emitted in the atmosphere worldwide. The United Nations, for its part, has reiterated warnings that the world is heading towards 3C of global warming. This will ultimately redraw the map of the world, wrote The Guardian in a 2017 article The three-degree world: cities that will be drowned by global warming. Scientists at the non-profit organisation Climate Central estimate that 275 million people worldwide live in areas that will eventually be flooded at 3C of global warming, wrote The Guardian. Asian cities will be the worst affected, including Osaka in Japan, followed by Alexandria in Egypt. According to estimates by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a global scientific group dedicated to climate change, Brazils Rio de Janeiro, Chinas Shanghai, and Miami in the US are all expected to follow suit. Alexandria has been ranked third on the list of lands most at risk of submersion. Even in the best case scenario of a 0.5 sea-level rise, the IPCC insists on painting a bleaker picture, warning that Alexandrias beaches and many parts of the Nile Delta will disappear under water, displacing millions and destroying the fields that provide most of the food on Egyptians tables, unless protective measures are immediately implemented. A 3C world would then be even more catastrophic, changing the whole map. Those red flags have been flying high for many years with many reports warning that the most densely populated Nile Delta and the iconic city of Alexandria are the third most vulnerable on earth to rising sea levels. The Arab worlds countries seem to be all facing a high risk, not just Egypt. Back in 2009, an Egyptian study titled Sea Level Rise on the Low Land Area south East of Alexandria, Egypt, concluded that most of the Arab countries, if not all, are extremely vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise not only through direct inundation but also due to salt water intrusion and its potential impact on groundwater resources and soil salinisation. The study lamented that, despite the danger, none has established a strong institutional capability for adaptation with particular emphasis on monitoring capabilities. The impact is reflected on land productivity, income and health conditions of the population, the study warned. Implications of increasing severity and frequency of extreme events will also be reflected in higher risk of droughts, water scarcity, flash floods, increasing mortality and economic losses, it added. Egypts Delta is home to about 10,000 square miles of farmland providing around 60 per cent of the nations food and accommodating almost two-thirds of the countrys population. The fact that an estimated 270 kilometres of that farmland could be lost to floods for being at a dangerously low level is literally a time bomb awaiting the countrys food safety. Meanwhile, as the study puts it, beaches on the Mediterranean coast in Tunisia, western Libya, Alexandria, Gamasa and Port Said may also suffer direct inundation due to sea level rise. Direct inundation will have serious implications on the coastal shape, resources and tourism. Biodiversity would receive a serious blow since global warming is likely to affect coral reefs of the Red Sea as well as lead to the loss of biodiversity of medical plants, marine life and on land fauna and flora in coastal zones, according to the study. The extreme scenario expected that a 14m rise that would result from the disappearance of Greenland and western Antarctica would leave the Mediterranean lapping at the northern suburbs of Cairo, with practically all of the Delta underwater, according to The Guardian. AN ANCIENT CITY UNDERWATER The scenario of a possibly disappearing coastline is definitely not totally unfounded. As I walked outside the ancient citadel, I gazed at lashing waves of the coastline and pondered. After all, there is already an ancient city that once hosted a similarly bustling life lurking underwater right where we stand now. An ancient Greek city that lasted 80 years during the Pharaoh Ptolemy II, reportedly featuring luxurious palaces, temples, recreational areas, squares and courtyards decorated with fountains, statues and other amenities, has been excavated from under the water in the eastern shore of Alexandria. Local and foreign excavations conducted over the past decades concluded that coastal erosion due to rising sea level led to the disappearance of many of the ancient citys landmarks underwater. There is almost a consensus among archaeologists that the first sinking of the coastline was in the sixth century CE, when the city had many structures still standing. Some structures in the eastern port reportedly sank as a result and experts believe they continued to sink over a period between the seventh and 10th centuries CE, as water levels rose over the past two millennia. In 1961, while diving in the Qaitbay area, Egyptian diver Kamel Abul-Sadat found a group of stone blocks, statues, columns and clay pots underwater, wrote Al-Ahram Weekly in an article titled Tales of sunken cities. He plotted their coordinates and excavated a large statute, eight metres tall and 21 tons, of Queen Arsinoe II, the wife of Ptolemy II Philadelphus, in the form of the goddess Isis, the Protector of the Seas. This invited so many excavations in the area that still last to date, unearthing a major treasure of sunken heritage. Fishermen at the Max fishing port near the Qaitbay Citadel are aware of that sunken heritage, but no one seemed worried about the same scenario of sinking to recur, at least in the near future. Haj Mohamed, who likes to be nicknamed Rayyes Houda, is a veteran fisherman in his 70s who has spent a whole life in the fishing business. My grandfathers were all fishermen and we know the sea more than anyone else, Houda told the Weekly. It is true that parts of Alexandria and Rashid in the Nile Delta were submerged due to rising levels, but from what we see now, there is no comeback of this scenario. The sun, and of course age, have left their unfriendly marks on Houdas face, but despite the fact that he is left with only one fishing boat that his sons work on now, the old fisherman remains optimistic. He would immediately ditch all talk by experts of rising sea levels and the perils of submersion as no more than media fuss. Ive been in the business for 70 years and there is no such thing as rising sea levels, he insisted. The sea is not any higher than before and the government has been taking measures to protect areas overlooking the shores by erecting huge stone blocks along seashores. The emissions that are said to cause global warming are washed away in the rains. Im sure nature will take care of it and God has been protecting Egypt throughout history. Another fisherman nicknamed Al-Yabani nodded in approval. We have not experienced any significant rise in the sea so far; the waves were within their normal height, Al-Yabani told the Weekly. It is, perhaps, the ecosystem that has been affected by climate change. Weve noticed that fish have decreased in particular times of the year and some species have significantly decreased in number. Far at the other side of the northern coast, on the Delta agricultural lands, most farmers cannot care less about issues of global warming either. Most farmers are more concerned about their daily livelihood and making ends meet to feed their children, said one owner of farmland in a small village in the Delta. But isnt the loss of farmland to floods also a time bomb to peoples livelihood and food security? Yes, he conceded, arguing, however, that there is nothing in our hands to do anyway. It is in the hands of the government to take precautionary measures, not us, he said. No one would think of leaving his land at the moment. We all just leave it in the hands of God to protect us and our lands. EGYPTS TAKE ON THE ISSUE Officials, however, seem to be trying to take matters into their own hands. Egypts experts and officials alike are aware of climate change hazards and say they have been preparing for such scenarios. Egyptian scientists and officials alike have been long talking to the Egyptian media, warning that a one-metre rise in the sea level which global estimates expect to happen within a century, will ultimately cause a 20 per cent loss of the Delta lands to the sea, in addition to the fact that Alexandrias low-level sea shores will submerge underwater. Abdel-Samih Samaan, a professor of environmental education at Ain Shams University and head of the Geographic and Environmental Committee at the Supreme Council of Culture, says that all recent environmental disasters, including draughts, torrential rains and famines, are attributed to global warming. Although Egypt, and Africa in general, are the least contributors to global warming, they are the most negatively affected because they are already suffering from desertification and water scarcity, Samaan elaborated. Carbon dioxide emissions have significantly increased recently and if they continue to rise at such high rates, the whole world will suffer, including Egypt. Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Mohamed Abdel-Ati told the press, however, that Egypt is forging ahead with prior plans to avert such dangers. The country is currently carrying out a major rehabilitation drive along 50 kilometres of shores across the country, Abdel-Ati told a 2021 fourth edition of Cairo Water Week (CWW) which discussed the Adaptation Project designed to combat climate change and its impact on Egypts coastline and Delta. A series of replenishment works along 210 kilometres of the North Coast have already concluded, he added Abdel-Ati conceded that one-third of the Nile Delta may go down due to an increase in the water level of the Mediterranean Sea as a result of global warming. He said, however, that the government is adopting measures to safeguard citizens living in vulnerable areas. Such measures are essential, he pointed out, since the rise in sea levels places the Nile Delta at risk of being lost to the sea or losing its fertility due to the interference of saline water, affecting the quality of groundwater and possibly leading to the displacement of millions of Egyptians residing in the north of the Delta. The projects aim to safeguard citizens residing in these areas and protect existing investments at industrial, agricultural and tourist zones, the minister explained. Abdel-Ati also revealed that the Green Climate Fund granted Egypt $32 billion to combat the repercussions of climate change, however, this amount of money is not enough to resolve the issue, but is substantial, nonetheless. The Green Climate Fund was established in 2010 within the framework of the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Treaty to combat the consequences of climate change. The fund supports projects, programmes, policies and other activities in developing countries to meet the challenges of global warming. The project depended on studying the development of the North Coast as well as ways to protect valleys in the area prone to drowning, Abdel-Ati said. Official and experts statements aside, we decided to have our last dinner at the iconic Greek restaurant of Delices, a 1922 landmark of the Alexandrian city centre, Mahattet Al-Raml, which still features a number of Greek, Armenian and Italian cafes as well as the old tram that all bespeak a heritage of past splendour. The smell of their special fresh pastry hardly distracted me from a soul-searching question: Would, in the worst case scenario, those features ever be part of a history book describing a once-upon-a-time city? *A version of this article appears in print in the 3 November, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: More than 35 million Americans have already voted in nationwide congressional races ahead of midterm elections this Tuesday, as key Republicans predicted Sunday that they will take control of both chambers of Congress from Democrats during the second half of Democratic President Joe Biden's four-year term in the White House. The early voting trend is continuing, with the United States Elections Project saying this year's pre-voting day total has already surpassed that during the congressional elections in 2014 and 2018 that occurred halfway through the presidential terms of Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Voting rules were changed in many states ahead of the 2020 presidential election when Biden defeated Trump to ease the way for early voting to allay fears of many voters afraid to cast ballots in person at polling stations during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Now, many voters have become accustomed to voting ahead of Election Day, particularly Democrats. Meanwhile, Trump, signaling repeatedly he is about to announce a 2024 presidential campaign, and some other Republicans repeatedly assailing early voting, claim without evidence that it promotes fraud. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate are being contested. Democrats have held the slimmest of control in both chambers since early 2021, allowing Biden to advance some of his legislative priorities, often over virtually consolidated opposition of Republican lawmakers. North Korea stole more than W1.7 trillion worth of cryptocurrencies this year alone by hacking into accounts, intelligence agencies believe (US$1=W1,419). "South Korean and U.S. intelligence officials verified that North Korea stole at least W1.7 trillion from Bitcoin and Ethereum accounts," an intelligence source here said Sunday. "This is the reason why North Korea has been able to launch so many provocations despite its moribund economy." North Korea spent hundreds of billions of won over the past week alone firing around 30 missiles and 160 artillery shells. Since international sanctions were imposed in 2016, North Korea has stolen cryptocurrencies from exchanges around the world. A senior government official here said, "As the cryptocurrency ecosystem evolved quickly, North Korean hacker groups... run by the General Reconnaissance Bureau focused on hacking into exchanges, and the money was used to fund the development of nuclear missiles." The South Korean Navy took part in Japan's international fleet review on Sunday for the first time since 2015 after relations reached freezing point. "We decided to participate in the fleet review in Japan in view of the growing North Korean nuclear missile threat," the Navy said. It was held in Sagami Bay off Kanagawa Prefecture with some 14 countries participating including Australia, Canada, France, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Thailand and the U.S. North Korea fired four short-range ballistic missiles on Saturday when South Korea and the U.S. were conducting massive aerial exercises. On Nov. 2, the North launched 25 missiles in a single day, and the following day it fired an intercontinental ballistic missile. The North has fired about 100 missiles so far this year, a quarter of them this month. That is equal to all the missiles it launched from 2011, when leader Kim Jong-un took power, until last year. One U.S. military expert estimates that North Korea spent up to US$75 million on the missile launches on Nov. 2 alone. The international community managed to block most of the North's funding sources through sanctions since 2016, and even though China and Russia are reluctant to support them, the reclusive state has been severely hampered in its traditional methods of making money from coal, slave labor exports, illegal drugs and weapons and counterfeiting money. But the money for its provocations keeps coming. South Korea and the U.S. point to hacking as North Korea's new means of keeping up the cash flow. Pyongyang has been stealing money from banks around the world since sanctions began to intensify. It started with hacking and pilfering tens of millions of dollars from vulnerable institutions like the central bank of Bangladesh. More recently the North expanded its targets to cryptocurrency exchanges. Intelligence agencies believe North Korea stole more than W1.7 trillion this year alone through hacking into crypto exchanges (US$1=W1,419). The White House said North Korea funded up to one-third of its missile development with the stolen money. Blocking North Korea from hacking into more cryptocurrency exchanges is an urgent task, but the UN Security Council, which should be discussing this agenda, is being hobbled by China and Russia, which blatantly protect the North. Instead South Korea and the U.S. are preparing their own sanctions. Some sanctions being discussed target firms and individuals that were involved in hacking and money laundering, or seizing cryptocurrencies that the North stole. But a stern warning to China is also needed. Chinese companies are clearly involved in laundering the cryptocurrency stolen by North Korean hackers, and they too must be stopped. KYODO NEWS - Nov 7, 2022 - 14:57 | All, Japan Japan's coast guard is planning to share all surveillance information, including aerial photos taken by unmanned aircraft, with the nation's Maritime Self-Defense Force in real-time, a source close to the matter said Monday. The plan comes amid China's bid for further maritime expansion in the region and several recent ballistic missile launches by North Korea. The Japanese government is also set to update the National Security Strategy, its long-term policy guideline, and compile the fiscal 2023 initial budget, with both initiatives due by the end of this year. The Japan Coast Guard began operating the "MQ-9B SeaGuardian," a large drone developed by U.S. maker General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., in mid-October. It is based out of the MSDF's Hachinohe Air Base in the northeastern prefecture of Aomori. The 11.7-meter-long unmanned aircraft, which has no weapons, is equipped with several monitoring devices, including cameras that can send images in real-time as well as sensors. The coast guard and the MSDF are expected to stipulate that such information sharing falls within the scope of their regular surveillance work, the source said. But the idea could prove controversial as the coast guard is recognized in Japan as a maritime police agency, and the country's law stipulates that its mission is limited to nonmilitary purposes. The coast guard also plans to increase the total number of its unmanned surveillance aircraft up to three in the future, and to partially consign their operation to the MSDF on a trial basis, according to the source. Currently, the MSDF are able to see some processed surveillance data gathered by the coast guard, but are currently unable to access the live, raw data obtained by the coast guard due to security concerns. In order achieve real-time information sharing, the MSDF will need to update its systems. The coast guard, under the oversight of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the MSDF have been stepping up their cooperation in recent years, as China has continued to send ships into Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands. The uninhabited islets are claimed by Beijing, which calls them Diaoyu. The coast and the MSDF's plan is being discussed while North Korea has been conducting ballistic missile tests at an increasingly regular pace, with one having flown over the Japanese archipelago in early October. Given the circumstances, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida aims to revise the security strategy for the first time since it was adopted in 2013, along with two other key documents on the defense buildup. KYODO NEWS - Nov 7, 2022 - 13:39 | All, World, Japan Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Monday he plans to visit three Southeast Asian nations from later this week to attend international meetings. During his Southeast Asian tour starting Friday, Kishida is scheduled to take part in ASEAN-related gatherings in Cambodia, the summit of the Group of 20 major economies in Indonesia and the meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Thailand. On the fringes of the events, the prime minister intends to hold bilateral talks with leaders from Asia, Europe and the United States to discuss global issues such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine as well as food and energy security. Kishida is also slated to hold a trilateral meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol amid rising tensions over North Korea, Japanese government sources said. The nuclear-armed country has been ramping up ballistic missile launches at an unprecedented pace. There are expectations that Kishida may hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who started an unprecedented third five-year term last month as general secretary of the ruling Communist Party. Xi has not held a summit with a Japanese prime minister, including Kishida's predecessors Shinzo Abe and Yoshihide Suga, for around three years, due largely to the coronavirus pandemic. KYODO NEWS - Nov 7, 2022 - 21:19 | All, Japan Japan is planning to remodel its existing surface-to-air guided missiles so that they can intercept hypersonic glide weapons, which are believed to be under development by countries such as China and Russia, a source familiar with the matter told Kyodo News on Monday. The government aims to begin mass production of the remodeled Type-03 intermediate-range guided missiles deployed by the Ground Self-Defense Force by fiscal 2029 starting in April that year, after updating their launch software by fiscal 2026, according to the source. As part of efforts to boost "comprehensive air and missile defense" capability, the government will mention remodeling the missile interceptors in the National Security Strategy, a long-term policy guideline that is expected to be revised by the end of this year, the source said. It is difficult for Japan with its current missile defense capability to intercept hypersonic glide weapons, which are designed to travel at more than five times the speed of sound on irregular trajectories, according to a senior official of the Self-Defense Forces. Currently, Maritime Self-Defense Force Aegis destroyers equipped with Standard Missile-3 interceptors are tasked with hitting incoming missiles in the outer atmosphere. If they fail to intercept them, the Air Self-Defense Force's ground-based Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptors will counter the attack in the lower tier. The Type-03 missiles with a firing range of tens of kilometers were adopted by the GSDF in 2003 to intercept airplanes. The missiles were first remodeled in 2017 to deal with cruise missiles flying at low altitudes and fast-moving incoming projectiles. In the planned remodeling, the abilities of the Type-03 missiles will be improved to predict the flight path of hypersonic weapons and track them as well as to detect them by radar, the source added. But it remains uncertain whether the remodeled missiles will allow Japan to counter hypersonic weapons, the source said, as the race among major military powers to develop hypersonic weapons has been intensifying and technologies are expected to continue to advance. Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada and his U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin agreed when they met at the Pentagon in September that their nations will undertake joint technological research into hypersonic weapons. Facing growing security challenges such as China's military buildup, North Korea's repeated ballistic missile launches and Russia's prolonged war in Ukraine, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has vowed to "fundamentally" boost defense capabilities with a substantially increased defense budget. KYODO NEWS - Nov 7, 2022 - 17:39 | Japan, All Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida plans to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in mid-November on the sidelines of an international gathering in Southeast Asia, diplomatic sources said Monday. If realized, it would be the first summit between the political leaders of Japan and China since December 2019. The meeting would come shortly after Xi secured himself an unprecedented third five-year term last month as general secretary of the ruling Communist Party. Kishida would seek to call on Xi to resolve issues surrounding Taiwan in a peaceful manner through dialogue, amid growing fears that Communist-led China could take military action in a bid to reunify the self-ruled and democratically governed island, the sources said. Both leaders are expected to attend several upcoming international conferences, such as the summit of the Group of 20 major economies in Indonesia and the gathering of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Thailand, they said. As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Japan has said it will make efforts with China to build a "constructive and stable" relationship. But bilateral ties remain precarious, as Tokyo and Beijing have been at loggerheads over the Japan-controlled, China-claimed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Taiwan is likely to be one of the main discussion points in the talks if they go ahead, amid mounting tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Due to the deepening rift between China and the United States in the wake of U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in early August, Xi has warned against any interference by Washington or other nations over the island. In response to Pelosi's visit, who is the third-highest-ranking official in the United States, China has conducted large-scale military drills in areas encircling Taiwan. The drills have included the use of ballistic missiles, some of which fell within Japan's exclusive economic zone east of the island. Taiwan and mainland China have been governed separately since they split in 1949 after a civil war. China regards the island as a renegade province that it seeks to reunify with the rest of the country. In his speech at the Communist Party's twice-a-decade congress in October, Xi stressed that China will "never promise to renounce the use of force, and we reserve the option of taking all measures necessary" to reunite Taiwan with the mainland. Kishida, meanwhile, has expressed hope that China will avoid any military conflict with Taiwan and the United States, while emphasizing that Japan will "assert what needs to be asserted" to the neighbor. Tokyo has also voiced concern over Beijing's attempts to bolster its military and economic clout in the Asia-Pacific in an attempt to counter the influence of the United States in the region. Due in large part to the coronavirus pandemic, Xi has not held a summit with a Japanese prime minister, including Kishida's predecessors Shinzo Abe and Yoshihide Suga, for around three years. KYODO NEWS - Nov 7, 2022 - 13:07 | All, Japan, Coronavirus A panel of experts on Monday proposed that the Japanese government end the free rollout of COVID-19 vaccines administered as a special measure, citing concerns over a further deterioration of its fiscal health, already considered one of the worst among major economies. The Finance Ministry, which convened a subcommittee meeting of the Fiscal System Council, has also said the COVID-19 vaccine inoculation program should be normalized, as people have started to live with the coronavirus as part of their everyday life and restrictions on social and business activities have been lifted. The government has spent about 17 trillion yen ($115.55 billion) to aid medical services in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, with expenditures including the securing of hospital beds and facilitating the supply of vaccines free of charge. In fiscal 2021 ending March this year, Japan, with a population of 125 million, has administered 257 million coronavirus shots, spending 2.3 trillion yen. Each vaccine shot costs around 9,600 yen. During their discussions, the ministry said that as is the case with seasonal influenza and other infectious diseases, those who wish to be vaccinated should pay part of the costs. It also said COVID-19 antigen testing kits that the government has purchased for distribution free of charge should now be supplied by the private sector. Given that vaccine development efforts by Japanese companies have not borne fruit, despite backing by a government fund of around 500 billion yen, the ministry said the research and development capability of each firm should be "sufficiently reviewed." Japan, the world's third-largest economy, has set itself the target of bringing the primary balance, or tax revenue minus expenses other than debt-servicing costs, into the black by fiscal 2025. But hopes for fiscal restoration are diminishing, given recent price surges amid the Ukraine crisis, on top of ballooning social security costs including pensions and health care, stemming from the country's rapidly ageing population. KYODO NEWS - Nov 7, 2022 - 14:05 | World, All North Korea said Monday it had recently conducted "military operations" including more than 80 missile launches in response to a large-scale air exercise by the United States and South Korea, vowing "overwhelming practical military measures" to continue countering their drills. Pyongyang launched the missiles from Wednesday to Saturday, as the Vigilant Storm air exercise was taking place in South Korea, according to a report of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army carried by the North's official Korean Central News Agency. The first large joint air exercise by the United States and South Korea in five years, involving around 240 aircraft including strategic bombers and fighter jets, was originally planned for five days until Friday but was extended by a day in response to North Korea's missile launches. The North Korean army also claimed it fired two strategic cruise missiles into international waters in the Sea of Japan around 80 kilometers off the coast of Ulsan, South Korea, on Wednesday afternoon. However, South Korea's Defense Ministry denied the North's claim on Monday, saying no missiles had been detected in the area. The South Korean military has said that one North Korean short-range ballistic missile fell Wednesday morning on the south side of the Northern Limit Line, the countries' de facto maritime border, for the first time since the Korean Peninsula was divided. The NLL was drawn by U.S.-led U.N. forces after the 1950-1953 Korean War. The South Korean Defense Ministry also said Monday it has been analyzing what is believed to be debris from the ballistic missile that flew across the NLL. On Monday, South Korea started computer-simulated training through Thursday to boost its defense capabilities. The North Korean army also said it conducted last Thursday "important test-fire of ballistic missile to verify the movement reliability of a special functional warhead paralyzing the operation command system of the enemy." Thursday's test-firing is believed to refer to the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, apparently a Hwasong-17, which the South's military presumes ended in failure, according to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency. The North's military called Vigilant Storm a "dangerous war drill of very high aggressive nature" that was "directly targeting" North Korea, KCNA reported. The report concluded by stating that the more "provocative" operations by the country's enemies continue, the "more thoroughly and mercilessly" its military will respond. Meanwhile, senior diplomats of Japan, the United States and South Korea strongly condemned Monday the North's "extremely high-frequency" ballistic missile launches, saying they constitute "serious and imminent threats" to regional security and pose a "clear and grave challenge" to the international community. Vice Foreign Minister Takeo Mori, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun Dong also agreed in their phone talks to strengthen deterrence to bring about the North's denuclearization, amid fears Pyongyang could conduct its seventh nuclear test soon, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. KYODO NEWS - Nov 7, 2022 - 14:33 | All, Japan, World Two Americans who were in prison for helping former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn jump bail and flee Japan in 2019 have been sent back to the United States based on a treaty to transfer prisoners, sources close to the matter said Monday. Michael Taylor, a 62-year-old former Green Beret, was sentenced to two years in prison, and his son Peter, 29, to one year and eight months in prison last year for helping Ghosn to escape from Japan hidden in a box on a private jet. The father is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles and is scheduled to be released on Jan. 1, 2023, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. Bloomberg reported that the son was released after his arrival. The Tokyo District Court sentenced the two in July 2021 for helping Ghosn, 68, escape from his residence to a hotel in Tokyo and then to another in Osaka on Dec. 29, 2019, before making their way to Kansai International Airport. They hid Ghosn in a box, passed through airport security and flew him aboard the private jet to Turkey despite knowing that the former Nissan chairman was prohibited from traveling abroad under his bail conditions. Ghosn then flew to Lebanon, one of three countries of which he is a national and which does not have an extradition treaty with Japan. The Taylors were arrested in Massachusetts in May 2020 by U.S. authorities upon Japanese prosecutors' request and had fought extradition in U.S. courts. But the U.S. Supreme Court turned down their appeal in February 2021. They were arrested when deported to Japan from the United States the following month and later indicted. They pleaded guilty and apologized for their roles in Ghosn's escape during their trial in Japan. Ghosn was first arrested in November 2018 on charges of underreporting his remuneration by millions of yen for years and misusing the automaker's funds. Ghosn, who led Nissan for about two decades, has denied all charges, insisting other company officials plotted to force him out of the Japanese automaker. The China International Import Expo (CIIE) has become a vital international platform for promoting trade, investment and global cooperation, and China has made important contributions to world economic recovery, foreign leaders and heads of international organizations have said. As the fifth CIIE opened in Shanghai on Friday, they pointed out that China adheres to the right course of economic globalization, and remains committed to promoting global development through cooperation. Produced by Xinhua Global Service BEIJING, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Shortly after the successful convening of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), leaders of four countries visited Beijing within a week. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese president, met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, respectively, during this past week. Here are four key takeaways from their meetings. COMRADES AND BROTHERS During the meeting with Trong, Xi said that the two countries should carry forward the traditional friendship of "comrades and brothers" nurtured by the older generation of leaders. China and Vietnam are both socialist countries led by the Communist Party, with the same political system, shared ideals and beliefs, and similar development paths. "Comrades and brothers" speaks to the particularity of China-Vietnam relations, and this traditional friendship is a common and valuable asset for both parties and countries. After their talks, Xi awarded the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China to Trong, while Trong responded by saying that he will work with the Vietnamese people on his post to continue to adhere to the socialist path, constantly consolidate and deepen the Vietnam-China friendly relations as "comrades and brothers," and jointly realize a brighter future. IRONCLAD FRIENDSHIP "China and Pakistan are good friends, good partners and good brothers. Amid global changes and instability in recent years, the two countries have supported each other and forged ahead, demonstrating an ironclad friendship," Xi said when meeting with Sharif. "China expressed deep sympathies to the Pakistani people concerning the devastating floods that have hit the country, and will provide additional emergency relief to help with post-flood reconstruction," Xi said. Xi put forward a series of pragmatic initiatives to deepen China-Pakistan cooperation, including advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with greater efficiency, and making CPEC an exemplar of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, welcoming Pakistan to export more quality agri-products to China, and supporting Chinese provinces with strong industries in pairing up with Pakistani partners to advance industrial cooperation. "No country has ever helped Pakistan or other developing countries with such wholehearted sincerity," Sharif said, noting that Pakistan-China friendship is "unbreakable," and that Pakistan will always stand firmly with China. SINCERITY, REAL RESULTS, AMITY AND GOOD FAITH While visiting Tanzania in 2013, Xi put forth the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith to guide China's cooperation with African countries. It has now become the basic policy guiding China's solidarity and cooperation with other developing countries. During their talks, Xi and Hassan announced the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Xi mentioned that the Tazara Railway marked a milestone in both China-Tanzania and China-Africa friendship. He said even when China was poor, it had tightened its belt to help its African brothers build this railway. "Now that China is more developed, it is better placed to act on the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, to help our African friends achieve common development, and build a stronger China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era," Xi said. "Tanzania views China as its top real friend and will always be a trustworthy partner for China," Hassan echoed Xi's remarks. STABILITY AND CONSISTENCY China's policy toward Germany has maintained a high degree of stability and consistency, and it is hoped that Germany will follow a positive China policy for the mutual benefit of both countries, Xi said when meeting with Scholz. This was the first visit to China by a European leader since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and also the first visit to China by Scholz since he took office as German Chancellor. "The visit will further enhance the mutual understanding and trust between the two sides and deepen practical cooperation in various fields," Xi said. According to foreign media reports, more than 100 German companies applied to join the visit, of which 12 well-known companies were shortlisted, which speaks volumes about the attractiveness of the Chinese market. Germany firmly supports trade liberalization, supports economic globalization, and opposes decoupling, Scholz said, also expressing his hope for closer trade and economic cooperation with China. Photo released by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) on Oct. 26, 2020, shows Eld's deer in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary in eastern Cambodia. (Eleanor Briggs/WCS/Handout via Xinhua) The "Zero-Snaring" campaign, which is initiated by Cambodia's Ministry of Environment (MoE) and conservation organizations, is promoted in the country's targeted provinces to raise awareness in changing people's behavior towards wildlife consumption and combating illegal wildlife trade. PHNOM PENH, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- "Zero-Snaring" campaign, led by Cambodia's Ministry of Environment (MoE) with the cooperation and support from conservation organizations, was wrapped up with proud results, MoE's Secretary of State Neth Pheaktra said on Saturday. The campaign, running from March to September this year, had been organized in Kratie, Stung Treng, Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Preah Vihear and Kampong Thom, aiming at ending the trap crisis and the illegal wildlife trade in the Southeast Asian nation. "The campaign's results from the six-month rallies in the targeted provinces showed direct participation of more than 3,000 supporters, over 600 stories and news articles were produced, published and broadcasted by the press in Cambodia and international media, reaching more than 3 million people," Pheaktra told Xinhua. "Also, 52 restaurants in the six provinces targeted by the campaign proclaimed their commitment to not serving bushmeat in their restaurant menus," he said. He added that all of these restaurants have received certificates from the MoE in recognition of their commitment to and participation in combating illegal wildlife trade. "We thank the partner organizations for joining the Ministry of Environment in organizing this important campaign to change people's behavior towards wildlife consumption and raise public awareness of the consequences that snaring causes to wildlife and people," Pheaktra said. Undated photo shows a red muntjac captured by a camera trap in a sanctuary in Mondulkiri province, Cambodia. (MoE/WWF-Cambodia/Handout via Xinhua) The official said it is not known how many snares are set in Cambodia's protected areas each year, but the Ministry of Environment reports showed more than 60,000 snares were removed in 2021. He added that according to the results of previous studies by the ministry and partners, only 20 percent of the total estimated numbers of snares are removed from protected areas each year. "From tortoises to elephants to monkeys and birds, snares kill indiscriminately," he said. "Wildlife languishes for days before dying from their injuries, lack of water, or starvation." Snares are a major contributor towards the functional extinction of tiger in Cambodia and the rapid decline of the Indochinese leopard, he said, adding that Cambodia's banteng, Sambar deer and other ungulates are threatened with local extinction due to snaring. "The Zero-Snaring campaign will not stop here but will continue to be implemented like drizzle as it will be extended to the Cardamom Mountains region, covering provinces of Kampong Speu, Koh Kong, and Pursat, among other areas, in which wildlife sanctuaries are situated, while they are known as wildlife poaching and trafficking hotspots as well," Pheaktra said. This photo taken on Nov. 5, 2022 shows the exterior of a house built with recycled glass bottles in Macaneta, Mozambique. Macaneta, an underdeveloped beach resort located on the northern outskirts of Mozambique's capital Maputo, may be less known to foreign visitors. However, one new project has recently been added to the resort's few attractions: a house built with recycled glass bottles. (Xinhua/Nie Zuguo) MAPUTO, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Macaneta, an underdeveloped beach resort located on the northern outskirts of Mozambique's capital Maputo, may be less known to foreign visitors. However, one new project has recently been added to the resort's few attractions: a house built with recycled glass bottles. It is where the temperamental Incomati River meets the Indian Ocean. For visitors who come specifically for the house and look at it from a distance, it seems to be unremarkable, blending in with the landscape. But if you stay closer and look for a while, you may feel a touch of art by the exquisiteness of the structure. Glass bottles in various colors are horizontally embedded into concrete walls, becoming part of the structure, as well as decorating the entire building. The floors and passageways of the various spaces of the house are covered with the upside-down bottles, which are carefully hammered deep into the ground. The house includes a living room, kitchen, bathroom and even two outbuildings that serve as a library and meeting space. If you look closely enough, you'll notice that even the bricks, the basic building units of the house, are made of concrete mixed with tiny shiny pieces of glass. These could be bottles for whiskey, gin, wine or even olive oil. When staying inside and experiencing the tranquility brought by the dimmed natural light shining through the colorful glass bottles, people can't help but think how wonderful it is to make discarded glass bottles to be so useful again. In fact, Mozambique's unique geographic location also means that it can be one of the most vulnerable countries on Earth to climate change, which brings a natural sense of crisis and endless sources of inspiration to the local environmentalists when it comes to protecting the environment and promoting harmony between human and nature. The designer and builder of the house, Mozambican environmentalist Carlos Serra and his team, shared with Xinhua their original ideas behind the house's construction. As an environmental activist and a professor who once majored in urban planning and environmental law, Serra said he has identified many threats that the country faces in terms of the environmental protection and climate change, and he also noticed the incredible potential that his people have got to deal with these threats. The idea of building a house with glass bottles is part of an environment education initiative named Repensar, which means "Rethink" in Portuguese. The professor explained that he wants to "deconstruct" the concept of garbage by using the recycled glass bottles as a fantastic construction material. "Discarded glass bottles can be both a problem and a potential for solution in the environment. As they attract a whole set of pests. A bottle, for example, can be a mosquito breeding ground, and when broken it poses a very high risk for the safety of people, it can cause accidents at public places,"said Serra. Like Serra said, solid waste can cause tragedies if not handled properly. This has been borne out by the notorious collapse of the Hulene dump in 2018. As an open-air landfill on the outskirts of Maputo, Hulene eventually expanded into a 17-hectare mountain of garbage as the city has been producing more waste than it can process. In Febuary 2018, following a heavy rain, the dump collapsed and killed at least 16 residents. While using glass as the main material, Serra said his team wanted to remove as many ditched bottles from the environment as possible, who not only searched for bottles at public places themselves but also paid money for what the villagers brought to them. They even built up a small value chain. "We instilled in people the idea that they can deliver the recycled bottles to us for some cash. Unfortunately, it was not enough for this chain to be fairer, but we paid what was possible to the collectors so that they could have some income," said Serra. From May 2019 to 2022, Serra's Repensar project has recycled 700 tonnes of glass bottles. He and his team spent 14 months, using up an estimated 200,000 glass bottles including both the intact and ground ones, to build what he calls the "eco-center" of the project. Serra said he believes they have already achieved the goal of promoting environmental education through the bizarre house, "because just visiting the house helps. As these bottles are of different colors, different patterns, they end up creating a magical effect on anyone who visits us," he said. "If we run out of bottles, we'll go for another type of solution, see that plastic can also be done a lot with it, but the most important point is to have a drastic reduction in the use of conventional materials like cement and sand, especially because the extraction of these materials in the environment also causes impacts. We are always studying alternatives," said Serra. Mozambican environmentalist Carlos Serra shares the story and idea of his glass-bottle house in front of the camera in Macaneta, Mozambique on Nov. 5, 2022. Macaneta, an underdeveloped beach resort located on the northern outskirts of Mozambique's capital Maputo, may be less known to foreign visitors. However, one new project has recently been added to the resort's few attractions: a house built with recycled glass bottles. (Xinhua/Nie Zuguo) This photo taken on Nov. 5, 2022 shows the wall and floor in one outbuilding of a house built with recycled glass bottles in Macaneta, Mozambique. Macaneta, an underdeveloped beach resort located on the northern outskirts of Mozambique's capital Maputo, may be less known to foreign visitors. However, one new project has recently been added to the resort's few attractions: a house built with recycled glass bottles. (Xinhua/Nie Zuguo) This photo taken on Nov. 5, 2022 shows the living room of a house built with recycled glass bottles in Macaneta, Mozambique. Macaneta, an underdeveloped beach resort located on the northern outskirts of Mozambique's capital Maputo, may be less known to foreign visitors. However, one new project has recently been added to the resort's few attractions: a house built with recycled glass bottles. (Xinhua/Nie Zuguo) A press conference is held during the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14) in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 6, 2022. The Wuhan Declaration was adopted Sunday at the COP14, which is being held in China's Wuhan and Switzerland's Geneva. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo) WUHAN, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Wuhan Declaration was adopted Sunday at the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14), which is being held in China's Wuhan and Switzerland's Geneva. As the main fruit of the COP14, the declaration called for "strong will and practical actions" to promote the conservation, restoration, management, wise and sustainable use of wetlands and to prevent and mitigate the systematic risks arising from the continuing loss and degradation of wetlands worldwide. Despite numerous conservation efforts, the world's natural wetlands have declined by 35 percent since the Ramsar Convention entered into force about five decades ago, according to the COP14. The Ramsar Convention, named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the convention was signed in 1971, is an intergovernmental agreement dedicated to the conservation and rational use of wetland ecosystems. To date, it has 172 contracting parties. Calls made by the declaration include supporting wetlands-related legislation, undertaking the assessment and accounting of wetlands resources, conserving, restoring and sustainably managing wetlands in urban and suburban areas, and strengthening global technical cooperation and knowledge sharing. Delegates attend the High-level Ministerial Segment of the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14) in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 6, 2022. The Wuhan Declaration was adopted Sunday at the COP14, which is being held in China's Wuhan and Switzerland's Geneva. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) Delegates attend the High-level Ministerial Segment of the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14) in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 6, 2022. The Wuhan Declaration was adopted Sunday at the COP14, which is being held in China's Wuhan and Switzerland's Geneva. (Xinhua/Xiong Qi) A press conference is held during the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14) in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 6, 2022. The Wuhan Declaration was adopted Sunday at the COP14, which is being held in China's Wuhan and Switzerland's Geneva. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) Delegates attend the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14) in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 6, 2022. The Wuhan Declaration was adopted Sunday at the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14), which is being held in China's Wuhan and Switzerland's Geneva. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) WINDHOEK, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Oil-rich Namibia and Senegal have become the latest members to join the African Petroleum Producers' Organization (APPO), an official said on Monday. Andreas Simon, Namibia's Ministry of Mines and Energy spokesperson, told Xinhua that Namibia had joined the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) at a Council of Ministers Ordinary Session held in Luanda, Angola, on Nov. 4. The meeting also admitted Senegal, while Venezuela joined as an observer member. The 18-member organization was formed 15 years ago in Lagos, Nigeria. It is a platform for cooperation and harmonization of efforts, collaboration, and sharing of knowledge and expertise among oil-producing African states. Oil majors, Total Energies and Shell, together with joint venture partners QatarEnergy and Impact Oil and Gas, announced significant oil discoveries off the Namibian coast earlier this year, estimated by the Ministry of Mines and Energy to be likely in billions of barrels. QatarEnergy, which holds a 30 percent stake in the Venus X1 well and a 45 percent stake in the Graff-1 well, said in October that it wanted to speed up the development of the two oil wells. Namibia recently announced that it would consider joining the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries if the oil fields are found to be large enough for commercial development. SHANGHAI, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- "It would really be a pity if these hundreds- year old tea trees had been cut down," recalled Yuan Tian, a girl wearing a traditional Lao dress, as she was making tea in the food and agricultural products section of the fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) on Sunday. Eight years ago, several Chinese businessmen traveling the Bolaven Plateau of Laos found to to their shock that age-old tea trees were cut down by local villagers to make place for coffee planting. Without any hesitation, they offered to purchase these treasures of hundreds or even a thousand years of age. The 36 Manor company then established a factory there, taking tea leaves collected from these ancient tea trees to the global market. Its business there expanded to the growing of tea trees. "The natural conditions in Laos are very suitable for cultivating tea trees. The tea soup produced by our tea trees is mellow and fragrant. A pot of our tea from ancient trees can survive 15 brews and still be strong," said Yuan, head of the exhibit booth and general manager of Laos 36 Manor. Organically grown Lao tea has thus quickly become popular with Chinese consumers. "At last year's CIIE, many Chinese buyers came to our booth and the sales were good, and this year we have customers who are committed to our brand," she said. With the launch of the China-Laos Railway, the transport cost has dropped significantly for the tea company, which has sold three to five tons of tea to China per year since 2019, she said. As she spoke, a trading group from Yunnan Honghe County walked into the Lao ancient tree tea booth. Chen Yonghong, who heads the group, told Xinhua, "We came here specially to find the Lao booth to discuss how to make better use of China-Laos Railway to promote cross-border trade and expand economic development cooperation." Speaking of China-Laos cooperation, Yuan said that thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative, Laos has received a lot of investment from China, which has created a large number of local jobs. Coupled with the construction and improvement of infrastructure, Laos' economic potential is gradually unfolding. Lao 36 Manor company also bears in mind the motto of "teaching one to fish is better than giving him fish." Yuan said, "We not only hired local staff, but also taught the villagers how to grow tea, as a way to get out of poverty." "In the early stage of tea plantation, we invited tea tree experts from Jiangxi, China, to guide local staff and tea farmers in the conservation of tea plantations," she said. Now, 36 Manor has been granted the official certificate of origin in Laos. A special product of the company, made from the buds of trees more than one thousand years old, has been selected as one of the national gifts for Laos' diplomatic activities, becoming a "business card" representing the high-quality agricultural products of Laos. ISLAMABAD, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- A policeman and a wanted terrorist were killed in a counter-terror operation in the Khyber district of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of police said on Monday. The operation was jointly conducted by the CTD and security agencies in the Ghariza area of the district, according to the CTD officials. The CTD teams raided a house by acting on a tip-off regarding the presence of militants, as a result of which terrorists started firing on them, killing a security official while another sustained bullet injuries, the CTD said. During the operation, the police arrested three other injured militants and shifted them to an undisclosed place for further investigation. The killed and arrested terrorists were involved in the killing of policemen in separate attacks in the province, said the officials. CARACAS, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday ordered an investigation to determine the cause of a plane crash that killed five people, said the defense ministry. Five people died Sunday when a Bolivarian Military Aviation (AMB) plane crashed in the town of Puerto Ayacucho, capital of Amazonas state of Venezuela, local authorities reported. "Aircraft C-208B, acronym ABM 0956, carrying out a transport air group No. 9 test flight, fell to the ground, leaving the entire crew dead," the Amazonas state government posted on Facebook. The crash occurred at the end of the runway at Cacique Aramare National Airport, which serves Puerto Ayacucho in the eastern province of Amazonas. The Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) said that the plane crashed while performing flight training at the airport, which is about three km from GJ Jose Antonio Paez Air Base located in the municipality of Atures. Amazonas Governor Miguel Rodriguez sent his condolences and a "fraternal hug to the family and friends of the crew, who had carried out hundreds of humanitarian missions throughout the Venezuelan jungle, assisting the indigenous people" of the South American nation. BEIRUT, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's House Speaker Nabih Berri said Monday that Lebanon can no longer bear the consequences of leaving the presidency vacant for long periods, the National News Agency reported. "Lebanon cannot bear longer periods of presidential vacancy, and the Lebanese cannot endure further deterioration," Berri said during his meeting with a delegation from the Lebanese Press Syndicate. "The accumulation of crises which drove 80 percent of the Lebanese people under the poverty line, and the necessity to have a dialogue with the International Monetary Fund should all lead to accelerating the election of a new president for the republic," Berri said. Berri also assured that he will call for a weekly parliament session to elect a new president. On Nov. 1, Lebanon entered a presidential vacancy after former President Michel Aoun's term ended while the parliament failed to elect a successor within the constitutional deadline. A caretaker government led by Najib Mikati, for now, performs presidential duties. A man walks past a board showing the 27th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Nov. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) CAIRO, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- With several high-level participants and a nearly two-week agenda covering diverse topics, the UN climate change conference in the Egyptian Red Sea city of Sharm El-Sheikh has once again sounded the alarm about the acute threat posed by global climate change. Heated discussions are foreseeable, and a bolder consensus on climate control could be reached at the conference, which kicks off on Sunday. Instead of exchanging words and setting goals, common understanding must be turned into concrete action. During the past three decades, thanks to the international community's joint efforts, multiple landmark breakthroughs in climate control have been made. The hard-won achievements include the signing of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. Yet action on the ground has been hampered by some developed countries, who are unwilling to do their fair share. As is widely accepted by parties to the UNFCCC, developed and developing countries should shoulder common but differentiated responsibilities given their national conditions, historical share of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and stage of development. Climate activists take part in a protest in New York, the United States, on Oct. 29, 2022. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua) However, some industrialized countries have been attempting to dodge their due responsibilities, despite historically emitting a larger portion of greenhouse gases. As the world's largest historical emitter of planet-warming greenhouse gases, the United States refuses to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. Though Washington has returned to the Paris Agreement after withdrawing from the deal in 2020, fear remains that it might again imperil global efforts given the fact that climate politics in the United States is increasingly polarized. A recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed that nearly two-thirds of Americans think the federal government is not doing enough to fight climate change. Although mounting global pressure in recent years has forced the United States and other wealthy countries to compromise by promising to help the developing world tackle the climate crisis, the results are paltry at best. Take climate finance. In 2009, developed countries pledged to provide 100 billion U.S. dollars each year to assist developing countries in addressing climate change, but the target remains out of reach today. The reluctance of the rich world to walk the talk has severely damaged the mutual trust between the North and the South, a key element for an enhanced global response to the climate challenge. Blame hypocrisy on climate action. Developed countries mouth empty slogans while demanding developing countries adopt unrealistic measures to combat climate change. For example, some European countries have slid back into using fossil fuels like coal despite commitments to reducing emissions because of the current energy crisis. While Europe intends to relax climate requirements on itself, it shows no intention of relaxing its carbon emission requirements on other countries and regions, which Sheriff Ghali, a professor of political science at Nigeria's University of Abuja, calls a double standard. A herd of cows walks to a drinking point to drink in the town of Laisamis, Marsabit County, Kenya, Aug. 27, 2022.(Xinhua/Dong Jianghui) Natural disasters brought by climate change continue to encroach on people's habitats. Since the beginning of the year, Europe has witnessed the worst heat wave in centuries; severe droughts and floods hit large areas of Asia and North America; in the Horn of Africa, people are suffering from famine, and a lot of animal species are dying out. Under such circumstances, no one is immune. "The climate crisis is the defining issue of our time," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres outcried. As the largest developing country, China has taken a series of practical measures to tackle climate change. To realize the goals of reaching peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality, China has set up a leading group to guide and coordinate related work, formulating and releasing a related top-level design document. In 2021, its national carbon market, the world's largest emissions trading system, started online trading. Globally, China has actively promoted green Belt and Road collaboration, and carried out South-South cooperation on climate change. It has helped developing countries improve their capacity to cope with the impact of climate change by providing financial support, signing cooperation documents, implementing mitigation and adaptation projects and organizing training courses. Addressing climate change is a cause shared by all humanity. The problem can only be overcome through concerted action and effective implementation. With time running out to deal with the ravages of climate change, all parties, especially developed countries, should take concrete steps. In the words of Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, president of the meeting's host country Egypt, this year's UN climate conference can be "an opportunity to showcase unity." BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has signed a State Council decree outlining a set of regulations, which will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2023, on the conclusion of treaties, according to an official statement released Monday. Formulated on the basis of previous practice and relevant rules and regulations, these new regulations will further improve the procedures for concluding treaties, the statement added. The regulations stipulate that treaties involving vital national interests in fields such as politics, diplomacy, economy, society and security should be reported to the Communist Party of China Central Committee before they are concluded, according to the statement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has the mandate to oversee the conclusion of a treaty, and offer guidance to relevant State Council departments in negotiating and concluding treaties in accordance with legal procedures, said the statement. It added that local governments have no power to enter into any treaty unless authorized otherwise by the Constitution, laws or the State Council. The regulations also specify 10 types of treaties that should be reviewed by the State Council and placed before the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for ratification. In addition, the regulations also stipulated the procedures concerning the application of treaties in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. According to the new regulations, prior to the signing of a treaty, the provisions should be reviewed by legal teams of concerned State Council departments. They should consult the Ministry of Justice if they find that specific provisions contradict domestic laws and regulations, or the country's international obligations under treaties in force. People attend a side event themed "Green Life, Joint Efforts and Shared Benefits -- Advocating Public Participation in Taking Green Actions" in China's pavilion at the venue of the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Nov. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) China's Special Envoy for Climate Change Xie Zhenhua pointed out that China has actively implemented the Paris Agreement, and further enhanced its nationally determined contribution, aiming to reach a carbon peak and achieve carbon neutralization in a strong, orderly and effective manner. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- China has made remarkable progress toward its goals of reaching peak carbon emissions and carbon neutralization, China's Special Envoy for Climate Change Xie Zhenhua said Sunday. He made the remarks at a side event themed "Green Life, Joint Efforts and Shared Benefits -- Advocating Public Participation in Taking Green Actions" in China's pavilion at the venue of the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Zhao Yingmin, head of the Chinese delegation to COP27 and vice minister of China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, also attended the meeting. Xie pointed out that China has actively implemented the Paris Agreement, and further enhanced its nationally determined contribution, aiming to reach a carbon peak and achieve carbon neutralization in a strong, orderly and effective manner. "China has made great progress in this regard," Xie said. According to preliminary calculations, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions China produces per unit of GDP in 2021 is 3.8 percent lower than that in 2020 and 50.8 percent than in 2005, he said. The Chinese envoy added that China has been actively creating a green and low-carbon atmosphere for years, encouraging the public to participate in carbon emissions reduction, and exploring to establish a pluralistic mechanism of social participation. He said that China has also integrated ecological civilization into its national education system and strengthened ecological education in schools. China's Special Envoy for Climate Change Xie Zhenhua attends a side event themed "Green Life, Joint Efforts and Shared Benefits -- Advocating Public Participation in Taking Green Actions" in China's pavilion at the venue of the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Nov. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) "Public participation is an important driving force for green and low-carbon development and a key indicator for the modernization of the environmental governability and governance system in a country," Xie said. Under the principles of openness and transparency, broad participation, consensus and party-driven, China will work with all parties to promote the success of COP27 and contribute China's wisdom and strength to building a fair, reasonable and win-win global climate governance system, he added. At the side event, representatives from China's enterprises, scientific research institutions and social organizations, such as Tsinghua University and All-China Environment Federation, jointly discussed cases, challenges and recommendations for public participation in low-carbon action. Starting on Sunday, the COP27 will last till Nov. 18 in the coastal city of Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt. In a recent Xinhua interview, a Turkish business leader said that China contributes to global trade by successfully implementing opening-up policy. Demir Sarman, head of the Federation of Food and Drink Industry Associations of Turkiye, said China has switched from exporting cheap textiles and household consumer goods to providing high-tech products, and has taken a giant step forward. Sarman believes that the fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) is a giant platform, where businesses across the globe meet and create new partnerships. A total of 70.72 billion U.S. dollars worth of tentative deals were reached for one-year purchases of goods and services at the CIIE last year. Sarman said that "the importance of the CIIE for the region and the world is indisputable." His federation, the umbrella organization of Turkiye's food and beverage industry, is participating in the CIIE for the first time. Produced by Xinhua Global Service COLOMBO, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan navy and police detected a boat carrying over 300kg of heroin, with a street value of over 6 billion rupees (17 million U.S. dollars), the navy announced on Monday. The navy intercepted the fishing trawler about 18.5km off the Little Basses Reef Lighthouse in Sri Lanka's Southern Province. The navy also arrested six Sri Lankans aboard the fishing trawler. Four others were arrested by the police. The Police Narcotics Bureau is conducting further operations in search of more suspects in connection to this case. With the latest seizure, the Sri Lankan navy has detected drugs with a street value of over 22.5 billion rupees (63 million U.S. dollars) in 2022. Photo taken on May 1, 2022 shows a container vessel docking at the Qianwan Container Terminal in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- China's foreign trade of goods expanded 9.5 percent year on year to 34.62 trillion yuan (about 4.79 trillion U.S. dollars) during the first ten months of the year, official data showed Monday. Exports rose 13 percent year on year to 19.71 trillion yuan, while imports increased 5.2 percent from a year ago to 14.91 trillion yuan, according to the General Administration of Customs. A Chinese worker sprays water onto a rescued sea turtle at Jamestown port, Accra, capital of Ghana, Nov.4, 2022. (Xinhua/Xu Zheng) Ghana's coastline is home to at least three species of sea turtles, which have been facing poaching, marine pollution and some other threats. A growing number of Chinese working on port projects in Ghana are shouldering their responsibility for protecting sea turtles. ACCRA, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Ghana's coastline on the Atlantic Ocean is home to at least three species of sea turtles. In this natural habitat, they live, breed, and prosper, but have also been constantly facing poaching, sea pollution, and some other threats. While many Ghanaians devote themselves to protecting the endangered species, more and more Chinese who engage in port projects in Ghana are joining in their effort. On Friday afternoon, Chinese workers of CRCC Harbor & Channel Engineering Bureau Group Limited undertaking the Jamestown port project in Ghana received a call from locals, crying for help to rescue two trapped sea turtles along the coast. The workers rushed to the scene, located the two sea turtles in bad condition, and conveyed them carefully back to their base by the seaside. With the help of local workers, a temporary shelter for the turtles was quickly set up, and clean water and food were timely provided. "We consulted local animal protectors to make sure all procedures are done correctly, and the turtles recovered their strength quickly," said Hu Yuechuan, office director of the China-aided project. Later in the day, some Chinese workers carried the turtles to the beach and released them back into the Atlantic Ocean. They cheered when the two swam far and the heads poked out of the water. According to Hu, since last year, the Chinese staff have rescued four sea turtles stranded onshore, from which they have gained more knowledge about the sea turtle and their prevention. "Such cases made us come to realize the importance of protecting the creature." Chinese workers clean two rescued sea turtles at Jamestown port, Accra, capital of Ghana, Nov.4, 2022. (Xinhua/Xu Zheng) In its response, the project established a task force engaging in the prevention, enhanced their regular patrol along the seaside, and encouraged local fishermen to share relevant information. "The sea turtle plays an integral part in the marine ecosystem, nobody should shy away from the responsibility of protecting them," Hu added. As China-Ghana cooperation flourishes in recent years, Chinese-aided or Chinese-built infrastructure projects sprung up across Ghana, many of which take eco-logical protection as a top priority. In east Ghana's Tema port, the Chinese-built and largest port in the country, a sea turtle hatchery was built by Chinese workers as early as 2017 to safeguard the vulnerable species that are sensitive to noise and artificial lights. The Chinese project cooperated with the local wildlife society and residents nearby to meticulously care for the sea turtle eggs and create a favorable environment for them to breed, which was applauded by animal protectors. Justice Affukaah, a Ghanaian worker of the Jamestown port project, praised Chinese projects' efforts to conserve sea turtles. "They are shouldering their responsibility for protecting Ghana's eco-environment, which deserves a thumb-up," he said. CHONGQING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- While over 1 million returning overseas students took innovative careers and launched start-ups in their motherland in 2021, grassroots work in civil services and communities has become a new choice for more and more such returnees. Facing fierce competition of only admitting one out of 130 applicants, Li Ziming, a 26-year-old returned overseas student who completed her master's degree in Britain, managed to land her job in a township-level government department in her hometown in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, last year. "At first, people would cast doubtful eyes on my decision, because they thought my educational background should have earned me a better job. But I have my own reasons for choosing this career," said Li. Li still remembers how she was once stranded abroad for half a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, stability becomes one of the most primary elements for her to consider a future career. According to a report released in 2020 by Zhaopin.com, a Chinese human resources website, the number of overseas returnees willing to work in China soared 33.9 percent year on year in 2020. Notably, the growth rate in 2019 was 5.3 percent, and 4.3 percent back in 2018. Another report on the website, released last year, showed that one-third of such returnees were looking forward to being admitted to state-owned enterprises, while 59 percent of the surveyed had sensed an obvious strong preference for jobs in civil services among their group. However, such jobs are not winning the young returnees' hearts merely because of stability. Having worked for a year now, Li has begun to enjoy grassroots work in the township. "There is a lot of knowledge needed to learn, like dealing with villagers' demands and implementing specific policies on rural vitalization," said Li. "Also, more and more young talents have chosen to work in the town. I am not alone." Another 26-year-old returnee, Wang Zixuan, now has worked in a sub-district office in a county in east China's Shandong Province for about one year. Wang did consider working in foreign trade companies, universities and the like, but she eventually made up her mind to do something "more meaningful" in her eyes. Her final decision was greatly inspired by her grandfather and father. They are a retired military doctor and a civil servant, respectively. "Having seen them contributing their whole life to making our country develop better, I feel deeply touched. During my daily work, I always keep in mind that I should stay humble and search for creative and efficient ways to make things done," Wang said. Zhao Xin, head of Dongxi Township, Qijiang District of Chongqing, has observed the trend as well. He has witnessed many graduates with shining academic certificates, including those who returned from overseas, flooding into China's grassroots services. "Some come for stability, but some are full of ambition and want to do their bit in China's grassroots civil services. Sometimes, I feel amazed by their working attitudes and ideology," Zhao said. "Their broad horizons, bilingual skills, and other personal specialties will inject strong impetus to our rural development and help drive our country's future economic growth," he added. XIAMEN, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- China's coastal city of Xiamen has legislated to protect healthcare workers from occupational exposure, marking a pioneering effort in China to better safeguard the group against hazards during work. Occupational exposure refers to being actually or potentially exposed to contact with a virus or disease-related risks during medical job tasks. The regulations, which will take effect on Dec. 1, 2022, were adopted by the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Xiamen. They highlighted medical personnel's key role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic as more contagious variants of the virus posed increased exposure risks to their safety. According to the regulations, the municipal and district-level governments shall allocate more funds to step up protection for medical practitioners. Medical institutions shall strengthen risk management and professional training and guarantee the group necessary protective equipment. The regulations, with 19 articles, have, for the first time, defined the concept of occupational exposure of medical and health personnel from the legislative level. They will provide a legal guarantee for safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of medical workers. BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter on Monday to the Celebration of International Bamboo and Rattan Organization's 25th Anniversary and the Second Global Bamboo and Rattan Congress. Press Release November 7, 2022 Legarda recognized as ASEAN Biodiversity Hero For her significant contributions to biodiversity efforts in the country, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda was recognized as an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Biodiversity Hero on November 2 in Bogor, Indonesia. Joining the awarding ceremony virtually, Legarda, who is known as a long-time advocate of environmental protection and a champion of green development, thanked ASEAN for the recognition and for acknowledging the efforts of individuals from various sectors who fight for the environment. She also expressed gratitude to the European Union and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation for supporting and making the second staging of the ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes Awards possible. "It is an honor to be recognized by the ASEAN as one of this year's ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes. It is heartening that what I advocated to do by being a planetary inhabitant has impacted not only my fellow Filipinos but also the peoples of ASEAN and hopefully the world," Legarda said in her acceptance speech. The ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes Awards, a flagship initiative of the ASEAN, is one of the commemorative activities for the 55th anniversary of ASEAN and the 17th anniversary of the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB). Initiated in 2017, the award was designed to recognize individuals from ASEAN member states who contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation in their countries and the region, raise awareness about biodiversity, and support ASEAN's vision of 'One Community.' It has showcased the work of outstanding individuals from different sectors such as business, academe, non-profit, and government to make the world a healthier place for future generations. Aside from Legarda, the awardee from the Philippines, citizens with outstanding achievements in biodiversity advocacy from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand also received the award. "The ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes are being challenged further to get political consensus for habitat integrity. The task ahead of us is to ensure that the ASEAN is ahead of the pack in demonstrating that equity and planetary stewardship are built into our every decision, individually and collectively," Legarda stated. "We must never lose sight of the fact that, as expounded on in recent evolutionary work, survival of the fittest is not on the level of the individual but at the level of social groups working together for the common good. The ones that cooperate instead of competing, and exhibit care instead of violence, are the ones that thrive," she added. During the ceremony, the ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes submitted their commitments on how they will help protect the ecosystem. Legarda pledged to "further improve the policy environment that will see full implementation, transition the country towards a blue economy, sustainability and climate resilience for future generations." As a senator, Legarda has authored numerous environmental laws, including the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, Philippine Clean Air Act, Renewable Energy Act, Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, National Environmental Awareness and Education Act, Climate Change Act, and Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, among other measures. In 2017, she sponsored the Philippines' concurrence in ratifying the Paris Agreement, an international climate change treaty adopted in 2015 by members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), as former Chairperson of the Subcommittee on the Paris Agreement under the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Aside from this, she leads the Philippines into assenting to the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People, which aims to protect at least 30% of the world's land and ocean by the year 2030. Above and beyond being a legislator, Legarda is the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Global Champion for Resilience, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) National Adaptation Plan Champion, and the Commissioner of the Global Commission on Adaptation and Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) Ambassador for Parliaments. Her dedication to her craft was acknowledged through numerous global recognitions, such as the Global Leader for Tomorrow given by the World Economic Forum (WEF). She is also a United Nations Environment Programme Laureate, and the Global Ambassador for Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change, and Environment of the Women Political Leaders. * China unveiled new ambitions for wetlands conservation during the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14), including incorporating 11 million hectares of wetlands in the national park system. * For many Chinese, wetland is a new concept, but it gets an increasing spotlight as the country is advancing the progress of "ecological civilization." Many Chinese cities have learned to integrate wetland protection into their economic and social development. * Experts say China's progress in wetland conservation against the backdrop of rapid economic expansion and urbanization is a source of inspiration for the rest of the world, especially other developing countries. by Xinhua Writers Yao Yuan, Yu Pei, Yue Wenwan, Wan Pengqi and Tian Zhongquan WUHAN/GENEVA, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- On a mid-lake island in central China's metropolis of Wuhan, over 100 cormorants crowded on 10 fir trees. In a month, they will give a snow-white look to the isle even on a sunny, snowless day. "There are so many migratory birds that their droppings will dye the trees as if covered in snow," said Shi Chenglu, a guide at the East Lake Scenic Area in downtown Wuhan. "Many bird watchers and ordinary residents will come to appreciate the view from the lakeside (without landing on the isle)." Such a sight was unimaginable around the turn of the century when fish in the lake "smelt of kerosene" due to rampant industrial pollution and sewage discharge. But just like other water bodies in the capital city of Hubei Province, the East Lake has benefited from decade-long efforts to restore the wetlands ecology, drawing back both migratory birds and human visitors. "Many new birds are spotted, including greater flamingos that we have never seen before and Dalmatian pelicans that have not visited us for six years," said Wei Bin, vice head of Wuhan's bird-watching society. It testifies to the increasing number of migratory birds at Chenhu Lake, a "wetland of international importance" in Wuhan. As China highlights the harmony between humanity and nature on its path to modernization, many rivers and lakes across the world's most populous nation have received government investments and legislative support that help them regain vitality and even expand in areas. This aerial photo taken on July 19, 2020 shows a view of Buh River wetland at Qinghai Lake in northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Photo by Yang Tao/Xinhua) China, in 1992, became a party to the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental agreement dedicated to the conservation and rational use of wetland ecosystems. Since then, China has established a legal framework for wetlands conservation and issued a series of policies to increase protection. Over the past decade, China has added or restored more than 800,000 hectares of wetlands, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. The country unveiled new ambitions for wetlands conservation during the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14), held in Wuhan and Switzerland's Geneva. Addressing the opening ceremony via video, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China would promote high-quality development in the wetlands conservation cause. China will designate a number of national parks, covering about 10 percent of the country's land area, and incorporate 11 million hectares of wetlands in the national park system. The country will promote international cooperation to protect the four bird migration routes passing China and to build an international mangrove center in Shenzhen, said Xi. Calling for scaling up global action on wetlands conservation, Xi said: "It is important that we advance the global process on wetlands conservation, redouble efforts to preserve authenticity and integrity, include more important wetlands in nature reserves, improve cooperation mechanisms and platforms, and increase the coverage of wetlands of international importance." Local residents enjoy their leisure time at OCT Eco Wetland Park in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Cheng Min) Wetlands include natural and artificial water bodies on land, like rivers, lakes, swamps, rice paddies, as well as some coastal areas. Known as the "kidneys of the Earth" and a reservoir of biodiversity, they can purify water and provide food and shelter to migratory birds. They are among the Earth's top stores of carbon, whose existence contributes to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. For many Chinese, wetland is a relatively new concept. But it gets an increasing spotlight as the country is advancing the progress of "ecological civilization." In 1995, the Chinese government launched a thorough survey of the country's wetland resources, which provided the basis for urgent protection plans. The past decade was characterized by a more comprehensive approach toward wetlands conservation in China. According to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the central government allocated 16.9 billion yuan (about 2.5 billion U.S. dollars) for wetland conservation and undertook over 3,400 protection projects in that period. The country's first specialized law on wetland protection took effect in June. China will continue to attach great importance to wetland protection at the national level and it will filter down to enforcement by local authorities and actions of every citizen, said Wang Xiangchun with the China Urban Construction Design & Research Institute. "This is of particular significance as China's urbanization rate surpasses 60 percent," Wang said. This photo taken on Oct. 31, 2022 shows the view of Qingshan Park in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province. (Xinhua/Cheng Min) INTEGRATING WETLANDS INTO MODERNIZATION Despite the challenges, many Chinese cities have told success stories of integrating wetlands into economic and social development. Wuhan, a megacity of more than 13 million permanent residents, is a prime example. Dubbed "the city of lakes," Wuhan is home to 166 lakes, a remarkable number for a provincial capital in China. But researchers said the city's lake areas had shrunk considerably last century, encroached first by drought and land reclamation for farming and then by real estate development. The trend reversed after the city government passed a slew of legislation and policies to protect wetlands in the 2000s, eventually stabilizing the city's lake area even amid rapid economic growth. Pollution bans and ecological restoration projects restored the water quality. In the 3,367-hectare East Lake, authorities sealed all sewage inlets and planted pollutant-purifying aquatic plants to create 220 hectares of "underwater forest." Boasting clear water and flocks of waterfowl, the lake (also a national wetland park) is now a popular jogging and sightseeing site among residents. "The focus is on restoration, not reconstruction. We tried to reverse the degradation caused by human activities with minimum disruption to the original natural environment. That required a lot of preliminary research," said Chu Yunhong, general manager of Wuhan OCT., Ltd, which conducted the underwater afforestation in parts of the East Lake. Some other Chinese cities developed strategies to coexist with smaller wetlands. In Liangping District of Chongqing in southwest China, farmers grew rice, vegetables, lotus, fish, and shrimps in small and micro wetlands, including the district's many ponds and rice paddies. Organic agriculture in such mini wetlands helped reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides while boosting agricultural output. The scenic views also boosted ecological tourism to raise farmers' incomes. People ride bikes at a wetland park in Liangping District, southwest China's Chongqing, March 13, 2021. (Photo by Liu Hui/Xinhua) Experts say China's progress in wetland conservation against the backdrop of rapid economic expansion and urbanization is a source of inspiration for the rest of the world, especially other developing countries. "As a densely populated country undergoing fast economic development, China has faced many complicated environmental problems and come up with many innovative solutions," said Lei Gang, a senior advisor with the World Wide Fund for Nature. "Other developing countries can learn from China's experience and lessons." Vincent Cohen Barugahare, an official with Uganda's Ministry of Water and Environment, suggested that wetland conservation could be a promising area of cooperation between China and other countries. Barugahare visited wetlands in Qinghai Province, from which China's biggest rivers originate, during a cooperation program on wetlands conservation. He said the Chinese initiative of moving residents out of the conservation areas for better protection also applied in Uganda. "Apart from cooperating in other development areas, like industries, we should cooperate in conservation. I think that's a good direction," Barugahare said at the Geneva session of COP14. (Ren Ke and Chen Junxia from Geneva also contributed to the story) (Video reporters: Zhao Yuchao, Wu You, Fang Yadong, Pan Zhiwei, Wang He, Meng Fanyu, Li Guangzheng, Liu Hai, Jiang Liang, Sun Min, Shang Kunlun; video editors: Zhu Jianhui, Jia Xiaotong, Zhao Yuchao, Zhang Yuhong, Mu Xuyao) MOGADISHU, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Somalia National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) on Sunday killed 21 al-Shabab militants and wounded dozens in central Somalia, the government said. The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism said the security operation was conducted in Galka Salimow village after the country's intelligence agency received prior information of al-Shabab's intention to carry out attacks against the locals. The ministry said about 200 members of the al-Shabab group died last week following a relentless onslaught by Somali troops. "This is a big blow to terrorists and it means that within four days the National Army has killed almost 200 members of al-Shabab Khawarij," the ministry said in a statement issued in Mogadishu the capital of Somalia. The ministry expressed gratitude to the Somali people for recognizing the significance of the collective resolve to eliminate al-Shabab militants. The latest assault came after an al-Shabab suicide bomber blew himself up at a military training center in the capital, Mogadishu, killing at least five people and wounding 11 others on Saturday evening. Al-Shabab group was driven out of Mogadishu in 2011 but it is still capable of conducting attacks, targeting government installations, hotels, restaurants, and public spaces. ADEN, Yemen, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Several explosions on Monday evening rocked a weapons warehouse owned by Yemen's government forces in the country's northeastern oil-rich province of Marib, a security official told Xinhua. "Massive explosions rocked a weapons warehouse near a densely populated neighborhood in Marib province, igniting fires and forcing the evacuation of several families living in the area," the local security official said on condition of anonymity. The official accused the Houthi rebels of striking the weapons warehouse that belonged to the third Regional Military Command of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces in Marib. Preliminary investigation revealed that the explosions caused a number of injuries and deaths, he said, without providing the exact number of casualties. Local witnesses said ambulances rushed to the scene to take the casualties to the nearby government-controlled public hospitals. So far, the Houthi rebels have not claimed responsibility for the explosions. Since a national cease-fire failed to be renewed on Oct. 2, an increase in the number of Houthi attacks against government forces across Yemen has raised concerns about potential major confrontations. Yemen's internationally-recognized government said last week that it started to tighten up precautionary security measures around key production facilities in southern regions. Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi group stormed several northern cities and forced the Saudi-backed Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa. The war has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced 4 million, and pushed the country to the brink of starvation. SYDNEY, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Rio Tinto looks forward to expanding cooperation in decarbonization and energy transition with its Chinese partners, which it sees as crucial to the company's success, Jakob Stausholm, chief executive officer of the mining multinational, told Xinhua in a recent interview. For the fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE), scheduled for Nov. 5-10 in China's economic hub Shanghai, Rio Tinto will make its appearance as an exhibitor for the first time, hosting a 200-square-meter booth. Stausholm said the expo "has been an important event for Rio Tinto since 2018," given the company's participation in the past four editions through sponsoring Australia's national pavilion. Speaking of this year's exhibit, the chief executive revealed that Rio Tinto would focus on energy transition and technology. "It (CIIE) provides a great opportunity for us to spend time with our various partners in China, to develop new relationships and to work together on some of the most complex issues the world has ever faced in addressing climate change," said Stausholm. Noting that Rio Tinto is committed to decarbonization across the entire value chain, Stausholm told Xinhua the company is working with some of China's leading minds, including Tsinghua University and Baowu Steel Group, to research and develop new technologies to deliver a low-carbon future. "China is making real progress and is clearly committed to addressing climate change. The commitment to stop growing emissions and then move to net-zero is significant in the global fight to address climate change," said Stausholm. Stausholm praised China's economic development and recalled the skyscrapers, high-speed rails and other modern infrastructure he saw during visits to China, saying that they helped improve the lives of 1.4 billion people in China. "What took Europe centuries to complete in the First Industrial Revolution, China has managed in just a few decades, and in the process has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty," he said. Founded in 1873, Rio Tinto is a leading global mining group. Since its first shipment of iron ore to China in 1973, the company has established extensive partnerships with Chinese enterprises. Viewing China as Rio Tinto's biggest customer and an important partner, the chief executive noted that the company has had joint ventures with Chinese partners in Australia's Pilbara region for more than 40 years. In September, Rio Tinto announced that it teamed up with China's Baowu Steel Group to develop an iron ore project in the Pilbara region, with a joint investment of 2 billion U.S. dollars. As well as economic development, the innovations coming out of China are top-notch, particularly in decarbonization, he noted. Stausholm said Rio Tinto looks forward to maintaining its deep relationships with its Chinese partners and co-investing globally with a strong focus on tackling climate change. "We are, in 2022, embarking on the next exciting phase and building a deeper relationship for the years to come," said Stausholm. "These relationships are crucial to our long-term success." PHNOM PENH, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a 70-million-U.S. dollar loan to Cambodia to support government efforts to deepen reforms in upper secondary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education across the country, the lender said in a press statement on Monday. The Science and Technology Project in Upper Secondary Education will help Cambodia develop high-quality human resources, especially in the STEM field, as the country aspires to transform its economy to a technology-driven and knowledge-based economy, the statement said. "Given the significant STEM skills gap, the project will help to strengthen Cambodia's education system by upgrading its traditional STEM education to keep up with the growing demand for a highly qualified labor force," said ADB principal education specialist for Southeast Asia Lynnette Perez. "This will be instrumental for Cambodia to integrate 21st-century skills, knowledge, and competencies into its STEM education. This would improve student proficiency in critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration, all of which are needed for a knowledge-based economy," she added. The project will put in place standards for quality education for all upper secondary schools, upgrade facilities, and provide essential education technology and STEM equipment in Cambodia, the statement said. Among the project's plans will be to upgrade the facilities of 14 upper secondary network schools and 103 general upper secondary schools, by converting three classrooms in each into two science classrooms and one library with equipment, teaching materials, books, furnishing, and needed education technology resources, it added. JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan forces have arrested a group of five kidnappers and rescued a man from captivity in the eastern Nangarhar province, the provincial administration said in a statement released on Monday. The security forces have also seized arms and ammunition as well as three vehicles from the possessions of the gang on Sunday, the statement added. In a similar operation in the capital Kabul, security personnel arrested a group of eight kidnappers who abducted five people and extorted ransom from their families a couple of months ago. This photo taken on Nov. 7, 2022 shows the burial site of Taliban co-founder Mullah Mohammad Omar Mujahid in Zabul province, Afghanistan. The burial site of Taliban co-founder Mullah Mohammad Omar Mujahid has been disclosed in Afghansitan's southern Zabul province, chief spokesman of Afghanistan's Taliban-run caretaker government Zabihullah Mujahid has said. (Photo by Arghand/Xinhua) KABUL, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The burial site of Taliban co-founder Mullah Mohammad Omar Mujahid has been disclosed in Afghansitan's southern Zabul province, chief spokesman of Afghanistan's Taliban-run caretaker government Zabihullah Mujahid has said. "The tomb of late Amirul Mominen (Supreme leader) Mullah Mohammad Omar Mujahid was revealed to public at a ceremony attended by ranking officials in Omarzo area of Suri district, Zabul province, on Sunday," Mujahid tweeted. Acting Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund and other cabinet members attended the ceremony, according to Mujahid. After his hierarchy was dethroned from power following the U.S.-led military invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, Omar went underground and according to media reports died of illness in 2013 in Pakistan. However, his supporters have denied the report, claiming Omar passed away nine years ago inside Afghanistan and was buried secretly to avoid the possible revenge of enemies. The Taliban took over power of the war-torn country after a hasty U.S. military pullout from Afghansitan in late August last year. This photo taken on Nov. 7, 2022 shows the burial site of Taliban co-founder Mullah Mohammad Omar Mujahid in Zabul province, Afghanistan. The burial site of Taliban co-founder Mullah Mohammad Omar Mujahid has been disclosed in Afghansitan's southern Zabul province, chief spokesman of Afghanistan's Taliban-run caretaker government Zabihullah Mujahid has said. (Photo by Arghand/Xinhua) This photo taken on Nov. 7, 2022 shows the burial site of Taliban co-founder Mullah Mohammad Omar Mujahid in Zabul province, Afghanistan. The burial site of Taliban co-founder Mullah Mohammad Omar Mujahid has been disclosed in Afghansitan's southern Zabul province, chief spokesman of Afghanistan's Taliban-run caretaker government Zabihullah Mujahid has said. (Photo by Arghand/Xinhua) This photo taken on Nov. 7, 2022 shows the burial site of Taliban co-founder Mullah Mohammad Omar Mujahid in Zabul province, Afghanistan. The burial site of Taliban co-founder Mullah Mohammad Omar Mujahid has been disclosed in Afghansitan's southern Zabul province, chief spokesman of Afghanistan's Taliban-run caretaker government Zabihullah Mujahid has said. (Photo by Arghand/Xinhua) This photo taken on Nov. 7, 2022 shows the burial site of Taliban co-founder Mullah Mohammad Omar Mujahid in Zabul province, Afghanistan. The burial site of Taliban co-founder Mullah Mohammad Omar Mujahid has been disclosed in Afghansitan's southern Zabul province, chief spokesman of Afghanistan's Taliban-run caretaker government Zabihullah Mujahid has said. (Photo by Arghand/Xinhua) WELLINGTON, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government is strengthening its efforts to clamp down on money laundering and terrorism financing, making it easier for small businesses and consumers to comply. "Our country is a safe place to do business, but we want to do as much as possible to disrupt the criminal economy, and improve how we detect, deter and eliminate money laundering," said Justice Minister Kiri Allan. New Zealand is one of the least corrupt countries in the world, which also makes it more attractive for international money-launderers, Allan said, adding money laundering can threaten the country's international reputation. The justice minister cited an evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force last year which found New Zealand was a highly effective international partner contributing to foreign investigations and tenaciously pursuing money laundering globally. The government is now introducing changes aimed at improving the regime, following a review of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act, she said. The review also forms part of the government's response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry in response to the March 15 attacks in 2019 in which a gunman killed 51 people in two mosques in the city of Christchurch. "The act disrupts serious and organized crime, as well as terrorism, by imposing obligations on businesses that provide specific financial and non-financial services, known as reporting entities," Allan said. These obligations require reporting entities to assess their money laundering and terrorism financing risks, identify and know their customers, report suspicious activities and transactions, and maintain various records, she added. TOKYO, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- An advisory panel for the finance minister on Monday proposed that the Japanese government end free-of-charge coronavirus vaccinations, highlighting concerns over a further increase of its financial strain. Japan's Ministry of Finance convened a subcommittee meeting on Monday and asked a panel of experts to start discussing possible charges for the COVID-19 shots, like the ones for seasonal influenza and other infectious diseases. The finance ministry said the free inoculations have put a huge financial burden on the central government, and citizens should shoulder part of the costs for future shots. According to the ministry, the Japanese government has spent about 17 trillion yen (116 billion U.S. dollars) to aid medical services in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, with expenditures including the securing of hospital beds and facilitating the supply of free vaccines. In fiscal 2021, which ended March this year, Japan has spent 2.34 trillion yen procuring vaccines for medical facilities, with each shot costing around 9,600 yen, compared with 5,000 yen for a flu shot, it added. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a press conference the same day that ending the free rollout of COVID-19 vaccines is something to be considered in the future and that it does not contradict with the government's current vaccination program. The finance ministry also said COVID-19 antigen testing kits that the government has purchased for distribution free of charge should now be supplied by the private sector. SEOUL, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Amid the record-scale U.S.-South Korea Vigilant Storm joint air exercises, the Korean People's Army (KPA) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) lashed out with a series of military countermeasures from Wednesday to Saturday, the KPA said Monday. Military countermeasures will be implemented as categorical response to the "intolerable and unpardonable" "war drills," said a KPA statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), spelling out a detailed account of military maneuvers along the timeline. From Wednesday to Saturday, the KPA fired to its western and eastern waters as well as open waters some 80 km off the South Korean coastal city Ulsan with tactical ballistic missiles, super-large multiple-launcher-fired missiles, ground-to-air missiles, and long-range multiple-launcher-fired missiles. The KPA air forces also mobilized 500 fighter planes in a large-scale all-out combat sortie operation, with a drill duration of nearly 4 hours, the statement said. The KPA statement lauded a complete success of all the military operations of high performance on par with planned purposes, noting that the KPA will continue to take "sustained, resolute and overwhelming practical military measures," in response to all the anti-DPRK war drills. During the U.S.-South Korea joint air exercises, Pak Jong Chon, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, and a spokesman for the DPRK's foreign ministry issued statements of stern warnings and vehement denunciations on Thursday and Friday respectively, as the record-scale U.S.-South Korea Vigilant Storm joint air exercises were held on Oct. 31 to Nov. 4. Press Release November 7, 2022 NLRC SPEECH Thank you, Mr. President. Distinguished colleagues. I speak before you today on a matter of personal and collective privilege. May mga nagsasabi na tuwing nagsasalita ako, I make them uncomfortable. I tend to be harsh. But I have come to learn in the years that I have been a broadcaster that discomfort drives change. And that is why I stand before you today because it seems that we have become desensitized with regard to the plight of our laborers in the cases they file with the NLRC. Recently there has been an increase in incidents of employees encountering difficulties in recovering their money claims or executing judgments that they fought so hard for. Just last week, my attention was called regarding incidents involving cases that they brought before the NLRC. A heartbreaking example is the case of Tommy Flaviano at ang kanyang mga kasamahan na kahit nanalo na sila sa NLRC nahirapan silang makasingil ng kanilang panalo. Nagsimula sila na benete sila na mga complainants at dahil sa tinagal at bagal ng proseso, siyam sakanila ang namatay na, labing isa na lang ang natitira. Dinarasal po ng natitirang labing isang na ito na sana madatnan pa nila na sila ay mga buhay pa at matanggap ang kanilang ipinanalong pera. Mr. President we will make sure that things like this should and will not ever happen again. Ironically, the Constitution provides as a policy that "The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare." But if you go to the office of the NLRC and ask them if they feel that they are valued as a primary social economic force, I am quite sure they will either laugh at you or they will be clueless about what that means. Indeed, the enforcement of rights through litigation is not the same for employers and employees. Iba ang pinagdadaanan ng abusadong employer at ng kawawang manggagawa. Ang employer pag nanalo di mahirap para ipaexecute ang decision. Kadalasan inaaprubahan lang ang pagtanggal ng empleyado. Pero pag nanalo ang empleyado, pahirapan. Parang treasure hunt ang paghahanap ng mananagot sa award ng korte. Saan ba ang problema pagdating sa mga proseso sa NLRC? Based on interviews and research that we have conducted, the concerns arise at the very beginning when the parties go to for SENA or Single Entry Approach where the parties appear before a mediation officer to possibly reach an amicable settlement. Even if these procedures provide that only the parties will attend, sometimes the employer-party sends their lawyer posing as their representatives to attend the conference. The employees are easily intimidated. I propose that only non-lawyers could represent parties before the SENA. Further, the SENA officers must be given guidelines by the NLRC on unreasonable settlements being proposed at the SENA level. The officers must be able to protect the employees against these kinds of agreements when their rights are really being violated. When the parties do not reach a settlement before the SEnA, they proceed to file the case before the Labor Arbiter. At this point, delays have been noted in the resolution of cases. During the hearing before the Committee on Labor before our staunch labor defender Senator Jinggoy Estrada, the NLRC admitted the delay that has been caused by delay in filing and service of pleadings and processes. But I would like to point out that during the pandemic, the courts and even the NLRC have resorted to electronic filing. I implore that the NLRC institutionalize the use of this digital technology in its filing and service. The Supreme Court has provided sufficient guidelines when it comes to electronic filing and service. The NLRC could follow suit. But the biggest problem our employees have is execution. Kumbaga parati silang nganga matapos nila ilaban ang kaso nila. True, the rules of the NLRC provide for a cash bond and surety bond. But the problem is this cash bond and surety bond only arises when the case is appealed from the Labor Arbiter to the NLRC. Most employers who want to evade the payment of money claims, would stop fighting cases with their employees at the Labor Arbiter level. Because if they appeal to the Commission, they have to file a cash bond or surety bond equivalent to the award. Thus, it is easier to simply hide. Taguan na ng mga ari arian. We have to do something about this because the rights that we provide in our laws become useless when the employees could not enforce them in the end. Hence, resulting in just paper victory. Nagpagod lang ang kawawang empleyado. I will file a proposal to provide a way to garnish the properties of the employers at the Labor Arbiter level. This will ensure that even while the case is pending the employees will have something to run after to answer for a favorable judgment. And during execution, it seems that the sheriffs are always at a loss in running after corporate employers who either close down or empty the coffers of the corporate entity to avoid paying the judgment award. It is difficult to have to prove the piercing of corporate entities in executing judgments. I propose that if the employer-party fails to appear during the execution conference of labor money claims and could not provide for the settlement of the judgment claim, there will be a presumption that the piercing doctrine will apply and the officers and directors will be solidarily liable for the judgment award. My dear colleagues, we provide our laborers with so much benefits, but when it is violated and we do not ensure its enforcement, our work here in the legislature becomes useless. I would like to end my speech with the quote of social activist Bryan Stevenson. He said that: "The opposite of property is not wealth, the opposite of poverty is justice." Social justice mandates us to give our less fortunate laborers a fighting chance with the laws that we implement. Hindi basta bigay lang tayo ng bigay ng Karapatan at benepisyo. Kailangan siguraduhin natin na ang mga ito ay mapapatupad. Thank you Mr. President and my dear colleagues for indulging me with your time and attention. HELSINKI, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Finnish President Sauli Niinisto on Monday underlined the need to assess the possibility of peace in the Ukraine conflict "also elsewhere than on the military front." Addressing the formal opening of a national defence course for the political, economic, and civil service elite, Niinisto said that he "regards as positive" the pursuit by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to maintain dialogue with Moscow. "Peace is such an important goal that we must not save any efforts to attain it," he said. Niinisto took up the ongoing Finnish discussion about nuclear weapons. "Talk of nuclear weapons has quickly become commonplace in recent days, also here in Finland. I consider this a dangerous development." Niinisto said he wanted to state explicitly that although Finland does not set any advance restrictions on its upcoming membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Finland has no intentions of bringing nuclear weapons to its territory. Since 1961, each of such course has brought together 50 politicians, civil servants, and representatives of business and industry for three weeks of tuition and socializing. Mogadishu: Days after the region was captured by government forces, al-Shabaab militants attacked a military base in the central Galgadud region on Monday, according to the Defense Ministry and the militant group. Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, Abdullahi Ali Anod told state news agency SONA that the military successfully repulsed attacks on both foreign and local base housing in Qayyab, a village that al-Shabaab had been out of since last week. was done. According to Ahmed Hassan, a military officer in the nearby town of Bahdo, the attack began around 5 a.m. (0200 GMT) with two suicide car bombings, followed by hours of fierce fighting. Also Read: Iran claims Tajikistan-born gunman was responsible for the shrine attack. "The city's communications facility was destroyed by al-Shabaab, and as a result, it is currently offline. We know that we killed five of al-Shabaab's fighters," Hassan said. According to him, one car bomb blew out, and another hit a military truck that was parked at the base entrance. Although it was not immediately clear how many people were killed overall, he said at least nine soldiers were injured. Al-Shabaab spokesman Abdiyasis Abu Musab said in a statement that the group used suicide car bombs to launch an attack in Qayb before attacking its fighters from various angles. According to Abu Musab, the fighters killed several soldiers while stealing their equipment and vehicles. Also Read: ISRO Wants to Explore the Moon's Dark Side with Japan Over the past three months, government forces have defeated al-Shabaab in several battlefields, taking back territory the organization has long occupied. In retaliation, al-Shabaab carried out the deadliest explosions in the past five years at the Ministry of Education in the capital Mogadishu on October 29, killing at least 120 people. Also Read: Why there is such a high demand for Asian-American voters in Nevada Since 2006, the al-Qaeda-linked group has killed thousands in its campaign to topple Somalia's central government and enforce its interpretation of Islamic law. Nicosia: Archbishop Chrysostomos II, the vocal head of the Greek Orthodox Christian Church in Cyprus, died on Monday. His entry into the country's complex politics and the hazy world of finance angered both supporters and detractors. After four years of liver cancer treatment, Chrysostomos spent his final days at the church's headquarters in the city. According to a team of doctors' statement, at 6:40 a.m., the archbishop "passed away peacefully after facing the test of his illness with courage, fortitude and Christian endurance." monday. The bulletin said that everyone who was close to him during the difficult times of his illness saw his humility, kindness and deep faith as well as his concern for his flock. The statement continued, stating that the Archbishop's legacy was distinguished by his "vision, courage, respect for and restoration of the Church's historical tradition, as well as innovative changes that were always aimed at the unity of the Church." Also Read: Numerous people fill Bahrain's national stadium for the pope's main Mass Other Orthodox Church leaders will be invited to the funeral, which will be planned by the Holy Synod, the highest decision-making body of the Church. According to the official website of the Patriarchate, Patriarch Bartholomew, the head of the world's Orthodox Christian faithful, indicated his desire to attend the funeral of Chrysostomos. Meanwhile, the Archbishop received many tributes. Chrysostomos was praised by Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiades for his "massive body of reforms for the good of Orthodoxy and the Church as well as our people". Even the archbishop's most ardent opponents admitted in a statement to the communist-inspired AKEL party that he "clearly left his mark on the affairs of the church and society, which today go down to the verdict of history." Chrysostomos was a tall, impressive man with a white beard, as is customary for Orthodox clergy. He rarely held back when it came to expressing his opinion on matters ranging from politics to the finances of the country, which angered some politicians and other opponents who punished him for not following his religious obligations. Chrysostomos said he would have preferred that the cash-strapped country would leave the euro as its currency rather than accept a bailout deal, before the island nation's multi-billion-euro financial rescue by international creditors in March 2013. which he claimed would set his economy decades behind. According to him, exiting the euro would at least protect the honor of Cyprus. A furious Chrysostomos declared, "This is not the Europe we believed in when we joined," following the signing of the agreement, which requires substantial depositors at the country's two largest banks to lose some of their savings. Was. The Archbishop did not shy away from addressing specific persons in his remarks. He once advised former president Dimitris Christophius with communist roots to reflect on his actions after leaving a "prosperous, happy nation and leaving it with few people to starve". Also Read: November will be observed as Hindu Heritage Month in Canada The cleric called bankers and politicians "thieves" who fled, while "the poor people paid Piper" for their disastrous choices. He also cautioned that he would not be afraid to urge the public to take action to stop "saying" technical experts in the country. Some of his detractors claimed that his comments about the financial industry showed that he was acting more like a businessman and banker than a spiritual leader. Chrysostomos has previously openly acknowledged the political support of Russian financiers and the Kremlin, but in relations with the Russian Orthodox Church when he followed the ecumenical patriarch's decision to recognize the independence of the new Ukrainian Orthodox Church in 2020 It hurt. His efforts in conflict zones of the region included a trip to war-torn Syria in 2016 to support conservative citizens of that nation. He suggested scientists for vaccination and other restrictions, for their full support to stop the coronavirus pandemic. His accession to the throne in 2006, when his name and predecessor could not perform his duties due to ill health, demonstrated his political understanding. A long-standing practice in Cyprus is the election of church leaders by a college of clerics and common voters. Chrysostomos, who was not the favorite of the crowd and was behind the two frontrunners in the general vote, outclassed his rivals by securing the support of a college majority to win. Even before assuming leadership, Chrysostomos was never secretive about his right-wing political views and was not averse to using his influence to persuade the Holy Synod to follow his wishes. Chrysostomos had expressed open mistrust of Turkey's plans for Cyprus. He claimed in an interview from 2018 that he never thought a peace agreement to bring the ethnically divided island nation back together was feasible because Turkey wanted to create a Turkish state there. Cyprus was divided in 1974when Turkey invaded following a coup by pro-Greek unionists. In the north of the Mediterranean island, Turkish Cypriots proclaimed an independent state that was only recognised by Turkey, which has 35,000 troops stationed there. In 2004, Chrysostomos pushed for the church to speak out against what he saw as an unfair U.N. peace plan that the vast majority of Greek Cypriots later rejected in a referendum. During Pope Benedict XVI's 2010 visit to the island, Chrysostomos addressed the pontiff and accused Turkey of attempting to carry out "its obscure plans," which include annexing the territory currently under military occupation and then conquering the entirety of Cyprus. Also Read: Here is why it is considered inauspicious to offer water to Tulsi Plant on Ekadashi and Sundays In addition, Chrysostomos claimed that Turks "ruthlessly looted" Christian artworks in an effort to eradicate Greek and Christian culture from northern Cyprus. The archbishop pleaded with former Pope Benedict and Pope Francis to ensure the preservation of the revered Christian structures during the latter's visit to Cyprus in 2021. Despite his political views, the archbishop collaborated closely with other Christian leaders and the Muslim mufti, the spiritual leader of the Turkish Cypriots, to rebuild sacred spaces in order to convey the idea that religion is an anchor for peace rather than a barrier. The church has had a significant presence in Cyprus since the Middle Ages, when the Ottoman rulers of the island acknowledged it as the only representative institution of the Greek Orthodox Christian populace. This persisted all the way up until 1960, when Cyprus became free of British colonial rule after electing Makarios as the nation's first president. Chrysostomos, who was born on April 10, 1941, found his calling in religion at a young age when, after completing primary school, he enlisted as a lay brother in Cyprus' renowned Saint Neophytos monastery. He steadily advanced in the church until 1978, when he was appointed bishop of Paphos, the prefecture where he was born. Chrysostomos strengthened the church's finances as archbishop and implemented a number of reforms, including regaining the church's autonomy in making decisions by strengthening the Holy Synod through the ordination of new bishops and the creation of a new constitution. Chrysostomos was a staunch advocate for improved ties between the Orthodox and Catholic churches and established a church office at the European Union's headquarters in Brussels. "I want to work hard, not just for the sake of it. Chrysostomos stated to state broadcaster CyBC in 2022, "I came and I'll eventually be gone, so I want to leave something behind for this country, that's what matters. Dubai: The gunman who shot dead 13 people at an important Shia shrine last month was a Tajik, according to Iran's official news agency. The terrorist Daesh group has been blamed for the October 26 attack on Shah Cherag in Shiraz, one of Iran's top five Shia shrines. Without providing any supporting data, the government has attempted to attribute the attack to largely peaceful anti-government demonstrations. Iran initially reported 15 deaths in Shiraz, but later lowered the toll to 13 due to a double count. The shooter was identified as Shobhan Komrauni in the IRNA report. He died on October 26, days after the attack, in a hospital in southern Iran from injuries sustained during his arrest. Also Read: ISRO Wants to Explore the Moon's Dark Side with Japan According to a report published on Monday, Mohammad Ramez Rashidi, an Afghan national, was the gunman's accomplice. The report claimed that a third suspect from neighboring Azerbaijan was the "chief coordinator" of the attack from the Iranian capital Tehran. Also Read: Why there is such a high demand for Asian-American voters in Nevada IRNA said authorities have detained 26 suspects in connection with the attack on the shrine, all of whom are reportedly citizens of Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan and are suspected of having links to extremist groups. Without going into detail, it claimed that some suspects were preparing a similar attack in the country's southeast of Sistan and the city of Zahedan in the volatile province of Balochistan, which only saw deadly unrest last week. Also Read: French MP hang down for calling a black colleague "back to Africa" Iran has sparked anti-government protests since the custodial death in September of a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who was arrested for allegedly breaking a strict dress code for women. Islamabad: Now the Pakistani Supreme Court has also entered into the case of the deadly attack on former PM Imran Khan. The top court has directed Punjab Police Chief Faisal Shahkar to register a case in the matter within 24 hours. The Supreme Court wondered why the case had not been registered yet. If so, the top court will take suo motu cognizance of the matter. Let us inform you that on November 3, Imran Khan was shot in the leg in a deadly attack during the march of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Party (PTI). One person lost his life and 11 people were injured in this incident. In fact, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandiyal has warned to take suo motu cognizance if FIR is not registered in the deadly attack on Imran Khan. According to media reports, CJP also asked Punjab Inspector General (IG) Faisal Shahkar why FIR was not registered in the matter. The Chief Justice of Pakistan asked, 'Tell us when will the FIR be registered? There should be a solid reason for not registering the FIR.' The CJP directed the IG to call the officers to investigate the matter and said, 'As per the law, work has to be done, the court is with you.' Let us tell you that IG Shahkar, who has decided to break away from the Punjab government and has refused to work with the current political system under the leadership of CM Pervez Elahi, informed the court that "we have filed an FIR regarding I have spoken to the Punjab CM but he has expressed some objections.'' Pope calls on politicians in Lebanon to "set aside" personal interests T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma's fan fined Rs 6.5 lakh for entering ground with tricolour ISRO Wants to Explore the Moon's Dark Side with Japan Russian marines complain over loss of 300 people in 4 days Meduza 7 November, 11:31 AM Russian military (Photo:Ministry of Defense of Russia / Facebook) Servicemen from the 155th Marine Brigade of the Russian Pacific Fleet are reported to have sent a letter to the governor of Primorye Oleg Kozhemyako complaining about heavy losses near the village of Pavlivka in Donetsk Oblast, Russian outlet Meduza reported on Nov. 6. According to the publication, which cited a number of sources, the complaint was reported by the "military correspondent" of the propagandist media VDTRK Alexander Sladkov, a former adviser to the head of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin, as well as Anastasia Kashevarova, and other Russian propaganda sources. Video of day The full text of the letter was published by the Grey Zone Telegram channel. Meduza cannot verify the authenticity of the text. Sladkov and Kashevarova did not disclose the data on losses and the names of commanders given in the letter. According to the Grey Zone, in the letter, the marines claim that in four days they lost "about 300 people killed, wounded and missing" during an "unfathomable offensive" on the village of Pavlivka near Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast. According to the alleged authors of the letter, their commanders "General Muradov and his fellow countryman Akhmedov" planned the offensive so that the former "earned bonuses in the eyes of the Chief of the General Staff" Valery Gerasimov, and the latter received the title of Hero of Russia. "They don't care about anything just to show themselves. They call people (cannon) fodder," the letter reads. The marines ask Kozhemyako to appeal to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief with a request to send an "independent" commission, not related to the Ministry of Defense, the letter says. The governor of Primorye did not confirm the receipt of the letter by the time of publication of the report. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News Russians dig over 1,500 new graves near occupied Mariupol, reports BBC 7 November, 03:31 PM Drama theater in Mariupol (Photo:REUTERS/Stringer) Russian invasion forces have dug more than 1,500 new graves at a mass burial site near the occupied city of Mariupol, the BBC reported on Nov. 7 after analyzing satellite imagery. Recent satellite images show that three mass burial sites near Mariupol in Staryy Krym, Manhush and Vynohradne have been steadily growing since spring. The Centre for Information Resilience analyzed the images of Staryy Krym for the BBC's Panorama programme and concluded that 1,500 new graves had been dug there since it last analyzed images at the site in June, BBC said. Video of day It estimates that more than 4,600 graves have been dug there since the beginning of the war, although it says it cannot know how many bodies are buried at the site. According to the Azov Regiment, one of the Ukrainian army units that defended Mariupol until it was captured by the Russians in May, at least 25,000 local residents were killed in Mariupol by the Russian invasion forces. Earlier, Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boychenko said that due to problems with water supplies, the city is threatened with an infectious disease disaster, which could result in more than 10,000 deaths by the end of this year. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News Glacier-covered areas in the Himalayas have decreased significantly in the past decades as temperatures have risen by more than double the global average. Photo: ICIMOD Despite his rush to fly to Sharm El-Sheikh of Egypt to attend the 27th meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP27), also known as the United Nations Climate Change Conference, Bimal Regmi, a climate change expert, managed time to go through the election manifestoes of major political parties. Regmi says he, like scores, also does not believe the parties will implement their pre-election commitments, yet he does not think the time he spent reading the manifestoes went to waste. If not encouraging and exciting, they have given satisfactory space to climate change in the manifestoes, Regmi told Onlinekhabar over the telephone from Sharm El-Sheikh, In the past, you could rarely find climate as a word in their election manifestoes as it would be mixed up with other environmental issues. But, this time, they have clearly identified the issue. If you look back to two manifestoes issued by the three biggest parties for the parliamentary elections in 2017, climate change appears to be distant from their responsibilities. The manifesto of the left alliance of the CPN-UML and CPN-Maoist Centre, which won the elections, mentioned climate once under the title of Conserving Natural Heritage and Environment. The Nepali Congress mentioned Climate Change along with Environmental Conversation, but it lacked any measurable outcomes. This time, the story is different. Climate change appears in the titles of subject matters that the CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress have listed to express their commitments. In addition, some of the goals they have set are specific and measurable. The Maoist Centre does not have climate in any of the titles, yet, it has given enough space to the topic. The party has even managed to talk about the ongoing COP27 in the manifesto. Small parties have also given some space to climate change. I dont believe in these manifestoes as what the parties say or write does not match with what they do, climate change activist Raju Pandit Chhetri says, But, if you forget that, whatever the parties have written this time are not bad at all. Other stakeholders agree with him. They are okay with the promises and now await their implementation. Big talks of big parties Election manifestos of all major parties have expressed their commitment to combatting climate change. The big parties have connected climate change with forest conservation, clean energy, pollution control and disaster risk management. As managing finances for climate adaptation and mitigation has been one of the major challenges for Nepal, the parties have also spent some words on addressing that concern. Without setting a time limit, the CPN-UML has vowed to prepare a strategy to increase Nepals forest cover to 45 per cent of the total area. It means the opposition party has endorsed Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deubas announcement during the COP26 last year that Nepal would increase the forest cover to 45 per cent by 2030. Apparently, for the opposition party that aspires to lead the next government post-elections, endorsing the governments international commitment can be one of the most prudent promises it can make. But, Prime Minister Deubas Nepali Congress has come one step forward and vowed to increase the forest cover to 47 per cent in the next five years. Another major promise that Deuba made during the climate summit last year was achieving net zero by 2045. Whereas his party has vowed in its election manifesto to begin the road map of a green economy, ultimately reaching net zero, the UML and the Maoist Centre are silent. Among major national parties, the Nepali Congress has become the smartest one in presenting its climate promises in a clear and measurable way. Except for its 20 guarantees, the UML manifesto uses bulky paragraphs whereas the Maoist Centre looks uninformed of Nepas international obligations and promises. But, the Nepali Congress has tried to present everything in points and numbers. For example, the UML has repeated the promotion of electric vehicles many times while it has failed to quantify this. Instead, the Nepali Congress talks little yet clearly says it wants to increase the use of electric vehicles and stoves to 50 per cent in the next five years. These targets are not only specific and measurable but also achievable if the political leadership is committed, Regmi says. Likewise, Chhetri adds the overall impression of the parties in terms of net zero, electric vehicles and climate-smart agriculture is positive. If they are to be implemented, they, of course, will do something good. A flooded Melamchi Bazaar of Sindhupalchok, on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. Photo: Bikash Shrestha Disaster risk reduction and management are not missing in any of the manifestoes. The UML has included regular duties such as vulnerable area identification and mapping as well as post-disaster rescue and relief also in its manifesto. The Nepali Congress has stressed using local construction technologies and materials to prevent floods and erosions. The Maoist Centre is focused on providing ample resources including the workforce for disaster risk reduction and management. It also talks about strengthening the early warning systems. Disaster should always be a priority in Nepal and the parties have understood it well, Regmi says, But, most of their commitments, sadly, are traditional and they do not hold the strength to transform the system. While the Maoist Centre appears to be weak in comparison to the UML and the Nepali Congress in the overall presentation of the climate change agenda, it nonetheless has some impressive plans that other parties missed. For example, it vows to provide grants and other assistance to individuals and community groups that practise exemplary climate adaptation models at the local level. It has also talked about connecting climate financing to the local level. It is because the public today is also aware of climate change concerns. The parties cannot win votes just by promising electricity, roads and bridges as they could in the past, climate activist Shreya KC says, The parties know they must address climate crisis to connect themselves to the young population. The CPN-Unified Socialist appears weaker than the Nepali Congress and the Maoist Centre in raising climate issues in the manifesto. Nevertheless, it also talks about disaster risk reduction and management, resilience, utilisation and conservation of natural resources as well as climate adaptation at the local level. The resolutions open to ridicule Wildfire engulfed the Shivapuri Nagarjun forest in Kathmandu in April 2021. Photo: Aryan Dhimal But, there is not everything to be hopeful about. The parties have failed to meet stakeholders expectations in some crucial concerns. While stakeholders are virtually divided over the $100-million loan agreement signed between the government and the World Bank with most of the stakeholders opposing the deal, Prime Minister Deubas Nepali Congress party has said it would make efforts for both concessional loans and grants for climate financing. It could have just said finances instead of specifying the categories. Also, it didnt understand that grants and loans are not the only instruments of climate funds available, says activist Chhetri. All parties are on the same page regarding the need to make climate change and climate finance a matter of diplomacy and international lobbying. They also talk about internationalising issues regarding mountainous climate. Yet, the parties are not clear about how that can be done, says Buddhi Sagar Poudel, the chief of the Climate Change Management Division at the Ministry of Forests and Environment. It seems they didnt have any clear direction about Nepals international agenda about loss and damage and climate compensation. It would have been better if they had discussed all these issues with the stakeholders before drafting the manifesto because the manifestoes would guide their governments policy and programme tomorrow. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba addresses the World Leaders Summit during the 26th Conference of Parties (COP 26) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Glasgow, United Kingdom, on Monday, November 1, 2021. Photo: RSS But, the parties seem quite distant from such concerns. The Maoist Centre has even dared to lay itself open to ridicule by mentioning the ongoing COP27, which would be over two days before the voting in Nepal, on its election agenda. The party has said Nepal would make efforts to develop a common strategy for mountainous countries during the COP. It seems the party does not know that most of the Nepali delegates to the climate change conference had already left the country before it made the manifesto public. Nor did it understand that Nepals participation in the COP this time is just nominal, given all stakeholders focus on the general elections being held in the next two weeks. It is noted here that Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who himself leads the Environment Ministry after firing Minister Pradeep Yadav over the coalition conflicts, has sent his womens and childrens minister, Uma Regmi, to lead the delegation. While the participation of a minister from an unrelated portfolio makes the Nepali delegation weak in Sharm El-Sheikh, she is not staying there through the conference either. In this context, a party mentioning the pre-election COP in the election manifesto is just ridiculous, a commentator says. Big dreams of small parties Rabi Lamichhane with the from Rastriya Swatantra Partys election manifesto. But, overall, the big parties commitments to addressing climate change concerns this time are positive, comments Chhetri. It also means that other smaller parties can learn from the biggies tomorrow. If implemented, these manifestoes hence will hold long-term significance. But, small parties have already learnt the importance of climate change in the modern world. In Regmis observation, Baburam Bhattarai-led Nepal Samajbadi Party and Rajendra Lingden-led Rastriya Prajatantra Party have also made encouraging promises regarding climate change. It seems no one is weaker than their competitors when it comes to writing about climate. Probably because climate scientist Arnico Panday led the drafting of the manifesto of Rabi Lamichhane-led Rastriya Swatantra Party, climate change is a priority there too. The argument that Nepal should receive compensation from the international community for the climate crisis here, an issue that even major parties failed to raise, has received priority in the Swatantra Partys manifesto. Nonetheless, its promises do not look measurable. Upendra Yadav-led Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, still known to be a Madhesh-centric party among the general public despite it being a national party legally, nonetheless, has failed to raise climate change in its manifesto clearly. Will they walk the talk? File: The front side of Singhadarbar, the central administrative complex of Nepal Its always easier said than done. While the parties appear confident in talking the talk, will they keep the promises? Many people doubt. These manifestoes are all formality. If the elections had not coincided with the COP, a critical Chhetri says, I dont think the parties would have talked about climate change with such significance in their manifestoes. Meanwhile, Regmi believes the parties do not have clear strategies to implement their promises. The problem is so deep that hundreds of people die every day. Its a bitter truth that the parties couldnt show the same level of sensitivity in them. These promises are not tangible. Chhetri, on the other hand, thinks the parties have failed to mainstream climate change. They have talked about reducing carbon emission while they also focus on multiplying employment opportunities on the other, Chhetri says, But, you need to understand that creating employment opportunities needs more factories that emit carbon. How you can reduce carbon emission, by using electricity maybe, is missing there. But, there is no alternative to addressing climate concerns, says KC. Whichever party can express itself more clearly about climate change and sustainable development can claim itself to be going beyond immediate petty benefits and looking forward to long-term development. The political leadership must realise this. Home Business Nepal collects Rs 95.71 billion in inland revenues in 3 months, 91% of the target File: Inland Revenue Department (IRD), Kathmandu Kathmandu, November 7 The federal government has collected Rs 95.71 billion in inland revenues in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, informs the Inland Revenue Department. This is 91 per cent of the revenue target set for the period (Rs 105.22 billion) in the budget announcement for the fiscal year, according to the department. This puts the government under further pressure as it is already losing a significant amount of customs thanks to the ban on the import of some luxury items. In the inland revenues too, the government achieved targets in excise duties, health service revenues and education service revenues. Targets in income taxes, rental taxes and (internal) VAT could not materialise. Fortune Business Insights According to Fortune Business Insights, the global wireless audio device market size is projected to reach USD 143.41 billion in 2029, at a CAGR of 17.1% during the forecast period, 2022-2029 Pune, India, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global wireless audio device market size was valued at USD 40.58 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 47.37 billion in 2022 to USD 143.41 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 17.1% during the forecast period. Fortune Business Insights, provide this information in its report titled, Wireless Audio Device Market, 2022-2029. Request a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/wireless-audio-device-market-106904 Key Industry Development May 2022: The WH-1000 line of wireless headphones from Sony Group Corporation was introduced with active noise cancellation. These headphones allow users to connect in cable mode whenever necessary and enable Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless streaming. Report Scope & Segmentation Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2022 to 2029 Forecast Period 2022 to 2029 CAGR 17.1% 2029 Value Projection USD 143.41 Billion Base Year 2021 Wireless Audio Device Market Size in 2021 USD 40.58 Billion Historical Data for 2018 to 2020 No. of Pages 150 Segments covered Device, Technology, Application and Geography Industries are Switching to Digital Solutions in Response to Pandemic to Expand Market Opportunity Numerous difficulties and disruptions to global corporate operations have been brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses grew by finding creative ways to maintain their operations and income streams. Manufacturers and suppliers had more reason for fear due to the decline in consumer electronics demand brought on by lockdown procedures. Due to lockdown procedures, movie theatres were closed, movie distributors and producers struggled to release new content, and the suspension of live musical performances slowed the market expansion. Story continues Click here to get the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this market. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/wireless-audio-device-market-106904 Drivers & Restraints Demand for Wireless Compact Devices is Increasing due to Audience Interest in Rich Video Content Consumers are switching to wireless audio devices as a result of the development of wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Demand for earbuds and headphones has surged as a result of this gradual change. Additionally, some of the factors propelling the market include straightforward functionality, dependable audio quality, and small structure of wireless audio devices. The global market is expected to experience a slowdown in growth due to strict regulations placed on radiofrequency (RF) spectrum. Segments Rapid Shift in Consumer Behavior and Increasing Need for Compact Wireless Devices to Augment Segmental Demand Based on device, the market is segmented into headphones & headsets, earphones, microphones, speaker systems & soundbars, and others. Headphones & headsets segment holds the largest share of the market as individuals as well as studio professionals significantly use these devices. Bluetooth to Propel Segmental Growth Owing to Rich Connectivity and Interoperability Features Based on technology, the market is categorized into Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, airplay, and others. Bluetooth technology captures the highest wireless audio device market share and is expected to continue its dominance. Increasing Applications of Wireless Audio Devices in Commercial Sector to Boost Market By application, residential/individual segment holds the largest share. This is primarily attributed to the rising adoption of True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earphones among individuals. Geographically, the market is divided into five key regions, North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and the Asia Pacific. Report Coverage We provide our reports with an all-inclusive examination approach that majorly emphasizes on delivering precise material. Our scholars have applied a data triangulation method, which further assists us to offer trustworthy estimations and test the general market dynamics accurately. Further, our analysts have received admission to numerous international as well as regional funded registers for providing the up-to-date material so that the stakeholders and business professionals invest only in essential zones. Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/wireless-audio-device-market-106904 Regional Insights North America to Lead Backed by Surging Popularity of Wireless Devices The increasing popularity of wireless audio streaming devices, such as headphones, earbuds, and smart speakers, among consumers in this region is fueling the rise of the North America market. Asia Pacific is estimated to hold the highest CAGR in the forecast period. Market participants in the area are concentrating on increasing their geographic reach by providing clients in underdeveloped countries with cutting-edge wireless audio devices. According to predictions, Europe is expected to hold a prominent share of the global market. The adoption of these gadgets has risen in Germany, the U.K., and France, which has contributed to the wireless audio device market growth. Competitive Landscape Innovative Product Launch Announcement by Key Players to Bolster Market Growth The prominent players adopt several strategies to bolster their position in the market as leading companies. One such key strategy is acquiring companies to bolster the brand value among users. Another essential strategy is periodically launching innovative products with a detailed study of the market and its target audience. List of Key Players Covered in the Report Apple Inc. (U.S.) Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (South Korea) Logitech International S.A. (Switzerland) Sennheiser Electronic GmbH & Co. KG (Germany) Sony Group Corporation (Japan) Zound Industries International AB (Sweden) Sonos, Inc. (U.S.) Panasonic Corporation (Japan) Shure Incorporated (U.S.) Bose Corporation (U.S.) Quick Buy Wireless Audio Device Market Research Report https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/106904 Major Table of Contents: Global Wireless Audio Device Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Segments, 2018-2029 Key Findings By Device (USD) Headphones & Headsets Earphones Microphones Speaker Systems & Sound bars Others (Power Amplifier, etc.) By Technology (USD) Bluetooth Wi-Fi Airplay Others (SKAA, etc.) By Application (USD) Residential/Individual Commercial Automotive Others (Education, etc.) By Region (USD) North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa South America North America Wireless Audio Device Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Segments, 2018-2029 Key Findings By Device (USD) Headphones & Headsets Earphones Microphones Speaker Systems & Soundbars Others (Power Amplifier, etc.) By Technology (USD) Bluetooth Wi-Fi Airplay Others (SKAA, etc.) By Application (USD) Residential/Individual Commercial Automotive Others (Education, etc.) By Country (USD) United States Canada Mexico Europe Wireless Audio Device Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Segments, 2018-2029 Key Findings By Device (USD) Headphones & Headsets Earphones Microphones Speaker Systems & Sound bars Others (Power Amplifier, etc.) By Technology (USD) Bluetooth Wi-Fi Airplay Others (SKAA, etc.) By Application (USD) Residential/Individual Commercial Automotive Others (Education, etc.) By Country (USD) United Kingdom Germany France Italy Spain Russia Benelux Nordics Rest of Europe TOC Continued! About Us: Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them to address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com According to the Georgian government administration, a telephone conversation was held between the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Gharibashvili and the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan.The agency wrote that during their conversation, they discussed various topics of Georgia-Armenia cooperation. In addition, according to the government, Pashinyan informed Gharibashvili about the results of the meeting held in Sochi on October 31 with the participation of the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia."Irakli Gharibashvili and Nikol Pashinian also exchanged opinions about close cooperation in the region and current issues," the government administration noted.The President of Russia, the President of Azerbaijan, and the Prime Minister of Armenia held talks in Sochi - according to the Russian government media, at the meeting they discussed the implementation of the agreements of November 9, 2020, January 11, and November 26, 2021, after which they issued a joint statement.According to the Georgian government, Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili will participate in the 27th UN Climate Change Conference World Leaders' Summit, which will be held in the Arab Republic of Egypt, Sharm el-Sheikh."The head of the government went to the Arab Republic of Egypt together with the delegation, which includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ilia Darchiashvili and the head of the government administration Revaz Javelidze," the statement reads.According to their information, the Prime Minister will address the world leaders participating in the summit and "focus on ways to overcome the challenges caused by climate change. (Adds quotes, detail and background) ABIDJAN, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Cameroon and Nigeria have requested to join the Cote d'Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI), a joint body spearheading the interests of the two countries in the international cocoa trade, its top official said on Wednesday. The initiative was set up after a 2018 declaration by Ivory Coast and Ghana, the world's two largest cocoa producers, to define a common sustainable cocoa strategy that would raise prices paid to farmers. It aimed to include other African countries. Representatives from Nigeria and Cameroon, the world's fourth- and fifth-largest cocoa producers, were invited to a CIGCI meeting in Abidjan to begin the process of joining the initiative, its Executive Secretary Alex Assanvo said. "It is also the start of the accession process that will eventually allow their integration into our initiative," he told reporters after the meeting. A special assistant to Nigeria's ministry of agriculture, Akeju Olagbaju, said the country was ready to join the initiative to improve farmers' revenues and create a "single voice to face the cocoa industry". Ivory Coast and Ghana accuse cocoa buyers of negotiating down so-called origin differentials - the premium for the coming month that chocolate-makers and cocoa merchants will pay for high-grade cocoa. The CIGCI in May took a drastic step to publish these differentials in a bid to bring greater transparency to the process. "With Cameroon and Nigeria we are going to represent around 75% of global cocoa production," Yves Brahima Kone, chief executive of the Ivory Coast Cocoa and Coffee Council, said at the meeting. "This will allow us to have more leeway in discussions with the industry on imposing a decent price for our cocoa farmers." (Reporting by Ange Aboa; Writing by Sofia Christensen; Editing by Jan Harvey, James Macharia Chege and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) AirBoss Defense Group New Contracts Will Support User Survivability, Route Clearance and Threat Detection JESSUP, Md., Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AirBoss Defense Group (ADG), a subsidiary of AirBoss of America Corp. (AirBoss) today announced that it continues to build business momentum with a $35 million order for ten (10) Husky 2G counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) vehicles. The vehicles will be equipped with a full complement of detection systems and periphery subsystems including ground penetrating radar (GPR), M20 Interrogation Arms, Rollover Detection Systems, thermal cameras and RPG-defeat netting. ADG is also responsible for providing comprehensive operator and maintainer training as well as spare parts and sustainment supplies to the customer. Delivery of the vehicles will take place over the next 16 months. Furthermore, ADG, through its partner, DCD Protected (DCD), will be providing three (3) Husky 2G C-IED vehicles, peripheral detection and survivability systems to support a customer in West Africa, valued at up to $5.6 million. ADG and DCD will also be providing spare parts and sustainment supplies as well as comprehensive operator and maintainer training. This contract, with deliveries taking place over the next six months, will provide a critical, best-in-class route clearance and threat detection and interrogation capability that will aid in the ongoing war on terror and efforts to counter a growing extremist threat in the region. Patrick Callahan, CEO of AirBoss Defense Group said, AirBoss Defense Group is growing its worldwide leadership in survivability solutions, ranging from IED detection to high-risk environment personal protective equipment. The Husky 2G is a cornerstone product in our portfolio of survivability solutions and is the most survivable vehicle available on the battlefield, providing unparalleled route clearance capabilities to U.S allies around the world. ADG welcomes the opportunity to continue our long partnership with DCD to provide the proven and tested Husky 2G vehicle in support of global route clearance missions. Story continues These new orders build upon previous U.S. and foreign government procurement from ADG of Husky 2G C-IED vehicles, equipment, spare parts, and training to counter growing IED and landmine threats around the globe. ADG and DCD vehicles enable a rapid response to the growing international demand for proven route clearance and survivability solutions delivered by ADG. Built with a unique V-shaped hull and modular design, the Husky 2G C-IED protects operators from blast impacts, small arms fire, and challenging terrain while supporting sensor systems for threat detection, identification, and mitigation. The two-operator Husky 2G clearance vehicle was developed to meet the operational requirement for longer, more complex, mounted clearance missions and the employment of more sophisticated vehicle payloads. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense as a U.S. Army Top Ten Invention, the 2G platform addresses evolving explosive threats while applying operationally proven survivability capabilities. For more information, please visit www.adg.com. FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION DISCLAIMER Certain statements contained or incorporated by reference herein, including those that express managements expectations or estimates of future developments or ADGs future performance, constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, and can generally be identified by words such as will, may, could is expected to, believes, anticipates, forecasts, plans, intends or similar expressions. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent managements expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events and performance. Statements containing forward-looking information are necessarily based upon a number of opinions, estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at the time the statements are made, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies. AirBoss cautions that such forward-looking information involves known and unknown contingencies, uncertainties and other risks that may cause AirBoss actual financial results, performance or achievements to be materially different from its estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information, including without limitation: impact of general economic conditions, notably including its impact on demand for rubber solutions and products; dependence on key customers; global defense budgets, notably in the Companys target markets, and success of the Company in obtaining new or extended defense contracts; cyclical trends in the tire and automotive, construction, mining and retail industries; sufficient availability of raw materials at economical costs; weather conditions affecting raw materials, production and sales; AirBoss ability to maintain existing customers or develop new customers in light of increased competition; AirBoss ability to successfully integrate acquisitions of other businesses and/or companies or to realize on the anticipated benefits thereof; changes in accounting policies and methods, including uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates; changes in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar; changes in tax laws and potential litigation; ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms; environmental damage and non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations; impact of global health situations; potential product liability and warranty claims and equipment malfunction. COVID-19 could also negatively impact the Companys operations and financial results in future periods. There is increased uncertainty associated with future operating assumptions and expectations as compared to prior periods. As such, it is not possible to estimate the impacts COVID-19 will have on the Companys financial position or results of operations in future periods. While the direct impacts of COVID-19 are not determinable at this time, the Company has a credit facility that can provide financing up to $250 million. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of AirBoss forward-looking information. All of the forward-looking information in this press release is expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information attributable to ADG or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this press release and, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, ADG disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly this forward-looking information except as required by applicable laws. Risks and uncertainties about ADGs business are more fully discussed under the heading Risk Factors in AirBoss of America Corp.s (AirBoss) recent Annual Information Form and are otherwise disclosed in AirBoss filings with securities regulatory authorities which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. AirBoss Defense Group 8261 Preston Court Jessup, Maryland 20794 Contact: David Costello Tel: 617.875.2492 Email: david@risingtidemhd.com Virtual Investor Conferences Company invites individual and institutional investors, as well as advisors and analysts, to attend real-time, interactive presentations on VirtualInvestorConferences.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Anfield Energy, Inc. (TSXV: AEC; OTCQB: ANLDF) is a uranium and vanadium developer with all of its assets in the U.S. Anfields current focus is on advancing its hub-and spoke production model, underpinned by its Shootaring Canyon Mill. Corey Dias, Co-Founder and CEO of Anfield, will present live at VirtualInvestorConferences.com on November 8th, 2022. DATE: November 8th, 2022 TIME: 12:30pm ET LINK: https://bit.ly/3C7y59u Available for 1x1 meetings: November 10 This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event. It is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com . About Anfield Energy, Inc. Anfield is a uranium and vanadium developer with an aim to become a near-term U.S. based producer. Its advanced suite of uranium and vanadium assets is underpinned by the Shootaring Canyon Mill, one of only three licensed, permitted and constructed conventional uranium mills in the U.S. About Virtual Investor Conferences Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors. Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors. Story continues CONTACTS: Anfield Energy, Inc. Corey Dias Co-Founder and CEO 604-669-5762 cdias@anfieldresources.com Virtual Investor Conferences John M. Viglotti SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access OTC Markets Group (212) 220-2221 johnv@otcmarkets.com Virtual Investor Conferences Company invites individual and institutional investors, as well as advisors and analysts, to attend real-time, interactive presentations on VirtualInvestorConferences.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Sky Uranium (OTCQB: BKUCF/TSX-V: BSK), based in Vancouver focused on the Amarillo Grande deposit in Argentina today announced that CEO Niko Cacos and VP of Exploration Guillermo Pensado will present live at Virtual Investor Conferences.com on November 8th, 2022. DATE: November 8th, 2022 TIME: 10:00am PT/1:00pm ET LINK: https://bit.ly/3C7y59u Available for 1x1 meetings: November 9-11th This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event. It is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com . Recent Company Highlights Blue Sky Uranium Launches Field Work and Advances two Priority Exploration Targets within the Amarillo Grande Project, Argentina Blue Sky Uranium Reports 1m @ 0.13% U3O8 and 0.13% V2O5 and Final Results from the Ivana Deposit Drilling Program, Amarillo Grande Project, Argentina About Blue Sky Uranium Blue Sky Uranium Corp. (TSX.V: BSK; FSE: MAL2.F; OTC: BKUCF) is one of Argentina's best-positioned uranium & vanadium exploration companies with more than 4,000 km2 (400,000 ha) of prospective tenements. The Company's mission is to deliver exceptional returns to shareholders by acquiring, exploring and advancing towards production a portfolio of uranium-vanadium projects, with an emphasis on near-surface deposits with the potential for near-term low-cost production. The Company follows international best practices in exploration, with a focus on respect for the environment, the communities, and the cultures in all the areas in which we work. Story continues About Virtual Investor Conferences Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors. Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors. CONTACTS: Blue Sky Uranium Shawn Perger Investor Relations 778-686-0135 Perger@grossogroup.co Virtual Investor Conferences John M. Viglotti SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access OTC Markets Group (212) 220-2221 johnv@otcmarkets.com Swab tubes with medical samples on blue background Credit - Getty Images If you can name the currently circulating coronavirus variants without looking them up, your memory is better than most peopleseven those who are still paying attention to COVID-19. At the moment, the top five variants in the U.S. are called BA.5 (making up about 39% of new cases, per the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), BQ.1.1 (almost 19%), BQ.1 (16.5%), BA.4.6 (9.5%), and BF.7 (9%). Meanwhile, the XBB variant has been detected in at least 35 countries, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is monitoring a variant called B.1.1.529. This alphabet-soup nomenclature feels like a marked departure from the World Health Organizations (WHO) Greek letter system, which was instituted in May 2021 to give people an easy and location-neutral way to refer to new variants. While the Greek lettering system, which yielded names like Alpha, Beta, and Delta, did not replace existing scientific naming systemssuch as those responsible for labels like BA.5 and XBBit was meant to simplify public communication about important viral strains. The WHO only assigns a new Greek letter to a variant if its significantly different from previous versions. And for the last year, weve seen flavor after flavor of Omicron, rather than totally new iterations of the virus, explains Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHOs technical lead for COVID-19. Thats why we havent yet had a strain called Pi. Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Center for Vaccine Development at Texas Childrens Hospital, has nicknamed the newer strains Scrabble variants, because many of them contain high-scoring Scrabble letters like Q and X. And, he adds, because they kind of scrabble your brain. Im a scientist whos been developing coronavirus vaccines for the last decade, and its even challenging for people like myself to follow them, Hotez says. Theyre not just hard to remember. The names are enough to make the average persons eyes glaze overwhich isnt great, considering that much of the public has already checked out of the pandemic. Story continues Van Kerkhove, however, argues that the public probably doesnt need to know all the granular details of BQ.1 versus BQ.1.1 versus BF.7. What the general public really needs to know is, what does it mean for me in terms of risk? We will give new names using the Greek letters when these variants are substantially different to each other in terms of severity, immune evasion, or transmission, she says. Read More: How to Stay Safe from COVID-19 During the 2022 Holiday Season But some experts say variant names do have real-world implications for average people. Hotez points to the new bivalent boosters, which were formulated to target the BA.4 and BA.5 variants. BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 are descendants of BA.5, so the vaccines probably also provide some amount of protection against them, and that knowledge would perhaps provide extra motivation to get the new shots. But, in part because of their names, the average person likely doesnt know that BQ.1 is related to BA.5, Hotez says. T. Ryan Gregory, a professor of integrative biology at Canadas University of Guelph, says the alphabet-soup names are important for scientists to know, because they communicate information about how the virus has evolved. But he thinks there should also be common names that the general public can use, just as there are scientific and common names for animal species. Hes even promoted (unofficial) nicknames for recent variants, calling BQ.1.1 Cerberus, BQ.1 Typhon, and XBB Gryphon. If all the variants start to blend together in the public consciousness, people might not register the emergence of new strains that may be able to dodge immunity theyve acquired from vaccinations or prior infections, Gregory says. A clearer understanding of circulating variants could also be important in health-care settings, since some monoclonal antibody therapies dont work well against certain variants, he adds. Van Kerkhove says the WHOs Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution is working on a more robust method of assessing when a variant should get a new name, with a particular focus on immune evasion. The jump from Delta to Omicron was so dramatic that it was an easy call to give Omicron a new name, Van Kerkhove says. But now that the virus is mutating in subtler ways, its a more complicated decision. In late October, the advisory group voted against assigning new labels to XBB and BQ.1 because they are not sufficiently different from previous forms of Omicron. For variants that dont meet the WHOs threshold for a new Greek letter, the agency could at least use a more understandable naming system, Hotez suggestsperhaps starting with Omicron, and then moving on to Omicron 1, Omicron 2, and so on. Van Kerkhove says the WHO has discussed doing so, but even that system comes with problems. There are about 300 Omicron sublineages currently under surveillance, she says, and Omicron 300 sounds like a movie franchise. The public probably doesnt need to know and discuss all of those variants, Gregory says. But for the strains that spread widely and account for a significant portion of infections, its worth having easily comprehensible names. Right now, most people either feel like, Wow, this is alphabet soup, and I cant keep track, or Well, its all Omicron, so it doesnt matter when theres a new variant, Gregory says. What the public is missingand what it needs, he saysis a shared vocabulary that would help everyone understand the pandemic as it continues to evolve. HeartFlow Holding, Inc. Using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with HeartFlows FFRCT Analysis to evaluate suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) offers more accurate non-invasive diagnosis, fewer unnecessary tests, and higher confidence in identifying patients needing treatment Precision Pathway compared to Traditional Testing for stable chest pain and suspected coronary artery disease. MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HeartFlow, Inc., the leader in revolutionizing precision heartcare, today announced new trial results that show evaluating patients with suspected CAD by applying advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to CCTA allows for more accurate non-invasive diagnosis, reduces unnecessary testing, and offers higher confidence in identifying patients needing treatment. The results from the P rospective R andomized Trial of the Optimal E valuation of C ard i ac S ymptoms and R e vascularization (PRECISE) trial were presented today as late-breaking clinical data at the American Heart Associations (AHA) Scientific Sessions in Chicago, IL. This is the strongest level of scientific evidence yet to support the approach professional guidelines recommend that physicians use to diagnose stable chest pain patients, said Pamela Douglas, M.D., MACC, FASE, FAHA, the Ursula Geller Professor for Research in Cardiovascular Disease, Duke University School of Medicine and study chair of the PRECISE trial. Combining multiple steps into a Precision Pathway provides a clear path forward for clinicians. PRECISE is the first global randomized controlled trial of its kind, enrolling 2,103 participants at 65 sites. The trial confirms that the CCTA FFR CT -centered strategy, recognized by the AHA/ACC Guidelines, is the superior diagnostic pathway for patients with suspected coronary artery disease. The trial compares a non-invasive Precision Pathway to Traditional Testing which includes stress testing or invasive cardiac catheterization. The Precision Pathway is consistent with the AHA/ACC guideline-recognized approach that defers testing for low-risk patients and tests all others with CCTA FFR CT . The FFR CT Analysis uses AI coupled with highly trained analysts to create an interactive 3D computer model of the heart that quantifies and displays blood flow and blockages. Story continues Compared to Traditional Testing, the PRECISE trial showed that the Precision Pathway: allows for more accurate non-invasive diagnosis, significantly lowering the rates of false negatives and false positives compared to Traditional Testing in patients with coronary artery disease. reduces unnecessary tests, providing a better patient experience, with a 4x reduction in unnecessary invasive catheterization and necessitating fewer initial diagnostic tests overall. provides confidence in treating the right patients - 75% more likely to identify patients in need of intervention. Were pleased to see these data support what the guidelines already recognize, said Campbell Rogers, MD, FACC, Chief Medical Officer, HeartFlow. We believe this level-one clinical science information will be used by more practitioners to guide decisions on how to optimize care for people with suspected coronary artery disease. A CCTA FFR CT pathway has been adopted by more than 725 hospitals worldwide, including 80% of the Top 50 Heart Hospitals in the US. About HeartFlow HeartFlow is the global leader in revolutionizing precision heart care, uniquely combining human ingenuity with advanced AI technology. Headquartered in Mountain View, California, our technology has been published in more than 500 peer-reviewed publications that showcase the value of anatomy, physiology, and plaque. We began our journey to improve coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis with FFR CT and have now expanded our product portfolio to include anatomic stenosis and plaque information. To date, clinicians have used our technology for more than 135,000 patients to aid in the diagnosis of heart disease.1 For more information, visit www.heartflow.com and connect on Twitter and LinkedIn. Contacts For Media Linly Ku HeartFlow media@heartflow.com 1 Data on file at HeartFlow A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aa5a7a5e-9488-4a45-a960-e5c939fb7a73 London, UK --News Direct-- Chariot Ltd Chariot Ltd (AIM:CHAR, OTC:OIGLF) CEO Adonis Pouroulis speaks to Proactive after forming a partnership with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Morocco and Oort Energy to collaborate on green hydrogen pilot projects. The partnership will run initial proof of concept projects to assess the viability of industrial-scale production of green hydrogen and ammonia. Chariot's contribution will be its project management skills. Contact Details Proactive Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com View original content to download multimedia: https://newsdirect.com/news/chariot-discusses-latest-green-hydrogen-project-in-morocco-from-cop27-559864190 This news release was distributed by News Direct Corp. (News Direct). News Direct is an industry-leading content and news distribution platform. This news release and all materials included within this news release, including, without limitation, all images, trademarks and logos, are protected by copyrights, trademarks, service marks, patents or other proprietary rights and laws. If you copy, broadcast, download, store (in any medium), transmit, show or play any multimedia content from this release in public, you must properly attribute said content to the company or organization from which the news release originated unless otherwise sourced. News Direct makes no warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this news release. News Direct hereby disclaims all warranties, whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise, in connection with this news release and the content within this news release. Global Market Insights Inc. Some of the major players operating in the colostrum industry are Colostrum Biotech GmBH, Sterling Technology, The Saskatoon Colostrum Company, Cure Nutraceutical Pvt ltd, NOW Foods, Good Health New Zealand, Deep Blue Health New Zealand, PanTheryx, Biostrum Nutritech Pvt Ltd, Biotaris BV, Immuno Dyanmics Inc, Genceutic Naturals, Ingredia, Biodane Pharma, Puralife LLC, Bionatin BV, Farbest Brands, Magmed Limited MIP Colostrum. Selbyville, Delaware, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new research report by Global Market Insights Inc., the global colostrum market is anticipated to be worth USD 390 million by 2032. The rapid growth of the animal feed sector has increased the demand for various raw materials required to prepare feeds that meet the nutritional needs of calves. This includes colostrum, which is becoming a sought-after ingredient in animal feed due to its ability to improve the health of calves. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/3978 Colostrum provides high levels of antibodies which boosts the immunity of calves against diseases. It is also enriched in essential nutrients such as vitamins, fat, and proteins. These nutritional benefits are contributing to the rise in the consumption of colostrum as a critical ingredient in feed formulations. Colostrum market share from the skim colostrum powder product segment is projected to register over 3.5% CAGR from 2023 to 2032. This growth can be attributed to the health benefits of skim colostrum powder. Skimmed powder has low-fat content, making it ideal for people who are trying to regulate their weight. Although there is less fat in these products, skim colostrum powders are rich in proteins and calcium. These powders can also promote the healthy development of newborn animals and infants. Thus, with the growing requirement for infant food and animal feed, the demand for skim colostrum powder is likely to increase substantially over the forthcoming years. Story continues Browse key industry insights spread across 253 pages with 235 market data tables and 34 figures & charts from the report Colostrum Market Size By Product (Whole Colostrum Powder, Specialty Colostrum Powder, Skim Colostrum Powder), By Form (Organic, Conventional), By Application (Nutritional Supplements, Infant Food, Animal feed, Cosmetics), COVID-19 Impact Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2023 2032, in detail along with the table of contents: https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/colostrum-market Colostrum market value from the cosmetics application segment is expected to reach more than USD 25.5 million by 2032. The growing interest in personal grooming has increased the demand for cosmetic products. Furthermore, improved disposable income and changing consumer purchase patterns have enabled product makers to develop and promote high-valued cosmetic products with high concentrations of functional ingredients including colostrum. The rising awareness of healthy beauty products and consumer propensity towards personal care and grooming is therefore expected to bolster the market outlook. Asia Pacific colostrum market is anticipated to be valued at USD 118 million by 2032, on account of the growing interest in skincare, which has surged the demand for personal care products. Apart from lifestyle changes, increased pollution in the region has shifted consumer focus to cosmetic and skincare products. Moreover, the robust demand for organic products has increased the usage of naturally derived ingredients such as colostrum, further influencing regional market dynamics. Request for customization of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/roc/3978 Considering the competitive landscape, the top contenders operating in the colostrum market include Colostrum Biotech GmBH, Sterling Technology, The Saskatoon Colostrum Company, Cure Nutraceutical Pvt ltd, NOW Foods, Good Health New Zealand, Deep Blue Health New Zealand, PanTheryx, Biostrum Nutritech Pvt Ltd, Biotaris BV, Immuno Dyanmics Inc, Genceutic Naturals, Ingredia, and Biodane Pharma. With the growing consumption of functional foods, many companies are unveiling new dairy products to expand their portfolio and reinforce their market position. Browse Our Reports Store - GMIPulse @ https://www.gminsights.com/gmipulse About Global Market Insights Global Market Insights Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider, offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy, and biotechnology. CONTACT: Contact Us: Aashit Tiwari Corporate Sales, USA Global Market Insights Inc. Toll Free: +1-888-689-0688 USA: +1-302-846-7766 Europe: +44-742-759-8484 APAC: +65-3129-7718 Email: sales@gminsights.com InterEnergy's collaboration with Bank of America and the multilateral will scale renewable energy and infrastructure solutions in Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- InterEnergy Group, one of the largest clean energy project developers, operators and owners in the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Bank of America, one of the world's leading financial institutions, announced today in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt at the COP27 United Nations Climate Change Conference, that InterEnergy's Dominican Republic-based utility, Consorcio Energetico Punta Cana Macao (CEPM) will secure a green loan from Bank of America and a multilateral development bank (MDB) to support its investments in renewable energy and clean transportation infrastructure projects to achieve its goal of 100% renewable energy generation by 2030. (PRNewsfoto/Bank of America Corporation) Bank of America Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan initially announced the collaboration with InterEnergy at COP26 in Glasgow last year at the World Leader's Summit as part of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, which was founded by His Majesty King Charles III in his former role as The Prince of Wales. InterEnergy's partnership with Bank of America will include a first of its kind, multi-asset, multi-jurisdictional warehouse financing facility which will support the construction and operation of eligible renewable energy and clean transportation assets located in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Future phases will finance additional technologies including battery storage, wind generation, biomass and green hydrogen that will support CEPM's net-zero-by-2030 goal ('CEPM Zero'). CEPM is a leading electricity provider in the Dominican Republic, powering approximately 65 percent of the national tourism sector representing over 50,000 hotel rooms and more than 50,000 residential and business customers. Reaching net-zero emissions across the utility's portfolio will require an estimated 501 MW of renewable energy assets and 120 MWh of storage capacity. The green corporate loan structured and arranged by BofA represents the first phase of Bank of America's partnership with InterEnergy to support its build-out of solar and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Story continues "The transaction will help advance a more sustainable future for the Dominican Republic and serve as proof of concept for similar efforts in the SIDS," said Rolando Gonzalez Bunster, Chairman and CEO of InterEnergy Group. "Our hope is that CEPM's net-zero transition and blended financing structure will catalyze a flow of capital to clean energy and electric mobility infrastructure projects in the region." "As the world transitions to meet the critical net zero carbon emissions goals, it is crucial to ensure emerging markets' access to global banking and capital markets for the financing they need to achieve their targets," said Karen Fang, Global Head of Sustainable Finance at Bank of America. "This transaction is an important example of the impact that can result from collaborative, blended finance approaches, and we expect to replicate this in other SIDS and the Commonwealth countries that are vulnerable to climate change and historically lacked access to scalable transition financing capital." Bank of America is the sole structuring agent for the green A/B loan and acting as sole lead arranger and B lender, with the MDB acting as the lender of record. The loan is expected to have a three-year maturity and proceeds committed solely to the construction and operation of renewable energy assets. The transaction is expected to fund in December. InterEnergy Group InterEnergy Group is one of the largest diversified clean energy companies in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Group operates electric power generation plants in the region, specifically in the Dominican Republic, Panama, Jamaica, Chile and Uruguay, with a total installed, available and developing capacity of 2.1GW. InterEnergy plays a significant role in the tourism sector of the Dominican Republic where it owns and operates CEPM, the integrated utility that serves the fast-growing resort areas of Punta Cana, Bavaro, Macao, Uvero Alto, Miches, Bayahibe and La Romana, covering over 70% of all hotel capacity in the country. InterEnergy has also been leading the transformation of Panama's energy sector with the Laudato Si' Wind Farm, the largest in Central America and the Caribbean, with a capacity of 215 MW and the Ikakos solar farm with a nominal capacity of 40 MW, using renewable resources for the supply of 100% its energy. More recently InterEnergy started construction of 670 MW natural gas Gatun project, which will add important base load capacity to the Panamanian system. CEPM CEPM is a vertically integrated private utility and a leader in the production and distribution of electricity and communication services in the eastern part of the Dominican Republic, including the tourist region of Punta Cana-Bavaro and Bayahibe. With current available installed capacity of 315 MW, CEPM provides energy to 65% of the national tourism sector (over 50,000 hotel rooms) and to more than 50,000 residential and business customers. Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 68 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 16,000 ATMs and award-winning digital banking with approximately 56 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and approximately 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Bank of America has set tangible sustainable finance goals and made measurable progress in mobilizing and scaling capital deployment to help drive social and environmental change. In 2021, Bank of America set a goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in financing activities, operations and supply chain before 2050. As part of the company's commitment to deploy $1.5 trillion in sustainable finance by 2030, approximately $250 billion of capital was mobilized and deployed aligned with the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals in 2021. For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts Reporters may contact: InterEnergy Helena Saenz Espona Phone: +1.809.284.63.48 helena@internergy.com Bank of America Sheryl Lee, Bank of America Phone: 1.657.234.9950 sheryl.lee2@bofa.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consorcio-energetico-punta-cana-macao-cepm-an-interenergy-company-to-secure-a-green-loan-from-bank-of-america-and-a-multilateral-development-bank-to-advance-its-ambition-to-achieve-net-zero-by-2030-301669770.html SOURCE Bank of America Corporation PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Custard Companies is pleased to announce its expansion into the Canadian market with the acquisition of SIAdvisers Consulting & Solutions, Inc., a Toronto-based company, and its subsidiary, Desktop Solutions. Custard Insurance Adjusters, Inc. (PRNewsfoto/Custard Insurance Adjusters, Inc.) "We are extremely excited to expand into the Canadian market with the talent and experience of SIA," states Charlie Peek, CEO of Custard. For nearly 60 years, and with over 250 adjuster locations throughout the US, Custard Insurance Adjusters, Inc. (CIA) has enjoyed an exceptional reputation in providing multi-line offerings, with a particular focus on emergency response and general services to the transportation industry. As a successful multi-line provider, Custard continues to expand its general service offerings, including recent enhancements in property claims adjustment, focused TPA services through Riverwood Claims Management, Inc., and fraud investigation and surveillance services by acquisition of Specialty Group, Inc. SIAdvisers (Strategic International Advisers) is a full-service, client-driven company developed for the London and Domestic Markets. With 250+ years of collective experience, SIAdvisers was formed with a mission to "Raise the bar on successful TPA, Adjusting, and Subrogation recovery efforts through industry-leading service and expertise", which is why Custard is so closely matched with SIA. Superior quality service is our goal at CIA. SIAdvisers' team of experienced insurance professionals offer a comprehensive depth of knowledge about claims handling and have over the years broadened their capabilities to meet various market needs including Risk Management & Inspection services along with marine surveying. SIAdvisers maximizes results by efficiently administering claims to a successful resolution. Scott Francis, President and CEO of SIAdvisers stated "The synergy between our organizations was a driving factor in the decision to be acquired by Custard. This allows us to continue servicing all our clients in the manner that they are accustomed to, while giving us the opportunity to expand these services in Canada and the U.S. market. We are very excited to see what the future holds for SIA under the Custard umbrella." Story continues "We are extremely excited to expand into the Canadian market, especially with such talented and experienced professionals as those at SIA," states Custard CEO, Charlie Peek. Peek further states, "SIA's expertise and knowledge of adjusting, subrogation, and TPA services will greatly benefit CIA and Riverwood Claims Management in our goal to provide superior services to all customers. We are looking forward to a bright future as a team." Contact for further inquiries: R W Custard Senior Vice President Custard Insurance Adjusters, Inc. O: 770-263-6800 rwcustard@custard.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/custard-companies-expands-into-canada-with-acquisition-of-siadvisers-consulting--solutions-inc-301668373.html SOURCE Custard Insurance Adjusters, Inc. Launches direct route from Atlanta to Kingston and maximum number of new direct import and export services in 2022 ATLANTA & KINGSTON, Jamaica, November 07, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Giving businesses in and around USA seamless access to the Caribbean, ECU Worldwide, the global leader in LCL consolidation, has launched a new export direct trade lane from Atlanta, USA to Kingston, Jamaica. The weekly direct service with a transit time of 5 days, is one of many new direct routes launched by the logistics giant in 2022, giving shippers and freight forwarders the advantage of safe and reliable global cargo movements in the face of global congestions and disruptions. "We are among the only ones in the market to offer this unique direct service that completely bypasses the need to move transport cargo through overloaded hubs like Miami. Not only do customers save on time and resources that would have been spent on trucking and inland services, but also benefit from specialized and expert cargo handling and last mile deliveries offered by our office at the destination end. We have received a very positive response to our end-to-end services enhancing efficiencies and reach across Caribbean and the entire region to the southeast of USA," says Niels Nielsen, Regional Head USA & Canada, ECU Worldwide. With USA being its main trading partner and accounting for more than 50% of Jamaicas total trade, businesses across varied sectors have been contributing to the steady rise in demand for safe, convenient shipping to and from the two regions. Consequently, backed by its digital-first approach, ECU Worldwide continues to enhance, and upgrade its proprietary, state-of-the-art digital logistics platform, ECU360, which offers shippers and freight forwarders key features like quick quotes, instant bookings for door-to-door deliveries in over 50 markets, advanced track and trace, and access to a network operating in 180 countries. Story continues Having launched multiple new direct services and endeavouring to keep adding to them in the coming months, ECU Worldwide USA is likely to enable faster transit times and reduce double handling, while helping shippers navigate congestion and ship with a click, digitally, using ECU360. ABOUT ECU WORLDWIDE Founded in 1987, ECU Worldwide is Allcargo Logistics wholly-owned global subsidiary. It is one of the major players in multi-modal transport and global leaders in LCL consolidation assuring smooth, safe and end to end coordination for its customer's cargo. As one of the leaders in the Cargo logistics industry, ECU Worldwide leverages its synergies with in-depth knowledge of local markets and vast experience in global logistics to deliver the best through its services. The company boasts of 300+ offices in 160+ countries at 530+ destinations with 2400+ trade lanes converging their international standard expertise with over 3500+ dedicated employees from across continents. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005616/en/ Contacts Ms Dipa Joisher dipaj@avianwe.com DUBLIN, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- EMA Aesthetics (www.emaaesthetics.com), an international aesthetics company headquartered in Dublin, announces its collaboration with 4ocean, the ocean cleanup company that's on a mission to end the world's ocean plastic crisis. The goal of EMA Aesthetics participation in 4ocean's Certified Cleanup Partnership Program is to become plastics neutral across its entire brand portfolio. EMA Aesthetics Limited Logo EMA Aesthetics, signed the agreement on the 24th September 2022 and became 4ocean's first partner from the aesthetics industry. The agreement provides 4ocean with sufficient resources to remove x 4 EMA Aesthetics current plastic footprint from the world's oceans. The Founder and CEO of EMA Aesthetics, Malcolm Wall Morris, commented: "When EMA Aestehtics was created, we committed to providing advanced skincare technology and solutions that would benefit the widest possible audience. Our agreement with 4ocean allows us to continue in delivering these best in class solutions safe in the knowledge that we are now also positivily impacting the environment". Alex Schulze, founder of 4ocean, said: "We are excited to partner with EMA Aesthetics in our mission to solve the ocean plastics crisis, one pound at a time. This initiative to pull 5,000 lbs. from the ocean is a demonstration of a serious commitment to the environment and we look forward to working together on our shared goals in the coming year." About EMA Aesthetics EMA Aesthetics, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Ireland, is an international company which specialises in the development and creation of advanced skincare technology, focused on combination therapy, that enhance non-invasive aesthetic procedures, providing professional aesthetic products and services. EMA Aesthetics is committed to the concept of 'Many Beautiful Returns' for its clients, partners and the aesthetic industry as a whole, symbolizing the importance EMA Aesthetics places on cultivating and fostering a community. Story continues EMA Aesthetics has offices in Ireland, Belgium and the United Arab Emirates with partnership network which covers over 55 countries and regions around the world. For more information, visit www.emaaesthetics.com Connect with our team on Linkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/emaaestheticsglobal Follow EMA on Instagram : @emaaestheticsglobal Like EMA on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/EMAaestheticsGlobal/ About 4ocean 4ocean is an ocean cleanup company based in Boca Raton, FL, that's dedicated to ending the ocean plastic crisis. As a Public Benefit Corporation and Certified B Corp, they harness the power of business to fund a global cleanup operation that recovers millions of pounds of plastic and other debris from the world's oceans, rivers, and coastlines each year. Join the clean ocean movement at www.4ocean.com Follow 4ocean on Instagram: @4ocean Like 4ocean on Facebook: www.facebook.com/4oceanbracelets Follow 4ocean on Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/discover4ocean Follow 4ocean on Twitter: @4ocean Media Contacts: EMA Aesthetics Ltd. Tel: +971 4 383 6708 Florina Mihaleva Email : info@emaltd.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1938295/EMA_Logo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1938294/4ocean_Logo.jpg 4ocean Logo Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ema-aesthetics-signs-agreement-with-4ocean-to-become-plastics-neutral-301669595.html SOURCE EMA Aesthetics Limited Embily The smoothest way to manage crypto. Embily The smoothest way to manage crypto. Tallinn, Estonia, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Embily financial infrastructure will be adding the Binance-Peg BSC-USD to its list of supported cryptocurrencies. Users will now be able to convert their assets to Binance-Peg BSC-USD to be used for everyday purchases. Embily has incorporated support for the digital currency as part of its expansion across the network ecosystem. The company had previously announced the launch of an on-platform cryptocurrency purchase functionality directly through the services application online, with Bitcoin being the first coin supported. The addition of the Binance-Peg BSC-USD is just the latest update to the overall digital assets purchase package. Binance-Peg BSC-USD is a decentralised financial payment network that rebuilds the traditional payment stack on the blockchain. It utilises a basket of fiat-pegged stablecoins, algorithmically stabilised by its reserve currency USDT, to facilitate programmable payments and open financial infrastructure development. As of December 2020, the network has transacted an estimated $299 billion for over 2 million users. We know that diversity plays an important role in the cryptocurrency market. Our clients should be able to choose which assets they want to convert and use. Our goal is to provide them with a convenient tool. The addition of the BSC-USD is part of our ongoing effort in this direction. We are also working on adding support for USDT TRX-20 at the moment, with others to be added in the near future, states Embily CEO Alexander Bychkov. The cryptocurrency purchase is available for all countries except for a few that are currently sanctioned. To take advantage of the service, users will first need to register on the Embily website and go through the standard KYC procedure. After successful verification, users can buy Bitcoin and BSC-USD through Embily accounts via VISA and MasterCard using any available currency. Story continues Embilys crypto banking services are currently non-custodial in that the company does not store the users cryptocurrencies. Instead, the funds are transferred directly to the buyers wallet. The company will launch a custodial wallet in November, 2022 that will allow users to safely store their cryptocurrencies. The Embily ecosystem also offers a service for plastic and virtual crypto-friendly cards for EU residents in addition to the ability to buy cryptocurrencies by bank card online, OTC and other crypto processing services. Embily operates under Estonian licence in full compliance with legal requirements and global financial legislation. Media Contact: Company Name: Embily Email: elena@embily.com Website: https://embily.com City: Tallinn Country: Estonia There is no offer to sell, no solicitation of an offer to buy, and no recommendation of any security or any other product or service in this article. Moreover, nothing contained in this PR should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security, or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. It is your responsibility to determine whether any investment, investment strategy, security, or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your investment objectives, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance. Consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax advisor regarding your specific business, legal, or tax situation. Newsroom: abrelease.submitmypressrelease.com Attachment Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta $75,000 in donations also made to ABA, ICBA, and SECUF relief efforts ATLANTA, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBank Atlanta) today announced that up to $1.5 million in funding for its Community Rebuild and Restore Product is available now to help homeowners in Florida whose homes have been damaged by Hurricane Ian. The Bank has also made a contribution of $25,000 to the American Bankers Association Foundations Disaster Relief Program, $25,000 to the Independent Community Bankers of Americas Florida Hurricane Relief Fund, and $25,000 to the Southeastern Credit Union Foundations Disaster Relief Fund. The Southeastern Credit Union Foundation is affiliated with the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates, the regional trade association for credit unions in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. The ABA and ICBA Hurricane Ian relief efforts are being managed in partnership with the Florida Bankers Association. When disasters like Hurricane Ian strike it is important that our members know that we are here to support them as they embark on the arduous task of rebuilding their communities, said FHLBank Atlanta President and Chief Executive Officer, Kirk Malmberg. We are grateful to ABA, ICBA, and SECUF for helping Florida families and communities impacted by the storm, and we are proud to support their efforts and do our part to make sure our members know that funding is available to help impacted homeowners. The Community Rebuild and Restore product is part of FHLBank Atlantas Affordable Housing Program. Funding is available now and provides up to $10,000 for the rehabilitation of an existing owner-occupied home in a Major Disaster Declaration area as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. About Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta FHLBank Atlanta offers competitively-priced financing, community development grants, and other banking services to help member financial institutions make affordable home mortgages and provide economic development credit to neighborhoods and communities. The Banks membersits shareholders and customersare commercial banks, credit unions, savings institutions, community development financial institutions, and insurance companies located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. FHLBank Atlanta is one of 11 district Banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Since 1990, the FHLBanks have awarded approximately $7.3 billion in Affordable Housing Program funds, assisting more than one million households. Story continues For more information, visit our website at www.fhlbatl.com. CONTACT: Peter E. Garuccio Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta pgaruccio@fhlbatl.com 404.888.8143 Nov. 6FRESNO Daylight saving wound down with the Fresno State football team's lights-out, 55-13 rout of Hawaii tonight at Valley Children's Stadium. The Rainbow Warriors lost the coin toss, failed to nail the field goal on their opening drive, and then things went dark after that. The Bulldogs rolled up 572 yards327 on Jake Haener passesto win their fourth in a row and improve to 5-4 overall and 4-1 in the Mountain West. The Warriors, who fell to 2-8 and 1-4, had lost their previous three league games by an average margin of 4.3 points. But there was no suspense once the Bulldogs got on a roll. Last year, Haener was intercepted four times in the Bulldogs' loss at the Ching Complex. But Haener, who returned last week after missing four games with an ankle injury, was on the mark against every form of defensive scheme. Haener was 24-for-29 when he exited after throwing his fourth scoring pass. Jordan Mims led the Bulldogs with 123 rushing yards and a touchdown. With 24 seconds left in the first half, UH quarterback Brayden Schager took a knee as both teams ran toward their locker rooms. The runaway, in actuality, began much earlier. In taking a 31-0 lead at the intermission, the Bulldogs rolled up 272 yards, an average of 7.0 yards per play.PHOTOS : Haener, who was picked as the league's preseason offensive player of the year, was 18-for-23 for 178 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. On the first scoring pass, Jalen Moreno-Cropper broke free on a scramble play to secure the 7-yard touchdown. Haener's second touchdown pass was tipped by dime back Kaulana Makaula near the goal line. Erik Brooks grabbed the football to complete the first-half scoring. In interviews this week, Fresno State cornerback Cameron Lockridge joked that Schager would throw a pass to him. The prediction was realized when Lockridge stepped in front of slotback Dior Scott, seized Schager's underthrown pass and raced 31 yards for the pick-6. Lockridge was one of eight defensive starters to transfer from UH at the end of a tumultuous 2021 season. He initially committed to South Alabama, then redirected his pledge to Fresno State. Hawaii's best scoring opportunity in the first half failed when Matthew Shipley was wide right on a field-goal attempt from 48 yards. Product emerged among thousands as voted on by panel of international judges. R&D MOAB Utah R&D MOAB Utah LAS VEGAS, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Jeep-branded Edition by ADDAX Overland Trailer was recognized with a 2022 Global Media Award this week at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas for its new overlanding trailer co-launch. "We are thrilled that the Jeep-branded Edition by ADDAX Overland Trailer has been recognized as a global game changer at SEMA," said ADDAX CEO Kirk Jowers. "We look forward to continuing to engage with the Jeep brand in engineering more award-winning overlanding products that appeal to the brand's international community." "There are hundreds of aftermarket innovations on the SEMA show floor this week, and from them all, we're proud that the Jeep Branded Edition by ADDAX Overland Trailer is a 2022 SEMA Global Media Award winner because it's authentic to the Jeep brand," said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep Brand North America. "Our Jeep enthusiasts are always looking to go further and do more, and this award-winning overlanding trailer will allow them to go further and stay longer as they continue to push the boundaries of adventure." Inspired by the U.S. military's all-but-indestructible surveillance trailers and engineered by the team that set a world land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats, the Jeep-branded Edition has set the new benchmark for off-road overlanding performance, capability and comfort. Boasting an unprecedented dry weight of just 850 pounds, Jeep adventure-seekers can now tow a 1,200-pound payload up previously unfathomable terrainall without compromising a Jeep brand vehicle's signature stability and efficiency. The Jeep-branded Edition by ADDAX Overland Trailer's high-strength, lightweight engineering makes it the perfect companion for technical rock climbers and beginner off-roaders alike. Thanks to the Jeep-branded Edition's foldable tongue and compact 5-foot-by-6-foot dimensions, even those adventurers with limited garage space can always be ready to get off the grid. Story continues The Jeep-branded Edition by ADDAX Overland Trailer's independent torsion axle trailer suspension system provides an aggressive 17 inches of ground clearance for maximum maneuverability, control and comfort. The 3/16-inch military-grade steel chassis and 14-gauge steel body are seamlessly bent, instead of welded, to deliver industry-leading durability. The Jeep-branded Edition by ADDAX Overland Trailer comes standard with: robust 35 cubic feet of storage four 8,000-pound stabilizing corner jacks foldable tongue articulating hitch rear receiver hitch heavy-duty, custom rack for endless mounting possibilities The SEMA Global Media Awards (GMA) Program recognizes those companies that manufacture specialty equipment products and accessories that would have mass appeal to consumers in countries outside the United States. The products are voted on by a prestigious group of international journalists who serve as judges. "Vehicle customization and personalization has been growing worldwide," said Linda Spencer, SEMA director of international and government relations. "The GMA program taps top international media experts to weigh in on which new products are likely to succeed in their home markets. The global automotive specialty-equipment market is made up of enthusiasts who are passionate about the hobby. This passion can be found not only throughout the United States but also in countless spots around the globe including in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Melbourne, Australia; and Stockholm, Sweden." This year's program included 11 judges from seven countries. Each judge carefully reviewed and evaluated nearly 2,000 product entries at the SEMA Show before selecting the products that they felt would resonate and appeal most to consumers in their home countries. The Jeep Edition by ADDAX Overland Trailer was also selected as a "Featured Product" in SEMA's highly-coveted New Product Showcase. MOPAR, JEEP, DODGE, HEMI, PLYMOUTH, RAM, SRT, CHRYSLER and related logos, vehicle model names and trade dress are trademarks of FCA US LLC and used under license by ADDAX Overland LLC. About ADDAX Overland Built upon a combined 60 years of off-road industry chops, ADDAX Overland is proud to create the world's most rugged, reliable, and trailblazing overlanding trailers. Our innovative spirit secured a world land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats. And our thirst for open-air freedom drives our uncompromising pursuit of the ultimate in overlanding performance. We're based in the backyard of Moab, UtahJeep's home away from homeand we pride ourselves in pushing our trailers to the limit on the iconic red-rock terrain. Forged in the U.S.A. Tested in Hell. For more information, visit www.addaxoverland.com. Jeep Brand Built on 80 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV brand that brings capability, craftsmanship and versatility to people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a broad portfolio of vehicles that continues to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence. The Jeep vehicle range consists of the Gladiator, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. The legendary Jeep brand's off-road capability is now being enhanced by a global electrification initiative, that is transforming 4xe into new 4x4 in pursuit of the brand's vision of accomplishing Zero Emission Freedom. A fully electric Jeep 4xe will be offered in every SUV segment by 2025. About SEMA and the SEMA Show The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience, and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at www.semashow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289. Contact Information: Ellesse Balli CMO ellesse@addaxoverland.com 801-694-2009 Diane Morgan Head of Marketing Communications, Stellantis diane.morgan@stellantis.com 248.881.5742 Related Images Image 1: R&D MOAB Utah Research and Development proving grounds Moab, Utah. This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment New leadership appointed with a plan focused on path to profitability and e-commerce fundamentals LAGOS, NIGERIA / ACCESSWIRE / November 7, 2022 / Jumia Technologies AG (NYSE:JMIA) ("Jumia" or "the Company") today announced the appointment of a new Management Board and Acting CEO, while Jeremy Hodara and Sacha Poignonnec, Co-CEOs, will be stepping down effective today. The Supervisory Board has appointed Francis Dufay and Antoine Maillet-Mezeray as members of the Company's Management Board. Francis Dufay is appointed Acting CEO. He has been with the Company since 2014 and has held multiple senior leadership roles, including CEO of Ivory Coast and recently EVP Africa with responsibility for the group's e-commerce business across Africa. Francis has a track record of successfully scaling e-commerce operations in Africa with a strong focus on profitability. Based in Ivory Coast since 2014 and an Ivorian national, Francis brings a deep understanding of our business and the markets that we operate in. Antoine Maillet-Mezeray previously Group Chief Financial Officer, has been elevated to Executive Vice President, Finance & Operations. Antoine has been with Jumia for over six years and has played an instrumental role in driving the finance function and further developing it in a public market context. Jonathan Klein, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, said of the announcement, "We thank Jeremy and Sacha for their leadership over the last decade to envision and build a company that became the leading pan-African e-commerce player. As we look ahead to the next chapter of Jumia's journey, we want to bring more focus to the core e-commerce business as part of a more simplified and efficient organization with stronger fundamentals and a clearer path to profitability. We look forward to working closely with Francis, Antoine and the leadership team to execute on these objectives and continue on our mission of offering a compelling e-commerce platform to consumers, sellers and the broader Jumia ecosystem in Africa." Story continues Francis, Antoine and the broader leadership team will work together closely to drive the Company's strategic priorities and operations with a clear focus on: Building even stronger fundamentals for our e-commerce businesses by refocusing teams and resources on activities and projects delivering the best added value to consumers, sellers and the broader Jumia ecosystem. Reducing operating losses and setting the business on a clear path to profitability, through stronger cost discipline, targeted monetization initiatives and a more simplified and efficient organization. The Company will be making select senior management changes with a focus on locating leaders and decision centers closer to consumers and sellers in Africa. In parallel, a search for a permanent CEO is ongoing. Francis Dufay and Antoine Maillet-Mezeray stated, "We have an outstanding platform, a strong brand and a talented team. We believe in Jumia's relevance to African consumers and are confident in the Company's ability to deliver strong results. We are working on a comprehensive plan to bring more focus to the business and drive sharper execution to scale the business towards profitability." Jeremy Hodara and Sacha Poignonnec commented, "We are proud to have built Jumia, pioneering e-commerce on the continent and creating along the way a unique culture and a great platform in which millions of consumers and thousands of sellers find great value. It is time for us to pass the baton to a new team, we are excited for all that is to come for the business and look forward to cheering the Company on from a new vantage point." The Company will provide additional information on this announcement and business priorities as part of its Q3 earnings call scheduled for November 17, 2022. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains statements which may be considered forward-looking within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws, including statements regarding the Company's leadership changes and prospects for growth and value creation. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from results expressed or implied in this press release. These risks include, without limitation, the risks described under Item 3. "Key Information-D. Risk Factors," in Jumia's Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Moreover, new risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for Jumia's management to predict all risks, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements the Company may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Jumia cautions you therefore against relying on these forward-looking statements, and Jumia qualifies all of its forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. Jumia assumes no obligation, and does not intend, to update these forward-looking statements as a result of future events or developments Contacts Safae Damir Head of Investor Relations investor-relations@jumia.com Abdesslam Benzitouni Head of PR and Communications press@jumia.com SOURCE: Jumia Technologies AG View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/724120/Jumia-Announces-Leadership-Changes-to-Support-its-Journey-Towards-Profitability (Bloomberg) -- Most Read from Bloomberg Kuwait has started commercial operations of the first phase of its Al-Zour mega-refinery, after the initial production and sale of fuel oil began last month to supply local power stations. Commercial operations at Al-Zour are a long-term investment aimed at providing international and local markets with high-quality products, Khaled Al-Awadhi, the refinerys deputy chief executive, was cited as saying by state-run KUNA news agency on Sunday. Kuwaiti Mega-Refinery Is Weeks From First Diesel Shipments Comprising three mini refineries, Al-Zour is the biggest of several oil-processing facilities being added across the Middle East. The Dangote refinery in Nigeria, slightly bigger at 650,000 barrels a day, is due to start up in 2023. The second and third phases of the refinery will follow, until full capacity is reached, Waleed Al-Bader, acting chief executive of Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Co., told KUNA. The entire refinery, with combined crude-processing capacity of 615,000 barrels a day, could be up and running by January, a person familiar with the matter told Bloomberg last month. Once the facility on Kuwaits coast is working fully, it will boost the OPEC members refining capacity to about 1.5 million barrels a day. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Lavras Gold Corp The news release should be read in conjunction with our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and managements discussion and analysis for the period ended September 30, 2022. Both are available under our profile at www.sedar.com. All monetary amounts are in Canadian dollars unless stated otherwise. TORONTO, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lavras Gold Corp. (TSXV: LGC) highlighted drill results confirming the discovery of two new mineral systems at its property in Brazil as it reported on its third quarter today. Matilde and Zeca Souza, both part of the Companys LDS Project, have broad zones of moderate grade gold mineralization that begin at surface and are accentuated by narrower higher grade intervals. Assay results also included bonanza gold grades associated with visible gold. Each metre of drilling brings us one step closer to understanding the system or systems underpinning the historic gold workings at LDS, said Michael Durose, Lavras Golds President and Chief Executive Officer. Were building more and more evidence to support our thesis that we are uncovering a large complex primarily intrusive-hosted gold system with epithermal and porphyry characteristics likely of alkaline affinity. There are also gold-copper showings on exploration concessions to the east associated with overlying volcanic rocks that we have yet to explore. The Company disclosed assay results from its on-going 16,000-metre drill program during the quarter. There are two drills turning at the LDS Project, where at least 23 gold targets have been identified centered on historic gold workings. The current focus is on six targets: Caneleira, Matilde, Matilde Extension, Mato Feio, Vila Marieta, and Zeca Souza. In addition to the drilling program, the regional aeromagnetic drone survey was completed and a regional soil sampling program is underway. When the Company launched in April, LDS was anchored by the Butia Gold Deposit, which has gold resources of approximately 500,000 gold ounces, as detailed in the NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource for Butia Gold Prospect dated and effective January 25, 2022. It was prepared by VMG Consultoria e Solucoes Ltda. For Lavras Gold Corp. and is available on www.sedar.com under Lavras Golds issuer profile. Story continues Shortly after launch, the total mineral endowment was doubled from 500,000 ounces to 1 million ounces of gold when an NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate was completed for the Cerrito Gold Deposit, also on LDS. That report, NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Cerrito Gold Prospect, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, is dated and effective May 31, 2022, and authored by Volodymyr Myadzel, MAIG, and Frank Richard Baker, MIMMM, MAusIMM. It is also available on www.sedar.com under Lavras Golds issuer profile. In September, assay results were announced from Zeca Souza, where drilling returned bonanza gold grades. Assays included 28.2 g/t gold over 3 metres within a broader zone of 5.8 g/t gold over 15 metres at a vertical depth of about 100 metres. (Full details are available in the news release, Zeca Souza drilling returns bonanza gold grades, from September 7, 2022.) All 14 holes drilled at the target hit at least one but more typically multiple intercepts of gold, and many holes bottomed in gold mineralization. Other highlights of the results included visible gold, high grades and good widths, long intervals, and holes open at depth. Zeca Souza is an important new gold discovery that supports the thesis that there are many, possibly connected, gold deposits at LDS. For example, a reinterpretation of the relationship between Zeca Souza and Caneleira, another target located about 1 kilometre southwest, suggests they may be connected. A gold-bearing structure identified in a 2007-2008 drilling program was defined over 800 metres at Caneleira. It returned near-surface gold grades across very good widths including 36.1 metres grading 1.42 g/t gold about 60 metres below surface. A number of holes bottomed in mineralization. Follow up work needs to be done on a southeast-northwest trending gold bearing structure thats associated with a magnetic low at Caneleira that trends toward Zeca Souza. A detailed soil sampling program is underway. For full results, please see the Zeca Souza news release referenced above. After quarter end, results were announced from the Matilde target, where the discovery of a new gold deposit was confirmed. Matilde lies along a coincident 3 kilometre east-west gold-in-soil anomaly centered on an east-west trending magnetic-low anomaly that is interpreted to be a major gold-hosting structure. The drill program has defined a gold system with mineralization that: begins at surface has been traced over a strike length of at least 250 metres extends to a minimum vertical depth of 483 metres. The deposit is open for expansion along strike and at depth. Like Zeca Souza, drilling from Matilde also returned bonanza gold grades, usually associated with visible gold. Examples include 30.9 g/t gold over 0.60 metres in hole 20MT-002 from 261.0 metres and 13.10 g/t gold over 0.66 metres from 419.34 metres in hole 22MT-034. (Full details are available in the November 3, 2022, news release: Lavras Gold discovers new gold deposit at LDS Project in Brazil.) Hole 22MT-034 is noteworthy because it was drilled to a vertical distance of 483 metres, where it bottomed in gold mineralization, suggesting that Matilde has deep roots typical of porphyry style mineral systems. In addition to the drill program, Renaud Geological Consulting of London, Ontario, performed petrographic studies on samples from Matilde. The study concluded, among other things, that Matilde is a highly altered intrusive rock with primary textures dominantly replaced by hydrothermal alteration. This adds to the growing evidence that the gold-bearing fluids that formed gold at Matilde are of a magmatic hydrothermal origin. Lavras Gold has been fortunate with respect to Covid-19. Although several employees have tested positive, all have recovered. The Company has full access to the property, consultants have been able to work without interruption, and the Toronto-based management team works from home. So far, Covid-19 has not had a material impact on the Companys financial condition or performance. Locally, Lavras Gold is working hard to develop strong relationships with our stakeholders. Most of the Companys employees live in the town of Lavras do Sul, and the Company works with local suppliers wherever possible. The granting of a construction licence for a local phosphate project is also encouraging, as it demonstrates significant local goodwill for resource projects that are managed responsibly. During the quarter, 907,500 stock options were granted to employees and consultants. These options are priced at $0.35, vest over three years, and expire on July 27, 2027. Qualified person Michael Durose, our President and CEO, is a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. He has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this release. About Lavras Gold Lavras Gold (TSXV: LGC) is a Canadian exploration company focused on realizing the potential of a multi-million-ounce gold district in southern Brazil. Its Lavras do Sul Project is located in Rio Grande do Sul State, and is primarily an intrusive hosted gold system of possible alkaline affinity. More than 23 gold prospects centred on historic gold workings have been identified on the property, which spans more than 22,000 hectares. Follow Lavras Gold on www.lavrasgold.com, as well as on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. Contact information Michael Durose Annemarie Brissenden President & CEO Investor Relations 416-844-6284 416-844-6284 investor@lavrasgold.com investor@lavrasgold.com DISCLAIMER Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as plan, expect, project, intend, believe, anticipate, estimate, may, will, would, potential, proposed and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions may or will occur. These statements, including those on planned exploration activities and goals, are only objectives and predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information, including the risks and factors that generally affect exploration and the uncertainty of exploration results and the ability to obtain regulatory approval for the Consolidation. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Companys Managements Discussion and Analysis and Listing Statement recently filed under the Companys profile on www.sedar.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or managements estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Is Christendom Lost Forever? NEWS PROVIDED BY Carmel Communications Nov. 7, 2022SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 7, 2022 / Standard Newswire / -- Father Robert McTeigue, S.J., meditates on the future of Christendom and how Catholics can navigate a fallen world in his new book, CHRISTENDOM LOST AND FOUND: MEDITATIONS FOR A POST POST-CHRISTIAN ERA (Ignatius Press).Since the French Revolution in 1789, the West, formerly called "Christendom," has chosen life without Christ. And, ever since then, the West has produced much bad art and even more dead bodies precisely because of this rejection. McTeigue invites readers to explore new paths back to Christ.CHRISTENDOM LOST AND FOUND is not about reconstructing the so-called "Good Old Days" but rather piecing together the good parts of what is left of Christendom and renewing a culture that is ruled by the truth, not moral relativism.McTeigue is a member of the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus. He has lectured worldwide on philosophy and theology. A member of the National Ethics Committee of the Catholic Medical Association, he is host and producer of the radio show "The Catholic Current" on the Station of the Cross, and author of Real Philosophy for Real People.If Christendom is lost, what can be found? A new culture and world order? An entirely new sect of Catholics who secede from the modern world in the form of the much-discussed Benedict Option? McTeigue presents arguments for that possibility but ultimately leaves the answer to the reader in CHRISTENDOM LOST AND FOUND."Father McTeigue aims to persuade us charmingly and succeeds in doing so. He uses reason to exorcise the forked tongue of deceit, banishing the sophistry of the serpent with the wisdom of the saint," said Joseph Pearce, author of Faith of Our Fathers and The Quest for Shakespeare. "What's more, he does so delightfully and with a great sense of humor. Seldom has a book by a philosopher been so enjoyable to read."For more information, to request a review copy, or to schedule an interview with Fr. McTeigue, please contact Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276 or KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com ) of Carmel Communications.SOURCE Carmel CommunicationsCONTACT: Kevin Wandra, 404-788-1276, KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com MILAN (Reuters) - Leonardo has agreed to sell its unit Selex ES' Air Traffic Management (ATM) activities to Indra Air Traffic, a company controlled by Spain's Indra Sistemas, the Italian defence group said on Monday. The closing of the transaction is expected in the first quarter of 2023, it added in a statement, without disclosing any financial details. The ATM business of Leonardo U.S. unit Selex ES "is a leading developer and manufacturer of en-route navigation, surveillance and precision approach and landing systems," Leonardo said. (Reporting by Cristina Carlevaro, editing by Federico Maccioni) Virtual Investor Conferences Company invites individual and institutional investors, as well as advisors and analysts, to attend real-time, interactive presentations on VirtualInvestorConferences.com PERTH, Australia, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX:LOT, OTCQB:LTSRF), based in Perth focused on the redevelopment of the Kayelekera Uranium Project today announced that Keith Bowes, Managing Director will present live at VirtualInvestorConferences.com on November 8th, 2022. DATE: November 8th, 2022 TIME: 4:30pm ET LINK: https://bit.ly/3C7y59u This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event. It is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com . Recent Company Highlights Global Mineral Resources Estimate increased to 51.1Mlbs U 3 O 8 (ASX announcement 9 June 2022) Definitive Feasibility Study released (ASX announcement 11 August 2022) Completes Capital Raise for A$25M (ASX announcement 2 September 2022) Annual Report released (ASX announcement 3 October 2022) About Lotus Resources Lotus Resources Limited (ASX: LOT, OTCQB: LTSRF) owns an 85% interest in the Kayelekera Uranium Project in Malawi. The Project hosts a current resource of 51.1Mlbs U 3 O 8 (see table below), and historically produced ~11MIb of uranium between 2009 and 2014. The Company completed a positive Restart Study which has determined an Ore Reserve of 23Mlbs U3O8 and demonstrated that Kayelekera can support a viable long-term operation and has the potential to be one of the first uranium projects to recommence production in the future. About Virtual Investor Conferences Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors. Story continues Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors. CONTACTS: Lotus Resources Keith Bowes Managing Director +61 8 9200 3427 Info@lotusresources.com.au Virtual Investor Conferences John M. Viglotti SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access OTC Markets Group (212) 220-2221 johnv@otcmarkets.com Twitter owner Elon Musk and entrepreneur Mark Cuban have exchanged words over Twitter. Getty Images Mark Cuban told Elon Musk that Twitter was "his business," following an exchange between the pair. Cuban had suggested dropping the verification fee for the most accurate Community Notes contributors. Elon Musk replied to Cuban, saying: "$8 for all." Elon Musk bluntly rejected Mark Cuban's suggestions about a free verification program for some users on the social-media platform. Cuban, a billionaire entrepreneur, quote-tweeted Musk's post to Jack Dorsey about Twitter accounts using Community Notes, formerly known as Birdwatch, a feature that allows users to identify and flag misleading information. "You might consider proactively offering your $8 verification program for free to those you deem the most accurate Notes contributors. Won't be easy to confirm accuracy. But if AI can try to model out bias, maybe it can model in accuracy?" Cuban wrote in the tweet. Musk replied to Cuban, saying: "$8 for all." "Your business. Your decision," Cuban wrote in a quote-tweet to Musk. It comes after Cuban celebrated the billionaire's acquisition of Twitter, tweeting that he was "looking forward" to the Elon Musk era and describing him as a "ready, fire, aim entrepreneur." Since Musk took over Twitter on October 28, he has set out plans to launch a subscription service costing $8 a month, which gives users a blue checkmark, the ability to post longer videos, fewer ads, and priority with posts. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has repeatedly doubled down on his plans to charge $8 to users who want to remain verified on Twitter. Some celebrities including Lynda Carter and Josh Gad, lawmakers like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and major media organizations have criticized the planned monthly $8 fee for a blue tick, which indicates that a user is who they say they are. Read the original article on Business Insider Middlefield Canadian Income PCC Net Asset Value Middlefield Canadian Income PCC Middlefield Canadian Income - GBP PC (a protected cell company incorporated in Jersey with registration number 93546) Legal Entity Identifier: 2138007ENW3JEJXC8658 Net Asset Value As at the close of business on 04 November 2022 the estimated unaudited Net Asset Value per share was 140.08 pence (including accrued income). Investments in the Company's portfolio have been valued on a closing price basis. Enquiries: JTC Fund Solutions (Jersey) Limited 01534 700 000 GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On Oct 28 Beijing Time, as an enterprise representative, Midea Residential Air Conditioner Division ("Midea RAC") participated in an online certification observation meeting as part of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Mutual Recognition Action Plan between the customs of China and Thailand ("the Plan"). The purpose of the virtual meeting, as part of the protocols of the Plan, was to allow Thai Customs to better understand the field certification process carried out by China Customs and conduct face-to-face communication between the customs authorities of the two countries. In addition, it helped Thai Customs to gain comprehensive knowledge of China's benchmark enterprises and contributed to the optimization of the AEO mutual recognition process between the two countries. During the meeting, Midea RAC demonstrated to Thai Customs its compliance and standardized management capabilities as a Chinese AEO benchmark enterprise in enterprise management, IT-based control, trade security control and other aspects. Midea RAC has met pre-determined standards under the AEO program and has been certified by China Customs as an "Advanced Certified Enterprise" (ACE) in 2016. In April this year, it was selected by China Customs as one of the first batches of AEO international mutual recognition enterprises for observation purposes, to serve as a benchmark for other companies on how to conduct themselves regarding the AEO mutual recognition process. Liu Quanfa, Head of Global Customs Affairs, Midea Group, said, "As a leading large-scale Chinese foreign trade firm, Midea RAC exports products to Thailand, Malaysia, and many other Southeast Asian countries. Thanks to the AEO system, the customs clearance process has been vastly simplified and accelerated and enables us to expand our business in Southeast Asia without the obstacle of bureaucratic red tape." The AEO system is supported by the World Customs Organization, in which customs authorities of member countries certify manufacturers that have demonstrated higher levels of compliance, credit status, and security, and provides prioritized and accelerated customs clearance for those who pass the certification. An AEO can enjoy reduced customs inspection and prioritized customs clearance when shipping goods between the two countries who reached mutual recognition agreements. Story continues Specializing in the R&D, production, and sales of household air conditioners, Midea RAC has in place a complete industrial chain. In line with the group's mission of creating a digital and intelligence-driven firm that provides technology leadership and direct access to users in addition to being a technology innovator, Midea is committed to becoming a global leader in the home air conditioning sector, exporting products to nearly 400 million users in 200 countries and regions worldwide. As Customs of both China and Thailand have pledged to accelerate talks on AEO mutual recognition under the Plan, Midea RAC is expected to reduce trade-related expenses such as port, insurance, and logistics costs, boost production at its factory in Thailand, enhance international competitiveness, and streamline its development roadmap which includes participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). SOURCE Midea RAC CAMBRIDGE, ON, Nov. 7, 2022 /CNW/ - In the recent 2022 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada highlighted its plan to continue its sound stewardship of the economy and to be there for Canadians. To help families cope with increasing costs, like rising prices at the checkout counter, the government is delivering targeted support to the Canadians who need it the most. Today the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, the Member of Parliament for Waterloo, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, the Member of Parliament for Kitchener South-Hespeler, Ms. Valerie Bradford, and the Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga, Mr. Tim Louis, met with the President of Conestoga College, Dr. John Tibbits and the Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship at Conestoga College, Ms. Suzanne Moyer to announce the commitment to eliminating interest on federal student and apprentice loans. The 2022 Fall Economic Statement proposes to permanently eliminate interest on the federal portion of all Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans. This would take effect as of April 1, 2023 and would also include those currently being repaid. This change has an estimated cost of $2.7 billion over five years and $556.3 million ongoing after that. This important step will offer relief for new graduates coping with the high cost of living. Quotes "The transition from school to working life should be made easier, not harder. The 2022 Fall Economic Statement proposal to make all Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans permanently interest-free, including those currently being repaid, beginning on April 1, 2023, means that students and apprentices can focus on investing in building their futures." The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport "This commitment to making all student loans and apprentice loans in Canada permanently interest-free eases the financial burden that many face after graduating and will make life more affordable for those who need it most." The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo Story continues "Students and young people have been some of the hardest hit by the impacts of inflation through higher food and rent prices. Our government believes that the transition from school to working life should be made easier, not harder, and today's announcement will help to ease the pinch for 1.8 million Canadians and generations to come" Valerie Bradford, Member of Parliament for Kitchener South-Hespeler "Our federal government just made students' lives more affordable. We have eliminated interest on federal student and apprentice loans, giving graduates more support as they enter the job market." Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga Quick Facts The federal government's fiscal anchorthe unwinding of COVID-19-related deficits and reducing the federal debt-to-GDP ratio over the medium termremains unchanged. The federal debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to continuously decline and is on a steeper downward track than projected in Budget 2022. New measures proposed in the 2022 Fall Economic Statement include: 1. Making Life More Affordable: Permanently eliminating interest on federal student and apprentice loans; Creating a new, quarterly Canada Workers Benefit with automatic advance payments to put more money back in the pockets of our lowest-paid workers, sooner; Delivering on key pillars of the government's plan to make housing more affordable, including the creation of a new Tax-Free First Home Savings Account, a doubling of the First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit, and ensuring that property flippers pay their fair share; and, Lowering credit card transaction fees for small business. 2. Investing in Jobs, Growth, and an Economy That Works for Everyone: Launching the new Canada Growth Fund which will help bring to Canada the billions of dollars in new private investment required to reduce our emissions, grow our economy, and create good jobs; Introducing major investment tax credits for clean technologies and clean hydrogen that will help create good jobs and make Canada a leader in the net-zero transition, and incentivizing higher wages for workers by increasing the level of the credit when certain labour protections are met; Implementing a new tax on share buybacks by public corporations in Canada; and, Creating the Sustainable Jobs Training Centre and investing in a new sustainable jobs stream of the Union Training and Innovation Program to equip workers with the skills required for the good jobs of today and the future. Related products Associated links SOURCE Transport Canada Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2022/07/c1909.html 70% objective response rate (ORR; n=10) is nearly triple the average ORR of ~25% reported in historical control trials1-4 Data suggest pelareorep synergizes with PD-(L)1 inhibitors and standard-of-care chemotherapy in advanced/metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma Oncolytics plans to present pancreatic cancer data to regulators to determine the most expeditious path to approval Company management to discuss these results and ongoing efforts to advance pelareorep into registration studies in breast and pancreatic cancer during Q3 earnings call today at 8:30 a.m. ET Updated data from GOBLET's pancreatic cancer cohort to be presented in a poster at the SITC meeting and discussed during a key opinion leader webinar on November 14th at 10 a.m. ET SAN DIEGO and CALGARY, AB, Nov. 7, 2022 /CNW/ -- Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC) today reported interim results from the phase 1/2 GOBLET study's first-line advanced/metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cohort in an abstract published as part of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 37th Annual Meeting. The SITC meeting is taking place both virtually and in-person at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston, MA, from November 8 12, 2022. Oncolytics Biotech Logo As of the abstract's data cutoff date (July 28, 2022), seven of ten evaluable patients in GOBLET's PDAC cohort, which evaluates pelareorep in combination with Roche's anti-PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab and the chemotherapeutic agents gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, achieved a partial response (3 confirmed, 4 unconfirmed as of the cutoff date). An additional two patients achieved stable disease for an ORR and clinical benefit rate of 70% and 90%, respectively. No safety signals were observed with the studied combination. "The ORR reported in the SITC abstract is remarkably nearly triple the average ORR seen in historical control trials of gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel, which is only about 25%," said Dirk Arnold M.D., Ph.D., Director of Asklepios Tumorzentrum Hamburg, and primary investigator of the GOBLET trial. "Further, PD-(L)1 inhibitors only benefit fewer than one percent of pancreatic cancer patients classified as MSI-high. GOBLET's interim results, therefore, strongly suggest that pelareorep's ability to reverse immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments produces synergies when combined with checkpoint inhibition and chemotherapy, leading to vastly improved responses. Given the urgent need for novel therapies in pancreatic cancer, I believe this exciting finding highlights an opportunity for pelareorep to transform the standard of care." Story continues Dr. Matt Coffey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics Biotech Inc., commented, "GOBLET's interim results represent a crucial clinical milestone, providing robust proof-of-concept in a difficult-to-treat indication. Our next step is to discuss these data with regulatory authorities and potential partners, with the goal of advancing our pancreatic cancer program into a pivotal study. By adding a second near-term registration opportunity alongside our breast cancer program, we have enhanced pelareorep's value proposition and further de-risked our clinical pipeline. I look forward to discussing the strategic implications of our new data during our earnings call today and to hearing expert perspectives on GOBLET's results at our key opinion leader webinar next week." Updated results from GOBLET's PDAC cohort, which is designed to enroll twelve evaluable patients, will be presented in a poster at the upcoming SITC meeting. The trial's metastatic colorectal and advanced anal cancer cohorts are proceeding as planned, with the cohort in third-line metastatic colorectal cancer now fully enrolled. Alongside this potential PDAC opportunity, Oncolytics continues to advance pelareorep towards a registration study in metastatic breast cancer. The company's randomized phase 2 trial in HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer, BRACELET-1, remains on track for a readout on overall response rate, progression-free survival, and evolving overall survival data in the first half of 2023. Additional details related to the SITC abstract and upcoming poster, entitled, Pelareorep combined with atezolizumab and chemotherapy demonstrates encouraging results as first-line treatment in advanced or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients Interim results from the GOBLET study, are shown below. Abstract Number: 650 Poster Session Date and Time: November 11, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. 8:30 p.m. ET Poster Session Location: Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Hall C A copy of the abstract is currently available for viewing in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (JITC) supplement. A copy of the poster will be available on the Posters & Publications page of Oncolytics' website (LINK) following the conclusion of the meeting. Earnings Webcast and Conference Call The Oncolytics management team will discuss the data published in the SITC abstract and the Company's clinical development strategy in pancreatic cancer during its third quarter earnings call taking place today, November 7, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. ET. To access the call, please dial (888) 664-6383 (North America) or (416) 764-8650 (International) and, if needed, provide confirmation number 4240-6541. A live webcast of the call will also be available by clicking here or on the Investor Relations page of Oncolytics' website (LINK) and will be archived for three months. A dial in replay will be available for one week and can be accessed by dialing (888) 390-0541 (North America) or (416) 764-8677 (International) and using replay code: 406-541#. Key Opinion Leader Webinar Oncolytics will host a key opinion leader (KOL) webinar on November 14, 2022 at 10 a.m. ET. During the webinar, the KOLs and members of the Oncolytics management team will discuss the current treatment landscape and unmet medical need in pancreatic cancer, as well as the updated interim GOBLET study results that will be presented at the SITC meeting. A live question and answer session will follow the formal presentations. To register for the webinar, please click here. References 1. Von Hoff D et al. N Engl J Med 2013; 369:1691-1703 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1304369 2. O'Reilly et al. Eur J Cancer. 2020 June; 132: 112121. DOI:10.1016/j.ejca.2020.03.005 3. Karasic et al. JAMA Oncol. 2019 Jul 1; 5(7):993-998. DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.0684 4. Tempero et al. Ann Oncol. 2021 May; 32(5):600-608. DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.01.070 About GOBLET The GOBLET (Gastrointestinal tumOrs exploring the treatment comBinations with the oncolytic reovirus peLarEorep and anTi-PD-L1) study is a phase 1/2 multiple indication study in advanced or metastatic gastrointestinal tumors. The study is being conducted at 14 centers in Germany. The co-primary endpoints of the study are objective response rate (ORR) assessed at week 16 and safety. Key secondary and exploratory endpoints include additional efficacy assessments and evaluation of potential biomarkers (T cell clonality and CEACAM6). The study employs a Simon two-stage design with Stage 1 comprising four treatment groups expected to enroll a total of approximately 55 patients: Pelareorep in combination with atezolizumab, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel in 1st line advanced/metastatic pancreatic cancer patients (n=12); Pelareorep in combination with atezolizumab in 1st line MSI (microsatellite instability)-high metastatic colorectal cancer patients (n=19); Pelareorep in combination with atezolizumab and TAS-102 in 3rd line metastatic colorectal cancer patients (n=14); and Pelareorep in combination with atezolizumab in 2nd line advanced and unresectable anal cancer patients (n=10). Any cohort showing an ORR above a pre-specified threshold in Stage 1 may be advanced to Stage 2 and enroll additional patients. About AIO AIO-Studien-gGmbH (AIO) emerged from the study center of the internal oncology working group within the German Cancer Society (DKG). AIO operates with a non-profit purpose of promoting science and research with a focus on medical oncology. Since its foundation, AIO has become a successful sponsor and study management company and has established itself both nationally and internationally. About Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Oncolytics is a biotechnology company developing pelareorep, an intravenously delivered immunotherapeutic agent. This compound induces anti-cancer immune responses and promotes an inflamed tumor phenotype -- turning "cold" tumors "hot" -- through innate and adaptive immune responses to treat a variety of cancers. Pelareorep has demonstrated synergies with immune checkpoint inhibitors and may also be synergistic with other approved oncology treatments. Oncolytics is currently conducting and planning clinical trials evaluating pelareorep in combination with checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies in solid and hematological malignancies as it advances towards registration studies in metastatic breast cancer and pancreatic cancer. For further information, please visit: www.oncolyticsbiotech.com. This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities laws (such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include statements regarding Oncolytics' belief as to the mode of action, potential and benefits of pelareorep as a cancer therapeutic; our plan to discuss our GOBLET data with regulatory authorities and potential partners; our goal of advancing its pancreatic cancer program into a pivotal study; Oncolytics' belief that pelareorep's value proposition has been enhanced and that the Company's clinical program has been further de-risked by virtue of the GOBLET data; the timing of release of updated GOBLET and BRACELET-1 results; our plans to advance towards a registration study in metastatic breast cancer and pancreatic cancer; and other statements related to anticipated developments in Oncolytics' business and technologies. In any forward-looking statement in which Oncolytics expresses an expectation or belief as to future results, such expectations or beliefs are expressed in good faith and are believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the statement or expectation or belief will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause Oncolytics' actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the availability of funds and resources to pursue research and development projects, the efficacy of pelareorep as a cancer treatment, the success and timely completion of clinical studies and trials, Oncolytics' ability to successfully commercialize pelareorep, uncertainties related to the research and development of pharmaceuticals, uncertainties related to the regulatory process and general changes to the economic environment. In particular, we may be impacted by business interruptions resulting from COVID-19 coronavirus, including operating, manufacturing supply chain, clinical trial and project development delays and disruptions, labour shortages, travel and shipping disruption, and shutdowns (including as a result of government regulation and prevention measures). It is unknown whether and how Oncolytics may be affected if the COVID-19 pandemic persists for an extended period of time. We may incur expenses or delays relating to such events outside of our control, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition. Investors should consult Oncolytics' quarterly and annual filings with the Canadian and U.S. securities commissions for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. Company Contact Jon Patton Director of IR & Communication +1-858-886-7813 jpatton@oncolytics.ca Investor Relations for Oncolytics Timothy McCarthy LifeSci Advisors +1-917-679-9282 tim@lifesciadvisors.com Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oncolytics-biotech-reports-interim-results-from-phase-12-goblet-study-showing-a-70-objective-response-rate-in-pancreatic-cancer-at-the-sitc-annual-meeting-301669587.html SOURCE Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2022/07/c0399.html BRUSSELS, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- OpenWay, a leading global developer of digital payment software platforms, today announced that its CEO Pavel Gubin will join the G20 Summit 2022 in Bali, Indonesia, on November 13-16. The G20 Summit will include an official forum for the dialogue between the leaders of the G20 member states and the global business community. Pavel Gubin will be among a select group of CEOs from the world's leading companies who will join the G20 Summit to discuss the most significant challenges and opportunities of our time, share their insights and discuss future international policies and initiatives with the participating Heads of State. This year's summit program includes sessions, conversations and discussions with U.S. President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and other Heads of G20 member nations. The G20 is the foremost intergovernmental forum that gathers the leaders of 19 of the world's largest economies and the European Union to address major issues related to the global economy, such as international financial stability, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development. The G20 plays a strategic role in securing future global economic growth and prosperity. Together, the G20 member nations represent more than 80 percent of the world's GDP and 75 percent of international trade. Pavel Gubin, CEO of OpenWay, said: "I am honored to represent OpenWay at the world's most important intergovernmental forum that brings together the leaders of the world's largest economies. G20 helps create greater prosperity for the whole world by accelerating global economic growth and integration. Digital payments have become the lifeblood of the global economy and are considered critical infrastructure by all nations today. Over the years, our global team of world-class professionals has amassed a wealth of expertise in digital payments and other areas of the digital economy, while powering and enabling some of the largest and most advanced payment systems all over the world. That's why OpenWay is regularly asked to advise and consult policymakers, state leaders and governmental organizations on matters of national economic security and financial resilience. I look forward to sharing the knowledge accumulated by our global team of experts and exchanging ideas and best practices with the attending Heads of State and other participants of the G20 Summit later this month." About OpenWay OpenWay is the top-ranked global developer and vendor of the Way4 digital payments software platform. We help our clients top financial and non-financial organizations in 83 countries to make payments more convenient and efficient for people around the globe. Over 500 payment players worldwide run their digital payments businesses on Way4. With multiple centers of competence in Europe, Americas, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, our team has extensive and holistic understanding of cultures and skills. www.openwaygroup.com SOURCE OpenWay DelveInsight Business Research LLP Primary myelofibrosis Pipeline constitutes 50+ key companies continuously working towards developing 55+ primary myelofibrosis treatment therapies, analyzes DelveInsight New York, USA, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Primary Myelofibrosis Pipeline Space Brims With Novel Emerging Therapies with Over 50 Key Companies Working in the Domain | DelveInsight Primary myelofibrosis Pipeline constitutes 50+ key companies continuously working towards developing 55+ primary myelofibrosis treatment therapies, analyzes DelveInsight DelveInsights 'Primary Myelofibrosis Pipeline Insight 2022' report provides comprehensive global coverage of available, marketed, and pipeline primary myelofibrosis therapies in various stages of clinical development, major pharmaceutical companies are working to advance the pipeline space and future growth potential of the primary myelofibrosis pipeline domain. Key Takeaways from the Primary Myelofibrosis Pipeline Report DelveInsights primary myelofibrosis pipeline report depicts a robust space with 50+ active players working to develop 55+ pipeline therapies for primary myelofibrosis treatment. Key primary myelofibrosis companies such as Nippon Shinyaku, Kartos Therapeutics, Sumitomo Pharma Oncology, Pharmaxis, MorphoSys, Merck & Co, AbbVie, Suzhou Zelgen Biopharmaceuticals, Geron Corporation, Keros Therapeutics, Galecto, Telios Pharma, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group, Imago BioSciences, Roche, Incyte Corporation, Disc Medicine, Inc, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Lynk Pharmaceuticals, Samus Therapeutics, Taiga Biotechnologies, Cellenkos, Jacobio Pharmaceuticals, Active Biotech, Actuate Therapeutics, Samus Therapeutics, Karyopharm Therapeutics, and others are evaluating new drugs for primary myelofibrosis to improve the treatment landscape. Promising primary myelofibrosis pipeline therapies in various stages of development include NS 018, KRT-232, TP 3654, PXS 5505, Pelabresib, ACE-536, Navitoclax, Jaktinib, Imetelstat, KER-050, GB 2064, TL-895, TQ05105, Bomedemstat, RO7490677, INCB000928, LDE225, DISC-0974, BMS-986158, BMS 986416, LNK01002, PU-H71, TBX-2400, CK0804, ABBV-744, JAB-8263, Tasquinimod, Mivebresib, 9-ING-41, Itacitinib, PU-H-71, Selinexor, and others. In June 2022, Cellenkos announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had cleared its Investigational New Drug (IND) application to initiate a Phase Ib, open-label study of CK0804 as an add-on therapy to ruxolitinib in patients with myelofibrosis who experience a suboptimal response to ruxolitinib. In June 2022, Imago Biosciences presented updated positive data from its ongoing global Phase II clinical study evaluating bomedemstat in patients with advanced myelofibrosis. Bomedemstat was generally safe and well-tolerated in patients with myelofibrosis. In June 2022, announced the US FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation for TP-3654 , Sumitomo Pharma Oncology's proprietary investigational oral inhibitor of PIM kinases, for the treatment of myelofibrosis. In June 2022, AbbVie announced new data from Cohort 3 of its Phase II REFINE study of investigational navitoclax in combination with ruxolitinib in JAK inhibitor naive patients with myelofibrosis (MF), a rare and difficult to treat blood cancer. These data reinforced the importance of early intervention in myelofibrosis and the potential to achieve improved clinical outcomes. In February 2022, Active Biotech entered into an exclusive license agreement with Oncode Institute in the Netherlands for the global rights to patents relating to the use of tasquinimod and other inhibitors of S100 for use in the treatment of myelofibrosis. Story continues Request a sample and discover the recent advances in primary myelofibrosis treatment drugs @Primary Myelofibrosis Pipeline Report The primary myelofibrosis pipeline report provides detailed profiles of pipeline assets, a comparative analysis of clinical and non-clinical stage primary myelofibrosis drugs, inactive and dormant assets, a comprehensive assessment of driving and restraining factors, and an assessment of opportunities and risks in the primary myelofibrosis clinical trial landscape. Primary Myelofibrosis Overview Primary myelofibrosis is a disorder in which normal bone marrow tissue is gradually replaced by fibrous scar-like material. Primary myelofibrosis progressive bone marrow failure over time. Under normal circumstances, the bone marrow provides a fine network of fibers for stem cells to divide and grow on. Feelings of discomfort, pain, or fullness in the upper left side of the abdomen are common symptoms. An enlarged spleen can also pressure the stomach, causing bloating, indigestion, and a loss of appetite. A physical examination that reveals an enlarged spleen, blood tests, and a bone marrow examination are used for primary myelofibrosis diagnosis. Primary myelofibrosis is generally thought to be an incurable disease, but with primary myelofibrosis treatment, many people can live comfortably and symptom-free for a long time. The diseases natural course can vary significantly between individuals. Find out more about primary myelofibrosis treatment drugs @Drugs for Primary Myelofibrosis Treatment A snapshot of the Primary Myelofibrosis Pipeline Drugs mentioned in the report: Drugs Company Phase MoA RoA Pelabresib MorphoSys Phase III Bromodomain and extraterminal domain protein inhibitor Oral Navitoclax AbbVie Phase III Apoptosis stimulant; Proto-oncogene protein c-bcl-2 inhibitor Oral KRT-232 Kartos Therapeutics Phase II/III Proto-oncogene protein c mdm2 inhibitor Oral NS 018 Nippon Shinyaku Phase II Janus kinase-2 inhibitor; Src-Family kinase inhibitor Oral GB-2064 Galecto Phase II LOXL2 protein inhibitors Oral TP 3654 Sumitomo Pharma Oncology Phase I/II 1 Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase inhibitor; Proto oncogene proteins c pim 1 inhibitor Oral LNK01002 Lynk Pharmaceuticals Phase I Protein kinase inhibitor Oral Learn more about the emerging primary myelofibrosis pipeline therapies @Primary Myelofibrosis Clinical Trials Primary Myelofibrosis Therapeutics Assessment The primary myelofibrosis pipeline report proffers an integral view of primary myelofibrosis emerging novel therapies segmented by stage, product type, molecule type, mechanism of action, and route of administration. Scope of the Primary Myelofibrosis Pipeline Report Coverage : Global Primary Myelofibrosis Therapeutic Assessment By Product Type: Mono, Combination, Mono/Combination Primary Myelofibrosis Therapeutic Assessment By Clinical Stages: Discovery, Pre-clinical, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III Primary Myelofibrosis Therapeutics Assessment By Route of Administration: Intra-articular, Intraocular, Intrathecal, Intravenous, Ophthalmic, Oral, Parenteral, Subcutaneous, Topical, Transdermal Primary Myelofibrosis Therapeutics Assessment By Molecule Type : Oligonucleotide, Peptide, Small molecule, Antibody Primary Myelofibrosis Therapeutics Assessment By Mechanism of Action: Janus kinase-2 inhibitors, Src-Family kinase inhibitors, Proto-oncogene protein c mdm2 inhibitors, 1 Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase inhibitors, Proto oncogene proteins c pim 1 inhibitors, Bromodomain and extraterminal domain protein inhibitors, TGF-beta superfamily protein inhibitors, Janus kinase 1 inhibitors; Janus kinase 3 inhibitors; Janus kinase-2 inhibitors, Telomerase inhibitors, Erythropoiesis stimulants; Transforming growth factor beta inhibitors, BRD2 protein inhibitors; BRD3 protein inhibitors; BRD4 protein inhibitors Key Primary Myelofibrosis Companies : Nippon Shinyaku, Kartos Therapeutics, Sumitomo Pharma Oncology, Pharmaxis, MorphoSys, Merck & Co, AbbVie, Suzhou Zelgen Biopharmaceuticals, Geron Corporation, Keros Therapeutics, Galecto, Telios Pharma, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group, Imago BioSciences, Roche, Incyte Corporation, Disc Medicine, Inc, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Lynk Pharmaceuticals, Samus Therapeutics, Taiga Biotechnologies, Cellenkos, Jacobio Pharmaceuticals, Active Biotech, Actuate Therapeutics, Samus Therapeutics, Karyopharm Therapeutics, and others Key Primary Myelofibrosis Pipeline Therapies: NS 018, KRT-232, TP 3654, PXS 5505, Pelabresib, ACE-536, Navitoclax, Jaktinib, Imetelstat, KER-050, GB 2064, TL-895, TQ05105, Bomedemstat, RO7490677, INCB000928, LDE225, DISC-0974, BMS-986158, BMS 986416, LNK01002, PU-H71, TBX-2400, CK0804, ABBV-744, JAB-8263, Tasquinimod, Mivebresib, 9-ING-41, Itacitinib, PU-H-71, Selinexor, and others. Dive deep into rich insights for new drugs for primary myelofibrosis treatment; visit @Primary Myelofibrosis Medications Table of Contents 1. Primary Myelofibrosis Pipeline Report Introduction 2. Primary Myelofibrosis Pipeline Report Executive Summary 3. Primary Myelofibrosis Pipeline: Overview 4. Analytical Perspective In-depth Commercial Assessment 5. Primary Myelofibrosis Clinical Trial Therapeutics 6. Primary Myelofibrosis Pipeline: Late Stage Products (Phase III) 6.1 Pelabresib: MorphoSys 7. Primary Myelofibrosis Pipeline: Mid Stage Products (Phase II) 7.1 NS-018: Nippon Shinyaku 8. Primary Myelofibrosis Pipeline: Early Stage Products (Phase I) 8.1 TP 3654: Sumitomo Pharma Oncology 10. Primary Myelofibrosis Pipeline Therapeutics Assessment 11. Inactive Products in the Primary Myelofibrosis Pipeline 12. Company-University Collaborations (Licensing/Partnering) Analysis 13. Key Companies 14. Key Products in the Primary Myelofibrosis Pipeline 15. Unmet Needs 16. Market Drivers and Barriers 17. Future Perspectives and Conclusion 18. Analyst Views 19. Appendix For further information on the primary myelofibrosis pipeline therapeutics, reach out @Primary Myelofibrosis Treatment Drugs Related Reports Primary Myelofibrosis Market Primary Myelofibrosis Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast 2032 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key primary myelofibrosis companies including Nippon Shinyaku, Kartos Therapeutics, Sumitomo Pharma Oncology, among others. Primary Myelofibrosis Epidemiology Forecast Primary Myelofibrosis Epidemiology Forecast 2032 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted primary myelofibrosis epidemiology in the 7MM, i.e., the United States, EU5 (Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom), and Japan. Myelofibrosis Pipeline Myelofibrosis Pipeline Insight 2022 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key myelofibrosis companies, including Geron Corporation, AbbVie, Sierra Oncology, Galecto Biotech, Actuate Therapeutics, Kartos Therapeutics, among others. Myelofibrosis Market Myelofibrosis Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast 2032 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key myelofibrosis companies including Geron Corporation, AbbVie, Sierra Oncology, Galecto Biotech, Actuate Therapeutics, Kartos Therapeutics, among others. Post-Polycythemia Vera Myelofibrosis Pipeline Post-Polycythemia Vera Myelofibrosis Pipeline Insight 2022 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis companies, including Sierra Oncology Inc., CTI Biopharma Corp., Incyte Corporation, Imago BioSciences, Inc., among others. Post-Polycythemia Vera Myelofibrosis Market Post-Polycythemia Vera Myelofibrosis Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast 2032 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis companies including Sierra Oncology Inc., CTI Biopharma Corp., Incyte Corporation, Imago BioSciences, Inc. among others. Other Trending Reports Goitre Market | Thymus Cancer Market | US Healthcare Outlook Report | Venous Stenosis Market | Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Systems Market | Global Kinase Inhibitor in Autoimmune Diseases Market | Metrorrhagia Market | Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding Market | Hypereosinophilic Syndrome Market | Age-related Vision Dysfunction Market | Dental Lasers Market | CRISPR Therapies Pipeline Insight | Cell And Gene Therapy For Multiple Myeloma Market | Drug Hypersensitivity Market | Dysthymia Market | Persistent Depressive Disorder Market | Cancer Vaccines Market | Weight Loss/Weight Management (Obesity) Market | Food Allergy Market | Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Market | Tumor Ablation Market | Physiotherapy Equipment Market | Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Therapy Market | Anti-hypertension Market | Radiofrequency Ablation Devices Market | Global Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based Vaccines and Therapeutics Market | Gastro Intestinal Bleeding Market | Trastuzumab Biosimilars Insight | Varicose Veins Market | Germ Cell Tumor Market | Intracardiac Echocardiography Devices Market | India Healthcare Report | Crows Feet Market | Seborrhoeic Dermatitis Market | Injectable Drug Delivery Devices Market | Structural Heart Devices Market | Substance (Drug) Abuse Market | Insulin Glargine Biosimilar Insight About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. Connect with us at LinkedIn CONTACT: Contact Us Shruti Thakur info@delveinsight.com +1(919)321-6187 www.delveinsight.com Virtual Investor Conferences Individual and institutional investors, as well as advisors and analysts are welcome to attend real-time, interactive presentations on VirtualInvestorConferences.com TORONTO, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Purepoint Uranium Group Inc. (TSXV: PTU) (OTCQB: PTUUF) (Purepoint or the Company) today announced that Chris Frostad, President and CEO will provide an update on the Companys three ongoing drill programs including its Flagship Hook Lake Joint Venture with Partners Cameco and Orano live at VirtualInvestorConferences.com on November 8th, 2022. DATE: November 8th, 2022 TIME: 11 am ET LINK: https://bit.ly/3C7y59u Available for 1x1 meetings: November 11, 2022 This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event. It is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com . Recent Company Highlights Purepoint has carefully assembled a portfolio of strategically situated, drill ready projects in the Athabasca Basin, the worlds richest uranium district. Purepoint is partnered with two of the worlds largest uranium suppliers, Cameco and Orano. Purepoint has fully funded drilling programs underway, including drilling at Red Willow & Turnor Lake (October/November 2022) and follow-up drill programs planned for 2023 winter season in various projects. About Purepoint Purepoint Uranium Group Inc. (TSXV: PTU) (OTCQB: PTUUF) actively operates an exploration pipeline of 12 advanced projects in Canadas Athabasca Basin. In addition to its flagship joint venture project at Hook Lake with partners Cameco and Orano and a second joint venture with Cameco at Smart Lake, Purepoint also holds ten, 100% owned projects with proven uranium rich targets. With aggressive exploration programs underway on multiple projects, Purepoint is emerging as the preeminent uranium explorer in the worlds richest uranium district. Story continues For additional information please visit our new website at https://purepoint.ca, our Twitter feed: @PurepointU3O8 or our LinkedIn page @Purepoint-Uranium. About Virtual Investor Conferences Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors. Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors. CONTACTS: Chris Frostad, President & CEO Phone: (416) 603-8368 Email: cfrostad@purepoint.ca Virtual Investor Conferences John M. Viglotti SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access OTC Markets Group (212) 220-2221 johnv@otcmarkets.com Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Press release. Disclosure regarding forward-looking statements This press release contains projections and forward-looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. Such forward-looking information can include without limitation statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance of the Company. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results and the Companys plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. By Azernews By Ayya Lmahamad The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Turkiye has increased by 34 percent to $4.35 billion in January-September 2022, Azerbaijans Prime Minister Ali Asadov said. He made the remarks at the 10th meeting of the joint intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, Azernews reports. There are good opportunities for further expansion of economic and trade cooperation in the post-pandemic period. In this regard, the decisions and agreements reached at the meeting of the Azerbaijan-Turkiye strategic cooperation council and the intergovernmental commission are of particular importance, he said. The prime minister expressed confidence that the expansion of the scope of the preferential trade agreement, as well as the implementation of action plans signed between the two countries, will contribute to a further increase in trade turnover. Moreover, speaking at the meeting, Ali Aasadov stated that the relations between Azerbaijan and Turkiye have reached the highest peak of strategic partnership and alliance. He noted that the signing of the Shusha Declaration strengthened the relations between the two countries even further, raised them to the level of alliance, and demonstrated to the world the exemplary nature of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries. He stressed that Azerbaijani-Turkish relations have moved from a bilateral format to a regional one as a result of the decisive efforts of Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Azerbaijan and Turkiye also play an important role in ensuring the energy security of Europe through their jointly implemented large-scale projects, he said. Speaking about the development of cooperation in the transport sector, Ali Asadov mentioned that the total volume of freight transported between the two countries increased by 60.2 percent in the first nine months of the year, including an increase in transit cargo by 96.3 percent. The Kars-Igdir-Aralik-Dilucu-Sadarak-Nakhchivan-Julfa railway project is of great importance in terms of providing a direct railway connection between the major part of Azerbaijan and Turkiye via Nakhchivan, he said. Further, the prime minister expressed confidence that the opening of the Zangazur corridor and the construction of the Nakhchivan railway will further boost the expansion of Azerbaijan-Turkiye economic and trade relations. He added that it will also provide good opportunities for cooperation and contribute to the economic progress of the regional countries. Azerbaijan-Turkiye unity proves itself in the restoration of Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur. Large-scale construction activities and important infrastructure projects carried out in the liberated territories with the participation of the Turkish companies, he said. For his turn, Fuat Oktay noted that regular meetings between the presidents of the two countries make a special contribution to the expansion of successfully developing relations. Saying that the Azerbaijan-Turkiye partnership has become stronger in recent years, he stated that the large-scale transport and energy projects implemented by the two countries are of great importance for the region. At the end of the meeting, Ali Asadov and Fuat Oktay signed the protocol of the 10th meeting of the Azerbaijan-Turkiye intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation and action plans covering a number of cooperative areas. The officials signed the agreement between the government of Azerbaijan and the government of Turkiye on cooperation in the seed production sector, agreement on cooperation in the field of plant protection and quarantine, protocol on cooperation between Azerbaijans Food Security Agency and Turkiyes Halal Accreditation Agency, memorandum of intent between Azerbaijans Small and Medium Business Development Agency and Turkiyes Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization to expand the access of SMBs to financial resources, as well as agreement on bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijans Export and Investment Promotion Agency and Turkish Exporters Assembly. The meeting, co-chaired by Ali Asadov and Fuat Oktay and attended by heads of relevant government agencies of both countries, was held in Baku on November 4. SalMar ASA NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, INTO OR WITHIN CANADA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH AFRICA, HONG KONG, JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. Frya, 7 November 2022 Reference is made to the stock exchange announcement made by SalMar ASA (SalMar) on 31 October 2022 in connection with the recommended voluntary offer by SalMar to acquire all outstanding shares in NTS ASA (NTS) (the "Offer") and the merger between SalMar and Norway Royal Salmon ASA (NRS) (the Merger). The board of directors of SalMar has today resolved to carry out the Merger and lodged the filing for completion of the Merger with the Norwegian Registry of Business Enterprises (Nw. Foretaksregisteret). It is expected that the Merger will be completed after close of trading on Oslo Brs today (the Merger Effective Date). Consequently, it is expected that the last day of trading in the NRS shares will be today. The Merger contemplates that SalMar will absorb all assets, rights and obligations of NRS and that NRS is dissolved. Shareholders of NRS will receive merger consideration consisting of 0.303933 shares in SalMar and NOK 52.84 in cash for each share in NRS they own as at the expiry of the Merger Effective Date, as such shareholders appear in NRS shareholders register with Euronext Securities Oslo (the VPS) as at the expiry of 9 November 2022 (the record date for the Merger). Subject to timely registration of the Merger with the Norwegian Register of Business Enterprises and delivery through the VPS, the merger consideration shares are expected to be delivered to eligible recipients securities accounts with the VPS on 11 November 2022. Any trades by investors prior to delivery of the merger consideration shares must be carried out in compliance with applicable short sale and other regulations. Reference is made to the stock exchange announcement from SalMar on 31 October 2022 for information on settlement of the Offer. Story continues Arctic Securities AS acts as financial advisor and receiving agent and Advokatfirmaet BAHR AS acts as legal advisor to SalMar. For further information, please contact: Hakon Husby, Head of IR SalMar Tel: +47 936 30 449 Email: hakon.husby@salmar.no This information is information required to be made public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. The information was submitted by Hakon Husby at 08:30 (Norwegian time) on 7 November 2022. About SalMar SalMar is one of the world's largest and most efficient producers of salmon. The group has farming operations in Central Norway, Northern Norway and Iceland, as well as substantial harvesting and secondary processing operations in Norway, at InnovaMar in Frya, InnovaNor in Senja and Vikenco in Aukra. In addition, the company is operating within offshore aquaculture through the company SalMar Aker Ocean. SalMar also owns 50% of the shares in Scottish Sea Farms Ltd. See www.salmar.no for more information about SalMar. Stratview Research Solar Energy Storage Market is expected to reach US$ 3528.33 Million in 2028, growing at a CAGR of 35.7% during 2022- 2028, reports Stratview Research. Raipur, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stratview Research, a leading market research firm has launched a report on the Solar Energy Storage Market which provides an in-depth analysis of the market dynamics, current and emerging trends, industry forecast, and competitive landscape. Click here to get the free sample pdf: https://www.stratviewresearch.com/Request-Sample/1927/solar-energy-storage-market.html#form How is the Report Helpful? The report has a very high utility for the key decision-makers and strategists in terms of accurate market insights, future growth opportunities, and key success factors. Most importantly, the report analyses the possible impact of COVID-19 on the market dynamics which offers cushioning against the uncertain business environment and helps in streamlining the resources and investment decisions in a fruitful manner. What are the Top Market Drivers? According to the report, the Solar Energy Storage Market is driven by a host of factors, some of which are noted below: Increasing concern toward environmental problems and stringent governments regulations to reduce carbon emission and energy conservation. Growing utilization of non-conventional energy sources, increasing demand for electricity, competition for lower cost energy, etc. The report also includes growth rate estimates based upon the intensity of drivers and constraints and provides the users with several graphical illustrations of the key insights. Solar Energy Storage Market Segmentation: Stratview Research has segmented the market in the following ways which fulfill the market data needs of multiple stakeholders across the industry value chain. By Composition Type (Lead Acid, Lithium Ion, Flow Battery, and Others), By Capacity Type (Up to 50kW, 51 to 250 kW, 251 to 500 kW, 501 to 1000 kW, 1001 to 2500 kW, 2501 to 5000 kW, 5001 to 10000 kW, and >10000 kW), By Installation Type (On-grid and and Off-grid), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World). Story continues Solar Energy Storage Market Insights Market Trends by Composition Type The market is segmented as lead acid, lithium-ion, flow battery, and others. The lead acid battery storage segment is expected to witness significant growth rate in the market during the forecast period owing to its good cost-performance ratio across a broad range of applications. Furthermore, lead acid batteries are the first rechargeable batteries to be deployed in wide-scale uses, thereby driving the growth of the segment. Market Trends by Capacity Type The market is segmented as up to 50kW, 51 to 250 kW, 251 to 500 kW, 501 to 1000 kW, 1001 to 2500 kW, 2501 to 5000 kW, 5001 to 10000 kW, and >10000 kW. The >10000 kW capacity type is expected to register high growth rate in the market owing to the increasing support of governments from large number of countries for variable renewable energy. Unification of ancillary services to grids will stimulate the market growth. Market Trends by Installation Type The market is segmented as on-grid and off-grid. Off-grid installation is estimated to account for the major share of the market during the forecast period on account of being a cost-effective solution fulfilling the demand for electricity. Due to low technological cost, this installation is developing rapidly. Optimistic outlook of the industry owing to positive response from consumers for sustainable energy usage will boost the market growth. Which region offers the best opportunity and growth? Asia-Pacific is expected to lead the market during the forecast period. The regions market is driven by rising environmental concerns and growing energy demand, which being the two crucial parameters expected to drive the growth of the market in the Asia-Pacific region. China and India are the growth engines of the region. In addition, Japan is contributing enormously to the solar energy battery storage system market. The government of Japan is aiming to make the local companies capable of holding ~50% share of the worlds battery storage market by 2020. North America and Europe are also expected to offer substantial growth opportunities during the forecast period. COVID-19 Impact on the Solar Energy Storage Market COVID-19 has put an instant halt to many industries across the globe. Lockdown norms in several countries have swiftly affected the global economy by affecting the supply chain, production, and demand in the market. Both direct, as well as indirect impacts of the pandemic, have been incorporated in this report. To know more about the covid-19 impact, get a free sample report, here: https://www.stratviewresearch.com/Request-Sample/1927/solar-energy-storage-market.html#form Who are the Top Market Players? After a thorough analysis of the market, the experts have listed a few key players and discussed company profiles of the below-given players - BMW BYD Kokam Carnegie Clean Energy Primus Power Maxwell Technologies Samsung LG Chem EnerSys Leclanche BAE Saft FIAMM Vionx Adara Power Aquion Ecoult. What deliverables will you get in this report? In-depth analysis of the Solar Energy Storage Market Detailed market segmentation. Competitive-landscape analysis. Historical, present, and future market size analysis. Industry trends, technologies, and advancements. Growth and operation strategies adopted by key players. Potential segments/regions offering promising growth. Geographical presence of the key players. Related reports which might be useful: About us Stratview Research is a global market research firm that offers reliable market reports, market entry strategies, strategic growth consulting, and more. The market experts compile high-quality market information to help users obtain granular level clarity on current business trends and expected future developments. Stratview Research also offers customisation of the reports. Reach out to the analysts to customize the given report according to your priority/requirement. Stratview Research has also launched 'Composights', an online portal that offers free thought leadership reports, whitepapers, market report synopsis, and much more for Composites and allied industries, worth US$ 20,000 every year. Click here to sign up (No costs involved): https://www.stratviewresearch.com/composights/sign-in CONTACT: Stratview Research E-mail: sales@stratviewresearch.com Direct: +1-313-307-4176 Ocala, FL Ocala, FL Boston, MA, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SVN International Corp. (SVNIC), a full-service commercial real estate franchisor of the SVN brand, expands its footprint in Central Florida with the addition of its newest franchise office, SVN | McDonald & Company. Led by Managing Director Bartow McDonald IV, SVN | McDonald & Company specializes in CRE assets in Central Florida, including Marion, Lake, Alachua, and Sumter counties. McDonald brings over 16 years of experience in high level commercial real estate consulting for clients, both national and local, including selling and leasing office, industrial, warehouse, vacant land, horse farms, shopping centers and apartment properties. Prior to joining SVN, McDonald served as the Vice President of Acquisitions and Development for Cope Properties, Inc. in Ocala, Florida where he was responsible for the acquisition, entitlement, and marketing of portfolio and client properties. McDonald was initially drawn to SVN because of its collaborative approach, strong national network, and culture of generosity. SVNs 35-year history of sharing commissions aligns with our firms core values of collaboration and transparency, stated McDonald. SVNs culture is unmatched, and we look forward to continuing to advise clients who own CRE in this very dynamic and growing part of Florida under the SVN name. By leveraging SVNs global platform, vast technological tools, and strong brand reputation as one of the most powerful brokerage firms in the United States, SVN | McDonald & Company is eager to expand their services in the Central Florida region. For more information, visit www.svnmcdonald.com. About SVN | McDonald & Company www.svnmcdonald.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartowmcdonald/ About SVN The SVN organization is a globally recognized commercial real estate entity united by a shared vision of creating value with clients, colleagues, and our communities. The SVN brand is comprised of over 2,000 advisors and staff in more than 200 offices across the globe in six countries. Our brand pillars represent the transparency, innovation, and inclusivity that enables all our advisors to collaborate with the entire real estate industry on behalf of our clients. SVNs unique Shared Value Network is just one of the many ways that SVN advisors create amazing value with our clients, colleagues, and communities. For more information, visit www.svn.com. Story continues All SVN offices are independently owned and operated. To learn more about becoming an SVN commercial real estate business owner, visit http://www.svn.com/franchising-opportunities/. LinkedIn: SVN International Corp. Instagram: @svninternationalcorp Twitter: @SVNic Facebook: @SVNIC Attachment CONTACT: SVN Corporate Marketing Department SVN International Corp. marketing@svn.com Talon Metals Corp. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Talon Metals Corp. (TSX: TLO) (Talon or the Corporation) is pleased to announce that the Corporation has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters led by TD Securities Inc. (the Lead Underwriter and collectively the Underwriters) pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to purchase, on a bought deal basis, 66,400,000 common shares of the Corporation (the Shares) at a price of $0.49 per Share (the Issue Price) for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $32.5 million (the Offering). The Corporation has granted the Underwriters an over-allotment option (the Over-Allotment Option) to purchase up to an additional 9,960,000 Shares at the Issue Price, exercisable in whole or in part at any time up to 30 days after the closing of the Offering. The Corporation intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for advancing work related to its planned exploration and development program at the Tamarack North Project in Minnesota, and for general working capital purposes. The Offering is expected to close on or about November 16, 2022 and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange (the TSX). The securities to be issued under the Offering will be offered by way of a prospectus supplement that will be filed in each of the provinces of Canada other than Quebec under the Corporation's base shelf prospectus dated December 7, 2021 and may be offered for sale in the United States to Qualified Institutional Buyers (as defined in Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") by way of private placement pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Story continues ABOUT TALON Talon is a TSX-listed base metals company in a joint venture with Rio Tinto on the high-grade Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project located in central Minnesota. Talons shares are also traded in the US on the OTC market under the symbol TLOFF. The Tamarack Nickel Project comprises a large land position (18km of strike length) with high-grade intercepts outside the current resource area. Talon has an earn-in right to acquire up to 60% of the Tamarack Nickel Project, and currently owns 51%. Talon is focused on (i) expanding and infilling its current high-grade nickel mineralization resource and (ii) following up on additional high-grade nickel mineralization in the Tamarack Intrusive Complex. Talon has an agreement with Tesla Inc. to supply it with 75,000 metric tonnes (165 million lbs) of nickel in concentrate (and certain by-products, including cobalt and iron) from the Tamarack Nickel Project over an estimated six-year period once commercial production is achieved. Talon has well-qualified experienced exploration, mine development, external affairs and mine permitting teams. For additional information on Talon, please visit the Corporations website at www.talonmetals.com/ Media Contact: Todd Malan 1 (202) 714-8187 malan@talonmetals.com Investor Contact: Sean Werger 1 (416) 361-9636 x102 werger@talonmetals.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that the Corporation believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Corporation based on information currently available to the Corporation. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to the anticipated closing of the Offering, the anticipated use of the net proceeds from the Offering, the entering into of the Underwriting Agreement and the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Corporation. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Corporation disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Corporation believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. The logo of Vivendi is seen in Paris MILAN (Reuters) - Telecom Italia's (TIM) top investor Vivendi is keen to start talks with Italy's new right-wing government on a new plan to create a national broadband company, people close to the French media conglomerate said on Sunday. Debt-laden Telecom Italia has been embroiled for months in negotiations over the sale of its prized landline grid to state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP). The potential sale was part of a plan sponsored by the previous government to combine TIM's fixed network assets with those of smaller broadband operator Open Fiber in order to create a national network champion under CDP control. However, regulatory and valuations issues have thwarted efforts so far and the project to create a single network company is now being reassessed by the new government, which was sworn in last month. On Saturday, cabinet undersecretary Alessio Butti told Sky broadcaster he considered creating a single broadband company a "priority", adding he would start soon talks with all stakeholders, including CDP, over a new version of the project. Butti had previously called on CDP to pursue the single network project taking over TIM, under a plan dubbed "Minerva". Under the plan, TIM would retain the network while hiving off its services operations and its Brazil-listed unit to cut its debt pile. People close to the French media group said on Sunday that Vivendi appreciated Butti's openness to dialogue and reiterated the Paris-listed company's willingness to start discussions to find a quick solution. In her inaugural speech to parliament, new Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni vowed to ensure national strategic networks to be state-owned while enabling telecoms companies to compete on services. Treasury-owned CDP, which controls Open Fiber, is TIM's second largest investor with a 10% stake. Vivendi holds a 24%stake in TIM. (Reporting by Elvira Pollina; writing by Elvira Pollina and Francesca Landini; editing by David Evans) The Biden administration is going all out to assert itself as a global leader on climate action at this weeks U.N. climate conference. Doing so will require a diplomatic faceoff with China. China, the world's biggest current emitter of greenhouse gases, has a head start on the U.S. in its mass rollout of solar power and electric vehicles. The U.S., which is the second biggest current emitter, plans to challenge Chinas claim to global leadership on climate action with an array of new carbon reduction initiatives. Biden will join a 16-member delegation of senior officials including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, national security adviser Jake Sullivan and USAID administrator Samantha Power on Friday to make the case that the Trump era ofclimate inaction and denialism is over. Bidens task: Restore U.S. credibility on climate action to counter Chinascourting of developing countries grappling with existential risks posed by a warming world. At the same time, hell be working to restore some level of China-U.S. cooperation on climate, after Chinese President Xi Jinping suspended a bilateral effort following House Speaker Nancy Pelosis trip to Taiwan in August. There is no solution to the problem of climate change without China, White House climate envoy John Kerry said on Wednesday. We stand ready to sit down with China on the climate issue and work together to solve what is not a bilateral issue, but what is a universal, global, existential issue. Thats ambitious given that Kerry admitted last month that meaningful dialogue with his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, had stalled. But Biden has one advantage at COP: Xi wont be there. That will make it easier for Biden to stake out the diplomatic high ground as a leader wholl prioritize climate action despite strained bilateral relations. And he can point out to fellow heads of state in person the hundreds of billions of dollars in investments in clean energy sources embedded in the Inflation Reduction Act that he signed in September as proof of his resolve. Story continues The geopolitical competition can actually be helpfulthe U.S. doing more [on climate] can lead China to do more, argued Alexandra Hackbarth, a China expert at the D.C.-based climate change think tank E3G. Biden is playing catchup because Beijing despite its stubborn reliance on heavily polluting coal at home has made climate a key prong of its diplomatic outreach for years. Xi announced in 2015 the creation of a $3.1 billion fund to help developing countries mitigate the effects of climate change. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng launched a China-based facility in April dedicated to boosting the capacity of Pacific island countries to adapt to rising sea levels. Bidens decision to attend COP27 has already raised expectations of a new level of U.S. engagement on climate action. Presidents don't normally show up at these things unless they are bringing something with them, said Joanna Lewis, an associate professor at Georgetown University and an expert on Chinas climate policies. What Biden is likely bringing is cash to support one of COP27s key objectives: funding for mitigation and adaptation initiatives by developing countries hardest hit by a rapidly warming world. We are doing major lifting with respect to providing new climate finance, Kerry said. That sets the stage for Biden to either increase the $11 billion in annual funding he committed for those purposes in 2021 or advance its rollout ahead of the 2024 target date. But Biden is trying to prod and coax China on climate change measures at a time when relations between the two countries are continuing to deteriorate. The U.S. has accused China of predatory trade practices, pervasive espionage targeting U.S. firms and of accelerating plans for a military invasion of Taiwan. China rejects those accusations and blames the U.S. for adopting a "cold war mentality that is stoking bilateral hostility Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hinted last week in a call with Blinken that China wants bilateral relations on a stable development track. But he laced that comment with an accusation that the U.S. was pursuing containment and suppression of China. Biden needs to be conciliatory about China to avoid alienating senior officials of developing countries at COP27 who are impatient with U.S.-China bilateral acrimony hampering meaningful cooperation. We have urged them to demonstrate what we are used to of leadership from both of them, Wael Aboulmagd, Egypt's special representative to the COP27 presidency, told reporters on Friday. But the GOP on Capitol Hill will be watching carefully. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, warned that GOP members will closely monitor Bidens performance at COP to see whether he sells out America for a politically correct talking shop with Xis dictatorship. The Chinese government hasnt shared its priorities for COP27. But it is less well-positioned to burnish Chinese Foreign Ministry spokespersons Wang Wenbins claim last month that China is a doer on ecological progress and climate governance. And Xi has climate action credibility problems due to both his announcement last month that China will increase the production of fossil fuels and his lack of follow-through on his earlier climate promises. Xi made commitments in 2020 to peak Chinas carbon emissions by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060. But he has failed to provide a detailed road map and timetable on how China will meet those goals. That might be because of the daunting price tag. The World Bank warned last month that China would need to invest up to $17 trillion in the transport and power sectors alone to hit carbon neutrality. Although Xi promised last year to begin cutting Chinas dependency on coal in 2026, a surge in construction of coal-powered plants across China makes it unlikely hell meet that goal. Domestic economic strains caused by Russias invasion of Ukraine will also likely limit the Chinese governments willingness to make any significant new climate action commitments at the conference. The politics for that are pretty difficult, said Li Shuo, a Beijing-based policy adviser at Greenpeace East Asia. We have a hot war happening right now and food and energy crises across the world that reduces the appetite for [China] to commit more to carbon emission reductions. But climate experts agree that U.S.-China cooperation is essential to meet the 2015 Paris agreement goal of capping global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. Lewis at Georgetown University sees hope in the fact that unofficial lower-level COP27 preparatory discussions between U.S. and Chinese environmental experts have continued since August. And those contacts might help pave the way for an official resumption of U.S.-China climate cooperation in the coming week. I think it's very likely that they will resume engagement either before or at the COP just because I think it's in China's self-interest to be engaging with the United States, Georgetown Universitys Lewis said. Others say that a resumption of bilateral climate dialogue is unlikely. Climate is a global collective action problembut were starting to see indications that China is trying to go it alone, said Cecilia Han Springer, assistant director of Boston Universitys Global China Initiative and an expert on Chinese industrial decarbonization. It makes me worry about the future U.S.-China climate cooperation. A decoupling of U.S.-China cooperation due to worsening bilateral tensions could effectively kneecap global efforts to meet the goal of limiting global warming. If each country is just doing their own thing [on climate]we are basically in a car crash situation, said Greenpeaces Li. Karl Mathiesen contributed to this article. (Bloomberg) -- A US envoy called Irans statement that it provided drones to Russia months before the invasion of Ukraine not true, saying the Tehran government transferred dozens just this summer. That followed Irans first acknowledgement of any sort that it supplied Russia with drones. Most Read from Bloomberg Ukraines grid operator said it was limiting power supplies to Kyiv and seven northern and central regions because of damage from Russian strikes. Over a dozen drones and missiles were shot down in the past day. A march against Italian military support for Ukraine drew tens of thousands of people in Rome, including a former prime minister. (See RSAN on the Bloomberg Terminal for the Russian Sanctions Dashboard.) Key Developments Xi Tells Scholz China Opposes Nuclear Force in Message to Putin US Announces $400 Million in Tanks and Missiles for Ukraine The Latest Russia Oil Mystery: Vostok Sale Announced Then Denied US National Security Adviser Visits Kyiv in Show of Support Sweden to Dissociate From Kurdish Groups in NATO Bid, SVT Says On the Ground Russia launched another four missile and five other air strikes against Ukraine on Saturday, Kyiv-based military staff said without providing more detail. Shelling was reported in the Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Mykolaiv regions. Ukraines air defense shot down 11 Iranian-made Shahed-136 loitering drones, three other drones and two Kalibr cruise missiles launched by Russia over the past day, officials said. Two Russian helicopters were shot down in Kherson region, Ukraine said. Russian forces conducted offensive actions in the Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Novopavlivka areas, Ukraines General Staff said. Defense force units repelled attacks in several settlements in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. Ukraine said it destroyed six Russian fuel stations in the Mykolaiv region on Friday. Story continues (All times CET) US Seeks Ukraine Signal on Negotiations: Washington Post (11:40 p.m.) The Biden administration is prodding Ukrainian leaders to signal openness to negotiations with Russia to help the government in Kyiv address war support fatigue among some of its allies, the Washington Post reported, citing people familiar with the discussions. The people described it as a calculated attempt to maintain international support for Ukraines war effort, rather than pressure for Ukraine to negotiate, according to the Post. Ukraine to Boost Maritime Drone Power, Zelenskiy Says (6:45 p.m.) Ukraines government is seeking to replenish its maritime drone fleet to boost its defenses in the Black Sea, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, a week after Ukraine claimed a drone strike on Russias new flagship frigate, the Admiral Makarov. Next week, we will launch another fund-raising direction -- we will raise funds for a fleet of marine drones, Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address. He didnt elaborate on the proposed source of funding. US Envoy Says Irans Drone Account Not True (6:09 p.m.) Robert Malley, the US special envoy for Iran, said an Iranian claim that its drones were provided to Russia before the war in Ukraine began is false. Anti-War March in Rome Draws Tens of Thousands (5 p.m.) Tens of thousands marched through Rome on Saturday calling for efforts toward a negotiated settlement in Ukraine and urging Italy, a NATO member, to stop providing military aid to Kyiv to fight Russias invasion. No to war. No to sending weapons, read a large banner carried by protesters. Police estimated attendance at about 30,000; organizers claimed 100,000. Italys government, led by right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is being watched for any change in policy toward the war in Ukraine. Marchers included former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who heads the Five Star party. The event had the support from unions, some churches and Rome political figures. A smaller, competing rally in support of Ukraine was held in Milan. US Senators Discuss Russian Accountability at The Hague (4:33 p.m.) US Senators Chris Coons of Delaware, a Democrat, and Rob Portman of Ohio, a Republican, held talks at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, two days after meeting with Ukraines president. During our visit to Kyiv, we saw compelling evidence that Vladimir Putin and other Russian leaders are committing atrocities and war crimes in Ukraine, the lawmakers said in a statement. President Putin must be held accountable. The pair said they spoke with Karim Khan, the ICCs chief prosecutor, to discuss how the US can better support their efforts to deliver justice to the people of Ukraine. Iran Must Realize Consequences of Complicity, Ukraine Says (4 p.m.) Iran should realize that the consequences of complicity in crimes of Russias aggression against Ukraine will very much offset the benefit from support of Russia, a Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesman said. Oleg Nikolenko commented on Facebook after Iran said it had provided drones to Russia, reversing earlier denials. Irans foreign minister said Tehran gave Russia a limited number of drones, months before Moscows invasion of Ukraine. Western estimates suggest a large number of the weapons have been provided, including during the course of the conflict, now into its ninth month. Odesa Residents Back Removal of Catherine II Monument (3:24 p.m.) A majority of voters in Odesa backed the idea of dismantling a monument to Russian empress Catherine II, one of the founders of the city in 18th century. More than 3,900 out of total of 7,796 who voted said they want to remove the whole monument. Another 2,800 voted to keep the structure in place, but to add historical context. A long-running discussion on the issue has intensified since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February. Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov said hell vote to dismantle the monument; the city council plans to discuss the results of the poll. Sweden to Dissociate From Kurdish Groups in NATO Bid (1:41 p.m.) Swedens government is distancing itself from two Kurdish groups to soothe Turkeys concerns over its bid to join NATO, Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom told local broadcaster SVT. The cooperation between Sweden and Kurdish groups is a sticking point for Turkey, as it holds off on ratifying the applications of Sweden and Finland to enter the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Joining the bloc requires the approval of all 30 members, and 28 have already signed off. Read more: Sweden to Dissociate From Kurdish Groups in NATO Bid, SVT Says Iran Says It Sent Drones to Russia Before the War (9 a.m.) Irans foreign minister said his country had sent drones to Russia before Moscows invasion in February. We gave a limited number of drones to Russia months before the Ukraine war, Hossein Amirabdollahian told reporters in Tehran, according to the Associated Press. Iran has previous denied sending arms to Russia for its war on Ukraine. Kremlin troops have used Iranian loitering drones to strike Ukrainian energy facilities and other targets for several weeks. On Twitter, Irans government said it was completely wrong to claim Iran has provided missiles to Russia. Iranian intelligence has indicated that Russian forces may already have received ballistic missiles from Tehran. Kyiv, Several Other Regions Face Continued Electricity Cutoffs (8 a.m.) Ukraines power grid will limit power supplies on Saturday to consumers in the capital, Kyiv, and in seven northern and central regions, said Ukrenergo, the main grid operator. Irregular blackouts are likely during the day given higher electricity usage on Saturdays than during the workweek. The nation continues to struggle to fix severe damage to electrical generating equipment from weeks of Russian missile and drone attacks. Ukrainian Lines Holding in Donetsk, Zelenskiy Says (10:30 p.m.) Fierce fighting took place this week in the Donetsk region towns of Bakhmut and Soledar and remain the most tense area of the front line, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in his nightly address on Friday. We hold our positions. Zelenskiy said that Russia has concealed its war losses from its people, and also lies to some foreign leaders about its alleged readiness for negotiations. When someone thinks about negotiations, he is not trying to deceive everyone around while sending thousands to death, the president added said. USs Sullivan Discussed Grain Initiative on Kyiv Visit (9 p.m.) US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Friday as Irans involvement in the Russian invasion has deepened. Sullivan, who was visiting Ukraine for the first time since the war began eight months ago, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his chief of staff Andriy Yermak. Ukraines infrastructure minister said Sullivan discussed the Black Sea Grain Initiative while in Kyiv. The aim is to prepare proposals for providing aid to countries suffering from a food crisis, Oleksandr Kubrakov said on Twitter. US Announces $400 Million in New Security Assistance (5:06 p.m.) The Biden administration announced $400 million in new security assistance for Ukraine, including refurbished Soviet-era T-72 tanks and the HAWK air-defense missiles that Ukraine has been seeking. The package also includes more of the Phoenix Ghost drones that have been effective against Russian forces in the east. The US and the Netherlands will split the cost of refurbishing 90 tanks in the Czech Republic, a Defense Department spokeswoman said. Some tanks will arrive before the end of the year. The Netherlands said the total value of its package would be 120m, of which 45m will be used for the T-72 tanks. Read more: US Announces $400 Million in New Security Assistance for Ukraine Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. A woman walks past a building damaged by missile strikes in the eastern Donbas region of Bakhmut, Ukraine Up to now, neither Russia nor Ukraine has been able to gain control of Ukraine's skies, largely because their pilots don't want to risk getting shot down by the other side's air defence systems. While Russia's air force far outweighs Ukraine's, both in size and sophistication, Russia has resorted to firing long-range ballistic and cruise missiles, recently augmented by cheap, mass-produced Iranian Shahed-136 explosive-laden drones. Ukraine has had some success in shooting many of these down, but those that do get through have severely damaged Ukraine's power and water infrastructure, just as winter is setting in. And now a new report is warning that Ukraine is in danger of running out of the weapons it needs to stave off the massive Russian air attacks. The report, from London-based think tank the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), warns that unless Western nations maintain and step up their supply of air defences to Ukraine. then Russia is likely to use the same bombing techniques it used in Syria, to devastating effect. Russia has put the hard-line Gen Sergei Surovikin in command of its Ukraine campaign, the same general who oversaw the intensive bombing of cities such as Aleppo. Weapons experts from Rusi have spent months on the ground in Ukraine, interviewing military intelligence officers and air defence operators, as well as examining the remains of downed Russian missile systems. Small, portable rocket launchers known as MANPADs have played a role here, alongside larger systems such as the Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems supplied by Germany. Graphic showing Manpads deployed in Ukraine The report's lead author, Justin Bronk, told the BBC that what Ukraine really lacks is modern, multi-role combat aircraft to keep the Russian airforce at bay. He suggests one possibility would be Nato's F16 fighter, of which thousands have been built. But the drawback here is that it needs long, pristine runways which would be vulnerable to Russian targeting. Another candidate, he says, is Sweden's Grippen aircraft which would be able to operate from small, discreet forest bases. Story continues But Western nations have been wary of providing Ukraine with such powerful weapons that they provoke President Vladimir Putin into taking even more drastic action. So far, Nato-supplied weapons have nearly all been for clearly defined defensive purposes, such as pushing back Russian artillery, ambushing invading tank columns or shooting attack drones out of the sky. Sending advanced combat aircraft would be a major step up, risking escalation between Moscow and the West. Still, the RUSI report calls on the West not to be complacent on the issue of Ukraine's air defence. It concludes that it's only because Russia has been unable to destroy Ukraine's surface-to-air missile systems that its air force has not repeated its strategy in Syria of reducing large parts of the cities to rubble. Resupplying Ukraine's defences, it argues, is therefore a matter of urgency. The University of Manchester (South East Asia) Art & Bowling Charity Day 2022 is ongoing to commemorate this significant milestone; fundraising goals met with more than a month remaining SINGAPORE, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Manchester (South East Asia) Centre (UOMSEA) is commemorating its 30-year milestone in Singapore and the region with a nationwide fund-raising campaign, 'The University of Manchester South East Asia Art & Bowling Charity Day 2022', created in support of the President's Challenge in Singapore. Logo (PRNewsfoto/The University of Manchester (South East Asia)) The campaign, which began in July this year and will run until 16 December 2022, aims to support families with lower incomes and healthcare needs. All the funds raised will be donated to two beneficiaries of the President's Challenge 2022 Ain Society's Relief Fund under the Serenity Cancer Care, and Filos Community Services' 'Waves of Blessing' project. So far, UOMSEA has raised over S$40,000, exceeding its initial goal of S$30,000 in commemoration of its 30th anniversary. The campaign is jointly organised by UOMSEA, the University of Manchester Alumni Association of Singapore (UOMAAS), and Manchester Business School Alumni Association of Singapore (MBSAAS). It goes in line with The University of Manchester's annual community volunteering project for alumni, called Manchester Day of Action (MDOA). Similarly for this year, MDOA has called for alumni worldwide to organise projects that focus on any one of the United Nation's 17 Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). "Social responsibility has always been one of The University of Manchester's three core strategic goals. This is why UOMSEA has always been focused on giving back to the community for the past 30 years. With our significant milestone this year, we are proud to be celebrating it with The University of Manchester (South East Asia) Art & Bowling Charity Day 2022 campaign, which focuses on five of the seventeen SDGs Zero Hunger, Good Health & Well-Being, Quality Education, Decent Work & Economic Growth, and Reduced Inequalities," shared Ms. Lim Bee Ing, Regional Director, UOMSEA. Story continues "We are deeply grateful to have received unequivocal support from people from all walks of life, including members of the two Alumni Associations and UOMSEA. There is a little more than a month left for the campaign, and we look forward to continuing to raise more funds for our beneficiaries of choice." Special guests present at The University of Manchester South East Asia Art & Bowling Charity Day 2022 - from left: Dr. Pang Chin Hong, Mr. Tang Hian Seng, Ms. Lim Bee Ing, Assoc Prof Dr. Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Professor Sir Kostya Novoselov, Dr. Irina Barbolina, Mr. William Liu (PRNewsfoto/The University of Manchester (South East Asia)) The actual event for The University of Manchester (South East Asia) Art & Bowling Charity Day 2022 was held on Saturday, 5 November 2022, as a form of appreciation to those who had made donations. It saw over 180 guests present at the Civil Service Club at Tessensohn Singapore, engaging in activities such as Art Jamming and Bowling. Apart from donors, present there were over 90 representatives from four beneficiaries, namely Ain Society, VOX @ Children's Society, CampusImpact, and DoorSING, whose attendance and participation were possible thanks to the sponsorship by UOMSEA. Present as guest-of-honour, and to officiate the event was Associate Professor Doctor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development who is also a distinguished alumnus of The University of Manchester and an advisor of UOMAAS. "I've always been proud to be part of The University of Manchester as it doesn't only serve as an education provider but also actively gives back to society. As challenges such as inflation arise post-pandemic, we must stay resilient and support one another in ways we can. Amidst times of hardship, it is our duty as fellow Singaporeans to extend help to those in need," said Assoc Prof Dr. Faishal. UOMSEA was also honoured to have Professor Sir Kostya Novoselov, Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), recipient of Nobel Prize for Physics in 2010 for his achievements with graphene, and Langworthy Professor of Physics and Royal Society Research Professor at the University of Manchester, grace the event as a special guest. For more information on the donation drive and to support the campaign, please visit: https://www.giving.sg/president-s-challenge/uomsea_art_bowling_charity_day_2022. -END- About The University of Manchester The University of Manchester is ranked 27th in the world by QS World university rankings 2022, 5th in the UK research powerhouse in REF 2021, and 1st in THE impact ranking 2021. With as many as 25 Nobel Prize winners, the University's academic pedigree is among the best globally. For more information, please visit: https://www.manchester.edu.sg/ SOURCE The University of Manchester (South East Asia) By Azernews By Ayya Lmahamad The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline that takes Azerbaijani oil to Europe via Turkiye exported about 22 million tons of crude oil in the three quarters of 2022, bp Azerbaijan told Azernews. The oil was loaded on 224 tankers exported from Turkiyes Ceyhan terminal. From January-September, about $74 million was spent on operating expenditures and about $17 million in capital expenditure on the BTC project. Overall, BTC exported over 524 million tons of crude oil loaded on 5,163 tankers to the world markets since the pipeline became operational in June 2006 till the end of the third quarter of 2022. On 23 March 2022, BTC reached a significant milestone by loading the 5,000th tanker of oil transported from the Sangachal terminal near Baku across Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Ceyhan in Turkiye. The BTC pipeline currently carries mainly the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli crude oil and the Shah Deniz condensate from Azerbaijan. Other volumes of crude oil and condensate also continue to be transported via BTC. The BTC pipeline is a transport line for Azerbaijani oil from the Caspian Sea to the port of Ceyhan in Turkiye, and then to European markets via the Mediterranean Sea. The official opening ceremony of the BTC oil pipeline took place in Turkiye in July 2006. The total length of the pipeline is 1,768 km, of which 443 km passes through the territory of Azerbaijan; 249 km via Georgia; 1,076 km via Turkiye. The projected capacity is 50 million tonnes of oil per year or one million barrels per day. Light oil produced at the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli field is transported via BTC. 'Being able to steer the next generation in a positive way - I think that's going to play an enormous role,' says TikTok influencer Sam Shlafstein There was probably a time when posting videos about the politics of farming on social media definitely wasn't considered cool. But TikTok may have changed that, and it could be changing the results of elections too. Videos about this month's US midterms have been viewed hundreds of millions of times. There are concerns about the spread of misinformation on the platform, but young influencers insist it can be a force for good. "It's a social media election and TikTok is playing a huge part," Sam Shlafstein from Gen-Z for Change tells BBC Newsbeat. The group - which has more than 1.5 million followers - is made up of dozens of popular TikTokers, almost like an Avengers for political content creators. US midterms 2022: A simple guide "It's trying to get people engaged who maybe aren't as interested in politics," says Sam. "And then slowly, over time, they can become more engaged and knowledgeable." The 19-year-old college student in California posts tongue-in-cheek videos about issues such as climate change and the role of the agricultural industry. This comedic approach has earned him a serious following and he's built up more than 137,000 subscribers. Sam directs these fans from his channel to other campaigning information. Gen-Z for Change began as TikTok for Joe Biden during the 2020 presidential election, and the group has since worked with the White House. But Sam insists they can also be "critical of [President Biden's] Democrats and their inaction". On the other side, Republican Party politicians and supporters have recently been making an impact on the platform, too. 'People say I'm doing this for views' "TikTok has been an incredible outlet for me to express my views," 21-year-old anti-abortion campaigner Savannah Craven tells Newsbeat from New York. "In about a year, I have gained over 170,000 followers by going live on TikTok and discussing abortion." A recent Harvard poll suggested access to abortions was among young voters' top concerns ahead of the midterms. Story continues It also indicated that most of those surveyed viewed the recent Supreme Court decision to end the automatic right to an abortion as a negative move. President Biden has said he will bring back Roe v Wade - the overturned law that protected women's rights to an abortion - if the Democrats keep control of Congress in the midterms. Savannah Craven, a member of anti-abortionist Students for Life of America says TikTok has helped her to get the group's message out Savannah, who's part of the Students for Life of America organisation, believes the best way to campaign and persuade voters is still "face-to-face, to show that I'm a real person, this is not an act that I'm putting on". "A lot of people say I'm just doing this for views, and it's like, 'no, I'm doing this for pre-born babies'." DJs, dogs, dancing...and Democrats? The influence of TikTok has led to concerns about midterms misinformation on the platform, which the company says it's working to limit. It's something that the Washington Post - one of America's most famous newspapers - says it's also trying to combat. "These midterms are going to be really crucial in democracy," says Carmella Boykin, a member of the Post's growing TikTok team. "It's where so many young audiences are right now - it's a really great way to reach them. "We do our best to be an authority figure on the platform." 'We do our best to be an authority figure on the platform,' says Carmella, who's making midterms TikToks for the 144-year-old Washington Post newspaper But even Carmella admits that she loves going to TikTok for videos of "DJs, dogs and dancing", so will it encourage young people to vote in these elections, and how could that change the results? It's thought a record 40% of students voted in the previous 2018 midterms, and polling suggests a high youth turnout tends to benefit Democrats. "TikTok is something we're all on pretty often," says Alex Drakeford, a 20-year-old Democrat supporter in Washington DC. Alex says she understands why young people can be "discouraged and disengaged" with politics. "I am myself at times," she says. But she hopes the Democrats will get a TikTok boost, because it's a "younger audience". Alex Drakeford is a Democrat supporter and hopes TikTok will benefit the party But not all students are quite so keen. Patrick Burland, a recent graduate and Republican supporter from Virginia, definitely isn't a fan. "The entire world that young people live in now pushes them to divulge a lot of personal information", he says, adding concerns about the content they're consuming on the app and its alleged links to China. TikTok has previously denied accusations that it is controlled by the Chinese government. Republican Patrick Burland is not a fan of TikTok - and worries that users give away too much personal information Yet Patrick, 22, remains hopeful Republicans will attract students. "The Democratic Party has done a great job over the past few years of trying to appeal to young voters," he admits. "But we've seen a dramatic shift with Republican Party organisations really engaging young voters." "On election day, we'll see that young voters will have trended towards a new future for them." As for the role of social media, "I think we'll see some changes to how the US government and TikTok interact in the future, and how campaigns use TikTok," Patrick predicts. But Sam from Gen-Z for Change sees a very different future. "Being able to steer the next generation in a positive way, and making sure the next generation is media literate and consuming accurate media sources - I think that's going to play an enormous role in following elections, and this election itself." Newsbeat logo Follow Newsbeat on Twitter and YouTube. Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here. GAINESVILLE, Fla. The Florida softball team defeated UNF 12-1 Sunday afternoon in a 10-innning exhibition at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. UF's next exhibition against the College of Central Florida has moved to Sunday, Nov. 13, at 2 p.m. due to weather concerns forecasted for the originally scheduled date.UF produced 14 hits and drew 11 walks, while the pitching staff only allowed five hits and two walks. 10 Gators earned hits in the contest with(2-for-2),(2-for-4),(2-for-4) and(2-for-5) each producing multi-hit performances.In the circle,andeach saw action with Trlicek and Hightower consuming most of the innings. Trlicek picked up the start in the first five-inning exhibition and went 4 1/3 innings with five strikeouts and no walks allowed, while only giving up three hits. Hightower started the second five-inning set and threw four innings with four strikeouts and only one walk.The Gators struck for five runs in the second inning of action to open up the scoring.started the rally with a leadoff double down the right field line and the Orange & Blue loaded the bases shortly after, which allowed Roe to drive in Walsh and Kistler on her two-RBI base hit up the middle. Wallace followed up with another two-RBI shot on a laser hit to second base that scored Roe andand eventually scored herself later in the frame on an Osprey error.The Orange & Blue tacked on an additional run in the third inning of the first half of the exhibition. Walsh once again started the rally with a leadoff walk, which was then followed up by a single to left from Kistler, a single to right by Roe and a bases loaded RBI hit by pitch drawn by Wallace to push the lead out to 6-0.In the second five-inning portion of the exhibition, the Gators scored in every inning except the third to take the win 6-1. In the first frame of action, Wallace nearly lifted the ball over the right field wall but it was caught for a SAC fly that scored Falby from third.Florida followed up in the second with two more runs to push the lead out to 3-0 thanks to a pair of bases loaded RBI walks from Falby and Echols. The lead was extended to 5-0 in the fourth inning thanks totwo-RBI single that scored Longley and Falby who reached with a single and walk respectively.UNF scratched across a run in the final frame of action after a leadoff single and a pair of wild pitches put an Osprey at third with no outs. The runner scored via an RBI groundout on the infield to close the lead to 5-1. However, the Gators earned the run back in their last at-bat to secure the win 6-1 when Longley platedon a laser double in the right center field gap.The Gators return to exhibition play Sunday, Nov. 13, at 2 p.m. against the College of Central Florida. A pair of unrelated surveys have been launched in an effort to get input from area residents on strategic plans for Fredericksburg Regional Transit and Stafford County. Stafford master plan County officials announced last week that they are working on Staffords first transportation master plan. The first step in that process is an online survey, which can be found on the county website. The survey includes a traditional question and answer section and an innovative interactive mapping tool allowing respondents to plot the locations on the areas they think need improvement, according to a news release from the county. The county noted that the survey will play a role in the development of a project prioritization tool, which will help determine areas that need improvements. The transportation plan will be continuously updated. The release said officials will begin holding meetings on the plan early next year. Fredericksburg Regional Transit Fredericksburg Regional Transit is putting together its own inaugural strategic plan in an effort to prepare for the next decade. The bus service, FXBGO!, runs 14 routes in Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford and Spotsylvania, along with running Virginia Railway Express shuttles and express buses for University of Mary Washington students. The strategic plan is required by urban transit services, and is overseen by the states Commonwealth Transportation Board and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation. The plan will outline changes that will improve transit services across the Fredericksburg region, including service planning, operations, and information on capital needs (like new bus purchases, technology upgrades, and customer amenities), according to FXBGO!s webpage on the plan. Once the plan is established it will continue to be updated. Fredericksburg Transit officials have been holding recent local meetings on the plan, including an online meeting last week. The next meeting for the strategic plan is scheduled for Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon, at the Stafford Courthouse. Officials want input from people who live where the buses run, and the transit provider has an online survey to help find out what riders think about the service and how it should plan for the next decade. The survey can be found on the FXBGO! website. The survey includes several sections: top priority rankings; a map to show where the survey-taker travels; how much the survey-taker uses transit, if at all; and optional personal details. The survey runs through Nov. 18. Fremont Police officers were dispatched at about 10:59 a.m. Nov. 6 to the 700 block of West 11th Street for a report of an assault in progress. Lincoln Journal Star. November 5, 2022. Editorial: Right to vote was hard-fought, so Nebraskans must use it The rights to free speech, a free press, free assembly, freedom of religion and to bear arms werent included in the Constitution as it was originally drafted in 1787. They had to be added as amendments two years later so enough states would ratify the Constitution that created the United States of America. The right to vote, however, was included by the 55 delegates who were enshrining representative democracy as the heart of the new nation. But that right was severely limited, as state legislatures generally restricted voting to white males who owned property, some states even using religious tests to ensure that only Christian men could vote. So began an ongoing, nearly 250-year struggle to expand voting rights to all Americans, with the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote in 1920, the 24th amendment banning poll taxes designed to keep Blacks from voting in 1964, the Voting Rights Act providing non-constitutional protections and voting access in 1965, and the 26th Amendment lowering the voting age to 18. Tuesday, Americans will again have an opportunity to exercise that right that has been fought for and defended from the nations inception. But only about half of all voters are expected to cast a ballot in elections for governors, Congress, state legislatures and local offices across the country. If that national mark hits 50.1%, it will match the modern turnout record for a midterm election. As it did four years ago, Nebraskas turnout is, commendably, expected to exceed the national mark, matching the 58% of registered voters who cast ballots in 2018. That turnout is being driven by high interest in an election that will give Nebraska a new governor, revamp the Legislature, give voters the chance to weigh in on voter ID and raising the minimum wage and decide a pair of very close contests for seats in the House of Representatives. And those races, at the state, district and local levels, are driven by contentious issues like reproductive rights and high property taxes to public safety and the preservation of democracy, another fight over the right and system that will bring voters to the polls. There is, by design, far from unanimous agreement on how those issues should be addressed, or who should address them. That, at their core, is what elections are for. But, contrary to the concerns of the small minority of election deniers and those who allege, without evidence, massive voter fraud, widespread agreement exists that as many Americans as possible should cast ballots Tuesday. As it has since its inception, the Journal Star editorial is among those who are urging Nebraskans to make their voices heard at the polls and exercise the long-fought-for right that is the heart of our democracy. McCook Gazette. November 1, 2022. Editorial: We shouldnt have to say this, but its important to vote The deadlines for registering to vote in Tuesdays election have passed, but if you are registered, you can still vote in advance or on the day itself. We hope youre not like one prominent citizen we questioned about a particular question, who said he wasnt going to bother. Theyre just going to do what they want, anyway! A sad commentary, considering the next major national event is Veterans Day, when we honor those who have risked their lives to give even apathetic citizens like those we encountered above the right to determine the direction their communities take. One person, one vote, whether its school board, city council or Congress, what could be fairer? If you think election deniers are just sore losers, or you think they have legitimate concerns, your voice is just as important, though not more so, than the person in the next booth. You, and they, have a chance in Nebraska to add another level of assurance to the voting process, if you think Voter ID is a necessary and prudent step. While youre voting, we hope you take time to appreciate poll workers who have sacrificed their time to assure American citizens are able to participate in their most important civic duty. The Follow My Vote organization (followmyvote.com), which is proposing adapting crypto-blockchain technology to the voting process (a whole nother debate) collected 10 good reasons to vote: 1. To honor Founding Father Benjamin Franklins challenge to us all. Following the close of the Constitutional Convention, he was asked What have we got, a republic or a monarchy? He answered, A republic, if you can keep it! 2. So you can complain with integrity. Elections belong to the people. Its their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the people and burn their behinds, then they will have to sit on their blisters. Abraham Lincoln 3. Because Taxation without representation is tyranny. James Otis 4. For the anticipation of seeing who wins! 5. For the 38,159 missing in action, awaiting a return home to their nation of equality, justice, and freedom. 6. Because you have researched your candidates and can make an informed vote 7. If you dont vote for your own interests, who will? 8. Because Apathy gets you the government we have today. Gil Sery 9. You can vote for yourself, or someone you really like. Dillon McHugh 10. Because the rest of us are depending on you. Marv DeBoy If you need even more reasons to vote, check out the full list here: https://bit.ly/3UaBM6h As we said before, its too late to register to vote in next weeks election, but everything you need to know about the process is available at the Nebraska Secretary of States website, https://bit.ly/3SVxK02 North Platte Telegraph. November 6, 2022. Editorial: Keeping this promise wont help rural areas Regardless of who wins the Legislative District 42 race, our regions guaranteed all-Republican Unicameral delegation will agree with each other on at least one 2023 issue. Both Mike Jacobson and Chris Bruns have signed pledges to back changing the Legislatures rules to abolish secret ballots when they vote for speaker and chairs of Unicameral committees. Teresa Ibach, who is unopposed in District 44, also signed the pledge. So have Sens. Tom Brewer and Steve Erdman, our regions two returning senators. With deep respect to all of them, this no-secret-ballot pledge is one they all ought to break. Proponents say secret voting (albeit done in open session) for Unicameral leadership belies the transparency of the one-house, officially no-party system that McCooks U.S. Sen. George W. Norris promoted and Nebraska voters adopted in 1934. But remember who lost that election: the two major parties. Theyve never reconciled themselves to losing their grip on which bills could and couldnt be considered when either controlled either of the pre-1937 Legislatures two houses. Under open voting for leadership, the parties will know who senators voted for making it far easier to punish lawmakers who cross party lines. But thats not even our key concern. Its the urban-rural divide, in which Democrats enjoy their greatest strength in Lincoln and Omaha and the GOP dominates the rest of the state. Were all frustrated with some urban senators filibusters on property taxes, state school aid, abortion and the like. But not every bill is controversial. In fact, most arent. They deal with nuts-and-bolts fixes to workaday issues. Or new ideas to help all or parts of Nebraska thrive. These ought not be held hostage to the whims of partisan politics, as they often were when Norris a westerner pushed to abolish one house and kick both parties out of the other. Lets recall North Plattes 2021 effort to win state matching funds to develop industrial rail parks. The bill passed 49-0. Every one of the 49 senators urban, rural, Republican, Democrat agreed it made sense. But what if, as a consequence of open leadership ballots, urban Democratic senators are told by their party to oppose any bill pushed by rural Republicans? Western Nebraska will have just five senators next year, down from six. Maybe Republicans over the years will continue to elect enough urban senators for an overall majority. But maybe not. If the Unicameral comes under overt partisan control and rural issues become purely identified with Republicans, the day will come when rural issues will be routinely tossed aside. That isnt yet the case in Nebraska. Its still possible, as the unanimous rail-park vote showed, for rural senators to persuade urban ones to back one or another bill on matters vital to us. We urge our senators to recognize that only the parties will win open leadership elections. Not rural Nebraskans. END Millions of people in Colorado and around the world will have a chance to witness a rare lunar event later this week, when the Earth blocks the sun's light from reflecting off of the moon, resulting in the last total lunar eclipse until 2025. Peak Vista Community Health Centers has evolved from a single clinic in Colorado Springs open two nights a week to operating 23 clinics throughout the Pikes Peak region reaching to the Kansas border. While the expansion since its inception in 1971 is impressive, what Lisa James, senior director of philanthropy, said she finds amazing is Peak Vistas mission. Were here to provide exceptional health care to people who dont have access, regardless of their ability to pay. We believe everyone deserves as good a care as anyone in the community in a safe and clean setting. Earlier this year, Peak Vista opened a downtown clinic. Patients are either referred through social services or we go out and bring people in, James said. She recounted a story about someone whod been living in the clinic parking lot for three weeks. Without pressure, staff talked with the person, ensuring it was a safe place and ability to pay was not an issue. It took that long for them to feel comfortable about coming in. The Peak Vista approach to health care is to serve the whole person through an integrated model incorporating primary care, dental care and behavioral care. Globally, this is the gold standard of health care, James added. Health care is available for everyone, from babies to the elderly. We provide services for the whole life cycle, she explained, again, regardless of the ability to pay. Peak Vistas partnership with the Empty Stocking Fund allows the nonprofit to apply contributions to its Compassionate Care Fund. This is why the Empty Stocking Fund is so critically important to us, James said. James shared the story of a young woman in her early 20s, currently a patient, who was paralyzed in a fall. Were helping manage her health care. Shes having to relearn how to walk and move her hands. We were able through our Compassionate Care Fund to buy her a wheelchair and colored pencils. While the latter might sound unimportant on the surface, James explained the critical role they serve. The wheelchair provides mobility and the colored pencils help with fine motor skills. Both are central to her future and make a profound difference in quality of life. Theyre the linchpin to independent living. She added, Care is at the center of our soul here at Peak Vista. We see the whole person. We treat everyone with care and respect. The Compassionate Care Fund really helps bring that care to life. Goals for 2023 are to continue to find ways to improve the care it provides and to further enhance its services. Peak Vista's medical providers include internists, family medicine, pediatrics, womens health, dentists, among numerous others who work with the clinical staff. Eighteen of the 23 clinics are in Colorado Springs. Divide, Flagler, Fountain, Limon and Strasburg also have clinics. In addition to After Hours Care, the Pediatric Health Center and the Womens Health Center, Peak Vista also offers Telecare. The organization has provided care to 89,000 patients, with 87% at or below the national poverty level. There are nine states smaller than our service area, James said. Jesse Ture, the director of marketing at Arapahoe Basin, takes a bite of a donut while handing out the snacks to skiers and snowboarders waiting in line on the opening day of the Colorado ski areas 2021-2022 season Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021. Wolf Creek in southwest Colorado opened on Saturday and Arapahoe Basin opened Sunday. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) In August 2012, a sophomore student disassembled a shotgun at home, brought it to school in his backpack, reassembled it in the bathroom at lunch and opened fire, injuring a classmate in the cafeteria. It was the first day of school at Perry Hall High School in Baltimore County, Md. In the following year, the school would get call after call of fake active shooting threats. George Roberts, the schools former principal at the time of the shooting, still gets angry when any school receives such fraudulent calls. Roberts said such calls retraumatize entire communities. When you go through an active shooter scenario, all of your senses are bombarded your touch, your feel, your smell, your hearing, what youre seeing, Roberts said. (Swatting) takes us back to the feelings we had when we went through that. Such calls reporting fake school shootings or other crimes are called swatting. They shut down schools, drain resources from the police, create fear and, in some instances, even result in violence. Swatting incidents across the country surged in the last few months, and experts anticipate such fake calls to keep hammering public places, notably schools. Dr. Amy Klinger, co-founder and director of programs at the Educators School Safety Network, said schools can mitigate the effect of these calls. Training, planning and communication can help prepare everyone for swatting incidents, she said, adding that, while no response to swatting will ever be perfect, preparation can make it less catastrophic. Every school is going to receive a false call at some point because its happening so frequently that schools need to be prepared for that, Klinger said. (Schools) can do training. They can plan. They can have conversations and discussions with their students and parents about response. Klinger said her group noticed a sharp increase in swatting incidents in the last few months. ESSN had been tracking incident data at schools since 2013, stopped during the pandemic, but recently resumed that operation. We saw very quickly that we had this incredible optic in the number of swatting incidents that were occurring, specifically false reports of an active shooter, Klinger said. Comparing the 2018-19 school years to this fall, its a really significant increase. The 2018-2019 school year saw 69 false reports or mock attacks out of 368 total incidents, according to data from the Educators School Safety Network. But from January to Oct. 28 this year alone, swatting calls stood at 175 out of 236 total incidents. From Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, ESSN tracked 14 false reports of an active shooter event in 2019, and 99 such reports in 2022, a 607% increase. In metro Denver, swatting closed the Denver Public Library in September. It was the second time such threats forced widespread closures that week, when four school districts also fell victim to false active shooter reports, forcing lockdowns at Denvers East High School, Alamosa High School the Montrose School District and in Colorado Springs. Law enforcement determined the threats were unfounded. Klinger said she clusters swatting calls into three piles: calls from an individual within the school making a false report, calls from someone who saw or heard something concerning, and call surges clustered regionally or geographically during which multiple schools receive similar reports at the same time. The vast majority come from the latter category, Klinger said. Vikki Migoya, the public affairs officer for the FBI Denver Field Office, said swatting is a criminal activity by an individual or group that knowingly provides false information about a possible threat to life by making a call to any emergency service agency. The goal of swatting, she said, is to elicit an emergency response to an ongoing critical incident. Incidents typically produce the deployment of Special Weapons and Tactics units, bomb squads, and other police units, as well as the evacuations of schools, businesses and residences, Migoya said. Roberts, the retired school principal, said swatting affects the ability of teachers to teach and students to learn. When a swatting call occurs, it has to be treated like an actual school shooting incident. Roberts said schools go through the protocol, notably working with law enforcement and communicating with parents. Focusing on learning or, as an adult, trying to teach really gets impacted because now whats in front of you instead of instruction and teaching is, Oh my gosh! What if its true? Roberts said. You just get physically and emotionally tired from having to know that there are investigations going on. Matthew Fulford, a social studies teacher in Denver, wrote about the psychological and emotional distress of one swatting incident at this school in September, which prompted a SWAT response. I first realized that this was no drill when I heard sirens and crawled over to the window. In front of the school was a full-blown SWAT response with dozens of police cars and armed officers with guns drawn running towards the building, he wrote for Chalkbeat. I had positioned myself between students and the classroom door where police were shouting. Instructing the students to look at me and hold hands with one another, I told them that we were all going to be fine. At that point, a second door at the back of the room flew open revealing multiple officers pointing handguns at us. This led to universal shock as none of us had ever seen that door open before, he said. Fulford said educators understood that so many traumatized children in one place created a crisis of its own. Swatting diverts and drains resources from law enforcement, and thats one reason why its so disruptive. Mo Canady, executive director of National Association of School Resource Officers, said all incident calls have to be treated like the real thing. We cannot back off on our response until we know its not a real situation, Canady said. If we allow ourselves to hesitate or become complacent, that can cost lives. Canady worked as a school resource officer for 12 years. In his time as a school resource officer, he said he never really dealt with swatting calls about active shooters. Canady said the recent surge in swatting is unlike anything hes seen in his time as an SRO. Canady said he can speculate about the reason for this surge but emphasized that concrete answers remain elusive. He said many swatting calls may be copycats or come from people looking for attention or local students who want to see their school disrupted. He added that many of the calls are robocalls, some of them international. It opens itself up to a lot of speculation and a touch of conspiracy, especially with the robocalls, Canady said. Its like someone or a group testing our response systems. Canady said the idea that these calls may be from a person or group with the motive to test systems is merely a theory at this point, but that all angles must be considered and theres not necessarily one set of answers. Klinger said ESSN is not always certain who is making the calls. There is some conjecture that it is actors outside of the United States and that it is a way to create chaos and anxiety, Klinger said. Thats not unheard of for that to take place, so I think thats clearly part of it. Klinger said the calls weaponize the fear and anxiety people already have surrounding active shooters, oftentimes making it impossible to have a regular school day. Fulford, the social studies teacher, said emotional security is absolutely necessary before learning can happen. Canady said officials need to focus on mental health when swatting occurs. When students and staff believe something real may be happening, the trauma is still there to some degree as if the event were actually happening, Canady said. As these things happen and theres some debrief and recovery, student mental health really has to be paid attention to. By Azernews By Ayya Lmahamad The 19th exhibition MUSIAD EXPO has kicked off in Istanbul, Turkiye, on November 2, Azernews reports. Some 13 Azerbaijani entrepreneurs present their products and services, under the support program of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA), at the exhibition. At the SMBDAs stand, products from food, education, construction, repair and design, logistics services, industrial products, modern solutions for agriculture, and paintings made by special technology on silk, are presented. Moreover, at the stand of Azerbaijans Export and Investment Promotion Agency, information is provided about investment and export opportunities of the country, and support and services provided by the agency. MUSIAD EXPO 2022 will run until November 5. The exhibition is attended by more than 600 companies working in 24 different sectors. Bilateral cooperation SMBDA Board Chairman Orkhan Mammadov held a meeting with Turkiyes Association of Business people and Entrepreneurs Chairman Nihat Tanrikulu. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on cooperation, investment opportunities, and the organization of joint events between the business circles of the two countries. Likewise, as part of the visit to Istanbul, Orkhan Mammadov met with Turkish Youth Foundation Head Ibrahim Besinci. The sides exchanged views on entrepreneurial thinking, encouraging young people to do business and the opportunities for joint cooperation in this direction. The man accused of Fountain's first homicide of the year made his first appearance in Colorado's 4th Judicial District Court on Monday. Robert Kristo, 25, is accused of shooting and killing Brandon Lee-Wayne Hart, 46, on Oct. 29. Kristo, a Fort Carson soldier, appeared in court in custody on Monday and his defense attorney requested a preliminary hearing date be set on Jan. 6. A preliminary hearing is when a judge reviews evidence and testimony presented by the prosecution to determine if it can continue pursing charges against a defendant. If the judge determines the evidence to be sufficient, Kristo would be bound over to face a trial. Additionally, the District Attorney's Office requested a hearing to review motions filed by the defense to be set for Nov. 21. The prosecution declined to elaborate on the contents of the motions to the court. According to an affidavit obtained by The Gazette, Kristo met his friends at the Corner Pocket Bar in Fountain the night of Hart's death. Witnesses said Kristo decided to play darts with a group of three other men and at some point a fight broke out between the group. The affidavit states that Kristo ended up on the floor with Hart on top of him, elbowing him in the face. Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. The affidavit states that after the fight Kristo got up, paid his bar tab and left. But instead of leaving the property entirely, the affidavit said, Kristo told a friend that he "was still upset about the fight." Kristo returned to his vehicle, where he got a firearm, the affidavit said. When Hart left the bar to smoke a cigarette, Kristo fired two shots at him, according to the affidavit. Bystanders attempted to give Hart CPR after the shooting, but he was dead by the time police arrived around 1 a.m. Kristo left the scene in his car immediately after the shooting, according to the affidavit. Kristo is facing one count of first-degree murder and two counts of felony menacing, according to court records. If convicted of the first-degree murder charge, he will face a required sentence of life in prison. Kirsto currently is in El Paso County jail on a no-bond hold. Colorado Springs police arrested one suspect early Sunday and are looking for a possible accomplice in connection with an alleged break-in at By Azernews By Laman Ismayilova Eminent composer Fikrat Amirov is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in the Azerbaijani history. The composer left a lasting impact on national music, creating a new genre called symphonic mugham based on classical folk pieces. In 2022, Fikrat Amirov would have been celebrating his 100th anniversary. After so many years since the death of the legendary composer, his legacy lives on in the form of thousands of music fans and followers. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has celebrated Fikrat Amirov's centenary with a spectacular concert, Azernews reports. UNESCO Headquarters in Paris gathered dozens of people who were listening to the composer's music with amazement. Before the concert, Azerbaijan's Permanent Representative to UNESCO Elman Abdullayev expressed his gratitude to Azerbaijan's Culture Ministry and UNESCO for the organization of the concert. Elman Abdullayev provided insight into Fikrat Amirov's legacy, his symphonic mughams, operas, ballets, chamber-instrumental works, etc. He pointed out that mugham art, included in UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage, took a special place in the composer's work. UNESCO's Africa Department and External Relations Assistant Director-General Edouard Matoko touched upon the relations between Azerbaijan and UNESCO. He stressed that the concert at UNESCO Headquarters reflects the spirit of cultural heritage, dialogue, and cultural diversity. Edouard Matoko recalled that since 1956, UNESCO has been participating in commemorative events held by member states and associate members. "Celebrating outstanding personalities contributes to international understanding, rapprochement, and peace between peoples," he said. Furthermore, People's Artist of the USSR and Azerbaijan, Farhad Badalbayli, Honored Artists Sabina Asadova, Babak Niftaliyev, and young performers Seljan Nasibli, and Orkhan Jalilov stirred the audience with Fikrat Amirov`s timeless music. The concert featured Azerbaijan-Symphonic Suite, Gulistan-Bayati-Shiraz symphonic mugham, as well as Concerto on Arabian Themes for Piano and Orchestra by Fikrat Amirov and Elmira Nazirova. The musicians were accompanied by the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra under the baton of People's Artist Fahraddin Karimov. UNESCO Headquarters burst into applause after each performance. The concert program director, Honored Art Worker Ulviya Konul, and the national musicians managed to create a truly fabulous atmosphere. Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Rachel Gabel writes about agriculture and rural issues. She is assistant editor of The Fence Post Magazine, the regions preeminent agriculture publication. Gabel is a daughter of the states oil and gas industry and a member of one of the states 12,000 cattle-raising families. Dont delay if you havent returned your midterm elections ballot yet, El Paso County Clerk and Recorder Chuck Broerman says. We are considerably behind in returns, he said. Typically, up through today El Paso County is leading the pack in returns, but Jefferson County is leading the way this year in returns." El Paso Countys return rate was still in the 30% range Monday at mid-day, with roughly 149,000 ballots in the hands of the election department, Broerman said. Thats about 50,000 to 60,000 behind the 2018 midterm election, he said. Were now the largest county in the state, and Im encouraging people to take a leadership position and make sure their vote is heard here, he said. Early voting statewide continues to lag previous years, according to tallies. Election 2022 by the numbers 7 p.m.: Time polls close on Tuesday and ballots must be returned or people must be in line to vote. 22: Length in inches of the midterm ballot for El Paso County, the largest in 34 years. Ballot issue 7A, pertaining to Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority one-cent sales tax funding, takes up nearly a whole side on one of the ballots, 11 statewide measures on the ballot: five referred by the Colorado General Assembly, six citizen-led initiatives. 13 local and municipal measures. 37 voter service and polling centers countywide, open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 39 voter drop-boxes throughout the county. 522 paid election judges. 3,000 hours of video at drop boxes watched for the midterm election so far, with no interferences noted (such as people returning many ballots at once). 3,600 hours of video at drop boxes watched for June primary election, with no interferences noted. Source: El Paso County Clerk and Recorder Chuck Broerman Midterm elections normally see a 54% to 58% return, and Broerman has projected that 270,000 El Paso County voters out of 467,346 registered voters as of Monday will cast ballots by 7 p.m. Tuesday. Theres still time to register to vote, up to and including Tuesday, Election Day, Broerman said. Residents can go to one of 37 voter service and polling centers throughout the county and register in person. At the centers, people also can obtain a ballot if they moved and did not receive one in the mail. Special-needs voters also can use devices to accommodate their needs. Also, If someone mismarked their ballot, draw a line and circle or color in the correct choice, and well count it, Broerman said. Ballots can no longer be mailed to be counted, but the county election department operates 39 video-monitored, ballot-return boxes, where people can drop off their ballots until 7 p.m. Tuesday. Broerman encourages people not to procrastinate, though. Its not a good thing to do to wait until the last minute, he said. It costs extra time and money. If a large percentage of voters wait until after 3 p.m. on Tuesday, as some people who question the mail-in ballot system have been calling for, its going to delay our results on election night, Broerman said. Were starting to see some races tighten up, in one U.S. Senate race here in particular, from leaning Democrat to a toss-up, he said. A handful of groups have been encouraging people to wait after 3 p.m. Tuesday to vote; they're trying to tell people theres something that will magically happen after 3 p.m and thats not the case. Theyre ill informed." For the past eight days, 522 paid election judges have been checking and verifying signatures on the back of ballot envelopes as they come in. After certifying that signatures match whats on file, workers open the ballots in a pre-processing area before they go to tabulation. The major political parties submit lists of election judges for bipartisan representation, Broerman said. Weve exhausted their lists; the parties also sent supplemental lists, we exhausted those, then we hired additional people, he said. On Monday and Tuesday, Broerman is making the rounds to the voter service and polling centers, checking the signature verification process, pre-processing and tabulation areas. Im inspecting, watching, monitoring to make sure everythings going smoothly, he said. Election results will appear on the Colorado Secretary of State's website. By Azernews By Ayya Lmahamad Armenia continuously violated ceasefire on the state border The Armenian armed forces shelled Tartar, Aghjabadi, Goranboy, Aghdam, Tovuz and Aghstafa Districts The Armenian armed forces fired at Azerbaijans Fuzuli District, using Smerch multiple-launch missile system Liberation of several villages & destruction of dozens of Armenian military equipment Captain of the Armenian armed forces Ando Grigoryan was killed while driving UAZ. The commander of the Armenian armed forces motorized infantry regiment and the commander of the tank battalion were killed A person injured as a result of Armenian aggression died in Barda. The number of Azerbaijani civilians killed as a result of the Armenian aggression reached 92. A 16-year-old teenager was killed in an Armenian missile attack on Barda. On September 27, 2020, in response to a large-scale provocation of the Armenian armed forces along the frontline, the Azerbaijani army launched a counter-offensive operation, later dubbed Iron Fist. The 44-day-war put an end to the nearly 30-year-long occupation and secured the liberation of Azerbaijani lands and the restoration of the country's territorial integrity. The Azerbaijani army declared a victory against the Armenian troops. A Moscow-brokered ceasefire deal from November 10, 2020, stipulated the return of Azerbaijan's Armenian-occupied Kalbajar, Aghdam, and Lachin Districts and obliged Armenia to withdraw its troops from the Azerbaijani lands that it has occupied since the early 1990s. Before the signing of the deal, the Azerbaijani army liberated around 300 villages, settlements, city centers, and the historical Shusha city. Heres how the sixth week of the war played out: Chronicles of Victory: November 1 President Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by the Turkiye's foreign minister. Armenia violated a ceasefire on the state border. The Armenian armed forces shelled the territory of Tartar and Aghjabadi Districts. A list of destroyed military equipment of the Armenian armed forces was announced. Two Grad missile systems of the Armenian armed forces were destroyed. A video of the destruction of Armenian military trucks loaded with ammunition was released. Chronicles of Victory: November 2 President Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by former Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, as well as the Turkic Council Secretary General and other officials. The president shared a publication in connection with the liberation of several more villages of the Jabrayil, Zangilan, and Gubadli Districts by the Azerbaijani army from the occupation. Armenia again violated the ceasefire at the state border. The Armenian Armed Forces fired at the territory of Aghdam, Aghjabadi, Tartar, and Goranboy Districts. Armenia again fired at Gubadli from the territory of Armenia. Armenian troops retreated, suffering losses of up to 30 people. The list of destroyed military equipment of the Armenian Armed Forces was published. The Armenian Su-25 attack aircraft and four more GRAD missile launchers of the Armenian Armed Forces were destroyed. Azerbaijani Defense Ministry has disseminated a video of the destruction of enemy personnel and a video of the destruction of the KUB anti-aircraft missile system of the Armenian Armed Forces. Chronicles of Victory: November 3 Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin had phone talks. Armenia again violated the ceasefire regime on the state border. The Armenian armed forces fired at Azerbaijans Fuzuli District, using Smerch multiple-launch missile system. The Armenian armed forces also fired on Azerbaijans Aghdam and Aghjabadi Districts. The Armenian armed forces were forced to retreat, suffering losses. The list of the destroyed military equipment of the Armenian armed forces was announced. Another UAV of the Armenian armed forces was destroyed. The reconnaissance and sabotage group was destroyed in the direction of Azerbaijans Zangilan District. The sniper group of the Armenian armed forces was destroyed. The phosphorus shell fired by Armenia at Azerbaijans Tartar District has been neutralized. The Armenian head of the regiment fled, but the servicemen went missing. The commander of the Armenian armed forces motorized infantry regiment was killed. The commander of the Armenian armed forces' tank battalion was killed, and several tanks were destroyed as a result of the explosion. Video footage showing the destruction of two more ammunition depots of the Armenian armed forces near Khankandi city has been released. In addition, video footage showing the destruction of the Armenian armed forces tanks in the battles around Khojavand District and video footage showing the destruction of the Armenian armed forces artillery in the direction of Khojavand District has been spread. Chronicles of Victory: November 4 President Aliyev was interviewed by the Italian la Repubblica newspaper. The president shared on his official Twitter page that the Azerbaijani army liberated several villages in Jabrayil, Zangilan, and Gubadli Districts. Armenia violated the ceasefire regime in the direction of the Tovuz and Aghstafa Districts. The Armenian armed forces fired on Tartar and Aghjabadi Districts. The Armenian armed forces sabotage attempt against the Azerbaijani positions in the direction of Zangilan District from the Armenian territory was prevented. Captain Ando Grigoryan of the Armenian armed forces was killed while driving UAZ. The Armenian armed forces were forced to retreat after suffering losses. The list of destroyed military equipment of the Armenian armed forces was announced. Video footage of the destruction of Armenia's anti-aircraft gun was released. Chronicles of Victory: November 5 President Aliyev gave an interview to the Spanish EFE news agency. Armenia violated the ceasefire on the state border with Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces shelled Goranboy, Tartar, and Aghjabadi. Armenian armed forces shelled the villages of Tartar and Aghdam Districts. The fighting continued mainly in the direction of Aghdara and Khojavand. A person injured as a result of Armenian aggression died in Barda. The number of Azerbaijani civilians killed as a result of the Armenian aggression reached 92. Armenian military column was ambushed and destroyed near Aghdara. The battery of the 41st artillery regiment of the Armenian armed forces was destroyed. A video of new military equipment abandoned by Armenian armed forces on the battlefield was released. A video of the destruction of the Armenian military infrastructure in Tonashen village was released. A video of the liberated villages of the Fuzuli and Khojavand regions was released. Chronicles of Victory: November 6 Armenia violated the ceasefire on the state border with Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces shelled Tartar region's villages. Armenian troops were forced to retreat, suffering losses. Armenian armed forces fled, abandoning their positions in the direction of Gubadli. An Armenian ammunition depot exploded near Khankandi city. Armenian military units in Aghdara were neutralized. Video of the destruction of Armenian mortars in Goyarkh village, as well as video of a shelling of the combat positions of Armenian armed forces, were released. A video of Fuzuli District's liberated villages was released. Chronicles of Victory: November 7 Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made a Twitter post that the Azerbaijani army liberated two villages in Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Zangilan, Gubadli, Khojaly, and Khojavand Districts. The Armenian armed forces shelled Tartar and Aghjabadi Districts, villages of Aghdam, and various Azerbaijani settlements. A 16-year-old teenager was killed in an Armenian missile attack on Barda. The cannons of the 3rd battery of the Armenian armed forces D-30 artillery division were destroyed. The Armenian armed forces' equipment and manpower were destroyed. Another military column of the Armenian armed forces was destroyed. The personnel of the Armenian armed forces' special military unit was besieged and liquidated. The Armenian armed forces suffered losses in the direction of Aghdam. Another video of the liberated villages of Jabrayil District was released. There were equal parts pride and tears on display Sunday morning as the Army National Guard's 1133rd Transportation Company officially began it's deployment at the North Iowa Fairgrounds. Around 160 troops are being deployed to Poland for a year in support of "Operation European Assure, Deter and Reinforce." Hundreds of family and friends packed into the All Seasons Building to say farewell to the soldiers. One of them was Tyler Cole of Defiance. His younger brother is Sgt. Tracy Lawrence Cole. "He's going to do some work over there," Tyler said. "I'm sad, but he's going to do his job. He was trained for this." Jeff Iles of Ames was in town to send off his daughter, Sgt. Chloe Iles. "We're just really proud of her," he said. "We'll miss her." Iles said he is grateful the latest technology will allow him and his family to speak with and see Chloe regularly. The company was escorted through town eastbound on U.S. Highway 18 by police, firefighters, bikers and many others after the ceremony at the fairgrounds. The 1133rd left for its mobilization station at Fort Hood, Texas, to complete final training and readiness checks before deploying overseas. The mission is part of the United States commitment to the international order and the security of our NATO allies. The 1133rd will transport equipment and supplies in support of U.S. and NATO forces. In late September, the transportation company conducted a railway operation in Manly to prepare for deployment, loading railroad cars with the equipment it will need in Europe. It was one of the largest railroad operations in 20 years. A Mason City woman who allegedly sent threatening emails to Mason City Community Schools in the late-night hours of Nov. 4 was arrested at her home Saturday. According to court documents and a press release from the Mason City Police Department, 18-year-old Destiny Kaduce has been charged with threat of terrorism, a class D felony, and possession of marijuana, a serious misdemeanor. The affidavit states that Kaduce sent an email to a school employee at 11:22 p.m. that included threats to "shoot up that school and make sure you die first." Law enforcement was able to identify Kaduce as the sender of the email. She allegedly admitted to sending the email from her cell phone through a phony account when she was interviewed by police. She also allegedly acknowledged the threat would be perceived as real and would cause fear or uncertainty by the recipient. If convicted on both counts she faces up to six years in prison. While the FBI has received its share of criticism in certain political circles, I will say this: Agents did a fine job tracking down my $1.2 million. This week, I received an email from Nicholas Dimos, an assistant director for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Thats what it said, though it was obviously not from Assistant Director Nicholas Dimos. Of the hundreds of email scams Ive received over the years, this was among the most pathetically transparent yet audaciously creative Ive had the pleasure to read. It begins by catching me up on international happenings. Series of meetings have been held over the past 4 months with the secretary general of the United Nations Organization. At some point, those overseeing these high-level summits determined I was owed $1.2 million. Sounds legit. Assistant Director Dimos explained I deserved the money due to past corrupt Governmental Officials who almost held the fund to themselves for their selfish reasons and some individuals who have taken advantage of your fund all in an attempt to swindle your fund which has led to so many losses from your end and unnecessary delay in the receipt of your fund. The assistant director certainly has a way with words. In case I was skeptical, he assured me various international agencies have successfully passed a mandate to the current president of United States Of America His Excellency President Joe Biden to boost the exercise of clearing all foreign debts Thats pretty convincing. If United States of America His Excellency President Joe Biden is for it, Im all in. I can use the money to pay off my student loans and fill up with gas. With a little research I learned the FBI email scam is a common one. The bureau has issued warnings about them for decades. The schemes cover a range from threat and extortion e-mails, website monitoring containing malicious computer program attachments (malware), and online auction scams, the FBI said in 2008 press release. The social engineering technique of utilizing the FBIs name is to intimidate and convince the recipient the e-mail is legitimate. The FBI does not send out e-mails soliciting personal information from citizens. My email contained no threats, just a promise that if I paid a $270 processing fee and contacted Agent Brian T. Gilhooly at his Gmail address I would get my cash. (Im not sure when the FBI switched over to Gmail but Im certain its more secure than their previous Hotmail accounts.) Instead, I replied to the original email: Nic: Its wonderful to hear from you. Congratulations on the assistant directorship. You deserve it. Whenever they said, That Dimos kid will never amount to anything I always said, You wait and see. The boys got moxie! First, I want you to tell the fellows down at the bureau how proud I am of them for finding my $1.2 million. And Im glad to see youve got Gilhooly on the case. Hes a good man. Reminds me of a young J. Edgar, right down to the high heels. Nic, in addition to picking up my $1.2 million, which I prefer in small bills, I want to offer my services to both you and United States Of America His Excellency President Joe Biden. I am willing to participate in an undercover operation to root out, as you so succinctly described them, those corrupt governmental officials who almost held the fund to themselves for their selfish reasons and some individuals who have taken advantage of my fund all in an attempt to swindle my fund which has led to so many losses from my end and unnecessary delay in the receipt of my fund. I have yet to hear back. The assistant director must be mulling it over with Gilhooly. RALEIGH Early voting sites in Wake County have turned into battlegrounds where elections officials say police have been called to keep the peace between political campaigns. Gary Sims, director of the Wake County Board of Elections, said complaints about unruly candidate behavior have reached levels not seen before. Sims said its gotten so bad at some places, he's wanted to ask police to make arrests. These campaigners, I swear to God, have been like adult daycare, Sims said. Ive never seen anything like this in my life. The stakes couldn't be higher. This years midterm elections will decide control of Congress, the state legislature, the state Supreme Court, county and local governments as well as school boards. Weve seen tempers on edge during this campaign cycle, said David McLennan, a political science professor at Meredith College in Raleigh. What were hearing about in Wake County is reflective of the national mood. The candidates and their surrogates are just part of the political environment now. Sims said observers from the political parties aren't the ones causing problems. However, the same can't be said for individual campaigns. He wouldn't identify which ones have drawn complaints, but said theyve had issues with candidates across party lines. Its really just campaigners acting like adult children yelling over each other, yelling at other people, Sims said. For instance, Sims said one campaign calls another an "insurrectionist" in front of voters, causing the other campaign to respond. Or someone is upset because another campaign puts a sign in front of their sign. Sims estimated that half of his 16-hour days are spent dealing with complaints about candidates at polling sites. There have been so many petty violations that most go unreported to the State Board of Elections. Its been especially rough on supervisors at these sites, according to Sims. Theyve faced foul language and rude behavior as they try to deal with the problems. I feel sorry for my early voting supervisors, Sims said. Theyve been unfairly treated by that petty behavior. A common complaint is about the use of recording devices. Sims said there isnt much elections officials can do about people recording video if its happening outside the voting area. School board candidate Steve Bergstrom has upset some by his wearing of a body camera. Laura Macklem, Bergstroms campaign manager, said the device is for his protection against the North Carolina Association of Educators, which has endorsed another candidate. Bergstrom said he only turns on the camera if someone verbally or physically assaults him. It is there for my personal protection, Bergstrom explained. Im not recording unless somebody tries to assault me. Sims is hoping things will run smoother on Election Day because campaigners will be spread out over 200 sites instead of being concentrated in just 15 early voting locations. McLennan, the professor, said its a reflection of the political climate. To see the police called into polling sites," he said, "its not something weve seen in North Carolina since the 1800s during Reconstruction. The Helena Food Share Turkey Challenge is up and running with the goal of putting together 2,500 holiday meals by Nov. 18. A $20 donation buys all the side dishes needed for a family; $30 buys a turkey or ham for a family and $50 buys a complete Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday meal for a family. The tradition continues this year at the Lewis and Clark Library but with a new twist. Rather than bringing turkeys, Helena Food Share is asking the community to make a donation online and then come to the library 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 18 to drop off any financial and canned food donations and join in a celebration of gratitude. Cochrane Insurance will be matching up to $10,000 in donations on Nov. 18. Whether people come to the library with a check or donate online that day, the donation will be matched, Food Share representatives said. The fun of the Turkey Challenge helps us meet the greater challenge providing food and hope to our neighbors in need, Helena Food Shares Development Director Tim Joyce said. As always, we are grateful for the generous support of everyone who helps meet this vital need in our community. Online fundraising can be done at helenafoodshare.org or by mail. Any canned food items are welcome. That includes canned pumpkin, boxed stuffing, canned fruit, Jell-O, pudding, canned cranberries, evaporated milk, canned green beans, canned yams/sweet potatoes, canned broth and olives. Events at the library Nov. 18 include a cooking demonstration at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and holiday food samples, holiday art projects for children and a Holiday Food Drive Challenge in which people are encouraged to bring canned food donations and challenge other families, businesses or organizations by placing their names on the challenge board. People can also take a selfie with Tom Turkey and post it on social media with the #Turkey-Challenge hashtag. Anyone who needs food support for the holidays can sign up online at helenafoodshare.org, at the pantry when they come to shop, or they can call the Helena Food Share offices during regular hours. Thanksgiving meal sign-ups run from Nov. 1-18, and Christmas sign-ups from Dec. 1-16. Food drives for the Helena Food Share pantry will be held Nov. 12 at Safeway and Albertsons and Nov. 19 at Vans Thriftway. Wade Johnson, chief executive officer for St. Peters Health, wore his Carroll College sweatshirt to a recent meeting of the grassroots group Hometown Helena. He wanted to discuss the struggle between raiders and collaborators. But maybe what resonated with many listeners in the room was what he didnt say: Not once did he use the B word, or Benefis, which was the proverbial elephant in the room. Johnsons comments came as the shadow of Benefis Health System, a Great Falls-based health care juggernaut, continues to loom ever larger in Helena. It appears its High Noon for health care in Helena. Last year, Benefis opened an urgent care clinic by the Helena Regional Airport and recently opened an office in the Great Northern Town Center that will offer internal medicine and gastroenterology care and operates a free-standing MRI imaging facility on the citys northside. Benefis is now building a $44 million, 64,000 square-foot Helena Specialty Center on 3.25 acres where the Capital Hill Mall used to stand. John Goodnow, chief executive officer of Benefis, said recently he was not opposed to even more expansion in Helena. Goodnow and Johnson both serve on the board of the Montana Hospital Association, where Goodnow is a trustee and Johnson is an executive committee member and trustee at large. Touting St. Peters support of numerous programs in Helena, Johnson said out-of-town providers will not invest in programs or services that dont turn a profit, even if thats where the need is in Helena. They are here to generate new revenue streams that will ultimately be funneled back into their home communities, he said. St. Peters is going to keep our dollars in Helena, he said. Johnson said hospitals are losing more money now than any other time in history. He said billions were lost last year and 70% of hospitals will lose money in 2022. He said St. Peters goal is to break even. Johnson said the hospital went into the pandemic in early 2020 with its strongest operating margin, adding a 5% margin in health care is very strong. He said many facilities are now stopping services that are not profitable. Johnson said St. Peters is focused on taking care of our community and our employees. He said St. Peters has significantly increased the number of doctors and services. Johnson spoke highly of the partnerships St. Peters has with Bozeman Health for Neonatal Intensive Care Services and Huntsman Cancer Center in Salt Lake for cancer care and treatment. He said some organizations are desperate and looking for certain sources of revenue. He said if you are tapped out in your community, you go to a neighboring community. Johnson made a reference to extreme measures some hospitals are making in a recent Update to the Community advertisement that ran Oct. 26 in the Independent Record. He said as St. Peters increases services, fewer patients travel outside the community for care. As a result, larger health systems have begun to aggressively expand outside their traditional service area and into neighboring communities with things like outpatient surgery centers, he wrote. This is an attempt to capture the most profitable types of health care services and redirect those dollars back to their own organization and community, he wrote, later noting St. Peters gives back more than $17 million each year in community benefit, financial relief to patients, health education, donations to nonprofits that are local and subsidized medical services for gaps in community needs. Goodnow said Benefis has already begun to directly support the Helena community in a variety of ways, including contributing to Helena Food Share and the local YWCA, offering rotations to Carroll College nursing students in its Helena clinics, and joining the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce. Goodnow also said Benefis Health System has long served patients from Helena for services that were not and are not available in Helena. After many years of attempted collaboration with St. Peters Health, Benefis Health System made the decision to provide services directly in Helena to better serve the health care needs of the citys residents allowing them to receive the care they need without having to travel to Great Falls, he said. He said that estimates from the University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research project that with the currently planned Helena offerings, the Benefis expansion into Helena will generate more than 200 permanent, year-round jobs in the community and drive $53.3 million in annual economic impact to Helena. A May 2021 study by the Montana Hospital Association and Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana found that 58 of the states hospitals provide 83,900 full-time jobs, $6.3 billion of annual recurring income and $1.5 billion in annual state and non-tax revenues. In a look at Cascade County and Benefis Health System and Great Falls Clinic, the report found that in-county billing accounted for 66% of its billing in 2019. That was followed by Hill County (6%), Glacier (5%) and Teton (4%). Lewis and Clark County was 3.8%. The report noted that Benefis paid its 3,278 employees an annual payroll of $212 million and $46.6 million in employee benefits. In Lewis and Clark County, the study found that St. Peters Health and Shodair Childrens Hospital had an in-county billing rate of 76% in 2019. It stated that St. Peters paid its 1,531 employees about $90 million in annual payroll and $22.2 million in employee benefits. Rich Rasmussen, executive director of the Montana Hospital Association, said he understood why health care providers were attracted to Helena. Helena is one of those growth communities, he said. From a health provider perspective, it only makes sense to go where the numbers are growing. Rasmussen said several communities in Montana are growing and the interest being shown is a result of that growth. He said often those decisions are not based on actual numbers, but projected numbers. Health care leaders are looking for ways to grow and expand, he said. At Hometown Helena, Johnson also discussed plans to build a senior living community on 20 acres. St. Peters is planning the housing project in conjunction with Immanuel Living. Its cost is $100 million, up from $60 million, proposed for the Mountain View Meadows housing development. And he discussed plans for the $15 million westside community health center on the southwest corner of the Carroll College campus, which he said is expected to break ground this spring. This is a classic example of what should be done, he said, adding that partnerships like this will help Carroll to expand. He said the college is good at training health care professionals. He said it will also offer new health care programs that will pull students into Carroll College, that in the future will hopefully feed into St. Peters workforce. An ever-encroaching Benefis is not the only battle St. Peters is fighting. Logan Health recently announced it was opening a brain and spine care facility for adult patients and has expanded services in Helena. St. Peters and Logan established a partnership last year. Sometimes marriages dont work, Johnson said. Johnson pointed to inroads St. Peters has made. He said St. Peters, now embroiled in a highly public lawsuit with its former oncologist, Dr. Thomas Weiner, has made great gains with its cancer center, adding it and its new oncologist, Dr. Elizabeth Bigger, are getting high marks. St. Peters Health Foundation had an Oct. 14 fundraiser at the Helena Civic Center, The Gala: Lifes a Party, that had what hospital officials said was record-setting support from 350 sponsors, donors and volunteers. They said $360,000 was raised in support of 700 babies born each year at St. Peters Health and their families, as well as the families served by St. Peters Health Neonatal Intensive Care Unit partner, Bozeman Health, who need help with transportation, lodging, meals and other expenses. Our fundraising is remarkable, Johnson said. In the last two years the foundation brought in $9.4 million, up from $700,000 a year earlier. He also touched on a struggle to find employees, noting it is now easier to hire doctors than to hire someone to answer the phone. In September, St. Peters announced it had purchased Creative Horizons Learning Center, a Helena child care facility at 3430 Ptarmigan Lane, near the health systems North Clinic and Physical Rehabilitation North Clinic. The facility will be used to help employees in need of child care. All 17 of the former Creative Horizons staff members were invited to continue to work at this location. Johnson said the employees were offered full benefits, which is something they did not have earlier. He also talked about expanding the existing on-campus child care facility called Petes Place. He said it will cost several million dollars and believes the foundation will raise most of the money. Its going to be something special and quite unique, Johnson said. There will be nothing like it in the state. Johnson was asked about a possible crop of doctors, as two medical schools are coming to the state. Touro College and University System is in Great Falls and Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine will be in Billings. He said in medical education, students have to do clinical rotations in hospitals or clinical settings and need to do a certain volume to be adequately trained. The problem we have in Montana is that we do not have enough residency slots, Johnson said. He said the students who come to St. Peters are not residents, they are medical students. Johnson said the hospital does not have an actual residency program because it is too small. I understand that they are trying to solve a problem where we need more doctors, Johnson said. I dont debate we need more doctors. The problem is until there are more residencies and more clinical rotations, we cant adequately train doctors. Goodnow said medical school will do a lot to help physician availability in the state, where severe shortages currently exist across a variety of physician specialties as a result of Montana being one of only four states without a medical school. We, along with our partner, Touro University, which is starting the Great Falls not-for-profit medical school (with its first class slated to begin in 2023), would be more than happy to provide accurate information on the medical school and the numerous advantages that it will have for the residents of Montana, he said. Elizabeth Palmarozzi, founding campus dean of TouroCOM Montana, said in an email there is a strong need to increase the number of physicians practicing medicine in Montana to help provide care to the medically underserved in the state. Our efforts in Great Falls are focused on increasing the number of practicing physicians in Montana, and particularly in rural Montana, including the reservations, she said. She said they look forward to a partnership with Carroll College and their exceptional pre-med program. Physicians are well known to practice medicine where they are educated both for medical school and for residency, she wrote. Palmarozzi said Touro has clinical rotations agreements, for the training of third and fourth year medical students with a number of Montana hospitals. Further, Touro has a very strong history for developing pipeline programs to increase the number of underrepresented communities in medicine, she stated in her email. What we have done to reach out to the Underserved Rural Medical communities elsewhere prepares us for embracing and working with the Native American communities and underserved rural communities in Montana. She said the campus in Great Falls will continue in the same tradition with these programs increasing the number of physicians to practice rural and frontier medicine in Montana. Palmarozzi said Benefis is one of Touros primary clinical partners. She said plans are already underway to begin a residency in Internal Medicine at Benefis in Great Falls. We also hope to expand all of our clinical partnerships to include residency development, she said, adding they look forward to developing new residency programs over the next few years which will further increase the number of physicians staying in Montana and care for and benefit the state in a multitude of ways. Johnson said St. Peters was focused on moving forward. We are going to do our thing, we knew the competition was coming, he said. We are going to continue to focus on doing the right thing, and that is taking care of our community, investing in our community and keeping our dollars right here in Helena. The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday will hear oral arguments for a case challenging the Indian Child Welfare Act, which controls how Native children get placed in foster or adoptive homes. Legal experts, tribal leaders and advocates say if the Supreme Court were to eliminate or undermine the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), the consequences would be dire for Native Americans in Montana. They argue Indigenous families would be separated at higher rates, tribes would risk losing members to assimilation, and other protections for Native Americans including tribal sovereignty itself could be at risk. ICWA is probably the only thing in Indian Country that is universally supported and that tribes agree upon, said Chrissi Nimmo, deputy attorney general for the Cherokee Nation, a defendant in the case. Plaintiffs in the case include Indiana, Louisiana and Texas along with seven individuals, including non-Native couples and Altagracia Socorro Hernandez, the mother of a Native American child who was ultimately adopted by one of the couples. Four tribes, the Cherokee Nation, Oneida Nation, Quinault Indian Nation and Morongo Band of Mission Indians, intervened as defendants. As the case worked its way through the courts, it gained substantial support from tribes nationwide, including from tribes in Montana. In 2019, 486 federally recognized tribes and 59 Native organizations filed an amicus brief defending its constitutionality. There are lots of different Indian law or Indian policy issues that divide tribes because of the individual differences among tribes, but thats not the case with ICWA, Nimmo said. "Tribes face lots of issues, but one thing that we know is universally true is you dont have a tribe if you dont have tribal members. Thats what we were seeing in this country (prior to ICWAs passage). Tribal communities were looking around saying, We dont have any kids here. And if we dont have any kids here, our entire tribe could cease to exist. What is the Indian Child Welfare Act? ICWA aims to protect Native children by giving their tribe and family opportunities to participate in adoption and foster-care decisions from which they may have previously been excluded. Enacted in 1978, ICWA came in response to decades of state child welfare and private adoption agencies separating Native children from their families. The law requires that states place Native children in foster care first with an extended family member. If thats not possible, the child should be placed with a family approved by the childs tribe. And if thats not possible, the child can be placed with a non-Native agency. ICWA is often referred to as the gold standard for child welfare because of its added protections for Native children. ICWA requires caseworkers to make several considerations when handling a case, including: making active efforts to reach the family, identifying a placement that fits under ICWA preferences, notifying the childs tribe and childs parents of custody proceedings and working to involve the childs tribe and parents in decisions. What is Brackeen v. Haaland? Lead Plaintiffs Chad and Jennifer Brackeen are a couple from Texas, who filed a lawsuit in 2017 seeking to adopt a 2-year-old Navajo boy over a Navajo family who was able to take the boy, according to Indian Country Today. While the Brackeens won their case in Texas district court in 2018 and adopted the child, they joined several other plaintiffs, including the states of Texas, Louisiana and Indiana in challenging the constitutionality of ICWA in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. The appellate court judges issued a mixed opinion, allowing the Supreme Court to intervene. Plaintiffs argue that ICWA is unconstitutional, claiming it discriminates based on race. According to the Washington Post, plaintiffs argued in a court filing that ICWA puts 'Indian children in a disfavored position, depriving them of a placement decision based on their best interests, and instead requiring placements" based on the childs identity. They argue that non-Native adoptive parents end up last in line to adopt an Indian child." Defendants disagree. They say the law is based on tribal citizenship, which is a political classification, not a race. Plaintiffs also argue that only states, not the federal government, have power in child custody. Tribal advocates counter that has never been true for Native children. The data Even with ICWA protections in place, Native children continue to be over-represented in the foster care system. According to the National Indian Child Welfare Association, Indigenous children are four times more likely to be removed by state child welfare systems than non-Native children, even when their families face similar problems. Frank Edwards is an assistant professor at Rutgers University, who studies national policies like ICWA and how child welfare contact varies from state to state. According to Edwards, one of every four Native American children in Montana have a lifetime risk for being in foster care. I cant overemphasize how incredibly high that is, Edwards said. The foster care rate is particularly high for infants and toddlers. In Montana, more than one in 10 Native 1-year-olds are in foster care. What this says is that the crisis ICWA was meant to address is ongoing, Edwards explained. If we remove those protections, this is going to get worse. When looking at professional mandated reporters, which includes medical workers, law enforcement, educators and social services, Edwards said in Montana, the most common reporter is law enforcement. Additionally, according to Edwards, the allegations in cases that led to the removal of a child were largely of neglect, rather than physical or sexual abuse. If we trust the data, it means these are virtually all poverty-related cases, and then theyre triggering removals at really high rates, Edwards said, adding its possible theres a lack of reporting when it comes to maltreatment cases. So you have kids getting reported for things that we typically dont want to see kids getting reported for because theyre not Child Protective Services problems, theyre poverty problems. And then theyre getting removed when they come into the system, so thats really troubling. Edwards analyzes child welfare data nationally, and he said in states where there are active affronts to sovereignty, like in Montana, there are higher levels of family separation. We need to think about a removal as an affront to sovereignty, he said. Sovereignty is the lever we can use to draw these levels down. What do experts have to say? Montana has dozens of qualified expert witnesses who intervene in ICWA cases. Qualified expert witnesses are tribal members across the state who provide expert testimony assessing the appropriateness of the removal and placement of the child. In these cases, they always try to assess whats best for the child. Rod First Strike is a cultural specialist for kindergarten through fourth graders in Polson. He said when it comes to ICWA cases, he is often asked, as an expert witness, to assess the cultural value potential adoptive parents can provide. What hurts Native kids is a lack of identity, he said. You can see that in our suicide rates. When you dont have cultural identity or connection, you feel lost. Its very much a part of who we are, so to have ICWA taken away, it says, OK, your culture doesnt matter. First Strike said the argument that ICWA is unconstitutional is rooted in white privilege. People say ICWA is racist, he said. I just want to tell people, You are trying to remove the rights of Indigenous people for having a say in where their kids go. Thats what white privilege is. Its the ability for someone to tell you that what youre doing is wrong and for you to still say, No, its not. Its another form of assimilation. Its stripping us of our identity and our rights. If the Supreme Court undermines or eliminates ICWA, many fear what that precedent would mean for other laws that protect Native people. If ICWA is canceled, how else will they come for us? First Strike asked. These people dont stop. We dont need to be saved. Let us be. AnnaMarie White is a qualified expert witness who has testified in nearly 1,000 ICWA cases. She said the elimination of ICWA would clear the way for the destruction of Native families, Native land and tribal sovereignty. Its a Trojan horse to get to these other issues, she said. Next, is tribal sovereignty, land rights and water rights. Nimmo said the idea that the court could find ICWA unconstitutional is very, very scary in Indian Country. If (the Supreme Court) can make that finding in regards to ICWA, they can potentially make that finding in regards to other laws that give either burdens or advantages to tribes, she explained, adding that she thinks thats why plaintiffs brought forward the case. Quite frankly, I dont think the individuals or attorneys involved on the opposite side are really concerned about Indian children. They are seeking to dismantle federal Indian law. In partnership with the University of Montana Native American Law Student Association and Montana Bar Indian Law Section, the ACLU of Montana is hosting an oral argument listening session on Nov. 9 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Castle Center at the University of Montana Law School. Students and others are welcome to attend and hear from Kekek Stark, a law professor, and Keegan Medrano, ACLU of Montana's policy director. DECATUR A man who is quoted as telling police he shopped for illegal drugs online using the dark web was arrested after a package of methamphetamine was delivered to his Decatur home through the mail. A sworn affidavit from the Decatur Police Department said the package had earlier been seized and opened under a warrant obtained by United States Postal Inspectors. The affidavit said the package, mailed from an address in California, was found to contain 138 grams (almost 5 ounces) of the street drug. It was put back in the mail and police were waiting when the package was delivered to the mailbox of Matthew D. Weatherford, 40. As soon as Weatherford was seen to collect the package on the afternoon of Sept. 27, police moved in. A warrant was then executed after Weatherford took possession of the package and brought it into the residence, said the affidavit. Upon executing the search warrant, detectives located approximately 168 grams (6 ounces) of field-tested positive cannabis (in the home) and also located seven firearms. Weatherford stated that he utilizes the dark web to order these packages (of drugs), the affidavit added. Police said Weatherford has a previous conviction for aggravated battery and is not allowed to possess firearms. He appeared in Macon County Circuit Court Wednesday, where Judge Jeffrey Geisler found probable cause to try him after a preliminary hearing. Weatherford is pleading not guilty to meth trafficking and two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms. He is free after posting a $10,000 bond on bail set at $100,000. He is due back in court for a pretrial hearing Dec. 30. By Trend On November 6, 2022, the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov to Washington kicked off, Trend reports citing the press service of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On the initiative and with the participation of U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken, a meeting with Armenia's Minister of Foreign Affairs is planned to hold on the sidelines of the visit. Smoke swirls around the dish as a server lifts the dome off a wooden plate, releasing the aroma of the chefs signature Peking duck. Then, an alcohol-infused dessert is lit with a match for a fiery presentation that chars the exterior. These are only a few visions described by Michael Hoeneisen and Sallie Long of Imagine One Hospitality. The company is on schedule to open Cowa-sake in early January, said CEO Robert Lackey. It is located in the One North Center in downtown Hickory and will specialize in sushi and hamburgers. The reason for the unusual combination is that not everyone likes sushi, Lackey said. He added that by offering alternatives, the restaurant can serve a wider range of people. (Cowa-sake) is chef-driven, said Hoeneisen, who is partner and vice president of Imagine One Hospitality. Were coming up with specials every single day using the fresh ingredients around Hickory that we have, (and) getting (fresh) fish brought in every day. Hoeneisen described his role as plotting the course, while the chefs steer the ship. They do a lot of recipe developments and menu specials (so) instead of telling them, This is the food, it doesnt change, theres a lot of fluidity so our chefs can put their own stamp on the menu, Hoeneisen said. (And) you dont get that in chain restaurants. Next door is the Frothy Rooster, another of the companys restaurants. It will open shortly after its sibling restaurant, said Lackey. The Frothy Rooster will be focused on quality, homemade-style breads and pastries for the chefs original spins on breakfast, brunch and lunch foods, Hoeneisen said. He added that many ingredients will be sourced from local farmers. The Frothy Rooster will be open during the day and Cowa-sake at night, said Lackey. The two will share a kitchen. Lackey said the company chose to locate in Hickory for several reasons. One, its an underserved market. Two, it helps grow downtown. And three, its home. Lackey grew up in Hickory and so did his parents. When these restaurants open, they will be the fourth and fifth restaurants Imagine One Hospitality has opened in Hickory, Lackey said. The company already has Cafe Rule, Mas Amor Cantina and the Vintage House. A man charged with sex crimes was in court on Monday. Robert Oliver Parker, 75, of Hickory, was arrested Sept. 28. He is charged with three counts of second-degree exploitation of a minor, according to court documents. Parker briefly appeared Monday morning in Catawba County Superior Court to clarify his legal representation. He is represented by Lisa Dubs, who was not present in court Monday. The charges stem from an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations Office in Charlotte, according to court documents. On Aug. 7, 2020, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip about a Yahoo email account which led investigators to Parker, according to court documents. The tip was then passed to Homeland Security Investigations, according to court documents. Mike Prado, deputy special agent in charge of the Charlotte office, said the tip led investigators to a larger sex-trafficking ring in the Philippines. Thus far in the investigation, we have identified 68 victims that were directly victimized by Parker or by other clients of this network, Prado said. Prado said several of the victims are now 18 or older, and that Parker would spend months at a time visiting the Philippines. According to an affidavit in support of a search warrant, the Yahoo account was being used to correspond with a woman in the Philippines from 2010 to 2020. According to the document, about 16,073 photos of nude and partially nude girls of varying ages were sent to the email address. According to the affidavit, investigators seized a laptop, external hard drives and a compact disc. A review of the seized items resulted in the discovery of multiple files of child sexual abuse material, according to the document. So far, no other arrests have been made in the investigation, Prado said. A 4-day work week has shown employees are happier and productivity is up. Photo: Shutterstock All of Unilevers 500 Australian employees will be given the opportunity to take part in an 18-month trial working four days a week for the same amount of pay, after the same pilot in New Zealand proved overwhelmingly successful. The concept of a four-day work week, where employees receive the same wage for working 80 percent of the time but with the same level of productivity, is gaining steam around the world. More than a dozen Australian companies started a six-month trial of the concept in August, led by global non-profit 4 Day Week Global. In Victoria, the state government has considered a similar trial in the public sector, while the Greens have proposed a formal trial in Victorian government departments and government-owned businesses. British multinational Unilever has now become the largest organisation to launch a four-day work week trial in Australia, with 500 employees to be offered the opportunity to work fewer hours for 12 months from mid-November. Unilever, which sells Dove soap, Domestos cleaning products and Magnum ice cream, among other products, recently completed a four-day work week trial in New Zealand, running from December 2020 to June 2022. This trial found that the companys New Zealand employees saw a 33 percent reduction in their stress and a decrease in work-life conflict by 67 percent, while the company saw absenteeism drop by 34 percent. The New Zealand trial was assessed based on three company-wide online surveys and 57 in-depth interviews, in collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney Business School head of department of management Professor Bronwen Dalton. Unilever ANZ has been a pioneer in helping to create an evidence-base that can inform ongoing research into the future of work, Dalton said. The trial found that feelings of strength and vigour at work among employees working shorter weeks increased by 15 percent, 72.8 percent of those surveyed reported frequently sticking to their reduced hours and nearly 90 percent said the trial had been a positive experience. Its now hoped that these positive experiences will also be felt among the companys Australian employees, while lessons from the pilot across the ditch will also be taken on board. Two of the big takeaways from the New Zealand trial were that companies have to actively change how they work to successfully alter the working week, and such a concept should not be made compulsory for all employees. Unilever also reported strong results in meeting business targets in New Zealand despite its employees only working 80 percent of their normal hours. This was partly the result of organising fewer but more efficient meetings, sending fewer emails and implementing more efficient online communication among the team. According to a Unilever channel and category development manager based in Auckland, the extra day per week gave more time to run errands and work on personal development. By getting the family admin done on a Friday it frees up the weekend to spend quality time as a family fitting in something fun is important to me, they said. I love spending time with friends a nice long lunch, mid-arvo social drinks or getting away for a longer weekend. When working five days, I often didnt have time to fit this into my weeks. In Victoria, the state Greens have proposed a four-day working week trial in the public service, running for two years and with $60 million in funding. Weve been tricked into believing that working five days a week is normal, but if we can achieve the same results in four, as the trials are indicating, why wouldnt we take some of our time back to spend with loved ones or on passion projects, Victorian Greens Leader Samantha Ratnam said. The Victorian government is also reportedly looking at a similar trial if it wins the upcoming election, with the concept included in its draft platform for the election. In the UK, a large-scale trial of the four-day working week was recently launched, with 3,300 workers from 70 companies taking part. Iceland has reported significant success in its own trial of the concept in its public service. Philip Morris International Inc. said Monday it has received share commitments from 82.6% of Swedish Match AB shareholders enough for the tobacco manufacturer to formally declare it will able to complete its industry-shaking megadeal. PMI confirmed May 11 that an affiliate made a $16 billion all-cash offer for Swedish Match. The PMI affiliate, Philip Morris Holland Holdings B.V.1, offered a 39.4% premium compared with Swedish Matchs closing share price of $7.56 in U.S. dollars on May 9. As part of the deal at that time, PMI set a condition that it would attempt to gain the approval from at least 90% of Swedish Match shares. On Monday, PMI said it is proceeding with closing the megadeal even though it was 7.4 percentage points short of the 90% share commitments. PMI said it believes it has the commitments from the top-10 Swedish Match shareholders. Those shareholders who havent committed to selling their shares have until Nov. 25 to accept the PMI offer or receive a slightly reduced per-share offer after that date. Once PMI gets the commitment of 90% of Swedish Match shares, it can compel the sale of the remaining 10% shares per Swedish financial law. This achievement of a high-controlling stake should allow us to harness the strategic potential of the transaction, including anticipated revenue synergies, Jacek Olczak, PMIs chief executive, said in a statement. Our objective is to de-list the shares of Swedish Match from the stock market after reaching an ownership of more than 90%; we therefore encourage the remaining retail and other institutional shareholders to tender in the extended time. Swedish Match breakthrough Swedish Match Inc. made industry history in October 2019 when eight General Snus styles made it through the Food and Drug Administrations lengthy gauntlet for gaining authorization as a modified-risk product. Its Zyn oral nicotine product holds a 64% U.S. market share. A modified-risk tobacco product application seeks FDA approval to advertise those products as reduced-harm or reduced-risk compared with cigarettes. PMI has said it would preserve and develop Swedish Matchs operational presence in Sweden, where much of the companys workforce is located, as well as its U.S. headquarters in Richmond, Va. Olczak cited the industry-changing potential of having PMIs IQOS heat-not-burn cigarettes and Zyn with the same corporate owner and global international distribution chain. We look forward to welcoming Swedish Matchs employees and leading oral nicotine portfolio into the PMI family to create a global smoke-free champion, notably bringing IQOS and ZYN together in both the U.S. and international markets, Olczak said. Goldman Sachs analyst Bonne Herzog said the megadeal is accelerating PMs transformation toward becoming a majority smoke-free company. Swedish Match gives PMI an instant direct presence in the large and attractive U.S. market and accelerates global expansion opportunities for Swedish Matchs oral nicotine portfolio through PMs infrastructure and financial resources. Bottom line: while we continue to like PMIs long-term positioning with IQOS and appreciate its hugely cash-generative combustible cigarette portfolio, as well as the opportunity Beyond Nicotine (initiative), we believe visibility on standalone PMI remains limited in the near-term given a highly challenging and uncertain cost/consumer environment. Other puzzle pieces On Oct. 20, PMI placed a $2.7 billion wager on the future of heat-not-burn cigarettes sales in the U.S. by reaching an agreement with Altria Group Inc. to gain full rights to Altrias IQOS products in the U.S. as of April 30, 2024. PMI, which was spun off from Altria in 2008, said IQOS is the worlds leading smoke-free product, with $9 billion in annual net revenue business outside the U.S. in 2021. However, the product hasnt been available in the U.S. since November 2021 because of a legal dispute involving Philip Morris USA that does not affect PMI. Our commercial plans include full-scale launches in key cities and regions with rapid progression to a national presence, and we believe that IQOS heat-not-burn products could account for around 10% of total U.S. cigarette and heated tobacco unit volume by 2030, PMI chief executive Jacek Olczak said in a statement. The new agreement will provide PMI will full commercialization rights to IQOS, but it will lose access to market the products as Marlboro, the No. 1 U.S. tobacco brand. Herzog cautioned that PMIs accelerating growth opportunities are likely coming at higher-than -expected costs at least over the near-term given the incremental costs of reaccelerating IQOS user growth and management comment that it would need to invest in IQOS distribution in the U.S. even with its acquisition of Swedish Match following the conclusion of its IQOS agreement with Altria. Follows pattern The potential closing of the megadeal follows the pattern of PMI and Altria Group Inc. of buying their way into a tobacco category when it has struggled to develop its own products. PMI said that since 2008, it has invested more than $9 billion in researching, developing, and commercializing its smoke-free products. PMI said in 2021 that 30% of its revenue comes from smoke-free products. It has stated plans to be mostly smoke-free by the end of 2025. For example, Altria paid $12.8 billion in December 2018 for a 35% stake in Juul Labs Inc., maker of the top-selling electronic cigarette Juul until recently passed by R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co.s Vuse. As part of the Juul investment, Altria discontinued production of its electronic cigarette NuMark, which had struggled to gain traction among vapers. It agreed to not develop and market its own e-cigs products for up to six years as long as Altria is providing services to Juul Labs. However, by January 2020, Altria had written down for a second time the value of the investment to $4.2 billion as of Dec. 31, 2019. In November, the U.S. Trade Representative affirmed a pivotal legal victory by British American Tobacco Plc involving its patent-infringement lawsuit against rival PMI. On Sept. 29, the U.S. International Trade Commission issued a final determination of a violation of the Tariff Act of 1930 by Philip Morris USA Inc. and Altria Client Services LLC as it related to two BAT product patents. PM USA is barred from importing PMIs IQOS 2.4, IQOS 3, IQOS 3 Duo heat-not-burn cigarette products. It also was ordered to halt future sales of those products marketed as Marlboro HeatSticks already in the U.S. On Oct. 27, Altria and Japan Tobacco announced they will attempt to market and sell Japan Tobaccos Ploom heated tobacco sticks in the U.S. through a joint venture. Altria is including our expanded pipeline of wholly owned products featuring Marlboro consumable products. Marlboro is the No. 1 U.S. tobacco brand, foremost from its traditional combustible cigarette products. Japan Tobacco International is providing products that include: a tobacco heating device intended to heat the consumable without combusting; and a consumable that meets the definition of a cigarette under the U.S. Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act. Each company will make their branded products in the joint venture, with Ploom gaining access to Altrias more than 200,000 U.S. retail network. KING Voters in King and Rural Hall will cast ballots Tuesday whether to allow the sale of mixed alcoholic beverages in both communities. In King, voters will decide whether to permit the sale of mixed beverages in hotels, restaurants, private clubs, community theaters and convention centers, according to a King city document. King voters also will decide whether an ABC store will be located in the southwestern Stokes County municipality. In Rural Hall, voters will decide only on allowing the sale of mixed beverages in its hotels, restaurants, private clubs, community theaters and convention centers, according to a Forsyth County sample ballot. Jane Cole, a member of the King City Council, said Friday that she supports King citizens casting ballots on the citys liquor-by-the-drink referendum. Cole declined to reveal her position on the issue. Thats a personal matter on whether you are opposed to it or in favor of it, Cole said. I wanted the citizens to have the opportunity to express their opinions about it. Whatever way it goes, Im fine with it. The King City Council voted, 3-1, Jan. 3 to put the referendum on the Nov. 8 ballot. Before its vote, the council discussed the potential of additional tax revenue for King from the sale of alcoholic beverages, according to the minutes of the Jan. 3 council meeting. There are many signs in the King residents yards and along city streets that support and oppose the referendum. The signs say, Vote No on Liquor! and Vote Yes on Liquor. Another sign says, King Referendum Liquor by the Drink: Vote Yes; Your right Your Choice. In smaller print, the sign further says, No one should take away your choice to have a drink or not with your meal. You dont want Liquor by the Drink, then dont drink. Thats your choice. At the King Public Library Friday, a man said he is opposed to the sale of alcoholic beverages in King and Rural Hall. The library is an early voting site in King. Alcohol is poison, the man said. It poisons people slowly. The man, a Rural Hall resident, declined to identify himself because he wants to maintain his privacy. Mike Rogers, a Republican candidate for the Stokes County Board of Education, said he agreed with the Kings liquor-by-the drink referendum being on the ballot. However, Rogers declined to discuss his position on the issue. The citizens who are directly impacted should have their voices heard, Rogers said. Let the citizens make the decision. Destiney Griffin, the manager of K4 Tobacco and Vape, said she supports the alcoholic beverage referendum because it will bring more business to King. Her store is in the King Shopping Center off South Main Street. I like it, Griffin said. I want them (the voters) to pass it. A sign near the shopping centers entrance says, Say No to ABC Stores in King. Protect Our Children. Salvatore Looz, the co-owner of Little Italy Pizza Restaurant in King, said he supports the liquor-by-the-drink referendum in Stokes Countys largest town. I hope they (voters) will pass it, but Im not going to put a bar in my restaurant because Im not set up for that, Looz said. The sale of mixed drinks in King will be good for the citys restaurants, Looz said. Several months ago, the Rural Hall Town Council voted unanimously to put the mixed-beverage referendum on the towns Nov. 8 ballot, said Terry Bennett, a council member. We were looking to extend the growth for the town, Bennett said. Town leaders also wanted King to receive tax revenue generated by the local sale of alcoholic beverages, Bennett said. Without, we would not have the chance for large restaurants, Bennett said. It opens up opportunities for that type of business. George Kontos, a co-owner of Coronet Seafood Restaurant in Rural Hall, said he and many of his customers are opposed to the mixed-beverage referendum on Rural Halls ballot. His restaurant, which is at 431 Bethania-Rural Hall Road, is a family-oriented business, Kontos said. I am opposed to alcohol, Kontos said. Thats my belief. I have to follow my beliefs, and I will not serve alcohol. The sharp increase in respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV, is taxing the pediatric bed capacity of most Triad hospitals, two local infectious diseases experts said last week. RSV is a common illness that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms in children that typically goes away in four to five days, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms typically include a runny nose, cough and low-grade fever that can be treated in many cases with pain relievers, such as Tylenol or Motrin. The virus tends to surface in the December to February period, but has arrived in force weeks earlier. Thats why infectious diseases experts with the Triads three largest health care systems have warned of significant increases of RSV, particularly involving children from infants to age 2. Novant Health Inc.s Dr. David Priest said that between 80% and 85% of pediatric inpatients within its system are hospitalized with RSV. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist said it has seen a substantial increase in children with RSV and respiratory illnesses other than COVID-19 in primary care and outpatient clinics and emergency departments throughout our health system. We are seeing more of these cases than we typically see in the early fall, Baptist said. In addition, an increasing number of children are being admitted to Brenner Childrens Hospital as a result of infections caused by these viruses that are circulating in our communities. Priest said that Novant has enough overall bed capacity, but we have more inpatients than we typically have for this part of fall, particularly in pediatrics, Priest said. What to look out for Parents are cautioned to be watchful for symptoms, such as persistent cough that is interfering with sleep, labored breathing and lack of appetite. They are advised to seek emergency care if an infant or child appears to be experiencing breathing difficulties during the night. Some RSV infections can be severe for infants and the elderly. For children with little lungs and smaller airways, a little inflammation can go a long ways, Priest said. It can be severe for children with underlining health issues, such as asthma, lung and immunodeficiency issues. It can be more serious for children than influenza, including infections and pneumonia, that can require prolonged hospitalizations. Pediatricians are really good at diagnosing RSV, Priest said. They know what it sounds like because it is a fairly common childhood disease. For those ages 2 and under, RSV can be a very serious infection, said Dr. Christopher Ohl, an infectious diseases expert with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. The reason why is that RSV affects mostly our airways, those tubes that come from the back on our throat into the lungs. Those under one have very small tubes, so if they get inflammation from the virus, those tubes get narrow and makes it harder for them to breathe, and they can get pneumonia, Ohl said. Nearing a peak? Cone Health spokesman Doug Allred said Tuesday that the system is holding steady at around 200 RSV cases the past two weeks. Thats good news because the numbers have stopped going up, Allred said. The positivity rate has dropped, so that should be good for the future. Priest said theres reason for optimism that RSV infections may be nearing or reaching a peak in the Triad even though it typically is a wintertime virus. Yet, Priest cautioned that hospitals will be challenge over the next four to five months in simultaneously handling RSV, influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. Although Priest said someone can be infected with two or more of these viruses simultaneously, its not real common because often the viruses compete with each other for infecting an individual. For individuals who have two or more viral infections at the same time, Priest said it can cause pretty severe clinical illness ... so it behooves us to protect ourselves in every way we can. Broken seasonality Priest said a major factor with the uptick in RSV and flu is that the typical seasonality has been profoundly altered by the pandemic because human behavior has been different the last two to three years. During the lockdown of the earliest stages of the pandemic, people stayed home, wore masks when they were out and about, kids were home from school. Our collective immunity to RSV was lost there. As we have moved back to more normal seasonality, it has altered when these viruses are arriving and increasing, Priest said. He cited as an example that RSV typically is a winter-time childrens issue, but it became a summertime issue in 2021 and an early fall issue in 2022. Its moving back to its seasonality, but it may take a couple of years for that to happen and our collective immunity to be built back up, Priest said. Its been the same with the flu, plus society is opening back up and were not taking the same public health precautions. Priest said there are RSV vaccines in development that could be ready in 2023, and could become a seasonal vaccine over time. Ohl said that COVID disrupted the typical flu and RSV seasons the past two years, both by being more virulent and by leading to a major surge in masking wearing in the first two years of the pandemic. The other viruses seemed to lay low with COVID they dont like the competition, I guess, Ohl said. Getting infected with the flu, RSV or a cold periodically, every year or every other year increases your immunity, beefs it up a little, Ohl said. That keeps you from getting a more serious infection. Which means we havent seen as much of these viruses the last two to three years, and they are taking advantage of a reduced population-based immunity. The death of a 26-year-old inmate late last month at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln is being investigated as a suspected murder, investigators say in newly filed court records. In a search warrant filed Friday, Nebraska State Patrol Investigator Henry Dimitroff asked a judge for an order to get DNA from Philip Garcia's former cellmate, who since has been moved to the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution. The Journal Star isn't naming the 37-year-old since he hasn't yet been charged. Dimitroff said prison staff discovered Garcia unresponsive in his restricted housing cell, on his back with his legs crossed and a bedsheet fashioned into a rope around his neck, shortly after 4 p.m. Oct. 29. They said Garcia's cellmate was out of breath and, when asked what happened, allegedly said "no comment," the investigator said. Prison staff moved the cellmate and tried to save Garcia, but he was pronounced dead at 4:24 p.m. Dimitroff said the room was in disarray as if there had been a recent struggle, and there were no obvious signs Garcia had been suspended from anything. He said a day later Garcia's cellmate called his mother and said he had been trying to get mental health help for a week and had been ignored and just blacked out on Oct. 29. "I don't really know what happened," he told her, according to Dimitroff. He is serving a sentence of 13 to 17 years for attempted assault on an officer and possession of a weapon by a prohibited person, a drug charge and assault by a confined person. He has been eligible for parole since 2020. Garcia, a Scottsbluff resident, was serving a sentence of 26 to 46 years for felony theft, use of a knife to commit a felony and assault on a law enforcement officer. Under state law, a grand jury is called when a person dies while in the custody. The 2021 annual report for the Office of Inspector General for the Nebraska Correctional System took issue with double bunking inmates in restrictive housing at the state penitentiary. In the past four annual reports, the OIG has recommended that NDCS end the practice of double bunking in restrictive housing units for a number of reasons, including the safety of the two cellmates and the impact on their mental health. This practice primarily occurs at NSP (Nebraska State Penitentiary), according to the report. The inspector general called it a violation of the American Correctional Associations standard regarding square footage for inmates in restrictive housing. After 23 years, Dave Shively is retiring from his post as Lancaster County election commissioner. "The citizens of Lancaster County have been great," Shively said Friday as he and his staff worked to prepare for Tuesday's midterm election, which will be his 13th as commissioner. Born in Norfolk, Shively went to Norfolk High School and then studied public service at Wayne State. In 1984, his first job out of college was district executive with the Boy Scouts of America, which brought him to Lincoln. He then found his way into politics. Shively worked for the Nebraska Republican Party from 1989 to 1990, and in 1991 he was a legislative assistant for former state senator Jerry Conway. From July 1991 to August 1999, he worked for former Congressman Doug Bereuter. When the position of election commissioner opened up in 1999, he applied and was appointed by former Gov. Mike Johanns later that year. "We've gone through a lot of changes over the years," said Shively, whose last day will be Jan. 20. "When I was appointed, things were a lot simpler than they are today." The biggest difference, Shively said, is early voting. During his first election as commissioner in 2000, only about 5,000 early ballots were submitted. In the 2020 general election, that number was about 90,000. Shively said that while most of that increase was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the numbers aren't slowing down. "Now we're seeing that number continue to grow," Shively said. "Probably 45% to 50% of our total vote cast will be people that voted early. Shively was also around when the election office changed locations. When he first started, the Lancaster County Election Commission Office was located at Ninth and J streets. "They were going to make a parking lot out of that building," Shively said. "That building still stands down there." Shively says the new location on 46th Street is ideal because it provides a central location for voters and is more accessible. In the past two years, they've expanded the lobby and warehouse where ballots are stored, and introduced card scanners as security measures for sensitive areas. The 2020 election is a focal point for Shively in his time as commissioner. Former President Donald Trump and other politicians began questioning the results, which led to tension for election workers across the nation. Shively said it was hard to watch other election officials face criticism and even threats when he knew they were following their laws and doing what was right. "It creates issues for us even in Nebraska," Shively said. "There are people that have questioned almost everything we do, and that's been a challenge." This has been one of Shively's busiest years as commissioner. January brought a recall election for a Waverly school board member. The midterm primary was in May. Less than a month later, there was a special election to replace Rep. Jeff Fortenberry. Petition verification took up July and August, and before he could blink it was election season. "Sometimes you just have to back up and take a few breaths to make sure we're doing everything correctly," he said. Shively said much of the credit for his success goes to his staff. "Lancaster County is very civic-minded, and we've been really fortunate with the amount of people that volunteer," he said. When he first started, his only knowledge of elections was from his work on Doug Bereuter's campaign. He soon found a mentor in Dee Lee, the office administrator that had been with the commission for more than 30 years at the time. She took him under her wing until her retirement a few years later. Shively says he will miss the people he worked with the most. He tried to estimate how many poll workers have served under him since 1999. "We appoint 1,000 every two years, so I'm probably in the neighborhood of 7,500 to 10,000 people," Shively said. Before Shively, no election commissioner had served longer than two four-year terms in the position. Shively stayed long enough to meet three governors and work with three different secretaries of state and two state directors of elections during his time. "I never anticipated to be here 23 years," Shively said. "I've been very fortunate to do that." Shively also had some advice for his successor. "Don't be afraid to ask questions." On Tuesday, Nebraskans will be asked whether they want to change the state constitution to require voters to show photo identification before casting a ballot in all future elections. But what will constitute a valid form of photo ID and how voters will be required to present it before voting would ultimately be up to the 49 men and women of the 108th Legislature. And because of term limits, nearly one-third of the senators could be new faces when the body is seated Jan. 4, 2023 the start of a 90-day legislative session expected to include fistfights over rules, abortion, the state budget and the Legislature's nonpartisan makeup. In a text message, Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar, who sponsored the petition drive that gathered more than 172,000 signatures, said backers did not want to commit to a particular voter ID proposal before we know who the senators will be. Slama and other supporters have argued voter ID is a commonsense security measure that will increase voters' confidence in the election process, even as they admit that there has been no evidence of voter impersonation in Nebraska. Opponents to Initiative 432 say the proposed change to the state constitution the language states voters shall present valid photographic identification before casting a ballot would allow lawmakers to potentially craft one of the most restrictive voter ID laws in the country. A strict law, opponents argue, could ultimately make it harder for tens of thousands of Nebraskans to vote, particularly those who are older, living on a limited income, or those with a disability. Its such a vaguely written constitutional amendment that it leaves a lot of discretion for the Legislature, said Steve Smith, director of communications for Civic Nebraska and spokesman for Nebraskans for Free and Fair Elections, a coalition of groups opposing Initiative 432. There is just enough in the language to know it will be a strict voter ID law, Smith added. What we dont know is what devils will be in the details. Thirty-five states have some sort of voter ID law on the books as of this election cycle, but each differs and some greatly in what they ask citizens to produce before they exercise their right to vote. Some states, like Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin, have what are generally referred to as strict laws necessitating voters present photographic ID before they can mark their ballot. If voters approved changing the state constitution, Nebraska would likely join that group. For more than a decade, various state lawmakers all Republicans in Nebraska's officially nonpartisan Legislature have introduced legislation requiring voters show a photographic ID before they can get a ballot. Most recently, Slama put forward a proposal (LR3CA) in 2021 that would have required poll workers to review a photograph or digital image of each voter prior to them casting a ballot. But her bill, like others before it, failed to advance out of committee, or was blocked on the floor by a filibuster. After LR3CA fell short of the five votes necessary to get out of the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee earlier this year, Slama turned her attention to Citizens for Voter ID, the ballot question committee she sponsored with former Sen. Lydia Brasch of Bancroft, and Nancy McCabe, chairwoman of the Douglas County Republican Party. The committee, which obtained the signatures of 10% of registered voters in the state, as well as 5% of voters in 76 of Nebraska's 93 counties, according to the Nebraska Secretary of State's Office, was funded largely by the family of Gov. Pete Ricketts. Marlene Ricketts, the governor's mother, gave an initial contribution of $376,000 in 2021, the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission said, before she donated an additional $1.5 million this year. The most recent campaign finance reports also show a $100,000 donation from the governor Oct. 10, as well as $100,000 from Tom Peed, founder of Sandhills Global. The Lincoln-based publishing business also gave $100,000 to Citizens for Voter ID. Ultimately, 90% of the ballot committees financing came from the family of Ricketts, who has said he believes voter ID is necessary, even though he acknowledged there was no evidence of fraud in Nebraska's elections. Smith said the campaign finance reports should signal that supporters of voter ID are serious about changing how Nebraskans cast a ballot in future elections. You dont raise this kind of money and pay an army of out-of-state volunteers to gather signatures if you are not motivated to restrict the vote, Smith said. Approval from voters to enact voter ID would put the measure before the Legislature, which would have wide latitude to act as it sees fit, said Anthony Schutz, an associate professor of law at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Thats by design, said Schutz, who teaches state and local government law. The state constitution, for example, requires the Legislature to provide for the free instruction in the common schools of the state, but doesnt outline a road map for how that is supposed to happen, which led to the current school funding formula. Constitutional amendments are often used to force a legislature to do something, leaving the details to it, he said. Lawmakers could interpret the constitutional amendment in several different ways. Would requiring voters to show photo ID when they register to vote satisfy the amendments before casting language? Or would lawmakers interpret the before casting to mean a voter must hand over a photo ID card to a poll worker at their precinct? Schutz said as with other constitutional amendments, the Legislatures decisions on what ID qualifies and when it must be shown are unlikely to be struck down by a court challenge. Those are all questions that I doubt the Nebraska Supreme Court will find much of an appetite to second-guess down the hall based on this proposed constitutional language, Schutz said. But that doesnt mean the Legislature would be without a few guardrails in creating a voter ID law. Anthony Gaughan, a professor of law at Drake University in Iowa, said the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court decisions most recently Crawford v. Marion County Election Board in 2008 on voter ID cases still put some limits on what the Legislature may do. States with strict laws will need to provide free government-issued photo IDs for voters who do not have the means to pay for a driver's license or other form of identification, Gaughan said. They'll also need to craft some kind of accommodation for voters who show up to the polls without an ID on their person. Any state that enacts a photo ID law must provide a process by which voters may cast provisional ballots before they produce a photo ID, Gaughan said in an email. The reason is because inevitably some voters will show up at the polls unaware of the photo ID requirement. The law must provide them with a reasonable grace period to produce photo identification. That grace period can be limited, however, and varies from state to state. In Arkansas, voters without a photo ID can cast a provisional ballot, but their vote will only be included if they are able to provide an acceptable form of identification to the county clerk by noon on the Monday following the election. Missouri voters have a tighter deadline to meet. Those without a valid drivers license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID on them can vote by provisional ballot, but they must return with their photo ID by 7 p.m. on Election Day to their polling place. States with looser voter ID requirements also have varying amounts of time allowing voters to prove they are who they say they are. As for strict, non-photo ID states like Arizona, voters have five business days after the election to present a valid drivers license, recent utility bill, property tax statement, or vehicle insurance card to have their provisional ballot counted. If the Nebraska Legislature adopted a similar three- to five-day post-election time period for voters casting provisional ballots to produce photo identification, I think it would likely be upheld by the courts, Gaughan said. Smith said the coalition opposed to the voter ID amendment would encourage lawmakers to follow what other states have done, if Nebraskans ultimately support changing the law. But, he added, the various considerations that would go to the Legislature if a majority of Nebraskans support Initiative 432 shows voter ID isn't as simple as supporters have made it out to be. "It's a very complicated issue that can be very complicated in its administration," Smith said. By Trend The Azerbaijani Army launched a counter-offensive operation, later called the "Iron Fist", on September 27, 2020, in response to the large-scale provocation of the Armenian armed forces along the frontline, Trend reports. The 44-day second Karabakh war ended with the liberation of Azerbaijans territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation and the restoration of territorial integrity. Chronicle of the 42-nd day of the second Karabakh war: - Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made a post Twitter that the Azerbaijani Army liberated two villages in Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Zangilan, Gubadli, Khojaly and Khojavand districts. - The cannons of the 3rd battery of the Armenian armed forces' D-30 artillery division were destroyed. - The Armenian armed forces' equipment and manpower were destroyed. - The personnel of the Armenian armed forces' special military unit was besieged and liquidated. - The Armenian armed forces shelled Tartar and Aghjabadi. - The Armenian armed forces shelled the villages of Aghdam. - The Armenian armed forces shelled Azerbaijani settlements. - A 16-year-old teenager was killed as a result of Armenian missile attack on Barda. - Another video of the liberated villages of Jabrayil district was released. - The Armenian armed forces suffered losses in the direction of Aghdam. - Another military column of the Armenian armed forces was destroyed. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy RACINE An 18-year-old Racine County Jail inmate has been accused of throwing a cup filled with urine at a correctional officer. James Klukas, 18, of the 2100 block of Harriet Street, Racine, was charged with three felony counts of bail jumping, a felony count of assault by prisoners and a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. According to a criminal complaint: At 4:49 p.m. on Thursday, a deputy was sent to the Racine County Jail at 717 Wisconsin Ave. for an assault. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with a corrections sergeant who said that on 7:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Klukas threw urine on a corrections officer. Surveillance video showed Klukas take a Styrofoam cup from the sink area of his cell. He then scooped up urine from his toilet bowl and then went to the cell bars. A correctional officer then walked past the cell and Klukas threw the cup of urine at him. During the incident, Klukas could be heard saying I pissed in that cup and I dont give a (expletive). The deputy then spoke to the correctional officer who said that as he walked past Klukas cell, he felt a wet liquid on his neck, shirt and right side of his clothing. He said an odd smell emitted from his clothes and he believed the liquid was a mixture of urine and toilet water. It was also learned that Klukas was mule kicking his cell bars due to being written up and shouted I pissed in that cup and threw it at one of your COs and I dont really give a (expletive)! Klukas was given a $300 cash bond in Racine County Circuit Court on Friday. A competency hearing is on Dec. 2 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, online court records show. The Republican Party of Wisconsin is reportedly investigating alleged illegal donations from Donald Trumps super PAC and the Langlade County GOP to the campaign of conservative state legislative candidate Adam Steen. As a result of the new allegations, the Racine County GOP on Monday suspended Steens membership in the county party, The Journal Times has learned. The leader of the Langlade County GOP denies any wrongdoing. I have no idea what RPW (Republican Party of Wisconsin) is doing. Theyve never called us. Theyve never questioned what were doing, Langlade County GOP Chairman Terry Brand said in a phone interview. Everything were doing is absolutely legal. Election Day is Tuesday in Steens write-in challenge of incumbent Assembly Speaker Robin Vos in District 63. The race includes a second write-in candidate, Joel Jacobsen, a Democrat. District 63 includes the southern half of Racine County west of Highway 31. The allegations Trumps Save America Political Action Committee, among others, donated to the Langlade County GOP and then the Langlade County GOP allegedly either donated that money directly to the Steen campaign or spent the money to support Steens efforts. Among those whose donations WisconsinRightNow is alleging were improper were MyPillow Guy Mike Lindell, a confidant of Trumps who has been among the nations biggest spreaders of baseless claims the 2020 presidential election was stolen. While it is legal for both individuals and PACs to give money to party organizations, and it is legal for party organizations to give candidates money, it is not legal for individuals or PACs to earmark donations in order to channel money specifically to a candidate through a party organization. Brand said that no earmarking was occurring. Rather, he said, donors on a national scale believe that the Langlade County GOP will donate money to good conservative causes in Wisconsin and thus are donating to the party organization. Its completely legal for us to do that, Brand said. They cant prove that anyone who gave us money did anything wrong. Musical money Brand, in leaked recordings of phone calls, referred to the donations going to Steen as an attempt to wash that money, according to reporting published Sunday by the conservative online news outlet WisconsinRightNow.com, which received hours of recorded phone calls from a former member of Steens campaign. Were playing musical money, Steen allegedly told Brand in one of the recorded calls. WisconsinRightNow reported that Brand later told a reporter wash was a poor choice of words. PACs and individuals are limited to give only $1,000 to an Assembly candidate in Wisconsin, according to state campaign finance laws, but can give more to other organizations such as parties themselves. The top donor to Steens campaign, according to tracking from the watchdog TransparencyUSA.org, has been the Republican Party of Langlade County, with a total of $22,727. The second highest donor to Steens campaign besides Steen himself was the Chippewa County Republican Party, with a total of $4,000. The Save America PAC, a super PAC created by Trump following his election loss in November 2020, has raised $107,131,831 in the 2021-22 election cycle, according to tracking from the watchdog OpenSecrets.org; as of Oct. 19, the PAC had spent less than $69 million. PACs are organizations that raise money and make contributions to politicians campaigns and/or parties. Super PACs as well as PACs are overseen by the Federal Election Commission, although super PACs can raise unlimited funds and are much less regulated than traditional PACs. Intraparty issues In a Facebook post late Sunday sharing WisconsinRightNows report, the Racine County Republican Party asked, Was there a coordinated effort to circumvent campaign finance laws by the Steen campaign, county and state officials and those involved with the Trump PAC? The chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, Paul Farrow, told WisconsinRightNow that the party is going to investigate the funding tied to the Trump PAC, the Langlade County GOP and the Steen campaign. Steens membership in the Racine County GOP has also been suspended. Ken Brown, chairman of the Racine County GOP, said in a text to a reporter Monday morning: In light of the most recent information that came out this morning from WisconsinRightNow, which alleges serious campaign finance violations, the Racine County Republican Party Executive Board met in emergency session this morning. We have unanimously decided that we should suspend Adam Steens membership in our county party pending a full investigation. Its another example of how fractured the Wisconsin GOP is, with those loyal to Trump now being investigated by the party itself for money received from a Trump organization, while Trump gears up for a likely 2024 presidential run as a Republican. Trump has been campaigning against Vos in favor of Steen because Vos has refused to support Trumps unconstitutional attempts to have the results of the 2020 presidential election overturned, while Steen has supported Trumps efforts. Steen, Vos and the Wisconsin GOP have not replied to requests for comment on this story as of the time of publication Monday. What is a TID? Generally, TIDs earn money in the following way: the village sets a base value when the TID is created, equal to the cumulative total assessed value of all of the properties in the district. As property values increase, the difference between the base value and increased value referred to as the increment is set aside. Rather than being put into the general fund, it is put into a different fund to be used for development or rehabilitation projects within the TID. RACINE The federal Department of Justice said it plans to have monitors at polls in 64 communities nationwide. Two of them are in Wisconsin and one of them is Racine. The DOJ announced Monday that it plans to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in 64 jurisdictions in 24 states on Election Day Tuesday. The monitors are lawyers who work for the U.S. government. They are not law enforcement officers or federal agents. They will include include personnel from the DOJs Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorneys Offices, the DOJ said. The action, which occurs regularly on Election Day, comes as civil rights groups and the federal government have raised alarm over potential voter intimidation at some polling places and ballot boxes. The other Wisconsin community where DOJ poll monitors are expected is in Milwaukee. Both Milwaukee and Racine have been among the communities targeted by conspiracy theorists who believe the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Donald Trump, and also have been targets of multiple election-related complaints at least one of which regarding Racines Mobile Election Unit was substantiated by the Wisconsin Elections Commission, but most of which have been rejected by the courts and the WEC. Complaints related to disruption at a polling place should always be reported immediately to local election officials, including officials in the polling place, the DOJ said in a release Monday. Complaints related to violence, threats of violence or intimidation at a polling place should be reported immediately to local police authorities by calling 911. Civil rights complaints can also be filed at civilrights.justice.gov or by calling 800-253-3931. Trained conservative poll watchers are expected to be in Racine and around the country in larger force than in prior years, looking for potential improprieties. During the 2020 presidential election, RacineCountyEye.com reported, a Republican poll watcher was ordered to leave Racines Festival Hall after he was accused of repeatedly leaving the predetermined area for observers to stand. Legal registered poll watchers are allowed to challenge any would-be elector before they cast their vote. If that happens, poll workers are legally required to question that would-be voter on if they are legally allowed to vote. If the voter affirms it is legal for them to vote but the poll watcher does not withdraw their complaint, then the voter is allowed to fill out a ballot but that ballot is stored and counted separately from other ballots in case further investigation reveals the individual was not legally able to vote. Some elections officials are concerned that poll watchers will improperly use their ability to challenge voters frivolously, which could be seen as a voter intimidation tactic and also create problems for poll workers. Online For a full list of communities where the DOJ plans to be monitoring polls and to read about the poll monitors' plans, go to bit.ly/3G0CPkZ Reporting from Michael Balsamo of the Associated Press is included in this article. Book club secrets When asked why their book club endures, when so many others last as long as a short story, Carol Beach Book Club members offer these tips for launching a book club: Ruth Vorwald enjoys the club's field trips and visits from guest authors. Example: Club members took a Chicago architecture tour after reading "The Devil in the White City," Erik Larson's 2003 non-fiction book that tells the story of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago from the viewpoint of the designers, including architect Daniel Burnham. Anita VanDenBergh enjoys "all the connections we have. A lot of us live nearby, and we can walk to each other's homes." During the gatherings, she said the host "has to be disciplined and keep the discussion going." To help with the flow of book discussions, the host has a little bell she rings "to stop the cross-talking when it gets to be too much," she said. Carole Crawford, a member since 2005, stresses the club's "sense of camaraderie. And we compromise on issues." Her tips for launching a book club? "Just get it going. You can start a club with two people. just find another person who likes to read. Friends will bring other friends, and you grow from there," Crawford said. Sherry Gourley advises new clubs to "be willing to accept a lot of different opinions. You won't all see things the same way." Patty Fullin said new book clubs should "start with something fun to read. Then you can ease into Russian novels." The club members all said not to be afraid of trying new genres and different ways to "read" books. "Our club is a mix of audio books listeners and readers," Crawford said. "I do a lot of audio books." Likewise, there are different formats for books in 2022. "Most of us did not grow up with social media, so books are still a treasure," said Terri Wruck. "Though I download books, I am still a page turner, literally, and love holding the real deal." WAUKESHA The Republican chair of the Wisconsin Assemblys elections committee along with a veterans group and other voters have filed a lawsuit seeking a court order requiring the sequestering of military absentee ballots in the battleground state. A request for an injunction in the lawsuit was rejected by the judge late Monday after a hearing that reportedly took longer than two hours. This means these 1,400 ballots will remain on track to be counted, tweeted Patrick Marley of The Washington Post. The lawsuit from state Rep. Janel Brandtjen, of Menomonee Falls, was filed Friday in Waukesha County Circuit Court, comes after a top Milwaukee County elections official was charged with fraudulently requesting three military ballots using fake names and having them sent to Brandtjen as way to expose vulnerabilities in Wisconsin elections. Kimberly Zapata, deputy director of the Milwaukee Election Commission, was fired last week and now faces charges of felony misconduct in office and three misdemeanor counts of election fraud, similar to the allegations against Harry Wait of Racine County. The lawsuit seeks a temporary injunction requiring elections officials in Wisconsin to set aside military ballots so their authenticity can be verified. A judge scheduled a Monday afternoon motion hearing in the case. Military ballots comprise a tiny fraction of all ballots cast in the state. On average, they represent about 0.07% of all absentee ballots requested, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission. In the 2018 election, 2,700 military ballots were requested and as of Thursday, 2,747 military ballots had been requested for the current election. In Wisconsin, military voters are not required to register to vote, meaning they dont need to provide a photo ID to request an absentee ballot. All absentee ballots must be received by the close of polls at 8 p.m. Tuesday in order to be counted. As of Sunday, more than 715,000 absentee ballots had been returned. Brandtjen said in a statement Sunday announcing the lawsuit that she was hopeful the courts could act quickly. Now that we know just how easy it is to illegally acquire military ballots, Im asking the courts to confirm active military status until we can close these loopholes, Brandtjen said. We all want to protect our military members from having their valor stolen in such a despicable fashion. The Union Veterans Council, a constituency group of the AFL-CIO, is seeking to intervene in the lawsuit. The groups executive director, Will Attig, called the lawsuit a pointless attack on people who are actively serving this country. Chris Yatchak, chair of the groups Milwaukee chapter, said during a virtual news conference Monday that the lawsuit was an outrageous attempt by a single individual to try and cast doubt on a free and fair election process. Im just appalled at this, Yatchak said. Its a disgusting act. Brandtjen has pushed conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. She, two other voters and Concerned Veterans of Waukesha County are represented by former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman, who investigated the 2020 election in Wisconsin and is now an attorney for the conservative Thomas More Society. Gableman was fired from his investigatory job earlier this year by Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos after his work was widely ridiculed and did not present any evidence to overcome President Joe Bidens victory. He previously appeared in court representing Wait, who was charged with election fraud and identity theft after requesting and receiving absentee ballots in the names of Vos and Racine Mayor Cory Mason in July. Brandtjen and Gableman have been supporting the election campaign of Adam Steen, who is challenging Vos. 1. Yes. Using marijuana odor to determine probable cause is vital to police investigations. 2. Yes. As the ordinance is written, it targets police; that shouldnt be allowed to stand. 3. No. The council should leave the ordinance alone and respect the will of the voters. 4. No. The council should repeal the ordinance altogether. It conflicts with state law. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say how the council should proceed on addressing the ordinance. Vote View Results By Trend Today, Azerbaijani army units stationed in Nakhchivan are equipped with the most modern weapons, Assistant of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of the Department of Military Affairs of the Presidential Administration Colonel-General Maharram Aliyev told Trend within the "Relevant with Sahil Karimli" video project. Trend presents the full version of the video interview. SINIYAH ISLAND, United Arab Emirates An ancient Christian monastery possibly dating as far back as the years before Islam spread across the Arabian Peninsula has been discovered on an island off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, officials said. The monastery on Siniyah Island, part of the sand-dune sheikhdom of Umm al-Quwain, sheds new light on the history of early Christianity along the shores of the Persian Gulf. It marks the second such monastery found in the Emirates, dating back as many as 1,400 years long before its desert expanses gave birth to a thriving oil industry that led to a unified nation home to the high-rise towers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The two monasteries became lost in the sands of time as scholars believe Christians slowly converted to Islam as that faith grew more prevalent in the region. Today, Christians remain a minority across the wider Middle East. For Timothy Power, an associate professor of archaeology at the United Arab Emirates University who helped investigate the newly discovered monastery, said the UAE today is a "melting pot of nations." "The fact that something similar was happening here a thousand years ago is really remarkable and this is a story that deserves to be told," he said. The monastery sits on Siniyah Island, which shields the Khor al-Beida marshlands in Umm al-Quwain, an emirate some 30 miles northeast of Dubai along the coast of the Persian Gulf. The island, whose name means "flashing lights" likely due to the effect of the white-hot sun overhead, has a series of sandbars coming off of it like crooked fingers. On one, to the island's northeast, archaeologists discovered the monastery. Carbon dating of samples found in the monastery's foundation date to between 534 and 656. Islam's Prophet Muhammad was born around 570 and died in 632 after conquering Mecca in present-day Saudi Arabia. Viewed from above, the monastery on Siniyah Island's floor plan suggests early Christian worshippers prayed within a single-aisle church at the monastery. Rooms within appear to hold a baptismal font, as well as an oven for baking bread or wafers for communion rites. A nave also likely held an altar and an installation for communion wine. Next to the monastery sits a second building with four rooms, likely around a courtyard possibly the home of an abbot or even a bishop in the early church. The site was visited last week by Noura bint Mohammed al-Kaabi, the country's culture and youth minister, as well as Sheikh Majid bin Saud Al Mualla, the chairman of the Umm al-Quwain's Tourism and Archaeology Department and a son of the emirate's ruler. The island remains part of the ruling family's holdings, which has protected the land for years. The UAE's Culture Ministry in part has sponsored the dig, which continues at the site. Just hundreds of yards away from the church sits a collection of buildings that archaeologists believe belongs to a pre-Islamic village. Elsewhere on the island, piles of tossed-aside clams from pearl hunting make for massive, industrial-sized hills. Nearby also sits a village that the British blew up in 1820 before the region became part of what was known as the Trucial States, the precursor of the UAE. That village's destruction brought about the creation of the modern-day settlement of Umm al-Quwain on the mainland. Historians say early churches and monasteries spread along the Persian Gulf to the coasts of present-day Oman and all the way to India. Archaeologist have found other similar churches and monasteries in Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. In the early 1990s, archaeologists discovered the first Christian monastery in the UAE, on Sir Bani Yas Island, today a nature preserve and site of luxury hotels off the coast of Abu Dhabi, near the Saudi border. It similarly dates back to the same period as the new find in Umm al-Quwain. However, evidence of early life along the Khor al-Beida marshlands in Umm al-Quwain dates as far back as the Neolithic period suggesting continuous human inhabitance in the area for at least 10,000 years, Power said. Today, the area near the marshland is more known for the low-cost liquor store at the emirate's Barracuda Beach Resort. In recent months, authorities demolished a hulking, Soviet-era cargo plane linked to a Russian gunrunner known as the "Merchant of Death" as it builds a bridge to Siniyah Island for a $675 million real estate development. Power said that development spurred the archaeological work that discovered the monastery. That site and others will be fenced off and protected, he said, though it remains unclear what other secrets of the past remain hidden on the island. "It's a really fascinating discovery because in some ways it's hidden history it's not something that's widely known," Power said. BHANINE, Lebanon Shadia Ahmed panicked as rainwater flooded her shack one night, drenching her seven children. The next morning, the kids were seized by vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms. After an aid group administered tests for cholera in Ahmed's Syrian refugee encampment in the northern Lebanese town of Bhanine, her youngest, 4-year-old Assil, tested positive. Cholera has swept across Lebanon, Syria and Iraq as the countries struggle with devastated infrastructure, turmoil and housing large populations of people displaced by conflict. Lebanon last month reported the first cholera case in nearly 30 years. The bacterial infection has surged globally across dozens of countries this year, with outbreaks in Haiti and across the Horn of Africa as well as the Mideast. The outbreaks of hundreds of thousands of cases driven by conflict, poverty and climate change are a major setback for global efforts to eradicate the disease. "Cholera thrives in poverty and conflict but is now turbocharged by climate change," said Inas Hamam, a regional spokeswoman for the World Health Organization. "Regional and global health security is in jeopardy." Anti-cholera efforts focus on vaccination, clean water and sanitation. Last month, WHO announced the temporary suspension of a two-dose vaccination strategy because production couldn't meet surging demand. Officials are now administering single doses so more people can benefit from the vaccine in the short term. A cholera infection is caused by consuming food or water infected with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. While most cases are mild to moderate, cholera can cause death if it's not treated correctly. "I would spend the whole night taking her to the bathroom, giving her medication, washing and sterilizing her," Ahmed, 33, said of Assil, her child who got cholera. "I couldn't sleep, and was up all night just looking at her. I feared the worst." Assil and her siblings eventually got better; she was the only confirmed cholera case in the family. Across the border in Syria, officials and U.N. agencies announced last month that a cholera outbreak was sweeping the entire country. The outbreak in Syria is due to people drinking unsafe water from the Euphrates River and using contaminated water to irrigate crops, according to the U.N. and the Syrian Health Ministry. In the government-held areas of Syria and in the country's northeast, held by U.S.-backed Kurdish-led forces, there have since been roughly 17,000 cases of cholera and 29 deaths. In the rebel-held Idlib province of Syria, most of the 4 million residents are displaced by the conflict. They depend on international aid and live in camps. Over half of Idlib does not have regular access to water. Many families use polluted water from wells close to sewage. There have been 3,104 cholera cases and five deaths in Idlib province. Dr. Abdullah Hemeidi of the Syrian American Medical Society anticipates a surge this winter. "The health care system in the area is weak," he said. "Medical organizations and local councils are trying to sanitize water and they are holding workshops to limit the spread." In the Salaheddine camp in the opposition-held countryside northwest of Aleppo, children play near sewage. Community workers hold awareness sessions for residents. "We're worried it will spread in our camp," resident Jamil Latfo said. Iraq has struggled with cholera outbreaks for years. In Lebanon, the disease was rare for decades. Three years ago, Lebanon fell into an economic crisis. Most Lebanese now rely on water trucked in by private suppliers, and private generators for electricity. Utilities can't buy fuel and pump water into households. Since last month, Lebanon has reported 2,421 cases and 18 deaths. About a quarter of these cases are children under the age of five. The Vibrio cholerae bacteria has been found in drinking-water, sewer systems, and irrigation water. The country hosts more than a million Syrian refugees. Most cases of cholera have been detected in refugee camps, Lebanon's Health Ministry said. In Bhanine, Ahmed and her children are tucked between apartment buildings, along with dozens of other Syrian refugees. The families live in wooden shacks with tarp walls and ceilings. They share three toilets and three sinks. Like most households in Lebanon, camp residents buy water trucked in by private suppliers. The state does not test the water for safety. "The water was contaminated but we had no choice but to use it," resident Ali Hamadi said. "There was no drinking water, let alone water to clean, wash the dishes, wash our clothes or for the shower." U.N. aid agencies started providing clean water for the camp, while disinfecting walls and doors and holding information sessions. They're also donating fuel to the Lebanese government so authorities can pump water again. "The support we offer cannot replace the service lines and the national electricity grid, which is basically not functioning most of the time," said Ettie Higgins, deputy representative for Lebanon of the U.N. children's agency, UNICEF. UNICEF said it needs $40.5 million to continue its work in Lebanon and Syria for the next three months. Theres a saying that adversity makes you stronger. Real life shows thats not always true, but the adage highlights an evolving debate among scientists about resilience. After traumatic events and crises such as child abuse, gun violence or a pandemic, what explains why some people bounce back, while others struggle to cope? Is it nature genes and other inherent traits? Or nurture life experiences and social interactions? Decades of research suggest both play a role, but that neither seals a person's fate. Although scientists use different definitions, resilience generally refers to the ability to handle severe stress. It involves behaviors, thoughts and actions that can be learned and developed in anyone, according to the American Psychological Association. That effort is harder for some people, because of genetics, biology and life circumstances, evidence suggests. Landmark U.S. research in the mid 1990s linked adverse childhood experiences with poor mental and physical health in adulthood. It found that every additional adversity added to higher risks later on. Scientists have conducted numerous studies trying to answer why some kids are more vulnerable to those experiences than others. California pediatrician and researcher Dr. Thomas Boyce decided to dig deeper into that question because of his own family history. He and his sister, who is two years younger, were extremely close amid sometimes turbulent family circumstances. As they grew into adulthood, Boyces life seemed blessed by good luck, while his sister sank into hardship and mental illness. In laboratory tests, Boyce found that about 1 in 5 kids have elevated biological responses to stress. He found signs of hyperactivity in their brains fight-or-flight response and in their stress hormones. Real-world evidence showed kids like these have higher rates of physical and mental troubles when raised in stressful family situations. But evidence also shows these hyper-sensitive kids can thrive with nurturing, supportive parenting, Boyce says. Ananda Amstadter, who studies traumatic stress and genetics at Virginia Commonwealth University, said her research suggests that stress resilience is roughly half influenced by genes and half by environmental factors. But she emphasized that many genes are likely involved; there is no single resilience gene.'' In other studies, Duke University researchers Terrie Moffitt and Avshalom Caspi have linked variations in genes that help regulate mood with increased risks for depression or antisocial behavior in kids who experienced child abuse or neglect. But genes are not destiny," says Dr. Dennis Charney, academic affairs president at Mount Sinai Health System in New York, who has studied ways to overcome adversity. Trauma can affect the development of key brain systems that regulate anxiety and fear. Psychotherapy and psychiatric medication can sometimes help people who've experienced severe trauma and hardship. And Charney said a loving family, a strong network of friends and positive experiences in school can help counterbalance the ill effects. With an early childhood in Haiti marked by poverty and other trauma, 19-year-old Steeve Biondolillo seems to have beat long odds. His desperate parents sent him at age 4 to an orphanage, where he lived for three years. I didnt really understand what was happening, he recalls. I just got thrown into a big house full of other kids. He remembers feeling frightened and abandoned, certain hed live there forever. An American couple visited the orphanage and made plans to adopt him and a younger brother. But then came Haitis devastating 2010 earthquake, which killed more than 100,000 and decimated Haitis capital and nearby towns. All the hope that I had suddenly vanished, Biondolillo said. Ultimately, the adoption went through, and the family eventually moved to Idaho. Biondolillo's new life gave him opportunities he never dreamed of, but he says he was still haunted by the baggage and trauma that I had from Haiti. His adoptive parents got him involved in a local Boys & Girls club, a place where he and his brother could go after school just to be kids and have fun. Biondolillo says supportive adults there gave him space to talk about his life, so different from the other kids, and helped him feel welcomed and loved. Now a college sophomore majoring in social work, he envisions a career working with the needy, helping to give back and nurture others. It has been a journey, he says, from scared little kid to me, proud young man with big goals and a big future. SHISHMAREF, Alaska Search online for the little town of Shishmaref and youll see homes perilously close to the ocean, and headlines that warn this Native community in western Alaska is on the verge of disappearing. Climate change is partially to blame for the rising seas, flooding, erosion and loss of protective ice and land that are threatening this Inupiat village of about 600 people just a few miles from the Arctic Circle. But the dire situation is only part of the story. The people of Shishmaref are resourceful and resilient, said Rich Stasenko, who arrived to Shishmaref to teach in the 70s and never left. I dont see victims here. Yes, residents have voted twice to relocate. But they havent moved. Theres not enough money to fund relocation. And perhaps, most importantly, there are no places like Shishmaref. Elsewhere they would be far from prime spots for subsistence hunting, fishing and berry picking that make up most of their nutrition. They would be dispersed from their close-knit community that takes pride in its traditions, and celebrates milestones at their homes, local school and one of the worlds northernmost Lutheran churches. But its too burdensome to only dwell on the climate crisis, said the Rev. Aaron Silco, who is co-pastor of the Shishmaref Lutheran Church with his wife, Anna. Theres still life happening. On a recent Sunday, they celebrated Mass with about two dozen parishioners. The Rev. Anna Silco asked the children in the group to gather on the steps of the altar and gave them mustard seeds to explain the parable about keeping faith despite challenges. A mustard seed can grow into a huge tree, she told them. My faith can be as small as a mustard seed and that will be enough. Ardith Weyiouanna and two of her grandchildren reflected on how they related to Shishmaref. Its hard to see myself living elsewhere, said Weyiouanna, whose family first came to Shishmaref with a dogsled team in 1958. My home means my way of life, carried down to me by my ancestors living off the land, the ocean, the air And its important to teach it to my children, to my grandchildren so they can continue the life that weve known in our time and before our time, she said. That traditional lifestyle is vulnerable to climate change effects. In Alaska, the average temperature has increased 2.5 degrees since 1992, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Arctic had been warming twice as fast as the globe as a whole, but now has jumped to three times faster in some seasons, according to the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program. Shishmaref sits on the small island of Sarichef. Only about half of it is habitable, but hundreds of feet of shore have been lost in past decades. A warmer climate also melts faster a protective layer of ice during the fall, making it more susceptible to storms. In 1997, about 30 feet of the north shore was eroded after a storm, prompting the relocation of 14 homes, according to a Alaska Department of Commerce report. Five more homes were moved in 2002. Today, Shishmaref is one of dozens of Alaska Native villages that face significant environmental threats, according to a U.S. Government Accountability Office report published in May that says climate change is expected to exacerbate these threats. Im scared we will have to move eventually, said Lloyd Kiyutelluk, president of the local tribal council. I dont want it to be declared an emergency. But the way things are were getting storms that weve never seen before. Ahead of a powerful storm in September, officials warned that some places in Alaska could see the worst flooding in 50 years. In Shishmaref, the storm wiped out a road leading to the garbage dump and sewage lagoon, creating a health hazard for a town that lacks running water. Molly Snell said she prayed for a miracle that would save her village from being forced to evacuate. The right storm with the right wind could take out our whole island, said Snell, 35, the general manager of the Shishmaref Native Corp. For someone to say that climate change is not real kind of hurts a little bit because were seeing it firsthand, she said. On a recent day, she prepared a dinner for the 31st birthday of her partner, Tyler Weyiouanna, who had just returned from a hunting trip. Their meal included turkey, a cake decorated with a photo of him and the last bear he had hunted, and akutuq, an ice cream-like dish traditionally made by Alaska indigenous cultures from berries, seal oil and the fat of caribou and other animals. Other hunters also returned home that day with a catch of spotted seals that were laid outside ready to be skinned and cured, a traditional weeks-long process that is usually carried out by women. The fur of a polar bear dried in a rack next to the towns airstrip. Residents drive snow machines and all-terrain vehicles, but there are no other vehicles on the sandy roads. This is not a community that is responsible for greenhouse gas emissions and industrialization to the extent that we know Western Europe and North America have been, said Elizabeth Marino, an anthropologist and author of Fierce Climate, Sacred Ground: An ethnography of climate change in Shishmaref, Alaska. She described it as climate injustice, and some believe this injustice has claimed lives. Ask John Kokeok about climate change effects and hell tell you that he started paying attention after a personal tragedy. His brother Norman, a skilled hunter, knew the ice and trails well. Yet during a hunting trip in 2007, his snow machine fell through ice that melted earlier than usual, and died. John blames climate change and he has been retelling his story ever since in hopes of warning younger generations and finding solutions to protect Shishmaref. He voted to relocate the community to safer ground. But he also wants to protect their traditions. Only forced evacuation could make him leave now. I know were not the only ones that are getting impacted, he said. Im sure theres everybody else on the coastline. But this is home. LINCOLN While several states are bracing for potential conflicts with hostile poll watchers on Election Day, election officials in Nebraska dont share the same concerns. Election commissioners from Nebraskas two most populous counties Douglas and Lancaster both said the number of volunteer poll watchers that will be monitoring Tuesdays general election are level or slightly lower compared to 2020. The groups recruiting the volunteers also come from a range of political affiliations. In states such as North Carolina, New Mexico and Wisconsin, there are growing concerns that poll workers will face disruption and hostility from a wave of newly aggressive poll watchers, who are largely fueled by false theories that the 2020 presidential election was rigged, according to reporting by the Associated Press. In Arizona, reports of armed people some wearing ballistic vests watching ballot boxes prompted the U.S. Justice Department to issue a statement last week saying the armed onlookers raised serious concerns about voter intimidation. Gavin Geis, executive director of political watchdog group Common Cause Nebraska, said they havent witnessed any signs of hostility among the volunteers theyve recruited with Civic Nebraska, a nonprofit that, among other things, has vocally opposed an initiative that would enact voter ID in Nebraska. Steve Smith, a Civic Nebraska spokesperson, said as of Thursday, theyd signed up about 65 volunteers, which is down from the over 100 volunteers theyd recruited for both 2018 and 2020. Smith said the group hopes to have 100 volunteers by Election Day. It seems like people are pretty burnt out on election work, Geis said. In Nebraska, state law requires poll watchers or groups recruiting poll watchers to provide written notice either to the county election official or the Nebraska secretary of state. Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse said Civic Nebraska typically has poll watchers in the county every election year. This year, it was one of three groups that provided a total of 80 volunteers who will deploy throughout the countys 212 polling locations. The other two groups are the Douglas County Republicans and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Lancaster County Election Commissioner David Shively said his office was notified of 41 total poll watchers from Civic Nebraska and the Lancaster County Republican Party. Both Kruse and Shively said these numbers are normal. Kruse said he doesnt anticipate any issues with poll watchers. However, if a problem does arise, Douglas County poll workers have been trained to de-escalate hostile situations, he said. Common Cause Nebraska works with a national hotline that takes calls concerning election security to monitor claims made about Nebraskas elections, Geis said. While he expects to receive multiple calls on Election Day, so far the hotline has been quiet. Many of the states experiencing concerns over hostile poll watchers are states President Joe Biden either won in 2020, or states former President Donald Trump won by a slim margin of 1-2 percentage points. This was not the case in Nebraska, where Trump won by over 19 percentage points. However, Biden did win one of the states five electoral votes representing the states 2nd Congressional District, which covers Omaha and Douglas County. Still, Nebraska has not been immune from allegations concerning elections. Complaints involving the 2020 election led Secretary of State Bob Evnen to release a PowerPoint presentation earlier this year titled Fake vs Fact: Setting the Record Straight about Nebraskas Elections. The presentation touched on and refuted more than a dozen myths regarding the election, and it addressed calls for a full forensic audit of the results. The Secretary of States Office is fully informed of the concerns and claims that have been raised and has carefully investigated them. We have found no justification for conducting a full forensic audit or for a hand count of ballots, the presentation stated. Although Kruse said his office hasnt received any credible accusations regarding Douglas Countys election integrity, it has experienced a slight rise in calls questioning election security. In all these cases, he said, his office alleviated any concerns the callers had by explaining their process. Kruse said the Douglas County Election Commission employs multiple levels of security to ensure the accuracy of election results. Their ballot counting machines are not connected to the internet, and are monitored in a windowed room with two cameras. Two people from different political parties run the machines, and only get access through double-authentication, he said. Those who do have concerns on Election Day whether they stem from intimidation, threats or fraud have multiple options for filing complaints. The United States Attorneys Office for the District of Nebraska announced Friday that it will be available to respond to complaints and ensure theyre directed to the appropriate authorities throughout the duration of voting on Election Day. Polls in Nebraska are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central time, which is 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mountain time. The office can be contacted at 402-661-3700. The U.S. Attorneys Office also noted the FBI will have special agents available in field offices across the country, and the Election Integrity Unit in the Nebraska Secretary of States Office will be on standby Tuesday. Nebraskans can either call their county election official or the Secretary of States Office at 402-471-2555 to report problems. Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate, Steven Russell, acting U.S. attorney for the District of Nebraska, said in the press release. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice. It's Election Day A regional race for the Nebraska Board of Education and a tug-o-war for the Nebraska Public Power District Board of Directors have garnered the attention of Kearney area voters. MADISON, Wis. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Nov. 7 announced the City of Westby is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) to address deficiencies in its public drinking water system. This project includes the replacement of water mains and sanitary sewer on Sunset Lane, Greenbriar Drive, Meadowlark Lane, Blackhawk Lane and Ulland Street in the City of Westby. Activities related to this project are minor actions under Chapter NR 150, Wis. Admin. Code, for which no environmental analysis is required; however, following the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program federal requirement 40 C.F.R. 35.3580, an environmental review must be conducted before funding this project. The Safe Drinking Water Loan Program has determined that the project will not result in significant adverse environmental effects, and no further environmental review or analysis is needed before proceeding with funding the project. The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding this decision and the potential environmental impacts of this project. Submit comments by Nov. 18 to: Department of Natural Resources, C/O Kevin Olson, Community Financial Assistance, CF/2, 101 S. Webster St. P.O. Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707, Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov or 608-234-2238. Based on the comments received, the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the funding process. The analysis would summarize the DNRs consideration of the projects impacts and reasonable alternatives. ROCHESTER Former President Donald Trump has re-upped his endorsement of conservative write-in state legislative candidate Adam Steen in the final week before Election Day. In a new prerecorded robocall, Trump again attacks incumbent Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, calling Vos a horrendous RINO, shorthand for Republican In Name Only. The former president tells voters to write-in Steen and calls Vos an absolute disaster Vos has really let you down on voter integrity and just about everything else. Vos is among the most effective conservative legislators and leaders in state history, having played major roles in the passage of the last two legislative maps that have benefited Republicans, the union-busting Act 10 a decade ago, and the December 2018 lame duck legislative session where Republicans passed bills that weakened the powers of the attorney general and governor after Republicans lost those seats but before Democrats were sworn in. A number of bills the Republican state Legislature passed following the 2020 election, which included added steps to getting absentee ballots and other election law tightening measures, were vetoed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. The Burlington native fell on Trumps bad side as Vos refused to support Trumps ongoing attempts to have the results of the 2020 presidential election overturned. Vos called the new robocalls not surprising because Donald Trump is singularly obsessed on the 2020 election It is the only reason Adam Steen is running and the only reason he is a potentially viable candidate. Vos said it would involve violating his oath of office to uphold the Constitution to support Trumps attempts to overturn the election now two years after the fact. An excerpt from Donald Trump's robocall re-endorsing Adam Steen Hello, Wisconsin. This is your favorite president I hope Donald J. Trump calling about a very important election happening in your state: 63rd Assembly District this Tuesday, Nov. 8. This is a really, really important one. A proud small-business owner and farmer named Adam Steen is running against a horrendous RINO, Robin Vos, an absolute disaster. And its going to be a historic write-in campaign. Robin Vos has really let you down on voter integrity and just about everything else. As your next state representative, Adam will work with Janel Brandtjen (a state representative who has supported efforts to overturn the 2020 election), an incredible woman, to stop voter fraud in Wisconsin and restore free, fair and honest elections, something Robin Vos will never, ever do This Tuesday, send a message to all RINOs out there these are real sellouts to our country and to our party, theyre losers by any standard you want a true patriot, Adam Steen, to represent the 63rd Assembly District. In an odd three-way race including two write-in candidates, the better Steen performs in Tuesdays election, the better odds a Democrat Joel Jacobsen, a former City of Burlington alderman has of winning the seat. Vos declined to answer if he would be able to support Trump should he run for president again in 2024. He did say that the race against Jacobsen and Steen hasnt been about Donald Trump but rather should be about more locally relevant issues. The campaign so far Steens campaign has been based largely around election integrity and the claims that Trump actually defeated Joe Biden in 2020 even though multiple recounts, bipartisan and nonpartisan reviews, and court cases have affirmed that Biden did win and there is no evidence of widespread fraud. Steen supports an election system in which all voters excluding members of the military have only one day to vote and must vote in person, which would likely disenfranchise thousands around the state, and all ballots are counted by hand, which would almost certainly delay when election results are able to be tabulated and announced. Vos defeated Steen in an Aug. 9 Republican primary by fewer than 300 votes, the closest election Vos has experienced since first running to represent state Assembly District 63 in 2004. Steens campaign was boosted by a late endorsement by Trump, who won District 63 in both of his presidential runs. Following the loss in the primary, Steen launched a write-in campaign. Seeing the split within the GOP, Jacobsen launched a write-in campaign of his own. Jacobsen had been on the ticket as a Democrat in each of the last two election cycles, but never came close to unseating the incumbent Vos. While Jacobsen and Steen would likely both be longshots on their own to win in the 63rd District, the Democrat has a chance of winning the traditionally red district in part because Steen will likely win thousands of conservative votes that likely would have otherwise gone to Vos. If Democrats get out and vote for Jacobsen on Tuesday, they could end up winning a surprise seat in the Assembly thanks to Steens write-in effort. Trumps robocall does mention or allude to Jacobsen at all. Asked for comment Saturday, Jacobsen said in an email Mr. Trumps robocall is a new aspect in this three-way race for the 63rd Assembly (District). I am the only candidate standing up for womens reproductive rights decimated by an archaic 1849 law. I am the only candidate intent on the restoration of democracy and voter rights destroyed by the Republican Party in Wisconsin over the past 11 years. I am appealing to my fellow Dems as well as Republicans who respect democracy and equal rule of law. The 63rd Assembly District generally includes the southern half of Racine County west of Highway 31, including much of Mount Pleasant, Sturtevant, Union Grove, Yorkville, Burlington and Rochester. Steen, with the support of MyPillow Guy Mike Lindell, had asked for Trump to rally in-person in Racine County before Tuesday, but that never materialized while Trump has hosted other rallies around the country as he appears to be gearing up for a 2024 presidential run. In an advertisement recorded by Lindell in support of Steen, Lindell called Vos the biggest threat to election integrity in our country. Lindell, through right-wing cable news and the internet, is among the nations most prominent supporters of theories regarding how the 2020 election was stolen from Trump. Florida officials are warning residents, including those recently hit by the destructive Hurricane Ian, that a tropical system could bring heavy rain and damaging winds this week. The warning comes as the storm is currently developing about 300 miles northeast of southeastern Bahamas. Already, the US territories of Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands are under a flash flood watch through Monday afternoon. As the system forms, it will possibly churn toward Florida and the southeast U.S. through early this week, according to CNN Meteorologist Robert Shackelford. "Regardless of development, heavy rainfall, coastal flooding, gale force winds and rip tides will impact eastern Florida and the southeast U.S.," Shackelford explained. Rainfalls in the Sunshine State could range between 2 and 4 inches, with isolated amounts possibly exceeding 6 inches, according to Shackelford. Areas south of Tampa, some of which are still in recovery mode following Hurricane Ian's landfall in late September, could be drenched with 2 to 4 inches of rain. Orlando is also at risk of seeing 1 to 2 inches of rain while areas south of Jacksonville could be hit with 1 to 4 inches. Ahead of the storm, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged residents Sunday to take precaution. "I encourage all Floridians to be prepared and make a plan in the event a storm impacts Florida," DeSantis said in a news release. "We will continue to monitor the path and trajectory of Invest 98L and we remain in constant contact with all state and local government partners." DeSantis stressed that residents should prepare for an increased risk of coastal flooding, heavy winds, rain, rip currents and beach erosion. "Wind gusts can be expected as soon as Tuesday of next week along Florida's East Coast," he added. On Tuesday, which is Election Day, much of the Florida Peninsula can expect breezy to gusty conditions. Chances of rain are expected to increase throughout the day for central and eastern cities such as Miami north to Daytona Beach and inland toward Orlando and Okeechobee. "Conditions may deteriorate as early as Tuesday and persist into Thursday night/Friday morning," the National Weather Service in Miami said. "Impacts to South Florida may include rip currents, coastal flooding, dangerous surf/marine conditions, flooding rainfall, strong sustained winds, and waterspouts/tornadoes." In the meantime, DeSantis said as the state continues recovering from Ian's disastrous destruction, officials are also coordinating with local emergency management authorities across the state's 67 counties. The goal is to "identify potential resource gaps and to implement plans that will allow the state to respond quickly and efficiently ahead of the potential strengthening" of the storm system, said the release. Hurricane Ian made landfall as a strong Category 4 storm on the west coast of the Florida peninsula, packing nearly 150 mph winds. The storm killed at least 120 people in Florida, destroyed many homes and leveled small communities. Thousands of people were without power or water for running days. And although the exact forecast for the upcoming storm is still unclear, forecasters said confidence has increased that the storm system could develop into a tropical or subtropical depression within the next two days. "The system could be at or near hurricane strength before it approaches the northwestern Bahamas and the east coast of Florida on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing the potential for a dangerous storm surge, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall to a portion of those areas," the weather service said. The-CNN-Wire & 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. A partnership between the League of Women Voters of the La Crosse Area and the Tribune brings you weekly messages from local residents who vote. Why do they do it election after election? They share their often-inspiring reasons. This series will continue on Tuesday, election day. And we hope it moves you to visit the polls, if you have not voted yet. To those who have voted early, we offer a collective high five. There are so many important federal, state and local races, including critical school and public safety referendums. Your voice needs to be heard now. Here are just a few reasons to vote, offered by your neighbors through our weekly series: Voting is one of the ways that I as an ordinary citizen can express my ideas and support those who share them. I spent 19 years in Zululand, South Africa, where only white people had the opportunity to vote, and I found that very offensive. June Kjome, 101, of La Crosse I vote because I want my voice heard. I believe every vote counts and I want mine to help make a difference. I vote to participate in our democracy at all levels of government. I want a say in our government and the policies and laws they pass. Hugo Guerrero of Onalaska I vote because I would like to see change and be the change in our world! Hailey Brueggen, Holmen, UW-La Crosse student I see promise and opportunity all around me. In our democracy we strive for success in all we do. I vote because I believe we are best when all eligible voters participate in having their voices heard thru the ballot box. We are an imperfect union striving to improve. Michael Murphy of Onalaska I vote because I want to participate in electing informed public servants who listen to their constituents and believe that we are all in this together. I do not take for granted the sacrifices that have been made by previous generations to form a government of, for and by the people. The experience of joining peacefully with my friends and neighbors on Election Day is a celebration of our freedom. Count me in! Jane Powell, La Crosse I became a naturalized citizen in 2003. I did not know the importance of what it meant to become a U.S. Citizen then, and all the rights and privileges one has afforded to them. There are too many to name, but to name a feweligibility for financial aid to help pay for college, along with the ability to receive certain scholarships and fellowships. One of the basic criterions in receiving financial support is citizenship. Now more than ever, as a U.S. Citizen, I am more aware of whats at stake in elections and the countrys future. Its a basic civic duty to vote. I acknowledge those who fought tirelessly for this opportunity and for those who continue do so every day. I cannot stress enough the importance of voting. Your voice matters, your vote matters! Jose Rubio-Zepeda of La Crosse By Trend On the eve of the second anniversary of the Great Victory, the Minister of Healthcare, Teymur Musayev, and the members of the ministry board visited the graves of martyrs of the second Karabakh war in the second Alley of Honor, Trend reports citing the ministry. The Victory Day of the 44-day second Karabakh war is celebrated in Azerbaijan on November 8th. The Karabakh Victory is the victory that was written in gold letters in the centuries-old history of Azerbaijan. The victory was achieved through the efforts of the states army, led by Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev. An end has been put to the 30-year Armenian occupation and the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan was restored. During the visit, the memory of doctors and medical workers who died for the sake of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan was honored, flowers were laid on the graves, and prayers for the repose of their souls were offered. During the 44-day war, 44 medical employees died: 11 doctors, 7 paramedics, and 26 medical instructors. A total of 159 military medical staff were injured. Ukraine Claims We Dont Have No Stinking Hit List Nov. 6, 2022 (EIRNS)Suddeutschezeitung today reported that in the course of an interview with SZ, Rolf Mutzenich, leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) caucus in the Bundestag, complained about being put on a Ukrainian terrorist list, for advocating a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, instead of Germany supply arms to Ukraine. SZ reported that Mutzenich was describing a list of some 70-odd people the Center for Countering Disinformation of Ukraines National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) that was posted in July but removed. In fact the original list, whose first 30 names were all individualsfrom Germany, France, two candidates for U.S. federal election, among others from the United States, India, Russia, Italy, China, Japan, and other nations, who had addressed Schiller Institute conferences in the previous half-year, seeking a new security and economic architecture for the world. CCD director Andriy Shapovalov on July 14, the date of the first list, called those named as Russian propagandists terrorists, who should be prosecuted. A March 28, 2022 CCD document states outright, Information terrorism is a crime against humanity, and proceeds to describe its function as part of the NSDC: Pursuant to this, it is obligatory to designate a list of individuals sponsoring information terrorism. At least four people, including a Ukrainian member of parliament, two Ukrainian journalists, and a Russian journalist, on a related list called Myrotvorets, which includes personal information of the names on its list, have been murdered. The Russian woman, Darya Dugina, was killed on Aug. 20, 2022 when her car blew up in Moscow. Bad press caused the first CCD list to be removed, only to be reposted in early October, with Schiller Institute founder Helga Zepp-LaRouche as the first name. That list, which included at least one head of state, has now also been removed as of this weekend. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry responded in anger to Mutzenichs interview and remarks about the CCD terror list at an SPD event in Berlin on Nov. 5 The Ukrainian government does not keep a terror list," Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko wrote on Facebook. And as far as I know, there are no proceedings against Rolf Mutzenich in the Ukraine either. All of the German politician's claims about his alleged persecution by Ukrainian authorities are untrue, SZ cites the Kiev regime as saying. Moreover, Ukraines disgraced former Ambassador to Germany Andrij Melnyk, who maintains a German-language Twitter account, wrote (as translated) Mimimi. There is no terror list of the Ukrainian government. Stop presenting yourself as an innocent victim. Melnyk was fired in early July after giving a YouTube interview defending Ukrainian Nazi Stepan Bandera, and denying Banderas role in murdering thousand of Jews, Russians and Poles during World War II. EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2022 The True Conflict Facing the World Nov. 6, 2022 (EIRNS)Will nuclear Armageddon be prevented? And by whom? The United States is holding elections on Tuesday, elections whose outcome will surely have some impact on the threat of an escalationby a combination of choice and accidenttowards nuclear war. But what will that impact be? Is nuclear extinction a partisan issue? Can a Republican Congress be counted on to de-escalate a situation in which so many institutions have committed themselves to a defeat of Russia? And what of the growing threat of conflict with China? The current strategic confrontation is not one of democracies against autocracies, writes Schiller Institute founder Helga Zepp-LaRouche. It is exclusively about the determination of the U.S. and the U.K. to assert their right to be the sole world power. To this end, they have launched a confrontation against Russia and China, in which Germany and all of Europe are in the gravest danger of being pulverized. The real conflict, she continues, is between the forces in the world that intend to maintain the worn-out concept of a unipolar, imperial and colonialist world order and the absolute majority of the nations of this world that are determined to overcome colonialism forever, to leave poverty and underdevelopment behind. These countries are in the process of building a completely new economic system. Executive Intelligence Review, the weekly magazine founded by Lyndon LaRouche in 1974, sponsored a discussion of this issue at length on Nov. 5, A Nuclear War Cannot Be Won and Must Never Be Fought, which offered a sobering understanding of the risk of war, a deeper assessment of its causes, and the contours of the system of relations that would eliminate it as a threat. More people are speaking up. Rolf Mutzenich, who heads the Social Democratic Party group in the German Parliament, has denounced the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) for establishing a list of terrorists, which includes his name. Jeffrey Sachs has called anew for a negotiated settlement to the conflict: The U.S. and Ukraine should accept three absolutely reasonable terms to end the war: Ukraines military neutrality; Russias de facto hold on Crimea, home to its Black Sea naval fleet since 1783; and a negotiated autonomy for the ethnic-Russian regions, as was called for in the Minsk Agreements, but which Ukraine failed to implement. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have cynically urged Ukraine to give the appearance of a willingness to negotiate, as a PR move to bolster what is wrongly called military support for that nation. The quality of leadership required to achieve a sudden shift in orientation cannot come from established trans-Atlantic authorities, and looking to them for courage and action would be a tragic mistake. The growing danger of nuclear Armageddon brings the realization that it is the growth of the LaRouche movement and the leadership it coordinates and inspires that holds the potential to rescue the West from destroying itself and global civilization. Will you be a part of making that happen, as U.S. Senate candidate Diane Sare has in her campaign? North Koreas military said Monday that missile tests last week were preparation for striking South Korean and U.S. military targets. The military also said the tests were an answer to large U.S. and South Korean air force drills. This years drills involving the U.S. and South Korea were the largest ever for their annual fall exercises. The drills involved 240 warplanes including high-technology F-35 fighter jets. The allies had planned to carry out drills for five days ending on Friday. But South Korea and the U.S. held an additional day of training in reaction to the Norths missile tests. The General Staff of North Koreas military said in a statement that the North will answer U.S. and South Korean military exercises with more of its own exercises. North Korea launched more than 20 missiles and flew warplanes towards its sea border last week. Those actions caused evacuation warnings in some areas of South Korea and Japan. North Korea said some cruise missiles fell in international waters about 80 kilometers from South Koreas southeastern coastal city of Ulsan. The Norths military said it also tested a ballistic missile with a special warhead with the goal of paralyzing the operation command system of the enemy. Some observers suggest the statement could describe an attack using electromagnetic energy. But it is unclear whether North Korea has developed such technology or can use it. U.S. and South Korea warn North Korea On Saturday, the final day of the air force exercises, the United States flew two B-1B bombers over South Korea for the first time since December 2017. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said the B-1Bs showed the allies are ready to answer North Koreas provocations. They also said it showed the U.S. will defend its ally with all its forces, including nuclear weapons. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned on Thursday that any nuclear attacks against the United States or its allies and partners is unacceptable and will result in the end of the Kim regime. South Koreas military warned earlier that using nuclear weapons would put the North on a path of self-destruction. Some experts said the missiles launched last week were short-distance missiles that could carry nuclear warheads. The missiles could threaten important military bases including U.S. bases. South Korean and U.S. officials have continued to say their drills are defensive and that they are not planning to invade the North. U.S. and South Korean militaries have been expanding their regular drills since May when South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol took office. Yoon has promised to take a stronger position against North Korea. In recent years, some of the exercises were reduced or canceled. The reduction was meant to support diplomatic efforts aimed at ending North Koreas nuclear program or to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Im Andrew Smith. Hyung-Jin Kim wrote this story for the Associated Press. Andrew Smith adapted it for VOA Learning English. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story drill n. a military exercise meant to increase readiness annual adj. yearly evacuation n. the process of leaving or being removed from a place because of danger there ballistic missile n. a missile that travels large distances and falls to the ground and explodes paralyze v. to cause something to not move forward or prevent it from happening provocation n. an action that is aimed at causing people to get angry or upset regime n. a form of government _______________________________________________________________ We want to hear from you. We have a new comment system. Here is how it works: Write your comment in the box. Under the box, you can see four images for social media accounts. They are for Disqus, Facebook, Twitter and Google. Click on one image and a box appears. Enter the login for your social media account. Or you may create one on the Disqus system. It is the blue circle with D on it. It is free. Each time you return to comment on the Learning English site, you can use your account and see your comments and replies to them. Our comment policy is here. The spotlight will shine on emerging companies and entrepreneurs Nov. 9-10 during the Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium in Madison and with good reason: Young firms spawn jobs and invigorate the economy from below, sometimes displacing older systems and companies in a process economists call creative destruction. Those young companies continue to innovate after theyre mature, in some cases for decades or more. Three Wisconsin examples illustrate the point that when startup companies grow up, they play in larger arenas, create lots of jobs and provide goods and services that help everyone. Promega Corp. was among the first companies to pitch at the Early Stage Symposium, called the Madison Venture Fair at the time, with its ideas for producing chemical and biological tool kits to help researchers and scientists find better diagnostics and therapies. Today, Promega has about 1,200 employees in the Madison area alone, branches in 16 countries and more than 50 global distributors of about 4,000 products reagents, assays and benchtop instruments among them. Recent market news about the company has focused on its standing as a leading global player in plasmid DNA purification, which has therapeutic uses but can also be used in research settings, such as gene cloning or mapping. With a rising number of people seeking gene therapy for chronic diseases, it is a growing sector. Promega research has recently gone beyond the confines of Earth. Because astronauts who spend a lot of time in space are exposed to significant radiation, NASA scientists are using a Promega instrument called OncoMate for short to measure the effects of long-term radiation on human DNA and increased incidence of diseases, including cancer. Like many space-related technologies from the past, this testing could have much broader applications. SHINE Technologies in Janesville is getting closer to its goal of producing medical radioisotopes on a scale that could help patients everywhere. The company recently announced testing is complete on a supercell device critical to production of molybdenum-99, which is used in about 40 million nuclear medicine procedures per year worldwide. When the supercell structure is delivered to Janesville, SHINE will move one step closer to federal regulatory approval and being able to produce about 20 million MO-99 doses per year at what the company calls its Chrysalis facility. The company was born in research at UW-Madison and plans to build a second nuclear medicine facility in the Netherlands after the Janesville plant is running. Founder and chief executive officer Greg Piefer was recently recognized by Goldman Sachs as one of its most exceptional entrepreneurs of 2022. Exact Sciences was a nearly dead company in Boston in the late 2000s when it was moved to Madison with a bit of help from state government. With less than a handful of workers at the time, it stands at about 7,000 employees with many of them in Madison. Chief Executive Officer and co-founder Kevin Conroy took to Twitter the other day to applaud the latest ruling by the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which he said will reduce barriers and expand coverage for colorectal cancer screening Colorectal cancer is the most preventable, yet least prevented cancer and finalizing this change means more Americans will have access to earlier detection of this deadly disease. In its final ruling, CMS said it will eliminate all cost to Medicare patients for a full colonoscopy test that follows a positive, at-home colorectal cancer screening using Exacts Cologuard stool-based DNA screening test. The company will also be a part of upcoming health care conferences in London, California and New York with news about other developments involving independent research at Dartmouth College and the Mayo Clinic. Not all young companies succeed; in fact, most dont. Those that do get over the startup hurdles can pay dividends to investors, local markets and society for years to come. Elon Musk says he had "no choice" but to cull Twitter staff. Half of the social media platform's workers lost their jobs on Friday (04.11.22) but Musk has claimed that the action was necessary due to the company's financial situation. The world's richest man tweeted: "Regarding Twitter's reduction in force, unfortunately there is no choice when the company is losing over $4m a day. "Everyone exited was offered three months of severance, which is 50 per cent more than legally required." Twitter's head of safety and integrity Yoel Roth has confirmed that the layoffs have affected 50 per cent of the company - including 15 per cent of the trust and safety department. Musk, 51, insists that the platform's commitment to moderation remains "absolutely unchallenged". Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has voiced concerns about the Tesla tycoon's $44 billion buyout of the company. He said: "Elon Musk goes out and buys an outfit that sends - that spews lies all across the world... How do we expect kids to be able to understand what is at stake?" Meanwhile, it has been revealed that rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs helped Musk complete the Twitter takeover. Sources told TMZ that Diddy invested over $10 million into Elon's bid because of his belief in the businessman's vision for the app. The insider explained the 53-year-old rap mogul makes his investment decisions according to getting a "seat at the table to represent". Other investors are rumoured to include Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey and Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. Rebel Wilson has denied reports that she is engaged to Ramona Agruma. The 'Pitch Perfect' actor has responded to the claims on social media as she shared a snap of the couple together at Disneyland in California. Rebel wrote on her Instagram Story on Saturday (05.11.22): "Thanks for the well-wishes, but we are NOT engaged." The New York Post newspaper's Page Six column had reported that Rebel had been discussing her engagement at George Clooney's Halloween party. A source said: "They were making out in a corner and telling everyone how excited they are to be engaged!" A separate insider had claimed that Rebel is "wildly happy" to be marrying Ramona and the outlet suggested that the pair had marked the engagement with a pair of matching diamond rings. Rebel, 42, started dating the businesswoman in April and went public with the romance two months later as she revealed her sexuality to the world. She wrote on Instagram: "I thought I was searching for a Disney Prince but maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess #loveislove." Rebel previously revealed that they couple had an "old-school" method of courting as they spoke on the phone for weeks before meeting in person and spoke of her happiness at being in a "healthy" relationship. She said: "I think going through the process of finding more self-worth, I think that what you want in a partner is elevated and so it's great to have someone who feels like an equal partner and be in a healthy relationship. "There were times -- I'm not saying with all my exes, they're great -- but there were some times that I was probably putting up with that I shouldn't have. So it feels different to be in a really healthy relationship." The crash happened about 7:05 p.m. Sunday in the town of Trenton and the investigation determined that a 44-year-old man from Conway Faulkner, Arkansas was driving a 2014 Volvo semi-tractor trailer east on Highway C and crossed the southbound lanes of Highway 151 to head north on 151. As the semi entered the northbound lanes of 151 it was struck by a 2013 Town and Country driven by a 75-year-old Neenah man, and a 2016 Chevrolet Trax driven by a 59-year-old woman also struck the Town and Country, Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt said in a statement. By Trend The victory of the Azerbaijani people, the heroic army of the country and the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, who wrote an honorable page in glorious history, will forever be in the memory of every representative of the Turkic world, Yalcin Topcu, chief adviser to the President of Turkiye, told Trend. He stressed that future generations will not forget this historical epic created by Azerbaijan, which defeated the enemy. The enemy, which committed crimes against humanity, violated all norms of international law. Azerbaijan also created the epic about the Azerbaijani army, which struck the world with incredible selflessness, heroism, love for its Fatherland, people. "We sincerely congratulate Azerbaijan on Victory Day, celebrated on November 8, whose joy is our joy, whose pain is our pain. We wish the souls of the dead civilians, including 10-month-old Narin and one-year-old Medina, and the military personnel who gave their lives for liberation of Karabakh, and we also wish health to the veterans. May the glorious Fatherland of Azerbaijan live and prosper forever under its tricolor flag!" Topcu said. A woman who stabbed her partner to death in June on Madison's Far East Side will not be charged with a crime after the Dane County District Attorney's office deemed the killing justified, Madison police said Monday. Trevon M. Davis-Williams, 23, of Dodgeville , died at the hospital after being stabbed in the chest at an apartment in the 5600 block of Black Onyx Drive before 5:30 a.m. on June 12. Police said Davis-Williams was in a relationship with the woman they believed responsible. Her name was not released as she's been cleared of any criminal culpability. She was not at the scene of the stabbing when police arrived but was later taken into custody on a probation violation. The couple's child was in the apartment at the time of the stabbing was discovered but was unharmed and referred to county Child Protective Services. A stolen gun and drugs were seized when a fugitive was arrested in Monona on Friday, authorities reported on Monday. Kolby Smith, 24, was wanted on multiple warrants from various jurisdictions with charges of felon in possession of a firearm, use of a dangerous weapon, possession of an illegal article, second-degree recklessly endangering safety, a parole violation and battery, U.S. Marshals Service spokesperson Marcus Collins said in a statement. On Oct. 28, members of the Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force and Beloit police attempted to arrest Smith at a car wash in Beloit, but Smith got into a vehicle and fled at high speed. The vehicle was later discovered abandoned, Collins said. On Friday, Task Force members found Smith at a Madison hotel where he was believed to be staying under an alias, and he was spotted leaving the lobby for the parking lot. Smith spotted members of the Task Force in the lot and led authorities on a foot chase, Collins said. Task Force members and Fitchburg police arrested him without further incident in a business parking lot near the 4400 block of East Broadway Service Road near Monona, Collins said. Authorities also seized a stolen 9mm Glock handgun, 851.6 grams of methamphetamine and 15 grams of an unknown powder on the bed in the room Smith was staying in under an alias, Collins said. Smith was booked into the Dane County Jail on his outstanding warrants and new tentative charges of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine, resisting arrest, and fleeing and eluding, Collins said. The Task Force in this arrest was comprised of officers from the Dane County Sheriffs Office, Verona Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation, and Columbia County Sheriffs Office. Fourth-grader Alessandra Sullivan was relishing her time outdoors at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center during last weeks warm spell. When you are out here in the woods, it just feels so nice, said Alessandra, who attends Nuestro Mundo Community School. I should be outside a lot more because its so nice. Alessandra is attending a new after-school program being piloted this fall for Nuestro Mundo and Henderson Elementary School students. The students are picked up at their schools and brought to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center by its staff in a new 15-passenger van. It was purchased at the end of summer to help remove the transportation barrier to environmental education. It is part of the nature centers efforts to be more impactful, equitable and inclusive in our programming, said Cara Erickson, marketing and communications manager. Weve long recognized the transportation barrier, she said. While some families come to the nature center for hiking and programming, Erickson said, others may not be able to bring their children because they are working or lack reliable transportation. The idea for the after-school program arose from the nature centers strategic planning, which took place five years ago and looked at how it could expand programs to serve families in the community. Then the center got a grant from the Schlecht Family Foundation to pay for the van and to hire a program impact and inclusion manager, whose job includes supporting the after-school program. It kicked it into high gear for us, Erickson said. The nature center chose to work with Henderson and Nuestro Mundo because of the number of low-income students at the schools and their proximity to the after-school site. The program meets Monday through Friday after school and accommodates early release days. Tuition assistance and payment plans are available. The center also serves those who are eligible for the Wisconsin Shares subsidy program, which supports eligible families by funding a portion of the cost of child care. Students get some choice in what activities they will take part in, and on Thursday, one of the options was to make trading cards featuring different hibernating animals. Maggie Lee, environmental educator, said the activity was in response to some of the students interest in Pokeman cards, and it fit the November hibernation theme. Lee said the after-school program is designed for students to be comfortable in whatever way they relate to nature, which can change according to the day. (The objective is) helping them find their thing in the outdoors if it is science, they can do that, and if it is art, they can do that, she said. On the same day, kindergartner Henry Naab chose to clear buckthorn to help create a nature play space that will be used by the after-school program in an area of the center called toad alley. Henry worked with environmental educator Nate Hinahara and Leon Hughes, a kindergartner at Henderson Elementary School, who liked the chance to be with the others. Henry, who attends Nuestro Mundo, said his favorite activity in the after-school program is going on hikes. When the after-school program was created, Hinahara said, a decision was made to include stewardship to teach about ownership and care of the land. Some of them get really into it, he said. It is also important to create a safe space and teach social-emotional skills, Hinahara said. In another part of the nature center, Delton Allhands, a third-grader at Henderson, and Isaac Romero, a fourth-grader at Henderson, were working with Alessandra in an area where children like to build forts. Its really fun because I really like playing outside, Delton said about the after-school program. In addition, Delton said he likes quiet time, when the students can work on arts and crafts, and he has created a journal for writing and drawing. Isaac said he likes being in nature and he particularly likes the fort-building area. Currently 13 students are enrolled in the program, but it can accommodate up to 26. Because of the timing of the grant in June, the nature center had a short timeline to design the program, hire and train staff, and do outreach, said Melissa Salisbury, program impact and inclusion manager. With this being our pilot year for this program, our goal has not been to fill every seat immediately, but rather to ensure our staffing ratio is working and students feel successful and supported here, she said. Salisbury said the nature center is working with the schools with hopes of increasing enrollment. We aim to provide access to students who have historically been left out of nature-based opportunities, as well as focus on providing care for families who need five day per week after-school support due to work schedules, Salisbury said. School Spotlight: Adventures in learning, inside and outside the classroom Each Monday, the Wisconsin State Journal features a story about learning in Wisconsin. Here are School Spotlight stories from the past year. Voters in Dane County will have the chance to give their views on a trio of advisory ballot referendums on marijuana and abortion this Election Day. The referendums will ask voters if they support legalizing, taxing and regulating marijuana for people 21 and older and whether convictions for possession of small amounts of pot should be expunged. Another referendum asks if voters support repealing Wisconsins 1849 abortion ban. The questions are merely advisory and have no legal ability to change state law. Dane County voters already had a referendum question on the legalization of marijuana in 2018. Seventy-six percent of voters said then they support legalizing the drug for recreational use. At the municipal level, voters will see the following referendums: Town of Medina voters will decide whether the town treasurer can be appointed to the Town Board. Shorewood Hills voters will be asked to increase the villages levy to fund new staff and technological needs and establish competitive wage rates. Middleton voters will be asked to increase the citys levy to hire more police, parks and communications staff. Waunakee voters will decide whether to construct a public outdoor aquatics facility at a cost of $9.4 million. There are also 10 school district referendums this election. Three of the referendums, in Waunakee and Stoughton, ask voters to authorize more borrowing to pay for construction projects. Two of the referendums, in Mount Horeb and Waunakee, ask voters to let districts temporarily exceed their state-imposed revenue limits. Five referendums are recurring, or permanent, expansions of the revenue limit, covering operational costs such as staffing and utilities. Those are in Sun Prairie, Oregon, Verona, Belleville and Middleton-Cross Plains. A sweeping redesign of the Madisons bus system will benefit minorities as much as white residents and low-income neighborhoods as much as other neighborhoods, a new equity analysis says. Older adults will also benefit from the coming Metro Transit redesign, but not as much as others; non-English speaking residents will benefit as much as English speakers; and those with disabilities may benefit less than others, a study by the citys consultant, Jarret Walker and Associates of Portland, Oregon, says. But critics say the citys outreach process failed to truly engage marginalized communities, that some people could get less service due to inadequate geographic coverage, and that a more in-depth equity analysis is needed to ensure riders most in need are being better served by the redesign. The network redesign is intended to address longstanding inequities in public transportation, reflect future needs and complement coming bus rapid transit, or BRT, city officials have said. In the early morning of June 8, the City Council voted 14-6 for a system redesign that promises to deliver more frequent and consistent service while using fewer routes and transfers, and better links to outlying areas, and eliminating buses from lower State Street. For some riders, the changes will mean longer walks to the bus stop and less service. But the council also approved a series of amendments intended to reduce those hardships. After the plan was approved, the private consultant conducted a federal Title VI equity analysis to see if there are any disproportionate impacts on specific communities. The studys positive results were anticipated because the city designed the system with the goal of providing better, more useful service with an emphasis on improving travels times for communities of color and low-income people, city transportation director Thomas Lynch said. But Susan De Vos, president of Madison Area Bus Advocates, said the analysis has serious methodological problems, inadequately addresses qualitative issues, and should be considered inadequate and be improved. We went into the redesign favoring a ridership model for the new network and then failed to deliver the service frequency it requires, added Jonathan Mertzig, a member of Madison Area Bus Advocates. The city has scheduled a final online public hearing on the consultants analysis, bus stop placements, route start and end times, and route name updates for 6 p.m. Wednesday. The system changes will go into effect in June 2023. Access to jobs The redesign and amendments envision BRT a high-frequency, high-capacity, limited-stop service that would run on city streets and dedicated lanes with special stations as the backbone of the new network, which is a separate initiative. The initial 15.5-mile, east-to-west BRT route will run roughly from East Towne to West Towne, while a future route will run from north to south. The proposed network reconfigures bus service in all parts of the city with a completely new set of routes designed to better meet the goal of connecting the most people with the places they need to go in a reasonable amount of time, city officials said. For the equity study, Metro considered how often a bus stops near each neighborhood and how many jobs or places riders can get to from where they live. The location of jobs is a good way to see where people can travel because the places that people work are also the places many people go to shop, eat and get other services, officials said. Overall, the analysis found people will be able to travel to more places using the bus. Residents will see a 27% increase in the number of times a bus comes to their neighborhood, and 47% of residents will be able to travel to many more places, which means being able to get to 10,000 or more additional jobs on a 45-minute trip, the analysis says. But 3% of residents will be able to travel to fewer places, which means getting to 1,000 jobs or less in 45 minutes, it says. I dont think we realized how much better job access would be for most of our communities, including marginalized communities, Lynch said. But DeVos, Mertzig and others have concerns. The planners and city leadership will point out that theyve delivered 15-minute high frequency on some routes, but if youre outside that core network, basically on the central Isthmus, I suspect this network and proposed service levels will actually be worse for many riders, Mertzig said. Who benefits The analysis also found: Minorities will benefit as much or more than white residents. Neighborhoods with more minorities will see a 30% increase in service compared with 26% for white people; 45% of Black and white people, 56% of Asians, and 52% of Hispanics will have many more places they can travel by bus. Low-income residents will benefit as much or more than other residents. Low-income residents will have 20% more service and other neighborhoods 32% more, but the latter number is high because the current transfer point system counts trips twice. Sixty-seven percent of low-income residents will have many more places they can travel by bus compared with 40% of other residents. Older adults will benefit, but not as much as others. Thirty-six percent of older adults will have many more places they can travel to by bus, but 4% will have fewer places. But thats partly because older adults are more likely to live in single-family homes and areas where housing is more spread out and less likely to be near main streets where more bus trips are planned. People with disabilities may benefit less, but limited data makes it somewhat unclear. Available data shows 41% of those with disabilities will have many more places they can travel to by bus and that 4% will have fewer places. The analysis shows it will allow more people to get to more places at more times, Lynch said. The analysis shows that the plan will work as is, he said. However, there are some minor adjustments to the ends of a few routes. They will be presented Nov. 9. When we do the soft roll out, scheduled for May, it may give additional information to make refinements that can help everyone. Overall, the citys community engagement was flawed because it relied heavily on online meetings while many transit riders lack sufficient access to online media, De Vos said. Further, the system is under resourced, critics said. The network probably could be OK if actually funded to be a high-frequency system for more of the city, but the current budget fails to actually deliver that result, Mertzig said. The biggest concern, Lynch said, is that a lot of detailed work remains to make sure the system is ready for such a substantial overhaul. But Metro is confident that we can make that schedule with adjustments being made as needed, he said. TWIN FALLS Southern Idaho Tourisms board of directors announced last week that Sarah Rohrbach had been selected to succeed Melissa Barry as executive director. Rohrbach first joined the Southern Idaho Tourism team in 2018, leading out on social media content strategy, writing website articles and photographing Southern Idaho landmarks and landscapes. Rohrbachs photography from her side business, Earth To Sarah Media, was on display for First Friday last week at Jensens Jewelers in downtown Twin Falls. Boosting communities and local businesses Southern Idaho Tourism Board chair Daniel Olmstead said he is excited about the transition and the organizations future. Sarahs ability to showcase Southern Idaho in a compelling way will continue to grow the region economically and through recreation development, Olmstead said. We look forward to seeing where her talents and abilities take the organization and region. Rohrbach has already begun training for the new role. The thing Im looking forward to the most is meeting with the incredible people in our region, Rohrbach said, and working together to boost our communities and local businesses. Southern Idaho Tourism has marketed the Magic Valley since 1995. The organizations mission is to develop and promote tourism and recreation in southern Idaho. King Mohammed VI underscored the centrality of the gas pipeline with Nigeria for West African energy security and development at large saying Morocco is ready for constructive partnerships to achieve this project. I am pleased to note the progress made in this major project, in line with the terms of the contract signed in December 2016, the king said in a speech marking the Green March, or the return of the southern provinces of the Sahara to the homeland. After highlighting the role of the Sahara as a Moroccan bridge to the rest of Africa, the King voiced satisfaction with the recent deals to materialize this structural gas project. Few weeks ago, Morocco and the Economic Community of West Africa signed an MoU to build the pipeline and another deal in the same direction was signed in Nouakchott with Mauritania and Senegal, two West African countries that are poised to play a key role in gas markets after the recent offshore discoveries. That signing reflects the commitment of the countries concerned to contribute to the completion of this strategic project, and attests to their desire to see it through, said the King In this regard, the King said this pipeline is more than just a bilateral project but it is rather meant to be a strategic project that benefits all of West Africa a region which is home to more than 440 million people. He said the pipeline would provide opportunities and guarantees in terms of energy security and economic, industrial and social development for the fifteen ECOWAS Member Countries, as well as for Morocco and Mauritania. This is a project for peace, for African economic integration and for co- development: a project for the present and for future generations, said the king. Tanzania is in mourning after a Precision Air Flight crashed in the northwestern part of the country on Sunday morning, November 6. The plane crashed into Lake Victoria. At least 19 people died, authorities said, while rescue operations are not completed. Impressive images show the plane, an ATR 42-500, largely submerged, with only the back of the green and brown fuselage visible above the lake water. Around it, many boats and rescue teams are trying to lift the plane with cables. A local official, Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila, had earlier said 26 people had been rescued from the 43 people on board, including 39 passengers, the two pilots and two crew members. But Precision Air Flight, which is partly owned by Kenya Airways, said in a statement that 24 people survived the crash. The domestic flight, PW494, departed from Dar es Salaam and was due to land at Bukoka airport in the northwest of the country. The regional police commander, who was unable to explain the accident, said that at the time of the approach there were thunderstorms and heavy rain. The plane crashed 100 meters from the lake shore. A witness reported seeing the aircraft flying erratically as it approached the airport in low visibility conditions. President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her condolences to those affected by the accident, saying, Let us keep calm and pray that God will help us. By Trend Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Cahit Bagci and a delegation from the Turkish municipality of Chorum have started their visit to Karabakh, Trend reports on Monday. First, the participants of the trip arrived in the Fizuli district. They were met by the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the liberated territories of the Karabakh Economic Region (except Shusha district) Emin Huseynov. During the trip, its participants will get acquainted with the consequences of the destruction inflicted by the Armenians in Fizuli, as well as with the reconstruction and construction work carried out in the liberated territories. A document on twinning between the cities of Fuzuli and Chorum will also be signed. The Medical Association of Mozambique postponed to December 5 the national strike that was scheduled for Monday, the organization announced Sunday in a statement. The decision was taken after a national meeting of the association, considering that the Government has adopted an attitude of greater openness to dialogue to resolve claims related to the new Single Wage Scale (TSU) of the civil service. The association opted for the rescheduling of the start date of the 3rd national strike for December 5, 2022, if the Government does not resolve the issues raised in the medical class claims, reads the statement. Negotiations will continue, it added. Under the threat of a strike, the Minister of Economy and Finance, Max Tonela, joined the Minister of Health, Armindo Tiago, in negotiations with doctors on Friday and Saturday. On Saturday, Tonelas office released a draft of the negotiations, in which of the 14 points under discussion, four remained without agreement about the maintenance of subsidies (including the 40% exclusivity subsidy) and ways of calculating overtime and seniority. On another point, the government acknowledged that in October there were cases of salary reduction with the entry into force of the TSU, but guaranteed the necessary corrections during November, so that no employee or agent of the state has their salary reduced because of the new table. The Angolan government will receive US$ 100 million (100.4 million euros) in prize money from the signing, in Luanda, of the concession contract for the Lobito corridor, for the next 30 years. The concession contract for the Lobito corridor was signed between the Angolan government, through the Ministry of Transport, and the consortium of Trafigura Group, Vecturis, and Mota-Engil, Engenharia e Construcao Africa, which for the next 30 years will assume the operation, exploitation and maintenance of rail transport of goods, as well as the maintenance of the entire infrastructure along the corridor. The value of the signature premium for this concession is US$100 million, which is in line with the value of other concessions in the transport sector in Angola, and has made it possible to differentiate between bidders based on their financial capacity in relation to the size of the assets in question, the document said. The signing took place after several postponements throughout the day to review the amount to be invested by the consortium, considered low by the Angolan authorities. We looked very much at the issue of the value of the investment to be made by the private consortium and we reached an agreement, naturally it was beneficial for us because the value was lower, it is one of the issues that was discussed and we managed to reach this agreement, said Eugenio Fernandes, national director for the Economics of Concessions at the Ministry of Transport, at a press conference. Fernandes said that of the 100 million dollars received, 40% will go to the Treasurys Single Account and the remaining 60% will go to some activities and projects that the Ministry of Transportation has in its portfolio. According to the official, it was a good deal, because with the investment made by the consortium the Angolan State will be able to use these resources for other activities, namely health and education. In turn, the consortiums representative, Alexandre Canas emphasized that a total investment of 450 million dollars (451.6 million euros) will be made, of which 170 million dollars (170.6 million euros) will only be in locomotives and wagons. Because today there are not enough wagons in Angola, to reach the volumes that we want to reach, the infrastructure that will be 166 million dollars, he advanced. For the consortium spokesperson, the Lobito corridor will create many jobs and is a vein that will fill with blood and a lot of energy, which will create a lot of social life around this corridor. The Angolan official said that the Ministry of Transportation intends to connect the Benguela Railroad to the Luanda Railroad, and that the process of rehabilitation of the Zenza from Itombe to Cacuso, which is 215 kilometers of the Luanda Railroad, is already underway, stressing the need for improvements in the Luanda Railroad in order to make this interconnection effective. With the rents negotiated, the Angolan state will collect, for each 10-year period: US$319.4 million (320.6 million euros) up to the 10th year, US$787.4 million between the 11th and 20th year, and US$919 million in the last 10 years. Somali intelligence service (NISA) agents killed 21 members of the extremist group Al-Shebab and wounded ten more in an operation carried out this Sunday in the Middle Shabelle region. The Somali government reported in an official statement that the intelligence services had information about the presence of Al-Shebab and that its members were preparing an attack that was imminent. The planned operation neutralized the terrorists who were planning to kill Somali citizens, the government statement said. Over the past four days, the government has announced that Somali security forces have killed at least 200 Al-Shebab militants in military operations, a figure that could not be verified through independent sources. These advances have allowed the army and militias to drive the extremists out of strategic locations in the center of the country, which could affect the groups ability to finance itself, officials said. Somalia is facing an increase in attacks by Islamic fundamentalist militia, both in the capital and in other parts of the south of the country, which has led the president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, to promise a strengthening of security operations to counter the threat. Prince Moulay Rachid represents King Mohammed VI at the proceedings of the Heads of State and Government segment of the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 27), which kicked off on Monday in the seaside resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Upon his arrival at the International Conference Center, Prince Moulay Rachid was welcomed by Egyptian president Abdelfattah Al-Sissi and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Some 110 leaders and heads of state and government will make national statements on how they are addressing climate change issues and their countries plans to increase their emission reduction commitments. The Summit provides an opportunity to discuss ways to mobilize financial resources and investments to address climate change, reduce emissions, adapt to its impacts and build resilience. The contribution of rich countries to climate action financing is among the priorities of COP 27. This includes the achievement of the pledge of $100 billion each year from adaptation financing from developed to low-income countries. The examination of the effects of climate change in Africa, the establishment of visions to face these challenges through science and financing are also among the themes of this Conference. At least 24 people were killed Sunday in a road accident in Sougueta, a village near the city of Kindia, 130 km, West of capital Conakry, after a bus transporting students collided with a truck. According to a governments statement, the bus was heading from Siugueta to Faranah, a town known for housing schools and universities. For the moment, we do not know the real cause of this accident, said Elhadj Kabinet Kake, vice mayor of the rural commune of Linsan. The government has announced a probe into the tragedy. In June, a string of road accidents resulted in about 30 deaths, numerous injuries and significant material damage. Several people in the country blame the poor state of roads and cars as well as drivers indiscipline for the accidents. Credit: CC0 Public Domain A genetic test known as chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) could help identify the cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or its counterpart in older children, known as sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC), finds a study led by Boston Children's Hospital. The researchers, led by Richard Goldstein, MD, Ingrid Holm, MD, MPH, and Catherine Brownstein, MPH, Ph.D., call for making CMA routine in investigating SIDS and SUDC. They published their study findings online November 7 in the journal Advanced Genetics. "We think we have enough information to say that CMA is worth considering when a child has died without explanation, and worth exploring further as a way to understand these deaths better," says Goldstein, who directs Robert's Program on Sudden Unexpected Death in Pediatrics at Boston Children's and was a senior author on the study. The team used CMA to test samples from 116 deceased infants and toddlers up to 28 months old whose deaths were classified as SIDS or SUDC. In 14 children (12 percent), CMA identified deletions or duplications of segments of the child's DNA or small DNA rearrangements that were pathogenic or "favoring pathogenic." "CMA is already used routinely in children with conditions such as autism, developmental delay, and multiple congenital anomalies, and children with undiagnosed conditions," says Holm, co-senior author of the study. To further validate their findings, the researchers compared CMA results in SIDS/SUDC patients with those in control groups of children from the community and two cohorts of children with an autism spectrum disorder. When scored for the likelihood of potentially impactful chromosomal changes on CMA, the SIDS/SUDC group scored significantly higher than controls, but had scores similar to those of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many of the CMA findings had no obvious relationship to SIDS/SUDC and call for further investigation. For example, two children had undiagnosed Klinefelter syndrome, in which boys are born with an extra X chromosome but generally have a normal lifespan. Several identified chromosomal deletions/duplications have also been associated with neurodevelopmental conditions, including seizures, ASD, developmental delay, and schizophrenia. Adding to the test arsenal In previous work, Boston Children's researchers used whole-exome sequencing (sequencing the 1 to 2 percent of the genome that encodes proteins) to evaluate children whose deaths were classified as SIDS or SUDC. In that study, 11 percent of children had genetic variants (alterations) that likely played a role in their deaths. It remains to be seen to what extent CMA would add to these findings and how much overlap there is between the genes found to be altered on exome sequencing and the genes affected by DNA deletions/duplications. The team hopes their findings will encourage medical examiners investigating SIDS deaths to reach out to them for assistance. "Medical examiners are interested in genetic investigations, but they lack the resources, especially when it comes to interpreting the results," says Goldstein. "We're trying to move that ball forward and provide useful information." Adding to exome sequencing and chromosomal abnormalities on CMA, the researchers recently got a grant from the American SIDS Institute to study more complex structural changes in chromosomes that might contribute to SIDS and SUDC, using an advanced genomics platform called the Bionano Saphyr to image extremely long strands of DNA. "This technique gives us the ability to find structural variations that are too big for traditional DNA sequencing to pick up but too small for chromosomal microarray to detect," says Brownstein, the study's first author and scientific director of the Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research Gene Discovery Core at Boston Children's. "We can also pick up instances when a segment of DNA 'flips' to a different location on the chromosome." In the long term, as DNA sequencing costs come down, the researchers want to use whole-genome sequencing to investigate SIDS and SUDC, a single test that could reduce the need for CMA. More information: Catherine A. Brownstein et al, Copy Number Variation and Structural Genomic Findings in 116 Cases of Sudden Unexplained Death between 1 and 28 Months of Age, Advanced Genetics (2022). Journal information: Advanced Genetics Catherine A. Brownstein et al, Copy Number Variation and Structural Genomic Findings in 116 Cases of Sudden Unexplained Death between 1 and 28 Months of Age,(2022). DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.202200012 Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Anew study led by Yale researchers has found that a common genetic variant that occurs in nearly 20% of individuals influences both susceptibility to COVID-19 and the development of severe disease. "Knowledge of this gene variation can identify patients who need to be monitored and treated more aggressively to prevent severe illness," said the study's lead author Jenny Shin, MD, Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine in the Section of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology in the internal medicine department of Yale School of Medicine. Variant forms of the gene are also associated with complications of different infectious and autoimmune disorders, said Richard Bucala, MD, Ph.D., Waldemar Von Zedtwitz Professor of Medicine (rheumatology), professor of pathology and of epidemiology (microbial diseases), and the study's organizer. "The new findings validate the importance of natural variation in our genes in different stages of COVID-19 infection," Bucala said. The role of inflammation in the progression to severe COVID-19 The authors relate their findings in the article, "MIF is a Common Genetic Determinant of COVID-19 Symptomatic Infection and Severity," published in QJM: An International Journal of Medicine. The findings are the culmination of a multinational, retrospective case control study of 1,177 patients from three tertiary medical centers in the United States and Europe that examined if common genetic variants in the immune cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) were associated with COVID-19. The authors first assessed susceptibility to infection by comparing MIF gene frequencies in COVID-19 patients with a pre-pandemic control group of 637 healthy subjects. Those with a high inflammatory variant of the MIF gene were found to be less likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19. Among all subjects with COVID-19, however, those with the high inflammatory MIF variant were nearly 3-fold more likely to require hospitalization, indicating an underlying role for inflammation in the progression to severe COVID-19 illness. "This genetic predisposition to severe COVID-19 occurs in 19% of individuals, and the 2.9 fold higher risk of hospitalization after diagnosis occurs independently of age, sex, or other factors," said Shin. "Knowledge of the gene variant could identify patients who need to be monitored or treated more aggressively to prevent severe illness and hospitalization. The genetic information also could benefit the prioritization of health resources in different parts of the world in future pandemics." Yale clinicians had suspected a role for MIF in severe COVID-19 at the outset of the pandemic. Maor Sauler, MD, associate professor of medicine and Geoffrey Chupp, MD, professor of medicine in the Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, had initiated a clinical phase II trial for severe COVID-19 of a MIF antagonist discovered by Yale pharmacologists before the genetic results were known. More information: Junghee J Shin et al, MIF is a Common Genetic Determinant of COVID-19 Symptomatic Infection and Severity, QJM: An International Journal of Medicine (2022). Junghee J Shin et al, MIF is a Common Genetic Determinant of COVID-19 Symptomatic Infection and Severity,(2022). DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcac234 An Intermountain Healthcare ICU nurse cares for a patient with COVID. A new study by researchers at Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City finds that the most commonly prescribed class of anti-depressants does not help reduce the severity of illness or even death for people who get COVID, as once thought. Credit: Intermountain Healthcare A new study by researchers at Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City finds that the most commonly prescribed class of anti-depressants does not help reduce the severity of illness or even death for people who get COVID, as once thought. In the early days of the COVID pandemic, some observational studies suggested there may be a link between greater survival and lower COVID severity in patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants in America. It's not surprising that early on researchers thought there might be a connection. These drugs have both anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet effects, and physicians saw a potential that SSRIs could possibly prevent the intense inflammatory response that is a hallmark of severe COVID. However, new research from Intermountain Healthcare finds that is not the case for people who test positive for COVID in an out-patient setting. "At the start of the pandemic, everyone was searching for how to help prevent severe COVID, and SSRIs became a focus of interest," said Heidi T. May, Ph.D., principal investigator of the study and cardiovascular epidemiologist with the Intermountain Healthcare Heart and Vascular Program. "However, those initial observations of a possible connection didn't pan out when we looked for a possible link on our patient population." The findings from the study were presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2022, which is being held in Chicago. In this retrospective study, Intermountain researchers examined 33,088 people who tested positive for COVID-19 between March 14, 2020, and December 31, 2021, in an Intermountain outpatient setting. Of those people, 8,272 were also on a fluoxetine/fluvoxamine SSRI. Researchers found that hospitalization and death were significantly greater in the SSRI group than the non-SSRI group, and that not being on an SSRI was associated with a lower 14-day COVID-19 hospitalization risk. This doesn't mean that being on an SSRI prompts severe COVID, but that in this study, they didn't offer any protection against COVID, said Dr. May "These results add to the body of research that the relationship that, for patients testing positive in an outpatient setting, SSRI medications didn't reduce the risk of their then-mild COVID turning into severe COVID, or dying of the virus," she said. More information: Progression of COVID-19 Severity Among SARS-CoV-2 Positive Patients Prescribed Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2022. Provided by Intermountain Healthcare Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A large contact tracing investigation of a patient with monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection found no secondary cases in community or health care settings. The creation of a framework for assessing specific risk scenarios permitted ease of application by employee occupational health staff and application across the various settings and the findings have important applications for informing future infection prevention efforts, including the administering of postexposure prophylaxis, or PEP. The paper is published in Annals of Internal Medicine. In May 2022, the first case of MPXV infection in the United States in the current global outbreak was identified. Until the case patient was identified as a person under investigation for monkeypox, he received care in many locations without specific precautions. As part of the public health and health care facility response, a contact tracing and exposure investigation was done. Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital, Beth Israel Lahey Health and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health describe a framework of contact tracing, exposure identification, risk stratification, administration of PEP, and exposure period monitoring for contacts of the index patient, including evaluation of persons who developed symptoms possibly consistent with MPXV infection. Those with high-risk exposures were offered PEP, and 3 elected to have it. Among those with intermediate-risk exposures for which PEP was offered as part of informed clinical decision making, 2 elected to receive PEP. No transmissions were identified at the conclusion of the 21-day monitoring period, despite the delay in recognition of monkeypox in the index patient. Public health authorities and health care facilities should consider how these findings may inform revised estimates of exposure risk, requirements for monitoring, and recommendations for PEP. More information: Contact Tracing and Exposure Investigation in Response to the First Case of Monkeypox Virus Infection in the United States During the 2022 Global Monkeypox Outbreak, Annals of Internal Medicine (2022). Journal information: Annals of Internal Medicine Contact Tracing and Exposure Investigation in Response to the First Case of Monkeypox Virus Infection in the United States During the 2022 Global Monkeypox Outbreak,(2022). DOI: 10.7326/M22-2721 Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Incidence of myocarditis, pericarditis or myopericarditis is two- to threefold higher after a second dose of the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine when compared to the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine; however, overall cases of heart inflammation with either vaccine are very rare, according to a study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The study showed males younger than 40 years old who received the Moderna vaccine were shown to have the highest rates of myocarditis, which according to the authors, may have implications for choosing specific vaccines for certain populations. Two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use: Pfizer BioNTech (BNT162b2) and Moderna Spikevax (mRNA-1273). As of March 20, 2022, more than 52 million doses of Pfizer and 22 million doses of Moderna have been administered in Canada, where this study was conducted. Clinical trials have demonstrated the vaccines are safe and monitoring of vaccinated people has shown side effects are mild and go away on their own. However, some rare but serious side effects have been observed after both vaccines, mainly myocarditis (inflammation of the heart). While there have been many studies on either vaccine, few studies have been conducted to directly compare the safety of the two mRNA vaccines. Researchers in this study sought to compare the risk of myocarditis, pericarditis and myopericarditis between the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. People in the study were 18 years old or older and had received two primary doses of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in British Columbia, Canada, with the second dose between Jan. 1, 2021 and Sept. 9, 2021. Individuals whose first or second shots were administered outside of British Columbia or had a history of myocarditis or pericarditis within one year prior to their second dose were excluded. In all, more than 2.2 million second Pfizer doses and more than 870,000 Moderna doses were given. Within 21 days of the second dose, there was a total of 52 myocarditis cases (21 Pfizer and 31 Moderna) and 41 pericarditis cases (21 Pfizer and 20 Moderna). Researchers also looked at rates per million doses and the rate was 35.6 cases per million for Moderna and 12.6 per million for Pfizeran almost threefold increase after Moderna shots vs. Pfizer. Comparatively, rates of myocarditis in the general population in 2018 were 2.01 per million in people under age 40 and 2.2 per million in people over age 40. Rates of myocarditis and pericarditis were higher with the Moderna vaccine in both males and females between ages 18 and 39, with the highest per million rates in males ages 18-29 after a second dose of Moderna. According to the authors, the findings support recommending certain populations receive certain vaccines to maximize benefits and minimize adverse events. "Few population-based analyses have been conducted to directly compare the safety of the two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, which differ in important ways that could impact safety," said Naveed Janjua, MBBS, DrPH, lead author of the study and an epidemiologist and the executive director of Data and Analytic Services at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control. "Our findings have implications for strategizing the rollout of mRNA vaccines, which should also consider the self-limiting and mild nature of most myocarditis events, benefits provided by vaccination, higher effectiveness of the Moderna vaccine against infection and hospitalization [found in prior studies], and the apparent higher risk of myocarditis following COVID-19 infection than with mRNA vaccination." Limitations of the study include that it was observational, which limits the ability to determine causality between vaccination and myocarditis or pericarditis. However, temporality was ensured in the study design to limit the time studied between vaccine dose and myocarditis/pericarditis diagnosis. Also, the study relied on hospital and emergency department visit data and may have missed some less severe cases. In a related editorial comment, Guy Witberg, MD, MPH, a cardiologist at Rabin Medical Center in Petah-Tikva, Israel, wrote that the study is reassuring for vaccine safety since it provides further data that myocarditis is a very rare adverse event after both vaccines, and it is an important step toward a personalized approach to administering COVID-19 vaccines. "[The study] should help put to rest 'vaccine hesitancy' due to concerns over cardiac adverse events," Witberg said. "This is one of only a few direct comparisons of the two widely adopted mRNA vaccines, and its results have practical policy implications: for a substantial segment of the population suffering from cardiovascular diseasethese data give a strong argument to preferentially use the BNT162b2 [Pfizer] vaccine over mRNA-1273 [Moderna]." More information: Zaeema Naveed et al, Comparative Risk of Myocarditis/Pericarditis Following Second Doses of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 Coronavirus Vaccines, Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2022). www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2022.08.799 Zaeema Naveed et al, Comparative Risk of Myocarditis/Pericarditis Following Second Doses of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 Coronavirus Vaccines,(2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.08.799 Guy Witberg et al, A Tale of 2 mRNA Vaccines: The Spring of Hope, The Winter of DespairJournal of the American College of Cardiology (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.09.010. www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2022.09.010 Journal information: Journal of the American College of Cardiology By Trend Georgian prime minister Irakli Garibashvili will participate in the United Nations 27th Climate Change Conference in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, the government administration said on Sunday, Trend reports citing Agenda.ge. Garibashvili is set to address the world leaders, participating in the World Leaders Summit, to discuss ways to overcome the challenges caused by climate change. The head of the government departed for Egypt with the delegation, including the Georgian foreign minister Ilia Darchiashvili and Revaz Javelidze, the head of the government administration. The Conference will take place from Sunday to November 18, with the heads of state governments attending the Sharm el-Sheikh Climate Implementation Summit on Monday and Tuesday, and the ministers participating in a high-level segment from November 15 to 18. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Ten years ago this week, Colorado voters approved Amendment 64, making the state among the first two in the nation (along with Washington) to legalize the use and possession of cannabis, a.k.a. marijuana, for recreational purposes. Since then, 19 states and the District of Columbia have followed suit. On Tuesday, another five will consider decriminalizing recreational use of weed. Today, the once-underground endeavor is a $2 billion per year industry in Colorado, and research on its chemical makeup, health benefits and risks is flourishing at institutions around the country. "Before, research focused almost exclusively on the harms because it was only thought of as an illegal substance," said Angela Bryan, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at CU Boulder whose team studies the health impacts of cannabis. "Now we can focus on the full continuum." Here's a look at some lessons learned since legalization. Legalization increases use, but not necessarily problems Residents of states where cannabis has been legalized use marijuana 24% more frequently than those living in states where it remains illegal, according to CU research published in August in the journal Addiction. The study of more than 3,400 adult twins constitutes some of the strongest evidence yet that legalization causes increased use. But preliminary results from the broader ongoing research project suggest increased use is not necessarily accompanied by increased behavioral problems. Other studies have arrived at similar conclusions. "Many social ills that opponents warned about a decade ago have not come to pass," said Brian Keegan, an assistant professor in the Department of Information science who uses data to anaylze both the chemical makeup of cannabis and the evolution of the industry. "DUIs and crime did not explode following legalization. And several studies have shown that opioid use and deaths actually decline in states following legalization." With some groups, health risks are real Cannabis use is not without risk, particularly for adolescents and young adults. "I think we can confidently say that using heavily when your brain is still developing is a bad idea," said Bryan. Research from Tiffany Ito, a professor of psychology and neuroscience, has shown that college students tend to drink more alcohol when using marijuana, a combination that can potentially impact grades and graduation status. Other CU Boulder research has found that heavy cannabis use among teens may boost risk of sleep problems later in life, and use among pregnant women may increase risk of sleep problems in their children. Health benefits are measurable Using a fleet of Dodge Sprinter vans, which they refer to as their mobile laboratories, Bryan and her colleagues have spent the past several years studying how commercially available cannabis products influence human health. They drive to the house of a study participant, take measurements in the van before and after they consume a THC-infused gummy candy or marijuana flower product in their own home, then take measurements again. (Because cannabis is still illegal at the federal level, researchers cannot possess or administer the products themselves). The science is young, but several measurable benefits have emerged. "We have found beneficial consequences for people who are in chronic pain, people who have anxiety and cancer patients," said Bryan. The lab has also found that the right combination of cannabidiol (CBD) in addition to THC (9-delta-tetrahydrocannabinol) can help patients reap such therapeutic benefits without the side effects that keep some from trying it. "Our preliminary data suggest that when people use a CBD-containing strain they show less intoxication and less cognitive impairment," said the study's lead author and Assistant Professor Cinnamon Bidwell, co-director with Bryan of the CU Change Lab, a national leader in cannabis research. Less may be more Research out of the lab has also found that while smoking high-potency marijuana concentrates increases blood levels of THC more than twice as much as smoking conventional weed, it doesn't necessarily get recreational users higher and may put them at greater risk of long-term adverse side effects. The authors theorize that cannabinoid receptors in the brain may become saturated with THC at higher levels, beyond which there is a diminishing effect of piling on more THC. Bottom line, said Bryan: "Super high potency THC products are probably not a great idea." Cannabis users are not couch potatoes Surprisingly, Bryan's lab has also found that the myth of the bong-smoking, Dorito-munching couch potato does not bear out in the research. In fact, the opposite may be true. "The epidemiological data are pretty clear: Cannabis users have a lower body mass index, better waist-to-hip-ratio and are more likely to meet exercise recommendations than non- users," Bryan said. "They also have better insulin function." It's hard to tell what is causing what, because the studies have been done in places where marijuana is legal and in many of those states, like Colorado, a healthy lifestyle is the norm. In a survey of cannabis users, Bryan and colleagues found that 80% mix marijuana with working out, with 70% saying it increases enjoyment, 78% saying it boosts recovery and 52% saying it motivates them. Bryan noted that cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Her team recently launched a study to further investigate the cannabis-exercise link. "If cannabis could ease pain and inflammation, helping people be more active, that could be a real benefit," she said. Labels don't mean much Keegan applies data science tools to glean what's actually in commercially available products today and learn more about how an industry that spent decades underground is adapting and evolving now that it's above-board. In one recent study, he and his collaborators found that labels like indica, sativa and hybridlong used to distinguish one category of cannabis from another tell consumers little about what's in the product and could be confusing or misleading. The study of nearly 90,000 samples across six states found that labels "do not consistently align with the observed chemical diversity" of the product. He and his co-authors are now calling for a cannabis labeling system akin to the Food and Drug Administration's nutrition facts panel for food. But the study also hints at a promising future for the industry, finding that existing commercially available weed in the U.S. is quite homogenous with plenty of room to innovate new breeds with different chemical profiles. That could be useful for both medicinal and recreational use. "The founding fathers of cannabis research call it a pharmaceutical cornucopia because it produces so many different chemicals that interact with our bodies in different ways," Keegan said. "We are only scratching the surface." Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain SGLT-2 inhibitors, a type of diabetes medicine, decreased cardiovascular risk among adults with chronic kidney disease, according to late-breaking research presented today at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2022. The meeting, held in person in Chicago and virtually, Nov. 57, 2022, is a global exchange of the latest scientific advancements, research and evidence-based clinical practice updates in cardiovascular science. "Many studies of empagliflozin and other similar medicines called SGLT-2 inhibitors (sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors) have demonstrated that these medicines are safe for people with Type 2 diabetes," said co-principal investigator David Preiss, Ph.D., associate professor in the Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit at the University of Oxford, Oxford Population Health in the U.K. "And we now have very good evidence that they lower the chance of dying from vascular disease or being hospitalized for heart failure among people with chronic kidney disease, heart failure, or Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We therefore hope that SGLT-2 inhibitors may be used widely to treat people with these conditions in many countries." The researchers combined the results from 13 major clinical trials of SGLT-2 inhibitors to consider the effects on kidney disease progression, acute kidney injury and cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure, in participants with or without Type 2 diabetes. According to Preiss, the analysis confirmed important benefits of SGLT-2 inhibitors on both major cardiovascular and kidney disease outcomes: SGLT-2 inhibitors reduced the risk of cardiovascular death by 14%, with similar results among participants with or without Type 2 diabetes. SGLT-2 inhibitors also reduced the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure by 23%, with similar results among the participants with or without Type 2 diabetes. The risk of kidney disease progression was reduced by 37% overall, again with similar effects among participants regardless of Type 2 diabetes status. Based on the trial data, for every 1,000 participants with heart failure treated for a year, 34 with diabetes and 22 without diabetes avoided cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure. For every 1,000 participants with chronic kidney disease treated for a year, 11 with diabetes and 15 without diabetes avoided worsening kidney disease. The meta-analysis included results from the EMPA-KIDNEY Trial, the largest study to assess the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in participants with chronic kidney disease. Previous research linked the medicine with a decreased risk of hospitalization for heart failure and a decreased risk of worsening kidney disease among people with Type 2 diabetes. "What remained unclear is whether this medicine may have the same protective effect among people not diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes," Preiss said. EMPA-KIDNEY researchers enrolled 6,609 study participants in eight countries: Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Malaysia, Japan, Canada and Italy. Participants' average age was 64 years, and more than half were white adults, 36% were Asian adults and 4% were Black adults. All participants had evidence of kidney disease for at least 3 months; more than 25% had cardiovascular disease; and slightly less than half had Type 2 diabetes. Between May 2019 and April 2021, participants were randomly assigned to empagliflozin or a placebo. Follow-up was for an average of two years. Results of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, published two days ago on November 4, 2022, showed that among the participants in the empagliflozin group, the risk of worsening kidney disease and death from cardiovascular disease decreased by 28%, with similar benefits for participants with or without Type 2 diabetes. The rate of cardiovascular events was lower than anticipated. Though the reduction in major cardiovascular events with empagliflozin treatment was not statistically significant in the trial, the results for these outcomes were entirely consistent with results from other trials. "Our results suggest that SGLT-2 inhibitors such as empagliflozin should be offered to all adults who may benefit from the treatment, to reduce the risk of kidney disease progression and cardiovascular complications in people with chronic kidney disease, regardless of whether they have Type 2 diabetes or not," Preiss said. More information: Link to session Link to session abstract Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The immediate use of veno-arterial mechanical circulatory extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) devices to support adults with rapidly deteriorating or severe cardiogenic shock was feasible but did not improve clinical outcomes compared to people who received early conservative therapy, according to late-breaking clinical trial results presented today at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2022. The meeting, held in person in Chicago and virtually, Nov. 57, 2022, is a premier global exchange of the latest scientific advancements, research and evidence-based clinical practice updates in cardiovascular science. Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. Treatment for patients with cardiogenic shock includes the administration of medications such as inotropes and vasopressors. Inotropes alter the force of the heart's contractions, and vasopressors constrict blood vessels to raise blood pressure. ECMO life support machines may also be used to support blood circulation by pumping and oxygenating a patient's blood outside the body, allowing the heart and lungs to rest. "ECMO is a widely available, minimally invasive, short-term mechanical circulatory support device that enables rapid restoration of circulation and blood flow to organs," said Petr Ostadal, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of medicine in the department of cardiology at Na Homolce Hospital in the Czech Republic. "ECMO is increasingly used for circulatory support in people with cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest, yet current evidence on the implementation of ECMO to stabilize hemodynamic conditions in these patients remains insufficient." The ECMO-CS Trial is the first multicenter, randomized clinical study focused on the use of ECMO in people with severe or rapidly progressing cardiogenic shock. The study included 117 adults with an average age of 65 years, and approximately 75% of the patients were male adults. Participants were randomized to two groups: the ECMO group or the early conservative therapy group, and their baseline clinical parameters were comparable at randomization: they had similar lactate levels and median mean arterial pressure.. In the conservative therapy group, an ECMO may have been used later in case of worsening hemodynamic status. All other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were performed according to the current standards of care, including treatment with other cardiovascular interventions or mechanical circulatory support devices, as needed. The results found that the clinical outcomes of patients receiving early conservative therapy with inotropes and vasopressors were similar to those in the immediate ECMO use group: Within 30 days of experiencing severe or rapidly progressing cardiogenic shock, 64% of patients who received early ECMO therapy died, required cardiac resuscitation or needed additional mechanical circulatory support, compared to 71% of people who received early conservative care. Mortality rates at 30 days were comparable between both groups (50% vs. 48%, respectively). Serious adverse events, such as bleeding, leg ischemia, stroke, pneumonia and sepsis, occurred in 60% of patients in the ECMO group and 61% of those in the early conservative group. Fewer patients in the ECMO group required another form of mechanical circulatory support when compared to those in the early conservative group (17% vs. 42%, respectively). 39% of patients who received early conservative therapy required ECMO support later in the course of intensive care. "We expected to see a significant improvement in outcomes for patients with severe or rapidly progressing cardiogenic shock who underwent early ECMO treatment, and we were surprised to find that immediate use of ECMO was actually not superior to early conservative therapy," Ostadal said. The study's limitations included that the trial did not compare ECMO implementation with conservative therapy, rather, it compared an early ECMO strategy with early conservative strategy permitting "bail-out" ECMO therapy in cases of worsening hemodynamic status. In addition, the trial was not blinded and it had a limited sample size. Also, the exclusion criteria included several conditions that may cause or influence cardiogenic shock (e.g., cardiac tamponade, pulmonary emboli, cardiac arrest survivors. More information: Link to session Link to session abstract Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Eczemaatopic dermatitisis common in babies and can be stressful for parents to manage. An article in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) outlines practical tips to manage this condition. "Atopic dermatitis affects 10%20% of Canadian infants. Recognizing atopic dermatitis, getting it into remission, then keeping control can be challenging for both clinicians and caregivers," says Dr. Derek Chu, assistant professor at the Division of Allergy and Immunology at McMaster University and co-chair of upcoming American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology atopic dermatitis guidelines. "We hope these five key messages for general and specialist care providers, as well as caregivers, promote best practices for managing atopic dermatitis in infants. Atopic dermatitis affects more than just the skin and it impacts on the whole family, so optimally managing atopic dermatitis at this critical stage in an infant's development is important." Atopic dermatitis on cheeks, outer limbs and trunk are common in infants, and classic eczema affecting behind the knees and in the elbow creases may not develop until later in childhood. The best moisturizer is one that caregivers and patients will use. New evidence shows that any type of moisturizerlotion, cream, gel or ointmentused at least twice daily helps with managing atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition that requires anti-inflammatory treatment. The lowest dose of topical steroids should be used to gain control of flares. Applying once a day is as effective as twice per day. If flares frequently recur, using topical medications intermittently (two consecutive days, e.g., on weekends) can prevent subsequent flares. Evidence does not support using antibiotics routinely to treat local secondary bacterial infection. Food avoidance may not improve eczema and may increase risk of food allergy. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the most common form of neurodegenerative disease in childhood, is caused by defects in the SMN1 gene. SMA patients potentially benefit from three recently approved disease-modifying therapies. These treatments are most effective if they are administered early or even before the onset of symptoms, but they are expensive. Guidelines have suggested a "watchful waiting" strategy for infants who are born with SMA and have more than two copies of the SMN2 gene. Multiple copies of SMN2 may compensate for the defect of SMN1 and make it possible that first symptoms of SMA occur later in childhood or even adulthood. In a new study published in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases, investigators found that, on the contrary, a surprisingly large proportion of some infants with four copies of the SMN2 gene, whose families decided to postpone treatment, showed the first signs of disease between the ages of 1.5 and 4 years. "The discussion in the SMA treatment community about the appropriate timing of therapy always includes the possibility that SMA might not manifest until adulthood, and many years of treatment could be avoided," explained lead investigator Dr. Katharina Vill, Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany. "However, there is a lack of detailed knowledge about the type and timing of initial symptoms. With the availability of new medications there is an urgent need to gain more knowledge about the 'how and when' of SMA onset." While SMA is caused by a biallelic defect in the SMN1 gene itself, a closely related gene, SMN2, can ameliorate this deficiency. The vast majority of individuals with two or three copies of SMN2 begin to show symptoms in the first months of life. Patients with four or more copies of SMN2 develop symptoms later, possibly not before adulthood, and generally have milder symptoms. Guidelines published in 2018 recommended a "watchful waiting" approach for treatment in children with SMA and four or more SMN2 copies. The guidelines were revised in 2020 to recommend pre-symptomatic treatment for these children, although no suggestion was made regarding when to start therapy. The study conducted by Dr. Vill and colleagues enrolled 18 children born between January 2018 and January 2021. Long-term follow up was available for 15 children. All learned to sit independently and walk with assistance at age-appropriate times as expected for healthy children. Swallowing and feeding were normal in all patients. When the treatment guidelines changed in 2020, pre-symptomatic treatment was recommended to all patient families in the study. "The change in treatment strategy midway through the pilot led to different parental decisions regarding how to proceed, particularly for children born in the first two years of the pilot. These families had initially been told that a wait and see strategy was acceptable, and several wanted to stick with it," Dr. Vill observed. The families of eight of the 15 patients decided to start pre-symptomatic therapy with Nusinersen or Risdiplam in their children, who ranged in age from 3 months to 36 months. None of these children have shown any symptoms of disease to date (age 12-33 months). Seven of the families had not decided on treatment, and their children were closely monitored. Five of these seven children showed disease onset between 1.5 and 4 years of age. One of these untreated patients developed proximal weakness at the age of 20 months, despite completely normal clinical findings at the age of 19 months. Treatment with Risdiplam for this child was initiated, but symptoms did not resolve. Three untreated children showed mild motor symptoms, two at 2 years and one at 3 years, with decreased endurance and tendency to fall. Therapy with Nusinersen in two of them and Risdiplam in one was initiated. The fifth child was found to have neurogenic changes at 1.5 years, but no motor symptoms, and treatment with Risdiplam was initiated. Early initiation of treatment in this cohort of patients is more expensive for the general healthcare system, but the investigators note that SMA causes high economic impact in terms of health and social costs, and that the quality of life for the affected children is extremely impaired. "While the sample size is small, a very high number of children (five out of seven) became symptomatic in the first four years of life, with at least one showing irreversible symptoms. The proportion was much higher than expected," Dr. Vill said. "Children with four copies of SMN2 have the most favorable genetic conditions for a good outcome under therapy. The 'wait and see' strategy might entail the risk of irreversible deficits for these patients. We recommend encouraging parents to start a treatment regimen early in childhood. If the parents decide to wait, follow up should be performed with extreme care." While timing of treatment initiation remains unclear, the investigators note that they did not observe any symptoms in children before the age of 1.5 years. More information: Astrid Blaschek et al, Newborn Screening for SMACan a Wait-and-See Strategy be Responsibly Justified in Patients With Four SMN2 Copies?, Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases (2022). Astrid Blaschek et al, Newborn Screening for SMACan a Wait-and-See Strategy be Responsibly Justified in Patients With Four SMN2 Copies?,(2022). DOI: 10.3233/JND-221510 Noncoding mutations impacting BCL genes. a, Genome view of BCL2 5 UTR. The significantly mutated region is indicated by a black rectangle. Individual somatic mutations are shown in blue. b, Gene expression of BCL2 in TPM determined by RNA-seq in samples with BCL2 5 UTR mutations versus WT. Black dots are marks as outliers. P value was derived from a two-sided Welchs t-test. c, Gene expression in TPM determined by RNA-seq of BCL6 in samples with BCL6 enhancer mutations versus WT. Expression levels were split in low (less than median expression; green), medium (between median expression and 100; orange) and high (100 TPM; purple). P value was derived from a two-sided Wilcoxon test. d, Genome view of the BCL6 gene and enhancers. Enhancers within these regions are annotated in blue font. eBCL6_2, which was the target of several variants is indicated in red. Annotation tracks of ATAC-seq and ChIPseq are from publicly available RE annotation detailed above (references containing detailed of datasets and figure legends). The lower panel shows the individual mutations color coded as defined in c. All boxplots show the minimum and maximum values and interquartile range. Credit: Nature Genetics (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01211-y A collaborative study led by the University of Oxford as part of the UK's 100,000 Genomes Project, published in Nature Genetics today, has defined five new subgroups of the most common type of blood cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and associated these with clinical outcomes. This new method for risk stratifying patients could lead to more personalized patient care. This is the first study to analyze all the relevant changes in DNA across the entire cancer genome, rather than targeted regions, to classify patients with cancer and link these subgroups to clinical outcomes. Professor Anna Schuh, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, who led the study, said, "We know that cancer is fundamentally a disease caused by changes in DNA that are acquired over the lifetime of an individual. The lab tools we currently use to predict whether or not a patient is likely to respond to a given therapy usually focus on single abnormalities in the cancer DNA and do not accurately predict the patient's clinical outcome. This is why we asked the simple question: can we increase the precision of current testing by looking at all the acquired DNA changes in cancer at once?" This study analyzed the entire genome sequences from 485 patients with CLL who were enrolled in national clinical trials led by the Universities of Liverpool and Leeds, provided samples for the UK CLL Biobank in Liverpool and consented for their samples to be used in the 100,000 Genomes Project run by Genomics England. By comparing the whole genome sequencing data from the cancer and healthy tissues in these patients, the team were able to map known and newly identified DNA changes, structural alterations, cancer mutational signatures and other global measures associated with CLL throughout the genome. They identified 186 distinct and recurrent genomic alterations and used these to define five genomic subgroups of CLL that associate with different clinical outcomes. Following additional validation in patients receiving a wider range of treatments than those included in this study, particularly targeted therapies, these new genomic subgroups for CLL could be used to better guide the selection of therapies for improved patient outcomes. This study paves the way for routine clinical application of whole genome analyses for risk stratification in other cancer types. The team's analysis also identified 148 new putative genetic drivers of CLL. Future research on these drivers may uncover new mechanisms in CLL initiation and progression, with potential for the development of novel therapeutics. Professor Sir Mark Caulfield, Vice Principal for Health for Queen Mary University of London and former Chief Scientist and lead of the 100,000 Genomes Project at Genomics England said, "This is the largest international genomic analysis of this blood cancer, which excitingly demonstrates the real value of whole genome sequencing from the 100,000 Genomes Project. It also harnesses the high-quality blood cancer samples from the Liverpool Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Biobank and associated clinical data collected by the Clinical Trial Units at Liverpool and Leeds universities as part of multi-center National Cancer Research Institute-supported clinical trials. "Our work shows that the entire genome is superior in classifying patients into groups compared to the conventional targeted approaches and that we can predict response to treatment more precisely and in more patients." More information: Pauline Robbe et al, Whole-genome sequencing of chronic lymphocytic leukemia identifies subgroups with distinct biological and clinical features, Nature Genetics (2022). Journal information: Nature Genetics Pauline Robbe et al, Whole-genome sequencing of chronic lymphocytic leukemia identifies subgroups with distinct biological and clinical features,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01211-y IHMT-CSF1R-833 alters the macrophage polarization in M2 macrophages derived from RAW264.7 cells by inducing the M1 macrophage phenotype. Credit: Liang Xiaofei A potent and selective colony stimulating factor 1 receptor kinase inhibitor IHMT-CSF1R-833 was discovered by researchers led by Prof. Liu Qingsong from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The study is published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. Colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) belongs to the type III growth factor receptor family. CSF1R signaling is crucial for the differentiation and survival of macrophages and plays integral roles in the tumor promoting and immune suppressive functions of tumor-associated macrophages. Suppression of tumor-associated macrophage survival/activation by inhibiting CSF1R signaling becomes a highly attractive strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Most current CSF1R inhibitors lack proper selectivity among other kinases, making it difficult to correlate their therapeutic efficacies with CSF1R inhibition. Therefore, it is highly desirable to identify the distinct chemical scaffolds CSF1R inhibitors for both preclinical mechanistic and clinical pathological studies. In this study, the researchers reported a potent and selective CSF1R inhibitor IHMT-CSF1R-833 using a focused medicinal chemistry approach guided by computer-aided drug design. IHMT-CSF1R-833 exhibited potent inhibitory activity against CSF1R with an IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) value of 5.14 nM, suppressing the phosphorylation of CSF1R and its downstream signals pathway in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, it showed high selectivity over a broad range of human kinases. Furthermore, IHMT-CSF1R-833 repolarized M2 macrophages to M1 macrophages in RAW264.7 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, IHMT-CSF1R-833 demonstrated acceptable pharmacokinetic properties for oral administration in rats and exhibited dose-dependent antitumor efficacies in the M-NFS-60 tumor xenograft model. These results indicate that IHMT-CSF1R-833 may be a valuable research tool for the CSF1R-mediated macrophage in both preclinical mechanistic and clinical pathological studies. More information: Xiaofei Liang et al, Discovery of Pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as potent and selective colony stimulating factor 1 receptor kinase inhibitors, European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (2022). Xiaofei Liang et al, Discovery of Pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as potent and selective colony stimulating factor 1 receptor kinase inhibitors,(2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114782 Specific community groups with unmet bereavement support needs not being reached/experiencing access barriers (N=98). SES = socio-economic status; BME = Black and minoritised ethnic Note: Answers to question 15a: If you selected Yes [to question 15: Before COVID-19, do you think there were specific community groups with unmet bereavement support needs that you were not reaching, or who experienced barriers to accessing your service?)], which groups? Please tick all that apply. New research has shown there continues to be inequities in access to bereavement support in the UK. In particular, even though minoritized ethnic communities were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, overall, proportions of ethnically minoritized clients did not increase, according to bereavement services. The study, led by the universities of Bristol and Cardiff, and published in Palliative Medicine, aimed to determine service providers' perspectives on access to their support before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is already known there are inequities in who receives formal bereavement support, with, among others, people from minoritized ethnic communities, sexual minority groups and people with lower socio-economic status known to experience barriers to access. The COVID-19 pandemic had a disproportionate impact in the UK, with higher mortality and bereavement rates in minoritized ethnic minority communities and groups with lower socio-economic status. The study included an online survey completed by 147 UK voluntary and community sector bereavement services and 24 qualitative interviews with staff and volunteers across 14 selected services. The study found 67.3% of voluntary and community sector bereavement services in the UK reported that there were population groups with unmet support needs which experienced barriers to accessing their service before the pandemic, with minoritized ethnic groups most frequently reported to need support but not access it. Despite the disproportionate and multi-dimensional impact of the pandemic on minoritized ethnic communities, for the majority of bereavement services in the UK, the proportion of clients from minority communities did not increase and in some cases decreased during the pandemic. Positive interventions to increase equity included monitoring client demographics to identify gaps; improving outreach, language accessibility and staff representation; supporting other professionals in the community to provide bereavement support; and local collaboration and coproduction of services to ensure appropriateness and inclusivity. Dr. Lucy Selman, Associate Professor from the Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group and the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol and corresponding author, said, "In the UK, voluntary and community sector bereavement services play a crucial role in providing bereavement support to people who have lost loved ones." "It is crucial that bereavement services take steps to make the support they provide appropriate for diverse population groups, advertise their services widely, and try to remove barriers to accessing their support so that all members of society can benefit." Dr. Emily Harrop, Research Fellow from the Marie Curie Research Centre at Cardiff University and co-lead on the research study, added, "it is also critical that further research is conducted involving bereaved people from diverse backgrounds, which can directly inform service-development, so that bereavement organizations can work to better meet the needs of under-served populations." More needs to be done to tackle inequity in access to bereavement supportand many service providers both recognize this and are ready to implement changes to widen access to their support, the study found. The study recommends prioritizing equitywhich means identifying, assessing and meeting unmet needs in bereaved communities, adapting services and outreach to ensure inclusivity, and working in partnership with communities and community-based organizations. Karl Murray and Dr. Yansie Rolston, study co-authors from The Ubele Initiative, said, "the inability to be able to say farewell to a loved one within culturally sensitive and recognized circumstances goes beyond the burial; the before and after celebrations and reminiscence paves the way to being able to manage the stress and anxiety that the actual loss situation generates." "The work of many voluntary and community sector organizations in this space deserves some recognition for their sterling work which is reflected well in the research. Often, however, the mainstream organizations struggle to support people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities." "This is, in part, due to lack of understanding of how to approach those communitiesa one size approach does not fit alland in part due to lack of engagement with and understanding of those communities. For some it is a personal matter and, as one respondent to our support network puts it, 'we do t'ings different!' More support is needed to support local organizations best able to reach into these communities." Steven Wibberley, Chief Executive at Cruse Bereavement Support, said, "we at Cruse recognize the challenges identified in this new research. It is essential we do more across the bereavement sector to work with partner organizations and tackle the inequalities people face when accessing supportwhilst also ensuring people can access culturally appropriate support." "We have already started this work through specialized training for our volunteers and staff, as well as working with a wider range of partners and furthering the production of translated materials. But we recognize this is just the first step and there is much more that can be done to ensure everyone can access the right bereavement support to meet their needs." The research team hope their findings can help inform efforts to widen access and reduce inequities. More information: Lucy E Selman et al, 'Sadly I think we are sort of still quite white, middle-class really'Inequities in access to bereavement support: Findings from a mixed methods study, Palliative Medicine (2022). Lucy E Selman et al, 'Sadly I think we are sort of still quite white, middle-class really'Inequities in access to bereavement support: Findings from a mixed methods study,(2022). DOI: 10.1177/02692163221133665 Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Ramping up medication doses quickly after being hospitalized for acute heart failure resulted in a lower risk of dying or being readmitted for heart failure within the first six months after discharge, compared to usual care, according to a featured science research presentation today at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2022. Millions of people are hospitalized for acute heart failure worldwide each year. There is a 20% risk of re-hospitalization and a 5% risk of death within one month after hospital discharge, and a 60% risk of re-hospitalization and a 25% risk of death within one year after discharge. Despite this increased risk, research suggests that many heart failure patients are not closely monitored after hospital discharge and may not be treated with full doses of all guideline-directed medications. "The American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology both recommend that patients hospitalized with acute heart failure should receive optimal doses of three main classes of heart failure medicine (beta-blockers, renin-angiotensin inhibitors/angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, and aldosterone inhibitors) and regular follow-up visits post-discharge," said Alexandre Mebazaa, M.D., Ph.D., the study's lead researcher and a professor of anesthesia and critical care at Universite de Paris and chair of the department of critical care at Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, both in Paris, France. "However, low implementation of guideline-directed medical therapies has been a major problem for decades, and previous studies have found that optimal doses of these medications are only administered in 1% of heart failure patients in the U.S. Some studies also suggest that women are less likely than men to receive optimal therapy." The STRONG-HF (Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of Rapid Optimization, helped by NT-proBNP testinG, of Heart Failure Therapies) trial is the first study designed to follow people with heart failure after hospital discharge with more frequent follow-up visits that included a comprehensive clinical exam and lab tests to assess whether rapid optimization of oral heart failure medications improved clinical outcomes. Optimizing medications includes providing the maximum recommended dose and best-tolerated combination of the guideline-recommended medicines to reduce the risk of death and additional hospitalizations. This multicenter study was conducted at nearly 90 sites worldwide between 2018 and 2022 and enrolled more than 1,000 people hospitalized for acute heart failure. Participants had a median age of 63 years, 61% were male, and 77% were white. Nearly 30% of patients had diabetes (with and without insulin dependence), and over 40% had atrial fibrillation. Study participants were randomized to receive either usual care (536 people) or high-intensity care (542 people) just before they were discharged from the hospital. Patients enrolled in the usual care group were discharged and treated according to local medical standards, with follow-up and management of heart failure medications provided by the patient's general physician and/or cardiologist. They were first evaluated by the study team 90 days after their hospital discharge. In the high-intensity care group, participants initially received 50% of the maximum recommended doses of three oral heart failure medications before hospital discharge. Their doses were increased to 100% of the recommended dose by two weeks after discharge. The study team monitored the high-intensity group closely for the first 6 weeks to ensure it was safe to increase their doses. They were assessed at 1, 2, 3 and 6 weeks with a physical exam and blood tests to measure kidney function, levels of sodium, potassium, glucose, hemoglobin and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a marker of heart failure and congestion. Mebazaa said, "Some heart failure therapies may cause adverse side effects, such as decreased blood pressure, reduced heart rate, worsening kidney function or increased fluid accumulation. We started treatment with half the recommended dose of each of the three standard heart failure medication classes while patients were still in the hospital so we could ensure that they tolerated the lower doses and to determine if it was safe to increase the dose of each medication post-discharge." The study aimed to compare the rates of death or repeat hospitalization between the two groups at 180 days after hospital discharge. An interim analysis performed after the 90-day follow-up period found that the high-intensity strategy significantly improved outcomes compared to usual care: Heart failure readmission or all-cause death occurred in 15% of people in the high-intensity care group in comparison to 23% of patients in the standard care group. This difference was statistically significant. Blood pressure, pulse, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and levels of NT-proBNP improved more in the high-intensity care group. Patients' self-reported quality of life significantly improved in the high-intensity care group compared to the usual care group, with an average 3.5-point higher score on a questionnaire used to assess health-related quality of life. Treatment-related side effects occurred in 41% of the high-intensity group and 29% of the usual care group, however, serious adverse events were similar16% for the high-intensity group and 17% in the usual care group. Fatal adverse events occurred in 4% of the high-intensity group and 6% of the usual care group. These results were observed in patients with both reduced and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF); ejection fraction is a measure of the heart's ability to contract. After reviewing these results, the study's data and safety monitoring board recommended early termination of the trial, stating that it would be unethical to withhold the intensive treatment from both current and future study participants. "The high-intensity care strategy required an average of five visits within three months post-discharge, compared with one visit in usual care," said Mebazaa. "Other reasonably sized and powered studies have examined intense follow-up, however, there was no impact on death rates or hospital readmission. More follow-up visits alone do not appear effective without rapidly increasing guideline-directed medicines to maximally tolerated doses." He added, "Patients in the high-intensity care group also reported improved quality of life, suggesting that this treatment strategy has benefits beyond mortality and hospital readmissions." The study has several limitations to consider, including the change from 90-day to 180-day follow-up to increase enrollment due to the low event rate. However, a statistical assessment indicated the results are the same even if participants enrolled before the change were removed from the analysis. Second, the study was stopped early due to the large benefit for participants in the high-intensity group indicating it would be unethical to continue putting patients in the usual care group. Third, this study was not blinded, which may have affected the perceptions of the study team. Fourth, the causes of hospital readmissions were not examined by the whole team. And lastly, the study was designed before a fourth class of heart failure medicine, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, were approved for treating heart failure, and those medications were used only late in the study and not prescribed to most patients. More information: Conference abstract: Conference abstract: www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/10611 Single variant exome-wide association study Manhattan plot (MAF>0.1%). QQ-plot available in the S1 Fig. Black dashed line demarcates the genome-wide significance threshold (p < 5x10-8). Credit: PLOS Genetics (2022). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010367 Rare gene mutations can significantly increase the risk of severe COVID-19 disease. An international research team with significant contribution from the University of Bonn compared the genetic material of 5,085 people with severe COVID-19 and more than 570,000 controls. The results showed that alterations in the gene TLR7, which is important for the immune defense in humans, lead to infections with a severe course. The findings have now been published in the journal PLOS Genetics. "TLR7 belongs to the Toll-like receptor family and recognizes pathogens, which is followed by subsequent activation of the innate immune system," says Dr. Kerstin Ludwig from the Institute of Human Genetics at the University Hospital Bonn. If loss of function of the TLR7 gene occurs due to mutations, the recognition of the SARS-CoV-2 virus may be impaired. This results in a lower defense by the immune cellsthe virus receives less resistance. The study confirms at the population level what was already known from individual cases: a genetically-mediated absence of TLR7 is a strong risk factor for severe COVID-19. On the one hand, this information can be used in the context of individual risk prediction. On the other hand, this finding now enables follow-up work on the pathological mechanism, the elucidation of which may be the basis for drug development for COVID-19. 21 contributions from 12 countries The current study was only feasible because both genetic and clinical data were pooled from as many individuals with COVID-19 as possible. 21 studies from twelve countries contributedincluding one from Germany. This German contribution came from the "DeCOI" initiative (www.decoi.eu) and was coordinated by Dr. Kerstin Ludwig of the University of Bonn together with Prof. Dr. Olaf Rie (University of Tubingen) and Dr. Dr. Eva Schulte (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich). "Together, we collected DNA from subjects at several German sites through the DeCOI consortium, generated genome sequence data with the help of the next-generation sequencing competence centers in Cologne, Tubingen and Bonn, and then merged the data in Bonn," reports Ludwig, who is a member of the ImmunoSensation2 cluster of excellence at the University of Bonn. Dr. Axel Schmidt from the Institute of Human Genetics then analyzed the large DeCOI dataset and coordinated the joint analysis with the other international groups. Genetic risk factors Shortly after the pandemic began, the international COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative (COVID-19 HGI) formed, gathering cohorts worldwide to study host genetic factors. In recent months, scientists have already found several genetic risk factors that are common in the population. Individually, they do not cause disease, but do so in combination with other genetic and clinical risk factors, such as male sex, advanced age or obesity. In contrast, it is expected that there are also patients in whom very rare variants confer a high risk for severe COVID-19. To investigate this, the WES/WGS subgroup of COVID-19 HGI was established. The analysis of WES/WGS data is accompanied by enormous amounts of data and bioinformatics requirements. Moreover, these genetic data cannot simply be shared with global groups, but must be analyzed at individual study sites and then combined at a meta-level to avoid biasfor example, due to different technological methods. The researchers compared the genetic variants present in each gene of the entire genome in each cohort and their frequency between severely affected patients and control subjects. "No less significant than the result, however, is the dimension of the international collaboration," Ludwig says. With impressive speed, she says, it was possible to get many nations involved in a large genetic project and to analyze genetic data together. The data set will be used for further studies. More information: Guillaume Butler-Laporte et al, Exome-wide association study to identify rare variants influencing COVID-19 outcomes: Results from the Host Genetics Initiative, PLOS Genetics (2022). Journal information: PLoS Genetics Guillaume Butler-Laporte et al, Exome-wide association study to identify rare variants influencing COVID-19 outcomes: Results from the Host Genetics Initiative,(2022). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010367 By Trend The situation in Yemen, Libya and Syria was the focus of a meeting between Iranian foreign minister's senior advisor for special political affairs Ali Asghar Khaji and visiting Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin, Trend reports citing TASS. According to the agency, the Iranian politician stressed the necessity of strengthening bilateral cooperation between Moscow and Tehran. The sides also supported Libyas and Yemens territorial integrity and called for resolving problems in these countries without foreign interference. On Saturday, Vershinin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the sidelines of the first meeting of national coordinators of the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain For people with stable chest pain, a personalized "precision" testing approach led to more efficient evaluations for heart disease risk and improved diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease when compared to usual care, according to late-breaking science presented today at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2022. The meeting, held in person in Chicago and virtually, Nov. 57, 2022, is a global exchange of the latest scientific advancements, research and evidence-based clinical practice updates in cardiovascular science. Chest pain is a common reason people visit the doctor, and while most chest pain episodes are found not to be heart-related, it is the most common sign of possible heart issues. "Stable" chest pain means someone has not been diagnosed with heart disease but has chest pain upon physical or emotional exertion. Guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology for evaluating chest pain indicate the importance of identifying people at low risk for heart disease so they can avoid unnecessary tests, which may involve increased costs and potential risks or complications. However, there is no randomized trial specifically detailing the most appropriate tests and screenings for people who have stable chest pain to determine whether they have heart disease. This study aimed to determine whether a precision approach for evaluating people with stable chest pain improved efficiency over usual evaluations and if unnecessary testing was avoided, and care improved without putting patients at risk of a missed heart disease diagnosis. "The PRECISE study provides the first randomized evidence for a risk-based testing strategy to reduce extra testing and improve efficiency of care while maintaining excellent patient outcomes, such as using guideline-directed medications, reducing chest pain and minimizing the number of heart attacks or heart disease-related deaths," said lead study author Pamela S. Douglas, M.D., FAHA, the Ursula Geller Professor of Research in Cardiovascular Disease at Duke University School of Medicine and a member of the Duke Clinical Research Institute in Durham, North Carolina. The study included 2,103 adults at 65 outpatient centers in the U.S., Canada and Europe. All participants had symptoms that indicated potential coronary artery disease, with 83% reporting chest pain as their primary symptom, 10% reporting shortness of breath upon physical exertion, and a small percentage of people reporting other concerning symptoms such as nausea or dizziness. Half of the study participants were female, and the group's mean age was 58 years. Participants were randomized to one of two groups: either a precision evaluation strategy (1,057 people) or usual testing (1,046 people). The precision evaluation strategy started with an assessment called the PROspective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of chest pain Minimal-Risk Score (PROMISE MRS or PMRS), designed to identify low-risk individuals who may not benefit from further testing. The PMRS is based on a person's cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, abnormal cholesterol levels, family history of heart disease and high blood pressure, as well as the patient's sex. A high PMRS indicated a low risk for future heart attack, therefore, the study hypothesized, testing could be postponed unless symptoms persisted or worsened. Participants in the precision strategy who scored lower, meaning higher risk for heart disease, were referred for coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography with selective fractional flow reserve CT (FFRCT). Coronary CT angiography is a non-invasive diagnostic test producing three-dimensional images of the arteries in the heart to determine if there are any blockages that may indicate coronary artery disease. FFRCT assesses blood flow in more detail when coronary arteries are narrowed. All participants, regardless of randomization or initial testing, were encouraged to receive guideline-recommended care including preventive medication such as cholesterol-lowering medicine and anti-platelet medicine. Participants randomized to usual testing received either stress testing or heart catheterization, as determined by the treating hospital and clinician team. During a stress test, a person is connected to equipment to monitor the heart while they walk on a treadmill or receive a medication that increases the heart rate or blood flow. Heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, the heart's electrical activity and pain levels are measured. During heart catheterization, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a large blood vessel that leads to the heart. Dye is injected through the catheter to show on an X-ray if arteries are blocked. The pressure and blood flow in the artery can also be measured during heart catheterization. The study followed participants for one year after the evaluations and tracked the number of deaths (from any cause), non-fatal heart attacks and whether invasive testing revealed coronary artery disease. Researchers also monitored chest pain frequency and severity, and whether participants were taking medications for heart disease prevention. The analysis found: About 20% of the participants (224) in the precision strategy group were considered minimal risk, of whom nearly two-thirds did not require testing during follow-up. About 20% (219) in the usual testing group were also at minimal risk for coronary artery disease, yet study sites were blinded to this determination and these participants had usual testing. Among participants assessed with the precision strategy, 84% underwent testing, mostly using CCTA with selective FFRCT. In the usual testing group, 93% underwent testing with 32% having a nuclear stress test; 30% had a stress echocardiogram; 11% had an exercise electrocardiogram; 10% received a cardiac MRI; and 10% received invasive catheterization as their initial test. In the precision screening group, 135 participants underwent heart catheterization that identified obstructive coronary artery disease in 108 of them. In the usual testing group, 177 people had a heart catheterization, with obstructive coronary artery disease found in 70. 18 people in the precision care group (1.7%) and 12 participants (1.1%) in the usual testing group died or had heart attacks; this difference was not statistically significant. After one year, cholesterol medication and antiplatelet medication use was higher among participants in the precision strategy group compared to the usual testing group: 50% vs. 42%, respectively, for cholesterol medicines and 36% vs. 27 for antiplatelet use. Frequent chest pain was substantially reduced in both groups, from 66% to 16%. "We were pleasantly surprised by the reduced use of testing in the precision care group, more efficient use of heart catheterization and enhanced preventive medication use, all of which point to long-term benefits for patients' health," said Douglas. "Our findings may help with evaluating the millions of people globally every year who see their doctors with stable chest pain by accurately identifying those at low risk for clinical events who can safely delay diagnostic testing." The study's limitations include that the precision strategy incorporated several actions reflective of real-world decision-making: risk stratification, deferred testing and use of CCTA with selective FFRCT as the initial test. The separate effects of each action cannot be determined. In addition, it's uncertain whether controlling medical care after the initial evaluations, rather than leaving it up to the enrolling sites, may alter patient outcomes. Since follow-up was limited to one year, research with longer follow-up is needed. More information: Link to session Link to session abstract Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain People with inflammatory bowel diseases develop inflammation of the intestine that can cause thickening of the gut wall and life-threatening blockage of the intestinal tube. Twenty to 50 percent of people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are affected over their lifetime by this poorly understood condition, called "fibrosis." "Currently there are no approved treatments for this condition, beyond surgery, to remove the blocked section of intestine," says Dr. Simon Hirota, Ph.D., Canada Research Chair in Host-Microbe Interactions and Chronic Disease, and member of the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases at the University of Calgary's Cumming School of Medicine. A new study led by Hirota and published in the journal Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, opens the door to developing a potential treatment for fibrosis. The study involved researchers at the University of Calgary and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. The research teams investigated bacteria residing in the human gut"the inner tube of life"that release chemical substances called microbial metabolites (products of metabolism) that block inflammation and gut wall thickening. In people with inflammatory bowel diseases, these metabolites are present at reduced levels, as are the natural sensors that the body uses to detect them. Hirota explains that while repair in the gut is necessary after injury, the "over-exuberant," constant repair seen with inflammatory bowel diseases leads to disease-causing changes in the gut wall. "We're now starting to think about not only the lining of the gut playing a role in sensing and responding to metabolites, but also the fibroblast cells just below the lining," Hirota says. The researchers looked at a specific chemical receptoror sensorin the gut called PXR that's involved in helping the gut heal. They focused on the interplay between this receptor and a metabolite called IPA. Using cells from mice the researchers removed the PXR receptor, enabling them to determine which cells were involved in the interplay between the chemicals released by gut bacteria and the host. They used cells from the human gut to verify their findings in the animal model. The findings suggest that drugs designed to target these sensors may provide a new treatment to prevent inflammation-associated gut blockage. Co-author Dr. Sridhar Mani, MD, and his research group have produced synthetic compounds based on the structure of the IPA metabolite that have been shown to inhibit inflammationmuch like the natural IPA does. "This new research has produced a field-driving publication that clearly implicates PXR as an important target for fibrosis," says Mani, professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. "We hope to now use microbial metabolite mimicry as a strategy to target PXR to prevent this dreaded complication of IBD." A next step would be to conduct clinical trials to see if the synthetic compounds have a beneficial effect on fibrosis and the remodeling process in the human gut. Hirota says that ideally, the "synthetic metabolite" would be in a form that could be ingested and would pass through the stomach and be released in specific areas of the gut that are affected. More information: Kyle L. Flannigan et al, The Pregnane X Receptor and Indole-3-Propionic Acid Shape the Intestinal Mesenchyme to Restrain Inflammation and Fibrosis, Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology (2022). www.cmghjournal.org/article/S2 (22)00225-9/fulltext Kyle L. Flannigan et al, The Pregnane X Receptor and Indole-3-Propionic Acid Shape the Intestinal Mesenchyme to Restrain Inflammation and Fibrosis,(2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.10.014 Credit: CC0 Public Domain A team led by Dr. Lorrie Kirshenbaum from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and St. Boniface Hospital Research has identified a protein called TRAF2 that stops functioning in cancer patients taking the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, which can result in heart failure. "The finding could lead to new drugs that save cancer patients," said Kirshenbaum, lead investigator and UM Canada Research Chair in molecular cardiology and director of the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Center. While doxorubicin is used to treat many types of cancer, particularly breast and ovarian cancer, some patients who receive the drug develop heart problems that lead to heart failure. Using a variety of state-of-the-art approaches, the researchers discovered that doxorubicin impairs the activity of TRAF2 in the heart which leads to heart failure. The team also showed that interventions that restored the TRAF2 activity suppressed the unwanted side effects and heart failure induced by doxorubicin treatment. "This is a significant finding that we are very excited about," said Kirshenbaum, professor of physiology & pathophysiology and pharmacology & therapeutics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba. "We discovered that TRAF2 was consistently down-regulated in cancer patients with heart failure who had received doxorubicin treatment. Our pre-clinical study showed that by restoring TRAF2, we could prevent injury to the heart muscle and heart failure induced by doxorubicin." The results of the study, titled "Proteasomal Degradation of TRAF2 Mediates Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Doxorubicin-Cardiomyopathy," were published in the American Heart Association's cardiac journal Circulation. Kirshenbaum said the research has revealed a novel cellular pathway that connects the loss of TRAF2 to the undesirable cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin that could lead to new ways to completely eliminate this unwanted side-effect in millions of cancer patients. "Essentially, we're talking about the difference of the heart tissue surviving unscathed versus experiencing premature and irreversible cell damage as a result of these powerful cancer-treating drugs," said Dr. Richard Kitsis, professor of medicine and cell biology, director, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. "Enhancement of TRAF2 function in the heart may provide a novel therapeutic approach." Kirshenbaum and his team are currently working on new therapies and drugs that could be used to prevent cardiac injury in cancer patients undergoing doxorubicin treatment. Dr. Peter Nickerson, UM vice-provost (health sciences), and dean of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, said he's excited about the study and prospects of new therapies that could improve patient care. "This study builds upon Dr. Kirshenbaum's leadership in cardiovascular sciences globally, and importantly, it reflects the high caliber of CIHR funded research at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Center," Nickerson said. More information: Rimpy Dhingra et al, Proteasomal Degradation of TRAF2 Mediates Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Doxorubicin-Cardiomyopathy, Circulation (2022). Journal information: Circulation Rimpy Dhingra et al, Proteasomal Degradation of TRAF2 Mediates Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Doxorubicin-Cardiomyopathy,(2022). DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.058411 The study found that emotionally-stressed (ES) mice exhibited diarrhea-like symptoms and visceral hyperalgesia without histological changes in the intestinal tract, taking a step closer to understanding the gut-brain interactions underlying IBS. Credit: Akiyoshi Saitoh Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often comes with gastrointestinal symptoms in small and large intestines. IBS has been categorized into four subtypes depending on stool inconsistency; these are IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), mixed (IBS-M), and unclassified IBS. But there is a lack of understanding in the scientific literature regarding the mechanisms and treatments of IBS. One of the reasons for this shortage of knowledge regarding IBS is the lack of useful experimental animal models. Over the years, studies have suggested a link between emotional states and gut dysfunction, emphasizing the existence and importance of the so-called "gut-brain axis" in determining our emotional and metabolic well-being. Recently, chronic social defeat stress (cSDS) and chronic vicarious social defeat stress (cVSDS) have received acceptance as a model for major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder. Could cVSDS animal models help us understand IBS in detail? To find out, researchers from Tokyo University of Science (TUS) led by Professor Akiyoshi Saitoh from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, TUS, used cVSDS mice models. Their objective was to understand the effects of prolonged psychological stress on intestinal conditions. The team found that the psychological stress-induced mice showed higher intestinal transit ratio and visceral pain-related behaviorshallmarks of IBS. Their findings were published in Frontiers in Neuroscience. Elaborating on their study, Prof. Saitoh says, "we focused on the cVSDS paradigm and evaluated the impact of emotional stress on intestinal conditions. We further assessed the paradigm's potential as a novel animal model of IBS." In their study, they subjected mice to physical stress or emotional stress, in which the test animals either went through physical aggression or witnessed the aggression for 10 minutes per day for 10 consecutive days. On day 11, social interaction test was conducted to evaluate stress conditions of the test animals. Stress was also estimated through plasma corticosterone quantification, charcoal meal test, and capsaicin-induced hyperalgesia test of the animals. The researchers also evaluated the mice for intestinal permeability, pathology, defecation frequency, and stool content. They found that the charcoal transit ratio, indicative of passage through the intestine, was significantly elevated in mice that underwent emotional stress compared to mice in the control (naive) group not exposed to stress. However, the effects were insignificant in mice that underwent physical stress. The defecation frequency and stool water content were also increased in mice subjected to emotional stress. These effects lasted for 1 month after the stress loading. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the pathological status and intestinal permeability between the naive and emotionally-stressed mice, suggesting no tissue-level changes due to stress. Professor Saitoh says, "These results suggest that chronic stress in mice provokes IBS-D-like symptoms, such as chronic intestinal peristaltic exacerbations and abdominal hyperalgesia, without intestinal lesions." Interestingly, the researchers found that the changes in intestinal motility in the test animals were ameliorated when the cVSDS mice were treated with keishikashakuyakuto, a kampo medicine clinically used for the treatment of IBS. The study highlights the advantage of the cVSDS paradigm over traditional methods in inducing IBS-D-like symptoms through exposure to repeated psychological stress. Speaking about the mechanisms of these effects, Professor Saitoh says, "From the aspect of the gutbrain axis, we suspect that the insular cortex plays an important role in determining the phenotype of emotionally-stressed mice." The insular cortex is a part of the upper central nervous system controlling digestive functions and is involved in the process of coping with psychological stress. In conclusion, this study demonstrates for the first time that cVSDS-induced psychological stress alone can cause IBS-D-like symptoms in mice. Further research could perhaps rely on cSDS and cVSDS paradigms for elucidating pathophysiological conditions and designing treatments for IBS. More information: Toshinori Yoshioka et al, Repeated psychological stress, chronic vicarious social defeat stress, evokes irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms in mice, Frontiers in Neuroscience (2022). Journal information: Frontiers in Neuroscience Toshinori Yoshioka et al, Repeated psychological stress, chronic vicarious social defeat stress, evokes irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms in mice,(2022). DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.993132 Wearing face shields, Physical Plant plumbers Jay Maier, left, and Adam Kundert hoist a compositing wastewater sampler from a sewer opening at the University of WisconsinMadison on Sept. 1, 2020. Researchers at UW Madison are using wastewater samples to trace new lineages of the virus that causes COVID-19. Credit: Jeff Miller David O'Connor believes poop can tell you a lot about yourself and those around youand there's science to back him up. While analyzing data from wastewater samples collected by the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene earlier this year, O'Connor and his colleagues detected a highly mutated version of the virus that causes COVID-19 called a cryptic lineage. With some careful scientific sleuthing, they were able to track the lineage to a single source. What's curious about cryptic lineages is that, through some unknown process, they develop the same spike gene mutations found in variants of concern, like omicron, despite not being descended from these or related strains. Scientists are interested in studying these lineages, which might be the origin of the next major COVID variant and a widespread wave of infection. "How could one person's virus shed into wastewater have many of the same changes that took the [omicron variant] over two years to 'figure out' as it spread through the world? That's the huge question we are trying to figure out," says O'Connor, a professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of WisconsinMadison. This is why he and his team were so keen on tracking the lineage they detected back to its source. Their findings are the subject of a study published ahead of peer review on Nov. 1 in medRxiv and the focus of a recent story published in Nature this September. "It's like CSI Sewer," O'Connor explains. "We had a map of where the manhole locations were (where the wastewater samples originated), so we would strategically try to choose which ones would allow us to narrow the source." By eliminating the samples that were negative for the cryptic lineage and tracing the positive manholes around the map, the team could determine the specific office building from which the lineage was being expelled. The team's goal is to test the office workers in the building to see if they can pinpoint the individual shedding the unique virus. If they can can find this person, they may be able to better understand how infectious the cryptic lineage could be and whether it can survive outside the gut environment. But doing so requires office workers to volunteer themselves for testing. Some of the workers in the building agreed to nasal swabbing, but the researchers have yet to see the same cryptic lineage in those samples. That raises a few questions: Is the individual with the cryptic lineage not one of the workers who volunteered for a nasal swab? Is the virus detectable in waste but not in the nasal passageway? Or, is the individual even shedding the virus anymore? The next step in tracking down the individual is to collect fecal samples from the office workers. Finding this cryptic lineage in Wisconsin also made O'Connor wonder how many other people around the country and the world had similar mutations, with unknown levels of infectiousness. He says he can imagine a world where the infrastructure for regular wastewater monitoring exists all the time, giving scientists access to community infection rates without a reliance on individual testing. After all, COVID fatigue is real. Many fewer people are seeking out PCR testing, maybe to avoid the brain-scraping feeling of nasal swabs, because they're finding less testing availability in their communities or, like many people, because they're shifting into a post-pandemic mindset. Since it isn't realistic to expect everyone in a community to test all the time, passive community testing like wastewater sampling provides a sort of happy medium. So, too, might another passive approach: vacuuming up what's floating in the air. Across the hall from David O'Connor, another researcher's lab is studying respiratory viruses that might be found in the air in places like schools and nursing homes. Meet Shelby O'Connor, a professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UWMadison, who also happens to be married to David. Through a partnership with Thermo Fisher that began last year, Shelby's lab has been collaborating with David's to monitor the presence of COVID-19 using AerosolSense instruments that suck up air and trap the stuff floating in it on foam cartridges. So far, they've placed devices in public schools, nursing homes and David's lecture class at UWMadison, where they collect air for a day or two, gobbling up viruses and whatever else is floating around. Back in the lab, the O'Connors and their team use a solvent to squeeze everything the sponge captured into a tube. Since the air sampling devices collect more than just viruses, the researchers then conduct tests to see if potential viruses of concern are present and work to identify the ones that are. They do this through a process called sequencing, where they look at the basic building blocks of viral genetic material that may be present in their sample, called nucleotides, and the order in which they're strung together. That ordered string can then be used to identify what viruses the team is seeing in a sample. Sequencing can be used to look specifically for COVID-19 but also to zoom out and identify other respiratory viruses, like influenza or other unknown viruses, that may be present in the air. Being able to look both specifically and broadly gives the researchers the potential to monitor the air in these locations for viruses that could lead to future outbreaks. "What's interesting is we have seen different viruses showing up in different populations," Shelby says. "For example, on the university campus, we saw influenza in late 2021, but in the surrounding K-12 schools where we were running these samplers, we did not see influenza." Strategically placing these devices may help high-risk communities prepare for potential disease outbreaks, allowing them to adopt mitigation strategies to help keep patients in nursing homes safe and schools open. Their further studies could also present an opportunity for tracking and understanding local infection rate data. For instance, researchers could create a dashboard for specific buildings and high-traffic areas, such as airports, so people visiting or passing through can be better informed on their risk of exposure to various viruses. A central theme of both David and Shelby's research revolves around conducting science that makes data actionable and impactful for non-scientists. Despite COVID fatigue, Shelby and David's teams have continued collaborating with other scientists and community partners. "I think it's really great when we get to work with people who are also as excited to help each other as we are. It's been really nice to see how many people can be community-focused, through this process," Shelby says. In the O'Connors' ideal world, air sampling devices would be in every airport and sewer system, constantly collecting data and helping the public stay more informed about disease risks. But while these technologies are moving further from science fiction and closer to reality every day, the O'Connors stress that it's important for people to continue using the effective mitigation tools we already have to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19 and flu. Masks, regular handwashing, staying home if you feel sick and staying up-to-date on available vaccines are all steps people can take to protect themselves and each other. "You have to still recognize your risk in particular situations," Shelby says. "Even if scientists are doing their darndest to predict the best they can, it's still biology. There are things we can't control, and so you have to still take care of yourself." More information: Martin M. Shafer et al, Tracing the origin of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-like Spike sequences detected in wastewater, (2022). Martin M. Shafer et al, Tracing the origin of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-like Spike sequences detected in wastewater, (2022). DOI: 10.1101/2022.10.28.22281553 Ewen Callaway, These scientists traced a new coronavirus lineage to one officethrough sewage, Nature (2022). DOI: 10.1038/d41586-022-02996-y Journal information: Nature Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Monash University researchers have used the world's largest multiple sclerosis (MS) registry, MSBase, to provide evidence that will help those with MS take the best medicine for them. People with MS often need to switch drugs to fully control their disease. These switch decisions are complex because until now there has been no good evidence to choose one new drug over another. Led by researchers from the MS Clinical Neuroimmunology group in the Department of Neuroscience at Monash University, the study created this much-needed evidence. It determined disease outcomes for three common drugs that people switch to after stopping the popular MS drug fingolimod due to disease breakthrough or side effects. The results will enable people with MS and their care teams to make evidence-based decisions about medication. MS is a complex condition of the central nervous system, interfering with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. It affects more than 25,600 people in Australia. Although treatments have improved significantly, researchers are yet to uncover its cause or discover a cure. Most patients will require lifelong treatment to minimize the disease's progression. Published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, the study revealed that the number of relapses in patients with the most common form of MS (relapsing-remitting) were well controlled and disability stabilized or improved when those who discontinued fingolimod changed to either ocrelizumab or natalizumab. Relapsing-remitting MS is the most common form in which new symptoms (relapses) occur over at least 24 hours and get worse. They are then followed by a period of remission (remitting) when the symptoms partially or fully go away. Fingolimod is approved as a first-line MS therapy in Australia, the U.S., Canada and other countries. But after a few years of treatment many patients stop taking it because of adverse side effects, further relapses, or disease progression. These patients often then experience severe relapses that cause further disability, affecting their everyday quality of living. Senior author Professor Helmut Butzkueven, Head of the Department of Neurology at Alfred Health, and Managing Director of the MSBase foundation, headquartered at Monash University, said current practice after stopping fingolimod was not guided by evidence, a gap this paper filled. Professor Butzkueven said the findings were great news for patients who need to stop taking fingolimod. "Specialists are not sure what is the optimal treatment to provide patients with MS when they need to discontinue fingolimod," he said. "Now, we can use the knowledge from our study to inform their practice and help patients receive the most benefit in terms of their disease." Professor Butzkueven said the findings were particularly exciting as previous studies had not directly looked at the effectiveness of these three drugs following discontinuation of fingolimod, only how well each drug works against placebo. "Our study provides a more comprehensive picture that is valuable to specialists and people with MS for managing their condition," he said. "It's great research because I could apply it in our busy MS clinic the day we got the results." First author and biostatistician Dr. Chao Zhu applied a sophisticated statistical approach to the analysis that allowed the team to arrive at its findings. Ocrelizumab performed best in reducing the annualized relapse rate, followed by natalizumab and cladribine. Natalizumab was found to have the most improvement in disability, and patients persisted longest on ocrelizumab. The next stage of the research is to assess the safety of the three drugs compared with fingolimod. This is a key part of understanding the overall clinical benefit and will add more evidence for specialists to guide patients' treatments. The MSBase Foundation, hosted in Monash University's Department of Neuroscience in Melbourne, allows more than 900 clinicians globally to monitor outcomes for people with MS. Its data has been used in more than 90 publications improving care for people with MS in the last 9 years. More information: Chao Zhu et al, Comparing switch to ocrelizumab, cladribine or natalizumab after fingolimod treatment cessation in multiple sclerosis, Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry (2022). Journal information: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry Chao Zhu et al, Comparing switch to ocrelizumab, cladribine or natalizumab after fingolimod treatment cessation in multiple sclerosis,(2022). DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-330104 MONDAY, Nov. 7, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Infants and children sick with RSV are flooding pediatricians' offices and childrens hospitals across the United States, due to an early surge of the common childhood virus this year. But within one or two sick seasons, doctors expect to have on hand long-sought tools to help blunt the impact of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). As many as four new RSV vaccine candidates could soon be sent for review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, experts say, and dozens more are in testing or under development. There are 30 or something [vaccine candidates] out there. Ive lost count, said Dr. Greg Poland, director of the Mayo Clinics Vaccine Research Group in Rochester, Minn. Additionally, a new monoclonal antibody developed by drugmaker Sanofi has already been approved in Europe to protect infants against RSV infection. While not a full-fledged vaccine, the drug Beyfortus (nirsevimab) would be the first treatment available to protect infants against RSV during their first year of life. Sanofi said the drug has been submitted to the FDA for approval. On the vaccine front, pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and GSK have announced solid results from phase 3 clinical trials in seniors for their respective RSV vaccine candidates. This is usually the last step in testing before a company submits its vaccine to the FDA for approval. Pfizer has also announced positive phase 3 clinical trial results in pregnant women and their newborns, with antibodies produced by the moms immune system crossing the placental barrier to produce protection in the fetus. The vaccine was more than 80% effective in protecting newborns against RSV during their first 90 days of life, and about 70% effective through the first six months, Pfizer announced in a news release earlier this week. The babies that are born will have a significant benefit from the mothers vaccination for their first six months of life, and thats when a lot of the RSV illness is a primary concern, said Dr. Aaron Glatt, chair of infectious diseases with Mount Sinai South Nassau, in New York. Based on those data, Pfizer said it intends to submit its vaccine for FDA review by the end of 2022. Two other major pharma competitors, Janssen and Moderna, have their own RSV vaccine candidates in clinical trials, Poland added. Dozens of RSV vaccines in the works RSV is typically a minor infection that produces sniffles in most kids, but social distancing precautions taken during the pandemic meant that fewer children have been exposed to it, and thus haven't developed immune protection against it. You suddenly have a whole larger population of kids that haven't been exposed to RSV that are now getting it, Glatt explained. You may have a 2-year-old, a 3-year-old and a 4-year-old all at the same time getting it, whereas normally youd only have the 2-year-olds getting it. RSV is particularly dangerous for infants because it can cause bronchiolitis, an inflammatory condition that clogs the tiny airways inside the lung. Infants who struggle to draw breath often cascade quickly into other health problems because they usually wont eat or drink, making them weak and dehydrated. However, RSV can cause lasting damage in toddlers and young children as well, said Dr. Sean Liu, medical director of the COVID Clinical Trials Unit at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York City. Children who are hospitalized with severe RSV have a higher prevalence of developing asthma as they grow up, Liu added. So, it would be really exciting to see this vaccine prevent all that harm that RSV does. The drug companies are all champing at the bit to have their vaccines reach the market, so much so that Dr. Ashish Jha, head of the White House COVID-19 Response Task Force, told CNN that hes hopeful at least one RSV vaccine will be available by next fall. Although optimistic, Poland warned against buying all the hype related to RSV vaccines. It will take some time for the vaccines to be approved for children, since the regulatory pipeline requires they first be tested in adults. Im alarmed at some of the headlines and some of the people theyre interviewing, because they say things like, 'Well, well have this vaccine next year and the era of respiratory infections during the winter will be over,' Poland said. No. No, it wont. I guarantee you it wont. All this activity comes after decades of disappointment in the hunt for an RSV vaccine. The first RSV vaccine trial conducted in the United States in the 1960s turned out to be horrible, Glatt said, and through lack of full understanding of immunology actually worsened things for patients. Two children died in the clinical trial, which involved an inactivated virus. The vaccine caused a phenomenon called antibody-dependent enhancement, where the antibodies produced by a vaccine actually make a virus more virulent and harmful. Basically, research on RSV vaccines stopped after that, Poland said. I mean, that was it. Nothing happened for decades. Vaccine developers finally suss out RSV's secrets The hunt for an RSV vaccine picked up in the early 2010s when a team of researchers isolated the structure of the virus F-protein, the site that allows it to attach to human cells, Poland said. The F-protein works in a similar way to COVIDs spike protein, but once its fused with a human cell it changes shape. The mistake with the first vaccine candidate was that it created antibodies based on the F-proteins shape after it had already gotten into a human cell, said Liu. In essence, it was ineffective antibody, but it fooled the body into thinking that there was protection there, Liu said. The new research figured out how to stabilize RSVs F-protein in its pre-fusion state, before it attaches to a cell, Poland said. That gives the human immune system an accurate target against which to form antibodies. That suddenly opened the gateways into RSV vaccine research, which has still proceeded very, very slowly because of concern and fear over antibody-dependent enhancement, Poland said. In the field of vaccinology, this is generating immense excitement, and rightfully so. But Poland noted that neither of the most advanced vaccine trials, by Pfizer and GSK, have had results published in a peer-reviewed medical journal yet. Instead, the companies have been announcing early results from their phase 3 trials in news releases and at medical meetings. For example, GSK announced at the October annual meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America that its RSV vaccine had been more than 90% effective in protecting seniors against the virus. The earliest protection U.S. children might receive against RSV could instead come from nirsevimab, the Sanofi monoclonal antibody approved this week in Europe. Sanofi has said it hopes the treatment will be available in the United States for next years RSV season. Nirsevimab is administered to infants in a single shot, either at birth or before the RSV season begins. Because the jab supplies antibodies against RSV rather than promoting a natural immune response, the protection is immediate but short-lived. But clinical trial results showed that nirsevimab was nearly 75% effective in warding off severe cases of RSV, according to a report published earlier this year in the New England Journal of Medicine. More information The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about RSV. SOURCES: Greg Poland, MD, director, Vaccine Research Group, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.; Aaron Glatt, MD, chair, infectious diseases, Mount Sinai South Nassau, New York; Sean Liu, MD, PhD, medical director, COVID Clinical Trials Unit, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City Fentanyl has become a scourge across America and is taking a toll on the growing number of people living on the streets of Los Angeles. About a third of the 2,000 homeless deaths between April 2020 and March 2021 were from an overdose. The federal government says the highly addictive and lethal synthetic drug has quickly become the deadliest drug in the nation. While help is available, it is outpaced by the magnitude of misery on the streets. Homeless addicts in Los Angeles can be seen sprawled on sidewalks or passed out in alleys. Others peddle tiny doses and puffs of smoke to the desperate seeking their next high. MONDAY, Nov. 7, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Folks suffering chest pain from clogged arteries appear to have some true flexibility in choosing the medical care that's right for them, researchers report. That's because their overall risk of death is about the same whether they choose aggressive surgical treatment or a more conservative approach focused on medication and lifestyle changes, according to seven-year clinical trial results. These findings echo four-year results from the same trial, which is focused on people who have angina but no other serious heart-related complications, said lead researcher Dr. Judith Hochman, director of the Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City. "We can say with a little greater confidence that at seven years, there's no difference in survival between the two groups," she said. "Those patients, who are the vast majority of patients with chronic coronary disease, need to discuss with their doctor which is the best strategy for them." Angina affects about 4% of Americans, or 11 million people, the American Heart Association (AHA) estimates. The ISCHEMIA trial included people with moderately to severely clogged arteries who still had a healthy heart muscle, stable angina and no other recent heart-related illness. These results shouldn't be applied to patients with more complex heart conditions, Hochman said. Nearly 5,200 qualifying patients in the trial were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Patients assigned aggressive treatment typically underwent angioplasty or open-heart surgery based on their condition, Hochman said. Patients in the conservative treatment group were prescribed heart medications and asked to adopt healthy lifestyle changes. After seven years of follow-up, patients in the conservative treatment group did have a greater rate of heart-related death, 8.6%, compared with 6.4% in the aggressive treatment group. But the aggressive treatment group had a higher rate of non-heart-related death, 5.5%, compared with 4.4%. "We really can't explain why non-cardiovascular deaths were increased in the invasive strategy," Hochman said. "But the two just cancel each other out, and all-cause death is the same for the invasive versus the conservative strategy over time. After seven years, the rates are the same." Based on this, patients with simple angina should feel empowered to choose the treatment path that's right for them, Hochman said. "If a patient with mild angina controlled by medical therapy wants these narrowings [of arteries] 'fixed,' which some patients do, it's very reasonable to go ahead and to that because they're not going to be harmed. They're not going to cut their life shorter based on that strategy," Hochman said. "The same is true for a conservative strategy," she added. "There are many patients that just don't want invasive procedures. They don't want stents placed in them. They don't want open-heart surgery. It's very reasonable to say, 'Well, we know that after seven years if you take your medicines and make lifestyle changes, you're going to live just as long as the patients initially assigned to that invasive strategy.'" They would not be selecting one strategy over the other based on survival. "They'd be selecting it based on quality of life and their preference for management," Hochman said. The clinical trial is set to go on for another three years, and will eventually provide a 10-year picture of differences between the two groups. Some doctors are waiting for that full, decade-long analysis to see if a difference in survival eventually does emerge, said Dr. B. Hadley Wilson, vice president of the American College of Cardiology. Wilson noted that heart-related deaths appeared to be steadily rising among those receiving conservative versus invasive treatment in the study. "That really begets the reason for wanting to extend it, so we see if these curves would continue to separate. In other words, is there a difference between conservative management and invasive management, maybe not at five years but at 10 years?" said Wilson, executive vice chair of the Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute at Atrium Health in Charlotte, N.C. The clinical trial results appear in the journal Circulation, and also were presented Sunday at the American Heart Association's annual meeting, in Chicago. More information The Cleveland Clinic has more about angina. SOURCES: Judith Hochman, MD, director, Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City; B. Hadley Wilson, MD, executive vice chair, Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute at Atrium Health, Charlotte, N.C.; Circulation, Nov. 6, 2022 By Trend Two people were killed and one more was taken to hospital after a fourth-floor balcony collapse in Sochi, the press service of the Krasnodar Territory Prosecutors Office told TASS on Sunday, Trend reports citing TASS. "According to preliminary information, a balcony on the fourth floor of a five-storey apartment bloc collapsed. There were three people on it. Two dies, one is in hospital. The Sochi Prosecutors Office is probing into the causes of the accident," it said. According to the Krasnodar territorial department of the Russian emergencies ministry, the accident took place in a five-storey apartment bloc built in 1958 in central Sochi. There are no other damages to the building. Officials lifted a road warning asking Missoulians to travel only for emergencies due to icy, slick roads after conditions improved around 4 p.m. The Missoula Police Department issued the warning just after 1 p.m. on Monday. Missoula Police Spokesperson Lydia Arnold said several intersections around Missoula were briefly blocked due to accidents. Authorities are reminding drivers to slow down and leave plenty of room between cars. A snow squall alert was issued Monday afternoon for travelers in the Missoula area, especially the Interstate 90 corridor and Lolo vicinity. On Monday evening, an arctic cold front is expected to send thermometers plunging in windy conditions. "With much colder air temperatures and continued breezy conditions, wind chills as low as 30 below zero are expected in the Glacier Park region and as low as 25 below zero are expected in the Flathead Valley, along US-2 towards Happy's Inn and also across southwest Montana through Tuesday morning," a National Weather Service forecast bulletin said on Monday. "As such, we have issued wind chill advisories in these areas." They say the generals always fight the next war the way they fought the last one. Unfortunately, thats been true not only in war but in politics as well, where far too often the challenges of the future are met with the dubious strategies of the past. Yet, on the eve of an election that has been hyped to high heaven and in which the partisan politics of divide and conquer have been endlessly thrust in our faces, the simple truth remains that our challenge is the future. And given that challenge, well need not only a clear eyed assessment of its enormity, but a willingness to admit it will not be met through the divisions of the past. When the election is over and the votes are counted, the winners will crow and the losers will cry. Nothing new there. But once the celebration and wailing is over, the job of running Montana will remain and thats going to take the best abilities of all of us. Many of those challenges are eternal we still have to educate our children, provide police and fire protection, ensure our citizens have access to health care, and allow our senior citizens to live out their lives in dignity. We will still have to deal with our common need of clean water to drink and the treatment of our sewage at the other end of the pipe. And of course well need the energy to meet our huge spectrum of uses. The growing urgency of those challenges are mute testament that the methods of the past are failing to meet the exigencies of the future. Its no news that many Montana cities, as well as those across the West, are facing serious difficulties in providing clean water for their residents. The Wests greatest mega-drought in 1,200 years is causing once-reliable sources dwindle or, in the worst cases, disappear entirely. The old meet the demand excuse for rapacious use of natural resources isnt cutting it anymore. You can only drill so many wells until, like a milk shake with too many straws in it, you start sucking air from depleted aquifers. You can only divert so much water until your rivers run dry. Likewise, you can only put so many pollutants in the air and water before both become unusable at least for humans. Our sewage treatment facilities, by necessity, must be upgraded to future treatments, such as reverse osmosis, or were going to be drinking our own effluent. Despite the debilitating effects of the climate change our atmospheric pollution has caused, the transition to clean energy sources is incredibly slow. Why? Because we inexplicably hang on to the energy sources of the past. Simply put, there are very real limits to growth and those who deny that do so not only at their own peril, but at the peril of future generations as well. Yet, the old tenets of capitalism still hold continuous growth as a necessity despite the fact that the resources to do so are increasingly limited. That old strategy must change. Yet, perhaps the greatest challenge for the future is simply admitting we must calm the partisan political divisions that have been so mercilessly and intentionally stoked. In that regard, the good news is that Montanans have a long tradition of live and let live. Simply put, we need each other, and political affiliation doesnt matter much when helping someone out of a snow drift. The challenges of the future demand we bring exactly that approach to our governance as well and leave the last war in the past, where it belongs. Most Wanted List Those who have a new or gently used copy of any of the Top 10 Titles and would like to donate it to the library, it would be most appreciated. To date, the library has received 967 of the most wanted books. Current BCPL Top 10 Holds 1. The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham 17 holds 2. Triple Cross by James Patterson 12 holds 3. The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber 10 holds 4. Livid by Patricia Cornwell 9 holds 5. Long Shadows by David Baldacci 9 holds 6. No Plan B by Lee Child 8 holds 7. It End With Us by Colleen Hoover 7 holds 8. Body of Evidence by Irene Hannon 6 holds 9. Distant Thunder by Stuart Woods 6 holds 10. Wyoming Homecoming by Diana Palmer 6 holds Current New York Times Best Sellers and NC Cardinal Consortium Holds 1. It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover 2434 holds 2. The Boys From Biloxi by John Grisham 683 holds 3. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover 434 holds 4. Verity by Colleen Hoover 546 holds 5. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver 380 holds 6. Long Shadows by David Baldacci 487 holds 7. Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover 158 holds 8. Fairy Tale by Stephen King 251 holds 9. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 105 holds 10. Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult 307 holds Adult programming Adults can enjoy a Vintage Holiday Car Painting workshop on Monday, Nov. 8, at 5:30 p.m. at the Valdese Public Library. Pre-registration is required. The Bumble Tree is back! Drop by any Burke County Public Library location to pick up a Bumble tag and bag. Fill the bag with items from the included list and return to the same library between Nov. 14 and Dec. 17. We will then distribute the bags to health/rehabilitation centers in the county. Make someones holiday brighter with a Bumble Bag! Call 828-764-9269 or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org for more information. Young adult programming Happy November! #YAS is back with all new programs! Join us Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Valdese Public Library for our DIY Fall Snaccy Snacks. Thursday afternoon is a Just Dance Party Night at 4 p.m. at the C.B. Hildebrand Public Library. There is no pre-registration required to attend this weeks events. All library locations will be closed on Friday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Dont forget that next Saturday (Nov. 19) is our Local Authors Day at the Morganton Public Library from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. This day will feature 20 different authors, bookselling by Adventure Bound Books, and Hot Shots Espresso Mobile Cart will be available in the parking lot. For more information, visit us online at bcpls.org. Childrens programming Have you heard about the Dragon Egg Decorating Contest at the Morganton Public Library? It is open to children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Each child that signs up will receive an egg to decorate in any way they like. Once decorated, return the egg and its holder to the Childrens Room. All decorated eggs will be displayed in the library so that visitors can vote for their favorite. All participants will receive a dragon-riffic prize, but the egg that gets the most votes will win an awesome Folkmanis dragon puppet. There is a limit on participants, so call quickly to get in on this fun activity. eBooks @ your library There are 4,085 Burke County Public Library users registered to use the librarys digital collection available through the e-iNC consortium and NC Kids Digital Library. This digital collection includes eBooks, audiobooks, and streaming video available to Burke County Public Library cardholders. Apps are available for download for a variety of devices including Kindle, iPhone, and Android phones. Go to http://omc.overdrive.com to see the apps. To access the collection and download items go to http://e-inc.lib.overdrive.com and follow the instructions to set up an account. You will need to know your library card number and your PIN. Please contact the library if you need any assistance. Find us on the web Go to www.bcpls.org for a list of programs and events. Unless noted otherwise, all library programs are free. Some programs have pre-registration and age requirements. Butte police reports Sunday disturbance At around 9 p.m. Sunday, police were called to the 2800 block of Walnut Street to investigate a disturbance between a man and a woman with children present. The woman, Allison Marie Stephens, 26, of Butte had multiple warrants out for her arrest, some out of Lake County, one with the Montana Highway Patrol, and two more with Butte City Court and Butte Justice Court. She was taken to jail without incident. Loud party Police arrived in the 2600 block of Dakota Street at around 2 a.m. Sunday to investigate a party that was deemed too loud by neighbors. At the party was Tyson Joe Swan, 18, of Butte, who after an officer spoke with his probation officer, was arrested for felony probation violation. Jail booking Ezeikel Zebreroia Ward, 42, of Butte was booked into the jail just after midnight Saturday for felony and misdemeanor warrants out of Lewis and Clark County. Officers were dispatched to the 1400 Silver Bow Boulevard on a report of a camper that appeared to be steaming or smoking, and blocking an alleyway. Ward was the driver and at first, gave a different name, but later gave the cops his real name. MHP arrests Just before midnight Friday, a trooper with the Montana Highway Patrol arrested Adam Scott Nelson, 34, of Great Falls near Park Place and Stuart. Nelson had three felony out-of-jurisdiction warrants out for his arrest. Added to the list were the misdemeanor offenses of no liability insurance in effect and driving with a suspended drivers license. Mark Peyton Clemow III, 20, of Billings was booked into the jail at 3:30 a.m. Saturday for the misdemeanor offenses of driving under the influence, red stop light violation, and unlawful possession of alcohol. He was arrested by a MHP trooper near the intersection of Main and Front streets. Weekend DUIs At 7:45 p.m. Saturday, an officer noticed a pickup with no headlights turning on to Arizona from Granite Street. During the ensuing traffic stop, William Frederic DeWolf, 60, of Butte appeared to be intoxicated. At the jail he failed sobriety maneuvers and a Breathalyzer showed he was more than twice over the legal limit. He was jailed for misdemeanor aggravated driving under the influence (first offense). Gary Button, 59, of Butte was arrested at 4 p.m. Sunday for the misdemeanor offenses of driving under the influence, habitual offender, and careless driving. According to the police report, Button was allegedly intoxicated when he crashed his vehicle into a pole near the intersection of Florence and Ottawa. Suspicious men At about 4:20 p.m. Friday, officers arrived in the 1500 block of Elm Street to investigate a complaint that two men were going in and out of yards in the area. One of the men was Sean Raymond Waldron, 30, of Butte, who was arrested on a Montana Highway Patrol warrant, and the misdemeanor offenses of obstructing a peace officer and criminal contempt More crime A thief went into an unlocked car parked in the 400 block of West Park Street and took a blanket, a debit card and a credit card A man living in the 2000 block of Locust Street reported that someone may have entered his house and wrote in his book. A call came in about a man walking near the Lincoln Hotel carrying a rifle. The rifle turned out to be a walking cane. A truck in the parking lot below the Big M was decorated with silly string. On Saturday, the wind caused some bricks to fall off the Irish Times at 2 E. Galena St., and those bricks took out some power lines. Some items were stolen from a detached shed in the 1000 block of West Broadway Street. Taken were some snow pants, running shoes and sandals. A maroon 1994 Chevy pickup parked on Durant Canyon Road was stolen. A resident heard a gunshot in the 800 block of South Main Street, but when police arrived, no one was around. Voters in two largely Democrat counties and two solid Republican counties will decide who will represent a large swath of southwest Montana in a state Senate race that wasnt supposed to be on the ballot this year. The seat in Senate District 39 became available after the sudden passing of Democrat Mark Sweeney in May, whod held the seat since 2020. Jesse Mullen, 38, a newspaper owner and manager, was chosen to run for the Democrats, and Terry Vermeire, 68, whos served on the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission since 2012, was chosen to run for the Republicans. Senate District 39 encompasses Granite County and parts of Powell, Butte-Silver Bow and Anaconda-Deer Lodge counties. Vermeire said he was originally worried about being tarred and feathered in Anaconda because it, along with Butte, is a Democratic stronghold. However, he said hes gotten support from friends who are Democrats. And theyre going on what Ive done for the community rather than what party Im affiliated to, Vermeire said. Although they have fewer people, Granite and Powell counties both have strong Republican voter bases. WHO ARE THEY?Mullen, of Deer Lodge, is the CEO of Mullen Newspaper Company, which he founded in 2019. A former journalist, his company owns several papers in Idaho, Nebraska, Colorado and Montana, including the Silver State Post in Deer Lodge and the Seeley Swan Pathfinder, which the company bought in August. His brother and business partner, Lloyd Mullen, also owns the Port Townsend Leader in Washington. It went from a small company with two full-time employees to having close to 100 employees in five different states. And a lot of those jobs go directly into our (Senate) district, Mullen said, adding that hes consolidated the companys accounting and graphic design department into the district. Unlike his opponent, Mullen has never been elected to public office. However, he did reorganize and recreate the Powell County Democrats before Sweeney passed. Democrats had a presence in Powell County for first time in more than 40 years, Mullen said. Hes also said hes been involved in a variety of volunteer activities, including being president of the Philipsburg Rotary Club, being on the Discover Deer Lodge Board and some others. He said that after Sweeney passed away, a few people approached him running for the Democrats. I looked at Senate as another opportunity to serve and do good work for our community, Mullen said. Vermeire, an Anaconda resident, worked for the Montana Power Company for 25 years and owned his own graphic design firm, Vermeire Graphics, for 21 years before selling it last year. Ive only lived here for 45 years, but I love this little part of our state, Vermeire said. Southwest Montana is the best place there is. Vermeire points to his years long experience as an Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commissioner as an example of what hed like to do for the district. I think Ive got the knowledge, set of tools, and I know how to work with other people, Vermeire said. Governments move at a slow pace. I learned that in my first couple of years as a commissioner. There are a lot of balls you got to keep moving at the same time or a project never gets done, never gets before the commission, never gets to the planning stage. Im detail-oriented, I know how to keep the balls rolling. He said the commission has concentrated on paying off debts in the past six to seven years, making Anaconda-Deer Lodge County debt-free. He also said he played a key role in upgrading the countys sewer system, water mains and street lights. MONTANA STATE HOSPITAL AND MONTANA STATE PRISON Both candidates said their first priority is improving and protecting Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs and Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge. They said the state should seek re-accreditation at the hospital and keep the facility open. The hospital lost accreditation from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in April after federal officials found deficiencies in patient health and safety protocols that resulted in preventable patient death and injuries. Vermeire thinks the root cause of the problem at the hospital is staffing. One thing I brought up with some of the Senate majority leaders is wages, Vermeire said. Im quite aware of the wage problem, not just at those facilities but at almost every department at the state. Although some have talked about moving or closing the prison or hospital, Mullen and Vermeire are against it. That would be devastating to Deer Lodge, Vermeire said. Half of the employees out of the prison live in Butte and Anaconda, so the economic impact would be devastating to the whole district. Mullen criticized officials like Gov. Greg Gianforte and Department of Corrections Director Brian Gootkin for posing for silly photo ops, like in October when Gianforte visited the prison to announce its new coding program while things at the prison continue to go downhill. They completely eliminated or nearly eliminated mental health care, COs (correctional officers) are being attacked, former COs are suing and employees with 13 years out there are walking off the job, Mullen said. It takes 20 years to earn your pension and theyre quitting at 13 because theyre not willing to put up with the b-st out there, Mullen said. He said he intends to fight like hell to get the Montana State Hospital re-accredited and improve the building, as well as improve workers conditions at the Montana State Prison. With whats happening, its too important to not have somebody in Helena who can be a bulldog for our district, he said. We cant let a legislator in there who is going to sit back and do what the party tells him to do or is afraid to get up and be a little loud and advocate for our district, and I know I have ability to do those things. OTHER ISSUES Mullen opposes passing amendments that would change the state constitution. This, he said, includes the section of the constitution that protects citizens right to privacy, including medical privacy in women seeking abortion. The GOP needs two more seats in the state Legislature to establish a supermajority that would allow it to pass constitutional amendment ballot referrals without any Democratic votes. On his website, Mullen says women have a fundamental right to make their decision on their own without governmental violation. Mullen also said he believes in what the Democratic Party stands for in terms of social services, support for workers and public access to public lands. He also said hes against at-will employment, which allows employers to fire employees without any reason as long as its not illegal. This is a position he had before running for office that he said he thinks led to unions endorsing him, he said. If elected, he said he would seek bipartisan legislation to end corporate monopolies in the meat-packing industry so local farmers and ranchers can be on an even playing field. We have to provide incentive for ranchers, he said. He said hes already talked about solutions with legislators on both sides of the aisle, and that theres a ton of bipartisan potential. Mullen also believes strongly in transparency and what he calls a government that works in the light. He said Sweeney inspired him to run for office and was a role model for government transparency. Mullen said that when he was a reporter, Sweeney always got back to his requests for comment within 24 hours, something that was rare for other politicians. He hopes to emulate this if elected. Vermeire said one issue he thinks will be especially difficult to legislate is abortion. Vermeire considers himself a moderate and said although he personally leans toward being pro-life, with exceptions for minors, rape, incest and in cases where the mothers health is at risk, he wants to vote how his district wants him to. He said hes been invited to dinner parties and spoke at one where there were 26 people. He said he asked people to raise their hands to signal who was pro-abortion rights and who was anti-abortion, and 24 of the 26 raised their hands for pro-abortion rights. If elected, Vermeire said he wants to put a poll on his website asking constituents to weigh in on abortion to inform how he votes if and when the issue comes up. Aside from the issues in the Montana State Hospital and Montana State Prison, Vermeire is big on economic development. He believes the surplus of Montanas budget, which is more than $1 billion, should not go to special projects in any particular part of the state. Those are essentially taxpayers dollars, Vermeire said. So they should get relief on their property or income taxes. They should see or feel however that moneys used, and it should benefit all the tax payers. He said hes familiar with the infrastructure challenges facing local and state government and would seek money for projects in the district, including in Philipsburg, Drummond and Deer Lodge. Vermeire emphasized that he wants to invest in the district to not only benefit, but to incentivize kids to stay here when they become adults. I want to see positive growth in the district and I want to help make that happen, not only for the district, but for the whole state by investing in the people that are already here, and businesses that are already here, so they can expand, prosper and create jobs, Vermeire said. Yellowstone National Parks Northern Range is arguably the best place in North America to see wolves, including black wolves, which are scarcer in most other populations. About half the parks wolves, last estimated at around 95 animals, have a black coat. The other half of Yellowstones wolves are mostly gray. White-coated wolves are rare in the park. The gene mutation that makes a wolfs hair black has been known for more than a decade. Its also been hypothesized that black-coated wolves, because of this mutation, are better equipped to survive outbreaks of deadly canine distemper virus (CDV). Newly published research now nails down that connection. I started this research 10 years ago and found a significant association between exposure to CDV and coat color when I analyzed Yellowstone wolves survival, said Sarah Cubaynes, of the University of Montpellier in France, via email. But at the time we tried to publish the paper in Nature, and they said we lacked data from other populations to confirm this relationship. Cubaynes was the lead author of the new study titled Disease outbreaks select for mate choice and coat color in wolves, published in the October issue of Science. The 12 co-authors include several known to Yellowstone wolf research, such as Dan MacNulty, associate professor at Utah State University; Dan Stahler and Doug Smith of the Yellowstone Wolf Project; and Emily Almberg, former disease ecologist for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Expanded In the past decade, Cubaynes and her colleagues collected data on 12 other wolf populations spread across North American. By expanding the research, she said the study found a positive association between proportion of black wolves and disease prevalence, and an increased probability of being black when exposed to the virus. Get social with Montana Untamed: Find this story and plenty of other coverage on our Montana Untamed Facebook page where we frequently post articles and other content related The frequency of canine distemper virus outbreaks across North America drives the geographic distribution of black wolves, because the gene that causes black coat color also protects against the virus, study co-author Dan MacNulty explained. Across 12 study populations, including wolves in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, wolves exposed to distemper were more likely to be black than gray, and black wolves were more common in populations where CDV was more prevalent. Cubaynes said she also reanalyzed 10 more years of Yellowstone wolf data, including new CDV outbreaks, and found an even stronger difference in the survival rate between black wolves with the gene mutation and gray wolves exposed to the virus. With more data, the trend was confirmed, and we were the first to show a relationship between disease and coat color. CDV Canine distemper virus is a highly contagious disease closely related to measles in humans and rinderpest in cattle. The virus that causes CDV is believed to have jumped from dogs to wolves between 1,600 to 7,200 years ago. Dogs breeding with wolves centuries ago transferred the gene mutation. After a single introgression event into a North American wolf population in the past 7250 years, the black allele has undergone a selective sweep, revealing one of the most rapid spreads of an adaptive variant known in vertebrates, the study said. In dogs, canine distemper usually infects puppies. It can cause vomiting, coughing and lethargy as it attacks the nervous system. It is usually fatal. The reason Yellowstone sees more CDV outbreaks is related to human density, the study noted. CDV requires a high population density to persist, and because wolves live at low densities, CDV cannot be endemic within a population. Instead, it requires a broad community of carnivores to persist and intermittent spillover transmission back to wolves. Canine distemper outbreaks have occurred in Yellowstone in 2018, 2017, 2008, 2005 and 1999. During the 2008 outbreak, only 29% of the parks pups survived, one of the worst rates on record. Mates MacNulty explained that in Yellowstone, black wolves with a single copy of the gene that causes black coat color were more likely to survive distemper outbreaks than were gray wolves and black wolves with two copies of the gene. Having two copies of the gene reduced individual survival, even in the absence of a distemper outbreak, for reasons that remain unclear. As a result, such 'homozygote' black wolves are quite rare in the Yellowstone population. The research also revealed evidence that Yellowstone wolves were more likely to choose mates of the opposite color when distemper outbreaks were frequent, which maximized the chance that their pups were black and therefore resistant to distemper, MacNulty said. This helps explain why most wolf breeding pairs in Yellowstone involve opposite colored individuals. The researchers built a demographic model, Cubaynes said, showing, This strategy is actually observed in Yellowstone, based on field observations, and a previous study. Such selection of a mate occurs even though gray-coated wolves are known to produce larger litters of pups. In fact, many insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and nonhuman mammals may use coloration as a signal to mates that they are disease resistant, the studys authors wrote. Ties Overall, the study highlights the profound and varied effects that disease can have on the ecology, evolution, and behavior of wild animal populations, MacNulty said. And because the gene for black coat color likely originated in domestic dogs and was passed on to wolves 1,600-7,300 years ago the study also reveals a deep biological relationship between wolves and humans in North America. Listen to our Montana Untamed podcast: Did you know Montana Untamed has a podcast? We release new episodes every Thursday morning that focus on the outdoors and wildlife story of th Yellowstones wolves were introduced from a variety of Canadian packs to ensure genetic diversity. The capture and transplants took place between 1995 and 1997. The canines thrived in the park, topping out at around 171 individuals, before populations declined and stabilized. The movement of wolves into neighboring Montana, Idaho and Wyoming resulted in them being removed from the endangered species list in 2011 (2017 in Wyoming). Wolves that wander out of Yellowstone can be shot or trapped, accounting for why 17% of the adult population of wolves are killed by humans. In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which includes the surrounding states, that mortality rate due to humans climbs to 77%, according to the parks data. Yellowstone One of Yellowstones most popular black wolves was a male with the number 302M. The wolf was the star of filmmaker Bob Landis 2010 film The Rise of Black Wolf. The male was also known as the Casanova wolf for being a prolific breeder. Cubaynes credited her research to the intricate study of the Yellowstone animals behavior, population dynamics and role in the ecosystem. This project is a unique program which has gathered incredibly detailed life history, demographic, behavioral, epidemiologic data on wolves and their environment over the years, she said. Wolves are tracked all year long using observations from the air, and detection of GPS and VHS collars, Cubaynes wrote. Two intense monitoring sessions take place every year during one month, during which each team of volunteers follow closely each pack every day from dawn to dusk and take as much info as possible on their movement, behavior, hunting, interaction within the pack members and with other packs and with other species, etc. This kind of data of great quality on wild and elusive animals is very rare, and is incredibly valuable for science. This study could not have existed without the Yellowstone Wolf Project. Observation of the wolves there has triggered the ideas, and then provided the data necessary to test these ideas. Data collected on other populations have helped to confirm that the same pattern can be observed elsewhere too. By Shawn Touney | Nov 7, 2022 Murray State was one of two public universities in Kentucky to be recognized through NCANs recent analysis. MURRAY, Ky. Murray State University was recently recognized by the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) in its analysis of Pell Grant recipients, marking another national accolade the University has earned regarding affordability, quality and value of a Murray State education. Murray State was one of two public universities in Kentucky to be recognized through NCANs recent analysis. In September, Murray State was named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top schools in the country. The rankings list included the University as one of the best universities in multiple categories, marking the institutions 32nd consecutive year of top-tier rankings by the reputable college guide. Murray State was named a top 10 regional university in both quality and value. Murray State was also highlighted earlier this year as a best value for students seeking a college degree by Washington Monthly in its Best Bang for the Buck rankings, as well as by Forbes, Money Magazine and the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education. Recognized nationally as one of Americas best college values, Murray State has expanded its regional tuition rate to now include a total of 15 states across the country. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Murray State has also enhanced its academic achievement scholarships to emphasize GPA for entering freshmen students in fall 2023. Murray State continues to offer financial assistance to students and their families. Based on the University's most recent annual reports, $115 million is awarded in financial aid and scholarships. Numerous scholarships and aid opportunities are available, such as the Murray State Promise, which provides scholarship assistance for eligible Kentucky first-time freshmen and new transfer students who may already have their tuition paid for through this program. Additional information is available at murraystate.edu/promise. The 2023-24 application for admission is now open as prospective students can visit admissions.murraystate.edu to learn more, schedule a campus or virtual visit and apply for admission. With Halloween over, the people of Muscatine are turning their attention to the next big holiday coming later this month Thanksgiving. The traditional holiday is observed with images of turkeys as well as pilgrims to commemorate the first Thanksgiving feast. A countywide burn ban was lifted Sunday by the Scott County Emergency Management after an end-of-week rain and lower wind speeds. Unusually dry conditions persisted in the area for much of October only 1.08 inches of precipitation fell in the month and a ban on controlled burns was issued Oct. 21. On Saturday, wind speeds reached to gusts of 46 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service. But those winds died down on Sunday to gusts of less than 25 miles per hour. Dry conditions combined with high winds are risky for fires, especially in fields with crops yet to be harvested, said National Weather Service meteorologist Peter Speck. On Friday, rain provided some relief 2 inches fell in Davenport and 1.51 inches fell in Moline, according to the National Weather Service. Another 0.34 inches of precipitation fell Saturday in Davenport. "We got a nice dent in the dryness for the area," Speck said. The next chance of rain is expected Thursday, Speck said. On Election Day, when many voters will head to the polls to vote in Tuesday's midterm elections, it's expected to be partly sunny with a high of 59 degrees. No chance of rain is yet in the forecast. The county's emergency management agency, with local fire chiefs, and the state fire marshal, "determined that the danger to life and property in Scott County, Iowa has been reduced enough to remove the countywide burn ban," a news release stated. Burn bans in Muscatine, Cedar and Louisa counties were also lifted on Sunday, according to the State Fire Marshal. Twenty counties in Iowa, however, still have burn bans in place, mostly in northern and western parts of Iowa. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, extreme drought persists in northwestern Iowa. In Scott County, conditions are "abnormally dry" as of the week of Nov. 1. PHILADELPHIA (AP) Home Depot workers in Philadelphia rejected the first store-wide labor union at the world's largest home improvement retailer Saturday night, a loss for a fledgling movement to organize at major U.S. companies. Workers voted 165 to 51 against forming Home Depot Workers United, which would have represented 274 employees at the store, according to the National Labor Relations Board, which oversaw the voting. The company and union organizations have five days to file objections. The defeat for the organizers could discourage activist workers who have successfully formed the first unions at big chains, including Amazon, Starbucks, Trader Joes and Apple, but have since suffered setbacks in getting collective bargaining off the ground or organizing more unions. The Atlanta-based company employs about 500,000 people at its 2,316 stores in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Vincent Quiles, the Home Depot employee leading the unionization effort, told WHYY-FM that the attempt to organize workers had been a tall order. It wouldnt be an easy fight to have," Quiles said. "But you do these things because you believe them to be right. Quiles previously said discontent with compensation, working conditions, understaffing and lack of training are among the grievances that spurred the effort to organize. After the failed union vote, Home Depot spokesperson Margaret Smith told WHYY, Were happy that the associates at this store voted to continue working directly with the company. That connection is important to our culture, and we will continue listening to our associates and making The Home Depot a great place to work and grow. Quiles has filed a complaint of unfair labor practices with the NRLB, alleging managers engaged in inappropriate surveillance and interrogation tactics against union supporters. Quiles has said managers followed him around the stores and tried to disrupt any conversations he tried to have with co-workers, even if it wasn't about the union. Instead, Quiles said he relied on TikTok videos, group text messaging and e-mailing to campaign for the union. Home Depot has denied the complaints allegations. Fierce legal fights have characterized organization efforts at other companies. Amazon has filed more than two dozen objections in an attempt to undo the Amazon Labor Union's surprise election victory at a Staten Island warehouse last spring, the group's only successful attempt so far to form a union. The ALU, meanwhile, has filed more than two dozen charges with the NLRB accusing Amazon of unfair labor practices. Starbucks is negotiating contracts at a handful of the more than 250 stores where workers have voted to unionize, but the company has asked the NLRB to temporarily halt other elections because of alleged misconduct. The labor relations board has filed a complaint against Chipotle alleging the restaurant chain unlawfully closed a store in Augusta, Maine, and fired its workers for union activity. By Trend The United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will attend the COP27 UN climate conference in Egypt, the official Emirates News Agency WAM announced on Sunday, Trend reports citing Al Arabiya. The UN climate conference will kick off on Sunday and will run until November 18 in the Egyptian coastal town of Sharm el-Sheikh. High-level experts, government officials, heads of state and key decision-makers from 190 countries will gather in the Red Sea resort city to address threats posed by climate change. The meeting aims at seeking ways to mitigate the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 Degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 Degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. More than 35,000 people, including around 90 heads of state, are expected to participate in the conference. The COP27 conference comes at a time when taking action has become absolutely necessary. A recent survey found that concern about climate change shrank across the world over the past year, with less than half of those questioned believing it posed a serious threat to their countries in the next 20 years. Despite the shrinking concern, the ecological bill of climate change is growing globally. The study also found that over 1.4 billion people in 83 countries faced extreme water stress where more than 20 percent of the population do not have access to clean drinking water. In addition, several European countries are expected to experience critical clean water shortages by 2040, including countries like Italy, the Netherlands, Greece and Portugal. The report suggested that the regions most hit by water shortages will include sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa. My friends had just come back from a four-day family trip to Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Maui. Youd love it there! Low-key, lounge chairs on the beach, warm water, and an excellent restaurant right on the water, all in one place, Margie told me. She had certainly hit the high spots when it comes to my idea of a beach holiday, so I agreed to her proposition to go, just the two of us, for a little getaway. After a scenic, 45-minute drive from Kahului Airport with a chatty cab driver who explained why the fields were bare (Dole shut down the pineapple plantations here, and why the mountains were so often cloudy, the gods like to be private.) we arrived at the hotel. A low-slung group of multiple buildings, three higher ones, and an open-air lobby surrounding a vast green lawn dotted with palms and blooming plumeria trees, just steps from the vast curve of sandy Kaanapali Bay, it was like stepping into another world. The lobby, all dark wood, is decorated with Hawaiian artifacts drums, ti-leaf capes, carvings which we learned were created by various hotel employees. This was not by chance. For decades, its been officially called The Most Hawaiian of Hawaiian Hotels. Built in the 1960s, culture has always been an important part of the hotels identity. In 1986 a free culture program for guests was developed the showcase the islands traditions and history. Traditional rooms at the heart of the original hotel are decorated in high quality bamboo and wicker furnishings, reminiscent of old time Hawaiian style. The newly opened premium rooms of the hotel continue to reflect Hawaiis cultural traditions, albeit more subtly, in the patterns of the rugs, wallpaper, and headboards. All the rooms are decorated with hand-crafted artifacts, like those in the lobby. The newly opened Huihui restaurant and bar, with open air rooms and patios is built of dark, polished wood, topped with a classic thatched roof. One of the main decor features is a full-sized movie screen depicting the story of the double-hulled voyaging canoe, Hokulea, built in the 1970s, the first of its kind in 500 years. Huihui serves both standard and traditional Hawaiian dishes at all of its three-meal service, breakfast lunch and dinner. Fresh tropical fruits, fish steamed in banana leaves, and poke feature on the menus, along with steaks, hamburgers, and tacos. It was so good and so convenient that we ate most of our meals there. As tempting as it is to spend the day in one of the hotels reserved cabanas or lounge chair and umbrella, allow time for one or more of the complimentary cultural classes offered by the hotel. Margie and I opted for the Hawaii lei-making class, expecting to use needle and thread to string flowers together. We were surprised when we met at tables in the lobby where our instructor told us we would be making the very traditional ti-leaf lei, which is made and worn to offer protection. We learned about the significant role of ti-leaves in Hawaiian culture as we separated our handfuls of damp (easier to handle when damp) leaves into groups, learning to weave them together to create a braided, decorative lei. A gifted teacher, steeped in Hawaiian traditions, she was also our instructor for our second cultural class, traditional navigation techniques using nature. We were regaled with stories of the ancient voyagers and how they navigated not only the stars and constellations, but by the winds and currents, just as she had learned to do. I would not trust myself to do it, but it was fascinating to learn about the ancient ways and that the young people, like our instructor, were learning and practicing them today. Staying at Kaanapali Beach Hotel, tucked into the curve of the bay, nor far from the jutting outcropping of lava rocks known as Black Rock, felt like being in my own private paradise, secluded from the rest of the world. So, it was surprising to me when we followed the beachside walk the other direction to find myself within moments on hotel row, packed with people, and within 10 minutes to be at Whalers Village, a jam-packed mall including all kind of busy souvenir and clothing shops, shave ice stands and restaurants. We were told at Hula Restaurant that it would be a 20-minute wait for a table, just for a drink, and the same was true of the other two places we tried. The last one told us to try the Westin, which we did, where at last we were able to get a table, which was near the Frank Sinatra-style crooner, and order a mai-tai, which was lovely, but definitely modern Hawaii. It was with a sense of relief we returned to our own hotel, where we enjoyed dinner and drinks at Huihui, wearing our hand-made leis and watching the sun set, listening the small trio of local musicians perform traditional music. On the morning of our departure, we were invited to join with other departing guests for a cultural ceremony where we all were given a Kukui Nut lei and welcomed into the ohana, the family. It was a fitting end to our stay at Hawaiis Most Hawaiian Hotel. Chef Masaharu Morimoto pulled the cords to reveal two giant statues, resembling the famed Terracotta Warriors discovered in Xi'an, China except that both figures wear glasses and the playful smile of the famed Iron Chef. Morimoto was welcoming guests to his 21st restaurant, and he is still having fun. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. The statues flank the entrance to the new Morimoto Asia Napa, which opened on Sunday in the glass and stone space at the corner of Main and Third streets on the Napa River. Farther down Main Street is the chef's first Napa restaurant, which opened in 2010 and specializes in the cuisine of his native Japan. Morimoto Asia Napa will serve a menu that is pan-Asian, bringing together dishes from other countries such as China and Singapore "with a twist," the chef said that is, with his own innovative touches. It is the third Morimoto Asia restaurant Morimoto has opened in the U.S. His first location opened in 2015 at Disney Springs, followed by Morimoto Asia Waikiki in 2018. But Napa is the only city that has two Morimoto restaurants on the same block. In an interview with the Napa Valley Register before the restaurant hosted an opening party on Saturday night, Morimoto answered the question: Why Napa? "Because Napa," he said. "The Napa brand is huge. Everyone knows Napa. "And I don't have as many restaurants in Napa (Valley) as Thomas Keller," he added with a grin. Morimoto also admitted to a fondness for the little wine country city, where he has often participated in community events, including BottleRock, where he made a memorable appearance on the music festival's Culinary Stage with Snoop Dogg in 2015. Sushi with Snoop Dogg: BottleRock stage joins chefs with musicians The concert stages were not the only place for BottleRock fans to see their musical heroes. And music was not the only talent performers got t Choosing to have both in Napa necessitated the creation of a new menu that is "88% different" than the other two Morimoto Asia establishments, he explained. Whereas the other two Asia restaurants mingle Japanese dishes with those from other Asian countries, in Napa alone, diners will have the choice of the Japanese fare down the street or the new pan-Asian choices that include classic Chinese dishes such as Peking duck, Szechuan mapo tofu, orange chicken and black pepper steak. Morimoto Asia Napa will also be serving dim sum brunches on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but, the chef said, these will be launching "probably in mid-November." "It's a big challenge," he said cheerfully. After the ceremonial ribbon-cutting on Saturday evening, Morimoto led guests into the new restaurant where he further demonstrated his knife skills by cutting up a huge fresh tuna, which guests sampled. Morimoto said they had only done minimal remodeling to the 170-seat restaurant space that formerly hosted Fish Story and then Basalt, both short-lived. The chief new additions, he noted, are the enormous golden dragons now curling up columns. The kitchen required some changes to allow the chefs to cook with woks. The kitchen was humming with activity on Saturday night as servers kept up a flow of dishes they passed around the crush of guests. Two carts serving classic dim sum dumplings and steamed buns had to be continually replenished as diners filled and refilled their plates, in between sampling beef in chili oil, tuna tartare, crispy spring rolls and Peking duck. The bar, too, was hopping as guests chose from a diverse selection of cocktails, sake, beer and wine, including Morimoto's own labels on new sparkling wines. The eclectic fare reflects his world travels, said Morimoto, who estimated he spends 200 days a year in the air, visiting his different restaurants. A native of Hiroshima, Morimoto received his training in sushi and traditional Kaiseki cuisine there and opened his first restaurant in that city in 1980. As his interest in Western cuisine grew, in 1985, he sold his restaurant and traveled to the U.S. There he began to develop his style of fusion cuisine, working at New York restaurants including the high-end Japanese restaurant Nobu. He gained fame, however, as the Iron Chef on his cooking show in Japan and then in the U.S. spin-off, "Iron Chef America." He opened his first stateside restaurant in Philadelphia in 2001, followed by restaurants in New York, Honolulu, Mumbai, Las Vegas, Mexico City, Seattle, Boston, Tokyo and Maui, all garnering praise for his integration of Western and Japanese ingredients. This year, Morimoto also opened Momosan Santana Row, serving ramen, in San Jose. He has "three or four" more restaurants in the works, he said. In addition, the chef has online enterprises including Spice House, selling some of his unique creations, and Sun Noodles, and Morimoto Mochi Donut DIY kit, sold through Grubhub. "When people ask 'What's your base?' I say, 'This planet,'" Morimoto said. Does he ever rest? Morimoto, 67, does have homes in New York, Hawaii and Japan. And when he is at home with his wife, he said, she sees to it that he rests and eats simply. "I live like a monk," he insisted. A monk who thoroughly enjoys life. When he leaves Napa, he said he will go to two of his favorite places, Hawaii and then Japan. But for now, his focus is on his newest child in his restaurant family. "Thank you, Napa," he said. Morimoto Asia Napa is open for dinner service nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays. In the past two years, practices such as social distancing and masking against the coronavirus served also to suppress other respiratory viruses that usually rear their heads in the colder months. This season is off to a different start. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, cases are rising earlier than normal in the U.S., already testing pediatric hospitals in some regions. Add in a potential swell in COVID-19 infections this winter, and health officials are concerned about a convergence of the respiratory viruses a tripledemic that could tax health care systems this winter. While flu and RSV, a common virus that can be serious in infants and older adults, are not new, lack of recent exposure is likely contributing to their resurgence as more people socialize and ease protective measures, health experts said. Unclear is whether that will translate to heavier, or just earlier, seasons and if their peaks might overlap with a COVID-19 upswing. Were hoping that at worst it would be something like a serious flu season, said Dr. Erica Pan, the California state epidemiologist. But its hard to know for sure. The Bay Area is seeing early surges in flu and RSV, although at this point not to the same extent as some other areas of the country. On Oct. 31, Orange County declared a local health emergency, citing record numbers of pediatric hospitalizations and emergency room visits due to virus infections. As of Friday, 17 states were reporting high or very high levels of flu-like illness activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with the number of U.S. cases and hospitalizations to date this season nearly doubling in the past week. Nationwide hospitalization rates for flu last week were the highest for this time of year in more than a decade, per the CDC, while 9% of tests for flu were coming back positive. For RSV, hospitalization rates were nearing mid-December peaks of previous years, according to another CDC report. And about 19% of PCR tests for RSV were positive, a higher rate even than during the summer of 2021, when a surge of the virus followed easing of COVID-19 restrictions. We suspect that many children are being exposed to some respiratory viruses now for the first time, having avoided these viruses during the height of the pandemic, said Dr. Jose Romero, director of the CDCs National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, on a media call Friday. Bay Area pediatric hospitals are seeing an effect. The UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospitals have seen a significant rise in respiratory illness cases, said Dr. Steven Bin, professor of emergency medicine there. For this time of year, this is definitely unique, Bin said. One factor is that RSV is affecting older children than usual, Bin said. Most children will get RSV before age 3, and for most it resembles a mild cold. But it can also cause serious illness, particularly in infants and elderly adults. There may be a component where these viruses, because kids have not been exposed to them, are causing more significant symptoms, Bin said. Dr. Alan Schroeder, associate chief for research of pediatric hospital medicine at Stanford Medicine Childrens Health, said the uptick in cases in the system resembles a very busy winter month. About half those cases are RSV, with flu and COVID-19 together making up about 10% and other winter pathogens such as rhinovirus the rest, Schroeder said. The hospital has mostly been able to handle this surge while navigating staffing issues widely seen across the U.S. health care system, he said. It may be that because were seeing so much RSV now, we dont see quite as severe a winter, said Schroeder. On the other hand, it may be that this continues and we get even busier. In California, the state Department of Health reported upticks in the positive test rates for RSV (16.8%) and flu (7.9%) in the week ending Oct. 29, with flu activity highest in the southern region that includes Orange and San Diego counties. Flu activity in the Bay Area region was categorized as low, meaning a positive test rate between 2% and 10%, according to the state Department of Public Health. Dr. Susan Philip, the San Francisco health officer, said the county had yet to see large increases in flu rates this week. In Santa Clara County, health officer Dr. Sara Cody told supervisors Tuesday that emergency room visits for flu-like illness were a little above where we normally are for this time but not very high just yet. Its something that were watching closely, Philip said. We havent seen a concerning increase yet. But we know that it may be soon to come, because the fall and winter is when these viruses circulate. In Marin County, health officer Dr. Matt Willis said there are clear signs of a surge in RSV but that flu rates are relatively low and COVID-19 case rates are relatively stable. Obviously, the concern is that if we see more cases of either COVID-19 or influenza, I think were more likely to see a surge of respiratory illness into our hospitals, Willis said. All of Californias counties were reporting low community levels of COVID-19 to the CDC as of Friday, reflecting a steady decline in case and hospitalization rates since late August. State epidemiologist Pan said that means the state is approaching this winter with less of its health care capacity already dedicated to COVID-19, as newer variants such as BQ.1, BQ.1.1 and XBB are starting to circulate more. In another potentially good sign, CDC officials said Friday that while RSV activity is rising nationally, the rate of positive tests may be waning in some states in the Southeast and Mountain West areas, even as flu is increasing there. Health officials and experts urge people to get the COVID-19 booster and a flu shot to bolster their immune defenses. As of Friday, 13.3% of eligible Californians age 5 and older had received the bivalent booster, according to state data, against a national level of 8.4%, per the CDC. For the annual flu shot, uptake among adults 18 and older is lower compared with this time last year, CDC officials said Friday. Dr. Darvin Smith Scott, an infectious diseases specialist and clinical vaccine lead for Kaiser Permanente Northern California, said one reason may be that people are worried to take them together. But its known to be safe and recommended to get them together, Scott said. The immunity will be protective as soon as possible. There is no current vaccine for RSV, though hopes that one might be close were piqued this week when Pfizer shared promising results from a trial of a vaccine given to pregnant women to protect their newborns. For now, mitigation measures against RSV and other respiratory viruses include hand-washing, staying home when sick and considering masking in crowded, indoor settings, health officials said. According to a PR published by EDGE on November 7, 2022, ADSB, the regional leader in the design, new build, repair, maintenance, refit, and conversion of naval and commercial vessels, unveiled its 510 OPV, a 51m offshore patrol vessel (OPV) which is built in the UAE. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link A model of 510 OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessel) on the EDGE booth at Indo Defence 2022. (Picture source: EDGE Group) The Abu Dhabi-based a shipbuilder made the announcement on the first day of the Indo Defence Expo & Forum 2022, being held at JIExpo Kemayoran in Jakarta, Indonesia until 5 November. 510 OPV is designed by ADSB and ARES Shipyard, which has proven hull designs and a diverse portfolio of naval vessels. Built to operate in adverse sea conditions, the 51m vessel features a large modular deck configurable for vessel or equipment transport, or deployment of various combat systems. With a 65,000 litre fuel capacity, it delivers long-range and extended endurance, ideal for search and rescue, fast-attack missions, and other offshore activities. Configured for transport, the vessel can accommodate two 11m fast interceptor boats, one rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) with rapid deployment, a variety of search & rescue (SAR) equipment, one multifunctional crane, two jet-skis, one remotely operated vehicle (ROV), an aft deck, and side rescue gates. In February 2021, ADSB launched its first IP-owned 16m and 12m fast interceptors for coastal and inshore requirements. The company is expanding its offerings by building offshore patrol vessels in its 300,000 sqm Abu Dhabi shipyard. Part of the Platforms & Systems cluster at EDGE, ADSB now has a portfolio of internationally competitive designs in the 11-51m range. Eurasian Development Bank: Armenia inflation projected to be 4.6% in 2023, 3.3% in 2024 Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh are separatists, Armenia is Western Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani MP claims Philip Reeker urges Armenia, Azerbaijan to schedule further talks State Department announces assistance to Ukraine in energy field MEP Lars Patrick Berg: European Commission's natural gas deal with Azerbaijan broke great trust that existed in Armenia Kalin says Turkey coordinated the operation in northern Syria with Russia Armenia PM expresses readiness to work in order to further develop cooperation with Malaysia 7 European countries pledge to help Ukraine prepare for winter Eurasian Development Bank: 4.2% economic growth expected in Armenia in 2023 EDB: Armenian GDP is expected to increase by 12.5% by the end of 2022 EDB: Dollar exchange rate to Armenian dram will significantly grow in 2023 and 2024 Ukraine embassy in Baku publicizes video in honor of Azerbaijani soldiers who liberated Karabakh (VIDEO) Iranian authorities say more than 300 dead in protest One of 2 Artsakh soldiers wounded by Azerbaijan is discharged from hospital EU ambassador: It's time for Armenia to ratify Istanbul convention Azerbaijan statement on Karabakh army firing at Shushi, Martuni, Martakert, Askeran regions is disinformation Gold prices are up Armenia National Security Service exposes new case of high treason Turkey strikes 19 settlements in northern Syria Armenia ambassador-at-large: Azerbaijan agreed in Prague to continue meetings in quadrilateral format Armenia Security Council chief meets with France officials US man shoots his lover, 3-year-old son in order not to pay alimony Newspaper: Years end to be exceptionally rich with Armenia parliament special sessions MOD: Azerbaijan army fired at Armenia positions Stop killer robots! Lobbyists fight to save Europe from bad AI U.S. green subsidies increase fears about German industry NATO's looming fault line: China Estonian FM calls on European countries to double defense spending because of war in Ukraine Cavusoglu says Sweden and Finland have not yet fulfilled Ankara's requirements for NATO membership Police crack down on European cocaine super cartel Ardshinbank is the exclusive sponsor of Vladimir Spivakov's charity concert (PHOTOS) Japan's prime minister orders to double defense spending to about 2% of GDP in five years U.S. is considering sending 150-mile strike weapon to Ukraine EU countries resumes talks on introducing price ceiling on Russian oil Participants of international forum 'New stimuli for millennial relations' visit 'Tsitsernakaberd' Volcano eruption kicks off in Hawaii Condition of servicemen wounded as result of Azerbaijan's violation of ceasefire is satisfactory Russia and Iran sign memorandum on car exports Tokayev: There are issues in relations between Russia and Kazakhstan that require negotiations FT: Global inflation peaks but will slow in future 2 soldiers injured after Azerbaijan shells Artsakh defense army positions Japan to build constellation of 50 military satellites Azerbaijan hands over to Armenian side bodies of 13 Armenian servicemen Iraqi PM announces return of part of $125 million stolen from state Inaugural Divine Liturgy served at first Armenian church in Spain Russia and Kazakhstan intend to increase CSTO potential Process of US granting market economy status to Armenia is discussed (PHOTOS) Borrell says NATO has enough threats and challenges besides China Azerbaijani government-controlled media announces change in Baku's foreign policy Reuters: Turkey ready for ground invasion in northern Syria Cavusoglu: Turkey may appoint an ambassador to Egypt in the coming months Dollar, euro go up in Armenia Indian political analyst: Pakistan supported Azerbaijan during aggression against Karabakh Belgian police officers protest after officer killed Citizens of Western countries arrested in Iran for participating in riots Seyran Ohanyan: Drawing CSTO into our region in matters of use of force may cause serious conflict in future Armenia parliament opposition leader: Its not that we, as opposition, like everything in CSTO Political analyst: Cooperation with Yerevan becomes more important amid contradictions between powers New Ecuador ambassador presents copy of credentials to Armenia deputy FM Erdogan: Realization of the grain deal showed the possibility of diplomacy in Ukraine Armenia parliament speaker to head for Qatar, to watch World Cup match from stadium Toivo Klaar: Many challenges remain; restraint, strong political will be needed by Azerbaijan, Armenia Armen Baibourtian: Armenia-India cooperation on North-South road corridor started back in 2000s Armenian envoy: India becoming more sensitive about Azerbaijan ambitions towards Armenia India MFA: Cooperation with Armenia should be further deepened Deputy FM: Armenia can make use of progress with India to increase its security level Armenia Kurdish community staging protest outside UN office Pashinyan: Armenia attaches importance to development of cooperation with Albania Azerbaijan president receives Philip Reeker MP: Tourists visiting Armenia have difficulty making purchases over 300,000 drams at duty free shops Marukyan: 2 years ago Azerbaijan president signed ceasefire agreement where Nagorno-Karabakh is mentioned 5 times US diplomatic mission reveals details of CIA head with Naryshkin Karabakh army did not open fire at Azerbaijani positions in occupied territories UK intends to maintain military assistance to Ukraine in 2023 Copper prices falling World oil prices falling Gold falls in price Armenia PM, wife attend charity concert in support of soldiers undergoing treatment Azerbaijan army fires towards Armenia positions Eurasianet: Azerbaijan's Russian natural gas deal raises uncomfortable questions for Europe During the session in Dushanbe, the Council of Commanders of the Border Guard Troops of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member countries discussed the situation at the external borders of the CIS, RIA Novosti reports, citing to the press service of the Main Department of the Border Guard Troops of Tajikistan. "As part of the Council's further work, the situation at the external borders of the CIS member states and its development trends were analyzed, the results of special border operations to prevent illegal activities across the external borders of the CIS in the northwestern, western and Central Asian directions, as well as the matters related to their implementation in 2023 were discussed," the respective statement reads. During the session, it was noted that counteraction to modern challenges and threats requires concentration and increase of efforts in all domains. The participants also discussed the implementation of the program aimed at strengthening border security at the external borders in 2021-2025 and the implementation of the provisions of the interstate plan to combat cross-border crime, reflected on matters related to the improvement of information cooperation of the CIS border agencies, as well as scientific research and educational activities, and training of personnel. To note, Armenia also is a member in the Commonwealth of Independent States. Iran's recent military exercises on the Arax River and its diplomatic mission in Armenia concern issues beyond the Nagorno-Karabakh war. Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian's three-day visit to Armenia and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) exercises on the Aras River indicate a change in Iran's strategy toward its northwest region. While important in themselves, Iran's recent diplomatic and military initiatives in the Caucasus reflect not only its approach to its northwest region after the Nagorno-Karabakh war, but also its efforts to counter foreign interference and what it defines as separatist movements within its borders and among its neighbors, Alexander Nachman wrote for The National Interest. "While Iran has maintained an official policy of neutrality vis-a-vis Armenia and Azerbaijan since the fall of the Soviet Union, Turkeys interference on the side of Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh War, which ended in 2020, has since prompted Iran to provide greater support to Armenia. Irans interest here is twofold. On the one hand, Iran has an existential interest in maintaining the integrity of its neighboring borders, which have shifted at various times in the countrys history, particularly in the north, as both Armenia and Azerbaijan were once part of Iran. On the other hand, maintaining border security mitigates foreign interference and separatist resistance. But a resurgence of violence between Armenia and Azerbaijan in September and October of this year overlaps with widespread protests in Iran, as well as armed conflicts in Kurdistan, both of which it blames on foreign meddling and separatist rebellion," he said. On October 22, the IRGC and Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian completed a military exercise on the Arax River and a diplomatic trip to Armenia, culminating in the opening of a consulate in Kapan. During the trip, Amir-Abdollahian discussed with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian the need to preserve and develop the North-South corridor, which will function as a transit route between the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea via Armenia and Georgia; he also stressed that Tehran is against any change in the region's borders. Amir-Abdollahian's statement on border changes directly relates to the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, and Turkey and Azerbaijan's parallel efforts to develop the Zangezur corridor, which would pass through Armenia's southern border and give Turkey direct access to Central Asia, minimizing Iranian influence. In late October, Pashinyan also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Raisi to resolve these issues diplomatically, with Raisi opposed to the Zangezur corridor. At present, because of the war in Ukraine, the Zangezur corridor would be a much-needed East-West alternative. Nevertheless, Iran supported the North-South corridor because it would benefit more from the Persian Gulf-Black Sea transit route than from the East-West route in the Caucasus. The Zangezur corridor would also affect Russian and Turkish interests. The IRGC's simultaneous military exercises on the Aras River reflect two pressing problems in Iran. The first problem is related to the Zangezur corridor, which may create interferences on the Iranian-Armenian border. An additional problem is presented by some Iranian lawmakers regarding the Israeli presence in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Mohammad Safai, a representative of Rezavi-Khorasan Province, stated: The Zionists are seeking to undermine the Islamic Republics influence in Central Asia through this [presence]. But they will never succeed. And Hasan Hemmati, a member of the Parliaments National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, added, This exercise was a show of force whose message is peace and friendship for the neighboring countries and a decisive response to any threat for the enemies It should also be noted that on October 24, after the above statements, Iran claimed to have arrested ten agents working for Israel. But these events should also be understood in the context of current domestic politics, in terms of ongoing protests and armed conflict in Kurdish regions. During his speech in Armenia, Amir-Abdollahian referred to Mahsa Amini: The death of Mahsa Amini affected everyone, he announced, going on to characterize the reaction of the protestors as violent and unacceptable. The situation is complicated by the fact that Amini's cousin serves as a fighter for Komala, the exiled Iranian Kurdish opposition party based in Iraq. However, he denies that she had any connection to the group. Amini's uncle is also the head of the Sunni community in Sanandaj, an almost entirely Sunni city, where he protested earlier this year against the posting of banners for the Shiite Eid al-Adha holiday. These ties underscore ongoing tensions between Iran's Kurdish regions and the central Iranian government, as well as the conflict in the northwest as a whole, a historically rebellious region where the government has sought to dominate and subjugate Kurdish tribes. The human cost of the government's efforts to dominate the northwest, especially after the protests began, should not be underestimated. Moving beyond Iran's borders, much of the recent violence has been concentrated in Iraqi Kurdistan, where exiled Kurdish opposition groups such as Komala are based. Since late September, the IRGC has hit these bases, where at least sixteen people have been killed and more than fifty wounded in one attack. Using a variety of strategies, Iran is trying to secure its northwestern borders and generally dominate the northwestern region. Whether the threat is Israeli, Turkish, Kurdish, or Azerbaijani, real or imagined, it is important to understand this policy and its implications in the broader domestic and international context. It should also be noted that foreign intervention, while not always the cause of unrest and sometimes exaggerated, has been a historical reality. Iran's conflicts in the Northwest are hardly recent. But increased security measures in the region are directly linked to domestic developments, which in turn have implications for regional politics for the Caucasus and Kurdistan and world trade in relation to North-South and East-West trade. "The human cost of the governments efforts to dominate the northwest, especially since the protests began, should not be understated," the author noted. On the night of November 6-7, the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire, from rifle weapons of various calibers, in the direction of the Armenian positions located in the eastern part of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. The Ministry of Defense of Armenia informs Armenian News-NEWS.am that the Armenian side has no losses. As of 8am Monday, the situation on the frontline is relatively stable. Ara Shahverdian, an MP of Tehran and northern Iranian Armenians in the parliament of Iran, spoke to ICANA about the need to increase the trade between Iran and Armenia to up to $1 billion, reports ParsToday. Shahverdian noted that trade between Iran and Armenia is now at $700 million, but it is necessary to take steps to bring it up to $1 billion. The Iranian Armenian lawmaker noted that the outbreak of the coronavirus has not had a significant impact on bilateral Armenia-Iran economic relations in recent years, and the leaders of both countries have shown maximum determination toward developing relations. Shahverdian also emphasized that Armenia is particularly important to Iran in terms of its geopolitical importance and being a road-bridge to the other EEU countries. By Trend Issues of the restoration of the Iran nuclear deal, settlement of crises in the Middle East, and bilateral cooperation were the focus of talks between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, his deputy Ali Bagheri Kani, and Iranian foreign minister's senior advisor for special political affairs Ali Asghar Khaji, the Russian foreign ministry said on Sunday, Trend reports citing TASS. The talks were held on the sidelines of the first meeting of national coordinators of the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter, which was held in Tehran on November 5-6. "The sides exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest, which are on the agenda of the UN Security Council and the General Assembly. Special attention was paid to the tasks of restoring the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, reaching lasting settlement of the crises in Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, and Libya," it said. "Both sides noted the importance of continuing regular coordination and reiterated commitment to further strengthening of bilateral ties," it added. The UN has promised the Russian Federation that it will soon be able to lift restrictions on the export of Russian food under the grain deal. Russia's first deputy permanent representative to the UN, Dmitry Polyansky, said this in a commentary to Izvestia published on Monday. The UN is promising us that there is about to be a result, the diplomat said. Polyanskiy, according to the newspaper, noted that the UN has time to fulfill its obligations before November 18 - this date has been set as a 'logical deadline' for the current deal. On November 2, Russia decided to resume its participation in the grain deal after Ukraine, with the mediation of the UN and Turkey, guaranteed in writing that it would not use the security corridor in the Black Sea for military purposes, the Russian Defense Ministry said. At the same time, Moscow said it reserves the right to withdraw from the agreement if Kiev violates the guarantees it has given. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday that Moscow was satisfied that Ukraine had signed such security guarantees with Ankara's help, but still sees no result on the second part of the package of agreements concerning the removal of obstacles to Russian fertilizer and grain exports. U.S. Presidential National Security Aide Jake Sullivan has held a series of confidential contacts in recent months with Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov and Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev on the unacceptability of nuclear weapons and expanding conflict in Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing U.S. and Western officials. The purpose of the contacts was to prevent escalation and preserve channels of communication, not a settlement in Ukraine, the newspaper points out. The newspaper's sources did not specify exactly when the contacts took place or how many there were. Sullivan's press service did not confirm their fact. Earlier, Sullivan said that the US had warned Russia at a high level against the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine, but he did not specify with whom exactly in Moscow the conversation took place. The Wall Street Journal called Sullivan a supporter of maintaining channels of communication with Moscow, which some other administration officials oppose. President of Finland Sauli Niinsto said that the country has no plans to deploy nuclear weapons on its territory in case of accession to NATO, Yle portal reports. Finland does not intend to bring nuclear weapons into its territory and there is no indication that anyone is offering them to Finns, the head of state said at the opening of a national defense course. At the same time, Niinsto called nuclear weapons an integral part of NATO's deterrence forces, which, as the politician stressed, are an instrument of prevention, not an end in itself. The President of Finland said that a nuclear war cannot be won, it cannot be started. Commenting on the situation in Ukraine, Niinisto said that there is no end in sight for the war, and neither side is compromising on its starting positions. He added that Helsinki would continue to help Kyiv as long as necessary. Earlier, Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto also said that the country had no plans to deploy NATO nuclear weapons on its territory. Saudi-based Thakher Development Company, has signed an agreement with the Saudi British Bank (SABB) that offers its customers a wide range of finance solutions - including off-plan sales - for buying residential unit within its Makkah development. Spanning over a 320,000-sq-m area, the Thakher Makkah project boasts around 100 land plots for various purposes - mainly hotels, residential, commercial, and service-related areas. The Saudi developer said the residential and hotel apartment units will be available in wide range of categories, and these units will be also available for ownership. Among the international hotels coming up within the Makkah development are Radisson Hotel, the Park Inn by Radisson, and the Novotel Hotel, the largest in the world in terms of room number, it stated. The master developer of one of Makkahs most important projects, Thakher said the first phase of the project is almost completed, while the second phase is likely to be delivered in 2024. The project had recently obtained the off-plan sales permit from Wafi off-plan sales and rent committee in the Ministry of Municipal & Rural Affairs & Housing in Saudi Arabia. "The agreement is in line with Thakher Development Companys mandate to meet the customers needs and expectations," remarked its CEO Engineer Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Aboudi after signing the deal with Mohammed AlMousa, the General Manager Branches & Sales at SABB. Al Aboudi said Thakher was proud of its collaboration with SABB, which comes as a proof of trust and support from the partners. The agreement, he stated, comes as part of Thakher efforts to collaborate with financing firms to provide the best options and products to our customers and to achieve the best results in line Vision 2030 objectives. "Thakher Makkah project contributes to Saudi Arabias ambitious vision 2030, which aims to host 30 million Umrah performers and six million pilgrims by 2030," he added. AlMousa said this collaboration comes in line with SABB's efforts to provide financing solutions that suit all customers, and to support and develop the Saudi real estate sector in bid to achieve the objectives of Vision 2030. "We offer all real estate financing solutions, including off-plan sales, the purchase of ready-made units and lands, self-construction, mortgages, in addition to a housing and liquidity products, and all Real Estate Development Fund programs and the Ministry of Housing programs, stated the senior official. SABB is committed to contribute to initiatives and projects that aim to develop the real estate and residential sector in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, and formulate its banking solutions with the highest standards, he added.-TradeArabia News Service Prior to the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27), President Vahagn Khachaturyan of Armenia gave an interview to the Middle East News Agency of Egypt, the President's Office informs. In the interview, President mainly spoke of Egypts chairmanship within the framework of the Conference, solutions to climate problems, priorities set by Armenia in that context, expectations from the Conference and Armenian-Egyptian relations. As a country holding the chairmanship of the Conference, Egypt has the opportunity to unite the developed and developing countries around common interests, creating a more favourable atmosphere for solving the main challenges, said President Khachaturyan. The Conference is an opportunity for the entire world to evaluate the climatic events of the past years and closely cooperate to overcome the climate crisis, taking into consideration the different national conditions and capacities of the countries. The Conference is also a platform for encouraging climate financing for the transition to a green economic system and adaptation to climate change, raising the awareness of developing countries about climate technologies, as well as increasing global climate ambitions. The President also emphasized the importance of the 27th Conference, for it can make progress related to climate financing, particularly, the adequacy and predictability of climate financing is key for meeting the Paris Agreement objectives. Speaking of the impact of climate change on migration flows, the President noted, that the hydro-meteorological dangerous phenomena that have become more frequent and lasting, such as hail, early frost, spring floods, mudslides, landslides and droughts leave their negative footprint on agriculture every year, and the sum of all this also affects migration flows, which take place not only between neighbouring settlements, but also between continents. According to the President, those who live in regions with more favourable climatic conditions, especially in northern regions, must accommodate millions of migrants, in the meantime adapting to the requirements of the climatic crisis. The President also highlighted that military clashes and hostilities have a direct impact on soil and air pollution and affect agricultural pastures, green areas and forests. The clearest and brightest example of this are the large-scale forest fires caused by military operations, increased soil and air pollution from shell explosions and so on. President Vahagn Khachaturyan urged the international community to unite their efforts to combat such issues, for the consequences of different conflicts and military clashes in particular, have extremely negative impact on the environment and the climatic conditions, which affects large geographical areas exceeding the conflict zones and, surely, civilian population. As the President puts it, global massive migration takes place not only at a time of unprecedented climate change, but also at a time of human demographic change. World population is expected to continue growing during the coming decades, reaching around 10 billion in 2060, and most of population growth is seen in tropical regions, which suffer the most from climate change. Vahagn Khachaturyan noted that climate change adaptation policies and measures are crucial for Armenias capacity to reach its social and economic development goals. The National Action Program of Adaptation to Climate Change approved by the Government in 2021, as well as 2021-2030 Nationally Determined Contributions of the Republic of Armenia under the Paris Agreement, direct efforts for integrating adaptation in sectorial and regional development programs. The Government of Armenia has set a new target for mitigating climate change at the level of the whole economy reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 compared to 1990. The long-term low-emission development strategy of Armenia is in the elaboration process, with the aim to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, conditioned by corresponding international financial, technological and capacity-building support. Touching upon Armenian-Egyptian relations, President Khachaturyan noted that the relations between Armenia and Egypt are based on centuries-old friendship of the two peoples, and this is a solid basis for maintaining and further strengthening the close and warm relations between the two countries. The President expressed confidence that the relations between Armenia and Egypt will continue to develop and deepen. The Azerbaijani military unit that has infiltrated Armenia can be seen with the naked eye in the visible area from Jermuk city. Governor Ararat Grigoryan of Vayots Dzor Province told this to reporters Monday. "According to our information, the Azerbaijani [military] team has not left yet, but the General Staff [of the Armenian Armed Forces] will know this information better. We see them with the naked eye in the visible area. You should ask the chief of the General Staff which team he meant when he said that it left," Grigoryan noted. The Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, Edward Asryan, had announced that after the military aggression by Azerbaijan on September 13, the remaining adversary units in the direction of Jermuk had suffered losses and were pushed back. As per Ararat Grigoryan, the situation in the border is relatively stable, and no incidents have been recorded in Jermuk. "Ask the Ministry of Defense how many positions we have lost. I also have information, but it would be more correct for the Ministry of Defense to inform the media. I will make a reference to them; I can't say anything additional," said Grigoryan. The governor of Vayots Dzor noted that no bodies of the casualties can be seen in places visible from Jermuk. The normal life of Jermuk has started to be restored; there are also vacationers in the city, governor Ararat Grigoryan of Armenias Vayots Dzor Province told reporters Monday. "As a result of the [Azerbaijani] shelling of Jermuk [in September], thousands of people had moved to other places. Vacationing tourists were also moved to safe places and then left the city. Seventy percent of the city's population also had gone out the city. Now the life of the city is being restored. Naturally, we do not have the amount that should have been. Schools, kindergartens are working. We have pastures that are being monitored by the adversary, and it is no longer possible to carry out agricultural work there," said Grigoryan. According to the governor, the Armenian government provided 50 million drams to Vayots Dzor as part of compensation for damages, and this amount may be increased in the future. According to Grigoryan, the presence of the OSCE monitoring mission in the province can have a positive effect, but it is still too early to talk about it. "Their presence will have a positive effect as a deterrent mechanism. No shots were heard after their arrivalalthough this is relative because they can shoot in the air, too. But there has been no border incident. A little time has passed, it should be studied," the governor of Vayots Dzor added. After the 44-day war in 2020, nothing happened in Tavush Province of Armenia, Tavush governor Hayk Ghalumyan told reporters Monday. "There are no shots fired. There have always been sporadic shots. Nothing is happening at our borders. About 5,000 hectares of the lands of Tavush Province are under the control of Azerbaijanis, but thatsince the 1990s," he said. Ghalumyan asked not to ask him any more questions about the handover of enclaves from Tavush Province to Azerbaijan. "No such thing is being discussed at this time. And I cant rule out that something like this will not happen," the provincial governor emphasized, in particular. Ghalumyan noted that, despite the circulating information, there is no checkpoint of Russian peacekeepers on the border of Verin Voskepar village. Russia calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to refrain from steps that could destabilize the situation between the two countries, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, RIA Novosti reported. "We continue to call on both countries to refrain from any actions and steps that could lead to increased tension," Peskov said, responding to a question about how the Kremlin reacted to the news of the renewed exchange of fire between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Earlier, the Armenian Defense Ministry accused the Azerbaijani Armed Forces of shelling Armenian positions on the border on Monday night. It is planned to carry out an agricultural census in Armenia next year. Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan stated this in the National Assembly (NA), at Mondays joint session of NA standing committees, during the latters debates on the draft 2023 state budget of Armenia. According to the minister's assessment, primary agricultural products ensure 11-13 percent of Armenias GDP. In general, the agro-industrial system accounts for about 25 percent of the countrys GDP. "It is noteworthy that about 22 percent of employment in Armenia is in agriculture," Kerobyan said. Also, the economy minister informed that in 2023, the gross agricultural output of the country is planned to increase to up to 1.2 trillion drams. Last year, as the Armenian official noted, it amounted to 933 billion drams. "According to the government's 2021-2026 plan, the amount of gross agricultural output is planned to increase to up to 1.4 trillion drams," Kerobyan emphasized. The presence of the monitoring mission is one of the reasons why Azerbaijan has reduced the firing in the direction of Gegharkunik Province of Armenia, Gegharkunik governor Karen Sargsyan told reporters Monday. "They [i.e., the monitoring mission] have one headquarters, but they carry out the mission along the entire area where the [Azerbaijani military] aggression was committed [against Armenia]. The mission consists of eight people; they will present a report. Among the observers there are people who have made records and are sure that Azerbaijan has carried out aggression against the territory of Armenia and that it has occupied territories from Armenia," said Sargsyan. According to the governor of Gegharkunik, most of the provinces displaced families have returned, but mostly the Kutakan and Sotk villages residents , whose houses were severely damaged as a result of the aforesaid military aggression, have not returned yet. "We have houses in Sotk that are completely collapsed and cannot be lived in. But we have rented houses for them to live there until the houses are restored. There have been pasture issues since May 2021. There have been cases of farmers compulsorily taking their livestock for slaughter; but as of this year there are no documented cases. After September, there were farms that wanted to sell their livestock; but we had meetings, discussions with them. At the moment, the number of farms in the province has not decreased," said the governor of Gegharkunik. It was planned to increase the wheat sowing areas in Armenia, but this did not happen due to Azerbaijan's military aggression. Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan stated this in the National Assembly (NA), at Mondays joint session of NA standing committees, during the latters debates on the draft 2023 state budget of Armenia. According to the minister, it was with respect to 75 thousand hectares. Now, due to safety reasons, there is low development activity in those areasespecially in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces, and this, as per Kerobyan, prevents reaching the planned indicator. "Also, the government has developed and implemented a large investment program in the field of livestock breeding, for which 3.5 billion drams are planned to be allocated in 2023; this will enable to increase the level of self-sufficiency of livestock products," the economy minister assured. The fact of Azerbaijan's violation of the ceasefire regime in the Askeran region of Karabakh has been confirmed by the Russian Defense Ministry. "At 12:30 on November 5, small arms fire was opened from an Azerbaijani post at a local resident who was carrying out earthworks using agricultural machinery in the area 1.8 km east of Khramort. As a result of the shooting the equipment was slightly damaged, the local resident was not injured," according to a Russian Defense Ministry statement. The Russian peacekeepers' command together with the Azerbaijani side are carrying out investigations of the incident. On November 5, Ombudsman of Artsakh Gegham Stepanyan informed about the shooting from the Azeri armed post at the tractor of a Stepanakert resident, who was working on his land in the village of Khramort. As a result of the shooting, the citizen's tractor was damaged and the data about the incident was passed to the Russian peacekeeping contingent. Iran's Information Ministry on Monday reported the arrest of 26 terrorists involved in the armed attack on the Shah Cherah Mausoleum in Shiraz. The set of surveillance, research and operational measures taken so far has contributed to the identification and detention of all those who led, participated in and supported the attack, the report said, according to Tasnim. Besides, a number of people who came to the country to commit other similar acts were also detained. According to the agency, the statement claimed that all detainees have citizenship of foreign countries - Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Abu Dhabi-based Eshraq Investments has entered into an agreement with Reportage Properties, a leading real estate developer in the UAE, to sell a key plot of land on the Al Reem Island within the emirate for AED127 million ($35 million). Confirming the deal, Eshraq revealed that the sale had been concluded at a price higher than the plots book value after a go-ahead from the board of directors in September. The deal underscores the company's potential to monetise the land bank via transactions that are accretive to its shareholders, said the company in a statement. Eshraq pointed out that following the previous sale of two plots in JVC to Danube Properties, the agreement with Reportage Properties is another step in its land monetization programme. With this deal, Eshraq has sold 27% of its land bank gross floor area for a consideration of AED160 million. A leading real estate developer, Reportage Properties offers affordable, modern design homes in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, KSA, Turkey, Egypt and Morocco. The plot, which boasts 650,000 sq ft gross floor area, will be used by Reportage to develop its first-ever project on Reem Island - a residential development - in the area over a five-year period. On the successful sale, Chairman Jassim Alseddiqi said: "We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Reportage Properties. The transaction, at an attractive price to us, reflects the strength of the Company's balance sheet." "We are committed to continue our steady course of implementing the land monetization program to improve Eshraq's profitability in the coming quarters," he added. Reportage Group Founder and Chairman Aref Ismail Al Khoori said: "We are pleased to be working with Eshraq on our first project on Reem Island. This is a great addition to our growing portfolio, which includes 17 projects in the UAE with 11,000 residential units in key investment locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai." "In line with our approach to buy and sell and provide affordable housing solutions to the public, we continue to actively contribute to the growth of the UAE real estate market," he added.-TradeArabia News Service The ambassador of Russia to Armenia is confident that despite all the difficulties and challenges facing the two countries, their spiritual core is strong enough for their relations to overcome all those challenges and for them to live together and work together in the future, preserving their shared cultural and religious traditions. Sergey Kopirkin noted about this during a meeting Monday with the students and faculty of Valery Brusov State University in Yerevan. According to him, the shared nature of their deep strategic interests also speaks in favor of this. He added that relations between Armenia and Russia have an age-old history. "It is very important that over the centuries, both the Armenian and Russian sides have always had and remain people who are concerned about our relations and treat Armenia, the Armenian people, and Russia, the Russian people with sincere love. Such people form the spiritual core that unites our countries," Kopirkin said. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered to increase the volume of oil transportation bypassing Russia through the ports of Aktau and Kuryk in the Caspian Sea up to 20 million tons per year. According to him, given the current situation in the world, the development of the Trans-Caspian route is of particular importance. "We need to activate all the existing capacities of the ports of Aktau and Kuryk in order to increase the capacity and bring the volume of oil transportation up to 20 million tons per year," the Kazakh leader said at a meeting with the public of the Mangistau region. Tokayev noted that by virtue of its good geographical position, Mangistau region has great potential, and the port city of Aktau can be rightly called the "sea gates of Kazakhstan". The President urged to rationally use the strengths and to turn the region into a transport and transit hub of global importance. The head of state added that it is planned to implement several measures aimed at attracting money for the development of port infrastructure, creation of container and transport-logistic hubs. There is a Turkish-Azerbaijani tandem in Armenia's region, there is a British investment of about 130 billion drams in Azerbaijan; besides that, the Turkish factor has become extremely strong in the region and occupies a dominant position. Political scientist Stepan Danielyan noted this during a discussion Monday. He stated that the aforesaid situation makes Iran very uncomfortable because, first of all, there is a considerable presence of Israel in Azerbaijan, and therefore Tehran sees a danger. "There are major networks among Azerbaijanis in Iran, and, in this context, there is an Armenia-Iran rapprochement. Iran is having closer ties with Armenia. It is a bit incomprehensible what policy Armenia is pursuing. We also see that thanks to Iran, a balance was formed in the region and the Azerbaijani-Turkish ambitions were somewhat still curbed. But on the other hand, we see what pressure Iran is under," said the Armenian political scientist. German industry has called for a postponement of the introduction of a global minimum corporate tax for at least a year to 2025 to give companies more time to prepare for the current crisis, Reuters reported, citing a document from industry association BDI. "The ambitious timetable of applying the minimum tax as early as 2024 is not realistic against the background of the enormous complexity of the associated new regulations," BDI said. The biggest overhaul of international tax rules in a generation, which nearly 140 countries agreed to last year, is aimed at better accommodating the emergence of big digital companies like Apple and Amazon, which can lock in profits in low-tax countries. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which oversees the global minimum tax, said in July that the new rules should take effect in 2024. BDI said implementing the new rules and preparing IT processes would be very time-consuming and resource-intensive for companies, requiring a simplified process, transitional measures and a delay until at least 2025. BDI also rejected the idea that Germany could introduce a minimum tax without legislation in the European Union. The governments of the five largest EU economies, including Germany, said last month that they would introduce new tax rules next year by "any possible legal means" if Hungary did not end its objection at EU level. The BDI said it would hurt the competitiveness of the German economy by imposing costs on German parent companies if this was done alone. The matter of construction of the Kajaran tunnel of the North-South highway was discussed with the Iranian side. Gnel Sanosyan, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia, announced this to reporters Monday. "The Syunik [Province] section of the highway has three sectors: from Sisian to Kajaran, the Kajaran tunnel, and from Kajaran to Agarak. Regarding the other two sectors, we have partners with whom we have already passed the discussion stage. The funding sources are clear, and we have a competitive process. Regarding the tunnel, we want to work with Iranian partners, and, if possible, with an Iranian loan or state budget fundswith a convenient optionwith an Iranian company. First of all, Iranian companies have the ability to build good tunnels, and in addition, they can submit good proposalsfrom a financial point of view," said Sanosyan. According to him, the large accumulation of cars at the Upper Lars checkpoint on the Russian-Georgian border occurs because the relevant services of Russia have to inspect the cars more thoroughly now. "The capacity is decreasing, but we are trying to resolve the problem together with our Russian and Georgian colleagues," he said. And as to whether the ruling power in Armenia could sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan while the latters military forces are still in the sovereign territory of Armenia, Sanosyan believes that the peace treaty is the right way for resolving issues. "The peace treaty implies the restoration of sovereign territory," the Armenian official added. The question whether the rise in usage of digital media is contributing to the erosion of democracy is a source of popular debate, with tech companies arguing findings are inconclusive. But now a team of international researchers has carried out a comprehensive review of hundreds of studies globally, the biggest of its kind, exploring this claim and found that while social media is not exclusively bad, it can certainly stoke starkly conflicting views, populism, and political mistrust especially in established democracies. The researchers, from the Max Planck Institute for Human Development and the Hertie School in Germany, and the University of Bristol in the UK, systematically assessed studies investigating whether and how digital media impacts peoples political behaviour. Studies show that although some effects may be beneficial for democracy, for instance digital media can increase political knowledge and diversity of news exposure, they also have detrimental effects, such as fostering polarisation and populism. Furthermore, the way consequences such as increased political mobilisation and decreasing trust in institutions play out depends largely on the political context. Such developments were found to be beneficial in emerging democracies but can have destabilising effects in established democracies. The advantage of our systematic reviewagainst the background of a divisive and often partisan debateis that it allows objective conclusions to be drawn, said author and research scientist Philipp Lorenz-Spreen of the Max Planck Institute for Human Development. At the institutes Center for Adaptive Rationality, he studies how new technologies can help to promote participatory democracy online. While the impact of digital media on democracy cannot be judged as simply good or bad, the results clearly show that digital media can have several negative effects on political behaviour, he added. In their review, published today in Nature Human Behaviour, the researchers combine causal and correlational evidence from nearly 500 articles on the relationship between digital media and democracy worldwide. The analysis was structed around the 10 most researched political outcome variables: political participation, knowledge, trust, news exposure, political expression, hate, polarization, populism, network structure, and misinformation. When studying complex political and social phenomena, it is important to determine whether there is in fact a causal relationship, said author and doctoral researcher Lisa Oswald from the Hertie School in Berlin. The researchers therefore focused on the subset of articles reporting causal evidence of a relationship between digital media and democracy. These include large-scale field experiments conducted on social media platforms and articles in which causal conclusions could be drawn due to factors such as data having been collected at different points in time. The research findings can also help to clarify important issues in the young research field, for example whether the much-discussed phenomenon of echo chambers in which people tend to encounter only like-minded people online really exists. The results depend heavily on the digital media in question. There was no evidence of echo chambers in studies looking at news exposure, for example, but they do seem to emerge within social media networks. Our analysis covered studies conducted all over the world, allowing us to shine a light on how the effects of digital media differ across political systems, said co-author Ralph Hertwig, Director at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development. The positive effects of digital media on political participation and information consumption were most pronounced in emerging democracies in South America, Africa, and Asia. Negative effects in terms of increasing populism and polarisation and decreasing political trust were more evident in established democracies in Europe and the United States, for example. Co-author Professor Stephan Lewandowsky, Chair in Cognitive Psychology at the University of Bristol, said: What is most concerning is our finding that in mature democracies such as the US and Europe, social media use causes increased polarisation and decreased trust in institutions. Although further research is needed, this reveals some clear trends and indicates that governments and civil societies need to take steps to better understand and actively shape the interplay of digital media and democracy. Paper Digital media and democracy: A systematic review of causal and correlational evidence worldwide by Lorenz-Spreen, P., Lewandowsky, S., and Hertwig, R. in Nature Human Behaviour [open access] Jazan University, represented by the English Language Institute, has signed a cooperation agreement with the British Council in the presence of the Universitys Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr Hassan bin Abdullah Ishaq. The Dean of the English Language Institute, Dr Sami Hamdi, explained that the agreement includes a professional development programme for faculty members at the institute to train them on strategies for teaching English and help qualify students to take the IELTS tests. He added that this agreement was possible due to the efforts and support of the President of the University, Prof Marei bin Hussein Al-Qahtani, and targets the Universitys employees, including students and faculty members, and allows them to test at the IELTS centre and obtain recognised certificates. Language skills He pointed out that this agreement with the British Council is to accredit the English Language Institute as an authorised centre for the IELTS exam is a step forward which would also contribute towards enhancing the language skills of the University's employees. On behalf of the British Council, Michael King, Director Examinations and Assessment KSA, Kuwait and Bahrain stated: The accreditation of Jazan University as a British Council IELTS registration centre is an exceptional addition to the list of licensed centres in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The partnership is an important step that reflects the British Council's commitment to continue supporting the country's higher education institutions.-- TradeArabia News Service Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] November 7 (ANI/ Piramal Pharma Limited (PPL): Piramal Pharma Limited Consumer Products Division (CPD), today announced the launch of its D2C platform, Wellify.in. It is an exclusive, one-stop shop for all the health and wellness brand offerings by the company, and is expected to contribute 10 per cent of the e-commerce business in terms of revenue by end of FY24. The platform shall provide consumers' access to its entire range of products across more than 20 brands along with all the new offerings that company is going to launch in future. The platform would offer products across various categories such as health & wellness, beauty, baby care & toys and women's intimate range. Wellify promises to serve consumers better by giving them direct to home access to highly effective and quality products from Piramal, that are trusted by millions of consumers across the country. The platform will offer free home delivery, no minimum order value and delightful offers which will enable rise in daily orders. Wellify is designed to offer personalised experience to the users powered by advanced technology as Piramal CPD has invested in Martech tools to offer superlative experience to its consumers. Nitish Bajaj, CEO, and Piramal Consumer Product Division commented, "E-commerce has exploded in the country and has been a major growth engine for our business as well. With the launch of our D2C platform, Wellify.in, we are looking at bolstering our e-commerce capabilities by reaching out to our customers directly with quality products, customised offerings and multiple delivery options. We have heavily invested in e-commerce in the last two years which is poised for a significant growth and is expected to contribute to 25 per cent of our overall revenue in next 3 years". Website link - https://wellify.in/ Piramal Pharma's India Consumer Products Division's portfolio comprises 21 brands with offerings spanning across multiple categories. It aims to be among the top three over the-counter (OTC) product companies in India. Over the last two years, the business has invested significantly in various growth levers. The Company's strategy of expanding the product portfolio and distribution network has worked well and the Consumer Products business is evolving into a strong player in India's OTC market. Piramal CPD has been focusing on celebrity-led campaigns, expanding its distribution network, and leveraging e-commerce extensively. For more information visit: Piramal Pharma Limited - Consumer Products Division Piramal Pharma Limited (PPL), a subsidiary of Piramal Enterprises Limited, offers a portfolio of differentiated products and services through end-to-end manufacturing capabilities across 14 global facilities and a global distribution network in over 100 countries. PPL includes an integrated contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) business, Complex hospital generics business, and India Consumer Products business, selling over-the-counter products in India. In addition, it has a joint venture with Allergan, a leader in ophthalmology in the Indian formulations market. In October 2020, PPL received 20 per cent strategic growth investment from the Carlyle Group. For more information visit: www.piramal.com, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn For Media Queries: For Investors: Rajiv Banerjee | Corporate Communications Gagan Borana | Investor Relations rajiv.banerjee@piramal.com gagan.borana@piramal.com This story has been provided by Piramal Pharma Limited (PPL). ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content in this article. (ANI/ Piramal Pharma Limited (PPL) New Delhi [India], November 7 (ANI/PRNewswire): TimesPro and the Indian Institute of Management Nagpur have launched the inaugural batch of Post Graduate Certificate Programme in Blockchain Technology to equip learners in developing critical thinking abilities and strong fundaments in blockchain to provide innovative solutions for varied sectors. The programme will teach professionals advanced concepts of blockchain technologies and introduce them to several blockchain platforms. The nine-month Post Graduate Certificate Programme in Blockchain Technology will empower learners with a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology and expose them to platforms like Ethereum and Hyperledger Fabric to write smart contracts and develop blockchain-based solutions. Blockchain has found global acceptance across leading sectors like financial services, technology, crypto assets, healthcare, governments, supply chains, entrepreneurs and innovators and led to significant benefits across business, including transparency, traceability, reduced costs, etc. The Post Graduate Certificate Programme in Blockchain Technology will be conducted via TimesPro's state-of-the-art Interactive Learning (IL) platform and delivered in Direct-to-Device (D2D) mode. The programme also includes a three-day campus-immersive session for learners. It follows a proven pedagogy consisting of lectures, case discussions, simulation games, role-plays, group projects, and other experiential exercises. As part of their Capstone project, learners will have to Develop High-level Architecture and Conceptual Framework for Blockchain and implement it using one of the Blockchain platforms. The programme will help learners vastly enhance their skillsets by learning subjects such as Cryptocurrency Mechanics, Blockchain Mechanics, Smart Contracts and Decentralised Applications, Blockchain Applications and Use Cases, Blockchain Architectures and Platforms, Blockchain Programming, among others. Speaking on the announcement, Sunil Sood, Chief Business Officer, Executive Education, TimesPro,said,"With data security and privacy taking precedent in a networking-led tech world, MNCs are adopting blockchain technology in a big way to ensure protection and transparency. Over the coming years, every sector will transition to blockchain and require a significant investment in skilled human resources. It will be imperative for learners to gain invaluable expertise through a blockchain programme from IIM Nagpur to take a step in the right direction." Gunjan Tomar, Programme Director, IIM Nagpur, said, "The inaugural Post Graduate Certificate Programme in Blockchain Technology will build IIM Nagpur as a next-gen institution offering cutting-edge and emerging technology programmes. We aim to equip our learners with industry-relevant skills to address the rising needs of our tech ecosystem." TimesPro, established in 2013, is a leading Higher EdTech platform dedicated to empowering the career growth of aspiring learners by equipping them with skills to rise in a competitive world. TimesPro's H.EdTech programmes are created to meet the rapidly changing industry requirements and have been blended with technology to make them accessible & affordable. TimesPro offers a variety of created and curated learning programmes across a range of categories, industries, and age groups. They include employment-oriented early career programmes across BFSI, e-Commerce, and technology sectors; executive education for working professionals in collaboration with premier educational institutions like IIMs and IITs; and organisational learning and development interventions at the corporate level. TimesPro also collaborates with India's leading MNCs across varied sectors to provide upskilling and reskilling solutions to boost employability and create a robust workforce. TimesPro is a Higher EdTech initiative by the Times of India Group. Established in 2015, the Indian Institute of Management Nagpur (IIM Nagpur) aspires to be a leading management institution that shapes management systems, policy, and governance through high-quality education, research, and industry engagement. Propelled by the pursuit of engaged scholarship, the institute aims to create value-driven leaders and global managers with strong conceptual foundations and analytical approach, which helps them excel in diverse spheres - be it management, business, policy making, and public administration, to name a few. IIM Nagpur's aim is to address the needs of a modern India, connecting aspirations and realities to attain benchmarks that are respected internationally. Our motto, styN c svaadhyaay prvcne c, that is, an inspired journey towards truth through individual reflection and collective discourse, propels our quest to bridge the gap between abstract knowledge and practice. IIM Nagpur seeks to distinguish itself as an institution that promotes constant industry engagement of a 'problem-solving' nature. Executive Education, therefore, is an important thrust area for the Institute. With an array of programmes designed by a faculty body with a stellar record of research, teaching, and industry engagement, the Executive Education programme at IIM Nagpur equips managers and executives with the capabilities to perform effectively in their current roles and take up greater challenges through various stages of their careers. This story is provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PRNewswire) New Delhi [India], November 7 (ANI/PNN): As rightly quoted by Coco Chanel "Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable." An approach that merits the values of a lot of successful industries in today's times. The beauty industry is one such blooming and highly recognized industries today and has observed massive footfall from people across. Styling your look and diving into the world of makeup and colors is what drives you then the world is your canvas. On similar parallels multiple events are conducted to give platform and expression to budding artists. One such event that took place recently was the Indian Glory Awards 2022 2nd edition organized at Radisson Blu hotel Paschim Vihar, New Delhi. A distinguished and highly reputable award ceremony hosted by none other than the incredible Amisha Patel on 2nd Nov' 2022. It is a platform that encouraged many emerging makeup artists to showcase their skill set and reach out to the right community and get recognized for their work. Many renowned and extremely talented individuals/ teams had participated in the competition and Ruby Khasa trounced above the rest and proved her competency with elegance, grace and hardwork. With dreams and hope in her eyes she envisioned makeup in a completely different light. Ruby is a beauty enthusiast and preacher of divulging into the world of makeup gradients. An exquisite emerging artist of today's time. Coming from a financially not so well to do background she entered the world of makeup to make a living out of it however with time she has established a reputable position for herself in the industry. She is recognized as the finest makeup artist in Gurgaon and NCR with an exceptionally well and diverse knowledge of makeup palettes, creativity and makeovers. While the journey and learning had been extremely challenging she navigated her path of success with optimism and dedication. With an extensive experience of over 12 years in the beauty industry Ruby has created her own niche and has worked with varied renowned makeup studios as well. Post gauging the nuances and nitty gritties of the professional world she decided to give wings to her passion and started working as a freelancer for 3 years and has been doing exceptionally well. At present, she is striving towards strengthening her brand and her makeup studio is also under construction at Gurgaon location. Ruby has always been a dreamer, visioner and has a competitive edge to herself. She isn't content with being average or just good, but wishes to be the best at whatever she chooses to pursue. She has built her capacity and leveraged each opportunity that knocked regardless of how big or small the scale was. Her humbleness and genuinity is what makes her stand apart, yet brings her closer to many. The zeal, enthusiasm and liveliness that she brings to the table is astonishing yet worth appreciation. This ain't just a success story but a voyage filled with fumbles, turbulence, learnings and much more. Such events have proven to give credibility and recognition to many individuals who have been persistently trying to make an image and stage an impression. This story is one such example there are many others and thanks to such ceremonies it will continue to grow more. The award show helped in fostering a positive and encouraging environment for niche beauticians. With the token of appreciation and shared experiences it allowed them to interact and engage with like-minded people and strengthen their existing networks while exhibiting their strengths. With sheer dedication, passion and rigor the participants enthusiastically overcame all obstacles and created a highly competitive environment. It was nail biting. The unparalleled magic of makeup and the passion that the contestants and even the deciding committee had towards the show was inspiring. It helped various budding designers to recognize their potential and understand how to continue in this cutting edge industry. The evening was fun-filled, rejoicing and learning-driven graciously culminating on a high note. The ceremony had a pinch of colors, style and perceived beauty in a very unique way. A place where makeup was a form of expression, a play of art and a sprint of joy in the mundane routine. The vision was to build a creative community that grows together and uplifts each other's spirits while cherishing the principles of true art. This story has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content in this article. (ANI/PNN) Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], November 7 (ANI/BusinessWire India): Johnson & Johnson Vision*, a global leader in the eye health category and a part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech**, and Lions Clubs International Foundation celebrated 20 years of 'Sight For Kids', their school-based eye health program. Co-founded by Johnson & Johnson Vision and Lions Clubs International Foundation in 2002, the Sight For Kids program aims to bridge the gap in access to eye care by providing comprehensive eye health services for children from low-income and underserved communities. To mark the occasion, a vision screening for over 500 children was organised in Kolkata, West Bengal. The two-day program took place at Lions Safari Park and Calcutta Greater Vidya Mandir School. Witnessing leading eye care professionals, local ophthalmological associations, NGO/community partners, Johnson & Johnson Vision representatives, and local Lions were present to honour the cause. The Sight For Kids program has operated across West Bengal since 2004. In the last 20 years, the program has reached more than 42 million students in underserved communities in Asia, Africa, and the U.S., providing eye health treatment to 600,000 children across the world. In India, through a community and a school-based model, Sight For Kids has facilitated vision assessment for 37 million children. The program has equipped communities with critical tools to ensure children have access to eye care for clear and healthy vision. Emphasizing the organization's aim to elevate eye health awareness in India, Tiny Sengupta, Business Unit Director, Vision Care India, Johnson & Johnson Vision said, "It is an absolute honour to partner with Lions Clubs International Foundation and celebrate the 20-year milestone of Sight For Kids. Healthy eyesight plays a critical role in early childhood development - from a child's academic performance to co-curricular activities self-esteem and overall well-being. However, globally, more than 312 million children suffer from myopia, and half of them continue to live undetected and untreated.1 Every child deserves a chance to see the world clearly. Through Sight for Kids, we are not only bringing free eye care to children who need it the most, but also training school teachers to identify children suffering from vision impairment or eye ailments." To date, Sight For Kids has provided 500,000 thousand pairs of eyeglasses to children across the world, to empower them to realise their dreams. Commenting on the importance of increasing access to eye care, Mr. A. P. Singh, Third Vice President, Lions Clubs International Foundation, Lions Clubs International Foundation said, "Together with Johnson & Johnson Vision, we are proud to see our Lions and eye care professionals work towards achieving our mission of providing comprehensive eye health services to underprivileged children to equip them with clear and healthy vision. Through our extensive engagements, we found that teachers are in a unique position to identify behavioural changes and notice when children suffer from vision impairment. This critical insight has led us to bolster our approach by training 200,000 teachers across the world to date." 'Sight For Kids' is one of the longest running public-private vision-screening programs in the world, that provides teachers with training to deliver eye health education and perform visual acuity tests for common eye conditions with the support of optometrists. Johnson & Johnson Vision in partnership with Lions Clubs International Foundation envisions reaching children across borders to provide them with healthy eyesight and strive towards greater equity in eye care. 1 World Health Organization. (2019). World report on vision. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/328717. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India) Reliance Industries has emerged in the 20th position among the list of Forbes' sixth annual World's Best Employers, which was done in partnership with market research company Statista. Samsung, with 266,673 employees, was on the top of the list. Microsoft is on the second position, IBM on the third and Alphabet, Apple, Delta Air Lines, Costco Wholesale, Adobe, Southwest Airlines and Dell Technologies were sequentially in order on the list, which was released last month. To compile this ranking, Statista surveyed 150,000 full-time and part-time workers from 57 countries working for multinational companies and institutions to determine which ones excel in corporate impact and image, talent development, gender equality and social responsibility, according to Forbes website. Participants were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their employers to friends and family and to evaluate other employers in their respective industries that stood out either positively or negatively. This year's list comprises 800 companies that received the highest scores. The whole list prepared by Forbes has 50 firms and many tech companies are on the list. Reliance Industries, with 230,000 employees, engages in hydrocarbon exploration and production, petroleum refining and marketing, petrochemicals, retail, and telecommunications. It operates through the following business segments: Refining, petrochemicals, oil and gas, organised retail, digital services, and others. The refining segment includes the production and marketing operations of the petroleum products. "The Great Resignation - the tidal wave of people voluntarily resigning from their jobs - shows no signs of slowing down. The global phenomenon, which started in early 2021 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, has transformed the workplace. Along with higher salaries, better benefits and advancement opportunities and work-life balance, employees say purpose-driven work is a top priority. And their bosses are paying close attention," Forbes said. The list was released on October 11, 2022. (ANI) Singapore Pavilion showcases the Singapore Green Plan 2030, innovative climate solutions as well as international collaborations that help the region and beyond adopt sustainable solutions at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) The conference runs from 6 to 18 November 2022 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt which is themed around Building a Future of Green Possibilities. Throughout the conference period, the Singapore Pavilion will highlight Singapores enduring commitment to the global effort against climate change through events and programmes in collaboration with various distinguished partners. Hosted in line with the thematic days designated by the Egypt COP27 Presidency, these events include panel discussions and fireside chats from governments, businesses and the community. At the start of COP27 on 6 November, the Singapore Pavilion launched with a welcome address by Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment of Singapore, followed by a keynote speech by Ravi Menon, Managing Director, Monetary Authority of Singapore. The event will close with a panel discussion with representatives from the Singapore Government, businesses, and youth. TradeArabia News Service Mumbai-based Sula Vineyards, the country's largest wine producer, said it has received the Securities and Exchange Board of India's (SEBI)'s approval to raise funds through an initial public offering (IPO). The company had filed its draft papers with the capital markets regulator in July this year. Sula is a market leader in the Indian wine industry in terms of sales volume and value since fiscal 2009. The issue with a face value of Rs 2 per equity share is a complete offer for sale (OFS) aggregating to 25,546,186 equity shares. Sula set up its first vineyard in 1996 and it was the first to introduce varietal wines in India in 2000, with the launch of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Zinfandel, Riesling, Red Sparkling, and dessert wine offerings. In fiscal 2005, it launched the first wine-tasting room in India at its winery in Nashik, Maharashtra, followed by the country's first vineyard resort in 2008, and in the same year, the wine-maker launched the first wine-themed music festival in India, "SulaFest", at its Nashik facility in 2008. "SulaFest" has been widely recognised as the largest wine music festival in India and one of the largest wine music festivals in Asia, based on attendance. In fiscal 2017, the company launched a wine-tasting room at its "Domaine Sula" facility in Karnataka. A release said Sula has been recognised as the market leader across wine variants, including red, white and sparkling wines. The company distributes wines under a bouquet of popular brands such as Sula, its flagship brand besides other brands namely RASA, Dindori, The Source, Satori, Madera and Dia. Currently, it produces 56 different labels of wine across 13 distinct brands at its four owned and two leased production facilities located in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Sula's wine processing units are also located in the west and southwest of India, with the flagship facility located in Nashik, Maharashtra, and wine processing units located in Nashik and Dindori in Maharashtra, and Bengaluru and Basavakalyan in Karnataka. Sula's Shiraz Cabernet is India's largest-selling wine by value in fiscal 2021, with its gross billings amounting to Rs 91.83 crore in FY22. Recently, it won five silvery and four bronze at the Decanter World Wine Awards, 2022 and its Brut Tropicale won a gold medal at the International Wine Challenge 2022. The company's revenue from operations increased by 8.60 per cent from Rs 417.96 crore in fiscal 2021 to Rs 453.92 crore in fiscal 2022, primarily due to increase in sales of manufactured goods under its brands, an increase in the selling price of wine in select brands and markets, "increase in revenue due to increased focus on premiumisation, favourable response its wine tourism business and increase in revenue from other operating income (government grants)". It clocked a profit of Rs 52.14 crore in the financial year 2022 against Rs 3.01 crore from the previous year. Kotak Mahindra Capital Company, CLSA India and IIFL Securities are the book-running lead managers and KFin Technologies Limited is the registrar to the offer. The equity shares are proposed to be listed on BSE and NSE. (ANI) Global star Priyanka Chopra is a firm believer of women power. On Monday, Priyanka visited Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh to see the work being done by UNICEF and its partners to end violence and discrimination against girls in the state. She dropped a video of herself from inside a prior visiting various UNICEF centres. In the clip, she said that women and girls are key in building better futures not just for themselves but for their communities. "Right now, I am in Lucknow, India with UNICEF. I am really looking forward to this field visit. I have spent a few of my childhood years at school in Lucknow, I have family and friends here. And I am keen to understand how the needle has shifted for women and children in the state of Uttar Pradesh. I want to see first-hand how technology and innovation is making that shift at a (larger) scale. Across India gender inequality results in unequal opportunities, and it is the girls that are most disadvantaged," Priyanka said. She added, "We are visiting various UNICEF partners to see that work that is being done with the aim to end violence and discrimination against girls. I will hear about the challenges they face in everyday life, and see the solutions on hand, because what is needed is solutions at scale. As I have said often enough, women and girls are the key in building better futures not just for themselves but for their communities." Priyanka also shared several images and video of herself visiting several UNICEF centres. She visited Composite School Aurangabad in Lucknow where she met little boys and girls. She also visited anganwadi in Lalpur. Priyanka was born in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Her parents Madhu and Ashok Chopra were physicians in the Indian army. As they were from an army background, her family had to move several times, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Ambala, Ladakh, Lucknow, Bareilly and Pune. So, she spent her childhood in Uttar Pradesh as well and considers the place close to her heart. (ANI) The absconding accused was arrested by NIA on November 5 from Yaingangpokpi village in Manipur's Imphal East district. The terrorist, identified as Machukring Zamshim Shimray alias Ningkham, was an active cadre of the Manipur Naga People's Front (MNPF) and was directly involved in the ambush. The case pertains to the attack on the convoy of 46th Batallion Assam Rifles on November 13, 2021, by a group of armed terrorists near Sialsih village of Churachandpur district in Manipur. As many as seven people Commanding Officer Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his wife and minor son, and four other Assam Rifles personnel were killed and six other personnel were injured in the attack. An FIR, in this case, was lodged at Singngat police station, Churachandpur district under sections 121, 121A, 302, 307, 326, 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Section 25 (1-C) of Arms Act, Sections 10, 16, 18, 20, 39 of UA(P) Act and Section 5 of Explosive Substances Act. Later, the NIA took over the case on November 27 last year and started investigations. The NIA had announced a cash reward of Rs 4 lakh against Shimray. "On November 5, based on secret information, a joint team of the NIA, Assam Rifles and Assam Police conducted a special operation and arrested Machukring Zamshim Shimray from Yaingangpokpi, Imphal East district, Manipur, against whom NIA had declared a cash reward of Rs 4 lakh," the NIA said in a statement. "The arrested accused was an active cadre of MNPF and was directly involved in the ambush," the NIA added. The accused was produced before the NIA Special Court on Sunday. Further investigations in the case are in progress. (ANI) A doctor from Pune is on a mission to save the girl child as part of his "Beti Bachao Janandolan". As part of the mission and in a bid to encourage parents to bring more girls into this world, he waives the hospital fees for the birth of female children born at his hospital and also gives a rousing welcome to the little ones. Dr Ganesh Rakh, who runs a maternity-cum-multispeciality hospital in the Hadapsar area of Pune City in Maharashtra, started the "Beti Bachao mission" 11 years ago. Since then, Dr Rakh claims to have delivered more than 2,400 girl children without charging fees from their parents to create awareness about eliminating gender discrimination. The hospital organizes a grand celebration every time a mother delivers a girl child at his hospital by cutting cakes and showering petals on the parents. He also holds a felicitation for the parents. "I started this Beti Bachao mission almost 11 years back. In this mission, we waive the entire hospital fee of a patient whenever a girl child is born. We also celebrate the birth of a girl child by cutting cakes, distributing sweets and we also felicitate the parents of girls. In 11 years we have almost delivered 2,430 baby girls in our hospital and we celebrate the birth of each girl in our hospital," he said. The doctor also arranges a ride home for the mothers and their infant daughters in a decked-up auto-rickshaw upon their discharge from the hospital. "We have also received tremendous support from the public, our doctors and social organizations. Till date, more than 4 lakh doctors, 13000 social organizations and 25 lakh volunteers are working with us. They are also giving their own contributions in their own fields, which means they are also doing the same thing in their own clinics and hospitals by celebrating the birth of girl child and by giving concessions in fees," Dr Rakh added. The noble mission is his way of raising public awareness on gender disparity and eliminating the gender gap. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday unveiled the statue of former Prime Minister late Chandra Shekhar in Ballia district and inaugurated and laid foundation stones of development projects worth Rs 80 crore. Addressing a public meeting on the occasion, CM Yogi said that very little of Ballia's potential has been exploited so far, urging Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to come forward to take the agricultural products of the district to the international market. "This can help achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal of doubling farmer's income and also contribute towards making Uttar Pradesh a USD 1 trillion economy. Cargos and the inland waterways service introduced between Haldia and Varanasi, which goes via Ballia, can play a vital role in facilitating fresh vegetables' export from the district," said the Chief Minister. Adityanath said that the government is committed to supporting farmers from "Beej to Bazar", adding that attention should be paid to the attractive packaging. He also said that some FPOs have been presented with registration certificates to carry the work forward, but more need to follow suit. The Chief Minister also directed people's representatives to come up with a proposal for a medical college in Ballia fast so that necessary action could be taken by the government in this regard as part of its larger goal to build a medical college in each district of the state. He said that 35 new medical colleges have been built in the state since 2017. He also emphasised the need for increasing the number of doctors at the hospital at former PM Chandra Shekhar's native village Ibrahim Patti and link more and more people with the Central Government's Ayushaman Bharat and State Government's Jan Aarogya Yojana. "Work needed to be done on multi fronts including education, health, agriculture and tourism in the district to increase people's income manifold and provide employment to thousands of youth in Ballia district," he said. The Chief Minister further pointed out that one crore devotees visited Kashi Vishwanath during Sawan, which benefitted the hotel industry, taxi drivers and others. He stressed the importance of empowering women and making them self-reliant by linking them with self-help groups (SHGs) to carry out works under various schemes such as Rural Livelihood Mission, Child Development and Nutrition etc as well as engaging them in dairy production. He said that the training of women should be organized in various skills like tailoring, weaving etc and they should be provided with toolkits. Paying his tributes to former PM Chandra Shekhar, CM Yogi said, "He was a 'Jan Nayak', a leader in independent India, who rose above party lines to do value-based politics and was popular not only within India but also abroad, including Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh." He said that the departed leader rose against the worst move to crush democracy and also supported the Swadeshi movement of the RSS, adding that he contributed to the strengthening of parliamentary democracy. The Chief Minister said that the late Chandra Shekhar gave a new identity to Ballia. (ANI) Expressing serious concern over Delhi's air quality remaining in the 'severe' category for the fifth day in a row, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that air pollution-related stubble burning cases have witnessed a rise by 160 per cent in Rajasthan and 20 per cent in Punjab this October as compared to October 2021. According to the Ministry of Earth Science, the Union Minister also raised an alarm as Delhi recorded seven "very poor" air quality days in October this year compared to none in October 2021. Referring to findings by the India Meteorological Department and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology under the aegis of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Singh said, "There was 160 per cent and 20 per cent rise in cases of stubble burning in Rajasthan and Punjab respectively in October 2022 compared to October 2021." He said that the farm Fires in Punjab rose from 13,269 to 16,004 from October 2021 to October 2022 recording a rise of 20 per cent, while in Rajasthan, it rose from 124 to 318 from October 2021 to October 2022 recording a rise of 160 per cent. "This implies that the governments in the two States are not doing enough to check stubble burning and are, on the contrary, increasingly contributing to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi NCR," the Union Minister said. The Minister, who is also Incharge of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences, said that on the other hand, States like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have recorded a progressive decline in the incidents of stubble fire burning. "Such inferences indicate that either the governments in Rajasthan and Punjab are not serious about air quality or they have not properly utilized the funds which were provided by the Narendra Modi government to purchase machines for stubble management," he said. Singh pointed out that since 2018-19, on the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre has provided Rs 3,138 crore to States for stubble management, out of which nearly 1,500 crore was provided to Punjab alone. "It is for the people to judge as to why, while many States have done an appreciable job in stubble management and are gradually moving in positive directions, the States of Punjab and Rajasthan continue to show further deterioration raising several questions regarding their intent, sincerity and prosperity," Singh added. He also pointed out that Haryana and Uttar Pradesh witnessed a decline in farm fire incidents by 30 per cent and 38 per cent respectively during the same period. "Haryana witnessed 1,995 fire counts in October 2022 as compared to 2,914 in October 2021. Similarly, UP registered 768 fire counts this October, compared to 1,060 cases in October 2021," said Singh. The Union Minister said in the first five days of November, the number of fire counts was much higher in Punjab than Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. "For example, on 5 November, the number of fire counts in Punjab was 2,817 and in Rajasthan 91 respectively compared to 90 in Haryana and 24 in Uttar Pradesh respectively. The highest fire count on any single day was recorded on November 2, when Punjab topped with 3,634 farm fire incidents and the number in Rajasthan recorded up to 63," he explained. Singh said the abnormal rise in cases of stubble burning in Punjab in the first five days of November is solely responsible for plunging the air quality in the severe category. He said Punjab registered 13,396 fire counts from November 1 to 5, while it was 16,004 for the entire month of October 2022. India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology under the aegis of the Ministry of Earth Sciences has operationalized Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS). The contribution of Stubble fire in the pollution level of PM2.5 is estimated by AQEWS. The contribution is estimated at 9.7 per cent on November 1, 7.4 per cent on November 2, 32 per cent on November 3 and 17.8 per cent on November 4. (ANI) Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore on Sunday said that all sectors including agriculture, health and technology should be developed to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Speaking during the Valedictory Session at the 15th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Expo here, he said new suggestions and thoughts were required to carry the urban transport sector forward. Expressing satisfaction at the Programme being organized in Kochi, he said that the city was poised to make advancements in the sector with the coming of the Water Metro and other initiatives. "...for the country to develop, it was essential that cities developed. This, in turn, will ensure that development spreads to rural areas...," said Kishore. Elucidating on the initiatives being taken by the government on the occasion of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' and 'Amrit Kaal', the Union Minister said that the country is on the path to becoming 'Ek Bharat, Shreshta Bharat, Swastha Bharat. "For achieving the Prime Minister's vision of becoming a developed country by 2047, it is essential that all sectors including agriculture, health and technology is developed," he said. He hoped that the Conference had enabled discussions and interactions that had led to not only the sharing of innovations and experiences but also the generation of new ideas and knowledge. "This would enable the country to become Aatma Nirbhar," Kishore further said. He exhorted that it was the responsibility of all citizens to become a part of the process to become an Aatma Nirbhar, a developed country by 2047. Kerala Transport Minister, Antony Raju; OSD (Urban Transport), Union Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Jaideep; Kerala Chief Secretary, Dr VP Joy and Senior Officials of the Central-State governments attended the closing ceremony of the conference. Nine Sessions were held on Day 3 of the Conference on the theme - 'Future Mobility - Safe, Affordable, Accessible and Efficient'. The Plenary Session on 'Urban Mobility-Vision 2047' was led by Jaideep and Loknath Behera, MD, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL). Senior officials from the central and state Governments, policymakers, managing directors of metro rail companies, chief executives of transport undertakings, international experts, professionals, academicians and students participated in the three-day Event. The Conference was organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in collaboration with the Government of Kerala on the theme - 'Azadi@75-Sustainable Aatma Nirbhar Urban Mobility'. (ANI) According to a statement from the media cell of Gautam Buddh Nagar police, the Mushkin Internation B-39, under the Phase-2 police station caught fire on Monday morning. Several fire tenders along with the police personnel were deployed here. However, no casualties have been reported so far. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. More details are awaited. Earlier on October 25, the officials of Uttar Pradesh police had informed that a fire had broken out in an apartment in Vedantam Society in Gaur City 2 area, under the limits of Bisrakh police station limits in Greater Noida West on the evening of Diwali. (ANI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) for a copy of Governor Ramesh Bais's request letter to the election panel seeking a "second opinion" in the office-of-profit case. The letter sent through the CM's lawyer Vaibhav Tomar on October 31 that was made public today stated, "My client has now come to learn from media reports that recently the honourable governor in a press interview has disclosed that the honourable governor has sought a second opinion from the election commission of India which is pending before the commission". Bais, in a media interview, said that he had sought a second opinion from the ECI. "The Hon'ble Governor has not communicated his decision in the reference, although more than two months have elapsed since the Commission tendered its opinion... (Soren) has now come to learn from media reports that recently, the Governor in a press interview given to the electronic and print media on October 27, 2022, disclosed that he had sought a second opinion from the Election Commission of India, which is pending before the Commission... (Soren) has not received any notice from the Commission in this regard," the letter stated. Mentioning that the interview got wide publicity and created political uproar, the advocate has said,"In these circumstances without prejudice to my client's rights including but not limited to the validity/maintainability of the second opinion sought by the Honorable Governor, on behalf of my client, I call upon you to furnish to my client a copy of the request for opinion received by you from the honourable governor of Jharkhand." Vaibhav Tomar had forwarded the same request earlier too which was denied by the election commission of India citing that this is a communication between two constitutional institutions which cannot be shared with anyone else. Earlier, the EC had sent its opinion to Jharkhand Governor Ramesh Bais regarding the disqualification of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLA and Chief Minister Hemant Soren's brother Basant Soren from the state Assembly under 9A of Representation of People Act, 1951. Notably, a political crisis emerged in Jharkhand after a petition by the BJP sought Soren's disqualification from the Assembly in an office of profit case.The BJP has sought the disqualification of Soren as an MLA accusing him of allocating a mining lease to himself while he held the state Mining portfolio in 2021.In February this year, the BJP submitted a memorandum to the state Governor Ramesh Bais seeking the disqualification of Soren from the House under Section 9(A) of the Representation of People's Act. The Governor had forwarded the BJP complaint to the ECI and the poll panel in May had issued a notice to the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader. Notably, earlier on Thursday, ED had sent a notice to Chief Minister Soren and was asked to come to the zonal office of the agency to answer the agency's queries, however, he did not turn up and sent a time petition to the federal agency. As per sources, the ED has not given any response as to when the agency intends to call him in the wake of the request made by him.Hemant Soren on Thursday challenged the ED to arrest him instead of sending summons to him for questioning. Soren was to appear before the ED in its regional office in Ranchi on Thursday but he skipped his visit. Addressing the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) workers outside his official residence before leaving for Raipur to attend a tribal festival being organized by the Chhattisgarh government, Soren urged his party workers to be prepared for a long political fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). (ANI) The man identified as Moniruddin Khan, 20, allegedly provided logistical support to the organisation by helping in recruitment as well as preparing false Indian ID cards, the official further said. The suspected AQIS member was produced to the Culcutta court and was remanded to police custody till November 14. He was arrested on Saturday night from his hideout in Mathurapur in the South 24 Parganas district. "We came to know of his hideout after questioning those arrested earlier. We laid a trap and arrested him from Mathurapur on Saturday," the senior officer said. Earlier on Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested two suspects from Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur and Uttarkhand's Haridwar for their alleged links with the terror group Al-Qaeda. They were taken into custody after questioning some accused who were already arrested for having links with Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). The arrested suspects have been identified as 28-year-old Aas Mohammed and 23-year-old Mohammed Harris. Aas is a resident of UP's Saharanpur, while Harris hails from Uttarkhand's Haridwar. (ANI) Johnson Controls, a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, is showing at COP27 how it reduces energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 70%, through science-based targets. The company was announcing its participation at the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27) hosted in Sharm-El Sheikh until November 18. At Johnson Controls, sustainability runs through every aspect of our business. We seek to lead positive change by optimising our own operations, committing to net zero carbon before 2040 and providing powerful sustainability solutions for our customers. Our participation at COP27 is in line with our efforts to tackle energy usage in buildings, cut carbon emissions and introduce new solutions to mark positive changes for our society, said Mohammad Khalid, vice president and general manager, Middle East and Africa at Johnson Controls. Climate action Johnson Controls will share its expertise in climate action at COP27. George Oliver, chairman and CEO, and Katie McGinty, vice president and chief sustainability and external relations officer, will participate in the summit to highlight the companys innovative strategies and solutions that support an environmentally and economically sustainable future. We believe that, through collaboration and advanced technologies like OpenBlue, businesses and governments can accelerate climate change action, unlock green growth opportunities, and build resilient, sustainable economies. We look at COP27 as a vital platform for accelerating climate action and empowering customers and future generations to consume less energy, conserve resources, and identify pathways to achieving healthy, net-zero carbon buildings and communities, added Khalid. Technology and collaboration are key to meeting global net-zero targets. With the capability to drive 50% and more improvement in energy efficiency and corresponding carbon emissions, Johnson Controls OpenBlue digital platform and services are already at the cutting edge of technology for decarbonising buildings. In the current worldwide context, COP27 provides an ideal platform to accelerate the public-private collaboration and enhance synergies to speed up the global energy transition. To be held in Africa for only the fifth time, the forthcoming conference comes as several countries in the region are committed to ambitious emission-reduction goals to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 C, concluded Khalid. -- TradeArabia News Service Ludhiana Police on Sunday lodged an FIR against the person after a purported video of him, distributing sweets over the death of Sudhir Suri, was shared widely on social media. "A case has been registered under section 295A at Salem Tabri police station and a probe is underway in the matter," said Ludhiana Police Commissioner Kaustubh Sharma. Shiv Sena leader Sudhir Suri died after being shot at in Amritsar on November 4. The firing took place near Gopal Mandir in Amritsar during an agitation. Soon after the incident, Suri was rushed to a hospital where he died. Police arrived at the spot and arrested the accused. Police also recovered the weapons. "Sudhir Suri was shot outside Gopal Mandir, Amritsar during some agitation. He sustained bullet injuries and was rushed to hospital and died. The accused has been arrested. His weapons are recovered," Arun Pal Singh, Commissioner of Police, Amritsar said. A five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to probe the Sudhir Suri assassination case, Commissioner of Police Arun Pal Singh said on Sunday. Accused Sandeep Saini has been arrested on the spot and his weapon was recovered. "Accused Sandeep Sunny was arrested on the same day of the incident. He committed a hate crime after getting radicalised on social media, though it isn't the whole part and needs further technical probe," said Amritsar CP Arun Pal Singh. Earlier on Sunday, people gathered outside the residence of Shiv Sena (Taksali) leader Sudhir Suri for his last rites. (ANI) The arrested terrorists have been identified as Irshad Ganaie alias Shahid and Waseem Raja of Kenusa. The police have also recovered two remote-controlled Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) with detonators from their possession. "Sopore Police has cracked the recent IED blast incident at Kenusa Bandipora. 2 hybrid terrorists namely Irshad Ganaie @ Shahid & Waseem Raja of Kenusa Bandipora arrested. 2 remote controlled IEDs with detonators recovered. Case registered & investigation going on: ADGP Kashmir," the Kashmir Zone police tweeted. https://twitter.com/KashmirPolice/status/1589507867924914176 More details are awaited. Earlier on Friday, the Sopore Police in a joint operation apprehended two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists identified as Rizwan Mushtaq Wani and Jameel Ahmed Parra from Sopore and Bandipora respectively. Police had recovered arms and ammunition from their possession as well. (ANI) Former minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy has sought a CBI probe into a multi-crore Visakhapatnam land scam allegedly involving the ruling Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) in Andhra Pradesh. Satyanarayana Murthy alleged an over a Rs 1,000 crore land scam took place in survey number 336 of Maduravada in Visakhapatnam at the behest of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's wife Bharati. Speaking to mediapersons here on Sunday, the former minister alleged that the land in question, which had been entitled to Ramesh Kumar Banguri of Radiant Developers for Rs 93 crore under a one-time settlement in 2019, was now being registered to a third party. Satyanarayana Murthy said that the TDP has documentary evidence to prove the charges. The issue pertaining to this land is going on since 2003. The 50-acre land was supposed to have been handed over to Ramesh Kumar after he had paid Rs 93 crore on the directions of the court as part of arbitration in 2019. The TDP leader alleged that YSRCP leader and MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy had forced Ramesh Kumar Banguri to sign an MoU with regard to the development of the land in serial number 336 of Madhurawada. He also alleged that Banguri was forced to agree to a 70:30 share in the profits from the sale of villas, according to which the land owner Banguri would get 30 per cent, while the developer Prabhakar Reddy would get a 70 per cent share. The agreement was to build villas on 32 acres. The TDP leader alleged that Prabhakar Reddy would make Rs 1,000 crore profit, based on the property value at Madhurawada. He also alleged that advertisements, for the sale of villas in the said land, were issued in the name of Capital Luxx, which he alleged, was not a stakeholder in the project. He appealed to prospective buyers not to invest their money in the project and be deceived. Satyanarayana Murthy stated that 'benamis' of the Chief Minister were involved in the land scam. He said they would hand over all the records related to the scam to BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao seeking a CBI inquiry before the scheduled visit of the Prime Minister to Vizag on November 11. He also demanded a CBI inquiry into other land scams in the city. Earlier in July, he alleged while speaking to the media that Chief Minister and his party MP Vijay Sai Reddy had set their sights on grabbing the prime lands of the Ramanaidu Studio located in the Visakhapatnam beach road. Satyanarayana Murthy had termed it as 'regrettable and objectionable' on part of the CM and his associates to allegedly stoop to the level of threatening even a prestigious film industry family like that of late Ramanaidu. "Vijay Sai Reddy was acting as the shameless broker in this murky issue which was aimed at grabbing 34.44 acres of the studio", he said. Addressing a press conference here, the TDP leader demanded the Jagan Reddy government explain why it was systematically destroying all chances for growth and development in the steel city. "Right now, lots of artists and workers were finding job opportunities in the cine industry. The Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP government allotted land for the Ramanaidu Studio in 2002 in order to usher in a new era of development in Vizag," Murthy said. Satyanarayana Murthy said that the subsequent YSRCP government had also extended its support for the Ramanaidu family who eventually completed their studio in 2008. "Many artists were able to find work because of this in Vizag. However, the Jagan Reddy regime had different plans. Accordingly, it was changing the fate of everybody in the port city for the sake of their selfish and vested interests", Murthy had said. The TDP leader recalled that the ruling party leaders had already grabbed the Karthikavanam lands. "The Baypark was handed over to Vijay Sai Reddy's son-in-law. The Daspalla owners were also being threatened. They had set their sights on the Waltair Club lands as well. The Government lands in Vizag were being mortgaged. The Lulu Group was sent back and the lands allotted for it were being sold", the TDP leader said. Satyanarayana Murthy said that the Vizag residents were living in constant fear of land grabs and encroachments by the YSRCP leaders. "They were trying to grab the prime lands belonging to a church. An additional commissioner was transferred just for not listening to their illegal commands." "Jagan Reddy and Vijay Sai Reddy came to Vizag only to loot and destroy the peaceful and beautiful city", said Murthy. The TDP leader asked whether the Chief Minister had unquenchable greed for amassing illegal wealth. "Why was CM Jagan Reddy having so much love over the Vizag beach road? The Andhra Pradesh CM had already amassed lakhs of crores worth of illegal assets. Jagan Reddy should stop this mindless destruction of public property in the port city," he said. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Karnataka on November 11 and participate in several programs and events across the state, said officials. The list of programs PM Modi is going to attend on November 11 includes the launching of Vande Bharat (Chennai-Mysore-Bangalore) train from SBC railway station. It was a long-pending demand of the people of Karnataka state and PM Modi will be flagging off this high-speed train, said officials. PM Modi will garland the statue of Kanakadasa in MLA Bhawan in Bengaluru. He will also inaugurate a new terminal at the Kempegowda International Airport. There was also a need for this. As the number of international passengers arriving in Bangalore is huge, an international terminal with a capacity of 25 lakhs and 100 counters is being inaugurated, said officials. If both terminals are combined, it will be the largest airport in the country after Delhi. It will complement the development of Karnataka and Bangalore. Tourism, industry, IT, and BT sectors will also be greatly benefited, they pointed out. PM Modi will also unveil the 108-feet-tall statue of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda during his visit to the state. Kempegowdas is known for his major contribution to the development of Bengaluru. He built the city of Bangalore and thus the statue has been named The Statue of Progress. It will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister who is leading the entire country towards progress, and a public rally will also be organized on the occasion, they said. Karnataka State Chief Minister Basavaraju Bommai along with ministers and prominent BJP leaders will also participate in programs, they added. (ANI) Gujarat High Court, which reopened post-Diwali vacation, on Monday took Suo moto of the Morbi mishap, and issued notices to officials including the Home department, asking to file a report of the incident after seven days. "We expect strict action from the state government," HC ordered. Seeing the seriousness of the Morbi mishap, which claimed the life of at least 134 people, present on the century-old suspension bridge while it collapsed, Gujarat HC took self cognizant of the case. The state High Court prior to the beginning of the proceedings paid tribute to the people, who died in the mishap. "All the judges of the High Court including the Chief Justice, Advocate General, Solicitor General, Government Pleader and all the government lawyers paid their respects," ANI learned. High Court issued notifications to the officials including Home Department, Urban Housing, Municipal Commissioner, and Human Rights to file a report on the incident on November 14. "We expect strict action from the state government," Gujarat High Court said in a statement. It is worth mentioning that a notice has also been issued to the registry to take note of news reports published regarding the death of 134 people in the Morbi incident. Earlier on November 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the bridge collapse site in Gujarat's Morbi. The Prime Minister met those who were involved in rescue and relief operations at the Machchhu river bridge collapse site. PM Modi and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel visited the Civil Hospital in Morbi to meet the injured. At least 135 people, including women and children, were killed and over 100 are receiving treatment for their injuries sustained after a cable suspension bridge in Morbi town collapsed on October 30, plunging people into the Machchhu River. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting at Raj Bhavan, Gandhinagar, on Monday to review the situation in Morbi. The Prime Minister was briefed on the rescue and relief operations that have been underway ever since the unfortunate mishap took place in Morbi. All aspects relating to the tragedy were discussed. Prime Minister emphasised on ensuring that those affected get all possible assistance, a PMO release said. The high-level meeting was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Bhai Patel, Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Chief Secretary and DGP of Gujarat, along with other top officials including from the Home Department of the state and Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority. The Prime Minister had said earlier that there will be no laxity in rescue and relief operations. Gujarat government has constituted a five-member committee to probe the bridge collapse incident. Nine persons including officials of Oreva, the company that renovated the bridge, ticket sellers and security men have been arrested for the Morbi bridge collapse.In the latest development, the search and rescue operation was called off on Thursday night, five days after a 143-year-old suspension bridge collapsed into the Machchu river claiming at least 135 lives, said the official. State Commissioner of Relief Harshad Patel said that no more victims were reported missing so the rescue operation was called off. Notably, Gujarat High Court on Monday also issued a notice to the Morbi District Collector to file a report on the entire incident. The matter is listed in the Gujarat High Court till November 14. (ANI) Moments after the Supreme Court's decision allowing Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's appeal against the Jharkhand High Court order, the CM reacted by saying "Satyamev Jayate". Jharkhand CM took to social media and Tweeted "Satyamev Jayate". Notably, the Supreme Court on Monday held that the Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed before the Jharkhand High Court seeking a probe against him in an alleged mining scam case were not maintainable. The Supreme Court on Monday allowed Jharkhand Soren's appeal, setting aside the Jharkhand High Court order which had accepted the maintainability of a PIL in connection with shell companies allegedly related to state Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his associates. The Jharkhand Government and chief minister Hemant Soren moved the apex court against an order of the high court which had accepted the maintainability of PIL in connection with shell companies allegedly related to Hemant Soren and his associates. The Jharkhand government had filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the apex court challenging the Jharkhand High Court's order. On June 3, Jharkhand High Court held two PILs against Soren. It rejected the arguments made by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Mukul Rohatgi (questioning the maintainability of the two PILs filed against CM and his associates) in its 79-page order. Meanwhile, ED has summoned Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, asking him to appear for questioning on November 3 in its ongoing probe into an illegal mining case, sources said on Wednesday. Soren on Thursday was to appear before the ED in its regional office in Ranchi but he skipped his visit. Addressing the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) workers outside his official residence before leaving for Raipur to attend a tribal festival being organized by the Chhattisgarh government, Soren urged his party workers to be prepared for a long political fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "I have been summoned by ED today when I already have a programme in Chhattisgarh today. If I have committed a crime that big, come and arrest me. Why the questioning?... Security near the ED office has increased. Why, are you scared of people of Jharkhand?" said Soren, amidst heavy sloganeering in support from his party workers. Soren said the federal agency, as a part of a larger conspiracy to destabilize his government which got a historic mandate in 2019, is trying to intimidate them by showing muscle power.(ANI) The Defence PRO in Guwahati has informed that the injured Army personnel have been rushed to the Army Base hospital. "One army personnel died and four others were injured after an Indian Army vehicle met with an accident near Tamulpur, along the Indo-Bhutan border today. The injured persons have been rushed to the Army Base hospital," Defence PRO in Guwahati informed. As per the information, the army vehicle had reached the accident site from Narengi Army Cantt. More details into the matter are underway. (ANI) The Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh has once again turned muddy. Local villagers are worried about the sudden change in the colour of the water of this mighty river, considered the lifeline of Arunachal Pradesh. According to locals, the colour of the water of the river has been changing suddenly for the last two days. The colour of Siang river water had changed due to the continuous flow of muddy content at least twice earlier in 2017 and 2020. Back in 2017, India had raised the matter during then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's meeting with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Meanwhile, a local villager Nathan Doley said that they are now worried after seeing the sudden change in the colour of the river water. "We don't know what is the actual reason of this unusual change, but we are now worried. Our domestic animals drink this water, and some villagers are also using the Siang river water for drinking", the villager said. "We don't know if something happened upstream. There was no rain in the last few days and no change in water level but the water colour has suddenly changed," he added. In December 2017 also, the river had turned black which triggered panic in the state. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu at that time had personally monitored the condition of Siang river and also requested the Centre to take immediate steps regarding it. Speaking to the media at that time, Khandu had said "I have personally monitored the condition of Siang river. Yes, it is a matter of concern and the water is badly polluted. Water pollution has damaged marine life. I have also asked the Deputy Commissioners of the state to submit a report on it soon" "I have also forwarded my petition to the government for immediate measures to be taken. From my side, I am taking keen note of this matter. After, Siang river gets polluted it will also affect Brahmaputra soon which is a matter of concern," he said. The authorities of East Siang district had complained that the water of the river was deemed not fit for consumption due to heavy slag in it. Siang is the constituent river of the Brahmaputra, which flows from a 1,600-kilometre stretch in southern Tibet, known as Yarlung Tsangpo or Yarlung Zangbo before it enters Indian territory. India in 2017 had brought up the matter during then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's meeting with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Media reports then suspected that dam-building activities in China could be a reason for the contamination of the river. (ANI) After Jailed conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar, who is facing several cases of corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Money Laundering Act wrote another letter to Delhi LG Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena requesting the CBI probe against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), his lawyer AK Singh said that Sukesh was getting threats to withdraw the complaint. "It is a subsequent complaint with the new angle that after the first complaint, threat and pressure on him (Sukesh) to withdraw the complaint has increased. The pressure is by Satyendar Jain and ex-DG Prisons Sandeep Goel," Advocate AK Singh said on Monday. In his latest letter to Delhi LG, Chandrashekhar wrote, "I request you to direct an urgent CBI investigation and allow me to file FIR as the pressure is getting too much and any undue event may take place before the truth about AAP is exposed," he wrote. Alleging that he is being threatened by AAP leader Satyendar Jain and ex-DG (Prisons) of Tihar jail after his complaint to the Delhi L-G went public, he said, "After my last application was released on media, from last two days there has been a severe threat that I have been receiving from the jail administration on behalf of Mr Satyendar Jain and DG prison Sandeep Goel." AK Singh further said, "The letter has 3 names - Satyendar Jain, Arvind Kejriwal and Kailash Gehlot at whose farmhouse the Rs 50 Cr deal took place as per the allegation in the 2nd complaint. There should be a fair inquiry. The purpose of the letter is that the matter be handed over to CBI." Sukesh also alleged that a total amount of Rs 50 crore was paid to the AAP as he was promised an important party position in south India. "If I was the country's biggest thug then why during 2016 when I personally delivered Rs 50 crores to Mr Satyendra Jain in the presence of Kailash Gahlot in his farm at Asola, and thereafter the same evening, Mr Kejriwal and Mr Jain had visited me for the dinner at Hyatt, Bhikaji Kama Place where I was staying," he alleged in the letter. "Kejriwal Ji why you forced me to bring 20-30 individuals to contribute Rs 500 cr to the party in return of seats," reads Sukesh Chandrashekhar's letter that has been confirmed by his lawyer. Earlier in his letter to Delhi LG, Sukesh had alleged that he was forced to pay Rs 10 crore "protection money" to the Aam Aadmi Party minister Satyender Jain. He had also sought direction to the investigation agency to file a case on a complaint which has been also given to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). "I am ready to give all evidence supporting my Complaint against Satyender Jain of AAP. I am also ready to record my 164 Statement before Court and Judge. But the truth has to be out, as I am not able to keep it inside me anymore, I am being harassed, they and their so-called honest government have to be exposed and shown that even in Jail they are involved high-level corruption," he said in a letter confirmed by his lawyer. He further said, "I have been lodged in Delhi jail since 2017 for the case under PC Act and a few economical offences. I have been associated with AIADMK, the Sasikala faction politically involved in Tamil Nadu and have been in the business of Construction, media, mining and corporate lobbying." The BJP launched a fresh attack on the AAP after Sukesh's letter. Latching onto Chandrashekhar's allegations, BJP Delhi unit's President Adesh Gupta called AAP's Satyendar Jain Arvind Kejriwal's "Vasooli Agent". In his letter dated last month, Chandrashekar claimed that the AAP has promised him an important post in the party in the south zone and also to help him to be nominated to Rajya Sabha following the expansion. "I (Sukesh) have known, Satyender Jain of AAP since 2015, and have contributed more than 50 crores to AAP in the promise of giving me an important post in the party in the south zone and also helping me to be nominated to Rajaya Sabha following the expansion," said Chandrashekhar. The conman said that all the amounts were collected in Kolkata through his associate Chaturwedi. (ANI) Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Monday demanded the resignation from Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation Mayor Arya Rajendran over her alleged letter to Aanavoor Nagappan demanding a priority list for appointing party members to 295 temporary posts in the Municipal Corporation. Tharoor termed the Mayor's move as "disgraceful" and said, "Disgraceful that Thiruvananthapuram's CPI(M) Mayor Arya Rajendran has been exposed asking her Party Secretary for names to fill vacancies in city government. At a time when India's (&Kerala's) youth are reeling from record levels of unemployment, this is a betrayal. She must resign!," he wrote on Twitter. In an alleged letter sent to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI (M) District Secretary Aanavoor Nagappan, Mayor Arya Rajendran demanded a priority list for appointing party members to 295 temporary posts in the Municipal Corporation.The letter mentions appointments to 295 temporary posts vacant in the health department on a daily wage basis. Talking about the same on Saturday, Leader of Opposition (LoP) of Kerala VD Satheesan also demanded her resignation. "Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation Mayor Arya Rajendran, who violated her oath by writing to the CPIM district secretary demanding the party's priority list in the appointment of 295 employees in the health department, should resign. CPM should be ready to expel the Mayor if he does not resign," VD Satheesan said. "Department heads are also reluctant to report vacancies to the Public Service Commission (PSC) because CPIM state committee and district committee appointees continue to be appointed through the back door. Applicants from the PSC rank list are visiting ministers' houses to report vacancies," he further said adding that the letter has revealed the misdeeds of a government. "Appointments in Municipal Corporations have been given to local committees. They are cheating the poor people who come to interview for jobs. Direct recruitment is not done in any sector. Mafia gangs are working around CPIM offices to make backdoor appointments," he added. (ANI) Givaudan, a world leader in taste and wellbeing, will be demonstrating its capabilities to develop game-changing innovations in food and beverages banking on its expanded portfolio of products at Gulfood Manufacturing 2022. Antoine Khalil, Samea Commercial Head, Taste & Wellbeing, Givaudan said: We are thrilled to be back at Gulfood Manufacturing, engaging with our industry partners and customers on the future of food and the ever-changing needs of consumers. It is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate our strong spirit to foster co-creation and collaboration and leverage consumer insights to support our customers and partners in shaping new worlds of taste and nutrition that consumers love. Givaudans capabilities go beyond great taste to create food experiences that do good and feel good, for the body, mind, and planet. This years theme of Elevating Food Experiences will take centre stage across three distinct zones: Feel Good, Does Good, and Imagine. Feel Good Food Experience The 'Feel Good' Food Experience space is built around a truly authentic tasting experience combining global, Middle Eastern, African, and South Asian flavours in various applications. Visitors will have the chance to taste succulent plant based burgers enhanced by new Primelock+ technology. The second zone is the 'Does Good' Food Experience space. It will address customer needs by presenting the latest developments in botanicals and sugar-reduction solutions. Aside from showcasing juiciness modifiers, colors, and flavours, Givaudan will also provide high-juice and low-juice drinks for the Samea market. A third zone, called 'Imagine', features a new digital interface that provides a platform for customers to work closely with its experts and co-create a flavour that can be evaluated and adjusted on the spot.-- TradeArabia News Service The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) held a protest on Monday outside Raj Bhavan here against alleged misuse of central agencies. The UPA workers held the demonstration to lodge their protest against alleged misuse of central agencies including against Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand. Addressing the protesters, UPA leaders said that Hemant Soren will emerge stronger as much his government is harassed. Hemant government is fulfilling its election agenda. Be it ED, CBI or IB or income tax all these are misused in an attempt to blemish its image, they added. If you force us to go to go to extreme, we will become extremist but will not prefer to wear bangles, they added. Our faith in this country's constitution has further strengthened, they said. On the contrary, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo claimed on Friday that Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren was hiding a lot because of which he was evading the summons by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was summoned by ED on Thursday for investigation over contravention of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and in a money laundering probe linked to an illegal mining case in the Sahebganj district. "CM Soren is holding a constitutional post, hence he should naturally be cooperating with the investigating agency and helping them with the ongoing investigation, but he rather threatened the agency first to arrest him and later came up with a U-turn asking for a three weeks' time. This says that he has a lot to hide because of which he is evading ED summons," said BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo. Shahdeo further said that CM Soren's indulging into such political statements is unfortunate as the CM and his party leaders are disrupting the ongoing criminal investigation. ED had sent a notice to Chief Minister Soren and was asked to come to the zonal office of the agency on Thursday to answer the agency's queries, however, he did not turn up and sent a time petition to the federal agency. As per sources, the ED has not given any response as to when the agency intends to call him in the wake of the request made by him. Hemant Soren on Thursday had challenged the ED to arrest him instead of sending summons to him for questioning. Soren was to appear before the ED in its regional office in Ranchi on Thursday but he skipped his visit. Addressing the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) workers outside his official residence before leaving for Raipur to attend a tribal festival being organiaed by the Chhattisgarh government, Soren had urged his party workers to be prepared for a long political fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "I have been summoned by ED today when I already have a programme in Chhattisgarh today. If I have committed a crime that big, come and arrest me. Why the questioning?... Security near the ED office has increased. Why, are you scared of people of Jharkhand?" said Soren, amidst heavy sloganeering in support from his party workers. Soren said the federal agency, as a part of a larger conspiracy to destabilise his government which got a historic mandate in 2019, is trying to intimidate them by showing muscle power. "We have identified a few external gangs in the state who are not letting the state's Adivasis stand on their feet. This state will have the rule of Jharkhandis and not external forces... BJP will be wiped out in the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly polls," Soren had added. Urging his workers to be ready for a political fight, Soren said they need to go back to villages and expose the "conspiracy of the BJP" to destabilize their government. "We have not done anything yet. 'Jab Jharkhandi apni cheezo pe utar aayega, toh wo din door nahi jahaan aap logon ko yahaan sar chhupaane ka mauka bhi nahi milega," he said. Soren also gave a call to the Adivasis of Gujarat to ensure that the BJP loses all tribal seats in the upcoming assembly elections. (ANI) "A team of Cobra 206 battalion went out on a search this morning under the leadership of deputy commandant Saurabh Singh Yadav on the instruction of commandant Luv Kumar. During the search, the team member saw the bomb planted by the Naxalites," read an official statement. The BDS (Bomb Disposal Squad) team moving along with the battalion reached the spot and successfully neutralized the bomb on the spot, informed officials. Further investigations are underway. Last month, the security forces recovered a pipe IED weighing around 10 kg in Tekapani village under Koyalibeda police station limits, Kanker district Antagarh SDOP Amar Sidar said that a DRG team was patrolling under Koyalibeda police station limits, in the meantime, they received information that the Naxalites in the village Tekapar jungle area had installed IED with the intention of harming the security forces. Acting on the information, the team rushed to the spot and searched the area. They found the one pipe IED planted by the Naxalites. The security forces destroyed it on the spot. (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Police have cracked the recent IED blast case in Kenusa Bandipora by arresting two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) hybrid terrorists involved in the terror crime. Police recovered three IEDs from their possession, thereby averting a major tragedy. Acting on specific information, J-K Police said a special checkpoint was established by police near Watlab Crossing in Sopore. During checking a suspicious person carrying a white coloured bag coming from Bandipora towards Watlab was signalled to stop. However, the suspicious person tried to flee from the spot but he was tactfully apprehended by the police party. On search, two IEDs were recovered from the white coloured bag he was carrying with. The person was identified as Irshad Ahmad Ganie alias Shahid, a resident of Kehnusa Bandipora. According J-K Police, preliminary investigation revealed that the accused person is a hybrid terrorist linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT. On his further disclosure, another hybrid terrorist identified as Wasim Raja Lone, a resident of Kenusa Bandipora was arrested from whose possession one more IED was recovered. During further questioning, the arrested duo revealed that they had planned and executed the IED attack in Kenusa area of Bandipora on October 27. An FIR under relevant sections of law has been registered and further investigation is in progress. (ANI) The Patiala House Court of Delhi on Monday dismissed the bail petition of former Unitech promoter Sanjay Chandra's wife Preeti Chandra in a money laundering case. In the case the ED arrested founder of Unitech Group Ramesh Chandra, Preeti Chandra (Sanjay Chandra's wife) and Rajesh Malik of Carnousite Group last year. According to the ED, Unitech Ltd., where the accused Ramesh Chandra is the Chairman, the co-accused Ajay Chandra and Sanjay Chandra are the Directors, collected funds from home buyers, for housing projects. As per the ED, this amount runs into several thousands of crores. However, this amount was not used for the purpose for which it was collected. The accused persons diverted this amount into several other accounts. In this manner the home buyers were cheated and the accused were involving in money laundering. According to the ED, accused Preeti Chandra received proceeds of crime Rs. 107.40 Crores in her company Prakausli Investments Pvt Ltd. She did not disclose the ultimate usage of the said proceeds of crime. Additional Sessions Judge Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Rajinder Singh while dismissing the bail plea noted that there are allegations against the accused about receiving unaccounted money in the accounts of Prakausli. The amount of transactions between different entities in the present case are voluminous and complex. It is not desirable to discuss in detail the said transactions at the stage of consideration on bail. During further interrogation of the applicant/ accused while she is in judicial custody, information was found about three more flats in Dubai. The same have been attached, noted the court. The entire transactions involve large number of home buyers (about 1,000 families). In view of the enormity of the transactions and the seriousness of the allegations, this court does not find any ground for grant of bail to the applicant / accused Preeti Chandra. Accordingly, the present bail application of the applicant/ accused Preeti Chandra is dismissed, court ordered. Advocates Vijay Aggarwal and Adit Pujari appeared for Preeti Chandra while Advocates Naveen Kumar Matta and Arun Khatri represented the Enforcement Directorate in the matter. The predecessor ASJ Dharmender Rana earlier took cognizance on chargesheet and stated, "Considering the material available on record, I take cognizance for the commission of offence punishable u/s 3/ 4 of PMLA." Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached assets worth Rs 18.14 crore belonging to two benami entities of erstwhile Unitech Group promoters Ajay Chandra and Sanjay Chandra. The attached properties include one multiplex in Gurugram, six commercial properties in Gurugram and Lucknow and 24 bank accounts and Fixed Deposit Receipt, the agency said. "These assets are in the name of Enova Facility Management Services Pvt Ltd and FNM property Services Pvt Ltd which are benami entities of Chandras," the ED said. The ED initiated a money laundering investigation on the basis of various FIRs filed by homebuyers against Unitech Group and its promoters by Delhi Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation. "Total Proceeds of Crime detected by the ED, in this case, are Rs 7,638.43 crore," ED had said. The investigation by the ED revealed that these two benami entities were managed by Chandras through their close confidants and the assets attached were acquired and created from the proceeds of crime diverted from Unitech Group. (ANI) Accusing Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) of siphoning public funds, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy on Monday said there is no political party in India as rich as TRS. Reddy's remarks came a day after the results of Munugode bypolls. KCR took Rs 5 lakh crores debts. He spent Rs 1.5 lakh crore for Kaleswaram Commission project and the remaining money is with him. With that KCR is funding other states and other chief ministers," Speaking to ANI, Reddy said, "On a keenly fought elections in Munugode, BJP lost narrowly to TRS party. It is the effect of party in power using government machinery and police. KCR made Telangana very popular for alcohol and alcohol distribution. During Munugode elections, there was sale of Rs 300 crores of alcohol in Telangana. I wonder who spent it, but TRS definitely won. Congress lost its deposit." Reddy further refuted KTR's claim that BJP distributed money to garner votes in Munugode bypolls. "We are the poorest people. TRS has Kaleswaram project and land grabbings. BJP is not known to be corrupt. KCR took Rs 5 lakh crores debts. To build the defunct project he spent Rs 1.5 lakh crore for Kaleswaram Commission project and the remaining money is with him. With that KCR is funding other states and other chief ministers. No party in India as rich as TRS. Telangana being the richest State, they have looted Telangana state," he said. The former MP said Nalgonda was one of the weakest places for BJP in Telangana. He said the party is quite happy that after the election it could establish the lotus flag and village level organization in the area. "Strangely enough all the parties are equally happy. TRS is happy because they won the election. If they had not, they would have collapsed after having failed in three consecutive elections earlier. BJP got a huge margin this time, considering the previous elections. We also established the party in Nalgonda. Congress is also happy as they cut the anti-incumbency votes which helped TRS," Reddy said. On the comment of KTR that EC is in the hands of Centre, the BJP leader said, "The first to complain was BJP. The first two rounds came quickly, and the next few were delayed. After we complained, they hurriedly complained later. Maybe it is a chronological mistake." Reddy alleged that TRS used the state machinery to win the bypolls. He said the state police supported TRS to win the by-election. He said, "Central forces are deployed everywhere. If they were not deployed, we would have lost by 50,000 - 60,000 votes. The police in Telangana is known for supporting the TRS government. They are made to support the TRS government. I do not think they voluntarily support. The TRS transfers all good officers and put convenient officers. Why should anyone be scared of central government employees? Every vehicle that was caught during the elections belongs to TRS party. Cars without number plate were caught with alcohol and money." TRS candidate Koosukuntla Prabhakar Reddy won Munugode bypolls in Telangana by a margin of 10,309 votes. According to the Election Commission, Prabhakar Reddy secured 97,006 votes amounting to a vote share of 42.95 per cent. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy came second with 38.38 per cent of votes. As the TRS managed to win the Munugode bypoll, the party's state working president KT Rama Rao on Sunday took a swipe at the BJP and said that it failed to stop the TRS. KTR also claimed that BJP spent hundreds of crores to win the election. "According to our reports, BJP spent hundreds of crores and bags of money so that their candidate can win in the wrong manner. With money and liquor, they wanted to buy the Munugode voters," he further said. (ANI) A row erupted when Karnataka Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi on Monday said that the word "Hindu" is a Persian word and did not originate in India. He said that the meaning of the word Hindu is "horrible" and asked why people place it on a high pedestal. "Where has the word 'Hindu' come from? It has come from Persia...So, what is its relation with India? How's 'Hindu' yours? Check on WhatsApp, and Wikipedia, the term isn't yours. Why do you want to put it on a pedestal?... Its meaning is horrible," the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President said at an event in Belagavi district. A video of the event has gone viral on social media and BJP has slammed it for insulting and provoking Hindus. "The word Hindu, where did it originate from? Is it ours? It's Persian, from the region of Iran, Iraq, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. What is the connection of the word Hindu with India? Then how can you accept it? This should be debated," he added. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Monday took to Twitter to slam Jarkiholi for his remark and said that the remark insulted and provoked Hindus. "This is not a Sanyog but a Votebank Ka Udyog, from Hindu terror to opposing Ram Mandir to linking Gita with Jihad," Poonwalla tweeted. The Congress maintained distance from Jarkiholi's remark. Congress leader Randeep Surjewala on Monday said that Jarkiholi's statement is "unfortunate" and Congress "unequivocally condemns it". (ANI) The case has been filed against the senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia by Himanta Biswa Sarma in the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court (CJM) of Kamarup district. According Advocate General of Assam Devajit Lon Saikia, the Gauhati High Court on Monday dismissed the petition filed by Sisodia seeking to quash the case filed by Assam Chief Minister against him. The CJM court, Kamrup asked Manish Sisodia to appear before the court on November 19. Chief Minister Sarma filed a criminal defamation case against Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia as Sisodia alleged that the Assam government had given contracts to Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife's firms and son's business partner to supply PPE kits above market rates when COVID-19 pandemic was raging in the country in 2020. Assam CM's wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma in June this year filed a Rs 100 crore civil defamation suit against Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in Civil Judge Court, Kamrup (Metro), Guwahati. AAP leader Sisodia, in a press conference on June 4, alleged that the Assam government had given contracts to the Chief Minister's wife's firms and son's business partner to supply PPE kits above market rates when the COVID-19 pandemic was raging in the country in 2020. Reacting to the allegations of irregularities in the supply of PPE kits, Sarma had stated that the PPE kits were "gifted to the government" and his wife's company "raised no bill" for it. (ANI) A Bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and Hima Kohli said, "Issue notice, returnable on 9 November 2022." The court said that Garima Prashand, senior counsel appearing for the respondent, shall take instructions, in the meantime. "Liberty to serve the Standing Counsel for the Election Commission of India, inaddition," the court said. Azam Khan was represented by Senior Advocate P Chidambaram with lawyers Nizam Pasha and Javedur Rahman. The court was hearing a plea by SP leader Azam Khan challenging his recent disqualification from the UP Assembly. Azam Khan was earlier disqualified from membership of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, a day after he was sentenced to 3 years in prison along with a fine of Rs.2,000 in a hate speech case of 2019. (ANI) F-16 fighter jets are skimming across the skies over West Bengal yet again after a break of nearly two years. These F-16s are of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) that have arrived at the Air Force Station Kalaikunda in the state for the 11th edition of Joint Military Training (JMT) with the Indian Air Force (IAF). While RSAF has sent its F-16 jets, IAF is participating with Su-30 MKIs, Jaguars, Mig-29s and LCA Tejas. For now, both air forces are operating separately. The bilateral phase will commence from Wednesday when aircraft from both sides will engage in advanced air combat simulations. The bilateral phase will continue till November 18. "This edition of JMT will last for six weeks. It will be yet another opportunity for authorities from Singapore to see the Tejas close up. Singapore is one of the countries that has expressed interest in the Tejas. The RSAF pilots are taking full opportunity of the firing and bombing ranges near Kalaikunda. The bilateral phase will be more interesting when the aircraft will operate together, both in mock combat and joint operations," a senior official said. An air base like Kalaikunda is extremely crucial for a country like Singapore that lacks space for exercises. AFS Kalaikunda offers an air-to-air firing range over the Bay of Bengal and a ground range at Dudhkundi. Both IAF and RSAF aircraft will fire air-to-air missiles, rockets and cannons at mock targets over the sea. At Dudhkundi (a few km from Kalaikunda), they will be dropping bombs and firing air-to-ground missiles. There are facilities at Dudhkundi to check for accuracy. Apart from the RSAF, AFS Kalaikunda has hosted the United States Air Force, Royal Air Force and French Air Force. Joint exercises with the air forces of friendly countries were not possible at Kalaikunda for two years due to the pandemic. Such exercises also do a lot for the local economy as the supply of commodities like foodstuff goes up and additional temporary manpower is required for non-core activities. --IANS jayanta/arm ( 354 Words) 2022-11-07-19:30:06 (IANS) The incident took place on Monday following which the police reached the spot and the rescue operation was started. "3 dead, 25 injured after a tractor-trolley carrying pilgrims from Bhind district overturned on a bridge in Sevra, Datia district. Police are on the spot, rescue operation underway," Superintendent of Police, Datia, Aman Singh Rathore said. The injured were referred to the hospital for treatment. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed condolences over the accident while also praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. "The sad news of the untimely demise of precious lives due to a tractor-trolley overturning accident in Datia was received. I pray to God to grant the departed souls a place at his feet and the speedy recovery of the injured and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this deep loss," Chouhan tweeted in Hindi. (ANI) Odoo, an open-source ERP system has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Aramco aiming to supercharge the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia. The strategic collaboration between Odoo and Aramco outlines the long-term goals between the two companies in line with Saudi Arabias Vision 2030. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are among the most significant drivers of economic growth and an important area of focus of the Saudi Vision 2030; they create jobs and encourage innovation. Given the Saudi Government's aim to enhance access to digital tools and financial funding for SMEs, Odoo has been selected as the technology partner that would bring affordable software to Aramcos customers in line with the Taleed programme. Full suite Integrated software Odoo, which offers a full suite of business applications including CRM, accounting, inventory, and other software for more efficient work, will provide digital transformation services and support small and large companies growth. Using Odoo will allow businesses to move from time and cost-consuming operations to more efficient ones. The workflows will become precisely set while communication channels get unified and clear. Additionally, using one platform instead of individual applications from different software providers will allow organisations to simplify their data collection, generate accurate reporting, and produce targeted decisions. The solutions that Odoo offers to SMEs will allow them to increase revenue, cut costs, innovate and enhance their business as a whole. We will leverage our mutual strength and further accelerate the digital transformation of small and medium businesses in Saudi Arabia. Digital transformation is more important than ever and Odoo with its fully integrated and intuitive software is a perfect choice for every business that wants to benefit from it in the most effortless way possible, said Pavitra Singh, Managing Director of Odoo Middle East DMCC.-- TradeArabia News Service The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam police on Monday arrested a suspended police officer and three doctors of a government-run hospital in Darrang district in connection with a case of rape and murder of a 13-year-old girl. CID registered a case vide CID police station Case No. 20/2022 U/S 120B/420/218 IPC R/W Sec7(b),(8)(1)(ii) of P.C. Act 1988 (as amended in 2018) to investigate the rape and murdered of the 13-year-old girl in Assam's Darrang district. Rajib Saikia, CPRO of Assam police told ANI that on Monday, the CID arrested a suspended police officer who was earlier worked as the Additional Superintendent of Police of Darrang district and three doctors of a government hospital for allegedly providing a fake post-mortem report in connection with the case. A case vide Dhula P.S. case No. 114/2022 was registered on June 12 this year against one Krishna Kamal Baruah and another for offences of murder and rape of a 13-year-old girl child and CID registered a separate case to investigate the case. The CPRO of Assam police further said that the arrested three doctors were produced before the court and the court sent them for two-day police custody, the police officer will be produced before the court tomorrow. "Due to certain lapses in the investigation by Dhula P.S., the Assam Chief Minister after visiting the house of the victim has directed that the case to be transferred to CID, Assam for thorough and detailed investigation. Accordingly, the case was transferred to CID on August 12 and day-to-day investigation was conducted under the direct supervision of senior officers and adequate evidence has been brought on record to prove the offences of molestation, murder, destruction of evidence, attempt to rape under IPC and sexual assault on a minor child under POCSO Act," Rajib Saikia said. During the investigation, CID exhumed the body and got a second postmortem conducted, consulted a panel of forensic medical experts, and conducted the DNA profiling of the main accused which matched with the fluids on the clothes of the victim girl. Accordingly, the detailed charge sheet has been filed on September 25 against the main accused Krishna Kamal Baruah, who is presently in judicial custody," Saikia added. Earlier, CID arrested Sub-Inspector Utpal Bora, the then Officer-in-Charge of Dhula police station after collecting adequate evidence that he has taken illegal gratification of Rs 5 lakh from the family of the accused as a reward for extending undue favour illegally to Krishna Kamal Baruah, accused in Dhula P.S. Case No. 114/202. (ANI) The recommendation was made on the directions of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. According to an official statement, in compliance with the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Prof. Dr SN Singh, Acting Director Ayurveda Services - Member Secretary, Counseling, Principal and Superintendent, and Umakant Yadav, Officer-in-Charge, Directorate of Education, Ayurveda Services, the original post, Professor Government Ayurveda Medical College, Lucknow have been suspended. "Departmental proceedings have been circulated against Mohammad Wasim, Officer-in-Charge of Unani Directorate and Prof. Vijay Pushkar, Acting Joint Director, Directorate of Teaching Homeopathy," the statement said. The fraudulent admissions to the state's AYUSH colleges via NEET 2021 has come to the fore, which was followed by the action by the government. (ANI) One person was tortured and killed by unidentified men in the Sayad district of Sar-e-Pol province in northern Afghanistan, Khaama Press reported on Sunday. As per local Taliban officials, the incident happened in the Angashka village of Sayad district on Saturday. The deceased has been identified as Mohammad Naeem. However, the motive of the crime is yet to be found. Although the Taliban officials said that an investigation has started but didn't mention any arrest or detention in the case, Khaam Press reported. As per Khaama Press, in recent months, the reports of unsolved, mysterious murders have increased. In one of the most recent incidents, a minor girl was killed on Friday by unknown people in the Miramor district of Daikundi province in central Afghanistan. The girl's body was reportedly discovered close to her place of residence with her scarf tied around her neck. The Taliban have repeatedly asserted that the group has maintained security in Afghanistan, but each of these mysterious deaths around the country disproves its assertions. The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated drastically since the Taliban took control of Kabul. The Taliban's decision to ban female students above grade six from going to school has drawn widespread criticism at the national and international levels. Since its assent to power in August last year, the Taliban regime which has curtailed women's rights and freedoms, with women largely excluded from the workforce due to the economic crisis and restrictions. As a result of this, women and girls in Afghanistan are facing a human rights crisis, deprived of the fundamental rights to non-discrimination, education, work, public participation and health. Afghan women are staring at a bleak future due to a number of restrictions imposed by the Taliban governing aspects of their lives since taking over. The Taliban have also carried out censorship, limited critical reporting, and beaten journalists. Taliban forces have carried out revenge killings and enforced disappearances of former government officials and security force personnel. They have summarily executed people deemed affiliated with the Islamic State. A combination of a suspension of foreign aid, the freezing of Afghan government assets, and international sanctions on the Taliban have plunged the country, already suffering from high poverty levels, into a full-blown economic crisis. Armed groups linked to the Afghan branch of the Islamic State have carried out bombings targeting ethnic Hazaras, Afghan Shias, Sufis, and others, killing and injuring hundreds. (ANI) Pakistan government has called on Kenyan authorities to share details and investigation reports concerning the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya last month, Geo News reported on Monday. Pakistan has called on the Kenyan authorities to share information about the telephone calls and the history of the three owners of AmmoDump Training Camp, which was the shooting range in the incident. The site was owned by Waqar Ahmed, his wife Morin Waqar, and Khurram Ahmed over a large part of hilly land in a deserted area. Geo News reported citing Kenya's National Police Service that it has received a letter from the Pakistan government asking for help in several areas to assist the murder inquiry of Sharif who was killed by the General Service Unit (GSU) armed officers. The Pakistan government has also asked the Kenyan Police to provide its finding on Sharif's killing. It has asked to provide details like names and contact details of the instructors and trainers who were getting training at AmmoDump Training Camp at the time of the shooting. The Pakistan investigators have also asked the Kenya police to share the name, rank, call and contact details of the police officers involved, the ballistic report related to the incident and the initial statement of the accused officers. According to Geo News, the Pakistani investigation team has returned to Pakistan after completing the investigation. But, during their stay in Nairobi, they met with Kenyan police officers, intelligence officers and several government functionaries. They also visited Sharif's killing spot as well as the shooting range AmmoDump. Investigators investigating the killing of journalist Sharif have asked brothers Waqar and Khurram to provide CCTV footage of the apartment in Nairobi where Ashraf stayed and the training site out of Nairobi where Sharif was last seen alive before his tragic killing. Arshad Sharif (49), a senior Pakistani journalist was killed in cold blood on October 24 in Kenya when he was driving from Magadi to Nairobi, accompanied by his brother Khurram Ahmed at around 10 pm. Arshad Sharif's case is not the first in which a Pakistani journalist has been threatened, tortured, intimidated, or killed in questionable circumstances; in the past, local security agencies have targeted activists and journalists like Saleem Shahzad and Hamid Mir for their alleged "anti-military" stance. Somehow, this incident has prompted worries about the safety of Pakistani journalists Highlighting a report from Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Voices of Vienna underlined that Pakistan has a history of media blackouts and suppression of dissenting voices. It is 157 among 180 countries on its World Press Freedom Index list. Since Shehbaz Sharif took over as prime minister in late April, several Pakistani journalists have reported intimidation by army-related agencies. Pakistan is one of the world's deadliest countries for journalists, with three to four murders each year that are often linked to corruption or illegal trafficking and go completely unpunished, according to a Paris-based media watchdog. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has cautioned the Pakistan army's high command against harassment of the media. Any journalist who crosses the red lines dictated by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) is liable to be the target of in-depth surveillance that could lead to abduction and detention for varying lengths of time in the state's prisons or less official jails. (ANI) Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai's brother, Mahmood Karzai, a key Afghan businessman was detained by the Taliban at the Kabul airport on Sunday, sources told Khaama Press. The former minister of Urban Development and Land, Mahmood Karzai, has been prohibited from travelling abroad due to legal issues, a spokesman for the Taliban said, reported Tolo News. A source close to the Taliban's prime minister's office who does not want to be named in this report told Khaama Press that Mahmood Karzai was detained by the Taliban's intelligence service from the Kabul airport as he was boarding an Ariana Airlines flight to Dubai. Bilal Karimi, the Islamic Emirate's deputy spokesperson, confirmed that Mahmood Karzai was prohibited from leaving Afghanistan due to a legal issue but denied the arrest of Mahmood Karzai. The source who spoke to Khaama Press believes the motive behind the detention of Mahmood Karzai may be the political remarks of his brother Hamid Karzai. Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah are the two high-level politicians who remained in Afghanistan even after Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Former President Hamid Karzai has been criticizing the Taliban government regarding curbing the rights of women and has been demanding the Taliban form an 'inclusive' government. He slammed the Taliban for clashes in the Panjshir region between the National Resistant Forces (NRF) and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, amid rising killings in the country. He said that it is time that the bloodshed must stop. He also expressed concern over the ban on girls' education imposed by the Taliban and said such a step could further push the country backward. He also said the regime must ensure that all sections of the population feel represented by the government. Since its ascent to power in Kabul, the Islamic group imposed policies severely restricting basic rights--particularly those of women and girls. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the Taliban dismissed all women from leadership posts in the civil service and prohibited girls in most provinces from attending secondary school. Taliban decrees prohibit women from travelling unless accompanied by a male relative and require women's faces to be covered in public--including women TV newscasters. The Taliban have also carried out censorship, limited critical reporting, and beaten journalists. Taliban forces have carried out revenge killings and enforced disappearances of former government officials and security force personnel. They have summarily executed people deemed affiliated with the Islamic State. Armed groups linked to the Afghan branch of the Islamic State have carried out bombings targeting ethnic Hazaras, Afghan Shias, Sufis, and others, killing and injuring hundreds. Mahmood Karzai is a major shareholder in the modern commercial city of Aino Mina in the Southern Kandahar province. Former President, Mohammad Ashraf Ghani had accused him of seizing government lands to build the Aino Mina city during the presidency of his brother, Hamid Karzai, reported Khaama Press. Mahmood Karzai was appointed as minister of Urban Development and Land by former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani in June 2020 and was approved by the parliament in late December of the same year. Mahmood Karzai was working as Minister of Urban Development and Land until the collapse of Ashraf Ghani's government. (ANI) Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Sunday said that Imran Khan is committing treason against Pakistan, after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief announced that his long march would be resumed. Speaking to Geo News, he said, Imran Khan is "committing the crime of treason against the state." Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was shot at during a political rally last week in Punjab province's Wazirabad, has announced that his long march towards the capital Islamabad will resume on Tuesday from the same point in the city where he came under attack. "We have decided that our march will resume on Tuesday from the same [point] in Wazirabad where I and 11 others were shot, and where Moazzam was martyred," Khan was quoted as saying by Dawn, during a press conference in Lahore. Sanaullah said that Khan wants to be "adopted by institutions" and urged institutions to stand against PTI chief's "wretched agenda," reported Geo News. "Imran Khan only has one demand: he wants to be adopted by the institutions to make him sit on the prime minister's chair," said the Interior Minister. Sanaullah also said that Khan wants to make the army chief's appointment controversial. "Institutions, government, Parliament, and the judiciary should stand against his wretched agenda," he said adding that the PTI chief will never be successful in his agenda against the country and the nation. The minister said that Khan should avoid talking about something if it isn't true, but he does so because it "strengthens his political agenda". Sanaullah maintained that the former premier "doesn't even care about his self-respect," reported Geo News. The minister warned that the PTI chief would involve the institution if he names a senior military official in the first information report (FIR) related to the assassination attempt on his life. Sanaullah said that Khan has been bent upon lodging an FIR against the officials of the institution, reported Geo News. Responding to a question about the delay in lodging the FIR, the interior minister said that there would be obstacles if you wanted to lodge a case against the "state". "The police have the right to refuse if a fraudster wants to register a case for his [certain] purposes," he added. The PTI leader is pressurizing institutions to fulfill his nefarious design, said the interior minister. Commenting on the alleged obscene video of PTI Senator Azam Khan Swati, the interior minister said, "You can find out in three seconds that the video is fake. He [Swati] should have asked to investigate and punish the video's maker and sender." Sanaullah reasoned that it should have at least been established first if the video was fake or not, reported Geo News. "The press conference was based on a hoax. What was the need to confirm when the video was received by them?" the minister said. Notably, Swati burst into tears before the media on Saturday, saying that his wife had received a video featuring him and her and about which he could not share further details because the "daughters of my country are listening". Swati, who was arrested on October 13 in a case registered against him over a controversial tweet and is now on bail, has claimed that has been subjected to custodial torture. (ANI) Panic gripped the Chinese citizens after the return of the Mao-era controlled economy in the country, not only speeding up the restoration of the supply and marketing cooperatives system, but even the share market has begun to pursue the marketing of "social concept shares." China is returning to the 'planned economy' after the conclusion of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CCP). In addition, the construction of state-run canteens in various places is also accelerating, and some have already opened for business, reported The HK Post. China is currently facing an economic recession. In times of financial crisis, the market economy will give way to the planned economy, the era of material scarcity will return, and the days of supply by ticket will follow. The CCP authorities have already hinted with great fanfare that the Chinese people will live together in misery, reported The HK Post. Chinese social media is abuzz with people's concern that if they go back to the model of unified purchase and sales and quantitative distribution now, they will undoubtedly be driving backward. Some netizens recalled the horrible years of the past when the current supply and marketing cooperative existed, reported The HK Post. Some netizens also worry that if the supply and marketing cooperatives supported by the state continue to expand, small private supermarkets, small community stores, and even large supermarkets may be squeezed out of the market, creating new monopolies. These Mao-era institutions that have been out of the public eye for decades suddenly return to the spotlight overnight. These institutions once functioned as a pillar of the socialist command economy, reported The HK Post. The Chinese Communist Party under Xi Jinping is accelerating the return of the "planned economy", which caused economic havoc during Mao Zedong's sweeping command and control regime. The comeback of supply and marketing cooperatives and state-run canteens has made people feel tizzy and fearful that it would bring the Chinese back to the unforgettable era of a controlled economy, reported The HK Post. For someone born before the 1960s, that's a pretty painful memory. From 1950 to 30 years before the "opening up economy" to the outside world in the 1980s, the CCP controlled the production and supply of all materials in Chinese society by relying on administrative planning. All households had to purchase daily necessities through supply and marketing cooperatives. Or the products produced by the family workshops must also be sold to the designated supply and marketing cooperative system. Otherwise, they may be charged with "speculation". Beginning in 1953, the Communist regime implemented a planned grain purchase in rural areas and a quantitative rationing policy in cities referred to as unified purchase and sales; because of the scarcity of materials, the primary necessities of life for the Chinese needed to be supplied with tickets. You can only buy as many "tickets" as you are allocated, such as food stamps, oil stamps, meat stamps, cloth stamps, etc. It is a unique product of the era of the CCP's planned economy, reported The HK Post. However, the harm of the supply and marketing cooperatives and the unified purchase and sale system is far more than that. It is also the main culprit of the great famine that began in China in the late 1950s. The great famine in China in 1959 killed tens of millions of people in a few years. Communist regimes' "people's communes", "cooperatives", and "big canteens" were the reasons for the famine. The older generation still remembers how the Chinese countryside was destroyed. Therefore, people are afraid not only facing the lack of materials again but also of the "Great Leap Forward, Rectification, Suppression of Rebellion, Cleansing, Cultural Revolution" and other movements, which have also revived together with the planned economy, reported The HK Post. (ANI) The Islamabad Police on Monday warned that action will be taken against those who protest in the capital without the permission of the administration, Geo News reported. Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was shot at during a political rally last week in Punjab province's Wazirabad, has announced that his long march towards the capital Islamabad will resume on Tuesday from the same point in the city where he came under attack. "The political leaders with cases registered against them will be arrested," said the Islamabad Police spokesperson in a statement. The spokesperson also requested the political leaders to protest at the designated spots with permission from the administration, asking the public to report any suspicious activity to 15, reported Geo News. The police also told the people to call 15 to check the conditions of the routes as the political leaders have announced the closure of routes. The spokesperson added that routes will remain open for national and international travellers coming from Islamabad International Airport, adding that federal law enforcement agencies will monitor routes to the airport and highways, reported Geo News. Meanwhile, the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have decided to launch a crackdown against key PTI leaders, sources privy to the matter said. Sources said that the decision to arrest PTI leaders including Parvez Khattak, Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, Amir Kayani, Ali Amin Gandapur and Aamir Dogar and others have been taken, reported Geo News. Moreover, action against individuals involved in blocking ways leading to Islamabad airport will also be taken. Imran Khan was shot during his long march in Wazirabad on Thursday, leading to bullet injuries in his legs. After sustaining injuries on his leg, he was shifted to a hospital for treatment. Imran Khan, however, urged his followers to continue protesting against three people whom he accuses of plotting an assassination plan. Meanwhile, the Pakistan military said that the PTI chair's claims are "unacceptable, uncalled for." Khan was leading PTI's march towards Islamabad when he came under attack at Wazirabad. Thursday's attack left one dead and 13 injured, reported Geo News. Haqeeqi Azadi March will resume from Wazirabad on Tuesday and the PTI chief will join the march from Rawalpindi. (ANI) China's military bases, built upon reefs that barely protrude above the surface of the South China Sea, have attracted a lot of attention since they first started popping up nearly a decade ago. China has invested a lot of money and effort into creating these overtly military bases over the past 7-8 years. In 2015, Chairman Xi Jinping actually promised former US President Barak Obama that China would not militarize these facilities. It was a bald-faced lie back then, something that became even more obvious in the intervening years. Chinese analysts describe these bases - 20 outposts in the Paracel Islands (of which Woody Island is the largest) and seven in the more southerly Spratly Islands - as "unsinkable aircraft carriers". China has had jurisdiction over the Paracel Islands only in the latter half of the last century. In the past decade, however, the PLA has erected seven militarized outposts in the Spratlys, approximately 1,300km south of Hong Kong. The PLA has installed high-tech sensors on Cuarteron, Fiery Cross, Gaven, Hughes, Johnson, Mischief and Subi Reefs. Indeed, satellite and aerial imagery of these facilities shows them bristling with infrastructure such as runways, berths, hangars, barracks, radars, naval guns and air defense missiles. The John Hopkins Applied Physics University published a series of assessments about these South China Sea bases, in which J. Michael Dahm noted: "Over two dozen probable radars were noted on the island reefs in total. These include likely air and surface search radar, target tracking radar, microwave over-the-horizon radar that can track surface targets at long range, and a unique low-frequency radar on Subi Reef purported to have significant anti-stealth capabilities." Furthermore, Dahm stated, 'Electronic warfare systems...appear to be diverse and redundant, probably covering a broad swathe of the electromagnetic spectrum. In addition to mobile ground-based electronic warfare systems, the PLA established a number of fixed signals intelligence facilities that include a high-frequency direction-finding site [Mischief Reef] and a likely site to monitor foreign satellites communications [Fiery Cross Reef]." Four reefs boast 50 high-frequency communications antennas between them, some as tall as 26m, that provide complementary longer-range communications. An undersea fiber-optic cable link with the mainland exists (completed to all seven outposts by 2017) alongside robust satellite communications. Furthermore, inter-island communication relies on troposcatter, VHF/UHF line-of-sight, 4G cellular and data links. These can be reinforced by unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft if necessary. From 2016-19, China created a network of sensors and communications equipment between Hainan and the Paracel Islands. This Blue Ocean Information Network comprises five 34m-long floating platforms around Hainan, and one fixed platform at Bombay Reef in the Paracels. They presumably collect marine data and act as communications conduits. Chinese militarization of the South China Sea is consequential, giving the PLA major advantages in all situations outside of a major conflict. Yet they are not as "unsinkable" as China makes out, for they possess vulnerabilities. Professor Collin Koh, Research Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, posed the question: "[Have you] ever wondered why each of these outposts is so underpopulated, considering the infrastructure can hold about a regiment of troops? The fact is that, geomorphologically, these artificial islands are unstable." Koh, quoting a Chinese government official, noted that these "artificial islands were built in haste. Environmental impact assessment and structural feasibility studies, which would have been required, were pushed aside to expedite the project." Thus, "The geomorphological challenges pushed aside for the political expediency of having these artificial islands up and running wouldn't have been [dealt with] when construction was still ongoing." Indeed, Chinese and People's Liberation Army (PLA) scientists were grappling with the problem even whilst construction was in full swing. This could be seen in an August 2016 study published by the Journal of Harbin Engineering University. The abstract reveals that the carbonation service life of concrete structures in the South China Sea is less than 25 years, with chloride diffusion penetration in ordinary concrete some 1-2 orders of magnitude greater than temperate areas like Europe. China is thus locked in a perennial battle against marine corrosion in the South China Sea. High temperatures, extreme humidity, high salt fog and solar radiation "significantly accelerate the corrosion rate" of alloys, according to another study conducted on Woody Island in the Paracels, and published in 2020. Yet another study stated that "different seawater zones of a reef in the South China Sea have severe corrosion properties, especially in the splash zone..." Furthermore, "Storage of petroleum, oil and lubricants supplies poses a challenge given the extant marine environment in the South China Sea, especially the omnipresent nemesis which is none other than corrosion..." Koh continued: "Even into this year, Beijing continues to conduct research on the geomorphological stability of these artificial islands - which very plausibly indicates it remains a persistent problem and that no significant breakthroughs have yet been achieved to rectify it." Remember that earthquakes in the South China Sea area are relatively frequent too, with these structures built from reclaimed coral sand. Koh again: "Geomorphological stability issues and marine corrosion aside, long-term habitability at these outposts also presents a particular challenge." This was recognized by China years ago, for a 2007 study concluded that "the self-rated health in naval servicemen in the islets of the South China Sea is worse than that in ones on the land, especially psychological health." Such findings were backed up a 2019 report entitled "Investigation and Analysis of Health Service Needs of Officers and Soldiers on Some Islands and Reefs of Nansha". The survey found that 70% of respondents reported high monthly morbidity rates (i.e. incidences of health issues). Common complaints were joint pain, skin diseases, oral/dental diseases, upper respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, 18.2% of respondents reported feeling anxious, depressed or lonely, likely exacerbated by the isolation of these remote bases. Another study published just a few months ago suggested that slightly older military personnel exhibited better tolerance compared to young personnel in the high-temperature and high-humidity environment. The fact that China is performing so many studies on physical and mental performance in the South China Sea shows it is a matter of high concern for the PLA. Yet another study published in China's Industrial Water and Wastewater in February 2021 concluded, "Due to the shortage of freshwater resources, the exploitation and utilization of outlying islands and reefs are seriously restricted." Potable water on these reefs comes from desalination plants. In fact, Taiwanese-occupied Taiping is the only island in the South China Sea possessing natural freshwater. Koh summarized: "So in conclusion, I just want to say that it's easy to focus on the obvious - those impressive artificial structures that are so visual - and overlook the not-too-obvious challenges that afflict these outposts. 'Unsinkable'? Sorry, I don't place my bet on such a label." Nonetheless, the China Coast Guard, People's Armed Forces Maritime Militia and PLA have not slackened efforts to stamp Beijing's authority on the disputed maritime area of the South China Sea. China typically uses fishing boats, militia and law enforcement patrol vessels to create ongoing presences in contentious locations such as Scarborough Shoal, and these vessels routinely find succor in China's new outposts. Additionally, Beijing is attempting to prevent US and other foreign naval ships from transiting through the South China Sea, and freedom of navigation for civil maritime traffic could one day be hindered if China is allowed to assert illegal control over international waters. China is in the same way interfering with overflights in the South China Sea, ordering foreign military aircraft to turn away. Lynn Kuok, a Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific Security at the UK-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, explained: "This is something that should concern us all. First, because it's not merely a dispute over rocks and reefs as some like to say, but it's something that affects the balance of power in the region. "And the second reason it should concern us is that the rules-based order is being undermined, and this doesn't just affect the South China Sea and the US, China, but it affects global order and the ability to ensure stability, not just regionally but internationally. So we should all care about what happens in the South China Sea." But why is China so insistent on claiming territory within its ambiguous Nine-Dash Line that it arbitrarily concocted, and whose territorial claims overlap those of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam? There are obvious military and strategic reasons. China covets a buffer zone off its coast, strategic depth so it can keep potential enemies at arm's length. Additionally, a shallow continental shelf along much of China's coastline is etched more deeply in the South China Sea, thus allowing nuclear submarines located at Hainan Island to reach deep water with greater stealth. Furthermore, the area helps protect access to the critical Malacca Strait chokepoint. Naturally, there are vast hydrocarbon resources beneath the seabed that can be exploited, as well as fishing stocks. China's rabid nationalism and domestic public opinion also force it to go on claiming the South China Sea as its own. Koh told ANI: "This ties in with the fact that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is a victim of its own success, because decades of national education have created generations of younger Chinese citizens who have never gone through the tough old days under communist rule. All they see is a strong China that has past grievances and, of course, the question to the CCP is, 'Why aren't we being strong and fighting back?'" In effect, by calling the South China Sea an ancestral sea, the CCP has painted China into a corner. If possession is nine-tenths of the law, then announcing new "official" districts there on 18 April 2020 was just one further step to cement China's position in the Paracel and Spratly Islands, despite its exorbitant territorial claims having already been declared invalid under international law via a Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in July 2016. China's two new districts will "govern" the Paracels, Macclesfield Bank and the Spratly Islands, where overlapping claims exist with Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. The Xisha administration will be located on Woody Island, while the Nansha jurisdiction will be controlled from Fiery Cross Reef. This move enables more resources and manpower to be allocated to island management. Then, on 19 April 2020, the Natural Resources Ministry and Civil Affairs Ministry jointly announced the naming of 80 geographical features in the South China Sea, including 25 islands, shoals and reefs, and 55 underwater features. Again, this is part of efforts to create a fait accompli and assert Chinese ownership after the fact. China once claimed that its new Spratly facilities were being built for the benefit of others. This is a blatant lie, for no aircraft or boat is allowed anywhere close to them. Indeed, recent imagery showed that the PLA has placed mobile obstacles onto runways so that aircraft - presumably including those in distress - cannot land there. China rushed through the militarization of its man-made military bases in the Spratly Islands, and it continues to deal with the by-products of those actions. The greatest challenge is corrosion in the harsh marine and tropical environment. Nonetheless, these bases still permit the PLA and supporting agencies to dominate the waters and skies of the South China Sea. They act as hubs for maritime patrol vessels, and radars and aircraft on temporary rotations can govern the skies. Yes, in wartime, these bases would be highly vulnerable to enemy attack by missiles and bombs, and the PLA would have an extremely hard time resupplying them. Despite this, one added advantage is that they would tie up resources and forces in the initial phases of a wider conflict against China. But for now, despite the environmental, corrosion and health challenges these militarized reefs endure, they do enable the Chinese government to extend its belligerent reach far to the south of legal limits. (ANI) Israel's Ambassador to Turkey, Roey Gilad on Monday said that New Delhi and Jerusalem share a strong relationship, adding further that the cooperation between the two countries has also strengthened. Speaking to ANI on India and Israel's relationship after the formation of a new government in Jerusalem, Gilad said, "A strong relationship has been developed between Israel and India in previous decades. It's on the leadership level as well. Cooperation between India as a global superpower and Israel as a regional superpower has risen too." Recently, a general election was held in Israel where Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies won enough seats to form a majority government in Israel's parliament. During an early morning speech at a victory rally in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said, "We have received a huge vote of confidence and we are on the verge of a very big victory." Israelis headed to the ballots in the unprecedented fifth election since 2019, as the country's political system has been immobilized for almost four years. The parliament has 120 seats. Over 6.7 million eligible voters cast their votes in 12,495 ballots, according to figures issued by the Central Elections Committee. Some 18,000 police officers were deployed throughout the country to prevent fraud attempts, manage traffic and keep security. Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, sought to return to power with his right-wing Likud party and a far-right and Jewish ultra-Orthodox coalition. India and Israel share a warm relationship. India announced its recognition of Israel on September 17, 1950. Soon thereafter, the Jewish Agency established an immigration office in Bombay. This was later converted into a Trade Office and subsequently a Consulate. Embassies were opened in 1992 when full diplomatic relations were established. Since the upgradation of relations in 1992, defence and agriculture formed the two main pillars of bilateral engagement. In recent years, relations have rapidly grown across a broad spectrum of areas. India is the only country where Israel has the position of Water Attache to help share Israeli best practices and technologies for advancements in India's water management sector. (ANI) Boeing will showcase its market-leading portfolio of commercial, defense, and services during its participation of the 6th edition of the Bahrain International Airshow 2022 (BIAS) and the 4th Manama Air Power Symposium (MAPS 2022), the official conference for BIAS. Held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and supported by the Royal Bahrain Air Force and the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunication, the events will take place from November 8 until the 11. The theme for MAPS 2022 is Air Power and Air Defense in the Era of Transformation, Automation, and Integration. During this event, Boeing will take center stage to share its expertise on the local defense sector in Bahrain and explore opportunities for further cooperation. With this years event programme for BIAS built around four thematic areas covering Airports and Airlines, Cargo and Logistics, Women in Aerospace, and Space, Boeing will also demonstrate its contribution to the local aerospace sector in Bahrain and its growing services, commercial, defense, and engagement capabilities, said the company. The GCC and the wider Middle East, and Africa (MENA) are some of the most progressive and innovative regions in the world when it comes to aerospace. In Bahrain, a forward-looking and strategic vision has allowed the Kingdom to accomplish a wide range of achievements and successes in several different fields, including the hosting of significant international exhibitions in the fields of aviation, research, technology, and space, said Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Turkey and Africa. BIAS provides an important opportunity for Boeing to meet with existing customers face-to-face, as well as potential prospective partners and customers in the country, which is why we have participated over the years and are returning this year. At BIAS, Boeing and its subsidiaries will be showcasing advanced platforms and capabilities including: * Insitus Integrator ER, which delivers ISR capabilities in an affordable, long-range Group 3 UAS. The Integrator ER can provide Group 4 & 5 capability in a 75kg UAS. Extended range operations include 14 hours of time on station at 550km and 20 hours at 350km. The Integrator ER employs high-quality, full-motion video on par with much higher-priced ISR systems, while flying at acoustically and visually undetectable altitudes. It is designed for easy integration with multiple field-swappable payloads and can be operated by a fraction of the maintainers and mission commanders required for a Group 5 UAS. * The CH-47F Chinook: The modernised version of the Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter. It contains a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, Common Avionics Architecture System cockpit and advanced cargo-handling capabilities that complement the aircraft's mission performance and handling characteristics. With its unique geographical position and terrain characterised by vast distances over land and water, defense assets in the Middle East must be agile, responsive and versatile. With more than 60 years of combat and humanitarian experience, the CH-47 Chinook is a reliable and advanced heavy-lift helicopter, with 950 Chinooks flying in 20 nations around the world. * KC-46A: The KC-46A delivers more fuel at all ranges and from shorter runways than the KC-135 aircraft its replacing while utilising less ramp space than competing tankers ensuring mission reach from forward and austere airfields. The KC-46A is now approved by the Air Force to operationally refuel 97% of the joint force -- including 5th Gen stealth aircraft -- as well as support highest priority missions such as Presidential support and real-world operational missions. The combat-readiness and agile-combat-capable design of the KC-46A enables more booms in the air throughout the operational theater, making it the ideal aircraft for refueling missions. * Harpoon Block II features an autonomous, all-weather, over-the-horizon strike capability. It is ideal for both anti-ship and land-strike missions. These versatile weapons can be launched from aircraft, ships, submarines or mobile coastal defense vehicles. Harpoon Block II is a proven weapon system that can accurately locate and hit a variety of targets using its global positioning system aided inertial navigation. Boeing has been building and upgrading the Harpoon for over 40 years. Harpoon Block II missiles are used by 30 international allies. More than 600 ships, 180 submarines, 12 different types of aircraft and land-based launch vehicles carry Harpoon missiles today. Boeing will also showcase solutions and capabilities from the Boeing Global Services portfolio, which includes sustainment, modifications and modernization, upgrades, training and maintenance services, many of which are deployed in support of governments in the region today. Looking ahead, Boeings Commercial Boeing Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), forecasts that the regions fleet is forecasted to expand to 3,400 airplanes in the next 20 years, to serve fast-growing passenger traffic as well as cargo demand. With the partnership between Boeing and Bahrain dating back to 1977, Boeing investments have helped grow the local aerospace sector, creating jobs and driving innovation for mutual benefit. With the Bahraini market continuing to require a versatile fleet that meets the demands of airline and air-cargo business models, Boeing will continue expanding its presence in Bahrain and is committed to growing indigenous capabilities. TradeArabia News Service South Korean Ambassador to India, Chang Jae-bok paid an official three-day visit to Srinagar and held talks with various stakeholders on issues pertaining to the bilateral cooperation in several domains, including the development journey of the region. During the visit, ambassador Jae-bok met various stakeholders including Pandurang K. Pole, the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir and office bearers of the J-K Policy Institute and its staff. "Ambassador Chang Jae-bok paid an official visit to Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir(UT) from Oct 31 to Nov 2. During the visit, the Ambassador met various stakeholders including Mr. Pandurang K. Pole, the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir and office bearers of the J-K Policy Institute and its staff," the South Korean embassy said in a statement. "They have discussed issues pertaining to the bilateral cooperation in various domains, current situation and development journey of the region," it added. The South Korean embassy said ambassador Chang Jae-bok visited the University of Kashmir in Srinagar on November 1. He had a meeting with Nilofer Khan, the Vice Chancellor and Deans of the University and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the education field. Also, Ambassador Chang delivered a lecture in the University on Korea-India bilateral relations, how both countries are important partners to each other. Before the lecture, the envoy asked students to join in mourning for the victims and bereaved families of Itaewon accident in Seoul, as well as, the victims of the Gujarat bridge collapse. Last week, American diplomats based in New Delhi paid an official visit to Srinagar this week as part of their efforts to bolster people-to-people ties. "Diplomats from the US Embassy in New Delhi paid an official visit to Srinagar this week," the US Embassy spokesperson, Christopher Elms told ANI. He added that diplomats accredited to India regularly visit all parts of the country as part of their efforts to expand cooperation with state and local governments and develop people-to-people ties. (ANI) Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V Muraleedharan on Monday interacted with the Indian community at Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Sao Paulo and invited them to participate in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event. Muraleedharan, who arrived in Brazil today, tweeted, "A lively interaction with the Indian Community at Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Appreciated Indian Association and the community in promoting India's rich cultural heritage in Brazil. Invited them to participate in #PBD2023." It is pertinent to mention that Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held in January next year in Indore. He is expected to address the Brazilian Congress at the Solemn Session on 75 years of India's Independence. After arriving in Brazil, MoS Muraleedharan said, "Happy to arrive at Sao Paulo, Brazil, with whom we share a strategic partnership. Look forward to my engagements including addressing the Brazilian Congress at the Solemn Session on 75 years of India's Independence, interaction with Brazilian leadership and Indian community." MoS will attend the Solemn Session on 75 years of India's Independence on November 8 which will be held in the Brazilian Parliament (Congresso Nacional). This will be the first-ever visit of MoS Muraleedharan to Brazil, according to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs. The minister will also address the congregation of Brazilian Parliamentarians, both from the upper and lower house; representatives of the Diplomatic Corps and International Organizations; representatives of the Brazilian Government and Friends of India during his official visit to Brazil. MoS Muraleedharan will also call upon the Vice President of Brazil and have interactions at the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, followed by which he will also meet the Indian community in Sao Paulo and participate in a reception in Brasilia with members of the Congress and Senate, Diplomats, members of Brazilian Government and the Indian community, the MEA release said. The meeting between leaders of the two countries will emphasize ways to bolster ties between Brazil and India. India and Brazil are celebrating 74 years of diplomatic relations in 2022. They have had a strategic partnership since 2006, deepened in 2020 through the Action Plan to Strengthen the Strategic Partnership and are working together in various international forums, like BRICS, IBSA, G4, G20, BASIC, and the United Nations. (ANI) The Indian authorities are closely working with authorities of Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria for the early release of crew members held in the country, said the Indian mission in Equatorial Guinea on Monday. 16 Indian sailors have been held hostage by the Guinea Navy for nearly last three months, and the families have demanded an immediate release of the sailors. Families of Indian sailors held in the African country have expressed concern about the safety of the sailors. "This Embassy and our High Commission in Abuja are closely working with authorities of Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria for the early release of crew members of MV Heroic Idun. All crew members are safe and those in the Detention Centre have been shifted to the ship," the Indian mission in Equatorial Guinea tweeted. "Since their detention in mid-August, this Mission has been in regular contact with the crew members over phone. We have also had several consular access/visits to them. We are closely monitoring developments and are actively engaged for an early resolution of the issue," it added. Gaurav Arora, a resident of the Govind Nagar area in Kanpur, is among the 16 Indian crew of the ship detained by the Navy of Equatorial Guinea - a country located on the west coast of Africa. As per Gaurav's family, he had recently joined the merchant navy as a third officer and he was on a Norway-based ship 'MT Heroic Idun' that reached AKPO Offshore - a conventional gas development located in ultra-deepwater in Nigeria on August 8 when he was held hostage along with other crew members of the ship. The ship had anchored on the international maritime boundary of Nigeria on August 8. The ship crew of 26 people including 16 Indians was waiting for their turn when the Guinea Navy detained the ship and the crew the next day on suspicion that they had come to steal oil, his family said. Of them, 15 were taken to a hotel, and 11 have been kept on the ship, they claimed. The family said that they are worried because the Guinean Navy is going to hand over the ship crew to Nigeria any movement. "It's a nerve-racking time for us. We are really worried about my brother's safety and the 15 Indians of the ship crew," Gaurav's sister Komal Arora told ANI. She said that the Indians might be charged with false allegations and the Guinea Navy will hand them to Nigeria. "We all know how sensitive the place is. The government must intervene since we can't predict how the Nigerian government would treat Indians once the handover is done. It must be stopped," she appealed. (ANI) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Haqeeqi Azadi march, which was halted after an assassination attempt on former Prime Minister Imran Khan, would now resume on Thursday instead of Tuesday as scheduled earlier, ARY News reported. While talking to reporters on Monday, PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi announced that the party's long march will be resumed on November 10 instead of Tuesday, as earlier announced. The decision was taken during a meeting presided over by PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi. The meeting was held to review preparations made for the march and supervise the security arrangements following the Wazirabad incident, according to ARY News. This is the third time when the dates of the long march have been changed. Earlier, ouster Prime Minister said that there would be no compromise that could be reached with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-Chair Asif Ali Zardari and pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif. After his announcement, former federal minister of Islamabad Chaudhry Fawad Hussain confirmed the news on his social media handle. Taking to Twitter, Hussain said, "the party's long march to Islamabad will resume from Wednesday at 2 pm." Meanwhile, the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have decided to launch a crackdown against key PTI leaders, sources privy to the matter said. Sources said that the decision to arrest PTI leaders including Parvez Khattak, Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, Amir Kayani, Ali Amin Gandapur and Aamir Dogar and others have been taken, reported Geo News. Moreover, action against individuals involved in blocking ways leading to Islamabad airport will also be taken. Imran Khan was shot during his long march in Wazirabad on Thursday, leading to bullet injuries in his legs. After sustaining injuries on his leg, he was shifted to a hospital for treatment.Imran Khan, however, urged his followers to continue protesting against three people whom he accuses of plotting an assassination plan. Meanwhile, the Pakistan military said that the PTI chair's claims are "unacceptable, uncalled for." Khan was leading PTI's march towards Islamabad when he came under attack at Wazirabad. Thursday's attack left one dead and 13 injured, reported Geo News. (ANI) Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has written a letter to the country's President Arif Alvi, asking him to act against the "abuse of power and violations of laws and Constitution." This letter came in the wake of the assassination attempt on Imran Khan's life shot during his long march in Punjab Province's Wazirabad on Thursday. He has since held both the coalition government and military establishment responsible for the attack. "No person or State institution can be above the law of the land. We have been seeing a massive abuse of citizens at the hands of rogue elements within State organisations, including custodial torture and abductions all carried out with impunity. You hold the highest Office of State and I am requesting you to act now to stop the abuse of power and violations of our laws and of the Constitution, which ensures the fundamental rights of every citizen," Khan wrote in a letter to Alvi. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief appealed to Pakistan's President to take note of the serious wrongdoings that undermine the country's national security and to institute an inquiry to identify the guilty. Referring to the last month's joint press conference by the Pak spymaster and the head of Pakistan military's media wing, he asked, "how the head of Pakistan's premier Intelligence Agency can do a public press conference; ii) how can two military bureaucrats do a highly political press conference?" On Sunday, Imran Khan said the Punjab Police has refused to register an FIR against DG(C) ISI Major General Faisal Naseer to probe the officer's alleged involvement in the assassination attempt. In a press conference in Lahore, Imran Khan said, "Punjab Police said they are ready to register FIR against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah but not against DG (C) ISI Faisal Naseer." Imran Khan held the three men accountable for the attack during his long march. "I fully believe these three have done this (attack) through a conspiracy. It's my right [to register case]. I'm the leader of the biggest political party and ex-PM and if I can't get his name in the FIR then I ask what [rights can be expected] for the nation and for the common man?" Imran Khan said as per Dawn's transcript of his conference. Imran Khan welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's decision of judicial inquiry into the assassination attempt, however, said, "when all the agencies come under the three people I've named, who will investigate?" "How can we have an impartial and fair investigation? It can't happen. That's why I asked them to resign so the investigation can be fair," he said. (ANI) Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded his visit to China this week where the two sides signed several MoUs but without discussing the rescheduling of the debt his country owes to Beijing which makes this trip more of words than a little action. In the two-day meeting, there was hardly any discussion on the debt crisis that Pakistan is confronting, especially Shehbaz Sharif, given the fact it could become a serious liability for his party in the election year, according to Islam Khabar. Pakistan is scheduled to pay the debt by next June and a significant amount of debt of over USD 20 billion is committed to paying in the next financial year, according to Islam Khabar. This was the first trip of Pakistan's PM to China since Sharif replaced Imran Khan. He was seeking support to help his falling economy as the government is dealing with a spiralling economic crisis and shrinking foreign currency reserves. During his visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China will continue to support Pakistan as the country tries to stabilize its financial situation. Even to help Pakistan, China pledged a 15 billion yuan (USD 2.1 billion) loan facility for Pakistan, but no further concrete support plans were revealed, according to Nikkei Asia. The joint statement, which was released after Sharif's visit to China, said that Pakistan's PM had reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthen and deepen the Pakistan-China All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and enhance practical cooperation in all areas." In the joint statement, there was an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations as well as the regional situation and international political landscape but again, the statement did not mention any concrete financing pledges. Looking at the visit, the senior research scientist at AidData, a research lab at the American university William & Mary, Ammar Malik said, "This trip was more words and little action, and mostly about reaffirming Pakistan and China's all-weather strategic partnership," according to Nikkei Asia. "Despite more than 40 attacks on Chinese nationals and interests between 2000 and 2020, the pace of engagement has largely continued unabated," said Malik. He added that this is likely because CPEC is the flagship project of Belt and Road, and the size of the engagement makes it too big to fail. Pakistan's government was also expecting new financial commitments from Beijing under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the USD 50 billion Pakistan component of the Belt and Road Initiative. Before visiting China, Sharif had created a 50 billion rupee (USD 225 million) escrow account for automatic partial payments to Chinese independent power producers operating in Pakistan, hoping to pacify them as well as Beijing after tensions over the bills, reported Nikkei Asia. Nevertheless, experts believe China did not make any major financial commitments due to Pakistan's unprecedented political and economic crises, which make it difficult for Chinese official creditors to commit. Thursday's shooting of Khan, who suffered injuries reported to be not life-threatening, did nothing to dispel fears of instability Fazal Rehman, director of the Pakistan Institute of China Studies at Sargodha University, thinks China is waiting for the next elections in Pakistan, which must be held in the second half of next year at the latest. (ANI) Saaduddin Hoshmand, the head of the Poultry Farmers Union, described the suffering of poultry farmers and lamented how the illegal import of hens from Pakistan had hurt their industry, Pajhwok news agency reported. "If our chickens are not sold in time, we will suffer 150,000 afs losses per every thousand chickens," Hoshmand said. He added that there were 150 poultry farms in Parwan province, with 150,000 chickens. Pajhwok News Agency reported quoting Baryalai Bahadur, a poultry farmer who closed his farm due to smuggling from Pakistan, said: "As a result of local market downturns, I closed my farm in Tutumdara three months ago," adding that if illegal imports were not banned, the remaining farms in the country would have to be shut as well. Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the people in the country have been living a miserable life with no basic amenities and severe humanitarian crises. The World Food Programme has also raised concerns about the economic crisis in Afghanistan and also the rising unemployment. In the wake of an excessive surge in food insecurity in Afghanistan, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has provided aid to 38 per cent of Afghans to help them avoid the impact of the ongoing crisis. (ANI) Indian mission in Tanzania on Monday expressed its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the recent air crash that claimed dozens of lives. "High Commission of India offers deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of Precision Air crash & extends full solidarity to the Government and the People of the United Republic of Tanzania. We also wish speedy recovery for those who are injured," the Indian mission in Tanzania tweeted. The death toll from Sunday's plane crash in Lake Victoria in Tanzania has jumped to 19. The incident occurred when a Precision Air flight plunged into the water while approaching the northwestern city of Bukoba, reported Nigeria-based media outlet Channel TV. "All Tanzanians are with you in mourning the 19 people who lost lives during this accident," Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said. He made the remarks to a crowd after arriving at Bukoba airport, where the flight had been scheduled to land from the financial capital Dar es Salaam. Earlier, the fire and rescue service said that "three are reported dead" and the "rescue is ongoing" however now the toll has jumped to 19. The rescue service has urged people to "remain calm." "An investigation team consisting of Precision Air technical staff and TAA (Tanzania Airports Authority) has also departed to join the rescue team on the ground," the airline said in a statement. "Precision Air sincerely understands the anxiety for confirmed information and will therefore do its best to issue more details," the company said adding, "the next update will be issued as soon as we receive more information from the accident scene." The airline provided the manufacturing details of the aircraft. It said the plane was an ATR 42-500, manufactured by Toulouse-based Franco-Italian firm ATR. Channel TV while quoting video footage broadcast on local media said it showed the plane largely submerged as rescuers, including fishermen, waded through the water to bring people to safety. (ANI) Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday claimed that three bullets were taken out of his right leg after he was attacked at a political rally in Gujranwala. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf chief made these claims while speaking from his residence in Zaman Park, Lahore, during an exclusive interview with CNN's Becky Anderson. "They took out three bullets from my right leg. The left had some shrapnel which they've left inside," CNN quoted Imran Khan as saying. On being asked about what information he has received and by whom, he said that he has got them from within the intelligence agencies. "Remember, three and a half years I was in power. I have connections with intelligence agencies, the different agencies that operate," he said. Imran Khan further claimed that the whole assassination plot against him was conceived two months ago, ARY News reported on Monday quoting Imran Khan's interview with CNN. "It all started when I was deposed, and from then onwards it was expected that my party would fall apart, but what happened instead was that there was a big public backlash and my party gained immense support," he said. Imran Khan claimed that the incumbent government had planned the attack on him and wanted to show that a "religious fanatic did it", reported ARY News. "It was a planned assassination attempt. I went on air beforehand and warned that this is what would happen," he added. Earlier on Monday, Imran Khan wrote a letter to the country's President Arif Alvi, asking him to act against the "abuse of power and violations of laws and Constitution." "No person or State institution can be above the law of the land. We have been seeing a massive abuse of citizens at the hands of rogue elements within State organisations, including custodial torture and abductions all carried out with impunity. You hold the highest Office of State and I am requesting you to act now to stop the abuse of power and violations of our laws and of the Constitution, which ensures the fundamental rights of every citizen," Khan wrote in a letter to Alvi. Imran Khan was shot during his long march in Wazirabad on Thursday, leading to bullet injuries in his legs. After sustaining injuries on his leg, he was shifted to a hospital for treatment. Khan was leading PTI's march towards Islamabad when he came under attack at Wazirabad. Thursday's attack left one dead and 13 injured, reported Geo News. (ANI) An arrest report has revealed more details of a deadly shooting in Springfield Sunday Night. Officers were called to the 100 block of Willis Avenue around 9 p.m., according to initial reports. They found Kevin Votaw, 64, dead and with an unknown amount of gunshot wounds. Minutes later crews were called to an address on Selma Pike after a woman called and said her brother and Kevins son, Benjamin Votaw, 41, said he had pulled a gun on his father. Benjamin told detectives that him and his girlfriend were visiting from North Carolina. >> 2 houses damaged by fire in Dayton; No injuries reported so far As he was speaking with his father through the door, Benjamin told detectives his father threatened to shoot him and his girlfriend and reached for a pistol. This is when Benjamin said he reached for his gun and fired three times hitting his father, according to an arrest report. The report then states he and his girlfriend drove away from the scene and went to the Selma Pike address. Investigators did not find a gun located near or on the victim, according to the incident report. Benjamin was arrested on a charge of murder early Monday morning, a spokesperson for Springfield police said. He is currently in custody in the Clark County Jail. Photos from: Staff Photos from: Staff Photos from: Staff Photos from: Staff Photos from: Staff Photo from Staff Photo from Staff Photo from Staff Photo from Staff Photo from Staff Photo from Staff Photo from Staff Photo from Staff Photo from Staff Photo from Staff DP World plans to invest up to $500 million to cut CO2 emissions from its operations by nearly 700,000 tonnes over the next five years, said its top official at the United Nations Climate Conference (COP 27) in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The announcement was made by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DP World Chairman and Group CEO, in a video address to the delegates at COP 27. He also reinforced DP Worlds commitment to sustainability by taking on the Green Shipping Challenge (GSC). Launched earlier this year by US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Change John Kerry and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre, the challenge encourages countries, ports, companies, and other actors in the shipping value chain to come forward with concrete announcements to further ocean-based climate actions. "Global trade has been an enormous force for good, keeping our world connected and lifting millions out of poverty over the last few decades," stated Bin Sulayem. "But this growth is not without consequences from the scale of energy required to make, move and use goods to the resource intensity of logistics and the challenges economic growth can bring. As a leading enabler of global trade, we have the tools, ingenuity and drive to lead a step change in logistics," he noted. The planned reduction in carbon emissions by nearly 700,000 tonnes represents a 20 percent cut from 2021 levels. DP Worlds plans include replacing its global fleet of assets from diesel to electric, investing in renewable power and exploring alternative fuels. "Our World, Our Future is our sustainability strategy, one that is designed to deliver responsible operations. We have already committed to becoming a carbon neutral enterprise by 2040 and net zero carbon enterprise by 2050," stated the top official. "We will work with our global partners to develop an action plan to advance the goals of the GSC and encourage industry players to devise plans to address climate change," remarked Bin Sulayem. "Were doing this through three main pillars of activity; the electrification of our ports and terminals equipment, investment into renewable energy and through research and development projects that will look into alternative fuels, vessels and vehicles across our portfolio," he noted. "Our ports and terminals business is making steady progress, by following the strategy of maximising efficiency, equipment electrification, supply of renewable electricity, low carbon fuels and carbon compensation," he added. In January, DP World entered a strategic partnership with the Mrsk Mc-Kinney Mller Centre for Zero Carbon Shipping, an independent, not-for-profit organisation, undertaking intensive research and development to find practical ways to decarbonise the global maritime trade industry. The Daily Beast Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/GettyABUJA, NigeriaRussias infamous Wagner Group is freeing hardened rebels held in jail cells in the Central African Republic and deploying them overseas, including in Ukraines eastern Donbas region, two senior military officers in CAR told The Daily Beast.According to the sources in CAR, where armed rebels have controlled large parts of the country for about a decade, dozens of men held in military and police custody for crimes such as r Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that about 50,000 Russian conscripts are taking part in the hostilities in Ukraine. Source: Kremlin-aligned news outlet Interfax, quoting Putin during a meeting with the governor of Tver Oblast of Russia Quote from Putin: "We currently have 50,000 [conscripts - ed.] in combat units [on the territory of Ukraine - ed.]". Details: According to Putin, there are up to 80,000 drafted soldiers in the occupied territories of Ukraine, and the rest of the conscripts are undergoing military training at test sites. Background: In late October, Sergei Shoigu, the Minister of Defence of Russia, informed Putin that the partial mobilisation was over. However, as the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports, Russia is continuing to conduct covert mobilisation. According to Putin, the number of servicemen mobilised recently in Russia reached 318,000, despite the previously announced limit of 300,000. According to the Institute for the Study of War, despite Vladimir Putin's statements, the partial mobilisation measures have not created any opportunities to achieve his goals in the war against Ukraine. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Eight in 10 Americans are concerned about political violence in the U.S., according to the latest Politico-Morning Consult poll, which comes in the wake of the violent attack against the husband of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). That fear was prevalent in both parties, with 88 percent of Democrats and 76 percent of Republicans reporting the concerns, according to the survey. Sixty-five percent of voters said they think political violence has increased nationally, though most dont see it increasing in their own local communities. While an overwhelming majority 83 percent think the perpetrators of political violence are to blame for their actions, voters also fault social media platforms, the news media and former President Trump. Three-quarters of voters blamed social media, 69 percent blamed news and 55 blamed television hosts and political commentators. More than half, at 58 percent, blamed Trump including 30 percent of people who voted for him in 2020. Many Americans are increasingly concerned that political violence is on the rise in the U.S. amid a tense and polarized political landscape. The White House has said Americans have a responsibility to call the issue out. Pelosi was in Washington late last month when an intruder broke into her California home and and attacked her 82-year-old husband, Paul Pelosi, with a hammer. The suspect reportedly told police he was on a suicide mission in search of the Speaker and that he intended to kidnap her, hold her hostage and break her kneecaps if she lied. The incident sparked outrage from some Democrats who blamed Republicans for their violent rhetoric, while some Republicans attributed the incident to Democratic policies on crime. Sixty-three percent of voters in the Politico-Morning Consult poll, conducted a week after the Pelosi attack, said it was definitely or probably an act of political violence. Conducted Nov. 4-5, the poll surveyed 2,005 voters and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Sun, sea and a bit of history? A new sailing adventure around Sicily will let you immerse yourself in the islands mysteriously enchanting scenery a la The White Lotus. Southern Italys volcanic coastline and architectural treasures are setting the stage for a co-branded voyage that will coast across the Mediterranean next spring. Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys recently announced a nine-day expedition on Le Champlain that theyre calling a Circumnavigation of Sicily. The itinerary will include visits to Greek ruins, UNESCO World Heritage sites and also a tour of Taormina, the town where the HBO series second season was filmed. More from Robb Report The journey kicks off in Malta and guests will make their way to the Maltese island of Gozo. Here, there will be opportunities to explore the areas red-sand beaches, the megalithic temples of Ggantija and also an archaeological museum. The next stop is the seaside commune of Porto Empedocle and for fans of mythology, the UNESCO-recognized Temple Valley. Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys announced a cruise around the Italian island of Sicily Before departing the southwest coast, the ship will arrive in Trapani so passengers can venture into the countryside, check out the ancient Doric temple of Segesta and the walk amongst the medieval hilltop commune of Erice. The trip continues to the capital city of Palermo, where tours of dazzling mosaics, Baroque architecture and famed Norman cathedrals are all on the table, and moves on to Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian islands known for its lava stone quarries, dramatic coastline and a castle within a fortified citadel. From there, the trek heads north past Strombolihome to one of Italys four active volcanoesand crosses through the Strait of Messina before arriving in Taormina. Also known as the St. Tropez of Sicily, the highlight here is a visit to a winery on the slopes of Mount Etna. (Just keep an eye out for any unhinged socialites.) The trip concludes in Syracuse on the southeastern coast where guests will visit the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus and the 15,000-seat Greek theater. Story continues The cruise will take place from April 14 to April 22, 2024. Rates start at $6,500 per person. Best of Robb Report Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Lyla Kohistany and her family left Afghanistan in the 1980s, coming to the United States as refugees. Following in the footsteps of her father, who was enlisted in the military in Afghanistan, Kohistany served in the U.S. Navy. When she saw Afghanis, including military members, fleeing the country in 2021, it made her think of her own experience. I felt like history was repeating itself, Kohistany said. I felt like I had to act. Kohistany acted by co-founding Honor the Promise, a non-profit that helps resettle Afghani military members in the U.S. after they were evacuated by the government and other organizations. CEO Kohistany and cofounder Ashley Sogge lead the organization, which helps Afghan refugees find work and meet other needs so they can integrate into their new communities. One of the ways Honor the Promise helps is to provide computers to the refugees, so they can work on language classes, apply for jobs, join Zoom calls and do all the little tasks that one needs to do in modern life. The demand for these computers is great, and Kohistany knew she needed help. She initially reached out to Tech for Troops, a Virginia-based organization that helps transitioning servicemembers with training, education and technology, but they like many organizations were struggling to get laptops. Her Tech for Troops connection led Kohistany to reach out to give IT. get IT., a Maine-based organization that helps families get the technology they need to further digital inclusion by putting tech in the hands of those in need. There was a need for high-quality, useable technology, said Jim Darroch, spokesperson for give IT. get IT. And we are glad to be able to help. So far, more than 90 Afghani refugees have received laptops, and more are on the way, Darroch said. In all, the group hopes to donate 200 laptops to Honor the Promise. Give IT. get IT. relies on corporations donating their old equipment, which is then refurbished and repurposed. And since the pandemic, the demand for tech is skyrocketing, so the organization is always looking for corporations to partner with for donations. Story continues The donations are invaluable to the refugees. A computer helped a lot, with every aspect of life during transition and so far, said Matiurrahman Noori, a former member of Ktah Khas Afghanistan (KKA), a counterterrorism unit. Noori worked closely with U.S. Special Operations forces in Afghanistan and was evacuated because his life was in danger. He works in a food packing plant now and has helped bring other Afghans to safety. Since I volunteered as a leader, many refugees call me to help with their work and legal status, such as help with translating their documents into English, he said. Im proud that I can help them stay on the right track to solve their problems and meet their needs. Those needs are great. Ahmad Khalid Noori, no relation to Matiurrahman Noori, is a former KKA service member who is currently the program manager at Honor the Promise. After Kabul fell to the Taliban, he fled to the U.S. with his wife and is currently living in Virginia, where he connected with Kohistany and her team. Everyone at the HTP team is committed to our Afghan SOF members and their families by providing various programs as they rebuild their lives in this country, he said. Being from the same community and handling the same difficulties as my Afghan brothers and sisters, I understand their journey, am able to communicate their needs, and develop programs that meet their needs. He said that living in the U.S., where nearly everything relies on technology, means having a computer is a mandatory part of life. After having a computer, I have been able to attend English courses, college classes, and professional development training so I can develop new skills that will help me transition from the military to the tech sector, he said. Also, (those who) have received these computers are now easily able to attend English classes, search and apply for jobs, apply for asylum online, and use it in other ways that help them better their lives in the U.S. The crushing impacts of climate change are already a "living nightmare" for people across Africa, Kenyan President William Ruto told world leaders at UN talks on Monday. The UN climate Conference of the Parties talks in Egypt, billed as the "African COP", are set to be dominated by calls from developing countries that rich polluters pay for the harm their emissions have already caused, known as "loss and damage". "Africa contributes less than three percent of the pollution responsible for climate change, but it's most severely impacted by the ensuing crisis," Ruto said. The worst drought in 40 years is gripping Kenya and the wider Horn of Africa region, threatening millions with starvation -- with the UN warning Somalia is on the brink of a famine for the second time in just over a decade. Some 2.5 million livestock have died in Kenya this year alone, Ruto said, causing economic losses of more than $1.5 billion. Poorer countries successfully fought to have the issue of loss and damage officially put on the COP27 agenda -- despite reluctance over the issue from richer nations, wary of open-ended compensation for the damage caused by climate-induced natural disasters. But observers caution that this is only a first step towards what developing nations hope will be a specific fund to help with climate impacts. - 'Persisting distrust' - "Loss and damage is not an abstract topic of endless dialogue," Ruto said, speaking on behalf of the Africa negotiating group. "It is our daily experience and the living nightmare for millions of Kenyans, and hundreds of millions of Africans." He said the country had had to reallocate funds budgeted for education and health for an emergency food relief programme for 4.3 million Kenyans, adding that "climate change is directly threatening our people's lives, health and future". Wildlife has not been spared in the country rich with biodiversity. "Carcasses of elephants, zebras, wildebeest and many other wild fauna litter our parks," he said, adding the government has spent $3 million on supplying feed and water to animals in distress in the last three months. Story continues The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in February warned that tens of millions of Africans face a future marked by drought, disease and displacement due to global heating. Wealthy nations have failed to provide a pledged $100 billion a year from 2020 to developing nations to help them build resilience and green their economies, reaching just $83 billion according to the UN. This is a "major cause for persisting distrust", Ruto said. But he stressed that the continent presented huge economic opportunities and a chance to curb emissions and announced an African summit focusing on climate action next year. "Africa's vast tracts of land, deep treasures of diverse natural resources, tremendous untapped renewable energy potential, and a youthful, dynamic, and skilled workforce. constitute the continent's irresistible credentials," he said. klm/pjm Tade Balogun times his commute like a military operation. Each day, the Lagos consultant leaves home before dawn, arrives for work early and takes a nap before before starting his day. He then stays until 9 pm -- that way, he escapes the chaos and gridlock that can transform his 29-kilometre (18-mile) drive into a three-hour nightmare. By the time he gets home, Balogun says, his daughters are fast asleep. But, he adds wryly, his blood pressure has remained in the safety zone: "Lagos traffic can cause a health hazard." Balogun's trek highlights the plight of Nigeria's economic hub and other fast-growing African cities as the world's population reaches the eight billion mark in the coming days. In a metropolitan area sprawling across nearly 1,200 square kilometres (450 square miles), much of which has been informally settled, Lagos's 20 million people struggle each day with notoriously poor infrastructure, except for a few wealthy enclaves. Arguably the worst problem is transport, for the city is dependent on roads -- and they are a choke of cars, trucks, motorbikes and packed yellow Danfo minibuses, along with hawkers who weave in between the unruly lanes of traffic. Seeking to change this, the Lagos State government has drawn up ambitious plans, including a new airport and a mass transit network of trains, buses and ferries. "For the economy of any city to thrive, your transport system must be adequate, efficient," Lagos metropolitan transport authority chief Abimbola Akinajo told AFP. "It is a big part of what we need to get right in order for the city to function right." - Delayed train network - But experts say the funding and logistical challenges of this blueprint are mountainous, and some wonder whether some basic questions have been asked. "We have to understand, what is Lagos? Whether Lagos as a state, Lagos as a metropolis, or as a megacity," said Muyiwa Agunbiade, a University of Lagos urban development professor. "If you dont know the population, it's difficult for us to plan for the people." Story continues Delivering big transport projects on time and on budget is a headache almost anywhere in the world. But in Lagos's case, a much-trumpeted city rail network has been delayed by more than a decade. Akinajo acknowledged funding and implementation problems had snarled the scheme but insisted a part of one rail line would be finished this year and start taking passengers by early 2023. Engineers are running test trains along half of the Blue line route -- one of six in a planned network to eventually link rail to more regulated buses and ferries. With one line running, Akinajo said, Lagos hopes investors will come. British advisers and the French development agency are helping. Agunbiade agreed getting things moving was crucial. "If you have all this working, it will be a major game changer." - Urbanising Africa - The challenges facing Lagos are mirrored elsewhere in quickly urbanising Africa, where population growth typically outstrips basic infrastructure and planning. DR Congo's Kinshasa and Tanzania's Dar Es Salaam are on track to join Lagos as the world's three most populated cities by 2100, according to researchers at the University of Toronto Global Cities Institute. Dar Es Salaam already has had some success with its dedicated Bus Rapid Transit routes, which with widened roads reduced dense congestion. Kinshasa is more complex -- a civil war in the early 2000s and regional violence in 2016 added displaced people to the city's swiftly growing population. The roads are so clogged with traffic that many people prefer to walk. Public transport is by taxis and minibuses dubbed "spirits of death". "When you see the size of the traffic jams and the mass of people, you realise road transport cannot solve the problem," said Martin Lukusa, Kinshasa's director of public transport. The "Metrokin" project is still under construction to rehabilitate old rail lines. - Water a 'quicker win' - Lagos State is also eyeing another resource -- using the lagoon that lies between the city and a narrow strip of coast on the Atlantic as a means of transport. Lagos State waterways agency chief Oluwadamilola Emmanuel said the plans are to increase the number of operators and expand jetty and safety infrastructure. Around 300 private boat operators will be brought into a more regulated system along with larger state ferries able to move more people. Small boat owners recently formed a union, making a transition easier, he said. "Water is a quicker win because we have a natural asset," he said, acknowledging the need to overcome Lagosian worries about marine safety to encourage more use. Travelling from mainland Ikorodu to the Victoria Island business area can take two hours by car, but small boats can skip across the lagoon in 25 minutes. The trip, though, is pricey -- at 1,000 naira ($2.30), it is double a Danfo bus ride. "The vision is there," said one development partner. "Financing is a problem. Cost is also a problem. There will still be a lot of people who will pay less to sit in a bus." Lindsay Sawyer, an urban studies researcher at Sheffield University in northern England, agreed that to tame the traffic, the city had to keep costs low and absorb existing informal structures. "It's about affordability and capacity. The Danfo are still everywhere because they are still the most affordable option," he said. Most harried Lagos commuters can only wait for solutions. "It's a madhouse," said Lagos stock manager Ochuko Oghuvwu, who commutes 20 hours a week. "By now Lagos should have a metro line." pma/ri/smw The airman assigned to the 911th Airlift Wing at Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station found dead in his Wilkins Township home Saturday has been identified. Staff Sgt. Aaron Holness was identified by his unit. His chain of command became concerned when he did not report for scheduled training and they called for a wellness check. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Airman assigned to Pittsburgh International Airport wing found dead Holness served as a logistics technician with the 911th Logistics Readiness Squadron, according to a news release. His teammates and fellow Steel Airmen noted his frequent smiles and positive outlook. Aaron was a valued member of our Steel Airmen team. Well always remember his professionalism and infectious smile, said Col. Bryan M. Bailey, 911th Airlift Wing commander, said in the release. On behalf of the entire wing, I send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends as we grieve together. The Steel Airmen Support Team, including the director of psychological health and chaplain, are available to help airmen navigate their grief. The incident remains under investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available. TRENDING NOW: Male dead after crashing car, fleeing from police in Pittsburghs Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood 1 flown to hospital after shooting at a Beaver County shopping plaza, 1 in custody Introducing Pittsburghs 2022 Best Places to Work the complete list VIDEO:Allegheny County releases names of who needs to fix ballots in order to make their vote count DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Getty Images; Insider Alabama's Recompiled Constitution Ratification Question updated the state's constitution. The new constitution removed racist language and reorganize the text. Proponents said the measure will make Alabama a more welcome place. Alabama voters said "yes" on Alabama's Recompiled Constitution Ratification Question, which ratified an updated state constitution and removed racist and defunct Jim Crow-era language, among other changes. The current state constitution dates to 1901 and now spans more than 400,000 words after hundreds of amendments over the decades. Polls closed in Alabama at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Ballot measure details Alabama's Recompiled Constitution Ratification Question edited the state's constitution to make it easier to read, deleted repetitive sections, and got rid of outdated laws and racist language. For example, it removed language that states that marriage between a white and Black person is illegal. It also removed language that states "colored children" are not allowed in white schools. Support and opposition There was bipartisan support of Alabama's Recompiled Constitution Ratification Question as well support from the Southern Poverty Law Center. Read the original article on Business Insider Alturki Holdings oil and gas subsidiary Sawafi has invested in Vulcan, a UK-based engineered solutions provider for well completion in the upstream sector. The company offers innovation and application solutions built to withstand the worlds most demanding wells. The company has multiple patents and trademarks granted or applied for and continues to introduce innovative products to the market. Speaking about the development, Rami Alturki, President and CEO, Alturki Holding and Chairman of Sawafi noted the investment is part of the companys technology localisation roadmap, which aims to create new capabilities and opportunities within the kingdoms upstream sector. Diversification As part of our diversification strategy, we continue investing in new technology enablers, exploring more markets, and adding new products and services to our portfolio. Investing in Vulcan will further maximise the efficiencies of local upstream sector and support the kingdoms leadership in the global energy industry, he added. He further said the localisation of Vulcans extensive engineering knowledge and technological prowess within the completions market will support the Sawafis alignment with Aramcos vision, while equipping it with a more integrated product offering across the well life cycle, and help enhancing the companys R&D capabilities. Acting in compliance with Iktva, this investment will improve localisation of focus areas under the initiative such as casing and cementing accessories; delivering on the Holdings ambition of driving domestic value creation to support long-term economic growth and diversification in the kingdom. Market position Tarek Kachouri, MD Sawafi, said the strategic investment in Vulcan will strengthen the market position of Sawafi and further build upon the companys long-term vision of enhancing the self-sufficiency of the upstream sector, through local provision of services and products of the highest global standards. According to Kachouri, Vulcans advanced completion products will find high applicability in the increasingly complex wellbore architecture being deployed by Aramco to solve arising challenges. Protected by a comprehensive portfolio of patents, the Vulcan products are technically differentiated, advanced, and applicable to all types of wells. The products are well-positioned to capitalise on Aramcos direction to drill more complex wells such as offshore gas, HTHP, deviated, and multi-lateral he added. Developing Sawafis technical and R&D capabilities, the investment provides the company access to a research and development centre in Aberdeen, a technology hub for the oil and gas industry. Coupled with Sawafis recent acquisition of US based directional drilling company Newsco, with its R&D centre in Houston, the acquisition of Vulcan expands Sawafis R&D footprint to cover North Amercia, North Sea and Saudi Arabia. Localisation Connecting the two energy-driven knowledge bases with Dhahran Techno Valley R&D facility will empower Sawafis technology capabilities and support the kingdoms localisation of technology. We are sure the inputs and assistance from the highly experienced Vulcan management team will also add to and hugely enhance Sawafis technical expertise, added Kachouri. Ian Kirk Vulcan General Manager said: This investment will help Vulcan fast-track the companys growth in keeping with the worlds demand for energy. Our team has always led the way for the last 30 years with its unique designs and technology along with professional after sales service. The company was founded by a team of industry professionals with extensive careers specialising in designing and manufacturing engineered solutions for the completions market within the global oil and gas industry. -- TradeArabia News Service Getty Images; Insider Alaska's Constitutional Convention Question asked voters about hosting a constitutional convention. Supporters argued the convention could be an opportunity to add new rights to the constitution. Opponents argued the convention would be too expensive and potential lead to drastic changes. A "yes" on the Alaska Constitutional Convention Question would establish a state constitutional convention. Ballot measure details The question is an automatic ballot referral, which means it reappears on the ballot every 10 years. The purpose of the convention would be to revise or amend the state's constitution. Support and opposition Convention Yes is leading the campaign in support of the question. Supporters argue the convention could be an opportunity to solidify rights outside of the Alaska Supreme Court. "Our public policy ministry, along with many other groups, will be advocating for Alaskans to vote YES in the November 2022 General Election to hold a Constitutional Convention for three primary reasons: 1.) To remove the Alaska Supreme Court from manufacturing a "right to abortion" in our State Constitution. 2.) To provide for more educational choice for Alaskans. 3.) To implement much-needed judicial reform and create more accountability to a court that has continually abused its authority," Jim Minnery, president of the Alaska Family Council said in a statement. Defend Our Constitution is leading the opposing campaign. Opponents argue the convention would be expensive and changes would go unchecked. "We're concerned that a convention, which is not restricted in any way about what kinds of changes could be proposed, could fundamentally alter both our state government structure but tamper with the rights that are guaranteed to all Alaskans in the Constitution," former Juneau Mayor Bruce Botelho told KINY. The money race According to Ballotpedia, the measure has attracted more than $21,000 in support contributions and about $30,000 in opposition contributions. Read the original article on Business Insider The new series is set 100 years before the main Star Wars saga begins. The world of Star Wars continues to expand. A brand new series for Disney+ set in the galaxy far, far away, The Acolyte, has officially started production and announced its full cast, including stars like Amandla Stenberg and Jodie Turner-Smith. Stenberg, known for roles in films like The Hate U Give and The Hunger Games, stars as the lead of the series created by Leslye Headland (the filmmaker also co-created the hit Netflix series Russian Doll.) Amandla Stenberg attends the Dear Evan Hansen premiere at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Sept. 22, 2021, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images) The full cast joining Stenberg in the intergalactic story includes Queen & Slims Turner-Smith, Lee Jung-jae of Squid Game, Manny Jacinto of The Good Place, Dafne Keen, Rebecca Henderson, Charlie Barnett, Dean-Charles Chapman and Carrie-Anne Moss, per Variety. The series is set to take viewers to a time not yet seen in the Star Wars saga, set about 100 years before the events of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace. Per the official description obtained by Variety, the series is, a mystery-thriller that will take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era. A former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes, but the forces they confront are more sinister than they ever anticipated, the synopsis concludes. Stenberg took to Instagram earlier this year to share her excitement in joining the Star Wars legacy. She wrote to her followers, Next stop: a galaxy far, far awayI am so excited to finally announce Im joining Star Wars: #TheAcolyte ! Honored is an understatement. May the Force be with you . The Acolyte joins shows like Andor (currently dropping new episodes on Disney+), Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the upcoming Ahsoka with Rosario Dawson in a leading role. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Amandla Stenberg, Jodie Turner-Smith and more star in new Star Wars series The Acolyte appeared first on TheGrio. Voters arrive to cast their absentee ballots at the Madison Central Public Library on the last day of early voting on November 06, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A record number of votes for a midterm election are expected to be cast across the United States. American billionaires reached further than ever into pockets this US midterm election, and they overwhelmingly gave to Republican candidates. Of the record-breaking $881 million billionaires have donated to US political parties this midterm election cycle, nearly three-quarters came from the top 20 donors alone. Of these 20 who rank among the wealthiest populationwho became even richer during the pandemic14 back Republicans, a new report from the non-profit organization Americans for Tax Fairness calculates. Read more George Soros, Americas biggest billionaire political donor this midterm election cycle, is an exception to the trend. The Hungarian-born American billionaire gave over $128 million to Democrats. The largest chunk of his donation$125 millionwent to Democracy PAC II, a political action committee (PAC) Soros created in 2019 to support Democrats efforts in the 2020 election. Charted: American billionaires lean Republican datawrapper-chart-fGBb3 More billionaire money is fueling politics than we know Although Super PACs can take unlimited donations from each donor, they must report the sources of their funds. Instead, dark money groups, which appear as social welfare organizations, unions, and trade associations in the revenue code, can pump money into competitive congressional races on a billionaires behalf, the Americans for Tax Fairness report states. They will have to disclose the amount donated but, as long as endorsing politics is not the groups primary purpose, it does not have to reveal donors names. As of Sept. 30, nearly $120 million flowed from social welfare organizations to four congressional super PACs. This kind of cash is not raised in small amounts, especially by organizations invisible to ordinary Americans, the report says. Billionaires and other rich people and organizations recruited by political operatives are the most likely source of funds. Story continues The problem with billionaire election spending, in senator Bernie Sanders words Billionaires are saying, Hey, we own the country, we may as well own the political system, and Im going to elect you and Im going to defeat you. That aint democracy, thats oligarchy, Bernie Sanders at a rally in Philadelphia on Nov. 6 Election funding, by the digits 7.4%: Billionaires contribution to all money raised by federal candidates, political parties, and political action committees (PACs) $100 million: How much billionaire developer Rick Caruso, who is running to become the next mayor of Los Angeles, has poured from his own fortune in his race 16.7 billion: Total cost of federal and state election funding this cycle, which shatters all records 30: Age of the youngest billionaire donor on the list, crypto magnate Samuel Bankman-Frieds age. The T-shirt-donning, Toyota Corolla-driving billionaire has spent around $40 million on PACs this year. 66%: Support for potential limits on billionaires political spending, according to a poll of 2,000 registered voters Person of interest: Netflixs Reed Hastings The trend among the CEOs of Americas biggest public companies is similar to that of the countrys billionairesthey lean Republican, although they sign smaller checks. The majority of the top brass at S&P 500 companies have contributed millions to the Republican party, according to MarketWatchs analysis of Federal Election Commission data. Of that group, Netflixs co-founder and co-CEO Reed Hastings has splurged the most in the current midterm election cycle.He gave $3.05 million to Democrats, like Soros and unlike most other CEOs. The biggest outlays by Hastings were $2 million for the Senate Majority PAC and $963,000 for the House Majority PACtwo democratic outfits fighting to help the party retain control of each chamber of Congress. datawrapper-chart-aq2y0 Blurred lines between personal politics and corporate ideologies Some donations by corporate heads align with their corporations. Hastings Netflix tends to have a left-leaning viewership. Big oil has always favored Republicans, so Chevrons CEO donating red makes sense. Billionaire mega-donor Peter Thiel has been spending time and money backing candidates who deny the legitimacy of Joe Bidens presidency, undermining the democratic process. But his companys stance isnt as staunch: On one hand, Paypal recently deactivated the account of a pro-democracy group in Hong Kong. But it also blocked the site that helped raise funds ahead of the January 2021 Capital Hill riot. Meanwhile, Nike is on the complete other end of the spectrum. Co-founder Bill Knight is pouring millions to back an unaffiliated candidate, former state senator and pro-gun rights candidate Betsy Johnson, whose race for governor in Knights home state of Oregon is seen as giving pro-Trump, anti-choice Republican nominee Christine Drazan a better shot at winning in the usually blue-leaning state. As Rolling Stones explains, Knights Nike, which is seen as a progressive brand, is at odds with both Johnson and Drazan on issues such as condemning racism, tackling climate change, and abortion right. Related stories Economic pessimism about inflation and recession chips away at the Democrats midterm hopes The US midterm elections, explained very simply What the US midterm elections mean for the rest of the world More from Quartz Sign up for Quartz's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Reuters Videos STORY: South Korea's leader had a stark warning for the North on Monday.In a wide-ranging interview with Reuters, President Yoon Suk-yeol said that if Pyongyang went ahead with a nuclear test, there would be an unprecedented response from Seoul and its allies, but he gave no specifics.What I can tell you is that our response would include something that have not been seen in the past."It would be extremely unwise for North Korea to conduct a (seventh) nuclear test."Yoon's comments come as officials from his country and the U.S. warn that North Korea may be preparing...to resume testing nuclear weapons for the first time since 2017.He also urged China - as North Korea's closest ally - to do more to influence Pyongyang.And noted how countries in the region, including Japan, had been pushed to increase their defense spending.More U.S. warplanes and ships have also been deployed."I believe that China has enough capability to affect North Koreas decision, not only in military aspect but also economically. However, it is up to China's decision that to what extent it will influence North Korea and how much it is going to contribute to the peace and stability on the Korean peninsula." 2022 has been a record year for North Korea's missile tests, including the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile this month...which Tokyo said landed 130 miles off the coast of Japan.Such tests have overshadowed multiple gatherings of international leaders.Undeterred by the backlash received, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said this week his country intends to have the world's most powerful nuclear force. An-225 Mriya after the Russian strike on the airfield in Gostomel, Kyiv region According to Gavrilov, the work is underway at an undisclosed location for security reasons. Read also: Russia shells Antonov factory in Kyiv The second An-225 will contain both new parts and parts salvaged from the original aircraft. The plane is already 30% done, with the total cost estimated at around $500 million. Leipzig/Halle Airport, where Antonov's aircrafts are temporarily based, will help raise funds for the project. An-255 would often visit the German airport when performing her duties prior to Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On Feb. 27, during an attack on the Hostomel airport near Kyiv, invading Russian forces destroyed the An-225 Mriya the world's largest heavy-lifting airplane, which was developed and created by Ukraines Antonov Design Bureau. Read also: Antonov State Enterprise shares plans to restore worlds largest cargo aircraft after its destruction by Russian forces Ukrainian security services are investigating the circumstances of the destruction of the aircraft, in particular why An-255 was not transferred elsewhere from Hostomel before Russia invaded. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine After a disaster hits, assistance provided by government agencies can be limited and is sometimes not enough. In these instances, independent and nonprofit organizations can help communities start rebuilding. Adriana Akinwande, human services coordinator in the Emergency Management Division of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, said the state works with the Arizona Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and other organizations in the private sector to help meet the needs of disaster victims. At times, the county will say, Do you have a contact for this need? And so then we'll reach out for a goal and partners to help fill in those gaps, Akinwande said. Arizona VOAD is a nonprofit that serves more than 57 organizations that provide disaster-related services. Member organizations can be faith-based, community-based, other nonprofits and government organizations. The list includes several organizations like Team Rubicon, a nonprofit that helps with debris management, expedient home repairs and hazard mitigation. The list has addresses and contact information for each organization. Here are some of the major organizations that assist with damages to homes. How does Red Cross help after natural disaster? A Boys and Girls Club Youth Leadership Retreat building was destroyed by the Rodeo-Chediski Fire on June 29, 2002 outside the community of Pinedale. The Red Cross is the leading organization in humanitarian aid in the U.S., Jim Gilloon, a spokesperson with the Red Cross said. The organization "evaluates the needs of the individual by meeting the families and terminating their immediate needs after evacuating due to large or small disasters," he said. The Red Cross also assists in setting up shelters after disasters impact an area. The main purpose of these shelters is to make sure everybody's comfortable, they have a safe place to stay, food to eat and other critical support. We have mental health volunteers, and we have doctors on board there if somebody needs attention, Gilloon said. The shelters are set up at school gymnasiums or large community centers so that people can have access to showers, restrooms and sleeping areas. The Red Cross also partners with other organizations, like the Salvation Army, to provide resources such as meals, snacks and water to the evacuees. Story continues People working at the shelters can provide information on who to contact to recover important documents. Gilloon said if someone gets the order to evacuate and needs a place to shelter, they can call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), download the app or go to their website at redcross.org to find shelter locations. Gilloon said the Red Cross evaluates the cases of families who have been impacted "to get them back on their feet and return home as long it is safe to." Depending on each person's case, the Red Cross might provide assistance such as funding or placing them on hotels. "It all depends on the client after we evaluate their situation," Gilloon said. Children's toys are covered in dirt and sediment outside a home in the Campbell corridor after persistent flooding on Friday, August 19, 2022, in Flagstaff. How Salvation Army can help after disaster The Salvation Army is also present when a natural disaster occurs. This organization provides food services, emotional and spiritual care, according to Major David Yardley, The Salvation Army southwest division general secretary for business. In some occasions, they have given out clothing vouchers. The organization also helps with donation management to make sure items are getting to those in need. The Salvation Army website states they work with local, state and federal governments to form a plan that addresses restoration and rebuilding projects with financial help and donations. Yardley said each disaster is supported differently, and when funding is available, the Salvation Army helps with long-term recovery with things such as gift cards, utilities or a place to stay in the first months. We try to connect (people) with all the resources that are available to them that have been made known and making sure that they're where their next step is and helping them, Yardley said. And if we're on-site, if we have our service unit, well continue to work with them, even when it could be a year, a year and a half out as long as the resources are there. When there is a disaster, different organizations, including The Salvation Army, are at the shelters or centers that have been set up so that people know what resources are available to them. Other way to reach The Salvation Army is finding the phone or address of the nearest center through their website. Residents were evacuated out of this flooded area after a heavy monsoon rain last night, flood lines are visible on the homes and residents were forced to sit on the roofs in Gila Bend, Aug. 14, 2021. How United Way helps An organization that could be a good start for people in need who dont know what resources are available to help them is United Way. Joshua Pedersen, interim senior director of 211 at United Way, said the organization was designed to help connect people with community programs and services. The 211 service, which partners closely with the United Way and is operated with different organizations, is a source of information about local resources and services across the county. We're kind of that community connector. So when people are not sure where to go, the 211 hotline or United Way can be that linkage to the community programs that are available. And again, it's meant to supplement or fill in the gaps when FEMA or a private insurance might not be available, Pedersen said. Calls to the 211 hotline are anonymous, according to Pedersen. People can call 211 for different types of support such as information on health services, emergency food services or food distribution site, Pedersen said. They also partner with transportation programs and after-school programs, among others. The 211 can help them know about available services, whether it be low-cost housing, utility programs or just getting back on their feet, finding childcare programs or access to transportation services, those kinds of things, Pedersen said. Since housing can be critical when disaster strikes, so Pedersen said the United Way looks for "creative" ways to help people access it. He also said the United Work works closely with housing programs such as the Continuum of Care and the Housing Authority. Help can include rapid re-housing programs vouchers for subsidized rent or homeownership programs, where people could get a grant from the government or a nonprofit for a down payment. United Way can also connect people, such as senior residents, with repair programs. It is kind of that spectrum. Whether it be homeless or trying to get government assistance or trying to buy your own home or if you have a home, try to keep it, thats where United Way can step in. We really want to meet people where they're at and help them succeed in becoming independent or self-sufficient as possible, Pedersen said. The United Way also helps fund the nonprofit programs that are in place to help people in need, said Pedersen. He said when the United Way receives monetary donations or goods, they coordinate to get it to organizations that provide services directly to people that need it. We can step in and say, can we help you with a grant to open up the funding or do you need donations directed your way. United Way is that convener or that philanthropic leader to help rally some of the resources to come in to help with a wildfire, Pedersen said. Besides calling 211 or going to their website to receive guidance on resources, people can also go to the United Way website and search for their local one. In some instances, United Way partners with the county to respond to a community issue. Reach breaking news reporter Angela Cordoba Perez at Angela.CordobaPerez@Gannett.com or on Twitter @AngelaCordobaP. Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: These groups help Arizona homeowners after fire, floods, disasters Police in Phoenix arrested two suspects last week in connection with the dismembered corpse of an 80-year-old Air Force veteran whose body parts were found stuffed in garbage bags. Thomas Wallace, 58, is being held on $1 million bond and faces multiple felony charges on suspicion of second-degree murder, concealing a dead body, theft of means of transportation and trafficking in stolen property, according to local affiliate FOX 10. Ramona Gonzalez was also jailed on suspicion of fraud and theft. The body of the victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was found Nov. 1 when police did a welfare check after family members had not heard from him in about a month. They were concerned that he might have passed away from diabetes in his residence, according to court documents. MICHIGAN MAN WHO ADMITTED TO EATING TESTICLES OF MAN HE KILLED FOUND GUILTY OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER When police checked on him, neighbors said they had not seen the victim for about three or four weeks. Upon entering the victim's residence, officers encountered "a strong foul odor" inside and discovered two black trash bags in the bedroom that contained his dismembered body parts. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Homicide investigators later found blood on the ceiling of the living room, as well as on several walls and pieces of furniture. They also found the victim's decapitated head in a pile of linens. Investigators found that Gonzalez had moved into the victim's home last year and allegedly pawned off his possessions and often stole his vehicle to maintain her drug habit, the court documents said. Wallace moved into the home in April. OHIO HOMEOWNER OPENS FIRE ON REPORTED BURGLAR, HITS SUSPECT IN BUTTOCKS A view of the Phoenix skyline at sunset. Investigators also discovered that Wallace had pawned items last month that included a chainsaw, a hedger, and a bag containing a camera and the victim's business card. Police retrieved the items from the pawn shop and said they exhibited "an odor of decomposition." Story continues Crime scene personnel then found what appeared to be torn flesh, torn ligaments and biological matter on the chainsaw. Authorities apprehended Wallace and Gonzalez after following them to a motel where they found the victim's missing pick-up truck. This file image shows crime scene tape and police siren lights. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "Its sick," said Minoca Moreno, who lives in the area. "Its sick to do something like that to another human being." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Georgia state law mandates that Cobb County officials mail absentee ballots three days after receiving ballot requests from voters ahead of Tuesdays midterm election. Several voters in the Atlanta, Georgia area face the possibility of being unable to participate in Tuesdays midterm election due to an oversight with absentee ballots. As a result, they have filed a lawsuit in Superior Court to resolve the issue. According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, election officials in Cobb County admitted on Friday that they did not send absentee ballots to 1,036 voters who had requested them. Four affected voters and the Cobb County Democracy Center, a voter education organization, filed a lawsuit on Sunday, asking a judge to order that ballots be sent by overnight mail and to extend the states deadline for returning them. Signs showing the way for voters stand outside a Cobb County voting building during the first day of early voting on Monday, Oct. 17, in Marietta, Georgia. (Photo: Mike Stewart/AP) Cobb County residents should not be stripped of their vote and their voice in government due to their ballots being mailed out late, said attorney Poy Winichakul of the Southern Poverty Law Center, according to The AJC. Georgia state law mandates that officials mail absentee ballots three days after receiving ballot requests from voters during the three weeks leading up to Election Day. However, according to Cobb County Election Director Janine Eveler, election workers failed to upload absentee ballot information to a vote mailing machine on Oct. 13 and Oct. 22, circumstances she classified as a critical error. According to the lawsuit, voters ballots are unlikely to be returned in time to be tallied without judicial intervention. The deadline for submitting an absentee ballot in Georgia is the close of business Tuesday, Nov. 8, with a deadline of Monday, Nov. 14 for military and overseas voters. The ACLU of Georgia pointed the finger at Cobb Countys elections office and Georgias voting statute implemented last year, which reduced the time required to seek and submit absentee ballots. Before the statute, voters had 180 days to seek an absentee ballot, and 49 days were allowed for the county to mail it. Per the new legislation, voters may only request ballots 78 days before an election. Officials cant send them until 29 days before the election. Story continues Election officials reported that 271 of the 1,036 voters who didnt receive ballots have already canceled their absentee ballots; they voted in person during the early voting period, which ended on Friday. State staffers are trying to get in touch with the other impacted voters by phone or email, The AJC reported, but those who didnt receive their ballots can still cast them in person on Election Day tomorrow. That didnt lessen criticism of Georgia election officials action or in this case, lack of it. Hundreds of eligible Cobb County voters did everything right, noted Jonathan Topaz, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Unions Voting Rights Project, and yet find themselves on the brink of total disenfranchisement because they were never mailed their absentee ballots, as is required under Georgia law. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Atlanta-area county sued for not mailing voters their ballots appeared first on TheGrio. Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, part of Saudi-based Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in a 600 Megawatts (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS) in Greece. The project, which is currently under development by Wootis, will come to fruition between Q4 2023 and Q2 2024 and will combine FRVs deep knowledge in the BESS technology with Wootiss extensive experience in the Greek development environment. Wootis SA is one of the pioneering Greek companies in the renewable energy industry. Specialising in asset management, it offers integrated services to operating renewable energy stations. With one of the largest and most sophisticated monitoring centres in Europe, in operation since 2015, Wootis provides integrated technical and commercial management and aggregation services, as well as maintenance and operation services at wind and photovoltaic (PV) stations. Green commitment Fady Jameel, Deputy President and Vice Chairman of Abdul Latif Jameel said: Greece has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to achieving its target of doubling the countrys green energy capacity by 2030, which we are excited to take part in with this project. At Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, we are dedicated to supporting the green energy drive and ensuring a more sustainable energy model across the world. Andrea Fontana, Managing Director of FRV Europe, said: "This acquisition is an excellent example of FRVs international expansion plans, which has built more than 50 renewable energy production plants to date in countries such as Spain, Australia, Mexico, Uruguay, Chile, Italy, India, the US, the UK, Armenia and Jordan, and is preparing for new projects that will soon be launched in other markets." Athanasios Karadimas, CEO of Wootis SA said: "There has been an increasing attention to Energy storage systems given the strategic role they play in mitigating the consequences of the climate crisis." In addition to this project, FRV and Wootis will also collaborate on new developments in the country. -- TradeArabia News Service The Austin Police Department released body camera footage showing an exchange of gunfire with a suspect who was allegedly displaying a gun in a "threatening manner" and fired shots at officers on Oct. 23. The suspect, 42-year-old Emeka Onyeabo Williams, was struck multiple times as officers returned fire and is in stable condition. He's facing charges of attempted capital murder, deadly conduct, and recklessly discharging a firearm. The incident began around 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 23 when police received a 911 call about a man displaying a gun at an apartment complex in North Austin. Officers responded to the area and quickly located Williams inside the front patio of a nearby restaurant. AT LEAST 9 INJURED IN MASS SHOOTING OUTSIDE PHILADELPHIA BAR: POLICE Attempts were made to evacuate the restaurant as an officer repeatedly instructed Williams over a PA system to come outside with his hands up. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Around 10:19 p.m., Williams allegedly started firing shots while still inside the patio, prompting five officers to return fire. Body camera footage released on Friday shows Williams on the patio with a handgun in front of him after he was struck multiple times by gunfire. Williams, who has previous arrests for assault causing bodily injury and misdemeanor marijuana possession, was transported to a local hospital and is in stable condition. No one else was wounded during the shooting. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP He's currently being held on a combined $350,000 bond, according to jail records. All five officers who discharged their firearms were placed on administrative duty pending an investigation. According to Belarusian opposition journalist Pavel Svedlov, there are about 10 thousand combat-ready soldiers in the Belarusian army, but not all of them will agree to fight against Ukraine According to Sverdlov, the entire army of Belarus is 65,000-strong, while 20,000 of them are basically civilians people who are engaged in maintenance. Most of the remaining 45,000 Belarusian military men are conscripts and largely soldiers, officers who arent capable of doing anything and won't go anywhere. Read also: Belarus has supplied Russia with 65,000 tons of ammunition But about 10,000 of them are combat-ready and are capable of carrying out an order, said Sverdlov. At the same time, he added that whether those 10,000 troops would agree to invade Ukraine is a big question. Read also: Belarus Lukashenko rules out sending troops into Ukraine According to a member of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskayas United Transitional Cabinet, Valery Sakhashchik, there are many decent people left in (Belarusian) Defense Ministry, who are still sitting with their heads buried in the sand, Sverdlov added. But when they are forced to make a choice, they will nevertheless favor officers honor and common sense. Which tells us all that the war on Russias side is not a defensive war, as propaganda including ours, of course is trying to convince us. Read also: Belarus direct participation in war remains unlikely, mobilization sparks racism and xenophobia in Russia ISW He recalled that the Belarusian military doctrine is defensive and it is stated everywhere that the Belarusian army does not conduct offensive actions. Sverdlov therefore concludes that the Belarusian military has room for maneuver. By which he means, a serviceman can say I wont follow this order because it does not comply with military doctrine and "I wont follow this order because it is criminal. At the same time, Sverdlov admitted that some parts of the Belarusian military would fight against Ukraine, despite everything. Read also: Almost 9,000 Russian military personnel to arrive in Belarus, says Belarusian defense ministry He noted tgat polls among the civilian population show a slight drop in the number of Belarusians who very clearly believe that Russia is an aggressor country, and Belarus is a co-aggressor and an increase in the number of those who doubt it. Sverdlov associates the shift with the influence of Russian and Belarusian propaganda. Story continues On Oct. 10, self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko announced that Minsk and Moscow agreed to deploy a regional joint force group. Lukashenko said that the armed forces of Belarus would form the core of the grouping. At the same time, he has ordered to receive and deploy more than 1,000 Russian troops on the territory of the republic. Belarusian news outlet later Nasha Niva reported that Lukashenko decided to begin covert mobilization in Belarus. The Belarusian parliament voted to introduce new restrictions on citizens leaving the country, on Oct. 13. Read also: Lukashenko confirms Belarus participation in war against Ukraine The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the threat of a new Russian offensive against Ukraine on the northern front is growing. However, Kyiv will not be the target: his time, the direction of the offensive may westward in order to cut the main logistical supply lines to Ukraine from partner countries. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Our roundup of the best essential oil diffusers starts from just 7.50. (Getty Images) Looking for calm and relaxation in your everyday routine? Try an essential oil diffuser in your home. Besides from making your space smell great, they offer a host of other benefits too. An instant way to inject a calming aroma, they're also low maintenance with little risk of spillages or setting the curtains on fire with an open flame. Essential oils can help reduce anxiety and create an environment for better sleep who doesn't want help with that? There's typically two types of oil diffusers some which need to be filled with a mix of water and oil, while electric versions propel the oils into the air in bursts. We've created the ultimate guide to the best essential oil diffusers from brands such as Oliver Bonas, The White Company, Marks & Spencer and Neom, so you can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy from the comfort of your home. Keep scrolling to see our top picks. Sage Green Essential Oil Electric Aroma Diffuser | 45 from Oliver Bonas Oliver Bonas' sage diffuser is electric, propelling and essential oil mist into the room across 30 minutes, one, two or three hours. This chic, minimal design is everything you'd expect from high-street favourite Oliver Bonas. Designed to infuse a room with your essential oil scent of choice, the ceramic cover makes this a beautiful piece of home decor. It comes with various time settings to suit your needs and has six colour settings to adjust the ambience of a room to your liking. We're obsessed. Electronic Diffuser | 70 from The White Company The White Company's electronic diffuser would make the perfect housewarming gift. For something more minimal, you can't go wrong with The White Company. Its electric diffuser is every bit as stylish as you would imagine and works with one press of a button. It's also designed with preset timers that will automatically shut off. Jasmine 80ml Diffuser | 7.50 from Marks & Spencer This M&S reed diffuser is ideal if you're shopping on a budget. Indulge in aromatherapy without breaking the bank with this affordable jasmine reed diffuser from M&S. For less than a tenner you can fill your home with the inoffensive and subtle scent of jasmine, rose lily of the valley and freesia while adding a pop of colour too. ESPA Aromatic Essential Oil Diffuser | 85 from Lookfantastic Make your house a relaxing space with this Espa oil diffuser which can change colour. Spa brand Espa uses essential oils in many of its bath, body and skincare products, so they know what they're doing when it comes to creating a relaxing aroma at home too. Its essential oil diffuser also comes with various light settings to create a subtle glow in your living room. Aromatherapy Associates The Atomiser Pure Essential Oil Ceramic Diffuser | 120 from John Lewis This minimalist design from Aromatherapy Associates disperses a micro-fine mist into the air. Many John Lewis shoppers love this Aromatherapy Associates diffuser, with nearly 300 reviews online. One reads: "The spread of the spray is amazing. The whole of my downstairs is benefiting even though it is in the conservatory and the furthest point from the front door but you can still smell it." Bamford Rosemary Willow Diffuser | 61 from Liberty Bamford's rosemary diffuser is a traditional reed design. Infuse your home with the scent of rosemary, thyme, lavender, geranium leaf and Sicilian lemon oil thanks to Bamford. The natural willow reeds help distribute the fragrance to provide an uplifting and calming living space. NEOM Wellbeing Pod Mini Essential Oil Diffuser | 50 from ASOS Neom's mini diffuser is compact and travel-friendly. This mini diffuser from Neom delivers intermittent bursts of fragrance and promises to aid sleep and reduce stress. There's three intensity settings and on a full charge it lasts up to 50 hours. Aroma Home Energise Orange + Ginger Essential Oil Reed Diffuser | 25 from ASOS This Aroma Home diffuser will help you relax, unwind and de-stress. This is a great option under 30 and boasts a refreshing citrus and ginger scent that will help you feel more awake after a bad nights sleep and boost your energy levels to be productive and stress-free. Move Cordless Essential Oil Diffuser | 148 from Mejuri This gold diffuser from Mejuri will add both elegance and relaxation to your home. While you may know Mejuri best for its jewellery, its gold diffuser is equally as chic. Ideal if you want to compliment a bathroom or bedroom with gold touches, it's a collaboration with home fragrance brand Vitruvi. It's cordless and offers four- or eight-hour settings. Sanctuary Spa Luxury Oud Diffuser | 18 from Boots This oud diffuser from Sanctuary Spa also features hints of golden saffron, white floral and rose heart. Another affordable buy is this diffuser from Sanctuary Spa. It's perfect if you love a headier scent such as out that's deep, rich and long lasting. The reeds are super porous so will keep your space smelling continuously good for as long as you like. Cowshed Relax Calming Diffuser | 30 from Boots Cowshed's diffuser is scented with calming lavender and uplifting eucalyptus. Boasting five-star reviews from Boots customers, one reads: "They have an amazing aroma and make each room smell refreshing. They last a considerable length of time, we have these diffusers in three rooms and this is our third purchase. We will buy again." Airwick Essential Mist Kit | 10.99 from Amazon Airwick's essential mist kit contains a refill too, so you won't need to worry about running out. This is Amazon's best-selling essential oil diffuser and is a bargain for less than 15. Delivering the refreshing scent of peony and jasmine, it provides up to 45 days of long-lasting fragrance. The US is urging Ukraine in private talks to publically show a willingness to end its refusal to take part in peace talks with Russia unless its President Vladimir Putin is removed from his office, a report has said. The Washington Post reported that sources familiar with the discussions say that the aim isnt to push Ukraine to negotiate but to make sure that Kyiv retains the support of other countries dealing with concerns of a yearslong war. The Biden administration is publically committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes while hoping for a quick resolution to a war that had damaged the global economy and led to trepidation at the prospect of nuclear war. US officials believe, as the Ukrainians do, that Mr Putin isnt seriously committed to peace talks, but they say that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys public ban on negotiations has prompted worries in parts of Europe, Africa and Latin America areas where the effects of the war on food and fuel prices are felt the most. Ukraine fatigue is a real thing for some of our partners, one US official told The Post. Polls have shown that this is true for some Republicans as well, meaning the Biden White House may struggle to get further funding cleared if the GOP takes control of Congress. We fully intend to ensure that the resources are there as necessary and that well get votes from both sides of the aisle to make that happen, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in Kyiv on Friday. Former US ambassador to Russia and deputy secretary general of NATO, Alexander Vershbow, said the US is unable to be fully agnostic about how and when the war ends. If the conditions become more propitious for negotiations, I dont think the administration is going to be passive, Mr Vershbow told The Post. But it is ultimately the Ukrainians doing the fighting, so weve got to be careful not to second-guess them. The Ukrainians have toughened their stances on a possible peace deal since the beginning of the war after successful efforts and winning back territory taken by the Russians. They have also reacted with fury when faced with suggestions by foreigners that they cede land to end the war. Story continues Russian atrocities, such as rape and torture, have also hardened the Ukrainian stance. Zelensky adviser Mykhailo Podolyak tweeted on Friday that if Russia loses the war, [the] world will face a decade of stability, security and economic growth. If Russia wins, we will get a period of chaos: [the] flowering of tyranny, wars, genocides, nuclear races. Any concessions to Putin today a deal with the Devil. You wont like its price. The head of the Ukrainian presidential administration, Andriy Yermak, wrote in a Washington Post op-ed last month that cynically, Russia and its Western supporters are holding out an olive branch. Please do not be fooled: An aggressor cannot be a peacemaker. Mr Putin has argued that Ukraine isnt a real country and said last month that Russia could be the only real and serious guarantor of Ukraines statehood, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia chose to start it, Mr Sullivan said in Kyiv. Russia could choose to end it by ceasing its attack on Ukraine, ceasing its occupation of Ukraine, and thats precisely what it should do from our perspective. US officials said they think Mr Zelensky would eventually support peace talks and accept some concessions, adding that theyre trying to get as many military victories as possible before winter when theres a possible window for talks. JERUSALEM (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday congratulated former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his election win and said Washington would watch closely as Netanyahu forms a government, which will likely include religious and far-right parties. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said that Biden "reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral partnership and underscored his unwavering support for Israeli security." "We will continue to closely monitor the government formation process," Jean-Pierre said. Netanyahu, after the call, wrote on Twitter he told Biden that they can "achieve more peace agreements and deal with the threat of Iranian aggression." Israel, during Netanyahu's previous term, normalized ties with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain under U.S. sponsorship. Israel's fifth election in less than four years confirmed a comeback for Netanyahu, now buoyed by smaller ultranationalist and religious parties. His victorious bloc includes lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir, a West Bank settler and former member of Kach, a Jewish militant group on Israeli and U.S. terrorist watchlists. While Washington has publicly reserved judgment pending the new Israeli coalition's formation, a State Department spokesperson on Wednesday emphasised the countries' "shared values." Netanyahu still has to be officially tasked by the Israeli president with forming a government, a process that could take weeks. (Reporting by Emily Rose and Andrea ShalalEditing by Ari Rabinovitch and Alistair Bell) Police have identified a man killed in a brazen shooting in the area of 9 Yarmouth Place in Boston on Friday night. Officers found Jason Murray, 39, of South Boston fatally shot at about 10:47 p.m. Friday. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The shooting took place in the area of Tent City Apartments. On Sunday afternoon, black ministers and activists gathered at Yarmouth Place to decry the violence. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact Boston Police Homicide Detectives at 617-343-4470. Community members wishing to assist in this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 800-494-TIPS or by texting the word TIP to CRIME (27463). Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW GABORONE (Reuters) - Botswana has won its bid to host the permanent secretariat of the Kimberley Process (KP), the grouping that certifies that diamonds are not used to fund rebel groups, but its members remain divided over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The KP, a coalition of governments, the diamond industry and civil society representatives, said in a statement on Monday it had unanimously elected Botswana to host the secretariat, which is expected to become operational by 2024. The body defines conflict diamonds as gems used to fund rebel movements seeking to undermine legitimate governments. Five KP members initially expressed interest to host it before the list was whittled down to three, with Botswana, China and Austria in contention. Botswana Diamond Hub coordinator Jacob Thamage, who handed over the rotational chairmanship of the KP to Zimbabwe over the weekend, told Reuters before last week's plenary that Austria had pulled out of the bidding process, leaving Botswana and China in the race. The 85-nation body was established in 2003 to eliminate trade in conflict diamonds. Although it says it has made progress in halting such trade, the civil society organisations linked to the industry have been demanding reforms. After it invaded its neighbour in February, Russia drew sharp criticism from civil society, which is pushing to broaden the KP's definition of conflict diamonds to include state actors using the stones to fund acts of aggression. (Reporting by Brian Benza; Editing by Anait Miridzhanian and Angus MacSwan) Leading global consumer robotics company, Miko, is eyeing $100 million in revenue across the GCC region in five years as it launched the latest iteration of its flagship robot companion, Miko 3, in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Our goal is to help kids everywhere experience the magic of playful learning through robotics. As we continue our international expansion, the Middle East is a key focus, said Sneh Vaswani, co-founder and CEO of Miko. Miko first launched its robotic companion in the UAE, introducing Miko 2 to the market in 2019. Since then, it has steadily increased its investments in the region, especially in 2022, where it has established a presence across the GCC, with the help of its exclusive distributor, Exertis Mena. Trusted retailers We also have close relationships with the regions most trusted retailers, including Jarir Bookstore, Hamleys, Early Learning Centre, Xcite, Toys R Us Middle East, Virgin Megastore and Jumbo, continued Vaswani. Recent market reports predict that the global educational robotics market will hit $3.27 billion by 2028, with the GCC contributing 2% to 3% of the market. McKinsey predicts that by 2030, about 70% of companies in the Middle East will have adopted some AI. Vaswanis confidence stems from Mikos unique features, saying: Theres simply no other kids robot available to families in the Middle East right now, and were passionate about making sure that kids have an amazing first experience with robotics. Mikos ability to educate, entertain and engage kids in both Arabic and English will continue to be our competitive advantage. According to Vaswani, Miko is not a toy, a tablet or just another tech gadget. Its a robot friend that helps kids engage in playful learning through the magic of AI. Miko is packed with personality; it knows how to engage with kids. It features deep-learning AI that helps it adapt to children over time. While kids learn new things with Miko, Miko is also learning more about them their preferences, their moods and more. Mikos facial expressions were developed based on rigorous research, and a peer-review study showed that they convey a human-like experience for users, he continued. kidSAFE+ COPPA certified In addition, Miko is kidSAFE+ COPPA certified, which means it meets the highest standards for security and only features experiences that are safe for kids. He explained further: Our robots content is 100% kid-appropriate and designed to help kids have fun as they learn. Miko also excels at providing interactive experiences: kids can dance with Miko, have fun conversations about educational topics, play games like freeze dance and more. Beyond the aggressive expansion of its retail network, Miko is pinning its growth on enhancing the Arabic content of its platform. Our content platform is home to tens of thousands of hours of engaging experiences from coding and yoga to dancing and features some of the worlds most loved kids brands. We have a lot to be excited about in the region, but were particularly proud of Mikos ability to speak both English and Arabic. Were actively securing new content partners across the region so that Miko can provide even more localised experience for children in the Middle East, Vaswani added.-- TradeArabia News Service By Gabriel Araujo SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazilian planemaker Embraer SA on Monday reported a 10% increase in third-quarter aircraft deliveries from a year earlier and reaffirmed its full-year forecast, but the deliveries came below some projections, pushing its shares down. Embraer delivered 33 jets in the three months to September, up from 30 in the year-ago period. That, however, fell below some projections. JPMorgan analysts, who were expecting a delivery of 51 aircraft, said Embraer had "another weak quarter." Santander had a more conservative forecast of 36 aircraft and noted some improvement in volumes, though it said supply chain constraints might still pose a challenge ahead. Embraer's Sao Paulo-traded sharer dropped more than 3.5% in early trade, making it one of the top losers on Brazil's Bovespa stock index, which was down 1.7%. Embraer said in a securities filing that quarterly deliveries included 10 commercial aircraft and 23 executive jets, up from nine and 21, respectively, in the same period of 2021. At the end of the quarter, the company's firm order backlog stood at $17.8 billion, up 6% on the year and unchanged from the previous quarter, which was its highest in four years. The latest backlog data included a firm order for six E195-E2 jets signed with Oman's low-cost carrier SalamAir in October. Embraer had also agreed on a deal with Canada's Porter Airlines for 20 aircraft earlier this year. The Brazilian company reaffirmed its full-year deliveries forecast of 100 to 110 executive jets and 60 to 70 commercial jets. Some investors and analysts said Embraer risked missing its guidance given supply chain strains, but chief executive Francisco Gomes Neto said last quarter the company was "cautiously optimistic" the disruptions wouldn't derail its outlook. Santander noted though that investors remained skeptical on the normalization of the supply chain and said Embraer needed to deliver 33-43 commercial aircraft and 48-58 business jets in the fourth quarter to meet its 2022 outlook. "Comparing to historical deliveries, the low of the guidance range seems achievable for both divisions," Santander said. "However, the main challenge will be delivering those volumes with a supply chain that is not fully normalized yet." (Reporting by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Louise Heavens and Tomasz Janowski) STORY: More than 25 countries at the COP27 climate talks on Monday launched a group they said would ensure they hold each other accountable for a pledge to end deforestation by 2030, and announced billions of dollars to finance their efforts. The first meeting of the Forest and Climate Leaders' Partnership, chaired by Ghana and the United States, takes place a year after more than 140 leaders promised at COP26 in Britain to end deforestation by the end of the decade. The Royal British Legion has waded into the debate about how to wear a poppy (Getty). With Remembrance Day on Friday - 11 November - and Remembrance Sunday this weekend, many people across the country are joining the Royal British Legion poppy campaign. The poppy, which is worn as a sign of respect for the Armed Forces, became a symbol of remembrance because of its prominence on the battlefields during the First World War. As the British Legion website puts it: "Previously beautiful landscapes turned to mud; bleak and barren scenes where little or nothing could grow. There was a notable and striking exception to the bleakness - the bright red Flanders poppies. These resilient flowers flourished in the middle of so much chaos and destruction, growing in the thousands upon thousands." Why do people wear poppies? Wearing a poppy represents all those who lost their lives on active service, from the beginning of the First World War up to present day. Wild poppies grow in the 'Trench of Death', a preserved Belgian World War One trench system in Diksmuide, Belgium. (Getty Images) The Royal British Legion poppy campaign has been running for more than 100 years, since 1921. It also honours the contribution of civilian services and the uniformed services which contribute to national peace and security and acknowledges innocent civilians who have lost their lives in conflict and acts of terrorism. How should you wear a poppy? Some say a poppy should be worn on the left, to keep it close to your heart. The left lapel is also the side that medals are worn by the Armed Forces. However, others argue that the symbol should be displayed on the left by men and the right by women, the traditional positions of a badge or brooch. The Royal British Legion has said that there is 'no correct way' to wear a poppy, people should just 'wear it with pride' (Twitter). Last week, the Royal British Legion sought to clarify that there is no correct way to wear a poppy, but asks that if people do wear one, they "wear it with pride". It says: "From paper poppies to pins, bag charms to pet poppies, the best way to wear a poppy is simply with pride." Much of the discussion is based around where the leaf should be positioned, but the original version of the British Legion poppy did not feature a leaf. Story continues Read more from Yahoo News UK: Warnings of flooding after heavy rain hits South East, with more forecast this week Child neglect couple lived in repugnant house with seven kids and 35 dogs Pictured: Boy, 17, who died after 'falling into greenhouse' while 'fleeing fireworks' A leaf was first introduced in the 1960s and they slowly became an optional extra. By 1984 demand for them had grown to 12 million a year, and in 1995 poppies with leaves included were made available for the first time. But there is no official direction as to where the leaf should be positioned. The British Legion also makes clear on its website that all of the parts of its poppies can be recycled. It says: "We are committed to reducing the impact our poppies have on the environment and are working to remove all single use plastic in the future." TAIPEI (Reuters) - A British minister will visit Taiwan this week for trade talks and meet President Tsai Ing-wen, his office said on Monday, drawing an angry reaction from Beijing to the latest high-level engagement between a Western government and the island. China views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory and strongly objects to any official interactions between Taipei and foreign governments, believing it is a show of support for Taiwan's separateness from China. Britain's Department for International Trade said Greg Hands, minister of state for trade and also a member of parliament, would meet Tsai and co-host the 25th annual UK-Taiwan Trade Talks during his two-day visit. "Visiting Taiwan in person is a clear signal of the UK's commitment to boosting UK-Taiwan trade ties. Like the UK, Taiwan is a champion of free and fair trade underpinned by a rules-based global trading system," his office said in a statement. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said China resolutely opposed any form of official exchanges between a country with whom it has diplomatic ties and Taiwan. "We urge the British side to stop any form of official exchanges with Taiwan and stop sending wrong signals to separatist forces for Taiwan independence," he said. Hands will also meet Taiwan's top trade negotiator John Deng and Economy Minister Wang Mei-hua, his office added. Taiwan's Economy Ministry declined to comment, saying that the meetings it was arranging were closed to the media. Taiwan views Britain as a like-minded democratic partner and has been heartened by London's concerns over recent Chinese war games near the island and support for its participation in international organisations, most of which Taiwan are locked out of due to China's objections. Britain, like Taiwan, is also bidding to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP. Members agreed in February that Britain can proceed with its application, as it looks for new trading relationships after leaving the European Union. Story continues China has applied to join as well. Britain has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but the two have close economic and informal relations and Britain maintains a de facto embassy in Taipei. Western lawmakers and other officials have been stepping up their visits to Taiwan, despite Beijing's strong objections, which views the island as its own territory and bristles at anything which implies it is a separate country. China staged war games near Taiwan in August following a visit to Taipei by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Eduardo Baptista in Beijing; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Toby Chopra) Brockton police launched a homicide investigation after a fatal shooting on James Street early Sunday morning. According to a spokesperson from Brockton police, officers responded to the James Street at approximately 12:30 a.m. after receiving a gunfire alert through the citys electronic gun detection system. Detectives from Brockton and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the incident. The victim was not identified. Anyone with further information is asked to call Brockton Police at 508-941-0234. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A bus driver accused of driving 35 children to a YMCA camp while drunk has pleaded guilty, Minnesota court documents show. Patrick David Bullard, 49, was pulled over by Minnesota State Patrol officers in late August, after someone called 911 to report a charter bus weaving back and forth on U.S. Interstate 35, nearly crashing into a ditch, documents say. Troopers spotted the bus as it swerved onto the shoulder and corrected itself, spewing a cloud of dust as it went. They switched on their lights, but Bullard didnt seem to notice them until one trooper pulled up next to the drivers side and activated an emergency siren. On the bus, there were two adult chaperones and 35 children, all between 11 and 14 years old, documents said. Bullard was driving them to a YMCA camp. Bullard seemed dazed and disoriented, troopers said, he had glassy eyes, slurred speech and his motions were very slow and deliberate. As troopers spoke with him, the bus suddenly started to roll forward because he hadnt put it in park, according to court documents. He stepped out of the bus smelling of alcohol and performed several field sobriety tests, all of which indicated he was not sober, troopers said. Additionally, a preliminary breath test showed Bullards blood-alcohol level was .257, roughly 6 times the legal limit for someone operating a commercial vehicle, which includes buses. Troopers found a handle of Fireball whiskey in a backpack belonging to Bullard, documents said. The 1.75 mL bottle was two-thirds empty and a plastic cup in the driver seat cup holder was partially filled with a liquid that smelled like Fireball a cup that Bullard was sipping from while driving, a chaperone later told investigators. Troopers took Bullard into custody, documents said. He declined to take another breath test, telling police because I dont want to. Bullard recently pleaded guilty to DWI and was sentenced to a year in jail, documents filed Nov. 3 show. However, his jail sentence was stayed for a period of two years of supervised probation. Story continues Bus driver over 2 times legal limit while taking 44 kids from field trip, VA cops say Brother and sister killed in crash with school bus, Illinois officials say. Tragic Dad passes out drunk in car picking up kids from elementary school, Arizona cops say Woman left pinned under car after driver crashes into house and runs, Texas cops say By Ismail Shakil OTTAWA (Reuters) -Striking education sector workers in Canada's most populous province agreed to return to work after the Ontario government on Monday offered to rescind a controversial law that imposed a contract on the workers and outlawed strikes. The legislation, passed last week, was widely criticized for its use of a so-called notwithstanding clause, which allows a provincial government to override some aspects of Canada's Charter of Rights, which guarantees individuals rights and freedoms prescribed by law. The Ontario government's offer to repeal the law was hailed as a victory by workers, which include educational assistants, secretaries and library workers. Union leader Laura Walton said they would be "collapsing" protest sites from Tuesday. While the principal dispute over a new contract is still unresolved, the compromise allows hundreds of Ontario schools to resume in-person classes while the government and the union return to the negotiating table. "We hope that this gesture is met with the same good faith by this government in a new proposal at the bargaining table as soon as possible," Walton said at a news conference. Some 55,000 education workers represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) went on strike on Friday after failing to reach an agreement with the provincial government on better pay and more frontline staff in schools. Ontario Premier Doug Ford's Progressive Conservative government has rejected the workers' demands as too high and said that the legislation was necessary to keep classrooms open after two years of disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "I'm glad CUPE has agreed to withdraw its strike action so kids can return to class," Ford said in a tweet. "We'll be back at the table to negotiate a fair deal for students, parents, workers and taxpayers." (Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; editing by Deepa Babington, Grant McCool and Richard Chang) Alicia Mccarvell spoke candidly about relationships on Instagram. (Photo via instagram/aliciamccarvell) Alicia Mccarvell isn't letting online haters ruin her day. On Sunday, the Canadian TikTok star took to Instagram to call out someone who left a mean comment on one of her videos. In the post, the self love advocate explained that the words "they all wanna steal your man" were left on a clip of her and her friends enjoying a night out. The content creator wasted no time having "a quick conversation about these types of comments." "The fact that there are people out there who sincerely want to create mistrust in other peoples relationships absolutely boggles my mind," she said to her 907,000 followers. Mccarvell revealed that she often receives comments from strangers trying to "insert mistrust in [her] relationship with [her] husband," or encouraging her to check his phone to make sure he's being faithful. Although the Halifax-based influencer has learned to not let these comments bother her, it wasn't always this way. "When I was struggling seeing value in who I was I did all of these things. I felt like I needed to check my husbands phone. I felt like I needed to second guess any relationship he had with a female. I felt like he was cheating on me, because there was no possible way that he could be faithful to me in this body," she explained. Although the social media star is "not that person anymore," and has learned to see the value she adds to her relationship, she acknowledges that others might not be in the same frame of mind. "Comments like these truly bother me. Because although they do not impact me, I do understand that this type of comment on somebody who is struggling with who they are or the value they add to the world can be super detrimental to not only their mental health, but the success of their relationship," she said. In the caption, Mccarvell penned a motivational message about value and how it can "put a strain on your relationships" if you don't see your self-worth. Story continues "...There are people out there still struggling, and comments like these would have sent me in a spiral in the past. Comments like these could add stress onto relationships that are already struggling why would you ever want to cause harm like that?" she asked. "Im so sorry that people like this exist in this world, but I need you to know that they know nothing about you, your relationship and the value you add to this world." The influencer concluded with advice on what you can do if you're struggling in your relationship. "If youre struggling to see why your partner loves you, I highly suggest asking them. Sit down, open mind, ready to accept compliments, and heck write them down," she suggested. "How we see ourselves is often not how others see us, and its unfair for us to project how we feel onto our partners...Youre valuable." In the comments, fans thanked Mccarvell for her "inspiring" message and "infectious" energy. You are a queen! I wanna be your friend so bad. Your energy and light is so infectious. Thanks for being an inspiration to not only women everywhere, but people in general. Youre beautiful inside and out!" commented a follower. "I absolutely love this video. Love love love it. Perfectly said and beautifully delivered," shared someone else. "So much love for you and this well spoken and well thought out video. You are magic," added another. "Thank you for inspiring people who are struggling with trust and love. Really needed to hear this," wrote a fan. Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. US Senate; Getty; Marianne Ayala/Insider Democratic US Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto defeats Republican Adam Laxalt in Nevada. With Cortez Masto's win, Democrats maintain control of the US Senate. The contentious race in the swing state was among the most-watched in the nation. Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto defeated Republican Adam Laxalt to win Nevada's US senate election. The victory gave Democrats 50 US Senate seats in the next congressional session enough to again secure a majority even with Georgia's US Senate race between Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker still undecided. 2022 General Embeds Nevada's US Senate candidates Cortez Masto is no stranger to close contests. She led Senate Democrats' campaign arm as the party eeked out a tie-breaking majority following Warnock and Jon Ossoff's narrow wins in the 2021 Georgia Senate runoffs. A protege of the late-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Cortez Masto made history as the first Latina elected to the US Senate when she succeeded Reid in 2017. Laxalt hails from Nevada political royalty. His grandfather, Paul Laxalt, was both a governor and a US senator. It was also revealed in 2013 that he is the son of Pete Domenici, a US senator from New Mexico. Cortez Masto's campaign has painted Laxalt as out of touch because of his background, most notably in an ad that echoed HBO's "Succession." Laxalt has held statewide office before as state attorney general, but that wasn't enough to prevent Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak from defeating Laxalt in 2018 to become the state's first Democratic governor in over two decades. Laxalt, as a top Trump campaign official, led unsuccessful post-election challenges in the state and has tried to spark doubts about the current race. A victory here for the GOP could have very well decided the majority, ending the longest-ever evenly split Senate. But Cortez Masto managed to hold on, blocking the GOP's path to 51 seats. Voting history in Nevada Democrats have controlled at least one of the state's two Senate seats since Reid's election in 1986. Sen. Jacky Rosen's ouster of Republican incumbent Dean Heller in 2018 gave the party total control for the first time since 2000. Story continues Nevada has been viewed as a swing state in presidential elections, but experts have worried that the state's changing demographics would put it further out of reach for the GOP. Former President Donald Trump's inroads with Latino voters more broadly has squelched some of those concerns. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Cortez Masto has raised more than $52.8 million, spent $46.6 million, and has roughly $6.3 million on hand, as of October 19. Laxalt has raised $15.5 million, spent $12.3 million, and has roughly $3.2 million on hand, as of October 19. Spending by super PACs, party committees, and other organizations advocating for or against these candidates has been massive, per OpenSecrets about $128.3 million combined, through November 8. In all, 15 different outside groups spent at least $1 million on this race a few into the eight-figure range. What experts say The race between Cortez Masto and Laxalt was unanimously rated as a "toss-up" by Inside Elections, The Cook Political Report, and Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno on Monday appointed by decree 104 more members of his "parliament" as he leads Chad's two-year transitional government after taking power on the death of his father. A national forum for reconciliation last month recommended boosting the number of members of the National Transition Council (CNT), which operates as a de facto parliament, from 93 to 197. In the decree seen by AFP, general Deby appointed the 104 "additional members of the CNT", including former opposition party figures who have joined the regime, rebels who signed a peace deal in August and civil society representatives. Much of the opposition and the most powerful armed rebel groups however boycotted the forum, protesting the "dynastic succession". The 38-year-old five-star general took the helm in April 2021 after his father, Chad's iron-fisted ruler for three decades, was killed during an operation against jihadist rebels. The junta had declared it would restore civilian rule after 18 months in power, and Deby had at first promised he would not take part in the future elections. But as the 18-month deadline neared, the nationwide forum staged by Deby reset the clock, approving a new 24-month timeframe for holding elections, naming him "transitional president" and declaring he could be a candidate in the poll. The CNT is tasked with drawing up a new constitution and preparing the election. On October 20, the authorities put down opposition protests officially leaving 50 people dead, 300 wounded and hundreds detained. The European Union strongly condemned an "excessive use of force" and violation of the right to freedom of speech and assembly. A semi-desert country in central western Africa, Chad has been chronically unstable since it gained independence from France in 1960. dwi-gir/lad/bp/rox Armed with a well-rounded lineup that has plenty of star power, Canadian captain Sylvain Bruneau is aiming high at this week's Billie Jean King Cup. "We're capable of everything really," he said Monday on a pre-tournament video call from Glasgow. The 12-team finals bracket features four groups at Emirates Arena. In Group A, Canada will open against Italy on Thursday and take on Switzerland on Friday. Leylah Fernandez and Bianca Andreescu will likely serve as the singles weapons for a Canadian side that includes doubles star Gabriela Dabrowski, Rebecca Marino and Carol Zhao. "It's a very talented team with a lot of experience," Bruneau said. "They love to represent their country, all of them, which is a great asset. They handle those moments really well." All ties in the finals are best-of-three matchups with two singles matches followed by a doubles match. Group winners will advance to Saturday's semifinals and the final is scheduled for Sunday. Fernandez, from Laval, Que., is the highest-ranked Canadian in singles at No. 40. The 2021 U.S. Open finalist said the indoor hardcourt surface suits the Canadian side. "We all grew up on indoor hardcourts so I think it's going to be a good advantage for us," she said. "We're just going to go out there and have fun. It's going to be good." Fernandez reached the quarterfinals at the French Open this year but then missed over two months of action after suffering a stress fracture in her foot at Roland Garros. Andreescu, from Mississauga, Ont., won the U.S. Open in 2019 and reached a career-high No. 4 singles ranking that year. She has since slipped to No. 46. "Last year I didn't feel like myself basically," she said. "And this year I kind of came back and I'm dealing with the losses better and even the wins. I definitely don't like having the (No.) 46 beside my name so I definitely want to crack the top 10 hopefully in the next six months." Story continues Dabrowski, from Ottawa, is ranked sixth in the world in doubles. "We have, I think, probably the best lineup we've ever had for me as a captain," Bruneau said. Switzerland is led by 13th-ranked Belinda Bencic the Tokyo Olympic champion and No. 35 Jill Teichmann. The 27th-ranked Martina Trevisan leads an Italian side with four players in the top 70. Switzerland and Italy will meet in the Group A opener on Wednesday. Switzerland currently holds the No. 5 position in the nation rankings a whisker ahead of No. 6 Canada while Italy is 12th. "A few points are going to make the difference and hopefully we'll be ready for the occasion when they come around," said Swiss captain Heinz Guenthardt. There will be a new champion at the event previously known as the Federation Cup after Russia was suspended from competition. The ban gave Australia a qualification spot as the highest-ranked 2021 semifinalist. Its original opponent in the qualifying round Slovakia also got a bye as a result. Switzerland qualified after reaching last year's final and Belgium got a walkover win since Belarus is suspended from international team play. "We will come back and win this title," Bencic said after falling to Russia in 2021. Canada upset 2020 champion France last year before falling to Russia. Andreescu and Fernandez were not in the lineup. Canada booked its spot in the 2022 finals with a 4-0 win over Latvia last April in Vancouver. Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Spain and the U.S. also won qualifying rounds. Great Britain has a spot as the host nation. Bruneau has captained the Canadian side several times in the past. He's filling in this week for Heidi el Tabakh, who's temporarily unavailable due to personal reasons. Bruneau must submit his final lineup one hour before the start of match play. "I think we're going to be very competitive," he said. "We do have the belief we can do really well. But we know that we have good competition. So one tie at a time." Marino, from Vancouver, is ranked 67th in singles. Zhao, from Vaughan, Ont., holds the No. 169 position. Canada has never reached the final at this tournament. Canada made it to the semifinals in 1988 before losing to Czechoslovakia. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 7, 2022. Follow @GregoryStrongCP on Twitter. Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press The 55th Annual General Meeting of the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO) opened today (October 24) at the Conrad Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi to run until October 26. The event is being held under the Patronage of Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa Al Hammadi, Chairman of Etihad Aviation Group and Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and Etihad Aviation Group,. The event saw participation of more than 300 Arab and global aviation experts including CEOs of AACO member airlines, partner airlines and industry partners from aircraft and engine manufacturers, global distribution systems, information technology partners, and others. The Director General for Mobility and Transport/European Commission, the Director General of Eurocontrol and the Deputy Director General of IATA are also attending the AGM. The AGMs opening ceremony will take place tonight at Louvre Abu Dhabi. The Patron of the AGM will be addressing the delegates tonight, followed by an address by AACO Secretary General, Abdul Wahab Teffaha. The AGM working sessions will be held tomorrow on 25 October at "Conrad Etihad Towers" at "level P4 Ballroom". The sessions will feature AACO Secretary Generals report on the State of the Industry. The report will be followed by two discussion panels gathering Chief Executive Officers and Directors General. The first panel about digital transformation will be moderated by Mr. Muhammad Albakri, IATA SVP DG-Strategic Leadership Team. The panelists will be: Irra Ariella Khi Chief Executive Officer of Zamna. Juan Pablo Lafosse Chief Executive Officer at Travelx. The second panel about strategic issues in the aviation industry will be moderated by Mr. Eamonn Brennan, Director General of Eurocontrol. The panelists will be: Henrik Hololei, Director-General for Mobility and Transport in the European Commission Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai Maen Razouqi, CEO, Kuwait Airways Guliz Ozturk, CEO, Pegasus Airlines After the discussion panels, a closed session for AACO members will be held to discuss and decide on administrative, financial, and strategic issues related to AACOs work. TradeArabia News Service (Bloomberg) -- A little-known Chinese pipemaker erased all of its dizzying rally from last week after announcing plans to sell 1 million shares at a massive discount to a pair of institutional investors. Most Read from Bloomberg Huadi International Group sank 91% Monday for its biggest drop on record, after an agreement to sell its stock to investors at $25 per share -- an 86% discount to Fridays closing price. This comes after the stock skyrocketed 716% last week amid volatile trading. The company erased last weeks rally on news of the offering, falling to close at $15.81. Shares closed Friday at $180. The stock sale will raise the same amount of cash as Huadis January 2021 initial public offering. Univest Securities served as placement agent for Mondays registered direct offering. The Wenzhou, China-based company that makes stainless steel pipes and tubes went public in 2021 without much fanfare, raising $25 million in capital. Since then it had surged about 2,150% through Fridays close to give it a market value of more than $2.3 billion. Mondays plunge takes Huadis market cap to about $209 million. Last weeks rally was punctuated by a jump on Thursday that more than tripled its value on a plan to enter the clean energy space. The company doesnt have any coverage among Wall Street analysts, according to Bloomberg data. China stocks listed in the US broadly rallied last week on optimism over reopening hopes and progress in the American audit inspection of firms. Huadi is not the only China or Hong Kong-based stock making a sharp move Monday. GigaCloud Technology, a Hong Kong-based online marketplace provider, surged 27% on Monday, with more than 32 million shares traded. Story continues (Updates throughout to market close.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. BEIJING (Reuters) - China's state planner on Monday issued a notice saying it would further improve the policy environment to encourage the development of private investment, the latest move to prop up the faltering economy facing multiple headwinds. The world's second-biggest economy showed surprising growth in the third quarter but the recovery was dimmed by a deepening property slump, weakening consumption and sustained COVID restrictions. China will increase policy support to stimulate the vitality of private investment, stabilise market expectations and increase job opportunities, as "private investment accounts for more than half of the total social investments," said the notice. Private enterprises will be incentivised to invest in 102 major projects in areas such as transportation, water conservation and carbon reduction, according to the notice published on the website of National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). Beijing also said it woud support the development of the platform economy with a focus on investment of key projects such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and blockchain. Central-owned enterprises will be encouraged to step up the use of new products and technologies from private enterprises. Policymakers last week pledged that growth was still a priority and they would press on with reforms, in an apparent bid to soothe fears that ideology could take precedence as President Xi Jinping began a new leadership term and strict COVID curbs exact a growing toll on the economy. (Reporting by Liangping Gao and Ryan Woo; Editing by Tom Hogue and Stephen Coates) BEIJING (AP) China lashed out Monday over a visit to Taiwan by British Trade Policy Minister Greg Hands, the latest foreign official to defy Beijings warnings over contacts with the self-governing island republic. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and threatens to annex it by force. It also seeks to isolate it diplomatically, requiring governments that it has formal relations with to respect its one-China" principle. The U.K. should earnestly respect Chinas sovereignty, uphold the one-China principle, stop any forms of official contacts with Taiwan and stop sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a daily briefing. The British government said Hands was on a two-day visit during which he would meet Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and co-host the 25th annual trade talks between the sides. China has imposed visa bans and other forms of retaliation against foreign officials and governments that extend contacts to Taiwan. Taiwan has formal diplomatic ties with just 14 nations and is excluded from the United Nations and other major multinational groupings at Beijings insistence. Yet, its thriving democracy, high-tech economy and strategic location in the Asia-Pacific have drawn strong support in spite of Beijings condemnations and threats. Following a visit to Taiwan by Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the U.S. House and second in line to the presidency, China fired missiles over Taiwan into the Western Pacific and positioned aircraft and ships nearby in a virtual blockade of the island. Such moves appear to have had little effect and visits from European and North American elected officials have continued. Referring to Tsai's ruling party and its strong backing from the U.S. and other Western democracies, Zhao warned Taiwan officials that their attempt to seek independence with foreign support is doomed to fail." Beijing's close ties with Moscow following the Russian invasion of Ukraine have complicated matters further. Latvia and Estonia left a Chinese-backed forum aimed at boosting relations with Eastern European countries following Chinas boosting of its relations with Russia. China has refused to criticize Russia over its attack on Ukraine and has condemned economic sanctions imposed on Moscow by the West. Russia's struggles in Ukraine have meanwhile refocused attention on China's possible military intentions toward Taiwan. That has prompted a new emphasis on the island's fighting forces and technology to thwart Chinese aggression. BEIJING (Reuters) - China's foreign ministry said on Monday that Britain must stop any form of official exchanges with Taiwan, following plans by a British minister to visit the self-governed island, which China claims, for trade talks. Taiwan's authorities need to stop colluding with foreign forces, said Zhao Lijian, a spokesman at the Chinese foreign ministry, at a regular media briefing. (Reporting by Eduardo Baptista; Writing by Ryan Woo; Editing by Tom Hogue) (Bloomberg) -- Strategists at Goldman Sachs Group Inc. say a complete China reopening will drive a 20% gain in Chinese equities, citing signs that the government may be starting to prepare for a relaxation of its Covid-Zero policy after a key leadership summit. Most Read from Bloomberg An increase in flights and growing adoption of an inhalable vaccine developed by CanSino Biologics Inc. are encouraging news, strategists including Kinger Lau wrote in a note dated Sunday. Goldman economists expect the government to start to relax rules in the second quarter of 2023, the report said. The report comes after Chinese stocks surged, with the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index on Monday extending a 9% advance last week, as traders jumped on unverified social media posts about reopening plans. The gains have largely held even as health officials reaffirmed their commitment to Covid Zero and daily infections jumped to the highest in more than six months. The removal of Covid restrictions could be one of the most visible, long-awaited, and powerful upside catalysts for the market, the Goldman analysts wrote. This assumes that conditions such as higher elderly vaccination rates, changes in official communications to alleviate fears of infections, they said. Read: Chinese Stocks Extend Rally Even as Covid Zero Reaffirmed The market will pre-trade any actual reopening about a month in advance, and the positive momentum may last for two to three months, the Goldman strategists wrote. Domestic cyclicals and consumer sectors will be the major beneficiaries, they said. READ: What to Watch in Chinas Potential Covid Zero Exit: Taking Stock Story continues A Goldman basket of reopening stocks -- retailers, airlines, hotels and restaurants -- has outperformed the MSCI China Index by 20% since July. Theres still ample room for further valuation and fundamental recovery if reopening momentum gathers pace, they wrote. While cadres from the National Health Commission said Saturday China will unswervingly adhere to its virus controls given increasingly serious outbreaks, analysts have also pointed that an official at the same briefing said some cities should correct excessive measures. German Chancellor Olaf Scholzs announcement that China will make BioNTech SEs Covid-19 vaccine available to foreigners living in the country have also fanned expectations that Beijing is preparing for a reopening. Last week, the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index capped its best weekly gain since 2015. The CSI 300 Index, the benchmark for mainland stocks, also jumped more than 6%, though it traded 0.4% lower on Monday. (Updates with Mondays moves in third paragraph, details on government briefings in seventh paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China's escalating COVID-19 resurgence has spurred authorities and companies, including key iPhone manufacturer Foxconn, to ramp up measures to contain outbreaks, disrupting production and throwing business events into confusion. China reported on Monday 5,496 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases for Nov. 6, the highest since May 2, when the country's commercial capital of Shanghai was put under a crushing lockdown amid its worst outbreak. Since October, disruptions to the world's second-largest economy have picked up pace across the country - from central Henan province to Guangdong in the south - as Omicron infections spread. Taiwan-based Foxconn said late on Sunday it would implement new COVID-19 measures at its plant in Zhengzhou, including implementing a system which would involve moving all working employees into three dormitories. Zhengzhou, the provincial capital of Henan, reported 297 new local COVID-19 cases for Nov. 6, the highest in five days, as the city of nearly 13 million scrambled to contain its worst outbreak in months while keeping its economy on an even keel. Foxconn, whose production of Apple Inc's iPhone 14 models at its Zhenghou plant has been affected due to its curbs, said in a statement on the WeChat account of its Zhengzhou plant that employees would be required to follow a "point-to-point" system where they can only move between their dormitory and factory area. Eight other dormitories will only allow workers to enter, not exit. The curbs were being implemented at the request of the government, it said. Foxconn has been working to retain staff and smooth over tensions in the factory, after workers complained about their treatment and provisions under COVID-19 prevention measures. Many employees had fled the factory, prompting Foxconn to offer generous bonuses to retain staff. CONFUSION While several events in China have been cancelled or postponed amid the rising cases, some organisers have continued to press ahead. Story continues Some visitors to the China International Import Expo (CIIE) currently underway in Shanghai were barred from entering the event despite having not left the city in the past two weeks and complying with all health requirements. One found out that she could not attend only at the entrance when lights flashed red and security guards said their records showed travel history issues. One senior bank executive who was planning to attend the trade fair on Sunday discovered he was unable to do so as he had worked in his office one day in the preceding week where there had been a close-contact case, the banker told Reuters. At the biannual Zhuhai Airshow in Guangdong, due to kick off on Tuesday, an aviation executive told Reuters he had been barred from entering despite having arrived three days earlier to comply with requirements as he had been in a district in Beijing that had reported cases in the past seven days. Chinese stocks rallied last week in their biggest weekly gain in more than two years, as investors pumped a trillion dollars into the market on hopes of a reopening in the world's second-biggest economy. But China's health authorities doused that speculation on Saturday by reiterating that they would persevere with their approach of clearing COVID-19 cases as soon as they surface. Authorities, however, have been making ongoing if modest tweaks to managing the virus. Stocks in China were tentative on Monday and they rose in Hong Kong in early trading. (This story has been corrected to say that the airshow in Zhuhai is biannual, not annual, in paragraph 15) (Reporting by Brenda Goh, Ryan Woo, Winni Zhou, Sophie Yu and Engen Tham; Editing by Christopher Cushing) Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies pledged to further increase its investments for "digital transformation" in Africa, as it hosted dozens of industry executives and regulators from the continent for a 5G summit in Bangkok. "As the third wave of the global 5G market, Africa will open the 5G era in 2023," Benjamin Hou, president of Huawei's northern Africa business, told the first Africa 5G summit. Held in the Thai capital on October 24, the event was seen as a platform to draw African countries to 5G tech powered by Shenzhen-based Huawei. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. "Huawei will further increase its investment in Africa to support the steady development of 5G to facilitate digital transformation in the region," Hou said. "In Africa, for Africa, Huawei will continue to deepen cooperation with industry partners to support customers' business success in the 5G era." Huawei has already built massive information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure across Africa, but faces challenges in the United States and other Western countries in the northern hemisphere over security concerns. The Donald Trump administration banned tech exports to Chinese companies including Huawei Technologies, ZTE and China Telecom over alleged ties to Chinese military or surveillance networks, and lobbied allied nations to do the same. President Joe Biden took his predecessor's restrictions forward last year, signing a law to block Chinese companies including Huawei. Huawei also faces headwinds in Europe, where Britain and some European Union countries have blacklisted the company from supplier lists for mobile networks, including 5G. The US Federal Communications Commission has named Chinese telecoms firms China Unicom and Pacific Networks Corp as threats to US national security, with a formal ban likely to go through soon. Story continues Commenting on the move in September, China's foreign ministry said: "What the US did violates the rules of the market economy ... and seriously hurts the interests of Chinese companies." "China firmly rejects this. We urge the US side to immediately change its wrong course of action and stop hobbling and suppressing Chinese companies." In Africa, however, local operators have invested heavily in Chinese equipment and infrastructure, with Beijing often providing funding to build ICT infrastructure including data centres, fibre optic cables and cloud services. Delivering the keynote speech at the Bangkok summit, Coulibaly Yacouba, CEO of the Ivory Coast mobile spectrum authority, hailed the advent of the 5G era in his country - due to host the Africa Cup of Nations in early 2024. "The government and local operators are making comprehensive preparations for the commercial launch of 5G in the country. People are expected to enjoy the ultimate service experience brought by innovative 5G technologies during the next Africa Cup of Nations," he said. Late last month, two more African mobile phone operators - in South Africa and Kenya - launched 5G networks powered by Huawei. South Africa's partly state-owned Telkom followed smaller data-only network Rain - which in 2019 became Africa's first telecoms to deploy a commercial 5G network using Huawei. And in Kenya, largest mobile phone operator Safaricom became East Africa's first telecoms company to commercially launch 5G high-speed internet services, with infrastructure built by Huawei and Finland's Nokia. Deploying multiple vendors, as Safaricom has done, is seen as a way for African operators to get around US or European sanctions and calls to avoid Chinese technology. In South Africa, Vodacom - a subsidiary of Britain's Vodafone - uses Nokia alongside Huawei as a network provider, while MTN uses tech from Sweden's Ericsson as well as Huawei and ZTE. Abishur Prakash, co-founder and geopolitical futurist at the Centre for Innovating the Future, a Canada-based advisory firm, said the Western pushback had made Huawei realise that some countries were "off limits", with its most lucrative business lines, like 5G, being banned or restricted from India to Japan to Britain. "Now, Huawei is focusing on markets that are less under the thumb of the West - like Africa and the Middle East," Prakash said. What Huawei was experiencing was part of a new era of "vertical globalisation", he said. "The world is no longer open and accessible, as it has been for decades ... In this new design of the world, Huawei cannot operate freely, the way [America's] IBM and GE once did." The US-China rivalry was revealing a new African position, Prakash noted. "African nations are willing to put their own interests first. Take Kenya. It will continue buying from Huawei, even if the US doesn't want this. It's this attitude, where Africa is willing to ignore the US, that's encouraging Huawei to focus more on the continent," he said. "Of course, none of this comes without challenges." Prakash said that while Africa was acting independently, it was also ceding sovereignty as US and Chinese technology companies dominated their societies. "[As] for the West, it will have to contend with the footprint China is building in Africa, and how this drives Chinese power in the 21st century." No government in Africa has banned operators from using Huawei tech. In 2019, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hinted his country would choose Huawei for its 5G roll-out, and also criticised the US government. "Because they have been outstripped, they must now punish that company and use it as a pawn in the fight they have with China," Ramaphosa said. "We want 5G and we know where we can get 5G." Those sentiments are also supported by operators in Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Pretoria, South Africa, in 2018. Photo: EPA-EFE alt=President Cyril Ramaphosa with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Pretoria, South Africa, in 2018. Photo: EPA-EFE> According to Stephane Richard, CEO of French telecoms giant Orange, Africa's No 2 operator after MTN: "We're working more and more with Chinese vendors in Africa, not because we like China, but we have an excellent business relationship with Huawei." "They've invested in Africa while the European vendors have been hesitating," Richard told Reuters during last year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. New Zealand-based Kenyan telecoms and IT consultant, Peter Wanyonyi, said US and European warnings to African and other developing countries against using Huawei had nothing to do with security or spying. "It's all about geopolitical power and protectionism - and the West's fear of a rising China," Wanyonyi said. He said the West saw Huawei - and other leading Chinese companies - as threats to the dominance that Western companies had enjoyed in Africa and the Global South for 200 years. The economies of scale meant Huawei could bring leading-edge products onto the market much faster than Western rivals could, and China's pro-business outlook encouraged investment in research and development at rates that the West simply could not match, he said. "The result is that Huawei technologies are more affordable and now more robust than what the West has to offer, and African countries are jumping at the opportunity afforded by Huawei to modernise their technology infrastructure." Chinese investments in Africa were not charity, he added. "To many Africans, it is a relief to just be able to do business without having to deal with the paternalism and historical baggage that Western companies carry around with them when doing business in Africa. "Huawei technology is affordable, available, unconditional and does the job - and will thus continue to be the technology of choice for many African telecoms." Dobek Pater, business development director at the market research firm Africa Analysis, said Huawei equipment has improved significantly over the years and was very competitive in terms of quality and price with traditional "Western" equipment. "Particularly in the case of 5G, Huawei has invested a lot in R&D. This makes Huawei often a preferred supplier," Pater said. "Moreover, in many instances the mobile network operators or fixed-line operators already have quite a bit of Huawei kit installed in their networks and it makes sense to continue building out networks with Huawei equipment," Pater said. He said some of the operators followed a strategy of using multiple suppliers of new technologies. "In the case of 5G, there are only really three main providers of [radio access network] equipment. Huawei is one of them. Therefore, it naturally becomes a choice in many instances," Pater said. He said another advantage for Huawei was the Chinese government's willingness to advance soft loans to help in infrastructure development. However, Huawei has not gone without controversy in Africa. In 2018, French newspaper Le Monde reported Huawei had bugged the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - claims that were rejected by the company. The following year, Huawei lodged a protest with The Wall Street Journal after it reported that the Chinese company had helped the Ugandan and Zambian governments spy on political opponents. Huawei denied the allegations. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2022 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2022. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Charles Krupa/AP Photo; Cheryl Senter/AP Photo Rep. Chris Pappas defeated Republican Karoline Leavitt in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District. The 1st District is located in the eastern region of the state. Had she won, Leavitt would have been the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas defeated Republican Karoline Leavitt in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 2022 General Embeds New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District candidates Pappas, who will serve a second term in the US House, sits on the House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Veterans' Affairs. The first openly gay man to represent New Hampshire in Congress, Pappas co-chairs the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. Prior to his time in Congress, Pappas served on the New Hampshire Executive Council, representing District 4 from 2013 to 2019. He also served as treasurer of Hillsborough County from 2006 to 2010 and in the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 2002 to 2006. In Congress, Pappas has focused on healthcare and lowering the cost of prescription drugs. Pappas entered Congress after he defeated Trump-backed Republican candidate Eddie Edward to replace outgoing Rep. Carol Shea-Porter. Leavitt, Pappas' challenger, is a 25-year-old former White House staffer for President Donald Trump. Her campaign website states that she worked as a presidential writer. She also served as his assistant press secretary. Leavitt became the second Gen Z candidate to win a congressional primary this year when she defeated her GOP opponents in the 10-way primary, including Matt Mowers, a former Trump staffer who in 2020 lost to Pappas by about 5 percentage points. Had she beaten Pappas in November, Leavitt would have been the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. Voting history for New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District is located in the eastern region of the state and includes Manchester, the state's largest city, as well as Portsmouth and Laconia. Story continues President Joe Biden had a 6 percentage point margin of victory over Trump under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before it underwent a redrawing process that kept district lines nearly the same in redistricting following the 2020 Census. The partisan lean Democratic remained unchanged. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Pappas had raised $4.6 million, spent $3.7 million, and had $1.2 million on hand, as of October 19. His opponent, Leavitt, had raised $3.1 million, spent $2.7 million, and had $391,980 cash on hand, as of October 19. Through early November, the race has attracted nearly $21.5 million worth of spending by non-candidate groups such as super PACs and national party committees, including during the race's primary election. What experts say The race between Pappas and Leavitt was rated as "tilt Democratic" by Inside Elections, a "toss-up" by The Cook Political Report, and "leans Democratic" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Roman Moskovchenko The Halytsky District Court of Lviv found the pedophile and organizer of Christian camps guilty of 147 episodes of rape and molestation of minors, the message said. Read also: Lviv suffers partial blackout and lack of hot water after Russian missile attack 49-year-old Roman Moskovchenko, who had an unblemished reputation as a religious mentor for children in the Children of Christ organization, will most likely spend the rest of his life under forced treatment in a psychiatric hospital. Moskovchenko was charged in February 2021, followed by a medical examination in June, which found Moskovchenko legally incompetent. On Nov. 2, the court found the man guilty on all counts. Read also: Lviv airport could be reopened, mayor says The court rejected no episode. The verdict sentenced Moskovchenko to mandatory treatment in a psychiatric hospital with reinforced supervision, said Oleh Ivanov, the lawyer who represented the victims. Ivanov also reported that if the patient recovers and the medical evaluation confirms it, the court will return to reviewing the indictment. If he does not recover, he will spend the rest of his life in a psychiatric hospital. According to media reports, Moskovchenko committed crimes against minors over the course of seven years, starting 2005, when he worked as a coordinator of external relations at the St. Sophia School-Gymnasium. It was also reported that Moskovchenko did not intimidate his victims, making them psychologically dependent on him instead, ensuring that his victims did not come forward for many years. One of the victims reported Moskovchenkos actions to the police when she was already 22 years old in December 2019. She convinced several other girls to file reports against offender. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine By David Latona and Miguel Gutierrez MADRID (Reuters) -Four people detained after two climate activists glued their hands to the frames of two iconic paintings by Francisco de Goya at Madrid's Prado Museum to protest global warming have been released from custody, a Spanish court said on Monday. One of the activists, Samuel Gomez, 18, apologised to art lovers but said he felt "fear and panic every day I realise I'm not going to have a future." "It's our duty as citizens to act resorting to civil disobedience despite it being a quite horrible process, personally. But I believe it's necessary because we are fighting for our lives and need to act now." The four, who were arrested on Saturday after the protest action, remain under investigation for alleged crimes against the "artistic-historical patrimony." Those who cause damage to property of historic or artistic value in Spain can be sentenced to imprisonment of at least six months or a fine. The two other people detained were a reporter and a photojournalist working for news portal El Salto who were covering the protest, according to a story published by the outlet. Footage of the incident showed a young man and a woman attaching themselves to Goya's "La Maja Vestida" (The Clothed Maja) and his "La Maja Desnuda" (The Naked Maja), and painting "+1.5 C" on the wall between the two works. The two activists, Alba del Rio, 21, and Gomez told Reuters following their release that they had no intention of damaging the artworks and only wanted to send a message about the danger of rising global temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions, intensive animal farming and deforestation. "We are overwhelmed by the many hours we spent in the detention cell," Gomez said, but added they were happy with the widespread media coverage their protest had garnered. Groups of climate activists have mounted a series of similar demonstrations around famous works of art at several European museums in recent weeks in the build-up to the COP27 climate change conference in Egypt. The Prado said its paintings, created at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, had not been damaged, but their frames faced slight damages. The graffiti on the wall was quickly painted over. (Reporting by David Latona, Miguel Gutierrez and Guillermo Martinez; Editing by Inti Landauro, Bernadette Baum and Aurora Ellis) Amadeus, a leading IT provider for the global travel and tourism industry, recently welcomed more than 250 industry leaders from across the globe to Altitude 22 to discuss next phase of innovation in Dubai, UAE. The event showcased the opportunities this new era of travel will bring. Formerly known as the annual Airlines Executive Summit (AES), the event returned following a two-year hiatus in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Over two days at the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, key decision makers, technology partners, industry associations and media discussed how the industry can drive business success and transformation for airlines. Debate and discussion at Altitude 22 focused on how it was the right time for aviation around the globe and in the Middle East to seize a new era of opportunities. Industry leaders sought information on how to provide exceptional experiences, across the full end-to-end journey, for the modern, digital, next-generation traveller. This covered all areas, from inspiration to smooth airport experiences and boarding to on- and post-trip services. The latest technologies focusing on offer and order management were presented as the way of the future to enable modern, customer-centric retailing capabilities through rich, dynamic, and optimized offers and simplification. Frank Meyer, Chief Digital Officer, Etihad, said: Following its new partnership with Amadeus last year, Etihad Airways has been building new capabilities on all its touchpoints to deliver the highest quality of product and service. Altitude 22 gathered aviation experts from across the globe and presented Etihad the opportunity to collaborate with its partners and share exactly how the airline is revolutionizing air travel for its guests and industry through innovation and technology. Hoor Al Khaja, Associate Vice President, International Operations, Dubais Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) added: We are delighted to have welcomed Amadeus to Dubai for Altitude 2022, as the event is hosted in this region for the first time. Events such as Altitude 2022 are essential in showcasing how we, as tourism and airline industry experts, can transform the sector and stay ahead of the curve, enabling us to forge new paths ahead. As the global recovery continues, Dubai has reinforced its position as a global hub for business, investment, and tourism. In the first six months of the year, we welcomed 7.12 million visitors to the city, compared to 2.50 million visitors for the same period of 2021. The aviation sector is a key driver of growth for our tourism industry, with Dubai International Airport (DXB) being one of the busiest airports in the world for international passenger traffic. With the resurgence of travel and the evidence that tourism in Dubai, and around the world, is firmly back on track, we are committed to further enhancing collaborative efforts across the public and private sectors to build on these achievements and reinforce Dubai's position at the forefront of the worlds leading travel destinations. Maher Koubaa, Executive Vice President, Airlines, EMEA, Amadeus, said: Aviation in the Middle East is at a pivotal moment, as the market continues to reopen and harness opportunities for further transformation. With domestic travel expected to reach pre-Covid-19 levels next year and international travel by 2025, we are optimistic for the future - the time is now to take action, reinvent how we do things and renew travel.- TradeArabia News Service The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is looking for a suspect in connection with a sexual assault that happened shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Saturday. ALSO READ: Suspect arrested after violent sexual assault in northwest Charlotte Officers were called to Memorial Parkway off West Tyvola Road in southwest Charlotte. A hotel employee reported that she had been sexually assaulted. >>Watch Channel 9s LIVE STREAM wherever you are, at this link The suspect is a man believed to be between 30 and 45 years old. He is 5 feet, 9 inches tall with an average build. Detectives gathered surveillance footage in this ongoing investigation. Neighbors, including Ammu Mery, said they will take extra precautions until the suspect is caught. I always go with my husband, so I never face anything unusual, Mery said. Resident Rosie Chinchay said its unusual that a serious crime took place near her home so shes not taking any chances. I guess (its about) staying alert and vigilant about whats around you, she said. The earlier sunset keeps Chinchay on alert during her nighttime routine. It gets darker now, sooner, so go out a little bit earlier, walking my pups, Chinchay said. Chinchay said she didnt notice anything out of the ordinary during her walks over the weekend. Very surprised, she said. Especially because I didnt know of the incident. Another sexual attack was reported over the weekend in the Queen City. Octavis Wayne Deandra Wilson, 29, is accused of beating and raping a woman walking home along Tuckaseegee Road on Friday night. Wilson was arrested. Return to this story for updates. VIDEO: Suspect arrested after violent sexual assault in northwest Charlotte Tesla CEO and Twitter owner Elon Musk. (Frederic > Brown/AFP via Getty Images) At the heart of Elon Musk's public persona is his image as an engineering and managerial genius. How else could he build Tesla into the world's leading electric vehicle company, creating a profitable market for an entirely new technology? Or strip down the costs of space flight to turn SpaceX into the low-cost bid-winner for government rocket launching? Musk's image has won him a legion of adoring fans, many of whom see him as a savior of a globally warming Earth or, alternatively, the savior of humanity through his plan to transport civilization to an unpolluted Mars. You become a hero to fringe people, and then they embrace you.... It must be very seductive. John P. Moore, Cornell medical school That image has taken a hit in recent months, thanks to Musk's misadventure with Twitter. The doubts originated with his whimsical offer last April to buy the social media platform for $44 billion, his transparent wriggling to get out of the vastly overpriced deal, and his ultimate capitulation in the face of the near-certain prospect that a Delaware court would order him to complete the transaction at the original agreed price. Musk's actions since taking over Twitter on Oct. 27 have been so destructive to the platform's functioning and reputation that the question is raised of whether, rather than being a genius, Musk is in fact an idiot. Perhaps that's extreme. But it's proper to examine how and why someone so unquestionably successful in his business career thus far has gone off the rails now. The doubts about whether Musk knows what he's doing have intensified in the 11 days since he assumed ownership of Twitter. On his first day in charge, he fired the company's top executives. Since then, he has taken a series of steps that have unnerved the platform's community of more than 200 million users and prompted its most important advertisers to suspend their Twitter ad campaigns. Among other things, Musk fired Twitter's top management and a large cadre of the staff assigned to screening tweets for hateful and bigoted content and blocking offenders. Story continues He has replaced Twitter's identity verification policy, which ensured that prominent account holders were who they said they were and endowed their profiles with a blue checkmark, with a system awarding the blue check to anyone willing to pay $7.99 a month for it. Musk has also issued confusing and contradictory tweets about his approach to content moderation in the guise of upholding "free speech." That has left users wondering whether Twitter is about to become a haven for hatemongers, racists and antisemites. In the first day after Musk took over, tweets using the "n-word" increased by 1,300%, according to the data analysis firm Dataminr, quoted by Bloomberg. Twitter has had a massive drop in revenue, due to activist groups pressuring advertisers, even though nothing has changed with content moderation and we did everything we could to appease the activists. Extremely messed up! Theyre trying to destroy free speech in America. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 4, 2022 Uncertainty about the tone of content on Twitter has prompted at least temporary ad suspensions by General Motors, Audi, General Mills, Mondelez (the maker of Oreos), Pfizer and numerous other companies, according to their statements and other reports. Musk has responded to the suspensions truculently. In a Nov. 4 tweet he blamed the suspensions on "activist groups pressuring advertisers." He added, "They're trying to destroy free speech in America." (It's unclear whether he was referring to the advertisers or the purported "activist groups.") In a subsequent tweet, he threatened to subject fleeing advertisers to "a thermonuclear name & shame." None of this, obviously, is likely to make Twitter look like a more alluring destination to advertisers. Whether they ultimately return, one would think that any brand managers at consumer companies who advise their bosses that now is the time to double down with their spending on Twitter will be placing their careers in jeopardy. No company led by even marginally intelligent executives wants to risk its reputation by associating with tweets celebrating racism, antisemitism or hatefulness in general. What Musk doesn't appear to recognize is that his own behavior is driving away users and advertisers. Since his takeover, he retweeted a crude, crass and fabricated conspiracy theory about the violent assault on Paul Pelosi, the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco). He also retweeted, approvingly, a quote ostensibly defending free speech and commonly but erroneously attributed to Voltaire; it's more reliably attributed to an American neo-Nazi named Kevin Strom. How could someone so reputedly smart do such stupid things? To begin with, it's not unusual for someone with a distinguished and accomplished career record to veer into crackpotism. Among the best known examples in science and engineering are Nobel laureates William Shockley and James D. Watson. Shockley received his Nobel in 1956 as a member of the team that invented the transistor at Bell Laboratories. His management skills were so atrocious that he single-handedly destroyed his own company, Shockley Semiconductor. He subsequently became known for advocating the overtly racist theory that welfare and relief programs prevented natural selection from killing off the bottom of the population," giving "inferior strains" such as (in his view) Black people, "increased chances for survival and reproduction." Watson, who won his Nobel with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins for their discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA and later headed the Human Genome Project for the National Institutes of Health, veered into asserting that Black people are intellectually inferior to whites and attributing the difference to genetic factors. The claims turned him into a scientific "unperson," in his words, and lost him sinecures at business and scientific institutions. Both men's arguments are contradicted by science. The phenomenon "extends way beyond scienceit's a human condition," says John P. Moore, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Cornell's medical school who has written about the career of Peter Duesberg. A distinguished UC Berkeley molecular biologist who claimed that HIV was not the cause of AIDS and described the disease as "a fabricated epidemic," Duesberg was consequently "dismissed by his peers and ridiculed by his colleagues," as Richard Horton, editor of the British medical journal the Lancet, observed in 1996. Moore attributes some of these renegade behaviors to midlife crises suffered by smart individuals whose careers or professional recognition hasn't lived up to their expectations. Racked by professional jealousy, they seek validation from other communities. "You become a hero to fringe people, and then they embrace you," Moore told me. "If you have that psychological need for some kind of affirmation from people you're interacting with, it must be very seductive." David Gorski, a veteran debunker of pseudoscience, identifies "hubris, arrogance, and ego gratification" as traits of trained physicians who turn into quacks and anti-vaxxers. One might point to Joseph Ladapo, a graduate of Harvard Medical School and former faculty member at UCLA Medical School, who has spearheaded Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' campaign against the COVID vaccines and presumably receives validation from the approval of DeSantis, who appointed him. Those circumstances may not fully fit Musk, though his emergence as a champion of anti-liberal conspiracy theories certainly has made him a darling of the far right. More relevant may be the observations of Oxford psychologist Kevin Dutton in his 2012 book "The Wisdom of Psychopaths." Dutton defines psychopaths as not necessarily violent or criminal but as those who are "fearless, confident, charismatic, ruthless, and focused" qualities that can be beneficial for, say, surgeons or pro athletes, and would seem to suit Musk perfectly. They need to be kept under control. "If you push all of them to max," Dutton argues, the product will be "no use to anyone." But if they're wielded by degree, "you may well have a surgeon who's a cut above the rest." Musk seems to have turned up his qualities of fearlessness, confidence and ruthlessness to the max. One consequence appears to be his resistance to learning anything from business history or, indeed, from his own business career. Musk has fallen into the trap of hubris by misreading the success of Tesla and SpaceX as testaments to his personal wisdom. Both companies, however, have relied on unusual, if not unique, advantages. Tesla has collected enormous government subsidies $3.6 billion in federal and state grants, rebates and tax abatements dating to 2006, according to the subsidy tracker at the nonprofit Good Jobs First. That figure doesn't include a $465-million loan issued by the Department of Energy in 2010 to help fund Tesla's electric vehicle technology development, which has been repaid. Nor does it include the federal rebate of up to $7,500 that Tesla buyers received through the end of 2019, a total of more than $1.5 billion spent to make Teslas more affordable. The credit expired after Tesla sold its 200,000th vehicle. It will resume next year, albeit applicable only to the company's least expensive sedan, the Model 3. Tesla buyers have also received a total of $436 million in California state rebates; at least 18 other states have had some sort of incentive program in place. Those subsidies saw Tesla through periods in which its financial weaknesses might otherwise have led to the company's extinction. Tesla also has benefited from being the only game in town for much of its existence, as the company hasn't faced serious competition in the mass market for electric vehicles until very recently and rivals are still in the process of tooling up. Musk must realize that Tesla is facing lots of headwinds just now. The company's stock has fallen by 50% since it peaked almost exactly one year ago. As for SpaceX, it owes much of its success to its president and chief operating officer, Gwynne Shotwell, who runs the day-to-day activities at the firm. Musk deserves credit for hiring Shotwell away from Microcosm, an El Segundo rocket company, and staying out of her way while taking credit for the company's achievements as a government contractor. Twitter is different from both those companies. Twitter isn't in line for government handouts and even for its most devoted users it isn't close to the only social media platform and nowhere near the largest. For advertisers, Twitter is a marketing option, and even before Musk's takeover, not the most inviting one in the social media space. Musk also hasn't internalized the lesson taught by such marketing fiascos as the introduction of new Coke in 1985, which the Coca-Cola Co. itself labels "one of the most memorable marketing blunders ever." Its lesson was that you shouldn't make abrupt changes to your product that alienate your old customers before you've attracted new ones. Another lesson is not to make changes in a company until you understand it. Musk bulldozed Twitter with undiscerning changes in its management, policies and personnel, sowing chaos in ways he plainly didn't anticipate. After firing half its staff, he discovered that he eviscerated some departments Twitter needs to function; the company has started to invite some fired workers back to work. The problem may be that Musk saw Twitter through the lens of his own experience as a user. He had among the largest user bases on the platform, and one that both followed him slavishly and also attracted a surfeit of fake accounts and bots. Some of his friends and followers were getting suspended or banned from Twitter for abusive tweets, which affronted his personal definition of "free speech." He thought everyone felt the way he did, because he made no effort to determine how Twitter looked to the average user and its advertisers. It's possible that Musk's take-no-prisoners approach will make Twitter stronger in time. At the moment, however, its very future is in doubt, hobbled by an estimated $1-billion annual interest bill from Musk's takeover debt while it hemorrhages users and advertisers. That's all on him. He may have looked like a business genius before now, but at the moment the only thing he has accomplished with Twitter is to make himself look stupid. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Comedian Kathy Griffin's Twitter account was suspended Sunday, the same day she changed her page's title to "Elon Musk" and mocked the new CEO. It wasn't clear whether the suspension was permanent or a direct result of her mockery. It came as Musk announced that accounts that impersonate celebrities and other notables would be prohibited unless they're labeled "parody." Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying parody will be permanently suspended Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 6, 2022 Twitters policy has always prohibited impersonation, but the immediate action is new. Musk would appear to be the main beneficiary of his policy, which might seem to contradict his claim to be a "free speech absolutist." Examples of suspensions for impersonating other people without the "parody" label were few. They include a user whose page impersonated right-wing provocateur Andy Ngo, who appealed to Musk personally to take action, and someone whose page impersonated actor Keanu Reeves to criticize Musk's "parody" policy. Here are the verified two accounts that Ive seen suspended for impersonating someone other than Elon Musk: - Someone impersonating right-wing provocateur Andy Ngo, who appealed to Musk personally - A guy impersonating Keanu Reeves, who did it to troll Musks new policy pic.twitter.com/u07Yjd6y4k Ben Collins (@oneunderscore__) November 7, 2022 In recent days, a wave of Twitter users changed their page titles to his and made statements intended to critique his libertarian outlook and tenure at the platform, which he controls after organizing a $44 billion purchase. Story continues Griffin used her "Elon Musk" account Sunday to urge Americans to vote for Democrats in the midterm elections Tuesday to preserve abortion rights. "Ive decided that voting blue for their choice is only right," she wrote as Musk. Griffin's spokespeople and Twitter public relations representatives didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. Musk has been widely criticized for his shaky start running Twitter after he criticized its content moderation and promised a new era of free speech. Some feared that former President Donald Trump, banned for allegedly inciting his supporters' violent invasion of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, would be allowed to return. Musk said last week, however, that those who have been prohibited were unlikely to return. He also quickly cut the Twitter workforce, expected to be reduced by 3,700 employees, to nearly half its size, and, in the process, reduced the company's ability to monitor disinformation and propaganda. Lies and disingenuous memes on social media have poisoned U.S. elections in the last seven years. Bloomberg reported Sunday that Twitter is trying to rehire some of the laid-off employees, discovering that some would be necessary to roll out some of Musk's new initiatives. Bloomberg's reporting was based on two unnamed sources familiar with the company's personnel situation. Only three days after having taken over Twitter under the idea he could both expand free speech and police disinformation, Musk tweeted a publication's wholly unfounded story about the attack on Paul Pelosi, the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., suggesting, "There is a tiny possibility there might be more to this story than meets the eye." Musk's plan to charge $8 a month for verified accounts for just about anyone, VIPs to the average person, riled up many of his celebrity users who enjoyed the status connected to having the site's iconic blue check mark on their pages. That appears to be part of what inspired many to switch their page names to Elon Musk. By using the photos he uses on his page, the accounts appeared to be his, save for their handles and URLs. On Sunday, comedian Sarah Silverman tweeted that her account had been locked multiple times since Musk took over Oct. 27. She participated in the wave of Musk impersonations, tweeting under his name, "I am a freedom of speech absolutist and I eat doody for breakfast every day." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (Getty/iStock/Toyota/Amazon/American Express) Dozens of companies that pledged to withhold donations to members of Congress who objected to the 2020 presidential election results after the January 6 insurrection have since resumed some of those contributions, according to recent campaign filings. The Independent reviewed data compiled by Accountable.Uss Corporate Donation Tracker and examined only corporations that released a statement pledging to withhold donations to election deniers after the Capitol attack, tracking them from 7 January 2021 to the most recent campaign filings as of Friday. At least 80 companies, business organisations, or corporate political action committees donated a total of more than $6m to at least one of the 147 members of the House or Representatives and eight of the United States Senators who objected to election results after they had said they would either withhold money or review their practices. The American Bankers Associations PAC, known as BANKPAC, donated the most to Republicans who objected, contributing $724,000 to 109 Republicans, with $10,500 going to Representative Michael Guest of Mississippis 3rd District. Other companies that said that they would refrain from giving to election deniers included Amazon. After the company said it had suspended contributions to any Member of Congress who voted to override the results of the US Presidential election, its PAC subsequently contributed to nine different Republicans who voted to object, Gizmodo reported last month. Among the recipients were representatives August Pfliger of Texas; Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma; Tom Cole of Oklahoma; Darrell Issa of California; Garrett Graves of Louisiana; Sam Graves of Missouri; Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida; Mike Rogers of Alabama; and Rob Wittman of Virginia. In February of this year, it also contributed $30,000 to the National Republican Congressional Campaign Committee, the House GOPs campaign arm. In an email to The Independent, Amazon said that it has long given to members of both parties. Story continues When we announced shortly after the attack on the Capitol in January 2021 that we would suspend donations to members of Congress who voted against certifying the results of the 2020 U.S. Presidential election, it was not intended to be permanent, it said. Its been more than 21 months since that suspension and, like a number of companies, weve resumed giving to some members. But Lindsey Melki of Accountable.Us said that caps on donations are for the entire cycle, which means that it makes no difference whether a company contributed in January 2021 or September 2022. The result is the same tacit endorsement of those who reject the democratic ideals shared by most Americans, she told The Independent. It sends a clear message that politicians who devalue democracy need only wait out phony condemnations of their behaviour from corporate donors, which only threatens our fragile democracy more. Robert Maguire, research director at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, also criticised the defense. If an actual attack on the Capitol that aims to stop the peaceful transfer of power and essentially reinstall the losing candidate as president cant stop major donors from giving to these lawmakers who hold power over their business in one way or another, then what will? he told The Independent. Mr Maguire said that tracking campaign contributions mattered because the lie that the election was stolen from former president Donald Trump has become a core tenet of Republican ideology. Every day is January 6 now, he said. The emergency that was exposed on January 6 did not start on January 6 and did not end on January 6. We still are facing a losing candidate who is spreading lies about winning an election that he lost, and that lie is forming the basis of legislation around the country that is aiming to make it more difficult to vote, that is aiming to disenfranchise the votes of communities of colour. Senior Republicans received most of the contributions from PACs. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who is set to be speaker of the House if Republicans win the majority on Tuesday, received contributions from 31 groups that pledged to withhold donations from election deniers, as did House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, who would likely become House Majority Leader in a GOP-controlled House. Representative Elise Stefanik of New York, who replaced Representative Liz Cheney as chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, received money from 16 organizations that put out a statement and 89 entities altogether. But not all election deniers are equal in the eyes of corporate sponsors. Members like Representatives Matt Gaetz of Florida, Paul Gosar of Arizona and Lauren Boebert of Colorado only received money from groups that did not pledge to withhold or review their donations. Conversely, Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who lost her committee assignments shortly after the insurrection, and Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina, who lost his primary this year, received no money from corporate PACs. Representative Tom Rice of South Carolina voted to object to the 2020 election results but then voted to impeach Mr Trump for his role in the January 6 riot. Many corporate PACs made contributions to his campaign after his impeachment vote. Mr Rice lost his primary earlier this year to Republican Russell Fry. Some companies have faced a backlash when they went back on their word, as was the case when Toyota said in July of last year it would refrain from giving to candidates who objected to the 2020 election. The company gave to a number of Republicans who did, including Jackie Walorsk of Indiana (who died earlier this year in a car crash), Representative David Kustoff of Tennessee, as well as Representatives Trent Kelly of Mississippi and Garrett Graves of Louisiana. CBS News originally reported the story earlier this year. Similarly, American Express, which reiterated its commitment six months ago, then contributed $10,000 to election objector Blaine Luetkemeyer of Missouris 3rd District. Our PAC contributes to legislators on a bipartisan basis based on a range of policy matters important to our company, colleagues, and customers, American Express said in a statement to The Independent. We resumed contributions to a handful of representatives after an 18-month pause. We will continue to regularly review contributions to individual campaigns as we consider future PAC distributions. The Independent had reached out to Amazon, American Express, Toyota, and the American Bankers Association for comment. Many corporations recognize our democracy is under assault and have made broad proclamations supporting democratic ideals, Ms Melki of Accountable.Us said. But many of these same corporations have continued to support policymakers and organizations that continue to baselessly question the integrity of our elections. But not every company is giving to election deniers. Microsoft kept good on its promise to fund democracy programmes and research promotion. Mr Maguire of CREW argued there was a business case not to give to election deniers. The companies that are giving are actually in some instances shooting themselves in the foot in the long term, in return for short term access and influence that they will get this year and over the next two years, he said. Thats because business, especially big business, depends on stability. They depend on the rule of law to actually do business and make the money that makes them so wealthy. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (Reuters) - Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Monday said the Netherlands will increase its annual contribution to climate finance in developing countries to 1.8 billion euros, about 50% above 2021 levels, by 2025. Speaking at the opening of the COP27 climate summit in Egypt, Rutte said the increase would include a 100 million euro donation to the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme, a joint initiative of the African Development Bank and the Global Center on Adaptation. "This money needs to go to those hit hardest by climate change", he said. ($1 = 1.0011 euros) (Reporting by Toby Sterling; Editing by Chris Reese) Boris Johnson has said nations cannot "go weak and wobbly" on climate change targets, as he attended COP27 in Egypt. Speaking in Sharm el-Sheikh, the ex-prime minister said the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions had suffered as a result of the Ukraine war. His comments were echoed by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. Mr Johnson also said he was glad Mr Sunak was attending COP27 - adding he was on "absolutely the right lines". In return, Mr Sunak said the presence of both the current and former prime ministers showed the UK's commitment to tackling climate change. "It is great that the former prime minister is here," Mr Sunak said. "It just demonstrates our leadership on this issue globally." World leaders have gathered at the Red Sea resort for two weeks of talks on climate action. On Monday evening, Mr Sunak addressed the summit, insisting that investing in green infrastructure is morally the right thing to do. He also told those gathered that the war in Ukraine is a reason to act faster to tackle climate change. "Climate and energy security go hand-in-hand," he said in his first international appearance since taking office. "Putin's abhorrent war in Ukraine and rising energy prices across the world are not a reason to go slow on climate change. They are a reason to act faster," Mr Sunak said. Earlier in the day, speaking at a New York Times event, Mr Johnson warned it was not the moment "to give in to Putin's energy blackmail". "The reason I'm here is because I am worried that the discussion about Ukraine, about what's happening there, is having all sorts of bad effects," he said. "It's making people anxious about net zero, it's making people anxious about whether we can really do it." He continued: "I think that the risk is that some people will go weak and wobbly on net zero, we can't have that." Story continues Boris Johnson spoke at a fringe event during COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt In simple terms, reaching net zero means getting to a point where you are not adding to the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It can be achieved by reducing greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible and balancing out any that remain by removing an equivalent amount - either through natural means, like trees, which absorb carbon dioxide, or using technology. Many countries, like the UK, have set targets of reaching net zero by 2050. Mr Johnson warned "corrosive cynicism" had developed over net zero following the spike in oil and gas prices. "People have drawn the conclusion that the whole project of net zero needs to be delayed, mothballed and put on ice - for instance we need to reopen coal-fired power stations and frack the hell out of the British countryside," he said, in an apparent dig at his successor Liz Truss. "So I believe here at Sharm is a moment where we really have to tackle this nonsense head on." Some Conservative MPs have called for a rethink of how the UK gets to net zero, with candidates in the summer's Tory leadership contest voicing concerns about the economic cost. Ms Truss's government ended the ban on shale gas fracking before her resignation as prime minister. Her successor Mr Sunak has since reinstated the ban, a 2019 Conservative manifesto pledge. Rishi Sunak has called for the world to move faster on its transition to renewable energy Mr Johnson explained he was at COP27 in a "purely supportive role". Mr Sunak initially said he would not attend COP27. He changed his decision following criticism from climate campaigners, opposition parties and COP26 President Alok Sharma. When asked if Mr Sunak was wrong to push for more oil and gas from the North Sea, Mr Johnson said it was right in the short term to recognise that there would be a transition period. Mr Johnson added: "[Rishi Sunak] made an outstanding speech the other day. He's on absolutely the right lines." Analysis box by Justin Rowlatt, climate editor This was a very Johnsonian example of self-promotion. "I am the spirit of Glasgow's COP26," he told the New York Times audience. The man who once criticised wind power as not capable of "pulling the skin off a rice pudding", is now ridiculing a Daily Telegraph journalist who questioned wind power's capabilities. He boasted about the great achievements he claimed for the COP conference he oversaw as British prime minister. There certainly were some ambitious pledges on finance, forests, cars, coal, methane and more made there. But this conference is about delivering on those promises and that is a much tougher agenda. Tougher, because it means getting countries to actually cough up cash. Johnson urged his audience to call forth the "can-do Promethean spirit that will get us out of this mess". Put the electric throttle to the floor was his message. But was this really directed at the audience in the hall or at the UK's current prime minister, Rishi Sunak, attending the leaders' reception here in Egypt, a few miles away? LONDON There were no cutting ties at Cop27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, for the U.N. climate summit being held there until Nov. 18. For the official group photo at the opening ceremony on Monday, political leaders and representatives from 190 countries posed in their best formal suits to debate climate change adaptation, climate finance, decarbonization, agriculture and biodiversity over the next week. More from WWD The somber image is miles away from the more relaxed scene at the 48th G7 Summit in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, where Italys Prime Minister Mario Draghi; Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; French President Emmanuel Macron; German Chancellor Olaf Scholz; U.S. President Joe Biden; then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stood on a piece of wood plank in crisp white shirts with collars popped open and no neckties in sight. That affair was an ephemeral breath of fresh air from the usual hustle and bustle of political uniforms. At Cop27, it was back to business and formality as a majority of the leaders opted for the safe, classic suit in black, navy and gray. The standouts at the summit were the leaders from the Arabian Peninsula and African continent wearing traditional dress from their native countries. Crown Prince and deputy Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah; Saudi Arabia Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir, and Bahrains Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa all donned their gold trimmed bisht. Crown Prince and deputy Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah; Saudi Arabia Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir, and Bahrains Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa all donned their gold trimmed bisht (a cloak typically made from camel hair and goat wool) worn with a keffiyeh and agal, the traditional scarf with the black cord accessory to keep it in place. Director-general of the World Trade Organization Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala wore a navy blue wax print top and skirt with a matching gele, a traditional head tie. As a whole, it feels stiff, detached and traditional, with the only strength of personality or presence coming from the leaders wearing more elaborate clothes, said Peter Bevan, a London-based menswear stylist. Story continues It seems the western world is out-of-date, in stark contrast to those who are clearly proud of their culture. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meets with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen wore a dusty pink double-breasted blazer with a pink T-shirt and small beaded necklace. Her uniform of statement blazers with black trousers has been standard since the early 2000s when she was part of German Chancellor Angela Merkels cabinet. Britains new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who did a U-turn on his decision to attend the summit, arrived at the airport in Sharm El Sheikh wearing a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up paired with navy trousers and Oxford brown shoes. Sunak, a sharper dresser than his predecessor, later donned a black suit with a printed turquoise necktie for the official photo. He has been a great supporter of British tailoring, eschewing Savile Row and opting for a young, low-key tailor such as Henry Herbert, who makes a large portion of his suits. A few days earlier, Sunak was mingling with Stella McCartney during a reception hosted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace for Cop27. I do think its not the end of the tie and theyre not dying. Im hearing from clients and people that they are buying ties more now because theyve always been a really beautiful thing that doesnt cost too much money that you can collect and spice up your wardrobe with, said Dominic Sebag-Montefiore, creative director of Edward Sexton. The intention of buttoning up at the Cop27 is a sartorial message from the world leaders that theyre aware of the current issues surrounding everyone, such as the cost of living crisis. Were currently in a state of crisis recovery from the pandemic, to rapidly rising energy and gas prices which is forcing some European countries to return to coal fired power generation, and some are even facing food shortages, so the leaders are perhaps trying to send out a strong message that theyre serious about dealing with the significant problems at hand, Bevan said. Even though fashion doesnt always take to the main stage at these summits, the Egyptian Ministry of Environment will be presenting the Green Fashion program at the conference. The program was set up in 2018 by three native youths to tackle and raise awareness around ethical fashion practices in Egypt. If the political leaders leave with one thing on Nov. 18, it should be the acknowledgement that fashion is as much a part of the climate change conversation as gas and oil. Best of WWD Click here to read the full article. Road with COP27 sign World leaders are discussing action to tackle climate change at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt. It follows a year of climate-related disasters and broken temperature records. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is attending, having previously said he would not. What is COP27? United Nations (UN) climate summits are held every year, for governments to agree steps to limit global temperature rises. They are referred to as COPs, which stands for "Conference of the Parties". The parties are the attending countries that signed up to the original UN climate agreement in 1992. COP27 is the 27th annual UN meeting on climate. It is taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh until 18 November. Why is COP27 important? The world is warming because of emissions produced by humans, mostly from burning fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal. Global temperatures have risen 1.1C and are heading towards 1.5C, according to the UN's climate scientists, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). If temperatures rise 1.7 to 1.8C above 1850s levels, the IPCC estimates that half the word's population could be exposed to life-threatening heat and humidity. To prevent this, 194 countries signed the Paris Agreement in 2015, pledging to "pursue efforts" to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C. The Pakistani floods this year are a "wake-up call" to the world on the threats of climate change, experts have said Who will be at COP27? More than 200 governments have been invited. In a speech on Monday Mr Sunak is set to urge world leaders at COP27 to move "further and faster" in transitioning to renewable energy. He will say Russia's invasion of Ukraine "reinforced" the importance of ending dependence on fossil fuels. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson is also going, but King Charles will not be there, following government advice. However, he held a pre-conference reception at Buckingham Palace. Vladimir Putin is not due to go, although Russian delegates are still expected to take part. Story continues Other countries, including China, have not confirmed whether their leaders will attend. Hosts Egypt called on countries to put their differences aside and "show leadership" on the issue of climate change. Environmental charities, community groups, think tanks, businesses and faith groups will also take part. Where is COP27 taking place? The conference is taking place in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. This will be the fifth time a COP has been hosted in Africa. The region's governments hope it will draw attention to the severe impacts of climate change on the continent. The IPCC says Africa is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world. Currently, 20 million people are estimated to be facing food insecurity in east Africa because of drought. However, choosing Egypt as the venue has attracted controversy. Some human rights and climate campaigners say the government has stopped them attending because they have criticised its rights record. What will be discussed at COP27? Ahead of the meeting, countries were asked to submit ambitious national climate plans. Only 25 have done so to date. COP27 will focus on three main areas: Reducing emissions Helping countries to prepare for and deal with climate change Securing technical support and funding for developing countries for the above Some areas not fully resolved or covered at COP26 will be picked up: Loss and damage finance - money to help countries recover from the effects of climate change, rather than just prepare for it Establishment of a global carbon market - to price the effects of emissions into products and services globally Strengthen the commitments to reduce coal use There will also be themed days on issues including gender, agriculture and biodiversity. Some of the key phrases you will hear: Paris accord: The 2015 Paris Agreement united all the world's nations - for the first time - in a single agreement on tackling global warming and cutting greenhouse gas emissions IPCC: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change examines the latest research into climate change 1.5C: Keeping the rise in global average temperature below 1.5C - compared with pre-industrial times - will avoid the worst impacts of climate change, according to scientists Do we expect any sticking points? Finance has been long been an issue at climate talks. In 2009, developed countries committed to give $100bn (88bn) a year, by 2020, to developing countries to help them reduce emissions and prepare for climate change. The target was missed and moved back to 2023. Climate finance chart including estimated data from 2021 and 2022 But developing nations are also calling for payments for "loss and damage" - the impacts faced now. An option for making such payments was excluded from the Bonn climate talks, after pushback from wealthier nations who feared they would be forced to pay compensation for decades. But the EU agreed that discussions should take place at COP27. How will we know if it has been successful? It depends who you ask. Following intense negotiations, the issue of loss and damage payments is on the official agenda of COP27. Developing countries will also be pushing to have a date set for when they might start to receive payments. Developed nations will be looking for more commitment from large developing countries - such as China, India, Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa - to move away from coal, the dirtiest of the fossil fuels. There are also pledges from last year's meeting - on forests, coal, and methane - that more countries may support. However, some scientists believe world leaders have left it too late and no matter what is agreed at COP27, 1.5C will not be achieved. Will Greta Thunberg attend COP27? Climate activist Greta Thunberg is among the list of those who will not attend. She recently described the global summit as a forum for "greenwashing", saying the COP conferences "encourage gradual progress". Earlier in October she told the BBC's media editor Amol Rajan in an interview: "I'm not needed there... there will be other people who will attend, from the most affected areas. And I think that their voice there is more important." More on climate change top strapline Top image from Reuters. Climate stripes visualisation courtesy of Prof Ed Hawkins and University of Reading. ACI Asia-Pacific has presented a policy paper on decarbonisation at the 6th ICAO Conference for Director General of Civil Aviation for the Middle East in Abu Dhabi, calling for enhanced government support for airports to achieve net zero goals. Acknowledging the suggestions made by ACI Asia-Pacific, the conference urged airport operators in the Middle East to implement the Airport Carbon Accreditation Programme (ACA) and adopt the Airport Carbon and Emissions Reporting Tool (ACERT) in their decarbonisation strategy. Moreover, ACI Asia-Pacific encouraged airports to share best practices and learn from others through its Green Airports Recognition programme, which showcases many innovative solutions. Stefano Baronci, Director General, ACI Asia-Pacific said, We would like to express our gratitude to the Middle Eastern governments for the support they provided the aviation industry during this pandemic. The global agreement for aviation to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 requires the same level of support from governments to incentivise airports and implement plans in partnership to reach net zero goals. To this end, the aviation ecosystem, as a whole, including governments, airports, airlines, and others, must work together. It is encouraging to see airports in the region pursuing net zero targets as they explore potential pathways. There are already 12 airports from the Middle East in Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, recognised at different levels. With over 100 airports in Middle East, we would like to see more airports participating in the ACI ACA programme. Our Airport Carbon Accreditation Mentorship programme is another tool for airports starting their decarbonisation journey, Baronci added. The meeting noted that ACI developed an Airport Carbon and Emissions Reporting Tool (ACERT) that helps airport operators to calculate their own greenhouse gas emissions and encouraged Airports to join the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. Moreover, the Conference encouraged airport operators to implement de-carbonisation strategies, including decarbonising electricity grids, facilitating the switch to renewable energy at airports, and incorporating emissions saving initiatives into in their action plans. Additionally, based on ACI Asia-Pacifics recommendations, the conference supported the adoption of the concept of One-Stop Security (OSS) in the Middle East. OSS has been discussed for many years and the potential benefits that it can bring to the security and efficiency of the entire air transport industry are widely acknowledged. Furthermore, the conference also agreed to encourage States in the Middle East to include APEX in Safety in their National Aviation Safety Plans as a tool to promote aerodrome certification. APEX in Safety is a peer assessment programme where aerodrome safety and operations professionals are invited voluntarily to conduct safety reviews of airports. The reviews have proved helpful for airports to improve safety compliance. The conference accepted ACI Asia-Pacific's suggestions in the principles and objectives for drafting of the MID-Air Transport Strategic Plan 2025-2040 and appointed ACI Asia-Pacific as the co-rapporteur of working group tasked to draft the plan. The plan will define the strategic objectives for the air transport industry of the Middle East in the areas of safety, security, facilitation, environmental protection and air connectivity. In achieving these objectives, the plan will be aimed at providing the Middle East population with better access to air transport, with due consideration of economic, social and environmental developments in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and ICAO Strategic Objectives. TradeArabia News Service A man was arrested for putting the public in danger on a Shelby County interstate, but what caused even more concern for deputies were the threats he made after being placed into custody, according to the Shelby County Sheriffs Office (SCSO). SCSO said that 21-year-old Christopher Caldwell was speeding down I-40 near Germantown Parkway around 12:30 p.m. on October 14. Christopher Caldwell was charged with threating mass violence on school property, reckless driving and speeding. Deputies said they tried to pull Caldwell over but the 21-year-old, in a Lexus, sped past them, reaching 90 mph regardless of the 65 mph speed limit. Due to the traffic conditions at the time, deputies said they turned off their lights and disengaged, but Caldwell continued to taunt deputies, swerving in and out of traffic until he was forced to stop behind multiple vehicles on Germantown Parkway. Deputies approached Caldwell as he was stalled in traffic and took him into custody, SCSO said. Thats when, according to the sheriffs office, Caldwell began making threats about what he would do once he was released, saying that he would put on his tactical gear and would be on the news as well as threatening the next Dallas shooting (an active shooter situation from 2015 which left multiple officers killed in the line of duty) or something like the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas. When deputies searched his Lexus they said they found a handgun, 17 9mm rounds inside a magazine, one box of luger 9mm rounds with 10 9mm rounds left inside as well as one Winchester box of 9mm rounds with 87 9mm rounds inside. Deputies said they also found an empty box of .308 rifle rounds in the front seat of the Lexus. Caldwell was charged with threatening of massing violence on school property, reckless driving and speeding, all misdemeanors. Download the FOX13 Memphis app to receive alerts from breaking news in your neighborhood. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD Trending stories: Former President Donald Trump swept into Ohio on the eve of Tuesdays election to mobilize his supporters and urge them to back J.D. Vance in the states nationally watched U.S. Senate race. Trump spoke to a crowd of roughly 2,000 supporters at Dayton International Airport in Vandalia Monday night. The visit came just hours before midterm elections that will decide which party controls Congress, as well as governors offices and state legislatures across the country. Former President Donald Trump greets Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted during a rally at Wright Bros. Aero Inc. at Dayton International Airport on Monday. Speaking to supporters, Trump said Vance would be an independent senator, focused on Ohios interests alone, who won't be owned by me unfortunately. J.D., you have some very good polls, he said. What the hell am I doing here? We can make this one real short, J.D. Would you like to just do it for a quickie? The event served largely to get Vance over the finish line of a tight Senate race against Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan. Before Trump took the stage, the author and venture capitalist echoed key messages from his campaign on the U.S.-Mexico border, breaking up technology companies and encouraging energy production in Ohio. He also used the airtime to go after his opponent, accusing the 10-term congressman of misleading voters about his views. Ryan has presented himself as a moderate throughout the race and criticized Vance for aligning with extremist politicians like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who spoke at Mondays rally. (Republicans) feel like the extremists have hijacked the party, Ryan said at an event in Delaware last week. Thats why youre seeing a good deal of crossover. I keep seeing Ryan and (Gov. Mike) DeWine signs in peoples yards. I think they just are tired of the extremism. J.D. Vance is the embodiment of the extremism, and theyre just not going to have it. They want their party back. In Vandalia, Vance said its going to be fun to beat Tim Ryan. Im going to enjoy it, Vance said. But lets remember, thats not what were really trying to do here. Thats a side effect. The thing were trying to do is make sure the people of this state get the leadership in Washington, D.C., that they deserve. Story continues Like Vance, Trump devoted part of his speech to castigating Ryan, saying the congressman is trying to jump on the bandwagon and cozy up to him. Ryan has highlighted some areas where he agreed with Trump, particularly on trade policy, but hes also a harsh critic of the former president and his allies. Former President Donald Trump greets U.S. Senate candidate J.D. Vance during a rally at Wright Bros. Aero Inc. at Dayton International Airport on Monday. Trump uses Ohio rally to preview 2024 While Mondays rally was billed as an effort to energize Ohio voters for the midterms, it also served as a preview of the 2024 election cycle. At the end of his speech, Trump said he will make an announcement at his Florida home at Mar-a-Lago on Nov. 15. He did not say what the announcement would be, but he has hinted for months about another run for president in 2024. He also took the crowd through a slideshow of polls that show him ahead in potential matchups against Biden and other GOP contenders. News outlets reported earlier Monday that Trump considered announcing his reelection bid in Ohio. Instead, he aired grievances about Democratic policies, blasted the FBI search of his Mar-a-Lago home, and criticized investigations into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He also referenced the man charged with raping a 10-year-old Ohio girl, noting that the suspect is an undocumented immigrant. He did not mention that the girl traveled to Indiana to get an abortion because her pregnancy was beyond the six-week limit under a state law that went into effect after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June. Biden, Pelosi and the radical Democrats spend all their time obsessing over the borders of distant foreign nations, Trump said. Americans deserve a Congress and a president to protect the borders of our nation. U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan speaks before former President Donald Trump at a rally Monday in Vandalia, near Dayton Trump supporters weigh in on J.D. Vance, Gov. Mike DeWine Ohioans who attended Mondays rally were there first and foremost to see Trump. But they also said they were ready to vote for Republicans up and down the ballot Tuesday, arguing Democrats are taking the country in the wrong direction. Im totally supporting J.D. Vance, DeWine, all of them, Debbie Burnam said. Im voting straight Republican. I would never vote for a Democrat. Still, some attendees werent enthusiastic about their options. Julie Matheny said Vance is kind of boring and hasnt run an effective campaign. Barbara Silver said she wasnt thrilled with Gov. Mike DeWine, who faced blowback within his party for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vance also had obstacles to overcome with staunch supporters of the former president. He was critical of Trump during the 2016 campaign cycle, at one point comparing Trump to Americas Hitler. He has since said he was wrong and ultimately secured Trumps endorsement during the GOP Senate primary. But Burnam thinks those comments might be part of why some Ohioans are splitting the ticket and voting for DeWine and Ryan. J.D Vance didnt support Trump at the beginning, and also we have so many union workers that are probably for Tim Ryan," Burnam said. "But I think its because he didnt support Trump at the very beginning, and I think that people just dont forget that, especially Republicans. DeWine attended Mondays rally, marking the first Trump event he appeared at in years. Trump encouraged the crowd to support the governors reelection bid against former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley and blasted her tenure leading the city. When Trump invited DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted up on stage, some in the crowd booed them. Well, that was a very nice welcome, Trump said after they left. But hes up by 25 points or something. Other statewide officials, including Secretary of State Frank LaRose, were also in attendance. Before Trump and Vance spoke, the crowd heard from members of Ohios congressional delegation including U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, and GOP newcomers running in key congressional races. Haley BeMiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. Nolan Simmons is a fellow in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism's Statehouse News Bureau. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Donald Trump campaigns in Ohio ahead of Election Day in Ohio Criminals are carrying out a disturbing trend where they are using ride-sharing vehicles to abduct minors, according to one of the nations top law enforcement agencies. "It's affected my school life, my friends, my family," one 15-year-old girl who was a victim of an attempted abduction said in 2019, according to ABC News. "It's had such a negative impact on me. Everywhere I go, I feel scared because I'm so much more aware of my surroundings now." The teenager recounted that she had frequently used ride-sharing services in the New York area, but in the summer of 2019, an Uber driver picked her up and tried to abduct her. The Nassau County District Attorney's Office said at the time that the driver tried to force her to go to her home, "where he intended to sexually assault her." Now, the FBI is warning that similar incidents have become a "trend," and issued a public service announcement making Americans aware. TEXAS AUTHORITIES STOP UBER DRIVER SMUGGLING SEVERAL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS "Since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, law enforcement received several reports of rideshare services being used to facilitate child abduction," the FBI said last month in the PSA, the Hill reported. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The federal agency warned that the criminals are using ride-sharing vehicles due to the "lower likelihood of detection and ease of facilitation." UBER STOCK RISES AFTER QUARTERLY EARNINGS REPORT ANNOUNCES 72% REVENUE GROWTH "While other modes of transportation were used during the pandemic, the privacy of ride-share services allowed criminal actors to obfuscate potential witness identification and afforded them direct transportation," the FBI stated. The FBI specifically pointed to one incident this year, when a 16-year-old Texas boy who requested an Uber ride found himself abducted. The teenager had ordered an Uber for a roughly 20-mile trip in April and was allegedly offered something to drink during the ride. The boy woke up later that day at a home 31 miles away from his destination. He fled the property to a nearby home and alerted authorities. Story continues LYFT PASSENGER KILLED AFTER RIDESHARE DRIVER ALLEGEDLY KICKED HIM OUT ON HIGHWAY WAS FORMER CUOMO STAFFER In another case cited by the FBI, a child was abducted in Mexico City in February when the 7-year-old boys father asked a ride-share driver to make a pit stop at a flower stand. The father exited the vehicle and the driver left with the young boy. The child was recovered after he called his mom from the car. Car-share services have exploded in popularity over the last decade. Even though Uber and Lyft ban people under the age of 18 from having their own accounts or from riding in car shares without a guardian, some still get around the rules by using an adults account. "I know a lot of drivers whove faced outraged parents," Larry Duncan, a Lyft driver in Bowling Green, Kentucky, told Vox in 2019. "They yell and scream for you to give their kids a ride, and what some of us try to do, we say that the parent can ride with the kid, but they cant be alone." A taxi drives by a phone displaying the Uber app in Barcelona on March 13, 2018. A study in 2019 found that many parents were concerned about their kids taking ride-share services alone, citing a bevy of reasons such as teens not wearing seatbelts or the driver being distracted by their phone or speeding. LYFT SAYS IT IS INVESTIGATING NEW YORK CITY RIDER'S VIRAL CLAIM OF 'ATTEMPTED KIDNAPPING' One of the top concerns, was that the minors would be sexually assaulted by a driver, according to the 2019 Ipsos Public Affairs study. Nearly 80% of parents of daughters were worried their child would face assault, while 55% of parents worried the same could happen to their sons. "Safety is paramount to the Uber experience and the report outlined by the FBI is extremely concerning," an Uber spokesperson told Fox News Digital when approached for comment on the FBI's PSA. "We are always working to build features and policies designed with safety in mind, which is why weve introduced many safety features into the app, like the Emergency Button; Live Help from a Safety Agent; Text-to-911 capability (where available); and GPS tracking on every trip. We also aim to do our part to raise awareness of these societal issues through education to help drivers spot the signs of human trafficking and report it." The spokesperson also noted that all drivers undergo "background checks on the federal, state and local level," and that riders "must provide valid phone numbers, email addresses, and payment methods in order to use the platform which is more than many other forms of transportation require." "We know our work on safety is never done, and were committed to always working to raise the bar." Experts have also warned that teenagers are often more timid about speaking up if something feels off during their ride. "Teens may feel awkward or inhibited to speak up if they notice a driver is not driving safely or if something does not feel right about the car or the driver," pediatrician and co-director of the 2019 poll Gary Freed told the Detroit Free Press. "Parents should empower their teens to feel comfortable to speak out or refuse a ride. They should be reminded that they are getting into a vehicle with someone they do not know, and that it is essential for them be especially attentive to anything that may risk their safety." CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP The FBI is calling on anyone who sees suspicious behavior to report it to local authorities immediately. Lyft did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on the FBI's PSA. The Canadian Union Public Employees (CUPE) announced Monday that picket lines will be collapsed on Tuesday, meaning eduction workers will be back at school on Tuesday. "This is just the beginning," CUPE Ontario School Board Council of Unions President Laura Walton said on Monday. "Our commitment to the people of Ontario, to the parents, to the kids, is we are going back to the table with open minds, open hearts and we're ready to negotiate, and we call on the government to do the exact same." CUPE members assert the premier "grossly overreached" in an effort to legislate education workers back into schools, and prevent striking - a dangerous precedent that sent shockwaves across the country, and drew criticism from PM Trudeau. This came after Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he will rescind legislation that took away the rights of CUPE education workers if they stop their strike. "I urge CUPE to continue to talk with us at the bargaining table, we're willing to make a fair deal, one that offers more help for lower income workers. We want a deal that's fair for students, fair for workers, fair for parents and fair for tax payers.Ontario Premier Doug Ford "A deal with CUPE has massive impacts on broader public service salaries, as well as the government's ability to invest in services like health care, transit, education and hospital infrastructure, alongside other vital public services... I desperately hope that CUPE shows the same willingness to compromise as we are today. I hope they hear the plea to keep students in class, but that's not something I can guarantee you." CUPE education workers walked off the job on Friday, which resulted in closed schools across the province in protest against Bill 28, which included the notwithstanding clause to circumvent constitutional challenge to the legislation. "What this government did was bring us in and say, if you dont take this then were going to legislate you, and not only are we going to legislate you, were going to rip away all of your rights," Walton said. The union has demanded an increase of $3.25 per hour each year in a three-year collective agreement. The average salary for these education workers is $39,000 a year. Walton addressed public claims that education minister Stephen Lecce has made publicly that education workers are asking to increase in wages and compensation by nearly 50 per cent. "Minister Lecce has a really interesting way of spinning things in order to make it seem more palatable, but what we were asking for and what we continue to be asking for is a flat increase, we have never asked for a percentage because percentage increases further the disparity between low-wage earner and high-wage earner," Walton said. "I think there was a lot of creative math, which maybe is a little bit scary when you consider this is the government that wants to change the math curriculum." Northrop Grummanss Cygnus space freighter with its cymbal-shaped UltraFlex solar arrays. The Cygnus cargo spacecraft has run into some trouble on its way to the International Space Station (ISS), as one of its two solar arrays is refusing to deploy. Northrop Grummans Cygnus spacecraft had an early launch on Monday, November 7 at 5:32 a.m. ET from Virginia Spaces Mid-Atlantic Regional Space Port. The expendable freighter is carrying 8,200 pounds of cargo to the ISS and is scheduled to arrive at the orbiting space station on Wednesday. Read more While en route, the cargo capsule experienced a slight malfunction. After separating from the Antares rocket, Cygnus only managed to deploy one of its solar arrays while the other one would not unfurl. Northrop Grumman is gathering data on the second array deployment and is working closely with NASA, the space agency wrote in a very short blog post on Monday. That said, Northrop Grumman did inform NASA that Cygnus, despite having only one functioning solar array, has enough power to continue the rest of its journey and rendezvous with the ISS on Wednesday. NASA is assessing this and the configuration required for capture and berthing, NASA added. The NG-18 resupply mission to the ISS is meant to deliver crew supplies, equipment, and science experiments to the orbiting station. Cygnus is part of Northrop Grummans commercial contract with NASA, delivering cargo resupply missions to the ISS. The companys 18th Cygnus spacecraft was named the S.S. Sally Ride in honor of the first U.S. woman to go to space, a feat Ride accomplished in 1983. The cargo capsule is carrying a diverse payload that includes a 3D printer for generating human tissues, an experiment on growing plants in space, and the first satellite developed by Uganda and Zimbabwe. We will be following the progress of the Cygnus spacecraft and provide updates as we learn more. Story continues More: Fix to Malfunctioning Lucy Probe Good Enough to Complete Asteroid Mission, NASA Says More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Good morning, Chicago. Mondays record Powerball jackpot grew to an even larger $1.9 billion after no one won the lottery drawing on Saturday night. The numbers for the drawing were: white balls 28, 45, 53, 56, 69 and red Powerball 20. The new $1.9 billion jackpot is for a winner who is paid through an annuity over 29 years. Winners of lottery jackpots usually prefer a lump sum of cash, which for Mondays drawing would be $929.1 million. The Powerball prize keeps getting more massive because of the inability of anyone to overcome the long odds of 1 in 292.2 million and win the jackpot. To take the top prize, players must match all five white balls and one red Powerball. Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day. COVID-19 tracker | Monkeypox tracker | Afternoon briefing | Compare gas prices | Puzzles & Games | Daily horoscope | Ask Amy | Todays eNewspaper edition Hidden amid the maze of filing cabinets and desks inside the otherwise unremarkable offices of the Boone County Clerk and Recorder are five buttons employees can press if they think they are in danger. The panic buttons one nestled behind a fake plant, another tucked away in an easily accessible drawer were installed ahead of the 2020 general election after Clerk Julie Bliss, who oversees elections in the county, saw national rhetoric about election fraud getting more heated. Since then, the situation hasnt gotten any better. Politicians fanned out across the state on the final weekend of the 2022 general election campaign, led by President Joe Biden who spoke in Joliet on Saturday amid concerns that a Republican surge on Election Day could cost Democrats control of both Illinois political agenda and Congress. Story continues Bidens decision to visit what has been a reliably blue state, along with a scheduled trip to Chicago by Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday, underscored the belief that races across the ballot have tightened ahead of Tuesdays election. Sean Diddy Combs has agreed to buy nine cannabis retail stores and three production facilities in Illinois, New York and Massachusetts for $185 million as part of required antitrust divestitures for the pending $2 billion Cresco-Columbia Care megamerger. The deal to sell off a portion of the combined Cresco-Columbia Care portfolio to Combs, announced Friday, includes the Columbia Care dispensaries in Villa Park and Chicagos Jefferson Park neighborhood, which have been rebranded as Cannabist, as well as a Columbia Care production facility in Aurora. Brad Biggs 10 thoughts after the Chicago Bears fell to the Miami Dolphins 35-32 on Sunday at Soldier Field on a record-setting day for Justin Fields, who rushed for 178 yards, the most by a quarterback in a single game in NFL history. The offense has been cooking, scoring 29 points or more in the last three games, something the Bears have accomplished only six times in the Super Bowl era. The fourth wall has been shattered, cries the Gamemaster, fresh from a shot of Malort. Now our fate is in your hands. And with that epic cue, Chris Jones writes, a couple hundred people stare down at their phones. Is this a cultural revolution? A bold invitation into the seventh circle of digital hell? That, dear reader, all depends on whether playing fantasy role-playing games is your thing. Hundreds of thousands of people have flocked to Twitter alternatives after Elon Musks takeover of the social media giant became real last week, opening up a can of worms surrounding verification, online venom and privacy. One of the major players so far is a 6-year-old site called Mastodon thats been booming among journalists, academics and communities that have left Twitter en masse. So whats Mastodon all about, why is it different than Twitter, and who is it for? What is Mastodon and why is it different? Mastodon was created in 2016 by Eugen Rochko, a 29-year-old German coder, as a decentralized replacement for Twitter. The social network has timelines where you can see messages posted by other users you follow. But notably, its servers arent based in one place or owned by one company. Rather, Mastodon has a huge number of servers, or instances, that anyone can set up. The software is open-source, and Rochko is adamant it will never be for sale. The moderators of each server which can be based around professions, hobbies, geography, anything really are able to control the groups guidelines, filtering out spam, trolls or certain types of content. If a user isnt happy with the server, theyre easily able to switch to another one that better suits what they want. Its ad-free, and there are no algorithms that place certain messages higher or lower in the timelines based on popularity or some tech magic. All posts are chronological, from earliest to latest. How do you sign up? Joining Mastodon is definitely more complicated than the relatively simple Twitter sign-up process. If youre interested, you have to find a server that seems interesting to you, or that youll jive with on some level. Some just let you join, while others have moderators that review sign-ups manually. There are communities for specific countries, languages, professions, passions and sexualities. There are also huge general communities for people interested in technology, climate activism or just generally looking for a place to post. Story continues Your username is a bit more complex, too. Users pick a username thats affiliated with the specific instance that becomes your home base. I signed up for a journalist-specific server called journa.host with my first name, so Im @nick@journa.host. Importantly, you can communicate with and follow anyone on any server it doesnt matter if theyre not part of your chosen instance. You just need to know their handle. Right now, Mastodon says there are about 3,600 servers up and running, a 25% increase from recent weeks. More are being added all the time, or you can start your own and keep it as small or let it grow as big as you like. (Running your own server does cost a small fee, which many instances crowdsource). Looks like hosting your own Mastodon server is going to cost less than paying for a blue checkmark on Twitter. Except when you pay to host your own Mastodon server, you own your data, identity, and social graph fully. Mastodon (@joinmastodon) November 1, 2022 How do you use it? Anyone familiar with Twitter will recognize a lot of Mastodons features with different, albeit sillier names. A post is called a toot, a retweet is called a boost, and you can favorite via the star icon. Mentions and hashtags work similarly, and you can add photos, videos or other attachments to your toots. Users are also able to edit their posts and send targeted messages to specific groups of people, sending them to just your followers rather than your whole instance, for example. The Mastodon homepage looks a lot like Twitter, with server-specific The Mastodon homepage looks a lot like Twitter, with server-specific "Local" and "Federated" channels that help you discover other users you might be interested in. (Photo: HuffPost) You can write messages that your followers can see in their main feeds. But there are also other channels: The Local channel shows messages from anyone in your server. The Federated channel is a broader channel that shows all public posts the server youre on knows about. Most of those come from people that other users on your server follow, and its meant to be a way to discover potentially interesting content. You can share messages with your entire instance publicly, or target them to specific groups. (Photo: HuffPost) You can share messages with your entire instance publicly, or target them to specific groups. (Photo: HuffPost) Whos on there? The site has exploded by hundreds of thousands of users in recent days, and Rochko said Sunday there were more than a million active monthly tooters. The number of people who switched over to #Mastodon in the last week alone has surpassed 230 thousand, along with many returning to old accounts bumping the network to over 655 thousand active users, highest it's ever been! Why? https://t.co/9Ik30hT3xR Mastodon (@joinmastodon) November 3, 2022 Kathy Griffin is on there after she was suspended for impersonating Musk on Twitter. New York Times columnist Paul Krugman said Sunday he made an account on the platform as a precaution against the possible Muskocalypse. The user base has exploded by about 113%, causing some growing pains and reports that servers have acted slow. Some users have had trouble uploading photos or video content, but Rochko said hes been working to optimize Mastodon and fix some bugs. Mastodon has stressed that even if some servers seem popular, users can join any one they like and get access to the same network. Whats going to happen? Its anyones guess. Twitter users have flocked to Mastodon so far, praising its similarities to the social media stalwart without a lot of the negatives and Muskian ownership quandaries. But other startups are bound to pop up and try and steal some of Twitters lucrative online real estate (or advertisers). Tech writer Kara Swisher said Sunday night that she has seen a lot of cool stuff coming down the pipeline to fill the void, but didnt point to anything specific. For now, the newly minted Mastodon evangelists say the platform has a lot of what Twitter got right without a lot of what its become: Easier ways to filter out hate speech and trolls and an early-days-of-the-internet kind of camaraderie thats welcoming and fun. Some Mastodon servers are under very heavy load during the past few days due to the extreme spike in user numbers. Remember, no matter which server you sign-up on, you get access to the same decentralized network. You don't have to choose the popular ones! Mastodon (@joinmastodon) October 31, 2022 Mastodons Rochko said hes been working around the clock to help the network expand, although he added the manic growth has already extracted a heavy toll. I dont think Mastodon or the fediverse has ever received this much attention before, he wrote this weekend, mentioning the term for a group of interconnected but decentralized servers. Its a great opportunity for people to finally see that social media can be done differently, that it can be a protocol not under control of any single company. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... Channel 11 is your election headquarters and were bringing you the latest updates and results as they come in. We will have coverage on-air and online, as well as live updates below. Download our WPXI News app for updates as the remaining votes are counted. UPDATE 4:48 p.m.: Allegheny County has released an election update for Nov. 9: Our Elections team today is just a skeleton staff. Work was begun to inventory and separate election materials, but we have not started any count or categorization of any provisional ballots. Our hope is to provide an estimate of the overall number by end of day tomorrow. Election equipment began returning to the warehouse today and will continue over the next few days. We have been advised of a letter sent by the Republic National Committee that it intends to challenge the provisional ballots cast by voters who also cast an absentee or mail-in ballot, even if such absentee or mail-in ballot has been deemed unable to be counted under applicable law. That process would occur during the Return Board process. We will issue information regarding the Return Board and its expected operations by end of day tomorrow. It will be sworn in at 9 AM on Friday, November 11, 2022, at the Elections Warehouse. Finally, if youre no longer interested in receiving these updates, please let me know and Ill remove you from the distribution. This information is also posted on our website as an alternative. UPDATE 11 a.m.: Dr. Mehmet Oz released a statement following his concession to John Fetterman this morning: This morning I called John Fetterman and congratulated him. I wish him and his family all the best, both personally and as our next United States Senator. Campaigning throughout our great Commonwealth was the honor of a lifetime, and I will cherish the memories and the people I met. Pennsylvanians showed up with passion and a vision for a bright future that I found inspiring every day. I want to thank my supporters, so many of whom worked tirelessly to spread our message and support me and my family. Story continues We are facing big problems as a country and we need everyone to put down their partisan swords and focus on getting the job done. With bold leadership that brings people together, we can create real change. As a Doctor, I always do my best to help others heal. Thats why I ran for Senate. I hope we begin the healing process as a nation soon, said Dr. Mehmet Oz. UPDATE 9:48 a.m.: Dr. Mehmet Oz called John Fetterman at 9:30 a.m. to concede the Pennsylvania Senate race, the director of communications for Fetterman tweeted. This morning at 9:30 Dr. Oz called John Fetterman to concede. Joe Calvello (@the_vello) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 6:00 a.m.: From the Associated Press: Control of Congress hangs in the balance as Democrats have shown surprising strength, defeating Republicans in a series of competitive races and defying expectations that high inflation and President Joe Bidens low approval ratings would drag the party down. In the most heartening news for the party, Democrat John Fetterman flipped a Republican-controlled Senate seat that is key to the partys hopes of maintaining control of the chamber. It is too early to call critical Senate seats in Wisconsin, Nevada, Georgia and Arizona which could determine the majority. In the House, Democrats kept seats in districts from Virginia to Kansas to Rhode Island, while many districts in states like New York and California have not been called. Click here to read more. Click here for LIVE updates from across the country UPDATE 5:00 a.m.: An NBC News Exit Poll found that John Fetterman drew support from voters of color to win the Pennsylvania Senate race. He won 90% of Black voters, 70% of voters under age 30 and 67% of Latino voters. The poll also found that 52% of Pennsylvania voters felt that Dr. Mehmet Oz did not live in the state long enough to serve it effectively in the Senate, compared to the 42% who felt he had. Half of Pennsylvania voters said Fetterman is in good enough health to represent the state effectively, while 47% said he is not, according to the poll. UPDATE 4:00 a.m.: We have LIVE team election coverage right now on Channel 11 Morning News. Good morning! We are on @WPXI NOW at 4 AM bringing you an early, extra hour of election coverage. There are some big races that have been called and some things that we are still waiting to find out. Turn on theand join us until 7 AM! pic.twitter.com/4wrxpV8fGa WPXIJennifer Tomazic (@JenniferTomazic) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 2:20 a.m.: Smaller races throughout our region are seeing results. Heres the latest: PA HOUSE DISTRICT 62 James Struzzi II (R) 70.49% Brian Doyle (D) 29.51% UPDATE 1:55 a.m.: John Fetterman addressed supporters with a victory speech at his campaign headquarters on the North Shore: UPDATE 1:12 a.m.: Projected winner of the Pennsylvania Governors race Josh Shapiro tweeted this message to supporters: Real freedom prevailed in Pennsylvania. Im humbled and proud to be your next Governor. pic.twitter.com/MxzNt8ajKb Josh Shapiro (@JoshShapiroPA) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 12:55 a.m.: John Fetterman wins the race for the open U.S. Senate seat, NBC News projects. Fetterman addressed voters on Twitter: It's official. I will be the next U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania. We bet on the people of Pennsylvania - and you didnt let us down And I wont let you down. Thank you. John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 12:45 a.m.: As we wait on bigger races that are too close to call, smaller races throughout our region are seeing results. Heres the latest: PA HOUSE DISTRICT 55 Jill Cooper (R) 61.61% Scott Gauss (D) 38.39% PA HOUSE DISTRICT 58 Eric Davanzo (R) 63.28% Ken Bach (D) 36.72% UPDATE 12:21 a.m.: Allegheny County provided its final update for the night: Operations at the warehouse ended this evening/morning at 12 AM. All mail-in and absentee ballots were scanned, and results uploaded to the results page. There are a small handful of precincts that are not reporting. Materials from the regional reporting centers are coming back to the warehouse now, but no further updates will be made. Scanners from precincts that did not return memory sticks will be picked up from polling places tomorrow and secured at the warehouse. They will remain unopened until the Return Board convenes on Friday. Please note that there are also several failsafes for results two memory sticks, tapes from the polls closing signed by the poll workers, and the actual ballots themselves. UPDATE 12:05 a.m.: Beaver County has yet to count their mail-in ballots, Channel 11s Nicole Ford reports. Because of this, their numbers are not final. UPDATE 12:03 a.m.: The gap is closing between John Fetterman and Dr. Mehmet Oz. Heres a look at the latest numbers: TOO CLOSE TO CALL: Look at the third party votes vs the gap between Fetterman and Oz @WPXI pic.twitter.com/ObJ170ZWA9 Rich Pierce (@RichPierceWPXI) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 11:52 p.m.: Doug Mastriano is speaking at his Election Night event. The Republican candidate for Pennsylvania Governor is currently projected to lose the position to Democrat Josh Shapiro. UPDATE 11:50 p.m.: Heres a recap of the major races that have been called in Western Pennsylvania by NBC News: Chris Deluzio wins U.S. House of Representatives seat in District 17, NBC News projects UPDATE 11:33 p.m.: Dr. Mehmet Oz has taken the stage in Newtown, Pennsylvania. He and opponent John Fetterman are about 1.5% away from each other in the polls. NOW: @DrOz speaks and tells supporters that he believes when all ballots are counted, he will win. He thanked them for believing in him and talked about closing the gap all evening. @WPXI Rich Pierce (@RichPierceWPXI) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 11:28 p.m.: Josh Shapiro is on stage to speak for the first time tonight. The Governor-elect was met with extended applause from supporters. Governor-elect @JoshShapiroPA thanks supporters from across the Commonwealth for electing him tonight @WPXI pic.twitter.com/x9RTQbhYRQ Amy Hudak (@amy_hudak) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 11:23 p.m.: Mike Doyle is speaking to his supporters. He said he called opponent Summer Lee to concede the race for U.S. House District 12. Mike Doyle thanked everyone for their support, but he told his supporters he had just called to congratulate Summer Lee on her win. @WPXI pic.twitter.com/viutgFITGS Ryan Houston WPXI (@WPXIRyanHouston) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 11:22 p.m.: Lieutenant Governor-elect Austin Davis is speaking at the Josh Shapiro Election Night event in Montgomery County. HAPPENING NOW: Austin Davis, the first black Lt. Governor-elect in PA says voters chose unity over division and love over hate. @WPXI pic.twitter.com/L58cRjjd2D Amy Hudak (@amy_hudak) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 11:17 p.m.: Chris Deluzio has released a statement about being elected to U.S. House District 17: I am honored and grateful that the people of #PA17 have elected me as their next Congressman to serve Western Pennsylvania in Congress. Read my full statement here: pic.twitter.com/TbWcEgYwxU Chris Deluzio (@ChrisForPA) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 11:14 p.m. Summer Lee is speaking for the first time tonight. UPDATE 11:13 p.m.: Jeremy Shaffer took the podium at his Election Night event, telling the crowd he called Chris Deluzio to congratulate him on a win. First I want to congratulate Chris Deluzio and thank my family for being by my side. Jeremy Shaffer says he will honor the results that are there and thanks his supporters. He says he will continue to do work for his community. @WPXI pic.twitter.com/vSICGJj6kg Nicole Ford (@NicoleFordTV) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 11:12 p.m.: As bigger races are starting to be called, smaller races throughout our region are also seeing results. Heres the latest: U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 15 Glenn Thompson (R) 70.63% Michael Molesevich (D) 29.37% U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 16 Mike Kelly (R) 60.93% Dan Pastore (D) 39.07% PA HOUSE DISTRICT 36 Jessica Benham (D) 79.19% Ross Sylvester (LIB) 20.81% PA HOUSE DISTRICT 42 Dan Miller (D) 68.10% Pat Tylka (R) 31.90% PA HOUSE DISTRICT 45 Anita Astorino Kulik (D) 62.92% Michael Pendel (R) 37.08% UPDATE 11:04 p.m.: Chris Deluzio has declared victory in U.S. House District 17. The Democrat said opponent Jeremy Shaffer called him to concede. BREAKING: Chris Deluzio wins Pennsylvanias 17th Congressional District. He says Jeremy Shaffer called him to concede. @WPXI pic.twitter.com/aTfqICjiKZ Sarafina James (@SarafinaWPXI) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 11 p.m.: Channel 11s Nicole Ford is being told by Jeremy Shaffers campaign that the Republican may speak around 11:10 p.m. UPDATE 10:59 p.m.: Allegheny County has provided its eighth election update: All mail-in and absentee ballots received timely have now been scanned and are reflected on the election results page. There are currently 1,235 of the 1,323 precincts reporting. In todays mail, there were 23 ballots that were incorrectly dated and five with no dates. All have been set aside and will not be counted. Final numbers for mail-in/absentee: Applications Approved: 189,524 (28,314 Republican and 143,661 Democratic) Ballots Returned: 162,322 (23,844 Republican and 124,425 Democratic) The graphics on the main Elections page are being updated now to reflect those numbers. UPDATE 10:56 p.m.: Democrat Chris Deluzio will be speaking for the first time tonight. He currently leads Republican opponent Jeremy Shaffer with 54.70%. UPDATE 10:51 p.m.: Governor-elect Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor-elect Austin Davis are scheduled to speak for the first time tonight at 11 p.m. Summer Lee will also be taking the stage to speak at 11 p.m. UPDATE 10:37 p.m.: NBC News is projecting that Summer Lee will win the race for Pennsylvania House District 12. She will be the first Black woman elected to Congress from Pennsylvania. Democrat Summer Lees first reaction as she walked into her campaign party as #NBC has called the race. This is a historic moment #SummerLee will be the first Black woman elected to Congress in Pennsylvania. Stay with #WPXI as she is scheduled to speak in just moments. pic.twitter.com/QfLPY0aCNU Talia Kirkland (@talia_kirkland) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 10:34 p.m.: Washington County has provided an election update: No issues to report and turn out is at 53.26% with 38 precincts left to report. Im projecting 68%. UPDATE 10:31 p.m.: NBC News is projecting that Josh Shapiro will win the Pennsylvania governor race. UPDATE 10:23 p.m. Doug Mastriano has taken the stage at his Election Night event, Channel 11s Cara Sapida reports. UPDATE 10:20 p.m.: The races between the top two candidates in the top two elections in Pennsylvania are growing closer by the minute. Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman currently leads Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz with 51.24% of the vote. Democratic governor candidate Josh Shapiro currently leads Republican Doug Mastriano with 56.61% of the vote. Both races are still too close to call. UPDATE 10:05 p.m.: Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey just arrived at the Summer Lee campaign party. The mayor has been a long time supporter of Lees and endorsed the campaign, Channel 11s Talia Kirkland reports. Mayor Ed Gainey just arrived to the #SummerLee campaign party the mayor has been a long time supporter of Lees and endorsed the campaign. #WPXI pic.twitter.com/KkRIXu0OgY Talia Kirkland (@talia_kirkland) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 9:58 p.m.: The Associated Press conducted over 3,000 exit interviews at the polls today about issues most important to voters. The majority of voters said the single most important factor for them in todays election was inflation, with other top issues being the future of democracy in the United States and the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. UPDATE 9:39 p.m.: The first results out of Beaver County are online, Channel 11s Nicole Ford reports. First totals coming in from Beaver County in PA17 race. This is about one third of in person votes cast. @WPXI pic.twitter.com/0V2ulCqVK1 Nicole Ford (@NicoleFordTV) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 9:34 p.m.: Josh Shapiros campaign told Amy Hudak that he will not be coming out to speak just yet. Shapiros campaign says he will not be coming out just yet. It will still be a little while as votes continue to be counted. The tone here is optimistic @WPXI pic.twitter.com/gan7vs048U Amy Hudak (@amy_hudak) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 9:27 p.m.: Josh Shapiro is about to take the stage in Montgomery County, Channel 11s Amy Hudak reports. BREAKING: Josh Shapiro is about to take the stage in Montgomery County, PA. @WPXI pic.twitter.com/95IEnYryYu Amy Hudak (@amy_hudak) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 9:22 p.m.: More election results are coming in and gaps are closing fast. Heres the latest race thats been called: PA HOUSE DISTRICT 23 Dan Frankel (D) 90.13% Jay Ting Walker (G) 9.87% UPDATE 9:18 p.m.: Channel 11s Amy Hudak is reporting that speakers have taken the stage at the Josh Shapiro Election Night event. UPDATE 9:09 p.m.: The first Senate race in Western PA has been called: PA SENATE DISTRICT 38 Lindsey Williams (D) 74.98% Lori Mizgorski (R) 25.02% UPDATE 9:05 p.m.: At least four local Pennsylvania State House races have been declared by the Associated Press. Here are the projected winners. PA HOUSE DISTRICT 20 Emily Kinkead (D) 82.25% Matt Kruth (R) 17.75% PA HOUSE DISTRICT 21 Sara Innamorato (D) 82.64% Frank Perman (R) 17.36% PA HOUSE DISTRICT 25 Brandon J. Markosek (D) 78.86% Steve Schlauch (R) 21.14% PA HOUSE DISTRICT 27 Daniel J. Deasy (D) 84.80% Ed Brosky (R) 15.20% UPDATE 9:03 p.m.: Heres a look at Channel 11 reporter Amy Hudaks view from the Josh Shapiro Election Night event in Montgomery County. Were at Josh Shapiros watch party in Montgomery County, PA. It is still very early in the race. Well have live updates throughout the night @WPXI pic.twitter.com/0FbDiGyBP1 Amy Hudak (@amy_hudak) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 9:01 p.m.: Gisele Fetterman, John Fettermans wife, has arrived at Stage AE, Channel 11s Rick Earle reports. Fettermans wife has arrived at Stage AE #wpxi Rick Earle (@WPXIRickEarle) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 8:56 p.m.: A crowd is filing in at the Dr. Mehmet Oz Election Night Party in Newtown, Pennsylvania. Crowd files in at Dr. Oz Election Night Party UPDATE 8:51 p.m.: Allegheny County has provided its seventh election update: The first in-person results are coming in and the results page will begin to update several times an hour as more are returned. UPDATE 8:35 p.m.: The room is filling up right now for Jeremy Shaffers Election Night watch party. The first results are just now starting to roll in from Allegheny County, nothing yet for the Beaver side of U.S. 17 district. #NOW The room is filling up right now for @JeremyShafferPA election night watch party. The first results are just now starting to roll in from Allegheny County, nothing yet for the Beaver side of PA 17 district. @WPXI pic.twitter.com/R8eoNPzpfZ Nicole Ford (@NicoleFordTV) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 8:32 p.m.: The last box of Allegheny County mail-in ballots has arrived from the post office. There are 757 left to be counted UPDATE 8:22 p.m.: Supporters for Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman have begin filing in to Stage AE in Pittsburghs North Shore. Fetterman supporters have begun arriving at stage AE. #wpxi pic.twitter.com/MDUmuhKkqD Rick Earle (@WPXIRickEarle) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 8:12 p.m.: Westmoreland County has provided an election update: 6:30pm, Westmoreland County Lines at precincts: Hearing from many Judges of Election and Poll Watchers as well as our own technicians, we have heard of very few, if any waits, for voting in a precinct. We are aware of only one voter that called the Election Bureau regarding his/her wait time, which was indicated to be about 1hr. Most precincts report a steady stream of voters, but rarely more than 5-10 in line at any moment. Machine and Equipment in Precincts: We have had a couple paper jams. One machine had an issue because the outlet itself was off; switching to a working outlet fixed the problem. Only one scanner had an issue, which was replaced immediately by a technician. Paper Ballots: In the courthouse, we have had rotations of workers to keep them fresh. We have had a handful of watchers from various parties and candidates. We have had no equipment issues. The box with ballots that had potential issues was not even half full. At 6:30pm, we were counting paper ballots from precincts beginning with S, so the paper ballot counting is nearing the end. UPDATE 8:04 p.m.: Allegheny County has provided its sixth election update: Polls are closed. The first mail-in and absentee ballot results are now posted. UPDATE 8 p.m.: The polls are now closed in Western Pennsylvania and results are starting to filter in. CLICK HERE FOR ELECTION RESULTS. UPDATE 7:53 p.m.: Approximately 157,000 mail-in and absentee ballots have been scanned in Allegheny County and those results will be reported around 8:01 p.m. The final 12 trays of mail from the post office just arrived at the warehouse approximately 3,500 more ballots. UPDATE 7:29 p.m.: Channel 11s Rick Earle is at Stage AE in Pittsburghs North Shore for Lieutenant Governor John Fettermans Election Night event. Fetterman is the Democratic candidate for Pennsylvanias open Senate seat. Waiting at Fetterman campaign headquarters at Stage AE on Pgh Northshore. #wpxi pic.twitter.com/HbfF0wuoRP Rick Earle (@WPXIRickEarle) November 9, 2022 UPDATE 7:12 p.m.: Allegheny County has provided its fifth election update: Since our last report, weve only received one report of an issue at a polling place where a judge of elections was apparently talking to a voter about a candidate, which was just reported to us in the last few minutes. While the judge didnt suggest that the voter should vote for that candidate, the judge was contacted by Elections and staff were sent to the polling place to remind the judge of their responsibilities while working as the judge. At the Elections warehouse, all approximately 155,000 that the employees began processing at 7 AM this morning have now been scanned. The opening of envelopes and extracting of ballots was complete before 3 PM when the first shift ended its day. Another approximately 1,000 ballots were delivered midafternoon from the downtown office and are being processed. We expect to make one last mail run if there is any at the post office at 7:30 AM. And any ballots returned by voters following the last delivery will be brought over to the warehouse once polls are closed. Currently, there are six authorized representatives in the warehouse: Republican Party and the campaigns of Deluzio, Fetterman, Mastriano, Oz and Schlach. UPDATE 7 p.m.: Heres a look at Channel 11 Rich Pierces view at the Dr. Mehmet Oz Election Night Party in Newtown, Pennsylvania. The stage is (nearly) set here in Bucks County. Updates throughout the evening on @WPXI pic.twitter.com/2vuofLPUgy Rich Pierce (@RichPierceWPXI) November 8, 2022 UPDATE 6:46 p.m.: The link to WPXIs election results page can be found at the top or you can click here to view results as they come in. UPDATE 6:30 p.m.: Did you go out and vote today? Share your photos with us here >> www.wpxi.com/share-with-us/ << and we may use them online or on-air! UPDATE 6:16 p.m.: More information on the cease and desist can be found here. UPDATE 5:52 p.m.: Below is the copy of the cease and desist letter sent to The Commission Security. Allegheny County said the group was going to polling places earlier today indicating they were poll security. The Commission Security UPDATE 5:37 p.m.: The line is forming outside of this building in Newtown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Mehmet Oz, the PA Republican Candidate for the United States Senate, is hosting an Election Night Party there. Heres our photographers view: Dr. Oz Election Night Party - WPXI UPDATE 5:24 p.m.: Democrat Summer Lee and Republican Mike Doyle told Channel 11 their final pitch to voters before the polls close at 8 p.m. Both candidates are fighting for the open spot in House District 12. DISTRICT 12: Democrat Summer Lee and Republican Mike Doyle both voted earlier today. #WPXI was there and have their final pitch to voters before the polls close. A breakdown of the race tonight at 5:30pm on WPXI. pic.twitter.com/ssUfaIoEiV Talia Kirkland (@talia_kirkland) November 8, 2022 UPDATE 5:17 p.m.: The stage is set in Montgomery County. Channel 11s Amy Hudak will be bringing you the latest on the Pennsylvania governor race throughout the night. ELECTION NIGHT: We @WPXI will be bringing you the latest election results throughout the night. @amy_hudak live in @MontcoPA pic.twitter.com/gYCbgoEmjr Gigi (@wpxigigi) November 8, 2022 UPDATE 4:57 p.m.: Are you confident in Pennsylvanias election system? Tell us here >> wpxi.com/votenow << and well have the results on Channel 11 News starting at 5 p.m. UPDATE 4:25 p.m.: Allegheny County has provided an update to its fourth election update: Additionally, we have six authorized representatives still in the warehouse: Republican Party Libertarian Party Fetterman Campaign Mastriano Campaign Oz Campaign Shapiro Campaign UPDATE 4:19 p.m.: NBC News is reporting that Luzerne County, Pennsylvania is extending polling hours to 10 p.m. due to running out of printer paper for ballots at dozens of polling places. Voters reportedly had to be turned away due to this issue. UPDATE 4:10 p.m.: Channel 11s Amy Hudak is set up in Montgomery County with the latest on the Pennsylvania governor race between Democratic candidate Josh Shapiro and Republican Doug Mastriano. Election Day coverage continues on Channel 11 throughout the day. UPDATE 3:58 p.m.: Beaver County is nearly halfway done scanning the mail-in ballots returned prior to today. Channel 11s Nicole Ford is breaking down one of the big races for this area on Channel 11 News starting at 4 p.m. #NOW Its a long process to get through all the mail in ballots in Beaver County. So far the county is about 40% scanned. They have yet to get the mail for any ballots returned today. We are breaking down one of the big races for this area coming up on @WPXI at 4,5 & 6. pic.twitter.com/4btatVN5Et Nicole Ford (@NicoleFordTV) November 8, 2022 UPDATE 3:56 p.m.: Democratic candidate for House District 17 Chris Deluzio is casting his vote in Aspinwall. HAPPENING NOW: Chris Deluzio is voting at St. Scholastica School in Aspinwall. @WPXI pic.twitter.com/equ1Sc5RXO Sarafina James (@SarafinaWPXI) November 8, 2022 UPDATE 3:38 p.m.: Allegheny County has provided its fourth election update: There have been very few reports from the in-person polling places this afternoon. A scanner was replaced at a poll in Hampton, and some calls were made to polling places where politicking was reported. The Elections Court has issued a cease and desist order to a group calling themselves The Commission Security who were going to polling places earlier today indicating they were poll security. The sheriffs took the order to serve the individuals, but they could not be found. (The order is attached.) At the warehouse, employees continue to extract ballots from the secrecy envelopes and are flattening those ballots for scanning. Over 130,000 ballots have been scanned so far. This mornings mail is being processed. It included one ballot without signature and two that were incorrectly dated. Those have been set aside and will not be counted. So far today, 60 voters have come into the Elections Division to cure their undated or incorrectly dated ballots. UPDATE 2:35 p.m.: Allegheny County has provided its third election update: Since our last update, we have received a few reports of persons politicking. One was inside a polling place and a polling place coordinator was dispatched to address. A second report of persons politicking outside a polling place, stopping the voter to ask their name and address. They are not blocking the entrance and are more than 10 away from the polling place. This is allowed, but voters do not need to stop or interact with the person. At 10:30 AM, several flats of ballots were delivered that had been returned by voters through the ballot return last night and this morning. There are approximately 1350-1400 ballots in those flats. They will be entered into the SURE system as having been returned and then will start through the review process. At the warehouse, all declaration envelopes had been opened by 10 AM. Ballots continue to work through the process, but a test deck of ballots was run at 10:30 AM and scanning of mail-in and absentee ballots began at 10:50 AM. At 11 AM, there were eight authorized representatives in the warehouse. One representing the Republican Committee and the others from the campaigns of Davis, Fetterman, Kinkead, Kruth, Mastriano, Oz and Shaffer. UPDATE 12:00 p.m.: Voters in Allegheny County lined up outside more than 1,300 polling places Tuesday morning, eager to cast their ballots in the race for Governor, US Senate, Congress, and more. Read more here from Channel 11s Pete DeLuca. UPDATE 11:00 a.m.: Allegheny County has provided its second Election Day update: Since our last update, we have received a few reports of persons politicking. One was inside a polling place and a polling place coordinator was dispatched to address. A second report of persons politicking outside a polling place, stopping the voter to ask their name and address. They are not blocking the entrance and are more than 10 away from the polling place. This is allowed, but voters do not need to stop or interact with the person. At 10:30 AM, several flats of ballots were delivered that had been returned by voters through the ballot return last night and this morning. There are approximately 1350-1400 ballots in those flats. They will be entered into the SURE system as having been returned and then will start through the review process. At the warehouse, all declaration envelopes had been opened by 10 AM. Ballots continue to work through the process, but a test deck of ballots was run at 10:30 AM and scanning of mail-in and absentee ballots began at 10:50 AM. At 11 AM, there were eight authorized representatives in the warehouse. One representing the Republican Committee and the others from the campaigns of Davis, Fetterman, Kinkead, Kruth, Mastriano, Oz and Shaffer. UPDATE 10:00 a.m.: Gubernatorial candidates Democrat Josh Shapiro and Republican Doug Mastriano have cast their ballots. Our Future Governor of Pennsylvania just VOTED !! He did his part, now go do yours!! Spread the word to vote for #doug4gov!! We love you PA!! pic.twitter.com/7unqDWfYPj Doug Mastriano (@dougmastriano) November 8, 2022 UPDATE 8:50 a.m.: U.S. Senate candidates Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz and Democrat Lt. Gov. John Fetterman have both cast their votes. DECISION 2022: US Senate candidates Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz and Democrat Lt. Gov. John Fetterman have both cast their votes. #ElectionDay #Pennsylvania pic.twitter.com/r1kMup8lfL WPXI (@WPXI) November 8, 2022 RIGHT NOW: @JohnFetterman has cast his vote at the New Hope Baptist Church/MultiCenter. His opponent for U.S. Senate, Dr. Mehmet Oz, planned to vote in Montgomery Co. Fetterman walked inside with his wife and did not answer any questions from the media. @WPXI pic.twitter.com/Ve1dpi3N1f Lauren Talotta (@LaurenTalottaTV) November 8, 2022 FYI: @DrOz voted about a half hour ago. He didnt say much but urged people to go vote and that hes proud of his campaign. Rich Pierce (@RichPierceWPXI) November 8, 2022 UPDATE 8:30 a.m. Allegheny County has provided its first election update of the day: As is typical for election day, we have received several reports of polling places that opened late because the building was not opened for us and reports of judges not showing to work. All of those issues were resolved before 8 AM with additional workers deployed to those locations with no-shows. We also received reports that scanners were not working at one location. When the leadmen arrived, all scanners were functional. Ballots cast during that time were secured into a locked box in the scanner and will be opened/scanned by the judge when opportunity arises, but before polls close as they are trained to do. We also had a call regarding a polling place that was waiting for the county to deliver materials. Judges of elections are required to pick up materials for their polling place. In this instance, the judge did not do so. A county employee was dispatched this morning to deliver those poll bags and materials directly to the polling place. At the Elections Warehouse, the review of the declaration envelopes is complete and employees began opening those envelopes and extracting the secrecy envelope around 8 AM. There are currently authorized representatives for the following at the warehouse: Mehmet Oz Campaign John Fetterman Campaign Doug Mastriano Campaign Emily Kinkead Campagign Republican Committee UPDATE 8:00 a.m.: You can report issues at your polling place or ballot drop-off location to your county board of elections. Heres more information from the PA Department of State: Report issues at your polling place or ballot drop-off location to your county board of elections: Online https://t.co/kHtlG2XrRY Call - 1-877-868-3772 File a complaint - https://t.co/DAjLF6TXnr#ReadyToVotePA pic.twitter.com/dDJZtyHvVM PA Department of State (@PAStateDept) November 8, 2022 UPDATE 7:00 a.m.: Polls are now open in Pennsylvania and will remain open until 8 p.m. If you are in line to vote when polls close, you are entitled to vote. All 1,323 polling places are now open and will remain open until 8 PM. Anyone in line at 8 PM will be allowed to vote. Voters are encouraged to verify their registration and polling place prior to going to vote. Visit https://t.co/K2fhWhmV7y for links & resources. pic.twitter.com/KTsaqtImGC Allegheny County (@Allegheny_Co) November 8, 2022 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Polling Locations and Hours On Election Day, polls in Pennsylvania will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. If you are in line to vote when polls close, you are entitled to vote. To find your polling location, enter your address online here. If you have voted at your polling location before, you do not need to bring ID to vote. Only voters who are voting for the first time in their election district need to show ID, according to the Pennsylvania voter guide. Check your voter registration status here. Acceptable IDs for first-time voters: Drivers license U.S. passport Military, student, or employee ID Voter registration card Firearm permit Current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government check Any ID issued by the commonwealth or federal government Note: An ID without your photo must have your address on it. Mail-in Ballots All mail-in ballots must be taken to ballot return sites by 8 p.m. Click here to find the ballot return site closest to you. KEY CHANGE: The state of Pennsylvania currently requires voters who mail in a ballot to sign and date the outer envelope. On Tuesday, the state Supreme Court ruled that any mail-in ballots with an incorrect date or no date written at all on the return envelope would not count. On Sunday, Allegheny County released a list containing the names of people whose votes wont count unless they come in to fix their ballot. The county has been allowing people to drop off their ballots if they could not mail it in on time. If you would like to check the validity of your mail-in ballot, you can view the list here. To cure your no date or incorrectly dated ballots, you will need to go to the Allegheny County Elections Division office on the 3rd floor of the County Office Buildings. The hours for the office are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. If a voter has made an error on their ballot, or has not received one previously applied for, the Elections Office can reissue the ballot at the counter. The concession stand space in the lobby of the County Office Building, 542 Forbes Avenue, is available for that purpose. The hours for the concession stand are 7a.m. to 8 p.m. If you have any questions or concerns on election day you can reach out to the Election Protection hotline at: 866-OUT-VOTE. The Election Protection hotline is a nonpartisan organization. Hotline assistance is also available in Spanish at 888-VE-Y-VOTA; in Asian languages at 888-API-VOTE; and in Arabic at 844-YALLA-US. Emergency Absentee Ballots If you are planning to vote in person but an emergency or unexpected situation prevents you from doing so, it is possible to request an emergency absentee ballot. These ballots can be requested after 5 p.m. Tuesday and must be submitted no later than 8 p.m. Click here to learn more about emergency absentee ballots. Races to watch for The perpetual swing state of Pennsylvania is home to two of the most closely watched races in the country this fall. The contest to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf pits GOP state Sen. Doug Mastriano against second-term Democratic state Attorney General Josh Shapiro. Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey is retiring, and television celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Republican, is running against Wolfs lieutenant governor, Democrat John Fetterman. WATCH FULL DEBATE: Fetterman, Oz face off in first and only Senate debate Congressional Races to watch: Democrat Chris Deluzio and Republican Jeremy Shaffer are competing to fill the 17th District seat left open when Rep. Conor Lamb ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate. The district makes up all of Beaver County and part of Allegheny County. Democrat Summer Lee is running against Republican candidate Mike Doyle of Plum in the 12 Congressional District, which includes part of the city, South Hills and Westmoreland County. Election Coverage on Channel 11: 8-11 p.m.: Channel 11 & NBC News live election coverage 11 p.m. - midnight: WPXI Tonight - Live, local election coverage Midnight- 4 a.m.: Channel 11 & NBC News live election coverage 4 a.m. Wednesday: Channel 11 Morning News We will also have two specials airing in our WPXI Now streaming apps: Election eve Monday : streaming special from 8-9 p.m. Election night Tuesday: streaming special when polls close from 8-10 p.m. and then the latest on the results from midnight-1 a.m. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW LATEST ELECTION HEADLINES: LAS VEGAS (AP) Jacob deGrom, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts and Carlos Rodon turned down player options Monday, joining a free agent market that includes Aaron Judge, Trea Turner and Dansby Swanson. DeGrom, a two-time NL Cy Young Award winner, gave up a $30.5 million salary for next season, ending his contract with the New York Mets at $107 million for four years. The 34-year-old right-hander, a four-time All-Star, was limited to 15 starts last year and 11 this season because of injuries. Correa left the Houston Astros after the 2021 season and signed a $105.3 million, three-year deal with the Minnesota Twins that gave him the right to opt out after one season. The 28-year-old shortstop, a two-time All-Star, gives up $35.1 million salaries in each of the next two seasons after hitting .291 with 22 homers and 64 RBIs. Bogaerts, 30, agreed to a $120 million, six-year deal with Boston that gave the shortstop the right to terminate the contract after 2022. The four-time All-Star forfeits salaries of $20 million in each of the next three seasons after hitting .307 with 15 homers and 73 RBIs. Rodon, a 29-year-old left-hander, left the Chicago White Sox after the 2021 season and agreed to a $44 million, two-year contract with the San Francisco Giants that gave him the right to opt out after one season and give up a $22.5 million salary for next year. An All-Star in each of the last two seasons, he was 14-8 with a 2.88 ERA for the Giants. Washington designated hitter Nelson Cruz turned down a $16 million mutual option in favor of a $3 million buyout, making his deal with the Nationals worth $15 million for one season. The 42-year-old hit .234 with 10 homers and 64 RBIs. Mets pitcher Taijuan Walker turned down a $7.5 million player option in favor of a $3 million buyout, making his deal worth $17 million over two seasons. The 30-year-old right-hander was 12-5 with a 3.49 ERA in 29 starts. Philadelphia exercised pitcher Aaron Nola's $16 million option, making his contract worth $59 million over five years, and declined a $17 million option on second baseman Jean Segura, who gets a $1 million buyout. Right-hander Zach Eflin declined a $15 million mutual option, making his deal worth $5.7 million for one year. Story continues San Diego outfielder Jurickson Profar turned down a $6.5 million option for a $1 million buyout, making his deal worth $13.5 million over two years. He hit .243 with 15 homers and 58 RBIs. Padres right-hander Robert Suarez turned down a $5 million option for a $1 million buyout, ending his contract after one year and $6 million. He had a 2.27 ERA in 45 relief appearances after joining the Padres from the Japan Central League's Hanshin Tigers. Arizona right-hander Zach Davies declined a $1.5 million mutual option and gets a $250,000 buyout. The 29-year-old right-hander was 2-5 with a 4.09 ERA in 27 starts. A total of 140 players have become free agents since the World Series ended and about 40 more are eligible. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports An Indiana judge has dismissed five child porn charges against the man behind the catfishing account tied to the Delphi murders just days after another man was arrested and charged with murder in the infamous case. Kegan Anthony Kline was tied to the 2017 murders of teenage best friends Libby German and Abby Williams last December when investigators urged the public to come forward with information about a bogus online profile named @anthony_shots. Kline, 28, allegedly confessed to using the fake profile to groom underage girls, get them to send him nude photos and their addresses, and try to get them to meet him in person. In a 2020 police interview, a transcript of which has been seen by The Independent, Kline admitted that he had communicated with 14-year-old Libby on Instagram and Snapchat through the catfishing profile before she died. The transcript revealed that he had exchanged photos with the teenage girl and that Libby had communicated with the fake profile on the very day that she and Abby, 13, were murdered. On 25 February 2017 - less than two weeks after the two girls were brutally killed police carried out a search of Klines home in Peru. Kline has never been charged in connection to the murders. In 2020, he was arrested and charged with 30 child sexual abuse and child exploitation felonies over the @anthony_shots account. He has been held behind bars ever since. According to an affidavit, Kline allegedly admitted that he had received about 100 sexual photos and about 20 sexually explicit videos from at least 15 underage girls through the profile. Now, court documents, filed on Friday and seen by The Independent, reveal that five of the 30 charges in his child porn case have been dropped. Miami Circuit Court Judge Timothy Spahr agreed to drop five counts of possession of child porn and has scheduled a date of 22 December for a court hearing on a motion to amend information in the case. Prosecutors had filed a motion last Wednesday asking for the charges to be dropped, saying that there is insufficient evidence to prove said counts beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. Story continues Kegan Anthony Kline is the man behind the fake account, according to an affidavit (Miami County Sheriffs Office) They also filed a request to downgrade several of the remaining charges from a level four to a level five felony or a level five to a level six. The state gave no further details about the request or the timing of it. However, the request came just two days after Indiana State Police announced that a man had finally been arrested and charged with Libby and Abbys murders almost six years on from the slayings. Richard Allen, a 50-year-old local Delphi man, was taken into custody on 26 October and charged two days later with two counts of murder. Mr Allen, who is said to be refusing to cooperate with investigators, pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held without bond. It is not clear if the move to drop charges against Kline is connected in any way to the case against Mr Allen. Law enforcement are remaining tight-lipped about what led them to arrest the 50-year-old now, with the probable cause affidavit being sealed by a judge. However, in a somewhat surprising move, officials indicated that there could be other individuals still out there who were also involved in the murders of Libby and Abby. If any other person had any involvement in the murders in any way, that person will be held accountable, Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter said in a press conference last week. Libby German (left) and Abby Williams (right) pictured together (Facebook) Members of the public have been urged to continue to submit tips not only about Mr Allen but about any other information regarding the case with officials insisting that the investigation is far from over. The timing of what marks the first arrest in the 2017 case comes as newly-unsealed court records reveal that Kline was released into the temporary custody of Indiana State Police (ISP) back in August. Days later, ISP officers were spotted carrying out a search of the Wabash River near his home in Peru. Journalist Aine Cain and attorney Kevin Greenlee, creators of The Murder Sheet podcast, told The Independent at the time that the search was connected to the murders of Libby and Abby. During Klines 2020 police interview, he denied having any knowledge about who killed the teenagers. But, detectives said he failed a polygraph test on those statements. At another point in the interview, a detective confronted Kline with a message about Libby that @anthony_shots sent to another user days after the murders. yeah we were supposed to meet but she never showed up, it read. Back on 13 February 2017, Libby and Abby set off on a hike along the Monon High Bridge Trail in their hometown of Delphi. During the walk, Libby posted a photo on Snapchat of her best friend walking along the Monon High Bridge. It was the last known photo of Abby before she was killed. Later that day, the teenagers were reported missing when they failed to meet a family member who had arranged to pick them up. Richard Allen was arrested and charged with the murders of Libby and Abby (Indiana State Police) The following day Valentines Day 2017 their bodies were discovered in a wooded area around half a mile off the trail. For the next five years, no arrests were ever made and no suspects formally named. A 2017 search warrant application, which surfaced earlier this year, revealed that the victims were killed with some sort of weapon and lost a lot of blood meaning the assailant would have been covered in their blood following the attack. Libby and Abby were believed to have been killed in another location before the murderer moved their bodies and staged them at the crime scene. The killer was also believed to have taken some sort of souvenir. Investigators have long tried to identify a man that Libby managed to capture on her cellphone before she died. In the grainy video, the broad-set man is seen dressed in blue jeans, a blue jacket and a cap walking along the abandoned railroad bridge. Investigators released a still image from the video and a chilling audio of the man telling the two girls: Go down the hill. Kline is due to stand trial on the child porn charges in January. The World Travel Market London (WTM), which opened today (November 7) in the UK capital, is expected to facilitate a record number of travel deals with an increased number of new and returning exhibitors from around the globe. Across all areas of the exhibition floor, new faces will be present, as well as familiar ones. More than 3,000 exhibitors from over 100 countries are taking part in the show, the leading global event for the travel industry, running till November 9 at ExCel. The Middle East countries will be strongly represented at the event with Saudi Arabia being named the Premier Partner of World Travel Market London 2022 for the second year running. Saudis Vision 2030 strategy is an ambitious blueprint for the future that is transforming Saudi, creating prosperity and opportunity, with tourism at the heart. Driving forward aims of welcoming 100 million visitors by 2030, Saudi joins partners and delegates at WTM to showcase an unparalleled destination offering. Meanwhile, the future of travel is centre stage at this years World Travel Market London, with the opening keynote to be presented by futurist, Rohit Talwar. Talwar is co-founder and CEO of Fast Future, a research and insights business that specialises in the fields of futures and foresight. It was set up in 2015 and works across multiple industries and with governments. His keynote, taking place on the Future Stage is headlined The Future of Travel Starts Now. In the session he will outline his vision for the future for travel, a future in which humans need to remain at the centre of agenda as technology continues to progress. Meanwhile, senior experts from leading business intelligence and consulting specialist Euromonitor International will showcase the best of digital, consumer-centric and sustainable travel innovations at World Travel Market London. The Powered Up: Driving Travel Forward with Digital and Sustainable Innovation session will feature detailed insights from Caroline Bremner, Senior Head of Travel Research at Euromonitor, and Alex Jarman, Senior Industry Analyst at Euromonitor. Sabre Hospitality President Scott Wilson will lead a session on how retailing will revolutionise hospitality. Some of the highest-profile new participants can be found in the International Hub region of the show, with global representatives from hotel giants such as Hilton and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. International Hub will for the first time host bed-bank Yalago part of the Emirates Group, transport rental firm OK Mobility and destination management company Intrepid. Public, private and hybrid destination management companies and tourist boards are making their presence felt at this years event. First-time destination-driven exhibitors include the Association of Ugandan Tour Operators and representatives from the Azadi International Tourism Organization, showcasing hotels, eco safaris, villages and climbing tours available in Iran. Elsewhere, there will be a greater presence this year from the more established leisure destinations such as the Caribbean, Spain, and Portugal. The UK and Ireland stand will be twice the size of last year, hosting more than 50 partners and reflecting the continuing interest in the UK and Ireland as a staycation destination and its appeal for inbound visitors. This years technology hall will include for the first time Sojern, one of the worlds leading travel-specific marketing platforms. UK-based Vamp, which helps travel companies work with influencers, and US-based car rental aggregator Sofiac are among the dozen or so technology businesses also testing the WTM London waters. Juliette Losardo, WTM London Exhibition Director, said: We are delighted to welcome brand new exhibitors to this years event new organisations participating is essential to moving the sector forward, as well as being very pleased to see some of our long term loyal exhibitors return. These new and returning participants come from all corners of the globe there are now exhibitors from more than 100 countries confirmed. WTM London will this year have a number of specific initiatives designed to help buyers get the most out of their time at ExCeL London. The ever-popular speed networking event takes place on the first two days of the show (Monday 7 November and Tuesday 8 November) from 08:30 to 10 am. A dedicated lounge will be available to The Buyers Club, and buyers will have access to WTM Connect Me a platform to schedule meetings ahead of arrival. Losardo continued: Buyers attending this years WTM London have the chance to meet with thousands of potential clients, reconnect with industry peers and come away inspired with new ideas. 2022 promises to be one of the most important WTMs to date. - TradeArabia News Service Christopher Deluzio's campaign; Rebecca Droke/AP Photo; Insider Democrat Christopher Deluzio defeated Republican Jeremy Shaffer in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District. The 17th District is located in the Pittsburgh suburbs. Both candidates were heavily backed by their national parties' campaign arms. Democrat Christopher Deluzio defeated Republican Jeremy Shaffer in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 2022 General Embeds Rep. Conor Lamb, who represented the district prior to the 2022 midterm elections, gave up his seat to pursue the Democratic nomination for the US Senate seat vacated by Republican Sen. Pat Toomey. But Lamb lost the Democratic primary to Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, who went on to win the Senate seat. Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District candidates Deluzio, Lamb's Democratic replacement, is an Iraq War veteran and voting rights attorney. After returning from his deployments, including a tour in Iraq, Deluzio received his law degree from Georgetown Law and clerked for a federal judge. He then went on to work at the Brennan Center for Justice on the voting rights and election security teams and later served as the policy director at Pitt Cyber. Deluzio handily defeated his opponent Sean Meloy in the Democratic primary, bringing in nearly two-thirds of the vote. He was added to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's "Red to Blue" program, designed to bolster campaigns in attempts to flip the district from Republican to Democratic control. Shaffer, Deluzio's challenger, is a former Ross Township commissioner and board president. He was endorsed by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and named to the "On the Radar" list as part of the National Republican Congressional Committee's Young Guns program. Voting history for Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District encompasses the Pittsburgh suburbs of Mt. Lebanon, Penn Hills, and all of Republican-leaning Beaver County. Story continues President Joe Biden had a near 3 percentage point margin of victory under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before it was redrawn to take in a chunk of suburban Allegheny County in redistricting following the 2020 Census, making it slightly more Democratic. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Deluzio had raised $2.8 million, spent $2.7 million, and has $103,802 of cash on hand, as of October 19. His opponent, Shaffer, had raised $2.5 million, spent $1.8 million, and has $663,164 of cash still left to spend, as of October 19. Through early November, super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate groups have combined to spend about $18 million to advocate for or against the candidates. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, National Republican Campaign Committee, GOP-backing super PAC Congressional Leadership Fund, and Democrat-backing hybrid PAC House Majority PAC are the top spenders in the race. What experts say The race between Deluzio and Shaffer was rated as a "toss-up" by Inside Elections, a "toss-up" by The Cook Political Report, and a "toss-up" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Steven Senne/AP Photo; David Goldman/AP Photo; Insider Democrat Seth Magaziner is running against Republican Allan Fung in Rhode Island's 2nd Congressional District. Rhode Island's 2nd District is located in the western region of the state. Fung holds a narrow lead over Magaziner, according to recent polling. Democrat Seth Magaziner faces off against Republican Allan Fung in Rhode Island's 2nd Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 2022 General Embeds Rhode Island's 2nd Congressional District candidates Magaziner, who has been serving as the state's general treasurer since 2015, originally announced his candidacy for governor of Rhode Island before withdrawing from the gubernatorial election to run for Congress. Six candidates ran in the Democratic primary to succeed Rep. Jim Langevin, who is retiring after 11 terms. Magaziner, who was endorsed by Langevin and the state party, handily defeated his opponents in the primary election, bringing in over half of the vote. Prior to running for Congress, Magaziner chaired Rhode Island's school building task force, leading a statewide school construction initiative that created jobs and repaired over 200 schools. His campaign website notes he helped pass the Reproductive Privacy Act in 2019 that codified the abortion protections of Roe v. Wade into state law. Fung, Magaziner's challenger, is the former mayor of Cranston and a self-identified "moderate Republican." Before running for Congress, Fung served as a criminal prosecutor in the Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit of the state attorney general's office before moving to the private sector where he became the governmental affairs counsel for a life insurance company. In 2008, he was elected as mayor of Cranston, becoming Rhode Island's first Asian-American mayor. Fung ran unopposed in the Republican primary. According to a recent WPRI-TV and Roger Williams University poll, Fung leads Magaziner, 46% to 40%. Voting history for Rhode Island's 2nd Congressional District Rhode Island's 2nd Congressional District is located in the western region of the state and includes Providence, the capital and most populous city in the state, and New Shoreham, located in Block Island, south of mainland Rhode Island. Story continues President Joe Biden had a 13.5 percentage point margin of victory over former President Donald Trump under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before it underwent a redrawing process that kept district lines nearly the same in redistricting following the 2020 Census. The partisan lean Democratic remained unchanged. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Magaziner has raised $3.4 million, spent $2.9 million, and has $523,608 on hand, as of October 19. His opponent, Fung, has raised $1.9 million, spent $1.6 million, and has $394,094 cash on hand, as of October 19. As of early November, super PACs, national party committee, and other non-candidate groups have together spent about $8.7 million advocating for or against the candidates. Pro-Fung Republican super PAC Congressional Leadership Fund accounts for about half of that spending. What experts say The race between Magaziner and Fung is rated as a "toss-up" by Inside Elections, a "toss-up" by The Cook Political Report, and a "toss-up" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Mary Altaffer/AP Photo; Andrew Harnik/AP Photo; Insider Rep. Matt Cartwright is running against Republican Jim Bognet in Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District. The 8th District encompasses parts of Luzerne County, a predominantly white, working-class area in eastern Pennsylvania. In 2020, Cartwright became one of seven Democratic incumbents to win despite Trump prevailing over Biden in his district. Five-term Democratic Rep. Matt Cartwright faces off against Republican Jim Bognet in Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 2022 General Embeds Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District candidates Cartwright is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations. In 2012, Cartwright defeated 10-term incumbent Rep. Tim Holden Pennsylvania's longest-serving congressman in the Democrat primary election. Prior to his time in Congress, the now-61-year-old congressman worked as an attorney for 25 years. In 2020, Cartwright won a 5th term, defeating Bognet by a narrow margin of 3.6 percentage points. His victory came even when former President Trump carried the district against President Joe Biden. As a result, Cartwright became one of seven Democratic incumbents to win despite Trump prevailing over Biden in their districts. Bognet, Cartwright's two-time challenger, is a former Trump administration appointee in the Export-Import Bank. He secured the endorsement of Trump in May. "Jim served in my Administration and helped bring manufacturing jobs back to Northeast Pennsylvania. In Congress, he will fight to Grow our Economy, Build the Wall, Defend the Second Amendment, and Support our Brave Military, Vets and Law Enforcement," Trump said in his endorsement. Voting history for Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District includes parts of Luzerne County, a predominantly white, working-class area in eastern Pennsylvania. It also encompasses Scranton, the largest city in northeastern Pennsylvania and where Biden was born. Story continues Trump had a 4 percentage point margin of victory over President Biden under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before it was redrawn to take in more of Monroe County in redistricting following the 2020 Census, making it slightly less Republican. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Cartwright has raised $4.9 million, spent $4.7 million, and has $386,695 of cash on hand, as of October 19. His opponent, Bognet, has raised $2.4 million, spent $2.2 million, and has $411,717 of cash still left to spend, as of October 19. As of early November, super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate groups have spent about $12.8 million to adv0cate for or against the candidates. What experts say The race between Cartwright and Bognet is rated as a "toss-up" by Inside Elections, a "toss-up" by The Cook Political Report, and a "toss-up" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday declared a state of emergency in 34 Florida counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco, as Subtropical Storm Nicole threatened to bring rough weather to the state. Nicole formed in the Atlantic on Monday morning. Forecasters predict it will strengthen into a hurricane and make landfall in southeast Florida later this week. It could dump up to 6 inches of rain onto parts of the Tampa Bay area and stir up tropical-force winds. While this storm does not, at this time, appear that it will become much stronger, I urge all Floridians to be prepared and to listen to announcements from local emergency management officials, DeSantis said in a statement. We will continue to monitor the trajectory and strength of this storm as it moves towards Florida. DeSantis said he issued the order in an abundance of caution so that communities can prepare and families and businesses can create a plan and gather necessary resources in the event that Subtropical Storm Nicole gains in strength. The counties under the state of emergency are: Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia. 2022 Tampa Bay Times Hurricane Guide IT'S STORM SEASON: Get ready and stay informed at tampabay.com/hurricane. MODELS: How reliable are hurricane models? Hurricane Ian gave us some answers. EVACUATIONS: Fewer evacuated to shelters during Hurricane Ian. How can Tampa Bay stay safe? ROAD CLOSURES: What to know about bridges, roads as Hurricane Ian approaches. WHAT TO EXPECT IN A SHELTER: What to bring and not bring plus information on pets, keeping it civil and more. WHAT TO DO IF HURRICANE DAMAGES YOUR HOME: Stay calm, then call your insurance company. PREPARING FOR A HURRICANE: Make a plan, listen to experts, and know theres help available if you need it. Story continues DOUBLE-CHECK: Checklists for building all kinds of hurricane kits PHONE IT IN: Use your smartphone to protect your data, documents and photos. SELF-CARE: Protect your mental health during a hurricane. Rising Threat: A special report on flood risk and climate change PART 1: The Tampa Bay Times partnered with the National Hurricane Center for a revealing look at future storms. PART 2: Even weak hurricanes can cause huge storm surges. Experts say people don't understand the risk. PART 3: Tampa Bay has huge flood risk. What should we do about it? INTERACTIVE MAP: Search your Tampa Bay neighborhood to see the hurricane flood risk. (Bloomberg) -- Governor Ron DeSantis sidestepped a barb by Donald Trump during the home stretch of his Florida re-election campaign, avoiding a confrontation that seems likely to spill into the open once the 2024 presidential race gets under way. Most Read from Bloomberg DeSantis and the former president held separate rallies in the Sunshine State on Sunday, a day after Trump attacked his potential rival for the Republican nomination at a Pennsylvania event Saturday night as Ron DeSanctimonious. DeSantis declined to take the bait while addressing an audience of several hundred at the Sun City Center senior community, instead focusing on his record as governor since 2019. As Trump prepares for a possible presidential bid in the coming weeks, hes begun publicly criticizing DeSantis, who most polls show would be his strongest challenger for the 2024 GOP nomination. Another widely-considered 2024 GOP presidential aspirant, US Senator Tom Cotton, of Arkansas, has decided against making a 2024 presidential run as Trump readies a third campaign, according to people familiar with the matter. The crowd of mostly senior citizens a few miles outside Tampa wasnt eager for DeSantis to hit back. Some were frustrated with Trumps attack. I wish he hadnt done it. I dont want to see conflict, said Larry Newland, a retiree from Ruskin, Florida, who was wearing an I Support Ron DeSantis t-shirt. Others seemed to take it in stride. Its just Trump being Trump, said Shari Zara, a volunteer for the Valencia Lakes Republican Committee, who was handing out voter guides before the rally. At another DeSantis event in a Sarasota airport hangar, the governor also didnt respond to Trump. Story continues I think theyre on the same page, but Id like to see Trump choose DeSantis for vice president or something pretty significant, said Brandy Pedersen, of Venice, Florida, who attended the airport rally. On the other side of the state, Trump took the stage later Sunday in Miami at a rally in support of US Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican who leads his Democratic opponent, Representative Val Demings, in the polls. The former president has routinely taken credit for DeSantiss election as governor, saying DeSantis took off like a rocket ship after Trump endorsed him in 2018. But a simmering rivalry between the two men has become public in recent weeks. DeSantis broke with Trump in the endorsement of Republican US Senate candidate Joe ODea in Colorado, a move that Trump called A BIG MISTAKE on his Truth Social platform. Trump also posted a video on Truth Social on Oct. 26 of former Fox News host Megyn Kelly saying the Florida governor shouldnt run in 2024 because, while the hardcore Trump faithful like DeSantis, they would never cross Trump for him. Trump posted, I AGREE! At the Trump rally, attendee Kim Johnson suggested that DeSantis still has time and that Floridians should keep DeSantis at home for now. I personally dont want to lose Governor DeSantis as my governor, she said. So my preference would be to have Donald Trump run, and then Governor DeSantis run four years later. Trump didnt repeat the broadside on DeSantis at the Miami rally, nor did he mention the potential rival. DeSantis, who faces Democrat Charlie Christ in the governors race on Tuesday, spent much of his speech on his record as governor, including his response to the recent Hurricane Ian. He didnt mention Trump, either. He boasted about the states Covid response and his efforts to police voting, attacked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and touted Florida as the citadel of freedom. Im glad DeSantis didnt acknowledge that silly attack, said Marie Vawter, a Sun City resident whod recently moved from New Jersey. Hes a strong man, but he still has a sense of decorum. --With assistance from Mark Niquette. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Former President Donald Trump reacts to the crowd after he finished speaking at a campaign rally in support of the campaign of Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida at the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition on Sunday, November 6, 2022, in Miami. Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo Trump urged voters at a rally in Miami to reelect Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The forner president has previously said he'd vote for DeSantis but just nicknamed him "DeSanctimonious." DeSantis wasn't at the Miami rally and held his own events across the state. MIAMI, Florida Former President Donald Trump kicked off a rally here on Sunday evening by urging voters to support Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Election Day, despite having just christened the governor with a new nickname. Trump took the stage at the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition calling for the crowd to "reelect Ron DeSantis as your governor." The night before, Trump mocked DeSantis directly and publicly as "Ron DeSanctimonious" at a rally in Pennsylvania while talking about Republicans who might enter the 2024 presidential primary. Trump's rally on Sunday just two days before Election Day was primarily aimed at supporting Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida for a third term, though numerous other top Florida Republicans were present, including Sen. Rick Scott, as well as Reps. Byron Donalds and Matt Gaetz, and top state officials. DeSantis wasn't included. The governor instead held three campaign events of his own on the opposite coast of the state. He did not mention Trump in his speeches and instead focused on touting his accomplishments as governor. DeSantis, 44, has been polling second to Trump in a hypothetical 2024 GOP presidential primary. As the midterms near, Trump has been taking shots at the governor on his social media site, Truth Social, including sharing an Insider article that featured GOP strategist John Thomas saying DeSantis shouldn't run against him. When DeSantis ran for governor in 2018 he campaigned heavily on Trump's support and won by roughly 30,000 votes. This year DeSantis appears poised to win Florida by a much higher margin but hasn't sought Trump's endorsement. On Sunday, Trump again teased a 2024 presidential run, saying, "In order to make our country successful, safe and glorious, I will probably have to do it again," and "we are going to take back that magnificent White House." Story continues Trump, 76, appears poised to make an official announcement soon, perhaps as early as November 14, Axios reported. President Joe Biden, who will be 80 this month, has said he intends to run again. DeSantis, meanwhile, wouldn't commit to serving a four-year term when his Democratic opponent, Charlie Crist, asked him about it during the October 24 gubernatorial debate. Several Trump supporters Insider interviewed on Sunday evening had not heard the DeSantis nickname. They laughed when Insider shared it with them. "I don't think they're on the best terms, but it is what it is," said Jorge Rios II, president of the Log Cabin Republicans of Miami. "They're both great people." Others brushed off the prospect that DeSantis and Trump were in a growing rivalry. Donnie Fernandez, a Miami resident, said DeSantis could only attend so many events. "This was a rushed event out of the blue," he said. "I understand he wasn't able to make it." He added that he thought Trump's nickname for DeSantis could be viewed as "playful." Jeff and Roland, both of Fort Myers, Florida, and who declined to share their last names, told Insider they hoped Trump would announce soon not only that he was running for president but that DeSantis would be his running mate. Rios told Insider he'd hoped the former president might even announce a 2024 campaign that evening. Rios and Fernandez said they'd rather keep DeSantis as governor of Florida for now, and for him to run in 2028. "We want him here," Rios said. " If he leaves us, who are we going to get?" Read the original article on Business Insider A suspected serial killer said he "backhanded" and fatally choked a Daytona Beach woman in 1991 after she screamed while riding in his car, according to newly released information in a charging affidavit. Michael S. Townson, 53, was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder in the killing of Linda Lois Little, who vanished Oct. 11, 1991, in Daytona Beach, according to the Daytona Beach Police Department and the 7th Circuit State Attorney's Office. Townson is being held without bond at the Volusia County Branch Jail. Victim's sister forgives: Slain Daytona Beach woman's sister forgives man police said confessed to 31-year-old killing Already serving life: Suspected serial killer held without bond in Daytona Beach woman's slaying Serial killer spared: Daytona Beach serial killer spared death sentence by jury, sentenced to life in prison Cold case solved: Daytona Beach police solve 31-year-old cold case, suspect charged with first-degree murder Townson is already serving a life sentence for beating Sherri Carmanto to death with a steel pipe at her home in Titusville in 2007. A Brevard County jury convicted him of the killing in 2008. Townson has also confessed to two killings in Memphis, Tennessee, including providing details in a womans homicide that only the killer would know, the affidavit stated. Michael Townson makes first appearance at the branch jail, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022. Little's killing three decades ago had become a cold case. Then Townson was transferred to Tomoka Correctional Institution near Daytona Beach where in 2020 he asked to speak to Daytona Beach Police. Townson told police that he was living in Orlando, but traveled to Daytona Beach for his birthday on Oct. 12. Police said based on Townsons timeline, he arrived in Daytona Beach on Oct. 10, 1991, and met Little the next day. Oct. 11 is the last day Little was last seen alive after finishing her shift as a waitress, police said. Townson said he met Little at the 710 Club, which was inside the Texan Hotel at 701 South Atlantic Ave. in Daytona Beach; it closed in 1993, the affidavit stated. Story continues Littles sister said she was known to go to the hotel bars on South Atlantic Avenue, the affidavit stated. Townson told police he and Little got in his car and left the hotel, the affidavit stated. Townson said he suggested she take a shower, the affidavit stated. Linda Lois Little Townson told police Little "freaked out and that she began to yell and scream at him," the affidavit stated. Mr. Townson stated that he backhanded Linda and then choked her, according to the affidavit. Townson said when he realized he had killed Little, he drove north on Interstate 95 into Georgia, the affidavit stated. Townson stated he believes he got off at the second exit and drove a few miles before disposing of her body behind a dumpster in a rural area, the affidavit stated. Detectives said the area described by Townson would be Camden County, but unidentified bodies recovered in the area did not match Little, according to the affidavit. Townson told police that he was trying to get right with God and that he deserved to be in prison, the affidavit stated. Townson said he has a hatred for women. Detectives showed Townson a photo of Little and Townson confirmed she was the woman he murdered in October 1991, the affidavit stated. According to the charging affidavit, Townson stated: No doubt about it, no doubt. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida man, suspected serial killer, choked woman in 1991, report said Two men armed with handguns accused of robbing a Denver bank on Monday were taken into custody as of Wednesday, according to the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office. ALSO READ: Belmont police respond to armed robbery at credit union Deputies were called to the State Employees Credit Union close to 11:10 a.m. on North Carolina Highway 73 after receiving a report from the banks alarm company. The men entered the bank shortly after 11 a.m. and demanded money from the teller, the sheriffs office said. One of the suspects jumped over the counter and grabbed money as customers were ordered to get on the floor. On Tuesday, the Belmont Police Department confirmed to Channel 9 that one suspect had been arrested. The suspect, Christopher DMichah Tarrant, is facing a charge of robbery with a dangerous weapon. Wednesday, the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office said a second suspect, Jaylen Shamari Rowell, was arrested in Charlotte. Rowell is accused of ordering employees and customers onto the floor at gunpoint while an accomplice jumped over the counter and took money from several cash drawers. Tarrants bond was set at $225,000, and he was still listed in custody at the Gaston County Jail on Tuesday. According to the sheriffs office, Tarrant was the alleged getaway driver in the robbery. The accomplice is still wanted by investigators, according to the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office. >>Watch Channel 9s LIVE STREAM wherever you are, at this link SECU sent Channel 9 a statement: Authorities are investigating, and we are working closely and in full cooperation with them. The safety and well-being of our members, employees, and community is our top priority. Our thoughts go out to everyone involved. The Denver Branch is temporarily closed. SECU members can access services at other locations or at ncsecu.org. VIDEO: Grand jury convicts Catawba County man of Newton bank robbery, fraud and identity theft A homeowner believes a meteorite may be to blame for a fire that broke out Friday evening at his house in a small California town. Fire officials were alerted to the blaze near Lake Englebright just before 7:30 p.m. on Friday, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit said in a statement shared on social media. Though the cause of the fire has not been determined, Dustin Procita believes his home was the landing site of a meteorite as do several other witnesses, according to NBC affiliate KCRA-TV. RELATED: Woman Speaks Out After Boyfriend Saves Her Life in Fiery Crash: 'We Love Each Other Even More' The Nevada County man was sitting on his couch and listening to music when he reportedly noticed something hit his home. Authorities Investigating Ca. House Fire Possibly Caused by Meteorite GoFundMe Footage from a local Ring camera, first shared by KCRA and visible in the video above, appears to show a large glowing object falling from the sky near Procita's residence. "I heard a big bang," he recalled, according the station and ABC affiliate KABC-TV. "I started to smell smoke." Procita raced out to his porch and found it "completely engulfed in flames," he said. The homeowner managed to escape the fire with one of his two dogs. He attempted to save the second, but said heavy fire and smoke prevented him from seeing inside. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Penn Valley Fire Department Captain Josh Miller said multiple people appeared at the scene to see if a meteorite was to blame as fire officials battled the blaze. Authorities Investigating Ca. House Fire Possibly Caused by Meteorite GoFundMe "I had one individual tell me about it first and I put it in the back of my mind but then more people two, three, four started coming in and talking about it," he explained, according to KCRA. PEOPLE was not able to reach Clayton Thomas, a representative from Penn Valley Fire Protection District, for further comment on the blaze and its cause. Story continues Procita and his wife Jeanette "lost everything" in the fire and did not have homeowners insurance, according to a GoFundMe for the couple, launched by Procita's mom, Cindy Blanchard. RELATED: 4 Children, 2 Adults Killed in Wisconsin Apartment Fire: 'This Is an Absolute Tragedy' "All they have left is literally the clothes on their backs," she wrote. "Family is naturally helping as best we can, however, that will not be enough to cover all of the many expenses involved with such a disaster." The campaign has raised over $9,000 as of Monday afternoon. Hungary is set to clock record number of visitors from the UAE and Saudi Arabia in 2022, according to Visit Hungary (VH), which is responsible for the international tourism development of the European country. VH is launching a wide-scale communication campaign to promote the country's attractions in the region. As a current step, it has appointed Aviareps as its representative office in the Gulf Countries to further promote Hungary as an idyllic winter wonderland destination of culture, excitement and family fun for Middle East travellers. Vitalij Izbriszov, Regional Head of Business Development, Visit Hungary, said:: We, at Visit Hungary, are constantly working on showing all the attractions Hungary can offer for the visitors of the Gulf Countries. The quick return and expansion of direct flight access from the region to Hungary, along with the positive momentum achieved through our many proactive activations carried out during Dubai Expo 2020, has thankfully contributed to this. As such the Middle East has become a key strategic market of focus for us going forward, and in order to further engage and develop the market we continue to strengthen our tourism relations in the region, and our cooperation with Aviareps is a great opportunity for this. Glenn Johnston, Vice President Middle East and Global Public Affairs, Aviareps, said: We are honoured and excited to collaborate with Visit Hungary to promote the countrys exceptional tourism offerings here in the Middle East. From Hungarys rejuvenating spas, exceptional cuisine, unique castle stays and picturesque land and cityscapes, Budapest and all the regions of Hungary have so much to offer Middle East travellers, that will both surprise and delight, and all at great value. To kick off the promotions, Budapest will be promoted as the ultimate winter wonderland getaway for Middle Eastern travellers this winter. Data from the Hungarian National Tourism Data Supply Centre (NTDSC) indicates that over 7,500 travellers from the UAE visited Hungary in the first 8 months of 2022 alone; a +90% increase on the total number of 4,000 visitors who visited during the whole 12 months of 2021. The news from Saudi Arabia is also positive, with 2,700 visitors from the Kingdom visiting Hungary within the first 8 months of 2022, which is almost on par with the previous best 12-month visitor total of 2,904 received in 2019. When the 8-month 2022 figures are compared to the 12-month 1,400 total number of Saudi visitors received in 2021, the increase of +88% along with other market indicators Saudi Arabia as a source traveller market is also set to have a record-breaking performance in 2022. TradeArabia News Service Chase Stevens/AP Photo; Insider Rep. Dina Titus defeated Republican Mark Robertson in Nevada's 1st Congressional District. The 1st District is located in Clark County, covering many Las Vegas suburbs. The once-deeply Democratic district was made competitive through redistricting. Longtime Democratic Rep. Dina Titus won another bid for reelection against Republican Mark Robertson in Nevada's 1st Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 7 p.m. local time, or 10 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds Nevada's 1st Congressional District candidates Titus is serving her 6th term in the US House of Representatives. A staunch Democrat, the 72-year-old congresswoman votes in line with President Joe Biden's stated position 100% of the time. In the aftermath of the 2017 shooting at the Route 91 Harvest music festival that killed 58 people and wounded over 500, Titus advocated for stricter anti-gun legislation. She introduced legislation that would tightly regulate bump stocks, an attachment that enables semi-automatic weapons to fire with the speed of a machine gun. Last September, on the anniversary of the shooting, Titus introduced the Closing The Bump Stock Loophole Act, which passed the House on a vote of 233-194. The Las Vegas Democrat was first elected in 2008 to represent Nevada's 3rd Congressional District, but two years later was defeated by Republican and former state Sen. Joe Heck by less than 2,000 votes. In 2013, Titus returned to Congress after winning in the 1st Congressional District. Before her election to Congress, Titus served in the Nevada Senate and was its minority leader from 1993 to 2009. She also taught American and Nevada government classes from 1979 through 2011 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she has professor emeritus status. Ahead of the November 2022 general election, she defeated her opponent, Bernie Sanders-endorsed Amy Vilela, in a Democratic primary by a 65-point margin. Robertson, born in Orange, California, served in the US Army for more than 30 years and received accolades for his service in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and seven other foreign countries. In his last assignment, he served as a senior advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon. Robertson also formerly taught at UNLV the retired colonel taught classes on military science. Story continues Robertson won the Republican nomination among a crowded slate of GOP candidates, ultimately beating out seven other contenders. Voting history for Nevada's 1st Congressional District Once in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada's 1st Congressional District now encompasses more of Clark County. President Joe Biden had a 25 percentage point margin of victory under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before it was redrawn to encompass more suburban areas in redistricting following the 2020 Census, making it less Democratic. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Titus raised $3 million, spent $2.5 million, and had $871,042 of cash on hand, as of October 19. Her opponent, Robertson, raised $1.1 million, spent $928,728, and had $188,547 of cash still left to spend, as of October 19. Through early November, super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate groups had together spent almost $16.9 million to advocate for or against the candidates. What experts say The race between Titus and Robertson was rated as "tilt Democratic" by Inside Elections, a "toss-up" by The Cook Political Report, and "leans Democratic" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Screenshot: BBC Doctor Who has long had a proud history of trying to do a lot with very little money, and while gone are the days of wobbly cardboard sets and whatever the hell Erato the Creature from the Pit was, even to this day the show often has ideas much larger than a BBC budget can imagine. That might be about to change in a big way. A new report from UK TV industry press site Broadcast claims that the BBCs recent deal with Disneygranting the House of Mouse worldwide streaming rights to the series outside of the UK and Ireland from 2023 onwardscould see Doctor Whos budget raise from its current approximate $1.1-3.4 million per episode to approximately $11.5 millon per episode when filming begins for the shows 14th season, starring Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor. Read more Sources speaking to Broadcast allege that the budget increase is a play to bring Doctor Who to more mainstream audiences again, now that is competing in an age of lavish genre TV productions backed by powerhouses like HBO, Netflix, and Amazon. While not reaching the giddy highs of budgets for recent series like House of the Dragon (which purportedly cost around $20m per episode), Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (an eye-watering $50-80m per episode) or the fourth season of Stranger Things ($30m per episode), it marks a major financial boost for a show that has long been defined by its budgetary constraints. Further plans could also see Doctor Who re-attempt to spin off into a franchise of multiple shows, akin to returning showrunner Russell T. Davies previous attempts with series like Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures. Whats not mentioned in Broadcasts report is if this financial injection from Disney comes with any creative control for the megastudio, as previously claimed in reports from British newspaper the Telgraph. The BBC had to make the decision for the future success of Doctor Who because any show of scale needs a partner, one undisclosed source told Broadcast. Reliability is the most important factor irrespective of how many episodes you make or who the Doctor is. If you can bring in a single partner with one distribution agreement, while retaining exclusivity in the UK, that is the best of both worlds for the BBC. Story continues Doctor Who will return for a trio of three episodes in November 2023 to celebrate its 60th anniversary, starring David Tennant as the 14th Doctor, before returning during the holiday season and in 2024 with new star Ncuti Gatwa. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about James Camerons Avatar: The Way of Water. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Voters wait in line to vote early during midterm elections in Philadelphia on Nov. 7. The Department of Justice will be stepping up its in-person election monitoring efforts on Tuesday, compared with 2020's presidential election. The agency plans to deploy federal monitors from the its Civil Rights Division, Office of Personnel Management, and U.S. Attorneys Offices to polling places in 64 jurisdictions across 24 different states, according to a Monday press statement. Since the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Civil Rights Division has regularly monitored elections in the field in jurisdictions around the country to protect the rights of voters, the DOJ said in its announcement. These monitors are a standard part of elections, though their numbers and placement vary from year to year. Read more During the 2020 national election, the agency placed monitors in 44 jurisdictions and 18 states. So, this years midterms mark about a 50% increase in jurisdiction coverage and a 35% increase in the number of states monitored, compared with two years ago, and are also more than the 2018 midterms. However, this years monitor numbers arent a record by any means. During the 2016 presidential election, 67 jurisdictions and 28 states were monitored. States slated for monitoring this year, which werent in 2020, include Alaska, Arkansas, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, and Utah. Illinois is the only state to have been totally removed from the monitoring list in that time. And many other states have ended up with more jurisdictions on the list now than before, like Arizona which went from three to five. Unfounded conspiracy theories that allege the 2020 election was stolen from Trump have proliferated widely for the past two years. Election denier lies were central to the January 6th insurrection attempt. And widely discounted claims of Democrat voter fraud have led to a boom in far-right actors stepping in as vigilante ballot watchers. Story continues Last week, an Arizona judge issued a temporary restraining order against such poll-watchers amid one of the most competitive races in the country, where some of the pro-Trump activists were showing up with guns and intimidating would-be voters. In Maricopa County, the states most populous, actual election officials received at least 140 threatening messages between July 11 and August 11 alone, according to a report from Reuters. In addition to the in-person monitors, DOJ Civil Rights Division workers have a phone hotline (800-253-3931) where voters can file complaints. And complaints can also be submitted to the agencys website. Note though that these portals are only for complaints related to potential violations of the federal voting rights lawnot reports about potential fraud. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. The Justice Department is expanding in-person monitoring of polling places for Tuesdays midterms to areas in nearly half of U.S. states, DOJ officials said Monday. Federal monitors looking for potential civil rights violations and voter intimidation will fan out to 64 jurisdictions in 24 states, a marked increase from the presidential election two years ago when DOJ sent monitors to 44 jurisdictions in 18 states. Alaska, Arkansas, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island and Utah didnt make the Justice Departments list in 2020, but are on it this year. Chicago and Cook County, Ill. were monitored by the feds two years ago, but no locations in Illinois are on this years roster. The Justice Department appears to be incrementally stepping up its attention this year in states that have seen particular tension around ballot drop boxes. In Arizona, where incidents of armed men stationed near ballot boxes led to a restraining order against such activities by some groups, the Justice Department is expanding election-day scrutiny to five counties from three two years ago. Among the new additions is Pima County, the states second most populous. In Texas, where ballot drop boxes led to numerous court challenges in 2020, federal authorities added Dallas County to the monitoring list, joining Houston-based Harris County and rural Waller County. A Justice Department official who asked not to be named said jurisdictions can wind up on the monitoring list for various reasons. "The decision on when to send election monitors is based upon the facts and circumstances on the ground with respect to a particular jurisdiction in a particular election. For example, in some places, it may be primarily monitoring for language accessibility under the" Voting Rights Act, the official said. "In other places, it may be primarily monitoring for disability accessibility....In still other places, it may include questions about possible discrimination or intimidation." While the number of states and jurisdictions being scrutinized by federal monitors is up from both the 2018 midterms and the 2020 presidential year, DOJ seems to have cast its net more broadly in the 2016 presidential year, when 67 jurisdictions in 28 states were monitored. Regular federal monitoring of elections has taken place since the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965. Monitors are drawn from Justices Civil Rights Division and local U.S. Attorneys offices, supplemented by employees from other federal agencies. By Rebecca Fike, Jake Beach, and Jacob Mathew at Vinson & Elkins LLP The SEC has been busy under the Biden administration. From rulemaking to enforcement, the agency is pushing boundaries and expanding its reach into new and active areas of the market. Here, we provide updates on the Commissions activity in several high-priority areas, including ESG, insider trading, ephemeral messaging, and the clawback of executive incentive-based compensation. ESG Regulation and Enforcement Using Preexisting Rules and Historical Causes of Action SEC Chair Gary Gensler recently spoke about how various types of crypto technology, like crypto token, stablecoin, or decentralized finance platform (DeFi) . . . are covered by [existing] securities laws.1 Paraphrasing Aristotle, Gensler concluded, [t]reat like cases alike.2 Those observations mirrored earlier comments by Commissioner Hester M. Peirce on ESG regulation and enforcement: We can bring, and already have brought, greenwashing cases using existing rules, so why is additional rulemaking necessary? Should our focus instead be on identifying where there may be gaps in Commission rules and tailor[ing] any new rulemaking accordingly, rather than producing a new rule that is arguably redundant?3 Such comments may reflect an institutional preference for amending preexisting rules and relying on historical causes of action rather than inventing new theories for ESG regulation and enforcement. This focus is evident in recent rulemaking, investigations, and enforcement actions specifically, proposed amendments to the Names Rule, recent administrative proceedings against Bank of New York Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. (BNY Mellon), and an ongoing investigation into Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Activision Blizzard). Proposed Amendments to the Names Rule The Names Rule was adopted two decades ago to protect the public from materially deceptive and misleading [fund] name[s].4 Among other things, it forbids names suggesting guarantee or approval by the United States government.5 The rule also prohibits names which suggest that a fund focuses on certain investments or industries, certain countries or geographic regions, or has [t]ax-exempt status, unless the funds name accurately reflects at least 80% of the value of its assets.6 This is also known as the 80% rule. Story continues The SEC recognizes when a funds name includes the term ESG or similar terminology,7 that [i]nvestors may reasonably expect [such] funds . . . to invest in companies with policies, practices, or characteristics that are consistent with these standards.8 The proposed amendments to the Names Rule would provide that fund names with ESG and similar terminology . . . are subject to the rules 80% investment policy requirement.9 The amendments would also defin[e] certain uses of ESG terminology in fund names as materially deceptive and misleading.10 The purpose of both amendments would be to stamp out greenwashing.11 Among the proposals the SEC is considering is whether the names of integration funds should be categorically deemed to be materially deceptive or misleading if those names indicate that a funds investment decisions incorporate one or more ESG factors.12 The SEC is also mulling over whether a funds investment policy must address each element in the fund name that suggests an investment focus.13 For instance, a fund named XYZ Environmental, Social, and Governance Fund may be required to adopt an 80% investment policy to address all three of those elements.14 On October 7, 2022, the SEC reopened the comment period for the proposed amendments to the Names Rule.15 So, it remains to be seen whether these amendments will emerge intact. For the time being, this serves as a useful reminder to embrace progress while keeping one foot firmly planted in the past, where much of the regulatory action still is. Settlement with Bank of New York Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. For companies concerned with ESG, the SEC has emphasized that all three of those elements matter.16 However, G, for governance, is sometimes overlooked.17 This may be a risky assumption, as seen in a recent settled administrative action against BNY Mellon, and a private lawsuit and ongoing SEC investigation into Activision Blizzard. BNY Mellon recently found itself the subject of an administrative proceeding. At issue were alleged misstatements and omissions about how ESG principles informed the investment decisions of certain funds it advised.18 The decisional processes of two funds, the Sustainable Funds and the Overlay Funds, were scrutinized closely.19 Investment decisions for the Sustainable Funds always required adherence to a proprietary ESG quality review.20 To pass muster, securities had to demonstrate attractive investment attributes and sustainable business practices, and could not have any material unresolvable environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.21 By contrast, investment decisions for the Overlay Funds were not subject to that specific investment criteria.22 But the SEC found that BNY Mellon misrepresented in board minutes and prospectuses the extent to which ESG quality reviews were part of the investment process of the Overlay Funds.23 The following statement was viewed as misleading: Integrated into the investment process [is] a well-established approach to responsible investment. This process includes identifying and considering the [ESG] risks, opportunities and issues through the research process via . . . proprietary quality reviews, in an effort to ensure that any material ESG issues are considered.24 This was because [a] reasonable investor . . . could mistakenly conclude that all portfolio holdings selected [for the Overlay Fund] were subject to an ESG quality review.25 Also problematic was an RFP response which stated that, as part of the due diligence process ahead of investing, each security being considered for investment . . . must have an ESG quality review conducted.26 The SEC concluded BNY Mellon had willfully violated Sections 206(2) and 206(4) of the Investment Advisers Act, and Rules 206(4)-8 and 206(4)-7 promulgated thereunder, and had also violated Section 34(b) of the Investment Company Act, which prohibit fraud or deceit and untrue statements or omissions of material fact.27 Without admitting or denying any of the SECs findings, BNY Mellon agreed to an order requiring that it cease and desist from current and future violations, a censure, and a penalty payment of $1,500,000.28 Investigation into Activision Blizzard, Inc. Activision Blizzard has been the subject of an investigation for different governance reasons. It started when a federal class action lawsuit claimed that Activision Blizzard had violated federal securities law by misleading investors, in significant part, through its 2020 ESG Report: Plaintiffs allege that [the ESG Reports] provisions regarding no toleration of retaliation were materially false and misleading because during the Class Period retaliation against female employees of the Company who made sexual harassment and discrimination claims was rampant and tolerated by the Company.29 While the plaintiffs first two complaints were dismissed, they recently filed a third amended complaint, reasserting their claims that Activision Blizzards public commitment to ESG materially misled investors.30 Activision Blizzard has also announced that the SEC is investigating the company on employment matters and related issues.31 It is unclear whether any formal enforcement will materialize out of the Activision Blizzard investigation. Regardless, in light of administrative proceedings brought against BNY Mellon and other companies32 based upon their internal and external compliance efforts, this may indicate the form that future SEC enforcement may take against companies seeking to implement ESG protocols, especially in the area of governance. Insider Trading Enforcement Based on Companies Own Insider Trading Language and Policies In another trend, the language and provisions of several companies own insider trading policies have played a significant role in helping the Commission expand its insider trading litigation. While the SEC has made reference to companies insider trading policies in prior enforcement actions, those references have generally served to establish scienter.33 And when the SEC has tried to use the provisions of a companys own insider trading policies to expand the definition of insider trading in the past, those efforts have often failed.34 In a recent line of cases, however, the specific language and provisions of companies own insider trading policies have been outcome determinative. In SEC v. Jun, for example, particular provisions of Netflixs insider trading policies were central to the SECs enforcement theory.35 Jun involved an insider trading ring that traded on tips about Netflixs subscription information.36 That information was passed on at various times by three members of the circle, who were software and data engineers at Netflix.37 Of note, the SEC relied almost entirely upon Netflixs company policies, including its insider trading policy, to establish that Netflixs periodic subscriber numbers were material and confidential information.38 Similarly, in SEC v. Panuwat, the specific language of Medivations insider trading policy was critical. Panuwat, an employee of Medivation, Inc., traded in short-term call options in a peer company, Incyte Corp., after learning that Pfizer was about to acquire Medivation.39 Panuwat challenged the SECs complaint for failing to show he had breached any duty owed to Medivation through his trading in Incyte. The SEC responded by citing to Medivations own insider trading policy, which broadly prohibited the use of nonpublic information to trade in the securities of another publicly traded company.40 In particular, the SEC seized upon the fact that Medivations policy used the expansive word including to provide a non-exclusive list of types of publicly traded companies.41 Finally, in SEC v. Cavco Indus., Inc., Cavcos investment and insider trading policies were used to support an action ancillary to a classic 10(b) violation.42 Cavcos corporate investment policy required it to maintain surplus cash in a low-risk, high credit quality portfolio such as money market accounts and Treasury bonds.43 Before any investments could be made outside those guidelines, they needed to be approved by both the CEO and CFO and reported to the Board of Directors.44 The SEC sued the defendants for securities fraud in violation of 10(b) and insufficient accounting controls in violation of 13(b)(2)(B).45 In doing so, it relied on a step-by-step analysis of the companys own investment and internal trading policies, describing how the trades were an improper use of surplus cash, and emphasizing how the trades were not disclosed to Cavcos CEO, CFO, and board.46 It is too soon to tell whether this trend is here to stay or what it forebodes. For now, market participants would be advised to work with inside and outside counsel to scrutinize their insider trading and investment policies to ensure they are not creating unintended liability and that their internal procedures around insider trading police the full scope of liability created by their policies. Ephemeral Messaging Ephemeral messaging refers to the use of applications like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram to send self-destructing messages that are deleted automatically after they are viewed or some set amount of time after they are sent.47 On October 13, 2021, the Director of the SECs Division of Enforcement, Gurbir S. Grewal, opined on the need for a shift in SEC priorities, because trust in our institutions is faltering.48 Among other enforcement priorities, he advocated for the robust enforcement of laws and rules concerning . . . violation[s] of record-keeping obligations.49 Grewal specifically criticized the deliberate use of ephemeral technology that allows messages to disappear.50 Less than a year later, the Commission responded to Grewals call.51 On September 27, 2022, the SEC announced sanctions against several firms for violating record-keeping rules. Those firms included Barclays, Citigroup, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and several others.52 In addition to being ordered to establish comprehensive compliance regimes within the year, each firm was required to pay civil penalties between $10 million and $125 million. All told, the eleven firms paid fines totaling $1.16 billion.53 The infringing conduct constituted using personal text messaging services and other off-channel communication platforms like WhatsApp for communications related to the business of the broker dealer, and failing to maintain or preserve those communications.54 The Commission relied principally on Rules 17a-4 and 17a-4(b)(4) under the Exchange Act. Both rules were promulgated pursuant to the power granted under Section 17(a)(1) to issue record-keeping rules governing broker-dealers.55The SEC noted violations not just by junior employees, but managing directors and senior supervisors as well.56 The SEC explained further that recordkeeping requirements are an integral part of the investor protection function of the Commission and other securities regulators, in that the preserved records are the primary means of monitoring compliance with applicable securities laws, including antifraud provisions and financial responsibility standards.57 And so, it expressed concern that during the relevant time periods that the firms were using ephemeral messaging technology, they were also receiving and responding to subpoenas in other unrelated investigations. The SEC emphasized that the firms failure to maintain or preserve records likely impacted the Commissions ability to carry out its regulatory functions and investigate violations of the federal securities laws across [those other] investigations.58 It is uncertain whether the SEC has reserved the right to bring further enforcement based upon the impact of the firms record-keeping failures on other unrelated investigations. For now, this is a space to watch closely. Furthermore, as accounting practices, corporate transparency, and record-keeping generally fall under the umbrella of governance within an ESG framework, this further underscores the importance of paying attention to all three of those elements.59 Clawback Rules for Executive Incentive-Based Compensation On October 26, 2022, the SEC announced that it had adopted a final rule requiring exchanges and issuers to develop and implement policies pertaining to the mandatory recovery of executive incentive-based compensation (EIBC) overpaid due to an issuers noncompliance with financial reporting requirements, as well as disclosure policies regarding the same the so-called Clawback Rule. The Rule was proposed in 2015 to implement, for the first time, Section 10D of the Securities Exchange Act, an amendment added by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.60 The proposal went dormant under Chairman Clayton, appointed under the Trump administration, until the comment period was reopened in October 2021. Commissioner Caroline A. Crenshaw described the Rule as being rooted in equitable concerns: it is unfair to shareholders for corporations to allow executives to retain compensation that they were awarded erroneously.61 Section 10D(b) of the Exchange Act authorizes the Commission: (1) to make rules requiring companies to develop and implement mandatory recovery policies for clawing back excessive EIBC overpaid due to an issuers material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement during the 3-year period preceding the date on which the company is required to prepare an accounting restatement; and (2) to make rules requiring companies to develop and implement disclosure policies pertaining to the same.62 Disclosure Policies. The Commissions new disclosure rules require companies, among other things, to: (i) indicate on the cover of Forms 10-K, 20-F, and 40-F if an accounting restatement is published during the relevant reporting period;63 (ii) file their internal mandatory recovery policies as exhibits to annual reports on Forms 10-K, 20-F or 40-F, or for registered management investment companies, on Form N-CSR;64 (iii) disclose how recovery policies have been applied by a company during a given reporting period under Item 402;65 and (iv) disclose various additional information in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL), a structured (i.e. machine-readable) data language.66 Mandatory Recovery Policies. In Section 10D(b), Congress provided that the mandatory duty to recover erroneously awarded EIBC should be triggered only when an erroneous award is the result of a companys material noncompliance with financial reporting rules. Although the Rule incorporates a materiality standard,67 Commissioners Peirce and Mark. T. Uyeda have criticized the Commission for defining the term material to include both Big R and little r accounting restatements, which may require [the] clawback of de minimis amounts.68 While the Commission has certainly shown an increasing preference for a broad treatment of materiality in different settings, it has generally assured market participants that the term will be construed in a manner consistent with applicable case law.69 Critics contend, however, that the Clawback Rule strains the meaning of materiality to its limits, in conflict with the statutory directive.70 This seems to be by design, as the Commission aims to capture any and all erroneously awarded EIBC. In the Commissions view, the Rule requires the recovery of any incentive-based compensation that may be impacted by financial reporting.71 The Rule was thus drafted with the view that discretion to implement and execute [clawback] policies . . . should be limited.72 At the same time, it was drafted with an understanding that these policies were intended to apply broadly.73 This dual heuristic has had two consequences. First, the Commission has stripped boards of directors of the discretion to determine whether an error is material that is to say, whether it requires Big R or little r accounting restatements.74 Big R restatements involve corrections to historical financial statements of errors that were material to those previously issued financial statements.75 By contrast, little r restatements typically deal with immaterial misstatements, or adjustments made in the normal course of business and are not generally viewed as a sign of poor reporting.76 But, as mentioned previously, the Clawback Rules definition of material error[] . . . include[s] both.77 The Commission has also explained that [w]hile an initial error amount may not have been material to previously issued financial statements, it may become material due to its cumulative effect over multiple reporting periods.78 Second, the Commission has adopted an intentionally broad definition of executive officer.79 The Senate Banking Committee understood Section 10D(b) to authorize rulemaking requiring mandatory recovery from only a very limited number of employees.80 But the Clawback Rule defines executive officer to include, among others, any other officer who performs a policy-making function.81 The scope of mandatory recovery is also not limited to just those officers who may be at fault for accounting errors . . . nor to those who are directly responsible for the preparation of the financial statements.82 The Rule thus requires the implementation of clawback and disclosure policies pertaining to the incentive-based compensation awarded to any officer who performs a policy-making function. Furthermore, it triggers the duty of mandatory recovery when an erroneous award is the result of a companys noncompliance with any financial rule, as defined by an exceedingly broad (and potentially illusory) standard of materiality. The Impracticability Exception. The Rule contains at least one safeguard for companies referred to as the impracticability exception wherein recovery may not be required if: (i) [t]he direct expense paid to a third party to assist in enforcing the policy would exceed the amount recovered; (ii) [r]ecovery would violate home country law where that law was adopted prior to [the Rules publication in the Federal Register]; or (iii) [r]ecovery would likely cause an otherwise tax-qualified retirement plan . . . to fail to meet the requirements of [26 U.S.C. 401(a)(13) or 411(a)] and any regulations thereunder.83 Even so, Commissioner Peirce, dissenting from the rule, described the exception itself [as] impracticable, since it imposes significant costs on any company seeking to take advantage of it.84 This is because, before the exception applies, a company must first make a reasonable attempt to recover such erroneously awarded compensation and document and report the same, or first obtain an opinion of home country counsel, acceptable to the applicable national securities exchange or association.85 The time for compliance is short. Each exchange is required to file proposed listing standards no later than 90 days following the Rules publication in the Federal Register.86 Those standards must be effective within one year after the Rules publication.87 Once that occurs, issuers will have only 60 days to adopt and implement their own mandatory recovery policies.88 In these circumstances, market participants are advised to begin working with counsel immediately to discuss the drafting and implementation of mandatory recovery and disclosure policies, and to seek advice on structuring executive compensation and benefits and insider trading policies, internal controls around ESG disclosures, and more to reflect this new landscape of risk. 1 Statement, Gary Gensler, Chair, U.S. Sec. & Exch. Commn, Statement on Financial Stability Oversight Councils Report on Digital Asset Financial Stability Risks and Regulation (Oct. 3, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/news/statement/gensler-statement-fsoc-meeting-100322. 2 Id. 3 Hester M. Peirce, Commissioner, U.S. Sec. & Exch. Commn, Remarks at Meeting of the SEC Investor Advisory Committee (Sept. 21, 2022) (emphasis added), https://www.sec.gov/news/statement/peirce-remarks-iac-092122. 4 17 C.F.R. 270.35d-1(a). 5 Id. 270.35d-1(a)(1). 6 Id. 270.35d-1(a)(2)(4). 7 Proposed rule 35d-1(a)(2) would provide that the term ESG encompasses terms such as socially responsible investing, sustainable, green, ethical, impact, or good governance to the extent they describe environmental, social, and/or governance factors that may be considered when making an investment decision. Investment Company Names, 87 Fed. Reg. 36,594, 36,597 (proposed May 25, 2022) (to be codified at 17 C.F.R. Parts 230, 232, 239, 270 & 274). 8 Id. 9 Id. 10 Id. 11 Id. 12 An integration fund is a fund that considers one or more ESG factors alongside other, non-ESG factors in its investment decisions, but such ESG factors are generally no more significant than other factors in the investment selection process, such that ESG factors may not be determinative in deciding to include or exclude any particular investment in the portfolio. Id. at 36,598. 13 Id. at 36,600. 14 Id. 15 Resubmission of Comments and Reopening of Comment Periods for Several Rulemaking Releases (Sec. & Exch. Commn Oct. 7, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/rules/proposed/2022/33-11117.pdf. 16 Investment Company Names, 87 Fed. Reg. at 36,600. 17 What is the G in ESG?, S&P Global (Feb. 24, 2020), https://www.spglobal.com/en/research-insights/articles/what-is-the-g-in-esg (When analyzing environmental, social, and governance factors, the G element is often forgotten amid considerations over climate risk, societal implications and other E and S risks and opportunities.). 18 Order Instituting Administrative Cease-and-Desist Proceedings, Making Findings, and Imposing Remedial Sanctions and a Cease-and-Desist Order at 2, BNY Mellon Inv. Adviser, Inc., Investment Advisers Act Release No. 6032, Investment Company Act Release No. 34591 (May 23, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2022/ia-6032.pdf. 19 Id. at 2. 20 Id. 21 Id. at 3. 22 Id. 23 Id. 24 Id. at 4. 25 Id. at 5. 26 Id. 27 Id. at 67. 28 Id. at 7. 29 Chang, et al. v. Activision Blizzard, Inc., No. CV 21-6240 PA (JEMx), 2022 WL 2101919, at *10 (C.D. Cal. Apr. 18, 2022) (internal quotation marks omitted). 30 See generally, Third Amended Complaint at 9192, Cheng v. Activision Blizzard, Inc., No. 2:21-CV-06240-PA-JEM (C.D. Cal. Sept. 29, 2022), ECF No. 90. 31 Associated Press, Activision Blizzard Confirms SEC Is Investigating It on Discrimination Allegations, Natl Pub. Radio (Sept. 21, 2021), https://www.npr.org/2021/09/21/1039391662/activision-blizzard-sec-discrimination-allegations. 32 See Order Instituting Cease-and-Desist Proceedings, Making Findings, and Imposing a Cease-and-Desist Order, Health Ins. Innovations, Inc., now named Benefytt Techs., Inc., & Gavin D. Southwell, Securities Act Release No. 11084, Securities Exchange Act Release No. 95323 (July 20, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2022/33-11084.pdf. 33 See, e.g., SEC v. Schvacho, 911 F. Supp. 2d 1284, 128788 (N.D. Ga. 2014); SEC v. Morano, No. 3:18-CV-00386-HZ, 2019 WL 1440262, at *1, *4 (D. Ore. Apr. 1, 2019). 34 See SEC v. Horn, No. 10-CV-955, 2010 WL 5370988, at *8 (N.D. Ill. Dec. 16, 2010) (rejecting the SECs contention that a defendant engaged in insider trading by violating a company policy prohibiting [s]hort selling, or trading in puts calls and options, with respect to [company] securities.). 35 Complaint, No. 2:21-CV-01108 (W.D. Wash. Aug. 18, 2021), ECF No. 1. Jun was ultimately disposed of through a series of consent judgments, which were agreed to after the defendants pled guilty in parallel criminal proceedings. See Motions for Judgment, Id., ECF Nos. 26. But Jun still provides a useful illustration of how the SEC may rely heavily, even exclusively, upon a companys own internal policies and language. 36 Complaint at 2, Id., ECF. No. 1. 37 Id. 38 Id. at 4. 39 Complaint at 89, No. 3:21-CV-06322 (N.D. Cal. Aug. 17, 2021), ECF No. 1. 40 Response in Opposition at 21, No. 3:21-CV-06322 (N.D. Cal. Dec. 6, 2021), ECF No. 19. 41 Id. at 22. 42 Complaint, No. CV-21-01507-PHX-SRB (D. Ariz. Sept. 2, 2021), ECF No. 1. 43 Id. at 5. 44 Id. 45 Cavco Indus., Inc., 2022 WL 1491279, at *3 (D. Ariz. Jan. 25, 2022). 46 Complaint at 1920, Id. (D. Ariz. Sept. 2, 2021), ECF No. 1. 47 William J. Stellmach, Elizabeth P. Gray & Sean Sandoloski, The SEC And Messaging Apps, HLS Forum Corp. Governance (June 15, 2022), https://corpgov.law.harvard.edu/2022/06/15/the-sec-and-messaging-apps/. 48 Gurbir S. Grewal, Director, Sec. & Exch. Commn, Remarks at SEC Speaks 2021 (Oct. 13, 2021), https://www.sec.gov/news/speech/grewal-sec-speaks-101321. 49 Id. 50 Id. 51 See Press Release, Sec. & Exch. Commn, SEC Charges 16 Wall Street Firms with Widespread Recordkeeping Failures (Sept. 27, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2022-174. 52 Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-and-Desist Proceedings, Making Findings, and Imposing Remedial Sanctions and a Cease-and-Desist Order, Barclays Cap., Inc., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 95919 (Sept. 27, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2022/34-95919.pdf; Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-and-Desist Proceedings, Making Findings, and Imposing Remedial Sanctions and a Cease-and-Desist Order, Citigroup Glob. Mkts., Inc., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 95920 (Sept. 27, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2022/34-95920.pdf; Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-and-Desist Proceedings, Making Findings, and Imposing Remedial Sanctions and a Cease-and-Desist Order, BofA Secs., Inc. & Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 95921 (Sept. 27, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2022/34-95921.pdf; Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-and-Desist Proceedings, Making Findings, and Imposing Remedial Sanctions and a Cease-and-Desist Order, Goldman Sachs & Co., Ltd., Securities and Exchange Act Release No. 95922 (Sept. 27, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2022/34-95922.pdf; Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-and-Desist Proceedings, Making Findings, and Imposing Remedial Sanctions and a Cease-and-Desist Order, Jeffries, LLC, Securities and Exchange Act Release No. 95923 (Sept. 27, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2022/34-95923.pdf; Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-and-Desist Proceedings, Making Findings, and Imposing Remedial Sanctions and a Cease-and-Desist Order, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC & Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Securities and Exchange Act Release No. 95924 (Sept. 27, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2022/34-95924.pdf; Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-and-Desist Proceedings, Making Findings, and Imposing Remedial Sanctions and a Cease-and-Desist Order, Nomura Secs. Intl, Inc., Securities and Exchange Act Release No. 95925 (Sept. 27, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2022/34-95925.pdf; Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-and-Desist Proceedings, Making Findings, and Imposing Remedial Sanctions and a Cease-and-Desist Order, Credit Suisse Secs. (USA) LLC, Securities and Exchange Act Release No. 95926 (Sept. 27, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2022/34-95926.pdf; Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-and-Desist Proceedings, Making Findings, and Imposing Remedial Sanctions and a Cease-and-Desist Order, Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Securities and Exchange Act Release No. 95927 (Sept. 27, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2022/34-95927.pdf; Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-and-Desist Proceedings, Making Findings, and Imposing Remedial Sanctions and a Cease-and-Desist Order, Deutsche Bank Secs. Inc., DWS Inv. Mgmt. Ams., Inc. & DWS Distribs., Inc., Securities and Exchange Act Release No. 95928 (Sept. 27, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2022/34-95928.pdf; Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-and-Desist Proceedings, Making Findings, and Imposing Remedial Sanctions and a Cease-and-Desist Order, UBS Financial Services, Inc. & UBS Securities LLC, Securities and Exchange Act Release No. 95929 (Sept. 27, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2022/34-95929.pdf. 53 With the exceptions of Jeffries, LLC, Nomura Securities International, LLC and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., who were each fined $50 million, $50 million, and $10 million, respectively, the other firms (and any associated entities jointly charged with recordkeeping violations) were required to pay $125 million each. Supra n.53. 54 Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-and-Desist Proceedings, Making Findings, and Imposing Remedial Sanctions and a Cease-and-Desist Order at 2, Barclays Cap., Inc., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 95919 (Sept. 27, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2022/34-95919.pdf. 55 Securities and Exchange Act (1934) 17(a)(1) (establishing authority to make and keep for prescribed periods such records, furnish such copies thereof, and make and disseminate such reports as the Commission, by rule, prescribes as necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of this title.); see also Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-and-Desist Proceedings, Making Findings, and Imposing Remedial Sanctions and a Cease-and-Desist Order at 3, Barclays Cap., Inc., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 95919 (Sept. 27, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2022/34-95919.pdf (Rule 17a-4 specifies the manner and length of time that the records . . . must be maintained and [also provides that they must be] produced promptly to Commission representatives. Rule 17a-4(b)(4) [requires] that broker-dealers preserve in an easily accessible place, originals of all communications received and copies of all communications sent relating to the firms business as such. These rules impose minimum recordkeeping requirements that are based on standards a prudent broker-dealer should follow in the normal course of business.). 56 Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-and-Desist Proceedings, Making Findings, and Imposing Remedial Sanctions and a Cease-and-Desist Order at 2, Barclays Cap., Inc., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 95919 (Sept. 27, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2022/34-95919.pdf. 57 Id. at 3. 58 Id. at 2. 59 Investment Company Names, 87 Fed. Reg. 36,594, 36,600 (proposed May 25, 2022) (to be codified at 17 C.F.R. Parts 230, 232, 239, 270 & 274). 60 Press Release, U.S. Sec. & Exch. Commn, SEC Adopts Compensation Recovery Listing Standards and Disclosure Rules (Oct. 26, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2022-192. 61 Statement, Caroline A. Crenshaw, Commr, U.S. Sec. & Exch. Commn, Statement on Listing Standards for Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation (Oct. 26, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/news/statement/crenshaw-statement-clawbacks-102622. 62 15 U.S.C. 78j-4. 63 Final Rule, Listing Standards for Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation 106 (Oct. 26, 2022) (to be codified at 17 C.F.R. Parts 229, 232, 240, 249, 270, and 274), https://www.sec.gov/rules/final/2022/33-11126.pdf (emphasis added). 64 Id. at *164. 65 Id. at *108. 66 Id. at *165. 67 Id. at *212 (to be codified at 17 C.F.R. 240.10D-1(b)(1)). 68 Statement, Hester M. Peirce, Commissioner, U.S. Sec. & Exch. Commn, Erroneous Clawbacking: Statement at Open Meeting to Consider Listing Standards for Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation (Oct. 26, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/news/statement/peirce-statement-clawbacks-102622; Statement, Mark T. Uyeda, Commissioner, U.S. Sec. & Exch. Commn, Statement on The Final Rule Related to Listing Standards for Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation (Oct. 26, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/news/statement/uyeda-statement-clawbacks-102622. 69 Rebecca Fike & Madelyn Carter, Expanded Liability for Companies Under the SECs Proposed Climate Disclosure Rule, Tex. Lawbook (Apr. 7, 2022), https://media.velaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/21164207/Climate-Change-Liability-VE-Reprint.pdf (noting Commissioner Allison Lees comments that materiality is not a legal limitation on disclosure rulemaking by the SEC); Jeff Johnston, Briana Falcon, Meghan Natenson & Angie Garcia, What Makes A Cybersecurity Risk or Incident Material? A Look at The SECs Proposed Rules on Cybersecurity, Vinson & Elkins (Apr. 21, 2022), https://www.velaw.com/insights/what-makes-a-cybersecurity-risk-or-incident-material-a-look-at-the-secs-proposed-rules-on-cybersecurity/ (information . . . is material if it significantly alter[s] the total mix of information available to investors). 70 Mark T. Uyeda, supra note 68. 71 Supra note 63, at *6 (proposed July 14, 2015) (to be codified at 17 C.F.R. Parts 229, 232, 240, 249, 270, and 274), https://www.sec.gov/rules/final/2022/33-11126.pdf (emphasis added). 72 Id. 73 Id. 74 Id. at *34. 75 Id. 76 Mark T. Uyeda, supra note 68. 77 Statement, Caroline A. Crenshaw, Commissioner, U.S. Sec. & Exch. Commn, Statement on Listing Standards for Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation (Oct. 26, 2022), https://www.sec.gov/news/statement/crenshaw-statement-clawbacks-102622. 78 Supra note 63, at *34 n.106. (proposed July 14, 2015) (to be codified at 17 C.F.R. Parts 229, 232, 240, 249, 270, and 274), https://www.sec.gov/rules/final/2022/33-11126.pdf (emphasis added).Id. 79 Hester M. Peirce, supra note 68. 80 Supra note 63, at *7 n.9 (proposed July 14, 2015) (to be codified at 17 C.F.R. Parts 229, 232, 240, 249, 270, and 274), https://www.sec.gov/rules/final/2022/33-11126.pdf (emphasis added). 81 Id. at *46. 82 Id. at *49. 83 Supra note 63, at *21415 (proposed July 14, 2015) (to be codified at 17 C.F.R. Parts 229, 232, 240, 249, 270, and 274), https://www.sec.gov/rules/final/2022/33-11126.pdf (to be codified as 17 C.F.R. 240.10D-1(b)(1)(iv)). 84 Hester M. Peirce, supra note 68 (emphasis original). 85 Supra note 63, at *21415 (proposed July 14, 2015) (to be codified at 17 C.F.R. Parts 229, 232, 240, 249, 270, and 274), https://www.sec.gov/rules/final/2022/33-11126.pdf. 86 Id. at *123. 87 Id. 88 Id. The post Dont Forget the G: After Years of Environmental and Social Regulations and Enforcement, the SECs Recent Priorities Demonstrate a Focus on Governance appeared first on CorpGov. Marco Bello/Reuters At a Sunday afternoon midterm election rally near Miami, Donald Trump avoided taking a jab at Floridas other most popular Republican, Gov. Ron DeSantis. The people of Florida are going to reelect the wonderful, great friend of mine Marco Rubio to the U.S. Senate, the former president told more than 2,000 supporters. And youre going to reelect Ron DeSantis as your governor. It wasnt an effusive endorsement, but a day earlier Trump fired a warning shot at his budding rival for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. While stumping for Mehmet Oz, the GOP U.S. Senate candidate in Pennsylvania, Trump called DeSantis Ron DeSanctimonious. The zinger came while Trump bragged about one-month-old poll numbers showing him with a gargantuan lead among Republican voters over Floridas governor and former Vice-President Mike Pence. The insult was totally unnecessary, Luis Solarana told The Daily Beast. A Brooklyn native who moved to Miami in 1984, Solarana was among dozens of other MAGA diehards at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds who were pumped about a potential Republican rout in the Sunshine State on election day this Tuesday. I heard about what Trump called DeSantis, Solarana said. That was ridiculous. Sometimes, Trump has to keep his opinion to himself. Nevertheless, he would rather DeSantis remain Floridas governor and for Trump to get the Republican nomination uncontested, Solarana said. I cant wait for 2024, he said. Trump is my preference. Francisco Alvarado For months, Trump and DeSantis have engaged in a behind-the-scenes cold war as Floridas governor positions himself as a leading contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. While DeSantis has deftly dodged commenting about his White House aspirations, hes taken a number of steps to elevate his national profile, including endorsing gubernatorial and congressional candidates in other states for the midterm election. Among those who have received the DeSantis stamp of approval are 2020 presidential election deniers Doug Mastriano, the Republican gubernatorial candidate in Pennsylvania, and Kari Lake, the GOPs nominee for governor in Arizona. Story continues Francisco Alvarado DeSantis popularity is also on an upswing. Two polls of GOP voters in Michigan and New Hampshire show Trump and DeSantis are statistically tied, while a Florida survey shows Republicans favoring their governor over the former president. DeSantis refusal to publicly back off his ambitions has incensed Trump, whos consistently broadcasted his intention to run again since his supporters failed insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. DeSantis was notably absent from the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds as he was in Tampa for a reelection campaign rally of his own. Multiple media reports noted that DeSantis was not invited to the Miami rally and that the governor did not ask to attend. However, a Florida International University poll of Cuban American voters, who are the predominant Hispanic voting bloc in Miami-Dade County, shows they favor Trump over DeSantis by 32 percent to 25 percent. The Miami rally attendees, mostly Hispanic conservatives, backed up FIUs findings. Throughout Trumps speech, they chanted, We want Trump!, Trump won! and We love you! Trump fed the crowd his usual list of false grievances about the 2020 election being stolen from him and that his two impeachments were hoaxes. The ex-president also made ludicrously unfounded claims that Democrats are responsible for allowing the profits of drug cartels to blow up by 2,500 percent, and that streets in America are ruled by ruthless, bloodthirsty gangs. He also claimed without evidence that every drug dealer kills an average of 500 people in their lifetime. Jorge Perez, a 48-year-old Cuban American Republican holding up a large blue Let's Go Brandon flag and a DeSantis campaign t-shirt, said its only logical that Floridas governor stay in his lane. Trump is the guy calling the shots, Perez said. I imagine the Republican Party machinery will fall in line behind him. Jorge Perez. Francisco Alvarado During Fantasy Fest, a popular street costume party in Key West last month, he was surprised by a proliferation of DeSantis signs in Floridas southernmost city, Bob Kunst told The Daily Beast. A Miami Beach resident wearing a Deplorables for Trump T-shirt and holding a homemade Hillary for Prison sign, Kunst said he met Republicans who moved down from other states and want DeSantis to run for president. I told them we need him as governor, Kunst said. There is nobody strong enough to take over. He cant create all this momentum and then leave. Bob Kunst. Francisco Alvarado Idianette Martinez, a Cuban American wearing a red Trump 2024 T-shirt, agreed with Kunst. If DeSantis is smart, I dont think he will run against Trump, Martinez said. He needs to stay governor and Trump has to become president again. There is no other way. Idianette Martinez. Francisco Alvarado Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Former President Donald Trumps expression of sympathy for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi took an about-face Sunday when the former president called her crazy and laughed at rallygoers lock her up chants. (Watch the video below.) Last week, Trump said the recent hammer attack on Paul Pelosi, the California Democrats husband, was a terrible thing, although he blamed Democrats for the crime. But Trump expressed mostly contempt for the speaker at a campaign event for Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) two days before the midterm elections, as Mediaite reported. Trump told his faithful at a MAGA rally in Miami that Republicans are going to end Crazy Nancy Pelosis political career once and for all, generating chants of lock her up. Trump smiled and laughed, turning to Rubio: We have a feisty crowd today, Marco. In another moment, he mockingly asked, By the way, hows she doing lately, hows she doing? Mediate reported. Paul Pelosi, who suffered a fractured skull, was released from the hospital last week, but his wife said Friday that his recovery will be a long haul. The suspect in the attack allegedly told police he intended to kidnap the House speaker for Democratic lies, prompting concerns that heightened political rhetoric is leading to violence. Doug Heye, a former communications director for the Republican National Committee, recently said Republicans bore original sin for the attack on Paul Pelosi. Mediaite shared a clip from the rally: This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... The Douglas County Sheriffs Office is searching for a man they say is connected to a murder that happened on Friday. Police said Harold Dakers, 34, was last seen in Villa Rica, Georgia. Deputies did not release any information about the incident that Dakers is connected to. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Deputies say Dakers is 5 feet, 5 inches, 150 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. Channel 2 has reached out to deputies to learn more about the incident Dakers is connected to. TRENDING STORIES: Anyone with information on Dakers whereabouts is asked to contact Inv. Myrlene Jean at 770-920-4916 or mjean@sheriff.douglas.ga.us OR the Douglas County Sheriffs Office at 770-949-5656 [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: To get a sense of who is truly in control of Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad (KLSE:DLADY), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. With 52% stake, private companies possess the maximum shares in the company. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company. And institutions on the other hand have a 19% ownership in the company. Institutions will often hold stock in bigger companies, and we expect to see insiders owning a noticeable percentage of the smaller ones. Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad. See our latest analysis for Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad? Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index. Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This can indicate that the company has a certain degree of credibility in the investment community. However, it is best to be wary of relying on the supposed validation that comes with institutional investors. They too, get it wrong sometimes. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters. Hedge funds don't have many shares in Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad. Zuivelcooperatie FrieslandCampina U.A. is currently the company's largest shareholder with 51% of shares outstanding. With such a huge stake in the ownership, we infer that they have significant control of the future of the company. With 11% and 9.1% of the shares outstanding respectively, Employees Provident Fund of Malaysia and Permodalan Nasional Berhad are the second and third largest shareholders. Story continues While it makes sense to study institutional ownership data for a company, it also makes sense to study analyst sentiments to know which way the wind is blowing. While there is some analyst coverage, the company is probably not widely covered. So it could gain more attention, down the track. Insider Ownership Of Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves. I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions. Our most recent data indicates that insiders own some shares in Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad. As individuals, the insiders collectively own RM51m worth of the RM1.9b company. Some would say this shows alignment of interests between shareholders and the board. But it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling. General Public Ownership The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 17% stake in Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies. Private Company Ownership It seems that Private Companies own 52%, of the Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad stock. It might be worth looking deeper into this. If related parties, such as insiders, have an interest in one of these private companies, that should be disclosed in the annual report. Private companies may also have a strategic interest in the company. Next Steps: It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad better, we need to consider many other factors. Be aware that Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad is showing 2 warning signs in our investment analysis , you should know about... But ultimately it is the future, not the past, that will determine how well the owners of this business will do. Therefore we think it advisable to take a look at this free report showing whether analysts are predicting a brighter future. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here By Anne Marie Roantree HONG KONG (Reuters) - Global executives want to see a further easing of Hong Kong's COVID-19 restrictions and it's crucial for the China border to reopen so the financial hub can reconnect with the mainland, the head of the city's de facto central bank told Reuters. Speaking on the city's currency peg to the U.S. dollar, Eddie Yue, chief executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), said that while there was no intention to change the peg, there were always contingency plans. Yue hosted some of the world's top banking bosses at a business conference last week aimed at rebooting Hong Kong's status as a premier financial centre. The former British colony has seen an exodus of talent over the past year, with many residents fed up with relentless COVID-19 controls that have seen scores of events cancelled, postponed or re-routed to other Asian cities. Anti-government protests in 2019 and a national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020 have also clouded Hong Kong's image. "In the case of Hong Kong, everyone hoped there could be further relaxations," Yue said, referring to some of the main messages relayed to him by executives, adding that he hoped the border with China would open "very soon". "I hope the process can be faster. I understand the Hong Kong government is already in very intensive talks with the mainland authorities on that," Yue said in an interview at the HKMA office on Friday. The Hong Kong government has said it's working towards lifting COVID-19 rules. The requirement for hotel quarantine on arrival has ended, but international visitors are banned from bars and restaurants for their first three days, among other measures. While Hong Kong's currency regime is under significant pressure, caught between the United States and China, Yue said the HKMA was prepared for worst-case scenario. "As with any other central bank, risk assessment and risk preparation is in our DNA. So we basically prepare for anything. Any worst case scenario ... It's like we stress test the banks, we stress test ourself as well," he said. Story continues Hong Kong's aggregate balance - the key gauge of cash in the banking system - has fallen below HK$100 billion for the first time in two years after multiple interventions to stop the local currency from breaking below its peg to the U.S. dollar. At the business summit last week, Chinese regulators had made it clear that they value Hong Kong for acting as a springboard to the mainland and were committed to supporting the city's role as a financial centre, Yue said. "Hong Kong has a very unique advantage, which is the connection between the world and China ... This role belongs to Hong Kong." (Reporting by Anne Marie Roantree; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) Abu Dhabi Airports has signed a MoU with leading French engineering and operations firm Groupe ADP aimed at exploring the potential of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Abu Dhabi. The new concept of air transportation uses electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to move people and cargo, said Abu Dhabi Airports in a statement. The strategic partnership was signed at the Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2022 between Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, and Philippe Martinet, Managing Director of Groupe ADP Airport Services, in the presence of Nader Al Hammadi, member of the board at Abu Dhabi Airports. Under the terms of the agreement, Abu Dhabi Airports and Groupe ADP will engage in joint planning, design, development, and operation of ground infrastructure for AAM in Abu Dhabi, following engagement with stakeholders, a feasibility study and market assessment to develop the industry roadmap. Al Dhaheri said: "We are excited to partner with industry-leading Groupe ADP to explore the potential of introducing AAM to Abu Dhabi. This agreement is a testament to our commitment to lead the way by collaborating with our partners to deliver innovation and technology that drives efficiency, convenience and most importantly, sustainability." Martinet said the French group was delighted to enter into this partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports to collaborate on building the AAM roadmap and accelerating the development of the necessary infrastructure in Abu Dhabi. "With our extensive experience, we will be supporting Abu Dhabi Airports in laying the ground for AAM service implementation in Abu Dhabi. We look forward to supporting Abu Dhabi Airports with their long-term strategy in innovation and sustainability," he added.-TradeArabia News Service London Climate activists snarled rush hour highway traffic around London on Monday after climbing onto overhead gantries, despite police making pre-emptive arrests. The Just Stop Oil group, which wants the U.K. government to halt new oil and gas extraction, said its members had blocked traffic in at least six locations on the M25 highway, which encircles the British capital. The latest demonstration comes as world leaders gather for the United Nations' COP27 climate summit in Egypt, where governments are under pressure to step up efforts to combat global heating. Just Stop Oil, which has been staging disruptive protests throughout this year, said it informed police late on Sunday about its plans to climb gantries over the country's busiest highway during the Monday morning rush hour. Indigo Rumblelow, a spokesperson for Just Stop Oil, said it has the legal right "to cause disruption to prevent a greater harm." "After 30 years of public debate, lobbying and petitioning... we are still on course for catastrophic climate breakdown and we have nowhere else to go," she added. The government is in the process of passing legislation to crack down on direct action protests. As CBS News' Haley Ott reported, a new policing law already came into effect in April curtailing the right to peaceful protest across the U.K. The new rules have given law enforcement agencies powers to shut down a demonstration if they deem it too "disruptive" or "noisy." London's Metropolitan Police said it had launched a "significant proactive policing operation" late on Sunday to identify and arrest people it believed were "intent on causing reckless and serious disruption to the public." Three people were arrested on Sunday evening and four others were held on Monday morning for conspiracy to cause a public nuisance, the force said. Other police forces responsible for affected areas on the M25 said officers had made arrests early on Monday after they were forced to block traffic to remove the activists. The Met's Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said they had used more than 10,000 officer shifts to police Just Stop Oil protests since the start of October. "These are officers who would otherwise be dealing with issues that matter to local communities, such as knife crime, safeguarding and responding to burglaries," he added. Story continues In a video posted to Twitter on Monday by Just Stop Oil, an activist identifies herself as Louise, 24, as she stands on framework for highway signage directly over the M25 and explains that she is taking the action, "because I don't have a future." Louise, 24: I'm here because I don't have a future. You might hate me for doing this, but I wish you would direct all that anger and hatred at our Government. They are betraying young people like me I wouldn't have to be here if they did their duty.#FreeLouis #FreeJosh pic.twitter.com/iRfUqUuRRc Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) November 7, 2022 Through tears, she addresses the London commuters whose journeys she is complicating, saying: "You might hate me for doing this, and you're entitled to hate me, but I wish you would direct all that anger and hatred at our government. They are betraying young people like me I wouldn't have to be there if they did their lawful duty to their own citizens." "What we're asking for is what all the scientists are asking for, what the Untied Nations are asking for," she says into the camera. "How many more people have to say, 'We don't have a livable future if you continue licensing oil and gas.' You need to listen! Why does it take young people like me up on f****** gantry on the M25 for you to listen?" Biden on trail as campaign climaxes: CBS News Flash Nov. 7, 2022 Recalling the words of Abe Lincoln as Election Day approaches | 60 Minutes What prepping looks like in 2022: Stocking up and skilling up for extreme catastrophes | 60 Minutes One of many ways this country has managed more than two centuries of democratic elections and transitions is through transparency, with poll workers and watchers from the political parties participating in and observing the inner gears of vote-gathering and vote-counting. In many cases, these people may have strong personal political leanings, but theyve set them aside with the understanding that their role is to be overseers of a free and fair electoral process that, while imperfect and often evolving, has served as a global example of how to register the peoples will. Thats why it was a former American president, Jimmy Carter, who had the credibility to send observers to monitor elections around the world. Theres good reason to fear that the long run of American electoral integrity is at risk in 2022, as waves of poll workers leave their posts in the midst of sustained public harassment, intimidation and even death threats, and are sometimes replaced by hard-right election deniers who see their role less as protecting polling places and more as ensuring that their candidate wins. Outside the formal workings of the election process, more conspiracy-minded election deniers have appointed themselves guardians of the franchise, intimidating voters who drop off early ballots on the pretense that theyre just watching for fraud. The situation has gotten serious enough that a Trump-appointed federal judge stepped in to block some of an Arizona groups most egregious practices, including standing near ballot drop-off boxes with firearms or filming voters as they dropped off votes. There is a long and healthy tradition of credible, trained observers from across the political spectrum working to ensure that there is free and fair access to the polls, no electioneering at polling places and no shenanigans when the votes are cast and tallied. Vigilantes are not needed or wanted and must be answered with aggressive enforcement that makes clear that political interference in the elections process true, provable, intentional interference is intolerable and a crime not just against one person or candidate, but against our political system as a whole. The secretary of state for Massachusetts is not expecting a record-breaking total turnout when voters head to the polls on Tuesday in the general election. It doesnt seem, at this point, that theres a tremendous enthusiasm for this election, said Bill Galvin, who said ballot questions may be more of a driving force for voters. Voters are far more concerned about the ballot questions, said Galvin in a pre-election briefing on Monday. Galvin is facing his own challenge in the election from Republican Rayla Campbell. The secretary of state said about 1.1 million ballots were mailed to voters who asked for them. So far, we have received back 776,000 of those, which means there are 315,000 remaining out there, said Galvin who said those with mail-in ballots should now think about dropping off those ballots in person, instead of relying on the US Postal Service, because it may not be received in time. The deadline for mail-in ballots - that are postmarked by November 8th - to make it to local elections offices is November 12th for them to be counted. The best choice, if you have a vote-by-mail ballot at this point, is to put it in a drop box, said Galvin. Galvin said his best guess for total turnout is 2.2 million voters, but I hope I am wrong. Secretary of State Bill Galvin speaks with the media on Monday ahead of Tuesday's state election There are 4,884,076 registered voters in Massachusetts, so that would put the turnout at about 45% of registered voters. The largest bloc of voters in Massachusetts is made up of those who are unenrolled, or independent voters. There are 2,951,863 unenrolled voters in the state. 1,438,607 voters are registered as Democrats, while 437,211 people are registered as Republicans. When it comes to ballot questions, Galvin referred to the dizzying amount of information about those initiatives and urged voters to rely on information in the state voters booklet and the one-sentence statement summary of what each question will do. Polls in Massachusetts are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. statewide. Story continues If you need information about where your polling place and where you should vote, click the link below: FIND MY ELECTION INFORMATION Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Pizza to the Polls, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization, serves food at polling locations on Election Day to keep voters in good spirits while waiting in long lines. (Photo: Pizza to the Polls) On Election Day, when polling lines get long, there are organizations that spring to action, delivering snacks, drinks and other food to areas where voters may be growing weary with the long wait required to cast their vote. For these groups, it's about more than delivering delicious pizza to voters: That pepperoni pie is a way to encourage those visiting the polls to stay the course and make their voice heard. "When it comes to voting, the most important thing is keeping people in line," says Amirah Noaman, executive director at Pizza to the Polls, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that started in 2016. "A simple bottle of water or snack can be what stops people from abandoning their right to vote." Noaman tells Yahoo Life that Pizza to the Polls, which delivers pizza to areas where long polling lines are reported through their website, has a simple mission: Delivering pizzas nationwide ... to help make voting a little more fun. "We know that voting is habit-forming," Noaman shares, "so a good experience at the polls is crucial to ensuring future participation." A simple bottle of water or snack can be what stops people from abandoning their right to vote."Amirah Noaman, Pizza to the Polls With Election Day right around the corner and early voting well underway in most areas around the U.S., making time to wait in potentially long lines is top of mind for many especially those who juggle responsibilities like work schedules, parenting duties and other obligations. As citizens take time out of their day to exercise one of the most essential rights they possess, simple food and beverage can make all the difference. In fact, the idea of serving food at the polls is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years. "Food and drink have been integral parts of the voting process for centuries," shares Clara Sutton, who has been volunteering at polling locations for more than a decade, "in medieval England, for example, voters were given bread and ale to ensure they were well-fed and happy when they cast their ballots." Story continues Years later, as America was beginning to take form, food and drink were introduced as a campaign tactic in the U.S. to encourage those who came to the polls to support the seventh President of the United States, Andrew Jackson, who took office in 1829. "Politicians realized they could influence voters by giving them food," says Inez Stanway, a former elementary school teacher who spent her career teaching students about the election process and its rich history. "This tactic was first used in the 1828 presidential election when Jackson's supporters provided free whiskey and cider to voters." Hundreds of years after Jackson's presidential campaign, the tradition is still alive and well. "In some ways, this tradition is a throwback to the early days of American democracy," Sutton says, "[back] when voting was a community event and people came together to share a meal while they exercised their right to vote." In the hustle and bustle of the 21st Century, a simple snack can make all the difference when it comes to ensuring that voters stay in line until their ballot is cast. "Long voting lines can be discouraging to many," Noaman says, explaining that organizations like Pizza to the Polls and others work to change the tone at polling locations, not to sway election results. According to a Vote.org spokesperson, long lines can be a huge hurdle for people when trying to make time to vote. In some states, voters have fewer methods for voting and are required to vote in person on Election Day, causing an extended wait time. Long lines can add to voters' stress on the day of the election, and when polling locations occasionally reduce the hours polls are open on Election Day, voters struggle to fit voting in with work or school commitments. The spokesperson explains that these types of hurdles impact some citizens more than others and can be viewed as a form of voter suppression. "Poll closures disproportionately happen in communities of color," they tell Yahoo Life. "Voters of color wait in line for much longer times than white voters on average." Andrea Hailey, chief executive officer of Vote.org, tells Yahoo Life that the organization, "aims to make voting more joyful for all eligible voters, and providing food and drinks for people forced to wait in long voting lines is a natural extension of that work." "Importantly, it's also the humane thing to do," Hailey adds of the Vote.org food trucks that visit some polling locations. "Ideally, voters should be able to vote in 30 minutes or less, but until that day comes, Vote.org will be here to serve food and drinks to all those who wish to be engaged and active members of their community ... food trucks won't solve the problem of long lines, but Vote.org hopes it will make the process of voting safer and more comfortable for thousands of voters across the country." This year, Vote.org food trucks will serve communities across Arizona, Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin. Through research, Vote.org identified locations across these states that have seen disproportionately longer lines, added laws that have made voting more difficult and time-consuming or both. But in some states, it's considered a no-no to distribute food at polling locations, regardless of the intention behind the gesture. "We are aware that Georgia passed laws prohibiting third-party vendors from handing out food and beverages at polling sites," Noaman tells Yahoo Life. "Laws like these are troubling because we believe that everyone at polling places should have access to food and water in a safe and lawful way." But advocates like those at Pizza To The Polls won't let suppressive laws keep them from accomplishing their goals. "This election cycle, Pizza to the Polls [took] a non-traditional approach to ensuring Georgians [were] well-fed leading into the election by partnering with nonprofits like New Georgia Project and The People's Uprising to turn voter registration and education events into pizza parties," Noaman says. And their efforts to distribute cheesy goodness won't end there. On Election Day, Pizza to the Polls will host events and deliver pizzas around the Philadelphia, Pa. area. Noaman says the group's 2022 goal is simple: "To keep democracy alive and delicious." Wellness, parenting, body image and more: Get to know the who behind the hoo with Yahoo Life's newsletter. Sign up here. Georgia's 2022 midterm election is imminent, and the ramifications of Tuesday's vote will shape the states political playing field for the next two years and beyond, with control of the governors office and potentially the U.S. Senate hanging in the balance. This year will be the first major statewide election since 2020, which was the most well-attended vote in the states history. If early voting is any indication, this year's election will see record turnout for a midterm. More than 2.5 million Georgians voter early in person or had returned absentee ballots as of Nov. 4, far surpassing the 2018 midterms. Only the 2020 presidential election, where 1.2 million voted absentee because of the COVID-19 pandemic, surpassed this year's early turnout. Voter participation in 2022 is ahead of the 2016 presidential election, when Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton were atop the ballot. Early voting ended Friday, and absentee ballots must be returned by 7 p.m. Tuesday to be counted. To return an absentee ballot, visit the Voter Registration Office, located at 1117 Eisenhower Dr, Suite E for Chatham County voters. A guide to voter rights in Georgia: What you need to know before you cast a ballot Check your registration status: Georgia Secretary of State's MyVoterPage Voters leave the polling location at Coastal Cathedral Church pf God in Savannah after casting their ballots on Tuesday May 24, 2022 in the Georgia primary. In-person voting Polling places around the state will open at 7 a.m. Tuesday and close at 7 p.m. If voters are in line by 7 p.m., they can stay until they cast their ballot. Unlike early voting, in-person voting on Election Day must be done at an assigned polling place. Voters can find their polling place at mvp.sos.ga.gov. A few things are prohibited at the polls. Under Georgia law, it is illegal to carry firearms within 150 feet of a polling place, or, if a line extends out the door of the polling place, within 150 feet of the end of the line. Bring a state ID to vote Those planning to cast an in-person ballot must present a photo ID at the polling place. Story continues Valid forms of identification include a Georgia drivers license even if it is expired a passport, military photo ID, an ID from any federal or state body of government, a government employee photo ID, or tribal photo ID. Voters cannot wear clothing promoting any political candidates or political slogans, including facemasks. Voters who show up to polling places but do not meet all the requirements can request a provisional ballot. Provisional voters must present a photo ID to the county registrar's office within three days of the election to have their ballots counted. How to get a provisional ballot Voters cast their ballots at the Progressive Recreation Center in Garden City, Georgia on May 24, 2022. If a voter is told by a poll worker their eligibility cannot be determined, the voter has a right to request a provisional ballot. If a voter shows up to the wrong precinct, they can either go to the correct precinct or, if it is after 5 p.m., cast a provisional ballot at the incorrect precinct. Any votes cast by a provisional ballot in the wrong precinct will not be counted unless it is cast between 5 p.m and 7 p.m. Otherwise, you'll be instructed to go to the correct precinct. How to return an absentee ballot Georgia's 2021 voting reforms, widely known as SB 202, altered the time to request absentee ballots. Theres no way to request an absentee ballot at this point, but for those who have yet to return their absentee ballot, there are a couple of options. In addition to dropping off ballots at the Voter Registration Office, voters can decide to vote in person instead. However, they must bring the absentee ballot to the polls and have an elections official spoil it before casting an in-person ballot. Voters can check the status of absentee ballots at mvp.sos.ga.gov. If a voter has mailed a completed ballot, but it has not yet been accepted, voters can appear in person to cancel the ballot and cast their vote in person on Election Day. Election law: How will Georgias new election law change absentee ballot voting, drop boxes? Can I still use ballot drop boxes? Absentee ballot drop boxes can no longer be utilized on election day. The drop boxes were officially codified by 2021's SB 202 elections bill, but it also restricted their use to early voting, which ends Friday. The drop boxes were originally an emergency measure put into place in 2020 for those who didnt want to risk exposure to COVID by voting in person or risk their ballot arriving late in the mail. Previously, the boxes were required to be on government property with 24/7 camera surveillance. They never closed, and voters could drop off ballots at any time. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia 2022 midterm general election: Here's how, where to vote By Nathan Layne and Jacqueline Thomsen MARIETTA, Ga., (Reuters) - Hours before U.S midterm voters head to the polls on Tuesday, courts were hearing a handful of last-minute lawsuits that could govern election rules and the counting of ballots in battleground states. The lawsuits, filed in states with key races, mark the tail-end of a months-long legal push by Democrats and Republicans to define the rules for voting in Tuesday's election. Attorneys are also preparing for post-election challenges in the days and weeks after the midterms. U.S. Senate candidate John Fetterman and other Democrats sued in a Pennsylvania federal court on Monday to force officials to include undated mail-in ballots in the state's vote count. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a similar lawsuit on behalf of voting rights groups in Pennsylvania on Friday. Last week the Pennsylvania Supreme Court granted a Republican request to block the ballots from being counted but gridlocked on whether doing so would violate civil rights law. In Georgia, the ACLU and lawyers for Cobb County were also in court on Monday, finalizing an agreement for a judge to extend a ballot delivery deadline until Nov. 14 for hundreds of voters who requested absentee ballots but did not receive them. The agreement, signed by Cobb County Superior Court Judge Kellie Hill on Monday, followed an ACLU lawsuit on behalf of some 1,036 voters. Those voters will now have the option of using an alternative write-in form typically used by members of the military overseas whose ballots are late. Cobb County has been overnighting ballots to affected voters and estimated on Monday that 276 voters had yet to receive a ballot. Officials said their goal was to get them to voters by Tuesday so the ballots can be postmarked by Election Day. In Arizona, a judge on Monday blocked officials in Cochise County from conducting a hand count of all ballots cast in Tuesday's elections, finding that the county board of supervisors that ordered the count had "no authority" to do so. Story continues Lawyers aligned with both Democrats and Republicans have brought waves of lawsuits over the rules for the upcoming election. Tuesdays vote will determine political control of Congress for the next two years, defining the second half of President Joe Bidens term and the federal governments policy priorities, as well as control of governorships in swing states. CLOSE RACES While none of the lawsuits threatens sweeping changes to Election Day rules, they could affect close races, like those for U.S. Senate seats in Pennsylvania and Georgia, that will help determine party control of the Senate. Fetterman and Republican Mehmet Oz are neck-and-neck in the Pennsylvania polls. Georgias Cobb County is part of the populous Atlanta metropolitan area, which played a key role in Democrats' 2020 election wins. Democrat Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker are in a close U.S. Senate race in that state. In the Cochise County hand count case, Arizonas secretary of states office has argued that the longer hand-count process could risk the states ability to certify its election results by a Dec. 5 deadline. Some jurisdictions adopted hand counts following debunked but widespread claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election. U.S. officials have called 2020 the most secure count in the country's history. Judge Casey McGinley in Arizona, who blocked the Conchise County hand count on Monday, said he was presented "no evidence" that the machine tabulation of ballots is inaccurate. Another hand count in Nevadas rural Nye County was shut down in favor of machine counting after the state supreme court struck down parts of the process. (Reporting by Jacqueline Thomsen in Washington and Nathan Layne in Marietta, Georgia; Editing by David Bario, Aurora Ellis and Howard Goller) Election offices around the country are gearing up for the midterm races and many are implementing new security measures amid a spike in reported threats and harassment against election officials and workers. This is the first election cycle that Ive heard of these threats occurring towards election officials themselves, said Thomas Hicks, Chairman of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. Hicks said the threats are extending to election workers as well. These are not just bureaucrats out there, said Hicks. These are our grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, and our uncles. Our church members as well who are serving as poll workers. In response to the growing threat, this year the commission allowed for federal grants to be used to beef up security at election sites and to monitor threats on social media. It was something I didnt want to have to do, but its needed, said Hicks. Its really a sad place that were in. Some election officials said the spike in threats stems from the spread of false voter fraud claims in the 2020 election. Both Democrats and Republicans have been targets. Some county clerks in Colorado have installed bulletproof glass and extra surveillance. In Maricopa County, Arizona, the public can now check out a live video stream of the election site thanks to new security cameras. The Maricopa County Recorder, a Republican, wrote a letter to members of Congress about how he received two death threats in the days before the August primary. Earlier this year, a mother and daughter from Fulton County, Georgia, who worked as poll workers in 2020, testified before the House Committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol attack about facing threats because of false claims of voter fraud. Wishing death upon me, said Wandrea ArShaye Moss. Ive lost my name and Ive lost my reputation, said her mother, Ruby Freeman. Our Washington News Bureau asked Hicks if he expects this increase in threats to become the new normal for election cycles. Story continues I hope not, said Hicks. I hope that we go back to a time where election officials are not known, where they are just basically out there calling balls and strikes and just doing their jobs. The spike in threats against election workers has gotten the attention of the federal governments top law enforcement agency, too. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) launched a task force last year specifically focused on investigating threats against election workers and election officials. According to the DOJ, the task force has reviewed more than 1,000 cases as of August. Around 11 percent of those cases led to criminal investigations. A Texas man was arrested in January for accusations of making election-related threats against Georgia government officials. In October, a Nebraska man was sentenced to 18 months in prison for threating the Colorado Secretary of State, a Democrat, on Instagram. The DOJ said the suspect wrote things like, Your security detail is far too thing and incompetent to protect you. We asked Hicks what he says to people who still dont trust the election process. Go to the logic and accuracy testing, said Hicks. See what sort of things are going on. Election officials make this very public the way that the process runs and the other thing that I would say is any threat against election official is a crime and so it should be prosecuted. There should be no harassment of election officials for simply doing their jobs. Download the FOX13 Memphis app to receive alerts from breaking news in your neighborhood. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD Trending stories: NORWAY-INDUSTRY-BUSINESS-ENERGY-OIL-GAS Tesla CEO Elon Musk looks up as he addresses guests at the Offshore Northern Seas 2022 (ONS) meeting in Stavanger, Norway on August 29, 2022. Credit - Carina JohansenNTB/ AFP An executive of a mainstream social media platform has never told their users who to vote for in an upcoming election. But on Monday, Twitters new owner Elon Musk did just thaturging independent-minded voters to cast their ballots for Republicans in Tuesdays midterm elections, which raises questions about how Musks platform could be used to influence political discourse and elections, media experts say. Hes a man who now has incredible unilateral power to shape our information system and how information is shared, Nicole Gill, executive director of the nonprofit Accountable Tech, tells TIME. He controls the dials that determine whose voices are heard in what he fashions is the modern public square, and now hes openly putting his thumb on the scale and elections. Musks tweeted comments come just one day ahead of the midterm elections that will determine if Democrats can retain control of the House and break the evenly divided Senate. His original tweet, which garnered over 43,000 retweets and over 280,000 likes eight hours after it was posted, recommended voting for Republicans because shared power curbs the worst excesses of both parties, he wrote. If Jack Dorsey had advocated for people to vote Democrat, Republicans would oppose him before Congress the same day or the next day, Gill added. Since taking over Twitter on Oct. 30, Musk has caused a stir at the social media platform. He fired hundreds of employees and the companys board, publicly admonished Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, and shared a meme that contained a Nazi soldier. The self-described free speech absolutist has suggested that he would loosen standards for the policing of harmful content such as misinformation and hate speech as the owner of Twitter. Story continues He has also voiced support for restoring access to former President Donald Trump, whose account was permanently suspended last year after the deadly Jan. 6 attempted insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The price of discourse Musk clarified on Monday evening that he is an Independent voter, and has an actual voting history of entirely Democrat until this year. Since 2015, he has donated to both political parties, including over $105,000 to Democratic causes and candidates and over $98,000 to Republicans, according to Open Secrets, a nonprofit campaign finance organization. While social media executives are no stranger to political discourse, its rare for them to directly endorse a party. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg donated $400 million to help election offices adapt to changes in voting behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, though Zuckerberg denied accusations that the money would have a partisan influence. Musk absolutely has the right to free speech, Angelo Carusone, the president of nonprofit watchdog Media Matters, tells TIME. But hes a social media executive who is in theory supposed to be making neutral decisions and it seems like he has a particular ax to grind with liberals and the left. I worry when someone is at the helm making these decisions, whos now explicitly identified themselves and is advocating for a party, then doesnt that raise questions about other behaviors and actions? Read More: Twitter Bans Accounts Mocking Free Speech Absolutist Elon Musk A U-turn on neutrality Musks decision to suggest independent voters cast their ballot for Republicans marks a significant U-turn in the billionaires stance on keeping Twitter a neutral platform. He tweeted in April that, For Twitter to deserve public trust, it must be politically neutral, which effectively means upsetting the far right and the far left equally. To independent-minded voters: Shared power curbs the worst excesses of both parties, therefore I recommend voting for a Republican Congress, given that the Presidency is Democratic. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2022 The possible shift in his thinking could present a more clear understanding of how he plans to run the platform. As its owner, Musk has the ability to change Twitters algorithm and to restrict certain accounts from popping up in feeds. Media watchdogs warn that his influence and political beliefs could be particularly dangerous for truly neutral dialogue. Algorithms are created, monitored and tweaked by human beings, says Gill. Its not just a set of numbers and code that operates without human input. They depend on the people who create themand now Elon Musk is in control of Twitters algorithm. Thats whats alarming about this. Carusone says that its possible a congressional committee will request testimony from Musk over how Twitter engineers its algorithm, much like Zuckerbergs testimony, though Republicans may give Musk an easy timeor a complete passgiven his recent ties to the party. One question they would want to know is what type of information is the algorithm privileging, Carusone says, adding that they could also be interested in how his Twitter operations are aligned with his other business interests in the U.S. and abroad. Musk also owns Tesla and SpaceX. Twitter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Read More: What We Knowand Dont KnowAbout Elon Musks Ever-Changing Verification Plans The threat of misinformation on Twitter Last week, Musk retweeted a fringe conspiracy theory about the violent attack on Paul Pelosi, husband to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. He later deleted the tweet, but not before racking up more than 28,000 retweets and 100,000 likes. A number of advertisers have pulled back from Twitter amid growing fear that misinformation and hate speech would be allowed to proliferate on the platform under Musks leadership. Companies ranging from Volkswagen to General Mills to REI confirmed that they would suspend advertising on Twitter, ultimately leaving the social media platform without some of its biggest sources of revenue. Some brands and companies are concerned about the direction hes taking Twitter in, but they dont want to come out and say that publicly because theyre terrified of what hell say on the platform, Gill says. President Joe Biden criticized Musks acquisition of Twitter at a campaign stop in Chicago last week, calling it an outfit that spews lies all across the world. Musk has said Twitter will charge users $8 per month for the companys user verification feature, which has long been used to prevent imposters from impersonating government officials, prominent figures and journalists. Musks changes to the verification system could also make it easier for misinformation to spread on the platform, some experts say. Musk sees the landscape right now in much the same way that Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes saw the landscape, Carusone says, which is that when they looked around them, what they saw was a liberal media and the idea that Fox News could sort of be creative and balance out the rest. And it worksfrom a commercial perspective, a consumer perspective, an audience perspectiveeven if it has devastating effects. Elon Musk on Monday encouraged independent-minded voters to cast their ballots for Republicans in Tuesdays midterm congressional contests as a check on President Biden. To independent-minded voters: Shared power curbs the worst excesses of both parties, therefore I recommend voting for a Republican Congress, given that the Presidency is Democratic, Musk wrote on Twitter. Hardcore Democrats or Republicans never vote for the other side, so independent voters are the ones who actually decide whos in charge! he added. Musk closed his deal to buy Twitter late last month and has signaled he will relax content moderation on the site after a council reviews the platforms current policies, raising alarm among civil rights groups who believe the changes will cause an increase in misinformation and hate speech on Twitter. A new version of Twitters rules under Musks ownership published on Monday appeared to remove some policies in place ahead of the midterm elections, including labeling misleading information and directing users to information about voting with prebunks. The new rules, however, do state that users cannot use Twitter for the purpose of manipulating or interfering in elections or other civic processes. Hardcore Democrats or Republicans never vote for the other side, so independent voters are the ones who actually decide whos in charge! Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2022 Musk has previously indicated he voted for President Biden in 2020 and that he donated to and voted for 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party, Musk tweeted in May. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican. Now, watch their dirty tricks campaign against me unfold. Story continues In June, Musk called billionaire and Los Angeles mayoral candidate Rick Caruso (D) awesome, adding that the city is fortunate to have him running in the election. Caruso, a former Republican, is running against Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.). It is rare for me to endorse political candidates, Musk said at the time. My political leanings are moderate, so neither fully Republican nor Democrat, which I am confident is the case for most Americans. Since taking over Twitter, Musk has railed against activists pressuring advertisers to halt business with the social media platform. Last week, Musk sparred with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) over the Tesla CEOs plans to verify users for $8 per month. Lmao at a billionaire earnestly trying to sell people on the idea that free speech is actually a $8/mo subscription plan, Ocasio-Cortez tweeted. Your feedback is appreciated, now pay $8, Musk responded. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. SAFA is an NGO that has changed the lives of thousands of women from poor economic groups in Hyderabad and given them hope for a better future. Nikhat Fatima | TwoCircles.net Support TwoCircles HYDERABAD (TELANGANA) Founded in 2006 by a Muslim woman, SAFA is a non-government organisation (NGO) that has changed the lives of thousands of women in Hyderabad by providing them with livelihood opportunities. Rubina Nafees Mazhar, the founder and president of the organisation believes that empowering women is empowering families. Rubina, after living in Saudi Arabia for more than a decade, saw first-hand the plight of domestic workers from India, Sri Lanka and other Asian countries. She was moved by their plight and started a campaign to help them. She returned to India and ventured into the travel industry before quitting it to work full-time for the welfare of women from marginalised sections. Numerous problems related to women from the marginalised sections of Hyderabad were unaddressed and hidden. I seriously felt that this section of society needs to be empowered so that they can acknowledge their worth and potential, Rubina said. In June 2006, Rubina started her organisation called SAFA with the primary aim to to bring education and skills to women living in Hyderabads slums. At first, she began with a small room in one slum with two sewing machines and gradually expanded her work to several slums in Hyderabad-Secunderabad. SAFA upgrades the skills of women and youth in trades like tailoring, embroidery, cooking, beauty and wellness, computer courses, General Duty Assistant Nurse, and Information Technology enabled Services (ITES), Advanced ITES, Retail Management, MEDP, (Micro-enterprise development program) etc. to provide livelihood opportunities to the poor underprivileged women and survivors of domestic violence. The women are either self-employed or placed in jobs that fetch them an average salary of Rs. 12000 per month. Apart from providing employment opportunities and skill training, SAFA also helps people gain access to government social security schemes and entitlements, health insurance, adult literacy and micro-savings. The NGO has also set up a sustainable handicraft and apparel business called Artizania. It markets eco-friendly handcrafted lifestyle and ethnic products like shirts, trousers, jute bags, grocery bags, pen bags, tote bags, files and folders made by women. SAFA has also established a vocational training centre where women have trained in English-speaking and information and communication technologies, with a job guarantee in the end. In 2020, SAFA started a unique project called Luqma, which is a commercial community kitchen where authentic dishes with authentic flavours are cooked and sold. The women are provided training in culinary skills and training in packaging, hygiene, and business development to give them an edge in the highly competitive food business sector by expert chefs. These are mostly single women, widowed or deserted by their spouses. The business ventures Artizania and Luqma employ more than 400 women. Luqma does good business during Ramadan time providing Iftari (food to break fast during Ramadan) and Sehri (an early-morning meal during Ramadan) to patrons who order food. Besides doing catering work at events, SAFA has also opened a cafe called Luqma cafe at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU). In October, a food festival was held to celebrate and revive the lost dishes of Hyderabad. The festival was held in collaboration with CEIA, a digital food and hospitality magazine in which Luqma showcased Hyderabadi dishes and also marketed homemade products. SAFA not only helps women with economic sustainability but also empowers them through different capacity-building trainings. The organisation has several clubs where the youth and women are imparted skills to develop leadership skills, analytical abilities, financial management, forming self-help groups and accessing loans from banks and other financial institutions to set up their businesses. These trainings help the women develop self-confidence and change their perspectives towards life. SAFA also works with children to empower them and build their capacities for a better future During the Covid-19 lockdown, SAFA carried out relief work. The organisation distributed food, ration kits, masks, and sanitisers to the migrant labour, daily wage labourers, homeless people, and single women. What began as a small venture 16 years ago is now a huge project that has garnered fame at both the national and international levels, reaching out to around 3000 women, youth and children in a yeargiving them hope and dreams. Every woman whose life has been touched by SAFA has a success story to tell. One that brought these women from the clutches of poverty, and unhappy violent marriages to a life of freedom and economic independence. Nikhat Fatima is a correspondent with TwoCircles.net. She tweets @snikhatf Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Linamar Corporation (TSE:LNR) as an investment opportunity by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex. We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model. See our latest analysis for Linamar The Calculation We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (CA$, Millions) CA$260.5m CA$273.9m CA$285.2m CA$294.8m CA$303.3m CA$310.9m CA$318.0m CA$324.7m CA$331.1m CA$337.3m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Est @ 5.15% Est @ 4.11% Est @ 3.38% Est @ 2.88% Est @ 2.52% Est @ 2.27% Est @ 2.1% Est @ 1.97% Est @ 1.89% Present Value (CA$, Millions) Discounted @ 8.9% CA$239 CA$231 CA$221 CA$210 CA$198 CA$187 CA$176 CA$165 CA$154 CA$144 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = CA$1.9b Story continues The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (1.7%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 8.9%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032 (1 + g) (r g) = CA$337m (1 + 1.7%) (8.9% 1.7%) = CA$4.8b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= CA$4.8b ( 1 + 8.9%)10= CA$2.0b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is CA$4.0b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of CA$59.7, the company appears about fair value at a 6.8% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. dcf The Assumptions Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Linamar as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 8.9%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.397. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. Next Steps: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. For Linamar, we've compiled three important aspects you should explore: Risks: For instance, we've identified 3 warning signs for Linamar (1 is concerning) you should be aware of. Future Earnings: How does LNR's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Canadian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Former Washington, D.C., police officer Michael Fanone, who was badly injured during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at U.S. Capitol, has endorsed Pennsylvania Democratic Senate nominee John Fetterman over Republican candidate Mehmet Oz just a day before Tuesdays midterm election. Mehmet Oz is no ordinary Republican. He has aligned himself with Donald Trump, the first president in U.S. history to send his supporters to attack their fellow Americans police officers in an attempt to subvert democracy, Fanone said in an ad for Fetterman. Fanone said the thousands of rioters who descended on the Capitol that day were fueled by the lies peddled by Donald Trump and his allies and directed by the former president himself to take the fight to the Capitol. Oz has filled his campaign ranks with election deniers and even participants in the Jan. 6 attack on our Capitol. Oz is not the independent voice he claims to be. He is a mouthpiece for Donald Trump and his hate-filled, violent rhetoric, Fanone said. A Tennessee man was sentenced last month to more than seven years in prison after he pleaded guilty to assaulting Fanone during the Jan. 6 riot. Fanone, who said in the ad he and other police officers self-deployed after heeding the distress calls from our colleagues on Jan. 6, entered the national spotlight when he testified before the House select committee investigating the riot. As the race between Oz and Fetterman comes to a close, polls in the week ahead of the midterms indicate the two candidates are neck and neck, with some results showing the Democrat in the lead and others suggesting the Republican is pulling ahead. Fetterman on Monday forecast that Oz may lead in the early stages of vote counting, before mail-in and early votes are added to the tally. Im honored to have the support of Officer Fanone, a true American hero who (unlike Oz) believes in supporting democracy, Fetterman wrote on Twitter, sharing the ad. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Twitter laid off approximately 50% of its staff, following Elon Musk's takeover. Getty Images A former Twitter manager said she was sent a work anniversary gift after being laid off. Elaine Filadelfo, who had worked on the Consumer Insights team, shared details on Twitter. Twitter laid off approximately 50% of its staff on Friday after Elon Musk's takeover. A former Twitter manager said she was sent a congratulatory anniversary gift from the company days after being laid off. On Friday, Elaine Filadelfo, a former senior research manager on Twitter's Consumer Insights team, said she had been let go after 10 years working for the company. "End of an era. This is a brutal way to go after 10 years," she said. "This hit my *entire* team." On Sunday, she said she received the note, along with a commemorative block from the company celebrating her 10 years at Twitter. The note read: "Elaine, Happy Twitterversary! Congrats on reaching a huge Tweep milestone. We can't wait to see all that you accomplish this year. #OneTeam Twitter." Filadelfo and representatives for Twitter did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment made outside of normal working hours. On Friday, Twitter laid off approximately 50% of its staff as its new owner, Elon Musk, attempted to reduce operating costs. The communications team was thought to have been slashed from around 80-100 people to two, per Bloomberg reporter Kurt Wagner. The mass layoffs at Twitter have been marked by chaos and uncertainty for many employees. Employees said entire teams were laid off and some reported being locked out of work emails before the layoffs were officially communicated. In one case, a laid-off employee was reported to have been kicked out of the company's systems while they were midway through a virtual meeting. Read the original article on Business Insider WASHINGTON (AP) If you're tuning in now to Election Day in the United States, voting in the midterm election ends when polls close on Tuesday. Millions of Americans have already cast ballots either early in person or by mail, with millions more set to vote in person at their polling places. Here's a primer on the 2022 election to get you up to speed as the country waits to learn who'll be in charge in Congress come January. WHICH RACES ARE ON THE BALLOT? Every U.S. House seat is up for election this year, along with about a third of the U.S. Senate. On the line is control of both houses of Congress, currently under Democratic leadership. Voters are also electing governors in most of the states this year. They'll be in office in 2024 when the next presidential election happens and could affect election laws or vote certifications. Also on the ballot are numerous state legislative officials and local authorities. HOW DOES COUNTING WORK? The United States has a highly decentralized election system, with local officials responsible for carrying out the balloting and counting returns while states certify results. Not all states vote the same, either: Some carry out voting only by mail while others have a mix of in-person and mail voting. Others also have early in-person voting periods. HOW LONG COULD IT TAKE? There is no federal government agency that tells the country who has won the election right away, and different states count ballots at different times. That means it could take longer to declare a winner in some spots. Varying rules on when recounts or runoff elections might be required could also factor in. Some states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, for example, don't allow officials to begin validating mail-in votes until Election Day. Other states allow grace periods for votes to be counted as long as they were postmarked by Election Day. All of this means that we likely will not know who won every race on election night. Story continues The Associated Press calls races when it determines a clear victor. But no state releases complete and final results on election night, nor have they ever done so in modern history, according to experts. WHAT ARE POSSIBLE OUTCOMES AND WHAT WOULD THAT MEAN? Democrats and Republicans could split control of the House and Senate or one party could capture both chambers. Democrats have held the House since the 2018 election during former President Donald Trump's administration. Buoyed by voter frustration over the economy and by favorable redistricting, Republicans are favored to win the House. A Republican-led chamber would mean President Joe Biden's agenda gets halted. The Senate, which Democrats hold with the slimmest of advantages, could go either way. At stake is control over moving forward presidential appointments, like judges and Cabinet officials, as well as legislation. As chief executive, Biden will retain his veto power regardless of how control of Congress turns out. ___ AP journalist Mike Catalini can be reached at https://twitter.com/mikecatalini ___ Check out https://apnews.com/hub/explaining-the-elections to learn more about the issues and factors at play in the 2022 midterm elections. Follow APs coverage of the 2022 midterm elections at: https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections Egyptian pro-democracy activists Alaa Abdel-Fattah, left, and his sister Sanaa Seif are seen in a 2014 file photo posted on Facebook by Seif. The photo was taken when their father, also a human rights activist, died. The siblings had been unable to visit their father in the hospital as they were both jailed at the time. / Credit: Facebook/Sanaa Seif The head of the United Nations human rights office called on Tuesday for the immediate release of prominent Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel-Fattah, who has been refusing all food and water since the start of the COP27 climate conference on Sunday. Alaa "is in great danger," Volker Turk said, according to the Associated Press. "His dry hunger strike puts his life at acute risk." As spokesman for his office said the U.N. had last raised the issue of Alaa's health with the Egyptian authorities on Friday, and that they were calling for him "to be urgently, immediately released." Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he and other world leaders in Egypt's resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh had explicitly raised Alaa's case with their Egyptian counterparts. "Something needs to happen to make a release possible, so that the hunger striker doesn't die," Scholz said. Alaa, a dual Egyptian-British citizen who was an important figure in the pro-democracy "Arab Spring" movement more than a decade ago, has been imprisoned in Egypt for virtually the entire tenure of Egypt's current authoritarian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, since 2014. Alaa's family and human rights groups call the charges against him spurious. "I'm scared for Alaa, but I also really understand his decision for escalation, because he's bound to die in prison," his sister Sanaa Seif, who's previously spent time in an Egyptian prison for her rights activism, told CBS News last week. "Maybe the way out for him is to kind of fasten the timeline, so that maybe there is enough pressure to save him." Sanaa Seif, sister of Egypt's imprisoned pro-democracy activist Alaa Abdel-Fattah, left, poses with Caroline Lucas, a Green Party U.K. parliamentarian, outside the Foreign Office in London, November 1, 2022. / Credit: Kin Cheung/AP Seif, who also holds dual Egyptian-British citizenship, traveled to Egypt to attend the COP27 summit as a delegate, where she vowed to continue raising attention for her brother's case. Her trip came after she spent days camping outside Britain's Foreign Office in the weeks leading up to the climate conference. On Monday, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he would meet with el-Sisi at COP27 and "of course raise this issue. It's something that not just the United Kingdom, but many countries want to see resolved.'' Story continues At a press conference on Tuesday, Seif said her family had not received their regular letter from Alaa, which they had been expecting at the start of the week, and that they were asking the British government to push for proof of life. Seif said reports that el-Sisi had made a commitment to French President Emmanuel Macron, that Alaa's health would be preserved, worried her. Sanaa Seif, sister of Egypt's jailed leading pro-democracy activist Alaa Abdel-Fattah, who is on a hunger and water strike, leaves Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport in northeast Egypt shortly after arriving, November 7, 2022. / Credit: STF/AP "Are they force-feeding my brother right now? Is he handcuffed in a bed, put on IV's against his will? This is what it sounds like to me when they say 'preserve his health,' but not acknowledge his hunger strike and not allow consular access." "Let's be clear, we're running out of time. If the authorities do not want to end up with a death they should have and could have prevented, they must act now," the secretary general of rights group Amnesty International, Agnes Callamard, told journalists in Egypt on Sunday. "If they don't, that death will be holding on to COP27. It will be in every single discussion every single discussion there will be Alaa." @AgnesCallamard met with Laila Souief activist & mother of prisoner of conscience Alaa Abdel Fattah, whose life is at serious risk after 219 days without food & 1 day without water. Egypts authorities are responsible for his life. @AlsisiOfficial must free him NOW #FreeAlaa pic.twitter.com/xt63tlmIEH Amnesty MENA (@AmnestyMENA) November 6, 2022 El-Sisi's government has sought to use its hosting of the COP27 gathering as a "show of force internally," Seif said, insisting that climate change cannot be meaningfully addressed without political freedom. "You're facing interests, stuff like big oil companies and things like that, and any improvements we will get is because of the pressure of civil society and activists and marginalized communities, vulnerable communities," she told CBS News. "In order to resolve the climate crisis, we need an open environment where people can express can call on their politicians, can hold them accountable, and we don't have that space in Egypt." Seif said she still hoped her brother would be freed and allowed to leave Egypt and join his family in the U.K., but if he isn't, and he doesn't survive, she said he will have made a difference. The Egyptian regime "used him to set an example for others this is something he didn't choose," she told CBS News. "I'm proud of him for living up to this example, and instead of becoming an example for oppression, a symbol of oppression, he's become a symbol of resistance, of resilience." Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan clinches critical New Hampshire senate seat A full breakdown on Pennsylvania votes in Senate race Arizona's assistant secretary of state addresses voting issues in Maricopa County U.S. authorities expanded their crackdown on Haitian gang leaders Monday, charging seven of them with armed kidnapping, including three suspects wanted in the abductions of 16 U.S. citizens who were members of a Christian missionary group taken as hostages in the fall of 2021. The new federal indictments, returned by the grand jury in Washington, D.C., charged Wilson Joseph, known as Lanmo Sanjou, 29, Jermaine Stephenson, who is known as Gaspiyay, also in his late 20s, and Vitelhomme Innocent, 36. The indictments say they had leading roles in the kidnappings of the missionaries serving near Port-au-Prince, and the U.S. is offering a $3 million reward for information leading to their arrests. The three suspects collaborated with other gang members and demanded $1 million in ransom per victim and threatened to kill the missionaries, who worked for the Ohio-based Christian Aid Missionaries, if the ransom was not paid, U.S. authorities said. An undisclosed ransom was eventually paid. Most of the missionaries, including five children and a Canadian citizen, were held hostage for 61 days before escaping. When a U.S. citizen is kidnapped abroad, the Justice Department will bring to bear the full reach of our law enforcement authorities to ensure their safe return home and to hold accountable those responsible, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a statement. The indictments against the Haitian gang leaders come a year after the missionaries kidnappings made global headlines, and as gangs continue to spread chaos and despair in Haiti, where a two-month blockade of the countrys main fuel terminal and seaports have left millions of children unable to go to school and millions of Haitians without access to fuel, food and drinking water. The developing crackdown and reward, along with Fridays announcement of sanctions against two high-profile Haitian politicians, reflects the increasing attention the Biden administration has been paying lately to addressing Haitis lawlessness. Story continues In and out of Port-au-Prince, where the indicted gang leaders operate, Haitians are being kidnapped, killed and raped by armed groups that, according to the United Nations, are systematically using rape as a weapon of control and terror. According to the U.N. political office in Haiti, the country has registered 877 abductions, including 182 women, 13 girls and 15 boys, during the first seven months of this year in the municipalities of Delmas, Port-au-Prince, Cite Soleil, Croix-des-Bouquets and Tabarre. Croix-des-Bouquets is the gang stronghold for 400 Mawozo, the group led by Sanjou and Stephenson, while Innocent operates his own gang in Tabarre and in the surrounding communities of Trocelle and Pernier. Once allies, the two gangs are currently in a violent clash for territory as Innocent expands his gangs base into communities that did not previously have armed groups. The tightening grip of gangs in Haiti prompted the U.S. government to circulate two resolutions at the U.N. Security Council last month. The Security Council has acted only on a resolution to sanction gang leaders and those who support them. A second resolution supporting the rapid deployment of foreign troops to assist the Haitian police is currently on hold. Meanwhile, over the weekend, another gang leader, Jimmy Cherizier, who goes by the name Barbecue, declared a fuel blockade over, but as of Monday employees still could not get into the Varreux terminal because of fresh gang clashes. Armed groups have also moved further north of the capital to occupy areas near another private port, as well as flour and cement mills. In the latest charges, federal authorities identified Sanjou and Stephenson as leaders of the 400 Mawozo gang, and Innocent as the head of the Kraze Barye (Destroy the Barrier) gang. According to the indictments, all three defendants conspired in the missionaries abductions led by the 400 Mawozo gang. In announcing the new charges, the U.S. Department of State offered a reward of $1 million for each of the three defendants for information leading to their capture. Mondays new charges by the Justice Department followed the high-profile indictment of another Mawozo gang leader, Germine Joly, 29. He was transferred to the United States last May. Germine Joly, better known as Yonyon, has been indicted on U.S. federal gun charges after he was transferred aboard a special Federal Bureau of Investigation flight on Tuesday, May 3, to the U.S. following a request from the U.S. on April 22. Joly is the leader of the gang 400 Mawozo, which was behind last years kidnapping of 17 American and Canadian missionaries. Joly, aka Yonyon, was in a Haitian prison at the time of the missionaries kidnappings but was accused of directing the gang from behind bars, including ransom negotiations for the hostages release. Also charged with Joly was fellow Mawozo gang member Jean Pelice, 27. Both have pleaded not guilty. In addition, federal authorities announced Monday that four other Haitians who lead three other gangs were charged with the kidnappings of two other U.S. citizens in Haiti last year. The four defendants, all believed to be in Haiti, are: Renel Destina, 40, known as Ti Lapli, who controls the Gran Ravine area; Emanuel Solomon, known as Manno, one of two leaders of the Village de Dieu gang; and John Peter Fleronvil and Jean Renald Dolcin, leaders of the Kokorat san Ras. Fleronvil and other Kokorat san Ras gang members were arrested in September by the Haiti National Police. Destina, Solomon and Dolcin are still at large. For months Haitian police have ramped up their efforts to go after gangs and their leaders, arresting several in the process and killing others. However, kidnappings and violence have continued. Innocent, for example, was among the gang leaders contacted by former Haiti Sen. John Joel Joseph when he was looking to arm former Colombian soldiers later implicated in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise on July 7, 2021. Since then, Innocent has grown increasingly powerful. The kidnapping investigations have been led by the FBI field office in Miami with assistance from the State Departments Diplomatic Security Service and the Haiti National Police. On the left is a floor safe with stacked money in cellophane wrappers, and on the right is several gold bitcoins in plastic wrappings. The left image shows the safe where Georgia man James Zhong allegedly hid his stolen crypto. on the right includes images of Casascius coins, a physical representation of bitcoin that represents a certain amount of real bitcoin. Prosecutors said 25 coins were seized from Zhongs home, as well as cash and the drive containing the stolen bitcoin. The largest amount of illicit funds ever recovered by federal law enforcement came in the form of bitcoin on a disconnected drive stuffed at the bottom of one Georgia mans linen closet. Federal prosecutors announced Monday they had recovered $1.074 billion in bitcoin kept hidden by a Georgia man for just under a decade. The man in question, James Zhong from Gainesville, Georgia, allegedly pulled off a massive heist from the dark web drug marketplace Silk Road back in 2012 but kept the over 50,000 bitcoin in the most awkward place imaginable, on a small computer in a popcorn tin under some blankets in his bathroom closet safe. At the time the feds seized the crypto in 2021, it was worth close to $3.36 billion. Read more The U.S. Attorneys office said that back in September of 2012, when Silk Road was still going strong as the premiere way to purchase drugs anonymously online, Zhong hatched a scheme to steal what was, at the time, a few hundred thousand dollars in crypto. Prosecutors wrote the then-fraudster created nine fake accounts and filled them with between 200 and 2,000 bitcoin, then blasted the Silk Road system with over 140 transactions in less than a second that caused it to release 51,680 bitcoin, which Zhong then sent to other bitcoin wallets he controlled. According to court documents, he then ran some of that crypto through a crypto mixer to conceal where it came from. Tyler Hatcher, a special agent with the Internal Revenue Services criminal investigation arm, said in the release that Zhong attempted to hide his spoils through a series of complex transactions which he hoped would be enhanced as he hid behind the mystery of the darknet. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said they used cryptocurrency tracing and good old fashioned police work to find the funds that remained hidden for nearly a decade. While they do not go into the specifics on how they conducted the investigation, there have been other investigations that have managed to trail these supposedly anonymous crypto transactions through wallet transfers and user activity tracking. Story continues Prosecutors charged Zhong with wire fraud, and the man pleaded guilty on Nov. 4. He was released on a $310,000 bail that same day, according to court documents. In addition to all the digital assets seized by federal law enforcement, authorities also took around $661,900 in cash and some silver and gold bars from his safe. Zhong was also forced to divest from some interest he held in a real estate company. Of course, back then, bitcoin was still in its relatively nascent stages. The price of the worlds most popular cryptocurrency hovered around $10 to $11 and closed at $13.45 at the end of that year. It means his robbery was only a modest $500,000 in bitcoin that he apparently never offloaded. Since the price of bitcoin ballooned in recent years, and even with the ongoing crypto winter, that few hundred thousand has turned into billions. One other early bitcoin investor, James Howells from the UK, has repeatedly tried to recover lost bitcoin from a landfill he mined back in the early crypto days that is worth big bucks in todays market. The charges of wire fraud could mean up to 20 years in prison, though Zhongs sentencing isnt until February. Zhongs attorney, Michael Bachner of New York law firm Bachner and Associates, told Gizmodo in an email statement Mr. Zhong is extremely remorseful for his conduct that occurred over 10 years ago when he was just 22 years old. Mr. Zhong returned virtually all of the bitcoin he improperly acquired. Ironically, given the increase in bitcoin value over the last decade, the value of the bitcoin he returned exponentially exceeded the value of the bitcoin he took. Feds said they executed a search warrant on Zhongs home on Nov. 9 last year where they found a single board computer disconnected from the internet in an underground floor safe submerged under blankets in a popcorn tin stored in a bathroom closet. Though he kept the bitcoin in his personal wallets, when bitcoin executed a hard fork in 2017, which established the new bitcoin as well as Bitcoin Cash, Zhong received an identical amount of the new cryptocurrency, which counted among feds total take of crypto assets. According to the release, Zhong surrendered little more than 1,000 bitcoin that he had access to. As noted by the U.S. Attorneys Office in the court documents, because Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht was convicted of operating the drug selling operation in 2015, the federal government is making the motion that Zhongs bitcoin is open to seizure after being involved in Ulbrichts money laundering charge. Though drug dealing with crypto was hit hard thanks to the loss of Silk Road, there are other, smaller dark web operations as well as larger schemes still trying to make money off anonymous transactions. Other crypto heists as of late have targeted DeFi projects and cross chain bridges, often squirreling away thousands or millions of dollars in the process, making Zhongs original 2012 heist look like lemonade stand robbery in comparison, at least when the fraud was originally completed. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Pennsylvania Democratic Senate nominee John Fetterman said on Monday that he expects his Republican opponent, Mehmet Oz, to lead initially in the state on Tuesday night due to the sequence of vote counting. Fetterman, Pennsylvanias lieutenant governor, said that the GOP planned voting so that their party could baselessly sow doubt about the election results when it suits them. Counting for ballots cast by mail and early in-person cannot begin until Election Day, thanks to the GOP-controlled legislature, Fetterman wrote in a memo, according to The Washington Post, calling the move intentional to help Republicans contest election results. He continued: Pennsylvania is one of only eight states that bans pre-processing of early mail-in ballots, forcing county officials to wait until 7 a.m. on Tuesday to begin opening returned ballots and scanning them into the system. The states Senate race is one of the tightest in the country, with Oz making gains on Fetterman in the weeks leading up to the election. The election is considered a toss up by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. Fettermans campaign wrote the memo to assure those considering backing him that their vote does matter, according to the Post. President Biden has featured in Fettermans campaign rallies, saying on Saturday: I know Pennsylvania well and John Fetterman is Pennsylvania. Former President Obama also advocated for Fettermans election this weekend and addressed the stroke Fetterman had earlier this year. Johns stroke did not change who he is, it didnt change what he cares about, it didnt change his values, his heart, his fight, said Obama on Saturday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The countdown to Election Day is on. Sick of shots? A combo flu and COVID-19 vaccine is in the works. And don't miss the lunar eclipse tomorrow but you'll have to get up early. Hello! Laura Davis here. Tomorrow is Election Day are you ready to cast your ballot? Ready or not, here's Monday's news. But first, are possums dangerous? They can be but they're also good for your yard. The Short List is a snappy USA TODAY news roundup. Subscribe to the newsletter here or text messages here. Midterms in the home stretch With one day before the Nov. 8 election, both Democratic and Republican leaders portrayed confidence and optimism heading into the home stretch. President Joe Biden will stick close to home Monday, campaigning in Maryland for gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore. Former President Donald Trump returns to Ohio to rally support around Republican Senate candidate J.D. Vance. Both were on the campaign trail over the weekend, spending time on both coasts to rally their party faithful and try to persuade any remaining undecided voters. Former President Bill Clinton speaks at a rally outside Las Vegas on behalf of U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and other Democratic candidates during the 2022 midterm elections. Meanwhile: The Justice Department will deploy election monitors to 64 locations, key battleground states; top Putin ally appears to admit Russian interference in U.S. elections. Catch up on the latest. Voter ID laws create obstacles for thousands of transgender voters. Investigations, impeachment, what else? The steps a GOP Congress might pursue. A word from the Editorial Board: Regardless of your political leanings, our democracy needs you to vote. Fulfilling your civic duty is a crucial part of how we preserve this beautiful and fragile democracy. It wasn't so long ago that many Americans were shut out of the democratic process. Democracy needs protecting. Your vote in this election will help. 'Vote. Her last word, if you will' A message from beyond the grave? Sort of. In what may seem like an unusual place to include a get-out-the-vote message, obituaries across the country have included calls for Americans to fulfill their civic duty and vote in this year's midterms. Explicit references to specific campaigns have become more frequent over the past two decades, experts say. Some newspapers' content policies do not allow political statements in obituaries even including a request to vote. But for some, including the word "vote" in their loved one's obituary is fulfilling their last wish. Keep reading. Story continues An obituary for M. Kay Classon, 84, who died in Ottawa, Illinois. Looking for answers on how to vote or the top issues in the midterm elections for 2022? This guide is for you. In Arizona, 14 election intimidation reports sent to officials in 19 days. Here's why security officials are concerned about claims of a hacked or stolen election. What everyone's talking about The Short List is free, but several stories we link to are subscriber-only. Consider supporting our journalism and become a USA TODAY digital subscriber today. Combo flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine? As the holiday season draws near, more Americans may be sporting two Band-Aids after receiving both their flu shot and the new COVID-19 bivalent booster. But what if you could get one shot with both vaccines in it? Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, companies that have led the COVID-19 vaccination strategy, are working on just that. The companies say they're beginning trials to assess the safety, efficacy and dosage of their candidate vaccines, which combine four flu strains and two coronavirus strains. These combo vaccines could be available as early as next flu season, experts say. And hey, sounds like we could be saving a lot on those after-shot Band-Aids, too. Vaccines sit at the ready at the Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plans' Community Resource Center where they were offering members and the public free flu and COVID-19 vaccines Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, in Lakewood. White House, Kremlin reportedly have had talks aimed at easing tensions A top Biden administration official has held secret talks with influential aides to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a push to ease the rising tensions between Washington and Moscow, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday. According to the report, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan sought to head off further escalation of the war amid concerns that Russia might resort to nuclear weapons if its battlefield struggles continue. The Kremlin has walked back its nuclear rhetoric in recent days. More updates: Crucial battle for Kherson could be settled soon; Russia losing planes faster than it can replace them. Catch up on the latest from Ukraine. A Ukrainian flag with messages of support for cities of eastern Ukraine hangs from a destroyed Russian tank displayed in downtown Kyiv on Nov. 7, 2022. Real quick What's the weather up to in your neck of the woods? Check your local forecast here. An Election Day lunar show Sick of politics? Couldn't blame you. There's an astronomical spectacle coming Tuesday morning that we can all enjoy no matter who gets your vote. A total lunar eclipse will be visible across the country early Tuesday in the first Election Day total lunar eclipse in U.S. history, according to EarthSky.org. The next Election Day lunar eclipse won't occur for another 372 years, on Nov. 8, 2394. A lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth and moon align, so the moon passes into the Earth's shadow. When the moon is within the Earth's shadow, or umbra, it turns an eerie reddish hue, called a blood moon. The eclipse will last nearly 90 minutes, but you'll have to get up early. Here's the best time to catch the show. A visual guide: Where and when to view the total lunar eclipse. Closest known black hole to Earth discovered by astronomers. The earth's shadow covers the full moon during a partial lunar eclipse as it sets beyond the U.S. flag on top of a building, Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, in downtown Kansas City, Mo. A break from the news Should you change jobs or even careers? Here's a litmus test. Bust out the debit card: Walmart's early Black Friday deals just dropped. Advice needed: 'I got dumped because I have MS. Should I tell dates about my diagnosis?' Laura L. Davis is an Audience Editor at USA TODAY. Send her an email at laura@usatoday.com or follow along with her adventures and misadventures on Twitter. Support quality journalism like this? Subscribe to USA TODAY here. This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Want this news roundup in your inbox every night? Subscribe to the newsletter here or text messages here. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Midterm elections, COVID-19 vaccine, flu shot combo, lunar eclipse. Monday's news. Multiple explosions have occurred at a chemical plant in Brunswick, leading to multiple evacuations and shelter-in-place order. Jacksonville and Savannah Hazmat crews are on scene at Symrise chemical plant. The chemicals are hydrogen peroxide pinene. Its too early to determine the cause of this mornings fire and subsequent explosions, according to JFRD spokesman Eric Prosswimmer. One firefighter was hospitalized for exhaustion, but otherwise there are no injuries. Firefighters from several agencies are the Symrise plant in Glynn County. Multiple explosions have been reported and evacuations have been ordered in Hickory Bluff, Sanctuary Cove, Satilla Shores and Royal Oaks. At least six people were in the plant at the time of the initial explosion, and all are accounted for. More evacuations could come, according to fire and rescue. The fire was not under control as of 11 am. This is a developing story, refresh for updates. PLANT FIRE: An @ActionNewsJax viewer sent us these photos of the Symrise chemical plant fire in Brunswick, GA. Latest updates here>>> https://t.co/NjIRCO0mzi pic.twitter.com/mrCJGQvJqB Chandler Morgan (@Chandler_TV) November 7, 2022 BREAKING NEWS: Fire at Brunswick chemical plant prompts evacuations @ActionNewsJax https://t.co/NJDQEjlfH5 Chandler Morgan (@Chandler_TV) November 7, 2022 Update: Hickory Bluff, Sanctuary Cove, Satilla Shores and Royal Oaks are being evacuated. Uncontrolled fire at the... Posted by Glynn County Sheriff's Office on Monday, November 7, 2022 An evacuation order has been issued for the Hickory Bluff area and Sanctuary Cove subdivision east of I-95 due to a nearby chemical plant fire. Those evacuating can find shelter at the PSA Recreation Center located at 1050 Wildcat Drive in Kingsland. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/sg9XFf4MFw Camden County EMA (@CamdenCountyEMA) November 7, 2022 Update: Glynn County officials just held a briefing shortly after 6 p.m. on new developments from the Symrise plant. It has been reported that fire fighters used extra precaution battling the blaze. Due to the contaminants, extra safety measures need to be taken. Progress was slowed earlier in the day because a tank was not vented safely, and first responders needed to be pulled back to safety. Evacuation orders for Satilla Shores and Royal Oak have been lifted. Residents are free to return to their neighborhoods and homes because the threat level has expired. The temporary shelter at Ballard Gym will be closing as evacuees are being allowed to return home. According to the briefing, crews will be finalizing the monitoring of tanks, shutdown of valves and extinguishing spot fires on the site. The next step is to coat the area with a foam blanket which will suppress the fumes from the plant. It will also help cool any hot spots. Original Story: Multiple agencies are continuing to respond to an early morning fire at the Symrise Chemical Plant in Brunswick. The call about the fire at the Symrises Colonel Island production site came in at 4 a.m. Monday, according to Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Capt. Eric Proswimmer said during an 11 a.m. briefing. Before fire personnel arrived, there was an explosion, Proswimmer said. Three engines, a squad, a rescue and a battalion chief initially responded and the battalion chief called for more resources. The crews fought the fire until the on-site water supply, which was 1.3 million gallons, diminished. STORY: $1M winning Powerball ticket sold in Florida in Saturday nights drawing Proswimmer said there were two additional explosions after that. He said the chemical they are dealing with is hydrogen peroxide with pinene. The south side of the Port of Brunswick was evacuated around 6:30 a.m., Proswimmer said. Hazmat teams from Jacksonville and Savannah are on scene to assist with the response. Story continues Talking the Tropics With Mike: Hurricane & Tropical storm WATCH issued as Nicole turns west No civilians have been injured and one firefighter was taken to the hospital for exhaustion. No one is in severe danger, but crews are being cautious and they are taking slow, calculated steps to fight the fire. Meteorologists are on site helping firefighters determine how far the wind could carry the chemicals. Officials will alert those who have evacuated via social media when it is safe for those who have evacuated to return. A shelter has been set up for evacuees, which is about 100 households, Proswimmer said. STORY: Subtropical Storm Nicole will bring high rip current risk to Jacksonville-area beaches Proswimmer said the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The fire happened during regular production hours at the facility, which manufactures fragrance ingredients, Symrise said. Proswimmer said there were six to eight people working at the plant at the time of the fire and they are all accounted for and safe. Evacuations have been ordered for the following neighborhoods: Satilla Shores Royal Oaks [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] In Camden County, evacuation orders were issued for Hickory Bluff and Sanctuary Cove, but those have been lifted, according to Camden County Emergency Management Agency. The shelter in place order that was issued for the following neighborhoods in Camden County has been lifted as well: Dover Bluff Waverly White Oak Lampadoshia Glynn County Public Schools are not evacuating, but are sheltering in place with no outside activity. In addition to JFRD, McIntosh County Fire and Rescue, Brantley County Fire and Rescue are assisting Glynn County Fire Rescue. Symrise said it does not believe that the fire will cause additional health hazards to the local community and the company said it will closely cooperate and support local authorities in analyzing the causes for the fire as soon as the authorities allow return to the area. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Gov. Brian Kemp issued a statement Monday morning about the fire, our sister station WSB-TV reports: Earlier today, local authorities alerted my office of a major fire at the Symrise chemical plant off of Highway 17 in Brunswick. I immediately instructed Director Stallings of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Colonel Wright of the Georgia State Patrol, Director Rick Dunn of the Environmental Protection Division, and Georgia Department of Transportation leaders to direct all available state resources to assist local responders. As the situation develops throughout the day, Marty and I are asking our fellow Georgians to join us in praying for this community and the brave first responders actively battling this fire. Continue to consult local news and public safety officials for any updates. Action News Jax has a crew at the scene. Check back here for updates. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. David Tennant as Alexander Litvinenko. (ITV) ITV has released a first look at David Tennant as former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko. The Doctor Who actor will play Litvinenko in an eponymous drama about the spy's infamous death in London in 2006. Making international headlines, Litvinenko was found to have been poisoned at a London hotel with polonium and he subsequently died 22 days later. Alexander Litvinenko in 2002. (Getty Images) In the days before his death, Litvinenko have a number of interviews to the press and allowed his picture to be taken as he lay in hospital. The image released of Tennant is a recreation of the famous picture of Litvinenko from three days before his death in hospital. Read more: David Tennant 'was in the running against Daniel Craig' for James Bond role Written by George Kay, who is the creator of Lupin, Litvinenko follows the spy's widow Marina as she attempts to put pressure on the British government to acknowledge Russia's involvement in her husband's death. Alexander Litvinenko is pictured at the Intensive Care Unit of University College Hospital on November 20, 2006 in London, England. (Natasja Weitsz/Getty Images) "In a statement, Kay said: In late 2006, Alexander Litvinenko was a living witness to his own murder. He spent his dying days entrusting the Metropolitan Police with the details of what happened to him. It took those police and his remarkable widow Marina Litvinenko a decade to have those claims ratified. Their stamina, hard work and bravery are what make this not only an essential story of our times but a privilege to be asked to write." David Tennant will play Alexander Litvinenko. (Getty Images) Litvinenko also stars Margarita Levieva as Marina Litvinenko as well as Neil Maskell and Mark Bonnar. In September 2021, the European Court of Human Rights found that Litvinenko's killing was the responsibility of Russia. The UK also concluded that the assassination was "probably approved by Mr. Nikolai Patrushev, then head of the FSB, and also by President Putin." Litvinenko had been a vocal critic of Putin after fleeing in exile to Britain from Russia. Litvinenko will launch on ITVs streaming platform, ITVX, on Thursday 15 December. Watch below: David Tennant opens up about one 'worry' he had regarding his Doctor Who return Monkeypox contributed to the October death of a North Jersey resident who had other underlying medical conditions, the state Department of Health said Monday. It is the first monkeypox-related death in New Jersey and one of nine nationwide, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The persons monkeypox infection was confirmed in mid-September, the Health Department said. No other details about the individual were provided due to privacy concerns. Although cases are declining from their peak in mid-August, monkeypox is still circulating in New Jersey. So far, 754 cases have been confirmed in the state since the disease was first reported in June, with 49 people hospitalized. Hudson and Essex counties have had the most cases, followed by Union, Middlesex and Bergen. New York City had 3,743 total cases as of Oct. 31, and the current outbreak in the United States has caused 28,753 confirmed cases. Monkeypox vaccines released from the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile are given to eligible New Jersey residents at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus to help prevent the spread of the once-rare disease. State officials urged those at risk to get vaccinated to prevent the disease. The series of two shots, spaced a month apart, is available at several sites in New Jersey. Monkeypox is a viral disease that spreads through close, intimate, skin-to-skin contact. It usually causes flu-like symptoms followed by a painful rash, with blistered bumps or pustules. A person is considered contagious until the pustules scab over and new skin forms. Those most vulnerable to developing severe disease are those with weakened immune systems, children younger than 8, pregnant or nursing women, and people with skin conditions that impair the integrity of the skin. Anyone can get it, but current data suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up the majority of cases in the current monkeypox outbreak, according to the CDC. Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who has been in close, personal contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk. Almost all of the cases in New Jersey have been in men, and nearly two-thirds have been in those ages 30 to 49. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: First monkeypox-related death in NJ reported, says CDC A fit and healthy father diagnosed with stage four cancer says he was left looking like the Nightmare on Elm Street after a horrific reaction to chemotherapy left him too embarrassed to go to his young sons cricket matches and is now hoping to save his life with a ground-breaking vaccine. Geoffrey Seymour, 41, a procurement specialist, loved playing tennis, basketball and cricket and had always been healthy until just before his 41st birthday when he began experiencing blood in his stool. Geoffrey was aware of this being a symptom for cancer from adverts on the television, so quickly went to his GP. Geoffrey, who lives in Richmond, London, with his wife Santa, 44, and their son Marco, 10, was diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer, which had spread from his colon to his liver a situation so severe and seemingly hopeless he likened it to being wrapped in a paper bag that is on fire. He also had a bad reaction to chemotherapy severely blistering the skin on his face and, according to Geoffrey, making him look like Freddy Krueger from the 1984 horror film, Nightmare on Elm Street. The chemotherapy stopped working however and now, in an attempt to save his life, Geoffrey has travelled to Germany for dendritic cell therapy where a personalised vaccine is created in a lab with the aim of stimulating the immune system. Research in this area is at an early stage, according to Cancer Research UK, and so the treatment was not cheap just one injection in Germany, on October 17, cost 17,000 and Geoffrey is now waiting to see if it was enough to help him, while continuing to fundraise to pay for it. He said: I couldnt even wait until the end of the fundraising to have it done just because Im so worried that the disease was going to spread. Geoffrey was determined to find a new approach after three sessions of five doses of chemotherapy didnt work and left him with side-effects so bad he no longer wanted to go out in public, even to see his little boy play cricket Story continues I had a really bad reaction in my face, it was full of painful blistering that made my face feel like it was on fire, he said. I just got to the point where I was looking a bit like Nightmare on Elm Street. Unless I went there with a bag on my head, Id have other people coming up to me and looking at me thinking, Whats wrong with this guy? when Im quite happy blending into the crowd. Geoffreys ordeal began in April 2021, just two weeks before his 41st birthday on March 4, when he got the first warning signals of cancer. After spotting blood in his stool, Geoffrey decided to visit his GP, as he knew it could be a symptom of cancer. And in late March at Kingston Hospital, he was diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer, which had metastasized in the liver. After the diagnosis, in March 2021, he had five cycles of chemotherapy every three weeks which initially reduced the lesions in his liver. At this point he says he felt optimistic. In December 2021, he had surgery to have a third of his liver removed, and the medical team began getting him ready for radiotherapy which was going to be used on his colon he even had radio markers tattooed for the laser alignment. A month later, a scan showed more tumours in his liver, so he had another round of chemotherapy. This time it was a success and liver surgery was booked in for June 2022. But, just as things were looking up, a few weeks before the surgery, a scan revealed disease progression. Geoffrey was put back on chemotherapy with a different agent and the surgery was cancelled. After just two cycles, blood work and a scan showed disease progression again, all while the side effects were getting unbearable for Geoffrey. He said: The side effects have gotten worse, worse, worse, and now, chemotherapy is just not effective anymore, the bodys gotten used to it. Explaining why he reacted badly to a chemotherapy drug, he said: Essentially it kills all your fast-growing cells, which include your cancer cells, but also includes your hair and nails. I had a really bad reaction to that in my face. Determined to find an alternative, Geoffrey started doing his own research by looking online and found dendritic cell therapy, only to be told it would not be available to him in the UK. He decided to fly to a laboratory in Ulm, Germany to have the week-long treatment on October 17 2022. Friends and family rallied round to contribute towards his Go Fund Me appeal, which has raised over 14,000 and helped to pay for the 17,000 injection. I am still in pain, I have a lot of pain, which Im trying to find a good balance of very strong medications, he said. Geoffrey is due to meet with his oncologist on November 1 in the UK, but knows he may well need to pay for further vaccine doses and more treatment abroad and is continuing to fundraise to pay for that. Specialist cancer information nurse at Cancer Research UK Caroline Geraghty said: Dendritic cell therapy is a type of vaccine that can treat cancer. Dendritic cells help immune system recognise and attack abnormal cells, such as cancer cells. To make the vaccine, scientists grow dendritic cells alongside cancer cells in the lab. The vaccine then stimulates your immune system to attack the cancer. Its still being researched, so the evidence base is not yet strong enough for it to be available in the UK. Decisions about the best course of treatment must be based on sound evidence of benefit so its important patients talk to their doctor about any alternative treatment they might be considering. She added: Thanks to ongoing developments in research, there continues to be many new cancer drugs showing effectiveness in clinical trials, providing potential options for people with cancer. But while regulators have improved the speed at which they assess these for routine NHS use, there are still, unfortunately, times when particular drugs arent yet easily accessible for people who may benefit. We understand how frustrating this can be. Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Facebook CHAMBERLAIN, South DakotaA small-town cook who said he was forced into a photo with South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem went from flipping pancakes and burgers to flipping the bird in the picture. It made Stefen Monteau an internet sensation in South Dakota for a few daysand also cost him his job at Main Street Cafe & Market in Chamberlain, S.D. Monteau said he was fired in part because Noems campaign team complained about the photo. Noem, a Republican with admitted national ambitions, is seeking a second term as governor after four terms in Congress. She stopped at the cafe on Friday, Oct. 28, to speak and take photos with area residents. One was Monteau, who said the governor pulled him into a photo. As a protest, he flipped the bird at waist level, hoping to spoil the picture. Gov. Noem was on her way, leaving the cafe. The coworker that I was standing by said loudly, Goodbye, Kristi! Monteau told The Daily Beast. Gov. Noem turned around and gave her a hug and grabbed my arm and said, Lets take a picture. I did not consent, he said. During the brief 20-second encounter, I made a hand gesture by my waist for the camera to see as the picture was taken. The picture was taken by a member of the campaign team on their phone. Gov. Noem left with her team to visit other businesses in the downtown area after leaving the cafe. Hours later, the picture that was taken was shared on social media by the political marketing team went viral, Monteau said. Hours went by and the picture was taken down from her political page. My quick hand gesture that I made was so that the photo would be discredited and would not be of use to her campaign in any way. Stefen Monteau, center, is seen here with South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem. Facebook Monteau, 30, set up a GoFundMe page after he was fired. It had an announced goal of $3,000 but had raised $6,824 as of Saturday morning. Hello everyone that is taking the time to read this. Im the guy in the recent viral pic with Governor Krisit [sic] Noem. I was terminated from the place I work as of 7am this morning, he wrote on Monday, Oct. 31. Customers and people complained to the employer that they dont feel comfortable with me working at the cafe due to not supporting Kristi Noem, feel that I would spit in their food etc since I am no longer a cook at the cafe Ill be job searching in the meantime. Story continues When he closed it down, he said he had found a full-time job. Thank you to all who have donated and for the support these past few days. I do work for another place of employment full time now and am very thankful for having a one on one talk with the employer. I plan to use the donated funds to help with any legal fees that will come my way with everything that is going on. Again, thank you all so much. Monteau told The Daily Beast he is looking into whether or not the cafes actions were legal in the sense that I was fired for political reasons. Thats why he mentioned possible legal fees, and why the fundraising effort is still active, despite the words Terminated this morning at the top of the page. Monteau, an enrolled member of the Hunkpati Oyate, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, lives in Fort Thompson, a tiny unincorporated community on the Crow Creek Reservation, 22 miles north of Chamberlain. As employment is scarce on the reservation, with more employment opportunities being present in Chamberlain, I started the GoFundMe to seek help in the case that what if other businesses didnt hire me in the area, he said. How would I pay my utility bills? Those are the things that came to mind. I had many people reach out to me and messaged me. They all wanted to help and they did, which I am very grateful for and appreciative. The GoFundMe is still active at this time. If I am able to take legal action, I will use the donations to help with this. Main Street Cafe & Market owner Margie Allen told The Daily Beast she doesnt mind that Monteau is not a fan of Noem. His dismissal was about being polite, not about politics, she said. It was a HR (human relations) thing, Allen said Thursday afternoon at the small-town diner in Chamberlain, a town of about 2,500 people in central South Dakota. Allen said she is not very interested in politics. She hosted a campaign event for Noem because the governors team asked, she said. Allen said she never turns down any request to hold a gathering in her small cafe. While she doesnt care what her employees do politically, she said Monteau crossed the line by secretly flipping the governor off while he was on the clock. If he had done it out front, Allen said, pointing to the sidewalk, I wouldnt have cared. But she said any of her employees who did that to any customer would be fired. Its just wrong, Allen said. She met with Monteau at 7 a.m. Monday, Oct. 31, to tell him he was fired. He spoke with her briefly and left, Allen said. About an hour later, he posted the GoFundMe page and the story started to spread on social media. Allen said she has been pilloried on Facebook, accused of firing him for political reasons. She also has been called a racist, since she is white and Monteau is Native American. Allen, who has lived in Chamberlain for 29 years and operated the cafe for 20 years, said she feels such charges are unfair and unfounded. Because of the deluge of social media attacks, she has hired an adviser, Jona Ohm of Middle America Communication Solutions of Oacoma, a small town just west of Chamberlain. They huddled at the cafe on Thursday, and are dealing with the criticism Allen has received, including for Arieylan online marketing company she works for as a side job. She also drives school buses to make some extra cash. So far, there has been little impact on her business, but her online ratings plummeted so much she blocked future assessments. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid029iTv3Fo7q3cNpeKgAnBiPkLJhbXdPHCJdAKQ5xszYTQxN9wCusH2fu8aSammjSXil&id=100060475076661 Monteau said he has worked in all areas of the food and beverage industry for a decade. He was hired by Allen a few months ago. After my previous employment was sold to a new owner and changes were being made, I was replaced as the general manager. Margie reached out via Facebook message and let me know that she had a cook position available, he said. The cafe business hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. I worked as her second cook most days, which meant I closed the kitchen for her while the first cook came and opened the kitchen and usually left by 2 p.m. I enjoyed working there. I got along with the staff very well. I helped when asked upon. Took the initiative to cook daily specials and make soups for the day. Monteau said he could sense Allen was unhappy with the photo. The following day after the picture my employer avoided me at work. She left for the day, he said. The staff and I carried on as if it was a normal business day. I received a Facebook message from my employer that she will not need me for Sundays scheduled shift due to business being slow. I replied back, OK, sounds good. I do have a screenshot of the message and pictures of my schedule. I also have a message from a friend that Margie made the comment that Noems team called her about the picture Friday afternoon. Ian Fury, Noems spokesman, denied that anyone from the campaign demanded Monteau be sacked. Nobody on the Governors team ever said that Mr. Monteau should lose his job, he said. Allen declined to reveal who had registered complaints, saying her decision was based on her expectations of her employees. Monteau said when he arrived at work at 7 a.m. Monday, Oct. 31, he noticed his name had been removed from the schedule. In the process of taking pictures of the edited schedule the employer asked to talk to me. She took me to the back of the building. She notified me that I am terminated, he said. She stated that she has received numerous complaints and phone calls from people and customers that told her they will no longer be eating at her cafe as long as I am an employee due to the picture. She told me that customers said they dont feel comfortable with me cooking their food because I might spit in their meal or do whatever I want to their meal because I dont support Noem. I told the employer that I understand her reason for termination and asked to be notified when my last paycheck will be ready. The employer stated it will be ready later in the day and that I will be messaged, Monteau said. Upon my termination, I went viral again due to the picture with Gov. Noem and also for the GoFundMe account that I had set up. The former employer also made a comment on her social media business page stating she terminated me for employee misconduct, but that comment she later removed. Stefen Monteau and Jamie Smith, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate in South Dakota. Facebook Allen said Monteau told her he purposely wore a blue T-shirt when Noem came to the cafe, since blue is a symbol of Democrats. She provides work shirts with the company name on them, allowing workers to decide which ones they want to wear each day. Monteau did not describe himself as a Democrat or a Republican. I am an Indigenous voter. I vote for the side that is willing to address tribal matters and sovereignty, he said. If they are involved with a solution and take actions to these issues, they have my vote. I do vote in state elections and I also vote in tribal elections. I have been active a few times in the past with tribal elections but not this past election. On Wednesday, he posed for a photo with Jamie Smith, a Sioux Falls state representative who is the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. Both men wore broad smiles in the photo. I was able to meet Jamie Smith when he came and visited at the Fort Thompson Community Center, Monteau said. I was also introduced to other (Democratic) candidates; Brian Bengs, Shawn Bourdeaux, and Tom Cool. Jamie Smith and his wife sat at the table I was at. The table talk was more than just politics. We talked about life in general. Tonight, I traveled to Fort Thompson and met with members of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. I listened to their stories and heard their concerns. By working together, I know we can build trust and accomplish great things for South Dakota. pic.twitter.com/PlYuqdMUuj Jamie Smith for SD Governor (@RepJamieSmith) November 3, 2022 Alex Matson, Smiths communications director, said South Dakotans should not be political pawns for Gov. Noem. Stefen told us his story and we learned from him that he was uncomfortable taking that photo with her, Matson told The Daily Beast. He said she came into the restaurant for a quick photo op and promptly left. We took that photo with him in Fort Thompson at our scheduled meet and greet with the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Although he approached us to take a photo with him, its important to always get permission from constituents, he said. Noem is favored to win the race for governor. The last time a Democrat was elected governor was 1974, and in the states 133-year history, five Democrats have only served as governor for a total of 18 years. While a South Dakota State University poll earlier this fall tipped a close race, a recent poll said Noem, who won in a nail-biter in 2018, has a comfortable lead. Monteau said he has had a lot of support in the wake of this tumultuous event, and he did learn some important lessons. Every decision that someone makes has an outcome whether its good or bad for some people or others, he said. This experience is very eye-opening. Many people in the local area I feel have truly expressed themselves about the viral picture which they all do have the right to do so. My family and friends are here for me and are part of my strong foundation during this time. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. In recognition of Military Family Appreciation Month, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is highlighting resources for service members and their loved ones to protect them against scams. Because of service members unique lifestyle, such as relocating regularly, scammers may target them in new and unique ways. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<< Moody created the Military and Veterans Assistance Program to help protect military members, veterans and their families from scams designed to target the military community. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the Floridians out there supporting their beloved soldiers. While the honor rightly belongs to those who serve, families sacrifice too-sleepless nights, lonely holidays and the worry that comes with loving someone who steps up to protect our country, Moody said. To all of you, I say thank you. I also want to let you know my office has several resources for military members and their families. Just visit MyFloridaLegal.com for more information. Read: Subtropical Storm Nicole prompts hurricane, storm surge watches for parts of Central Florida Moody released the Scams at a Glance: Protect Our Patriots brochure to alert service members and their families about common and emerging military-related scams. To check out that brochure, CLICK HERE. Read: Troopers: 1 killed in 4-vehicle crash near Leesburg The office also helps inform military members about what measures can be taken to guard against schemes, how to report scams, and what steps to take to recover if targeted by a scam. For more tips and resources, download the Military Consumer Protection Guide by CLICKING HERE. Read: Subtropical Storm Nicole: Heres where you can get sandbags in Central Florida For more information on the Military and Veterans Assistance Program, CLICK HERE. Scams and deceptive business practices targeting service members and veterans can be reported to the Florida Attorney Generals Office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com. 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. NEW PHILADELPHIA A 34-year-old man who formerly lived in Midvale could spend the rest of his life in prison for three child rapes and related offenses. Clifford L. Sutton Jr. is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 16 by Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Judge Michael J. Ernest, who accepted the defendant's guilty pleas Friday. More:Clifford L. Sutton, Jr. to be held without bail until trial on child rape charges As part of a plea agreement negotiated between the prosecution and defense, two rape charges and a charge of endangering children were dismissed. One rape count was amended to eliminate the allegation that force or the threat of force was used. More:Clifford L. Sutton, Jr. 33, charged with five counts of child rape In addition to three rape charges, Sutton pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, sexual battery and two counts of gross sexual imposition. Four charges carried specifications labeling Sutton a sexually violent predator. The abuse started when the victim was 12, according to the grand jury indictment. As part of the plea agreement, Assistant County Prosecutor Kristine Beard recommended a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 15 years. Ernest said each rape charge carries a mandatory sentence of life with the possibility of parole after 10 years. Attorneys John Watters, II and Anthony Koukoutas are representing Sutton, who is being held in the county jail without bail. If Sutton were released from prison, he would be required to report his address to the local sheriff for the rest of his life. Reach Nancy at 330-364-8402 or nancy.molnar@timesreporter.com. On Twitter: @nmolnarTR This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Former Midvale resident Clifford Sutton Jr. guilty of rape charges Igor Dodon Journalists write that Dodon now has his own non-governmental organization, Moldovan-Russian Business Union, where he approved his own salary ten times higher than his presidential salary. Read also: Moldova's pro-Russian ex-president Dodon detained in treason case The total annual salary of the ex-president of Moldova for 2022 is planned to be 1.6 million lei ($325,000). Along with the bonus, he receives 202,000 lei per month (more than $10,000) every month. The investigation says that money for Dodon's salary comes from Russia. Read also: Russian diplomat expelled from Moldova after missile incident RISE Moldova journalists, together with the Russian Dossier Center, discovered six bank transfers to the account of Dodon's organization for almost 5 million lei (around $1 million). Almost every tranche coincided by anti-Western or pro-Russian statements from Dodon and his associates. The money comes from the Russian organization Delovaya Rossiya, which is funded by Russian citizen Ihor Chaika son of the former Russian prosecutor general and Dodons business partner. Read also: Russia looking to oust Moldova leader Sandu through paid protests, says Chisinau journalist According to the findings of U.S. authorities, the Kremlin and associated Moldovan politicians are using Chaika's companies as cover for funneling money into collaborating political parties in Moldova. They also stated some of these illegal campaign funds were intended for bribes and election fraud (in Moldova). Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Four men are wanted after stealing a Tesla outside of a Japanese restaurant over the weekend, according to the Memphis Police Department. The car theft was reported just before 10:30 p.m. Saturday at the Osaka Japanese Cuisine restaurant on Poplar Avenue, police said. Police said that four men dressed in all black were in a black Infiniti sedan when they parked near the Telsa. Both the Infiniti and Telsa left the scene, police said. The Telsa was tracked and later found about 5 miles away on Cornelia Lane, police said. Four men are wanted after stealing a Tesla outside of a Japanese restaurant over the weekend, according to the Memphis Police Department. Police described all four men between 18-24 years old and added: Suspect #1 was wearing a blue jean jacket, black shirt and dreaded hair pulled into a ponytail. Suspect #2 was wearing a black coat, blue jeans and a ski mask-style black hat. Suspect #3 was wearing a black jacket with tan sleeves and a ski mask-style black hat. Suspect #4 was wearing black hoodie with a black skull cap and possibly had braces. Police believe their vehicle to be a 2015 Infiniti Q40 with possible Tennessee license plate 7P4-8X3. Anyone with information about their whereabouts are asked to call CrimeStoppers at 528-CASH and may be eligible for a reward up to $2,000. Download the FOX13 Memphis app to receive alerts from breaking news in your neighborhood. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD Trending stories: In the darkest corners of the internet, a growing number of sexually frustrated men openly discuss violence against women, because the women wont have sex with them. These men are part of the incel movement, which is short for involuntarily celibate. These mens sexual frustrations have resulted in hate speech against women and mass killings. Law enforcement and civil rights groups said incels are worth monitoring. I cant think of anything much more worthy of law enforcements time than the safety and lives of women, said Jessica Reaves of the Anti-Defamation League. And the reason this is so concerning is because were seeing this manifest as real-world violence. Reaves said local law enforcement agencies often dont take threats against women seriously enough. FOX13 reached out to the Memphis Police Department (MPD) for this story. We wanted to ask if the department, which now has a female police chief, had any intelligence on or strategies to deal with the growing incel community. MORE: Domestic Violence Resources to support victims and families We never heard back from MPD. In 2014, a 22-year-old virgin named Elliot Rodger posted videos and wrote a manifesto about his sexual frustrations before going on a killing spree near the University of California, Santa Barbara. He killed six people and injured fourteen more, before killing himself. In one of his videos, he said he wanted to punish women for rejecting him. Since that attack,, Rodger has become sort of a cult hero in the incel world, sometimes referred to as the Supreme Gentleman, something he called himself in one of his videos. A core belief among incels is there is little, if any, hope they will ever form romantic relationships with women. Moreover, they feel women owe them sex and it is the fault of women and society at large that they are being denied the romance. Mental health professionals said this belief is the source of their misogyny. They feel so hopeless they essentially give up on life, the so-called black pill philosophy. Story continues So, for incels, the black pill describes a particularly bleak truth to swallow, and in this case, it refers to their idea that there was nothing that they could ever do to improve their romantic prospects, that it was over from the beginning so there was no point in even trying, said William Costello, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Texas, Austin, who studied incels for his Masters dissertation. Despite their extremist views about women, Costello said his study indicates many are so deeply depressed about their prospects for romance that they are just as likely to hurt themselves as someone else. Download the FOX13 Memphis app to receive alerts from breaking news in your neighborhood. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD Trending stories: Its almost invariably been suicide by cop, he said. Its been, you know, going on a spree killing while being very aware that they are going to be killed in the process. Since the early 2000s, incels have killed roughly 50 people, but the threat is serious enough, that in March, the U.S. Secret Service released a report from the National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC). In the report, NTAC identified a unifying factor among most attackers as a set of concerning behaviors before they attack, and talked about ways to reduce the threat going forward. Its unclear if the appropriate systems are in place with local police to reduce threats from incels since we never heard back from MPD. French construction company Vinci said on Monday that one of its subsidiaries has been summoned by an investigating judge to answer charges that it did not respect the rights of migrant workers who were hired to build infrastructure for the World Cup in Qatar. The charges relate to a complaint dating back to 2015 that was filed by French advocacy group Sherpa against Vinci Construction Grands Projets and the French executives of its Qatari subsidiary, including accusations of using forced labor." The Nanterre prosecutor had closed the case without further action in 2018, but Sherpa, which was joined by several former workers, filed a new complaint that led to the opening of a judicial investigation. Qatar has faced intense scrutiny ahead of the tournament for its labor laws and treatment of hundreds of thousands of migrant workers, mostly from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and other South Asian countries. Sherpa said it collected testimonies about the working conditions at some of the construction sites operated by Vincis subsidiary, which included working in temperatures over 45 C (113 F) with insufficient water, the withholding of passports, and lack of access to showers in accommodations. Vinci has denied any wrongdoing and said Monday that none of the projects awarded to its Qatari unit QDVC has any connection to the World Cup in Qatar starting later this month. In fact, these projects were entrusted to QDVC before the competition was awarded to Qatar and mainly relate to transport infrastructures," Vinci said, adding that it did not sign any contract with the World Cup organizing committee to build any stadium or hotel in Qatar. The construction group has, however, worked on some of the infrastructure that will be used during the World Cup, including the Doha metro connecting the airport with the historic city center, and the Lusail light-rail transit system transportation network. Vinci said it is committed to improve the living and working conditions of all workers at its construction sites, all around the world." Story continues The group added that respect for human rights and health and safety at work have been a priority for its staff since QDVC was formed in 2007." The hearing by the Nanterre investigating judge has been set for Wednesday. Vinci complained about its timing, saying that facing charges just before the start of the World Cup amid huge media attention might be rather unfavorable in terms of a dispassionate consideration of the facts." Since FIFA awarded the tournament to Qatar in 2010, the country has taken some steps to overhaul the countrys employment practices. However, Human Rights Watch has urged Qatar to improve compensation for migrant workers who suffered injury, death and wage theft while working on World Cup-related projects. ___ AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports BERLIN (Reuters) - German industry has called for a delay to a global minimum corporate tax by at least a year to 2025 to give companies more time to prepare given the current crisis, according to a position paper published by industry association BDI on Monday. "The ambitious timetable of applying the minimum tax as early as 2024 is not realistic against the background of the enormous complexity of the associated new regulations," BDI said. The shake-up, the biggest overhaul of cross-border tax rules in a generation, which nearly 140 countries agreed to last year, aims to take better account of the emergence of big digital companies, such as Apple and Amazon that can book profits in low-tax countries. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which has been shepherding the global minimum tax, had said in July that the new rules were on course to take effect in 2024. BDI said implementation of the new rules and the preparation of IT processes would be very time-consuming and resource-consuming for companies, calling for a simplification of the process, for transitional arrangements and for a postponement until at least 2025. It also rejected the idea that Germany could implement the minimum tax without legislation being passed across the European Union. The governments of the EU's five biggest economies, including Germany, said last month they would implement the new tax rules next year by "any possible legal means" if Hungary does not lift its opposition at the EU level. BDI said that going it alone would harm the competitiveness of the German economy as it would generate costs for German parent companies. (Reporting by Maria Sheahan, editing by Rachel More and Ed Osmond) (Reuters) -Germany is in talks with Rome about the fate of rescued migrants who were stranded on a German-flagged charity vessel off the Italian coast and wants them to be given permission to disembark, a spokesperson said on Monday. The vessel had refused to leave the Sicilian port of Catania on Sunday, after Italian authorities said not all the migrants it was carrying could disembark, the NGO responsible for the vessel said. Rome said minors and people in need of urgent medical care, in total 144 of 179 passengers, could disembark from Humanity 1, which had been permitted to dock in Catania. However, U.N. agencies said later on Monday that hundreds of other rescued migrants and refugees remained stranded on three other NGO vessels in international waters and urged governments to allow them to come ashore. "Those stranded need to be disembarked swiftly without any further delay," the International Organization of Migration said in a statement. The IOM said that 234 were on the Ocean Viking; 217 on Geo Barents and 88 on the Rise Above in addition to those still stuck on Humanity 1. Many had been at sea for up to two weeks, it added. At least 1,337 people have gone missing on the Central Mediterranean migration route this year according to IOMs Missing Migrants Project. (Reporting by Matthias Williams and Emma Farge; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Andrea Ricci) (Reuters) - A spokesperson for the German government on Monday said it is up to Ukraine to decide when to hold peace talks with Russia, adding that Moscow has also been reluctant to participate in them. The Washington Post reported that the United States has been privately encouraging Ukraine to signal it is open to talks with Russia, after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy ruled out negotiations while Russian President Vladimir Putin is in power. (Reporting by Matthias Williams, Editing by Miranda Murray) Republican mega-donor Ken Griffin said its time the party moves on from former President Trump, even as he appears to gear up for a possible reelection bid in 2024. He did a lot of things really well and missed the mark on some important areas. And for a litany of reasons, I think its time to move on to the next generation, Griffin said of Trump in an interview with Politico published Sunday. In this years midterms, Griffin, the head of the investment firm Citadel, has reportedly been a top backer for the reelection campaign of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a rumored 2024 contender who some see as a significant challenge for Trump in a hypothetical Republican presidential primary. Griffin told Politico that the country would be well-served by a DeSantis presidency. Would I support him? The bigger question is, is he going to run? That bridge has to be crossed, Griffin said. Griffin had said last year that he wouldnt support Trump if the former president chose to run for president again, and his latest comments echo his earlier calls for the GOP to move past Trump. I think its time for America to move on, Griffin told Bloomberg TVs Erik Schatzker last year, calling Trump pointlessly divisive. Griffin, who spent more than $60 million to support Republican candidates in 2020 and has a long history of spending on conservative candidates and causes, did not give directly to the former presidents campaign. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. ATHENS (Reuters) -Greece will soon ban the sale of spyware, the conservative government said on Monday, after a newspaper report that more than 30 people, including ministers and business people, had been under state surveillance via phone malware. A list of persons whose phones were allegedly infected with the Predator malware was published on Sunday by left-wing Documento newspaper. It cited two sources who played a role in the surveillance, allegedly on behalf of the government. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that the report was unfounded as it presented no evidence that the government was behind the surveillance. "It's an incredible lie," Mitsotakis told ANT1 broadcaster in an interview. Government spokesman Giannis Oikonomou earlier on Monday said the Greek state had not used or bought any such spyware and added that judicial authorities would investigate the latest report. Greece, he told reporters, will soon submit a bill to parliament banning the sale of spyware. "We won't allow any shadow to remain on issues that poison Greek society," he said. The Documento report was the latest development in a wiretapping scandal that has sparked political uproar in Greece, as the European Union takes a harder look at the use and sale of spyware. A Greek prosecutor began an inquiry earlier this year. Most of the alleged targets, including a former conservative prime minister and the current foreign and finance ministers, declined to comment or told the newspaper that they were unaware of the matter. "It is shameful and disgusting for someone to imply that the prime minister is monitoring his foreign minister. And extremely dangerous," Mitsotakis said. "We are not sure who is managing those centres. What we are absolutely certain about is that it wasn't EYP (Greece's intelligence service). And obviously I wasn't involved." In July, socialist opposition leader Nikos Androulakis filed a complaint with top court prosecutors over an attempted bugging of his mobile phone with surveillance software. Story continues The government, which faces elections in 2023, said at the time that the surveillance, which was not conducted through disputed spyware programmes, was lawful as it had been approved by a prosecutor. It never specified why Androulakis was targeted, and Mitsotakis said he never had any knowledge of the hack and would never have approved it. A Greek prosecutor is also investigating allegations by a journalist that his smartphone was infected by surveillance software in an operation by the Greek intelligence service. (Reporting by Renee Maltezou and George Georgiopoulos, editing by Mark Heinrich) RAQQA, Syria (AP) A sprawling camp in northeastern Syria housing tens of thousands of women and children linked to the Islamic State group is witnessing pervasive violence, exploitation and lawlessness, an international aids group said Monday. Doctors Without Borders also said that countries with citizens held in the detention center of al-Hol in Syrias northeastern province of Hassakeh have failed to take responsibility for protecting them. Repeated breaches of human rights and recurrent patterns of violence have been observed at the camp, said the group, also known as Medecins Sans Frontieres or MSF. MSF, which runs mobile clinics and also clinic for patients with chronic diseases in the camp, said that counter-terrorism policies have trapped thousands of civilians in the camp in a cycle of indefinite detention, danger and insecurity. In addition to the killings in the camp, this cycle of violence permeates every aspect of their daily lives and deprives them of their fundamental human rights, it said. The report came as several Western countries have repatriated dozens of women and children over the past weeks, according to the Kurdish-led local authorities in northeastern Syria. The latest repatriations from al-Hol followed a major security operation in the facility and a call by a top U.S. military commander for repatriations. Following the rise of IS in 2014 and its declaration of a co-called Islamic caliphate, some countries stripped some of their citizens who had headed to Syria and Iraq to join IS of their nationalities. A German woman with IS was sentenced last year for crime against humanity for killing a 5-year-old Yazidi girl, while some women at al-Hol still feed their children the groups extremist ideology. However, MSF's report said members of the U.S.-led coalition that fought IS, as well as other countries whose nationals remain held in al-Hol and other detention facilities and camps in northeastern Syria, have failed to take responsibility for protecting their nationals or for identifying long-term solutions to their indefinite containment. Story continues Instead, these countries have delayed or simply refused to repatriate all their nationals, in some cases going so far as to strip them of their citizenship, rendering them stateless, the group said. Kurdish authorities currently operate more than two dozen detention facilities scattered across northeastern Syria, holding about 10,000 IS fighters. Among the detainees are some 2,000 foreigners whose home countries have refused to repatriate them, including about 800 Europeans. At al-Hol, about 50,000 Syrians and Iraqis are crowded into tents in the fenced-in camp. Nearly 20,000 of them are children; most of the rest are women, wives and widows of IS fighters. In a separate, heavily guarded section of the camp known as the annex are an additional 10,000 people: 2,000 women from 57 other countries they are considered the most die-hard IS supporters along with about 8,000 of their children. The report by MSF came nearly two months after U.S.-backed Syrian fighters concluded a 24-day sweep at al-Hol during which dozens of extremists were detained and weapons were confiscated in the operation. The operation came after IS sleeper cells committed crimes inside the camp. Residents have described themselves as being trapped between two fires, MSF said referring to violence by the extremists inside the facility and security operations by U.S.-backed fighters. In mid-October, France repatriated 15 women and 40 children, and later officials from Germany, the Netherlands, Canada and Australia visited northeast Syria and were handed dozens of women and children to take back home, according to figures released by Kurdish authorities. Dozens of Iraqi and Syrian families were also repatriated over the past year. We hope that more countries take similar steps, Shixmus Ehmed, a local official in the Kurdish-led administration, told The Associated Press. MSF also criticized the U.S.-led coalition for leaving the situation in the hands of the local Syrian Kurdish-led authorities and urged the coalition to pressure them to take "immediate steps to guarantee peoples wellbeing, protection and fundamental human rights at al-Hol. Khaled Ibrahim, another local official in northeastern Syria, said about 1,000 children and 500 women have been repatriated since 2019. But local authorities cannot control the large numbers of people still at al-Hol. This is a time bomb, Ibrahim said. ____ Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed to this report. By Pushkala Aripaka (Reuters) -GSK's blood cancer drug Blenrep failed the main goal of a late-stage study designed to show it was better than an existing treatment on the market, the company said on Monday. Oncology is a key area of focus for GSK as a standalone prescription medicine and vaccine business and its shares fell 3% after its statement, which raised concerns that regulatory approval of Blenrep may be rescinded. Blenrep did not meet the primary endpoint of "progression-free survival" - or the period of time that a person lives with the disease without it getting worse after treatment - in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, GSK said. In April, the company agreed to buy U.S. drug developer Sierra Oncology, gaining access to its main experimental drug for a rare blood cancer and complementing GSK's Blenrep. The drug was given an accelerated approval by U.S. authorities in 2020 and is currently indicated as a treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who received at least four prior therapies. In the trial, Blenrep was compared with a combination of pomalidomide and low doses of the steroid dexamethasone. Pomalidomide was developed by Celgene, now part of Bristol-Myers Squibb, and was approved in 2013 as a treatment for multiple myeloma. Data from the so-called superiority trial dubbed DREAMM-3 may call into question Blenrep's existing approval, J.P.Morgan analysts wrote in a note, adding that many regulatory scenarios now exist, including existing approvals being rescinded or authorities waiting for further data. "Overall, with this data calling into question Blenrep's approvability in the existing setting and the chances of success in earlier treatment lines, we therefore expect the market to price in a risk that Blenrep approval is rescinded," they said. GSK said data from the trial will be shared with health authorities and discussions are currently ongoing, with additional trials of Blenrep continuing as planned. The drug belongs to a promising category of treatments called antibody drug conjugates, which are engineered antibodies that bind to tumour cells and then release cell-killing chemicals. (Reporting by Pushkala Aripaka and Amna Karimi in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich, Uttaresh.V and Susan Fenton) SIOUX FALLS, S.D. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem described the U.S. border with Mexico as a war zone last year when she sent dozens of state National Guard troops there, saying theyd be on the front lines of stopping drug smugglers and human traffickers. But records from the Guard show that in their two-month deployment, the South Dakota troops didnt seize any drugs. On a handful of occasions, they suspected people of scouting for lapses in their patrols, but mission logs dont contain any confirmed encounters with transnational criminals. And a presentation from the deployment noted that Mexican cartels were assessed to be a moderate threat but were unlikely to target U.S. forces. Some days, the records show, the troops had little if anything to do. Very slow day. No encounters. It has been 5 days since last surrender, wrote one Guard member whose name was redacted from a situation report created as the deployment neared its end in September 2021. For Noem, who is up for reelection Tuesday amid speculation she could be a 2024 White House contender, the deployment was an eye-catching jump into a political fight more than 1,000 miles from her state. Noem justified the deployment and a widely criticized private donation to fund it as a state emergency. Dangerous drugs, she said, made their way to South Dakota after coming over the southern border. Pentagons US-Mexico border mission extends for another year But the documents obtained by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW, through an open records request cast doubt on whether the deployment was effective at stopping drug trafficking, even as Noem claimed that Guard members directly assisted in stopping it. Most drugs dont come through unwatched expanses of the border or the Rio Grande where the Guard members were stationed, said Victor Manjarrez, a former Border Patrol senior officer who is now a professor of criminal justice at the University of Texas at El Paso. They are smuggled into the United States at established border checkpoints, he said. Story continues South Dakota Guard members were stationed at observation posts where they parked Humvees or other military vehicles alongside the Rio Grande. They watched for groups of migrants to report to Border Control, which would then take them into custody. On several occasions, they reported groups of hundreds of people migrating, and at one point, a Guard member performed CPR on a child who had drowned. During the two-month deployment, the Guard logged 204 people who were turned back to Mexico and 5,000 others who were apprehended by the Border Patrol to evaluate for asylum claims. Those apprehensions were a small fraction of the over 162,000 encounters Border Patrol reported during July and August in the Rio Grande Valley Sector the 34,000-square-mile swathe where the Guard was stationed. Like any operation there are going to be busy days and some slow days, that is expected in all operations, Marshall Michels, a spokesman for the South Dakota Department of the Military, said in an email response to questions on the records from AP. Noem last year joined with seven other Republican governors to harden the border through Texass Operation Lone Star. The state-backed mission sought to discourage migrants by making arrests under Texas laws. Migrant encounters higher today than before Texas Guard mission began The mission gave Republicans occasion to deride President Joe Bidens border policies, but the operation has not curbed the number of people crossing the border. It has also faced criticism for being a rushed mission that gave members little to do while potentially running afoul of federal law. Noems decision to send 48 Guard members was met with particularly harsh criticism because she covered most of its cost with a $1 million donation from a Tennessee billionaire who has often donated to Republicans. Top brass from the National Guard Bureau and an aide to South Dakota U.S. Sen. John Thune, a fellow Republican, questioned what legal authority the state had to accept a donation to fund the deployment, the recently released emails show. CREW sued the South Dakota Guard and the U.S. Army after they refused a Freedom of Information Act request for records on the deployment and communication between the National Guard, the governors office and the Department of Defense. Under that legal pressure, the agencies turned over the documents, which CREW shared with The Associated Press. Noah Bookbinder, CREWs president, said they wanted to bring transparency to a donation that he called a particularly craven example of how money can drive not just politics but how governments operate and how military forces can be used. Congress later banned such private donations for Guard deployments. Noems administration has insisted that the National Guard, with its military training, was best-suited to tackle what she called a national security crisis. It literally is a war zone, she told reporters this July. Noems office referred questions on the deployment to a statement last year when she called Bidens border policy an utter disaster that facilitated illegal border crossings and said that Mexican cartels were using the surge in migrants as a distraction for their criminal activities. The scope of the drug smuggling and human trafficking taking place has been made clear to us, and it is staggering, she said. During the two-month deployment, Guard members reported spotting 11 people they deemed to be scouting for lapses in surveillance. On another occasion recorded in the logs, Guard members pointed flashlights at five people with backpacks crossing the Rio Grande who then retreated. Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Marlette, the head of South Dakotas Guard, later told a South Dakota legislative committee they were likely carrying drugs. Those were the only times the Guard members reported suspected drug trafficking. The South Dakota National Guard said it accomplished its mission by supporting Texass Operation Lone Star and referred questions on its success to the Texas National Guard. Texass 17-month operation has recorded 21,000 criminal arrests with most of those resulting in felony charges, Gov. Greg Abbotts office recently reported. The Texas National Guard also said it has been responsible for 470,000 migrant detections, apprehensions and turnbacks, as well as the construction of 114 miles of fencing and barriers. After record-setting early voting, the race for Georgia governor will come down to the voters who show up on Election Day. Most people have already decided who theyre going to vote for. It now comes down to getting those voters to the polls Tuesday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Roughly 30% of Georgians voted early - a record number for a non-presidential election. That leaves 70% to vote Tuesday, and both sides want to make sure their supporters do that. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp arrived at the Fulton County Airport bright and early Monday morning as he joined other statewide GOP candidates on a flying tour across Georgia to encourage people to vote. We are targeting every voter in this state including the suburbs, a lot of other voters that traditionally havent voted Republican in the last cycle because we have a good message for all Georgians, Kemp said. TRENDING STORIES: It all comes down to which candidate can get their supporters to the polls. Kemp says hes been traveling around the state to do just that. We spent the last two weeks working all of South Georgia. We were on the Southwest side one week, the Southeast side the other week, and this week weve really been I-20, North, Kemp said. Monday afternoon, Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams visited the campus of Georgia State University trying to encourage younger, first-time voters go to the polls Tuesday. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] We need to reach all voters but we know young voters, especially this generation, like to vote on Election Day so were here to remind them, Abrams said. She thinks the record early voting turnout could mean good news for her campaign. Im very excited that we are seeing record turnout. We are seeing continued enthusiasm across the state. We know that early voting is a very strong predictor of what can happen, and were bullish on our chances, Abrams said. When asked if she would be happy with a runoff, Abrams said a runoff would be a good place to be, but shes also confident she can win without one. RELATED NEWS: MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (Reuters) - Gunmen in Nigeria kidnapped at least 80 people and killed 11 others in separate attacks in the northwest, traditional leaders and residents said on Monday, in the latest attacks by armed gangs that have been preying on villages, schools and highways. Zamfara state is one of the worst hit by the armed gangs, known locally as bandits, who terrorise and abduct for ransom, adding to growing insecurity ahead of a presidential vote in February. In the remote village of Masu, in Bukkuyum local government area, bandits kidnapped 50 people, mostly women, families of the victims told Reuters. Ismail Jinjiri, whose wife was among those taken, said armed men arrived in his village early on Monday, rounded up dozens of women and some men and disappeared into the forest. Sarkin Fawa Masu, a traditional leader, said "we had over 50 married women being abducted along with quite unknown number of innocent farmers." Jinjiri and Masu said some women were later released while two men were badly beaten and admitted at Bukkuyum General Hospital. At least 27 remained in captivity, they said. Bashiru Muawiya Mesudan, the administrator for Bukuyum local government area, said local authorities were still assessing the situation. Zamfara state police spokesman Mohammed Shehu did not respond to calls and texts seeking comment. In a separate attack, armed men attacked Zonai community in Gusau local government area and abducted at least 20 people working on their farms, the village head Lawali Abdullahi Zonai told Reuters. Some of the abductees managed to escape, he said. In Yar Tasha community of Bungudu and Zurmi local government areas, gunmen killed 11 people and abducted at least seven farmers on Sunday, including a district head, residents said. (Reporting by Maiduguri newsroom, Editing by MacDonald Dzirutwe and Bill Berkrot) Getty Images; Insider New Hampshire Constitutional Convention Question asked voters about hosting a state constitutional convention. There were no organized campaigns in support of or in opposition to the question, according to Ballotpedia. Since 1894, there have been five instances where voters rejected the question and eight times when voters approved it. New Hampshire voters rejected a Constitutional Convention Question which would have established a state constitutional convention. Ballot measure details The question was an automatic ballot referral, which means the question reappears every 10 years on New Hampshire's ballot. The purpose of the convention would have been to revise or amend the state's constitution. In 2012, 64.04% of voters rejected the amendment and 35.96% supported it, according to Ballotpedia. Support and opposition There were no organized campaigns in support of or in opposition to the question, according to Ballotpedia. The money race According to Ballotpedia, the measure saw $0 in support contributions and $0 in opposition contributions. Read the original article on Business Insider Its all-out war between June and Serena, and Im both thrilled and disappointed. Thrilled because Elisabeth Moss and Yvonne Strahovski are astonishing to watch when their crazed characters are at each others throats. The reasons for my disappointment are likely obvious to anyone whos been watching this series since day one. The enemy might be the state of Gilead, who stole Junes daughter and made her a sex slave, but the bad guy has long been Serena. Before that, for June, it was Aunt Lydia. Even against the backdrop of dystopian patriarchy, The Handmaids Tale is a relentless catfight. Now, Serena is being sent back to Canada with more freedom than she could ever access inside Gilead, plus the baby shes always craved. Shes also been assigned a staff, a war chest, and the diplomatic mission to show the world that even totalitarianism has a soft side. Its a lot, but Id argue her foe June has even more: a band of misfit refugees to support her, her inexhaustible will to free Hannah from Gileads clutches, and the plain fact that shes so unambiguously on the right side of this battle. The hunt for Hannah continues Episode three, Border, picks up on the heels of episode two. June, Luke and Moira are trying to decipher what they glimpsed of Hannah on that big screen in Torontos Dundas Square. She was wearing purple, right? Theyll later learn its the colour reserved for wives-in-training. June is desperate to talk to Nick, who she spotted alongside Hannah in the funeral coverage. Moira (Samira Wiley) brings her to the border, where she knows of a group of refugees running suicide comms missions into Gilead. They completely fan-girl over June for the role she played in trading Commander Waterford for prisoners last season, for the role she played in rescuing that planeful of children the year before. To Moira and Luke, Junes a loose cannon. But to these women, living on the fringes of no mans land, shes a hero. Of course, theyll call Nick for her. Story continues But the trip does more than restore an open line of communication to her Gilead-boyfriend. It quietly restores June to a place of hope. This is what Mayday is a ragtag collection of people agitating for change. June wasnt looking for Mayday when she battled her way from Boston to Chicago last season. She was Mayday the whole time. When she meets a freedom fighter whos on his way back inside Gilead to meet his wife and child I cant leave them behind, he tells her you can almost see the gears turning. Shes still Mayday. So what is June doing in suburban Toronto? How to solve a problem like Serena Sam Jaeger and Yvonne Strahovski (Hulu) Serena Joy is too independent-minded to play the obedient role of Gilead wife, but shes also too committed to the cause to quit her long green dress and remake herself as a liberal Canuck. Still in Gilead after Freds funeral, she joins Nick (Max Minghella) and his wife Rose (Carey Cox), plus Hannahs adoptive parents (The Mackenzies) and Joseph (Bradley Whitford) for the most dour of all dinner parties. They mostly talk about how important it is that someone kill June everyones mutual adversary. After dessert, though, Serena propositions the widow Joseph with a marriage of convenience. She wants to come home to Boston and, as a wifeless man, Josephs days in power are numbered. But she misjudges him. Josephs whole thing is he doesnt actually believe in the project of Gilead; it just excited him to have the power to make it in the first place So Serenas wrong when she tells Mark to head back to Toronto without her. She doesnt have the power to decide to stay. The commanders call a special meeting to remind her of that. She gets on the plane because they say she has to get on it. Shes going to do her nations bidding abroad because its what they want. In better news, I suppose, shell now be free to explore the vaguely romantic subtext thats been building with Mark despite my best attempts to ignore it. The downside is that shes within Junes enraged grasp. Madeline Brewer (Hulu) Okay, maybe let Janine die already I previously went long on how important it is to see June victorious before this show ends. But Janine? Shes lost a baby and an eye and over and over again her freedom. So maybe its time to let this girl escape her mortal coil. In a move as sentimental as it is egotistical, Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) interprets Esthers poisoning of Janine (Madeline Brewer) as a form of punishment directed at her. She asks that Mrs Putnam bring Janines daughter, Angela, to the hospital in the hopes the proximity can somehow revive her birth mom. This is Lydia doing penance and making amends. It works, but is it really a blessing to be restored to health if it means Janine spends the rest of her life working alongside Lydia? Nicks complicated web of entanglements For a man who says little, Nick sure does attract a lot of attention. Hes threatened by Commander Mackenzie, who intimates that Nick may have married Rose to get close to her powerful father. Mark renews Americas offer to use him as a double-agent in exchange for an eventual escape to Canada, where Nick could be reunited with June and their daughter, Nichole. But he turns that deal down at least for now. Max Minghella and Yvonne Strahovski (Hulu) And late in the episode, Nick finally talks to June by phone. He assures her Hannah is safe, albeit in that relative Gilead way. Then he drops the bombshell news that hes married now. In a move that tells me Nick was a cad before he was a commander, he follows the admission with the sly reminder, You know how things are here, which feels like code for but Id rather be with you!. Nick and June talk softly, like reluctant exes might. June wants to know if shed like Rose; Nick wants stories about Nichole. June promises to stay safe, which is usually an empty assurance coming from June. But as a pledge to Nick, the last man to know and love her? I dont know. I sort of believed her. Which was naive, I see now. This show is truly magnificent at routinely delivering a big finish. It took only five minutes for June to throw herself back into harms way. She intercepts Serenas car on its return from Gilead and tells Serena to stay away from Hannah, despite the fact that Serena is hundreds of miles away from Hannah just like June is. But June threatens her because she has to keep moving. The words I cant leave them behind are rattling around her mind like an accusation or even an invitation. The only thing June wants is Hannah. The only thing that interests her beyond Hannah is her hatred of Serena. Even when June is hopeless and powerless, theres always Serena to hate. A Hartford Police Department lieutenant has been placed on administrative duties after being charged with assault in an incident in the Berkshires, according to police and court records. Luis Ruiz, a lieutenant with the department, was arrested on Oct. 23 and charged with assault and battery on a family member or household member, records show. He was arraigned on Oct. 27, according to a court clerk with the Southern Berkshire District Court. Ruiz pleaded not guilty to the charges, court officials said. The lieutenant was placed on administrative duty as soon as the Hartford Police Department learned of his arrest and an internal affairs investigation was looking into the charges against the lieutenant, according to a statement from Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody. We are aware of the arrest, the chief said Monday. An internal investigation was immediately launched and is in progress. Thody said the departments Internal Affairs Division has been in touch with the victim to keep her advised of the investigative process and to let her know about victims services that are available. No further information was available about how the victim and Ruiz are connected. The Hartford chief said any further questions about Ruizs arrest should be directed to police and prosecutors in Massachusetts. Police in Great Barrington did not immediately respond to requests for records connected to Ruizs arrest. Ruiz was released from custody on his own recognizance on the condition that he not abuse the alleged victim in this case, court officials said. He is scheduled to return to court for a pre-trial hearing on Dec. 12 in the Southern Berkshire District Court located at 9 Gilmore Ave. in Great Barrington, Mass, officials said. A group of five women have completed a 110-mile swim to raise awareness of pollution in Britain's rivers. The Henley Mermaids started their challenge at Cricklade in April, working their way along the River Thames during the summer. The group finished in Henley on Saturday, where people joined their protest against poor water quality, including comedian Russell Brand. The women were also raising money for charity Surfers Against Sewage. It was one of many challenges the mermaids have set themselves in 2022, with the goal of swimming a total of 500 miles. In January this year, a report found two billion litres of raw sewage were dumped in the River Thames over two days. Figures like these were part of the reason the women said they wanted to raise awareness of river pollution - something supported by Russell Brand. He joined a group of protesters cheering on the swimmers for the last leg of their challenge in Henley-on-Thames and spoke about the "disgusting and appalling disregard" for the river. Brand said: "It's impossible to imagine a Britain without the River Thames and the idea that it can be turned solely into a resource and a dumping ground for human faeces seems obviously detrimental, even deranged." https://www.instagram.com/p/CklSVKMKNj5/?hl=en Henley Mermaid, Jo Robb, said people were always asking why they chose to swim through raw sewage. She said: "It's totally unacceptable in 2022 in Britain that we should have raw sewage being pumped into our waterways because of a failure to invest in infrastructure. "We want to see the water companies properly held to account." She said it had been a "real privilege" to complete the challenge - despite being chased by swans and finding two bicycles, an office chair and shopping trolley in the water. Fellow mermaid Laura Reineke said it had been a "fascinating journey" and they were grateful to the people who helped them "give our river a voice". Story continues A spokesperson for Thames Water said they regarded discharges of untreated sewage into rivers as "unacceptable". They added plans had recently been approved to spend 2bn on "improving outcomes for customers, leakage and river health". Follow BBC South on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk. A recent study has found high levels of benzene, a chemical known to cause cancer in humans, in several dry shampoo products still available in stores. The study, which was conducted by Connecticut-based independent laboratory Valisure, comes just one week after Unilever recalled 19 dry shampoo aerosol products for potentially elevated levels of benzene. On 1 November, Valisure sent a citizen petition to the US Food and Drug Administration after it found levels of benzene in 70 per cent of samples tested in the study. Among 148 batches from 34 different brands of dry shampoo products, 70 per cent of samples tested showed quantifiable levels of benzene. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, benzene is a chemical that can occur naturally in the environment such as in crude oil or gasoline and can be used to manufacture plastics, lubricants, dyes and detergents. Indoor and outdoor air also contains low levels of benzene due to tobacco smoke, motor vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions and or household paints. The major effect of long-term exposure to benzene is on the blood, which can lead to a decrease in red blood cells or anemia after a year or more of exposure to high benzene levels. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that benzene can also cause blood-related cancers, such as leukemia. The detection of high levels of benzene in dry shampoos should be cause for significant concern since these products are likely used indoors, where benzene may linger and be inhaled for prolonged periods of time, said David Light, Chief Executive Officer of Valisure, in a statement. These and other issues identified by Valisure, including the detection of benzene in body spray, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen products, strongly underscore the importance of independent testing and its need to be better integrated into an increasingly complex and vulnerable global supply chain. Story continues On 25 October, Unilever United States announced a recall of 19 dry shampoo aerosol products produced prior to October 2021, according to a statement published by the US Food and Drug Administration. These include dry shampoos from the brands Dove, Suave, and TRESemme. A full list of recalled products can be found here. After conducting an internal investigation, the company identified the propellant used in its aerosol cans as the source for the high levels of benzene. Unilever has worked with its propellant suppliers to address this issue, the company said, adding that US retailers have been notified to remove the 19 recalled products from their shelves. However, Unilever said that an independent health hazard evaluation found that daily exposure to the benzene in its recalled dry shampoo products would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences. The FDA has identified steps for consumers in case they come in contact with one of the 19 recalled dry shampoo products. Anyone who has the recalled products is urged to either throw them away or return the items from where they were purchased. Those who have experienced adverse reactions or quality problems with any of the recalled products can submit a report through the FDA website. Multiple bishops in the Church of England publicly called for the institution to begin conducting same-sex marriages last week. The Right Rev. Dr. Steven Croft, who serves as bishop of Oxford, became the first serving senior bishop in the Church of England to affirm homosexual unions last week, according to The Sunday Times. Croft's affirmation was echoed by the Right Rev. Dr. John Inge, the bishop of Worcester, and the Right Rev. Martin Gorick, the bishop of Dudley, both of whom are also high-ranking prelates. Croft, who sits in the House of Lords, said he once held an "orthodox" Christian view regarding sex and marriage but has since "slowly but surely experienced a change of heart and mind." The bishop maintained that it is "unjust" for the Church of England to keep refusing to marry gay couples, claiming that the historical Christian position has engendered "manifest unfairness, anger and alienation among a whole generation." CONSERVATIVE PRESBYTERIANS LAY OUT WHY MAINLINE COUSINS ARE LOSING MEMBERS: SUPERNATURAL BATTLE Bishop of Oxford Dr. Steven Croft at St. Saviour in High Green, Sheffield, following a prayer service. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Croft also called for a change in ecclesiastical law that would allow for "the solemnization of same-sex marriage in the Church of England" and backed a move to provide laity and clergy the "freedom to marry same-sex partners [and] freedom to be sexually active." In a 52-page essay entitled "Together in Love and Faith," Croft likened homosexuality to being left-handed, writing, "It is unclear to me what is the harm that allegedly flows from the blessing of same-sex unions or marriage." "The present position of the Church of England on same-sex relationships no longer seems appropriate. Change is needed," he wrote. CHRISTIAN PARENTS WIN IN COURT AFTER SCHOOL LABELED 6-YEAR-OLD SON POTENTIALLY TRANSPHOBIC Queen Elizabeth II greets then-Bishop of Sheffield Steven Croft as she arrives at Sheffield Cathedral for the traditional Royal Maundy Service at Sheffield Cathedral on April 2, 2015, in Sheffield, England. Inge and Gorick supported Croft's position in a joint letter, writing in part: "We believe that the time has come for the church to honor and celebrate same-sex relations. Our preferred option would be for same-sex couples to be able to marry in church." Story continues The bishops urged the Church of England to begin blessing same-sex unions and called on church leaders to stop "whispering in private" about their support for changing the Church's position on homosexuality. PRIEST DEFIANT AFTER BISHOP REBUKES HIM FOR CONDEMNING LUNATIC TRANSGENDERISM IN HOMILY Bishops in the Church of England are slated to present recommendations to the General Synod in February regarding whether to revise the millennia-long standard that marriage ought to be between one man and one woman, which could open the door for an unprecedented vote on the issue. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip stand during the Maundy service conducted by the Bishop of Worcester Dr. John Inge at Christ Church Cathedral on March 28, 2013, in Oxford, England. Inge has come out in support of same-sex marriage in the Church of England. "At last we have a senior diocesan bishop who is willing to break the self-imposed collegiate silence of English bishops and call for an end to the manifold injustice in the way the Church of England treats LGBT+ people," said Jayne Ozanne, a gay rights campaigner who sits on the General Synod, according to The Sunday Times. "Bishop Steven must be applauded for setting out clearly what he believes and being one of the few serving diocesan bishops to risk the wrath of the conservatives by saying in public what so many whisper in private. I hope this brave step will encourage others to be open about their own views." Bishop of Oxford Steven Croft called for a change in ecclesiastical law that would allow for "the solemnization of same-sex marriage in the Church of England." Andrea Williams, chief executive of the London-based nonprofit Christian Concern, blasted Croft, Dudley and Gorick as "revisionist bishops" in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. Williams' nonprofit has advocated for multiple people who have taken legal action against Church of England institutions for what they allege to be discrimination against their Christian beliefs regarding sexuality and gender. UK SCHOOL CHAPLAIN SUES AFTER BEING FIRED, REPORTED AS TERRORIST FOR SERMON QUESTIONING LGBTQ ACTIVISTS Williams said the stance from the bishops poses "a radical change" that threatens to tear "a rupture in the Anglican communion" worldwide. "The Churchs official position matches the clear teaching of Scripture by saying that sex belongs within one-man, one-woman marriage," Williams said. "Nevertheless, bishops and clergy have been allowed to sow endless doubt about what Christians throughout history and around the world have recognized is Gods pattern for sexuality." The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby leads the opening service of the 15th Lambeth Conference at Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, United Kingdom, on July 31, 2022. "Their theological arguments have been debunked time after time by genuine scholars," she continued. "Jesus himself clearly upheld the sexual ethics of the Old Testament while demonstrating grace and offering forgiveness to all who sought it." Williams went on to claim that such positions from church leaders are driven by "a relentless desire to mirror societys values," and that they are exhibiting views that are "rank heresy" and "no less than apostasy." METHODIST LEADERS SAY REBELLION AND DYSFUNCTION OVER LGBT ISSUES SPLITTING DENOMINATION "The apostolic gospel calls all people, everywhere, to repent to turn away from their sins and toward Christ," she added. "Such a radical change to the nature of repentance, to the doctrine of marriage, alters the gospel itself." "This alternative gospel which approves of sexual chaos fails to love or serve both God and society," she added. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "Any move by the Church of England to revise the doctrine of marriage will cause open rupture in the Anglican communion, not only in the U.K. but all over the world," Williams warned. "Faithful bishops the world over now need to stand up and defend the historic and biblical doctrine of marriage as between one woman and one man for life." Hudson Valley voters have plenty at stake on Election Day. From public safety and inflation to abortion rights and gun control, key issues have brought lots of attention to New York's races at the federal, state and local levels. Democrat Kathy Hochul and Republican Lee Zeldin are battling for the governor's office, but that is not the only tight race grabbing attention around New York. Hotly contested seats are up for grabs at the state and federal levels throughout the Hudson Valley. Here's what to know about the races and how you can vote. Voters line up outside the Boardman Road Branch Library in the Town of Poughkeepsie for early voting on October 28, 2020. Governor:Five takeaways from Hochul-Zeldin debate Kathy Hochul:What to know about governor candidate Lee Zeldin:What to know about governor candidate Can I vote? To vote in New York: you must be a U.S. citizen; be at least 18; not be in prison with a felony conviction; not claim the right to vote somewhere else; and not found to be incompetent by a court. Where do I vote? To find out where you are registered to vote, where your polling place is and what races and candidates you will be voting on, visit voterlookup.elections.ny.gov. Hudson Valley:Five things to know before heading to the polls When are polls open? On Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 8 polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. Anyone still in line to vote at 9 p.m. must be allowed to cast a ballot by law. Can I vote by absentee ballot? Requests for absentee ballots by mail or online must have been made before Oct. 24. Absentee ballots must be mailed with a postmark no later than Nov. 8. It can also be submitted in person to your county Board of Elections or a polling site in your county by Nov. 8. Who's running in the Hudson Valley? Congress 17th District: Democratic Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney and Republican Assemblyman Mike Lawler. This district includes Rockland and Putnam counties, three towns in southern Dutchess, and Westchester County north of Interstate 287. 18th District: Democrat Pat Ryan, who is serving the remainder of Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgados congressional term in the 19th District, and Republican Assemblyman Colin Schmitt. This district covers all of Orange, much of Dutchess and part of Ulster. 19th District: Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, a Tivoli Republican, and attorney Josh Riley, an Ithaca Democrat. This district begins at the Dutchess/Columbia border and touches Sullivan, Ulster, Broome, Tioga, Tompkins, Cortland, Chenango, Delaware, Greene and Otsego counties. Story continues Military:Ryan, Schmitt tout experience in West Point's congressional district Congress:How Pat Ryan, Colin Schmitt differ in 18th Congressional clash Congress:Maloney, Lawler race sees national attention in 17th Congressional District State Senate 39th District: Democrat Julie Shiroishi and Republican Robert Rolison. This district includes southern Dutchess, western Putnam and northeastern Orange counties. 41st District: Democrat Michelle Hinchey and Republican Sue Serino. This district covers parts of Columbia, Dutchess, Greene and Ulster counties. 42nd District: Democrat James Skoufis and Republican Dorey Houle. This district encompasses most of Orange. 51st District: Democrat Eric Ball and Republican Peter Oberacker. This district touches Ulster, Delaware, Schoharie, Otsego, Herkimer, Chenango, Cortland, Tompkins and Cayuga counties. State Senate:Hinchey, Serino battle in 41st race State Senate:How Rolison, Shiroishi differ in 39th District race State Assembly 98th District: Democrat Bruce Levine and Republican Karl Brabenec. This district stretches from southwest Rockland through southern Orange. 99th District: Democrat Christopher Eachus and Republican Kathryn Luciani. This district includes eastern Orange, as well as Stony Point. 100th District: Democrat Aileen Gunther and Republican Lisa LaBue. This district covers most of Sullivan, as well as Middletown and Wallkill. 101st District: Democrat Matthew Mackey and Republican Brian Maher. This district touches sections of Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, Delaware, Otsego and Madison counties. 102nd District: Democrat Nicholas Chase and Republican Christopher Tague. This district covers Shandaken in Ulster County, as well as parts of Delaware, Greene, Schoharie, Otsego and Albany counties. 103rd District: Democrat Sarahana Shrestha and Republican Patrick Sheehan. This district includes northeastern Ulster and northwestern Dutchess. 105th District: Democrat Jill Fieldstein and Republican Anil Beephan, Jr. This district includes much of the southern and eastern sections of Dutchess. 106th District: Democrat Didi Barrett and Republican Brandon Craig Gaylord. This district covers much of northern Dutchess and most of Columbia. County races Dutchess County Sheriff: Republican Kirk Imperati and Democrat Jillian Hanlon. Orange County Sheriff: Democrat Bernie Rivers and Republican Paul Arteta. Ulster County Executive: Democrat Jen Metzger and Republican James Quigley. They are vying to take the remainder of Pat Ryan's term. Dutchess:What's on the ballot Ulster:Quigley versus Metzger in race to be county executive Dutchess sheriff:How Imperati, Hanlon would address crime, opioids, diversity Election complaints The U.S. Attorney's Office said complaints about election fraud or voter rights concerns in the Hudson Valley can be reported to its staff at 646-369-4739. Reports of election fraud and abuses can also be reported to the FBI at 212-384-1000. Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. at 800-253-3931 or at civilrights.justice.gov/. Where can I find election results? After polls close on Tuesday night, unofficial results will be available at nyenr.elections.ny.gov. Results and coverage of races will be available at poughkeepsiejournal.com and recordonline.com. Local questions More information can be found on these county board of elections sites: This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Elections 2022: What Mid Hudson Valley voters need to know